Chapter 8
Two years. It had been two years since Hermione had her time traveling incident. She was so incredibly grateful. Hermione had never felt so happy and content with her life. And, despite her sleeping issues, she really did feel that life was going good for her. Hermione would work one or two days a week in magical Cairo at a book stall to save money and not use too much of her fortune. She was paid to read books… What was better than that? Hermione was getting closer and closer with Evelyn; and Jonathon…when he was around that is. The men in black were certainly hardy. They had not let up an iota, so Hermione began treating the inconvenience as her own personal training exercise of sorts. Hermione would always throw them off in the end, but she worked hard at improving her escaping skills WITHOUT the aid of magic. It was a humbling experience at first.
Hermione was heaving giant gulps of air only minutes after the first time she had done it. She had always prided herself on doing things the muggle way…Hermione had a long way to go and it was very humbling. So, for at least the first couple of minutes; she would attempt to outrun them. Hermione even began learning to actually scale buildings in order to get away. And, when she began to tire of the game; then Hermione would pull out all the stops. There was really nothing she hadn’t done to them. The traditional buckets of unsavory liquids falling on their heads as they walked through an archway. Sneaking catnip into their pocket and then walking to where the alley cats congregated and watching them swarm all over him. Leading a man onto a boat just to apparate off and wave to him as he sailed to Cyprus. Tripping hexes… that man had certainly looked befuddled and royally frustrated BEYOND belief.
Hermione was actually growing fond of them. She saw them almost…as friends. Which was a bit weird. And unhinged, but she had fun with them. And Hermione could occasionally see the grin on their faces when the younger ones thought they were catching up to her; so, the feeling was at least partially shared between them.
“So, you are still dealing with the men in black I see.” An older gentleman was sitting on the other end of the cafe from them… Still in black.
“When do you think that they will learn not to wear black,” Hermione whispered. “I really want to win that bet with Jonathon, but I only have a few more months before he wins by default.” Evelyn rolled her eyes.
“If they haven’t realized by now… will they ever?”
“You make an accurate, pessimistic point. Maybe I need to help the scales tip in my favor.” Hermione picked up her cup of coffee and walked over to the other table and brazenly sat next to the Medjai attempting to appear to be reading his newspaper. “You all make one mistake.” Hermione took a painfully long sip of her coffee and Nasir stared in shock at her. He had barely gotten there. How could Miss Evans have already pegged him for the one who was following her?
“And what mistake is that?”
“You know, I would love to tell you; but I am currently trying to win a bet with Jonathon Carnahan. If you all don’t figure it out within the next month or two, then I have to shell out a significant amount of cash. I am just hoping you will ‘change out’ of it so that I can see the look on Jonathon’s face.” Hermione picked up her coffee and nabbed his newspaper. “I actually READ the newspaper. Not just PRETEND to read it.” Nasir's mouth dropped in disbelief as she walked away.
“Was I too obvious?” Hermione asked Evelyn as she sat down.
“No. You were almost too subtle.”
“Well,” Hermione sighed. “Hopefully they turn out to be smart.”
“I wouldn’t count on it,” Evelyn snatched the newspaper out of Hermione’s hands.
“That was rude! I stole that fair and square,” Hermione pouted. “You’re right. If they haven’t figured it out by now, they never will.” Nasir did his best to memorize exactly what Miss Evans said before abruptly leaving and walking to the museum to make his report.
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Adham watched his son sparring with Laknah. FINALLY, Ardeth was coming into his own body. Ardeth was not nearly as giant as Laknah, but he had grown significantly in the last two years. Him and Laknah would be ready to be initiated into the guard soon. They were well matched in their fight. Laknah’s brute strength and Ardeth’s natural cunning were evenly matched. In the end, Laknah won; but Adham was incredibly proud of how far his son had come.
“I have bested you again,” Laknah said with a cocky grin.
“One of these days, I’m going to wipe that smile right off your face,” Ardeth grumbled.
“Keep dreaming,” Laknah bowled Ardeth over onto the ground with an unexpected shove which had him bursting into throaty laughter.
“I would say that you are both ready to be initiated soon. You just have to do your last challenge,” Adham said with satisfaction.
“Following the mahbal?” (essentially a c*nt) Laknah had a sneer of distaste and Adham looked at him in outrage.
“Do not refer to a woman as such in front of me again, Laknah!” Adham said angrily. Laknah bowed his head begrudgingly. “You will both come with me to Cairo tomorrow. However, that CAN be changed.” Adham had never felt such cold anger. Miss Evans had been the source of much amusement, and her antics and intelligence had earned his respect. Miss Evans had successfully tricked, teased, and humbled every single one of the Medjai he had sent after her. She was single handedly improving the quality of their soldiers. It was becoming one of his most valued training exercises for the Medjai to follow her. The younger generation were currently competing to see who could “defeat” her, and Adham always took guilty pleasure in hearing her current escapades.
Just the week previous, Miss Evans had staged a huge scene at the cafe that she was followed to. She ran up to one of the younger Medjai that had just that week been boasting about his impending success and threw a glass of water right into his face, and started screaming about how dare he do this to her! Didn’t their tryst mean ANYTHING to him? In Arabic, no less. Which, they had not known she spoke. He had floundered and ran as she started tossing random drinks on him. No one had come to his rescue. They had been too busy enjoying the show. He came back with his tail in between his legs and was enduring endless mocking from his fellow soldiers. It was now an unspoken rule that if you wanted to become a full fledged Medjai, you had to withstand the duty of following Hermione Evans.
Laknah had been growing increasingly arrogant, and Adham was having doubts about his future within the Medjai. Laknah had a streak of meanness to him that bordered on cruelty. It was true that the Medjai were forced to kill in order to protect the location of the sacred city, but Laknah didn’t see it as a duty and burden so much as an underestimated pleasure. Laknah didn’t go so far as to say it out loud, but during sparring; he had an air of satisfaction about him any time his partner was injured “accidentally.” Adham would need to see how he acted after he followed Miss Evans. Maybe the experience would change his attitude for the better, and Adham would see a better side to him in general after his no doubt humbling experience. As soon as Adham had left, Laknah scoffed rudely.
“That woman is an outsider. She deserves none of my respect,” Laknah sneered.
“Laknah,” Ardeth said reprovingly.
“And she isn’t just an outsider,” Laknah continued angrily. “MISS EVANS is an invader. If they couldn’t determine she was a threat, they should have taken care of her long ago.”
“Laknah, we can’t just start killing random people in Cairo! That wouldn’t be protecting the city. It would be at the best murder and at the worst systematic genocide.”
“And what would be so wrong with that?” Laknah coldly challenged. Ardeth listened to him with open mouthed disbelief as he continued. “Letting this white, foreigner play pranks on our men and making fools of us. For what? ‘To humble us,’” Laknah mocked. “We are descendants of pharaohs' sacred body guards! We should be acting like it. Why don’t you say something?” Laknah accused Ardeth. “Are you going to let our culture continue to degrade until we are licking the boots of these ESTEEMED foreigners?” Ardeth could feel red hot anger beginning to course through his veins.
“You are out of line Laknah. You are not the chief!”
“Oh, my apologies FUTURE chief,” Laknah said uglily. “Whatever is easiest for you, your future highness.” Laknah deliberately slammed his shoulder into Ardeth causing him to stumble back as he stomped off. Ardeth didn’t know what to do with Laknah anymore. He didn’t know him anymore. Laknah was starting to say strange things. Constantly complaining about the tourists and the white immigrants and the foreign legions posted within Cairo. And it was more than complaining. Laknah was talking about killing them off, and Ardeth was quickly losing faith that he wouldn’t actually go through with it. Ardeth had no idea what to do about it. Did he give him a chance to ‘get over it’? Did he tell his Father? There was no way he could really fix the issue. Either way, he betrayed his Father or Laknah. And Laknah was already so hateful… was it really much of a betrayal anymore? There was only one person he could think of that could possibly give him proper advice.
“Al’umu?” Basma turned to her son.
“Ardeth?” Basma was immediately concerned. Ardeth looked worried and nervous. Her son was never nervous around her. It must be serious.
“I don’t know what to do.”
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Adham knew something was wrong when he walked into their tent and Basma was sitting at the table doing nothing. There was no drink in front of her and she was staring at the entryway to the tent… waiting for him. Either he had done something or she knew of someone who had.
“Please sit, habibi.” Adham considered her serious expression before sitting down right next to her and softly taking her hand.
“Something is wrong, my love?” Basma didn’t say anything for a moment.
“Ardeth came to me for advice on a matter.” Adham waited patiently while she considered her words. “He has heard some concerning opinions from Laknah… about the foreigners. About them being intruders.”
“Many of the Medjai feel this way,” Adham interjected softly.
“I am aware,” Basma agreed. “But Ardeth is concerned that Laknah is willing to start some sort of mission to kill and drive them out.”
“Has Laknah expressly tried to start anything?” Basma shook her head.
“Not exactly, but he has been getting more and more hostile towards Ardeth for ‘taking the easy way’ and letting our ‘culture degrade.’ I assured Ardeth that I would come to you and we would take action if needed. What do you think?” Adham looked down thoughtfully.
“I think that we should continue with our trip tomorrow and give him the chance to change his mind. It could be just talk,” Adham hoped that he was right. “And… so long as he follows orders, there shouldn’t be a problem. We will keep a closer eye on him. It would be wrong to act on opinions that he expressed in private. He IS still young. He could just be letting his mouth get away from him. If his aggression continues to progress or doesn’t improve after tomorrow, I will put his initiation into the Medjai on hold until he gets it under control.” Basma let out a deep breath of relief.
“I’ll let Ardeth know,” she got up and gave Adham a kiss on the forehead. “Are you sure Laknah should go to Cairo?”
“Keeping him here will just make him resentful and if it turns out that he was just talking rashly; then it could cause problems between him and Ardeth when Ardeth eventually becomes chief. I would like to avoid that if possible.”
“You’re a good Father,” Basma smiled fondly; and returned to the kitchen. Ardeth was relieved to find out he was worrying about nothing. At least, Laknah wouldn’t be adversely affected until they had actual evidence to go off of. Hopefully, it WAS all talk and they could eventually put it behind them. It was all going to be okay.
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It was an awkward trip to Cairo. Laknah was cold and Ardeth could feel how detached he was. When they had finally reached the museum, Terrance greeted them from the back entrance.
“Miss Carnahan is here. Miss Evans hasn’t arrived yet. We have time to hear Nasir’s report before you send the first one to follow her.” Laknah was emotionless throughout the entirety of the report.
“A mistake we are all making?” Adham said wonderingly. “She just could be messing with your mind.”
“That is true,” Nasir admitted. “But, it is worth thinking about.” Adham nodded. He looked at Laknah. Laknah had been silent for the majority of the trip. Extremely difficult to read. He should go first so Adham could assess his response to the task while Ardeth followed her.
“Laknah, you are going first. Gather any information you can.” Laknah nodded almost imperceptibly before going out on the street. Gather information. He would gather information all right, and he would do it in a way that determined his success. Ardeth stared after Laknah. Something didn’t feel right.
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Hermione saw the hulking, giant of a man as she walked up the steps to the museum and rolled her eyes. Were they even trying to pick people who were actually able to hide? And besides, if he glared any harder, his face was going to get stuck that way. Someone was testy. Hermione decided to ignore him for the day and just have a good time with Evelyn. It was far too soon after the last man in black to have any creative juices flowing in her mind anyhow. Plus… there was something off with this one.
“Hermione! Look what I found in the market!” Evelyn was wielding a flowery parasol. It was… gaudy and Hermione had never seen an accessory with more flowers. It looked like something Deloras Umbridge may have liked.
“It’s… special,” Hermione said with a tight smile.
“Oh, come now. I know it’s a bit… over the top. But, I think that if I just dress it up or change the material it would be nice. It has a good frame, and I got a good price for it.”
“Alright. I’ll have to take your word for it,” Hermione smiled. “May I carry books, Madame?” Hermione said with a flourish and offered her free arm like a gentleman.
“Of course you can, good sir.” Hermione thought it was strange that the new man in black was not outside when they passed by.
“Odd. There was a new man in black out here when I went in.”
“Maybe he is trying a different approach?” Evelyn ventured.
“So long as he isn’t gripping your window seals, I suppose.” It was only once they reached the alley that Hermione found out why. She had no chance to defend herself as she was yanked away from a screaming Evelyn and pinned to the wall by her throat. Hermione immediately felt the lack of air and could clearly see the smirking cold eyes of the man in front of her. Hermione clawed at the hands holding onto her, but they didn’t budge. She desperately and accurately kicked him in the crotch a few times before his eyes narrowed even further and his hold on her became even tighter. He was crushing her throat.
Hermione was finally able to breath painfully as she felt his hold suddenly slacken when a parasol stabbed him in the side. He roared, but Evelyn continued to whale on him relentlessly and desperately. Hermione pulled the cursed dagger that had killed Dobby out from her cloak as he let go of her to grab the end of the parasol and slashed him in the stomach and dashed for Evelyn. Hermione grabbed Evy and began to run with her back to the museum. But, the behemoth of a man was still going. Hermione felt a rush of fear run through her as she glanced back and saw him still coming after them. Hermione threw a wordless tripping hex and thankfully, he went down. They were able to make it to the museum and successfully slam the doors behind them.
“Hermione! Oh, Hermione!” Hermione didn’t move as Evelyn reached for her collar and unbuttoned it to see the already blackening bruising of giant hands. Hermione began to cough violently and was alarmed to see specks of blood on her hands. “We need to get Dr. Bay,” Evelyn said with horror before firmly grabbing Hermione’s arm to lead her to the esteemed Doctor’s office. Hermione didn’t know what to do. She didn’t want to see Doctor Bay. Had he ordered her to be killed? It was too late to stop Evelyn. Hermione could feel that she wouldn’t be able to talk effectively, let alone argue. She tried to pull out of Evelyn’s grasp, but was met with an unfortunately firm hold. The men were met with a shocking scene moments later. Dr. Bay couldn’t believe what he was seeing when a disheveled Evelyn stormed into his office with a reluctant Miss Evans quite literally being dragged behind.
“Hermione was attacked!” Hermione discreetly pulled her wand out and hid it in her pocket. She had a bloody dagger in one hand and her wand in the other. “She is coughing up blood, Doctor Bay.”
“I’m not a medical doctor, Miss Carnahan!” Despite that fact, Dr. Bay took a step towards Hermione, but was surprised by the subsequent step backwards.
“Hermione! We need to make sure you are okay.” Hermione watched Evelyn with one eye and the men with the other.
“W-.” Hermione began to cough violently again. “W-water.”
“Of course, Hermione! Please let the Doctor look at you while I get it.” Evelyn walked out and Hermione waited until the door closed behind her. Dr. Bay felt the breath leave his body. That feeling that he always got around Miss Evans… it was worse now. So much worse. It was almost like he could feel her anger surrounding him and squeezing the breath from him. She was staring at them with rage.
“You…” Hermione rasped out. “You ordered me killed?” The Medjai were shocked.
“NO!” Adham burst out. Hermione looked at him with hard eyes. “We would never harm an innocent person for no good reason.” The feeling was suffocating… and then it suddenly slackened as Hermione let herself fall against the wall and sheathed her dagger.
“Then…” Hermione began to cough violently. “You… sent one sick puppy to follow me.” Ardeth felt guilt wash over him. Laknah had done it. He had tried to eliminate “the invader.”
“Sick puppy?” Dr. Bay said with confusion.
“Laknah,” Adham said darkly. He carefully approached Hermione and she only just held her ground. “We will take care of him, Miss Evans.” Hermione finally nodded after deciding that he was probably telling the truth. “Nasir, we will go get him.”
“Wait.” Adham turned back to Hermione to see her holding out a tiny container of salve. He took it with confusion. “The blade… it’s poisoned. He will bleed out if you don’t use this on it. I got his stomach.” Adham’s eyes widened with surprise, but he took it before nodding sharply; and walking out. Hermione ignored the rest of the men and began to root in her tiny bag until she found the essence of divinity. You weren’t supposed to drink it… but it didn’t have any toxic ingredients. It must have some sort of side effect, but Hermione would rather not be coughing up blood. She quickly gulped some of it down, and immediately felt the effects when she was able to breathe deeply again.
“Has the Doctor looked at you?” Evelyn walked back in with the water and Hermione took it gratefully.
“I was just about to,” Dr. Bay walked up cautiously and was thankful that Miss Evans didn’t back away this time. She even allowed him to lead her to a couch to sit her down. He looked at her neck in wonderment. Whatever Miss Evans had just drank… must be some sort of miracle. The black marks were already starting to fade away from her neck. “That must be some medicine,” he muttered. Ardeth stood morosely against the wall. “I think she will be fine, Miss Carnahan. Miss Evans just needs to get some sleep.”
“She was coughing up blood!” Evelyn was bordering on hysterical.
“I’m fine, Evelyn.”
“Oh no, you aren’t!” Evelyn was crying. “You almost died in front of me.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I had a shield maiden armed with a parasol to defend me isn’t it?” Hermione tried to stand up to give Evelyn a hug, but immediately fell down. Her head felt fuzzy. “I think,” she slurred. “...I’m beginning to feel the unknown side effects of the medicine I just took.” Evelyn rushed forward.
“Are you okay?”
“I feel drunk. Which is weird. I was only drunk that one time.” Hermione shoved her finger too hard into Evelyn’s chest. “I swore, NEVER again.”
“What do you mean side effects, Miss Evans?” Dr. Bay began to check her pulse. She was breathing alright.
“Not… supposed to…. drink it,” Hermione sang. She was slouching until she laid down on the couch.
“Then WHY DID YOU?!” Dr. Bay was seriously becoming concerned, and Evelyn was crying harder than ever. Hermione was drunker than a skunk and waved his concern off literally.
“Ingredients aren’t bad for you. Just… make you drunk, apparently.” Dr. Bay scrubbed his face with his hand. He prayed to Alla that it was true. The last thing he needed on his conscience was a dead woman on his couch. “I don’t want to go to sleep,” Hermione said suddenly. “I feel sleepy, and sleep is just full of nightmares. Don’t make me go to sleep, Evy.”
“You need sleep, Hermione,” Evelyn sighed while wiping at her eyes.
“You can’t make me,” Hermione said petulantly.
“Miss Carnahan,” Dr. Bay interrupted. “Why don’t we take care of Miss Evans, and I take you to your lodgings? I doubt you want to try to walk her to your home in this state, and we will ensure no one harms her until she is able to make her way to her own home safely.” Evelyn was clearly hesitant to leave Hermione there, but he WAS right. There was no way Evelyn could take Hermione home, and the men knew where she lived anyhow. It was best not to move her until Hermione was fully aware again.
“If anything happens to her, Terrance Bay…” Evelyn said aggressively. “I will begin DELIBERATELY destroying things. AND… screeching in your face anytime I tell you ANYTHING.” It was sad that was the best threat in her arsenal. Though it was at least partially effective.
“I assure you, Miss Carnahan. My nephew is more than capable of protecting Miss Evans until I get back.” Dr. Bay nodded to Ardeth and then left. Ardeth immediately locked the office door and looked in bafflement as Miss Evans was sitting upside down with her legs crossed at the top of the couch and her curly hair hanging free.
“Miss Evans, you should lay down and sleep.”
“I refuse,” she scoffed. Ardeth sighed and sat down next to her.
“What dreams could be so bad you avoid sleep?” His words were halting and his accent was thick, but Ardeth felt that he did fine enough; and Miss Evans seemed to understand. She looked at him with a haunted look.
“You haven’t seen death yet, have you?” Ardeth’s eyebrows furrowed together.
“Death?”
“I’ve seen a man feast on a dead classmate’s corpse,” Hermione said simply. Ardeth’s eyes widened in shock. “I’ve waited in horrifying anticipation for the worst possible news. I’ve been abandoned at my lowest point. I’ve been…” Hermione gulped back tears. “... tortured. I can smell her. It’s why I bake so much. There is nothing like fresh baked sweets to overpower the memory of the smell of rotten teeth and the reek of her awful perfume. HOW could she have thought that was an attractive smell?! No wonder even old Tommy didn’t want her!” Ardeth began to lose track of what she was saying as it got more ridiculous. No doubt because of the drunken effect of the medicine.
“If a snake man doesn’t want you, you HAVE to know SOMETHING isn’t working. I mean, get your teeth fixed! If my parents had ever seen her, they would have forcefully tied her down and fixed that awful set of graying nastiness.” Hermione’s arms were flailing empathetically and Ardeth smiled indulgently. “You know, you look familiar,” Hermione said suddenly. “Have you followed me before?” Ardeth immediately blushed and it hit her like a freight train, and Hermione began laughing hysterically.
“Oh, Merlin! It’s you!” Ardeth rubbed his neck with embarrassment. “I am so, so sorry! I thought it would give Mister Bay a conniption! I didn’t mean to scare the crap out of you.”
“I am still teased about that,” Ardeth groaned.
“It was sweet!” Hermione said honestly. Ardeth glared at her.
“I was eighteen!” Hermione burst into hysterical giggles. Hermione yawned. She uncharacteristically shoved her head onto Ardeth’s lap and curled up on the couch. “Miss Evans, I’ll get up so you can sleep.”
“Be my pillow,” Hermione said sleepily. There was going to be no end to her embarrassment when she woke, but for now; he smelled like sandalwood. It was pleasant. Ardeth blushed brighter than ever. He had never been this intimate with a woman. It wasn’t in their culture to touch women until you were married to one or if you were paying them. And clearly, Ardeth wasn’t in either of those situations. Miss Evans looked AND smelled like honey. And tea. Ardeth could see the sign of more scars on her chest where her collar was still open. Miss Evans certainly had been a warrior. Where and when was still impossible to determine, but Ardeth knew he had heard far more than she ever would have shared willingly if she wasn’t drunk off of her medicine. Should he keep it to himself? Ardeth hesitatingly stroked her hair. Why would Laknah ever willingly hurt her so callously?