Title:  Who We Once Were - Chapter Nine - The Calm Before A Storm
Rating:  PG13
Author:  Nine - http://www.geocities.com/ninthsaturn
Summary:  Alternate universe where TMR didn't take place.  Evy's having strange dreams and returns to Egypt and runs into an old friend.

Thanks to my dear reviewers, even the one that said "Ick".  ;-)  At least she didn't say, "You write like a blind dog catches a frisbee."  Hehehehe.  Well, I think this chapter came out weak, so maybe I do write like a blind dog playing frisbee.  Anyhow, THANKS!  :-D

**

The night was dark in an endless plague of night that would never again fall away under the light of the sun.  Ardeth stood there in the sand, his shackled hands raised to his chest almost protectively.  He wore his desert robes once more, but instead of being proudly decorated for the battles won the clothes were torn and soaked in his own blood.  There had been times in his life he'd thought the battle had been hard and draining.  None had been so tiring as this.  None had left him so exhausted.  And it wasn't just physical wear or fear of death that kept him standing here, docile and awaiting doom.  It was mental exhaustion.  Hopelessness.

He raised his eyes to look at the apocalyptic aftermath of the most important battle he'd ever fought - and lost.  He could hear the sounds of celebration in the distance, the sounds of a large crackling fire and screams filling the night air.  The huge army was burning his people, the dead and those who had been unfortunate enough to survive the massacre that had taken place.  The great killing that still went on in other parts of the world.  He glanced from side to side at the army of dead that surrounded.  They had taken even his right to die with his people away from him.  Imhotep had seen to it that he lived through the battle.  He looked down the long path that lay ahead, his eyes traveling through the sand to the foot of a great pyramid that had been erected.  Staked torches stood as entry markers to stairs that climbed outside on the pyramid's surface to the flat top where the priest waited for him.

He would wait no longer.

Two soldiers grabbed his arms and pushed him towards the pyramid.  Ardeth went without a fight.  He could dimly remember a time when there was nothing that could stop him.  A time when he'd promised every breath he took to the mission of keeping Imhotep from rising, to stop Imhotep should the unfortunate happen.  Those times were dead in him.  He could only pray silently that Imhotep was tired of him enough to end his life quickly.  He'd failed.  Failed his people, his sworn duty.  Failed Evelyn.

He groaned when they threw him onto the stairs and prodded him along with their swords.  Ardeth got to his feet slowly, rubbing the sand and blood from his lips as the army of evil laughed.  He couldn't even find strength to be angry at that.  Ardeth Bay had lost everything.

When they reached the top one of the soldiers pushed him down to his knees.  Ardeth looked up at the man before him.  Imhotep sat at the top of this great pyramid in a throne of gold.  His smile bragged to Ardeth of the war he'd just won.  Rameses sat to Imhotep's left, but Ardeth found his eyes drawn to the monster's right side.  His Evelyn sat there with her hand on Imhotep's arm.  Her eyes were lined in kohl and her hair dressed elaborately.  The clothing she wore barely covered her richly decorated body.  But even those changes paled to the change in her eyes.  Ardeth turned his head and closed his eyes as a soldier intoned in a raspy voice, "Hail King Imhotep, Master of Egypt, Father of all that walks the Earth. Hail Queen Nefertiri, Mother of the World.  We bring you the sacrifice."

Ardeth looked out over the desert as fire fell from the skies over Cairo, destroying what was left of the great city.  It was numbing, seeing the world as he knew it die.  His eyes were drawn to Imhotep as he stood, clothed in white and gold.  The image of a king now.  This world was his. He came to stand above Ardeth.  The king crouched and looked into his eyes almost sympathetically.  "You never believed it would come to this, Med-Jai?"

"No," he answered in low tones, devoid of anger or feeling.  He couldn't feel, wouldn't allow it.  It would only break him further.

Imhotep stood and faced his throne, white robe flowing in the breeze.  "My Queen, do you wish me to have mercy upon this man?" he asked Evy. Evy.  Ardeth couldn't stop the feeling that came with thinking that name.  Images of a young girl who had kept her cool while the minions of Imhotep gathered on the stairs and even went so far as to tell her brother that "patience was a virtue" even as their very lives were in danger. Memories of a strong willed woman that had braved going with a monster to save the lives of her brother and friends.  A woman who'd shared smiles and biscuits at a local bakery with him.  He fought the urge to smile at the remembrance of her accusing him of scaring her, fought the tears that threatened when he remembered their few kisses.

She wasn't Evy anymore.  That woman he'd thought he'd fallen in love with was dead.  Nefertiri watched Ardeth curiously.  "And what would you do with him, My Beloved King?"

Imhotep smiled.  "Anything you desire is yours, My Nefertiri.  I give him to you as a present to do with as you see fit."  He spread his hands.  "All I have to give you is yours."

Nefertiri gazed at her priest in dark delight.  "I thank you, Imhotep.  My love for you is boundless."

Ardeth felt sick at that, knowing that despite everything the world had gone through since the beginning of this nightmare, she meant it.  Imhotep had found his enduring love.  His dark eyes mirrored it.  Anck-su-namun's replacement, his hated enemy and Ardeth's love.  If she had given herself to this man then everything in Ardeth's heart was truly dead.  "As is mine for you, Beloved," he answered, those shadowy eyes filled with passion and evils.  "What is your command?"

Nefertiri's eyes fell upon Ardeth as if they were strangers.  "I want you to kill him, Imhotep.  Take his sword and kill him by your own hand."

The dread creature turned to the task ahead.  "As you desire," he said, taking Ardeth's sword from one of the soldiers and holding it to his heart.

Ardeth looked once more across the desert and across those around him.  Nefertiri watched him.  She was giving him mercy, he knew.  She knew he wanted to die.  He could see that much in her eyes.  Ardeth looked to Imhotep and swallowed, ready for his destiny.  And as Imhotep began to take his life his eyes fell upon Rameses and he could tell by the glint of envy in his eyes that Imhotep would soon follow, and Nefertiri.  Evy hadn't broken the cycle by her sacrifice for him, only delayed what was to happen and what would happen over and over again.  And he would fail her in the next life.  

Ardeth Bay sorrowfully bowed his head and let go.

**

Rick looked towards the chambers that Imhotep had dragged Evy into.  "What is he doing in there with her?" he hissed, eyes darting to Jonathan.

Jonathan, or Rameses as he insisted on being called, thumbed the barrel of his gun as he sat against the wall near the column that Rick and now Ardeth were tied to.  "Mmm, wouldn't you like to see?"  He wiggled his eyebrows.

"Shut up!" Rick growled, kicking dust and sand up at the smirking Jonathan.  "I know he's not doing that because we haven't heard her laughing at his...."  He turned his head suddenly and tried to peer at the Med-Jai behind him when he groaned.  "Ardeth?  You awake?"

Ardeth let out a deep breath.  "Yes, O'Connell.  Thankfully."

Rick looked down at the floor and shook his foot to wake it up.  "Bad dreams?"

The Med-Jai didn't answer right away and Rick winced at the silence.  Soon, however, Ardeth said softly, "You don't want to know this dream.  Pray for your sleep and for our success."

At this Rameses chuckled.  "That's a doomed prayer, my friends.  But if you'd like to delude yourselves, be my guest."  He rubbed his hands together and eyed Rick.  "I wonder when Imhotep'll let me have a little fun with you.  I say I'm rather looking forward to it."

"You talk like Carnahan," Ardeth observed quietly.  "He must be somewhere inside you.  Fight, Jonathan."

Rameses' expression turned into mocking as he drawled, "Fight, Jonathan!"  He rolled his eyes.  "He's weak.  Do you honestly think he'd be able to overcome me?  Please.  I'm surprised he's my incarnation."

"Yeah, I am too, you freak," Rick shot, trying to kick Jonathan's foot that was just out of reach.  "At least Jonathan wasn't a sniveling little lackey like you are."

Rameses leaned forward, sized Rick up and sent his fist into his mouth.  "I'll get mine in good timing, O'Connell.  Don't you worry about that."  He smiled.  "You'd better worry about when old Imhotep gives me the go ahead.  He can do some pretty disturbing things when he's got a mind for it, but his one fatal flaw is that he's got a heart.  He holds back even when he doesn't want to.  I, however, like inflicting pain."  He gazed distastefully at the gun in his hand.  His eyes became excited then.  "Want me to tell you how I killed Imhotep and Nefertiri?"

"No," Ardeth and Rick responded in unison.

Jonathan waved his hand.  "Oh, shut up.  You're going to hear it and it makes ever so smashing a story," he began despite their denial.

"Oh, God," Rick groaned, sinking down.  "Now I see the resemblance."

Ardeth smiled despite the weight on his heart and mind and listened as Rameses began to regale them with details.  "Well, you see Imhotep walked right into death.  My little bird, Anck-su-namun, oh she got him all right.  Backed him right into my little trap."  This got Ardeth's attention a bit.  Not that he cared whatsoever what pains the creature had dealt with during his life, but it did make for an interesting diversion, so far.  "Oh she coaxed him and pleased him and teased him with a stunning performance.  Got him to kill Seti, though we hadn't planned it to come out exactly as it had." Jonathan frowned in thought.  "I can't imagine why she killed herself when all she had to do was accuse our friend in there of rape.  He may have been High Priest, but I would have had authority to execute him for it after Father died.  Maybe she grew a liking for the fellow and turned her back on me.  Taught her well, I did."  He laughed.

Rick rolled his eyes.  "Were all you people back then back stabbers?"

Jonathan leaned forward and grinned.  "Don't you know it, O'Connell.  It was the intrigue.  Exciting times we lived in!  At any rate it was I who ordered the Hom-Dai.  To tell the truth I was a bit jealous, you could say, that he'd touched Anck-su-namun.  So, I ordered that some hideous curse be put on him and a priest of Anubis suggested the Hom-Dai.  Now that was fun.  Not nearly so fun as when I killed Nefertiri, though."  He rubbed his hands together.  "Oh, I liked that.  Yes, you see I took this knife and laid her out on a ah..."  He stopped, eying Ardeth's glare.  "Oh, oh. I take it you don't want to hear this part?"

Ardeth clenched his fists and pulled a little at his bonds.  "I will put you in your grave for what you've done!" he snapped, forgetting for a moment that this was Jonathan as well as Rameses.  "You are telling me that all of this is your doing?  That you spurred Anck-su-namun on to her relationship with Imhotep and then caused this curse?"

Rameses was in a maddeningly good humor.  "Well, yes it appears I am the cause for all of this."  He laughed thoughtfully.  "Imagine that."

Ardeth grunted angrily.  That dream had shaken him to his core.  He didn't like to imagine himself as giving up or being so defeated, nor did he want to conceive of seeing Evelyn the way he had in his sleep.  "Hey, Ardeth," Rick asked in concern.  "You okay?"

"No, I'm not.  I saw the future laid out, a future we must do everything in our power to stop."  He leaned back.  "Where were you when Evelyn left for Hamunaptra?" he asked suddenly.

"I was out.  Why?" Rick answered near defensively.

Ardeth exhaled in frustration.  "We are in grave danger.  The world itself is in grave danger.  I only wish you had been there to stop Evelyn from leaving instead of out drinking, O'Connell."  His anger flared more out of worry and fear than any real blame and yet he couldn't stop himself.

Rick turned his head despite not being able to see the Med-Jai.  "Look, Bay, I didn't exactly see you jumping in to stop her either."

"I'm sorry, O'Connell.  I was unconscious and tied to a post at the time.  My mistake."  

Rick laughed sarcastically.  "You weren't on that post when you left that morning.  Just what was so important at that museum, anyway?"

Jonathan grinned at the little scene.  "Oh, this is too good.  The would be heroes are turned against one another.  What will poor Evy do now?"

"Where is all this coming from?" Rick said, ignoring Jonathan.

Closing his eyes, Ardeth sighed.  "He is right, O'Connell.  This isn't the time for argument.  I apologize.  The fault is mine.  I was supposed to be there for her and I chose instead to go against my instincts."  

Rick looked down at his shoes and chewed his cheek.  Whatever dreams he had seen in his sleep must have been quite bad to bother Ardeth so much.  He sounded very afraid, something Rick imagined wasn't even in the Med-Jai dictionary.  "No.  It's my fault really.  I should have gone with her upstairs."

Rameses rolled his eyes and made a face.  "You two are pathetic."  He laid on his back and aimed his gun towards the ceiling.

Again, Rick and Ardeth spoke in unison with an irritated, "Shut up."

**

Evy stood off to the side while Imhotep paused in his search.  Not that she knew what he was looking for, but if she were correct in her assumption then they'd be in for a lot of trouble.  At least he hadn't tried to kiss her in the last hour.  That was a definite plus.  But he'd promised defilement on her and she was quite certain what that meant.  A blush rose to her cheeks when she remembered images from her dream last night.  Hands and lips had invaded her body, forcing their way into places meant only for Ankhwa.  Thinking of him made her sad.  Nefertiri had died inside that night. She could only imagine what had happened to her later, as time went on.

It was strange.  Imhotep had seemed almost sorry after the killing.  He was no doubt drunk when everything happened.  He had smelled of alcohol. Evy wondered what went through this monster's mind the next day.  She widened her eyes when Imhotep slammed his fist into the wall.  Backing away slowly, she said, "Maybe I should go and see what Rameses is up to."

Imhotep pointed at her, shaking his head.  "You will stay right where you are."

She cocked her head to the side.  "Yes.  I could do that I suppose."  Evy sighed and dropped down to sit on the floor as he started tearing through things again.  At least he left Ardeth alone.  He hadn't touched him since she made her promise.  She wondered what his plans were.  At the moment he was angry that he couldn't find whatever it was he was seeking.  What worried her was that if he didn't find it, how would he release the angry energy within?  She didn't like her vivid imagination right at the moment.

With a howl of frustration he stood up and turned to face her.  She blanched at his gaze and to her surprise, he smiled.  Imhotep was nothing if not a mystery.  "You fear me so, Nefertiri.  How I enjoy that.  You please me."  He resumed his searching once more.

Well, the last thing she wanted to do really was please him, but it kept him at bay for the time being.  Bought her time to search herself.  Her eyes peered around for the Book of Amun Ra.  She remembered that Jonathan had dropped it somewhere.  If she were lucky, Imhotep didn't have it.  "Do you know what I will do to you tonight?" he asked, startling her.  

She blinked.  "I'd like to think you're going to let me sleep."  Evy somberly leaned against the wall, trying to keep herself from giving in to the fear welling up within her.  She rubbed her stomach.  "And eat."

Imhotep pulled a spear from a pile of junk on the floor and examined it thoughtfully.  "You will be sustained."  He tossed it away and frowned before meeting her fearful eyes.  "Tell me, have you known the touch of a man in this life?"  He seemed to enjoy asking her things like that.  He'd already asked her twice if she'd ever felt this type of pain or that.  

This particular question wasn't what she wanted to hear.  Swallowing and feeling a lump in her throat, she pondered what to answer.  She winced. "Not exactly?"

He watched her for a moment and then laughed.  "By the time I'd gotten to you before, that Med-Jai had already been your lover."

Evy knitted her brows.  "You didn't sleep with Nefertiri that night," she murmured, half to herself.

"No," he admitted while he sat on the floor beside another pile of trinkets.  He started fishing through it.  "Not if you refer to the night I killed your lover.  Do you remember that night?"

Evelyn looked down at the floor, absently picking at the hem of her dress.  It was a nervous habit she'd picked up as a child and if ever there were a time to be anxious it was now.  "I saw it in a dream.  Saw you kill Ardeth and then take me to your bed.  But you left with Anck-su-namun."

Imhotep breathed in and nodded.  "Yes.  We had argued that night, which was why I came to you.  I wanted..."  He paused.

"To fill the emptiness inside," she ventured, not sure why she bothered.

He nodded and frowned.  "I suppose you are correct.  No, that is not the night that I took you."  He met her eyes.  "That came the next morning." Imhotep paused for a moment and then returned to his rummaging.  "Anck-su-namun and I fought again when I left you.  The details of that are not necessary for you to know."  Evy licked her lips and rubbed her butterfly filled stomach.  None of this was necessary for her to know.  Not that she had any choice in the matter.  He continued, his words making her more nervous as each moment passed.  "I returned and was surprised to find you still in my bed.  I had thought you would run from there as soon as I left.  So I laid beside you and fell into a fitful sleep.  When I awakened you were still beside me, crying brokenly.  I took you into my arms and tried to soothe you despite knowing you hated me with everything inside you."

Evy swallowed and stared at him, shocked by the words he was saying and the tone he used to say them.  So conversational as if he were talking of something that didn't matter.  Not to mention he was saying these things about her.  "I..." she started, not wanting him to finish his story.  She was already afraid of him enough.  Did he truly need to make it worse?

He held up a forestalling hand.  "Hold your tongue, Nefertiri.  I speak to you."  Evy closed her mouth, making sure to show her unamusement plainly. Naturally he ignored it and went on.  "You were beautiful and warm.  I did not hurt you if that's what you are thinking."

Evy brought her knees up and rested her head down on her arms, closing her eyes.  "Why are you telling me all this?"

His familiar grin returned, his eyes amused.  "Does it make you nervous to hear, Nefertiri?"  To her horror he began crawling towards her.

"Of course it makes me nervous!" she exclaimed, wanting to back off but not sure it was wise.  "Is that what you want to hear?  Yes, you scare me!"  She began shaking again, something she did more often than not these days.  "Oh," she breathed, covering her lips.  "Why did I return to Egypt?"

Imhotep sat beside her, mirroring her position and pulling her into his arms.  "Because it is your destiny."  He ran a hand through her hair.  "I could live that morning again right here on this floor."

She stared at him.  "Why?  Why do you desire me suddenly?  I thought you wanted me dead."

"Yes," he agreed, nodding.  "I thought that was what I wanted as well, but your fear and beauty is of more value now.  I suggest you prepare yourself for tonight.  I will make you mine when night falls."  His lips closed in on hers again as his hand caressed her hip and moved on back to her behind.

Instinct overrode fear and Evy widened her eyes, slapping the deadly priest's arm and gasping, "How dare you!"

Imhotep stared for a moment, his own eyes wide.  Evy immediately regretted her thoughtless exclamation, praying that he wouldn't punish her.  His eyebrows narrowed and to her surprise and great relief a grin spread across his lips.  "You can say that so fearlessly as if I were a simple servant. That is the Nefertiri I witnessed so long ago!"  He laughed and looked down, absently putting his hand on her thigh.  "Do you know what I believe?"

Evelyn rolled her eyes and let out the breath she'd been holding.  "What do you believe?" she asked, humoring him.

His dark eyes glinted in amusement.  "I believe you enjoy this."

Evy gaped and then pushed his hand off her leg testily.  "I most certainly do not!"

Imhotep laughed and stood, heading towards the main chambers.  "Yes you do."

She stared after him and then joined, hissing, "I never in all my life!'

**

Ardeth raised his head as voices filled the room.  The creature returned with Evelyn behind him, muttering something about, "You are rude, boorish and a poor excuse for an evil overlord!  I'm not some common..."

Imhotep shook head in irritation.  "Quiet, Nefertiri.  Common you are definitely not."  He seemed to be searching the room.

Ardeth sighed at the familiar way they acted.  It brought back those haunting images from his dreams.  Is this how her turning began?  With a simple fearlessness towards Imhotep?  He had to stop this.  "Hey," O'Connell whispered from the other side of the column.  "What are they talking about?"

"She was telling him that he was a poor excuse for an overlord and he told her to be quiet," he answered, watching as Imhotep walked around the large room, looking around for something.

Apparently he'd found what he was looking for.  Imhotep bent down and took something from the floor and stood back up again, smiling his triumph. Ardeth groaned when his eyes caught what it was.  The Key.  So he searched for the books.  His mind traveled back to the army of dead that had surrounded the pyramid.  They were running out of time.  Imhotep turned to Evy and held the Key up.  "Soon, my Nefertiri, the world will be mine."

Evy frowned.  "Why must you have the world too?  What is it about world domination that drives you evil people?  Isn't revenge enough?"

Imhotep chuckled, searching once more presumably for the other books.  "I suppose revenge would be enough, but why should I stop at that when I can have more?"  He sighed and looked at everyone else.  "Rameses," he said.  "I am going to leave and take Nefertiri with me.  If we are to keep our guests alive they must have food and water.  And I wish Nefertiri to show me Thebes.  You may have your fun while I'm away."

Jonathan's eyes brightened.  "Thank you, Dread Priest."  He grinned at Rick.

The creature held up a hand.  "He isn't to be killed, Rameses.  Take care that an 'accident' doesn't happen.  And before you begin I want you to search for the books."

Rameses immediately slumped in frustration.  "Yeah.  Sure.  Take your time."

Ardeth watched as Imhotep took hold of Evy and pulled her back up onto the surface, struggling and shouting.  Rick grunted.  "One of these days you're going to have to teach me Egyptian, Ardeth.  I hate not knowing what's going on."

The Med-Jai grunted.  "I envy not knowing, my friend.  Imhotep goes to get us food and water."

"He can't be all that bad," Rick said thoughtfully.

Ardeth shook his head.  "He told Rameses to have his fun with you, O'Connell."

Rick sighed and eyed Jonathan.  "Well, there went my approval."  He laughed nervously and pulled against his bonds.  "Ah, Jonathan, now would be a good time to take your body back."

Chewing his index finger, Rameses waved him off and looked around.  "Unfortunately you have some time.  Imhotep wants me to find those ghastly books and there'll be hell to pay if I don't.  They've got to be around here somewhere.  I dropped the Book of Amun Ra just over there."  He furrowed his brow and headed off away from Ardeth and Rick.

"We gotta get out of here," Rick commented, squirming in his ties.  "Don't ask me how right now, but I know there has to be some way."  He stopped moving.  "What happened in that dream?  You never did tell me."

Ardeth leaned against the column.  "Death and destruction, O'Connell.  What may happen if the creature succeeds.  Armies of the dead marched the whole of the earth and the sun's light was forever blocked.  Imhotep ruled atop a great pyramid constructed in his honor with Evelyn as his queen." And that bothered him most of all.  Seeing himself so ready to give up and actually feeling those emotions had been bothersome.  To reach that point was unthinkable.  But seeing Evy so changed, her innocent and kind behavior replaced with Imhotep's Queen of Darkness....it gave him new resolve to put an end to this.  "We must stop him, O'Connell."

"Wait," he said, unbelief in his voice.  "You're saying Evy was his queen?  And that's supposed to be the future?"

Ardeth's voice was grave when he answered.  "Yes."

The American was silent for a moment, then, "You know sometimes it feels like an adventure out of some book or something.  How can any of this be real?  I guess it never seems real until..."

The Med-Jai sighed and looked up towards the hole in the ceiling.  "Until you wonder whether or not you're going to make it out alive.  You and your loved ones."

"Yeah," he agreed quietly.  It was a different mood for the usually joking, smart tongued fighter.  

Ardeth himself didn't feel entirely on the winning side either.  He smiled reflectively.  "We aren't finished yet, Rick."

He could hear Rick's voice pick up.  "You're right!  We'll find a way through this.  We're gonna get those books, get Jonathan the hell back and rescue Evy."  He then grunted.  "I'm gonna feel funny walking out of this without the girl."

Ardeth nodded softly to himself.  He knew something was bound to come up sooner or later.  Did O'Connell want her back?  He couldn't fight the pang of jealousy at that, but she wasn't his to keep.  "You walked out of Hamunaptra with her on your horse once.  I am certain you could do it again."  It really annoyed him that he couldn't see Rick and his face.  A lot could be read through one's eyes.

"No," Rick breathed after a moment.  "Those days were good, but they're gone.  I'm pretty sure she'd rather ride with you this time.  You want her to?"

He'd never been faced with something like this.  He couldn't deny what he felt, even to himself, but he felt it important to conduct himself with honor.  "It is not my intention to come between you and Evelyn."

Rick snickered.  "Yeah.  I thought you might say something like that."  He yawned.  "Look, when Jonathan told me something was going on between you two I won't deny that I wanted to bust in that bedroom and shoot you."

Ardeth grinned and rubbed his wrist.  "I'm glad that you didn't, my friend."  His eyes wandered to the hole again.

"Yeah.  I couldn't bring myself to do it.  Low on bullets."  They both chuckled and Rick shrugged.  "Anyway, it's okay with me...you know.  If you two wanna...you know.  You just better be good or I'll...well, you know what I'll do.  Insert ominous gun clicking sound."

Ardeth had to laugh at Rick's way of giving his blessing.  "Thank you, Rick.  I'm certain you won't need your gun."

The both stopped, hearing Rameses approach.  Ardeth widened his eyes when he saw what was in his hands.  "Hello, Chaps," he said, dusting off the cover and grinning.  He held the black book up.  "I don't suppose you know what this is."

Both men looked up at the Book of the Dead, knowing full well what Imhotep could do with it.  Rick cursed.  Ardeth nodded.  "Indeed."

**

Evy sighed as the priest pushed her further into the streets.  It would be dark soon.  She prayed there was at least one market still open.  Looking up at the hooded Imhotep, she watched as he took in the sights of Cairo.  She supposed he hadn't really had time to look around good last time he was here.  "Thebes is so very strange to my eyes, Nefertiri," he breathed, his expression troubled.  His dark eyes caught site of a car that was parking.  "Such strange things."

She nodded, walking beside him quietly.  What could she say to this man?  He acted as if he were some old friend of hers.  As if he expected her not to care that he'd imprisoned her friends and changed her brother into a monster.  Her eyes caught site of the little bakery and her heart panged.  "Imhotep, what are you going to do?" she ventured gently.

He stared on ahead.  "My plans are not for your questioning.  I will do as I must."

Evy swallowed as his fingers curled around her arm.  He urged her on faster.  "I'm sorry."  She stumbled a little.  "Please."

Imhotep relented a little, but still held her arm.  "Where are these markets?  I wish to get this done quickly."

"There should be one right around the..."

"Miss Carnahan?" a voice called from the side.  Evy turned her head.  The investigator.  Her pulse raced now.  "Miss Carnahan," he greeted as he approached.  "Did your brother give you my message?"  He eyed Imhotep momentarily.

Evelyn shook her head and winced a little when Imhotep's fingers pressed firmly into her arm.  He wasn't going to tolerate them standing here talking in a language he didn't understand.  She could easily tell him what was happening but in the end it would do more harm than good.  Imhotep was powerful and would kill innocent people if they tried to stop him.  "I mean yes.  He did.  Thank you for your continuing efforts.  I'm certain you'll find Ardeth soon.  If you'll excuse me, Investigator.  I'm in a bit of a rush.  My brother needs me."

He eyed her strangely and then looked up at Imhotep.  "Your friend there..."

Imhotep's fingers dug deeper as the conversation kept on.  Evy smiled.  "He's an old friend from...France.  He doesn't speak Arabic or English."

"Ah, I see."  He looked a little more relaxed, but wary.  "France.  Well, take care of yourself, Miss Carnahan.  I'm still looking for Mr. Bay.  I just got a lead that tells me he might be somewhere in the desert."  He paused a moment, watching her.  "We'll find him.  Good-bye for now."

Evy furrowed her brow and nodded, stepping forward to urge Imhotep on with her.  "Yes.  Good-bye."  She turned from the investigator and looked on at the street ahead.  "Would you please ease your grip?" she asked, moving her arm uncomfortably.  "Turn there."  Evy pointed down a side street.

Imhotep pulled her along and did as she requested.  "What did you and that person speak of?"

She breathed a sigh of relief as the blood began coursing through her arm again.  Oh, if Rick and Ardeth haven't figured a way out of this by the time I get back I'll torture them myself! she thought irritably.  "Nothing important to you.  He's just searching for Ardeth.  I didn't tell him anything if that's what you're worried about."

He laughed.  "My obedient Nefertiri."

Evy wrenched her arm from his grasp and grabbed a loaf of bread as they entered the market.  "I did it to keep you from killing innocent people.  God knows you'll kill them soon enough."  She grabbed a basket and tossed the bread in, moving for the fruit stand.

Imhotep took an apple from the stand and examined it.  "They need not die.  If they accept my leadership when the time comes then they will live very happy lives."  He tossed the apple into the basket.

Evy grunted and picked up some cheese.  "You won't find too many people willing to do that in this world."  She met his eyes.  "This isn't your world anymore.  It's not Egypt.  It's not like it was."

A smile spread across his lips.  "My Nefertiri, I will make it mine.  I will refashion this world to my own conception.  Who can stop me?"

That didn't need an answer.  She instead turned her attention back on the task at hand.  Evy despaired inside, knowing that without the Book of Amun Ra it would be almost impossible to stop him.  Grocery shopping with Imhotep!  She shook her head and tossed a few more things into the basket.  When she turned he was watching her.  She held the basket up.  "This should take care of Rick, Ardeth and I for a few days."

He nodded in satisfaction.  "A few days is all I require."  He held out some gold coins.  "Pay for this."

Evy eyed the old coins for a few moments before taking them.  "These are worth more than this food," she commented as they moved to a store clerk.

Imhotep shrugged.  "What do I care for money?  This world will be mine before the month ends."

Evelyn bit back a smile.  No, she decided.  She needn't tell him that the month ended at midnight.  It would only irritate him.  So instead she handed the coins over.  The man's eyes widened.  "I'm not sure what these are worth, Miss, but I do know I won't have change for it right here."  He pulled out a cloth sack, began packing the food and looked at her.

She shook her head.  "Don't worry about it."  The clerk took that advice and handed her the sack.

Imhotep took it from her as they walked to exit the city again.  "Nefertiri," he said suddenly.  "You needn't fear me tonight."

Looking at him, she narrowed her eyes.  Just the mention of it made her nervous.  "And why shouldn't I?  Because you won't hurt me?"  She couldn't help but snap at him despite the knowledge that it might cause him anger.

His eyes remained passively controlled however.  "Would it be so bad?"

She shivered.  Just what was wrong with him?  He went from frighteningly abusive to well...moderately scary.  "Not that you care, but I don't happen to like the idea of being forced into something like that."

Imhotep frowned.  This was maddening.  Still, it would break the Med-Jai if she were allowed to come willingly.  Forcing her would hurt for a time, but if he could coerce her into giving herself freely...  He still had O'Connell to use as a tool of persuasion.  And an inner part of him wanted her to come willingly.  He could conquer her body at any time he so chose, but to conquer her mind, her emotions.  That's what he wanted.  Perhaps it would come to a point where she would willingly allow revenge to be done on her Med-Jai.  That would be the true victory.  The world was his for the easy taking as was her passion.  He enjoyed challenges and winning over her spirit would give him delight.  "You will not be forced, Nefertiri.  Not tonight."

This made her gape.  "Wha...I thought...all that talk..."

He smiled characteristically.  "No.  I won't force you.  You will come to my bed willingly this life."

"I..." she stammered.  Finally she gave up and closed her mouth.

The rest of the walk was made in silence as Imhotep mulled over the ways he could play with her mind and feelings.  He knew how to manipulate people into the corners he would have them backed into.  This was his time now and he would have all he wanted.

When they reached the outskirts, he took her arm and pulled her close.  She didn't like traveling this way, he could tell.  He grinned.

**

Ardeth looked up as sand started to fall from the hole in the ceiling.  So they had returned.  Evy was the first to fall through, followed by a heavy sack and then the priest.  Ardeth's eyes hardened.  Evelyn picked the sack up and carried it down the stairs and by where Ardeth was tied.  "Where's Rick?" she asked softly, opening the bag and pulling out the contents as she sat.

The Med-Jai shook his head.  "Rameses has him in the other room.  I don't know what's happening."

"Rameses!" Imhotep called, moving to loom above them.

Jonathan came from the other chamber and grinned.  "My Lord," he said, thoroughly happy.  "Welcome back.  Your home has awaited in...anticipation and..."

Imhotep ignored his gushing and waved his hand impatiently.  "Where is O'Connell?  Does he live?"

Rameses rolled his eyes.  "Glad to see you too.  Ricky's in the other room.  Recovering.  And yes, he lives."

"And what did you do to him?" Evy snapped, standing.

He looked at her disdainfully.  Dusting his hands together, he shrugged.  "Nothing too bad, Baby Sister.  Just a few mind games."

Imhotep eyed him questioningly.  He pulled his hood down.  "What do you mean?"

"I don't have to spell it out, do I?" Rameses said in exasperation.  He shook his head.  "I just said some fear inducing incantations.  Made him have a few visions."  Jonathan snatched an apple from the bag beside Ardeth and rubbed it against his shirt.  "What's everyone so nervous for?  He's unconscious in there."

Imhotep looked heavenward and crouched where Rameses left the Book of the Dead.  Taking it reverently in his hands he stood and smiled.  "You found it."  His eyes moved across the cover and to Ardeth.  "And I will raise an army of dead Med-Jai to combat your people."  Ardeth's eyes widened and Imhotep laughed.  "Yes.  I am already sovereign over the dead.  I will command your ancestors to rise forth and do my work."

"They were buried in secret even from you, Priest!" Ardeth spat, pulling against the ties.

"Then I will ask."  Imhotep closed his eyes and began chanting softly.  When his eyes opened again, he looked towards a hallway.  He raised his voice.  "Someone has died within this city!  I call you forth from your slumber!  Rise up and come to your master!"

For a few minutes nothing happened.  Evy sat beside Ardeth and laid her hand on his leg as if it would impart some sort of comfort.  He reassured her with his eyes.  And then a soft rustling could be heard.  Shuffling of feet that dragged through the hallway.  Evy gasped when a shadow made itself apparent.  She unconsciously squeezed Ardeth's leg.

The creature lumbered on, it's purpose solely to reach Imhotep - Master of the Dead.  When it stood before the dark priest it fell upon it's knees and bowed in worship.  "My Master," the voice groaned.

"Beni!" Evy gasped, though the voice was barely recognizable.

Imhotep and the dead creature before him ignored her.  "My Servant," the dread priest said, touching it's head.  "You will tell me where the Med-Jai bury their dead."

Beni moaned in anguish.  "I do not knooow, My Maaster."  He seemed to writhe in pain.  "Let me rest, oh Master.  Ooooh, how the life in this rooooom burns!"  He moaned louder and wrung his decomposing hands in frustration.

Imhotep patted the creature on the head, his eyes sympathetic.  "I know, Servant.  I know.  But I must have the information from you.  You do not know where they bury their dead, but someone within the realm you live does."  Imhotep crouched, his hand grasping Beni's shoulder.  "You hear the dead speaking.  I cannot.  Ask for what I must know."

Beni shook for a moment and howled.  Evy shivered at the unearthly sound and scooted a little closer to Ardeth.  They watched as the dead creature hovered on it's knees, writhing away from Imhotep's touch.  Finally it hissed, "Beneathhh the Valleey of the Kingssss."  It clasped it's hands around Imhotep's wrist.  "Ssssend me baaaack."

The priest nodded.  "You serve me well."  He moved his hand up the beast's neck and snapped it.  Evy gasped and leaned into Ardeth, closing her eyes when the head fell to the floor and rolled.  Imhotep stood.  "Untie your Med-Jai," he commanded.

Evy pulled away.  "Why?  What are you going to do?"

Imhotep's eyes blazed.  "I warned you never to question me.  If you disobey me once more I will strap you down and beat you."  He crossed his arms and waited.

Evy licked her lips at that and started working at the knot.  It was then she noticed just how pale Ardeth had become.  "My God, you've lost a lot of blood," she said calmly.  She rubbed his cheek and looked into his eyes as the loosened rope fell into his lap.

He brought a hand up to her wrist and smiled.  "I'll be fine.  We'll find a way through this."

"You two are sweet," Rameses remarked, wiping apple juice from his lips and smiling.

Imhotep ripped the ropes from Ardeth and pushed Evy back onto her bottom.  "Oooh," she grumbled, crossing her arms.

Pulling Ardeth up and over his shoulder, Imhotep swept past her and up the stairs and to the surface.  Immediately Ardeth noticed the horses that still stood over the grounds, no doubt under enchantment.  He also noted a car in the distance...one that looked oddly like his fathers.  Ardeth squinted to see it.  Imhotep piled him onto one of the horses.  "You pray to get your strength back in time for someone to find you or you might fall off and die in the desert," he said, smirking.  "You are inconsequential now and I will keep my promise of mercy.  However if we meet again I will consider my mercy ended."

Before Ardeth could comment Imhotep muttered a command that urged the horse into a canter.  Ardeth leaned against the horse's neck and held on tightly.  It took him at least an hour before he finally spotted a small band of Med-Jai that seemed headed for Hamunaptra.  He weakly pushed himself up and slowed the horse down.  "Ardeth!" one of the Med-Jai said - young Ali.  "Are you okay?"

Ardeth took a shuddering breath.  "I've been better."  He wavered in the saddle.  "I think I should ride with you."

Ali and another Med-Jai were off their horses and at Ardeth's side in an instant.  "Some woman named Evelyn sent Horus to us saying that you were missing," Ali said, helping Ardeth down.  "She said there was an investigator there on the case - I assume she meant Omar.  We sent Horus to him with instructions."  The two Med-Jai helped him to Ali's horse.  "You come from Hamunaptra."

"Yes," Ardeth said gravely.  He looked out over the desert and thought back on his dream.  His eyes then gazed at young Ali's face.  "The creature walks again."    

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws