Chapter Twenty-Seven:
Nefer-Tina woke up to find herself still being held. She smiled and leaned back against Ja-Kal. She couldn't believe it. He had stayed with her the entire night.
She closed her eyes and thought back on the events of the night before. The confrontation that she had been dreading with Tia had finally taken place, and Ja-Kal had heard everything. Tia had held back nothing, including facts of which she herself was unaware. But, despite the horror that was her past, Ja-Kal had told her that he loved her; that he had loved her for a long time. He had even followed her out into a rainstorm to do so.
What had she done to deserve someone so wonderful? She was a nothing, a lowly musician who had become a royal guardian by a twist of fate. She knew how unworthy of him she was. But, she did love him. She loved him more than anything, and nothing could ever change that.
However, there was still the issue of her failure. Tia had been correct in everything she had said. Hurtful or not, it was all true. She had let Callisto capture Presley and Miranda. Ja-Kal and Xena were just being kind when they had defended her against Tia. She was not fit to be a guardian anymore, especially not second-in-command of the team. Ja-Kal may love her, but that changed nothing. All the love in the universe could not undo her failure.
She made a decision right then and there. She would stay at the Sphinx only for Ja-Kal, but she would not endanger the prince or anyone else ever again. She would give up her position as second-in-command. Rath was the one who should have gotten it in the first place.
However, before she resigned, she would perform one last task in the capacity of second-in-command. Presley's mother still needed to be brought to the Sphinx. She had volunteered, so she would go alone as planned. It wouldn't even make up a quarter of her unforgivable failure, but at least it was something.
She gently broke free of Ja-Kal's embrace, careful not to wake him up. She softly kissed his forehead before climbing out of the bed. She loosely wrapped one of the sheets around her naked form. Then, as quickly and quietly as possible, she found and gathered her discarded bandages and kilt. When she had everything, she went over to the closet, which was roomy enough to maneuver about in, and shut the door, turning on the single light as she did so. She quickly rewrapped herself and put on her kilt. Finally, she grabbed a long coat, turned off the light, and pushed open the door.
She had one last item she had to retrieve before she could leave. She went over to the vanity where Ja-Kal had placed their two amulets. For a moment, she could swear there was a glow, but it faded as she got closer. But, when she picked her cat amulet up, it felt slightly warm. That's strange, she thought. She slipped the cord over her head and hoped her short stay in the sarcophagus last evening had been enough to recharge.
She looked at Ja-Kal's falcon amulet still lying there. For a brief moment, she entertained the possibility of leaving him a note, telling him of her plans, but decided against it. If he knew what she was doing, he would most likely run after her and insist on helping. As much as she appreciated his new protectiveness of her, it had no place on this mission. Besides, of all her son's guardians, Amanda knew her the best. She'd have a better chance of convincing her to come to the Sphinx if she was alone.
Nefer-Tina turned away from the vanity and silently moved towards the door. After taking one last look at the man she loved, she opened the door just enough to slip through. She eased her way out and shut it behind her.
She began to walk towards the garage.
A figure silently watched Nefer-Tina's quiet exit from the shadows.
Amanda was roused from her sleep by the ringing of the doorbell. She sat up stiffly, her body sore from a night spent on the couch. She looked at her watch and saw that is was only seven in the morning. Who could possibly be at her door...?
Presley! she thought excitedly. She practically leaped off the couch and rushed to the door. She knew that she must have looked like a wreck from her restless night, but she didn't care. However, when she opened the door, she felt her spirits spiral down once more.
It was not her son at the door, but a woman.
"Ca-can I help you?" Amanda asked. Who in the world was this woman at her door and why was she here so early?
The woman smiled. "Ms. Carnovan, I'm not sure if you remember me, but we met at the opening last week."
All at once, Amanda shook off the last remnants of her disappointment. The woman at her door did look familiar... Then, she remembered. "Miss...Niles, wasn't it?"
"Yes," she nodded. "Tina. I was with the friends of your associate Dr. Larson."
"That's right," Amanda said. "I remember you now." She gave Tina a strange look. "But, what on earth are you doing here? Do you realize what time it is?"
"Ms. Carnovan, I need to talk to you about your son, Presley," Tina said.
"Presley?! My god, do you know where he is? Is he all right?" Amanda practically shouted. "What happened to him?"
"May I come in first?" Tina politely interrupted. "I think it would be better if you sat down to hear what I have to say."
"Uh, yeah, sure," Amanda stumbled. "Come in. Let me apologize in advance for the way my house looks. I was waiting up all night for Presley and-"
"There's no need to explain yourself, Ms. Carnovan," Tina cut her off again.
"Amanda, please."
Tina nodded. "Amanda."
Amanda led the woman into the house and got a good look at her for the first time. Tina's skin was a strange greyish-blue color and her hair was completely white. Either this was a new fashion trend among college-age adults or there was something very wrong with her. She also wore a long coat and the only foot covering she seemed to have was...bandages?
Amanda brought Tina to the den and motioned for her to have a seat. Tina sat down in the old easy chair and leaned back in it like she had sat in it many times. Which, of course, was impossible. Amanda sat down on the couch across from her.
"Where is my son? Why didn't he come home last night?" she asked anxiously.
Tina seemed to think about what to say for a moment before opening her mouth. "Do you believe in reincarnation, Amanda?"
Amanda was caught off guard by the question. "Reincarnation? What does that have to do with my son?"
"Everything," Tina told her. "Please, I only ask that you listen to what I have to say with an open mind."
"I don't understand," Amanda said. "Why would some New Age mumbo-jumbo have anything to do with Presley not coming home last night?"
"Presley is...special," Tina began. "His previous life is very much a part of this one."
"'His previous life'?" Amanda repeated.
"Yes, thirty-five hundred years ago, there was a young Egyptian prince who was murdered when he was Presley's age. The prince, whose name was Rapses, was reborn as your son," Tina explained.
"That's all very interesting," Amanda broke in, "but, I don't really care who Presley was. All I care about is having him home with me safe and sound. So, can you tell me why he didn't come home last night or not?"
"Yes," Tina said sadly. "Presley's been...kidnapped."
"What?!" Amanda almost leapt off the couch. "Kidnapped?! How? Why?"
"Because of who he was," Tina told her. "As I said, his previous life is very important to his current one. The same evil man who killed Prince Rapses in Egypt is now after Presley."
Amanda looked at her strangely. "Excuse me? Are you telling me someone who was alive three thousand years ago is still around and after my son?"
"Yes..."
"Ha-ha! You had me going there for a minute," Amanda laughed. "Is Presley behind all this? I was worried sick and he's playing a joke on me! I bet he's sitting outside in your car laughing at the way his mother freaked out when he didn't come home. Kids today!" Amanda continued laughing until she realized that Tina was not laughing with her. In fact, she looked rather distraught. "I'm...right, aren't I? This is a joke?"
Tina looked down and didn't say a word.
"Tell me you're joking," Amanda begged. "This has to be a joke. It has to be!" When she didn't get an answer, her hands went to her mouth. "Oh, god! No!" She began to cry. "Presley..."
"I'm so sorry," Tina said sincerely. "It's all my fault. I was supposed to keep him safe and I failed."
Amanda took a deep breath to calm herself. "What does this...man...want with Presley? I mean, why did he kill that prince?"
"During the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep, the father of Rapses, there was a very powerful sorcerer by the name of Scarab. Scarab served as vizier to Amenhotep, but was not satisfied with being second best. He wanted to rule Egypt himself. Rapses was the only son and heir of Amenhotep. If anything were to happen to Amenhotep himself, Rapses would inherit the throne. Only if something happened to Rapses would Scarab become Pharaoh.
"As I mentioned before, Scarab was very powerful, but he was still mortal. He knew of ways to extend his life by stealing the life energy of other people. He intended to live forever.
"After he murdered Rapses, he was imprisoned for what was supposed to be the rest of his life. However, no one knew that he had absorbed enough life energies to live for several thousand years. Because of that, when the tomb that imprisoned him was opened in this time, he was able to escape.
"Soon after his release, Scarab discovered that there was a way to become immortal. All he had to do was absorb the spirit of a pharaoh and immortality would be his."
"Let me get this straight: this Scarab wants to absorb the spirit of my son because he was a prince in a former life and he believes it will make him immortal?"
"Yes," Tina confirmed. "And, once he's immortal, there would be no stopping him."
"And...what happens to Presley after his spirit is taken?"
"He'll die," Tina said softly.
"Oh, God, no," Amanda said.
"There's still a chance to save him," Tina told her. "I said Presley was kidnapped, but it wasn't by Scarab."
"What?! But, I thought-"
"Scarab wasn't working alone this time," Tina explained. "Unfortunately for him, one of his new-found assistants has her own agenda that not only involves Presley but Dr. Larson as well."
"Miranda's been taken too?" Amanda was shocked. It was all starting to make sense now. It was no wonder she couldn't get in touch with her. "Why?"
"While you were working on the exhibit, did you take any time to read the Xena Scrolls yourself?" At Amanda's nod, Tina continued, "What do you know about Callisto?"
"Callisto?" Amanda was incredulous. "Are you telling me that Callisto, a woman who is supposed to be dead, kidnapped my son and my colleague?"
Tina nodded solemnly. "She was presumably brought forward in time."
Amanda stood up and began to pace. "This is so insane! I can't believe I'm sitting here and listening to this! This is the most ridiculous story I've ever heard." She stopped moving and turned to face Tina. "Yet...for some reason, I believe you."
"I have no reason to lie to you," Tina told her. "Please, I need you to come with me. You're in danger if you stay here."
Amanda looked at her. "Who are you? How do you know all of this?"
Tina stood up as well. "Prince Rapses wasn't the only one to die that day. He had four guardians who lost their lives trying to save his." She began to remove her coat. Underneath, she wore nothing but bandages and a strange skirt that appeared to be an Egyptian kilt. The skin of her exposed midriff was the same color as her face and hands.
"Jesus..."
"My name is Nefer-Tina," the woman introduced herself. "At the time of my death, a spell was cast to resurrect me in the event that my prince needed my protection once more. It was the same with the other three guardians. The four of us have been watching over Presley for over a year and a half now."
"Oh...my...god," Amanda breathed. "You're one of the...of the..."
"Mummies?" Nefer-Tina supplied helpfully. "Yes, I am a mummy. I've been dead for thirty-five hundred years. I understand that this is a little hard for you to accept."
"You have no idea," Amanda agreed. "I have spent years studying artifacts from your time and trying to put together what life was like back then. In all my experience, I've never heard of anything like this. Living mummies, thirty-five hundred year old sorcerers, magic. It's all a little hard to believe."
"Are you ready? We really should go now," Nefer-Tina prompted.
"Where are we going?"
"Someplace where you'll be safe, I promise."
"Will the others...?"
Nefer-Tina nodded. "My teammates will be there, yes. In fact, they don't know where I am."
"Why not?"
"I told you before, it's my fault Presley and Miranda got taken. I felt that it was my responsibility alone to..."
Amanda, who was hurrying to gather her purse, stopped to see why Nefer-Tina had trailed off mid-sentence. "What is it?"
"I thought I heard something..." She went to look out the window. "Oh, my Ra!"
Amanda hurried over to see what had startled her. "Holy shit, what are those things?"
"Shabties." Nefer-Tina put her hand on Amanda's arm. "We have to leave right now. Scarab's here."
"Scarab!" Amanda exclaimed. "Here? Why?"
"I don't know. Unless..."
"Unless what?!"
Nefer-Tina started pulling her away from the window. "Unless Scarab doesn't know Presley isn't here. He wasn't there when Callisto took him and Miranda. Velasca may not have told him."
"Velasca's here too? Isn't she...?" Suddenly, Amanda realized what had happened. "My god! Scarab stole the Scrolls, didn't he?"
"Yes. He's also the one who returned them to you," Nefer-Tina told her. "That's how he knows where you live. He saw Presley in your office."
"My office? But, that means-"
"No time to explain. We need to go. Now."
"Come on. There's a back door in the kitchen."
"Lead the way."
The two women ran towards the kitchen only to be knocked across the room by a shockwave as the entire front wall of the house exploded.
Scarab had arrived.
Chapter Twenty-Eight:
Nefer-Tina's entire body ached as she tried to move. She had been thrown rather far by the blast and deposited roughly on the ground. She had hit the floor so hard that she was surprised to find herself still conscious.
She opened her eyes and looked around for Amanda. To her relief, the prince's mother was lying only a few feet away from her. She surveyed her location to determine exactly where she was. In an amazing streak of luck, the blast had landed the two women exactly where they wanted to be: in the kitchen.
She pushed herself onto her hands and knees and almost cried out at the sudden jolt of searing pain that shot up her right leg.
"What happened? Are you okay?" Amanda asked, concern in her voice. She had crawled over to Nefer-Tina upon coming to her senses and was now crouched beside her.
"My leg," Nefer-Tina told her in a pain-filled voice. "I must have hurt it when I fell."
"Let me take a look," Amanda said. She moved around Nefer-Tina to get a better look. "Oh, god!"
"What?" Nefer-Tina demanded to know. "What's wrong?"
"I'm not a doctor, but I'm pretty sure it's broken."
"Broken? Are you sure?"
"Yeah," Amanda told her. "It looks really bad."
"Great. Just great," Nefer-Tina muttered. "Help me up."
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Amanda asked.
"We'll never get out of here if I just sit around on my tut," Nefer-Tina told her. "Broken leg or not, we have to leave before Scarab finds us."
"But," Amanda protested, "how can you walk on that leg?"
"The same way I always do," Nefer-Tina quipped. "Now, help me up."
Amanda ignored the joke. "This isn't funny. Those...things outside are probably already in the house. They could walk in here any minute."
"Let me worry about that," Nefer-Tina brushed her off. "Unless we leave now, they probably will find us. So, are you going to help me to my feet or what?"
Amanda nodded and took both of Nefer-Tina's hands in her own. Pulling with all her might, she lifted the injured woman to her feet.
"Thanks," Nefer-Tina told her, as she leaned heavily against her.
"No-" Amanda started to say as a large figure appeared in the darkened kitchen doorway.
Nefer-Tina slapped a hand over Amanda's mouth as she started to scream and slammed them both against the wall.
It was a shabtie. They were trapped.
"Search the entire house! Find the prince and his mother and bring them to me! I want them unharmed!" Scarab ordered his shabties.
He turned to Velasca who was standing by his side. "Our victory is nearly at hand, my dear. After all this time, immortality will finally be mine!"
"Oh, I wouldn't be too sure of that if I were you," a familiar voice told him. In a flash of flame, Callisto appeared in front of him. "You can't get that spirit without the boy, now can you?"
"Callisto!" Scarab growled. "Where have you been? And, what in blazes are you talking about?"
"Dear, dear! It looks like your girlfriend's been keeping secrets from you too!" Callisto smirked. "I have the boy."
"What?!" Scarab roared. "How dare you! The boy belongs to me!" He then whirled on Velasca. "You knew about this and you didn't tell me?"
Velasca shrugged. "I knew she'd show up. Besides, you still need to get the mother. We can't have her running around and causing trouble when her little boy doesn't come home."
Scarab smiled. "You, as always, are right. I'm sorry for ever doubting you."
Velasca caressed his cheek. "I know you are."
"Oh, please!" Callisto gagged. "You two are sickening!"
Scarab returned his attention to Callisto. "You will bring Rapses to me immediately! He is mine!"
"Really?" Callisto smirked. "I didn't see your name on him. In fact, if he belongs to anyone, it would be me. I captured him, you know. How's that saying go? Oh, yes. Finder's-"
"Enough of this!" Scarab yelled. "You know perfectly well what I mean! The only reason you are here is to get the boy for me! Remember our deal!"
"Deal? Deal? Oh, yes, deal!" Callisto began. "I remember it well. Unfortunately for you, your deal means nothing to me anymore, old man. Oblivion is the last thing on my mind right now."
"What use could you possibly have for the boy?" Scarab demanded of her, trying a different approach. "Thanks to my magic, you are already immortal again. The prince's spirit has no other properties."
"You think I want the spirit? Don't be ridiculous! You can have it!" she told him. "That is, after I finish with the boy himself. I have plans for the brat."
"Does this have anything to do with your relative?" Velasca spoke up. "Where does the boy fit into your revenge scheme against Xena?"
"Oh, you're smart! Very smart!" Callisto applauded her. "Why do I need the boy? Well, it's very simple. My dear sweet Miranda is not cooperating as I had hoped. She doesn't quite see things my way yet. So, I needed a little something with which to persuade her. And, seeing how fond of the boy she is... Well, I think you can figure out the rest."
"That has to be the stupidest thing I've ever heard!" Velasca commented. "What sort of plan is that? How will threatening the boy convince her to join your cause?"
"Did I ask for your opinion? Hmm?" Callisto growled at Velasca.
"Velasca does have a point," Scarab told her. "You want....Miranda, is it, to...join your cause. Forcing her to help you won't get her to see your point of view. She'll only agree to help you in order to save the boy. What you really want to do is help her understand why you need to take revenge."
Callisto folded her arms. "And, what makes you so sure my way won't work?"
This is going even better than I could have hoped, Velasca smiled to herself. Both Scarab and Callisto were putting themselves exactly where she wanted them. Once Scarab had the boy, he would save her the effort of getting rid of the blonde pest. Callisto would be sent back to Hell to spend the rest of eternity. Unless, of course, she could find better ways of making Callisto suffer...
For a moment, she debated going to look for the mother herself, but decided that watching Scarab and Callisto argue was much more entertaining. She had concocted the story about the mother causing trouble for Scarab's benefit. Once Scarab had his immortality and they started to conquer the world, the authorities would be much too busy to even considering looking for one missing child. The mother's cries for help would be ignored.
In the kitchen, Nefer-Tina and Amanda heard every word of the exchange. The shabtie had moved out of the doorway a short time earlier, presumably to search other areas of the house.
"I need you to go to the Sphinx and tell the others what's happening," Nefer-Tina told Amanda.
"Sphinx? What are you talking about? I thought we were going together," Amanda asked, confused.
"Someone has to stay here and find out what they're planning," the guardian explained. "And, since it's too dangerous for you..."
"Oh, no," Amanda protested. "I can't leave you alone, not like this. You're hurt."
"Amanda, I need you to do this for me. Please," Nefer-Tina said. "It's more important that you get to safety. I'll be all right on my own."
"But-"
"No 'buts'," Nefer-Tina cut her off. "The Sphinx is exactly what it sounds like. It's the old Rapses' exhibit. You'll be able to get in through the main entrance. You'll find my teammates in there.
"It's very important you tell them what has happened and that they are not to do anything until I return. I have a better chance of learning where Callisto is holding Presley if I'm alone. One person is less likely to get caught than a group of people."
"I know, but how can you follow them? Your leg is broken and you can hardly stand. How do you expect to walk?"
"I'll manage," Nefer-Tina insisted. "Now, go!"
"There's no way I can get you to change your mind, is there?"
Nefer-Tina smiled tightly at her. "No, I'm afraid not. This is for the best."
"Then, here," Amanda said, reaching into her purse, "take this." She pressed a small item into Nefer-Tina's hand. "This is my cell phone. As soon as you learn anything, just dial the number taped to the back." She went over to a drawer and opened it. She reached in and pulled out an identical phone. "I bought this one as a spare or in case Presley ever wanted one. The number on the back of yours will ring this one. I'll keep mine on until I hear from you. Don't turn on yours until you're ready to call."
"Thank you," Nefer-Tina told her.
"You're welcome," Amanda responded.
"Get going," Nefer-Tina said. "I'll call as soon as I find anything out. I promise."
"All right," Amanda nodded. "I'll be waiting for that call." She turned away and quickly crossed the kitchen to the door, which she immediately disappeared through.
Nefer-Tina was on her own.
"So, do we have an agreement?" Scarab finally asked Callisto after several arguments back and forth.
Callisto, who had plopped down on the couch by now, appeared to think for a moment. "Let me get this straight. In exchange for the little brat, you'll help me 'enlighten' Miranda about the evil Xena has done to our family? And, this will convince her to help me? Is that everything?"
"Yes," Scarab nodded.
"All right, old man. I accept your terms," Callisto grinned. "Now, how shall we do this? Do I bring him to you here or to your place?"
"I have an even better suggestion," Scarab said. "Why don't you just take us to where you are keeping him?"
"How stupid do you think I am?" Callisto inquired. "I need to have a little leverage in this arrangement. The location of your precious prince will remain my secret. A girl needs her privacy, you know!"
"Shall we shake on it?" Scarab suggested.
"Why not?" Callisto shrugged.
Callisto got up and Scarab walked across the room to meet her. The two erstwhile allies each extended their right hand and shook. Scarab patted her on the back before stepping away.
Callisto smirked at the gesture. "That was a little too friendly," she remarked. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you just put one of those tracking devices of yours on me."
Scarab folded his arms. "And, just how do you know about those?"
"I may not be from this time, but I do learn fast," Callisto told him. "Your place is so full of such wonderful teaching tools that I just couldn't help myself. Do you think I spent all my time searching for the brat?"
"If you don't trust me, why don't you check yourself for one?" Scarab smiled thinly.
Callisto smiled back. "We have a deal. I'm sure you wouldn't go and ruin it over such a little thing like trust. So, where shall I bring him? Here or the Pyramid?"
"Here," Scarab told her. "Once we find the mother, we can have her waiting to greet her son one last time. She can watch me remove the spirit that will bless me with immortality."
"Whatever," Callisto shrugged. "See you soon!" She giggled and disappeared in a burst of flames.
"Finally!" Scarab growled. "I don't know how much longer I could have kept myself from wringing her neck!"
"Isn't she just a delight to talk to?" Velasca added sarcastically. "In a way, I almost feel sorry for Xena. Having that relentlessly hunting you could be a fate worse than death. At least when we were trapped in the lava pit together, neither of us were aware of anything. Imagine being stuck with only her to talk to."
Scarab laughed softly. "Not to worry. We'll be rid of her soon enough." From one of the numerous folds in his robes, he produced a tracking receiver. "Why wait here when we can just follow her and take the boy ourselves?"
The sound of approaching sirens filled the air.
"Blast it! The authorities are coming to investigate the explosion! We must leave immediately," Scarab told Velasca. "The mother will have to wait."
"The authorities will never believe her when she tries to explain what happened here," Velasca agreed.
Scarab switched on the receiver. "Come, let us be off. Our destiny awaits us."
Nefer-Tina, as quickly as possible with an injured leg, exited through the back door and crept to the front of the house. She remained hidden behind some shrubbery as she watched Scarab and Velasca emerge through the blasted wall. Scarab pulled out yet another device and spoke swiftly into it. Almost immediately, a black limousine drove up to the house. Scarab and Velasca quickly climbed into it and the driver sped away as soon as the door was closed.
Nefer-Tina raced out of her hiding spot, biting back tears of pain. The Jetcycle was parked a few houses down from where Presley lived. She arrived at the vehicle and hopped on. She turned on the ignition and took off in the direction Scarab had gone.
Chapter Twenty-Nine:
Ja-Kal emerged from the bedroom, fully wrapped once more. He knew he had overslept, confirmed by the bustle of activity in the Sphinx. He was usually the first to awaken and he normally shunned the idea of sleeping late. Today, however, he was not bothered by it. After last night, he had needed it. What did disturb him was the fact that he had woken up alone.
He had no idea when Nefer-Tina had left him. She had fallen asleep in his arms and then he had drifted off to sleep himself. He remembered nothing after that. He had just assumed that she would be there with him in the morning.
But, she hadn't been. She had disappeared from his arms without a trace, leaving nothing behind. Why?
He let his gaze roam over the group currently occupying the Sphinx. Everyone except Nefer-Tina was there, including Kait and Matt. Tia was standing alone, looking strangely calm considering what had happened last night. All the same, he avoided eye contact with her.
Suddenly, he had a terrible feeling that he knew where Nefer-Tina had gone. After they had come in out of the rain, neither of them had discussed any of the issues that were bothering her, especially her feelings of being a failure. He knew she wasn't, but she was convinced she was; that it was her fault that Callisto had taken Presley. When she had volunteered to bring Amanda in herself, he knew it was her way of trying to make it up to him; to show that she was worthy of remaining a guardian. And that was before she had known he was in love with her.
Now the stakes, in her eyes, had become even more personal. Ja-Kal knew with certainty that she had gone to get Amanda and that she was determined to bring her to them on her own. She wanted to prove herself worthy of his love, which she still felt she did not deserve.
What would it take to convince her otherwise? He had no idea. All he knew was that he loved her, and that was the only thing that mattered to him.
"Good morning, Ja-Kal," Rath greeted him as he came over. "Was your sarcophagus a bit uncomfortable last night? Sleeping in a bed seems to have agreed with you. You never sleep late."
Ja-Kal was shaken out of his private thoughts. "Uh, yes," he responded to his friend. "I had a late night."
"I should say so," Rath told him good-naturedly. "I remember when you used to wake us up at the crack of dawn for drills back in Egypt."
Ja-Kal had to smile at the memory. He knew he was a tough and demanding leader, but it got him the results he wanted. He remembered how "Nefer" seemed to hate them most of all. "He" had always arrived late to each one and Ja-Kal had punished the charioteer accordingly. Looking back, the reason Nefer-Tina had never gotten up as fast as the others was that she had had to put on her disguise before she could leave her room. And, she had taken her punishment each time without fail. Without complaint...
"Have you seen Nefer-Tina this morning?" he finally asked.
Rath shook his head. "No. I assumed she was still sleeping as well. You know how she tends to sneak out at night and spend her time fraternizing with the people of this era."
"She's not here." The two men turned to see Xena coming over to join them. "I saw her leave before seven. She took the Jetcycle."
"Where could she possibly be going at that hour?" Rath wondered out loud. "I believe that's too early for even her usual shenanigans. Besides none of her favored dance halls are open then."
"I...think I may have an idea about where she went," Ja-Kal started. He looked at Xena. "And, I have a feeling that it may be my fault."
"The mother..." Xena nodded, understanding where he was going. "To prove that she's not a failure."
"What are you two going on about?" Rath wanted to know. "Is there something I haven't been told?"
"It's a long story," Ja-Kal told him, "but do you remember how Nefer-Tina volunteered to get the prince's mother by herself?"
"Yes," Rath nodded, "but I thought she was going to wait until later this morning. Why go so early? What difference would it make?"
"She had her reasons," Xena said, "but, in any case, she should have been back by now. She's been gone long enough to have had time to convince Amanda of the danger she was in and bring her back here."
"Something must have gone wrong," Ja-Kal decided. "They could be in danger. We need to go and find them immediately."
By that time, the others had noticed their serious conversation and had drifted over.
"What's going on?" Kait asked. "Who do we have to go after?"
"Nefer-Tina and the prince's mother," Rath answered. "Nefer-Tina went to get Amanda herself and has not yet returned. We think she may be in trouble."
"We must save her!" Armon announced firmly.
Suddenly, the sound of running coming from the main entrance of the Sphinx caught their attention. To everyone's complete surprise, Amanda herself flew into the room.
"Nefer-Tina...trouble....Scarab..." she panted as she came up to them.
"What about Scarab?" Gabrielle asked her, leading her to the couch.
Amanda tried to catch her breath before speaking. "He came to my home this morning with these stone creatures to...to capture Presley and myself. But, another woman appeared...Callisto...and told him that she had Presley. They made some sort of deal involving Presley. Nefer-Tina is following them to see if she can learn what they are planning and where Presley is."
"Is she all right?" Ja-Kal wanted to know. He knew there was panic in his voice, but at the moment, he did not care. Nefer-Tina's safety was more important that his image.
"She has a broken leg," Amanda said, looking at him, "but, other than that, she seemed okay. Remember, I don't know her as well as you do. However, it kind of worried me the way she kept saying that it was her fault that Presley was captured. From what she told me, it sounded like an accident."
"Her fault? Why in the world would she think a ridiculous thing like that?" Rath spoke up.
"Because someone told her it was," Xena answered him. She glanced at Tia, who had not said a word to anyone that entire morning. "And, Nefer-Tina believed it." She turned her attention back to Amanda. "I was there and it was an accident. Nefer-Tina did her best to try and protect him."
"We have to go and find her," Ja-Kal said. "She's in no condition to be out in the field. Especially if she's injured."
"No," Amanda shook her head. "She specifically asked that none of you go after her. She felt she had a better chance of getting close enough to listen if she was alone." She removed the phone from her purse. "She promised to call as soon as she finds out anything important."
"Then I'll go alone," Ja-Kal announced. "She may be second-in-command of this team, but I'm still the leader. And, I say she shouldn't be alone out there."
Xena took hold of his arm. "I hate to say this, but Nefer-Tina is right. She's better off on her own in this one. I'm sorry."
"You're sorry?!" Ja-Kal said. Then, he sighed heavily. "I just hope she knows what she's doing." He dropped his voice so only Xena could hear. "I don't think I could bear to lose her. Not now."
"I know," Xena told him just as quietly. "Believe me, I know."
Miranda was pacing the room once again. Presley was awake and watching her from the couch.
"They're not coming, are they?" Presley finally said.
Presley's question took her by surprise and she stopped her movement. "I don't know, Presley." She went over to sit by him. "I really don't."
"I've never been held so long before, that's all," he said. "I mean, I've been kidnapped lots of times, but the guys always came within a couple hours. This is just really strange. But, they always had the amulet before to help find me. And, now it's gone." He looked up at her. "I'm really scared."
"Me too, honey," she said, pulling him into a hug, "me too."
"Isn't this a touching moment?" Callisto commented as she appeared in the room. "Too bad it has to end!
Miranda stood up. "What do you want now? I thought I already told you that I'd never help you."
Callisto laughed. "I'm sure you believe that now, but soon, you'll be begging me to accept your help." She reached over her shoulder and pulled off the small tracking device Scarab had placed on her. "But, let's not worry too much about that now, hmm? I'm expecting a couple of guests to arrive any minute and we must simply be ready to greet them!"
Heka was coiled up in the front seat of Scarab's limo. She couldn't stand the thought of sitting in the back with those two. Like Callisto was fond of saying, they made her sick! All that sweet talk! Ick!
Suddenly, she heard Scarab shout from the backseat "Stop here!" The shabtie driving the car hit the brakes so hard that she went flying into the dashboard. She was so busy groaning that she did not notice the glass divider window slide open.
A strong hand grabbed her roughly and pulled her backwards.
"Heka, see if you can find a way into that building and find out what Callisto is up to," Scarab ordered his assistant as he bodily dumped her out the passenger door window. "And, be quick about it!"
Heka peeled herself off the sidewalk, muttering under her breath. "Sure thing, boss," she said loud enough for him to hear.
This was starting to look like one of those days!
Nefer-Tina softly brought the Jetcycle to a halt. She had trailed Scarab's limo to what appeared to be a burned down apartment building. Was this Callisto's secret hideout where Presley was being held?
She dismounted from the Jetcycle and once again bit back a cry of pain. Her leg had not stopped throbbing since she had broken it. She did not know how much longer she could bear to keep standing and walking on it. She hoped the continued use had not worsened the breakage.
For a moment she considered calling her armor, thinking the leg guard might add some much needed support to her leg. However, the added weight of the rest of the armor could counter any support it provided. And, since she didn't plan on getting into any fights, the armor was completely unnecessary for this mission. She would remain as she was.
As she watched, she saw a long golden shape tossed out the limousine window. Heka, she noted to herself. Scarab, never one to put himself at risk unless absolutely necessary, usually sent someone else to do his dirty work. And, that someone, for the most part, was Heka.
The serpent began to slither towards the main entrance and Nefer-Tina knew it had to be the place. It was time to call the others and let them know what she was doing.
She dreaded having to face Ja-Kal. He was probably worried sick over where she had gone, but he would have to understand why she had done this. She had had no other choice. It was the only way for her to try to make up to him for her failure. It was her gift to him.
She pulled out the cell phone and dialed the number on the back.
In the backseat of the limo, Velasca's enhanced hearing detected a strange beeping sound. It was coming from very close by.
"Scarab," she said. "I think we may have been followed."
"What?! Impossible!" he cried. "There was no one at the house except..."
"It was inevitable that the guardians would get to her eventually," Velasca told him. "Apparently, they decided now was the right time."
"How unfortunate for them," Scarab said. "And, how incredibly perfect for our plans. How many do you think there are?"
"I'm not sure," she said, "Ja-Kal is too smart to risk his entire team being caught at once. I think it's just one. What I heard sounded like a phone. Whoever it is must have called for help."
"Too bad it will arrive too late," Scarab gloated. "Should I send my shabties to take care of the problem?"
"No, let me handle this. I enjoy a good fight," she told him.
"Take as long as you need."
Nefer-Tina waited for Amanda to answer at her end. Come on, she silently urged her. Pick up!
"Nefer-Tina?" came the voice at the other end. But, instead of the expected one of Amanda, it was Ja-Kal's. He must have taken the phone away from Amanda when she arrived at the Sphinx. And, he sounded uncharacteristically upset.
She felt terrible since she knew she was the cause of his emotional troubles. But, she had had no choice. She had to do this. "It's me, Ja-Kal. I think I found-"
"Thank Ra it's you!" Ja-Kal cut her off. "What do you think you're doing? Why did you go alone?"
"I'll tell you later in private," she promised him. "Right now, I'm standing across the street from the building where Callisto is holding Presley and Miranda. What do you want me to do?"
"First, where are you located?" he asked, becoming all-business again.
She looked around the area she was in and told him the names of the streets and the addresses of surrounding buildings. "Do you want me to stay here until you and the others arrive?"
"No, I want you to get back here as quickly as possible. I'm putting you out of action until your leg heals," he told her. "That's a direct order."
"Ja-Kal," she said. "You can't-"
Her sentence went unfinished as a bolt of electricity knocked the phone out of her hand. Ja-Kal's frantic shouts of concern could be heard from where it landed on the concrete.
Nefer-Tina whirled around to see Velasca standing behind her. She gasped, knowing that she had been caught.
"When I realized we had been followed, I had no idea that it was you," Velasca began, closing the distance between them as she spoke. "However, I'm rather glad it is, since we never seem to be able to finish that little business we started the other day." She walked over to where the still-operational cell phone had landed and crushed it under her heel. The line instantly died. "I think it's time we ended it once and for all."
Nefer-Tina limped backwards, trying to keep some space between the evil goddess and herself. She started fingering her amulet, preparing to call her armor.
"I'll take that," Velasca said and with a flick of her hand, Nefer-Tina's amulet ripped from its customary place around her neck and into Velasca's hand. She smiled, "Can't let you call that armor and whip of yours. As much as I usually prefer a fair fight, today I'm not in the mood. So, I'm going to make this short and sweet. Besides, with that leg of yours, you wouldn't be much fun anyway. I'm going to save myself for when your friends arrive.
"But, I promise you, you'll suffer almost as much as if I hadn't."