Part Fourteen
They were returning to Cairo. It was at Ardeth's request, but Evy didn't like it. Ardeth already lost several of his men, and there was no reason to believe he wouldn't die himself in a confrontation with Khaldun. No reason except one. Khaldun would realize that he was Rameses reborn, and he would want to torture Rameses. Would want to torture Ardeth. And with a sick feeling, Evy realized that there was nothing she could do.
Nothing, except do what Ardeth asked of her, and return to Cairo with Celia and Miranda. He didn't think Khaldun realized yet that Celia was Ardath's reincarnation, though the odds were good that the kidnappers sensed something about her. Otherwise, why would they have taken her in the first place? She didn't know. But she agreed with Ardeth that they had to get Celia and Miranda away from Hamunaptra.
As Garai carried Miranda into the tent, Evy looked up from her packing. They would leave tomorrow for Cairo. Ardeth was sending Kaphiri and Hanif with them, and possibly a young man from the Geban tribe, Nicodemus. Those men would be their honor guard, their protectors. Nicodemus already faced the horrors inside Hamunaptra. And from what Evy heard, Ardeth would go back into Hamunaptra, the place where he once almost died.
"Hi, Aunt Evy. Mommy's gone to talk to Ardeth, and try to make him feel better. Did you know that Ardeth kissed her?" Miranda asked. Evy felt her jaw become unhinged. Ardeth kissed Celia?? Did she hear that right? Ardeth kissed Celia? She wasn't sure why she was so surprised. She kissed Rick only days after meeting him. At least, she thought she kissed him, though her memories of what happened that night were a little on the sketchy side.
Garai intoned, his eyes dancing with mischief, "My chieftain can surprise even us from time to time." Evy blinked, worked her jaw, but managed to close her mouth before she allowed too many more flies inside. It wasn't that hard, really. Garai's impish remark startled her enough to loosen her jaw further. The Med-jai added after a moment, more seriously, "The kiss he bestowed upon Celia Ferguson served to unlock his memories."
Unlock. . .oh dear. Evy asked softly, "Is he all right?" Garai sighed deeply, but didn't answer. That was answer enough. She asked next, "Did you send Celia to him?" She wasn't questioning his judgment or his actions, merely asking a question. Garai nodded, and for the first time, Evy suspected that she would find memories of Sennefer doing the exact same thing three thousand years earlier stored among her memories of being Nefertiri.
"Yes. He needs her. Mrs. O'Connell. . .Nefertiri. . .Ardeth Bey has realized how he truly feels about Celia Ferguson," Garai said simply. It took Evy a few minutes to fully grasp the importance of that statement, then she felt her jaw become unhinged once more. Oh. . .dear. Garai inclined his head, a gesture which reminded her so much of Ardeth, it made her heart hurt, and the Med-jai continued, "He needs her now. Because when you leave tomorrow, he will also leave, for Hamunaptra."
"And since Khaldun is in Jason's body, Ardeth may have to take Jason's life, in order to stop Khaldun. He's looking for redemption, absolution, before he even does it, and he won't admit it, even to himself," Evy whispered. For the first time, the enormity of her friend's task as the Med-jai chieftain fully hit home. How many times had Ardeth faced such a terrible choice? No, he was never forced to kill the brother of the woman whom he loved. . .
But oh! What a choice to make! She and Rick went through some terrible things in the past, and it served to cement the bond created at Hamunaptra, but Ardeth faced worse problems. Garai continued, "We have been very fortunate with our chieftain, Nefertiri. Even as a boy, he made the difficult decisions and lived with their consequences. Even when it almost cost him his own life." Evy looked at him suddenly, but the man's face was a closed-off mask. And in the end, it didn't really matter. There was only one thing that mattered to her.
"Is there anything I can do to help? Before we leave for Cairo tomorrow? Anything I can do to help Ardeth, or anyone else?" she asked. The Med-jai looked down at his feet, studying the toes of his riding boots with great interest, and Evy continued, "I've discovered that many of the Med-jai resent us, for consistently putting the lives of your warriors and your chieftain in danger. Is there anything I can do, to ease that? Before we go?"
"There is nothing you can do, Nefertiri. Among the warriors, there is still some lingering resentment toward you, for awakening the Creature the first time. But it is not that which annoys the warriors. It is your husband," Garai answered. Evy sighed. Yes, she thought it was something like that. Garai continued after a moment, "You must understand, Nefertiri. Many of our warriors aided you, not because you requested it, but because our chieftain did. And they are troubled by your husband's lack of respect for him."
"I know that's how it looks, Garai, but you're wrong. Rick does respect Ardeth, and he *does* appreciate him. We all do. It's just that Rick is overprotective of me, and he sometimes forgets that Ardeth isn't the enemy. He needs someone to lash out at, and Ardeth happens to be the handiest person available," Evy explained softly, resting her hand lightly on Miranda's dark head. She and Rick had many an argument about that.
"It is long past time for your husband to mature into an adult. His concern for you and your son is admirable, but he has luxuries that Ardeth lacks. Your husband may make you and your son his first priority. Ardeth cannot put Celia or her daughter first. He must put the Med-jai people first," Garai answered grimly. Evy sighed. He was right. She knew he was right. But she knew Rick, and while he was starting to think past himself, and his knee-jerk reactions where Ardeth was concerned. . .
She feared it would take actually losing their friend for Rick to finally understand Ardeth Bey's importance in their lives. How much they needed him, and not just for his knowledge or his strength. But because he was their friend, part of their family, and Evy loved him. It wasn't something she wanted to think about, losing Ardeth. But she honestly didn't see what else would break through to Rick.
. . .
He stood with his back to her, a solitary figure in black, standing atop the cliff overlooking the cursed city of Hamunaptra. Celia had no trouble finding him. . .but when a young Med-jai warrior offered his assistance, she took him up on that offer. Her legs were still wobbly, and she didn't want to collapse at Ardeth's feet. She wasn't even sure why the young man made the offer, but she wasn't about to look a gift Med-jai in the mouth.
As he left, the young man added something in Arabic, bowing deeply to her. She tried to memorize what he said, so she could ask Ardeth. Celia went the rest of the way alone. As she reached Ardeth, she saw Hamunaptra for the first time. From Evy, she learned that it sank into the ground seven years earlier. And yet, there it was. Ardeth said quietly, "We think that when the Creature was removed from his grave most recently, Khaldun was awakened and found a way to manipulate the lever which would return Hamunaptra to the world."
"That's where Jason was taking me?" Celia asked softly and Ardeth nodded slowly, releasing a pent-up breath Celia hadn't realized he was holding. She looked at him, saw the turmoil and fear in his dark eyes. She asked, "You remember, don't you? You remember what happened there, and how everything started?" Ardeth averted his face, but Celia's concentration was no longer on the weakness in her legs. Rather, it was taking care of this man.
"Oh no. No, no, no. Don't you look away from me, Ardeth Bey! You are not responsible for the mistakes made by Rameses. He lived three thousand years ago, and he wasn't as strong as you are. You have his spirit, his memories, but you are not Rameses. Any more than I'm Lady Ardath, though Garai seems to have a hard time remembering that," Celia said. She stepped closer, putting her hands on his arms.
Ardeth allowed himself the tiniest of smiles, and said, "That is to be expected. Sennefer loved Lady Ardath, as much as Rameses himself did, though it was the love of a father for his daughter. It sometimes seems that in each lifetime, we are destined to have the same relationships with these people. There is no rule which says so, but it happens anyhow." He was still looking out toward Hamunaptra.
"I know. And sometimes, things get better. Witness my own relationship with Evy. Nefertiri would never allow herself to get too close to Lady Ardath. And I never had an opportunity to know Meela. I. . .when I was unconscious on the barge, Ardeth, I had dreams. In one of my dreams, I was told that Meela dreamed of Lady Ardath. Hafez and Lock-nah told her that I was dead, that the O'Connells left me to die in Hamunaptra seven years ago," Celia replied. Ardeth turned his face back to hers, his eyes registering shock.
But he didn't speak, and Celia continued, "Things change, Ardeth. And even if I hadn't known that you were the reincarnation of Rameses earlier, I would have allowed you to kiss me. I've actually wanted to kiss you many times. I just didn't have the courage to even ask." Now he smiled, and Celia added, "Talk to me, Ardeth. Tell me what worries you, aside from the first memories you have of Rameses."
"I am not certain where I should begin, Celia," Ardeth admitted in a halting voice. Celia didn't speak, and after a moment, he continued, "I am afraid for you. Khaldun has attempted to harm you once already, and I still know not why. If he did not know that I am the reincarnation of Rameses, would he know that you are the reincarnation of my ancestress? Or did he seek you for another reason? I assumed he did know, but now. . ."
Honestly, Celia never thought about that. She had other things on her mind. She was still avoiding the issue of Jason, despite what Garai told her earlier. Ardeth went on, "And. . .I may. . .your brother. . ." He seemed to have a hard time, saying what needed to be said, and Celia's heart went out to him. How often did he have to face someone with a familial tie to one whom Ardeth had to kill?
A few minutes earlier, Garai told her that when the time was right, she would find the strength she needed. That remained to be seen, but at the moment, she did have words that might help Ardeth. Celia answered, "You will do what you must, Ardeth. Just please be careful. I finally found you again, after three thousand years. I'm not ready to lose you." He looked at her, then. Not at the city, not at the sand, not in her general direction, but at her. She hadn't planned to say that, actually. She smiled at him ruefully and said, "Didn't mean to say that, just sort of slipped out. Nothing is going as I intended, Ardeth."
Now he favored her with a half-smile, asking exactly what she intended, and Celia explained, "I was gonna come up here, and listen while you told me what was bothering you. I didn't plan on saying anything at all. Just stand at your side, and simply. . .be there." She blushed, realizing how badly she was saying things. But Ardeth's smile widened into a genuine expression of amusement, so Celia figured she hadn't done too badly.
"We still might stand side by side in mutual silence," he suggested with an impish grin and a lift of his dark brows. Celia threw back her head and laughed, almost sending herself rolling down the sand at the same time. Ardeth caught her hand and pulled her to him, wrapping his arm around her waist at the same time, stabilizing her. But it also served to pull their bodies together, and Celia found herself looking directly into Ardeth's eyes as he looked down at her.
"I think. .." she whispered, then almost forgot what she meant to say. His eyes were mesmerizing. Celia swallowed hard, then tried again, whispering, "I think it may be too late for us to take such a path." He nodded slowly, wrapping his free arm around her waist, securing his hold on her. She sighed, leaning her head against his chest, as if it was the most natural thing to do, and said, "I didn't come out here to seduce you, Ardeth."
A chuckle began deep within his chest and he answered softly, "It would not require much effort on your part, Celia." A tightening against her leg confirmed that. Oh my. No, she supposed not. She pulled back, so she could look into his eyes, and Ardeth turned bright red. He admitted, "It. . .has been a very long time. Since I held a woman like this, a woman not of my family. I. . ." He looked away, and Celia reached up to touch his cheek, drawing his face back.
"I'm not offended, Ardeth, I'm flattered," she said softly. Oh, was she flattered! Her heart didn't seem to want to stop pounding. Ardeth smiled at that, his dark eyes shining. Celia took a deep breath and asked, "Do we have a chance together? Not Rameses and Ardath, but Ardeth and Celia? I don't know what the Med-jai will ask of me, I don't even know what the Med-jai chieftain wants. I know that something will be asked of me. I'm an outsider, a Westerner. . .I know I'll have to prove myself. Prove myself worthy."
"I am not sure, Celia. I cannot lie to you. I do not even know how to say this. Ah. . . when we first met, I saw something in your eyes. Something I recognized, for I have seen it many times myself. Felt it. I saw the loneliness in your eyes. And at first, I did not know why. I could see, from that first day, the troubled relationship between yourself and your brother. But, you have your daughter," Ardeth replied, his eyes searching her face for something Celia didn't fully understand.
But that was the least of her concerns at the moment, for she could feel the rigidity in his body. The halting manner in which he spoke almost broke her heart. Ardeth Bey was one of the strongest, most capable men she ever met. And once more, it humbled her that he would let down his guard like this with her. That he would trust her with this part of him that so few saw. She hadn't thought it possible for Ardeth Bey to surprise her again today, but she was wrong. Ardeth muttered something under his breath in Arabic, then tried again, "I realized that your loneliness was the same kind as mine, and it drew me to you."
"Common ground," Celia said quietly. Again, a soft exhalation of breath was released from Ardeth, taking some of the tension in his body with it. She studied his face closely, trying to ignore the way her heart skipped a beat. Goddess, he was *so* beautiful. And he was drawn to her? Celia Ferguson, a drab little woman whom most people didn't find particularly interesting, unless it was to gossip about how that Carstairs man tricked her into bed, when everyone knew he had ties to *certain people,* he was drawn to that Celia Ferguson?
"Awya, common ground. We knew the same kind of loneliness, for the same reason. Oh Allah. . .this. . .ask me to lead my men into certain death against Anubis Warriors or the Scorpion King or against the Creature, and this is something I can do. Why is it so hard for me to say these words to you? I want you in Cairo, Celia. I want you safe, but I do not wish you to go!" Ardeth said urgently.
His hands left her waist, to cup her face in his hands. Slowly, tenderly, he tucked several dark curls behind Celia's ears. His eyes bored into hers, begging her to understand what he was saying. Even as he whispered, "You have found your way into my heart, Celia Ferguson. I have been so lonely, and you filled that emptiness within me. I do not ask if you can love me. It is too soon for you to know that, when you have been through so much."
Celia started to answer indignantly. . .wait a minute! Did she or did she not just ask him if they had a chance together? But Ardeth wasn't finished. He said in a soft voice, his eyes filled with emotions that echoed in his voice, "I tell you this, not to burden you, but because you must know this. I only realized how. . .I only realized this afternoon what you mean to me, and I find I cannot hold it inside. I have done that for sixteen years, Celia. I can do it no more."
The rush of words silenced Celia. Ardeth looked into her eyes, his thumbs caressing her cheekbones. The young woman felt her own blood stirring in reaction to his touch. Sensations were flooding through her, things which she never experienced before. She wanted to close her eyes, lose herself in that touch, but found she couldn't look away from those beautiful, compelling dark eyes. Especially not when Ardeth whispered, "I love you, Celia. I. . ."
Time to silence him. She rocked up on her toes and kissed him. Ardeth groaned against her mouth, and that was that. She found herself enfolded in a fierce embrace. Between Ardeth's kiss and his arms about her, Celia's world was rapidly narrowing down to just them. There was room for no one else, and dimly, she could understand Rick O'Connell shutting out the rest of the world. And then thoughts of Rick O'Connell were washed away as well.
. . .
He stood alone, atop this cliff where so many times, he maintained his vigil over Hamunaptra. He needed to look at the City of the Dead. He needed to focus. But the more he stared at that accursed city, the harder it became for him to achieve that focus. Ardeth was so angry, so very angry. For much of his life, he denied that rage, denied what he felt inside, because it served no purpose.
But he was angry with those of his bloodline. Technically speaking, of course, Hamadi Bey wasn't of his bloodline, but they shared the same last name. And it was Hamadi Bey who cast the hom-dai, cursing not only Imhotep, but the Med-jai of future generations. Including Ardeth himself, who faced the rising of Imhotep not once, but twice. Oh yes, he was angry.
He feared Imhotep was not finished with the world of the living, and Ardeth had enough concerns with just Khaldun. He thought back to what he told Jonathan, about what Khaldun would do to Celia. He thought, at the time, that Khaldun was already aware of Celia's identity, that she was the reincarnation of Lady Ardath, whom Khaldun hated because of the joy she brought to Rameses. To. . .him. Ardeth forced himself to focus on the current problem, rather than other things.
Khaldun drew strength from pain. He already killed nine Med-jai, torturing each of them to death. He gained a great deal of strength from those deaths, from those hours of torture. Why, then, was he not strong enough to breach Hamunaptra's walls now? What was stopping him? It was not simply that of the Med-jai who came to face him, none were the reincarnation of the cousin whom he hated so much.
A voice whispered, //Despair. Yes, Khaldun grows strong on pain, but he needs despair. None of the Med-jai despaired. They stayed true to themselves, and to you. Khaldun has fed on the despair of the boy Jason. That is why he is still too weak to leave Hamunaptra.// Ardeth closed his eyes, understanding. Despair. Yes, of course. How could he forget about the balance between hope and despair, a balance he struggled to maintain daily?
Despair. That explained it perfectly. But rather than reassuring Ardeth, it frightened him all the more. He had faith in the Med-jai, in the benevolence of the gods. But Ardeth Bey knew all too well that he was just a man. He failed to keep the Creature in his grave. Twice. And he feared he would not be strong enough to prevent Khaldun from wreaking havoc.
Then he felt it. As a warrior, his instincts guided him well, and it was his instincts that told him the sudden presence at his side was nothing to fear. A quick glance affirmed this, for it was Celia there. Her hand lightly brushed his, and some of Ardeth's fears faded. Not from her touch, but because he realized that he need not face these horrors alone. Yes, he would enter Hamunaptra without her. . .but her spirit would be with him. She had no need to say the words, because Ardeth knew it to be true. As long as he needed her, she would always be there with her quiet determination which melded so well with his own.
That was why he finally told her that he loved her. Not just because he did love her, but because if he died in Hamunaptra, he wanted that to be her final memory of him. This cliff, overlooking the accursed city, and his love for her. Then, as Celia often seemed to do when she was aggravated, she took matters into her own hands. She kissed him. And may the gods forgive him, but Ardeth could not release her, once her lips covered his own.
He groaned against her mouth, feeling himself drowning in her. His arms drew her against his body tightly, so tightly. But she didn't try to move away, just tangled her fingers in his hair and drew him even closer to her. Ardeth hadn't thought that possible, but the only things now separating them from each other were their clothes. Neither was aware of slowly sliding down, until they were both on their knees.
Very little rational thought remained. Just Celia, this stubborn, brave, beautiful young woman who quietly slipped past all of his defenses, all of his shields. He was dimly aware that her fingers were no longer combing through his hair. Instead, her hands glided down his shoulders, skimming along his arms, until her arms wrapped around his waist. Ardeth did not mind. He wanted her to hold him, just as he was now holding her.
Time vanished, leaving only the reality of Celia in his arms. They broke apart briefly, both breathing heavily, and Ardeth rested his forehead against hers. Did he love this woman enough to fight for her? He knew there would be difficulties. She was an outsider, and though she had respect for their ways, it would be an uphill battle. For some reason, perhaps because he knew of her past, Ardeth no longer doubted her strength to stand up to such scrutiny. The only way to answer the question, did he love her enough to fight for her, was to ask another question.
One that made him cold inside. What would his life be like, if he did not? He told Celia that she filled an emptiness inside him, and he never even realized he had that emptiness until now. He knew that he was lonely, but that was somewhat different. She filled up the emptiness with her smile, with her ability to listen, with her quiet offer to read to him. And he could think of no one better suited to be the mother of his children than this woman.
Perhaps because his heart was now open, he would find another who could fill up that loneliness. But he didn't want another. He wanted Celia. He loved her. He would fight for her, as she would fight for him. If he lived through this confrontation with Khaldun, and the hell that followed. Yes, he would fight for this woman. And in making that decision, a new resolve filled his heart and soul, pushing out the despair.
Ardeth opened his eyes, to find Celia looking back at him, her own eyes grave and intense, as if she knew what was going on inside of his mind. He gave her a lopsided smile, then kissed her. This was very different from the first time he kissed her. This was no mere brush of the lips, and there was nothing held back. No more shields, no more defenses. Ardeth Bey the chieftain stepped into the background oncemore, simply fading away.
And they would have stayed that way for another several hours, Ardeth had no doubt, but he heard a very strange noise. Reluctantly, oh, so reluctantly, he pulled back from Celia, to find his warriors staring up at them. Several, like Garai, Hanif, and Kaphiri, were elbowing each other and grinning. Still others were simply looking up at him with solemn faces. Ardeth helped Celia to her feet.
However, he forgot that he was considerably taller than she was, and until she stood up, she hadn't realized they had an audience. She gave a little squeak of embarrassment, burying her face in his robes. And then Ardeth saw it, in the eyes of more than one man. Fury. It didn't take much to figure out why. Their chieftain was in love with an outsider, of the same nationality as several desecrators of Hamunaptra.
It would not be easy. But Ardeth knew Celia was worth it. In Arabic, he called down to the men that he would be down shortly, and once they had dispersed, he whispered in English, "They are gone, my Celia." Celia removed her face from his robes, still looking very embarrassed. He said softly, "I will take you back to my sister's tent, Celia. In the morning, you will leave. In one week's time, I will come to you."
She nodded gravely, then she said softly, "I don't think you're ready for me to tell you how I feel about you. I'm not even sure if I'm ready to say the words. But I don't want you. . .I want you to keep something of me with you. I don't know how much European history you know, but during the Middle Ages, a lady would give a favorite champion a favor, a special item. Now, I'm no lady, but you're definitely a champion."
Ardeth blushed at that, and Celia continued, reluctantly pulling out of his embrace to remove something from around her neck, "This is a medicine bag I inherited from my grandmother. I want you to have it, so it can keep you safe. Honestly, I think it helped to protect me while I was inside that infernal carpet." Ardeth was on the point of telling her to keep it, that she would require it, until he realized that to turn away her gift would be to dishonor her.
So, he bowed his head, allowing Celia placeit around his neck. The medicine bag rested against his medallion, and he smiled at her. He didn't know what to say, aside from 'thank you,' and that seemed so wrong. She smiled back and said softly, "May it keep you safe until you come back to me. Will you see me off in the morning, Ardeth Bey?" Ardeth inclined his head. He had not intended to do so. Now, no force on earth would prevent him from seeing off the woman he loved. He knew not when he would see her again, he could only pray that fate would safely lead them back to each other.
. . .
There were times when Mathayus truly hated not living in the mortal world. It never really bothered him, until he saw the passionate kisses exchanged by Ardeth Bey and Celia Ferguson. Until he heard the soft groan drawn from the Med-jai chieftain when Celia kissed him, and the waves of desire coming from both young people radiated out into In-Between, almost knocking Mathayus off his feet.
He steadied himself, swallowing hard at the glimpse inside both minds. He would have never thought the Med-jai could have such a vivid imagination, but what he saw in Ardeth's mind almost had Mathayus blushing. Not the young chieftain's conscious mind, which was focused solely on the kisses, but his subconscious. And that was quite explicit indeed concerning what he wanted to be doing with Celia Ferguson.
And, he noticed, Anck-su-namun was similarly affected. Mathayus shook himself and looked at his companion. Right now she looked a little unsteady on her feet, and Mathayus almost smiled as she said somewhat weakly, *Oh goddess. That. . .he. . .* She shook her head in stunned disbelief. Now Mathayus did smile, a smile which turned into a laugh disguised by a cough as Anck added, *How could she kiss him with all that hair???*
*Perhaps she knows no differently?* Mathayus questioned, his eyebrows raised in a mock-innocent expression. Anck glared at him, and Mathayus continued with a laugh, *I speak the truth, Anck-su-namun! To her, it is no different than you kissing Imhotep, even before he was fully regenerated.* Mathayus couldn't quite hold back a grimace of disgust at that particular image. No, Meela hadn't realized at the time that he wasn't fully regenerated, but still. . .
*That was not me,* Anck asserted with icy dignity, *that was Meela Nais, that traitorous trollop.* Mathayus was amused by her alliteration, then Anck continued softly, *For all my resentment of Nefertiri, and I did resent her, I never hated her. I never wanted to hurt her.* Mathayus knew that. He saw her in Ahm Shere. Anck-su-namun had several chances to actually harm Nefertiri. She took none of them, instead, choosing to restrain her in the confusion when O'Connell and Imhotep jockeyed for the chance to kill the Scorpion King and return the Army of Anubis to the Underworld, or use it to wipe out humanity.
He replied in a gentle voice, *I know, Anck-su-namun. But you did hurt her. You hurt her many times, without giving a thought to the consequences. You were surprised by her rage and her hatred in Ahm Shere, but in truth, I was not. Evelyn O'Connell had no way of knowing whether you were Anck-su-namun or Meela Nais. And I do know, even if you do not. It was Meela Nais who stabbed Evelyn O'Connell.*
*I want to believe that. I never hated Nefertiri! I resented her because of Seti, and because of her coldness toward Ardath, but I did not hate her!* Anck replied almost tearfully. Mathayus settled his hand on her shoulder, feeling the protective walls around Anck's heart crack wide open. This was good. This was very good. Anck wiped at her eyes almost angrily, continuing, *I just. . .I just wanted. . .*
*I know, Anck,* Mathayus soothed, *But what you must understand is that Nefertiri was trying to protect herself. She feared allowing herself to love her brother's concubine, perhaps because she sensed that Ardath had not long to live. Nefertiri was still reeling from her mother's death. She was afraid, Anck-su-namun. As afraid as you were after Ardath died. As afraid as you were when you realized that you and Imhotep were out of options.*
Anck actually paled and whispered, *I never knew. All this time, I resented Nefertiri as much for Ardath as I did for everything else. And she. . . I have been so stupid, Mathayus! I betrayed my best friend, I betrayed my love. I betrayed everyone who ever tried to care for me, including Seti. Why would the gods allow me to be reborn? With everything I have done, I do not deserve a second chance!*
*You were allowed to be reborn, because it was time for me to awaken. Everything happened because it was meant to happen. If I was not awakened, Ma'at would have never taken notice, and believed that I, too, was worthy of a second chance. Anck, you are not responsible for Meela's choices, any more than Ardeth Bey is responsible for the mistakes of Rameses. It is good that you take responsibility for what you did wrong. But you must not let that cripple you. Your work is not yet done, child,* Mathayus replied.
*My. . .my work is not yet done? Then I have a second chance? To make things right? With everyone?* Anck-su-namun asked hopefully and Mathayus inclined his head with a faint smile. Not just with Ardath (or Celia, whichever name you preferred) and Imhotep, but with Nefertiri and Rameses as well. With all of them, though Terumun and Nassor were really at the bottom of the priority list.
*With everyone,* he confirmed, *but mostly with Ardath, Imhotep, and Rameses. In part, because of whom Rameses is now.* He knew of no other way to put it. Anck lowered her eyes, and Mathayus understood that she was starting to feel shame for many things. He knew this woman too well to think that she would apologize for all of the choices she made, but he was also realizing that at the very least, she regretted some of those choices.
He continued after a moment, *She will have need of you, Anck-su- namun. She will need your strength and your love, as never before. Things are beginning to fall into place, and there will be no more room for petty resentments or jealousy. Are you ready to become that friend for Ardath? To hold nothing back from her, and do exactly what she needs you to do? Are you ready to finally fulfill that part of your destiny?*
Anck passed her hand over the reflection of Celia's face, as she and her daughter packed for their journey the following day. She whispered, *She is the reincarnation of my forever friend. I could not protect Ardath from Khaldun.* Anck looked back up at Mathayus, her chin lifting as she said, *But I will do everything within my power to protect her reincarnation. Yes, Scorpion King Mathayus, I am ready to do whatever is necessary in what lies ahead.*
**I told you, my son. Now, it is time to prepare for the trials to come,** Ma'at whispered to Mathayus. The Scorpion King nodded his acknowledgment of the words of the goddess, giving Anck-su-namun an approving smile at the same time. Her shoulders straightened, and now Mathayus could see what drew Seti and Imhotep to her.
As if she heard the goddess, Anck said determinedly, *I am ready. Just tell me what I need to do.* Mathayus put his hand on her shoulder. What he would ask of her, in the beginning would be far easier than the task he had for himself. She would, for the moment, simply protect Celia and Miranda. Mathayus knew she could handle that, especially now that she wasn't second guessing Celia. His own task was to be much harder. Observe what came next, and continue to observe. He was not permitted to intervene. No matter what.
. . .
Altair Bey was not unaware of the way things were progressing between her son and Celia Ferguson. For one thing, she heard two young warriors excitedly talking about the kisses as she left her tent. It amused her, hearing them talk. One thing she never knew was that Ardeth, despite his own inexperience, never interfered with the love lives of the young warriors. The only times he interfered was if the girl was unwilling, or things were going too far.
The young warriors were not particularly pleased that Ardeth fell in love with a Westerner, but they were pleased that he finally fell in love. One of the warriors bravely pointed out that maybe it wasn't such a bad thing, that Celia was an American. After all, it wasn't as if she acted like O'Connell, and besides, Altair herself was born an outsider. Not everyone could be honored enough to be born a Med-jai.
That remark would have made her laugh, if she wasn't keeping her presence from the pair. Apparently, her son actually told Celia Ferguson that he loved her. And when she tried to answer her, added that he had not told her for her to tell him that she reciprocated, but so she would know. Altair didn't realize just how far gone things were between them, that her son would kiss the American and actually tell her that he loved her.
She was returning to Cairo the following day, leaving at the same time Ardeth was setting out for Hamunaptra to gather more information, and possibly confront Khaldun. That was, of course, why Ardeth told Celia that he loved her. Because he did not know if he would return, and if he did not, he wanted her to know. Perhaps to heal the wounds caused by that pathetic excuse for a man? Perhaps. But Altair had faith that her son would come back, which meant it was time she had a conversation with Celia Ferguson.
She found her opportunity after dinner. As she usually did, Celia and her daughter were eating with Acacia and Aleta. Altair's two daughters forged a tentative friendship with her, perhaps in light of the hours they spent with her after her rescue. Altair smiled down at the young women, saying, "Cecelia, I would be honored if you and your daughter would join me in my tent after dinner."
"O. . .of course. When should we join you?" Celia asked, quickly regaining her composure despite her evident surprise. However, Altair didn't miss the quick, concerned looks she directed at Acacia and Aleta. Both of Altair's daughters responded with reassuring looks. Celia didn't relax, but she did look back at Altair questioningly. For some reason, that need for reassurance from her daughters hurt Altair.
But she replied, "In thirty minutes? To give you and Miranda time to finish dinner, and find my tent. Acacia, you will guide them?" Her older daughter nodded, and Altair saw Celia flash Acacia a grateful smile. Altair inclined her head and took her leave, saying, "Until then." Celia inclined her head in response, and Altair made her way to where Ardeth was sitting. No great surprise, he was finished eating, now watched the horses. He always loved horses.
She slipped her arm around his waist from behind, saying softly, "I remember a five year old boy who sat on the corral fence while his father worked with the stallions." There was a soft laugh and Altair kissed her son's cheek, adding, "It is rare that I have the opportunity to talk with my son these days, as my son, not as the chieftain. Do your duties require you tonight?" Ardeth thought about it, then he shook his head. Altair promised herself that she would not give him a hard time about taking care of himself.
"No, Mother, I am yours to command tonight," came the cheeky response. If he was twenty years younger, Altair would have swatted his behind, but the mother was so glad to see traces of that young boy in her too-serious son, she satisfied herself with a swat to the back of his shoulder. Ardeth laughed, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief. Altair found her hardened heart softening, ever so slightly, toward Celia. It was clear that she was the reason for the return of Ardeth's mischievous streak.
"Then I command you to come to my tent in thirty minutes, my son. Since you have declared your heart to Celia Ferguson, I should learn more about her," Altair replied sweetly. Ardeth looked at his mother, but it was too late for him to back out, though he knew what she was doing. He simply inclined his head, and Altair smiled at him. She kissed him on the cheek once more and sauntered away, feeling quite pleased with herself.
If Altair Bey thought she pulled one over on her son, as the Americans, it could also be said that one was pulled over on her, by her own daughters. Who, in their infinite wisdom, asked Evelyn O'Connell to join them. However, as Ardeth entered the tent, his dark eyes sweeping over the women already there, Altair had to admit the girls had a point. After all, the Englishwoman was the reincarnation of Nefertiri, which made her a sister of sorts to Altair's son.
She smiled, which didn't quite reach her eyes as she stared at Evelyn O'Connell, and said, "Welcome. Cecelia, as I told Ardeth, I should learn more about you, and this will allow you to see a side to Ardeth that you might not expect." Ardeth was glaring at her for all he was worth, but Altair did not survive raising five children to be cowed by one of those children now. She smiled, gesturing at him to sit beside Celia, while Miranda sat in her mother's lap.
"I would like that," Celia said simply as she looked up at Ardeth. Altair used that moment to study the girl's face closely. She saw now, the connection between her son and the American woman. The matriarch trembled, as she began to accept that her son might actually love this woman. She did not want to believe it. They knew each other only a fortnight, after all, but it took her less time to fall in love with Ardeth's father, nearly forty years earlier.
"Me, too! Will you tell us about Ardeth when he was a little boy, like Darius?" Miranda asked eagerly. This time, Altair's smile was totally unfeigned as she looked at the little girl. She really was a beautiful child, and she obviously adored Ardeth. That adoration was totally mutual, she saw, as Ardeth reached over to caress her dark hair. Miranda turned her head toward Altair's son with a blinding smile.
"I believe I will! But before I do, I must compliment you, Cecelia. Your daughter is very eloquent for someone her age, unlike my son. Up until he was four years of age, he could not pronounce his own name properly," Altair replied. Ardeth made a noise in the back of his throat that most people would have mistaken for a growl. However, Altair knew her son better, and knew it to be a barely strangled moan.
"Well, thank you, but I mangled my own given name just as badly. I always told people that my name was 'Thelia,' up until I was about six or seven. I couldn't say the 'c' properly. It drove my parents quite mad, I remember them telling me that I sounded like a little street urchin," came the response. Celia was smiling, but there was a hint of pain in her eyes. The answer gave Altair pause, for she and Suleiman would never say such a thing to their children.
She was concerned by Ardeth's struggle to speak his name properly, but Suleiman reminded her that Ardeth was very small yet, and his was a rather unusual name. His little tongue was still being formed, and he would grow out of it. They would have never ridiculed him for it, although Andreas might have. Miranda looked up at her mother, who was combing her fingers through Miranda's hair, and said rather indignantly, "That wasn't very nice of them!"
Celia responded with a half smile, answering, "They didn't mean to be like that, Miranda. Well yes, they did, but it wasn't their intention to be cruel. As I got older, I realized that appearances were very important to them, and my speech problems embarassed them." Altair again was given pause, and she wondered if she was doing the right thing in testing the beloved of her son in this way. Given her own past, it was likely that Altair's attempts would backfire.
Then she would proceed slowly and cautiously. She said, "We Med-jai set little store by appearances. Especially where the happiness and welfare of our children are concerned. I can think of several incidents from Ardeth's childhood which would have horrified your parents, but were as nothing to us. Well, aside from Ardeth, who was mortified as he got older and learned of the incident. I do not know why. He did nothing un- natural."
Perhaps seeing what was ahead, Ardeth buried his face in his hands with a groan. Celia looked at him worriedly, her free hand going to his shoulder in a gentle touch. Miranda asked, "You mean like the time when Uncle Jason had to chase me all over the house after I had my bath? He got really mad. Said that proper little girls didn't run around without clothes. I was real little, I think Mommy said I was two when that happened. I don't remember it."
"When did Uncle Jason say that to you? You were only eighteen months old, Miranda, and your uncle was supposed to wait until I got home, so I could give you your bath," Celia said. She looked at Altair, adding, "My brother. . .he always complained about how unpredictable 'Randa was. I told him that she was supposed to be unpredictable, that she was still learning about her world." She shook her head in disgust.
"Well, yes, something like that *did* happen, right around the same age, in fact. And like your brother with Miranda, Ardeth lost his swaddling clothes because of an irresponsible older person. In this case, my older son, Andreas, who decided he was big enough to change Ardeth. Andreas was all of seven years old at the time, and he didn't fasten the swaddling clothes properly. So, when Ardeth started running around. . ." Altair explained.
"Down came the clothes. Ouch," Celia said with a sympathetic look toward Ardeth. Altair could see that she was trying very hard not to smile. The story was funny, Altair knew herself, but she was obviously trying to spare Ardeth's feelings. She found out the reason why a moment later, as Celia added, "I'm told I was quite the little exhibitionist myself when I was that age. But my grandmother would allow me to run around in just a diaper, instead of a full outfit. It thoroughly scandalized my grandmother's neighbors, that I would be allowed to run around like a little savage." Celia rolled her eyes at that, and Altair knew she passed the first set of tests.
. . .
Evelyn Carnahan O'Connell was, for once, simply minding her own business when Aleta Bey approached her. Of the Bey siblings, she was the most like Ardeth. Which admittedly didn't stop her from glaring at Rick every time she saw him, and she told the Englishwoman that while Evy herself usually started the trouble, she was also willing to try to make things right.
And, on the other hand, her husband usually buried his head in the sand until he wasn't given any other choice. Which, Evy realized, was among the reasons for the resentment among the Med-jai toward Rick, one of many. That was why she was invited to this meeting, and Rick was not. Aleta approached her while she was alone, inviting only her. Rick and Alex were off on their own, and Evy left word with Jonathan where she was going.
She quickly realized why Rick wasn't invited. By rights, she wasn't supposed to have been invited. She saw that in Altair Bey's eyes, but the woman would not balk now. As Evy listened, she also came to understand that just as Rick wasn't invited because Altair did not trust him, Celia was invited for one reason and one reason only. Altair Bey was judging her worthiness to wed Altair's son, not the Med-jai chieftain. The matriarch wanted to protect her son from a woman who didn't truly care for him. But as the stories were told, and Evy watched the expression on her friend's face, she came to understand one other thing. While the stories were funny, Celia was very sensitive to Ardeth's reactions.
While the swaddling clothes incident was the funniest, there were other stories. How, as a small boy of three or four, Ardeth saw what he thought was an attack on his father. The little boy immediately attacked the 'assailants,' only to find that they were Med-jai without markings on their faces. Suleiman Bey was torn between pride in his son and his duties as a host. But the visitors were not offended by the little boy's staunch defense of their father. They, in fact, congratulated Suleiman on his fierce little son.
As she listened, Evy watched Celia carefully, taking note of her reactions, as well as where her hands were. During another story about Ardeth and his father, Celia quietly slid her hand down Ardeth's forearm, to take his hand and squeeze it gently. Like Evy, she picked up on the way Ardeth tensed when his father was mentioned. When he was very small, before Suleiman realized that Ardeth would be a better chieftain, he was free to be simply Ardeth's father when he was around the little boy. And he adored that tiny, beautiful boy.
One time, when Ardeth was about two, Suleiman came back to their village, badly injured. They were not sure if he would live, and after the healers did all they could, he was left alone to rest. Or so everyone thought. But when Altair returned to her husband, after checking on her infant daughter Acacia, she found her second son sitting beside her husband, huge tears rolling down his small face as he held his father's much larger hand.
In his own language, which was a combination of the ancient Egyptian, Arabic, and Greek languages spoke around the Med-jai camp, Altair learned that Ardeth had a dream that his father was dying. It scared him, so he came into the tent and held his hand, to make sure that his father's spirit didn't slip away from them. And no matter how hard she tried, Altair couldn't get the frightened little boy to release his grip, not even in his sleep.
At this, Evy had to wipe away tears. She wasn't the only one. Celia was quietly crying, as was Miranda. Ardeth said in a small voice, as if there was a large lump in his throat he could barely speak around, "I do not remember this. I do not remember any of these stories. Not even Father holding me on the horse when I was five. Was he angry with me, Mother, for failing to obey you and return to the tent I shared with Acacia?"
"Oh no, sweet boy! He was so proud of you, Ardeth. From that day on, he called you his little guardian, and told everyone that his little son kept him from dying. He said that you did, indeed, keep him from slipping away from us," Altair assured him, wiping away her own tears. Evy had a sense that she never shared these stories before, not since her husband's death.
She resolved to tell that to Celia, once they left. Altair continued after a moment, "He was so proud of you. And so afraid for you, for he saw while you were still very young that you would make a much better chieftain than your brother Andreas. In his zeal to properly prepare you for possible trials that you would face, he stopped being your father and became your teacher and chieftain."
"I don't understand, Altair," Celia said quietly, wiping away her tears and those of her daughter, "forgive me for interrupting, but I don't understand at all. How do you mean, he stopped being Ardeth's father?" Altair inclined her head, in acknowledgment of Celia's statement. Evy had a pretty good idea, but she wanted to hear from Altair herself.
"That is a fair question, Cecelia, and requires no apology. My husband focused more on training Ardeth to eventually become the chieftain, than on simply loving him. Ardeth tried very hard to please his father. The result was only hours before his death, my husband lamented his foolishness, for in his attempts to prepare Ardeth for what would come, he turned our thirteen year old son into an adult before he even took his manhood rites," Altair explained.
For the first time since the beginning of this story, Evy looked at Ardeth. He was clenching his jaw tightly, but despite his efforts, Evy could see the telltale moisture in his eyes. Altair looked at her son, saying softly, "He loved you so much, Ardeth. He wanted to tell you that, before he died. How much he loved you and believed in you, he wanted you to know how proud he was of you and always would be, but his wounds were too great."
Miranda crawled from her mother's lap into Ardeth's, taking for granted that his free arm would wind around her. And it did. Evy wasn't sure if Miranda would understand exactly why Ardeth was so sad, but it didn't matter because the child sensed that he *was* sad. The why was irrelevant. Evy swallowed the lump in her own throat. Not just at Ardeth's obvious pain, but at the picture in front of her. Ardeth struggling to control his emotions, while Celia held his hand and Miranda cuddled against him. They looked like a family.
Then Miranda said in a tiny voice, "I wish I'd known Ardeth's daddy. Was he pretty like Ardeth?" The question broke the tension in the tent, and Altair laughed a little, as did both her daughters. Ardeth managed a smile, dropping a gentle kiss on Miranda's dark head. Evy herself smiled at the little girl, barely blinking back tears herself. She wished Rick was here to see this side of their friend, the mourning son who never realized how much he meant to his father.
"Oh sweet Miranda, Ardeth looks just like his father, so much so, it takes my breath away sometimes," Altair answered in a rush. She smiled at the little girl again, adding, "Just as you look like your mama, especially when you smile. You have your mama's smile, do you know that?" Altair looked at Celia, and while her words were directed at Miranda, Evy knew they were meant for Celia as well. She said softly, "Your mother has an honest smile, and honest eyes. Mind that you stay that way, Miranda, that you are worthy of the trust you are given."
Celia inclined her head toward Altair, message received and understood. It would not be necessary for Evy to tell her friend that this was a test of trust. She already knew. And once more, Miranda broke the tension, asking, "Can you tell me more stories about Ardeth when he was a little boy? Funny stories, like when he ran around without his clothes?" This time, everyone in the tent laughed, including Ardeth.
"Perhaps another time, little one, you must be up early tomorrow. You will be leaving us, but I fully expect both you and your mama to come back. I hope you shall," Altair replied. Miranda made a face, but desisted after a Look from her mother. Altair looked back at Celia, saying, "I have been honored to know you, Cecelia Ferguson, and I hope your stay with us has been pleasant." Celia inclined her head with a smile. Evy's friend learned fast.
"Very pleasant, and it has been a privilege to meet you, Lady Altair," the young American woman said with a half smile. Evy beamed at her friend, very proud of Celia. She knew they would need to talk on the way back to Evy's tent, where Celia and Miranda were staying tonight. But she was very proud of the way Celia handled herself tonight. The American looked at Ardeth, asking softly, "I will see you in the morning? Before I leave?"
"You will," the chieftain affirmed, raising the hand which held his to his lips and gracing her knuckles with a gentle kiss. Celia smiled, her entire face lighting up. Evy glanced at Altair, and thought, *I do believe you have your answers. From both of them.* While Evy wasn't certain herself that Celia loved Ardeth, she did know how much her friend cared for him, and believed in time, that would grow into love. Time would tell. It always did.
They were returning to Cairo. It was at Ardeth's request, but Evy didn't like it. Ardeth already lost several of his men, and there was no reason to believe he wouldn't die himself in a confrontation with Khaldun. No reason except one. Khaldun would realize that he was Rameses reborn, and he would want to torture Rameses. Would want to torture Ardeth. And with a sick feeling, Evy realized that there was nothing she could do.
Nothing, except do what Ardeth asked of her, and return to Cairo with Celia and Miranda. He didn't think Khaldun realized yet that Celia was Ardath's reincarnation, though the odds were good that the kidnappers sensed something about her. Otherwise, why would they have taken her in the first place? She didn't know. But she agreed with Ardeth that they had to get Celia and Miranda away from Hamunaptra.
As Garai carried Miranda into the tent, Evy looked up from her packing. They would leave tomorrow for Cairo. Ardeth was sending Kaphiri and Hanif with them, and possibly a young man from the Geban tribe, Nicodemus. Those men would be their honor guard, their protectors. Nicodemus already faced the horrors inside Hamunaptra. And from what Evy heard, Ardeth would go back into Hamunaptra, the place where he once almost died.
"Hi, Aunt Evy. Mommy's gone to talk to Ardeth, and try to make him feel better. Did you know that Ardeth kissed her?" Miranda asked. Evy felt her jaw become unhinged. Ardeth kissed Celia?? Did she hear that right? Ardeth kissed Celia? She wasn't sure why she was so surprised. She kissed Rick only days after meeting him. At least, she thought she kissed him, though her memories of what happened that night were a little on the sketchy side.
Garai intoned, his eyes dancing with mischief, "My chieftain can surprise even us from time to time." Evy blinked, worked her jaw, but managed to close her mouth before she allowed too many more flies inside. It wasn't that hard, really. Garai's impish remark startled her enough to loosen her jaw further. The Med-jai added after a moment, more seriously, "The kiss he bestowed upon Celia Ferguson served to unlock his memories."
Unlock. . .oh dear. Evy asked softly, "Is he all right?" Garai sighed deeply, but didn't answer. That was answer enough. She asked next, "Did you send Celia to him?" She wasn't questioning his judgment or his actions, merely asking a question. Garai nodded, and for the first time, Evy suspected that she would find memories of Sennefer doing the exact same thing three thousand years earlier stored among her memories of being Nefertiri.
"Yes. He needs her. Mrs. O'Connell. . .Nefertiri. . .Ardeth Bey has realized how he truly feels about Celia Ferguson," Garai said simply. It took Evy a few minutes to fully grasp the importance of that statement, then she felt her jaw become unhinged once more. Oh. . .dear. Garai inclined his head, a gesture which reminded her so much of Ardeth, it made her heart hurt, and the Med-jai continued, "He needs her now. Because when you leave tomorrow, he will also leave, for Hamunaptra."
"And since Khaldun is in Jason's body, Ardeth may have to take Jason's life, in order to stop Khaldun. He's looking for redemption, absolution, before he even does it, and he won't admit it, even to himself," Evy whispered. For the first time, the enormity of her friend's task as the Med-jai chieftain fully hit home. How many times had Ardeth faced such a terrible choice? No, he was never forced to kill the brother of the woman whom he loved. . .
But oh! What a choice to make! She and Rick went through some terrible things in the past, and it served to cement the bond created at Hamunaptra, but Ardeth faced worse problems. Garai continued, "We have been very fortunate with our chieftain, Nefertiri. Even as a boy, he made the difficult decisions and lived with their consequences. Even when it almost cost him his own life." Evy looked at him suddenly, but the man's face was a closed-off mask. And in the end, it didn't really matter. There was only one thing that mattered to her.
"Is there anything I can do to help? Before we leave for Cairo tomorrow? Anything I can do to help Ardeth, or anyone else?" she asked. The Med-jai looked down at his feet, studying the toes of his riding boots with great interest, and Evy continued, "I've discovered that many of the Med-jai resent us, for consistently putting the lives of your warriors and your chieftain in danger. Is there anything I can do, to ease that? Before we go?"
"There is nothing you can do, Nefertiri. Among the warriors, there is still some lingering resentment toward you, for awakening the Creature the first time. But it is not that which annoys the warriors. It is your husband," Garai answered. Evy sighed. Yes, she thought it was something like that. Garai continued after a moment, "You must understand, Nefertiri. Many of our warriors aided you, not because you requested it, but because our chieftain did. And they are troubled by your husband's lack of respect for him."
"I know that's how it looks, Garai, but you're wrong. Rick does respect Ardeth, and he *does* appreciate him. We all do. It's just that Rick is overprotective of me, and he sometimes forgets that Ardeth isn't the enemy. He needs someone to lash out at, and Ardeth happens to be the handiest person available," Evy explained softly, resting her hand lightly on Miranda's dark head. She and Rick had many an argument about that.
"It is long past time for your husband to mature into an adult. His concern for you and your son is admirable, but he has luxuries that Ardeth lacks. Your husband may make you and your son his first priority. Ardeth cannot put Celia or her daughter first. He must put the Med-jai people first," Garai answered grimly. Evy sighed. He was right. She knew he was right. But she knew Rick, and while he was starting to think past himself, and his knee-jerk reactions where Ardeth was concerned. . .
She feared it would take actually losing their friend for Rick to finally understand Ardeth Bey's importance in their lives. How much they needed him, and not just for his knowledge or his strength. But because he was their friend, part of their family, and Evy loved him. It wasn't something she wanted to think about, losing Ardeth. But she honestly didn't see what else would break through to Rick.
. . .
He stood with his back to her, a solitary figure in black, standing atop the cliff overlooking the cursed city of Hamunaptra. Celia had no trouble finding him. . .but when a young Med-jai warrior offered his assistance, she took him up on that offer. Her legs were still wobbly, and she didn't want to collapse at Ardeth's feet. She wasn't even sure why the young man made the offer, but she wasn't about to look a gift Med-jai in the mouth.
As he left, the young man added something in Arabic, bowing deeply to her. She tried to memorize what he said, so she could ask Ardeth. Celia went the rest of the way alone. As she reached Ardeth, she saw Hamunaptra for the first time. From Evy, she learned that it sank into the ground seven years earlier. And yet, there it was. Ardeth said quietly, "We think that when the Creature was removed from his grave most recently, Khaldun was awakened and found a way to manipulate the lever which would return Hamunaptra to the world."
"That's where Jason was taking me?" Celia asked softly and Ardeth nodded slowly, releasing a pent-up breath Celia hadn't realized he was holding. She looked at him, saw the turmoil and fear in his dark eyes. She asked, "You remember, don't you? You remember what happened there, and how everything started?" Ardeth averted his face, but Celia's concentration was no longer on the weakness in her legs. Rather, it was taking care of this man.
"Oh no. No, no, no. Don't you look away from me, Ardeth Bey! You are not responsible for the mistakes made by Rameses. He lived three thousand years ago, and he wasn't as strong as you are. You have his spirit, his memories, but you are not Rameses. Any more than I'm Lady Ardath, though Garai seems to have a hard time remembering that," Celia said. She stepped closer, putting her hands on his arms.
Ardeth allowed himself the tiniest of smiles, and said, "That is to be expected. Sennefer loved Lady Ardath, as much as Rameses himself did, though it was the love of a father for his daughter. It sometimes seems that in each lifetime, we are destined to have the same relationships with these people. There is no rule which says so, but it happens anyhow." He was still looking out toward Hamunaptra.
"I know. And sometimes, things get better. Witness my own relationship with Evy. Nefertiri would never allow herself to get too close to Lady Ardath. And I never had an opportunity to know Meela. I. . .when I was unconscious on the barge, Ardeth, I had dreams. In one of my dreams, I was told that Meela dreamed of Lady Ardath. Hafez and Lock-nah told her that I was dead, that the O'Connells left me to die in Hamunaptra seven years ago," Celia replied. Ardeth turned his face back to hers, his eyes registering shock.
But he didn't speak, and Celia continued, "Things change, Ardeth. And even if I hadn't known that you were the reincarnation of Rameses earlier, I would have allowed you to kiss me. I've actually wanted to kiss you many times. I just didn't have the courage to even ask." Now he smiled, and Celia added, "Talk to me, Ardeth. Tell me what worries you, aside from the first memories you have of Rameses."
"I am not certain where I should begin, Celia," Ardeth admitted in a halting voice. Celia didn't speak, and after a moment, he continued, "I am afraid for you. Khaldun has attempted to harm you once already, and I still know not why. If he did not know that I am the reincarnation of Rameses, would he know that you are the reincarnation of my ancestress? Or did he seek you for another reason? I assumed he did know, but now. . ."
Honestly, Celia never thought about that. She had other things on her mind. She was still avoiding the issue of Jason, despite what Garai told her earlier. Ardeth went on, "And. . .I may. . .your brother. . ." He seemed to have a hard time, saying what needed to be said, and Celia's heart went out to him. How often did he have to face someone with a familial tie to one whom Ardeth had to kill?
A few minutes earlier, Garai told her that when the time was right, she would find the strength she needed. That remained to be seen, but at the moment, she did have words that might help Ardeth. Celia answered, "You will do what you must, Ardeth. Just please be careful. I finally found you again, after three thousand years. I'm not ready to lose you." He looked at her, then. Not at the city, not at the sand, not in her general direction, but at her. She hadn't planned to say that, actually. She smiled at him ruefully and said, "Didn't mean to say that, just sort of slipped out. Nothing is going as I intended, Ardeth."
Now he favored her with a half-smile, asking exactly what she intended, and Celia explained, "I was gonna come up here, and listen while you told me what was bothering you. I didn't plan on saying anything at all. Just stand at your side, and simply. . .be there." She blushed, realizing how badly she was saying things. But Ardeth's smile widened into a genuine expression of amusement, so Celia figured she hadn't done too badly.
"We still might stand side by side in mutual silence," he suggested with an impish grin and a lift of his dark brows. Celia threw back her head and laughed, almost sending herself rolling down the sand at the same time. Ardeth caught her hand and pulled her to him, wrapping his arm around her waist at the same time, stabilizing her. But it also served to pull their bodies together, and Celia found herself looking directly into Ardeth's eyes as he looked down at her.
"I think. .." she whispered, then almost forgot what she meant to say. His eyes were mesmerizing. Celia swallowed hard, then tried again, whispering, "I think it may be too late for us to take such a path." He nodded slowly, wrapping his free arm around her waist, securing his hold on her. She sighed, leaning her head against his chest, as if it was the most natural thing to do, and said, "I didn't come out here to seduce you, Ardeth."
A chuckle began deep within his chest and he answered softly, "It would not require much effort on your part, Celia." A tightening against her leg confirmed that. Oh my. No, she supposed not. She pulled back, so she could look into his eyes, and Ardeth turned bright red. He admitted, "It. . .has been a very long time. Since I held a woman like this, a woman not of my family. I. . ." He looked away, and Celia reached up to touch his cheek, drawing his face back.
"I'm not offended, Ardeth, I'm flattered," she said softly. Oh, was she flattered! Her heart didn't seem to want to stop pounding. Ardeth smiled at that, his dark eyes shining. Celia took a deep breath and asked, "Do we have a chance together? Not Rameses and Ardath, but Ardeth and Celia? I don't know what the Med-jai will ask of me, I don't even know what the Med-jai chieftain wants. I know that something will be asked of me. I'm an outsider, a Westerner. . .I know I'll have to prove myself. Prove myself worthy."
"I am not sure, Celia. I cannot lie to you. I do not even know how to say this. Ah. . . when we first met, I saw something in your eyes. Something I recognized, for I have seen it many times myself. Felt it. I saw the loneliness in your eyes. And at first, I did not know why. I could see, from that first day, the troubled relationship between yourself and your brother. But, you have your daughter," Ardeth replied, his eyes searching her face for something Celia didn't fully understand.
But that was the least of her concerns at the moment, for she could feel the rigidity in his body. The halting manner in which he spoke almost broke her heart. Ardeth Bey was one of the strongest, most capable men she ever met. And once more, it humbled her that he would let down his guard like this with her. That he would trust her with this part of him that so few saw. She hadn't thought it possible for Ardeth Bey to surprise her again today, but she was wrong. Ardeth muttered something under his breath in Arabic, then tried again, "I realized that your loneliness was the same kind as mine, and it drew me to you."
"Common ground," Celia said quietly. Again, a soft exhalation of breath was released from Ardeth, taking some of the tension in his body with it. She studied his face closely, trying to ignore the way her heart skipped a beat. Goddess, he was *so* beautiful. And he was drawn to her? Celia Ferguson, a drab little woman whom most people didn't find particularly interesting, unless it was to gossip about how that Carstairs man tricked her into bed, when everyone knew he had ties to *certain people,* he was drawn to that Celia Ferguson?
"Awya, common ground. We knew the same kind of loneliness, for the same reason. Oh Allah. . .this. . .ask me to lead my men into certain death against Anubis Warriors or the Scorpion King or against the Creature, and this is something I can do. Why is it so hard for me to say these words to you? I want you in Cairo, Celia. I want you safe, but I do not wish you to go!" Ardeth said urgently.
His hands left her waist, to cup her face in his hands. Slowly, tenderly, he tucked several dark curls behind Celia's ears. His eyes bored into hers, begging her to understand what he was saying. Even as he whispered, "You have found your way into my heart, Celia Ferguson. I have been so lonely, and you filled that emptiness within me. I do not ask if you can love me. It is too soon for you to know that, when you have been through so much."
Celia started to answer indignantly. . .wait a minute! Did she or did she not just ask him if they had a chance together? But Ardeth wasn't finished. He said in a soft voice, his eyes filled with emotions that echoed in his voice, "I tell you this, not to burden you, but because you must know this. I only realized how. . .I only realized this afternoon what you mean to me, and I find I cannot hold it inside. I have done that for sixteen years, Celia. I can do it no more."
The rush of words silenced Celia. Ardeth looked into her eyes, his thumbs caressing her cheekbones. The young woman felt her own blood stirring in reaction to his touch. Sensations were flooding through her, things which she never experienced before. She wanted to close her eyes, lose herself in that touch, but found she couldn't look away from those beautiful, compelling dark eyes. Especially not when Ardeth whispered, "I love you, Celia. I. . ."
Time to silence him. She rocked up on her toes and kissed him. Ardeth groaned against her mouth, and that was that. She found herself enfolded in a fierce embrace. Between Ardeth's kiss and his arms about her, Celia's world was rapidly narrowing down to just them. There was room for no one else, and dimly, she could understand Rick O'Connell shutting out the rest of the world. And then thoughts of Rick O'Connell were washed away as well.
. . .
He stood alone, atop this cliff where so many times, he maintained his vigil over Hamunaptra. He needed to look at the City of the Dead. He needed to focus. But the more he stared at that accursed city, the harder it became for him to achieve that focus. Ardeth was so angry, so very angry. For much of his life, he denied that rage, denied what he felt inside, because it served no purpose.
But he was angry with those of his bloodline. Technically speaking, of course, Hamadi Bey wasn't of his bloodline, but they shared the same last name. And it was Hamadi Bey who cast the hom-dai, cursing not only Imhotep, but the Med-jai of future generations. Including Ardeth himself, who faced the rising of Imhotep not once, but twice. Oh yes, he was angry.
He feared Imhotep was not finished with the world of the living, and Ardeth had enough concerns with just Khaldun. He thought back to what he told Jonathan, about what Khaldun would do to Celia. He thought, at the time, that Khaldun was already aware of Celia's identity, that she was the reincarnation of Lady Ardath, whom Khaldun hated because of the joy she brought to Rameses. To. . .him. Ardeth forced himself to focus on the current problem, rather than other things.
Khaldun drew strength from pain. He already killed nine Med-jai, torturing each of them to death. He gained a great deal of strength from those deaths, from those hours of torture. Why, then, was he not strong enough to breach Hamunaptra's walls now? What was stopping him? It was not simply that of the Med-jai who came to face him, none were the reincarnation of the cousin whom he hated so much.
A voice whispered, //Despair. Yes, Khaldun grows strong on pain, but he needs despair. None of the Med-jai despaired. They stayed true to themselves, and to you. Khaldun has fed on the despair of the boy Jason. That is why he is still too weak to leave Hamunaptra.// Ardeth closed his eyes, understanding. Despair. Yes, of course. How could he forget about the balance between hope and despair, a balance he struggled to maintain daily?
Despair. That explained it perfectly. But rather than reassuring Ardeth, it frightened him all the more. He had faith in the Med-jai, in the benevolence of the gods. But Ardeth Bey knew all too well that he was just a man. He failed to keep the Creature in his grave. Twice. And he feared he would not be strong enough to prevent Khaldun from wreaking havoc.
Then he felt it. As a warrior, his instincts guided him well, and it was his instincts that told him the sudden presence at his side was nothing to fear. A quick glance affirmed this, for it was Celia there. Her hand lightly brushed his, and some of Ardeth's fears faded. Not from her touch, but because he realized that he need not face these horrors alone. Yes, he would enter Hamunaptra without her. . .but her spirit would be with him. She had no need to say the words, because Ardeth knew it to be true. As long as he needed her, she would always be there with her quiet determination which melded so well with his own.
That was why he finally told her that he loved her. Not just because he did love her, but because if he died in Hamunaptra, he wanted that to be her final memory of him. This cliff, overlooking the accursed city, and his love for her. Then, as Celia often seemed to do when she was aggravated, she took matters into her own hands. She kissed him. And may the gods forgive him, but Ardeth could not release her, once her lips covered his own.
He groaned against her mouth, feeling himself drowning in her. His arms drew her against his body tightly, so tightly. But she didn't try to move away, just tangled her fingers in his hair and drew him even closer to her. Ardeth hadn't thought that possible, but the only things now separating them from each other were their clothes. Neither was aware of slowly sliding down, until they were both on their knees.
Very little rational thought remained. Just Celia, this stubborn, brave, beautiful young woman who quietly slipped past all of his defenses, all of his shields. He was dimly aware that her fingers were no longer combing through his hair. Instead, her hands glided down his shoulders, skimming along his arms, until her arms wrapped around his waist. Ardeth did not mind. He wanted her to hold him, just as he was now holding her.
Time vanished, leaving only the reality of Celia in his arms. They broke apart briefly, both breathing heavily, and Ardeth rested his forehead against hers. Did he love this woman enough to fight for her? He knew there would be difficulties. She was an outsider, and though she had respect for their ways, it would be an uphill battle. For some reason, perhaps because he knew of her past, Ardeth no longer doubted her strength to stand up to such scrutiny. The only way to answer the question, did he love her enough to fight for her, was to ask another question.
One that made him cold inside. What would his life be like, if he did not? He told Celia that she filled an emptiness inside him, and he never even realized he had that emptiness until now. He knew that he was lonely, but that was somewhat different. She filled up the emptiness with her smile, with her ability to listen, with her quiet offer to read to him. And he could think of no one better suited to be the mother of his children than this woman.
Perhaps because his heart was now open, he would find another who could fill up that loneliness. But he didn't want another. He wanted Celia. He loved her. He would fight for her, as she would fight for him. If he lived through this confrontation with Khaldun, and the hell that followed. Yes, he would fight for this woman. And in making that decision, a new resolve filled his heart and soul, pushing out the despair.
Ardeth opened his eyes, to find Celia looking back at him, her own eyes grave and intense, as if she knew what was going on inside of his mind. He gave her a lopsided smile, then kissed her. This was very different from the first time he kissed her. This was no mere brush of the lips, and there was nothing held back. No more shields, no more defenses. Ardeth Bey the chieftain stepped into the background oncemore, simply fading away.
And they would have stayed that way for another several hours, Ardeth had no doubt, but he heard a very strange noise. Reluctantly, oh, so reluctantly, he pulled back from Celia, to find his warriors staring up at them. Several, like Garai, Hanif, and Kaphiri, were elbowing each other and grinning. Still others were simply looking up at him with solemn faces. Ardeth helped Celia to her feet.
However, he forgot that he was considerably taller than she was, and until she stood up, she hadn't realized they had an audience. She gave a little squeak of embarrassment, burying her face in his robes. And then Ardeth saw it, in the eyes of more than one man. Fury. It didn't take much to figure out why. Their chieftain was in love with an outsider, of the same nationality as several desecrators of Hamunaptra.
It would not be easy. But Ardeth knew Celia was worth it. In Arabic, he called down to the men that he would be down shortly, and once they had dispersed, he whispered in English, "They are gone, my Celia." Celia removed her face from his robes, still looking very embarrassed. He said softly, "I will take you back to my sister's tent, Celia. In the morning, you will leave. In one week's time, I will come to you."
She nodded gravely, then she said softly, "I don't think you're ready for me to tell you how I feel about you. I'm not even sure if I'm ready to say the words. But I don't want you. . .I want you to keep something of me with you. I don't know how much European history you know, but during the Middle Ages, a lady would give a favorite champion a favor, a special item. Now, I'm no lady, but you're definitely a champion."
Ardeth blushed at that, and Celia continued, reluctantly pulling out of his embrace to remove something from around her neck, "This is a medicine bag I inherited from my grandmother. I want you to have it, so it can keep you safe. Honestly, I think it helped to protect me while I was inside that infernal carpet." Ardeth was on the point of telling her to keep it, that she would require it, until he realized that to turn away her gift would be to dishonor her.
So, he bowed his head, allowing Celia placeit around his neck. The medicine bag rested against his medallion, and he smiled at her. He didn't know what to say, aside from 'thank you,' and that seemed so wrong. She smiled back and said softly, "May it keep you safe until you come back to me. Will you see me off in the morning, Ardeth Bey?" Ardeth inclined his head. He had not intended to do so. Now, no force on earth would prevent him from seeing off the woman he loved. He knew not when he would see her again, he could only pray that fate would safely lead them back to each other.
. . .
There were times when Mathayus truly hated not living in the mortal world. It never really bothered him, until he saw the passionate kisses exchanged by Ardeth Bey and Celia Ferguson. Until he heard the soft groan drawn from the Med-jai chieftain when Celia kissed him, and the waves of desire coming from both young people radiated out into In-Between, almost knocking Mathayus off his feet.
He steadied himself, swallowing hard at the glimpse inside both minds. He would have never thought the Med-jai could have such a vivid imagination, but what he saw in Ardeth's mind almost had Mathayus blushing. Not the young chieftain's conscious mind, which was focused solely on the kisses, but his subconscious. And that was quite explicit indeed concerning what he wanted to be doing with Celia Ferguson.
And, he noticed, Anck-su-namun was similarly affected. Mathayus shook himself and looked at his companion. Right now she looked a little unsteady on her feet, and Mathayus almost smiled as she said somewhat weakly, *Oh goddess. That. . .he. . .* She shook her head in stunned disbelief. Now Mathayus did smile, a smile which turned into a laugh disguised by a cough as Anck added, *How could she kiss him with all that hair???*
*Perhaps she knows no differently?* Mathayus questioned, his eyebrows raised in a mock-innocent expression. Anck glared at him, and Mathayus continued with a laugh, *I speak the truth, Anck-su-namun! To her, it is no different than you kissing Imhotep, even before he was fully regenerated.* Mathayus couldn't quite hold back a grimace of disgust at that particular image. No, Meela hadn't realized at the time that he wasn't fully regenerated, but still. . .
*That was not me,* Anck asserted with icy dignity, *that was Meela Nais, that traitorous trollop.* Mathayus was amused by her alliteration, then Anck continued softly, *For all my resentment of Nefertiri, and I did resent her, I never hated her. I never wanted to hurt her.* Mathayus knew that. He saw her in Ahm Shere. Anck-su-namun had several chances to actually harm Nefertiri. She took none of them, instead, choosing to restrain her in the confusion when O'Connell and Imhotep jockeyed for the chance to kill the Scorpion King and return the Army of Anubis to the Underworld, or use it to wipe out humanity.
He replied in a gentle voice, *I know, Anck-su-namun. But you did hurt her. You hurt her many times, without giving a thought to the consequences. You were surprised by her rage and her hatred in Ahm Shere, but in truth, I was not. Evelyn O'Connell had no way of knowing whether you were Anck-su-namun or Meela Nais. And I do know, even if you do not. It was Meela Nais who stabbed Evelyn O'Connell.*
*I want to believe that. I never hated Nefertiri! I resented her because of Seti, and because of her coldness toward Ardath, but I did not hate her!* Anck replied almost tearfully. Mathayus settled his hand on her shoulder, feeling the protective walls around Anck's heart crack wide open. This was good. This was very good. Anck wiped at her eyes almost angrily, continuing, *I just. . .I just wanted. . .*
*I know, Anck,* Mathayus soothed, *But what you must understand is that Nefertiri was trying to protect herself. She feared allowing herself to love her brother's concubine, perhaps because she sensed that Ardath had not long to live. Nefertiri was still reeling from her mother's death. She was afraid, Anck-su-namun. As afraid as you were after Ardath died. As afraid as you were when you realized that you and Imhotep were out of options.*
Anck actually paled and whispered, *I never knew. All this time, I resented Nefertiri as much for Ardath as I did for everything else. And she. . . I have been so stupid, Mathayus! I betrayed my best friend, I betrayed my love. I betrayed everyone who ever tried to care for me, including Seti. Why would the gods allow me to be reborn? With everything I have done, I do not deserve a second chance!*
*You were allowed to be reborn, because it was time for me to awaken. Everything happened because it was meant to happen. If I was not awakened, Ma'at would have never taken notice, and believed that I, too, was worthy of a second chance. Anck, you are not responsible for Meela's choices, any more than Ardeth Bey is responsible for the mistakes of Rameses. It is good that you take responsibility for what you did wrong. But you must not let that cripple you. Your work is not yet done, child,* Mathayus replied.
*My. . .my work is not yet done? Then I have a second chance? To make things right? With everyone?* Anck-su-namun asked hopefully and Mathayus inclined his head with a faint smile. Not just with Ardath (or Celia, whichever name you preferred) and Imhotep, but with Nefertiri and Rameses as well. With all of them, though Terumun and Nassor were really at the bottom of the priority list.
*With everyone,* he confirmed, *but mostly with Ardath, Imhotep, and Rameses. In part, because of whom Rameses is now.* He knew of no other way to put it. Anck lowered her eyes, and Mathayus understood that she was starting to feel shame for many things. He knew this woman too well to think that she would apologize for all of the choices she made, but he was also realizing that at the very least, she regretted some of those choices.
He continued after a moment, *She will have need of you, Anck-su- namun. She will need your strength and your love, as never before. Things are beginning to fall into place, and there will be no more room for petty resentments or jealousy. Are you ready to become that friend for Ardath? To hold nothing back from her, and do exactly what she needs you to do? Are you ready to finally fulfill that part of your destiny?*
Anck passed her hand over the reflection of Celia's face, as she and her daughter packed for their journey the following day. She whispered, *She is the reincarnation of my forever friend. I could not protect Ardath from Khaldun.* Anck looked back up at Mathayus, her chin lifting as she said, *But I will do everything within my power to protect her reincarnation. Yes, Scorpion King Mathayus, I am ready to do whatever is necessary in what lies ahead.*
**I told you, my son. Now, it is time to prepare for the trials to come,** Ma'at whispered to Mathayus. The Scorpion King nodded his acknowledgment of the words of the goddess, giving Anck-su-namun an approving smile at the same time. Her shoulders straightened, and now Mathayus could see what drew Seti and Imhotep to her.
As if she heard the goddess, Anck said determinedly, *I am ready. Just tell me what I need to do.* Mathayus put his hand on her shoulder. What he would ask of her, in the beginning would be far easier than the task he had for himself. She would, for the moment, simply protect Celia and Miranda. Mathayus knew she could handle that, especially now that she wasn't second guessing Celia. His own task was to be much harder. Observe what came next, and continue to observe. He was not permitted to intervene. No matter what.
. . .
Altair Bey was not unaware of the way things were progressing between her son and Celia Ferguson. For one thing, she heard two young warriors excitedly talking about the kisses as she left her tent. It amused her, hearing them talk. One thing she never knew was that Ardeth, despite his own inexperience, never interfered with the love lives of the young warriors. The only times he interfered was if the girl was unwilling, or things were going too far.
The young warriors were not particularly pleased that Ardeth fell in love with a Westerner, but they were pleased that he finally fell in love. One of the warriors bravely pointed out that maybe it wasn't such a bad thing, that Celia was an American. After all, it wasn't as if she acted like O'Connell, and besides, Altair herself was born an outsider. Not everyone could be honored enough to be born a Med-jai.
That remark would have made her laugh, if she wasn't keeping her presence from the pair. Apparently, her son actually told Celia Ferguson that he loved her. And when she tried to answer her, added that he had not told her for her to tell him that she reciprocated, but so she would know. Altair didn't realize just how far gone things were between them, that her son would kiss the American and actually tell her that he loved her.
She was returning to Cairo the following day, leaving at the same time Ardeth was setting out for Hamunaptra to gather more information, and possibly confront Khaldun. That was, of course, why Ardeth told Celia that he loved her. Because he did not know if he would return, and if he did not, he wanted her to know. Perhaps to heal the wounds caused by that pathetic excuse for a man? Perhaps. But Altair had faith that her son would come back, which meant it was time she had a conversation with Celia Ferguson.
She found her opportunity after dinner. As she usually did, Celia and her daughter were eating with Acacia and Aleta. Altair's two daughters forged a tentative friendship with her, perhaps in light of the hours they spent with her after her rescue. Altair smiled down at the young women, saying, "Cecelia, I would be honored if you and your daughter would join me in my tent after dinner."
"O. . .of course. When should we join you?" Celia asked, quickly regaining her composure despite her evident surprise. However, Altair didn't miss the quick, concerned looks she directed at Acacia and Aleta. Both of Altair's daughters responded with reassuring looks. Celia didn't relax, but she did look back at Altair questioningly. For some reason, that need for reassurance from her daughters hurt Altair.
But she replied, "In thirty minutes? To give you and Miranda time to finish dinner, and find my tent. Acacia, you will guide them?" Her older daughter nodded, and Altair saw Celia flash Acacia a grateful smile. Altair inclined her head and took her leave, saying, "Until then." Celia inclined her head in response, and Altair made her way to where Ardeth was sitting. No great surprise, he was finished eating, now watched the horses. He always loved horses.
She slipped her arm around his waist from behind, saying softly, "I remember a five year old boy who sat on the corral fence while his father worked with the stallions." There was a soft laugh and Altair kissed her son's cheek, adding, "It is rare that I have the opportunity to talk with my son these days, as my son, not as the chieftain. Do your duties require you tonight?" Ardeth thought about it, then he shook his head. Altair promised herself that she would not give him a hard time about taking care of himself.
"No, Mother, I am yours to command tonight," came the cheeky response. If he was twenty years younger, Altair would have swatted his behind, but the mother was so glad to see traces of that young boy in her too-serious son, she satisfied herself with a swat to the back of his shoulder. Ardeth laughed, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief. Altair found her hardened heart softening, ever so slightly, toward Celia. It was clear that she was the reason for the return of Ardeth's mischievous streak.
"Then I command you to come to my tent in thirty minutes, my son. Since you have declared your heart to Celia Ferguson, I should learn more about her," Altair replied sweetly. Ardeth looked at his mother, but it was too late for him to back out, though he knew what she was doing. He simply inclined his head, and Altair smiled at him. She kissed him on the cheek once more and sauntered away, feeling quite pleased with herself.
If Altair Bey thought she pulled one over on her son, as the Americans, it could also be said that one was pulled over on her, by her own daughters. Who, in their infinite wisdom, asked Evelyn O'Connell to join them. However, as Ardeth entered the tent, his dark eyes sweeping over the women already there, Altair had to admit the girls had a point. After all, the Englishwoman was the reincarnation of Nefertiri, which made her a sister of sorts to Altair's son.
She smiled, which didn't quite reach her eyes as she stared at Evelyn O'Connell, and said, "Welcome. Cecelia, as I told Ardeth, I should learn more about you, and this will allow you to see a side to Ardeth that you might not expect." Ardeth was glaring at her for all he was worth, but Altair did not survive raising five children to be cowed by one of those children now. She smiled, gesturing at him to sit beside Celia, while Miranda sat in her mother's lap.
"I would like that," Celia said simply as she looked up at Ardeth. Altair used that moment to study the girl's face closely. She saw now, the connection between her son and the American woman. The matriarch trembled, as she began to accept that her son might actually love this woman. She did not want to believe it. They knew each other only a fortnight, after all, but it took her less time to fall in love with Ardeth's father, nearly forty years earlier.
"Me, too! Will you tell us about Ardeth when he was a little boy, like Darius?" Miranda asked eagerly. This time, Altair's smile was totally unfeigned as she looked at the little girl. She really was a beautiful child, and she obviously adored Ardeth. That adoration was totally mutual, she saw, as Ardeth reached over to caress her dark hair. Miranda turned her head toward Altair's son with a blinding smile.
"I believe I will! But before I do, I must compliment you, Cecelia. Your daughter is very eloquent for someone her age, unlike my son. Up until he was four years of age, he could not pronounce his own name properly," Altair replied. Ardeth made a noise in the back of his throat that most people would have mistaken for a growl. However, Altair knew her son better, and knew it to be a barely strangled moan.
"Well, thank you, but I mangled my own given name just as badly. I always told people that my name was 'Thelia,' up until I was about six or seven. I couldn't say the 'c' properly. It drove my parents quite mad, I remember them telling me that I sounded like a little street urchin," came the response. Celia was smiling, but there was a hint of pain in her eyes. The answer gave Altair pause, for she and Suleiman would never say such a thing to their children.
She was concerned by Ardeth's struggle to speak his name properly, but Suleiman reminded her that Ardeth was very small yet, and his was a rather unusual name. His little tongue was still being formed, and he would grow out of it. They would have never ridiculed him for it, although Andreas might have. Miranda looked up at her mother, who was combing her fingers through Miranda's hair, and said rather indignantly, "That wasn't very nice of them!"
Celia responded with a half smile, answering, "They didn't mean to be like that, Miranda. Well yes, they did, but it wasn't their intention to be cruel. As I got older, I realized that appearances were very important to them, and my speech problems embarassed them." Altair again was given pause, and she wondered if she was doing the right thing in testing the beloved of her son in this way. Given her own past, it was likely that Altair's attempts would backfire.
Then she would proceed slowly and cautiously. She said, "We Med-jai set little store by appearances. Especially where the happiness and welfare of our children are concerned. I can think of several incidents from Ardeth's childhood which would have horrified your parents, but were as nothing to us. Well, aside from Ardeth, who was mortified as he got older and learned of the incident. I do not know why. He did nothing un- natural."
Perhaps seeing what was ahead, Ardeth buried his face in his hands with a groan. Celia looked at him worriedly, her free hand going to his shoulder in a gentle touch. Miranda asked, "You mean like the time when Uncle Jason had to chase me all over the house after I had my bath? He got really mad. Said that proper little girls didn't run around without clothes. I was real little, I think Mommy said I was two when that happened. I don't remember it."
"When did Uncle Jason say that to you? You were only eighteen months old, Miranda, and your uncle was supposed to wait until I got home, so I could give you your bath," Celia said. She looked at Altair, adding, "My brother. . .he always complained about how unpredictable 'Randa was. I told him that she was supposed to be unpredictable, that she was still learning about her world." She shook her head in disgust.
"Well, yes, something like that *did* happen, right around the same age, in fact. And like your brother with Miranda, Ardeth lost his swaddling clothes because of an irresponsible older person. In this case, my older son, Andreas, who decided he was big enough to change Ardeth. Andreas was all of seven years old at the time, and he didn't fasten the swaddling clothes properly. So, when Ardeth started running around. . ." Altair explained.
"Down came the clothes. Ouch," Celia said with a sympathetic look toward Ardeth. Altair could see that she was trying very hard not to smile. The story was funny, Altair knew herself, but she was obviously trying to spare Ardeth's feelings. She found out the reason why a moment later, as Celia added, "I'm told I was quite the little exhibitionist myself when I was that age. But my grandmother would allow me to run around in just a diaper, instead of a full outfit. It thoroughly scandalized my grandmother's neighbors, that I would be allowed to run around like a little savage." Celia rolled her eyes at that, and Altair knew she passed the first set of tests.
. . .
Evelyn Carnahan O'Connell was, for once, simply minding her own business when Aleta Bey approached her. Of the Bey siblings, she was the most like Ardeth. Which admittedly didn't stop her from glaring at Rick every time she saw him, and she told the Englishwoman that while Evy herself usually started the trouble, she was also willing to try to make things right.
And, on the other hand, her husband usually buried his head in the sand until he wasn't given any other choice. Which, Evy realized, was among the reasons for the resentment among the Med-jai toward Rick, one of many. That was why she was invited to this meeting, and Rick was not. Aleta approached her while she was alone, inviting only her. Rick and Alex were off on their own, and Evy left word with Jonathan where she was going.
She quickly realized why Rick wasn't invited. By rights, she wasn't supposed to have been invited. She saw that in Altair Bey's eyes, but the woman would not balk now. As Evy listened, she also came to understand that just as Rick wasn't invited because Altair did not trust him, Celia was invited for one reason and one reason only. Altair Bey was judging her worthiness to wed Altair's son, not the Med-jai chieftain. The matriarch wanted to protect her son from a woman who didn't truly care for him. But as the stories were told, and Evy watched the expression on her friend's face, she came to understand one other thing. While the stories were funny, Celia was very sensitive to Ardeth's reactions.
While the swaddling clothes incident was the funniest, there were other stories. How, as a small boy of three or four, Ardeth saw what he thought was an attack on his father. The little boy immediately attacked the 'assailants,' only to find that they were Med-jai without markings on their faces. Suleiman Bey was torn between pride in his son and his duties as a host. But the visitors were not offended by the little boy's staunch defense of their father. They, in fact, congratulated Suleiman on his fierce little son.
As she listened, Evy watched Celia carefully, taking note of her reactions, as well as where her hands were. During another story about Ardeth and his father, Celia quietly slid her hand down Ardeth's forearm, to take his hand and squeeze it gently. Like Evy, she picked up on the way Ardeth tensed when his father was mentioned. When he was very small, before Suleiman realized that Ardeth would be a better chieftain, he was free to be simply Ardeth's father when he was around the little boy. And he adored that tiny, beautiful boy.
One time, when Ardeth was about two, Suleiman came back to their village, badly injured. They were not sure if he would live, and after the healers did all they could, he was left alone to rest. Or so everyone thought. But when Altair returned to her husband, after checking on her infant daughter Acacia, she found her second son sitting beside her husband, huge tears rolling down his small face as he held his father's much larger hand.
In his own language, which was a combination of the ancient Egyptian, Arabic, and Greek languages spoke around the Med-jai camp, Altair learned that Ardeth had a dream that his father was dying. It scared him, so he came into the tent and held his hand, to make sure that his father's spirit didn't slip away from them. And no matter how hard she tried, Altair couldn't get the frightened little boy to release his grip, not even in his sleep.
At this, Evy had to wipe away tears. She wasn't the only one. Celia was quietly crying, as was Miranda. Ardeth said in a small voice, as if there was a large lump in his throat he could barely speak around, "I do not remember this. I do not remember any of these stories. Not even Father holding me on the horse when I was five. Was he angry with me, Mother, for failing to obey you and return to the tent I shared with Acacia?"
"Oh no, sweet boy! He was so proud of you, Ardeth. From that day on, he called you his little guardian, and told everyone that his little son kept him from dying. He said that you did, indeed, keep him from slipping away from us," Altair assured him, wiping away her own tears. Evy had a sense that she never shared these stories before, not since her husband's death.
She resolved to tell that to Celia, once they left. Altair continued after a moment, "He was so proud of you. And so afraid for you, for he saw while you were still very young that you would make a much better chieftain than your brother Andreas. In his zeal to properly prepare you for possible trials that you would face, he stopped being your father and became your teacher and chieftain."
"I don't understand, Altair," Celia said quietly, wiping away her tears and those of her daughter, "forgive me for interrupting, but I don't understand at all. How do you mean, he stopped being Ardeth's father?" Altair inclined her head, in acknowledgment of Celia's statement. Evy had a pretty good idea, but she wanted to hear from Altair herself.
"That is a fair question, Cecelia, and requires no apology. My husband focused more on training Ardeth to eventually become the chieftain, than on simply loving him. Ardeth tried very hard to please his father. The result was only hours before his death, my husband lamented his foolishness, for in his attempts to prepare Ardeth for what would come, he turned our thirteen year old son into an adult before he even took his manhood rites," Altair explained.
For the first time since the beginning of this story, Evy looked at Ardeth. He was clenching his jaw tightly, but despite his efforts, Evy could see the telltale moisture in his eyes. Altair looked at her son, saying softly, "He loved you so much, Ardeth. He wanted to tell you that, before he died. How much he loved you and believed in you, he wanted you to know how proud he was of you and always would be, but his wounds were too great."
Miranda crawled from her mother's lap into Ardeth's, taking for granted that his free arm would wind around her. And it did. Evy wasn't sure if Miranda would understand exactly why Ardeth was so sad, but it didn't matter because the child sensed that he *was* sad. The why was irrelevant. Evy swallowed the lump in her own throat. Not just at Ardeth's obvious pain, but at the picture in front of her. Ardeth struggling to control his emotions, while Celia held his hand and Miranda cuddled against him. They looked like a family.
Then Miranda said in a tiny voice, "I wish I'd known Ardeth's daddy. Was he pretty like Ardeth?" The question broke the tension in the tent, and Altair laughed a little, as did both her daughters. Ardeth managed a smile, dropping a gentle kiss on Miranda's dark head. Evy herself smiled at the little girl, barely blinking back tears herself. She wished Rick was here to see this side of their friend, the mourning son who never realized how much he meant to his father.
"Oh sweet Miranda, Ardeth looks just like his father, so much so, it takes my breath away sometimes," Altair answered in a rush. She smiled at the little girl again, adding, "Just as you look like your mama, especially when you smile. You have your mama's smile, do you know that?" Altair looked at Celia, and while her words were directed at Miranda, Evy knew they were meant for Celia as well. She said softly, "Your mother has an honest smile, and honest eyes. Mind that you stay that way, Miranda, that you are worthy of the trust you are given."
Celia inclined her head toward Altair, message received and understood. It would not be necessary for Evy to tell her friend that this was a test of trust. She already knew. And once more, Miranda broke the tension, asking, "Can you tell me more stories about Ardeth when he was a little boy? Funny stories, like when he ran around without his clothes?" This time, everyone in the tent laughed, including Ardeth.
"Perhaps another time, little one, you must be up early tomorrow. You will be leaving us, but I fully expect both you and your mama to come back. I hope you shall," Altair replied. Miranda made a face, but desisted after a Look from her mother. Altair looked back at Celia, saying, "I have been honored to know you, Cecelia Ferguson, and I hope your stay with us has been pleasant." Celia inclined her head with a smile. Evy's friend learned fast.
"Very pleasant, and it has been a privilege to meet you, Lady Altair," the young American woman said with a half smile. Evy beamed at her friend, very proud of Celia. She knew they would need to talk on the way back to Evy's tent, where Celia and Miranda were staying tonight. But she was very proud of the way Celia handled herself tonight. The American looked at Ardeth, asking softly, "I will see you in the morning? Before I leave?"
"You will," the chieftain affirmed, raising the hand which held his to his lips and gracing her knuckles with a gentle kiss. Celia smiled, her entire face lighting up. Evy glanced at Altair, and thought, *I do believe you have your answers. From both of them.* While Evy wasn't certain herself that Celia loved Ardeth, she did know how much her friend cared for him, and believed in time, that would grow into love. Time would tell. It always did.