Was he serious? This is what he wanted to talk to her about in private? She was sure he had wanted to talk about last night’s kiss.
“A light load,” he amended when she still hadn’t responded.
Men, what confusing creatures! “Of course, I agree completely.” Genevieve chose to focus her attention on Cupid who nuzzled her hand.
Alec was stalling for time and desperate for a topic that avoided any mention of kissing her. He couldn’t keep his gaze from her full mouth as he watched her, or the feel of her lips from his thoughts. Damn it! He thought, looking away from her. His attraction to her was almost too much to take. He cleared his throat again as the silence stretched. “I uh-m…”
“Breakfast is ready.” Samuel called as he approached, handing them each a portion of dried meat. “I thought that I’d cook.” He smiled brightly at Genevieve.
“Thank you, Sir Samuel,” Genevieve replied as she accepted the meager fare.
Alec stared hard at the man over Genevieve’s head, his mute question understood. What took you so long? His glare, answered by a wide-eyed nod, you wouldn’t have believed it.
In unison, they took a bite of Samuel’s offering. Each of them taking comfort in the effort required to chew the tough meat to avoid further conversation.
Genevieve swallowed first and to her dismay started to choke on the morsel. Samuel was quick to offer her his flask as remedy. Unfortunately the fiery liquid only inspired another spell of coughing. Alec went to get water, offering her some from a skin. She smiled her thanks but declined nonetheless.
“Perhaps some of Alec’s kaf,” Samuel ventured.
She shook her head a little too quickly in response. “I’m fine, really,” she choked out the words with watery eyes.
“I’m so sorry, Lady Genevieve, I didn’t think my cooking would take your breath away.” Samuel said trying his hand at levity.
“Don’t worry. It seems to have that effect on everyone.” Alec replied, remembering the dry bread he’d given him.
With mock chagrin Samuel responded, “Touché, I am crushed.”
“Hardly,” Alec added dryly.
“Thank you.” Genevieve nodded, “It was truly kind of you to… cook.” She smiled weakly and then tried to change the topic of conversation before they were at each other’s throats again. “I think we will be able to reach the river by noon if we get an early start.”
Samuel practically jumped for joy at the news, “By noon? Did you hear that Alec?” He clapped his friend on the shoulder good naturedly, “and you thought we’d never see civilization again.”
Admittedly, Alec had questioned it.
“I’ll just go get ready then,” Genevieve excused herself.
Alec waited until she disappeared behind the curtain that had so tormented him the night before. Turning to Samuel he whispered, “What the hell took you so long?”
Samuel shrugged his shoulders. “Sorry old man, but the blasted thing was locked.”
“Oh God!” Alec tugged a hand though his hair. “So where is the book now?”
“Don’t worry. It’s back in the chest, just like you ordered.” Samuel wore a crafty smile, having prided himself on the fact that there wasn’t a lock made that he could not pick.
“Oh no,” Alec groaned. Now there was no way she wouldn’t know what the lunatic had done. It was one thing to unlock a chest without the key and quite another to lock it back. Oh hell!
~*~
The ridge they had been following all morning had merged with the Nile around noon. After a brief respite to let the camels drink their fill, and to refresh their own water supply, they had continued along its banks.
Genevieve chewed on her lower lip debating whether or not to ask about the map. Samuel relieved her of the dilemma when he spoke up.
“What did you think of our little map?” His eyes were bright with curiosity as he looked over at her.
His frankness took her by surprise as well as turned the tables on her. She had wanted to be the one asking questions. It was her chance to quell some of his fervor, however. “I’m not sure, I’ve heard tell of many treasures buried here.” She gave him a look of regret. “Unfortunately, I know that many men were lured into the desert only to be robbed of their wealth as well their lives.”
“So you think we are on a wild goose chase, as Alec here does?”
She only hoped the pity in her eyes conveyed her answer.
“Ah, well.” Samuel sighed looking around at the hot desert. “It is indeed a land of mystery. Much like the map, it is at odds with itself.”
“Whatever do you mean?” She was surprised by his comment.
“Take the climate for instance. It’s hotter than blazes during the day and freezing cold at night.” He gestured with his hand as he spoke. “Even those that live here follow a philosophy of peace, yet there are some tribesmen,” he leaned closer, “that seem awfully fond of their guns, if you get my drift.”
She noticed he hadn’t mentioned the map. Even though she felt she was being led by him in this conversation, she couldn’t help herself, she had to ask. “And how exactly is that like the map?”
“Well for one,” he looked over at her conspiratorially. “Half the map is dedicated to enticing one to enter and the other half issues a dire warning if you do.” He watched her closely as she responded.
“Really?” She smiled sweetly.
He nodded. “Why yes, it quite literally invites one to descend into the tomb to view the splendor of everything good and pure on which the god lives. It even goes so far as to tell how to open the door.” He watched as she nervously fingered the bridle. “Then on the other hand, it promises death to anyone who tries without the keeper.” Her eyes darted away from his when he looked directly at her. “See what I mean,” he grinned at her, “The land of contradictions.”
The topic was quickly becoming uncomfortable, as was his close scrutiny of her. She glanced over at Alec who rode beside her. He didn’t seem to be interested in their conversation. Instead, he was looking around at the distant horizon. She watched him for a moment until he caught her glance and smiled. The brief contact made her heart beat faster. His behavior toward her had changed after breakfast. Just the memory of it caused her to blush.
It was indeed the land of opposites, she thought. On one side of her was a man obsessed with the map and on the other, one who was intent on avoiding it. She couldn’t help but ask the question that had been puzzling her. “Tell me Sir Alec,” she waited until he gave her his attention, “if the map is yours, why is it that you don’t carry it with you?”
“Yes Alec, why don’t you?” Samuel chimed in.
“Good point,” Alec replied, looking over at Samuel who was far too entertained by the question.
Samuel ignored him, turning to her instead. “You see dear Lady, he threw it away.”
“You did?” She looked at Alec, surprised by the information.
“Why yes,” Samuel again answered. “The morning that we met you, we found ourselves in dire circumstances, indeed. Our guide had disappeared the day before taking our water with him. We had traveled for a time trying to find our way, but found ourselves all the more lost for our efforts. We were just about to give up hope.”
Alec, she noticed, was beginning to look annoyed, while Samuel, who was caught up in the telling of the story, seemed immune to his censure.
“Alec blamed our situation on the map you see, and threw it away in a tantrum a three year old would appreciate.” Samuel raised his eyebrows mockingly.
Alec, Genevieve decided, was definitely not amused.
“But you see,” Samuel paused, watching Alec’s response. “It was because of this…”
Alec exhaled in exasperation and stated flatly, “I did not have a tantrum.”
“Like I said, it was because of this…sizable tizzy,” Samuel re-stated, “that we were saved. I tell you, it was fate. The map blew right into the ravine below us and behold… there it was… the wa
ter we’d been searching for.”
Alec, cast his eyes heavenward before looking at her. “I didn’t have a tantrum, or a tizzy. I simply threw it away.”
Genevieve smiled her understanding. It was obvious that Samuel loved to get under his skin whenever possible.
“Can you believe it? It practically landed right on the spring.” Samuel continued. “I tell you, it’s a sign.”
Alec rolled his eyes, “A sign of your gullibility perhaps.”
“A sign?” Genevieve prompted.
“Yes, a sign that we were meant to find the treasure.” He said pointedly to Alec then turned to Genevieve saying, “Don’t you see… the map has proven to be good luck after all. Why, it’s how we found you.”
“Well, I don’t know about the map, but the last part I can agree with,” Alec commented with a wink, showing her the dimple in his cheek as he smiled.
Ooh! Genevieve thought disgruntled, he was doing it again. Talk about contradictions. One moment he’s rejecting her kiss then flirting outrageously with her. What was the man up to?
~*~
Samuel’s low-pitched whistle was one of wondrous appreciation as they neared the colossal forms of four-seated statues of Ramesses II, whose silent vigil guarded the entrance of the temple.
“Would you look at that!” he called back to Alec and Genevieve who rode up behind him. Carved from the sandstone cliffs and half buried by sand, four giant depictions of the great pharaoh sat silently before them.
“It’s the temple of Abū Simbel.” Samuel said excitedly as he dismounted and walked up to the mound of debris that had collected before the great shrine. He seemed to grow smaller as he approached the mammoth figures.
The cliff itself cast a shadow across the lower portion of the hill, creating an ethereal effect upon the ancient carvings, which were bathed in sunlight.
Alec dismounted and came around to assist Genevieve who still sat on top of the largest camel. He offered her a hand to help her dismount, just as he had earlier when he’d assisted her to mount.
The memory of it still surprised her. He claimed it was too taxing for Cupid to kneel with a sore leg, so rather than let her mount in the normal fashion, he’d assisted her.
Much to her dismay, Alec had placed his hands around her waist and slowly lifted her, watching her with hooded eyes as she rose above him. He’d then placed her on the saddle, his hands lingering on her hips as she shifted into the seat.
Genevieve could hardly believe how the heat of his palms had seared though the thin layers of fabric she was wearing. Shockingly, he had continued to gaze up at her with eyes that smoldered with promise. He’d given her that lazy smile of his that accentuated one dimple in his cheek.
Before she could respond, he’d turned to mount his own camel. Without looking back, he’d prodded the animal forward, leading the way into the desert.
What she might have done in response to his manhandling, had she not been so surprised by it, played through her mind all afternoon as they traveled. Placing a foot squarely in his chest and pushing him away was only one of the scenarios that had come to mind.
Alec now stood before her with his legs spread wide, offering his hands up to assist her. The kiss was one thing. She’d thought then that he’d acted with innocent longing. Practiced seduction was another thing entirely.
Lord only knew where the devious little thought came from, but before she could stop herself, Genevieve pitched forward slightly more than necessary. Her unexpected weight fell against Alec, taking him unaware. His eyes widened in response as she then provocatively slid down the length of his body. Pretending to have lost her balance, Genevieve leaned against him a moment longer than necessary with her breasts pressed against his chest.
She herself was breathless by the effect and looked up at him shyly. Gazing into his heavy-lidded eyes, she smiled bashfully then turned away. She was rewarded for her efforts with the sound of an exhaled breath of air that was quite gratifying.
Two could play this game, she thought with a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she led Cupid away.
The little temptress! Alec watched Genevieve sashay away with her large demon beast in tow. He was playing with fire and God help him he liked the heat.
“Alec!” Samuel called from the other side of the dirt mound. “Genevieve!” He appeared over the top and waved them over. “You’ve got to see this.” He disappeared behind the heap of rubble then reappeared a moment later. “And bring a lamp.” He yelled before vanishing again.
Alec watched appreciatively as Genevieve led Cupid to a shady area, the other camels followed happily after the pair. He knew from experience how cantankerous they could be. Women and camels… two things in life he was sure he’d never understand.
Alec looked around. The shade from the cliffs and the water close by made the area a perfectly good campsite. Besides, with Samuel otherwise entertained he might actually get some alone time with Genevieve. Something he’d recently decided he would like.
Once the camels were unloaded and Genevieve had located a lamp, Alec invited her to join him. “Let’s go see what Samuel has found.” She seemed reluctant to go. He’d thought the excitement of exploring would appeal to her. Perhaps she was frightened by the idea. Either way he didn’t want to leave her alone.
“Come with me,” he urged, taking the lamp from her. “We can’t let him have all the fun.” She looked a little doubtful. “I’ll be with you every step of the way. I promise,” he held out his other hand to her.
That’s what she was afraid of. Especially now that she’d seen the pile of stones left as a marker on the path.
“I wonder how much of this rubble is from Belzoni and his excavations.” Alec commented as they began to climb the hill. “Can you imagine blowing something like this up?”
“No.” Genevieve shook her head as she gazed up at the magnificent temple. “But, then again, some men will do anything to obtain treasure.” She watched him carefully for his response.
He nodded in agreement as he looked up, “Those early archeologists were a little too enthusiastic with their dynamite for my tastes. I’m glad that the new breed practice different methods.”
Genevieve was most relieved when they made it to the top and she could let go of his hand. How could his touch make her tingle all over… or turn her insides into mush?
She watched as he climbed through the entrance that was filled with the accumulation of mud and boulders from the river’s flooding. Over the years debris had partially blocked the opening that Samuel had found.
Alec waited for her on the other side, while she climbed through the entrance. Once inside, she could see that the mud had also filled the interior. Surprisingly, the ceiling was still so high that it loomed above them in the darkness, even with the floor artificially raised by the rubble.
Genevieve looked about her. There were eight more giant pillars of Ramesses standing along the walls of the great hall. He’d been portrayed as Osiris, god of the underworld, with his hands folded over his chest holding the crook and flail. It was impressive even in the dim light.
“It’s a crime not to appreciate such beauty,” Alec breathed as he watched her.
She glanced over, catching his eye before quickly looking away. She had the distinct impression he was speaking of her rather than the elaborate interior of the temple. The attention he was lavishing on her was most disconcerting, making it almost impossible to concentrate on anything but the man next to her.
Samuel had cleverly set a mirror on the floor reflecting the sun’s light onto the five-seated statues in an alcove carved into the back of the temple. The reflection on bright limestone made it appear as though the statues glowed unearthly, giving them a life of their own. He had his diary in hand and was busily sketching when they walked up behind him. “It’s really something isn’t it?”
“Yes, it is.” Genevieve answered in awe at what she could see in the darkened interior.
“Lovely.” Alec
said nearby.
Genevieve again felt as though he’d spoken of her instead of their surroundings. Unsure exactly how to handle his advances, she busied herself with the lamp Alec had placed on the ground.
“They say that on two days of the year, February 21st and October 21st, the sun rise pierces the darkness and lights them up.” Samuel continued to sketch, “With of course, the exception of the one on the left who’s face has been destroyed. He is the god Ptah, from the underworld.
“So, he’s been intentionally left in the dark I take it?” Alec quipped.
“Just so,” Samuel laughed. “I bet it’s a grand thing to see.”
“I don’t think I’m interested in staying that long for the show.” Alec stood looking at the statues before moving away from the scene.
Genevieve’s hands froze above the lantern when he leaned over her. Kneeling beside the lamp, she could feel his breath tickle her cheek as his hand covered hers.
“Here, let me help you with that.” Alec whispered softly into her ear.
The effect of his words sent shivers down her spine as her head involuntarily tilted back exposing her neck. She closed her eyes to it. How did he do this to her? All she wanted was for him to place his kiss where his breath had caressed her.
Thank goodness they weren’t alone or she may have let him. Afraid she might drop something again or embarrass herself in another fashion; she left him alone with the lamp and moved quickly away.
Swooping vultures emerged as the lamp flickered to life. The ceiling was edged with stars, and painted in the center with the flying birds. The vulture represented Upper Egypt and the goddess Nekhbet. The five-pointed stars the goddess Seshat, the keeper of wisdom.
The walls were covered in scenes depicting Ramesses as a great warrior, with his fallen enemies at his feet. Along with the statues that guarded the passageway like sentries, it was a bit overwhelming.
“If they placed these here to intimidate, it worked.” Alec placed his hands on his hips as he looked up at the figures, “Quite the show of power.”
“The architects who designed this were certainly good at employing the gimmicks of the era.” Samuel stopped sketching to look up at it. “Colossal statues, glowing gods, and the flagrant use of the indigenous peoples deities.”
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