by Wend Petzler
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!
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter Eighteen
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 dea
th!
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?"
