by S. A. Carter
She slumps her shoulders, knowing that he’s obviously upset. She looks over at Phoebe, who is madly raiding the fridge in search of anything and everything edible. It’s been two hours since she ate, which in her world is nothing short of third world starvation.
‘Has something else happened while you were in town?’ she asks quietly.
I nod. Keeping my voice low I say, ‘We figured out who the Venator is.’
Her head shoots up. ‘What?!’ she whispers shocked.
I then tell her about running into Mr. Walden and his new kitchen hand having been in a recent accident. I also tell her how I could feel someone watching me at dinner the other night and that I noticed the tattoo on his inner arm.
She shakes her head in dismay. ‘Jo will want to kill him.’
‘I know. I had to convince him otherwise. I don’t know how long that will last, so I better get my teleporting to Egypt right, and quickly.’ I feel the pressure mounting.
‘That reminds me.’ She stands up and walks down the hall. She comes back carrying a magazine and hands it to me, I see the word Egypt written in bold on the front cover.
‘What’s this?’
‘I went to the shop and walked past the travel agents. I thought you would need a picture of Philae temple so you could land accurately, or whatever it is you do.’ She flicks her hand and shrugs. ‘In this one there is a double page spread of the temple, so I was thinking that you could use it as your focal point.’ She smiles at me and puts her hands in her lap.
Aunt Lily has this wonderful innocence about her that is so endearing. She won’t interfere unless she knows that she can contribute positively in some way. I love that about her.
I smile. ‘Thank you. This is so great.’
She pats my knee and stands back up. ‘Phoebe, do you want me to help you there?’ she says, as she walks over to the bench, taking the knife from Phoebe’s hand before she can do any damage. She finishes making the sandwiches which Phoebe was attempting to create without much luck. Now I know how the rat in science class must have felt.
‘Good idea, Mrs. O. I’ll just let you do it.’ Phoebe sits down next to me.
While looking through the pages I am amazed at how ancient and mystical Egypt is—the people; the pharaohs; their spiritual beliefs; and their amazing ability to be able to create astounding monuments, all in the name of preserving the dead and worshipping the living. Each turn of the page brings me to the conclusion that these people lived in a time where they possessed a much greater awareness of the world around them.
Isis enters my mind. I picture her standing as Mother to Egypt, her arms spread out to her people, welcoming them into her bosom.
‘Ellie, can you hear me?’
‘Huh…what?’ I say, distracted by my thoughts.
‘I said, is this the temple?’ Phoebe is pointing repeatedly to the page in front of her.
I refocus my attention on the page and the picture of a glorious temple stares back at me—Philae Temple. This is the place that we need to go. This is where we will find the answers we seek.
‘Yep. That looks like it.’
‘Wow, it’s impressive. It says here that it took fifteen years to build. They did this by hand?’ she asks.
‘From what I know, yeah. Pretty amazing really. I mean how many buildings these days would be built by hand with such adoration and detailed precision.’ My eyes take in its beauty.
She cocks an eyebrow at me. ‘What are you? An architect now?’
I blush. ‘No. I just seem to have a new found respect for it all I suppose.’ I shrug, realising that I have in fact changed, or am still changing, with all these new experiences. I feel different.
Phoebe is looking at me suspiciously. ‘Uh huh.’
‘Anyway, this is where I need to get to and I don’t have much time.’ I think of Uncle Jo, knowing it is torturing him to have to stay put when he knows who the Venator is now.
‘Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s get started then.’ Phoebe gets up and grabs the book off the table. ‘Come on.’ She takes her sandwich, thanks Aunt Lily, and walks outside.
‘Where are we going?’ I ask, noticing that she is walking a little quick for someone who hates exercise.
‘We need to find Magi and start practising.’
I follow her out towards the barn and hear the sound of Uncle Jo’s hammer ringing against metal. The sharp sound reverberates through my skull, causing me to wince.
Magi sees me and trots towards us. ‘Hey, Mags.’ I ruffle her fur. Uncle Jo hasn’t heard us over the din and I don’t want to interrupt him with whatever it is he is building.
‘Good. Let’s begin,’ Phoebe says in an authoritarian voice.
‘Who made you Queen Phoebs?’ I say amused.
She turns to face me and points to the picture of the temple. ‘You need to get here, and you need to get here now. I can’t come with you and this is the only way I can help you. So let me at least boss you around for a while so I feel like I’m helping in some small way, okay?’ Her voice cracks slightly.
I soften. ‘Okay, Phoebs, boss me around, I’m listening,’ I say, knowing that her bravado is wavering.
She nods. ‘Good. Follow me then.’ She walks to the back of the barn and we take up our positions near the woodpile.
I make sure the area around us is clear, searching the terrain for any sign that seems unusual.
‘What about Uncle Jo?’ I ask a little uncertain.
She sighs. ‘Jo shmo. Listen! We don’t have time to muck around and you have the only weapon that can get you from one place to another. If you get into any trouble then use the kuthun. Not that you need to by the way.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘I mean, you have this power now, E. You don’t need to rely on anything else. You have it all within you.’
Her words ring true. Omnipotence.
‘You’re right. Thanks.’ I feel stronger at the thought that I can do this, no matter what. ‘Am I taking Mags with me?’ Magi’s tail wags at the prospect.
‘Not this time. I think she can wait until you come back, just so we can be sure that you can hit it properly.’
I nod in agreement. She hands me the book and I spend the next few minutes taking in all the details on the page.
The Temple of Isis—its walls adorned with intricate carvings and images of Isis and Horus, amongst others that I do not know; the sandstone pillars and columns standing tall at the entry, omitting a symbolic reference to visitors that this is a place of power and respect; and the sun, representing the Goddess, is shining brightly in the clear blue sky above.
I close my eyes and merge with the picture before me. I imagine the dry wind against my face; incense floating past me on the breeze; the heat from the sun shining down upon me; and the sound of water running downstream, lapping against the sandy shores of River Nassar.
My power responds by rippling through my body and I reach for the kuthun.
Scholars have different theories about where Isis lay, but as I stand here before the huge pillars to her temple, I know in my heart that she is here, buried beneath the stone floor, still protecting the living and the dead from beyond. My body shudders in exaltation.
I don’t need to worry about someone seeing me as I look like the other hundreds of tourists that roam this place—their bright coloured clothes an eyesore among the calming hues of the surrounding stone buildings.
No-one seems to acknowledge the fact that I just appeared out of thin air. I keep my eyes down so as not to draw attention and slowly make my way towards the entry up ahead.
The dry, arid sand swirls around my feet, while the towering stone columns protect me from the blazing sun. Off to my left I see a market stall selling tourist paraphernalia and the unforgettable orange of saffron spice, among others. Further along women have gathered around an Egyptian salesman, which on closer inspection looks to be selling handmade Nubian jewellery. His arms, wrists and neck are covered in the mos
t dazzling gold jewellery and specks of bold colour have been mixed through it to tantalise the eye. It seems to be working, as the women are reaching into their purses as I walk by.
I keep moving past these everyday things, remembering why I am here. The faint sound of running water reminds me that this whole area is surrounded by the High Dam which has produced an embankment of green shrubs and trees, seemingly out of place in the surrounding desolation. Palm trees surround the island in a twofold image, reminding me of twin souls that cannot bear to stand alone.
As I walk further along I pass massive pylons covered with people of an ancient era, some who look like they could walk right out of the stone. The temples before me are a golden bronze, highlighted against the backdrop of the bright blue sky, and the energy that engulfs this place has magic rippling through its core.
I feel like I am in a dream. Time is different here, its presence is accepted but not wanted. I pass the temple pillars and enter the first courtyard and as I run my hand along the course, sandy wall, the dream where I push open the stone door flashes back to me.
Was it here?
I remember the way the light filtered beneath the door and how the ancient carvings and symbols were highlighted by the metallic fluid. I remember looking down at my hands and seeing that they were not my own. A spell was cast in a voice that didn’t belong to me, and the door started to open.
I walk through to the vestibule which then leads me into several antechambers. The walls are covered with paintings, carvings and hieroglyphics all depicting the stories of the ancient world. On these walls are pictures of Isis—some where she is holding the baby Horus and others where she is being served food on trays by men in loin cloths. Some show her wearing the horn-sphere crown with lotus staff in one hand and the ankh in the other. All of these stories are unknown to me, but they nevertheless demand my attention, and I find myself trying to decipher their meaning.
After taking my time, committing to memory the faces of these characters, I finally make my way into the inner sanctum, where the sacred image of Isis adorns the walls.
The door is here, I know it.
I decide to sit in the far corner of the room, hoping to feel something that may tell me where the light is. Luckily for me it seems to be a quiet day today and tourists move through sparingly, leaving me to my silent contemplation. I face the centre of the room and bring my knees up to my chest, leaning my back into the wall.
A multitude of colours and energy waves bounce off the walls and ceiling, the sensation intertwines with my magic. A part of me feels content to stay here, to be part of who Isis was, or still is. I lose myself in the wonder of the magic, boxing myself off from the rest of the world. I don’t know how long I stay like this for. Time and space hold no meaning for me here.
‘Elena.’
I turn my head to look at who is speaking to me and I reel with shock, as I look upon the face of Ama.
‘Ama! What are you doing here?’ I scramble for equilibrium.
‘It’s alright, Elena. Don’t be afraid. I knew you would come here. I foresaw it,’ she says calmly, as she places her hand on my shoulder.
I look around, making sure I am not attracting unwanted attention. Everyone seems to be busy taking photos and pointing at the sites rather than worrying about me and my invisible great grandmother. I hold my breath, a little annoyed that she interrupted my time here.
In fact, I resented it.
‘What do you want?’ I ask sharply.
She jerks her head back as if I’d slapped her. ‘Excuse me?’ she responds curtly.
What am I thinking? Get a grip Ellie! ‘Uh, sorry, Ama. You startled me that’s all. How did you get here?’ This time I make sure my voice is even.
Ama stares at me, a frown forming on her face. ‘It looks like I’m just in time. You cannot stay here any longer, Shem. It’s not…safe for you yet.’
‘What do you mean? I’m fine here. You’re acting strange, Ama,’ I say, although I have a sneaking suspicion that I am the one who is acting strange.
She stands up and her ethereal body expands. ‘Get up now, we are going home.’ Her eyes bore into mine and I know she’s upset.
I sigh in frustration and slowly get to my feet. My legs have pins and needles in them, as if I’ve been sitting for hours. I shake them, trying to get some feeling back. Ama continues to stare at me intently.
I put my hands up. ‘Okay, Ama, I get it. I’m going.’ When I can feel my feet again I begin to move towards the doorway that says “exit” in bright green fluorescence.
I walk back through the rooms that I entered earlier and there doesn’t seem to be as many people here as before. I step through the last doorway and immediately know that I’ve been here longer than I thought. The sky has turned a purple grey and the sun is setting in the west, disappearing over the distant rocky desert landscape.
I turn to find Ama still behind me, silent and thoughtful.
‘How long have I been here?’ I ask dazed.
‘Too long. I came here in search of you when your uncle summoned me in a blind panic.’
‘But you never visit me anywhere other than my room?’
‘Yes, well there is a first time for everything.’ She scowls.
‘What is happening to me?’ I ask.
Her face softens. ‘Elena, this place,’ she sweeps her hand through the air, ‘all of this, is an important part of your journey in this life. I cannot explain it all, Shem, but I know that if you are not careful, the part of Isis that you seek could in fact…’ She pauses.
I take a step towards her. ‘Could what, Ama?’
She sighs. ‘It could possess you.’
Possess me?
She moves forward to take my hand in hers. ‘Isis is the most powerful female that ever lived, Elena. You cannot underestimate her spirit.’ She shakes her head. ‘I’m not saying she would hurt you, because I know she wouldn’t, but if you don’t stay focused and in control of your power, then there is a chance that her magic could override yours. Do you understand?’
‘But Isis is dead!’ I say incredulously.
She tilts her head and says, ‘Is she? Well, we’ll see.’ Her image starts to shimmer. ‘I have to go. Please remember what I told you. Now off you go.’ She flicks her hand at me to shoo me home, and gives me one last look before she disappears, leaving me all alone.
What does she mean about Isis? This is all so confusing. Uncle Jo’s face enters my mind.
I am in so much trouble.
I walk to a secluded spot where I am away from prying eyes and I picture the barn. I reach up to the kuthun and feel myself drift into oblivion.
Chapter 17
The sun has already set and the moon is sitting high in the night sky. I use the moonlight to guide me nervously back to the house, where the lights from inside are highlighting the fact that everyone is still up and about, probably pacing back and forth wearing out the floor boards.
Out of the dark Magi comes bounding towards me and all but bowls me over. She is frantic in her affections. When I can manage to pull her away from me she sends an image, showing me how scared she was.
‘I’m sorry, Mags. I didn’t know how long I was gone.’ Her amber eyes beam out at me in the darkness. I can feel her worry. I bend down and wrap my arms around her furry neck.
The back light switches on. Uh oh, here we go. The door flies open and I feel his anger seething its way towards me.
‘Where have you been?’ His voice is dangerously low. I don’t know how to respond. ‘Do you have any idea what you have put us through?’
His words cut through me like a knife. ‘I’m sorry,’ I whisper guiltily.
He glowers at me for a few more seconds and then moves aside to let me pass. I walk sheepishly into the kitchen and take a seat, ready for the onslaught to begin.
He starts pacing the room, hands in his pockets. His body language is taut and hard. I can’t bear to look at him so I sit with my head down, hands clasp
ed in my lap. At least Magi has forgiven me, she is sitting by my feet, watching him pace back and forth. Aunt Lily is standing up against the bench holding a cup of tea. The steam travels upwards where it directs my attention to the wall clock, telling me it’s nine o’clock.
I’ve been gone for five hours. No wonder he’s pissed.
I face my actions. ‘I am so sorry. I didn’t know that I was gone that long. I must have lost track of time, or something, I’m not sure what happened,’ I say slightly confused. No one responds so I continue, wanting to get it all out quickly. ‘I walked into the temple, realised I had dreamt about the place, and I sat down to take in some of its energy. Then next thing I knew Ama was standing in front of me and telling me to go home.’ I look between them, hoping one of them will say something.
Aunt Lily just blows quietly on her tea without looking up, and Uncle Jo has stopped pacing. I see his aura relax, if only slightly.
‘I’m really sorry. I know that I’m in trouble, but please know that it wasn’t intentional.’
He looks at me finally. ‘Your aunt and I have been frantic with worry, do you know that? We didn’t know what had happened to you, other than Phoebe telling us you teleported to Egypt! Without telling me! How could you have been so reckless, Ellie?’
I sit up straighter. ‘I thought I would teleport there and back. I had no idea I would get sort of…stuck. I promise I won’t ever do that again. It was stupid and I wasn’t thinking properly. I’m so sorry.’
I see his shoulders sag and he shakes his head. ‘Fine. I have nothing else to say. Let’s just sleep on it and move on shall we.’ He storms out without glancing at me, anger still emanating off him.
Aunt Lily is staring at me now and I notice that her eyes are swollen and red from crying. I get up and walk towards her and she takes me into her arms. I promise her that I won’t ever put them through that again.
She gives me a sad smile and kisses me on the forehead before walking out of the room, leaving me with my guilt.
Heading upstairs to my room, with Magi as my shadow, I can still feel the dry desert air of Egypt around me.