SEHKMET'S REVENGE

Chapter Six

"Rick! Rick! Help me!"

Evie ran towards Rick through the darkness with her arms outstretched. Her dress was tattered and bloodstained and her legs were scratched up.

"Please help me! She's after me!" she pleaded as she ran in slow motion towards Rick.

Rick fought with all his strength to reach her. Beyond her, in the gloom, he could make out the looming figure of Sehkmet coming towards them, her claws hungrily reaching for Evie.

"GET AWAY FROM HER!" he yelled as he lunged towards her.

He grabbed for Evie just as Sehkmet grabbed her from behind.

"NOOOO!" he screamed.

Rick gasped as he woke from his nightmare. He looked around and saw that he was back in his and Evie's bed. He jumped as the bedroom door opened and Indy peeked around the corner.

"You okay?" he said. "I heard you scream."

Rick swallowed as his breathing became normal.

"Yeah, I just had a nightmare."

He looked around the room.

"Where's Jonathan?" he said.

Indy stepped further into the room.

"He's asleep on the couch. That Ardeth fellow gave you both a sedative so you would sleep awhile. I guess yours has worn off."

Rick groaned as he felt pain shoot up his back. He felt behind him and noticed that he had been taped up. Indy nodded.

"He also put some kind of herbal concoction on your backs too."

Rick watched as Indy settled himself in a chair across from the bed. He dreaded asking him, but he had to know.

"And Evie?" he said hesitantly.

Indy's eyes darkened.

"She's still at the temple. Ardeth is there trying to drive Sehkmet out of her."

Rick lowered his head in his hands. He felt Indy get up and walk over to him. Putting his hand on his shoulder, Indy said,

"We'll save her. Don't worry."

Rick nodded mutely.

"Thanks," he said simply.

At that moment, they heard Jonathan wake up.

"Oh bloody hell, my back," he said softly.

Indy chuckled.

"Better check on him," he said.

He walked to the door and turned to Rick.

"Get some more rest, you'll need it!" Rick nodded and laid his head on the pillow as Indy closed the door.

Rick tried to get some sleep, but it was no use. Evie was in danger and Rick knew he couldn't rest as long as she was. Despite the intense pain he was feeling, he stumbled out of bed and down the stairs. He saw Jonathan staring at him from the couch as he reached the bottom.

"Can't sleep either?" Jonathan asked.

Rick nodded.

"Not while Evie's in trouble."

He started towards the front door.

"I have to go to her!"

Jonathan rose up from the couch.

"Me too! Ow!"

He rubbed his back as he tried to stand. Rick looked back at him.

"Don't worry about me, I'll make it," he said as he limped over to Rick. "I'm just a little stiff."

They were about to go out the door when they heard Indy clearing his throat.

"And where do you think you are going?"

Rick sighed.

"Look, I appreciate what you're doing for us, but my wife needs me. I just can't lay on my back while she's in danger!"

Jonathan nodded

"And she's my sister! I can't leave her either!"

Indy looked at them both and shook his head.

"Fine! I see I am not gonna be able to stop you even if I wanted to! I'm coming along with you though, just in case!"

He disappeared for a moment and reappeared with his bullwhip at his side. He noticed Rick and Jonathan looking down at it.

"Just in case," he said.

Even before they reached Sehkmet, they could hear her loud and clear. Roaring in frustration, she cursed and yelled at Ardeth. Rick gritted his teeth and walked faster. He was going to show Sehkmet who was boss if it was the last thing he'd ever do. As they strode into the room, Ardeth turned around and frowned. Indy shrugged at him.

"I couldn't stop them!" he said.

Ardeth placed his hand on Rick's shoulder.

"My friend, I know how you feel but you shouldn't have come. You are not strong enough!"

Rick nodded.

"I had to come, Evie needs me."

Ardeth sighed.

"I haven't had much success reaching her. Sehkmet's power is strong. I'm afraid with all my skill; I am still no match for her."

Rick glanced over Ardeth's shoulder and saw that Sehkmet was staring at him with a toothy smirk on her face. Rick fought back the urge to wipe the smirk off her face. He looked over at Indy who was motioning all of them into a huddle. When they were around him, he whispered,

"Any ideas?"

Ardeth shook his head.

"We need to find her weakness. I've tried everything I know, but so far no success."

An idea suddenly came to Rick.

"Hey!" he whispered. “What about the," he coughed. "B..E..E..R?"

He spelled it out hoping that Sehkmet had no idea what he had just said. Ardeth looked over at him.

"How are we to get her to drink it?" he said.

Rick frowned.

"Um...I'll have to get back to you on that one!" he said.

"Perhaps we could knock her out and force some down her throat?" Jonathan whispered.

They all jumped as they heard Sehkmet’s voice booming from behind.

"I'm afraid that will not be as easy as you imagine!" she said.

As they watched in horror, she gave one mighty tug and the shackles broke apart.

"You fools! Do you think mere chains could hold me?" she cackled. "I am the mighty Sehkmet! I only pretended to be captured so I could amuse myself watching your stupidity. Now the amusement is over and doomsday is at hand!"

With a roar, she flung herself past them and out the door. As they stumbled to their feet, they heard the distant sound of laughter mixed with horrified screams of dying people. Rick sighed deeply.

"I think I deserve a long vacation!"...

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