I don't know if this is going to post or not, but I figured I'd try before I go on vacation because I won't be at a computer for the next week (woo hoo! going to a Mariners game! yes!!!!:) Also when I get back I'll catch up on reading, cuz I know I'm a bit behind:)

Jetso, you've set my mind reeling with questions, only some of which I have the answers to! Here's a few of them:)...Climax! Ha! Much more is coming, trust me. But things are getting pretty crazy from now on...About the ring, it's not Egyptian, it's from Cyprus (via Achsu-rai's mother's family), so let's just say that somewhere on Cyprus someone knew how to cut a diamond and they placed it in this ring, which weaves inexplicably through time and space and eternity, so therefore I (and mithwith agrees:) figure it has to be slightly magical in the first place;)....

Jetso also brought up something I felt I should clarify for everyone. Ardeth is not telling this story, they are literally living it...like in a dream-world, sort of...get it? Go back and read chapter one if I'm totally confusing you :)

Hel, I think there would be a contract out on my head if I didn't see this through, lol! :) It's completely planned out and partly written, so you can rest assured that I will finish :) Thanks for recommending my story, that means a lot! :)

Dylan, I am done with finals, thank the Lord, although they might have gone a bit better than they did:( Now I am working for the summer, ick, but at least there's no homework:)...

Also many many thanks to all of my readers :)

Chapter 16

Don't Do Anything I Wouldn't Do

Achsu-rai reached the base camp in record time. His father had been staying in one of the little huts on it's outskirts, in as much comfort as he would accept. Seti would certainly have granted him a feather bed and a physician in the palace, but Nomanre would not take such charity. The Medjai leader was growing old, that was true, but he would not step down from the lofty heights that were his principles. Achsu-rai admired his father, that was true, but at the same time cursed his stubbornness.

He took a moment for his eyes to adjust in the dim light, then slowly approached the bed. A warrior...but above all things a father. Strong, invincible...turned frail, weak... Haima, Achsu-rai's young cousin, sat watch over the Medjai leader with a cool rag in her hand and tears in her eyes.

"How is he?" Achsu-rai asked gently, not wanting to wake him.

"Bad," Haima said. "Worse. I'm sorry, Achsu-rai."

"Would you...would you leave us alone?"

"Certainly."

Haima rose from her vigil and left father and son alone. When Achsu-rai looked back at Nomanre, the old man was wide awake and staring at him intently. "Who is she?" he asked.

"That was Haima. Your niece."

"No, I mean the girl. The one you're in love with. Who is she? Don't look at me like that, you think I don't hear things?"

"How do you know that?"

"I know nothing! I only know there's someone. I know you gave her Anna's ring, didn't you?"

"Oh. Well, I just..."

For a dying man, Nomanre managed to pick up on a lot of things. "What are you doing explaining yourself? It belongs to your love now, just as Anna would have wanted. You do love her, don't you?"

"More than anything."

"So who is she?"

"Her name is Nefertiri."

Nomanre gave a short laugh, which soon turned into a minor coughing fit. "I'm fine, I'm fine," he insisted as Achsu-rai attempted to help him drink. He took some water anyway, then lay back on the thin mattress with a sigh. "Never get old, Achsu-rai. It is very difficult to live this long."

"I'll keep that in mind."

A smile still played around Nomanre's eyes. "So, was she named after the princess, then?"

"I suppose."

"She must be very young, then. The princess is only, what, 16, 17--"

"Eighteen."

"Ah, right, of course. Did she like the ring?"

"Very much."

"Who is her father?"

"A noble of great importance."

"I see. Might I know him?"

"Perhaps."

"You're very good at this game, aren't you Achsu-rai? I can see you have practice."

"Love is a dangerous game, father. When one breaks the rules, one must know the consequences."

"Breaking the rules? How out of character for you, son. Perhaps this Nefertiri of yours has taught you a thing or two."

"She has taught me to live."

"Is she worth all this?"

"Beyond a shadow of a doubt."

Nomanre sighed heavily, closing his eyes as if the weight of the world had become too much of a burden to keep them open. "I fear for you, my son. But I trust you."

"Thank you, father."

The great Medjai warrior opened his eyes once more and fumbled behind the pillow. "I have something to give you, Achsu-rai. Something that may foretell your destiny, if I have read the stars correctly."

"You can tell the future now?"

"By Osiris, I hope not," Nomanre replied. "For if what I have seen is true..."

That horrible feeling was back in the pit of Achsu-rai's stomach. "You have had a vision?"

"No. Just a feeling. But a certain one."

Nomanre drew something wrapped in cloth out from behind the pillow. He carefully unfolded it from the covering. A tiny golden star surrounded by a half circle came into view, and as the rest of the cloth fell away Achsu-rai realized what it was. "The Scepter of Osiris," he said. "It's been in the family ages, father, what--"

"No," Nomanre interrupted. "It is not a scepter. It is a spear."

"What? But--"

"Achsu-rai, this is important. Your destiny is intertwined with this spear, I have sensed it. You must leave the Spear of Osiris with someone you trust, 'til you have need of it."

"This is about the Bracelet of Anubis, isn't it? It's something to do with Nefertiri."

"Ah," Nomanre said, closing his eyes once more and resting his weary head back on the pillow. "I knew you'd slip up sooner or later, son."

"You already knew."

"Perhaps I did. Your fate is surely connected to the Protector of the Bracelet, I am not surprised."

"But what does this have to do with me? What am I to do, defeat the Scorpion King?" Achsu-rai laughed, but the tone was nervous. "Everyone knows that is just a myth--"

"Then why do you place so much faith in the Bracelet, Achsu-rai? Why must we protect the Bracelet if there is no truth to the legends?"

"The Bracelet is nothing but a piece of jewelry, father. I have never placed faith in it."

"And yet you instructed your beloved to guard it, without knowing its full power?"

"It was just to give her something to do, to make the pharaoh happy--"

"Too big of a coincidence, if you ask me. But what do I know? I do not have all the answers, Achsu-rai. My part is over. I pray you will fulfill your fate well."

"Father..."

Nomanre's eyes were clear, bright. "I love you, my son. Do not mourn for me, there is too much more you must do." With a final sigh, he closed his eyes once more.

Achsu-rai bowed his head, but he could not allow himself to cry. Not now, not yet. He allowed himself only a moment of silent grief before rising, gently drawing the covers over his father's tranquil face. He took a deep breath and exited the tent, and went to meet his destiny.

~*~*~*~

I'd love some reviews to read when I get back:)