Note: This is the softer, unseen side of Ardeth. I thought I would pull him out of his warrior life, and into a more careing life. Enjoy.
~~
The next morning, the O'Connells or Ardeth didn't wake until noon. When Evy finally did wake, she found her husband staring at her.
"Morning." She said softly.
"Morning." He replied, kissing her softly.
"What time is it"
"I don't know. Can't be before noon, that's all I know."
Evy yawned and turned over on her back, stretching her legs. She looked around to find that she was in the small sleeping quarters of a tent. She looked back at her husband, who had swung his legs over the bed, and was sitting up. He yawned, stretched, and stood up. Becoming a little dizzy as he did. Evy did the same thing. Complete with the dizziness that washed over her. she looked down at her dusty, dirty, blood stained clothes. And with a sigh, wished she had a clean pair with her. maybe she could borrow some clothes from one of the Med-jai women. Rick looked at his clothes as well, not really caring that they were dirty. He had been used to wearing the same outfit for days. Happened often out here.
He would look dashing in those Med-jai robes. Evy thought, crossing to kiss her husband.
"Come on, let's go explore where Ardeth Bay lives." She said, taking his hand and dragging him out the tent.
The city was huge. Most likely a good square mile big, filled with all sorts of tents and small buildings. The seemed to be in the exact center of town, and next to their tent was another huge one…the biggest in the whole city. As they walked around, they saw that the city was split into many different areas. A section for cooking, and eating. A section for washing clothes and baths. They could see a section for the livestock, the prized Med-jai horses had their own corral. All the houses were in the center of town, and towards the back, they could see a large section where young Med-jai were training to become warriors.
"Alex would love it here." Rick said, smiling at his wife.
"God, we would never be able to get him home." They both laughed at the idea, when a teenage boy ran up to them. His English bad, but he got the point across.
"Mr. O'Connell…Ardeth bay…Wish to see you and wife. Follow." They smiled at his efforts, and followed him back to the center of town, where they entered the large tent. The boy led them to what looked like a living room, where Ardeth standing, waiting for them.
"Shukran," He said to the boy, his voice low and tired. The boy left and he turned to his friends.
"You sleep well?" he asked. Indicating that they all sit on the many pillows that acted as furniture.
"Very well, did you?" Evy asked. He nodded.
"What did you wish to see us about, old friend." Rick asked.
"Just wanted to see how you were doing. Welcome you to my home."
"You live in a wonderful city, Ardeth." Evy said.
"Thank you." He tried his best to smile, but it didn't turn out right.
"Are you ok?" Rick asked, looking at his friend alarmed.
"I am fine, I am just very tired. And I worry for Emily."
"How is she?" Evy asked.
"Very weak. The doctors are doing all they can for her, but we all fear it is not enough." He looked so old when he said this. Like he was talking about his dying wife of 40 years.
Evy and Rick just nodded.
"Come," Ardeth said, standing, "Let us eat and I will give you a personal tour of my city."
~~
When Ja-Hosh reached Cairo, it was mid day, and he did not know of the carnage that took place at the Temple Ka. He and his 4 other Fajarah stormed the O'Connell house, swords raised, lust for blood in their eyes. Two Med-jai grabbed Charlie, his family, and Alex, shoving them into a small, dark laundry room in the middle of the house. 2 of the 5 Fajarah didn't get past the driveway, for they were shot by the Med-jai from the balcony.
The other 3 were quickly surrounded, but they did not give up. 2 more were killed, leaving only Ja-Hosh. In a blaze of stupidity, he thought he could take on the 4 that surrounded him. But the Med-jai did not kill him, they captured him and tied him up, dragging him kicking and screaming into the back yard. Where they tied and gagged him to one of the tall trees. The Med-jai knew that Ardeth or Ahmad would want to get their hands on him, for killing the Med-jai warrior who had escorted Evy home, just 2 nights before.
When they let the family out of the small room, Alex was nowhere to be found. No one could understand how the boy could have vanished. But he was not really missing. The dryer door swung open and he fell out of it. Laughing about how he could fit into it. Charlie laughed and patted the boy on the head. Telling him to, "Never do that to your Uncle Charlie again."
~~
After the tour of the city, Rick went to take a quick nap, so Ardeth and Evy went into check up on Emily. Evy was surprised at the small tent she was laid in. she was laid on her side, on a cot, dressed in white clothes; a blanket pulled up over her. The shackles were gone from her wrists and ankles. There were tables on both sides of the cot; both tables had many sorts of bandages, balms, and ointments. There was a basin on one table, with a towel folded over the side. A "nurse" sat in the corner of the tent, and watched as Evy and Ardeth walked up to Emily, the Med-jai dropping to one knee by her side, taking the girl's hand. Evy placed a hand on Ardeth's shoulder as she dropped to her knees to, pushing a loose strand of hair behind Emily's ear.
"What did the doctors do for her?" Emily asked.
"They cleaned out the wound and gave her some blood. Then they wrapped the wound in some special bandages, which had an ointment on it, that is supposed to heal the wound, and give her back her strength."
Evy nodded softly. She turned and looked at the warrior next to her, seeing him as a human, not a fighter or not as king of a group of people, but as a human who would have done anything to save Emily's life.
"Its my fault." he said softly, stroking Emily's hand. "If I had not called her name…"
"Then that knife would have hit her in the liver and she would be dead now. You saved her, don't think anything else then that."
Ardeth looked at her, shocking her at the softness of his face and eyes.
"Thank you…but I would like to sit alone with her. Do you mind?"
She smiled gently at her friend, and stood up. "Not at all."
Ardeth smiled and said to the nurse, in Arabic, "Leave me with her alone, please."
The nurse nodded at her chieftain, and followed Evy out the room.
~~
When Ahmad had gotten to the O'Connell home, he was shocked to find Ja-Hosh tied up in the back yard.
"UNCLE JOHN!" Alex yelled, running into his Uncles Arms. "Where's mum? Where's dad?"
"They are fine, Alex, They are both ok. They are with Ardeth at the Med-jai City. They had to take Emily there, she got really hurt. They sent me and Ahmad to come get you, and their things."
"What do you say Alex," Ahmad said, walking up behind them, "Do you want to see where we become warriors?"
Alex beamed and jumped out of his uncle's arms. "Of course I do! That would be great!"
"Come, Alex, we will go get your things ready." Jonathan led him up the stairs, as Ahmad turned to his men, questioning them about the Fajarah tied up in the back yard.
An hour later, as the sun dipped low in the sky, Jonathan, Alex, Ahmad, and 5 of the 7 Med-jai rode through the streets of Cairo, on their way to the home of the Med-jai.
~~
At sunset, Evy sat on a high dune, thinking about her family, her friend, and the Med-jai City that lay at her feet. She turned her head slightly, as Rick came up and sat down next to her, kissing her.
"Penny for your thoughts." He said.
"Oh, I'm just thinking about Ardeth and Emily. And Alex." A yawn escaped her.
"What about them?"
"I have never seen Ardeth as a human before. Even when Horus was killed, he was still the warrior. Now, all I can see is his human side. How crushed he is over Emily. And he looks so old. God he's what, in his 30's? Think about everything that the poor guy has been through. And now he is loosing this woman he has fallen in love with. Just breaks my heart, watching him walk around like he has some sort of strength left inside him, hiding his pain."
"Evy, he is these people's leader, what do you think will happen if he breaks down in front of them, over a woman."
"Every body is human Rick."
"But these people are warriors. They live harsh lives, and they understand that people die. He is supposed to be the strong one. He is the source for the strength of this tribe. If he lets it go, and breaks down, just think about what will happen to them. I know it is killing him, putting on the mask of pride in front of his people. But he has to do it."
Evy nodded and let out a long sigh. "I know Rick, but it still breaks my heart to have to watch it. I pray to god that she lives, because if she doesn't…I don't even want to think about what he would do. You know he thinks it's his fault."
"That doesn't surprise me." he draped his arm across his beloved wife, and pulled her close to him. "Ardeth will find strength, for himself and for her. he has always been good at that."
They sat with each other and watched the sun set into the sandy ground.
~~
Over the next two days, Ardeth sat next to Emily most of the time. Often, he did not eat or sleep. The people in his tribe noticed this, but no one dared to question the acts of their leader. No one except, of course, Evelyn O'Connell. On the third day at the city, on the day that her son and brother were to join them, she walked into the small medical tent, to find Ardeth sitting by Emily's side, not moving, she wondered if he was even breathing.
"Have you had anything to eat today?" she asked, making him jump. He calmly shook his head.
"You have to eat, Ardeth, you can't go on like this." He just sat there, holding Emily's limp hand.
She had had about enough of his behavior. Crossing the room, she grabbed his arm, pulled him up, and dragged him out of the tent.
"What the hell…" he said, nearly tripping as Evy yanked him out the tent door. She knew that if he had all his strength, she could never get away with this. But she calmly dragged him over to the kitchen area, and forced him to sit at one of the many long tables everyone in town used.
"If you get up from this spot, so help me god you will join her in that Medical tent." Evy said coldly. Everyone around them stared in awe at the way the tiny British woman treated their fearless leader. He did not get up, he just nearly squinted in the bright sun, his eyes not ready for the bright light. Evy brought him a large bowl of chilly, some bred, and a large cup of goats milk. She placed it in front of the Med-jai, sticking a spoon in his hand.
"I don't care if you don't want to eat this. I don't care if you don't even taste the food as it goes down. Just fill that empty stomach of yours, and neither of us is leaving until you finish all of that food. Understand?" she said, sitting across from him. At any other time, she would have expected him to defy her. but now, he simply nodded his head and started to eat the food.
They didn't say a thing as Ardeth ate, he put the food in his mouth, chewed it, and would sometimes wash it down with the milk. And she sat and watched him, compassion filled her eyes. Once he was finished, she cleared the plates and cup, and sat down across from him again. for a long time, they didn't speak, just stared into each other's eyes. Finally Ardeth smiled at his friend, reaching across to place a large, tattooed hand over hers.
"Thank you for that, sweet friend, no one else in town would have dared to do that but you. And it was much needed."
"I just can't stand seeing you beat yourself up like this. You need your strength, for yourself, for you people. For her. you can't go on doing this to yourself. I will not allow it!" she knew she was being motherly, but she didn't care. "You have to eat and sleep. You can skip out of everything else, but if you skip out on those two, you will get your butt kicked by yours truly, and you won't be strong enough to stop it."
He laughed in spite of himself. "You know, if any other woman here told me pulled what you just did, they would likely be killed out of shame."
"Yeah, but I'm not just any other woman here."
He couldn't hold back the smile that stretched across his face. "No, your not."
~~
There was much rejoicing when Alex and Jonathan got to town. The boy jumped off his horse and flew into his mother's arms.
"MUM!" he cried, holding on to the woman for dear life. "I am so happy to be with you again!"
"me to, son, me to."
"How is she?" Jonathan said, crossing to shake hands with Rick.
"Real weak. She hasn't woken up yet." The grim news made Jonathan fell horrible.
Alex let go of his mother, and jumped into his dad's arms.
"DAD!"
"Alex!" He hugged his son tight, breathing him in.
Ardeth stood off to the side, calmly watching the small family reunion. He saw Jonathan and Evy hug tight and watched as Rick tickled his son. All of them were happy and full of love and smiles. In his heart he could only wish he had a family. He did, in a way, have a family in the O'Connells and Jonathan. He could feel his heart starting to ache, and forced all the thoughts out of his mind. He was happy to see Ahmad walking up to him.
"What news do you have for me, friend?" Ardeth said, placing a hand on his second in command's shoulder.
"I bring news of an attack on the O'Connells home by the Fajarah."
"And?"
"There were five, four did not get past the driveway, and the fifth was captured and dealt with properly."
"Good, good." Ardeth said, looking up the sun. "I welcome you home, Ahmad, thank you for bringing the boy and his uncle to us."
Ahmad nodded and bowed his head. Then he ran off to find his own family.
"HI!" was all Ardeth heard as a small figure landed on his back.
"Good day, young warrior." Ardeth said, reaching behind to tickle Alex. The boy laughed and dropped to the ground. Ardeth turned and went down on one knee, looking the child in the eye.
"Welcome to my city, it is here where I will teach you how to be a warrior."
Alex beamed. Then his smile slowly faded. "I heard about Emily," he said softly.
"She is going to be ok." The words fell out of his mouth without thinking.
"I know, I know she is going to be just fine."
Ardeth patted the boys blond head, and then stood, reaching his hand down to the boy.
"Come with me, Alex, and I will show you where we teach the best warriors in the desert." Alex took his hand, and they walked off together.
~~
"Look at that." Rick said, pointing to the large Med-jai warrior walking away, hand in hand with the 10-year-old boy.
"I think it will be good for Ardeth to have Alex here." Evy said softly. "You know our son, he is great at keeping every one in good spirits."
And little Alex did just that. He brought much needed laughter to the Med-jai City. He ran about and made new friends. And he watched in awe as some warriors were trained to use swords, most of them not much older then he. Ardeth stayed with him most of the time, having the joyful child next to him made him joyful as well. And then, at diner, Ardeth finally joined the O'Connells and ate with them, laughing with Alex and enjoying the brisk night air.
Evy and Rick saw how Alex helped Ardeth, and this brought them much joy themselves. Watching on as Ardeth and Alex sat by a large fire, the Med-jai telling the boy stories about his adventures in the desert.
"Alex!" Rick called out, "Don't believe anything he tells you about me!"
"To late dad!" he called back, laughing. Rick walked away, shaking his head, while Evy laughed. Soon, they saw that all the Med-jai children were sitting around Ardeth, listening as he told them a bedtime story. And after he was done, parents came and carried their children to bed, half of them asleep, the other half pulling the, "One more story" bit. Until it was only Ardeth and the sleeping Alex who still enjoyed the warmth of the fire. Ardeth lay back propped up on his elbows, staring at the dancing fire. He did not notice that Evy had come up, sitting next to her sleeping son.
"It seems that you are the tribal story teller." She said softly, looking at her friend.
"This is true, most nights I tell the children stories. I fear that little Alex could not understand them, though."
"Alex knows enough Arabic to get by. Besides, I think he was just happy being here."
"I enjoy the presence of your son, Evy, he brought with him much needed joy."
She nodded softly and picked up Alex, standing as she did so. "Ardeth, get some sleep. No doubt tomorrow this little guy wears you out."
Ardeth nodded and smiled softly. "Good night, Evy."
"Good night Ardeth." She carried her sleeping son to their tent, leaving Ardeth by the fire.
~~
"Evy?" the soft voice rang out in the night, "Evy…Evy wake up." Ardeth gently shook the woman, trying hard not to wake her sleeping husband and child. "Evy…I need your help. Please, wake up."
"Wha…" she said, opening her eyes. "What is it?" she mumbled, still half asleep.
"It is Emily, she has gotten worse, and please you have to come help her…"
Evy sat up and swung her legs off the bed, careful not to wake her family. She slipped on some small slippers and a robe. Rick woke up to see his wife leaving the tent with the large figure of Ardeth Bay.
They sprinted across the city and into the medical tent. A few of the doctors surrounded Emily,
"What's going on?" Evy asked in Arabic. A young woman turned to her,
"She went into shock." She said in English. "Her body is finally reacting to the trauma she suffered."
"What can I do for her?"
"I asked Ardeth to get you, talk to her. She needs to have a friend near by. Your brother brought a first aid kit with him today?"
Evy nodded. "I placed it on that table over there."
"Are there any drugs in it?"
"I believe there is some pain killers…"
"Get it." The doctor said to a nurse standing by. She brought it to the doctor, who opened it, and pulled out a vile of clear liquid and a needle.
"Hope fully this will work, she is very weak and we don't think she will hold on much longer."
Evy looked up at Ardeth, who stood in the corner, watching on sadly. Rick appeared in the tent door. "What's going on?" he asked, half out of it.
"Rick, take Ardeth outside and he will explain it to you." Evy shot Ardeth a look, "go, we will be ok in here."
"Come on buddy," Rick said, pulling a protesting Ardeth out of the tent. Evy watched them go and sighed sadly.
"I'm Meelesh, by the way." The doctor said with a smile, as she started to inject Emily.
"What are you giving her?"
"Penicillin, it is our last hope. There is not much more we can do for her. She lost more blood today and she has come down with a bad fever. She is too weak; it will be a miracle if she makes it through the night."
Evy took Emily's hand and said softly, "Don't you leave us, luv...I am not going to let you go just yet. I just met you, and damnit, I want to get to know you!" The doctor gave her a funny look and began to change Emily's bandages. Evy stole a peek at Emily's wound. It was covered in fresh blood. The wound had broken open. Meelesh took a small bottle of pinkish liquid and poured it over the wound, causing the flesh and blood to bubble a bit.
"My god…" Evy gasped.
"It cleans and helps heal the wound. We should all be happy she is not awake, because that would, how you say, hurt like hell." She next took a small cloth out of the basin, poured a bluish liquid on it, and cleaned around the wound, wiping up the blood. "This helps sooth the burn and pain caused by the Zeit. It will calm the wound." She then picked up a large basin that was next to her, filled with a brown liquid and strips of linen. She picked a piece out and squeezed the access liquid out of it, then folded it up into a square and placed it over the wound. She then picked up another piece, squeezed it, and wrapped it around Emily's body. She pinned the piece to it self. She proceeded to do that, wrapping a total of 5 of the strips around Emily.
"This is a healing solution, it will soak through her skin and heal the wound. Also give her some strength back." She then took a large rolled up strip of linen, and wrapped it around Emily's whole mid section. When she was done, she gently laid Emily on her back. She picked up a cloth and poured some purple liquid on it, she then placed it on Emily's upper chest and neck. "The smell of this liquid will help with her fever."
Evy watched this all with awe, taking in all the ways of the Med-jai doctors. She knew that they must be skilled, after thousands of years and thousands of battles and wounded, they must know how to heal just about anything. But their techniques were simple and earthy. But they worked.
~~
Ardeth sat in the sand, head in his hands. Rick walked up to him, and handed him a cup of coffee, Ardeth pushed it away.
"I can not, I must sleep…" Rick nodded and sat down next to him.
"What happened?"
"I do not know…her breathing stopped…and when it started it was...not right. She started to shake…I didn't know what to do."
Rick placed a gentle hand on Ardeth's shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. Then the two men sat there, in silence.
~~
The next morning, the O'Connells or Ardeth didn't wake until noon. When Evy finally did wake, she found her husband staring at her.
"Morning." She said softly.
"Morning." He replied, kissing her softly.
"What time is it"
"I don't know. Can't be before noon, that's all I know."
Evy yawned and turned over on her back, stretching her legs. She looked around to find that she was in the small sleeping quarters of a tent. She looked back at her husband, who had swung his legs over the bed, and was sitting up. He yawned, stretched, and stood up. Becoming a little dizzy as he did. Evy did the same thing. Complete with the dizziness that washed over her. she looked down at her dusty, dirty, blood stained clothes. And with a sigh, wished she had a clean pair with her. maybe she could borrow some clothes from one of the Med-jai women. Rick looked at his clothes as well, not really caring that they were dirty. He had been used to wearing the same outfit for days. Happened often out here.
He would look dashing in those Med-jai robes. Evy thought, crossing to kiss her husband.
"Come on, let's go explore where Ardeth Bay lives." She said, taking his hand and dragging him out the tent.
The city was huge. Most likely a good square mile big, filled with all sorts of tents and small buildings. The seemed to be in the exact center of town, and next to their tent was another huge one…the biggest in the whole city. As they walked around, they saw that the city was split into many different areas. A section for cooking, and eating. A section for washing clothes and baths. They could see a section for the livestock, the prized Med-jai horses had their own corral. All the houses were in the center of town, and towards the back, they could see a large section where young Med-jai were training to become warriors.
"Alex would love it here." Rick said, smiling at his wife.
"God, we would never be able to get him home." They both laughed at the idea, when a teenage boy ran up to them. His English bad, but he got the point across.
"Mr. O'Connell…Ardeth bay…Wish to see you and wife. Follow." They smiled at his efforts, and followed him back to the center of town, where they entered the large tent. The boy led them to what looked like a living room, where Ardeth standing, waiting for them.
"Shukran," He said to the boy, his voice low and tired. The boy left and he turned to his friends.
"You sleep well?" he asked. Indicating that they all sit on the many pillows that acted as furniture.
"Very well, did you?" Evy asked. He nodded.
"What did you wish to see us about, old friend." Rick asked.
"Just wanted to see how you were doing. Welcome you to my home."
"You live in a wonderful city, Ardeth." Evy said.
"Thank you." He tried his best to smile, but it didn't turn out right.
"Are you ok?" Rick asked, looking at his friend alarmed.
"I am fine, I am just very tired. And I worry for Emily."
"How is she?" Evy asked.
"Very weak. The doctors are doing all they can for her, but we all fear it is not enough." He looked so old when he said this. Like he was talking about his dying wife of 40 years.
Evy and Rick just nodded.
"Come," Ardeth said, standing, "Let us eat and I will give you a personal tour of my city."
~~
When Ja-Hosh reached Cairo, it was mid day, and he did not know of the carnage that took place at the Temple Ka. He and his 4 other Fajarah stormed the O'Connell house, swords raised, lust for blood in their eyes. Two Med-jai grabbed Charlie, his family, and Alex, shoving them into a small, dark laundry room in the middle of the house. 2 of the 5 Fajarah didn't get past the driveway, for they were shot by the Med-jai from the balcony.
The other 3 were quickly surrounded, but they did not give up. 2 more were killed, leaving only Ja-Hosh. In a blaze of stupidity, he thought he could take on the 4 that surrounded him. But the Med-jai did not kill him, they captured him and tied him up, dragging him kicking and screaming into the back yard. Where they tied and gagged him to one of the tall trees. The Med-jai knew that Ardeth or Ahmad would want to get their hands on him, for killing the Med-jai warrior who had escorted Evy home, just 2 nights before.
When they let the family out of the small room, Alex was nowhere to be found. No one could understand how the boy could have vanished. But he was not really missing. The dryer door swung open and he fell out of it. Laughing about how he could fit into it. Charlie laughed and patted the boy on the head. Telling him to, "Never do that to your Uncle Charlie again."
~~
After the tour of the city, Rick went to take a quick nap, so Ardeth and Evy went into check up on Emily. Evy was surprised at the small tent she was laid in. she was laid on her side, on a cot, dressed in white clothes; a blanket pulled up over her. The shackles were gone from her wrists and ankles. There were tables on both sides of the cot; both tables had many sorts of bandages, balms, and ointments. There was a basin on one table, with a towel folded over the side. A "nurse" sat in the corner of the tent, and watched as Evy and Ardeth walked up to Emily, the Med-jai dropping to one knee by her side, taking the girl's hand. Evy placed a hand on Ardeth's shoulder as she dropped to her knees to, pushing a loose strand of hair behind Emily's ear.
"What did the doctors do for her?" Emily asked.
"They cleaned out the wound and gave her some blood. Then they wrapped the wound in some special bandages, which had an ointment on it, that is supposed to heal the wound, and give her back her strength."
Evy nodded softly. She turned and looked at the warrior next to her, seeing him as a human, not a fighter or not as king of a group of people, but as a human who would have done anything to save Emily's life.
"Its my fault." he said softly, stroking Emily's hand. "If I had not called her name…"
"Then that knife would have hit her in the liver and she would be dead now. You saved her, don't think anything else then that."
Ardeth looked at her, shocking her at the softness of his face and eyes.
"Thank you…but I would like to sit alone with her. Do you mind?"
She smiled gently at her friend, and stood up. "Not at all."
Ardeth smiled and said to the nurse, in Arabic, "Leave me with her alone, please."
The nurse nodded at her chieftain, and followed Evy out the room.
~~
When Ahmad had gotten to the O'Connell home, he was shocked to find Ja-Hosh tied up in the back yard.
"UNCLE JOHN!" Alex yelled, running into his Uncles Arms. "Where's mum? Where's dad?"
"They are fine, Alex, They are both ok. They are with Ardeth at the Med-jai City. They had to take Emily there, she got really hurt. They sent me and Ahmad to come get you, and their things."
"What do you say Alex," Ahmad said, walking up behind them, "Do you want to see where we become warriors?"
Alex beamed and jumped out of his uncle's arms. "Of course I do! That would be great!"
"Come, Alex, we will go get your things ready." Jonathan led him up the stairs, as Ahmad turned to his men, questioning them about the Fajarah tied up in the back yard.
An hour later, as the sun dipped low in the sky, Jonathan, Alex, Ahmad, and 5 of the 7 Med-jai rode through the streets of Cairo, on their way to the home of the Med-jai.
~~
At sunset, Evy sat on a high dune, thinking about her family, her friend, and the Med-jai City that lay at her feet. She turned her head slightly, as Rick came up and sat down next to her, kissing her.
"Penny for your thoughts." He said.
"Oh, I'm just thinking about Ardeth and Emily. And Alex." A yawn escaped her.
"What about them?"
"I have never seen Ardeth as a human before. Even when Horus was killed, he was still the warrior. Now, all I can see is his human side. How crushed he is over Emily. And he looks so old. God he's what, in his 30's? Think about everything that the poor guy has been through. And now he is loosing this woman he has fallen in love with. Just breaks my heart, watching him walk around like he has some sort of strength left inside him, hiding his pain."
"Evy, he is these people's leader, what do you think will happen if he breaks down in front of them, over a woman."
"Every body is human Rick."
"But these people are warriors. They live harsh lives, and they understand that people die. He is supposed to be the strong one. He is the source for the strength of this tribe. If he lets it go, and breaks down, just think about what will happen to them. I know it is killing him, putting on the mask of pride in front of his people. But he has to do it."
Evy nodded and let out a long sigh. "I know Rick, but it still breaks my heart to have to watch it. I pray to god that she lives, because if she doesn't…I don't even want to think about what he would do. You know he thinks it's his fault."
"That doesn't surprise me." he draped his arm across his beloved wife, and pulled her close to him. "Ardeth will find strength, for himself and for her. he has always been good at that."
They sat with each other and watched the sun set into the sandy ground.
~~
Over the next two days, Ardeth sat next to Emily most of the time. Often, he did not eat or sleep. The people in his tribe noticed this, but no one dared to question the acts of their leader. No one except, of course, Evelyn O'Connell. On the third day at the city, on the day that her son and brother were to join them, she walked into the small medical tent, to find Ardeth sitting by Emily's side, not moving, she wondered if he was even breathing.
"Have you had anything to eat today?" she asked, making him jump. He calmly shook his head.
"You have to eat, Ardeth, you can't go on like this." He just sat there, holding Emily's limp hand.
She had had about enough of his behavior. Crossing the room, she grabbed his arm, pulled him up, and dragged him out of the tent.
"What the hell…" he said, nearly tripping as Evy yanked him out the tent door. She knew that if he had all his strength, she could never get away with this. But she calmly dragged him over to the kitchen area, and forced him to sit at one of the many long tables everyone in town used.
"If you get up from this spot, so help me god you will join her in that Medical tent." Evy said coldly. Everyone around them stared in awe at the way the tiny British woman treated their fearless leader. He did not get up, he just nearly squinted in the bright sun, his eyes not ready for the bright light. Evy brought him a large bowl of chilly, some bred, and a large cup of goats milk. She placed it in front of the Med-jai, sticking a spoon in his hand.
"I don't care if you don't want to eat this. I don't care if you don't even taste the food as it goes down. Just fill that empty stomach of yours, and neither of us is leaving until you finish all of that food. Understand?" she said, sitting across from him. At any other time, she would have expected him to defy her. but now, he simply nodded his head and started to eat the food.
They didn't say a thing as Ardeth ate, he put the food in his mouth, chewed it, and would sometimes wash it down with the milk. And she sat and watched him, compassion filled her eyes. Once he was finished, she cleared the plates and cup, and sat down across from him again. for a long time, they didn't speak, just stared into each other's eyes. Finally Ardeth smiled at his friend, reaching across to place a large, tattooed hand over hers.
"Thank you for that, sweet friend, no one else in town would have dared to do that but you. And it was much needed."
"I just can't stand seeing you beat yourself up like this. You need your strength, for yourself, for you people. For her. you can't go on doing this to yourself. I will not allow it!" she knew she was being motherly, but she didn't care. "You have to eat and sleep. You can skip out of everything else, but if you skip out on those two, you will get your butt kicked by yours truly, and you won't be strong enough to stop it."
He laughed in spite of himself. "You know, if any other woman here told me pulled what you just did, they would likely be killed out of shame."
"Yeah, but I'm not just any other woman here."
He couldn't hold back the smile that stretched across his face. "No, your not."
~~
There was much rejoicing when Alex and Jonathan got to town. The boy jumped off his horse and flew into his mother's arms.
"MUM!" he cried, holding on to the woman for dear life. "I am so happy to be with you again!"
"me to, son, me to."
"How is she?" Jonathan said, crossing to shake hands with Rick.
"Real weak. She hasn't woken up yet." The grim news made Jonathan fell horrible.
Alex let go of his mother, and jumped into his dad's arms.
"DAD!"
"Alex!" He hugged his son tight, breathing him in.
Ardeth stood off to the side, calmly watching the small family reunion. He saw Jonathan and Evy hug tight and watched as Rick tickled his son. All of them were happy and full of love and smiles. In his heart he could only wish he had a family. He did, in a way, have a family in the O'Connells and Jonathan. He could feel his heart starting to ache, and forced all the thoughts out of his mind. He was happy to see Ahmad walking up to him.
"What news do you have for me, friend?" Ardeth said, placing a hand on his second in command's shoulder.
"I bring news of an attack on the O'Connells home by the Fajarah."
"And?"
"There were five, four did not get past the driveway, and the fifth was captured and dealt with properly."
"Good, good." Ardeth said, looking up the sun. "I welcome you home, Ahmad, thank you for bringing the boy and his uncle to us."
Ahmad nodded and bowed his head. Then he ran off to find his own family.
"HI!" was all Ardeth heard as a small figure landed on his back.
"Good day, young warrior." Ardeth said, reaching behind to tickle Alex. The boy laughed and dropped to the ground. Ardeth turned and went down on one knee, looking the child in the eye.
"Welcome to my city, it is here where I will teach you how to be a warrior."
Alex beamed. Then his smile slowly faded. "I heard about Emily," he said softly.
"She is going to be ok." The words fell out of his mouth without thinking.
"I know, I know she is going to be just fine."
Ardeth patted the boys blond head, and then stood, reaching his hand down to the boy.
"Come with me, Alex, and I will show you where we teach the best warriors in the desert." Alex took his hand, and they walked off together.
~~
"Look at that." Rick said, pointing to the large Med-jai warrior walking away, hand in hand with the 10-year-old boy.
"I think it will be good for Ardeth to have Alex here." Evy said softly. "You know our son, he is great at keeping every one in good spirits."
And little Alex did just that. He brought much needed laughter to the Med-jai City. He ran about and made new friends. And he watched in awe as some warriors were trained to use swords, most of them not much older then he. Ardeth stayed with him most of the time, having the joyful child next to him made him joyful as well. And then, at diner, Ardeth finally joined the O'Connells and ate with them, laughing with Alex and enjoying the brisk night air.
Evy and Rick saw how Alex helped Ardeth, and this brought them much joy themselves. Watching on as Ardeth and Alex sat by a large fire, the Med-jai telling the boy stories about his adventures in the desert.
"Alex!" Rick called out, "Don't believe anything he tells you about me!"
"To late dad!" he called back, laughing. Rick walked away, shaking his head, while Evy laughed. Soon, they saw that all the Med-jai children were sitting around Ardeth, listening as he told them a bedtime story. And after he was done, parents came and carried their children to bed, half of them asleep, the other half pulling the, "One more story" bit. Until it was only Ardeth and the sleeping Alex who still enjoyed the warmth of the fire. Ardeth lay back propped up on his elbows, staring at the dancing fire. He did not notice that Evy had come up, sitting next to her sleeping son.
"It seems that you are the tribal story teller." She said softly, looking at her friend.
"This is true, most nights I tell the children stories. I fear that little Alex could not understand them, though."
"Alex knows enough Arabic to get by. Besides, I think he was just happy being here."
"I enjoy the presence of your son, Evy, he brought with him much needed joy."
She nodded softly and picked up Alex, standing as she did so. "Ardeth, get some sleep. No doubt tomorrow this little guy wears you out."
Ardeth nodded and smiled softly. "Good night, Evy."
"Good night Ardeth." She carried her sleeping son to their tent, leaving Ardeth by the fire.
~~
"Evy?" the soft voice rang out in the night, "Evy…Evy wake up." Ardeth gently shook the woman, trying hard not to wake her sleeping husband and child. "Evy…I need your help. Please, wake up."
"Wha…" she said, opening her eyes. "What is it?" she mumbled, still half asleep.
"It is Emily, she has gotten worse, and please you have to come help her…"
Evy sat up and swung her legs off the bed, careful not to wake her family. She slipped on some small slippers and a robe. Rick woke up to see his wife leaving the tent with the large figure of Ardeth Bay.
They sprinted across the city and into the medical tent. A few of the doctors surrounded Emily,
"What's going on?" Evy asked in Arabic. A young woman turned to her,
"She went into shock." She said in English. "Her body is finally reacting to the trauma she suffered."
"What can I do for her?"
"I asked Ardeth to get you, talk to her. She needs to have a friend near by. Your brother brought a first aid kit with him today?"
Evy nodded. "I placed it on that table over there."
"Are there any drugs in it?"
"I believe there is some pain killers…"
"Get it." The doctor said to a nurse standing by. She brought it to the doctor, who opened it, and pulled out a vile of clear liquid and a needle.
"Hope fully this will work, she is very weak and we don't think she will hold on much longer."
Evy looked up at Ardeth, who stood in the corner, watching on sadly. Rick appeared in the tent door. "What's going on?" he asked, half out of it.
"Rick, take Ardeth outside and he will explain it to you." Evy shot Ardeth a look, "go, we will be ok in here."
"Come on buddy," Rick said, pulling a protesting Ardeth out of the tent. Evy watched them go and sighed sadly.
"I'm Meelesh, by the way." The doctor said with a smile, as she started to inject Emily.
"What are you giving her?"
"Penicillin, it is our last hope. There is not much more we can do for her. She lost more blood today and she has come down with a bad fever. She is too weak; it will be a miracle if she makes it through the night."
Evy took Emily's hand and said softly, "Don't you leave us, luv...I am not going to let you go just yet. I just met you, and damnit, I want to get to know you!" The doctor gave her a funny look and began to change Emily's bandages. Evy stole a peek at Emily's wound. It was covered in fresh blood. The wound had broken open. Meelesh took a small bottle of pinkish liquid and poured it over the wound, causing the flesh and blood to bubble a bit.
"My god…" Evy gasped.
"It cleans and helps heal the wound. We should all be happy she is not awake, because that would, how you say, hurt like hell." She next took a small cloth out of the basin, poured a bluish liquid on it, and cleaned around the wound, wiping up the blood. "This helps sooth the burn and pain caused by the Zeit. It will calm the wound." She then picked up a large basin that was next to her, filled with a brown liquid and strips of linen. She picked a piece out and squeezed the access liquid out of it, then folded it up into a square and placed it over the wound. She then picked up another piece, squeezed it, and wrapped it around Emily's body. She pinned the piece to it self. She proceeded to do that, wrapping a total of 5 of the strips around Emily.
"This is a healing solution, it will soak through her skin and heal the wound. Also give her some strength back." She then took a large rolled up strip of linen, and wrapped it around Emily's whole mid section. When she was done, she gently laid Emily on her back. She picked up a cloth and poured some purple liquid on it, she then placed it on Emily's upper chest and neck. "The smell of this liquid will help with her fever."
Evy watched this all with awe, taking in all the ways of the Med-jai doctors. She knew that they must be skilled, after thousands of years and thousands of battles and wounded, they must know how to heal just about anything. But their techniques were simple and earthy. But they worked.
~~
Ardeth sat in the sand, head in his hands. Rick walked up to him, and handed him a cup of coffee, Ardeth pushed it away.
"I can not, I must sleep…" Rick nodded and sat down next to him.
"What happened?"
"I do not know…her breathing stopped…and when it started it was...not right. She started to shake…I didn't know what to do."
Rick placed a gentle hand on Ardeth's shoulder, giving it a small squeeze. Then the two men sat there, in silence.