Arabic in italic
Ancient Egyptian in bold

His Desert Flower Ch. 10

TIME JUMP 3 MONTHS

Dalia could hear the twins splashing around in the water, opening her eyes smiling at the sight of them jumping off the small rocks into the pool of water, "Girls, your mother will kill me if either one of you get hurt. Please be careful." But seeing the smiles on their faces, she knew that they weren't going to stop until they were good and tired.

Jamila looked over at her aunt, laughing at her concerned face, turning towards Halima smirking as she saw the smile on her face, nodding to each other, they quickly ran over wrapping their wet bodies around her.

"GIRLS!" she yelped. Scrambling to her feet, Dalia could see the mischief in their eyes, taking a small step back knowing that they were about to start chasing her around. Giving them a sly smile, darting around them, Dalia headed straight for the boulder and jumped into the water.

Staring at each other for a minute, both girls were stunned that she would jump in with her dress on, but their auntie was not like the other adults in their Tribe, she was fun.

Grabbing her sister's hand, Halima pulled her towards the water's edge and jumped in after her aunt. Kicking her way towards the surface, Halima could only laugh, looking over at her sister, then finding her aunt smiling at them both. "Auntie, why did you want to learn how to swim?" she asked her. Because living in the desert, swimming wasn't something that was taught, at least not with the Medjai.

Swimming towards the shoreline, Dalia let herself sit in the shallows enjoying how the water cooled her body. Wiping her face off from the access water, she found the girls sitting next to her, placing a small kiss on their temples, "I wanted to learn because every time I was near a body of water, be it the mighty river, the Bay of Cairo, or even an oasis in the desert, I just wanted to jump in." Looking at Halima, "my papa realized it was probably something I should learn because he knew that I would not stay away."

Letting out a sigh, Dalia scooted further up the banks of the pond so that she could lean against the boulder that was there. Wrapping her arms around them, kissing both of their temples, enjoying feeling their bodies leaning against hers, "That is why I convinced your mama to allow me to teach you, because I wanted you both to have fun but be safe." Snorting when they both rolled their eyes.

Halima couldn't help but frown a bit, "I'm sure you had to beg her. She never lets us do anything; she won't even teach us how to ride horses." It was so frustrating; they were the daughters of a great warrior, and their mother was a daughter of a Chief.

Without opening her eyes, Dalia could feel them both staring at her, resisting the urge to snort at their frustration. Taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes, finding them both staring at her, giving them a small smile, Dalia took ahold of their hands. "I know it can be frustrating, but have either of you really sat down and talked to her or your papa? Explain your reasons to them?" she asked.

Shaking her head, Jamila frowned a bit. "No. But do you honestly think that it would help?" Looking over at her sister, seeing the same look on her face, defeated.

Dalia could see that they were both frustrated with the whole thing and that was something that she could understand, because she was a child that enjoyed pushing the limits of what a young lady could do within the Tribe. But it was her papa that allowed her to be herself, making sure that she was proficient with her staff, and that if the need called for it that she knew how to survive in the desert if she ever got separated from her family. Sighing, Dalia knew that she could teach them, and they would be happy to learn, but to do so without their parents' permission would be disrespectful.

"Here's the deal, I will speak to your parents'," she started, but when they started to squeal with excitement, Dalia held her hand, "BUT you both need to be there with me and explain in a calm manner why you want to learn. And if they say no, that's the end of this conversation, understood?" It was important for them to understand that their parents' words were final.

Jamila wrapped herself around her aunt's neck, grateful that they now had a fighting chance about learning things other than cooking. "OK, thank you Auntie."

Wiping away a tear, Halima joined her sister in hugging their auntie. If anyone could convince their papa to allow them to learn, it would be Aunt Dalia, plus it didn't hurt that she was the wife of the Great Chief.

Ardeth couldn't help but chuckle a bit as he watched his wife and nieces make their way back into the camp, all three of them were soaked and covered in sand. Looking over at his brother-in-law, he could see his amusement in his eyes, "It looks like the girls had a good time." Popping a cherry into his mouth, his eyes turning back to his flower, even a little dirty she was a sight to behold.

Malik could only snort, "Your wife has become their favorite person." Ever since Ardeth married the young Dalia, both of his girls adored her, and it was clear that the feeling was mutual. Glancing over at his Chief, seeing that the man had great love for her and that was a feeling that he understood, because even after 10 years of marriage to Naeema he loved her just like the first moment he met her. "She'll make a fantastic mother when it is time." He blurted out.

Smiling at him, Ardeth couldn't help but think of how beautiful she would look round with their child and he knew that was something that would happen soon enough. "That I know my friend. That I know." Looking up, he could see that she was making her way towards them, the girls following closely behind her, moving to stand, Ardeth pulled her into a hug, not caring that his clothes were getting a little sandy. Tilting her face, kissing her lips as she smiled up at him.

"Did you have fun?" he asked her. Sighing in contentment as he breathed in her scent, water lilies.

Nodding, Dalia couldn't help but feel at peace being in his arms, "We did. Very much." Hearing the girls giggle, Dalia turned her head slightly to see their papa hugging them both tightly. Turning around, finding them both looking at her, hope filling their eyes, indicating with her head to speak to their papa.

Sharing a look with each other, the girls took a step back from their papa, but it was seeing their mama make her way over to them that made them extremely nervous.

Naeema watched as her girls looked a little anxious, frowning a bit, she slid her hand into her husbands, hoping that whatever was upsetting them wasn't too bad. "Girls, what is it?" she asked, concern filling her voice.

Sighing, Halima stepped forward, being the older of them she was always the one that spoke with them. Keeping ahold of her sister's hand, taking a deep breath and quick glance at her aunt, she felt a bit better. "Papa, mama, I know that you both have said it wasn't appropriate, but we," indicating to her sister, smiling when she saw her nod and step forward, "would like you to reconsider us learning how to ride a horse, as well as learning to defend ourselves."

Dalia couldn't help but smile, she was so proud of them, it was never easy to contradict your parents, but with how she was raised if she was respectful her parents would listen to her request and think about it before they said no. She hoped that Naeema and Malik would be the same way, but each family raised their children how they saw fit.

Naeema could feel her heart pounding in her chest, while she had no issues with it, her husband tended to be a little more traditional in his views of their girls. Looking up into his face, even after all these years together, he was still difficult to read.

Malik found himself staring into Halima's eyes, pleased to see that she was filled with hope and determination. Rubbing his beard, he could see both his wife and Dalia watching him with interest in their eyes, looking towards his friend and Chief, wondering about his position on this. "If they were your girls, what would you do?" he asked him.

Rolling his shoulders, Ardeth pulled Dalia closer to his body, "Perhaps before my wife, I would be against such things, but after what happened in Cairo, I can say with certainty things may have ended differently if she wasn't trained." Glancing over at his sister, "I do remember you once upon a time begging father to train you, so it's not surprising to me your girls are just like you."

Sighing, Naeema looked to her husband, "Ardeth's right, it's clear that they should be able to take care of themselves if the needs arise."

Bringing her hand to his lips, Malik gently kissed her knuckles, "Alright." Turning to the girls seeing their excitement on their faces, "Do not be so excited yet, your studies come first, then everything else, and if you are falling behind on your studies, this ends immediately. Am I understood?" It was important for him to make sure that they both understood, their education was far more important than learning how to ride a horse or use a weapon. But feeling them, both wrapping their arms around him, he knew that making them happy was just as important as their education.

Reaching up to wipe the tear that was sliding down her cheek, Dalia felt her husband's hand instead, turning her head slightly blushing when she found him staring down at her. "Is this a conversation we'll have if we have a daughter?"

Placing a kiss on her cheeks, Ardeth slid his hands into her damp hair, "No, for if we are blessed with daughters, I want them to be as strong as you." Kissing her deeply, he gently nipped her bottom lip as he pulled back, "Now, my desert flower, you are to meet with Mira, yes?" He asked her.

Sighing, she had been feeling a little off for the last few mornings and as much as she wanted to tell him her suspicions, she didn't want to get his hopes up or hers. "I am. Seems like there are a few women about to give birth, so I believe she is enlisting my and my mama's help." Chewing her cheek, doing what she could to keep from fidgeting under his gaze.

Leading her towards the medicine woman's tent, he let his eyes take in the people around her always watching for any danger. "Is that something that you know how to do?" he asked her, more curious about her life before.

Nodding, "Yes, most of the women in my mama's family were trained as midwives, and so was I." Exhaling slowly as they reached Mira's tent, she couldn't help but smile. "The first time I was there to watch a child come into this world, I wasn't much older than the twins. My aunt Saffina, it was scary, but it was the moment we placed that little girl in her arms, all the pain vanished from her face." As the memory of cutting the cord to the baby passed in her mind, Dalia could feel her stomach turn ever so slightly.

Ardeth could see that her face was a bit flushed, using his fingertips to tuck her hair behind her ears, he watched as her eyes lit up from his touch. "Did that make you want a child of your own? Because you did ask me months ago about adopting." While he wanted to have his children, he would never force her if it wasn't what she wanted as well.

Taking a hold of his wrist, Dalia leaned into his touch, her eyes staring into his chocolate ones, "I do want children, a few in fact." Smirking at his face, shaking her head as she took a step back, "I will see you for dinner." Indicating that she needed to head into the tent.

Licking his lips, the image of her swollen belly filled his mind, using his forearm Ardeth opened the tent and gently pushed her in. Stepping into her space, Ardeth inhaled her scent his body desperate to touch her, "Perhaps, after this and our dinner, we should practice making our family." He said, his voice dropping low.

Dalia could only shiver at his words she was unable to stop the blush that spread across her cheeks, "I look forward to it. Perhaps under the moon." Smirking as she watched his jaw twitch, "I will see you soon enough." With that she stepped into the tent, swatting his hand away to let the curtain fall.

Ardeth stared at the curtain for a moment, ever so tempted to step inside, take ahold of his wife and bring her back to their tent. However, the sound of his father calling out to him forced him to step away, with a last look at the tent, he made his way towards his father knowing that he wanted to go over their next crossing.

Menes frowned as he watched the fire dance in his tent, tossing some herbs onto the fire hissing at what he was seeing. "Allah, please provide our Chief with the strength that is needed." Crossing his legs, he watched as the images of the fallen Scorpion King entered the mortal world with nothing but his former skills, but it still made him a formidable opponent. Tilting his head, hoping to see a different outcome, but it seemed as though this path was set, Ardeth would likely fall under his blade, and if that happened, the twelve Tribes of the Medjai would fall into chaos which would be the end of their purpose on this earth.

Resisting the urge to scream out, Menes felt like everything that he struggled to fix with the Great Chief was all for not, because without Ardeth at the helm of the Tribes, it would be the end of the Medjai. Closing his eyes, he wanted to run to tell Ardeth, but it was forbidden to divulge the future to anyone unless it was blessed by Allah. However, the longer he stared into the fire, there was nothing that was preventing him from talking to his wife, and while she couldn't tell him, perhaps she could give him a warning.

Killing the flames, Menes darted out of his tent in a desperate search for Dalia praying that he was able to get to her in time before the Great Chief met with the fallen warrior. But as he maneuvered through the camp, the sound of lighting filled his ears. Turning his body towards the noise, Menes could only inhale at the sight of rip opening from the sky, "Allah, help us all."

Stepping out of Mira's tent, Dalia felt like she was walking on a cloud, placing a hand on her stomach smiling at the prospect of telling her husband that they were finally with child. The wave of emotions that were coursing through her body, she didn't even have the words to begin to explain, but what she did know was that tonight they would have something amazing to celebrate with each other. Feeling a tear slide down her face, Dalia carefully used her sleeve to wipe it away, her mind wandering to her husband and what his reaction was going to be when she finally told him.

However, before she could really let her emotions catch up with her mind, the sound of thunder filled the sky, turning her eyes towards the sky she watched in horror as the sky ripped open. Covering her mouth, Dalia could feel the hairs on her arms standing up and with the sound of people screaming only set her teeth on edge.

"DALIA!"

Hearing her name, Dalia turned to find Menes rushing towards her, the fear in his eyes was palpable. Taking ahold of his shoulders, Dalia held him steady, "Tell me, what is this? Where is my husband?" she asked her voice cracking.

Inhaling slowly, Menes did what he could to catch his breath, "The Scorpion King was given passage to the mortal realm, he is here to take control of the Medjai." He said in a rushed tone. "If Ardeth falls to his sword, the Medjai would be no more." As those words left his mouth, Menes couldn't help but shiver at the outcome.

Blinking rapidly, Dalia could feel her heart pounding in his chest, "WHY ARE YOU TELLING ME, YOU NEED TO TELL ARDETH!" she yelled.

Shaking his head, "I can't, Allah forbids me to interfere, but there was nothing about telling you. Please, go find your husband, let him know what is at stake." His eyes were pleading, hoping that she was brave enough to do this.

Feeling tears sliding down her face, Dalia couldn't even answer, turning on her heels, she ran as fast as her legs could carry her knowing that Ardeth would be near the horses. She had no idea what the hell she was going to say or do, but she needed to protect him at all costs, for if Menes was right, if he fell the twelve Tribes of the Medjai would be doomed under the Scorpion King.

Ardeth found himself standing at the edge of the Tura cliffs, his eyes never leaving the raging river below him. It wasn't until his flower came into his life that he stopped to really appreciate the waters of the desert, before the water was only a source of survival for him and the Tribes, but with Dalia, he found himself enjoying not only their usefulness, but also their beauty. Feeling a warm hand on his shoulder, Ardeth begrudgingly tore his eyes away from the rapids, looking over his shoulder finding his father smiling at him.

"And what has you so happy?" He asked him.

Ishaq carefully moved towards the edge of the cliffs, after almost 60 years living in the desert this was still his least favorite place to be, but his son seemed not to share his fear of heights. Shaking his head, Ishaq took a huge step back, "Can't a father be happy for his son?" Smirking a bit when he watched Ardeth raise his eyebrow.

Taking a step back, Ardeth just shrugged, "Perhaps not, but you're not an overly sentimental man, so tell me father, what are you so happy about?" Hoping that he would get a straight answer, but with his father that generally depended on his mood.

Rolling his eyes at his face, Ishaq knew that Ardeth was more like him than his late wife, so serious all the time and rarely joked around. That was one thing that he wished he could take back, at least for his children and not being so intense all the time. Perhaps, though now that Dalia was with child, he would be able to convince him to be less serious when it came to his responsibility as a father and Chief. Giving him a small smile, Ishaq could see that he hadn't recognized the symptoms that his wife had been showing and as excited as he was for the new baby, it wasn't his place to tell him about it.

Placing his hand on his shoulders Ishaq could only smile, "I'm happy at the man you have become; you are 32 years of age and not only are you the Great Chief, but you are also happily married." Exhaling slowly so that he could prevent himself from blabbing about his wife, "This is all I ever wanted for you."

Ardeth couldn't help but give him a hug, "I will never be able to thank you for finding my Dalia." As he leaned back, he was surprised to see the emotions dancing in his father's eyes, "I love you, father."

Opening his mouth to say it back to his son, but before the words were able to come out, a loud crash from above stopped him in his tracks. Turning his eyes towards the sky, Ishaq watched in horror as a man jumped down from the rip that was in the sky, his hand holding a golden sword. "Allah, help us." He murmured.

Pulling his sword from his sheath, Ardeth gripped the hilt for all he was worth, never in his life had he witnessed such a thing, but he didn't have time to be afraid for if this man posed a threat to his wife or Tribe, he would do whatever he could to protect them all. Stepping in front of his father, Ardeth watched as the man slowly stood at his full height, a little taken back that the man was a few inches taller than himself, but that mattered not, he would protect his wife and Tribe with everything he had.

"Who are you?" he yelled out. Hoping that the man could hear him over the thundering.

Inhaling deeply, Mathayus almost buckled to his knees for the smell of fresh air invading his nostrils it was enough to make him cry. Exhaling slowly, doing what he could to give his mind time to adjust, from leaving the Underworld to finally touching the desert sands for the first time in centuries. Glancing down at the sand that was beneath his toes, Mathayus couldn't resist squeezing his feet deeper into the sands, not even caring that the heat was almost too much for him.

Mathayus wanted to allow himself a little while longer to enjoy being a man again, but a man's voice broke the spell he was under. Opening his eyes, hissing at the sight of two men standing before him, one was much older, but it was the younger one that surprised him for not many people were able to look into his eyes. Gripping his sword, Mathyus couldn't help but smile, while he killed a priest in his temple at Ahm Shere, there was nothing like spilling blood of your enemy with your own sword.

Hearing the man speak to him, Mathayus could only tilt his head for he did not know the language that the man was speaking, not that it really would have mattered, by the way he was standing and holding the sword he was ready for a fight.

"Bow to me human, I am Mathayus, the Scorpion King, here to reclaim what is mine." Stepping forward, he would only give them one chance to drop their swords, if they refused, he would remove their heads.

Ardeth inhaled at his words, turning to his father, seeing the surprise on his face, "How is that possible?" he asked him. If the Scorpion King could be brought back, could the Creature? For that was who he feared above all else.

"I do not know my son. But he cannot be allowed to leave this place." Gripping his sword tightly, ready to die to protect his family.

Blinking as he watched his father take ahold of his sword, Ardeth turned towards the man that was slowly approaching, "How are you here?" Hoping that the man would answer.

Rolling his shoulder, Mathayus could feel excitement filling his veins, for the call of war was echoing in his ears. "Aken gave me safe passage, human, the life of the Great Chief for my mortal one." Smirking as he watched the man's eyes go wide. "Bring me to this Chief, now and I will spare your life."

Ardeth could feel a chill running down his spine, glancing towards his father seeing that he was about to step forward for him, cutting him off, "I am Ardeth Bay, the Great Chief of the twelve Tribes, and I will not yield until you are back in the Underworld where you belong." Holding his sword in front of his body, Ardeth let out a silent prayer to Allah to give him the strength to protect his people, turning towards his father, "Go, protect my wife." He ordered.

Shaking his head, "If you fall there is nothing that can be done to protect her, we fight him together." Turning his eyes to man now making his way towards his son, Ishaq would die before he would run from a fight.

Mathayus smirked when he was in front of them both, "And I thought I would have to kill many men to get to you, but the Gods have given me a gift and brought you to me." Without another word, he brought his sword down to meet his, a part of him hoping that he would be a formidable opponent.

Using his arms to lessen the blow, Ardeth could feel the strength in this man's arms, knowing that he would not be able to go blow for blow for too long, Ardeth figured his best strategy would be his speed. Kicking him in the stomach, he brought his fist across his face and the sword down towards his chest hoping to pierce his heart and end this quickly. But instead of his sword carving through his skin, Ardeth felt the man take a hold of his wrist and squeeze.

Licking his lip, Mathayus could taste his own blood, smiling at the taste, keeping ahold of his wrist using his strength to toss him across the sands. Swinging his sword around, "You are the first man in centuries to make me taste my own blood." Spitting out the rest, Mathayus made his way towards the Chief, "You will die well."

Rolling out of the way, Ardeth blocked his swing, "I will not die today." Kicking out, his foot connecting with his gut, Ardeth quickly brought up his sword, flinching a bit as the clanging of the metal echoed around them. Pushing back, using the momentum to bring his sword down, growling out when he blocked it again, moving quickly, he attempted to maneuver it under his chin but as the sword inched closer to his face, Ardeth felt his foot hit his stomach sending him flying down into the dirt.

Ishaq watched in horror as the man sent his son crashing down into the ground, moving as quickly as he could, he brought his sword down against his.

Mathayus jerked his head back as the old man's sword came down, ducking under his swing he was able to get his free hand around his throat, lifting him off the ground. "For someone so old, you have a lot of heart." Tilting his head, smiling as the man struggled to get free, "Die well."

Driving his sword through his gut, Mathayus chuckled at the stunned look on his face, hearing the younger one scream out, he tossed his bleeding body down into the sand, and ducked as he tried to take his head. "Too slow." He taunted.

Ardeth screamed out as he watched a sword drive through his father, scrambling towards his feet Ardeth swung his sword down onto his skull, hissing as he rolled out of the way. He wanted nothing more than to run to his father, but until this man was put down that would have to wait, and the thought of him dying in the sand alone broke his heart. Now, however, he couldn't afford to be sentimental, his life and the life of his Tribe depended on him being able to kill this man.

"If you kneel, I will make it quick. If you keep pursuing this ridiculous endeavor, it will not be pleasant." Not that he cared either way, this Ardeth Bay was to die for that was the only way he would be allowed to live in this mortal world.

Growling, "If I kneel to you, I am dooming my Tribe." Bringing his sword up, Ardeth readied himself for the next attack, but as he watched the man move towards him, he sent a prayer to Allah to protect his Dalia and Tribe.

Mathayus couldn't help but laugh at the determination, if things had been different or if they were back in his Kingdom, he would have welcomed such a warrior into his army. "You have heart, I do hate to kill you." Bringing his sword down onto his, Mathayus used his foot to send him flying back towards the cliffs, smirking at the thought of him drowning in the waters below.

Grunting as his back hit the dirt, Ardeth watched in slow motion as his blade came down across his shoulder, not wanting to scream out in pain, biting his lip, Ardeth gripped the wound, hissing as he applied pressure. Using his other arm, he blocked the second attempt to remove his head, Ardeth knew that this was a losing battle, but until his last breath he would continue to fight.

Rolling to the side, Ardeth was able to get to his feet, seeing the surprise on his face, was enough for him to attack, turning his body, he hit him with his injured shoulder and using the sword to slice through across his chest.

Howling out in pain, Mathayus stumbled back, using his free hand to take ahold of his chest, growling when he felt the blood seeping through his fingers. Seeing him move again, Mathayus ducked under his swing, just being able to block the sword from catching his face. Seeing a small opening, he was able to twist the sword around and catch his upper thigh, which caused Ardeth to fall, bringing his knee up to his face sending him down to the sand hard.

Glaring down at him, hating that he was able to not only cut him, but really injury him, if he didn't end this now there was a chance that he would lose and there was no fucking way he was going back to the Underworld until he died of old age. "Tell me, Chief, who do you leave behind?" perhaps if he had a wife, a child, if that was the case, he would kill the child and fill her belly with his.

Placing his foot on his shoulder, smirking as he resisted the urge to scream out, tilting his head pleased to see the blood dripping out of his nose and lip.

Anger, fear, and rage filled him, Ardeth knew he should have been afraid to die, but it wasn't his fear that he was feeling, it was for his Dalia, because it was clear that the man would force himself upon her and there was nothing that he could do to protect her if he was dead. Spitting the pooling blood out of his mouth, Ardeth refused to give him the satisfaction of begging, for it would not ease the pain in his heart or spare Dalia from a fate worse than death.

Dalia could feel her heart pounding in her chest, but she kept running up the sand dunes desperate to warn her husband, but as she scrambled up the one that led towards the horses and cliffs, her eyes spotted Ardeth on the ground and a man standing over him. "No." she gasped.

Without thinking about her plan of attack, she bolted down towards them, she didn't want to die, but Menes said that if this man killed Ardeth the Medjai would crumble, and her life was not worth close to 300,000 men, women, and children. The pain in her legs was almost unbearable, but what other choice did she have?

Moving quickly over the sands, never more grateful in this moment that her papa always allowed her to run free, for if not pushing her way through the sugar sand would have been nearly impossible. Getting closer, her eyes spotted Ishaq's body, sliding to a stop, her eyes found his staring into hers, glancing down at his injuries, he'd survive if Ardeth got to him in time, "You'll be alright." Ripping off her head scarf, wrapping it tightly around his wound, flinching as he cried out, "I'm sorry."

Feeling that it was secure, Dalia reached for his sword, only to feel his hand gripping her wrist, finding his deep brown ones staring back, she could see that he wanted to stop her, but he was too weak. Placing a small kiss on his forehead, "If Ardeth falls to him, the Medjai will be destroyed. His life is the one that matters."

Turning her eyes towards where her husband was, she could see that the Scorpion King was about to bring down his sword, but it was how precariously close to the cliff that caught her attention, knowing what she had to do, she spared a last look down at her father-in-law, "Let him know how much I loved him. Please."

Ishaq attempted to grip her wrist tightly, but with his blood loss, he was far too weak, and he watched with pained horror as she ran straight into the fight, willing to die to not only protect her husband but her people as well. Coughing up blood, he could only watch in silent horror as she ran into the fray, falling back into the sands, using his hand to hold the scarf that she used to help stop the bleeding, "Allah, please keep them safe." He wheezed out.

Mathayus pointed his sword at his neck, "After I drop your head in the center of your village, I will take everything that once belonged to you." Pressing the tip into this neck, smirking as a small line of blood pooled, "Your home, your place as Chief, and if you have one, your wife."

Ardeth refused to be baited because he knew that even in his death, his family, the Tribe would not allow anything horrible to befall his beloved flower. Exhaling slowly, Ardeth stared deep into his eyes, "No matter what happens next, you'll never be welcomed into the Tribes."

Growling out, Mathayus raised his sword above his head, ready to severe it from his shoulders but as he brought it down the sound of it clanging against another caught him by surprise. His eyes finding a tiny woman with golden hair staring back at him with anger and fear in her eyes, but before he could even think of asking her who she was he was pushed back.

Momentarily stunned by her beauty, he almost missed as she took a swing at his face, dodging it by just a hair, it was like time slowed down as it scraped across his sword.

"You remind me of my wife." A memory flashed of the first time he saw her and how she scratched him with her little knife. However, he couldn't enjoy the memory because the small woman attacked him again, even catching him off guard by kicking him in the stomach.

Ardeth slowly rolled to his knees, the blood loss making him a little dizzy, "Dalia!" he yelled, not wanting her to get hurt.

Hearing her name on his lips, Dalia turned her head slightly but by doing so, she felt his big hand wrapping around her hand that held the sword and she found herself being lifted off the ground. Kicking out, she was able to connect with his face, but instead of dropping her he tossed her to the ground dangerously close to the edge of the cliffs. Pushing herself up to her knees, she watched as he took a step towards Ardeth his sword about to drive into his chest, "No."

Wiping his lip, Mathayus could feel excitement filling his body, whoever she was she was to be his, for only a strong woman would be worthy of bringing his children into this world.

Ardeth used his sword to block his killing blow, but he didn't account for his knee to his chest, falling back, his eyes watching as he brought the sword down again, everything he wanted to say to his love flashed in his mind, but before the blade made contact, the sound of the Scorpion Kings screams filled his ears. His eyes finding Dalia on his back with her sword driven through his chest, but it was how he stumbled back and lost his footing that caused him to scream out.

"DALIA!"

Mathayus turned his eyes down to the blade that was sticking out of his chest, all he could feel was the pain emanating throughout his body. Stepping back, he felt the edge of the cliffs underneath his foot, he was tempted to step forward and perhaps fling her off, but the sound of the man's cries told him that she was special to him and if he was going to die, he would take her with him.

Seeing Ardeth moved stand, Mathyus just chuckled, "Her life with mine." Gripping her arm that was around his neck, he took the final step back smiling at the sounds of Ardeth's screams.

Dalia watched as the image of her husband grew smaller, tears filled her eyes, but she wasn't sad just grateful that she was able to save him and the Medjai. Twisting the sword, the last sound she heard was his scream, pleased to know that he would never again be able to threaten her love.

Menes, Omar, and a few other warriors came over the hill, their eyes searching for the man that threatened their way of life, but all they found was their Chief kneeling over the cliffs, screaming to the heavens.