In Vanessa's latest dream there were two suns, both harsh and unforgiving, not supporting life, but a a destroyer's light. One sun burned in the sky, the other on the crown of the woman who stalked the streets, clawing and disemboweling any within her reach. She turned toward Vanessa, her black braids fanning around her. The face, her head was that of a lioness. She made a horrible grinding noise, something between a growl and a laugh. Then in her harsh voice said, "You would do well to be afraid unclean vessel. No me now, I am Sekhmet, the One who loves Ma'at and who detests evil."

Vanessa had awakened covered in cold sweat and disoriented, unsure of the day or where she was. It had only be momentary, but she was beginning to fear sleep.

Vanessa spread the marmalade on her toast. The marmalade was blood orange and the color of blood, just as red as the blood that ran in her dreams. Her recent dreams in which London was awash in blood under a livid sky and an unkind sun. She worked at putting the dreams from her mind.

Sembene served breakfast as unobtrusively as a ghost. His French service was impeccable, better than most waiters in fine restaurants, or even footmen in great houses. Vanessa considered the flavor of the marmalade. It tasted of Italy, of hot days and the blue Mediterranean; or more precisely, of her, a northern woman's, dream of Italy. Vanessa loved oranges. She remembered the ones given to her as childhood Christmas gifts. Each little fragrant orb like a miniature sun promising the return of warmth and light.

The sipped her tea. It was a special blend Malcolm always ordered. She knew he ordered it for her, as he had gotten in the habit of drinking coffee in Africa. The only sounds were the ticking of the clock and the occasional rustle of Malcolm's newspaper.

She cleared her throat and to make conservation. "You haven't asked me about my visit to the British Museum. I did mention to you that I've developed a bit of an interest in Egyptology. A very casual one . . . I admit. I thought I might view the exhibits, and perhaps, if he were available ask Dr. Lyle a few questions."

"What questions, Vanessa?"

"Just general questions about Egypt. How they lived and what they believed."

Sir Malcolm sighed, "Does this have something to do with seance? Do you remember anything at all of the seance? Or is it something to do with the vampiric creature covered in hieroglyphs? Are you still troubled by those things. You do look a bit pale and drawn. Have you been sleeping well?"

"It has to with the fact that I find Egyptian art beautiful and that ancient culture fascinating. Their gods are remarkable. I'm struck with wonder at the hybrid gods."

"Hybrid gods? Do you mean those gods who were a mix of animal and human, like Horus or Hathor?"

"Yes, but more particularly like Baast or Tefnut, cat or cat-like deities. Then there was Sekhmet."

"Why do you have an interest in the Egyptian goddess of war?"

Vanessa toyed with her teaspoon. "Because she is a goddess, war deities are generally male. She was called the Eye of Ra and was a corrector of disorder and evil. She loved justice and was terrible, but noble in her way. Her priests were magicians and healers."

"Did Dr. Lyle tell you this?"

"No, he was unavailable. His assistant, a Mr. Khoury saw to me. A fascinating young man. He said he was an Egyptian."

"I know the young man, he is Egyptian. Although very English in manner and education."

"Does he have the education of an English gentleman? Vanessa asked, "Did he attend Cambridge like you?"

"I believe Mr. Khoury attained his degree from Oxford."