Um...please dont kill me for that last chapter. Tee hee. And Kit? "Could you make it so that Jonathan and Carol have a baby too?" I will answer that in this chapter.
Special note, again, Angie saved my butt by helping me with my story. She wrote the bit where it describes the cave, and Des`demona. Like I said before, she is really the co-author of this story. Just look at how well she writes! She is amazing at describing things.
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It took Ardeth Bay along time to fall asleep that night, worried his dreams would be plagued with the dream he had before. But when he finally drifted off to dreamland, he did not dream of his wife in pain, he dreamt of a cave.
The cave was not at all small, nor was it spacious. The walls were smooth; a pale alabaster in hue, flecked with bits of obsidian here and there -- like marble. Light streamed from the ground, from some unknown source, bathing the entire area in an ethereal white glow. Across the back wall the colors shifted, blotches of pale scarlet, chartreuse, cobalt, and amethyst covering it like a myriad of rainbows. But this wasn't the most amazing sight.
The thing that caused Ardeth's eyes to widen with shock was the being just ahead of him. She was a beautiful young woman, looking no more then a teenager, her eyes dancing with an innocent that had never faded from her childhood years. However, behind this Ardeth could see more - a cunning shrewdness. Her eyes reflected a calm understanding, wise beyond any mortal. The pale shades of the wall outlined her body, which was garbed in a simple white dress. She was semi-transparent to Ardeth, however she would pulsate in and out of realism, showing her exterior qualities every moment or so. The white dress was fitting to her figure, lace decorating the edges, which were not frayed in the least. She seemed perfect. The only thing wrong with her was that she wasn't completely there at all - she was a spirit, a denizen of another world unknown to Ardeth.
Hair the color of midnight tumbled down her back in a fountain of obsidian, a few rebellious strands framing her lovely face. Her complexion was pale, a stark contrast to her hair. Equally pale azure-blue eyes stared at the Med-jai, and her pale lips pursed in an amused expression, as if she had expected his arrival.
Ardeth was afraid of the being that floated before him, though he knew in the back of his head that he had nothing to fear. Ardeth and the being looked into each other's eyes for a long time, the small smile on her lips never disappearing.
"Welcome, young Ardeth Bay." The spirit spoke, however her lips didn't move. Words formed in Ardeth's head, echoing against the walls of his mind. Her voice was soothing and gentle, as if she was talking to a little boy.
He could not ignore the lump that had formed in his throat; he forced it down with all his power, and choked out, "Hello."
This made the spirit laugh. Her laugh echoed in his mind, haunting and powerful. The smile on her lips widened.
"You have nothing to fear, Young Bay, I am not here to hurt you, I am here to warn you."
"Warn me of what, My Lady."
"My name is Des`demona, and I am the protector of all the Med-jai, and you and your brother are in danger. There is a group of men coming to kill you both."
"Why?"
"They are bounty hunters, looking for the price on Tarek's head."
"How do you know this?" He said, looking the spirit.
"I know all, young Bay, I know every life that interacts with your own. I know the future and I know the past. I know your thoughts and feelings travel to your sick wife, but they must stop. You must be alert and watch out for these men, they could mean the death of you and your brother."
"My wife, she really…"
"Yes, young Bay. What you saw was true."
Ardeth gasped and looked away, shocked and horrified.
"Young Bay, you must not let thoughts of your wife cloud your head. I know you are worried for her, but worry not, she will be ok. Concentrate on keeping yourself and your brother safe."
"Yes, My Lady."
"Wake up Med-jai!" He heard a scruffy voice form in the cave, and as he looked at Des`demona, she mouthed, "Protect him."
And then, suddenly, the cave and the spirit disappeared from around him, and as he opened his eyes, Ardeth found himself staring down the barrel of a shotgun.
~~
"What the hell…" Ardeth managed to get out, before 2 large bodies pulled him to his feet.
He found himself staring into the face of a tall man. He was about the same height as Ardeth, and seemed to have a nasty scar across his forehead, but other then that, Ardeth could not tell much about the man in the night.
"To think, not only do we get the bounty on that scum's head, but we get the bragging rights that come with killing a sacred Med-jai." Abdul-Qadir said bitterly.
"Who are you, and what do you want with us?" Ardeth said back, just as bitterly.
"We just came to pick up our…investment." He indicated Tarek, who was being tied up and gagged by two large men.
Ardeth's mind worked quickly. What did these men want…money…kings have lots of money…
"How dare you treat the King of the Med-jai in such away!" Ardeth roared. This stopped everyone in his tracks, six pairs of wide eyes on him.
"Well, well, well, we have a King amongst the two of you, do we? Witch one is it?"
Tarek's eyes franticly tried to tell Ardeth no. He didn't pay any attention.
"That man, who you are tying up right now. He is the King of my people."
Tarek squeezed his eyes together tightly and cursed in his mind towards his stupid little brother.
"King?! Scum like you can be king, eh? Well, well, I think our price just went up, eh boys?"
"The Med-jai, we are a very rich people, and he means much to them. They can pay you triple what you would ask those who put a bounty on his head." Ardeth said, his mind going a million miles a minute. A large smile formed on Abdul-Qadir's face.
"But, how will be get word to…your people?"
"I will go inform them…"
"HA! Like I would be that stupid to let you go on your own. No, we will all go, and you," he pointed a dirty finger into Ardeth's face. "will take us there." He turned to Tarek, who by now was flaming mad at Ardeth. "Looks like you get to live to see another sunrise…tie the other up."
Ardeth struggled and tried to break away from the two large bodies, but the two who had tied up Tarek came and held him down, as his hands here tied behind his back, his feet were tied together, and a dirty gag was placed around his mouth. Then, they tied rope between Ardeth's and Tarek's hands and feet, making sure they were not going anywhere.
~~
If looks could kill, Tarek would have viciously murdered Ardeth. Here they were, captives of men who thought Ardeth would take them somewhere, and when they find out that they are not going to get a cent for either men from the Med-jai, they were going to kill both of the men. Ardeth gave his brother a 'Relax, I know what I'm doing' glance, but it did not reassure Tarek. All around them, the men gradually fell asleep, until it was just Ardeth and Tarek left awake. All the while, Ardeth had twisted his face and mouth around, until he was finally able to get his gag off.
"Don't worry." He said in a low voice, "I will get us out of here."
Tarek mumbled something that Ardeth took as, "What the hell are you thinking!"
"I promise you, I will get us out of this. We are about ten miles away from the tenth tribe of the Med-jai, if I can get these fools anywhere close to the tenth tribe, we will be ok."
More mumbling, taken as, "This better work, brother."
"Don't worry, Tarek, I will not let those…things harm you. Trust me, we will get out of this."
~~
The next morning, their captors did not seem surprised that Ardeth had his gag off, in fact, they didn't even seem to notice it was off until they started to untie the two Med-jai from each other. Abdul-Qadir gave Ardeth a dirty look and cursed wildly.
"What way Med-jai, and believe me, if you try anything, we will kill you both with out thinking."
Ardeth, who had managed to get one of the men to tie his hands in front of his body, so that he could guide his horse, and to untie his feet, so that he might ride properly, glared at the man.
"Do any of you speak English?" Ardeth said, in English. All the men, with the exception of Tarek looked at him like he was insane.
"We do not know the pig's language." Abdul-Qadir said bitterly, in Arabic.
"Good." Came the reply, Ardeth guided his horse next to his brothers and whispered, "Follow my lead." in English.
Tarek just shot him a look and nodded slowly. Then, Ardeth guided his horse to the front of the group, always the Leader. And started off, leading the group of men right into the heart of the tenth tribe's privet valley. Ardeth knew that spotters and guards would see them five miles away from the actual city, and he played to Allah that they would stop them then. Not one Med-jai in the world would take such treatment of their king lightly, and the warriors from the tenth tribe were true and well trained. Ardeth did not lie when he said that the Med-jai would pay anything for their king, although he did lie about which man was king. With a silent laugh, Ardeth knew that these five men would not live to see sunset.
~~
It took them about two hours to reach the spot that Ardeth had first seen a Med-jai spotter. He knew that the others in the group, with the exception of Tarek, would not see the spotters along the way. He was grateful idiots were holding him.
They rode for another two miles, until one of the spotters recognized Ardeth, their Chieftain. The young warrior sent a falcon to the chief of the tenth tribe, who read the words in a sudden anger.
"Ardeth Bay comes to us with six other men, and he appears to be their captive."
~~
"Where is this town, Med-jai!" Abdul-Qadir roared.
"We are coming up on it, be patient." Ardeth said. He began to see more and more spotters appear around them. With a quick look back at Tarek, he rode the small group on, bringing them closer and closer to the city of the tenth tribe of the Med-jai.
And suddenly, a large black line appeared on the horizon, and with a sinking heart, Abdul-Qadir had realized the Med-jai had set them up.
"DAMN YOU!" He roared towards Ardeth, "Be on the ready! We have been tricked!" He yelled towards his men. Abdul-Qadir pulled his gun out from under his shirt, and pointed it at Ardeth, but a different shot rang out, and the pistol was town from his hand. Qadir screamed in agony, and looking up, Ardeth saw a warrior on top a large dune, pointing a riffle at the small group. Soon, more Med-jai appeared around them, all pointing guns right at the six men who were not Ardeth Bay.
"Retreat!" Qadir yelled as he grabbed the reins of Ardeth's horse. "Retreat!"
Ardeth shot a look at his brother, and then threw himself off his horse, landing in the sand with a grunt. Tarek did the same, but it was harder for him to move, for his feet were still tied together. Ardeth got up in a flash and ran to his brother, covering him with his own body.
"Get them!" Qadir yelled, as he guided his horse over to where the two Med-jai were. He jumped off his horse and pulled out a second gun.
"That was a stupid move Med-jai." He said in a low voice, pointing the gun right at Ardeth's chest.
"Not as stupid as attacking the king of the Med-jai." Ardeth said back, coldly.
Qadir's four horsemen also jumped off their horses and ran to their leader. It was now a stand off, Ardeth, who was weapon less and had tied hands, against five men with guns. But Ardeth did not worry too much, for he had over 40 Med-jai warriors on his side, and if his captors made one wrong move, they would be taken down in an instant.
"Give it up," Ardeth said, keeping himself between the men and his brother. "You will never get out of this alive."
"And you think you will?" Qadir shot back.
"You will not get to this man, you can kiss that bounty goodbye,"
"I think not." Qadir raised his gun and was about to pull the trigger, when a battle cry priced the air and a sword came down, knocking the gun out of his hands. Ardeth took this time to grab his brother, who was standing, and run, half dragging the hopping man. They were quickly surrounded by a large group of horseback riding Med-jai. One warrior jumped off his horse and pulled out a dagger, cutting the ropes off Ardeth's hands and Tarek's hands and feet.
"My lord, are you unhurt?" He asked, turning to Ardeth.
"I am fine, Tarek?"
"I to, am fine."
The warrior smiled at them, and the sound of a scream made them all turn their heads, as a few men on horses moved away so Ardeth could see what was going on. Already, in the thirty seconds that Ardeth had his back turned, three of the men were killed, and the last two, Qadir and another, were being surrounded by Med-jai with scimitars in hand.
"Do not kill the leader!" Ardeth yelled out, causing a few to turn and look at him. But his men listened to him.
In a blaze of stupidity, the last warrior thought he could fight his way out of the Med-jai, but he was sadly wrong. Then, the Med-jai warriors turned their attention on Qadir, jumped him, and tied him up, gagging him tightly with the rope.
The leader of the tenth tribe, Maahir Lutfi rode up to Ardeth and Tarek.
"My lord," he said with a respectful bow. "I welcome you to my home, I only wish it was under different circumstances."
"It is quite all right, my friend. I thank you for your help, had it not been for you, I fear we would have not gotten through it all alive."
A fellow warrior came up with Ardeth and Tarek's horses; and handed them to their masters.
They rode of towards the tenth Med-jai tribe in silence, as Qadir struggled and twisted, trying to get himself free. It did not take them long to get to the small city, and as they entered, many of the townsfolk came out to welcome their leader to their home.
"I must apologize for not coming out this way often, I really should make it a point to come and visit my other tribes." Ardeth said as he dismounted. "I only stay in good contact with the second and third tribe, for they are so close to my own."
"My lord, any visit from you makes this town happy."
"Thank you, Maahir. I will keep that in mind always."
Tarek had stayed silent for the whole ride back. He was banned from ever stepping foot in a Med-jai city, and he did not dare to defy that rule, so he stayed mounted on his horse.
"Your friend, does he have a name? Does he even speak?" Maahir said.
Ardeth knew the reaction he would get if he told them it was his brother sitting on the horse, but he did not care.
"Maahir, this is my brother, Tarek Bay, and yes, he does speak."
There was one, large, collective gasp from the group that stood around them.
"My lord…your brother…he is not…"
"He is my brother, and your rightful king. You will show him the same respect that you would show any other member of the royal family."
"But...my lord…"
"Do not fight me on this one, Maahir, I do not wish to argue about such issues at this time. Now, will you please show us a place where we might clean our self's up?"
"Yes, my lord, right this way."
They both turned towards Tarek, who looked at the two men. With a sigh, he dismounted, stepping on Med-jai land for the first time in twenty years. The brothers followed Maahir to the bathing section of the town, and showed them into the tents.
"If you need anything else my…lords…just call. We will be happy to do whatever we can to help you…two." He quickly exited.
"You did not have to do that." Tarek said as Maahir left.
"You are my brother, and I was not going to let you just sit out there. Family does not allow that to happen."
This was the first time since reuniting with Ardeth that Tarek had heard him even mention the fact that they were family. He smiled at his little brother.
"Thank you Ardeth, for taking care of me out there. It is not often that the little brother saves the big brother's life. You really knew what you were doing."
Ardeth smiled quickly. "I was making everything up as I went along, Tarek, I had no idea what I was doing out there. All I knew was that I had to get us both through that, alive."
"What are you going to do with their leader?"
"Make an example out of him, that no one messes with the Med-jai or the Bay Family."
Tarek smiled at Ardeth again.
"If only I can tell you how much this all means to me, Ardeth."
"You don't have to."
~~
When Emily finally woke up the next day, she was hoping that all that had happened was a nightmare. But as she opened her eyes, and saw that she was in the bedroom she had fallen asleep in, her heart sank and her let out a soft cry.
She had lost the baby.
Looking around, she saw a large figure standing in the closet doorframe.
"Ardeth?" She asked, sitting up quickly.
A soft chuckle came out of the figure.
"No, sorry love, its just me." Rick said, as he crossed to the bed and sat down next to Emily.
"What time is it?"
"About seven…at night."
"I slept that long?"
"None of us had the heart to wake you. How are you feeling?"
With a sigh, she scooted back until she was sitting up against the headboard.
"Horrible and weak."
Rick reached over and turned on a soft bedside lamp.
"Emily, I am so sorry about what happened." He took her hand in his. "I wish so much that it wouldn't have happened…but it did."
"I know Rick, I know…I just wish I knew why I lost it…that child never even had a chance to…live." Her voice became soft and she could feel tears starting to form in her eyes.
"I know…I know."
Emily blinked away her tears and looked at her friend.
"Where's Tom?"
"He's out side playing with Alex, I believe." Emily nodded. "You know, Em, when Carol and Jonathan first got married, they were able to conceive a child…but in the sixth month of her pregnancy, she to had a miscarriage."
"Then she knows what it is like to have to go through that…"
"Yes, she does. If you need to talk to someone about it, she would be the best person."
"I hardly know her…"
"You hardly knew us once."
"Yeah…once." She thought back to past, happier times. "So…why are you here?" She asked, looking into Rick's soft blue eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"Here…with me right now…"
Rick chuckled. "Well, the way I look at it, is we American's have to stick together, because we are surrounded by the British and the Arabic. I mean, come on Emily, we are seriously out numbered here."
Emily actually laughed. "Yeah, I guess we are. But you have it any other way?"
"Never in a million years." He smiled at his friend. "You should eat, Emily, you will need your strength."
"I know…but I don't think I could face everyone right now."
"Then I will bring your diner up for you, bring Tom's to if you want…"
"You want to eat with me, don't you?"
"Would you mind the company?"
"Not at all."
"Ok." He took Emily's hand and raised it to his lips, kissing it softly. He dropped her hand and rose from the bed.
"Rick…thank you."
"Anytime."
~~
Ten minutes later, Rick lightly pushed the door open with his foot, and brought in a tray with two plates on it. Evy followed him carrying the same thing.
"Hope you don't mine, Luv, but I had to join you." Evy said as she sat her tray down on a table.
"Of course."
Finally, Alex carried Tom in, and sat him down next to his mother on the bed.
"Morning." Alex said with a smile.
"Morning." Emily said back, a soft smile on her face.
As Alex left, Evy handed Emily her plate of food, and then sat one of the trays in front of Tom, and placed a plate on it. Then she and Rick both took their plates and sat at the end of the bed.
"Thank you for this, Evy, I don't think I could have gone down there."
"Well, if we have to break the 'no food in the rooms' rule, I am happy it is for you."
Emily smiled and looked at her food. Pasta. She weakly stuck her fork into the food and raised it to her mouth, taking her first bite. Everybody in the room was watching her.
"Are you going to watch every bite I take?" She asked them once she swallowed.
"Just making sure everything is ok for you, doll." Evy said with a smile.
Emily ate a little more then turned to Tom, to make sure he was eating, he was, quietly. She smiled softly and ran a hand through his thick black hair.
"How are you feeling?" Evy asked softly, taking a bite of her food.
"Like…like I…" She sighed, "Like I failed somehow."
"Oh, Emily, you mustn't think that."
"I know…I know. But it is how I feel." She sat for a minute, "Has there been any word from Ardeth?"
"No, Em, sorry." Rick said softly.
Emily sighed. "Its ok, I am sure I will hear something from him soon."
~~
"Could you get a message to Cairo for me?" Ardeth asked as he walked through the Med-jai City with Maahir.
"Yes, my lord, I could."
"How long will it take?"
"By falcon, a day."
"Good, good. I want a letter delivered to my wife. The Med-jai in Cairo know where she will be."
"My lord, if you give me the letter right now, it will reach your wife tomorrow."
Ardeth reached into the folds of his robe and pulled out a letter, in the strange writing he and Emily used.
"I trust this to get to her quickly. It is very important."
"Yes, my lord."
Ardeth sighed. "Maahir, we are equals in my eye, you don't have to address me as your lord. Ardeth would be just fine."
"Yes…Ardeth."
This caused the Med-jai chieftain to chuckle.
"Tell me, how are the other tribes doing? I have not received word from them in quite some time."
"The 11th and 12th tribes are just fine. Like us, here, life is rather boring. We have not had much action lately. How is life for your home tribe?"
"Leisurely. Many have heard about the City of the Dead, but lately, few have come out to find it. We had some bandits try and take over one of our wells, but that has been it. The second and third tribe are doing very well, and I an afraid I have not heard from the others."
"I do believe, Ardeth, that it about time all the commanders of the tribes get together. It has been far to long since I have seen any other members of the other tribes of the Med-jai. And I do wish to catch up on old times."
"That is a wonderful idea, Maahir, and I agree with you. I believe it was…two and a half years ago since the twelve leaders have been together."
"Yes, and that was such a sad event."
"It was, and before that…why, it was when the Army of Anubis threaten us and the Creature had risen."
Maahir nodded his head. "We always meet under such horrible circumstances. We should all get together, for once, under more pleasant ways."
"I will have Ahmad look it all over and set a date. So be expecting some news from me soon."
"Yes, my…Ardeth."
Ardeth tilted his head up and looked at the stars, a smile on his face.
"Maahir, my brother and I will leave in the morning, so I ask for a tent for us to use tonight."
"Of course."
"Thank you."
Maahir walked off to deliver the letter to a messenger falcon, leaving Ardeth by himself. But he did not mind it, he was happy to be in the normal bustle of a Med-jai town. Oh, did he miss his wife, and how he wished he could be with her, to hold her and tell her everything would be all right. Damn thunderstorms, always bringing such pain and horror.
"Thinking of Emily, Ardeth?" A voice came behind him, turning, he saw Tarek.
"I guess you know me to well."
"Of course I do, I am your brother."
"Indeed you are."
Tarek stepped up next to Ardeth and tipped his head back and looked at the stars as well. After a long minute, he spoke.
"Tell me, how is Meelesh?" It was the first time he had asked of his younger sister.
"Meelesh is fine. She and Ahmad married and have three very wonderful children. The oldest, Codei, is becoming a fine warrior. And Meelesh is the towns head doctor, and she is very good with her work. Saved my wife's life once."
"Oh…I do miss her little smiling face. Does she…does she know about where you really are?"
"Yes, she does. I am sure Ahmad told her." He looked over and saw the fear on Tarek's face. "Worry not, Tarek, I know she does not judge you."
His brother smiled softly. "And your Emily, what does she know of me?"
"She knows what Ahmad told her. So she does not know the whole story, but she will."
Tarek nodded softly.
"We leave in the morning, it will take us another two days to get to Damietta." Ardeth said softly, realizing he only had two days left with his brother. "We should rest now, it has been a long day."
Maahir came back to Ardeth and showed them to their small tent, where both men collapsed in exhaustion.
~~
"Mommy…what happened to you yesterday?" Tom asked as he snuggled into his mother's arms.
"Well…Tom…You know how I told you were going to be a brother?" Emily said through tears.
"Yeah…"
"Well…you see…something happened to the baby. And…"
"Mommy?"
"Tom…you see…the baby…died…. Inside me and…" She let out a soft sob.
"I'm not going to be a brother?" Tom said softly, eyes wide at the sight of his mother's tears.
"No, sweetie, not now."
"Did it hurt you?"
"Yes, doll, it did hurt me. It hurts me very much knowing I…lost the baby. It makes me very sad."
Tom wrapped his tiny arms around his mother's neck and whispered, "You still have me, mommy, don't be sad."
"I know Tom…I know I still have you."
Special note, again, Angie saved my butt by helping me with my story. She wrote the bit where it describes the cave, and Des`demona. Like I said before, she is really the co-author of this story. Just look at how well she writes! She is amazing at describing things.
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It took Ardeth Bay along time to fall asleep that night, worried his dreams would be plagued with the dream he had before. But when he finally drifted off to dreamland, he did not dream of his wife in pain, he dreamt of a cave.
The cave was not at all small, nor was it spacious. The walls were smooth; a pale alabaster in hue, flecked with bits of obsidian here and there -- like marble. Light streamed from the ground, from some unknown source, bathing the entire area in an ethereal white glow. Across the back wall the colors shifted, blotches of pale scarlet, chartreuse, cobalt, and amethyst covering it like a myriad of rainbows. But this wasn't the most amazing sight.
The thing that caused Ardeth's eyes to widen with shock was the being just ahead of him. She was a beautiful young woman, looking no more then a teenager, her eyes dancing with an innocent that had never faded from her childhood years. However, behind this Ardeth could see more - a cunning shrewdness. Her eyes reflected a calm understanding, wise beyond any mortal. The pale shades of the wall outlined her body, which was garbed in a simple white dress. She was semi-transparent to Ardeth, however she would pulsate in and out of realism, showing her exterior qualities every moment or so. The white dress was fitting to her figure, lace decorating the edges, which were not frayed in the least. She seemed perfect. The only thing wrong with her was that she wasn't completely there at all - she was a spirit, a denizen of another world unknown to Ardeth.
Hair the color of midnight tumbled down her back in a fountain of obsidian, a few rebellious strands framing her lovely face. Her complexion was pale, a stark contrast to her hair. Equally pale azure-blue eyes stared at the Med-jai, and her pale lips pursed in an amused expression, as if she had expected his arrival.
Ardeth was afraid of the being that floated before him, though he knew in the back of his head that he had nothing to fear. Ardeth and the being looked into each other's eyes for a long time, the small smile on her lips never disappearing.
"Welcome, young Ardeth Bay." The spirit spoke, however her lips didn't move. Words formed in Ardeth's head, echoing against the walls of his mind. Her voice was soothing and gentle, as if she was talking to a little boy.
He could not ignore the lump that had formed in his throat; he forced it down with all his power, and choked out, "Hello."
This made the spirit laugh. Her laugh echoed in his mind, haunting and powerful. The smile on her lips widened.
"You have nothing to fear, Young Bay, I am not here to hurt you, I am here to warn you."
"Warn me of what, My Lady."
"My name is Des`demona, and I am the protector of all the Med-jai, and you and your brother are in danger. There is a group of men coming to kill you both."
"Why?"
"They are bounty hunters, looking for the price on Tarek's head."
"How do you know this?" He said, looking the spirit.
"I know all, young Bay, I know every life that interacts with your own. I know the future and I know the past. I know your thoughts and feelings travel to your sick wife, but they must stop. You must be alert and watch out for these men, they could mean the death of you and your brother."
"My wife, she really…"
"Yes, young Bay. What you saw was true."
Ardeth gasped and looked away, shocked and horrified.
"Young Bay, you must not let thoughts of your wife cloud your head. I know you are worried for her, but worry not, she will be ok. Concentrate on keeping yourself and your brother safe."
"Yes, My Lady."
"Wake up Med-jai!" He heard a scruffy voice form in the cave, and as he looked at Des`demona, she mouthed, "Protect him."
And then, suddenly, the cave and the spirit disappeared from around him, and as he opened his eyes, Ardeth found himself staring down the barrel of a shotgun.
~~
"What the hell…" Ardeth managed to get out, before 2 large bodies pulled him to his feet.
He found himself staring into the face of a tall man. He was about the same height as Ardeth, and seemed to have a nasty scar across his forehead, but other then that, Ardeth could not tell much about the man in the night.
"To think, not only do we get the bounty on that scum's head, but we get the bragging rights that come with killing a sacred Med-jai." Abdul-Qadir said bitterly.
"Who are you, and what do you want with us?" Ardeth said back, just as bitterly.
"We just came to pick up our…investment." He indicated Tarek, who was being tied up and gagged by two large men.
Ardeth's mind worked quickly. What did these men want…money…kings have lots of money…
"How dare you treat the King of the Med-jai in such away!" Ardeth roared. This stopped everyone in his tracks, six pairs of wide eyes on him.
"Well, well, well, we have a King amongst the two of you, do we? Witch one is it?"
Tarek's eyes franticly tried to tell Ardeth no. He didn't pay any attention.
"That man, who you are tying up right now. He is the King of my people."
Tarek squeezed his eyes together tightly and cursed in his mind towards his stupid little brother.
"King?! Scum like you can be king, eh? Well, well, I think our price just went up, eh boys?"
"The Med-jai, we are a very rich people, and he means much to them. They can pay you triple what you would ask those who put a bounty on his head." Ardeth said, his mind going a million miles a minute. A large smile formed on Abdul-Qadir's face.
"But, how will be get word to…your people?"
"I will go inform them…"
"HA! Like I would be that stupid to let you go on your own. No, we will all go, and you," he pointed a dirty finger into Ardeth's face. "will take us there." He turned to Tarek, who by now was flaming mad at Ardeth. "Looks like you get to live to see another sunrise…tie the other up."
Ardeth struggled and tried to break away from the two large bodies, but the two who had tied up Tarek came and held him down, as his hands here tied behind his back, his feet were tied together, and a dirty gag was placed around his mouth. Then, they tied rope between Ardeth's and Tarek's hands and feet, making sure they were not going anywhere.
~~
If looks could kill, Tarek would have viciously murdered Ardeth. Here they were, captives of men who thought Ardeth would take them somewhere, and when they find out that they are not going to get a cent for either men from the Med-jai, they were going to kill both of the men. Ardeth gave his brother a 'Relax, I know what I'm doing' glance, but it did not reassure Tarek. All around them, the men gradually fell asleep, until it was just Ardeth and Tarek left awake. All the while, Ardeth had twisted his face and mouth around, until he was finally able to get his gag off.
"Don't worry." He said in a low voice, "I will get us out of here."
Tarek mumbled something that Ardeth took as, "What the hell are you thinking!"
"I promise you, I will get us out of this. We are about ten miles away from the tenth tribe of the Med-jai, if I can get these fools anywhere close to the tenth tribe, we will be ok."
More mumbling, taken as, "This better work, brother."
"Don't worry, Tarek, I will not let those…things harm you. Trust me, we will get out of this."
~~
The next morning, their captors did not seem surprised that Ardeth had his gag off, in fact, they didn't even seem to notice it was off until they started to untie the two Med-jai from each other. Abdul-Qadir gave Ardeth a dirty look and cursed wildly.
"What way Med-jai, and believe me, if you try anything, we will kill you both with out thinking."
Ardeth, who had managed to get one of the men to tie his hands in front of his body, so that he could guide his horse, and to untie his feet, so that he might ride properly, glared at the man.
"Do any of you speak English?" Ardeth said, in English. All the men, with the exception of Tarek looked at him like he was insane.
"We do not know the pig's language." Abdul-Qadir said bitterly, in Arabic.
"Good." Came the reply, Ardeth guided his horse next to his brothers and whispered, "Follow my lead." in English.
Tarek just shot him a look and nodded slowly. Then, Ardeth guided his horse to the front of the group, always the Leader. And started off, leading the group of men right into the heart of the tenth tribe's privet valley. Ardeth knew that spotters and guards would see them five miles away from the actual city, and he played to Allah that they would stop them then. Not one Med-jai in the world would take such treatment of their king lightly, and the warriors from the tenth tribe were true and well trained. Ardeth did not lie when he said that the Med-jai would pay anything for their king, although he did lie about which man was king. With a silent laugh, Ardeth knew that these five men would not live to see sunset.
~~
It took them about two hours to reach the spot that Ardeth had first seen a Med-jai spotter. He knew that the others in the group, with the exception of Tarek, would not see the spotters along the way. He was grateful idiots were holding him.
They rode for another two miles, until one of the spotters recognized Ardeth, their Chieftain. The young warrior sent a falcon to the chief of the tenth tribe, who read the words in a sudden anger.
"Ardeth Bay comes to us with six other men, and he appears to be their captive."
~~
"Where is this town, Med-jai!" Abdul-Qadir roared.
"We are coming up on it, be patient." Ardeth said. He began to see more and more spotters appear around them. With a quick look back at Tarek, he rode the small group on, bringing them closer and closer to the city of the tenth tribe of the Med-jai.
And suddenly, a large black line appeared on the horizon, and with a sinking heart, Abdul-Qadir had realized the Med-jai had set them up.
"DAMN YOU!" He roared towards Ardeth, "Be on the ready! We have been tricked!" He yelled towards his men. Abdul-Qadir pulled his gun out from under his shirt, and pointed it at Ardeth, but a different shot rang out, and the pistol was town from his hand. Qadir screamed in agony, and looking up, Ardeth saw a warrior on top a large dune, pointing a riffle at the small group. Soon, more Med-jai appeared around them, all pointing guns right at the six men who were not Ardeth Bay.
"Retreat!" Qadir yelled as he grabbed the reins of Ardeth's horse. "Retreat!"
Ardeth shot a look at his brother, and then threw himself off his horse, landing in the sand with a grunt. Tarek did the same, but it was harder for him to move, for his feet were still tied together. Ardeth got up in a flash and ran to his brother, covering him with his own body.
"Get them!" Qadir yelled, as he guided his horse over to where the two Med-jai were. He jumped off his horse and pulled out a second gun.
"That was a stupid move Med-jai." He said in a low voice, pointing the gun right at Ardeth's chest.
"Not as stupid as attacking the king of the Med-jai." Ardeth said back, coldly.
Qadir's four horsemen also jumped off their horses and ran to their leader. It was now a stand off, Ardeth, who was weapon less and had tied hands, against five men with guns. But Ardeth did not worry too much, for he had over 40 Med-jai warriors on his side, and if his captors made one wrong move, they would be taken down in an instant.
"Give it up," Ardeth said, keeping himself between the men and his brother. "You will never get out of this alive."
"And you think you will?" Qadir shot back.
"You will not get to this man, you can kiss that bounty goodbye,"
"I think not." Qadir raised his gun and was about to pull the trigger, when a battle cry priced the air and a sword came down, knocking the gun out of his hands. Ardeth took this time to grab his brother, who was standing, and run, half dragging the hopping man. They were quickly surrounded by a large group of horseback riding Med-jai. One warrior jumped off his horse and pulled out a dagger, cutting the ropes off Ardeth's hands and Tarek's hands and feet.
"My lord, are you unhurt?" He asked, turning to Ardeth.
"I am fine, Tarek?"
"I to, am fine."
The warrior smiled at them, and the sound of a scream made them all turn their heads, as a few men on horses moved away so Ardeth could see what was going on. Already, in the thirty seconds that Ardeth had his back turned, three of the men were killed, and the last two, Qadir and another, were being surrounded by Med-jai with scimitars in hand.
"Do not kill the leader!" Ardeth yelled out, causing a few to turn and look at him. But his men listened to him.
In a blaze of stupidity, the last warrior thought he could fight his way out of the Med-jai, but he was sadly wrong. Then, the Med-jai warriors turned their attention on Qadir, jumped him, and tied him up, gagging him tightly with the rope.
The leader of the tenth tribe, Maahir Lutfi rode up to Ardeth and Tarek.
"My lord," he said with a respectful bow. "I welcome you to my home, I only wish it was under different circumstances."
"It is quite all right, my friend. I thank you for your help, had it not been for you, I fear we would have not gotten through it all alive."
A fellow warrior came up with Ardeth and Tarek's horses; and handed them to their masters.
They rode of towards the tenth Med-jai tribe in silence, as Qadir struggled and twisted, trying to get himself free. It did not take them long to get to the small city, and as they entered, many of the townsfolk came out to welcome their leader to their home.
"I must apologize for not coming out this way often, I really should make it a point to come and visit my other tribes." Ardeth said as he dismounted. "I only stay in good contact with the second and third tribe, for they are so close to my own."
"My lord, any visit from you makes this town happy."
"Thank you, Maahir. I will keep that in mind always."
Tarek had stayed silent for the whole ride back. He was banned from ever stepping foot in a Med-jai city, and he did not dare to defy that rule, so he stayed mounted on his horse.
"Your friend, does he have a name? Does he even speak?" Maahir said.
Ardeth knew the reaction he would get if he told them it was his brother sitting on the horse, but he did not care.
"Maahir, this is my brother, Tarek Bay, and yes, he does speak."
There was one, large, collective gasp from the group that stood around them.
"My lord…your brother…he is not…"
"He is my brother, and your rightful king. You will show him the same respect that you would show any other member of the royal family."
"But...my lord…"
"Do not fight me on this one, Maahir, I do not wish to argue about such issues at this time. Now, will you please show us a place where we might clean our self's up?"
"Yes, my lord, right this way."
They both turned towards Tarek, who looked at the two men. With a sigh, he dismounted, stepping on Med-jai land for the first time in twenty years. The brothers followed Maahir to the bathing section of the town, and showed them into the tents.
"If you need anything else my…lords…just call. We will be happy to do whatever we can to help you…two." He quickly exited.
"You did not have to do that." Tarek said as Maahir left.
"You are my brother, and I was not going to let you just sit out there. Family does not allow that to happen."
This was the first time since reuniting with Ardeth that Tarek had heard him even mention the fact that they were family. He smiled at his little brother.
"Thank you Ardeth, for taking care of me out there. It is not often that the little brother saves the big brother's life. You really knew what you were doing."
Ardeth smiled quickly. "I was making everything up as I went along, Tarek, I had no idea what I was doing out there. All I knew was that I had to get us both through that, alive."
"What are you going to do with their leader?"
"Make an example out of him, that no one messes with the Med-jai or the Bay Family."
Tarek smiled at Ardeth again.
"If only I can tell you how much this all means to me, Ardeth."
"You don't have to."
~~
When Emily finally woke up the next day, she was hoping that all that had happened was a nightmare. But as she opened her eyes, and saw that she was in the bedroom she had fallen asleep in, her heart sank and her let out a soft cry.
She had lost the baby.
Looking around, she saw a large figure standing in the closet doorframe.
"Ardeth?" She asked, sitting up quickly.
A soft chuckle came out of the figure.
"No, sorry love, its just me." Rick said, as he crossed to the bed and sat down next to Emily.
"What time is it?"
"About seven…at night."
"I slept that long?"
"None of us had the heart to wake you. How are you feeling?"
With a sigh, she scooted back until she was sitting up against the headboard.
"Horrible and weak."
Rick reached over and turned on a soft bedside lamp.
"Emily, I am so sorry about what happened." He took her hand in his. "I wish so much that it wouldn't have happened…but it did."
"I know Rick, I know…I just wish I knew why I lost it…that child never even had a chance to…live." Her voice became soft and she could feel tears starting to form in her eyes.
"I know…I know."
Emily blinked away her tears and looked at her friend.
"Where's Tom?"
"He's out side playing with Alex, I believe." Emily nodded. "You know, Em, when Carol and Jonathan first got married, they were able to conceive a child…but in the sixth month of her pregnancy, she to had a miscarriage."
"Then she knows what it is like to have to go through that…"
"Yes, she does. If you need to talk to someone about it, she would be the best person."
"I hardly know her…"
"You hardly knew us once."
"Yeah…once." She thought back to past, happier times. "So…why are you here?" She asked, looking into Rick's soft blue eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"Here…with me right now…"
Rick chuckled. "Well, the way I look at it, is we American's have to stick together, because we are surrounded by the British and the Arabic. I mean, come on Emily, we are seriously out numbered here."
Emily actually laughed. "Yeah, I guess we are. But you have it any other way?"
"Never in a million years." He smiled at his friend. "You should eat, Emily, you will need your strength."
"I know…but I don't think I could face everyone right now."
"Then I will bring your diner up for you, bring Tom's to if you want…"
"You want to eat with me, don't you?"
"Would you mind the company?"
"Not at all."
"Ok." He took Emily's hand and raised it to his lips, kissing it softly. He dropped her hand and rose from the bed.
"Rick…thank you."
"Anytime."
~~
Ten minutes later, Rick lightly pushed the door open with his foot, and brought in a tray with two plates on it. Evy followed him carrying the same thing.
"Hope you don't mine, Luv, but I had to join you." Evy said as she sat her tray down on a table.
"Of course."
Finally, Alex carried Tom in, and sat him down next to his mother on the bed.
"Morning." Alex said with a smile.
"Morning." Emily said back, a soft smile on her face.
As Alex left, Evy handed Emily her plate of food, and then sat one of the trays in front of Tom, and placed a plate on it. Then she and Rick both took their plates and sat at the end of the bed.
"Thank you for this, Evy, I don't think I could have gone down there."
"Well, if we have to break the 'no food in the rooms' rule, I am happy it is for you."
Emily smiled and looked at her food. Pasta. She weakly stuck her fork into the food and raised it to her mouth, taking her first bite. Everybody in the room was watching her.
"Are you going to watch every bite I take?" She asked them once she swallowed.
"Just making sure everything is ok for you, doll." Evy said with a smile.
Emily ate a little more then turned to Tom, to make sure he was eating, he was, quietly. She smiled softly and ran a hand through his thick black hair.
"How are you feeling?" Evy asked softly, taking a bite of her food.
"Like…like I…" She sighed, "Like I failed somehow."
"Oh, Emily, you mustn't think that."
"I know…I know. But it is how I feel." She sat for a minute, "Has there been any word from Ardeth?"
"No, Em, sorry." Rick said softly.
Emily sighed. "Its ok, I am sure I will hear something from him soon."
~~
"Could you get a message to Cairo for me?" Ardeth asked as he walked through the Med-jai City with Maahir.
"Yes, my lord, I could."
"How long will it take?"
"By falcon, a day."
"Good, good. I want a letter delivered to my wife. The Med-jai in Cairo know where she will be."
"My lord, if you give me the letter right now, it will reach your wife tomorrow."
Ardeth reached into the folds of his robe and pulled out a letter, in the strange writing he and Emily used.
"I trust this to get to her quickly. It is very important."
"Yes, my lord."
Ardeth sighed. "Maahir, we are equals in my eye, you don't have to address me as your lord. Ardeth would be just fine."
"Yes…Ardeth."
This caused the Med-jai chieftain to chuckle.
"Tell me, how are the other tribes doing? I have not received word from them in quite some time."
"The 11th and 12th tribes are just fine. Like us, here, life is rather boring. We have not had much action lately. How is life for your home tribe?"
"Leisurely. Many have heard about the City of the Dead, but lately, few have come out to find it. We had some bandits try and take over one of our wells, but that has been it. The second and third tribe are doing very well, and I an afraid I have not heard from the others."
"I do believe, Ardeth, that it about time all the commanders of the tribes get together. It has been far to long since I have seen any other members of the other tribes of the Med-jai. And I do wish to catch up on old times."
"That is a wonderful idea, Maahir, and I agree with you. I believe it was…two and a half years ago since the twelve leaders have been together."
"Yes, and that was such a sad event."
"It was, and before that…why, it was when the Army of Anubis threaten us and the Creature had risen."
Maahir nodded his head. "We always meet under such horrible circumstances. We should all get together, for once, under more pleasant ways."
"I will have Ahmad look it all over and set a date. So be expecting some news from me soon."
"Yes, my…Ardeth."
Ardeth tilted his head up and looked at the stars, a smile on his face.
"Maahir, my brother and I will leave in the morning, so I ask for a tent for us to use tonight."
"Of course."
"Thank you."
Maahir walked off to deliver the letter to a messenger falcon, leaving Ardeth by himself. But he did not mind it, he was happy to be in the normal bustle of a Med-jai town. Oh, did he miss his wife, and how he wished he could be with her, to hold her and tell her everything would be all right. Damn thunderstorms, always bringing such pain and horror.
"Thinking of Emily, Ardeth?" A voice came behind him, turning, he saw Tarek.
"I guess you know me to well."
"Of course I do, I am your brother."
"Indeed you are."
Tarek stepped up next to Ardeth and tipped his head back and looked at the stars as well. After a long minute, he spoke.
"Tell me, how is Meelesh?" It was the first time he had asked of his younger sister.
"Meelesh is fine. She and Ahmad married and have three very wonderful children. The oldest, Codei, is becoming a fine warrior. And Meelesh is the towns head doctor, and she is very good with her work. Saved my wife's life once."
"Oh…I do miss her little smiling face. Does she…does she know about where you really are?"
"Yes, she does. I am sure Ahmad told her." He looked over and saw the fear on Tarek's face. "Worry not, Tarek, I know she does not judge you."
His brother smiled softly. "And your Emily, what does she know of me?"
"She knows what Ahmad told her. So she does not know the whole story, but she will."
Tarek nodded softly.
"We leave in the morning, it will take us another two days to get to Damietta." Ardeth said softly, realizing he only had two days left with his brother. "We should rest now, it has been a long day."
Maahir came back to Ardeth and showed them to their small tent, where both men collapsed in exhaustion.
~~
"Mommy…what happened to you yesterday?" Tom asked as he snuggled into his mother's arms.
"Well…Tom…You know how I told you were going to be a brother?" Emily said through tears.
"Yeah…"
"Well…you see…something happened to the baby. And…"
"Mommy?"
"Tom…you see…the baby…died…. Inside me and…" She let out a soft sob.
"I'm not going to be a brother?" Tom said softly, eyes wide at the sight of his mother's tears.
"No, sweetie, not now."
"Did it hurt you?"
"Yes, doll, it did hurt me. It hurts me very much knowing I…lost the baby. It makes me very sad."
Tom wrapped his tiny arms around his mother's neck and whispered, "You still have me, mommy, don't be sad."
"I know Tom…I know I still have you."