This is short, but I wanted to post something, since it's been so long. I've finally decided exactly what I want to happen, but about ¾ through this chapter I kind of changed my mind, and my next course will require a little research. I hope you enjoy this, though. I'm not too happy with the second half of this chapter, so sorry about it. 8(

Thanks Joe, Conception, and Shadowfire for reviewing!

Disclaimer: I don't own it, never will. Or this title.

Rated T for violence, language, torture, and darkness

CH. 15

Night fell over Egypt, the sand turning shades of blue. The pyramids were outlined in silver from the huge moon. The sounds of people from the town floated in through the open window that also let in a cool breeze and the scent of sand. Occasionally a bird or dog was heard, along with the background noise of feet and laughter.

When you're stuck in a pentacle as long as I was, you notice everything.

Gaia had switched books and was now reading one for enjoyment. He hadn't spoken or even looked at me. It was rather rude.

Suddenly Jard burst through the window, landing unceremoniously on the floor. More black than blue (insert your own joke here), he smelt of fire and ash.

When his ugly eyes turned to me, I broke out into a wide smirk.

This broke Gaia from his reverie. He saw Jard and put his book down. "What happened?"

The imp was furious. "That crazy djinni almost killed me! Get rid of it!" (It?)

The magician sighed. "Bartimaeus is staying. I will correct his behavior, however. I'll dismiss you so you can recover."

The last I saw of Jard was him glaring at me evilly as he disappeared into the Other Place.

Gaia stood in a shuffle of robes, turning exasperated green eyes on me. "Bartimaeus-"

I held up a hand. "Say no more, I understand. Jard and I simply have a clash of personalities. I'll just have to be the holier one and try harder to get along. And I'm very sorry about threatening to kill you. Since Kitty's still alive I'll behave."

Gaia scrutinized me, only slightly buying it. " . . .Okay . . .Well, I have some business to attend to. I won't be gone long and then I'll resummon you. Stay in this room."

He gathered some things and quickly walked out.

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Kitty, Algus, and Stephen bought a hotel room to stay in as they tried to come up with a plan. They were all in agreement that they needed to catch Gaia by surprise.

"But when we get to him, he's mine," Stephen had said.

"Whatever," Kitty had replied. "I only want Bartimaeus. You do what you want to."

Just when they decided to go after Gaia and create a plan as they went along, news arrived that the Taj Mahal had been attacked and a powerful magician was residing in it. He had a large number of spirits guarding the place.

The three of them hurried outside, the night still very dark.

"What do you think he's doing?" Kitty asked as they ran down streets, heading to the airport.

"Sounds like he's establishing a capital," Algus responded.

"I doubt he can hold it for very long," Stephen said. "Which is why we need ot get there before a bunch of magicians organize and attack."

Kitty's heart pounded as they hurried to get out of Egypt and to Agra, India.

To Gaia Black.

To Bartimaeus.

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