Five hours later, the horses crested a large sand dune.
"There. Just beyond that dune lies the Dead city," said Aredth.
"Look, there's the city called Rameses," said Rick. "Let's hurry and get there before dark."
Not a full hour later, they rode through the city and found the hotel they would be staying at. Aredth took the horses to the barn and Rick ushered his family quickly inside. Amir made sure no one was following them and quickly followed them inside.
Rick had reserved the largest suite in the hotel, insisting they all stayed in the same spot.
Evy unlocked the doors to the suite and lit the lamps all around the room.
"Blast, Rick," said Jonathan. "Look at all the stupid windows."
Ariela was decidedly nervous and prowled around the room. "First thing we need to do is get a cat in here."
There was a knock at the door and she whirled, drawing her gun at the same time. "Who the blazes is that?"
"It's only me."
Ariela relaxed and put away her gun. "Oh, it's only Aredth."
"You definitely need to relax," said Alex.
"Relax?" Ariela stared at her brother. "I cannot believe you just said I need to relax."
Rick opened the door.
"Yes, it's only Aredth. Here, meet Aphrodite." Aredth dropped two white cats to the floor. "And her brother Ra."
Ariela picked up one of the cats and stroked its head. "Good thinking."
"So, do we set out for Hamunaptra tonight?" asked Amir.
All eyes went to Rick.
"Why are you looking at me?" asked Rick.
"I think…we should go," said Ariela. "I would just as soon meet Imhotep in the dark then daylight."
"Why?" asked Alex.
"I truly prefer not to meet him at all," said Ariela. "But if I have too. Let's get it over with!"
"My men already informed me that Imhotep should already be whole," said Aredth. "Five men have been found. Dead."
Ariela swallowed nervously. "Good. That means he won't frighten me as much."
"Ug, you think it would bad to meet him half done," said Evy.
"Ha," said Jonathan. "I remember when he kissed you, with half a mouth."
"Gag," muttered Evy. "I never forgot that."
"He kissed you?" Ariela looked at her father. "I don't…"
"Let's not talk about that," snapped Rick. He held the door open. "Out. Ariela, with me."
Ariela's heart was beating out of control when they came to the hard packed street of Hamunaptra. They where met by Aredth's men.
"Why have they come?" asked one of the men, looking at Rick and his family.
"They have come to silence the mummy once and for all," said Aredth.
"Is it true?" asked Amir. "Is he whole again?"
"Yes."
Evy looked at Ariela. "Each time he regenerates, it gets harder and harder to destroy him."
They entered the tunnels. Rick going first with Ariela. Then Evy, Jonathan, Alex, Aredth and Amir.
They came to the first main chamber and stood in the middle of it.
"Watch out for small black bugs," said Jonathan.
"Don't touch anything," said Evy.
"Watch where you step," said Aredth.
"Look out for you know who," muttered Ariela.
"He pops up when you least expect him," said Amir. "The men say they've seen him several times. He just stands there, looking at them."
"Maybe he doesn't know what to do."
Ariela's eyes where going from side to side. "Everyone shut up."
Instantly there was silence.