The Forever Friends
by LadiSwan

Summary: Evy's American penpal arrives in Egypt with her young daughter and younger brother.  But as she sets foot on Egyptian soil, she becomes haunted by dreams of a past life, of a handsome prince, a young concubine, and the concubine's best friend. . .a beautiful girl named 'Anck-su-namun.'  As an ancient evil arises once more, Anck-su-namun finds herself in a Place-in-Between, and while there, she also discovers a chance at redemption. . .if she can look past Ardeth Bey's Med-jai markings.

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Miranda Ferguson was a very upset little girl.  She lay within the protective circle of her mommy's arms, cuddled up as close as she could get without crawling back inside her mommy.  She couldn't do that, of course. . .especially since she didn't even know how she had gotten out in the first place.  But Miranda couldn't understand the conversation she just heard.  Why did Mommy think she did a bad job?  Mommy did so make her feel safe!  Mommy and Ardeth both made her feel safe, it was Uncle Jason who scared her!  That wasn't Mommy's fault!

Finally, she decided to ask the other adult present. . .Altair.  Miranda turned her head toward Ardeth's mommy and asked, "Altair?  How come Mommy thinks she don't do a good job of taking care of me?"  Altair simply regarded her sadly for several moments. . .Miranda could see the sadness in her eyes.  Then she reached out and touched Miranda's face gently.  Kinda the way Miranda liked to touch Ardeth's face, when she was tracing his tattoos.

"Because, little one. . .your mama has spent her entire life taking care of first your Uncle Jason, and then you.  That is right, is it not?" Altair asked.  When Miranda nodded, remembering the conversation she overheard between Uncle Jason and Mommy once, Altair continued, "I thought as much.  The Med-jai who also stayed at the O'Connell house with you and your mama told me this.  Your mama thinks that she has to protect you from everything bad in the world.  She cannot do this.  Not even if you also had a papa, could she do this."

Altair paused, then added, "No one can do this.  I cannot protect Ardeth from everything bad in the world, and he cannot protect us from all the people who would do us harm.  That simply is not possible.  And because your uncle Jason blames her for his problems, for the bad choices which he has made. . .your mama thinks. . ."

It made no sense in the world to the little girl, and she wasn't shy about saying so.  Altair smiled again, and said, "I know, little one.  Your mama has worked very hard to take care of you, and I think it upset her, when she was kidnapped.  She knew that you saw what happened, and she knew how frightened you must have been.  She thinks, because she did not realize that your uncle would betray her, that she has been a bad mother to you."

Miranda shook her head, laying back down against Mommy.  Adults were confusing.  Altair smiled and reached out to touch Miranda's hair, saying softly, "I know all of this confuses you, little one.  It confuses us.  But worry not.  We will take care of you, and of your mother."  Miranda sighed, closing her eyes, and Altair continued, "When my son. . .and your mama. . .are feeling stronger, we will take you to see him."

Miranda liked that idea.  She was worried about Ardeth.  She said so, and Altair answered softly, "I worry for him as well.  Not just because he was hurt, although that is a part of it.  My son is very lonely. . .he needs someone to take care of him, without him even realizing it.  He is very proud. . .he believes it is his responsibility to take care of everyone.  But he does not know how to allow others to take care of him.  He is just like his father in that respect.  My son has not allowed anyone to take care of him since he was ten years old."

"Mommy can take care of Ardeth," Miranda volunteered.  She had been doing a lot of thinking during the last day, and she promised God that if her mommy was okay, she wouldn't ask about marrying Ardeth any more.  Since Mommy and Ardeth seemed to like each other, maybe Ardeth could marry Mommy and Miranda at the same time.  The little girl added, "Mommy's lonely, too.  She don't say she is, but I heard Aunt Evy say that.  She says that Mommy needs someone to take care of her, the way Mommy takes care of me.  You think Ardeth could take care of Mommy, and Mommy could take care of Ardeth, and they can take care of me?" 

A strange expression crossed Altair's face, and she said, "I am not sure, little one. . .things are not that simple.  There are many tests which your mother must pass, in order to marry my son.  Tests to make sure she is strong enough to be the wife of a Med-jai chieftain.  Not just anyone can marry Ardeth, after all.  She must be strong, and wise, and accepting.  She must accept that she will not be first in Ardeth's life, that the good of the Med-jai must come first."

"Kinda like I gotta come first with Mommy, before Uncle Jason?" Miranda asked.  She heard her mother and Uncle Jason arguing about that once.  Uncle Jason wanted Mommy to do something, but Mommy had told him that Miranda had to come first, 'cause she was just a little girl.  A surprised smile appeared on Altair's face, and Miranda continued, "Mommy can do that.  Even though it's kinda silly, since you all are big people."

Altair blinked and was silent for several moments, then replied, "Well. . .yes.  But not all of the Med-jai are adults.  There are children, too, among the Med-jai.  Ardeth has a very important and very difficult job.  Sometimes, disputes break out among the tribes of the Med-jai and within those tribes as well, and Ardeth must decide who is in the right.  Among the Westerners. . .the Europeans, he would be called a king.  And then there is the sacred duty of the Med-jai, as the protectors of Hamunaptra."

Ham. . .what?  Miranda scrunched up her face, trying to figure out how to say that word, even though she had heard it before.  Altair said with a gentle smile, "Here, I'll say it for you slowly, little one.  Ha-moon-ap-tra."  Oh.  Okay.  So that was how you said it.  Altair continued, "So, you see, even though he is not married and has had no children, in a manner of speaking, my son is like a father. . .because he takes care of our people.  And that makes it very hard for him to take care of himself."

"And that's why he needs Mommy and me to take care of him.  Altair, how come he won't let you take care of him, when you're his mommy?" Miranda asked with some confusion.  That had just occurred to her logical four year old mind.  Altair was Ardeth's mommy, which made sense, 'cause she was pretty like him, 'cept she didn't have the marks on her face.  But Mommy once told Miranda that even when Miranda was a big girl, she would still take care of her, 'cause even when Miranda was a big girl, she would still be Mommy's little girl.

Miranda had told her mommy that made NO sense, and Mommy just laughed.  Altair smiled a little sadly and replied, "Because, little one, I have three other children who need me. . .and Ardeth is our chieftain.  It is very difficult for me to take care of Ardeth, when he is not here."  Oh.  That made sense.  Altair continued, looking curious, "Miranda, do you think your mama would like to take care of Ardeth?"

"'Course she would," Miranda retorted, rolling her eyes, "she takes care of me, and she likes Ardeth."  Altair smiled suddenly, though Miranda wasn't entirely sure why.  She sighed and lay her head back down, sighing quietly.  She was so tired.  Her fear for her mother and Ardeth were finally catching up with her, and Miranda snuggled closer to her mother's body, completely forgetting about her desire to see about Ardeth.  She was sleepy.

.                     .                        .

"Why has he not yet awakened?"

A sigh.

"Patience, sister. . .he received a terrible knock on the head, then exhausted himself during the raid.  He did not allow himself to collapse until he was sure everyone was all right.  And if I know our brother, it is highly unlikely that he truly rested on the barge.  Just give him time," came a familiar voice.  There was a pause, then the voice came again, sounding sterner this time, "Acacia.  Enough.  We cannot change Ardeth, and if we truly love him, then we will neither attempt to change him or want to change him."  Acacia and Aleta. . .he might have known.  Although, with the way his head was pounding. . .

"Even when he pushes himself to the very brink of death?  Dear sister. . .how many times will we be forced to watch our brother die, or come close to death?  How many times will we sit in his tent, praying that he will open his eyes?  Yes. . .we all know that our brother has a duty to his people, but he also has a duty to himself. . . and taking care of himself is necessary.  Our people need him healthy and strong!"  Acacia again.

"What would you have him do, sister?" Aleta now, her voice unusually harsh, as she chastised their sister, "Refuse to take the same risks as the other warriors?  Send them into a battle he will not fight himself?  He is a warrior, Acacia, and it is that which gives him the loyalty of his men.  And the raid this afternoon. . .if they had not rescued the American woman, she would have baked to death.  He made a promise to her, and we both know that Ardeth is too honorable to break such a promise, especially if he felt responsible for her."

Aleta's voice changed now, growing more bitter as she all but growled, "How dare you, Acacia?  You have two small children, one of whom is the same age as that darling little Miranda.  The same age that Anatol and I were when Father died.  Do you wish Miranda to grow up without a mother?  I could understand your objection if Ardeth was rescuing some foolish woman who ignored warnings, placing her life and the lives of others in danger.  But this is a woman whose only mistake was in trusting her brother!"

"I do not claim that this is Celia Ferguson's fault, tempting as it may be.  Whether she wished it or not, my brother could have died rescuing her.  I simply do not see why our brother does not share the burden with others.  Why must he shoulder these burdens alone, Aleta?  Why does he shut us out?" Acacia asked, her voice breaking.  Ardeth tried to force his eyes open, but the continuous pounding in his head wouldn't allow that.  Yet.

"He does share the burden, Acacia. . .he shares it with the Commanders, with Anatol, with us.  You simply ignore those moments.  Perhaps, though, you ignore them, because Ardeth comes to me when he is worried or lonely.  He fears that you and our mother will harangue him to death over how he works, and he has not the strength or the energy to put up with your complaints or your demands," Aleta snapped. 

"That is not fair!  I make no demands on Ardeth, save for my desire for him to take care of himself!" Acacia fired back.  It was most assuredly time for Ardeth to open his eyes.  They called Acacia 'the thorny one,' because of her personality as well as her name, but Aleta could be just as. . .prickly. . .when she so chose.  Ever since Ardeth had become chieftain, these arguments between his sisters took place on a regular basis.

This time, he managed to force his eyes open, though it took him a few moments for them to focus.  Aleta had her back turned to Acacia, her body practically snapping with annoyance.  Aleta, like Ardeth himself, tended to hold back her emotions.  Right up until the time someone finally pushed her too far.  Most of the time, that someone was Acacia.  However, despite her obvious distress, his younger sister managed a smile for him, saying softly, "It is good to see your eyes open, my brother. . .how does your head feel?"

Ardeth grimaced and Aleta's smile became more genuine, as she replied, "Yes, that was an obvious question, was it not?  Just lie still and let me take care of you, brother. . .all Med-jai are present and accounted for, all injuries have been treated, save your own."  Well, that was one question answered. Ardeth started to ask his next, and Aleta glared at him, adding, "And before you ask, dear brother. . .Celia Ferguson is fine!"

Ardeth blinked at her obvious irritation with him.  He was on the point of asking her what was wrong, but Aleta didn't give him the chance, muttering, "Honestly, the two of you. . .when she awakens, she asks about her daughter and about you; you awaken, you ask about your warriors and about her!"  Aleta stopped and looked at him, her dark eyes sparkling with mischief, rather than the irritation he thought was there.

She winked at him, then continued, "It makes me wonder, dear brother, what exactly you have been doing.  Nothing dishonorable, I know you better than that.  But. . .you have been spending a great deal of time with her.  Have you not?"  It was Ardeth's turn to glare at his sister, feeling a telltale flush creep up his face.  He was the chieftain. . .but that did not mean he was immune from teasing.  Particularly not from his youngest sister.

"I. . .was teaching her to fight.  To defend herself and her daughter," Ardeth replied.  Aleta merely arched her brows at him, and Ardeth continued with some exasperation, "What do you wish me to say, sister?  I have been teaching her to defend herself, as Anatol has been teaching Miranda, and when we were watching them, we would talk!"  As O'Connell would have said, 'hellfire and damnation!'

Aleta's eyes lit up with mischief and she replied, "Soooo. . .you and she would talk, would you?  And what, dear brother, did you and Miss Ferguson discuss?"  Ardeth groaned, closing his eyes and allowing his head to fall back against his pillows once more.  And he thought O'Connell was bad!  Aleta was a hundred times worse.  While Acacia was called 'the thorny one,' Aleta was the tenacious one.  She never gave up.  Did not know how. . .and while it was an admirable trait in a warrior, it tended to drive a brother insane.

Nor would she give up this time. . .Ardeth knew his sister, and knew that if she deemed it necessary, she would assault his dignity with her wiggling fingers.  Med-jai chieftains were not supposed to be ticklish.  Unfortunately, that should or supposed to did not work especially well with his sisters.  With a sigh, Ardeth answered, "We spoke of many things, sister.  She told me about her work with the Chicago Museum, I told her about my first encounter with the O'Connells."  Aleta just looked at him expectantly and it took all of Ardeth's self-control to keep from sighing aloud.  What did she want from him????

Surprisingly, it was Acacia who came to his rescue this time, saying, "Please, Aleta. . .he is telling you that he and Miss Ferguson became friends."  Ardeth nodded, glaring at his youngest sister, who did not look at all worried.  Acacia continued warily, "You and she are just friends, are you not?" This time, Ardeth switched his glare to her, and she did back down, adding, "I had to ask, brother.  You risked your life to save her. . .and. . .you were holding her rather close when you came into the village, or so we were told."

"I. . .I. . .I. . .she was frightened!  Of course I was holding her!" Ardeth sputtered.  Only Aleta could do this to him.  The offending younger sister just smirked at him knowingly, and Ardeth continued, trying desperately to salvage what little remained of his dignity, "I did nothing untoward.  She was frightened and tired, and needed some support." And it felt good, holding her. Ardeth quickly stomped on that thought, before it could get him into trouble.

"Of course you did not. . .you would never dishonor a woman.  Our sister merely derives pleasure from tormenting you.  It is simple payback, for all the times you have frightened us," Acacia put in.  Ardeth glared at her. . .she was NOT helping.  Acacia grimaced and said, "I think Darius and Damara have probably found some trouble, especially if they wandered into the O'Connell tent. . .I should check on them."

Ardeth just groaned again and once more allowed his head to drop against the pillows.  This time, it was because he hadn't even considered the dangers of having his niece and nephew anywhere near the O'Connell family.  Besides, his head was starting to throb once more.  After Acacia left, there were several moments of silence.  Aleta finally said softly, "Truly, my brother.  How do you feel about her?"

Ardeth opened his eyes and looked at Aleta, answering softly, "It matters little what I feel.  She is destined for another.  She is Lady Ardath reborn."  Aleta blinked in astonishment, her mouth forming a little 'o,' and Ardeth continued, "She is meant for the reincarnation of Rameses."  He hadn't answered her question, and he knew it.  Ardeth added with a sigh, "I am drawn to her, Aleta.  I enjoy being with her, talking to her. . .seeing her smile."

"You think her pretty," Aleta said, her dark eyes sparkling with laughter.  Ardeth just glared at her again, and Aleta laughed, "You do, my brother, that is wonderful!  Listen to me, brother. . .she may be the reincarnation of Lady Ardath.  But that means little, for it may not be time for them to reunited.  Are you truly so afraid of falling in love with her that you would deny yourself the pleasure of her company?"  Ardeth hated admitting fear of anything.  But. . .yes.  That was exactly what he feared.  Even if Aleta was right, he couldn't see a way out of this. . .and he could not yet trust his heart to guide him through.

.                      .                       .

Variations on that conversation were repeated over the next few days, as both Ardeth and Celia recovered their strength.  Unfortunately, Ardeth's recovery ended up being slower.  While the American woman had almost baked to death after being drugged and chloroformed, Ardeth had been seriously injured several times during the last few months.  When he collapsed in the tent, his body had had enough.

Or so Celia was told when she asked Aleta.  The youngest Bey sister had no qualms about telling Celia anything about her older brother.  Including things that Celia was certain Ardeth didn't want her to know, such as the fact that he had almost died in London.  They were also things that Celia didn't think she should know, since she had divided loyalties.  It was becoming very clear to her that Ardeth's family didn't have much use for Rick O'Connell.

She had already learned a little of Ardeth's history with the O'Connell-Carnahan family.  Aleta was more than happy to fill in the rest, though Celia made a mental note to herself to compare what Aleta told her with Evy's version later, in the interest of fairness and loyalty.  Ardeth had first seen Rick ten years earlier, while he and several Med-jai were watching over Hamunaptra.  Rick was part of the French Legion at the time.  What the French Legion was doing in Egypt, at Hamunaptra, Celia had no idea, but there it was.

They met three years later, when Rick took Evelyn and Jonathan Carnahan to Hamunaptra (there it was again).  Ardeth led a raid against the expeditions, warning them to leave or die.  And from Aleta, Celia learned for the first time what happened when a victim of the hom-dai was released.  Aleta, like her older sister, lost her husband when the Creature rose. . .unlike her sister, she had never taken another husband.

Celia listened as Aleta told what had happened during those awful days between Imhotep's resurrection and the battle within Hamunaptra, and she understood some of the bitterness toward the O'Connells.  Ardeth had almost lost his own life.  Aleta's husband died when the Creature was raised, while Acacia's husband died in the raid against Hamunaptra.  The price of Evy's curiosity was high in Med-jai blood.  And knowing that it was part of their sacred duty did not lessen any of Aleta's fury, or Acacia's, for that matter.

As the daughter of her parents, it was difficult for Celia to reconcile what Aleta was telling her with the world as she knew it.  But at the same time, Celia was also Annabelle's granddaughter, and she realized that there was far more to the world than what they knew.  That wasn't even taking into account her memories of being Lady Ardath.  Walking, talking corpses who had the power of gods; walls of sand and water which swallowed up airplanes and other such air transports; reincarnations of murderous concubines. . .

Who happened to be Celia's best friend, in that previous lifetime.  The American woman hadn't shared that piece of information with anyone other than Evy so far. . . she didn't know how the Med-jai of today regarded her previous incarnation, or her relationship with Anck-su-namun.  Since Anck-su-namun had murdered the pharaoh, with aid from Imhotep, it was unlikely that her friend would be highly regarded.  In time, the two women spoke of other things. . .including Miranda.  Aleta was as enraged by Carstairs' duplicity as her two brothers had been.

She assured Celia that to the Med-jai, she was not damaged goods.  She was the injured party, and among the Med-jai, would be referred to as a widow.  Never mind that she had not been legally married to Carstairs.  She had entered into the commitment with honorable intentions, and no reason to think she would be duped.  Therefore, she was not the guilty one.  For reasons that Celia could not fully explain to herself. . .that made her feel better.

On the third day after the rescue, Celia found the courage to ask Aleta about Lady Ardath.  The courage, and the opening she needed.  Evy, bless her heart, had given her the opening she needed when she referenced the change in the Med-jai when they learned she was the reincarnation of Nefertiri.  Remembering that conversation, Celia asked slowly, "Aleta, what do you know of the concubine, Lady Ardath?"

Aleta looked up from her reading and asked with a frown, "Lady Ardath?  Concubine to Rameses?  Where did you hear of her?"  Celia shrugged ever so slightly, and Aleta continued, "Lady Ardath is a heroine, one of the greatest heroines of the Med-jai people.  She is also the mother of one of our first chieftains, after the hom-dai was cast. . .Ardeth Bey, for whom my brother is named."

Aleta took a deep breath, then continued, "For that alone, she is one of our greatest heroines, though she was murdered when Ardeth was but a newborn.  She and Rameses created him, and Shakir Bey raised him.  But she is also a heroine to us, for the courage she showed, and the love which our ancestors held for her.  She was a girl from a distant shore. . .no one is entirely certain from whence she came.  But we do know that she was found by Hebrew slaves when she was the same age as your Miranda.  They cared for her for six years and gave her the name of 'Ardath,' since she could not remember her own."

Celia said nothing, and Aleta went on, "She had two foster mothers.  The first was a woman named 'Miriam.'  When Ardath was ten, something happened to Miriam, and Ardath ended up in Thebes as a house slave.  She was taken under the wing of another house slave, named 'Jael,' as well as a young girl named 'Anck-su-namun.'  When she was fifteen, she caught the eye of Rameses, when she defended a Med-jai child against his cousin, Khaldun.

"She became his concubine, and much to the surprise of all, he fell deeply in love with her.  They had five years together, before she was murdered.  In that time, she did what she could to aid others.  The Med-jai loved her, because she protected one of their children and because she helped them when she could.  Indeed. . .her aid during an assassination attempt on Seti's life cost her the life of her first child, a little girl," Aleta replied.

The words of the Med-jai woman, regarding the miscarriage of Ardath's first child, served to trigger a three thousand year old memory.  It felt as if a light wind caressed her hair and her face. . .and then Celia could see through Ardath's eyes and feel what she felt.  She felt Ardath falling after crying out a warning to Seti and the Med-jai, the impact of her landing, and the blinding pain which threatened to tear her in half.  Because Ardath knew she was losing her baby.  Through that haze of pain, Ardath had felt Seti gather her in his arms, shouting for the Med-jai. . .and whisper to her to hold on. 

Celia gasped as that memory washed over her. . .she could actually feel Pharaoh's arms cradling her, holding her tight as pain overwhelmed her.  She heard, through that blanket of agony, him shouting first for the Med-jai, then for Imhotep, then finally for Rameses.  Celia whispered, still caught in the memory, "They tried to save the baby. . .Imhotep tried to save the baby. . .but they could only save her."

More memories then. . .she felt as though she had just undammed a river while standing in the middle of it, and now the memories were washing over her, tumbling her over and over.  The pain abruptly ended. . .no.  Not ended. . .dulled.  Rameses cradling her against his body as she wept for their little girl, the prince soothing her by telling her that it wasn't her fault.  Seti, coming to see her later, trying desperately to comfort her, though he didn't really know how.

And then, Celia was herself again, staring at a wide-eyed Aleta.  The young woman asked, her voice barely above a whisper, "Yes. . .how did you know?  How did you know that the Creature, while he was still a good man, tried to save both mother and child?  How did you even know about Lady Ardath?  The only historical records which have ever spoken of her have been among the Med-jai!"

"Because, Aleta," Celia answered wearily, "I was Lady Ardath.  Or rather, I am her reincarnation."  Aleta just stared at her. . .and then her eyes lit up with joy.  Celia squeaked in surprise as Aleta threw her arms around the American happily, saying something in Arabic which Celia couldn't understand.  Then Aleta pulled back, grinning like a loon, and Celia could not figure out why.

"You remember!  That is wonderful!  My poor brother lived in that time, but he remembers not whom he was," Aleta finally said.  Celia blinked in surprise at Aleta's obvious pleasure that she remembered.  It took all of her self-control to keep from blurting out that she knew Ardeth's identity in the past, until she remembered that he was not yet ready to remember.  And she didn't want Aleta put in the position of having to keep such a secret from her brother.

Unfortunately, that didn't stop her from dropping her eyes.  Aleta, being Ardeth's sister, noticed immediately, and asked, "You know, do you not?  You know of my brother's previous incarnation."  Celia reluctantly nodded. . .she wasn't a very good liar, and didn't want to repay Aleta's care of her with lies.  Aleta continued, "You must tell me!"  Celia didn't answer, just looked at her for a long time.  Aleta returned the look, frowning thoughtfully. . .and then she inhaled sharply.  She whispered, "It was Rameses?  Oh, Isis. . .my poor brother!"

.                     .                               .

Rameses.  The name echoed in Aleta Bey's mind.  Rameses, who had been driven mad first by his concubine's murder, then by Khaldun's mockery.  Could it be?  Her beloved brother was the reincarnation of that madman?  Aleta, like her mother and sister, had always been touched by the love story of Rameses and Ardath, as well the tragedy of Ardath's murder when she was so young.  Aleta had not liked Rameses very much, for punishing the entire Med-jai people for the wrongdoing of a few.  It offended her childish sense of logic and fair play. 

But it wasn't until the Creature rose the first time that she understood.  Not that she particularly liked it. . .but she understood; and sometimes, that was all that once could ask.  But this. . .this was not acceptable.  Her brother could not be the reincarnation of Rameses!  Not Ardeth!  If it would have been any of her brothers, then it would have been Andreas.  Ardeth was too reasonable, too rational.

No.  Celia had to be mistaken.  But as Aleta looked into the hazel eyes of her new friend, she saw no trickery, no uncertainty.  The American woman whispered, "Reincarnation, my friend, is about second chances.  Rameses was not a bad man.  Nor was Seti.  Just men who made terrible, terrible mistakes.  When Ardeth was born, with the memories of that previous life, as well as others, the gods knew that if his memories were intact, he would never accept his second chance, or his forgiveness. . .or Ardath's love."

That. . .sounded right.  Aleta whispered, "What must we do?  Ardeth believes he is. . .oh, what is your word for this situation?  He believes you are off limits to him, because you are the reincarnation of Lady Ardath.  That is why he seeks to rebuild the walls you crashed.  He fears falling in love with you, because he believes you are meant for another."  Celia sighed very slowly, leaning her head back against the pillows.

"I don't know, Aleta.  I know I'm supposed to be the one who awakens his memories, but slowly.  The trouble is, I don't know of a way I can do that slowly.  Just now, when you mentioned Ardath's miscarriage. . .that opened up one of the doors of my memory.  I felt like I was drowning.  I. . .wait a minute!  You knew that I was Lady Ardath in my previous life?" Celia blurted out, glaring at Aleta.

Aleta, however, had grown up with Ardeth, Acacia, and Andreas Bey as her older siblings; and Altair Bey was her mother.  Celia's glare was hardly enough to frighten her.  Still, she did feel badly for her minor subterfuge.  She simply wanted to make sure that this American was being honest. . .that Celia Ferguson was worthy to be trusted with Ardeth's heart.  She never fussed at Ardeth, the way her mother and elder sister did, but she was just as protective.  Aleta never expected, however, to find out that her brother was Rameses reborn.

Celia added after a moment, sighing, "Well, Ardeth knows my identity in the past, since Evy and I were discussing it. . .and Ardeth was listening to our conversation.  In fact, he agreed with Evy that he thought my dreams were actually memories of my past life.  But there's something else.  Why did he come after me, Aleta?  The real reason?  Why would he risk his life. . .he could have sent someone else or asked the Commanders to intercept the kidnappers.  Why did he do that?"  Aleta looked at her, and found only an honest confusion.

"First. . .because he holds himself responsible for your abduction," the healer explained with a sigh.  Celia's eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to speak, but Aleta continued, "Please listen. . .in the eyes of my brother, he failed you.  It does not matter, the why of it.  As far as Ardeth is concerned, he is responsible for your abduction, therefore, he is responsible for your rescue.  It matters not that he was hurt while attempting to rescue you at the bazaar.  It is simply the way Ardeth is. . .we have learned to accept it."

"You have, you mean," corrected Celia, "I've gotten the feeling that your older sister and mother feel quite differently."  Aleta raised her eyebrows at that questioningly.  Celia shrugged, adding, "I hear things. . .I'm not always sure what I'm hearing, especially when I'm half-awake, but I do hear things.  Your mother and sister fussing about Ardeth's tendency to push himself.  But something Garai said really got my attention."

Oh, and what might that be?  At the hidden prompt, Celia continued, "He observed to Evy O'Connell that he thought Ardeth pushed himself harder after an argument with your mother or your sister.  Like he was trying to get rid of. . .well, like he was angry, and needed a focus for that anger.  He also said that when the tribes act like they can deal with things on their own, Ardeth backs off.  He pushes himself also because he thinks he's needed more than usual."

Hmmm.  Interesting observation.  Aleta really didn't know Garai that well. . .but she did remember what he had said a few days earlier, when he carried Celia into her tent.  With that in mind, Aleta asked, "Celia. . .is it possible that Garai knew Lady Ardath in his previous life?"  Celia frowned, and the healer continued, "When he carried you in here, he said something very strange.  He said that he would not let you die again. . .or watch you die again."

"It's possible, of course. . .anything is possible.  I just haven't been around him long enough to know what. . .or rather, whom he was," Celia acknowledged.  Aleta nodded her understanding.  There was a brief silence, then Celia asked slowly, "Aleta. . .when can I see Ardeth?  So I can thank him properly?"  Ah-ha!  Took her long enough!  The young healer had been waiting for that request for the last few days!

"I believe you are strong enough now. . .and Ardeth is up to having visitors.  However, there are a few ground rules.  First, you will not go to my brother's tent unaccompanied.  Garai will take you. . .and no, it is not for the reason you are thinking.  It is a pure practical reason.  While you are strong enough to walk around the tent, you are not strong enough to walk to Ardeth's tent," Aleta explained.

"And Garai will supervise us?  Chaperone, I mean?" Celia inquired.  Aleta shook her head, and the American woman frowned.  Aleta could almost see the wheels turning in her head as she tried to understand that.  Though both Aleta and Acacia had told Celia that the Med-jai followed the old ways, Celia was still struggling to shift her mind out of Cairo and into the desert, where different rules applied.  Especially among the Med-jai.  After a moment, Celia asked, her confusion quite obvious to the Med-jai woman, "Aleta?  Why not?  I mean, I am an unmarried woman, and Ardeth is an unmarried man.  We are not related."

"True. . .however, you are both mature adults, who may be trusted to act accordingly.  As I told you before, Celia.  Among our people, you are regarded as a widow.  Perhaps you exercised poor judgment when you 'married' that pitiful excuse for a man, but you acted in good faith.  And we Med-jai know that women are not the only ones who can exercise poor judgment.  Men do the same.  Besides, if you have learned nothing else about my people, you should know that we are very practical.  And having a warrior. . .oh, what is your term for watching children?  Babysit?  Having a warrior babysit two adults would be highly impractical," Aleta replied.

She paused, grinned impishly, then added, "However, you should not be surprised if you are. . .visited during your conversation with Ardeth."  Celia just gave her a rueful smile, and Aleta put her hand over the American woman's, adding, "Do not be afraid of us, Celia.  Few among the Med-jai hold you responsible for our chieftain's injuries.  We know him too well.  And the ones who do. . .they are petty, irresponsible people.  We Med-jai do not claim to be better than others.  We have. . . bad apples, just as all do."

Celia gave a rueful smile, answering, "Sorry.  Old habits die hard.  So. . .do we give advance notice?  I mean, Ardeth might have a few things to say about being invaded."  Aleta threw back her head and laughed at that.  Still, she had to admit, Celia had a point.  Her brother could be an intensely private person.  Look at how long it took before the O'Connell family even arrived at any of the Med-jai encampments.  Aleta resolved she would deal with that herself.  For now, Celia was looking rather sleepy.

.                      .                        .

Celia wasn't the only one who hadn't seen Ardeth since the day of the rescue.  Each time Evy asked, she was politely put off. . .told that he was still regaining his strength.  Ardeth would need time to recover, not just from the attack in the bazaar and the rescue, but from everything he had been through during the last few months.  But at least they were polite to her. . .Rick didn't fare so well, particularly among the young warriors.

Garai explained it this way.  They were young and hotheaded, just as Andreas Bey had been.  They did not like the way Rick O'Connell treated their chieftain, and weren't shy about saying so.  Usually in the hopes of goading the outsider into an argument, and then a fight, so they could prove their superiority.  So far, none of them had realized the only way to get Rick O'Connell into a fight was to go after Evy and Alex.  Something Garai knew, and wouldn't tell.

These Med-jai warriors were still very young and didn't think about the consequences of their actions.  And while they were taught to respect women from a very early age, there were a few who were a little slow in learning that lesson.  So, Evy and Garai decided it would be their little secret.  Not because Garai had any liking or respect for Evy's husband. . .he didn't. . .but because he did not believe it was fair for Evy and Alex to get caught in the crossfire.

Further, to acknowledge this weakness of Rick's, for lack of a better word, would only serve to undermine Ardeth. . .something Garai would never do.  While he didn't like Rick, Garai accepted that his chieftain considered him a friend, and Garai would not call his chieftain's judgment into question.  At the same time. . .at the same time, the reincarnation of Sennefer warned Rick to be very careful.  Garai's only loyalty was to Ardeth Bey. 

He had glared at Rick as he explained this.  Garai cared nothing for O'Connell, and only fought alongside the man because Rick's fights were the same as Garai's.  That was the only reason.  He had no loyalty or liking for the American, and he only acknowledged O'Connell as a Med-jai out of respect for Ardeth.  When the day came that their battles were no longer the same, Garai would have no compunction whatsoever with killing him, if it came to it.

As if believing that this wasn't enough to make his point, Garai had added, "The moment your stupidity puts the life of my chieftain in danger, O'Connell, is the same moment that yours is forfeit.  We Med-jai understand that death is a part of life.  But by the same coin, we also recognize how precious life is. . .and we do not take kindly to those who see our chieftain's life as being cheap.  People such as yourself, O'Connell."

Evy had asked quietly, "But don't you think, Garai, that you are undermining Ardeth with these statements?"  He had looked at her and his eyes had softened very briefly.  Sennefer had been fond of Nefertiri, just as he had been fond of Ardath.  But as they had been reminded. . .Evy was not Nefertiri.  Meela had not been Anck-su-namun.  And Celia was not Ardath, though Evy had no doubt that her friend had a similar temper if pushed far enough.

"I am not undermining my chieftain.  I am warning your husband of the consequences which will fall on his head, should he betray my chieftain.  There is quite a large difference," Garai had answered.  He had continued, "And your husband will betray my chieftain, if the price is right."  And there it was.  While Ardeth and his Commanders were willing to trust Rick, the 'rank and file,' as he put it, were not.

They quickly realized it was not that the Med-jai disliked foreigners.  Rather, they were cautious. . .reserving judgment.  Evy had recognized that her brother was quickly accepted, and when she questioned that, it was Hanif who explained to her, "Because when Jonathan hesitated at the bazaar, it was due to his desire to look out for Miranda, a little child.  That, we can respect.  But because your husband seems to regard the lives of the Med-jai as cheap. . .attitudes toward him are quite different."

And there it was again.  That contempt among the rank and file toward Rick.  Their belief that he would sacrifice every Med-jai alive, if it suited his purposes.  Yes, he could be ruthless where she and Alex were concerned, but he wasn't cold-blooded enough to sacrifice an entire people!  It disturbed Evy greatly.  It disturbed her even more that she had not been allowed to visit Celia.  Like Ardeth, she was still recovering her strength.  Or so Evy was told. . .she could understand the protectiveness toward Ardeth, but Celia was a Westerner like Evy herself, and Rick.  Something was not adding up.

About four days after the rescue, however, Evy happened to see a small form being carried by Garai from Aleta's tent.  While she hadn't seen Celia lately, Miranda was often brought to their tent while her mother was sleeping, and she told them that her mother was getting better.  And much to Miranda's distress, her mother blamed herself for the abduction and for the upset it caused the four year old girl.  Miranda thought her mother was being silly. . .it was Uncle Jason's fault, and the fault of those mean men who had hurt Ardeth.  No one else.

Evy comforted the child as best she could, and continued to wonder what was happening.  When she saw Garai carrying Celia across the camp, Evy saw her chance.  While they were not permitted to visit Celia or Ardeth, they were not confined to their tent.  Jonathan had made himself very popular with the children, as had Alex, while Evy had learned what she could about the Med-jai people during her walks.

So, when she saw Garai carrying Celia and left her tent, no one stopped her.  She made no attempt to follow them. . .simply watched them, taking note of which tent Garai carried her into.  It hadn't escaped Evy's notice, Garai's protectiveness toward Celia.  She knew some of it was due to Sennefer's lingering guilt over Ardath's murder. . .but, that was three thousand years ago.  No. . .something else was going on.  And she planned to find out what that something was.

Now that was interesting.  Evy observed silently as Garai carried Celia into a tent almost directly across from Aleta's.  That was something else she needed to check on.  Never had Evy heard the married names of either of Ardeth's sisters.  They were always referred to as 'Acacia Bey' or 'Aleta Bey.'  She had never heard an explanation of that which made sense.  Well, scratch that. . .she hadn't received ANY explanations.  Then again. . .she hadn't asked.

Evy's instincts told her, though the tent looked no different from anyone else's, that it belonged to Ardeth.  She needed verification of that. . .and then she needed a plan.  Ever since her discovery that Ardeth was the reincarnation of Rameses, Evy had walked a tightrope, fearing that something she said would inadvertently unleash memories which her friend and brother was not yet ready to face.  Evy herself remembered the many terrible arguments which had raged between Nefertiri and Rameses after Ardath's murder. . .the hurtful things they had said to each other.

But. . .wasn't there more of a chance that Celia would unlock those memories, as the reincarnation of the woman whom Rameses had loved?  Evy would have thought so.  On the other hand, perhaps Celia simply wished to thank Ardeth for coming after her.  One thing Evy had realized about her friend over the last several days. . .Celia didn't consider herself to be anyone important, except to Miranda.  For Ardeth to risk his life as he did for her was something that she would not take for granted.

But still. . .it nagged at Evy's mind.  She knew herself that the memories did not always come back gently.  She had only to remember dangling from the dirigible after remembering Seti's murder.  Evy knew she would have died, if Rick, Jonathan, and Ardeth hadn't pulled her to safety.  A soft voice which seemed vaguely familiar to her, whispered, He will remember when it is time, Nefertiri. . .as he becomes ready.  We would not destroy his sanity, just when we have succeeded in returning his beloved to him.

The same wind which had swept over Evy first in Thebes, then when she saw Meela Nais in the British Museum had accompanied those words.  Evy shivered slightly, and that voice came again, now whispering, Be not afraid, Nefertiri.  Though the night will be long and dark, remember that we are with you, as we are with your brother and his beloved.  All will be right in the end. All will be right in the end.  Why did that sentence fill Evy with such fear, for everyone whom she loved?

"Evy?  Honey?" Rick asked, and Evy almost lost her balance when she turned to face him.  Rick grabbed her, repeating, "Evy?  What is it?  Uh. . .no.  No, no, no. . . not again!"  Evy looked at him in confusion.  No what?  Rick continued, "The last time I saw that look on your face, we were in Thebes."  Evy glared at him in true irritation, and Rick asked almost sheepishly, "So you're not about to suggest another treasure hunt which might get us killed?"

"No, I am not!  I just had the strangest. . .waking dream.  I've been afraid that Celia might inadvertently trigger some of Ardeth's memories of being Rameses.  But. . .I just. . .I had a vision, without seeing anything.  Someone told me that the memories would not be awakened until he was ready. . .that they weren't willing to destroy his sanity, just when the reincarnation of his love has been returned to him," Evy replied.

"Well. . .that's good, isn't it?" Rick asked and Evy nodded.  She was still puzzling over the last statement.  About the long, dark night. . .and things coming right in the end.  Rick continued, "Good.  Because there might be trouble.  I just overheard some of the commanders talking.  Seems that the five warriors Ardeth sent after Jason never came back.  And Ardeth just authorized that Greek Commander, Alekos, to take a small group of men to Hamunaptra."

"He thinks something has gone wrong?" Evy asked, that sudden chill once more sweeping over her, and Rick nodded grimly.  She said very quietly, "Rick. . .we can't let Ardeth do this alone.  We both abandoned him once before, when he needed us the most.  I won't do it again."  Rick said nothing, just wrapped his arms around her.  That alone worried her. . .but Evy had made her choice.  She loved Ardeth. . .and Celia. . .too much to betray them a second time.

.                     .                        .

Seven years earlier, when Altair Bey had told him that she had sent Anatol to Hamunaptra to make sure Ardeth was alive, Garai had thought he would never see his chieftain again.  He had feared that for the third time, a youthful son of Suleiman Bey would ascend to the level of chieftain, and things would start all over again.  The wars with the Elders, the struggles within the tribes. . .and Rameses would not have his second chance to love his Lady Ardath.  Garai had been overjoyed, then, when Anatol and Aric had returned to the Hamunaptra camp with Ardeth.

Their chieftain was injured and exhausted. . .in part, Anatol said with a roll of his eyes, because he had bade his two companions to remain hidden while Ardeth parted ways with the outsiders who had awakened the Creature in the first place.  It seemed the proud young warrior didn't want them to see just how badly he was hurt.  It didn't matter to Garai.  It only mattered that Ardeth would live.  Second chances were too important to squander, and their chieftain was too important to lose now, at a time of such promise.

Not that anyone was terribly sure that he would live, after he collapsed practically at his mother's feet.  On the other hand, Aleta kept reminding their people, there were so many times when Ardeth should have died, but didn't. . .what made them think that this time would be any different?  He was strong, stronger than Andreas had been.  Perhaps even stronger than their own father had been.  And her pride in her older brother could clearly be seen.

When Ardeth had collapsed only days earlier, Garai feared only that he would not have time to recover.  Not that his chieftain would die. . .not right off at least.  For that reason, he went to the Commanders and pleaded with them to settle any problems among their tribes while he healed.  It was not common. . .for any warrior to make such a plea to the commanders, on the behalf of another.  But this was hardly a common situation. 

Too many times now, they had faced losing one of their greatest warriors, and one of the greatest chieftains known to the Med-jai.  It was written that the only chieftain who had faced trials of the sort which Ardeth had was his namesake, the first Med-jai chieftain to lead for an entire generation after the exile began.  And fortunately for Garai, the commanders had agreed with him. Today was the first time that any of them approached Ardeth about tribal business.

In this case, though, they had no choice. . .the five men dispatched to intercept Jason Ferguson before he reached Hamunaptra had never returned.  Alekos would take a few of his men from the Geban tribe to investigate.  Garai knew that Ardeth feared the worst. . .but as the leader, that was part of his job.  He had to anticipate the worst, in order to prepare for what would come.  The trouble was, the worst just kept getting worse. 

Garai found himself distracted from these concerns when he received word from Aleta that Celia Ferguson wished to speak with Ardeth in person and thank him for saving her life.  The youngest Bey sister then asked if he would see if Ardeth would mind such a meeting. . .then added with an impish grin that when she met the warriors who had participated in the raid, she had thanked them as well.  Some things never changed.

Garai went to his chieftain and relayed the message.  For the first time in days, the older man had the pleasure of seeing Ardeth's eyes light up with something other than concern.  He looked pleased. . .but of course, never said so.  Instead, he replied quite formally that such a meeting would not be a difficulty for him.  Remembering Aleta and Acacia's tendency to tease their older brother about his formal speech, Garai had thought, in other words, yes, the chieftain would love to meet with her.

Which was how Garai now found himself carrying Celia from Aleta's tent to Ardeth's.  That provided him with another pleasant surprise.  When he announced himself at Aleta's tent, to take the American to see his chieftain, Aleta had admitted him, then formally introduced him to Celia.  She stared at him. . .then while sitting straight up, her eyes had rolled back in her head, her body swaying slightly.  When she opened her eyes, she whispered, "Sennefer?"

Garai had thought his heart would explode with joy. . .especially when Celia's face lit up with a joyful smile as she breathed, "Sennefer!  It is you!" 

Garai fell to his knees in front of her, his throat expanding with emotions which had been locked away for three thousand years.  Celia had almost sobbed, "Oh Sennefer. . .how many times must I tell you, never kneel before me!"  If Garai had any more doubts that this was the reincarnation of his mistress, those doubts were swept away with that statement.  Ardath hated when people knelt in front of her.

While Garai wanted nothing more than to speak with the reincarnation of Sennefer's mistress, his chieftain awaited. . .and that was a much more important reunion.  Aleta had asked him to carry Celia all the way. . .she wasn't yet strong enough to walk that distance.  Garai agreed, and gently lifted Celia into his arms.  She had smiled at him, her hazel eyes twinkling, and Garai had to smile back.  This did bring back memories.

The reasons for such gestures weren't always pleasant.  Sennefer suspected that half the time when Anck ran for him, after Rameses chose Ardath, was because the foreign concubine had been attacked by one of Khaldun's cohorts.  Anck would find her friend, and since she could not always carry Ardath, Anck would find Sennefer.  The Med-jai would then carry Ardath to her own quarters.

However, neither Sennefer's reincarnation nor Ardath's spoke of those times.  Instead, the walk from Aleta's tent to Ardeth's was quiet.  Celia asked only one question, "You know that Ardeth is the reincarnation of Rameses?"  When he had nodded, she nodded as well, then said nothing more.  If she had remembered that, as well as her own identity in that previous life, then it was a good chance she knew she had to be very careful about how she awakened Ardeth's memories of being Rameses.

That, in part, would help to determine her future among the Med-jai.  She was likely struggling with her own memories of her previous life, and taking care not to awaken Ardeth's memories prematurely.  It was a difficult balancing act, to be sure, but that sort of balancing act would be required if she was to take her place as the wife of the chieftain.  Garai could not have said why, but he knew this was the destiny of Celia Ferguson.

If she passed this test, and the tests to come, Garai knew he could vocally back her when the Council of Elders debated her worthiness to marry their chieftain.  Back when Suleiman had wed Altair, such a meeting would have never taken place, because there was no council of elders, but a loose confederation of Med-jai tribes.   It was only in the last thirty years that the twelve tribes had become one entity.  And it was just as well, because Altair had faced struggles of her own just among Suleiman's own tribe.

Ardeth had to face daily struggles as the Med-jai chieftain, and the woman who stood at his side had to be strong enough to pick up the pieces of his heart after an event such as Ahm Shere.  More to the point, Garai sensed the fact that Celia was an outsider might force her to have more strength than someone from within the Med-jai, difficult as their life was and as much adversity as the Med-jai faced on a daily basis.  She would face an uphill battle, winning the acceptance of the Med-jai. . . much like the uphill battles which Ardeth had faced when he tried to bring the Med-jai into the twentieth century.

As he carried the young woman into his chieftain's tent, Garai remembered something he was once told.  'Similar wounds cause similar scars.'  It seemed perfect for two lonely people such as his chieftain and Celia Ferguson.  Ardeth looked up, and Garai had the pleasure of seeing the dark eyes light up at the sight of them.  Garai very gently lowered his cargo to her own feet, and Celia whispered, "Thank you."  Ardeth repeated her thanks in Arabic, and Celia repeated, trying to match Ardeth's intonation, "Shukran."

It took all of Garai's self-control to simply incline his head and smile, before leaving the tent.  But as he turned his back and moved toward the entrance, he stopped and looked over his shoulder.  Celia had approached Ardeth and lowered herself to her knees.  They weren't touching.  But they didn't need to.  With a satisfied smile, as two hearts took another step toward each other, Garai left the tent.  For now, his work was done.