Duhr
Chapter 5
Imhotep watched his guests sleep, both amused and a little saddened that they looked like they had rested none in the last day and a half. So he let them sleep here in Thebes longer than he might have otherwise. It was only past noon and AmmunRa had said that he wished them there by the time he returned from the sky. “What have you been doing to yourself, Medjai? I am told you have the books of Horus and Sekhmet, but surely even you would not be so foolish as to try to journey all the way to Hamanaptura and back with the grace of Horus alone and in one trip. That would kill you as surely as a sword through your heart I would think. And I would have your company for a while yet, Ardeth, uncertain though it might be. The gods of Egypt have a great task for you Medjai, and you will need all your strength to see it done.” He let his own thoughts slide feather light over those of his guests and found them both still sleeping soundly so he allowed himself the luxury of lightly running his fingers through his young guest’s hair. “Do you have any idea how tempting you have become for me, Ardeth? How very much I want to take your brother’s place on the bed beside you? I doubt that you do, and you would not understand even if you did. Surely even the gods must expect me to know better than to want yet again that which I should not be desiring. But I do. And somehow, no matter how long it takes I will have you willing and with pleasure, Ardeth.” He combed his fingers through the waves again, and then smiled. “You are too intriguing for your own good.” He admonished they young Medjai with a chuckle and then let him sleep a while longer.
Ardeth woke first, and it was obvious from his thoughts when he realized where he was. He rolled onto his back first to check on the man sleeping soundly behind him and a gentle smile that only made him more appealing crossed his face. He squeezed his brother’s shoulder and then gathered up his weapons slipping them into place and turned to where Imhotep was sitting. He paid no apparent attention to the movements and instead read the papyrus in front of him. After another long moment Ardeth’s thoughts turned to resignation and almost amused disbelief.
“I told Rick you would only do whatever I least expected of you. So here I wake expecting you to be watching me while I sleep and you do not even realize I am awake.” The young man rose to his feet and joined Imhotep at the table to pour himself a cup of coffee.
“I enjoy watching you sleep, certainly, but you have been asleep a long time this day already and I do have my own duties to attend to. Shall we go and drink our coffee outside and let your brother sleep? He looks even more exhausted that you did the other night and I am not certain I thought that was possible.”
Ardeth glanced back at O’Connell and then smiled a little, the warm affection and some concern evident in his thoughts. “As you say.” He agreed. Imhotep took his own cup and the pot and they walked out to the balcony. “Is it past midday here then?”
“It is. Ammun finishes his journey through the sky in less than a handful of hours, Medjai. I told you, you and your brother have slept a long while. It will do you good in the waking world no doubt.”
“No doubt.” Ardeth agreed, and sipped his coffee.
“Ammun tells me you have the books of Horus and Sekhmet, and that the princess has found those objects the great goddess of war willed her to have. That is good news indeed. So we await only what comes from further down the Nile on metal wings do we not?”
“We?” Ardeth turned to look at him. “I had not realized the geas AmmunRa gave to us included you.”
He smiled. “As I told you in AhmShere Ardeth it amuses the gods to no end to have us on the same side.”
Ardeth sighed. “You did.” He agreed.
Imhotep had to chuckle. “It is not that bad, Medjai. I did save your tribes from destruction did I not?”
“You did.” Ardeth agreed and there was a bright flash of joy at that, like sunlight on gold. “I never did thank you for that did I?”
“No.” Imhotep chuckled. “As I said the other night I think you had agreed to enough that night without me expecting to be thanked. Your courage and dedication to your people as always do you great credit, Ardeth.”
The young man turned to look at him. “It was-- much less a price to pay for their survival than I had dared to pray to Allah for.”
“No doubt.” He agreed with a smile. “As I said, your bravery does you credit. But you have yet to pay off my rescue completely, you owe me a few kisses yet.”
A resigned sigh but no real fear or hatred for which he was grateful. “It is still far less a price than I feared I would pay. I have survived four kisses from you so far and at least do not think any real harm has been done.”
He chuckled. “As you say.” He agreed. “I would apologize for that last kiss in AhmShere, Ardeth, that was cruel and I have no desire to cause you harm. It did anger your brother though and that was its purpose.”
“I take it from what you said then and now that he saw that kiss is that it?”
“Yes.” Imhotep smiled a little sadly. “I played it a bit more heavily than I should have perhaps but I wanted him to think I had no concern at all for causing you harm or not.”
“Do you then?” Ardeth looked at him in disbelief.
“If I did not, Medjai, you would be mine in more than name and for more than one night.” He pointed out.
A slight shiver that Ardeth did not manage to suppress and then a sigh. “As you say. Thanks be to Allah then that you do.”
He chuckled again. “As you say.” He agreed. “Your brother is a brave man, Ardeth, and for all his impetuousness still surprisingly hard to anger into real rage you know.”
“I am oddly thankful for that or chances are good we would have killed each other at some point before you ever woke in Hamanaptura.” There was honest amusement in his tone.
“Truly? Now that sounds like an intriguing tale. Can I convince you to tell it to me?”
“Since I am no longer avoiding death or worse by entertaining you with tales and explaining Islam I see no reason why I should tell you that one.”
He smiled. “Because I will not kiss you until you are done?” He offered.
Ardeth looked at him sharply and then sighed. “Madness does not begin to explain it.”
He had to laugh. “As you say. Very well, Medjai, I will offer the bargain again at a later time and you can decide it then.” He reached out and drew his hand along the young man’s jaw. “I will have a kiss from you this most glorious day, Ardeth.”
A sigh but the young man did not flinch or pull away. “As you wish.”
He set his cup down, and took Ardeth’s from his hand to place on the banister. “So you do not toss it at me the moment the kiss is over with.”
A flash of humor despite his young guest’s control. “I would be tempted, little good though it might do me to try.”
He chuckled. “Very true. Relax, Ardeth, I am not going to cause you any harm.”
“I do not think I can comply with that, no matter how much I try to force myself too.” The young man admitted softly.
“And you have agreed to be as willing and complacent for each kiss as you were the other night is that not correct?”
“It is.” A quick nod.
“Then I shall assume you will try your best.” He smiled a bit more. “Ammun but you are too pleasing, Ardeth.” He traced the young man’s jaw again, then gave into the desire to bury his fingers in that long hair to pull Ardeth towards him just a bit as he leaned forward and kissed him. Ardeth was still under his hand, but he did not flinch. Imhotep kept the kiss as gentle as he could for a long moment, letting himself enjoy the feel as he had the other night. And after a bit Ardeth relaxed some, finding it not nearly as bad as he had recalled it being. That was almost enough to make Imhotep smile but he deepened the kiss slowly instead, just a bit at a time until he could slide his tongue lightly against Ardeth’s. The young man trembled just a little at that, a reaction that was pushed down with firm courage and strength. Ammun but you tempt me, Ardeth, you do, do that. He kept the kiss as long as he could, and then broke it slowly with as much care as he had started it with. “Breathe now, Ardeth.” He admonished quietly. “You will survive I do not doubt.”
The young man took a deep breath. “As you say.”
He chuckled and drew his hand from Ardeth’s hair and picked up his coffee cup before handing Ardeth his. “Do not throw it at me.”
A sigh. “I do not have to be complacent now.” Ardeth reminded him.
“True. But it would be a waste of the coffee. Come now, Medjai it was not that bad a price to pay for the lives of one of your tribes was it?”
Ardeth gave a quick prayer to Allah for patience and then took a long swallow of coffee. “No. It is a small price to pay actually. And they are worth more to me than any humiliation you might wish me to bear.”
“I believe you proved that when you came here the other night.” He agreed. “As I said, your bravery and devotion do you great credit, Medjai. Your people are fortunate to have you to lead them.”
“No.” Ardeth disagreed. “I am fortunate to have such amazing people willing to follow me. Allah knows I do not deserve it.”
“Now there you see we disagree.” He finished his own coffee and poured himself another cup full. “Horus chose his champion well.”
“Do you expect me to be flattered?”
“It was not meant as flattery, no, only truth.” He returned enjoying the game despite himself. He would need to find another bargain to make with the young man at some point because the eight kisses he had left to claim were not going to be nearly enough. He chuckled at the thought.
Ardeth looked at him uncertainly.
“A passing fancy, Ardeth. I was recalling when I told you before that it was truth and not flattery and wondering what your brother would do if I did tell him he was almost as intriguing as you are.”
And that got a small smile from his guest. “I do not think it wise. He will do something brave and foolish and probably cause damage to you, himself, me and this wondrous city without meaning to do more than blow you to bits.”
He had to laugh. “You are probably right, but it might just be entertaining enough to be worth the annoyance. Then he could worry about himself and not concern himself so much with my interest in you.”
“If that is the reason you would do so, I can tell you it will not help. Rick is far more concerned with his family than with himself.”
He thought about that for a long moment and then recalled the outright hatred in O’Connell’s eyes when they had faced each other in combat at Ahm Shere. “There is truth to that.” He agreed. “He would have killed me the other day if he could have, when he thought I had forced you to my bed.”
“No doubt.” Ardeth agreed, and there was a brief thought to the fact that O’Connell had promised just that if it should ever happen.
“He loves you well, Ardeth.” He smiled just a little.
“He is my brother.” There was both affection for O’Connell and a bit of anger at how Imhotep might have meant the comment.
He smiled. “Indeed. As I said before you could not ask for a better man to fight beside.”
“No.” The affection won out over the anger and Ardeth nodded. “On that we agree.”
“I will give him and you both that you are damnable enemies to fight against.” He chuckled.
“Thank you.” Ardeth returned with a small smile. “That is a compliment I will accept.”
He laughed. “I will keep that in mind.” He let his thoughts brush over O’Connell’s again, a bit surprised the man was still sleeping. He was well into dreaming, to deep for Imhotep to get a grasp on the thoughts themselves but not so deep as to be pulled from Thebes completely. It was an unusual state and one that made him oddly uncomfortable. Without thinking he glanced up at the sun. What haunts thy glorious city oh AmmunRa, Lord of all Egypt that makes me feel chilled even in thy glory? He glanced over at Ardeth and then decided regardless of the cause it was not worth continuing. “Your brother sleeps poorly, Ardeth. You might....”
The young man did not even give him time to finish only went into the room without a word. “Bis’mil’Allah rakhman el rahim. Why did I not think...?” He brushed O’Connell’s hair from his face. “Please oh bright Horus I pray you, walk between my brother and the dark places he travels and see him safe to my side. Allah, most merciful let the dark angel of death know he is not welcome here, please, I will take what pain you will me but let my brother be free.”
Imhotep only watched for a long moment but the fear and concern where great enough and real enough that he could almost touch them. “AmmunRa, Lord of all Egypt, in this thy city of greatness, I, Imhotep, your high priest at Thebes that was and is and always will be ask you to lend your strength to whatever blessing the leader of the Medjai would have for his brother.”
O’Connell sat up with an oddly strangled sound and reached with none of his usual skill or grace for a weapon or something to hold onto. Ardeth only pulled him close and held him tightly, whispering words in that language that Imhotep could still not follow. And he gave his guest a gift he would no doubt appreciate later and drew the shadows about himself to slip unseen back onto the balcony and waited.
Whatever nightmare Ardeth had pulled his brother from appeared to be horrible enough to have warranted the blessings for which the young Medjai had asked because O’Connell was not a man easily shaken by even the horrors of Hamanaptura and yet he was undoubtedly shivering in his brother’s arms. Ardeth repeated the same few words and then switched to Arabic softly. “There is no god but Allah, brother, I will let no demon of the dark have your soul. Be easy now, I am here. I am well. Evelyn and Alex are well and sleep in the embrace of the old gods and Allah. It is only that I forgot to invoke the spells for protection here as I did in Ahm Shere. Shhh now it is done, we are safe and whole now.” He stroked a hesitant hand down O’Connell’s back. “Does he yet haunt your dreams, brother mine?”
“I hate this part, Ardeth.” O’Connell growled.
“And I.”
“Thebes, huh? You okay?” O’Connell pushed away and it was so obvious that he only shoved every thing he was feeling aside and down that Imhotep was surprised it was possible to do so even with the almost indomitable will the American had.
“Fine, I only woke a bit ago.” Ardeth answered.
“No one watching you sleep this morning?” O’Connell’s voice was harsh with a level of hatred Imhotep had not expected him to still hold.
“No, actually there was not.” Ardeth looked to where he had been and then smiled just a bit. And the thought carried clearly. Thank you.
You are most welcome, I will collect a proper thank you with my name attached latter Ardeth do not doubt it. He promised silently, wishing for just the moment that Ardeth could hear the reply as he heard the thanks.
“As I told you Rick he is only likely to do whatever I least expect and probably finds it just as amusing as anything else. Are you well, brother?”
“Yeah, I think so. Just a-- really bad nightmare there for a bit.” O’Connell shook himself a little. “Sorry.” He let go of Ardeth with a sigh.
“For what?” Ardeth returned. “Assuring yourself I was well? Do not make me revise my opinion of your intelligence now, all right?”
“Yeah.” O’Connell managed a smile. “Think you can get somebody to bring us coffee?”
Ardeth looked over at the table and then recalled that the pot and both cups were out on the balcony and smiled. “I can try.” He squeezed his brother’s shoulder again. “Let me see if there is anyone about.” He got up and went over to the door.
Imhotep considered for a moment and then stirred the curtains with a thought.
“Company.” O’Connell said unnecessarily. Ardeth only closed the door and turned toward the balcony.
“Good day warriors.” He greeted them both as if he and Ardeth had not spent a while on the balcony earlier. Somehow I do not think you would find that interlude nearly as enjoyable as I did O’Connell. “AmmunRa, He who is lord of all Egypt is more than three-quarters of the way through his journey through the sky. I will send Tahiri with coffee and then you can join me in the courtyard when you are fully awake. I would speak to you of those things the gods have given you and give you the words AmmunRa, lord of all Egypt has asked me too deliver.” He walked over and then smiled at Ardeth with just a bit of teasing. “Your brother is a fortunate man to wake in your arms, Ardeth. Do not tempt me so to see if I would enjoy it as well, hmm?” And he did brush much closer than was needed to walk out the door. “Be civil or I might yet claim another kiss this glorious day where your brother can watch.” He offered in Egyptian as Ardeth would have pulled away sharply.
“As you say.” The young man replied and then sighed. “Thank you for the kindness of leaving us alone while he woke.”
“You can thank me later, Ardeth, by name. And I will consider it payed.” He chuckled. “But I will spare you that indignity while your brother watches me or undoubtedly I will have to keep him from blowing up my god’s most glorious city.”
Ardeth smiled just a little. “Rick has a fondness for dynamite that I have never understood.” He replied in Arabic again. And that got something like amusement from O’Connell.
“As you say. Be civil O’Connell and we shall all find out what Ammun and Allah will for us.” He closed the door behind him with a smile. Ammun had to know how much he enjoyed his young guests’ visits as annoying and disagreeable as the two could be it was still a very enjoyable and intriguing addition to Thebes.
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Ardeth stood there a long moment and then just sighed. “Madness does not begin to describe it.” He repeated to himself quietly.
“Yeah.” Rick agreed “You okay? What did he say?”
“That I should not tempt him so or you would be wanting to blow him and this place to bits.” He smiled despite himself. “Allah and Ammun both must know that is true.”
“It is. Bastard.” Rick grumbled but he got up and gathered his weapons. “Just so long as he doesn’t hurt you I’ll leave the place standing.”
He smiled a bit more. “As you say. You are a good friend to have, Rick.” He moved back to his friend’s side and squeezed his shoulder. “Are you well?”
“Yeah.” Rick nodded, but there was even more pain in his eyes that before. “But I could really, really, use to get drunk.”
“Here at least that is possible.” Ardeth reminded him. “Shall I ask Tahiri to bring you beer or wine instead when she brings the coffee?”
“No. Sounds really nice but I think I need to keep my head.”
“As you say.” He agreed. “I am sorry I did not think to extend the protections invoked in Ahm Shere to include Thebes.” He squeezed his brother’s shoulder again.
“I didn’t think of it either.” Rick shrugged. “I’m okay, Ardeth. Just pissed off all right?” Rick squeezed his hand and then sat down at the small table with a sigh. “And tired.”
“That I will believe.”
“Medjai?” Tahiri opened the door and peeked in. “I have brought you coffee and some breakfast.”
Ardeth found a smile for the young woman as she came in. “Thank you Tahiri.”
“Was there not coffee already?” She looked over at the table. “Hello, O’Connell.”
“Hello.” Rick answered with a good approximation of the Egyptian accent. Tahiri smiled.
“Is your most revered wife teaching you Egyptian?” She asked.
Ardeth chuckled. “We are all attempting it I think.” He replied for his brother. “But it is in small steps so far.”
“Ah. Coffee?” She offered. “How do I say that in the language of Allah then?”
“Ahwa.” He offered.
“Ahwa.” She repeated. “There now we have both learned a word.”
“Thank you.” Rick smiled back and took the cup she filled for him.
“Is there anything else I can bring you?” She looked over at him.
“No, I think we will be joining the High Priest of AmmunRa in the courtyard in just a bit.” He sighed. “So perhaps if you do not mind you could check on us there in a bit there. I am certain we will need something to drink.”
“That is no bother, Medjai.” She smiled again, bowed once and left.
“So, what was all that?” Rick asked.
“Nothing of importance. I asked her to check with us in a bit down in the courtyard to see if we needed something to drink, since I suppose we must join the creature there eventually. I would like to hear what news it has from AmmunRa.” He shrugged and poured himself a cup of coffee. “You could do with something to eat I think.”
“Probably.” Rick agreed with a sigh. “But I don’t think trying it now is going to help much.” He drank the cup of coffee Tahiri had poured him and then refilled it.
Ardeth debated with himself for a long moment and then reached over and gripped his friend’s free hand. “Tell me what Anubis has done that has hurt you so.”
Rick pulled his hand free sharply. “Nothing. The damned thing hasn’t done a thing to me. Leave it alone.”
“Rick.” He put as much gentleness into his tone as he could. “You will not leave me to face my fears alone not even here in Thebes, why then will you not let me help you with whatever it is the dark god of the dead burdens you with now?”
“It isn’t anything you can help with, Ardeth, just nightmares. I appreciate the worry, really. But I’m a grown man, I can deal with a few bad dreams.”
He closed his eyes for a long moment. “You are the most stubborn of men. Rick, look at me.” He had no idea how in the world to do this. Allah please grant me wisdom here I walk a path I know nothing of. “You know as well as I that what the old gods of ancient Egypt have given to us while we sleep is more than dreams. This....” He gestured around him, “is more than a dream is it not? And if not then why concern yourself with the damned thing in the courtyard and its interest in me? Give me some credit, brother for having more sense than that. Let me help.”
Rick smiled just a little, but it was a very haunted look. “You just did.”
“Did I?” He asked in surprise. “How?”
“By being here. Guess it’s your turn to not be able to keep the bad guys away and have to pick up the pieces, huh?”
He sighed. “If this is what you felt when I woke the other morning and could not tell you I was well I am sorry I did not have the courage to break my oath and speak. Truly it was far more cruel to you than to me.”
“I can live with that.” Rick’s voice was a rough whisper. “So, do we go see it or not?”
Ardeth took a deep breath and asked once more for patience. Then a sudden thought made him smile. “No, not yet. I have an idea. You were willing to take up the armor the dark god willed you for my sake, brother of mine, who am I to do less? Will you come?” He picked up the shield of Horus which sat beside the bed and headed for the door.
“What the hell does that mean?” Rick asked, catching up to him in the hall.
“As I said.” He slung the shield onto his shoulder. Then drew on the sketchy memories he had of the remains of the temple of Karnak and headed in a direction he had not yet gone. Down through the forest of columns that made up the hyperstyle hall and then through a smaller courtyard until he reached the smaller temple shrine to the god who’s shield he carried. “You may stay out here if you wish.” He looked over at his friend who had walked beside him with obvious confusion.
“You want to tell me what the hell you’re doing?”
“Asking for aid.” He shrugged. “If I can not help you, I will find you someone who can.” It hurt a bit to say but he meant it. “Let us see what the God of Vengeance will let me do.” And he walked into the shrine before Rick could grab a hold of him.
“Damn it Ardeth...” Rick caught up to him in a moment and grabbed his arm, using his greater height and weight to pull Ardeth around.
“This is a sacred space brother of mine, we would to well not to curse.” He said softly, laying his hand over Rick’s. “I would not anger the god of Vengeance.”
“Tell me what you’re planning then.” Rick growled.
He smiled just a little. “Whatever I can do to help of course. Come, it will make sense in a moment.” He reached the small inner shrine and two priests he did not know stepped forwards with halbrecks to stop him. He only smiled. “Peace to thee followers of the bright son of Isis and Osiris, I seek only to speak with the bright god of Vengeance.” He offered in Egyptian.
“What brings a Medjai and an outlander to argue in the temple of Horus?” Asked the priest on his right.
“My brother worries.” He shrugged. “Most brothers do. And as to what brings me to the bright god’s temple.” He slipped the shield from his shoulder onto his arm and pulled the scepter free with a twist that made it a weapon. “I would speak of that, with him.”
They both blinked in surprise and then looked at each other and nodded before dropping to their knees. He was little used to such shows of respect but this once he did not argue with it. “Come now, brother of mine, it seems that even here there is some leeway given to Medjai for our manners.” He smiled. “But walk softly.” He suggested. “And do not shoot at things, please.” He indicated Rick’s pistol with his spear. “That would be rude.” He walked the last few steps to the inner shrine and then went to one knee, the spear a bright staff at his right side, the shield at his left.
“Bright God of Vengeance, Proud Horus, son of the great Osiris, I would ask for your blessings, unworthy and uncertain though I am. I know no proper words of prayer to thee, for my God is the only God I worship, but I will ask of you as I would of my father, please, I have need of thee. I stand as thy champion against the great enemies who move upon Egypt in the waking world oh god of Vengeance and I am honored above anything I had ever expected to be that you chose me to wield these great weapons in your name. But now I face a foe I can not defeat and a battle I can not fight. Anubis thy dark brother, son of thy father haunts the twilight world my brother walks in his dreams that are not dreams. And I can not keep him safe oh bright son of Isis. Willingly would I take whatever horror it is that Anubis burdens him with if I could. And failing that I would ask you to lend him your grace in the dark places he travels. Please. I have need of him whole.” He laid the spear down and drew his longer sword from his sash and laid it just in front of the shrine. “With this blade, oh bright god of Vengeance, I slew the leader of the Asenusi, Lok-nah, who had shot the falcon who carries you name in the waking world, my most trusted and clever friend. I offer it now to you oh bright god, and ask you for aid.”
And there came a bright flash of light from above although the sun had long since passed the point in the sky where the sunlight could fill the opening above the shrine, and a warm breeze blew strongly down over the inner shrine and right into his face. “IT IS A GOOD GIFT, LEADER OF THE MEDJAI, AND IT PLEASES ME. KEEP THE BLADE THOUGH, ARDETH BAY, FOR YOU WILL NEED IT IN THE WAKING WORLD SOON ENOUGH. YOU HAVE GREAT ENEMIES TO FACE, CHAMPION OF MINE, AND I AND ALL EGYPT HAVE NEED OF THY STRENGTH AND THY COURAGE AND THY TRIBES. WHOLE AND WELL AND STRONG INDEED. SO I WILL SPEAK TO MY DARK BROTHER AS YOU ASK, AND WATCH OVER YOUR BROTHER IN HIS DREAMS. LITTLE AID MAY I OFFER THOUGH ARDETH, FOR WE ARE EQUALS IN ALL THINGS AS WE ARE OPPOSITES, ANUBIS AND I. YOU STAND IN THE THEBES THAT WAS AND IS AND SHALL BE MED-JAI, SPEAK YOU THEN TO AMMUNRA HE WHO IS RULER OF ALL EGYPT EVEN THOSE OF US OF THE TUAT AND ASK OF HIM TO SEE TO THY BROTHER. AMMUN IS AS I AM FOND OF THEE CHILD OF ALLAH. AND WOULD NO DOUBT GRANT YOU AND YOUR BROTHER FAVOR.”
He swallowed hard at the end trying to find his voice. “I shall do as you bid me, oh great god of Vengeance.” He bowed his head uncertainly.
And a strong hand that was warm like sunlight touched his head, and the voice was gentle now. “See him and thyself whole, Ardeth. For all Egypt needs you both. Do not be discouraged in your support but know that he is far more afraid for thee bight one than for any harm my brother would cause him. Make him then give the fear a voice in the light of day so that it may be seen for only the play of shadows upon the wall that it is.”
“As you will.”
A bright laugh like a shower of sparks of gold rained down about him. “Go now in peace Ardeth and take thy blade and thy brother with you, Egypt could do with no better than all three. Know that I, myself, AmmunRa, and Allah himself are well pleased with thee.”
“Little do I deserve it oh bright Horus, but it fills my heart with light.”
“As it should.” The god laughed again and then the light was gone, carried by the flapping of a great wing that blew from behind him this time and up into the sky.
“Ardeth?” Rick’s voice was a soft whisper as his brother came over to crouch beside him. “Are you okay?”
He met his friend’s eyes with a smile of joy. “Oh Allah Rick that was more blessing that I ever deserved.”
“It was-- pretty amazing from my side too.” Rick agreed. “And I couldn’t even understand him. But it sounded beautiful anyway.”
He nodded. And then reached for his sword only to find that there was a large feather, made of solid gold lying on top of it, a medallion on a chain as he picked it up. “To keep with you, brother of mine, in the dark places Anubis would show you.” He offered it to his friend with a smile.
“Is that what you were doing?” Rick sighed and then shook his head. “Do I want to know what you bargained this time?”
He smiled a bit more. “Nothing at all. I only asked as a warrior should to a god of Vengeance and was blessed with a response. Come now, we shall go see to the High Priest of AmmunRa as Horus suggested.”
“If the Bright god of Vengeance can get you to use a title I do not object to I shall offer him my thanks as well.” Their host said from behind him. “All of Thebes saw the bright arrow of the god that came here, Ardeth, did you truly think I could not in good faith to AmmunRa come and see what brought Bright Horus to Thebes? Are you well, warriors?”
“Well enough.” Ardeth answered, and then picked up his sword and spear and put them back at his waist before slipping the shield back over his shoulder. “I have been asked by Horus to speak to AmmunRa, Priest of Thebes that was, may I do so?”
And his host smiled. “Of course. You are oddly formal all of a sudden, Ardeth.”
“I am unaccustomed to speaking with gods. It makes one consider one’s words with great care.”
“It does indeed. Come then, we shall speak of Egypt that is in the waking world and then when the evening approaches we shall go to see AmmunRa onto his great battle with Set once more.”
“You’re sure about this?” Rick asked softly, in English, his hand tight on Ardeth’s arm.
“I have the blessings of Horus, AmmunRa, and Allah himself to take with me, Rick. We both do. How could I do anything else?”
“Really?” Some of the haunted look left his friend’s eyes at that. “That’s good to know.”
“May it see us both safely through the war to come, my friend.” He agreed and gripped Rick’s shoulder tightly.
“Yeah.” Rick nodded, but Ardeth was certain that it was not the battles to be faced with the Germans that Rick was glad he had the gods’ blessing against. And he took the bright god of Vengeance at his word. I will know what it is you fear brother so that we may make it only a shadow of a dream and take the dark god’s power away from it.
“Shall we go sit in the afternoon sun and plan a battle strategy then?” He asked, looking from Rick to their host and back.
“If you want to.” Rick agreed.
“Certainly, Medjai.” The creature agreed. Then paused and looked back at him with a chuckle. “Well it was pleasant while it lasted. I will find you a title you do not like, Ardeth and then where will you be?”
“I am unlearning the practices of a lifetime, priest, it takes more doing than most things.” He pointed out.
“As you say.” He shook his head and then headed back into the sunlight.
“Want to let me in on that one?” Rick asked.
“It annoys him when I call him creature.” Ardeth smiled a bit. “Undoubtedly why I continue to do so. Little enough do I have left that annoy it that I am hardly going to give up what I do.”
“Annoys him, huh?” Rick smiled a bit, with more darkness to his expression than Ardeth was comfortable with. “That’s good to know. So it’s okay if I yank its chain still?”
“What and claim territory?” He shook his head. “He will not believe there is more between us than friendship, Rick.”
“No?” Rick shrugged. “Bet it still annoys the hell out of him that you and I can tease each other and not mind.”
“That is probably true.” He agreed. “And if it keeps him from teasing me as much, I shall hardly complain. Come now, brother of mine, let us go face the crocodile once more.”
“Better than walking with asps I guess.”
“It is indeed.” He agreed. Their host was waiting for them in the courtyard, sitting under one of the palm trees beside a small table on which were several rolls of papyrus. It was a bit unnerving that many of the women and children kept bowing to him as he walked.
“Looks like word gets around pretty quick.” Rick pointed out.
“It does.” He agreed. “Now how do I get them to stop?”
“Simply let it go and they will realize soon enough that they do not need to do so.” Their host suggested. “Sit, if you will, and I will trade what news I have from my god, Ardeth, if you will trade what news you have from yours.”
“No news at all, except that Egypt will have need of us all soon enough and I have the blessings of the bright god of Vengeance to take with me into battle. It is amazing enough as it is.” He answered. “And I have been told to keep my sword handy because I will need it.”
Rick looked over at him sharply. “That’s weird, Anubis told me the same thing.”
“That is not so pleasant a thought.” He sighed.
“You have spoken with the dread god of those who’s hearts are stilled O’Connell?” The creature asked with a frown.
“Yeah.” Rick nodded once.
“I did not think to ask that part did he tell you anything of this battle to come, brother mine?”
“No.” Rick sighed. “I have a hard time trying to understand anything it says Ardeth, even when its speaking a language I know. It just seems to enjoy making me angry is all. It seems to think that’s a good way for a champion to be, pissed off.”
“Anger at an enemy can be an asset.” He agreed uncertainly. “But it would seem to me that some knowledge of the enemy we face would be better.”
“Nothing like that.” Rick shrugged.
“So what does AmmunRa, He who is lord of all Egypt say about the battle to come then, priest?” He turned to their host, who was looking at Rick with an odd confusion.
“Tomorrow in the waking world the princess’ brother will arrive in Ahm Shere. I have been told only that you will need to be most cautious with those things they bring you for the best weapon of them all will be the one that seems least likely. Like the scepter of Osiris all is not what it first appears.”
“Do the gods ever tire of putting things in riddles?” He asked seriously.
“They expect us to work for our knowledge, Medjai. Otherwise we do not grow at all.” The thing shrugged again, then smiled. “Do not tempt me, Ardeth.”
“I will remind you once again that I do not seem to have any control over that, though Allah knows I would be forever thankful if I did so I could stop doing it.” He shook his head. “So, we have two days until the Germans arrive and one of those will be spent looking over the munitions Jonathan and Izzy bring us and seeing my tribes as well armed as they can be. Then we have a day to work on practicing with them and the gifts of the old gods. It is not much time to be ready for battle.”
“Perhaps you can ask AmmunRa, He who is lord of all Egypt this evening then Medjai if he will give you more answers. But he is likely to think you should do well enough on your own and only smile.”
“As you say.” He agreed.
“So we know at least that Jonathan and Izzy will get to Ahm Shere in time for the war. That’s good. I was worried the Germans would arrive before they did.” Rick put in. “You think you’ve scared off all the staff Ardeth or can you maybe ask someone to bring us some more coffee?”
Ardeth smiled a little. “I shall have to teach you how to ask for coffee in Egyptian then.” He agreed. “But I will certainly do so.”
“Is there anything else you would like besides coffee? I doubt I should bother asking if you will eat but you may yet surprise me with an answer.” Their host chuckled a bit.
“Coffee is good. Perhaps Karkaday as it is still warm, and if I eat now I will not be hungry for diner. Surely you are going to feed us are you not, Priest?” He found a smile.
“You are in an odd, humor, Ardeth. Pleasing enough, certainly, but odd. And if you are being a polite enough guest who am I to be so poor a host as to not feed you dinner?” The smile turned teasing. “Or are you expecting more than dinner? Shall I arrange the entertainment too?”
He shrugged. “Alas, while I would hardly object to watching her dance, I am afraid I would insult her by refusing her gift. So it is best perhaps if I do not have to do so.”
Rick smiled just a bit. “I bet I could find somewhere else to sleep.” He offered in English.
Ardeth managed not to flush but it was a near thing. “No, thank you.” He left it at that. Do you truly think I would leave you alone now? Or are you only hoping I might so that you will be free to face your demons without worrying me? We are, brother of mine, too much alike at times. I will remind you later that I had not wanted you to know there was a bargain to be kept either. I can be as stubborn as you, Rick. And as patient as I must be. “I think I will do well to keep my wits about me right now, just in case.” He added. “But it was a kind offer none the less.” He finished in Arabic. “So we have no real knowledge yet of the enemy we face. Perhaps Jonathan and Izzy may bring us some of that as well from Cairo.” He shrugged. “I am not certain exactly how to ask this as leader of the Medjai I am sworn to keep the very thing from occurring, but, since we have the books of all four gods at Ahm Shere, and it seems they all have an interest in this battle, am I to expect then that Ammun will send you to join this fight against Germany?”
“As I told you Ardeth, surely it must amuse them to no end that we are on the same side this once.” The creature shrugged. “It is the only explanation. Little good it would do them to try but do restrain your men from attacking me from behind while I am facing the enemies of Egypt could you? I would hate to have to deprive the gods of the very army they would have you lead.”
“I would consider it a fine gift if you would leave my people well.” He agreed.
“Really? Do I get a thank you then? By name?”
Ardeth found a smile. “Perhaps.”
The thing only laughed. “There now you see. You can learn to play as well can you not, Ardeth? Well done.”
He shrugged. “When one has no choice but to learn or be overwhelmed one learns quickly.” He looked over at Rick. “That is how you learned to swim was it not? Because it was that or drown?”
“Yeah.” Rick replied with a small smile. “You remembered that?”
“Of course. It meant something to you or you would not have said it.”
“Now who’s being so much more than a good friend to have?” Rick returned with a smile that was only a slightly less teasing one than any his host might have given him.
“It is good that you think so.” He flushed just a bit, ducking his head in embarrassment despite himself.
“Don’t.” Rick’s voice lacked the slight teasing now, and much to his surprise, his friend reached over and touched his jaw. “Look at me.” The words were tight in English.
He looked up, concern replacing the embarrassment and recalled the night before when Rick had asked him to look at him when they spoke. Apparently whatever lay behind that was still a very real thing to his brother. “Of course. I am sorry, Rick. I forgot.”
“Nothing to be sorry about.” Rick disagreed.
If it brings such horror to your eyes I am more than sorry. He wanted to offer it aloud but he could save his brother what dignity he could even with the creature sitting only a few feet away.
“There is Tahiri with your coffee O’Connell. Will you come and speak to AmmunRa, Ardeth or shall I tell him that you will see him at dawn?”
“I will come.” He replied firmly. I will find you some protection against the dread god of Death my friend, if only I could keep him from you completely. “Will you watch Selim’s gift for me once more, brother?” He drew the Koran from his robes. Rick looked at it for a moment as if he truly thought it might hurt to take it.
“If-- you want me to.” Rick said finally and took the embroidered wrapped book.
It took Ardeth just a moment longer to place the pain in his brother’s voice and he sighed and offered it once more in English. “I am well. It is only that I do not want to offend Ammun. No harm done, my friend. I swear it once more to Allah.”
“I’ll give it back to you in a bit then.” Rick agreed. But it was apparent that the repetition had not helped.
Ardeth only smiled sadly and clasped his friend’s shoulder. “Asalaama, akee.”
“Allah hamdas aha.” Rick offered.
What in the name of Allah do you think I need his victory against, Rick? He barely kept from asking it. “I doubt I will have to wrestle Ammun for a blessing as Ibrahim did with the angel of Allah my friend but it is a kind thought none the less.”
“We never know, do we?” Rick replied.
And it took more strength than Ardeth was certain he had to leave his brother there and go to see Ammun and he was not in the least concerned for himself.
“This may seem like a foolish question, Medjai but you did tell your brother you are well did you not? I released you from that promise days ago.”
“I did.” He replied. “I have done so repeatedly. Why?”
“Because he hates me with a strength that I had not expected. It has not lessened at all since I faced him by the Nile and I would have thought it would have once he knew you had not been in my bed. And he worries for you with a fear I could touch if I tried. What have you been doing in Ahm Shere, Ardeth?” There was something like concern to the voice.
“Nothing.” He replied. “It is nothing I have done at all. Or you I do not think. Perhaps it is only that you are convenient to hate and he certainly has no fondness for you.”
“I am accustomed to your brother’s dislike and your distrust Ardeth, this is neither of those. See that he focuses his anger on me if he must, but I will not have this place or its people harmed Ardeth. Surely you can understand that. It is the temple of my god and I am its high priest. I have no desire to harm one of the champions Egypt needs right now but I will do so if I must.”
He sighed. “I do not like it. I will protect him if I can. But I will not say I do not understand your concern as well. So I will try and find us a way to walk between enmity and being allies.”
“That will do.” The creature agreed.
“In’sh’allah.” He sighed.
“Come now Ardeth, do me the courtesy of a title at least while we face my god, or I will give you a name you will not enjoy.”
“As you say.” He agreed. “Will it offend your god then priest if I take the scepter and shield of Horus with me or should I leave them here?”
“Your weapons you may keep, Medjai but leave your boots.”
“As you say.” He unbuckled them, and kept silent as the High Priest of AmmunRa stripped off the robes he had been wearing and washed himself quickly before drawing on those that suited his rank. “Dare I ask if you will turn you back if I do the same?”
“Tempting, Medjai but I had no robes brought for you so while I would truly enjoy it, it is best you meet AmmunRa, He who is lord of all Egypt, dressed.”
“I would not wish to offend AmmunRa.” He agreed. And the creature only smiled at that.
“That does it. You have no one but yourself to blame, Abah. So do not complain too greatly.” The thing smiled a bit more and then put on the great collar and headdress and walked toward the shrine. “Are you coming?”
Abah? He had to search hard for the meaning of that and then damned the thing again for making him flush. “I will do better if you will not repeat that where others can hear it.” He offered finally.
“Really? It is appropriate after all. And I have made no real secret of the fact that I find you desirable have I Ardeth?”
“I am surprised you kept it as uninsulting as desired.”
‘What should I call you then Nefret? Fitting but too pretty. And alas, merr and or meru are a bit out of reach yet.”
Ardeth only flushed deeper. “I will borrow some of my brother’s dynamite if you even insinuate to anyone that it might be so. You desire me, I know that Allah give me strength to bear it. You find me beautiful so I can if I must bear that application as well. But I am not in any way your love, nor will I be.”
“I was thinking more of being lovers than beloved but it is as I said still out of reach either way.” The damned thing shrugged calmly. “There you go again Abah. We will miss seeing my god to the battle to come Ardeth and even teasing you so is not worth that. Come now.”
He kept his thoughts very tightly to English but followed past the well laden banquet table and into the inner shrine of the great god of Egypt. But he was not so annoyed that he forgot to keep well within the brazier light and he knelt as he had earlier to Horus, right hand on his sword hilt now and waited. And then as the gongs outside sounded and Ammun’s High Priest intoned once more the ritual greeting that had heralded the setting of the sun for untold ages in Thebes there was that great rush of light that put even the bright god of Vengeance to shame and Ammun stood with them in his shrine at Thebes.
“I had not expected you child of Allah.” Said the god.
“I have come as your bright child Horus directed me oh Great AmmunRa, you who is lord of al Egypt. Because I know no other who might grant me the blessing I need.”
“You come here to ask me for a blessing child of Allah?”
He looked up to meet those unfathomable gold eyes and nodded. “Please, oh great god of Egypt I am only one man and I have never before asked of aid from anyone save my god. But I will beg you if needs be. I have taken my place as the champion of the bright god of Vengeance oh Ammun and I will see to the defense of great Egypt as I am able to onto paradise itself. But my brother faces a foe I can not fight and a battle I do not even share. And it causes him great pain oh Lord of all Egypt. To the point that I am worried he will not be able to aid any of us in our battle to come. I need him, Ammun. If it is a weakness then I shall be unashamed of it. It tears my hear oh great god of Egypt that I can not keep him from your grandson’s horrors. Please, will you in your wisdom ask the dread god of those who’s hearts have stilled to leave my brother be? I will gladly take whatever pain it is Anubis wills him to bear oh Great God of Egypt. Or any tenid you wish me to pay. Only I...pray you....keep the dark god of death from him.”
AmmunRa smiled when no smile should have been possible on that face but it was and it warmed Ardeth through like the sun had when he had finally returned from the cold of England in years past. “You are so uncertain of what you are even asking you do not know how to word it, Ardeth.” The god chuckled, and Ardeth was reminded instantly of his father when he was a child. “I will take that kindly.” Said that wondrous voice. “But your concern for your brother does you credit as does your bravery and your dedication to Egypt. So I will speak to the god of the dead as I journey through his haunts this night. And I will see why he hounds his own champion on to exhaustion when Egypt and I need him strong. He has much to accomplish silly Medjai. So see that he is well. I have enough protection for one night’s battle, Ardeth Bey. Give your brother this.”
And the god dropped a amulet of the horns of Karnak over his head. “I-- do not yet understand or deserve your blessings oh great god of Egypt but I am honored beyond anything I could ever say.”
“That is as it should be. I will carry word of your bravery to Allah, Ardeth. Truly you are pleasing to us both. Take care with this one, Imhotep. I have need of him yet.”
“As you will so shall it be done, Great Ammun, lord of all Egypt. I have sworn to him that I mean him no harm but I will do so again in your name.”
Ardeth looked up at the god again in wonder. “Thank you.”
“Silly child.” Ammun chuckled. “You are pleasing indeed. You have that much at least right priest of mine. I have traveled far now warriors of Egypt and I have a hard battle to come once more. I leave you with this night in the Thebes that was.”
“We thank you oh Great Ammun little though we deserve it.” The High Priest said and then bowed again, touching his head to the floor and then rising and bowing again to hold out both arms palms up. “We shall send word to bright Horus at Edfu that he may join you in your battle.”
“As it has always been Imhotep as it will always be. I am pleased enough priest of mine and will tell bright Horus that he has chosen well. All my children have chosen well.”
And what his brother had said out in the courtyard came back to him so he offered it without thinking. “Allah hamdas aha, Oh great Ammun.”
The ram’s head turned to look at him and then laughed again. “That Medjai would be a wondrous sight, would it not? I shall tell him you requested it and we shall see. We shall indeed. Come to me at the dawning child of Allah and I shall tell you what he said in response.”
Ardeth bowed his head certain for a moment that he had somehow offended both Ammun and Allah both but the god only chuckled and then the light seemed to fold in upon itself and was gone.
“Tell me I followed that prayer correctly Ardeth. You did just wish AmmunRa Allah’s strength for victory did you not?” Imhotep asked with a smile.
“I did.” He agreed. “I did not mean to offend him.”
“If my god was offended, Ardeth we would know by now. Come, let us leave the shadows shall we?”
He rose to his feet uncertain yet and touched the amulet that the god had given him. “Your god is most wondrous High Priest of AmmunRa.”
“He is indeed, Medjai. He is indeed. And now you see, you can be certain I will do you no harm as I have been cautioned by my god not to do so. That pleased you I noticed.”
He had to smile. “It is good to be certain. Although, I would have been far happier if he had told you, you could not touch me.”
“Now where is the fun in that, hmm? Ammun understands my desire for you Ardeth. Be glad he does not share it foolish warrior. You would charm Hathor herself if you only tried.”
And he flushed hot at that. “Damn you.”
“That is not a feat you could manage right now Ardeth.” There was still so much amusement to that voice. “Come I will see you back to your brother’s side and you may give him your gift. He is a fortunate man to have you to guard his back.”
“We are equally fortunate in that, creature. He guards mine I guard his. We are brothers.”
“As you say, Abah as you say.”
He closed his eyes and swallowed his pride, voicing a prayer to Allah for forgiveness. “Will you-- do me one favor, Imhotep?”
That stopped his host cold and he only turned to look at him in surprise. “Ask.” He said finally, but there was a tone to the voice that Ardeth could not place.
“I ask you to refrain from using that, or any variation of it where my brother might hear it. If it is in Egyptian it is bad enough. If it were to be in arabic he will never believe I am well. And, he will hurt himself further or this place or even you I think and Egypt can not spare us now.”
“There is truth in what you say. Very well, Ardeth. I will refrain from calling you Abah where your brother will hear it. But, for every time you call me creature I will whisper it to you when he can not hear and drive you mad with it.”
He sighed. “I rather expect that you will.”
And that made his host laugh. “Ammun but you are fun to tease, Ardeth, you are that. Come now we will leave these halls to the dreams of the faithful.”
He said nothing else only walked back toward the courtyard. But even the teasing and reminder of unwanted interest were not enough to dull the bright memory of Ammun’s regard. When they emerged into the twilight lit courtyard however Rick was not at the table at all. Tahiri rose and then went to her knees as they walked over. “Where is my brother?” He asked, unable to keep the worry from his voice.
“I brought him coffee and karkaday, Medjai.” She indicated the pots. “And we traded a few phrases in Egyptian and then-- he saw someone he knew and only gave me this to give to you and a phrase I did not understand. So I have repeated it until I know it so I can say it to you. Tell him I am sor-ry.” She said every syllable carefully. And she handed Ardeth Selim’s copy of the Koran.
“Where did he go?” Ardeth asked harshly taking the gift and putting it away with little of the care the word of Allah deserved.
“That way.” She pointed out toward the gate.
“Thank you.” And he gave no thought to what he was doing. Perhaps at least there was daylight enough left to catch him. And he wished he had Horus to send ahead and then he voiced the only prayer he could think to give. “Ai-herem-heset-heru.-seb-ai-en-sen.” Grant me your grace oh great Horus and see me to my brother.
And then he was standing in one of the smaller streets of Thebes right beside Rick and a huge dark skinned Nubian he did not know. And he slid the shield from his back onto his arm without a thought and moved to his brother’s side.
“That was amusing, Medjai.” Said the large man in a voice that Ardeth recognized all too well.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Rick growled at him.
“Following you to hell?” He offered with a smile that held little humor. “Here.” He pulled the medallion from his neck and draped his over his brother’s. “A gift from Ammun to my brother.”’
And the large man was not even close to human now, but the jackal’s eyes flashed with anger. “You interfere where you have no business champion of my brother.” The god growled.
“I have business where my brother is. And I have business where my fellow Medjai are. And I have business where the other champions of Egypt in her fight with Germany are. And I had a gift of AmmunRa himself to deliver. Therefore I have business here.” He replied with a calmness he did not feel. “Are you well brother mine?”
“Fine. We were just about done here anyway.” Rick agreed with a tight smile. “I told you already. Go back to hell.”
The jackal growled, a low dangerous sound that made the Ardeth shiver. But he slid the scepter of Horus into his hand and opened it with a twist. “You can not harm me, Medjai.”
“Perhaps not.” He agreed. “But we shall see that proven if we must.”
The god of death laughed again and then smiled a horrible grimace of teeth. “I will peel your skin from you like a hare’s, Medjai and give it to him as a token of my-- regard.”
“In’sh’allah.” Ardeth replied coldly.
“When hell freezes over.” Rick added in a harsh mutter.
“All men come to me eventually warriors. I can-- wait. The High Priest of my father’s father is right, Medjai, you would taste sweet to devour.”
“You may ask AmmunRa for the privilege then. He is looking for you in the halls of death as we speak.” Ardeth did not take his eyes off the god in front of him even as Imhotep walked up to stand on his right. “But I doubt very much you will have any luck oh dread god of those who’s hearts have stilled. Ammun is fond of my guests and so they are to be left unharmed.”
The god snarled. “I will make you regret that, priest of my father’s father.”
“As Ammun wills I can do only that.” The creature agreed with a far from pleasant tone. “Was there something you wished here in the city of AmmunRa, he who is lord of all Egypt, oh dread Anubis/”
“I have enough of what I desire priest. The light has gone from the sky, Ammun battles Set with Horus beside him and you are without your gods.”
Ardeth smiled. “La ilahha illallah.” He corrected. “And Allah praise be has blessed us as well.”
The god snarled again and then turned and glared at Rick. “You are mine, O’Connell, and I will make you pay and pay and pay again for this.”
“You aren’t my god, Anubis. I’m just your champion because I killed the idiot stupid enough to follow you. So you can’t have my soul and looks to me like you don’t get to play tonight. So be a good god of death and go back to hell.”
Anubis growled. “We shall see O’Connell, when you drown in their blood if you do not beg to serve me.” And then the god was gone without even a gust of wind to mark his passing.
“What the hell did you think you were doing?” Rick turned to him with a growl of his own and then took hold of Ardeth’s robes in both hands and slammed him into the wall behind them. “Idiot.”
He had to smile. “Please, you will have our host wondering even more about our friendship than he already does.” He gripped Rick’s hands in his. “I am well brother mine. No harm done. And I was delivering you the gift Ammun had given me for you. I am hardly going to argue with AmmunRa, Rick.” He squeezed his friend’s hands again, and realized as he did so that his friend was shaking.
“Can you find your way back to Karnak, Medjai?” Imhotep asked in Egyptian.
“I can.” He agreed. He could find the Nile and from there he could find Karnak.
“Good. Then I leave you to your brother. And here you chastise me for my manners O’Connell. I have never held him pinned to a wall.” There was an odd humor to the words and then the priest was gone, fading easily into the darkness.
“Shhh.” He offered it softly. “I am well.” He gave up on getting Rick to let go of his robes and only pulled his brother close. “Come, we will find our way back to the light, hmm?”
“You could’ve been killed.” Rick’s voice was a rough groan.
“I am Horus’ champion, Rick. And I have the blessing of Ammun and Allah. Anubis is not going to harm me.”
“You don’t know that. God Ardeth, you don’t have a damned idea what he could do to you and still put you back together for the battle tomorrow.”
He closed his eyes against the sting of tears at that. “No, I do not imagine that I do.” He agreed and only held his brother tightly. “Do you have that-- scotch did you say? That you got from Jonathan?” He asked finally.
“Yeah. Why?”
“Because if I think I could use some I do not doubt that you do. And you handle it better than I so I will let you drink it.” He said quietly. Rick chuckled, but it was a dark sound with no humor. He pulled out his flask and took a long swallow. Ardeth let him put it back away and then pulled him close again for another long moment. “Come now, brother mine. Let us get someplace where we can see the shadows coming and we will drink until neither of us can stand.”
“Did you really get this from Ammun?” Rick fingered the amulet around his neck where it hung next to that of Horus.
“I did. He was so very beautiful to see my friend. And I am to see him tomorrow morning even. He seemed oddly pleased that I asked for his aid and I have his blessing for us both. So, I know that we have nothing to fear from the god of the dead.” He put his arm around his brother and they walked the smaller streets until Ardeth could see the great avenue of rams and then followed that until they were back within the temple complex proper and they were quiet even when they reached the room Ardeth had come to think of as his. Tahiri was waiting for them obviously uncertain. “Would you take a message to the High Priest of Ammun and tell him that I am truly sorry we shall not be there for diner, And then see if perhaps something could be brought here? Nothing much as I doubt we will manage to eat well. And some karkaday and wine and beer as well?”
“Did you receive bad news from your brother’s friend?” She asked uncertainly.
“Yes.” He agreed not even bothering to embellish that.
“I will see to your meal then, Medjai. It is too bad that the princess is not here.”
“Tonight, Tahiri, I will agree with that.” He sighed. “Thank you.”
“It is nothing to thank.” She bowed quickly and then left.
“There now.” Ardeth sighed. “You-- look like you could sit. Allah knows I could.” He gave his brother no real chance to argue only pushed him toward one of the chairs and then slipped the shield from his shoulders and set it aside. “Are you.-- all right, Rick?” He asked finally when his brother said nothing at all.
A low chuckle with no more humor that it had held in the city below. “I keep telling you Ardeth. I’m fine.”
“Then tell me again because I can not find it in my heart to believe you.” He apologized. “What did he do to you Rick that hurts you so?” He asked it baldly because politeness had not worked at all.
“Not a thing.” Rick’s smile held no more humor than his laugh. “Neat trick, huh? Didn’t lay a hand on me. Didn’t threaten to. Didn’t even get my soul in the bargain.”
“Then please, tell me what he did.” Ardeth asked with all the support he knew how to put in his voice.
Rick said nothing but he pulled the flask back out and took another long drink of the scotch it held. “I used to be pretty good at getting drunk Ardeth. I mean really good at it. To the point that I couldn’t even remember the night before, or the day before that sometimes.”
“Is that what you wish to do now?” He sighed.
“Now? Let’s see, today, last night, and yesterday. Yeah. That would be good. Everything past the afternoon before last. Can we just cut those out and let them go?”
“If I knew how to do so, my friend, I would.” He offered.
“Me too. Ardeth. Me too.” Rick agreed with another bitter smile.
Tahiri knocked on the door once and then peeked in. She was thankfully silent as she and one of the other women brought in what he had asked for, set it on the folding table they had brought with them and on the floor beside that and left. He went over and poured his friend a goblet full of beer and then brought that and the jar over to the table before getting himself some karkaday and sitting back down. “There.” He offered. “It might not be as strong at that awful brandy but there is a great deal of it.” Rick looked at him for a long moment and then smiled, but it was a look that made Ardeth only worry more. “Allah have mercy, Rick, tell me what I can do.” He had no real idea what he was going to say. “Talk to me, brother. Please.”
“You don’t want me to do that.” Rick shook his head. “I don’t want to do that. And the gods if they give a damn about you at all have got to know it’s a bad idea.”
“When-- I came here the night before last my friend. And truly expected to face a fate far worse than death you stayed beside me. When I woke in Ahm Shere you stayed beside me even when you thought I had suffered a night in hell and could not bear to let you comfort me. And you would have let me sob out my grief and rage and horror if I had wanted to do so. Even afterwards when you knew I had not been harmed you held me until I could stop shaking. Let me do that for you, Rick. Please, I will ask of you only what you asked of me. Tell me how bad it was then.”
Rick was silent for another long minute. “You first.” He said finally.
“What?”
“You first. Tell me what happened here the other night.”
“I thought I already had.” He answered, not certain what his friend meant. “He did not harm me Rick.”
“That’s telling me what didn’t happen. Tell me what did.”
“I do not understand. What is it you are wanting to know then?”
“Tell me what happened.” Rick repeated. “You told me he kissed you three times right? Tell me what happened.”
It took every bit of control he had used that most exhausting night to keep from flushing at that but he did so. “If that will help you tell me what hurts you.” He agreed finally. “I went from being asleep in Ahm Shere to being here. In Thebes that is. His room I assume but not this one. I was sitting at the table wide awake when I arrived. He said something about my arrival being-- well timed I think on my part because he had to go see to Ammun and Ammun was angry at him. He had not been there to see to his god that morning because he was saving my tribes. And perhaps if I was fortunate Ammun would throw him back into damnation and I would have no bargain to keep. I did not let myself hope I might be so fortunate. And then he kissed me. It was-- not as harsh as the one you saw in Ahm Shere I do not think, but I was far more frightened because somehow I had not thought he would kiss me. Was that not foolish?” He shook his head. “So he did. And when he finally released me he told me that I was to sit there and await his return and do nothing else. Is that what you meant, brother of mine? Or shall I give you more detail yet?”
“Hurts, doesn’t it?” Rick asked softly.
Ardeth found a smile. “No. I am embarrassed certainly. But not pained. Who else can I speak of this with, Rick? I trust you will not think less of me or mock me for either my ignorance or my fear.”
“Damn right I won’t.” Rick sighed. “I-- guess I just needed to know, how bad is not that bad, you know?”
Ardeth sighed. “The I will tell you.” He took a sip of his karkaday. “It was probably the hardest thing I have ever done, Rick. To simply sit there and wait for him to come back. I have never in my life been more frightened than I was then.”
“Bastard.” Rick’s voice was a low growl.
“No doubt.” He agreed. “But eventually he did come back and so I had to try to find the courage to endure whatever it was he would will me to bear. I have never thought myself a coward but at that moment all I wanted to do was flee.”
“I’d’ve jumped off the balcony I think.” Rick offered quietly.
“Thank you.” He found a smile. “But I had given my word to Allah and so I somehow found the courage to stay still. He offered me karkaday I think. I would have taken the wine at that point if it would have helped the fear any.” He sighed. “But he only sat across from me, not much differently that we are sitting now and I truly can not recall of what we spoke. Something about Ammun and Allah I know but I was not thinking much at that point. But I recall that he asked me if I thought somehow that it would be worse if I had come to Thebes expecting to be whipped until I screamed instead of-- being in his bed. He asked me something about whether I would prefer to be tied to one of the pillars and lashed until I screamed or undress and let him touch me. I told him I would rather be whipped.”
“Christ, oh God, Ardeth, don’t...”
He looked at his friend and then reached over and squeezed his shoulder. “He did neither. Thanks be to Allah. It was only a question asked. He did not like my answer but he only reminded me that I had agreed to do as he wished and not as I did. I had and so I sat very still as he ran his fingers through my hair and down my back. Then he asked me what I would do if what he wished was for me to be in his bed willingly and– with pleasure I think is the way he put it.”
“His maybe.” Rick growled.
“No.” Ardeth sighed. “That is not what he meant.”
“He expected you to enjoy it?”
He had to smile at the utter disbelief in his friend’s tone. At least finally it was some sort of honest feeling besides anger. “I think so. He is mad, Rick. I told you that. I do not think my reaction was any better controlled than yours. I told him that I would do my best to keep the promise I had sworn, that I would let him touch me and not fight or struggle, try as best I could to neither flinch or pull away and, do as I could to touch him as he willed me. But I have precious little skill at pretense and told him that as well. I do not think he liked that answer either. But it was I am forever thankful to Allah the right one because he went back to his seat and told me he would ask me four questions and then the evening would be decided. And I was coward enough to be thankful for even that respite even knowing that in some ways the waiting made it worse.”
“You’re the bravest man I know, Ardeth.”
He shook his head. “It is kind of you to say so.” He took another swallow of his drink, wishing for just a moment that he had joined his friend in drinking alcohol. “So he asked me his questions. Had I ever been in love? Truly and completely and on to near madness I think was how he asked it. That sort of love you have with Evelyn.” He smiled a little. “I said no I have not been so fortunate yet. He did not seem to think I would enjoy it when I found it but I will still wish to Allah for it.”
“I hope you do.” Rick nodded. “It’s worth a whole lot of hell, buddy let me tell you.”
“That is good to know.” He agreed. “Then he-- asked me in no uncertain terms if there was more between us than friendship. And so I had to tell him no.”
Rick smiled just a bit. “But he wondered, huh?”
“Apparently.” Ardeth smiled. “It was, I admit nice to know we had made him wonder.”
“Yeah.”
“Then he asked me since I had not-- shared my bed with you had I ever-- known any man, willing or otherwise.” He could not keep the embarrassment down completely. “So I told him no again. Why he kept asking me questions when he kept saying he knew the answers already I do not know. Then he asked if I had ever known anyone who had been– forced to another’s bed, and comforted them afterward. And all I could think of as he asked it was that you would be there when I woke and you would not let me suffer it alone and that was enough to keep breathing for.”
“It-- wouldn’t have helped.”
“No? I thought it might.” He smiled sadly. “I answered no. Then he asked an odd question. If a man comes home and finds two men assaulting his wife and then learns that they are not wishing to harm her but only him. Is it somehow less rape if he submits when they hold the knife to her throat and not to his.” It was a small omission he thought to not tell Rick that the creature had used him and Evelyn as the example. “I told him no. That it was no less force either way.”
“Damned right it isn’t.” Rick agreed.
“As you say. And oddly enough he agreed. It was the only answer we had in common. Then I was to ask them in return. But I knew the first already. Madness it may have been but I can not doubt that he loved her.”
“No, not considering what it got them both.” Rick sighed. “Match made in hell.”
“Perhaps, or only doomed. I can not say. I was not surprised that he had at some point shared himself with another man, it was certainly not uncommon in the ancient world. And then I asked him if he had ever known anyone who had been forced to another’s bed, and that answer surprised me. I do not know if it is true, only what he believes or what she told him. But it might be, considering the way the world was. I had never stopped to consider that while he loved Anck-su-naumun enough to suffer the worst of curses for her, that she was Pharaoh’s mistress. And no one had the right to refuse Pharaoh. Not even a woman who loved another.”
“Shit.” Rick shook his head. “And you believed him?”
“He believed himself.” Ardeth was certain of that. “And I was not going to argue. For you see, it is oddly enough mostly what I have to thank for my own sanity. Because as he said, the German’s held the knife to my people’s throat and not he one to mine, but that made it no less coercion, and he would not do to me what Pharaoh had done to the woman he loved. And so, I had no bargain to keep after all.”
“You mean he didn’t rape you.” Rick said flatly. “Still doesn’t tell me what he did do.”
“As you say. He gave me wine. And I was not strong enough to refuse. We talked again and I recall admitting that I owed him for my tribes which I do and asking how I was to keep the bargain I made when he would not take me unwilling even if I submitted and I had no skill at pretending otherwise. So he said he would take only a-- taste of what he could not have. And he kissed me again. It was, at least, a bit less of a shock than the first.” He shivered despite his best attempt not too, recalling how hard it had been to simply sit there and endure it when he had wanted nothing more than just the ability to move. “Then he released me finally and at some point I am uncertain of between the fear and the exhaustion and the wine he started to rub at my shoulders as one might do for a friend to ease the ache of tension, and when he finally stopped, Allah alone knows how, I can not say it did not hurt less. Then he told me I could sleep, alone praise be to God, and he let me keep my clothes if I agreed to take off my boots and my weapons. I did. And he let me sleep-- after another kiss. I was almost to tired to care at that point I think. Or too drunk. Is that the sort of answer you wanted, Rick?”
“I-- don’t know what I wanted Ardeth. Maybe, I just needed to know you were okay. And not just- telling me the truth but...”
“No, that I was not lying to you with only how I told the truth.” He reminded him. “I think that has been what you thought was it not?”
“I don’t know anymore.” Rick sighed. “I think I believed you when you told me there beside the Nile. I did. Because I was angry as hell that he’d done what he’d done regardless of what it had been, kisses and touches or rape it still pissed me off.”
Ardeth smiled. “Why does that not surprise me?”
“Yeah well, now-- now I can’t even...”
“Say it, Rick, please.”
“There’s always so much blood.” Rick’s voice was a whisper. “Evie’s, Alex’s, yours. Always so much blood.”
“I am not bleeding.” He promised. “Even here in Thebes the other night nothing he did to me drew blood.”
“I-- know that here.” Rick tapped his head with an odd smile. “I just-- can’t believe it....”
“Then tell me why you can not.”
He had never seen anyone’s eyes look like his brother’s as they met his. “Because by the time Anubis let’s you die in my arms Ardeth you can’t even scream.”
He forced down a deep breath. “And how many times have I died in your arms now, brother?”
“Counting today? Four.”
“Bis’mil’Allah rakhman el rahim.” He mean every word of the prayer. “I am here. I am well.” And he called to mind something Evelyn had done the night before and perhaps it was worth trying. He reached over and took his friend’s hand and held it against his chest, over his heart. “Whatever you saw, Rick. No matter how horrible, was not done to me.” He promised it with the same conviction he would have sworn an oath to Allah.
Rick’s fingers tightened on the fabric just a bit. “Alex, he always kills first, right when I get there. Sometimes it’s quick-- but today he-- just tore him to pieces. My little boy, Ardeth, and I couldn’t even help.”
He tightened his fingers over Rick’s and then gave up on the trying and only moved over to take his brother in his arms.
“And Evie, she’s always trying to keep Alex-- safe somehow, but she can’t do it any more than I can.” Rick’s hand tightened on his arm. “And it’s always so-- damned obvious she’s been hurt already. That even when I get there it’s too damned late to keep her safe. This last time, she was lying on the ground-- and there was so much blood. And Alex was kneeling beside her, trying to be brave. He’s such a great son.. And then the damned thing just grabbed him up like he was a toy and-- tore him apart.” Rick was shaking now. “There’s the chasm I have to get across. This time it was full of blood and-- bodies. Pieces of people, I used to know. And he just laughed and tossed me my son’s head.”
“Oh Allah.” He tightened his arms, pulling his brother from the chair where he sat onto the floor so he could hold him closer.
“Then he cut out Evie’s heart, while she was trying to fight back even. And gave me that too.” There was something too calm about Rick’s voice now. And it frightened him to hear it. “And then he went back over to you.”
“I am well.” He promised softly.
“He likes having you hanging from your wrists. So I can know how bad it’s been, I guess. And it’s always too late to help you too.”
“Allah have mercy, Rick, I am right here.”
“I killed him again you know. All four times, now. And it’s really not that hard. Just pick up the sword and swing, and swing. I think Anubis likes it when I chop the damned thing to pieces. Like I did today, and that first time. Today-- there were so many cuts and bruises I couldn’t even get you down without making you scream. And then.-- you always apologize for dying you know? And....Like somehow it’s your fault you can’t survive being tortured and raped how many times? This time I didn’t try to kill Anubis when he showed up, because that seems to amuse him too. I just took the sword and started digging a grave for Evie and Alex and you.”
“When Anubis showed up...?” He stopped himself and knew somehow that the creature Rick had been speaking of throughout this was not the god of the dead at all. “Oh Allah, Rick, I did not know why you were so angry at him. He has not harmed me, or Evelyn, or Alex. He will not do so. AmmunRa himself had told him he can not. We are safe my friend. Anubis shows you only shadows.”
“It’s not a dream. Any more than this is a dream.” Rick shook his head.
“No it is not. But this dream we share brother. And the horror you have faced four times now is yours alone. Whatever shapes he conjures for you to see, I have never died in your arms Rick. It was not me. I swear it to Allah. It was not me.” He pulled his brother closer, which was hard to do when Rick was larger than he was and stronger yet. But his brother was determined to pull free so he let him go. “Bis’mil’Allah rakhman el rahim, here....” He got the ties of his robe undone and gave not a care for the propriety of it only slid them from his shoulders. “I am whole now, see?” He pressed Rick’s hand back to his chest over his heart. “There is no blood or bruises at all.”
Rick blinked, and slowly some of the horror drained from his eyes. “I-- I’m sorry. I just keep seeing it all.” He offered.
“There is no reason to be sorry.” Ardeth disagreed. “But the horror is gone now. I am well. Evelyn and Alex are well.”
Rick looked at him for a long minute and he met his brother’s gaze for as long as he needed. Finally, thanks be to Allah, Rick nodded and let Ardeth pull him close again. “Okay.”
“We are.” He agreed even though he knew it had not been a question. He held him for a bit, feeling an occasional shiver run through the strong muscles.
“Did you really have Tahiri bring us beer?” Rick asked finally.
“I did.” He reached up and found the goblet he had poured for Rick earlier. “Here.”
“Thanks.” His brother took a swallow. “Not bad.”
“Really? I can not say I like the smell. Wine at least smells pleasant.” He gave a quick thought to Allah for understanding and then took the goblet from Rick’s hand and took a sip. “Ugh, that is worse than your brandy.”
His brother chuckled. “Beer takes getting used to.” He offered as if that made sense and finished the goblet full.
“I will take your word for that.” He sighed. “There is certainly a great deal of it if you want to get drunk.”
“No.” Rick shook his head, easing away from Ardeth a bit. “We breaking all those rules about propriety you guys have again?”
“No.” He smiled. “There is no disrespect meant and no dishonor to even think of. You are my brother and my comrade. There is no impropriety in comforting a brother after a battle. And you have faced hell and worse my friend.”
“Yeah, I guess so. You know what I really want?”
“No, but I will see to it if I can.”
“I want to Evie and Alex in my arms, so I can hold them both really tight, so we’re all right there. And I can feel them both. And I want you at my back so I know it’ll be okay.”
He reached over and gripped his brother’s shoulder. “Would that I could summon them here for you brother.”
“Yeah, but we’d have to figure out a way for Alex to sleep through the whole thing because I am not going to let him see me like this. I’m not really sure I want Evie to see me like this.”
“Alex is a bright boy, and Evelyn loves you more than life she would hardly think less of you for your wanting to know they are well. I certainly do not.”
“Thanks.” Rick squeezed his hand.
“Do you want me to refill that?” He took the goblet from his friend’s hand.
“Nah.” Rick looked around and then shook his head. “Why are we sitting on the floor?”
“Because-- it made sense at the time?” Ardeth offered with a smile. He got to his feet and then offered his friend a hand up. “I am surprised you can stand. You look as exhausted as I felt when I recovered from rescuing those few left of Ahmer’s tribe.”
“I feel it.” Rick agreed and sat down in the chair with a sigh. “I could sleep for a week.”
“In’sh’allah.” He agreed and sat down as well.
“Did you really talk Ammun into giving me this?” Rick touched the second amulet again.
“I did not have to talk him into it. I only asked. He is– a kind face for Allah to show me, brother. I feel foolish for my first concern over that.”
“Not an easy thing to do Ardeth. Balance a faith like yours with what’s happening here.”
“It is easier than I thought it to be.” He decided. “And if Ammun is pleased with me I am content.”
“You said something about Ammun not letting anything harm you, right?”
“No.” He answered that honestly. “Nor is that your concern. He told his high priest that he could not cause me harm. For which I am truly thankful to Allah. It amused him to be able to have his god’s word to add to his own.” He sighed. “I would of course be happier if Ammun will tell him he may not touch me.”
“Me too.” Rick sighed.
“I am a warrior of God, leader of the Medjai, so I suppose a few more kisses and letting him run his fingers through my hair will not kill me. But Allah it is hard to be-- complacent.”
“What?” Rick’s voice was sharp now and he reached over and caught Ardeth’s arm again. “What’s with more of it?”
“Oh, Allah, I did not tell you that. Forgive me my friend it is hard to keep that whole night in order in my mind. I truly do well not to drink. When he told me he would not take me to his bed or harm me at all, after the second time he kissed me. He said he would take that as payment for rescuing my people. One kiss per tribe I owe him, and my compliance for each one.”
“Bastard.” Rick growled and poured himself another mug of beer after all. “Any other really important bits you left out?”
“I do not think so.” He shook his head. “I have survived so far my friend. It is not that bad a price to pay for my people’s lives after all.” He sighed. “It is only that-- I am worried he will do as he as threatened and demand one from me where you can see it. And I would not have you deal with that now considering what Anubis has shown you, because I truly think the gods expect him to aid us in this battle and you may hurt yourself in trying to injure him.”
“No.” Rick said quietly. “But you tell him this if he tries it. I’ll chop him into as many pieces as I have to and lock every one in a different box.”
Ardeth sighed but he reached back over and clasped their hands together. “You are so much more than a good friend to have.”
“You too.” Rick agreed. “I’m sorry you have to put up with him and his crap.”
“It is as I said little enough to pay for my peoples lives my friend. A handful of kisses that cause me no harm. Only annoy.”
“You sure you didn’t leave any thing else out?”
He shook his head and then felt himself flush as he recalled being fed the desert. “You will laugh.”
“Like hell.” Rick growled. “What?”
“Only that he made me eat from his fingers. It was humiliating but not harmful.” He ducked his head, trying to get the embarrassment back under control.
“Don’t...?” There was something like pain in his brother’s voice now and strong fingers against his jaw to make him look up.
“Tell me why that hurts you so?” He caught his friend’s hand. “I truly am sorry it does.”
“It’s just-- like something I saw, okay?”
“Then I will endeavor to look you in the eyes when we speak.” He found a smile. “I was only embarrassed.”
“You know that point a man gets to when he can’t raise his head?” Rick’s voice was that same oddly calm one but his fingers trembled in Ardeth’s and then to his complete surprise his friend reached over and brushed his hair from his face.
“No praise be to Allah I have never been hurt that badly.” He replied softly.
“He’d cut along these...” Rick touched the tattoo on his left cheek.
“There is no blood now.” He reminded him gently and took his hand in both of his. “And even the other night he has never drawn blood.”
“Did he hurt you?”
“No.” He shook his head. “Not at all. Not even a bruise to show for my bravery hmm? He kissed me. And he ran his fingers through my hair. And he touched me here.” He pulled Rick’s hand back against his chest. “Right before he sent me back to Ahm Shere. And he touched my shoulders and down my back.” He thought for a moment and then got to his feet and moved behind his brother and gripped those strong shoulders gently. “Like so. Nothing more. And he ran his hand down to here.” He pressed his own to the point on Rick’s back that the creature had stopped. “And that is truly all.” He sat back down. “And he left me my clothes so it was not so bad.”
Rick sighed. “Okay, I can live with it if you can.” Then to Ardeth’s surprise he got to his feet and moved behind him to squeeze his shoulders in turn. “Just that?”
“Hmm. Shall I ask you to rub my shoulders as he did? I should have thought to offer it for you.”
Rick’s hands tightened for a moment. “No blood, huh?” One hand traced with an odd lightness down his spine and Ardeth forced himself not to shiver. Not for the touch or his own concern but for whatever it was Rick was seeing that was not there.
“No blood at all. That tickles.” He objected finally, finding a smile.
“Does it?” Rick seemed to shake himself and then chuckled. “Are you ticklish? Alex is.”
“Try to find out and we will see what skill you have in wrestling.” Ardeth threatened.
“Tonight I’d probably lose.” Rick let go of his left shoulder and went back to his chair with a sigh. “Thanks, Ardeth, I think, maybe I can believe it now.”
“Good.” He nodded. “I swear it to Allah my friend, other than the kisses now there is no where he has touched me that you have not.” Then he thought of something and pulled Rick’s hand to his lips and placed a light kiss on his palm and curled the strong fingers around it. His brother’s utter confusion making him easy to maneuver. “When a father or an older brother goes to battle or on a long journey sometimes they will do that for a child and say, ‘That is for later when you need me and I am not there.’”
Rick smiled and there was a light flush to his cheeks that actually brought to mind his resemblance to his son. “That’s a nice thought.”
“I was always pleased when my father did so for me.” He agreed.
“I got a kiss I didn’t even have to ask for. I’m going to like yanking its chain with that one.”
“Bis’mil’Allah rakhman el rahim you will won’t you?” He rolled his eyes. “You are impossible.”
“Thanks.” Rick chuckled and then yawned. “Sorry.”
“Mmm. You need to sleep. Come, let us rest here and pray it does us good in Ahm Shere. No doubt the creature will come wake us before dawn as I am to go see AmmunRa when he finishes his battle with Set. I could use the sleep myself.” He got up and picked his robe up off the floor. “You can, when you are yanking its chain, tell him I invited you to bed, if you like. Will that help?”
Rick chuckled. “Sure, but you get to explain it to Evie.”
“I have slept at your back while your wife was in your arms and slept in your arms when your wife was there. Surely there is nothing left to explain.”
“You never kissed me before.” Rick pointed out.
“True.” He smiled. “I can not say it was nearly as enjoyable as Izzy’s tales of your dancing girls would leave me to believe.”
And that thanks be to Allah got a real laugh from his friend. “Thanks Ardeth.” Rick said finally. “I...”
He reached over and squeezed his brother’s shoulder tightly and then pulled him close for a long moment. “We face these battles together, my friend, even when the only help we can offer each other is afterwards.”
“Yeah, you were right, I guess. It does help.”
“Good.” He set his weapons beside the bed in easy reach and then placed the shield of Horus beside the bed. Rick smiled.
“You’re getting as bad as me with how many weapons you bring with you.”
“I have always been amazed at the variety of weapons you bring with you and wield, my friend. But I will give you that they are usually very necessary.” He shrugged. “Do you think you can sleep?” He unbuckled his boots and set them beside the bed as well.
“I can sure try.” Rick looked even more exhausted and Ardeth recalled the way he had felt when he had finally begun to believe that the creature would not harm him. The release of the fear was almost worse to deal with than the wine had been. Rick set his own armaments aside and then took off his boots as well. Ardeth went over to the three main hanging lamps and blew them out, leaving them the brazier light in the far corner. Somehow the shadows seemed warmer here and not as chilling as those in the dark streets of Thebes. He laid down and then reached over to squeeze his brother’s shoulder again.
“MaSallama, akee.”
“God I hope so.” Rick sighed.
Ardeth rolled onto his back and kept his hand where it was. And after a bit he felt Rick start to relax then jerk hard and shudder. “What is wrong?” He asked gently.
“I-- don’t want to sleep.” Rick chuckled with no real humor to it. “I mean, I do but, every time I start to doze off I...”
“Anubis will not haunt your dreams tonight, Rick. I promise you that.”
“Yeah. I know.”
“I can not give you Alex and Evelyn to hold onto my friend but I will guard your back for you.” He promised.
“Would you?” There was an uncertainty to his friend’s voice.
“All the way to hell if necessary.” He promised and squeezed his shoulder again. “I am here.”
“I know that. Why can’t I get myself to believe it?”
Ardeth thought for a long moment and then rolled his friend over and into his arms as Rick had done for him. “You can not go to hell if I do not let go.” He said firmly, because he had believed that in his own nightmares.
“You sure about that?”
“Certainly. And how can I be-- somewhere out of your reach and in pain, if I am holding you here with me safe?” He pointed out softly.
“There is that.” Rick chuckled. “Thanks.”
“You are most welcome.” He squeezed the arm he had around his friend’s shoulders. “A’sallama, Rick.”
“You too.”
After another long while Rick began to relax against him. Ardeth brought his hand up uncertainly and stroked his friend’s hair trying for that same gentleness that Rick used with him.
“You’ll make a great dad.” Rick’s voice was a tired whisper.
“That is a wonderful complement my friend.” He smiled himself. “Sleep now. We have the god of all Egypt’s blessing to see us safe.”
“Yeah.” And finally Rick slipped into sleep. Ardeth only held him like that for a long while before he could sleep himself.
Duhr:ToC