-9-

The watched were set up. Aira didn't have to do watch until 1 AM so she went into her tent and slept for quite a while.
She probably could have slept straight through to morning if Evy hadn't had to come get her for her watch.
Aira staggered out of her tent and sat down next to Evy who was stoking the fire.
she yawned.
Hello Aira. You're really tired aren't you?
Yeah, yesterday was really stressful and I need my beauty sleep!
Evy winked, I see. Did you have a nice time getting your beauty sleep?
Aira grinned, I dreamt about being chased by zombie waffles. It was strange.
Evy laughed, My goodness! That is strange!
You bet!
The two sat there for a while, just talking about zombie waffles and Imhotep. The time flew by and sooner then you know they were waking Jamie and Bobby up for their shift.
Jamie! Wake up! Aira said as she entered his tent. He wasn't there.
Jamie are you here? Aira called out again, and she noticed a note pinned to his sleeping bag. It read:

If you want to see your friend again, girl, you will come peacefully.
Meet me at the cave at sunrise. COME ALONE.
Your soon to be evil ruler,
Imhotep.

Aira gasped. Imhotep had stolen Jamie sometime during the night! she bit her lip. She couldn't tell anyone that Jamie was gone, and she had to go to the cave over the ridge at sunrise.
Aira staggered out of the tent and zipped it up.
Where's Jamie? Bobby asked.
He..uh..he isn't feeling well. I m taking his watch for him. Aira said, being sure not to make eye contact with him.
Bobby looked puzzled but then shrugged,
The watch went peacefully, with neither talking much, except to check the time. At 3 O'clock Aira had been supposed to keep watch with Alex, so she stayed up.
Hey Alex.
Yeah Aira?
What time is sunrise?
About 4 AM.
Aira could see the sky getting light in the distance, she needed to think of an excuse to get away from her watch. Alex could see that she was anxious from the way she was acting.
Something wrong?
This was her chance, she blurted out the first thing she could think of, I..gotta go!
Oh...there are no bathrooms in the desert!
I know...I'm gonna go up the road a little ways okay?

Leaving a bewildered Alex behind her, Aira got up and headed off towards the cave.
~*~
As the sun grew lighter in the distance, so she made her way to the cave.
She entered the cave just as the sun appeared.
The cave was cool and wet. Water dripped down from the ceiling where bats were returning from their night out.
The bats didn't bother her much, the only thing that bothered her was what she had to do.
She would replace Jamie as hostage. She wished there was another way. Aira racked her brains as she came upon the largest cavern, trying every plot in her head.
There you are girl. Imhotep said as she entered. He was standing next to a bound-and-gagged Jamie and that weird little man named Benny.
I told you she would come master! Benny said. Aira froze in place. Was this a trap?
Come little girl and I'll let your friend free. Imhotep said.
Free him first and I'll come quietly. Aira whispered. She imagined how silly she must have looked in her pajamas.
Hee hee! Little pajama girl to the rescue! Benny laughed.
Aira gave him a look of disgust and said, I have better fashion sense.
Benny shut up.
Imhotep growled,
On my honor!

Aira made eye contact with Jamie. He knew what to do.
Benny untied him, and Jamie came running over to her.
She whisper, Get the others!

No buts! She touched his wrist, Run Fast! Jamie nodded and took off running.
Okay little girl. You promised!
Yeah I promised! Aira yelled, Shame I don't care much for honor! and Aira took off running through the cave.
She ran down each corridor, Each room kept leading her back to the main one and Imhotep, she didn't see how she could escape.
Benny kept in hot pursuit of her. Aira ran for what seemed like hours. If she fell she stood herself back up and ran until she could no longer run.
With as much dignity as she could muster, the young teen turned to face her oppressor, I usually can squirm out of disaster. But this time I am out of luck. I give in, do what you must. And with that, she collapsed.