She stood before the pool and looked down into its blue waters. "Back up," she whispered.
Her and her family along with Aredth and Amir where on one side of the pool and Imhotep was on the other.
Ariela pressed back until she was flat against the base of a statue.
Imhotep opened the book and began to read slowly aloud.
"What's he saying?" asked Amir with his lips right next to Ariela's ear.
She started and then turned. "Don't sneak up on me like that in a place like this!"
"What's he reading?"
"He's offering himself in order to bring the Princess back. He will forever remain as the sand but be able to retain human form. But he will never be able to remain human forever."
Imhotep finished reading and shut the book. He looked at Ariela. But she was staring at the water.
Suddenly, the waters stirred. They began boiling and a bright light issued from the water. The water rose in the air like a geyser.
Everyone was blinded and closed their eyes.
Suddenly, everything went quiet.
Slowly Ariela uncovered her eyes. The waters where still and the light was gone. She looked at Imhotep.
She stepped forward. And peered down at the waters.
"Imhotep."
Everyone jumped and Ariela whirled.
Standing behind Ariela was a young girl with long black hair and green eyes. She was staring at Imhotep.
"It's her," whispered Ariela. She turned and looked at Imhotep.
He was staring at the girl. He held out his hands.
The girl ran around the pool and threw herself into Imhotep's arms.
"It worked," whispered Ariela.
Amir came forward and took her hands. "Yes, it worked. Imhotep and his Princess will remain together forever now, thanks to you."
Rick shook his head. "She was right."
Evy looked up at him. "Of course she was right. Between my brains and your strength, how could she go wrong?"
"Good point," said Rick.
"Ariela."
They all turned.
Imhotep was holding a hand out to Ariela.
Slowly she went around the pool and took it slowly.
"I owe you a debt I could never pay," he said.
"As do I." The Princess's voice was soft. "You have restored me to the one I love. Forever."
Ariela looked at the ground. "Princess," she said softly.
"No. You do not bow before me now. Or ever."
"Come," said Imhotep. "Let us go and collect the part of this debt I can pay."
"Uh, Ariela darling," said Jonathan. "What does he mean?"
"All into the gold room," said Ariela. "Take out all you can carry."
There was a moment of silence. Then the sound of pounding feet as Jonathan began running.
Everyone laughed.
Rick turned and watched as Imhotep was walking more slowly with one arm around the Princess and his other around Ariela. "I never thought I'd see a sight like that."
Evy turned and laughed. "So we misjudged him."
"I wish we had learned that the first time," said Rick.
Ariela watched as brother and uncle fight over a gold statue. She stepped foreword and was caught by Amir.
"You did it," said Amir.
"No, we all did it" said Ariela. "I couldn't have done it without all of you."
"I never had such a strong feeling when I saw him taking you away." Amir stared down at Ariela. "Tell me, Ariela, do you believe in that old English custom of love at first sight?"
"As a matter a fact, I do."