Chapter 104
“D-Day”
Or:
“Apocalypse now”
The Western Desert: The Stronghold of the Medjai, one hour after midnight:
“D-Day”
Or:
“Apocalypse now”
The Western Desert: The Stronghold of the Medjai, one hour after midnight:
“It is in the middle of the night. I take all sensations in: The Sounds – there are not many – the cackling of the flames. Ardeth Bey walks beside me. I feel his presence, his calm authority. I don´t know him for long. But at another place at another time, I would find him attractive. But not now. Not today.
There is no place for tarrying today.
I listen intently. Listen to my heartbeat, my pulse. It is regular. Calm. And I also feel Anna´s Presence. I know, she is gone. But I sense her. In a few hours I will avenge her. I will send Al Mansur to hell. Where he belongs.
Anna´s Soul will be pleased. And I will find peace.”
Ardeth Bey turns to me:”
“And this is really necessary?” Chris asked Ardeth Bey dubiously “I hate to make grandiose speeches in public!” The blonde and the leader of the Medjai, along with his Subcommanders stood on the large podium in the centre of Fortress´ courtyard.
Before them stood in close ranks the Warriors of the Medjai “There have to be hundreds of them” the pianist thought. Only the cackling of the torches could be heard – the air was loaded with suspense and expectation. One part of her believed to be part of Movies like “Gladiator” or “Spartacus”.
One Scene from Gladiator sprung vividly into her mind. The Speech of Maximus Decimus Meridius before the final Battle against the Marcomanni at the beginning of the Movie. It had been short and to the Point – something she liked:
“Fratres! [Brothers!]
Three weeks from now I will be harvesting my crops.
Imagine where you will be, and it will be so.
Hold the line!
Stay with me!
If you find yourself alone,
riding in green fields with the sun on your face,
do not be troubled,
for you are in Elysium,
and you're already dead!!!
Brothers:
What we do in Life echoes in Eternity....”
The Pianist smiled. Especially the last line stroke a Chord in her heart. Chris liked the Idea. Her Music, Anna´s Music would be heard by people around the Globe when they both would be long gone. She corrected herself: Anna was already dead. But to Chris she would be there – always.
The Medjai broke her out of her Reverie.
“Yes, Chris it is necessary” Ardeth Bey returned calmly “You lead the Medjai into battle. They will follow you to hell and back, but it is custom that you hold a speech to spur them on!”
Chris sighed exasperatedly “Right then!” She stepped at the edge of the podium and looked at the assembled warriors let her green eyes wonder above the hundreds black clad desert warriors looking up at her expectantly.
There were old battle-scarred faces and young smooth ones, eager for their first battle. But they all had one thing in common: The steely resolve. Chris saw it in every face. She breathed in deeply, imagined she stood on the Podium of the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg before she played the first Note. The blonde waited. Took the Scene in with every fibre of her being. Waited. Listened to the cackling of the Torches.
When Chris finally spoke, her voice rang like a silvery fanfare across the courtyard “Medjai!” She cried “Decedents of Pharaoh´s Sacred Guards! Over hundred years ago your ancestors fought the Army of Anubis and the Undead High Priest Imhotep and were victorious!”
The blonde paused for effect. Looked the Warriors in the eyes. Each and everyone.
“Tomorrow you will fight again against an enemy who poses a grave danger not only to you but to the World! And together we will be victorious again!”
The Medjai clashed their curved sabres against their metal breast plates rhythmically. Chris waited till the noise died down, raised her Arms “It is the will of the gods, foretold by the Seers long ago, that I shall lead you into battle!”
Another rhythmic clanking.
“It is a great honour to me to lead you!” Chris voice rang now even louder across the courtyard “Together we will prevail against the powers of evil! What we do in Life echoes in Eternity!” With a fluid movement she unsheathed one Katana, that of Sengo Murasama, and whirled it above her head. The over hundred times folded Steel glittered in the Torches´ Flames:
“To Victory!” she cried.
“To Victory! To Victory! To Victory!” the assembled Warriors chanted rhythmically – tall and erect motionless like a Marble Sculpture Chris stood there – her blade pointing straight in the West – unwavering.
Her green eyes blazed with an unearthly fire.
“Nicely done!” Sophie smiled to Kate “Short and straight to the point” the detective nodded “Chris always says she hates speeches – but then the occasion calls for it, she is pretty good at it” The American pouted “Castle always says my pep talk is worse than a boring lecture about statistics!” “You are not that bad” Kirsty grinned – and stressed “that” - She had heard Kate holding speeches on several occasions.
“I guess when Al Mansur knew that a storm is brewing, he would wet his pants” Hayley pointed at the assembled Medjai “Those guys are tough! I wouldn´t want to fight against them – that is for sure!”
Sarah shook her head “I don´t think he fears them – I peg that guy too arrogant for that: Think of all the presents he sent Anna – that man likes theatrics. And his security sucks. That we came so far without meeting any meaningful resistance is telling” the Canadian continued “I dare say he does not believe that anyone could discover his secret base. And he still thinks he is only up against us” The Black Lady looked around at Chris´ friends “It will still be no easy task”.
“You are really an optimist Sarah!” Hayley teased the black-haired Master Thief “No I am just realistic Miss Smarty Pants” McKenzie returned dryly “This is a dangerous game – one misstep and we are into trouble”.
“Thank God you are around!” Hayley joked.
“Without me you would be lost completely lost, especially a certain blonde who is inclined to being kidnapped! The Canadian smiled broadly at Hayley. The blonde pouted “Not fair!” “Who said I am fair?” Sarah grinned “I intend to win – I wouldn´t want to miss your wedding for anything in the world!” The Thief smiled even broader and both, Kirsty and Hayley blushed.
“Come let us get ready!” Sarah McKenzie ended the banter, now completely business like. She turned to Natasha who had followed the banter with a broad grin “You are lucky we are on a tight schedule!” The Thief smiled ominously “Or I would spank you here and now” Natasha grinned even broader but bowed her head slightly “Of course – Mistress!”
Kirsty and Hayley exchanged a look “Seems like our Masterthief has a new pet to play with” the Briton chuckled “Better her than me!” Hayley smiled.
Kirsty grew serious: “This reminds me of Afghanistan” – and turned on her heels. Hayley said nothing, her companion spoke still seldom of her times in the Army – and followed the Briton.
One hour later:
Chris turned in her saddle and looked back: A long column of Warrior in double line followed them. On her left side Ardeth Bey. The Leader of the Medjai stood up in his stirrups, raised his right arm – and pointed to the Western Gate:
Like a long line of black clad shadows, the column broke into trot. At the rear of the column the heavy equipment loaded on dromedaries. Silently they rode into the desert, into the night into the West: towards battle.
Chris felt calm and collected as they rode onwards. Behind her rode her friends “What would I do without them? We have gotten this far only because of them!” She thought back to the Moment at Hall Place Manor so many months ago, when Anna had said – only half in jest - “You would go “One for all. All for one” for me?”
“Yes, I would” The blonde had replied simply back then.
“I may have failed you Anna” she mused “But all the others were there for me – rescued me from one of the darkest places of my live. And now we will avenge you Anna – and I will sever this Bastard´s head from his stiff neck personally. There will be no river broad enough, no trench deep enough to hinder me!”
A grim smile curled Chris´ lips. She would teach Al Mansour the errors of his ways with the loving strokes of her Katanas.
“I will be the arrow, Sensei!” she vowed “I will be the arrow which pierces his black heart!”
They rode onward: Onward into the West.
The Vision
“And I saw a burning chariot
And the four horsemen of the apocalypse
Waiting on high
And I heard the thunder rolling in
And behold our leader on a pale horse riding in the sky;
And I saw this land a battlefield
With a hundred thousand men
Fighting hand to hand
And I heard the sounds of victory
And the rivers ran red with the blood of our enemies;”
(“The Vision – lyrics and music by Chris de Burgh)
“And I saw a burning chariot
And the four horsemen of the apocalypse
Waiting on high
And I heard the thunder rolling in
And behold our leader on a pale horse riding in the sky;
And I saw this land a battlefield
With a hundred thousand men
Fighting hand to hand
And I heard the sounds of victory
And the rivers ran red with the blood of our enemies;”
(“The Vision – lyrics and music by Chris de Burgh)
The Western Desert: Morning, 0500 Hours, the Arena:
Preparation Room
Even here, deep down in the Arena´s catacombs Anna heard the monotonous hypnotic beat of the drums. The Russian stood before the large polished bronze mirror and inspected her mirror image: Merit had done a magnificent job. What had the Egyptian said? When she had d prepared her Mistress for the fight?
“You truly look like an ancient warrior-princess!” And beamed at her “and she is right” Anna had to admit “Merit is right!” After the Egyptian had bathed and washed her, she had brushed her dark tresses till they shimmered and glimmered and oiled them.
On her head the Russian wore a simple golden circlet. Over a simple white tunic which reached till midthigh she wore a sculpted bronze cuirass. On her under arms polished bronze bracelets. The hobnailed Strap-Sandals were held by criss crossing straps which ended under her knees. The bronze greaves fitted perfectly.
Anna suspected they were custom made – like the cuirass. Once more Anna shuddered when she thought about Al Mansour´s obsession with her, his attention to the smallest details. She felt calm the hour she had trained for since many months was not far away now.
Anna felt no fear: She knew she would face a formidable opponent – but she was not the same Anna who had been beaten to pulp eight months ago – and nearly paid the highest price “I will not underestimate Anck-Sun-Amun. She is a wounded beast – but that makes her even more dangerous.”
But there was a dark sense of foreboding, of impending doom. She felt it in the air she felt it in the water. Merit must have sensed something too “What is it, Anna?” The Russian turned around and faced her Lady-in-Waiting “Merit, you have become a friend in the short time I am here. You made my life so much easier. Now I must ask a favour of you” Anna´s expression was grave and sincere “I must know - whatever happens today - you are safe. If anything, unusual happens today seek a safe place, can you do that for me?”
Anna looked her Lady in Waiting straight in the eyes.
“Yes, Mistress I can” Merit looked concerned at Anna “But what should happen today?” “It is just a feeling Merit, call it a hunch – but I can usually rely on my instinct. Something will happen today”.
“You sound awfully certain Anna” her Lady in Waiting frowned – then she grabbed into her purse and took something out “I want to give you something: This is an Udjat-Penchant – it is a family heirloom. It has been passed since generations in my family. It is said it belonged to Queen Hatshepsut once. It shall protect its wearer from any harm. Will you wear it for me?”
Anna was at least one foot taller than the Egyptian so Merit had to look up at her “Will you wear it for me?” she repeated earnestly “I cannot take this” Anna demurred, slightly blushing “This is too great a gift. I cannot take it”.
Sternly the usual so soft-spoken Egyptian looked at the Russian “You will take it Mistress – you need the protection of the gods today!” Now Anna had to smile “I did not know you could be that bossy – I will wear it gladly and take is a good omen” She bowed down so that Merit could close the clasp of the penchant behind her neck.
“Thank you!” Anna smiled as she stood upright again “This means much to me” The Russian looked warmly at Merit “Why don´t you just tell me an old Egyptian Fairy Tale? We have some time before I and the Priestess must enter the Arena. And a Fairy Tale would just be right now” Merit smiled “Then let me tell you the Tale of the Two Brothers” …...
The Western Desert: Close to the Palace:
Chris looked around: The Medjai moved with the precision of trained soldiers to their positions: Sarah led her teams of Javelin –Shooters to their well concealed positions: Taking the Towers out of Commission was a key piece of the plan – and Sarah had drilled their teams relentlessly, till she was satisfied. Chris had to smile:
The Thief could be a real pain in the Ass, when it came to professional standards “Preparation, preparation, preparation” was her Credo. In that regard they were not that different, the Masterthief and the Artist – Chris had recognized during this journey.
Kirsty supervised the build-up of the two mortar batteries. Chris knew from first experience how skilled the Briton was with this weapon. Hayley had told her that Kirsty had spent much time to draw up a fire plan. The Snipers and the MG-Teams of the Medjai were also in position.
The Medjai on Horseback had lined up behind the crest of the Dune “Nervous?” Ardeth Bey had moved noiselessly “No” the blonde returned calmly “Not really, somehow it feels like before I step into the limelight on the Podium” The Medjai smiled enigmatically “You are most strange Christine von der Marwitz – a Warrior an Artist and a Woman” “I am” Chris smiled back – and her smile reached her eyes “I am what I am”.
“Chris” Kate Beckett interrupted them “All Teams are in position; the communications are established “We have to wait only for your signal” Chris nodded “Perfect Kate! We will join you presently” The blonde had never commanded such a large group of fighters, so she was thankful to have her friends at her side.
Never she had expected a scenario like this when they flew from Hamburg to Alexandria “Now we are here in the middle of nowhere about to attack a sociopath who has created his own realm here” Chris pulled herself together and followed Kate to the command post.
From the Crest of the Dune, they had a good look on the vast palace compound – and the Arena. The Arena which looked like the Colosseum in Rome on a smaller scale was – despite the early hour – packed with people. Chris looked at her watch: 0520 in the Morning.
A fanfare blown by silvery trumpets rang through the air.
The Western Desert: The Arena around the same time:
Anna heard the trumpets too “So the Bastard has arrived” Pharaoh and his entourage would now take place at the King´s Box. A knock at the door “Your Grace? It is time!” Merit looked at Anna and threw herself at the Russian “Be careful Mistress!” Anna hugged the Egyptian back “I will Merit, you know me!” She broke the hug, turned on her heels and strode to the door.
Merit looked after her Mistress “Be safe Anna!” she whispered.
Five Minutes later Anna stepped into the morning sun. It was still quite cool. The crowd fell silent as the two Combatants entered the Arena. There was only the hypnotic monotone beating of the drums.
For a moment it felt to Anna that she was leaving her body and watching the Scene before her. A stream of images, of thoughts washed over her.
“I am Anna. Anna Romanova. Grand Duchesse Anna Romanova. Grand Grand Niece of Tsar Nikolas II. I stand here in the Western Desert. I will fight my mortal Enemy. How long have I waited for that moment. I can feel every fibre, any muscle in my body quivering with Energy. I am ready. And I know that the people I love are nearby. Merit, my Lady in Waiting, I am still not used to that title. The Air is cool, but the Sun feels warm on my skin. I digress – and I know I need to focus now. Where was I? Yes, Merit – but I hope, no, I know and feel Chris is not far away. I just know. I must concentrate. I must focus. I am Anna. And this is my story.”
Anna´s gaze rested on her nemesis:
Anck-Sun-Amun seemed cool and collected. Anna had not expected anything less. In step they walked to the King´s box “Did you sleep well bitch?” Anck-Sun-Amun whispered “Like a baby” Anna smiled broadly “And you?” The Egyptian returned nothing. The Egyptian tried to cover it, but she wasn´t as cool as she wanted to be.
From his Box Al Mansour – in full regalia – looked down at them. Anna recognized a few of the courtiers: There was of course the Grand Vizier and his daughter, Seth-Nacht stood right behind Pharaoh´s throne. Their eyes met – and Anna was not sure: Had the Commander of Pharaoh´s Guard just winked at her?
As it was custom Anna and her opponent bowed deeply before Pharaoh “This is the last time I bow before you Al Mansour!” Anna promised herself.
She concentrated: Before them stood the High Priest of Anubis in his traditional garb. He was responsible for the regulations to be adhered to.
He raised his arms to the heavens and recited first a solemn Prayer in the Ancient Egyptian Tongue, invoking Horus – the God of Justice – and Sachmet, the Goddess of War, praying for the favour of the Gods.
The Priest turned to both combatants “Your Grace Anna Alexandrovna Romanova” then he recited all the titles Anna would have possessed if Russia were still a Monarchy, Anna was impressed against her will – “You challenged the High Priestess of Isis because she tried to murder you!”
“I did!” And to everybody´s surprise Anna spoke in the old Egyptian Tongue – she had rehearsed that conversation with Merit yesterday. Her Talent for Languages had helped, but it had been arduous work.
“And you demand satisfaction!” The Priest asked.
“I do” Anna replied firmly.
“You know that this fight will only end when one of you is dead”.
“I do” the Russian confirmed.
“And you are resolved to fight to the death?”
“I am” Anna stated firmly.
“So shall it be written, and so shall it be done” the Priest intoned. He turned to Anck-Sun-Amun:
“You, o High Priestess of Isis, Anck-Sun-Amun stand here as the accused party. By custom and tradition, you are required to accept the challenge!” The priest´s dark baritone reverberated through the Arena.
“I do accept the challenge” the Egyptian stated firmly without any hesitation.
“So let the god´s will be done! Let the fight commence!”
Both women bowed before the priest and Pharaoh as they stood Anna whispered, “For what is worth Anck-Sun-Amun: Our Lord told me that I would win this fight anyway – so be on your guard” “From you?” The Egyptian chuckled “Listen” Anna whispered, “Pharaoh might have taken precautions to end this fight in his favour ….” The High Priestess still stared ahead but whispered back “Why are you telling me this?” “I will win in a fair fight – not in a staged one” The Russian replied firmly.
“These changes nothing between us” the Egyptian hissed “No” Anna agreed “But I would consider it as a stain on my honour not to have warned you.”
“How very noble!” The Egyptian chuckled condescendingly – “I am a Romanov” Anna said simply. Against her will Anck-Sun-Amun was impressed “Thank you” she said.
“Assume your positions!” Anubis´ High Priest commanded.
Anck-Sun-Amun and Anna turned and walked through the Arena to their positions: Anck-Sun-Amun took her stand right under Pharaoh´s Box, next to her a wooden frame with her weapons of choice: A spear, a bow, a sword, and a shield.
Anna took her stand on the opposite site, 20 Yards away. Both women looked at each other. The Russian blended the noises, the chatter, the hoots, the shouts out. There was only her opponent now. Merit looked from her seat down in the Arena – and wrung her hands “O Isis I am so nervous!” As member of the court and Anna´s Lady in Waiting, she sat in Pharaoh´s Box.
To the young Egyptian both Women looked like large predators ready to strike. Each one waited for the slightest sign which would signal an attack. Who would strike first? The tension in the Arena was palpable. The soft morning sun reflected on the two fighters’ armour.
Anna was tense and relaxed at the same time: The moment she had trained for months? It was there. Finally.
It was 0530 PM now. Not that Anna knew that or that it mattered to her. There! Anck-Sun-Amun moved swiftly to her left and grabbed her spear, sprinted a few steps and hurled it at Anna.
The Russian stood stock still, presented her front to her opponent. She felt the spear passing her left ear by an inch. The projectile hit the stonewall behind her with a sharp clank and thudded into the Arena´s sand.
Anna whirled around grabbed the spear, broke into a run, and hurled the spear back at her opponent. It missed the Egyptian barely. The two women starred at each other and sprang into action: Anna turned around and grabbed her spear while Anck-Sun-Amun grabbed her spear from the dust. Both opponents sprinted at each other they kept the weapons in both hands firmly. They clashed together: using their spears as in a stick-fight.
Anna pushed the Egyptian away with decisive strokes. But Anck-Sun-Amun parried each of Anna´s strokes and pushed back. And hit the Russian at the left shoulder, Anna escaped another hit only by a swift dive. But she gave as good as she got. One exchange followed the other.
Then as if on an unspoken agreement both fighters stepped back, breathing heavily “You are good!” the Egyptian admitted “You are not bad either!” Anna conceded “What do you think about a change of weapons?” Anna had spotted something …. “Be my guest Romanova!” the High Priestess smiled condescendingly “The Spear is not yours.”
Anna smiled “How good are you with the bow?” Anck-Sun-Amun grinned “Let´s find out!” she threw her spear in the sand and ran to her weapons. Anna did the same. She was faster. Before the Egyptian had grabbed her bow and some arrows the Russian had already nocked an arrow and wheeled around and shot – but not at her opponent: A piercing scream and an Archer crashed down into the Arena: He had hidden beside Pharaoh´s box.
The Egyptian whirled around and stared at the body on the ground “Down!” Anna shouted, “There is a second shooter!” Why she heeded her enemy’s advice she did not know but the Egyptian threw herself down in the sand and to the left. The arrow missed her barely. Anck-Sun-Amun breathed heavily as she lay in the sand. She heard a piercing scream - and a thud moments later.
Anna had shot another arrow at the second shooter. The black arrow had hit the Assassin squarely into the chest. With so much power, the arrow pierced the body. It crashed first on the banister of the Arena and left a bloody trace of blood and brain before he landed facedown into the Arena. Anna nocked another Arrow as Anck-Sun-Amun scrambled to her feet. And looked at Anna: Both women knew: The Russian had only to let loose and it would be over.
Anna´s right Arm quivered “I only have to let go now and this over” “Why don´t you shoot!” Anck-Sun-Amun challenged her “You are afraid? I knew it! You are too soft!”
“No” Anna said firmly and decided. She put the bow down “I just don´t shoot unarmed enemies” The Egyptian chuckled “Noble to a fault”.
“That´s me” Anna shrugged and stared her opponent down:
“Get your sword then!” Anna challenged her opponent “I will get mine” and strode back to fetch her sword and shield. She knew she would never get as proficient with a blade as Chris, but she had trained hard in the last months with different weapons. Sensei Genda had recommended a Chinese blade: a jian, a double-edged straight sword used during the last 2,500 years in China, a long sword.
That deep in the Egypt Desert such a weapon was available – had surprised her. Though if she was honest to herself? She should not have been surprised. Al Mansours resources were endless it seemed – and the bastard knew her way to well.
Anck-Sun-Amun had chosen a Khopesh. Anna had seen her train with the weapon – the Egyptian was good with that ancient weapon: Incredibly good.
Resolutely the Russian grabbed her sword and shield – the rectangular shields, which where the customary outfit of the Egyptian Rank and File. Though its shape was ancient the material it was made of wasn´t; Kevlar Anna mused? The jian was perfectly balanced and laid good in her hand.
Decisively she stepped forward to face her foe.
Both women measured each other up “This” the Egyptian pointed at the dead body in the Arena´s sand with her Khopesh “changes nothing between us” – “I do not expect anything less from you” Anna smiled “You want to hold a speech, or do you want to fight?” She raised her blade in salute.
The Egyptian returned the gesture. Seconds passed. Who would charge first? It was Anna who attacked with a quick combination: a stab at the centre of her opponent´s shield which almost penetrated it and an overhand stroke aimed at Anck-Sun-Amun´s head which forced the Egyptian to duck to evade the blow. Anna´s blade connected with the shield´s rim. Their shields clashed against each other with a thunder.
Neither woman backed off.
In that moment, several tremendous explosions shock the ground …...
