Later that night, Emily sat on the balcony alone. She sat on the padded bench, her feet up on it, curled back, in an effort to keep them warm. She sighed and looked over at the Med-jai who was guarding the inside of the door, ready to strike if something happened to her. She leaned back and closed her eyes, trying to imagine what the inside joke was with the O'Connell's, Jonathan, and Ardeth.
"Your Emily, right?" Came a soft British voice. She opened her eyes and turned her head, seeing Alex standing next to her.
"Last time I looked. Your Alex, right?"
He smiled and said; "Last time I looked."
She patted the spot next to her and he jumped up on the bench. Bringing his little legs up.
"What are you doing up?" Emily asked softly, "It must be around mid-night."
"I can never sleep on the first night here. Don't know why. What about you?"
"I can't seem to fall asleep either." Pause. "You all seem to be really close with Ardeth. He told me he has known your family for 11 years."
"Yeah, my parents met him when they met each other. He helped them fight off this mummy…"
"Will you explain that to me?"
Alex giggled and told her the story. Them finding the puzzle box and finding Humanaptra, about how Ardeth had attacked them to save the city, but didn't kill them. He told of how his parents and uncle had opened Imhotep's tomb, how Evy had read from the book of the dead. He told of how Imhotep had come after them, and wanted Evy as a human sacrifice. And how in the end, they had defeated the mummy, and killed him. And he told her about how Ardeth became their ally and friend. And how his parents fell in love after all that had happened. When he finished the story, he looked up at Emily, who calmly nodded her head.
"So, this happened 11 years ago?" Alex nodded. "Hum…ok." She didn't quite believe the story, but somehow knew the boy wasn't lying. "You know, Ardeth thinks of you and your family very highly. He even said that you were a very brave and strong boy."
"Want to know why?" she nodded. "I have never told this story to anyone else before. But two years ago, when I was 8, we had another run in with Imhotep. And my mum was killed right in front of me."
"Oh my god!" she said, wide eyed. What a horrible thing to have to go through, at such a young age!
"NO! Its ok, you see, I brought her back!"
"Excuse me?"
He told her the story about him putting on the Bracelet of Anubis, the bus ride, and how Lock-nah and Imhotep had kidnapped him. He told of his parents, uncle, and Ardeth's trip to rescue him. He told her about the sandcastles that he left them and about the Blue Nile, and watching Imhotep attack his parents with a huge wall of water. He talked about the oasis and the pygmies attacking them. And how his dad had saved him right before Lock-nah was going to kill him. And how Ardeth had killed Lock-nah. Then he told her about him and his dad running to get into the pyramid before the sun hit it.
"My dad had me scooped up in his arms, and he jumped into the pyramid right before the sun hit it. And we were lying there, out of breath, and the bracelet pooped off. I threw it into the sand and hugged my dad. Mum and Uncle John ran into the pyramid grounds. And I heard mum say; 'they made it!' And as she was standing there, the evil woman came up and stabbed mum!"
"Oh my god…"
"Dad screamed and went running. And Imhotep grabbed Uncle John and threw him up against something. I went running to her to. And Imhotep and his girlfriend just walked away, like it was nothing. Dad ran to mum and held her, and Uncle John held me. Mum told dad to take care of me, and then she died. It was horrible. Dad just broke down and started crying. Asking her to come back to him. But she didn't. He stood up and hugged me, and John said good-bye to his sister. Dad told us to stay with her and ran off, to go kill the bad guys. And I couldn't take it anymore. I broke down crying, begging mum to comeback. After a few minutes, I was sitting with Uncle john. And he told me that she was in a better place. 'Like the good book said' and then I remembered the book of the dead! It had the power to bring people back to life. So Uncle john picked up mum and we walked into the pyramid, we found the room where the evil woman was. Uncle john put mum down and distracted the woman; I grabbed the book and began to read the spells to bring mum back. But I got stuck on one of the symbols. But luckily Uncle john knew it, he screamed it out and I finished the spell. There was this strange light and mum suddenly took a deep breath. She had come back! I was so happy! She sat up and hugged me, crying. Then I told her that the evil woman was attacking Uncle John. So we ran over to him and mum stopped the woman right before she was about to kill Uncle John! You should have seen the look on both their faces! I wanted to stay with her, but she told us to go help dad. And so we did. Dad was fighting Imhotep and this really big bug with a human body! Dad yelled to us to open up the scepter that Uncle john always had with him. And it became a spear! But the bug attacked dad before we could get the thing open. Then mum ran in, and yelled out dad's name. The look on my dad's face was priceless. He looked so happy to have her back! To make a really long story short, dad killed the Scorpion king, and sent him back to the underworld. But dad and Imhotep both fell into this really big pit. I don't know how far it went down, or what was in it, but they were hanging on to the side of the thing. The place started to crumble and mum and dad looked at each other, dad yelled at her to leave and take me with her. But she didn't, she ran to my dad, just barley missing all the falling debris she got to the edge and pulled my dad up, and they ran for cover. Imhotep yelled for his girlfriend to come save him, but she screamed no and ran away. The poor guy looked crushed. And he let go of the side, falling into the cave. Mum and dad hugged and ran to us, together, we ran out of the pyramid, but the entire oasis was flying into the place, so we went up some stairs and came out on the thing! Dad yelled to move up, and we did. But once we got to the top, we had nowhere else to go. The whole place was about to be sucked into the sand. Us with it! So mum and dad held me, and told me they loved me. I was so afraid that we were all going to die. And I remember looking at Uncle john and seeing him look really sad that he wouldn't have a family of his own. But then we heard this voice above us! And it was this guy named Izzy and he was in a blimp. He came to save us! Mum picked me up and helped me get on board, and then dad helped her get on. But the place was sinking and dad and uncle john had to jump up and grab onto the side. Dad was about to get up when uncle john fell; he was only hanging by one foot! And for whatever reason, he wanted to get this huge diamond that was on top of the pyramid! So he grabbed it and dad and mum pulled him up. Right in time to! The whole place was suck under ground in this huge cloud of sand! But we were ok! And as we flew away, we saw Ardeth and the rest of the Med-jai riding away from the battle with the Anubis warriors! He waved at us and we waved back. I was so happy that it was all over. And that mum was alive."
Alex turned and looked at Emily. Her mouth was hanging open.
"You don't believe me." Alex said softly. Looking down.
"Strangely, I do! I see no reason on why you would lie to me about such a thing."
Alex brightened up. "It was kinda fun, except with mum dying and all. But she came back! I'm so happy she did to, other wise I don't think any of us would have been able to survive without her."
Emily ran a hand through the boy's hair. "Alex, you are indeed a strong boy. I don't think I could have been able to do what you did. I wouldn't have been that strong, or brave."
"I just wanted to be back with my parents, and I just wanted my mum back."
"My parents died when I was 7, and I wish so much that I had that book, to bring them back."
"I have never told anyone that before. I talked about it a little to my family, but not a lot. It feels good to have told someone it."
"So why did you tell me?"
He smiled up at her and thought for a second. "Because I feel safe with you." He said softly. She smiled and put her arm around the boy, pulling him close to her. "Thanks friend." she said softly. They stared out at the city lights and the night sky. Not saying a word. Nor did they see that Ardeth Bay had been standing behind them since Alex started to tell Emily the stories. Soon, she looked over and saw that he was asleep, and she covered them with the blanket and fell asleep as well. It was a good half an hour before Evy came into the room and stood next to Ardeth, looking at the sleeping couple.
"How sweet." She whispered.
"She is very good with kids." Ardeth said softly. "You should see her with Sama."
"She would make a good mother."
"She would."
Evy eyed him carefully.
"What?" he said, softly but forcefully.
"Don't what me, we have all seen the way you look at her!"
A thin smile tugged at his lips.
"She is a pretty woman, yes…but…I am just protecting her."
"Sure." Evy said, as she crossed to pick up her sleeping son. She carefully picked Alex up; he didn't wake, just curled up in his mother's arms. Ardeth shot her a look as she passed him, and crossed to Emily. He sat down gently.
The absence of the lighter figure, and the added weight of the larger figure woke Emily up, she looked around and saw that she was still outside, and that Alex was gone. In his place was Ardeth, who smiled at her softly. She smiled back and closed her eyes, falling back to sleep. He chuckled softly, and stood up, he bent over and picked her up. She too, did not wake, just curled up in his arms. This is the third time I have had to do this. He thought, as he walked out of the room and down the hallway. Descending the stairs was tricky, but he got it done. He walked down the hallway and into her room. Laying her softly on the bed. Then covering the sleeping figure with a blanket. He reached forward and gently stroked her hair. It was soft and silky under his fingertips. He liked the feel of it. He couldn't help himself, and leaned over and kissed her forehead gently. She stirred, but did not wake. He smiled softly to himself. The American woman was beautiful, and he was falling for her. Sighing softly, he took his place next to her on the bed, took her hand, and fell into his shallow sleep.
"What news do you have for me?" Sabooru asked as his Fajarah entered the room.
"We think we have found her." Ja-Hosh said, bowing his head.
"Where?"
"In the up-scale part of town. We searched their today. We saw a house that was covered in Med-jai. We did not see the woman, but we did see the man we think rescued her. He was with another Med-jai as they walked up to the house. Later that evening, we saw a Taxi pull up, and a family gets out. We believe that they are the owners of the house. They seemed close with all the Med-jai. But mainly with the leader."
"Good, good. I want that woman in my hands tomorrow. We are running out of time to perform the ceremony and wake our eternal master."
The Fajarah bowed their heads and left the room. Sabooru turned to the blue amber stone. It was glowing from deep inside.
"Yes master, in a few days you will be free again. And nothing will stop us now."
When Emily's eyes fluttered open, she saw Ardeth and Rick standing in the large closet, looking at something.
"What do you have in there?" she said, half asleep. They both turned at her voice.
"I am keeping our weapons in here, away from the 3 children that are running around this house." Rick said softly.
Emily mouthed out "3?" and then heard Alex yell, "UNCLE JOHN! NO FAIR!" She nodded her head softly. Closing her eyes again.
"I am sorry we woke you." Ardeth said, looking at her softly. She moved her hand in an "its ok" manner. "What time is it?" she asked, still half asleep.
"About 10:30" Rick said. Looking at his watch.
Emily sighed and sat up. She opened her eyes and looked around. Realizing that she was still in her dress, and that she had fallen asleep on the balcony, upstairs, with Alex next to her.
"How…" she began.
"I brought you in last night." Ardeth said, still standing in the closet with O'Connell.
She nodded and swung her legs off the bed. She grabbed some clothes out of her suitcase and walked into the tiny bathroom that was connected to the guestroom. Rick and Ardeth heard nothing for a minute, then the toilet flushed. Causing the men to smile. Then the sink turned on, and there was some splashing, the sink turned off. Followed by another minute, then the door opened. Emily stepped out in a pair of khaki pants and a light blue tank top. She sighed and let her hair down, picking up her brush, she proceeded to brush the knots out and she smoothed her hair down. Brushing some more. Looking in a small hand mirror, she saw that it looked fine down, but she knew it would get hot later on. So she brushed it into a ponytail. As she was doing this, she realized that the two men were watching every move she made. She turned to them, eyebrow raised. They simply looked at her, then at each other, and back at her. She sighed. Finished her pony tail and searched for her boots. She found them under the bed, and she grabbed them and a pair of thin socks. She put them on, followed by her ankle high boots. She got up, looked at the two men again, and left without a word.
Ardeth sighed softly and turned to his friend. Rick looked at him, smiled, and giggled.
"What?" the Med-jai Chieftain asked.
"Evy's right, you are falling for her. "
Ardeth rolled his eyes. But knew he could not hide the truth from his friend.
"So, I am. Is that wrong?"
"No, not at all. Its just…cute." Rick had to step out of the way of the hand that came at his head.
Emily entered the kitchen and saw a smiling Evy sitting at the table with Sama. Books scattered about.
"Good morning!" Evy said, watching Emily as she opened the refrigerator and pull out a pitcher of orange juice.
"Good morning!" Emily said back "What are you up to?"
"Just finishing up an English lesson…you may go now Sama." The child beamed and jumped up, happy to be able to run off with Alex and play.
"She's a cute thing." Emily said, pouring herself some juice and returning the pitcher. "What are you all up to today?"
"Oh I don't know. Most likely just hanging out around the house. I might go to the market later. Would you like to join me?" Evy stood and crossed to her.
"I would love to, but I don't think Ardeth is going to let me leave the house. With this cult after me and all."
"True."
Emily finished her glass and sat it in the sink.
"I went there once already, the night I was attacked. Don't think I am going back there unprotected."
"I will most likely take Rick with…ALEX! PUT IT DOWN!" she suddenly yelled.
"Yes mum!" they both looked into the hallway and saw Alex return a potted plant to its rightful spot on a table. Emily laughed.
"Do you have ESP or something?"
"No," Evy said with a sigh, "I'm a mother."
"Are you ever going to have anymore?"
"Not likely…having Alex AND Jonathan is enough to wear both of us out. I don't think Rick or I could handle another." She looked at the younger, taller woman. "What about you?"
"I have to find a husband first." She said with a sigh. Thinking of Ardeth.
"Don't worry Luv, I'm sure he's just around the corner." As if on cue, Ardeth and Rick walked around the corner. Causing the girls to laugh. The 2 seasoned warriors simply shook their heads and walked the other way.
Around noon, Emily was playing hide and seek with Alex, Jonathan, and Sama in the back yard. Evy, Rick, and Ardeth sat on the patio, in the shade, watching with glee the games that played out before them. Both Jonathan and Emily couldn't hide the fact that they were children at heart.
"I found you!" the three heard Jonathan yell, followed by the sweet child scream of Sama. Then Alex yelled out, "You were peaking!"
"I was not!" Jonathan yelled out. Then they heard Emily's laugh. The game went on. An hour later, the game stopped, the 4 got something to eat, and the game started again. They played for a good 2 more hours. When Emily was it, she saw a dark figure hiding behind a tree. Thinking it was Jonathan, she yelled out, "I found you!" and grabbed the figure by the shoulder and yanked it around. Then her scream filled the air.
"OH MY GOD!" she yelled, stepping back holding her stomach and head. "You scared the hell out of me!"
Ardeth smiled. "You must always be alert, Emily, you never know when someone is hiding in the shadows." Like rick earlier, he had to step back to miss the hand coming at his head.
"Would you like for me to show you some more moves?" he asked, taking one more step back from the woman.
"Sure." She said, then she pounced at him, but he was quick, grabbing her and throwing her over his shoulder.
"PUT ME DOWN YOU BIG FREAK!!!" Evy and Rick heard Emily yell. They laughed and exchanged looks.
Ardeth didn't put her down, he laughed as he walked through a path that led into the large clearing where all 5 paths meet. He put her down when he got there, jumping back from a kick. Emily stuck her tongue out at the man, and picked up 2 of the "swords." She threw one and Ardeth, who caught it perfectly.
He showed her some different moves with it, and as he was doing so, they didn't notice that the O'Connell's, Jonathan, Sama, and Ahmad came and watched them. The 2 exchanged practice blows, and then, after a bit, finally went at it in a real "battle". They fought for a while, it was an equal fight, until Emily kicked Ardeth's feet out from under him, and jabbed the "sword" into his heart. The applause that came from around them shocked them, noticing only then that they had put on a show. The both bowed at the group, and Ahmad got up, and showed Emily some more Kicks and Punches. And, to Emily's surprise, Evy showed her some moves on the dagger. She was good at it. And Emily wondered where she had learned it.
After a while, Ardeth, Evy, and Emily took a little break, sitting on the patio and talking. Ardeth commented that Emily was a good fighter. Evy agreed.
"I still can't help but feel you went easy on me yesterday." Emily said, shooting a look at Ardeth. This made him laugh.
"Of course I went easy on you. Do you really think it would be fair for you to battle one of the best warriors in all the Med-jai?"
"I think I could take you on!" Emily said. This mage Evy giggle.
"Luv, I have seen Ardeth REALLY fight people before. He is the best warrior in the Med-jai. I hate to let your hopes down, but you really couldn't beat him in a true battle."
Ardeth let a "ha ha" smile escape him. Emily glared at him.
"I can take you on, full strength, no holds bar, one to one battle. Any day."
"I'm sorry Emily." He said softly, "but you really cant!"
"Do you wanna bet? Evy and Ardeth exchanged looks.
"It's her funeral." Evy said.
"Fine" Ardeth, said, "We will have a real, full strength, no holds bar, fight. And if you win then I'll…I'll…" he threw his hands up. "I'll marry you."
This shocked both women. It ever shocked him. "I mean, one good warrior deserves another, right?" he said. Emily exchanged looks with Evy. Then held out her hand.
"Deal." She pointed to Evy; "She's our witness."
Ardeth smiled and shook her hand.
"Wait, what if she looses?" Evy said. They all looked at each other. Then finally Emily smiled. "I wont."
It was finally around 6 o'clock when Emily got tired again. She excused herself from the makeshift battlegrounds they had all taken place in during the day. She found glasses on the patio table, but nothing to drink. So she walked into the kitchen. Smiling at Jonathan who was coming down the stairs. She opened a cupboard and pulled out a cup, and then opened the fridge, she poured herself some water. When she closed the door, she saw with a shock the man standing behind it. He reached out and grabbed her throat. But she got in one good scream before she did, and the glass of water fell from her hand and shattered on the floor. The man continued to choke her as he lifted her and shoved her against the refrigerator doors as the handles and magnets dug into her back. Her eyes bulged and she tried to fight the guy off, but couldn't do much except scratch at his eyes.
Neither of them saw the frying pan that slammed across the man's head. But he dropped Emily and dropped to the floor, knocked out. Emily looked up and saw Jonathan standing over her and the man, pan in hand, a look of amazement on his eyes. She stood up slowly, still afraid of the man crumpled in a pile at her feet. She just felt herself fall into Jonathan's arms. And she felt the tears come to her eyes. She tried as hard as she could to hold them in. Evy, Rick, and Ardeth ran into the kitchen, shocked at what they saw: a large figure in dark robes in a pile at Jonathan's feet. Jonathan himself held Emily in a tight embrace. There was a frying pan next to him on the counter.
"Oh my god!" Evy said, crossing to them, "what happened?"
"This guy just attacked her, had her slammed up against the icebox, choking her. I didn't know what else to do." Jonathan said, as Emily pushed her self out of his arms. She turned and looked at the small group. Ardeth crossed to her, and examined her neck gently.
"He caught me off guard…" she was saying, "I didn't even see him coming." Her eyes shined with tears that she would not allow to break loose.
Rick kneeled down over the man, and pulled back a layer of the dark robes. Beneath them, were dark green robes. He could see some silver on the back of the robe.
"It's ok Emily, it happens." Ardeth said softly, placing a large hand on her hair.
"I broke a glass…I'm so sorry...I..."
"It's ok Emily, it doesn't matter." Rick said softly. Ardeth led her to the table and pulled out a chair. He helped her sit down. Two Med-jai came in and carried out the man's body.
"I didn't even see it coming…" she said softly. He looked at her softly.
"O'Connell," he said, not looking away from the girl, "Call in the children. We don't know if there are more of these guys."
"I'm way ahead of you." He left the room, and a minute later, they all heard as the kids ran past the kitchen, and up the stairs with two Med-jai following them. A second after that, Rick and Ahmad walked back into the kitchen.
"Find out how that man got in." Ardeth said to his second in command. "And call in the other men, we will need more guards now." He turned to his friends, "I have brought this into your home, and I hope you except my apologies. They know where she is now, so I must take her from here."
"Where are you going to take her?" Evy said.
"I don't know, but we must leave soon. Emily," he turned to her, "Are you ok? What do you need to do before we leave?"
She was staring at the long scar across her right palm. She touched it softly and said, "I want to know why these men are coming after me."
"We already told you…"
"I want to know what they intend to do to me. and why. The real story." She said coldly.
Ardeth looked at Evy and Rick. He really didn't want to go into details about what they would do to her.
"Tell me." she said again. staring him right in the eye.
"Evy, join us in the library, please. I think you can help with this." He turned to her, his eyes pleading with her to not make him do this alone.
"Of course."
"Rick, Ahmad, please…secure the house. Now we can't be to careful."
"Your Emily, right?" Came a soft British voice. She opened her eyes and turned her head, seeing Alex standing next to her.
"Last time I looked. Your Alex, right?"
He smiled and said; "Last time I looked."
She patted the spot next to her and he jumped up on the bench. Bringing his little legs up.
"What are you doing up?" Emily asked softly, "It must be around mid-night."
"I can never sleep on the first night here. Don't know why. What about you?"
"I can't seem to fall asleep either." Pause. "You all seem to be really close with Ardeth. He told me he has known your family for 11 years."
"Yeah, my parents met him when they met each other. He helped them fight off this mummy…"
"Will you explain that to me?"
Alex giggled and told her the story. Them finding the puzzle box and finding Humanaptra, about how Ardeth had attacked them to save the city, but didn't kill them. He told of how his parents and uncle had opened Imhotep's tomb, how Evy had read from the book of the dead. He told of how Imhotep had come after them, and wanted Evy as a human sacrifice. And how in the end, they had defeated the mummy, and killed him. And he told her about how Ardeth became their ally and friend. And how his parents fell in love after all that had happened. When he finished the story, he looked up at Emily, who calmly nodded her head.
"So, this happened 11 years ago?" Alex nodded. "Hum…ok." She didn't quite believe the story, but somehow knew the boy wasn't lying. "You know, Ardeth thinks of you and your family very highly. He even said that you were a very brave and strong boy."
"Want to know why?" she nodded. "I have never told this story to anyone else before. But two years ago, when I was 8, we had another run in with Imhotep. And my mum was killed right in front of me."
"Oh my god!" she said, wide eyed. What a horrible thing to have to go through, at such a young age!
"NO! Its ok, you see, I brought her back!"
"Excuse me?"
He told her the story about him putting on the Bracelet of Anubis, the bus ride, and how Lock-nah and Imhotep had kidnapped him. He told of his parents, uncle, and Ardeth's trip to rescue him. He told her about the sandcastles that he left them and about the Blue Nile, and watching Imhotep attack his parents with a huge wall of water. He talked about the oasis and the pygmies attacking them. And how his dad had saved him right before Lock-nah was going to kill him. And how Ardeth had killed Lock-nah. Then he told her about him and his dad running to get into the pyramid before the sun hit it.
"My dad had me scooped up in his arms, and he jumped into the pyramid right before the sun hit it. And we were lying there, out of breath, and the bracelet pooped off. I threw it into the sand and hugged my dad. Mum and Uncle John ran into the pyramid grounds. And I heard mum say; 'they made it!' And as she was standing there, the evil woman came up and stabbed mum!"
"Oh my god…"
"Dad screamed and went running. And Imhotep grabbed Uncle John and threw him up against something. I went running to her to. And Imhotep and his girlfriend just walked away, like it was nothing. Dad ran to mum and held her, and Uncle John held me. Mum told dad to take care of me, and then she died. It was horrible. Dad just broke down and started crying. Asking her to come back to him. But she didn't. He stood up and hugged me, and John said good-bye to his sister. Dad told us to stay with her and ran off, to go kill the bad guys. And I couldn't take it anymore. I broke down crying, begging mum to comeback. After a few minutes, I was sitting with Uncle john. And he told me that she was in a better place. 'Like the good book said' and then I remembered the book of the dead! It had the power to bring people back to life. So Uncle john picked up mum and we walked into the pyramid, we found the room where the evil woman was. Uncle john put mum down and distracted the woman; I grabbed the book and began to read the spells to bring mum back. But I got stuck on one of the symbols. But luckily Uncle john knew it, he screamed it out and I finished the spell. There was this strange light and mum suddenly took a deep breath. She had come back! I was so happy! She sat up and hugged me, crying. Then I told her that the evil woman was attacking Uncle John. So we ran over to him and mum stopped the woman right before she was about to kill Uncle John! You should have seen the look on both their faces! I wanted to stay with her, but she told us to go help dad. And so we did. Dad was fighting Imhotep and this really big bug with a human body! Dad yelled to us to open up the scepter that Uncle john always had with him. And it became a spear! But the bug attacked dad before we could get the thing open. Then mum ran in, and yelled out dad's name. The look on my dad's face was priceless. He looked so happy to have her back! To make a really long story short, dad killed the Scorpion king, and sent him back to the underworld. But dad and Imhotep both fell into this really big pit. I don't know how far it went down, or what was in it, but they were hanging on to the side of the thing. The place started to crumble and mum and dad looked at each other, dad yelled at her to leave and take me with her. But she didn't, she ran to my dad, just barley missing all the falling debris she got to the edge and pulled my dad up, and they ran for cover. Imhotep yelled for his girlfriend to come save him, but she screamed no and ran away. The poor guy looked crushed. And he let go of the side, falling into the cave. Mum and dad hugged and ran to us, together, we ran out of the pyramid, but the entire oasis was flying into the place, so we went up some stairs and came out on the thing! Dad yelled to move up, and we did. But once we got to the top, we had nowhere else to go. The whole place was about to be sucked into the sand. Us with it! So mum and dad held me, and told me they loved me. I was so afraid that we were all going to die. And I remember looking at Uncle john and seeing him look really sad that he wouldn't have a family of his own. But then we heard this voice above us! And it was this guy named Izzy and he was in a blimp. He came to save us! Mum picked me up and helped me get on board, and then dad helped her get on. But the place was sinking and dad and uncle john had to jump up and grab onto the side. Dad was about to get up when uncle john fell; he was only hanging by one foot! And for whatever reason, he wanted to get this huge diamond that was on top of the pyramid! So he grabbed it and dad and mum pulled him up. Right in time to! The whole place was suck under ground in this huge cloud of sand! But we were ok! And as we flew away, we saw Ardeth and the rest of the Med-jai riding away from the battle with the Anubis warriors! He waved at us and we waved back. I was so happy that it was all over. And that mum was alive."
Alex turned and looked at Emily. Her mouth was hanging open.
"You don't believe me." Alex said softly. Looking down.
"Strangely, I do! I see no reason on why you would lie to me about such a thing."
Alex brightened up. "It was kinda fun, except with mum dying and all. But she came back! I'm so happy she did to, other wise I don't think any of us would have been able to survive without her."
Emily ran a hand through the boy's hair. "Alex, you are indeed a strong boy. I don't think I could have been able to do what you did. I wouldn't have been that strong, or brave."
"I just wanted to be back with my parents, and I just wanted my mum back."
"My parents died when I was 7, and I wish so much that I had that book, to bring them back."
"I have never told anyone that before. I talked about it a little to my family, but not a lot. It feels good to have told someone it."
"So why did you tell me?"
He smiled up at her and thought for a second. "Because I feel safe with you." He said softly. She smiled and put her arm around the boy, pulling him close to her. "Thanks friend." she said softly. They stared out at the city lights and the night sky. Not saying a word. Nor did they see that Ardeth Bay had been standing behind them since Alex started to tell Emily the stories. Soon, she looked over and saw that he was asleep, and she covered them with the blanket and fell asleep as well. It was a good half an hour before Evy came into the room and stood next to Ardeth, looking at the sleeping couple.
"How sweet." She whispered.
"She is very good with kids." Ardeth said softly. "You should see her with Sama."
"She would make a good mother."
"She would."
Evy eyed him carefully.
"What?" he said, softly but forcefully.
"Don't what me, we have all seen the way you look at her!"
A thin smile tugged at his lips.
"She is a pretty woman, yes…but…I am just protecting her."
"Sure." Evy said, as she crossed to pick up her sleeping son. She carefully picked Alex up; he didn't wake, just curled up in his mother's arms. Ardeth shot her a look as she passed him, and crossed to Emily. He sat down gently.
The absence of the lighter figure, and the added weight of the larger figure woke Emily up, she looked around and saw that she was still outside, and that Alex was gone. In his place was Ardeth, who smiled at her softly. She smiled back and closed her eyes, falling back to sleep. He chuckled softly, and stood up, he bent over and picked her up. She too, did not wake, just curled up in his arms. This is the third time I have had to do this. He thought, as he walked out of the room and down the hallway. Descending the stairs was tricky, but he got it done. He walked down the hallway and into her room. Laying her softly on the bed. Then covering the sleeping figure with a blanket. He reached forward and gently stroked her hair. It was soft and silky under his fingertips. He liked the feel of it. He couldn't help himself, and leaned over and kissed her forehead gently. She stirred, but did not wake. He smiled softly to himself. The American woman was beautiful, and he was falling for her. Sighing softly, he took his place next to her on the bed, took her hand, and fell into his shallow sleep.
"What news do you have for me?" Sabooru asked as his Fajarah entered the room.
"We think we have found her." Ja-Hosh said, bowing his head.
"Where?"
"In the up-scale part of town. We searched their today. We saw a house that was covered in Med-jai. We did not see the woman, but we did see the man we think rescued her. He was with another Med-jai as they walked up to the house. Later that evening, we saw a Taxi pull up, and a family gets out. We believe that they are the owners of the house. They seemed close with all the Med-jai. But mainly with the leader."
"Good, good. I want that woman in my hands tomorrow. We are running out of time to perform the ceremony and wake our eternal master."
The Fajarah bowed their heads and left the room. Sabooru turned to the blue amber stone. It was glowing from deep inside.
"Yes master, in a few days you will be free again. And nothing will stop us now."
When Emily's eyes fluttered open, she saw Ardeth and Rick standing in the large closet, looking at something.
"What do you have in there?" she said, half asleep. They both turned at her voice.
"I am keeping our weapons in here, away from the 3 children that are running around this house." Rick said softly.
Emily mouthed out "3?" and then heard Alex yell, "UNCLE JOHN! NO FAIR!" She nodded her head softly. Closing her eyes again.
"I am sorry we woke you." Ardeth said, looking at her softly. She moved her hand in an "its ok" manner. "What time is it?" she asked, still half asleep.
"About 10:30" Rick said. Looking at his watch.
Emily sighed and sat up. She opened her eyes and looked around. Realizing that she was still in her dress, and that she had fallen asleep on the balcony, upstairs, with Alex next to her.
"How…" she began.
"I brought you in last night." Ardeth said, still standing in the closet with O'Connell.
She nodded and swung her legs off the bed. She grabbed some clothes out of her suitcase and walked into the tiny bathroom that was connected to the guestroom. Rick and Ardeth heard nothing for a minute, then the toilet flushed. Causing the men to smile. Then the sink turned on, and there was some splashing, the sink turned off. Followed by another minute, then the door opened. Emily stepped out in a pair of khaki pants and a light blue tank top. She sighed and let her hair down, picking up her brush, she proceeded to brush the knots out and she smoothed her hair down. Brushing some more. Looking in a small hand mirror, she saw that it looked fine down, but she knew it would get hot later on. So she brushed it into a ponytail. As she was doing this, she realized that the two men were watching every move she made. She turned to them, eyebrow raised. They simply looked at her, then at each other, and back at her. She sighed. Finished her pony tail and searched for her boots. She found them under the bed, and she grabbed them and a pair of thin socks. She put them on, followed by her ankle high boots. She got up, looked at the two men again, and left without a word.
Ardeth sighed softly and turned to his friend. Rick looked at him, smiled, and giggled.
"What?" the Med-jai Chieftain asked.
"Evy's right, you are falling for her. "
Ardeth rolled his eyes. But knew he could not hide the truth from his friend.
"So, I am. Is that wrong?"
"No, not at all. Its just…cute." Rick had to step out of the way of the hand that came at his head.
Emily entered the kitchen and saw a smiling Evy sitting at the table with Sama. Books scattered about.
"Good morning!" Evy said, watching Emily as she opened the refrigerator and pull out a pitcher of orange juice.
"Good morning!" Emily said back "What are you up to?"
"Just finishing up an English lesson…you may go now Sama." The child beamed and jumped up, happy to be able to run off with Alex and play.
"She's a cute thing." Emily said, pouring herself some juice and returning the pitcher. "What are you all up to today?"
"Oh I don't know. Most likely just hanging out around the house. I might go to the market later. Would you like to join me?" Evy stood and crossed to her.
"I would love to, but I don't think Ardeth is going to let me leave the house. With this cult after me and all."
"True."
Emily finished her glass and sat it in the sink.
"I went there once already, the night I was attacked. Don't think I am going back there unprotected."
"I will most likely take Rick with…ALEX! PUT IT DOWN!" she suddenly yelled.
"Yes mum!" they both looked into the hallway and saw Alex return a potted plant to its rightful spot on a table. Emily laughed.
"Do you have ESP or something?"
"No," Evy said with a sigh, "I'm a mother."
"Are you ever going to have anymore?"
"Not likely…having Alex AND Jonathan is enough to wear both of us out. I don't think Rick or I could handle another." She looked at the younger, taller woman. "What about you?"
"I have to find a husband first." She said with a sigh. Thinking of Ardeth.
"Don't worry Luv, I'm sure he's just around the corner." As if on cue, Ardeth and Rick walked around the corner. Causing the girls to laugh. The 2 seasoned warriors simply shook their heads and walked the other way.
Around noon, Emily was playing hide and seek with Alex, Jonathan, and Sama in the back yard. Evy, Rick, and Ardeth sat on the patio, in the shade, watching with glee the games that played out before them. Both Jonathan and Emily couldn't hide the fact that they were children at heart.
"I found you!" the three heard Jonathan yell, followed by the sweet child scream of Sama. Then Alex yelled out, "You were peaking!"
"I was not!" Jonathan yelled out. Then they heard Emily's laugh. The game went on. An hour later, the game stopped, the 4 got something to eat, and the game started again. They played for a good 2 more hours. When Emily was it, she saw a dark figure hiding behind a tree. Thinking it was Jonathan, she yelled out, "I found you!" and grabbed the figure by the shoulder and yanked it around. Then her scream filled the air.
"OH MY GOD!" she yelled, stepping back holding her stomach and head. "You scared the hell out of me!"
Ardeth smiled. "You must always be alert, Emily, you never know when someone is hiding in the shadows." Like rick earlier, he had to step back to miss the hand coming at his head.
"Would you like for me to show you some more moves?" he asked, taking one more step back from the woman.
"Sure." She said, then she pounced at him, but he was quick, grabbing her and throwing her over his shoulder.
"PUT ME DOWN YOU BIG FREAK!!!" Evy and Rick heard Emily yell. They laughed and exchanged looks.
Ardeth didn't put her down, he laughed as he walked through a path that led into the large clearing where all 5 paths meet. He put her down when he got there, jumping back from a kick. Emily stuck her tongue out at the man, and picked up 2 of the "swords." She threw one and Ardeth, who caught it perfectly.
He showed her some different moves with it, and as he was doing so, they didn't notice that the O'Connell's, Jonathan, Sama, and Ahmad came and watched them. The 2 exchanged practice blows, and then, after a bit, finally went at it in a real "battle". They fought for a while, it was an equal fight, until Emily kicked Ardeth's feet out from under him, and jabbed the "sword" into his heart. The applause that came from around them shocked them, noticing only then that they had put on a show. The both bowed at the group, and Ahmad got up, and showed Emily some more Kicks and Punches. And, to Emily's surprise, Evy showed her some moves on the dagger. She was good at it. And Emily wondered where she had learned it.
After a while, Ardeth, Evy, and Emily took a little break, sitting on the patio and talking. Ardeth commented that Emily was a good fighter. Evy agreed.
"I still can't help but feel you went easy on me yesterday." Emily said, shooting a look at Ardeth. This made him laugh.
"Of course I went easy on you. Do you really think it would be fair for you to battle one of the best warriors in all the Med-jai?"
"I think I could take you on!" Emily said. This mage Evy giggle.
"Luv, I have seen Ardeth REALLY fight people before. He is the best warrior in the Med-jai. I hate to let your hopes down, but you really couldn't beat him in a true battle."
Ardeth let a "ha ha" smile escape him. Emily glared at him.
"I can take you on, full strength, no holds bar, one to one battle. Any day."
"I'm sorry Emily." He said softly, "but you really cant!"
"Do you wanna bet? Evy and Ardeth exchanged looks.
"It's her funeral." Evy said.
"Fine" Ardeth, said, "We will have a real, full strength, no holds bar, fight. And if you win then I'll…I'll…" he threw his hands up. "I'll marry you."
This shocked both women. It ever shocked him. "I mean, one good warrior deserves another, right?" he said. Emily exchanged looks with Evy. Then held out her hand.
"Deal." She pointed to Evy; "She's our witness."
Ardeth smiled and shook her hand.
"Wait, what if she looses?" Evy said. They all looked at each other. Then finally Emily smiled. "I wont."
It was finally around 6 o'clock when Emily got tired again. She excused herself from the makeshift battlegrounds they had all taken place in during the day. She found glasses on the patio table, but nothing to drink. So she walked into the kitchen. Smiling at Jonathan who was coming down the stairs. She opened a cupboard and pulled out a cup, and then opened the fridge, she poured herself some water. When she closed the door, she saw with a shock the man standing behind it. He reached out and grabbed her throat. But she got in one good scream before she did, and the glass of water fell from her hand and shattered on the floor. The man continued to choke her as he lifted her and shoved her against the refrigerator doors as the handles and magnets dug into her back. Her eyes bulged and she tried to fight the guy off, but couldn't do much except scratch at his eyes.
Neither of them saw the frying pan that slammed across the man's head. But he dropped Emily and dropped to the floor, knocked out. Emily looked up and saw Jonathan standing over her and the man, pan in hand, a look of amazement on his eyes. She stood up slowly, still afraid of the man crumpled in a pile at her feet. She just felt herself fall into Jonathan's arms. And she felt the tears come to her eyes. She tried as hard as she could to hold them in. Evy, Rick, and Ardeth ran into the kitchen, shocked at what they saw: a large figure in dark robes in a pile at Jonathan's feet. Jonathan himself held Emily in a tight embrace. There was a frying pan next to him on the counter.
"Oh my god!" Evy said, crossing to them, "what happened?"
"This guy just attacked her, had her slammed up against the icebox, choking her. I didn't know what else to do." Jonathan said, as Emily pushed her self out of his arms. She turned and looked at the small group. Ardeth crossed to her, and examined her neck gently.
"He caught me off guard…" she was saying, "I didn't even see him coming." Her eyes shined with tears that she would not allow to break loose.
Rick kneeled down over the man, and pulled back a layer of the dark robes. Beneath them, were dark green robes. He could see some silver on the back of the robe.
"It's ok Emily, it happens." Ardeth said softly, placing a large hand on her hair.
"I broke a glass…I'm so sorry...I..."
"It's ok Emily, it doesn't matter." Rick said softly. Ardeth led her to the table and pulled out a chair. He helped her sit down. Two Med-jai came in and carried out the man's body.
"I didn't even see it coming…" she said softly. He looked at her softly.
"O'Connell," he said, not looking away from the girl, "Call in the children. We don't know if there are more of these guys."
"I'm way ahead of you." He left the room, and a minute later, they all heard as the kids ran past the kitchen, and up the stairs with two Med-jai following them. A second after that, Rick and Ahmad walked back into the kitchen.
"Find out how that man got in." Ardeth said to his second in command. "And call in the other men, we will need more guards now." He turned to his friends, "I have brought this into your home, and I hope you except my apologies. They know where she is now, so I must take her from here."
"Where are you going to take her?" Evy said.
"I don't know, but we must leave soon. Emily," he turned to her, "Are you ok? What do you need to do before we leave?"
She was staring at the long scar across her right palm. She touched it softly and said, "I want to know why these men are coming after me."
"We already told you…"
"I want to know what they intend to do to me. and why. The real story." She said coldly.
Ardeth looked at Evy and Rick. He really didn't want to go into details about what they would do to her.
"Tell me." she said again. staring him right in the eye.
"Evy, join us in the library, please. I think you can help with this." He turned to her, his eyes pleading with her to not make him do this alone.
"Of course."
"Rick, Ahmad, please…secure the house. Now we can't be to careful."