Lara woke with a start, her body giving an involuntary shudder from the fear. Her heart was racing and she was in a haze, unable to recognize her surroundings.
She drew in a deep breath, regaining control of her mind and body. A cool sweat covered her forehead, but the feel, sound, and smell of her bedroom became once again familiar. A loud whoosh escaped her lips as she released the air and slowly opened her eyes.
The early morning sun trickled its way into the room through her red drapes. It was a cool spring morning, but not cool enough to need a fire.
Lara started to recall her dream, so she grabbed the notebook off the nightstand. She spoke the important notes aloud as she wrote them down.
"Giant golden guards...curved blades... ruby eyes. Disembodied voice. Female. Hieroglyphics. Golden podium. Casket with rubies and emeralds."
She studied the notes, trying to remember anything else that may be important.
"Ah, the trap. The floor trigger. Oh, right... the parchment. Also, something about a woman and Anubis."
She played the dream through in her mind a few more times to make sure she'd gotten the details right. When she was satisfied, she dressed for the day and made her way downstairs.
She found Winston in the kitchen preparing breakfast. He was the Crofts' butler, and had been as long as Lara could remember. He was also her oldest friend, mentor, and confidant.
Winston's eyes lit up and a smile made its way across his face as she entered the room.
"Ah, Lady Croft. Good morning - I trust you slept well?" His greeting was kind and sincere.
"Good morning, Winston. Well enough, I suppose. I realize it's early, but I was wondering about some Egyptian history that you might be familiar with."
"I'm always available to you, Lara. What is it you are wondering?"
"Well, through the stories and events you worked on with my parents, did you ever hear of Anubis giving a special gift to a woman?"
Winston stared off into space for a few moments, rifling through his mental filing cabinet. After a few moments he let out a small sigh.
"The only thing I recall," he started, "was when he gave Nefertiti an amulet. It was used by her to lull her enemies to sleep. She was victorious in many battles because of it."
He shook his head and continued his work.
"That's all I remember, Lara. You might want to check with Mr. Barrow, the new museum director. He may have an idea or two."
"Excellent idea. I'll do that. Thank you, Winston."
Lara made her way back into the manor's foyer, headed to the study where she'd call to set an appointment at the museum. She'd only made it a few steps into the foyer when she noticed something different.
In the middle of the room there was a small pedestal. On top of the pedestal sat a golden box with rubies and emeralds laid into its lild. Beside the box was a rolled up scroll with a handwritten note:
Lara, may all your dreams come true. - D.
Sorry it's been so long since I've written. I honestly forgot about this story. But I'm back and I'm in writing mode, so I hope to be able to keep this goin. What will definitely help that to happen is getting some feedback from you guys. What do you like so far, what do you NOT like? Any idea on where this is headed? I hope you enjoy the read. I do enjoy sharing stories. Stay creative and stay adventurous, my friends! - BW