The Medjai Prince Pt 1

Disclaimer: I do not own the character Ardeth Bay or any other characters from “The Mummy”. I do claim all other characters however. No infringement was intended and I make no money from this. This story is for entertainment only.

The above picture was borrowed from Indie's Oded Fehr Wallpaper website and is used with permission.

Comments: This story is kind of short but sweet. I like happy endings and romance so if you don’t you may want to move on. I also did research and according to the Internet, latex condoms were made in the 1930’s. This story takes place after the second movie and it’s nearly the 1940’s so I’m historically correct. Special thanks to Indie for her wonderfully inspiring picture and for letting me use it. If you have any comments e-mail me at raven8913@hotmail.com

Tasha was walking through the bazaar minding her own business with her companion Sera. They were eyeing the merchandise and having a pleasant enough conversation when to men in dark robes approached. They simply grabbed Tasha telling her if she screamed they’d slit her friend’s throat. She simply complied and went with them.

A third man approached Sera telling her they were Medjai and taking Tasha somewhere safe, that her life was in danger. Sera ran back to the house to inform Tasha’s chaperon. Sera knew that they were not Medjai, for Medjai did not make it a habit to grab women off the street. She wired Tasha’s father in London. It didn’t take long to figure out that Tasha had been kidnapped.

When Tasha’s father heard he turned to the only people he knew he could trust. They knew Cairo and the locals well enough to help him find his daughter. He was willing to spare no expense to get her back. He quickly put the wheels in motion to find his little girl.

Ardeth looked at the telegram in his hand again. Seeing Evy’s name on it brought back a wash of memories he had tried to forget. Had it really been two years since he had seen them? It seemed like yesterday. He read it again as he drank his tea.

Need your help. My best friend Tasha has been taken. It is believed she is being taken across Egypt towards Libya. White slavery is suspected. She was taken from the streets of the bazaar by three men posing as Medjai. Please help us find her. She has auburn hair, emerald eyes, unmistakable. Her father is offering one million pounds for her safe return. Hurry Ardeth. I fear her virtue and her life are at stake.

The money did not matter to Ardeth, being of the dessert he had little use for it. What made his blood boil were the three men posing as mighty, and honorable Medjais. They were soiling the honor and power with their acts. For that they would surely have to die.

As soon as he had read the telegram he had sent his men to investigate. Surely, a red haired woman would be easy to find among the people of his land. It wasn’t long before Omad returned and bowed before his leader. Ardeth acknowledged him and he stood to speak.

“My Prince, we have tracked the men you seek. They are indeed taking the woman across the dessert towards Libya. There are six now and they are three days from here. They have stopped in an Oasis, it appears one of the men is ill and they have stopped to tend to him,”

“She is alive sir. As for her health, I cannot be sure. They have her bound but she appears to be well,”

Ardeth twinged at the title. Since the tribes had joined, he was now in line to take over the full leadership of the Medjai when Mohammad Jaded passed on. Among his people he was now treated as royalty and it was not something he was comfortable with. It was one thing to looked up to by his own tribe but now he seemed to carry the fate of the whole Medjai nation. He knew there were other men in the tribe just as capable of taking the leadership role, yet all eyes turned to him.

He stuffed the telegram within his black robes and stood. He scolded himself for his thoughts, “Enough”. He then placed his scimitars and gun on his belt. He knew there was going to be blood shed when he caught up to the men. It was all part of his duties. He placed his turban over his long curly locks and raised his veil to mask his face. He turned quickly and left the room, his robes trailing behind him.

As he approached his men and he saw Omad holding his horse. Ardeth approached and took the reigns from the young man. He swung onto the horses back with ease. He looked at Omad and spoke.

“I want you to go back to the tribe,” he said in a commanding tone, “I shall see to the girl,”

“My Prince,” stammered Omad, “You should not go alone. If something were to happen to you Mohammad would have my head,”

“The girl is not of anyone else’s concern. The tribe will not be happy when they find she is linked to the O’Connell’s,” he said, “I will go alone and return the girl safely to her father in London. You know how to reach me. I shall return soon,”

Ardeth pulled on the reigns and the horse reared up a bit. He turned the horse swiftly and galloped away from Cairo. The night wind was cool as he headed out across the dessert towards the imposters. The horse was moving swift over the sand as he raced in the darkness. The sound of the horse’s hooves seemed to match the rhythm of his heart as it pounded in his chest. There was nothing like the desert at night.

He had often taken late night rides to clear his mind and as of late they had become more frequent. His thoughts had become troubles as of late and this seemed like just the distraction he needed. He needed to focus on his duties to his tribe as well as the safety of the woman now placed into his trust. He would not fail his friends after all they had been through.

He rode hard trying to cover as much ground as he could but he knew if he pushed his horse too hard he would be left without one. It was nearly dawn when eased up and decided to camp. He forewent the tent and laid out his bedroll on the ground. He opened a small sack that held nuts and dried fruit. He ate and looked out into the evening sky, which would soon see the daybreak.

As his eyes scanned the horizon, he felt a longing inside. He had been fighting the feelings for sometime now, the feeling that he was missing something from his life. He hated the frustration it caused inside him. It caused him to appear unfocused at times and he knew it caused concern with the elders. He looked down and saw something glimmer in the sand.

He stood up and walked over to the object. He reached down to pick up what turned out to be a rich burgundy colored scarf, with gold beading along the edge. He assumed it must have been bought in the bazaar. He ran the silk through his fingers and then he smelled something. He lifted the scarf to his face and closed his eyes. It was Arabian Jasmine and it burned his senses.

“Tasha,” he said, looking at the material. He knew it had to be hers, “Hold on,” he said softly, “I am coming for you,”

Tasha felt a chill pass through her as the wind blew across the Oasis. She swore she had heard someone speak her name. She looked up to see her captors sitting around the campfire drinking; all except for pour Mr. Matthews who had been taken down by the heat. She had no idea how long she had been asleep. Her whole body ached from her ride. They had rode hard and it was difficult to hang on with her hands tied and her feet tethered.

She too felt the effects of the heat creeping up on her. She was grateful they had stopped even if it was only for a day. She winced as she tried to move her hands, the ropes were rubbing her raw, and she was in agony. She knew now that they weren’t Medjai. She had talked to Evy and Rick enough to know Medjai didn’t behave as these men did. The Medjai had dome many things but harming a woman was not one of them, at least not when their friend Ardeth was around.

She had been told on more then one occasion about Ardeth Bay, the man who twice helped them in Egypt. Had she been able to see their faces when she was abducted she would have notice the lack of tattoos on their faces. She remembered Evy’s description of Ardeth and tried to bring an image to her mind. She failed to do so and sighed in frustration. She laid her head down on her arms and tried to keep from crying. A tear still managed to slip down her cheek stinging her slightly sunburned skin.

The next day Ardeth raced across the desert towards the Oasis. He knew if he paced himself right, he would get there just before dark and be able to plan his attack. He would get ahead of them set up a camp and go back for the girl. He had to be quite and skillful to keep her from coming to harm. His thoughts on the woman he didn’t know he prayed to Allah that he would reach her in time. He knew she was worth more to the man that bought her if she remained a virgin, but there was no way of knowing if the men he had hired would follow orders.

Night had fallen and Tasha now knew there would be a second night in the Oasis. She was somewhat grateful for that, her bottom was still sore from the first three days, of being bounced around on a horse. She looked and Mr. Matthews who appeared to be sleeping. He didn’t look well at all. She knew if he wasn’t better soon they would leave him to die. She heard her stomach growl and hoped they would feed her soon.

“Get up!” came a rough voice from over Tasha, pulling her from her thought. She yelped as he yanked her to her feet by her ropes.

“Shut your whiny trap,” said the man she had come to know as Thompson, “Come with me,”

Tasha walked and got nervous as he led her away from the light of the camp. He walked her around the tents and back to a pond filled with water. There was soap and a towel for her there.

“I can’t be delivering my master’s prize all soiled with dirt and grim,” he said, “Wash up,” he started to walk away, “And don’t even think about trying to escape,” Tasha stood there for a moment looking at her bound hands and tethered feet.

“Oh this ought to be fun,” she said to herself, “Wash up indeed. I can’t even remove my garments. Honestly, pig-headed, dim witted, over stuffed, jerk. It would serve you right if a scorpion bit you on your ass,” she muttered.

Despite herself, Tasha stepped towards the water. It did look rather inviting, and she hadn’t bathed in days. She was wearing only her slip and undergarments. Her dress had been taken from her in an attempt to keep her from running, as were her shoes. She picked up the soap and stepped into the water. She waded in up to her hips it was cold but it felt wonderful. She lowered her hands into the water letting the coolness wash over her raw skin. She couldn’t’ help but let out a sigh.

She plunged under the water and came up gasping for air from the coldness. She saw her breath in the air. The desert amazed her with its nuances. In the day, the sun felt like it could burn you alive and at night, you could freeze if the conditions were right. She welcomed the cold feeling as it washed away the effects of the heat.

Her slip now clung to her body as she stood in the water. She worked the soap between her hands and got a good lather, she then managed to work it into her hair. It felt good to get the sand from her hair. For a moment she felt good, almost relaxed as she washed the days of travel from her weary body.

Ardeth had watched as she had been led from the camp to the water. He kept watch to make sure that the man did not return to watch her. Despite her low tone, he heard a few of her words about the man. He had to almost laugh at her. He looked at her now as she stood in the water her garment clinging to her body. The full moon gave him just enough light to see her. He easily took notice of her full bosom, flat stomach, and round bottom. She was more beautiful then he could have imagined and he could easily see why someone would take her. Her beauty was rare in his part of the world.

He could see her nipples taunt against the thin fabric, her chest heaving a bit from the cool night air. He watched as she worked the soap into her long hair. He could see her struggle a bit with her hands being tied. He felt a stirring inside him as he watched her, and felt a pull in his groin. She was like a goddess in the moonlight.

She finished washing and he was surprised that she simply headed back to the camp. At least she knew what was good for her. She had wrapped the towel around her and sat by the campfire trying to warm herself. He watched as they let her eat and he took comfort that they were not abusing her terribly. He settled back. He would wait until they had eaten before making his attack.

Tasha had just dozed off when a scream pierced the air. The sound of hoof beats rumbling across the sand made her scramble from her place of sleep and cower next to a tree. She watched as the figure in black thundered through the camp on horseback with his sword drawn.

He quickly cut down the men in his way spilling their blood onto the white sand until no one was left standing. Tasha let out a gasp as he jumped down from his horse and looked for others. He walked over to Mr. Matthews and bent down touching his neck. “He’s feeling for a pulse,” she thought. He shook his head and threw a blanket over the man. She knew he was dead.

He stood up and looked around the camp emptying the canteens and scaring off the horses. He turned and spied her movement. His gaze fell on her and she backed up in fear as he strode towards her. She tried to turn but his hand was on her wrists and he yanked her back. She yelled and his eyes fell to her wrists that were rubbed raw from her ropes. She turned to him and he could see the fear in her eyes. His gaze softened on her as he spoke.

“Come with me if you want to live,” he commanded. She simply nodded as he took hold of her.

Ardeth turned to see Thompson on his feet trying to aim a rifle at him. He took his shotgun and quickly fired on him. Thompson dropped to the sand in a heap.

He led Tasha over to his horse. He took out a small dagger and cut the ropes from her hands and feet. She gasped in relief to be free of the ropes. He quickly removed his over robe and draped it over her shoulders. He helped her onto the horse and swung up behind her. As he turned the horse to leave and she grabbed onto him.

Ardeth rode into the night with an arm around Tasha to steady her. She was quiet against him as they rode. She was relieved to be free of her captors but wondered about the man who had saved her. At least she hoped he had saved her. She had no idea who this man was or where he was taking her but for some reason she no longer feared him. She could only see his eyes through his veil and wondered, could this be the man Evy spoke of? Could this be Ardeth Bay?

Ardeth could smell the faint smell of perfume on her skin and the fresh soap in her damp hair. She was now relaxed against him as they rode through the night towards the safety of his camp. There were no survivors and he was sure that all six men were accounted for. He now had to concentrate on getting her safely home.

After what seemed like hours, they arrived at a small camp. There was a large circular tent with a fire pit just out side of it. There was light coming from the top of the large tent. He stopped the horse and slid off, he then reached for her. She leaned letting herself slid into his strong arms. She didn’t feel her feet touch the sand as he was carrying her. He walked over to the tent and took her inside. There was a fire burning in the center of the tent and a bed made of pillows and soft blankets. He set her down on the bed.

“We must tend to your wounds,” he said softly. She found her voice to speak just then.

“I know of you. Rick and Evy speak very highly of you,” she said, “They consider you a trusted friend,”

“I feel the same for them,” he said. He came over to her with a bowl of liquid, “This may sting,” he dipped a cloth in the liquid and touched her wrists with it. He saw her wince, “I am sorry,”

“It’s all right,” she said. She looked at him, “Is the veil still necessary?” she asked quietly, “I’d like to see the face of the man who saved my life,”

He reached up removing his veil and turban. Long locks of thick dark hair spilled out from his head wrap. When he looked at her, Tasha felt herself gasp. He was even more breathtaking then Evy described with his full lips and neatly trimmed beard. He was actually beautiful. She found herself lost in his deep brown eyes as their gazes met. Without thinking, she reached out and touched one of the tattoos on his cheek. He pulled back from her touch.

“I’m sorry,” she blushed, “I’ve just never seen tattoos such as yours. Did it hurt?”

“A bit,” he said, “But it’s something we are trained to endure,” he continued caressing her wrists with the liquid.

He then took some silk material and gently wrapped them for her before moving to her ankles. She felt herself tremble as he took the liquid and caressed her sore ankles with it. His touch was surprisingly gentle. It was weird to her since she had just seen him slay five men, yet now he was being tender to her.

“You are welcome,” he said, “You must rest now. We have a long journey head of us,”

“We will not return to Cairo. That is the first place they will look for you. These men were hired to take you, when their employer finds out you have been freed he may send more men looking for you,”

“It depends on what you are worth to him, but I cannot take the chance. I must get you to Port Said. From there we can take a boat back to England, and to your father,” he said, “Rest now,” he said stepping towards the entrance.

“I will sleep just outside,” he said, “Do not fear, you are safe with me. I bid you goodnight,” he bowed to her and turned

Ardeth stepped from the tent and the flap closed behind him. Tasha suddenly felt tired and she laid down on the soft pillows his robe still wrapped around her. She wondered if she should have given it back. She felt her eyes grow heavy and soon drifted off to sleep.

Ardeth settled in on his bedroll and pulled a heavy blanket from his pack. After removing his scimitar and gun, he laid down and looked into the night sky. The stars shown bright above him and he sighed to himself. The desert could defiantly be lonely at night. His thoughts turned to Tasha in the tent. She was such a gentle soul, so innocent and fragile. He knew he would have to be careful with for both of their sakes.

In the night Ardeth was awakened by noise coming from within the tent. He sat up his senses on full alert listening intently. He heard a moan as if she was in pain. He drew up with a scimitar in hand and carefully stepped into the tent. His eyes saw her in the dim glow of the fading fire, she was writhing as if she was in agony and a deep groan escaped her lips.

Carefully setting his sword aside, he moved towards the bed. She once again cried out as if she was being attacked. Her cries of terror now sounding more like sobs, she was pleading.

“No! Please don’t!” she cried. His blood began to boil at the thought of someone hurting her so. He moved to the bed and carefully spoke to her.

He gently reached for her only to have her bolt straight up and scramble away from him. She backed up towards the edge of the tent her eyes wide with fear. She took a wild swing only finding air. She was confused and scared. Ardeth held his spot as she settled on the edge of the tent. After a moment, she caught his eyes. She saw the concern and tenderness on his face and suddenly realized where she was.

He watched as the tears welled up in her green eyes and spilled down her cheeks. She pulled her knees to her chest and lowered her head. She started to shake uncontrollably as she sobbed. Ardeth crawled over the pillows moving slowly towards her. He sat close to her and spoke to her gently.

“Tasha?” he said, “What did they do to you?” she only answered with a sob, “Tasha, please tell me who has caused you this pain?”

She brought her head up and looked at Ardeth through her auburn hair. She could see how concerned he was for her and the gentleness in his eyes. She felt so ashamed at that moment and didn’t know what to say to him.

“It is all right,” he said touching her foot with his hand, “Tell me, was it one of the men who took you?”

“No,” she said through her tears, “It was the man I was to be delivered to. He was with us the first night,” the tears spilled over her pale cheeks and Ardeth felt a twinge in his heart.

“He touched me,” she said beginning to cry again, “On my breasts, and legs,” her breath caught, “He put his mouth on me and his fingers,” she stopped unable to go on. She shook with tears as Ardeth moved his hand to take one of hers.

“No,” she said, “He said he would wait until he had me alone to himself,”

Ardeth felt a rush of relief to hear her virtue was still intact. He reached out and carefully moved her hair back revealing her soft face. She looked at him and for the first time he noticed her eyes, they were a deep green and shown like emeralds in the soft light. She was breathtaking.

She took Ardeth by surprise when she put her arms around him hugging him close. He closed his eyes and enveloped her in his strong arms. His hand went to her silken hair and he gently stroked it and her back.

“You need not worry now,” he said softly, “You are safe here. He will never hurt you again, I swear it. I will protect you with my life,”

She pulled back and looked at Ardeth. She was surprised to hear such words from a man she had known only hours. As their eyes locked, she saw something in Ardeth’s eyes, like a flicker as he looked at her. The fear brought on by her dream seemed to melt like snow on a sunny day replaced by a sudden longing. She brought her hand to his face and gently touched his tattooed check, this time he didn’t move from her touch. He took a sharp breath as her fingers moved to his lips. She wanted to feel them on hers in a kiss just once.

“May I kiss you?” she asked quietly. She looked intently in his eyes as she waited for an answer.

Ardeth didn’t move as she leaned close and pressed her lips to his. They were soft like the silken scarf he carried, and warm. He held himself at bay as she tasted his lips but he soon began to melt as he felt her tongue caress his lower lip eagerly seeking entrance to his mouth. He felt himself gasp and part his lips slightly, it was his undoing as she slid her soft tongue into his mouth.

His control cracked at that moment as he slid his hand deeper into her soft hair. He moved his tongue against hers now tasting her back as she moaned into his mouth. He tilted her head back and probed her mouth as she clung to him tightly. She tasted sweet like honey and it was intoxicating to him. He suddenly tore his mouth from hers hearing her whimper as he did. He caught his breath and looked at her.

“We must stop,” he said, “I will not allow myself to dishonor you further,”

“But I could if we continue,” he said, “This is not proper for us. You must sleep now,”

“Please don’t leave,” she said pleading with her eyes, “Please I just need to know you’re here,”

Ardeth saw the look on her face and could see she was still a bit shaken. He simply nodded and motioned for her to get back on the bed. She did and once she was settled, he retrieved his scimitar. He laid it nearby and laid just inches from her. She closed her eyes and soon Ardeth heard her breathing slow as she drifted off. By that time, however sleep was sneaking up on him as well. He slowly welcomed it drifting off to slumber as well.

The next morning Ardeth awoke feeling Tasha in his arms. Her head was resting on his chest and one of her legs laid over his. He held still feeling her warmth against him; he could feel her heart beating against him, her breath on his skin. He carefully tried to move but it only caused her to cuddled closer to him. He brought his hand up and carefully ran it through her soft hair. He stroked it gently and he felt her stir. She lifted her head to meet his gaze and blushed. She pulled away from him and his missed her warmth instantly. “I’m sorry,” she pulling herself away and covering up with a blanket, “I didn’t mean to for us to be in such a compromising position,”

“We are alone,” he said, “No one else need know if that is what you wish,”

He sat up and then quickly rose to his feet. He gathered his sword and walked towards the entrance of the tent. He stepped out and came back a short time later. He had his robes on and a bundle in his hand. He knelt before her and untied it. Tasha soon realized that it contained clothing and toiletries for her.

“If you are going to travel through the dessert with me, you need more appropriate clothing,” he said, “There are other things here for you as well,”

“I will leave you to dress. I will prepare some food then we will break camp and be on our way,” he said.

He left the tent and Tasha slipped his robe from her body. She took her slip off and looked at the clothes that he had brought for her. The clothes were black but of a lightweight material. There was a pair of pants, a blouse, and tunic. He had also brought her boots, stockings, and a veil for her face and head. She dressed and soon emerged from the tent. There was another man with Ardeth as well as a camel packed with gear and such. Ardeth rose from the fire sight to acknowledge her.

“Do not be alarmed,” he said to her gently, “This is Omad. He is a member of the tribe of Medjai, and my most trusted advisor,” Omad bowed to Tasha.

“Omad has brought the supplies we will need on the rest of our journey,” said Ardeth, “Come you must eat,”

Tasha moved to the fireside and Ardeth handed her a plate with some meat on it. She ate it quietly as the men talked between themselves. She heard her name as well as “The O’Connell’s” and “England”. When they were done eating, she watched as Ardeth and Omad made quick work of breaking down the camp. Soon the camel and horse were ready. Ardeth motioned to Tasha and she went to him. He lifted her onto the horse and swung up behind her. Omad handed the robe to the camel to him and stepped back with a bow.

Ardeth clicked his tongue as they moved out across the desert. They started slowly working there way over the mounds of shifting sand. The sun was hot and bright as they traveled. Tasha was grateful for the clothing that Ardeth had given her. She felt him as he brought his arm around her with a canteen.

“Where?” she asked looking around, there was nothing but sand as far as the eyes could see.

They traveled for a long time with nothing much said between them. She finally spoke to Ardeth fulfilling her need to break the silence.

“Have you lived here all your life?” she asked. There was a long silence before he answered.

“My parents decided it was important for me to know English. In recent years, we have had many visitors from England and the Americas. They felt it necessary for us to be able to communicate with the foreigners,” he said.

“When it came to Hamunaptura and the creature, yes,” he said, “After Rick and Evy I guess you could say things changed somewhat. Of course now that the city is buried and Imhotep is in the underworld, our job has become easier,”

“Many have come to look but the city is impossible to find if you are not familiar with the land. The books are in a safe place now so I do not fear that,” he said.

“So you’ve outlived your usefulness a bit, haven’t you?” she asked. He looked at her sharply, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend you,”

“No, it’s all right. You are right,” he said, “After the last battle we lost many men. The remaining have formed into one tribe. We still keep watch over the city but less and less people come now,”

“I am one of the heads of the Medjai. I am considered the Chieftain of the warriors. I am second in line behind Mohammad Jaded. When he passes, I am in line to succeed him. I must pass certain tests to become leader,” he said.

“No,” he said, “I have only been to England. I was there when the creature was last removed,”

“I’ve always dreamed of going to America. Rick has brought many things back from there for us. I find them a bit fascinating,” she said.

He reigned in the horse and stopped them. He slid off the horse and helped Tasha off. He went to the camel and pulled some odd looking tools from a pack. He kneeled in the sand and started digging a bit. He worked with the tools and Tasha looked on in fascination. Soon she was surprised as the sand got wet and soon water came bubbling from the ground. Ardeth took the horse over and it started to drink.

“Something we’ve learned to help us survive out here. Living in the desert is not the easiest life,” he said.

“Tell me,” he said. She looked at him for a moment and knew it was pointless to put him off.

“It’s just that my father has been trying to arrange a marriage for me since my mother passed. He says he’s concerned for my well-being. I do not want to marry this man,” she said.

“I don’t know him that well but I don’t think he would,” she said, “The point is that I don’t love him. I will be damned if I will share my bed with a man I don’t love,” she looked at Ardeth and blushed, “I’m sorry I don’t believe in arranged marriages, I think they are hopelessly out of date,”

“My own people have begun to do away with such practices. More and more of our people are choosing to marry for love rather then tradition,” he said.

“To each there own. I trust in Allah to bring me my bride,” he said, “I will know her when he wishes me too,”

Tasha felt a twinge in her heart at that. She wanted to be his bride. She had never met anyone quiet like Ardeth. He was strong, and passionate, completely powerful, yet she had seen his tender side. Ardeth had an almost vulnerable quality. He tossed her a little bag.

She sat in the sand and opened the bag. Inside was dried fruit, and nuts. She munched on it and drank from her canteen. Ardeth pulled out an umbrella and positioned it behind her. She was grateful to be shaded from the sun for a while. They rested and soon they packed up and were off again.

They rode and soon the sun began to set. Ardeth soon found a place for them to camp. He once again helped Tasha from the horse. He began pulling stuff off the camel to set up camp. She picked up a bag to help him, he took it from her, and when their hands touched, she got a chill.

Ardeth set up the fire pit and a tent for Tasha. She helped him by bringing him stuff and trying to stay out of his way. Soon he had a roaring fire going and she sat across from him. He had some canned food that he opened for them to eat. Tasha was grateful for a hot meal even if it was beans and soup. She looked up into the sky and she was awe struck.

“I’m sorry, I’ve just never seen so many stars,” she said, “In the city with all the lights it’s so hard to see them,”

“It’s beautiful,” she said, “It must be nice to sleep under the stars. I don’t know if I could do it every night,”

“I don’t know. It seems like a change would be nice but sometimes when I have to sleep inside I feel caged, and I miss the open air,” he said.

“That constellation there is the sign of the Scorpion. It’s my birth sign,” she said.

Tasha point into the night air as Ardeth moved closer to her. He could smell her as she leaned in showing him the cluster of stars she was born under. He had to admit he was more interested in her then the stars at that moment. The kiss had been playing repeatedly in his mind. He wanted to take her to his bed making her his completely, but he couldn’t. He had made a promise to her father that he planned on keeping.

They ate and soon he could see that Tasha was growing tired. He gently told her to go to bed and she didn’t fight with him. She went into the tent and removed her headdress and boots. There was a bedroll with some pillows and blankets for her. She laid down and tried to doze off.

Ardeth decided it would now be safe to bathe. He picked up the canteen and started to strip his clothes away. He wet his towel and ran it over his chest and arms. It felt good to wipe the dirt off but he wished for the Oasis to bath in. Tasha had heard the movement outside and peeked through the tent flap watching Ardeth. She had seen him remove his shirt and studied him more closely. The tattoos on his arms, and chest stood out in the firelight. She watched as he washed himself, and her breath caught as he undid his pants letting them fall to the ground.

He wore no undergarments of any type; he just stood there in all his nakedness. Tasha’s eyes traveled over him as he cleaned his body. He had a strong body, strong arms and thighs, smooth chest, and chiseled stomach. She had to admit she had never seen a buttock like his, it was tight and firm. He poured the water over his head wetting his dark hair. Then he turned slightly and Tasha caught a glimpse of his manhood. If he was that big when he wasn’t aroused, she wondered what it looked like when he was. Her cheeks turned red as she back away from the tent opening and laid back down.

Ardeth laid on his roll under the stars. In his heart, he wanted to be in the tent with Tasha. He couldn’t understand why he was falling under her power so quickly. There were many beautiful women in his tribe yet he was drawn to this stranger. He thought that maybe it was because she was forbidden fruit. Of course, that wasn’t necessarily true either.

Since the fall of Hamunaptura, many of the men had taken wives from outside their own people. Many of the men had even left the tribe to live in Cairo; some had left the country all together. The Medjai seemed to be scattering to the wind. He took a deep breath and tried to push her from his mind. Unfortunately, once he was asleep his mind had other plans.

~*~

Ardeth was in a strange place; it looked almost like a palace. He looked down at his robes; they were white instead of his traditional black. There were people around him so he knew, some he didn’t. He saw another figure in white coming towards him. He couldn’t see who it was. He reached for the figure but it disappeared before he could touch it. Suddenly he woke with a start reaching for his sword. Tasha let out a gasp as he drew it on her.

“I’m sorry, I couldn’t sleep. I’ll just go back to my tent,” she said.

“No,” he said, “Come,” he said touching the place next to him on his bedroll.

She knelt down and moved to lie next to him. She laid with her back to him and she felt him place the blanket over her. He placed a hand on her hip as she laid there. He heard her let out a deep sigh.

“I wish I didn’t have to go home,” she said, “I wish I could just disappear, go somewhere and start over,”

“Because he insists on forcing me to marry,” she said, “I do not relish the thought of,” she stopped.

She let a sigh out again and cuddled back against him. He let his arm move holding her closer to his body. He soon felt her relax against him. He soon fell to sleep as well.

The next morning after eating breakfast, they made quick work of packing up. As he lifted Tasha onto the horse, he heard a bird scream overhead. Tasha looked up to see a hawk circling overhead. Ardeth retrieved a glove from his things and slipped it on. He stepped away from the horse and lifted his arm to the bird. Tasha watched as the bird came in and gracefully landed on his hand. Ardeth retrieved a message from the bird’s ankle.

“We are being pursued,” he said, “We must move quickly. We will have to loose some of our supplies,”

Ardeth wrote out a message and put it on the bird. He raised his hand and released the bird watching it take off. Tasha watched it leave.

Ardeth stripped the animals of unessential equipment and repacked the horse. He slapped the camel on the rear and it started in the other direction then where they were heading. He walked over to the horse.

“You will have to ride behind me now,” he said, “We will make faster time,”

Tasha moved and Ardeth got on the horse. She wrapped her arms around him as he kicked the horse and bolted across the desert. The feel of the horse pounding across the sand at top speed was exhilarating to Tasha as she hung onto Ardeth. They rode hard through the day stopping shortly for the horse to rest. Although she was a passenger, the ride was exhausting to Tasha.

Finally as the sunset, they stopped for the night. Tasha nearly fell from the horse, as she was exhausted from the ride. He took her into his arms and set her down as he set a bedroll out for her. He laid her down and she was asleep instantly. After getting settled, he laid near to her with his sword ready to draw, his pistol nearby. He covered her with an extra blanket. He did not make a fire for fear of being seen.

He slept lightly that night and awoke to the sound of his horse snorting. He sat up drawing his sword into his hand. He went to stand when Tasha moved. He placed his hand over her mouth as her eyes widened. He signaled her to be quite. She nodded that she understood and he covered her with the blanket. Ardeth stood and started walking towards his horse. Suddenly a man appeared with a sword of his own pointed at Ardeth. Ardeth stepped forward.

“I don’t think you want to do that friend,” said the man, “Now just hand over the girl and no one gets hurt,”

“She is not yours for the taking,” said Ardeth his hand gripping his sword tighter.

“I paid for her friend,” he smiled, “And my gut tells me she’s worth every penny,”

“I am not your friend, and you are not taking the girl,” said Ardeth moving to one side. The other man moved as well circling closer to the bedroll Tasha was on.

Their swords met and soon the grunts of their fighting filled the night air. Ardeth wasn’t about to let this letch get his hands on Tasha. They fought hard and suddenly without warning Ardeth was releaved of his sword. His other still on the bedroll he raised his hands briefly in defeat.

“Now,” he said, “What should I do with you? You know instead of killing you maybe I’ll tie you up first. I don’t know if you know this but she’s a sweet young thing. I’ve tasted her for myself. Pure as driven snow,” he said, “Maybe I should let you watch, “ he hissed but before the man could move a shot rang out.

The man froze with a surprised look before dropping to the sand. Ardeth looked up to see Tasha with his pistol in her hands. She was trembling as she held it. Ardeth knelt down and checked the man. She had shot him in the back and he was dead. He walked over to Tasha who still had the weapon aimed. He walked over and grabbed her wrists lowering her hands and the gun. He took it from her hand as a tear slid down her cheek.

“I would have killed him anyway,” he said, “It is all right. It’s over now. Sit and I will take care of the body,”

Tasha sat down as Ardeth dragged the body from the camp. Tasha felt numb as she sat and waited for him to return. He soon did and walked over to her.

“I’ve never kill anyone,” she said, “I never thought I would have to,”

He laid with her and covered her again. He could feel her trembling and pulled her into his arms. She turned to him and buried her face in his robes. He smelled of leather, sand, and sweat. She loved the way he smelled. He pulled back and she felt him caress her cheek. She lifted her face to his and gazed into his brown eyes. Even in the darkness, she could see his face now, the desire in his eyes.

He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. She let out a sigh as he hugged her to his body and caressed her lips with his tongue. She parted her lips and Ardeth took it as an invitation to deepen the kiss. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and she gripped his shoulder as he did. He probed her mouth gently at first slowly growing more intense. She pressed her body to his and she heard a growl escape from deep in his chest. He suddenly tore his mouth from hers.

His lips were hot on her neck and she moaned at the sensation. She ran her fingers into his thick hair and pressed against him again. He ran his strong hands up her back into her soft hair. She felt incredible and he felt an overwhelming desire to be inside her. He brought a hand to her front and cupped a breast in his large hand. She moaned as he caressed it bringing her nipple to a hard peak beneath her top. She wanted him to take her right there and then. He suddenly tore from her a pained look on his face.

“It does not matter,” he said, “I promised to return you to your father, unharmed and unsoiled. I will not break my word,”

Tasha rolled over putting her back to Ardeth and moving from him. He laid down and closed his eyes. He could hear her breathing and knew that she was crying. He hadn’t meant to hurt her but he had made a promise.

In his heart, he desired her, but he did not want to bed her in the sand like a harlot. She was special and refined; she deserved better then to be ravished like a whore. She was worthy of being taken as a wife, in a marital bed, properly not just to satisfy his own lust then and there. He just wished he could tell her that without insulting her. He heard her breathing slow and knew she had finally gone to sleep. He soon drifted off himself and hoped that the next day things would be better.

The next morning however Tasha was distant from Ardeth. She wouldn’t meet his eyes and had become sarcastic in her tone towards him. He bit his tongue as they rode towards the Port. He did not have time to smooth things over. They weren’t far now and once there they could wire England and let her father know that she was on her way home. Once on the boat, there would be time to talk.

Ardeth intentionally rode hard forcing Tasha to hold tight to him for fear of falling off the horse. When they got to Port Said Ardeth quickly found them rooms for the night. As Tasha took a bath Ardeth telegraphed her family back in England and booked them passage back to home.

When she finished with her shower, she went into the bedroom to find clothes laying on the bed for her. There were new undergarments, as well as a burgundy dress. There were brushes, and hair combs for her as well as perfume, and such. She got dressed and she missed the clothes that Ardeth had given her for in the desert. She sat in her room packing the rest of the clothes that he had purchased for her in the bag he had bought as well. She packed the other clothes as well.

She then noticed the note on the floor. She went over and picked it up. It was from Ardeth. He informed her that he had business to attend to and would see her in the morning. She was to meet him in the lobby to leave for the boat. Her heart fell to her feet; of course, she didn’t blame him. She had been rather rude to him since that night they had last kissed. She stayed in her room having a meal brought to her and contemplated going home. She wasn’t looking forward to it.

The next morning Ardeth found Tasha waiting for him in the lobby. She took a deep breath as she saw him. He had on a new black robe trimmed and decorated in silver threading. His hair was freshly washed and dried, the curl more apparent then ever. He was so handsome she thought her knees were going to give way. He walked over to her with a cold look in his eyes.

He picked up her bag and she followed him through the crowd to the gangplank. She followed Ardeth and he handed their tickets to the man. He gave Ardeth directions and he led the way to their room. Her father had arranged a stateroom for them. He insisted that Ardeth stay nearby until Tasha was safely home. Ardeth took their bags into the stateroom and Tasha looked around. It was good to see a normal bed, and she suddenly felt a bit more at home.

“Miss Rochenchof,” said a man coming in, “Welcome aboard,” he smiled coming over to her, “Your father has asked me to inform you that he has arranged more clothes for you. They will be brought to you shortly. If you need anything while you are aboard our ship please feel free to call upon my services,”

Soon trunks with more clothing for her arrived as well as servants to unpack them. Ardeth sat back and observed. Her father obviously had more money they he had originally thought. Soon the women left and Tasha came out in a stunning dark green dress. She had her hair done up and a hat as well.

“Up on deck,” she said, “Listen I realize my father wants you to tag along until I get home, but as far as I’m concerned your services are no longer needed,”

“I think you’ve made your position quite clear,” she said, “Now let me make mine clear, we are stuck on this boat together for a while longer. If I were you I would just stay out of my way,”

Tasha pushed past him and left the room. Of course, despite her tone with him, Ardeth still followed her. He kept at a distance and watched her as she stood at the railing looking out. She sea breeze whipped at her auburn hair. He had kept her at arms length out of a sense of doing right by her. Instead, he had hurt her and now she was pushing him away in return. He ached for her and wanted to set it right.

That evening after dinner, she returned to the stateroom. She knew she wasn’t alone; Ardeth was following her like a ghost through the ship. She took her things with her into the bathroom and changed. When she came out, she saw Ardeth looking out at the ocean through the little porthole. She walked to her bed and ripped back the sheets. She climbed into the huge bed and pulled the covers back.

“Go to sleep,” she said. He cocked an eyebrow at her, “You’re of the desert, sleep on the floor,”

With that, she pulled the covers over her and turned away from him. He fought the urge to go over there and yank her from that bed. He wanted to shake the daylights out of her stubborn head, but he knew that wasn’t the best approach. He simply did as she suggested and slept on the floor.