Bloodlines
Three is Company

Through the mischief of two Hobbits Rick discovers his family line travels further back than he could have imagined.

~~~~~~~

The air was hot and dry even if the light of the sun had not risen just yet.  There was only one bedroom and a small bathroom closed off from the main room of the house—a sort of living room/kitchen combination that was small and unkempt.  Evelyn was allowed in neither.  She had awakened about an hour ago to dim surroundings, her eyes tied around the back of a chair and a single lamp offering vision of this place.

The furniture was sparse and very little color touched the grand scheme of the room.  Stray items, papers and little decorative items were strewn about as if this little place had been looted or ransacked.  Upon the floor near her feet was a small porcelain kitten that had been broken in two, marking this as a place that had once housed someone that had cared for it.  But not now.  Now it was a place of captivity and fear.

Across from her in a chair sat a thin man, the man Rick had identified to her as Beni—an untrustworthy, unscrupulous fellow that would do anything to further his own interests.  Beni sat there upon the comfortable piece of furniture with his left ankle crossed over his knee, a gun sitting on the arm of the chair near his elbow, his head rested on his hand and a book open in his lap.  For a long time Evelyn did not speak to this man and he seemed content with it.  He had looked up once, saw her awake and said nothing.  But over the course of long moments stretching out before her she began to question things, why she was here and the like, so soon her curiosity got the best of her.  The first question she asked seemed most important.  "Where is he?"

Beni looked up, looked her over and shrugged.  "Who knows?  Probably killing your friends.  Where is O'Connell, by the way?  Did he run away and leave you behind?  I heard something about him disappearing."

Evy's brown eyes became narrow slits.  "No, Sir, and I'll thank you not to attribute your own failings to others.  I don't know where he is, but he did not desert us!"

"Well, excuse me," Beni drawled, flipping the page of his book.  "Not that it will matter one way or another when Prince Imhotep returns."  Those two, dark eyes settled upon her in a most unwholesome fashion.  "You will not be alive for very much longer, I'm afraid.  When we reach Hamunaptra he has plans.  Life is tough, isn't it?"

With a huff, Evy looked away and examined her surroundings once more out of sheer need to stop conversing with him.  A window with a towel carelessly draped from a curtain rod over it drew her attention to the small vision of freedom outside.  It looked to be within the few hours before morning—at least she hoped another dusk was not setting another day of her captivity behind her.  It was dim outside, the sky behind whatever darkened building across from the house was lit up just barely, coloring it some stormy shade of blue.  Was Aragorn out there, looking for her?

The thought of it made her inhale deeply.  She missed him, she could admit to herself.  Somehow she knew he would not leave her to this fate.  Not if he could help it.  And somehow that made her both joyful and afraid.  Don't be silly, girl, she told herself, absently forgetting to even try and make out features of the outside to pinpoint her location.  Now is not the time for such nonsense!  She pushed those burgeoning little thoughts of him away and concentrated on the here and now.

Beni was watching her, she noticed right off, a fact that did not leave comfortable feelings behind.  She could not read those beady eyes and could not glean what he might be thinking or planning.  Just what had Imhotep commanded, anyway?  Hopefully he had at least demanded she remain untouched.  Unsavory imaginations stirred within her, but Beni made no move to bring them to life.  With an annoyed glare, as if he detested babysitting, he took to reading again.

Evy shifted uncomfortably in her bonds, testing the strength with which she had been tied.  Her legs had been placed against the legs of her chair and her arms behind her back.  She found she could shift her wrists within the rough rope.  Perhaps if she wriggled enough, it would come undone.  Her shoulders shook as she worked, a fact that did not go unnoticed after the first five minutes had passed.  "I would not do that if I were you," he warned, not bothering to look up.  "If Imhotep returns and I have to explain why you're unconscious again, he might not be too happy.  He gets grumpy."

"I don't suppose you'll let me use the washroom," she murmured irritably.

The snide little man grinned and flipped another page.  "I don't suppose you'd mind if I watched."

"Disgusting," Evy accused him then.

He smiled and bowed his head.  "Thank you."  He gazed upon her for a few moments, seeing her failed amusement, then sighed and came before her.  A finger pointed into her face suddenly and his manner became slightly condescending.  "I suppose I could let you go.  Don't try anything.  I would really hate to hurt you."

Evy bit her lip against any remarks, nodded and waited while he freed her wrists, then bent to start on her legs.  "I'll handle those, thank you," she said in a clipped tone, not eager to have his hands upon her more than was required.  He stood back and watched as she untied herself, then motioned her towards the bathroom.

Her pulse picked up with every step, his wiry frame tracing her movements until they reached the bathroom door.  Then her spirits sank.  The one window in that tiny room was much too small.  If she were lucky, she would be able to fit her head out, but nothing more.  He smirked, following her glance, then shoved her in.  Evy turned around with a cold expression, then slammed the door shut in his face, locking it behind her.  When she turned pale off-white glared at her from every corner.  The bathroom was painfully bare.  All white porcelain and walls.  Quickly, Evy opened the medicine cabinet, hoping she could find anything at all to use as a weapon.

Her hand settled on a jar of shaving cream, which she removed as she scouted through the small cabinet.  Bandages, soap, perfume and other odds and ends cluttered.  "Ooh, drat!" she hissed, coming back empty handed.  Putting the lid down, Evelyn sat upon the hard surface with slumped shoulders, searching herself desperately for an idea.  She hardly thought stabbing Beni with the tube of lipstick in there would solve matters.  But she could possibly write a note!  Evy looked at the door, then grabbed the lipstick from the cabinet.

There would be nothing but toilet paper to write on, but perhaps it would be enough.  Oh, she knew the odds of anyone actually finding this were slim, but there had to be hope.  Taking a long strip of the soft, white paper from its dispenser, Evy stretched it across the sink counter then opened the tube of mauve lip color.  She couldn't exactly write a book, she knew, and she didn't even know where to tell anyone to come, so she simply wrote in large lettering, 'HELP' across the white.

The window was not easily pried open, for she feared forcing it too hard lest it alert Beni to her activities, but with a little effort and through Beni knocking and insisting she hurry up, Evelyn managed to get it open a crack.  Across from the window she could see another building, perhaps another house about ten feet away.  Maybe someone would see it and chance to help her.  Maybe.

Evy pushed the paper from the window and held the end of it on the sill, then closed the pane over it, hoping it would hold up.  The sun was rising fast now, bringing blessed daylight into a city in ruins.  Another knock at the door startled her, warning her that her time was very limited.  "Almost done," she snapped, fumbling to get all the stray things she had removed back into the cabinet.  Then straightening herself, she flushed and opened the door.

Beni's eyes were curious and dark as he stood aside, willing her out.  When she passed he went into the bathroom and looked around, seeing if anything were out of place.  His foolishness was something to be taken advantage of.  As soon as his back was turned Evelyn bolted for the front.  "Hey!" he shouted, quickly following after her.

She slammed into the front door, anxiously grabbing for the handle and turning it.  The door had opened an inch when he reached her, pushing her against it roughly so it would shut.  Evelyn groaned at the pain, but fought him like a trapped animal, throwing herself back into him and knocking him off balance.  Beni hit the floor with a thud, glared at her and grabbed her ankle, yanking her down with him.  "This is the thanks I get for letting you up?" he asked, struggling to grasp her wrists.

Now, Evy had never really punched a man in her life—not counting her drunken encounter with O'Connell which she blushed upon thinking of and of course the few times she actually hit Jonathan for his crude behavior—but she felt this time called for it.  Beni paused for a split second as she drew her fist back, then launched it directly into his left eye.  Immediately he covered it protectively with his hand as he took a moment to let his surprise wear off, then rolled away when she actually started kicking him.  When he was sufficiently preoccupied Evy shot up, grabbed the handle and flung open the door, ignoring his hissing summons for her to return.

The way was free.  Evelyn could have burst into tears when she hit the fresh air, nearly tumbled down the steps and out onto the sidewalk.  She could see where she was now—the outskirts of town.  Not a very good place to be.  It didn't matter.  Someone would help her get away from Beni before Imhotep returned!  "Help me!" she called out, praying for that someone to have good ears.

Her second call did not go unanswered.  Evelyn's stomach fluttered as she saw the dark shade of a figure heading towards her.  There was no question as to who it was and she made no move to run.  Breathless Beni came up behind her, shoving her towards Imhotep with a growl.  "Nice try," he hissed angrily.

Closing in the priest pulled his hood back, fixing unreadable eyes upon her.  His robes moved fluidly with his steps, quick and yet somehow mild as if her escape did not trouble him at all.  When she backed away, he smiled and said, "Nefertiri, my princess, did you think you could escape me?"  His voice was haughty and confident as he reached for her.

At her tremble his smile increased, but quickly disappeared as he jerked her forward.  She could almost remember those eyes, grave and almost angry.  Almost, but not quite.  Somehow she knew he could look much more threatening if he cared.  Her escape no more than an irritant, Imhotep cocked his head and asked a simple question.

"Where are they?"

~~~~~~~

He had scarcely left the window all night, explaining to the others that Elves required little rest and that he was the logical choice to take up watch.  They had agreed to allow it, but of course had not done so without the Med-Jai taking shifts as well.  Legolas took no offence at that.  He understood that he was an alien here, that trust would not be easily gained for whom he had replaced.  In truth it freed his mind to think on things other than impending doom.  Unfortunately, it freed him to worry as well.

Aragorn had not returned yet and the sun had already reached the horizon.  Not long after midnight had Abdul-Medjid Bay returned with all that was left of his company, leaving only the Ranger and the woman left unaccounted for.  The Med-Jai leader had not taken well to learning of the death of Daniels.  Neither had Henderson, who had gone so far as to point the finger of blame at both he and Jonathan.  Bay had not said anything of the sort, but there was a dark gravity about his eyes that spoke of his fear and displeasure.  His cousin, the curator of this place, had been very vocal about the importance of watching over Henderson.  Then of course the American himself had given fervent agreement to that.

Henderson was the last American to remain alive, the last that took part in the great curse.  He was the final thread holding back the dark and if he were taken by the Priest Imhotep all would be lost, for nothing save a missing book could even hope to end his power.  It was the same story back home and he pondered, trying to figure this future out.  Had Sauron survived, the Fellowship failed?  Or had he lost and evil endured?  Both thoughts were equally troubling.  So many questions there were, so many things that had no answer.  He had been told of the lands west of the continent they were on, lands inhabited by Men, a place that could not be the Undying Lands.  He did not like to think on it directly, but inside there was a small fear growing of a question that was important to his own future.  Could he still reach the Undying Lands?  He had little doubt the Grey Havens had long been abandoned and destroyed.

"See anything?" called a voice touched by the weariness of awakening.  The leader of the Med-Jai came to stand beside him, his hand bearing two cups of a dark liquid.  He handed the Elf one, to which Legolas nodded his thanks.

Legolas took a sip of the coffee, made a face, then resumed his watch.  "I see a world that bears only a remnant of that which marks it as my own.  Things have changed and time has passed, but somehow I know it is the same."

Abdul-Medjid nodded slowly, drinking his coffee with reflective eyes.  He inhaled deeply as if the fresh air could touch him through the pane of glass that separated him from it.  "Such a strange notion, time travel.  But I am certainly no stranger to the strange, as they say.  What happened to your people, do you think?"

This was the first Bay had asked of Legolas, other than where he thought his son might be.  The Elf did not know whether speaking would ease his tension or increase it, but he decided to try.  If this were permanent, if this were now his home and he would remain lost to Valinor until the end of ages, he would want to remember his dream of Aman fondly and not cast it aside in anguish.  Yet the thought of being separate grieved him enough to lower his voice and eyes.  "The map I was shown of the world.  Long ago where your Americas stood there used to be a land where dwelt the Valar, angels in your tongue, and the Elves.  At the end of the first age it was taken from the world, but Elves could still reach it by a spiritual plane.  That is where my people would have gone over the ages."

The next question from the lips of this warrior was not unforeseen.  "Can you go there now?"

The Mirkwood Elf shook his head and looked upon the world outside, seeing no answer and feeling none in his heart.  "I do not know."  To this his now silent companion remained thus, watching the street with him.  With a glance Legolas thought he saw compassion dawn in those eyes, however, and that small gesture gave him hope.

Then a form outside caught his sharp eyes and Legolas's grief became gladness as he stepped away, headed for the main entrance to the museum and swung open the door.  Upon the street came his missing friend who was dirty, tired and alone.  The smile upon his lips died then, when Aragorn looked up with lost eyes.  "Where is Evelyn?" he asked, coming to his friend's side and looking beyond.  He foresaw an answer to that question before it even passed his friend's lips.

"I have lost her," Aragorn reported in a voice dulled by hours of searching.  He brushed a lock of his hair away from his face, shaking his head in sorrow.  "The creature came with fire.  He took her and…and I could not stop him."

Legolas clasped a hand over Aragorn's shoulder in comfort.  "We will not give up hope, mellon nin."  His friend returned the gesture with a nod.

Then Aragorn let go, his blue eyes earnest as he looked beyond at the museum.  "What news of how we may stop this creature?  His might is great and I fear will only grow if he takes those which he seeks."

Instead of Legolas it was Bay that replied gravely.  "My cousin has said the only hope lies within a book that is missing.  He said it may have been buried at Hamunaptra with the Book of the Dead, but he does not know for certain.  He will study on it more.  For now we must keep Henderson safe at all costs."

"What of Evelyn?" Aragorn then asked, his voice laden with the concern that grew heavy upon him.  "Does he understand what this creature wants of her?"

Bay shook his head.  "Nefertiri was a princess that lived in the days of Imhotep's life.  Perhaps this Evelyn looks like her somewhat.  We do not know.  But that he called her Ancksunamun does not bode well, he fears.  He could use Evelyn to awaken his dead lover from the Netherworld."  Aragorn's eyes widened in alarm, but the Med-Jai waved his hand in forestalling.  "To do this he will have to take the girl to Hamunaptra where Ancksunamun lays.  We think he will not do this without being fully regenerated.  He will need full power to do his black spell."

The Ranger inhaled, considering these things carefully.  Without needing to hear it the Elf knew what Aragorn would say.  "Let my friend and I search for Evelyn.  Will you trust us now?"  Legolas turned his vision towards Bay, trying to add his assurance to that through his eyes.

Abdul-Medjid's eyes traveled them over, weighing between intuition and what he thought was tactically right.  The choice did not come easily to this man of war.  Aside from trust there was the matter of whether or not this was a worthy quest to send them on when they could be needed here.  "I do not like this," he confessed, addressing Aragorn.  "Even if you did find her, if she were with the creature he could easily kill you both and right now I need men, not to mention figuring out this business of where my son has gone.  My cousin has no answers concerning that.  He has never heard of men being replaced by others, not now and not in the ancient days."

"But if we do not at least try…"

Legolas put a hand to Aragorn's shoulder, holding him back from argument.  "You are exhausted, mellon nin.  I will go alone if need be and search for you."

"Legolas, I cannot ask you to go alone."  Aragorn shook his head firmly, but the Elf knew his friend would see the right in this.

A smirk spread across his lips then.  "Go and take rest.  You know you will only get in my way in this condition and I cannot carry you and she back here alone."

Aragorn gave him a steely look, but relented, rubbing a hand across his sweaty forehead.  He turned to Abdul-Medjid with grave eyes.  "Will you consent to this?"

The Med-Jai nodded reluctantly, then turned towards the museum.  "Legolas," he called back, pausing in his stride.  "Cover those ears."

The Elf rolled his eyes, but complied for the sake of wisdom, his hands going to the braids at either side of his head to free them.  Aragorn watched this with a wan smile, clapping his friend on the shoulder.  "Be safe, Legolas.  I will rest for a few hours and then join you."

Legolas laughed and began away.  "In a few hours I shall have her by my side and the creature at my feet, with her kiss as my prize."  He had meant it as a self-righteous joke, but something passed through Aragorn's eyes that caused a seed of something uneasy to grow within his belly.  Nevertheless his friend brushed it aside with a laugh and turned away, heading into the museum.

The Prince of Mirkwood turned upon the city of Cairo, seeing ruin and mayhem awaiting him.

~~~~~~~

Author:  Ruse – jedinineofnine@hotmail.com
Disclaimer:  No infringement intended.  Naseen and Salih are mine.
Feedback:  Yes!  By all means, my precioussss, lemme know how I'm doing!
Archive:  Sure, just please let me know if you will, so I can stop by and see your site.

A/N:  Just to let everyone know, I hate that Haldir scene in TTT!  :-O

Oh, for those that don't know in case I've never mentioned before:  Mellon nin = friend my.  Elvish grammar. :-O

Reviewers:

Terreis – Thank you very much!  You bringing two fandoms together?  Which two?  Hehehe. ;-)  I know I can't help tormenting Ardeth…it's just so fun.  :-D  Thanks for reviewing…glad you're enjoying!

Jedi Buttercup – I think I might take it on through ROTK actually…not sure.  But I'm happy you like it. :-)  As for your question, I really can't say as I don't even know what will happen yet.  I have an idea, but I'm not sure if I'll do it or not.  Hmmm.  Thanks! :-)

Marcher – Thank you very much for your kind words on this and Mine to Cherish.  Yeah, poor Boromir just don't get enough credit.  *sniff*  Thankie much, my friend. :-)

Kirsty-Q – Thanks…yeah, that Elf ears line gets me every time. ;-)  Sheeshers.  Gotta love it, though, eh?  Thanks!

Asylum – RE: Haldir, you read my mind. ;-)  I love Hal as well.  He's sa purty.  Yes, they do need an Elf to guide them, I do agree.  Thank you much for your kind review.  Glad you're enjoying. :-D

Deana – If you looked in Galady's mirror you would see me kidnapping all the male Elves for to serve as my slaves. ;-)  Yes, feed Ardeth to an Orc.  Muahahahaha.  ;-)  CHOMP CHOMP.  Thanks!

Karri – Thank you muchly, my friend!  Glad you're liking this and finding funny moments. :-)  Thank you for your high compliment concerning that certain paragraph. About Rick. Ardeth and Hal. :-D  Eee!