Alex O'Connell

My parents are doing something dangerous and difficult in Europe, so I get shipped off to see my favorite Medjai, Ardeth Bey. I don't think he really wants me here. Middle of a war, parents on one side, half the world on the other and him trying to keep his people out of it. Last thing he needed showing up was a 17 year old archaeological genius who desperately wants to be involved in the war instead of skirting it.

I watched him ride out with a bunch of his men this morning. Something was up and no one would tell me what. Out of all the camp, I was the only one over 14 who isn't a warrior … well, the only male who isn't. I hated it. But that's the way the world divides between 'civilized' where we're children until the world says we aren't and 'tribal' where childhood ends when you're big enough to swing a sword or shoulder a rifle.

Ardeth's niece caught me trying to saddle a horse and go after them. "No," she said pulling the reins from my hands. "You cannot go. You would dishonor my uncle if anything happened to you," she chided gently.

"I'm not a child," I said quietly, but I felt like yelling it. I'm taller than most of Ardeth's men are, especially the younger ones.

"But you are a child in your homeland," she countered.

"I helped stop Imhotep!" I nearly yelled at her. I did, too. If I hadn't left clues all along the way, my Dad and Mum would never have found me in time to save my life … OK, it doesn't sound all that heroic when you put it that way, but sometimes being a cocky arsehole is the only way to survive the bad guys.

"When you were eight and protected by the arm band of the Scorpion King. I have heard the tale. I know that you are brave and … cocky," she produced the word with pride. "That you have much of your father and mother in you, both here," her fingertips brushed my forehead, "and here," she touched my heart. "But this war, it kills young men, old men, women and children …" Her wide dark eyes were sad at the thought.

"Naima, how can you … all right. I have some more to work out on the scrolls anyway." I capitulated. She was right. Bey would never be able to tell my dad that I'd done something stupid and died because of it. Considering the number of stupidly heroic things my dad's done, and survived, maybe they were right. There would be another time …

Later I was glad I hadn't gone. Not that I haven't seen death before. My trip to Ahm Shere when I was eight, with Imhotep, Meela and Lochna was strewn with death, the old priest trying hard to kill my parents as they tracked him across the desert. But what the men talked about finding at the wadi not far from Hamunaptra was chilling. It is not the Bedouin or Medjai way to massacre tribes. Not that they don't fight among themselves, but … Ardeth says there is something very wrong about what happened there.

I have a feeling he's right. Something dark and creepy seems to be stalking the night since I've been here. That's a laugh, they send me to Ardeth to keep me safe and I think there's something worse here than what they're dealing with. Although, given what Ardeth knows and has done, keeping me from dying shouldn't be that hard.

I would like to know why he's sad. He hides it well, but there's something underneath that keeps him from showing the smile that melts all the girls in the tribe. That's another thing I find confusing. Ardeth Bey is leader of the tribes of the Medjai, but he's not married. I know he's more than old enough to be married and has been for a long time; I mean he's as old as my Dad. I've heard Naima and his Mum talking about it. I don't think that they know I understand them. I also think his Mum is beginning to worry about his having kids. Watching him this last week, I think he's so responsible for the tribes, he doesn't think he has time to have them. Or maybe he doesn't think any of the girls would be interested in him.

I know better. I watched at least five of them try to throw out lures to him and he seems to be Mr. Oblivious. I wonder if I should talk to him about this? Right, I'm gonna talk to the guy who fought off the Army of Anubis about his love life. Probably not.