Asr
Chapter 4
Ardeth sighed as the high priest of Ammun closed the door. “Allah have mercy but you are mad.” He whispered to himself. But perhaps he should not complain about the madness too much considering. He poured himself another goblet full of water and then sat down at the small table and before he realized it he had eaten a great deal. But his thoughts were no less settled. It had been an odd conversation with the priest of Ammun certainly. Not that most conversations they had were not odd in and of themselves but this was a bit more so. Odd to consider that he was truly thankful to the priest as his ally and for his life and for Rick’s and for his people who had lain injured in Ahm Shere. Even odder to think that he was truly grateful to him for keeping that damned monster Anubis had created from harming him, even trying to keep him from being touched at all. Ardeth shivered a bit at that.
He looked back over at Rick who was still sleeping, having rolled onto his side now. Truly, no matter the horror they had endured in the middle he was very, very glad for the pleasure they had finally gotten to share between them. He closed his eyes and let the memory of it wash over him. He had little enough experience with passion certainly but what he had shared with Rick was more than that. He was certain of it. And determined to learn what he could to bring his friend that joy too. Rick had said he was not disappointed, had certainly not seemed disappointed for which Ardeth was thankful, but it bothered him yet that he was disappointed in himself. It had been a very long time since Ardeth had considered himself ignorant of life and it had happened far to frequently in Thebes lately. He had managed to learn enough of sharing passion with a woman to please Nefshen he could learn enough of what two men did together for desire to please Rick.
He filled both goblets with karkaday and took them back over to the bed, setting one on the bedside table and then sitting down beside the bed to drink his own. He was still thirsty and a bit tired but not enough to sleep. He set his goblet aside and reached out tentatively to brush his fingers through Rick’s hair. Sleep made Rick look younger, playing up the resemblance between him and Alex actually. He wondered absently what Rick had looked like as a child of eight or ten or twelve. No doubt his friend would have been even more trouble than his son without the guidance of two parents such as Alex was blessed with. He stroked the soft hair again, finer and lighter than his own certainly. He let his hand move down along Rick’s arm to his hand which was curled into a fist not far from the edge of the bed. Odd still to find such appeal in the strength his brother wore so casually. Not, Ardeth admitted to himself that he really let himself think too often about what he found attractive or not. Why invite the loneliness or unfulfillable desire when there was no reason to aggravate it by letting himself want in the first place? In an odd way it was the opposite here in Thebes, because he could look and admire without offence or without giving someone the idea that he was more interested than he was. The lack of clothing certainly made it easier to look as well. He smiled a bit, recalling that Nefshen had certainly not felt the slightest inhibition in letting him look as much as he wanted. She was beautiful certainly but it was more her obvious joy at life that drew his attention than her body. She made him laugh when she did because it was always with joy at something. Rick was like that too most times, full of life and with a smile that was infectious. In many ways it was like standing in the sunlight to be beside him because he made it so easy to want to enjoy life too. So perhaps that was what drew him to them both in such different ways. And while Nefshen was a tiny slip of a woman she had a great deal of strength to her, from the dance no doubt. He could recall how she had wrapped her legs around him and pulled him tight against her, no doubt nearly leaving bruises. Not that he had minded in the slightest. What would it feel like to have Rick hold him tightly with all the strength in his friend’s arms? He smiled a bit more at the thought. Perhaps he could convince Rick to try that next time they shared his bed for more than sleep.
“What are you thinking about?” Rick asked softly, his voice a bit rough with sleep but there was a smile there too.
Ardeth smiled back. “You.” He replied and traced his hand down Rick’s arm again. “And how much I wanted you to wake up and kiss me again.”
“Really? And here I was kinda worried you’d have second thoughts.”
“No regrets, no.” He shook his head. “Why regret something so wonderful, my friend? There are enough horrors in the world to regret without making something sad out of such beauty.”
“I’m really glad you think so.” Rick replied but he smiled a bit more. “How long have you been awake?”
“An hour perhaps? There is food and water to wash and drink.” He picked up the goblet he’d filled for Rick. “Here.” He handed it to him with a smile. “No doubt you are as thirsty as I am.” He rose to his feet. “And the priest of Ammun spoke to me for a bit.”
“Damn it Ardeth, you could have woken me when the damned thing got here. Or was he watching us sleep?”
“No, thanks be to Allah.” He flushed a bit. “I was up and dressed before he arrived. And you were too exhausted to wake you. It was not a bad visit at all.” He sighed and refilled his goblet. “He seemed concerned as to how we had both healed from the battle at Ahm Shere. And he brought me Ammun’s assurance that he has told Anubis in no uncertain terms that he is to leave you be.”
“Thank God.” Rick sighed. But he got out of bed himself and started to wash off. Ardeth refilled his goblet and handed it back to him. “Anything else?”
“We talked a little about what-- we had seen in Hell and odd as it seems he assured me that while he desires me he would never harm me so.” He felt himself flush just a bit. “He even went so far as to tell me that he would not press me to the point of having me on my knees. Thanks be to God.”
“He can go screw himself. Damn it, he is not going to hurt you...” Rick’s hands gripped his arms tightly.
“Shhh,” Ardeth gripped his arms in return. “No harm done, Rick. None at all. It was a promise to do none not a threat. Truly, Rick he has saved your son, you, me, and half the wounded amongst my tribe. Do you think for a moment that if he had decided to have me I would not have bartered my soul for those lives? But he did not even ask. He is mad, and he drives me to madness myself with his teasing but even with the kisses he has taken he has never once harmed me Rick. Not once as he so much as caressed me through my robes except to rub my shoulders and treat my burns. I know what Anubis showed you my friend. But believe me on this, hmm? I have not been raped, Rick. Surely the fact that I just spent the morning in your arms making love should convince you of that.”
The cold anger drained out of the blue eyes that met his and they warmed back to the lighter color he liked. “Yeah, okay. I can believe that. He just really pisses me off you know.”
Ardeth smiled. “He said as much. That he would even be glad he saved your life, despite how you annoy and insult him because it brought me such joy to have you whole. And after all you only insulted him so because you love me and hate him and are worried that he will harm me.”
“Yeah well, okay. But I’m not trusting him worth crap.”
“I am not asking you too. All I ask is that you do not harm him until we are certain we are no longer allies with AmmunRa’s High Priest.”
“Just so long as Ammun’s priest keeps his hands off you I can be civil, yeah.” Rick agreed.
“I owe him four kisses yet, Rick, so I doubt he will keep his hands completely off me. But I will tell you without pretense if he does anything more than ask for those kisses.”
“You are so damned brave, Ardeth.” Rick sighed.
“I am not nearly as brave as you think me.” He corrected. “But what courage I have will have to do. Are you hungry?” He let the subject go for now.
“Starving.” Rick admitted. “Let me get dressed, huh?”
He nodded but he did not keep from watching as Rick did so. Finally, his friend turned to look at him and the fact that he had been watching must have been in his eyes because Rick smiled. “You keep looking at me like that, and I’m going to want to get undressed again real quick.”
“Truly?” He smiled a bit. “I was wondering myself if we could be late to dinner.” He reached out and let his fingers just brush across Rick’s hip as he came over to the table.
“Don’t tease.” Rick smiled and then caught his hand and brought it to his lips to place a kiss upon his palm. “Or I’ll tease back.” The kiss was followed by a long lick of Rick’s tongue along his finger.
Ardeth groaned despite himself and then smiled and traced his finger along Rick’s lips. “Will you show me how to taste you then? That would be better than dinner.”
Rick’s eyes were hot blue now, and hungry as well. “You’re playing with fire you know that right?”
“Yes.” He admitted. “I am trying very hard to do so.”
“First I need to eat something a little more substantial. Then we’ll see about who’s tasting who.” Rick leaned over and kissed him before he could answer. Ardeth just sighed and gave himself over to the kiss wanting very much to do more than that. He recalled how Rick had kissed him earlier so deep and thorough that it was almost like making love. He tried to give that kiss back now, one hand in Rick’s short hair and the other back on his hip now. And it was far too good to think about anything but the desire that was already coiling inside him. Rick broke the kiss finally and just groaned, pulling away after a moment. “Food Ardeth. Please?”
He smiled, liking that rough note to Rick’s voice. “There is food here.” He agreed and then let Rick sit down and eat without trying to tease him further. He refilled both their goblets noticing that Rick did as he had done and drank down several quickly. “I am sorry, my friend, here you are injured and exhausted and I am thinking only of my own desires.”
“The desire is mutual.” Rick grinned. “And I’m only hungry and thirsty. I slept fine.” Rick reached over and traced his jaw with a familiar caress. “You?”
“I slept very well.” He agreed with a smile. “Your shoulder is not paining you then?”
“Not a bit.” Rick shook his head. “Feels fine, actually. That’s some spell, huh?”
“It is indeed.” He agreed.. But he thanked Allah for the joy of it none the less and then not certain how to balance the faith but wanting to he thanked Ammun as well because it was actually his spell. Perhaps that was like thanking the angels for showing the Prophet, peace be upon him, the wonders of Allah. If not, Allah was merciful and would understand his foolishness. Rick ate much as he had, barely taking time to swallow before eating more. He wondered to himself if they would be so hungry when they woke in Ahm Shere, which made him wonder how long it was until morning there. It was so hard to tell how long they had slept here after all. He glanced back at the curtained balcony trying to judge the time. The gold tinge to the sunlight told him they had perhaps an hour here until sunset. Tomorrow when he woke in Ahm Shere he would have to see that his tribesmates were buried before the sun set again. Then he had to find enough who could stomach the horrible task of seeing that Ahmer’s tribe was buried as well. And word needed to be sent to Hashim who stood with a small force still at Hamanaptura. And he had yet to deal with Gamal and Kashim and his uncertain position as commander of the Medjai. Perhaps he should send a message to Izzy as well and have him come back for Rick, Evelyn, Alex and Jonathan. The thought only reminded him that someone else would have to send the message for him because Arebe was in Paradise now and his tribe was led by his son Malik. He sighed at that. May Horus walk with between you and all the dark places you travel my friend. Truly, the bright son of Osiris could ask for no better man to walk with. Allah grant you peace and joy at his side.
“Ardeth?” Rick’s voice was gentle as was the hand on his arm. “What’s wrong, habib?”
“Grief like fear rides faster than any horseman.” Ardeth replied with a sigh. “I am thinking of my people, and the friends I have lost.”
“I wish it had been a better victory, Ardeth. I really do.” Rick offered.
“I should be thankful we won at all. And I am. But I grieve all the same. But Allah is most merciful and grants me joy beyond which my heart can hold to soothe that grief.” He put his hand over Rick’s. “Were I burying you as well, Rick. I would be lost.”
“You’re stronger than you think you are.” Rick shook his head. “But I’m really glad we aren’t dead too, Ardeth. I’d like to be there for the party you owe me not have you throw one in my honor cause I’m dead.”
“As you say.” He smiled a bit. “Then I am thankful to Allah that I may yet do so.” He reached over and traced Rick’s jaw with his hand. Morning would come in Ahm Shere soon enough and he would have to be chieftain and commander and warrior then. So he would take this wonderful time in the land of the faithful of old Egypt and be a man who was finding the joy of loving another. “Are you still hungry?” He asked.
“Nah.” Rick shook his head and then took a long drink of his karkaday. “You?”
“No.” He answered and then smiled despite the fact that he could feel himself flush hot. “Well, not for food per say.”
That brought a bright flash to Rick’s eyes. “Tease.”
“Promise.” He returned and meant it.
“Christ Ardeth you are even crazier than I thought you were you know. We could take this slow. We should...”
“Have faith that I will tell you if I do not wish-- to do more than what we do all right? Truly, I am the one without an idea of this and yet I am now the one trying to seduce you. I would think it should be the other way around do you not?”
Rick smiled, and there was that dark hungry look now that Ardeth knew he should be leery of and was not. “You want me to seduce you, huh?”
“I do not think you will need to try very hard.” He smiled.
“I like challenge.” Rick turned his head a bit and began to place feather light kisses on Ardeth’s fingers that were still against his jaw. Then he swirled his tongue along one like he had earlier. “Can we be late to dinner?”
“Certainly.” He saw no reason not. “We shall go and be good guests and eat. We owe our fellow champion that much for our lives certainly. But, I do not think being there at a certain time is necessary.”
“Good.” Rick smiled a bit and then turned Ardeth’s hand over and nipped at his knuckles and that felt surprisingly good too. “Like that?”
“Yes.” He agreed.
“Good.” Rick pressed a kiss to his palm and curled his fingers around it. “Keep that.” He whispered softly. “I’ll want it back later.”
Ardeth nodded. “Whenever.” He found a smile. “You are teasing me now.”
“I am.” Rick agreed. “And I haven’t even started.” Strong fingers traced Ardeth’s jaw then back to the point and up to behind his ear. “Can I kiss you now?” Rick asked in that same low whisper.
“Yes.” Ardeth smiled a bit more. “Please?”
“Whatever you ask for, Ardeth.” Rick rose to his feet and pulled Ardeth with him. The kiss was soft at first, but it slid into hot desire quickly, mostly because Ardeth was not really wanting gentle at that moment. He let his tongue duel with Rick’s and did not surrender the fight quite as quickly as he had before. Rick broke the kiss finally with a groan that was mostly Ardeth’s name. “Slow down, Ardeth. This is too good to rush.”
“I told you I did not need much seducing.” He smiled.
Rick chuckled. “Sorry, you got me determined now. Seducing you sounds perfect.” Rick kissed him again lightly. “You did ask me to tell you what I liked right?”
“I asked you to teach me how to please you, yes.” He agreed.
“I’d rather spend a while finding the things that please us both, okay?” Rick’s lips were against his ear now “Sound good?” The question was warm air against his skin that made him shiver.
“Mmm, very much. That tickles.” He put his arms tightly around his friend and sighed.
“This?” Rick’s voice was full of his smile then his lips teased over Ardeth’s ear and that was the oddest thing to find himself utterly aroused by.
“Rick?”
A soft chuckle that just added to the shivers. “Like that too? Thought you would.” Rick managed something with his teeth that made Ardeth groan and grip onto his friend’s shoulders tighter. “Breathe Ardeth.” Rick suggested.
That was such an odd request to hear in a voice other than Imhotep’s that he shook his head a bit.
“What?” Rick’s voice was still a soft whisper. “You want me to stop?”
“No.” He swallowed hard. “I want you to kiss me again.”
“Okay.” Rick chuckled and then pressed his lips to Ardeth’s throat, kissed the skin there and then moved back to the point of his jaw and nibbled slowly.
“Oh Allah have mercy, Rick, stop that.”
“Why? Doesn’t it feel good?” There was a smile in the soft voice still as his friend pulled back to look at him. “Looks like it feels good.”
“It feels like Paradise.” He offered. “I only want to kiss you, please?”
“Okay.” Rick kissed him and Ardeth groaned, and gave the kiss all he knew how. And it was apparently enough because Rick groaned too, and pulled him close and it was enough just to lose himself in that heat. “You like kissing, a lot, don’t you?” Rick’s voice was breathless as he pulled back finally.
“Yes.” Ardeth answered not able to think beyond that. “Kissing you.” He amended.
“Right.” Rick agreed. “And Nefshen right?”
“Yes.” He had to admit that. “Kissing you is better.”
“Is it?” Rick smiled. “Why?”
“I have no idea.” Which was the truth. He also did not care. He only pulled Rick into another kiss instead. Rick broke that one too after a bit.
“Ardeth.” His voice was a sigh. “Seduction should be slow, you idiot.”
Ardeth took a deep breath and then nodded. “Slow.” He promised and then moved his lips to Rick’s throat as Rick had done for him. “Just so long as I can kiss you.” He let his lips play over his friend’s skin, nibbling a bit himself on those spots that Rick had tried on him. Then he brought his lips to Rick’s ear and licked.
Rick gave a groaned sort of chuckle. “That tickles.”
He smiled and then turned his head just a bit to follow the lick with the edge of his jaw and his beard.
Rick groaned again low and rough this time and his hands gripped Ardeth tightly. “Oh Christ.”
“Good?” He was not really certain what to make of the response only held still, uncertainly and felt Rick shudder.
“Oh yeah.”
He sighed, relaxing a little and then found the courage to do it again.
“Ardeth, enough. Please?”
“All right.” He agreed. “You enjoyed it though?”
“Any more, and I’m going to forget about the seducing and just tumble us into bed.”
Ardeth flushed a bit, but he felt undeniably proud of that fact too. “You could.”
“Nope. Seduction first, tumble later.” Rick smiled. “Show me how to undo these.” His hands grasped Ardeth’s robes for a moment.
"It is easiest to undo the sash first." He offered.
"Okay." Rick looked right into his eyes, his own that hot blue again and unwound the sash from Ardeth's waist slowly. "Now what?”
Ardeth sighed. "The outside lacings are here." He undid the knots himself. "That holds the outer robe shut."
Okay." Rick pulled the lacings apart with a smile and then brushed he outer robe from Ardeth's shoulders and draped it over the chair. "And then?"
"The ones here." He brought Rick's hand to the outer ties at his waist. “To keep this part closed." He moved his own hand back to the front of his galabeyeha. Rick undid those knots carefully and pulled the lacing free. Despite himself Ardeth shivered a little. This was more intimidating than just tumbling into bed had been. "Then the inside tie here." He pulled Rick's hand to the other lacing inside.
"Okay?" Rick asked softly.
"Yes." He smiled a bit. "But you could kiss me again."
"Sure." Rick tangled his fingers in Ardeth's hair and kissed him. And that was enough to focus on and enjoy so he could stop worrying that he was going to disappoint his friend somehow. How exactly was one supposed to be seduced after all? Rick broke the kiss with a sigh and then smiled. "Then these, huh?" His fingers went back to the inside ties and pulled the lacing loose.
"Yes." Ardeth agreed.
"Not so hard." Rick smiled and then slowly ran his fingers up Ardeth's chest to his shoulders and slid the robe down his arms catching it to drape it over the chair to. "Tell me what this means." Rick traced one tattoo in Egyptian that bisected the scar he had from Hamanaptura.
"Onto death, I will not falter." He offered the translation.
"And this one?" The warm fingers moved to the one on his right shoulder.
"Order must always triumph."
"This one I can read." The fingers moved back to the one in Arabic that ran across the scars he bore from their battle in England. "No matter the battlefield, victory." Rick offered it softly. "I remember when you got these."
"So do I. Those were truly horrible things to face."
"Yeah." Rick smiled. "That's an odd one though." His hand pressed over Ardeth's heart as it had so many times recently.
"That is because it is not a tattoo. It is a brand." He explained.
"Ouch." Rick winced but he traced the Arabic. "I can get Allah, but what's the rest?"
"It is-- a brand of ownership in a sense. It marks me as a warrior of Allah's, and of my tribes, a rite of passage that makes me able to claim the title of chieftain."
"You are nuts you know that." Rick smiled but his fingers were gentle. "That had to hurt.”
“A great deal, yes." Ardeth agreed. "It was the hardest thing I have ever done I think, sat there and keep silent..." He stopped and then chuckled a little. "Until the other night when I came here and had to wait for him to return from seeing Ammun and expect to be in his bed. That was harder, but not painful thanks be to Allah."
Rick's eyes were a bit darker but then he smiled and bent down to place a kiss just over the brand. "You're as brave as you are crazy. Which is good, I guess."
Ardeth smiled. "Pot and kettle again my friend."
"Well, yeah." Rick chuckled but he kissed Ardeth again, soft and long and just a little hungry this time. But his hands stroked lightly down Ardeth's sides and then up his back to hold him close. He sighed and then kissed Rick back, and it was so good to just kiss him like this. Ardeth was reasonably sure he could do so for hours. Rick broke the kiss finally. "We need to sit down if I'm going to do this properly. Or lay down, that would work too."
"Is it still seduction if we are lying in bed already?" That seemed odd to him.
Rick smiled. "It's seduction for as long as it takes to make love, Ardeth." Rick licked at his throat again and then up to his ear and nibbled. Ardeth shuddered. There was another chuckle and Rick just repeated the caress, holding Ardeth close as he did so.
He groaned a little. "You may make love to me now, if you wish."
"Crazy idiot." Rick muttered but he did not stop the very arousing kisses to Ardeth's throat now.
"For wanting to make love with you?" Ardeth asked, because that made no sense.
"For...never mind, I should know better. Come to bed, habibi."
"You need to undress too." He said with all the firmness he still had, which was not nearly enough.
"I will." Rick promised. "Sit, huh?" He led Ardeth over to the bed and he sat without complaint.
"May I?" He let himself reach for the buttons on Rick's shirt.
"Sure." Rick smiled a bit. And it was easier this time but he was still clumsier than he would have liked. He pushed the cotton down Rick's arms, enjoying the warm skin against his palms. "Maybe you're right and laces are easier."
“I find them so." He smiled himself and then ran his hands as slowly as he knew how over Rick's chest, warm skin smooth and rough both over hard muscle beneath. "No tattoos to read. But one can not doubt your stubbornness or survival skills." He traced his fingers down one long knife scar and then around Rick's waist to his back to touch one he did not recognize. "What caused that?"
"Hot metal. First thing the guy grabbed was a poker from the fire, and I didn't dodge quick enough." Rick shrugged.
"Ouch." He repeated Rick's earlier comment on his own brand. "And these?" He slid his hands up to trace the slight lines along his shoulder blades.
"Whip." Rick answered softly. Ardeth tightened his hands a little. It was one thing to have scars gained and given in battle another still to feel the proof that someone had harmed his friend for the purpose of doing nothing else. "Long time ago, Ardeth, don't growl."
He found a smile because Rick did. "Was I? Now see you have me doing it." He rolled his eyes. "We shall have to get you some more tattoos."
"Right. You explain that to Evie."
Ardeth smiled. "Rite of passage?" He suggested. "You are one of our tribe now."
"Nope." Rick shook his head.
"Very well." He pressed his lips to the long knife wound and then traced it with his tongue as he had done before.
"Mmm, that still tickles."
"Good." He did it again. Then he reached for the buckle of Rick's belt.
"Uh uh." Rick caught his hands again. "Later."
"Rick." He growled back.
"Later, please?" Rick smiled and Ardeth gave the argument with a sigh. It got him a long teasing kiss though so it was not a bad one to lose apparently. He wrapped his arms around Rick and then laid back onto the bed and pulled his friend with him. "Ardeth." Rick growled his name in return as he broke this kiss and raised himself up on his arms. "Idiot."
"I like your weight on me." He gave it baldly and then felt himself flush.
Rick's eyes were brighter and the gaze hotter now. "You do, huh?"
"Yes." He nodded, but the desire coiled a bit tighter. “Do you not?”
“No, I mean no I like it too. I just want to do this slow.” Rick raised himself up on his arms. “And touching you like that is not going to help me do that.”
“No?” He smiled a bit, liking that idea. “Can we do slow later?”
Rick chuckled. “Now you want me to seduce you quickly?” He whispered the words into Ardeth’s ear and then licked down his throat to the point where it met his shoulder and kissed there, which made Ardeth shiver all over again. “Nope.”
“I do not need to be seduced.” He sighed. “Truly. Is seduction not to entice someone to make love with you? You do not need to entice me, Rick. I am here already.”
“I noticed that. And seduction is about easing into making love, Ardeth. Which is what we’re doing. Long and slow and as much fun as we can have.”
“Was earlier not fun? I enjoyed it.” He pushed Rick back a little to look at him. “You said you were not disappointed.”
“I wasn’t. I’m not. It was perfect. But I like slow too, and I like seduction. And I’d really like to just draw this out and enjoy the whole thing with you.” Rick shook his head a little. “If you really want it to be fast and crazy and too hot to think Ardeth we can do that.”
“I...” He blinked and then sighed. “I do not know what I want, Rick. Only that I do. I have less patience than knowledge here and that is truly frightening.”
Rick’s smile was gentle. “Yeah, and you make it to easy to forget that you know. Okay, then trust me on this, it’s really good slow. Promise.”
He sighed. “As you say. As slow as you want then. Only kiss me first?”
“Sure.” Rick smiled again and then kissed him, and it was indeed long and sweet and very slow. “We’ll do fast and crazy later okay?”
“Yes.” He agreed. It was hardly worth arguing for when he had no real idea what either entailed. Perhaps it would do him well to let Rick go slow and learn what he could grasp of it so he would be able to use that to please his friend as well. He smiled a bit at the thought and then leaned up to kiss Rick again, gentle at first and then slowly deeper until he could lose himself in the hot glide of tongues for a long while until Rick pulled back.
“See?”
“There is certainly joy to be had in that, yes.” He agreed.
“Good.” Rick went back to kissing his throat and he let his hands slide down his friend’s back, and over his sides. The kisses went to nibbles and then a stronger bite at the juncture of his neck and shoulder and he arched his back with a hiss of in drawn air.
“More?” He could not help but ask.
“Sure.” Rick agreed and repeated the gentle bite. This time it made Ardeth shudder with the sensation. Rick didn’t let go either, just worried the spot with his tongue and teeth. Ardeth leaned his head back, offering his friend better access. Rick groaned softly at that as well, which Ardeth did not understand either. “You really would tempt a saint you know that right?” Rick whispered.
“I do not want to tempt anyone but you.” He replied, but it was a bit hard to get his voice steady. “More?”
“Yeah, lots more, Ardeth, I promise.” The words were warm soft breath against his skin where Rick had been teasing. Which made him shiver again. And it was so very good to just hold Rick close and let his mind slip back into the warm spiral of sensation Rick was creating. He wanted to keep more thought for learning how to please his friend but it was too good to think right now. So he let the worry go and only enjoyed.
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Rick smiled a bit at the soft choked off groan Ardeth gave as he moved to the other side of his friend’s throat and bit there lightly too. Told you slow could be good. He smiled and repeated the move. Ardeth groaned, tightening his hands on Rick’s shoulders a little. Then the hands stroked down his sides, up over the curve of ribs to his chest and back again. He wondered to himself if Ardeth was even aware of the way his hands worked lower each pass but he wasn’t going to complain either. Not with the soft pleasure filled moans he kept getting as he slowly traced down the scars Ardeth had gotten on the bus in London and further along the curve of muscle before pausing for a moment. As new to this as Ardeth was it was still so tempting to push further, give into that little voice in his head that reminded him of how good this could feel all hot and fast, quick and crazy when the other man wanted it just as much as he did. Now and desperate in the dark when you could snatch a bit of comfort and relief and then maybe sleep. But this wasn’t a quick grope in the dark of night with a comrade this was making love in the full light of day, even if the shadows were getting longer and cooler now. And Ardeth for all his crazy bravery and occasionally downright idiotic recklessness was one way too quick fumble away from being a virgin to sex with another guy. And unless Rick was way off which he didn’t think he was, there hadn’t been a whole lot of women either. Which given Ardeth’s tribe, and the fact that he was so determined not to get married to someone who didn’t want him made Rick figure all the experience he had short of Nefshen had probably been at a brothel. And that wasn’t lovemaking anyway. Enjoyable and occasionally a whole lot of fun yeah, but nothing deeper.
He sighed, blowing the breath over the heated wet skin under his lips and smiling at the shiver that evoked. Then he reigned his own desire in as best he could, which was damn hard with Ardeth so hot and willing under him like this and licked a light flick of his tongue over one nipple. And that got a completely unsmothered groan from Ardeth and those strong callused hands tightened on his back with almost enough strength to bruise. “Good?” He whispered.
“Oh Allah have mercy, please? Again?”
“Yeah.” He licked again, then a third time before actually closing his lips and sucking a bit. Ardeth arched his back and moaned something else in Medja probably because Rick couldn’t follow it at all. But the hands on his shoulders were still holding him tight so he kept at it until Ardeth groaned, a low dark gasp of sound and his hands went back to stroking haphazardly over Rick’s back now. And it was really way too good to feel him enjoy this so much. Not good on Rick’s self control or his own growing desire but good to know he was doing it right. He trailed a line of kisses to the other side, pausing to place one in the middle of the brand just above Ardeth’s heart. God but that had to have hurt. How did you keep silent through something like that? Even if you knew it was coming and were prepared for it? He sighed and added it to his list of just insane things his friend did and let himself get lost for a while in teasing a few more of those dark breathless moans out of Ardeth.
Pushing himself back up onto his hands he looked down at his friend. Ardeth looked entirely too good lying there all tousled and flushed, breathing hard with his skin damp and occasionally red marked from Rick’s teeth and lips. He smiled despite knowing better but he was pretty damn sure no one else had ever seen Ardeth quite this lost in pleasure before, at least not just from kisses. Ardeth looked good most times, but he looked utterly irresistible when he was caught in passion and desire like this. Just waiting and willing to be as debauched as Rick wanted. And it wouldn’t be that hard either. Ease the rest of his clothes off, tease from his feet to his cock with tongue and teeth and then when he finally had Ardeth’s cock back in his mouth just ease a finger inside, soft and slow and... Back off, O’Connell. Not happening today, no. You’re too over the edge here yourself. Cause you don’t even want to wait half as long as it’s going to take to get that far much less the time it’s going to take to ease him open and relaxed enough to even think about maybe trying which you are not doing because he’s your best friend and he’s even more naive than Evie was when you married her. She at least knew what sex was supposed to be. Well, okay she knew how it was done. But Ardeth I am willing to bet really good money doesn’t even know it’s possible much less how it’s done. And thank you God for that because I could not bear it if someone hurt him. You said you wouldn’t let the damned thing rape him Horus I’ve lived that too much lately please just keep it from happening in the real world and here okay? He’s too good for that you know that right? Of course you do sorry. Didn’t mean to bring that up. How in the world was somebody supposed to pray to a god who had first hand experience with what Rick wanted desperately to keep Ardeth from having any experience with at all?
“Rick?” Ardeth’s voice was a rough passion soaked whisper and it pulled him back to the now and he had to smile.
“Got lost in how good it feels, sorry.”
Ardeth smiled, and damn if he still couldn’t look shy even now. Strong fingers, a little shaky, traced Rick’s jaw. “Paradise can not feel better.”
“Don’t bet on that. I’m not done yet.” Rick smiled again and then stroked his fingers down the firm muscles of Ardeth’s stomach. “These lacings I can do.” He promised and undid the knots. “Good thing you didn’t put your boots on, huh? Not that kneeling at your feet to get them off wasn’t fun.”
“It was wonderful.” Ardeth agreed. “Would you, do as before and...?” He paused and a dark flush colored his cheeks.
“Drink you down again?” He said it for him, putting all the desire into his voice that he could.
“Yes.” Ardeth whispered and it was a pleading sort of whisper that made Rick’s own desire climb a notch or two.
“Ask nice.” He teased, not even meaning it enough to wait for a reply but pulling the lacing free and then easing the dark cotton down a bit and putting his lips to the soft skin that revealed, nipping as light as he could at Ardeth’s waist. And then he pushed himself back onto his knees so he could get the dark loose pants off and toss then onto to the floor with his shirt.
“Please?” Ardeth whispered dark and low. “I have no words now, habib.” Dark eyes full of desire and hot with passion met his. “Make love to me now, Rick?”
“Oh Christ don’t...Yeah okay. Right.” He gave up on the words and then kissed Ardeth hard, probably harder than he should have but Ardeth only moaned and tried to pull Rick back down to him. “Wait...” He fumbled with his own pants kinda wishing he’d let Ardeth do them earlier and got them off and then he let Ardeth pull him down, and it felt even better than he remembered it feeling to let his cock slide against someone else’s when they were both eager and hard like this. Ardeth gave another of those strangled off groans and tossed his head back. Rick took the invitation and sucked hard at the point where shoulder met neck for a long minute. Then he kissed the spot just below the brand, and ran his hands firmly down to brush both nipples hard. Ardeth’s back arched which just pressed him tighter against Rick and that made Rick gasp too. A last quick bite at the muscles of Ardeth’s stomach and then he gave up on the teasing and the seduction and took Ardeth back in his mouth and used every bit of knowledge he’d ever had at this to bring him pleasure. He had to brace one arm over Ardeth’s hips this time though because Ardeth wanted to thrust a little too much for Rick to take. Strong callused fingers gripped his hair as best they could and Rick pulled back a bit and pulled them loose, pressing them back to the sheets because there was no way he was going to keep from choking otherwise. “Let it happen, Ardeth.” He growled out the words somehow and went back to work, using his free hand now to reach as gently as he knew how to the already tight sacs just behind Ardeth’s cock and that thank God was all it took.
Ardeth cried a low almost sobbing sort of groan and Rick swallowed what he could of the hot pulses that hit the back of his throat. And it was bitter and salty but Ardeth had been right it really wasn’t unpleasant. Or at least not nearly as bad as Rick had recalled it tasting. He licked the swallows he’d missed with care from Ardeth’s skin and then moved up the bed to pull Ardeth close and kiss him as he caught his breath, sharing the taste of his own completion back with him. Ardeth groaned finally, a soft gasp of sound and his arms went around Rick’s shoulders still a bit shaky but strong and tight. And he kissed Rick back with a whole lot of hunger. Rick pressed his cock into the crease where Ardeth’s hip met his waist and pushed against the soft warm skin. Knowing it wasn’t what he wanted didn’t keep it from feeling pretty good itself.
Ardeth broke the kiss after a long minute and Rick found himself rolled onto his back with Ardeth lying on top of him. And that felt good too, so Rick spread his legs a bit, so that Ardeth slid against him more comfortably and arched his hips up into Ardeth’s weight.
“Lay there, hmm?” Ardeth requested and moved to lick and nibble his way down Rick’s chest.
“Oh Christ, harder Ardeth, please?” He tangled his hand in the long dark hair as Ardeth licked hesitantly at his nipple. Ardeth was still for a second and then he chuckled low and warm and did so, sucked hard and then bless him released the nipple and ran his beard along the already tender flesh. Rick arched his back, muscles almost cramping and then cried out as Ardeth did the same for the other side. And that was just so good, too much too good. Rick reached for his own cock, not caring about anything but pleasure right then. But Ardeth moved down, nipping at Rick’s ribs, then his stomach and then replacing Rick’s hand with his own.
“Tell me if I do this wrong.” Ardeth whispered, and then a wet tongue traced his cock from base to tip and then lightly over the head and back down.
Rick caught himself on a cry that was more like a whimper. “Please.”
“More?” Ardeth asked, low and breathless but something else there. Something that cut into the dark spiral of heat and desire Rick could feel spinning way out of his grasp.
He swallowed hard. “Only-- if you want.” He managed because there was enough uncertainty in Ardeth’s eyes and voice now that it could have been fear and that made Rick shudder with nothing like desire.
“I want.” Ardeth answered and repeated the move which just stole what wits Rick had gotten a hold of. Soft lips, and the insane roughness of mustache and beard that just took him too far over into pleasure. He dug both hands into the bed beneath him. Ardeth groaned a little around his cock and that was so good he had to arch into it which made Ardeth swallow so as not to choke and that was even better. He cried out again, and then just buried one hand in Ardeth’s hair and couldn’t think about anything but the pleasure that exploded through him hot and crazy, driving his release from him in a long continuous shudder that stole his breath and made him have to blink back the afterimage of spots and stars in front of his eyes. He took a deep breath trying to get his mind back to thinking.
“Oh God, Ardeth.” Rick shook his head and looked down to meet his friend’s eyes, reminding himself to let go of the way too tight grip he had on Ardeth’s hair as he did so. But Ardeth didn’t meet his eyes at all, only rolled away and sat up on the side of the bed. “Ardeth?” He forced himself up onto his arms and then sat up as well.
Ardeth shook his head and sighed loud enough for Rick to hear him.
“Oh Christ, did I hurt you?” He had to ask even while his mind brought up all sorts of horrible pictures of his hand clenched on Ardeth’s hair, pulling him close so he could just thrust into his mouth. Choking him with it until he gagged and...Rick’s own stomach knotted into cold panic. “Ardeth?”
“I am so sorry.” Ardeth sighed. “I– did not think it would be so-- difficult to do.”
“Did I hurt you?’ Rick repeated, moving over to sit half beside, half-behind him, and then reaching over, hesitant and gentle as he knew how like it was going to make up for anything anyway...God...He put his hand on Ardeth’s shoulder.
“Hurt me? No, of course you did not.” Ardeth turned to look at him finally, thank God. And Rick’s expression must have given away the cold panic because Ardeth’s had been so obviously embarrassed and even ashamed and that was replaced almost instantly by concern. “Did I-- harm you somehow?” Ardeth asked gripping his shoulders tightly. “Rick I...”
Rick didn’t say a word, couldn’t find anything anyway to force past the way his throat tightened. He just pulled Ardeth close and hugged him tightly. And it was okay after all because Ardeth hugged him back just as hard. “Stay.” He ground out the word finally.
“I will stay. I promise.” Ardeth’s hands stroked his back, absolutely nothing in his actions that gave Rick any idea what was wrong. But also nothing to indicate he minded the embrace at all and that was what Rick needed to know more than anything. It calmed the panic back to something Rick could work with.
“You’re okay?” He tried a different question, sort of.
Ardeth sighed, but he shifted a bit to look back away. Rick didn’t let go though and after a moment or two Ardeth relaxed again and leaned back a bit into Rick’s arms. “I am only ashamed, and angry at myself.”
“What for?” Crazy idiot, scare the hell out of me and all I know to do is hold you. But you’re okay and that’s what matters.
Ardeth mumbled something that was either in Medja or just way too soft for Rick to get the Arabic.
“Okay that was not an answer.” He almost smiled. “Ardeth, habib...habibi...as long as I didn’t hurt you cause you drove me completely out of my mind there at the last minute why in the world aren’t we lying all hot and sated and in each others arms in bed, huh?”
Ardeth sighed again. “I wanted so much to please you.” That at least was an understandable mumble.
“Yeah, and you did, a lot.” He shook his head a bit and then pushed Ardeth away enough to turn him look at him. “You got the idea somehow I didn’t enjoy that? They probably heard me in Cairo from here.”
That made Ardeth flush again but he smiled. “I wanted to-- drink you as you said. And I could not even figure out how to hold you in my mouth as you do me much less swallow so and...”
“What’s a stronger word than idiot in Arabic?” Rick interrupted.
Ardeth blinked and then he smiled just a bit, but it grew to a real one and then a chuckle. “Are you saying I am a fool now?”
“For somebody usually so smart? Yeah. And you scared the hell out of me. And we’re wasting some of the best part of making love which is snuggling afterwards. Yeah. I am saying we’re fools. Come back to bed, habib. Let’s wash up and then worry if we need to worry which I don’t think we do. I think we just need to practice a lot.”
That got another chuckle. “Is that all?” Ardeth traced his jaw with one hand.
“Sure, what’s that you always say about nothing really worth doing is done without practice?”
Ardeth nodded a bit. “Am I not a bit old to need such practice?”
“You think if you’d gotten married instead of fallen into bed with me you and your wife wouldn’t need a lot of practice on making each other happy?”
Ardeth was silent but his eyes lightened. “So, we must learn to please each other together then?”
“Right.” He reached over and pulled the still wet cloth from the basin of water he’d left beside the bed earlier and ran the cool cloth over himself re-wet it and handed it to Ardeth.
“Very little worth doing is worth doing without much practice.” Ardeth smiled a bit as he wiped himself clean. “So I should stop worrying about the lack of finesse to the moves for now and be glad I do not injure you or myself in accomplishing them at all is that it?”
“Exactly.” Rick smiled. “Feels good, no one’s hurt and we’re both sated. We’ll worry about the fancy stuff and making it look good later okay?”
Ardeth chuckled and then kissed him firmly. “You are an impossible man to argue with. And far too good a friend to me, Rick’ O’Connell. But I am truly thankful to Allah for you all the same.”
“If you’re thanking Allah for stuff, can you tell him thanks from me for this too?” Rick pulled Ardeth back into bed and got comfortable in the center of the mattress. He didn’t give Ardeth much choice but to join him and snuggle back as they had been earlier. “Okay?”
“Yes.” Ardeth sighed but he put his arm around Rick without complaint. “I am glad you enjoyed it, habib. I will endeavor to be less foolish next time and not be so without patience with myself.”
“Good.” Rick smoothed the even more tangled waves now with his hand. “Trust me on this, Ardeth. I’m not the least bit disappointed in anything we’ve done, huh? Amazed, kinda surprised, and enjoying it a whole lot, yeah, but definitely not disappointed. Okay?”
“As you say.” Ardeth agreed. “But you will let me learn to do this better?”
Rick had to chuckle. “I’m not crazy enough to say no to that. Next time, I’ll try and remember to let you practice first is all, so that maybe I’ll be able to think about what we’re doing instead of enjoying it so much I’m too crazy with it to think.”
Ardeth flushed but he snuggled closer too. “Thank you.”
Rick sighed. “You’re welcome, Ardeth.” He tightened his arm around Ardeth’s shoulders and gave up for now on convincing his friend that everything was all right. He and Ardeth were pretty well matched in the stubbornness bit though so he’d work on it later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Imhotep watched his young guests sleep for a bit longer and then poured himself a cup of the hot coffee the servants had left. Tahiri at least had been completely amused and not a little intrigued by the two men sharing so intimate an embrace in the large bed, only partially covered by the bedding. The room was quickly losing the coolness of the night to the bright of day as Ammun moved higher into the sky but it was pleasant yet. He was amused that they had not only missed dinner completely but apparently slept now past dawn as well. Not he supposed that he blamed them. If he had been as fortunate as O’Connell was at this moment he was certain there would be no way short of Ammun himself demanding it that he would leave Ardeth’s bed or let Ardeth leave it either. He sighed, a bit annoyed at himself for the jealousy he could feel building all too easily. He envied O’Connell certainly but he did not in any way begrudge Ardeth the joy and comfort he had found in his brother’s arms. Besides which, if O’Connell managed to convince him that sharing his bed with another man was an enjoyable and truly satisfying thing then it was one less obstacle Imhotep would have to overcome later.
O’Connell stirred a bit and Imhotep smiled to himself. He was feeling generous enough to let Ardeth sleep and not to tease him too much this morning. O’Connell was a different matter entirely. Besides which, it would do the young American some good to know where the differences between Imhotep and the creature of Anubis’ creation were. So he unrolled one of the papyrus he had brought with him and read through the plans for the new dock here in Thebes and waited for O’Connell to finish waking.
The young man woke completely, reaching at once for weapons and then realizing where he was and relaxing back into bed and holding his brother tight for a long minute. Then he noticed Imhotep sitting at the table and his thoughts darkened considerably but he only pulled Ardeth a bit closer for a long while. “You want something?” He asked finally in Arabic.
“I was waiting for the two of you to wake so I could speak to you of the things AmmunRa, He who is lord of all Egypt has told to me this glorious morning. However, as Ardeth is still so sound asleep let us talk out on the balcony and let him rest.” He smiled a bit and it was a taunting one he knew. “No doubt, as unused to passion as he is he will be exhausted for a while yet.” He rose to his feet and headed for the balcony. “You may of course dress first or not as you please.”
And that annoyed O’Connell even more and the anger flared hot despite the English clouding his understanding. Then it cleared to Arabic and was as full of hatred as Imhotep had ever known it to be. It was clear enough that as far as O’Connell considered it if Imhotep thought about touching either him or Ardeth he would quite willingly and happily chop him into pieces.
“Let us not fight each other to the death again quite so soon after being allies shall we, O’Connell?” He shook his head and went out to the balcony. The American did indeed however get up and dressed and follow him out into the sun.
“Okay, so what is it Ammun told you that you want to talk to us about?”
“Many things, most of which can wait until your brother is awake and here to hear them as well.” He smiled a bit more and sipped his coffee. “Truce, O’Connell, truly I mean neither you, your brother, or your family any harm. How is your son? He has recovered from the poison of the armor of Anubis by now I trust?”
O’Connell was silent for a bit, his thoughts back to English making them too hard to follow, but the hatred cooled back to anger finally. “Yeah. He is.”
“Good. And you? Ardeth assured me yesterday that the wound to his head was causing him no pain here in Thebes. Is your shoulder healed as well? I do not think the spells I used where intended to heal a shot.” He added just to see the man’s reaction. It was almost as amusing to not be what O’Connell expected him to be as it was to play that with Ardeth.
The anger cooled even more. “No, it’s fine. Ardeth didn’t tell me you healed that too.”
“I found you both on the battlefield bleeding. There was not time to find your wife and the book of Sekhmet, and I had the book of AmmunRa with me. We are, are we not, champions of Egypt together for the war with Germany? I am not so poor an ally as to let you bleed to death when there is something I can do to stop it from occurring.”
“I kinda had the idea that you’d be glad to get rid of me.” O’Connell replied.
“When you keep trying to find ways of condemning me back to damnation, certainly I will do my best to stop you. However, now I need not worry about that so it makes you less a threat. Besides which, your death would cause your brother a great deal of grief. And I have no desire to see that burden added to those he caries already.”
“So now you want me to believe you not only care about his health but you give a damn if he’s happy? Right.”
He looked over at the young man and met the cold blue eyes. “I am not the monster you or Anubis would have me be. I saved your life, your son’s life, Ardeth’s life, and half of his wounded warriors. You know him well enough to know that he would have sold his soul for any of that if I had but asked it. I could have had him in my bed instead of letting him share his with you O’Connell. He offered as much to me when we went looking for you in hell. So do not presume to think you know what I care about or not. And do not hold me accountable for the horrors you saw in hell. We are neither of us as ignorant as your brother, may Ammun grant that he never knows better, so you know as well as I that I could claim far more from him with the kisses he has bargained for his people’s lives. But he is a brave and honorable man, if an annoying guest and a damnable foe when he sets his mind to it. And I am not the villain you would make me. You will recall no doubt that the creature wore your face as well as mine? Shall I then assume that makes what desire you shared with him yesterday rape?” He stepped closer the other man with a cold smile. “I am Ammun’s High Priest here, Rick O’Connell, if I will it I could very easily carry out the punishment for such a crime. But I am not going to hold you accountable for what happened to your brother’s reflection in Anubis’ dark realm. So I would think that you could do me the same courtesy do you not?”
“Give me one good reason why I should believe for a second you won’t tear him apart the minute Ammun tells you the task he has is done.”
“I do not owe you such a proof, O’Connell. I desire him certainly, I will not stop doing so because you find that annoying. But I have no wish to harm him any.”
“Could have fooled me.”
He chuckled. “Yes, no doubt. I have had great luck at convincing you otherwise have I not? But you will notice if you paused for a moment in your great zeal of defending his honor, which I think he has enough courage do to for himself quite well actually, that I have yet to harm him at all. Does that not seem odd to you since I am so obviously Set incarnate and have had him and you at my mercy more than once? You are foolish at times O’Connell but I have never really thought you stupid. Perhaps you should discuss this with your wife she is undoubtedly possessed of the more intelligence in your marriage.”
O’Connell was silent for a bit and then to Imhotep’s surprise he smiled for a moment. “That I gotta agree with. Okay…I can do civil as long as you keep your hands off him.”
“All of that and the best you can do is civil? Ammun’s mercy what must I do to not worry you will blow my god’s most wondrous city to small bits when I turn my back? Was saving you both from hell not enough?”
“Nope. That means I won’t blow you to bits for the last few kisses you made him give you which scared the crap out of him to the point he was willing to kill himself if it got him away from you. And I’m not really sure I’m willing o forgive that just yet.”
Imhotep sighed. “You are a stubborn man, O’Connell…for which I suppose Egypt must be thankful since you are her champion as well as I. But it does not make you less annoying you know.”
“It’s a gift.”
Imhotep sighed and then chuckled a bit. “I will not even attempt to divest you of that insanity. Go and wake your brother, O’Connell it is well towards noon and we must speak of Ammun’s words before you two are awoken in Ahm Shere. I will even do you the courtesy of waiting out here until you get him dressed but try not to get distracted and tumble back into bed will you? It is amusing certainly to watch and I must admire your self control when you have him so willing to please you but even you must admit that angering AmmunRa is something to be avoided.”
O’Connell growled something in English and then glared at him. “Bastard.” The Arabic was a snarl.
“No, actually, my parents were well married. But I understand the sentiment. I owe you a few yanks on the chain do I not, warrior? Go and see to your brother now, O’Connell. We can annoy each other later.”
“I’m not going to manage civil if you’re playing voyeur with Ardeth and me.”
“No one would expect you too. Tempted as I am for the annoyance I would give you I would not want to embarrass your brother quite so much. I am rather pleased with the relationship actually. I though it would take a great deal longer for him to even consider the possibility that sharing passion with another man could be so enjoyable.” He smiled a bit more. “Do you want to annoy each other some more now or are we done?”
O’Connell’s smile was cold in return but he nodded a little. “Enjoyable isn’t a strong enough word for what Ardeth and I have, creature. Paradise to put this whole place of yours to shame, that’s close to how perfect it is and not even you watching is going to make me stop making love to him every chance I get. So you can just let the jealousy eat you alive…Something your used to anyway right?” And then he went back through the curtains and left Imhotep alone.
Oh I will make you pay for that one, O’Connell do not doubt me. Bastard indeed. I said I would not force your brother to my bed, there is a whole realm of things I can taunt you with instead. You might have won the match, warrior, but I am not about to lose the game.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Kaptain Schwartz.” Heinmann ran over coming to a quick stop and saluting. The young man did not seem to understand that hurrying so in the desert made little sense.
“Yes Heinmann?” He took another thankful swallow of his hot coffee. It would be dawn soon.
“Oberfuher Kratz regrets to inform you that he has had no luck this night past in getting the two prisoners to speak.”
Schwartz sighed and finished his coffee in a swallow. He doubted very much the Oberfuher had worded the original report with half that civility. “Then they are truly stubborn.” He admitted because there were very few people in the world who could stand up to the Einstazkomandos for any time at all. It was a cold joke but all to real in Germany these days. “Very well, go speak with Doctor Weiss and get me an updated wounded report. Bring it to the General’s tent.” He gave Kratz the army rank which was equivalent enough to his S.S. one.
“Seige Heil.” Heinmann offered.
“Seige Heil.” He replied and went to see to his prisoners and the S.S.
Albert Schwartz was not a man unused to battle or the bloodiness of it, but he was unprepared none the less for the state the two prisoners were in and the intensity of the obvious torture Kratz was inflicting. There was no other word that came close except torture. “Oberfuher.” He interrupted the man as he was about to bring the crop in his hand back down into the older of his two prisoners.
“Ah, Kaptain Schwartz. I see Stumbannfuher Heinmann found you. I do regret that the answers are not available yet. They are stubborn.” Kratz indicated the two bound men, both of whom Schwartz doubted would last much longer under the deliberate agony they were both being subjected to.
“No doubt.” He agreed. He took a deep breath and walked over to the younger of the two men and eased the man’s head up. “Tell us who you are and this will stop.” He offered in Arabic. The young man blinked with the eye that was not swollen shut but there was nothing in the dark gaze but hatred and agony. Schwartz was not even certain the words were understood. “I think perhaps they are past answering now.”
The S.S. officer chuckled but there was almost an approval to the sound. “You know your way around questioning I see.”
“I am a solider. I know my way around most things bloody.” He replied. “No answers at all?”
“I begin to wonder if they are even arabs. The young one there said something once and it was not Arabic at all according to Niekbaum.”
“That is problematic. How do we get answers if they do not understand the questions?”
“They understand them. Half the filthy tattoos they have are in arabic so they must know the language even if it’s only to pray to that heathen god of theirs.”
Schwartz didn’t smile at the utter stupidity of that statement only let it pass. “It still does not get us answers does it?” He looked back at the older man. “Tell me who you are, and I will let you live, my word to Allah.” He offered again in arabic. The man did not even blink. “Stubborn may be an understatement.”
“I began to come up with an idea a bit ago that might get us a few answers.” Kratz set his bloody crop aside and picked up an equally bloody knife. “The young one I think might possibly have the strength left to make it back to his pack if we get him as close as the battlefield. If we leave them both staked out for the sun to finish and he were to escape then he will go for aid for the old one. And if we are within hearing range we will at least have an idea if they do indeed speak arabic. Then when the aid comes, it may well be with some of these weapons we do not understand and we can capture a few.”
Schwartz thought about that for a while. The men they’d faced yesterday were strong warriors and the two they had now as prisoners were likely to die before they revealed anything. Something these arabs possessed however had destroyed not quite half of his men and machines and he would have to know what that weapon was. Perhaps even take them back to Germany for study so that they could be used against the enemies of the Fatherland. Using the two warriors as bait was abhorrent really. And given his own preferences he would have given the two men the quick clean deaths they deserved for being so stubborn for their own cause. But whatever had destroyed his tanks and killed his men was still out there and might well be used against those that remained. And that was not a risk he was willing to take no matter the repugnance of the methods the S.S. officer suggested. “We have little to loose.” He agreed. “But how do we keep the young one from freeing the older one and simply getting him back to their camp?”
Oberfuher Kratz smiled and it was a horrible sort of grin. “I can take care of that, Kaptain Schwartz. Let us get it done shall we?”
Schwartz sighed and then nodded. It was best to get the grisly work over with now while the battle he had lost was still fresh enough in his mind that he could find someway to justify to himself the horrible things he was allowing.
Asr:ToC