Prologue

Flashback 1898

Medjai women prayed for the woman inside to be alright. The leader, Chief Ardeth,awaited outside the tent for any news.

The entire tribe is awaiting outside for the birth of the chosen one to whom will defeat the Creature if he shall ever arise.

According to their prophecy, every chosen one is born male and is taught by their father how to prevent the rise of the creature. If the creature should be resurrected, only the chosen one can defeat him.

The last chosen one went to Hamunaptra once he heard egyptian archeologists were in pursuit of finding the creature. Sadly, he was killed in gunfire. Luckily, He had told his wife who was pregnant with their child exactly how to defeat the creature in case he should not return for the birth of his son. The wife had took an oath of silence in respect of her husband, not telling other Medjai soldiers how to defeat the creature. Not even Chief of the Medjai.

A scream filled the ears of the tribe and the Chiefs son rushed to him.

"Father, whats happening in there?" young Ardeth asks. Only being four years of age, he didn't understand.

" The wife of the chosen one is birthing her child. Her son will be the one who will stop the creature if he shall arise." Chief Bay replied.

One last scream echoed out of the tent, then a soft cry of a child filled the ears of the tribe. People waiting outside the tent cheered and praised.

Several women scurried out the tent crying and rush to their husbands. They whispered low and conversed with others. Chief immediately could sense a danger. He rushed inside to see the problem.

Just moments ago, the woman who screamed in Child baring pain is now staring at the top of the tent, her body not breathing and unresponsive.

" We lost her. She lost too much blood bearing her child." The tribes head midwife informed him.

Chief shakes his head in sorrow, and sends a silent prayer for her soul to be at peace.

"Thats not what is causing the disruption of the people Chief… The child… can not be the next chosen one. She birthed…a daughter."

The Chief knew it was over for their people. The chosen one is dead, and his child is not male. It was said that only the chosen one can defeat the creature, and for hundreds of years they always birthed men.

"What about the child? How does she fare?"

" The child was birthed with her feet first. unlike anything i've seen before. The life line was entangled around her neck and she isn't breathing properly. She is alright for the moment, but If she should overcome this, she will have trouble breathing later in life. I'm sorry, Chief Bay…but she will not due for our survival against the creature."

Although the midwife was just another member of the tribe, she made a great argument. Chief Bay had the final say in what may happen with the child.

When he turned to the child, he spotted Young Ardeth observing the baby girl in awe.

"Father, is she the chosen one?" He asked.

Chief knelt down to his child and shook his head. " No, Ardeth…I fear she isn't."

Young Ardeth looked back at the baby, who at that time opened her eyes and watched him.

" If she isn't the chosen one…what will become of her?"

Chief went over his options. A child without parents is often engulfed into slavery, and if the child has conditions, they are killed by their owners.

"May I speak freely, Chief Bay?" Chief turned to the voice who entered the tent and found his cousin. Terrence Bey.

"That you may." Chief replied.

"Chief, This child is the last known descendant of the chosen family. Clearly she will be needed in the future if the creature shall ever arrive." He noted.

Chief shook his head. "But how could she if she is not informed how to do so? The prophecy informs us that only man can defeat this creature. The midwife warned me she is not in good health."

Terrence nodded and placed his hands on the Chiefs shoulders. " I understand, and if the child shall not make life on her own, then she will find peace with her parents and Allah. But if she overcomes it and she lives, She needs to be brought up with knowledge of her people. You and I know that if she is engaged in slavery, she will be lost to our people. And if she is the chosen one, it will be our own demise for not preparing to do so."

Chief took in Terrences words and nodded. "What do you suppose we do with her?"

Terrence looked at the child and back at his cousin.

" Let me take her. I will raise her and teach her the history of our people and knowledge of the creature. In time, when she is grown and can bear her own child, perhaps she can birth a son. The next chosen one."

"And if this creature shall ever arise before that time?"

"Father..." Both men turned to the young boy. "I will do everything in my power to make sure the creature shall never arise from his grave." Young Ardeth promised to his father and kissed his hand, then brought it to his head and knelt to the ground.

Chief placed a supportive hand on his son and smiled. He was proud to be raising a fine warrior, the next Chief Medjai.

" Very well, Terrence. You may take the child. Best of wishes to you and your daughter."

Terrence heard Chief and his words sank in. He was finally going to raise a child, and not just any child, but the chosen one. It was an honor.

"Until we meet again, Cousin." Chief nodded goodbye and left the tent.

Terrence walked to the child who was resting in a blanket on a makeshift hammock.

"Will you take care of her?" Young Ardeth asked.

" I will protect her with my life Young Chief. When you get older, perhaps you will help hey guide her destiny once I pass this life." Terrence offered.

"What will you name her?" Young Ardeth asked.

" I do not know." Both men looked at the baby girl and she smiled softly as she drifted back to sleep.

Young Ardeth looked up through the vent and noticed the sky darken with stars.

"What about the name Layla?"

Terrence smiled and nodded," It means 'Born at night' , Layla it is."

"Farewell, Young Layla. Till we meet again." Young Ardeth smiled and ran off find his father, as Terrence picked up the child and walked out the back way, on his way back home to Cairo.

So everyone, this is a new story i've been thinking about writing for quite some time. I hope you guys follow and like it. Please feel free to review, I take all criticism. If you are coming from my other story "The Girl with the Crystal Blue Eyes" Welcome to my new story where I'll be submitting chapter by chapter, so the more likes and reviews I get the faster chapters will be updated! Thanks for Reading and till next time- Lisa :-)