Ardeth had been two hours into his vigil over his patient when she let out a moan. Moments later her head began to toss and she began to thrash wildly. Letting out a curse in Arabic, Ardeth grabbed her shoulders in order to hold her still. He could feel the heat rising from in waves. She cried out against some invisible foe and tears leaked from beneath her lowered lids.

"Hush, little one," Ardeth said leaning down near her ear, "You are safe. I will allow none to harm you. It is only a dream."

"Don't touch me!" she cried her voice furious now.

Ardeth pulled back in surprise only to realize she was delirious.

"Get your hands off me!" Leila yelled struggling against his grip, "I'd rather die! No! Don't! JAMES! JAMES! YOU BASTARDS!" The last came out as a shriek and Leila's eyes snapped open and she began to scratch and claw at the arms that held her. Ardeth struggled to hold her as she bucked wildly under him.

Altair burst into Ardeth's tent drawn by the screams. "What is it?"

"She's delirious," Ardeth snapped, "Help me hold her. By Allah, she has the strength of ten."

Tears coursed from Leila's eyes. Ardeth knew that even though her eyes were open she was seeing something far from the tent that surrounded them.

"Leila!" Ardeth barked sharply, "You are safe. You must stop this." Fearing that the woman would tear her stitches, the Med-jai grabbed her chin and turned her face to his, "Look at me! Leila, wake up!"

Leila's eyes widened and slowly her struggles eased then ceased all together. Her eyes met Ardeth's in confusion. "Ardeth? H-how? James . . ." her voice trailed off in bewilderment.

Relieved Ardeth gentled his hold on her. He stroked her cheek with his thumb. "Ssshh, little flower. You are safe." He watched as her eyes flicked down to where Altair sat by her feet. "Yes. Do you know where you are now?"

"I-I think so," she whispered, "I'm so hot. What happened?"

"You were hallucinating, Leila. Your fever is very high," Ardeth said reaching for the cloth and bathing her face and neck once more. "You spoke of your brother."

Leila clearly understood him but shook her head not wanting to speak of it. "W-water?"

Ardeth lifted her and held the skin to her lips. He looked at Altair. "Thank you, sadiq. Go, get some rest."

Altair nodded and stood his gaze lingering on Leila as he left the tent.

Leila squirmed uncomfortably on the mat. A shiver ran through her, then another, and another. Within moments she was shaking violently. "C-cold," she gasped.

Ardeth grabbed another blanket and draped it over her, tucking it snugly around her body. "Better?"

Leila didn't hear him. Her temporary coherency had evaporated and she was again lost in the grip of her fever.

Ardeth toiled at her side all night. He cooled her with a wet cloth when she was hot and held her tightly to warm her when she was wracked with chills. The Med-jai held her still while she was in the grip of nightmares. He was exhausted by the time the fever finally broke and she sank into a healing sleep. As the sun rose over the desert Ardeth stretched out on the ground and sought his own rest.

Hours later Leila's eyes drifted open slowly and she let out a low moan. She felt like she'd been run over by a herd of particularly nasty, cranky camels. Her entire body ached, her calves were a throbbing agony, and she was soaked in sweat. "Well, isn't this a wonderful morning," she whispered to herself hoarsely.

With an effort she turned her head. Her eyes widened when she saw Ardeth Bay stretched out next to her sleeping peacefully. Leila bit her lip. The poor man looked so tired. Her memory of the previous night was foggy at best but she knew he had stayed by her side all night. Leila's mind was filled with vague memories of his touch and voice both soothing and gentle. She owed her life to him.

Leila shifted and all thoughts of gratitude flew right out of her head. She looked down and lifted the blanket that covered her slightly. "Holy shit!"

Her exclamation roused Ardeth from his slumber. He sat up blinking several times. He offered her a gentle smile. "How do you feel?"

"I'm naked!" she snapped wincing as speaking irritated her dry throat, "Why the hell am I naked?"

Ardeth fought the urge to grin. Even in her weakened state her expression stated that there had better be a damned good reason for her state of undress. Ardeth thought it was cute. It also spoke well of her modesty and upbringing. He schooled his features before answering. "It was necessary in order to tend your injuries. I give you my word I took no unnecessary liberties."

His solemn expression made Leila feel like a cad. The man had saved her life for heaven's sake. "I'm sorry," she sighed, "It was just a bit of a shock."

Ardeth nodded. "I understand." The Med-jai gestured to a spot off to the right. "Your clothes are there if you wish to dress."

Oh, yes she wanted to dress. Being near this incredibly handsome man while naked had her nerves tingling. Carefully, she began to sit up. She smiled when Ardeth moved quickly to help her. "I don't think I'm going to be able to leave this tent today but I think I can manage to get dressed."

Ardeth nodded. "Then I will give you some privacy." The dark warrior climbed gracefully to his feet. "I must speak with my men. I will return shortly with something to eat. Please, rest until I return."

Leila watched him go then pulled her stack of clothes to her. They were dirty, blood stained and torn but they were all the covering she had. "Here we go," she muttered as she began to pull her under garments on gritting her teeth when the movement made every muscle in her body protest.

The next ten minutes were filled with groans and curses as she struggled to dress herself in spite of her weakness. Finally, she had managed to don all but her boots and decided to forgo them in deference to her injured calves.

"Thank God," she muttered before collapsing back to the mat. Just the effort of getting dressed had left her trembling and exhausted. Within moments she had drifted back to sleep.

Ardeth smiled when he returned to his tent carrying a tray of food. Leila must have dressed then fallen promptly back to sleep. She hadn't even bothered to crawl under the blanket.

Ardeth sat the food down then laid a gentle hand on Leila's shoulder. "Wake up little one, it is time to eat."

Leila stirred and her eyes slowly fluttered open. Her eyes drifted longingly to the food but getting dressed had used up what little strength she had. "I'm too tired."

Ardeth shook his head disapprovingly. "You must eat in order to regain your strength. When did you eat last?"

Leila thought for a moment. "Almost three days," she admitted finally.

"You will eat now," Ardeth commanded firmly. Knowing that she must truly be exhausted however he helped her to sit up. "Here, lean on me."

Leila blushed but weakness forced her to concede. Ardeth placed the tray of food before her and she began to tiredly consume the repast of dried meats and nuts. After several minutes of eating in silence Leila had to admit that Ardeth had been right. "I do feel a little better," she said softly, "Not a lot but a little."

"It was barbaric for them not to feed you," Ardeth replied anger adding an edge to his voice.

Leila shrugged. Ardeth gently tipped her chin up. "You must tell me, Leila, how you came to be in the company of such men."

Leila didn't want to relive it but she owed this man so much. "Oh, alright." Leila pulled her knees up to her chest adjusting her tattered skirt accordingly. "I told you about how my father was an Egyptologist and I was born here." When Ardeth nodded she continued, "Daddy died almost three years ago of a bad heart."

Ardeth saw the sad look that came into her eyes. "I am sorry."

Leila nodded, "I do miss him. He taught James and I everything he knew." She smiled wistfully, "Spoiled me rotten. We inherited his love of Egypt and carried on his work after he was gone. About two months ago we stumbled onto some text that led us to believe that we had discovered the location of Hamunaptra." Leila's eyes narrowed, "I'm not sure how but I guess James let the information slip to some very seedy characters."

Leila paused and a shudder ran through her. "A month ago those men that you found me with broke into our home in the middle of the night. They demanded that we take them to Hamunaptra and fund the trip or they would kill us both. See, my father was very successful and we are quite rich."

"Your brother refused?" Ardeth asked when she fell silent.

Leila nodded. "Oh, yes. Said he'd rather die. They gave him his wish." Her voice trembled with emotion. "They forced him to his knees and slit his throat. I watched my brother bleed out at my feet. That devil Abdul decided that they only needed me. They could have Hamunaptra and our fortune and a little fun besides."

"Did they . . .?" Ardeth asked horrified at the possibility.

Leila shook her head. "No. I told those bastards that if they laid one hand on me that I would make them kill me or I'd kill myself and they'd never find Hamunaptra."

"What stopped them once you reached your destination? I know they treated you badly, little one, I have seen the many bruises that mark you. Not all of them are fresh. What stopped them from dishonoring you?" Ardeth asked his thumb stroking her cheek.

Leila clenched their jaw. "Abdul tried. Said it would be a pleasure to teach me some respect. He-he tried to force himself into m-my m-mouth. I bit him."

Ardeth winced then chuckled. After a moment he grew serious. "And that is why he beat you and then tied you out in the sun to die."

"Yes. I guess he decided my money wasn't worth that much," Leila agreed.

They were silent for a moment before Ardeth looked down at the woman snuggled up against him. Her green eyes fluttered sleepily. The Med-jai smiled. "Lay down, little one, you should rest."

Leila looked up at him blearily then nodded and carefully stretched out on the mat to sleep. She was asleep within moments.

Ardeth sat there for several minutes watching Leila sleep when he heard Altair call softly from the entrance. "Come in," Ardeth called back softly in his native tongue.

"How is the girl?" Altair asked though he could see she'd gotten some of her color back.

"I think she will be well. Well enough to depart for home tomorrow if we do not push too hard." Ardeth looked up at his friend, "We should be home in no more than three days and by then I believe she will be well."

Indeed, Leila did feel a bit better by the next morning to Ardeth's relief and annoyance. The steady improvement in her health led to a return of her apparently high spirits. Ardeth had made the mistake of insisting that she ride in front of him so that she could rest without risking a fall from the horse.

"I'm fine! I could ride my own horse if you'd let me," Leila argued. "You have enough of them with the ones you took from those jerks at Hamunaptra."

"I will decide when you are well enough to ride on your own," Ardeth replied coolly. Ardeth was no fool. He had noticed how she swayed on her feet when she thought he wasn't looking.

"I can make my own decisions you know." Leila retorted, "Look, I'm grateful and all that you saved my life but I'm a big girl."

Ardeth glared down at her all too aware of the amused gazes of his men. "I did save your life and therefore I am responsible for it. You are under my protection and will do what I say!" The dark hair warrior turned and marched away before she could protest further.

Leila stuck her tongue out at his back and glared at the smirking men around her. Just for spite she stuck her tongue out at them as well before looking away in a huff with her arms crossed.

"Our Chief is right. You are still unwell." Altair's voice came from just behind her.

"I feel better," Leila defended weakly.

Altair shook his head though his eyes laughed with amusement. "No doubt. Despite this, you are trembling with weakness where you stand. Those gashes on your legs cannot have healed so quickly. Surely standing must still be uncomfortable. Riding in front of Ardeth will allow them more time to heal."

Leila sighed and her expression softened. "You're right. He's just a bit a high handed. That doesn't excuse my childish behavior. He did save my life. I should be a bit more grateful."

Ardeth chose that moment to stride up holding one of his outer robes in his hand. "Put this on. Your clothes are too torn to cover you properly."

Leila gritted her teeth and clung to her idea of being properly grateful. She snatched the garment from his hand and jerkily shoved her arms into the sleeves ignoring the way her body protested her sharp movements. Savagely she tied the provided sash around her waist to act as a belt. A delicate eyebrow arched and she gave a mock bow. "Anything else, hmmm?"

Ardeth looked at her puzzled but shook his head. "All the tents are packed. Are you ready to depart?"

Leila grinned wryly. "Not like I had much to pack."

Ardeth smiled back and Leila felt some of her anger melt away. One of the warriors brought Ardeth's mount over. Leila forced herself to behave as Ardeth lifted her onto the horse then climbed up behind her.

She knew it was her pride bothering her. Riding sideways did keep her injured calves from chafing against the horse and she was still very tired from being so ill.

After several hours of silence Leila looked up at the dark Med-jai with whom she road. She did not think they were heading in the correct direction. "Aren't we going back to Cairo?"

"No."

Leila blinked then frowned. "Then just where are we going?"

"To my home." Ardeth mentally sighed in anticipation of the following argument.

Leila did not disappoint. She stiffened and sat straighter in his arms. "Y-your home?" She waited for him to nod. "Why are you taking me to your home? I want to go to my home."

"That is not possible at this time," Ardeth told her firmly.

Leila's eyes widened with rage. Suddenly she was struck with a bout of nervousness. "And just why the hell not? I want to go home right now!"

"I'm sorry." Ardeth finally looked down at her. "You know where the Forbidden City is. I have spared your life. You must be brought before the elders so that you may be judged."

"J-judged?" Leila's voice had raised an octave. "What will they do to me?"

Ardeth's features softened as he noticed how pale she had become. He brushed his knuckles over her cheek. "They will not harm you, little one. I would not allow it."

"Then why do they need to see me? Why can't I go home?" Leila asked blinking back sudden unwanted tears. She'd had enough damn it! She just wanted to be back in her own house safe and sound.

Ardeth sighed. "Several years ago I spared the life of a man who had been to Hamunaptra. He returned three years later with a woman. This woman woke He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. A man of ancient times cursed for all eternity. Do you remember the odd occurrences two years ago?"

Leila nodded. "Who could forget it?"

"Indeed," Ardeth agreed, "The creature that they had awoken nearly destroyed everything. He is still buried under the desert sands. We cannot risk history being repeated. The elders will need to be assured of your silence."

"You know you aren't making a bit of sense, right?" Leila said with a quirked eyebrow. "You're trying to tell me that someone woke up a mummy and this mummy nearly destroyed the world?"

"Yes."

Ardeth saw the disbelief in her eyes and realized that he would have to tell her the whole story. With a sigh he began.

"If not for the help of Rick and Evie, Imhotep would have been able to rule the world," Ardeth finished almost an hour later.

Leila searched his eyes for the truth. The answer she found was that he really believed what he said. "You're not making this up?"

"I wish I was," Ardeth replied with a wry grin. "I know it is difficult to believe but you must. Why do you think the Med-jai guard the city so carefully?"

"Boredom?" Leila answered halfheartedly.

Ardeth let out a short bark of laughter. "It is never boring, little one." Ardeth glanced down at the woman in his arms and noted with concern that her face was very flushed.

The Med-jai called out in his own language for the company to halt. "We will stop for a bit. Your face is very red. We must get you into some shade."

Inwardly, Leila cursed. She'd been trying not to show that the heat had gotten to her. It must be because of her recent ordeal. The desert sun had never gotten to her so quickly before. "I'm fine," she protested as Ardeth dismounted then lifted her from the horse.

Ardeth ignored her and barked several more orders to his men. He set her on her feet. "Stay here." He handed her his water skin. "Drink some water. Slowly."

Soon the warriors had a tent up. Ardeth escorted her into it and sat her down on a mat that had been laid out.

"Really, Ardeth, I'm fine," Leila said touched by how he fussed over her.

Again, Ardeth ignored her and began to tear a strip from the bottom of his robe. "I will make a turban to protect you from the sun."

Leila smiled gratefully. "That would probably help." She sat quietly while Ardeth fashioned the cloth into a turban.

When he finished Ardeth stood. "Stay here. I need to get something from my horse. Drink more water." Ardeth strode from the tent.

"Woof," she muttered when he was gone. Leila stayed where she was and found herself pondering her raven-haired savior. He was certainly a bit bossy but his eyes were kind and his touch was gentle. He certainly took good care of her.

Several minutes later Ardeth returned with his pouch of medical supplies. "I must see to the wounds on your calves. The bandages need changed." When she opened her mouth to argue Ardeth quietly cut her off. "The wounds need to be cleaned, Leila, or they may become even more infected. The desert is very unforgiving towards those who do not take the proper care."

Leila sighed knowing he was right. "All right." She tried not to blush as she hiked her skirt and the robe Ardeth had given her up to her knees. When Ardeth took one slender ankle in his hand Leila cursed inwardly when she felt her cheeks grow warm.

Ardeth himself was not unaffected. The calves exposed by necessity were slender but muscular showing that Leila had not spent her life on her posterior. Leila's skin was as soft as silk beneath his fingers. Ardeth viciously repressed the urge to run his hand further up her leg. Such thoughts were inappropriate and sinful.

Ardeth forced his fingers to be brisk as he unwound the blood-stained bandages that had been applied the previous night. He bent closer to examine the gashes.

Leila watched as Ardeth held her foot gently in his lap and inspected the wound with deft fingers. Her gazed settled on the top of his bent head and Leila's fingers ached to run through those silken raven tresses. Mentally, Leila shook herself. The man would think she was a wanton if she did such a thing. After all, she was an "infidel". He probably barely noticed her and if he did thought of her as a pest.

"How soon will we reach your home?" Leila asked in attempt to distract herself.

Ardeth didn't even glance up as he began to re-wrap the injuries after applying a salve. "If all goes well we should arrive day after tomorrow."

Leila sighed. "I'm slowing you down aren't I?"

Ardeth looked up at felt a small smile crease his lips when he saw the aggravated expression on her face. "A bit," he agreed, "Still, there is no reason to hurry."

"Well, we can be on our way now," Leila said beginning to struggle to her feet, "I'm just fine."

Ardeth chuckled and pulled her back down. "We will continue after we have eaten. Also you should drink some more water."

Leila made a face. "I'm gonna explode if I drink much more."

"You will sweat it out quickly," Ardeth replied digging into another pack he had brought in and producing dried fruits. "You will eat."

Leila took what he offered as she gave him a glare. "You may be right but you don't have to be quite so bossy about it."

Ardeth gave her a curious look. "I am unfamiliar with this word 'bossy'."

"Well, it's someone who gives a lot of orders. Pushy. Demanding." Leila smirked. "Usually these people are a bit arrogant."

"Ah." Ardeth smiled widely. "Then you are probably correct. As Chieftain of the Med-jai I am used to my orders being followed without question."

Leila took another bite of the fruit. After a moment she looked up curiously. "You talk of being Chieftain. I think I remember you saying there are twelve tribes. How exactly does the hierarchy work among your people?"

Ardeth nodded in understanding. "There are twelve tribes, yes. Each tribe has a commander but I rule over the commanders of the other eleven tribes. In truth, I am their king."

"King? Oh."

"Relax, little one. I do not ask that you bow before me or walk ten paces behind me."

Leila arched a delicate eyebrow. "Well, that's good. Because you'd probably be out of luck on the ten paces bit."

Ardeth smiled then began to pack up what little was in the tent. "I think you are well enough to continue now."

Leila nodded. "Yeah. I feel much better." She began to struggle to her feet. She blushed when Ardeth held out a hand but took it and allowed him to gently pull her to her feet.

They were both startled by shouts outside the tent. Ardeth strode to the flap, cursed, and then disappeared outside. Leila hurried after him as quickly as she could.

Two of the Med-Jai warriors were engaged in a rather spirited scuffle. Both the combatants were young men barely having reached adulthood. Leila was startled by the fury that showed on Ardeth's face. She watched in trepidation as Ardeth stormed up to the combatants and forced them apart. Leila gasped as Ardeth delivered a vicious back hand to each youth sending them both to the ground.

"This is not the way that a Med-jai conducts himself!" Ardeth snarled in Arabic, "You forget your duty. This is not the time to engage is petty disputes. When we return home you will go before the elders and confess your failures. They will decide what penalty you will pay."

The two young warriors scrambled to their feet and bowed. "Yes, Chieftain."

Ardeth nodded. "Disassemble the tent and be quick about it," he barked.

The two youths nearly tripped over themselves to do his bidding.

Ardeth turned to Altair. "You should not have allowed this."

Altair lowered his eyes. "I beg pardon, my chief, but I believed it was just a youthful argument. I did not expect it to escalate."

Ardeth relaxed a bit. "The elders will see to it that they do not forget themselves again. We are safe enough but it is dangerous to make a habit of such indulgences." Ardeth laid a hand on his friends shoulder. "Get the men ready to leave."

Altair bowed his head then began barking orders to the men.

Ardeth turned and walked back to where Leila stood several feet from the tent that was being taken down in record time. Her eyes were wide as a frightened doe.

Ardeth cursed silently. He had not meant to make her afraid of him. He could well imagine why an angry man was unsettling to her. Ardeth did his best to make his voice soothing. "Come. I will help you mount."

Doing her best to hide her trembling Leila hurried ahead of him to his horse. She was unusually compliant as he lifted her to sit sideways on the horse. "I will be back in a few minutes."

She nodded mutely.

Ardeth returned shortly and mounted behind her. He noticed immediately how she held herself stiffly upright instead of relaxing against him as she had before. He also detected the way she trembled faintly. They rode in silence for a long while before Ardeth could stand it no longer. "I have frightened you."

"N-no," Leila protested averting her gaze. Her hand went instinctively to her bruised cheek.

Ardeth sighed before taking her hand in his own and lowering it. "Leila, do you understand why I was so harsh with them?"

Leila shook her head. "They're b-both so y-young. B-boys fight." She loathed the tremor in her voice.

"Little one," Ardeth commanded gently, "Look at me."

Reluctantly, Leila raised her eyes to his.

"Those two warriors are young, yes," Ardeth acknowledged quietly, "But they have a sacred duty. Attack is not likely in this part of the desert but a warrior must never let his guard down. If there were an attack such conduct would be disastrous. They forgot their duty to keep watch and guard those under their protection. They forgot their duty to me and to their brothers."

Leila thought a moment then nodded. Her trembling eased a bit. "What will happen to them?"

"The elders will think of a punishment unpleasant enough to make them think better of their behavior. Extra watches perhaps. A lot of lost sleep," Ardeth smiled, "They will learn their lesson and be better for it."

Leila nodded again and looked down at her lap. That didn't sound so terrible. Ardeth released the hand that he held and tipped her chin up with his forefinger. "Now, tell me why you were so frightened of me?" Ardeth could guess but it would be more beneficial for her if she spoke of it.

"I-I'm not sure," Leila admitted. "I mean I know that you people kill. You killed those men. Well, your men did. You didn't. But even then none of them showed anger. A-and you've been so kind. Then you were angry and for a moment . . ." her voice trailed off.

"For a moment you were back in the clutches of your tormentors," Ardeth finished.

Leila nodded unhappily. "I know it's not the same. You do what you do because you have to. Those animals did what they did for pleasure. I- I just . . ."

"I understand," Ardeth said as he eased her back against him. "You need not fear me. You have been through much and it will take time for you to recover." He smiled when she laid her head against his shoulder. His hand absently rubbed her arm to relieve the last of her tremors. "Rest, little one, we will journey far before we stop for the night. There is an oasis ahead that will provide a pleasant resting place."

Too weary and shaken for her normal stubborn resistance Leila closed her eyes and allowed the beating of his heart to lull her into sleep.

Skye-07 and Inferno: thanks for the reviews. Glad you're enjoying it so far. Hope you liked this chapter just as much. Thanks again.