"Clarice, the glorious city, has a tormented history. Several times it decayed, then burgeoned again, always keeping the first Clarice as an unparalleled model of every splendor, compared to which the city's present state can only cause more sighs at every fading of the stars."
-Italo Calvino, 'Invisible Cities'
Na'Nalia Surana held the man's head locked under her armpit, taking a swig of whiskey before throwing him into the Nile.
She turned back to her fellow shipmates and raised her bottle.
"Can you believe that? This fucker was a stowaway," She pointed to the man in the water, "The audacity."
The passengers raised their glasses and bottles into the air, yelling about bad rubbish and drinking more.
Na'nalia sat back down at a table situated on deck, putting her feet up and exposing her fallow colored skin to the warm sun.
"How much did he owe you, Nani?"
Nani reclined back, "Two-hundred good ol' American dollars, my friend." She squinted her amber eyes to get a good look at the redhead that sat across from her.
"Stow away?" The man next to her asked, his light brown eyes reading disbelief.
"She does what she does." The redhead shrugged, looking at a set of cards intently, "I fold." She pursed her scarlet lips.
"That's no way to play cards, Eshne." Nani sat up and looked at her cards, "Where's the risk?"
"Back with the money you took when you picked me up in Venice." Eshne raised her brow.
Nani shrugged, "You Italians. Always giving away your cards."
"You cheat is what it is." Eshne laughed, pushing an elbow into the man next to her, "You gotta win my money back, Alistair." She sat back and re-braided her long gingery hair.
"Me?" He scoffed, "Why can't Cullen do it?"
"Because I'm looking over the maps." Said a curly headed man sitting at a table behind them, maps of Egypt sprawled before him.
"He doesn't know fun." Eshne said.
"Well I don't want to be unprepared for when we meet this Mahariel person." Cullen huffed, rubbing his sleepless eyes.
"'This Mahariel person' happens to be paying us a shit ton of money. And they know my dad quite well," Nani started, "He's had dealings with them in the past. They always deliver. Remember when Redd went into that French tomb, Eshne?"
"The one where you chased me with a skull? Yes I remember. You asked me to kiss it. I still have nightmares..." Eshne raised her brow, "But that was years ago."
"Yes, well I remember Redd mentioning something about an Osiris Mahariel being the benefactor for that. And lead excavator. He knows his shit." Nani said.
"He sounds like an interesting fellow at that," Alistair said, folding his cards, "I should like to see this tomb he writes so passionately about."
Nani cackled as she collected her winnings.
Cullen looked up from his map, dropping his pencil and standing up slowly.
"Sweet Maker look at that."
The other three turned around to see the great city of Cairo, Egypt. It was full of life with the comings and goings of both natives and travelers. In the distance, they could see the great Pyramids of Giza, standing before Cairo like gods presiding over their worshipers.
Eshne looked at Nani, "This is going to be the greatest adventure yet."
Nani smiled, "And we're getting paid a fuck load to do it."
Eshne fixed her circular sunglasses atop her noticeably broken nose. She held her medical bag under one arm, dragging a suitcase behind her as she came off of the ship that brought them from Venice. She stood in awe of Cairo and its grandeur, not paying attention to Alistair huffing and puffing with her other bags.
A great man who towered even over Alistair held a sign that had 'Surana' neatly scrolled onto it.
"That must be us." Cullen said, taking Eshne's bags off of Alistair and heading towards the man.
His skin was smooth, the color of a rich coffee that one knew to be extremely pricy. He looked to be extremely stern, and, Eshne thought, if anyone could strangle a lion with one hand it would be this man.
"Hello, there," Cullen said to him, extending a hand, "Cullen Rutherford. I'm party to Na'nalia and Eshne Surana."
The man stared at Cullen's hand in disgust, waiting for Nani and Eshne to come over before speaking.
"I am Sten, I was sent to bring you to the Mahariel home. My employer was insistent that you need not spend money on accommodations." He said quietly.
"Well that's very generous of him." Alistair said happily, struggling with more bags, earning a raised brow from Sten.
"Where is the home?" Nani asked.
"Please set your things into the second car. You can then join me in the first and I shall take you." Sten said, promptly leaving the group to get into the driver's seat of a black Crossley.
"Charming fellow." Cullen frowned, helping Alistair load their bags into the second car.
Eshne and Nani jumped into the back of the Crossley, waiting for the others to finish.
"So what is your employer like, Sten?" Eshne asked.
After an uncomfortable silence Sten answered, "I have been employed under the Mahariels for many years now. They are a generous family."
"Quite." Eshne sat back, she fidgeted with her hair again before deciding to put on a sunhat.
Cullen and Alistair finally finished, getting into the car with the others, of which Alistair was the uncomfortable volunteer who sat next to Sten.
Despite the passengers being deathly quiet, Cairo was abuzz. Many vendors called for them to buy their wares, which ranged from rugs to fruit to even monkeys. Eshne gave a quick look to Nani who immediately said 'no'. And that was that.
Mahariel House was situated far from the markets, hidden away through many back streets into a seemingly closed off community.
"Rich uppity's, these Mahariels." Eshne said to Nani, who snorted.
"It only means more money for us." She said.
"Look at the size of it," Alistair said, "I can imagine someone getting lost in a place like that."\
The party looked on at the large white mansion. There was a small fountain in front of it with what looked to be Hellenistic statues. All around the driveway were small fruit trees bearing large oranges.
When Sten stopped the car, he told them to head inside, and their bags would be put in their according rooms.
He left the four adventurers standing with mouths agape as they stared at the house a little while longer.
"Well," Nani said, "Let's go see what this rich priss wants." She rubbed her hands together.
The mansion was the antithesis of its surroundings. Everything was made of rich wood and the decor was that of an English aristocrat. A large staircase led up to what was presumably the bedrooms.
From a room off to the left, a Sphinx cat came trotting out. She had a lovely diamond collar that adorned her skinny neck. She sat before the group, staring at them with large yellow eyes.
"What is it?" Eshne asked.
"Some rat creature?" Alistair suggested.
"Can we eat it?" Nani asked.
"It's a cat." Cullen sighed.
"Oh." The other three said in unison.
The cat sneezed at them, making Eshne jump. It gave a low meow before heading to the staircase.
The click of heels echoed in the entryway.
"I see that Sten has left you to your own devices."
The four looked up to see Melia descending the stairs.
"I apologize for not meeting you by the docks," She said, "But you see I was making sure everything was ready before your arrival. I know Sten can be a bit standoffish at first."
"She's cute." Eshne whispered to Alistair.
"And you are?" Nani crossed her arms.
Melia came to the bottom, the cat jumping into her arms, it purred at she scratched it's wrinkly chin.
"Forgive me," She set the cat down, "I am Melia'nain Mahariel."
Nani looked around, "I assumed your father would meet us in person."
Melia cleared her throat, "I thought I had made my telegram clear. I didn't mean to give the impression that it was my father who had asked you here. You see, it was in fact me who had asked you here for the expedition."
"I didn't mean to offend…" Nani said quickly.
"It's quite alright," Melia held up her hand, "Most people hear the name Mahariel and attribute it to the late Osiris and Amarië Mahariel." She quickly changed the subject, "I was under the assumption your party was much larger than this."
"Right." Eshne sucked air through her teeth.
"Well, you see ma'am," Nani started, "We do have a few more joining us, it's just that they got a little lost in our stop in Venice."
"Lost?" Melia asked, "Heavens. Perhaps I should ask my contacts in Italy to look for them?"
"Nonsense." Nani waved her off, "They should be in Cairo tomorrow."
"Excellent," Melia clapped her hands together, "I'll let Sten know. In the meantime, I am sure you're tired of ship food, I took the liberty of preparing a light lunch for you. I'll show you to your rooms so you can change out of your travel clothes."
"Travel clothes?" Alistair asked.
"You know how these English are." Nani scoffed.
"Hey." Cullen frowned.
"I'm Irish actually." Melia said as she ascended, "On my mother's side at least. My father was born and raised in Egypt."
"You can't go five minutes without saying something." Eshne laughed at Nani, who pinched her arm.
Alistair hadn't noticed, but the cat had been following at his feet. Once they reached the top, she jumped on his shoulder to rub his head with hers.
"Hatshepsut." Melia giggled, taking the cat off of him, "She must like you." She said stroking the cat's head.
"I'm a dog person." Alistair blushed.
"Shame," Melia said, "Cat's are very lucky. I have others around here somewhere." She led them into a wide hallway, "The ancients revered them. My father always had a few around."
She turned to Eshne, "I must say it's a pleasure to meet you in person, Doctor Surana. I read your article about the decomposition of mummies and what carbon dioxide does to the skin. Fascinating read."
"Really?" Eshne asked, "That was some rubbish I hypothesized."
"On the contrary. I found it to be a very probable issue. One that we must address in the coming age," She then added, "I was sad to hear that Redding wouldn't be able to make the trip to Cairo," Melia said, "My father wrote that he is the best explorer for exhibitions like these."
"Redd had some things at home to take care of," Nani said, "He remembered Osiris quite fondly."
"I should love to ask him about their adventures." Melia sighed happily as she opened a door that led into a light blue suite.
"I think this is to be your room, Doctor," She looked to Eshne, "Across the hall is your suite, Miss Surana."
"Sweet." Nani smiled, getting a snort from Eshne.
"I'm not quite sure if…" Melia looked to the gentlemen, "If perhaps you are in relations…" She looked at the girls next.
They all spoke at once.
"No. No." Alistair started to blabber, "I mean we just work together."
Eshne pursed her lips, "No."
Cullen rubbed the back of his head.
"Fuck no. These idiots?" Nani laughed.
"Quite," Melia said, "Very well. You two can choose between the other two rooms down the hall. Your companions will have to use the rooms on the other side of the staircase. Should you need anything, my chambers are further into the house above the gardens. Please make yourself at home, take the day to relax. There is luncheon down in the dining room should you find yourselves hungry." She turned to leave them, "And if you would like to go into the market, please let Sten know, it does get quite crowded during the day."
They all watched her leave, waiting until she turned out of sight to speak.
"She's got some thighs on her." Eshne elbowed Alistair.
"I don't know what you're talking about." His eyes grew eye, "I'm going to...a room. My room I guess." He shuffled away.
Alistair came into a suite decorated in rich turquoise and green. The room itself was patterned after the renowned mosque of Muhammad Ali. The bed looked absolutely inviting to his tired feet, but instead Alistair went to the window, where a light breeze came through.
Looking outwards, he could see a lush garden with fragrant pear trees and bushes with bright red roses.
He washed his face in a basin by the window, relishing the feel of cool water on his skin. After he dried himself, he could see Lady Mahariel out in the gardens, she was speaking with a man who looked to be about the same age as she. His hair was tousled and dirty, but his eyes were bright and full of mischief.
Melia seemed to have been scolding him for something, which he clearly took in great fun. Eventually, Melia gave up and walked away from him, her heels clicking rapidly on the ground as she hurried back inside.
"I could get used to living in a place like this," Eshne said, debating on which earrings to wear, she held up a pair of diamond ones next to her lightly freckled ears, "Do you think Lady Mahariel would mind if we explored the house?"
"She did say to make ourselves at home," Nani said, putting on a deep red flapper dress and a matching headband, "I should like to see how big the kitchens are."
"We're in a mansion and all you can think about is the food?" Eshne laughed.
"Not just that. I imagine these richies have quite a bit of stock. Exotic fruits and shit like that." Nani said, helping Eshne zip up her French Blue sequin dress.
"If you keep saying things like that she'll think you're going to steal from her." Eshne reminded her sister.
"Oh please. With what she's paying us to do this dig, it's almost like stealing." Nani laughed.
There was a knock at the door, Eshne quickly braided her hair again while Nani answered.
Cullen stood there in a black dinner jacket, his hair styled back to make him look a bit more presentable.
"We're almost ready." Nani sighed in annoyance.
"Actually Eshne left her inhaler in one of my bags." Cullen handed it to Nani, "I know she'll need it."
"Why was it in your bag?" Nani glared.
"Enough questions." Eshne snapped, taking her inhaler and setting it aside, "Let's go downstairs before Lady Mahariel thinks we've abandoned her."
They met Alistair by the stairs and made their way down together. To the right they entered a lavish dining room with a table large enough to fit fourteen people at least. Melia had been standing by the head of the table, dressed in a fringed white and gold dress. Draped across her neck was an ankh necklace with an emerald in its center. She invited everyone to sit down. Nani and Eshne sat on her right, while Cullen and Alistair sat opposite them.
"Thank you, Lady Mahariel, for letting us stay in your home while we are in Egypt." Cullen said.
She laughed, "If we are to be working together I must insist you call me Melia. But it is no trouble I assure you. I only inherited the house a year ago. Once I turned eighteen my parents had written that I take over the care of Mahariel house and my grandparents home in the Highlands. It's been quite an adventurous year."
"I thought you were Irish?" Eshne asked.
"Only in part. My grandfather grew up in Scotland. I was raised in Ireland most of my life by a friend of my mother's. Kildare will always be my home." Melia said.
"You must have a take on the struggles of your fellow Irishmen then?" Cullen inquired.
Melia sighed, "I believe Ireland should be allowed to break away from the English, yes. However I do not condone violence, once I heard there were attacks, I moved my adopted mother to the estate."
"How is Ashalle?" Nani asked, "Redd wanted me to ask."
"Stubborn as ever," Melia laughed, "She told me to leave her there with a shotgun and a kukri and she would end the feud in two minutes."
A few footmen came in with silver trays, holding them out to Melia for her to take food. She looked to Sten, who was standing in the corner with a menacing frown.
"Would you please dine with us, Sten?" She asked, "It's Molokhia. I know how much you enjoy it."
He grumbled, "It would not be appropriate."
"What about for the basbousa later?" Melia begged.
"I will sadly have to decline once more."
"Have it your way, Sten." Melia turned back and sighed.
They all ate in a comfortable silence. After the footmen came back to serve more wine and Koshary for the main course.
"I am curious, Miss Surana," Melia looked to Nani, "What is New York like? I admit to having traveled to many places, unfortunately America remains unfamiliar."
"I enjoy it greatly," Nani said, "Redd and Eshne's mother raised us there most of our life. Dad and I lived mostly at the museums. Wynne and Eshne stayed at our house in the Bronx half the time."
"After the war I went to Venice," Eshne explained, "My birth mother had been from Italy so I wanted the opportunity to study the history. I had spent these last few years studying for my doctorate."
"I think it's fascinating that the children of two our the greatest explorers in the world are now sitting in my home for wine and Koshary." Melia said, "My father was the benefactor for many of the explorations, and he wrote some of the most wonderful stories about he and them."
"Redd is...unconventional when it comes to his line of work." Cullen laughed earning a few snickers from Eshne and Nani.
Melia smiled, "I am also most curious to know more about the rest of your party. What should I be expecting?"
Eshne sucked air through her teeth.
"Well…" Nani began, "They get the job done, the best of the best I assure you."
"I'm sure." Melia said hesitantly, "And what of you two?" She asked the men.
Alistair choked a bit on his drink, not expecting to be asked anything.
"I'm from Manchester, Lady Mahariel. We spent a few years in London together. We were both in a spot of trouble and Redding helped us out of it. We've been working with him ever since." Cullen explained, putting an elbow into Alistair's side.
"Y-yes." Alistair said, "I grew up in Glasgow, my uncles raised me until I moved to London. There's not much to it I'm afraid." He gave an awkward chuckle.
"How is Teagan, Alistair?" Eshne asked, getting a slight glare from Cullen.
"He's fine. I had sent a letter that we'd be in Cairo and he'd like for us to stay at the estate when it's over."
"I look forward to it." Eshne sipped her wine, "Fintan should be happy to see his mother again."
Cullen wiped his mouth and quietly excused himself.
"You've a son, Doctor Surana?" Melia asked, completely bewildered.
"I do. He is staying with his father while I'm here." Eshne said.
Melia blushed, "I didn't mean to pull you away from family…"
"Nonsense. I'm glad to be here." Eshne said.
Cullen came back right as the basbousa was being served.
"Are you well, Mr. Rutherford?" Melia asked.
"Yes are you?" Eshne asked.
"I'll be just fine thank you." Cullen said.
They all ate their dessert in silence, Cullen had his head bowed most of the time, and Eshne had her lips pursed.
After they ate, Melia invited them to go into the drawing room. She stayed to talk to Sten about a private matter.
"You had to say something, Eshne." Cullen remarked after a long silence.
"About my son?" Eshne crossed her arms as she sat on a light pink couch, "The child I bore whom I love with all my being? Yes, I mentioned him."
Cullen sat beside her, "Are you going to be angry with me the whole time?"
"Are you going to leave again?"
"That's not fair…"
Alistair ignored the two and went to go look at the painting over the fireplace. It was of a man with beautiful coppery skin and ebony hair. His nose was perfectly straight, and his large brown eyes were gentle and kind. Next to him was a woman with long golden hair that curled around her face. She had a mischievous curl to her pink lips, and her pale green eyes sparkled with joy. Her milky white hand was placed over her belly, and it was clear that she was heavy with child.
A footman brought over a glass of white wine to him, which he gladly accepted.
"That was one of the first Cromwell commissions."
Melia had come into the room, and took a glass of wine as well, she stood next to Alistair.
"Cromwell? Really?" Alistair asked.
She nodded, "He knew my father when he first started painting. At least that's what Sten says."
Alistair looked down at her, seeing the features of the people in the painting clearly displayed before him.
"Do you appreciate the fine arts?" Melia asked.
Alistair felt his throat go dry, "Yes." He gave a small cough, "I appreciate a lot of the finer things."
Eshne joined Nani in the back of the room to pour herself a large glass of scotch.
"He's being quite pathetic tonight, I think." Nani said, nursing her whiskey.
"Cullen?" Eshne asked.
"No the other white one. Alistair." Nani shook her head, "He's been a bumbling idiot since we stepped foot in this house."
Eshne turned to watch Alistair scratch the back of his head while Melia talked about her expansive art collection.
"Look at him. He's just like a puppy." Eshne laughed, "You would think he had never seen a woman before."
"Yes and he's had a great experience with us." Nani looked at her and held her pinky up as she drank her whiskey, she imitated Melia's accent, "He must only appreciate the finer things."
Eshne followed suit, "Be careful, darling, you'll break your nail. A Lady has pretty hands."
"Alistair, you must come see this painting I have in our art gallery. My father knew a man who sucked the dick of one of the painters."
"You're horrible." Eshne laughed.
Sten had come into the room now, walking to Melia to whisper something quickly in her ear. Her eyes flashed with something akin to violence.
"I apologize. But I must go," She excused herself, "Should you need anything, please feel free to ask someone."
Melia and Sten left the room at a quick pace, the door slamming behind them.
"I hope everything's alright." Alistair said.
"You would." Eshne cackled.
"Can I not be concerned for someone?" He asked, "I'm going up to my room."
Cullen stood up, "I think that's a good idea. I suggest we all do, the others are coming tomorrow and I would like to enjoy the quiet for the time being."
Eshne and Nani held back for a bit, finishing their drinks and making fun of each other. Once they were done, they made their way upstairs, said goodnight to each other, and went into their separate suites.