Ch. 1

There was a sizable, currently nomadic, settlement among the hushed desert winds composed of all sorts of living establishments. Tents had been pitched to sleep in during the night, and airy canopies were constructed to sit under during the day which would shade all from the sun. The traveling people were enjoying their day of rest.

One of the larger tents held the Bay family, though five of its members weren't accounted for. The gathering should've been one of laughter and joy, but one of the middle children-a man named Ardeth-was in a sullen mood which affected everyone else.

His actions always affected those around him even when he wished for them not to. He was indeed Chieftain of their semi-nomadic tribe whose numbers had taken a blow in the last couple of months. The warriors fought a great battle against an undead army which left many of their families broken. The Bay family was lucky enough to have nearly everyone alive. The only deceased member was Khalis Bay, who was murdered almost twenty years prior but by entirely unrelated forces.

Ardeth felt he had been greatly blessed. He had seen how women mourned their husbands, sons, fathers, and brothers. Some of them succumbed so greatly to grief that they also went to the Afterlife with their loved ones. A few many had left children behind to be looked after which was a sad affair.

There was nothing Ardeth could do to bring the fallen back, though he wished he could. His family was precious to him. Such a blessing should be cherished, and so he kept them near.

"He'll be fine," Ardeth's younger sister, Mayah, told her elder brother.

Ardeth's siblings and mother watched as he paced about the tent. The elder two, Tuvia and Shira, rolled their eyes at him. He was far too serious for his own good.

"Something isn't right," the worried one declared. "Elias should've returned by now."

None could convince him otherwise that their little brother had merely been distracted which resulted in his delay.

However, something within Ardeth told him his youngest brother was in grave danger. His instincts drove him. Instincts which had him readying his own horse to depart soon after he bid his family farewell.

The youngest, Layali, spoke up when Ardeth left, "I think he wishes to shelter Elias after his injury at Ahm Shere."

"Allow him to indulge in his worries," their mother instructed, "It was his instincts which kept us all alive during the battle of Ahm Shere. If he is wrong now, so be it."

"Mother is right," Tuvia agreed, "None of us can be perfect, not even Ardeth."

Tuvia collected himself to follow after Ardeth. Each child had their own role in the Bay family; Tuvia had always been the one who kept Ardeth levelheaded and focused. Tuvia had been the Chieftain prior to his younger brother. An unfortunate riding accident left Tuvia weak and unfit to lead his people. Ardeth was the next in line, and took the role as Chieftain, though he never expected to have to lead anyone other than Medjai soldiers; the domestic issues puzzled him at times. Tuvia advised him and kept him close, though in Ardeth's later years, he needed less guiding.

However, in Tuvia's mind, Ardeth needed much worrying over. His younger brother was driven to keep their people safe which resulted in him disregarding his own needs. Ardeth was almost always calculated and level-headed, but he also could also be stubborn. He would rather patrol for days on end rather than sleep if it meant keep his people safe. He'd rather starve himself than allow his people to go hungry; refuse water if it meant the livestock could have a little extra to drink. He had a tenacity about him which was rare to come by, though it was his tenacity which caused his people to greatly respect him. They understood how truly precious he felt life was.

Ardeth's adrenaline fed him when he made to find his horse. Said stallion had settled for the night, but reared upon seeing his master. Sattar hoofed up a cloud of dust in anticipation. Ardeth's bearing was the key which said this wasn't the normal evening visit. Sattar expressed his excitement in a whinny when Ardeth's saddle was placed on his back. The war horse indeed enjoyed his treats, but nothing made him happier than an evening run.

Ardeth, over the years, had become nearly immune to Sattar's excitement; however, when he saw his steed's ears lay back, the Chieftain became increasingly alert. With his hand wrapped around the hilt of his sword, he waited for the person following him to catch up. He slowed his breath to a calm cadence while he honed his senses in on their footsteps. One by one each step had tailed Ardeth's perfectly.

Out of the darkness came Tuvia, who gauged Ardeth's unease. He held his hands up to the horse in an indication he wasn't a threat. Sattar had knocked him down before when he tried sneaking up on his brother and Chieftain. Neither wanted a repeat of history.

"Should you go alone?" Tuvia questioned. He found his younger brother at his horse and nearly ready to depart. He had packed in record time.

"Elias often misplaces himself at night," Ardeth was fitting Sattar's bridle, "I'll need to track him which will be easier done alone."

Tuvia could agree with the beginning of the statement, though not the latter. He felt it wasn't his place to question his superior, and didn't voice his concern. Perhaps Ardeth felt the need to go alone to keep his brash mood from anyone else.

Had Eitan not been named commander of the southwestern tribe, he would've been there to go the trip with Ardeth. It was almost common for the Chieftain to be sworn in at a young age due to a previous death; but commanders typically had time to season their successors. Eitan was eighth in line to serve his duty as sole commander of the southwestern tribe before Ahm Shere; but Ahm Shere had dwindled their numbers in such a way that a man of only twenty-seven had command over the entire tribe. He was busy enough with his own duties, and therefore couldn't be summoned to aid Ardeth.

Ardeth mounted Sattar gracefully. The desert breeze was a cold one atop his horse. Feeling its chill he tied the bonds of his robes tighter. He held a hand to his heart, then placed it on Tuvia's shoulder.

"He'll have probably lost his," Tuvia handed Ardeth an extra water skin. The elder then noted, "If you've not returned by first light then I will send out scouts."

"Very well," Ardeth nodded. The Chieftain looked to his brother and commanded, "Be watchful."

He guided Sattar out of the encampment. The earth under Sattar's hooves was dry; an arenose puff was kicked up from the dirt as his pace quickened. When the cloud dissipated, it seemed Ardeth and Sattar had gone with it. In the pending darkness Tuvia could see them no longer.

Something truly was afoul that dusky evening.

Ardeth had ridden far out into the desert while Sattar seemed to run as though they were being chased. His gait was elongated and precise which made the ride a comfortable one. His master had to make little adjustments to Sattar's path as he took them further into the night.

Though, like a bolt of lightning, Ardeth's minor comfort was taken from him. Sattar reared up with a shriek of pure horror. He took two sizable steps backwards during which Ardeth had to lean forward and clutch onto the beast to keep himself from taking a tumble in the sand.

Sattar pranced around agitatedly upon becoming quadrupedal once more. Sand exploded into the air which confused both horse and rider. Ardeth pulled the reigns to the side, and tried to keep Sattar on his path though the horse had other plans.

He roared the horse's name boisterously. The two fought one another for meager minutes until Ardeth was finally thrown from the horse. He rolled down and entire dune before his momentum ceased and his body halted.

Never in his life had he been tossed by a horse, which is something he reflected upon while he lay flat on his back. He looked to the stars for some sort of answer. Luckily none were around to see his humiliation.

Sattar stood upon the sand as though he had done nothing wrong. Ardeth was fuming when he climbed the dune to get back to his horse. He made to mount but Sattar flounced sideways. The movement was fast enough for Ardeth to lose his footing and make an acquaintance with the ground again.

The dance commenced while rider and horse combated one another. Their bodies moved in circles during the tense game of cat and mouse…though the mouse was a few hundred pounds. Ardeth, who was desperate to find Elias, needed Sattar's cooperation. Sattar bucked, snapped, and lurched to keep the only rider he'd known away from him. Finally the horse caught hold off Ardeth's sash and yanked it ruthlessly. Ardeth fell forward onto his saddle; he used the trip to his advantage and attempted climbing onto the saddle fully.

Sattar was one step ahead of him. The horse began to sprint wildly which had Ardeth disregarding his previous thoughts; his only focus was trying to keep from falling. The raven colored steed ran in the opposite direction Ardeth had wished for him to go.

Ardeth, being prone on the saddle, acquired much discomfort. He felt every single footfall Sattar made during his rushed gallop through the desert. The horse came to an abrupt stop which had Ardeth flying through the wind and landing in sand.

He was never a man to curse or use foul language, but Sattar greatly tried his patience. Ardeth grumbled and grimaced while he collected himself. Upon looking forward the Medjai had a new understanding of Sattar's actions.

In front of them was a town whose buildings bled enough light to show Ardeth and Sattar who had decided to visit the establishment. Enclosing the town was a medium-sized garrison of men who were clearly armed to the teeth. Like a beacon of warning in the night, each man wore yellow hoods indicating who they were affiliated with.

Ardeth felt almost nauseous with relief. His mind played scenarios of him mindlessly riding into the town and being captured or killed. Sattar had saved him from doing so, since Ardeth had inevitably been guiding them towards the road which ran through the town. Had they taken the road, they would've surely been spotted.

Perhaps Sattar misjudged and felt they were going in the incorrect direction. His actions felt justified because he wanted to right Ardeth's wrong. Either way he had kept them from riding into a battle outnumbered and outmatched.

"Forgive me, Sattar," Ardeth requested in a soft whisper. He rested his forehead against Sattar's. The horse responded by leaning into his master affectionately, which was a welcomed gesture. Ardeth praised, "You've done me very well, my friend. Thank you."

He allowed Ardeth to rise in the saddle the rest of the ride. The Chieftain situated himself before urging his friend forward. Sattar kept his noise to a minimum while he trotted the remainder of the distance with care.

The men surrounding the town were familiar to the pair. Their robes were a clear duplicate of that of the Medjai's, though their headdresses and sashes were golden. Most attributed the yellow color to Egypt; but such an ornament was a warning to the Medjai. Their enemies wore the color as a tribute to deceitful, fallen gods.

The god which they proclaimed gave them strength was Apep; a vile, flaxen serpent who was linked with chaos and villainy. He was neither alive nor dead and enjoyed feasting on souls; even the dead weren't safe from his accursed actions.

The leader of their organization had been the reason Khalis Bay no longer was among his family. He had been brutally sacrificed all in the name of a god who only knew how to deceive.

Ardeth's blood turned to fire in his veins during his reflection. His muscles were clenched; his hands fisted Sattar's reigns. Almost instantaneous fury emanated from him. It'd been close to five years since he'd seen an Apeppan though he wore permanent scars by their hands. Not only had they killed his father, but upon a more recent meeting they poisoned him by way of a blade drenched in an unknown toxin. The scar stretched across his midsection and, though faded, still ached him at times.

A darker, smaller, and more hidden part of his soul wished to slaughter them all and avenge his father. They were the lowest of the low. Some men-he'd seen-could lead dishonest lives, but turn the fates around and become a decent person. O'Connell was one of them…However, the Apeppans were beyond saving and far beyond reason. If their tribe were somehow miraculously swallowed up by the Earth, they would not be mourned by anyone, let alone the Medjai.

Ardeth wished to discover why they were so far away from their encampment. He left Sattar on the outskirts of town, partially camouflaged by the dark Egyptian night. The moon hid itself behind thick clouds which were full of rain. Those dwelling in the desert had been praying for a downpour they knew wouldn't come; whereas those living in the urban areas, even only small locations, didn't quite care what the weather did.

In the current miniscule, unnamed town, which saw many visitors, most everyone was asleep. The day had been hot and long and the town's dwellers made to rest not shortly after the sun left the sky.

The very small population which was awake had malcontent on the mind. Ardeth watched three individuals, all of the same tribe, traipse through the town as they tried to find their comrades. Little did they know, their brethren wouldn't show up.

Down a pitch alleyway was the person who was responsible for the missing messengers. He fought to keep his breath even; he'd just committed a murder. Not only had he committed a murder, he might've compromised the mission.

The mission should've been easy. All he needed to do was intercept the messenger, steal the message, and then report back…but all went to Hell when he'd been spotted. The messenger, who was an equally skilled fighter, had him up against the wall. The scuffle didn't last long. The agent's neck was broken shortly after he charged the young warrior.

Then a second man charged him. He had been half drunk and crazed. His actions were sloppy which caused him to fall directly into a wall headfirst. He was either unconscious or dead.

Then the last man standing searched the bodies for the information he sought. Upon seeing lifeless eyes staring at him, he began to feel bile rise in his throat. He started shaking as the resounding crack of the man's neck replayed in his mind.

The tattooed young man took the parchment from the man's robes with quivering hands. He made to read the information though it had been much too dark to do so. Should he get in the light of one of the establishments then his position would be compromised.

He walked a few feet away from the bodies, to check another alley, but a hand had reached out and grabbed him from behind. In an instant, he was forced up against the nearest wall.

He made no strangled cry, but stayed silent with relief when he saw who it was. He allowed his head to ease back against the sandstone building; his brother always had a knack for showing up when he was most needed.

Before him was his brother and mentor, Ardeth; Chieftain of the Medjai. His balaclava was worn to conceal his features. No one was to know the Medjai were close. All thoughts that perhaps Ardeth had come to ensure he didn't get lost on the return journey had been squandered when he finally spoke.

"We're surrounded by Apeppan elites," Ardeth explained to his younger brother. Ardeth kept his hand firmly over his little Elias' mouth to keep any noise from erupting out of his lungs. He continued, "Fourteen of them have the town circled. Another six walk the streets…Someone knew you'd be here."

Elias' eyes widened at being given that news. Twenty Apeppan elites stood between the two Medjai leaving alive. And any Apeppan would fight to the death to see a Medjai injured or killed. Mayhap they knew of the mission; perhaps they were sent to kill him. Akhen, their leader, could've put a bounty on the heads anyone in the Bay family. Such a bounty would indeed constitute that many Apeppan elites so far from their outpost.

Hearing the news caused Elias to drop his head in defeat, though no Apeppan soldier had found him. Ardeth hadn't been here by chance. Elias felt his actions must have been stupid and careless enough to get himself followed and now his big brother had to bail him out…as always. One of these days he wished one task he was given would be completed according to plan.

Ardeth saw his brother's pain in the darkness and slowly disengaged them from one another. He'd been in Elias' boots once: eager to please his superiors though fate had other plans. Early in Ardeth's training it seemed he couldn't do anything correctly. Being under intense scrutiny by the Medjai and then somehow allowing the Creature to be reanimated twice didn't aid him any. He sympathized with Elias.

"All is well," Ardeth established in a whisper, "You weren't followed."

Elias sighed, though Ardeth's next words turned his blood cold.

"They're looking for the couriers," Ardeth tried to keep Elias hopeful, "Not you."

"Then all isn't well," Elias gulped. His gaze tore from Ardeth where he looked at the two other men in the alley who lay in the dust.

Ardeth followed his eyes towards the two men. He grimaced but Elias couldn't see his emotions. This would make their escape much harder. Had the men been coherent then the Medjai could wait out the visit and leave after the Apeppans got whatever they wanted. Things were much more difficult now.

Elias could no longer control himself or his breathing. He had put his brother's life in danger due to his own foolishness. If Ardeth was found out then the Apeppans would stop at nothing to kill him.

"Ardeth," tears welled in his dark eyes, "I'm so sorry-they charged me, and I-it just-I'm so sorry, brother."

"Elias, look at me," commanded Ardeth. He took his kin's face in his hands, and told him, "You've done well. All is well, and you made the correct choice. They would've killed you had you not stopped them."

"But, I should've-"

"No," Ardeth cut him off, "All could've been compromised otherwise."

Elias swallowed then gave a stern nod. Ardeth couldn't fathom losing his youngest brother, let alone any of his siblings. Personal thoughts were fleeting as the danger of their situation closed in

"Dabir!" A man from a few alleys away called out into the night. Ruckus erupted as the Apeppan warriors neared Ardeth and Elias' location.

"Dabir!" more men were shouting as they looked for their fallen comrade.

Neither of the Medjai had much time to think or even speak. Ardeth gave one look to his brother and they began swapping out their deep indigo sashes and black balaclavas for the deceased Apeppans bright yellow.

"Here!" Ardeth called out to his enemies. He looked the part of an Apeppan and the discomfort caused his mood to sour even more.

Roughly half the Apeppans rounded the corner of the alleyway and were at the Medjai immediately.

"Umar," a yellow-clad warrior set his gaze on Elias, "What of this?"

The Medjai watched as the Apeppan nudged the dead man with his foot. The space was close and there was no telling if they could see the disguises the bodies were wearing.

"Medjai dogs," Ardeth spoke up before Elias had a chance, "They attacked me when Dabir came to my aid."

"Chieftain Akhen won't like that," Another man chuckled, "You should've kept them alive!"

All the men shared in a laugh together while the brothers hoped and prayed their identities remained concealed.