Lazy Days

by Clay, Verna

  "Goodbye Tahnoon and Zayed, I will never, never forget either of you or our adventure." She couldn't help the smile that escaped. Although neither spoke, they acknowledged with a slight bow and responding smile. Tahnoon looked from her to Roth and grinned. She didn't know what that was all about and she didn't want to know. She reached the front entrance and then realized she didn't have the key. Turning, she almost bumped into Roth holding the key in his outstretched hand.

  "Thank God. Hurry and open the door. I can't take another minute of this filth."

  "Spoken like a true heiress?"

  "Listen, Roth, I don't know what's happened since last night, but you've become a royal pain-in-the-ass again. Back off!"

  * * *

  Roth's eagle eyes spotted Rainey standing at the edge of the bluff. High above, he watched her scan the sky for him. He remained at a height invisible to her naked eye, waiting for her to return to the house. When she didn't, he finally circled to the front drive and landed under a tree, shifting into his human form. He stalked to the back of the house. Rainey turned when she heard his footsteps.

  "What are you doing out so late? You need to rest," he demanded.

  "I don't want to rest."

  "Why are you out here? Tell me."

  "You wouldn't understand. Go away."

  "Maybe I understand more than you think."

  "Go away, Roth."

  "We're leaving tomorrow. You should rest."

  "Wh-where are we going? Back to the U.S.?" She sounded hopeful.

  "Luxor, on the Nile River."

  "No! I want to go home and continue my work. Why are we going to Luxor?"

  "We need the hieroglyphs translated. I believe there may be someone living there who can do that."

  "For God sake, Roth, you can have them deciphered in the U.S. My father will hire the foremost Egyptian scholar to do so."

  "No, Rainey, the Sacred Cave must remain a secret. I gave my word to Tahnoon. There's only one person I trust to do the translation."

  "I won't tell anyone and you won't tell anyone. And my father can get a translator to sign a contract of secrecy. So what's the problem?"

  "I believe the hieroglyphs contain answers to questions that falling into the wrong hands could result in dire consequences for the earth."

  "That's crazy! I'm going in the house!"

  Rainey side-stepped Roth, but his hand shot out and grasped her upper arm, drawing her against his chest. Using one hand to hold her against him, he clasped her chin with his other, forcing her to look into his eyes. Her eyes widened and her mouth formed an "O".

  "I once told you your mouth would get you into trouble, Soiuer." Slowly, he moved his mouth towards hers, pausing only a second before making contact. Her open mouth made the kiss all the more enticing. A strangled cry escaped her throat, followed by a half-hearted push against his chest. His lips moved gently over hers. She resisted less. She stopped resisting. She moved her hands up his chest to encircle the back of his head, pulling his mouth harder against hers, increasing the friction. Her fingers roamed through his longish hair.

  He wanted more and drew his tongue from her mouth to her neck, and lower. She sighed and echoed his desire. "More."

  Roth stopped his exploration and jerked upright. He cursed a shapeling profanity, "Miyu wiod hereio!" Turning on his heel he stormed back to the house.

  * * *

  With their backpacks tossed into the Toyota, Roth slid into the driver's seat and slammed his door. Turning the ignition, he revved the motor to warm the engine. Glancing once at Rainey, sitting stiffly and looking straight ahead, he jerked the car into gear and peeled from the drive. It was no small effort to keep from jamming down the narrow, winding road.

  Rainey hadn't said a word all morning. The few sentences he'd directed her way had been orders to get her crapola together and loaded into the car. She'd obeyed, but not without fire shooting from her eyes. He'd almost felt bad about his macho persona until he'd remembered his encounter with her the previous night. He didn't know with whom he was more angry, himself or her. His anger toward himself stemmed from the fact that he had lost control of his emotions—not a good thing for a bodyguard. His anger at her, however, didn't make sense. She'd made him furious because her plain-Jane exterior belied what he had experienced—steaming passion. He reached the highway and squealed onto it, punching the accelerator until the car surpassed any reasonable speed.

  "You may have a death wish, but I don't!" Rainey finally broke her silence.

  "I know how to drive."

  "That's a matter of opinion."

  Roth gripped the steering wheel and flexed his jaw. "Rainey, we need to talk about last night."

  "Oh, no, we don't. I'm pretending it was a nightmare and wiping it from my mind."

  "Really? You obviously enjoyed the nightmare for as long as it lasted."

  "That's also a matter of opinion."

  Roth's knuckles turned white from his grip on the wheel. "I want you to know that I do not become involved with clients."

  "Could have fooled me."

  "You don't have to worry about it happening again."

  "Do I look worried? The only thing worrying me is your driving ability."

  Roth swore, "Miyu wiod hereio!"

  "There's that strange language again. Dare I ask what you just said?"

  "Believe me, you don't want to know."

  "At least tell me what language it is."

  "One you've never heard of."

  "You're so full of yourself!" Rainey turned until only her back faced him.

  After an hour on the road, she still hadn't turned from the window.

  "Doesn't your back hurt from sitting like that so long?" Roth asked.

  She didn't answer.

  "Rainey, this is ridiculous. We're stuck with each other for the unforeseeable future. Can we at least call a truce?"

  Slowly she swiveled to face the front window.

  Roth continued, "Look, I'm really sorry about last night. I can't do my job effectively if you won't talk or even look at me. I wish I could take you back to the U.S., but until we know who's after you, we can't risk it. Your work is important and I want to make sure you live long enough to complete it. I'm waving the white flag, Rainey. Will you forgive me?"

  Out of the corner of his eye, Roth watched her swipe a hand across her forehead.

  "It's hot as hell. Who do you know in Luxor that can translate the hieroglyphs?"

  "Someone who's a fanatic when it comes to studying the culture and history of Egypt. I trust him completely."

  Rainey leaned her head against the headrest and blew a breath.

  "Do we have a truce?" Roth pressed the issue.

  "Yeah, okay. A truce for the time being."

  "Thank you. Since we're on speaking terms again, how about I give you a geography and history lesson to pass the time?"

  "Sure, why not?"

  "Okay, there are seven oases west of the Nile: Fayyum, Siwa, Bahariya, Farafra, Dakhla, Kharga, and Baris.

  "How do you know all this?"

  "Let's just say I'm a history buff. And as I told you before, I've been to Egypt. Do you want to know about the oases?"

  "Sure."

  "The oasis Fayyum is of interest because in the first three centuries A.D., the people not only mummified their dead, but created lifelike wooden portraits of them that they placed over the mummy wrapping. Essentially, they formed the likeness by mixing pigments with beeswax. The dry desert has preserved these mummies, giving modern man a rare glimpse into the lives of ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Syrians, Libyans and others." Roth paused.

  "Okay, you've got my attention; tell me about the next oasis."

  "The next one, Siwa, was home to the Oracle of Amun, famous because Alexander the Great visited the Oracle in the fourth century seeking confirmation that he was the son of Zeus." Roth chuckled. "No one knows what the Oracle whispered in Alexander's ear."

  "Probably something to inflate his ego.
Next?"

  "That would be the oasis we stayed at, Bahariya. It's believed that Alexander the Great passed through there on his return from visiting the Oracle. There's a ruin of a temple dedicated to Alexander there."

  "Next?"

  "Next is Dakhla. It's believed that settlements began there over 12,000 years ago by hunter-gathers when the climate was much wetter."

  "That makes five. Tell me about the sixth."

  "Kharga is the most modernized of the oases. Sadly, the old architecture is almost obliterated. However, the Temple of Hibis remains, which was dedicated to the family of gods: Amun, Mut and Khonsu."

  "Why are they considered a family of gods?"

  "Amun is the husband of Mut and Khonsu is their son."

  "Thank goodness we don't have all these gods to remember and worship today. Ancient peoples were certainly naïve."

  "Really? So you think modern man is superior to them?"

  "Only superior in knowledge and technology, not as human beings."

  Roth chuckled.

  "Why are you laughing?" Rainey sounded offended.

  "Because you are the naïve one, Rainey."

  "Are you telling me that you believe in all these so-called gods?"

  "There are forces in this universe you cannot fathom because your mind is closed."

  "You didn't answer my question. Do you believe in these gods?"

  "Yes, in a certain aspect."

  "What the hell does that mean—in a certain aspect. You're talking in riddles."

  "I guess I am. How about in the aspect that they represent forces greater than you or I, mystical forces. But I can see you're not ready for that. Let's drop the subject. The last oasis is Baris, which is small and sparsely populated."

  "Thanks for the lesson," Rainey said sarcastically.

  "Remember our truce."

  "Humph."

  Chapter 12: Across the Nile

  They reached the outskirts of Luxor late in the afternoon.

  Roth glanced at Rainey. "Luxor was the ancient city of Thebes and part of the trade route for exotic imports/exports. It was known as the City of Amun. About half a million people live here now."

  "Another history lesson? Where are we going in Luxor?"

  "I'm working on that."

  Rainey furrowed her brow, but didn't comment.

  Roth spotted an outcropping of rocks and pulled the car to the side of the road. He needed privacy. "Wait here," he said, and stepped from the car.

  "Where are you going?"

  He didn't answer. Walking to one of the smaller boulders, he sat with his back facing Rainey. Bowing his head, he prayed the Prayer of Connection. In his previous prayer, he had received the word Luxor. This prayer gave him a specific location, Temple of Karnak. He smiled and thanked the Source.

  Returning to the car, he maneuvered back onto the highway and waited for Rainey's barrage of questions.

  "Okay, Roth, that was weird. Are you going to tell me what you were doing?"

  "No."

  "I didn't think so. You looked like you were praying. Were you?"

  "Maybe. We're going to the Temple of Karnak."

  "A few minutes ago you said you didn't know where we were going, and now you've just figured it out?"

  "Yes."

  Rainey exploded. "You are impossible! I don't know why I put up with you!"

  "I wasn't aware that you did."

  Roth spotted a small restaurant and parked. "Our snack food is gone and you must be hungry. Let's relax and eat before going to the temple."

  "We're going there today? Why don't we rent a hotel room and go tomorrow? I'm hot, sweaty, tired-"

  "-and irritable. Come on Rainey, let's eat. Maybe it'll help your mood."

  He opened his door and circled the car to open hers. With an exasperated look, she joined him and entered the restaurant. Requesting a secluded table, he followed the hostess to the back of the room while guiding Rainey with the tip of his index finger on her back. After his stupidity the night before, he intended to keep contact at a minimum. He pulled out her chair and then seated himself. The pretty waitress wearing a lovely blue hijab covering her hair gave him a menu and a wide smile. At least some human women are pleasant and comely. He looked at Rainey's severe hairstyle and disgruntled expression, and sighed. She started to say something and he held up his hand to stop her. "Not now, Rainey."

  After perusing the large menu, he beckoned the waitress back. Because their time was limited, he ordered for both of them—chicken kebabs and kurshari for the main meal, and ruz bi laban for dessert. For their drinks, he requested a large pitcher of black tea. After handing the menu back to the waitress and receiving another beauteous smile, he turned his attention to Rainey.

  She asked, "Since I had no say in our order, what is it I'm supposed to eat?"

  "Chicken and a dish made of rice, lentils, and macaroni; for dessert, rice pudding. Trust me, you'll like it."

  "Since when do you know what I like?"

  Roth quirked an eyebrow and watched her turn all shades of pink.

  * * *

  Evening colors of yellow and gold painted the sky by the time Roth located a marina to hire a felucca to transport them across the Nile. After paying the fee, he moved the Toyota to the parking area and instructed Rainey to gather her backpack.

  "So, we're going to cross the Nile and go to the Temple of Karnak when it's probably about to close. What sense does that make?"

  Roth gathered his own backpack and motioned for her to follow.

  "You didn't answer me, Roth."

  "Rainey, consider this another adventure and stop asking questions."

  He walked to the felucca with a disgruntled female murmuring behind him. A waiting boatman assisted them on board.

  "What kind of boat is this?" she asked.

  "It's called a felucca; a cross between a sail boat and a row boat. It's the same style boat that transported most of the tons of granite used in building the pyramids and temples. We'll be on the other side in less than thirty minutes."

  Rainey maneuvered to the stern of the boat and sat in a molded chair. Roth stayed at the bow and talked with the old boatman while a younger man set sail. The old man steered them across the Nile on the wings of a gentle breeze. When they reached the center of the river, Roth glanced at Rainey. Her hair captured the light of the sinking sun and her face, tilted upward, eyes closed, reminded him of a queen demanding respect. He thought about Tahnoon's words, "She is the mother of a prince."

  Mesmerized by her exotic stance, he couldn't draw his gaze away from her. She opened her eyes, gazing skyward. He read her thoughts. She was searching for the eagle. Fighting his body's instinct to shapeshift and soar for her eyes only, he gripped the side of the boat. She looked at him, staring deep into his soul. In that gaze, there existed no truce, no animosity, no secrets…

  He glanced past her. They were nearing shore. He flexed his shoulders and returned his attention to the old boatman. A few minutes after docking he'd hailed a taxi, and within a short time they'd reached the temple complex.

  Leading Rainey to the avenue of ram-headed sphinxes, entrance to Karnak, he reveled in his return to the temple. Flooding his senses was the remembrance of his first mission—Shapeling Protector to Titi, daughter of Ramesses III—in the form of a large black cat. He wanted to shift into that cat and stalk the temple grounds searching for his contact.

  Casting his desire aside and returning to the present, he considered where to begin his search. Should he look first in the temple of Amun, or perhaps the temple of Mut, or the smaller temple dedicated to Khonsu? Maybe he should visit the Great Hypostyle Hall with its massive pillars.

  Instead of looking in any of those places, however, he veered toward the Holy Lake. When they came within sight of the water, Rainey exclaimed, "Oh my, that's incredible."

  Roth scanned the manmade lake of almost two hundred feet in width and four hundred feet in length. His gaze stopped at a figure leaning against a pal
m. The figured stepped forward and Roth recognized a much aged Endesha, his guide and mentor. Like a child, he wanted to run and embrace him after such a long absence. Pacing his steps, he approached the former shapeling who had cared for, and taught him after his parents were killed.

  Standing face-to-face, Roth and Endesha measured each other. Rainey stood to the side. Roth noticed her quizzical expression and said, "Rainey, I'd like you to meet Endesha, someone I haven't seen for many cycles of…years." He looked back at his mentor.

  Endesha slowly smiled before turning that smile on Rainey.

  She said, "I'm please to meet you Mr. Ende-"

  "Just Endesha, without the 'Mister' part. I'm pleased to meet you too, Rainey. That's a lovely name."

  "Thank you."

  Endesha returned his gaze to Roth, and asked, "Where are you two staying? Have you eaten?"

  "We ate before coming here. I don't know where were staying yet."

  "Then you must join me at my home. It seems we have much to discuss."

  Roth placed a hand on Endesha's shoulder and pulled him into a hug. Quietly, he said in his ear, "Yes, much."

  Chapter 13: Trouble

  Rainey entered Endesha's home while he held the door for her and Roth. The small stone structure, remotely located from Luxor at the end of a quiet street with no nearby neighbors, conveyed the personality of Endesha that she had already surmised; comfortable and accommodating. She wondered how Roth knew to meet him at the Temple of Karnak. Maybe he'd emailed him.

  Endesha had driven them in his own car and it was decided that Roth would return across the Nile the next day to find long-term parking for their Toyota.

  "Please bring your backpacks into my guest room." He led them through a small living room and into a short hallway. At the end of the hallway he opened a door and graciously waited for them to enter. A double bed took up most of the tiny room. Rainey placed her backpack on the bed and looked questioningly at Roth.

  "I'll be camping out on the couch," he told Endesha.

  "As you wish."

  "I'll store my backpack here for the time being." He set it on the floor next to the bed and looked at Rainey. "Why don't you unpack and freshen up, then meet us in the living room?"