ADJUSTMENTS
Chapter: 4 The Rescue
It was hot, the sun was hot, and Alex felt sick. His skin was sunburned badly, because the two men he was with were not the caring type. Now he road on the back of the tall mans horse, and every movement the horse made sent pain shooting through his body.
“I need water,” he squeaked.
“Only when you decide you want to show us where Hamunaptra is,” The tall man said. They had been riding for days now, and Alex wouldn’t show them. He had gotten pretty beat up for that, but he was made of tough stuff, and was holding on to the hope, that someone would come to his rescue. He drifted to sleep and started to slide off the horse, so the tall man lifted him onto the front of the horse. His partner looked over.
“Maybe we should let him go. He doesn’t look so good,” the little man said.
“Maybe I’ll just shoot you. He stays and if he dies then so be it.” He kicked his horse and they took off at a gallop over the next few rises, and that’s when they saw it. It was in ruins, but it was what they had been looking for. They set up camp, and The tall man left Alex tied up out in the heat of the sun to torture him more, then he and his buddy left to find a way into the ancient city.
*****
A few days earlier, Rick had met up with the other Med-jai, and now they were on rout to Hamunaptra. He was still angry at both of his children for doing this, and not sure who he was more angry with. With Emma, things were still new, and she was testing her limits, because she didn't know really what they were. Alex however knew his limits, and his punishment would be one he would not forget anytime in the future.
“Look.” Someone said close to him. Rick came back to the present realizing they were at Hamunaptra, and not far off they saw some tents, but no one around. He and Ardeth road ahead, and as the got closer they saw something that made Rick’s heart go into his throat. He got off of his horse, not giving a damn about the danger, and ran over to his son.
“Alex?” he knelt down and felt his neck, finding his pulse still strong. Rick took out his knife and cut the rope around his son’s hands
“Don’t hurt me,” came Alex’s panicked response, and he began to struggle.
“Alex, shh its dad.” Suddenly there were two gun shots, and something just behind them fell. Rick turned and saw two men dead now, both of them had been ready to kill both he and Alex. Rick lifted Alex into his arms, as Ardeth came over to them.
“He needs to rest my friend, the sun can be a deadly enemy and those burns need to be treated.” All Rick wanted to do right now was get Alex back to Evelyn, and Emma, but his friend had a point. They road for almost two hours, before they came to the Med-jai camp Once they had arrived, and had gotten off the horses, Ardeth led Rick to his tent. It wasn’t big, and only had the bare essentials. Gently Rick lay Alex onto a bed role, and Alex awoke startled.
“Shh, were safe. Ardeth brought us to his camp, and were going to help you feel better.”
“Don’t touch hurts,” Alex said of his sunburned skin. Ardeth came in with a pitcher, and a clay bowl, and some rags. He poured the water into the bowl, and also put some sort of powder in it. As he approached Alex tried to get away, and Rick gently but firmly held him still.
“No dad don’t let him touch me.” Alex began to cry, and Rick held him.
“Alex, shhh.” Rick rocked him and in a moment he had calmed down.
“I’ll leave you, just put the cloths over his skin, it will help ease his pain.” Rick nodded and when Ardeth left, he eased Alex away from him and lifted off his shirt. His skin underneath was dirty, but not as badly burned as his arms and legs, and face. Rick started there and used one rag to clean him with, then eased Alex to the mat, and got a clean rag, and wiped his face, which did make him. feel better. Once Alex was covered by the cloths he fell asleep. Rick lay next to him, and sleep soon found him too.
*****
In Cairo, almost a week had passed, and Evelyn was doing her best to be strong for Emma. They had gone around the city, seeing sights that Emma had never even dreamed of. Today was a quiet day, and the two ladies sat in their hotel room talking.
“When will we know?” Emma suddenly asked. Evelyn looked at her knowing what she was referring too.
“Soon I hope.” At that moment Jonathan came running in.
“Their here.” Both of them ran down the stairs, and outside where they found Rick carrying Alex who rested against him.
“Alex.” Evelyn ran to him, and hugged both her men.
“Easy, he has bad sunburn,” Rick said feeling Alex flinch at her touch. He had on a robe that Ardeth hand given them to keep his skin out of the sun, and he was still pretty sick. Emma ran over.
“Is he okay?” she asked afraid for him.
“He will be. Ardeth says he needs to rest, and drink lots of water.” They all went back to the room. There Rick removed the robes exposing his sunburned skin which had blistered. Evelyn settled next to him, and he opened his eyes.
“Hi mum,” he said.
“Shhh, just sleep my darling boy,” He closed his eyes, and only Rick noticed Emma run out. Blinded by tears, she ran down the hall to Uncle John’s room and lay on his bed sobbing. If she wouldn’t have been so stupid, he wouldn’t have been hurt like this. She felt someone sit beside her, then she was held in secure arms by her father, the last person she thought, who would love her.
“I’m sorry I shouldn’t have asked him to help me.” She sobbed. Rick kissed the top of her head.
“Emma, we all make mistakes, it's what we learn from them that matters,” Rick said. She pulled away from him a little.
“I guess the next time I just tell you and mum I want to go on an adventure?” Rick nodded moving her long blond hair out of her face.
“I don’t suppose you’ll let this slide with the Punishment. I mean I know I’ll never do this again, and I’ll make sure Alex doesn’t,” she tried. Rick chuckled and hugged her again.
“Not getting off so easy,” he said. She sighed.
“Well you can’t blame me for trying?” He tickled her and she laughed
“Stop, no more please.” he let up on her.
“Let’s go check on Alex.” She nodded and they went back to his room.
*****
A month had passed since their return back to England. Alex and Emma were both grounded to their own rooms, having to stay there unless it was time to study, or to eat a meal. Despite the dangers, both of them had really loved going on an adventure together, and that had brought them closer as siblings.
THE END