Chap 2
1 Medjai Warrior Oath
As sworn Medjai, a Warrior for God I make these sacred oaths before Allah and before my people.
That as my forefathers have done since the time before the Pharaohs, I give my life to the protection of the Voice of the Law - and shall strive to uphold that law in the desert.
That as my ancestors have done since the time of Seti the first, I shall guard Hamunaptra - the City of the Dead - against trespass that may seek to remove the wealth of Egypt from its rightful place and might unwittingly disturb the unrest of "He-That Shall-Not-Be-Named" and with my life, protect all Egypt against the threat of the Curse of Hom-Dai.
That I give my life in service to those of my people, holding the Honor of the Medjai as my own; I shall protect and cherish my Brother Warriors and their sons, and the wives and daughters of my people.
I swear on my life that I shall use my strength and honor as a Medjai warrior to defend those weaker than myself and those in need, and that against such people I shall raise my weapons only in defense, never to attack.
I seek neither wealth, nor glory for my actions, only to fulfill these sacred vows to the best of my hearts trust and truth. In the name of Allah most Merciful, and of the Old Gods of this land, may my voice be heard, and my oaths recognized, knowing that I shall find only torment and never rest if they be broken through action or inaction and I seek not to right my wrongs.
1.1.1 With blade, blood and bone I will honor this sacred oath.
~*~
Ardeth was able to relax and rest for at three full days after the birth of Alex before he received a summons back to Cairo from the Elders. He left on a cold and rainy afternoon, his mood as foul as the weather since his thigh wound was no better than the days previous. To compound matters, the baby's birth had reminded him of his own son, who now would've been at least two summers old. And of course, he thought of Janan. Sometimes he wondered if he would ever have a family again and although the O'Connell's had treated him more like a relative than a visiting friend, he felt out of place and uncomfortable.
On the chartered flight, he knew he was becoming feverish and the pressure inside the plane's cabin made his whole leg throb with an intensity that almost robbed him of coherent thought. He tried to sleep but could only manage short, unsatisfying catnaps and when he arrived in Cairo the next morning, the warrior almost stumbled down the steps leading from the plane, his leg stiff and aching.
Wajeeh, Commander of the Second met him at the gates with grim news, his keen eyes noting the pale face and stiff gait of his fellow warrior.
"Ardeth." Wajeeh pulled down his face covering and greeted him. "Assalamu alaikum."
"Peace be upon you, my friend."
"I bring grave news and I am to escort you back to my village." The older warrior stated. "Aliyy was taken last night, during a raid on his village. The Elders of our tribes are concerned, fearing this may be a sign of things to come and they have called the summit for today, to start once we arrive."
The two men left the airfield and walked over to where Wajeeh had several of his men waiting with the horses. Silently the other commander struggled to lift himself into the saddle, not acknowledging Wajeeh's look of concern and stubbornly refusing to admit to any show of weakness. Finally, with a shaky sigh, Ardeth was seated and Wajeeh gave the command to ride.
"Aliyy's village was attacked last night?" Ardeth asked as they rode, trying anything to keep his mind off his nagging injury.
"Yes, and by the attack formation, these men were well trained, almost like the militia from the forts. My friend, they were heavily armed and from what I'm told, Aliyy never had a chance."
"So the reason for the summit has changed." Ardeth concluded.
Wajeeh agreed. "The Elders are concerned."
The two men lapsed back into silence until a few hours later, they arrived at the borders of Wajeeh's village and Ardeth noticed the increased sentries and patrols. The horses thundered into the small main square, coming to an abrupt halt in a showering cloud of dust and all dismounted, except for Ardeth. He hesitated until the other commander had ordered his men to their posts, then took a deep breath as he began the slow process of moving and closed his eyes for a brief moment. The sudden attack of vertigo almost made him lose his balance and fall from the saddle - something, which had not happened since he was a toddler first learning to ride. He moved his leg a fraction of an inch and fought back the wave of nausea that came up and lodged in his throat, the pain was so intense it made him sick.
"How long has it been like this?" Came Wajeeh's softly asked question.
Ardeth looked down at his friend and shook his head in denial. "Not long. I'm all right." And with great effort, he swung down from the saddle, holding onto the pommel as he felt his foot touch the ground. Ardeth couldn't help but close his eyes once more against the sharp jabs of pain that radiated up from his thigh. Still holding onto the pommel, he rested his head against the saddle for a moment, trying to regain some of his composure.
"We need for you to see a healer." Wajeeh decided.
"No." Ardeth shook his head and turned towards the other warrior. "I'm fine now. We need to reach the summit."
Reluctantly, Wajeeh agreed and together the men walked towards the far end of town, to one of the buildings where the tribal Elders held their councils and where all of the remaining commanders had gathered, including the Seconds in command.
As they passed by some of Wajeeh's people, Ardeth couldn't help but notice the women who were busy going about their daily chores, going to the well for water or their other duties and all around them were children. Babies were carried against their hips, held against their mother's warm body, and small toddlers that clung onto a hand, chubby legs taking careful steps. Dark heads, full of curls or long, ebony colored hair that had a parent's lingering hand touching them, brown eyes that shone with happiness and love, smiles that were made up of bright, new teeth or none. All smiling, all happy.
One of them could have been his own child and Ardeth felt the long ago suppressed jealously surge through his beleaguered heart and while he wouldn't admit it in the O'Connell's home, seeing the birth of Alex had reminded Ardeth of what he once had and lost. It tortured him, tormented him to think of his life alone and without the love of a wife or family. He looked at the children with envy and longing, in the process not seeing where he was walking and bumped into Wajeeh.
"Ardeth, are you all right?"
The warrior silently nodded his head and the men continued into the building and the council room. It was overflowing with warriors, and as soon as Ardeth walked inside, the almost oppressive heat made his stomach churn in response and he fleetingly wondered if he would be able to stop himself from retching. They walked over to a fairly open space near a window and Ardeth was able to regain some precious control over his trembling body with the help of a faint breeze that blew in from time to time. He leaned against the wall, deferring the remaining chair to Wajeeh out of respect for the older commander but also the fear that once he sat down, he didn't think he could manage to stand again.
The Elders called the meeting to order but not before offering a prayer to Allah for guidance and understanding for these troubled times. They then noted all of the commanders present and one old man stood up and began addressing the assembled. His voice droned on, almost sounding like a pleasant hum to Ardeth whose concentration was slipping due to lack of sleep. He nodded once, then twice but snapped awake when he heard the Elders mentioning the chest of He That Shall Not Be Named. And in quick succession, the story of the resurrection of the priest by the foreigners, the same who had helped Ardeth return him again to his sandy tomb. They noted that the books of Amun-Ra and of the Dead were still safely buried beneath the sand of Hamunaptra but the chest had been taken to a safe storage sight, away from the city and any future chance if it being stolen and used again.
And now, in fear that Commander Aliyy was dead, the Elders wanted to chest to be removed once and for all, for it represented too much of a temptation to be used in bringing the priest back from the dead.
The Elder turned and addressed Ardeth. "Commander, you have just returned from England, visiting the American and his wife, did you not?"
Ardeth respectfully bowed his head. "Yes."
"And you've mentioned countless times before, how helpful these foreigners have been in exporting certain artifacts away from the City of the Dead, aiding our protection and continued watch over this same city?"
"Yes, I have."
"Then it has been decided by the Elders that we ask that you summons O'Connell back to Cairo, as a favor to you and our people. And have him take the chest back to England for safe keeping."
Ardeth stepped away from the wall, ignoring the shooting pain in his leg as his body reacted as if the suggestion were a threat. "Elder, did I misunderstand you? You wish me to call a man, who's a new father away from his family, and to come and retrieve the chest?"
"I believe I spoke plainly, Commander Bay."
"Then may I be allowed to speak plainly as well?" Ardeth asked evenly and when he received a nod, he continued. "Forgive me for pointing this out, but in the past, you have been the most outspoken opponent against the O'Connell's, have you not Elder? You, who have ordered for them to be shot as trespassers if they dared to approach Hamunaptra again. You now petition me to ask a man, who owes the Medjai nothing but has given his trust and friendship..you ask for him to complete a dangerous task, one that could very well get him killed if our enemy finds out what he carries back to England? This I cannot allow."
Another Elder stood up, his eyes narrowed in anger, his jaw clenching in agitation as he turned on the warrior.
"Commander Bay, show some respect before the Elders. And remember your oath taken as a warrior, or have those vows escaped from your mind, along with your manners?" He challenged. "We are fully aware of your friendship with the American but let me assure you, although you have no right to question us, our motive for seeking his aid is for the greater good."
"One man's help that in turn can help so many." Another Elder gently suggested to Ardeth and smiled, for he had always liked the young commander. "My son, it is the only way."
"As a Medjai, it is your duty to obey." Reminded the first Elder.
Ardeth closed his eyes for a moment, his patience wearing thin from the constant reminder of his duties, and to him the blatant disregard of one glaring fact. They were using his friendship with O'Connell, exploiting it to their advantage and he wanted to protest further until he felt the calm, steady hand of Wajeeh on his shoulder.
"Well Commander Bay? Will you or will you not notify the American?" The first Elder asked impatiently.
"For the greater good.." Wajeeh reminded him softly and slowly, against his better judgment, Ardeth bowed his head submissively towards the Elders.
"As you wish." He stated and gave a weak smile to his friend for his counsel.
The Elders decreed the decision unanimous and the summit proceeded onwards, deciding a message would be sent tonight and an estimation was made that O'Connell would arrive in two days time. Other topics of concern were brought forth, including a report from Aliyy's Second, a warrior named Mahfuz who reported heavy losses at his village and requested reinforcements.
Through it all, Ardeth lost track of time, the many voices flowing over and around him in a distant hum, making his head hurt and his body tremble from exhaustion. When he thought he might have passed out, Wajeeh announced the summit had concluded and invited Ardeth to come to his home for the night as his guest. Walking out into the cool night air revived him somewhat although the change in temperature made his thigh ache with a dull intensity and Ardeth stoically limped beside his friend as they approached the home, a few streets away from the council building.
Later on, after eating a light meal served by Wajeeh's wife, Ardeth retired to a guest room but not before asking for a basin of hot water and some linen. Although curious at the request, Wajeeh's wife complied and once alone, Ardeth disrobed and sat on the edge of the bed.
With careful hands, he pulled his leg onto the edge of the bed, biting back a small groan of pain at how such a simple movement could hurt so much. He slowly unwrapped the bandage from around his thigh and when finally revealed, he studied the slightly swollen area through blurry eyes, then with a heavy sigh, soaked a linen and placed the warm cloth over it. He felt no intense relief like he had felt before, the warmth only alleviated the ache for a few blessed moments before it returned with a vengeance and he tried soaking it again. Eventually, fatigue proved far greater than the constant pain he now felt and slowly, Ardeth fell back against the pillow, sleep claiming him before his dark head was laid to rest.
~*~
The body of the Medjai courier was dumped on the hard sand, his lifeless eyes staring accusingly at his murderers while the pouch he carried was lifted away from his bloody body.
Jahm read the note, and nodded with satisfaction, handing it back to one of his messengers.
"The time has come for us to strike." he said quietly and sent his man onwards, then motioned for the Qutaybah and Kasim to ride out with their men towards the same destination. He estimated that if events went according to his plan, by this time tomorrow night, he would've completed his first task assigned to him and would be able to move on to the more pressing issue - his matter of revenge against the Medjai with his own contingent of men. They patiently waited for sunrise for their next strike.
1 Medjai Warrior Oath
As sworn Medjai, a Warrior for God I make these sacred oaths before Allah and before my people.
That as my forefathers have done since the time before the Pharaohs, I give my life to the protection of the Voice of the Law - and shall strive to uphold that law in the desert.
That as my ancestors have done since the time of Seti the first, I shall guard Hamunaptra - the City of the Dead - against trespass that may seek to remove the wealth of Egypt from its rightful place and might unwittingly disturb the unrest of "He-That Shall-Not-Be-Named" and with my life, protect all Egypt against the threat of the Curse of Hom-Dai.
That I give my life in service to those of my people, holding the Honor of the Medjai as my own; I shall protect and cherish my Brother Warriors and their sons, and the wives and daughters of my people.
I swear on my life that I shall use my strength and honor as a Medjai warrior to defend those weaker than myself and those in need, and that against such people I shall raise my weapons only in defense, never to attack.
I seek neither wealth, nor glory for my actions, only to fulfill these sacred vows to the best of my hearts trust and truth. In the name of Allah most Merciful, and of the Old Gods of this land, may my voice be heard, and my oaths recognized, knowing that I shall find only torment and never rest if they be broken through action or inaction and I seek not to right my wrongs.
1.1.1 With blade, blood and bone I will honor this sacred oath.
~*~
Ardeth was able to relax and rest for at three full days after the birth of Alex before he received a summons back to Cairo from the Elders. He left on a cold and rainy afternoon, his mood as foul as the weather since his thigh wound was no better than the days previous. To compound matters, the baby's birth had reminded him of his own son, who now would've been at least two summers old. And of course, he thought of Janan. Sometimes he wondered if he would ever have a family again and although the O'Connell's had treated him more like a relative than a visiting friend, he felt out of place and uncomfortable.
On the chartered flight, he knew he was becoming feverish and the pressure inside the plane's cabin made his whole leg throb with an intensity that almost robbed him of coherent thought. He tried to sleep but could only manage short, unsatisfying catnaps and when he arrived in Cairo the next morning, the warrior almost stumbled down the steps leading from the plane, his leg stiff and aching.
Wajeeh, Commander of the Second met him at the gates with grim news, his keen eyes noting the pale face and stiff gait of his fellow warrior.
"Ardeth." Wajeeh pulled down his face covering and greeted him. "Assalamu alaikum."
"Peace be upon you, my friend."
"I bring grave news and I am to escort you back to my village." The older warrior stated. "Aliyy was taken last night, during a raid on his village. The Elders of our tribes are concerned, fearing this may be a sign of things to come and they have called the summit for today, to start once we arrive."
The two men left the airfield and walked over to where Wajeeh had several of his men waiting with the horses. Silently the other commander struggled to lift himself into the saddle, not acknowledging Wajeeh's look of concern and stubbornly refusing to admit to any show of weakness. Finally, with a shaky sigh, Ardeth was seated and Wajeeh gave the command to ride.
"Aliyy's village was attacked last night?" Ardeth asked as they rode, trying anything to keep his mind off his nagging injury.
"Yes, and by the attack formation, these men were well trained, almost like the militia from the forts. My friend, they were heavily armed and from what I'm told, Aliyy never had a chance."
"So the reason for the summit has changed." Ardeth concluded.
Wajeeh agreed. "The Elders are concerned."
The two men lapsed back into silence until a few hours later, they arrived at the borders of Wajeeh's village and Ardeth noticed the increased sentries and patrols. The horses thundered into the small main square, coming to an abrupt halt in a showering cloud of dust and all dismounted, except for Ardeth. He hesitated until the other commander had ordered his men to their posts, then took a deep breath as he began the slow process of moving and closed his eyes for a brief moment. The sudden attack of vertigo almost made him lose his balance and fall from the saddle - something, which had not happened since he was a toddler first learning to ride. He moved his leg a fraction of an inch and fought back the wave of nausea that came up and lodged in his throat, the pain was so intense it made him sick.
"How long has it been like this?" Came Wajeeh's softly asked question.
Ardeth looked down at his friend and shook his head in denial. "Not long. I'm all right." And with great effort, he swung down from the saddle, holding onto the pommel as he felt his foot touch the ground. Ardeth couldn't help but close his eyes once more against the sharp jabs of pain that radiated up from his thigh. Still holding onto the pommel, he rested his head against the saddle for a moment, trying to regain some of his composure.
"We need for you to see a healer." Wajeeh decided.
"No." Ardeth shook his head and turned towards the other warrior. "I'm fine now. We need to reach the summit."
Reluctantly, Wajeeh agreed and together the men walked towards the far end of town, to one of the buildings where the tribal Elders held their councils and where all of the remaining commanders had gathered, including the Seconds in command.
As they passed by some of Wajeeh's people, Ardeth couldn't help but notice the women who were busy going about their daily chores, going to the well for water or their other duties and all around them were children. Babies were carried against their hips, held against their mother's warm body, and small toddlers that clung onto a hand, chubby legs taking careful steps. Dark heads, full of curls or long, ebony colored hair that had a parent's lingering hand touching them, brown eyes that shone with happiness and love, smiles that were made up of bright, new teeth or none. All smiling, all happy.
One of them could have been his own child and Ardeth felt the long ago suppressed jealously surge through his beleaguered heart and while he wouldn't admit it in the O'Connell's home, seeing the birth of Alex had reminded Ardeth of what he once had and lost. It tortured him, tormented him to think of his life alone and without the love of a wife or family. He looked at the children with envy and longing, in the process not seeing where he was walking and bumped into Wajeeh.
"Ardeth, are you all right?"
The warrior silently nodded his head and the men continued into the building and the council room. It was overflowing with warriors, and as soon as Ardeth walked inside, the almost oppressive heat made his stomach churn in response and he fleetingly wondered if he would be able to stop himself from retching. They walked over to a fairly open space near a window and Ardeth was able to regain some precious control over his trembling body with the help of a faint breeze that blew in from time to time. He leaned against the wall, deferring the remaining chair to Wajeeh out of respect for the older commander but also the fear that once he sat down, he didn't think he could manage to stand again.
The Elders called the meeting to order but not before offering a prayer to Allah for guidance and understanding for these troubled times. They then noted all of the commanders present and one old man stood up and began addressing the assembled. His voice droned on, almost sounding like a pleasant hum to Ardeth whose concentration was slipping due to lack of sleep. He nodded once, then twice but snapped awake when he heard the Elders mentioning the chest of He That Shall Not Be Named. And in quick succession, the story of the resurrection of the priest by the foreigners, the same who had helped Ardeth return him again to his sandy tomb. They noted that the books of Amun-Ra and of the Dead were still safely buried beneath the sand of Hamunaptra but the chest had been taken to a safe storage sight, away from the city and any future chance if it being stolen and used again.
And now, in fear that Commander Aliyy was dead, the Elders wanted to chest to be removed once and for all, for it represented too much of a temptation to be used in bringing the priest back from the dead.
The Elder turned and addressed Ardeth. "Commander, you have just returned from England, visiting the American and his wife, did you not?"
Ardeth respectfully bowed his head. "Yes."
"And you've mentioned countless times before, how helpful these foreigners have been in exporting certain artifacts away from the City of the Dead, aiding our protection and continued watch over this same city?"
"Yes, I have."
"Then it has been decided by the Elders that we ask that you summons O'Connell back to Cairo, as a favor to you and our people. And have him take the chest back to England for safe keeping."
Ardeth stepped away from the wall, ignoring the shooting pain in his leg as his body reacted as if the suggestion were a threat. "Elder, did I misunderstand you? You wish me to call a man, who's a new father away from his family, and to come and retrieve the chest?"
"I believe I spoke plainly, Commander Bay."
"Then may I be allowed to speak plainly as well?" Ardeth asked evenly and when he received a nod, he continued. "Forgive me for pointing this out, but in the past, you have been the most outspoken opponent against the O'Connell's, have you not Elder? You, who have ordered for them to be shot as trespassers if they dared to approach Hamunaptra again. You now petition me to ask a man, who owes the Medjai nothing but has given his trust and friendship..you ask for him to complete a dangerous task, one that could very well get him killed if our enemy finds out what he carries back to England? This I cannot allow."
Another Elder stood up, his eyes narrowed in anger, his jaw clenching in agitation as he turned on the warrior.
"Commander Bay, show some respect before the Elders. And remember your oath taken as a warrior, or have those vows escaped from your mind, along with your manners?" He challenged. "We are fully aware of your friendship with the American but let me assure you, although you have no right to question us, our motive for seeking his aid is for the greater good."
"One man's help that in turn can help so many." Another Elder gently suggested to Ardeth and smiled, for he had always liked the young commander. "My son, it is the only way."
"As a Medjai, it is your duty to obey." Reminded the first Elder.
Ardeth closed his eyes for a moment, his patience wearing thin from the constant reminder of his duties, and to him the blatant disregard of one glaring fact. They were using his friendship with O'Connell, exploiting it to their advantage and he wanted to protest further until he felt the calm, steady hand of Wajeeh on his shoulder.
"Well Commander Bay? Will you or will you not notify the American?" The first Elder asked impatiently.
"For the greater good.." Wajeeh reminded him softly and slowly, against his better judgment, Ardeth bowed his head submissively towards the Elders.
"As you wish." He stated and gave a weak smile to his friend for his counsel.
The Elders decreed the decision unanimous and the summit proceeded onwards, deciding a message would be sent tonight and an estimation was made that O'Connell would arrive in two days time. Other topics of concern were brought forth, including a report from Aliyy's Second, a warrior named Mahfuz who reported heavy losses at his village and requested reinforcements.
Through it all, Ardeth lost track of time, the many voices flowing over and around him in a distant hum, making his head hurt and his body tremble from exhaustion. When he thought he might have passed out, Wajeeh announced the summit had concluded and invited Ardeth to come to his home for the night as his guest. Walking out into the cool night air revived him somewhat although the change in temperature made his thigh ache with a dull intensity and Ardeth stoically limped beside his friend as they approached the home, a few streets away from the council building.
Later on, after eating a light meal served by Wajeeh's wife, Ardeth retired to a guest room but not before asking for a basin of hot water and some linen. Although curious at the request, Wajeeh's wife complied and once alone, Ardeth disrobed and sat on the edge of the bed.
With careful hands, he pulled his leg onto the edge of the bed, biting back a small groan of pain at how such a simple movement could hurt so much. He slowly unwrapped the bandage from around his thigh and when finally revealed, he studied the slightly swollen area through blurry eyes, then with a heavy sigh, soaked a linen and placed the warm cloth over it. He felt no intense relief like he had felt before, the warmth only alleviated the ache for a few blessed moments before it returned with a vengeance and he tried soaking it again. Eventually, fatigue proved far greater than the constant pain he now felt and slowly, Ardeth fell back against the pillow, sleep claiming him before his dark head was laid to rest.
~*~
The body of the Medjai courier was dumped on the hard sand, his lifeless eyes staring accusingly at his murderers while the pouch he carried was lifted away from his bloody body.
Jahm read the note, and nodded with satisfaction, handing it back to one of his messengers.
"The time has come for us to strike." he said quietly and sent his man onwards, then motioned for the Qutaybah and Kasim to ride out with their men towards the same destination. He estimated that if events went according to his plan, by this time tomorrow night, he would've completed his first task assigned to him and would be able to move on to the more pressing issue - his matter of revenge against the Medjai with his own contingent of men. They patiently waited for sunrise for their next strike.