Chapter 25

The pharaoh paused in his writing, pen to his lips. After a moment's consideration, he dropped it onto the desk. He was bored, not an emotion he was accustomed to. Rising from his seat, Ahkmenrah began pacing the study. When will Fergus return? He longed for company, any company.

Would he mind if he?.. Did he dare?

Before he could act on the impulse to leave, the door pounded open, bringing in the good doctor. "Evening, young man! How does the night find you? Brought in some refreshments, I understand these sessions must drag for you." The pharaoh was pleased by the offerings of pastries- cookies, Fergus called them- and tea bags. His grumbling stomach brought him back to his earthly needs, and he realized he was hungry for the first time in a while.

"Now then," the gentleman groaned as he sat himself down. "Shall we continue?"

The pharaoh bit back a groan himself- he'd spent the past hour memorizing numbers and a two-page long vocabulary list. Shouldn't he at least be allowed to break his fast? Noting the grumpy countenance of his companion, Fergus added hastily, "Of course if you're peckish, by all means refresh yourself! It'll give me a chance to correct your homework." An exchange of cookies and paper later, and both men settled into their respective places. "Hmm, remarkable, truly remarkable. Must say, you catch on quickly." The pharaoh remained silent, for he knew it would be rude to respond with a mouth full of crumbs.

Peering at him thoughtfully, Fergus put the exercises aside. "How about a walk? Stretch ourselves out for a bit, what do you say?"

He couldn't quite respond in spoken English yet, he understood the sentiment. He nodded eagerly, for his mind dreamed of the bangs and sawing of construction.

"...And this will be the Hall of Wonders and Oddities, where students will study the mysteries of the Earth!" Fergus chuckled warmly. "Mind you, most of it's a load of humbug, but if it keeps the money flowing, who can argue? All I can say is, the most remarkable things I've seen here in Cambridge are the artifacts from your tomb!" And you. "Down this way are the men's rooms, very important. And there you'll find the Hall of Mammals, currently under construction. I'm debating about whether that one's a keeper, actually. Ah, look over here!"

The pharaoh failed to listen as he stumbled into someone. "Ah- I-"

Even if he had been able to speak English, words would have failed him. Squinting at him curiously was the loveliest girl he'd ever seen.

"Ah! I see you've met my daughter, Diane."

"Pleasure to meet you. What's your name?" Her voice matched her appearance, soft and mellow, like the Nile on a calm day. He blushed furiously as he looked away, unable to look into those green-blue eyes for long. For the first time in almost his entire existence, he experienced embarrassment.

"Forgive my young ward, my dear. He's a foreigner, you see, and he's still learning English. Amun is his name," he added, nudging the pharaoh firmly. As if telepathically, the pharaoh interpreted the gesture and nodded.

"Oh, well, if you need help with language, I'd be more than happy to!" She smiled, reminding him of his mother before his father's death.

Fergus laughed. "Very generous of you, my child, but I've got it under control. Although, he has been struggling with pronunciation..." Seeing the pharaoh struggling not to oggle at Diane, he grinned. "Perhaps he could use your expertise. Tonight, however, I'm afraid any tours must be postponed; Amun isn't comfortable speaking in front of others yet, you see. Another time?"

Diane looked disappointed. "All right, father. I've got to get back- those goons you've appointed have no concept of the word fragile!" She gave Dr. Fergus a quick peck before dashing off.

Fergus placed a steadying hand on the pharaoh's shoulder as he guided him back to the study. "Remarkable young lady, wouldn't you say?" Observing the king's dazed demeanor, he chuckled. "Don't get any ideas now- she's heavily involved in her studies and her research. You're not the first gentleman I've had to warn away! But take heart. She spoke to you, at least. I believe you're the first man she's deemed worthy of that privilege in years! Who knows? Perhaps some youthful company would do you good. Now sit tight- there are some people I've got to meet, old acquaintances, you understand. Don't forget to practice your tenses!"

A slam of the door signaled the beginning of another solitary study session.

Ahkmenrah awoke to find himself slumped over an unfinished journal entry. That had never happened before- maybe Teddy was right and he was overexerting himself with experimenting. Rubbing his temples, he shook his head to clear it. It had felt so real...

It was real, a memory of decades past. So many years, yet he could still see her before him as she'd been, notebook in hand as she toured the halls. Not these halls, obviously, but very similar.

I need to move, get some air. How long had he slept? He rarely dozed off during waking hours, for the tablet usually sustained him. He sighed as he stood, stretching his legs. Something else to fret about.

The sight of McKenzie walking down the hall towards him nearly reeled him back into memory lane- with her notebook in hand, a pensive expression, and nearly mowing down a Neanderthal- almost sent him reeling into another flashback. She could've passed for Diane's sister. Both graceful, both determined, each hesitant and self-conscious in her own way. McKenzie was more stern, Diane was more soothing, both slightly aloof adherent to schedule or whatever they felt necessary. seeing his therapist made him shockingly nostalgic. Was this normal?

"There you are! Sorry I'm late. What's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost! Mind you, with all the figures roaming these halls, you add spirits to the list and you might need to find yourself another therapist!"

"No, nothing haunting this place," he replied.

"How are your meditation sessions coming along?"

"I admit I am having trouble quieting my mind."

"Easily fixed. And Ahk, once again, I apologize for my appalling behavior yesterday. Things have been... Difficult between me and my mother recently, but I shouldn't have let it leak into my work. Extremely unprofessional on my part!"

"I understand. Let us hear no more about it! I forgive you; after all, you did save my life later."

McKenzie bit back the retort that she'd pretty much pushed him to wander recklessly onto the ice- knowing him, he'd have probably clammed up, unwilling to risk another argument. "Shall we? I read a couple more techniques that might help." Twisting himself back into half lotus, Ahkmenrah turned inwards at McKenzie's quiet drone.

Hello! So how is everyone? I hope you're all enjoying yourselves and in one way or another, are looking forward to Valentine's Day (if you celebrate it). Keep in mind you don't have to be in a relationship to enjoy yourself! Treat yourselves to some chocolate or something! Give someone a heart attack by pretending your Cupid and shoving an arrow under his/her nose! Do something FUN!

Another fun thing you can do is review. LOL