A Journey to Egypt - 9. Chapter 9

A Journey to Egypt

The Lady in Black

Once back at the hotel, Reginald and Alexander settled into their room, the weight of their recent experiences still heavy on their minds. Anticipating their next steps, they prepared for their mission. The air in their room was thick with tension.

Reginald opened the door and asked Omar and Kareem to join them in their room. Within minutes, there was a knock at the door, and Omar and Kareem entered, their expressions serious and focused.

With his lean and agile build, Omar moved with quiet grace, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of trouble. With his muscular frame and commanding presence, Kareem followed closely behind, his demeanor of unwavering determination.

As they gathered around the small table in the center of the room, Reginald and Alexander shared the latest developments and their concerns about the man watching them. The atmosphere was charged with urgency but also a deep sense of camaraderie and trust.

Together, they began strategizing, their minds working in unison to devise a plan to ensure the artifacts' safety. Their bond was unbreakable, and they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. Reginald's generous offer to cut Omar and Kareem in for half of whatever they found must have been quite a surprise! Although shocked, Omar knew the boys were good people, and the potential discovery could be monumental.

With Reginald providing ample funds, they were able to purchase camels, guns, and all the supplies they would need for their journey. The introduction of the telegraph in Egypt in 1824 was a pivotal moment in the country's history, marking a leap forward in its communication capabilities. Connecting Alexandria and Cairo, two key cities, became part of the broader global expansion of telegraph lines that rapidly changed how people communicated over long distances.

Before the telegraph, couriers carried messages on horseback or ships, taking days or weeks to deliver. The telegraph changed all that by allowing instant communication, which profoundly affected many aspects of society, including commerce, journalism, and personal correspondence.

In Egypt, the telegraph's arrival was not just about faster communication but also a symbol of modernization and progress. It played a crucial role in integrating Egypt into the global information exchange network, contributing to its economic and political development. This innovation laid the groundwork for future technological advancements. It was a significant step in Egypt's journey towards becoming a modern state.

Omar would wire the money to his friend in upper Egypt. He was busy all day making the necessary purchases for their trip. He had to ensure everything was in order and arranged for the items to be picked up at various locations in Upper Egypt. This involved coordinating with local vendors and pickup points, ensuring all the supplies would be ready for collection when they arrived. The process kept him occupied, but securing a smooth and well-prepared journey was essential. He had a friend who would make the pickups and collect the needed items and the camels. When the time is right, they would deliver them to the pickup spot. Omar worked to implement their plans for the trip to Aswan and the Temple of Ramses II and the temple of his wife Nefertari, also known as Abu Simbel. It is ironic that the temple complex was named after a shepherd boy who led Swiss explorer Burckhardt to the site.

While Omar was organizing their trip, Kareem would accompany the boys as they set off to explore the Giza Pyramid Complex. Their itinerary included visits to the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khephren, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza. It promised to be an exciting day of exploration and discovery!

Reginald and Alexander were excited as they prepared for their camel ride to the Great Pyramids. The hotel's kitchen had kindly packed a delicious lunch for the three of them, ensuring they would have plenty of energy for their adventure. As they approached the pyramids, even from a distance, their immense size was awe-inspiring. The carriage dropped them off at the camel station, where their camels patiently waited, sitting on the ground to make it easier for them to mount.

With anticipation, Reginald, Alexander, and their companion climbed onto the camels, ready to embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the ancient wonders of the Giza Pyramid Complex. The sight of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khephren, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the iconic Great Sphinx of Giza awaited them, promising a day filled with discovery and wonder. The pyramids were believed to be the final resting places for the pharaohs, considered divine rulers.

Mythological beliefs about the afterlife, resurrection, and the journey of the soul influenced the design orientation and symbolism of the pyramids. Many legends suggest that the pyramids contain hidden treasures and are protected by curses. While no treasures have been found in the pyramids, the idea of curses is more of a myth. The concept of a curse originated from the protective spells inscribed in the tombs to safeguard the pharaohs in the afterlife. Reginald explained to Alexander with a smile.

These legends and myths add to the mystique and allure of the pyramids, making them even more intriguing to explore. As they approached the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the sheer size and grandeur of the ancient structure left them in awe. The closer they got, the more they could appreciate the incredible engineering and history behind it. When they finally reached the pyramid's base, they dismounted their camels and silently admired the magnificent structures.

Unable to resist, they reached out to touch the ancient stones. As their fingers made contact, they felt a subtle tingle, like the pyramid was alive with energy. And Reginald knew it had to be Khonsu, the moon god, who had spoken to him in the attic of his grandmother's Manor house many years ago when he held that amulet he found in her attic. The experience was everything they had hoped for and more. Tears of joy streamed down Reginald's face as he felt overwhelming happiness.

In a moment of pure emotion, Reginald ensured no one was looking and kissed Alexander. With a heartfelt whisper, he said, "I am so glad I am here with you, my love." They shared this unforgettable experience filled with deep love and companionship.

As Alexander stood at the base of the Great Pyramid of Khufu, he was also overwhelmed by emotions. The sheer magnitude and historical significance of the pyramid left him in awe. He felt a deep connection to the ancient past and a sense of wonder at the incredible achievements of the people who built this monumental structure.

When Reginald kissed him and expressed gratitude for being there together, Alexander's heart swelled with love and happiness. He felt immense gratitude for having Reginald by his side, sharing this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The tingle they felt when touching the pyramid added a touch of magic to the moment, making it magical.

Alexander's thoughts were filled with appreciation for their journey, the adventures they had shared, and the deep bond they had formed. He felt fortunate to have found someone who shared his passion for exploration and discovery, and he looked forward to the many more adventures they would embark on together.

Kareem had spotted something unusual a short distance away. A man and a boy stood by a box held up by three legs. He signaled to the boy to come over and talk to him a bit. Alexander and Reginald were curious about what was said. Kareem smiled at them and explained that the boy's father was taking pictures of tourists using a daguerreotype camera. For two pounds, he would take the photo, develop it, and deliver it to their hotel.

Alex thought that a fantastic idea! Taking a photo of the two of them with the Great Pyramid of Khufu as a backdrop would be a perfect way to capture the memory of this incredible moment. It would be a beautiful keepsake of their adventure and their special bond.

Reginald and Alexander noticed their rings with runes for the protection of Ra had started glimmering with a golden glow as the entrepreneur took their picture before the Great Pyramid.

A woman in black seemed to appear out of the dust of the desert. Her sudden presence was mysterious and unsettling as if she were a vision that materialized from the sand. The woman, dressed in black, was a striking figure, her presence both commanding and enigmatic. She wore a flowing black dress that absorbed the light around her, its fabric moving like liquid silk with every step she took. The dress was elegantly tailored, hugging her form in a way that accentuated her grace and poise.

A black veil covered her face, adding an air of enigma to her appearance. The veil was sheer enough to hint at her features but opaque enough to conceal her identity. Her eyes, the only part of her face clearly visible, were sharp and piercing, filled with a mix of determination and intelligence.

She moved with a predatory grace, each step deliberate and measured. Her movements were fluid and almost cat-like as if she were always aware of her surroundings and ready to react immediately. There was a quiet confidence in how she carried herself, a sense of purpose that made it clear she was not to be underestimated.

As she walked, the hem of her dress whispered against the ground, adding to the quiet power surrounding her. Her presence was captivating and intimidating, proof she was a force to be reckoned with.

Her dark attire contrasted sharply with the golden dunes, making her seem otherworldly. The air around her shimmered with an eerie aura, adding to the sense of unease that her appearance brought to them. Kareem quickly stepped between the woman, his hand reaching for something under his coat. He pulled out his pistol, ready to protect them if necessary.

The woman raised her hands in a gesture of peace and said, "I mean no harm. I wish to talk to you both about the scarab beetle." Her voice was calm and serene, and her eyes, visible through the veil, showed a sense of urgency and determination.

Reginald and Alexander exchanged curious glances, wondering why this mysterious woman sought them out. Their adventure was about to take another intriguing turn.

Kareem lowered his gun as she approached Reginald and Alexander and began to speak. She revealed that the scarab beetle they had found was not just an ordinary artifact. The woman seemed to have essential information about the scarab beetle.

She explained that the scarab beetle was part of an ancient legend believed to be a key to unlocking hidden secrets and treasures from the time of the pharaohs. The map they had discovered was just the beginning. According to the legend, the scarab beetle was one of several artifacts that, when brought together, could lead to a hidden chamber filled with limitless wealth and knowledge.

The woman had been searching for the scarab beetle for many years. She believed that Reginald and Alexander were destined to find it. She offered to help them decipher the map and find the other artifacts needed to complete the quest. Her knowledge and experience could prove invaluable on their journey.

Reginald and Alexander listened intently, realizing their adventure was far from over. With the woman's guidance, they could uncover secrets that had been hidden for millennia.

Reginald and Alexander listened to the woman's story, but some things did not sound authentic. Other than learning more about the legend, she had told them only a few things they did not already know. Feeling a mix of curiosity and skepticism, Reginald decided to confront the woman. He stepped forward and asked firmly, "What is your real reason for talking to us? We have no reason to trust you."

The woman lowered her hands and took a deep breath. "I understand your hesitation," she said calmly. "But I assure you, my intentions are genuine. The scarab beetle you possess is part of an ancient legend and holds great significance. I only wish to help you uncover its secrets and ensure your safety."

She hadn't said anything new to reassure them and her behavior made Reginald suspicious. He wondered if she was the one that they needed protection from.
Reginald and Alexander exchanged glances, still distrustful of her true motives. Their instincts told them to remain cautious. They decided to keep their guard up and consider seeking advice from Kareem about this encounter when they left for their next destination.

As they turned to mount their camels, the woman urgently called out to them, "Wait! Your lives are in danger! You must listen to me!" Her voice was filled with desperation, but Reginald and Alexander were unconvinced.

Determined to continue their adventure, they mounted their camels and rode away, leaving the mysterious woman behind. The sense of unease lingered, but they were resolute in their decision to follow their own path and uncover the secrets of the scarab beetle on their own terms.

They rode the camels away from the woman, the rhythmic sway of the ride helping to calm their nerves. After putting some distance between themselves and the mysterious encounter, they decided to stop and discuss the situation with Kareem.

Turning to Kareem, Reginald asked, "What do you think about that woman? Do you know who she is?"

Still alert and watchful, Kareem took a moment to gather his thoughts. "I've never seen her before," he said, his voice steady. "But her approach was unusual, and her knowledge about the scarab beetle is concerning. She might be telling the truth, but we must remain cautious. Many would seek to deceive us for their own gain."

Reginald and Alexander nodded, appreciating Kareem's insight validated their instincts. They knew they had to stay vigilant and trust their instincts as they continued their journey. However, the encounter with the woman added a bewitching new layer of mystery to their adventure. They were determined to uncover the truth and follow the clues wherever they might lead. Before heading back, they decided to visit the Sphinx, constantly glancing over their shoulders to ensure she was not following them. The sight of the Sphinx was genuinely awe-inspiring.

The Great Sphinx of Giza, with its majestic lion's body and human head, stood proudly against the backdrop of the desert. Carved from a single block of limestone, the Sphinx is an ancient marvel, its enigmatic expression and weathered features telling tales of millennia gone by. The sheer size of the monument, with its paws stretching out in front and its gaze fixed eternally towards the horizon, left them in awe. Despite the erosion over the centuries, the intricate details of the face still held a sense of mystery and grandeur. The Sphinx, a guardian of ancient secrets, stood as a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the ancient Egyptians.

The encounter with the women had left them feeling unsettled and exposed. They decided to return to the hotel, where they could discuss everything in a safer environment. They also needed to ensure that the boat trip up the Nile River was all set and that the rooms for Omar and Kareem were ready. The boat would stop at all the important archaeological sites along the way, making it a journey filled with historical wonders.

They choose a river cruiser for their journey up the Nile River. These sailing craft, called Dahabiya, are the most common passenger boats on the Nile. Dahabiya means 'gold' and reflects the luxury of this sailing craft. These sail-powered boats can take 6 to 15 passengers on a slow, serene trip up the Nile.

They rode the camel back to the drop-off point, where they found a small building offering drinks. They bought three drinks and enjoyed them while eating lunch and waiting for the carriage to arrive. They decided to try some popular local beverages. They bought Karkada, a refreshing hibiscus tea served cool.

These drinks provided a delightful taste of Egyptian culture and helped them cool down while they waited for the carriage.

The refreshing beverages provided a moment of relaxation after their camel ride, and they took the opportunity to discuss their plans and reflect on their recent experiences.