by Moni Boyce
“I never told her about the threats that had been made. I just left...” The pain in his eyes was haunting. “I’d been doomed to a life alone with no community. I would not condemn her to that.” He went back to his search and for a moment she thought that was the end of it, but then he spoke as he worked. “Then I saw you and Eli together...”
She was rooted to the spot, listening to what he was going to say.
“I saw the love between the two of you and I thought they have not had to face adversity yet. One of them will crack like I did when faced with overcoming the people that don’t want to seem them together.” Ulrik stopped again, but didn’t turn towards her. “When I heard that Eli had gone through with the stripping because he chose to love you no matter what anyone said, no matter the perverse law... I felt shame. For the first time in probably hundreds of years, I was ashamed at how easily I let others keep me from love out of fear.”
Her thoughts went back to that night when he and Phaedra had dragged an unconscious Eli into the living room and how Ulrik had said he was an honorable man.
“I’ve decided that if Anippe will have me, I vow I will not let her go this time. I’m prepared to make any sacrifice for us to be together.” When he turned back to her this time, she could see the grin that broke out on his face and it made her smile.
“I think that’s amazing. You both deserve to be happy. I’m glad you’re going to get that.” For some reason, she found herself embracing him in a hug. He hugged her back.
“Thank you.” He was beaming.
They went back to their search, both smiling and happy, lost in thoughts of the ones they loved. She was flattered by his admiration over how she and Eli loved one another. It made her want to fight that much harder to find this book and defeat Killian so she could spend the rest of her life in peace, loving him.
CHAPTER 20
Eli
Everyone was exhausted. They’d searched the Sphinx, the Great Pyramids and Saqqara and hadn’t found the book yet. Their steps were heavy as they trudged into the apartment. Anxiety was rolling off everyone in waves.
Where is this damn book?
Eli ran his hands through his hair in annoyance before he dropped onto the sofa. It had been a long couple of days between the constant searching and the run in with the anti-hybrid group. Willow collapsed next to him and rested her head on his shoulder.
Quiet contemplation was happening around the room when Mathilda spoke up. “Are you guys ready to listen to me yet?” She implored them with her hands on her hips.
“Remind us what your theory was again?” Phaedra was a bit exasperated with the fruitless search so far as they all were.
“It was too easy to think The Pythia was pointing Willow in the direction of the Sphinx. It’s so on the nose. I don’t think Phaedra is wrong in that it’s being hidden at a prominent site, that site just isn’t here in Cairo...” She looked around at all of them. “When the Sphinx gives Oedipus that riddle to solve he’d been on the road headed to Thebes. Thebes is now modern day Luxor. I think the Book of Prophecy is in the Valley of the Kings.”
Eli looked around at everyone to see if they were making the same connection Mathilda was. Some of them looked skeptical that she could be right.
“You guys, Oedipus was a Greek King traveling to Egypt and headed to Thebes, which is now Luxor where the Valley of the Kings is located. It makes sense The Pythia would have used this to point us in the right direction. Can’t you see the connection?”
When she said it like that. It did make sense. Willow was nodding her head and excited at the new idea. What did they have to lose? They’d searched so many other places and had yet to find the book.
Anippe looked at her watch. “Luxor is a little over five hundred kilometers away. It’s late. The next train won’t leave for Luxor until the morning, but that way will be slow. By plane would be the quickest route.”
“I think I know someone that may be able to help us out. He has a private plane that could get us there if someone hasn’t chartered it.” Ulrik offered. Eli was starting to be thankful he’d agreed to let the Dane tag along.
Ulrik went to the landline phone in the apartment and dialed a number. When someone picked up on the other end, he spoke French.
Eli hoped Mathilda’s theory was right so they could finally get this book and start dealing with the real issue, which was how they were going to defeat Killian. Although it was necessary they be on this scavenger hunt for the book so it didn’t fall into Killian’s hands, it was aggravating how difficult it had been.
It didn’t help that the whole anti-hybrid and anti-mixing of the supernatural factions was now an issue that kept rearing its ugly head. They had enough to deal with already. He didn’t want something else added to the list.
He shut his eyes for a second, needing to rest and clear his mind. They’d been on autopilot since they arrived in Egypt and it felt like ages since he’d meditated.
Ulrik hung up the phone. “We are to be at terminal hall four at Cairo International Airport in two hours.”
Good. He was glad they wouldn’t have to wait until tomorrow to get to Luxor.
“Okay everyone, grab your stuff. If this book is in the Valley of the Kings like Mathilda says it is we won’t be coming back here. We’ll head straight to the airport.” Phaedra issued the order.
Eli kept his eyes closed for a moment longer. All he could think was:
Please let us find this so we can go home.
When they arrived and boarded the Gulfstream G550 in the private hall of the airport he saw the expression on Willow’s face change to one of giddiness. “I can’t believe I’m on a private jet.” She whispered to him excitedly as she took in the interior.
It was nice to see this side of her. It was one of the things about her that had first attracted him, her enthusiasm about things. To see her face lit up and so animated warmed his heart.
“Dude, we’re on a G5.” Max leaned across the aisle. It seemed Willow’s excitement about the plane was catching.
“I know.” Willow leaned across his lap to gush to Max about them being on a G5.
“Do you think Ulrik can get him to fly us back to Salem in this thing?”
Eli looked at Phaedra and smiled before he shook his head. “Max, why don’t you take my seat and I’ll take yours.”
Max agreed and kept chattering with Willow as they made the change. It wasn’t long before Mathilda, Morgana, Gamal and Anippe joined in the discussion. Then they were up out of their seats exploring the back of the aircraft.
“There’s champagne back here.” Max could be heard saying. Next thing they knew the cork was being popped. Phaedra was about to head to the back to stop the shenanigans.
Eli put his hand on her leg to stop her. “Let them have their fun.” He listened to the tinkling sound of Willow’s laughter and the sound of them toasting with the champagne flutes. A tired smile crossed his face. “You and I both know if we find that book tonight we head back to Salem and it’s more hardcore training to get her prepared to go up against Killian who we still have to locate. This doesn’t end tonight. It’s really just the beginning.”
Phaedra pursed her lips together and nodded.
The two of them were such realists it was hard to allow themselves to just have fun and be in the moment when they knew the hardest fight was yet to come.
Zoriana joined in the fun and had a small sip of champagne. Eli was glad to see her doing something other than sulking.
Ulrik dropped down in the seat in front of them. “No celebration for the two of you?”
They both shook their heads.
“Thanks again for making this happen.” Phaedra told the Dane.
“No big deal. I was happy to help.” The three of them lapsed into a comfortable silence. When Eli looked up again he could tell that Ulrik was watching Anippe. He felt bad for the Dane. What was his excuse for not taking the love that he wanted? What had frightened him away from being with the
one he loved and truly being happy?
The three-hour flight went by fairly quickly. Even though Gamal had joined in the fun onboard the flight, he’d also used the three hours headed to Luxor to call in a favor. He had a friend who was an operator at the Valley of the Kings. His friend had agreed to give them entrance once they arrived, even though it was after the last tour had been completed. At least with all the tourists gone if they were ambushed they didn’t have to worry about any humans being casualties or seeing them use magic.
In the daytime the site probably wasn’t as unsettling as it was in the dark. Despite the use of flashlights it was an eerie place when you remembered that it was a burial site. The night air in the desert had a slight chill to it. They’d decided to split off into groups to search the different tombs. That way they could cut down on their search time and get out of the place that much faster. Willow shivered. He took off his jacket and draped it around her.
“Thank you.” She put her arms through the sleeves and rolled them up.
Apparently, Gamal’s friend had been unaware of the security team that patrolled the site. Two men walked towards them speaking in Arabic, the beam of their flashlights shining onto their faces as they cautiously approached them. “Ma aldhy tafealuh huna?”
Gamal took charge. “We’ll handle this. Head into the tombs and meet back here when you find something. Cell phones won’t work well out here and won’t work at all underground so if something happens get out as soon as you can.”
They hesitated. The idea of the two getting into serious trouble for helping them out didn’t sit well with anyone.
“Go.” Gamal urged them and then he and Anippe rushed off to deal with the security.
They were here now. Better try and use what little time they might have to find the elusive book. “Be safe everyone and meet back here as soon as you can.” Phaedra told them.
Willow, Max and Mathilda went off in one direction. Phaedra and Zoriana in another, which left him with Ulrik and Morgana. He shined his flashlight on the placard at the tomb entrance: Pharoah Thutmose III (KV34).
The tomb wasn’t that well lit. The beams from their flashlights gave them glimpses of the cavernous space. The tomb slipped further into darkness the lower they went. If their flashlights did go out he could always use magic to illuminate the chamber. With more light the tomb was probably impressive, but they weren’t here to sightsee.
Without saying anything they fanned out to look for the book. They’d been searching the tomb for nearly a half an hour when he heard one of them coming up behind him. He thought it was Ulrik and remembered he was going to ask him about the incident with Mathilda.
“Ulrik, I meant to ask you, what was up earlier when you asked Mathilda about her eyes. Should I be worried?”
No one said anything.
“Ulrik?” He went to turn around and ask the question again when he took a blow to the back of the head and passed out.
CHAPTER 21
Willow
As the three of them descended down into Ramses VI tomb no flashlights were needed because the pathway was lit. Murals and hieroglyphics covered the ceilings and every inch of wall space. It didn’t matter that in places they were discolored, faded and crumbling. The fact that most of it had withstood time was a testament of itself. Archaeologists had taken great care to preserve what was left of the mighty Pharoah’s tomb, despite the grave robbers that had looted and plundered the space of any treasures. It was hard not to be struck by how amazing the tomb was, to still be intact after all this time.
She was fascinated with it all and wished again she was here as a tourist and not hunting for an ancient book, but the descent didn’t quell her anxiety about the fact that they were in a grave, a very large grave.
Can’t believe these guys used to bury their whole households with them.
She shuddered. Only narcissists and tyrants would want to make sure they were being waited on hand and foot in the afterlife.
The long walk down to the burial chamber finally ended. “Let’s separate and look around. See if we find anything.” Mathilda’s suggestion was met with agreement from her and Max. Each of them went in different directions.
It has to be here somewhere.
The closer she walked to the back of the chamber the more she felt a pull nearly identical to the magnetic pull she’d felt at the ruins in Greece. The book had to be here somewhere. There wasn’t a ton of space where something could be hidden, unless... she looked around at the walls. Maybe there was a lever or button that if pushed or pulled would reveal a hiding space. She just had to locate it. For a second she hesitated, fingerprints on these ancient walls might not be good. Unfortunately, she couldn’t worry about that right now. She had to find that book. Plus, she wanted to get out of this place. People were buried down here and it was kind of giving her the creeps.
She worked her way around the room pressing here and there and looking for any areas where there might be notches or open spaces. Twenty minutes later, she pushed on a piece of wall and fell forward into another chamber. This room was dark. She pulled the flashlight from her waistband. When she shined the light around, she saw that the room was no bigger than a closet. Maybe there was once treasure stored here, but no longer was that the case. Cobwebs filled the corners and she nearly choked on the dust that clogged the air.
She braced herself on her arms to push herself to her feet and part of the floor rolled out from under her. A scream was about to erupt from her throat when she thought she was about to fall into a hole, but it was merely a hidey-hole of sorts. Something was wrapped in a tarp and laid in the space that was about a foot deep. All she could do was stare at it for several moments in shocked silence. With trembling fingers she reached down to retrieve it. The tarp fell away as she picked up the heavy object and revealed the edge of an old, worn leather bound tome. She coughed when a dust cloud rose up smacking her in the face. Sputtering, she waved her hand in front of her face trying to clear the dust away.
Once she was no longer choking she removed the rest of the tarp and saw the book had writing on the cover. She couldn’t read the title because it was written in Greek, but she knew in her heart of hearts that what she held was The Book of Prophecy. Along with the Greek title was a keyhole. Her finger traced over the irregular looking keyhole. Where was the key? She leaned over and looked back into the hole she’d just removed the book from. When her eyes didn’t instantly land on something she put her free hand in the hole and felt around. Nothing. She would take the victory for the day. They had the book. She could worry about the key later.
Mathilda was going to be so happy she’d been right. Her face was going to light up when she saw the book.
Willow stood and held it tightly to her chest as she left the chamber, but more dust swirled in the air around her. Coughing, she walked the path back to find Max and Mathilda. She put her hand in Eli’s jacket pocket searching for tissue to cover her nose. Something dropped against the ground and made a clinking noise when she pulled out the tissues. When she looked down she realized it must have come from Eli’s jacket pocket. She bent to pick it up and saw it was part of a locket. The moment her fingers touched the golden piece of the locket, the inner voice that always sounded before she had a vision spoke, ‘Show me.’
The elements swirled and moved around her and then she stood in Killian’s throne room. She’d been in here too many times in her dreams not to know exactly where she was. Who owned the locket and how had Eli come to have it?
She focused back on what was going on in the room. Killian sat on his throne and Katana had just walked into the room. It struck her that this time she could actually hear. Katana’s footsteps echoed off the marble floor as she approached.
Was it possible the more often she experienced these visions, all of her senses would be used or would it be a random occurrence for her to hear visions? There was still so much to learn.
Katana stopped and knelt before Killian.
&nb
sp; “You have failed.” His voice was cold and unforgiving.
“I didn’t, the witch betrayed us.” Katana said equally as cold. She was not frightened of Killian’s wrath in the least. She was upset. This was good news though, if the witch that had been working with them betrayed them, then maybe this meant he or she had a change of heart.
“Do you want me to find her and bring her to you?” Katana looked fierce. Willow loathed that Katana was merely an extension of Killian. She was always willing and ready to do anything for Killian.
“Yes, bring Morgana to me.”
The moment she heard Killian say Morgana’s name she came out of her trance with a jolt of shock. Her breathing was erratic and bordered on hyperventilating for the several seconds afterwards. She was horrified and about to call for help when her vision adjusted. Whatever she was about to say died on her lips as she took in the scene before her.
Morgana stood in the center of the tomb looking like an evil sorceress instead of the cute, agreeable sprite she’d come to think of her as. How she’d managed to hide the naked malevolent look that now gleamed in her eyes for all these years Willow didn’t know. Here was the real psychopath. Something twisted in her gut to know that Morgana had betrayed them all.
Those thoughts were short lived when she realized Morgana wasn’t alone. Morgana was using magic to keep Mathilda held aloft against the wall. The girl had no control over her own body. She was positioned like Jesus hanging on the cross. Tears trickled down her face.
Max was in the corner. “Max.” She rushed forward clutching the book when she realized he was hurt.
“Uh uh. Stay where you are. He’s fine for now.” Even Morgana’s voice sounded different: darker, edgier, full of malice.
“He’s hurt.” The silver net she’d seen that day at Samson’s supernatural weapon warehouse had Max penned to the ground. He was in his human form, but he was naked. At some point he must have changed into his wolf form, but when the silver started burning his skin he changed back.
