Through the Sands of Time

Chapter 12

Just as the night fell we caught sight of a large encampment with fires burning. The sounds of the night echoed in my ears as we entered the Medjai camp near a small oasis. We came to a large tent before dismounting the camels. My leg was not getting better as I limped alongside Ardeth.

"This is my family's tent. You will be staying with us only for a few nights. That is all I am allowed to grant you." Ardeth opened the tent flap allowing us inside.

The tent was enormous with several sections blocked off by cloth doors. In the center a fire burned from a small stove keeping the chill out. An elderly man with a long grey beard and dark eyes looked up at us. His wife who was sewing with her small tender hands turned and gave us the most heartfelt smile of relief. They greeted Ardeth with smiles and kisses on the cheek. He introduced us in Arabic.

The woman came over and took my hand. "Come with me child." I allowed her to pull me along to the furthest room in the back. "You've had a long journey."

"Thank you for your hospitality." I said.

We entered the room that was absolutely stunning. A large floor bed sat in the center while bookshelves accompanied the corners. A large lamp hung above the bed. The floor was covered in large Persian rugs.

She busied herself by gathering healing herbs and a white gown. "Put this on and lay upon the bed so I may tend to your leg."

I did as she asked as Evy entered the room. "How are you?" She asked.

I laid down on my stomach. My leg was smothered in dried blood. "I will be alright."

Soon the woman began her work on my leg. I felt no pain at all, only her soothing her touch. She spoke softly. "I am Ardeth's mother."

"A pleasure to meet you." Evy said squeezing my hand.

When my leg was bound she moved to my arm which was very minor. "You are a remarkable woman for stopping the creature."

Evy went on with our great tale of the past week as I was beginning to feel sick. My body felt like I was burning and the room was spinning. I passed out on the bed just as Ardeth came in.

                                                         **Ardeth**

I entered my room and saw my mother in awe over Evy's tale. Rose looked over at me with red in her cheeks and an exhausted look. I gave her a reassuring smile just before she passed out on my bed.

"Mother." I said to get her attention going to Rose's aid. I placed my hand on her cheek to find her body burning to the touch. "Something is wrong."

Mother moved her further on my bed checking her vital signs but could find nothing. "I fear she has an infection from the wound. How did she get them?"

I turned to Evy. "What happened?"

Evy took a moment to remember. "They had found the book of Amun-Ra and Jonathan tried to read the cover only to raise up ten mummified soldiers. Rick and Rose fought them but she was wounded. I don't understand what could have happened to her other than that."

I remembered the day before we left Cairo she asked about the golden book and her curses. "Did she read the book?"

Evy nodded. "Yes, she made him mortal."

"No." My stomach sank. "She is under a curse."

My mother rushed out of the tent yelling at my father. I went to Rose's side as she laid helpless. Suddenly my father, Jonathan and Rick came into the room. My father was at my side instantly with his hand on my shoulder.