I'm sorry it took me so long to update! School's started for me, and I've also been looking for a full-time job, which I haven't had much luck of finding. Blame it on the poor economy. If I don't get a job soon, I figure I might just be a professional couch potato for the rest of my life…
Chapter 3
The next morning, Ardeth stood at the gates of his city home waiting for his second-in-command Hashad to ride up to him. Behind Hashad rode five other Medjai warriors, clad in black robes. Ardeth had also dawned his Medjai Chieftain robe.
Hashad rode up to him first, got off his horse, and bowed his head with respect to greet his leader. He was just as tall as Ardeth, medium-toned, with a body of a warrior. He looked just as strong and capable of leading as Ardeth was, and Ardeth was glad to have his faithful friend at his side. Ardeth lowered his head in response. Then they both took a step toward each other and embraced each other in a hug.
"Ardeth Bay. I thought your sister and I sent you out here to recuperate, and take a vacation. You can take the leader from his tribe, but you can never take the tribe from the leader!" Hashad laughed.
"Brother-in-law, you know me better than that." He was not only his second-in-command, but he was also married to his older sister.
Hashad took a step back and looked at his arm, which he noticed was no longer in a sling. "I heard – is it true that this woman healed your arm? The injury was to take weeks to heal, yet the wound has healed like it had been months!" He looked fascinated. Ardeth nodded. Hashad's face then became serious. "Have you confirmed who she is? Is she really…the thea?"
Ardeth nodded again. They turned to walk into the house. "She bears the mark of the goddess Athena. Her eyes are the same flashing grey eyes…However, she came to Egypt with no knowledge of her family history, of the Medjai, or of this prophecy. My understanding is that her family kept it from her. I had to explain everything to her last night."
"Are they with her?"
"No," he sighed. "Unfortunately, they've all passed. She is the surviving member of her family." He paused. "Or so she knows of so far."
"That's very sad news," Hashad agreed. He didn't respond to Ardeth's last sentence.
"Yes," they passed the staircase of the home into the living room, where all the other Medjai warriors stood. "She will be down in a moment." Ardeth looked up, expecting her to make her way down the staircase at any moment.
Hashad couldn't help but notice the change in his face as he spoke to her. It was a mixture of fascination, wonder…and something else he couldn't quite place. Before Ardeth could move, however, Hashad hesitantly put his hand up in front of his leader. "The Elders have ordered me to pass on a message. The thea must not know of Caleb or Lucifer…"
Ardeth looked at his second-in-command in confusion. "Are you sure this is wise? Surely she has the right to know."
"The Elders worry that this knowledge will affect her performance."
"Her performance in what, exactly?" Ardeth felt his anger rise. This must be the work of Sahid, the leader of the Council. "This is not some theatrical spectacle. We are talking about our lives here!"
Hashad held up his hands in defense. "You know how I feel about Sahid and the Council too, and of this decision. I'm just passing along this message, and those were his words. I'm sorry."
Ardeth apologized. "I know. I'm sorry. But regardless of what the Council says, Lexa is an honored member of our tribe, and she deserves to be treated with the same respect as her family before her has gotten. No one is to undermine her presence here. Understood?"
"Yes, sir, you have my word." Hashad had never heard Ardeth speak so passionately before. A noise made everyone turn around, and from the moment he laid eyes on the woman before her, he understood exactly why. She was utterly beautiful, just like a goddess herself. As she made her way down the stairs, Hashad could clearly see the features of her face. It was perfect, and although she looked like a fragile woman, there was a powerful strength in her flashing grey eyes, and an aura about her that seemed to demand the acknowledgement of her presence every time she stepped into a room. She was dressed ready for her journey, wearing the dark robes Ardeth had given her this morning, which clung nicely to the features of her body. There was no doubt that this was the thea who would save the world.
--
Lexa paused a moment when she saw that the living room was filled with strangers in black robes. Ardeth broke from the group and made his way toward her. Lexa was able to examine him closely. He had such a strong build, a medium skin tone, and his face was marked with the tattoos which represented his tribe and his lineage. Lexa wondered for a moment what it would feel like if she ran her hands through his dark and curled hair. Ardeth held his hand toward her, which she took, ignoring the jolt of electricity that ran between them, and allowed him to lead to way to the group.
"This is Lexa," he introduced. Ardeth introduced the members of Medjai to her, and they bowed their heads low in respect. Lexa did the same.
"And finally, this is my second-in-command and brother-in-law Hashad," he gestured toward the last man. The man bowed low. "It is a pleasure to finally meet the woman who has the ability to heal our leader. We are forever in your debt."
Lexa liked him immediately. He was so nice, and the tone of his voice seemed sincere. She couldn't help but be comfortable around him. "The pleasure is mine," she responded. Then she paused. "Wait, leader?"
"Yes," Hashad responded, looking at her. "Ardeth has not told you that he is the leader of the great Medjai tribe?"
Lexa was taken aback. "No, he didn't tell me. But then, I kinda guessed…" Hashad thought that she was referring to his Ardeth's demeanor and the way he carried himself. Any stranger could tell that he was a natural leader. But Lexa was thinking of the memories she obtained from Ardeth when she was healing him…
Ardeth stepped in. "We haven't much time. The Medjai are expecting us. We should ride out before the sun hits noon." He led the group out of the house and toward the horses. Laughing slightly at Lexa's confused face, he replied, "That is how we ride the desert. You didn't think we would be taking a car, did you? Those machines won't last long before the engines clog up with sand. Besides, horses will take us to our destination faster." He helped her mount her horse. When she got up, Ardeth gave her a scimitar.
Lexa raised her eyebrows. "Will I be needing this?"
"I hope not," Ardeth responded. "This is for your protection. You never know what we might encounter while out there. The rules that normally apply to these lands will no longer be in effect in the desert." Lexa shuddered at his words, and didn't feel the desire to probe into what he was referring to. Sensing her fear, he tried to reassure her. "Do not worry, I will not let anything happen to you. I promise that you will have no need for that weapon. We have five other warriors here to protect you as well."
Lexa couldn't help but wonder what would make Ardeth want to bring five other reinforcements to escort them back to the tribe.
--
"It was wise of you to bring them along," Ardeth referred to the other warriors.
"Yes," Hashad agreed. "You never know when Barashad will lead the next ambush. We must be careful. That man is growing ever more dangerous each day. You barely escaped with your life in the last encounter."
"Well, I'm glad you were there to scare him off. He is really a coward at heart, but I can't help but think that his desire for revenge is making him stronger with each passing day."
"Do you think that…Lucifer knows of Lexa's presence here?" Hashad lowered his voice so that Lexa, who was riding a little ahead, wouldn't hear.
"I don't know. Lexa had barely arrived in Egypt and hasn't encountered a lot of people here before I found her. I really do hope not. But we can't take our chances. We must keep Lexa a secret for as long as we can – for her safety."
"Do not worry, my brother," Hashad reached out to pat Ardeth's shoulder. "I know what you are thinking. Her protection – and yours – are my main concern."
--
Barashad hid in the sand with his men, ready to strike as the figures made their way toward him. As they became clearer, Barashad could clearly see Ardeth. His eyes hungered for his blood. This was the man who had banished him from the tribe, embarrassed him before his family and everyone else. Ardeth was also the one responsible for the large scar across his face. He had made a promise from that day forward that he wouldn't stop until Ardeth was dead – by his blade.
Then he saw her, the beautiful woman that the thief had marveled over, up until his dying breath. This was also the same woman that had captured his master's attention. He didn't know why Lucifer wanted her, but he still had to follow orders. If he did his job well, maybe Lucifer would finally trust him to tell him everything. There was something mysterious about her, the same mystery that Lucifer carried about him. She was a beauty. Lucifer only wanted her alive, yes? Not necessarily unharmed. The lowlife was right – I wouldn't mind getting my hands on her.
He motioned for his men to remain low and to wait for his signal. He felt the same adrenaline rush into his veins as he got ready to spring. "The Medjai leader is mine," he snarled.
--
Lexa's horse suddenly neighed loudly and sprang up into the air. Lexa cried out and held onto the reins tightly to prevent herself from being thrown back. Men in red robes had sprung out as if they had been hiding in the sand, their weapons poised and ready for attack.
"The Adikai are attacking!" The Medjai quickly rode up and surrounded Ardeth, Lexa, and Hashad. Everyone pulled their swords out, waiting for the other side to make their move.
Lexa felt a mixture of fear and adrenaline rush through her body. What was going on? Who were these people? She didn't have time to ask, as a man stood out before them. Her eyes immediately fell onto his scarred face and noticed his mouth twisted into an evil smile.
"Barashad." Ardeth acknowledged the man, a sick feeling crawling up his stomach. Of all the people he could encounter.
"Give us the woman and the rest of you may go free," he said, his voice sending shivers down Lexa's spine. "Except you, Ardeth." He pointed his sword at the Medjai leader.
"She will stay with us," Ardeth growled.
Lexa turned to Ardeth. "Are you serious?!" she whispered. "We're outnumbered. I'm not going to let you guys fight over this. You could get hurt!"
Ardeth ignored her and turned to Hashad. "When I give you the signal – "
Hashad nodded. He understood what his leader was saying. And he had no choice but to do it.
Lexa looked back and forth between the two. What was going on?
Ardeth jumped off his horse to face the man. They began to circle each other, weapons out and both ready to fight.
"Very well, then you'll all die!" He sprung to attack.
Ardeth blocked his attack with his sword. At that same moment the other red robed men attacked. Ardeth turned to face Hashad and Lexa, who were both still on their horses. "GO!" he yelled. He turned his attention back to Barashad.
Hashad grabbed the reins of Lexa's horse and rode. The horses raced as fast as they could away from the scene.
"What do you think you're doing?" Lexa screamed at Hashad. "Stop! We have to go back!" She struggled to grab ahold of her reins again while staying on top of her horse. Hashad ignored her and focused on the desert in front of them, his face grave. He had promised his leader that he would protect this woman, and that was what he was doing. Clearly Ardeth valued his own life above hers, if he was willing to sacrifice his to save her.
"Hashad!" It was the longest ten minutes of her life. She knew that they were miles away from the scene, and that they were clearly safe from any harm. She turned around and saw nothing but miles of desert. If the men in the red robes had come after her, they would have caught up by now. They must have been distracted by the fight, as Ardeth had hoped. "Dammit, Hashad! He's your leader! You can't abandon him!" she finally got ahold of the reins and pulled. It was a bad idea because the horse didn't like it. She struggled to hold on before her horse threw her back again. Then it calmed and stopped.
Hashad had no choice but to turn back to wear Lexa had stopped. She tried to calm her horse by brushing its mane. "You don't think that I regret running? That I should have stayed to fight and protect him with my life? Allah's sake, he's my brother!" he yelled at Lexa. Lexa was shocked by the level of the man's voice. Hashad calmed when he saw that he was upsetting her. "I'm sorry," he apologized. "But Ardeth made me promise to protect you at all costs." He paused and spoke in a softer tone. "I'm torn between my duty to the Medjai and my duty to him."
"Thanks, but I don't need protection. Ardeth's outnumbered! We have to go back to help," Lexa said.
"But Ardeth told us to ride back to the safety of the camp. You will be safe there –" Hashad tried to argue.
"I'm riding back there, whether you like it or not. If you want to protect me, you'll come with me," she said, her mind set. She turned her reins around and rode back the way she came.
Hashad cursed under his breath. He had no choice but to follow her.
--
"I saw the way you look at her," Barashad snarled, referring to Lexa. His enemy was clearly taken by the woman, and nothing would satisfy him more than taking her away from him. "I plan to take her and make her mine. Before you die, I will make you watch." He must have struck a vein, because Ardeth attacked him with a fury.
Ardeth swung his scimitar at Barashad as hard as he could. Fueled by his anger, he used his strength and speed to his advantage. There was no way he would allow Barashad to get his hands on Lexa. I'd die before I let that happen. He's faced Barashad many times before, and each time Ardeth had thought only about beating him, never killing him. This time it was going to be different.
A noise distracted the fight and he turned to see Lexa and Hashad riding back up to them. He cursed under his breath. Hadn't he told Hashad to take her to the safety of the camp?
Lexa jumped off her horse and pulled the scimitar out. Seven of the red robed enemies immediately surrounded her. Ardeth couldn't help but look at her helplessly. She didn't know how to fight, and even if she did, there was no way she would best seven skilled men.
"Right where I want her," Barashad straightened up and smiled.
--
The moment she pulled her weapon out, she regretted it. What was I thinking? I don't even know how to fight. She was back here, running into the arms of danger and probably death, for this man. It was the right thing to do. I'm not going to let these people sacrifice their life for me. She closed her eyes and attacked.
--
Barashad's smile began to fade as she saw her move. She was quick and agile, and there was so much grace in which she moved. It was not a fight scene that was occurring before him; it was more like a dance. With her eyes still squinted shut, she bought her sword back to block an attack from behind while swinging her legs before her to kick one of his men back. The force was so powerful that he fell back and was knocked unconscious. She turned around and knocked the man on his head with the head of her sword. He too, toppled over. Within minutes all seven men were unconscious at her feet. Barashad turned to look all around him. His other men were defeated too, and all the Medjai warriors were turned to face him, a glare about their faces. He was the one who was outnumbered now.
"This isn't over, Ardeth," he growled. He turned and ran.
--
The men were going to run after Barashad but he held his hand up. "Another time," Ardeth spoke. He and the other men turned their heads toward Lexa in surprise, who was still standing still at the center, her two hands clutching the scimitar. Her eyes remained closed. Ardeth slowly made his way toward her. Lexa must have sensed him because she turned toward his direction, her sword raised.
"It's me – Ardeth, Lexa," he said in a calm voice. "It's over now. You can open your eyes now."
Lexa relaxed a little when she heard his voice. But she was still trembling. She slowly opened her eyes and saw that she was still clutching onto the scimitar tightly. She saw blood on the sword and immediately dropped it, as if it was infected. Oh my god, what have I done? Tears began to fill her eyes.
Ardeth immediately put his arms around her to comfort her. Hashad reached down and picked up the sword and proceeded to wipe the blood. "It's alright. You were simply trying to protect yourself. Do not worry, I doubt you harmed anyone in a life-threatening way." Relief washed over her when she realized that she didn't kill anyone.
Ardeth wanted to tell her that if she had killed anyone, it would have been alright. Like he had told her, the rules of the desert were different, especially for the Medjai. They were entitled to protect themselves and others from harm. But she wouldn't have done it anyway. She could never take the life of another. He knew her heart and how it would tear her apart if she had taken someone's life. When she had calmed down, Ardeth turned to Hashad.
"I told you to take her to safety. You deliberately disobeyed my orders," Ardeth yelled at his second-in-command. Hashad bowed his head, ready to accept his punishment.
"Ardeth, please don't," Lexa said, touching his arm. "Hashad was trying to get me away, but I was the one who turned back." She wanted to yell at Ardeth for doing what he had done, but she didn't have the strength to raise her voice.
Ardeth must have sensed this, so he backed off as well. "Very well," he said. "But next time, you won't turn back."
"There will be no next time, sir," Hashad said. He knew he deserved a punishment for putting Lexa in danger, but was ultimately glad that she stood up for him, especially to Ardeth.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Ardeth turned back to Lexa, his face filled with concern for her. She nodded and asked, looking around her at the other Medjai, "Was anyone hurt?" Ardeth could barely contain his laughter. Even while she is tormented she worries about the safety of others – strangers she barely even knows. "We are all fine. That was impressive there. I have never seen anyone best a group of warriors and walk away unscathed."
"I honestly don't know what happened. It just…happened. It was like I knew what I was doing, and it was all so natural," Lexa said. "Does this have to do with my…lineage?" She was referring to her goddess ancestor.
"Yes," Ardeth explained. "Your family has skill when it comes to the battlefield. They were a powerful asset to our tribe." He motioned for his warriors to remount and ride. "We will go to the village first." He helped Lexa to her horse as well. For the rest of the trip, Ardeth rode next to her.
"Ardeth, who were those people? Why would they want me?" Lexa didn't understand why others would want to capture her, aside for her ability, which she was sure was still a secret from the outside world.
"They are a part of the Adikai tribe, Kakos' followers. They worship him and his Kosian army. You see, as strong as the gates of Polektos is, there are still what we call "holes", weaknesses that are small enough to only allow Kosians to escape. While we battle these Kosian soldiers to keep them from running the Earth and gathering more followers, the Adikai dedicate themselves to housing and protecting these soldiers."
"So they're your opposites. They believe in everything you fight against."
"I suppose so."
"I don't understand why people would want to worship evil. You said that when Kakos ruled the world was filled with pain and suffering. I don't understand what would lead these people to do such things."
Ardeth knew the answer to that but bit his lip. Lexa continued talking. "That man, Barashad, was it? Why does he hate you so much?"
"He was a Medjai, but misguided. He was jealous too, of my position. He always wanted authority and demanded the respect of others. He didn't see me fit to lead, so he challenged my position. I defeated him in a duel and banished him from my tribe. He seems to have found his place with the Adikai, and his hatred for me and the Medjai just seems to keep growing."
Lexa looked at Ardeth. "I'm sorry you had to deal with that."
"It is alright. This comes with power. When you are a leader, you are bound to run into others who do not respect your authority."
Lexa nodded. She was never in a position of authority, so she wouldn't know, but deep down she knew what he was feeling.
"My family – seems like they lived with your tribe for a while. What do you know about them?" Lexa asked.
"I don't know much," Ardeth said. "They mostly kept to themselves. They were well respected by our people though. Your grandfather was a Medjai, so you have Medjai blood running in you as well."
"Did you know him? Or anyone else in my family?"
"No," he answered. "Your mother left our tribe when she was old enough. We never heard from her again. We feared that your lineage had disappeared."
"Is anyone still…Do I still have any family here?"
He had expected her to ask this question, yet he still didn't know how to answer her. "No," he finally said, not looking to her when he responded. He felt his heart break, knowing how much this response would hurt her. He couldn't help but slightly agree with Sahib in his decision to keep Caleb and Lucifer from her; it would pain her even more if she knew the truth about her family.
"Oh," Lexa looked down. A wave of sadness washed over her. So she really was alone in this world. She had hoped to find a relative, or someone alive here…
They spent the rest of their ride in silence.
Pretty action-packed, huh? And a lot of questions that are coming up, which I hope gets answered as the story continues! Please tell me what you think so far – but for the next few chapters, I'd like to ask you to be a bit nicer than you normally would be. Trying to find a job is hard enough, and with each passing (and unsuccessful) interview I feel like my psychological wellbeing is hitting a deeper all-time low. Writing is what I do to keep myself happy, and I'd really like a boost right about now! Thanks, and stay tuned!
