Chapter Two

John lay perfectly still he was content to remain where he was for a wee while longer. During the time they had travelled along the tunnel, which he supposed to be a time tunnel, Charlotte had clung to so him tightly finally landing on top of him in the cave. As for Charlotte, she was more than content to stay where she was. She was very frightened and took comfort from John's presence.

Charlotte stood up and to her amazement they had both had their clothing transformed into the attire of their Egyptian ancestors. Charlotte sensed his bruised ego. John removed the dagger from the body. Wiped it on the sleeve of his jacket, and tucked it in his belt. Charlotte involuntary shuddered. Charlotte walked to the opposite cave wall mimicking John's actions. Charlotte froze as she felt, but could not see, something guiding her hand to push against a particular large brick. She immediately withdrew her hand. John added his weight to hers to push the brick. As they did the sound of brick grating against brick, echoed throughout the cave. A chink of sunlight began to show making them half close their eyes against its brightness. They watched as the opening grew larger. John picked up the casket, which he had placed on the floor of the cave, and led the way through the opening. Charlotte followed close behind. They found themselves in a chamber. On the further side of the chamber, there was an opening and together they ran towards it. Charlotte stopped just before the opening, and pulled John back. John was about to say more, but when he looked across at Charlotte she appeared to be in some sort of trance. Charlotte shook her head as if to clear it. The movement seemed to rouse her out of the trance. John opened the lid of the casket. One of the parchments had the 'Eye of Ra' (Utchat) symbol on it. He opened it carefully. Reading the word 'powers' inscribed on it he passed it to Charlotte. Charlotte was right she could read and speak the language. John had to admit to himself she was far better at it than him. As Charlotte finished reading the verse, the chamber began filling with blue smoke. As the smoke began to clear, they found themselves surrounded by of a group of Egyptian guards.

The guards fell to their knees, and started bowing to Charlotte who gestured for them to rise. Speaking to them in Arabic, she explained to them the perils that lay ahead outside the cave. A guard who seemed to be in charge stepped forward. He said that they were her personal guards, and they would protect her with their lives. They all made their way to the chamber entrance which they found barred by a group of men. A surly individual walked towards them. This inflamed the man who appeared to be the spokesman of the group. He signalled to his men who promptly set about Charlotte's guards and John.

To John's amazement looking across at Charlotte she raised her arm and sent a man flying across the ground. Another attacker that got in her way suffered a worse fate. She produced a bolt of lightning from the palm of her hand sending him flying. The frightened attackers quickly realized that this was one fight they would probably loose and fled. John ran to Charlotte and lifted her up in his arms spinning her around. John froze as he felt several spears jabbing into his back. Charlotte spoke sharply to her guards who reluctantly moved away. John turned away to hide his emotions. Even he was beginning to have doubts as to who Charlotte really was.

The group made their way towards the village they could see in the distance. They had no means of transport apart from a mule left by the attackers and Charlotte was riding that. They estimated it would be late morning before they reached the village. It was decided that they would walk until dusk, then make camp for the night. Charlotte was deep in thought as they travelled. So much had happened in the previous few hours it was like a dream. Yet, she did not feel like a stranger to this land or to its people. Indeed, she had the feeling that she was returning home.

As for his part, John was convinced that his assumption was correct about Charlotte having blood ties to Isis. The amazing thing was she was acting as if she was Isis - as if some power had taken command of her. It was becoming increasingly difficult to part fact, from myth. God, she looked great waring that robe. They travelled for a while longer then made camp. Some of the guards wondered off into the shrubs returning with a brace of rabbits, and plant roots. They then set about making a fire, barbecuing the rabbits, and charring the roots which made a surprisingly delicious meal. John and Charlotte could not believe how hungry they were. With their stomachs satisfied, Charlotte turned to John. John told Charlotte of how in ancient Egypt the gods had ruled the land. 'Osiris,' was one of the gods. He was a brother to 'Set' and husband to 'Isis'. Set was jealous of Osiris, and murdered him. He then tore his body into fourteen pieces and scattered them throughout Egypt. Through the magic of Isis, he was resurrected for a brief time. Albeit long enough to produce a son named 'Horus'. Osiris then died becoming ruler and guardian of the deceased. Osiris was generally portrayed as a bearded man mummified. Wearing a crown, his hands stand out from dressings. He holds a crook, whip, and sceptres". Charlotte got up and put some branches of scrub wood onto the fire. She stood gazing at the dancing flames. John continued telling her about Ra. He shone down on all Egypt, but he was alone. He decided to create two children who one day became lost. Ra plucked out his left eye sending it out to find them. When the eye returned it had the children. As a reward he placed it the eye on his brow, and became known as the all powerful 'Eye of Ra'. Ra who is portrayed as a hawk-headed man or a hawk.

Charlotte slumped to her knees. In the distance they could hear a horn being blown and men shouting as they came closer to the camp. The guards surrounded Charlotte protecting her as she got to her feet. Just then a group of men came rushing through the bushes. They were brandishing spears but kept a respectful distance. A man on a donkey appeared from behind them. He looked like a religious man by the robes he wore. He alighted from the donkey coming towards them in a defiant manner saying...