Speak Softly
The Beginning

1935: Ardeth Bay is resurrected from the dead. He awakens to a world vastly different, to familiar faces changing and to the knowledge that he is Egypt's final hope for freedom.

He also finds out just how far love and despair can take him.

~~~~~~~

Rick stalked through the streets of a little settlement as morning crept over the face of the earth. He was alone, but looking for a particular type of people; the type that would haul him to the capitol as quickly as possible so he could get this unpleasant business done with. Dressed in his coffee colored desert robes, wrapped up to his nose in cloth, he walked on silent feet and glanced around. This little place seemed pretty small and innocent, but it was not untouched by Imhotep's presence.

There was an Anubis Jackal standing near the edge of town, its tireless eyes always watching for anything out of the ordinary that its thirst for blood be quenched. He didn't necessarily want to deal with that thing if he could help it. Those creatures had a tendency to forget just how fragile humans were and while being scraped up and clawed could get the adrenaline pumping, Rick was sure he had dozens of injuries to look forward to after Imhotep dealt with him.

A woman carrying a water jug approached, dressed in black and also wrapped to the nose, her movements soundless and sorrowful as she came from the well in the center of town. She inclined her head to peer at Rick and her eyes widened at his appearance. Those blue eyes got him every single, blessed time. The jug hit the sand, spilling its precious water and she stumbled away rapidly. "No, no, no! Geez, lady!" Rick stammered, waving his hands to quiet her as she called for the guards. "Please!"

It was too late. Stirred by her yelling, the jackal growled and turned, then broke into a run. Rick winced and went to his knees, holding his hands out in surrender, shouting, "I give! I give!" Maybe the jackal would cut him some slack…

It was obviously puzzled by Rick's ease, but nevertheless wore an expression of violence. Inhuman breathing filtered to O'Connell's ears as it bent down and took him by the shoulders. He gasped as it ripped him up from the sand and shoved him forward. A claw pointed towards a small building ahead.

Rick walked on without a fight, thankful he'd made it this far without getting his fool head torn off. Perhaps this wasn't such a good plan after all. There had to be an easier way to reach Ardeth. What would Imhotep do with him if he were captured?

The jackal slammed the front door of the building open and pushed Rick through the opening into a blandly decorated front room. A pudgy, tan man sat in inside, eating breakfast at a decidedly well-made, unmarred table—probably the most beautiful object in the stark beige here and somewhat out of place. He wiped his mouth and waved his hand in irritation. "What is the meaning of this, you stupid creature?"

The creature growled and hissed at its hated master and shoved Rick forward and to his knees. A dead hand ripped O'Connell's turban off, exposing his fair coloration. Rick smiled as if it were the most natural thing in Egypt. "Got any more of those eggs? I get so little nutrition these days."

Widening his eyes, the man stood up and came closer to examine his new acquisition. "On your feet," he commanded and Rick obeyed. "You have blue eyes. Are you the one Imhotep seeks?"

"That'd be me," Rick replied in mock-cheer. He looked down at the plate of food hungrily. Fighting against Imhotep wasn't exactly a healthy career. "You gonna eat that? Rice only gets a person so far."

The Arab scowled and sat back down, taking his fork again and ignoring his captive's obvious needs. "You are as smart tongued as he said you would be. Now my question is, are you trying to trap me or are you stupid?" He chewed a bite and waited for a reply, his face mild. Perhaps he could be reasoned with?

O'Connell shrugged and crossed his arms. "Does it matter, if Imhotep is as invincible as you fanatics think? You want the truth? I'm sick of this war. I'm sick of starving and worrying and hiding. I just wasn't made for this I guess."

Grunting the man nodded and pointed with his fork. "You westerners are pampered brats. So you commit suicide, then?"

"If that's where it takes me." There was some small bit of truth to that statement, but Rick prayed it wouldn't go that far. "But I'm hoping that if I turn myself in instead of getting caught on the road somewhere, your 'divine' master will cut me a deal. What do you think?"

The other man smirked and took another bite of his food and Rick was thankful for his ease. He could stand another day or two without unending pain. "Who knows?" he continued, watching Rick. "He is a strange man. So you will go without a fight, then? I am required to present you to him."

Rick grabbed a chair from the table, causing the jackal to approach, but before it could attack he turned it around and straddled it. He snatched a piece of toast off the man's plate without asking and grinned at the expression it won him. "Hey, you're gonna get a big reward for turning me in. You can afford to give me some toast."

The city leader waved his hand, leaned back in his chair and sized Rick up for a long moment. "I think you are lying about why you come forward, but it will make no difference. What you hope to prove by this escapes me, for Imhotep is vastly powerful. I think there is not a man on this planet that could stop him, nor could this world join together and succeed."

O'Connell looked down at the table, fighting back the urge to tell this man there was in fact one man that could possibly stop all this madness. He exhaled and looked around the little room for anything beautiful. It had been so long since he had seen anything beautiful that wasn't in some way destroyed or marked. Perhaps this shiny table was it, proving it didn't pay to serve Imhotep. "Yep. You could be right. If he could be stopped, though, what would you think about that, mister…?" The man across from him looked up warily and he shrugged. "Just curious."

"Abul," he replied gruffly with a frown. "And what I think does not matter. There is no point in speculating on the hypothetical, O'Connell. Ask me nothing more of that nature." He leaned back. "I am curious, though. Do you honestly believe Imhotep may have mercy upon you? From what I have heard, you are a very hated man Mr. O'Connell."

Rick scratched his cheek and nodded, then smiled. "What can I say? When you got it, you got it. Imhotep and I are natural enemies. Only problem is he's got spells and me, I'm stuck with mortality. He's got the upper hand right now." Abul's brows narrowed at that last and Rick cursed himself his slip of the tongue. He decided it was best to leave it be. "I've been fighting for a year and what have I accomplished? If I've managed to make a tiny dent in the power of Imhotep, I'd ask for a recount." He sighed and looked the other over. "All I want to do is see Evy again."

Abul's eyes widened at this, then a cynical grin spread across his unshaven face. "Nefertiri, Whore of Imhotep?" He flinched at Rick's glare that came with the use of that particular nickname Evy had acquired throughout Egypt, but kept on. "You really do wish to commit suicide. I hope you'll have the sense not to ask him."

Rubbing his arm and looking down at the table, Rick said low, "We'll see." Getting to Ardeth was important, but to see Evy again? It seemed worth the chance of asking, daring Imhotep's further anger. Even if Imhotep killed him. Rick looked up into Abul's dark, curious eyes and stepped back into the moment. "So, what are you gonna do with me? When do we leave?"

The Arab took another bite of his breakfast and looked to the creature still guarding behind the ex-Legionnaire. "You, take the message to Lord Imhotep. Tell him O'Connell has given himself up and will be delivered in two days."

Rick listened as the creature hissed and jerked open the entrance, then slammed the door shut again. Abul rolled his eyes, got up from the table and went to a nearby desk. When the drawer opened he pulled out a set of manacles. "I never thought I would use these on the famed Rick O'Connell." He motioned Rick over and with a sigh he obeyed. The manacles snapped down on his wrists and he couldn't help but feel nervous about that. "We will leave within the hour. Lord Imhotep will be eager to see you and well, let's just say anything one does for him will be done in a timely manner or else."

Grunting his thoughts about that, Rick smirked and looked down at his bindings. He knew the reasons behind what he was doing, but a part of him felt like this was giving up. Abul yanked him forward by his chains and Rick knew this man wouldn't be bought, no matter how friendly he acted during dialogue. He was brought in back to a small jail and locked away. Inside the room was one single Anubis Jackal that eyed him through a lifeless, cold stare. Rick sighed and sat down in his cell, watching as his jailor left the room. This was the beginning.

~~~~~~~

Ardeth laughed. His laughter seemed to drown out all the silence. It was uncontained and light-hearted and stealing his breath away until he feared passing out. And even then he laughed more.

Beside him Sajul also laughed as they sat together on the well. The early morning sun was creeping towards them and soon others would begin to rise, if they hadn't already because of all the noise. They were happy to be home, so happy and peaceful after a long, hard night's ride through danger. If felt so good to just sit and enjoy a good joke. Ardeth smiled and shook his head. "Sajul, we are waking the others with our nonsense." He could see a tent flap crack open as undoubtedly someone watched to see what the commotion was about.

Sajul waved his hand and took the dipper from the bucket, quenching his thirst. "Let them be angry. After surviving last night we deserve a moment's foolishness." He breathed out and offered his friend some water. "Oh, Ardeth. I did not believe we were going to make it last night. Those three warriors were fierce."

Wiping some stray water from the side of his mouth, Ardeth nodded and took a long breath, appreciating the air around him a little more. His mind traveled back to the men that had attacked. Five men, wearing clothing of the same make—a tribe Ardeth had never encountered before. There was something about them that made him nervous. They hadn't put up much of a fight here at the Med-Jai encampment, but once Ardeth and Sajul rode out to chase them off they had fought with a speed and calculation to rival the Med-Jai. He felt lured out for some reason. "That they were, my friend." He pulled his navy turban off and enjoyed the remaining coolness of morning. "Something troubles me."

His friend eyed him, the same thought reflected in his own eyes. He shook his head. "No, I have never before seen those men or any like. They did seem to fight with a unity that comes with shared training. And their clothing matched."

"Yes," Ardeth breathed, taking another drink and handing it back. "I think we may have a new enemy in the desert." He looked out across the sands as if somehow the answers would come to him, but there were none. He stood. "We will speak with the elders, but I am exhausted. I think we've earned a nap, Sajul. Do you agree?"

The other man grinned and nodded his head, his dark eyes glancing in the direction of his tent. "Yes, I agree with you there, my friend. Face it, Ardeth. We are getting too old to be doing this."

Laughing, Ardeth shook his head and began for his own tent. "Speak for yourself. I'm still young and strong and have many years of battle ahead of me." His friend grunted and laughed.

Ardeth yawned and swallowed, wandering through the dimness to his tent. He entered gratefully and stretched, then removed his belt and robe. As soon as it hit the floor he was down on his bed. Sleep crawled into his body and settled until he was cozy and half-conscious.

But it didn't last. It seemed as soon as he had fallen asleep he was jarred back from it. A chill spread through his body as he heard Sajul's shout. He was being called for. Ardeth snapped awake and was back up, reaching for his robe. "Ardeth!" the voice of his friend yelled once more, desperation hidden within his urgent tone. He clothed himself and grabbed for a weapon…

"Ardeth!"

Ardeth blinked and opened his eyes. Nothing met his wakefulness. There was nothing. Not even those undead creatures shuffling in the shadow. Memories of last night cycled through his mind. He had been surrounded and pawed at by those vile creatures. Their claws had dug into his flesh in several still throbbing places. He could remember his sliced arm being grabbed as well. Then they had all let go.

He sat up and scooted back into a wall, leaning against the cool surface to gather his thoughts. Bay rubbed his hands together and sighed at the dirty grit covering them, wondering why had they left him alone. He had been prepared for death. Was their mercy something to fear?

His dream lingered with him, despite his wonderings. He could still hear Sajul laughing and it made him ache to think of. His people were gone, including his brother-friend. Ardeth tightened his hands into fists and closed his eyes, searching his memory though his heart begged him not to continue. That had been his last morning on this earth. It seemed strange to him that his last day would begin so happily.

Ardeth fought back the rest that came after the calling of his name. He had no desire to relive it. As it was a distraction offered itself up. A sound from the darkness to his left made him jump and a split second later he was on his feet, ready to battle, his death forgotten. "Ah, but it is your memories and passion that will see you through this," a voice rasped. The same voice that had wished him death before. "You will never find your way out if you kill me, Ardeth Bay. Put your instincts at rest."

Frowning, Ardeth still held himself ready and said, "And how do I know you won't end my life as soon as I lower my defenses?"

The voice laughed a mirthless, sarcastic laugh, then hissed in a breath and growled, "I cannot end your life, Chosen! You should know that by now!" He seemed to mourn that fact, almost.

"Who are you?" Ardeth asked, hearing this person or thing come closer. He brushed his hair back and blinked in need of sight. "What do you know of me?"

There was another moist intake of air as the creature considered the questions with scorn. "You have seen the other side," it answered with unconcealed envy. There was a deep throated groan that seemed somewhere between rage and despair. "You have seen the face of Heaven. It radiates all over you and blinds us! Oooh, how we hate you, Ardeth Bay! We would see you dead once again! Leave this place or we will find a way to make it happen!"

Ardeth heard groaning and hissing in the darkness, further on. The pure evil intent coming from these dead beings made his blood run cold. Still he held his ground and hardened his voice. "I would leave if I could. Who are you? What do you want of me?"

"I am called Necromancer by the priest, for I returned in death with more power than Imhotep had intended. I speak to the living for the dead and to the dead for the living." He hissed sharply and if Ardeth didn't know any better he could swear he perceived hands being raised towards him. "You are a bright being, Ardeth Bay. Your light fills this dark place and the sting of your blood is still upon my hands. Hhrrrr, I want you to leave this place!" There was a pained pause, then softer and more deadly, "I know you, Med-Jai. I know you for who you truly are. You are not welcome in my home beneath the surface of the earth."

Exhaling and growing very tired of the scent of death, Ardeth stepped back a pace and lowered his defenses. "I wish to leave here but the tunnels are dark and the exit guarded. I fear I may be down here for quite some time."

Necromancer exhaled loudly and snapped, "Then take your own life!"

The command caught him off guard and its thorough hatred made his pulse quicken. This was worse than Imhotep. Much worse. He shook his head, not sure whether or not this creature would be able to see. "I cannot do that. I have a task before me."

The creature grunted at that. "So I have seen. You alone will stop Imhotep," it sneered sarcastically. But the necromancer conceded. "You may yet end his foul life, Chosen. Come and I will take you back to the entrance. There perhaps your light will be hidden from my children's eyes."

"And how do I know you won't harm me?" Ardeth asked warily. The idea of traveling with unseeing eyes beside this being was not exactly comfortable.

Necromancer growled back viciously, "I cannot kill you, though I desire it more than you can know! Hrrr, Chosen, you torment me with remembrance of that fact! I should leave you to rot in the deep, but for the blood you spill upon my grounds." Ardeth noticed again the pain of his side and arm, wondering why his blood would hurt these beings. Necromancer rasped in the silence. "Your blood is your life, Ardeth Bay. It is even brighter than your face is to my eyes. It burns to my cold touch, as I learned last night before I perceived what you truly are."

"And what am I?"

There was an intake of air. Why would a dead thing need breath? Perhaps it was bred of the ominous emotions clouding it, for there was no mistaking this thing's intentions toward him. Necromancer hated him very passionately. Hated what he was. "You," he started in a voice colored by that hatred, but lined with longing, "are a changed one. You carry the very stars in your blood, bright and transformed by Heaven's glory. Such power fills the emptiness of the cursed and hurts even one so powerful as Imhotep. Even one so lowly as me." The hurt there made Ardeth swallow, but Necromancer would have no pity. "We cannot be what you are and for that we despise you! Spare us no sorrow, for we crave your doom!"

Ardeth took a breath. This being seemed able to read his mind and that was bothersome. It chuckled darkly, confirming its ability. There could be no help for it. This could be his only chance. "Very well, creature of the dark. I will join you with watchful eyes."

Necromancer laughed mockingly at that. "Your eyes may yet see my face, Chosen, and when they do, pray the shadows pass from your heart. Now hold out your uninjured arm, that I may lead you."

Bay held out his arm apprehensively and waited. The necromancer gripped his wrist tightly and yanked him forward with surprising strength. He left little promise he would be any gentler as time progressed. Ardeth didn't like this dark being. As surely as they proclaimed he himself radiated light, it seemed to him this creature's evil corrupted the very walls of this dungeon. He could feel claws digging into his flesh, just this side of drawing blood. This necromancer hated him and would kill him in a second if presented with a way.

Ardeth wasn't sure how long it would take them to reach the entrance, but he prayed it would be sooner rather than later. He also prayed that Imhotep would not leave him down here, alone and forgotten. His escape may very well depend on the priest's taunting.

Necromancer growled upon Ardeth's thinking of Imhotep. "You hate him, don't you?" he asked quietly.

The undead being's hand tightened around his wrist to the point of pain. Its raspy voice was hateful. "He must pay for this injustice," was the only reply offered.

Ardeth fought to loosen Necromancer's iron grip to no avail. Imhotep would have to pay for a lot of things by the end of this war. But Ardeth could see now there were worse evils than even the priest.

~~~~~~~

Disclaimer: No infringement intended. Ahamad, Nashean, Mayadeh, Sajul, Necromancer and a few other, less significant originals belong to me. Author: Angela – jedinineofnine@hotmail.com

A/N: Hey everyone! I can't think of any notes, really, except that I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Nice to see Ardeth picked up a little pal, huh? ;-) lol.

To Reviewers:

Marcher – Aaaw…thank you muchly for your kindness!! :-) As for P/C cigarettes, I spose if I were in their world I would have a few vices myself. ;-) I could swear he had one somewhere in The Mummy, but of course I could be wrong. Hmm.

Elven Sapphire – Wow! Thanks very much! I'm glad you're enjoying it so. :-)

Jacqui – Thanks…I appreciate any reviews whenever anyone can offer them. :-) So I thank you that you could take time…I know sometimes there isn't the time to do so and so forth.

Lula – Lol…queen of the dark, eh? Yeah, us writers gotta keep finding new ways to torment Ardeth…lol. So I figured darkness would be as good as anything. Next time I'll use bugs! Lol…no, on second thought, I don't know if I could go that far. That would be my personal Hell…lol. Anyway, thanks for your compliments on my descriptives. I've been watching those DVD extras on Star Wars and LOTR and learning how these directors think and pay attention to details, from settings to the way someone walks into the room. Inspired me to flesh things out. :-) You know George Lucas helped Peter Jackson? I thought that was nice.

J-James – Er…he'll be out sometime before chapter 10…;-) That I'm sure of. Thanks muchly for the review…hope I don't keep you in too many pins and needles with Ardeth all dungeoned. :-O ;-)

Marxbros – Yeah, I figured you may not have meant that, but eh…I myself wonder about my own work. Hehehe. Trying to keep it as atmospheric as I can. But anyway thanks for reading and reviewing…when am I gonna see more Hereafter, girlie?? -) Not that I'm in any way pressuring you…*cough*. ;-) Jk.

Deana – Hey! Thanks! I don't go for the dark, personally, so being trapped in it would be kinda anxious for myself. Lol. And of course having dead things after me…that wouldn't be fun atall. Poor Ardeth…I'd have to have him with me. ;-) :-)