Akeim walked past him and pulled the knives out. The two in the head were returned to Genevieve and her mother. Alec briefly wondered at that. It appeared that there was more to her life in the desert than the usual pursuits of young ladies of the ton. Akeim pocketed the knife he pulled from the neck. He then looked at Samuel as he took the one from the tail.
“From my vantage, it was all I had to aim at,” Samuel defended his target. “Pinned like that it wouldn’t have been able to strike,” he continued in response to Akeim’s continued blank stare. “All right, I confess… I kept one,” he threw his eyes heavenward.
Akeim tossed Samuel the blade. “It appears then, that you have what you need to clean the fish,” he replied as he handed the fish to him. From his side Akeim withdrew another knife and holding it blade first, he extended it toward Alec. He said nothing, it was enough. Alec took his knife from him and slipped it back into his belt.
Akeim then picked up the cobra and walked several feet away before he made quick work of skinning it. “It is good you like snake Samuel, it appears to be on the menu.”
~*~
Breakfast was over and Alec and Samuel were breaking down the tent when Samuel leaned toward him. “You don’t appear to be too upset that they’ve stolen the map, essentially fleecing you of your coin.”
“Considering you have another map in your right boot and I have one in my left, I can’t say how they actually have stolen anything, but the original.”
“I meant in theory, they have taken what is yours.”
“Well, now that I’m married, what is hers is mine and vice versa.” Alec looked over to where Genevieve and her mother were working.
“It looks to me as if she’s happy about your decision to keep the marriage.” Samuel added speculatively.
“She doesn’t know,” Alec replied testily.
“Change your mind or lost your nerve?” Samuel chuckled.
“Things have not exactly been in my favor.” Alec briefly glanced over to where Akeim and the guide were talking. The Dragoman had returned just after they ate breakfast.
“Is it me or have you noticed how Sophia seems to be in charge?” Samuel whispered quietly changing the subject. “I don’t know what you read in your travel manual, but I had the feeling in this country, the men were supposed to be in control.”
“Perhaps it’s because she’s of English nobility.” Alec wondered if it was because of her title she was treated differently. “Who did the Sheik say Genevieve’s grandfather was?”
Samuel shrugged his shoulder, “Some Duchy up in Northumberland,” glancing over at the women he added thoughtfully. “I think it’s more than that.”
Even though he rarely gave Samuel’s ideas much credit, Alec had to admit that he might be on to something. He looked over to where Genevieve and her mother were packing up the cooking utensils.
“And what of that accent?” Samuel continued in a whisper, “Although they can both speak perfect English when needed, they have the most unusual accent.”
Alec couldn’t help but reflect on the first time he’d heard it as he watched her. Genevieve, sensing his attention, turned to look at him, smiling shyly. He returned the greeting in kind and had his head knocked sideways as Samuel tossed him a pack without looking. It landed in his arms as she laughed at the mishap. With another smile she turned away.
It took another pack hitting him harder for Alec to realize it was not an accident the first time. He gave Samuel a look of warning, but his friend just laughed it off saying. “Just saving a love struck fool from himself.”
Fortunately, their former guide didn’t stay long and when he left it was in the opposite direction than they were headed. If Alec had to guess, he’d say the man had been scouting. Whatever the case, he was grateful he didn’t have to tolerate his company. He for one didn’t appreciate it when someone tried to kill him.
Within an hour’s time, they had loaded up the camels and were on their way, following the river towards Aswan. There was at least a hundred feet of bank exposed along the river’s edge. Alec imagined that during the wet season the area would all be under water. That observation was evidenced by the lack of growth nearby.
Despite the lack of vegetation, the scenery was certainly far more interesting than the bleak desert they had been traveling through. With the river on one side and high cliffs offering shade on the other, even the temperature seemed more tolerable.
“I’ve been meaning to tell you,” Samuel spoke beside him. “I found the symbol of the double lion within the large temple… Over the arch,” he added meaningfully.
“I’m beginning to think there is one over every door,” Alec murmured, not in the least impressed.
“When I went to check on the camels this morning, I also took the liberty of looking over the smaller temple,” Samuel continued, “It too is very intriguing.”
“Really?” Alec couldn’t help but roll his head back as he sought fortitude for another one of Samuel’s diatribes.
“Well as you know, when Abu Simbel was first discovered, it made quite the stir. Ramesses had portrayed his wife as his equal by having the statues of the queen on the exterior of the temple as large as his.”
Samuel scanned through his book lying open on his lap. “And on the interior walls, she’s shown being anointed by two goddesses. Something, as you know, usually reserved for only the pharaoh.”
“Actually, you’re assuming that I knew either of those things,” Alec said trying to hide his boredom.
“They also call her the mistress of two lands. I’m wondering if this isn’t our elusive queen,” Samuel speculated.
Alec expelled a deep breath afraid of where the conversation was leading.
“Look at this,” Samuel held up the sketch he’d done of it this morning, “she’s wearing the double-plumed crown, just like the figure on the map. I’ve also come to believe that it too means something.”
“Like a feather in the cap means that one is a dandy,” Alec joked.
“Exactly! Samuel remarked.
Alec rolled his eyes. “Do you really think she would have led us right to it?
“Good point,” Samuel sighed. “I guess this means that we can cross off the temple of Hathor that she recommended too.” He shook his head with regret. “Well, at least we’re narrowing it down.”
“Hmm,” Alec looked at him as though he were half crazed, “only ten thousand more to go.”
Samuel chose to ignore him saying instead, “I’m not going to rule out this place just yet.”
“What of the other clues?” Alec watched as Samuel studied his drawings.
“Details, details,” Samuel muttered. “There is another oddity. I mean if Ramesses had such great love of his wife, Nefertari, why is there is a whole stele dedicated to another of his wives, the daughter of the Hittite king within her temple complex? In fact, it says he was bowled over by her and loved her more than anything.”
“Why is that an oddity?” Alec couldn’t help but ask.
“Well, for one thing, he was supposed to love his chief wife more than anything. She was considered to be beyond compare. After all, Nefertari means of beautiful face.”
“So, he calls both wives beautiful and you think it odd,” Alec chuckled. “I think the man had too many wives to satisfy and it’s a testament to the art of diplomacy.”
“Speaking of wives,” Samuel cleared his throat, “here comes yours.”
“Mind if I join you?” Genevieve rode up beside them.
“Please,” Alec smiled at her, obviously relieved to be saved from Samuel and his infatuation with the temples.
“Hello there, lovely lady,” Samuel greeted in his usual style. “Why, the sky itself pales in comparison to the blue of your eyes.”
“I thought that myself the first time I gazed into them.” Alec added when she looked at him. His eyes darkened with pleasure as he watched her.
Genevieve’s gazed was trapped within his as he made reference to s
eeing her for the first time. She blushed as she remembered him standing before her half-naked, devouring her with his smoldering gaze.
Samuel shook his head when he realized they weren’t even aware of him. Waiting a moment for the two to come back to earth, he finally cleared his throat.
Genevieve broke free of Alec’s glance and smiled apologetically at Samuel, noticing as she did that his journal lay open on his lap. She could see the sketches he’d drawn of the temples. “That’s lovely.”
Samuel held it up so she could have a better view. “You really think so?”
“Yes, you’ve really captured the details.” She nodded appreciatively.
“Here,” he flipped the page to show an up-close version of the cartouche of Ramesses. “Look at this one.”
Samuel pointed to the page. “This, I believe, is the actual cartouche that Champollion deciphered when he first identified the ancient Egyptian language as being phonetic.” He slid his finger over the symbols. “Ra mo sis . The cartouche or ring that encircles it, of course, shows that it belonged to a pharaoh.”
He then flipped the page back again. “Take a look at these.” He pointed to the decorative border of the temple, “I was just wondering at them. Why do you suppose there are baboons across the top?” He indicated the scenery around them, “Especially all the way out here in the desert.”
“They say that baboons stay quiet until the dawn breaks,” Genevieve supplied, “and then as the first rays touch them, they burst into a loud chattering celebration.”
“Really?” Samuel gave Alec an “I told you she knew more,” look as she spoke.
“It’s because of this, that they have always been used to show homage to the sun god, Ra. The baboon, however, is also one of the symbols of the god Thoth.” She glanced up at Samuel, interrupting a look he was giving Alec.
“Thoth? Isn’t he the god of scribes?” Alec looked over to Samuel as if to say… “Even, I know that”.
“Why yes,” Genevieve glanced over at him, interrupting yet another meaningful glance. She was getting the feeling there was another conversation going on that she wasn’t privy to.
“But, I thought he was the god of the moon?” Samuel replied as he puzzled it over. “They represent the sun and moon?”
“Like I said… it defies logic.” Alec replied.
“What of the uproar caused from the statues of Ramesses wife being the same size as his?” Samuel looked at Genevieve.
She shrugged slightly; there was really no harm in answering, “Actually, it is really very logical. When Ramesses brought the upper lands of Egypt under his control, the indigenous people had worshipped their own ancient goddess here. Turning that devotion towards his wife when he rebuilt on the site of the previous temple only served his purpose.”
“Ah I see,” Samuel’s gaze, was one of elation, as in the proof was in the pudding. Alec in turn rolled his eyes, she had known of the map after all, so no real shock there.
Surprising them all, however, was Akeim’s shout as he galloped past. “Follow me!” He commanded, urging his stallion to a greater speed. “We must find shelter now!
What the hell was happening? Alec wondered. Was there a raging, dust storm ready to overtake them? He chanced a glance behind them. There was certainly dust, but not from a storm. He could see half a dozen riders in the distance. It was evident from the dust churning up in their wake that they were riding hard in their direction.
Bloody hell! That was all he wanted was to run into another marauding band seeking payment for trespassing. He looked over at Samuel who was doing as he had just done.
“Here we go again.” Samuel rolled his eyes as he caught his glance. He then looked forward to see Akeim leaving them in his dust and swore.
Genevieve bent low across the back of her camel and started slapping it with her reigns shouting, “Shee-Shee-Shee.” Her camel responded by leaping forward into a gallop.
Both men looked at each other briefly before emitting loud, “Shee-shee’s.” Their camels, however, loped in confusion. Sophia charged up behind them on her horse and yelled, “Hhaa!” The camels bolted forward in one of the craziest, reckless rides of their lives.
Up ahead, Akeim veered toward the cliffs. He was making a beeline for a crevasse that could be seen in the rock face. As his dust cleared, Alec could see directly ahead of them. From the opposite direction, more riders were heading towards them.
They were trapped.
They had been channeled right into a narrow valley with the Nile on one side; too wide to cross, and the cliffs on the other; too high to climb. As Alec caught up with Genevieve, he could see the fear written on her face. He knew why… Should he fail to protect her, she would be at their mercy. Something he would not allow as long as he lived.
Chapter 13
“Don’t shoot until I tell you.” Akeim shouted over to Alec and Samuel as he tossed the rifles that he’d taken off their camels the day before.
Samuel caught his and kissed the stock saying, “Hello, love… Did you miss me?” The Spencer rifle was his pride and joy. Alec had one as well, but his feelings weren’t quite so involved.
The shelter Akeim had led them to had large rocks bordering the entrance creating a natural defense. Behind that, an area at least twenty feet wide opened up. The crevasse continued beyond that, narrowing into a gap that was barely wide enough to get the animals through.
“I’ve sheltered here before.” Akeim pulled two more rifles from his saddle.
“I take it, that this is not the usual welcome you receive,” Alec replied.
“Correct,” was all he said as he turned and walked away.
“Friend or foe?” Sophia asked Akeim as she dismounted by swinging her leg over to the side, stepping off her horse at a run.
He shook his head as he passed her.
PING! A shot rang out and nicked the rock by Samuel’s head followed by the distant crack of the rifle.
“Inaccurate bastard,” Samuel shouted back, as if they could hear him. He looked over to Akeim, “Well, that answers that question… They are obviously friends of yours.”
P-ting! Another shot hit the rock, followed by a softer P-iong, as it ricocheted through the air. Several more shots rang out, sending everyone diving for protection. Small shavings of rock were spraying down on them as the area was pelted with cover fire.
“Duck, if you have a care for your head,” Samuel turned to holler at the women behind him.
Akeim tossed Alec one of the packs containing their other weapons. Alec caught it and pulled his revolver out. He continued searching through it, then looked up. “Where’s the ammunition?”
“Is it not there?” Akeim looked back at him in surprise. “Look in those packs still tied to my saddle,” he suggested as he carried two muskets with him up to the front and knelt behind the rocks.
Alec tossed the pack to Samuel before he started searching through the sacks untying several in his haste. The fishing net and several bags fell to ground as he looked, but still no sign of any ammunition. “Damn!” He swore, pulling a hand through his hair in frustration.
He went back to where Genevieve and her mother stood holding the reins of the other animals. “Did you find any ammunition when you packed?” Alec asked as he looked through the bundles tied to one of the camels. Several cooking pots hit the ground.
They both shook their heads in response. His eyes met and briefly held Genevieve’s. He could see the worry she was trying to hide. He wanted to go to her, to reassure her, but there wasn’t time. He had to duck as another barrage of bullets rang out. Staying low, Alec crawled up to the front, passing Samuel as he went.
“What… No ammo?” Stunned, Samuel watched as Alec crossed in front of him. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” He grumbled, “I had a fortune tied up in those cartridges.”
Samuel had assumed a prone position in order to avoid the bullets that continually flew overhead. “Bloody careless, if you ask me.” He muttered to himself as
he searched his numerous pockets for any stray bullets. Unfortunately the few he’d found were for the pistol, rendering the rifle useless.
“Whose bright idea was it to empty the guns anyway?” He yelled over the noise towards Akeim as he tossed his prized rifle to the side. Unable to do much else, he set about loading his revolver with the ammo he’d been able to find.
“Bloody Hell!” Samuel swore as a bullet hit the ground inches from where he sat. “Bastard’s aim is improving,” he mumbled to himself as he scooted further back.
“Samuel,” Akeim shouted behind him. “There is an alcove down that passage. Take the women and the animals there for cover. If these men make it past us, I trust you to protect them with your life.”
“Aye, aye captain,” Samuel touched his fingers to the brim of his hat in salute before scooting away.
Alec assumed sending him away was Akeim’s way to shut Samuel up. He’d used the tactic himself on many occasions. Alec joined him up front as the warrior peered over the edge watching the men approach.
“I couldn’t find any ammunition,” Alec informed him as he crouched nearby. With regret he set his own Spencer rifle to the side. Perhaps his feelings for the weapon were stronger than he’d realized for he was sadly regretting its loss.
“They’re going for a close fight.” Akeim informed as he tossed Alec one of his own rifles and a pouch of gunpowder along with a few of the remaining musket balls.
Alec nodded in understanding as he took the musket and started loading it. Glancing over to his rifle with futility, he pounded down the lead ball with a rod. Taking up the weapon he positioned himself behind a large boulder. “I take it that it’s safe to return fire.”
Akeim placed his own rifle between two rocks and pulled the trigger in answer. The sound exploded in the small cavern they had taken refuge in.
Alec found another niche that he could use. Placing the barrel between two rocks he took aim and fired. He was back down before he could see the man fall. He reloaded and fired again, shouting to Akeim over the reverberating percussion. “I only have one more shot.”
Treasure of Egypt Page 16