Thanks to everyone who's been reading, reviewing, and favouriting!
Wow! Where has the time gone? I haven't updated this story in a year or two? I'm so sorry about that! I guess school is getting in the way more than I thought. Well, you have about one or more chapters coming your way soon!
Ninth Glyph: A Dangerous Promise
Master Imhotep jumped as he heard the scream of the return of his two best apprentices: Sphinx and Bast.
"Master Imhotep! We've translated the notes!" Sphinx called down.
Imhotep looked up at them. Sphinx leaped down and waited for Bast to follow.
They looked up and waited and just before Imhotep started to worry, Bast looked over and waved a hello before preparing to jump, but instead of jumping down herself, Sphinx helped her down with a grin.
"I did not really need that," she muttered, looking away so they could not see her blushing.
"Come, you two, let me see what you have found," Imhotep beckoned. Bast's ears perked up and she wasn't embarrassed anymore, "Of course!" she replied eagerly and took out both the map and her notes from the bag.
She handed them to Imhotep and he read the translations very carefully.
He nodded because he understood and looked back up at the waiting demigods.
"As much as I would like to send you two out again, I want you to rest. You have very much to do soon," he decided.
"Thank you, Master!" both apprentices thanked.
"Besides, I'm sure you would be tired after being in the desert."
They laughed, "Yes! I will tell you about it later," Bast promised and started to walk away, intent on swimming in the surrounding waters because the Southern deserts had dried her out.
"Hey! Bast!" called Sphinx, jogging after her.
Imhotep smiled as he saw them walk away.
My, how they've grown.
It was the middle of the night and the pair of admirers were in Sphinx's room with a few candles lighting up the room.
"I suggest we go to the tomb of Pharaoh Apepi. Horus would not know where that is, correct?" said Bast.
Sphinx thought about it, "We'll assume he knows what he needs and where to get them."
"It is the farthest from here. It would take much effort to get there and to break into the tomb and it would be almost impossible for an individual. Sphinx, we are a team. Would you not say he is working alone?" Bast reasoned.
Sphinx agreed. Horus probably was working alone, "Yes, but do you know where it is?"
"Simple. The North. Pharaoh Apepi ruled over the North when Egypt was parted."
"If we can find a map, I bet we can make it before Horus can," Sphinx added confidently.
"Yes! Do you think Master Imhotep would have one?" Bast asked.
"I don't see why not. Otherwise they may have some in Abydos."
"Then we shall ask in the morning. But we require money… I believe we have enough to travel," Bast nodded, retrieving her purse quickly from the Duat and checking how much she had. It was a substantial amount.
"About 2,000," answered Sphinx.
"Yes, then that will be enough," she nodded and trying to calculate how much their expenses would be. Saving the world was expensive.
She returned her purse into the Duat and exhaled. She was looking forward to this adventure.
"I am excited, too. And anxious," answered Sphinx to her thoughts.
She eyed him, he could not read minds, that was preposterous and he certainly couldn't have caught up to her trick.
"Do not attempt to use my own tricks against me, Sphinx," she said like on their first day together.
"Well, Bast," he said back playfully, "What reason is there for me to not do so?"
Sphinx leaned in so their faces were just an inch apart.
She laughed in his face, "You truly are silly!"
He managed to give her a quick peck on the cheek before she got up. She scoffed and rolled her eyes, just to tease him.
"Good night, Sphinx," she laughed. She left for her room and Sphinx just sat there while thinking about tomorrow.
"The Tomb of Apepi… I only know it is in the North where he reigned Egypt when he was Pharaoh. Perhaps somewhere between Avaris and it's surrounding cities. It would be better to ask Anubis, after all, he is god of embalming, he must know where he is buried," Imhotep nodded.
Sphinx fidgeted at the thought and Bast crossed her arms, they weren't looking forward to the meeting with the jackal-headed god, but if it had to be done, it would be done.
"Of course," Sphinx nodded and climbed up the ledge to the portal with Bast.
They seemed to disappear before Imhotep heard a gasp and Sphinx call her.
"Master Imhotep! I was not able to tell you about the desert! I apologize! I promise I will tell you all about it when we return!" Bast called down.
Imhotep remembered and nodded, "Yes! Please!" and he heard them leave.
She promised they would come back.
That was a dangerous promise.