Sailor Elf: Hehehehe. . .you shouldn't mess with Celia, indeed! And
Sanure won't be the last person to learn that particular lesson!
Cindy: I'm glad you enjoyed the sections with Ardeth's father. . .Suleiman is becoming a really fun character for me to write. He also plays a part in the third story, 'What Might Have Been.'
Deana: Well, I figured I'd better post some when I did, because heaven only knows when I'll get the computer next. And this time, I'm posting three chapters together.
Part Four
Just when he thought nothing could surprise him anymore. . .something like this happened. And everything he thought he knew about this land, about these people, about this tribe, even about his friend got blown sky- high. Personally, Rick O'Connell thought some of these people were getting off lightly. . .because if his wife was attacked the way Celia just was, he would have killed whoever did it. Then again, he knew Ardeth couldn't do that. He didn't have the freedoms to protect his wife that Rick did.
"Rick, what happened?" Evy asked anxiously as Rick looked around the Med-jai camp. The husband of the woman who attacked Celia. . .did Ardeth call her Sanure? He thought so. Sanure's husband took her back to their tent, husband and wife still trembling. Rick looked at his wife, who remained with Acacia and Aleta during the whole incident. She looked worried, but he wasn't sure whom she was worried about.
"Long version or short version?" he asked, scrubbing his hand over his face. Evy glared at him for all she was worth, and Rick acquiesed, saying, "Right, any version. Okay. One of the Med-jai women attacked Celia a few minutes ago, after she and Ardeth came back from their ride. The mother whose brats were tormenting Miranda. Anyhow, she attacked Celia, and just like that, she's on her knees in front of Celia, with that dagger Anck-su-namun gave Ardath in Celia's hand, at her throat."
Evy's eyes widened and she whispered, "What?????" Rick nodded, and Evy murmured, "That must have been what Aleta saw when she looked out the tent flap, just before Altair left with Miranda. She was joking when she heard Ardeth and Celia's voices, after they came back, and then. . . Well, is Celia all right? That awful woman didn't hurt her, did she?" Rick smiled at the note of anxiety in his wife's voice. It sounded like she was becoming as protective of Celia as she was of Ardeth.
"She's just fine. I saw the whole thing. That woman never even had a chance to strike her. And worse, she did it while Ardeth's back was turned. . .probably trying to trick him into thinking that she was the one who was attacked. She's not very bright, not with the insults she was screaming at Celia," Rick replied. That was actually what got his attention. He wanted to talk to Ardeth, and was waiting for his friend's return. Sanure's screams told him that it was time.
Evy's eyes narrowed in a way Rick recognized. He grabbed his wife's shoulders, saying, "Ohhhh, no. No, you don't. Celia handled her just fine, and then Altair put her in her place. Besides, you're five months pregnant, and I'm not taking any chances with your life, or the baby's!" Evy opened her mouth to speak and Rick added, "And don't even say it. Don't say, no harm ever came from talking to someone."
Evy smiled very sweetly, and she replied, "Actually, that won't be necessary. I understood most of what Altair told that awful woman. . .and I understood what Acacia said after the confrontation. From what I heard, it seems likely that she'll be having a word or two with her." Her dark eyes sparkled with evil mischief. The first time Rick saw that look in his wife's eyes, she was telling him about how mummies were made.
Rick shook his head, muttering, "You gotta watch out for those Bey women. They scare me on a regular basis, I can't imagine what it would have been like to grow up with them!" Evy merely laughed, linking her arm with his, and Rick continued, "Well, Ardeth's with Celia. I think she's kinda rattled. . .by the attack and the way she reacted. Ssince I really need to talk to Ardeth when he's alone, what do you say we go check on our son, before he and Darius devise a way to bring the entire village down?"
Evy's eyes narrowed again, and she asked slowly, "And what, exactly, do you want to talk about with my brother, while he's alone?" Rick offered her a weak smile, having no intention of admitting that he planned to fill in the blanks. Ardeth's wedding night would be his first time, and Rick didn't know what Suleiman Bey told his son. If anything, since Ardeth was only thirteen when his father died, and Rick didn't even want to think about having that conversation with Alex when *he* was that age!
However, Evy knew him better, and said in a warning tone, "Rick. Leave him alone about that. It only embarasses him when you bring it up and you keep forgetting how protective Celia is of him." Rick winced. Uh yeah, she raised a good point. Just in the last few weeks, Rick O'Connell discovered just how protective his wife's best friend was of her fiancé. Evy continued in a low voice, "Celia has more experience than Ardeth does in this matter. I think you should allow her to do what has to be done."
"But Evy. . ." Rick almost whined. He felt for a moment as if he was Alex's age, and trying to get permission to do something he wanted to do. Evy leveled one of her glares at him, and Rick continued, "I'm not trying to embarrass him, I'm trying to help him. He would be more embarrassed if Celia was the one who did all the work. I mean, you know. . ." Now Rick found himself sputtering with embarrassment, due to the pictures currently dancing through his mind, of his best friend engaged in amorous activities with Celia. Pictures he *really* didn't need to be seeing in any way, shape or form. Okay, it was settled. When he got his hands on Ardeth, he would kill him for this!
"Did it ever occur to you, my love, that maybe Ardeth would enjoy relinquishing control for once? Rick, think! The poor man has so much responsibility as the Med-jai chieftain. Do you really think he would mind Celia taking over?" Evy asked. Rick frowned. Come to think of it, he never really looked at it from that angle. But he couldn't deny that his wife's words had validity. It was just that. . .
"It's just not natural, especially. . .especially in a case like this," Rick said, still sounding terribly close to whining. He really wanted to talk to Ardeth, make sure his friend wasn't overly nervous about the wedding night. Well, all right. . .maybe he did want to tease him, just a little. Especially since Rick never thought he would see Ardeth Bey fall in love with anyone. Come to think of it, until recently, he never really thought of Ardeth even being human, like everyone else. Because he wasn't like everyone else, he was a Med-jai, and not just any Med-jai, but the Med-jai chieftain at that.
"Rick, no. And can we please stop discussing my brother's. . .could we please stop discussing this? It's terribly disturbing!" Evy exclaimed. Rick put his arm around his wife, drawing her close against his body. Yeah, she was right about that. Just the thought of Ardeth and Celia's wedding night was enough to disturb *him.* Rick smiled over Evy's head as something else occurred to him. Evy said she didn't want him talking to Ardeth about this. But she never said anything about talking to *Celia* about it!
. . .
Acacia Bey never really thought about what she would say to Sanure, once she confronted the other woman. In truth, she wasn't thinking at all when she plunged headlong out of her mother's tent. She was too angry to think. She understood, even if Celia did not, what Sanure called her. For weeks, she was patient with the other women of this tribe at the insistence of her sister-in-law and the request of her brother.
She maintained her own patience, even as she found herself betraying her soon-to-be sister-in-law in small ways. The very idea that her children should play with those brats, when they didn't want to! But she wanted to preserve the peace of the tribe. How could she have been so stupid? Or blind? Sanure and her little group of friends were nothing more than bullies, and it was time someone put them in their place.
That was something Acacia should have done a long time ago, instead of forcing her brother's intended into what happened earlier. This was just as much Acacia's fault as it was Sanure's. She should have put a stop to this weeks earlier, when Sanure's children went after Miranda the first time. Celia was still finding her place in the tribe. Yes, Acacia told Ardeth that the Med-jai were having a hard time reconciling this quiet woman with the fiery avenging angel who defeated Khaldun inside the City of the Dead.
But that was not how Acacia wanted her sister to quiet those doubts! Even so, Acacia couldn't argue with the way Celia handled it. She was very proud of her brother, for choosing a woman willing to fight for him, and she was very proud of Celia for how she reacted to Sanure's threats, insults, and eventual attack. Acacia knew that part of it was Ardath's memories, but that was beside the point.
Knowledge was fine, but it did one no good if that person didn't know how to use it. And Celia knew exactly what to do with her memories. It was no different than. . .well, than Evelyn O'Connell using what she learned to defeat Imhotep. Ignoring for a moment, of course, that she raised the Creature in the first place. She raised him, but not Anck-su- namun, and Acacia knew that Evelyn *had* faced that one.
She didn't like Anck-su-namun, despite the ghost's aid in the defeat of Khaldun, and despite her continuing support and protectiveness for Celia. Too many times, Anck-su-namun or her reincarnation caused trouble for Acacia's family, and the widow was in no hurry to give her trust. On the other hand, she had to admit that during the last few weeks, Anck was far more honest and honorable than some of Acacia's own people.
And that rankled with the Med-jai woman. It rankled deeply. Perhaps she shouldn't have been so surprised when Anck appeared in front of Acacia. On this particular day, she was attired in her shift, rather than the gold paint decreed by Seti. Acacia was relieved. She always hated Seti from the stories told by the old ones, and harbored a secret sympathy for Anck- su-namun when she heard about the gold paint.
Though Acacia said nothing, Anck said in ancient Egyptian, "Your brother is with Celia and my niece. I have no wish to watch them. I thought I would join you, for I sense you intend to. . .oh, how is it that Nefertiri puts it? You intend to leave that woman in a world of hurt?" Anck tripped over the unfamiliar phrase, and Acacia found herself smiling in spite of herself. She didn't want to like Anck. . .didn't want to like this strangely appealing woman. But better Anck than Sanure.
"Well, I may not hurt her, but I do intend to make sure she never harms someone I care for again. Nor will I allow anyone call my brother incompetent or foolish. Ardeth has done too much for our people to be treated with such disrespect by such unworthy people," Acacia replied. Anck grinned unexpectedly, and the two walked side by side. Acacia continued, "You understood what she said, did you not? Maybe not the words, but you recognized the hate. The poison."
"When you spend as much time hating as I have," Anck acknowledged, "you recognize it immediately. I did not recognize the words, no. But it was not necessary. Hatred, just like love, transcends language." She paused, then continued, "You are not certain what to think of me, Acacia Bey. You still have the memories of being a child, hearing of my evil deeds. And I did do terrible things. But you also see other things."
"Tiyu," Acacia replied, "I was taught to hate you, for your deeds. But even as I was taught to hate you, my mother taught us to have compassion for you. It was a lesson I found difficult, until I fell in love." Anck looked at her, and Acacia continued, "My husband died during Imhotep's first rising. He was one of my brother's men. And the last thing I said to him. . .I did not tell him to be careful. I asked him to watch out for my brother. I lost Andreas. I could not bear to lose Ardeth."
The compassion in Anck's eyes almost unraveled what remained of Acacia's composure. She continued, "It never even occurred to me that I might lose my husband. Never, never, never. But I lost Andreas, and Ardeth almost died at the hands of Lock-nah as well. You fear what you know, after all. So yes, Anck-su-namun. After I fell in love, and after I lost my husband, I learned to have compassion for you."
"Mathayus told me," Anck whispered, "that when Khaldun's madness infected the Med-jai, your ancestors, it was not Imhotep alone who was cursed, but the Med-jai of future generations as well. I finally begin to understand what he meant. I have a difficult time, thinking of your brother as a Med-jai. To me, he is Rameses reborn. . .the reincarnation of my friend. I am sorry for your loss, Princess."
Acacia started to protest that she was just a Med-jai woman, the sister of the chieftain, but Anck wasn't finished. She continued, "But this is the first time I have heard of this. . .Lock-nah almost killed Ardeth once before? Before they encountered each other in the O'Connell home in London? Why has he said nothing to Celia about this? And you are the sister of the Med-jai chieftain, the chieftain who is king, general, and seer. You are a princess, Acacia Bey."
Acacia found she couldn't argue with that logic, and didn't even try. Instead, she replied in a low voice, "It is true. Lock-nah almost killed Ardeth once before. We never speak of it, for it happened at the same time as my. . .the other. . .it happened when Ardeth was seventeen. Just after that one killed Andreas. He wasn't satisfied with killing the Med-jai chieftain. No, he wished to kill my other two brothers as well."
Anck stopped and looked at her closely. Acacia continued, shuddering, "It did not matter to him, you see, which brother he killed. And so, Ardeth sacrificed himself so Anatol could get to safety. My nine year old brother ran to the only remaining horse and returned to the camp. He needed to find the Commander for our tribe. And when they returned to the place where my eldest brother fell, they also found Ardeth hanging from a post by his wrists. . .his back a bloody mess."
Acacia looked at Anck, noting the other woman's obvious horror. Anck's lips trembled, as if she was holding back tears, but Acacia continued, "Lock-nah was a swaggering, arrogant ass who enjoyed inflicting pain. He had his men tie my brother to that post, and then they took turns whipping him. That is the only reason Lock-nah survived that day. Because Ardeth was focused on surviving, while our commander's focus was on rescuing and protecting our new chieftain."
Acacia took a deep breath, then looked at her companion. To her surprise, tears were now rolling down Anck's face, the concubine not even attempting to wipe them away. Acacia almost reached out to do it for her, then remembered that Anck had no physical body. Instead, she went on, "That set the tone for the next nine years. My brother found his job as a chieftain an uphill battle because of that. The elders thought him too soft to rule properly. The warriors knew better."
"What????????" Anck cried out in horror. She shook her head, her long black hair flying about her face as she cried out, "No! He was just a boy himself. . .what was he supposed to do, allow Lock-nah to capture his nine year old brother? When he just watched his older brother die? What kinds of men ruled you Med-jai at this time?" She shook her head, murmuring something in a language which Acacia didn't recognize.
"It displeased us all. So you see, Anck-su-namun, there is a reason why Anatol, Aleta and I are so protective of Ardeth. It goes beyond the simple protectiveness one feels for a brother. I wager it even goes further than your own desire to protect Celia. And I will not allow a petty little woman like Sanure denigrate my brother. Ardeth is young, but he is wise. He earned that wisdom, along with the sorrow which we all see in his eyes. Now he has a woman to drive that sorrow away, and I will allow no one to denigrate that woman, either,"Acacia replied.
"Would you wish to have a partner, then, Acacia? I cannot tell Celia of that night's work. But this I swear. If Lock-nah does rise again. . .then I will make him sorry that he ever harmed your family. I swear it on the blood of my forever friend," Anck hissed. Acacia was taken aback somewhat by the obvious fury in the spirit's voice. But she didn't doubt Anck's sincerity. She invoked her friendship with Ardath. . .a binding vow indeed. Acacia inclined her head in agreement, smiling at her new ally. Perhaps, in time, she could learn to trust this woman after all. Perhaps.
. . .
The rest of the day passed without incident, if the visit received by Sanure was ignored. The visit, paid by Acacia and Anck, would provide entertainment for the Med-jai for several months. Not just the Med-jai, but Imhotep as well. He didn't know what amused him more; the little queen's ferocious response or Acacia and Anck's warnings. By the time dinner was ready, the robes of both the bride and groom were finished, while a few more pearls were left on Miranda's dress. That would be finished tonight. Tomorrow, the festivities would begin.
According to Med-jai tradition, the wedding festivities lasted three days, with the wedding itself taking place on the second day. This would be a special wedding, for more than one reason. Of course, they were celebrating the wedding of their chieftain. But Imhotep was no longer a threat to the Med-jai people, and the sword which hung over their heads for the last three thousand years was now gone.
Much to his surprise, Imhotep was invited to the festivities, though he was certain it was more to keep an eye on him than anything else. But he accepted the offer, shyly made by little Damara Bey, if for no other reason than to find out more about the Med-jai of today. Had things changed at all during the last three thousand years? And. . .if they had, could Imhotep perhaps find a place in this strange world as he atoned?
He thought the answer might be 'yes,' the more time he spent among these people. Imhotep found the hatred easing as he watched the Med-jai. In some ways, few things changed. People were still the same. They still argued and fought, they still loved and laughed. The language changed, and some of the customs. But he was finding that the Med-jai of today were not the shadowy demons which haunted him for the last thirty centuries. Perhaps the only true demon was Khaldun himself.
Which wasn't to say that Imhotep forgave the Med-jai for what they did to him. He hadn't. But each day, he found himself questioning his hatred for these people who guarded the desert for such a long time, even as they protected their homes and families. The result of yet another argument between himself and the little queen. . .she reminded him that the succeeding generations of the Med-jai had little choice in their duties.
They had to keep watch over Hamunaptra. . .slaves to the foolishness of their ancestors. Cursed, just as Imhotep was. If they failed, Imhotep would rise and destroy their homes, their families, everything they loved. What other choice did they have? Imhotep did not want to hear her words, did not want to listen to those truths. Until the little queen told him that the Med-jai were no more evil than Imhotep was. They were not evil. . .they did an evil thing, but they were not evil.
There were times when Imhotep hated the reincarnation of Ardath for that, for forcing him to think about others. But it was then that his inner voice would return and remind him of the atonement still ahead. That would be part of his penance. And he could only atone by learning. He could only learn by listening. There were times when Imhotep hated that inner voice as well, because he knew that voice was right.
But it was not that inner voice which led him to accept the shy invitation from Ardeth Bey's niece. It was Imhotep's growing loneliness, and his love of children that never truly died. When he accepted Damara's offer, Imhotep was touched by her sweetness and bravery. She had not the bravado of Alex O'Connell, but a quiet bravery all her own. He smiled at the little girl, under the watchful and protective eye of her mother, and his heart was warmed by Damara's answering smile.
Was there hope for him, then? For three thousand years, these people hated him and feared him, called him 'Creature.' But he heard Mathayus the Scorpion King tell Anck-su-namun, 'they must call him 'Creature.' For if they see him as a man, then they will surely perish.' But now, here was this little girl shyly smiling at him, as if he was just another man instead of the monster who tried to destroy her world more than once, and hope flared in his soul.
Hope, Imhotep decided, was painful. It meant pain, and it meant responsibility. It meant no excuses. . .it meant moving forward, and while Imhotep was powerful, he now saw that he was also weak. Oh, he continued to have the gifts of the mind provided by the hom-dai, he still had his magic, and he was still immortal. But Imhotep feared that he did not have the strength required to allow himself to hope. To move forward.
And in Damara's eyes, Imhotep saw that strength. The little girl reminded him of Rameses when he was a child, and that gave Imhotep chills. Because of whom Rameses was now, and what he was to this little girl. Imhotep heard that Damara's father abandoned her while she was in her mother's womb, and the love which the child would have given to him was given to Ardeth Bey. Imhotep could believe it. He watched his old enemy/old friend with his niece and little Miranda.
And that was the greatest dilemma, was it not? Quite apart from everything else, there was the matter of Rameses reborn. Imhotep was caught between his ancient hatred of the Med-jai and his equally ancient love for the royal siblings, Rameses and Nefertiri. Every time he looked at Ardeth Bey, he saw first the Med-jai markings, the symbol of everything Imhotep endured. He saw the young man's forefathers, not the man himself.
But when the young king smiled at his wife-to-be, or at his niece, or at the child who would be his daughter. . .Rameses would be all that Imhotep could see. Rameses, his best friend, whom Imhotep betrayed repeatedly. Imhotep found this new life of his difficult, for that meant facing what he did to Rameses. A few hours earlier, while the boy Jason was in his tent, the boy made a strangely insightful remark.
It is easier being the victim, he said, and he meant himself. But sometimes, Imhotep thought it applied to him just as well. Thanks to the inner voice which refused to give him any rest, Imhotep was forced to see himself through the eyes of others. This was worse than when he was in the Underworld. There, he was simply forced to experience the pain of those whom he hurt. This. . .this was much worse.
It was nothing that Imhotep could quantify, though he tried. In the Underworld, he wasn't forced to see the fear in the eyes of children as he passed. Some even hid their faces in the skirts of their mothers, or in the robes of their fathers. It hurt, seeing that fear in the eyes of children, and it hurt worse to know that it was justified. He hurt children in the past, Imhotep could not deny that. But. . .and he knew he was making excuses for himself. . .there were reasons for that.
He kidnapped Alex O'Connell because the child was a means to an end. He kidnapped the child because the little boy wore the Bracelet of Anubis, and Imhotep needed it. The Bracelet chose its wearer, according to the old legends. At that time, Imhotep was more focused on what he could do with the power of the Army of Anubis than anything else. He had no wish to leave the little boy with Lock-nah, for while Imhotep didn't know the huge man, he knew his kind.
There were other examples, of course. To this day, Imhotep struggled with his guilt over the death of Rameses' first child, the child now called 'Miriam.' He wasn't to blame, not really. Khaldun's man pushed Ardath over the railing for warning Seti. It was Khaldun's fault, but Imhotep still hated losing a patient, for any reason. He hated hearing Rameses trying to muffle his grief, even as he fought to comfort his beloved.
How many other children did he hurt? There was Nefertiri, for she watched as her father was murdered. She was so young that night, so young and still learning about the world. When Nefertiri screamed, 'niy,' Imhotep looked up at the balcony. For one brief moment, Imhotep's eyes met the eyes of both royal siblings, as Rameses pulled his younger sister back from the railing before she could fall to her death and join her father.
Miranda Ferguson. . .Imhotep searched his soul, wondering if there was another way he could have discovered what he needed to know, upon his reawakening. And much to his dismay, he realized there was. There was no need for him to kidnap Miranda Ferguson, or harm her mother. He could have simply infiltrated the O'Connell home and found out what he needed to know. He did it before.
More to the point, these children grew up in the aftermath of his first rising. Never mind the thirty-plus years which Rameses reborn spent fearing the possibility of Imhotep's return to the mortal world. . .these children saw what happened when Imhotep arose from his grave. Many of them lost their fathers to his wrath, and given that, was it so strange that he would be hated and feared? Unfortunately, the answer was 'no.'
Imhotep knew not what to do with this insight. . .he grew to fear and hate these moments, because each new insight made him feel lost. Slowly, even his hatred was taken from him, and that left Imhotep floundering and frightened. Everything which governed his actions for three thousand years was taken from him. Anck-su-namun. His hatred of Seti. And now, his hatred of the Med-jai. What was left, then, to fill the emptiness inside? Or was that part of his penance as well?
. . .
Aside from those on patrol, it was almost always an early night for the Med-jai. Evy didn't mind, for she was busy all day, and the baby was taking up most of her remaining energy. The baby, and worrying about what Rick would do. It wasn't that she distrusted her husband. . .if that were the case, she wouldn't be married to him. But she knew Rick was up to something, and she wasn't sure what that something was.
Nor was she certain she wanted to know. She had an uneasy feeling that Rick would ignore her request to leave Ardeth alone about his. . .inexperience. Evy knew that her husband cared for Ardeth, much more than he was willing to admit. But she also knew that Rick was a big brother just waiting to happen, and part of being a big brother was teasing the younger sibling unmercifully. She was a younger sister. . .she had plenty of training in *that* department from Jonathan.
What Rick failed to understand, however, was how sensitive Ardeth was. The Med-jai chieftain was very good at fooling most people, but like his own bride-to-be, Evy saw past the stoic mask to the real Ardeth Bey. Her other older brother was a man who spent most of his life, fulfilling the duties of his status within his nation.
Further, regardless of his duties as a chieftain, to marry and procreate, Ardeth was not one to give his heart lightly, and Evy's observations told her that he couldn't give his body lightly either. In fact, it seemed to her that Ardeth had an easier time trusting his heart to people, than his body. Evy quietly brought this up with Celia, not long after it was announced that the Med-jai Elders agreed to the marriage. Her friend merely smiled and answered, "I know." Nothing more was said.
Finally, no one she knew was blind to Ardeth's good looks. Evy took a certain sisterly pride, though she knew it to be selfish and shallow, in knowing that Ardeth wasn't just good looking. He had the ability to take a woman's breath away, especially when he smiled. He was beautiful. But to hear such things made him uncomfortable, for what good did it do when he was fighting for his life?
Unless he was fighting a woman who hid behind a mask, it did no good at all, and Ardeth was a very practical, very sensible person. Further, he was just a boy when the reins of command were passed to him, and in some ways, Evy knew her brother was still a seventeen year old boy. A sexually inexperienced seventeen year old boy, with the fierce pride of that child combined with the deadly skills of a man almost twice his age.
Rick didn't mean to hurt Ardeth. He never did. Whether he was teasing their friend or whether he was lashing out at Ardeth for something the chieftain couldn't control, Evy knew Rick didn't mean to hurt him. But lately, especially since meeting Celia, Ardeth seemed less inclined to let things go. Evy noticed her brother do things that were unlike him. . .like threatening to shoot Izzy in the ass. . .ever since he met Celia.
Anck, now a cautious ally, suggested that it was because Celia loved him for himself. There was not the need for him to mask his emotions with her, because she would not think less of him. She was not interested in him for what he could do for her, but because he was Ardeth. Unlike O'Connell, she added fiercely, who was only interested in what Ardeth could do for him. Evy almost argued that, but thought better of it. Anck was trying desperately to make amends, and she wasn't willing to give Rick much leeway. She wouldn't listen if Evy defended her husband.
Besides, Evy realized that to someone who didn't know Rick or Ardeth very well, that was exactly what it looked like. And it was only recently that Anck-su-namun allowed Ardeth into her heart, so there was a reason she was as overprotective of Ardeth. Until Anck-su-namun was ready to give Rick a chance, trying to defend her husband would do Evy no good. And all through the evening, the Englishwoman sensed the dead concubine watching Rick carefully.
Both she and Evy were surprised when Ardeth retired. He was to meet with the commanders in his tent, and before leaving for that meeting, the only person to approach him was Celia. Evy smiled as she watched her friends together. Ardeth desperately wanted to kiss her, Evy could tell, but some of the Med-jai were still rattled by the public display of affection after the confrontation between Celia and Sanure. And as ever, Ardeth was extremely sensitive to his fiancee's safety.
The nightly ritual was performed. . .the Elders releasing the rest of the Med-jai to patrol, or to put their children to bed. The release was also a signal to Ardeth, that it was time to meet with his Commanders. This was not a nightly occurrence, but whenever all twelve commanders were in the main camp together. Evy did not yet hear about when the Asu tribe would leave Hamunaptra, and head home, but she knew they had a home.
Acacia Bey told her about it. . .it was built at the beginning of Seti's reign. He ordered Menes Bey, the father of Hamadi and Shakir, to build a sanctuary which would be an evacuation point. If Thebes was ever overrun, the Med-jai could take women and children to this fortress sanctuary, including the concubines and the children of the royal family. Like Hamunaptra, it would sink beneath the sand with a push of a lever. Unlike Hamunaptra, it was a city for the living.
After the Med-jai were exiled for casting the hom-dai, Shakir Bey led the journey to their new home. It was Terumun who named their new city, Tiri, in honor of Princess Nefertiri. And over the years, the Med-jai began developing new ways to protect Hamunaptra. Originally, the Med-jai were positioned in a radius around Hamunaptra, in an ever-growing circle that eventually reached a few miles outside Thebes.
However, by the time Imhotep was in his grave for a hundred years, the twelve tribes were so large, the tribes were tripping over each other. At that point, Rameses Bey suggested that four tribes guard Hamunaptra at a time. The other eight tribes would retire to Tiri and train until they were needed. However, there were times when those four tribes would not be replaced for many years.
In the meantime, the remaining eight tribes grew lazy and out of practice. People were often fickle, and forgot their purpose without reminders. The Med-jai were human beings, after all, Acacia told Evy. And in those early centuries, there were few real threats to Hamunaptra. The Med-jai became complacent until an Asu chieftain died, a man named after Shakir Bey. One man, driven mad by the lonely years away from his family, turned against the chieftain and killed him.
The murder sent shockwaves through the Med-jai, and the commanders once more realized that reform was needed. Shakir Bey's only child was a nineteen year old girl, a widow with a small child of her own. There was no way her two year old son could rule the Asu tribe, so the Med-jai had their first female chieftain. Like Acacia and Aleta, Athena Bey chose to take her birth name back after the death of her husband.
Athena made sweeping changes, and since she learned about politics and the ways of a warrior at her father's knee, she knew how to get her way. She established a routine, which would govern the Med-jai for the next several centuries. The four tribes stationed at Hamunaptra were not to remain there longer than two years. In the meantime, the tribes who were at Tiri were to practice. . .should they fail in this endeavor, the most senior chieftain/commander had the authority to discipline any stragglers.
Evy was initially surprised that the Med-jai would have a female chieftain. Acacia reminded the Englishwoman that the Med-jai kept to the old traditions of ancient Egypt. There were very few women warriors. . .there was no need. The women defended their homes and children when the men weren't around. The women and older children were, for lack of a better word, the home guard. The last line of defense.
And no one could ever doubt the abilities of Athena Bey. In some ways, she could be just as ruthless as Rameses. Evy recalled what Celia told her about Scottish custom, and how the laird (Lord) of a particular sept or clan was called by the clan name. The example used was her own family. . .the laird would be called, 'The Ferguson.' In some ways, what Celia told her about the Scottish clans reminded Evy of the Med-jai.
Especially regarding the chieftain. She smiled, remembering her conversation with Acacia about Athena Bey. Not surprisingly, she learned that Athena was also a great heroine among the later generations of the Med- jai. But the stories of Athena never touched Altair's heart, the way the story of Lady Ardath did, so the wife of one chieftain and the mother of another never named any of her children after that heroine.
Which in turn made Evy wonder about something else. Why did the story of Athena not touch a chord with Altair? No, it didn't touch a chord with Evy, but what was so special about Lady Ardath, that Altari would name her son after the long-dead concubine? It was possible, of course, that the Med-jai matriarch was drawn to the story of Lady Ardath, by the similarities between Lady Ardath and Altair. . .two young girls from far away, who found a new life in a strange country. But Evy couldn't help thinking there was more to it than that.
In any event, Athena changed everything, though later Greek additions to the Med-jai tried to eradicate her story. It was unseemly for a woman to have such power, in their minds. But their attempts failed, and Athena's place in history was secured.
With the risings of Imhotep, things changed once more. Acacia had not been to Tiri in almost ten years. Once the Asu tribe returned to their home, Ardeth would make more changes. And that was the final part of Evy's concern about Rick approaching Ardeth. He had a monumental task ahead of him, once the decision was made to return to Tiri, and he really didn't need Rick teasing him about his lack of sexual experience.
It never even occurred to her that he might approach Celia about it.
. . .
The following morning was the beginning of the wedding festivities, and to Rick O'Connell, it seemed like everything changed. Well, there were still the wary looks in the general direction of Imhotep's tent, but that was to be expected. Hell, Rick would have been worried if those ceased. But the atmosphere otherwise was a festive one. Their chieftain was getting married, and it was a time for celebration.
Rick decided to take advantage of the festive atmosphere by having a long-overdue Talk with Celia. However, he had to wait in line. After breakfast, and before the warriors went on patrol or to their practice sessions, a number of them made a point to speak to their future queen. Aleta Bey told him that it was their way of acknowledging her as their chieftain's wife, and thus, granting their allegiance to her.
Then there was Jonathan, who had a little Talk of his own. It seems Rick wasn't the only person who remembered certain things about Nassor. Jonathan cornered the young woman only moments after the last of the warriors and acknowledged her as their chieftain's wife. Rick listened in disbelief as Jonathan told Celia, "I am not like Nassor. My affection for Ardeth is very different from Nassor's affection for Rameses. But one thing remains the truth. If you *ever* hurt him, I'll. . .I'll. . ."
"I know, Jonathan," Celia replied soothingly. Rick watched as she took Jonathan's hand in her own and added, "You know, Nassor had this conversation with Ardath, or a similar conversation, after the first night she spent with Rameses. And I'll tell you the same thing she told him. I would sooner cut out my own heart, than hurt him." Rick gave a low whistle, just under his breath. Hmm. The thing was, he could easily see Celia doing just that if she ever hurt Ardeth deliberately.
Jonathan huffed slightly, then replied, "It seems to me that she said a bit more than that, but that's fine then. As long as you understand I won't stand for Ardeth being hurt. Rick does quite enough of that, Ardeth doesn't need it from you." Rick's eyebrows climbed right into his hairline, and it didn't seem likely that they would climb out anytime soon. And just what in the hell was *that* supposed to mean?
Celia chuckled softly, and replied, "Been talking with my previous incarnation, have you? That sounds like something she would bring up. She and Rameses aren't quite ready to let go and move on, I think. Jonathan, I swear by everything I have ever held dear. . .I will never willingly harm Ardeth, and I will never willingly betray him. I love him so much, I. . ." She fell silent, and Jonathan put his free hand on her shoulder.
"Then nothing more will be said. I know you love him, Celia, and he loves you. Make him happy, Celia, and take good care of him," Jonathan answered. He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead, adding an Egyptian blessing, before he walked away. As he did, he called over his shoulder, "Go ahead, Rick, it's your turn now." Rick stared after his brother-in-law in shock, even as he found himself moving toward his fellow American. How in the hell. . .?
"So, Rick, what did you want to talk about?" Celia asked, folding her arms over her chest. A tiny smile played about her mouth, as she continued, "In the last twenty minutes, I've had some twenty warriors swear to give their lives to protect me, as well as an Englishman threaten to disembowel me if I ever hurt Ardeth. So. . .where in that spectrum will you fall?" Rick was still trying to catch up.
When he finally did, he offered her his most charming smile and draped his arm around her shoulders, saying, "Oh, Celia. . .a word?" He steered her away from the practice field. He really didn't want to run the risk of Ardeth overhearing this conversation. For that matter, he didn't want most of the camp to overhear this conversation, especially since he really *did* care about Ardeth, and didn't want to publicly embarrass him.
Once they got to the rear of a tent which didn't seem occupied, Rick's mind went blank. During the last few hours, he rehearsed in his mind what he wanted to say. And now, everything he rehearsed flew out of his mind. Celia simply looked at him with an amused expression. . .damn her, did she learn that from Ardeth? More than likely. More and more, imagining Ardeth and Celia's children scared the living hell out of Rick O'Connell. Forget Imhotep and the Scorpion King. . .that was REAL scary.
Maybe that was why, instead of standing there, looking like an idiot, Rick finally blurted out what he wanted to tell her. Instead of his attempt at subtlety, Rick heard himself saying, "Celia. . .I feel that there's something you need to know. Something very important, which will affect the rest of your life with Ardeth." Or at least your wedding night, and Rick winced at his own delivery. Okay. That *seriously* sucked.
What made it even worse was Celia's reaction. Rick imagined a half dozen things she could have said or done, when he made that particular announcement. She could have even gone so far as to slap his face. Instead, she simply raised her eyebrows questioningly, a faint smile hovering at her mouth, and asked, "And that would be?"
Damn her. She never did what she was supposed to. The way she was acting, Rick would swear that she either knew, or didn't care. And Rick really didn't see either happening. He replied, drawing the word out, "Well. . .how do I put this?" Celia's smile just grew a little wider, making Rick *very* nervous, and for the second time in the last ten minutes, he blurted out what he wanted to say, "Ardeth's a virgin!"
By this time, Celia could have passed for Rick's twin sister, if you ignored her diminutive stature and vastly different coloring. Her eyebrows rose clear into her hairline, although that wasn't much of a feat given her long hair and bangs. She looked at him steadily for several moments, and in that time, Rick almost fooled himself into thinking that he surprised her. When she finally did speak, that illusion was shattered. She merely asked, "And you're telling me this because. . .?"
Huh? Rick blinked as he realized just how badly he fooled himself. Or was it that Celia was just surprised that he would even tell her? Nope, best not to go there. That would mean getting inside Celia's head, which Rick considered a very scary place. Rick finally scratched his head and replied slowly, "Uh. . .because I thought it was something you'd want to know?" He couldn't quite keep the question out of his voice, as hard as he tried. And wouldn't she want to know?
Here again, however, he was reminded that he didn't *want* to get inside Celia's head. Her eyebrows merely raised a little higher as she asked, "And, why would you think that?" Rick repeated the question silently, trying to figure out why she would even ask that. Maybe it was just the sorts of women he knew, but he always thought that women wanted a man who was more experienced than she, to show her how it was done.
Finally, he repeated her question, "Why do I THINK it?" Celia nodded, her eyes filled with curiosity and amusement, and for the first time, something new occurred to Rick. He slowly started to smile. Oh, now that would make sense! After all, his conversation with Ardeth took place weeks earlier, before Ardeth even admitted that he was in love with Celia. With that in mind, Rick asked with a broad, almost evil smile, "You mean you guys already....?"
He waggled his eyebrows suggestively, a little surprised at this new facet to his old friend. And then he yelped in surprise and pain as Celia punched him in the arm. As hard as she could, which was pretty damn hard, ignoring for the moment that she sometimes still punched like a girl. Celia glared at him, asking with true annoyance for the first time, "No, you dolt, we haven't already! I mean, what business is it of yours?"
Now *that* was a question which Rick was hard pressed to answer. And worse yet, Celia didn't look like she would let him off the hook. Much to Rick's own surprise, he found himself sputtering and stuttering, no doubt impressing Celia with his wisdom by finally answering, "Well, uh. . .that is. . .um. . ." Rick groaned inwardly. He hadn't stammered this much in front of a woman since he confiscated the archaeological tools for Evy, shortly after they first met.
Celia didn't help either. She asked simply, "Yes?"
Damn her, she would make him say it. Rick finally shrugged with a sigh and answered, "I dunno." Then winced at his own lack of subtlety. He didn't mind his own lack in that department when there was something that needed to be done. . .like rescue his son, or kick Imhotep's ass for killing his wife. But right now. . .right now, subtlety would have helped.
He was made painfully aware of this when Celia rolled her eyes, actually stamped her foot, and seethed in a low voice, "Men! Do you think it really MATTERS that Ardeth is a virgin?" She shook her head, stamped her foot *again,* and muttered some uncomplimentary things about men in general, and Rick in specific, under her breath, ending with a French curse that always made Rick blush.
However, that in turn got Rick's Irish up. . .literally. . .and he glared right back at her. He put his hands on his hips, unconsciously looming over her, and asked, "Well, do I really have to spell it out for you? He won't know HOW, okay?" As soon as the words were out, Rick winced. Okay, none of this was particularly smooth, but that was. . .that was bad. Even Rick had to admit that. And Evy would have killed him if she heard that.
As it was, Celia's hands were now firmly attached to her own hips and she got right in his face as she fired back, "One, you're not giving Ardeth nearly enough credit. Two, I know how, and that's all that matters." Rick found himself going wop-jawed at that remark, and Celia took full advantage of that, continuing, "Ardeth is very smart, Rick. . .I think we can figure out what happens between the two of us." This last was said in a borderline-condescending tone.
Rick just looked at her, ignoring her condescending tone for the moment, and said, "It really doesn't matter to you that your new husband is inexperienced." He shook his head in total shock, repeating, "I just told you that your husband, a grown man of thirty-three, is a virgin, and this poses no problem for you at all?" He looked around, just to make sure no one heard him, though Celia's expression hadn't changed at all.
The young woman gave him her sweetest smile and replied in an equally sweet voice, "Not in the least." Rick just shook his head once more. He couldn't wrap his mind around it. There wasn't even a hint of chagrin on her face. As if. . . Rick's head snapped up so fast, his neck hurt, but he ignored the pain for the moment. She added with a smile, "Although, if it makes you feel better, Mr O'Connell. . .I already knew."
"You. . .knew?" Rick repeated, a bit stupidly, he had to admit. Celia merely smiled at him very sweetly. By now, her smile bordered on saccharine, and Rick said again, "You knew? How on earth is that possible? If I know Ardeth, he would never admit it to you. . .he's too proud." Celia's slim shoulders shook as she placed her hand over her mouth, her dark hazel eyes twinkling with barely suppressed mirth.
"Oh come now, Mr O'Connell! Of course Ardeth didn't tell me! But there are other ways you can communicate with a person. Body language, for instance," Celia replied. Body language? Uh, no. . .that mental image was too disturbing. During the last few months, Rick had his life turned upside down so many times, he probably should have been used to it. But he wasn't. Celia continued, "I figured it out months ago."
She paused, waggling *her* eyebrows this time (and talk about disturbing), then added, "Get your mind out of the gutter, Rick. Although I won't tell you that you drew the incorrect conclusions from my comment about body language." Incorrect. . .? Oh. . . my. . .gawd! Rick felt his jaw drop open, and Celia merely smiled sweetly again. He was really starting to fear that expression. It creeped him out, about like Imhotep's evil little smirk creeped him out.
"You. . .you are. . ." he sputtered, trying desperately to find the words needed to express his. . .shock. Here she was, looking so innocent and fragile. . .and Rick decided to stop right there, because it was at that point that Anck-su-namun quietly materialized behind Celia. Her expression warned Rick to shut his mouth. . .and his brain. . .because if he didn't, he would find himself trapped beneath a collapsed tent.
Finally, he retrieved what remained of his tattered dignity and said, "You, Miss Celia Ferguson, are a very, very naughty girl." Okay, so she wasn't really a girl, but she was four years younger than he was. Anck-su- namun looked at him questioningly, and he added in a voice so phony, it even made him sick, "And I mean that in the nicest possible way, of course." It didn't fool Anck-su-namun. It didn't fool Celia, either.
"Riiiiiiiiight," Celia drawled, "and I'm the reincarnation of Seti the First. Down, Anck, I'm being sarcastic." A quick, wary glance to the ghost standing resolutely behind Celia told Rick that his former enemy was, indeed, scowling. Rick wasn't sure what was scarier. . .Anck-su-namun controlling herself because Celia asked it of her, or what would happen when that control snapped.
And then it occurred to him that not only was Celia being sarcastic. . .she might well be mocking him. He heard an echo of his own remarks to Ardeth on the dirigible, 'she's a reincarnated princess, and I'm a warrior for God.' He peered at her face closely, trying to figure out if Ardeth told his fiancee about that conversation. He found no sign of mockery, but that proved little. It was then that Anck-su-namun finally spoke.
"Oh, enough!" she exclaimed in disgust. Both Rick and Celia looked at her, but the dead concubine was looking only at Rick. She continued, sounding *very* annoyed, "She is being sarcastic, not mocking. Celia did not know of the conversation you held after your wife regained her memories of being Nefertiri. . .and you should have known better than to think Ardeth would ever tell her. He is too proud to share that much detail with her, when they are not even wed! You are an unworthy reincarnation to Terumun!"
Okay, now that was enough! Rick glared, saying, "Like you have any room to talk, lady? Let's see here. . .you killed my wife, kidnapped my son. You betrayed a man who suffered the hom-dai for you, and you betrayed your best friend. You have the gall to judge me as being an unworthy successor? Look in the mirror, sister, 'cause unworthy is your middle name, and you sure as hell didn't deserve another chance!"
"That was not for you to decide, Rick. She has been a new chance, to atone for what she did. Just as you were. I. . ." Celia began. She stopped in mid-sentence, her features clouding over with confusion. Then she said slowly, "That's strange. Anck. . . when you and Imhotep killed Seti, Nefertiri warned the Med-jai. I. . .or maybe Ardath. . . saw that. She saw you force Imhotep to leave. And then she saw you take your own life. But. . .what happened to Nefertiri?"
"That's right," Rick said, distracted from his anger, "Evy almost fell over the side of the dirigible, because she was seeing Nefertiri's life. I. . .don't remember what happened next. . . the next thing I see for Terumun is the ride to Hamunaptra. Did Nefertiri fall from the balcony?" Anck lowered her eyes, and Rick thought that was the case. Then she slowly shook her head, and Rick felt a sudden chill cut through his body.
"Niy. Nefertiri did not fall to her death. Rameses. . .he caught her. He. . .he heard her scream and rushed to her aid. Ardeth does not yet remember this. The other memories have been enough for him to handle. Right before I took my own life, I looked up toward the balcony, because I thought I heard Ardath's voice. . .and I saw Rameses pull Nefertiri to safety," Anck replied.
"Then that's what I'm seeing. Ardath must have been drawn to. . .to the balcony. Yes. Because she was screaming for you to stop, Anck. She saw everything," Celia whispered, shivering ever so slightly. Anck-su- namun's bronzed skin turned ashen, and in spite of everything this woman did to him and his family, Rick O'Connell almost felt sorry for her. Ardath was there. She cried out for Anck-su-namun to stop.
"She saw what I did. . .and she forgave me. Celia. . .I must go. Will you. . .will you be all right?" Anck-su-namun asked, her voice trembling. Celia nodded, looking stunned herself, and the concubine disappeared. One moment she was there, and the next. . .she wasn't. Rick blinked, shaking his head. Hell, would he ever get used to people doing that? As if it wasn't enough that he had to put up with Imhotep. . .
He looked at Celia, who was still staring at the same spot. . .the one just vacated by Anck-su-namun. She wore a strange expression on her face, as if she was trying to work something out in her mind. At last, she turned back to Rick, still looking troubled. The other American wasn't entirely sure what to say to this woman. Finally, she said, "That's the first time that's happened. I've never seen anything from *after* her death."
Rick almost asked whose death she meant, then shook his head. Now, that would have been really stupid. Celia took a deep breath, then looked at him directly. Rick found himself blushing at her gaze, especially after she said in a slow, measured voice, "Now. Where were we?"
"Uhm. . .I was putting my foot in my mouth, all the way up to my hip?" Rick asked almost sheepishly. Celia raised her eyebrows, looking amused. Damn her. Rick muttered under his breath in annoyance, and it was then that he really put his foot in his mouth. He glanced at Celia out of the corner of his eye, and sighed, "I guess I really should have listened to Evy when she told me to stay out of this."
There was a brief silence as Celia's eyes and mouth rounded into an 'o.' The effect rather resembled a stranded fish, and it would have been amusing if the expression in her eyes hadn't changed from stunned to furious within seconds. In a tone that was more of a growl than anything else, Celia demanded, "YOU DID WHAT?????????" Oops. He was really in for it now. He just hoped there was something of him left after she was finished with him. . .because he just *knew* Evy probably wouldn't leave anything when she was finished!
Cindy: I'm glad you enjoyed the sections with Ardeth's father. . .Suleiman is becoming a really fun character for me to write. He also plays a part in the third story, 'What Might Have Been.'
Deana: Well, I figured I'd better post some when I did, because heaven only knows when I'll get the computer next. And this time, I'm posting three chapters together.
Part Four
Just when he thought nothing could surprise him anymore. . .something like this happened. And everything he thought he knew about this land, about these people, about this tribe, even about his friend got blown sky- high. Personally, Rick O'Connell thought some of these people were getting off lightly. . .because if his wife was attacked the way Celia just was, he would have killed whoever did it. Then again, he knew Ardeth couldn't do that. He didn't have the freedoms to protect his wife that Rick did.
"Rick, what happened?" Evy asked anxiously as Rick looked around the Med-jai camp. The husband of the woman who attacked Celia. . .did Ardeth call her Sanure? He thought so. Sanure's husband took her back to their tent, husband and wife still trembling. Rick looked at his wife, who remained with Acacia and Aleta during the whole incident. She looked worried, but he wasn't sure whom she was worried about.
"Long version or short version?" he asked, scrubbing his hand over his face. Evy glared at him for all she was worth, and Rick acquiesed, saying, "Right, any version. Okay. One of the Med-jai women attacked Celia a few minutes ago, after she and Ardeth came back from their ride. The mother whose brats were tormenting Miranda. Anyhow, she attacked Celia, and just like that, she's on her knees in front of Celia, with that dagger Anck-su-namun gave Ardath in Celia's hand, at her throat."
Evy's eyes widened and she whispered, "What?????" Rick nodded, and Evy murmured, "That must have been what Aleta saw when she looked out the tent flap, just before Altair left with Miranda. She was joking when she heard Ardeth and Celia's voices, after they came back, and then. . . Well, is Celia all right? That awful woman didn't hurt her, did she?" Rick smiled at the note of anxiety in his wife's voice. It sounded like she was becoming as protective of Celia as she was of Ardeth.
"She's just fine. I saw the whole thing. That woman never even had a chance to strike her. And worse, she did it while Ardeth's back was turned. . .probably trying to trick him into thinking that she was the one who was attacked. She's not very bright, not with the insults she was screaming at Celia," Rick replied. That was actually what got his attention. He wanted to talk to Ardeth, and was waiting for his friend's return. Sanure's screams told him that it was time.
Evy's eyes narrowed in a way Rick recognized. He grabbed his wife's shoulders, saying, "Ohhhh, no. No, you don't. Celia handled her just fine, and then Altair put her in her place. Besides, you're five months pregnant, and I'm not taking any chances with your life, or the baby's!" Evy opened her mouth to speak and Rick added, "And don't even say it. Don't say, no harm ever came from talking to someone."
Evy smiled very sweetly, and she replied, "Actually, that won't be necessary. I understood most of what Altair told that awful woman. . .and I understood what Acacia said after the confrontation. From what I heard, it seems likely that she'll be having a word or two with her." Her dark eyes sparkled with evil mischief. The first time Rick saw that look in his wife's eyes, she was telling him about how mummies were made.
Rick shook his head, muttering, "You gotta watch out for those Bey women. They scare me on a regular basis, I can't imagine what it would have been like to grow up with them!" Evy merely laughed, linking her arm with his, and Rick continued, "Well, Ardeth's with Celia. I think she's kinda rattled. . .by the attack and the way she reacted. Ssince I really need to talk to Ardeth when he's alone, what do you say we go check on our son, before he and Darius devise a way to bring the entire village down?"
Evy's eyes narrowed again, and she asked slowly, "And what, exactly, do you want to talk about with my brother, while he's alone?" Rick offered her a weak smile, having no intention of admitting that he planned to fill in the blanks. Ardeth's wedding night would be his first time, and Rick didn't know what Suleiman Bey told his son. If anything, since Ardeth was only thirteen when his father died, and Rick didn't even want to think about having that conversation with Alex when *he* was that age!
However, Evy knew him better, and said in a warning tone, "Rick. Leave him alone about that. It only embarasses him when you bring it up and you keep forgetting how protective Celia is of him." Rick winced. Uh yeah, she raised a good point. Just in the last few weeks, Rick O'Connell discovered just how protective his wife's best friend was of her fiancé. Evy continued in a low voice, "Celia has more experience than Ardeth does in this matter. I think you should allow her to do what has to be done."
"But Evy. . ." Rick almost whined. He felt for a moment as if he was Alex's age, and trying to get permission to do something he wanted to do. Evy leveled one of her glares at him, and Rick continued, "I'm not trying to embarrass him, I'm trying to help him. He would be more embarrassed if Celia was the one who did all the work. I mean, you know. . ." Now Rick found himself sputtering with embarrassment, due to the pictures currently dancing through his mind, of his best friend engaged in amorous activities with Celia. Pictures he *really* didn't need to be seeing in any way, shape or form. Okay, it was settled. When he got his hands on Ardeth, he would kill him for this!
"Did it ever occur to you, my love, that maybe Ardeth would enjoy relinquishing control for once? Rick, think! The poor man has so much responsibility as the Med-jai chieftain. Do you really think he would mind Celia taking over?" Evy asked. Rick frowned. Come to think of it, he never really looked at it from that angle. But he couldn't deny that his wife's words had validity. It was just that. . .
"It's just not natural, especially. . .especially in a case like this," Rick said, still sounding terribly close to whining. He really wanted to talk to Ardeth, make sure his friend wasn't overly nervous about the wedding night. Well, all right. . .maybe he did want to tease him, just a little. Especially since Rick never thought he would see Ardeth Bey fall in love with anyone. Come to think of it, until recently, he never really thought of Ardeth even being human, like everyone else. Because he wasn't like everyone else, he was a Med-jai, and not just any Med-jai, but the Med-jai chieftain at that.
"Rick, no. And can we please stop discussing my brother's. . .could we please stop discussing this? It's terribly disturbing!" Evy exclaimed. Rick put his arm around his wife, drawing her close against his body. Yeah, she was right about that. Just the thought of Ardeth and Celia's wedding night was enough to disturb *him.* Rick smiled over Evy's head as something else occurred to him. Evy said she didn't want him talking to Ardeth about this. But she never said anything about talking to *Celia* about it!
. . .
Acacia Bey never really thought about what she would say to Sanure, once she confronted the other woman. In truth, she wasn't thinking at all when she plunged headlong out of her mother's tent. She was too angry to think. She understood, even if Celia did not, what Sanure called her. For weeks, she was patient with the other women of this tribe at the insistence of her sister-in-law and the request of her brother.
She maintained her own patience, even as she found herself betraying her soon-to-be sister-in-law in small ways. The very idea that her children should play with those brats, when they didn't want to! But she wanted to preserve the peace of the tribe. How could she have been so stupid? Or blind? Sanure and her little group of friends were nothing more than bullies, and it was time someone put them in their place.
That was something Acacia should have done a long time ago, instead of forcing her brother's intended into what happened earlier. This was just as much Acacia's fault as it was Sanure's. She should have put a stop to this weeks earlier, when Sanure's children went after Miranda the first time. Celia was still finding her place in the tribe. Yes, Acacia told Ardeth that the Med-jai were having a hard time reconciling this quiet woman with the fiery avenging angel who defeated Khaldun inside the City of the Dead.
But that was not how Acacia wanted her sister to quiet those doubts! Even so, Acacia couldn't argue with the way Celia handled it. She was very proud of her brother, for choosing a woman willing to fight for him, and she was very proud of Celia for how she reacted to Sanure's threats, insults, and eventual attack. Acacia knew that part of it was Ardath's memories, but that was beside the point.
Knowledge was fine, but it did one no good if that person didn't know how to use it. And Celia knew exactly what to do with her memories. It was no different than. . .well, than Evelyn O'Connell using what she learned to defeat Imhotep. Ignoring for a moment, of course, that she raised the Creature in the first place. She raised him, but not Anck-su- namun, and Acacia knew that Evelyn *had* faced that one.
She didn't like Anck-su-namun, despite the ghost's aid in the defeat of Khaldun, and despite her continuing support and protectiveness for Celia. Too many times, Anck-su-namun or her reincarnation caused trouble for Acacia's family, and the widow was in no hurry to give her trust. On the other hand, she had to admit that during the last few weeks, Anck was far more honest and honorable than some of Acacia's own people.
And that rankled with the Med-jai woman. It rankled deeply. Perhaps she shouldn't have been so surprised when Anck appeared in front of Acacia. On this particular day, she was attired in her shift, rather than the gold paint decreed by Seti. Acacia was relieved. She always hated Seti from the stories told by the old ones, and harbored a secret sympathy for Anck- su-namun when she heard about the gold paint.
Though Acacia said nothing, Anck said in ancient Egyptian, "Your brother is with Celia and my niece. I have no wish to watch them. I thought I would join you, for I sense you intend to. . .oh, how is it that Nefertiri puts it? You intend to leave that woman in a world of hurt?" Anck tripped over the unfamiliar phrase, and Acacia found herself smiling in spite of herself. She didn't want to like Anck. . .didn't want to like this strangely appealing woman. But better Anck than Sanure.
"Well, I may not hurt her, but I do intend to make sure she never harms someone I care for again. Nor will I allow anyone call my brother incompetent or foolish. Ardeth has done too much for our people to be treated with such disrespect by such unworthy people," Acacia replied. Anck grinned unexpectedly, and the two walked side by side. Acacia continued, "You understood what she said, did you not? Maybe not the words, but you recognized the hate. The poison."
"When you spend as much time hating as I have," Anck acknowledged, "you recognize it immediately. I did not recognize the words, no. But it was not necessary. Hatred, just like love, transcends language." She paused, then continued, "You are not certain what to think of me, Acacia Bey. You still have the memories of being a child, hearing of my evil deeds. And I did do terrible things. But you also see other things."
"Tiyu," Acacia replied, "I was taught to hate you, for your deeds. But even as I was taught to hate you, my mother taught us to have compassion for you. It was a lesson I found difficult, until I fell in love." Anck looked at her, and Acacia continued, "My husband died during Imhotep's first rising. He was one of my brother's men. And the last thing I said to him. . .I did not tell him to be careful. I asked him to watch out for my brother. I lost Andreas. I could not bear to lose Ardeth."
The compassion in Anck's eyes almost unraveled what remained of Acacia's composure. She continued, "It never even occurred to me that I might lose my husband. Never, never, never. But I lost Andreas, and Ardeth almost died at the hands of Lock-nah as well. You fear what you know, after all. So yes, Anck-su-namun. After I fell in love, and after I lost my husband, I learned to have compassion for you."
"Mathayus told me," Anck whispered, "that when Khaldun's madness infected the Med-jai, your ancestors, it was not Imhotep alone who was cursed, but the Med-jai of future generations as well. I finally begin to understand what he meant. I have a difficult time, thinking of your brother as a Med-jai. To me, he is Rameses reborn. . .the reincarnation of my friend. I am sorry for your loss, Princess."
Acacia started to protest that she was just a Med-jai woman, the sister of the chieftain, but Anck wasn't finished. She continued, "But this is the first time I have heard of this. . .Lock-nah almost killed Ardeth once before? Before they encountered each other in the O'Connell home in London? Why has he said nothing to Celia about this? And you are the sister of the Med-jai chieftain, the chieftain who is king, general, and seer. You are a princess, Acacia Bey."
Acacia found she couldn't argue with that logic, and didn't even try. Instead, she replied in a low voice, "It is true. Lock-nah almost killed Ardeth once before. We never speak of it, for it happened at the same time as my. . .the other. . .it happened when Ardeth was seventeen. Just after that one killed Andreas. He wasn't satisfied with killing the Med-jai chieftain. No, he wished to kill my other two brothers as well."
Anck stopped and looked at her closely. Acacia continued, shuddering, "It did not matter to him, you see, which brother he killed. And so, Ardeth sacrificed himself so Anatol could get to safety. My nine year old brother ran to the only remaining horse and returned to the camp. He needed to find the Commander for our tribe. And when they returned to the place where my eldest brother fell, they also found Ardeth hanging from a post by his wrists. . .his back a bloody mess."
Acacia looked at Anck, noting the other woman's obvious horror. Anck's lips trembled, as if she was holding back tears, but Acacia continued, "Lock-nah was a swaggering, arrogant ass who enjoyed inflicting pain. He had his men tie my brother to that post, and then they took turns whipping him. That is the only reason Lock-nah survived that day. Because Ardeth was focused on surviving, while our commander's focus was on rescuing and protecting our new chieftain."
Acacia took a deep breath, then looked at her companion. To her surprise, tears were now rolling down Anck's face, the concubine not even attempting to wipe them away. Acacia almost reached out to do it for her, then remembered that Anck had no physical body. Instead, she went on, "That set the tone for the next nine years. My brother found his job as a chieftain an uphill battle because of that. The elders thought him too soft to rule properly. The warriors knew better."
"What????????" Anck cried out in horror. She shook her head, her long black hair flying about her face as she cried out, "No! He was just a boy himself. . .what was he supposed to do, allow Lock-nah to capture his nine year old brother? When he just watched his older brother die? What kinds of men ruled you Med-jai at this time?" She shook her head, murmuring something in a language which Acacia didn't recognize.
"It displeased us all. So you see, Anck-su-namun, there is a reason why Anatol, Aleta and I are so protective of Ardeth. It goes beyond the simple protectiveness one feels for a brother. I wager it even goes further than your own desire to protect Celia. And I will not allow a petty little woman like Sanure denigrate my brother. Ardeth is young, but he is wise. He earned that wisdom, along with the sorrow which we all see in his eyes. Now he has a woman to drive that sorrow away, and I will allow no one to denigrate that woman, either,"Acacia replied.
"Would you wish to have a partner, then, Acacia? I cannot tell Celia of that night's work. But this I swear. If Lock-nah does rise again. . .then I will make him sorry that he ever harmed your family. I swear it on the blood of my forever friend," Anck hissed. Acacia was taken aback somewhat by the obvious fury in the spirit's voice. But she didn't doubt Anck's sincerity. She invoked her friendship with Ardath. . .a binding vow indeed. Acacia inclined her head in agreement, smiling at her new ally. Perhaps, in time, she could learn to trust this woman after all. Perhaps.
. . .
The rest of the day passed without incident, if the visit received by Sanure was ignored. The visit, paid by Acacia and Anck, would provide entertainment for the Med-jai for several months. Not just the Med-jai, but Imhotep as well. He didn't know what amused him more; the little queen's ferocious response or Acacia and Anck's warnings. By the time dinner was ready, the robes of both the bride and groom were finished, while a few more pearls were left on Miranda's dress. That would be finished tonight. Tomorrow, the festivities would begin.
According to Med-jai tradition, the wedding festivities lasted three days, with the wedding itself taking place on the second day. This would be a special wedding, for more than one reason. Of course, they were celebrating the wedding of their chieftain. But Imhotep was no longer a threat to the Med-jai people, and the sword which hung over their heads for the last three thousand years was now gone.
Much to his surprise, Imhotep was invited to the festivities, though he was certain it was more to keep an eye on him than anything else. But he accepted the offer, shyly made by little Damara Bey, if for no other reason than to find out more about the Med-jai of today. Had things changed at all during the last three thousand years? And. . .if they had, could Imhotep perhaps find a place in this strange world as he atoned?
He thought the answer might be 'yes,' the more time he spent among these people. Imhotep found the hatred easing as he watched the Med-jai. In some ways, few things changed. People were still the same. They still argued and fought, they still loved and laughed. The language changed, and some of the customs. But he was finding that the Med-jai of today were not the shadowy demons which haunted him for the last thirty centuries. Perhaps the only true demon was Khaldun himself.
Which wasn't to say that Imhotep forgave the Med-jai for what they did to him. He hadn't. But each day, he found himself questioning his hatred for these people who guarded the desert for such a long time, even as they protected their homes and families. The result of yet another argument between himself and the little queen. . .she reminded him that the succeeding generations of the Med-jai had little choice in their duties.
They had to keep watch over Hamunaptra. . .slaves to the foolishness of their ancestors. Cursed, just as Imhotep was. If they failed, Imhotep would rise and destroy their homes, their families, everything they loved. What other choice did they have? Imhotep did not want to hear her words, did not want to listen to those truths. Until the little queen told him that the Med-jai were no more evil than Imhotep was. They were not evil. . .they did an evil thing, but they were not evil.
There were times when Imhotep hated the reincarnation of Ardath for that, for forcing him to think about others. But it was then that his inner voice would return and remind him of the atonement still ahead. That would be part of his penance. And he could only atone by learning. He could only learn by listening. There were times when Imhotep hated that inner voice as well, because he knew that voice was right.
But it was not that inner voice which led him to accept the shy invitation from Ardeth Bey's niece. It was Imhotep's growing loneliness, and his love of children that never truly died. When he accepted Damara's offer, Imhotep was touched by her sweetness and bravery. She had not the bravado of Alex O'Connell, but a quiet bravery all her own. He smiled at the little girl, under the watchful and protective eye of her mother, and his heart was warmed by Damara's answering smile.
Was there hope for him, then? For three thousand years, these people hated him and feared him, called him 'Creature.' But he heard Mathayus the Scorpion King tell Anck-su-namun, 'they must call him 'Creature.' For if they see him as a man, then they will surely perish.' But now, here was this little girl shyly smiling at him, as if he was just another man instead of the monster who tried to destroy her world more than once, and hope flared in his soul.
Hope, Imhotep decided, was painful. It meant pain, and it meant responsibility. It meant no excuses. . .it meant moving forward, and while Imhotep was powerful, he now saw that he was also weak. Oh, he continued to have the gifts of the mind provided by the hom-dai, he still had his magic, and he was still immortal. But Imhotep feared that he did not have the strength required to allow himself to hope. To move forward.
And in Damara's eyes, Imhotep saw that strength. The little girl reminded him of Rameses when he was a child, and that gave Imhotep chills. Because of whom Rameses was now, and what he was to this little girl. Imhotep heard that Damara's father abandoned her while she was in her mother's womb, and the love which the child would have given to him was given to Ardeth Bey. Imhotep could believe it. He watched his old enemy/old friend with his niece and little Miranda.
And that was the greatest dilemma, was it not? Quite apart from everything else, there was the matter of Rameses reborn. Imhotep was caught between his ancient hatred of the Med-jai and his equally ancient love for the royal siblings, Rameses and Nefertiri. Every time he looked at Ardeth Bey, he saw first the Med-jai markings, the symbol of everything Imhotep endured. He saw the young man's forefathers, not the man himself.
But when the young king smiled at his wife-to-be, or at his niece, or at the child who would be his daughter. . .Rameses would be all that Imhotep could see. Rameses, his best friend, whom Imhotep betrayed repeatedly. Imhotep found this new life of his difficult, for that meant facing what he did to Rameses. A few hours earlier, while the boy Jason was in his tent, the boy made a strangely insightful remark.
It is easier being the victim, he said, and he meant himself. But sometimes, Imhotep thought it applied to him just as well. Thanks to the inner voice which refused to give him any rest, Imhotep was forced to see himself through the eyes of others. This was worse than when he was in the Underworld. There, he was simply forced to experience the pain of those whom he hurt. This. . .this was much worse.
It was nothing that Imhotep could quantify, though he tried. In the Underworld, he wasn't forced to see the fear in the eyes of children as he passed. Some even hid their faces in the skirts of their mothers, or in the robes of their fathers. It hurt, seeing that fear in the eyes of children, and it hurt worse to know that it was justified. He hurt children in the past, Imhotep could not deny that. But. . .and he knew he was making excuses for himself. . .there were reasons for that.
He kidnapped Alex O'Connell because the child was a means to an end. He kidnapped the child because the little boy wore the Bracelet of Anubis, and Imhotep needed it. The Bracelet chose its wearer, according to the old legends. At that time, Imhotep was more focused on what he could do with the power of the Army of Anubis than anything else. He had no wish to leave the little boy with Lock-nah, for while Imhotep didn't know the huge man, he knew his kind.
There were other examples, of course. To this day, Imhotep struggled with his guilt over the death of Rameses' first child, the child now called 'Miriam.' He wasn't to blame, not really. Khaldun's man pushed Ardath over the railing for warning Seti. It was Khaldun's fault, but Imhotep still hated losing a patient, for any reason. He hated hearing Rameses trying to muffle his grief, even as he fought to comfort his beloved.
How many other children did he hurt? There was Nefertiri, for she watched as her father was murdered. She was so young that night, so young and still learning about the world. When Nefertiri screamed, 'niy,' Imhotep looked up at the balcony. For one brief moment, Imhotep's eyes met the eyes of both royal siblings, as Rameses pulled his younger sister back from the railing before she could fall to her death and join her father.
Miranda Ferguson. . .Imhotep searched his soul, wondering if there was another way he could have discovered what he needed to know, upon his reawakening. And much to his dismay, he realized there was. There was no need for him to kidnap Miranda Ferguson, or harm her mother. He could have simply infiltrated the O'Connell home and found out what he needed to know. He did it before.
More to the point, these children grew up in the aftermath of his first rising. Never mind the thirty-plus years which Rameses reborn spent fearing the possibility of Imhotep's return to the mortal world. . .these children saw what happened when Imhotep arose from his grave. Many of them lost their fathers to his wrath, and given that, was it so strange that he would be hated and feared? Unfortunately, the answer was 'no.'
Imhotep knew not what to do with this insight. . .he grew to fear and hate these moments, because each new insight made him feel lost. Slowly, even his hatred was taken from him, and that left Imhotep floundering and frightened. Everything which governed his actions for three thousand years was taken from him. Anck-su-namun. His hatred of Seti. And now, his hatred of the Med-jai. What was left, then, to fill the emptiness inside? Or was that part of his penance as well?
. . .
Aside from those on patrol, it was almost always an early night for the Med-jai. Evy didn't mind, for she was busy all day, and the baby was taking up most of her remaining energy. The baby, and worrying about what Rick would do. It wasn't that she distrusted her husband. . .if that were the case, she wouldn't be married to him. But she knew Rick was up to something, and she wasn't sure what that something was.
Nor was she certain she wanted to know. She had an uneasy feeling that Rick would ignore her request to leave Ardeth alone about his. . .inexperience. Evy knew that her husband cared for Ardeth, much more than he was willing to admit. But she also knew that Rick was a big brother just waiting to happen, and part of being a big brother was teasing the younger sibling unmercifully. She was a younger sister. . .she had plenty of training in *that* department from Jonathan.
What Rick failed to understand, however, was how sensitive Ardeth was. The Med-jai chieftain was very good at fooling most people, but like his own bride-to-be, Evy saw past the stoic mask to the real Ardeth Bey. Her other older brother was a man who spent most of his life, fulfilling the duties of his status within his nation.
Further, regardless of his duties as a chieftain, to marry and procreate, Ardeth was not one to give his heart lightly, and Evy's observations told her that he couldn't give his body lightly either. In fact, it seemed to her that Ardeth had an easier time trusting his heart to people, than his body. Evy quietly brought this up with Celia, not long after it was announced that the Med-jai Elders agreed to the marriage. Her friend merely smiled and answered, "I know." Nothing more was said.
Finally, no one she knew was blind to Ardeth's good looks. Evy took a certain sisterly pride, though she knew it to be selfish and shallow, in knowing that Ardeth wasn't just good looking. He had the ability to take a woman's breath away, especially when he smiled. He was beautiful. But to hear such things made him uncomfortable, for what good did it do when he was fighting for his life?
Unless he was fighting a woman who hid behind a mask, it did no good at all, and Ardeth was a very practical, very sensible person. Further, he was just a boy when the reins of command were passed to him, and in some ways, Evy knew her brother was still a seventeen year old boy. A sexually inexperienced seventeen year old boy, with the fierce pride of that child combined with the deadly skills of a man almost twice his age.
Rick didn't mean to hurt Ardeth. He never did. Whether he was teasing their friend or whether he was lashing out at Ardeth for something the chieftain couldn't control, Evy knew Rick didn't mean to hurt him. But lately, especially since meeting Celia, Ardeth seemed less inclined to let things go. Evy noticed her brother do things that were unlike him. . .like threatening to shoot Izzy in the ass. . .ever since he met Celia.
Anck, now a cautious ally, suggested that it was because Celia loved him for himself. There was not the need for him to mask his emotions with her, because she would not think less of him. She was not interested in him for what he could do for her, but because he was Ardeth. Unlike O'Connell, she added fiercely, who was only interested in what Ardeth could do for him. Evy almost argued that, but thought better of it. Anck was trying desperately to make amends, and she wasn't willing to give Rick much leeway. She wouldn't listen if Evy defended her husband.
Besides, Evy realized that to someone who didn't know Rick or Ardeth very well, that was exactly what it looked like. And it was only recently that Anck-su-namun allowed Ardeth into her heart, so there was a reason she was as overprotective of Ardeth. Until Anck-su-namun was ready to give Rick a chance, trying to defend her husband would do Evy no good. And all through the evening, the Englishwoman sensed the dead concubine watching Rick carefully.
Both she and Evy were surprised when Ardeth retired. He was to meet with the commanders in his tent, and before leaving for that meeting, the only person to approach him was Celia. Evy smiled as she watched her friends together. Ardeth desperately wanted to kiss her, Evy could tell, but some of the Med-jai were still rattled by the public display of affection after the confrontation between Celia and Sanure. And as ever, Ardeth was extremely sensitive to his fiancee's safety.
The nightly ritual was performed. . .the Elders releasing the rest of the Med-jai to patrol, or to put their children to bed. The release was also a signal to Ardeth, that it was time to meet with his Commanders. This was not a nightly occurrence, but whenever all twelve commanders were in the main camp together. Evy did not yet hear about when the Asu tribe would leave Hamunaptra, and head home, but she knew they had a home.
Acacia Bey told her about it. . .it was built at the beginning of Seti's reign. He ordered Menes Bey, the father of Hamadi and Shakir, to build a sanctuary which would be an evacuation point. If Thebes was ever overrun, the Med-jai could take women and children to this fortress sanctuary, including the concubines and the children of the royal family. Like Hamunaptra, it would sink beneath the sand with a push of a lever. Unlike Hamunaptra, it was a city for the living.
After the Med-jai were exiled for casting the hom-dai, Shakir Bey led the journey to their new home. It was Terumun who named their new city, Tiri, in honor of Princess Nefertiri. And over the years, the Med-jai began developing new ways to protect Hamunaptra. Originally, the Med-jai were positioned in a radius around Hamunaptra, in an ever-growing circle that eventually reached a few miles outside Thebes.
However, by the time Imhotep was in his grave for a hundred years, the twelve tribes were so large, the tribes were tripping over each other. At that point, Rameses Bey suggested that four tribes guard Hamunaptra at a time. The other eight tribes would retire to Tiri and train until they were needed. However, there were times when those four tribes would not be replaced for many years.
In the meantime, the remaining eight tribes grew lazy and out of practice. People were often fickle, and forgot their purpose without reminders. The Med-jai were human beings, after all, Acacia told Evy. And in those early centuries, there were few real threats to Hamunaptra. The Med-jai became complacent until an Asu chieftain died, a man named after Shakir Bey. One man, driven mad by the lonely years away from his family, turned against the chieftain and killed him.
The murder sent shockwaves through the Med-jai, and the commanders once more realized that reform was needed. Shakir Bey's only child was a nineteen year old girl, a widow with a small child of her own. There was no way her two year old son could rule the Asu tribe, so the Med-jai had their first female chieftain. Like Acacia and Aleta, Athena Bey chose to take her birth name back after the death of her husband.
Athena made sweeping changes, and since she learned about politics and the ways of a warrior at her father's knee, she knew how to get her way. She established a routine, which would govern the Med-jai for the next several centuries. The four tribes stationed at Hamunaptra were not to remain there longer than two years. In the meantime, the tribes who were at Tiri were to practice. . .should they fail in this endeavor, the most senior chieftain/commander had the authority to discipline any stragglers.
Evy was initially surprised that the Med-jai would have a female chieftain. Acacia reminded the Englishwoman that the Med-jai kept to the old traditions of ancient Egypt. There were very few women warriors. . .there was no need. The women defended their homes and children when the men weren't around. The women and older children were, for lack of a better word, the home guard. The last line of defense.
And no one could ever doubt the abilities of Athena Bey. In some ways, she could be just as ruthless as Rameses. Evy recalled what Celia told her about Scottish custom, and how the laird (Lord) of a particular sept or clan was called by the clan name. The example used was her own family. . .the laird would be called, 'The Ferguson.' In some ways, what Celia told her about the Scottish clans reminded Evy of the Med-jai.
Especially regarding the chieftain. She smiled, remembering her conversation with Acacia about Athena Bey. Not surprisingly, she learned that Athena was also a great heroine among the later generations of the Med- jai. But the stories of Athena never touched Altair's heart, the way the story of Lady Ardath did, so the wife of one chieftain and the mother of another never named any of her children after that heroine.
Which in turn made Evy wonder about something else. Why did the story of Athena not touch a chord with Altair? No, it didn't touch a chord with Evy, but what was so special about Lady Ardath, that Altari would name her son after the long-dead concubine? It was possible, of course, that the Med-jai matriarch was drawn to the story of Lady Ardath, by the similarities between Lady Ardath and Altair. . .two young girls from far away, who found a new life in a strange country. But Evy couldn't help thinking there was more to it than that.
In any event, Athena changed everything, though later Greek additions to the Med-jai tried to eradicate her story. It was unseemly for a woman to have such power, in their minds. But their attempts failed, and Athena's place in history was secured.
With the risings of Imhotep, things changed once more. Acacia had not been to Tiri in almost ten years. Once the Asu tribe returned to their home, Ardeth would make more changes. And that was the final part of Evy's concern about Rick approaching Ardeth. He had a monumental task ahead of him, once the decision was made to return to Tiri, and he really didn't need Rick teasing him about his lack of sexual experience.
It never even occurred to her that he might approach Celia about it.
. . .
The following morning was the beginning of the wedding festivities, and to Rick O'Connell, it seemed like everything changed. Well, there were still the wary looks in the general direction of Imhotep's tent, but that was to be expected. Hell, Rick would have been worried if those ceased. But the atmosphere otherwise was a festive one. Their chieftain was getting married, and it was a time for celebration.
Rick decided to take advantage of the festive atmosphere by having a long-overdue Talk with Celia. However, he had to wait in line. After breakfast, and before the warriors went on patrol or to their practice sessions, a number of them made a point to speak to their future queen. Aleta Bey told him that it was their way of acknowledging her as their chieftain's wife, and thus, granting their allegiance to her.
Then there was Jonathan, who had a little Talk of his own. It seems Rick wasn't the only person who remembered certain things about Nassor. Jonathan cornered the young woman only moments after the last of the warriors and acknowledged her as their chieftain's wife. Rick listened in disbelief as Jonathan told Celia, "I am not like Nassor. My affection for Ardeth is very different from Nassor's affection for Rameses. But one thing remains the truth. If you *ever* hurt him, I'll. . .I'll. . ."
"I know, Jonathan," Celia replied soothingly. Rick watched as she took Jonathan's hand in her own and added, "You know, Nassor had this conversation with Ardath, or a similar conversation, after the first night she spent with Rameses. And I'll tell you the same thing she told him. I would sooner cut out my own heart, than hurt him." Rick gave a low whistle, just under his breath. Hmm. The thing was, he could easily see Celia doing just that if she ever hurt Ardeth deliberately.
Jonathan huffed slightly, then replied, "It seems to me that she said a bit more than that, but that's fine then. As long as you understand I won't stand for Ardeth being hurt. Rick does quite enough of that, Ardeth doesn't need it from you." Rick's eyebrows climbed right into his hairline, and it didn't seem likely that they would climb out anytime soon. And just what in the hell was *that* supposed to mean?
Celia chuckled softly, and replied, "Been talking with my previous incarnation, have you? That sounds like something she would bring up. She and Rameses aren't quite ready to let go and move on, I think. Jonathan, I swear by everything I have ever held dear. . .I will never willingly harm Ardeth, and I will never willingly betray him. I love him so much, I. . ." She fell silent, and Jonathan put his free hand on her shoulder.
"Then nothing more will be said. I know you love him, Celia, and he loves you. Make him happy, Celia, and take good care of him," Jonathan answered. He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead, adding an Egyptian blessing, before he walked away. As he did, he called over his shoulder, "Go ahead, Rick, it's your turn now." Rick stared after his brother-in-law in shock, even as he found himself moving toward his fellow American. How in the hell. . .?
"So, Rick, what did you want to talk about?" Celia asked, folding her arms over her chest. A tiny smile played about her mouth, as she continued, "In the last twenty minutes, I've had some twenty warriors swear to give their lives to protect me, as well as an Englishman threaten to disembowel me if I ever hurt Ardeth. So. . .where in that spectrum will you fall?" Rick was still trying to catch up.
When he finally did, he offered her his most charming smile and draped his arm around her shoulders, saying, "Oh, Celia. . .a word?" He steered her away from the practice field. He really didn't want to run the risk of Ardeth overhearing this conversation. For that matter, he didn't want most of the camp to overhear this conversation, especially since he really *did* care about Ardeth, and didn't want to publicly embarrass him.
Once they got to the rear of a tent which didn't seem occupied, Rick's mind went blank. During the last few hours, he rehearsed in his mind what he wanted to say. And now, everything he rehearsed flew out of his mind. Celia simply looked at him with an amused expression. . .damn her, did she learn that from Ardeth? More than likely. More and more, imagining Ardeth and Celia's children scared the living hell out of Rick O'Connell. Forget Imhotep and the Scorpion King. . .that was REAL scary.
Maybe that was why, instead of standing there, looking like an idiot, Rick finally blurted out what he wanted to tell her. Instead of his attempt at subtlety, Rick heard himself saying, "Celia. . .I feel that there's something you need to know. Something very important, which will affect the rest of your life with Ardeth." Or at least your wedding night, and Rick winced at his own delivery. Okay. That *seriously* sucked.
What made it even worse was Celia's reaction. Rick imagined a half dozen things she could have said or done, when he made that particular announcement. She could have even gone so far as to slap his face. Instead, she simply raised her eyebrows questioningly, a faint smile hovering at her mouth, and asked, "And that would be?"
Damn her. She never did what she was supposed to. The way she was acting, Rick would swear that she either knew, or didn't care. And Rick really didn't see either happening. He replied, drawing the word out, "Well. . .how do I put this?" Celia's smile just grew a little wider, making Rick *very* nervous, and for the second time in the last ten minutes, he blurted out what he wanted to say, "Ardeth's a virgin!"
By this time, Celia could have passed for Rick's twin sister, if you ignored her diminutive stature and vastly different coloring. Her eyebrows rose clear into her hairline, although that wasn't much of a feat given her long hair and bangs. She looked at him steadily for several moments, and in that time, Rick almost fooled himself into thinking that he surprised her. When she finally did speak, that illusion was shattered. She merely asked, "And you're telling me this because. . .?"
Huh? Rick blinked as he realized just how badly he fooled himself. Or was it that Celia was just surprised that he would even tell her? Nope, best not to go there. That would mean getting inside Celia's head, which Rick considered a very scary place. Rick finally scratched his head and replied slowly, "Uh. . .because I thought it was something you'd want to know?" He couldn't quite keep the question out of his voice, as hard as he tried. And wouldn't she want to know?
Here again, however, he was reminded that he didn't *want* to get inside Celia's head. Her eyebrows merely raised a little higher as she asked, "And, why would you think that?" Rick repeated the question silently, trying to figure out why she would even ask that. Maybe it was just the sorts of women he knew, but he always thought that women wanted a man who was more experienced than she, to show her how it was done.
Finally, he repeated her question, "Why do I THINK it?" Celia nodded, her eyes filled with curiosity and amusement, and for the first time, something new occurred to Rick. He slowly started to smile. Oh, now that would make sense! After all, his conversation with Ardeth took place weeks earlier, before Ardeth even admitted that he was in love with Celia. With that in mind, Rick asked with a broad, almost evil smile, "You mean you guys already....?"
He waggled his eyebrows suggestively, a little surprised at this new facet to his old friend. And then he yelped in surprise and pain as Celia punched him in the arm. As hard as she could, which was pretty damn hard, ignoring for the moment that she sometimes still punched like a girl. Celia glared at him, asking with true annoyance for the first time, "No, you dolt, we haven't already! I mean, what business is it of yours?"
Now *that* was a question which Rick was hard pressed to answer. And worse yet, Celia didn't look like she would let him off the hook. Much to Rick's own surprise, he found himself sputtering and stuttering, no doubt impressing Celia with his wisdom by finally answering, "Well, uh. . .that is. . .um. . ." Rick groaned inwardly. He hadn't stammered this much in front of a woman since he confiscated the archaeological tools for Evy, shortly after they first met.
Celia didn't help either. She asked simply, "Yes?"
Damn her, she would make him say it. Rick finally shrugged with a sigh and answered, "I dunno." Then winced at his own lack of subtlety. He didn't mind his own lack in that department when there was something that needed to be done. . .like rescue his son, or kick Imhotep's ass for killing his wife. But right now. . .right now, subtlety would have helped.
He was made painfully aware of this when Celia rolled her eyes, actually stamped her foot, and seethed in a low voice, "Men! Do you think it really MATTERS that Ardeth is a virgin?" She shook her head, stamped her foot *again,* and muttered some uncomplimentary things about men in general, and Rick in specific, under her breath, ending with a French curse that always made Rick blush.
However, that in turn got Rick's Irish up. . .literally. . .and he glared right back at her. He put his hands on his hips, unconsciously looming over her, and asked, "Well, do I really have to spell it out for you? He won't know HOW, okay?" As soon as the words were out, Rick winced. Okay, none of this was particularly smooth, but that was. . .that was bad. Even Rick had to admit that. And Evy would have killed him if she heard that.
As it was, Celia's hands were now firmly attached to her own hips and she got right in his face as she fired back, "One, you're not giving Ardeth nearly enough credit. Two, I know how, and that's all that matters." Rick found himself going wop-jawed at that remark, and Celia took full advantage of that, continuing, "Ardeth is very smart, Rick. . .I think we can figure out what happens between the two of us." This last was said in a borderline-condescending tone.
Rick just looked at her, ignoring her condescending tone for the moment, and said, "It really doesn't matter to you that your new husband is inexperienced." He shook his head in total shock, repeating, "I just told you that your husband, a grown man of thirty-three, is a virgin, and this poses no problem for you at all?" He looked around, just to make sure no one heard him, though Celia's expression hadn't changed at all.
The young woman gave him her sweetest smile and replied in an equally sweet voice, "Not in the least." Rick just shook his head once more. He couldn't wrap his mind around it. There wasn't even a hint of chagrin on her face. As if. . . Rick's head snapped up so fast, his neck hurt, but he ignored the pain for the moment. She added with a smile, "Although, if it makes you feel better, Mr O'Connell. . .I already knew."
"You. . .knew?" Rick repeated, a bit stupidly, he had to admit. Celia merely smiled at him very sweetly. By now, her smile bordered on saccharine, and Rick said again, "You knew? How on earth is that possible? If I know Ardeth, he would never admit it to you. . .he's too proud." Celia's slim shoulders shook as she placed her hand over her mouth, her dark hazel eyes twinkling with barely suppressed mirth.
"Oh come now, Mr O'Connell! Of course Ardeth didn't tell me! But there are other ways you can communicate with a person. Body language, for instance," Celia replied. Body language? Uh, no. . .that mental image was too disturbing. During the last few months, Rick had his life turned upside down so many times, he probably should have been used to it. But he wasn't. Celia continued, "I figured it out months ago."
She paused, waggling *her* eyebrows this time (and talk about disturbing), then added, "Get your mind out of the gutter, Rick. Although I won't tell you that you drew the incorrect conclusions from my comment about body language." Incorrect. . .? Oh. . . my. . .gawd! Rick felt his jaw drop open, and Celia merely smiled sweetly again. He was really starting to fear that expression. It creeped him out, about like Imhotep's evil little smirk creeped him out.
"You. . .you are. . ." he sputtered, trying desperately to find the words needed to express his. . .shock. Here she was, looking so innocent and fragile. . .and Rick decided to stop right there, because it was at that point that Anck-su-namun quietly materialized behind Celia. Her expression warned Rick to shut his mouth. . .and his brain. . .because if he didn't, he would find himself trapped beneath a collapsed tent.
Finally, he retrieved what remained of his tattered dignity and said, "You, Miss Celia Ferguson, are a very, very naughty girl." Okay, so she wasn't really a girl, but she was four years younger than he was. Anck-su- namun looked at him questioningly, and he added in a voice so phony, it even made him sick, "And I mean that in the nicest possible way, of course." It didn't fool Anck-su-namun. It didn't fool Celia, either.
"Riiiiiiiiight," Celia drawled, "and I'm the reincarnation of Seti the First. Down, Anck, I'm being sarcastic." A quick, wary glance to the ghost standing resolutely behind Celia told Rick that his former enemy was, indeed, scowling. Rick wasn't sure what was scarier. . .Anck-su-namun controlling herself because Celia asked it of her, or what would happen when that control snapped.
And then it occurred to him that not only was Celia being sarcastic. . .she might well be mocking him. He heard an echo of his own remarks to Ardeth on the dirigible, 'she's a reincarnated princess, and I'm a warrior for God.' He peered at her face closely, trying to figure out if Ardeth told his fiancee about that conversation. He found no sign of mockery, but that proved little. It was then that Anck-su-namun finally spoke.
"Oh, enough!" she exclaimed in disgust. Both Rick and Celia looked at her, but the dead concubine was looking only at Rick. She continued, sounding *very* annoyed, "She is being sarcastic, not mocking. Celia did not know of the conversation you held after your wife regained her memories of being Nefertiri. . .and you should have known better than to think Ardeth would ever tell her. He is too proud to share that much detail with her, when they are not even wed! You are an unworthy reincarnation to Terumun!"
Okay, now that was enough! Rick glared, saying, "Like you have any room to talk, lady? Let's see here. . .you killed my wife, kidnapped my son. You betrayed a man who suffered the hom-dai for you, and you betrayed your best friend. You have the gall to judge me as being an unworthy successor? Look in the mirror, sister, 'cause unworthy is your middle name, and you sure as hell didn't deserve another chance!"
"That was not for you to decide, Rick. She has been a new chance, to atone for what she did. Just as you were. I. . ." Celia began. She stopped in mid-sentence, her features clouding over with confusion. Then she said slowly, "That's strange. Anck. . . when you and Imhotep killed Seti, Nefertiri warned the Med-jai. I. . .or maybe Ardath. . . saw that. She saw you force Imhotep to leave. And then she saw you take your own life. But. . .what happened to Nefertiri?"
"That's right," Rick said, distracted from his anger, "Evy almost fell over the side of the dirigible, because she was seeing Nefertiri's life. I. . .don't remember what happened next. . . the next thing I see for Terumun is the ride to Hamunaptra. Did Nefertiri fall from the balcony?" Anck lowered her eyes, and Rick thought that was the case. Then she slowly shook her head, and Rick felt a sudden chill cut through his body.
"Niy. Nefertiri did not fall to her death. Rameses. . .he caught her. He. . .he heard her scream and rushed to her aid. Ardeth does not yet remember this. The other memories have been enough for him to handle. Right before I took my own life, I looked up toward the balcony, because I thought I heard Ardath's voice. . .and I saw Rameses pull Nefertiri to safety," Anck replied.
"Then that's what I'm seeing. Ardath must have been drawn to. . .to the balcony. Yes. Because she was screaming for you to stop, Anck. She saw everything," Celia whispered, shivering ever so slightly. Anck-su- namun's bronzed skin turned ashen, and in spite of everything this woman did to him and his family, Rick O'Connell almost felt sorry for her. Ardath was there. She cried out for Anck-su-namun to stop.
"She saw what I did. . .and she forgave me. Celia. . .I must go. Will you. . .will you be all right?" Anck-su-namun asked, her voice trembling. Celia nodded, looking stunned herself, and the concubine disappeared. One moment she was there, and the next. . .she wasn't. Rick blinked, shaking his head. Hell, would he ever get used to people doing that? As if it wasn't enough that he had to put up with Imhotep. . .
He looked at Celia, who was still staring at the same spot. . .the one just vacated by Anck-su-namun. She wore a strange expression on her face, as if she was trying to work something out in her mind. At last, she turned back to Rick, still looking troubled. The other American wasn't entirely sure what to say to this woman. Finally, she said, "That's the first time that's happened. I've never seen anything from *after* her death."
Rick almost asked whose death she meant, then shook his head. Now, that would have been really stupid. Celia took a deep breath, then looked at him directly. Rick found himself blushing at her gaze, especially after she said in a slow, measured voice, "Now. Where were we?"
"Uhm. . .I was putting my foot in my mouth, all the way up to my hip?" Rick asked almost sheepishly. Celia raised her eyebrows, looking amused. Damn her. Rick muttered under his breath in annoyance, and it was then that he really put his foot in his mouth. He glanced at Celia out of the corner of his eye, and sighed, "I guess I really should have listened to Evy when she told me to stay out of this."
There was a brief silence as Celia's eyes and mouth rounded into an 'o.' The effect rather resembled a stranded fish, and it would have been amusing if the expression in her eyes hadn't changed from stunned to furious within seconds. In a tone that was more of a growl than anything else, Celia demanded, "YOU DID WHAT?????????" Oops. He was really in for it now. He just hoped there was something of him left after she was finished with him. . .because he just *knew* Evy probably wouldn't leave anything when she was finished!