Chapter 10: Cairo
2Hrs 28Min (21,8km), Cairo, Egypt
The Evening
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a city that presents a captivating blend of old-world charm and modernity. However, to truly appreciate its wonders, one must embrace Cairo on its own terms. The bustling crowds, chaotic traffic, air pollution, and lack of organization can initially seem overwhelming. Nevertheless, Cairo is home to some of the country's most extraordinary sights, such as Medieval Cairo, which includes iconic landmarks like the Citadel, El-Azhar Mosque, and other significant places of worship. A visit to Cairo is an essential key to understanding the essence of Egypt.
Jean-Yves had made Egypt his home after spending many years there. Although he resided in a small, isolated house between Karnak and Luxor, he also maintained a studio apartment in Alexandria and an office in the Cairo Museum. On this particular night, Jean-Yves had received word from a longtime colleague, Elizabeth, who had asked for his assistance. The surprising revelation of the person he was expected to help left Jean-Yves in a state of shock. He anxiously waited for their arrival.
Lara and Chris reached Cairo that evening, just as the Cairo Citadel was closing its doors for the night. They made their way to the Spiral, where Jean awaited their arrival. As Lara heard Jean's voice, she embraced him tightly.
"It's been too long, Lara," Jean-Yves said, breaking the hug.
"I know," Lara replied, feeling a wave of nostalgia.
"Has Werner contacted you yet?" Jean-Yves inquired, unaware of the events of the past month.
"Jean, he did, but he's no longer with us," Lara responded, noticing the pained expression on Jean's face.
"What happened?" Jean asked, his concern evident.
"It's a long story, but Werner got involved in some dangerous affairs, Jean. He got himself killed and dragged me into this mess as well. I'll fill you in on all the details later, but for now, we need to reach that tomb," Lara explained, her voice filled with determination.
They set off towards the southern enclosure of Saladin's Citadel. Saladin had constructed a well that reached an impressive depth of eighty-five meters.
"How do you plan to gain entry?" Jean inquired.
"We'll enter through Joseph's Well," Chris spoke up, breaking his silence. "It's a secret passage that leads down into the well."
"I see. While you two descend, I'll stay up here, keeping a watchful eye and ensuring no one interferes, Lara," Jean stated, casting a wary look at Chris.
Lara thought to herself that Jean seemed disapproving of the company she kept.
"Why did Elizabeth call you here in the first place?" Lara asked Jean, curious about his involvement.
"I am one of the keepers of the Citadel, Lara. As long as I am overseeing this, we should encounter no problems," Jean replied, offering reassurance.
"Thank you, Jean," Lara expressed her gratitude.
Turning her attention to Chris, she walked past him towards the well, securing a rope from her belt to the well's mount. With resolute determination, Lara began descending into the darkness below, the water of the well enveloping her.
Chris sighed deeply and followed suit, making his way down. Meanwhile, Jean remained outside, guarding the entrance to the secret tomb, ensuring that no one would disturb their mission.
With determination, Lara and Chris swam through the depths of the well until they reached a particular panel on the well's wall. Chris used his hands to apply pressure to the wall, causing another hidden wall to open up. A passageway leading to the entrance of the tomb was revealed. They emerged from the water, gasping for breath after the arduous swim. Once they had caught their breath, they stood up and faced a closed door that stood before them.
"So, Miss Croft, how do we proceed from here?" Chris asked, leaning against the wall.
"You're the Lux Veritatis, why don't you show me?" Lara replied, crossing her arms and challenging him.
How do I explain to her that I have no formal training as a member of the Lux Veritatis? Chris pondered.
Chris let out a sigh. "Honestly, I don't know."
I can tap into my powers and I can fight, but when it comes to this, I have no idea, Chris thought, feeling a sense of helplessness.
"Okay," Lara said, examining the door and the walls closely. Her eyes landed on small Latin inscriptions above the door, and she read them aloud.
"To get to the rambling stone, you must show that you're the real knight of the light."
"So, it looks like it's your turn," Lara stated, glancing at Chris.
Real knight of the light, what does that even mean? Chris wondered, sensing Lara's patience wearing thin.
"I have no idea what to do," Chris admitted, scratching his head.
Lara let out a frustrated sigh and shifted her attention to the wall where she noticed paintings depicting eight individuals holding various weapons in the air. Something caught her eye, and she reached into her belongings, pulling out the Chirugai. Chris's mouth dropped open in surprise.
"Where did you get that?" he pointed at the Chirugai in her hand.
"I picked it up," she smiled, reminiscing about the moment she had used it to defeat Eckhardt. She quickly shook off the memory and turned to face the door. She presented the Chirugai to the door, the blades sprung out once again, emitting a faint glow. After a moment, the door creaked open.
"Kurtis," Chris answered, a mixture of awe and disbelief evident in his voice.
"Yes, he left it behind," Lara replied, stepping forward and entering the newly opened passage. Chris followed closely behind her.
So, that's where his weapon ended up, Chris thought, astounded by the unexpected discovery..
Turkey
Karel sat alone in his dimly lit room, a wicked smile playing across his face. After an extensive search, he had finally located his long-lost sister, and this discovery brought him immense satisfaction. It meant that he could now proceed to eliminate her once and for all.
"When I destroy her, my race can continue," he chuckled sinisterly. "With the Chosen One in my possession, my work will be complete."
Suddenly, a knock at the door broke Karel's train of thought.
"Come in," he spoke in a cold, hard voice.
A soldier from Marten's ranks entered the room. "Master Karel."
"Yes, what's the matter?" Karel inquired, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"Lara Croft is en route to Egypt with the Lux Veritatis," the soldier reported.
"Well then, that's excellent news," Karel responded, a smug smirk spreading across his face.
"Master!" the soldier exclaimed, his confusion evident.
"Find out their exact location in Egypt and prepare my helicopter immediately," Karel ordered.
"Right away, Master. Anything else?" the soldier asked, eager to please.
"Yes, inform Gunderson to ready the missiles and lock onto their targets," Karel commanded with a malicious glint in his eyes.
"Of course, Master," the soldier acknowledged, bowing slightly before exiting the room, leaving Karel to his thoughts once more.
"I will make her suffer," Karel whispered to himself, his mind racing with possibilities for a slow and agonizing demise. Suddenly, an idea struck him. "To be betrayed by a loved one... It's perfect," he chuckled darkly. With a renewed sense of purpose, Karel rose from his seat and made his way out of the cold, dark room, heading towards the waiting helicopter that would carry him towards his unsuspecting prey.
Britain, Surrey
In his thirties, Martin Vasiley possessed a sturdy physique and was known to the world as a knowledgeable librarian, who had unraveled the secrets of the past, present, and even glimpses of the future. Martin's studies had drawn him closer to his adversaries, and his connection with Mathews Vasiley led him to Germany, where he tragically lost his brother. Consumed by guilt for not being there to protect him, Martin blamed himself for his brother's demise.
Currently, Martin found himself in Elizabeth's study, delving into the annals of time using his powerful Obscure Crystal ball. This mystical artifact was impervious to damage; if it were to fall and shatter, its pieces would miraculously reassemble. Elizabeth had tasked him with delving into the past, specifically seeking information about Karel's origins and vulnerabilities. And now, that was precisely what he intended to accomplish.
Speaking in his native tongue, Martin addressed the crystal ball, and to his astonishment, an image materialized before him. A formidable woman, wielding a staff, stood proudly, her words echoing in his ears.
"My children, awaken now and reign for eternity."
As she spoke, two figures rose from their seats—a man bearing a striking resemblance to Karel and a woman who bore an uncanny resemblance to Lady Croft.
How peculiar, Martin pondered, his curiosity piqued.
The woman with the staff continued, her voice commanding authority. "I am the creator, the mother of all beings, and you shall heed my commands."
"What is our purpose in this human realm, Mother?" Karel inquired, a mischievous smile curling upon his lips.
He's up to something, Martin thought, sensing the nefarious intentions lurking within Karel's heart.
"You, my son, are a fallen angel, destined to rule over lost souls and eventually betray me for the sake of evil," the woman declared.
"And what of me, Mother?" the woman standing next to her brother questioned, her features resembling those of Lara Croft. Martin, however, dismissed the notion as mere coincidence.
"My child, you shall possess great power. You will stand against your brother, protecting this world. People shall call you the Amazonian, the protector. While your brother represents the Angel of Darkness, you shall embody the Light of Truth, forever engaged in an eternal battle," the mother explained.
Karel forcefully pushed his sister aside and lunged at his mother, seizing the staff. A fierce struggle ensued, and ultimately, Karel emerged triumphant, clutching the staff in his hands.
"Now, Mother, I shall cast you into an eternal slumber. Only the power of this staff can awaken you. Any final words, Mother?" Karel taunted.
Devoid of her staff, the mother's power waned. "Just one. You shall encounter countless deaths, and one day, you and your sister shall return to face each other in a final battle. It is then that I shall be awakened by the most potent force," she prophesied. With those words uttered, Karel employed a spell that imprisoned his mother within a glass case, ensuring her eternal sleep. He laughed triumphantly, but when he turned to face his sister, she had vanished without a trace.
"I will find you and end your life, sister!" Karel bellowed into the void.
Martin meticulously transcribed every detail of the encounter, then made his way downstairs to seek out Alex and the brothers. He was eager to share the profound vision he had just witnessed.
Egypt, Cairo
In a vast chamber, Lara and Chris found themselves confronted with a striking sight. A large map adorned one of the chamber walls, while two imposing doors beckoned their attention. As they surveyed their surroundings, they noticed a chilling scene on the marble floor—a collection of skeletal remains. Among the bones, one skeleton clutched a key in its right hand, with a shield and sword lying nearby.
Lara approached the map, her eyes scrutinizing the intricate details. It became evident that the map had been deliberately vandalized.
"Someone has been here," Lara observed, drawing Chris's attention.
"But who?" Chris inquired, perplexed by the mysterious presence.
"I do not know," Lara replied, her voice laden with uncertainty. She moved closer to the map, discovering a small message that was only discernible at close range.
"I see your plan, and I am no longer your puppet, RJC," Lara read aloud, her voice resonating through the chamber.
"Who is this RJC?" Chris questioned, seeking clarification.
"It is my father's doing, but why and how?" Lara pondered aloud, her mind racing with possibilities.
"Why destroy the map, then?" Chris probed, searching for a motive.
"He deliberately erased the information to prevent Karel from accessing it. However, I am certain that he had made a record of the details before its destruction. Whatever the map contained, my father did not want Karel to discover it," Lara explained, her deduction sharp and astute.
"Then where might he have concealed this information?" Chris wondered aloud. "Perhaps the map held the locations of the remaining rambling stones."
"Under my grandfather's grave," Lara replied, a flicker of realization illuminating her features. "That would be a plausible reason for its destruction."
She did the same thing with Natla in Thailand. I wonder if Natla and Karel were acquainted, Lara mused, her mind delving into the intriguing connections.
Lara picked up the key from the skeletal remains and approached one of the doors. She inserted the key into the keyhole but found it resistant to turning. Undeterred, she moved to the second door and repeated the process. This time, the door yielded, and Chris followed Lara into a long corridor, their progress unhindered by the ancient traps.
"No imminent danger here," Lara remarked, her tone laced with a touch of disappointment.
"Well, the traps are thousands of years old. They are bound to be less effective," Chris reasoned, offering a practical explanation.
"I wish that were the case back in the Vault of Trophies," Lara sighed, reminiscing about their previous encounter with deadly snares.
As they entered the next room, an unsettling sight greeted them—skeletons emerging from the ground, their presence usually synonymous with imminent peril. However, to Lara's astonishment, the skeletons bowed before her, an unusual display of deference.
"What is happening? They would typically attack," Lara exclaimed, her guns still trained on the bowing skeletons.
"This is my family tomb; they would not harm one of their own," Chris elucidated, his voice laced with a sense of authority.
"Yes, brother, we have been awaiting your arrival," one of the skeletons spoke, their hollow voice resonating through the chamber.
"You were expecting us?" Lara inquired, curiosity dancing in her eyes.
"Yes, indeed. You have finally come for the rambling stone, to release our souls from centuries of guardianship," the skeleton responded, its voice laden with anticipation.
"Yes, we have. Can you shed light on when the stone was created?" Lara asked, her thirst for knowledge unquenchable.
"Indeed, I can. These stones were created to aid Klara and her knights in thwarting her brother's attempt to unlock the Black Angel's tomb," the skeleton explained, offering valuable insight into their purpose.
"But why not simply destroy the Black Angel?" Lara inquired, her arms folded in contemplation.
"You see, Amazonian, the Mother of Creations possessed foreknowledge of the future. She knew that she would be awakened by one of her children once more, and in that moment, she would become unstoppable," the skeleton sighed, a sense of resignation underlying its words. "And that must never come to pass."
Lara fell silent, her mind grappling with the weight of this new revelation. She wondered why the skeleton had referred to her as the Amazonian, a title bestowed upon her by some in recognition of her bravery and skills, while others dismissed her as a mere grave robber. However, this mystery would have to wait, as her primary objective remained to retrieve the rambling stone.
"May we acquire the rambling stone, please?" Chris finally spoke up, his voice carrying a tone of reverence.
"The stone shall be bestowed upon you when your grandmother arrives," the skeleton declared, implying a significant familial connection.
"My grandmother is here?" Chris gasped, his eyes widening in astonishment.
"Yes, she has been chosen to safeguard the stone from individuals like her," the skeleton pointed at Lara, evoking a mixture of anger and determination in her.
Moments later, the skeleton knelt as a radiant figure entered the chamber. The spirit issued a command, and the skeletons departed, obedient to their ethereal overseer.
She was a vision of beauty—Sarah, Chris's grandmother. Adorned in a flowing white dress, her long brown hair cascading down to the ground, she held both the rambling stone and a scroll in her hands. Lara's mind swiftly recognized her as Sarah, a key figure in their quest.
"Chris, my grandson, our paths have crossed once again," Sarah greeted him with a smile. "Here is the stone. Protect it with your life."
"I will, Grandma. I promise," Chris replied, his gaze fixed upon her form, the reunion filling him with both joy and a hint of melancholy.
"I know you will. That is why your life has been preserved for this very moment," Sarah affirmed, her words carrying a weight of destiny. She turned her attention to Lara. "Miss Croft, this is for you, a tool to aid you in your journey to prevent Karel from obtaining the most formidable warrior."
"Thank you," Lara expressed her gratitude, though her mind brimmed with questions about the identity of this warrior she was destined to protect. She knew that answers would reveal themselves in due time.
"Will you now find eternal peace, Grandma?" Chris inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of hope and sadness.
"No, I must assist your father in protecting the Temple. But be warned, Karel is on his way and will not rest until he has killed you, Lara, and discovered the chosen one," Sarah cautioned, her words conveying a sense of urgency.
"To kill Lara? Why, Grandma, wait!" Chris cried out, but Sarah's ethereal form began to fade, leaving him kneeling there for a moment, offering his silent tribute before rising to his feet.
"Let us go and find Elizabeth and Kurtis. We must warn them of what is to come," Chris declared, a renewed determination fueling his every step.
Lara nodded in agreement, and together with Chris, they retraced their path, rejoining Jean-Yves, who had remained stationed nearby, engrossed in his reading. He looked up, his gaze locking onto the two adventurers emerging from the well.
"Did anyone disturb you, Jean?" Lara inquired, alert to the possibility of unwelcome intruders.
"No, not tonight, but I did catch sight of some men up there," Jean responded, gesturing toward a group of figures. Lara spotted them but before she could react, Chris swiftly ushered them all into the cover of a nearby building.
Bullets began to fly where they had previously stood, the arrival of Karel and his men confirming their worst fears.
"Karel and his men have found us," Lara muttered, frustration seeping into her voice as she instinctively reached for her guns. However, Chris placed a restraining hand on her arm.
"We must depart unnoticed, without alerting them to our escape. Engaging them here would only complicate matters," Chris advised, his voice carrying a sense of caution. Reluctantly, Lara reholstered her guns, recognizing the wisdom in Chris's words.
"How do we leave this place?" Lara inquired, her gaze searching for an escape route.
"There is a tunnel leading back to the city," Jean pointed out, indicating a cave entrance below. Lara nodded, and the trio silently set off, maneuvering through the shadows to evade detection as they made their way toward the tunnel, leaving the mercenaries behind in pursuit of their own shadows.
Gunderson stood in the aftermath, taking a few moments to process the unexpected silence that followed their assault on the Tomb Raider and her companions. Realizing that something was amiss, he swiftly issued orders to his mercenaries.
"Go down below and investigate," Gunderson commanded, his voice laced with urgency. He remained with Karel, awaiting their report. Soon enough, one of his soldiers returned and stood before them, delivering the news.
"Sir, they're gone," the soldier reported.
"What? How is that possible?" Karel erupted in anger, his frustration was palpable.
"We discovered a tunnel below. It appears they escaped through it," the soldier explained.
"Master Karel, I believe I know their destination," Gunderson interjected, stepping forward with purpose.
"Where are they headed?" Karel inquired, curiosity mingling with a renewed sense of determination.
"They're likely making their way to Suez to meet up with Kurtis and Elizabeth," Gunderson revealed, confident in his deduction.
"Perfect," Karel's lips curled into a malicious smile as he rubbed his hands together. "Gather your men. We're heading to Suez. We shall capture them all." The anticipation in his voice was unmistakable as he prepared to pursue his adversaries, driven by a fervent desire for revenge and domination.