Chapter 1

Evie walked through their house in London reading a book on mummies, of all things. She walked into the living room still looking at her book. Glancing up she noticed the dark figure in the corner and grasped in surprise putting a hand to her chest.

"Ardeth." She said breathing a sigh of relief. "You startled me."

Ardeth Bay stood in the corner by the desk; he wore his black formal Medjai robe but he still wore his scimitar and daggers under it, Evie saw.

"Sorry that was not my intention." He said stepping up to her.

"Oh, no I just wasn't paying attention." Evie said as she gave the man a quick hug. "It is good to see you, I hope nothing is wrong it's been a while sense we have seen you."

As Ardeth just nodded Evie asked.

"Is something wrong? Or is this just a friendly visit?"

"A little bit of both." Ardeth replied.

"Oh, well would you like anything to drink? Water or something?"

Evie gestured to the buffet were ice and drinks had been placed.

"Water would be good."

As Evie went to pore a glass of water Ardeth asked. "Is Rick around?"

"No," Said Evie as she handed Ardeth his drink.

"Thank you." He said politely.

"He's actually off with Alex trying to teach him how to shoot of all things. It's getting dark they should be back soon though."

Ardeth nodded as he took a drink, Evie's curiosity got the best of her and she couldn't help but ask.

"Now you said your coming here was a little bit of both business and pleasure. Is there something we could help you with? Because truthfully even though running the British Museum is a lot of work. I've been dying to get back out in the field, and have another adventure."

Ardeth didn't know if he liked the sound of that, the Oconnels were good friends but even still that had away of getting into a lot of trouble. Before he had a chance to answer though Jonathan walked into the room, he jumped in surprise when he saw Ardeth and said.

"Oh no, what's wrong now?"

"Jonathan please, where are you manners?" Asked Evie.

"There lost."

Evie got up and went over to the desk. "Ardeth is here paying us a friendly visit."

"Oh." Said Jonathan as he walked over to Ardeth, who got up and took Jonathan's hand in a firm shake.

"Jonathan, nice to see you again."

"Yes, yes quiet. Always a pleasure." Jonathan paused for a moment thinking about every time he had seen Ardeth and wondered if he should change his statement.

"Well," Jonathan said moving off of the thought. "I don't mean to be rude but I must go get ready for the date I have tonight."

Jonathan straightened his tied and spoke to Ardeth. "And she is quiet the item too, I say you should come along, she has a sister."

"Oh Jonathan please, the last thing Ardeth needs is for you to set him up with a date and its last thing you need as well."

"Well he gets three wives doesn't he?" Jonathan replied to Evie. Ardeth spoke up with a smile, trying not to laugh.

"Actually, I am not married."

"Really? Well me neither you know I just don't think there's women around good enough for us."

Ardeth just nodded his head as Evie spoke up coming back over to Jonathan; she waved a book around in his face as she said.

"Don't you have something to do?" Evie shoed Jonathan toward the stairs.

"Right." He said talking to Evie he turned to Ardeth as he went up the stairs. "Yes well see you later then." Ardeth nodded and waved, as Evie came over shaking her head.

"I never know about him. Here Ardeth I was hoping you could help me figure something out, sense your people probably know this anyways." Ardeth nodded and bent to look at what Evie was trying to show him when a knock came at the door.

"Oh, excuse me that must be the files that I wanted brought over from the Museum."

Evie went to the door and opening it she found two men named Aram and Jeff who worked at the Museum. They had boxes in their arms and Evie gestured them in. "Aram put those boxes over there and go get the rest of them, Jeff you follow me."

She led the short man with big classes in the living room. It took her a moment to figure out where Ardeth had gotten to. He was across the room looking at books off of the shelf.

"Put the boxes over there." Evie pointed over by the desk as Ardeth came up to stand by her.

"Jeff this is a friend of mine..."

That's as far as she got before Jeff turned around and grasped at the sight of Ardeth. He jumped back against the desk and Evie reached forward trying to calm him.

"Oh dear it's alright, Mr. Bay here is a friend. Um, Ardeth this is Jeff Clemens. Jeff this is Ardeth Bay."

They stood there in acquired silence for a second and Evie was beginning to think Jeff was going to bolt and run. Ardeth took it all in stride however and extended his hand to Jeff. With a smile that looked like Ardeth was trying not to laugh he said.

"Jeff? Nice to meet you." Jeff slowly took Ardeth's hand and quickly snatched his back as he nodded. Aram entered the room with more boxes and Evie turned, hoping for a better introduction, said.

"And this is another person who works at the Museum…." Evie once again only got that far. Aram looked at Ardeth and his eyes went wide as he dropped the boxes on the floor. As Ardeth looked at him his smile quickly faded. Aram bolted for the door and Ardeth was right behind him.