
New Concepts Publishing www.newconceptspublishing.com
Copyright ©2007 by Wend Petzler
NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.
© copyright October 2007, Wend Petzler
Cover art by Alex DeShanks, © copyright October 2007
ISBN 978-1-60394-089-4
New Concepts Publishing
Lake Park, GA 31636
www.newconceptspublishing.com
This is a work of fiction. All characters, events, and places are of the author's imagination and not to be confused with fact. Any resemblance to living persons or events is merely coincidence.
Thebes, Egypt 1786 B.C.
Pharaoh's last breath rattled forth, giving up his ka to enter the Afterlife. Fallen victim to the fatal bite from a wandering Asp, Amenemhet the Fourth had finally succumbed. Unaware, the faithful priests of Amun Ra continued their chanting, the sound deep and mournful.
Vigilant until his only brother's agonizing end, Setti gripped Amenemhet's limp hand, haunted by what he'd witnessed these past three days. Setti forced back the anguish, slapping an iron control over his exhausted senses, refusing to give in. Resigned, he released Amenemhet and drew the purple linen sheet over his beloved brother's bloated features, unrecognizable from the venom. Inward, Setti grieved. Outward, he remained stone hard, not allowing any emotion to show before his brother's subjects or family. It was to his beloved god Setti turned to. Searching the lifelike eyes of Amun Ra, the statue stood beside the altar where Amenemhet lay. Ra's arms were outstretched, seeming ready to take Pharaoh away to his heavenly kingdom.
Before the venom took his power of speech away, Amenemhet broke tradition and entrusted the care of his newborn son's kingdom by handing it over to Setti until the child came of age. And now, Setti's unexpected elevation to the most powerful man in Egypt seemed surreal. Pushing back the misery in his heart, Setti had not the time to mourn. Destiny took precedent over grief. As Guardian of the Golden Throne, he had his duty to perform.
Taking a deep breath, Setti rose and faced the gathered nobles and priests. The chanting stopped. "Beloved Pharaoh has gone to be at the right hand of Amun Ra. Pay homage to the great Amenemhet the Fourth."
The powerful, resonating voice of Imtep, High Priest of Amun Ra, echoed in the long, high-ceiled chamber. "Ra, we call to you. Take your beloved son to his celestial kingdom awaiting him in the Afterlife. May many blessings be gifted to Pharaoh for none was more kind or wise as he."
Setti squared his bare shoulders. "Priests, come and take Pharaoh. Prepare him for the long journey ahead of him."
Men and women laid flat on the black, glossy floor as six priests, wearing white linen loincloths, solemnly carried Pharaoh's body past. A strange, hazy circle of light loomed over the covered body. Along the gold inlaid, sandstone walls, chiseled carvings of warriors and hunting predators watched in apathy to the sad procession. Ten lesser wives, wearing robes of black linen, wept and moaned at the loss of their much-loved husband. Anticipation, however, glistened in the dark, calculating eyes of the ruling Queen. SobeKnefru was Amenemhet and Setti's half-sister.
Deadly as a serpent and beautiful beyond the rising sun, SobeKnefru's ambitious nature never ceased nor did she have the decency to mourn like the others. Revulsion slithered in Setti's stomach. SobeKnefru stared hungrily at him. Tradition in the royal families stated he must take his own flesh and blood as his wife, safekeeping the Throne of Lower and Upper Egypt. But not this Pharaoh! He had other plans and another woman who he wished to make Queen of Egypt.
His gaze continued on and met those of Nefari, newest of the lesser queens and mother to Amenemhet's only son, a three day old babe in swaddling cloth. Many thanked Ra in his divine wisdom to keep SobeKnefru barren, her malice unable to procreate. Sorrow welled inside Setti. Amenemhet had only held his son briefly before he fell into a coma, never looking upon the child again.
Distracted from his grief, Setti watched Imtep accept the ceremonial blade from a younger priest. Ramose, the Great Vizier, second most powerful man in Egypt, stood beside Imtep. Bowing in great reverence before Setti, they waited for him to lead the way to the throne. Determined to fulfill his brother's dying wish, Setti strode down the altar steps and across the wide chamber. Halting before the golden pair of large sphinxes guarding the alabaster steps to the Golden Throne of Egypt, Setti turned and faced his people.
Ramose accepted the sacred knife from Imtep and ordered, "Setti, kneel."
Dropping to his knees, Setti's mind went numb as Ramose shaved the princely lock of braided, midnight-colored hair signifying his advance to King of Egypt. The ceremony performed tonight gave the Egyptian nobles peace of mind that they had a ruler in charge. In seventy days, Setti would be legally confirmed Egypt's next pharaoh when he donned the sacred Double Crown at sunrise.
Ramose held the braided lock high above him and bellowed, "May Amun Ra guide the Divine hand of Setti as he sets his feet upon the path of his celestial destiny. Son of Ra, rise and be Pharaoh." Bowing low to Setti as the warrior climbed to his feet, a shadow of apprehension remained in Ramose's dark eyes when he glanced at the Queen. SobeKnefru glowed, at last free of the studious husband who paled in comparison to his warrior brother, Setti.
"Hail Setti, Pharaoh of Egypt," SobeKnefru shouted. Her head held high, she paid homage to her half-brother. Eyes, dark and devious, glittered in hot anticipation. Confident she'd continue in her role of ruling queen, this time sharing the throne with the virile and strong Setti by her side.
Studying her brother's handsome magnificence, Setti's striking features appeared etched in a stony visage. Proud and noble, Setti stood a full head and shoulders above the average Egyptian. His strong, perfect body and rippling muscles took her breath away. Wrapped around his waist hung a black linen loincloth, fastened by a pleated belt, tied traditionally in front. Lean hips straightened to powerful, muscular legs. Setti looked like the god he was about to become when he accepted the Crook and Scepter of crowned Pharaoh.
Will he come and claim me as Royal tradition commanded, she wondered?
Many Egyptians loved to wear jewelry, and Setti was no exception. Ears pierced and adorned with simple, looped gold earrings, gold bracelets were fastened about his wrists and bulging biceps. She admired his intelligent and piercing almond-shaped eyes. Setti had a way of looking deep into another's eyes to see right into their very soul.
A small part of her quaked in sudden terror. Can he see what I've done?
In a great, purposeful voice, Setti addressed his subjects, "Leave us to mourn in private. May Amun Ra bless and keep you." Setti decided it time to settle a few things with his family, without an audience present to witness the fight that was sure to come. Scanning the crowd, he found his beloved amongst the mourners. A rare expression of sadness creased Yoshabel's lovely features before Jacob, her father, led her away.
A sinking feeling rose from the pit of Setti's stomach. Why does Yoshabel look as if she is saying goodbye?
The late Pharaoh's personal bodyguards rounded up the people and ushered them from the Throne room. Sabni, the young priest who held steady vigilance by SobeKnefru's side during the last hours of Amenemhet's life, reluctantly left too. Before exiting, Sabni shot Setti a seething, jealous look. The great, double doors closed with a solid 'boom.' Weary, Setti sat on the throne, shivering when his bare skin touched the cold, gold-inlaid wood. Running his hands over the arms bearing the carved lion heads, he curled his long fingers around them. From the back of the throne rose a gold sculptured moon and sun. Extending from the sides of the chair were beautifully detailed wings, all the divine symbols of ruling the Heavens and Earth.
Pharaoh. The Golden Throne held his weight easily as it had so many pharaohs before him. His shoulders, strong and powerful, able to wield spear and sword with terrifying force, sagged in grief. SobeKnefru rushed to his side, taking his large hands in her fragile-seeming ones.
"It is over, Setti. You must rest before our wedding." The gathered women gasped in outrage at her boldness. With a threatening glare, she silenced their objections. SobeKnefru continued on gently, "You know we must move on. It is in the best interest of our kingdom."
He had always known she was ambitious but to be so crass? Setti rose, scowling down at her delicate, upturned face. SobeKnefru blinked in confusion when he thrust off her possessive hand. "Remember your place, sister. I am Pharaoh, and I will decide when and to whom I shall marry," Setti ground out in warning. He strode down the carved steps, seeking to place distance between himself and his greedy sister. Later, he would decide what to do with her. Right now all he wanted was to get away from SobeKnefru.
Rage erupted inside SobeKnefru at Setti's scornful words. She ran after him, not caring who witnessed their fight. "Setti, you of all people know best our laws. To ensure the continuation of our throne and power, we must marry."
A searing look of pure fury crossed his face as Setti returned her glare. "As Commander of the Egyptian army and soon to be publicly declared Pharaoh, I make the laws now. I, Pharaoh, will decide my own fate. Not you, nor the priests, especially the one who is your lackey. This conversation is over." Setti spun on his heel and strode away, ending any further arguments. He shoved the double doors wide open, exiting the Throne room.
Flabbergasted, SobeKnefru stared after him. The rumors were true! Setti planned on marrying a common soldier's daughter instead of his own flesh and blood. She turned to see Sabni, her faithful priest hovering by the massive doors, stunned as she by her brother's words. Setti needed to be taken care of and soon, if she wanted to keep the throne. Never will she be displaced by a mere commoner. Glaring at Nefari who clutched her sleeping son tight against her bosom, the other lesser queens surrounded the frightened girl as if guarding her from a hungry lioness. SobeKnefru stormed out of the chamber. Fearful of her precarious position, she knew if her situation did not change her reign would be brief for she had not borne a child before her husband died. A minor wife had.
When she married Amenemhet four years past, she cared little if she bore him a child or not. When he chose to take other wives, SobeKnefru took certain precautions in keeping the women as barren as she. The only one she was unable to slip the potion preventing conception was Nefari. The hour too late, her plans to rule alone were unraveling. Nefari's child was the legal heir, if he lived to claim Egypt.
If?
Many possibilities in ridding the young prince swirled in her chaotic mind. First, Setti needed to be taken care of and soon, before he rearranged her life.
"Queen SobeKnefru, what shall we do?" Sabni said, worried by the calculating way she stared at him.
"My love," SobeKnefru's silky-smooth voice deepened seductively. Her slender hand lifted, caressing the hard, bare plains of his exposed chest. "Come with me. Let the others prepare my husband's burial. We need to make our own plans."
Nervous, swallowing difficult, Sabni forced his way past the sudden lump in his throat. "What kind of plans?"
"A plan which will keep me Queen of Egypt, maybe even become Pharaoh Queen." Walking beside Sabni, SobeKnefru contemplated her options. "You are Guardian of the Black Book. There must be something inside it to aid me in obtaining the Double Crown of Egypt."
Stunned by her words, he blinked several times at the forbidden thought of a woman becoming Pharaoh. Following the voluptuous beauty, fear in his heart, Sabni knew not what SobeKnefru might ask him to do, or if he had the courage to deny her. Since the Black Book had come into his possession, SobeKnefru encouraged his advances, recently becoming his lover. He cared not why SobeKnefru shared the elusive secrets of her lush body, only falling more in love with every passing moment shared in her pale, perfumed arms.
Khet Ne Kemit Shoit, The Black Book of Fire, was a sacred book passed down through generations to a priest who had inherited the Gift of Ra---the Second Sight. A collection of powerful spells and rare incantations, many believed it linked mere mortals to the Gods. Produced from the eternal, scorching fires of the dark Underworld, some spells were rumored to be potent enough to raise the dead.
Once they were alone, he warned, "We must be careful! Many are loyal to Setti and would gladly slit our throats rather than present our betrayal to the new Pharaoh."
"They cannot remain loyal to him if Setti is removed, leaving me to rule Egypt alone." Smiling, she licked her full, pomegranate-red lips in anticipation of possessing all the powers belonging to Egypt.
"I will not shed Royal blood," he whispered, glancing uneasily about the shadowy corridors, worried someone might be eavesdropping upon their conversation.
"Nor do I ask such a thing from you. Setti is my only living flesh and blood, besides the newborn prince. We need to find a way to place Setti somewhere safe while I rule in his stead," her warm, sultry voice purred.
A thoughtful frown puckered his brow. Sabni pondered the many possibilities of casting a spell upon the new Pharaoh. Perhaps one in which Setti might be placed in a death-like state, and SobeKnefru could legally become Queen Pharaoh and rule Egypt. At least until Amenemhet's son came of age. If the child survives, Sabni thought nervously, seeing SobeKnefru quite determined to keep her rightful place upon the Golden Throne. At any cost.
"I might be able to find a suitable spell in the Black Book."
A beguiling smile curved her soft, red lips. She tenderly caressed his cheek. "I knew I could rely on you. For your loyalty to me, I will make you High Priest of Sobek, the Crocodile God to whom I worship. And when I am Queen Pharaoh, I will abandon Amun Ra. The Crocodile God shall rule supreme over the Sun God. When can you start the preparations?" she asked breathlessly, unable to hide the ambitious gleam in her dark eyes.
The heady thought of becoming High Priest vanquished his doubts. His clever mind began to plot. "I believe it best if we wait until after Pharaoh Amenemhet's burial."
"They expect me to bide my time! I must change tactics and strike now. Setti plans to marry that stupid peasant girl, Yoshabel. She will be queen, not I!" SobeKnefru snarled.
Stunned, Sabni conceded she was right. "Tomorrow night we shall make you Pharaoh Queen." Bowing low to SobeKnefru, Sabni hurried away. He had a long night ahead of him.
Denied the role of reigning queen will send me over the edge of sanity, SobeKnefru swore, furious at the injustice of her situation. A seed of real fear crept into her fierce heart when she thought of the simpering sweet Yoshabel as Queen of Egypt. To keep peace, Setti might cast her out of Thebes to a faraway estate, preventing her from interfering with the newlyweds. No longer being part of politics or the delicious intrigue accompanying it nearly made SobeKnefru cry.
Why could I not have been Father's one and only child? Her ascension to the Egyptian Throne would have been much easier and less messy with the deaths she caused to attain the Double Crown. An evil fire blazed in the dark depths of SobeKnefru's eyes as she gazed over the hypnotic waters of the river Nile.
"By tomorrow, I will take the title of Queen Pharaoh and rule Egypt better than any man ever has. All of Egypt shall bow down to me and worship me as a true goddess! My name will be remembered long after the sands reclaim the pyramids and my people have vanished with time." SobeKnefru grew heady in the knowledge that power---true power---was close at hand. Confident her rise to power would be successful, SobeKnefru trusted Sabni, for he had never failed her. Never.
Fatigued, Setti entered his own chambers, wishing to bathe and sleep. SobeKnefru could be dealt later when he was at his full strength and ready to face her deceptive ways. Running a hand over his freshly shaved head, the odd sensation of being completely bald enforced his affirmation.
Removing the armbands and bracelets, he placed the items on the table near the doorway. Setti untied the pleated belt from around his hips and let his loincloth fall to the floor. Kicking off his leather sandals, he stepped into his private bathing pool. Sighing from the pleasure of hot water surrounding him, it soothed his aching muscles, stiff and sore from his protective vigilance over his suffering brother. Having not eaten or slept in three days, he had stayed beside his brother just in case SobeKnefru tried to hasten Amenemhet's death.
Was she the cause of Pharaoh's death? SobeKnefru.
What was he to do with such a deadly viper in his house? His thoughts shied from the treacherous beauty he called sister, instead turning to Yoshabel, the woman he was falling in love with. Her sweet, angelic features calmed the torment whirling in his mind and heart. Convinced Yoshabel would make a gracious queen and an excellent mother to his future sons, he knew of no other better to rule by his side. Resting the back of his head against the green-tiled rim, Setti closed his eyes and saw the beautiful woman he wished to marry.
A month earlier, Jacob, Setti's most trusted advisor and loyal friend, held a homecoming feast in honor of Yoshabel, his only daughter's return. Raised by her aunts, Yoshabel had lived a life sheltered from the world: an innocent. When introduced to her, Setti felt his insides melt, entranced by Yoshabel's uncommon beauty and silky, sand-gold hair. When their eyes met, he knew in that instant he wanted her as his wife.
It seemed an eternity ago when life was simple and sweet in Yoshabel's soothing company, all shattered by the tragic death of his brother. Forcing his tired body to move, Setti scrubbed with a large sponge, washing away the death he had kept company. Submerging under the waters, rinsing, he resurfaced. Taking a deep breath, filling his lungs with the cleansing scent of jasmine and sandalwood incense lit to ward off evil spirits. Silently servants went about preparing the chamber for the night. His manservant held ready a bathing sheet. Setti strode out of the sunken pool and accepted the linen and dried off. Wrapping the sheet around his lean hips, the sun setting in the western sky caught his attention. Stepping outside the arched doorway and onto the stone balcony, he crossed his brawny arms when the bitter chill of apprehension invaded his weary soul. His faithful servant remained behind him.
"Have the priests taken my brother to the Cave of the Dead?"
"Yes, your Highness. Imtep personally accompanied Pharaoh Amenemhet's body. Ramose is readying Egypt for the transfer in power, sending word out to all nobles that you will accept the Double Crown in seventy days. He worries SobeKnefru might try to cause you political harm by stirring up trouble when you do not take her as your queen." The manservant kept his eyes downcast. It was forbidden to look Pharaoh in the eye or touch him without permission. According to Egyptian Law, Prince Setti was now a god.
Setti felt the same way about SobeKnefru. His sister was far too ruthless to remain a widowed queen. She would continue to scheme and plot until she got her way. When he envisioned his conniving sister, it brought to mind his brother's only son. Arrangements needed to be made to bring the child and his mother closer to him where he could personally watch over them, protecting them from SobeKnefru.
Frowning, Setti realized his servant had not looked him in the eye. The full realization hit him of the many changes in his life. To be Pharaoh meant an elevation to god-like status. His family, captains, and his men would all look at and treat him differently.
"I wish to be alone." Setti waved his manservant and the other servants away, dismissing them. They hurried from the chamber, leaving Setti to his thoughts.
Setti watched the sunset deepen into a disturbing shade of blood red. An uncomfortable stirring of dread pooled in the pit of his stomach. Considered a bad omen to see such a sinister color paint the sky, he watched the sun sink into its shadowy bed beyond the Nile. Viewing the beautiful city of Thebes stretched out below his balcony, pride and love swelled in Setti's heart for his beloved home. In his biased opinion, no other city in Egypt compared to Thebes.
Turning a broad, powerful back to the city he loved, Setti blew out the squat, rounded candles positioned on the black lacquered tables as he made his way to the huge bed. Drawing back the white, soft linen coverlet embroidered with gold thread, he doffed the bathing sheet and climbed into bed.
Staring at the ceiling, flashes of his beloved brother's last days persisted to haunt him, the toxic venom was slow in killing Amenemhet, the ravages of the snake bite horrifying even to a battle-hardened warrior as Setti. Exhaustion finally won. He rolled onto his side, nearly asleep when a last thought interjected into his weary mind.
Was there a worse way to die?
Hurrying through the alabaster hallways belonging to the Temple of Amun Ra, Sabni went directly to his private chambers. At the far wall of his sleeping quarters, he pressed a copper tile in the shape of jackal-headed god, Anubis, set to the left, mid-level. A section of the wall retreated. Sabni entered the antechamber and struck the flint against the wick, lighting the oil lamp hanging above the small, black-stoned altar. Upon the small altar lay a large, dark metallic book. Made originally of melted silver, over the centuries its color had deepened to a sinister smoky sheen.
Kneeling, Sabni spoke the protection spells etched on the cover plate, allowing him to safely open the Black Book without bringing harm to himself. Taking a deep breath, he turned the first plate. Nothing happened. Exhaling in a relief, Sabni searched until a particularly interesting incantation caught his attention: a curse between life and death. The cursed can be awakened and return to the land of the living, but it possessed a side-effect: immortality. Death could never touch the Cursed One.
Hands shaking, he lit the squat, copper brazier. Taking a small, black cauldron, he hung it over the burning coals. Rummaging through the vials lined upon a shelf, he chose one containing a thick, blue liquid. Sabni poured half the contents into the heated pot. Hissing, the cool liquid bubbled when it hit the hot metal. Blue steam rose, circling the small chamber. Gathering the required ingredients, Sabni chanted as he went about creating a curse upon the man who would be Pharaoh.
Swiping the gathered sweat from his furrowed brow, Sabni worried about the crime he was about to commit upon an innocent man. By Egyptian Law, he was forbidden to shed royal blood, sworn to protect Setti and all of his bloodline. Sending Setti to the land between Life and Death satisfied the laws of his religion and his conscience.
A sudden bout of sanity gave Sabni pause. Did he really trust SobeKnefru? Would she make him High Priest? Did he really wish to abandon Ra and worship another god for a woman's love? To be elevated to High Priest was a special honor and his dearest aspiration, next to possessing SobeKnefru. Deciding to trust the woman he loved with all his being, he focused on the task before him. He must be precise when casting the curse. If he failed, he, along with SobeKnefru, faced execution by a wrathful Pharaoh.
To finish the spell required more power than he possessed. Sabni needed Divine help. Bracing himself, Sabni forced his voice to come out strong, determined to see his plan out. "Great Anubis, sacred Jackal God of the Underworld, I summon you." He implored, "Anubis, Lord of the Dead, please aid me in my quest to curse Setti. For my love of Queen SobeKnefru, I freely give whatever you demand in granting my request." Sweating, he fought to keep calm.
Flames erupted from the caldron, engulfing the blue mist rising from the cauldron. Expanding, it formed a crimson cloud in the shape of a jackal-headed man. Anubis' hand whipped out and grabbed Sabni by the throat, hauling him up onto his toes.
"FOOLISH PRIEST," Anubis snarled in the terrified human's face. "You bargain for a woman?" The terrified priest nodded shakily in response. Looking askance at the priest, he asked, "My price is high, will you accept?"
"For her, I would do anything." Sabni plunged heedlessly onward. Tears fell down his cheeks, torn inside by what he must do to help SobeKnefru attain the Egyptian throne.
Astonished by the priest's devotion to Queen SobeKnefru, Anubis roared, "SO BE IT!" Revealing what he'd take from Sabni, Anubis did not give him time to prepare and entered his body.
Screaming, Sabni collapsed on the floor, writhing in agony as Anubis finished the potion. In a blinding flash, Anubis leapt from his body and placed a scarab-shaped ruby amulet in his hand. Sabni clutched the stone, crying out when it burned his hand. Dropping the necklace, he stared in horror at his palm.
"You are marked forever, traitor of Ra. Make sure Setti drinks the potion before you place the amulet around his neck. Speak the words precisely or Ra shall give me your soul to torment at my leisure. Do you still wish to proceed?"
"Yea, my lord, I wish to continue."
Shaking his head sadly at the stupid human, Anubis abandoned the chamber.
Placing a trembling hand on the altar, Sabni drew himself up into a sitting position and fumbled around for the pinchers. He dipped a small, glass vial into the simmering liquid and filled it with the strangely clear substance. Corking the vial, he rose unsteadily to his feet. Clumsily, he made his way to the narrow cot, drained mentally and physically by what he'd conjured for the woman he loved.
Just before he fell asleep, his conscience tried one last time to interfere with what his traitorous actions were about to reap upon an innocent man. Images of SobeKnefru rose in his mind, dispersing any doubts he might have had. To be in her arms again, he would betray even his god to have SobeKnefru!
Dismayed, Setti rose unsteadily from his bed, realizing he had slept most of the day away. With much needing to be accomplished today, he splashed water on his face, shaking off the grogginess of so much sleep. Wrapping a fresh loincloth of white linen around his hips, he slipped his feet into a worn pair of sandals before leaving his chambers in search of food. Today, he planned to ask Yoshabel to marry him.
Upon entering the informal dining chamber, a serving girl brought Setti a clay cup of cool milk and a tray of warm, honey oat cakes for him to eat. Setti was eating when Imtep appeared. The hulking, tall man bowed low at the waist and approached, keeping his face downcast.
"Imtep, please join me." Setti motioned for the servants to bring more food but stayed his hand when Imtep shook his head.
"Thank you, Your Highness, but I must decline. I've come on matters concerning your coronation. Ramose and I feel you should be crowned much sooner than the customary seventy days. In fact, we believe tomorrow at sunrise would be best. May we proceed?"
Powerful and physically intimidating, the High Priest appeared uncommonly nervous. When Setti waved him to take a seat, Imtep reluctantly accepted. Frowning at the odd request, Setti was about to ask why when his lovely sister entered the chamber. Imtep kept his stony features forward, refusing to acknowledge her as he waited upon Setti's answer. Apparently, they did not want him to wed SobeKnefru anymore than he.
"Brother, did you sleep well?"
"Well enough. Imtep, proceed with the preparations. At sunrise, we shall have my coronation. Notify the kitchen to prepare the feast for tonight." Setti arched a dark eyebrow at his sister, expecting a fight. When none occurred, he relaxed.
SobeKnefru daintily selected a piece of fruit from the laden bowls set before her. "When do you plan to wed sweet Yoshabel?" Using a sharp knife, she peeled the skin from the fat, red grape she picked.
Setti rose from the table. "We shall discuss my upcoming marriage at a later time. Excuse me, but I have many preparations to attend before tonight's feast. May your day be well." Leaving, Setti's mind forged ahead to Yoshabel, needing to see her.
Smiling smugly, SobeKnefru watched her brother walk away, followed closely by Imtep whose dark eyes narrowed at her. No doubt wondering what she was up to. A large part of her could not help admire the way Setti proudly carried himself. So assured of his power, he remained confident in his unequaled skill as a warrior and diplomat. Following the pair at a discreet distance, she noted his skin glowed like dark bronze in the bright sunlight. Eyes shrewd and forceful, Setti scanned his surroundings: cautious and vigilant.
It really was a shame that Amenemhet was the firstborn and not Setti. Then again, if Setti had been the eldest she never would have had the privilege of being queen. Setti was the purest, most handsome specimen their royal lineage had ever produced. And she was being forced to kill him. How tragic, she sighed in a rare moment of regret. The feeling was quickly replaced with the heady promise of becoming Pharaoh Queen.
She watched Setti stride toward the stables while Imtep went in the opposite direction. She left the palace and casually made her way down the steep street toward the sprawling Temple of Amun Ra. SobeKnefru walked past the impressive building, spotting Sabni hiding behind one of the tall, white columns far from the main entrance of the temple.
"My Queen, have you heard the news?" Sabni checked to make sure no one saw him. Shaken by the absence of dreams during his sleep, he knew Anubis toyed with him, taking his time in claiming payment. Without his dreams, he knew not if the curse would work or fail. For the first time, Sabni proceeded blindly without aid from Ra.
"I have. Is everything ready?" SobeKnefru idly played with the end of her braided rope belt.
"Yes."
Noticing his right hand wrapped in linen strips, SobeKnefru frowned. "What has happened to you?"
Unwrapping his hand, he showed her the burn. "Anubis marked me."
Shaken by the lifelike detail of the scarab burned into his flesh, she tried to ignore her terror at the sight. Swallowing hard, she smiled tremulously at Sabni. "Your loyalty to me shall not go unrewarded. Everything you have suffered will be repaid tenfold in gifts for helping me attain the Golden Throne."
"When do you wish us to give Setti the potion?"
"Bring Setti to me in the gardens before he attends the Coronation Feast. There, we shall toast his good fortune and a long, fruitful life."
"Yes, my Queen." Sabni left to help with the preparations for Setti's coronation.
Tonight, I will be rid of Setti, clearing my way to the Double Crown. If things continued in her favor, she might have the opportunity to eliminate Nefari and her son, too. Needing to make her own preparations for tonight, she headed back to the palace. There was a light step in her walk as her bid to rule Egypt drew closer.
Setti skillfully guided the matched pair of sleek, high-strung black stallions through the crowded streets to Jacob's house. Hoping Yoshabel would be home, there was much to discuss about their future together. Pulling back the reins, the eager, snorting horses came to a rearing halt. A young man rushed forward and took hold of their bridles. Setti leapt agilely off the bronze chariot and strode to the front door. It opened, and a manservant bowed respectfully to him.
"Is Lady Yoshabel available?" Setti inquired politely.
"Yes, Your Majesty. My mistress is working in the garden. Please follow me." The servant led the way into the inner courtyard of the three-leveled, sandstone manor. "My lady, Pharaoh Setti graces us with his Divine presence."
Setti's heart leapt when he saw Yoshabel amongst the bright, fragrant roses. When she rose and bowed by way of greeting him, her eyes remained fixed upon her feet. "Lady Yoshabel, I apologize for coming unannounced. May I enter your gardens?" He grew more confused by her unusual coolness toward his presence. Any other time she would have rushed to him, eager to be in his arms. Yet, her angelic features remained averted.
"You are Pharaoh. You need not my permission to go wherever you please."
Her words came out soft, but the harsh implications were painful nonetheless to Setti. Gently placing a long, crooked finger under her delicate chin, Setti urged her to look up at him. "Yoshabel, you of all people know I never take what is not freely given." Tears sparkled in her beautiful blue eyes, alarming him.
"You are not the Setti I knew a week ago. You will be crowned Pharaoh, and I will marry the man whom my father wishes."
Taking her small hand in his, he urged her to sit beside him on the stone bench and offered her a bright smile. "Today, I come to ask your hand in marriage. Will you accept and be my Queen?"
Shock and fear clouded her expressive eyes, her soft pink mouth opened and closed. Withdrawing her hand from his, she folded them in her lap. Tears drop onto her tightly clutched fingers. "Am I free to answer you?"
Troubled, Setti nodded, "Yea, you are free to do so."
"I cannot marry you." Her whispered words ended upon a broken sob.
Taken aback by her response, it took Setti a full moment to gather his composure. Jumping to his feet, he demanded, "Why will you not marry me? Before all that has happened with my brother, you wanted nothing more than to become my wife. I lay the entire world at your feet, and you deny me?"
"I am not like you," she shot back. "The palace is a treacherous world beyond my simplicity. Death is a curse upon your family. If I am free as you say, I refuse to be a part of your tragedy."
Her words left him cold with dread. Did she truly believe his family cursed? Before he could respond, Jacob shouted a warm greeting when he entered the gardens.
Jacob ignored protocol and grasp Setti in a bear hug. "Welcome and please accept my condolences. Pharaoh Amenemhet was a good and fair ruler as I know you shall become."
Pretending nothing wrong, Setti inclined his head. "Many thanks, Jacob, for your kind words. I come to invite you to the Coronation Feast tonight. Ramose and Imtep feel it is in the best interest of Egypt if I am crowned at sunrise."
"Have you come to my house perhaps for another reason?" Jacob's gaze shifted over to his daughter who flushed, unable to look at him. Worried, he took her small hand in his much larger one. "Yoshabel, are you well?"
"No, Father, I am not. Please excuse me." Yoshabel rose and bowed to the men and then fled.
Confused, Jacob motioned for a servant to come forth with refreshments. "What has transpired between you and Yoshabel?" He poured a cup of hgt, a strong and robust flavored beer into a wooden cup, handing it over to the unhappy man.
First taking a long drink, Setti answered gruffly, "I asked her to become my Queen."
"What did she say?" His fondest dream was for his beautiful daughter to marry his general and friend. At last, his dream tittered on the edge of becoming reality.
"Yoshabel refused me."
"She did what?" His daughter had an opportunity to become Queen of Egypt and she said no?
Finishing the rest of the beer in a single gulp, Setti set down his cup. Numb by the unexpected rejection from the woman he thought loved him, he rose. "I must take my leave. Please, come to tonight as my honored guests. Goodbye, my old friend."
"Fair thee well, my friend." Jacob waited until the front door closed behind Setti before running upstairs to demand an answer, only to find his daughter weeping. Unsure what happened, he gently took her into his arms. When Yoshabel was somewhat calm, he asked, "Why did you not accept Setti's hand in marriage?"
"SobeKnefru will seek to destroy me for coming between her and the Golden Throne. I am not strong enough to stand up to her. She is evil," Yoshabel whispered past the terrified lump in her throat. Furious at herself for being such a coward, her fear of the malevolent, spiteful woman reminded her that one day SobeKnefru would find a way to murder her, making sure no other wore her crown.
Stroking her silky, sand-gold hair, trying to comfort his daughter's broken heart, Jacob understood at last Yoshabel's reasoning. Yoshabel knew best her strengths and weaknesses. If she felt unable to stand up to SobeKnefru's ambitious and conniving nature, then he would not force her to accept Setti's hand in marriage. "I understand, and in time, so will Setti. Do you wish to remain at home while I attend the feast and his coronation?"
Shaking her head, fresh tears fell again. "I will go with you and see my beloved crowned. If I cannot have him, at least I will be there to support him as our new Pharaoh."
"Go and prepare yourself. We will leave after sunset." He watched her leave, knowing what she'd done today was a brave decision. Not strong in nature or in body, some might think her a coward, but Yoshabel knew she was no match for SobeKnefru. Will Pharaoh see it as such or view it as a personal rejection? Sighing, Jacob went about getting ready, praying all went well tonight. If SobeKnefru were to ever claim the Double Crown, Egypt would suffer unimaginably. The fragile peace along her borders could fail, inciting war again. Only Setti's feared reputation upon the battlefield and determination in reinforcing Amenemhet's will had kept the peace treaties intact.
God of my forefathers, please hear my prayer and protect Setti from his enemies, even if it may be from his own sister, Jacob prayed, worried for his friend on the eve of Setti's coronation.
Racing across the desert, desperate to outrun his confusion and apprehension, Setti noticed his horses labored to catch wind. Setti slowed his horses to a walk, soothing them with soft words. Yet, Yoshabel's words haunted him. He had not thought about his family's history, shocked to realize most died in the prime of their life by violence or strange ailments. As a soldier, he always assumed someday he would die by the sword. His impending coronation left Setti perplexed about his future.
It will not be my destiny to share the same fate my family suffered, Setti swore. Although determined, a small seed of doubt interjected.
Was he cursed, too?
A large star, just above the darkening skyline, sparkled against the twilight. Sepdet's arrival signaled the coming of floods, the harvest season almost over. Like the sacred Nile, Setti knew his duty to his people all too well, ingrained into him since before he learned to walk. Turning the lathered horses around, he drove the wild pair back to Thebes.
The magnificent palace rose before him. Setti's heart pounded with fierce pride. I shall rule Egypt as Amenemhet and Father had. I shall make them proud of me. But, I still will not marry SobeKnefru. Removing his sister from Thebes would be his first official act as Pharaoh.
Two stable boys met him and led the tired horses to the lower buildings. Taking a deep breath, Setti strode inside, mentally getting his priorities straight---Egypt first, his heart second.
Servants awaited him in his quarters. Setti stripped and bathed. Stepping out of the water, he was met by several servants holding linen towels and quickly dried. Next expensive frankincense oil was rubbed over his body, making his bronze-colored skin gleam. Donning a white sarong, a belt of gold and black, ruby-eyed scarabs, were fastened around his hips. Next came a heavy shawl necklace bearing seven, ruby-eyed, black scarabs. Arranging it about Setti's neck and shoulders, the center scarab wore a crown, signifying his status as Royal General Commander of Pharaoh's army.
Grimacing, Setti adjust the jeweled necklace and matching belt. They weigh almost as much as my armor, he thought, grimacing at the irony.
A striped headdress of white linen and gold was placed upon his head. The servant reached upward to remove his earrings, but Setti shook his head, waving him off. Despite Yoshabel's rejection, he would wear them in remembrance of happier times. A knock at the door drew his attention. When a servant opened it, Setti bristled at who it was---Sabni.
"Your Highness, may I approach?"
"Come." Setti took a seat in a nearby chair and waited for the priest to speak. Something was clearly wrong. Sabni nervously shifted his feet, keeping his eyes fixed on the floor. Growing vexed by the long silence, it also concerned him. "Is everything ready for my coronation?"
"Yes, your Highness. Queen SobeKnefru bade me come to you and present her desire for a private moment before the feast. She awaits you in the gardens." Sabni kept his eyes focused on his sandaled feet, praying for the strength to stay his course.
"Why?" Setti bluntly demanded, not in the mood for any more surprises on the eve of his coronation. Rising from the chair, Setti accepted his jewel encrusted dagger from his manservant and placed it in the sheath at his hip.
"The Queen wishes to know your intent about her fate since you refuse to wed her."
Nodding, Setti figured SobeKnefru wanted to discuss her future. SobeKnefru proved to be a dangerous female. Not with conventional weapons, but ones of seduction and traitorous desires. If she remained in Thebes, SobeKnefru would turn the palace upside down, tempting the most loyal of men against him. "Come, I have a moment to spare." Setti strode past Sabni.
In the great hall, Yoshabel, her father by her side, mingled amongst the many guests gathered. Admiring the murals painted on the high walls, she tried her best to maintain a smile despite her decision to deny Setti. Listening to the conversations around her, many wondered when the crowned-elect Pharaoh would arrive and the celebration could get under way. Yoshabel's attention diverted to the serving girl weaving through the crowds toward her. Bowing before her, the girl held out the message she carried.
"Yes?" Yoshabel asked.
"For you, my lady."
Taken aback, Yoshabel warily accepted the note, frowning when the girl hurried away. Her father peered over her shoulder, curious what it contained. Apprehensive, she read it and almost sighed in relief. "Setti requests I come and speak with him in the gardens. Father, what shall I do?"
Understanding her dilemma, Jacob knew she had other choice but obey the royal summons. "Dear heart, do not fear Setti. He loves you nearly as much as I." Briefly, he pressed his forehead to Yoshabel's, assured his only child was safe in Setti's honorable company.
SobeKnefru waited impatiently. Her plans tilted on the edge of becoming reality. Who would arrive first---Setti or Yoshabel? When male voices echoed down the hall, elation surged inside her. A far more terrible fate will Setti suffer than his poor, beloved Yoshabel, she maliciously thought.
Coming around the corner, Setti stopped, unable to help admiring his sister's stunning beauty. SobeKnefru had made a magnificent queen, if only she weren't so ruthless. The malice in her deceitful eyes tainted her delicate loveliness. If he did not marry Yoshabel, would he take SobeKnefru as wife? Revulsion slithered in his stomach at the thought of bedding his own sister. How had Amenemhet?
"Sister, how fares your day?"
"I am pleased with my day. And you? Are you ready to don the Double Crown?" He still doesn't trust me and for good reason, she thought with a malicious smugness, ready to reap another terrible crime again on another of her family members.
"What did you wish to speak with me about?" Unsure what games SobeKnefru played tonight, Setti watched Sabni continue over to a table and pour wine into two cups.
"I wanted to congratulate you on your upcoming wedding." SobeKnefru accepted the cup from Sabni, her dark eyes narrowing when Setti took his.
"There will be no wedding between Yoshabel and me." At her soft, hopeful gasp, he shook his head. "No, I still will not marry you. I have plenty of time to find my own queen." Setti looked down at his cup, then at the priest, uncertain whether to drink the wine. When he saw the tattooed eye of Ra etched on the side of Sabni's neck, his doubt vanished. Sabni belonged to the Sacred Order of Amun Ra, sworn to serve and protect Pharaoh, even if it meant sacrificing their lives to do so.
The pain of Yoshabel's rejection still fresh, he drank the wine. The instant the liquid touched his tongue he knew something was terribly wrong. The priest started chanting. Setti's world spun, his vision blurred. He tried to focus, seeing only SobeKnefru's evil smile. She watched him struggle, such hateful malevolence in her glittering black eyes. His legs buckled from underneath him, and he dropped to his knees. Unable to stand, Setti tried to face of his enemy, his own flesh and blood. Sabni placed a large ruby amulet around Setti's neck, the gold chain dropped heavily against his bare chest. The stone glittered sinisterly in the soft glow from the oil lamps lit against the dark sky.
Was he going to die, too? Dead at thirty, he thought mournfully.
As if reading his thoughts, Sabni answered, "My lord, you will not die tonight. Your fate is to sleep, to only awaken when you are summoned." Resuming his chanting, Sabni reached into the leather pouch slung at his hip and grabbed a handful of white powder. Tossing it onto the hot coals burning in the brazier beside him, crimson smoke arose. Forming into the shape of a ghostly hand, it reached for the struggling warrior's throat.
Silvery, rolling clouds gathered. Flashes brightened the darkness. The storm gathered above the lush gardens, broiling in its fury. Setti cried out, trying to break the brutal grip from around his throat. Clawing futilely at the red mist, it entered through his mouth and nose, writhing inside him like a nest of snakes. Falling onto his back, Setti stiffened, unable to move, paralyzed. A woman screamed behind him. Struggling to look, he saw Yoshabel rushing toward him. Setti desperately tried to warn her, but his lips refused to obey his command.
"Setti, what is wrong? Please answer me," Yoshabel sobbed, gathering his limp head in her lap. His flesh cooled, his eyes were open and unseeing. The scuff of a sandal made her whip around, spotting SobeKnefru. "What have you done?" When the woman gave no answer, her gaze swung over to the priest who continued chanting in a low, determined tone. "Please, you must help Setti!" Yoshabel begged, stunned when he ignored her. The truth slammed her. "Why have you betrayed your pharaoh?"
SobeKnefru answered for Sabni. "Us? I think you mean what you have done. Sabni, kill her," SobeKnefru shrieked. Sabni stared at her blankly. "Must I do everything myself?" She grabbed Setti's dagger and drove it deep into the girl's heart. Yoshabel screamed. Laughing hysterically, SobeKnefru watched in morbid fascination as Yoshabel clutched the jeweled hilt, collapsing on top of Setti,
Bending low, SobeKnefru whispered in Setti's ear, "Dear brother, I am sorry it had to come to this, but you refused to be reasonable. Rest assured, dear Yoshabel's fate is much kinder than the one I have planned for you. I believe to be mummified alive is an appropriate fate for the man who denied me what is mine by Divine Right." She kissed him full on the lips. Chuckling, she shoved the dead woman off Setti and rose. Grabbing the small vial hidden in her tight bodice, she took the cup Setti used and poured some of the clear, brown liquid in it, followed by more wine. Dropping the cup and vial beside Setti's hand, the white wine spilt on the ground, mingling with the dark blood staining the worn, grey stones.
"Sabni, go to my chambers and use the secret door to get outside the palace. I will go to the great hall by using the back halls. People will assume our beloved Pharaoh killed Yoshabel and then committed suicide by drinking opium our physicians use to sedate their patients."
Shaken by what he'd just witnessed, Sabni came to his senses and rushed to her side. "My Queen, you should go first. I shall take care of things here for you." Holding his breath, SobeKnefru looked as if she were about to protest.
Conceding his plan better, SobeKnefru nodded. "Perhaps, you're right." Straightening her gown, she smiled victorious at having outwitted her brother.
"Hurry before anyone sees you." After she fled the gardens, he leaned down so Setti could see his face better. "I swear you will not die by mummification. As soon as I can, I will revive you. SobeKnefru has gone mad in her lust for power. I knew not of her murderous intentions toward Lady Yoshabel. Ra never revealed to me SobeKnefru's plans to kill her. SobeKnefru will come for me next, I am certain." He arranged the amulet around Setti's neck. "It will keep you safe. I have made provisions for the spell to be reversed. When the time is right, I will resurrect you, my Pharaoh. I promise." Sabni made to leave, but stayed when he heard the reedy whisper from Setti's nearly paralyzed mouth.
"Promise me ... hide Nefari ... and son. Keep ... them ... safe." It was an agonizing effort made happen by a will as unconquerable as the wild desert, a man desperate to get the words out.
My brother's only son cannot die! Setti swore, Upon my honor, I will come back from the dead and kill SobeKnefru with my own two hands!
"May the Gods help me. I pray for your forgiveness for the crimes I have committed for SobeKnefru. The Prince and his mother shall be safe from SobeKnefru. I swear it upon the curse set upon me by Anubis!" Showing Setti the ugly, red burn in the center of his palm, Sabni left him and hurried away to keep his promise.
The pair remained where they lay.
In the act of tucking in her son, Nefari drew back when Sabni burst unannounced in to her private chambers. Ready to berate him, she stood flabbergasted when he grabbed a cloak, tossing it at her. "What is the meaning of your intrusion?" she demanded hotly.
"There is no time! You must gather your son and come with me if you wish him to live and be Pharaoh. I will hide you in the Temple of Amun Ra until the time is safe to sneak you out of Thebes." Breathing hard from running and the spine chilling fear of being caught by SobeKnefru, he grew desperate, trying to keep his promise to Setti.
Nefari made to protest but stilled when she heard women scream and men shouting as people ran down the corridors. "Is Setti dead?" At his curt nod, Nefari donned the cloak and flipped the deep hood over her head. Tenderly, she picked up her sleeping son and cradled him in her arms. "Lead the way, priest. We are in your care. Do not betray us as you have Setti or I shall kill you," she warned, grabbing her dagger from the table. Holding it out defensively in front of her just in case it was a trick and Sabni really meant to harm her and her son.
"Come, my lady, we must take the secret passage away from the palace. Imtep will help us." Careful to keep his distance, Sabni admired the young queen who fiercely protected her son, the future Pharaoh of Egypt. Swinging open the closet door, he placed a hand against the back wall, opening the secret door. Grabbing a lit oil lamp, he motioned for Nefari to hurry past him. Closing the closet door and the secret one behind him, he took the lead. Exiting out onto the outer balcony pathway, they headed down to the dark street below.
When they entered the Temple, a melee of chaos greeted them. The priests anxiously gathered around Sabni, demanding news of Pharaoh's welfare. Motioning for silence, Sabni urged several of the younger priests to come to him. "Take Nefari and her son below and hide them. For all our sakes, their presence must not be made known to Queen SobeKnefru or her men. Now, I must return to the palace. Pharaoh has been murdered." Confirming their worst fears, Sabni left them and ran back to the palace. He had to maintain the appearance of loyalty to SobeKnefru but at the same time keep Setti from being mummified alive.
A bloodcurdling scream startled Jacob and the gathered guests. Running down the hall leading to the gardens, Jacob cried out, grief-stricken at what he witnessed. Falling to his knees, wailing, he gathered his dead child in his arms. Shock hit him like cold water. Setti's dagger, a gift from Jacob to his friend, was buried deep in her heart. Setti lay still on the ground, his eyes open and Yoshabel's blood covered him. SobeKnefru stopped beside Jacob, gasping when she saw the dead couple. Nonetheless, Jacob saw the truth in the Queen's deceitful eyes. He knew he could never prove she caused their deaths. Her lackey, Sabni, skidded to a breathless halt beside the High Priest of Amun Ra. Imtep shouted orders for the guards to search for the killer.
"Wait!" SobeKnefru shouted above the confusion and hysteria. "We already know who the killer is. It is Setti! Look and recognize my brother's dagger. I heard the girl had scorned his advances. When she refused him, he killed her and then drank poison to end his own life. Do you not smell it?" Grabbing the discarded cup and vial, she held it out for those nearest to her to smell the sickening sweet scent of raw opium.
All stared in stunned disbelief at her words.
Jacob, who had known Setti best, refused to believe the story. But, he also knew none of the others were brave enough to stand with him and disprove SobeKnefru's theory. For now, SobeKnefru had won.
Not believing a single word the Queen spoke, Imtep snapped at Sabni, "I want you and our priests to take Setti's body back to the Temple." The priests quickly lifted the still body of the not yet ordained Pharaoh and rushed away from the chaos filling the palace as word spread of Setti's death.
Pharaoh had taken his own life?
The priests placed Setti's body with great reverence upon the stone altar positioned before the gigantic, golden statue of Amun Ra. Not long passed when Imtep stormed inside the Temple.
"I care not what that bitch says, Setti did not commit suicide! Do you know what this means? It means SobeKnefru now has a clear pathway to the Throne. All that stands between her and the Double Crown is a baby!" His wild, disoriented gaze settled on Sabni. "You!" He pointed an accusing finger at the paling man. "You are to remain close to her as you have in the past. You are our only link to power with the death of this poor man." Defeated, Imtep looked upon Setti and closed the dead man's eyes.
Seeing an opportunity to remain close to Setti, Sabni inclined his head. "Master, I will do as you ask, but I wish to be responsible in caring for Setti's body. I trust not the Queen." The priests gathered around Sabni gasped.
Looking at Sabni, shrewdly scrutinizing him, Imtep's eyes narrowed suspiciously. Why does Sabni make a stand against the woman whom he publicly aligned himself? Did the young priest have something to do with Pharaoh's death? Testing Sabni's loyalty, Imtep gave a small nod. "Yes, you must be the one to do it. If it were up to SobeKnefru, she'd throw him out in the desert for the vultures to feed upon. Take his body to the Cave of the Dead and see to his mummification personally. I will have a tomb readied but somewhere secret. SobeKnefru cannot defile his grave if she knows not the location."
When he made to rush from the Temple, Sabni stopped him and whispered his news urgently in his ear. Imtep's swarthy features paled. "Where is she?"
"She hides in your chambers."
His bald head bowed briefly in grief. Imtep suddenly squared his slumped shoulders. "Take special care of Setti." Rushing off, Imtep's mind reeled, trying to think of a safe place to hide the future Pharaoh and his frightened mother who was barely more than a babe herself.
Sabni faced the others. "Hurry, we must wrap Pharaoh in canvas, protecting his body during the long journey ahead." While the priests hurried to take care of Setti, Sabni rushed to the Temple treasury. Withdrawing several leather purses from one of the treasure chests, he hid them under his robes. Taking up a satchel, he stuffed a burial robe into it. Returning to help carry Setti out the back entrance of the Temple, they placed the body on the floorboard of the special chariot used for transporting the dead. Sabni climbed up into the chariot and held on to the rail bar as the driver drove the horses down the street and beyond the city's gates. The charioteer urged the horses into a fast gallop, racing across the desert, heading for the revered Caves of the Dead.
Reeling at what he'd done and seen, Sabni's mind whirled, trying to figure out what to do next. Several hours later, the driver drew the lathered team to a trembling halt before the high, wooden gates protecting the great cavern's opening. Covering his nose, the stench of decomposing bodies overpowering despite the cool breeze, Sabni tried not to gag. Oily, smoky torches illuminated the sandy area before the gate. Behind the wooden walls roared huge bonfires, bright beacons against the inky darkness of the cave's opening. Deep inside the network of caves, the embalmers worked night and day on the dead brought to be properly prepared for the journey to the next life. Sabni and the nervous charioteer struggled to unload Setti's body and set him down on the sand before the gate.
"Return to Thebes. I shall remain here." Sabni took hold of the satchel and set it beside Setti.
Relieved to escape the awful smell, the man jumped back onto the chariot and raced back to civilization.
Sabni shouted, "Master Embalmer, I must speak with you." He waited only a few minutes when the heavy gate swung open and a bald, heavily-muscled man wearing a leather apron exited.
"What can I do for a priest of Amun Ra?" Wiping sweat from his grimy face with a dirty scrap of cloth, the Master Embalmer balled his meaty fists and placed them on his broad hips.
"I bring you a man whose name must remain secret. If you comply, I shall make you rich beyond your wildest dreams."
A wary look came into the man's small, beady eyes. "What's the job?"
"I want the man to remain intact. He's not to be mummified."
Squatting down, the embalmer reached out and uncovered the wrapped figure's face. Scrambling backward, fear bulged his beady eyes. "What you ask is sacrilege."
Common practice, the Egyptian judicial system sentenced condemned criminals to work in the Caves of the Dead. The men embalmed the bodies, preparing the dead in hope forgiveness might be granted in their own passing someday. Today, Sabni counted on human greed rather than religious belief from the Master Embalmer. Withdrawing the leather pouches from the folds of his robes, Sabni tossed the hefty items to the surprised man. "Place animal organs in the sacred canopic jars. I have provided a burial robe for his attire before you wrap him in linen strips. Remember, he is to remain entirely intact and anonymous. Have I made myself clear?"
Greed won. "How do we accomplish his sarcophagus without a proper face print?"
"Use his brother's mold."
Taking a deep, unsteady breath at what sacrilege he was about to commit, the embalmer clapped his hands for his workers to come and take the body inside. When the priest failed to leave, he asked, "You plan on staying?"
"Yea, I will remain to ensure you do as I paid you to. Say not a word about his identity. If someone does recognize him, pay him well. Remember, I am guardian of the sacred Black Book, your soul depends upon the silence of your tongue," Sabni warned, hoping to frighten the man.
The odd request for Setti not to be mummified made the Master Embalmer curious, but the gold he earned tonight kept him from becoming too interested. Shaking his head at the strange priest, he asked, "Where will we bury Ph---I mean the man over there?" Frowning when the priest gazed upon Pharaoh Amenemhet's sarcophagus, transfixed by the golden image, the embalmer nudged the pale man. "Priest?"
Getting a hold of himself, Sabni whispered, "Worry not. We, the priests of Amun Ra, will see to his burial." Hands trembling, he felt the cold, clammy walls of the cave closing in on him. His mind grew disoriented, knowing deep in his soul Anubis would soon collect the debt owed him. Sabni had to work fast before he became unable to do anymore for Setti.
Two days later, the sarcophagus sat ready for its occupant to be placed inside. Taking great care, the workers carefully lowered the tightly wrapped body into it. The unusualness of using only one coffin made the embalmers question their master, but none dared mention it, having already received gold for their silence.
Five chariots, carrying priests of Amun Ra, arrived not long after sunset, the High Priest in the lead. Halting before the gates, the priests hurried inside and retrieved the golden coffin and sat it onto the specially designed chariot drawn by four black horses.
Imtep ordered, "Sabni, ride with me." Stepping up onto his own chariot, he took hold of the leather reins. The horses reared, eager to go. "I brought the Black Book. Hold onto it. Our men have snuck out in various ways from the Temple and will meet up with us. We must hurry and complete our mission before SobeKnefru's men find us."
Sabni jumped onto the chariot and slipped the leather pouch over his shoulder. He barely had time to grab the rail when Imtep whipped the horses into a gallop. They followed the chariot carrying Setti and disappeared into the dark desert, the near full moon their guide.
"Master, where are we going?" Sabni shouted over the thunder of hooves.
"Hawara, in the Faiyum."
"Why Hawara?"
Grim, Imtep looked at Sabni long and hard. "SobeKnefru's spies are searching for Setti's body. A hefty reward is offered for his return. We must hide him where the bitch can never find him. The Great Labyrinth is the perfect place for a hidden tomb." Faintly smiling, he glanced down at the young priest. "SobeKnefru thinks we plan to hide Setti in our temple. She knows not of the labyrinth's many hidden chambers. Hence, our Pharaoh will remain safe buried near his father."
"I ... I am truly sorry about the danger I have placed us all in." Guilt assaulted him at what he'd reaped upon innocent men. Sabni felt his sanity slipping. Soon it will all be over, he thought dejectedly.
Knowing the boy guilty of harming Setti, Imtep refused to condemn him, knowing Sabni the only one who could reverse the curse. In a dream, Ra had revealed what transpired the night of Setti's death, or rather his curse. "We will do our best to fix what you have done. The Black Book has passed from generation to generation of those blessed with the Gift of Ra. Despite the fact you have defiled it by the sacrilege you've committed for that evil woman, Ra must still have a purpose for you. In time, the Sun God shall reveal his plan. Remember your oath when you became a priest of Amun Ra. You swore to live and die for Pharaoh. You are about to prove you are worthy by keeping Setti safe until the time comes to resurrect him."
Cradling the heavy book, Sabni wept. His actions had placed their lives in grave danger. If SobeKnefru were to find out what they were about, they were all dead men.
Six days passed when their journey finally reached its end. A full moon illuminated the pyramids rising from the sands. Past midnight, the exhausted horses stumbled to halt before Amenemhet III's pyramid. Beside it, the Mortuary Temple lay dark, the ceremonial fires unlit. The guards, assigned priests of Ra, held torches to guide their way. Shadows made the tired priests jumpy.
Leaping from the chariot, Imtep watched his men drag the flat cart next to the sarcophagus. An anxious priest rushed to his side, clearly upset. "What is wrong?"
"Master, SobeKnefru has declared to Egypt she claims the Double Crown as Queen Pharaoh since Amenemhet's heir has disappeared! Enraged, the Great Vizier assumed command of the army and took control of Thebes in Amenemhet the Fifth's name. He bids you return quickly and side with him against the Queen. Furthermore, SobeKnefru has declared Sobek her ruling god and cast Ra aside."
Reeling from the current events, his hatred grew at SobeKnefru's arrogance and ambition. The woman would tear apart the very fibers of Egypt's religion by her careless actions. "Come, we have our duty to Pharaoh. Let us move the coffin onto the cart."
Sabni took a good look around him. "Master, why do we not resurrect Setti tonight?"
"Do you still possess the Sight?" he bluntly asked the young priest.
"No," Sabni replied anguished. He had been punished by Ra for abandoning him.
"Do not fret. Ra has spoken to me and ordered us to hide Pharaoh. When the time is right to awaken Setti, Ra will tell us."
The priests hurried to accomplish their goal. Hyenas cackled, their combined voices screeching in the night, sending chills up the nervous men's spines. Groaning, they gradually maneuvered the golden coffin upon the flat, wooden cart. Six priests took hold of the ropes attached to it while the others gathered behind and placed their hands on the sarcophagus. They strained, dragging and pushing it through the wide entrance of the Mortuary Temple. Sweat poured down their straining faces. The men glanced repeatedly over their shoulders, praying none of the Queen's personal guard suspected what they were doing.
A maze of corridors aboveground, the Mortuary Temple possessed even more underground. Meant to confuse thieves who dared to steal Pharaoh's treasure hidden deep in the maze, some corridors led to chambers, while others met dead ends. The maze continued until they reached a tunnel leading to the lowest level. The corridor took the priests directly under the pyramid next to the Temple. Two more hours passed until they reached the chamber where they planned to hide Setti's coffin. Wooden rollers were laid out, and the coffin was carefully pushed onto them. Repositioning the rollers every few feet, they struggled to maneuver the heavy sarcophagus through the doorway, stopping when they reached the grave dug into the dirt floor. Panting hard, the priests collapsed beside the coffin.
Passing a water gourd around, the men took a moment to gain their second wind. Weary, they climbed again to their feet. Thick ropes were tossed across the hole and the coffin was pushed onto them. Struggling, the priests lowered the heavy sarcophagus down into the darkness. Satisfied when the coffin settled on the bottom, the ropes were quickly brought up. The next set of men shoved a large slab of stone into place, covering the tomb with an ominous, gravelly 'thud.' Sealing it with a mud and straw mixture, a thick layer of sand was spread over the entire floor, giving the chamber an appearance of never being disturbed.
Imtep accepted the sacred Black Book from Sabni. The young man took his place beside his fellow priests, kneeling in a circle around Setti's grave. In a deep, resonating voice, Imtep summoned the Sun God, "Amun Ra, hear our plea! High Exalted One, Light of the Universe and Master of us all, we beseech you to protect Setti, your faithful son. We await the proper time to awaken him from his slumber. Amun Ra, we pledge our lives to protect Pharaoh and aid him when he seeks his vengeance upon SobeKnefru."
The kneeling priests chanted. Rocking back and forth, they summoned the great Ra. In the dimly lit chamber, an orb of blinding white light exploded, casting a warm, golden shower of falling stars over the hidden grave. A great and beautiful voice boomed boldly in the small chamber.
"I, Amun Ra, will keep Setti safe until he is summoned to rise and walk the sands again. Beware of the woman who declares she is Queen Pharaoh. She will destroy my faithful priests." With the ominous warning echoing in the chamber, Ra departed.
Earlier, Ra had placed his warning in Imtep's heart, urging him to make special provisions. Imtep glanced down at Sabni. The disoriented man rose to his feet, accepting the sacred book handed back to him. Heaving a deep, regretful sigh at the injustice reaped upon an innocent man as Setti, Imtep laid a hand upon the stricken Sabni's shoulder. "We must stand vigil until the time is right to resurrect our beloved Pharaoh."
"When, Master, shall the time be right?" Sabni slipped the heavy book back into its leather pouch.
"Amun Ra will show us. Have faith, my son. Have faith." As they exited the chamber, the stone door drawn shut by two priests, the bottom dragged along the sandy floor. Imtep locked the door and handed the strange-looking key over to Sabni. "Seal the chamber." A mud and straw mixture was spread completely over the door, making it appear as a wall, instead of an entrance to a king's tomb.
"Sabni, guard the key and our secret with your life. If SobeKnefru were ever to find out what we've done, our Pharaoh is truly a dead man. In my chambers, I've hidden a map of where Setti lies. If you should forget and lose your way to his tomb, you will have guidance."
Shaken at the High Priest's words, he said, "You know what I exchanged for Anubis' help?" At Imtep's nod, he squared his shoulders. "SobeKnefru will never be given the opportunity to harm Setti as she had the young woman, Yoshabel. I promise, Master, the Queen will never find Setti."
Dragging the cart back to the entrance, the priests felt satisfied by their work done to protect the Pharaoh. They climbed into the awaiting chariots and headed back to Thebes.
Holding onto the rail bar, Sabni gazed at the full moon lowering in the sky, dawn not far off. Forgive me, Ra. Please do not abandon me! Show me what is to come.
Silence.
Sorrow rose up inside him. What had he expected? He should not have been surprised that Ra should turn a deaf ear to him while he tried to make amends to save Pharaoh.
Exhausted by their adventure, the weary priests and horses arrived at Thebes. Rousing the sleeping stable boys, the horses were left in their care. Entering the darkened Temple of Amun Ra, their torches the only light, they halted in a semi-circle, sensing something not right. Without warning, soldiers leapt from behind the pillars with their swords drawn and began slaughtering the defenseless priests. Screams of agony, combined with terror, deafening as the priests tried to flee the massacre. Imtep slammed a broad fist into his attacker's face, pausing when he saw the Queen, a smug smile curving her red lips. The conniving whore!
"Do not kill Imtep!" SobeKnefru ordered, wearing the Double Crown of Egypt upon her unshaved head, her long, black hair cascaded down her back, blatantly disregarding tradition. Dressed in a beautiful gown of the finest, white linen, threads of spun gold shimmered through the material. Paying no heed to the dead priests, she stepped daintily over the bodies. The long train of her dress trailed through the pooling blood of the murdered innocent.
"Dear High Priest, I shall spare your life, if you impart the location of where Nefari and her precious son are hiding."
Hate blazed in his dark eyes. "Never!" Imtep spat, knowing no matter what he said his death was certain. Searching for Sabni, relief flooded him at finding the man alive but held by a soldier clad in a blue loincloth. A Shedet! The Queen had sided with the Shedty! Sabni struggled to come to his aid. For Setti's curse to be broken, the Black Book must remain safe in Sabni's hands. The young man must live!
Springing into action, Imtep slammed his elbow in the nearest soldier's mouth. Wrestling away the sword held by another, Imtep roared and swung, beheading the man holding Sabni. "Run!" he bellowed before the guards swarmed around him, viciously stabbing him.
Clutching the heavy leather pouch desperately in his arms, Sabni fled from the temple and disappeared into the night.
Screaming her wrath at being thwarted by Imtep and Sabni, SobeKnefru stormed out of the temple of Ra, casting a dark look at the white alabaster building. "Burn the bodies, then take the priests' ashes and spread them on the road where camels and donkeys will defecate on them forever."
Omar, the new captain of the Queen Pharaoh's bodyguards, shouted orders to his men. Denied a proper burial, the souls of the Ra priests would wander forever, unable to go on to the Afterlife without their bodies to meet them.
"What do you wish done to the Temple?" Omar asked, keeping his eyes downcast.
Glaring at the building, SobeKnefru spat, "Tear it down!"
Empty nothingness.
Setti lay in the dark, unable to move. Before Imtep had closed his eyes, he could at least see what was happening around him. Was this the Hell he had always scoffed at? How had he angered the Gods to such a degree as to warrant such severe punishment? Would he ever see the sun again or feel its warmth on his face?
Endless hours passed until he heard stone scraping against stone. Blind, the damp smell of an earthy mixture of sand, straw, and water invaded his darkness. The slap of mud and the scrape of a metal against rock startled him. Panic assaulted his already chaotic mind when the realization hit him that no one would ever come for him. Unable to escape the black void of nothingness surrounding him, holding him hostage, he silently screamed, terrified beyond rational thought.
SOMEONE, ANYONE, please help me.
Ancient ruins at Thebes, September 2006
Irritated, Kate turned her baseball hat backwards, moving her hair out her line of vision. Carefully, she swept out the sand gathered in the small alcove by using a short-handled paintbrush. Yellow-haloed lights, powered by gasoline generators, were strung along the cleared corridor and into the chamber she worked in. Her back muscles burned from being hunched over for many hours. She straightened, relieving the ache. Dirty and tired, legs scraped from hidden rocks, Kate came to the quick conclusion wearing denim shorts today had been a bad idea from the start.
Disheartened, she glanced around the partially excavated chamber, knowing there was so much more needing be done. Sitting down on the sand strewn ground, she grabbed her water bottle and took a long swig. Untying the handkerchief from around her neck, she wiped the sweat gathered under her long, thick ponytail. Kate shed her long sleeved flannel shirt, exposing a white tank top underneath. Determined to keep searching for more clues left behind by a desperate man three thousand years ago, she grabbed her brush and went back to work.
Three days ago, during her and her colleagues' exploration of the Karnak ruins, Kate accidentally tripped and fell down a hole opened by a recent earthquake. What she found was the lower apartments belonging to an undiscovered Ra temple destroyed just after the death of Amenemhet the Fourth, late Twelfth Dynasty. Kate's assigned chamber turned out to be the High Priest's personal chambers. After three days of removing debris, she found a small, wooden chest hidden in the sand. Inside it was a perfectly preserved papyrus parchment put placed there by Imtep, the High Priest. The contents bespoke of treasure hidden deep underneath the Black Pyramid, rumored to be Pharaoh Amenemhet the Third's final resting place.
Her search continued, hoping against hope to find the vital directions of the treasure's precise whereabouts. Secretly, Kate suspected the treasure was really Amenemhet the Third's burial chamber. Proving it with her research visa about to expire had become a desperate race against time. If she found the tomb and the treasure buried inside, she'd have the resources and a valid reason to renew her visa and remain in Egypt longer. As it was, the group of English archeologists Kate worked with had begun wrapping up their projects, preparing to leave the country since they'd been unable to come up with the money either.
Although she wanted to help her colleagues, Kate kept the papyrus parchment a secret from Dr. Halvorson, leader of the English expedition. She thought the man should at least be grateful to have her on his team, tired as she was of butting heads with the greedy British professor. She came from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C., agreeing to join Halvorson's team, not knowing the man was dedicated to promoting his own career rather than finding the truth.
Kate soon learned the main reason he chose Thebes as their dig site were because of rumors of hidden burial chambers deep under the ancient city, containing treasure beyond their wildest dreams. If Halvorson ever did find an actual tomb he would exploit it for his own personal benefit and not bother finding the truth why the Temple of Ra was leveled and another built on top of it. If what she discovered led to Amenemhet III's burial chamber, Halvorson would not honor the Egyptian government's strict laws adhering to found treasure and somehow forget to declare an item here or there to make himself rich.
A crackling on her walkie-talkie alerted Kate someone was searching for her. Groaning, Kate removed it from the clip attached to her waistband and depressed the thumb pad. "Kate, here, what's up?"
"Kate?" A young man's voice piped in, his English accent precise and educated. "I need your location. Halvorson is in an apoplectic fit about not finding you where you said you'd be. We have a new investor, and Halvorson wants you to give him an update on Imtep's chambers."
Swearing under her breath, she knew exactly what Halvorson wanted---her findings to impress the man! Pressing the button down again, she replied, "Mike, I'm in Imtep's private quarters. Just inform him that I'll meet them topside in ten minutes."
"Well, I hate to tell you this, but they're already heading down in your direction. Good luck!"
"Damn!" Replacing the walkie-talkie back in the clip, she looked around her, unhappy. Resigned, she decided to keep on working. A granite block gradually emerged from the sand, taking the shape of an altar where Imtep had once prayed to his god. Running her fingers along the base, she felt something smooth and cool to the touch. Excited, Kate reached for a smaller brush in her leather kit and used the soft bristles to remove the rest of the sand from the buried object. A small, golden statue emerged. Amazed by the intricate detail of the Sun God's features, her smile broadened, having at last found something of real value.
"Kate, are you down here?" Halvorson shouted from the passageway, not far from the door leading into Imtep's chambers.
"I'm in here." She tried to hide her annoyance at his unwelcome intrusion. Gently lifting the statue from the sand, she rose to her feet and held it up to the standing lamp, inspecting it under the bright light.
In his late fifties, gray hair, Theo Halvorson adjusted his wire-rimmed glasses when he saw the golden statue Kate held. Eager, he grabbed it from her, ignoring her look of disgust.
"We've been looking everywhere for you," he scolded. "What else have you found in Imtep's chambers?" Examining the golden statue, trying to engage the uppity girl into telling him in front of their possible investor about her other findings.
She stared up at the bald, lean-bodied man standing beside Theo. His dark eyes glittered and a sort of mystical power emanated from him nearly as tangible as his Egyptian heritage. A genuine smile curved his thin lips and he introduced himself since Theo had neglected to.
"Dr. Martin, forgive my enthusiasm, but I could not wait to meet you. I am Sabni Jaffe." His heavily accented voice rippled with soothing tones, attempting to put her at ease. Extending his hand to her, he made no attempt to be anything other than respectful.
Kate shook his hand warily, feeling something was very strange about the man. He glanced around the chamber, an oddly triumphant look upon his dark features. "What is your interest in the Temple of Amun Ra, Mr. Jaffe?"
"As an Egyptian, I am intrigued by the mysteries of the Ancients. May I inquire what you have found in this particular chamber?"
Halvorson stepped in eagerly, ignoring the narrowing of Kate's cerulean-violet eyes. "Please, Dr. Martin, do tell us what you've found here."
Smiling tightly at his inanity, she shrugged her shoulders noncommittal. "What I've found so far is inconclusive. We haven't completely translated the scrolls Mike and I found. But there was one entry about a chamber holding something of grave importance to the Temple of Amun Ra. Where or what is buried there, I have not discovered yet."
Jaffe studied her intently, his eyes narrowed with his next question, "But you do have a theory?"
Swallowing nervously, her mouth went dry. Kate hesitated to tell them of her suspicions. When a subtle 'nudging' in her mind urged her to tell him what she suspected, Kate decided there really wasn't any harm in sharing her speculation. "I believe it might be a tomb."
"What makes you think it might possibly be a tomb and whose?" Theo demanded.
"All the clues I have uncovered so far point to the lost tomb of Amenemhet the Third." Chagrined at her outburst, Kate felt like kicking herself in the butt. Theo's beady eyes fairly glowed at the mention of finding a lost pharaoh. Mr. Jaffe's smile faded, replaced by eagerness and a look of hope.
"Are you certain you found a map leading to this tomb?" Jaffe asked her, his dark eyes ablaze in intensity.
"As I said before," Kate replied with more caution, "I haven't found the chamber's exact location. I don't know if it lies here at Karnak or perhaps somewhere else." When the man looked about the chamber, she noticed the tattooed symbol of Amun Ra's sacred Eye etched on the right side of his throat. Why was the man so interested? Perhaps it's just the idea of wealth and fame it brought to everyone involved, she surmised.
"Dr. Martin, I shall have your visa and your companions' extended so you may continue in your quest. Money is of no limit," Jaffe offered eagerly, leading Halvorson away who nearly salivated when he heard 'unlimited funds.'
Gathering her tools, Kate cursed her quick temper, deciding to call it quits for the day. Rising, she turned about to leave when her booted toe caught on something, causing her to trip. Catching her balance, she knelt down on the sandy floor, her fingers grazed against a raised lip, roughly a yard from the altar. Tracing the dull, worn edges with nimble fingertips, she moved inward and found an indentation in its center. Pressing downward, a faint grinding sounded. To her astonishment, a stone box rose from the floor. Kate stared at it, mistrustful, unsure if it was rigged with an ancient, anti-theft device. Using her brush, she swept away the dirt, uncovering the carved hieroglyph of a large scarab wearing the Double Crown of Egypt engraved on the stone lid.
Gritting her teeth, Kate prayed nothing sprung out at her as she used a chisel and hammer, gently breaking open the seal along the lip. Once freed, it fell away, exposing a perfectly preserved mahogany wood box inside. Lifting the box free, she read the inscription along its side, knowing deep in her heart it had been left behind by a desperate man. Was it Imtep or another priest? The symbols etched in the wood were of a different pattern, sloppier, not precise like the ones written on the papyrus parchment.
Translating it quickly in her head, she read: In the dark, he waits. Cursed for eternity, the Lost One must be found to set Egypt aright. Follow the map and find his grave. Release him from his imprisonment for all our sakes.
Removing the top cover, she carefully withdrew the object wrapped in faded linen. Unrolling the item, Kate got a surprise when a small scepter, roughly twelve inches long, dropped into her hand. At the top of the hefty, golden scepter rested a large ruby set between a crest of the sacred sun and moon. The blood red jewel winked at her in the yellowed lights as if it had a secret it wished to share. Awed by the monumental find, Kate looked back in the box and withdrew a papyrus parchment. Setting the scepter down, she carefully unfolded it. Gasping, she realized she looked upon the detailed map of the legendary Great Labyrinth rumored to have existed under the Mortuary Temple which once stood beside the Black Pyramid. Amenemhet the Third took great pride in his creation and the Temple reached fame when word spread about the intricate labyrinth underneath it. Greeks, impressed by its design, were said to have created their own and placed the great Minotaur in it to torment their enemies.
Had the underground maze survive despite the temple being destroyed by unknown enemies? She traced the blue-dotted line, following it to a chamber bearing the insignia of a crowned, red scarab above it, signifying whoever buried there of great importance. Did Amenemhet III rest inside this chamber? Why the scarab? The unusualness of the design left her with only more questions.
Picking up the scepter, she replaced it in the box. Folding the map, she tucked it into her bra, intending to keep it secret for now. Kate gathered her tools and put them in her leather kit, then donned her long sleeved shirt. Grabbing the box, Kate abandoned the room. Working her way back to the surface, giddy with her latest find, Kate felt closer than ever to finding her lost pharaoh. At last, she stepped out into the hot, acrid air of the searing desert, frowning at what greeted her. Shielding her eyes from the bright glare, Kate watched Mr. Jaffe and Theo arguing. Suddenly, the archeologist started waving his hands about, angry at whatever Jaffe said. The heated argument ended when the Egyptian spun around and strode to his black Mercedes. Watching Jaffe drive away, Kate met Theo, the troubled look upon his plump, sunburned features made her uneasy.
What transpired between him and Jaffe?
"What's wrong, Theo?"
Mopping his sweaty forehead with a white handkerchief, Theo decided to be upfront. "Mr. Jaffe has made a few, odd provisions, if he's to finance our dig. He wants all the data you have found leading you to your possible tomb. And, he wants it delivered to him by tomorrow afternoon. The other part of the deal is we are to keep our findings a secret. If we do find a sarcophagus, there will be no press or talking to the Egyptian government until he says so."
Amused, she looked askance up at the uncomfortable Englishman. "And why should we do what he asks?"
"Because we need his money to stay in Egypt, that's why."
"I'll assemble what I have, but I won't give it all up to Jaffe. The world needs to know the truth about what happened to the Temple of Amun Ra and how its destruction is connected to my tomb."
Wanting to argue, Theo held his tongue, knowing from experience not to pick an open fight with Kate Martin. He frowned when he saw the beautiful, mahogany box in her arms. "What have you there?"
Chagrined by his interest, she answered, "I found it in Imtep's chambers. I'm heading back to the hotel and will categorize it with my other findings. By the way, where is the Amun Ra statue you took from me?"
"It's in my Jeep. Don't worry, I'll enter it the books. Was there anything of value inside the box?" Eagerly reaching to take a peek inside, Theo drew back when she blocked him with her shoulder, giving him a warning look to back off. Theo silently cursed at the stingy female, even though he held a grudging respect for the American. Kate Martin was the best archeologist he had ever worked with, and if anyone could save his failing career she could with her potentially history changing discoveries.
"When I find out what it contains, then you will. I'll see you in the morning." Walking briskly away to her rental jeep, she opened the driver's door and climbed in. Setting the box on the passenger seat, Kate reached up and retrieved a pair of black sunglasses from the visor clip and donned them. Turning the powerful engine on, she sped away from Halvorson, wishing no more interruptions with her investigations.
Kate glanced at her watch, noting it was after six, the air still scorching hot. Unscrewing the plastic lid to her bottled water, she took a long drink. Going over in her mind, she tried to remember if she'd seen any drawings or possible mention of the small scepter she found today. Rubbing her sore neck, exhaustion settled in her tired body. Looking at the sparkling waters of the Nile, her body perspiring, the thought of taking a long, cool shower sounded fantastic. She'd been up since four in the morning, getting to the ruins before sunrise and the blazing heat of day. All she wanted now was to get back to the air conditioned hotel and rest. As she drove, Kate thought back how she came to be in Egypt.
Growing up in a little town named Ronan, on the windswept plains of Montana, she dreamt of great pyramids gleaming pale gold in the hot, glaring sun of the mysterious Sahara desert. While others learned about their Native American culture or wanted to raise a family, Kate dreamt of pharaohs and pyramids. During high school, she read all she could about an ancient race of people who changed the desert into a force beyond reckoning until it met the mighty fist of the Roman Empire. Egypt influenced every culture in Europe, including an American country girl who dreamed of rare treasures beyond a small town's imagination.
Entering the metropolis of Luxor, she navigated through the busy traffic, barely missing getting hit many times. Dodging past small horses pulling heavily laden carts and children playing in the dusty streets, she drove defensively down the narrow streets to her hotel. Relieved at arriving without any accidents, she turned into the small parking lot belonging to the hotel where the archeological team was staying. Putting the gearshift into park, turning off the engine, she grabbed the box and went inside the hotel.
Having the oddest sensation of being watched, Kate glanced around the hotel lobby and caught the guilty look of a rounded, sweat-soaked man in a dirty white suit. He flipped up his newspaper up, hiding his face. Hurrying, she got into the old elevator.
"Fifth floor, please," Kate told the white-attired attendant.
"Yes, Miss." He closed the iron-barred gate and pushed the antique-styled lever forward.
Grinding of wheels, the elevator shuddered and creaked, slowly rising. When it hit the fifth floor, it jerked to a sudden halt, making Kate grab the brass railing for balance.
"Here we go, Miss, your stop." The attendant smiled a toothless grin, opening the safety gate for her.
Smiling her gratitude, Kate hurried to her room, finding the door cracked slightly open. Hand shaking, she pushed it further, gasping. Drawers lay upended on the carpet, her clothes dumped. Papers were strung about as if whoever invaded her room had no clue what they looked for. Tightening her grip on the box in her arms, Kate fought the urge to cry at the vast amount of damage done to her research.
"Oh, my gosh! Where are my scrolls?" Placing the box on the desk, she quickly rummaged around, distraught to find them missing, including her laptop. Dejected, she took out her cell phone and dialed up Mike, trusting him to help.
"Mike?"
"Hello?" Mike heard a loud hiccup. "Kate, what's wrong?" Recognizing when Kate started hiccupping, she was way beyond upset.
Distressed by the invasion of her room and the stolen work, she tried to talk between each hard hiccup. "Someone ... stole ... everything ... from ... the Temple." Kate tried to calm down. Although they'd never guess her password to unlock the data in her laptop, she angrily brushed her tears away, knowing it was all lost.
"What!" Mike shouted. "I'm coming. Can you lock your door?"
Glancing at the broken pieces of wood along the door latch, she gloomily shook her head. "No, they ... broke ... it."
"Don't worry. I'll call the front desk and have the manager alert the police. Hang on! I'm on my way down as we speak."
"Ok, but ... hurry." Kate hit the 'end' button and sat on the edge of her bed, feeling absolutely miserable. She didn't have long to wait when Mike burst into the room, his green eyes widening when he saw the damage done.
"Damn." His concern centered on Kate sitting on the rumpled bed, clutching a small, wooden box, looking rather forlorn. "Kate, are you all right?" he asked gently, knowing she felt more intensely about her work than most old timers he knew in their field.
Sniffing, she nodded. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Are the police coming?"
"The hotel manager says they are." Mike was about to question her about the box when the manager and his security guards arrived, seeking to enter her room. "Come in."
An immaculately dressed man attired in a white suit, bearing a waxed, black mustache above his pencil thin lip, stared in horror at what was done to the American woman's room. In a nasally, French accent, he tried to reassure her, "I apologize most sincerely, Mademoiselle Martin. I will get to the bottom of this despicable atrocity immediately. The police are sending a detective over right away. Was anything valuable stolen?" he asked, afraid he and his hotel would be held liable.
"The thieves took my laptop and most of my research," Kate replied miserably, her slim shoulders bowed in defeat.
Mike placed a kind hand on her shoulder, amazed by the efficiency of the thieves. "They got everything from the Temple?"
"Pretty much. This, I found today." She indicated to the bundle in her arms.
Just as they were about to discuss her latest find, a tall man, wearing a rumpled brown suit, wrapped his knuckles against the opened door.
"Excuse me, I am Detective Kheti. How may I assist you?"
Staring at the detective, Kate felt an icy chill of apprehension sweep through her when she looked into his black eyes and realized they were empty of a soul. When he shook Mike's offered hand, she saw etched on the man's inner, right wrist the tattoo of Sobek, the Crocodile God. But there were major variances. The half man, half crocodile held a sword in each hand. Unaware she stared at his tattoo, he reached for his handkerchief and mopped the sweat from his broad forehead as he examined the destruction done to her room.
"Do you know what the thieves took?"
Slowly, she raised her eyes to meet Detective Kheti's. "From what I can tell, they stole some money and a few of the better pottery I found at Karnak," Kate lied, sensing rather than seeing Mike stiffened at her words but thankfully he kept silent.
"Nothing else was taken?" His oily voice slithered, trying to figure if she was holding out about anything important.
"Nope." Keeping her gaze on him proved the hardest thing, but she won, hoping he bought her lie.
His eyes narrowed, flickering over the box she held on her lap. When the woman failed to budge, he gave her a short bow. "I will escort you down to the police station, and we'll have you fill out a report." He offered his hand out to her, hoping to aid her ascent when she firmly shook her head, scooting nervously away from him.
"I'm not filing a complaint. I just want to clean up my room and take a shower. It's really been a trying day." No way in hell was she going anywhere with the creepy-looking man!
The men gathered in the room looked at her in stunned disbelief. Mike squatted down to look at her better, wondering if perhaps she got too much sun today, reading instead the warning look in her eyes. Surprised, he gave a slight nod of understanding. "Well, gentlemen, you heard the lady. She wishes to let it go. Thank you, Detective Kheti for coming down on such short notice. Sorry to waste your time." He extended his hand out to the man, noting the sudden flare of chagrin in the dark depths of his eyes.
Reluctant, Kheti shook the Englishman's hand. Reaching into his coat pocket, he withdrew a card, handing it over to the young man. "Here is my cell number. If anything unusual should happen or you discover something of real value missing, please call me." He nodded briefly to the hotel manager and left.
Thankful the American woman declined filling out the police report, the manager offered, "Miss Martin, I shall have another room readied for you. All expenses shall be waived for any inconvenience you have endured from this dreadful experience."
Mike informed the man, "Miss Martin will be in my room until hers is ready."
"I promise it won't be a long wait. Good evening." He scurried away, his men following close on his heels.
Looking at her funny, Mike frowned, crossing his tanned arms in front of him. "You are going to tell me what that was all about?"
She went to the door and peered out into the hallway. Coming back, Kate asked, "Did you see the tattoo on Kheti's wrist?"
"Yeah, but what does it have to do with your room being ransacked or the scrolls stolen?"
"Today, I met our new investor, Sabni Jaffe, who has a tattooed symbol of Ra's Eye on the side of his throat. Isn't it strange two factions who were in open hostility toward each other three thousand years ago are seen in the same day? To top it off, Jaffe demanded the scrolls be delivered to him and look what's happened, they're stolen!" Despite the setback, Kate refused to be deterred. She had the feeling what she sought was not Amenemhet but rather a lost pharaoh of the Twelfth Dynasty and no way was she going to stop until she found him!
Blinking at what she told him, he peered closer at the box. "What have you there?" He followed her to the cluttered desk, shaking his head when she casually shoved everything off. Violet eyes sparkled in her excitement. Kate set the box down and opened it.
"I found it today in Imtep's chambers." Withdrawing the elaborate scepter, she handed it over to Mike.
Testing the weight, his brow furrowed in thought. "I've seen this before, but where?" Mike took off the lamp's shade and turned the scepter upside down, examining the star-shaped base better. Stamped on the bottom, he saw the scarab wearing the Double Crown of Egypt upon its head. Somber, Mike looked up at Kate. "You know what this is, don't you?"
"What?"
"It's a key."
"A key to what?" Kate asked breathlessly.
"The Scarab King."
"Who?" Kate looked up, surprised by the serious expression on his boyish features.
"The Scarab King. I believe what you've found is the very key to the elusive Scarab King. When I studied in London, I did a research paper on SobeKnefru. I was fascinated by her accomplishments, becoming Pharaoh Queen, a role only a handful of women laid claim to. After her husband, Amenemhet IV, died, SobeKnefru placed Sobek as the ruling God of Egypt. Her personal bodyguards were called the Shedty, a religious cult dedicated to serving the Pharaoh Queen and Sobek. When SobeKnefru died, their religion had also. Or did it?" Mike frowned and continued on, "Anyway, in my research, I ran across a brief inscription about a fierce commander referred to as the Scarab King. Named so because of the scarab necklace and belt he wore, it signified his great warrior status amongst the regular soldiers. Around 1786 B.C. he disappeared. All of Egypt grieved."
"Why have I not ever heard of him before?"
Mike looked at her long and hard. "SobeKnefru eliminated anything bearing his name, thus destroying his ka. Without his name, the Scarab King is cursed to wander the earth, denied Eternity. The Sacred Order of the Shedty killed anyone who openly mourned him. They feared his memory as much as they did the man when he lived."
Shaking, an eerie feeling like she was heading toward her destiny engulfed Kate. "Did you ever find out what his real name was?"
"No. But, I believe someone out there is dedicated in preserving his memory. Your scepter is proof SobeKnefru wasn't entirely successful in destroying the Scarab King."
"Mike, let's keep the scepter a secret, at least until we know more about it. Whoever took the scrolls will come after us if they ever found out I have this." She dug in her bra and retrieved the map, handing it to Mike who gaped at her.
"Where did you find it?" Reverent at handling the weathered parchment, Mike held the map next to the light bulb, checking it for authenticity. Reading the hieroglyphs, his gaze flew up to look at her, reassuring himself what he held was real.
"In the box. Well, what do you think?" The suspense was killing her, waiting for him to answer.
Slow to respond, Mike grinned from ear to ear. "I think we have a colossal find here. When do you want to go to Hawara and explore?"
His excitement contagious, caution stopped her. "Should we research the scepter more or jump in and figure it out as we go?"
When their eyes met, they answered at the same time. "Jump in!"
Mike folded the parchment and handed it back to her. "Come on, let's go to my room and order something to eat. Afterwards, we'll head out to Hawara." He started laughing at her chagrin. "Kate, when's the last time you ate?" When she refused to meet his gaze, he urged, "It won't take long to order and eat. Besides, we need to find out if Theo is back from the Temple dig."
Tucking the folded map back in her bra, she won a funny look from Mike. "What? If we run into anyone dangerous, I doubt they're going to check the contents of my bra." Kate reached for the scepter and stuffed it into the worn, canvas backpack she'd been carrying around for years. "Why do we need to know where Theo is?"
Shaking his head at Kate's distorted point of view about the contents of her bra, Mike grabbed the wooden box and led the way out of her trashed room. "If we know where he is, it makes it easier to avoid him," he whispered in a conspiring tone.
Chuckling at his devious mind, Kate knew it strange, but she was having the best time of her life. Since coming to Egypt, Mike Walker made the entire expedition fun and exciting, his boyish enthusiasm infectious. Was it true about the Scarab King? Was the tomb they searched for really his? Who was the mysterious man whom a queen feared so much she decimated his real name from history, unwittingly making him a legend? What hatred SobeKnefru must have borne for the Scarab King to wipe him from history. Was he a scorned lover? Someone who tried to usurp her from power?
When Mike unlocked his door and opened it for her to enter, she could not help cringing when she saw how messy his room was. "Are you sure someone hasn't stolen anything from you? How can you find anything in here?" Kate complained as he set the box on the floor and shoved his books off the bed for her to sit down.
Laughing when she crinkled her cute nose, the tip upturned ever so slightly, Mike liked Kate. On the fair side of plump, she wasn't very tall but her spirit and determination made her appear undaunted. The one thing he really liked about her was her knack for getting into trouble. And boy did trouble love Kate Martin! Whether she was tripping over something, falling down a hole, or hiccupping when she got upset or angry, he had never seen her scared to the point of retreating. Giving up was not in Kate's vocabulary.
"What do you want from the hotel's restaurant?" He lifted the receiver, prepared to order dinner.
"Cheeseburger and a beer," Kate replied as she picked up a book about the Twelfth Dynasty.
Turning to the chapter about SobeKnefru, she read the widowed Queen defied tradition and claimed the Double Crown with both hands, refusing to let go until death took her many years later. SobeKnefru truly became a dictator, ruling Egypt with an iron fist. Believing she was a goddess reborn, SobeKnefru had proclaimed Sobek to be her husband, thus safeguarding the ruling power of Egypt from any male sharing the Double Crown.
They didn't have long to wait for supper or word of Theo's whereabouts. When Theo heard about the robbery from the manager, he came looking for Kate. Pounding on Mike's door, Theo demanded to be let in. Mike rolled his eyes and opened it, stepping aside when the irate man charged in. "Hey, Theo. I guess you heard what happened?"
"Damn right I heard! Kate, I thought you had everything secured in your room? How could you have allowed this to happen? Especially now of all times when our visas are about to expire?" Red in the face, he screamed at her, "Your irresponsibility could get us kicked out of Egypt."
"How was I supposed to prevent someone from breaking into my room while I was working in the Temple? I really don't know why they wanted the scrolls anyways. All they contained were daily records of temple business." Kate scowled, setting the half-eaten cheeseburger aside, not hungry anymore. The thieves must not ever find out about the map in their possession or the key. Whatever lay in the labyrinth was far more valuable than gold---it's a chance to change history!
Theo wasn't appeased by a long shot. "What the hell am I going to tell Mr. Jaffe? He's demanding we show him the scrolls." Mike and Kate shared a long look before shrugging their shoulders, appearing defeated. "Can you give me anything to present to him?" he practically begged, nearly in tears by the severe blow they were dealt by the robbery.
Mike took pity on Theo and gathered his notes, handing them over. "Here are partial translations of the scrolls. Perhaps they'll appease Mr. Jaffe until we find more clues to the hidden chamber Kate told me about."
Theo's eyes lit up, and he grabbed the notes, clutching them against his chest. "I'll try to stall him. If you find anything else, please tell me. Our jobs are in dire jeopardy!" Theo hurried from the room, hoping to keep the Egyptian investor interested in their project.
When Theo was out of hearing range, Kate was the first to speak. "We need to go to the labyrinth tonight and find the tomb. As much as I hate to admit it, Theo's right. To have the necessary money to continue our exploration, we must produce something of value to Jaffe."
"I guess you're right. Let's get going. I suspect we are about to have a long night ahead of us. Did you leave your tools in your car?"
"Yes, and I have flashlights, too."
"Good. Let's get going." Mike shrugged into his denim jacket, tossing her his spare coat to wear.
Grabbing several bottles of water, he shoved them into his backpack for later. Checking to make sure the hallway clear, he jerked his head for her to follow him. They used the backstairs, sneaking out of the quiet hotel, the guests settling down for the evening. Waiting nervously as Kate fumbled for her keys, unlocking the Jeep's doors, he glanced around the empty parking lot. They hurried inside the vehicle and fastened their seatbelts. Adrenaline pumping, they drove out onto the street and out of town.
Burnished gold, the moon, near to being round, shone brilliant against the dark sky. Two days more and the glowing orb would reach its full potential. Glancing at her watch, amazed the time well past eight, Kate barely contained her excitement. Needing to cross the Nile, she paid the ferry man and drove onto the flat surfaced boat. On the other side, they drove up the highway, heading for Hawara. Taking turns driving through the night, past the day and in between, they managed to get some rest. Sort of.
Twelve am.
Back in the driver's seat, Kate passed Hawara and ditched the main highway for a dirt road and drove west. Dark and mysterious, the pyramids stood silent observers in the high beams of the Jeep's headlights. Driving onward, the Pyramid of Senusret III flew past, but she kept going, their destination much further.
Mike rolled down his window and pointed at the smaller pyramid to the right front them. "Lepsius Pyramid. Keep going." Farther down the dusty road, next rose the majestic Red Pyramid, Pharaoh Snofru's second creation and final resting place.
To her left, Kate pointed, "Pyramid of Amemenhet II," and over at her right, "Old Kingdom Tombs and Mastabas." Two more miles and Pharaoh Snofru's actual first commission in having his burial monument built, the Bent Pyramid, rose to the right. Famous for its odd shape, the pyramid builders failed in reaching a perfect pinnacle, becoming a squat-shaped structure. Continuing for another mile, a looming mound of dark rock rose before the headlights. At last their journey had reached its end.
A chill swept up her spine when she placed the gear into park and shut off the engine. Jackals cried out, their high-pitched cackling scaring her. The answering roar of a hunting lion gave her the willies, as if warning them not to trespass. Stepping out into the cold, night air of the desert, Kate stared up at the dark, rounded mountain before them. Time and theft of the outer bricks left the pyramid looking more like a misshapen rock formation.
The Black Pyramid.
Swallowing nervously, Mike switched on his flashlight. "Get out the map, we're going treasure hunting."
Retrieving the map, Kate held it out so they could both read it. "Where do we enter? We obviously can't go down the Mortuary Temple's stairs."
"We go inside the pyramid. The way I see it, the labyrinth winds its way down to a second level and comes back underneath the pyramid. That's where the tomb is marked to be."
"It appears so. Come on, let's get our gear, we're going to be walking for a while." Not feeling quite sure of their plan as she had earlier, Kate grabbed her backpack and slipped it on. Mike grabbed a crowbar from the back of the Jeep.
"Do you think there'll be treasure in your tomb?"
Switching on her flashlight, she grimaced. "For our sake, there better be or we're shipped out of Egypt on the first available plane. Here we go!" Smiling with false confidence, Kate tried to keep the tension out of her voice.
Mike wedged the end of the crowbar under the padlock and broke it, freeing the wooden door protecting the pyramid's entrance. Stepping through the doorway, the temperature inside the pyramid cooled noticeably. They continued in the direction indicated by the map in her hand.
Two hours later, Kate and Mike stopped when the corridor they walked down ended at a crossroad. Exhausted, they sat down on the smooth, stone floor, looking at the map, then the wall before them.
"Where the hell is the door indicated here on the map?" Mike complained, tired and grumpy.
Seeing the deception, Kate laughed tiredly. "There it is, right in front of us! According to the map, we have to open it." Climbing wearily to their feet, they checked out the wall, feeling for any indentations.
"Let's try pushing it." Mike put his shoulder to it and shoved.
Copying him, Kate pushed with all her might. Grinding, the door shifted, opening slowly as they shoved harder. On the other side, exposed by their flashlights extended a corridor.
The labyrinth!
"Well, I'll be damned! The legends are true," Kate exclaimed, hugging Mike who laughed, holding onto her as she jumped up and down excitedly.
"Ok, ok, calm down. We still have to find the tomb. Where's the map?" Taking it, he held it as she shined her flashlight on it.
"Hey, doesn't that look like another false wall indicated there?" Pointing at the drawing on the parchment, Kate asked, trying hard to keep her excitement minimal, not wanting to get their hopes up.
"Sure does. It's gotta be close." Taking down the pitch-soaked torch resting in a metal holder attached to the wall, he dug out his Zippo lighter from his jacket and lit it. "Here, take it. Our flashlights aren't gonna last much longer.
Walking over a hundred feet down the wide passageway, Kate saw a group of bare-chested priests, wearing black sarongs, hurry to slap mud mixture over a wide door, concealing it. Blinking in surprise, Kate rubbed her eyes. Clutching the torch tight, she watched them work, seeing the fear in their eyes. The vision dissipated in shimmering waves before her, disappearing completely.
"Mike, I think I'm losing my mind! But, I believe we're here." She glanced at him for support.
Taking a deep swallow from the bottled water, he looked down at the map then back again at the wall in front of them. "Damn, I think you're right." Running his fingers along the edges worn away by thousands of years, he felt the shape of a door under the crumbling dried mud.
Laying her hand flat against the wall, she grew astounded when she felt another hand touch hers. Jerking away, she glanced at Mike to see if he had felt it, too. He appeared unaware.
Strange, she thought, why do I feel as if my destiny awaits me on the other side of this wall?
Body stiffening from working and walking during the last twenty four hours, she knelt and grabbed her tools out of her backpack, stilling when she heard the faint sound of man's voice. Looking up at Mike, who was busy getting his tools out, she realized the stranger spoke in an obscure Egyptian dialect. A faint whisper, the deep, powerful voice bore such heart-wrenching loneliness and bitter agony, calling out to her. Whipping around to see who spoke, her gaze settled on the wall in front of her.
Nervous, Kate offered Mike a faint smile. "I guess we chisel away the mud."
"Looks like it." Mike grabbed his own chisel, and they got to work removing the dried mud sealing the doorway from anyone entering.
An hour later, drooping from utter exhaustion, they finally freed the door. Mike collapsed on the ground, rubbing his face, drained. More torches were lit, casting long shadows down the silent corridor. Quickly coming to the conclusion they needed more help, Mike knew Kate was totally wrung out, too.
"We've got to call Theo and the team."
"I know. What if there's nothing behind the door?" Staring at the door apprehensively, Kate felt as if she was going crazy, but someone was on the other side, pleading with her to release him. The dry, dusty smell of the ancient hall made it surreal. Was her mind playing tricks on her or just her tired imagination kicking in overdrive?
"It's a chance we've got to take." He reached for his walkie-talkie, depressing the button pad. "Theo? Can you hear me?"
"Mike? Where the hell are you? Is Kate with you?" Theo shouted, furious his best people were missing from the Temple ruins.
"We are currently under the Black Pyramid and have made a spectacular find. Can you gather the team and meet me at the entrance? More man power is definitely needed to get into the chamber."
"Oh, my God, you found the tomb! We're on our way. Good work, you, two."
"We read ya." Mike looked over at Kate, who stared intently at the uncovered door, her head tilted to the side as if she were listening to something. "Hey, are you going to be all right if I go on up and meet the team?" Worried when she looked at him as if she hadn't recognized him, Mike touched her shoulder.
Trembling, she blinked until she saw Mike clearly. "Yes---I'll be fine." Smiling to reassure him, she playfully shoved him to get going. "Go on, I'll get some sleep while you go on up to the surface."
"No more working until I get back," he ordered before smiling at her, knowing Kate wouldn't listen to him.
Kate waited until there wasn't any sign of Mike's torch. Rising unsteadily to her feet, she sought a way to open it before anyone else. A desperate need to find a way into the tomb arose inside her. Trailing the sensitive tips of her fingers along the gritty surface, she halted when she felt the odd shape of a carved figure in the rock. Grabbing a firm bristled brush, she carefully worked the dirt out, amazed by the emerging, distinctive shape of a star. Insight flashed, she dug into her backpack and retrieved the scepter. Grinning in triumph, Kate inserted the end into the star, elated when it pressed inward. Twisting the scepter around and around until it clicked, unlocking the door. Nervous, Kate pushed the door and watched in utter amazement as it continued opening on its own. The scraping of the door grinding along the sand strewn floor made the fine hairs on her arms stand up. Fear blended with curiosity, a deadly combination for Kate.
Holding the blazing torch out in front of her, shaking at what she might find, she frowned when an empty chamber greeted her. From out of the eerie silence came the faint 'thump-thump' of a human heart, the tempo increased with renewed life. Looking wildly about the chamber for the cause, her toe caught and she lurched forward, landing on her bare knees. Crying out from the pain, she plopped down on her bottom. Kate blinked when she realized she sat a several inches lower than the floor.
"It has to be a cover stone!" Grabbing her brush, Kate swept away the loose sand, searching for any identifying marks to who rested below her. When she uncovered the cartouche, the carved scarab wearing the Double Crown of Egypt emerged.
The Scarab King.
"Oh my gosh, you're real," Kate spoke softly, in awe of finding the legend when so many others had failed.
Placing her hand flat on the smooth rock, she jerked back in alarm, feeling a hand actually touch hers through the slab of stone. Frightened, she scrambled to her feet. Kate pressed her back against the far wall, shaken. Some say the dead never leave where they were laid to rest. A horrible thought entered her mind. What if the man in the tomb had been buried alive?
Unable to stand anymore, she cautiously returned to the cover stone. Lulled by the steady beating of a human heart, she wearily laid down, using her backpack for a pillow. Exhausted, Kate fell asleep, feeling the warm embrace of ghostly arms around her.
Voices raised in excitement echoed through the corridors awakened Kate from dreams about a tall Egyptian dressed in a black sarong. His piercing, honey-gold eyes held her prisoner within the proud, arrogant depths. Frightened when she woke in the inky blackness, she rummaged through her backpack and yanked out her flashlight. Breathing easier when she switched it on and could see again, she grabbed the torch and lit it with the spare lighter she found in Mike's coat. Shouting from the corridor alerted Kate help had arrived.
Theo burst into the chamber, hoping to see treasure beyond imagination. Instead, he found Kate staring intently at the sandy floor. Looking about the chamber, he grew confused. There weren't any hieroglyphs etched or painted on the walls. If there truly was a sarcophagus resting below the cover stone, why place it here? His troubled gaze darted to Jaffe when the Egyptian entered the room, worried what he might say or do at finding an empty chamber. When the man looked as if he were about to cry and joyfully clapped his hands, Theo sighed in relief.
"Dwa-nTr en Amun Ra, em iw ii per-a'a Setti," Sabni spoke softly, bowing his head. He crouched down, balancing his weight on the balls of his feet and reverently touched the Crowned Scarab.
Thanks to Amun Ra, we are with Pharaoh Setti at last, Kate silently translated. Jaffe walked around the chamber, staring at the cartouche with an oddly triumphant gleam in his dark eyes.
Rising to his feet, an expression of elation lit Jaffe's dark features. "I am most pleased with your find. More men need to be assembled, and we shall remove the cover stone and raise the sarcophagus." He turned to leave when Kate halted him.
"How do you know there's a coffin underneath there?"
Smiling kindly down at her, he laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Trust me, I know it deep within my heart, it is him."
"Who?" Awed by his profound conviction, Kate asked, wanting to know more.
"You call him The Scarab King, we know him by another name, one which cannot be spoken here."
The Egyptian hurried from the chamber, leaving them to stare after him. Theo was the first to speak, apprehensive about how the situation was proceeding.
"I guess I'd better follow him and help with the arrangements. Good work, both of you." Theo scurried after Jaffe.
Theo wasn't the only one to feel uneasy about Jaffe. Mike and Kate stared at one another for a moment before she squatted down, starting the long process of uncovering the stone slab. "Do you think it odd how Jaffe claims to know who is buried beneath us when we haven't even opened the grave yet?"
Mike withdrew his own brush. "If you ask me, I think he's searched a long time for the Scarab King."
"Maybe you're right. Let's help him raise the sarcophagus and see for ourselves. You know, it just might prove to be Amenemhet the Third and not the Scarab King." Blowing a stray lock of hair out of her way, she shook off her fatigue and got down to work.
"Maybe."
An hour later more men entered the tomb carrying chains. A makeshift lift was quickly assembled to help remove the cover stone. Jaffe possessed a half-mad gleam in his dark eyes. The helpers heaved, pulling the thick slab of stone upward. Jaffe, Theo, and Mike helped the men push the stone slab until it flew sideways. The workers let go and it crashed to the ground. Everyone rushed forward, bright torches held high.
Peering over the edge, Kate gasped at what stared back at her.
Fascinated, Kate stared at the bold, beautiful face shimmering out from the darkness. Frowning when she saw the crowned scarab etched into Pharaoh's golden body, right above the Sacred Crook and Scepter. Shock riveted her. Her gaze flew to Pharaoh's face again, realizing she'd seen the exact likeness on another sarcophagus during her college studies in Washington D.C.
"What's going on here? Isn't that Amenemhet the Fourth?" Glancing over at Jaffe, she caught the calculating gleam in his eyes. When he realized she stared at him, he turned away, whispering to his assistant who nodded before rushing out of the tomb.
Theo adjusted his glasses, confused. "Where's the other three cover sarcophagi? Why is there only the one holding the mummified remains laid to rest here?"
A shout from the corridor soon had the hired workers scurrying inside. The strain incredible, the workers chanted and pulled, slowly the golden coffin rose from the dark pit. Setting it upon solid, wooden rollers, they continued to pull and push until the sarcophagus rested in the main corridor. A flat cart was pushed into position and chains from the hand winch were hooked to the heavy coffin. Taking turns cranking, the men finally had the coffin settled on the cart. Grabbing the long ropes in front, the workers pulled while others gathered behind the cart and pushed the sarcophagus down the corridor.
Theo stepped forward, demanding, "Where are they going? The pyramid is in the other direction."
"My men are leaving by the Temple's entrance."
"Jaffe, where are you taking our find?" Kate glared at the man, her hands planted on her curved hips.
A smooth smile curved his thin features as he tried to placate the irate, American woman. "Do not worry. We are taking the Scarab King to Cairo where we can honor Pharaoh properly."
Angry at the calm Egyptian, Mike shouted, "You have no right to make such decisions about our find!"
"Ohh, but I do have the legal right. When all is done, you may have the sarcophagus. Pharaoh will no longer have need of it." With that said, he left the chamber, followed by his men who warily watched the trio, making sure they did not make any threatening move toward their employer.
Kate grabbed her backpack, a determined gleam in her eyes. "Darn it, I didn't go through all this just to get an empty coffin. I want to see what's inside it!"
"What do we do?" Theo yelled, rushing after her and Mike.
"Come on! We've got to get our sarcophagus back," Mike snapped over his shoulder.
The original entrance of the labyrinth proved to be a gaping hole above their heads. The equipment stood abandoned, the golden coffin gone. Kate climbed up the rope ladder, pulling herself up onto the sand. Shielding her eyes from the bright glare of the sun, she glanced at her watch, shocked to see the time past ten o'clock. Amazed at the efficiency of the workers, the sarcophagus was quickly crated and loaded on the backend of an older truck. The camouflaged canvas dropped, covering it. Jaffe glanced briefly their way before he and his assistant slid into the black Mercedes and sped away. The truck roared down the dirt road, kicking up dust.
Cursing their bad luck, Theo kicked at a clump of sand. "We'll call the police and have Jaffe arrested for stealing what is rightfully ours." he shouted, growing bright red from being denied the treasure he searched so long to have.
Kate knew they should call the police, but the inspector from last night gave her the creeps. She wanted no part of the man. "Mike, we need to go after them."
"My thoughts exactly. What are we going to do about Theo?" He looked askance at the older man, worried when their leader plopped down on the ground and placed his head in his hands and cried.
"Tell everyone to go back to the hotel and get Theo drunk. We're going to Cairo," Kate whispered, watching the truck disappear with their sarcophagus.
"I'll let them know, then I've got to go below and get my tools. I forgot them in the tomb." Grim about the new plan, Mike left her and talked to a couple of the men. They nodded, went over and urged the faint Theo to his feet and helped him into the nearest air conditioned car.
Tek, an Egyptian archeologist who joined the team a month ago, approached Kate after Mike disappeared into the labyrinth. "Don't worry about Theo. We'll take proper care of him. Good luck, we'll be praying for you." He was about to turn and leave, but stayed, looking worriedly at Kate. "Watch your back. Sabni Jaffe belongs to the cult of Amun Ra and can be quite deadly, if made angry."
"How do you know about him?" Dubious, Kate watched the Egyptian's eyes shift from her then to the direction Mike went.
Wearing a guarded look, he shaded his eyes from the glaring sun. "When I was a young lad, my grandfather told me about the Lost One, a man cursed to exist between the land of the dead and living."
"Why was he cursed?"
"The legend goes, the Scarab King planned to defy tradition and take a commoner for his queen after he was crowned pharaoh. SobeKnefru made sure he wasn't around to claim his crown and displace her as ruling queen." Checking around him, making sure no one close, he whispered, "Trust no one! The Shedty seek to possess the coffin we found today. Because they fear the Scarab King's resurrection, the Shedty want to destroy him before he has the chance to seek vengeance upon the Pharaoh Queen SobeKnefru."
Her brow furrowed, puzzled by what he said. "Why would a queen who lived three thousand years ago fear the mummy we found today?"
"There's a mystical book rumored to exist containing spells, some powerful enough to raise the dead. Khet ne Kemit shoit---the Black Book of Fire. Given to the first priest blessed by the Gift of Ra, what we would call a psychic, Anubis granted possession of the Black Book as medium ground between Heaven and Hell, to balance man and the Universe. Beware, whoever reads from the Black Book takes the chance of losing their soul. Anubis is a rather unforgiving god when it comes to punishing those who dare his wrath."
Dubious, Kate frowned, "What you're telling me is people are actually planning to resurrect mummies?"
"Both sides are vying to raise the dead. Who will be first---the Scarab King or SobeKnefru? My money is on Sabni since he has found the Scarab King. All he needs now is the Black Book."
Tek left her and ambled over to the car waiting for him. When he removed his handkerchief from around his neck, Kate saw the tattoo of Amun Ra's Eye etched in his skin. Seeing her reaction, he boldly winked at her before climbing in. Clenching her jaw in determination, Kate went to her Jeep and got in. Starting the engine, she jumped when the passenger door swung open and Mike climbed in.
"Kate, are you feeling all right?" Worried by the dazed look in her eyes, Mike wondered what happened while he was gone.
"No! I believe the Shedty are going after our coffin, too." Deciding to keep silent about Tek, she knew he was a good man and would never harm her or their dig site.
Wide-eyed, Mike asked, "What does the ancient Shedty have to do with our sarcophagus?"
"I believe they plan to destroy whatever is in it."
"What do you mean?"
"I believe the cult of Amun Ra wish to resurrect a pharaoh while the Shedty want to give immortal life to a queen. If they are so determined, those men are going to kill each other to claim the Scarab King."
"Don't they need some kind of special book to raise the dead?"
"Yes and it's called the Black Book of Fire. Guess where the Black Book rests---within the Scarab King's sarcophagus!" Kate fastened her seatbelt before she pressed the accelerator down. What was it about the two identical sarcophagi that bothered her so? If she were to hide something of great importance like a book reputed to raise the dead, she'd hide it where none would think to look. In a sudden flash of insight, the answer hit her. "The Black Book isn't in the coffin with the Scarab King. It's hidden in Amenemhet the Fourth's pyramid!" She hadn't realized she'd spoken out loud, elated by figuring out the puzzle.
Confused, Mike tried to keep up with Kate's wild train of thought. "What makes you think that?"
"The coffins are identical, right? Why was the one we found today set in a shallow grave and only one cover stone unlike the traditional four? Another tell-tale sign is the crowned scarab etched above the Crook and Scepter. I believe it was placed there to identify who rested in the coffin."
"Why didn't they put the Black Book in the Scarab King's coffin?"
"Maybe whoever hid him decided it was unsafe and chose Amenemhet's for safekeeping."
"But there wasn't anything but a mummy in Pharaoh Amenemhet the Fourth's coffin."
"The Black Book wasn't put in a coffin. It was hidden in his tomb."
Grinning when he recognized the deception, Mike slapped his knee, the facts right in front of them. "The Black Book rested with Pharaoh Amenemhet for safekeeping until the right time to rescue the Scarab King." Horror filled his eyes, shock registered on his handsome features. "Except no one did. Oh, my God, they buried the man alive!"
Thinking of the Scarab King's terror and his agony, dying alone in the dark, Kate shuddered. Screaming endlessly for someone to come and save him, finally realizing none would. "I think the High Priest, Imtep, left clues for someone to find the Scarab King, if something should happen to him. But no one survived to find these clues because Queen SobeKnefru destroyed the Temple of Amun Ra and the priests for hiding the Scarab King from her wrath." His rescuers slain and all evidence he ever lived erased by an evil bitch who hated him enough to curse him in the Afterlife, the Scarab King died a horrific death.
"What are we going to do?" He asked, seeing the determination etched on her pretty features.
Looking at him steadily, Kate answered with a definite tone in her voice. "We are going to find the Black Book and get it before anyone figures out the deception."
"Oh hell, I knew you were going to say that!" He groaned, wondering what trouble they were going to get into this time.
Elation surged through Sabni. What started over three thousand years ago had at last come to term. Following the truck with Setti's coffin secured on board, their task almost complete. The final preparations need only be set. With the Black Book soon to be in their possession, they will awaken Setti and send him back in time to kill Queen SobeKnefru, ending her long, evil rule over Egypt.
In the sacred scrolls written by Ra priests hiding from the Shedty hunters, SobeKnefru reaped hell upon her own people for her own pleasure. Four years after Setti's burial, the Shedty found Amenemhet's only son and killed him and his mother. SobeKnefru eliminated the last who could claim the Egyptian throne. Setti must rise from his sleep and return to ancient Egypt, setting history straight by taking back the Golden Throne of the Lion from his evil half-sister.
By all accounts the Black Book should rest in Setti's sarcophagus. The incantations waited to be read by a man possessing immense power as he, Sabni Jaffe, another who inherited Amun Ra's Gift. Tradition in the Sacred Order of Ra, a priest possessing the sight was given the name Sabni after the last guardian of the Black Book.
His euphoric thoughts turned to doubt, questioning his wisdom in leaving Theo Halvorson out of the loop. Would the greedy Englishman call the police? Were there members of the Shedty cult working in the police department? It was a chance he had to take. Time was running out. The Shedty hunted for Setti as well, wanting to destroy the only man strong enough to stand up to the sadistic SobeKnefru and end her reign of terror!
Near to spitting, Theo glared at the patient detective who dutifully took down his report. "Well? What are you going to do?"
Sympathetic, Detective Kheti smiled and stood, offering no hope. "Dr. Halvorson, I know this is difficult to hear, but I assure you, we will do all in our power to locate your lost treasure. I have your hotel number and will call you if anything turns up." Ushering the Englishman out of his office, he stopped when Halvorson shrugged off his hand.
"Fine, if you hear something, call me." Sulking, Theo jammed his hands deep in his pockets, storming out of the hot, humid police station. Nothing more could be done except go back to work on the Temple of Amun Ra and hope they could find something of value to make their time worth the effort. With the check Jaffe had given him earlier and their visas magically renewed, he and his team had a second chance to search for more treasure. Deep down, he knew that never in his life would he find anything momentous as a lost pharaoh. Nothing compared to such a grand discovery and someone had stolen it right from under his very nose!
Kheti closed his office door. Sitting down in the squeaky chair behind his small, metal desk, he picked up the phone and dialed. When the line picked up, he turned his back away from any prying eyes. "Kheti, here, we've got a problem. The American woman found the tomb before we could decipher her work. The worst part, Sabni has the coffin in his possession as we speak."
"Tomorrow night the moon reaches its full potential! Sabni will raise the bastard from his sleep."
He cringed when a masculine voice yelled at him. "Where will he take the body?"
"Where else can he take the sarcophagus but to the Museum of Antiquities in Cairo?"
"Why Cairo?" Kheti's brow creased in confusion.
"There, he will show the Scarab King what SobeKnefru has done in her reign as Queen Pharaoh and will have the knowledge of our cult. He will then know how to destroy our queen."
"I'll send our men to Cairo and stop them from resurrecting the Scarab King. Do you want to meet us there?"
"Yes. But first, I need to locate our little American archeologist, Kate Martin. She might prove to be quite useful with our own plans, perhaps as a human sacrifice." Almost smiling, he admired the ingenious mind of the young woman who located the lost Pharaoh when the Shedty and the priests of Amun Ra searched for over three thousand years and failed. With her intelligence, she would make a fine sacrifice to SobeKnefru's immortality.
The woman they sought was at that very moment thinking she'd gone nuts. Kate parked in the designated area for tourists at the Magzhuna pyramid fields and shut the powerful engine off. Getting out of the Jeep, they nervously watched the tourists lining up to visit the two pyramids. The Northern Pyramid belonged to Amenemhet IV and the Southern Pyramid to SobeKnefru.
"How the hell are we going to explore the Northern Pyramid with so many people around when I don't even know what we're looking for?" Mike reached into his back pocket for his wallet. Paying for their tickets, allowing them to enter the pyramids, he took the map held out by the girl in the booth.
Following a large group from Germany, Kate smiled at him confidently, something she didn't feel at all. "All we need is to find the lock for our key in the burial chamber."
"A hidden compartment?"
"Exactly. I think it was added before they buried Amenemhet IV. Which, if I learned my studies of ancient embalming process right, the procedure takes seventy days, plenty of time to make modification to his burial chamber."
"Ok, let's say you're right and we do retrieve the book, then what?" Mike asked as they entered the network of passageways inside the Northern Pyramid. Holding back, they abandoned the group. Opening the printed map in his hand, they headed for the lower chambers where Pharaoh's body once rested.
"We go to Cairo and barter with Jaffe. He obviously wants the Black Book, and we want the truth about the Scarab King."
Strung lights, set to give the beautiful designed corridors and chambers grand effect, inspired awe in those who dreamed of golden coffins and Egyptian curses. Entering the burial chamber, she read the etched hieroglyphs along the walls. Frowning, Kate paused when she saw the familiar scarab wearing the Double Crown of Egypt. Its size matched the end of the scepter in her backpack.
Odd, she mused, most of the hieroglyphs are missing.
Shrugging off the worn, canvas backpack, she untied the leather string and withdrew the scepter. Mike stood on look out. Kate inserted the key into the scarab and turned it. Dry, scraping of stone against stone made her jump back, just in case it might be rigged with a booby-trap. The sandstone access, two feet long and the width of a foot, shifted to the left. Peering into the ominous darkness, cautious to put her hands inside, she took a deep breath and reached in. Feeling around, her fingers brushed against something cold and smooth. Grabbing hold, she withdrew the object.
The Black Book of Fire!
In awe, she reverently held the heavy book in her arms. The dark plates gleamed in the soft, golden light of the electric lamps. A chill of foreboding invaded her excitement. If what Tek told her was true, the Black Book was not an ordinary read, but where life and death was held in a delicate balance. The cost for reading the sacred incantations reaped a terrifying toll upon whoever dared invoke the ancient powers of the Underworld. Hastening, she placed it and the scepter into her backpack.
"We've got to hurry! The Shedty believe Jaffe will find the Black Book in the Scarab King's coffin." Grunting when she slipped the weighty backpack over her shoulder and followed Mike out of the burial chambers.
"You don't seriously believe this book can raise the dead, do you?"
"Let's put it this way, if we all thought the Black Book was a myth and here we have it in our grasp, don't you think anything possible at this point?" Kate tried to be calm, her mind racing. Was Jaffe really going to attempt to raise the Scarab King?
"I need to use the restroom." Mike started toward the building beside the ticket booth.
"I'll meet you in the car."
When Mike disappeared into the low roofed building, she went around her Jeep and opened the back end. Fumbling around, she grabbed her other backpack and switched the Black Book and the scepter into it. Stuffing a large, thick research book into the one she normally carried around, making it look like it held the sacred book she just found. Closing the rear of her car, she took the one containing the Black Book and scepter and stuffed it under the driver's seat. Waiting for Mike's return from the bathroom, guilt stabbed her conscience, which she quickly shoved aside. If anyone tried to rob them, the Black Book was safely hidden, and Mike could honestly say he knew nothing of its whereabouts.
Driving back to the main highway, Kate gripped the steering wheel, the question still stumped her. "What's the purpose of bringing someone back from the dead? Is it for fame or glory, what?"
"Maybe what we learned so far is true. The Ra priests want the Scarab King to change history, and the Shedty want their Queen to rule again but as an immortal," he supplied as they drove into the sunset, exhausted from the last twenty four hours.
"Want to go back to the hotel?"
"Sounds great. I need a shower and some sleep."
"Me, too. We've got time before we go to Cairo, and the moon won't be full until tomorrow night."
Confused, Mike arched a tan eyebrow at her. "What does a full moon have to do with raising the dead?"
"Don't you watch movies? In all the horror tales of raising the dead or something spooky is gonna happen, a full moon is always in the background."
"That's just make-believe junk. You're losing your mind."
"Maybe. But my gut instincts tell me the Shedty and the priests of Ra believe in it." Adrenaline kept Kate going. Whatever she thought rational was completely tossed out the window. They were either helping or hindering what was destined to happen.
Noticing the gas gauge above half, she pulled into a nearby station to fuel up. Nudging Mike, who snoozed, she smiled at him, starting to feel worn out, too. "Can you fill up the tank and check the water? I need to use the restroom."
Rubbing his face, Mike gave her a nod. "Go on, I've got it under control."
She hesitated, worrying about the Black Book. Was it safe? Taking a good look around her surroundings, Kate frowned when she saw a black Mercedes with dark tinted windows parked across the street. Shrugging off the disturbed chill, convinced her imagination was in overdrive, she went inside the gas station and asked for the bathroom key. From inside the bathroom stall, she heard yelling and a loud commotion. Running outside, she arrived just in time to see the black Mercedes burning rubber past her Jeep. Mike lay on the concrete, bleeding.
"Mike!" Kate cried out and went down on her knees, cradling his head.
Dazed, his glazed eyes tried to focus on her face. "Kate?" Trying to rise, he clutched his head from the pain. "They hit me with a pipe or something. Oh, my God! They've got the Black Book and the scepter!" He scrambled to his feet, steadying himself against the car.
"No, they didn't," Kate replied smugly and went to the driver's side of the Jeep. "I put them under my seat while you were in the bathroom at Magzhuna."
A deep intake of breath was his first sign of surprise and then, he got mad! "What are you saying? Didn't you trust me?"
Surprised by his anger, her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "I did it in case the Shedty or the Ra priests were following us."
Calming down, his shoulders sagged at her words. "Sorry, I didn't think about that. Forgive me?" His eyes pleaded for her to understand.
Swallowing back the fear, she forced a smile on her face, not believing him for a second. "Sure, not a problem. Why don't you go and clean up."
Grimacing at the blood on his hands, he smiled ruefully. "Yeah, I'd better take care of this. Be right back," Mike said on his way inside the gas station.
Kate got into the Jeep and for a whole two seconds thought about her options. Starting the engine, she gassed it, leaving Mike behind. The warning bells thundered in her head about Mike's strange behavior. With the attack and his anger at her, she decided it wasn't a good sign. Feeling certain, she needed to get the Black Book to Sabni Jaffe. Although she didn't like his tactics, he appeared to be one of the good guys.
Using the payphone, Mike looked up in time to see Kate speeding away. Cursing the American's unpredictability, he barely acknowledged the man answering on the end of the line. "Inarus, I've got bad news. Your boys didn't get the Black Book. Kate had it hidden under the car seat. It gets even better. She left me at the gas station."
"Clever creature, dear Miss Martin is turning out to be. Do not worry, we know exactly where she's heading. We will simply intercept her before she gives Sabni the Black Book. I'll send a car to pick you up."
The phone went dead. Hanging up, Mike wiped the blood from his brow. "Why did you have to run, Kate? Damn, you should have stayed with me." Liking her, he felt sad by the knowledge Kate now had to die. She knew too much. Mike shook his head at the brilliant Kate Martin. How did she see through his deceit? Was she just lucky or really smart as her resume indicated?
A gnaw of worry ate at him. He shouldn't have told her so much about their plans to resurrect Queen SobeKnefru. Kate had sidelined their plans. They had SobeKnefru's mummy in their possession. All they needed was the missing Black Book and the ruby amulet around Setti's neck to raise the dead queen and make SobeKnefru an immortal. Rationalizing, he knew the Shedty would never allow a nosey American woman stop them from their destiny. They were too close to fulfilling their destiny to allow her to interfere.
Kate drove onward, stopping only to put more gas in the Jeep. The bitter bite of exhaustion made her rummy. Still she drove, knowing in her heart she was the Scarab King's only hope being released from whatever hell he was condemned. When at last Cairo came in view, she gave a great sigh of relief. Should she go on to the museum or find a hotel room? The setting sun cast a hazy glow of blood on the desert sand. A bad omen, she thought with a cold shudder. Museum, she decided, carefully driving through the heavy traffic of downtown Cairo.
Finding a parking spot proved easy as people headed home for the day. Taking the heavy bundle from under the seat, Kate carried it in her arms. Looking around to see if she was being followed, she hurried to the front door of the glorious museum, which was thankfully unlocked. Inside the cool interior, Kate nearly collapsed from fatigue. A silver-haired, lean man wearing an expensive suit, made to intercept her with a kind smile.
"I apologize, but we are closed for the day," his voice smooth and well-cultured, he tried to usher her out the doors.
"I'm sorry, but I have something of great importance for Sabni Jaffe. He recently brought a sarcophagus to your museum." Her world spun dangerously from not eating and no real sleep.
Startled, the man looked closer at the bundle she carried. "I see. Allow me to lock up and I shall take you to him. Please sit here. You do not look well, Miss Martin." He helped her to a bench.
Surprised by his use of her name, she was about to flee when she saw the tattoo of Ra's Eye on his neck. "You are one of them?" she asked hesitantly.
"Yes, I belong to the Sacred Order of Amun Ra. Relax. We do not wish any harm to befall you. I must lock up. Afterwards, I will take you to Sabni." He bowed to her before hurrying to set the alarms to ensure no one entered without their knowledge.
Kate sagged, feeling safe for the first time in two days. When the man returned, he indicated for her to follow him, not bothering to take the backpack she held in a death-grip. Pressing the 'down' button of the elevator, he held the door for her when it opened. Following her inside, he asked politely, "Do you wish something to eat or drink?"
"Perhaps later. Have you looked inside the Scarab King's coffin yet? Doesn't it need a key?"
"Actually, no it does not. The scarab is the identifying mark between the Scarab King and his older brother, Amenemhet the Fourth."
"Brothers?"
"Yes." He smiled sympathetically when she leaned against the elevator wall for support.
She caught him staring at the bulky knapsack. "Do you know what I have inside my backpack?"
Instead, the curator asked, "How did you know the item you carry was not in the coffin you found in the labyrinth?"
Before she could answer, the elevator doors opened.
"Yes, Miss Martin, how did you know it was a ruse?" Sabni Jaffe stood, not as a rich Egyptian but a High Priest of Ra.
"Please do tell." Clear amusement warmed the dark depths of Sabni's eyes. His modern clothes had been replaced by a woven robe of gold with a black sarong wrapped around his lean hips, leather sandals on his feet.
Swallowing hard, Kate decided to trust Jaffe completely. "Mike, a colleague of mine, told me about the Scarab King and SobeKnefru. When Tek, a man who bears the same tattoo as you, told me more, that's when I thought the Black Book had to be buried in the Scarab King's sarcophagus. Then I started thinking SobeKnefru would eventually figure it out, so Imtep hid it in Amenemhet the Fourth's tomb." Hands trembling, Kate dug out the Black Book from her backpack and held it out to Sabni who wore a look of surprise, then relief.
Taking the dark, heavy book with great respect, Sabni inclined his gleaming head in gratitude. "May Ra guide you and protect you for your selfless act today. I am eternally grateful for your kindness in bringing us the sacred Black Book." Still smiling, he handed it over to a priest dressed in a black linen loincloth. "It was not Imtep who hid the Black Book, but a young priest by the name of Sabni."
"What does he have to do with the Scarab King?"
"For Queen SobeKnefru, Sabni placed the great warrior into a deep slumber, to awaken only when summoned."
Shocked by what Jaffe told her, she glanced over at the polished golden sarcophagus, gleaming in the flickering flames of the lit braziers. "Are you telling me you believe the Scarab King isn't dead but merely asleep in his coffin?" Skeptic at the idea, she tried hard not to scoff at Jaffe.
"Sabni fell deeply in love with Queen SobeKnefru and would do anything for her. But when she asked for the Scarab King's death, the young priest refused to have royal blood upon his hands. So, Sabni devised an alternate plan, clearing SobeKnefru's way to claim the throne and not jeopardize his eternal soul."
"Why did the first Sabni not go and release the Scarab King if he was buried alive?"
"Because madness claimed him, and he had not the wit to find the Scarab King's whereabouts in the Labyrinth."
Frowning in confusion, Kate tilted her head. "Why did he go mad?"
Heaving a sad sigh, Sabni offered his hand to lead her over to the golden coffin. "In order to complete the curse upon Pharaoh, Sabni needed the powerful aid of Anubis. The Jackal God demanded his sanity for payment, and the lovesick priest willingly paid the price." Watching her hesitantly place her hand on the sarcophagus, he asked the question pressing most in his mind, "Why did you bring the Black Book to us?"
Visibly shaken when she once again felt the warm touch of a man's hand through the oddly hot metal, she answered softly, "I ... I just felt you were trying to do something good. But I do have to warn you, I think the Shedty have SobeKnefru's body. Mike told me they plan to raise her from the dead, too."
Sabni and the curator exchanged distressed looks. "Please, you are exhausted. I do believe we have a cot where you can obtain some sleep. Do not worry, I will awaken you before midnight."
Perplexed, she looked up at him. "What happens at midnight?"
"We shall all rise to our destiny!"
There was one more pressing question she had to ask. "What is the Scarab King's real name?"
Indecisive, Sabni decided to break the code to never say Pharaoh's real name until after his resurrection. Kate Martin deserved to know after endangering her life to help them. "He is Setti, full brother to Amenemhet and half to SobeKnefru. Named 'appointed to protect', Setti was made Royal Guardian of Egypt and her next Pharaoh."
"Why was his name never placed on the Cartouche of Kings?"
A sad look crossed Jaffe's stern features. "Setti was never officially crowned Pharaoh." Sweeping a hand towards the curator, "Please, go with James. He shall take care of you while we settle some last minute preparations for Pharaoh's resurrection."
James led the way to his office. Withdrawing several items from the small refrigerator beside his desk, he placed them on a wooden plate. Taking a dark green bottle from a drawer, he poured the rich, red liquid into a squat, thick glass. "Please sit down in my chair and eat. I'll just go and make up the cot in the other room."
Famished, Kate sat down in the comfortable chair and ate several wedges of sharp, tangy cheese and the dark, brown bread. When he returned, she followed him to a small cot in the back office and laid down, drowsy and full.
Smiling, he covered her with a rough blanket. "Sleep, Miss Martin. I will return to awaken you before the ceremony." He was backing out to leave when she halted him.
Frowning at this information, she had to ask, "Do you really believe a living man, an immortal, resides within the coffin and not a three thousand year old mummy?"
"Soon you shall see the true magic of the Ancients and will believe."
"What happened to Sabni after the destruction of the Ra Temple?"
"Four years after Pharaoh disappeared, SobeKnefru finally captured Sabni. Failing to wring the information from his beaten and broken body the whereabouts of Setti's tomb or the Black Book, she personally beheaded him."
"How can Setti's curse be broken?" Kate asked, thinking the man held back something of great importance concerning the ancient Sabni.
Hesitating, James answered, "Setti wears an amulet placed around his neck by Sabni, sealing the curse. Setti must go back in time and find Sabni. The priest is the only one who can speak the words to end his immortality."
Kate rested her head back on the pillow, trying to figure it all out when she realized she was all alone in the small room. Sighing, she tried to get some sleep. Instinct told her it was going to be a long night.
High in the clear night sky, the full, round moon pulsed and shimmered with an unnatural light. Sabni walked around the golden coffin while two men carefully chiseled the heavy lid open. Breathless, he waited. Four men strained to lift up the upper golden body of Pharaoh's sarcophagus, exposing the large, wrapped figure within. Swallowing back the fear, he began to gently remove the linen bandages from around the figure's face. His heart leapt with joy as the perfectly chiseled features of the Scarab King were exposed.
"James, go and wake Miss Martin. I believe she should see this," he ordered, signaling for several priests to finish removing the bandages from the dead-like man within the coffin.
Dressed in the traditional black loincloth like the others, head freshly shaved, James bowed before hurrying to fetch the young American woman, not noticing the shadows moving along the skylight high above the cathedral-like chamber.
Kate bolted upright, looking wildly about when James burst into the room. "What's wrong?" She frantically rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Searching for her backpack, she grabbed it, holding it close for protection.
"Hurry! The time for the Awakening is at hand." Gesturing excitedly at Kate, James urged her to move quickly.
Jumping off the bed, she followed him back to the chamber where the sarcophagus rested. A tingling along her spine made Kate slow down. Her eyes adjusted to the dark corridors. Shadows shifted, but she saw no one. It's just my imagination, she tried to reason.
Anticipation thick in the air, they entered the spacious chamber. The skylights high above exposed the luminescent, full moon. Twenty men, heads shaved, wearing black loincloths, were prostrated in a circle around the golden sarcophagus whose cover lid had been removed. They were chanting in a low, deep tone that made the fine hairs on her arms stand on end. At first, she did not recognize the language until she noted the slight differences of vowels.
"-I debeh dbH en Amun Ra, a'nen per-a'a Setti. A'nekh iew Setti!"
Suddenly the words were crystal clear. I ask Amun Ra to bring back Pharaoh Setti. Live again, Setti! Sabni called out to the ancient, mighty Egyptian God for his Divine aid. She felt chilled to the bone despite the roaring fires blazing in copper braziers positioned around the room. Her attention centered on Sabni. He entered the circle of priests, the darkly gleaming plates of the Black Book open in his arms. Speaking clearly the sacred incantations, Sabni involved Ra into awakening the Scarab King. His deep, powerful voice drew her in as he spoke the strange words with such terrifying intensity.
A strong sensation of her skin tightening unbearably around her body made her aware of the gathering electric force. From inside the darkness of the coffin, a golden glow radiated, exploding into shimmering colors. A roar of elation echoed in the chamber. Kate covered her ears from the deafening sound, unable to escape the unexplainable surging force. A huge golden hand stretched down from the sky and enclosed the occupant inside the coffin in its mighty fist.
"Rise Pharaoh and take your place amongst your servants," Sabni's voice rang strong and true. His dark eyes widened when a large, lean brown hand rose from inside the coffin and rested on one the side. Another rose into view, grabbing the other edge. Flickering flames from the braziers reflected on the rising bald, smooth head from the sarcophagus as the occupant pulled himself upright. When those eyes, so full of rage and pain, turned to him, Sabni halted his chanting.
Stunned, Kate watched the entire scene unfold. Suddenly, the Scarab King looked right at her, his honey-brown eyes darkening in fury. A snarl curled sculptured lips. The savagely handsome man appeared as a vengeful god rising to wreak vengeance on mere mortals.
"SobeKnefru tjen iew?" The Scarab King's lips moved slowly, forcing the words out of his mouth.
Where is SobeKnefru?
Fire! Setti felt his entire body burn with renewed life as sleep washed away. Shifting his fingers, inch by agonizing inch, he felt amazed to move them at last. Elation filled him. He could feel again! Setti slowly opened his eyes, blinking from the unexpected bright mist of shimmering gold surrounding him. Trying to shield his eyes, he found he could only move his hand to the edge of the box where he lay within.
In his mind, he heard a masculine voice, strong and beautiful, speak to him. Awake and take your throne, Pharaoh, the strange, oddly familiar voice commanded
Confusion flooded his mind. Wildly looking about him, Setti realized he lay inside a sarcophagus. Ra! In a blinding flash, Amun Ra showed all. All that had happened crashed over him. The memories seared him with brutalizing intensity. Yoshabel's blood covering him, his dagger protruding from her heart, his forced confinement in a dark void for who knew how long, all slammed his raw senses at once.
Rage rushed through his veins. His blood boiled in fury, giving him the strength to pull his body upward into a sitting position. The emotions combined in a lethal dose, he searched the chamber for the bitch and her lackey who had condemned him to eternal hell!
The unfamiliar High Priest fell to his knees, prostrating like the others. Scanning the chamber, Setti's gaze fell upon a young woman with long hair the color of pale fire and violet eyes wide, her lovely jaw dropped. Strangely dressed, her shapely legs bare, she wore odd, heavy-looking footwear on her feet. A canvas bag clutched tightly in her arms, the strange woman trembled in terror as he beckoned for two priests to help him out of the coffin.
Once out of the sarcophagus, his legs gave out from under him, fortunately the priests held on while he forced his stiffened limbs to work. Setti's fierce gaze wandered the unfamiliar chamber, turning a cold, brutal glare upon the High Priest when the man rose to his feet.
"Where am I?"
"We are in Cairo---I mean Memphis, Your Majesty. I beg your forgiveness, but we could not risk the chance of anything going wrong when we awoke you from your slumber."
The way the woman was dressed and the unfamiliar surroundings caused cold fear to enter Setti's heart. "How long have I been buried?" When the priest refused to meet his gaze, he growled, "How long?"
"Over three thousand years."
Setti paled. After he was drugged by Sabni, the hours led to endless days. Sometime, he really did not know when, his mind finally went blank. A sense of peace came and invaded his torment as he lay within the darkness, waiting for someone to find him, giving him ease. To be told centuries had passed before he was released from his imprisonment, the news disoriented his already chaotic mind.
"Imtep?"
"After they hid you, Imtep and his priests returned to the Temple and were slaughtered by SobeKnefru's men. The Temple was destroyed and all who resided within were murdered and cremated, their ashes spread on the road to be trampled on forever."
Horrified, Setti blinked, unable to comprehend his sister capable of such vindictiveness to deny the priests of Ra the dignity of entering the Afterlife. Forced to wander the earth forever without their bodies to return to was cruel beyond anything he had been forced to endure. At least he could escape, the priests never would. Their deaths will be avenged, Setti swore, furious at SobeKnefru's disrespect. To kill an enemy was one thing, but to deny him his afterlife was malicious beyond imagining.
Kate watched the magnificent-looking man shrug off the helping hands. The matching shawl necklace and belt drew her interest, but it was the other which made her curious. A braided gold chain hung from around his neck bearing a ruby-stoned scarab, lifelike in detail. It glowed briefly as if it possessed a living spirit of its own.
How odd, Kate thought, the Egyptian's ears were pierced and set with plain, solid gold loops, simple unlike his other jewelry.
His nostrils flared as if he caught her scent, then he frowned, looking askance at her. His piercing, amber eyes locked onto her. Each step stiff, the tall man refused any assistance from the priests, dismissing them with an impatient hand.
"I know you," he whispered roughly. "In the dark, I felt your hand touch mine, and I smelt the warm sunshine in your hair."
Setti had the oddest connection with this foreign woman as never before in his life.
Frightened by the way the mighty warrior towered over her, Kate felt small and vulnerable. Heat radiated from his smooth, bronze skin, searing her as he stepped closer. Trembling from the closeness, she looked up at him. Confused beyond anything she'd ever know, she stuttered lamely, "I ... I found your tomb."
Closing his eyes, remembering the sweet, intoxicating pain when he felt her touch, Setti opened them to fix upon the High Priest. "Did Sabni die that day?"
"No, Your Majesty. Four years after your burial, the Shedty captured Sabni. Queen SobeKnefru executed him by her own hand."
Setti lifted the amulet, frowning when the scarab appeared to wink at him. "What shall I do with an immortal life?"
"Go back and set things right!" Sabni answered excitedly, showing Setti the Black Book. "I will go with you and guide you in taking back your throne."
Taking a deep breath, Setti squared his shoulders, a determined gleam in the darkening depths of his eyes. A predatory expression crossed his magnificent features. "Yes, send me back. I'll kill the bitch with my own two hands when I find her!"
Angry shouts echoed in the hallway, swords clashing made Sabni look about in alarm. A crash above sent broken glass showering down upon them from the skylights. Men dressed in blue robes skimmed down along the falling ropes and were met by the priests of Amun Ra, determined to protect Setti with their lives.
Sabni shouted, "Kate, come here. Pharaoh, please stand beside me." He began chanting a new incantation. Reaching in the pocket of his flowing robes, he withdrew a powdered mixture which he spread, making a protective circle around the three of them. An unnatural breeze rose, growing in speed and power, turning into a whirl wind sweeping around and around them. The unearthly roar deafening.
A gaunt man wearing a robe of royal blue and gold strode from the dark hallway. His face skeletal, possessing a high forehead, reminded Kate of a skull with skin. Oddly calm, the newcomer withdrew a gun from his robes and took aim, firing it at Sabni.
Recognizing Inarus, Sabni hurried to open the Portal of Time. Hot metal ripped through his flesh. Crying out, he tried to focus on the hieroglyphs, desperate to finish what was his destiny---to send Pharaoh home!
Setti made to reach for Sabni, but the man fell outside the protective circle. The crackling air sizzled around them. Sabni made one final attempt to stand but fell down, cradling the Black Book tight in his arms. Dead. Snarling, Setti heard the Shedty High Priest shout orders for his men to stop them. Again, the man raised his strange weapon, this time aiming for the woman beside him.
Bringing her hard against him, Setti protected the woman, using his own body as a shield. Ignoring his own pain, he held the woman tight. Lifting his head, he saw the sarcophagus wheeled into the chamber. His eyes narrowed as he recognized the beautiful golden image. Cursing, he held onto the screaming woman. Brutal pain exploded into bright shards of glittering light.
Pitch black.
Her entire body shook out of control. Kate warily lifted her head, gasping when the silent man holding her collapsed on his back, releasing her. Scrambling next to the Egyptian, praying he was all right. Hesitant, Kate laid her hand on his broad, smooth chest, relieved when she felt it rise and fall.
"Please, rest. We're safe from those men who attacked us."
Setti placed an unsteady hand on his forehead, reeling from the events about to unfold on the world. "Safe?" He snapped, glaring at her ignorance. "The Shedty have the Black Book. Worse things are to come."
"Worse?" Kate squeaked out. Dazed, she plopped down on her behind, hiccupping, terrified beyond all rational thought. Surprised to feel sand underneath her, she looked around her, unable to recognize her surroundings. Hills upon hills of sand, illuminated by the full moon high above, stretched out endlessly all around them.
"It appears the Shedty intend to reincarnate SobeKnefru, infusing her spirit with her mummified body, making her an immortal. Trust me, SobeKnefru is quite capable of rising from her own death as I have done." Sitting up, he finally managed to cross his legs, bracing his hands in the sand for balance.
Her smooth brow furrowed, Kate grabbed the backpack and rummaged inside it. Withdrawing the small scepter, she held it up triumphantly. "The Shedty might have the Black Book in their possession, but we can find it here, too." She rose, standing unsteadily, growing impatient when he just stared at her. "Come on, we don't have much time."
Thinking the strange woman crazy, he rose to his own feet and dusted the sand from his dark robes. "Woman, what are you spouting about?" Setti demanded, irritated by her odd quirks.
Forcing herself to calm down, she hated the fact she had to tilt her head way back to look up at him, hating the way Setti haughtily looked down his nose at her. "If we can find out what year it is, I'll know where to begin our search. If we're lucky, the Black Book will still be there in the pyramid, and we can retrieve it. After that, you can send me home."
Arching a dark eyebrow at her, Setti scowled, "If what you say is true, we need to hurry. I would not be surprised if the Shedty try to send someone here, preventing us from claiming the Black Book. Let us hope they do not have anyone powerful enough to use it." Glancing about, Setti plotted their course. "Our first priority is to find the nearest town. We need to change our clothes and ask questions about SobeKnefru." He started to walk away, grimacing as he forced stiff muscles to move, throbbing from being bound so long in his sarcophagus.
Trotting to catch up, she asked breathlessly, "Why do we need to change our clothes?"
"In your present clothing you do not fit in my world, and I am still in my burial robes. We must lay low and not attract attention to ourselves until we know more of where we are and the year."
"Oh. What about your belt and shawl necklace? Is it not your defining station as the Scarab King? Won't you be recognized?"
Setti came to a sudden halt, staring down at her with an arrogant arch of an eyebrow, annoyance in his dark eyes. "Why do you call me the Scarab King?"
"Is it not what your people called you?" She stopped, too, looking up to see his harsh features in the pale light of the full moon.
"I am Setti, full brother to Pharaoh Amenemhet the Fourth. I am General Commander of the Great Egyptian Army and soon will be crowned Regent Pharaoh. Never have I been called the Scarab King!"
A look of understanding crossed over her expressive features. "I see. The people loved you so much they left the symbol of the scarab with the Double Crown in your honor when they were forbidden to speak your name."
Confused by her words, he asked, "Why were they not allowed to honor my name?"
"SobeKnefru ordered your name stricken from all books, statues, monuments and threatened death to any who spoke your name. I do believe you were given the name Scarab King because of the jeweled belt and necklace you wear, and the fact you were to be the next pharaoh of Egypt." Pain of betrayal flashed on his usually closed, granite hard features. Tilting her head, she frowned when the moonlight caught on his amulet, making her wonder about the curse set upon her companion.
When he noticed she stared at the amulet hanging from the thick chain around his neck, Setti asked, "What is on your mind?"
"It is something James said about SobeKnefru finding Sabni in the fourth year of her reign and executed him herself. If we find Sabni and the Black Book, we might have a shot at ending the curse they placed on you." Kate worked the details out loud as she started walking again, not really seeing where she went. The desert floor under her feet suddenly gave out, drawing her straight down.
A short yelp from her made him look back. "What in the name of Ra?" Setti dove for her, landing on his stomach with a grunt. He grabbed her frantically waving hand before the shifting sand sucked her under completely. Calling on the reserves of his waning strength, he pulled with all his might, hauling her back to the dark surface. Rolling away from the cascading sand, he cradled her limp body close to him and waited until the sand grew quiet. Leaning back to see if she was all right, adrenaline surged in his veins. He felt his heart skip a beat looking into her wide eyes. The spell broke when the woman blinked, wiping away the crusty sand covering her face.
He jumped to his feet and extended his hand to aid her ascent. "You must be more alert when in the desert. The sand has many treacherous ways to make corpses of us all." Awkwardly, he tried to help dust off the sand from her shapely backside.
"Th ... thank you for saving me," Kate was able to stutter out, startled when his large hands swiped the rest of the sand from her behind. A rare glimpse of smile curved his firm lips when he bowed graciously to her astonishment. She tried hard not to notice how his bottom lip was fuller than the curved upper one, or how tempting his mouth appeared, how kissable it looked. Disturbed by the surprising bent of her wild thoughts, she turned away in embarrassment, brushing the sand from her bare legs. Why did I have to wear shorts today, she grumbled, suddenly self-conscious of her weight around the incredibly handsome man---Pharaoh, she reminded herself.
"It is I who should be grateful. If not for your ingenious resourcefulness, I would still be a prisoner inside my sarcophagus." When a shy smile made her rounded features radiant in the moonlight, Setti felt a flush creep up his neck, unsure about this woman whose sweet voice possessed a foreign accent. Walking resumed, he hoped they were close to a town for they had no water or food. Curiosity made him ask the pressing question of her heritage. "Your accent is strange. Where are you from?"
Surprised by Setti's question, she thought about how to explain the United States to him. "Well, about twenty-five hundred years from now, a country will be founded across a great, vast ocean. It's called America. I was born in the year 1980 A.D. and was raised in a state called Montana."
"I knew there were few limitations to our world but a land so far away? And the name is so strange, this Mon-ta-na?"
"You would, or will, be amazed at what wonders were created, the marvels and the disasters." she replied sadly, knowing if they were unsuccessful in ending the curse, Setti would see it all and much more than she. Looking up at the night sky, she was awestruck by the striking clarity, seeing the pure beauty of the brilliant stars above. No smog, no damage to the ozone layer, no global warming affected the atmosphere. In a sharp, blinding instant she knew they really were in Ancient Egypt.
Setti grew more disoriented when he looked around them, seeing only more sand. "When I awakened, the High Priest said we were in Memphis. Am I wrong?"
"No, you're not." Puzzled, too, it was obvious they were in the middle of a desert with no signs of water or a city. "Where is the Nile?" Kate rubbed her arms from the cold, night air.
"We mustn't be far from the Nile." Setti gazed up at the stars, searching for any familiar markers to show him which way they should head. Relief flooded him when he recognized the star, Sepdet, low in the sky, preparing to slumber. Pointing at it, "Look, Sepdet is on the horizon. We must walk in that direction, the Nile flows under it."
"Sepdet? Isn't that Sirius?"
"I am not sure about your Sirius, but our Sepdet announces the Shemu, time of the harvest, the month of Mesore."
"Harvest season means the Nile will soon flood?"
"Yes." Finding he wanted to talk, something before his curse, he avoided, Setti went on, desperate for the contact. "We, Egyptians, believe the floods are caused by the tears Isis, Great Mother of all Gods and Nature, shed when she found her husband, Osiris murdered by his brother, Seth."
Smiling up at him, Kate was awed by his poetic recital of his beliefs. "What a beautiful way to describe the floods."
Setti flushed in embarrassment but continued on, "Egypt overflows with a beauty and mystery unlike any country I've seen. There is no other land like my home." The pride in his voice was unmistakable at how much he loved Egypt.
"Yes, I believe you are correct. Nothing on Earth compares to Egypt." Tying her long hair back with the white scrunchie she dug out of her pocket, Kate's thoughts turned to their dire situation. Somehow the whirlwind back in time had placed them a goodly distance from Cairo. If her worries proved to be true, the journey to retrieve the Black Book would take much longer than she anticipated. Cold and dirty, she trudged after the determined Egyptian, the hiking boots she wore growing heavier as the sand pulled and shifted her off balance.
Hours passed and still no sign of a town or life, dawn not far away. Bone tired and wrung out from the last few days, Kate stumbled and fell, unable to rise. Setti kept walking, not realizing she was no longer following him.
When he happened to glance over his shoulder, he saw her crumpled on the sand and whirled around, rushing to her side. Gently turning her over onto her back, he brushed the long cinnamon-colored hair away from her drawn features. Setti gave a sigh of relief when her eyes fluttered open.
"What happened?" Kate asked, confused she lay on the ground and Setti loomed above her, an anxious look in his wide eyes.
Placing an arm around her shoulders, he helped her sit up, worried about the dark circles under the woman's pretty eyes. Setti sat down beside her, refusing to give into his own exhaustion. The rising sun peaked over the rolling dunes of the desert. Soon the unbearable heat, compounded by their lack of water, will take its toll on them both. Taking in the wild, savage landscape, Setti knew he needed to get the woman under shade before the sun reached its full potential. Resolved, he climbed to his feet and lifted her up in his arms, carrying her toward the rocky hills to his left.
"No," Kate protested feebly. "I can walk." She tried to push at his broad shoulders to put her down, miffed when he ignored her and kept on walking. Defeated, she rested her head on his shoulder and looped her arm around his sturdy neck for balance, too tired to fight him anymore.
A small smile curved his lips when the woman gave up and accepted his help. He drew her limp body closer to his, trying to ignore how good it felt to hold her in his arms. Setti set his mind far from the warmth of being with another person again. After many years alone, he had to laugh at the irony Ra placed a foreign woman in his path of Life.
Egyptians believed to be intimate with a person not of their race unclean, marriage condoned when it pertained to peace treaties or trade bargains. As always, he led his life as an example for the men who served him, exhibiting honor and dignity. In all his thirty years, he never crossed the laws adhered by his religion and those belonging to his royal family, except once. The one and only time he wanted a woman of another race, he ended up cursed with immortality and placed in a tomb for three thousand years! Thinking it a wiser course, Setti vowed to keep their relationship platonic and bury the ever growing desire for the softly rounded woman in his arms.
She must be a test from Amun Ra, he thought wearily before stumbling to a halt between two boulders. Setting her down on the hard ground, he made sure there weren't any occupants like snakes or scorpions under the rocks. Shedding the burial robe, he felt the searing heat of the sun bearing down on his bare back. Setti used his robe as a tent, providing protection from the glaring sun while they rested.
"Here, use my shirt to protect your back from the ground." Kate shrugged off her backpack, then the long sleeved shirt. Offering it out to Setti, he stared at her, frowning at her attire underneath.
His gaze warmed considerably viewing her ripe, full breasts outlined by the strange, tight, white garment she wore. His breathing quickened, remembering the feel of her soft body pressed against him. Resigned, Setti accepted the garment with a brief nod. "Come, we must rest." Spreading out the tunic, he reclined, feeling utterly wrung out by the tolls he endured in the last hours. Motioning for her to lie beside him, Setti scooted over to make room for her in the cramped space.
Kate rolled on her side, away from Setti, nervous about being so close to a man, let alone one renowned to be the Scarab King. Tired beyond anything she'd ever endured in her life, Kate relaxed until he shifted onto his side and pressed against her. Startled, her head whipped around to stare at him, questioning his actions.
"What are you doing?" Kate demanded.
Setti shifted closer, wearing a smug, sexy smile, his darkening eyes sultry and hot, knowing full well the effect he had on her. "Use my arm as a pillow. I am more comfortable than the hard ground we sleep on." Setti tried to keep a straight face when she glared at him, distrustful about his real intentions. His entire body curved behind her, overshadowing her smaller form. Setti stretched his arm out for her to lay her head on, draping his other arm over her waist, drawing her back into the shelter of his larger frame. "Relax and go to sleep," he gruffly ordered, trying to think of other things than his manhood pressed intimately against her shapely bottom.
Shutting his eyes, he suppressed a groan of agony. What hell had Ra condemned him to endure? Thankful Kate gave up her struggle to keep distance between them and snuggled up to his warm body, the cold ground making her shiver. Pulling her tighter to him, he gave up the struggle as well, seeking rest, unsure where the battle of survival might take them next.
The cloying heat made it difficult to breathe. Batting away the bothersome flies, Kate forced herself to move, her clothes soaked with perspiration from the blazing heat. Groaning, she sat up, mindful to watch her head from bringing down the makeshift tent. Twisting at the waist, she popped the kink in her back, wincing at the sharp pain. Rubbing her aching legs, their walk in the deep sand had definitely taken its toll on her.
Silence suddenly alerted her of the absence of her companion. Scrambling frantically out of the makeshift tent, Kate shielded her eyes from the bright glare, searching for Setti.
Alone!
Terror slammed her. Her worst fear had just transpired---all alone in the desert, with the exception of spotted brown hawks flying lazily circles above her. Crumbling to the ground, she wrapped her arms around her legs dejectedly, trying hard not to cry. It seemed her lot in life to be abandoned. First her parents died in a car crash, the last of her living relatives. Why was she destined to be alone? A huge shadow loomed over her. Frightened, Kate looked up and met Setti's amused expression.
Squatting down, Setti cocked his head to the side, seeing her fear turn to relief. "Did you think I left you?" When she flushed at his question, he held out half of a large, wild cucumber. "This will help until we find water."
The juicy pulp nearly made her faint in anticipation of eating it. "Thank you." Kate gratefully accepted the offered meal. Wincing, the pulpy flesh made her dried lips sting when she took a bite. It required major effort not to gobble it all up, knowing food scarce until they found a village or town. "Do you recognize anything familiar to where we are?"
Sitting beside her, he nodded with a relieved smile. "Yes! I believe a village is not far from here. If you are ready, we will leave." Setti rose, holding a hand out to help her up.
Heaving a disgruntled sigh, Kate accepted his hand and stood up, dusting the sand off her backside. "What time is it?"
Setti grabbed his robe and shook it out before donning it. Peering up at sun, he calculated its angle in the blinding sky. "I believe it to be before the eleventh hour."
Alarmed, Kate stared at the scorching sand. "We're going to walk when it's so hot?"
"We must, if we are to find water." Setti removed the elaborately designed gold bracelets fastened on his wrists and biceps, handing them over to Kate. "Put these in your bag," he ordered, growing confused when she made no effort to take the items.
"Do I have 'slave' written on my forehead? No, I don't think so! If you want me to do anything for you, ask nicely." Kate glared at him, placing her balled up fists on her hips.
Rearing his head back as if struck in the face, Setti arched an eyebrow. The woman glared at him as if he had insulted her? Growling at her, he imperially ordered, "Woman, mind your place and do as I command."
Growing incensed by his arrogance, Kate stepped right up to Setti, leaning her head back to see his face better and poked him hard in the center of his bare chest. "Let's get something straight right here, right now, I'm not your packhorse. If you want something carried, do it yourself!" She whirled around and grabbed her backpack and shirt, getting real tired of being called 'woman' by the arrogant beast.
Speechless, he placed the arm bands back on. Grabbing his burial robe, he grumbled about mouthy women, especially the one who traveled with him. Setti resentfully hurried to catch up with her, unsure how to handle a woman who spoke without respect of his station, treating him as a commoner.
They spent the next couple of hours walking in complete silence. Checking on her often, he fast became worried by the increasing sunburn on her bare legs and arms. Without water, he was unable to make a mud mixture to cover her skin. Earlier, she had taken her long sleeve shirt and tied it around her head, covering her lower face from the burning sun. She carried the satchel slung over her shoulders. Still, she continued to trudge after him, uncomplaining. Stopping, he handed over the last of the cucumber, checking to make sure her sunburn wasn't blistering. To his shame, he realized she should be wearing the protection of his burial robe. Shedding it, he tenderly placed it around her slumped shoulders, urging her to put her arms through the half sleeves, which for her shorter stature went to her wrists.
"Thank you," Kate whispered past dried and cracked lips. Taking a small bite of the cucumber, her entire body was numb with the need to rest. Kate called on hidden reserve to keep standing. Legs trembling, she did her best to keep up with the Egyptian but came to the swift conclusion the man was inhuman. He walked along the burning sand, his feet clad in thin-soled sandals, appearing not at all affected by the brutal, furnace-like temperatures.
Setti could have kicked himself in the backside for not taking better care of her. "We shall find something soon, I promise." For her sake, he prayed to Ra for mercy in finding water at least.
The miles passed, and his admiration for the small, softly rounded, foreign woman grew as she valiantly kept up with him. Night mercifully set upon the land, along with it came relief from the heat. The woman stumbled to a halt beside him. A brief smile of gratitude curved her dried lips when he placed a steadying arm around her hunched shoulders, urging her to lean against him.
He was about to say something comforting when he smelt baking bread. His eyes darted to her, hoping she smelt it, too. She had. "Come!" He took her hand in his, leading her over the top of a low rise, spotting a small town nestled amongst clusters of palm trees.
Excited, Kate grasped his arm tighter when she saw the well, knowing fresh water near. They hurried over to the mud and bricked well. Setti reached over to grab the bucket hanging from the cross bar and lowered it down to the cool water below. Hauling back up the thick rope, he drew the filled bucket to the surface. Setti held it out for her to drink first, keeping watch for any signs of the townspeople. The town seemed tucked in for the night, many of the villagers apparently asleep. When she finished drinking her fill, she nudged him to take the bucket and ease his own thirst. When finished, Setti placed it on the bricked edge of the well, deciding they needed to find clothes next. The woman's odd outfit would definitely draw attention.
His eyes narrowed, searching the quiet village for any signs of aggression. Slowing his pace, he motioned for her to keep behind him. Oil lamps were lit in long intervals, giving them enough light to see by. Rows of low, two story, mud and sandstone houses designed to keep the heat out by day and the cold away by night from the occupants inside. Setti searched the small courtyards, hoping to find one with clothes carelessly left outside to dry.
By the ninth house down, he grinned in triumph when he saw linen garments flapping in the soft breeze. He beckoned her to take off his robe and hand it to him. Whispering to her, Setti ordered, "Go and stand over there in the alley."
Draping it over the clothes line, he exchanged it for the plain, woman's tunic and man's linen loincloth he took. By the front door, he grabbed a pair of small sandals carelessly left outside. Glancing at his companion's feet, he felt certain they'd fit her, knowing the cumbersome footwear she wore caused her excruciating pain. Taking the garments, he crossed the silent street to where she nervously waited for his return.
In the morning, he would ask around and find out what the year was and where SobeKnefru had made her royal court. Setti knew SobeKnefru never liked living in Thebes and would have chosen another location, one better suited to her needs. Seeing the small movement behind the red-haired woman, a snarl curled his upper lip. A dark clothed man loomed behind her, placing a hand over her mouth to silence her scream. Dropping the items in his arms, he rushed to her aid. To her credit, she fought the man, but he firmly held her still. Suddenly more men surrounded Setti, moving in a threatening circle around him, their swords drawn.
The man holding his companion ordered, "Give us your jewels or the woman dies!"
Instinct took over. Setti dodged past one thief, striking another in the nose with his broad fist. Wrenching the crude sword from the unconscious man's limp grasp, Setti swung it from side to side, demonstrating his skill. They looked to one another, unsure whether to attack or not. A bold man rushed forward, wildly swinging his sword. Setti easily hit the man between the eyes with the hilt his sword, knocking him out. The others warily circled around Setti as he shifted, keeping an ever watchful eye on their advances. The nearest man rushed him, distracting him. Another suddenly threw a dagger at Setti. Enraged, Setti roared, striking with both sword and fist until none were left standing. Leaving his attackers bruised and shaken, he stood alone in the sandy street breathing hard, glaring at them, sword held ready.
The thieves scrambled to their feet, terrified at what they saw. They watched the tall Egyptian stride toward their leader who held the woman.
"May Allah, be merciful!" The leader whispered fearfully, his dark eyes widened further, suddenly recognizing the expensive belt and shawl necklace which they wished to steal. The ruby-eyed scarabs glittered in their torches' light as did the blood red amulet hanging from around the Egyptian's neck. "You are the Scarab King! We heard you were buried four years ago. How can you be here and---somehow alive?" Swallowing back the lump in his throat, unbelieving what protruded from the proud Egyptian's bare chest.
Glaring at the thief, Setti growled at him, "Release the woman and leave before I decide to send you all to the Underworld!"
Frightened, the clearly shaken man immediately did as he was told. The woman plopped to the ground and scooted away, coming up short when her back pressed against the building. Her violet eyes wide with terror, Setti squatted down on his powerful haunches, making sure she was unharmed. Crying, she started hiccupping, unable to stop. When he reached out a concerned hand to wipe away the dirty tears from her cheek, he stopped short when she frantically tried to stay out of his reach.
Frowning, Setti glanced down at where she stared. Shaken by what he saw, Setti swallowed hard and took hold of the ivory-handled knife embedded deep in his heart. Yet, he lived and breathed. Pulling it free, he grew amazed no blood gushed from the wound, remaining only a dark stain on the blade.
"Are you well?" Setti asked her, alarmed by the color disappearing from her freckled features.
"Am I ... well?" Kate exclaimed in total disbelief. "I'm not ... the one ... who had a ... knife in my ... heart!"
Sighing, he truly knew what his curse meant---a freak, an abomination in the eyes of the world. "Come, woman, we need to leave this place." He held his hand out to her, hoping she would trust him again as she had before. To his eternal relief, she hesitantly accepted, placing her small hand in his much larger one.
Glaring at him, Kate grumbled, "Quit calling me woman!"
The thief, who held Kate, raised his hand, stopping them. "Wait!" He took a step forward. "Please, allow us to take you to our camp and properly clothe and feed you. It would be my honor to serve the great Scarab King."
Pondering the situation, Setti gave a small nod of acceptance. "We will go with you. Show us the way."
Kate raised a worried gaze up at him. Whispering so the thieves did not hear her, "Do you think it a wise idea to go with them when they just tried to kill us?"
Amusement lit his eyes, tinged with bitterness. "They already know they cannot kill me, so I am quite certain we will be safe." Knowing she was unsettled by the way she kept staring at the ugly wound in his chest, Setti squeezed her hand comforting. Feeling pleased when she held onto his with a death grip, he knew she was more afraid of the harsh-looking men than him. The thieves assembled, helping those hurt to their feet. Urging her to follow him, Setti went back to the house where he left his burial robe. Retrieving it, he shrugged on the warm garment and returned the items he'd taken where he found them. The thieves surrounded them and led the way toward a thick stand of palm trees at the outskirts of the village, shielding the camels awaiting their riders.
"My lord, please forgive me, I have not introduced myself. I am Raj, the most feared outlaw in Egypt. My men and I live to harass the bitch who rules like a man and commands we worship her as a Crocodile Goddess." He spit on the ground, accenting his hatred.
Setti's face hardened perceptibly. "SobeKnefru rules as Queen Pharaoh?"
"Yes and if we do not worship SobeKnefru, we find mutilated bodies of those who openly protest being forced to worship a god not of their choosing."
Grim, Setti snorted at the irony. "SobeKnefru finally got what she wanted most in life."
Kate looked up at him, frowning at his words. "What's that?"
"Her fondest desire was to be worshipped. All will love her and pay homage, those who don't, die." Setti ground out, disgusted by his sister's vanity and trivial-mindedness.
She remained quiet as they neared the long-legged camels. Three men wearing dark robes guarded them. Raj spoke softly to his men, and they bowed with great reverence to Setti. A camel settled to the ground for them to mount. Kate gasped when Setti effortlessly lifted her onto the wooly animal, placing her on the blanket covered saddle.
Accepting the dark robe from one of the thieves and a pouch containing dried meat, Setti handed the items up to her, ashamed he hadn't noticed she shivered from the cold. Swinging up behind her, Setti urged the animal up on its feet.
The huge, fluffy furred animals ambled along in a single file, making their way into the dark desert. The motion of the camel's lulling walk made her drowsy. Relaxing in Setti's arms, she trusted him to keep her on the tall animal lumbering along after the one in front of it.
Setti's mouth pulled to a half smile when she leaned back against him, getting comfortable for the long ride. Wrapping his arms protectively around her, he drew her trembling body closer. It suddenly dawned on him that he did not know her name. Leaning over her shoulder, he whispered in her dainty ear, "What are you called?"
Straightening from the unexpected shock of his warm lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her earlobe, she turned in his arms to see him better. "What?"
"What is your name?" he asked once more, amused by her obvious nervousness being in such close proximity to him, his much larger frame overshadowing her smaller one.
"Oh!" She looked even more confused when it dawned on her she had never told him her name. "My name is Kate Martin."
"It is of the greatest honor to make your acquaintance, Kate Martin." he spoke her name slowly, pronouncing it carefully so not to get it wrong.
"The pleasure is all mine, Lord Setti." She beamed up at him.
Laughing softly, Setti grinned, his white teeth bold against the honey brown color of his warm skin. "I do believe, Kate Martin, the pleasure is all mine." And truly meant every word.
Riding throughout the night, the early morning radiance broke the dark skyline. A small oasis arose from the shadowy waves of the desert. To this destination, the thieves urged their camels toward.
A hailing shout roused Kate from a half-sleep. Disoriented, she rubbed the sleep from her gritty eyes. Able to focus on her surroundings, she gaped at the wild beauty of the savage terrain, the desert awakening with the sunrise.
Smiling, she shifted to look at Setti. "How are you holding up?" Suddenly aware of his lower body moving with the swaying motion of the camel, growing quite disturbed how erotic he felt behind her.
Weary lines made his face appear older, the right corner of his sculptured mouth curled upward. "One would think with so much rest during the last three thousand years, I could keep going for days." Setti joked, feeling thoroughly worn out.
"How is your wound?"
Opening his robe to examine the stab wound, they both were astonished it had completely healed and no scar remained. "I believe ... I shall live," he replied cryptically.
Rolling her eyes at his strange sense of humor, she straightened, seeing Raj ride toward them. "Will we be safe here?" she whispered, praying the thief an honorable man.
Sensing her doubt, Raj placed a brown-skinned hand over his heart and inclined his turbaned head, grinning. "Rest your fears, kind lady. Once I have given my word, I never break it. Our humble home is yours." He waved at a woman with long, dark hair covered by a bright green veil. "My wife---Zola."
A man riding nearby barked a loud laugh. "One of them anyway!"
An unashamed grin brightened his swarthy features. "Ahh but Zola is my first and favorite." Children swarmed around the marauders, and one by one the riders separated and went to their own tents. "My lord, you and your woman shall have a tent of your own. For your comfort, food and water will be provided."
"I will never forget your generosity." Setti signaled the camel to kneel for them to dismount, holding onto Kate when the sudden forward lurch nearly sent her off the animal.
Kate blinked in surprise at being called Setti's woman, barely registering she was almost tossed off the camel. "Excuse me, but there seems to be a mistake. I am not his woman." she declared quite firmly.
Amusement brightened Raj's ebony-colored eyes. "I see. You are an available woman." A sly look was tossed at the Egyptian. "Does your friend not realize she can be claimed by any of my men, if she does not have a protector?"
Schooling his features, Setti arched an eyebrow at Kate whose lush, pink mouth dropped open in distress. "Are you telling our host you do not have a protector?"
The realization hit her. Being in a completely different time period meant she had to adhere to the rules. A woman on her own was vulnerable to either be taken against her will, claimed as a slave, or sold into slavery. Her mouth opened and closed, she tried to form a response, except her anger much too great. Finally she crossed her arms and glared at the two men, knowing they silently laughed at her predicament. "Yes, I have a protector!" Kate ground out, hating the fact that she needed Setti's protection.
Raj asked her with a brilliant grin, "And whose woman are you?"
"His." The words grated out through gritted teeth, knowing she was cornered. Kate jumped off the camel after Setti, refusing to look at him.
Swinging off his camel, Raj clapped his hands, and servants rushed forward carrying water and towels. "Wife, please have a tent readied for our honored guests and clean clothes assembled, something durable for traveling in the desert." Bowing low to Setti, "Rest, my lord, and later today, I will answer all your questions and hopefully you will be gracious enough to answer mine. May Allah watch over you and yours." Boldly winking at the fuming woman, Raj placed his hand over his heart.
Setti inclined his gleaming head, "And over yours." Placing a guiding hand on Kate's back, they followed Raj's smiling wife who indicated they should follow her.
Rolling her eyes at the outlaw's humor, Kate gulped, entranced by the way the rising sun made Setti's stark beauty breathtaking. Chucking up her runaway imagination to exhaustion, Kate forced her feet to move. Ignoring the people gawking at her, pointing at her clothes and strange boots, Kate trudged on. When Zola halted by a small tent and held back the woven papyrus curtain for them to enter, Setti motioned for Kate to enter first. Inside, she found a bed of cut grass covered by bleached linen and a gray, woven blanket folded to the side. She turned to thank the woman, perplexed to find her gone.
Setti ducked inside, forced to sit on the bed since the tent refused to allow his height. Exhausted, he shed his robe and stretched out, closing his eyes in delighted relief at the cushioned softness under his aching body. "You may undress and cover with the blanket over there. I promise not to look." A brief, amused smile curved his lips. Setti sat up and unlaced his sandals. Fluffing the rolled, cotton filled pillow behind his, he relaxed, preparing to sleep.
Unsure if he meant what he said, she took the offered chance and started removing her filthy clothes. Kicking off the heavy boots, she sat down to remove the sand-encrusted socks. Biting her lower lip from crying out from the pain, she eased them off, exposing the ugly blisters along the sides of her feet and toes. Checking to make sure Setti's eyes remained shut, she shrugged out of her clothes and stood clad only in a delicate, lacy white bra and matching panties. A clay water washbasin and a rough-textured towel sat on a small, wooden table. Washing off the sand and sticky perspiration from her body, she winced as she carefully washed her arms, the skin bright red. Gently running the rough cloth over her tired face, neck, and chest, she tried not to sigh, the pleasure of being slightly clean felt fantastic.
Peering from under thick, black-brown eyelashes, Setti watched in fascination as Kate bathed. He held his breath, viewing her full breasts strain against the strange garment she wore, hard nipples rosy against the white, near transparent material. Her waist was narrow, but her body was rounded and soft, hips flaring perfectly for a man's touch. Following the path of the wet cloth over her inner thigh, he grew hard. Closing his eyes against the sweet agony of watching Kate, his determination not give into his lust wavered. Although in pain, Setti thanked Ra for feeling once again, even if it was bent over with an erection with no way of relieving his raging need.
Rolling onto his side, away so she would not see his discomfort, a disturbing thought entered Setti's mind. Had Ra allowed him to be cursed because of his desire for Yoshabel, a woman of Israeli descent? Had he angered Ra when he chose a foreign woman over one of his own people? Never being one of a superstitious nature, Setti felt he might have to rethink his rash decisions of the past. If it were true what his people believed, he must stay clear of Kate Martin. Who knew what more could happen to him if he pursued the lovely young woman with hair the color of cinnamon.
Finished with her sponge bath, Kate wrapped the soft blanket about her shoulders. Startled at the soft knock against the tent's doorframe, she opened the curtain to find Zola holding a small jar.
"I bring you a soothing balm made from juices of the Aloe Vera plant mixed with herbs. It will help your skin burned from the desert sun."
Grateful, Kate accepted the gift with a relieved smile. "My heartfelt thanks. I shall put it on immediately."
With a short bow Zola left her.
Ducking back inside, Kate dipped her fingers in the ointment and rubbed it over her hot skin. She felt an instant relief from the pain. Spreading it over her legs and arms, careful of her burnt nose, she at last found some relief. Exhausted, she knelt on the bed, careful not to wake Setti who slept soundly on his side, his wide back to her. She slowly lay on her back and breathed a deep sigh. Not long passed when sleep enveloped her, too.
Hours later, groggy, Kate woke, feeling a heavy weight pressing down on her. Her blurred vision focused on bronze-colored skin. Eyes widening, she realized Setti's arm was draped over her chest, his bare leg thrown over her legs, pinning her down. She tried to jerk her head up to look if he still slept, forced to stay, her long hair trapped under his other arm positioned behind her head. Gritting her teeth, Kate knew she would have to wait until he awoke. Nearly coming out of the bed when a warm hand closed over her bare breast, his palm engulfed her, capturing her.
Lord, how the hell do I get into trouble so much? Kate mentally wailed, unable to escape Setti's hand.
Setti knew better than to torment Kate, finding he had not the will to stop himself. His shaft grew, lengthening in response to the soft, satiny smooth skin of her naked breast in the palm of his hand. Forcing himself to release her, he rolled onto his right side despite the voice inside his head demand he take the woman and relieve his bent up frustrations.
I am not animal! His honor would never lower himself to slake his lust on Kate who trusted him to take care of her and protect her, even if it was from himself.
Sighing in obvious relief, Kate rolled out of the bed and gathered the clothes left by the door for her to change into. The tent stifling hot, she surmised by the heat it must be mid-day. Unfolding the garments, she slipped on the simple tunic made of woven, beige linen. The material was sturdy but light with narrow straps, the hem falling past her calves. Smiling, the gown felt heavenly against her skin. Picking up the black sash, she wound it around her waist, tying it in a knot, letting the extra length fall. A pair of leather sandals accompanied the tunica. Rubbing the ointment provided by Zola over her injured feet, she put on the sandals and laced the leather thongs about her ankles. Grateful for having a change of footwear, the lightweight sandals provided protection from the burning sand and air for her blisters, allowing them to heal.
Checking to make sure Kate was fully dressed, Setti rose from the bed and strode over to the water basin to splash water on his face. Setti removed his shawl necklace and belt, placing it the bag Kate used to carry the gold scepter for safekeeping. Removing the armbands and bracelets, he tossed them in, too. When he attempted to remove the amulet, his entire body was engulfed by an electrifying pain shooting down to his very toes. Crying out, he fell to his knees, balling up his fists from the reverberating pain.
Kate scrambled to his side, placing her hands on his bulging forearm. "Setti, what's wrong?"
Taking several breaths, he tried to smile at her. "I fear I am unable to remove the amulet Sabni so graciously bestowed upon me."
Gulping, she tentatively touched the ruby scarab, fearful it might bring him more pain. When nothing happened, she let go, frowning in bemusement. "I guess the curse is linked to the amulet. Do you think if the chain is cut, it will still cause you pain?"
Giving her an odd look, he rose unsteadily to his feet. "I think I shall pass on testing out your theory. What I experienced a moment ago is sufficient to keep me from trying to remove the damn thing again."
"Fair enough. I wonder though, is Sabni really the only one who can remove it, or can we cast another spell to break the curse?"
"We shall ask the priest when we find him and the Black Book. You might want to turn around, unless you wish to see more of me." His grin spread, appearing wolfish as he tugged at the edge of his loincloth, his hot eyes held hers captive as he loosened the material from around his waist. When she gasped, whipping around in embarrassment, he chuckled wickedly. Dropping the dark loincloth, he changed into the navy-blue tunic and robes of a Bedouin. Wrapping the white turban around his head, he tucked the end in securely. Fastening the leather sandals on his feet, he felt ready to tackle the next leg of their journey. Tapping her on the shoulder to gain her attention, Setti shook his head when she jumped from the innocent contact. Turning a concerned eye at Kate, he looked her over, checking to make sure the gown she wore appropriate for their journey back into the desert.
Setti picked up a small, pink-colored clay jar and removed the lid. Taking up a wooden applicator, camel hair attached at the end, he motioned for her to come to him. "I must apply galena, ground down and mixed with oil, around your eyes for protection against the sand and wind. There are many hazards in the desert, and I would feel most grievous if infection should set in your beautiful eyes. I've known men who lost their sight when they failed to take precautions."
Warmed he thought her eyes beautiful, she couldn't help holding her breath, sitting absolutely still as Setti applied the black eyeliner along her closed eyelids. Being mindful not to jump when the cool liquid substance touched her skin or the gentle way his hand curved along her cheek, holding her steady as he drew the galena along the edges of her eyelids.
"Open your eyes," he gruffly ordered and finished applying the black mixture along her lower lashes. Setti felt the breath knocked out of him when he viewed how the black lines enhanced the deep violet color of her beautiful eyes. Needing to change the amorous bent of his thoughts, he noted her red hair bore streaks of gold from the hot, gleaming sun. Her sunburned skin transforming into dark peach, freckles sprinkled over her nose.
"Was a veil provided?" Frowning, he moved to a safer distance, unsure if he could stay his course and not become intimate with Kate.
Kate produced the black linen veil and placed it on her head, fastening it to her hair by the metal pins provided. "How's this?" she asked nervously, his handsome features intensified, making her shiver at how incredible his striking features looked in the light of day.
"Good. The veil will keep men from becoming to curious about your red hair. It's a most unusual color and will attract unwanted attention to you. I must keep you safe until I can arrange to have you returned to your own time. Now, tell me where you found the Black Book"
Not sure why she felt sad about leaving him, she nodded absently. "In your brother's pyramid."
"Does anyone else know where you found the Black Book?" Setti picked up a polished metal square and outlined his own eyes with the galena.
"Only Mike. And to be honest, I don't trust him. I believe he works for the Shedty."
"Come, let us get provisions and ride out. The day is wasting away, and we do not have the luxury of time being on our side. I found out on our journey to our new friends' hideout, we are a two day's ride from Memphis. The real dilemma is the journey will take us ten days to get there by camel or three, if we find a boat and take the Nile as our course. If we are successful in finding the Black Book, we'll need to go onto Thebes and mobilize my army." Tucking the jar into the pocket of his tunic, he held the curtains back, waiting for Kate to grab her knapsack and ducked through the doorway.
"I think we should take the quickest route to Mazghuna. Can we find a boat in Memphis?"
"Yes, I believe we can purchase one." Setti hailed Raj who sat next to a small fire, eating from a wooden bowl held in his hand.
"Ahh, our guests are awake at last and looking much better than when we found them! Come, come, join me for the noon meal. Zola, fetch more food for our guests." The Arab smiled as they folded their legs and sat upon the woven mats, bowing their heads to him in gratitude. Zola handed them bowls of shredded beef and flat bread while another woman set cups of goat's milk before Setti and Kate.
Setti kept Kate's canvas bag close by him, protecting the items within. "I am thankful for your kind hospitality. I must ask you of news concerning Egypt. I have been gone a very long time and would like to learn all there is."
Startled, a grim expression crossed the usually good-natured features of the thief. "You have returned to sad and treacherous times, my friend. Queen SobeKnefru has gone mad with power. With the Shedty as her bodyguards, she does whatever she pleases. We, in the desert, have heard of the human sacrifices she offers to Sobek in exchange for retaining her infamous beauty and his protection to remain Queen Pharaoh."
His brow furrowed, Setti digested the alarming news of blood sacrifices. SobeKnefru had indeed gone mad. "Where does the Queen live?"
"Itj-towy."
"Have you heard of a man called Sabni?"
"Yes, we have heard of that one and his sad plight. The Queen hunts him ruthlessly, placing a great reward out on his head, alive is the requirement. I believe she has terrible plans for him." Raj visibly shuddered at the thought of what could happen to a man at the hands of a vengeful woman.
"Have you seen him or might know of his whereabouts?"
A thoughtful frown wrinkled Raj's dark features. "Why do you seek this hunted man?"
"I need him more than SobeKnefru," Setti replied with a dark, deadly tone.
"I see. After the Temple of Amun Ra was destroyed and the priest of Ra cremated, people took pity on Sabni and helped conceal him from the Shedty. As to his exact location, I've heard he's taken refuge with the dead."
Knowing he must ask, Setti looked at the Arab. "Have you word of Amenemhet's lesser queen, Nefari, and her son? Were they slain by the Queen, too?"
Surprised by the odd question, Raj glanced around him before answering. "No. She and the child escaped. A deserter, Jacob the Israelite, helped her. Nefari waits for the right time to return to Egypt and claim the Golden Throne for her son."
It was Setti's turn to be surprised. "She is with Jacob?"
"Yes, he went with her after his only daughter was murder by SobeKnefru, the bitch!" Raj spat on the ground with contempt. "I am afraid I must share what the Queen spread about you the night of your death. The Queen declared you guilty of murdering the woman in a jealous rage and you took your own life in remorse."
Forcing the pain of being blamed for Yoshabel's death aside, Setti concentrated on what needed to be done. "Do you know of Jacob's whereabouts?"
"I might be able to send word of your need to see him. Who shall I say is looking for him?" Raj asked with as much subtly as a snake.
"The Scarab King, of course." Setti took a sip of his milk, grinning at the obvious disappointment the leader of the thieves expressed.
"Fine, we will play it your way." Raj laughed and helped himself to more cheese, offering the bowl out to Setti who accepted with an amused smile.
"If you can, get word to Jacob and tell him to meet me at Thebes."
"I shall send a messenger at once."
Kate, who knew better, but unable to remain silent, could not help asking, "Why did SobeKnefru accuse him of murdering the woman you speak of?" Setti glared at her although his face paled considerably at her mentioning of the dead woman.
"Yoshabel refused him when he asked her to become his queen." Raj watched the Scarab King's features closely, disturbed when the man's features paled, turning quickly to rage.
Setti heard enough. Anger surged anew, knowing he was truly cursed. "Raj, may we have a camel and provisions? I must journey onward to Fayum. As payment, I offer these to you." Digging into the bag beside him, he withdrew the gold bracelets, handing the items to Raj who hurriedly took them. Examining the expensive jewelry, the Arab looked at Setti for long time before nodding his consent.
Handing the valuable items over to Zola, Raj offered, "I will give you one of my best, plus a week's worth of rations." He clapped his hands and a manservant appeared, listening intently as Raj gave him instructions.
Wiping his hands clean, Setti rose, extending his hand to Kate, aiding her to her feet. "Many thanks for your kind hospitality. Our journey is long and we must be on our way." Setti was surprised when Raj embraced him and cautiously, he returned the gesture.
"May Allah watch your back! If you have need of us, just send a rider. I would gladly fight by your side." Raj stepped back and bowed to Setti.
Humbled by the loyalty offered by the rare man, Setti smiled down at Raj. "Thank-you for all you have done for us. I shall never forget your kind hospitality."
Laughing softly, Raj glanced up to see the tall man's face better. "I would rather be on the generous side of an immortal than as his enemy. But you, I will consider a friend. Good journey!"
"May Ra watch over you and all which is yours. Is-Salaam 9aleekum, peace be upon you." Setti solemnly inclined his head.
"9aleekum is-salaam, and upon you be peace." Raj placed the tips of his fingers upon his heart, lips, and forehead before bowing low to the tall Egyptian.
Returning the gesture, Setti took Kate's hand and led her away to the awaiting camel, easily lifting her on the awaiting, creamy-colored animal. Saluting Raj, he climbed up behind Kate and urged the camel up on its feet, directing it toward the blazing desert.
His second in command approached. "Why did you let them go? We could have gotten a good price for the woman."
Watching the pair ride away, a rare frown upon his swarthy features, Raj turned away and placed his hand on the man's shoulder. "One does not stand in the way of a man bent on revenge." Being a wise man, he knew when not to tempt fate.
"Who is he after?"
Sighing, Raj answered, "A queen who thinks she is invincible."
Kate waited until they were well away from the camp before she asked their true destination. "We are heading for Mazghuna, right?"
"Yes."
Turning a skeptic eye at him, she faced forward, getting comfortable for the long ride. Her body instantly perspired from the inferno-like heat rising from the sands. Drawing her veil more securely over her face, Kate shielded her eyes from the blazing sun above and the gritty sand when the wind picked up.
Relaxing in his arms, the camel's hypnotic gait swayed with each step, keeping a steady pace as they headed west. "Setti, what Raj said back there about the woman murdered by Queen SobeKnefru, is it true that she refused to be your queen?" Kate had to ask, growing alarmed when he stiffened in response to her question.
"Yes, she refused to be a part of my tragedy, but still SobeKnefru murdered her." The words were hard to speak, the pain still fresh as if it were only yesterday it had happened.
Sensing the awful pain reverberating through his great body behind her, Kate laid a comforting hand on his much more powerful and larger one. "Who was she?"
Taking a deep, shuddering breath, Setti forced the words past the lump in his constricting throat. "Her name was Yoshabel, and her father was my best friend."
"Did you love her?"
He frowned. At the time Yoshabel had denied him, he had felt betrayed and furious. But now, since he met this vibrant creature named Kate Martin, he could honesty say he had fallen in love with Yoshabel's rare, pale beauty and her fragile ways, not the quiet, delicate woman herself.
When he did not answer, Kate asked no more. She had her answer by his silence. A sense of sadness entered her heart at the great warrior's loss. Soon the consistency of the camel's swaying gait rocked Kate into a yawn and before she prepared herself, she fell asleep in his protective embrace.
Resting his cheek against her covered head, Setti held Kate close, inhaling her sweet scent deep into his lungs, knowing he would never forget her. The camel carefully made its way over the sandy dunes, Setti's mind focused on the present, alert for any signs of danger. Two people on a camel, alone in the middle of the desert, were susceptible to being attacked by marauders who possessed no honor like Raj and his clan.
Looking over her shoulder, Setti stared, transfixed by the view of her upper breasts pushed upward by his arm holding her steady in front of him. Body tingling from the heavenly sight and the remembrance of her breast in the palm of his hand earlier, his rod sparked to life. Deciding to avoid the obvious direction of his lusty thoughts, he nudged her shoulder until she woke. Setti motioned to the water bag. "Please hand it to me." Groggy, she grabbed it from around the saddle guard and handed the water bag to him. Taking a several sips from it, he handed it back to her. "Take care drinking the water. With the heat, you might get sick," he warned as she took a long pull, drinking of the cool water.
Giving him a withering look, she retorted, "I know how to take care of myself in the desert. Remember, I make a living at finding what the sands of time hid from the world." Kate replaced the stopper and slung it over the saddle guard.
The look he gave her was one of great amusement. "Oh really? I was under the impression you worked amongst the ruins seeking what the desert claimed."
She glared at him, feeling Setti was laughing at her. Facing forward, she kept silent. They continued to ride throughout the day and well into the night, stopping when a small oasis appeared.
Drawing back on the braided rope, he halted the camel. Urging it down, Setti nudged Kate. "Kate, are you awake? The camel needs to rest as do we."
"I'm alive, if that's what you're really asking," she grumbled, her bottom numb, her lower back throbbing in pain. Kate took her leg and drew it over the camel's neck and nearly crumbled to her knees if not for Setti's steady hand. "Thanks." She smiled faintly, her legs stiff from riding so long.
Setti urged the tired animal up, leading it to the pool of dark water. Once it drank enough, the camel went about eating the tall grass growing by the edge of the pool. Grabbing the empty water bag, Setti refilled it and took the other containing their supplies over to where Kate sat. Reaching into the leather bag, he removed a brown loaf of bread and tore it in half, handing one to her, plus cheese for their dinner.
Taking it, Kate looked around their surroundings, the night strangely silent. "Where do you think we are?"
Swallowing the bite of bread, he, too, looked around. "Mayhap another day or so, we shall reach Memphis."
"Strange isn't it, how we were tossed so far from Memphis when we went back in time. Why did we end up where we did?" Climbing to her feet, Kate walked around him, stretching her legs as she ate. Her gaze turned to longing when she looked at the cool, refreshing water, wondering if it was deep enough to swim in.
"Since I have never traveled through time before, I cannot give you an accurate answer." Grinning when she rolled her eyes at his answer, Setti decided it time to lay out the blankets. "We should get some rest."
"Yes, the poor camel needs a break from carrying us all day." She sighed and sat down beside him as he lay, stretching out.
"Get some sleep. We still have a long way to go." Yawning, he rolled onto his side. In short time, he was snoring.
When assured Setti was sound asleep, Kate climbed to her feet, cautious not to wake him. Walking to the far end of the pool, she checked to make sure he still slept. When his soft snoring could still be heard, she decided the time better than none to take a quick swim. Stripping off her clothes, she cautiously placed her toe into the water. The coolness beckoned her further in. Quietly as she could, she slipped into the water. Relishing the sensuous feel of swimming naked in an oasis and an unbelievably handsome man sleeping not far away, Kate silently laughed at how romantic the situation was, if Setti had been anyone else other than Pharaoh and was awake joining her.
But he wasn't sleeping.
The moment she drew away from him, Setti woke. Keeping his eyes closed until she was some distance from him, he peered under his lashes, wondering what she was about. When he heard the soft splash of water and her sigh of delight, he realized she was taking a swim. Shocked, his staff grew rigid at the thought of her swimming naked in the cool water, her nipples hard from the night air. Easing up to a sitting position, he almost gasped out loud by the awkward situation he found himself in.
Rising quietly to his feet, he hid behind a palm tree, watching her play. When her bright head ducked below the glassy surface, he grew concerned when she did not return. Taking a step forward in case she was in trouble, she exploded to the surface, her bare breasts bold in the moon's light. He couldn't breathe from the sheer beauty of her pale, naked body outlined in the moonlight. Never in all his life had he seen anything so beautiful as Kate Martin. She ducked the back of her head into the water, her taunt, full breasts straining as she arched her back, letting her long hair collect around her. Running her hands over her hair, she straightened and swam to the other side of the pool. Careful not to make a sound, he returned to their blankets and pretended to sleep. Not long passed when she joined him, her gown damp as she lay beside him. Forcing his tense body to relax, he nearly jumped out of his skin when she curled up to him, wishing to share his body's warmth.
What hell had Ra sentenced him to?
Before dawn, he woke, relishing the feel of her softly rounded body in his arms. Deciding it time they were on their way, he gently woke her. "Kate, we must be on our way."
Kate's eyes grew round when she realized she was in his arms. It was one thing to cuddle up to him while he slept, quite another to wake up in his arms. Scrambling to her feet, she placed a fair amount of distance between them. "Is it time to go?"
Frowning at her odd behavior, he arched a dark, thick eyebrow as she fidgeted nervously with her veil. "Yes, we need to leave soon."
"Good. I believe I need to take care of some personal business. Excuse me, I'll be right back." Walking quickly away from him, she ducked behind the palm trees and pressed her back against the rough textured trunk. What the hell was she doing?
Confused by her strangeness, he readied the camel. When she returned, her veil back in place and eyes downcast, she waited for him to swing up on the camel. Plucking her off the ground, Setti placed her in front of him. Urging the camel up, he signaled it to walk on, taking them back out to the desert. They rode in silence. The heat increasing as the sun rose in the sky.
Both confused, both unsure what to say to one another when their bodies moved in sequence with the camel's motion. The friction fast becoming more than either could bear, but somehow endured knowing it a long ride to Memphis still.
Sometime later, Kate finally relaxed in his arms, confused and dismayed by her situation. Men normally found her intelligence more attractive than her physical attributes, which were on the plump side. The man who rode behind her exhibited nothing more than companionship. And yet, when he simply touched her, her body ignited, feeling strangely stimulated. A reaction she wasn't familiar with. Not a virgin and by all means not an innocent, she found Setti's presence more than intimidating to her practical mind. Rarely was she in such an intimate position, having had only one boyfriend in college, and he had disliked showing affection. Accepting she was ugly, Kate had never pursued another relationship. Whatever signals she might imagine from the tall Egyptian had to be all in her mind, she decided. Steeling herself from the pain of rejection, Kate blocked out her need to be touched and held like any other women, accepting the practical side of being Setti's companion until they found a way to send her home.
Well after sunset, Setti pulled back the braided rope attached to the camel's halter, halting it. Gently shaking Kate's shoulder, he woke her. She sat upright, wildly looking around until she followed his pointing finger and gasped, amazed by the glorious sight before them. Setti urged the animal down so they could dismount.
The great Nile lay below them, lazily winding its way through the dark desert, a natural, life-giving force for Egypt's necessary survival. Staring in pure disbelief, she plopped down on her bottom and stared with her jaw dropped open. The Great Pyramids of Giza sat impressively below, rising majestically above the Nile and sand in full splendor. The impossibly huge moon's ghostly rays touched the diamond encrusted pinnacles, sparkling and shimmering in the bright light.
The pyramids were intact.
"It's really true!" Kate gasped out, staring in awe of the true splendor of Egypt's creativity and resourcefulness.
Confused by her amazement, Setti frowned at her odd reaction to the pyramids. "What is true?"
Tears of joy streamed down her uncovered face as she wept from the joy of seeing the pyramids before the winds of time had eroded them. Pointing at them, she scrambled to her feet. "The pyramids' top stones are encrusted with diamonds!"
Shaking his head in bemusement, he took the camel's rope and urged it to its feet. "Come."
Kate followed Setti, looking about her surroundings, her jaw dropped again. She drank in the ancient city of Memphis, or in modern times more commonly known as Cairo. In ancient times, Memphis stretched to the other side of the Nile, separated thousands of years later by economics into two cities---Cairo and Giza. Though the hour late, soldiers walked the streets, hands on the hilts of their short swords and dressed in leather armor over blue tunics. She stepped closer to Setti, feeling his powerful presence reassuring as they walked past them. The soldiers watched them suspiciously.
"Who are those men?" she whispered, remembering to cover her face.
Glancing back at the soldiers who were moving on as well, Setti returned his amused gaze down at her concerned features. "They are police, assigned to protect the merchants and locals from thieves."
"Really? How interesting. Why didn't they stop us and question our business so late in the night?" Kate asked as they continued down the street, hearing the slap of water against the shoreline from the Nile. The air was noticeably cooler by the river to her immense relief. Her skin felt like parchment. Oh, what she would give to have a real bath!
"They do not bother us because we do not look like thieves sneaking about in the dead of night." he absently responded, searching the scarcely lit streets.
Noticing his attention somewhere else, she hurried to match his long strides, growing breathless to keep up with him. "What are you looking for?"
Surprised to see her breathing hard from trying to remain by his side, Setti took pity on her and slowed his pace. "We need to find a hostel. In the morning, we will trade the camel for a small boat and sail down the Nile to Dahshur. From there, we continue on foot to Mazghuna." His sharp eyes spotted the sign above a doorway signifying a place to rent a room for the night. "Ahh, there we are. Here, take the rope and remain in the light. I'll get us a room." Setti paused, looking down at her in concern. "Will you be all right?"
Smiling up at his worry, Kate nodded. "Yes, just hurry! I'm not sure, but I think we are being followed."
"You felt it, too?" Setti asked in surprise. "Keep close to the camel, I won't be long." He hurried over to the low roofed building and went inside through the open door.
Kate absently petted the tired camel's soft, furry neck, feeling a little frightened by the quietness, broken by a shrill laughter of a woman as she and her male companion stumbled drunkenly down the street. Casually looking around her surroundings, she caught a glimpse of a boy in his early teens, clad in a white linen loincloth, his head cleanly shaved. When Setti exited the hostel, his eyes bulged, seeming to recognize him. Sinking back in the shadows, he hurried away, heading in the opposite direction from them.
Setti frowned in puzzlement when Kate did not acknowledge his return. "What is wrong?"
"There was a boy over yonder. He stared at you as if he'd seen a ghost." Perturbed when Setti shrugged his broad shoulders, apparently unconcerned someone might recognize him. Still, she worried. If word got out about his resurrection, they'd be hunted down, making it very difficult for her to return to her own time.
"Do not worry. As far as anyone is concerned, I am dead and no one is looking for a walking corpse." He reasoned and took the rope from her hand and led the camel away to the stables. Kate hastened after him, not wanting to be separated, feeling extremely uneasy about the way the stranger scurried away.
It took not long in settling the tired camel, giving it fresh hay and water. Poor Kate swayed on her feet, exhausted, and he was not far from the weary feeling himself. Taking the bag containing their provisions, he slung it over his shoulder, and she took hold of her backpack. Taking her slender hand in his, Setti led the way to the hostel.
Entering the maze-like architect of the low, earthen building, Kate followed Setti around the inner courtyard until finally they found the door marked by the number ten painted on it. Setti entered first and struck the flint, lighting the small, oil lamp for them to see by. Kate plopped down on the soft bed made up with sun bleached linen sheets, feeling utterly wrung out. She watched him lock the door through heavy eyelids, sagging with the need for real sleep and not the dozing she endured on their ride here. Barely registering what he was about, Kate felt Setti remove her sandals. He gently urged her to lie down on the mattress, covering her with a warm, soft blanket.
Concerned by the healing blisters along her feet, he felt better that she seemed not bothered by them. Setti had to smile as Kate instantly fell asleep, softly snoring. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Setti removed his own sandals and robe. Shrugging out of the tunic, he left his loincloth on, knowing he needed the barrier for both their sakes. Crawling carefully on the other side of the bed, Setti quietly shifted under the blanket, stiffening in surprise when Kate turned in her sleep, instinctively curling up to his body's warmth.
Forcing his aroused body to relax, Setti drew her to him, liking the way her smooth cheek rested on his chest, her soft breath faint against his skin as she continued sleeping. Drawing his fingers over her soft hair, he stared at the ceiling amazed by the bizarre situation he found himself part of. Not long passed when he fell asleep with Kate wrapped in his arms.
Glancing fearfully over his narrow shoulder, Jarha slipped through the dark streets, clinging to the shadows. The night held many terrors and to be out and about was truly taking one's life in their hands. When he arrived safely back at the Temple, he slipped inside and replaced the bar, securing the lock on the heavy door. He turned around, gasping when a shadow detached from the dark courtyard.
"Jarha, Sobek is a wise and powerful protector, but his patience does have its limits! Why do you insist on leaving the Temple during the night?" the old man demanded, frustrated when the boy looked guiltily down at his feet.
"My deepest apologies, Master Huni, but I had those dreams again and needed to see if it they were coming true." Jarha explained, walking beside the old priest whose intense frown turned to an expression of understanding. His dreams were frequently becoming accurate. The latest was the most vivid of all. Tonight, when he saw the tall Egyptian and the red-haired woman by the camel, he was certain he possessed the Sight.
Fearful for his young apprentice, Huni knew if the Shedty found out about the boy's visions, especially the High Priest, Inarus, the lad would be taken to Itj-towy. The religion of the Crocodile God, Sobek, had been perverted by Inarus, exploited into a human sacrificial religion. The Pharaoh Queen ordered all to worship her as goddess and wife to Sobek. He and his small order stayed to the true teachings of Sobek, separated from the Shedty, but at a high cost.
"Did it come true?" he asked the quiet boy, fear in his heart, praying it had not come to pass.
Terrified, the boy nodded. "I saw the man in my dreams! He will be the one who saves us from the Queen and her mistreatment of Egypt," Jarha whispered for Huni only to hear him, afraid. If what he thought ever reached the High Priest's ears, his head would be parted from his body. Still, the threat of death did not deter Jarha from hoping the Queen and her henchmen, the Shedty, displaced and a new pharaoh ruled Egypt.
Keeping his voice quiet as well, Huni glanced around to ensure they were alone. "Who is this man you have seen?"
"I know not his real name, but I see him in my dreams as a great, blood-red scarab wearing the Double Crown of Egypt on his head. The creature shape-shifts into the body of a great warrior and rises to stand, wearing a shawl necklace and a matching belt with black scarabs aligned with ruby eyes. The man also wears an amulet in the shape of a scarab. He comes to claim the Throne of the Golden Lion at Thebes."
Clutching his mouth with both hands from gasping out loud, Huni felt as if he were punched in the stomach. Dropping his hands to his sides, he asked breathlessly, "Are telling me you actually saw a man you dreamt to be the Scarab King down in the streets of Memphis tonight?"
Blinking at Huni's frightened visage, he was hesitant to affirm his teacher's question. "Y---es, he was the one I dreamt about."
"Jarha, you will tell no one of what you saw. Swear it on your life and mine you will not repeat it to anyone!" He grabbed the boy's shoulders, making him see the terror in his eyes.
"Master, I swear it. Why are you afraid of him? I looked into his eyes and saw only a great and noble man." Jarha worried, was his gift truly a curse since all he saw were things that made people afraid? Perhaps he should never have told anyone?
Sensing his students worry, Huni had to tell the boy the truth. "The one you speak of is cursed! Not of the living or the dead, forced to walk forever between the Sun and Moon. Condemned to be imprisoned in a tomb, the Scarab King lay where none knew his location. Yet, someone obviously must have released him. Let us go and pray on this matter." Huni led the way to the statue of Sobek and sank to his knees. Feeling torn inside by his beliefs and hope for the future, if it really was Lord Setti returned from the Land of the Dead. There was hope at last from Pharaoh Queen SobeKnefru and the Shedty! Possible freedom from the blood rituals and living sacrifices the people of Egypt were unaware of or turned a blind eye to in fear they would be next to die for a god not of their choosing.
Coming to a decisive course of action, Huni urged the boy up on his feet. "Jarha, I have changed my mind. Gather supplies for our journey. We must go and see Ramose in Thebes." Huni trembled, fearful of the course they were about to take.
Growing more confused, Jarha followed his master. "Why are we going to see Ramose, the Royal Vizier of Egypt?"
Glancing around the silent temple, Huni whispered to Jarha, "Ramose needs to be told the Scarab King has returned. He will know what to do about the momentous news."
"Should we not be telling our Order?"
Huni stopped and grabbed the boy's arms in a rough grasp. "No!" He hoarsely whispered, "Our hope lies within the Scarab King taking back the Golden Throne and disposing that whore who rules like she really is an immortal goddess!" Although the belief when a pharaoh took the throne he naturally elevated to a god-like status, but the Queen took the law and twisted it until she was worshiped as a goddess and not just treated like one. After SobeKnefru's crowning, the Temples of Sobek were redesigned with statues of her holding hands with the Crocodile God, to be worshiped as equals.
Blinking at the desperation in Huni's voice, Jarha finally understood what he meant. It would take a true immortal to stop Queen SobeKnefru and the powerful Shedty. "I shall go and gather provisions. We'll secure passage on one of the merchant ships. No one will think it odd." He hurried to the kitchens, leaving Huni to stare after him.
"May Sobek watch over us on our journey to Thebes," Huni prayed, knowing he was about to commit sedition. Ramose, a great and powerful man, made it no secret how much he hated the evil and treacherous SobeKnefru, convinced she had murdered Setti to take the Double Crown. Perhaps he was right after all.
Reaching out in her sleep, Kate instinctively sought out Setti's warmth. Alarmed, she realized his side of the bed was empty, and she was alone in the small chamber. Frantic, she searched for her sandals, quickly lacing the leather thongs about her ankles. Forgetting the veil, she rushed out the door and ran right into Setti's hard, unyielding chest. Stumbling backwards from the sudden impact, she flung her arms to catch her balance.
Surprised by Kate's flight into him, Setti dropped his packages and grabbed her forearms, keeping her from falling backwards. Shifting his hands to her shoulders, puzzled by her flight, he demanded, "Where are you going in such a hurry?" Stunned when Kate threw her arms around his waist, hugging him fiercely, his arms slowly crept about her trembling body, holding her tight until she calmed.
Huge, violet eyes rose to meet his questioning ones, tears glistening in the shining depths, startling Setti. When he recognized the relief and fear, Setti awkwardly stroked her back, trying to comfort her. With a shock, he realized she had again thought he had left her. Why did Kate possess this fear of abandonment? Had he left the impression he could easily leave her behind? His own words haunted him when he remembered telling her he would send her back to the future once they found the Black Book.
Gently, Setti urged her to look up at him. "Trust me, little fire sprite, I will never leave you in such a cowardly way. I am very sorry for frightening you, but I thought I could conduct my business and be back before you woke."
Sniffing, Kate's arms relaxed to her sides when she realized how intimate they stood. "What business did you have so early?"
Amused by her sudden nervousness, Setti urged her to step back inside the chamber. Bending down to pick up the packages he dropped, he explained, "I traded the camel for a small boat and purchased more food for the journey."
"What do you have there?"
Self-conscious, Setti handed one of the small, parchment wrapped item over to her. Watching her open the gift with baited breath, Setti felt pleased when Kate's eyes lit up in pure delight, loving the ivory comb he purchased for her. "I noticed you had nothing to tend your hair." His gaze warmed, admiring her long, tousled, cinnamon-colored hair. Growing uncomfortable, he cleared his throat and grabbed their things. "Come, we need to be on our way."
"Setti, thank you for the comb, it's quite lovely." Shyly smiling up at him, she was amazed by his kindness, especially in light of all that had happened to him. Setti remained more kind and thoughtful, despite his torment, than many modern men back in her own time.
His heart clenched at how she spoke his name, sweet and cherished---caressing. "Come, we must be away and on the Nile soon. Something has changed in the wind. I am quite certain the High Priest's killer has altered the time we are currently in. If he did not come, he has sent another. We must hurry to Amenemhet's pyramid and retrieve the Black Book before they do."
Pleased by his gift, Kate placed the beautiful comb in her backpack and donned her veil. Following Setti out into the bright sunlight, she asked, "What time is it?"
"The hour is well past the dawn, and the day is wasting away. The journey should take us two days, if we do not run into any problems." He glanced back at her as they entered the busy street, making sure Kate kept up with him.
Determined, Setti knew he had to protect her and send her safely back to her own time. Despite the knowledge it was the right thing to do, the thought of Kate leaving caused him to feel strangely lost. For a brief moment, his mind and heart rejected the very idea of her going away, never to see her again. Sanity sank in. For both their' sakes, Kate must return to her time. He must not be distracted from his course to claim the Egyptian throne for his nephew.
Fishermen, farmers, and merchants rushed along the narrow street, jostling Kate, hurrying to get to wherever they were going. She reached out and grabbed hold of Setti's robe, refusing to let go as people rudely shoved her about. Taking Kate's hand firmly in his, Setti protected her with his larger and stronger frame. Glowering down at the shorter men's obvious disrespect toward a small, helpless female, a wide berth was suddenly given them. Without uttering a single word, he clearly made it known their discourteous behavior was unacceptable.
From behind them, a commotion stirred amongst the gathering crowd. A loud shout made the people pause in the street, gaining the attention of the four, patrolling policemen.
"Stop that man! He's stealing my slave."
Recognizing Mike's voice, Kate's head whipped around, spotting him next to the police, gesturing angrily at Setti and her. "Setti, they sent a member of my expedition team back in time. Mike knows everything I do!"
Setti broke in a dead run, Kate in tow. Forced to lift her skirt up past her knees, she ran, trying her best to keep up with his long strides. Setti shoved people out of their way, heading toward the docks. The police shouted for them to stop, giving chase.
Rushing down the wide dock, they wove through the throng of sailors and slaves, heading for a small skiff. Skidding to halt beside it, Setti threw the leather pouches into the boat before swiftly reaching behind Kate's legs and picked her and stepped into it. Plopping her down on the planked bottom, he hurried to untie the rope, releasing the boat from its mooring. Grabbing a paddle to shove the small boat away from the docks, Setti dove toward the bow and scuttled the craft out of the maze of ships and smaller crafts. Paddling hard, driving them until they were well in the swift current. Shifting toward the back of the boat, he raised the sail and navigated by using the wooden-handled till connected to the rudder.
The man, Kate recognized, skidded to a halt at the edge of the dock, glaring at them as they sailed by. Dressed in Egyptian attire, galena etched around his green eyes, the sandy-haired stranger wore a blue linen loincloth wrapped around his narrow hips. The man's head tilted to the side as if trying to figure out where they headed when Itj-towy was in the opposite direction.
Kate remained where she sat on the bottom of the boat, contemplating what they should do next. Deciding Mazghuna the best course of action, they needed to find Sabni before SobeKnefru did, or even Mike. Would Mike know where to search for the hiding priest? When Raj spoke of the priest living amongst the dead, did the thief mean Sabni perhaps hid in the pyramids, confident none dared look for him there? But which one---Amenemhet IV's or Setti's father where they found his tomb?
"What are you thinking?" Setti asked, startling her from her thoughts. He had been watching Kate, fascinated by the emotions flitting across her lovely features.
"I'm trying to outwit my opponent. Mike knows so much more about the Shedty than I. What they did or are going to do. Our only hope is to find Sabni before he does. The priest is the key to bringing down SobeKnefru."
"Do you think this Mike brought the Black Book back to our time?"
"If the Black Book can be brought back in time, then yes, he will have it." Disturbed when a predatory grin curved Setti's magnificent features, Kate's eyes narrowed, wondering what he had in mind.
"Then we shall draw the man to us."
"Why?" Kate frowned, confused by Setti's plan.
"If Mike has the Black Book, we shall take it from him and use it as our bargaining tool. If he wishes to go home, we will force him to help us destroy SobeKnefru and the Shedty," he supplied, lashing the keel to keep the boat steady on course.
"What if he doesn't have the Black Book?"
"Mike dies," Setti growled, a dangerous glint in his determined eyes.
"Oh!" Reeling at the thought of Setti killing Mike, a man whom she once admired and called a friend, Kate decided to occupy her mind on something other than death. Removing her veil, she reached into the backpack and retrieved the beautiful comb Setti had given her. Tackling the tangled knots gave Kate some quiet time.
Looking upon the wild beauty of the Nile as they sailed down the slate-green waters, she felt peace wash over her. The lush green of the tall papyrus growing along the edges of the great Nile gave way to the wide, rolling landscape of the golden desert. Workers busily cut the long stalks with bright, sharp machetes while women gathered the cut papyrus into woven baskets, carrying the large bundles away for drying.
Setti considered Kate as she stared in awe of his country. Never had he met a woman like her. Kate Martin played by no rules. Finding it rather refreshing to be with a woman who did not use her talents to plot and scheme but rather to help and aid him, despite her disrespect of his high position as Pharaoh. Many men in his position might feel threatened or worse would have taken her sweet body over and over to degrade her for being uppity. Setti found her impossible and tempting in her innocence and beauty. Never had he considered taking her deliciously rounded body without her consent. The heady thought of burying his stiff rod in her tight wetness made him grow painfully hard and no way to relieve his aching condition. Turning his gaze away from Kate, he concentrated on the Nile, seeking distraction from his disturbing bend of thoughts.
Placing the comb back in her bag, she withdrew the heavy belt and necklace, studying the scarabs, entranced by their intricate detail. "Who gave these to you?" Kate inquired without looking up at him. When he did not answer right away, she glanced up, worried by the sadness in his eyes. "Setti, are you all right?" Setti's gaze returned to stare out over the green waters, wandering over to the golden sands beyond.
Sighing, Setti offered a brief smile and shrugged off his robe, tossing it behind her. Removing the turban from around his head, Setti absently rubbed his bald, smooth scalp. "My father presented them to me as a gift when he made me General Commander of his armies. He entrusted the care of Egypt's safety and my older brother to me, knowing I would give my life to them. You see, Amenemhet was never much of a warrior, but a great scholar possessing such brilliance and understanding when it came to his people and their many needs. I possessed a knack for guardian at an early age when I came to my brother's defense, beating up anyone who dared make him feel less than who he was." Shedding the tunic, Setti sat, clad only in a loincloth.
Dropping her gaze to her feet, Kate blushed, never have seen such a perfect man before as Setti. Despite her thoughts momentarily distracted by his near naked presence, Kate's curiosity got the better of her. A little unsure if she dared ask any more questions, her indecision must have been apparent.
Casting a cryptic look at her, Setti's eyebrow arched. "By the inquisitive look upon your face, you wish to ask me more questions. What else would you like to know?" Setti reached for the water bag beside Kate. Grinning at the consternation on her pretty face, he decided he liked the freckles dusting the bridge of her straight nose and the endearing tilt at the tip. Her skin had darkened from the sun, giving her violet eyes more brilliance.
"Why did SobeKnefru have you cursed and placed in the grave still alive? Why did she not just kill you like so many others of royal bloodlines had done before?"
Setti almost choked on the long pull from the water bag. Staring at her in disbelief, surprised by the straight forward question, he set the water bag down. His smooth brow furrowed in thought, Setti stared at the waters, not looking at her.
Kate wanted to kick herself for being completely tactless with her question. Heaving a deep sigh of disappointment when he did not reply, she prepared to get comfortable. Setti spoke, his words halting her.
"SobeKnefru could not afford to dirty her hands a second time. My sister knew she must conceive a new plan so none grew aware of the true depths her determination to rule Egypt alone had descended." Raw pain filled him, remembering the last excruciating days of his brother's life.
Confused, she shifted closer to him, her bare leg brushing against his. "Dirty her hands? What do you mean?"
"What I mean is SobeKnefru killed her husband by setting loose a deadly snake in his private chambers. Making it appear an accident, she successfully ended his rule over her and Egypt."
"But she was already Queen of Egypt, why did she desire more."
A bitter smile curved his mouth, making Setti appear cold and harsh. "SobeKnefru does not like to share anything, especially power."
"Why does she hate you?"
"Before our brother died, Amenemhet made me Pharaoh, to rule Egypt. Tradition demanded I take my sister to be my Queen and wife. I refused. Furious when I denied her, SobeKnefru decided it was in her best interest to be rid of me as well."
"I do believe I understand now why she wanted you out of the way. SobeKnefru had her son's interests to protect in ruling the Golden Throne."
"I see history is as inaccurate in your time as in mine. SobeKnefru did not bear the heir to the throne, a lesser queen had."
Digesting what Setti told her, Kate realized something of grave importance to them all. "Setti, history changed when Sabni used magic to curse you. All which should have happened did not because of what he did. We must set history straight by removing SobeKnefru from the throne and place you as Pharaoh for your nephew's sake"
"Ahh, there lies the real problem. If I come forward, I must take SobeKnefru as my queen to ensure peace amongst my people and the Shedty. If I kill her and choose to become mortal once more, I must take the Double Crown and rule until my nephew comes of age. He is a mere babe of four years, and the intrigues of palace life dangerous to one so young. Or, if I remain a cursed immortal, I can ensure my nephew's protection and his bloodline forever. At the present, the latter appears the better choice."
"How can you live like that? What about your own dreams and desires? What you speak of is of no small price, especially when you talk about sacrificing yourself to protect your nephew's bloodline!" Kate gasped, afraid for him and the agonizing thought of Setti denied his own life, living only for his family. What honor the man possessed!
"As you said, it is no small price to pay for the ones we love." Shying away from the prospect of living forever and no one to share the long years with, Setti sought a diversion to his lonely thoughts. His gaze wandered over her bared legs, traveling upward to her tanned arms and full, ripe breasts straining against tunica she wore. His heart thundered in his chest, his mind reflected over what Kate Martin would feel like, her naked body pressed against him. To feel her smooth skin flush against his might be worth the risk of angering the gods, to ease the hell he was condemned to.
Not one to give up, Kate persisted, "Setti, we need to think this through. You cannot remain an immortal. You have your own life to live, a wife to marry, children to be born and raised. Don't you wish to see your own grandchildren playing in the courtyard while you watch over them?" Setti deserved to be loved not only as Pharaoh but as man. If he chose to remain forever in the shadows, no one would know the great sacrifice he made for his family. Only her.
"I have achieved greatness in my lifetime but not of which you speak. I am known and feared by my enemies whom I defeated on the battlefield. And, I am blessed to have met you. I have never encountered another woman like you, Kate Martin, and I truly believe I shall never again."
Rendered speechless by his compliment, Kate had to look away from the searing intensity of his sizzling eyes boring into hers. Practical, Kate knew she had nothing to offer a great man like Setti. Why would Pharaoh be attracted to a plain old girl like her?
Setti knew he had spoken out of turn, causing her embarrassment, but he cared not, feeling the unbearable, rushing need rising for Kate. Burning as the desert sand, his need thirsted for her sweet flesh, overpowering his good intentions to honor her as an equal and not a servant, or a foreigner. Kate was fast becoming far more important to him than the teachings of religion or ethics the longer he remained in her company.
"Bring me the galena from the leather pouch," Setti ordered softly, seeing her eyeliner needed to be reapplied.
Confused by the change in conversation, she did as she was told. "What do you want with it?" Kate held the small clay jar out to him.
"Sit down in front of me. I need to reapply the galena for your protection. We must be vigilant about protecting you from the eye infections, even when we are on the Nile." Dutifully reciting the litany of what was taught to him by his nanny, Setti took the lid off the jar and dipped the wooden handled applicator into it, stirring the oily contents. "Hold still, this won't take but a minute."
Holding her breath, Kate tried to ignore the rush of pleasure at his mere touch as he efficiently applied the galena along her upper eyelid and lower, protecting her from the sun and elements. When he finished, she opened her eyes, his smooth, hairless, bare chest blocking everything out. Their bodies brushed, the tips of her nipples hardened in response. Entranced, the heat between them electrifying, Kate couldn't move or speak. The spell broke when he abruptly held the applicator out to her.
"Please, apply it for me. I do not have a mirror to do it myself." His handsome features intensified, strained as he steeled himself from the exhilarating sensation of her touch, dreading it and, at the same time, looking forward to it.
Taking the jar, Kate rose to her feet and applied the eyeliner, trying to steady her hand. A light, glistening sheen of sweat on his warm, brown skin made her want to run her hands over the bulging muscles. Her knees shook. The enticing fragrance of cedar from his skin wafted around her senses as she applied the galena along his eyes. His big hands rested on his knees, and he sat motionless for her. When she finished, his eyes opened, hunger flared in the honeyed brown depths as he stared down at her with bold desire.
Lifting his hand, hovering along her cheek without touching her, Setti wanted more than anything to kiss her. Knowing it unwise, he lowered his hand to his side, resigned not to touch her. He must retain his honor for both their sakes. "Get some rest. I plan to keep going, stopping only for personal needs to be relieved," his voice cold, he returned to take his seat by the tiller, avoiding the hurt in her eyes. Or was it disappointment? Setti shied away from the prospect Kate might want him, too.
Shaken by the unfamiliar, growing need to be near Setti, wanting him to touch her, wanting to touch him, Kate retreated to the bow of the boat, taking his robe and backpack along with her. Arranging the items, she made a suitable bed. Reclining, she raised her face to the cool, mist rising from their passage down the river. Smiling when she realized how much fun she was having, despite her current hell from wanting the man she traveled with.
Imagination be damned, I'm on a real adventure, and I plan to enjoy every single minute!
The trip truly became an incredible adventure for Kate. She watched hippopotamuses play with their young. Their rounded ears twitching as they sailed by, huge mouths opened in a lazy yawn when the humans posed no threat. She grew apprehensive when crocodiles surfaced beside their boat. Dead, yellow eyes gazed at them with an almost aloof regard before sinking under the murky water, disappearing from sight. Kate knew happiness never before experienced in her life, breathing in the wondrous scents, seeing the exotic landscape. Acres upon acres of golden wheat, fed by water piped in from trenches dug out by hand, swayed. Many servants, wearing loincloths and simple dresses in the sweltering heat, tended the harvest. All her life she dreamed of Egypt as it had once been and being sent back in time was a gift beyond her hopes and prayers.
The day gave way to night, and Setti kept his vigil at the tiller, shoving exhaustion aside. His thoughtful gaze rested on Kate's sleeping form, the ache in his heart growing as they drew closer to Dahshur. Noticing she shivered from the cool night air, he tied the rudder and rose, careful not to wake her. Taking his burial robe, he covered her, tucking the edges firmly around her. Shifting around to return to his seat, Setti paused. In her sleep, Kate's hand reached out for his, curling her body toward his body's warmth.
Indecision warred inside him. Against his better judgment, Setti caressed the gentle lines of her cheek with the pads of his fingertips. Fascinated by Kate's sleeping features, entranced by the sweetness of her soft, parted lips, Setti gave in to temptation. Unable to repress his hunger any longer, Setti leaned down and placed a kiss upon Kate's parted lips. Pleasure exploded in his mind and body when her mouth softened under his, opening more for his further exploration. Groaning in despair, he retreated from her enticing body until her arms crept around his neck, pulling him closer. He was completely lost.
Dreaming Setti was kissing her, Kate decided to allow herself the pleasure of indulging in the fantasy. Body on fire, she clung to his great strength, running her hands over the bare contours of his broad shoulders, nearly weeping at the incredible feeling of his hot, smooth skin under her fingers. Drowning, her world tilted as he roughly drew her to him. His hard mouth demanded more, and she gave her all. Meeting the wild, sensual thrusts of his velvety tongue, her arms wrapped tighter around his neck as his crushed her to him. When Setti's hand moved over her breast, massaging the ripeness in his grasp, her head tossed back, gasping from the sweet agony. Setti set Kate on fire by touch and taste, sending her reeling from the sensations. Her legs moved restlessly, she desperately sought more of his touch but in more sensitive places.
"Kate," Setti whispered against her hair, crushing her to him, amazed by the feel and taste of her.
Her eyes suddenly flew open, staring in disbelief into his, realizing what he'd been doing to her was no dream! Breaking contact, she jumped backward, landing hard against the bow. Running a shaking hand through her mussed hair, Kate's breathing fast as his were harsh bellows in the quiet of the night. In his eyes she saw the raging hunger and need, his body ridged from pent up emotions, his stiff erection under his loincloth captivating her. The spell was broken further when he started swearing, retreating from her to the back of the boat. Not a word was spoken between them at what happened, the silence more heartbreaking than the loss of his hands and mouth touching her.
Shaken to his very core at what transpired between them, Setti retreated, taking the till in hand, trying to avoid the hurt in her large, wide eyes when she looked at him, her chest heaving with each excited breath. Looking lost, she finally turned her back to him, wrapping up in his robe, trembling from the scorching kiss they shared.
Ra be merciful! What had he done to her and himself?
Two days passed and Setti kept his word about the rarity of their stops. They docked only to duck behind the papyrus reeds to relieve themselves, hurrying back in the boat, continuing on their journey. The sun hot and brutal in the late afternoon, Kate was ready to declare mutiny from the cramped boat when Setti nudged her on the shoulder, gaining her attention.
"Dahshur," Setti simply said and rose to lower the sail.
Sitting up, she swallowed hard at the view of the pyramids rising behind the nearby city despite the fact the stone monuments were several miles away. She braced herself as Setti steered the small boat toward a short stretch of beach amongst the papyrus reeds, beaching it upon the sand. Placing a finger against his lips, urging her to keep silent, Setti jumped out of the boat, looking around cautiously. Grabbing the rope attached to the bow, he tied it around a large, partially buried boulder. Taking the leather bags Kate handed over the side, he dropped them on dry land. Setti returned to the boat and lifted his hands to help her out.
Kate hesitated. Not wanting to hurt his feelings, she donned her backpack and placed her hands on his wide, bare shoulders. Unprepared, she gasped when Setti lifted her out of the boat and swung her into his arms. In reflex, she wrapped her arms around his sturdy neck. Carrying her safely away from the Nile, he did not release her so she held on, confused by his actions.
"Why didn't we dock in Dahshur?" she asked, trying to distract herself from the giddiness of having a man carry her effortlessly, especially when she knew she wasn't light by any means.
"We, in Egypt, use falcons and hawks to deliver messages. If Mike is working with the Shedty, he will send word to Dahshur and have us arrested. Thus, I wish to avoid the cities until we have the Black Book in our possession." Releasing her legs, he allowed her to slide down the long length of his body. Setti held back the massive tremor, loving the way her ripe body pressed against him.
Her eyes were wide, breathing quickened when she realized her feet had not touched the ground. Arms wrapped tightly around his sturdy neck, Kate stared in bewilderment, meeting the heat rising in his eyes, drowning in those hot, smoldering depths as his mouth hovered over hers, so close to touching she felt his warm breath mingling with her own. Apparently he came to his senses and Setti lowered her to the ground, releasing her. Shivering from the searing, close contact, she rubbed her hands over her arms, bereft of his strong arms around her.
Donning his long tunic and robe, Setti wrapped the turban around his head, protection from the hot sun. "We walk from here. Mazghuna is three kilometers from Dahshur. We must be alert once we enter the perimeter surrounding the pyramids. Guards are posted to protect the dead, but it does not deter thieves who come out at night to loot the lesser protected areas. Rarely do they leave anyone alive who witness their sacrilege." Setti grabbed their provisions and took off at a brisk walk, not looking back to see if she followed.
The words came out more gruffly than he intended, but Setti was desperate to place distance between him and Kate. He knew not how long his good intentions not to bed her could last, growing hungrier for Kate with each passing moment. Dying to run his fingers through the long, silky strands of her hair, watching in pure fascination as the sunlight danced along the cinnamon silkiness, Setti's heart pounded in his chest, grieving that of all the women he could have in Egypt, he desired another foreigner.
Sex was something Egyptians did not casually indulge in, viewing the act as an expression of their devotion and love for their chosen ones. Always using discretion when choosing an Egyptian woman to relieve his needs, he usually sought young widows who wished not another husband, only a companion for a brief time. To be honest, it was out of character for him to deny his desire, leaving him in a quandary of momentous proportions!
Reeling from Setti's hot and cold signals, Kate covered her head with the veil, drawing the thin material over her face to protect her skin as well as hide her confusion. Following him, they crept through the thick, papyrus reeds until at last they stood at the edge of the desert. Determined to keep up, she tried to ignore the vicious heat rising from the shifting sand under the soles of her sandals.
The distance, deceiving in the rippling waves of heat rising from the burning desert, Setti figured they were going to have it rough walking during the late-afternoon temperature. Having no other choice, they trudged onward toward the great pyramids housing the oldest pharaohs of Egypt.
After an hour of straight walking, Setti called a halt to Kate's immense relief. Kate took the water bag he held out and tried to control her desire to gulp down the water, forcing herself to drink it slow and conservatively, not knowing what lay ahead of them. Grateful for the thin gown she wore, the soft material allowed her skin to breath in the heat. Handing the water bag back to Setti, she reached into her backpack and took out the salve Zola had given her. Applying it to her arms and legs, she removed her veil and rubbed the salve on her face, protecting herself from the burning rays. Once sufficiently covered by the salve, Kate donned her veil again.
Accepting the water bag back from Kate, Setti took a drink, savoring the precious liquid. His plan was to skirt around the pyramids and the necropolis---temple cities erected in memory of long gone pharaohs, thus avoiding any human contact. Squinting to see better in the glaring sun, he remained alert for any signs of danger. "Are you well?" He gently touched the curve of her soft, smooth cheek, exposed by the drop of her veil.
Squaring her shoulders, determined not to show any signs of weakness to the Egyptian, she answered stiffly, "I told you before, I am quite capable of handling anything." There was no way in hell she'd allow him to see her having a difficult time with the inferno-like desert heat!
Admiring Kate's spunkiness, Setti inclined his head. "I remember you once told me you knew how to survive in the desert. Please, stay close to me. We have only another kilometer to go, and I worry there might be a trap waiting for us at Mazghuna."
Glancing around her surroundings nervously, Kate nodded. "I guess we'd better keep going."
"By the time we reach Amenemhet's pyramid, sunset shall come, and the terrain more difficult without the sun's light to guide us by. Watch your footing, I do not wish any harm to befall you," Setti ordered softly, shifting the bags he carried, easing the strain along his shoulders.
Trudging along after Setti, the falling sun cast the world into a strange twilight, the heat mercifully cooling. Jackals cackled, making the hair on her arms stand on end. Apprehensive, Kate stayed right by his side. In the faint light, she barely made out the entrance to the mortuary temple built before the magnificent pyramid belonging to Setti's brother.
Setti took her hand in his and they hid behind the huge, craggy rock rising from the sands. Searching the dark for any signs of the assigned guards protecting his brother's body and the treasure buried within the pyramid, he cocked his head to the side, listening. Setti heard the roar of a hunting lion, almost smiling. It was a very good sign. Ra was with them tonight.
She, however, turned a questioning look up at him and whispered, "Are there not any guards patrolling?" Kate had not seen see any movements in the dusky hour of the oncoming night, worried it might be a trap.
"Yes, and they are very nervous and will shoot at anything moving in the dark."
"Why would they do that?"
"The guards fear angering the gods. Many believe if any should disturb the sleep of our kings, Anubis will seek retribution upon the keepers of the dead and make them crawl through the sand in the shape of snakes."
Crouching down when Setti did, she whispered, "We need to enter the pyramid and go directly into Amenemhet's burial chamber. That's where I found the Black Book. How are we getting in if there are guards somewhere out there in the dark?"
"Actually, I am not sure. Any suggestions?" Setti asked, frowning when Kate sat down. Starting to catch onto Kate's little quirks, he waited for her to work out various solutions to their problems in her head. Torches suddenly lit against the dark, exposing three guards while the fourth built a roaring fire to ward off the bitter chill of the desert night.
"The guards are superstitious, right?" At his cautious nod, she continued, "Let's use their fear to our advantage. How do you feel about dressing in your burial robes?" She waited for his anger. Instead, she was rewarded with a soft, devious laugh from Setti.
"It just might work." Shrugging off his robe and removed the tunic he wore underneath, Setti reached into one of the leather bags and pulled out his burial robe.
Kate tried not to stare at his magnificent body, his manhood etched in clear detail, the loincloth secured snugly around his lean hips. Mouth dry, breathing shallow, she held out the black linen loincloth he wore when he arose from his sarcophagus less than a week ago.
Accepting the loincloth, he quickly wrapped the garment about his lean hips, unaware of the considerable yearning at which she stared at him. Placing the belt around his hips, he took the shawl necklace and fastened it around his neck, straightening it about his shoulders.
An arrogant, half-smile curved his strong lips. She tried not to stare at him, not realizing her eyes were wide and hungry. Lord help me! How can I remain aloof from a man such as Setti, she thought miserably.
"Please, give me my burial robe," Setti urged her quietly, adjusting the weight of the heavy belt along his hips. Shrugging on the burial robe, Setti straightened to his impressive height. "How do I look?" When he looked to her for approval, he tilted his head to the side, confused by the tears glistening in her pretty eyes.
"You look like a Pharaoh," she whispered past the sudden lump in her throat.
Indecision made him pause, not wanting to leave her behind unprotected. Another emotion rose sharply inside him as Kate stared up at him with awe and yearning. Grabbing her by the shoulders, Setti betrayed again everything taught by his father and priests and pulled Kate hard against him. Kate gasped in surprise as Setti yanked her to him, his warm lips moved over hers in a hard, demanding kiss. Her lips softened under the savage onslaught, moaning softly, his mouth slanted to deepen the searing kiss. Using the tip of his tongue, he urged her to give all to him. When she did, he groaned, wrapping his arms around her tight, enclosing her within the warmth of his hard body.
Kate's world spun out of control. Her fingers curled in the fine material of his robe, clinging to his great strength as her knees threatened to buckle from under her. Savoring the intoxicating feel of his mouth on hers, his arms enclosing her in a tight embrace, Kate knew completion as never before in her life. Drowning in the pleasure of being in Pharaoh's arms, Kate succumbed to the sweet, slow hypnotic swirling of his rough tongue. Time seized, and the barriers between a woman from the future and a man born to the Ancients disappeared, leaving only Setti and Kate.
Abrupt as the kiss begun, Setti released her and left. Boldly striding past the rock, he headed straight for the guards. Kate pressed a trembling hand against her mouth, reeling from the aftershock of his kiss. Peeking around the rock, she watched him fearlessly stride right up to the guards who shouted for him to go back. When he did not stop or answer, one of the guards grabbed a short bow and notched an arrow.
Annoyance etched Setti's granite hard features as he entered the bright circle of their fire's light. Hands braced on his hips, he stood proud and fierce before the guards. The rubies set in his shawl necklace and the scarab amulet caught the burnished light and sparkled. "I, Pharaoh Setti, demand you step aside. I come to see my beloved brother, Amenemhet the Fourth, and will not be deterred. Leave!" he commanded in a tone brooking no disobedience.
The man with the bow drew back the string, his arm visibly trembling. "Lord Setti died four years ago. You cannot be him. Go back and live. Stay and you will surely die!"
A sneer crossed Setti's features and he took an intimidating step closer. "Really? What makes you think I am not already dead?"
"Just kill him and get it over with," the other guard urged.
The guard with the bow shrugged his shoulders and let the arrow fly. Kate slapped her hands over her mouth to keep from screaming as the arrow buried deep in Setti's smooth, muscled chest.
Setti grunted in pain, falling to one knee. Gritting his teeth in a cruel snarl, Setti rose and glared at the stunned men. Grasping the arrow by one hand, he slowly drew it out of his chest. When at last it was free, he held the bloody tip out for the guards to see.
"Are you believers of who I say I am, or do you need more proof?" He arched a dark eyebrow in question. They screamed, dropping their weapons and fled into the night.
When the men disappeared, she hurried to him, carrying the heavy leather pouches and water bag slung over her shoulders and Setti's clothes in her arms. Puffing from the weight of the items she carried, she grinned, "I guess the plan worked."
Glaring at her, Setti threw the arrow into the fire, rubbing his injured chest. "Yes, it worked. Might I add, I'm getting damned tired of being wounded."
Shaking her head at him, she tossed their gear next to the bedrolls. "Quit being a big baby!"
Indignant, Setti's head reared back, and he sputtered in outrage, "I, General Commander of the great Egyptian Army, the Divine defender of my Royal family---a cursed man who slept for thousands of years to awaken as an immortal, DO NOT appreciate being called a baby!" He got in her face, his nose nearly touching hers.
Coolly meeting his anger, she casually shrugged her shoulders. Grabbing a torch lying by a bedroll, she lit it by way of the cackling fire. "Whatever," she said. But silently, she laughed at having gotten a rise out of the great Setti. Leaving him to stand there staring at her in frustration, she headed toward the mortuary temple.
Glaring, he stormed after her. "Damn woman." Grumbling under his breath, he hurried to catch up with Kate. "The secret doorway is that way." Setti grabbed the torch out of her hand and lit the brass braziers before entering through the two pylons guarding the interior of the courtyard
Her jaw dropped at the sheer beauty of Amenemhet's mortuary temple, his life story etched on the walls for the world to see his many victories and accomplishments. Kate laid her hand upon the cool stone, amazed by the intricate detail. "Setti, are you sure there is a way into the pyramid through the temple?"
"I am sure because Amenemhet showed me its location." Striding over to the farthest wall from the temple's entrance, Setti ran his fingers over the smooth surface until he found the right keystone. Setti shoved it, opening a narrow doorway. "It will take us sometime to work our way down through the pyramid to Amenemhet's burial chamber. Are you ready?"
Something felt terribly wrong, the stillness of the night unnerving. Kate felt it deep in her bones. Setti entered the dark opening, torch first. A low wail issued from within the darkened chamber, sending the fine hairs on her arms sticking straight up. A man's shadow cast on the wall.
"Setti, watch out," Kate screamed.
Whipping around at Kate's shout, Setti felt the torch fly out of his hand when a wild man with long, knotted hair and beard attacked him. Grunting from the impact, the crazed man threw his arms around his waist, screaming as he tried to wrestle Setti down to the ground. Kate cried out his name again and this time his attacker paused. It gave Setti an opportunity to get the upper hand. Grabbing him by the tunic, Setti flipped him over his shoulder and held him down by his throat, pressing his dagger to his attacker's heart. When the wild man ceased his struggling and held up his right hand for mercy, Setti stumbled backward at what was burned in to his palm---a scarab in the same shape and size of the one hanging about Setti's neck.
Sabni!
Staggered by the drastic change in the priest's physical appearance, Setti slowly rose, releasing the sobbing man who scurried to his knees, prostrating before him. Taking pity on the priest, Setti placed a gentle hand on Sabni's shaking shoulder. "Sabni, what has happened to you?"
"Pharaoh, you have returned! I tried to come back and release you, but SobeKnefru set her jackals after me. Please forgive me. Please?" Sabni babbled on, frothing at the mouth in his insanity, haunted by failing his king.
Alarmed, Setti knew he must calm Sabni before the man hurt himself. Taking a commanding tone, he rose to his towering height. "Sabni, your Pharaoh commands you to rise and make sense. You are a priest of Amun Ra, rise and serve your master and God!"
Forcing himself to get his wild ramblings under control, Sabni appeared somewhat calmer and rose unsteadily to his feet. "Many apologies, my Pharaoh, these four years have been difficult." Focusing on the woman, Sabni bowed to her. Fighting to keep his tenuous hold on his sanity, he tried to straighten his torn and tattered robe. "Forgive me, I have forgotten my manners. I am Sabni."
Kate tried not to stare at the ragged, gaunt-looking man. He attempted to dust off his clothes, causing her to cough from his effort. She asked, "Sabni, do you have the Black Book in your possession?" Setti moved protectively closer to her as the priest tried to focus on her question.
"The Black Book?" Frowning, he felt he should know what she was talking about. Remembering his task, he shouted, "Yes, yes, I know where I hid the Black Book. Come with me, I will get it for you."
Looking at Sabni, wariness in his eyes, Setti warned the man, "Do not betray me again, Sabni, or I will end you life."
Swallowing hard, Sabni nodded in understanding. "I swear, Setti, I will end your curse after you kill SobeKnefru and remove her from the throne of Egypt. She betrayed us both that tragic day." Whipping around, Sabni took up a torch and lit it by using the one Setti held. Leading the way through the passageways, he headed straight for Pharaoh Amenemhet's burial chamber.
Kate tried to remain calm, except she was absolutely terrified. The hiccups came soon after.
Shaking his head at her, Setti smiled and claimed her limp hand. "Do not worry, I promise to protect you."
Glaring at him, she tried to breathe slowly, hoping to stop the hiccups, hating the harsh sound echoing in the chambers. "When ... we ... get the ... Black Book, where ... will ... we go?"
"We will go to Itj-towy and have a nice chat with my dear little sister." His sculptured lips curled into a mirthless smile, the look in his eyes promised death.
Mike gradually became aware he sat on hot, burning sand. Yelping, he jumped to his feet. Shielding his eyes from the blinding glare, he scanned the surrounding area, finding nothing familiar, only more sand. The blazing waves of inferno-like heat engulfed him, roasting his skin and lungs when he breathed.
"Where the hell am I?" Damn, he had to be insane to go to Ancient Egypt. Like, I really had a choice, Mike grumbled as he dusted his bare legs free of gritty sand. Straightening the unfamiliar weight of the blue loincloth he wore around his hips, he shouted a few choice words at the vultures flying overhead.
The High Priest of the Shedty decided he was the best choice to go back in time. In order to ensure his dedication to their cause, he was sent without the Black Book. Inarus, named after the first who served Pharaoh Queen SobeKnefru, kept the Black Book as insurance, commanding Mike to find Sabni. The Shedty needed the Ra priest and Setti's amulet to raise SobeKnefru from the dead and make her an immortal.
Resigned to his given task, Mike tossed the hood of the royal blue cloak up, covering his head. Adjusting the burlap sack tossed over his shoulder, he started walking, hoping he was headed in the right direction. Hours later and lightheaded from the glaring sun, he stumbled to a halt, relieved to see the Nile below and the pyramids of Giza. His first stop---Temple of the Shedty.
Pounding on the thick, heavy door, Mike waited until the door cracked open a bit, exposing a wary eye belonging to a bald-headed priest. Mike held out a rolled, papyrus parchment to the wary priest whose gaze remained glued on the tattoo of the altered Sobek etched over his heart, proclaiming him a Shedet. The nervous man grabbed the parchment and slammed the door shut. Several minutes passed when suddenly it swung open and several Shedty exited, roughly hauling Mike inside.
Trying his best to remain calm, the priests dragged him into the Temple's courtyard. They released him and stepped back when the commanding priest approached. Mike bowed at the waist to the hostile priest, trying to deflect the tension. "Master, I come to you in peaceful intent."
"Oh, really? I highly doubt it. However, Inarus has given explicit instructions how we are to aid you in finding the man and woman you seek. First, allow us to offer you our hospitality." Clapping his hands loudly, he spoke to a lesser priest, "Prepare a room for our honored guest and plenty of water to ease his situation." Facing the stranger, he bowed, "You wear the sand of the desert upon your feet. Go and seek your rest. When supper is ready, I shall send someone to fetch you." The head priest walked away, disgruntled by having to play host to a total stranger, a foreigner no less. Being a wise man, he did as ordered, seeking not to anger the High Priest whose reputation of dealing with insubordinates terrifying to the most hardened of men.
Remembering to present a commanding presence, Mike followed the young boy to a cool chamber, feeling lucky the ruse worked. The Shedty in his time possessed the first Inarus' seal and simply used it in the letter instructing he be given whatever he needed without question. The boy checked to make sure there was plenty of water in the clay pitcher next to the matching water basin. Bowing, he left Mike alone.
Mike removed his sandals and stripped his clothes. Using a coarse cloth, he washed the gritty sand off, beginning to feel much better. Wrapping a linen towel around his lean hips, he went to the table and poured a cup of wine. Sipping the strong brew, he worried that he might fail and never return home. He must find Sabni! Exhaustion won, and he lay on the narrow cot, seeking some rest before dinner.
The soft tapping on the door roused Mike from a deep sleep. Groggy, he rose and opened the door. "Yes?"
The same boy had returned and smiled tentatively. "The evening meal is set. Will you join us?"
"Give me a moment to get ready and I shall go with you." Mike closed the door and hurried to don his garments, going over in his mind what he needed to ask the senior priest. Slipping on the leather sandals, Mike exited his chamber and followed the boy to the dining hall where twenty other priests sat at low tables, politely waiting for him and his companion.
Bowing low at the waist, his hands folded in front him, Mike waited for permission to sit. When the head priest motioned for him to take the vacant seat to his left, Mike sat down. Prayer was spoken over the simple meal of flatbread, oatcakes, green beans, and grilled fish. Ravenous, he piled the hot food onto his plate and dug in. In the middle of eating, he felt the hostile gaze of the head priest upon him.
"Forgive my skeptic nature, but why did Inarus send you here? Why do you seek the man and woman?"
Wiping his mouth with a linen napkin, glad the priest brought up the subject, he answered in a low voice, "We should speak privately."
"I do not keep secrets from my priests," The man snapped, glaring at the foreigner.
Having had enough, Mike snapped back, "I seek the Scarab King and the red-haired woman who travels with him. They possess something of great importance to Pharaoh Queen SobeKnefru."
The priest paled considerably at the mention of the Scarab King. Leaning closer to the pale-haired man, he whispered, "Is it true? Does the Scarab King walk the land again, an immortal?"
"Unfortunately yes. I must find him and then the traitor, Sabni. Both are a threat to our beloved Queen and our religion. Will you help me?"
Leaning back, he contemplated his options. Seeing he really had no choice in the matter, he gave his consent. "In the morning, we shall question the townspeople if any have seen the Cursed One or the traitor. What will we do if we find them?"
"SobeKnefru wants their heads."
"The Scarab King cannot be killed!"
"I know how to make him a mortal. The secret lies within the amulet he wears around his neck."
Not as confident as the foreigner, the priest returned his attention to the meal set before them, eating and drinking as if it were his last. One does not simply go after a cursed Immortal, especially one who hates the Pharaoh Queen and the Shedty. Before the Scarab King became an immortal, he was a singular force, feared by his enemies and loved by Egypt. No one in his right mind hunted down a man who cannot die!
Mike finished his meal and returned to his chambers, ignoring the questioning stares from the other priests. Pacing the small chamber, he thought about Kate Martin. The woman was really quite resourceful. Would she be able to figure out the real reason why the Shedty sought Sabni? The priest of Amun Ra was the necessary link to killing Setti. Mike knew Setti planned to kill SobeKnefru and at all cost, he must keep the Queen safe. The soon to be reincarnated SobeKnefru depended on his success.
At dawn, Mike rose and went to break the morning fast with the other priests. Afterwards, the search for Setti and Kate was quickly organized and in no time, he and the young priest, whom he met last night, left the Temple. Wandering the busy streets, Mike allowed the boy to inquire if anyone had seen a tall man wearing a ruby scarab amulet. Staring at a woman wearing a black veil, Mike's brow furrowed, noting she acted differently from the others around her. The tall man beside her wore a turban and the outfit of the Bedouin. He took her hand, shielding her when people bumped into her. The woman glanced behind her, her violet eyes widened, recognizing him.
Kate!
Triumphant, he knew he had them. "Stop," Mike shouted. Grabbing the young priest, they tried to get through the crowds. When it failed, he waved down the policing soldiers. "Stop the Bedouin! He's stolen my slave."
The police gave chase when Setti and Kate ran, heading for the docks. Following, he lost them in the crowds. Running down the wooden docks, he skidded to a halt, breathing hard, then he spotted them on the river. The skiff they sailed in neared the swift current of the Nile, taking Kate and Setti farther away from him. Frowning, Mike became confused by their direction.
Why are they going in the opposite direction of Itj-towy?
"What are you doing, Kate Martin? Where are you going?" he asked out loud. Ignoring the confused look on the young priest's face, he ordered, "Come, I need to make arrangements for a boat. I must go and speak with Queen SobeKnefru." Perhaps with the powerful Queen on his side, he wouldn't need the help of the future Shedty to get home.
"Come, Jarha, we must hurry." Huni drew his white linen cloak tighter about his shoulders, feeling the chill of apprehension assault him. Disembarking from the ship they traveled on, the thought refused to leave him that they were about to commit a treasonous act, punishable by death if Inarus found out. To stop a bloodthirsty queen was a just cause, he reasoned and well worth risking death. SobeKnefru had become a monster and needed to be destroyed if Egypt wished to survive.
The great city of Thebes stretched out before them. They hurried down the narrow streets, keeping to the shadows. The magnificent, white palace where Amenemhet the Fourth ruled before his death four years ago rose before them. As they climbed the steep steps, Huni glanced over his shoulder, shivering, fearful of how they might be received by Ramose and his men.
Doubt and fear invade Jarha's overwhelming need to tell the powerful Ramose, Royal Vizier of Egypt, about what he saw in Memphis.
Seeing the terror on the boy's open features, Huni placed a calming hand on Jarha's shoulder. "Do not fear. We are doing what is right. Ramose is a good and fair man, no harm will befall us."
Feeling a little better by Huni's calm reassurance, Jarha followed him up the stone steps where two guards halted them, holding spears. The guards approached, bearing hostile attitudes when they realized they were priests of Sobek from the amulets hanging about their necks.
"What do Shedty priests want in Thebes?" one demanded, glaring with open distrust at them, keeping the sharp tip of their spears pointed at the quaking priests.
Cautious, Huni stepped forward, holding his hands up, making sure not to make any sudden move to upset the guards further. "We are humble servants of Sobek, not of the Shedty. We have come to speak with Ramose in person. My student has seen a man the great and noble Vizier has sought for four years past."
"Who is this man you speak of?"
"Tell Ramose the Scarab King has returned."
Both guards visibly paled. They conversed softly to one another before making a decision. "Come with us. We will escort you to the Throne Room. Ramose will be summoned to speak with you."
"Wait! We must speak privately with the Vizier. We are risking our lives in coming here. Please, have mercy on us." Huni felt his heart pounding erratically in his chest from the all consuming fear of being caught by the vengeful Inarus and the Shedty.
A light of understanding came in their eyes. The guards quickly ushered the frightened priests inside the palace to the Vizier's private courtyard, well away from any prying eyes. The guards made known to the Vizier's personal bodyguards they wished to speak to Ramose. After a brief discussion, one of the men slipped into the chamber. Moments later, he returned, motioning the priests to enter through the broad, golden double doors.
Sitting in a wooden chair, decorated in plated gold fronds and painted black lacquer, Ramose, the great Vizier of Egypt, waited with imperial dignity. Tall and stocky of build, his dark head cleanly shaven, Ramose wore a fine, white loincloth, fastened by a wide, brightly beaded belt around his broad waist. A thin shawl tunic covered his broad shoulders, the hem falling past his ankles. Impatient, Ramose waved the frightened priests to approach him. Piercing black eyes fixed upon them, Ramose rose from his chair. Walking around the unfamiliar men, he observed them as they knelt before him, prostrating in respect of his powerful status of running Egypt---the upper part anyway. The Pharaoh Queen had yet to find a way to kill him, wary of an open revolt from the people and the Egyptian Army. Here in Thebes, Ramose remained in relative safety from SobeKnefru.
"Rise, priests and rest a while," Ramose ordered, his voice deep, ringing with authority. "Wine, food?"
Huni shook his bald head. "Many thanks for your kind hospitality, my lord, but we come on an extremely important matter."
"So my men have said. What brings priests of the Shedty to my door?" His deceptive casualness did not fool Huni one bit.
"My pupil and I do not belong to the evil Shedty cult. We worship Sobek, the original teachings before Inarus corrupted them and defiled it with blood sacrifices. What I tell you must remain secret for it will mean our deaths if Queen SobeKnefru were to find out."
"Why would she kill you for speaking to me?" Ramose asked, his curiosity evident. Returning to his chair, he leaned forward, resting an elbow on his knee, his interest growing.
"What we tell you should really be told to one of SobeKnefru's people or Inarus, but we chose to come to you, my lord." Taking a deep breath, Huni continued bravely, "We do not wish them to know we have seen a man in Memphis whom my pupil believes is the Scarab King returned."
Ramose sat back in his chair, stunned. Could it really be so? Had Setti returned from the Underworld and come to set the Egyptian Kingdom aright? "How are you certain the man you saw is the Scarab King?"
Huni nudged Jarha who stuttered out a response. "I have dreams, my lord. Sometimes they come true. Three days ago, I saw a man wearing a ruby scarab amulet around his neck. He walked past me accompanied by a woman with red hair. When the man looked straight at me, there was no doubt in my mind he was the same man in my dreams. Except in my dreams, he began as a red scarab wearing the Double Crown of Egypt. Not long passed and the scarab shape-shifted into a man holding the sacred Crook and Scepter of Pharaoh in his hands. He will take his rightful place upon the Golden Throne at Thebes and dispose of the Pharaoh Queen forever."
Rising unsteadily from his chair, Ramose asked almost breathlessly, daring to hope once again after so long, "Where is he now?
"Memphis was where we last saw him, my lord. Huni and I left to warn you before the Shedty find out the Scarab King walks amongst the living again."
Frowning, Ramose closed the distance between him and the Sobek priests. "Are you positive the Shedty do not know of the Scarab King's return?"
"Three days have passed since we left Memphis, someone might have recognized him, though he is disguised as a Bedouin."
"Damn! We need to find the Scarab King before SobeKnefru does. Where will he go?" Ramose walked around his sitting room with his hands folded behind his back.
"My lord, if I may?" Jarha spoke softly so not to anger the Vizier. "I believe the Scarab King will go to his brother's pyramid."
"Why would he return to where he has recently arisen from?" Ramose asked in puzzlement.
Glancing at Huni for support, the old man urged him to continue. "The Scarab King was not buried alongside his brother but was hidden where the Queen could not desecrate his grave."
"Why does the Scarab King seek Mazghuna?"
"There are rumors of a madman living amongst the dead, although none have seen or heard him, not even the guards protecting Amenemhet the Fourth. To end his curse, the Scarab King needs the man and the book he protects."
Ramose stopped in his tracks. "Could it be the traitor? I've men scouring Egypt for four years and not found a single trace of him?" Mussing over what the Sobek priests told him, he continued pacing. A commotion outside the room made them stare in uneasiness when the doors opened with a crash.
The guard who escorted Huni and Jarha bowed to Ramose, offering an apology. "Forgive us, my lord, but these men were desperate to deliver news of what they'd seen in Mazghuna." He glared at the terrified men who fell to their knees, prostrating before the Royal Vizier.
Furious at their leaving Amenemhet's pyramid unprotected, Ramose roared, "Why are you not at your post?"
"Forgive us, great lord, we had to warn you about the evil spirit we fought at Mazghuna!" one of the men gasped out, still frightened by what they saw.
Taken back by the man's strange choice of words, Ramose urged the men to rise with an imperial wave of his hand. "Tell me what you saw."
They spared a glance at each other before the one who spoke first answered, "I swear, my lord, he was a demon! We shot an arrow at him and it struck him true in his chest and did not die."
The one who shot the arrow glared at his companion. "Great Vizier, I do not think the man is a demon. The man told us he had come to see his brother."
"His brother?"
"Yes, my lord. Pharaoh Amenemhet, my lord."
"Who do you believe him to be?" Ramose waited, holding his breath, hoping against hope.
"The Scarab King! And I believe he will come next to Thebes and claim his throne." Drawing back his shoulders proudly, unashamed by his belief.
"What proof have you this man might be the Scarab King?" Ramose demanded.
"The man wore the Royal Commander's necklace and belt, given to him by his father, Pharaoh Amenemhet the Third. Also, he wore a strange, ruby scarab amulet around his neck. I believe it to be the source of his cursed immortality."
Feeling as if he were punched in the stomach, Ramose stumbled back into a nearby chair. Could it really be Pharaoh? Ramose turned to speak with the captain of his bodyguards. "Send twenty men to Mazghuna and bring the man back to the palace! No harm shall come to him. I wish to speak privately with him." Ramose rose and escorted the stunned captain from the room. Outside, he looked to the left and then right, making sure they were alone. "Tell no one the identity of the man you seek. If he really is the Scarab King, SobeKnefru will be hunting him, too, wishing to finish what she started four years ago."
Hope in his dark eyes, Hotep asked, barely restraining his excitement. "My lord, can it really be the Scarab King risen from the dead?" he whispered, daring to believe they might be able to rid Egypt of SobeKnefru, a woman gone mad with vanity and greed. The Queen's desires endangered the country from outside invasion as she concentrated on her beauty and pleasures, not what was happening around her.
Ramose placed an unsteady hand on his captain's bare shoulder. "May Ra's guiding hand make it so! Led by the Scarab King, we may have a real chance of disposing SobeKnefru and take back the Golden Throne. Go and find him! If you run across the priest, bring him back, too. If the rumors are true about the Queen wanting him dead, it makes him her enemy. Hence, we want him alive and with us. Go! May you have a safe journey and a successful hunt."
Bowing, Hotep left Ramose. Rounding up his most trusted men, they armed with sword and shield, and left the palace.
Ramose prayed fervently to Ra, Help my men find Pharaoh before SobeKnefru does!
Plush, white plumes of ostrich feathers swayed with the steady strokes of the beautiful, young men assigned to serve the Queen Pharaoh, SobeKnefru. Musicians played softly for the Queen's pleasure. Tradition blatantly broken, they remained intact and available to the hungry whims of the Queen's insatiable, sexual appetites.
Exotic, sensual---deadly, SobeKnefru reclined on a low backed, cream-colored couch. Wearing a gown of the finest white, transparent linen over a tight fitting shift, a wide, intricately embroidered blue-gold sash was cinched tight about her tiny waist, the excess dangled along the pink marble floor. Further defying tradition,
SobeKnefru had refused to shave her head. Bright beads were braided in the long, dark length of her hair. A bored expression on her delicate features made her attendants extremely nervous, never knowing what might set her off, or who would bear the brunt of her rage.
A commotion in the courtyard below SobeKnefru's private quarter's made the servants halt in their duties. Rolling her eyes, exasperated by the disturbance, SobeKnefru rose gracefully off the couch and walked over to the balcony. Seeking the cause, her dark, sultry eyes widened in sudden interest when she saw the handsome man with sandy-colored hair. He wore the customary lioncloth of a Shedet, but his skin paled in comparison to the men of her country. When Omar, captain of her personal bodyguards, saw her, he and his men fell to their knees, prostrating, except for the newcomer---he bowed at the waist.
Impressed by his boldness, SobeKnefru decided he might be worthy of her attention. "Bring him to me," she ordered her captain. Stepping within her chamber, she signaled the servants to leave.
Reclining once again on the couch, SobeKnefru arranged her long, black hair over her shoulder, the colorful beads issued a musical sound as they collided. The blue-gold, double doors swung open, admitting Omar and the stranger with the tattoo of the Shedty etched on his bared chest. Eyes widening at the unusualness of a foreigner wearing the sacred symbol of Sobek, SobeKnefru motioned the man to come closer. As he approached, she felt the rising heat of lust, viewing his handsomeness, unable to decipher his origin. His anonymous heritage intrigued her, heightening her curiosity.
"Queen SobeKnefru, I am humbled by your beauty and grace." His voice was smooth, his accent strange, but the usage of her language flawless. "On behalf of my master, I come bearing a special gift for Your Highness." He held out the squat, long wooden box, his head remained bowed, eyes downcast.
A cat-like smile curved her painted red lips. SobeKnefru motioned Omar to bring the gift to her. Accepting it, she lifted the wooden lid and gasped. Eyes wide, her shocked gaze flew to the stranger's. Her breathing harsh, she viewed again his gift.
Setti's dagger! The very one she used to kill Yoshabel.
"Your name?" she demanded.
His green eyes darted over to the burly captain who hovered by his shoulder, prepared to defend his queen if he made any wrong move. "My name is Michael, and I come from a land far away to deliver an important message for your ears alone." He directed a meaningful look at the captain.
Growing curious at the foreigner's odd behavior, SobeKnefru's eyes narrowed, pondering whether or not to trust him. With the tattoo of Sobek etched on his skin, he bore the trustworthy mark of her religion. Michael could only obey her every command---or desire. "Leave us," she ordered, ignoring the silent protest from Omar. The man knew better than to speak, offering his opinion could cost him his head.
Instead of dying for his queen today, Omar retreated. Bowing low, he backed out, never turning his back on the deadly woman whom he hated and loved. Omar glared at the newcomer in a last bid to warn him not to touch SobeKnefru.
When the doors closed behind her men, SobeKnefru's eyes met the foreigner's. "Well, you have me all to yourself. Please, tell me what is so important I am inclined to break my own rule of never being left alone and unprotected?" She stretched sensuously, her full, ripe breasts pressing against the tight material of her gown.
SobeKnefru smiled in triumph, watching his erection grow, knowing the man had no power to control his own desire for her. The tip of her pink tongue dipped along her full lips. A gift she possessed at an early age, she knew no man could resist her, the rare exception of the one whose name she would never speak again. Fury rose briefly. SobeKnefru pondered the bastard who denied her, preferring death over her touch. Someday, she would find his tomb and the renegade Sabni, ending her uncertainty that someday the Cursed One will rise from the dead and kill her. Four years passed and still she endured nightmares of the Scarab King's wrath. It will end, she swore with the determination she was renowned for exhibiting when she desired something.
And she desired the Scarab King's death!
Mike watched in utter fascination as the deceptive, lovely woman enticed him, the delicious curves of her voluptuous breasts straining at the confines of her dress. Helpless, his eyes followed the path of her pink tongue licking her full, red lips. Hot, dark eyes stared at his erection, her luscious mouth swept into a pleased smile, causing Mike to grow harder before her. Remembering his task, Mike reined in his lust, knowing there wasn't any time for being sidetracked. Kate was running faster than he could catch up. Once he had found out what the year was, it wasn't hard to figure out where she headed. It would not be long before she had the Black Book in her possession, something he needed if he wanted to go home.
"My queen, I come bearing important news of your most hated enemy, one who can legally take the Golden Throne away from you."
Smiling lazily, she rested back against the cushions. "And who would dare stand against me?" SobeKnefru purred, confident in the knowledge she was feared as well as loved by her obedient subjects.
Unsure what her reaction might be, he went for it. "Setti has returned to walk the sands of Egypt."
"What?" she shrieked, launching off the couch, black eyes blazing, her delicate nostrils flaring. "How dare you mention his name in my presence? Guards!" SobeKnefru screamed, furious at the daring insolence of the man who refused to cower before her rage.
Fearing for his life, Mike knew he must make her listen. He grabbed her by her shoulders, shaking her roughly to make her stop screaming. "Hear me now, SobeKnefru. If you wish to live, you must stop Setti from getting the Black Book of Fire! It is hidden in your dead husband's tomb. If he finds Sabni and the sacred Black Book, you are as good as dead."
Omar and his men burst into the room with swords raised to slay the foreigner, skidding to a halt when SobeKnefru's hand whipped upward. "Leave us." When they did not move, she snarled, "Get the hell out of here, we are talking!" The guards hurriedly ran from the chamber, the door slamming behind them.
"How do you know this?" she demanded, stunned the man dared incur her wrath.
"I was sent by your faithful subjects from the future. Our High Priest warns you to destroy Setti and Sabni before they come for you. He proposes to make you an immortal, giving you the opportunity to rule the world with the Shedty forever by your side."
"The future you say?" SobeKnefru stepped away from him, skeptical of what he told her. "How do I know what you say is true?"
"Because I know what you did the night Sabni cursed Setti. The dagger I gave you is proof of the deed you committed upon Yoshabel, Setti's beloved. You murdered the young woman and placed the blame on Setti." His tone low, Mike watched as her dark eyes darted nervously around the chamber, fearful someone might hear him.
"Who told you?"
"You did, three thousand years in the future." Mike lied, knowing he must use superstition to manipulate SobeKnefru to obtain her help.
Blinking several times at his words, she plopped down on the couch. "Let us say I believe you. Why did you not bring the Black Book with you when you came back in time?"
Chagrined at the obvious, Mike glared at her. "Your reincarnate kept the Black Book as insurance. If I fail you, I am stuck here with no way to return home." Well, part of his story was true.
Grinning wickedly, SobeKnefru knew he spoke the truth. "What you say sounds exactly what I would have done. You will go with my men and bring back Sabni and my brother. I want the priest alive so I may properly repay him for betraying me in my hour of need."
Mike was about to protest his having to go when SobeKnefru rang the gold bell for the captain to reenter the chamber.
"Yes, my Queen?"
"Omar, go with Michael. He will lead you to two men I want arrested and brought here at the Royal Palace. Take excellent care of them. I have something special planned for them."
"As you command, my Queen." Omar motioned impatiently at the foreigner to precede him, unhappy about taking orders from him.
"Good." She smiled, having at last the opportunity to end the nightmares. With Setti and Sabni's blood washing them away, peace would be hers once again.
Reclining on the comfortable couch, SobeKnefru watched the men leave, appearing confident on the outside, terrified on the inside. Doubt assaulted her. Setti was coming to kill her! Resting her head back against the pillows, she did not hear his soft tread until he towered above her, his skeletal features blocking all out. Gasping, she leapt to her feet, glaring at Inarus', High Priest of the Shedty, sneakiness.
"How dare you enter my chambers without my permission?" SobeKnefru snapped. Inarus grinned evilly down at her, his thin, gaunt features reminding her of a skull with pasty skin stretched along the bones.
"I dare much, Queen Pharaoh. What are your plans when the Scarab King comes for your pretty head? What will you do when your beloved brother takes the Double Crown of Egypt away from you?" His whispered words punctuated her fear, slithering around her like a serpent seeking to destroy her world.
Hot, black eyes burned with the need to commit murder, but SobeKnefru held back her anger. She knew better than to make an enemy of the powerful man. Inarus had his usefulness. And when he was no longer needed, she would have his head on a platter! "I plan to put him back in his tomb and make sure he stays there this time."
Satisfied, he bowed respectfully to his Queen. "Good. I will leave you to your thoughts." Leaving the fuming woman, Inarus stepped into the secret passageway and returned to the Temple of the Shedty, making his own plans. Despite his mystical power, Inarus wasn't stupid. Fully aware of what Setti was capable and how great his rage would be when he got a hold of the vain bitch sitting on his throne, Inarus needed to protect his interests and own life from the coming, vengeful Pharaoh.
Watching Sabni, Kate felt a chill slither up her spine every time he looked at her. It had nothing to with his tattered clothing or matted hair, the man possessed a mystical power she never dreamed possible. Responsible for summoning Anubis, Sabni essentially made the tall man holding her hand impervious to death. Shivering at the unknown realm of magic and the very real divine intervention of the Egyptian Gods in this time period, Kate started hiccupping harder.
Setti felt the tremors of fear communing from Kate as she held his hand with a death grip. Concerned by her pinched features, he bent his head closer to hers, allowing Sabni to widen the distance between them. "Kate, what is wrong?" he whispered softly, worried by her hiccups growing harder.
"Setti, something ... is terribly ... wrong. I ... can feel it every time ... I look at Sabni," she whispered back, trying to calm herself, forcing the hard hiccups to slow down as Setti tried to comfort her.
"I know," Setti replied grimly, keeping a watchful eye on the wild-looking man several feet ahead of them. "Sabni possesses enormous power, and I am still unsure which side he will place his loyalty. Just in case he chooses to betray us, stay close to me."
Calmer, the hiccups subsided. "I fully intend to! Let us get the Black Book and get the hell out of here." Feeling death all around her, she liked it not at all, which was weird considering it her main field of work.
"You will be safe. I promise."
Nodding, she remained behind Setti.
Sabni halted before a wide, cedar door. "I hid the Black Book in here. We will have to dig it out. I can't risk going back to Thebes and get the key." Sabni started to weep, slapping his head, ashamed of all he had done for a heartless woman he made the mistake of falling in love with.
A distrustful light came into Setti's eyes and he placed his hand on the hilt of his knife. "Sabni, step back and let Kate open the burial chamber."
Upset, Sabni started swaying, wrapping his arms around his waist, moaning in despair. Setti placed his bigger body protectively in front of Kate as she slipped past the mumbling priest who started to swat at imaginary flies above his head. Keeping an eye on Sabni, Setti motioned for Kate to go inside the tomb.
Shoving open the door, Kate entered the burial chamber. Her jaw dropped. Rich opulence surrounded the chamber. Gold statues of Pharaoh wielding spear and shield, lions, cats, pottery, gold-inlaid chairs, filled the room. In the center rested Amenemhet IV's sarcophagus covered by traditional cover stones. Going around it, she went to the far wall. When she first entered the chamber in her time, the hieroglyphs were gone, erased from history. Reading the hieroglyphs, Kate realized what she deciphered was a message left behind by a desperate man who knew his time had run out. Eyes widening, Kate looked at Setti and Sabni, making sure they stood by the entrance. Taking the scepter out of her backpack, she inserted the end into the crowned scarab and turned the key. The secret compartment opened for her to retrieve the Black Book. Placing it into her backpack, Kate slipped the weighty backpack over her shoulders and went back to where the men waited for her.
"Setti, we must speak about our companion." Kate kept a wary eye on Sabni who mumbled something about scarabs and started itching at his right palm.
"What did you find?" Setti grew more concerned, watching Sabni sink further into madness before his very eyes.
"I think Sabni knew what was about to happen to him and left a warning chiseled into the wall where I found the Black Book. Sometime in the future years to come, someone must have destroyed it when they entered Amenemhet's chamber and took his coffin and treasure."
"What did he write?"
"He wrote about a pact he made with Anubis, one in which he paid a heavy price for cursing you, a righteous man. Sabni goes on and says, 'We are one, the Scarab King and I. I, alone can stop his curse. No other can cure the Immortal. With my blood shall he be released from the curse I laid upon him."
Keeping a watchful eye on the crazy man, Setti frowned at Kate. "What are you saying, woman?"
"Sabni must die by your hand, if you wish to live as a mortal once more. If he dies by any other way, you will live forever to walk the earth alone." Tears glistened in her eyes as she watched Sabni bat at his shaggy head, unaware they were talking about him.
He was stunned. Of all he endured, he must murder an innocent man who loved the wrong woman in order to live a mortal life again? "Are you certain?" Almost desperate for her to be wrong, the sad look in her eyes told him she wasn't. "Let us leave my brother's tomb. I need some fresh air."
She couldn't agree more. Pitying the priest, Kate could not understand why Sabni agreed to the pact with Anubis for the love of a woman. She thought the whole situation illogical. Could a man love a woman so much he would risk death for her? Having never felt the madness of passion or love, she did not understand any of it. When she glanced upward, studying Setti's aristocratic features in the flickering light, her heart gave a slight flutter. Frowning, she grew puzzled when it came to the Egyptian, unsure of her own feelings toward him. One thing was certain, if what Sabni had felt for SobeKnefru came one tenth as close to what Setti's kiss did to her, Kate came to the quick conclusion she just might have to rethink her position of love.
Setti urged Kate to go first, remaining protectively between her and Sabni, not trusting the crazy priest around her. "Come, we need to rest before we journey to Itj-towy."
Sabni frantically grabbed Setti's arm, whining. "No! You cannot go there. She knows you are coming and has sent the Shedty hunting for you, especially her." Pointing at the woman, Sabni halted. As if his mind shifted, returning to a scene four years in the past, his rounded eyes searched frantically around him. "Why does she want me to kill Yoshabel? I cannot allow SobeKnefru to murder her. Setti loves her, I must protect her." Determination combined with fear made him cling to the tall warrior. "I swear, Pharaoh, I'll kill SobeKnefru before she hurts her!"
Trying to calm the agitated man, Setti peered over Sabni's head at Kate who was visibly shaken. "Sabni, what makes you think SobeKnefru knows I am alive?"
Coming out from the fog in his chaotic mind, Sabni blinked, looking around his surroundings, focusing on Kate. Sabni felt a bit more on the saner side, if only for a brief time. Captivated by the color of her hair, a beautiful shade of copper, Sabni stiffened. His entire body shook, eyes glazed over by the Sight, seeing without seeing what was to come. "Beware of the man whose hair bares the color of wheat. He plots to have power through the Pharaoh Queen. Their goal is to put you, Setti, back into the tomb from whence you came." When Sabni blinked, madness swept him away again.
Kate felt sorrow for Sabni. The former priest of Ra possessed enormous power, but the insanity kept him prisoner. Until released from the hell he willingly traded his soul for, Sabni would never have peace. "Setti, gently bring him along. He needs food and warm blankets to sleep in. Sabni has suffered more than anyone I know."
Agreeing, Setti placed a kind arm around Sabni's hunched shoulders. "Come with us, my friend. We will make plans in the morning. Worry not," Setti spoke soothingly to the tired man who sagged wearily against him, barely acknowledging his words.
They reached the campsite without any mishaps. Kate hurried to arrange one of the bedrolls. Setti helped the exhausted priest to the blankets and covered him up. Shaken by what he witnessed of Sabni's personal mental hell, Setti decided to prepare supper to get his mind off what he'd seen and heard. As he went about cutting the brown bread in thick slices, Kate withdrew the Black Book from her backpack.
Without looking up at her, "Careful, the book you hold is of great and terrible power. Look at what it did to Sabni." Setti continued cutting the sharp, pungent cheese and placed it on the bread. His warm, brown eyes rose to meet her startled ones. "I could not live with myself if harm befell you as it has to so many others close to me." Handing the bread out to her, his fingertips accidentally brushed hers. He could not name the emotion he experienced when she met his gaze, holding him hostage within liquid pools of violet. Spellbound, Setti's confusion knew no comfort, never having felt anything remotely close to what he felt for Kate Martin.
Drowning in those honeyed depths, her gaze drifted down to his lips, remembering the passionate kiss they shared before he faced the guards. His mere touch sent butterflies flip-flopping in the pit of her stomach. "I just wanted to see if there might be an alternative spell to end the curse you endure, instead of killing Sabni."
Placing his meal on top of the leather pouch, Setti settled next to her on the blankets, tenderly caressing the smooth line of her jaw, liking the way she trembled at his touch. "Nothing is worth the risk of losing you. Do you understand? Of all who shared in my tragedies, you must remain safe." His mouth hovered close to hers, dying to kiss those soft, pink lips once more.
A pinched look of incredible pain washed over his breathtaking features. Setti made to withdraw, halting when her slender hand curved along his cheekbone, making it impossible for him to stop her. Kate leaned upward, unable to deny her desire any longer for the warrior who was more than a mere man or immortal, he was the one she was falling in love with. Her lips pressed for a moment against his mouth before moving slowly, opening to run the tip of her tongue along the fullness of his bottom lip. Afraid when he did not immediately respond, Kate leaned back, despairing. Completely unprepared when his powerful arms wrapped around her, he drew her onto his lap, hungrily devouring her. Her world felt complete, her restless soul content at last when she was in Setti's embrace.
Drawing her offered sweetness deep within his soul, Setti kissed her, pouring everything he denied into her. Running his fingers through her long hair, crushing the silken tresses, he gently drew her head back, allowing him to continue his exploration. His hard mouth slanted over hers more, tongue delving deep, molding along hers, tasting her. They kissed without restraint, only needing to be a deeper part of one another. Setti maneuvered to roll her under him when Sabni started to whimper in his sleep, breaking them apart.
She stared up at him, hunger and wonder, the need for him shining in her eyes. Setti knew the time not right, not if what Sabni said was true. Forcing himself to release Kate, he ignored his aching body and raging need and lifted her off him. Handing her the discarded bread and cheese, he searched for the words to explain why he had to stop. Unused to losing his self-control in any situation, Setti realized that being around Kate Martin it was fast becoming an alarming regularity.
"Kate..." Knowing not what to say to her, in his heart he knew they could never have any hope for a future together. Lust was an act, not an emotion shared between two people who cared for each other as he did for her. To make it any less than perfect would be a crime against Kate's sweet innocence.
Wanting to cry from being denied any release from the torment and pleasure she suffered being in his powerful arms, Kate felt the loneliness return with a vengeance. Many times in her life she had felt alone but never like this. In the company of a man who made her bones melt and her body burn with a passion she only dreamt about, but never experienced was a hell she never thought she'd be forced to endure. Not hungry for food anymore, she handed back the bread, refusing to look at his pain contorted face, knowing she wore the same tortured look. She left his side and made another bed. Climbing underneath the woolen blankets, she rolled on her side, away from him, refusing to speak to him. Unshed tears burned her throat. Desperate not to cry, unable to stop the bitterness, but in the end tears crept from under thick, black lashes. Silently, she wept.
Setti tried to rationalize it was better for them this way, knowing if they made love it would make parting even more difficult to bear. Better if we keep our distance, he tried to reason. He must not succumb to the awesome need to be buried deep inside Kate Martin's luscious body, making her his woman forever. He endangered her every minute they were together. The decision to keep his distance from her would prove to be far more difficult than he'd imagined.
Eating only to keep his strength up, Setti stopped chewing when he thought he heard Kate weeping. Or was it just his imagination? When he finished, Setti drew a blanket about his shoulders and stared into the fire. Feeling more alone than any time in his entire thirty-five years of life, he sat watching the flickering flames, adding more wood to the fire. Well, not counting the three thousand of his imprisonment in a cold, dark tomb, he thought with an ironic twist.
When assured she was sound asleep, Setti moved his bedroll next to Kate's. They had slept side by side for more than a week during their journey and not to be near her unsettled the warrior unlike anything he had ever felt. He lay on his side facing her, one arm outstretched above his head, the other curled in front of him. Setti watched her sleep, the rise and fall of her back, the sound of her steady breathing hypnotic. Transfixed, he felt torn inside when Kate reached out to him. Stretching his hand out to hers, her slender fingers entwined in his.
Rising on his elbow, Setti leaned over to press a light kiss on her soft, ripe lips, smiling when Kate sighed happily in her sleep, holding his hand tighter. Yawning, he thanked Ra for placing Kate Martin in his way. If the Sun God had not, he would never have known the spunky female whose selfless purpose was to end the curse he endured.
Can he be as selfless and let her go home?
The first indication of danger was the soft scrape from the bottom of a sandaled foot against the gravelly sand. Setti woke instantly and leapt to his feet, hand on the hilt of his sword. Fluidly drawing his weapon, Setti prepared to fight as Kate flew out of her bedroll and woke Sabni. Twenty Egyptian warriors, dressed in white loincloths and bronze armor, surrounded them, their swords drawn.
Disbelief shone in Hotep's dark eyes. Taking a cautious step forward, he lowered his sword. "My lord, is it really you?"
Drawing up to his towering height, Setti replaced the sword in the sheath, a broad grin spread exposing perfect, white teeth. "Hotep, you dog! I see you have finally made captain of the guard. But whose?" He grasped the older man's hand in a heartfelt greeting, surprised when Hotep wrapped his bear-like arms around him, laughing.
Clapping Setti soundly on the back, Hotep grinned, "You, young pup! I missed your wit. As to whom I serve, it is you, my Pharaoh." He dropped to one knee and bowed his head to the rightful King of Egypt.
The startled men under Hotep's command fell to their knees at his words. Their faces bore the looks of men with renewed purpose. The Scarab King had returned!
Setti motioned for them to rise. "Hotep, why are you here?"
"Lord Ramose was visited by two priests who warned him of your coming. The Royal Vizier wishes you to come and speak with him. He has missed you as much as the Great Army has."
A determined look came into Setti's eyes. "Where is my army?" his voice rumbled ominously.
Grinning wolfishly at Setti, Hotep answered, "They are waiting upon the Scarab King to take back the Double Crown of Egypt and toss the bitch he calls sister off the Golden Throne!"
"Oh, I have a plan for dear SobeKnefru, one she will not like in the least. First, take me to Ramose. I must speak with the old man and learn more of what my enemy has done in the last four years." Setti took Kate's trembling hand in his, smiling to ease her distress.
Signaling his men to close ranks around the trio, Hotep led the way back to the Nile. The wary guards returned to their post, bowing low to the Scarab King, remembering their arrow had not killed him.
Worried about Kate, noticing her eyes were a bit wild and alarmed by the armed warriors surrounding them. Setti asked her, "How are you doing with all this?"
"Where are we going?"
"To Thebes."
"Why?"
"To claim my throne," he simply said, but she knew the terrible promise of revenge behind those words; Setti was declaring war.
Kate remained silent, concentrating on her footing until she noticed the men stared at her or rather the color of her hair. She let Setti's hand go and flipped up the black veil, a shield from the open curiosity the Egyptians displayed at the oddity of her unusual coloring. Kate felt the brutal weight of knowing blood was surely going to be shed, Egyptian against Egyptian in Setti's bid to reclaim his throne.
Or could bloodshed be avoided?
The sun rose and along with it came the inferno-like heat, warming the sand with its intensity. By the time the group arrived at the low bottomed ship docked by the stone pillars outside Dahshur, the heat became brutal. Setti handed her up to Hotep who lifted her as if she weighed little more than a feather. He was quite gentlemanly about assisting her to the bow and gave her breakfast from his own provisions. Smiling her thanks, Kate ate, watching the men carefully handle Sabni who started slapping his head, whining in absolute fright. She nearly choked on a bite of honey cake when the priest broke free and ran straight for her. Scrambling to her feet, Kate grunted from the sudden impact when Sabni threw his arms wide, wrapping them around her waist holding on tight. Crying out, Sabni nearly crushed her ribs in his desperation to flee the soldiers.
Rushing forward, Setti drew his dagger, prepared to kill Sabni when Kate raised her hands to stop him. "No! He is only frightened. Sabni means me no harm." She smiled gently at the dirty man who gripped her, his face pressed against her stomach and sobbed uncontrollably. "Sabni, come and sit with me. We'll share my breakfast and ignore these men. Does this sound like a good idea?" At his eager nod, she slowly sat down on the hardwood deck, grateful when he released his death grip on her and followed, trusting her completely.
Puzzled, Setti watched Sabni cram a chunk of cake in his mouth, barely having room to guzzle down the water from a goatskin flask.
Hotep watched the scene with trepidation. "Are you sure we should allow him to remain beside the woman?"
Hoping he was not making a dreadful mistake, Setti nodded. "Sabni will be fine. Give Kate a skin of wine and let her get him drunk. He'll be easier to manage."
"Are you saying he is the Sabni, the prophet priest of Amun Ra?" Hotep asked in disbelief.
"Yes."
Not sure what to say, Hotep cautiously handed the wine skin over to the young woman, keeping a watchful eye on the growling man, who warned him to back away from her. Hotep signaled his men to set sail. "Did you know the Queen has issued a hefty reward for Sabni's capture?"
"Yea, I heard. Tell me, are the Shedty as powerful as a friend told me?"
"More powerful than we originally thought. Inarus has a firm grip on SobeKnefru, using her as a puppet queen. But he dares not cross Ramose who still controls the Egyptian army."
"If the High Priest is removed, the rest of the Shedty will fall?" Setti leaned against the starboard side of the ship.
"It would be the wisest course of action."
"Hotep, tell your men to remain silent of my identity. I wish to remain anonymous until a plan can be arranged before I claim my throne."
"My men are most trustworthy. They will remain silent at your request."
"Thank you, Hotep, for your loyalty." Setti grasped the surprised man's shoulder in a firm grip.
"I consider it an honor to serve you, Pharaoh." Hotep bowed low to Setti before leaving to speak with his men.
Setti strode over to where Kate sat. The priest now lay on the deck, curled in a fetal position, snoring from a full stomach and a good quantity of strong wine. "How goes our friend?" He watched as Kate laid a cloak over the sleeping man whose hands were tucked under his cheek, almost child-like in his actions.
"I feel so much sadness for him. Why did he exchange his sanity for SobeKnefru?" Unable to comprehend the extent Sabni had gone for a woman's love, Kate looked up at Setti, confused. A sexy, half-smile curved Setti's delicious mouth.
"Do you not understand what a man would do for the woman he loves?" A look of torment crossed Kate's beautiful features. She answered him in a voice filled with bitterness, surprising him.
"No, I don't. I've never experienced the madness of what loves does to people, nor do I ever wish to."
Surprised by her vehement outburst, he sat beside her, crossing his legs. A devilish gleam in his eyes made her squirm uncomfortably. "Oh? You do not wish to feel the heady touch of a man's hands caressing your sweet flesh or experience the flames of raw passion fanned to lofty heights of which you have never known existed?" As he said those words, flashes of what they shared hit him, making Setti want her even more.
Glaring at him, she tried to withdraw to a safer distance, unable to escape with Sabni snoring on the other side of her and Setti leaning closer with a determined look in his honey brown eyes. "No, I don't! All the spouting of love and desire only leads to misery and destruction. Poor Sabni is living proof of what it can do to a person's sanity."
Drawing back, Setti looked askance at Kate. "I am confused. You search for ruins of a lost age, seeking the secrets buried under the sands of time and yet you have no romance in your soul? When we kissed, you gave of yourself whole-heartedly. There is passion in you beyond anything I have shared with another. Do not lie to me." Incredulous at the idea she wanted nothing to do with love or passion, especially when he knew better, Setti grew determined to find the truth behind her denial.
Embarrassed, Kate quickly glanced at the men, hoping they weren't listening. Relieved when she saw the soldiers had taken their positions at the oars and began rowing the boat into the current, heading the ship back to Thebes. "The kiss we shared was nothing more than a heat of the moment mistake. You really don't want me. I am just someone convenient when your sexual appetites become uncontrollable, and you cannot help yourself."
Not really sure if he heard her right, Setti drew back in astonishment. "Do you honestly believe I pursue you to relieve sexual tension until I can properly release my needs?"
"I am well aware Egyptians consider it unclean to be with someone not of their race. We are worlds apart, not to mention I am just plain ugly." She refused to look at him, not wanting to be hurt anymore by his rejections.
Stunned by her troubling words, Setti sat, unsure how to respond. Deciding the time not proper with an audience a few feet away, he inclined his head to her. "Kate, later we will speak more privately when others are not about to hear our conversation. Rest, it takes less than half a day's journey before we reach Thebes." Rising to his feet, he went to speak with Hotep.
Getting comfortable, Kate took a long pull on the wine skin, needing the reinforcement of the potent alcohol. "Lord, what hell have I tripped into this time?" She asked herself, miserable and happy at the same time, divided by what must be done. After Setti claimed his throne, she must return to her own time, far from the torment of wanting Setti and the constant onslaught to her senses and body. No matter how heavenly each moment in his arms was.
Chanting a tune about the hunting lion and his prey, the men kept in time as they rowed, eager to bring their Pharaoh home. Lulled by their deep voices, Kate fell asleep. What seemed like hours later, a hand gently shook her shoulder, startling her upward, her fists balled up and ready to fight.
Squatting on his haunches, Setti easily avoided getting punched, shaking his head at her amazing spirit. "Please, take my hand. I wish to show you my birthplace. I want you to see my home, the most beautiful city in Egypt." Setti extended his hand out to her, hoping she would not shun him. When she hesitantly accepted, Setti felt a warmth settle around his heart and rose, taking her with him. Pointing over the grayish-green waters, he grinned, "Thebes!"
In all her dreams, she never came close in imaging what Thebes looked like in the ancient days of Egypt. Thebes of the future remained a shadowy fragment of the expansive city rising above the shallow shores of the great Nile. Towering, white walls protecting the city rose majestically. The sun's bright rays illuminated the twenty-four golden sphinxes guarding the road leading to the enormous bronze inlaid, wooden gates belonging to Thebes. Archers and soldiers walked the walls, on guard, ready to defend the city.
Waiting with baited breath, he watched her reaction to his home and was not disappointed. Kate cried at the magnificence of Thebes. "Welcome to the City of the Dead. We, Egyptians, believe in honoring the dead while living a full and rich life. Many tombs are built under the city, giving loved ones comfort knowing the ones who made the journey to the Afterlife are close at hand," Setti explained.
The oarsmen manned the ship until its side bumped against the wooden docks. Thick, braided ropes were tossed to the waiting boys who quickly tied off the boat, securing it. The soldiers prepared to disembark, unsure how to proceed with Pharaoh onboard, remembering his order to hide his identity.
Hotep made the decision.
"Ready the prisoners. We will take them straight away to the Royal Vizier," Hotep commanded loudly, inclining his covered head ever so slightly at the approach of ten men, wearing blue loincloths, charging toward them.
Setti helped Sabni to his feet, placing a protective arm around the terrified man's hunched shoulders. Kate placed her hand over the trembling priest's, taken back when Sabni grabbed her and held her tight when he saw the Shedty coming.
Hotep made a big show of checking them over, whispering to Setti. "Keep your eyes down and refrain from looking the Shedty in the eye. You are in the custody of Ramose. They will not dare contest his authority." Jerking his head for them to follow, his men surrounded them. The Shedty strode in pairs, intercepting the group with hands on the hilts of their swords, prepared for a fight.
The apparent leader briefly bowed to Hotep, his dark, scarred features savage-looking. Trying to get a better look at the trio partially hidden behind the clustered soldiers, he introduced himself, "I am Dak, second in command to SobeKnefru's personal bodyguard. The Pharaoh Queen commands me apprehend those people in your custody."
Hotep grinned broadly, folding his brawny arms before him. "My orders come personally from Ramose, the Royal Vizier. My prisoners are to be taken to the palace and presented before him. Ramose wishes to interrogate them."
Growing irate at the blatant impertinence of Ramose's guard, Dak took a menacing step forward. Drawing his sword, he paused when a horn blew, announcing the approach of the Vizier and a full regiment of soldiers. Dismayed, he watched Ramose storm down the dock wearing a sword belted around his thick waist, his white linen robes flowing behind him.
"Why are the Shedty in my city?" Ramose roared, furious at finding SobeKnefru's men so dangerously near the man he personally sought.
Refusing to bow to the Vizier, Dak's sneered at the old man and declared, "We do not take orders from you! Sobe..." were the last words out of his mouth.
Ramose's sword arced, cleaving the man's head clean from his limp, falling body. Snarling at the shocked Shedty, Ramose stood holding the bloody sword clutched firmly in his hand. "Tell that bitch, who hides in Itj-towy, if she dares send another of her Shedty in my city, I will personally execute every last one. Have I made myself clear?"
One of the more intelligent of the Shedty bowed his head, motioning for his companions to gather the dead man's body and head. "I will relay your message, my lord." The men hastened to leave before the Vizier changed his mind and ordered them all beheaded.
Ramose felt a certain satisfaction at killing the arrogant bastard until a deep voice spoke behind him, a voice so familiar it brought tears to his eyes.
"You really should have killed them all. SobeKnefru will only send more." Setti's grin brightened as Ramose slowly turned around, his eyes widening when he recognized him.
"Is it really you? Has my beloved grandson come home?" Ramose asked almost breathlessly, his dark eyes shining bright with hope.
Casting a worried look about the busy dock, Setti shook his head. "Not here. Let us go to the palace and speak in a more private setting."
Startled, Ramose knew the boy was right. He mentally reminded himself Setti was not a boy anymore but Pharaoh. "Hotep, escort your prisoners to the palace." Once more the great Vizier, Ramose handed his sword over to his personal assistant and strode away, barely able to keep a straight face, thankful his daughter's second son alive and home at last.
Grandson? Kate stood, unable to comprehend what she heard. Setti was grandson to the great Ramose? Hiccupping again, the horror of seeing a man decapitated before her was the most hideous thing she'd ever seen in her whole life. Jumping when she felt a hand touch her shoulder, she glanced up to see Setti gazing down at her, a look of sympathy on his handsome features.
There on the docks, it fully struck Kate at what Ancient Egypt meant. Life and death was held not only in the balance of sickness or old age, but in the hands of powerful men and women who decided either on a whim or a flash of justice to kill. As Pharaoh, Setti's law was absolute. A simple word spoken and a man could be killed as easily as ordering a cup of coffee. Cringing away from the tall Egyptian, she reached a consoling hand out to Sabni who stared, transfixed by the vivid red blood staining the timber, hypnotized by the gruesome sight.
Ignoring the flash of hurt in Setti's eyes, she urged Sabni to come with her. "Do not worry, Sabni. It will not be your fate to die by the sword," Kate whispered. Sorrow welled inside her as she spoke the false words. It will be the priest's fate if Setti wished to end the curse cast upon him by Sabni.
Feeling her withdrawal was like a knife thrust deep in his heart. Setti berated himself for allowing his heart to soften in the first place. He should have known it would come down to this when Kate fully realized what being Pharaoh truly meant. There was no glamour in it for him, only a game of survival. One he must win, if he wished to take his place upon the Egyptian Throne and safeguard Egypt for his nephew to inherit. Making sure Kate and Sabni followed, he kept in front of them in case something went terribly wrong along their way to the palace.
Walking down the road guarded by the magnificent, golden sphinxes, Kate gawked at the massive architecture of the immense buildings, the intricate detail of alabaster columns, almost weeping at the brilliant ingenuity of the talented craftsmen who built them. They continued down the busy main street, unhindered as merchants and slaves scrambled out of the Vizier's way. Heading directly to the palace built high on the hill above the city, the palace guards, armed with shield and spear, lined the white, alabaster colonnades and with a loud clip of their heels, the men saluted Ramose as he approached. Two burly men, leopard skin draped over their shoulders, opened the huge doors for him and his company to enter the palace.
Jaw dropping again from the stunning splendor of the inner palace, her head spun from the magnificence of the architecture and art displayed along the hallways. The mirror-like obsidian floors were polished to perfection. Kate returned her attention to Sabni, placing her arm around the quaking priest. Sabni looked haunted, appearing as if he were reliving an old memory. They walked past a set of ceiling high, double doors bearing the images of two, golden lions bearing full manes. The all seeing eye of Ra rose above the regal pair. Ramose continued through the maze of hallways, finally ending up at another courtyard.
Two men in white loincloths opened the gilded double doors for the Vizier and his entourage. Stepping aside to allow Ramose and his guests to enter the chambers, the guards stared, intrigued by the red-haired woman whose pretty eyes grew round in awe.
Rendered speechless by the glory and beauty of the amazing craftsmanship of the Ancients, Kate gasped, studying the painted murals along the walls, depicting sleek cats and predatory birds in various poses of hunting. Golden statues of lions and Egyptian cats prowling were placed along the interior of the beautiful chamber. The artwork depicted how the artist took pride and dedication in creating such beauty for the Vizier. Entering the second chamber, Kate was stunned as she viewed the sheer opulence of the Vizier's personal entertaining quarters. Serene scenes of the Nile and beautiful birds bearing plumes of pale pink and gold, danced in the soft green waters decorated the beige walls.
Serving girls rushed forth carrying wine and fruit. Chairs were provided for their ease. Setti's eyes grew misty as he viewed his grandfather's private courtyard and chambers. Without warning, Ramose spun around and gathered him close, holding Setti in a bear hug. Silent tears fell from the old man's dark eyes. For a single instance Setti stood, unable to move or return the gesture until memories of a loving childhood flooded back. Returning his grandfather's hug, the burden of being without family slowly lifted, and Setti felt whole again. His grandfather stepped back and gripped Setti's biceps in a firm grip.
"Before all present, I defy SobeKnefru's orders we are never to speak or write your name." Ramose drew his shoulders back, pride and defiance in his dark eyes, "Welcome home, Setti."
A slight, amused smile made Setti's mouth pull to the side and bowed his head. "Thank you, Grandfather."
Regaining his composure, Ramose awkwardly patted Setti's bulging forearms. "Come, sit and rest. You will tell me where you have been these past four years." He sat down in a comfortable chair, his attention drawn to the wild man devouring a bowl of dates. The woman who traveled with Setti wrestled to get it back, finally offering a glass of water as enticement. Able to get a good look at the man's dirty face, he gasped, recognizing him past the shaggy beard.
"Setti, do you know who that man is?" Ramose demanded, glaring at the traitor as the frightened man cried out, scrambling backward. Sabni buried his face in the folds of the red-haired woman's dress. She had the audacity to glare back at him, Ramose, one of the most feared men in Egypt. How intriguing, he thought.
"Yes, I know who he is. Our fate is bound together. He, who must not be named, is the key to end my curse," Setti explained as Kate attempted to calm Sabni. The confused man started slapping his head, weeping in tormented agony.
Ramose sat back in his chair, the truth sinking in what Setti said. "I heard rumors about a man unable to die, cursed to live forever. You are the one condemned by the traitor of Ra?"
"He is no traitor!" Kate snapped, momentarily forgetting her manners. "SobeKnefru is responsible for making him fall in love with her. If he really wanted to hurt Setti he could have killed him, instead he gave him an immortal life. I agree what was done to Setti was terribly cruel and wrong, but Sabni had crossed the line for the love of a woman, the wrong woman."
Unsure about how to react to Setti's companion, Ramose decided to be gracious for she appeared to have traveled a long way, the dark circles under her eyes made the bluish-purple depths darker. "We all have felt the madness of what love can do to us, in one form or another. Since he is here of his own free will, I will be lenient and not have him put to death. As to you, young lady, I believe a hot bath and a soft bed is in order." Ramose clapped his hands twice and an older woman appeared. She wore a simple brown tunic, her right shoulder bared and a slave bracelet attached around her upper arm. "Take her to a guest room in my wing. Have fresh clothes brought to her and a bath drawn." His kind, dark eyes turned to Kate whose jaw slacked by his generosity. "Later, after you bathed and slept, I will have a servant fetch you for lunch. Go with Pariah, she is my most loyal slave."
Kate rose, bowing to the Vizier. "Many thanks, my lord, for your generous nature." Worried, she turned to Setti, ignoring the sexy, amused half-smile of his, steeling her heart against the bittersweet ache she felt every time he did that to her. "Make sure nothing happens to Sabni. If you need help with him, come and get me. Oh, I'd better give these back to you." Withdrawing his shawl necklace and belt from her backpack, she held the items out to him. Avoiding his inquiring gaze, she hefted the heavy backpack over her shoulder.
"Yes, Kate," Setti replied, giving up when she refused to look at him. "Go and rest. I will see you in a while." Setti bowed respectfully to her as Kate followed the servant out of the chamber. Distracting Sabni, he handed back the bowl of dates when the man issued a loud protest about Kate leaving him, his attention centering instead on the offered treat.
Arching a dark eyebrow at his grandson, Ramose motioned a servant to pour wine for him and Setti. "What a remarkable woman you travel with."
Grinning broadly, Setti accepted the gold goblet from the serving girl. "Grandfather, you have no idea! Kate has a resourceful nature and proven to be quite invaluable in our journey."
Frowning at the priest gobbling up the fruit, Ramose dared not think of the dreadful conditions the once proud pupil of Imtep had endured. Sabni had become little more than a beggar. "Young Kate is correct. SobeKnefru is responsible for ruining the priest. Sad really, he possesses the Sight, which was why Imtep and I made him Guardian of the Black Book."
"He does?" Setti glanced down at Sabni, now asleep on the hardwood floor. A serving girl took pity on him and carefully slid a pillow under his dirty head while another servant cautiously tossed a blanket over him. Sabni continued to snore, clutching the bowl, oblivious to their efforts in making him comfortable.
"Oh, yes. It was why SobeKnefru pursued his companionship. If she had him in her bed, she would possess his Sight and the Black Book. Come, let us take you to your quarters. You must wash and rest."
"What about him?" Concerned about leaving the priest unprotected, Setti knew Kate would be angry him if anything should happen to Sabni.
"Worry not, Hotep and his best men will personally watch over him. No one will enter my chambers without my permission, unless they wish to die." Ramose's voice was dark, filled with menacing tones.
"I think it more prudent if I use one of the guest rooms, instead of my own quarters. Less gossip for the servants." Setti did not want to admit it, but he wasn't ready to see his old chambers. The memories were much too painful to bear, especially after so many years had passed.
Giving Setti a measuring look, Ramose finally nodded. "As you wish."
Kate felt her waning spirits lift at the prospect of a real bath. The servant pushed open the heavy door and stepped aside, her eyes remained downcast as Kate entered the cool chamber. An enormous bed, with the fine netting pulled back, set to the left of the delightful, airy room. Trailing her fingers along the emerald green comforter made from dyed, soft linen, it was filled with fluffy cotton, springy to the touch. Dropping her backpack on the floor, she shoved it under the bed for safekeeping. Several more women hurried inside the chamber and quickly removed Kate's clothes before urging her into the warm waters of the sunken tub. They were about to assist her in bathing, halting when she raised her hands.
"Please, I can bathe on my own. Can I just have some time alone?" she pleaded, wanting to float in the beautiful pool and relax.
Pariah smiled in sympathy and clapped her hands. "Let us leave our guest to her own." Bowing to the relieved, young woman, "If you should have need of me, ring the bell and I shall come forthwith."
"Thank you for your kindness," Kate smiled gratefully. The sweet woman ushered the serving girls from the chamber and closed the doors behind her.
Alone at last! Kate tilted her head back and floated, enjoying the lotus scented water hardly believing the incredible adventure she had embarked upon when she had searched for the elusive Scarab King, or the journey she had traversed when she had found him. Or the good fortune in winding up in the very city she studied three thousand years in the future. Tired from walking through the desert, riding in a hard, wooden boat or on a camel and sleeping on the ground, she forced her weary body to move. Reaching for a clay jar filled with a fragrant substance she assumed to be a shampoo-like mixture and dipped her fingers in it. Rubbing the creamy textured liquid between her palms, she lathered it into her long hair. Sighing with delight at having her hair clean at last, she slipped under the water and rinsed out the soap. Taking a bar of mashed oat and honey combined with boiled down fat, she scrubbed her body free of grit and dirt.
Once Kate felt properly clean, she wearily left the tub. Grabbing a linen sheet to dry with, she stumbled over to the enticing bed. Eyes burning with the need for sleep, she drew back the beautifully sewn comforter and crawled under it, pulling it up to her ears. Wrapping her arms around one of the fluffy pillows, she pretended it was Setti, though it compared little to his wide, hard chest or smooth, warm flesh. Nor did it have the steady rhythm of his beating heart. Exhaustion won over her breaking heart and she fell into a troubled asleep.
Setti made sure his chambers were next to Kate's. If he could not be with her, at least he was close in case she needed him. Dismissing the servants, Setti stripped his dusty clothes off and strode into the sunken tub filled with hot water. Sighing, he went about scrubbing away the evidence of their long journey. Rubbing his bare scalp, his smile widened when he realized his hair had never grown back. Was it part of his curse to never change physically? When assured he was truly clean, he left the pool and dried off with the sheets left for his use. Slipping under the covers of the enticing bed, Setti plumped up the long pillows and prepared to sleep. Alone in the big bed, he felt something missing as he tried to find a comfortable position to sleep in.
The terrible truth hit him---he missed Kate.
A knot welled inside him and the loneliness assaulted him. How can he live through the centuries without Kate? Shunning the awful thought of being alone forever, Setti sought to obtain rest. Just as sleep was about to overcome him, a frantic pounding on the door sent him flying out of the bed. Grabbing a linen sheet, he wrapped it around his hips before answering the door.
Hotep
"What is wrong?" Setti demanded, looking around the empty corridor for danger.
"You must come, my lord! The man you traveled with is tearing up Ramose's chambers. We cannot subdue him." Hotep breathed hard from fighting Sabni who possessed the strength of ten men in his maddened state.
Undecided if he should wake Kate, Setti heard the shouts and swore vehemently, "Damn!"
"Come, we'll have to place him somewhere safe until Sabni calms down." He charged down the hall, Hotep on his heels.
"Should we not wake the mistress? She has the power to calm him when others fail."
Shaking his head, Kate needed her sleep. "We shall take care of him on our own."
Outside Ramose's chambers, the doors buckled, a 'thud' of a body slamming against the wood. Setti waited a moment before opening the doors. The guards tried to hold back the madman from harming them and himself. Surprised by the destruction reaped upon the chamber, he knew with a heavy heart they had only one choice---they must restrain Sabni.
"Hotep, fetch me shackles. Tell one of your men to go and prepare a cell for our friend. He will be safer in confinement."
Casting a worried look at his Pharaoh, Hotep did as ordered and returned shortly with the chains. At Setti's curt nod, the guards tackled Sabni all at once, wrestling him to the floor. Hotep dove in and placed the shackles on Sabni's wrists and ankles. Breathing hard from the effort to bring the crazed man down, the gathered soldiers watched in amazement as Sabni curled into a ball and wept.
Setti placed a gentle hand on Sabni's matted head, feeling rotten at what they were forced to do to the heartbroken man. "Carefully take him down to the cell and let him sleep." Facing Ramose, "Forgive me, Grandfather, I should have taken more caution with our guest."
"Will he be well?" Ramose asked, motioning for the servants to go about restoring the wrecked room.
"Yea, he shall be fine after he calms and has rested," Setti grimly stated, knowing Kate would be angry at him for what he'd done to Sabni.
Waking from a deep sleep, Kate blinked in confusion, not recognizing her whereabouts. Staring out the open balcony doors, she saw the sky dark, and it took a full moment to realize it was evening. Serving girls assembled and politely waited for her to rise and allow them to help with her dress for the evening fare. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Kate reached for the discarded bathing sheet and covered, rising from the bed. However, she wasn't allowed to keep it for long. One girl removed it and another slipped a white, tight fitting gown over her head, the material clinging to the shapely curves of her body. The thin straps kept the gown in place. A pleated shawl dress was added, the sheer creation drifting past her shapely ankles. The transparent material exposed the beautifully made gown underneath. Urged to sit on a cushioned stool, a finely made pair of leather sandals were placed on her feet.
Another young woman took up a wooden handled brush, the bristles made from boar's hair, and began brushing out Kate's tangled hair. Effortless, she brought the silky mass to a shining luster, the cinnamon color brilliant in the dusky light of brass oil lamps burning. Bronze clasps were fastened into the long lengths, pulling back Kate's hair away from her tanned features. Several more serving girls held mahogany boxes containing jewelry, open for Kate's inspection, allowing her to choose what she wished to wear for the evening meal. Overwhelmed by the Egyptians' generosity, she chose two golden armbands in the shapes of serpents bearing emerald eyes. The armbands wrapped around her biceps, the snakes' heads appeared to glide up her arm. Dangling gold and blue ankhs were slipped into her pierced ears. Anklets with tiny bells were fastened around her ankles.
When she looked into the polished silver mirror, Kate gasped in amazement, peering closer at her unfamiliar reflection. Unbelieving of the drastic change in her appearance, Kate realized she had lost a lot of weight, something she'd tried for years to do, but always failed. A soft laugh escaped her, thinking how she'd done it. Getting lost in the desert and living off dried meat and drinking water, a journey she'd hardly recommend to her Weight Watchers group. Turning around, there were tears in her eyes, alarming the serving girls. When she saw their distress, she smiled, hugging each one, surprising them.
"Thank you for making me so beautiful. I love the dress and jewelry," Kate gushed, wiping away her tears. The confused and frightened girls smiled in understanding. Pariah took Kate's hands in hers.
"Dear child, we are honored to have made you happy. But if I may, you are already beautiful. Please follow me and I shall take you to the private quarters of the Vizier. Your companion awaits you."
Kate followed, taking a more careful note of her surroundings, in case of trouble. Mike was somewhere out there, armed with the same knowledge as she of the history here, perhaps changing it to suit his needs. Would he still try to make SobeKnefru an immortal? Pondering the mummy in possession of the future Shedty, Kate suddenly had an idea of major proportions. If her ideas proved to be successful, she needed Sabni's help.
Time travel was not a concept she had believed in until she was inadvertently sent back to Ancient Egypt. With the Black Book in her possession, she might have a chance at changing the course of the future and stop the ritual of bringing back SobeKnefru as a living goddess: an Immortal.
When they stood before Ramose's doors, two heavily armed guards opened it for her to enter. They bowed respectfully as she passed them by into the chamber. Setti stood beside his grandfather, wearing a white, pleated sarong, a separate section was drawn over his left shoulder. A wide belt of beaded red carnelian and blue feldspar was fastened around his lean hips. The ruby scarab amulet sparkled evilly in the light. A cold chill swept over her as she stared at the gem holding Setti hostage. Forcibly reining in her misgivings, Kate smiled at the waiting men who bowed at the waist as she approached them.
Setti felt his stomach flutter as he viewed a very different Kate Martin. Her long hair polished copper in the golden light cast by the oil lamps, violet eyes bright with uncertainty as she waited for his approval. He knew he should say something complimentary, but the words stuck in an increasingly tight throat, desperate to deny his feelings for Kate.
Ramose was the first to speak, walking around the low, black lacquered table to take her slender hands in his much larger ones. "My dear, you are as stunning as the rising sun blessing the desert. Your beauty shines upon us poor, mortal men." Guilty, Ramose glanced at his grandson. Setti's chiseled features hardened perceptibly. Faced with the terrible truth, Ramose remembered Setti wasn't a mortal anymore. "Come, let us eat. You must be famished after your long journey." His sharp eyes missed little, leading her to a seat across from Setti. The boy's eyes never left her. Was Setti falling in love with the foreign woman? Please Ra, let it not be so! Unable to bear the wretched feeling of losing his grandson again because he loved the wrong woman as he had with Yoshabel, Ramose grew calm, knowing Setti would do what was right for Egypt.
Smiling her gratitude, Kate adjusted her dress and carefully sat on the flat pillows, using the heavier, larger ones as a backrest. "Thank you, my lord, for you generous compliment, I am indebted to you for the opportunity to bathe and wear clean clothes again."
Impressed by her gracious manners, especially for a foreigner, Ramose inclined his bald head in acceptance. Clapping his hands, he signaled for dinner to be served. "Do not be shy, eat and drink to your fill. After what Setti has told me of your journey, I shall not be offended in the least. Tonight, we shall dine in an informal atmosphere."
Golden cups were filled with wine of such rich, delightful fragrance, her mouth watered in anticipation of drinking it. The first sip tasted heavenly, the full bodied taste rich and delicious, unlike anything she'd drunk before. Kate drank slow, enjoying the taste of red grapes mingled with honey, fermented to perfection. Her eyes widened when several servants brought in trays laden with fresh dates, grapes, and flatbread. Trays bearing thin slices of beef, assorted fish boiled and grilled, followed by brass bowls containing boiled onions and fresh greens simmering in various sauces. A servant waited patiently for her to indicate which items she wished to eat and placed the item on the gold platter before her. Each bite succulent, every taste unique and savored, never had Kate enjoyed eating as she did at the table of Ramose, the great Vizier of Egypt.
Conversation was delayed while Setti and Kate ate. At last, dessert was brought out. Kate thought she had no more room until a smiling servant placed a scoop of honey-sweetened berry mixture over a bowl of honey-date cakes. Savoring each delicious spoonful, Kate finished the treat and rested back against the pillow, stuffed. Full and a little bit drunk from the potent wine, she felt completely happy. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought she would be in such wondrous surroundings or eating such simple, culinary delights.
Ramose waited until Setti and his companion finished and the dishes removed. Many questions needed to be asked, more whirled in his mind. When he felt the time right, he motioned for them to rise and come with him out onto the balcony. "I wish to speak about what happened to you, my grandson, in the last four years."
Unsure how to answer his grandfather's question, Setti gazed out over the darkened city, broken by blazing torches, bright beacons along the narrow streets below. "SobeKnefru asked the priest to cast a spell on me, one where she could hide me somewhere out of her way until she could kill me at her leisure. The night I was to be crowned, Sabni placed a potion in my wine, and I drank it like a trusting idiot. As I lay on the ground, Yoshabel came and found me. SobeKnefru murdered her right before my very eyes and laid the blame on me. After I was taken from the palace, I know not what happened. I only remember being in the endless dark, all alone." Until he felt Kate's hand mysteriously touch his as he lay within the sarcophagus, giving him hope he would finally be released from the hell he was condemned to.
Ramose stared at Setti, unsure what to believe when Kate explained further. "I found Setti in what I thought was the hidden tomb of Amenemhet the Third, three thousand years from now. Trapped inside the sarcophagus, he had been placed there by Imtep and the priests of Ra. I believe Setti was to be there only for a few days, except they never came back to release him from his coffin."
Horror filled Ramose's eyes as he thought of the endless terror his grandson endured over three thousand years of darkness and solitude. "I never knew what happened to you. The night I thought you murdered, Imtep and his priests took you away, telling me they were preparing your body for burial. Four days later they were murdered and the Temple destroyed. SobeKnefru declared herself Queen Pharaoh and claimed the Double Crown with the allegiance of Inarus, leader of the Shedty supporting her. Overnight, they controlled most of Egypt."
Frowning, Setti crossed his arms and gazed down at his grandfather, surprised to see the age lines made Ramose appear quite old. "Why did she allow you to remain Royal Vizier?"
A crafty smile curved Ramose's narrow features. "I have the Egyptian Army as my ally, something she can never possess without my aid."
Laughing at Ramose's bold statement, Setti was relieved his grandfather still remained in command. "Grandfather, I need to get close to SobeKnefru. Is there any possible way without winding up in a coffin again?"
Stroking his bare chin, Ramose walked along the balcony, thinking of a solution. "In seven days' time, SobeKnefru will host the Festival of the Dead in Itj-towy."
"Has she altered the way the festival is celebrated?"
"The Shedty allow the people to worship and celebrate the sacred night of the living dead as they have for centuries. Why?" Ramose asked, wondering where Setti went with his idea.
A wicked grin curved Setti's granite hard face, making him look like an avenging seraph. "I might know someone whose expertise in sneaking into a palace will come in handy."
Kate worried over Setti's plans and the real possibility of being caught. "Setti, what are you planning? Is it revenge you seek, or do you wish to end the curse placed on you?"
Taking her hand in his, he tried to reassure her, already having made the decision to remain an immortal. He could not kill Sabni to save himself. There was no honor in murdering an insane man. "Do not worry, I plan not to kill my sister, but she will be arrested and tried before our judges for her crimes against me, Yoshabel, and Egypt."
Not quite sure what he left out, she decided it time she checked on Sabni. "If you will excuse me, I want to see how Sabni is doing. Where is he?"
Ramose motioned for a manservant to come. "Take the young woman to her friend. Bring her anything she asks in taking care of him." The servant bowed, patiently waiting for Kate to follow him.
"Goodnight, my lords." Kate smiled faintly at Setti and Ramose, halting when she heard Setti's soft words.
"Sleep well, Kate." Setti's gaze warmed as she stared up at him. His breath caught when he saw in her eyes the brief fire of desire. The contact broken when she backed away, placing a certain amount of safe distance from him.
"Goodnight, Setti." Her voice husky, Kate turned and fled, unable to hide her emotions from Setti anymore. The need to see Sabni replaced her confusion concerning Setti. She must try to get past the insanity holding Sabni prisoner and ask him the important questions only he could answer.
Ramose watched the entire exchange, concerned. Certain sadness filled his heart when he realized what Setti planned to do. When the girl had gone, he faced Setti. "Will you not take the Golden Throne?"
"I will wear the Double Crown until Amenemhet's son comes of age. He is, after all the rightful King of Egypt. Afterward, I will protect him and his family as none other can." Determination etched Setti's strong features, staring at his beloved city below.
"I have looked far and wide for Nefari and her son. My spies came up with nothing." Ramose poured more wine in his cup, feeling defeated.
"Nefari is with Jacob, my second in command. I have sent word in hope he will bring the heir of Egypt back home."
Hope renewed Ramose. "Why do you wish to hand the Double Crown over so quickly? Do you not want to be Pharaoh?" He asked softly, not understanding Setti. Many in Setti's position would kill to be Pharaoh.
Smiling ruefully at the question, Setti poured more wine in his cup. "After spending three thousand years in a coffin, it has changed my perspective about ruling our kingdom. I have come to the firm conclusion I am destined to be Guardian of Egypt, not her ruler. None other can do what I am capable of."
"What is that?" Ramose felt an apprehensive chill sweep over him at the unwavering gleam in Setti's darkening eyes.
"I cannot die."
Staring in absolute horror at Sabni's shackled limbs, Kate's shocked gaze followed the heavy chain, finding it attached to a solid, metal ring fastened in the stone floor. He batted at his head, mumbling unintelligibly as he walked around and around the small cell like a wild, caged animal.
What had Setti done to him?
A small sound behind Kate made her whirl around, unprepared to find a young priest stepping out of the shadows. Dressed in a white loincloth with a cloak tossed over his bare shoulders, the teenager bowed to her, his boyish features sad.
"Forgive me, my lady for startling you. I snuck down here when I heard of his confinement. I am Jarha, junior priest of Sobek," he introduced himself. Alarmed by the fright in her eyes, he hurried to ally her fear, "No, I am not a Shedet. My master and I fled to Thebes, seeking sanctuary from Inarus, High Priest of the Shedty."
"Why are you running from the Shedty?" She asked, confused as she watched the young man open the unlocked door of the cell and entered.
"Inarus will seek to use my gift, once he learns I possess the Sight."
"You have dreams like Sabni?"
"Yes. Come, we must clean him up." Jarha withdrew a key from his cloak. Winking at Kate's surprise, he went about unlocking the shackles attached to Sabni's wrists, staggering backward when the man shoved past him, roughly grabbing Kate by the shoulders.
"You must leave Thebes! She is coming for you." Sabni's eyes glazed over as whatever he saw in his mind took over.
Trying not to panic, Kate gently placed her hands on his bearded face, urging him to look at her. "Sabni, who is coming for me?"
"Her," Sabni whispered hoarsely, afraid.
"SobeKnefru?"
"Yes! She wants you. The man who came to Egypt as you had wants you, too. He needs the Black Book."
"Mike knows I have it?" Kate gasped, worried about their safety, stiffening when she realized the Black Book lay unprotected in her chambers.
Nodding his shaggy head, Sabni all of a sudden went rigid, his back arching and collapsed on the stone floor. Kate knelt beside him, holding his hand, helpless as he fell victim to a violent seizure.
"What's wrong with him?" Kate demanded from the silent priest. Instead of answering, Jarha turned Sabni on his side. Holding the man's head steady, he forced a discarded, wooden spoon between his clenched teeth.
"He is having a vision. It will pass."
The boy spoke as if from experience. With a jolt of shock, she knew he really did have the Sight. "Can you see what Sabni sees?"
"I have seen an image of two queens, both seeking to rule, both needing the Black Book." Swallowing hard at what the Sight had shown him, Jarha continued, "Sabni will unite them with your blood staining the sacred blade."
Stunned by what the young man said, she frantically thought how they could change the path set before her. "Can we bring someone from the future like I was?"
"Why do you wish to bring someone here from the future?" Jarha asked in confusion.
"Our future is in jeopardy. The man who has the Pharaoh Queen's mummy wants to resurrect SobeKnefru and make her an immortal."
"As the Scarab King is condemned to endure?" At her taken aback expression, he smiled briefly. "I saw you in Memphis with the Scarab King. If what you say is true, we must stay far away from Itj-towy. It is the only way to prevent the foreigner from initiating the ritual.
"What ritual?"
"I believe the sandy-haired man wants the Black Book to make Queen SobeKnefru an immortal in our time, thus having her all to himself, rather than share her with the future Shedty."
"What would happen if we bring her mummy back in time? Will it be like matter occupying the same space, destroying both women, even if one is already dead?"
"How will we accomplish such a task without the Black Book?" Jarha was relieved when Sabni came out of the trance and slowly sat up.
Sabni answered in a startling, sane voice. "I will bring her mummy back to our time. But, I need to be close to SobeKnefru when we perform the spell."
Kate glanced worriedly at Jarha before asking, "Are you sure you wish to cast a spell from the Black Book again? The first time cost you and Setti so much."
"I am prepared to correct my mistake, even if it costs me my life. Jarha, I would like to clean up. I am ready to become a priest of Amun Ra once more." He accepted their help in rising, standing with dignity again. Ra had visited him in his vision, instructing Sabni what to do, restoring his sanity for what needed be done to set Egypt aright.
Jarha felt pride well inside him. Sabni placed his feet on a new path with the mighty arm of Ra guiding him. "My lady, I will personally care for Sabni. Take your rest. In the morning, we shall make plans to go to Itj-towy."
"Alright. Good night." Nervous, Kate rubbed her arms. The chill of foreboding invaded her, almost like the hand of death coming for her. Could she avoid being sacrificed? Was it possible to change the future without damaging the natural course of Destiny?
Returning to her chamber, anger welled anew inside her at what Setti ordered done to Sabni. Why did he not wake her? As she reached for the door handle, a large hand closed over hers. Reacting violently to her assailant, Kate raised a fist to strike her attacker.
Setti captured her small fist, shaking his head at the little vixen who never ceased to surprise him. "Easy, easy, it is only I come to make sure you are well." He frowned slightly when Kate jerked her hand free of his grasp. "What is wrong?"
"What is wrong you ask? I'll tell you what is wrong; you shackled a helpless, crazy man! How could you do that to Sabni? He trusted you to take care of him, not treat him like an animal." She shouted at him, far too angry to care if the whole palace heard her.
His handsome face hardened, his strong jaw tightened in anger. Having heard enough, condemned without any chance to defend his actions, he grabbed her by the arm and dragged her inside her room. She tried to shake off his firm grasp, but his grip only tightened, refusing to let her go. Whipping her around to face him, Setti spoke through clenched teeth, furious at being yelled at as if he were some kind of monster, "Kate, cease your shouting or I shall have you bound and gagged!" She stopped, her eyes darkening with her muted rage. "I did what I thought best to protect him from hurting himself and others. You needed your rest and to eat a good meal before tending Sabni. I'm not proud of what I did, but there was no other safe alternative."
To stubborn to face the truth Setti might be right, she crossed her arms defensively. "It was wrong, no matter what you say. It's late and I want to be left alone." She turned her back on Setti. Miserable at the idea Setti could be so cruel to a helpless man, she thought him to be a man possessing honor and compassion, not a savage to have mistreated Sabni so horribly. Setti had become Pharaoh in all ways.
Wanting to argue and demand she accept his decision as right, he knew it useless to continue fighting with Kate. Setti stormed away to his own chamber, slamming the door behind him. Fury ran rampant in his mind. Entering his own chamber, he paced back and forth. From deep within him a yearning rose, mingling with his anger. Of all he was and had done for family and country, Setti felt cheated. His whole life had been dedicated to Egypt and her people. Never expecting more, he always knew where his duties lie. Here, he stood alone in a room not of his own when the woman across the hall made his blood boil from desire and his body hard from wanting her.
Removing the armbands, wrist bands, and the pleated shoulder shawl, Setti glared at the lonely bed. Swearing under his breath, he whipped around and charged back to Kate's chambers, determined to end the ache for her once and for all.
Kate finished undressing and donned a sinfully designed black nightgown, the material delicately woven with shimmering threads of greens and gold. Depressed, she sat at the dressing table. Resigned to the fact she was destined to be alone, she removed the clasps from her hair and began brushing the long length to sooth her troubled thoughts. Setti burst in her chamber. Stunned by his abrupt entrance, believing there was trouble, she rose to her feet until the look of raw desire burning in his eyes gave her pause.
"Woman, we need to talk!" Setti growled as he approached, skidding to a halt. His hungry gaze drank in the enticing gown she wore. The delicate material clung to taunt breasts, the shadow of her ripe curves made his mouth go dry. Viewing the soft nest of curls at the apex of her smooth, long legs fueled his lust to proportions far beyond his control.
About to retort how she hated being called 'woman', Kate kept silent, following his hot gaze wandering over her body. In a bright, startling instant, Kate realized Setti truly wanted her! She couldn't move or speak, transfixed by his growing erection, swelling under the white loincloth he wore.
"Setti?" Her voice sounded as if it belonged to another. Uncertain what to do, she knew he could never love her, not with her being a foreigner and a woman from the future. Was lust enough for her?
He took the final step separating them. His hand slowly rose to cup her cheek. The rough pad of his thumb gently caressed the fullness of her bottom lip. Groaning, he yanked her to him, capturing those soft, pink lips, demanding she answer his need.
And she did. God, help her, she answered with all her heart.
Aroused beyond all rational thought, Kate clung to his strength, her knees weak as his tongue probed, demanding access. Opening her mouth slightly, he took advantage as his hands glided down her back, cupping her rounded bottom, dragging her hard against his arousal. Her hands moved of their own free will along his broad back, delighted by the feel of his hot skin under her wandering exploration. Moaning from the pleasure of finally touching him without restraint, she gasped, dragging in precious air as his firm lips curved along the column of her throat. His rough textured tongue swept along her scented skin, drawing her pleasure to all new heights.
When he lifted his head, Setti looked deep into her wide, stormy eyes. His own were dark and fierce. When she closed them, Setti felt he had overstepped his bounds. "Kate, I will leave, if it is what you wish. Do you want me to go?" His voice rough and gravelly, he made it known he would leave her alone, if she had second thoughts and wished not to continue.
Her eyes flew open at his words. Kate stared at him in disbelief. She couldn't believe her ears. Tears glistened in her eyes as she stepped out of his slackening embrace. On his extraordinarily handsome features, he wore a look of absolute defeat, and it near broke her heart. Untying the loose knot of the sash binding the beautiful gown she wore, Kate shrugged her shoulders and the garment floated down to floor.
His eyes widened with renewed hope, nostrils flaring as she stood in all her naked glory before him, offering herself to him. "You honor me with your beauty," Setti whispered softly as he untied the beaded belt and dropped it before untying the loincloth, letting the garment fall from around his narrow hips to the ground.
"Make love to me?" Kate begged, reeling from the sweet ache of needing him to touch her more. Setti's head lowered toward hers, his mouth claimed hers in a soft, slow, heady kiss.
Placing his hands along the curves of her hips, nearly collapsing from the heavenly touch of her satiny soft skin, he gently urged her slowly back toward the awaiting bed, his body enormous compared to hers. When the back of her legs bumped against the soft mattress, his right hand slid down her rounded hip, over a lightly muscled thigh to the back of her knee, bringing her leg up along his. Shivering at the intimate feel of the soft curls between her legs brushing against his leg, Setti tensed, holding back the raging desire, keeping a firm control over his arousal. Lifting up her body up effortlessly, he groaned out loud when his rod pressed intimately along her stomach, the sensitive skin surrounding his staff on fire from the feel of her soft, silky skin.
Kate felt him lift her off the ground. Her head fell back as his warm mouth trailed the delicate line of her collarbone, downward to a taunt, ripe nipple. She trembled at the feel of his long, stiff erection pressing intimately between her legs as he placed one knee then the other on the bed. Laying her on the soft mattress, he watched her in total fascination as she did him. When he leaned down, his tongue rolled over a pink nipple, licking the hard, pebbling flesh until she writhed in delicious torment. Her wandering hands glided up the solid wall of hard muscles along his broad back, across his stomach and wide, powerful chest. Trailing up his throat, her fingers lightly caressed the smooth skin of his bald head, drawing him closer, desperate for more of his touch, needing to feel him, all of him!
Setti leisurely worked his way down her stomach, running his tongue over her ribs, belly button as his fingers trailed along her willing, hot, quivering flesh. Sweat beaded along his forehead as he exercised an iron fist over the sweltering craving to drive his throbbing staff deep inside her body. Nearing the epitome of what made her all woman, he paused, breathing in the heady, musky scent of her obvious readiness. Drawing her knees upward, he urged her legs apart and slid his body further down. His mouth hovered over her most intimate being, his warm breath brushing against the sensitive folds of the fleshy petals beckoning him to explore further.
She couldn't breathe! Her whole body blazed out of control when Setti blew softly against the sensitive center between her legs, making her whimper in agonizing anticipation. The first touch of his hot tongue made her jump, unable to move as his big hands held her hips firmly captive, allowing him to do whatever he wanted to her. Never in her life had she felt such rapture as he did things to her she never knew could be done. When he slipped his tongue deep inside her, she gasped, cradling his head as Setti made love to her. Her hips rose of their own accord, matching the steady thrusts. Frustrated, she needed more. And he knew it.
Long, lean fingers caressed the smooth lines on her inner thigh, tracing intimate, sensual circles, working their way toward where his mouth continued on torturing her. The heady strokes of his tongue were countered by the invasion of his index finger, working simultaneously, building the blinding inferno to an all new height. Kate's head tossed restlessly as she rode the thrusts of his tongue matched with the increasing pressure of his finger. At last, she shattered, curling to him, crying out with the triumph of her release. He continued to hold her body tight to his greedy mouth as he drank of her release. When she was more peaceful, Setti rose on his elbows and drew himself upward, his body heavy with a desperate need to release his pent up yearnings. He forced his burning flesh to rest beside hers as she stared in absolute wonder up at him.
Tenderly, he traced the soft lines of her cheekbones and rose above her, spreading her legs apart with a nudge of his knee. Taking his hard erection in hand, he positioned the smooth tip at the entrance of her wet, hot flesh. "Kate, open your eyes," he ordered softly, his chest heaved from the incredible effort not to ram inside her. "I want to see your eyes when I claim you."
Panting hard, she did as he ordered, her hands resting on his powerful forearms, her knees gliding up his legs. "Take me, Setti!" Kate nearly wept, so strong the emotions welled inside her, loving Setti more with every breath she drew in.
In one, smooth, bold stroke, he buried himself deep in her, amazed her body accepted his long length without protest. Kate's hips rose sharply, demanding he thrust harder. Curling his arms under her shoulders, he drew her nearer, groaning as her soft breasts crushed against his unyielding chest. Thrusting harder, deeper, friction quickly built as they moved as one. Her hips lifted to meet each of his thrusts, taking him more inside her, wrapping around him in hot, tight flesh, holding his hostage. When the walls of her sex tightened unbearably around him, he held nothing back, thrilled when she cried out as she climaxed. Her long nails clawed at his taunt buttocks, pulling him deeper inside her. One final, hard thrust and he stayed, shouting, shuddering as he exploded inside her heat.
Exhausted, the shattered lovers lay entwined, breathing hard at what they shared. Muscles twitching from the unearthly explosion of their bodies, Setti found he could not move. Kate did not seem to mind as she nuzzled his throat, a smile of pure satisfaction made her sweaty features glow in the oil lamps' pale light. Rising on his elbows, he stared in awe at the incredible woman beneath him.
"Kate?" Setti knew he dare not say the words he longed to speak. He had made his decision, and it was not fair to ask Kate to share a life with him when he would never die, but eventually she would someday.
Not wanting to talk about it, she gently shoved at his broad shoulders. "You're heavy," she said with a sad smile, knowing a future with Setti, a man destined to become Pharaoh, impossible for a small town girl from Montana.
Smiling down at her, Setti placed a soft, tender kiss on her swollen lips before lifting his greater weight off her, shifting to his side to watch the varied emotions flitting along her expressive features. "Are you---feeling well?" he asked.
A husky, delighted laugh escaped her as she shifted to her side to better view his stark beauty better. Tracing the hard lines of his face, she leaned upward to place a kiss on his firm mouth. "I have never felt better. You?"
A grin of pure male arrogance widened, exposing white, perfect teeth. "Woman, you are welcome."
Rolling her eyes at the way he called her 'woman', she snuggled closer to his big body, enjoying the moment as his powerful arms wrapped around her, drawing her tight against the unyielding wall of his chest. "Will you stay with me tonight?" Kate asked softly, half-afraid he might say no.
Rubbing his cheek against the silky top of her head, savoring the feel of her in his arms, his heart skipped a beat at the misery in her trembling voice as she tried to be brave. "Yes," he replied just as softly. They both knew it would only make parting more difficult, but at the present, it no longer mattered. All that mattered now was to share every precious moment together, holding one another until it was time for her to go home.
She knew it, too, and like Setti, she didn't care. Determined, she swore to cherish every second she had with him, even with the sure knowledge she was going home soon.
Setti tried to sleep but to no avail. Checking to make sure Kate slept soundly, he slowly shifted away from her and rose off the bed. Gathering the discarded loincloth, he wrapped the garment around his waist and tied it firmly. Glancing at her sleeping features one last time, Setti felt his heart clench. The sheer beauty of how peaceful she looked as she lay in quiet repose, her long, red hair tousled along the pillows sent his heart thundering in his chest. Feeling Kate a gift sent from Ra rather than a test, Setti knew now the great Sun God had used her to aid him during his toughest trials. Knowing deep in his soul, he would never forget her determination or her passionate spirit. Quietly leaving the chamber, Setti decided he needed to take a long walk. Perhaps it was time to confront old, painful memories.
Stretching, Kate yawned, her hand sought out Setti. When her fingers found warm, firm flesh, Kate smiled and opened her eyes. Horror surged through her as she met those belonging to a man resembling a walking skeleton. She opened her mouth to scream, silenced by a scarf pressed against her mouth. Struggling to free her arms from the strong hands suddenly holding her, she abruptly stopped. The evil-looking man grinned and leaned forward until they almost touched.
"Dear Kate, I am Inarus, High Priest of the Shedty. If you wish to live, I suggest you remain quiet." Rising from the bed, he motioned for one of his men to grab her.
Dragged off the bed by a dark robed man, Kate tried to cover her nakedness until a nearby man tossed her a simple, black shift, grinning unabashed that she was forced to dress in front of them. Glaring at the men staring at her, she hurried, knowing if she did not the Shedty would drag her bare-naked along with them. Frantic, she searched around for her knapsack, despairing when one of Inarus' men handed it over to the High Priest. Inarus opened it and grinned triumphantly at what he found inside.
"At last, we have the Black Book in our possession. Let us leave before the Scarab King returns and finds us." With a sweep of his dark cloak, Inarus strode past her, barely giving her a second glance. "Bring her!"
Barefoot, Kate cried out, her arm grabbed in a brutal grip and yanked along. Four priests, including the one holding her, followed Inarus through the open balcony doors. Heart pounding with terror, Kate found she wasn't their only prey tonight. Sabni and Jarha were bound and gagged, held by more Shedty priests posing as travelers. She openly flinched when Inarus took her arm, dragging her with him as they hurried along the balconies, finally reaching the lower streets of Thebes. Through the darkened, narrow alleyways, they hurried. With sagging hope, she realized they headed straight for the docks.
Queen SobeKnefru did not come for Kate---her lackeys had.
As Setti strolled along the empty halls of the silent palace, his thoughts went over and over the many problems at hand. Without a clue where he wandered, he halted when he suddenly took notice of where his feet led him.
The gardens.
The very place where his nightmare had begun! His breathing harsh, in his mind he replayed the dreamlike scene of Yoshabel lying in a pool of blood, and he unable to come to her rescue. "I'm so sorry, Yoshabel. I should have listened when you tried to warn me of your fears about SobeKnefru. As you said, I and my family are cursed. Please forgive me for making you a part of my tragedy. In the sweet Hereafter, I pray you have peace," Setti choked back the pain. Because of him, she died in the bloom of her youth. A familiar voice broke the silence, startling him.
"She knew you were not to blame, Setti. Why do you embrace guilt when it is not yours to bear?" Jacob asked, sympathetic to his friend's anguish. He stepped out of the shadows, a sad smile on his weather-lined features.
Swinging around, Setti faced the newcomer and found he could not move. "Jacob? Is it really you, my old friend?"
Laughing, Jacob grasped Setti's muscled forearms in a firm grip. "You think I am a ghost? What about you, my friend? Should you not be in a tomb, enjoying the Afterlife?"
Grinning ruefully at the question, Setti answered, "Thanks to Sabni, I was spared. How have you been, Jacob?"
"What you really wish to ask is how your nephew fares." A sly smile made Jacob's leathery face brighten as he motioned with his hand toward a dark corridor. Speaking to the shadows, "Come, you need not fear. Setti will protect us."
A petite woman, her features covered by a dark veil hesitantly did as Jacob ask. Stepping from the shadows, she held a small child in her arms. Nefari looked absolutely terrified as she clutched her son. The child protested, trying to squirm his way out of her tight grip. Setti took pity on her and met her halfway. When she looked up, Nefari gasped, covering her mouth when Setti stepped closer for her to see him better.
"Setti? They said you died! How can you be amongst the living?" Confused, she set her unruly son down.
"It's a long story. Perhaps later, I shall explain."
Nefari was about to ask how he came back to Thebes when her son boldly strode up to Setti, completely unafraid. Setti squatted down on his powerful haunches, looking the child square in the eye.
"Greetings, young one. A long time has passed since I last saw you. You are the mirror image of you father. Do you know who I am?" At the boy's hesitant shake of his head, near bald except for princely lock dangling in a long, thin braid, clasped by a solid gold band. "I am Setti, your father's only brother."
Appearing dubious, the boy reached out a small hand and caressed the ruby amulet Setti wore about his neck. In awe, his wide, dark eyes rose hesitantly and met those of the tall man who had tears in his eyes. "Uncle?" his small voice piped out in question.
"Yes, I am your uncle. And I promise you that nothing will ever happen to you or your mother as long as I walk the earth. I swear it, Amenemhet."
His voice rumbled with renewed strength, making Jacob and Nefari blink at Setti's solemn oath. They knew without doubt Setti would do whatever necessary to keep them safe, even if it meant killing any who stood in their way of placing the boy on the Golden Throne of Egypt.
Nefari placed her hands on her son's thin shoulders. "Setti, are you not accepting the Double Crown of Egypt?"
"What say you, Nefari, do you wish me to take the Double Crown until you feel Amenemhet is old enough?"
Unprepared by his direct question, uncertainty colored her beautiful features. She turned to Jacob for council. "What do you think?"
"I believe it a sound idea. Setti can straighten the mess SobeKnefru has wrought upon Egypt these last four years. Let us meet with Ramose and make plans on removing SobeKnefru from the throne."
"Come, I will take you to Ramose, and we shall secure a chamber in his quarters for you to rest from your long journey." Setti led the way, the heavy weight of regret lifting from his heart as the boy trustingly took his hand with a great big smile on his rounded features. He winked at the boy, laughing softly when Amenemhet giggled.
Ramose was beside himself with delight. He lifted the boy in his arms, hugging the child and openly wept at the joy of holding his great-grandson again. "Welcome home, Nefari and Amenemhet. You will remain in my chambers until we take care of SobeKnefru. Come, you are exhausted." He ushered the drooping woman and her son to his bedroom where they would sleep in safety tonight.
"Jacob," Setti grasped his friend's shoulder. "I must ask what you think about me going to Itj-towy and entering the royal palace by way of the celebrating crowds."
Alarmed Setti would go to Itj-towy where the Shedty waited for him, Jacob vehemently shook his head. "You cannot go! Amenemhet needs you here in Thebes."
"I made a promise to my brother and by all I hold dear, Amenemhet will become Pharaoh! But, in order for this to become possible, his aunt needs be removed from power. Worry not, I have a secret weapon."
"What weapon is strong enough to defeat SobeKnefru and her henchmen?"
"I have in my possession the Black Book and the priest, Sabni."
"Damn! You just might have a chance at removing her then. You do know she offers a blood sacrifice at the stroke of midnight?"
"What?" Setti exclaimed. "She offers death on the night the dead rise to join their loved ones for a brief time?"
"Yea and more. I heard she offers young, beautiful maidens to Sobek as her gift for becoming his bride."
"Sobek is about to become a widower when I'm done with the bitch!" Setti replied, a lethal gleam in his eyes. "I must go and check on my friend. Seek your rest. In the morning, I go and end SobeKnefru's reign upon Egypt. Revenge will be had for Amenemhet and Yoshabel."
Jacob's intake of breath was the last he heard as he abandoned the chamber, heading back to Kate's rooms. Feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders, he opened the door, careful not to make any noise. In an instant flash, he knew something was terribly wrong. He ran to the empty bed, staring in disbelief Kate was not there. Running out on the balcony, he found it empty, too. Kate was gone! Shouting for the guards, Setti ran back to Ramose's chambers, throwing open the doors.
"Ramose, Kate is missing," Setti roared, seeing red, knowing SobeKnefru was behind Kate's disappearance.
His grandfather tossed a robe over his bare shoulders and pulled a gold rope, ringing the bells, sending out the alarm. The heavy thudding of many feet running echoed in the hollow halls, shouts roused the occupants of the entire palace.
"Where is the priest, Sabni?" Ramose demanded of Hotep when the captain rushed in the room.
"He and the young Sobek priest called Jarha have disappeared." Hotep held a bronze sword in his hand and urgently waved at the frightened, old priest to come. "Tell Ramose of your belief."
"I think the Shedty have come and taken them away. They now possess two priests who have the Sight!" Huni spoke with real fear in his eyes, afraid for his pupil in the hands of the sadistic Inarus.
Ramose and Setti exchanged looks of horror. Setti raced back to Kate's room, ransacking the chamber without any luck. Dread filled him. He returned, sharing the bad news.
"I cannot find the Black Book. Hotep, you come with me."
Ramose protested, grabbing Setti's arm fearfully. "Why must you go? You know it is a trap set to capture you."
"Because they took Kate from me," Setti growled dangerously. Rage roiled up inside him and all he could think of was Kate. Thoughts of her being harmed or in pain made Setti feel something he thought was beyond him---fear.
Jacob turned a concern eye to Ramose. "If the Shedty have the Black Book and Sabni, SobeKnefru will be invincible."
Setti halted in his tracks, a sinister grin giving him a vengeful appearance. "SobeKnefru is not a god---I am!" A shadow of doubt invaded Setti's confidence. The Shedty possessed the power to make him mortal again. There was precious little time to stop them.
Landing with an ungraceful thud on the deck, Kate quickly scooted away from the leering man. He turned and kicked Jarha out of his way. Sabni leapt at the surprised man with teeth bare, resembling more a feral animal than a priest of Ra. Kate clawed at the scarf covering her mouth, trying to scream for help.
Another priest stepped forward with a club and struck Sabni over the head, knocking him unconscious. Jarha rushed over and covered him with his own body, pleading with tied hands raised as the other men rushed in to beat the unconscious man more.
"In the mighty name of Sobek, I beg of you to spare his life!"
Spitting on the boy, disgust in their dark eyes, they went about setting sail. Inarus watched the entire scene in silence, frowning at the odd way Sabni savagely protected the foreign woman. Who was she to him? Before he left Itj-towy, he checked around about the pale-haired stranger who visited SobeKnefru, finding absolutely nothing about him. Why had the Queen spoken privately with him, a perfect stranger? As he continued to study the young woman, he had a flash of powerful insight---she was like the stranger! In a harsh tone, he ordered her gag removed.
"Woman, where are you from?" Inarus demanded as he squatted down in front of her, noting the way she warily looked at him.
Afraid of the skeletal-looking man, Kate knew not what he wanted or what to say. "Why do you want to know?" Hesitant to share any information, but she figured as long as his attention was on her and not Sabni, she'd answer any of his questions.
"A man came to Itj-towy, demanding to speak with the Pharaoh Queen. You and he share the same country, do you not?"
"Yes, we share the same country."
"Why does he seek you? What power do you possess in which he needs?"
Swallowing hard, her eyes flickered over the knapsack in his arms. "Mike seeks the Black Book."
Alarmed, Inarus glared at her suspiciously. "Why does he seek the Black Book and for what purpose does he have?"
"He wants to make SobeKnefru an immortal."
Genuine panic lit the dark depths of the High Priest's eyes, and he gaped at her words. His next question was aimed at the boy beside her. "Is this true? You have the Sight, tell me!"
Jarha knew he must tell what he saw in his dreams. "Yes, High Priest, I have seen the pale-haired man reading from the Black Book over a living sacrifice. He will spill Kate's blood, making SobeKnefru an invincible goddess the world has never seen or will survive."
Cursing under his breath, Inarus whipped around with an ominous swish of his dark robes and strode away, needing some time to think. If he did nothing, SobeKnefru would become strong, something he wished with all his cold, vicious heart never to happen. For years he had made SobeKnefru his puppet and easily manipulated her. If she were to become an immortal, she could easily murder him and those loyal to him.
The cursed Pharaoh was their only hope. He could stop the foreigner's plans and remove the Pharaoh Queen from the throne. Would the Scarab King turn a blind eye to the Shedty after his four years of exile? It was a chance he had to take, especially if he wanted to keep his head attached to his body.
"Jarha, why did you tell him everything?" Kate demanded as she cradled Sabni's limp head in her lap, the poor man still out cold.
"Inarus may have his own agenda where it concerns the Double Crown. If SobeKnefru becomes an Immortal, she will rule Egypt, not Inarus as he does presently. If we want her to remain human, we must make her Inarus' enemy."
Understanding his plan, she whispered, "What do we do?"
"We stay put until Lord Setti comes. He, alone, can save us."
"I guess you're right. How far is it to Itj-towy?"
"Four days by boat and another by camel. The dark city resides past the swampy marshes where the biggest of the sacred crocodiles reside. I must warn you, we need to regain possession of the Black Book before the Festival of the Necropolis, which begins when the moon has faded completely and the land is cast into total darkness."
"Why is the festival held on a moonless night?"
"We, Egyptians, believe the dead are allowed to come back to the land of the living during the festival. With the light of the moon gone, they can move about without harm."
"When you told Inarus of Mike's plans, does it not contradict the plans of the future Shedty?"
"Yes. I believe the man named Mike has changed his plans, feeling abandoned by his peers when they sent him back without the Black Book. Also, he believes the Pharaoh Queen is infatuated with him since they share a sexual relationship and depends on her allegiance by keeping her interested in him."
"What will Inarus do with us?" Kate asked, shying away from the terrible thought of Mike ending up like Sabni, despite his betrayal to her.
"I believe Inarus is at an impasse. If he hands us over to SobeKnefru, she will become an Immortal, and he, as we, do not wish that."
"Will he help us?"
Jarha shook his head sadly. "I do not know. We will have to wait and see."
Kate leaned her head back against wooden side of the boat, exhausted. Looking up at the Milky Way, marveling at how startling the bright stars high above glimmered in the midnight sky. Tears blurred her vision as she thought of Setti and their shared moments together. She missed him terribly, feeling vulnerable without his extraordinary presence, the sure knowledge nothing can ever happen to her as long as he was by her side. As much as she hated admitting it, she had fallen in love with Setti. Despite everything, the sure knowledge of a future never possible between them, and still she loved him.
Unable to stand the unbearable ache anymore, Kate wept, consumed by bitter loneliness. In the long hours and days spent with the tall Egyptian, she finally learned what it meant to really live and not just exist. With each trial or dire experience, she felt a bond grow between her and Setti. A friendship blossomed along the way, blending with the deep respect for a man who was both honorable and wise. Deciding to try and achieve some sort of semblance of rest, she closed her eyes, anguished when all she saw was Setti's hot eyes devouring her, the intensity of his stark beauty as he made love to her.
God, help me, she silently cried out, Setti, where are you?
Setti strode to his personal chambers where he resided before his curse and threw open the doors, sending the heavy panels crashing against the walls. Fury surged through him, his blood boiling with his rage. He was personally going to kill every single one of the Shedty with his bare hands! Grabbing a leather pouch, he thrust his shawl necklace and matching belt inside. Heading to the spacious closet, he untied the loincloth about his hips and tossed open the rattan door and withdrew a sleeveless, black tunic and shrugged into it, the hem falling to his knees. Grabbing the leather scabbard hanging on a hook, he cinched the wide belt tight about his lean hips. With great reverence, Hotep held out the trusted sword Setti welded in many victorious battles. Taking the worn hilt of ivory and blue-gold in hand, he tested the weight before slamming it in the worn sheath.
"Come, Hotep, we go alone to Itj-towy," Setti gruffly ordered and flung the dark cloak around his shoulders, fastening it with a ruby-eyed scarab pin. Holding the amulet in his right hand, he felt the terrible power pulsing within his palm, the stone growing hot as if it were alive.
Ra, protect Kate until we are reunited. Keep her safe from SobeKnefru's evilness. I swear by your greatness, I will bring justice for what my sister wrought upon your holy Temple and my beloved brother, Amenemhet. Give me the strength to defeat your enemies and I shall restore your glory! May I be successful in placing Amenemhet's son on the Throne of the Golden Lion and rule in your everlasting perfect love.
Ramose entered the chamber carrying a large, heavy, leather bag, seeking Setti. "I want you to take it with you." Holding it out, wearing a devilish grin, he watched Setti accepted it and peer inside. Setti's surprised gaze jerked upward to look at him.
"Grandfather, I know not what to say?" Unsure if he should accept the gift or not, but when Ramose laid a comforting hand over his, he nodded in gratitude.
"Go with Ra, my beloved grandson. Take back what is ours by Divine Right!" he commanded imperiously.
Inclining his head in resolute acceptance of his Divine Destiny, Setti abandoned the chamber and left by way of the balcony, working his way to the docks. The Shedty would surely use the Nile as their escape route, and so shall he. At the silent docks, they climbed into a small skiff and quickly settled in before scuttling it away from its mooring. Once in the current, Hotep raised the sail as Setti took the tiller. The boat glided along the dark waters, and Setti's mind went blank, forcing back his weariness.
"Hotep, we need to make a stop at Memphis."
"Why, my Pharaoh?"
"We need to gather a few friends," Setti replied, a dark purpose in mind.
Slapping at the annoying, bloodsucking mosquitoes, Kate knew misery unlike anything she'd ever known. The Shedty priests chanted and rowed the ship through the swamps, heading for Fayum. Rotting vegetation reeked, the muggy heat unbearable. Sweat soaked her tunic, leaving her sticky and miserable. Leaning over the side of the boat, she gasped when she saw the backs of giant crocodiles slithering along the murky waters. Great jaws snapped in warning as the prehistoric-looking reptiles pursued the boat. Sitting down, she checked on Sabni, who was oddly calm, appearing as if he were meditating. Deciding to leave him alone, she tried to get some sleep. After a while, she achieved her goal.
Sandaled feet scraping against the wood deck woke her. Disoriented, she rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she realized it was night, and the ship had docked. Climbing to her feet, Kate saw the small pyramid-like temple rising above the small city stretching out before them and knew by the layout, they had reached Fayum.
Inarus disembarked first, glancing back to make sure his men had the young woman and the two priests secured. Searching the darkened street, finding it odd the dock was strangely empty. Signaling his men to bring their prisoners along, he strode confidently to the sacred Temple of the Shedty, having nothing to fear. Fayum was the central city of their religion. None dared harm him on his own ground.
Strange, why are not the fires lit? They entered the darkened Temple, frowning at the laxness of the lesser priests, Inarus shook his head. The lazy worms needed reprimanding, Inarus thought with disgust as he retrieved a flint from the inner pocket of his robe and struck it, lighting the oil lamp. Inhaling sharply, Inarus took an involuntary step backward when he looked into the dead eyes of Omar, SobeKnefru's captain of the guard.
"Why are you in my Temple?" Inarus demanded, offended at the man's presence in the sacred house of Sobek.
Grinning, Omar swung the sword in his hand, beheading the surprised High Priest. A shout behind the priests holding the prisoners set in motion a complete massacre. Men wearing blue tunica and bronze armor, swarmed them, swords striking furiously as Shedet fought Shedet.
Jarha grabbed Kate's hand when she screamed, hauling her behind him. Sabni ran after them. They ducked behind the altar, hiding from the fighting going on all around them
Kate covered her ears from the high-pitched screams of the dying. "Jarha, why are they killing each other?"
A new voice answered, a feminine one, sultry, and venomous, "Just think of it as my way of cleaning house. Welcome to Fayum."
SobeKnefru.
Sabni whined in terror as a woman with long, jet-black hair and eyes just as dark approached. Mike walked beside her, wearing a gloating expression. Kate held onto Sabni when he tried to flee.
SobeKnefru arched a fine eyebrow, staring at the raggedy man as if trying to figure out who he was. Sighing, she shrugged her delicate shoulders, running her hands over the fine material of her shimmering, royal blue gown, clinging to her voluptuous curves. "Michael, is she the woman whom you seek?"
"Yes, my Queen. Kate is the one." Mike smiled triumphantly as he knelt down on one knee before Kate. "Dear Kate, where is the Black Book?"
Glaring at the arrogant jerk, she replied, "Don't have a clue."
"Dammit, I know you have it! Where the hell did you put it?" he shouted, growing tired of games, wanting to go back to the modern world, hating Ancient Egypt.
"As I told you, I am no longer in possession of the Black Book. Perhaps you and Queen SobeKnefru should not have been in such a hurry to kill Inarus and his men," Kate snapped back, holding Sabni, trying to calm the agitated man.
Rage contorted SobeKnefru's beautiful features. She drew a dagger from the gilded sheath at her waist, rushing at the foreign woman. "I shall kill you for your insolence," SobeKnefru screamed.
Kate prepared for the death blow when she was abruptly shoved behind Sabni who leapt protectively in front of her.
"No, SobeKnefru! You will not shed her blood," Sabni yelled, facing the angry Queen. "I will not allow you to harm Kate as you had poor Yoshabel."
SobeKnefru skidded to a shocked halt, dropping the knife. Slapping a hand over her mouth, she hesitantly stepped closer to the wild-haired man, looking past the matted beard and torn clothes. There was a faint familiarity about his eyes. "Who are you?"
A look of grief washed over Sabni's dirty features. "You know who I am and what I have done for you." He raised his right hand and showed her the mark from the amulet burning his hand four years ago.
SobeKnefru gasped, involuntarily taking a frightened step back. "No, you cannot be Sabni!"
"Time is up for you, SobeKnefru. The Scarab King is coming for your head," Sabni spoke with a relative amount of sanity as he drew himself up to stand straight and tall.
A calculating half-smile crossed SobeKnefru's face. "We shall see, won't we?" She turned to her captain. "Omar, tell your men to take Inarus and his men's bodies away and dispose of them. Our goal is accomplished. I am no longer at the High Priest's beck and call. Bring our guests. We leave for Itj-towy"
Kate searched the dead for her knapsack, cursing when Mike saw it, too. He ran over to the canvas backpack and wrenched it free from the dead man's hands. Rummaging inside it, an expression of elation carved his handsome features.
"Your Highness, we have taken possession of the sacred Black Book!" Slinging the heavy backpack over his bare shoulder, Mike grinned in relief of at last obtaining the book---his ticket home.
"Excellent. I want everything to be perfect when you make me an immortal." SobeKnefru preened at the thought of being beautiful forever.
Kate frowned, hoping to stall them and give Setti more time to arrive before they made him mortal. "Mike, I assume you will be performing the ritual?"
"Why should he when we have two priests who possess the Sight in my custody?" SobeKnefru answered as she sauntered over to the taller woman. "I should warn you, I'm quite aware of my brother's return. With Sabni's help, I will make Setti mortal and kill him, as I should have done four years ago!"
Shaking her head at the woman's arrogance, Kate could not help her disbelief. "Setti will destroy you first."
"Will he? We shall see, won't we?" SobeKnefru replied mysteriously, motioning for the guards to grab the foreign woman. "Michael, I want you to personally care for Sabni. When we return to the palace, I want him cleaned and made presentable before his execution."
Kate suppressed a grimace when the soldier holding her yanked her hands back behind her back and tied them with a leather thong. He proceeded to drag her along with him, following the Pharaoh Queen and her soldiers out of the Temple. She glanced at her companions, afraid at what lay before them if Mike and SobeKnefru were successful in their plans.
Where was Setti?
Exiting the Temple's doors, a waiting litter decorated with colorful scarves sat and four brawny men wearing blue loincloths stood ready to carry it. Mike guided SobeKnefru onto the cushioned seat. She tapped one of the silent men on the shoulder, and as one, they lifted the wooden carrier off the ground, striding away into the dark, the moon barely a sliver of light.
Kate groaned when she realized they were going to march across the sands again. The guard who held her finally noticed she wore no sandals. He reached into his leather pouch and withdrew a pair, placing them on her feet. She smiled her gratitude. The man gruffly shrugged his bare shoulders and motioned for her to start walking again. During the long journey, stops were ordered to give the litter bearers rest. The man guarding Kate figured she wasn't stupid enough to try and make an escape with the desert all around them, mercifully cut her bonds. As they rested, Kate watched SobeKnefru pout and rant at the many delays. Shaking her head at the spoilt woman's inconsideration about the welfare of her own men, she failed to hear Mike's approach.
"You do not approve of our Queen?" He offered a water bag out for her to drink from.
"I think she's a royal pain in the ass, but that's just my opinion." She grinned before taking a long pull of the cool water.
Scowling at Kate's blunt honesty, he conceded she only spoke the truth. "Yea, she seems difficult until you get to know her. I find she's rather a delicious creature, possessing appetites of amazing proportions." Mike grinned, remembering the erotic moments shared in the Queen's bed. Once he convinced SobeKnefru he was better suited by her side rather than out searching for Kate, their relationship had progressed in a very satisfying way. Over and over, he proved he could please her in ways the men of her time were unable to achieve. As long as she remained sexually satisfied, his position as her companion was secure.
Casting a dubious glare at Mike, Kate refused to speak any further to him. A shout alerted the travelers to rise and walk again. Mike grabbed her arm, halting her from leaving him. "Kate, if you cooperate, I might be able to have your life spared. If, you'd only show some kindness in my direction and seize your madness and support SobeKnefru over Setti."
"Cooperate how? By betraying my values or become a whore like you have?"
Rage rolled up from deep inside him, and he slapped her hard across the face, glaring at her words. "I have only done what is my duty to my Queen. What did you do with Setti when you traveled together?"
Sad, she lightly placed a hand over her tender, reddening cheek. "I helped a man betrayed by his own sister get home." Kate left Mike staring after her and rejoined the guard. The man frowned, not recognizing the language they spoke.
They marched well into the night. Kate stumbled to a halt when the others had. Wrapping her arms around her waist, she shivered from the cold and exhaustion. Eyes blurry, she tried to focus on the dark city spread out below the hill they stood on. The guard urged her forward, heading for the main city gates.
Itj-towy.
Entering the city, the sand bricked streets stretched out directly to the palace built in the very heart of Itj-towy. The few people out at the late hour stopped and laid flat on their stomachs when the Pharaoh Queen's party passed them by. Continuing on until they reached the step, alabaster steps, the huge, brawny litter bearers finally lowered the litter, the journey over. SobeKnefru rose gracefully to her feet and accepted Mike's offered hand. Stepping off the litter, SobeKnefru dropped her hand and walked into the low roofed palace with Omar by her side.
Led behind them, Kate stared in wonder. Huge copper braziers were lit against the inky black of night. Entering the glorious palace of Itj-towy, she stared in astonishment upon the lavish works of art, plated with gold and precious gems along the palace walls. Unlike the dignified Thebes palace, statues in various sizes, mostly of SobeKnefru and Sobek, lined the entrance corridors. The entire theme appeared to be dedicated to glorifying the Pharaoh Queen's beauty and her status as a living goddess. Taking a better look, Kate realized many of the artwork along the painted walls portrayed SobeKnefru holding hands with the Crocodile God, Sobek as husband and wife.
"What a vain bitch!" Kate spoke under her breath, grinning without apology at Mike's glare. "What? And you wish to make her an immortal? Gee, just think of a world forced to worship her image over and over. Wow, I just can't wait," she said sarcastically.
"You don't know what you're talking about! Pharaoh Queen SobeKnefru will evolve into the greatest ruler Egypt has ever known. Or the entire world has ever seen," Mike defiantly exclaimed as they watched the Queen walk away, leaving the prisoners in his care.
Casting a dubious eye at him, Kate wisely kept her mouth shut. Led to a small chamber containing a narrow cot, Kate didn't care as she stumbled in, wearily collapsing on the hard mattress.
Mike watched her curl up on the bed, a slight frown on his handsome features. "Kate, if you help me, I promise I'll take you home with me."
Wrapping the rough blanket around her aching body, she glanced at him with a wary expression on her tired face. "What help do you need?"
"Will Setti come to Itj-towy alone or with his army?"
Laughing softly, she shifted into a more comfortable position. "Don't you mean Pharaoh Setti? The Crown of Egypt is legally his since Setti still lives."
Snarling at her, Mike took a threatening step toward her. "He is going to die, and his claim to the Crown will be nullified!"
"Not if you kill Sabni," she spoke softly.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh nothing. But, if I were you, I wouldn't be so quick in allowing SobeKnefru to execute Sabni. You just might find you'll need his expertise in dealing with the Egyptian gods." Rolling away, Kate smiled at having planted a seed of doubt in the jerk's mind. Let Mike figure out what is myth and real concerning the curse upon Setti. Maybe it will save Sabni from being executed. Time was becoming short where it concerned the Pharaoh Queen's ascension to immortality.
Mike shut the door and locked it. Bemused by her odd suggestion, he turned a concerned eye at the two priests held by the guards. Speaking to the younger one, he issued a command, "Bath and shave Sabni. He must be made presentable for tonight's ceremony."
Nodding, Jarha helped Sabni who leaned heavily against him. The poor, wild-haired man looked as if he grieved, his eyes haunted by whatever he saw. "What will happen to us at the Festival of the Necropolis?"
"You will be informed of your duties after we hold the Feast of the Dead."
Wisely, Jarha kept quiet, having already seen the task the man and SobeKnefru would force them to do. "I will require the ceremonial blade to shave Sabni's hair."
"Why?" Mike demanded suspiciously.
"Sabni is a priest of Amun Ra! In order to protect his purity, I must adhere to the rules of our religion."
Startled by the commanding authority in the young priest who had to be less than sixteen, Mike bowed his head slightly in acceptance. "As you wish. Guards will be posted to ensure you do not try to escape."
Escape was not what he had in mind. Jarha wasn't about to allow the Pharaoh Queen to become immortal. If their deaths prevented it, so be it. He held Sabni tighter in his grasp as they were ushered into a bathing chamber, finding out rather quickly suicide was not an option. The guards stripped Sabni of his rags and remained inside the chamber. Jarha assisted Sabni into the bathing pool.
Sabni wearily accepted the offered cloth and washed away the years of dirt from his emaciated body, starting to feel better than he had in years. Taking the offered towel, he left the pool and sat on a short, wooden stool. Jarha carefully shaved away his matted hair and beard. Provided clean, white loincloths, Sabni wrapped it around his lean hips and tied it traditionally in front. Running a trembling hand over his freshly shave head, Sabni felt human once again. Ra had kept his word. Sanity fully entered his chaotic mind, giving him peace at last. He knew what must be done but the time not right. Not yet.
"Jarha, do not look so worried," Sabni spoke softly to the frightened boy as they were led to a cell not far from Kate's. He had to stay close to her, if they were to be successful in destroying SobeKnefru and her evil reign. His and Kate's fate were entwined. "We are in the hands of our gods."
Forcing back the choking fear, Jarha sat down on the stone floor, crossing his legs. "Yes. Sobek and Ra will not abandon us. Come, let us pray."
Together, they started chanting, praying to the mighty Crocodile God and the God of Eternal Light and all Creation for the strength to defeat the evil corrupting Egypt.
Hands gently shook Kate's shoulder, urging her to wake. Confused by her surroundings, she looked around, not recognizing the young woman beckoning her to rise from the cot. Pushing her tangled hair out of her way, Kate rose, following the servant out of the cell. Led to a bathing chamber, the girl gestured for Kate to bathe. Doing as the girl bid, Kate shed the tunica and stepped in the warm water and quickly scrubbed her hair with an oat and lotus pulpy mash. Rinsing off, she stepped out of the small, square pool and dried with the bathing sheet the serving girl held out for her to use.
Sitting on a stool, Kate patiently endured as the girl combed out the snarls in her hair, brushing the coppery-red strands until they shone. Kate asked the girl to braid her hair in a single length, and she complied, fastening it with a small clasp of copper. A tunica of royal blue was provided for her to wear. The fine material felt heavenly against her naked skin, the hem falling past her ankles. Void of jewelry and sandals, Kate frowned at the oddness. What did SobeKnefru plan for her tonight?
Outside the bathing chamber, two burly guards waited to escort her. The serving girl led the way down a series of corridors. The palace basically turned out to be a maze of rooms, until finally they ended up at a private courtyard. Brightly colored birds squawked as she approached. Kate was abandoned by the serving girl. The guards folded their massive arms, blocking the way. In the center of the courtyard positioned a rectangle pool of cool, dark water. Palm trees provided shade from the hot sun high above. Soft music strummed soothingly from instruments held by beautiful, young men scantily dressed in loincloths. Their dark eyes watched her with open curiosity as she wandered around the gardens, mindful of the preening male peacocks. The serenity of the lush gardens was a balm from the terror of her unknown fate for the last five days.
"Peaceful, is it not?" SobeKnefru stepped from behind a palm tree, having secretly watched the plain woman enter her private sanctuary. Jealousy rose inside SobeKnefru. The red-haired woman had spent many days with Setti, getting to know him while SobeKnefru lived in fear of her brother's homecoming.
"Why am I here?" Kate asked, not in the mood to play nice with a woman who committed murder without a second thought.
Blinking at the foreign woman's rudeness, SobeKnefru wanted to kill the upstart, refraining because Michael was quite adamant about the woman being unharmed. Kate Martin was the necessary ingredient, if their plans were to be successful. Feeling strangely intimidated by the taller woman who dared look at her, actually judged her as if she were an ordinary person and not the divine Pharaoh Queen of Egypt.
"You are here because I want to know where my brother's current location is," SobeKnefru snapped, hating the woman more with every breath she took.
Amused, Kate shrugged her shoulders. "Oh, he's probably getting ready to claim his throne by now."
"He cannot claim the Double Crown! I wear it," she screamed, desiring to rip the disrespectful bitch apart with her bare hands.
"You won't be wearing it for long, I guarantee it." Kate smiled, growing amused by the tantrum the smaller woman prepared to throw.
SobeKnefru halted in her tracks, blinking at the sure confidence in the woman's voice. "You think Setti can just enter my palace and kill me?"
"Apparently you do. Why did you kill Yoshabel?" Kate asked, keeping a wary eye on the volatile woman.
"She was in my way, just like Amenemhet and Setti. I grew tired of being second and I shall never be again!"
"I see. You are admitting to a stranger you murdered Pharaoh Amenemhet the Fourth? My, my, what arrogance you possess." Goading the smaller woman, Kate wanted to get the interrogation over and be sent back to her cell, away from the murderous glare in those blazing, dangerous eyes.
SobeKnefru's red lips curled in a snarl, wanting to tear the bitch's hair out when Michael entered the courtyard. "Why do you come when you were not sent for?" she demanded hotly.
"I wanted to make sure you didn't do anything irrational, like kill dear Kate for instance. Remember our plans. We need her alive to control Setti when he comes. And we both know it is only a matter of time before he arrives." Controlling a herd of wild horses was far easier than keeping one woman from deviating from their plan.
Annoyed by his interference, she knew he was right. "Fine, but once I am made immortal, I will personally slit her throat. Agreed?"
Bowing low at the waist, he straightened, "Agreed, my Queen. Shall I escort Kate back to her cell?"
Waving a fine-boned hand, dismissing Michael, SobeKnefru stormed from the courtyard, far too angry to speak.
Mike glared at Kate who simply smiled up at him. "Miss Martin, you have a death wish, don't you?" Grabbing her arm, he dragged her along.
"Perhaps. When do you plan to bring back the mummified body of SobeKnefru?"
Halting in his tracks, Mike's head whipped around to look at her. "What do you mean?
Acting innocent, she schooled her features to look surprised. "Did you not know? Jarha told me you needed SobeKnefru's mummy in order to complete the immortality ritual."
"We shall send for SobeKnefru's body after the feast. Afterwards, we will perform the Ritual of Resurrection, uniting the Pharaoh Queens into a living goddess." His voice rang with elation, finally having the key to making SobeKnefru an immortal.
"Is Sabni going to make the potion?" Kate asked innocently, inwardly amazed Mike continued to listen to her suggestions.
"What potion?" he demanded, suddenly unsure if his information correct from what was taught him by the Shedty of the future.
"Did you not know Sabni made a pact with Anubis, infusing the Jackal God's spirit into a potion concocted from a spell in the Black Book?"
"How do you know these things?"
Shaking her head at his obvious blindness, she replied, "Because I ask questions. Maybe you should speak to Sabni about what happened the night he placed the curse upon Setti."
Instead of answering, Mike dragged her to another cell. Jerking his head for the guard to open it, he stepped inside. "Sabni, I want you and the priest to make SobeKnefru immortal like you did Setti!" Mike barked at the chanting priests, his patience at an end.
Sabni visibly paled, frantically looking at Kate, calming when she winked at him. "I will need the Black Book and supplies to make the potion."
Mistrustful, Mike conceded to the request. "Take the priests to Inarus' private chambers. You will have all you require there." He stepped out from the chamber, hauling Kate with him when Sabni halted him.
"I need Kate's help."
"No, you don't. Go with the guards and get to work on the potion."
A determined look came over Sabni's features. "If SobeKnefru wants to be immortal, you will leave Kate with us," he growled softly. "If you do not, then the cold-hearted bitch can do it herself!"
Surprised, Mike drew back slightly, unsure what harm it could do to leave the three together. "Fine, I will allow Kate to remain with you. If you try anything funny, I promise her death will leave a lasting impression upon you all!" He instructed the guards to take them. "Keep a close eye on them, especially when Sabni reads from the Black Book. I have matters to attend."
Surprised Mike allowed her to remain with Sabni and Jarha, Kate wondered if he really knew how powerful they were. His loss, she surmised, staying close to Sabni's side. They were taken to the Shedty Temple built on the far south side of the palace. The guards came to a halt and opened the door to Inarus' chamber. The room appeared to have been stripped bare of anything of value, most likely taken in tribute to Queen SobeKnefru. Bottles of all shapes and sizes, some glass, some clay, lined a long table with short legs. She took a seat on the narrow bed the former High Priest once used as Jarha and Sabni examined the bottles and their contents.
The door opened, admitting a Shedet priest nervously cradling the Black Book in his arms. He was followed by three other priests. The Black Book was reverently placed in Sabni's hands. They bowed in deep respect for the immense mystic power the priest of Ra possessed. Sabni solemnly returned the gesture. Taking the Black Book, he knelt before the altar and began chanting the protective spells. The Shedty priests hurried out of the room when Sabni opened the thick plated pages, searching for the right incantation. Rising, he spoke quietly to Jarha who went about collecting the ingredients required to accomplish their goal.
Several hours later, food and honeyed wine were brought to them. Hearing shouts and music, Kate realized the Celebration of the Dead had commenced outside. The revelry resounded in the streets and into the open window of their chamber. A knock wrapped on the door, admitting Mike decked out in a beaded shawl necklace and wide bracelets adorned his wrists. Blue-gold earrings dangled from his freshly pierced ears. Bare-chested, he wore a blue-dyed linen loincloth and a wide, white pleated belt tied about his waist, the excess falling past his knees. Having not completely adhered to tradition of a Shedet priest, his wheat-colored hair remained intact, falling about his shoulders, blue and gold painted beads intertwined in braided sections.
"Kate, the Pharaoh Queen commands you be brought to the Feast of the Dead."
Scowling at him, she retorted in disgust, "Translation---that if Setti comes, SobeKnefru will use me as a body shield from his wrath."
"More or less. SobeKnefru is quite resourceful when it comes to her own survival." he answered with much amusement at her expense.
Kate rose gracefully from the cot and went to where Sabni and Jarha sat working on the potion. "How goes it?"
Sabni spared a brief glance at the impatient foreigner. Stirring the liquid boiling in black cauldron set over a copper brazier, Sabni whispered to her, "Watch for my signal. Be prepared for anything. Setti will not allow his sister to become an immortal, I am quite certain of this." He winked at her with a rare display of humor.
"Be careful, both of you," she whispered back before rising, staying when Sabni grabbed her hand. He placed a small, smooth stone in the palm of her hand, quickly closing her fingers around it before anyone saw what he'd done.
Unsure what it was for, she rose to her feet. Mike grabbed her arm and led her out of the chamber, pausing to speak to the guards.
"After the Queen has given her blessing over the people, bring the priests to the Throne Room." Smiling down at her, "Come, Kate, let us be about our destiny," Mike ordered, leading her down the corridor.
When they entered the magnificent chamber, Kate was astounded by the melee of sound and people. Her gaze traveled to where the Queen Pharaoh sat upon a white alabaster throne, wearing the stolen Double Crown of Egypt.
Dressed in a clinging gown of shimmering gold, the fine material molded to her voluptuous, full breasts, her tiny waist, and rounded hips. Multitudes of gold bracelets jingled from her bare, slender arms. At the base of her throne, leashed to heavy rings attached to the fire marble floor, sat a pair of five-foot crocodiles.
Mike yanked Kate's arm to keep walking, but her eyes never left those of the reptilian creatures snarling hungrily when they approached. Flicking their powerful tails, they hissed in frustration at not being able to tear into the tender flesh of the humans. Staying just out of reach of the crocodiles, Kate and Mike awaited the Queen's pleasure.
Destiny. Kate never really thought about her destiny before, not until she met Setti. Was it her destiny to help the next Pharaoh claim the Golden Throne, or was she to help a priest save his soul and return mortality to an Immortal? Confused and forced to wait, she had to be patient and see what was destined to come about.
Lighthearted music played. People laughed. Dancers writhed to the seductive music while others leapt about in daring acrobatics to entertain the dining nobles. Kate's eyes grew round, admiring the detailed elegance and sheer beauty of the Egyptian nobility. Many stared at her in open curiosity, many ignored her. Tonight, the gathering people outside the palace would receive food and drink, provided by the ruling monarch. Festival of the Dead was widely celebrated throughout Egypt. The Egyptian people believed the dead and the living co-existed harmoniously, their religious beliefs deeply ingrained since birth.
SobeKnefru rose from her throne and gracefully descended down the steps. She reclined on a low couch, watching the ruling class eat and drink from her tables. A servant, holding a black handled, ostrich plumed fan, slowly waved it over SobeKnefru, cooling her from the hot, humid air of so many bodies crammed in the spacious chamber.
As SobeKnefru idly drank from a goblet, her sultry, dark eyes lazily studied the crowd. Omar had his men positioned in intervals, ensuring her safety in case Setti decided to make an appearance. Oh, what she would give to see his face when she became an immortal. Her mood darkened when she studied Kate beside Michael. The foreign woman's arrogance irritated her. SobeKnefru's attention was distracted when the Royal Administrator approached her. She had been forced to elect the sniveling man since Ramose refused to bow to her. Ramose openly defied her orders, ruling Thebes as if he were king. She was going to enjoy killing Ramose, the arrogant bastard, after she was made an immortal. The Egyptian Army will have no choice but to obey a goddess!
"Your Majesty, your Divine presence is requested. The peasants are gathered outside and await your blessings." The man spoke in a nasally tone, irritating her further.
"Mike, bring the woman. I must bless my people." With great, self-importance, SobeKnefru rose, striding to the balcony.
Stomach churning, Kate glared at Mike when he grabbed her forearm and jerked her after the Queen. The poor and skilled workers had gathered below in the main courtyard, cheering when servants exited the palace. Carrying heavy baskets and trays laden with breads, honey cakes, and fresh vegetables, the soldiers handed out the food. More servants came out carrying heavy trays piled high with sliced beef, a rare treat for only the rich could afford to raise and maintain cows. Serving girls carried clay pitchers containing beer and filled wooden cups held out by people laughing and singing in celebration.
Kate scanned the crowd for anyone familiar, pausing when she noticed the scattering of dark-robed Bedouins. One man in particular made her frown, trying to remember him. When he lifted his face, scowling at the Pharaoh Queen, Kate recognized him---Raj, the thief who gave them aid. Quickly hiding her elation, she listened to SobeKnefru as the woman addressed the people below.
"My people, I give to you food and drink as we celebrate the Festival of the Dead. We honor those who have departed and have returned to walk once again with us on this blessed of all nights. Go with Sobek and rejoice so when our journey ends we may enjoy His everlasting Afterlife. Praise Sobek, father to you and beloved husband to me." She raised her hands to the sky as if praying. The bracelets she wore clanked, shifting down her thin arms. Abruptly, she whirled about and stepped back into the chamber. Clapping her hands, SobeKnefru broke tradition again.
"I want everyone out. NOW!" Taking her place once again on the white throne, she idly played with the end of her pleated belt, acting bored as the nobles protested, mulling around in confusion when soldiers armed with spears shoved them outside, closing the doors behind them.
"Bring in the priests," Mike shouted, taking his place behind SobeKnefru's throne.
Two guards escorted the nervous men in, followed by another who carried the Black Book and a vial filled with a dark, green liquid. Sabni and Jarha knelt before SobeKnefru, awaiting her permission to rise.
"Sabni, bring me my body from the future," SobeKnefru commanded imperiously. Sabni's freshly shaved head jerked upward to look at her in surprise.
"My Queen, I know not where to begin such a summons!" Sabni protested, praying she would cease her madness.
"But dear Kate does. You will use her to bring me back," she purred, smiling viciously at the way Kate paled.
Resigned, he motioned for Kate to come to him. "Trust me," Sabni whispered to her. Chanting, he took the Black Book and flipped the thick pages until he found the right incantation. Taking a deep breath, he motioned for one of the guards to stand beside Kate and concentrated on summoning Amun Ra, not Anubis. A soft hum arose from the silent chamber, growing in intensity. The fearful guard looked to his Queen for help, receiving none.
Frightened, Kate clutched the stone in her hand, trying hard to keep her breathing normal. Gold mist surrounded her and the guard, surprising her by its soothing warmth. Feeling a bit more at ease, she let herself go, her mind expanding. She felt the light touch of a mind so vast and powerful, joining her with Sabni's. A flash of land entered her vision. Accelerating, the sandy landscape sped by, startling her. Bright stars burst into rainbows of color suddenly shifted to midnight, and they halted. Focusing her whirling vision, Kate realized she looked down at the museum in Cairo. Peering closer, she saw a stone altar and a mummy wrapped in yellowed, frayed linen resting upon it.
SobeKnefru's mummy.
Kate screamed in agony, collapsing to the stone floor. Clutching her chest, feeling something had reached right inside her, squeezing her heart. Sabni kept chanting, his voice growing stronger with each word. Lightening cracked high above without clouds to give it charge. The breeze elevated to a roaring wind. Inside the chamber flashed a brilliant white, blinding the occupants.
When the wind calmed, there sat in the middle of the room a linen wrapped mummy, wisps of golden mists rising from underneath it.
Shaking, Kate accepted Sabni's hand, rising unsteadily to her feet. Glancing around, she frowned, noticing the guard standing beside her was missing. "Where did he go?" Kate breathed hard from what she endured. Sabni grinned broadly at a very angry SobeKnefru.
"Amun Ra accepted him as a worthy sacrifice," he simply replied. "Do not worry, you were never in danger. Not with the protection stone I gave you." Sabni winked conspiringly at her.
She realized, growing angry, the Queen knew about the living sacrifice and hoped she would be taken in exchange for the mummified body! Glaring at the bitch sitting on the throne, Kate protested when two guards grabbed her, dragging her toward a white alabaster altar, darkly stained. Lifted onto it, she struggled but to no avail. Her feet and wrists were strapped down firmly. Terrified, she watched SobeKnefru descend from her throne.
"My Queen, what are you doing?" Mike demanded, alarmed when Omar drew his sword, grinning at his confusion.
"Dearest Michael, you should have studied my religion more acutely." SobeKnefru smiled, near to her goal of killing the red-haired woman. "I must offer Kate to my beloved Sobek, who will ensure my immortal transformation shall be a smooth one. You will bring me the ceremonial blade," SobeKnefru purred, a mad gleam in her dark eyes.
Regretful, he watched Kate desperately fight her bonds. "I am sorry, but I must side with my Queen and do as she commands, whether it be right or wrong." Accepting the long, wicked-looking dagger from a Shedet priest who reverently held it out to him, Mike took a deep breath. Striding over to SobeKnefru, he knelt before her, holding the blade out in front of him, his head down.
SobeKnefru accepted the blade from Michael. "Rise and know you have done your duty well. I promise to reward you handsomely when I become a living goddess."
"Yes, my Queen." Mike rose and took his place behind her as she walked over to Kate who ceased her struggling.
Sabni took the vial of potion from Jarha and knelt beside SobeKnefru, offering it out to her. "Drink and become an immortal." Sabni kept his head down when she accepted the vial.
"To immortality!" SobeKnefru shouted and lifted the vial to the sky, then drank all of it. She moved to stand over Kate. "My, my, what a helpless position you are in, dear Kate. Perhaps you should not have shown such contempt toward me or I might've found another to sacrifice to Sobek." She chided, trailing the sharp tip between Kate's heaving breasts.
Deciding she'd heard enough, Kate refused to cower. "I guess anyone else in my position would plead for their life. I won't! You get off making people terrified of you." When she looked about the chamber for help, she grinned in relief. "Well, get ready, because I see someone who frightens the hell out of you!" Kate spat triumphantly.
Amused by the woman's false bravado, SobeKnefru smiled patiently. "Oh really, who would that be?"
"That man standing behind you," Kate replied smugly.
Watching from the courtyard below, Setti felt rage surge anew. SobeKnefru lifted her arms to the sky, inciting the crowd with her conceited words. Disgusted, Setti adjusted the deep hood over his head and nodded to Raj. The leader of the thieves signaled to his men. Raj shouted obscenities at the Shedty priests who were supervising the handing out of the food. The thieves grabbed loaves of breads and started throwing them at the stunned priests. The soldiers interceded, trying to subdue the Bedouins before a riot was incited. When SobeKnefru's guards failed to stop them, more rushed in to aid their companions, giving Setti the opening he needed. Walking right into the palace, he encountered no one along the way. Huge, lit copper braziers held back the darkness, making it easy for him to find the Throne Chamber.
Cautious, Setti pushed open the chamber's tall door a crack, listening to Sabni summon SobeKnefru's body from the future. Horrified, he peered inside and saw Kate grab her chest, screaming in pain as she fell to the floor. Making to rush to her aid, he paused when a brilliant light flooded the chambers, temporarily blinding him. When he could see again, he cursed softly at the sight of the mummified body lying in the center of the chamber. Kate stood with Sabni's help, her features contorting in anger when she looked at his sister. SobeKnefru ordered her guards to take Kate and they roughly dragged her over to an altar and quickly tied her down. With a heavy heart, he knew she was going to be sacrificed. Looking about, he tried to figure out what to do next. SobeKnefru drank the vial Sabni handed to her. Preparing to rush in, despite being outnumbered by the Shedty guards, he hesitated. Something about what the priest chanted drew him up short.
Sabni had changed the spell of immortality!
Deciding it time, he shoved the heavy doors wide open and boldly entered the chamber. With one hand, he whipped off the dark cloak and in the other, he fluidly drew his sword. Setti prepared for battle. The storm brew above, his dark eyebrows gathered as he glared at his half-sister. "SobeKnefru, I come for my crown!"
Fear contorted her elation. SobeKnefru faced Setti. "How dare you?" she screamed at her magnificent, arrogant half-brother.
Stunned, she realized he wore upon his gleaming head the sacred Blue Crown, the signifying helm of War! Over the black tunic he wore, a molded breastplate of gold and bronze plated over thick, rock hard leather strapped around Setti's mighty chest, the death scarab insignia bold upon it. The Royal Seal of Egypt's General Commander's necklace was secured about his neck and the sacred scarab belt fastened tight about his lean hips. In blood red brilliance, the cursed amulet hung from his neck. Solid gold bracelets were fastened about his bulging biceps and on his wrists. In a strong, firm grip, he held the bronze sword ready to fight. Setti wore the same simple, gold loop earrings when he was cursed that night so long ago.
His darkening eyes rippled with ruthless power as he boldly strode toward SobeKnefru. "Give me back the Double Crown," Setti roared. Grasping the blue and ivory hilt tighter in his grip, he prepared to slay her.
"Never," SobeKnefru spat, signaling her men to attack him. Standing over Kate, ready to plunge the dagger in her heart, SobeKnefru paused when a horde of dark robed men rushed in behind Setti. Her men were violently slaughtered by the Bedouins' bright, curved swords. Screams blending with the war cries echoing all around her.
A roar resounded outside down in the courtyard below the balcony. Omar gaped at the fighting outside. He rushed to SobeKnefru's side. "My Queen, Ramose leads the army against us and has taken control of Itj-towy."
Clutching the dagger in her hand, SobeKnefru saw her own death in Setti's cold eyes. Setti came for the Double Crown and would not be stopped. And he could not be killed. Wild-eyed, her frantic gaze flew to the woman laying bound on the altar. A cunning, desperate look gleamed in SobeKnefru's eyes.
Holding the blade high, "Setti, come any closer and Kate dies just like poor Yoshabel." SobeKnefru screamed, counting on her brother unwilling to risk another woman dying because of him.
Running his sword through the attacking guard's beating heart, Setti faced SobeKnefru, snarling when she raised the blade to strike Kate who lay helpless on the altar. "NO!" He held out a hand to stop SobeKnefru.
"Dear brother, your arrival is such a surprise. You really should have sent word you were coming. I would have prepared a better reception," SobeKnefru sneered, feeling lightheaded as the potion took effect. Hand trembling, she placed a delicate hand on her brow, trying to blink away her blurring vision. A rough hand grasped her wrist. Trying to jerk her hand back, she gasped. Sabni gazed down at her, pity in his dark eyes.
"Let me go," she demanded weakly, but he easily took the dagger away from her.
"Time is up for you, my Queen. I am sorry, but you cannot be allowed to rule Egypt any longer."
Jarha cut Kate's bonds and helped her up. Rubbing her sore wrists, Kate watched the bloody scene unfold before her, startled when she saw Setti's eyes widened, shouting and pointing behind her. A hand suddenly closed over her mouth, yanking her back against a bare chest.
Mike held his dagger against her throat, snarling breathlessly in her ear, "You have ruined everything! Sabni, let SobeKnefru go."
Freed, SobeKnefru stumbled behind Michael, her feet clumsy as she tried to fight the aftereffects of the potion she drank. She shouted over the roar of the fighting, "We have got to get out of here."
"The hell you are." Kate rammed her elbow in Mike's ribs, satisfied when he yelped in pain. Momentarily releasing his hold on her, Kate dove for SobeKnefru, grabbed her arm and dragged her from around Mike. In the struggle, the Double Crown flew off the disoriented Pharaoh Queen's head.
"Sabni, what do I do?" Kate shouted, fighting the desperate woman.
"Get her over by the mummy," Jarha answered as he rushed over to join hands with Sabni. They faced SobeKnefru as she fought Kate who literally dragged her kicking and screaming over to the mummified body.
Setti smashed his broad fist in the face of the burly man attacking him, barely able to keep the maddened bastard off him. He heard a woman scream and looked over, seeing Kate holding SobeKnefru. Blood red mist formed over the mummy, engulfing it. Sabni continued chanting, joined by another priest. Power surged anew. The magic grew stronger as they summoned Anubis.
Successful in killing most of the Shedty, the Bedouins warily backed away from the eerie, glowing red haze. A savage growl arose inside the chamber, startling the fighters. Rising from the patterned floor, a huge, ferocious-looking jackal head of polished onyx emerged. Human-like, broad shoulders shrugged past the marble. Anubis leapt upward, landing on his feet, towering above the silent men. Sabni and Jarha stopped and fell to their knees, stretching out flat on their stomachs before the angry god.
"WHY HAVE I BEEN SUMMONED AGAIN?" A great and terrible voice rumbled forth. Anubis strode over to the prostrating priests, glaring at the puny humans below him. The palace trembled from his awesome power.
Sabni shifted to his knees. "My lord, I have brought you here from the Underworld in hopes you will accept my offering of flesh and blood."
"Whose?" His reverberating voice echoed metallically in the chamber.
"Queen SobeKnefru. Take her as payment for the debt I owed you for your help four years ago. I beg you to consider my offer."
The fearsome Anubis pondered the unusual request. The jackal-shaped head tilted, his crimson-colored eyes gazed curiously at the screaming woman held by another whose hair burned red in the light from the copper braziers. His attention was diverted when a roar of pure rage resounded, making the humans cover their ears.
Sobek!
Green mists shimmered, forming into the Crocodile God wearing a headdress of gold and cobalt blue. Storming angrily over to his brother, Sobek glared at Anubis. "Why do you dare interfere with my chosen Queen?"
Sabni rose to his feet and solemnly bowed before Sobek. "Forgive me, Great One. I summoned Anubis and offered him SobeKnefru. Be not angry with your brother for we had no other choice. We only desire to place Egypt back in order, straightening out the mess I created for Queen SobeKnefru. Because of her selfish desires and petty indifferences, she has left Egypt vulnerable and her people in strife."
"Lies," SobeKnefru screamed, wrestling free from Kate. Prostrating before Sobek who watched her with curiosity in his yellow eyes, she cried out, "Beloved Sobek, they tell you lies. Listen to me and not the traitor of Ra," she begged, praying he'd listen to her.
"Rise and speak."
"Sabni lies about my devotion to the Black Kingdom. I have only done what was taught to me by Inarus, High Priest of the Shedty. I worshipped you as a wife to a husband. Please save me from their wrath."
Furious, Anubis snarled at the woman's audacity. "How dare you lie to my brother about your innocence? Many women in the bloom of their youth were sacrificed in your lust for vanity and beauty, not Sobek's glory."
Wearing a guilty expression, Sobek shook his crocodile-shaped head sadly. "I am responsible for accepting your sacrifices without looking into your heart to see the truth bared before me today. What more did you wish to possess? The Golden Throne was yours to rule, what more was there to be had?"
Kate answered when SobeKnefru refused. "My lord, forgive my impertinence, I will answer for the Queen. I was to be sacrificed to you in her attempt to become an immortal. As in her own words, she wished to be elevated to a true goddess."
A look of utter torment contorted Sobek's reptilian features before he turned away from SobeKnefru. "Brother, if you wish to have her, I will not stand in your way." He made to leave, glancing back one last time at the weeping woman. "Your dedication to me at one time was genuine, until you mistakenly believed you could ever be one of us." In a flash of emerald smoke, Sobek vanished.
Holding her thin arms out beseechingly to Sobek, SobeKnefru collapsed on the floor, wailing brokenheartedly. Setti came up behind her and lifted her struggling form into his arms. "Lord Anubis, take SobeKnefru as payment for Sabni. I will not shed his blood to end my curse. I believe Egypt will be a much safer country with his sanity returned to him." Setti easily held his sister as she tried to claw his face, desperate to get away from him.
Laughing robustly, Anubis reached out a claw-like hand and grabbed her, relieving Setti of his burden. "I accept, Pharaoh Setti. SobeKnefru's crimes are many. I will not hold a foolish man responsible for a viper's charms."
A waterfall of gold stars fell from the Heavens and formed into the muscular body of a warrior possessing a ram's head who wore a Sun Disc for a crown. His shawl necklace was adorned with bright stars glittering. About his lean hips, a shimmering golden loincloth. Across the fine material shone the moon and planets blinding in their opulent brilliance.
Amun Ra!
"Ra, why have you come here? Have I displeased you, my dearest brother?" Anubis asked in alarm, wishing not to offend the most beloved of all his brothers.
"I have come to set the Throne of Egypt aright. Magic has disrupted the natural order of the world and must be stopped. Do you accept the woman as agreed payment?" His voice beautiful, musical compared to the deep, rumbling tones of the dark lord of the Underworld.
Anubis knew his brother would not have come down from the Heavens if it weren't important. Deciding not to anger the most powerful of his many brothers, he faced the kneeling priests. "I accept the woman and the body at my feet as payment from our original agreement. Word of warning, humans, do not call upon me again, unless you wish to return with me to the Underworld."
Prostrating, Sabni inclined his head. "Thank-you, my lord. Your words of wisdom do not fall upon deaf ears. I have learned my lesson and shall obey."
Setti held his hand out to Kate. She rushed into his arms, clinging to him. They watched Anubis bow his head in acceptance, holding the screaming woman in a tight fist. In a flash of crimson, Anubis disappeared, taking both queens with him. Facing Ra, Setti waited upon the Golden God to speak first.
Arching a fine eyebrow, Ra grew amazed Setti did not kneel before him. Instead, Setti drew up straight and boldly faced him. "Setti, I am come to place you upon the Throne of Egypt. Will you take the sacred Scepter and Crook and become Egypt's next Pharaoh?"
Glancing down at Kate before answering, Setti drew back his shoulders proudly. "I accept in the name of Amenemhet the Fifth, my nephew."
A bright smile of delighted approval crossed Ra's beautiful features. "Setti, you were always my favorite. Your life will be blessed a hundred time fold." Ra's attention shifted to the girl standing beside Setti. "Come to me, child." He beckoned, urging her to come closer to him. "Do not fear me, Kate. We, the Gods, have watched your long journey beside Setti and are quite pleased by your unwavering loyalty to him."
Hesitant, Kate refused to be afraid and squared her shoulders and stepped forth. Stopping before Amun Ra, she slowly knelt, resting on her knees and bowed her head. Ra's height diminished until he stood at the height of a very tall man.
"Dear Kate, you have sacrificed so much to help Setti return to his destiny." Ra laid his hand upon her head. "Setti, come to me." When Setti stood before him, Ra took hold of the amulet hung from around his neck. Ra smiled, observing Kate's pale features, her beautiful eyes wide in awe. "For your reward, Kate, I grant you what lays deep within your inner most heart's desire." Ra closed his amber eyes, smiling secretively. Opening them, he released Setti and Kate, stepping back. "Go in peace, dear children and know I that I am watching over you." Shimmering into golden light, Amun Ra returned to the Heavens.
Kate shivered when Ra placed his hand over her head, nervous at what the Golden God intended. Heat flowed through his palm, over her scalp cascading down her spine, into her veins, down to her very fingertips and toes. When she realized Ra had disappeared, she came unsteadily to her feet. Placing a shaking hand to her forehead, Kate cried out when an arm wrapped around her waist, the ceremonial dagger's razor-sharp edge pressed against the soft skin of her throat.
Mike!
Setti and Sabni rushed forward to her rescue, skidding to a halt when Mike warned, "Do not come any closer or I'll slit her throat. I swear it!" Mike backed away, holding Kate in a bruising grip. "Sabni, open the time portal. I want to go home."
"I cannot send you back if you hold Kate."
"Fine, she comes with me," Mike shouted, desperate to go home.
Lightheaded at whatever Ra had done, Setti gathered his wits and shouted, "No! Let her go, and you have my oath I will not interfere with your return to the future."
Mike's upper body suddenly surged forward. Struggling for breath, Mike's eyes bulged. Arms falling limp, he released Kate who ran into Setti's open arms. They stared in confusion as he sank to his knees, eyes glazing over and fell to the ground dead. Behind him stood Raj who held a bloody dagger in his hand, grinning.
Shrugging his shoulders, Raj explained, "I could not allow the man to take our dear Kate away from us." He boldly winked at Kate whose her lovely jaw dropped. Placing a hand on his heart, lips, and forehead, he inclined his turbaned head to them. "May Allah bless and protect you, Pharaoh Setti. If ever you have need of me and my men again, call upon our swords, we will come."
"Thank-you, Raj," Setti grinned, returning the gesture. The thieves left the palace, casually taking a gold statue here and there and anything else not fastened down. Glancing down at Kate, he frowned in bemusement when she stepped out of his embrace. Growing concerned when she knelt beside the dead man, "Kate, what is wrong?"
Crying, she closed Mike's open eyes. "All Mike wanted was to go home."
Startled by her broken words, Setti's worst fears were realized. Did Kate want to go back to her time, too? "Come, the hour is late, and you must be exhausted by the trials you were forced to endure. The last couple of days must have been hell for you."
"What will you do about your curse?"
His gaze shifted to Sabni who came to stand beside Kate. "I shall remain as I am. Sabni, I will not accept your death in order to release me from my curse."
Flabbergasted, Sabni glanced at Kate, her reaction mirroring his own. "What about Kate's future? If you remain an immortal, what will become of her? Do you wish me to send her home?" He tried not to choke on the hated words, knowing he wished her to stay as did Setti. There was a connection with her unlike any he had ever known and counted Kate as a true friend.
Her world spun out of control. Leave Setti? Yet, he had made his decision and planned to remain an immortal. Drawing courage from deep within, Kate rose to her feet and squared her shoulders. "I wish to return to my own time. As Ra said, Egypt must be put right. I don't belong here."
Kate was leaving him? Setti found he could not draw a breath. How could she casually walk away from him after all they shared? Pushing the pain away, Setti curtly nodded. "After I accept the Double Crown in my nephew's name, I shall have Sabni return you to your time."
"You found your nephew?"
"Yes, Jacob brought him to me," he replied brusquely before turning to Ramose who approached them wearing a broad smile. "Grandfather, is the city ours?"
"Yea, we command Itj-towy. Our men continue searching the city, rounding up the leaderless Shedty. The prisoners are being tossed in jail until their trial. Our judges will decide their fate." Ramose felt particularly happy about the recent death of Inarus, astonished when he found out the High Priest and many of his followers slaughtered by SobeKnefru's own orders.
"Good." Setti sheathed his sword, suddenly weary.
"Do you wish me to send out messengers informing Egypt of her new Pharaoh?" Ramose asked breathlessly, something only the excitement of a new age dawning can bring. A new dynasty!
"Send them out. Ramose, plan my coronation. I accept the Double Crown at sunrise." Setti strode away from the bloodied chamber and Kate. Hurting so deeply inside, he could not look at her, betrayed by her eagerness to leave him.
Sabni took Kate's limp hand in his, smiling at her sympathetically. "Come, let us find food. I do not know about you, but I am starving."
She tried to smile when Jarha seconded the idea.
Understanding her sadness, Jarha urged, "Come, the Festival of the Dead awaits us. Let us join in the celebration."
"I guess I'm hungry, too." Forcing her feet to move, Kate half-heartedly agreed. Greeted by the loud, joyous laughter and the jubilation out in the streets as people danced about, free from SobeKnefru and the Shedty, Kate smiled as she looked around. Word spread like wildfire about the shift in power and their religious freedom reinstated.
Setti placed an unsteady hand over the amulet. His mind veered away from the unbearable thought of Kate leaving and onto his country's needs. So much needed be done to set Egypt in order, he must think of his people and not his broken heart. The next several hours were spent regaining order in the palace and in the streets. The first problem of state came when there were none found to be elected High Priest of Amun Ra, and one was needed to crown him. Ramose broke the news to him when he caught up with Setti.
"Grandson, we must elect a High Priest before sunrise."
An idea swiftly came to Setti. "I want Sabni elected as High Priest of Amun Ra. He has the Sight and will be an excellent teacher for the next generation of priests to come."
Having heard how Sabni had helped his grandson, Ramose inclined his bald head, approving Setti's nomination, "Yea, I believe Sabni is an excellent choice. I shall proceed and ordain him as High Priest." Bowing to Setti, he hurried away, seeking Sabni.
Restless, Setti went for a walk around the lush gardens set in the center of the palace. Following the graveled footpath along the thick, green foliage, torches lit to guide his way, he frowned when he saw a woman sitting on a bench. With a shock, he realized it was Kate.
"Why are you out here alone?" Setti felt the wind knocked out of him when she rose to greet him. The heart wrenching sadness in her beautiful eyes made him suddenly realize she was as unhappy as he about her leaving.
"I needed to be alone. Why are you here?"
"I suppose for the same reason. Walk with me, we need to talk." Amazed by the wondrous feeling of being whole again with Kate beside him, he was lost how to keep her with him for an eternity. How can he let her go when she was the other half of his soul? As they walked along the lush garden's pathways, Kate and Setti remained silent, unsure what to say in light of their unusual predicament.
She knew they were never meant to be together. A Pharaoh and a commoner could never have a chance at a life together, especially when the king was an immortal. Kate had her work at the archeology site at Thebes, and Setti had a kingdom to set straight for his beloved nephew to rule. Their brief time spent together would have to be enough to last her a lifetime. Well, she had tonight and damn well was going to take full advantage of it with Setti. Rising on her toes, she kissed him, savoring the heady feel of his powerful arms wrapping fiercely around her. Kate shared his desperation, and her heart soared when his arms tightened around her, drawing her hard against him.
Setti swept Kate off her feet and strode from the gardens. Heading straight for a private chamber, Setti kicked open the door and used his heel to shut it. In those few, precious hours, he bared his soul before her. For the first time in his life, Setti held nothing back, showing her by way of touching, caressing how much he loved her, unable to tell her out loud his true feelings. Every touch memorized, every caress etched forever in their minds. Life flowed through Setti and into her. Time ceased, and in those stolen moments they shared a lifetime.
Afterward, held in his powerful arms, she wept in the curve of his shoulder. To be honest, Setti felt like crying, too. How can he let Kate go without losing a massive piece of his soul? What would the endless years of immortality hold for him if he outlived all he loved, generation upon generations passing him by? His heart shattered as tears dropped like diamonds from Kate's shining eyes. Rising to his knees, he drew Kate to him, gripping her hard as tears racked her slender body. Through his war-hardened emotions, a single tear broke free and fell.
Kate lifted her head and saw the precious drop fall. Lying back on the bed, she cradled his head against her bosom, his arms near crushing her ribs, but she did not care. "Setti, the sun will rise in a few hours. Shall I go?" Kate's voice broke upon a sob at the hated thought of leaving him.
"No!" he cried out, desperate to be with Kate as long as possible. "You will remain with me. Get some sleep, dearest Kate."
A small smile curved her lips. Stroking his bare head and broad back, Kate loved the way he trembled at her touch. Kate whispered past a tight throat, "Yes, Setti, I will remain with you until they come to prepare you for the crowning ceremony."
They barely slept, held prisoner by their tormented thoughts of parting forever. A knock on the door sounded more like thunder, an anvil slamming down to sentence them apart forever. At Setti's beckoning, Ramose entered.
"Setti you must bathe and ready for your presentation." Ramose bowed low to Kate, seeing the anguish in her reddened eyes. Ramose felt torn by the rules of his family and the desire to see his grandson happy. Exiting the chamber with a silent Setti following, Ramose squared his shoulders, confident his grandson would do his duty to his people.
Depressed when Setti did not look back at her, Kate didn't have long to dwell on her misery. Women entered, drawing her from the bed and quickly went about sponging her off with warm, scented water. Drying her with a towel, they insisted upon dressing Kate in a beautiful gown of the finest white linen and a sheer shawl to go over the form fitting gown. Her hair was brushed until it gleamed and left to flow loosely down her shoulders and back.
Feeling more than a little woozy, her body tingling, Kate decided she was merely exhausted. Leaving the chamber, she smiled, greatly relieved when she saw Sabni and Jarha waiting in the garden for her. "I guess we had better go and watch Setti accept his crown." She tried to be light-hearted, but they knew she was broken inside.
Sabni was the first to speak. "Worry not, Kate. Amun Ra will show us our paths in due time."
Absently nodding her head, she accepted Jarha's offered arm. Kate looked at Sabni closer, startled when she noticed he wore the ceremonial necklace and cloak of a High Priest. "Sabni, what has happened while I slept?"
Laughing, he twirled around for her to see the intricate detail of the gold robe he wore. "Setti nominated me as High Priest of Amun Ra, and Lord Ramose seconded it. I was ordained an hour ago and will officiate the crowning of our new Pharaoh." He replied, still in awe of being forgiven by the gods and a man who he hurt deeply with his selfish ambitions.
Kissing his lean cheek, Kate smiled up at the blushing High Priest. "I know of none other more worthy than you, Sabni. You will make a great High Priest. Others will learn from your mistakes and become better men from the experiences you share."
"Thank you, Kate. If it were not for your determination and desire to see our kingdom restored, none of us would have survived SobeKnefru's evilness. Come, we must go." Smiling sadly, he hated the idea of Kate not being around anymore. He'd miss her determined spirit and unwavering loyalty. They all had learned to be better men by knowing the strange, foreign woman from the future. A woman whose precious hiccupping gave him the hope they could face their fears, no matter how scared they were on the inside.
Making their way amongst the massive crowds gathered in the Throne Chamber, Sabni left them and joined Ramose at the base of the throne. Taking her hand, Jarha led her along the procession as nobles and servants gathered in anticipation of seeing Setti crowned Pharaoh.
A blast of trumpets announced sunrise. As one, the people lifted their faces up to the skylights above, watching the sun rising in the east. The brightening sky was seeped in hues of sienna and indigo. Setti took his rightful place before the reinstated golden throne of Egypt, displacing the alabaster one SobeKnefru used.
Setti's eyes fixed on Kate and never left her as she remained steadfast, watching him. Barely listening to the ritual words spoken by Sabni, Setti stood motionless, numb. Sabni held the sacred Pharaoh's shawl necklace of Divine Power high above him before settling it about Setti's neck and fastening it. The ruby scarab amulet glowed eerily when the sun's rays touched it.
Accepting the Double Crown from Ramose, the red symbolizing Lower Egypt and the white stood for Upper Egypt, Sabni placed the heavy crown upon Setti's head. "May Amun Ra bless your Divine hand as you rule Egypt with fairness and love." Sabni stepped back, allowing Ramose to take over.
Ramose accepted the Crook and Scepter from a kneeling servant and bowed in great reverence before handing them to Setti who accepted them with a regal nod. Facing the expectant crowd and in a great, booming voice, Ramose commanded, "All bow to Setti, Pharaoh of Egypt!"
Kate knelt on both knees and paid homage to Pharaoh Setti. Pride filled her as she viewed his magnificence, standing so proud with his honey-brown eyes fierce. When his eyes met hers, a sad smile curved his firm lips. All of a sudden his handsome features grew distressed and he started shouting. Dropping the Crook and Scepter, he ran toward her, shoving people out of his way. Alarmed, Kate rose to her feet, not understanding what Setti shouted amongst the terrified screams as people tried to get out of his way. Pain exploded in her back, through her chest. The tip of a sword ripped through her body. Collapsing to her knees, Setti slid down on his own and caught her in his arms. He cried out as the sharp tip ripped through his own flesh, burying deep in his own heart. They stood entwined as the newly appointed Pharaoh's bodyguards swarmed the man who stabbed Kate, wrestling him to the ground. Faintly she heard her attacker cursing her, blaming her for SobeKnefru's death. Sagging in Setti's arms, her head lolled to the side, recognizing the attacker as Omar, the Queen's captain. He was dragged from the chamber. Ramose shouted for everyone to clear the room.
Coughing, flinching at the unbearable pain, Kate lifted her eyes to look up at Setti, frightened by what she saw. Silent tears coursed down his high cheeks, and she knew the wound was fatal. "Do not worry, Pharaoh. I will love you beyond my last breath. At least ... we will not anger ... the Gods by ... invoking a time ... portal to send me home." She attempted to smile, becoming more of a grimace.
Setti growled at Ramose, "Pull it out of her!"
"But Setti, she will bleed to death," Ramose protested.
"Do it!" he yelled, feeling the life slipping out of Kate. "Kate, be brave, it will only hurt for a brief moment more," Setti whispered comfortingly, tears blurring his vision as he held her tighter in his embrace. Resting his cheek against her silky hair, he closed his eyes, waiting for Ramose to pull the blade out of them.
Sick to his stomach, Ramose took hold of the sword's hilt. With a quick, firm yank, the blade was freed. Kate screamed in agony and slumped back in Setti's arms. Rushing to their side, Ramose frowned, tilting his head in confusion. Motioning Sabni and Jarha to come closer, he pointed at Kate's back.
Both priests gasped at what they saw. No blood gushed from the wound, only staining the bright blade of the sword still grasped in Ramose's hand. Sabni was the first to speak.
"May Amun Ra be merciful," Sabni exclaimed. His shock melted, and he started laughing, joined by Jarha.
Setti glared at the laughing priests, startled when Kate weakly pushed away from him, her ashen features slowly regaining a sun kissed color. She took a deep breath and smiled weakly up at him. "What is going on?" he demanded from Sabni. The priest cupped Kate's beautiful face, amazed by her quick recovery.
"When Ra touched Kate, he said he gave her a gift, saying something about her deepest desire. I believe, dear Kate, your desire was to remain with Setti forever. And since Setti refused to take my life and end his curse of immortality, Ra decided you had to change."
"Kate is immortal like me?" Setti exclaimed in disbelief.
"Yes!"
Kate wore a look of astonishment. "Are you saying I cannot die?"
"I believe that is what the man said." Setti grinned broadly and gently took hold of her shoulders. "Since we no longer have any obstacles in our way, like dying anytime in the future, Kate Martin, will you please stay with me?"
Laughing joyfully, she threw her arms around his neck, kissing his gorgeous face ecstatically. After a brief moment, He took control and kissed her long, hard, and slow, enjoying the feel and taste of his beloved Kate. When he raised his head from hers, he looked deep in her eyes of violet. "Kate, will you marry me?"
A look of indecision came over her. "You are Pharaoh, we cannot marry."
Boldly winking at her, Setti smiled. "I am only Pharaoh for a brief time. After Egypt is restored, Amenemhet will be crowned and his mother and I will guide him."
"Well, if you put it that way, perhaps I'll consider marrying you." A half-smile curved her lush mouth as she withdrew from his arms.
Arching a dark eyebrow, "You might consider my offer?"
"I need an incentive if I am to accept your proposal."
"I have all the incentive you need right here!" Setti growled as he swept her into his arms, claiming her with a bold kiss, leaving no doubt in those present he loved her.
When he lifted his head, Kate whispered through her tears, "I love you."
His hard features softened. Pressing his forehead to hers, Setti whispered, "My sweet Kate, I love you, too." Their lips met, sealing the eternal bond as they pledged their love forever.
Kate smiled up at Setti, feeling his love washing over her. "Setti, when we marry, can we take another journey?" Kate asked shyly, hope shining in her eyes.
"Where would you like to go?" Setti asked with a crooked smile, knowing that mischievous look in her eyes only too well. Kate was up to something.
"Well..." Kate shyly glanced up at him. "Egypt was always my first choice of studies, but I've recently developed a strong yearning to go to Greece."
Laughing heartily, Setti hugged her tight before grinning down at her. "My love, I would consider it an honor to take you anywhere your heart desires, just as long as we are together."
Squealing in delight, she threw her arms around his neck, wildly placing kisses over his handsome visage until he took over, kissing her until she was left breathless. The slow, sensual caress left her knees weak with the sure knowledge of the love he bore for her. When he finally lifted his head, she stared at him with awe in her shining eyes.
"I love you," she whispered huskily.
A slight smile of arrogance curved his sculptured lips. "Woman, I knew you could not resist me!"
Tossing him an eloquent look, she shook her head at him. "I wish you'd quit calling me 'woman'!"
"How about Queen of Egypt?" he teased with an impossible twinkle of humor glinting in his eyes.
Kate frowned, unsure about such a monumental title. "Setti, I..."
Gently cupping her face with one hand, he whispered in her ear, "How about the title of Wife?"
"Much better. Come, Pharaoh, I think you and I need to have a little private time." She grinned wickedly as she took his hand in hers.
"Yes ... wom---I mean, my Queen." Setti grinned, chuckling as Kate rolled her eyes as she led him away. His gaze lifted to the brightening sky and smiled as the sun rose with all its magnificence. Thank you, Amun Ra for placing Kate in my path of Life.
A deep voice, filled with beauty and music, echoed in his mind. Blessed be, my son. Word of warning, Kate will keep you on your toes, Ra warned, laughter in his deep voice.
Yea, Amun Ra, but what fun we shall have! Chuckling, Setti knew he was about to embark upon another fantastic adventure. Deep within his fiercely beating heart, he knew every precious moment, good or bad, was definitely worth being bound to Kate Martin forever.
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