Author: Sam

Story: Revenge of the Mummy: 3 of ?

Series: n/a

Setting: Egypt

Note: The books and movies differ on a few points, most notably concerning whose gunshot saved Ardeth Bay from the warrior in the jungle (in the sequel). Thus, for reference to that scene, I have chosen to go with the movie (Jonathan), rather than the book (Evy).

Author’s Note: It has been some time since I updated due to severe health problems, a full time job, university, and my father’s recent death. I will try to update these teaser’s further as I find time. Please at least enjoy a hint of what is to come…

Feedback: Yes, please? Especially constructive. samwise_baggins@yahoo.co.uk

Webpage: http://www.geocities.com/samwise_baggins/index.html

Exiting the tent for the third time that night, the small party was immediately aware of a large force of mounted warriors. They were facing off, once again, against a group on foot. This time, however, the observers knew the foot-bound group to be made of elders, women, and children. Those on horseback were obviously young, healthy men well armed and ready for a fight. The odds looked hopeless. But, things changed quickly, as the injured warriors came out of the dilapidated tents, joining their loved ones.

A lone rider spurred his horse forward into a stately walk, stopping just in front of Ardeth Bay himself. The man, surely his cousin Ibrahim, frowned down at the wounded Chieftain and called out in a strong, loud voice, the language native to that desert region and all but indistinguishable to the visitors from England.

Ardeth stepped forward, disguising his injuries in his robes, though his wounded face was still very much visible in the moonlit night. He responded to his cousin as the people looked on. No one interrupted the conversation, and any emotion was kept from display by the covered faces of the crowd.

It was several long minutes before Ibrahim finally slid from his horse, his back straight, shoulders back; he was a fine figure of a young man, even if he wasn’t quite what most people would consider a fair man.

Jonathan became suddenly extremely aware of the woman dressed in Chieftain robes. She was using the darkness to try and sidle further away from the man who’d hurt her. Without thinking, Jonathan did something he would normally have shunned: he stepped in front of the woman, blocking her partially from view, but drawing more attention to himself. The Englishman frowned right back at the threatening figures on horseback, somewhere inside praying they’d be content just to glare.

Ardeth wasn’t stupid enough to turn his back on his adversary, despite apparently reaching an agreement. Rather, he took a few steps backwards, watching the man move among the people. They greeted Ibrahim respectfully, though there was no apparent joy in the meeting: they would accept him for a year due to custom, but they were certainly far from happy about it. Ardeth finally turned and headed towards his friends.

The Medjai moved quickly and quietly, never saying a word as he signaled the others to follow him. He lead them to a darker area of the dilapidated camp. There, several elders came forward with horses and packs, among them the ones Izzy had dropped out of the air ship for the four foreigners. The men had worked quickly and quietly indeed to have things ready for Ardeth’s departure. Ibrahim most likely would not have allowed the group any supplies if possible.

Carefully, Ardeth swung Alex onto a horse, then turned to assist Sahara. He was too slow. Jonathan, ever the gentleman, had already managed to help the pregnant woman into a saddle. Evy, in turn, helped the injured Rick before mounting without help. When Ardeth and Jonathan were astride the party finally moved quickly off into the ever increasingly cold night. They dared not risk letting Ibrahim dictate their departure for them.

A long, arduous week of journeying had finally ended. Between hard rides and brief rests, the group of six had made it to an oasis almost every other day. It certainly had not been easy, especially on the wounded men, but they had managed. Everyone’s main concern, in fact, was how long Sahara could maintain the pace in her condition. The more she pushed herself, the bigger the risk of complications with her pregnancy.

During the week, Jonathan had noticed that Ardeth never once tried to be private with Sahara. The man, in fact, seemed to little appreciate the gentle woman. Sahara, for her part, was thoughtful and willing to serve. To the Englishman, that was galling. If a man was going to settle down with a woman, the least he could do was appreciate her. Then again, was it her very condition that turned the former Chief from the young woman?

With a sigh, Jonathan slid out from under the blanket he was sharing with Ardeth. Restlessness had disturbed the man in the cold early morning hours, and pondering over the last week had made sleep impossible. Might as well do his now routine chores.

On the journey, the six companions each had been assigned, by Evy, tasks to do to make the travel a bit easier. Jonathan was in charge of water supplies. Ardeth had shown the group how to detect water in the sands and Jonathan had proven to be the most adept at it. Perhaps it stemmed from his treasure finding greed, but in the sands water was more precious than gold nine times out of ten. Thus, they would send Jonathan to fill their canteens and see to the horses before breaking camp; Before making camp in the evening, they relied on the oldest member of their band to locate the valuable resource as well. It was nice to be needed, but Jonathan was really wishing for a bit of a break from the dirt, sun, sweat, and general feeling of tired depression that had settled over their group.

It was with a weary tread that the forty-year-old set off in search of the one item more necessary than even food.