Richard dashed back inside the caboose and located a large pair of bolt cutters. He returned outside and hacked away at the coupler that attached the caboose to the rest of the train.
“You sure this is a good idea?” Elizabeth asked as the train crossed another deep ravine.
“I’m certainly not interested in fighting all those German soldiers who will hunt us down if we stay on the train.”
“It’s too late for that,” said an unfamiliar voice.
Richard looked up to see a pair of Reichswehr unit members standing on the platform in front of him. As the train started to move uphill, Richard returned his focus to the coupler and made one final snip, freeing the caboose from the rest of the train.
Although disconnected, the caboose’s momentum carried it upward and hadn’t yet separated much from the car in front it when one of the soldiers acted as if he was going to jump to the caboose.
“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Elizabeth said.
Richard looked over and saw her with Wilhelm’s gun in her hand, trained on the soldiers. Then he saluted the soldiers and winked.
The other soldier went for his weapon. Richard noticed what he was doing and instinctively pulled Elizabeth inside the caboose, which had drifted farther away from the other cars. Several shots ripped through the wall.
“Stay down,” Richard said as he attempted to cover Elizabeth with his body.
He heard a couple more shots, but they didn’t hit anything. That’s when Richard realized they were drifting backward.
“What’s going on?” Elizabeth asked.
“We’re on our own.”
Richard kept his arm over Elizabeth until they were barely moving. He then stood and looked out toward where they had been coupled with the train. It was nowhere to be seen. Elizabeth hopped up and smiled.
“We’re finally rid of them,” she said.
“I wouldn’t celebrate yet,” Richard said as he surveyed the area. They were stuck over the center of the ravine.
Elizabeth’s eyes widened. “How are we going to get off here?”
“Walk?”
She shook her head. “I’ll sprout wings and fly before I do that.”
“Perhaps the possibility of death will inspire you to reconsider.”
“Absolutely not. I think I’d rather die than walk across the tracks.”
Richard sank to the floor and leaned against the wall. He couldn’t just leave her, but he knew that they only had a small amount of time before a train came roaring from the other direction.
“There’s a train that arrives in Luxor just after 1:00 a.m.,” he said as he glanced at his watch. “It won’t be long before it gets here.”
“What kind of bloody comment is that?” she asked. “Is that supposed to motivate me?”
“I was hoping it might.”
She shook her head. “You obviously don’t understand my fear of heights. Death is preferable.”
Richard found his satchel that he’d stashed in the caboose and threw it around his neck. He opened the chest, pulled out King Tutankhamun’s mask, and studied it closely.
“Amazing, isn’t it?” he asked.
“Quite decadent, especially for something that ancient,” she said. “I wouldn’t expect such a lavish golden mask from that era, but what do I know?”
“This is quite incredible,” Richard said, unable to take his eyes off it. “It’s no wonder the Reichswehr chose this artifact to escape with. I have no idea just how valuable it is, but I’m sure it’d fetch a pretty penny.”
He turned the object over in his hand, studying each detail closely. After a couple minutes, he stuffed it into his bag and cinched it shut.
“Now what are you going to do?” she asked.
“I’m going to walk across the tracks,” he said. “Are you going to come with me?”
“I already told you that I’m not going anywhere.”
Richard froze as the tracks started to shake and rumble. He dashed outside and looked back up the hill and saw the light of another locomotive chugging straight toward them.
“Well, you need to make up your mind fast because we’re going to die if we stay here,” Richard said.
He didn’t wait for her to respond, instead searching all over the caboose for a rope. Once he found one, he scurried outside and secured it around one of the railroad ties.
“You coming?” he asked.
She sighed and shook her head. “I’ll be fine here.”
“You’re going to die,” Richard said before he snatched her around her waist and carried her outside while she screamed.
He ignored her pleas to be released as he shimmied down the rope suspended over the ravine. Digging his heels into the twine, he braced for the shaking overhead. The rickety bridge clattered as the train rumbled toward them.
Seconds later, the oncoming train plowed into the caboose and sent it careening over the edge. When their car hit the water, there was a big splash in the water below. Richard clung to the rope as Elizabeth held on tight.
“Did you see that?” he asked.
“I’m not opening my eyes,” she said. “Tell me when it’s all over.”
Richard felt his hands burning along with every other muscle in his body that he used to keep from slipping downward. When the train finally passed over them, he took a deep breath and started to climb.
“Hold on tight,” he said.
Elizabeth’s fingernails dug into Richard’s shoulders, piercing his skin. He was sure that he was bleeding as he muscled his way up and onto the track.
“Can I look now?” she asked.
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea for someone afraid of heights.”
He watched her open her eyes before closing them tight again almost immediately.
“You should’ve warned me,” she said.
“I did,” Richard said as he wriggled up onto the bridge.
Lying on their backs for a moment, they both stared upward at the starlit sky, dulled only by the moonlight.
Richard rolled over and stood upright. He offered his hand to Elizabeth.
“I don’t want to do this,” she said.
“You don’t have a choice,” he said. “Let’s go.”
Richard held her arm and repeatedly reminded her to look anywhere but down. After about five minutes, they cleared the ravine and were on solid ground. He led her over to the surrounding sand and they both fell to the earth, exhausted and grateful that they’d survived the ordeal.
“Now what?” she asked.
“We go back to Luxor,” he said. “I still have some unfinished business to attend to.”
Chapter 40
RICHARD AND ELIZABETH managed to hitch the short ten-mile ride back to Luxor with a produce delivery truck making its nightly run to some of the surrounding villages. Holding his satchel close against his chest, Richard did his best to cover the artifact poking out of the top. The driver glanced over at Richard and eyed the object.
“What’s that?” he asked.
“Just a souvenir,” Richard said.
The driver nodded but didn’t say another word the rest of the trip.
He was kind enough to deliver them to the front steps of the Winter Palace Hotel. Elizabeth asked him to wait so she could go inside and get some money to pay him for his generosity, but he declined the gesture.
After he drove away, Richard turned to Elizabeth. “Think he suspected anything?”
“I’m sure he did,” she said. “It’d be presumptuous to think this evening would end so calmly. I’m sure he only offered to drop us off at the hotel so he can return with five other lads to steal your souvenir.”
Richard chuckled and nodded. “This does feel too easy, doesn’t it?”
She shook her head. “Let me assure you that there was nothing easy about tonight.”
“Well, I hope you had fun on your tour.”
She smiled. “Is that what you think this was? Just an average tour venture?”
Richard shrugged. “Since I’ve only given out a handful of them, I’d have to seriously ponder where this one ranked. I can assure you that they’ve all contained their share of excitement.”
“The kind that includes suspension from a rope over a ravine? Or getting held hostage by an elite group of German soldiers?”
“Perhaps you’re right,” Richard said. “This may have been slightly more exhilarating. It’s not every day that you get to uncover the hidden tomb of an ancient king.”
“You’re ridiculous,” she said with a smirk.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“Take it however you may. However, I need some sleep. Would you be terribly opposed to joining me for brunch?”
Richard glanced at his watch. It was just past 3:00 a.m. “I have some things I need to do in the morning.”
“Are you mad? I’m about to fall over from exhaustion.”
“So am I, but there are some things that I must do first. Perhaps we can reconvene for dinner.”
“I’m afraid I already have plans,” she said.
“We’ll find the time again. Don’t worry,” he said.
“I certainly hope so,” Elizabeth said before kissing Richard on the cheek and then dashing up the steps.
He smiled and waved as she glanced over her shoulder for one final look. Lingering for a moment outside, Richard gazed at the majestic ridgeline in the distance, lit up by the bright moon.
Grandpa, you would’ve loved Egypt.
* * *
RICHARD SLEPT HARD until 6:30 a.m. when his alarm startled him awake. He staggered to his feet and got dressed in a set of fresh clothes before hustling back down to the dock. The 7:00 a.m. ferry was preparing to depart when he boarded. Paying the attendant, he was the last passenger allowed on before the vessel shoved off across the Nile.
Richard clutched his satchel, keeping it close to his body and trying to hide just how much the object weighed him down. He didn’t look out of place among the dozens of other workers attempting to get a few hours of digging in before the blazing sun inflicted misery upon them for the majority of the day. But he was certain he was the only one carrying an artifact, the kind they all might kill for— some figuratively, others quite literally.
He rented a horse and joined the caravan for the Valley of the Kings, peeling off when they reached the site. As most everyone else scurried off to their assigned site, Richard tied off his steed near the entrance to the area and stole off into the tomb of Ramses VI.
Richard only needed an hour to slither his way back down the tunnel into the burial chamber for King Tutankhamun. He inched his way through the tight quarters, placing his bag along with his flashlight in front of him. Though the trip was unpleasant in its nature, Richard looked forward to returning to the ultimate destination and getting an opportunity to investigate it without a lunatic threatening others just a room away.
Once inside, he crept up to the sarcophagus and replaced the mask, hoping that he didn’t set off another geological event that would shake the foundations of the valley. Leaning over the mummified body, Richard eased the artifact back into place and released it before moving his hands slowly away.
Nothing happened.
Richard sighed in relief. He waved his flashlight around the room, gawking as he took the scene in. The ornate nature of every item housed in the burial chamber arrested his attention. From everyday objects to the royal treasure, they were all meticulously crafted with undoubtedly what were the most expensive materials of that time.
I could spend days in here.
Richard took fifteen minutes to inspect all the fine details before deciding to return. He did his best to ensure that every item was left just as he’d found it. Satisfied that the room looked relatively untouched, he sat down and embarked upon his journey back to the Ramses VI tomb.
Instead of traveling headfirst down the tunnel, Richard led with his feet so he could reseal the portal. He dragged his flashlight and satchel with him. However, when he reached the end, his feet ran into a solid wall. He pushed at it, but it wouldn’t budge.
Just stay calm.
While the tombs fascinated Richard, he certainly didn’t want to die in one, not like this. He wasn’t sure if he felt the oxygen growing thinner because he knew he was in a sealed compartment or if breathable air actually was vanishing. Either way, he couldn’t panic, knowing that any form of hyperventilation would reduce the amount of time he had to get out.
Richard decided to ease closer to the tunnel entrance from the Ramses VI tomb and try again. After drawing his knees as high up as he could, he forced them downward. Three times he pushed without any movement. However, on the fourth shove, the stone slid, though no more than an inch.
Convinced that he discovered a blueprint for escaping, Richard remained determined and hopeful. He repeated the process many times, incrementally moving the rock with each kick. After five minutes, the door skidded out into the tomb as oxygen rushed into the tunnel.
Richard filled his lungs with the fresh air before shimmying out. Elated that he escaped, he hopped to his feet and started brushing off all the dirt he’d accumulated. He was so relieved to get out that he hadn’t even noticed the trio of Medjay agents who’d surrounded him.
Richard swallowed hard as the end of a scimitar blade lifted up his head so he could see the three men surrounding him.
Chapter 41
RICHARD THREW HIS HANDS in the air as he scanned the faces of the Medjay guards around him. They all scowled as they glared at him. While he wasn’t prepared to come up with an explanation, he knew he needed one.
“Gentlemen,” Richard began as he forced a smile, “nice day for a little exploration of the tombs, don’t you think?”
“What were you doing in that tunnel?” asked the man who was still holding his sword beneath Richard’s chin.
He cocked his head to one side. “Would you believe me if I told you that I was replacing a precious artifact?”
“Search him,” the soldier said.
The other two guards sprang into action, ripping Richard’s bag off his shoulder and rifling through all the papers inside. One of the men pulled out the map that Jabari had drawn for Richard. The guard handed it to the man in charge.
“What’s this?” he asked, waving the sketch in front of Richard’s face.
“It’s a map.”
“To what?”
“A tomb,” Richard said.
“Which tomb?”
“Would it make any difference what I told you?”
The man narrowed his eyes, repeating his question in a measured tone. “Which tomb?”
“King Tutankhamun’s,” Richard said.
The three men all broke into laughter. “King Tutankhamun,” the man said as he pointed at Richard while glancing at his colleagues. “He thinks he’s going to find it.”
Richard’s jaw went slack as he watched the men enjoy a good chuckle at his expense.
If only they knew.
“Did you think you were going to find it in that tunnel?” one of the men asked.
“I don’t know. I just—”
“He found nothing,” one of the other guards said after completing his search of Richard.
The leader nodded knowingly. “That tunnel leads nowhere. I’ve been down it several times. It comes to a dead end after a long way. You’re lucky that you made it out alive.”
“We noticed the stone ajar here,” another agent said. “So, we sealed it back with some mortar. Fortunately for you, it hadn’t fully dried yet.”
“You’re very lucky—and foolish,” the leader said. “Whoever sold you this map did so at your expense. The legend of King Tutankhamun’s tomb is nothing more than a fanciful tale.”
One of the other agents shoved Richard’s bag into his chest. “I suggest you stop wasting your time and get out of here.”
Richard wanted to tell the men what he’d found, especially since they were tasked with being th
e guardians of the tombs. But if they thought he was a fool and ready to release him without further incident, Richard figured he’d keep his mouth shut and let them assume whatever they wanted.
Less than a half hour later, he was racing across the valley on his horse back toward the ferry.
* * *
LATER THAT EVENING, Richard was heading downstairs for dinner when he ran into Vincent Vance.
“Mr. Francois, I had another satisfied client gush about your abilities as a tour guide.”
“Miss Corbett?” Richard asked.
Vincent nodded. “I think we need to consider appointing you to this post on a permanent basis.”
“While I appreciate the kind words and the gesture, I’m not sure I want to stay here.”
“Why not? I’ve never heard of anyone unearthing such adventure in only a week in Luxor. You have an extraordinary gift that’s only going to result in a stampede of future clients if you’re here. And these clients are all quite wealthy.”
Richard shook his head. “I’ve always wanted to see Egypt, but there are other places I’d like to explore. My wanderlust won’t be quenched by a permanent post escorting wealthy English noblemen and their wives to the Valley of the Kings.”
“Are you declining my offer?”
“In no uncertain terms do I want to stay here, though I have appreciated my time with Thomas Cook & Son, even if we got off to a bit of a bumpy start.”
Vincent smiled. “Well, it wasn’t all smooth sailing, but I will respect your decision. However, if you ever change your mind, please let me know.”
“I will, sir.”
“Where will you head next?”
“I’m not sure, though I’m hoping to relax and take a slow ride up the Nile to Cairo. Do you think you can make that happen for me?”
“Consider it a parting gift for all you’ve done,” Vincent said before slapping Richard on the chest with an envelope. “And here’s what I owe you for your work.”
“Thank you, sir,” Richard said, offering his hand. “It’s been quite an experience.”
Richard tipped his hat to Vincent before continuing downstairs and scanning the room for Elizabeth. She wasn’t here. However, he noticed Dr. Howard Carter sitting alone at a table against the back wall with a glass and a half-empty bottle of port on the table.
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