Curse of the Scarab King

by Wend Petzler

  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 withou
t 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.