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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Over the next several days, life fell into a pleasant routine at the O'Connell household.  It seemed as if the Med-jai were always around, quietly conferring with Ardeth at odd times, and Rick often thought about what Ardeth had told him before the incident with Celia.  And speaking of Celia, wasn't that quite the surprise?  Usually, Rick didn't like surprises. . .but he had learned in the confrontation with Celia that she was a good bit tougher than she first appeared.

That had been a welcome surprise, especially since Evy told him that night that Celia would remain in Cairo until Evy and Rick's new baby was born.  Rick was both pleased and worried, each for the same reason.  Evy had a friend close by, who could help her through her pregnancy. . .and she had another woman, with whom she could make common cause against Rick.  And this time, Rick was sure, Ardeth would be of no help to him.

When his Med-jai friend wasn't meeting with the other Med-jai, for whatever reason, Ardeth was with Celia.  If he wasn't teaching her to fight, then he was talking to her about. . .whatever they had in common.  Rick never asked, and Ardeth never volunteered.  Which didn't keep Rick from asking Evy if she knew what was said.  She did, but wouldn't tell him, which made Rick very nervous.  Not nervous enough to risk a Glare from Ardeth by asking, however.

That didn't stop him from using a new tool he had just learned. . .observation.  While Anatol would teach Alex and Miranda how to fight, Rick would watch Ardeth and Celia.  He watched the way they behaved toward each other.  And the more he thought about it, in those first few days, the more he thought his wife was wrong about them.  They behaved like two people slowly becoming friends.  He could see no attraction between them, not like the attraction between himself and Evy, that had been there from the first time they met.

However, only a few days after his confrontation with Celia, something happened to make Rick think twice about his decision.  Once more, the two adults were sparring, Celia learning a little more every day.  Ardeth had first taught her the importance of keeping her balance, explaining that if her opponent was able to throw her off balance, then it would be much harder for her to fight. . .and much easier for her attacker to kill her.

At first, she had seemed as clumsy as Evy when Rick first met his wife, until Rick realized that he was comparing the young woman to Ardeth, who had been doing this for most of his life.  And what Celia lacked in grace and speed, she made up for in determination.  Which, Ardeth told him while the two men talked one day, was just as important.  She would not give up.  Speed and grace would come with practice, but determination was something different.

That wasn't what had rattled Rick O'Connell to his very core. . .rather, it was the dark, intense Look Ardeth had given him when he said it.  The same type of look Rick himself would have given someone for insulting Evy.  As if. . .as if Ardeth was defending Celia from someone who had insulted her.  Which, Rick supposed he had, in a way. . .but it was still strange for him.  A few hours later, during another practice, something else happened.  Rick had noticed that usually Celia was on her feet immediately after ending up on her backside.

This time, however, she was slow getting up, and Ardeth reached down to help her up.  As he took her much smaller hand in his own, Rick noticed a strange expression cross his face.  Years ago, Rick had seen a similar expression on a man's face after he had received a mild electrical shock.  That wasn't all, though.  In the seven years Rick had known Ardeth Bey, he had never known the man to completely lower his guard.  Not even when Horus died. . .by the time Ardeth swung around to face Rick, whatever guards which had been lowered went back up.

But on this day, and in that split second, there were no guards to protect Ardeth.  No shields.  No way to keep out the outside world.  Ardeth Bey, the man beyond the chieftain, beyond the commander, beyond the visionary, stood alone.  Totally vulnerable. . .and it shocked Rick O'Connell to his very core.  Through the years, Ardeth had been the one constant, apart from Evy and Alex, in Rick's life.

He was the one person Rick could always count on, and the first person Rick looked to when things got bad.  In Ahm Shere, he found himself looking around for Ardeth after Evy was stabbed, only to remember that Ardeth had returned to face the Anubis Warriors with his Med-jai.  Rick supposed he had gotten into the habit of thinking that nothing could faze Ardeth.  Not the injuries he had suffered in London, not even the death of his 'best and most clever friend.'

But here he was, shaken when he took a woman's hand.  The moment passed quickly as Ardeth pulled Celia to her feet, and they began sparring once more.  The mask fell right back into place, as it always did, but Rick couldn't let it go.  He, above all, knew how dangerous women could be to men.  They didn't have to do anything. . .they just had to be, had only to exist, and a man could be distracted.  Without even realizing it, Rick's blue eyes narrowed.  Judging from what he had just seen, Evy had been right all along.  Ardeth was attracted to Celia. . .which blew the hell out of Rick's mind. 

The young American woman, though feisty, was the last woman Rick would have expected to interest Ardeth.  He had thought Ardeth would fall for someone like Evy. . .though, Rick was glad he hadn't, since he wasn't so sure he could handle an Ardeth Bey determined to win Evy's heart.  But still. . .Celia?  She was cute, sure. . . in an American girl next door sort of way, but she wasn't exotic or beautiful.

Okay, true enough, he didn't know that Ardeth had fallen for her, just that he was attracted to her.  But he also didn't know how Celia felt about Ardeth.  Would she do right by him?  Should he watch her back, or Ardeth's?  Rick tried to laugh at himself, reminding himself that this was Ardeth Bey, after all.  Evy had told him on more than one occasion that Ardeth was very attractive to women.  In fact, if his memory served, she actually called their desert warrior friend, 'devastatingly handsome.'  Which annoyed Rick to no end.

So, of course the guy had other women, hadn't he?  Ardeth was thirty-three years old, not some green kid. . .he had other women, he had been in love.  Right?  But what could it hurt? Evy will be watching Celia's back, making sure she doesn't get hurt, that insidious little voice said inside Rick's mind, why shouldn't you make sure Ardeth doesn't get in over his head?  What could it possibly hurt?

Right.  And no harm ever came from reading a book, or from opening a chest!  But that inner voice wouldn't give up, scolding Rick, You don't know that he's ever been in love before, because you're never bothered to ask.  He kept you from getting yourself killed, when Imhotep took Evy!  This is something you can do for him. . . something that won't involve harm to Evy or Alex.  Rick recognized that the truth in that, so he couldn't use his usual excuse that it would hurt his wife or child.  Rick hated it when excuses not to get involved were taken away from him!




.                    .                          .




Rick wasn't the only one who had noticed Ardeth's reaction when he took Celia's hand to help her up. . .but then, Jonathan had been honoring his promise to Lady Ardath.  He watched over Ardeth like a hawk over the last few days, noticing every meeting. . .and every time he and Celia were together.  Unlike Rick, he studied the pair closely, noticing each expression. . .and when he reached down to help her up, it was the first time Ardeth had touched her.

Jonathan didn't believe in love at first sight, but he did believe in two people reaching tentatively out to each other.  Which was exactly what he saw happening between Ardeth and Celia.  Each would take a step toward the other. . .a step which would be matched.  There was a part of Jonathan which hated Ardeth with a passion, for finding what Jonathan wanted so desperately.  He was so jealous, especially given Jonathan's past divorces.

But the other part. . .the stronger part. . .knew better.  And was happy that finally, at the very least, Ardeth had someone he could talk to.  A human, at least.  Jonathan shuddered, remembering Ardeth's statement when they had set out on Izzy's dirigible, about Horus.  'My best and most clever friend.'  He remembered the pain in Ardeth's eyes when his falcon was murdered in the oasis of Ahm Shere. 

Was that why Lady Ardath wanted him to look after the Med-jai chieftain?  Because his best and most clever friend was a bird, rather than a person?  And what did it say, about Ardeth?  It said, Jonathan realized with a cold feeling in his gut, that the young man was very, very lonely.  For most of his life, Jonathan had envied men like Ardeth. . .men who had power and authority.  While Ardeth wasn't exactly what the chaps back home would have called 'wealthy,' people listened to him.  Well, most people.

But it never occurred to him, until that moment, that a price would come with that respect.  He closed his eyes briefly, thinking back to his memories of being Nassor.  They told him that Rameses had a very hard time trusting people, fearing that friendships. . .and other relationships. . .would be forged by his position, rather than by a desire for his company.  The prince never put it in those terms, because he didn't think in such terms. . .but it was true nonetheless.  And little had changed in that respect over the last three thousand years.

Jonathan was the first to admit he was often selfish and self-centered, a wastrel interested in wine, women, and song, in no particular order.  But. . .he didn't find the joy in those past times that he once did.  It seemed. . .empty, somehow.  It had started in Ahm Shere, even before that nasty little trollop had killed his sister.  It had started. . .it had started when Evy gasped out Ardeth's name, and Jonathan saw one of the bad guys aiming his pistol at the back of Ardeth's neck.  There was no way Evy could take the shot in time. . .but Jonathan could.

In that moment, Jonathan saved a man's life.  And in that moment, he started to change.  In the hours that followed, he lost his sister once. . .Evy was returned to him. . .and then he almost lost her again, when she risked herself to save Rick.  How could a person remain unchanged?  He had lost the person he loved most in the world. . .gotten her back, only to face possibly losing her again.  There was no way he could remain the same after that.

But changes of that kind were frightening, to anyone.  And so Jonathan had tried to return to his old lifestyle, the one that meant no responsibility. . .no meaning.  Lady Ardath, however, had taken that away from him.  Even as the thought crossed his mind, though, Jonathan knew it for the lie it was.  Lady Ardath had taken nothing from him.  Lock-nah had done that, Lock-nah and Imhotep, Hafez and everyone who had threatened Jonathan's extended family.

A family which had come to include Ardeth Bey over the years.  And that was the source of Jonathan's fear. . .how could he hope to measure up to this man?  This man, who would have sacrificed himself so they could save Evy. . .who would have died, if his younger brother hadn't followed him to Hamunaptra.  Who had put aside his own injuries, and for a time, his own people, to save Alex?  How could he possibly measure up to Ardeth?  He, who had a hard enough time measuring up to Rick and Evy. . .even Celia. . .much less Ardeth?

Do not try, old friend. . .you can only be whom. . .and what. . .you are.  Do not try to be that which you are not, for then you are doomed to failure, a familiar voice said inside his mind.  Jonathan sighed quietly, knowing that Ardath was still with him, as she promised.  The concubine continued, You must stop thinking like this, Jonathan.  When the time comes, when you are needed to protect my child. . .then you will be there, and you will keep your promise.  Fear not!

He muttered under his breath, "Yes, well, that's easy for you to say. . .you're already dead!  I will be, after I fail to protect Ardeth from whatever's about to happen!  I realize I'm a coward, but I'm no fool.  Something's about to happen. . .I could tell that from all the meetings Ardeth has been having with his Med-jai chaps.  Something's about to happen, and that bloody American, Ferguson, is up to his eyeballs in it!"

There was a deep sigh, then Ardath answered, *Yes, Jonathan, you are right.  Something is about to happen, but I am not permitted to tell you what that is.  And you will fail my child, if you continue to think in such a way!  There was a harshness in her voice which hadn't been there before.  Jonathan straightened and glared at her. . .well, in the direction of her voice.  No one had ever called him on that before.  Rick just told him to do as he was told. . .but never before had someone told him, 'yes, you'll fail if you continue to behave like this.'

"You don't leave much leeway for a chap to feel sorry for himself, do you, old mum?" Jonathan asked ruefully.  A peal of delighted laughter was his reward, and the Englishman shook his head.  He continued, focusing once more on his friend, "I look at them together. . .Ardeth and your reincarnation.  Their story will be much different, won't it?  Not just from Nefertiri and Terumun, but from yours and Rameses, as well."

Yes.  They have a better hope than in the past.  Ardeth is strong enough to carry on without Celia, and she, too, is strong enough to carry on alone.  I hope it is not required of them. It is very lonely, in the afterlife, without the one you love.  Understand, though they take their time. . .the love they will share will be no less passionate, and no less intense, than the love between Evelyn and Rick, Ardath explained.  Jonathan could almost see Nassor's friend smirking as she added impishly, After all, my child is a very passionate, very intense man.

At those words, Jonathan suddenly had a rather clear picture of Celia locked in Ardeth's arms, the two young people engaged in a passionate kiss.  Things didn't just stop there, either. Jonathan blinked a few times, trying to clear his mind of that particular image, then glared in Ardath's general direction again, sputtering, "Oh, thank you very much. . .that is not an image I care to have in my brain!"  Ardath simply laughed.  The woman was nothing short of exasperating, and cruel to boot, forcing Jonathan to watch. . .!

Get used to it. . .remember, Nassor, Rameses and I were as demonstrative with each other, our love for each other, as your sister and brother-in-law are, Ardath reminded him, laughing again.  She had always loved to laugh, and it seemed the afterlife didn't change that. And Jonathan remembered, much to his horror, that she was right.  He started to reply with his customary, 'ohhhh, puh-leaze,' when Ardath continued, Shhh. . .they start their practice once more, now that Anatol and the little one are finished!

Damn the woman, was she ever wrong?  Jonathan winced at the stream of ancient Egyptian invectives which Ardath had just hurled at him. . .so he almost missed Jason Ferguson sitting down beside him.  And for the first time, Jonathan realized that this time, Ardath had not been cursing at him, but at Jason.  Which didn't do much good for the Englishman, as he realized it meant that the something he and Ardath had been discussing only moments earlier was about to happen.  Worse yet. . .he wasn't supposed to interfere.

"You know. . .my sister and niece. . .and your sister. . .have all been working really hard lately.  I think it's time for them to play a little," the young American said in what he evidently thought was a casual voice.  Jonathan thought briefly, wondering if he would have recognized the UN-casual note, if he hadn't known Ferguson was up to something.  Well. . .yes.  Actually, he would have.  As one wastrel, he would know another without much difficulty.

Jonathan sensed Ardath's tension. . .her fear even.  The Englishman asked, as if he hadn't really thought about it, "What exactly did you have in mind, my good son?"  And grinned inwardly at the way the American's eyes narrowed at the term.  This could turn out to be fun, after all.  Jason Ferguson was the same age as Anatol, in terms of the years he had spent on the earth. . .but he wasn't the man Anatol Bey was.

On the other hand. . .Jason Ferguson didn't have Ardeth Bey as an older brother.  Jonathan didn't know if one thing had anything to do with the other, but it was nice to think that.  The American boy replied through tightly gritted teeth, "I was thinking, being women and all, they might like go to the bazaar.  You know how women are about shopping."  Ardath said quietly in the back of Jonathan's mind, So it begins.

.                      .                        .

Things were falling into place.  When Ardeth and Celia finished with their practice for that day, Jonathan told them of Jason's suggestion.  The Med-jai chieftain had been amused by the dark look cast by his new student toward her younger brother at Jonathan's words about women.  She preferred scholarly pursuits to shopping, it seemed, though she warmed to the idea when Evy excitedly informed her of the things she could find in a Cairo bazaar. . .things that would help them in their translations and putting pieces together.

Scholarly pursuits, raising her daughter, and learning to fight, were her primary interests at this moment, it seemed.  And she was approaching her new studies with the same determination she demonstrated when she and Evy were puzzling over a translation, or when Miranda was determined to wheedle something out of her mother, and Celia was equally determined that her daughter would receive what she desired. . .but only when the time was right.

As Ardeth had told Rick, while the pretty American lady lacked in grace and in speed, she had determination in great supply.  And more than grace or speed, she would need that determination through the self-defense lessons. . .among other things.  Ardeth had no doubt that her determination had stood her in good stead, over the years.  And though Miranda was sometimes willful, Ardeth had a feeling that Celia's determination had been honed more by being both mother and older sister to her brother.

Ardeth had become aware, as the days passed, that Miranda often seemed preternaturally grown-up for a four year old girl.  Certainly, she had the characteristics of many four year old children, including the inability to stop even when she got tired and the desire to help Mama or Papa.  But in other ways, she seemed to be more of an adult than her uncle.  Ardeth didn't understand the reason for that until he heard her talking to Alex.  How she felt she had to be extra good, so her mother wouldn't be sad.  Miranda didn't like seeing her mother sad. . .didn't like Jason Ferguson because he made her mother sad.  So, she was extra good.

Ardeth had a difficult decision to make.  Should he tell Celia what he overheard?  His first instinct was yes. . .Miranda was too young to be carrying such a burden, and he knew Celia would want to know.  And yet. . .and yet, Ardeth couldn't shake the feeling that it was not for him to tell.  Perhaps, he should have a word with Alex, since the boy also seemed uncomfortable with what Miranda told him.

On the other hand. . .the eight year old was still struggling with the repercussions of the Bracelet of Anubis and his mother's death and resurrection.  In a way, Ardeth's warning had come true. . .while the apocalypse had been averted, Alex's world had almost ended. . .not just with his own brush with death, but also with his mother's.  Which reminded Ardeth. . .why had he never been told about the Bracelet taking the life of its wearer at the end of those seven days?

He vowed to find out when he returned to his people, once his holiday was complete.  Ardeth didn't like going into battle without all the information available at his disposal.  That was a very good way to get oneself killed, and though Ardeth had no fear of death, that did not mean he wished to die.  Nor did he want to lead his warriors to death, if there was information which could help to protect them.

Questions.  Too many questions.  As Ardeth stood at the foot of the stairs on the morning of their outing to the bazaar, waiting for the others to come downstairs, he sensed eyes upon him.  Ardeth raised his head, ever so slightly, and made eye contact with Jason Ferguson.  Hatred radiated from the boy, but Ardeth met his eyes coolly, allowing a somewhat amused smile to twist his mouth.  He knew this boy for what he was.  He did not fear what Jason Ferguson would attempt to do to him, only what he would try to do to his sister and his niece.

Ferguson was the first to break eye contact, muttering, "What are you lookin' at, you dirty bastard?"  Ardeth simply raised his eyebrows, still smiling, and looked at O'Connell, who was coming in from the kitchen.  Jason's yelp of pain attracted their attention and both looked at Jason, who whined, "What the hell did you do that for, you crazy bitch?"  Evelyn had, evidently, heard what Jason said to Ardeth, grabbed his ear. . .and twisted it.

"I did that, you little fool, because I do not appreciate guests behaving in such a way, particularly not toward my friend. . .a man is practically a member of my family.  If I ever hear you speak to Ardeth, or anyone else in this house, in such a way, I will turn you over to the Med-jai, and allow them to deal with you!  Are we clear on that?" Evelyn hissed, her brown eyes flashing with rage.  She gave another twist, and both Ardeth and O'Connell winced at Jason's yelp of pain.  Evelyn practically growled, "Do. . .I. . .make. . .myself. . .clear?"

"YES!" Jason screamed and Evelyn released his ear.  She stepped back, and for the first time, Ardeth saw Celia on the step behind his longtime friend.  He wasn't the only one.  The boy whined, "You could have stopped her, Ceil. . .you're supposed to protect me!"  Ardeth fought a rise of fury.  And then a smile at the expressions now decorating the faces of both women.  Judging from Celia's expression, she had heard everything.

"Yes. . .I could have stopped her.  And you could have apologized to Ardeth for being so rude.  As you're so fond of reminding me, Jason, you're twenty-five years old. . .not a little boy any more.  Maybe you should start acting like the adult you claim to be," Celia retorted.  Ardeth was hard pressed to keep from smiling.  Either Celia had gained confidence since he started teaching her how to fight, or she was running out of patience with her brother's attitude.

O'Connell said, grabbing Jason's collar, "And on that note, we should get going.  C'mon, Junior, you'll be with us. . .make sure you stay out of trouble."  Jason struggled and protested, but in the end, he didn't have the strength or the angle to do any damage to O'Connell.  With him out of the way, Ardeth extended his hand first to Evelyn, and then to Celia.  The last ones down were Jonathan and the two children, Alex and Miranda holding tightly to his hands.

"What's he doing, coming with us?" Ferguson asked, pulling around, trying to pull away from O'Connell.  The larger American, however, wouldn't release him, and Ferguson yelled, "I wasn't inviting you, Carnahan!"  Ardeth rolled his eyes, then ducked his head at the fury now blossoming in Jonathan's eyes.  He looked around, then moved to shield Evelyn and Celia, at the same time Alex and Miranda darted behind Jonathan.

But it was O'Connell who replied flatly, "You don't have that right.  Jonathan's coming.  Period.  Now shut your mouth and move, before I decide to hurt you for calling my wife names."  Ardeth turned ever so slightly, to make eye contact with Jonathan.  As they had decided, once Hanif, Garai, and Kaphiri had brought news of Jason Ferguson's betrayal, Ardeth had told Jonathan about the plans to abduct Celia Ferguson from the bazaar.

He had also told Jonathan about what the Med-jai were planning.  To his surprise, Jonathan was already aware of. . .well, something, though Ardeth wasn't entirely certain of what that something was.  In any event, Jonathan had quietly pledged to make sure nothing happened to Ardeth, while Ardeth was watching over Celia.  Then, he had done something curious.  He had asked Ardeth why he had come up with a plan b, so to speak.

The chieftain answered that too many times, he had watched as plans went horribly, horribly wrong, and began finding ways to achieve his goal if something should go wrong. 

Jonathan simply nodded, his eyes never leaving Ardeth's face in a gaze which left the chieftain feeling somewhat. . .confused.  It was as if Jonathan was expecting him to say that.  And expecting something else.  For that reason, Ardeth had told Jonathan about the hardest part of his task as the Med-jai chieftain. . .the need to look at all the possibilities, and what would happen in each eventuality.  In some ways, it was necessary for him to see the future.

And while it wasn't possible for him to see into the future, as such, he was the Med-jai chieftain, and that was more than just being a warrior.  As the Med-jai chieftain, he was a warrior, a commander, a ruler and a visionary.  His visions did not come in the form of his dreams, as many did.  Rather, he had always called them instincts, instincts which were confirmed when he consulted the scrolls of the past.

As the group left the O'Connell house, Ardeth could not shake his instinct that during the days which lay ahead, he would need all of his skills, through all of his roles as the Med-jai chieftain.  Only this time, he would have no scrolls to guide him.  Only his own instincts, for Garai had found no pertinent information at the Museum, and he would be needed today to protect little Miranda.  Ardeth directed his mind to what was ahead. . .it looked to be a long day.

.                     .                         .

Mathayus?  Whom is it, that they face?  Why can the Med-jai not find this information, when they carry all of the ancient texts? Anck asked, confused.  The Scorpion King said nothing, as the drama began to unfold before them.  He had been made aware, thanks to Ma'at, that Lady Ardath now knew of Anck's second chance.  She was distressed by the deeds of her forever friend, and Mathayus had a decision of his own to make.  Should Anck have knowledge of Ardath. . .or would it create a backlash?

He did not have to decide now, he was told, for that could wait.  Instead, he replied, Because Anck, the information they require is not in any texts. . .but in the lost memories of their chieftain.  The gods themselves wiped his memory of his past lives clean, to allow his soul to heal.  He would not accept forgiveness for what his previous incarnations had done, because he felt he did not deserve it.  As to whom they face. . .

Mathayus hesitated.  If he told her, then Anck would fail in her appointed task.  The only way she would succeed was if she was able to look past the Med-jai tattoos, and see the true identity of Ardeth Bey.  To see Rameses, who was once her friend.  If Mathayus told her the rest, then. . .no.  No, she had to learn it on her own.  Instead, he continued, They face something far more dangerous than your Imhotep or me, even.  They face that which is darkest in the human soul, given form.

He sensed the approval of his new goddess, and continued, There are evil spirits in the world, Anck, who would use the darkness in humanity for their own ends.  These spirits do not always have names, and if they do, they are well hidden.  They cannot be defeated by a mortal knowing their name, for their names hold no power.  They are parasites.  This is what your forever friend and Ardeth Bey face.

While Mathayus could not tell Anck everything, there was no rule against reminding her that regardless of her own hatred for the Med-jai, Ardeth Bey was Celia's best protection, her best hope for surviving what was about to happen.  Anck glared at him, but Mathayus simply glared back, saying, I speak the truth, woman!  That warrior has sworn to protect her, with his own life, if need be!

Anck spun to face him, her long dark hair whipping about her face, as she fired back, And I told you, Scorpion King. . .he cannot be trusted!  He is Med-jai, and once before, the Med-jai failed to protect her.  They who claimed to love her so much!  They failed her, and so will he!  Why do you do this, Scorpion King?  Why do you insist on putting faith in a Med-jai, especially when he put such effort in destroying your army?

NOT my army, Mathayus was quick to point out, the Army of Anubis.  And I told you.  I put faith in him because he is an honorable man.  A man who rues the day the hom-dai was cast, and what it has meant for Egypt so many times.  A man who understands that Hamadi Bey went too far.  You are incapable of seeing the good in him, because he frightens you.  Only you are not honest enough to admit it.

The sudden flash in Anck's eyes told Mathayus he had nailed it.  Ardeth Bey did, indeed, frighten Anck-su-namun.  But why?  He could do her no harm. . .she and Imhotep were both beyond the reach of. . .what was that?  With a wave of his hand, Mathayus pinpointed the source of his distress, his dark eyes flickering as he watched two men suffocating a third as he slept.  That was not what troubled him.

Rather, it was the victim himself.  As the two murderers pulled away the pillows they had used to smother the life from this man, Mathayus came to the horrified conclusion that things were even more serious than he thought.  He was not the only one who came to this conclusion.  Anck reached out her hand to the man, to the dead man, and whispered, He. . .he looks like Imhotep!  His face. . .he looks like Imhotep!

Indeed, Mathayus said grimly, and you will notice they smothered him to death.  Anck-su-namun. . .they intend to raise your Imhotep from the Underworld, and use this body as a vessel.  To do what, I know not. . .but you can be sure of this.  Your forever friend is now in even greater danger than before.  Ma'at has told me naught, but I believe these men are linked to the one now controlling Jason Ferguson.

"Niy!” Anck cried out, “niy!  Imhotep would never hurt Ardath, he never had any reason to hate her! Mathayus shook his head. . .that was true.  But the stakes had just gone up, and he didn't know how to explain that to her. 

This third rising of Imhotep was no longer about the fulfillment of the hom-dai or even the raising of the Scorpion King and the Army of Anubis.  Rather, this was an attempt for revenge everlasting.  For three thousand years, Khaldun had waited for a chance to avenge his brutal death, and the humiliation he had suffered countless times during his lifetime.  He would use Imhotep to do that, using Imhotep's own hatred of the Med-jai.

Mathayus stared down at the sight below him, trying desperately to find a way to reach Anck-su-namun.  In order to turn this catastrophe away, someone had to reach Imhotep.  Had to make him see that it was in his best interest to denounce Khaldun, rather than to destroy the Med-jai.  Anck-su-namun would have been his best hope, once upon a time.  That was no longer so, and not simply because of her own hatred of the Med-jai.

Rather, thanks to her betrayal at Ahm Shere, she had lost all ground with Imhotep.  He would never listen to Ardath, for he had no respect for her.  Mathayus fought his panic, trying to concentrate on what he could do to help the mortals.  He had become lost, and now, sought redemption.  If the Scorpion King, who had killed so many after making his dark bargain, could remember what he was once. . .why could Imhotep not do the same?

I must find a way to reach them both, Mathayus thought, or it all ends.  I cannot allow that to happen! Even now, darkness was radiating out from Germany as good people fell under the sway of evil. . .an evil that would rot the world, if it was not stopped.  There was only one way which he could see at the moment, and Mathayus did not want to allow it to go that far.  If he did. . .there might not be a turning back.

Ma'at whispered, Find a way, if you can, my son.  But know this.  What you saw took place six mortal days ago and far beyond your power.  You are only responsible for what you do, and what you do not do.  You cannot change what has gone before, only what is to come.  Do not ever forget that, my son. There was a pause, then Ma'at continued, But there are others whom can help you.  They can listen to you, in their dreams.

In their dreams?  Of course.  The Med-jai, who still listened to the old voices.  Mathayus steeled himself, then told Anck-su-namun, Imhotep has no reason to hate Ardath. . .but because her reincarnation is allied with the Med-jai and the O'Connell family, there is also no reason to believe that he will spare her or her daughter.  Nor is it particularly likely that he will listen to you, given your betrayal of him.

Anck swallowed hard, and Mathayus could hear what she was thinking.  Her understanding that she could not help her friend's reincarnation. . .that Celia's best hope truly lay within the Med-jai.  Mathayus continued, driving the point home, And this new menace does hate your forever friend, Anck-su-namun.  Hates her as much as you hate the Med-jai, and will do anything in his power to destroy her and make sure she can never be reborn again.

Mathayus froze as the words came out, not knowing where they came from.  The same place as the next words, You know, just as well as I do, that the Med-jai are not to blame for Ardath's murder, thirty centuries ago.  The poison acted quickly, no one could have saved her.

Anck turned her face away, not wanting to hear what he had to say.  Perhaps because she knew what he would say, and was not yet ready to face the truth.  But he would not.  He could not stop now.  Mathayus continued, his voice icy, No one. . .except for two people.  The person who put the poison in her goblet. . .and the person who gave the goblet to Ardath.  Is that it?  You cannot bear the guilt of killing your best friend, so you make the Med-jai scapegoats?

Anck screamed with rage and attacked him.  Because there was no coherence in her attack, no thought, Mathayus easily subdued her and spun her around to face the bazaar.  He pinned her arms behind her back and hissed, LOOK, damn you!  Look up on the true face of your enemy, Anck-su-namun.  Look upon the face of your enemy, and know once and for all, it is NOT the Med-jai!




.                     .                          .




There was something very strange going on.  Several times now, Jason had tried to lead Celia to a particular stall, insisting that he had something to show her.  Something for Miranda.  That by itself was strange.  Jason was never interested in buying things for Miranda or Celia.  Each time, Celia had started to answer. . .and each time, Rick O'Connell grabbed Jason by the collar and directed Celia's attention to something he thought she would like.  That was scary, in and of itself, because O'Connell had a better idea of what she liked than her own brother.

Miranda had opted to go off with Jonathan, so she could find something nice for Celia and Evy, while Evy herself was on Rick's other side with Alex.  Miranda seemed to have decided that she liked Jonathan almost as much as she liked Ardeth, though the little girl was stubbornly set on marrying Ardeth.  Not that Celia was complaining about her daughter's taste in men.  If, at four, she liked someone as worthwhile as Ardeth Bey, then she would likely be wiser than her mother.

Still, that knowledge didn't distract her from her original sense.  Something definitely was going on.  Celia felt a tickle along the back of her neck, and she shifted.  Rick asked softly, "Are you okay?"  She gave a half smile, deciding to keep her suspicions to herself, and Rick continued, "I've been accused of being thickheaded, stubborn, and downright stupid, among other things over the years. . .but I'm not so stupid I don't know when someone is uncomfortable.  What's wrong?"  Celia studied his face for a few moments, then made her decision.

"I have this. . .feeling that something is about to happen.  Jason keeps trying to drag me off, under a pretext of showing me something that Miranda would like.  Except, my brother doesn't even know what Miranda likes or dislikes.  And I keep having the feeling that someone is watching me. . .but I can't tell you whether that someone is watching me, or watching over me," Celia replied at last.

Rick leaned in closer, gently maneuvering her until it looked like he was pointing out something to her, then said softly, "Well, 'tween you, me, and the fencepost, I don't know what is about to happen.  But I do know you should listen to that instinct of yours.  There is someone watching over you.  And if you'll pretend to look over at Evy, but look behind us, you'll see exactly who that someone is."

Celia very carefully did as Rick told her. . .to find Ardeth, whom she thought had disappeared into the crowd once they reached the bazaar.  Celia looked back at Rick, who continued, "Ardeth got some information that something was gonna go down here, and he wanted the bad guys to think they had won.  Keep doing what you're doing, it makes it easier for Ardeth to look out for you.  One other thing.  Don't trust that brother of yours."

"Why are you doing this?  No, not looking out for me, but. . ." Celia began.  The simple fact was, Rick O'Connell presented something of a mystery to her.  On the one hand, she had been told that when a problem arose, Rick was the last one involved. . .and he was usually dragged into it, kicking and screaming the whole way.  Evy had told her that. . .and that if something went wrong, then Ardeth was the absolute first to get involved.

And yet, over the last six days, ever since their confrontation, Celia had noticed Rick watching her.  Especially when she was with Ardeth, and his expression was always best described as. . .well. . .wary.  Like he didn't entirely trust her.  Rick said slowly, "Over the last seven years, sometimes it seems like Ardeth has done his damnedest to make my life difficult." Celia immediately started to protest, but Rick continued, "The truth is, we've made his life difficult.  And always. . .always, he turns out to be right.  This time, we're gonna do things a little different, and see if we can't head off some trouble at the pass."

"And if we can't, what will you do?" Celia challenged.  She wasn't entirely sure what she wanted the answer to be, or even if she wanted a particular answer.  Rick picked up an item he had been studying for the last several moments, then smiled at her faintly.  There was no warmth, though, which made Celia wonder about something else.  She looked at the big man, asking softly, "This isn't just about Jason, is it?  This. . .you're making sure I can be trusted.  Making sure that my intentions toward Ardeth Bey are honorable, so to speak."

"Well, if you wanna put it that way. . .yeah," Rick admitted baldly, "I've been watching Ardeth and you, like you said.  And I know Ardeth is attracted to you.  In all the years I've known him, Ardeth has never been drawn or attracted to any woman.  Except maybe my wife, but he's too honorable to ever act on it.  He's attracted to you.  I wanna know. . .what are you gonna do about it, and do you feel the same?"

Celia put down the trinket she had been admiring and turned to face Rick O'Connell.  She placed both hands on her hips and glared up at him, ignoring the fact that she was a foot shorter than he was.  She was also a foot shorter than Ardeth, but that hadn't prevented her from doing some serious damage to him.  Celia kept that in mind, because it had been that day which saw the first changes in her.  She said coolly, "Mr. O'Connell.  I will answer your first question and your first question only.  And only because you're trying to protect your friend.

"What will I do about Ardeth's attraction to me?  Absolutely nothing, at least not right now.  I just met him a week ago, and I'm not a fast woman.  I may not be a lady, the way high society understands it, but I do have standards for my own behavior.  And none of those standards include using a man's attraction to me, for any reason.  Ardeth's a good man, that much I've decided.  Beyond that, I don't know.  The last time I was involved with a man, it ended up costing me what left of my reputation and even more than that.  Do I think Ardeth will do that to me?  No.  But I'm not ready to take that chance."

She stepped closer to him, glaring up into his blue eyes, and added, "As for your
second question, whether I'm attracted to Ardeth or not. . .that's hardly any of your business.  It does not pertain to you, therefore, you should not concern yourself with it.  That's your modus operandi, is it not?  If it does not pertain to you or Evy or Alex, then it's not your problem?"  The blue eyes flashed and Celia smiled, saying, "Don't cross me, Mr. O'Connell.  I will fight back, and I have no problem with fighting dirty!"

They stared at each other for a long moment, blue eyes meeting and appraising hazel.  After a moment, Rick O'Connell nodded. . .and backed down.  He said softly, "Then we understand each other.  I just. . .there's never been a time when Ardeth didn't come through for me.  It's time for me to start watching his back, like I should have been all along.  I just. . .I wanted to make sure you were strong enough to fight for him."

Celia held the man's eyes for a moment longer, herself assessing O'Connell, before she, too, stood down.  She replied quietly, "Then we shall discuss this no more."  The man nodded in agreement, and they began looking at trinkets once more.  However, as is so often the case, things went awry.  Celia was admiring a representation of Hathor when Rick noticed his wife arguing with one of the vendors, a frightened looking Alex at her side.

"Stay here, I'll be right back.  Jonathan is over by Ardeth, so he and Miranda will be fine.  Try to stay out of trouble until I get back," Rick muttered, giving her shoulder a quick pat.  Celia gave him a glare in response, then checked the area around herself quickly.  It was a habit she had gotten into, after her flight from Leslie's goons, back before her daughter was born.  Jason was fuming.  What was going on?

Someone seized her arm roughly and she jerked back, glaring at whoever was manhandling her.  Jason.  Dammit, what was going on here?  Jason hissed, "You never do what you're supposed to, Celia!  This was supposed to be easy, but you can never make it easy on me!  I'm trying to protect you, and you even have to make that hard on me!  C'mon. . .before O'Connell gets suspicious."

Before O'Connell gets suspicious?  Celia's blood ran cold.  Without meaning to, she looked over at the stall where the vendor continued to argue with Evy and Rick both, Alex looking steadily more frightened by the moment.  She saw the way the vendor looked over at Jason and nodded, ever so slightly.  She whispered, "You set this up, didn't you?  Why?  What's going on?"  Jason pulled on her arm yet again, this time physically pulling away from the stall.  Celia's mind raced as she tried to figure out what to do.

Her eyes made contact with Ardeth's.  His mouth thinned into a narrow line, his eyes narrowing at the same time.  That was all she could do.  In the middle of a Cairo market, her brother could simply tell everyone that she was a crazy woman, and no one would disbelieve him.  The Med-jai were her best hope, and Ardeth was already coming this way.  For one brief moment, relief washed through Celia.

Until she saw the men closing in a circle around Ardeth.  She screamed out a warning, "ARDETH!  LOOK OUT!"  But in doing so, she forfeited her own chance for freedom.  A strong arm locked around her throat from behind her, even as Ardeth whirled in a circle, seeing his opponents.  A hand with a cloth came toward her face.  Celia couldn't help it.  She couldn't help breathing the sickly sweet odor, as she was struggling to breathe with the arm over her throat.

Ardeth fought bravely and fiercely.  He finished off two opponents and was in the process of finishing off a third. . .when a fourth attacked from behind.  The very last thing Celia saw, before she herself passed out, was that fourth man clubbing Ardeth Bey in the back of his head, and Ardeth crumpling to the ground bonelessly.  And then Celia sank into oblivion, no longer seeing all hell break loose in front of her, nor did she hear angry shouts.  There was nothing.




.                     .               .




It wasn't supposed to happen like this.  But right before his eyes, Jonathan had seen the men ringing around Ardeth.  He hesitated only a moment, looking down at Miranda.  But Miranda was no longer there. . .rather, she was in the arms of a Med-jai.  Nothing was said.  Nothing needed to be said.  Jonathan shot toward Ardeth, intending to reach his side. . .because Ardeth was the only one who could reach Celia in time.

Rick was with Evy and Alex, drawn away from Celia's side to help Evy sort out some rot about Alex stealing something from the vendor.  There was no one to help Celia, and in this place, she couldn't save herself without help.  Especially not when her arm was in the grip of her rotter little brother.  Jonathan was almost at Ardeth's side when it happened.  He had watched Ardeth dispatch two of the men who had circled around him and engage the third. . .but not a fourth.  And Jonathan watched in horror was a billy club was swung at the back of his friend's head.

At the same moment the club connected with the back of Ardeth's skull, Celia went limp in the arms of her captor, and she was borne away.  Jonathan barely paid attention to that, however.  His focus was primarily on Ardeth, now lying in crumpled heap in the street.  And above him stood the man who had knocked him unconscious, a savage grin of triumph now decorating the fact of the man who had attacked his friend.  Jonathan didn't know what he planned to do to Ardeth, but he did know he wouldn't allow it happen. . .no matter what it was.

He had been helpless to protect Evy when that wench stabbed her.  And true enough, he had kept Anck-su-namun busy while Alex revived his mother, but that wasn't the point.  He had failed his sister.  He had failed Ardeth, after Jonathan had made a promise not to allow any harm to come to the man.  A broken promise.  A shattered family, once more, only this time, before it even had a chance to become a family. Not again!

With a wild cry of rage and fear, Jonathan barreled into the man, shoving him away from Ardeth.  It was neither graceful, nor well-planned, but it was most assuredly determined.  It was also successful.  Jonathan almost tripped over Ardeth in the process, but the rotter was away from the unconscious Med-jai leader.  But Jonathan wasn't satisfied with that.  Enraged by this latest attack, the Englishman wrapped his hands around the attacker's throat and repeatedly bashed his head into the street.

He would have killed him.  Jonathan knew that.  He would have killed him, without hesitation.  But he found his fingers being physically pried from the man's throat, and he was being lifted away from the man who had struck his friend.  His arms were pinned to his side, restraining him, and a voice said, "Enough!  We need him alive!  No more harm may come to Ardeth because of this piece of waste."

That wasn't what ended Jonathan's struggles.  It was the look in the eyes of little Miranda Ferguson.  The same look he had seen in Alex's eyes at Ahm Shere, when Evy had been stabbed.  He stopped fighting the Med-jai, and was released.  He held out his arms to Miranda, and she lunged for him, sobbing into his neck.  All she could say was, "They took Mommy, Mr. Jonathan!  They took Mommy and they hurt Ardeth!"

Ardeth.  Jonathan turned to face his friend, who remained unconscious.  How hard had that bastard hit him?  The Med-jai who had been protecting Miranda went to his unconscious leader, gently scooping Ardeth into his arms.  Rick asked, his voice shaking with fury, "What the hell just happened here?"  The Med-jai didn't answer him.  The man who had restrained Jonathan stepped around, to help the other man carry Ardeth.  For the first time, Jonathan realized there was one man missing.  Rick repeated, "Goddammit, I want answers!  I. . ."

"Silence, O'Connell! I am sure this is difficult for you to comprehend, but the world does not stop for your confusion, and I have not my chieftain's patience.  Hanif, I have Ardeth. . .you take that pile of camel dung.  Kaphiri has gone after the girl, but if we can get this one to talk, we will have no need to wait for his signal," the old man said, carefully cradling Ardeth against his chest.  Hanif, the young one, nodded, and the old man continued, "Mrs. O'Connell.  We will retreat to your home. . .is there a place, a room in your home which we can use as an interrogation room for when this pig comes around?"

"Yes, there is. . .should someone contact Anatol?  Oh. . .never mind," Evy said, looking a bit numb as the young Med-jai rushed to his brother's side.  Jonathan didn't know where Anatol had been, but judging from his expression, it was highly unlikely he had known about today's events.  Probably for the best, since Anatol was a little on the hotheaded side.  Evy continued, "Is there anything I can do to help?  Should I go ahead?"

"Yes, but not by much.  Anatol, go with her. . .I have your brother," the man replied.  He added after a pause, "Mrs. O'Connell, I know we have not been formally introduced.  My name is Garai. . .but you once knew me as 'Sennefer.'  Does that name sound familiar?"  Evy frowned, then a strange expression crossed her face.  As if she had been struck by a faint wind. . .and when she opened her eyes, there wasn't just Evy there, but Nefertiri as well.

"Sennefer.  You were Ardath's Med-jai," Evy whispered, switching to ancient Egyptian, and the Med-jai inclined his head.  By all rights, Jonathan shouldn't have understood what she was saying.  But it was as if that part of Nassor was listening and translating.  Evy continued, "Then come.  I know you wish to make sure your mistress is safe. . .and we must make sure. . ."  She stopped, shook her head, and switched back to English, "We'll get Ardeth back to the house, then see what we can find out from that dreadful man about what they've done with Celia."

They headed back to the house, Anatol and Evy walking slightly ahead, with Alex clinging to Evy's hand.  At the same time, Miranda maintained her grip on Jonathan.  Poor little thing was still crying, soft little whimpers that tore out Jonathan's heart.  He was willing to bet nothing so terrible had happened before. . . seeing her mother kidnapped right in front of her eyes.  He hugged her a little, wishing he could have done more.

I warned Ardath this would happen, Jonathan thought despairingly, I told her that I would fail Ardeth! Jonathan shook his head, staring at the back of his friend's head as Garai carried him toward the O'Connell house.  Was he bleeding?  Jonathan had known scalp wounds to bleed, but with Ardeth's black hair, it was hard to be sure.  He smiled humorlessly, wondering if that was part of the reason Med-jai wore black. . .harder to tell bloodstains.

As they walked, Garai explained, "Ardeth knew that Jason Ferguson was a betrayer, and made plans accordingly.  Ferguson's sister was to be used as bait, to trap Ardeth.  Our chieftain, in return, decided to turn the tables on him.  He knew there was a chance for an unknown factor to enter into the picture. . .for all we knew, Ferguson's new business associate might have had more men that we didn't know about.  So, he planned for just that eventuality.  If, for some reason, he was unable to reach Celia Ferguson in time, and she was captured, then Kaphiri would follow the kidnappers and send word back to us."

He stopped and looked back at Jonathan, saying quietly, "You prevented them from capturing or killing our chieftain.  You have our thanks for that."  Jonathan lowered his eyes.  But he hadn't gotten there in time, to make sure Ardeth wasn't harmed at all.  If Ardeth hadn't been knocked unconscious, then he could have reached Celia in time. . .and the little girl cuddled against his chest would now be in her mother's arms.  Because her mother would be safe, instead of headed for God only knew where!

He looked up to see Rick's disbelieving expression, as his brother-in-law said, "You. . .Ardeth told him what was going on?  He told Jonathan, but not me?  Hell, no wonder Ardeth's out cold!  I swear to God, Jonathan, if anything happens to that girl. . ."  He was abruptly silenced when Hanif dropped the man who attacked Ardeth, drew his scimitar, and held it to Rick's throat, his dark eyes flashing.

"You will say nothing more, O'Connell!  Garai has not Ardeth's patience, and I have not Garai's patience!" Hanif warned, his voice low and threatening.  The young Med-jai continued, "You will not dishonor my chieftain by calling him a fool.  He told us that Jonathan Carnahan would not fail him, and he was right.  My chieftain is unconscious.  He is neither dead nor a captive.  Your brother in law didn't fail my chieftain. . .you did!"

Rick started to protest, but Evy swung around, eyes blazing, and exclaimed, "That is enough!  You'll do neither Ardeth nor Celia any good by brawling like a pair of ten year olds!  Garai. . .you say Ardeth knew this was coming?  Then he made a choice to trust my brother. . .a choice well made, because Ardeth is neither dead nor a captive.  He is unconscious, but he'll wake up.  Once we get him to the house, we'll take care of whatever headache he has."

Hanif released Rick, smirking a little. . .a smirk which died a quick death when Evy snapped, "And as for you. . .Ardeth never told Rick what was going on, so how could Rick have failed him?  You say you will not allow my husband to dishonor your chieftain, when you are doing just that with your behavior!"  Jonathan watched his little sister give the young Med-jai a scolding he wasn't likely to ever forget.

Hanif stared at Evy in shock, and it seemed likely that once he came out of his current state, he would have a few things to say.  But Ardeth groaned very softly, and all eyes swung back to the still unconscious man.  Garai looked determinedly at Hanif, then at their captive, and said only, "House.  Now."  Hanif picked up the captive once more, and the small party made their way toward the O'Connell house once more.  But that didn't keep Lady Ardath from observing smugly, I told you that you would not fail my child!  Listen to me next time!