Chapter 21 – Not in Cairo
It was impossible, Tia decided, for anyone to spend four days in a tiny hut with a dirt floor and not look like something the cat dragged in. Both women looked considerably the worse for wear. Their bonds had been cut the first day, leaving behind angry red marks on their wrists. Their clothes were crumpled and dirty, and they were covered with so much dust that Tia's dark blond hair and Evie's dark brown hair both seemed to be a similar medium brown. The man who had opened the door of their prison seemed to be of a similar mind. "They're filthy," he stated flatly. "I cannot bring them aboard Sir Randolph's yacht looking like that." He had turned and walked out the door in disgust. Tia and Evie exchanged glances. What would happen now?
About an hour later the door opened again, this time to a pair of men lugging a large tub. Several other men followed, each carrying a bucket of water. The man who had complained about their appearance set down a bundle of clothing. "Bathe and change," he said coldly. "I will return in an hour."
Evie and Tia looked at each other again as the door closed behind the men, leaving them alone. "Well," Evie said, starting to unbutton her shirt. "If we're going to our deaths, we might as well be clean."
Sir Randolph settled himself in a large ornate armchair in the parlor of his yacht. He gazed out the window toward the small village that lay on the bank of the Nile. Troublesome business, this. Having to go through this much bother to rid himself of a chit of a girl. First the Medjai had failed to kill the girl. Then his men had failed to eliminate Ardeth Bey. Their bodies had been discovered two days after he'd sent them after the troublesome Medjai. Now, they'd picked up another woman along with Tia DeWitt. Probably some desert tribesman's wife. Sir Randolph hoped the men had made a clean escape. The last thing he needed was a tribe of irate horsemen following him.
A light tap sounded on the door, which opened to reveal Sir Randolph's manservant. "The women are here, sir."
"Very good, Jensen. Send them in." Jensen bowed and stepped back. Two women, both robed and veiled in black garments were ushered into the room.
Evie took one look at the man sitting before them and her heart nearly stopped. "Dear God," she whispered. It was true then. A vision of a man in a white linen robe, jeweled necklet and armbands, and the imposing double crown of Egypt wavered before her eyes. Ramses II.
Sir Randolph didn't look at her. He looked instead at Tia. He rose and went to her, pulling her veil from her face. He didn't see the blond hair and fair skin. Instead he saw a black wig, threaded with gold strands and colorful beads. A dusky complexion, artfully accented with red tinted lips. He didn't see a young woman of more than twenty years, but a young girl of fifteen. The only things that were the same were the eyes. Tawny gold eyes that should belong to a desert cat. "Do you not remember, little Tiye? Do you not remember me?"
Tia looked steadily at him. Her stomach was churning with nerves, but she ignored them. "I remember you. I remember Imhotep and Anck-su-namun. I remember Nefertari and my father, Pharaoh Seti I. And I remember Horemheb. I remember that you had a young child and a teenaged girl executed."
Sir Randolph smiled coldly. "I did indeed. So should die all who oppose mighty Pharaoh."
"Pharaoh?" Evie stepped forward and pulled her own veil away. "There is no Pharaoh anymore."
Sir Randolph gaped in astonishment at the face that was revealed. "Nefertari?" He rose and went to her. "Is it really you?" But as he reached out a hand to touch her face, Evie stepped back out of reach. Sir Randolph pulled his hand back, his eyes narrowing. "You were more friendly to me once, my Queen."
"I've spent the last four days locked in a filthy shed," Evie said acidly. "I'm low on friendliness."
Sir Randolph smiled. "Have you come to seek me out, my Queen?" He went on, his voice lowering to a soft croon. "Nefertari, the most beautiful of all my wives. Mother of my first born son." He reached out and put his hand on her shoulder, stroking it down her back. "I've missed you."
A few hours of sleep and a decent meal found Ardeth and Rick in much better shape. Ardeth had sent Da'ud out to find out what he could as Ardeth feared he himself would be too conspicuous.
Da'ud returned just as Ardeth and Rick finished the meal that Da'ud's wife had prepared for them. "I do not have good news my friends," Da'ud said soberly. "Sir Randolph Varne left Cairo several days ago."
The two other men exchanged glances. "Where did he go?" Ardeth asked grimly.
Da'ud shrugged. "I could not find out. He went by boat up the Nile."
"What kind of boat?" Rick asked.
"He has a big fancy yacht," Da'ud answered. "It is named after the Egyptian goddess of love."
"Hathor?" Rick questioned.
"My friend, I must ask you to perform another task for me," Ardeth said. "Find out what the next boat heading upriver is and book passage for O'Connell and me." He handed over a small pouch. "Use whatever is left to care for my horses until I can return for them." Da'ud took the pouch, bowed briefly and left again.
Rick leaned back in his chair and put a hand over his eyes. "Ardeth, I'm sorry."
"What for?"
"I talked you into coming to Cairo instead of continuing to follow the trail."
Ardeth shook his head wearily. "Do not blame yourself, Rick. I am as much at fault as you."
"If anything happens to Evie, I don't know what I'll do," Rick said softly.
Ardeth rose and grasped Rick's shoulder, giving him a brief shake. "If Varne really is Ramses II reincarnated, he may recognize Evelyn as Nefertari. I can't imagine he'd harm her."
Rick looked up. "So my wife is in the hands of a nutcase who probably thinks she's his long lost Queen?" He shook his head. "You really know how to make a guy feel better about things." He took a deep breath. "What will he do to Tia, do you think?" Ardeth stared at him for a moment, and then dropped his eyes. "Ah, hell," Rick muttered. "Goddammit to hell."
Author's note - Sorry for the longer than usual delay on updating. I was away for Thanksgiving. Thank you tellergirl, Lometari and mrsblonde1503 for the reviews!