This is a work of Fiction. The characters of the Mummies Alive are the Property of DIC international. The Princess Kara and Princess Mennehotep are my own creations. Their feud is my own story-line. Thuthmoses III is based loosely on the historical figure of the great Pharaoh, and in no way is meant to be historically accurate, as the name Ankhenammut is my fictional name for him, and Mennehotep for Princess Nefru-Re. The Character of Lyris is property of the Goddess Mia, which I use out of respect and admiration for her. Damia, Girian, and Ranee are property of Sardra Rowan, and their feud is her story line, as are the references to Ilkan and the Sword of Ilkan, which I use with her gracious permission and enjoyment.
I do this for fun. If you wish to use Kara and Mennehotep in your stories, feel free. But give credit where credit is due. Enjoy
-Theresa E. Meyers aka Trynia Merin
It's a He Thing or a She Thing?
In Golden Gate Park, a strange series of picnickers spread out their blanket. Overhead the noonday sun peeked from behind clouds. Although one of them consumed most of the food, al had smiles on their faces.
Shortly, the tall thin figure rose from the ground, and wandered off into the strand of trees nearby. The small boy and the large one-armed man lay on their stomachs, listening raptly to the woman as she told a story. Delicate fingers caressed strings of a golden harp, quite ancient in design. "Apollo was angry at his sister Artemis for neglecting her duties. For the past few nights there was no moon. He suspected the Mighty Hunter Orion had distracted his sister's affections..."
To one side, a mighty hunter had set up a target fifty cubits distant. Beside him, Menne stood sideways, her hands fiddling with a long bow. Shaking hands fitted an arrow to the string, trying not to drop it. "That's it. Fit the arrow in place. Now, holding it there with one finger, slowly arc your arms up and forwards to the firing position." Ja-Kal urged. Carefully he watch her two arms cradle the bow as she swung her waist around. The bow twisted around in tandem, till it was vertical. For her credit she pulled the string back well, even though it seemed to take her some effort. Only two cubits from her now, Ja-Kal reached out his hands as if to hold her arms in the proper position. Yet he did not touch her.
"Now aim. Imagine a ray of Ra connecting your eye to that of the target. Take a deep breath, keep your one eye open... and let go!"
The arrow flew, and Menne's arm jerked with the twanging string. She winced as the string slapped against her bandaged chest. "Curses of Suteck," she snapped under her breath.
"Easy Menne," Ja-Kal soothed, as he checked the course of the arrow. It had not even hit the target. "The wolf does not bring down the mighty ram when it is only a cub..."
Out of the corner of his eye Presley watched the two of them. Lyris noticed his sudden diversion of attention, but didn't draw attention to it. "The love between Hunter and Goddess was sound. Apollo said that Artemis' love had blinded her aim. He challenged her to hit the a moving target far below..."
Nefer-Tina discreetly watched as Ja-Kal moved to within only 2 palms of the Princess. "Perhaps it will be easier if I guide your hands once," he said, standing right behind her. "Now, as before, stand with both feet the space of your shoulder. Point your right toe downrange, and brace the other perpendicular..."
He slipped his arms under hers, passing her the bow. "Got it? Good. Now, load..." She pulled out an arrow, and fitted it as before. But this time Ja-Kal's fingers enclosed around hers, his right hand helping her to hold the arrow in place. His left hand lay atop her bow hand, firmly clenched around her small fingers.
In tandem both hunter and Princess twisted their waists, simultaneously swinging the bow to the vertical position. Lyris' turquoise eyes registered their every move, even though she was thoroughly engrossed in the telling of her myth, "Apollo bet her she could not hit the speck floating far below in the water. Angry at his insult, the goddess fitted arrow to string, and pulled back..."
Fingers hooked around hers on the string, they pulled back. "Good, very good, Menne," he said, chin near her ear. "Feel the path in your mind that the arrow must take. Envision it hitting true its mark."
"She drew back, and let the arrow fly. Soft as a moonbeam it flew earthward...."
Armon's eyes widened as the suspense built. Lyris had him truly under her spell. Ja-Kal's gentle words seemed to tickle the back of Menne's neck, making her shiver. She struggled to keep her aim steady. Yet it was so hard, especially since Ja-Kal was so close to her physically. "Take a deep breath, aim, and fire..."
"But woe befell her when she discovered who it was... for she had slain her true love..."
"No!" cried Armon, leaping to his feet.
Distracted, Ja-Kal flinched. Menne let fly the arrow, shrieking as the Hunter pushed her forwards. The missile blazed right through the rim of the target, and back into the trees. "Oh, I'm sorry," she gasped.
A few seconds later they heard a shout, "By Osiris!"
Everyone turned away from Lyris. All eyes fell right on Ja-Kal and Menne, who had lost their balance. They fell headlong forwards, still side by side. "Whoops," Ja-Kal gasped, pushing himself up.
"Of all the idiotic... irresponsible... I ask you!" cursed Rath as he stormed out of the stand of trees. The green eyes blazed with anger, and they all noticed he wasn't wearing his hat. He appeared far less imposing with the simple wrapped bandages about his scalp. In his other hand he clenched something.
"What's your problem?" asked Armon, annoyed at the interruption to Lyris' story.
"Somebody has some nerve shooting arrows like some barbarian!" Rath exploded, and whipped out his hat from behind his back. To everyone's amusement, an arrow had neatly bisected the headdress, close to the top. It looked like a ludicrous valentine; except instead of a heart that was pierced, it was Rath's hat.
Lyris and Nefer Tina burst out laughing. They couldn't help it.
"Too bad it wasn't a tiny bit lower," said Armon. "It might be an improvement."
"Who is responsible for this outrage?" Rath demanded, brandishing the evidence.
"I am, I fear," said Menne, as Ja-Kal helped her to her feet. "I was practicing my archery..."
"With all due respect, what is a Princess doing learning to shoot?" sniffed Rath, as he extracted the arrow, trying not to tear the hat any more then necessary.
"I claim responsibility," said Ja-Kal, suppressing a grin. "It was my idea...."
"This belongs to you then," Rath snorted, and slapped the arrow into Ja-Kal's hand. "No thanks to you..."
"That's pretty talented," laughed Lyris. "You gotta admit not everyone could hit a target like that..."
"What silliness," Rath continued. "Really, your Majesty. Wasting your time with such frivolity when you could be learning something meaningful..."
"Hey, what's wrong with teaching her another weapon?" cut in Nefer-Tina.
"Rath, calm down," said Ja-Kal. "I said I accept responsibility...."
"What, just because I am a princess I shouldn't shoot a bow?" asked Menne, black eyes fixing into Rath's.
"Er, with all due Respect your Majesty," he continued. "Ja-Kal is the hunter. Why..."
"Easy, Menne," said Ja-Kal. "It's not worth the effort...
Menne's onyx eyes grew dark. Ancient Egyptian words escaped from her lips as she spread wide her fingers. Then with a curious pointing gesture lightening snaked from her fingertips. Two strokes sizzled inches from Rath's cheek in rapid succession. Everyone gazed speechless at the smoldering target. Rath's mouth dropped open without a sound as his eyes fixed on the remains of the bull's-eye.
"I will not be underestimated by your limited views," she said coldly. Menne threw back her head, and turned towards the Sphinx. Proudly she strode away from the crowd.
"Limited... me," spluttered Rath as everyone glared at him. "Of all the..."
"Rath, can it already," snapped Nefer-Tina. "At least she didn't aim a bit lower..."
"Guys, give it a rest," sighed Lyris. "We're supposed to be having fun today, remember..."
"She's right," said Presley, chiming in. "Now can we all chill, and get back to the story?"
"I dunno," said Lyris. "That's pretty much it..."
"Aw, rats," sighed Presley. "And it was just getting good."
"Just as well," said Ja-Kal. "Armon was rather excitable..."
"He wasn't the only one," said Nefer-Tina quietly, to Lyris. "Maybe one of us had better go after her..."
"Or apologize to her Majesty?" said Ja-Kal, nodding towards Rath.
"But my hat..."
"You're such a great sorcerer," said Ja-Kal. "You fix it..." Gathering up his archery equipment, he stalked away.
"Nice going, Rath," snorted Armon. Gathering up the picnic blanket, the Fighter threw it over his shoulder. He wandered off after the Princess and Ja-Kal. Nefer-Tina still glared at Rath as she too walked away.
"But I... never meant to ..." he spluttered as everyone left him there alone. "Oh, for the Love of Thoth!"
Angrily he hurled his hat to the ground, and stormed off. Presley sighed, and kicked at the ground. So much for having fun and trying to unwind. Lyris carefully picked up the discarded garment, and urged Presley on.
"Geez," muttered Presley. "What is with Rath? He still can't lay off Princess Minne!"
"Old habits die hard," said Lyris, laying a hand on his shoulder as they walked along.
"I still think he has a thing for her..." said Presley.
"A what?"
"A thing... you know... a crush?"
"Oh?" said Lyris, one eyebrow raised.
"Sorry," said Presley. "I didn't mean to..."
"It's okay. Don't worry about it," Lyris sighed, as she looked over Rath's hat. The damage wasn't that bad. Surely it wouldn't take but a bit of felt here and there to make it as good as new.
* * *
Kara's eyes darted over the ancient symbols. It had been all she could do to try and escape from Scarab's place when he had done his awful deed of capturing Damia. Yet when she had returned, the Master of the house was not present. This had given her ample time to peruse the Document chamber, where Scarab kept miles of scroll parchments centuries old.
The recent drain in her powers was infuriating. There had to be a way to restore them to their former glory. Still he was able to keep a tenuous hold on her, for she could not quite break free from his chambers. Always the Shabti would come after her, and bring her back kicking and screaming. There would be the usual placating, and then the counter offers.
She was lower in power than she wanted him to believe. Oh how she'd tolerated his hair-brained schemes these past few months. And tolerated the arrogance as he kept her out of the scrolls. Now she felt on the verge of a breakthrough. Her finger traced the hieroglyphics for dimensional doors. Was it because Bastet had been banished that her powers had slowly faded? Mennehotep's own powers were almost gone in their first battle. In their second they'd decayed considerably to nothing. And Kara's own sorcery had dwindled. All the spells she had so carefully memorized had slipped away. That was why she sought Chondra. To regain her lost special spells.
Chondra had taught her a precious little. But she was sent back to the Western gate before Kara could ask her any more. But there had to be a way of reversing the decay. She could think of no rational cause for Mennehotep and her own power drains. But she had an answer.
The spell was ancient. Before her time, and even before that of Khufu and Menkare. A spell of Restoration. It would guarantee that all lost and hidden talents would be brought to the surface; Mighty gods of earth and sky
Bring to the mind's front which was once denied
Unearth hidden memory snatches
Unlock magic's hidden caches.
Open doors once shut to me!
By the power of my great family!
Spirit and mind
Be whole, no longer to oneself denied.
By the familial ties
Imparting courage and strength to the wise.
All strength debts canceled
All handicaps gone, the field is leveled...
But what was this? A stipulation. Most Egyptian magic had catches. Spells weren't always all powerful. There was a price. Even with the Time Scroll, there was a cost. It was far too powerful for one wizard to control. And this spell was no different. For included in the verses was a line regarding family. And all strife revealed be reconciled.
Restoration of one's self meant restoration of one's family, anyone afflicted.. And Mennehotep was family! But if that was a possible risk, let it be so.
Eagerly she set to work on the potion. Scarab had a well stocked larder of them.
* * *
It was all Mennehotep could do not to smash the various jars containing potions in her room in the Sphinx. She wanted enough distance between herself and the others, so that they wouldn't come after her. Inevitably the door thumped as someone knocked.
"Oh, go away," she grumbled.
"Are you okay?" came Nefer-Tina's voice.
"Please... just go away," said Mennehotep. "I... don't want to talk to anyone just yet..."
"But Menne!" cried Nefer-Tina.
"I'm sorry. Just... go," she sobbed, unable to control the angry tears that slipped from her eyes. Her bandaged fist smashed into the table. Fortunately the ancient Egyptian furniture withstood her fury.
A few minutes later she heard another soft knocking. "Who... is it?" she sniffed, wiping away tears. Her face seemed saturated with them by now. Slowly she lifted her face from the table where she'd rested it on folded arms. A hard table held no judgements. It would support whatever was put upon it.
"It's me, Damia," said a familiar voice.
"D...Damia?" she stammered, crossing the room toward the door. "I... thought you weren't coming today..."
"Just stopped by for a visit," said she. "Can I come in, girlfriend?"
"Yes," she decided. Perhaps Damia would understand the tide of anger she now felt, towards the world in general.
"I heard you had a little showdown with the Scribe again," said Damia, as she came into Menne's chamber.
"That's pretty much it," sighed Mennehotep. "I suppose it was justified, since I ruined his hat."
"Wasn't your fault," said Damia. "Besides, stuff happens. He just was in the way, that's all..."
"He embarrassed me in front of everyone else, and Ja-Kal tried to protect me, and it was just too much..."
"I know," said Damia, putting arms around Mennehotep. "Hey, believe me I know."
For a time Menne lay her head on the Amazon's sturdy shoulder. Damia stroked her back with one hand, soothing her as any remaining tears fell.
"You'd think they'd know by now not to mess with you," said Damia. "After all the things you've done to help..."
"Yes," said Mennehotep, with a slight laugh. "I just get so frustrated sometimes with all of them. And Nefer-Tina was just trying to help, and I shut her out..."
"She understands," said Damia. "Who do you think sent me up here?"
"Oh, I should apologize to her, and thank her..."
"She gets it. And Ja-Kal is hoping you're okay..."
"That's sweet of him," sniffed Menne, wiping her eyes on her bandages.
"Yeah. Let's go down, and stick our noses in. Gotta do it sometime..."
"I don't know if I feel like it," Mennehotep said. "I do want to apologize to Rath, even if he was a .."
"Jerk?" supplied Damia.
"That's the word the Prince would use. But I'm just so tired sometimes of always having to clear the air with him..."
"Hey, let him sweat for a change," said Damia. "You don't owe him anything, after all, he got out of control, and you were calm..."
"I'm going to take a nap, and think on it," said Mennehotep. "Could you just do me one favor?"
"Anything, girlfriend," said Damia.
"Give this to Ja-Kal," said Menne, quickly scribbling hieroglyphs on a piece of scrap papyrus. "Just to let him know I'm all right..."
"Sure thing," said Damia, taking the note. "Sleep tight!"
Yawning she backed into her sarcophagus, and crossed her arms over her chest. By itself the lid closed, shutting her into a protective cocoon of darkness. Mennehotep felt the most safe here, insulated from the weirdness and harsh realities of the new time. There was a centering which could occur here, that happened in few other places. Slowly she let sleep have free reign.
Back down the alley of memory lane she wandered. Deeper and deeper she sank like a stone into the sea of remembrance. Far back to trace the memories of childhood. It was so easy to see herself back there, in her Mother's court so many centuries ago:
Mennehotep opened her eyes, and blinked hard as the rays of Ra blazed through the columns with his full glory. Her hands slung around the cool marble of the pillar as she dodged his view. With a shriek of laughter the young Princess whirled around the column. Gaining momentum from the spin, she released and flew forwards. "I will get you," his voice laughed.
"My brother must be an even greater warrior to catch me!" she laughed. Her golden sandals pounded the stone floors as she heard his own footsteps echoing behind her.
Eagerly Thuthmoses raced after Mennehotep, a bow and arrows in hand. He was sixteen, his hair shaven save the remaining princely lock that characterized his station. "I did not come for a mere visit just to have you slip away again, Nefru-re!"
"Same to you, Ankhenammut!" she yelled back at him. He winced at the publicly known name, much preferring his Son of Ra name given by his own father.
She doubled back, and glanced left and right. There was none to be seen. With a slight laugh she thought she had eluded him. Then she took two steps, and bumped smack into him. Laughing he grabbed her, and started to tickle her ferociously. Squealing she retaliated, her fingers going right for his bare midriff. "Ah, no fair!" he laughed, hugging his side with one hand to protect his flank. "That's the worst spot!"
With combined laughter they tumbled backwards, crashing into the floor. Mennehotep landed square in his lap, still unable to see past the tears of laughter. Still guffawing the Prince lay full back on the floor at the base of a mighty pillar. "I have conquered the mighty Prince!" she laughed, as his arms wrapped her close in a big hug.
"That you have, my Princess Nefru-re!" he chortled, trying to sit up. But somehow he couldn't regain his balance, and fell backwards again.
"How I have missed you, my Prince," she said, still sitting in his lap. "You have all the amusement... going off to war with your mighty armies..."
"Mother likes it just that way," said he, looking up at her onyx black eyes. Propped up on his elbows he continued to look at her, but suddenly the Princess felt her face flushing with blood. Something about the look in those soft eyes made her giddy and nervous. Thuthmoses III, Prince of Egypt and great warrior had already proven his military skills in the Academy where he spent most of his time. Riding in chariots with his reins tied to his waist, his mighty bow raised for the kill. Yet here he was at her mercy, looking doe eyed at the silly Princess like some lovesick...
Wait. She thought of the word, and shivered. That same look that her mother gave to her beloved teacher Sehnmut was in his eyes! Her little heart pounded. Dare she think the Prince would love her? And not her older sister or any other lady of the Court?
Slowly they picked themselves up, and dusted themselves off. "You have grown so fast," said he, resting a hand on her chin. "I scarce believed it was you..."
"It's only been four years," said she. Already they'd begun to dress her more like a Lady of the court.
"I chased you... because I have something for you... something I captured in the faraway land of Punt..."
"Punt is only a legend," she pouted. "You have nothing in your hand."
"Ah, you are wrong," said he, eyes bright. For his hand passed behind his back.
Menne tried to grab whatever he held, but he kept dodging her probing hands. "Ah, not yet... guess what it is..."
"You are cruel," she pouted, sticking her lip forwards. "Making me happy, then playing your games..."
"Close your eyes," said the Prince. "Ah, no peeking."
"Guess?"
"I cannot say," said she, feigning ignorance. She heard something clinking lightly. Slowly she felt a flat band being slipped over her hair.
She blinked her eyes open. To stare at a polished bronze mirror. A stranger's face peered back at her in it's golden surface. The dark eyes were traced with kohl, and blinked. On either side of the curved full face were the scarlet wings of the ibis. They sloped gracefully up into the flat band of an amethyst studded tiara. A spray of the same feathers was thrust into a hole in the front of the band. They were real scarlet ibis feathers...
"Ooh..." she squealed. "I had no idea..."
"Feathers for a rare bird," said he, leaning over in a bow.
"You must not bow to me, my Prince," laughed she, leaning up on tiptoes. Quickly she pecked his cheek with a quick kiss. "Thank you thank you thank you!"
"You honor the son of Pharaoh with your gratitude," smiled he. She could tell a blush was forming on his angular face, with its broadening nose and thick full lips. Quite like his grandfather he looked. A fine statue. She could imagine the statue someday that would sit outside a grand temple.
Her ancestor Thuthmoses I had such features. It was said the Prince and Queen Hatshetsup both had his fire. There had been many Princes when her Mother was a Princess such as she. But only one could be Pharaoh. And he really wasn't her brother. Not in the true sense of the word. He was the son of one of her mother's brothers. A distant cousin. Perhaps there was a chance...
* * *
Lyris carried the mended garment in her hands. She winked at Nefer-Tina as they passed each other in the Grand Chamber. "So where is the fearless Scribe now?" asked Lyris.
"Sulking in his lab," said Nefer-Tina. "The temp in there must be fifty below..."
"Maybe this will cheer him up," said Lyris.
"Oh cool! You fixed it!"
"Yeah. Poor Menne. He sure was hard on her..."
"Yeah."
"Speaking of, how is she?"
"Wouldn't talk to me. Or Ja-Kal. But I called Damia. Maybe she was able to..."
"Yeah. They seem to understand each other real well. It's like there's this side of her you or I can't reach. But Damia can."
"If ya think about it, we're tight like that too," said Nefer-Tina. "Maybe it's age or something..."
"I guess," said Lyris. "Makes sense."
* * *
Mennehotep's eyes flickered open. It was very dark and close within the sarcophagus. Gently she pushed free the lid, and stepped out. Night had fallen in all Net's glory. The spangled stars peeked in through the small rectangular window of her chamber. The ache of centuries rung her breast. Slowly she felt the memories surfacing. Ever since that day that her sister had arisen, she had not remembered. Not remembered till mere months ago.
Ankhenammut. Thuthmoses. Two names for the same man. A man who knew her heart for as long as she could remember. As a foster brother, a Prince, great leader of armies, and as Pharaoh, her Husband. What plagued her is that she had no image of him! Or did she! Suddenly the need to find some shred of the man she'd loved overcame her trepidation. Slowly she picked up the various objects that stood in the room. Her hands found a small sphinx carving, in black oolitic marble. The features she had so long forgotten were all there, in this small image of him. How many times had she seen the statue of Thuthmoses III in the museum, and not recalled it was her own husband, because of Chontra's curse?
A sudden feeling of dread washed over her, and she leaned against the paneled wall. "What... in the name of Isis," she breathed, even though she had no brains in her head to intake the air. The chill spread over her necrotic body with the ease of a rash. Her eyes just glimpsed the familiar three stars of Osiris. And to their left the star that was his wife. Its light seemed to pierce right into her soul and mind.
Quickly she rushed down the stairs. The queer feeling continued, washing over her whole body. Menne gasped, and writhed, tumbling headlong downwards. She only stopped to wonder why of all times did she now dream of her husband? In all the long months she'd never had a crystal clear recollection. Yet now the memories flooded into her mind's eye with the rapidity of the flooding Nile. What had been a steady trickle of facts about her family now was a merciless deluge.
"Great Isis, are you okay?" Damia asked, standing over her in concern. Menne's eyes opened as she stared up into the Amazon's wizened blue face. She was aware of something supporting her arms and back. Blue eyes glanced anxiously down into hers, from the strips of bandages on the Hunter's face. Still her fingers clenched around the small sphinx image tightly.
"Ja-Kal," she gasped. "Damia? What am I doing down here! The last thing I recall was falling down the stairs..."
"You gave me a nasty fright," said Ja-Kal sternly, as he helped her to her feet. "You were out for a good half hour!"
"What?" she asked. Damia nodded her head to insist it was true.
"Oh," she gasped. "It's all so clear now! I remember!" She put a hand to her head as the memories settled into their proper place. As a dream settles when you are about to wake.
She seized Damia and hugged her tight. Grabbing Ja-Kal by the front of his bandages, she kissed him full on the mouth. So unexpected was this he almost fell over in surprise.
"Remember?" said Ja-Kal, a bit confused, as he held her at arm's length. But the bright radiance in her eyes was startling. The amethyst in her pendant flared brightly now, as if winking to life as a star.
"The spells, the incantations!" she cried. Whirling away she gestured in a semicircle over her head. Instantly a small sandstorm whirled about her head, culminating in a shower of sparks that ebbed from her fingertips. Then, spreading her arms out she seemed to float in midair for a few seconds before lowering herself to the chamber floor once more.
"What in the name of Horus?" Ja-Kal gasped, rubbing his mouth where she had kissed him. There was a faint soothing tingle on his lips that had never been there before... when they had last...
Rath and Lyris came running from the side laboratory. Armon, Nefer-Tina also came. Before him Rath brandished his ankh, a look of total panic on his face. "Ja-Kal!" he cried. "There's been a huge power surge in the astral plane! As if a massive force were suddenly released! Surely Kara must have resurfaced..."
Ja-Kal stared at Mennehotep, who now gripped his hands in her excitement. "Er, Rath, I hate to tell you this..."
"She got her powers back, you dunce!" said Damia, shaking her head. "Why does Scarab have to be automatically behind every hiccup you read on that thing!"
"She... that's terrible..."
"No, the Princess," snapped Ja-Kal. "Princess Mennehotep! Not Princess Kara!"
"The p-princess?" gasped Rath, just then noticing Mennehotep. She placed hands on her hips, and faced him. There was a mixed look in the dark eyes as they met his. Tension filled the room as there was complete silence.
"How can you be so certain that is the case?" Rath asked. There was an audible gasp from Damia.
"You dare question her judgment?" asked Ja-Kal, a bit peeved. But something did seem a bit suspect about her sudden cure.
"Believe me, I should know, Scribe," said Mennehotep. Carefully she put the statue of Thuthmoses down on a nearby table. With but a gesture suddenly water formed a small cloud over the scribe's head, and it began to rain. Indoors!
"Great Thoth!" he exclaimed. "It took years for me to learn that trick..."
"That's the first time in a while you've acknowledged my skills in magic," said she. Quickly the cloud vanished as suddenly it had appeared.
"But your Majesty, when I examined you when you first lost your powers... I had determined that there was little probability of them returning..."
"They seem there now," said Damia.
"That... is wonderful of course," said Rath, trying to be diplomatic. "But... there could be considerable danger from such a sudden resurgence..."
"What do you mean?" asked Lyris, a bit confused.
"He does have a point," said Ja-Kal, folding his arms suddenly. "This is rather unexpected. Usually the wolf's leg does not knit overnight after his fight with the bear. He must hunt successively larger and larger prey."
"How can you be sure that you have your full powers back on your own?" Rath asked. "Sudden spontaneous reversion to full power is not impossible, but it is rather suspect."
"I am very certain," said she, and gestured. JA-Kal and Rath floated six feet above the chamber floor. He gasped, astonished.
"Besides, I have slowly been regaining my abilities over time. Or have you been too full of yourself to notice?"
"I must admit that you have mastered some of the spells I have taught you. But the displays of sorcery I first saw in your initial encounter with Kara would take years of relearning to master... oh my!"
"I'm convinced!" Ja-Kal cried. "Menne... would you kindly..."
"Do you mind?" asked Rath, a bit cross still. "Put me down at once!"
"Whatever you say," said Mennehotep. Ja-Kal floated gently to the floor, and Rath plummeted like a stone.
"What I meant to say," said Rath, rubbing his backside as Lyris helped him to stand. "Was that this might merely be a side effect of some greater catastrophe. Perhaps a spell cast by your sister, or Scarab... to gain more power, and it's had a side effect..."
"Is my getting my powers back a catastrophe?" asked Mennehotep, her hands on her hips.
"No... but I mean... er..."
Anger flared up in her. She wanted to apologize, but all she remembered was the times that he underestimated her power. Yes he had tried to teach her. But the struggle it took for her to relearn the spells seemed the norm. Here was the complete opposite. Nothing seemed beyond her now.
"Rath, I think you owe her an apology," said Ja-Kal, facing Rath.
"Me? But I wasn't the idiot who let her use my bow! Look at what happened to my hat! If it had been any lower..."
"Guys, shut up," snapped Nefer-Tina. "Stop acting like babies!"
"Me an idiot?" snapped Ja-Kal. "At least I know how to conduct myself in front of a princess..."
"You a master of court etiquette, don't make me laugh! You have a lot to learn about people skills!..."
"What people skills?" asked Ja-Kal. "The Princess just happens to get her powers back, and all you can think about is that it's the side effect of some catastrophe!"
"Well it might be! How can we be sure it's permanent this time.... what if she tried using her powers, and they suddenly faded again!"
Thunder crashed through the chamber as she raised her hands. A strobe of lightening lit up Rath and Ja-Kal's faces as they stopped cold. "That does it!" screamed Mennehotep, hands over her ears. "I've had quite enough of this petty bickering!"
"But your Majesty!" they both said, turning to her.
"No! For weeks and months I've tolerated your stupid arguments! Allowed both of you to speak on my behalf! But it ends now! I am perfectly capable of making my own decisions!"
"I meant no offense," Rath said, trying to be diplomatic. "If this is about this morning, I'm terribly sorry... my behavior was inexcusable..."
"Too late for that, dummy," muttered Damia. "You should have apologized when you had the chance..."
"Please, Menne... your Majesty," said Ja-Kal softly. "I have to admit Rath does have a point. There was little chance of recovery after your... drain. Just because your powers have returned this time doesn't mean they will stay..."
"If you think my powers are so unreliable, perhaps there is some other place they are better used," said Mennehotep quietly. Slowly she turned away, drawing in a huge sigh.
"What are you saying?" asked Ja-Kal. "Menne?"
"Perhaps it is time I seek refuge elsewhere," said Mennehotep. "Ever since I came there have been dissonances..."
"That's not true," insisted Lyris. "We always get into arguments..."
"And you have given so much to us," said Damia.
"I have brought greater dangers than Scarab upon you," said Mennehotep. "My sister among them. And I have fought them all with your help. But what was the cost of my enlisting your aid? Arguments between Rath and Ja-Kal. Between Lyris and Rath. And even..."
"But that's part of life," said Lyris.
"I cannot live like this anymore," said Mennehotep. "I am perfectly capable, and always being underestimated. Living with ancient prejudices and mind-sets in a time of great wonders..."
"But we don't..." said Ja-Kal, reaching for her shoulder. Mennehotep hugged herself and stepped aside.
"I... I have to get away from here... and think!"
"You cannot leave!" cried Rath.
"Oh?" said she, turning on him. "And who are you? My husband that you could lay such restrictions on a Princess... no a Queen of Egypt! How presumptuous you are!"
"Of all the confounded arrogance," he shot back. "After all I have done for you..."
"Take your arrogance and walk to the Western gate with it!" she shouted at Rath. "Along with your platitudes and your scrolls!"
"Menne please," said Ja-Kal, grasping her shoulders. "This is not the way..."
"No, don't patronize me, Hunter!" she shouted, pushing him away. "I must fight my own battles!"
"Why... what!" he gasped.
"The bird has learned to fly once more, Ja-Kal!" she said sadly, clearly trying to phrase her words as one of his own sayings. "Her wings are mended! You cannot always protect me, Ja-Kal."
Mennehotep strode away regally, then turned to face them one last time. "I am grateful for your help and protection of me, all of you. But I fear this is where we must part..."
"Please," said Ja-Kal, rushing forwards. His hand closed around her arm."You must not go..."
"Why ever not, Hunter?" she asked.
"Because..." he stammered, hunting for the right words. "I need... I mean... we need you?"
"You already have a sorcerer, and a leader," said Mennehotep calmly. With gentle firmness she pried Ja-Kal's fingers from her arm. No anger graced her features as she retrieved the small statue, and walked towards her chamber.
* * *
The vast influx of power poured into Kara. She had not felt so energized since the time she first put on the amulet and invoked the power of Bastet. In her mind Kara could see Scarab approach. It would not be long before he came back here, and discovered her here. If only there was some way she could escape. Chondra had once taught her about teleportation. It was a difficult spell to master. Even for her. But she recalled being able to do it once. Open a dimensional portal. But there was little guarantee of the end place.
"Open doors to eternity,
Choose one for my egress
Breach time and space,
Let me slip from hence!"
Reality seemed to fold as Kara's hands gestured. A headache sprang into her mind. It took so much energy to control this spell. And she was still an intermediate sorceress. A reddish light formed into an ellipsoidal shape. Kara gritted, sweat pouring down her brow. Had to open the doors to the other dimension. So she could pass through. But she should have disappeared in smoke! Something seemed to weaken. As if someone was hammering at the fabric of another reality, struggling to push through. Her spell had weakened the space, but had failed to make a door. But she could sense another powerful force pushing through.
"Come out! Reveal yourself!" shouted Kara gesturing all the more. A blaze of lightening shot out of the oval, expanding it to full size. A blade seemed to slit space, and a light flooded through. Kara watched in amazement as a figure struggled to pull itself out.
Kara gripped the hands of the figure, pulling hard. Somehow she sensed a kindred spirit, yearning for freedom. In its hand it held a glittering sword of great power.
"Free... at last!" thundered the woman as she collapsed onto Kara. Shaking herself, she rose to her feet, and glanced down at the Egyptian woman in the white gauze gown.
"And you are the one I have to thank for my freedom," she said, glancing at Kara. Kara rose to her feet, and faced the stranger. Cruel eyes flashed with a similar light. "Foolish one. You will die...":
"I think not," said Kara, raising her hands to deflect a blast of fire. Shrieking the woman sent another blast. Kara transformed to her Lioness armor, and leapt on the woman.
"Ah, a worthy adversary," said the woman, struggling hard against Kara.
"Why did you attack me?" Kara asked, flipping her over. Her eyes registered the long scar over the woman's face.
"Your face is the face of power," Kara said.
"I could say the same. You are no weakling. I can sense the anger in you..."
"I am Princess Kara. She whose mother's name was erased from history by a man!"
"Really?" sniffed the newcomer. "I am a princess too. I am Ranee, she who would rightly rule the Amazons..."
"I have heard of you," said Kara, inclining her head. Slowly the two broke apart, panting. "And had much admiration for you. I fought to rule Egypt rightly, as the eldest, but was pushed aside by fools who did not respect me. Your legends inspired me to fight back against my weakling brother."
"Really," said Ranee. The gleam in her eyes mirrored Kara's own. "And what happened?"
"I was betrayed by my sister Mennehotep..."
"Mennehotep?" hissed Ranee. "Did you say Mennehotep?"
"She is my sister, and my sworn enemy."
"I'm beginning to like you more already," said Ranee, grinning wickedly.
"You know her, obviously," said Kara.
"She and her little friend destroyed my plans... to recover the swords of Ilkan. They will pay."
"Little friend?"
"Damia," she spat.
"Ah, that vixen," said Kara. "She almost took my head off! I wish to see her crushed."
"What say to an alliance?" asked Kara. "You and I? I wish to destroy Mennehotep, and you wish to destroy this little friend..."
"Agreed," said Ranee. "Where are we now?"
"Scarab's fortress. I suggest we get out of here before that idiot Scarab returns," said Kara. "If you wish that is..."
"Scarab," she laughed. "He is a fool. With our combined powers we could easily destroy him..."
"Why waste the energy," said Kara. "I have a place you and I can attack from with ease..."
"Then let us be off," said Ranee. In her hand she brandished the sword, and sliced to the side. A portal, much smaller this time was created. Together the amazon and the lioness stepped through.
* * *
Damia shook her head at Ja-Kal and Rath. She gathered her weapons from the wall. "Where are you going?" Ja-Kal asked. She never took all her weapons down before. Not unless she was leaving!
"Someone needs to keep her out of trouble," said Damia. "And besides, she does have a point."
"So you're leaving too?" asked Ja-Kal. "That's it? Because of one argument that doesn't involve you..."
"It does involve me, when it comes to Mennehotep's well being," said Damia, as she hunted for other personal effects.
"I have to admit," said Nefer-Tina. "You both have been at each other's throats lately. When are you two going to stop the macho thing?"
"What?" they both said, glaring at her.
"I mean, give me a break!" said Nefer-Tina. "When was the last time you really stopped and appreciated all us women do around here?"
"She's right," said Damia, placing her spears and clef blades into her sarcophagus. Crossing over to the wardrobe, she began to pull various outfits down from their hangers.
"How so?" asked Rath, arms folded across his chest. Soft footsteps indicated the presence of the Muse.
"All you guys do is yell at each other when you try and solve your problems..." said Lyris. To Rath's horror she carried a whole armful of art supplies and scrolls. "And you were talking about the Princess right in front of her face. That's pretty rude in my book."
"And not to mention that she should have some say in things once and a while," said Damia. "You did go a bit ape when she went out on her own after Trynia."
"That again?" asked Ja-Kal. "I was concerned for her safety..."
"She was justified in that," said Rath. "After all it was her own guardian..."
"We almost lost Nefer-Tina," said Ja-Kal.
"You're just feeling insecure, because she might be a better leader than you even," said Nefer-Tina suddenly, tossing a bunch of her own clothes into her sarcophagus.
"What in Ra's name does that mean?" asked Ja-Kal, getting angry.
"Oh come on! You remember when we switched bodies, and you said something about 'a mere woman' leading the Guardians? Well, here is one, and she kicks Tut!"
"She is a Princess," said Rath.
"Yeah. That too. But at least she's not a stuck up snob," said Damia to Rath.
"Yeah Rath," said Nefer-Tina. "And the thought of anyone leading the Guardians who's a woman makes you scared! You didn't like the thought of me taking over when Ja-Kal wasn't around!"
"When was this?" asked Ja-Kal, really feeling lost.
"What has got into you?" asked Armon, wondering why the women suddenly were packing everything as they were talking.
"I'll tell you," said Nefer-Tina. "Common sense. If Menne wants to go, let her go! What's the harm in her leaving to cool off for a while?"
"Someone else had better go after her too," said Lyris. "I've volunteered myself. It's funny that Damia and I were thinking the same thing..."
"Lyris, why?" asked Rath, holding his hands out to the Muse. He stepped into her way to block her from leaving.
"She's my friend," said Lyris, elbowing Rath aside. "And she does have a point. You don't really appreciate us girls."
"But I thought you of all the women would be the most sensible..." he sputtered.
"Nefer?" said Lyris, dropping her stuff into her sarcophagus. Slowly she upended it, and placed it on a luggage schlepper.
"Count me in," said Nefer-Tina. Arms around each other's shoulders, they turned to their packing.
"But you can't go!" said Ja-Kal. "What about the Prince? You have a sacred duty."
"We'll be protecting him too," said Nefer-Tina, taking one end of Lyris' sarcophagus as the Muse lifted it. "But we'll do it our way!"
"And that doesn't mean we have to stay in the same place as you clods to do it," said Lyris.
"Now wait a minute! Lyris, be reasonable!" Rath cried, rushing after them as they headed to the garage. Armon made little move to interfere as the girls carried case after case. As a matter of fact he grabbed a whole stack and trotted it out for them.
"Nefer-Tina," cried Ja-Kal, as he rushed after Rath. "Please, think about what you are doing! We must be a team!"
"No, absolutely not!" said Rath. "You cannot take the Hot-Ra!"
"Wrestle you for it, big boy!" Nefer-Tina laughed as they loaded their stuff inside the vehicle.
"But where are you running off to?" asked Ja-Kal.
"That's for us to know, and you to find out," said Damia, putting her sarcophagus beside Nefer-Tina's. Grunting, she tried to lift it. Nefer-Tina pulled and tugged, and they managed to get it wedged into the second set of seats.
"I dare you to drive away with me standing here!" Rath cried, flailing his arms wide as Nefer-Tina started the motor. "Do you hear me! You are not leaving!"
"Nefer-Tina!" shouted Ja-Kal. "Don't cut yourself off from us! It doesn't have to be like this..."
"Don't play chicken with me," she laughed, and revved the engine. Rath stood resolute, till he realized she was seriously going to pull out. At the last moment he jumped clear as the Hot-Ra rolled away.
"They're really gone," said Armon, watching the dust cloud as it receded into the distance.
"Thank you for that brilliant observation," Rath grunted, picking himself up from the stone floor. He dusted himself off, and snorted.
"Well, you made a botch up of that," snorted Rath, glaring at Ja-Kal. "I didn't see you doing anything to stop them!"
"Me? You were the one who made a fool of yourself..."
"Aw guys, give it up," groaned Armon, shaking his head.
* * *
In the back of an old computer warehouse Nefer-Tina pulled up. "This is the address Menne gave for her," she remarked.
"Yeah," said Damia. They were all dressed in street clothing now as they slipped out of the Hot Ra. The strange dingy neighborhood suddenly rose oppressively around them.
"What a dump," muttered Nefer-Tina.
"Were you expecting the royal palace?" asked Damia, walking over to the steel shuttered door. Already the stars were out on the fine night. Raising her amulet, she spoke into it.
"How do we even know where Menne is?" asked Lyris of Damia.
"I had a hunch, as she was leaving. You see, I had a message a few days ago, from Trynia."
"Trynia?" asked Lyris, excited. "She contacted you?"
"Yeah. Told me her address. Was just checking in on Mennehotep. I naturally told the princess. And this seemed to be the first place she'd come."
"Makes sense," said Nefer-Tina, as the door swung upwards with a rattle. A familiar figure stood in the doorway. There was a glint of gold on one cheek as she strode forwards.
"Trynia!" cried Damia running to her. Eagerly she hugged the anthropologist.
"What a surprise," said Trynia. "Great to see you all again!"
Lyris and Nefer-Tina rushed over to greet her. "Wait a minute, one question at a time" said Trynia. "I suggest you pull that conspicuous vehicle in her before the neighbors start to talk."
Nefer-Tina pulled the Hot-Ra inside the vast space. The steel garage door slid shut with a bang. Trynia waved, and large flourescent lights flickered on. It was an ordinary warehouse, packed with boxes and plastic draped objects.
"However did you get this place?" asked Nefer-Tina in amazement.
"I developed connections," said Trynia. "I took a job as a computer programmer. Sold a few artifacts, and got the money to rent this place as a ordering facility. Moved my operations here..."
"To fix your time machine?" asked Lyris.
"Yeah. And some other projects."
"Is the Princess here?" asked Nefer-Tina.
"Yes. Somehow she knew you'd come after her," said Trynia, reaching for the sarcophagi in the Hot-Ra. Before anyone could help her she'd stacked two atop each other, and balanced them to carry them in. Lyris and Damia wrestled with the remaining one, of the Fox as she shouldered them into place against one wall in the adjoining office.
* * *
Kara and Ranee materialized close to the Museum. Overhead Net spread her spangled body. Ranee sheathed the glittering sword on the holster slung cross her shoulder. She turned, her long blond hair like pale gold in the moonlight. "Such a world as this," she breathed. "To conquer..."
"I agree," said Kara, deactivating her armor. She gestured, and conjured up her blue leather jacket with matching miniskirt and black stockings. "But you are conspicuous in that outfit. I would suggest something a bit more of this world."
"Like this?" said Ranee, and gestured. Before her Kara glanced appreciatively at the ensemble. She wore long loose bell-bottomed pants with high stack heeled boots. Her long hair hung straight round her shoulders. The striped spaghetti strapped shirt showed off her well muscled arms. Still her metal bracelets encircled her arms.
"Yes," said Kara. "Very fetching. Good sense of style."
"We aren't here for a fashion show," said Ranee. "But it doesn't hurt."
"I sense something familiar," said Kara. "How about you?"
Ranee grinned evilly as she glanced at the Museum in the darkness. "The scent of walking dead, you mean?"
An engine roared as a vehicle streaked past. Kara pulled Ranee out of the way just before it could hit them. "What was that?" Ranee asked.
"I don't know. It drove away too fast..."
They suddenly turned to face from whence it came. Near the park. Kara's eyes flickered towards the bay. A strange sight met her eyes. "Ranee, from what direction would you say you got that sense? From the west?"
"That's right. I am hardly wrong..."
"Look at that building. Look familiar?"
"Like a Sphinx," said Ranee. Their eyes met, and gleamed.
"You thinking what I'm thinking?"
"They have the saying about brilliant minds," said Ranee. "I've heard it used on your world."
"Mennehotep would be with the others," said Kara. "In a secret place."
"Which we have found," said Ranee, as they strode forwards. Both rubbed their hands eagerly.
* * *
Presley Carnarvon stood near the carved Egyptian table where Armon, Rath, and Ja-Kal sat. Armon was devouring slice after slice of pizza. Rath glumly picked at his one single slice. Ja-Kal didn't even bother to take a third piece.
"I can't believe they just left," said Presley. "And you just let them go???"
"I couldn't stop Mennehotep," said Ja-Kal.
"But what if Scarab tries to get her?" asked Presley.
"Not likely with Damia around," said Armon, through a mouthful of food.
"And Lyris and Nefer-Tina,"said Rath, sighing heavily.
"But you could have said something," said Presley. "Like apologized or something..."
"I apologized," said Rath. "But did she listen? No. I might as well have been talking to a Shabti for all she cared..."
"Rath, can't you get a clue?" said Presley. "My mom's always telling me you should apologize as soon as you can. And you sure took your time..."
"I was involved with other projects," said Rath.
"That's no excuse," said Ja-Kal.
"I wasn't the one who spoke on her behalf, Ja-Kal, without her leave..." Rath retorted.
"Guys, knock it off," snapped Presley. "So what if you're both wrong? Big whooping deal! So what! You gotta go and apologize to all of them..."
"Or we'll never see them again?" said Armon. "Geez, I miss Nefer-Tina and the girls already!"
Rath and Ja-Kal looked at each other. "I'm sorry," Rath sighed. "My behavior was inexcusable. I was more angry at you for allowing the Princess to use a bow... which could have caused more harm... and caused her embarrassment..."
"But that's it," said Presley. "She's not a kid. She's all grown up. And you treat her just like me..."
"I do not," said Rath. Then he hung his head. "Yes, I must admit I do..."
"I'm sorry too," said Ja-Kal. "I did let my own feelings get in the way of my judgment. I should have let her prove herself, instead of always hovering over her. But I can't help it..."
"Neither can I," admitted Rath. "She does have that effect on people. One cannot help but be compelled to protect a member of the Royal house..."
"Poor simpleminded fools," sneered a female's voice. "So easily hurt by a female!"
"What?" gasped Ja-Kal, spinning around. Armon leapt up, knocking the table over. For two figures stood in the main chamber.
"How did you get here!" gasped Rath, spitting out a piece of food he'd been chewing on.
"Simplicity itself," laughed Ranee. "And now you will regret your foolishness."
"With the Strength of RA!" they cried, grabbing their amulets. Instantly the aspects of Horus, Thoth and Khumn stood int their places, placing themselves between the Prince and the two invaders.
Ja-Kal fired an arrow towards Kara, who blocked it with ease. Ranee drew her blades, racing toward Rath with fury in her eyes. Her blade clanged against his.
Armon grabbed Presley, and tried to escape. But Kara shouted to the walls, "Animate!"
A huge stone figure loosened itself, grabbing Armon. The Prince fell from his arms. Rath grunted as Ranee parried his every stroke, fierceness in her eyes. Her screams at each stroke grated on his ears. What strength she had.
"This is enough," he said, and summoned a blast of green energy. They broke apart. He hurled a blast at her.
Ranee suddenly pointed with a curious gesture, and fire exploded from her fingertips at him. Surprised, his blast dissipated. The fired ringed the Scribe all around. Another blast hit his blade. Gasping from the heat he dropped it.
"You know sorcery!" he gasped.
"Right guess," she laughed, and suddenly floated above the ground. Rath flipped forwards, leaping out of the circle.
Kara's claws raked into JA-Kal. He could not fight off her savage attack. His bow fell to the floor, and she kicked it aside. "Not so mighty without your toy," she laughed. He hurled her away. Kara righted herself, gesturing. The floor gave way, melting into butter and wrapping itself around him. Armon pounded the statue's arm to dust. But Kara summoned a wind, battering him down.
Rath and Ranee exchanged mystical blows. She was Chondra's equal! And mastered fire elemental spells as well! The flaming bursts singed at his bandages as he struggled to ward them off. His energy cracked against hers, canceling out.
Kara fell upon Ja-Kal, helpless on the floor. Leave him alone!" shouted Presley, jumping on her.
"Stupid boy," she laughed, and hurled a blast at him. Mystical serpents snaked from the wall, wrapping around Presley. He crumpled.
Rath was alone against them both. Ranee fired her blasts of fire, as Kara's blue blasts of wind knocked him over. He struggle, his green energy fizzling against them.
But to no avail. Kara and Ranee's blasts immobilized the scribe. With a whispered spell Kara transformed him to stone. And Ja-Kal, and Armon. Ranee's eyes glittered wickedly. "Good spell," said she.
"I had a good teacher," said Kara. "Now what about the prince? Shall I turn him to stone?"
"Nothing so basic," said Ranee. "Anyway that spell doesn't work on the living. I have something far better in mind for him..."
"You'll never win!" cried Presley. "Someone wills stop you?"
"Oh, you mean my sister?" laughed Kara.
"Or Damia?" laughed Ranee. "You poor foolish boy. That's what we want to happen! For them to come after you! All you need to do is use your amulet..."
"I won't!" he cried.
"I can easily shatter these statues," said Kara, raising her hands.
"No!" cried Presley. "Okay... you win."
"Good boy," smiled Ranee, her hand tilting his chin up. "Your mother brought you up well..."
Presley gritted his teeth in anger. There had to be a way to stop them. Even in the Sphinx, which they had now!
* * *
The women all gathered together in the office lounge. Unlike the Sphinx, the modern plush couch was soft to their backsides, thought Nefer-Tina. She stretched out luxuriously on the sofa before the spirit box of Trynia. On one side table sat a small statue of a rather handsome man. Nefer-Tina picked it up in her hands, and turned it over. The features looked much like the one large statue in the Bay museum. Another larger statue sat near the line of sarcophagi, sitting on a pedestal. In its black oolitic glory it stared down at her with a slight smile on the full lips. "By Ra he's handsome," Nefer-Tina breathed.
It was Thutmoses III, Mennehotep's husband from ancient Egypt. The smaller statue she held had been in Menne's chamber only recently. Somehow she'd needed it. And Nefer-Tina and Lyris had conspired to slip the small statue to her as a sort of a "housewarming" gift.
Trynia and Lyris faced off in a garage area. The muse and the anthropologist practiced their combat skills. While Lyris was fast, Trynia seemed quite quick for her larger size. Lyris staff whacked Trynia's legs with lightening speed. As she sailed overhead, Trynia grabbed her in mid pass, flipping her. Lyris quickly recovered.
Mennehotep and Damia also sparred, with their own spears. Damia's spear clanged against Mennehotep's, pushing hard. Full of an unusual amount of aggression, the Princess pushed far harder than usual. "Easy, channel it!" said Damia.
Mennehotep gritted her teeth. Shrieking, she shoved forwards, knocking Damia flat onto her back. She pounced on the Amazon, spear raised. Damia blocked her with the shaft, desperately pushing up against the princess. Who suddenly froze rigid as a statue. "Oh no," she gasped.
Trynia too stopped. Her eyes stared forwards into an imperceptible dimension. "There is a breach in the space time continuum," she announced, holding Lyris back with one hand. Confused, the Muse lowered her staff.
"What are you talking about?"
"A rift in reality has been created," said Trynia. "What you might call..."
"A portal?" asked Damia. She shivered with fear. Her eyes widened as she looked to Mennehotep. The two women glanced at each other simultaneously.
"I sense you have experienced dimensional travel?" said Trynia, resting hands on her hips.
"Yes," said Damia. "Our last adventure. We passed into the Realm of Ilkan."
"I am not familiar with that world," said Trynia. "What are the coordinates..."
"It's a realm," said Damia. "And you just... arrive there... by a portal..."
"Trynia, we fought a woman from Damia's old tribe. Named Ranee. She had two swords..."
Trynia listened patiently as Damia and Mennehotep related their recent adventure. Thoughtfully she folded her arms across her chest, looking for a moment like Rath. That same intensity of thought spread over her cyber-cheeked face. "Hmm. I was not aware that Amazons had access to dimensional travel. Most fascinating. That must coincide with the portals I registered a few weeks ago..."
"You knew?" asked Damia.
"I couldn't pinpoint the source. But this feels much closer. I can trace the energy signature..."
"I can feel it," said Mennehotep. "Magic. And I feel a surge of a familiar presence. It's Kara. My sister."
"Your powers have returned?" asked Trynia, raising an eyebrow. "That is favorable!"
"Rath didn't think so," said Lyris.
"He's a fool," said Damia.
"Not exactly," said Trynia. "I hypothesis that he thought your surge was only a side effect of the recent magic shifts. He knew it as well as I. Memory regain isn't always permanent. I'd like to think in your case it is. I can sense the change in your em field..."
"What?"
"Your aura," said Trynia. "It's exactly like when you were back in Ancient Egypt. At least the magic signature, superimposed over your necrotic signature. Much like Rath's."
"I hope it's permanent," said Mennehotep. "I have a feeling we will need my magic more now than ever. If Kara has returned. But wait! I sense another with her!"
"Who?" asked Lyris.
"Ranee..." gasped Mennehotep, hands to the side of her head. "I remember that feeling!"
"No," gasped Damia, going pale. "I sent her away!"
"Perhaps she found a way back," said Lyris.
"But I disposed of the swords," said Damia.
They all went into the lounge, and sat on the stuffed loungers and sofa. Nefer-Tina looked up from the Spirit box. "Hey, what's wrong, Damia?"
"Ranee is back," said Damia grimly. "Mennehotep sensed her presence. And Trynia said she sensed a dimensional portal..."
"We gotta warn the guys," said Nefer-Tina. She reached for her amulet.
Suddenly all their amulets wailed in alarm. Over them came the frantic voice of Presley. "You gotta come now... they're all statues...."
"What?" gasped Nefer-Tina.
"You gotta come! But it's a tr...."
The words were choked at the source. Trynia looked around at the grim faces of Damia, Mennehotep, and Lyris.
"It's a trap," said Damia. "If Ranee is here, she'd use the Prince to get to me.... but what do we do! If we all go, we could be destroyed."
"And if we don't, the Prince may die," said Nefer-Tina.
"We must do something," said Mennehotep. Instinctively her hand went to caress the statue laying on the table. As if seeking advice from Thuthmoses himself. Her husband was a mighty warrior, leader of armies. He knew her heart. And she was a warrior too, he had long ago said. Wanting to fight for a better Egypt.
"We cannot let the Prince down. But we cannot let Kara and Ranee onto us. I have an idea... we do have one resource they don't."
"Let me guess. Trynia," said Damia.
"Right. This is what we will do. I hope you don't mind..."
"What choice do we have," said Lyris. "You are in charge."
"I thank you for your support..."
"Hey, don't worry," said Damia. "What now, boss lady?"
"This is what we do," said Mennehotep, gesturing to all of them to gather around. "We must go to the Sphinx. But not all of us. One will remain here..."
All of them slipped into a huddle as Menne lay her plan.
* * *
As they slipped into the Sphinx, Mennehotep placed hands to the sides of her head. Behind her two cubits sauntered Damia, carrying her spear, then Lyris, who held her staff at the ready.
"What a mess," Damia quipped, glancing quickly about. "We're gone one day, and look at this place."
Indeed, the tipped over tables and chairs bore witness to quite a scuffle. An empty pizza box and several slices of a pepperoni pie were strewn before it. Something in the back of Damia's mind rang deja-vu. Ranee had been here. Long ago she and her mother had been in the village of Amazons at Ilkan. Eating a banquet...
Mennehotep froze, and held Lyris back. "Stop," said she. "They are here... somewhere..."
"I see no one," she said. But Menne's eyes flickered back and forth beneath her ibis mask. For a second she looked quite like Ja-Kal, vigilant for the slightest sound.
In one corner stood three statues. Lyris could not recall carving new ones in such poses. Nearby on the floor lay a gleaming object. Before Mennehotep could stop her, she darted forwards to pick it up. "Lyris, no!" cried Mennehotep.
Simultaneously Damia remembered. Girian and Willa had both raised their goblets to their mouths at the sumptuous feast, and no sooner had they drank, then it happened. There was a loud scream and cry as enemy amazons sprang from behind the festive decorations at Girian's coronation feast...
And Girian grabbed little Damia from her cradle, with the swords. Barely had she created a portal before Ranee's....
Lyris scooped up Rath's sword in her hands, cradling it. Her eyes fell on the statue of him. How lifelike it was. Even beyond her abilities to recreate. "I know I didn't carve those..."
"That's not a carving," said Mennehotep. "Its them!"
No sooner had she picked up the sword, then there was a blaze of energy that threw her to the floor. Mennehotep threw up a sphere of protection, managing to ward most of the blast off of herself and Damia. A blond figure in full amazonian armor stepped forth from the shadows.. She raised her finger, and pointed towards Lyris. A blaze of fire erupted. It vaporized upon contact with Menne's barrier.
Damia saw the glitter of the dimensional sword. She hurled her chakram at Ranee. With a shriek she dropped the sword. Taking her chance, Damia rushed forwards. Lyris picked herself off the floor, still clutching Rath's sword. Her eyes registered a golden sparkle leaping from one side. "Damia, Menne!" she shouted, racing forwards with Rath's sword in one hand, her staff in the other. The Jackal fell upon the Lioness. Damia managed to grab the sword away from Ranee.
"What have you done with the Prince!" cried Lyris, staff whirling at Kara. "What have you done with them..."
"You poor fool. Those statues are them!"
"Nooo!" screamed Lyris.
Kara raised her finger, laughing, "You will now join them!"
Menne hurled a blast at her sister. Lyris recovered long enough to pick herself up.
Damia still struggled against Ranee, dodging fire blasts as she kept the sword safely away from Ranee. It was a strange game of three to one, where Kara busied herself with Lyris, and Ranee fired blast after blast at the tumbling Damia. Menne split her concentration, protecting Damia the one minute with various force fields while firing amethyst blasts at either sorceress.
However, Kara wrestled Lyris' staff away. "You are lost," she cackled, and began to chant an incantation in ancient Egyptian. Lyris reached for Rath's sword which was tucked into her sash.
Menne breathed as she recognized the spell. "Lyris, get away!" she cried, activating her wings and hurling herself at Lyris.
Ranee blasted a fireball towards Damia, who leapt. She followed with another blast at Menne. Distract by Lyris, Mennehotep crashed to the floor. Luckily her armor had protected her from being fried. "No!" cried Damia, the sword upraised as she tumbled forwards. Ranee stepped backwards, but not before Damia's sword clanged against her gauntlets.
Energy cracked from Kara. It snaked around Lyris. Just then she drew Rath's sword, putting it between herself and the sorceress. Weakly Mennehotep raised her hand, trying to protect her friend. But the fire blast took much out of her. She shook her head, trying to concentrate.
"What is going on!" gasped Kara. For Lyris was unaffected! Menne laughed.
"You dummy! As long as she holds that sword she's safe!" cried Ranee. Lyris realized that Rath's enchanted sword made her immune to the spell! She sliced at Kara, deflecting the magic blasts with Rath's blade. Slowly she arced around, till she was between Kara and Menne. With precious seconds Menne spoke a healing spell to eliminate the fire damage.
Then she stood, wings extended. It was too close to fly in the grand chamber. Yet she gestured, and a bolt of lightening channeled towards Ranee. Damia was given brief respite as Ranee channeled a fire blast at the lightening. The two forces vaporized and crackled.
"Lyris, free Rath!" cried Mennehotep. "Touch his body with the sword! It should free him..."
She chanted a spell, and energy seeped toward the khepesh. Infused with purple energy it glowed in the Muse's hands. Mennehotep shrieked, leaping onto Kara. Damia raised her sword, deflecting the next fire blast from Ranee. Yet it grew red hot in her hands. How long would her gauntlets protect her?
Lyris darted behind the statue of Rath. Carefully she raised the sword. Would it work? It made sense, for while she held the sword she was unaffected by Kara's spell. With a brief tap she contacted the blade with the statue. Immediately the purple energy fizzed around the Scribe's form. Stone became bandaged flesh once more. "Rath!" she cried, throwing herself into his arms.
Which still were upraised stiffly before his face. "Rath!" she cried. "What's wrong!"
A low groan erupted from his lips. "Spell... not... completely... broken..." he grunted.
"How do I reverse it!" she agonized.
Meanwhile Mennehotep was freed from having to protect Lyris. She concentrated all her energy on stopping Kara. Yet Damia had little advantage over Ranee's fire blasts. Mennehotep could cast a spell to protect her, but it would take too much time. "I'm sorry!" she shouted to Damia. "I could protect you... ugh..."
"No, don't worry about me!" she cried. "You have your battles, and I have mine! It's only fair we don't interfere..."
So saying she flipped onto her back. Ranee stepped forwards, hand pointed at her. She stuck out her feet, and tripped the other Amazon. Angrily Ranee tumbled to the ground. Damia leapt on her, and the two rolled over pushing and wrestling. At close quarters perhaps she could get a few blows in. She hurled Ranee towards the far wall.
Kara and Mennehotep gestured towards each other. The two sisters seemed evenly matched, for as Kara summoned wind, Mennehotep gestured, and a sandstorm blew into Kara's face. Blinded, Kara's blast hit her shield. Then Menne followed through with a blast of lightening. It cracked against Kara's armor, but did no damage.
"Lyr.. Is..." gasped Rath. "Take... my hat..."
"What?" she asked.
"It... will give you control... of my... power... temporarily..." he grunted. "Help... you free me..."
"What?" she said, and slipped the hat from his head. Carefully she put it on, removing her Jackal mask. She looked rather comical, with her white hair sticking out the sides.
"Now... repeat... after me... and raise your hands..."
She did as she was told. Energy sizzled from Rath's amulet, infusing into the jewel on his hat. Lyris felt infused with his mystical energies. Ancient words slipped from her lips as she pointed his sword at Damia. Instantly she was cocooned in light. The flames of Ranee's blasts didn't seem to phase her now.
She thanked Isis for his timely intervention. He thought of her own safety before his own. Now she could really fight Ranee on equal terms. Kara and Mennehotep continued to barrage each other with various spells. One moment Kara turned the floor to butter as she had with Armon. But Menne levitated, raising her hands. The floor became solid once more, and fused around her sister. But Kara's form blazed with light, and the rock cocoon cracked into smithereens that flew into various shards towards Mennehotep. She barely managed to form a barrier to ward them off. Kara leapt, her claws raking into Menne's barrier.
Menne dropped the barrier, kicking with her amethyst boots. Kara flew backwards. She chanted, as a wind swept up Mennehotep and blew her backwards. Menne's wings compensated, and she held her ground, throwing blast after blast of purple energy at Kara.
Ranee placed her hands on the blade, heating the sword. But Damia pushed down, unaffected by the heat. Ranee screamed, and kicked upwards. The blade spun away. Now she punched Damia right in the mask. She shook her head, and kicked back at Ranee. Angrily Ranee blasted her at fire, at point blank range. But Damia's bandages weren't even singed. "I face you on my terms," she said, with a laugh.
"Yeaarh!" screamed Ranee, falling upon her. Her hand clenched the sword, and she slashed. Damia's spear blocked each blow.
Kara staggered at Menne's last blast. As Menne advanced, she suddenly turned, and threw herself bodily at Menne. The ibis flew backwards, crashing against the wall headfirst. She was stunned with the force of impact. Barely she managed to bring up her gauntlet to parry Kara's blue blast. To her fear she couldn't concentrate past the haze in her mind. Her hand reached for any sort of weapon. Unfortunately she did not have Damia's amazon spear. Yet she spotted Ja-Kal's bow on h floor, inches from her hand. She whirled out of the way as another blast crackled at her. Her hands found the bow, and the quiver of arrows nearby.
Lyris continued to try spells that Rath fed her. One after the other they failed. She could do little to help the other two women as they were locked in mortal combat with their nemesis. Somehow it would not seem right to interfere. It would be barbaric to attack Kara or Ranee while their backs were turned. Anyway, she had to find the prince still. And Rath might be able to help stop Ranee should Menne be overpowered.
Instinctively she spread her wings, and managed to rise in the blasts of wind her sister pelted her with. The blast blew her up to the ceiling. Hands found the arrow, fitting it to string. Holding herself steady on the air column, she aimed. The arrow might blow back.
Kara stopped her wind spell. Menne circled, her wings limited in the small chamber. An arrow caught fire, and shot towards the lioness. Surprised, she jumped aside. Menne landed, and fired again.
Lyris chanted one final spell. Instantly the three male mummies were transformed to their old selves. Rath, Armon and Ja-Kal chanted their summoning spell.
Ranee and Kara backed away, as they saw the advance of the newly freed Mummies. Glancing at each other they stood side by side. Kara chanted her dimensional spell, as Ranee's sword swished to the one side.
"Where is the prince!" shouted Mennehotep, rasing the bow to cover Kara and Ranee. "Tell me, or this arrow finds a new target..."
"Where else, but Ilkan itself!" laughed Ranee, as she moved towards the portal. The arrow flew at Kara, who simply deflected it.
But Rath gestured, and a green blast shot forth towards the two women. Harmlessly it dissipated against Ranee's fire spell. Damia leapt forwards, spear upraised as she attacked Ranee. Simultaneously Mennehotep activated her wings, flying after her friend as the two sorceresses raced towards the portal. Before the other mummies could reach them, the four vanished.
"No!" cried Ja-Kal, flying towards Menne with his own wings. But the portal cracked shut just as he crashed against the far wall.
Armon rushed to his side, helping his leader to stand. Lyris stood near Rath and gasped, "What are we going to do?"
"Rath, is she right? Is the prince really no longer here?"
Rath reached for his amulet. "I am afraid so."
"Then it is up to Damia and Mennehotep," said Ja-Kal. "Again..."
"Not necessarily," said another voice. From the front door, a familiar figure strode. In her golden hands she clutched a device of wires and quartz.
"Trynia!" gasped Rath. "Of all the surprises!"
"They are trapped, halfway between our dimension, and that of Ilkan," said Trynia.
"How?" asked Ja-Kal, frantically worried about Menne and Damia.
"My time machine has sealed off the portal's end... blocking the way to Ilkan..." said Trynia. "They closed the door, but they are nowhere..."
"Where is the prince?" asked Ja-Kal.
"He is in Ilkan," said Trynia. "Once Damia told me about the dimensional swords, I was able to pinpoint the location in time space... to the other sword. I used my machine to tease apart space, and attract the other sword... a powerful source of energy..."
"Huh?" asked Armon. "What was that..."
"It's like the magnets on Mr. Science's world," Trynia explained. "Remember that episode about the compass and the north pole..."
"Oh yeah!" cried Armon.
"So you attracted the Power sword with your machine," said Damia. "Wow, that's clever..."
"Er, I do know a little bit about dimensional travel," said Trynia. "And those swords are quite a piece of work. I must find some way of chatting with the blacksmith that forged them. They do magikaly what I've been trying to get my own machien to do for weeks!"
"I thought you were from a world where the scienc was even more advanced than this time," said Rath.
"There are some things that Magik can do far more elegantly than Science," said Trynia. "That is one of the reasons I am an anthropoligist..."
"So you admit magic exists," said Rath, folding his arms triumphantly.
"Whatever gave you the notion I believed otherwise?" asked Trynia, walking up to the scribe and glaring right into his face.
"When you said what you did about not needing to recharge..." said Rath.
"Oh that. I meant that I am a diferent species than you, and you hardly possess cybernetic relay systmes as I do..."
"Guys, what about the Prince..." said Armon.
"Sorry, your Glory," said Trynia, as she turned back. A look of guilt spread over her face that she had let her scientific debate take higher priority than the safety of the Prince.
"Can't you just use the machine to rescue the Prince?" asked Ja-Kal. "If it works like a sword..."
"That's the problem," said Trynia. "It's sealing off Ilkan from Ranee and Kara. I dare not chage the setting to pull the Prince out till they return..."
"But the Prince..."
"Is quite safe in Ilkan. As long as Ranee and Damia are trappped."
"But your mistress and Damia are trapped as well..."
"Mennehotep will prevail," said Trynia. "I have the utmost confidence in her spirit..."
"But if Ranee has the sword that makes portals," said Lyris. "Then how can your device stop it..."
"She will have to return here sooner or later. For I am not stopping her from coming back..."
"But what if they go elsewhere?" said Ja-Kal.
"I doubt that Ranee knows how to use the sword to go anywhere but between the two realms. At least from what Damia told me about how they are used..."
* * *
Somewhere between time and space they floated. Ranee and Kara clutched at each other as Ranee desperately tried to open the Realm of Ilkan. But some force was inexplicably blocking them.
"I can't make it work!" she cried. Even with Kara's spells it was no good. Menne drifted over to Damia in the strange formless void, and clutched her friend. Still her ibis armor functioned.
"We're trapped," said Damia. "Between worlds. I don't know what grace of Isis has done this... but you cannot harm anyone from here..."
"It must be Trynia," Mennehotep whispered to her friend. "She's stopped us here. With her device. It can control space and time she said."
"But we can't just stay here forever," said Damia, whispering. Ranee and Kara raised their hands to blast them, but nothing happened.
"I can't use my magic," said Ranee, looking in doubt at her finger. Kara's armor started to fizzle. It was all she could do to keep it incorporated.
"I feel so sleepy," said Kara, shaking her head. Indeed it felt as if she were floating away on a cloud. As if she could lay down and sleep forever.
"So do I," Damia whispered to Mennehotep. "What's going on..."
"Look at Kara's arm," gasped Mennehotep. Kara's armor vanished. Her head was bowed with sleep. It seemed as if she was fading from view.
"Don't go to sleep," Menne gasped, shaking Damia. "If... you do..."
"What do you mean," Damia gasped, waking up.
"This void... is drawing us into it. It's not safe to stay here..."
Ranee's eyes flickered. Kara was starting to fade. Desperately Mennehotep said, "You have to return us back home! Or we will all cease to exist."
"Never!" cried Ranee, jerking awake. "You will die with us..."
Mennehotep activated her wings, soaring at her. Her hand grabbed the sword form Ranee's hand. Instantly she waved it. But nothing happened.
"You fool, you will die with us," said Ranee.
"Trynia, hear me!" gasped Mennehotep, grasping her amulet.
* * *
Trynia started to fiddle with her device. Instantly there was a surge of power as the heart of the machine glowed. "What's going on?" asked Rath and Ja-Kal.
"Menne has the sword! I'm going to reopen the barrier to Ilkan..."
"How do you know?"
"I sensed her thoughts. Now she has control, I can act..."
"You purposely trapped them there..." said Rath. "But they could have been destroyed by the others..."
"Menne's spirit is strong. And her compassion gives her the strength. For between worlds are powerful forces that cancel magic. Except those of the spirits. And Menne and Damia, being necrotic, are not as badly affected as Kara and Ranee. The living if they loose control of their minds, cease to exist. But the animate dead can exist a bit longer, for their minds are not so occupied with the running of living bodies..."
The sword sliced through the air, and all four tumbled out. Instantly Ja-Kal grabbed Kara, and Armon grabbed Ranee. Rath raised his hands, and summoned magical bonds to hold them. Still they slumbered.
"Menne!" cried Ja-Kal, walking towards her. In one hand she held his bow.
"Ja-Kal," she gasped, feeling a bit tired. She leaned heavily on Damia.
"Do you... need my help?" Ja-Kal asked, holding his gauntleted arms towards her. Trynia moved to help her mistress, still holding the machine.
"Ja-Kal..." she gasped, and gripped his hand. "I could use... a bit of it..."
Trynia backed away as Ja-Kal slipped his arm around her waist. "I believe this belongs to you," she said, handing the bow to him.
"You did quite well with it yourself," said he, taking it from her. "Here, rest yourself..."
She let him hold her close as he supported her weight with one arm. In the meantime, Lyris went to help Damia. The amazon looked up at Rath. "Thank you for protecting me," she told him.
"It was my pleasure," said he, inclining his head to her.
"Can you bring back the prince with that thing?" asked Mennehotep.
"The sword, if you please," said Trynia. Menne handed it to her guardian, hilt first. Trynia took the weapon, and studied it. She slipped it into the machine next to her other one. There was a red glow as Trynia twisted a few rods and bars on the machine.
With a sizzling sound a beam shot out. A portal sprang into existence. Trynia leapt through. For a few tense seconds everyone's eyes were riveted to the glowing disc. Unnoticed, Ranee and Kara blinked awake.
Then her head and shoulders thrust through. Under her arm she carried Presley. "Hi guys," he said, as she set him on his feet again. Rath's shackles sizzled away as Kara reversed his spell. Slowly they rose to their feet, and inched their way towards Trynia's machine...
"Are you all right my Prince," Ja-Kal asked.
There was a sudden flare of energy as Kara threw up a barrier. Everyone whirled about. Eagerly Ranee reached for the sword, imbedded inside the machine....
"No!" cried Trynia, pushing through Kara's barrier with ease. Surprise crossed the Princesses' face as she raced to stop Ranee. Yet Ranee already had withdrawn one sword, the sword of power. She raised it over Trynia' machine, and brought it crashing down!
Trynia grabbed the other sword, and pulled it clear. Her machine exploded in a haze of fire that blinded everyone. When the blinding radiance faded, everyone picked themselves up. Groggily Ja-Kal helped Mennehotep to her feet as Damia was assisted by Armon, and Lyris by Rath. Trynia lay on the floor in a heap, one sword of Ilkan in her cybernetic hand.
"I tried to stop them," she apologized. "But they were too fast."
"What happened?" asked Mennehotep.
"She got one of the swords. And destroyed my machine. All that work!"
"Now you can't get home," said Lyris sadly.
"I can remake it," said Trynia. "But..."
"Ranee has the one sword again," gritted Damia. Armon's hand tightened on her shoulder with sympathy.
"But I have the other," said Trynia, brandishing it.
"That's the sword of power," said Mennehotep, examining it. "And as long as we have it, she won't have complete power..."
"I suppose," said Damia. "But she got away..."
"But we did win," said Mennehotep, glancing at everyone gathered around. "And that is what matters."
"Yes," said Ja-Kal. "The Prince is safe. And that is paramount."
"But they know where we are..." said Rath, coming up.
"Not for long," said Trynia. She glanced over the remains of her machine, crouching on her knees.
"What?" asked everyone.
"When my machine blew up," Trynia explained, rummaginge through the mass of fused quartz and steel. "They slipped back in time. They are somewhere in the past... by a few hours."
"How can you tell?" asked Mennehotep, crossing over to her guardian. Trynia held up what looked like a LED. It was frozen with a specific time.
"Hey, that reads 4 PM," said Presley. "This afternoon."
"Oh no, we're going to have to go thru this all again?" asked Lyris.
"No. I cannot detect the other sword anywhere on this planet," said Trynia. "They are long gone. But their past experiences are erased form their minds. You were all unaffected, and will remember, but they were in the path of the machine. And I being as I am... am not affected by time disturbances..."
Rath opened his mouth, and stopped. All questions had answers, except an obvious one.
Nefer-Tina rushed in fully armored, whip in hand. "Aw man!" she cried. "You left me out of the fun..."
"If this is fun," said Damia, turning on her. "Then I'll settle for one of Rath's lectures..."
"Now look here..." he said as everyone laughed. Trynia grinned at him, and he joined in as well.
Nefer-Tina burst into laughter as she saw Lyris. "You... look totally ridiculous!" she guffawed. Everyone suddenly noticed that Rath's hat was perched precariously on her head. And she looked so silly!
"Er, I don't think anyone can fill this hat quite like you," she said, handing it back to him with his sword. Slowly he took it from her hands, his own touching hers briefly. He placed it upon his bandaged head once more.
"No, no one can," said Lyris, as she still kept her hand in his.
"I take it this means I'm forgiven?" said Rath, looking into her turquoise eyes.
"Not just yet," said Mennehotep, striding over to him. Rath gulped, and Lyris backed away. Menne's onyx eyes glared into his as her hands rested on his hips.
"Er, your majesty," he babbled, and backed away. She stood right within a cubit of him, and stopped. Her nose was inches from his.
"I believe I owe you an apology," she said.
"What?" he asked, totally caught off guard. "How dare you! Why... I owe you an apology..."
"Thank you Rath," she smiled, and leaned up on her tiptoes. Both hands gripped his shoulders. Her lips pressed briefly against his cheek, and he sighed with relief. Affectionately he pressed his own lips against hers. Coughing they stepped back one pace each, looking away.
"Talk about kissing and making up," muttered Damia. Still she seemed triumphant. Rath and the Princess looked back at each other, smiles on their faces. A great tension snapped like a rubber band as Armon hugged Nefer-Tina, and she hugged him back. He then grabbed Damia and gave her a big hug as well. Like a brother would give to a favorite sister.
"Thank you Trynia," said Ja-Kal, shaking her hand. He'd learned the custom from Presley, and implemented it often. Rath slipped his arm around Lyris' waist. She slid her own arm around his, and leaned against the Scribe. How good it felt for her to be there again. Rath grasped Trynia's hand in sympathy as she fumbled over the bits and pieces of her ersatz time machine.
Menne leaned against the Horus armored Ja-Kal. His arm slipped around her waist protectively, and she slipped her own arm around his. A smile spread over her face as she looked up into his visored helmet. Both ibis and hawk now stood side by side. She had not transformed out of her Isis armor either.
Presley hugged Lyris, then Nefer-Tina, and both Ja-Kal and the Princess together as Damia hugged Trynia. There was laughter and talking as they continued to catch up. Eventually Ja-Kal raised his hand for silence. He turned Menne to face him, his hand on her waist. "I owe you an apology," he began.
Mennehotep drew in a sigh, and pushed away from him. "I do owe you one. You were just doing your duty..."
"Wait, does this mean you're coming back?" Presley asked her. Menne glanced at all the other women mummies. Lyris nodded, and Nefer-Tina shrugged. Nefertina mouthed the words, it's up to you...
"It... will take time," said Mennehotep.
"Take all you need," said Trynia. "I sure did..."
Everyone groaned at the bad pun.
"I... will consider it," Ja-Kal said. "It is your decision, Mennehotep."
All eyes fell on Mennehotep as she raised her head to look at JaKal. "I thank you for all the support you have given me in the last few months. And for all of your kind thoughts. But there have been many changes lately I cannot ignore..."
"What are you talking about?" JaKal asked her, extending a gauntlet in her direction.
"The way in which you reacted when I announced my powers had returned. It frightened me. How protective you became..."
"Hush, I know," said she, gripping his hand. Pain filled her visored face. Damia motioned to the others to leave them be. Rath and Lyris headed towards the Scribe's lab, arms around each other's shoulders. Trynia glanced at Mennehotep, and managed a smile. "I think you proved your point," she said to Damia.
Armon and Nefer-Tina started toward the Spirit box. Presley grinned, and followed them. The young Prince thought back to the story Lyris told in the picnic only a day ago. There they were, the Hunter and the Goddess. Really Menne wasn't quite a goddess. But the ancient egyptians regarded Pharaoh as a god. And if she had once been the Wife of a Pharaoh like Thuthmoses III, in a way she could be considered a Goddess. Ja-Kal had been the mightiest of Hunters in his time. He shivered from the paralell as he recalled how the story eneded.
"Things look back to normal," said Damia.
"If you can consider a community of animate necrotics normal," Trynia laughed. "Will you come back?"
"I don't know. But at least maybe now we won't be taken for granted."
Rath turned to them, and stopped. So did Lyris. "I can assure you, Trynia and Damia, that after this we won't..." he said, hugging Lyris affectionately to his side. "I must admit I was hasty, when I said something about a mere girl leading the mummies..."
"Tell that to Neff," laughed Lyris, taking his hand as they went on. Shrugging at Trynia, Rath followed.
"That's not a mere girl," Damia as she glanced back at Ja-Kal and Mennehotep. Still the hawk and the ibis stood opposite each other, five feet betwixt them. Overhead the stars shown through a far off window. Trynia recognized the three stars in Orion's belt blazing in the rectangle. To the left twinkled the hot blue star Sirius. Menne's hand passed the quiver of arrows at her waist to Ja-Kal's, and he grasped it firmly in his one hand.
"Definitely not. But your behavior. Was it a he thing or a she thing that prompted you to separate yourselves from the males..."
"Trynia, give it a rest. You're starting to sound like Rath!" laughed Damia as she patted the anthropologist on the back. "Let's go watch the spirit box..."
"Oh for the love of Isis," Trynia sighed. It was the first time she'd invoked an Egyptian deity's name. Catching herself she glanced at Damia and laughed.
JaKal extended his arms to draw her into them. But Menne flinched and stepped back. She released his hands.
"What is wrong? What did I say?"
"I... am sorry," said she. "I... cannot go on like this... I can't stay... when I know you have the doubts in me..."
"Menne... please don't go..." he implored her.
"I am sorry JaKal," Menne sniffed, backing further from him. "Goodbye."
Trynia turned, and watched the others as they departed. She sensed the distress in her mistress, and saw as Mennehotep retreated from JaKal.
"The bird must fly on its own, once the wing is mended," she whispered as his hand reached for her.
"Menne!" he cried as she spread her wings and raced toward the launch ramp of the Sphinx. "Don't go!"
Automatically Trynia placed herself before JaKal. "Don't..." she said, raising her cybernetic hand.
"Trynia... please don't stop me..."
"Some loves just aren't meant to be," she said to him quietly. Before her eyes flickered those last images of Tharankenat as he hovered over her broken form so many years ago. How he'd asked her why she'd taken the spear of energy for him.
"It was necessary," she repeated, a tear rolling down her cheek. "But you didn't know I could come back. Then you mummified me..."
JaKal had no knowledge of what she referred to. But the pain in her brown eyes stopped him cold. As if she was remembering some painful secret from long ago. Images of Tia sprang into his mind, and he felt the anger welling up within his own stomach. "Tia, I had almost forgotten you," he sniffed.
"Farewell, JaKal," Trynia said quietly to him. "I must apologize..."
"There is no need," said he. "You were doing your duty, protecting your mistress. Whatever pain she holds... take care of her..."
"I shall," said she, nodding. JaKal felt as if an arrow had pierced his heart those few minutes ago. Softly it imbedded within. Distantly Trynia's footsteps echoed as she departed the Sphinx.
The Hunter himself had been shot by love's arrow. And nothing would be the same again.
End. -->
