Elana took her place behind Imhotep and Meela as they walked through the oasis. Meela had done nothing but remind her of her place since they arrived. She was always careful not to be rude in front of Imhotep though. For that, at least, Elana was thankful.
It took a minute for Elana to register the noise. She had been walking behind Meela, staring holes in the back of her head, when Imhotep stopped. Elana almost ran into Meela. She was about to ask what was going on when she heard it.
The noise sounded almost like bees. All of a sudden, it stopped. Screams began at the back of the procession and everyone scattered. Elana tried to stay where she knew it would be safe, with Imhotep and Meela, but when she looked up, they were gone.
Her new plan was to run. She looked for the diamond atop the temple and headed straight for it. Almost immediately Elana tripped on something and fell. Before she could get up, someone else tripped over her.
It was a man she had never seen before. On the other side of her was a woman, who'd apparently had the sense to look where she was going and therefore didn't trip. The woman looked as though she wanted to laugh but knew the situation didn't call for it.
The man took one look at Elana, grabbed her hand as he got up and took off, the woman on his other hand. The three of them made it to the temple.
Once inside, the man slammed her against the wall and put a knife to her throat. "Okay, you're not with us, so you must be with them. Who are you?"
"Rick!" the woman cried.
Rick sighed. "Evelyn, I'm busy!"
There was a rush of air as several others ran into the temple. Elana recognized Imhotep and Meela, along with several of their guards.
One of the guards knocked Rick over. Elana ran after them. Before she knew what was happening, she was lying facedown on the ground, the wind knocked out of her. Rick had tackled her.
He tied her hands behind her back. Dragging her to her feet, he asked again, "Who are you?"
"Elana," she answered.
Rick looked her over. "You look normal. How do you fit in with this group?"
"I am Merenre, servant to Anck-su-Namun."
Rick rolled his eyes. "That again."
Just then, another man rushed through the entrance. "Jonathan!" Rick said.
Jonathan turned. "Where's Evie?"
Rick looked around. "Oh, damn!" He threw Elana at Jonathan. "Put her somewhere. I'm going to find Evelyn."
Jonathan gave Elana a look that said he had no idea what to do with her. Rick had left another rope, telling Jonathan to tie her ankles together when he found a spot.
"Well, come on," Jonathan sighed, taking her arm. He led her to a room off the entrance, next to the main room. "Pity there are no doors."
He gestured for her to sit in the corner and he tied her ankles. Before he could say anymore, he heard his name.
"Uh," Jonathan said, unsure of whether to go or stay. "I'm coming, Evie!" he finally decided. Elana was alone.
