Over the next few months Effie stayed true to her promise, and slowly but surely educated Akhmenrah in all that was twenty-first-century. She tried to give him an accurate but somewhat brief explanation of key events in History that had shaped the planet she knew, but was forced to ask the assistance of the various other exhibits around who didn't object constructing an impromptu class. In a way, Effie decided, it was better for Ahk (as she had taken to calling him – Ahkmenrah could be a little bit of a mouthful) to hear experiences through those who had orchestrated or been a part of them themselves, but she did have to step in and debate over some points when the teaching became too one sided or biased. The most challenging explanation had been her attempt and the first and second world wars, as Ahk had seemed completely unable to get past her descriptions of tanks, guns and aeroplanes. She dreaded the day she would move on to the Cold War and the Weapons of Mass Destruction. How did one explain the workings of a nuclear missile to a man with no knowledge of modern sciences?
Her relationship with Nick Daley also blossomed to the point where she was around at his apartment almost every weekend. Larry didn't mind at all, as it provided an effective distraction for his son that kept him from giving him grief over his increased focus on Daley Devices, as he had decided to call his company (and quite cleverly, he thought.)
The museum visits also gave Effie escape from the increasingly troubled environment that was becoming her home. Her step-father still hadn't found a suitable job – flitting from one thing to the next – and money had become more of an issue than it had ever been before. Effie could only comfort herself with the fact that she had quite a large inheritance from her true parents waiting for her as soon as she turned eighteen, but of course it was untouchable until then.
Her past and present was another source for topic in her conversations with the Pharaoh, and she had become increasingly open with him after her first revelation. She had had to explain the idea of foster families and adoption, and although he had found it confusing he could still recognise that Effie hadn't exactly had it easy. He found himself growing fonder and fonder of the young girl, despite the age gap, and thoroughly missed her and her lessons on the days when she was unable to make her visits. The enthusiasm to learn and question everything that he had once found tiresome he now found refreshing, and he had grown to enjoy the satisfied expression on her face when she discovered something new. The first time he had let her handle his tablet had been the best of all, and although she had refused to admit it Ahkmenrah suspected that Effie realised its true magic and power after feeling it for herself. She had certainly been awestruck, captivated by it's glow as she had stared into it's depths, and Ahkmenrah had had to shake her out of her apparent trance.
The museum had begun to change over the months as well – Mr. McPhee had become increasingly enthusiastic over a new 'Civilisations,' exhibit that would see the introduction of up to twenty new wax models. It was an ambitious project and required the clearing of a new room, and it was anticipated to be a big new attraction when it finally opened to the public. Larry was more concerned about the changes it would bring after dark, and had been haggling McPhee for a finalised list of the new models to no end. It wasn't until mid-May when he finally received it.
"Guys, come and look at this!" He called out to nobody in particular as he sat flicking through his blackberry emails at his lobby desk one night. "I've got the names of our soon-to-be party members!"
Effie, who had been chatting to Nick and Akhmenrah nearby, was by his side in a matter of seconds, with the other two following curiously. She took the phone from Larry's hands and started to scroll down the list, biting her lip anxiously.
"What does it say?" Nick nudged her, craning for a look. "Read it out!"
"Alright, hang on." She muttered, pushing him back, furrowing her brow as she continued to scan the text.
"Comon', Effie! Don't leave us hangin' here!" Jedediah called from somewhere at her feet, having appeared along with Octavius. Nick glanced around to see a few more exhibits crawling closer, curious as to who would be joining them.
"Alright. It's not too bad, I don't think." Effie sighed after a few more impatient minutes, nodding slowly, before reeling off the list to the others,
Catherine the Great of Russia,
Elizabeth I of England,
Ramses II of Egypt – At this, Nick, Larry and Effie all glanced quickly at Akh, whose eyebrows cocked in interest.
Isabella of Castile and Aragon
Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome
Alexander the Great,
Wu Zeitian, Empress of China,
Fatih Sultan Mehmed II, Ottoman,
Otto Von Bismark of Germany,
Vladimir Lenin of Russia,
Napoleon, Emperor of France,
Xeres I, Persia,
Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni Tribe (Wales Today)
Empress Theodora of Byzantium,
Mao Zedong, China
Eleanor of Aquitaine,
When she had finished reading, there was a silence – the exhibits unusually quiet.
"Well I don't know about you guys but I have nooo idea who any o' them fellas are!" Jedediah suddenly exclaimed loudly from the floor, grinning around. A few others nodded in agreement.
"I have to agree with our western friend, Effie." Teddy proclaimed from the back. "I myself an unsure of a great many of those people." More nodding.
"Well, like I said, it's not too bad." Effie started, pushed her hair off her face. "We'll probably need to keep an eye of Mao and Lenin, but I think the others will be alright. I don't know a great deal about all of them either I suppose, but I do know whom we will be fine with. Queen Elizabeth shouldn't be a threat. Probably not Theodora, or Bismarck. Me and Nicky will do some research on the others tonight. "
"Xeres will be a huge problem!" Nicky exclaimed, his eyes wide. "Have you seen 300! He's a lunatic in that!"
"Nicky, that's a film." Larry interrupted, shaking his head. "It's not supposed to be historically accurate."
"Is this the finished list?" Effie asked him, and Larry shook his head.
"McPhee said it's still subject to change. He might be adding one or two more. It seems a bit too random to be final."
"I know, right!" Nicky agreed. "Who the heck is Boudicca anyway?"
"You'll find out." Effie sighed, not wanting to explain. She handed Larry back his blackberry and pushed her way out of the gathering crowd, searching out a bench and resting her tired feet for a while. Ahkmenrah followed and joined her quietly, neither saying a word.
"You are concerned." Ahkmenrah broke the silence, stating it as a fact more than a question.
"Just a bit," Effie replied. "I just don't want anything bad to happen here. One or two of those people aren't exactly known for being… humanitarian."
"I am sure all will be well. Larry is perfectly capable of bringing order. He has done so before."
"Yes I know," she sighed, slumping slightly. "I would just hate to see the museum ruined. I love it here so much. It feels like home, and I'm sort of protective of it, you know? I don't want anyone new to come and spoil it all."
"I understand, Effie, but your concerns are most likely fruitless. All will be well. I am sure of it."
"I really hope you're right Ahkmenrah. I really do."
It was only a day later when McPhee was reviewing security tapes in his office when the first change was made. It started with his sudden urge for a walk, to him ending up in the Pharaoh's tomb, and then his taking of the tablet from its case and his staring down at it for a moment. He wasn't sure what it was that made him do so, or why he did it. All he knew was that moments after putting it on-so-carefully back he had a sudden and urgent need to add one more name to that exhibits list he was due to send off that afternoon.
I am so very sorry for the massive delay of chapters. School is just hectic, let me tell you. I have so many deadlines and much less time for writing. I have also been juggling lifeguard training, scuba diving qualifications, model United Nations conferences, Student council meetings, and the stress of having gotten my self a brand new boyfriend. Please accept my apology.
I hope you enjoy the chapter – It's all starting to move forwards now.
Rage
xxxxx