Chapter 2

Mariana pondered about what her Medji master said. She sighed trying to hide the fact she was in love with him. She shook herself free of her emotions as Ardeth walked up to her. The first thing he noticed was that she was hiding something.

" Alright, what did you do now?" Ardeth asked

She blushed, but to his amazement, didnt respond

" Are you at least thinking about what I told you?" Ardeth ask her

She smiled. A smile that seemed to only be flashed at him, and nodded

" Of course master Ardeth." she said softly

She got up and went to go out the door but Ardeth held her back

" Where are you...." he started but was hastily interrupted.

" Something doesn't feel right... I'm going to check on the O'Connell's." she stated seriously.

He blinked in surprise. " Her powers are becoming stronger." he thought to himself. He nodded his head ant they, together left for the caspa.

Mariana couldn't have been more right. Rick had been knocked out by some people who kept babbling on and on about wanting the scroll. So when Ardeth and Mariana got there, the family was pretty much screwed. She walked up to the big guy and tapped his shoulder. He turned around and stared at her. In one hand was Alex and in the other was the scroll.

" Who are you babe?" the man asked in a congested voice looking Mariana over.

She glared at him.

" You'd be wise to put him down." she scowled. He started to laugh.

" And whad'ya gonna do about it?" he asked mockingly.

Mariana smiled slyly.

" Only this!." she said and in one swift motion, had her gun out and dropped him where he stood. She took the scroll out of his hand and put it in her pocket for safe keeping and then helped up Alex.

" Are you alright?" she asked, genuinely concerned.

Alex stared at her wide-eyed and nodded his head. She looked around and found a piece of cloth. She wetted it and began to wash the dirt and blood from Alex's face. After that was done she took out some whisky and walked over to Rick, who had just woken up. Evy was propping him up on her lap. She glared at Mariana as she walked up with a glass and a bottle of whiskey. Mariana knelt down and poured some whiskey into the glass and handed it to Rick. He looked at her and nodded his head as he gratefully took the drink. She smiled and took the scroll out of her pocket and handed it to Evy and bowed.

" Why did you come back?" Evy asked. Mariana shrugged

" I felt like you need some extra protection..." she said coldly and turned around.

She blushed as the felt Ardeth's gaze following her ever movement.

" Well we don't need your..." Evy started but was cut off by Rick.

" Thank you... for saving my son." he said and Mariana turned and smiled

" Your welcome." she said bowing to him.

She walked out the door and then came back in holding a large scroll, different from the scroll the O'Connell's had found and that had caused such a racket.

" This is for you guys.." she said unwrapping the scroll. She flattened it out and heard several gasps. It was a picture of Anck-Su-Namun.

" Where did you get this?" Evy asked very interested in the picture.

Mariana smiled but said nothing

" She is the reincarnation of Anck-Su-Namun.. according to legend." Ardeth spoke up. Mariana handed the scroll to Evy.

" You can have it." she said as Evy took it and Mariana walked over to her master.

" Master, can we leave now?" she asked.

He smiled.

" You are an impatient young Medji... why dont we walk them to their rooms, then we will leave." he suggested.

" Yes, master Ardeth." Mariana grumbled.

Ardeth hugged her close to him.

" Thank you." he whispered in to her hair. He didn't see her blush.

As they were walking the O'Connell's to their rooms, Ardeth started thinking about Mariana. Ardeth watched Mariana's ever movement, careful not to catch her gaze. He couldn't think about what would happen if this beautiful Medji apprentice were killed. He wouldn't be able to live... she was special to him and he would do his very best to protect her. He did love her,...but ... he couldn't tell her. Mariana turned to him and caught him looking at her. She blushed and looked away and tried to concentrate on what Jonathan was trying to say. Ardeth mentally kicked himself for letting his guard down. They walked up the room and bid the O'Connell's good night. Both of them left with a smile on their faces.

" I never realized how much fun a family could be until I met up with Jonathan's." Mariana chuckled. Ardeth smiled and nodded.

" Yes, Allah has been good to them." he stated, Mariana rolled her eyes.

" You mean we have been good to them. Allah has done nothing and neither has Amun-Ra." she stated smiling still.

Ardeth smiled upon seeing her beautiful smile. Oh yes, one day without her or without her near, was going to kill him.

Mean while back at the Inn, Rick and Evy were tucking Alex into bed.

" Goodnight Alex." said Rick softly, kissing him.

" Goodnight dad." Alex said as his dad left the room and Evy came in.

" I'm glad your alright Alex." Evy said softly

" Me too." Alex said with a smile.

" I'm sorry that we have put you in all this trouble Alex.., nearly loosing us and being kidnapped, now all of this." Evy said

" Mum, I'm glad we get into trouble. Its fun. I wouldn't trade any of it for anything." Alex said looking at his mother.

" I'm glad you feel that way Alex., I love you so much." Evy said kissing her son.

" Goodnight Alex." she said

" Goodnight mum." Alex said getting comfortable.

" Sleep well." Evy said softly as she closed the door. She walked into her room where Rick was getting ready for bed.

" So how do you feel now?" Rick asked.

" About what?" she answered

" Mariana." he said

" Oh, well, I suppose she's alright. I mean she helped us back there, but there's still something about her." Evy said

" Evy lets not worry about it... if Ardeth trusts her, we should too." Rick said

" I know. Your right... Ill try to be better with her." Evy said sitting down beside Rick.

" Good." Rick said and he kissed her.

" But what do you think about the picture?" Rick asked

" Its nothing new, its just a picture of Anck-Su-Namun." Evy said calmly

" Yeah well, lets just hope its not a calling card for her to come back." Rick said

" Yes me too, for yours and Alex's sake." Evy said staring

" Evy we are in this together, don't blame yourself for our life." Rick started. " I'm glad we ran into Imhotep the first time because it game me you and Alex." " That's all I want Evy, and so help anyone who tries to mess with the two things I hold dear in my life." Rick finished seriously.

" I know you love us.. and I feel the same way. No matter what happens, were in this together." Evy agreed and they hugged.

Ardeth stared out into the night. Mariana had gone to bed hours ago. He moved over to sit beside her bed so he could protect her. Silently he reached out and lightly caressed her cheek.

" Allah , help anyone who kills or even hurts you , my beautiful Medji." he whispered into the dark.

He knew she wouldn't hear his silent confessions. Deep down he wished she could. He sighed and moved to sit in the chair by her bed. He sat down and fell asleep.

Mariana waited until Ardeth was asleep and then sat up in bed. Her heart was pounding terribly and her cheeks were a fervent red. She felt bad not having telling him her feelings. She got up and put on her robes. Something was terribly wrong outside. She walked over to Ardeth and kissed his brow. Without making a sound, she put on here cloak and walked out the door. Once outside she walked down the street in silence. It was quickly shattered by the sound of a guns safety being taken off. She spun around and drew out her sword. She looked at the people that had their guns pointed at her. They all wore long brown robes with white turbans that covered their faces. She grimaced as their putrid odor hit her full force. She took a defensive position knowing she was about to have a fight on her hands. She suddenly remembered Ardeth.

" I have to protect him!" she thought.

She put her sword away and took out her guns.

" Give us the scroll.." they commanded as one.

" That's seven kinds of creepy." she muttered

" Eat crap!" she said and they began to laugh.

Her eye twitched. She pointed her guns at the leader, and pulled the trigger. The shooting spree began. She fired multiple shots before most could breathe. Soon she was left with their wounded leader. They shot each other at the same time. She dropped him and his bullet pierced her shoulder. She collapsed to the ground as blood flowed from multiple wounds on her body. She stumbled as she tried to get up and walked over to the room.

" Ardeth... help.." she whispered into the dark.

She heard rushed footsteps come up beside her.

" Mariana!" Ardeth exclaimed

She smiled at him.

" They're after the scroll... you have to tell O'Connell.." she whispered, coughing up blood.

She sighed leaning up against him for support.

" Ardeth... they got me really good... I'm.. not going to make it... this time." she said.

Ardeth shook his head defiantly, tears stubbornly running down his cheeks.

" You're not going to die, my young Medji... you cant...I .. I love you." he trailed.

Her hand, filthy with blood, caressed his cheek. She smiled

" I love.... you... too.. Ardeth.." she said

" The scroll..." she said after a few minutes.. " Its the only way you can bring me back.. get them to help you... " she finished

Ardeth promised her as she closed her eyes.

" Mariana!... Mariana!!" Ardeth said ... " Yalah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" (till death)

He picked up her body and walked down to the O'Connell's room. When he got there the room was on fire ant the O'Connell family was standing outside the room. They saw him and ran over to Ardeth. When they saw who was in his arms, they stopped dead in their tracks. Evy gasped and Rick held her close. Jonathan hung his head and looked away , while Alex knelt on the ground.

" What happened?" Rick asked

Ardeth finally broke down and collapsed to his knees. He buried his face in his loves now cold body. It was a while before anyone dared to speak. Finally...

" She died, saving my life while I slept... they stole the scroll I see... we have to get it back." he said suddenly, his face turning cold with anger.

" Why?" Alex asked

Ardeth stood up with Mariana's stiff body still in his hands.

" Its the scroll of life... they can resurrect anyone they want with it.. Evil... good and I promised I would bring her back." he finished.

" So.. its basically the book of the dead.. or at least plays the same role." Evy said

" Yes." Ardeth answered with a choke in his throat.

" Great." Rick said. " So much for the vacation." " Well, then we will get the scroll back." Rick said walking over to Ardeth.

" Thank you.. my friend." he whispered

Rick waved him off.. " Nothing to it." he smiled.

It was settled... they were leaving the next morning.