𝑫𝑹𝑨𝑷𝑬𝑻𝑶𝑴𝑨𝑵𝑰𝑨 - Ardeth Bay

NINETEEN

As the group of four stood there, watching the bubbling pool, the roof of the underground cavern began to cave in.

"Time to go." Rick announced in panic, grabbing Evelyns hand and dragging her away. Tiye and Jonathan quickly glanced at each other with worry before following after the American.

As they were running Jonathan accidentally tripped on the uneven ground, dropping the book of Amun-Ra into a pool of skulls. Evy ran back, pointing at the pool in shock.

"You've lost the book!" She screeched at her brother in anger. "Jonathan, I can't believe it!"

"Come on!" Rick and Jonathan said together as they ran back and grabbed the brunette woman, dragging her away. They all ran through the sandy hallways, all following Rick as he seemed to know the way out.

"Couldn't we just-" Jonathan complained as he stopped in the room of gold, looking around glumly.

"No, Jonathan!" Tiye shouted, grabbing his good hand and pulling him along.

"O'Connell!" A voice yelled behind them. "O'Connell, wait!"

"Come on, come on! Beni!" Rick stopped as he tried to drag Beni through the collapsing wall but it was too late. "Good-bye, Beni."

"Hurry up!" Tiye ushered for Rick to catch up, the city around them disappearing beneath their feet. Once they were out of the underground cavern pillars fell, almost crushing them.

"Look out, look out, look out!" Rick steered the group around the destruction until they were all safely away from Hamunaptra. Sand exploded into the sky behind them as the City of the Dead sunk beneath the sand, it's dangers forever hidden from the world.

Suddenly Jonathan screamed in fright causing Evelyn and Tiye to join him. They all twisted around to find a smiling Ardeth on a camel.

"Oh! Thank you. Thank you very much." Jonathan gasped sarcastically, holding his hand over his heart in hopes to calm it.

"You have earned the respect and gratitude of me and my people." He spoke gratefully.

"Yes, well, it was- it was nothing." Jonathan chuckled to himself.

"May Allah smile upon you always." Ardeth said humbly, kissing his hand and gesturing his respect.

"And yourself." Jonathan tried to recreate the gesture while still holding his heart.

"Ti, you are always welcomed by my people." Ardeth glanced over to the pale haired woman, gesturing for her to join him. "And I would love for you to join me, complete our father's wishes."

Tiye knew exactly what he was talking about, she glanced behind her at Evelyn, asking for her advice.

"You need to be with the one you love." Evelyn whispered as she engulfed the teary eyed Egyptian. "And you can always visit us."

"Thank you." Tiye pulled away, wiping her tears before moving to say good bye to Rick. "Look after these two, wherever they go adventure and danger follows."

"I will." Rick smiled, giving her a small hug.

"And you." Tiye twisted around to face the oldest Carnahan sibling, hugging him tightly. "Stay out of trouble and I will miss you."

"I will miss you too." Jonathan grinned before pushing her towards Ardeth, urging her to go.

"Let's go!" She nodded eagerly to herself, allowing Ardeth to easily lift her on his camel.

"I will write to you soon!" Tiye waved goodbye to her family, shedding a few tears as she watched them fade into the distance.

"You will see them soon." Ardeth mumbled, glancing down at her as she snuggled herself against his chest.

"I know but I will still miss them." She sighed, glancing up at the man she loved. Slowly her hand reached for his cheek, gently forcing him closer to her. Ardeth took the hint and closed the distance between them, one arm instinctively wrapping around her waist to pull her closer.

"I love you." He whispered against her lips.

"I love you more."