The Mummy: Rise of Imhotep

Alone

Zahra groaned as her eyes opened and adjusted to the dark. She coughed violently trying to get the sand out of her throat. She slowly sat up due to the shakiness in her arms. Realization hit her. She's alone in the ruins.

Leaning against the wall for support she made her way down the eerily quiet tunnels. It took her almost an hour to reach the exit. Once she did she truly realized just how alone she was. The camps were abandoned, not even embers were in the fire. Hell her camel was even gone.

After searching the camp for resources she decided to brace herself for the desert. She didn't know if it was because she was hungry or dehydrated but it seemed hotter than normal.

After traveling for almost a day she felt herself getting weaker and weaker. With the sun beating down on her she heard a Hawke flying above.

“Horus.” Zahra's vision started to blur as she fell to her knees. She tried to stand up but she just didn't have the strength to do so. The last thing she remembered before her eyes shut was a shadow figure walking up to her.

Ardeth POV

“you should rest my sweet boy.”

I looked up at my mother as she entered my tent. It has been 2 days since I have brought Zahra back to my village. And I haven't moved since then.

“she has a fever. I need to make sure she is ok.”

My mother walked up to me and put a loving hand on my shoulder. “go wash up and rest. I will watch over the young lady.”

I sighed in defeat. My mother is a very stubborn woman and I do have to take care of myself especially since I need to head to Cairo in the coming day to take care of the creature. I took one last look at Zahra I stood and walked out of my tent.

I made my way to the elders tent. As i walked in i bowed deeply. “Ardeth. We did not expect to see you.”

“i ask for your forgiveness for i have lost sight of my duties.”

“you do not need to apologize Ardeth. You are taking care of one of us. And you are battling the creature yourself.”

I looked up slightly confused. Yes i knew about her mark yet i did not know that she was part of the Medjai.

“the woman you brought is the daughter of the late Haydar of the third village. After he had learned of his relation to the creature he did not feel worthy of being a medjai.”

“that is Khalilah?”

I was beyond shocked at this. Zahra's name had been very familiar to me but I didn't know that her first name was actually Khalilah.

“your childhood friend yes. The dagger she carries is the same one the creature used to kill the pharaoh. Now take care of yourself Ardeth. The world and Khalilah need you.”

I quickly made my way out of the tent and went to get cleaned up. I didn't know if I should tell Zahra what I have learned or not. What if she didn't believe me?

3rd person POV

Nezha sat by the young girl as she rested. Taking a cool cloth she gently placed it on her head. She was happy that these two had found each other again for they were destined to be together. Because with her the curse on her family will end.

Zahra began to stir quietly. She felt something wet on her head so she tried to wipe it off. When Nezha touched her wrist she shot up and backed away quickly.

“you do not need to fear me child. I mean you no harm.”

“who are you? Where am i?”

The woman grabbed a pitcher and a glass. Coming the glad with water she held it out to Zahra.

“you should drink. You have been unconscious for two days.”

“two days…..” zahra looked defeated. But she wanted to know how she got to wherever she is. Nezha noticed the look and smiled sadly.

“I'll let my boy know you're awake.”

When Nezha walked out of the tent Zahra slowly stood. Her muscles ached and she was super sore. Walking around slowly careful not to fall she looked around the tent. It was neat and organized. Noticing her dagger in the corner she grabbed it and held it to her chest. She didn't Know where she was and this brought her some comfort.

“Zahra.” Startled, Zahra spun around but relaxed when she saw Ardeth standing at the entrance.

“Ardeth.” Relief filled both of them. For Zahra she knew she was safe with Ardeth. She wasn't with some random strangers. And as for Ardeth he knew that Zahra was going to be ok.

Zahra felt her legs start to grow weak and buckle. Ardeth rushed forward and caught her as she lost all the strength to stand. Carrying her back to the bed he gently set her down.

“What happened Zahra? Why were you alone?”

“the swarm of locusts drove us all into the tunnels. I was trying to help one of the Americans when Imhotep threw me against the wall and I passed out. When I woke up everyone was gone.”

Ardeth was confused. How had he and his men not found her as they searched for the creature. They had found one of the Americans but not her. The thought that she was alone with the creature terrified him.

“I will get you something to eat. I need to make sure you are well enough to travel tomorrow.”