Ardeth made his way around the lake to where Jonathan and the professor were sitting talking, smiling in greeting to the two men when he joined them.
"Why did you not join us Professor Millbrook? Surely you are interested in seeing the temple?" Ardeth said as he sat down next to them.
"I'm very interested in seeing it, I assure you. I'm not feeling very well, actually. My head is thumping and I feel very queasy. Probably something I ate, I imagine." Jackson replied, rubbing his stomach.
"I thought I'd keep him company, you know. You can never tell when these things can turn serious," Jonathan excused himself, waving his hands about airily.
"Of course not," Ardeth said sardonically, giving him a knowing look. He pursed his lips and smothered a smile as he continued. "It is a shame, however, that you did not join us. The temple has much gold in it." His eyebrows raised as he looked at Jonathan and noticed the sudden spark of interest.
"Yes, well, perhaps I should go and help Rick and Evy, then. I'm sure I could be of some use to them..." he tailed off and got up, brushing sand from his behind as he walked off toward the lake without a backward glance. Ardeth shook his head at Jonathan's greed for gold.
"So tell me, what was the temple like?" Jackson asked him, snapping his attention back from Jonathan's retreating back.
"It is very large inside, the walls are covered with writings and there are a great deal of statues. One, in particular, held Evy's attention. It is a statue of Seth and it has green jewels for eyes," he said.
"Is the room itself an oblong shape?"
"Yes, a very large one. There are recesses in the walls that hold vases and other gold ornaments."
"Where's the statue of Seth standing?"
"It stands at one end of the chamber, reaching the ceiling in height and it is looking down towards the feet."
"Hmmm," the professor frowned thoughtfully. "What's at his feet?"
"There is a stone slab at the base of the statue, but I saw nothing else at this time. One other thing, though, that may interest you. As I lit one of the torches lining the walls..."
"All the others ignited at the same time, didn't they?" the professor broke in.
Ardeth looked surprised. "Yes. How did you know this?"
"Some years ago I read a scroll that had been discovered at Akhetaten. It made references to an unholy temple where light would be a spontaneous event. It didn't make much sense until now, what with the connection to Akhetaten as well, but I think I'm beginning to understand a lot of things I've read before and not comprehended. So where are Evy and her husband now? And Tilly?"
"O'Connell and Evy are still in the temple examining the writings. Matilda has gone to change her clothing."
"You didn't stay in there very long."
"Matilda felt unwell, much the same as yourself. She seemed...frightened of the statue of Seth and was pleased to leave." He stared thoughtfully at the professor. "Do you think there may be a connection between your feeling ill and Matilda's sudden nausea?"
"Once upon a time I would have said no and told you not to be ridiculous. Now, however, I should think there is a strong possibility that there's a connection," the professor said with a sigh, wondering what was going to be the next thing to happen. His eyes narrowed as he watched Tilly approach them wearing fresh clothing.
"Your friend Ardeth, here, said that you were unwell. How are you feeling now?"
Tilly smiled hesitantly as she sat down across from them, drawing her legs up underneath her as she settled on the slightly rocky sand. Ardeth noticed that she was sitting as far away from the professor as she could get and had shot him a wary look, obviously worried that he might make a move towards her. "I feel sick to my stomach actually," she admitted.
"Do you have a headache by any chance?" the professor enquired.
"Yes, a slight one, nothing too bad. Why?"
"Because that's exactly how I feel. With the exception of the headache. It feels as though someone's trying to tunnel their way out of my brain!" he replied with an attempt at humour.
"Nobody else seems to be feeling ill," Tilly remarked, glancing across at Ardeth who shook his head at the unspoken question. "Where's Jonathan?"
"He has gone to look at the temple, a task he was not interested in until he heard of the gold within," Ardeth said, smiling derisively.
Tilly shook her head and smiled back at him. "Poor Jonathan, he'll never be anybody's idea of a hero!"
"Not so. He saved my life once, at Ahm Shere. Did he not tell you of this?"
"He did mention something, but I just thought he was boasting. That was you?" Tilly asked, surprised that Jonathan hadn't made more of his story.
"Yes. I was helping O'Connell to get his son back and I had to fight a man called Lock-nah. When I had beaten him I was nearly killed by one of his men. Jonathan managed to target the man from a great distance and he shot him, a split second before the man would have shot me. Evy's brother has an undeniable greed for gold but he also has great skill with a gun, for which I shall always be grateful."
"I suppose he's not all bad. He's been very kind to me and hasn't asked for or expected anything in return. I guess he's just become part of my new family," Tilly said, wincing and touching her head as her headache suddenly became worse.
"Are you okay?" the professor asked her, moving near her and touching her arm.
"Sorry, my headache just became more than disagreeable. I might go and lie down, if that's okay," she said, getting gingerly to her feet.
"Do you want me to come with you?" Jackson offered, standing up next to her along with Ardeth, still keeping a firm and somewhat uncomfortably familiar hold on her arm. "I don't think you should go back on your own." His hand on her arm became tighter and she opened her mouth to tell him he was hurting her. "Come on, let's go," he said, before she could get any words out, all but dragging her away.
"No, no, I'll be fine, but thank you," she said and attempted to pull away from him. He turned his head and she gasped at the dead look in his eyes, the total lack of humanity and the sneer that darkened his expression.
"You will come with me!" he hissed at her and she turned panicked eyes to Ardeth, who was already moving towards them, one hand on his sword.
"Let her go!" he said quietly, moving quickly in front of them and stopping the professor in mid stride.
Jackson tilted his head to one side and studied the Arab, an evil smile tilting his lips up at the edges. "Or what, Med-jai? What do you think that you can do to stop me?"
Ardeth noticed immediately that the professor's voice was different, grating roughly against his nerves. He drew his sword and touched the tip to Jackson's neck. "Perhaps you would like to try and see what I can do?"
He watched as the deadness started to leave the other man's eyes, almost as though a black cloud had passed over them and he lowered the sword slowly. "Another time," Jackson whispered, before his eyes cleared completely and he shook his head, looking at Ardeth and Tilly in bewilderment.
"What's wrong?" he asked them, staring from one to the other.
Tilly pulled her arm from his now loose grasp and rubbed at the skin which she knew would now bruise.
"Do you not remember what you have just done?" Ardeth asked him, frowning.
"What do you mean? What did I just do...hang on, didn't you just threaten me?" he said, his confusion evident.
"You were hurting Matilda, but I do not believe you were in control," he explained to the older man.
"I see. I think I see anyway," Jackson said and looked at Tilly again. "I was going to walk you back to your bed, wasn't I? Well, I see no reason not to do that now, I feel fine!" he said and gave a lopsided smile, holding out his hand to her.
Tilly cleared her throat and moved swiftly towards Ardeth's side. "That's very nice of you, but Ardeth's already offered to walk me back, haven't you?" she asked, looking hopefully up at him.
"Indeed I have," he answered her without hesitating. "It would be my pleasure," he said and took her arm, ignoring the muddled look the professor shot him. Tilly didn't speak until they were out of earshot.
"Thank you. I didn't want to be any trouble, but I didn't really want him to walk me back to my bed, not after that. What was wrong with him?"
"I am not sure, but I fear we will find out soon enough!"
"If that wasn't bad enough, from what Evy said he's a bit...er..." she faltered. "Well, he's a bit of a womaniser, apparently. I find him a little too friendly sometimes, a bit threatening."
"But you do not find me threatening?" He smiled and gave her a sideways glance.
"Not until you said that, no! Well except for the incident with the sword and, of course, the fact that we're going to try and kill each other eventually!"
Ardeth laughed. "I am glad that you no longer fear me, despite our unconventional first meeting. It will please O'Connell and Evy to know we can be friends."
"Why don't you ever call him Rick?"
"It has never occurred to me. He has always been simply O'Connell to me, from the moment I first met him."
"Wouldn't you prefer to call him by his given name?"
"With my people it is more a sign of respect to call a man by his family name, not by his given name. I have great respect for your cousin. Perhaps one day I will address him in the same way as you feel free to do," he explained.
"You've known him for a very long time, but I sort of understand where you're coming from. I wasn't really sure what to call you at first," she confessed.
"I saw that, when you called me Mr. Bay," he said smiling at the memory. "I cannot remember being called that in my entire life. It has always been either Ardeth or Bay or sometimes the two together, never Mr Bay!"
"Well, it's considered polite where I come from. I didn't realise it would be different in this country. Mind you, everything is different..." she stopped suddenly and swung her head around as if someone had touched her.
Matilda
"What is it?" Ardeth asked.
"Didn't you hear that?" she whispered, her eyes wide.
"Hear what? I did not hear anything," he said.
"I thought I heard someone..."
Matilda
The disembodied voice floated across to her again and she jumped. "You're telling me you can't hear that?"
"No, there is nothing! What is it you can hear?"
"Someone's saying my name, I don't know the voice..." she tailed off and listened intently, but she could perceive nothing more. "Maybe it was just my imagination."
"I do not think so, not here and not now. If you believe a voice said your name then I believe it also. If you still need to lie down then I shall stay nearby." Ardeth said as they entered the small side chamber where her bedding was.
"I do need some rest, I feel pretty lousy right now. My headache seems to be getting worse."
"Then rest Tilly, do not worry, I will not leave you alone," he said and helped her sit down on the bedding, watching carefully as she lay down and almost instantly closed her eyes, a weary sigh escaping her. He moved away from her and placed his hand on his ever present swords, now back in position around his waist after his brief swim. Next time, he would take them with him down into the temple, he decided. He trusted his swords as he trusted no man and he would trust them now to protect his friends and himself from whatever came their way, whether it be a mortal or a God. He settled himself in the doorway, leaning against the stone that made up the entrance and staring through the darkening Hypostyle hall at the setting sun. The day had passed quickly, too quickly considering what was coming. In two more days Imhotep would be here with them and, with his powers fully regenerated, he had an even greater chance than usual of killing them all and using Tilly for the transference ceremony.
After a short while the professor walked slowly through the pillars toward him, one hand holding his head. "It seems it's my turn to lie down. My head is killing me," he said, his voice slightly husky with his obvious pain.
"Have you heard anyone calling your name at all?" Ardeth asked with sudden interest, quickly associating this mans pain with Tilly's abrupt illness.
"No, I don't think so. I'm sorry, I can't talk right now, I have to lie down. Please excuse me," Jackson said, and staggered across the chamber, falling onto the first available bed.
"Do you need anything?" Ardeth asked him, concerned at his extreme pallor and weakness.
"Just sleep. Thank you," the other man muttered, his eyes closing and his breathing quickly becoming regular, signifying he had fallen asleep already. Ardeth moved away from him and took up his position in the doorway again, wondering how long it would be before Evy and Rick returned. If they had not reappeared before night fell he would have to go and get them; they needed to know that Tilly and Jackson were unwell. In the meantime he would have to watch the inside and the outside of the chamber, not wholly trusting the professor and not knowing what might come at them.
It seemed like a tediously long time before Jonathan came walking through the Hypostyle hall, kicking dust up in front of him.
"No gold?" Ardeth enquired, cocking one eyebrow.
"Rick and Evy wouldn't let me take anything until we know what it's all for, apparently," the other man muttered in disgust, water dripping from his wet clothes and forming a puddle in the sand at his feet. "I suppose I'd better get changed or I'll get pneumonia and Rick will kill me for causing him trouble!"
"Surely the pneumonia will already have done the job for him?"
"Yes, I suppose it would have. I'll get changed anyway, I don't much fancy the idea of dying and it does get awfully cold out here at night, you know," he rambled on, obviously forgetting that this man had lived in the desert for his entire life and had a knowledge and respect for it that he could never match.
"Matilda and the professor are asleep, Jonathan, so please do not make too much noise. They were both feeling unwell. How long is your sister going to stay in the temple?"
"Not long. They were just about to make their way back actually. They sent me on to make them something to eat, like I was a slave or something! I mean, what did their last servant die of?" Jonathan continued rambling whilst he changed his clothing in a dark corner of the chamber.
"Jonathan, Matilda is unwell, as is Professor Millbrook." Ardeth told him abruptly, wondering if he had heard him when he had said it before, eager to stop his complaining about trivial matters when something much more serious was happening.
"Tilly's ill? Is she okay? Oh, and the professor of course. What's the matter with them?" Jonathan reappeared from the shadows tucking a dry shirt into his trousers.
"They both began to feel unwell, nauseous," he replied. "Also, they had headaches. As you can see they have had to lie down and are now asleep." He frowned at the still figures laying on their beds. "I think this is more serious than it first appears," he added.
"Evy and Rick should be back in a minute. What should we do about them?" Jonathan said, nodding his head in the general direction of Tilly.
"There is nothing that we can do at this time. We must let them sleep and keep watch over them. I am sure that the professor is going to play a part in what is to come, his illness may be the warning for this."
"Can't this just be something simple?" Jonathan asked, exasperated at Ardeth's seriousness in all things. "Can't they just have eaten something bad? Can't this be anything other than this damn Seth thingamabob?"
"It is doubtful. Imhotep will be upon us in two days, perhaps less. Anything out of the ordinary will no doubt be linked to the return of Seth," he replied, still deadly serious.
Jonathan sighed. "Why can't I have a peaceful life?"
"Because you're always throwing yourself in the path of danger, brother dear," Evy said as she walked back into the chamber, Rick following. Their sudden appearance shocked Ardeth, who hadn't been watching the Hypostyle hall whilst he was talking to Jonathan. He turned hurriedly back to his self appointed post and narrowed his eyes in concentration, scanning the hall. No-one would surprise him again, he promised himself, not if he had to stay awake for the entire two days.
Rick joined him, holding a shotgun loosely in one hand. "Keeping guard?" he asked, pushing his wet hair back out of his eyes.
"Has Jonathan told you of Tilly's illness?" Ardeth asked, completely ignoring his question.
"He said she wasn't well and nor was the professor. I assumed this was something to do with all this Seth stuff." He looked at Ardeth and received a nod in confirmation. Ardeth went on to tell him of the professor's odd behaviour. "Thank God you came back out here with her!" Rick said, shuddering at what could have happened. "Evy's taking a look at Tilly now. She seemed to be sleeping peacefully, to me, but you never know." He leaned back against the doorway wearily. "I have to admit I feel guilty. We brought her here with us as an adventure, her first time in Egypt and all that," he smiled bleakly. "Well, it's turning out to be an adventure all right, there's no doubt about that. God, she's never going to want to see us again after this!"
"Do not blame yourself, my friend. As you said before, they would have found her whatever country she was in. In fact, this could turn out to be the best way for this to happen," Ardeth said, reassuring his friend.
"Really? And how do you work that one out?"
"Had Tilly been taken from her home she would now be alone and at the mercy of Imhotep. This way she has you and your family to help her."
"And she has you, as well. I notice you're calling her Tilly now." Rick said, looking innocently out through the huge pillars around them, a smile slowly appearing on his face.
"Is this another attempt to lighten the situation?" Ardeth asked, feeling an answering smile reluctantly tug at his lips.
"Is it working?" Rick replied unabashed.
"Perhaps a little. Tilly said that she thought I already understood your sense of humour, despite my fake sheikh impression. I did not understand this and she said it was a moving picture some years ago and that perhaps I could ask you about it," he raised his eyebrows enquiringly and then wondered if Tilly had been making a fool of him when Rick started laughing helplessly.
"Oh, God, sorry," he chuckled, wiping a tear from his eye. "I was just picturing you as Rudolph Valentino, looming over some helpless woman! I guess that's the sort of person Tilly expected to meet out here, not someone like you!" He laughed again.
"Who is this Rudolph Valentino?"
"He was a movie star in America. He died...oh, about 10 years ago now. But he made a film called 'The Sheikh' and millions of women thought he was God's gift to women. Including Tilly, it seems!"
"What did this Sheikh look like?" Ardeth enquired, thinking he must have some similarity to this figure.
"Nothing like you. He was tall and dark and that's where the resemblance ends. He wore white flowing robes and a white head-dress thing, very Hollywood makeover. No beard or long hair or..." he waved his hand about, pointing at Ardeth's face. "Marks of any sort. Maybe Tilly sees something of him in you, although what is anyone's guess. Maybe it's because you're so...foreign."
"I am not the foreigner in this place, O'Connell. But I think I understand your meaning." He looked down at his attire. "Perhaps the robes reminded her of this sheikh, regardless of the colour?"
"Possibly. Or maybe she likes you, ever thought of that?"
"She has stopped distrusting me, it is true," Ardeth said, Rick's point either going completely over his head or else he was ignoring the true meaning.
"Mmm," Rick murmured, narrowing his eyes at him. "Have you ever thought of coming back to London one day? Just to visit?"
"I have not had the opportunity, in truth. Nor have I had an invitation," Ardeth said, wondering at this change of subject.
"That's our fault, we should have asked you sooner. Would you like to come over for a visit? Call it a holiday," he encouraged.
"The last time I was there it was a little...chaotic. However, I can make no plans until I know what is happening here and have spoken to the twelve tribes."
"Well, after this is all over...if we come out of it all right, then make arrangements with the tribes for a leave of absence, okay? You have a standing invitation to come over any time you like," Rick offered.
"I thank you. We shall see what happens, first."
Rick stared at Ardeth, taking in the faint tiredness in his eyes. "When was the last time you got some sleep?"
"Two days ago," he replied, looking at Rick. "Do not be concerned, I am feeling fine."
"Well, be that as it may, you're going to go and get some sleep right now. I'll keep guard and I'll wake you up when it's your turn. Go on," he said when Ardeth showed every sign of protesting. "You're no good to any of us if you flake out from tiredness. I've had some sleep, you haven't. Go!" he ordered and Ardeth reluctantly walked away to find some bedding, Evy showing him where he could lay down.
The next few hours passed peacefully enough, no sign of anyone approaching and Rick just sat there, deep in thought about what was about to happen. Evy joined him after having a short sleep and sat in front of him, leaning back against his chest. His arms instantly moved around her and rested lightly on her stomach and she felt a soft kiss touch her hair.
"Have I told you today that I love you?" he said softly.
"You have indeed, but go ahead and say it again, I don't mind!" she whispered back, turning her head so that he could give her a nice long kiss.
"Mmm, very nice. I do love you, you know. You and Alex are my whole world," he said, resting his chin on top of her head.
"And you are mine. And I suppose Jonathan is as well," she continued, frowning.
"Well, he is your brother. Or so we think. I've never been able to see it myself, but I suppose not all families look alike. He certainly doesn't have half your brains!"
"Actually he does, he just doesn't use them very often. You're too hard on him, you know," she admonished.
"Yeah, I know. But it's so much fun winding him up, watching him sweat," he said nastily, smiling.
"You wicked man!"
"Mmm-hmm, I sure am. That's why you married me!" he said irrepressibly. "I have more than I ever thought I'd have. Including a new family member in Tilly. That sure came as a surprise!"
"But a nice one," Evy said, looking up at him.
"Yeah, a nice one. She found me so she could get to know her real family and I repay her by bringing her here and getting her condemned to some God-awful death! What a great prize I turned out to be!"
Evy squeezed his hands comfortingly. "Don't be like that. It's hardly your fault any more than it's mine or Ardeth's or Jonathan's .You shouldn't feel guilty. Just be there for her, the way you've always been there for me."
"Oh right, like I was there when you were stabbed by that woman? Yeah, I can see where I might come in handy!"
"Don't be an idiot!" she said, turning and hitting him. "That wasn't your fault either! I love you and I'm sure Tilly loves you too! Now shut up and stop feeling sorry for yourself!"
He looked down at her smiling face. "Feeling brave are we?" he said, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, yes. I think I can handle anything you throw at me..." she broke off and squealed when he wrestled her to the ground and lay squarely on top of her, holding her arms above her head.
"Still feeling brave?" he said, giving her a devilish grin as he bent to kiss the breath out of her.
"I find this a very unusual way of keeping watch," Ardeth said as he stepped over them and took up position, now holding his favoured Tommy gun.
Rick took his time releasing his wife, not in the least embarrassed. "Really? You should try it. Maybe Jonathan would partner you," he said, watching Ardeth's look of shock and horror. "Or maybe Tilly would?" he added slyly, watching the Arab's expression briefly change to one of consideration before returning to impassivity.
He stood up pulling Evy with him. "Did you get enough rest?" he asked the other man.
"Yes, I am sufficiently rested, thank you," he replied, looking up at the sky. "Dawn is approaching," he remarked.
Rick looked up too. "So it is," he replied, looking at his wife's interested gaze directed at Ardeth. "I'll go get some rest now. Will you be okay?"
"Of course. Get some sleep."
Rick walked off, his arm around Evy. "What's all this about Tilly? Is he interested in her?" she asked eagerly, her eyes huge.
"You just love a bit of gossip, don't you?" he laughed as she impatiently jabbed him in the ribs. "Okay, okay! I think he is, and I think she is too. But I don't think anything will come of it."
"Well, you never know!" Evy replied. "Stranger things have happened!"
"They sure have!" he murmured, pulling her down onto the bedding with him. "Want me to prove it?"
Ardeth listened to the discordant noise of their laughter floating across the chamber toward him and smiled involuntarily. They were totally unashamed in their love for each other, even so many years after they had been married. He hoped one day to have the same for himself. His attention returned to the ruins again and he began his watch . He had been sitting there for an hour watching the sun begin its slow ascent into the sky when a wave of tiredness washed over him, knocking him senseless, and he slumped sideways, his gun falling to the floor from his nerveless fingers.
