by C M SHORT
Almost unbearable, was the sudden itch that crawled over the trident mark; after a few seconds, it stopped, leaving puzzling thoughts.
What was that all about? Surely, I'm not supposed to go anywhere this late at night!
Her thoughts were interrupted, by the voice of protection.
“It’s getting late. You two ready for sleep yet?”
Morning showed them up early, anxiously getting ready for a day of exploring Cairo. The decision was made, to postpone the traditional Egyptian breakfast of Ful, since the breakfast buds did not want beans. What sounded much better, was a variety from the room service menu: scrambled eggs, ham, croissants, and Grande Cappuccinos.
The first stop of the day was a visit to Dar al Kotob-a captivating library in downtown Cairo. A timeless enchantment flowed through majestic statues of the Sphinx, and pharaohs, as they stood guard on each of the many levels: protecting the proudly displayed, impressive store of knowledge within the library's millions of books.
“May I help you”?
A well-dressed man of 40, had raised his six feet of medium build from behind a counter, and was smiling pleasantly.
“Welcome! I'm Aahmes. Whatever you need to find, I can help you!”
Jean-Leuc introduced everyone, and a special reply was given.
“Peace be unto you! What can I help you find, sir?”
“We need information about an Ancient Guardian of Tomorrow, and a God of Light.”
“Ancient Guardian-could mean the Sphinx: it’s called the Ancient Guardian of the Plateau. I don't know, what the tomorrow part could mean. God of Light-could mean the sun god Ra. I’ll look up some information.”
Lifting a pair of gold-rimmed glasses from their perch, on his short and wavy black hair, he added to the well-dressed look and boldly accentuated brown eyes.
“That's an interesting neck chain you have,” the watcher noticed.
“I wear the sphinx on this gold chain-for good luck! Ah, here are the locations of some books for you to look at. I'll go get them, and be right back.”
He took off to locate the books, which was the signal to stand guard near the entrance-while pretending to look at a magazine.
Soon Aahmes returned, with a mountainous load of 12 books.
“Here you go, my friends, and there are many more books available”!
A secluded, brightly lit corner was just the spot to get comfy on well-padded benches, and pour over the stack of books.
“I think we're going to be here all day, pretty one”!
“Perhaps.”
Two hours later, the skimming was done.
“What did you find, sweetie”?
“The Sphinx is called-the Ancient Guardian of the Plateau. I didn't find anything, about an Ancient Guardian of Tomorrow. Also, the Egyptian god Ra was called the God of Light-since he was the sun god. What did you find?”
“The same things, and one other. Early Egypt had a sphinx worshipping cult called Light of Life, and that religion is still practiced today!”
“Really! I hope we find some of those people! Handsome, are you ready for an Egyptian lunch?”
Seeing them taking the books back, prompted a fast return: to question their findings. The findings were fascinating, with one bit of news standing out from the rest: next, was local cuisine! First, though, some amusement surfaced with his new friends.
“Just out of curiosity, how many of your books reference these things”?
“Thousands, sir! Would you like more?”
“Uh, thanks, but not at this time.”
“Peace be unto you”!
The blessing was appreciated, and the desert heat was braved once again, among hopes of having found some bit of information that would lead them in the right direction-a direction-the watcher was glad to help with!
“You guys feel like trying some of that famous bean dish-Ful”?
Happy with the answers, he led a brief search that ended a few blocks away, where a sidewalk picnic table housed a dozen locals eating in a special style: scooping food out of bowls with pieces of bread.
Nearby, a man was cooking food inside a portable trailer, and soon the picnic table held three more and a coveted feast: three bowls of Ful, a small basket of bread, and three bottled waters.
Hungry to find out why the dish was so popular, the mashed bean scooping art was quickly copied.
“Hey, this is pretty good!” the source of protection drooled.
“Now I know, why the locals like it so much! What do you think, sweetie?”
“I like it-ok.”
The interesting meal, led to several magical hours of being charmed by treasure shops: finding everything from scarabs to incense. One thing that grabbed attention, was an enticing display of sheer scarfs-neatly draped at eye level.
“So beautiful”!
A multi-colored one designed with small circles, was held up and admired.
“That's incredible! The sun is shining spots on your face-that are like the spots on your arm! You should buy it”!
“I think I will. Hey Rafael, what do you think?”
She realized he was gone, but a brief look showed him nearby: appearing to be studying the crowd. Wondering, if he was looking at anything in particular, she noticed something disturbing at a Café across the street: lounging on the patio with a drink, was a man who had a patch over his right eye, and resembled Sola's assistant-Patch!
No, it can't be! she thought. What would HE be doing here?
Shrugging it off, as someone who happened to look like him, she made a decision.
“I'm going to buy this scarf”!
Haggling over the price resulted in a good deal, and she joyfully walked away with her prize. With perfect timing, as always, their shield of protection showed up.
“What's next, guys”?
The question just begged-for a girl’s honest response.
“How about a few more shops, then a relax by the pool”?
To her delight, the search for treasures continued. The appealing bouquet of a perfume shop, drew them to a most alluring scent in a delicate sphinx bottle. The next discovery was a charming jewelry shop, where a clever idea sparked a boyish grin, and sentimental purchase: matching good luck rings of gold, with a silver sphinx perched on top of each.
Out in the challenging desert sun again, that charming boyish grin did its magic.
“A bit of luck to keep you safe, my pretty jewel”!
Slipping the ring on her finger, immediately brought him a warm kiss, and hug; smiling, he put on his own, held his hand close to hers, and intense reflections of good luck showered protection upon them.
“Ah! Don’t you two look sweet”!
Walking a bit farther, a store entrance flashed blinding light from dozens of gold balls framing the door. Hanging on the brown brick wall, was a large white sign with gold letters, that read, ‘Light of Life bookstore’.
“Boys! Light of Life-that's the name of the cult! Let's go inside”!
She walked in with bushy-tailed enthusiasm, and almost walked right back out again! The place had poor lighting, an odd smell, and didn't appear to have very many books.
“I think this was a mistake, boys”!
“Perhaps, babe, but looks can be deceiving. Maybe we should stay a few minutes, and have a look.”
A strange thunk on the floor, announced a grey bearded man hobbling thru a door, using a cane. He stopped a few feet in front of them, uncurled to a remarkably tall height, and stared at them with a dark blue intensity that matched his dark blue robe. Oddly enough, a familiar looking emerald trident and chain, hung from his neck!
“Welcome! I'm Kanebti.”
The warm greeting was returned among handshakes and introductions, with Angel receiving a bowed head, instead of a handshake. Hoping there was something more to the place, she told of their search.
“We're looking for information about an ancient guardian, and would also like to know-what your Light of Life sign refers
to.”
“Light of Life is the name of my bookstore, and in these parts-ancient guardian probably means the Sphinx. It's called-the Ancient Guardian of the Plateau. You can find information about that, in libraries.”
“Your trident-I have one just like it”!
“That's fascinating! May I see it?”
“Of course”!
“That's amazing! It does look like mine. I…I don't suppose…you happen to have a trident shaped birthmark on your right shoulder, and spots running down your right arm?”
Floating in a sea of amazement, she turned up the sleeve and asked.
“How did you know that”?
The timing was odd, to say the least, for the unbearable itch that crawled on her right shoulder-making it impossible not to scratch.
“It's you! You three are the ones! I've been waiting for you-my whole 90 years! Come! I have something you need! Please! Follow me”!
He turned, and started to quickly hobble away.
Curiosity got the best of them, and they followed down a long, shadowed hallway-toward peculiar lights, and a spicy smell. At the end of the hallway, they entered a windowless room with hundreds of flickering candles around the edges, and a low table in the center, surrounded by floor cushions. Drifting from elaborate incense holders on the table-whispers of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet-mingled with barely audible chanting, that seemed to come from all directions.
“Here, sit here on the cushions. Would you like some tea?”
The polite thing to do, was say yes, and a colorful mixture of leaves and flowers became an odd, but tasty tea.
“This information you spoke of-what is it, and why do we need it?” Angel asked.
Looking directly at her, Kanebti answered with a smile.
“Normally, I would not speak directly to an Egyptian woman, as a sign of respect, but you are definitely not Egyptian! An Egyptian legend says-that one day, three will come in search of a treasure greater than any other, and one of the three-a woman-will have the mark of a three-pointed spear! According to legend, these three will save the entire world”!
“That's an interesting legend, but we're not here to find treasure: we're here to find information,” she replied.
“Sometimes, when you're trying to decide whether to go left or right, your right shoulder itches-then you go to the right-which turns out to be the correct way”!
Almost spitting out a mouthful of tea, she choked on a bit and asked the question.
“How… did you know”?
“It's all in the legend! You three have a journey you must take, and I will help you find your way”!
From a concealed drawer on the underside of the table, he carefully removed a ribbon tied scroll and two golden sphinx carvings. With immense care, he unrolled the age browned paper and placed a carving on each end. The look on his face, was one of earth shattering knowledge to tell!
“Here! Here is where you must go!” he said with great emphasis, while lightly touching a finger to the paper.
His pointing, was to an X-that marked a well in a cemetery.
“A well-in a cemetery?” questioned Jean-Leuc. “Why on Earth-should we go there”?
“To find your path to the light”!
Being a bodyguard-it was always necessary to evaluate everything: a problem could develop, from the safest of circumstances. This time, though, his thoughts told him there was nothing to evaluate: the situation was ridiculous!
Adding to the ridiculous situation, was a loud crash in another room.
“The cat is knocking things over again.”
Once more, he pointed to the map, and his voice had a sound of apocalyptic urgency!
“You must go here! All three of you-must go together! Ancient legend foretells, that one of the three will bear the mark of the triple spear-such as you have”!
“Sounds like a pretty important legend!” she replied, with a glance that showed the guys were trying hard not to laugh!
“It's a one-of-a-kind map! Here, pretty lady, I’d like to give you this, but if you could be generous and donate some money to the bookstore, it would be appreciated! I've had candles and incense burning in here all day, every day, for many years: to be ready for today”!
Muscles had to give it to Kanebti-it was an elaborate scam!
Guess we have 'tourist' written all over our foreheads! he thought.
“Sure, I can do that”!
She grabbed some money from her handbag, and counted.
“Is 702 Egyptian pounds enough”?
“That would be a big blessing! Thank you! Thank you! Please promise me-that you three will go on this journey! Promise me”!
Seeing approval from the guys-she decided.
“Ok, we'll go! I promise”!
“You are going to fulfill the legend! Your journey will be long, so take sleeping bags, and lots of food and water.”
At the front of the store, Kanebti wished them all a blessed journey. Outside, things were not what they should be: the sun had been replaced by stars!
“Where'd the time go?” Angel quizzed.
“We stayed longer than we thought,” Rafael said.
“Perhaps, my friend, but it feels like it shouldn't be past three”!
“Well, my stomach thinks it's time to eat!” replied the almost always hungry one. Choosing one of the classy restaurants at their hotel, a taste of home won out.
“It's been a wild day, boys”!
“Yes, and we sure got suckered into that map, pretty one”!
“That was a tourist scam-if I've ever seen one!” smirked their new friend.
“You both may be right, but how did he know that my right shoulder itches-telling me which way to go”?
“Sweetie, you were talking about it at the end of the street, and apparently, Kanebti overheard you.”
“That's possible, but does coincidence explain him having a trident like mine, and the name of his bookstore”?
“Good questions, love, and certainly food for thought”!
“Meeting him was fun, and the trip will be too! When should we go?”
“Anytime, pretty one. I don't think there’s a need to hurry, and we can sight see more first.”
“I agree with him-we don’t need to hurry. A visit to the Egyptian museum next?”
The replies were happily stowed away to memory, and dinner led into a night of cards, and hanging out with his new friends. The time was so enjoyable, that early morning arrived before the call of bed was too hard to resist.
The next two days were spent touring the Egyptian museum-where the Archeologist was in his element-like a kid in a candy store: needing to see, and talk, about everything!
After finishing with the museum and a superb Egyptian dinner, a change in scenery commenced: a move to a fabulous Giza hotel-the Mena House Oberoi, on Pyramids Road. The hotel used to be a palace for King Ismail the Magnificent, and their palace wing rooms offered royal luxury at its finest: from the velvet covered throne chairs in the living room, to the caviar and champagne stocked bar. After settling in, Guns took his new friends up on a wonderful invite: to come over for a toast.
With glasses of wine in hand, the balcony was a relaxing place to taste the alluring beauty of the famous desert. Shining like jewels against the star-lit night, were the mystical pyramids and Sphinx-with enchantment enough-to make one think they held the secrets of the universe! After a deserving toast to the timeless wonders of the plateau, they listened to unspoken words-that whispered-of magic and adventure! Then, the breeze carried another whisper.
“Angel.”
“Did you boys hear that”?
“Hear what, love”?
“I was looking at the pyramids, and Sphinx, and I thought…oh, it's crazy…it must be the magic of being here…I thought I heard them call my name”!
“This is definitely a magical place, love”!
“My imagination was having fun with me! What an awesome view of the ancient wonders! I can’t wa
it to explore them tomorrow”!
The magic of the plateau kept them spellbound for hours, before finally releasing them to sleep.
First light, found them already up and having a simple croissant and coffee breakfast-eager to get an early start. Soon, the exciting five-minute walk to the main gate started, and a young boy approached.
“Bracelet lady? Bracelet? Wear the good luck of the Sphinx! Only 20 pounds each lady! Only 20 pounds!”
“Ok. Let me see what you've got.”
From a large shirt pocket, the boy pulled a wooden bar covered with metal bracelets; she picked two that were gold toned, with etchings of stars above the ageless Giza mysteries.
“Here, I'll take these two, but I'm only willing to pay 10 pounds each.”
“20 pounds each lady! I've got to eat! Please lady”!
“All right, you can have 20 pounds each for them.”
“Thanks lady”!
The young boy was all smiles, as he tried his luck again.
“Bracelets for the lady? Only 20 pounds each!”
Hearing no twice, the boy went looking for new game.
“Soft spot for kids, baby”?
“He’s got to eat”!
“He probably eats better than we do!” Guns chuckled.
A roar of laughter, carried them all the way to the ticket booth.
Impressively dressed as a pharaoh, their tour guide looked every bit the part of royalty-which included six feet of bronzed muscles-flexing an authentic display. Intense desert rays, reflected his gold threaded white linen skirt against the many gold arm bands, and neck chains he wore. Dark brown hair curled out from under a cobra topped headdress, and completing the royal look, was a false beard, and Sphinx painted leather sandals that crossed straps to his knees. He had a commanding voice, as a middle-aged ruler of fifty would have, and spoke with charm-his gray eyes laughing, as he smiled.
“Good morning! I'm your guide, Kames. Welcome to the Great Pyramid, and majestic Sphinx! Follow me inside the pyramid, and let’s make some discoveries!”
As he led the group of twenty inside, a captivating aura flowed from him: one of strength and high status-as though-he actually was a pharaoh!
“I will tell you about the Great Pyramid, as we walk through it. It is also known as the Pyramid of Khufu, and the Pyramid of Cheops. The Great Pyramid is the oldest and largest of the three pyramids, and is the only one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world-still mostly intact! It's believed to have been built around 2,560 BC, with more than 2 million stone blocks-that were manually put into place! The pyramid used to be 479 feet tall, and is now 449 feet tall, due to weather and stone removal. Originally, smooth casing stones covered the outer surface, but a lot of those stones were removed in the past: to build homes and businesses in Cairo. Today, that is no longer allowed.