Chapter 10...............
In Cabras, it was Mustafa's turn to have his patience sorely tested. When the Medjai had recieved the long awaited message that their leader and his son were not only alive, but safe and well also, the whole of the tribes had rejoiced. Ardeths mother had fallen to her knees in pure relief. The destruction once again of Imhotep, and the total wipeout of the Scorpion King and his armies had a miraculous, settling effect on the whole of the Medjai race. Now they were looking forward to the future with relish and the icing on the proverbial cake would be the return of their young leader and his son. The young leader who had given up so much of his own life in their service. Now they were here, within reach, but why all the waiting?
"I dont know what to say my friend," started Hector. "Juan, my son, should have returned by now. I have to admit I fear all is not well," he said guardedly, wondering if the ten men stood in front of him would in some way hold him personally responsible.
Mustafa saw the conflict in Hector's eyes and quickly turned to his men, dispersing them into the other room.
"May we speak plainly?" said Mustafa, lowering his voice slightly.
Hector nodded and urged him to continue.
"Many men are afraid of the Medjai, some with good reason. But please believe me when I tell you that you have nothing to fear from us. It's obvious that Ardeth Bay trusts you and so shall we. But, we would appreciate your complete honesty in this matter. Is that understood?"
Hector nodded again and began to explain fully the events of the previous night.
"So I take it you have grave concerns that the men who would threaten the life of our leader and his child have returned with re-inforcements," questioned Mustafa.
"It would seem as though that is the case," admitted Hector.
"So Hector, how far is it to Cotillo?" Mustafa questioned, the lines on his worry worn face deepening.
Mustafa was one of Ardeth's staunchest supporters. He had watched as Ardeth passed through childhood and became the man he now was. Mustafa was still a very imposing figure, even with his gray hair and battle weakened body. He possesed a kind heart that only those closest to him knew pounded within the massive chest. But he was also known as a worrier, always expecting the worst, and some sixth sense within him knew that danger wasn't far away in this case.
"It's too far on foot, especially as the sun's now coming up," Hector explained, knowing full well Mustafa would appreciate and understand the perils of trekking though desert scrubland in the fierce heat that would all too soon arrive.
"Do you have any other transport we could use, as I'm sure you understand fully our urgency," asked Mustafa.
"I dont, my son has my only vehicle," Hector said in utter despair. Suddenly the look on his face changed as a flash of inspiration hit him. "Just a moment, please trust me, give me half an hour and I'll have the transport you need," he said wryly.
"I trust you my friend, I trust you will not let us down," said Mustafa, placing a strong tattoed hand on Hectors shoulder in support.
In La Olivia, Maria hammered on the heavy oak door of her daughters house. After Pedro had given her the devastating news of her brother in law's death, he'd seen her safely into Alejandro's car and sent them on their way to La Olivia, explaining that he and Juan needed to warn Ardeth and Samia of the danger they were now in.
Maria had pleaded with him to take care. She knew he'd invoke the old code of honor, swearing vengence on anyone who harmed any of his family. She worried for him, he was seventy years old but still tried to live the life of one much younger. But although she feared for him, she admired and respected him greatly and understood why he was compelled to seek vengence.
"Mama, what is it?" cried Rosa. "What's the matter?"
"Shh child, let me in and I'll explain. Where are the boys?" asked Maria.
"They're in the garden sleeping, I think they've been up most of the night," she said. "Mama, please what is it?!
"Rosa, make some coffee and sit down, I'll explain everything. I have some news of uncle Carlos, and it's not good I'm afraid."
Rosa's tears spilled into the coffee cup as the grieved for her uncle. "Miguel will join father, you know that dont you?"
"I know, It's all so personal now, they haven't just struck at Samia and little Hamid, they've struck at our hearts."
"Well Mama, you know they wont live to tell the tale. The honor code still holds strong here."
"I know," said Maria, "but I'm worried that your father and now your husband will fall foul of the authorities, you know they've been trying to stamp out vengence debts, but there's no way we can let this lie. I've a horrible feeling that more will suffer before all this is over."
"Mama, dont worry. I'll keep the authorities busy, there's only four police officers in the north of the Island. Before lunchtime they'll have been pulled of their fat backsides and be working for their pay for a change."
Fuerteventura being a small and relatively trouble free island, there were few police stations and those that existed were single manned by aging officers, more used to finding lost goats and intervening in disputes between neighbors than breaking up any real trouble.
Rosa knew that if she could stoke up a little trouble in La Olivia she could probably get the entire force up there, leaving her father, husband and whoever free to pursue her uncle Carlos's killers. She quickly finished her coffee and explained her plan to her mother, leaving Maria with the boys as she rushed off to find Miguel before he left with Alejandro.
After despatching Maria to their daughters house in the hills, Pedro and Juan made a short stop at Pedro's home. Pedro quickly found the key to the cabinet in the bedroom. Opening it he sighed as he removed the contents.
"You have perhaps been expecting a war?" asked Juan in amazement as two rifles and a small revolver were thrust into his hands.
"It's a long story Juan, so I'll be brief," said Pedro. "Many years ago, when my father was still alive, we on the island had a lot of trouble from pirates thinking that they could come ashore and just take what they wanted from us. Needless to say most of the islanders armed themselves," he said. "Come on, time is getting on, let's not waste it," he winked, throwing countless rounds of ammunition at a still bemused Juan.
The word had spread and as Pedro and Juan left the house half a dozen village men were waiting for them. All armed to the teeth.
Hector had been very resourceful in a short space of time. He and ten very impatient Medjai were now well on their way to Cotillo on horseback. He's used the advantage of the early hour to secure all of the local riding schools mounts. Mustafa was both amazed and relieved. Horses, familiar transport to him. Not quite the Medjai standard of horses, but horses all the same.
Over a dozen red robed men paced the floor of the small deserted building in the foothills behind the vast dunes just outside of Corralejo. They'd been holed up overnight, waiting for the return of Rashid and Hamman. The death of Lock Nah and the slaughter of many of their ranks at Ahm Shere had further hardened their resolve against Ardeth Bay and the Medjai. Most were happy with using any means necessary to gain their revenge.
Bahir scanned the horizon for any sign of Rashid, their new leader, confident he had been sucessful and would be returning any moment. As he squinted, he saw the small truck struggling slowly through the dense scrubland. Oh yes, he thought. They were definitely getting closer to their ultimate goal of bringing down the man who killed their leader.
"How much further," demanded Mustafa.
"Not far, we're on the outskirts of the village now," replied Hector. "The house is only a short way down that small track," he said, pointing to the right.
"So, you've heard then?" asked Pedro.
"Yes, we've heard," replied Oscar, his neighbor. "We're all sorry for your loss my friend, It's our loss also."
Pedro nodded in thanks. "You know what I must do, what I have to do. You know I still keep to the old ways?"
"We're all behind you Pedro, Alejandro will be bringing Miguel back with him, do you want to wait for them?" asked Oscar.
"No, we have no time, I need to go and warn Ardeth and Samia, they have no idea what's happened. At least I have little Hamid safe, thank the Lord."
"Jose will stay behind and wait for Alejandro and Miguel, the rest of us are coming with you. We're all brothers on this Island my friend," said Oscar, clutching Pedro's shoulders in a gesture of support.
"That's what I was counting on," smiled Pedro weakly. And if I know my daughter as well as I think I do, I can guarantee there'll be no police to bother us.
In La Olivia a major disturbance was afoot. A land dispute had gotten completely out of control. Rosa and her close friends were practically tearing each other apart over land that the local bar owners daughter had claimed for her own. Actually it had been deemed as hers after her father's death and the court had rubber stamped ownership. Luis the middle aged, extremely portly police officer now found he had a mob of angry women all but battering his door down. He was so overwhelmed he got straight on one of the islands few telephones to his fellow officers in the north of the island. When re-inforcements arrived they found him still cowering in his office.
Neither parties involved in the dispute were backing down. The culprit, Rosa, was vehemently protesting that the matter was of great urgency and needed to be solved among the villagers today. After long lengthy arguments and a heck of a lot of bickering she would back down. But for now and for as long as it took she was more than happy to keep stirring the wooden spoon of discontent.
Maria sat out in the garden with Hamid and Miguel junior, regaling them with tales of old, playing games and generally trying just about anything that would pass the time on for the inquisitive duo. Not once did her calm air fail her, although her insides were awash with fear. Fear for her husband, fear for her daughters husband who she hoped by now would be in Cotillo at Pedro's side. She couldn't yet mourn properly over the loss of her vivacious brother in law, neither could she let out any of her fears for Ardeth and Samia's safety. Hamid's face had been a picture as he sat at her feet, listening to her tales, she just couldn't bear to think of any misfortune heading his way.
Pedro, Juan and the rest of the villagers were not in the least bit surprised to find that Pedro's truck had disappeared. They'd already surmised that the intruders would need transport and would not go through the usual channels to obtain it.
They walked swiftly towards Samia's cottage and were almost at the gates when they saw a cloud of sand that had been kicked up in the distance.
"Quick, get down and be ready," shouted Oscar, as the sound of horses hooves echoed closer. The noise became louder and louder as hooves clashed against the stone of the path.
"It's Hector, it's alright," shouted Pedro as he made out the familiar face at the front of the entourrage.
The Medjai riders remained seated as Hector slid down from his horse and embraced Pedro.
"Do they know yet?" questioned Hector, pointing to the cottage.
"No, we were just about to let them know when we saw you coming, I take it these men are Medjai?" he asked.
Hector motioned for Mustafa to come forwards.
"Mustafa, this is Pedro Mendez, it was his brother who was murdered," he explained.
"I share your grief for your loss, these men will suffer at the hands of Medjai justice, you can be sure of..............."
"Mustafa, I thank you for your concern, but we have our own ways on this Island as I'm sure you have back in Egypt. I owe my brother a debt of honor and will not rest until I look his killer in the eye and deal with him," he interrupted.
"I respect that, but you must also understand that the Medjai have a duty to protect their own also. So I think it would be beneficial to both parties for us to work together on this, agreed?"
"Agreed," said Pedro as the two men shook hands on the deal.
"Father," shouted Juan. "With all this noise, shouldn't someone have come out to see what's happening by now?"
"Yes," agreed Mustafa. "You're right, something's wrong, something's very wrong."
Mustafa and two of his men sprinted up the path to the front door with Pedro not far behind, deapatching the other to go around the back and surround the house in case of a trap.
Pedro's rifle was as armed and ready as Mustafa's scimitar as they slowly swung the front door open.
"Allah, no," cried Mustafa as he saw the splashes of blood on the wall facing him. More bloodstains awaited them as they made a quick search of the house.
"We're too late," shouted Pedro. "They must have taken them already."
In Cabras, it was Mustafa's turn to have his patience sorely tested. When the Medjai had recieved the long awaited message that their leader and his son were not only alive, but safe and well also, the whole of the tribes had rejoiced. Ardeths mother had fallen to her knees in pure relief. The destruction once again of Imhotep, and the total wipeout of the Scorpion King and his armies had a miraculous, settling effect on the whole of the Medjai race. Now they were looking forward to the future with relish and the icing on the proverbial cake would be the return of their young leader and his son. The young leader who had given up so much of his own life in their service. Now they were here, within reach, but why all the waiting?
"I dont know what to say my friend," started Hector. "Juan, my son, should have returned by now. I have to admit I fear all is not well," he said guardedly, wondering if the ten men stood in front of him would in some way hold him personally responsible.
Mustafa saw the conflict in Hector's eyes and quickly turned to his men, dispersing them into the other room.
"May we speak plainly?" said Mustafa, lowering his voice slightly.
Hector nodded and urged him to continue.
"Many men are afraid of the Medjai, some with good reason. But please believe me when I tell you that you have nothing to fear from us. It's obvious that Ardeth Bay trusts you and so shall we. But, we would appreciate your complete honesty in this matter. Is that understood?"
Hector nodded again and began to explain fully the events of the previous night.
"So I take it you have grave concerns that the men who would threaten the life of our leader and his child have returned with re-inforcements," questioned Mustafa.
"It would seem as though that is the case," admitted Hector.
"So Hector, how far is it to Cotillo?" Mustafa questioned, the lines on his worry worn face deepening.
Mustafa was one of Ardeth's staunchest supporters. He had watched as Ardeth passed through childhood and became the man he now was. Mustafa was still a very imposing figure, even with his gray hair and battle weakened body. He possesed a kind heart that only those closest to him knew pounded within the massive chest. But he was also known as a worrier, always expecting the worst, and some sixth sense within him knew that danger wasn't far away in this case.
"It's too far on foot, especially as the sun's now coming up," Hector explained, knowing full well Mustafa would appreciate and understand the perils of trekking though desert scrubland in the fierce heat that would all too soon arrive.
"Do you have any other transport we could use, as I'm sure you understand fully our urgency," asked Mustafa.
"I dont, my son has my only vehicle," Hector said in utter despair. Suddenly the look on his face changed as a flash of inspiration hit him. "Just a moment, please trust me, give me half an hour and I'll have the transport you need," he said wryly.
"I trust you my friend, I trust you will not let us down," said Mustafa, placing a strong tattoed hand on Hectors shoulder in support.
In La Olivia, Maria hammered on the heavy oak door of her daughters house. After Pedro had given her the devastating news of her brother in law's death, he'd seen her safely into Alejandro's car and sent them on their way to La Olivia, explaining that he and Juan needed to warn Ardeth and Samia of the danger they were now in.
Maria had pleaded with him to take care. She knew he'd invoke the old code of honor, swearing vengence on anyone who harmed any of his family. She worried for him, he was seventy years old but still tried to live the life of one much younger. But although she feared for him, she admired and respected him greatly and understood why he was compelled to seek vengence.
"Mama, what is it?" cried Rosa. "What's the matter?"
"Shh child, let me in and I'll explain. Where are the boys?" asked Maria.
"They're in the garden sleeping, I think they've been up most of the night," she said. "Mama, please what is it?!
"Rosa, make some coffee and sit down, I'll explain everything. I have some news of uncle Carlos, and it's not good I'm afraid."
Rosa's tears spilled into the coffee cup as the grieved for her uncle. "Miguel will join father, you know that dont you?"
"I know, It's all so personal now, they haven't just struck at Samia and little Hamid, they've struck at our hearts."
"Well Mama, you know they wont live to tell the tale. The honor code still holds strong here."
"I know," said Maria, "but I'm worried that your father and now your husband will fall foul of the authorities, you know they've been trying to stamp out vengence debts, but there's no way we can let this lie. I've a horrible feeling that more will suffer before all this is over."
"Mama, dont worry. I'll keep the authorities busy, there's only four police officers in the north of the Island. Before lunchtime they'll have been pulled of their fat backsides and be working for their pay for a change."
Fuerteventura being a small and relatively trouble free island, there were few police stations and those that existed were single manned by aging officers, more used to finding lost goats and intervening in disputes between neighbors than breaking up any real trouble.
Rosa knew that if she could stoke up a little trouble in La Olivia she could probably get the entire force up there, leaving her father, husband and whoever free to pursue her uncle Carlos's killers. She quickly finished her coffee and explained her plan to her mother, leaving Maria with the boys as she rushed off to find Miguel before he left with Alejandro.
After despatching Maria to their daughters house in the hills, Pedro and Juan made a short stop at Pedro's home. Pedro quickly found the key to the cabinet in the bedroom. Opening it he sighed as he removed the contents.
"You have perhaps been expecting a war?" asked Juan in amazement as two rifles and a small revolver were thrust into his hands.
"It's a long story Juan, so I'll be brief," said Pedro. "Many years ago, when my father was still alive, we on the island had a lot of trouble from pirates thinking that they could come ashore and just take what they wanted from us. Needless to say most of the islanders armed themselves," he said. "Come on, time is getting on, let's not waste it," he winked, throwing countless rounds of ammunition at a still bemused Juan.
The word had spread and as Pedro and Juan left the house half a dozen village men were waiting for them. All armed to the teeth.
Hector had been very resourceful in a short space of time. He and ten very impatient Medjai were now well on their way to Cotillo on horseback. He's used the advantage of the early hour to secure all of the local riding schools mounts. Mustafa was both amazed and relieved. Horses, familiar transport to him. Not quite the Medjai standard of horses, but horses all the same.
Over a dozen red robed men paced the floor of the small deserted building in the foothills behind the vast dunes just outside of Corralejo. They'd been holed up overnight, waiting for the return of Rashid and Hamman. The death of Lock Nah and the slaughter of many of their ranks at Ahm Shere had further hardened their resolve against Ardeth Bay and the Medjai. Most were happy with using any means necessary to gain their revenge.
Bahir scanned the horizon for any sign of Rashid, their new leader, confident he had been sucessful and would be returning any moment. As he squinted, he saw the small truck struggling slowly through the dense scrubland. Oh yes, he thought. They were definitely getting closer to their ultimate goal of bringing down the man who killed their leader.
"How much further," demanded Mustafa.
"Not far, we're on the outskirts of the village now," replied Hector. "The house is only a short way down that small track," he said, pointing to the right.
"So, you've heard then?" asked Pedro.
"Yes, we've heard," replied Oscar, his neighbor. "We're all sorry for your loss my friend, It's our loss also."
Pedro nodded in thanks. "You know what I must do, what I have to do. You know I still keep to the old ways?"
"We're all behind you Pedro, Alejandro will be bringing Miguel back with him, do you want to wait for them?" asked Oscar.
"No, we have no time, I need to go and warn Ardeth and Samia, they have no idea what's happened. At least I have little Hamid safe, thank the Lord."
"Jose will stay behind and wait for Alejandro and Miguel, the rest of us are coming with you. We're all brothers on this Island my friend," said Oscar, clutching Pedro's shoulders in a gesture of support.
"That's what I was counting on," smiled Pedro weakly. And if I know my daughter as well as I think I do, I can guarantee there'll be no police to bother us.
In La Olivia a major disturbance was afoot. A land dispute had gotten completely out of control. Rosa and her close friends were practically tearing each other apart over land that the local bar owners daughter had claimed for her own. Actually it had been deemed as hers after her father's death and the court had rubber stamped ownership. Luis the middle aged, extremely portly police officer now found he had a mob of angry women all but battering his door down. He was so overwhelmed he got straight on one of the islands few telephones to his fellow officers in the north of the island. When re-inforcements arrived they found him still cowering in his office.
Neither parties involved in the dispute were backing down. The culprit, Rosa, was vehemently protesting that the matter was of great urgency and needed to be solved among the villagers today. After long lengthy arguments and a heck of a lot of bickering she would back down. But for now and for as long as it took she was more than happy to keep stirring the wooden spoon of discontent.
Maria sat out in the garden with Hamid and Miguel junior, regaling them with tales of old, playing games and generally trying just about anything that would pass the time on for the inquisitive duo. Not once did her calm air fail her, although her insides were awash with fear. Fear for her husband, fear for her daughters husband who she hoped by now would be in Cotillo at Pedro's side. She couldn't yet mourn properly over the loss of her vivacious brother in law, neither could she let out any of her fears for Ardeth and Samia's safety. Hamid's face had been a picture as he sat at her feet, listening to her tales, she just couldn't bear to think of any misfortune heading his way.
Pedro, Juan and the rest of the villagers were not in the least bit surprised to find that Pedro's truck had disappeared. They'd already surmised that the intruders would need transport and would not go through the usual channels to obtain it.
They walked swiftly towards Samia's cottage and were almost at the gates when they saw a cloud of sand that had been kicked up in the distance.
"Quick, get down and be ready," shouted Oscar, as the sound of horses hooves echoed closer. The noise became louder and louder as hooves clashed against the stone of the path.
"It's Hector, it's alright," shouted Pedro as he made out the familiar face at the front of the entourrage.
The Medjai riders remained seated as Hector slid down from his horse and embraced Pedro.
"Do they know yet?" questioned Hector, pointing to the cottage.
"No, we were just about to let them know when we saw you coming, I take it these men are Medjai?" he asked.
Hector motioned for Mustafa to come forwards.
"Mustafa, this is Pedro Mendez, it was his brother who was murdered," he explained.
"I share your grief for your loss, these men will suffer at the hands of Medjai justice, you can be sure of..............."
"Mustafa, I thank you for your concern, but we have our own ways on this Island as I'm sure you have back in Egypt. I owe my brother a debt of honor and will not rest until I look his killer in the eye and deal with him," he interrupted.
"I respect that, but you must also understand that the Medjai have a duty to protect their own also. So I think it would be beneficial to both parties for us to work together on this, agreed?"
"Agreed," said Pedro as the two men shook hands on the deal.
"Father," shouted Juan. "With all this noise, shouldn't someone have come out to see what's happening by now?"
"Yes," agreed Mustafa. "You're right, something's wrong, something's very wrong."
Mustafa and two of his men sprinted up the path to the front door with Pedro not far behind, deapatching the other to go around the back and surround the house in case of a trap.
Pedro's rifle was as armed and ready as Mustafa's scimitar as they slowly swung the front door open.
"Allah, no," cried Mustafa as he saw the splashes of blood on the wall facing him. More bloodstains awaited them as they made a quick search of the house.
"We're too late," shouted Pedro. "They must have taken them already."