Speak Softly
Looking Down On Me

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.

~~~~~~~

The sand felt warm as he lay there. That, he could feel. That and the pain, but he was used to that by now. No, it was the wan sunlight bleeding through Eternal Sorrow that caught his attention; warm, cozy and filled with life. Not that he could see it clearly, for he had not the strength to open his eyes, but even behind tired lids he could sense the sickly daylight.

Somewhere he could hear Rick talking, saying something about leaving. Something…but he couldn't tell. Ardeth knew the truth, though. That voice quite possibly might not even really be here. He had been awake last night, somewhere beyond the pain, and had heard his friend's voice vaguely then too. But Rick hadn't checked on him, hadn't tried to ease his suffering, and hadn't even touched him. He had taken Jonathan, though. Somewhere Ardeth had gotten that idea, though right now he couldn't bring up the conversation that lead him to believe that. He only knew they had chosen to leave him in this lonesome suffering. Not that he could place much blame, for he was beyond help in this condition, but a small place inside had been hurt that not even a comforting word had been offered. Could Rick truly hate him so?

Aside from the pain there was also a tingle, which he guessed came from not moving. Maybe it came from death or something else. He couldn't really concentrate long enough to come to a logical conclusion. Being awake was like hell. He wanted to slip back into blissful unconsciousness.

Not that his sleep was that enticing. He was plagued with nightmarish visions of his attack, of Evy being hurt and death and destruction. Now that he could really think and recall it, his body ached during his dream moments as well. He had suffered enough, he knew, to make it inescapable.

Was this what it had been like during those missing hours between Lock-Nah's kick and his death? It certainly felt like it could be something like that. He couldn't move—at least not enough to be considered moving. He could swear his fingers had twitched a little and maybe, just maybe his foot, but did it really matter?

Another sensation had become apparent some time ago, one that had disturbed him. Amidst the aching he could feel an itchy feeling, sticky and wet. What disturbed him was the fact that he wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Was it blood or sweat? He knew his blood had dried in some places, had felt the stiffness of his sliced up fingers when he moved them, but he just couldn't tell.

His body felt heavy right now and his dry throat stung whenever he swallowed, but he could not stop himself from trying. It was foolish, he knew. He would be dead any minute now and it wouldn't matter. Then again every time he got drowsy he expected death and was a little put off each time he woke up. Why was life playing these games with him? No one knew to look for him out here, no one cared to. Rick certainly didn't and Evy had assumed him dead even before he escaped. There wasn't going to be a rescue, so why bother letting him live? This was ridiculous. His body was being unfair by not shutting down. Even in this state life was echoing all around him, he could feel it. Maybe that's what kept him alive overdue.

Ardeth had never dreamed he would ever be lying out in the desert with grievous, deadly wounds that took his breath away, half-dizzy and unable to think straight, awaiting death like it would never come. Yet here he was. Inwardly it frightened and saddened him, but the pain blotted all emotion out. He was forgetting how to feel with his heart because all he could think about was the physical.

He decided to make another attempt at moving. Bay had no hopes of mustering enough strength to drag himself miraculously to safety, but at least a challenge gave him something to keep his mind from concentrating too heavily on his circumstances. He just couldn't think clearly enough to examine his life one last time and he had already done enough of that last night, anyway. He knew it was bad enough out there to accept this. After Rick had left Ardeth's only other thought had been for Evy and what his leaving would mean to her. But he couldn't do anything about it. He wanted to survive this for her alone, but couldn't.

His cut fingers brushed against the sand sending torrents of stinging through his senses. He even lifted his hand for a second and counted it an accomplishment. If he could only open his eyes. That he was lucid enough to realize. He wanted to see the sky before dying, to wish his world farewell like he couldn't last time.

Ardeth concentrated and pushed the pain away as much as he could. He managed to get them open for a second, a very brief flash of gray, but had to close them again because of the pain. He exhaled and let it be. It was time to sleep anyway. He could feel his weary body winding down again. His time was growing shorter. The last time he had managed wakefulness for at least fifteen minutes. This time had only been seven or so. Maybe this time sleep would bring him death.

~~~~~~~

Evy exhaled softly, gazing out her window through tired eyes. She had cried her last drop about an hour ago and now there was only numbness left. Imhotep had stopped trying to comfort her and for that she was very thankful. She was getting tired of his touching, his petting and whispering. Right now Evy needed the one thing she couldn't have in this cramped car—solitude.

The priest was now staring out his own window with impatient, frustrated eyes. She wasn't sure whether to feel bad for turning away his attempts or to lecture him on even thinking she would want his pity. Just what did he expect, anyway? He saw her as the same girl he had known so long ago, but she did not see him as High Priest Imhotep, friend and teacher. He was Pharaoh. Evy gave him a sidelong glance and he caught her with a grunt before turning his eyes back towards the view outside.

She sighed and leaned her head back on the seat, wondering when they would stop for the night. It would be dinnertime soon and while Imhotep rarely ate, he always made sure she was served a healthy and pleasing array of dishes. He wouldn't want his slave wasting away and dying on him. Evy shook her head and looked outside.

It had not rained today and that was a blessing. The day had been nice and warm, a day Jonathan would have been thankful for if he had been working on that abomination of a statue. She leaned her forehead against the glass and smiled, remembering how he would complain about having to work in the rain. Imhotep was nothing if not insistent that his wishes be carried out.

She smirked and rolled her dark eyes, then paused. Something in the distance caught her attention and for the first time since morning she spoke to her master. "Imhotep, look. There's something out there. Do you know what it is?"

The king scooted closer and peered out her window with knitted brows. "I am not sure. Possibly some desert raiders, dead in their foolishness." His eyes appeared interested despite his laid back answer, however.

Evy bit her bottom lip and continued her gaze, wondering what it was. Her heart was in her throat. "Is that my brother?" she asked softly, praying for once Imhotep would be honest.

Imhotep frowned at her, but softened his expression at her pleading eyes. "I do not know, Nefertiri. I was told no more than what you heard. If you would like, I can send some of the jackals to see and if it is…" He stopped at her loud sigh and annoyed expression. She most certainly did not want those beasts handling her brother. In a soft tone Imhotep said, "What would you have me do?"

Just how much could she get away with? That was the first thing on her mind. Evy wanted to see what was out there for herself, see what had been done to Jonathan. But would Imhotep let her? She looked him over and decided to ask it. "I want to see what's out there." He didn't like the idea.

Inclining his chin, the priest looked down on her through measuring eyes. Evy wondered what the big deal was. Why did he have to control every little move she made? "I will look," he told her, then put a hand on her bare shoulder to forestall the coming arguments. "I do not wish you to lay eyes upon your brother if he is gravely injured. Is it so terrible a thing for me to want to spare you that?"

"No," she replied, lowering her head slightly. "But it is something I feel I should see."

Imhotep commanded their driver head towards the darkness in the sand, shaking his head. When the car finally stopped some fifteen feet away, he opened his door. Evy grasped the handle on hers, but he shot her a stern look. "I said I would look, Nefertiri. If it is something that your eyes should see I will call you. The choice is mine." His door slammed shut.

She turned back, seeing what was out there for what it was. There were about ten of them, give or take. She couldn't make out any faces yet, but instantly she knew they weren't from one of the dangerous factions warring with Imhotep. These men had beat up clothing and appeared poor. She watched him examine a few bodies, then took interest when he stopped and stared down at one in particular. Well, like it or not, she was going to see for herself.

Evy opened her door and got out, and Imhotep turned with angry eyes. "Get back in that car!" he shouted, but she paid him no attention. He came to her, taking her wrists in his hands tightly and gave her the command again with a meaningful squeeze. It was Jonathan. It had to be. She wasn't going to let this monster deprive her of seeing him, no matter what shape he was in. Evelyn pulled herself free and raced away, then stopped in front of the body he had been examining.

Her heart pounded when she looked down and her eyes widened. "Ardeth," she whispered, looking over his battered form. He looked so hurt, so horribly injured. "Oh my God, Ardeth."

Imhotep stormed towards them and pulled her into his arms with fury written across his features. Without saying a word he slapped her hard, causing her to fall to the sand. She raised a shaking hand to her stinging cheek and looked up at him with cold eyes. "This is what you wanted to hide from me? You liar! You told me he was dead and then asked me to marry you! Well, you have your answer! Never!" Letting tears wet her face again, Evy crawled away from Imhotep to where Ardeth lay.

Tucking her hair behind an ear, Evy leaned over him and ignored whatever Imhotep was doing. She didn't care. After everything this was a low blow. Were these the dangerous raiders that had snuck into the palace and spirited her brother away? Of course. That was why Imhotep had knocked her out. Everything fell into place. And Imhotep had sent jackals out to kill those who had kidnapped Jonathan. It was the priest that had killed Jonathan. She glared up at him in her hatred and hissed, "You find my brother! Give me that at least, that he and Ardeth may be buried properly!"

He gazed down on her through unreadable eyes, but silently did as she commanded. If he thought that was going to ease him into her good graces then he had another thing coming. Evy sniffled and turned back to Ardeth, wishing she could have at least said goodbye. She could, she realized, though he would never be able to enjoy it. With tears streaming down her cheeks Evy let her hands fall to the sand above his blood-drenched shoulders and lowered herself. Her lips pressed softly into his and for a moment she knew nothing but the pain of her loss.

But it became apparent soon enough. Evy froze and waited, thinking herself delusional. Her spirits lifted and her heart sank when she felt his soft breath on her mouth. Ardeth was alive. He suffered with these terrible wounds, but he was alive. She looked up when a shadow covered them. Imhotep had returned and his face was neutral. "Your brother is not here," he told her, then nudged Ardeth's limp foot with his.

The movement jarred him and Evy looked down, praying he wouldn't make a sound. It was quite possibly better to let him die here than let Imhotep torment him further. But Ardeth betrayed himself with a groan and a flutter of eyelashes. Imhotep exhaled sharply above and crossed his arms. "You have your own secrets, Princess," he observed with cool eyes.

Immediately Evy was up on her knees below him as if to pray for his mercy. "Please," she pleaded softly, grasping his pant leg with her hands and resting her cheek against his thigh. It sickened her to do, but he liked these demonstrations of submission. "Imhotep, I don't know what I could possibly do to win your mercy, but please don't hurt him. I'll do anything."

Imhotep pushed her away with his leg and stared at the face of his enemy. Sitting back on the sand, Evy watched emotions flit across her master's face. He was afraid, she could tell, but uncertain about what to do with this opportunity. Ardeth could not cause him any harm in this state. Imhotep furrowed his brow and looked down to her. "You are asking my mercy, when moments ago you denied me your hand?"

Evy felt a cold rush of anger at herself and life move through her. In a moment of pride she might have caused Ardeth more pain. "There's nothing I can say," she whispered, bowing her head and playing off his pitying sense of superiority.

He looked between them with considering eyes, then crouched before her. Imhotep's hand grasped her cheeks and forced her to look at him. "I will think about your request, Nefertiri. I will think long and hard. You want me to be a merciful man and sometimes just the vision of your face compels me to such, but this time I find it difficult. Pray for him, Nefertiri, for right now I am very uncertain."

Trembling in his grasp Evy nodded, thankful that for now he wasn't going to do anything to worsen Ardeth's condition. The priest let her go and stood up, calling to his attendants harshly, "We make camp here tonight! Make a tent for this treasonous criminal while I consider his fate!" His servants were quick to obey.

Evy looked away when Imhotep again gazed upon her. Now she had to think and do as he said—pray.

~~~~~~~

Ardeth slept soundly on the cot they had placed him on. His condition would neither worsen nor improve. Imhotep had made certain of that. The Med-Jai was now tied to the priest's life, which would suspend him indefinitely in this suffering. It kept him alive.

Evy stayed by his side, marveling that Imhotep even allowed it. The priest was avoiding her even and she wondered if he would command her to sleep in his tent tonight. She fervently hoped not. If she could manage, she would stay by Ardeth's side all night. He had not given any sign of consciousness for some time, not since she had seen his fist tighten when the attendants picked him up, but she held onto that little sign. He was not in a coma and that was something to be thankful for.

Of course being surrounded by Imhotep's guard, not to mention Imhotep himself, didn't lend to hopeful thoughts. They couldn't escape this and Imhotep would never let him go. Evy couldn't guess what Ardeth's best hope for mercy was. Perhaps it was a quick death. She would try to provide that if her master denied it.

A lock of dark hair rested upon his cheek and Evy sniffled, brushing it away. She wanted to touch him, to hold his hand and kiss it, but it would cause him pain. She had never seen so many cuts on one person. Those jackals were brutal and she wished death upon every single one of them for this. He looked so broken and again the guilt for returning him to life rushed back into her. What had she done to him? This was her fault. Yet he would never see it that way. He would not blame her for this.

Evy leaned close to him, watching his face while he slept. He did not look peaceful. Occasionally his brow would furrow and his breathing would deepen due to nightmares, Evy guessed. Sometimes if a part of her body hurt when she went to bed it would visit her in her dreams. She shuddered to think about what he might be dreaming if that were the case with him.

His nightmares jarred him awake and suddenly he was looking at her through heavy lids. "Evy?" he whispered, then groaned low.

Trying to reassure him, she smiled gently and replied, "Yes, Ardeth. It's me. I know you're hurting, but it won't be long."

Ardeth blinked, but watched her steadily and she could see different things within those dark eyes of his. Relief, hope, sadness, fear. She wanted so desperately to tell him he would be okay, but it would be a lie.

He swallowed and winced, then said, "How…did I arrive here?" His voice was soft and weak, and it pained Evy to hear.

She looked him over and brushed her fingers over his hairline, causing him to close his eyes in enjoyment of that small comfort. They sparkled in thanks when he looked back. It made her eyes moisten, but she didn't turn away and kept rubbing. "We found you. Imhotep and I were traveling and we found you lying out there. We've made camp for the night."

There was a small betrayal of fear in his expression, but he remained strong. "What will he do?"

"I don't know," she answered truthfully, unable to control the shake in her voice. Evy ran her fingers through his hair and let a few tears spill over. "I asked him for mercy, Ardeth and he's considering it." He closed his eyes at that, remaining silent. They both knew how far Imhotep's mercy went. "He tied you into his life force, meaning you won't die until he allows it. I…I wish things could be different for you."

Ardeth swallowed and opened his eyes again to look over her face. She saw him lift his hand to touch her, but knew it would hurt him if she took it. He dropped it and sighed. "I wish things could be different for you." Evy looked away, feeling a little unworthy of that statement in the face of what he had gone through and what may yet happen when Imhotep decided what he wanted to do with his enemy. She should have let him have his peace.

His fingers moved again towards her and this time she did not let him down, brushing the tips of hers against his gently. For the second time in their friendship she was facing him after death, or so it had seemed this time. How was she ever going to face losing him again? She had already lost so much, but Ardeth deserved to get out of this if Imhotep would let him. Yet somewhere inside Evy wanted her friend to stay. But if Imhotep chose to let him live it would mean more suffering than even these terrible wounds. Where was irony when you needed it?

~~~~~~~

Imhotep frowned as he sat alone with his thoughts for likely the duration of night, for he knew Nefertiri was with Ardeth Bay. Folding his hands together, the king gazed at the tent walls as he pondered over what to do about this little situation. Of course if it weren't for Nefertiri this Med-Jai would be dead, but could he not use this to his advantage somehow? It seethed inside that Bay had escaped death. The jackals that had lead the attack would have to be put to death now.

The priest leaned back in the folded chair they had brought for him to sit in. Bay was in no position to cause him trouble—that was certain. Though they had failed to kill him, his servants had quite thoroughly harmed him. If he were to offer this man mercy perhaps it would cause Nefertiri to be more agreeable about the marriage. If he knew the minds of lovers at all, Imhotep surmised that would begin to break the Med-Jai's heart as it would have broken O'Connell's. Right now he needed to get beneath the skin of his opponents and even if Bay were killed that left O'Connell. As surely as Jonathan had not been among the dead, so it was with his other mortal enemy. They had all three escaped death from those who were supposed to be mighty. Imhotep clenched his fists.

Marriage to Nefertiri had tactical reasons, among his more personal reasons of conquering her spirit, but would granting this man mercy be worth the end result? She would never fall to his seductions if he were to kill her lover. He had many things to consider and not enough time in which to do so.

A shadow crossed the entrance to his tent, lit by the torches outside. No, there were two of them. "Lord Imhotep," one of his attendants called meekly.

"You may enter," the priest granted with an outward breath. He waited.

A young man entered and bowed, visibly nervous about confronting his king. This likely meant bad news and if it had anything to do with Nefertiri running away he was going to kill someone. Likely the young man before him. "My Lord, you have a visitor. W-we don't know where he came from, Majesty, but he insists on seeing you. He s-says it has to do with Ardeth Bay, Majesty."

This caught his interest. Who would possibly commit suicide in order to speak with him about his enemy? Imhotep waved his hand and said, "Bring him in."

~~~~~~~

Disclaimer: No infringement intended. Ahamad, Nashean, Mayadeh, Sajul/Necromancer and Arya (and a few other insignificant originals) belong to me.

A/N:

To Reviewers:

Deana – Thanks! ;-) Yeah…poor Ardeth…he's a pin cushion. Heh heh heh. :O Redrum redrum. ;-D

Lula – Hey! Thanks for returning! :-) Nice to know you're around. You never asked what you thought I was going to do. ;-) I'm curious to know what you thought or still think, even…if I haven't covered it in this chapter. ;-) Well, now you know I didn't exactly kill Ardeth. ;-D I'm glad you liked the flashback. :-) Thanks for the compliments and reading! How is Endless coming?

Marx – Heyas! I'm pleased you're liking Ricky and Jonny still…I enjoy writing them! As for the book, yeah…it'll come up. Actually, I had forgotten about it…but I have you to thank for giving me some dialog later on about the book. Thanks!

Elizabeth – Thanks! :-D Gay? *sniff* What a shame for girls like me who would like to… ;-) Glad you're enjoying! And yes, the cast is HOT in that movie…especially that Grima…;-D Lol…shyeah. My aunt laughs every time he comes out on screen, saying he reminds her of Ozzy Osbourne. But what irks me is she calls Elrond "The Grinch". ;-) Oye.

Marcher – Hehehe…god knows I have to kill Ardeth as often as humanly possible. ;-) I like writing a ticked off Rickybug and yeah…things are looking kinda down for Evy, huh? Oye. Poor girl, losing everyone. Well, at least now she's gained again. :-D