Chapter 2: Return to the Louvre

Lara hoped that the entrance she had opened on her previous visit to the museum hadn't been closed, as she approached the building. Otherwise, she would have to find another entrance. It wasn't such a naïve idea. After all, on the same day, three different groups of people had entered the building and they might not have find out yet about the hole in the lower floors.

She was surprised as she heard more noise than on her previous visit. However, she could easily explain the source of the noise when she came nearer. Some kind of party was being held there. Well, that would make it the perfect night to break into the museum as all the attention of the guards would be focus on the party. She finally reached the sewed system under the Louvre and smiled as she realizes that her 'work' hadn't been undone.

She also noticed that noise was coming from one of the upper floors and supposed that the inauguration of the new exposition was being held above her. She tried to move away from it as soon as possible, as it was the most guarded part of the building.

Karel watched as Gunderson organised his men to break into the museum. Their plan was simple; steal the urn that contained the man before anyone notice. The fact that the party was held at the other end of the museum will also make things easier. The only thing that could complicate his plan was Lara Croft, but she hadn't shown up yet.

He turned and looked at the man lying in the lorry behind him. He would have left the Lux Veritatis warrior in their 'lair', but he didn't trust his knew ally. He knew that the only thing she cared about was power and she would sell her soul for it. The power her people had offered her hadn't been enough. Being a princess in her world meant that she had to share the power with the council, and that she had to respect her people decision when they chose her sister as a queen. And princess Ellein didn't tolerate that.

Two years had passed since she had somehow broken the defences of her country. She had betrayed the queen, who was now dead. However, she couldn't reach the throne, though she managed to escape. Now, her remaining sisters were exiled and looking for her. He didn't know much about her, apart from the fact that she was one of the Children. He didn't even know what she had inherited from her mother, but he was sure that if she had the chance, she would take the four keys for herself. In fact, that was exactly what he would do. His thoughts were interrupted when Gunderson informed him that they were ready.

The entrance of the museum was crowded with a lot of people. Most of there were historians, art experts and there were also some scientist that worked there. IsisDeiyan approached the entrance. She had worked for the museum from time to time, as an expert in dating digs. When she was about to reach the entrance she heard a voice calling out her name.

"Doctor Illsay" she turned and saw a man, probably in his late fifties. IsisDeiyan remembered him as one of the experts that have helped her while she had been working there. In her opinion he was a good man and above all, someone she can rely on if something went wrong that night. "I'm glad to see you. It's been a long time. What are you doing here?"

"That is a really long story." She replied

"I haven't seen your name in the list of guest."

"Maybe that is related to the fact that it is not there. Would you believe if I tell you that I was on my way to a speech and as I saw this wonderful inauguration I couldn't help coming to say hello to old colleagues?"

"IsisDeiyan I don't know what you are up to, but if you think that it worth risking your career and who knows what else, then you probably deserve all the help you can get. Come with me, I'll ask the guards to let you came in. The new exhibition is heavily guarded, but the rest of the museum isn't. So you won't have any problem to do whatever you have come for"

"Thanks, although I have no idea about why are you helping me"

"Neither do I, Isis, but you look too innocent to cause any trouble." He added as they both entered in the museum.

Trough the dark corridors of the museum, a figure moved quietly. Lara had no idea about where she should start her search. She supposed that, if they had chosen that day, they would probably break into the furthest part of the museum from the party. She directed her steps in that direction trying not to make any sound.

After having been exploring the galleries for sometime, she heard noises coming from a nearby room. She looked from behind one of the doors and saw the too familiar image of two soldiers. They seemed to be patrolling the galleries and after thinking about for a minute or so, Lara decided to follow them. After all, she didn't have anything better to do and they may lead her to whatever they were looking for.

She soon discovered that her guess was correct as she heard people talking at the end of the corridor. She remained behind the door of the room next to the one they were staying in, so that she could listen to what they were saying.

"None of our patrols have seen her, Sir" she heard Gunderson say.

"Fine, but keep some of them at the exits. I don't want any unnecessary risk." Lara couldn't help holding her breath as she heard Karel, as it was almost impossible for her to believe that he was still alive.

"Yes, Sir"

The voices then stopped and Lara had to peer over the door to know what was happening. She saw Karel approaching one of the artefacts there, an urn, taking it and throwing it against the floor. No alarm sounded, though it didn't surprise Lara. The budget of the museum only allowed them to protect their most valuable works of art.

She turned her again her head to have a little rest. However she found one of the soldiers aiming his weapon right at her head. He told him to enter the room and she reluctantly obeyed. As she looked around the room, trying to find an escape rout, she saw that Karel was still standing next to the broken urn. Gunderson was next to him and in one of the corners she managed to see Kurtis that was being held by two soldiers. She thought that he look quite weak probably due to the blood lost, but she still felt relieved that he was alive.

"Miss Croft, you've just arrived at the right time. You'll love this" said Karel as he removed some of the broken parts of the urn and picked an old manuscript from the floor. "This is the map that will lead me to the four keys of Aslene" he told her "With Mr. Trent help, of course. In case you are wondering about your fate, I think that I'm going to spare your life, for a while. I still think that you could had a place in my new world and, anyway, you may be still useful"

"And what exactly makes you think that I would want to be part of your new world. I think that I had made it clear on our last meeting." Answered Lara. Karel smiled at her replied. He started to come closer to her

"Human race bows to easily in front of power especially when they know that the other choice will only bring the pain and torment. Your will will be in my power sooner than you think. Each day that goes by, I am closer to may aim. It is pointless to think that you stand any choice against me."

"At least, nobody will be able to say that I didn't try" She said as he looked straight into his eyes. Then Lara saw her opportunity. She gathered all the strength she had and threw herself forward. The attack took Karel by surprise and he fell to the floor.