Here's the next installment. I didn't do any research about ancient Egypt or Horace. I just winged it. If anything is incorrect, just think of this story as being in an alt. universe. Hope you all enjoy! :)
It had been nearly two hours since the Doctor had left the Tardis and walked into the Pyramids of Mars. Before he had left, he had gently cupped her face with both hands, looked directly into her eyes, and stated in a voice that seemed to her both deeper and huskier than she'd ever heard, "Please don't leave the Tardis, Sarah. If anything were to happen to you by the hands of the Osirans, I don't know what I would do to them, or if I would be able to stop myself once I'd begin." Lost in his intense gaze, all she could do was nod her head slowly in confirmation that she understood. He leaned in and kissed her lips. It wasn't just a kiss to confirm his love and passion. No, it was much more than that. It was as if the bond that already existed between them was sealed and announced to the universe that if anybody or anything were to separate them, then woe betide the fool who would dare intervene. At the same time, Sarah's ring glowed a blinding white for an instant, then slowly faded to its usual brilliance.
Sarah touched her lips absently as she thought back to that moment. After he had finished kissing her, he had opened the Tardis doors, picked up the burgundy colored urn that he had previously retrieved from the kitchen, and left without a backward glance. She had tried to pass the time by reading in the library, but she couldn't focus on any of her favorite stories. She had even swam a few laps and showered, but still itched to find out what was taking so long. Now with the two hour mark fast approaching, her fingers hovered over the control that would open the outer doors.
As soon as the Doctor had exited the Tardis, he marveled at the sight that beheld him. For the Tardis had materialized them in the Grand Pyramid, the Temple of Horace. The walls and floor were made of solid gold, with a multitude of ornate gemstones lining the hieroglyphic walls at specific intervals. The ceiling of the expansive pyramidal room was at least five stories high. The upper most point of the ceiling, the apex, gave a holographic view of a bright blue sky and sunlight. Lining the back walls were human looking guards, dressed in silver armor, armed with swords sheathed at their waists and holding sharp pointed staffs at least five feet tall. The guards did not approach the Doctor like he suspected they would. They each bowed their heads in reverence.
Surprised to say the least, the Doctor walked around the back of his Tardis, which was facing the front of the room. He was greeted by the sight of Horace himself standing on the raised dais, dressed ornately with a solid gold mask in a design similar to an owl's face. His robe was lined with cat's eye and lapis lazuli gemstones. As the Doctor approached him, Horace greeted him by holding his hands out, palms facing towards the ceiling. "I am not surprised to see you again…is it "Doctor" now? When we last met, you were joined by two of your fellow Timelords, Rassilon and Omega. I always wondered why you had gone by the name of "The Other". But that is a discussion for another time. For I see and sense that you have something you wish for us to help you destroy." Horace's mask moved slightly lower, in the direction of the urn the Doctor was holding.
The Doctor nodded at Horace, his eyes showing appreciation for Horace's hospitality and willingness to help so far. Deep down, the Doctor still didn't trust Horace and would likely never trust him. He admired Horace and the other Osirans for their skills and for helping the ancient Egyptians of Earth. But he knew, as all Timelords knew, that the Osirans would turn on a supposed ally in an instant if it was beneficial to do so. The meeting all those centuries ago that the Doctor, or "The Other" as he was known, participated in along with Rassilon and Omega, had helped form an alliance with the Osirans, albeit an uneasy one. This meeting was wiped permanently from Gallifrey's Matrix. No other Timelords knew of it, which was for their own protection. For only the three chosen Timelords (Rassilon, Omega, and The Other) were responsible for creating the Hand of Omega, the Silver Nemesis, and the White Point Star. The Osirans had been helpful in obtaining a few of the secondary materials needed for these three powerful objects, but the Osirans were never told what the materials were really being used for. The three Timelords had informed the Osirans that the materials would be used to help secure the Matrix. The Osirans had bought that explanation hook, line, and sinker.
The Doctor, who had kept his mental shielding in place as soon as he had opened the Tardis doors, walked a few steps towards Horace and placed the urn on the ground. "You and the other Osirans are the only beings in the universe that I know of who have the capability to contain Sutekh's power. You know what was and most certainly still is within this urn?"
Horace, without needing to open the urn, stated while studying it, "Yes, Doctor. This remnant of Sutekh's energy had somehow escaped in our last great battle against him. We shall see to it that this remnant is contained permanently."
"I thank you and the other Osirans, Horace," the Doctor replied. He couldn't help the touch of relief that seeped through in his voice, though. Horace immediately picked up on it and gazed at the Doctor with a curious tilt to his head.
"Doctor, I sense there is another reason for your relief, a reason closer to your hearts," Horace stated with curiosity.
Smiling and shrugging his shoulders, the Doctor replied, with a casual air, "Well, Horace, I am relieved for the human race. You know they are quite indeed my favorite species." The Doctor then turned around and walked, at what he hoped was a normal pace, back to the Tardis.
As he was within reach of the doors, tardis key in hand, Horace's next questions made him pause in fear, his hearts hammering in his chest. "Doctor, who is she and why did you attempt to hide her from me?"