Chapter 12

Indy and Selene were riding horses on a deserted beach and Selene's hair tumbled around in the wind. They were now sat by the sand dunes talking and kissing. Then they were led down, glancing up at the stars.

"Indy, my friend. Wake up, we are here."

Indy jumped awake, upset that it was just a dream. They left the train and bought two camels and Sallah led them to the direction of the temple.

"Are you all right Indy?"

"I've felt better", said Indy tiredly. "I sure hope I haven't lost the Ark again."

"Do not worry, you will get it back. And just imagine the look on Mr Brody's face when he sees it."

"Yeah. That would be great", smiled Indy.

A while later, they arrived at a great temple and left the camels in a hidden place. Slowly, they approached the entrance and noticed that some Nazi's were outside. One of them spotted Indy and flew at him but Indy was ready for him and knocked the man out cold. Another flew at Indy and he ducked as the man threw a punch and then he fell to the floor. Behind him was stood Sallah, holding a heavy rock. Indy smiled.

"Thanks."

Indy and Sallah entered the temple and the interior was extravagantly decorated with hieroglyphics and great high relief carvings and drawings of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. Hundreds of candles lit the temple and Indy and Sallah looked across the temple and saw Marion, who was led down on a table; bounds around her wrists and ankles.

"She is unhurt", whispered Sallah.

"She appears to be", replied Indy.

Indy glanced over at her and she tried to break free. Indy smiled.

Just hang in there Marion, he thought.

"Indy, how are we going to…"

"I don't know. I'll think of something."

Indy reached into his pocket and pulled out some gloves and put these on. Sallah did the same.

Indy glanced across the temple as Heinrich came into view, followed by two Nazi's who were carrying a wooden crate. The Ark. The Nazi's removed the crate and the Ark of the Covenant seemed to light up the room by itself. Indy couldn't help but stare. The Ark was probably the most beautiful artifact that he had ever seen.

Two figures emerged by the Ark; a man dressed, Indy imagined, as King Solomon and a woman dressed to resemble the Queen of Sheba. They began to chant together.

"We've gotta move", muttered Indy.

Some of the Nazi's began to gather in front of the Ark.

Indy and Sallah crept out from behind the great statue and Indy crept up to one of the Nazi's and put a hand over his mouth and with one swift motion, broke the man's neck. Sallah grabbed a Nazi and they fought. Sallah hit him in the face and the man went to hit him but Sallah was ready and hit him again, knocking him to the floor. Indy grabbed another Nazi and dragged him away and as he did, the man let out a small cry and one of the other Nazi's turned round and alerted the others. Sallah shot one of the men in the stomach and the man clutched his stomach in pain. The chanting continued and as Indy ran over, a Nazi flew at him. Indy ducked and the man inadvertently hit another Nazi in the face. The Nazi who had been hit, swore in German and punched the other man in the face and another Nazi hit him. Just then a figure strode into the temple.

It was Rodriguez.

"Heinrich", he yelled. "What the hell is this? We had a deal. No stupid rituals. You understand?"

Heinrich stormed over to Rodriguez and before the Mexican could say anything, Heinrich shot him in the heart and he crumpled to the floor. Dead. Heinrich put on a pair of gloves.

"Jones, get me outta here!" yelled Marion.

The room began to shake violently and some of the Nazi's fell to the floor, as did Sallah. Indy helped Sallah to get up and the candles and torches seemed to fade compared to the light that began to fill the temple. A great see-through figure of a man at least fifty feet tall dressed in robes and a crown, emerged and the Nazi's shrunk back in terror.

Marion screamed.

"By the Gods!" yelled Sallah.

Indy stared as the great figure looked down at them. On his head, he wore a crown and was holding a staff with what looked to be a pentagram on the end.

"I am King Solomon and you are violating my laws!" he boomed, glaring at Heinrich and the Nazi's. "Leave the Ark. It does not belong to you. I command you to stop the ritual immediately!"

The figures of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba were terrifying but Heinrich yelled at them to continue. Heinrich ran over to the Ark and began to open the lid and Indy ran after him and pushed the man aside. A Nazi hit Sallah over the back of the head with his rifle and the Egyptian fought with the man. Heinrich hit the floor and then jumped up, trying to push Indy aside. The two men fought with the lid as three Nazi's crept up behind Indy and grabbed him, one hitting him in the stomach. They dragged him away and he tried to fight back but one of the men hit him over the head with something and he went down. Sallah was still fighting with the Nazi. Sallah punched him and ran over to Heinrich who was still trying to push the lid off.

"I command you to stop!" bellowed King Solomon.

Marion screamed.

"Someone help me!"

The huge figure of King Solomon pointed his staff at the Ark's lid and the two cherubim figures that were on the top began to move. No one couldn't believe their eyes as they began to flap their wings and flew to King Solomon. They were now at least eight feet tall. Solomon raised the staff and white lighting shot out of the cherubim's eyes and hit the two dressed as Solomon and Sheba, killing them instantly. The cherubim flew back to the Ark and as they shrunk in size, they seemed to almost merge back onto the lid.

Sallah fought with Heinrich, desperately trying to keep the Ark's lid down and the man pushed him to the floor.

"Sallah!" yelled Marion.

"Marion I am sorry, I…"

"Look out!" she yelled. "Close your eyes!"

Heinrich opened the Ark and just as he did, Sallah, Marion and Indy closed their eyes.

A bright light shone from the Ark and struck Heinrich in the face, killing him instantly. The Nazi's were terrified and ran out of the temple, frightened by this strange and mysterious artifact. A great explosion went off, blowing most of the candles out. Suddenly there was a great boom and lightning flew out of the Ark, hit the ceiling and ricochet off of the walls. Lamps shattered and a great wind blew through the temple. Indy and the others kept their eyes shut and could feel a great force in the room. There were a few more loud booms and several sound of what sounded like lightning off. More lamps shattered under the pressure and then gradually the sound became quieter and quieter until it became no more.

Silence.

Marion slowly opened her eyes, as did Sallah. Slowly, Sallah got up and untied Marion's bounds and she sat up and thanked him and he hugged her.

"Marion, are you all right?"

"Yeah", she nodded towards Indy.

"I don't think he is, though."

Together they walked over to Indy, who was conscious. He had been badly beaten.

"Can I go home now?" he asked, a slight smile forming on his lips.

Sallah and Marion helped Indy to stand and he could barely believe it when he saw the Ark. He sat down for a moment and watched as Sallah and Marion replaced the lid and boxed up the beautiful and mysterious artifact. Marion smiled at Indy, relieved that he had the Ark and that Indy was, well, alive and in definite need of that vacation. Sallah had found a truck and Marion helped the Egyptian to carry the Ark onto it and they loaded it onto the back of the jeep. Then they helped Indy into the truck. Sallah got into the drivers seat and Marion sat at the other end, with Indy sat between them.

"We will get this to port, and there I will leave you both so that you can return to America", said Sallah excitedly.

Marion nodded.

"Thanks Sallah. You've been of fantastic help to us", she smiled.

Indy was barely conscious and tried desperately to keep awake, but he was exhausted and felt terrible and felt as if he could sleep for a fortnight. He could feel sleep press onto him and let himself drift, giving into exhaustion. His head leaned on Marion's shoulder and she gently caressed his forehead with her hand.

"Well Jones, this time at least they can't take this away from you", she said in a quiet, gentle whisper.

They reached a port in Jerusalem and Sallah made the necessary arrangements to ship the Ark to the States. Together with Marion, he helped Indy onto the steamer and entered their cabin, lying Indy on a cot. Marion and Sallah stepped out of the room and onto the deck.

"Sallah. It's been great to see you again. Thanks for helping us, you were great! Indy will be so pleased when he wakes up."

"Ah yes, Indy will be pleased. And Marion. Will you do something for me?"

"What's that?"

"Please make sure that he goes on holiday, as soon as he has recovered."

"I sure will", she smiled. "And I'm gonna write one helluva' newspaper story, too!"

"That is good. Please be sure to send me a copy."

"I will."

Marion hugged Sallah.

"Take care", he said.

She kissed him on the cheek.

"You too Sallah."

Marion waved to Sallah as he left the ship and she could just make out his deep baritone voice singing with joy. She smiled and returned to the cabin, exhausted. Indy was still asleep and she took a shower and changed into some clothes that she had found. She lay down on another cot, closed her eyes and drifted.

A few hours later, she woke up. Indy was awake. Marion got up and gently touched his shoulder.

"Oh, Indy. You look fit to drop."

"Thanks", he croaked.

He looked at her.

"Did we…?"

"Yeah Jones", she smiled. "We got it!"

"Marion, that's great!"

She went to leave the room.

"Where're you goin'?" he asked.

"To find a doctor. You've got some pretty bad injuries."

"But, Marion…"

She sighed.

"Indy. I'll be back in a minute."

A few minutes later, Marion returned to the cabin with a doctor. Indy had fallen back to sleep and the doctor treated Indy's wounds on his face, removed his shirt and tended to his other injuries. Marion watched as he worked. Well, at least he's not yelling at me, she thought.

She smiled. In some ways she loved the way that Indy flinched when she treated his wounds. She almost found it cute somehow.

When the doctor had finished she thanked him and he left the cabin.

A couple of days later, the steamer arrived in New York and Indy had been so exhausted that he had slept through the entire journey.

It was now evening and Marion shook Indy awake, which took some effort.

"Uh, Marion. What…?"

"Hiya sleepyhead!"

"The Ark. We, we have to, find it, uh. I've gotta…"

Marion grinned.

"Relax Jones. You've already got it! And guess where we are now? Home!"

A slow smile spread across Indy's face.

"Marion, that's great! I need to speak with Brody and Selene."

He tried to stand and Marion helped him to his feet.

"Hey, take it easy. We've gotta get you home so you can rest…"

"Marion, I've already rested", he said tiredly.

"Indy, you look exhausted. I think you need a break."

"Yeah."

He glanced at himself in the mirror.

"I think I need one too."

Marion called the museum and arranged for someone to meet them at the docks. A while later, a colleague of Marcus' named Iain met them and was extremely concerned about the state of Indy's health.

"Dr. Jones. Do you want me to drive you to the hospital?"

Indy smiled.

"I'll be okay", he said tiredly. "But thanks anyway."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'll be okay", he paused. "At least I will be in about a month or so."

They pulled up outside of the museum and Marion helped Indy out of the car. Iain entered the museum and called for some help. Two men came out and the three of them lifted the Ark crate into the museum and Indy and Marion followed. Indy could feel sleep press on to him but he was determined to stay for a few minutes.

Another colleague came over to them and asked Indy what the artifact was.

Indy turned to him smiled and simply said: "The Ark of the Covenant."

The man looked at him in surprise.

"You found it, Dr. Jones. That's wonderful. Congratulations!"

"Thanks."

When they were sure that the Ark was locked away safely, Indy and Marion went to leave and as they did, Brody's colleague and the other men congratulated Indy and he thanked them. Marion told them men that they were to carry the Ark only by the poles and when they asked her why she told them to trust her.

"C'mon Jones. Time to get you home."

"No Marion. I've got to see Marcus first."

"Okay. You win."

A few minutes later, they reached Marcus's house. Indy knocked on the door and Brody answered and he was thrilled to see Indy and Marion stood on his doorstep.

"Indy, Marion. Please do come in."

They entered the house and Marcus closed the door and hugged Indy.

"Well, I am very pleased to see the both of you."

"Great to see you too, Marcus", croaked Indy.

"Now, are you going to tell me or are you going to proceed to keep me in suspense?"

A slow smile spread across Indy's lips.

"You got it didn't you?"

Indy looked at him.

"Of course", he said smiling. "We've just come from the museum."

"That is wonderful Indiana. But if you don't mind my saying it, you look terrible. Have you recovered from your illness?"

"More or less, but I could really use some sleep right about now", he said tiredly.

"Of course. I'll notify the university."

"Thanks Marcus."

Brody turned to Marion.

"Are you all right my dear?"

"Not too bad, Marcus. Very tired."

"Yes, I would imagine that you most both be exhausted. Please let me drive you both home."

"That would be very welcome right now", said Indy.

"It's no trouble at all."

A few minutes later, they arrived at Indy's house and as Marion got out of the car and Marcus turned to Indy.

"Get some rest. I'll drive to the museum and sort things out."

"Thanks Marcus."

"And Indy, I would just like to say very well done."

Indy smiled tiredly.

"Thanks."

As Indy opened the front door, Marcus drove off and he and Marion waved. Marion followed Indy into the house and she closed the door behind her and then switched on a lamp.

Indy turned to Marion.

"Selene. She doesn't know that I'm back. I need to speak to her."

"Maybe. But right now, you need rest, Indy."

He nodded, descending the staircase, and Marion followed. Indy walked in the bedroom and removed the bullwhip and gun holster from his jacket pocket, and placed these on a nearby chair. Marion removed his fedora and helped him out of his leather jacket and also placed these on the chair. She left the room as Indy changed his clothes. He removed his shirt and saw his reflection in the dresser mirror and winced. He looked worn out. Indy changed into pajama bottoms and climbed into bed just as Marion came into the room and she looked at him sympathetically.

"Get some sleep, Jones. I'll wake you in a few days."

He nodded and made himself comfortable. Marion covered him with the blanket and left the room and it wasn't long before Indy lapsed into a deep, restful sleep.

Marcus had driven to the museum and began to make plans for the display of the Ark of the Covenant. He had called Selene to let her know that Indy and Marion were back and the Ark was safely at the museum.

"Oh, Marcus. I'm so pleased. When will you be displaying the Ark?"

"In a few days, when Indy is back on his feet. I'm planning something and I may need your help."

"Please count me in, I'd love to help. I'm going over to Indy's house now and I really need to see him."

"I would imagine that he is probably fast asleep by now."

"Well, Marcus. I really can't say that I blame him after what he's been though. Speak with you soon."

Selene drove to Indy's house and Marion answered the door.

"Selene. How's things?" she asked.

"Fine, well not really. I'd really like to talk to…"

"Indy? He's in bed, asleep. You can go up and see him if you like. He's a bit short on conversation right now, though."

"How are you Marion?"

"Very tired. You know how it is. I'm gonna go over to my newspaper soon and type of something for the late edition."

"That's great. I'll just go up and see him."

Marion nodded.

Selene slowly walked up the stairs and walked over to the bedroom. She slowly opened the door and Indy was led in bed, fast asleep. His face and chest were covered in deep cuts and wounds and she winced sympathetically when she saw these.

Poor Indy. What have they done to him?

She sat down and watched him for a while. She wanted nothing more than to wake him and tell him how she was feeling. She couldn't bear to wake him, though. She loved watching him sleep; he looked innocent, almost child-like and besides, he looked as if he needed at least a week's rest in his current condition. Selene gently ran a hand over Indy's cheek and forehead and smiled. A while later, she got up and left the room and joined Marion downstairs.

"How is he?" she asked.

"Still sleeping. He's got some pretty bad injuries."

"Yeah, I know but give him a few days and he'll be okay."

Selene drove Marion to the Daily Crow and Marion thanked Selene and headed to her office. She walked up the stairs and sat down at her desk and began to type. A few minutes later, Jack, her Editor came into the room and was surprised to see his Assistant Editor, sat down, typing.

"Marion. What are you doing here? I didn't expect to see you for a few more days."

"This can't wait", she said, and carried on typing.

A few minutes later, she pulled the piece of paper out of the typewriter and called a colleague over.

"Tim, could you do me a big favour. Please, please can you get this in for the late edition?"

"Of course, Miss Ravenwood."

"Thanks a million."

"Sure thing Miss Ravenwood", he said, dashing off with the article.

Marion got a lift to Indy's house, went upstairs to check on Indy who was still sleeping. When she returned to the living room, there was a knock at the door and she answered it. It was Henry.

"Marion. Is Indiana all right?" he asked.

"Come in Henry. He's badly injured and is sleeping at the moment."

"Marcus told me about the Ark. It is wonderful news!"

The door went again. It was Jack, her Editor.

"Marion, this has just come out."

He handed her a newspaper.

"I was very impressed by your report. You did an excellent job."

"Thanks Jack."

A familiar figure came into view.

"Marcus!" exclaimed Henry. "Come in."

"Thank you."

A couple of reporters came to the door and approached Jack.

"We're from the Daily Star. We've heard about a certain artefact that's just been found and we were wondering if we could speak with Dr. Jones?"

Jack was about to say something, when Marion stepped forward.

"He's already spoken to a newspaper."

"Huh?" said one of the men. "How'd they find out?"

"I suggest you read the front of the Daily Crow", she told them.

"I suppose you have some idea about that, do you?" asked one of them.

"I think it's time you left", said Henry.

"Yeah, and who are you?"

"I'm Dr. Jones' father. He's had an exhausting few weeks and now he needs plenty of rest, so please don't come back and disturb him again."

The men left and as they did, Marion stepped outside.

"Oh, by the way. I should have some idea about that article. I wrote it."

She smiled and the men looked very embarrassed indeed.

She closed the door and everyone fell about laughing.