(10) Days are Numbered

Amen-Ra awoke to the sound of the car door being shut. Jerking awake she looked around and smiled as she saw Ardeth struggle with the many packages. Sliding from the car she walked to the door of the house. As she reached for the doorknob, it was jerked from her hand as an enthusiastic Alex opened the door. "You took forever. Dad and I made something for you. You have to come and see it." Grabbing her hand Alex pulls her towards the guest room that she slept in. When she enters, she lets out a gasp. The room was transformed into such beauty that she knew a lot of work and affection went into it. Rick had moved many of the Egyptian artifacts into the large room. The statues and paintings were set around and in corners. The bed was draped with satin pillows and ornate bead curtains hung from the canopy. Leaning down Amen-Ra hugged Alex fiercely, tears streaming down her cheeks. In broken English she spoke just 2 simple words both which were heartfelt. "L.love friend." Alex giggles and looked to his mother who was shocked at the room and the words. "See mum, I'm her teacher"

Ardeth enters and lays the boxes on the floor near the bed. He chuckles and looks at Alex. "You have done a wonderful job. She shall be very comfortable in here. You have made quite a friend." Rick pops his head in. "Dinner will be done soon. Everyone get dressed." Evie asks Amen-Ra if she needs any help and that come down to dinner whenever she is ready. They all leave except for Ardeth who stands at the door, hand on knob and watches her. Even though she looked so tired he was still taken by her beauty. He then leaves closing the door.

After a bit everyone begins to get ready for dinner. One by one the others exit their rooms and walks to the dining room. Ardeth laughs at a joke made by Alex when the movement caught his eye. Looking up, his mouth still open, Ardeth rose. Standing at the bottom of the stairs was Amen-Ra, dressed in a golden floor length gown, her hair brushed out and her flesh shimmering with scented oils. Smiling to the others she sits beside Ardeth who holds her chair and then smiles warmly at her, his hand touching hers for a brief second.

Soon the room is filled with chatter and laughter. Amen-Ra watches the others with a smile as she eats. Feeling as if she belongs here she sighs deeply and sips her wine. As she does so her eyes meets Ardeth's over the top and her heart skips a beat. Her Khnum with her at last, she reaches for his hand. As she lays her fingers into his, she feels him gently squeeze her hand. Neither of them notice how Evie and Rick watch them, nor do they care.

Rick leans towards Evie and whispers. "She seems happy, not as frightened. But she also seems to be . changing." With a nod, Evie leans close to his ear. "I have noticed that. Her hair is graying and she seems to be, well aging right before our eyes. Later I must see if that is an effect of her coming back." Suddenly they look up shocked hearing a soft pealing laughter come from the resurrected princess. Alex, having just told her a joke, sat back with a pleased look on his face at the success. Wiping tears of mirth away, Amen- Ra leans over and ruffles his hair. Soon they all begin to talk and eat and enjoy the evening.

Outside, Wasser approaches the window and nearly falls at the sight. Catching himself he leans against the wall and peers in at Amen-Ra. His mind races and his heart pounds. She is here and alive, after all this time. Seeing her laugh his eyes soften, then he stiffens as he sees Ardeth lean forward beside her. Khnum! His teeth gnash together as he sneers. So he has returned also but no matter. In a few hours Amen-Ra would be his. With one last look at his princess he hurries behind the trees across the road and slips into his car.

Starting the car he drives down the road until he reaches a small pub. Outside the pub was a phone box and Wasser quickly drove beside it. Putting in the coins necessary he dials and waits for Simon to answer. Not giving his name he speaks sharply. "What time is the next train from London." Simon checks the schedules he had written down and then stutters. "T.tomorrow morning at 8 am, Sir. Nothing before then." Growling Wasser thinks and then glances at his watch. "I want you to book passage for us and have everything packed and ready. Find out the earliest we can board and go to the desk and make arrangements to check out in the morning. This must not go wrong." With that he hangs up knowing Simon will get it all done.

He steps into the pub and orders a lager of ale and then leans back in his seat sipping it as he thinks. His emotions churning within him showing no hint to those observing him. He lights a cheroot and thinks about what he saw and what he must do. Noticing the time he tosses coins onto the table and stands, walking to the phone box. Dialing his suite again Simon quickly picks up. "What have you found out?" Clearing his throat Simon answers quickly "The private car is not in use and we can board anytime this evening. I have told them that we shall do so and paid extra for the privilege. They said they would connect the car in the morning without disturbing us. I have made arrangements to check out of the hotel this evening and am about to move all the items to the station." Wasser smiled at how things were going and spoke quickly. "Give me the track and car number and I will meet you there later. Call the car service and inform them that they can pick up the car at the station in the morning and a check will be waiting for them at the Information Office." After getting the information from Simon he hangs up and notices a few unsavory men looking at his car. Chuckling he walks towards them as he slowly removes his wallet. "Gentleman, perhaps we can negotiate some business"