House of Scarabs

by Hazel Longuet

  Kareem stared at her for some time. "You have one hell of a nerve, Ellie. You walk out on me without a word and then expect me to jump headfirst into whatever you've got yourself into, no questions asked?" He sighed and patted Elbi's head. "Okay, you've got a deal, but I'll be armed if they are as dangerous as you claim. I can't manage the boat and guard you without backup."

  "Oh, you'll have backup. I'll have two men with me, an American and a German. Just one more thing, Kareem. This must stay utterly secret. No one must know, not even Aliaa or your present floozy. Everyone must think you are just going on a normal cruise with your pre-booked clients."

  They sat chatting for a while before Kareem offered to drive Ellie home.

  The car lights faded into the distance as they drove away. The man raised from his crouch beneath the shadowed window, stood, and walked away accompanied by Elbi's excited barking. As he walked, he contemplated everything he'd heard.

  Kom Ombo

  After a day spent avoiding the ever-seeing eye of Mama Aida, the three had hidden their bags in the garden and settled down for the night. Ellie tucked away behind the bedroom door protected by the ever-vigilant, elderly yet still fearsome Egyptian nanny, and the men were in their makeshift dormitory downstairs.

  They'd decided to meet outside at two a.m. and had agreed a circuitous route to the mooring of The Thebes to make sure they weren't followed. Now they just needed to wait and listen for the steady snores of Mama Aida. Ellie would use her long-trusted ladder to meet the guys. Each of them planned to take taxis in different directions, changing cabs as often as possible before meeting at the pier.

  Ellie had asked Kareem to do a little shopping for the trip, which included items of disguise and burner phones armed with data packages to help them continue their research whilst travelling down the Nile.

  The final and hardest task for Ellie had been a letter for Mama Aida. She struggled to draft the letter, wanting to protect her old nursery nurse from any anxiety whilst also ensuring she knew nothing about their plans. Ellie knew the people chasing them would show the old lady no mercy and wanted to get Mama Aida to return to the safety of her village home.

  She ended up scrawling a missive claiming the police had asked them to return to the UK to confirm new details about Stefan's murder. Ben booked tickets in their names to confirm the story and left printouts of the tickets scattered on the dining room table. Ellie asked her to close the house in the morning and return to her own home. Charlie, after a little persuasion, agreed to support their story should Mama Aida contact her.

  The clock ticked down to their rendezvous time. Each minute dragged ever longer. Aida's every snuffle or movement amplified the suspense. The journey was on.

  Gerhard offered his hand to help Ellie take the final step down from the rope ladder, which swayed against the house. She brushed the Bougainvillea twigs and dried leaves from her hair and grabbed her mobile from her back pocket.

  "I sent you text messages from my mobile earlier detailing your routes - ignore them. I was laying a false trail." She pulled two index cards from her shoulder bag and passed them one each. "This is the actual course you should take. I've calculated each route to allow us to be within our boundary perimeter but spread across the city. Each location has many alternate entrances and exits, which should allow us to lose anyone if we're followed." She passed each of them a bulging plastic bag. "I've given you a range of jackets and hats in here - change your appearance between each leg of the journey. We can't risk them finding us on the Nile. We'd be sitting ducks, so take every precaution to cover your steps. Good luck. See you at the end point."

  With that, she left the garden and turned towards Road 9. The guys followed in intervals.

  Cairo thrives on hustle and bustle, so it was easy to hail taxis from the streets.

  Ben travelled to the old border town of Helwan, across the water towards Saqqara, and into the up-market business and residential area of Mohandeseen before crossing over into the island of Zamalek.

  Gerhard stopped at the old military Citadel and Mosque before changing cars and heading to the tourist bazaar of Khan El-Khalili, with all its spice stores and jewelry shops. From there, he changed again, moving to the old Abdeen Palace and finally to their meeting point.

  Ellie went directly to the airport, where she changed taxi and visited the colonial suburb of Roxi. She changed and drove to the Nile Ritz-Carlton Hotel, which she entered via the Nile-facing entrance. After enjoying a coffee, she exited via the Tahrir Square door and walked to the front of the Egyptian Museum, where she got a taxi to Nile City Towers, a large shopping and business complex. She again used an alternative exit and hailed a cab, which took her across the Imbaba Bridge, into Mohandeseen, and back to Zamalek for her final taxi change at the Cairo Opera House. She was last to arrive at the wharf in Zamalek where Kareem moored The Thebes.

  Kareem had already shown the two men to their berth and was waiting on the dock for Ellie. "Strange partners you have, Ellie - an elderly gentleman and a loud American! Are you sure you don't want to tell me what the hell is going on? I'd certainly feel more comfortable helping you than depending on these total strangers to protect you. All this cloak and dagger business is worrying me. It's not like you to be involved in subterfuge."

  Ellie grimaced, tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, and walked across the gangway. "I wish it were that simple, Kareem. I don't understand what's happening or even why it's happening. But one thing is certain - I have no choice other than to proceed with Ben and Gerhard. But I feel much more comfortable having a friend close at hand." She stared across the dark stretch of water. "Just be careful, Kareem. These people are dangerous and have already killed. Your ignorance is your only protection. I won't jeopardise that."

  The days passed slowly on The Thebes. They took turns sailing the boat, so they could travel around the clock. This meant that they didn't need to register with the police, which was a legal requirement at every stop otherwise.

  Ellie furiously researched everything she could find on Khepri, which was precious little, hindered by the often weak or unreliable data network. One afternoon, she became so infuriated by the combination of slow connectivity and limited information, she threw the mobile into the Nile, much to Ben's amusement.

  The charm of the old-world dahabiya sailboat captivated Gerhard. He'd interrogated Kareem about its history and restoration into its current incarnation as a six-berth passenger cruiser. The teak-paneled dining room and lounge had a regal gentleman's club meets the orient feel that just begged passengers to sit down and enjoy the passing scenery. The berths, whilst bijoux, were adorned with beds that cuddled their sleepers in a cloud of comfort and were dressed in rich umbers, scarlets, and deep greens that complemented the cinnamon beauty of the wood-scented rooms. After seeing the perfectly equipped kitchen, Gerhard opted to became the galley master, preparing all the meals. His culinary offerings were the highlight of days otherwise cloaked in boredom and anxiety.

  Every evening, they gathered on the deck to enjoy the sun setting. The crimson sky bathed the Nile in hues of pink, and it amplified the green of the rushes and fields against the pink-tinged, dusty yellows of the surrounding hills. The local farming families worked in their fields, harvesting in the cooler evening temperatures, and shone like precious stones against the crops in their colourful galabiyas. When they passed through towns or villages, they adopted the persona of tourists, snapping photos and waving at the locals. Kareem insisted that to do otherwise would break their cover story.

  The change in tempo and constant vigilance against unseen attack caused tempers to flare, and Gerhard did his best to keep Ellie and Ben apart. He acknowledged that they needed to have an argument to clear the air but wanted to preserve the fragile amnesty until they'd uncovered their mission in Kom Ombo. Kareem was a great calming tonic for both Ellie and Ben, who'd formed a firm friendship with the Egyptian guide out of Ellie's sight. He was a peaceful and happy soul and made it difficult
for anyone to stay angry for long.

  Each day, they expected an attack and were on full guard at all times, but the days passed peacefully.

  "You know, it would be easier if they just attacked us. At least the dark deed would be done. All this waiting and not knowing is driving me bonkers," Ben said one evening as they watched the sun-gilded Nile pass by.

  "I think we've slipped their net. All that taxi-hopping may have paid off," Ellie replied as she sipped a glass of chilled white wine.

  Gerhard pondered her words and watched a white egret at the edge of the river stalk its prey. "Still, it might be wise not to drop our guard yet. As long as we keep moving, the only way they can hurt us is to shoot from the riverbank or try to board the boat whilst we are moving. Laying mines in the river would be too random and could cause the wrong boat to be hit, so I don't think they'd try that. So, we should have notice of either attack. Especially with our friend here," he said, patting Elbi's head. The dog gave him a lick and settled down at his feet. "I'm concerned about the lock though. If I were orchestrating an attack, that would be my target point. We're essentially sitting ducks. We need to consider how to protect our passage through the lock, ja?"

  Kareem walked up behind them and grabbed the local flatbread to dip into the babaganough dip. "I think I may have a solution. I know a couple of felucca captains that have helped me sail The Thebes occasionally. Maybe I can ask one to sail it through the lock while we hop off and go cross country. We'll meet up again farther upstream."

  Ellie shook her head. "I don't want to jeopardise any more innocent lives. What if they don't confirm who's on board before opening fire? I won't risk another life," she said, moving over to Elbi and burying her face in his scruff.

  "Habibti, you needn't fear. You know how these river men live. Gossip is the source of their happiness. I'll plant an elaborate false trail with them that will have these enemies of yours chasing their tails better than Elbi. Trust me, I wouldn't risk them if I thought they were in any danger."

  Ellie gave him a wry smile. "They do love to gossip, don't they?"

  The Elopement

  The next day dawned sunny and fresh. After another stunning breakfast prepared with Gerhard's normal culinary precision, the four-man crew adorned their well-worn and rather stinky galabiyas.

  The jolly felucca captain recruited by Kareem was called Tarek. His height was nearly matched by his girth, and every time he smiled or laughed, he flashed tarred stubs where his teeth should be. He'd been delighted to provide some old clothes for them, especially when he received ten times what they were worth in payment. He struggled in vain to contain his mirth when he saw the motley bunch leave the saloon and cross the deck towards him.

  "Oh, my dear lord, her groom will turn and run for his life when he sees her dressed like that," he spluttered to Kareem. "Still, once they've eloped, she'll scrub up okay." He nodded at Gerhard and Ben. "I'm amazed her father and brother are supporting this elopement. She must have one in the oven, eh?"

  Ben snorted under his breath and got a firm elbow to the ribs from Ellie. They continued playing the role of Italians, so they had agreed not to talk in front of the captain, who was unaware that two of them understood what he was saying.

  Kareem had told the captain that Ellie – or Valentina, as he'd dubbed her – was returning to elope with her Egyptian boyfriend, whose family was against the union. He asked the captain to take the boat through the lock while he guided the nervous bride and her family to a local solicitor to perform an Orfi marriage. He'd explained that the groom's family would stop at nothing to prevent the wedding, hence the need to disguise the group as local farmers. The story touched Tarek's sentimental side, and he'd swallowed it hook, line, and sinker.

  So, as the sun flirted with the horizon, they crossed the plank onto the riverbank of the hidden little cove they'd moored in to pick up Tarek. He'd left his donkey and trap as transport for them. Kareem leapt up onto the front seat, picked up the reins, and helped Ellie clamber up next to him. He instructed Ben and Gerhard to lie down in the back with their arms over their faces as if protecting their eyes from the gentle sun whilst napping. Kareem passed Ellie a basket full of gaily-coloured reed strips and told her to keep her head down and appear to be weaving the reeds into baskets.

  "Yalla!" he said, flipping the reins to encourage the donkeys to move. And so, they plodded down the little dust track that began their journey to Esna.

  After several uncomfortable hours of travelling and waiting for The Thebes to clear the lock and with no more excitement than Gerhard spotting a rare bird, tired and despondent, the four travelers re-embarked The Thebes. Kareem questioned Tarek to see if he'd experienced anything unusual, but it seemed he'd had a very peaceful journey. Kareem told him the sorry story of Valentina's fiancé leaving her standing at the altar, or solicitor’s office, in this case.

  "Don't be sad, pretty lady," Tarek said in heavily accented English whilst patting her hand in a fatherly fashion. "Egyptian men can make horrible husbands. Just ask my long-suffering wife, God bless her soul. You've had a lucky miss today."

  Ellie schooled her face to appear heartbroken and moved towards the door.

  "Her boyfriend probably found a younger tourist with a better passport," he said under his breath to Kareem in Arabic. Ellie's step faltered before she continued through the door, slamming it behind her.

  "Old, am I?" she muttered to herself as she pushed past Ben to grab the first shower.

  Kareem helped fit Gerhard's shemagh before moving on to adjust Ben's. The headdress completed the disguise. He passed them both the dark aviator shades preferred by many of the rich Arabs, which they put on, and before him stood two reasonable facsimiles of rich Saudi Sheiks. The fact that both Ben and Gerhard shared the same swarthy skin tone helped a great deal. Ellie came into the saloon dressed from head to toe in a black abaya and matching black headdress with just a thin slot cut to allow her to see. Kareem flitted around, adjusting the lay of a coat or the folds of the headdress, until he was satisfied.

  "Khalas - not even your own mothers would recognise you. Now are you sure I can't come to act as your tour guide?"

  Gerhard stepped forward and patted his shoulder. "Thank you, my friend. You have already helped way beyond the call of duty, but alas, this next chapter is ours and ours alone. Please be vigilant, and should anything seem untoward, please take The Thebes and yourself to safety."

  Kareem appeared uncertain. "Well, okay, if you insist. Ellie, remember to walk behind the men, and guys, carry yourself with arrogance. Remember to disappear among the tourists. You need to carry this disguise off perfectly. You must appear egotistical, aloof, and have a certain swagger. Ellie, you're meek, quiet, and docile - God help you!"

  "Now that, I've got to see," said Ben, dancing away from the jet-propelled handbag Ellie swung at him.

  Ellie turned to Kareem and walked into his arms. They hugged a little longer than necessary and then Ellie turned and, with a wave of the hand, showed that Ben should lead the way. She didn't look back.

  Kareem had moored the boat just a short walk down river from the lauded Kom Ombo Temple. So, they strolled along the riverside corniche, playing the role of rich and spoilt tourists. Ben pulled the travel guide from his pocket and pointed to pictures of the complex. They moved a little further along, and there it stood as it had for more than two millennia, staring across the glinting Nile, a golden stone temple dedicated to long-forgotten gods. A relic of its time, it was achingly beautiful.

  "Wow," muttered Gerhard in awe, forgetting his role for a second as he allowed the majesty and power of the ruins to wash over him. He took out his camera and took a range of photos of the temple and his companions. They bought entry tickets and made their way up the ramp to the imposing front.

  Ben's eyes flicked around, watching for any sign of danger as they walked between the towering, golden stone columns of the vestibule. Every surface was carved with reliefs of the pharaohs and hieroglyphics te
lling their stories. He noticed paintings of flying vultures adorned the ceiling. Normally, he'd have stopped and studied everything, but for now, his archaeologist's sensibilities took second place to his primordial sense of survival.

  The sun lay beams of light in their path, and the columns created deep pools of shade - perfect hiding ground for would-be assassins. Sweat droplets ran down his neck as he forced himself to wander around and point at random carvings to maintain their tourist veneer. They'd decided the most probable location of their next meeting with the familiars was the sanctuary dedicated to the worship of Sobek. It was at the rear of the complex, so it was vital they continue their disguise to reach it.

  They ambled along, admiring a detailed carving of Sobek in one frieze. Ellie made them pose next to it to take photos. As they moved towards the rear of the complex, they broke into two groups as agreed earlier. Ellie and Gerhard veered to the left, visiting the Sanctuary of Horus the Elder, while Ben pottered around the Shrine of Hathor before appearing to search around for them and entering Sobek's Sanctuary to the right.

  Ben allowed his eyes to adjust to the deep gloom in the enclosed sanctuary before moving around, examining the decorated walls. He ran his hands along the etched walls, fascinated by the artistry of the long-dead stone masons who had used shadow to accentuate their work. There was a deep peace within the Sanctuary, a level of silence and spirituality that evicted the modern world.

  Unfortunately, the pulse of energy that normally preceded the appearance of the deities was absent. Ben used his mental link to call to Sobek as he'd done before, but the connection remained dormant. Scratching his head, he took a deep breath to centre himself and ponder his next steps. Sobek might be a pain in his ass, but the little fellow had been a powerful dude in his time and had his own temple.