As always, thanks for the wonderful reviews and compliments. I appreciate them so much. Hope this chapter makes some sense...I had to hopscotch here and there...I normally don't do that...



ENDLESS LOVE CHAPTER 9

ANTICIPATION

Hours seemed like days to Jonathan, as he waited for those ruffians to leave the room. He knew that they had to get tired of sitting around looking at him. He needed to see Alex, needed to know if he was all right. He knew that Rick and Evy would really be upset with him if anything happened to their son.

Finally, the two thugs left the room for a bite to eat.

Jonathan, still bound to the chair, had not thought about the pocketknife he had in his right trouser pocket. Suddenly remembering it was there; he tried to retrieve it. After trying several times to maneuver his tied hands, he finally succeeded in poking a finger in his pocket, giving him a slight grip to work with. Jonathan continued to struggle until he finally managed to retrieve the knife. Now he just hoped he would be able to open it without dropping it.

Carefully, Jonathan opened the knife, keeping a tight grip on its casing, and proceeded to saw at the rope binding his hands. It proved to be a very difficult task, but he somehow managed to make progress slowly, as the rope was quite thick.

He stopped as soon as he heard the footsteps outside the door. At the sound of the knob turning, he quickly turned his attention to the door and carefully slid the knife on the inside of his tied hands to hide it from view.

In came Fremantle and the two thugs that had been with him earlier.

"We shall be reaching Egypt's shore in a few hours. I was wondering, what would you like for your last meal?" Fremantle smirked. "They have excellent cuisine on this boat and thought you might like to have a nice meal, at least."

As hungry as Jonathan was, he didn't want to give Fremantle so much as the pleasure. He was about to turn down the offer, but thought about Alex in the other room. Maybe this would buy him some time to get loose of the ropes, and get to Alex. He could only hope that his quickly devised plan would work.

"Well, you know, ole chap, I am quite hungry," Jonathan smiled back, mockingly. "I would love to have a nice last meal. It would do me some good, you know. How about my nephew? Are you going to give him the privilege as well?"

"Why of course! It would betray my good manners not to!" Fremantle feigned a shocked expression.

"All right then, I would like the finest meal on this boat for my nephew and myself," Jonathan went along. "And don't forget, all the trimmings too! For me, I'd also like the finest bottle of wine this boat has."

"I'll say, you sure know how to order a meal when someone else is buying it," Fremantle laughed. "OH, thats right! I forgot, you are paying for it, aren't you? In more ways than one!" Fremantle said with an evil grin. "We'll be back with your sumptuous meal and bottle of wine in a short while," he said. "You be a good ole chap now, and sit tight until we get back."

Jonathan grinned back equally, glad that they were all leaving now. Now he could try and finish getting loose from his bonds. He needed to get to Alex before they came back, and he knew that this might be the only chance he would get.

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Down the hall, the London based Medjai waited. They had disguised themselves in clothing of the Egyptian common man. Their clothing was similar to many who were on the boat as second-class passengers, returning to Egypt. They looked at each other to decide if they would pass for Egyptian peasants. Their faces and hands were covered by a concealing makeup. With a nod of approval, Quadir, Shakil, and Yazeed-the three London Medjai-walked into the hallway leading to the adjoining hall where the British prisoners were being held. They each walked with faces looking downward as was normal for servants.

Stealthily, they approached the second door down, where Jonathan was being held captive. Quadir, knowing that the enemy would be returning shortly, sent Yazeed to stand watch in the hallway perpendicular to this passage. Shakil stood at the t-fork, waiting for any signal from Yazeed.

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Jonathan was furiously cutting at the ropes restraining him. He knew that time was short, and he had to get finished before Fremantle came back. He was losing strength, having to cut at such an odd angle. He stopped briefly to rest his cramping hands. Looking up, he was quite shocked to see a man standing on the inside of the door. Jonathan didn't know who this was, as he was wearing a cloaked robe. Fear crossed Jonathan's face. He hadn't even heard the man enter.

The man waved his hand and motioned him to be quiet.

"Do not be afraid, Mr. Carnahan. We are here to help you and your nephew," the cloaked figure said.

"Who are you?" asked Jonathan quizzically.

"I am Quadir, of the London Medjai," the man said, pulling his hood back.

A great sigh of relief rushed out of Jonathan.

'Great, wonderful, the Medjai are on the boat!' thought Jonathan.

"We have followed you from England. We were sent word from our brothers in Egypt that there was a great adversary at work against our people. They are also after your family as well. We followed to protect you," Quadir said.

"Great, now, how about getting me loose of these ropes," Jonathan said, excited, as he could see freedom on the horizon.

"Not yet, my friend," Quadir informed Jonathan. "We have to make sure that all involved are caught and punished. If we release you now, then the enemy will be aware of our presence. We have to wait until we reach Egypt to rescue you. This group of criminals is very large. If we do not get them all, then they will continue their attacks and we will have accomplished nothing."

"But what if they try and hurt us before we reach Egypt, there are only a few hours left before we get there, what if they get itchy fingers?" Jonathan said, his tone reflecting anxiety.

"Rest assured that they will not. Their leader is a very harsh man and would punish them severely for taking the pleasure of your deaths away from him," Quadir informed him.

Jonathan swallowed hard, realizing that Quadir had just substantiated Fremantle's ostentatious boasting.

"We have wired our Cairo brothers, they will be waiting to assist us in taking down the enemy. Just go along with whatever they say, do not try and fight to get away. The Medjai will take care of everything, and you will be free. Then, our Cairo brothers will escort you to rendezvous with your family," Quadir explained. "I have to leave now, before they come back. Be confident that we are watching, we know everything that is going on."

Quadir turned around and started for the door.

"Wait!" Jonathan exclaimed.

Quadir turned to face Jonathan.

"I haven't even seen my nephew! I don't know if he is all right or not!" exclaimed Jonathan.

Quadir walked the few steps to where Jonathan was seated. Bending over slightly, he whispered words of encouragement to Jonathan.

"He is all right, I assure you," Quadir said, resting a hand on Jonathan's shoulder. "As I have already stated, they wouldn't dare think to rob their leader of his pleasure. Their own lives would be forfeit."

"But have you seen Alex, you know, did you check in on him? Have they hurt him?" Jonathan rambled, very concerned.

"Yes, I checked in on him before I entered your room. He is unharmed, and is currently asleep," Quadir informed him.

With that said, Quadir left the room.

Jonathan felt confident that he could trust this man. He knew that the Medjai were well known for their truthfulness and honor. He now felt a little comfort in knowing that Alex was all right for the time being. But still he wished that Quadir had helped him and Alex escape before they reached Egypt's shores. Jonathan thought the matter over and decided that if the Medjai were staging an attack, then he had better let things ride as they were. But still and all, he didn't enjoy the fact that he had to sit there and listen to Fremantle's patronizing comments and insults.

Jonathan sat there, still quite astonished that the man just left him there for these hooligans to come back and taunt. He resigned himself to the fact that he would so graciously leave all the rescue plans in the ever- qualified Medjai hands.

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At the docks, the Medjai waited, invisible to all passersby. They had all disguised themselves as commoners. Waiting and watching, they sat in various locations along the docks.

"Have we had any word on Bahir's condition?" asked Quadamah, second in command of the Cairo Medjai, concern in his voice for an old friend.

"Iskandar is doing all he can. The wound is very serious and Iskandar said it is unlikely that Bahir will survive," answered Uzmir, the warrior in charge of the Cairo Medjai, eyes aimlessly scanning the ground. "But he is young and strong. He has a lot of reasons to fight for his life. I heard that his wife is with child," Uzmir added, hoping that Bahir would prove the healer wrong.

Quadamah's eyes met Uzmir's with this startling revelation. He now realized just how great a sacrifice Bahir had made.

"His actions in saving the Englishwoman's life was a very noble act," Quadamah said, pride laced with a hint of sorrow, reflecting in his voice.

"Indeed it was," added Uzmir.

Uzmir, looking around casually, tried to inconspicuously locate the other Medjai amongst all the shabbily dressed peasants.

"Is everyone at the designated locations?" asked Uzmir.

"All is ready, and Allah willing, we shall overcome all involved," responded Quadamah. "Wadid and Tyreek have spotted a few small groups of suspicious looking men. These men are keeping a distance between those waiting for the boat to arrive and themselves. They are being watched closely. Wadid overheard a little of a conversation taking place of the group by the grain warehouse. They were talking when he walked by."

Quadamah looked down at his ragged robes, and gave a half-smile.

"Our disguises must be working," said Quadamah, now looking at Uzmir's tattered robes. He hated to wear anything other than his Medjai clothing, but living in the city, he had learned to adapt to wearing the attire of a Cairo businessman. But these rags were just a little too much for him to handle. Quadamah was anxious to save this Carnahan and the boy, Alex, and leave the city and get back into his beloved Medjai black.

Quadamah, getting his mind back on the present subject instead of his shoddy attire, continued.

"The men continued to talk, thinking that he was a peasant. However, Wadid heard them say something about Ardeth and the caverns. One man had said that Ardeth had been captured by someone called Faid," Quadamah continued. "Wadid also heard them say something about meeting in the grain warehouse."

Uzmir raised an inquisitive eyebrow, knowing well that Ardeth was on his way to Cairo at this very moment. Word had come from Shunnar, whose men and those of the First tribe had been attacked by this so-called Faid. Ardeth had left a couple of hours prior to the attack.

"So their news is old news, I see," said Uzmir. "They only know that Ardeth was supposed to be captured. I see they are very confident that this has already transpired. However, as we know the truth of the matter, Ardeth had left before the attack of this Faid. I imagine that Faid was supposed to bring Ardeth to Zouhir in the caverns. What a pity. I can only imagine what fate awaits Faid. Zouhir will be very angry, once he finds out that Faid has failed in his mission," Uzmir smiled, knowing that the plan had been foiled.

"Place some of our warriors in strategic locations around the warehouse," Uzmir said. "Be as inconspicuous as possible. We cannot let even one of them get away."

"Knowledge is power," replied Quadamah, as he casually began to walk away to carry out Uzmir's orders.

"Yes, it is," Uzmir responded, as Quadamah turned to leave. "Their absence of accurate communications may very well work to our advantage."

Off on the horizon, they could see a large luxury boat heading to the port docks. The disguised Medjai were anxious to get this group under their control. The Cairo Medjai were disgusted with this group's contemptible behavior and were ready to end it, once and for all. All they needed to do now was wait for the right moment and spring the trap that they had prepared.

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Fremantle walked back and forth in the room where Jonathan was held captive. He rubbed his hands together vigorously, very excited about the upcoming events. He turned to look at Jonathan, giving him his famous wicked grin.

"We're almost there!" Fremantle exclaimed. "Well, you and your nephew have had your fabulous last meal, and now comes the ever-encroaching time for your inevitable demise. How sad, really, I was beginning to grow a little fond of you," Fremantle said with thick sarcasm.

"Well, you know, all good things have got to end sometime, don't they?" Jonathan replied, knowing that these thugs wouldn't succeed. No way, no how. Not with the Medjai hot on their tail.

"You handle yourself with the knowledge of your utter demise with admiral courage!" Fremantle said. "I have to give you that much credit. I just didn't expect it out of you, knowing your background for scurrying off in the face of danger," he said mockingly.

Jonathan was a little more than flustered at Fremantle's remark about his fear of dangerous situation. He had had more than his fair share throughout his life. Many of those times, he had faced the situation with the utmost bravery. Still he remembered what Quadir had told him, so he would continue to play along with Fremantle's little game of insults.

"Everyone can change, you know. I've been through a lot in my lifetime, and I've learned not to cower in the face of adversity, no matter how bad the situation. I've been through more pain and much worse things than facing you, I'll have you know!" Jonathan threw back an equal barb. "You are mild compared to some I have faced!"

Fremantle, severely insulted, and without warning, hit Jonathan hard in the jaw. Jonathan's head snapped hard to the left in response.

Jonathan started wondering if he was playing the role a little too good.

"How dare you speak to me in that manner!" yelled Fremantle. "I am well capable of executing you with such precision, you wouldn't even know it happened. But nevertheless, I have a bargain to uphold, and my Egyptian co- conspirator in crime is not very forgiving of mismanagement of his plans. Therefore, I shall make sure that you live to meet him."

Fremantle began to circle Jonathan's chair, deep in thought of what would transpire. Smiling at a thought, he stopped in front of Jonathan.

"You haven't even begun to know what pain is, until we reach the caverns. Then Zouhir will teach you ALL about pain. He will exact his revenge very, very slowly. Zouhir will make your Medjai friend watch, as each and every person, family or friend, is slowly tortured to death. My friend, YOU will then know what true terror is all about. The only thing is, there will be no way for you to escape it. I have witnessed my comrade's methods of torture. Some men have died from the sheer fright of witnessing his brutality; before it was even their turn to experience it."

Jonathan just stared at Fremantle, defiantly. Deep down inside, he was scare out of his wits. But he did not want this uppity Englishman to think that he could get the upper hand on his fear.

"But if it is pain that you seek, then I will gladly administer some," Fremantle snarled as he hit Jonathan in the face, once again.

Fremantle smiled in Jonathan's face, noticing the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. "Well, it looks like I drew first blood," Fremantle smirked.

Jonathan tried to retreat as far back into the chair as possible. Now, wondering what they would do next to him, he steeled himself for more abuse and stared back at Fremantle, defiantly.

"You know, things don't always go as intended. I hope that your plans are dashed quickly," Jonathan smiled back, despite the pain of his split lip.

"Oh, I see, you think that the Medjai will help you. Well, let me assure you that they are quite busy in the desert, trying to help their fearless leader. We have had reports from our contacts in Cairo that no Medjai have been seen in the city at all. You see, we can elude any Medjai dog, as our network is a very vast one. We will be invisible to their ever-keen eyes, as we always have. And when we disembark, if any of them by chance lurks in the shadows, they will not even know of our presence.

'Not so invisible as you think,' Jonathan thought to himself, but smiled at Fremantle with continued confidence.

Growing tired of Jonathan's continued arrogance, Fremantle stared closely at him, eye to eye.

"Zouhir is not as tender hearted as I am, he is brutal, and unfeeling. He takes great pleasure in issuing pain. I, well...I am in it mainly for the money, not the glory of the kill," Fremantle explained, mockingly. "However, it adds to the flavoring of things. But I will take great pleasure in watching YOU die," Fremantle said with absolute hate flickering in his eyes.

Jonathan felt a lump rise in his throat, now hoping that the Medjai would definitely take a hold of this situation, before anymore were maimed or killed.

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Iskandar had worked feverishly through the last two days, desperate to save this young warrior's life. He had done all he could; Bahir's wound was such a savage one. The dagger, upon entering his body, had slashed his liver deeply. Now, all they could do was wait.

Bahir was delirious with the fever that enveloped his body. His face was shrouded with a great pallor that ensured death was imminent. His body was so weakened from the severe blood loss; he was barely able to emit a moan as Iskandar checked his wound.

Still, Bahir gained consciousness long enough to murmur a name, "Hadiya."

Iskandar listened intently to Bahir as he had struggled to whisper the name. He bowed his head, knowing that this was Bahir's wife he breathlessly spoke of. One of the warriors had told him about her, and that she was with child. He did not need to know her name, the look in Bahir's eyes told him it was she whose name he whispered.

Bahir settled back into semi consciousness, where dreams of happier days permeated through his mind. The events unfolded like a waterfall cascading down a mountainside. Many, many happy times. He saw his lovely wife, whose name meant, 'gift', and she was that to him and much, much more. His mind wandered back to the day of their joining as husband and wife. That had been the most joyous moment in his life by far. Now, he could see his beautiful wife, carrying their child. Bahir had looked forward to the day of their child's arrival. Now, it seemed all too certain that he would be denied seeing his infant's face. All for the sake of duty and honor; his life was coming to an end, but at what price?

Bahir came to terms with his death; he had no choice. He had known death personally for many years; a force of nature as immutable as the stars themselves. The bitter irony was that as his life was ending, his child's life was beginning. Now, knowing that he wouldn't see his child, made him think of Ardeth, and the emotional torment he was suffering. He understood the pain he was feeling.

His feverish brain's attention turned to his friend, Ardeth. His fervent prayer was that his friend would make it through all of this, physically unscathed. Ardeth and Shariyf had been his only brothers throughout his entire life. Ardeth had been the life source of the three, the bold one, the one who showed no fear in any situation. Yes, Bahir knew that Ardeth, as all men, had felt fear, but Ardeth was courageous. Courage is facing your fears and triumphing over them. Ardeth's courage was infectious, and had brought his warriors through many fierce confrontations. Shariyf.yes, Shariyf had been the binding tie of the trio. Bahir reflected on Shariyf's character. He was the most complicated man he had ever known. Since he had been a child, he would speak his mind one moment, and be very compassionate the next. Shariyf was the one who was unafraid to show his emotions; the one who would encourage you and uplift you when you were in the depths of despair. Shariyf was the only one who could blatantly berate Ardeth when he was wrong, and get away with it. He was the one who could bring Ardeth through the most unimaginable situations. He had done it many times, that is why Bahir had trusted Shariyf implicitly with Ardeth's welfare. Bahir, on the other hand, had been the balance between the other two. He was the one with the logical mind, the quiet one, ever steadfast in temperament. Ardeth had described Bahir on several occasions as, 'solid as a rock.'

He thought of Abdul-Khaaliq. How he, Ardeth, and Shariyf had tried many times to welcome him into their inner circle. But the pain of his shame was so great that he would shy away. Bahir knew of no other warrior outside their circle more trustworthy than Abdul. Ardeth had professed that special trust by designating Abdul as one of his chosen warriors. Most of the warriors had a special bond between themselves, as all of them fought for a common goal and had been through many trials and tribulations together. Above all, he wanted them to triumph over their enemy. He hoped that he would live long enough to find out.

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Slowly but surely, the large cruise boat came into the port. Now the Medjai were ready to bring all this madness to a close. They stayed at their designated areas and waited. The passengers finally began to walk down the ramp. The Medjai's ever watchful eyes were intent on each passenger that came down, as they looked for any familiar face. The Medjai knew what Jonathan Carnahan and Alex O'Connell looked like, but they could not find them. Of all the many foreigners they could see; Carnahan and young Alex were nowhere to be found.

Quadamah was becoming very distressed. They had to find them! Quadamah now knew that there was a change in the enemy's plans. He started to walk towards Uzmir when Tyreek and Wadid joined him, and they continued to walk towards Uzmir together.

"We have spotted our London brothers," Tyreek said. "They are following a small group of men. There are at least ten of them. They are all dressed as peasants. One of them appears to be a young child."

"I see them! Pass the word. Be ready to attack as soon as they reach the grain warehouse," Quadamah said.