“Wait,” Samuel rushed to the front when it appeared she was about to set the sconce in the holder. “Should we not vote on this?”
“Again with the voting,” Akeim mumbled. “Does this look like the house of the Lords to you?” he looked around meaningfully.
“All right,” Sophia intervened, placing a hand on Akeim’s arm. “We’ll vote.” She turned to the group. “If we wait, we could wait… indefinitely.” After a lengthy pause she sighed. “The coronation of every pharaoh that has ever ruled over Egypt was held before the Temple of the Sphinx because of its unique access to the underworld. Unfortunately the Admiral destroyed the passageway when he tried to open the door.”
“You mean no one else has been through here?” Samuel eyebrows shot to his hairline. “But I thought…”
“Not through this area,” Sophia shook her head. “Not since it was sealed.” Her concern was apparent when she spoke. “I’m sorry, but if we do nothing, then we do not proceed,” she took a deep breath. “The only way that I know of to go through to the other side is to follow the instructions left by the priests.”
Samuel considered her words a moment. “It’s not for you to apologize,” he sighed. “I realize that I’ve been a horse’s… that I’ve been difficult.”
“Is that what you call it?” Akeim accessed him critically.
Samuel chose to ignore him, addressing Sophia instead. “I don’t suppose you would allow me the honors,” he stepped over to her with an apologetic smile. Taking the flaming sconce from her hand he placed it within the holder.
Immediately the flame grew brighter, igniting a trough that had been cut into the wall above it. The flame spread out, tracing a line down both sides of the passage where it wavered slightly before stretching across the back of the long hall.
The fire dimly lit the huge corridor, revealing a ceiling that was decorated with white stars against a dark, blue background. It also exposed the floor covered in several deep holes.
“These must be the fire pits the drawing suggested,” Genevieve peeked over the edge of the closest one.
“Right now they are just pits,” Samuel warned. “Let’s do our best not to add the fire, shall we?” He looked meaningfully at Akeim who still held his blazing knife.
Akeim raised a brow but extinguished the light nonetheless.
“How would you suggest we proceed?” Samuel tested the edge of the first pit. Dirt fell into the deep hole stretching ten feet, from one side of the hall to the other. Beyond it lay the next pit with barely enough dirt to stand on between them.
Sophia stood, looking up at the wall. “Perhaps we can use that trench to our advantage,” she smiled over to Samuel.
Akeim led the way with Sophia close behind. Hanging from their hands, they used the lip of the trench to cross over. Once they were on the other side, Alec and Genevieve started across. Samuel slipped the spear into the sash at his waist and followed suit. Slowly, one by one, they crossed over the deep holes.
“I’m glad there are only two more to go,” Genevieve said with a sigh. “My arms are getting quite tired.”
“I’m curious as to why there are nine?” Samuel jumped down, rubbing his hands together. “Why not ten or twelve?”
“Or one,” Alec replied sarcastically as he flexed his fingers.
“All numbers had sacred meanings to the ancient Egyptians,” Genevieve explained as they watched Sophia and Akeim negotiate another ten-foot expanse. “Nine especially was a— Mother, hold on,” she gasped, as the wall under Sophia’s left hand crumbled away, leaving her to dangle by one arm halfway across.
Akeim attempted to climb back to her, but the wall threatened to crumble on the other side as well. “Can you reach me if you swing?” he watched closely as she tried, but the wall disintegrated a little more with her weight.
Samuel sprang up and crossed the distance getting as close as he could without putting more stress on the wall. “I thought this might come in handy,” he held on by one hand as he slid the spear across the trough above her.
She reached up, taking hold of it. The wooden pole sagged slightly but held as it spanned the weakened space. “Oh, thank you,” she gave him a weak smile.
“Sure thing Mum, just do me a favor and make it to the other side.” A crackling sound from the front of the chamber stopped Samuel from crossing behind her. “Ah-oh,” he groaned, “That didn’t sound good.”
KABOOM! The first pit they had crossed exploded, sending a ball of fire up to the ceiling.
The trembling almost cost Sophia her balance as she landed on the other side. The spear came away in Samuel’s hand as the wall crumbled from the shock. He had no other choice than to swing back where Alec pulled him to safety.
“Hurry!” Sophia hollered over to them as they began crossing over the pit on the other side of the hall.
“There is no telling how long we have until the next one goes,” Alec glanced back at the flames as he followed closely behind Genevieve. “Perhaps I should tell you now that I love you.”
KABOOM! The second pit exploded sending another plume of smoke across the star-studded ceiling.
“What?” Genevieve paused, turning her head back toward him.
“I said…” Alec swallowed.
“I hate to sound like a pessimist in the wake of hell fire,” Samuel replied as he came up behind them. “But perhaps you two could hurry it along.”
Genevieve leaped across to the ground with Alec right behind her. After Samuel had passed Alec turned her toward him, pulling her into her arms. “I said,” he spoke softly, “that I love you,” he touched his lips to hers.
She moved further into his arms as the kiss deepened. They stood in an embrace as the stars shone down from the smoky ceiling above. When the kiss ended she looked up at him with a brilliant smile on her lips. “I love you too,” she whispered.
Picking her up in a tight hug, he sighed as though a heavy burden had been lifted. “I wanted to tell you, but the timing always seems to be off,” he laughed. “I suppose hell’s fire isn’t the most romantic scenario.”
KABOOM! The trembling underfoot caused him to tighten his hold on her.
“I disagree. I would most definitely say your declaration has moved heaven and earth,” she smiled up at him.
“My plan all along,” he winked as he set her down. “We’d better get a move on,” he grinned as he took her hand.
The smoke had become dense, making it hard to see the fine etchings across the wall. Coughing, Alec held cloth up to his nose and mouth to cut down on the smoke. “What is happening?” he asked.
“This appears to be a dead end,” Samuel turned away from the wall in frustration as Genevieve joined her mother who was trying to make out the writing in the smoke-filled room.
“What does it say?” Alec walked behind them.
“We must choose between two lakes,” Sophia stood up wearily, “The Lake of Fire, which is guarded by jackals and the Lake of Urea.”
“That’s a hell of a choice,” Alec turned, dragging a fist through his hair.
“With the fires of hell on our heels, I’d welcome either one,” Samuel coughed, looking back at the flames. “Only one problem… I’m not seeing any lakes.”
KABOOM! The fourth pit blasted, making the floor tremble. Sophia stumbled backwards from the tremor, falling into Samuel.
“Whoa—” Samuel teetered on the edge, swinging his arms in great circles to keep from falling. Toppling into the hole, he hit the dirt and rolled awkwardly, slamming against a rock that protruded from the side. “Owe! Bloody—” he swore. “I could have cracked my skull on this… this flat rock.”
“Flat rock?” Sophia leaned over the edge, “Are you sure?”
“I’m fine thanks for asking,” Samuel felt the surface of the stone slab. “And yes, the top is definitely flat.”
“Is there a groove at the base?” Sophia knelt beside the pit.
“A groove? It’s a little hard to see down here,” he compl
ained while feeling about. Wait… Yes!” Excitedly, he followed it with his fingers. “There is a groove that seems to lead to a basin of some type at the bottom.”
“That’s it!” Sophia wilted with relief, “I’m coming down.”
KABOOM! The ground shuttered as the fifth pit exploded.
“Be careful, that first step is a douser— Oomph!” For the second time Samuel found himself knocked down as she stepped on him.
“Yes, you’re right,” Sophia cleared her throat apologetically. “Thank you for breaking my fall,” she replied as she stepped off of him.
“My pleasure,” Samuel groaned as he sat up.
Crouching beside the altar, Sophia felt her way around the stone. Leaning back on her haunches she looked up at the silhouettes above her. “We need water.”
“Water?” It was a question that everyone asked in alternating tones of dismay.
“Where in the hell are we going to get water from?” Samuel sank back.
“What if we were to wring our clothing out over the stone?” Genevieve spoke up. “Mine are still quite damp.”
“That could take forever,” Samuel threw his hands up in frustration. An action that was lost in the dark. “What if we spit on it?”
“And you think that would be quicker?” Alec rolled his eyes.
“What about this?” Samuel held up his bottle of spirits.
“That’s a good idea,” Alec replied as he climbed down. “Let’s add fuel to the flames.”
Samuel ignored him, “How many more pits before this one goes up?”
“There are four more pits,” Akeim informed him.
KABOOM!
“Make that three.” Alec amended.
“Hurry! This is the lock that opens the next door.” Sophia wrung her hands together. Her voice normally so calm was thickly accented in her agitation. “I hate to think of what may happen if we fail to open it.”
“Where is this vast lake when you need it?” Samuel mumbled.
“Same place where the ice water is, I imagine,” Alec said dryly as Genevieve slid down into his arms.
“That actually gives me an idea,” Samuel jumped up.
“It does?” Alec’s voice held his surprise, “Do I dare ask?”
“Ladies I implore you, please step back,” Samuel cautioned.
“What are you doing?” Alec moved to stand beside him.
“Something that would get most people kicked out of hell I would imagine.” Samuel responded. “I could use some help,” he muttered while he fumbled with his clothing. “Damn Dress!”
Alec took a step back when it became apparent what he intended, “Count me out.”
“I meant with the amount of liquid needed,” Samuel grumbled.
KABOOM! The seventh pit exploded sending a fireball overhead.
“Bloody hell!” Alec swore, fumbling with his own clothing.
Silence ensued. Only the time passed slowly by as they waited.
Samuel rocked backward on his heels, “I can’t seem to piss now that my life depends upon it.”
“Shhh,” Akeim ordered as they stood shoulder to shoulder. “Concentrate!”
“Yes, add to the pressure why don’t you?” Samuel complained, “That helps.”
“Need I remind you that this was your idea,” Akeim remarked as the sound of liquid hit the stone.
“Thank God!” Samuel shouted jubilantly.
KABOOM!
“Oh, Hell!” Alec swore again as the ground beneath their feet dropped several inches. The area above their heads exploded as the floor broke away altogether, leaving them to plummet through midair.
“Aahh!” Their screams echoed in the air around them as they fell.
Chapter 24
With a splash they were plunged into a deep pool below. The water over their heads sparkled with the light of the fireball spreading across the ceiling of the cavern. As they surfaced, firelight shimmered across the ripples of the water from the burning embers that still clung to the ceiling above.
“Is everyone all right?” Sophia called out.
All but one answered.
“Genevieve!” Alec spun around in the water, calling out to her again. “Genevieve!” When she still didn’t respond he took a deep breath and dove under.
Samuel and Akeim both followed suit, searching the water behind him.
Alec swam until his lungs were about to burst. Something inside him pushed harder, he kicked out swimming deeper into the dark water.
Samuel returned to the surface gasping for air. “Any sign of her yet?” he looked over at Sophia.
“Not yet,” she shook her head as Akeim came up beside her. She turned worried eyes toward him. Without a word spoken he nodded, disappearing beneath the surface.
“Don’t worry Mum, we’ll find her.” With that Samuel took a deep breath and returned to the search.
Alec felt light headed as he kicked out, going even deeper. His hand reached the mud bottom below. He spun around looking up through the dark water. Above him he could see Genevieve’s silhouette, floating unmoving in the water. Reaching out for her he pulled her close, kicking with his powerful legs to the surface.
“Oh, my God!” Sophia sobbed when he erupted from the water with Genevieve dangling at his side.
Akeim was behind him instantly. “There is land beyond those rocks,” he called.
Alec’s mind was numb to anything but the woman in his arms. The adrenaline in his body rushed to his limbs as he pushed through the water toward the mound of earth that could be seen in the flickering light.
He carried her limp body over the boulders and placed her gently on the ground. He cupped her chin with his hand and turned her face to his. “Breathe,” he whispered. “Please,” he begged, placing his forehead against hers. “Please breathe,” he willed her as he touched his thumb to her lips.
Sophia rushed over to them. “Is she breathing?”
“No,” he whispered hoarsely.
With a grip stronger than he knew she possessed, Sophia ripped Genevieve from his arms and rolled her over. With the force of her whole body she pressed against her back with urgency. Fluid rushed out of her lungs. Again she pushed until Genevieve gagged, throwing up the rest of the water.
Sophia sat back wiping a shaky hand across her brow as Genevieve began coughing. Alec was on his knees next to her instantly, taking her up into his arms and cradling her as she cleared her lungs.
“You’ve got her? Oh, thank God!” Samuel sighed in relief as he crawled up the embankment and sprawled across the dirt. “I don’t know how you did it,” he gasped, trying to catch his breath. “It’s black as pitch down there.”
Alec gazed down at the woman in his arms. He didn’t know how, but he had felt her. Something within him had known she was near. “How are you feeling?” Alec asked gently.
She looked up at him and smiled weakly. “A little dizzy,” she winced, rubbing the knot at the back of her head.
“Let me take a look,” Alec leaned her forward, lifting her hair. “You’ve a good bump on your head,” he tilted her head back, smiling gently into her eyes. “You gave me quite the scare. I’m not leaving here without you. You know that, right?” he kissed her forehead. “Thank God your mother knew what to do.”
“Sitt Hakim,” she whispered with a smile.
“What does that mean?” Alec asked her softly.
“It is what the tribe called my mother. It means honored, lady doctor.” She flashed him an amused smile, “She was their savior while I their plague.”
“A two for one kind of deal,” Samuel commented wryly.
Genevieve sat up in Alec’s arms, looking out at the black water beside them. “I’m almost glad I don’t remember that.”
“It reminds me of that pond we used to—Aaugh,” Samuel yelped with a start as he rolled over. A gruesome stone face with fire spurting from its mouth stared back. “Gees!” He scrambled away from the broken statue that lay half covered in dirt. “That scared the hel
l out of me!”
“Something was bound to,” Akeim replied as he pointed out three other statues bordering the mound. “I believe we’ve found the Lake of Fire.” As he spoke, a splash from the other side of the pool caught their attention.
“I hope you’re right,” Alec watched the dark ripple in the water as it made its way towards them. The sinew movement reminded him of a serpent in the wake, “Especially when considering the alternative.”
Another burning ember from the room above fell to the water, causing another splash. Samuel watched the glowing cinders float down from the ceiling and land not far from where they sat. “We’d better get out of here before the whole roof comes down upon us.”
“He’s right,” Akeim looked up at the structure above them. “For once,” he added when Samuel turned to look at him with surprise.
“There is an opening over there,” Sophia pointed to a dark gaping cavity in the wall behind them.
“Not very welcoming is it?” Samuel scoffed. “I mean they could have cheered up the place,” he turned to Sophia. “So where are we in the whole scheme of things? Is this still apart of the Underworld?”
“This is the primordial mound,” Sophia looked back over her shoulder to the water. “In the Egyptian creation myth, they believed that life began when a mound of fertile land rose above the waters of chaos.” As she spoke, part of the wooden structure above them fell, crashing into the water. Huge cinders broke away scattering across the ground where they were walking.
“Run!” Samuel yelled.
Alec scooped up Genevieve and ran with her towards the passage as another piece of the roof landed beside them. Using his robe to shelter Genevieve from the burning shards, he rushed forward. They ducked under the entrance just as a wooden beam from above smashed into the ground behind them, blocking off the passage.
“Whoa, that was a near thing!” Samuel backed away from the burning mass. The fire flickered to life, licking out toward them as air rushed from the tunnel they were in, fanning the flames.
Treasure of Egypt Page 30