Part Three
Rick O'Connell was almost sick, seeing what followed his death. He watched Jonathan and Evy die, as Imhotep rose to power with Anck-su-namun. Because hotheaded Andreas Bey was in command, not Ardeth. A voice to his right said softly, "It surprises you that the life and death of one young Med-jai warrior could be so pivotal. The death of one young man can begin a chain reaction that will set off an apocalypse."
Rick looked at her quickly, and Lady Ardath asked, "What. . .you thought my child was exaggerating the dangers of the Bracelet of Anubis?" Rick didn't answer her, devastated by what he saw. No Ardeth to fight at his side. No Evy. No Jonathan. Lady Ardath wasn't finished with him. She waved her hand again, and in a quiet voice that reminded Rick of Evy in lecture mode, she explained, "Ahm Shere. With a slight change, as you will see in a moment."
And he did. Rick watched as Ardeth's mortal enemy, Lock-nah, looked down the barrel of his rifle at the departing Horus. Next, he saw a clumsy young acolyte ignore Hafez's warning to skirt around the huge man, and stumbled over the assassin to reach Alex with his water. The result. . .Lock-nah's aim was knocked off, Horus flew away safely with a triumphant answer to his master's worried cry, and the young acolyte died at the end of Lock-nah's sword.
So, Ardeth remained with him, with Evy, and with Jonathan. There was no need for him to choose between the O'Connell family and his people. The rescue of Alex proceeded, and though Ardeth no longer had the impetus of Horus' death, Lock-nah still died. But as Ardeth caught up with the O'Connells, Alex was explaining to them about the bracelet. And the dream- Rick lunged at the approaching Ardeth, screaming, "Why didn't you tell us, you son of a bitch!"
Ardeth had no time to defend himself as Rick's other self slammed him into the nearest tree. Evy grabbed the dream-Rick, crying out, "Rick, there's no time! We have to. . ." A chittering noise was heard and all five people saw the oncoming pygmy mummies. Evy added desperately, "We have to go!" Jonathan already had Alex in his arms, his eyes reflecting terror.
The dream-Rick released Ardeth and took Alex from Jonathan's arms, hissing, "I swear if my son dies, I'll kill you!" He turned away, yelling, "Time to go!" The family made their way through the jungle, Ardeth at their backs. Alex cried out in pain, as the sun rose in the sky. The dream-Rick leaped forward, into the shade of the pyramid. Both father and son hit the sand with a thud. They lay there, until the dream-Rick rasped, "You know. . .it's not easy. . .being a dad."
Alex turned his face up to his father, smiling as he had in the pyramid that day, and replied, "Yeah. . .but you're really good at it." The dream-Rick managed a 'thanks' as the bracelet unlocked itself and fell to the ground. The little boy picked it up with an expression of distaste, hurling it as far away as he could, before sinking back against his father's chest. Rick swallowed hard, knowing what was to come.
Ardeth, Evy, and Jonathan arrived, Evy crying out, "They made it! Oh, thank God!" Rick's spine began to tingle as he saw Meela and Imhotep approach. The dream-Rick was sitting up, his blood running cold at the sight of that woman anywhere near his wife. But here again, things changed.
As Meela put her hand on Evy's shoulder, the other hand drew back to stab Rick's wife. But this time, it was not Evy whom she stabbed. It was Ardeth. Rick watched in horror as his best friend pushed between the two women, taking the thrust meant for Evy into his own midsection. Meela was startled, then smiled coldly, saying, "It was my intent to kill the woman, but the Med-jai will do just as well."
She removed the dagger as Ardeth fell to his knees, then collapsed against Evy, dragging her down to the ground with him. The dream-Rick didn't see the dagger slice through Ardeth's robes. . .he only saw Evy fall, and he screamed hoarsely in denial, "NO!" Rick O'Connell who watched with Lady Ardath, was also screaming, "NO!" Especially when his dream-self physically pulled Ardeth's body away from Evy. . .
Only to have Evy struggle away, screaming, "Ardeth! Oh God, no. . .why, Ardeth, why?" She drew the wounded man into her arms, whimpering at the blood covering Ardeth's hands. He was dying. . .Rick could see it in his eyes. The dream-Rick's eyes held a moment of relief, as he realized that his wife wasn't hurt. . .relief followed by something else.
Ardeth answered in a weak voice, "I did not know. . .about the death. . .of your son. But it was. . .necessary. . .for me to atone. Evelyn. I would have. . .I would have told you. I would have told you. . .if I had known. Forgive me. . .please forgive me?" Evy began crying as Ardeth groaned in pain. The dream-Rick now stared at Ardeth, guilt-ridden as he realized that his friend had no idea that the Bracelet might kill Alex.
"Oh, sweet Ardeth. . .there's nothing to forgive. I know you would have told us, if you knew, there's no reason for you to apologize. Save your strength, we'll get you out of here," Evy whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks. But Ardeth's blood was leaving his body too fast, and his internal organs suffered too much damage in the attack. He was dying. He whispered something in Arabic, then his body went limp in Evy's arms.
Now the dream-Rick fell to his knees beside his wife and friend, Alex held firmly in Jonathan's arms, and the dream-Rick whispered, "Open your eyes, Ardeth. . .open your eyes! Don't you do this to us! Oh God, buddy. . .don't go! I didn't even have the chance to apologize. ARDETH!" But Ardeth was gone. Alex, who barely knew the brave Med-jai, turned in his uncle's arms, softly weeping.
Evy's tears ran dry, though her face was still wet. She gently caressed Ardeth's face, then kissed his forehead, whispering, "Good-bye, sweet friend. I love you, and I always will." She looked at the dream- Rick, her face reflecting only determination, and said, "Rick. . .we have work to do. Imhotep is still planning to awaken the Scorpion King, and I for one have no intention of seeing Ardeth's sacrifice be in vain."
The dream-Rick looked at her and whispered, "I'll kill them. I'll kill all of them. They kidnapped my son. . .they tried to kill my wife. . ." His voice trailed off as he looked at Ardeth, then added hoarsely, "And they did kill my best friend. Rest easy, buddy." The dream-Rick squeezed Ardeth's shoulder, then pushed himself to his feet. He looked at Jonathan, Evy, and Alex, adding, "Stay here." With that, he walked silently into the temple. He had a mummy to kill. . .and a promise to keep.
. . .
"NOOOOOO!" Evy O'Connell screamed, falling to her knees. She covered her mouth with her hand, sobbing helplessly. It didn't happen like that, she knew. But it was the second time she saw Ardeth die, and it hurt as much the first time. No, it hurt more, because this time, he died saving her life. She watched, still crying, as Rick set out for the temple, his face set into grim lines, and as her dream-self cradled Ardeth.
The screen went blank, and Evy rounded on Nefertiri's brother, demanding, "What happened next? What happened next, damn you, I demand to know what happened next!" She was barely aware of the tears that streaked her face, tears which started anew when she looked at Rameses. Rameses, who looked so much like Ardeth, without the curly hair or the Med-jai wardings. . .whose spirit was reborn in her friend.
Rameses looked at her almost sadly, asking, "Are you sure you wish to see what comes next, Evelyn O'Connell?" That should have tipped her off, that what happened after her friend's death, wasn't something she really wanted to see. But Evy wasn't thinking clearly, not after what she just saw, and she simply stared at the prince angrily. He sighed, "Evelyn, please believe me. . .I speak to you, Rameses to Nefertiri. This is not something you wish to see."
"Show me, dammit! You wanted me to see what my family would have been without Ardeth. . .then show me the rest of it! You show me what would have happened after your reincarnation died in my arms!" Evy snarled. Rameses actually flinched, when she referred to Ardeth as his reincarnation, and Evy added, "Yes, your reincarnation, your descendant, the namesake of your beloved concubine. . .your wife in all but name!"
"Enough! I know whom Ardeth Bey is! You wish to see what would have happened after he sacrificed himself for you, my little sister? Then watch!" Rameses fired back, waving his hand once more. Evy saw herself, still cradling Ardeth's lifeless body in her arms. The tears long since ceased, and her dream-self was gently caressing the tattoos on Ardeth's forehead. Rameses whispered, "Only moments have passed since his death."
Evy was on the point of asking why he was telling her this, when the dream-Evy suddenly shifted her weight, easing Ardeth to the ground. Alex, who quietly cried himself out in Jonathan's arms, looked up suddenly, asking, "Mum? Mummy, what are you doing?" The dream-Evy didn't answer immediately. She knelt beside Ardeth, kissing his forehead before gently arranging his hands over his wound.
Then she looked at her son and said, "Finishing things with Meela. . .Anck-su-namun, whoever she is. She'll pay for killing Ardeth. I'm the one she wanted. . .and now, I'm the one whom she'll face. Jonathan. . .stay with Alex and Ardeth. Don't let anyone else hurt him. He's been through enough." He was dead, but Jonathan understood what she meant. He was to ensure that Ardeth's body was left in peace.
The dream-Evy paused long enough to hug her son, then moved purposefully toward the temple. What came next. . .what came next was what must have happened after she died. Jonathan went to his nephew, who took his mother's place beside Ardeth. The Englishman tried to console Alex, who blamed himself for Ardeth's murder, by reminding the boy that he was at peace, in a better place. Like it said in the Good Book.
Alex's head snapped up, and he exclaimed, "That's it! The Book! C'mon, Uncle Jon, c'mon! The Book! We can bring him back to life. . .the Book of the Dead! That evil witch had the Black Book, but if we get it, we can bring Ardeth back!" It took Jonathan a moment to understand, then his blue eyes lit up. He carefully lifted Ardeth, easing him over one shoulder with a grunt, then followed his nephew into the temple.
Inside the Temple, the dream-Evy confronted Meela. Unnoticed by either woman, Alex hurried to the altar, took the Book, then returned to his uncle and Ardeth. Jonathan held the book while Alex chanted over their fallen friend until he came to a hieroglyph he didn't know. So close to completing the ritual, Alex cried, "Uncle Jon, I don't know what this last symbol is!"
Unable to see over the top of the book, Jonathan asked, "What's it look like, Alex? Easy, lad, getting upset won't help Ardeth." Alex tried to calm down, but he was frustrated. Evy saw it in his eyes. He carried so much on his small shoulders. If he never put the bracelet on, none of this would have happened. Ardeth wouldn't be dead. But he was determined to put things right.
"A bird. . .a stork!" the child answered, growing all the more desperate. The symbol looked so familiar, but he couldn't remember what it was! He had to remember! The longer he waited to bring Ardeth back, the harder it would be for their friend to return to his body! He wouldn't want to return from heaven! But they needed Ardeth, Alex knew that, even if his father didn't. They still needed him and always would.
Jonathan bounced where he sat, crowing, "I know that one, I know that one!" It was all Evy could do to keep from laughing, even under these circumstances. Alex actually hit his uncle's shoulder, demanding to know what it was, and Jonathan burst out, almost stuttering with his excitement, "A. . .a. . .a. . .amenaphous!"
Evy did laugh then, because she had that same conversation with her brother years earlier in Hamunaptra. Alex's eyes lit up as he realized that his uncle was right, and he triumphantly finished the ritual, crying out, "That's it! Efray shakra amenanphous!" Both his, and Jonathan's, eyes widened as a bright, golden light surrounded Ardeth's prone body. Evy couldn't look away, for while she felt her soul being drawn back into her body, she didn't know what it looked like.
Ardeth took a deep breath, coughing and groaning at the same time. Jonathan scrambled over when his shock wore off and eased him onto his side. He murmured, "Easy, lad, just take it easy. Had quite the shock, you have." And much to Evy's shock, as her brother held Ardeth steady, her son rubbed Ardeth's back. Once the coughing fit eased, Ardeth groaned again and Jonathan said, "Just lie still a few moments, Ardeth."
The Med-jai had his hands pressed to his abdomen, and Evy frowned. She didn't recall her wound paining her when she returned to life. Rameses said very quietly, "No, but you were not injured prior to your stabbing. Ardeth's body suffered many traumas, and his body will not heal as quickly as yours did." Evy nodded, realizing that he spoke the truth. And for the second time, the screen went black. Evy turned to Rameses, her mouth opening in protest.
But this time, Rameses said, "No. I may show you no more. What comes next is not for you to see, not in your condition." Evy fell silent, not entirely sure she wanted to dispute that. For while she was not pregnant in this dreamworld, she most assuredly *was* pregnant in reality, and she didn't want to do anything that would harm her child. Rameses sighed, placing his hand gently on her shoulder, and said, "You have seen what you were meant to see, Evelyn O'Connell. Remember it. More to the point, do not allow your husband to forget."
Evy nodded soberly, realizing that her time here was over. She said softly, "I will never forget, Rameses. I will not forget what my family owes him. . .and I will not forget that he is my family, and has always been." Rameses nodded, then bent over to kiss her cheek. With that, Evy was drawn out of that world, and into a pleasant dream world where her parents never died, and where Ardeth was a part of her life since childhood.
. . .
Rick O'Connell watched in silence as his son and brother-in-law brought Ardeth Bey back from the dead. He was struggling with tears once more, tears of relief as Ardeth groaned. He was in pain, and his lungs were struggling to breathe, but Ardeth was alive. Rick knew that he was watching, more or less, what happened when Alex brought Evy back from the dead. But in this reality, Evy was already fighting Meela.
Rick winced as Alex hurtled toward the Med-jai, throwing his arms around Ardeth and hugging him fiercely. The little boy kept apologizing, though Rick wasn't sure if he was apologizing for putting the bracelet on or because he was smothering poor Ardeth. At last, Jonathan gently pulled his nephew away from the suffocating Med-jai, who found it even harder to breathe in the last few minutes. Alex immediately realized his mistake and apologized again.
"It is. . .not. . .important. Go. . .help. . .your parents. . .Alex O'Connell," Ardeth finally managed to force out. Jonathan was supporting his weight, and Ardeth groaned again, his head lolling back against the wall. The boy looked at Jonathan, who nodded. Rick could see the silent message pass between the two 'boys.' The look which Jonathan directed at his nephew clearly said, 'Go, I'll take care of him.'
Alex hugged Ardeth again, much more gently this time, and ran toward the main chamber. Jonathan helped Ardeth to his feet. . .but just as they started forward, the dream-Rick burst into the chamber, the Scorpion King hot on his trail. And they found that the golden stick which Jonathan confiscated from Izzy was the Spear of Osiris. . .the very weapon they needed to slay the Scorpion King.
Then he was off and running again. Jonathan looked from the dream- Rick to Ardeth, clearly worried about his friend. Ardeth rasped out, "I will be. . .just fine. Help O'Connell." Jonathan stared at him for a minute, then squeezed his shoulder. Ardeth, who was hunched over in pain, just smiled at him weakly, adding, "This is the. . .second time today. . .you have saved my life."
Jonathan swallowed hard, then stepped forward to draw Ardeth into a fierce embrace, whispering, "Yes, well, who's counting? It's good to have you back, old boy. Take care of yourself. I won't be around to do it." Ardeth winced, but managed to nod. Jonathan took off running, chasing after Rick. Ardeth gasped in pain, sinking slowly to his knees, and Rick looked at Lady Ardath in concern.
"What's wrong," he asked anxiously, "why is he doubled over? Evy seemed all right after she came back." The young concubine didn't answer at first. . .her focus was solely on this strange, warped reality. Just a little change, it was. The difference between life and death for Horus also meant the difference between life and death for Ardeth, and Rick wondered if the hawk would have been pleased with the exchange.
The dream-Rick just drove the Spear of Osiris deep into the Scorpion King's body, defiantly telling him to 'go to hell and take your friends with you.' Imhotep fell to one knee behind him, screaming, 'Niy!' And then, a great earthquake rocked the pyramid, even as black sand blew through the halls. When the dust settled, Evy and Meela were crouched in their corner, the dream-Rick and Imhotep were hang onto the ledge, while Jonathan protected Alex.
Once more, the dream-Rick screamed for Evy to leave. . .go, just go! And once more, her face grew determined. . .but this time, Rick could hear what his wife was thinking. *Ardeth died saving my life. . .I'll not allow Rick to die!* With that, she ran forward. Alex screamed in terror, and Jonathan looked away, then back again. All was as it was months earlier. But the outcome was different. So focused was Evy on reaching her husband, that she did not take the care in watching the falling rocks. A falling rock struck her, causing a mortal wound.
Both the dream-Rick and the real Rick O'Connell screamed in denial, even as a second figure was visible in the doorway where Meela crouched. Except, Rick realized, she was no longer Meela, but Anck-su-namun. And the figure was. . .Ardeth. He cried out, "Evelyn?" And again, the dream- Rick screamed, for his best friend was following the path taken by his wife only a few minutes earlier.
But Ardeth showed the same caution which Evy demonstrated when she came for him at Ahm Shere. Imhotep was screaming at Anck-su-namun to leave, to save herself. But like Evy, her face settled into grim lines and she followed Ardeth. The Med-jai reached Evy first, moaning her name as he fell to his knees. She smiled at him weakly, begging him to finish what she started. Anck-su-namun dropped to her knees, whispering, "I will stay with the princess, Med-jai, until her brother comes." Ardeth looked up at her, and the concubine added, "I wished to settle things between us, Med- jai. I never wished for it to end like this. Go. I will not harm her."
"If you do harm her. . ." Ardeth began. His face tightened with pain, and he doubled over. Anck-su-namun's eyes widened, and she put her hand on Ardeth's back. The sympathetic gesture surprised her as much as it did him. Ardeth finally got his breath back, then said, "Then I will trust her to you." He took one more deep breath, then raced across the remaining distance, carefully timing his progress to avoid falling rocks.
By the time Ardeth reached Rick, Jonathan joined the two women, and Anck followed Ardeth. Except she miscalculated, and a rock hit her. Imhotep screamed in anguish as Ardeth fell to his knees. The old enemies looked at each other, then Imhotep smiled weakly, throwing himself into the Underworld. This bought them time, and allowed Ardeth to pull the dream- Rick to safety. He was pushed aside as the dream-Rick ran to Evy. He took her from Jonathan's arms, never noticing Ardeth's collapse.
Jonathan snatched up Alex, even as the little boy screamed that they couldn't leave Ardeth. Rick shook his head, mouthing 'no' as Ardeth simply lay there. It was then that they received another surprising gift of aid. This time, from Anck-su-namun. When the stone hit her, it drove out Meela for good, and the concubine made her way to Ardeth, helping him up. Rick watched in astonishment as the woman who killed Ardeth earlier in the day now guided him out of the temple.
Up they went, Anck-su-namun never releasing Ardeth, never allowing him to falter. Evy was silent, but the dream-Rick wouldn't let her go. Izzy showed up in his repaired dirigible. He maneuvered his airship until Rick could carry Evy aboard, then Jonathan pushed Alex onto the ropes, then helped Anck-su-namun with Ardeth. Time was running out, but Jonathan still managed to grab the diamond from the pyramid, pushing it aboard as Izzy fired up the engines.
On the dirigible, Evy whispered that she loved Rick. She wanted him to take care of Alex and Ardeth. . .he knew as well as she did that Ardeth would blame himself for Evy's death. It wasn't his fault. She made the choice. She just hoped he could forgive her for destroying his sacrifice. Then she died in the dream-Rick's arms, and this time, nothing could bring her back. The Book was lost, left behind in the insanity.
Alex was once more in his uncle's arms, sobbing. And Anck-su-namun held Ardeth, who finally lost consciousness when they reached the safety of the airship. By looking into her heart and mind, Rick could see she wasn't sure why she did this. Why she saved Ardeth Bey. . .but she knew it was necessary. She hugged him again, making sure he wasn't bleeding again, and satisfied herself that he was just exhausted. Then the screen went dark, and Lady Ardath turned to Rick O'Connell with a grim expression.
"I wouldn't do that," Rick said hoarsely. But he knew he would have. He knew that he had. Just as he knew Ardeth would have sacrificed himself to save Evy. Rick swallowed hard, barely able to meet the concubine's eyes, and he whispered, "What do you want from me? I've treated him badly, especially lately, I *know* that! And the futures you showed me. . .they frightened me. What more do you want?"
"Must you really ask, Rick O'Connell, what I want? Very well. I shall tell you. I want to make sure you never take my child for granted again. I want you to remember what I showed you, every time you look at Ardeth from this day forward. I want you to keep that image of Andreas crying over his brother's body in the back of your mind for all eternity, along with the image of that destroyed future!" the young woman fired back.
She asked very little. Rick knew that. Confronted with his own actions and attitude, Rick now knew that he could never go back to the way he was. He could only move forward. He swallowed hard again, answering, "I give you my word. As a past Med-jai. I will never take him for granted again." As the words were spoken, a vision of that past reality which ended the lives of everyone he loved flashed through his mind.
"Then you may return," Lady Ardath said, inclining her head. It was just that easy. One moment, he was in the dream world, and the next. . .
. . .
Rick sat upright in his bed, trembling. Oh God, that was one helluva dream! He tried to stop shaking, but the image of Ardeth dying in his brother's arms wouldn't leave his head. Rick threw back the covers and left the bed. He looked at Evy. She was alive. So long as she drew breath, there were always second chances. And a second chance was what he was given. Rick leaned over and brushed her forehead with his lips, then quietly left the room. He made sure that Evy was all right. Now he would check on Ardeth.
That image, of Ardeth dying in the arms of his brother, haunted Rick as he headed across the hall to the guestroom. Ardeth. . .dead. Rick had to make sure he was all right, because the American couldn't imagine losing him. Ardeth was his constant. He and Evy. The one person he could always depend upon, no matter how much Rick pushed him away. And Rick *always* pushed him away, at least in the beginning, before he realized how much he needed him.
The American carefully pushed the door open, light filtering into the bedroom, and peered inside. Ardeth remained locked in the arms of his own wife, both protective and protected. Rick breathed a little in relief, but couldn't leave until he was sure Ardeth was truly all right. He slipped quietly into the room, not stopping until he reached the bed, and he could heard Ardeth breathe, until he could see his friend's chest rise and fall.
Rick remembered what Ardeth told him the night before his wedding to Celia, when he got drunk. How Rick reminded him of his older brother Andreas. After seeing what might have been, Rick understood better now. And the truth was. . .the truth was, despite the rocky beginning, Rick came to love this man as a younger brother. The brother Rick always wanted while he was growing up.
"Rick, what are you doing?" a sleepy voice asked. Rick turned to see his wife entering the room behind him, her hand resting on her abdomen. Evy put on a robe before she came into the room, but forgotten her slippers. Rick started to answer, then she continued, "Well, it can wait until morning. Ardeth's had a perfectly awful two days, and he needs to rest." With that, she took Rick's arm and led him out of the room before he could wake either Ardeth or Celia.
Outside the room, Rick turned to his wife, saying softly, "I had to make sure he was all right. The dream. . .god, my dreams tonight." He rubbed at his eyes, then pulled his wife in his arms, whispering, "I dreamed that you died, Evy. Everyone died, and there was no one to stand against Imhotep, because Ardeth died during the first raid at Hamunaptra. I had to make sure he was all right, Evy." He couldn't bring himself to tell her about Ahm Shere.
Evy went still in his arms, and then she pulled back to look at him. She finally said softly, "Rick. . .you're crying." She wiped away his tears, the tears he wept when he watched his best friend die twice, then continued, "You had the same dream I did, I think. And if you really must know, I came to check on him, too. On both of them. But they need to sleep. We can both apologize to him in the morning."
"You? Why should you apologize? You. . .you never lashed out at him when he was trying to help you. Hell, Evy, you've always been the one to listen to him first. There's no reason for you to apologize to Ardeth, because you didn't do anything wrong," Rick answered hoarsely.
"That's where you're wrong, Rick. . .that's where you're wrong," Evy said quietly, her dark eyes haunted by something she saw in her dreams, something which he obviously hadn't. She stared at the now-closed door, murmuring, "I never thanked him for helping you to rescue me. I never thanked him for putting our family above his people. I've taken him for granted, too, Rick, but no more. We could have lost him so many times."
Rick looked at the door, too. There was a part of him which wanted to go back into the room, wake Ardeth, and tell him just how sorry he was. For everything. That was selfish, he knew. As selfish as anything he did in his life. He didn't know what kinds of things had gone wrong over the last few days, but he knew that if he didn't back down now, he would have a pint-sized American Fury on his hands. And he *really* didn't want to piss off Celia again.
"It won't happen again. From here on out. . ." Rick began, then had to stop. He developed a rather large lump in his throat, and found it very hard to speak. Rick looked away, then back at his wife. The more tender emotions were always hard for him, though Evy softened some of those hard edges. It was easy for him to tell Evy, and his son, how much he loved them. But friendship with a man. . .that was much harder.
Men were different, after all. They didn't. . .they couldn't tell each other how important they were. That wasn't the way they were. And Rick, who considered Beni to be his best friend up until 1923, when Beni left him to die, found it harder than most to trust anyone, at all. Even someone who repeatedly proven himself loyal over the years, like Ardeth. Someone who was a constant in Rick's life.
Even when Rick pushed him away, Ardeth was there, strong and reliable and level-headed, because Rick reminded Ardeth so very much of his older brother. Rick was different, of course, because he didn't grow up in a big, loving family as Andreas Bey did. But in other ways, they were very much alike. Right down to their vengeful nature. In that other reality, Andreas killed Rick because he held him responsible for his brother's death. In this reality, Rick killed the Scorpion King and intended to kill Imhotep, as payback for Evy's murder. And if someone killed his brother. . .as they had in that other reality. . . then Rick would have done the exact same thing Andreas did.
At last, Rick put his hands on his wife's shoulders, saying softly, "I'll need your help, Evy, when I talk to Ardeth in the morning. I'll need you to help me. . .because I don't know how to do this. I told you once that you and Alex were the only things in my life that mattered. And you are the most important people to me, you always will be. That will never change. But family isn't just about blood and marriage. It's. . .it's also about going through hell together, and always being there for each other. Whether I'm a Med-jai or not. . .that's beside the point, it's not important. Ardeth is family, he's our brother. . .and I have to learn to stop fighting that."
Evy smiled, cupping his face in her hands, and replied, "You're wrong about one thing, darling. It *is* important, and you *are* a Med-jai. Aside from the part about the Bracelet of Anubis killing Alex, when has Ardeth ever been wrong? But you're right about something far more important. Ardeth is part of our family. And I will help you tomorrow. But for now. . .for now, we need to sleep as well."
Rick nodded, the adrenaline which poured through him after waking from the dream now dying down. Weariness overwhelmed him. Yes, they would talk to Ardeth in the morning. He would do whatever his friend wanted, he would apologize, but he would find a way to make things right. He just knew he couldn't allow Ardeth to leave in the morning. . .he couldn't let things go the way they were.
. . .
His wife had this annoying habit of awakening before he did. But as Ardeth Bey opened his eyes, to find Celia smiling down at him, he couldn't be too terribly annoyed with her. He closed his eyes once more, sighing, "And what, exactly, are you smiling at, my love?" She didn't answer, not with words. Instead, her lips brushed across his forehead, over his cheeks, caressing his lips, before sweeping along his neck.
"I am smiling at how well you sleep in my arms," she answered, her words a breath against his skin. Ardeth blushed. Yes, he did. His men noticed it while they were on patrol, calling attention to the circles under his eyes. Thus, Ardeth learned his men worried about him. He knew that they looked to him, and cared for him. . .but worried for him? That was something new, and he wasn't sure how to handle it.
Even the warriors who disapproved of his choice acknowledged that his sleep was much more restful, when his wife was in his arms. They were not happy about this, but it was a step forward. Besides, after her dance the night before their wedding, no more Med-jai could say she was not the reincarnation of Lady Ardath. And fortunately, Celia knew that she had to earn her own place among the Med-jai. For this wisdom, she was accorded more grudging respect.
Ardeth barely bit back a moan as Celia nuzzled the side of his neck. How on earth did she do this to him? His body just came alive when she touched him. But if they wanted to leave today, he had to stop her before her mouth. . .or hands. . .moved much lower. They spent almost the entire day after their wedding, making love. Celia was quite insatiable. Of the two, she had more sexual experience, and Ardeth quickly realized that when they were alone, she would make up for any time lost during the day. Ardeth was still uncomfortable with physical affection when others could see them. He spent too many years, tightly controlling his emotions and his body.
On the other hand, Ardeth enacted payback of his own, the morning after the wedding. Ardeth was highly unaccustomed to. . .well, to being so passive. Celia told him that she intended to take care of him, and would pleasure him until he was out of his mind with desire, but until the end, she didn't allow him to touch her. And Ardeth wanted to touch her. . .wanted that so badly.
The following morning, Ardeth returned the favor. However, unlike his new wife, he had far more experience in tying (and untying) bonds. And he made sure the scarf binding his wife's wrists was secure indeed, before he began worshipping her body. Ardeth grinned at the memory, and her promise to never try such a one-sided night again. Unless, of course, she was punishing him. What a punishment, though. Most warriors he knew, their wives punished them by making them sleep outside the tent.
"What are you laughing at?" Celia asked now, her fingers sliding along his sides as she kissed the hollow of his throat. Ardeth just looked at her, barely suppressing his grin, and Celia allowed her hands to wander a little further. Allowed? No, that was wrong. That action was quite deliberate. And so were the lips which trailed oh so slowly down his chest, over his ribs, and seemed destined to more points south.
Ardeth, knowing how his body reacted to her touch the closer her hands or lips got to his nether regions, quickly put a stop to *that.* He curled his fingers around the nape of her neck, drawing her up to kiss her firmly, before rolling over atop her. And since turnabout *is* fair play, he set to tickling her sides, even as he smothered her giggles with his mouth. However, Celia was no more one to be passive than Ardeth himself was, and she grasped his wrists, wrapping his arms around her, before she locked her legs around his waist.
There were times in a warrior's life when the most sensible thing to do in a fight was call a truce, or a strategic retreat. Ardeth quickly realized this was one fight he would lose, no matter how dirty he fought, because Celia was equally willing to fight dirty. And so he broke the kiss, gasping, "Enough, I surrender. I will always surrender to you, my Celia. And we have a train to catch to Scotland."
Celia's eyes grew sad, and she asked, "You still want to leave today?" Ardeth didn't bother answering that. The eight or so hours of sleep did not change his mind about that. He wanted to leave today, and he wanted to leave before anyone else was up. Perhaps it was cowardly, but he couldn't bear to see Evelyn's expression when they left, and though he now knew his friendship with O'Connell was damaged beyond repair, Ardeth didn't feel comfortable about being in the middle of an argument between them.
"I wish to leave today. . .preferably before the others are awake. Cowardly, aywa, but I find even after a decent night's sleep, I have no desire for another scene," Ardeth acknowledged. The sadness in his wife's eyes gave way to a pained compassion. She reached up, gently caressing one of the tattoos on his right cheek. Ardeth turned his head, ever so slightly, and kissed the palm of her hand.
"Nor do I. All right. Let me see who is awake, and if it's just Evy, we'll get something to eat. If everyone is asleep, then we'll leave after I write Evy a short note," Celia replied. Ardeth thought about that for a moment, then nodded. Yes, that was an acceptable compromise. He rolled off his wife, allowing her to get up. Celia scooted off the bed, unable to stop herself from one last caress, lightly brushing her fingers across the muscles of his stomach. Ardeth gasped, his eyes narrowing at his wife. Damn her, she was doing it to him again!
She just smiled at him and left the room, her hips swaying slightly. Ardeth collapsed against the bed once more with a groan. The woman was insatiable, and she would end up killing him. There were no two ways about it. After a moment, he began to smile. Yes, she most likely would, but there was no better way to go, unless it was in battle. His smile faded slowly. He fell in love with her not that long ago, and the passion of those feelings took his breath away. What frightened him now was how he came to love her even more.
Given his own fierce devotion to his wife, Ardeth could understand the determination O'Connell demonstrated on countless occasions to protect his wife. Ardeth would sacrifice his own life to protect his Celia. . .he could hardly judge O'Connell for wishing to do the same, even if Ardeth *didn't* love Evy as a sister. However, he thought O'Connell trusted him enough to realize that Ardeth would never willingly place Evelyn or Alex, or the unborn child, at risk.
Clearly, he was wrong. And Ardeth now accepted that with a cold feeling in his gut. He didn't like accepting it, of course. But he had no other choice. It was over. Ardeth lifted his head as Celia slipped back into the room, saying softly, "Everyone is asleep. It is rather early, after all. . .at least for them." Ardeth smiled ruefully, realizing she was right. Not everyone was awake before dawn, like the Med-jai.
"Then we will quietly pack, and leave. Do you wish to get dressed before or after you write your note to Evelyn?" Ardeth asked, raising his eyebrows at the way his wife was running around in just her nightgown. Celia responded with her own version of Evelyn's 'oooh, you!' look, but went to her trunk for the clothes she would wear that day. Ardeth leaned back, thoroughly enjoying the view.
"I would ask if you plan to get dressed as well," his wife said, her head still bent over her trunk, "but I know better. You know, I actually timed you once. . .it takes you two minutes to get into your robes and trousers." Ardeth laughed outright, laughing again when his wife stuck his tongue out at him as she headed into the bathroom to change clothes. During the last four months, it became a running joke. Celia often teased him about how handy the black Med-jai robes were. They hid dirt, blood (at least up to a point), and there was the intimidation factor.
Ardeth countered once that they didn't do a very good job of intimidating her. She simply laughed and replied, "In the beginning, Ardeth, when I first met you, you scared the hell out of me." That surprised him. . .it hurt a little, that he ever frightened this woman, even a little. Then she smiled at him, her hazel eyes twinking with laughter, and added, "Besides, I know now that under these layers of robes is a sweet, loving man."
Ardeth had a mock-indignant retort handy, right up until the time she kissed him. At that point, all thoughts flew right out of his head. Ardeth shook his head, still smiling, and got out of bed. He found his clean robes and trousers, dressing quickly, then moved to find his boots. The dizziness hit then, swamping over him. He clutched at the side of the bed, trying desperately to keep from falling over.
He fought it with every fiber of his being, as he fought every other enemy he encountered in his life. And he didn't even realize that Celia returned to the room, until she gave a little cry, and he felt her arms go around him. She whispered, "Ardeth, are you all right? Maybe we should wait another day, and just stay in our room." Ardeth allowed his head to fall against her shoulder, not strong enough to fight this alone.
He didn't answer at first, but as the dizziness receded, he replied, "La. We should go now. I will be fine." He pulled back, to look into his wife's dear, concerned face. She didn't like it. He could see that she didn't like it, and Ardeth said softly, "Please, Celia. I have not the energy to fight with O'Connell again." Celia exhaled slowly, and nodded. She still didn't like it, but she would agree. Ardeth put his arm around her and whispered, "Shukran, my love. Now go write your note."
. . .
Celia Bey did NOT like this at all. She didn't like the idea of leaving, even with the complication of Rick O'Connell, not when her husband wasn't well. But she also knew that there was a possibility he would improve, once he got away from the tension. Moving quietly, to avoid waking anyone, Celia carried her note for Evy downstairs. No one was even stirring. Thank the goddess.
In the kitchen, she went to the icebox. . .or, as Celia and her fellow Americans called it, the refrigerator. The young queen read over the note she wrote one last time, glancing over her shoulder every few seconds, just to make sure Ardeth was the only one coming. Satisfied that none of the family were waking up, Celia turned her attention back to the letter.
'Dear Evy,' she wrote, 'I'm sorry that we left without saying good- bye, but Ardeth wanted to get an early start. I'm hoping we can stop in London on the way back to Cairo next month, but that will depend on how receptive Ardeth is. He has decided that he's finished trying to win Rick's trust, and quite frankly, I can't blame him. He isn't feeling well. . .I'm hoping once I get him away from the tension, he'll relax. But stay close, Evy. . .I may need you. Your sister-in-law, CFB.'
"It'll do," she murmured, and placed the note on the refrigerator. Or rather, *in* the refrigerator, since she stuck the note between the two doors. She just hoped that it didn't get trampled. She really didn't like leaving without saying good-bye, but maybe she would get the chance to make amends with Evy. At least with her friend, there was that chance. Rick O'Connell was incapable of forgiving, or trusting, anyone but his wife. His loss. Celia shook her head, and went back upstairs.
Halfway up the stairs, Celia sensed Anck's presence, and the Egyptian whispered, though only Celia could hear her, "I would tell you if any of the O'Connells were awake, Celia." The American smiled at her ghostly friend, and Anck continued, "You are worried about Ardeth. As am I. I sensed something strange during the fight yesterday. But I cannot tell you exactly what that something is."
"You mean aside from those Guardians disappearing?" Celia asked, and Anck nodded, looking worried. Sometimes, Celia found it very difficult to reconcile the anxious figure at her side with the woman who did such evil deeds. Her memories. . .or rather, Ardath's memories. . .of Seti were of a harsh man, but one capable of great love. He showed little mercy to his enemies, and great generosity to those whom he loved. In other words, he was a man of his times. . .and certainly no worse than certain leaders of today. Like that frightening little man who was the Chancellor in Germany. Many found him laughable. . .he terrified Celia.
Anck replied, wisely leaving the subjects of Seti and Hitler alone, "Yes, exactly. There are many things I am not permitted to see. Ma'at and Mathayus do not yet trust me. Especially not after what Ardath and I did last night." Celia looked at her companion, raising her eyebrows. Anck actually blushed and said, "I. . .ah. . .well. . .I took my own justice out of that man's hide, as you Americans are so fond of saying."
Celia felt her eyebrows go up even further, but instead of pressing the issue (she had a feeling she didn't want to know), she said, "I understand. This dizzy spell of Ardeth's has me very worried. Rick O'Connell is no longer an issue for me. But until we got to England yesterday, my husband was fine. Last night, he had a terrible headache when he woke up, and then this morning, he had a dizzy spell."
"I know. While you were downstairs, putting the note away, I remained with Ardeth," Anck explained. Celia nodded. That actually didn't surprise her. Anck blushed once more, adding, "If someone told me, even months ago, that I would be so protective of a Med-jai, I would have slit their throats." Celia grinned at that, at the words, and at the tone of voice her friend used, that mix of exasperation and awe.
"Yes, but you no longer see just Ardeth's markings. . .you see him. The man," Celia pointed out as they went up the last few steps. Anck nodded, still looking both puzzled and somewhat annoyed. Anck didn't like caring about people, least of all, caring about them as much as she cared about Celia and Ardeth. It made her vulnerable, and in Anck's time, vulnerability meant weakness. Weakness meant death.
"I do not just see the man. I hear the name. And in my mind's eye, I see the little boy who would race through the corridors of the palace, throwing himself against my legs. He would shout my name, and smear my paint, but I loved that child so much. He was a living reminder of his mother, and I could never hate anyone who had Ardath in him. That little boy had hazel eyes, just like her," Anck replied.
"And from what I've been told, that first Ardeth Bey grew up to look just like his father, with whispers of his mother," Celia countered with a smile. Anck looked at her, surprised, and Celia replied, "I've read the ancient scrolls of the Med-jai, Anck. Ardeth Bey had his father's features, his black hair, and his scowl. . .but he had his mother's hazel eyes, and her smile. Unfortunately, the scowl was used more often than his smile."
Anck cast a sly glance toward the room Celia and Ardeth shared the previous night, answering, "Something which cannot be said for his namesake and descendant since his marriage." Celia tried to glower at her friend, knowing that swatting at her would have only resulted in her tumbling down the stairs. But Anck's impish grin made it difficult for Celia to even glower at her.
The American muttered a few choice words under her breath as she entered the room. Ardeth was still pale, but he looked resolute. She wouldn't be able to talk him out of this. Damn. So, instead of complaining, Celia smiled at him and said, "Ready to go, love?" He inclined his head, but it didn't ease her worries any. If anything, it increased her anxiety tenfold. But she knew her husband.
"I am ready," Ardeth answered quietly. Oh, this definitely was not good. Since their marriage, his sense of humor came out more frequently, with him often teasing her about her American colloquialisms. If he was feeling well, he would have fired back with a remark like, 'as you or O'Connell would say, I'm ready whenever you are.' That was something else she noticed, though.
Ardeth did use contractions, on occasion. Evy told her of their first trip with Izzy, when they were heading to Ahm Shere to rescue Alex. Ardeth took one look at the dirigible and asked with no small amount of exasperation, "Why can't you people ever keep your feet on the ground?" Celia barely stifled a laugh at that, knowing how much her husband hated to fly. She learned that during the trip to Hamunaptra, to rescue Miranda from Khaldun.
So yes, her husband did use less than perfect English grammar. And yet, strangely enough, he used that less than perfect English when he was feeling one hundred percent. . .or, at least ninety-five percent. However, the worse he felt, the more correct his English became. She smiled at him, forcing her anxiety back, and said, "Well. . .in that case, I believe we have a train to catch."
He smiled back, but his heart wasn't in it. Celia picked up her bags, making sure they didn't cover her staff, and Ardeth picked up his own. Celia sensed Anck's anxiety, and realized that the other members of the household were starting to stir. *In that case,* she thought grimly, *to borrow one of the phrases O'Connell is so fond of. . .time to go!*
"Then catch a train, we will," Ardeth agreed, picking up his own bag. Traveled lightly, her husband did. As they quietly left the room, silently making their way down the stairs and slipping from the house, Ardeth waited until they were outside before he asked very quietly, "Celia? Explain exactly why it is termed 'catching a train,' if you please?" Celia grinned at her husband as she flagged down a cab.
"I'll see if I can explain it on the way, love. And see. . .I got a cab for us, instead of a double-decker bus," she teased gently. Ardeth just groaned at this reminder of the last time he was in London. Celia laughed and gently pulled her husband into the cab, telling the driver, "The train station, please. And don't be alarmed by my husband's appearance. He'll only hurt you if you give him reason."
Neither the husband nor the wife saw the curtains part on the second floor of the O'Connell house. Nor did they see a small boy's face peek through. Celia's only focus was on her husband, and on getting where they were going. The O'Connells were on the bottom of her priority list.
Rick O'Connell was almost sick, seeing what followed his death. He watched Jonathan and Evy die, as Imhotep rose to power with Anck-su-namun. Because hotheaded Andreas Bey was in command, not Ardeth. A voice to his right said softly, "It surprises you that the life and death of one young Med-jai warrior could be so pivotal. The death of one young man can begin a chain reaction that will set off an apocalypse."
Rick looked at her quickly, and Lady Ardath asked, "What. . .you thought my child was exaggerating the dangers of the Bracelet of Anubis?" Rick didn't answer her, devastated by what he saw. No Ardeth to fight at his side. No Evy. No Jonathan. Lady Ardath wasn't finished with him. She waved her hand again, and in a quiet voice that reminded Rick of Evy in lecture mode, she explained, "Ahm Shere. With a slight change, as you will see in a moment."
And he did. Rick watched as Ardeth's mortal enemy, Lock-nah, looked down the barrel of his rifle at the departing Horus. Next, he saw a clumsy young acolyte ignore Hafez's warning to skirt around the huge man, and stumbled over the assassin to reach Alex with his water. The result. . .Lock-nah's aim was knocked off, Horus flew away safely with a triumphant answer to his master's worried cry, and the young acolyte died at the end of Lock-nah's sword.
So, Ardeth remained with him, with Evy, and with Jonathan. There was no need for him to choose between the O'Connell family and his people. The rescue of Alex proceeded, and though Ardeth no longer had the impetus of Horus' death, Lock-nah still died. But as Ardeth caught up with the O'Connells, Alex was explaining to them about the bracelet. And the dream- Rick lunged at the approaching Ardeth, screaming, "Why didn't you tell us, you son of a bitch!"
Ardeth had no time to defend himself as Rick's other self slammed him into the nearest tree. Evy grabbed the dream-Rick, crying out, "Rick, there's no time! We have to. . ." A chittering noise was heard and all five people saw the oncoming pygmy mummies. Evy added desperately, "We have to go!" Jonathan already had Alex in his arms, his eyes reflecting terror.
The dream-Rick released Ardeth and took Alex from Jonathan's arms, hissing, "I swear if my son dies, I'll kill you!" He turned away, yelling, "Time to go!" The family made their way through the jungle, Ardeth at their backs. Alex cried out in pain, as the sun rose in the sky. The dream-Rick leaped forward, into the shade of the pyramid. Both father and son hit the sand with a thud. They lay there, until the dream-Rick rasped, "You know. . .it's not easy. . .being a dad."
Alex turned his face up to his father, smiling as he had in the pyramid that day, and replied, "Yeah. . .but you're really good at it." The dream-Rick managed a 'thanks' as the bracelet unlocked itself and fell to the ground. The little boy picked it up with an expression of distaste, hurling it as far away as he could, before sinking back against his father's chest. Rick swallowed hard, knowing what was to come.
Ardeth, Evy, and Jonathan arrived, Evy crying out, "They made it! Oh, thank God!" Rick's spine began to tingle as he saw Meela and Imhotep approach. The dream-Rick was sitting up, his blood running cold at the sight of that woman anywhere near his wife. But here again, things changed.
As Meela put her hand on Evy's shoulder, the other hand drew back to stab Rick's wife. But this time, it was not Evy whom she stabbed. It was Ardeth. Rick watched in horror as his best friend pushed between the two women, taking the thrust meant for Evy into his own midsection. Meela was startled, then smiled coldly, saying, "It was my intent to kill the woman, but the Med-jai will do just as well."
She removed the dagger as Ardeth fell to his knees, then collapsed against Evy, dragging her down to the ground with him. The dream-Rick didn't see the dagger slice through Ardeth's robes. . .he only saw Evy fall, and he screamed hoarsely in denial, "NO!" Rick O'Connell who watched with Lady Ardath, was also screaming, "NO!" Especially when his dream-self physically pulled Ardeth's body away from Evy. . .
Only to have Evy struggle away, screaming, "Ardeth! Oh God, no. . .why, Ardeth, why?" She drew the wounded man into her arms, whimpering at the blood covering Ardeth's hands. He was dying. . .Rick could see it in his eyes. The dream-Rick's eyes held a moment of relief, as he realized that his wife wasn't hurt. . .relief followed by something else.
Ardeth answered in a weak voice, "I did not know. . .about the death. . .of your son. But it was. . .necessary. . .for me to atone. Evelyn. I would have. . .I would have told you. I would have told you. . .if I had known. Forgive me. . .please forgive me?" Evy began crying as Ardeth groaned in pain. The dream-Rick now stared at Ardeth, guilt-ridden as he realized that his friend had no idea that the Bracelet might kill Alex.
"Oh, sweet Ardeth. . .there's nothing to forgive. I know you would have told us, if you knew, there's no reason for you to apologize. Save your strength, we'll get you out of here," Evy whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks. But Ardeth's blood was leaving his body too fast, and his internal organs suffered too much damage in the attack. He was dying. He whispered something in Arabic, then his body went limp in Evy's arms.
Now the dream-Rick fell to his knees beside his wife and friend, Alex held firmly in Jonathan's arms, and the dream-Rick whispered, "Open your eyes, Ardeth. . .open your eyes! Don't you do this to us! Oh God, buddy. . .don't go! I didn't even have the chance to apologize. ARDETH!" But Ardeth was gone. Alex, who barely knew the brave Med-jai, turned in his uncle's arms, softly weeping.
Evy's tears ran dry, though her face was still wet. She gently caressed Ardeth's face, then kissed his forehead, whispering, "Good-bye, sweet friend. I love you, and I always will." She looked at the dream- Rick, her face reflecting only determination, and said, "Rick. . .we have work to do. Imhotep is still planning to awaken the Scorpion King, and I for one have no intention of seeing Ardeth's sacrifice be in vain."
The dream-Rick looked at her and whispered, "I'll kill them. I'll kill all of them. They kidnapped my son. . .they tried to kill my wife. . ." His voice trailed off as he looked at Ardeth, then added hoarsely, "And they did kill my best friend. Rest easy, buddy." The dream-Rick squeezed Ardeth's shoulder, then pushed himself to his feet. He looked at Jonathan, Evy, and Alex, adding, "Stay here." With that, he walked silently into the temple. He had a mummy to kill. . .and a promise to keep.
. . .
"NOOOOOO!" Evy O'Connell screamed, falling to her knees. She covered her mouth with her hand, sobbing helplessly. It didn't happen like that, she knew. But it was the second time she saw Ardeth die, and it hurt as much the first time. No, it hurt more, because this time, he died saving her life. She watched, still crying, as Rick set out for the temple, his face set into grim lines, and as her dream-self cradled Ardeth.
The screen went blank, and Evy rounded on Nefertiri's brother, demanding, "What happened next? What happened next, damn you, I demand to know what happened next!" She was barely aware of the tears that streaked her face, tears which started anew when she looked at Rameses. Rameses, who looked so much like Ardeth, without the curly hair or the Med-jai wardings. . .whose spirit was reborn in her friend.
Rameses looked at her almost sadly, asking, "Are you sure you wish to see what comes next, Evelyn O'Connell?" That should have tipped her off, that what happened after her friend's death, wasn't something she really wanted to see. But Evy wasn't thinking clearly, not after what she just saw, and she simply stared at the prince angrily. He sighed, "Evelyn, please believe me. . .I speak to you, Rameses to Nefertiri. This is not something you wish to see."
"Show me, dammit! You wanted me to see what my family would have been without Ardeth. . .then show me the rest of it! You show me what would have happened after your reincarnation died in my arms!" Evy snarled. Rameses actually flinched, when she referred to Ardeth as his reincarnation, and Evy added, "Yes, your reincarnation, your descendant, the namesake of your beloved concubine. . .your wife in all but name!"
"Enough! I know whom Ardeth Bey is! You wish to see what would have happened after he sacrificed himself for you, my little sister? Then watch!" Rameses fired back, waving his hand once more. Evy saw herself, still cradling Ardeth's lifeless body in her arms. The tears long since ceased, and her dream-self was gently caressing the tattoos on Ardeth's forehead. Rameses whispered, "Only moments have passed since his death."
Evy was on the point of asking why he was telling her this, when the dream-Evy suddenly shifted her weight, easing Ardeth to the ground. Alex, who quietly cried himself out in Jonathan's arms, looked up suddenly, asking, "Mum? Mummy, what are you doing?" The dream-Evy didn't answer immediately. She knelt beside Ardeth, kissing his forehead before gently arranging his hands over his wound.
Then she looked at her son and said, "Finishing things with Meela. . .Anck-su-namun, whoever she is. She'll pay for killing Ardeth. I'm the one she wanted. . .and now, I'm the one whom she'll face. Jonathan. . .stay with Alex and Ardeth. Don't let anyone else hurt him. He's been through enough." He was dead, but Jonathan understood what she meant. He was to ensure that Ardeth's body was left in peace.
The dream-Evy paused long enough to hug her son, then moved purposefully toward the temple. What came next. . .what came next was what must have happened after she died. Jonathan went to his nephew, who took his mother's place beside Ardeth. The Englishman tried to console Alex, who blamed himself for Ardeth's murder, by reminding the boy that he was at peace, in a better place. Like it said in the Good Book.
Alex's head snapped up, and he exclaimed, "That's it! The Book! C'mon, Uncle Jon, c'mon! The Book! We can bring him back to life. . .the Book of the Dead! That evil witch had the Black Book, but if we get it, we can bring Ardeth back!" It took Jonathan a moment to understand, then his blue eyes lit up. He carefully lifted Ardeth, easing him over one shoulder with a grunt, then followed his nephew into the temple.
Inside the Temple, the dream-Evy confronted Meela. Unnoticed by either woman, Alex hurried to the altar, took the Book, then returned to his uncle and Ardeth. Jonathan held the book while Alex chanted over their fallen friend until he came to a hieroglyph he didn't know. So close to completing the ritual, Alex cried, "Uncle Jon, I don't know what this last symbol is!"
Unable to see over the top of the book, Jonathan asked, "What's it look like, Alex? Easy, lad, getting upset won't help Ardeth." Alex tried to calm down, but he was frustrated. Evy saw it in his eyes. He carried so much on his small shoulders. If he never put the bracelet on, none of this would have happened. Ardeth wouldn't be dead. But he was determined to put things right.
"A bird. . .a stork!" the child answered, growing all the more desperate. The symbol looked so familiar, but he couldn't remember what it was! He had to remember! The longer he waited to bring Ardeth back, the harder it would be for their friend to return to his body! He wouldn't want to return from heaven! But they needed Ardeth, Alex knew that, even if his father didn't. They still needed him and always would.
Jonathan bounced where he sat, crowing, "I know that one, I know that one!" It was all Evy could do to keep from laughing, even under these circumstances. Alex actually hit his uncle's shoulder, demanding to know what it was, and Jonathan burst out, almost stuttering with his excitement, "A. . .a. . .a. . .amenaphous!"
Evy did laugh then, because she had that same conversation with her brother years earlier in Hamunaptra. Alex's eyes lit up as he realized that his uncle was right, and he triumphantly finished the ritual, crying out, "That's it! Efray shakra amenanphous!" Both his, and Jonathan's, eyes widened as a bright, golden light surrounded Ardeth's prone body. Evy couldn't look away, for while she felt her soul being drawn back into her body, she didn't know what it looked like.
Ardeth took a deep breath, coughing and groaning at the same time. Jonathan scrambled over when his shock wore off and eased him onto his side. He murmured, "Easy, lad, just take it easy. Had quite the shock, you have." And much to Evy's shock, as her brother held Ardeth steady, her son rubbed Ardeth's back. Once the coughing fit eased, Ardeth groaned again and Jonathan said, "Just lie still a few moments, Ardeth."
The Med-jai had his hands pressed to his abdomen, and Evy frowned. She didn't recall her wound paining her when she returned to life. Rameses said very quietly, "No, but you were not injured prior to your stabbing. Ardeth's body suffered many traumas, and his body will not heal as quickly as yours did." Evy nodded, realizing that he spoke the truth. And for the second time, the screen went black. Evy turned to Rameses, her mouth opening in protest.
But this time, Rameses said, "No. I may show you no more. What comes next is not for you to see, not in your condition." Evy fell silent, not entirely sure she wanted to dispute that. For while she was not pregnant in this dreamworld, she most assuredly *was* pregnant in reality, and she didn't want to do anything that would harm her child. Rameses sighed, placing his hand gently on her shoulder, and said, "You have seen what you were meant to see, Evelyn O'Connell. Remember it. More to the point, do not allow your husband to forget."
Evy nodded soberly, realizing that her time here was over. She said softly, "I will never forget, Rameses. I will not forget what my family owes him. . .and I will not forget that he is my family, and has always been." Rameses nodded, then bent over to kiss her cheek. With that, Evy was drawn out of that world, and into a pleasant dream world where her parents never died, and where Ardeth was a part of her life since childhood.
. . .
Rick O'Connell watched in silence as his son and brother-in-law brought Ardeth Bey back from the dead. He was struggling with tears once more, tears of relief as Ardeth groaned. He was in pain, and his lungs were struggling to breathe, but Ardeth was alive. Rick knew that he was watching, more or less, what happened when Alex brought Evy back from the dead. But in this reality, Evy was already fighting Meela.
Rick winced as Alex hurtled toward the Med-jai, throwing his arms around Ardeth and hugging him fiercely. The little boy kept apologizing, though Rick wasn't sure if he was apologizing for putting the bracelet on or because he was smothering poor Ardeth. At last, Jonathan gently pulled his nephew away from the suffocating Med-jai, who found it even harder to breathe in the last few minutes. Alex immediately realized his mistake and apologized again.
"It is. . .not. . .important. Go. . .help. . .your parents. . .Alex O'Connell," Ardeth finally managed to force out. Jonathan was supporting his weight, and Ardeth groaned again, his head lolling back against the wall. The boy looked at Jonathan, who nodded. Rick could see the silent message pass between the two 'boys.' The look which Jonathan directed at his nephew clearly said, 'Go, I'll take care of him.'
Alex hugged Ardeth again, much more gently this time, and ran toward the main chamber. Jonathan helped Ardeth to his feet. . .but just as they started forward, the dream-Rick burst into the chamber, the Scorpion King hot on his trail. And they found that the golden stick which Jonathan confiscated from Izzy was the Spear of Osiris. . .the very weapon they needed to slay the Scorpion King.
Then he was off and running again. Jonathan looked from the dream- Rick to Ardeth, clearly worried about his friend. Ardeth rasped out, "I will be. . .just fine. Help O'Connell." Jonathan stared at him for a minute, then squeezed his shoulder. Ardeth, who was hunched over in pain, just smiled at him weakly, adding, "This is the. . .second time today. . .you have saved my life."
Jonathan swallowed hard, then stepped forward to draw Ardeth into a fierce embrace, whispering, "Yes, well, who's counting? It's good to have you back, old boy. Take care of yourself. I won't be around to do it." Ardeth winced, but managed to nod. Jonathan took off running, chasing after Rick. Ardeth gasped in pain, sinking slowly to his knees, and Rick looked at Lady Ardath in concern.
"What's wrong," he asked anxiously, "why is he doubled over? Evy seemed all right after she came back." The young concubine didn't answer at first. . .her focus was solely on this strange, warped reality. Just a little change, it was. The difference between life and death for Horus also meant the difference between life and death for Ardeth, and Rick wondered if the hawk would have been pleased with the exchange.
The dream-Rick just drove the Spear of Osiris deep into the Scorpion King's body, defiantly telling him to 'go to hell and take your friends with you.' Imhotep fell to one knee behind him, screaming, 'Niy!' And then, a great earthquake rocked the pyramid, even as black sand blew through the halls. When the dust settled, Evy and Meela were crouched in their corner, the dream-Rick and Imhotep were hang onto the ledge, while Jonathan protected Alex.
Once more, the dream-Rick screamed for Evy to leave. . .go, just go! And once more, her face grew determined. . .but this time, Rick could hear what his wife was thinking. *Ardeth died saving my life. . .I'll not allow Rick to die!* With that, she ran forward. Alex screamed in terror, and Jonathan looked away, then back again. All was as it was months earlier. But the outcome was different. So focused was Evy on reaching her husband, that she did not take the care in watching the falling rocks. A falling rock struck her, causing a mortal wound.
Both the dream-Rick and the real Rick O'Connell screamed in denial, even as a second figure was visible in the doorway where Meela crouched. Except, Rick realized, she was no longer Meela, but Anck-su-namun. And the figure was. . .Ardeth. He cried out, "Evelyn?" And again, the dream- Rick screamed, for his best friend was following the path taken by his wife only a few minutes earlier.
But Ardeth showed the same caution which Evy demonstrated when she came for him at Ahm Shere. Imhotep was screaming at Anck-su-namun to leave, to save herself. But like Evy, her face settled into grim lines and she followed Ardeth. The Med-jai reached Evy first, moaning her name as he fell to his knees. She smiled at him weakly, begging him to finish what she started. Anck-su-namun dropped to her knees, whispering, "I will stay with the princess, Med-jai, until her brother comes." Ardeth looked up at her, and the concubine added, "I wished to settle things between us, Med- jai. I never wished for it to end like this. Go. I will not harm her."
"If you do harm her. . ." Ardeth began. His face tightened with pain, and he doubled over. Anck-su-namun's eyes widened, and she put her hand on Ardeth's back. The sympathetic gesture surprised her as much as it did him. Ardeth finally got his breath back, then said, "Then I will trust her to you." He took one more deep breath, then raced across the remaining distance, carefully timing his progress to avoid falling rocks.
By the time Ardeth reached Rick, Jonathan joined the two women, and Anck followed Ardeth. Except she miscalculated, and a rock hit her. Imhotep screamed in anguish as Ardeth fell to his knees. The old enemies looked at each other, then Imhotep smiled weakly, throwing himself into the Underworld. This bought them time, and allowed Ardeth to pull the dream- Rick to safety. He was pushed aside as the dream-Rick ran to Evy. He took her from Jonathan's arms, never noticing Ardeth's collapse.
Jonathan snatched up Alex, even as the little boy screamed that they couldn't leave Ardeth. Rick shook his head, mouthing 'no' as Ardeth simply lay there. It was then that they received another surprising gift of aid. This time, from Anck-su-namun. When the stone hit her, it drove out Meela for good, and the concubine made her way to Ardeth, helping him up. Rick watched in astonishment as the woman who killed Ardeth earlier in the day now guided him out of the temple.
Up they went, Anck-su-namun never releasing Ardeth, never allowing him to falter. Evy was silent, but the dream-Rick wouldn't let her go. Izzy showed up in his repaired dirigible. He maneuvered his airship until Rick could carry Evy aboard, then Jonathan pushed Alex onto the ropes, then helped Anck-su-namun with Ardeth. Time was running out, but Jonathan still managed to grab the diamond from the pyramid, pushing it aboard as Izzy fired up the engines.
On the dirigible, Evy whispered that she loved Rick. She wanted him to take care of Alex and Ardeth. . .he knew as well as she did that Ardeth would blame himself for Evy's death. It wasn't his fault. She made the choice. She just hoped he could forgive her for destroying his sacrifice. Then she died in the dream-Rick's arms, and this time, nothing could bring her back. The Book was lost, left behind in the insanity.
Alex was once more in his uncle's arms, sobbing. And Anck-su-namun held Ardeth, who finally lost consciousness when they reached the safety of the airship. By looking into her heart and mind, Rick could see she wasn't sure why she did this. Why she saved Ardeth Bey. . .but she knew it was necessary. She hugged him again, making sure he wasn't bleeding again, and satisfied herself that he was just exhausted. Then the screen went dark, and Lady Ardath turned to Rick O'Connell with a grim expression.
"I wouldn't do that," Rick said hoarsely. But he knew he would have. He knew that he had. Just as he knew Ardeth would have sacrificed himself to save Evy. Rick swallowed hard, barely able to meet the concubine's eyes, and he whispered, "What do you want from me? I've treated him badly, especially lately, I *know* that! And the futures you showed me. . .they frightened me. What more do you want?"
"Must you really ask, Rick O'Connell, what I want? Very well. I shall tell you. I want to make sure you never take my child for granted again. I want you to remember what I showed you, every time you look at Ardeth from this day forward. I want you to keep that image of Andreas crying over his brother's body in the back of your mind for all eternity, along with the image of that destroyed future!" the young woman fired back.
She asked very little. Rick knew that. Confronted with his own actions and attitude, Rick now knew that he could never go back to the way he was. He could only move forward. He swallowed hard again, answering, "I give you my word. As a past Med-jai. I will never take him for granted again." As the words were spoken, a vision of that past reality which ended the lives of everyone he loved flashed through his mind.
"Then you may return," Lady Ardath said, inclining her head. It was just that easy. One moment, he was in the dream world, and the next. . .
. . .
Rick sat upright in his bed, trembling. Oh God, that was one helluva dream! He tried to stop shaking, but the image of Ardeth dying in his brother's arms wouldn't leave his head. Rick threw back the covers and left the bed. He looked at Evy. She was alive. So long as she drew breath, there were always second chances. And a second chance was what he was given. Rick leaned over and brushed her forehead with his lips, then quietly left the room. He made sure that Evy was all right. Now he would check on Ardeth.
That image, of Ardeth dying in the arms of his brother, haunted Rick as he headed across the hall to the guestroom. Ardeth. . .dead. Rick had to make sure he was all right, because the American couldn't imagine losing him. Ardeth was his constant. He and Evy. The one person he could always depend upon, no matter how much Rick pushed him away. And Rick *always* pushed him away, at least in the beginning, before he realized how much he needed him.
The American carefully pushed the door open, light filtering into the bedroom, and peered inside. Ardeth remained locked in the arms of his own wife, both protective and protected. Rick breathed a little in relief, but couldn't leave until he was sure Ardeth was truly all right. He slipped quietly into the room, not stopping until he reached the bed, and he could heard Ardeth breathe, until he could see his friend's chest rise and fall.
Rick remembered what Ardeth told him the night before his wedding to Celia, when he got drunk. How Rick reminded him of his older brother Andreas. After seeing what might have been, Rick understood better now. And the truth was. . .the truth was, despite the rocky beginning, Rick came to love this man as a younger brother. The brother Rick always wanted while he was growing up.
"Rick, what are you doing?" a sleepy voice asked. Rick turned to see his wife entering the room behind him, her hand resting on her abdomen. Evy put on a robe before she came into the room, but forgotten her slippers. Rick started to answer, then she continued, "Well, it can wait until morning. Ardeth's had a perfectly awful two days, and he needs to rest." With that, she took Rick's arm and led him out of the room before he could wake either Ardeth or Celia.
Outside the room, Rick turned to his wife, saying softly, "I had to make sure he was all right. The dream. . .god, my dreams tonight." He rubbed at his eyes, then pulled his wife in his arms, whispering, "I dreamed that you died, Evy. Everyone died, and there was no one to stand against Imhotep, because Ardeth died during the first raid at Hamunaptra. I had to make sure he was all right, Evy." He couldn't bring himself to tell her about Ahm Shere.
Evy went still in his arms, and then she pulled back to look at him. She finally said softly, "Rick. . .you're crying." She wiped away his tears, the tears he wept when he watched his best friend die twice, then continued, "You had the same dream I did, I think. And if you really must know, I came to check on him, too. On both of them. But they need to sleep. We can both apologize to him in the morning."
"You? Why should you apologize? You. . .you never lashed out at him when he was trying to help you. Hell, Evy, you've always been the one to listen to him first. There's no reason for you to apologize to Ardeth, because you didn't do anything wrong," Rick answered hoarsely.
"That's where you're wrong, Rick. . .that's where you're wrong," Evy said quietly, her dark eyes haunted by something she saw in her dreams, something which he obviously hadn't. She stared at the now-closed door, murmuring, "I never thanked him for helping you to rescue me. I never thanked him for putting our family above his people. I've taken him for granted, too, Rick, but no more. We could have lost him so many times."
Rick looked at the door, too. There was a part of him which wanted to go back into the room, wake Ardeth, and tell him just how sorry he was. For everything. That was selfish, he knew. As selfish as anything he did in his life. He didn't know what kinds of things had gone wrong over the last few days, but he knew that if he didn't back down now, he would have a pint-sized American Fury on his hands. And he *really* didn't want to piss off Celia again.
"It won't happen again. From here on out. . ." Rick began, then had to stop. He developed a rather large lump in his throat, and found it very hard to speak. Rick looked away, then back at his wife. The more tender emotions were always hard for him, though Evy softened some of those hard edges. It was easy for him to tell Evy, and his son, how much he loved them. But friendship with a man. . .that was much harder.
Men were different, after all. They didn't. . .they couldn't tell each other how important they were. That wasn't the way they were. And Rick, who considered Beni to be his best friend up until 1923, when Beni left him to die, found it harder than most to trust anyone, at all. Even someone who repeatedly proven himself loyal over the years, like Ardeth. Someone who was a constant in Rick's life.
Even when Rick pushed him away, Ardeth was there, strong and reliable and level-headed, because Rick reminded Ardeth so very much of his older brother. Rick was different, of course, because he didn't grow up in a big, loving family as Andreas Bey did. But in other ways, they were very much alike. Right down to their vengeful nature. In that other reality, Andreas killed Rick because he held him responsible for his brother's death. In this reality, Rick killed the Scorpion King and intended to kill Imhotep, as payback for Evy's murder. And if someone killed his brother. . .as they had in that other reality. . . then Rick would have done the exact same thing Andreas did.
At last, Rick put his hands on his wife's shoulders, saying softly, "I'll need your help, Evy, when I talk to Ardeth in the morning. I'll need you to help me. . .because I don't know how to do this. I told you once that you and Alex were the only things in my life that mattered. And you are the most important people to me, you always will be. That will never change. But family isn't just about blood and marriage. It's. . .it's also about going through hell together, and always being there for each other. Whether I'm a Med-jai or not. . .that's beside the point, it's not important. Ardeth is family, he's our brother. . .and I have to learn to stop fighting that."
Evy smiled, cupping his face in her hands, and replied, "You're wrong about one thing, darling. It *is* important, and you *are* a Med-jai. Aside from the part about the Bracelet of Anubis killing Alex, when has Ardeth ever been wrong? But you're right about something far more important. Ardeth is part of our family. And I will help you tomorrow. But for now. . .for now, we need to sleep as well."
Rick nodded, the adrenaline which poured through him after waking from the dream now dying down. Weariness overwhelmed him. Yes, they would talk to Ardeth in the morning. He would do whatever his friend wanted, he would apologize, but he would find a way to make things right. He just knew he couldn't allow Ardeth to leave in the morning. . .he couldn't let things go the way they were.
. . .
His wife had this annoying habit of awakening before he did. But as Ardeth Bey opened his eyes, to find Celia smiling down at him, he couldn't be too terribly annoyed with her. He closed his eyes once more, sighing, "And what, exactly, are you smiling at, my love?" She didn't answer, not with words. Instead, her lips brushed across his forehead, over his cheeks, caressing his lips, before sweeping along his neck.
"I am smiling at how well you sleep in my arms," she answered, her words a breath against his skin. Ardeth blushed. Yes, he did. His men noticed it while they were on patrol, calling attention to the circles under his eyes. Thus, Ardeth learned his men worried about him. He knew that they looked to him, and cared for him. . .but worried for him? That was something new, and he wasn't sure how to handle it.
Even the warriors who disapproved of his choice acknowledged that his sleep was much more restful, when his wife was in his arms. They were not happy about this, but it was a step forward. Besides, after her dance the night before their wedding, no more Med-jai could say she was not the reincarnation of Lady Ardath. And fortunately, Celia knew that she had to earn her own place among the Med-jai. For this wisdom, she was accorded more grudging respect.
Ardeth barely bit back a moan as Celia nuzzled the side of his neck. How on earth did she do this to him? His body just came alive when she touched him. But if they wanted to leave today, he had to stop her before her mouth. . .or hands. . .moved much lower. They spent almost the entire day after their wedding, making love. Celia was quite insatiable. Of the two, she had more sexual experience, and Ardeth quickly realized that when they were alone, she would make up for any time lost during the day. Ardeth was still uncomfortable with physical affection when others could see them. He spent too many years, tightly controlling his emotions and his body.
On the other hand, Ardeth enacted payback of his own, the morning after the wedding. Ardeth was highly unaccustomed to. . .well, to being so passive. Celia told him that she intended to take care of him, and would pleasure him until he was out of his mind with desire, but until the end, she didn't allow him to touch her. And Ardeth wanted to touch her. . .wanted that so badly.
The following morning, Ardeth returned the favor. However, unlike his new wife, he had far more experience in tying (and untying) bonds. And he made sure the scarf binding his wife's wrists was secure indeed, before he began worshipping her body. Ardeth grinned at the memory, and her promise to never try such a one-sided night again. Unless, of course, she was punishing him. What a punishment, though. Most warriors he knew, their wives punished them by making them sleep outside the tent.
"What are you laughing at?" Celia asked now, her fingers sliding along his sides as she kissed the hollow of his throat. Ardeth just looked at her, barely suppressing his grin, and Celia allowed her hands to wander a little further. Allowed? No, that was wrong. That action was quite deliberate. And so were the lips which trailed oh so slowly down his chest, over his ribs, and seemed destined to more points south.
Ardeth, knowing how his body reacted to her touch the closer her hands or lips got to his nether regions, quickly put a stop to *that.* He curled his fingers around the nape of her neck, drawing her up to kiss her firmly, before rolling over atop her. And since turnabout *is* fair play, he set to tickling her sides, even as he smothered her giggles with his mouth. However, Celia was no more one to be passive than Ardeth himself was, and she grasped his wrists, wrapping his arms around her, before she locked her legs around his waist.
There were times in a warrior's life when the most sensible thing to do in a fight was call a truce, or a strategic retreat. Ardeth quickly realized this was one fight he would lose, no matter how dirty he fought, because Celia was equally willing to fight dirty. And so he broke the kiss, gasping, "Enough, I surrender. I will always surrender to you, my Celia. And we have a train to catch to Scotland."
Celia's eyes grew sad, and she asked, "You still want to leave today?" Ardeth didn't bother answering that. The eight or so hours of sleep did not change his mind about that. He wanted to leave today, and he wanted to leave before anyone else was up. Perhaps it was cowardly, but he couldn't bear to see Evelyn's expression when they left, and though he now knew his friendship with O'Connell was damaged beyond repair, Ardeth didn't feel comfortable about being in the middle of an argument between them.
"I wish to leave today. . .preferably before the others are awake. Cowardly, aywa, but I find even after a decent night's sleep, I have no desire for another scene," Ardeth acknowledged. The sadness in his wife's eyes gave way to a pained compassion. She reached up, gently caressing one of the tattoos on his right cheek. Ardeth turned his head, ever so slightly, and kissed the palm of her hand.
"Nor do I. All right. Let me see who is awake, and if it's just Evy, we'll get something to eat. If everyone is asleep, then we'll leave after I write Evy a short note," Celia replied. Ardeth thought about that for a moment, then nodded. Yes, that was an acceptable compromise. He rolled off his wife, allowing her to get up. Celia scooted off the bed, unable to stop herself from one last caress, lightly brushing her fingers across the muscles of his stomach. Ardeth gasped, his eyes narrowing at his wife. Damn her, she was doing it to him again!
She just smiled at him and left the room, her hips swaying slightly. Ardeth collapsed against the bed once more with a groan. The woman was insatiable, and she would end up killing him. There were no two ways about it. After a moment, he began to smile. Yes, she most likely would, but there was no better way to go, unless it was in battle. His smile faded slowly. He fell in love with her not that long ago, and the passion of those feelings took his breath away. What frightened him now was how he came to love her even more.
Given his own fierce devotion to his wife, Ardeth could understand the determination O'Connell demonstrated on countless occasions to protect his wife. Ardeth would sacrifice his own life to protect his Celia. . .he could hardly judge O'Connell for wishing to do the same, even if Ardeth *didn't* love Evy as a sister. However, he thought O'Connell trusted him enough to realize that Ardeth would never willingly place Evelyn or Alex, or the unborn child, at risk.
Clearly, he was wrong. And Ardeth now accepted that with a cold feeling in his gut. He didn't like accepting it, of course. But he had no other choice. It was over. Ardeth lifted his head as Celia slipped back into the room, saying softly, "Everyone is asleep. It is rather early, after all. . .at least for them." Ardeth smiled ruefully, realizing she was right. Not everyone was awake before dawn, like the Med-jai.
"Then we will quietly pack, and leave. Do you wish to get dressed before or after you write your note to Evelyn?" Ardeth asked, raising his eyebrows at the way his wife was running around in just her nightgown. Celia responded with her own version of Evelyn's 'oooh, you!' look, but went to her trunk for the clothes she would wear that day. Ardeth leaned back, thoroughly enjoying the view.
"I would ask if you plan to get dressed as well," his wife said, her head still bent over her trunk, "but I know better. You know, I actually timed you once. . .it takes you two minutes to get into your robes and trousers." Ardeth laughed outright, laughing again when his wife stuck his tongue out at him as she headed into the bathroom to change clothes. During the last four months, it became a running joke. Celia often teased him about how handy the black Med-jai robes were. They hid dirt, blood (at least up to a point), and there was the intimidation factor.
Ardeth countered once that they didn't do a very good job of intimidating her. She simply laughed and replied, "In the beginning, Ardeth, when I first met you, you scared the hell out of me." That surprised him. . .it hurt a little, that he ever frightened this woman, even a little. Then she smiled at him, her hazel eyes twinking with laughter, and added, "Besides, I know now that under these layers of robes is a sweet, loving man."
Ardeth had a mock-indignant retort handy, right up until the time she kissed him. At that point, all thoughts flew right out of his head. Ardeth shook his head, still smiling, and got out of bed. He found his clean robes and trousers, dressing quickly, then moved to find his boots. The dizziness hit then, swamping over him. He clutched at the side of the bed, trying desperately to keep from falling over.
He fought it with every fiber of his being, as he fought every other enemy he encountered in his life. And he didn't even realize that Celia returned to the room, until she gave a little cry, and he felt her arms go around him. She whispered, "Ardeth, are you all right? Maybe we should wait another day, and just stay in our room." Ardeth allowed his head to fall against her shoulder, not strong enough to fight this alone.
He didn't answer at first, but as the dizziness receded, he replied, "La. We should go now. I will be fine." He pulled back, to look into his wife's dear, concerned face. She didn't like it. He could see that she didn't like it, and Ardeth said softly, "Please, Celia. I have not the energy to fight with O'Connell again." Celia exhaled slowly, and nodded. She still didn't like it, but she would agree. Ardeth put his arm around her and whispered, "Shukran, my love. Now go write your note."
. . .
Celia Bey did NOT like this at all. She didn't like the idea of leaving, even with the complication of Rick O'Connell, not when her husband wasn't well. But she also knew that there was a possibility he would improve, once he got away from the tension. Moving quietly, to avoid waking anyone, Celia carried her note for Evy downstairs. No one was even stirring. Thank the goddess.
In the kitchen, she went to the icebox. . .or, as Celia and her fellow Americans called it, the refrigerator. The young queen read over the note she wrote one last time, glancing over her shoulder every few seconds, just to make sure Ardeth was the only one coming. Satisfied that none of the family were waking up, Celia turned her attention back to the letter.
'Dear Evy,' she wrote, 'I'm sorry that we left without saying good- bye, but Ardeth wanted to get an early start. I'm hoping we can stop in London on the way back to Cairo next month, but that will depend on how receptive Ardeth is. He has decided that he's finished trying to win Rick's trust, and quite frankly, I can't blame him. He isn't feeling well. . .I'm hoping once I get him away from the tension, he'll relax. But stay close, Evy. . .I may need you. Your sister-in-law, CFB.'
"It'll do," she murmured, and placed the note on the refrigerator. Or rather, *in* the refrigerator, since she stuck the note between the two doors. She just hoped that it didn't get trampled. She really didn't like leaving without saying good-bye, but maybe she would get the chance to make amends with Evy. At least with her friend, there was that chance. Rick O'Connell was incapable of forgiving, or trusting, anyone but his wife. His loss. Celia shook her head, and went back upstairs.
Halfway up the stairs, Celia sensed Anck's presence, and the Egyptian whispered, though only Celia could hear her, "I would tell you if any of the O'Connells were awake, Celia." The American smiled at her ghostly friend, and Anck continued, "You are worried about Ardeth. As am I. I sensed something strange during the fight yesterday. But I cannot tell you exactly what that something is."
"You mean aside from those Guardians disappearing?" Celia asked, and Anck nodded, looking worried. Sometimes, Celia found it very difficult to reconcile the anxious figure at her side with the woman who did such evil deeds. Her memories. . .or rather, Ardath's memories. . .of Seti were of a harsh man, but one capable of great love. He showed little mercy to his enemies, and great generosity to those whom he loved. In other words, he was a man of his times. . .and certainly no worse than certain leaders of today. Like that frightening little man who was the Chancellor in Germany. Many found him laughable. . .he terrified Celia.
Anck replied, wisely leaving the subjects of Seti and Hitler alone, "Yes, exactly. There are many things I am not permitted to see. Ma'at and Mathayus do not yet trust me. Especially not after what Ardath and I did last night." Celia looked at her companion, raising her eyebrows. Anck actually blushed and said, "I. . .ah. . .well. . .I took my own justice out of that man's hide, as you Americans are so fond of saying."
Celia felt her eyebrows go up even further, but instead of pressing the issue (she had a feeling she didn't want to know), she said, "I understand. This dizzy spell of Ardeth's has me very worried. Rick O'Connell is no longer an issue for me. But until we got to England yesterday, my husband was fine. Last night, he had a terrible headache when he woke up, and then this morning, he had a dizzy spell."
"I know. While you were downstairs, putting the note away, I remained with Ardeth," Anck explained. Celia nodded. That actually didn't surprise her. Anck blushed once more, adding, "If someone told me, even months ago, that I would be so protective of a Med-jai, I would have slit their throats." Celia grinned at that, at the words, and at the tone of voice her friend used, that mix of exasperation and awe.
"Yes, but you no longer see just Ardeth's markings. . .you see him. The man," Celia pointed out as they went up the last few steps. Anck nodded, still looking both puzzled and somewhat annoyed. Anck didn't like caring about people, least of all, caring about them as much as she cared about Celia and Ardeth. It made her vulnerable, and in Anck's time, vulnerability meant weakness. Weakness meant death.
"I do not just see the man. I hear the name. And in my mind's eye, I see the little boy who would race through the corridors of the palace, throwing himself against my legs. He would shout my name, and smear my paint, but I loved that child so much. He was a living reminder of his mother, and I could never hate anyone who had Ardath in him. That little boy had hazel eyes, just like her," Anck replied.
"And from what I've been told, that first Ardeth Bey grew up to look just like his father, with whispers of his mother," Celia countered with a smile. Anck looked at her, surprised, and Celia replied, "I've read the ancient scrolls of the Med-jai, Anck. Ardeth Bey had his father's features, his black hair, and his scowl. . .but he had his mother's hazel eyes, and her smile. Unfortunately, the scowl was used more often than his smile."
Anck cast a sly glance toward the room Celia and Ardeth shared the previous night, answering, "Something which cannot be said for his namesake and descendant since his marriage." Celia tried to glower at her friend, knowing that swatting at her would have only resulted in her tumbling down the stairs. But Anck's impish grin made it difficult for Celia to even glower at her.
The American muttered a few choice words under her breath as she entered the room. Ardeth was still pale, but he looked resolute. She wouldn't be able to talk him out of this. Damn. So, instead of complaining, Celia smiled at him and said, "Ready to go, love?" He inclined his head, but it didn't ease her worries any. If anything, it increased her anxiety tenfold. But she knew her husband.
"I am ready," Ardeth answered quietly. Oh, this definitely was not good. Since their marriage, his sense of humor came out more frequently, with him often teasing her about her American colloquialisms. If he was feeling well, he would have fired back with a remark like, 'as you or O'Connell would say, I'm ready whenever you are.' That was something else she noticed, though.
Ardeth did use contractions, on occasion. Evy told her of their first trip with Izzy, when they were heading to Ahm Shere to rescue Alex. Ardeth took one look at the dirigible and asked with no small amount of exasperation, "Why can't you people ever keep your feet on the ground?" Celia barely stifled a laugh at that, knowing how much her husband hated to fly. She learned that during the trip to Hamunaptra, to rescue Miranda from Khaldun.
So yes, her husband did use less than perfect English grammar. And yet, strangely enough, he used that less than perfect English when he was feeling one hundred percent. . .or, at least ninety-five percent. However, the worse he felt, the more correct his English became. She smiled at him, forcing her anxiety back, and said, "Well. . .in that case, I believe we have a train to catch."
He smiled back, but his heart wasn't in it. Celia picked up her bags, making sure they didn't cover her staff, and Ardeth picked up his own. Celia sensed Anck's anxiety, and realized that the other members of the household were starting to stir. *In that case,* she thought grimly, *to borrow one of the phrases O'Connell is so fond of. . .time to go!*
"Then catch a train, we will," Ardeth agreed, picking up his own bag. Traveled lightly, her husband did. As they quietly left the room, silently making their way down the stairs and slipping from the house, Ardeth waited until they were outside before he asked very quietly, "Celia? Explain exactly why it is termed 'catching a train,' if you please?" Celia grinned at her husband as she flagged down a cab.
"I'll see if I can explain it on the way, love. And see. . .I got a cab for us, instead of a double-decker bus," she teased gently. Ardeth just groaned at this reminder of the last time he was in London. Celia laughed and gently pulled her husband into the cab, telling the driver, "The train station, please. And don't be alarmed by my husband's appearance. He'll only hurt you if you give him reason."
Neither the husband nor the wife saw the curtains part on the second floor of the O'Connell house. Nor did they see a small boy's face peek through. Celia's only focus was on her husband, and on getting where they were going. The O'Connells were on the bottom of her priority list.