Speak Softly
Bleeding Compassion To Extremes

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.

~~~~~~~

Jonathan held his arm and made a face, leaning against the wall of a long vacated building. His heart raced and his breath came with great effort. Angry voices caught his ears and he swore, then took off again. This was not starting out to be a good day.

Three very large men with guns were hot on his trail just now, chasing him through this forgotten little city. If they caught him he would be spending the next few days in jail, then probably on to Imhotep where death would claim him. Jonathan darted down a shadowy alley lit only by the faintest of morning's first rays. He did his very best to avoid knocking the garbage cans over and slipped behind an old couch someone had thrown out a long time ago. It smelled, but offered good cover for the moment.

Jonathan slid down the wall and caught his breath, his shoulder burning in pain. He hadn't had the chance to see anyone even remotely resembling a doctor yet due to an unfortunate encounter last night. Apparently asking around about the Book of Amun Ra wasn't exactly conducive to the maintaining of good health.

It was Rick's fault, of course. He had warned his friend about dealing with these underground types, but of course Rick knew everything. They had entered town seeking medical help, but instead found a thug who wanted to know what business they had being here. Rick made up a good lie and the Arab had insisted they come for 'a game of cards'. Despite Jonathan's warnings against it, O'Connell agreed and the night had progressed quite well, actually.

That was until the night drew to a close. One of the dark fiends won the last round and promptly asked Rick's real business because any man with blue eyes was likely on bad business, or so it was said. Rick thought he had gained a good rep with these men, being the brilliant ex-criminal himself and all, and slyly hinted that someone he was working for might be looking for the Book of Amun Ra. That did it.

The men drew their guns and their so-called leader laughed, saying he knew it had to do with Imhotep. People who had dealings with the king weren't welcome in these parts, be it good dealings or bad. They were to be taken to see a white man called Jorin, a sort of ringleader of affairs around here.

Someone had to get out of this alive. Jonathan felt very adamant about Evy not being left alone in the world to fend for herself with Imhotep's leering eyes always on her, so he bolted. He would return for Rick and try to bust him out of their little hole if he could, but these things had to be planned. He still had a gun on him—one that he had hidden away before the battle with the jackals, so he had that going for him at least and adding that to the fact that the three guards had just ran past the alley instead of entering it, Jonathan thought he was doing pretty well.

Of course that was until she came. From out of the darkness tiptoed a little girl who looked no more than six, her dark eyes shinning in curiosity. The last thing he needed was a screaming child to give him away, but she looked calm enough right now. Jonathan put his finger to his lips and nodded towards the openness beyond just as another guard shot by. Her dark eyes gazed up in fear, but her little pink lips made no sound. This was a girl who knew the dangers of this land.

Jonathan thought his heart would beat out of his chest when a gruff voice demanded, "Have you seen a man with blue eyes, child?" The little girl nodded and his heart sank, knowing he would not escape now. But the dirty child's arm popped up and her small finger indicated he had run in the direction the other guards had gone. The guard laughed a harsh, sickening sound and said, "You better run, girl. I'll be back for you later."

The girl turned back to Jonathan and extended a small hand, asking for him to take it. Without even knowing why or how smart a choice it was, he did and she pulled him deeper into the alleyway. A large mattress leaned against the brick wall and there was a way beneath, a small path that this little child promptly dragged him into. The mattress didn't smell any better than the couch and he didn't fancy holing up behind it, but surprisingly that's not what she had intended. Behind there was a large hole in the building.

Jonathan found himself in a small, dirty room that had about three other children and a few adults. His little friend didn't let go of his hand, but pulled him deeper into the house as the others stared at him through weary eyes. They came to another room where a woman was cooking and Jonathan ran right into a chair, staring at her. "Um, hello," he greeted, stepping around the piece of furniture. He wiped his hand off on his pants and extended it.

The woman, who was quite beautiful in Jonathan's book, furrowed her brow and ignored the hand, turning to the child below with scolding eyes. "Sania, what have you done? I've told you not to bring strangers here!"

Sania said nothing to the woman, merely pointed towards the alley outside and with crossed eyes, ran her hand across her throat as if cutting it. The other woman pursed her lips and the child giggled. Jonathan took a step back and rubbed his cut shoulder absently. "I guess I'd better go, then."

The little girl shook her head vehemently and gave the woman a very stern glare. She shook her head and extended her hand for Jonathan, saying, "I am Layla. We don't get many visitors here and I'm sure you can imagine why." She looked him over and gave him an uneasy expression. "You have blue eyes. Sania, you have put us in grave danger."

Little Sania pulled a chair from the table and plopped down, sticking her tongue out in the process. She made a circle with her hands and gave Layla a very suggestive look. "Interesting little child you've got there," Jonathan commented, taking a chair himself out of sheer tiredness. Layla eyed him suspiciously at that and he mirrored Sania's pleading expression as charmingly as he could. "Is she yours?"

Layla frowned and returned to the stove to stir inside a very large pot. "Sania, you know I don't have any cookies. Ask your friend." She gave him a sidelong glance, then sighed. "She is mine."

Staring at Layla, wondering how such a beautiful woman could have such a sour disposition, Jonathan failed to notice Sania until a spoon met his hand rather hard. He could definitely see the family resemblance. Sania made the circle again and widened her eyes quite devastatingly and Jonathan mourned the fact that he had no cookies. "Sorry, little one," he breathed, reaching over to mess up her dark tresses. She stuck her tongue out. "You don't say very much, do you?"

Sania shrugged, but Layla answered with a resigned voice. "Sania has not talked since her father died." She grabbed a bowl from the counter and a spoon, dipping some soup out. "He was killed in the first war with that stupid priest. I really don't need to tell you the horror stories, do I?"

The bowl found its way in front of him and Jonathan looked into the steamy contents. It looked quite good, given that ingredients were likely scarce. "Thanks," he told her, taking a spoon from her hand. Another bowl found Sania and she smiled at him, holding her spoon in a threatening manner as if to flip food in his direction. Jonathan stuck his tongue out and she giggled. "So, ah, hiding from the local thugs?" he asked, blowing on a spoonful of soup.

Layla again ignored him and left the room, calling for the others to come and eat. When she came back she took her place beside the stove, ready to serve her people and he thought it best to remain silent. This wasn't a happy place, at least not to the adults, but the kids seemed remarkably normal. This was the way life was for them, but the parents knew better. They remembered what life was like before. A boy of probably ten pulled Sania's hair and she whapped him with her spoon. "Be good!" Layla snapped, handing out a bowl of breakfast to an elderly lady.

Sania pouted into her bowl and Jonathan gave her a wink. Her little face brightened and he noticed Layla's scowl. The procession of hungry people ended almost as quickly as it began, and Sania's mother came to the table finally with a bowl of her own. She stirred her soup and looked up at him. "Everyone hides from Jorin and his people—everyone. So, what brings you here, blue-eyed stranger? Why should we hide you and risk our meager lives?"

Jonathan sighed and took a bite of his food gratefully, then met her hard gaze. "You don't have to take me in," he assured her with a swallow, then dipped in for more. "Little Sania found me hiding in the alley and brought me here out of her hospitality."

"Hospitality is a very dangerous offer to make," Layla replied coolly.

This wasn't going well at all and it was true he was putting them all in more danger than necessary, but those cutthroats would probably skewer him good if they caught him. "Unless you're a big, knife toting criminal, I take it? Look, I'll gladly leave as soon as I'm done eating, but would it be so bad if you could at least recommend somewhere I can hide for the night? They're out there searching as we speak and I'd hate to leave my sister all alone in the world just yet."

Sania gasped at that, then looked down at the table sadly. Her mother glared at him darkly as if he'd just thrown a snake at the little girl, then slammed her spoon down. He shifted uneasily and decided not to ask for directions or anything else. Layla sighed and shook her head, taking his arm so he wouldn't get up. "It's not your fault. Little Sania had a sister." Things were like this all over the world, he realized, though he had always known. It just seemed more personal now. Layla inhaled and let his arm go. "So, what is your name? Or would you prefer 'blue eyes'?"

"Jonathan," he answered, taking another bite of soup. "Jonathan Carnahan at your service."

Layla gave him a wan smile, the first offer in the way of politeness since he had entered, and he found himself enjoying it. She was really quite pretty when she smiled. "Jonathan Carnahan," she repeated, testing the name. "There is a reason I should know that name I think, but it escapes me. Well, Jonathan, you may hide here tonight. I can't guarantee you'll be safe, but at least it's better than the streets. If you'll excuse me, I'll go prepare a bedroll for you."

Jonathan watched her get up, leaving her breakfast behind and said, "It's only morning. Surely it can wait?" She shook her head and swept from the room. He inhaled deeply, deciding it better to leave her be, whatever her problems were. Sania pointed towards the door and ran her fingers down her cheeks, and he knew what she was getting at. "Sorry, little one. I didn't mean to make your mum cry."

Sania nodded sadly and shrugged her little shoulders once, then went back to her bowl, kicking her legs back and forth. One slapped into his shin and he waved his spoon at her. She rewarded his gesture with another kick, then giggled at his mock hard expression. He might actually like his stay here…if he could get Layla to smile again.

~~~~~~~

Ardeth woke up sometime after dawn, but did not dare make a move. Her body was warm and soft against his and he thought it likely that forever could pass before he would ever feel it again. He propped himself up on one arm and rested his head against his hand, using his other to touch her arm. A stray lock of dark hair caught his attention, lying gently against her pale shoulder and he smoothed it back. Where would life take them today? He feared he would meet Imhotep's dagger or something worse. A Med-Jai warrior was brave to the core, but that did not mean fear never touched his heart. Ardeth trembled for his future and for hers.

He could watch her sleep forever. His mind traveled back to the Field of the Med-Jai, back to those moments in the sand. Those sensations had burned themselves into his memory and he could still hear her soft whimpers of need. It made him close his eyes to hide the dawn. He had been separated from her once since she had brought him back from the dead and he held no desire for it to happen again. He loved this woman more than he thought himself capable, but he still shied away from thinking of her as his. He had not been prepared for such personal feelings to stir inside for her.

Rubbing lazy circles over her arm, Ardeth had failed to notice her stirrings at first. Evelyn shifted and he opened his eyes slightly, still too tired to believe this was day. Under those heavy lids he did notice her expression, however. She looked bothered, but he hadn't expected her to move away.

Evy sat up and did move, brushing her hair behind her ears and folding her arms across her chest. "Morning already?" she asked and he nodded, opening his eyes a little wider.

"Is something wrong?" he prompted gently, knowing there could be a dozen reasons for her to be upset. He had told her once to be strong for him, but right now he knew he needed to be strong for her.

She shook her head and kept her eyes downcast as she had last night. Something was very definitely wrong. "Nothing," she replied in a voice that betrayed it wasn't true. Evy tucked her hair behind her ear again and glanced at him momentarily. "Ardeth, we have to talk."

Not moving from his position though his arm was starting to tingle a bit, Ardeth toyed with the sand below and watched her struggle. He wanted to take it from her, but what would life allow him to do? There was only one thing to do right now. "I'm listening."

Her dark eyes met the ground again. Whatever it was, she was having trouble saying it. He sat up and she flinched, so he quickly stopped to give her her space. "Ardeth, you're free." She looked up for his reaction and he exhaled. "Imhotep says that today you're free to go without fear for your safety. I assume you should wait until he comes to see you off, but as soon as he does, you can go wherever you want."

That Ardeth wasn't ready to believe. "Why would he do such a thing?" Surely this was a trap.

Evelyn exhaled deeply and licked her lips, looking up into his eyes. "He's changed."

Ardeth shook his head and spoke without a beat, "No, he hasn't. Don't believe his lies. I was beneath his palace and talked with him." Very clearly he could remember Imhotep's proud stance, his words of possessing Evy. This was another game.

"Ardeth, there are things between Imhotep and I that you don't know about," she replied to that, her voice shaking as she tried to get this lie across to him. It was a lie and he knew it. Something had frightened her into this. He reached for her and she shoved his hand away, her brows narrowing suddenly. "Don't touch me."

Shaking his head, Ardeth reached for her again and this time caught her arm. "Don't do this," he pleaded, taking her chin in his hand to make her look at him. Her eyes met his, wide and angry. He let her face go and gazed back softly. "I love you."

Her jaw set as she jerked her arm back. Evy got to her feet and he followed, causing her to back off. Her tone was firm as she went on with this charade. "Don't do that. Please don't love me, Ardeth. You don't know who I am anymore. I've done things…I…"

Ardeth cornered her and pulled her into him, wrapping his arms around her fully as he placed his lips near her ear. He could feel her trembling in his grasp as he whispered, "I know enough, Evelyn. I will always love you."

Evy sniffled as tears came and he did his best to soothe her through it. She was scared for him and telling lies because of it. If he could take her from this right now, he wouldn't stop at the ends of the earth. "Ardeth, please," she whimpered into his shoulder, her small arms holding him tightly. "I don't deserve your love. Don't you understand that?" He closed his eyes and rested his head against hers. "What happened between us wasn't love…not the kind of love you think."

Brushing his hand across her cheek and into her hair, Ardeth looked down into her eyes, searching for the truth. Fear met his vision, mixed with pain and longing that awakened the same in him. Softly he said, "Kiss me again and tell me. Then I will believe you." She trembled as he tilted her chin up gently. Her kiss told him the truth as he bent down, and her eyes said she knew it when he stood.

She pulled away from his arms and wiped her face. "It doesn't matter what you believe. I've agreed to marry Imhotep and he made no threats to make me do it. I agree because I want what he's going to offer to me. You say that you love me?" He nodded and she continued. "Then hear me, Ardeth. Do as I wish. I choose him. I choose to serve him and I give him my allegiance. I can't love you. I don't need you anymore, I used you and…and if anyone's going to rescue me it will be Rick!" The last came out suddenly, but the effect of that statement kept all words from passing Ardeth's lips. It hit home and hit hard. "Don't come back."

As she turned and raced out he could do nothing but gaze after her, wondering what to believe. This had to be a lie designed to keep him away, to make him find a life outside of these terrible burdens, but something kept returning to mind. Everything Necromancer had said would come to pass, did. Rick had betrayed him, leaving him to die in the sand—Rick's betrayal. They would leave him all alone, he had said, and that's exactly what was happening. Was this Evy's predestined betrayal?

It felt like it, despite his fervent wish to believe otherwise, even if it were a lie.

~~~~~~~

Evy covered her face the second she exited the tent, blinded by her tears as she stumbled through the gray morning. Attendants she brushed by muttered darkly, calling her wretched names she felt she now thoroughly deserved. She hadn't even looked to see his expression—not that she wanted to know. She knew exactly which little phrase would keep Ardeth away and confirmation was neither necessary nor desired. No, the last thing she needed was to see those eyes gazing back at her like they inevitably would have. This felt so alone and maybe that was rightly so. Maybe she shouldn't be rescued by anyone—Ardeth or Rick. Right now she needed someone to cry on, but there was no one. No one…except Imhotep.

She shoved the tent flap aside and entered, then wiped her eyes. Imhotep was sitting on his cot, putting on a pair of black shoes. Upon seeing her he stood up and came before her, looking down into her sad face in concern. "Nefertiri?" He reached for her, but she ducked away.

"I," she began, uncertain she could continue. I will always love you. Ardeth's words echoed through her thoughts over and over again. Imhotep would delight in what she had done. Evy covered her face again, unable to look at him anymore. Imhotep wrapped his fingers around her arms and pulled her close, caging her to him in an embrace she loathed. "No!" she hissed, but he refused to let her go. It was too much to bear. I will always love you. How could she have done that to Ardeth?

"Shhh," the king soothed, petting her like one of his puppies. Evy wanted to push him away, but she would be alone again if she did. Maybe she could at least pretend these arms were comforting for now.

Evy closed her eyes tightly and pillowed her face in her hands, hating that she was crying in front of Imhotep. This was his fault. Everything was his fault. Her stomach hurt as she unwillingly relived what she had just done. "I hate you," she whispered, resting limply in his arms. One of her small hands curled around his robe as she looked up, showing her tear-stained face to her master. She glared at him and breathed it again. "I hate you."

Instead of rebuking her or something worse, he merely took in the expression she gave him and brushed her hair back. He said nothing and his face betrayed as much. He just kept touching her and it irritated her. But she had no strength to brush past the hurt and do anything about it. Evy leaned against him again, wanting to hide from those dark eyes that seemed to care, but didn't. "Did you tell him he could leave?" Imhotep finally questioned after a short time.

"Yes," she replied in an almost lifeless voice as she stared at the meaningless wealth of objects to her right. Hers, now that she was his queen. Imhotep pawed through her hair in a relentlessly gentle way. "I told him…I told him I didn't love him and that I didn't need him anymore. That Rick…"

Imhotep hummed in understanding and tightened his hug for a moment. His voice sounded empathic, but conceding her choice as wisdom as he said, "It is for the best. If he does not return I will not be forced to kill him."

Evy frowned and pulled back finally. "You don't have to kill him at all, you know. You could let us both go free and…" She stopped when his expression hardened. He would never let her go. The sand called to her eyes again.

"I will have my price, Nefertiri," he asserted wearily, holding her closer as if to prove his point. "Even if his reasons are true and noble, a man who challenges his king suffers grave penalties. By rights I should curse him as I was cursed, but I am more merciful than you, Nefertiri, who cursed me."

That made her eyes widen a little. She had never even considered Imhotep might perform the Hom-Dai on anyone and the thought of that befalling Ardeth was harsh. That truly would be worse than death and it made her realize just how important it was to keep Imhotep appeased. He shook his head and held up his hand, seeing the panic in her eyes. "I will hold true to my mercy, Nefertiri. He may have his freedom."

Evy lowered her head at that, not knowing what to say. How could she thank him for this, after everything he had done? She could feel him watching her, but right now she didn't care. Let him do as he pleased with her. She would deserve it for what she had just done to Ardeth. It echoed through her again and she knew she would never be able to get his voice out of her mind. I will always love you. It was more than a promise, it was a death sentence to her heart.

~~~~~~~

Disclaimer: No infringement intended. Ahamad, Nashean, Mayadeh, Sajul/Necromancer, Arya, Layla and Sania (and a few less significant originals) belong to me.

A/N: :-O

To Reviewers:

Lula – Oh man…so sorry!!! I can't believe I missed you in the thanking…I mean I knew you had reviewed…cause I read it and was thankful…oye. Don't think I wasn't!! I was just in a rush! *sniff* Now I feel terrible! :-O Anyway, HUGE THANK YOU for the review…and huge SOWWY. I'm glad you're liking the Ardeth/Evy stuff as well…not everyone's cuppa, but it's nice to know that some either like it like me, or can look past it for the plot. :-) I miss you as well and I'm glad to be seeing you more often…and reading Endless. :-) Thank you much for your high compliments…they mean lots to me, even if I am an absent-minded goofball! Doh! You've always been right there through my stories and that means a great deal to me, my friend. :-)

Dead-Girls-Watch – Aaaw…that's too nice of you to say!! :-O Thanks…I'm glad you like this story! I've been seeing yours flit through the archive…I'll check into it soon!

Marcher – Hehe! Hey, late or early, I'm thankful for all my reviews! Tis nice to know I'm doing something rightish! Lol. About that breakout…:-O ;-) Thank you much my friend. Poor Evy and poor Ardeth indeed. Muahahaha…and this isn't the end to the torment!

Serena – I always feel for Immy…cause he's just so freaking messed up, that poor sexy devil. ;-) Even when he is being a jerk. Thanks for the review! I'm glad you're enjoying!

Deb – It occurs to me that by anime style fall you may have meant Matrix…which is totally kewl. ;-) Hehehe. Anyway, yeah, Neccy's got a love for being dishonest even when he's being honest...but is this really the predestined betrayal Neccy was talking about? ;-) But yeah…I figured to keep Ardeth safe she'd do anything, even make him believe she turned against him. Thanks!

Mommints – It appears the Xing problem has been solved…I'm glad it didn't delete the names of the unsigned reviewers! *whew* Aaaw, you chucked it? I hope you didn't do it again cause I'd like to reaaaad. ;-) Wouldn't it be nice though, to fall asleep in Ardeth's arms? *lesigh* Tis not fair that he should exist as a single being and not many for all of us. ;-) Thanks!

Marxbros – Thankie, my friend. That's very kind of you to say! :-O So High…hehe. Well, I was running out of chapter titles and at the moment I believe I was listening to "Hero" on the Spiderman soundtrack (which I turned on just now, what a great song!) and I just snagged the title from the line "I am so high I can hear Heaven, oh but Heaven, no Heaven don't hear me" and I thought it sorta fit…Ardeth being high on emotions for being with Evy, but darkness was still over them in that Imhotep had them making up for the heaven don't hear me part. :-D If I can't think of a title of my own, I usually take it from a song. And yes…Immy's going through his own little weirdness as well. :-D He needs it. Thanks!!

Deana – You forsook him! *sniff* Ardeth's so upset. ;-) As for Evy, well, she didn't wanna say what she had to up there just yet, so that's why she was kinda quiet. ;-D Thanks for reviewing, my friend!