*

Ardeth Bay had but just stepped from his tent when a friend and comrade ran to him, his voice sounding a little startled as he called.  Abdu was an excitable young fighter who tended to take things a touch more seriously than they really were.  He also had taken a liking to Ardeth and every time it was left to the young man to find help, Ardeth was the nominated hero.

Not that he minded.  It was his way to help when he could and so he stopped and waited patiently for Abdu to come out with whatever was on his mind.  "Calm yourself, my friend," he suggested to the slightly wild eyed teen.

Abdu nodded quickly and caught his breath.  "I ran," he wheezed, shaking his head in frustration and not being able to talk right before his elder.  "I have to tell you, Ardeth.  Omar wants you out in the desert."

Bay furrowed his brows at the vague invitation.  A summons out into the sun blasted deserts of Egypt could only mean one thing.  An emergency.  Touching the boy on the shoulder, he looked gravely into his eyes.  "Did he say why?"

Abdu nodded and swallowed.  "He said there was two women close to Hamunaptra.  He wants you to have a look at them."  The boy then grinned, obviously thinking thoughts that growing boys start finding interesting around this age.

"Two women," the older Med-Jai replied, looking down and thinking.  It was an odd situation, granted.  If there was a digging expedition going on there would certainly be more than two women out there.  Suddenly a thought occurred to him and he eyed Abdu.  "Omar was serious, wasn't he?"

Abdu's brows narrowed and a look of uncertainty passed over his face.  "Yes.  He was...I think."

Omar was a great warrior, very trustworthy, but he had this tendency sometimes to use his overflowing humor in tiring ways.  It could be very possible that a joke was being played on him.  Still, Ardeth could take no chances.  If he rode out there to find Omar smirking, he would simply have to devise a way to wipe the expression off his friend's face.  Ardeth rubbed his hand absently and licked his lips.  "There's no help for it, I guess.  I'll make ready to leave at once.  Will you see to my horse?"

The young warrior nodded and set off to take care of the task appointed him.  Stifling a yawn, Ardeth stepped away from his tent and tried once more for the well in the middle of the Med-Jai encampment.  Halfway there he was stopped again.  This time an older Med-Jai gripped his arm and said, "Ardeth."

Stopping and turning, Bay suppressed a groan and took in the man before him.  He held up a paper.  "This came by falcon from Cairo," he told him, handing Ardeth the note.  Taking it, he unraveled the message as the elder walked away.

Ardeth

I thought you might find it interesting that some friends have returned to Egypt.  When I was watching the thieves' hideout last night I saw O'Connell and Carnahan enter.  I'll be keeping an eye on them.

-Ali

Inhaling deeply, Ardeth folded the paper and headed back towards his tent.  He would have to fill his water bottles before leaving anyway, so he figured he might as well skip the first trip and go get them now.

He was curious as to why O'Connell and Carnahan had returned.  What were they doing?  Ardeth had not thought he would see them again, those who had trespassed into the secret of Hamunaptra, who had shared the horror of stopping Imhotep with him.  What could they be after, consorting with Drake's lot?

Then it hit him.  Two women in the desert?  That was odd, but by itself may have been coincidence.  Coupled with O'Connell and Carnahan, however, made it look highly suspect, but was 'Carnahan' Jonathan or Evelyn?

Surely they weren't going to betray the location of Hamunaptra to Drake and his cohorts...were they?  It occurred to Ardeth that while the small party of outlanders had seemed trustworthy and honorable, he honestly didn't know them well enough to know without a doubt they would not betray him.  O'Connell had encountered the Med-Jai, but still returned again despite the dangers involved.  Perhaps it wouldn't be so hard to think he might give the location out for a price.

Whatever the case Ardeth knew he had to get out there and see who these two women were and if they posed a threat to the secret City of the Dead.  When Ardeth entered his tent, he frowned in thought, praying that betrayal wasn't the case.  He liked the westerners and despaired at the thought of having to kill them.  Certainly they knew the danger in revealing where the creature lay resting.

The proud warrior dressed himself in his desert robes, covered his head in a navy blue turban and grabbed his traveling pack.  There could be no time wasted.  If it was Evelyn out there he needed to get to where she was as soon as he could, before the Med-Jai already there took rash measures to protect Hamunaptra.  The last thing he took before abandoning his tent for the next week he surmised, was his scimitar.  Something didn't feel right.

*

The sand swept over the golden deserts and over the two women that traveled alone in the burning heat.  Evy sat atop her black horse, conscious of the shadows that seemed to loom and disappear in the hills that surrounded them.  She wasn't sure what to think of them, but had her suspicions of who those shadows belonged to.  They were being watched by the Med-Jai and whatever their purpose, they didn't seem to mind being seen.  Evy felt certain if they had wanted to remain unknown, they simply would have.

With an inhale, Evy bent her head down and looked to her left at her companion.  Meela's dark eyes were ahead and her nose and lips covered by a thin veil.  The tan woman didn't seem to be bothered by the presence of someone else in the desert, if she even knew they were there.  Her gaze held that same feeling of elsewhere, that look that told Evy that Meela was thinking on whatever it was that captured her away from the here and now.  Looking back to the long trail before them, Evy sighed softly and thought about her situation.

She sometimes acted too quickly, she decided.  It hadn't seemed like such a big deal--and perhaps it still wasn't--that she had come out here with a strange woman, all alone and practically unprotected.  Her hand absently went to the bag tied to her saddle.  All they had were their digging tools to fight with.  She should have brought Jonathan along.  He was clumsy at times and known for his "careful" tendencies, but he was good with a gun and Evy had no doubt that if she really needed him, he would be there for her.

Maybe it was their proximity to Hamunaptra.  Old memories die hard.  Little flashes of that same atmosphere swept through her. The strange feeling was almost unexplainable.  It was like the very air itself was nervous about something.  Evelyn rolled her eyes at herself.  It wasn't like worrying about Med-Jai wasn't a legitimate concern.  They had violently protected Hamunaptra before.  Of course they were likely just curious about what she and Meela were up to, so close to the hidden City of the Dead.  Just a mile to their right would lead them back to the scariest place Evy had ever been.  Surprisingly she had no desire to return, even if Imhotep was dead.

Evy looked again at Meela, who had been glancing in the same direction Evy's thoughts had traveled.  Quickly the girl met her eyes and smiled mysteriously.  Evy returned that expression and looked back down at her horse.  This was no time for second thoughts.  She and Meela had come this far and would see their ultimate goal.  "You seem a little bothered," Meela observed, interrupting Evy's thoughts.

Taking a breath, Evy again met the eyes of her companion.  "I don't think we're alone," she replied, deciding to get it out in the open.  "Have you seen anything?"

Meela eyed her a moment, her expression only mildly surprised.  "I've been seeing things here and there.  I don't think we were followed from Cairo, though."

Evelyn frowned at that and looked out into the hills.  She decided against mentioning the name of the Med-Jai.  If they wanted to be known, they would make themselves known.  "Do you think we should press on towards the hidden temple?  If it's where the archaeologist I was listening to speculated it to be, we could possibly make it by the middle of the night."

"I think we're safe enough for now to wait and see where we are at nightfall," Meela suggested.  She glanced around them.  "Our friends out there have been watching us for about a day now.  If they wanted to attack us, they likely would have last night."  She took a deep breath and pointed out.  "There's a small oasis.  We should stop there for lunch and to water the horses."

"Right," Evy agreed.

A short distance away, they came to the very small oasis within a few minutes.  Meela was quick to dismount and lead her horse to the water.  Evy did the same, and surveyed the area.  There were several stray pieces of wood laying around.  The Med-Jai had most likely used this place recently for a campsite.  Evy pet her horse and opened her pack to prepare something for lunch.

*

Rick frowned and looked out the window again.  It was starting to get dark.  He didn't like to show it, but he was getting worried.  He could only hope that it wasn't plainly written on his and Jonathan's faces, or Drake would have a field day with any information he might find.  The room he and Jonathan sat in was a well done office, dressed in navy blue fabric and dark wood.  The assassin had rich tastes, that much was certain.

Ah, but the memories.  Rick could remember when Drake first won this little riverside building in a game.  He and Izzy had helped the crime lord make this facility presentable, almost like a legitimate business.  Rick smirked at that.  Drake was as serious about crime as any merchant was about selling.  People were taken in, trained in their chosen fields, and turned lose to make their employer some money.

There were advantages to working for a "gang" or "guild" as sometimes it was referred as.  For one you would be given leads.  A man in business for himself has to find his own customers and places to steal from.  Here Drake handed out jobs, fully expecting the money and/or goods to be given directly to him.  If not, you would pay in blood.

Another advantage was the protection.  Criminals tended to stick together in these little circles.  A thief knows what it's like to be tracked down and attacked, and knowing such is willing to help another fellow thief out of such situations.  No money or payment is expected for such a service.  It would be repaid the next night or the next.  Crime was a nervous business and trouble came up often.

Then there was the advantage of having a place to hide.  'Unlicensed' criminals had to find their own places to lay low.  If they didn't work for Drake, they were turned away or even sometimes turned in.  The big black crime lord liked to discourage loners.

There were other perks like training and status.  All in all it was a pretty good deal.  It was a whole society underneath society.  They got paid well for their services and everyone got something from the deal.  Rick looked at Jonathan, who was helping himself to the drinks cart nearby.  "Not a bad little place," he commented, taking a sip from his glass and turning around.  "You want something?"

Rick lifted his hand and shook his head.  "Nah.  Just the information we need."  He sat down in a padded chair and looked at the table beside him.  There was a little box on it that looked very old.  The gold paint was chipping away, but on the top was a very clear drawing made in black of an eye.  An Egyptian looking eye at that.  He looked for a way to open it, but found none.  "What do you think this is?" he asked, holding it up.

Jonathan set his glass down and wiped his hands on his pants.  Taking the box, he examined it quickly and thoughtfully.  Then he shrugged and handed it back.  "A box."

Rolling his eyes, Rick smirked absently and looked it over again.  "I know that.  There's no way to open it, though."

"Hmm," Carnahan mused.  "Oversized paper weight?"

Before they could speculate further, the door opened and Drake came in.  He didn't say anything at first, merely went to the drinks and poured himself a glass, then sat behind his desk.  "We've got some information," he announced finally, eyeing Rick.

Rick sat forward a little, keeping his expression neutral.  "Yeah?"

Drake nodded and took a drink.  "Two women bought some supplies the other day and a few of my beggars recalled seeing two women head out of town.  They were described as having dark hair, one tan and one fair.  It's not much to rely on, but it sounds about right."  The assassin leaned back in his chair and inhaled.

Jonathan and Rick exchanged glances.  "That sounds like what we're looking for," Evy's brother agreed.  "Do you know which way they went?"

At that question, Drake leaned back over his desk and took on an air of business.  This was when he would start in on the price of information.  "Yes, we do know which way they went."  The large black man paused, waiting for either Rick or Jonathan to take the bait.

Rick smirked and nodded.  "Yeah, how much do you want?"  Better to get it done and over with he supposed.

Drake eyed them both seriously, weighing things in his mind.  "Is that all you want?  Information?  I could hire some men to retrieve them.  I'd send Samira to see to their safety."

"No," Rick declined, shaking his head.  "Jonathan and I can take care of finding them.  They're probably not in any trouble or anything that requires immediate attention.  I'd just like to know where they are."

The crime lord shrugged at that, indifferent.  The money he asked of Rick now was likely more on principle than any real need of payment.  Drake opened a drawer to his right, took out some paper and a pen and wrote a figure down.  He slid it across the table with a grin.

Jonathan peeked at the paper before O'Connell took it and choked a little at the price.  "I say.  That's supposed to be a good deal?"

Rick nodded, looking the paper over.  "It's pretty standard.  Our free board at the hotel is actually a generosity."

"Yeah," Drake said mildly, leaning back again.  "I like to help out friends when I can."

Rick gave Jonathan the paper.  "Pay the man."

Jonathan really choked on that one.  "Me?" he asked, his voice strained.  "Why do I have to pay him?"

"Because, Jonathan," Rick said plainly, his expression amused, "I checked your wallet.  You've got enough.  I don't have it on me."

Evy's brother shook his head, pulling out his wallet and muttering, "Doesn't have it on him he says.  Probably bloody left it back in London for this purpose."  He handed Drake enough to cover the service.

Drake took the money and unlocked a drawer on his desk.  "You still pulling those tricks on people, Ricky?" he asked with a chuckle.

"Yeah," O'Connell replied dryly, his eyes flatly unamused.

"Trick?" Jonathan inquired.

The assassin nodded his head, putting the money in his drawer and locking it back.  He placed the key in his pocket.  "I wouldn't be so quick to assume Ricky here is as broke as he'd let on."  Drake's eyes twinkled mischievously.  "He's been scamming people with that one for years."

Jonathan turned on Rick and frowned, his eyes miffed.  "You scammed me?"

Rick smiled helplessly and spread his hands in mock innocence.  "It's not like I wouldn't have given it back."

Crossing his arms, Carnahan leaned back on his chair and brooded a little.  "Scam me?  You just wait."

Drake and Rick grinned at each other, then looked up as the door was knocked on.  "Come in," Drake called in a deep voice.

The door opened and Mahmud looked through, but didn't enter.  He fixed his eyes on Drake and frowned in concern.  The guard appeared irritated.  "Drake, there's someone to see you.  A Med-Jai."

Rick contained his shock at hearing the familiar name.  They knew of the Med-Jai?  He sat up, wondering if he'd be greeted by the face of an old friend.  Drake hissed in a breath and said, "Show him in."

Mahmud exited the room immediately and seconds later the door again creaked open.  The face was not that of Ardeth Bay, but the tattoos and demeanor were familiar enough.  The Med-Jai was an older warrior with graying hair and a stern face.  He did not appear to hold Drake in friendly esteem.  "I am not here for you," he said plainly enough, his head slightly inclined.  "I am here to speak with O'Connell."

Drake frowned at this and looked to Rick.  "You know this man?"

Rick shook his head and gazed at the Med-Jai, wondering what he could want.  "I don't know him, but I know his type.  What do you wanna to speak to me about?"

His former employer didn't seem to like that Rick knew of the Med-Jai or the very fact this warrior was here in his office.  Rick wondered idly what dealings these two peoples had.  The Med-Jai folded his arms and remained standing.  "I have a message for you from Ardeth Bay that came by falcon.  There has been two women seen in the desert.  He wanted to know if you knew them and what they were up to."

O'Connell blinked at that.  Pushing down the questions in his mind as to how Ardeth knew he was here, he answered, "I think we know them.  We're looking for a woman, possibly two.  We're not sure what they're up to, but it's not what Ardeth might be thinking."  He hoped that was enough for the Med-Jai to follow without having to mention Hamunaptra in front of Drake.

The Med-Jai seemed to understand.  He nodded once and stepped back.  "I will convey your message," he said, then turned to Drake.  "My thanks."

"Sure," Drake replied, his eyes betraying his suspicion as the Med-Jai left.  He looked to Rick when the door closed.  "You know of the Med-Jai."

There seemed to be an animosity in Drake's voice.  Whatever their dealings, the criminals and Med-Jai weren't what he would term friendly.  Rick would have to answer carefully.  "I had some dealings with one."

Drake was unimpressed by Rick's answer.  He took a last drink from his whiskey and licked his lips.  "It's none of my business, Ricky, but I have to ask if you've crossed me behind my back."

O'Connell shook his head quickly at that.  He waved a hand.  "No.  It had nothing to do with my work here.  We had a common enemy at one time and we helped him fight.  It wasn't anyone in our circle, or anyone you'd care to know about.  My loyalty was to you."

"Was?" the crime lord inquired with interest and suspicion.

Rick exhaled at the sudden tenseness in the air.  Leaning forward, he looked Drake in the eyes with honesty.  "My loyalty belongs to that lady out there I'm looking for.  I don't know the story behind you and the Med-Jai, but I won't come between either of you.  My place isn't here anymore, nor is it with them."

The assassin's eyes were grave a moment, then lightened.  He laughed lightly and got up, moving to get another drink.  "I always knew it would be a woman that took you away from me.  We miss you around here.  You brought in quite a bit of money, robbing those banks."

Jonathan, who had remained nervously silent until now, broke in with, "Bank robbing? You?"

"Yeah," Rick admitted grudgingly.  His eyes grew serious.  "Evy doesn't necessarily have to know about this."

Carnahan rubbed his hands together and grinned.  "Well now," he said, his voice pleased.  "How much is it worth to you?"

O'Connell chuckled at that and nodded, then gave Jonathan a sidelong glance.  "No.  How much is it worth to you?" he asked, showing a fist to the smirking man beside him.

Jonathan dusted off his jacket and sat straight.  "You wouldn't dare."

*

There was someone chasing her.  Evy breathlessly leaned against the wall and looked behind her.  The shadows loomed both behind her and before her.  She was back again.  The city that was now beneath the sands had claimed her.  This time there wouldn't be any escape, she knew.

The walls seemed to be screaming at her, echoing the same desire over and over again.  The sickening lust for vengeance was thick in the air and she felt an almost irrational fear washing over her.  She could hear laughter, harsh and bitter, shifting positions from far to near and back again.  She felt as though she couldn't breathe.

She could feel torment and pain and maddening anger from all around.  Ancient anger for ancient things denied.  And there was a looming promise that if he ever were released from this anguishing stasis, he would take his revenge on the entire world for what he's suffered.  She could feel death calling her in soft, sweet tones.  She screamed.

*

Evy woke with a gasped.  She sat up immediately and looked around.  Meela was also awake, her dark eyes wide and her arms wrapped around her knees.  "Did you dream it?" she asked.

Evy nodded, scooting closer to the fire.  Her hands were shaking as she reached for her pack for water.  "I was in a dark corridor and it was...oh it was horrible."

Meela tucked her hair behind her ears and exhaled.  She took the water Evy offered and drank deeply.  "I had the same dream.  Fear, hate, pain.  Something terrible has happened out in this desert."

Looking out across the darkened sandy hills, Evy wondered if the Med-Jai were still hovering around out there.  It would definitely feel more comforting if they were.  Evy yawned and looked at Meela, who had laid back down.  "I think we should leave this area at sunrise.  I don't like it here."

Meela nodded her head, looking through the fire at her.  Evelyn  also laid back down, a little frightened now.  Had that dream come from Imhotep?

They didn't see the dark warriors watching them as they settled back down to sleep.

*

Intent eyes gazed at the small camp below.  Crouched in the shadows were two men, trained to be silent and unseen.  They had watched the women sleep, watched them toss and turn and awaken startled.  "Evelyn Carnahan," Ardeth Bay whispered, his voice not hiding the question in his mind.  What was she doing here?  He looked at the Med-Jai beside him.  "We'll observe them at a distance for the time being."