Speak Softly
The Curse

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 man bowed, then scurried from the tent to obey. The priest heard him bid entry to whoever waited outside. The tent opened again and a robed figure came before him. He pushed his hood back and gave Imhotep a disdainful glare. "Are you such a fool that you thought you could kill Ardeth Bay?"

Imhotep said nothing and did not change his expression. He merely leaned forward and sized up the creature before him. This was the Med-Jai he had cursed and twisted for his love of Ardeth Bay. The Med-Jai that had returned to life with more power than Imhotep had intended, who had not become docile as most dead things did, but stronger and with more hatred than even he himself bore for life. What he was, the king did not know, but he was not to be underestimated. "Necromancer, I see you were among those who escaped. Tell me, does the outside greet you well?" He knew this dead thing well, knew it had been nearly a brother to his enemy. Somehow it did not surprise him to see it out and about.

Necromancer hissed at his little jest about the light of life above and Imhotep smiled, knowing full well how terrible it would be to this thing's eyes. The creature wrung its hands, but held itself in check. It wanted something. "You are far too arrogant, Master of the Dead. Far too arrogant. I would let you blunder through your mistakes without a word if it would not hinder my own agenda. Do you even stop to consider why Ardeth Bay is alive after so savage an attack?"

Crossing his arms and shrugging his shoulders, Imhotep replied, "It was merely the failure of my servants—a mistake that will be punished severely. Is that not plain enough an answer, or will you bring my blind arrogance into the explanation?"

"You would know the answer if you weren't so blind," the creature remarked almost wearily. He hissed and rasped in thought, then crooked a finger at Imhotep. "You know so little for a man of your position. Do you not realize there is only one thing that can end the life of Ardeth Bay? Do you not comprehend that every attempt you make will end in failure? I promise you that there will always be some accident, some reason he will not fall."

Imhotep wasn't quite sure whether or not to believe such a thing. This being possessed knowledge of the gods that even he was not privy to. Yet Bay had survived the jackals… The priest cocked his head. "I am listening, Necromancer. Tell me why Ardeth Bay lives."

A smirk of self-satisfaction crossed its face as Necromancer rubbed his hands together compulsively. "Because he is touched of eternity, Imhotep. He is marked by Heaven and chosen. He has a task before him and the power to remain long enough to see it through. There is nothing that may come against him and end his life. Not even you, Master of the Dead."

Imhotep frowned. "You said there was in fact a thing that could kill him, if I am not mistaken. What is your trick, creature?"

"No trick," Necromancer rasped coolly. His dead eyes stared the High Priest of Osiris down, unblinking and filled with rage. This creature would do Imhotep no favors, none that did not meet his own needs. "One thing may kill him, Priest. He may die of his own hand if he can be broken to that level of despair."

"Say these things are true, Necromancer. What are you suggesting?" he asked warily, listening absently to voices outside. His jackals could end this foul creature's life with but a word.

"There is an artifact imbued with the power to destroy lives. I want it." The creature flexed its hands needfully. Narrowing his brow, Imhotep glared up at this wretched example of what once was life, knowing of that which he spoke. This thing wanted it, but for what purpose? The Staff of Osiris that had brought death to the Scorpion King. It could bring death to himself if coupled with the power of the Book of Amun Ra, and strip him of being bound to this earth—preventing resurrection. Imhotep suddenly felt a little more on-guard and Necromancer smiled in dark amusement.

The creature came forward slightly with manipulating pleasantness, his hands rubbing together again. "Have mercy upon Ardeth Bay, Master. Tell your concubine she may buy his life by agreeing to marry you. I know the games you have played with her heart, so it may not be far from the truth that you would free him to gain her. After all, what can he do to you, the great Imhotep?" Necromancer spat the last, but did not recoil his pleading.

"Free him," Imhotep repeated thoughtfully. He shook his head. "Why would I do that?"

The dead Med-Jai snarled deep within its throat at being questioned. Imhotep was no fool. He knew Necromancer had his own interests at heart. "Because, Priest, if you free him Nefertiri will agree to marry you. Do you think that knowledge will not eat away at the heart of the Chosen? It will burden his heart, no matter how he tries to stop it. Let him go with that knowledge, that I might lead him to the staff. Along the way I will poison his mind and drag him to despair. He will end his own life by that pain or the pain I know others may use to cage him. I will give him to the ones beneath the temple if he survives his sorrow. They will cause his suicide if not I. You know this."

He would be in danger if he chose this path. Imhotep knew exactly why Necromancer wanted the staff—to kill the Master of the Dead and end his suffering. Yet the creature would have to attain also the Book of Amun Ra, or his little scheme would not work. The question was, did he know where the Book was? Necromancer could steal memories from mortals, but not from Imhotep—yet the creature could determine his emotions and intentions. That alone was enough to keep himself well guarded against this thing. "You seek the staff for yourself that you may kill me, but will you truly end the life of Ardeth Bay as well?"

Necromancer hissed in a moist breath and nodded. "I will lie to you not, Master of the Dead. You may feel the truth in my words if you listen. As surely as I hate you, so do I hate him! My reasons for that are my own, but I promise that I have no love for his life. Will you take the chance of my having possession of the staff to kill him? Is his death by his own hands rather than yours worth that?"

Looking away from Necromancer, Imhotep thought about this little opportunity presented him. He shared empathy with this creature and as Necromancer could discern his own emotions, so Imhotep could of he. Necromancer spoke the truth. He did want Ardeth Bay dead—quite nearly as much as he wanted to kill his master. Yet Imhotep was not certain it was worth the result. "Leave this place tonight, Necromancer. If I decide it will be by morning, and then shall Ardeth Bay enter the desert alone. If he does not by midday, I have decided against your proposal."

"Yes, Master of the Dead," the creature intoned with a mocking bow. He smiled, showing his dreadfully sharp teeth and turned away. "I will be waiting."

Imhotep watched him leave with a little more anxiety than when he had arrived. Now his choices were harder. Yet what could Necromancer do? He would never find the Book of Amun Ra and even if he did, he could never attain it alone.

With a deep breath the priest stood up and exited his tent. Perhaps he would find his answer in the face of his enemy.

~~~~~~~

Evy awoke to a hand on her shoulder. Her dark eyes fluttered open and rested upon Ardeth, who lay sleeping once more. She swallowed and turned. "I wish to speak with you," Imhotep told her in soft tones and she thought it strange he did not want to disturb his enemy.

Tucking her hair behind her ears, Evy nodded and stood up with one last glace at her sleeping friend. The priest opened the tent and waited, and as she stepped out she watched two young men with wooden posts enter. Her eyes widened in fear and her head whipped around to look at the priest. "What are you going to do to him?"

His eyes betrayed nothing of his intentions as he took her by the arm and headed towards his tent. Imhotep ushered her in and looked her face over. "I must make my choice, Nefertiri. You will wait here until I return."

Evy shook her head and grabbed his wrist as he turned away, heedless of the danger that might come as a result. "What are you going to do to him, Imhotep? Please don't hurt him any more. If you must kill him, please give him mercy and do it fast. It's my fault he's here."

Imhotep touched her cheek, then turned away. "I only wish to speak with him, Nefertiri. I will learn from him why I should let him live. Remain here." He left without another word and Evelyn stared after him.

She couldn't imagine what was going on, but those two posts made her nervous. Ardeth could be tied between them and beaten or any number of other horrid things Imhotep could imagine, and Ardeth couldn't die because of the priest's link to him. She sat down on a small cot nearby, wrapping her arms around herself. Fear filled her as she imagined the terrible things that could happen. Why was Imhotep doing this? He could be so cruel when he wanted and it was those times that Evy forgot Nefertiri's feelings of friendship towards the priest.

~~~~~~~

Ardeth inhaled when Imhotep took Evelyn out of the tent. He had been conscious when the priest had come in and the minutes he had stayed silent, presumably studying either himself or Evy. Someone else entered and then Ardeth opened his eyes, seeing two human men inside his tent with wooden posts. They paid him no attention, so he was able to watch as they dug into the sand and placed the posts three feet apart down into the ground. He didn't need to ask what they were for.

So it would come to being tormented by Imhotep. Ardeth closed his eyes, preparing himself for the pain that would inevitably come. He did not wait long. The two men with him began uttering words of obedience to their king as he entered, then left at his dismissal. The priest took a breath and said, "You may stop your pretending, Ardeth Bay."

Seeing no reason to continue, Ardeth opened his eyes and saw Imhotep sitting where Evy had been. He looked strange wearing those modern clothes. "Do you mean to kill me?" Ardeth asked, brushing aside any attempt at civil conversation. He wanted this over and done.

Imhotep crossed his arms and appeared indecisive about it. "I may kill you, but that is not my intent right now."

"Torture, then," Bay assumed. All too quickly, he learned.

With a small smile, Imhotep shook his head and regarded his prisoner. "You assume you understand my mind, but you do not. So unbelievable to your mind is it that I would merely wish to speak with you."

The Med-Jai would have sneered if the pain and stiffness from dried blood on his face would not have prevented such an expression. Speak with him? Only to hurt him, he knew. Only to threaten. "And what would you speak of with me, Imhotep?"

Imhotep crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. "Why should I let you live? Tell me."

"Tell me this," Ardeth replied instead of giving in to the creature's want. Imhotep was playing some unknown game and he wasn't going to go along with it. "What answer could I possibly give that would see you allowing my life? I am no fool, Imhotep. You will kill me or torment me. That is your nature."

The question went unanswered for a moment. Imhotep looked down and remained silently in thought, but Ardeth could see through him. His play for pity would not find reward. "You are injured," he finally observed with neutral tones. Imhotep leaned closer. "I will ease your suffering."

Ardeth widened his eyes when Imhotep grabbed his wrists. Stinging pain shot through him from having his peeled and sliced skin gripped so tightly, and he groaned and writhed for all his failing strength was worth. Imhotep smirked at this and began chanting intently, watching his enemy suffer. Ardeth closed his eyes and fought for air, overcome with sensation.

He could feel it entering his body and pulling at him, drawing him away from true life. Tendrils of energy crept over him, soothing away the ache every single one of his slash marks produced, but with it he could feel the darkness of Imhotep's power saturating him. It was in some ways more painful than the knives that had pierced him and he fought against the priest. Imhotep ignored him and poured his life into his enemy. But even as strength flooded him, he felt something else—something he could only liken to his light being stolen.

When it was done Ardeth groaned and covered his face as if to hide from the dark. Imhotep's power came from evil purpose and the blackness of it seemed to infect every sensation just as life had when he had returned. His actions seemed to puzzle the priest, who asked what was wrong. He could not have that man's hands on him again. Ardeth sat up and shivered, holding his arms out to block further contact. "Don't touch me," he hissed, wishing he could somehow get the darkness off of him.

Imhotep was unimpressed and wrapped his fingers around Ardeth's tattered robe, jerking him off the cot and to the floor. Bay weakly tried to follow as the priest dragged him to the posts and bound his wrists with rope to each side. Once he was secured, Imhotep crouched to his eye level and looked him over again. "You are a very strange being, Ardeth Bay. I understand nothing of what you feel or why you are here, but know this. I tolerate you for the sake of Nefertiri, but even that has its extent. For her sake I urge you reconsider your intentions concerning me. Do not push me to act against you."

Ardeth glared, but said nothing as he fought for the air he breathed. His body tingled from the sudden changes, but at least moving didn't cause him intolerable pain anymore. Imhotep stood up and watched him for a moment, then left without another word. Ardeth pulled at the ropes around his wrists, but couldn't tear himself free.

He settled on his knees with his arms strung above him, wondering if he hadn't just been freed from the frying pan into the fire. Whatever Imhotep's little scheme was, Ardeth couldn't say, but even concern for his future couldn't hold his attention for very long. It was still around him, still blanketing him. He didn't know what the priest had done exactly, but it seemed to change him and he couldn't even say how. He only knew he didn't feel entirely himself.

Before he could examine his state more closely the tent flap opened and Evy rushed in, looking for him. She gasped when she saw him, then fell to her knees in front of him. "My god," she breathed, reaching out to run her fingers across his shoulder. "The cuts are gone. He really healed you."

Ardeth nodded tiredly and looked her over. He was thankful to see her again, whether it be one last time or not. She looked like a woman who carried much on her shoulders, but that made her no less beautiful to him. So beautiful and soothing. He had never felt so touched by love in his life before. Ardeth suddenly missed being close to her. "Evy," he breathed, sliding his eyes across her face. The darkness seemed to lessen. "I wanted to thank you."

Her familiar smile returned and she rolled her eyes, saying, "Oh good Lord, for what? This is…this could get bad before it gets better." The nervous catch made him sigh.

He shook his head and flexed his fingers to touch her, but the rope held him back. He had something to tell her before anything happened to separate them. She could never think he blamed her. "I wanted to thank you for showing me how loved I was. I knew on some level before 1929 that yes, people cared for me. That I was a part of something. But I never realized just how much I meant to my friends or just how much they and this world meant to me. You gave me that, Evelyn. It's worth what I may yet face and I don't want you to blame yourself."

Evy looked down and he knew that would be a tall order for her, but he did not wish for Imhotep to kill him without her knowing just what she had done. She had brought him back out of need and he could understand that, even if he may never be able to save her. His friend said nothing, but drew closer and wrapped her arms around him, rubbing his back warmly in their embrace. After everything it felt so good to be touched, to be loved. Ardeth closed his eyes and rested his head against hers. Evy rubbed her cheek against his and sighed, "I don't know what to say."

"Then say nothing," he replied softly, just enjoying this moment of quiet with her. He did not want her to leave him or let go. This moment could last forever as far as he was concerned.

She pulled away though and he mourned the loss of her hug. Her eyes were moist and luminous and her expression soft as she reached for his face. Ardeth brushed his cheek into her hand, wondering just what he was doing, letting his feelings escape him again. Yet if O'Connell already hated him, what did it matter? His brow furrowed as he reminded himself of exactly why it did matter. But whatever his feelings, her own curiosity was becoming clear. Her thumb traced his bottom lip and her eyes seemed to memorize every detail of his face. Ardeth pushed O'Connell aside and decided not to disturb this moment with mention of him.

"I remember when I first saw you," she said in an amused tone, drawing her hand to his shoulder. She rubbed at the muscle there and smiled reflectively. "Do you remember that, Ardeth? You and your cohorts were frightening that night."

He laughed and looked her over, remembering that young woman who had not let so little a thing as the Med-Jai stop her from her curiosity. Those days seemed ages passed. "Obviously not frightening enough." Right now he could see that younger woman gazing back as she grinned.

"I was stubborn then," she replied to that, still exploring his shoulders and neck softly. He watched her hand travel to his bicep and she stopped there. "I must seem rather intrusive, touching you like I can't control myself or some such silliness. Honestly, what you must think of me." Her eyes became a little shy as if what they had shared did not give her permission to do these things to him. He was almost surprised to find he wanted her to still. Yet there wasn't any discomfort or shame. Just want of love. Her voice softened when she asked, "Did you…did you think of me?"

Ardeth rested his cheek against her hand and gazed at her through heavy lids, grateful for her silliness if that's what she deemed it. He did not deem it so. "I did think of you."

Evy smiled gently, but it quickly faded as she looked down. "I don't want to lose you again."

He felt so tired just now, peaceful enough with her presence to rest. "And I don't want to leave you," he told her as he closed his eyes. He took a breath and reopened them. "Did Imhotep tell you why he healed me?"

She shook her head and took her hand away, and his sigh made her expression regretful. He needed her soft light right now to help him, to prepare him for the darkness that would come—for one way or another it would. He could feel it. Evy hugged him again, sensing his need, and he shivered in her arms. He had never been so frightened of his future. Was this Imhotep's power clouding his mind, or something on the horizon that would swallow him in its evil? Evy whispered against his hair, "Don't be afraid."

"Stay here," he pleaded, loathing the thought of her leaving him alone. He needed only this night with her, just to feel her arms around him and her life radiating off of her, filling the emptiness. "Sleep in here for as long as Imhotep will allow it."

Evy tightened her embrace and he felt her nod against him. "I will. I'll stay right here with you."

Ardeth leaned into her in as much of a hug as tied arms would allow, and she pulled back slowly, staying close. Reassurance seemed to reflect in the dark depths of her eyes. It only took a second of that for him to lose the war between confusion, himself and O'Connell's jealousy. A stronger emotion moved him past those things and brought his mouth to hers to test the want between them. She returned it with as much uncertainty as he gave it and Ardeth laughed into her lips, causing her to smile.

"I do love you, Evy," he told her as she rubbed his shoulders, still so close he could feel her warmth. "If life could be different for us…" He didn't know what to tell her or what to even dream of trying for. This was not normal life where happiness could be taken at will. This was Imhotep's dark reality and to sink further into this bond with her could be dangerous.

She shut him up quite thoroughly with another kiss and he decided to forget his worries. Let the world fade into darkness. He had never known these feelings before now, never felt so interested in how far his heart could take him if he allowed it. He wanted to explore this now.

Evy again touched his cheek with a soft light in her eyes. "Are you tired?" she asked him, then looked at his bound wrists. "I wish I could let you down from there, but Imhotep would probably throw a fit."

Ardeth shrugged it off and smiled at her. "I'll be all right, Evy. Rest." His eyes traveled to the cot nearby, the bed that was stained with his blood. That was no place for her to sleep.

She didn't even look that way, though. Evy lowered herself to the sand beside him and curled up close, but not close enough. "I hate to lay down in front of you." she murmured through a yawn, looking up.

He shook his head and watched her eyes close, thinking how strange life was to bring them here to this moment. "Don't worry," he told her, thinking it far from him that he would mind this or let it bother him. She needed to sleep. He enjoyed being near her this way and wanted it to last. It wasn't long before her breathing became steady. He watched her for a time, letting her life remind him of what he was fighting for. It took away the darkness he had felt from Imhotep's spell.

It didn't last much beyond that. Sometime later the tent opened and the king came in. He stopped, seeing his concubine rested near his enemy with a hand that had wandered to his thigh, and shared a look with Ardeth. His thoughts were not betrayed in his shadowy eyes, but he did not appear angry as Ardeth surmised he would be. He said nothing and knelt down beside the sleeping Evy, shaking her with a hand on her arm. "Nefertiri," Imhotep said gently and she opened her eyes. "I must talk with you."

Evy sat up slowly, obviously shaking off the effects of entering sleep. She sighed and looked up reluctantly, but Ardeth shook his head. "I will see you tomorrow," he told her, hoping it would ease her mind about leaving him. Evelyn nodded once and took Imhotep's hand, standing with him.

They left, but not before Imhotep let his eyes rest once more on his captive. Ardeth could swear the priest looked troubled.

~~~~~~~

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

A/N: Wow…lotsa reviews…I musta done something right last chapter. ;-) All the relief in Ardeth being alive, eh? Thanks everyone! Made my day! :-)

And thanks to Lula for reading this chapter before posting and pointing out my silly typos. Arg, they are my bane! :-D And of course thanks to Deana who also reads sometimes and points them out!

To Reviewers:

Deb – Thanks for the email! We've already discussed pretty much everything, but I wanted to say thanks anyway on here cause you rock! And thanks for reviewing A Matter of When! :-)

Cackle – Thanks! And thanks for reading Who We Once Were and reviewing! :-)

Dawn – Thank you muchly for saying that! :-O I'm glad you like it. :-)

Raptor – And thank you as well! It's always nice to see new faces and I'm happy that what I'm writing is being enjoyed!! :-D

Marcher – Hehehe. ;-) I wanted people to think him dead. Muahahaha. But I got a little wary that the ending of another story of mine would make people be like, "She did it again! I'll NEVER read her stories!" ;-) I'm glad it didn't… So was the visitor who you thought it would be? ;-) I'm glad you're enjoying this!! Thankie!

Serena – Wow, thanks! I'm glad you're liking this. As for Evy…well, she sorta saved him and now as you can see from Neccy's words, fate sort of stepped in as well. ;-) Poor Ardeth. Muahaha!

Deana – You sillious willious. ;-) Yes, Rick abandoning Ardeth IS freaking sad. ;-D Thanks!

Lula – Don't we all wanna hug him and hold him and squeeze him and pat him and call him George? ;-) hehehe…stepping out of Bugs Bunny mode. Very nice thoughts. ;-D Thanks muchly…I'm happy you're enjoying!

Bunni – Hehehe…thanks…I'm glad you thought that line was funny…after posting (cause that's usually when I do my proof-reading ;-) my eyes hit that line and I wondered if anyone would think that Immyish or not. ;-) I'm glad you enjoy!

Mommints – Lol, silly. ;-) I answer when I have something to answer to…from henceforth when I don't, I'll still mention you, saying, "Mommints – Where the crap are you??? :-O" ;-D Anyway, thanks for your kind words. I'm glad you're enjoying! It does make sense…poor Ardeth's in a nice little spot. Doh! Now to go check into your PM story…:-D

Marxie – Thank you so much! :-) Yeah, a nice Immy part here and there never hurts, eh? ;-D Mmmm. Yummy, yummy man. I'm heppy you're enjoying this, oh inspiration mine! Speaking of which, I can't wait for more Hereafter…though I'll be sad to see it done. *sniff*