Okay.this is my first fic..i don't know what inspired me to write this.
Anyway, for this part the characters belong to me, but in later chapters
they belong to the talents of all who created "The Mummy." I hope you
enjoy!!
Robert Carnahan turned to face his sister Ethel and her husband Martin and grinned. "Perfect day to begin a voyage, don't you agree Martin?"
"Yes," Martin said, chancing a glance up toward the sky. It was dark and cloudy. "A perfect day."
"This is just plain foolishness Robert and you know it," Ethel said miserably. "Anything could happen; what if I never see you again."
Robert shook his head. "Always the optimist Ethel. This is 1888, technology is booming, dear sister of mine. And this is an English vessel after all. I'll be fine."
"You say that now. Just wait until something actually happens. You'll be very sorry you ever left your mother country Robert."
Martin interrupted before his wife could continue. "He's only going to Egypt dear. He'll be back before you know it. Besides, how will we continue to make Britain the capitol of the world if we just sit at home and read the paper?"
"You don't let me read the paper Martin."
Martin blundered momentarily before answering. "Of course I don't let you. It would sour your mind and ruin your innocence."
A low whistle sounded, alerting Robert that it was time to take his leave. Kissing Ethel on her cheek and picking up his small bag, Robert started up the ramp to the ship.
"Be careful Robert!" Ethel called. "Come home soon!"
Robert kept walking, ignoring her urgent calls. He was filled with ecstasy, the same he felt every time he made a voyage. Since he was eighteen he had been traveling the world. It had begun by studying abroad in France, Italy, and Spain and spread into a desire to visit and study other cultures. Robert was an adventurer through and through, living off of artifacts he sold to various English museums whenever he stopped home for a brief time. Well, that and the help of his generous brother-in-law. Martin funded most of his travels, believing Robert was furthering the growth of England, and Robert had no qualms about deceiving him.
This trip would be his first to the African continent; a place Robert had wanted to go since England first began to colonize there. Egypt. Just the sound of the country sent shivers through Robert's body. It enveloped all the mystery and intrigue Robert had ever wanted, and now, finally, he was going to explore it. Nothing could give him greater joy.
Ships were a nuisance to Robert. They were not quick in getting a person where he wanted to go, caused seasickness, and served intolerable food. Robert almost went stir-crazy during every trip, but this one was especially bad. The weeks that followed his departure from Martin and Ethel were turmoil of longing for land and impatience to reach his dream. The day the ship docked in the Egyptian port was one of the happiest in Robert's twenty-eight years on earth.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Malai detested England and everything it embodied. She hated the way the English dressed, their total arrogance, and the superiority they believed they had to all other peoples. In her opinion, they had nothing too spectacular to offer to the world, not even an adequate history. Egypt was thousands of years old and had, in her opinion, a more unique and interesting history than any other country.
At a very young age, Malai began to learn the beauty of Egypt. She was seven when her young mother took her and her younger sister Rapia to a small chamber in the immense house and began to teach them to read and write ancient Egyptian. Over the years, in a combination of memory and old documents, Malai's mother taught her and her siblings the history of Egypt.
Ratana had been married to Yhotip Napatay at age fifteen and had given birth to Malai at age sixteen. He was considerably older than her, and she did not love him. Throughout the years, he tried to squeeze every last drop of Egypt from his family. Yhotip, though Egyptian himself, had admired the English ever since he had met an Englishman as a boy. From that point on his mission in life had been to be English. He worshipped the English culture, impressed those beliefs onto his family, and adapted his home and attitude to fit that of an Englishman. It nearly drove Ratana into insanity, but she managed to hang on with due to the mere fact that she wanted her children to know their heritage. The fateful night Yhotip found out the undoing she had committed over fourteen years was devastating. He sent Ratana away to an institution in England, where, soon after, the family was notified she had killed herself. It was devastating to her children, especially Malai who had clung to her mother's knowledge like a leech. All of these events led her to believe the English were out to destroy Egypt.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Robert had been living in Cairo for only two months when he met an old friend of his in town. James Hurlington had been a classmate of his for years, but they had parted ways years ago when Robert discovered his love for travel. James preferred his job at one of England's most prestigious banks to travel and their friendship drifted apart.
The two men had been walking in opposite, hurried directions when they ran straight into one another. "Watch where you're going!" James yelled. Then, recognition dawned. "Robert Carnahan? Is that you?"
"Yes?" Robert replied, squinting into the face of his friend.
"Don't tell me you don't recognize me Robert," James laughed.
As realization came to Robert, he yelped, "James Hurlington! I haven't seen you in ages. How are you?"
"Fine, fine. How are you? Still traveling I see. You haven't acquired a wife yet?"
"No," Robert said indifferently. "What are you doing in Egypt?"
"Ah," James said coyly. "I've come to, how shall I put it, take advantage of Egyptian hospitality."
Robert looked puzzled. "What are you talking about James?"
"A woman, Robert, you poor, naive man."
"A woman?"
"Yes, of course. Egyptians know as well as English that women are useless creatures. Except for bearing children and satisfying their men," James said matter-of-factly.
Robert kept his opinions on the validity of that statement to himself. "So what do you want with an Egyptian woman James?"
"I'm after the latter reason for getting a girl Robert."
"That's ridiculous."
"No, actually, it's quite simple."
"Oh?" Robert said in disbelief.
"Yes you silly fool. And I'll tell you, but let's get out of the street 7tZfor goodness sakes. I need a bloody drink anyhow."
The two men walked quite a distance to the nearest pub and approached the counter fairly quickly. After drinking three shots, James chose to complete his mysterious story.
"I don't know if you ever knew this Robert, but many, many years ago my father traveled to Egypt."
Robert smiled. "Really James, I never knew. Why?"
"Some foolish reason or other," James blabbered. "It doesn't matter. But, while he was here, he met a young man who became infatuated with the English. Can you blame him?" James paused for another drink. "Anyway, a few years ago Father came back to Egypt and found the same man. It turns out the poor fool has wiped out any part of his culture; he wants to be English. Father made that much of an impression on him; can you believe it?"
"Yes actually, I can see that," Robert said.
James shook his head in disbelief and continued. "Well, apparently Father mentioned me and my work and this man was very interested. He told Father that his daughters could use a good influence like me and he suggested that if Father wanted, he could buy either of his two oldest."
Robert looked astonished. "Buy his daughter?"
James nodded enthusiastically. "Yes. Seems the Egyptians know at least one thing the English don't. Father, of course, mentioned it to me a few months ago and I was more than willing to come out here and see for myself."
"You're going to marry an Egyptian girl?" Robert asked skeptically.
"Don't be daft man! I'm just going to use her for a while. A few weeks, a few months, I'm not sure. There's no way I'd take her back to England though. I'll just leave one day. I'm sure she'll be devastated, but she'll get over it. I am engaged you know. I told Mary I was going on a business trip. The way I see it, I should have one more romp before I marry the girl."
Robert fought back the desire to punch James and took another drink. He couldn't comprehend why James would want to do such a thing.
James watched him a moment and then slapped him on the back. "Well I must be going Robert. Promised this chap I'd be at his home this evening and it's already past four." James started toward the door and then hesitated. "Hey Robert, why don't you join me? I mean, the family does have two girls they're trying to get rid of, and I can't take both. It could be interesting."
Robert began to decline, but then curiosity got the better of him. He had come here to learn about Egyptians, what better than to live with them for a few days? "All right," Robert accepted, "I'll come."
"Good show Robert! Come on, I have horses waiting outside."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Robert and James arrived outside a huge house around half past five that evening. It was modeled very similarly to the English homes of the day and Robert was quite taken aback. Maybe James had not exaggerated the extent to which the family wished to become English. It was quite depressing.
James eagerly went up and knocked on the door. They were greeted fairly quickly by a servant who took them to a very spacious library. A tall, broad Egyptian man in very fine clothes shortly joined them.
The man walked with a stride up to James and shook his hands. "Mr. James Huntington?" he asked.
"Yes my good fellow. I hope you don't mind, but I brought my companion here with me. This is Mr. Robert Carnahan."
"Mr. Carnahan, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance," the man said as he shook his hands. "I am Mr. Yhotip Naranay."
Robert nodded his head slightly as a sign of acknowledgement. "Pleased to meet you."
"Why don't I show you gentlemen to your rooms?" Yhotip suggested.
James began to follow, but Robert paused. "Mr. Naranay, if it is not to much of an infraction on your hospitality, I was wandering if I could explore your library for a bit instead."
"Of course Mr. Carnahan. Go right ahead."
"I'm much obliged."
Robert looked through the shelves, pulling out a few book and glances at various titles. Most were English novels or volumes of English history or geography. It distressed Robert to a certain degree. The home seemed to have Egyptian characteristic to it.
Just as he had pulled out a book on the Rose War, Robert heard a rustling in the bushes. He replaced the text and walked to the open French doors on the other side of the room. When he got outside he found someone trying to climb the garden wall.
"Excuse me," Robert said loudly.
The person did not stop. Instead he went faster. Annoyed and curious, Robert glided to the wall and grabbed the arm of the person, forcing him down. Only, to his surprise, it was not a man, but instead a beautiful young girl. She was wearing all black and had a veil over her face. Her beautiful midnight black eyes bore fiercely into him.
"Let me go!" she demanded.
Robert shook his head. "Why should I? Where can you possibly be sneaking off to at this time of night? It's dangerous to be out in the desert at night."
"I know that," she growled, trying to wrench her arm from Robert's grip.
"Come on," Robert said. "I know you must live here. Are you running away or something?"
"That is none of your concern."
"Then you'll be more than happy to come inside."
A voice from up above bellowed down into the garden. "Malai! Where on Earth are you?"
Glaring at Robert, the young woman broke free and started toward the doors. Robert followed with a smile flitting about his lips.
"Now," he said, "what is your name?"
"I should be asking you the same question. You are the one who is a stranger in my house."
"Touché," Robert smiled. "My name is Robert Carnahan. I'm here as a guest of Mr. Naranay's and with my companion James Huntington."
The girl looked at him angrily. "My name is Malai Marana, the oldest daughter of your host."
"Malai!" Yhotip's voice boomed from behind them. "Where were you?"
"I was out Father, you knew that. I just got in and found our guest here."
"What are you doing in that ridiculous outfit? Go upstairs this instant and change into something appropriate."
"Egypt is appropriate for Egypt. England is not," Malai said angrily. She glared at Robert and her father and rushed out of the room.
"Mr. Carnahan, I apologize," Yhotip said. "My daughter is slightly temperamental. Nothing a good match won't fix."
Robert nodded, thinking more of Malai than Dhoti's problems with her.
"I came to inform you that dinner is ready. Won't you join us?"
Robert followed Yhotip into an ornate dining room, much like ones he had seen at home. The feeling that he was back in England overwhelmed him. As he entered and took his seat across from James, Robert studied the room thoroughly. Then, suddenly, two others joined them. One was introduced as Yhotip's second eldest daughter, Rapia. She was dressed like an Englishwoman and seemed much more tame than her older sister. The other was a very pretty girl who looked about six or seven. She was Yhotip's youngest child, Lucria.
The food was already being served when Malai reappeared and sat down between her sisters. She was now dressed in a slightly outdated English fashion too. Robert thought it looked very unnatural on the girl and she looked miserable in it. It ruined some of the natural beauty about her that he had seen outside.
"Where are Karpoh and Fajop?" Yhotip asked in a voice that indicated he was irritated.
Rapia opened her mouth to answer, but was prevented by Malai. "They went to the city early this morning," she explained. "Karpoh told me they would be late and not to expect them until long after nightfall."
Yhotip shook his head in disgust. He was clearly annoyed that his sons were not present. "I'm going to have a talk with those boys."
The man then seemed to force himself to maintain a pleasant but authoritative attitude. He began to make pointless small talk with his guests.
"Mr. Carnahan," he began, "what do you do for a living?"
Robert smiled. "Mostly I take advantage of my brother-in-law's large wallet." James grinned, but Yhotip waited for him to continue. "I actually travel quite a bit. I'm a student of culture." Yhotip still seemed uncertain. Robert cleared his throat. "I study other cultures around the world," he explained more carefully. "I find artifacts, go to ancient places. It doesn't make much money at all."
"I see," Yhotip said.
Robert shook his head. "No, I don't believe you do. I travel to find out how other societies functioned, about the distinct personality each culture contains. Egypt, for example. This is my first time here, but I've been fascinated by it for years. Next week, for example, I found some men who offered to take me on an archeological dig. I thrive off of culture. It's what makes us who we are and I feel with all my heart that a person should embrace it. Well, as long as he doesn't become too absorbed in it. That's the trouble with the English, you know. They refuse to open up to any other culture."
Malai stared at him in astonishment while trying to maintain her calm exterior. She had never heard anyone express his feelings on the world quite like this Mr. Carnahan. It startled her that anyone, especially and Englishman, could be so open.
Yhotip, on the other hand, was not so impressed. "How could you reject any part of the English culture?" he demanded. "The English are three notches above the rest of the world and climbing. They've always dominated the world and they'll continue to dominate it until the end of time."
"Here here," James agreed.
"No," Malai argued. "England has barely been a unified country for nine hundred years. It may dominate and destroy the world today, but for thousands of years Egypt, Greece, and Rome were the top nations of the world."
"Very well said," Robert agreed.
Yhotip glared at his daughter. "She is a woman, what does she know?" he asked angrily.
"Quite a bit, it appears," Robert said.
Yhotip shook his head and ignored the whole conversation. Instead he began thrilling discussion about banking with James.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Malai had been quite taken aback by Robert. His willingness to open to other cultures was beautiful to her after years of suffocating lessons on the history of England. And he had clearly insulted her father. Despite the fact he had spoiled her plans for escape tonight, she couldn't help but feel a sort of respect for the man.
After dinner she had excused herself and fled to her room. After five minutes Rapia appeared in an Egyptian dress similar to Malai's earlier ensemble. "You're not ready!" Rapia accused.
"I can't go now," Malai argued. "Someone has to make sure Lucria gets out too, and right now she's trapped downstairs with those men, entertaining them."
"So what are we going to do?" Rapia demanded. "This is our one chance. We told Karpoh we would meet him by nine or else he should leave without us. If we don't leave now we'll never make it."
Malai sighed. "Then go now. You leave out my window instead of your's, that way we won't get caught this time. Take a horse and leave out the back entrance and circle around the house to the main path. Do you remember where we're meeting Karpoh?"
Rapia looked at her sister reluctantly. "Yes, outside of Cairo at nine o'clock."
"Good. Do you have your bag with you?"
"Yes, I didn't unpack it after we got caught earlier."
"All right."
"What about you and Lucria?"
Malai smiled weakly. "I'll get us out eventually. Maybe not in time to even meet you at the docks tomorrow, but some time soon. If I don't make it to the boat tomorrow I'll meet you at the Giza Port in four months time. We'll be okay Rapia."
Malai hugged her sister tightly. "I love you Rapia. And tell the boys I love them too."
Rapia was crying and obviously distressed, but she whispered farewell in Egyptian and headed to the window to climb down the trellis. Malai threw the bag down to her and watched her sister disappear. Then she sat on her bed and cried. Despite what she said, she probably would never get out of here unless it was as sold property and she would even more likely never see her siblings again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next morning at breakfast Yhotip was in distress. He was sitting at the table, clearly angry, waiting for Malai to come down. When she finally appeared he didn't even wait until she was seated to begin questioning her.
"Where are your brothers and your sister?" he roared despite the discomfort his guests felt.
"I don't know what you're talking about Father," Malai lied.
"Don't lie to me young lady. I am not above shipping you off like I shipped your mother off."
Malai looked at him calmly, despite her rising fury. "The last time I saw Karpoh and Fajop was yesterday afternoon when they left for Cairo. And I haven't seen Rapia since I said goodnight to her yesterday. As far as I know they're all in Cairo."
Yhotip glared at her but did not question what she said. He apparently believed that she was being honest with her, but that did not stop his rage. Fine," he glowered. "If they think they can run away good luck to them. I just hope they were smart enough to get out of the city. Gentlemen, you'll have to excuse me. I'm going to find my children and bring them back home immediately."
Robert, James, and Malai all followed Yhotip to the hall where he called several servants and told them to come with him. The small party left in a flourish and James sighed. "Well that's Egyptians for you."
As James left to go back to breakfast Malai smiled and quietly, in Egyptian, whispered, "Too late father, they're long gone."
Robert continued to look at the door as he calmly pulled out his watch, glanced at it, and said, "Actually, their boat doesn't leave for another half hour. You'd better hope it doesn't get delayed any longer than that."
Malai looked shocked and terrified at the same time. "How did...When..." she sputtered.
"I was searching for my room yesterday evening when I overheard you and your sister. I apologize for eavesdropping, but I was quite intrigued.
"But just now....how did you know what I said?" Malai asked quizzically.
"I learned to speak quite a bit of Egyptian over the years. As I said last night, Egypt has always fascinated me." He paused. "I'm also sorry for spoiling your plan of escape last night. I thought you were being foolish and running away without a plan. I simply didn't want to see you die in the desert in the middle of the night."
Malai's shock turned to anger for a moment and then fled to fear. "Are you going to tell my father?" she asked.
Robert finally turned toward her and shook his head. "I would have by now if I planned to."
Malai sighed a breath of relief. The initial fright of discovery was gone. As she studied the man, his tall, thin figure, curly brown hair and brown eyes against his tanned, weathered face made him seem strong and kind, she shook her head. Disbelief still inhabited her head; how could an Englishman be this considerate?
"I suggest we take this discussion outside," Robert suggested. "I don't trust this house to keep a secret."
Malai nodded her head in agreement and led Robert to the garden.
"So," Robert began, "how were you planning to escape last night? I only saw you, not your sisters."
"Rapia and Lucria were still upstairs. They were going to come down after me. When I heard you coming I tried to run and hide until you left and it was safe for them to come down. Unfortunately, I was not quick enough."
"I'm sorry Miss Naranay."
"I know," she accepted sadly. She did believe he was truly sorry.
"Why are you all running away?" Robert inquired.
Malai sighed. "Since we were born, our father suppressed us and denied us knowledge of our heritage. He wanted to be English; he wanted us to be English. My mother, however, embraced our Egyptian past. She secretly taught us the history and language. Everything. I was fourteen when my father discovered what she had done. He sent her to an institution in England and he took her own life. We've spent the past five years disobeying our father, trying to teach Lucria, and sneaking away from this nightmare. When he told Rapia and I that he was going to sell at least one of us to a good Englishman, we knew we had to escape." She smiled sadly. "At least Rapia and my brothers got away."
Shaking his head Robert stopped walking and looked into Malai's beautiful eyes. "I'll get you out."
"How?" Malai asked skeptically. She stared straight back into his eyes. They were enchanting her and she did not dislike it.
Breaking the stare her began to pace. "Tomorrow night," he said, "James is going to make a bid for you. He and your father will be in negotiations for a long while. During that time I will say I'm going for a walk around the property. You go to your room and get yourself and your sister ready. Eventually I'll come past your room, whistling. When you hear me climb down and meet me. Go to the stable and I'll continue walking. Steal two horses. I will pass the library, where I assume your father does his discussions," Malai nodded, "and make sure they're still there. If they are, I'll meet you that the gate. Then I'll escort both of you to Cairo. I will rent you a boat and row you away, because your father will most likely discover your absence quickly. Then I'll take you wherever you would like. If I don't make it out within ten minutes, go yourself. Here's," he pulled his wallet out, "two hundred pounds. It should get you fairly far if I don't make it."
Malai stared at the money before cautiously accepting it. "Why are you doing this?" she questioned.
"I don't know. Partially guilt and pity," Robert admitted. But it was more than that, though neither of them realized it.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
Robert nodded.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next night came slowly. The day was dominated by Yhotip's increased distraught over his missing children and impatience with James's lack of will to negotiate. When James finally brought up the subject at dinner, Yhotip forced him into the library immediately. And, just as planned, Robert informed them of his walk and Malai rushed upstairs to make last minute preparations.
Robert strolled around the property slowly; he did not want to attract any attention to himself. By the time he was at Malai's window, night had fallen into her full glory, complete with a full moon. Robert began to whistle softly and shortly Malai appeared.
Anxiously, Malai assisted Lucria out of the window and watched her climb down. Then she tossed the bags to Robert and proceeded out the window. When she dropped to the ground she and Lucria fled to the stables.
As Robert continued his walk he became increasingly nervous. He was approaching the library and praying James and Yhotip would still be in heated discussion. In fact, he was counting on it. When he did reach the room, he was disappointed to find the curtains drawn; it was impossible to see in. Straining to hear voices, Robert's heart began to race. When the nearly inaudible tones of James' voice reached Robert's ears, he breathed a sigh of relief and hurried on.
Once he reached the gate he picked up his bag in the nearby bushes, where he had hid it earlier, and hurried outside. Seeing Malai with the horses sparked hope and action back into his heart. As he fastened his bag to the horse he picked up Lucria. She responded by struggling and fighting his grip. "Get off me! Let me go!" she yelled.
Malai rushed over and clasped a hand across her sister's mouth. "Be quiet!" she hissed. She looked up at Robert. "I've explained over and over why we're leaving and she doesn't understand. I don't know how to keep her quiet."
Robert looked at the little girl and then turned back to Malai. "Maybe we should let her go. I'm sure she'll stay quiet about our whereabouts. She's just too young to understand what's happening."
Malai glared at him. "I'm not leaving her here to be raised by that fiend. I thought you understood why we have to do this, but obviously you don't."
Robert shook his head but conceded. He climbed on to the horse with the girl despite her renewed struggle.
"Lucria!" Malai whispered harshly. "We're going on a trip and it's a secret. You have to be quiet so we aren't discovered."
Lucria stared at her sister and stopped the struggle. And, as they set out for Cairo, she fell asleep.
Malai was tired and weary by the time they reached the docks late that evening. Her nerves were stretched quite far and they nearly broke when Robert came back and explained they would have to steal a boat if they were going to get out of Cairo before morning.
"Fine," she said. "Let's steal a boat."
"Are you crazy?" Robert protested. "We can't just steal a boat from the docks. It's wrong."
Malai shrugged. "You do what you want. I'm taking Lucria and getting both of us to safety before dawn."
Assessing the amount of truth in her statement, Robert sighed and walked back to the ticket booth. He took out some money and shoved it under the closed window and returned to his companions. Malai got off the horse and Robert slipped Lucria off of the horse and into his arms. Together they wandered the docks until they spotted a smaller, easily navigable vessel. Malai got on first and took her sister. She was in the process of burying Lucria under some furs and sacks when she felt the ship tilt as Robert climbed aboard.
"What are you doing?" she inquired as the turned to face him.
But it wasn't Robert. The man she came face-to-face with when she turned was James. Terrified and shocked she stared at him in horror.
"What are you doing here?" she asked angrily.
"Claiming what I rightfully came for," James responded as he stepped toward her.
Stepping back away from him she saw Robert's body lying limply on the dock. She shut her eyes momentarily and then looked back at James. "How did you find us?"
"It wasn't hard. I listened to you and Robert in the garden yesterday. I knew what you were planning and I let you believe you'd succeeded. It's better this way anyway," he grinned. "Now I don't even have to pay your pathetic father." He reached toward her.
Jumping from his grasp, Malai backed right into the cabin wall of the ship. She desperately ran her hands over everything, searching for a weapon, but found nothing. James leaned forward and kissed her roughly.
Immediately Malai shoved him away. As he stumbled backward she turned and rushed into the cabin. Glancing around she spotted a wrench lying on the desk. In an instant she grabbed it and turned, just as James rushed toward her in a horrible rage. Horrified, Malai swung the wrench and hit him on the side of his head. His body almost immediately slumped to the ground and Malai stood, paralyzed, wondering what she had done.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Robert awoke to Malai's insistent shaking and found he had a pounding headache. When he remembered where he was he sat bolt upright.
"What happened?" he asked, putting his hand to his head. He was bleeding slightly.
Malai looked extremely upset and Robert's stomach sank. Quietly she whispered, "I think I killed Mr. Huntington."
Groaning, Robert shut his eyes and opened them again. "You're joshing me, aren't you?"
Malai shook her head. Struggling, Robert rose and swaggered on his feet. Malai helped him to the cabin and winced at his gasp.
Highly worried, Robert bent down and searched for a pulse. He could not find one. Sighing, he turned and looked up at Malai. "He's dead."
In a shuddery voice she said, "I'll go get the police."
Before she even took a step Robert leapt up and grabbed her arm. "Are you crazy?" he demanded. "If you're scared of where your father would send you then I can't imagine how you'd react to a Cairo prison."
Malai's seemingly huge eyes searched Robert's. "What do we do then?" she asked.
Robert sighed. His mind flew into action and he quickly had a plan. "Help me lift the body," he said quietly.
Together the pair moved the body to the dock and left it there. Then Robert untied the ship and they set off. Malai, emotionally and physically exhausted collapsed with her back slumped against the cabin door. She did not sleep and remained a silent statue in the night.
After about an hour, Robert picked up the wrench and hurled it into the river. Malai drew a long, rough breath and continued her vigil.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The night sky was just beginning to show traces of early morning when Robert forced the boat closer to the shore. Stalling it, he picked up his bag and shook Malai from her trance.
"Come on," he said softly. "We're getting out of here."
She appeared startled. "But we're not at a port yet."
"I know. But by now the body will have been discovered and every port near Cairo is going to be on the look out for this ship. We can't very well drift into a city in it."
Nodding, Malai got up and went to awaken her sister. Meanwhile Robert proceeded to through their bags over to the shore. Then, noticing Lucia's lack of response to Malai, he walked over and, grabbing Malai, tossed her over the side into the water. Then he bent to pick up Lucria, only to discover she was missing. He looked around the ship and then, assuming she was not there, jumped overboard.
Malai, drenching wet, and angry, swam to the shore and stood impatiently waiting for Robert. "Why did you do that?" she demanded. "And where is Lucria?"
"How would I know?" Robert said a bit harshly. "She's your sister."
Malai stared out at the river. "She wasn't on the boat, was she?" she said. It seemed more as though she was stating a fact than asking a question, but Robert answered anyway.
"Yes. I'm assuming she got off back at Cairo. Before we eve departed."
Shaking her Malai sighed. "I guess you were right about leaving her," she admitted quietly. "She obviously didn't want to leave." She paused. "I hope she's all right; that she'll be all right."
More gently, Robert responded, "I'm sure she'll be fine."
"I can't believe she's going to be raised by my father," she said dejectedly. "That man will ruin any knowledge we've already given her." Tears welled in Malai's eyes.
Robert walked over and pulled her into a comforting embrace. She buried her head in his chest and let all her pain and anguish of the past day disappear. And Robert couldn't find the heart to confess he feared her father was dead.
Exhausted, Robert had suggested they sleep that day and continue at night. Malai agreed quickly and they crept into the brush so they were out of sight. That night Malai was the first to wake, starving and wondering how they would manage to get to any city. It was a good four hours to the nearest port, and that was by ship. Walking would double the time.
As she was pondering this, Robert began to stir. Eventually, he woke fully and greeted Malai with a long yawn. "Good evening," he said cheerfully.
"What are we going to do about food?" came the response.
Robert's good mood vanished and was once again replaced by worry and planning. He had honestly not considered this yet. Instead of conveying this worry to her, however, he chose to appear optimistic.
"Well, I'm sure we'll find something to eat while we're traveling," he said with a smile and a stretch. "Let's just start going."
Despite Robert's offhand assurance, Malai thought there was something more behind his exterior. But she agreed to begin walking anyway.
Night was just beginning to fall as they set out. The moon shone brightly and the temperature began to drop quickly. Malai pulled out some wraps from her bag and put them on. She was glad she had brought them.
Robert led the way and she followed a few steps behind. The silence that invaded the journey was soon broken by Malai's anxiety and need for reassurance.
"Are they going to discover I killed Mr. Huntington?" she asked quietly.
Robert, for a moment, considered sheltering her from whatever answers should come from the questions she was bound to ask. Then the moment passed. She was obviously a strong person, both in body and mind, and he felt no need to keep her from any truths.
"Not necessarily," he admitted frankly. "I know they've found the body by now, and that they have identified it as James's, but I don't know how they could connect you to the crime."
"My father. My father must have noticed my absence by now, and he is bound to have informed everyone in Cairo. He's very powerful; he'll get what he wants eventually. And Lucria too. She might have witnessed the murder or at least seen Mr. Huntington prior to his death."
Robert sighed. "I don't want to alarm you, Malai, although this might not be too upsetting to you, I don't know."
"What?"
Summoning the strength to tell her, Robert continued, "I highly doubt your father is still alive. I assume James murdered him before setting out after us."
Malai grew quiet for a moment as she took this in. "Perhaps," she finally said. "But I don't believe so in my heart. Logically, it makes sense, but I still feel the weight of his evil, his anger, in my soul. The disturbing cold, hatred that has existed between us for so many years is still there. When he dies, I know that weight will be lifted. It was the only bond we share. Just as when my mother died I could feel the love die. I don't believe that man is gone from this world."
He stopped and turned to face her. "Well," he said, "Let's hope for our sake and Lucria's, that your intuition is incorrect."
As they began to move again the silence resumed for a short while. Malai, as much as she would like too, could just not believe her father was dead. Robert was right of course. If they were lucky, he would be lying dead on the cold floor of the house, but Malai did not think it was so. Finally, she broke the silence, not wanting to let her thoughts consume her.
"You are unlike any Englishman I've ever met," she said.
Smiling, Robert replied, "Is that a good thing?
"Yes, of course. The other one's I have met are so conceited and arrogant; I can't stand them. You seem much more open and honest then any other I've known."
"Well thank you. We are few and far between, as far as the upper classes, but we do exist."
"The upper classes, as you call them, are all I've ever encountered."
"Of course. The poor cannot afford to travel. I would not be able to travel if it weren't for my brother-in-law."
"Is he rich?" she asked.
Robert grimaced. "Yes, and rude, ignorant and foolish. He's quite pompous; I don't know why Ethel married him. For the money, I suppose."
"Yes, that could be," Malai agreed. "Is she a good person, your sister?"
"I suppose she is," Robert said as though he'd never thought about it. "She's very naive and worrisome. I love her, and she's been caring for me since we were kids. Our parents died when I was sixteen. Ethel was married by then; she let me live with her and Martin. They sent me through school and have financed my explorations. But, I don't know, somehow, we've never been, close."
"That's too bad," Malai said sadly. "Family is important. I don't know what I will do without my siblings."
"You're going to see them again in a few months."
Malai shook her head sadly. She didn't believe it, but she said, "Yes, I suppose I will."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
They had been walking nearly two hours when Robert smelled food. The aroma of smoked fish and beans wafted through the air and ahead he could dimly see a small campfire. His heart flooded with relief and his stomach began to grumble, knowing there was food near by.
As he stopped suddenly, Malai walked directly in to him, and, before she could utter some sort of demand for an explanation, Robert clapped his hand over her mouth. "Don't say anything," he whispered. "This may be our one chance for food."
Uncovering her mouth, Malai looked around and began to notice the smell of food. Her mouth watered at the prospect of eating.
The fire was quite a distance from Malai and Robert, who had been following the river fairly close to the bank. Robert, assuming nothing was strange about their obvious stray from the river, began to walk toward them. He was stopped by Malai, who sharply grasped his arm.
"What are you doing?" she hissed. "You don't know if those people are friendly. If they're Egyptian they certainly won't be happy at an Englishman wandering into their camp, I know that."
"Then what do you suggest we do? We need to eat, and this will probably be our only opportunity."
Malai shrugged. "Maybe we should just catch a fish."
Robert studied her skeptically. "Can you catch a fish? I can't."
Smiling she said, "No. Although I have never tried."
"That leaves us with two choices," Robert said. "Either we find some way to get their food," he gestured toward the fire, "Or we attempt to catch a fish."
"The fish is looking better, unless you have a plan," she laughed. Despite her hunger she was in a wonderful mood and felt very alive. Robert was in a terrible mood, she could tell, but it was not affecting her in any way.
Robert sighed and sat down to think. He was not used to being hungry and it was causing his head to ache badly. Concentrating was hard and no matter how long he pondered the situation he could not figure out a solution to it. Irritably he snapped, "Well think of something! Don't just stand there gawking!"
Sitting down next to him, Malai said gently, "You're truly hungry, aren't you? Haven't you gone without food before?"
Still angry, he growled, "No I haven't gone without food. Why would I?"
"Because you don't have a choice." Her voice was still laughing but her dark eyes were serious.
"And I suppose you're judging that that is because I'm English."
"No," she laughed softly but bitterly. "I believe it is because you are not poor and you have always had someone to care for you and feed you. And that is not a bad thing or an English thing; it's a universal thing that not every person can experience. Every country has starving people and people like you and I who have never gone hungry. It's a fact. You just have to deal with it for this night and go without."
He looked at her while processing what she said. "You're very wise," he finally said. "You can't have had much life experience, you can't be more than twenty. How do you know so much?"
The question was rhetorical but Malai laughed gently and said, "I'm only eighteen and I had to grow up quickly. That always make a person seem wise, even if they're not. And I am certainly not wise."
Suddenly the lightness of the mood disappeared. Robert was staring at her very deeply and seemed completely absorbed in her dark, shining eyes. Malai unconsciously held her breath and stared back. "You're wrong. You are very wise. I respect that." Slowly he leaned toward Malai. She glanced nervously at his lips and then his eyes and back to his lips again. As she opened her mouth to protest or break the mood he captured her lips with his own. They danced back and forth together for a few brief moments before Malai broke away.
Robert Carnahan turned to face his sister Ethel and her husband Martin and grinned. "Perfect day to begin a voyage, don't you agree Martin?"
"Yes," Martin said, chancing a glance up toward the sky. It was dark and cloudy. "A perfect day."
"This is just plain foolishness Robert and you know it," Ethel said miserably. "Anything could happen; what if I never see you again."
Robert shook his head. "Always the optimist Ethel. This is 1888, technology is booming, dear sister of mine. And this is an English vessel after all. I'll be fine."
"You say that now. Just wait until something actually happens. You'll be very sorry you ever left your mother country Robert."
Martin interrupted before his wife could continue. "He's only going to Egypt dear. He'll be back before you know it. Besides, how will we continue to make Britain the capitol of the world if we just sit at home and read the paper?"
"You don't let me read the paper Martin."
Martin blundered momentarily before answering. "Of course I don't let you. It would sour your mind and ruin your innocence."
A low whistle sounded, alerting Robert that it was time to take his leave. Kissing Ethel on her cheek and picking up his small bag, Robert started up the ramp to the ship.
"Be careful Robert!" Ethel called. "Come home soon!"
Robert kept walking, ignoring her urgent calls. He was filled with ecstasy, the same he felt every time he made a voyage. Since he was eighteen he had been traveling the world. It had begun by studying abroad in France, Italy, and Spain and spread into a desire to visit and study other cultures. Robert was an adventurer through and through, living off of artifacts he sold to various English museums whenever he stopped home for a brief time. Well, that and the help of his generous brother-in-law. Martin funded most of his travels, believing Robert was furthering the growth of England, and Robert had no qualms about deceiving him.
This trip would be his first to the African continent; a place Robert had wanted to go since England first began to colonize there. Egypt. Just the sound of the country sent shivers through Robert's body. It enveloped all the mystery and intrigue Robert had ever wanted, and now, finally, he was going to explore it. Nothing could give him greater joy.
Ships were a nuisance to Robert. They were not quick in getting a person where he wanted to go, caused seasickness, and served intolerable food. Robert almost went stir-crazy during every trip, but this one was especially bad. The weeks that followed his departure from Martin and Ethel were turmoil of longing for land and impatience to reach his dream. The day the ship docked in the Egyptian port was one of the happiest in Robert's twenty-eight years on earth.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Malai detested England and everything it embodied. She hated the way the English dressed, their total arrogance, and the superiority they believed they had to all other peoples. In her opinion, they had nothing too spectacular to offer to the world, not even an adequate history. Egypt was thousands of years old and had, in her opinion, a more unique and interesting history than any other country.
At a very young age, Malai began to learn the beauty of Egypt. She was seven when her young mother took her and her younger sister Rapia to a small chamber in the immense house and began to teach them to read and write ancient Egyptian. Over the years, in a combination of memory and old documents, Malai's mother taught her and her siblings the history of Egypt.
Ratana had been married to Yhotip Napatay at age fifteen and had given birth to Malai at age sixteen. He was considerably older than her, and she did not love him. Throughout the years, he tried to squeeze every last drop of Egypt from his family. Yhotip, though Egyptian himself, had admired the English ever since he had met an Englishman as a boy. From that point on his mission in life had been to be English. He worshipped the English culture, impressed those beliefs onto his family, and adapted his home and attitude to fit that of an Englishman. It nearly drove Ratana into insanity, but she managed to hang on with due to the mere fact that she wanted her children to know their heritage. The fateful night Yhotip found out the undoing she had committed over fourteen years was devastating. He sent Ratana away to an institution in England, where, soon after, the family was notified she had killed herself. It was devastating to her children, especially Malai who had clung to her mother's knowledge like a leech. All of these events led her to believe the English were out to destroy Egypt.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Robert had been living in Cairo for only two months when he met an old friend of his in town. James Hurlington had been a classmate of his for years, but they had parted ways years ago when Robert discovered his love for travel. James preferred his job at one of England's most prestigious banks to travel and their friendship drifted apart.
The two men had been walking in opposite, hurried directions when they ran straight into one another. "Watch where you're going!" James yelled. Then, recognition dawned. "Robert Carnahan? Is that you?"
"Yes?" Robert replied, squinting into the face of his friend.
"Don't tell me you don't recognize me Robert," James laughed.
As realization came to Robert, he yelped, "James Hurlington! I haven't seen you in ages. How are you?"
"Fine, fine. How are you? Still traveling I see. You haven't acquired a wife yet?"
"No," Robert said indifferently. "What are you doing in Egypt?"
"Ah," James said coyly. "I've come to, how shall I put it, take advantage of Egyptian hospitality."
Robert looked puzzled. "What are you talking about James?"
"A woman, Robert, you poor, naive man."
"A woman?"
"Yes, of course. Egyptians know as well as English that women are useless creatures. Except for bearing children and satisfying their men," James said matter-of-factly.
Robert kept his opinions on the validity of that statement to himself. "So what do you want with an Egyptian woman James?"
"I'm after the latter reason for getting a girl Robert."
"That's ridiculous."
"No, actually, it's quite simple."
"Oh?" Robert said in disbelief.
"Yes you silly fool. And I'll tell you, but let's get out of the street 7tZfor goodness sakes. I need a bloody drink anyhow."
The two men walked quite a distance to the nearest pub and approached the counter fairly quickly. After drinking three shots, James chose to complete his mysterious story.
"I don't know if you ever knew this Robert, but many, many years ago my father traveled to Egypt."
Robert smiled. "Really James, I never knew. Why?"
"Some foolish reason or other," James blabbered. "It doesn't matter. But, while he was here, he met a young man who became infatuated with the English. Can you blame him?" James paused for another drink. "Anyway, a few years ago Father came back to Egypt and found the same man. It turns out the poor fool has wiped out any part of his culture; he wants to be English. Father made that much of an impression on him; can you believe it?"
"Yes actually, I can see that," Robert said.
James shook his head in disbelief and continued. "Well, apparently Father mentioned me and my work and this man was very interested. He told Father that his daughters could use a good influence like me and he suggested that if Father wanted, he could buy either of his two oldest."
Robert looked astonished. "Buy his daughter?"
James nodded enthusiastically. "Yes. Seems the Egyptians know at least one thing the English don't. Father, of course, mentioned it to me a few months ago and I was more than willing to come out here and see for myself."
"You're going to marry an Egyptian girl?" Robert asked skeptically.
"Don't be daft man! I'm just going to use her for a while. A few weeks, a few months, I'm not sure. There's no way I'd take her back to England though. I'll just leave one day. I'm sure she'll be devastated, but she'll get over it. I am engaged you know. I told Mary I was going on a business trip. The way I see it, I should have one more romp before I marry the girl."
Robert fought back the desire to punch James and took another drink. He couldn't comprehend why James would want to do such a thing.
James watched him a moment and then slapped him on the back. "Well I must be going Robert. Promised this chap I'd be at his home this evening and it's already past four." James started toward the door and then hesitated. "Hey Robert, why don't you join me? I mean, the family does have two girls they're trying to get rid of, and I can't take both. It could be interesting."
Robert began to decline, but then curiosity got the better of him. He had come here to learn about Egyptians, what better than to live with them for a few days? "All right," Robert accepted, "I'll come."
"Good show Robert! Come on, I have horses waiting outside."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Robert and James arrived outside a huge house around half past five that evening. It was modeled very similarly to the English homes of the day and Robert was quite taken aback. Maybe James had not exaggerated the extent to which the family wished to become English. It was quite depressing.
James eagerly went up and knocked on the door. They were greeted fairly quickly by a servant who took them to a very spacious library. A tall, broad Egyptian man in very fine clothes shortly joined them.
The man walked with a stride up to James and shook his hands. "Mr. James Huntington?" he asked.
"Yes my good fellow. I hope you don't mind, but I brought my companion here with me. This is Mr. Robert Carnahan."
"Mr. Carnahan, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance," the man said as he shook his hands. "I am Mr. Yhotip Naranay."
Robert nodded his head slightly as a sign of acknowledgement. "Pleased to meet you."
"Why don't I show you gentlemen to your rooms?" Yhotip suggested.
James began to follow, but Robert paused. "Mr. Naranay, if it is not to much of an infraction on your hospitality, I was wandering if I could explore your library for a bit instead."
"Of course Mr. Carnahan. Go right ahead."
"I'm much obliged."
Robert looked through the shelves, pulling out a few book and glances at various titles. Most were English novels or volumes of English history or geography. It distressed Robert to a certain degree. The home seemed to have Egyptian characteristic to it.
Just as he had pulled out a book on the Rose War, Robert heard a rustling in the bushes. He replaced the text and walked to the open French doors on the other side of the room. When he got outside he found someone trying to climb the garden wall.
"Excuse me," Robert said loudly.
The person did not stop. Instead he went faster. Annoyed and curious, Robert glided to the wall and grabbed the arm of the person, forcing him down. Only, to his surprise, it was not a man, but instead a beautiful young girl. She was wearing all black and had a veil over her face. Her beautiful midnight black eyes bore fiercely into him.
"Let me go!" she demanded.
Robert shook his head. "Why should I? Where can you possibly be sneaking off to at this time of night? It's dangerous to be out in the desert at night."
"I know that," she growled, trying to wrench her arm from Robert's grip.
"Come on," Robert said. "I know you must live here. Are you running away or something?"
"That is none of your concern."
"Then you'll be more than happy to come inside."
A voice from up above bellowed down into the garden. "Malai! Where on Earth are you?"
Glaring at Robert, the young woman broke free and started toward the doors. Robert followed with a smile flitting about his lips.
"Now," he said, "what is your name?"
"I should be asking you the same question. You are the one who is a stranger in my house."
"Touché," Robert smiled. "My name is Robert Carnahan. I'm here as a guest of Mr. Naranay's and with my companion James Huntington."
The girl looked at him angrily. "My name is Malai Marana, the oldest daughter of your host."
"Malai!" Yhotip's voice boomed from behind them. "Where were you?"
"I was out Father, you knew that. I just got in and found our guest here."
"What are you doing in that ridiculous outfit? Go upstairs this instant and change into something appropriate."
"Egypt is appropriate for Egypt. England is not," Malai said angrily. She glared at Robert and her father and rushed out of the room.
"Mr. Carnahan, I apologize," Yhotip said. "My daughter is slightly temperamental. Nothing a good match won't fix."
Robert nodded, thinking more of Malai than Dhoti's problems with her.
"I came to inform you that dinner is ready. Won't you join us?"
Robert followed Yhotip into an ornate dining room, much like ones he had seen at home. The feeling that he was back in England overwhelmed him. As he entered and took his seat across from James, Robert studied the room thoroughly. Then, suddenly, two others joined them. One was introduced as Yhotip's second eldest daughter, Rapia. She was dressed like an Englishwoman and seemed much more tame than her older sister. The other was a very pretty girl who looked about six or seven. She was Yhotip's youngest child, Lucria.
The food was already being served when Malai reappeared and sat down between her sisters. She was now dressed in a slightly outdated English fashion too. Robert thought it looked very unnatural on the girl and she looked miserable in it. It ruined some of the natural beauty about her that he had seen outside.
"Where are Karpoh and Fajop?" Yhotip asked in a voice that indicated he was irritated.
Rapia opened her mouth to answer, but was prevented by Malai. "They went to the city early this morning," she explained. "Karpoh told me they would be late and not to expect them until long after nightfall."
Yhotip shook his head in disgust. He was clearly annoyed that his sons were not present. "I'm going to have a talk with those boys."
The man then seemed to force himself to maintain a pleasant but authoritative attitude. He began to make pointless small talk with his guests.
"Mr. Carnahan," he began, "what do you do for a living?"
Robert smiled. "Mostly I take advantage of my brother-in-law's large wallet." James grinned, but Yhotip waited for him to continue. "I actually travel quite a bit. I'm a student of culture." Yhotip still seemed uncertain. Robert cleared his throat. "I study other cultures around the world," he explained more carefully. "I find artifacts, go to ancient places. It doesn't make much money at all."
"I see," Yhotip said.
Robert shook his head. "No, I don't believe you do. I travel to find out how other societies functioned, about the distinct personality each culture contains. Egypt, for example. This is my first time here, but I've been fascinated by it for years. Next week, for example, I found some men who offered to take me on an archeological dig. I thrive off of culture. It's what makes us who we are and I feel with all my heart that a person should embrace it. Well, as long as he doesn't become too absorbed in it. That's the trouble with the English, you know. They refuse to open up to any other culture."
Malai stared at him in astonishment while trying to maintain her calm exterior. She had never heard anyone express his feelings on the world quite like this Mr. Carnahan. It startled her that anyone, especially and Englishman, could be so open.
Yhotip, on the other hand, was not so impressed. "How could you reject any part of the English culture?" he demanded. "The English are three notches above the rest of the world and climbing. They've always dominated the world and they'll continue to dominate it until the end of time."
"Here here," James agreed.
"No," Malai argued. "England has barely been a unified country for nine hundred years. It may dominate and destroy the world today, but for thousands of years Egypt, Greece, and Rome were the top nations of the world."
"Very well said," Robert agreed.
Yhotip glared at his daughter. "She is a woman, what does she know?" he asked angrily.
"Quite a bit, it appears," Robert said.
Yhotip shook his head and ignored the whole conversation. Instead he began thrilling discussion about banking with James.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Malai had been quite taken aback by Robert. His willingness to open to other cultures was beautiful to her after years of suffocating lessons on the history of England. And he had clearly insulted her father. Despite the fact he had spoiled her plans for escape tonight, she couldn't help but feel a sort of respect for the man.
After dinner she had excused herself and fled to her room. After five minutes Rapia appeared in an Egyptian dress similar to Malai's earlier ensemble. "You're not ready!" Rapia accused.
"I can't go now," Malai argued. "Someone has to make sure Lucria gets out too, and right now she's trapped downstairs with those men, entertaining them."
"So what are we going to do?" Rapia demanded. "This is our one chance. We told Karpoh we would meet him by nine or else he should leave without us. If we don't leave now we'll never make it."
Malai sighed. "Then go now. You leave out my window instead of your's, that way we won't get caught this time. Take a horse and leave out the back entrance and circle around the house to the main path. Do you remember where we're meeting Karpoh?"
Rapia looked at her sister reluctantly. "Yes, outside of Cairo at nine o'clock."
"Good. Do you have your bag with you?"
"Yes, I didn't unpack it after we got caught earlier."
"All right."
"What about you and Lucria?"
Malai smiled weakly. "I'll get us out eventually. Maybe not in time to even meet you at the docks tomorrow, but some time soon. If I don't make it to the boat tomorrow I'll meet you at the Giza Port in four months time. We'll be okay Rapia."
Malai hugged her sister tightly. "I love you Rapia. And tell the boys I love them too."
Rapia was crying and obviously distressed, but she whispered farewell in Egyptian and headed to the window to climb down the trellis. Malai threw the bag down to her and watched her sister disappear. Then she sat on her bed and cried. Despite what she said, she probably would never get out of here unless it was as sold property and she would even more likely never see her siblings again.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next morning at breakfast Yhotip was in distress. He was sitting at the table, clearly angry, waiting for Malai to come down. When she finally appeared he didn't even wait until she was seated to begin questioning her.
"Where are your brothers and your sister?" he roared despite the discomfort his guests felt.
"I don't know what you're talking about Father," Malai lied.
"Don't lie to me young lady. I am not above shipping you off like I shipped your mother off."
Malai looked at him calmly, despite her rising fury. "The last time I saw Karpoh and Fajop was yesterday afternoon when they left for Cairo. And I haven't seen Rapia since I said goodnight to her yesterday. As far as I know they're all in Cairo."
Yhotip glared at her but did not question what she said. He apparently believed that she was being honest with her, but that did not stop his rage. Fine," he glowered. "If they think they can run away good luck to them. I just hope they were smart enough to get out of the city. Gentlemen, you'll have to excuse me. I'm going to find my children and bring them back home immediately."
Robert, James, and Malai all followed Yhotip to the hall where he called several servants and told them to come with him. The small party left in a flourish and James sighed. "Well that's Egyptians for you."
As James left to go back to breakfast Malai smiled and quietly, in Egyptian, whispered, "Too late father, they're long gone."
Robert continued to look at the door as he calmly pulled out his watch, glanced at it, and said, "Actually, their boat doesn't leave for another half hour. You'd better hope it doesn't get delayed any longer than that."
Malai looked shocked and terrified at the same time. "How did...When..." she sputtered.
"I was searching for my room yesterday evening when I overheard you and your sister. I apologize for eavesdropping, but I was quite intrigued.
"But just now....how did you know what I said?" Malai asked quizzically.
"I learned to speak quite a bit of Egyptian over the years. As I said last night, Egypt has always fascinated me." He paused. "I'm also sorry for spoiling your plan of escape last night. I thought you were being foolish and running away without a plan. I simply didn't want to see you die in the desert in the middle of the night."
Malai's shock turned to anger for a moment and then fled to fear. "Are you going to tell my father?" she asked.
Robert finally turned toward her and shook his head. "I would have by now if I planned to."
Malai sighed a breath of relief. The initial fright of discovery was gone. As she studied the man, his tall, thin figure, curly brown hair and brown eyes against his tanned, weathered face made him seem strong and kind, she shook her head. Disbelief still inhabited her head; how could an Englishman be this considerate?
"I suggest we take this discussion outside," Robert suggested. "I don't trust this house to keep a secret."
Malai nodded her head in agreement and led Robert to the garden.
"So," Robert began, "how were you planning to escape last night? I only saw you, not your sisters."
"Rapia and Lucria were still upstairs. They were going to come down after me. When I heard you coming I tried to run and hide until you left and it was safe for them to come down. Unfortunately, I was not quick enough."
"I'm sorry Miss Naranay."
"I know," she accepted sadly. She did believe he was truly sorry.
"Why are you all running away?" Robert inquired.
Malai sighed. "Since we were born, our father suppressed us and denied us knowledge of our heritage. He wanted to be English; he wanted us to be English. My mother, however, embraced our Egyptian past. She secretly taught us the history and language. Everything. I was fourteen when my father discovered what she had done. He sent her to an institution in England and he took her own life. We've spent the past five years disobeying our father, trying to teach Lucria, and sneaking away from this nightmare. When he told Rapia and I that he was going to sell at least one of us to a good Englishman, we knew we had to escape." She smiled sadly. "At least Rapia and my brothers got away."
Shaking his head Robert stopped walking and looked into Malai's beautiful eyes. "I'll get you out."
"How?" Malai asked skeptically. She stared straight back into his eyes. They were enchanting her and she did not dislike it.
Breaking the stare her began to pace. "Tomorrow night," he said, "James is going to make a bid for you. He and your father will be in negotiations for a long while. During that time I will say I'm going for a walk around the property. You go to your room and get yourself and your sister ready. Eventually I'll come past your room, whistling. When you hear me climb down and meet me. Go to the stable and I'll continue walking. Steal two horses. I will pass the library, where I assume your father does his discussions," Malai nodded, "and make sure they're still there. If they are, I'll meet you that the gate. Then I'll escort both of you to Cairo. I will rent you a boat and row you away, because your father will most likely discover your absence quickly. Then I'll take you wherever you would like. If I don't make it out within ten minutes, go yourself. Here's," he pulled his wallet out, "two hundred pounds. It should get you fairly far if I don't make it."
Malai stared at the money before cautiously accepting it. "Why are you doing this?" she questioned.
"I don't know. Partially guilt and pity," Robert admitted. But it was more than that, though neither of them realized it.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
Robert nodded.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The next night came slowly. The day was dominated by Yhotip's increased distraught over his missing children and impatience with James's lack of will to negotiate. When James finally brought up the subject at dinner, Yhotip forced him into the library immediately. And, just as planned, Robert informed them of his walk and Malai rushed upstairs to make last minute preparations.
Robert strolled around the property slowly; he did not want to attract any attention to himself. By the time he was at Malai's window, night had fallen into her full glory, complete with a full moon. Robert began to whistle softly and shortly Malai appeared.
Anxiously, Malai assisted Lucria out of the window and watched her climb down. Then she tossed the bags to Robert and proceeded out the window. When she dropped to the ground she and Lucria fled to the stables.
As Robert continued his walk he became increasingly nervous. He was approaching the library and praying James and Yhotip would still be in heated discussion. In fact, he was counting on it. When he did reach the room, he was disappointed to find the curtains drawn; it was impossible to see in. Straining to hear voices, Robert's heart began to race. When the nearly inaudible tones of James' voice reached Robert's ears, he breathed a sigh of relief and hurried on.
Once he reached the gate he picked up his bag in the nearby bushes, where he had hid it earlier, and hurried outside. Seeing Malai with the horses sparked hope and action back into his heart. As he fastened his bag to the horse he picked up Lucria. She responded by struggling and fighting his grip. "Get off me! Let me go!" she yelled.
Malai rushed over and clasped a hand across her sister's mouth. "Be quiet!" she hissed. She looked up at Robert. "I've explained over and over why we're leaving and she doesn't understand. I don't know how to keep her quiet."
Robert looked at the little girl and then turned back to Malai. "Maybe we should let her go. I'm sure she'll stay quiet about our whereabouts. She's just too young to understand what's happening."
Malai glared at him. "I'm not leaving her here to be raised by that fiend. I thought you understood why we have to do this, but obviously you don't."
Robert shook his head but conceded. He climbed on to the horse with the girl despite her renewed struggle.
"Lucria!" Malai whispered harshly. "We're going on a trip and it's a secret. You have to be quiet so we aren't discovered."
Lucria stared at her sister and stopped the struggle. And, as they set out for Cairo, she fell asleep.
Malai was tired and weary by the time they reached the docks late that evening. Her nerves were stretched quite far and they nearly broke when Robert came back and explained they would have to steal a boat if they were going to get out of Cairo before morning.
"Fine," she said. "Let's steal a boat."
"Are you crazy?" Robert protested. "We can't just steal a boat from the docks. It's wrong."
Malai shrugged. "You do what you want. I'm taking Lucria and getting both of us to safety before dawn."
Assessing the amount of truth in her statement, Robert sighed and walked back to the ticket booth. He took out some money and shoved it under the closed window and returned to his companions. Malai got off the horse and Robert slipped Lucria off of the horse and into his arms. Together they wandered the docks until they spotted a smaller, easily navigable vessel. Malai got on first and took her sister. She was in the process of burying Lucria under some furs and sacks when she felt the ship tilt as Robert climbed aboard.
"What are you doing?" she inquired as the turned to face him.
But it wasn't Robert. The man she came face-to-face with when she turned was James. Terrified and shocked she stared at him in horror.
"What are you doing here?" she asked angrily.
"Claiming what I rightfully came for," James responded as he stepped toward her.
Stepping back away from him she saw Robert's body lying limply on the dock. She shut her eyes momentarily and then looked back at James. "How did you find us?"
"It wasn't hard. I listened to you and Robert in the garden yesterday. I knew what you were planning and I let you believe you'd succeeded. It's better this way anyway," he grinned. "Now I don't even have to pay your pathetic father." He reached toward her.
Jumping from his grasp, Malai backed right into the cabin wall of the ship. She desperately ran her hands over everything, searching for a weapon, but found nothing. James leaned forward and kissed her roughly.
Immediately Malai shoved him away. As he stumbled backward she turned and rushed into the cabin. Glancing around she spotted a wrench lying on the desk. In an instant she grabbed it and turned, just as James rushed toward her in a horrible rage. Horrified, Malai swung the wrench and hit him on the side of his head. His body almost immediately slumped to the ground and Malai stood, paralyzed, wondering what she had done.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Robert awoke to Malai's insistent shaking and found he had a pounding headache. When he remembered where he was he sat bolt upright.
"What happened?" he asked, putting his hand to his head. He was bleeding slightly.
Malai looked extremely upset and Robert's stomach sank. Quietly she whispered, "I think I killed Mr. Huntington."
Groaning, Robert shut his eyes and opened them again. "You're joshing me, aren't you?"
Malai shook her head. Struggling, Robert rose and swaggered on his feet. Malai helped him to the cabin and winced at his gasp.
Highly worried, Robert bent down and searched for a pulse. He could not find one. Sighing, he turned and looked up at Malai. "He's dead."
In a shuddery voice she said, "I'll go get the police."
Before she even took a step Robert leapt up and grabbed her arm. "Are you crazy?" he demanded. "If you're scared of where your father would send you then I can't imagine how you'd react to a Cairo prison."
Malai's seemingly huge eyes searched Robert's. "What do we do then?" she asked.
Robert sighed. His mind flew into action and he quickly had a plan. "Help me lift the body," he said quietly.
Together the pair moved the body to the dock and left it there. Then Robert untied the ship and they set off. Malai, emotionally and physically exhausted collapsed with her back slumped against the cabin door. She did not sleep and remained a silent statue in the night.
After about an hour, Robert picked up the wrench and hurled it into the river. Malai drew a long, rough breath and continued her vigil.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The night sky was just beginning to show traces of early morning when Robert forced the boat closer to the shore. Stalling it, he picked up his bag and shook Malai from her trance.
"Come on," he said softly. "We're getting out of here."
She appeared startled. "But we're not at a port yet."
"I know. But by now the body will have been discovered and every port near Cairo is going to be on the look out for this ship. We can't very well drift into a city in it."
Nodding, Malai got up and went to awaken her sister. Meanwhile Robert proceeded to through their bags over to the shore. Then, noticing Lucia's lack of response to Malai, he walked over and, grabbing Malai, tossed her over the side into the water. Then he bent to pick up Lucria, only to discover she was missing. He looked around the ship and then, assuming she was not there, jumped overboard.
Malai, drenching wet, and angry, swam to the shore and stood impatiently waiting for Robert. "Why did you do that?" she demanded. "And where is Lucria?"
"How would I know?" Robert said a bit harshly. "She's your sister."
Malai stared out at the river. "She wasn't on the boat, was she?" she said. It seemed more as though she was stating a fact than asking a question, but Robert answered anyway.
"Yes. I'm assuming she got off back at Cairo. Before we eve departed."
Shaking her Malai sighed. "I guess you were right about leaving her," she admitted quietly. "She obviously didn't want to leave." She paused. "I hope she's all right; that she'll be all right."
More gently, Robert responded, "I'm sure she'll be fine."
"I can't believe she's going to be raised by my father," she said dejectedly. "That man will ruin any knowledge we've already given her." Tears welled in Malai's eyes.
Robert walked over and pulled her into a comforting embrace. She buried her head in his chest and let all her pain and anguish of the past day disappear. And Robert couldn't find the heart to confess he feared her father was dead.
Exhausted, Robert had suggested they sleep that day and continue at night. Malai agreed quickly and they crept into the brush so they were out of sight. That night Malai was the first to wake, starving and wondering how they would manage to get to any city. It was a good four hours to the nearest port, and that was by ship. Walking would double the time.
As she was pondering this, Robert began to stir. Eventually, he woke fully and greeted Malai with a long yawn. "Good evening," he said cheerfully.
"What are we going to do about food?" came the response.
Robert's good mood vanished and was once again replaced by worry and planning. He had honestly not considered this yet. Instead of conveying this worry to her, however, he chose to appear optimistic.
"Well, I'm sure we'll find something to eat while we're traveling," he said with a smile and a stretch. "Let's just start going."
Despite Robert's offhand assurance, Malai thought there was something more behind his exterior. But she agreed to begin walking anyway.
Night was just beginning to fall as they set out. The moon shone brightly and the temperature began to drop quickly. Malai pulled out some wraps from her bag and put them on. She was glad she had brought them.
Robert led the way and she followed a few steps behind. The silence that invaded the journey was soon broken by Malai's anxiety and need for reassurance.
"Are they going to discover I killed Mr. Huntington?" she asked quietly.
Robert, for a moment, considered sheltering her from whatever answers should come from the questions she was bound to ask. Then the moment passed. She was obviously a strong person, both in body and mind, and he felt no need to keep her from any truths.
"Not necessarily," he admitted frankly. "I know they've found the body by now, and that they have identified it as James's, but I don't know how they could connect you to the crime."
"My father. My father must have noticed my absence by now, and he is bound to have informed everyone in Cairo. He's very powerful; he'll get what he wants eventually. And Lucria too. She might have witnessed the murder or at least seen Mr. Huntington prior to his death."
Robert sighed. "I don't want to alarm you, Malai, although this might not be too upsetting to you, I don't know."
"What?"
Summoning the strength to tell her, Robert continued, "I highly doubt your father is still alive. I assume James murdered him before setting out after us."
Malai grew quiet for a moment as she took this in. "Perhaps," she finally said. "But I don't believe so in my heart. Logically, it makes sense, but I still feel the weight of his evil, his anger, in my soul. The disturbing cold, hatred that has existed between us for so many years is still there. When he dies, I know that weight will be lifted. It was the only bond we share. Just as when my mother died I could feel the love die. I don't believe that man is gone from this world."
He stopped and turned to face her. "Well," he said, "Let's hope for our sake and Lucria's, that your intuition is incorrect."
As they began to move again the silence resumed for a short while. Malai, as much as she would like too, could just not believe her father was dead. Robert was right of course. If they were lucky, he would be lying dead on the cold floor of the house, but Malai did not think it was so. Finally, she broke the silence, not wanting to let her thoughts consume her.
"You are unlike any Englishman I've ever met," she said.
Smiling, Robert replied, "Is that a good thing?
"Yes, of course. The other one's I have met are so conceited and arrogant; I can't stand them. You seem much more open and honest then any other I've known."
"Well thank you. We are few and far between, as far as the upper classes, but we do exist."
"The upper classes, as you call them, are all I've ever encountered."
"Of course. The poor cannot afford to travel. I would not be able to travel if it weren't for my brother-in-law."
"Is he rich?" she asked.
Robert grimaced. "Yes, and rude, ignorant and foolish. He's quite pompous; I don't know why Ethel married him. For the money, I suppose."
"Yes, that could be," Malai agreed. "Is she a good person, your sister?"
"I suppose she is," Robert said as though he'd never thought about it. "She's very naive and worrisome. I love her, and she's been caring for me since we were kids. Our parents died when I was sixteen. Ethel was married by then; she let me live with her and Martin. They sent me through school and have financed my explorations. But, I don't know, somehow, we've never been, close."
"That's too bad," Malai said sadly. "Family is important. I don't know what I will do without my siblings."
"You're going to see them again in a few months."
Malai shook her head sadly. She didn't believe it, but she said, "Yes, I suppose I will."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
They had been walking nearly two hours when Robert smelled food. The aroma of smoked fish and beans wafted through the air and ahead he could dimly see a small campfire. His heart flooded with relief and his stomach began to grumble, knowing there was food near by.
As he stopped suddenly, Malai walked directly in to him, and, before she could utter some sort of demand for an explanation, Robert clapped his hand over her mouth. "Don't say anything," he whispered. "This may be our one chance for food."
Uncovering her mouth, Malai looked around and began to notice the smell of food. Her mouth watered at the prospect of eating.
The fire was quite a distance from Malai and Robert, who had been following the river fairly close to the bank. Robert, assuming nothing was strange about their obvious stray from the river, began to walk toward them. He was stopped by Malai, who sharply grasped his arm.
"What are you doing?" she hissed. "You don't know if those people are friendly. If they're Egyptian they certainly won't be happy at an Englishman wandering into their camp, I know that."
"Then what do you suggest we do? We need to eat, and this will probably be our only opportunity."
Malai shrugged. "Maybe we should just catch a fish."
Robert studied her skeptically. "Can you catch a fish? I can't."
Smiling she said, "No. Although I have never tried."
"That leaves us with two choices," Robert said. "Either we find some way to get their food," he gestured toward the fire, "Or we attempt to catch a fish."
"The fish is looking better, unless you have a plan," she laughed. Despite her hunger she was in a wonderful mood and felt very alive. Robert was in a terrible mood, she could tell, but it was not affecting her in any way.
Robert sighed and sat down to think. He was not used to being hungry and it was causing his head to ache badly. Concentrating was hard and no matter how long he pondered the situation he could not figure out a solution to it. Irritably he snapped, "Well think of something! Don't just stand there gawking!"
Sitting down next to him, Malai said gently, "You're truly hungry, aren't you? Haven't you gone without food before?"
Still angry, he growled, "No I haven't gone without food. Why would I?"
"Because you don't have a choice." Her voice was still laughing but her dark eyes were serious.
"And I suppose you're judging that that is because I'm English."
"No," she laughed softly but bitterly. "I believe it is because you are not poor and you have always had someone to care for you and feed you. And that is not a bad thing or an English thing; it's a universal thing that not every person can experience. Every country has starving people and people like you and I who have never gone hungry. It's a fact. You just have to deal with it for this night and go without."
He looked at her while processing what she said. "You're very wise," he finally said. "You can't have had much life experience, you can't be more than twenty. How do you know so much?"
The question was rhetorical but Malai laughed gently and said, "I'm only eighteen and I had to grow up quickly. That always make a person seem wise, even if they're not. And I am certainly not wise."
Suddenly the lightness of the mood disappeared. Robert was staring at her very deeply and seemed completely absorbed in her dark, shining eyes. Malai unconsciously held her breath and stared back. "You're wrong. You are very wise. I respect that." Slowly he leaned toward Malai. She glanced nervously at his lips and then his eyes and back to his lips again. As she opened her mouth to protest or break the mood he captured her lips with his own. They danced back and forth together for a few brief moments before Malai broke away.