Chapter 6: The Proposition

I felt myself shiver from the cold but was suddenly warmed, it was strange to be warmed this quickly and it was then I saw candles, almost hundreds of them all around me. The Phantom led me to a small area near a big organ, and all around the organ were piles of paper, papers that were filled with music.

He stopped and so did I, he then signaled me to stay where I'm at and I did. He left and disappeared into a different room only to return with a plush red velvet chair. He placed it behind me and it was then I realized it was for me not him; well at least he has some manners.

"Oh no thank you I'll stand," I said to him.

My appreciation was not taken and as he just stood there behind me he suddenly placed his gloved hands on my shoulders and pushed me into the chair. The leather traveled to my collar and lingered there for a moment.

"Comfortable?" he asked. I lifted my head toward him and gave him three things, a sarcastic smile, a sarcastic chuckle, and a sarcastic nod. "Good," he then said. The leather hands then left my collar.

I saw him slowly sit down on the bench I imagined he would use when playing music and sighed. This was when I finally got a good look at him, better do it now or you won't be able to do so afterward.

I studied him from the top of his head to the bottom of his shiny boots. His hair was practically jet black, thick and silky looking. His eyes, those eyes… there was something about them; I nearly felt my heart jump when I saw those mystical eyes that were a light silvery sapphire turn into bright emerald. They switched over and over – his eyes are a mystery… and so is he. My eyes with difficulty traveled to his lips, so unyielding they look, yet seem to beg for someone else's touch. His mask was almost forgotten but once my eyes lay upon it I couldn't help but frown. Curiosity washed over me and I quickly contained it knowing all too well deformed skin lay behind the white mask with so much dreadful history.

I heard him sigh again and clear his throat; I snapped out of the small trance and straightened.

"Well, should we get down to business?" I asked almost fearing my voice would crack. If I looked vulnerable I already lost, I have to show I am strong and contain any sort of lust that begs to be released. He frowned and I held my breath.

"Yes, we should," he said, his frown still lingering. I couldn't help but give a petite sigh of relief. "Exactly what is this proposition you seem anxious to give me?" He asked his frown now gone. I cleared my throat and couldn't help but grin.

"Well… I need you to be my guide." I said going straight to the point.

"And what is it you wish me to guide you in?" He asked leaning forward. I frowned and quickly shook my head.

"Oh no, not to guide me in a lesson of any sort, actually I was…" my words trailed off when he removed his black jacked and unbuttoned his vest to reveal a white shirt. But what was beneath the shirt made me shudder. "Um, well uh…" my mouth went dry and I found no words were coming out. I shook my head once more. Do not be vulnerable! Be Strong Amunet!

"Sir, I have this obsession I won't jest. It's a small artifact – an ancient artifact belonging to the cat headed Egyptian goddess Bastet." I said again straight forward. The Phantom looked away in thought then back at me. "It is said that Gods who appreciated Bastet made a simple jewel, a jewel that was made of –"

"Gold and the eyes were made of faience," the Phantom finished for me. But I could not help but correct the mistake.

"Made of gold and the eyes are made of faience."

The Phantom frowned; he became deep in thought for a minute then his brow lifted as to signify that he understood.

"You believe the jewel exists," he said evidently. I felt a smile appear on my lips and I tried not to nod so gleefully.

"Yes I do," I said slowly showing how true his words were. He gently smiled back sarcastically.

"And you also believe this jewel contains nine lives?" He asks. I nodded again.

"Yes, I do,"

"I don't wish to be the one to tell you this but… the jewel of Bastet never existed," he said with no emotion but a small hint of caution. I chuckled almost snorted. "Servants of Bastet made the whole story up so some secrets of theirs could be limited from foreigners."

"Many people believe that," I said slowly, then leaned in closer to him. "But I'm not one of those people."

"Oh I can see that," he said leaning in closer then he already was. "But tell me dear Amunet Fernand, what makes you so certain?"

"Why shouldn't I be so certain?"

"Just the fact that everyone who did try and find it never succeeded,"

"Yes well… those people weren't willing to go as far I am willing to go,"

We were face to face, inches apart. I was deep in the discussion I hadn't realized how close we were from each other. I was buried in the eyes that never stopped to stay one color.

"And how far are you willing to go?" He asked as I shifted in my seat and sat straight.

"All the way, till have that jewel in my hand," I said full of confidence.

"I see," he says in thought.

…….

"Wait, how do you know my name?" Amunet asked with a deep frown. I chuckled as I straightened on the bench.

"You just noticed this now?" I asked with an indication of skepticism. She sat even more straight.

"I was actually focused on the subject not the fact that you know my name," she said with sarcasm.

"Really?"

"Yes really, and since you already have my name I think it would be considered accurate if I have yours in return." Her tone was quick and serious. I scoffed at it, my name? I haven't used it, or gave it to anyone. I always though seem to remember it when it comes to mind. I've tried and tried to forget it but realized I can never forget my past. I looked in her eyes and was lost again.

"Erik," I said simply like I did not care. But of course I did, right when the name left my lips memories came flooding back. I pushed them aside and cleared my throat.

Amunet simply nodded and ended the conversation about our names.

"If this jewel does exist what could a woman such as yourself possibly use it for? For all I know you could be some rich girl who wants to have a nice jewel around her neck at the ball to impress men in fancy clothing." My words turned harsh and this caused Amunet to stand with anger deep within her.

"That jewel belongs in a museum! If any woman thinks they need a piece of history on them just to look first-class then those women should have never been born in the first place!" Amunet's voice conquered the whole lair, it echoed in each room. I was more then surprised by her tone after one small assumption

"You seem to care about this jewel more then you care about anyone else," I said with a grin. Amunet stayed silent trying to calm down from the insult I gave, she took a breath and sat back down. A chuckle escaped me and I sat straight. "Tell me more about this voyage you wish to make." I said moving on. Amunet took another deep breath before speaking.

"I have employed about twenty men to help me on the quest -"

"Stop – did you say twenty men?" I demanded with doubt. Amunet nodded, twenty men? Christ, this woman is strictly grave about this. But not only that, it's been a long time since I have been around that many people. "These twenty men – are any of them officers of the law?" I asked. If so my answer to be her guide would be a straight no.

"Oh no, trust me I made sure of that before engaging any of the propositions to the men, I've known them for quite sometime so you have nothing to worry about." Amunet's words were quick and there for I did not trust her. I sighed and glanced away.

"Let me see if I have all this exact, you wish to find the jewel of Bastet, and I am assuming the twenty men are the transportation," I glanced at Amunet and she nodded. "And you need me to help you find the jewel." Again Amunet nodded. "Let me ask you this, why in god's name would you come to me for that proposition?"

That was one question that needed to be answered and answered quickly. Amunet's frown turned soft and she gave a small smile.

"Because I know you have been there," she said gently. I frowned tremendously. "A dancer took a small statue from your lair, that statue was a sculpture of Bastet. No artifacts such as that could have survived, not after centuries of trading and pirating. But if they did survive… they would all be in the temple of Bastet in Bubastis. That could only mean you've been there, you've found the temple."

Her words held passion, confidence. Never have I seen someone desire something so much. Indeed this woman is obsessed, but what could have possibly made her like that? I stared at her longer then I intended and not once did the passion in her eyes disappear.

It's true I have been to the temple but it's been years! Bubastis was truly magnificent but… could I risk leaving this lair to travel in public? Is this all some trap?

I stood and walked to the lake; I sighed and ripped the gloves from my hands. I rubbed my tired eyes then ran my bare fingers through the thickness of my hair. I sighed again not knowing what to say. If I go and help her many things could happen, her twenty men she says she knows could betray me and turn me in. She could betray me and turn me in.

"Is there money in this?" I asked still lingering near the lake my gaze on the glassy water. I heard her stood and take a step toward me.

"Yes there is," she said directly. Perfect time to talk about money. I thought sarcastically.

"How much are you willing to give?" I asked turning to her.

"How much do you want?" She asks. Her posture was straight and her chin is held high.

"Twenty thousand francs," I said stern. She nodded her head and took a step forward.

"Settled," she said simply. So she's rich, a rich girl who teaches history and wants to travel. Interesting…

Our gazes met and I found myself suddenly closer to her. Together we sat down and discussed a request. She held no fear what so ever and treated me like every one else. Perhaps this voyage isn't something I need to worry about. She was willing to come down here and persuade me into helping her, she's willing to travel miles and miles through hidden tunnels and ancient booby traps to find one small jewel that may not even exist.

"Its curiosity isn't it?" I asked. She looked at me questioningly and I couldn't help but make a quiet laughter. "You are more then confident that this jewel exists, but you are curious to know if this jewel contains nine lives… That's why you want to find it isn't it?"

Amunet giggled before replying.

"Yes that's part of the reason," she said with a grin. I stepped closer to her to the point where she has to look up to stare into my eyes.

"You do know it was curiosity that killed the cat?" I asked with a deep smirk. Her grin stayed tight on her lips as her next words came.

"True, but it was satisfaction that brought it back,"

I found laughter escaping me and it was only a minute before I was able to say my next words.

"You have satisfaction?" I asked sitting back down on the bench. Her eyes never left me and she slowly walked up in front of me.

"I will if you agree to help me," she whispered. I swallowed from hearing the seductive tone in her voice and I glanced away. I felt her eyes on me and she stepped closer and it was then I settled my gaze on her. She placed a soft hand on my shoulder, I glanced at it then made my way up her arm to her neck, I remained on her lips then settled on her eyes.

"Please… help me," she says silently. That tone could mean anything, but I knew very well what it meant. She was begging, that tone that pleaded with passion and hunger. She would do anything just to get to that jewel… even if that meant giving herself up.

I slowly stood from the bench and approached her; she swallowed and took a step back.

"I remain your obedient servant Mademoiselle," I said lightly, her eyes slowly went wide. Yes I have agreed to help… a smile reached her pink lips and her eyes became warm. I felt the heat from her body and I found myself slowly lifting my hand to reach for the soft cheek that begs to be touched.

"Amunet!" cried a voice from outside the gate. I never moved from my position as Amunet turned to see her friend Joseph banging on the gate desperately trying to get in.

"I see he survived the traps," I said with aggravation. Amunet looks at me in mistrust, looking like she's about to slap me but no, instead she runs through the lake to Joseph, soaking her purple gown.

I sighed and quickly moved to the small iron lever, pulled it back and the gate suddenly opened. Joseph ran in and grabbed Amunet by the shoulders.

"Are you alright?" He asks over and over.

Amunet tried calming him but he kept talking. His clothes were soaking wet, his black hair was just as bad.

"Joseph calm down! He's not going to kill any of us! He'll help us! He agreed to help!"

Amunet shouted with irritation and joy and finally Joseph became quiet.

"He – he accepted?" Joseph asked with a frown.

"What would you rather have me do? Fall to the ground and laugh till I die?" I asked heading into my room to pack.

The last thing I saw was the two strangers looking at me bewildered, the last thing I heard was Amunet expressing her joy through laughter.

Hey!

I hope this chapter is good, I personally like it because you...Erik and Amunet...talking! Ha! Ok its not that funny. I hope I cleared something, if anyone is confused please leave it on the review board and I'll gladly answer in the next chappy. Please leave a review...I'm begging for reviews! lol ok...umm well...yes

Please Review!

Crystal A.

"Life is a mask, its our job to take it off and discover the journey behind it not in front for there is nothing there but a mask"