Chapter 21

"What happened?"

"We were racing through the oceans exhibit when the the glass ceiling broke above us! Water gushed out, pushing us outside."

"Are you injured?"

"I am unharmed, but the pharaoh did not appear to be fairing well. He was, as he put it, 'smashed against the wall.'"

Hurried footsteps neared where the pharaoh still sat barely conscious against the wall. "Let me look at him." Ahkmenrah grew dimly aware of someone- it felt like the soft hands of Sacagawea's- gently tilting his head up to face her. "He's breathing, he's not bleeding-"

"Thank the Lord for small favors," Teddy muttered.

"-though he almost certainly has a concussion and broken ribs. Ahk, can you hear me?"

"Mhm..."

"At least he's conscious. How many fingers am I holding up? What year this is?"

"Two. 2010."

"Good. Now lie as still as you can," she added, gently examined his torso. It could be worse, she told herself. Thank the ancestors! "You have a few broken ribs, but those I can treat to a point. In the meantime, try to relax, Larry and Teddy are bringing a stretcher for you, all right? Just relax, you'll be ok, I promise."

Ahkmenrah didn't even bother responding- it was all he could do not scream from the wildfire spreading in his chest. Aside from the numerous faces of Enrik, Larry, Nicky, and Teddy swarming around in various degrees of concern and fear, what worried him most was how much Sacagawea was talking. Normally, she was a soothing, silent presence. Her rambling meant his condition was worse than he'd imagined.

Enrik gasped. "What-what is this? I swear, it happened!" Everyone looked up. A silence fell on the crowd around the pharoah. Teddy's face disappeared from Ahk's view as he went to join the Norseman.

"What do you mean, Enrik?" The president's voice carried over to Ahk. The injured pharoah wanted to investigate, but his curiosity was overcome by his exhaustion and pain, and he passed out.

McKenzie hovered in the growing crowd, wishing there was more she could do as the men carried him away.

Sacagawea calmed down only while wrapping Ahkmenrah's chest to help support his rib cage. "How is Enrik?" The pharaoh asked.

The healer's face took on a stony expression that Ahk couldn't read, but it passed as quickly as it came when she replied, "Remarkably well, considering everything you both went through. Now stay still," she added, finishing up with the last of the bandages. Privately, Ahk was amazed he could still breathe at all, she'd wrapped him so stiffly. Though he felt considerably better, she hovered over him. Once she was satisfied he was trussed up enough, she insisted he swallow an herbal tea to induce sleep. He conked out before his head touched the pillow.

Sacagawea went over to Larry and Teddy. "He's stable; we can be grateful for this much. I've done what I can, but it's a miracle he's not coughing up blood!"

'He's that bad?" Larry asked.

"Bad? He should be in the hospital!" They fell silent, for they knew exactly why they couldn't admit him to one. For her part, this wasn't the first time Sacagawea wished there was a real medical doctor among them. She was an herbal healer with some basic knowledge of the human body. This had sufficed so far, but one night there might come a time when someone's injuries were beyond her capability. Tonight had been a close call.

"Will he last until morning? The tablet's magic will heal him, right?"

"He'll last, and yes, his tablet's magic should heal him- it's done so before. But the real question is how did this happen?"

Uncomfortable silence ensued as the men shuffled around, each still coming to grips with the severity of the accident.

For his part, Larry couldn't meet anyone's eye. How could he have let this happen? Sacagawea was right- Ahk was lucky he hadn't been killed! It would have happened under his watch; he doubted such a near-fatal accident would've occurred under a better guard's care.

Teddy was likewise still reeling. He could see from the night guard's face the guilt he was suffering, but in reality he was the only one to blame. Despite reasoning with himself he couldn't have prevented the accident, he couldn't stop blaming himself- he should have checked the exhibits before the race, he should have been there, he should have prohibited the race from happening. He should have done something! Now all he could do was gaze upon the slumbering pharaoh and praise the stars for Sacagawea's healing abilities.

Larry looked over at the Viking leaning morosely over the sleeping pharaoh. He motioned subtly with his hand and the trio removed themselves out of earshot.

"Do you really think Enrik could have hurt Ahk? Aren't they buddies?" Larry whispered.

"Indeed they are, Lawrence!" The president hissed. "That is what's most disturbing about this predicament!"

"But to lie about such an accident...a near fatal one at that," Sacagawea trailed off.

"Could he be telling the truth?"

"Truth?! But that would mean..."

"Magic was involved. Perhaps the tablet..."

"Until he explains what happened, we do not know." Teddy stated firmly.

The three friends looked over silently at the sleeping pharaoh, their thoughts reeling.

Enrik found himself hovering over his friend, which unnerved him considerably because Vikings did not hover- they plundered. Yet what else could he do?

And the pharaoh slept on.

Maybe it was the trauma from the accident, perhaps there was an expiration date on the effectiveness of lucid dreaming. Either way, Ahkmenrah was forcefully tossed back into the realm of visions once more.

I am growing weary of this, Ahkmernah sighed as he found himself back in the dark, empty space. Still, at least this is peaceful. Here, my mind may rest along with my body. Yet I am so lonely...

YOU DARE THINK TO DEFY THE GODS! DID YOU THINK YOU COULD ESCAPE THE TRUTH?

The pharaoh jumped almost a foot in the air as the voice rumbled from his surroundings, forcing him to cower and cover his ears. Apparently I am not alone, he grumbled. The voice was deep and powerful.

YOU HAVE ENJOYED YOUR RESPITE. YOU MUST SEE THE TRUTH IF YOU WISH TO SAVE YOUR LOVED ONES! OR PERHAPS YOU NO LONGER CARE...

"Of course I care! How dare you-"

THEN PROVE IT.

This last statement was spoken with a calm deadlier than the shouts. It made him pause, waiting for more. Sensing he wasn't going to get more of an answer, he demanded, "Why should I trust you? Who are you?"

A chuckle startled him. THAT YOU MUST ASK THIS PROVES HOW LITTLE YOU KNOW. SHAME, FOR YOU HAVE PRECIOUS LITTLE TIME TO LEARN... FOR NOW, JUST ACCEPT I AM NOT YOUR ENEMY, MERELY TRYING TO HELP YOU SEE.

"See what?!"

ARE YOU READY?

Honestly he wasn't, but he knew there was only one acceptable answer. "Show me."

A chandelier of soft, golden light radiated outward, engulfing him from above.

He'd returned to the hallway. Not a wonderful omen, but then again, he doubted he'd be shown pleasant fluff. A soft moan, barely audible, resonated from the entryway ahead, then silence. As if sprouted from air, a black ivory doorway blocked his path.

"Do not force me to go through," he begged. No way could he steel himself to open it, and he sensed it would open at his slightest touch.

GO, the voice insisted, albeit softer. Reluctantly, Ahkmenrah raised his hand to knock; the door opened without his touch, and he proceeded. As he passed, as if on display, he saw each familiar exhibit, each one ruined. Sacagawea's was crumbled, dusty glass adorned with wilted, brown floral arrangements; Jed's was a dusty desert wasteland, while Octavius's was moldy ruins. Where was everyone? What could possibly have wreaked such destruction? Around him, the museum heaved a sigh.

Someone was lying on the floor before him, an indistinct shape beneath Rexy's pedestal.

"NO!" He cried. One of the last people he ever wanted to see wounded was crumpled on the floor like a rag doll. He'd witnessed the 26th President of the United States split in half and stabbed; he looked far worse now. Now, Teddy was nothing more than cold, dead wax; his life force was visibly leaking away. Black magic did this! "Teddy, don't..! Who did this to you?! They will!-" He couldn't complete the sentence as he burst into sobs. His friend was gone. They all were.

He heard the voice again, only now it was an indistinguishable rumble. It was a warning he'd failed to heed in time.

"NOOO! NO!-"

"AHKMENRAH! WAKE UP!"

The shout was enough to startle the pharaoh awake; he sat up and stared unblinkingly at the far wall, taking shallow shuddering breaths. It took him twenty seconds to register he was on the couch and Teddy had been the one who'd woken him. He resisted the urge to stroke the president's face, to register physically he was truly there and alive beside him.

"Enough. You've kept them secret long enough- what did you see?"

Breaking down, Ahkmernah collapsed against his shoulder into sobs and confessed all.

For the first time in quite a while, the 26th president of the United States was at a loss for words. No idioms could comfort the pharaoh, no sage words would add to his wisdom. Only his own arms seemed able to provide anything for Ahkmenrah now, who continued to sob for over ten minutes. He felt guilty for admitting to himself he was terrified of asking what he'd dreamed about. He'd rarely seen Ahkmenrah this disturbed, and each time, he never wanted to see it again. He knew no way to help him. "Shh, shh, it's alright, you're safe now. Remember, it was only a dream, and it has faded with the dusk. See? I'm here, as are you. We are still alive and well." His own voice sounded surprisingly calm against his speeding heart.

Ahkmenrah finally seemed to come around that he was crying, and who he was crying on. "Forgive me, I-I know not what came over me. This was no mere dream, Teddy, but a premonition!"

"Most nightmares seem so. Perhaps, but we're still here, aren't we? Nothing to fear now, I promise you this."

At last, Ahkmenrah disentangled himself from the president's comfort. "Perhaps you are right, and I am being foolish again."

"Nonsense! If you weren't disturbed by the sight of my mangled corpse, even in a dream, I'd be leery. But you must understand the difference between this world and the dream realm. Here, you are safe, as are we all. And I will do my best to ensure it stays that way." A firm clasp on the pharaoh's shoulder sealed the promise.

"How long have I been unconscious?"

"Since yesterday- we were all so concerned about your fragile state of health, Sacagawea refused to allow anyone to move you back to your exhibit, so you recovered here, in the lounge."

Ahkmnerah introspected- it had been the first day in years he'd spent outside of his tomb. "Interesting. I wish I could remember more... Why is this sofa so dusty-" he broke off into a sneeze as he realized his daytime state must have left its mark.

Larry and Sacagawea entered the room. Ahk sat up with Teddy's help, smiling to mask a wince. He didn't want to worry his friends further, all too aware of his bloodshot eyes.

Larry sat down on the couch with a heavy sigh. "So I assume Teddy told you."

"Told me what?"

"You didn't tell him?!" Larry glared at the president, who refused to meet his eye.

"It was not the right moment."

Ahkmenrah looked back and forth between the guardian and the president.

"What happened?"

Sacagawea gently placed her hand on top of his. "Do you remember the race?"

"Yes..."

"Now before you get upset, hear me out." Larry said. "Would Enrik ever hurt you to win the race?"

"WHAT?! Why are you accusing my friend?"

"I don't know how to tell you this, kiddo, but the ceiling is fine. The whole room is fine! Nothings is shattered or broken."

Ahkmenrah leaned backwards, stunned. "But- but- I saw it! The water swept Enrik away, it crushed me against the wall."

"Lad, nothing is out of place. Not so much as a puddle!"

"Not even an urchin? Enrik trod upon one of them and injured his foot."

"All of the creatures were in their tanks when we checked on them," Sacagawea insisted.

Ahkmenrah shook his head in an effort to clear it. "Enrik would never harm me. Never." The others exchanged a brief glance before finally nodding in agreement. "Very well," Teddy murmured. "Could you have possibly unknowingly commanded your tablet to restore the exhibit?"

The king's eyes widened at the suggestion. "Do you believe I could have?"

"Well, you did with your own. Remember?" Larry interjected.

"I suppose I could have," the pharaoh stared off into the distance as he considered the possibility. There was an awkward pause before Teddy spoke.

"Wonderful! Well, now that's settled, there's a certain young lady who longs to see you're all right. Shall we alleviate her concerns, or do you need the night off?"

"I would enjoy her company tonight." Indeed, there'd have been little point in not seeing her, for though he felt stiff, his body had otherwise been healed.

"Boo-ya!"

McKenzie quietly slunk into the night guard's lounge. "Hello. How are you feeling?"

"I am well- I have healed from last night's accident. How are you?"

"Never mind about me. What happened? Races are supposed to be entertainment, not life-threatening!" She slumped down beside him in dismay.

"You are right, but what could have been helped? It was an accident, and I have recovered."

"Before you ask, your Viking friend is perfectly fine- there was a minor bump on his head, which your Native American friend treated in a matter of two minutes."

Ahkmenrah leaned back in relief.

"You had everyone panicked! I never saw anyone seriously injured before," she mumbled.

"It is not pleasant, I know. You handled it quite well, from what I have heard- the first time I saw a soldier severely injured, I vomited."

"Really?"

"Really."

McKenzie awkwardly twiddled with a corner of Ahkmenrah's blanket. "So, how did you heal so quickly?"

"I suspect my tablet's magic is responsible; some of the others have sustained injuries. The wounds vanish the next night- at least, any wound I have seen so far."

"What happens if someone is so badly wounded they don't survive the night?"

His silence was answer enough. He was grateful nothing like that had happened yet, but it was a question worth bearing in mind. One more reason to learn more about the very thing keeping them all alive.

"Anything new about the visions?" McKenzie asked, drawing him out of his thoughts.

"There has been a change," he admitted. After he told her about his latest dream, McKenzie whistled softly.

"Quite a change, I must admit. How do you feel about it?"

"Must I answer?"

"Fair point. Remember when we discussed meditation?"

"Yes."

"Well, perhaps you could finally give it a try!"

Ahkmenrah groaned as he leaned into the enveloping cushions- he wasn't in the mood for such suggestions tonight.

"Oh no, I know that look- you are trying it. Mark my words!"

Relenting, the pharaoh allowed her to show him how to perform a half-lotus posture and deep breathing. Truthfully, it helped calm him considerably. Perhaps he'd even rest that night!

Little did he realize the first phase was complete.

Wow, I hope you guys enjoyed reading this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it! Never fear, more to come! * nudge nudge, wink wink! * Shout out to my beta, who made all the juicy details spring to life! You guys should all meet her-my silent support who encourages me daily to 'keep calm and carry on writing.' I keep urging her to make an account on here, but no luck yet. With some continuing subtle-not-so-subtle insistence, perhaps one day you guys will also be privileged enough to see her stories. Until then, dream on! LOL

I hope this year has started out well for everyone so far. New Year's resolutions, if anyone cares to share? I will try updating regularly, but I can't promise because my next semester is starting, so... Wish me luck! Please don't forget to review! :D