Disclaimer: Everyone knows the drill. MA characters are the property the DIC Entertainment. But we continue to enjoy writing fiction about them and mean no harm to the show or its creators. The characters of the Ellis twins are the property of my good friend Trynia Merin and are used with her permission and support. Sohkarra belongs to Naomi, who I use with her permission! Happy holidays!
It Came upon a Midnight Clear...
a Mummies Alive Christmas story by Trynia Merin
December 12th, or the Third Sunday of Advent...
"On your left you will see our new exhibition for Norman Rockwell," Amanda Carnarvon said. The cute little Santa hat looked odd in contrast to the crisp formal green suit she normally wore. A line of patrons snaked around the main information desk towards the various galleries in the main hall. "Aw Mom, do ya have to wear that?" Presley groaned, looking up at his mother.
"Oh come on now, where's your Christmas spirit?" she joked, kissing Presley's cheek.
"Mo-om!" he protested. "Yuck! I hate being kissed...I'm getting too old for that gushy stuff anyway!"
"That reminds me, I'll be asking Dr. Ellis to take you home today... there's a last minute meeting Mr. Hepplewhite is calling... and I'll be running late..."
"But I wanted you to take me to the mall..."
"Sorry honey, maybe you could go with your friends I'm sure that Walter might be willing to..."
"He's in Korea with his parents!" Presley grumbled. "I thought you knew that..."
"Well I must have forgot... wait, the exhibit is that way..." she called to a string of people one of the new docents happened to be leading astray. "Sorry honey... here... get yourself something from the machines..." He sighed as she passed him a five dollar bill and rushed off. At that moment he felt like saying Bah Humbug to this whole Christmas deal. Before he could continue his moping he heard a cheerful voice saying, "Hullo there, Presley! Why the long face?"
"Oh, hi Mr. Ellis," he muttered, hands thrust into his pockets.
"Mum has to work late again, that it?" Cameron asked, leaning over slightly as he thrust his hands in his pocket much like Presley did.
"Uh huh," Presley muttered. "It really sucks, because she promised she'd take me to the mall... and I really wanted to go... and Walter's not around..."
"Hmm... sounds like a problem," Cameron muttered. For a while Presley scowled and sulked, Cameron glancing back and forth.
"I say, I had a brain flash. What if I took you there myself?" Cameron asked.
"I dunno," Presley dragged his toe across the floor. "Don't you have to work late too?"
"Not really. Don't let on I told you this... but..." he said, leaning close to Presley's ear. "Mr. Hepplewhite is a bit nervous because the old codger's let things run behind again. So it's up to your mum to sort it out with the rest of the curators..."
"He's a jerk," Presley muttered. "Why can't he let my mom off the hook?"
"Because he's management. The higher they get kicked upstairs the lower their intelligence falls. It's a common occurrence," Cameron chuckled. This joking elicited a slight smile from Presley, who still had the traces of a sulk on his face.
"But Mom and I always go to the mall this time of year... to get Grandma's present...and look for a tree..." he said.
"Does the tree have to go up this soon?" Cameron asked casually. "I mean you Americans are in such a hurry to get Christmas here it's a wonder it doesn't pass you by..."
"but that's the way we've always done it..."
"Ah, that's tradition it is then," Cameron smiled. "But how about starting some new ones? Like... for instance the Before Christmas ice skating trip? They just opened the rink again..."
"Really? Wow I mean right..."
"And if I know something about Carnarvons... they always love a good spot of skating..."
Amanda Carnarvon had returned by then, shaking her head as she walked up to them. "I'm sorry to run off like that Presley honey, but..."
"It's okay Mom..." Presley sighed. "Mr. Ellis here was saying he was gonna take me to the Mall..."
"OH... would you? I mean if it's not a lot of trouble..."
"Not a bother at all. In fact I was hoping to meet someone there today... and I can pop by your house on the way back..."
"See Mom, it's cool..." Presley said.
"All right honey, but make sure you remember to get your shopping done. I don't want to end up on any last minute mad rushes to the mall the night before..." Amanda said, giving him a kiss. "And don't forget to bundle up... it's supposed to get down into the forties tonight..."
"I bet you can't out skate me," Cameron laughed to Presley.
"You're on..." Presley laughed as he grabbed his backpack and headed off after Mr. Ellis. Amanda smiled as she waved goodbye. Lately Cameron and Marianne had been such a help with Presley it was incredible. And the young couple Jack and Jaime had also proven to be ready chaperones when the need arose. She hadn't counted on Mr. Ellis taking Presley for a mall trip by himself, though.
But it was good for him to have other male role models, she told herself. Like Mr. Lu, and Mr. Garret. Especially since his own father...
Amanda shut the thoughts out of her head and sighed. Turning around she picked up the phone to check her messages. Unaware of the two figures that watched her at a distance.
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"Turn that blasted thing off!" Scarab shouted as he jammed his hands over his ears.
"But he looks soo tasty," Heka pleaded. Yet another chorus of Rudolf chimed over the digital sound system. Heka licked her serpent lips at the sight on the spirit box of the little succulent reindeer with the bright shiny nose.
"I'm trying to come up with a plan and you're daydreaming," he snarled.
"Hey," Heka protested, before Scarab grabbed the remote control. She gripped it even more tightly in her coils. Wizard and serpent played a ludicrous tug of war, which ended in the remote flying into the air. Scarab dived for it, catching the small box seconds before it smashed into fragments.
"I've had enough of your games..." he snarled again. "I've been thinking how nice it would be to have a gold star on the corporate tree this year... and I know a certain walking stick that has delusions of grandeur..."
"Scarab, oh evil one forgive me!" Heka groveled. She had it down to a science, taunt the master, drive home with her remark, and then placate him.
"How would you like to be melted down for a dozen brass ornaments?" Scarab laughed at her. Heka slithered away, towards her urn as fast as she could. Any minute it could be over. But at that moment Scarab had a faraway look in his eyes.
"Milord?" she asked him.
"Brass ornaments... that's it!" he shouted.
"What? Mind sharing your random thought process with us lackeys?" she asked, with a flick of her hooded head.
"This is the time for tree trimming... home for the holidays... for my corporate employees... and what better time to get what I want?"
"You're not calling Chontra again are you?"
"What sort of idiot do you take me for! What had Chontra to do with... no, don't you dare answer that question!"
"I said nothing, oh horrible one," she shrugged, even though she didn't have arms or shoulders to do so.
"I merely wondered what brass ornaments had to do with our usual rants to get the Prince's soul..."
"Because, oh golden one, what is it that people do at this time of year?"
"Last minute holiday shopping, fighting crowds for bargains, tree shopping, gift wrapping, rushing home..."
"Exactly," Scarab folded his arms. "And that's how we'll get them..."
"Why do I have a feeling this is going to become one of those incredibly stupid and complicated plots?" she muttered.
"Nothing of the sort, my dear Heka," he sniffed. "To the computer with you! I have my own shopping list this holiday!!!"
"Does that include a thousand tons of clay, several Mummies turned to dust, and one Prince's soul..." Heka grumbled as she slithered up the leg of his desk chair. Sometimes she'd give her fangs to know what went on inside his head. It seemed as insane as the rambling of those two little white mice who were attempting world domination....
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"How do I let you talk me into these things!" Rath grumbled as he bent over.
"It's called having fun, in case you have forgotten," Marianne Ellis said to him at his side. "Now I think these are your size..."
"Lighten up Rath," Nefer-Tina giggled. "Do you wanna fall on your Tut each time you get out there? Come on big guy! You don't want to embarrass your lady do you?"
"I would much prefer Christmas shopping as the Young prince calls it," Rath grumbled. He deliberately ignored the last part of Nefer-Tina's statement. He yanked on the shoe with added force, then brought his foot down heavily to seat it into the boot. Then came the complex task of threading the odd sinew through the many holes and drawing tight the bindings.
"Now careful," Nefer-Tina needled as she moved to one side of Rath.
"I'm perfectly capable of walking, thank you," he sniffed, as his lanky form hobbled to his large feet. Strangely he didn't fall.
"Ah, quite simple... once you know how."
Nefer-Tina groaned and shuffled over to the throng gliding around behind the low barrier. "Hey, wise guy, why don't you try getting out on the ice?"
Rath realized things would be much different once he moved onto the more slippery surface. "Er, if it's all the same to you, I would much prefer observing the techniques first..."
"Observation is for the biologist," Marianne laughed, gripping his hand. "And experimentation is for the chemist... as well as the inventor..."
"Oh all right... since you insist on this..."
Rath was quite fine till he first tentatively moved past the wall. Marianne went first, the bright blades of her skates flashing in the mall lights. She slid a small distance, then stopped and turned. "All right, come towards me..."
Whispering an invocation to Ptah, Rath pushed off from the wall. His arms spun as his weight shifted from front to back. "Oh my..." he gasped out as he felt the chill rising up around him, and the smell of ice and the scrape of blades of those around him.
"look up! Don't look at your feet, silly!" Nefer-Tina laughed as she shot by him. The Charioteer spiraled into the middle of the ice where the fast skaters dared trod.
"Why you little..." Rath got out as he nearly fell over with the force of her passing by. The momentum sent him a little distance as he choked down a gasp, and collided softly with Marianne.
"See it wasn't that difficult!" she smiled as her arm slipped under his. "Now... take my hand and it's once round the park. Push off... push off... that's it..."
He sighed with relief as Marianne's arm steadied him. And they began to move slowly forwards. Perhaps this would work after all...
"Faster Mr. Ellis!" Presley cried as they whooshed past. Rath almost stumbled as he recognized who had just moved by.
"Let's go into the middle!" Cameron laughed. "Get away from all these slow coaches... bet you can't catch me..."
Breathlessly, Presley struck out after the Egyptologist, whose long legs carried him into the high-speed zone in seconds. Quickly the boy shot off after him, laughter echoing amidst the shouts and chatter of the other skaters. Still Rath and Marianne orbited the rink with the slower patrons. Mall music echoed through the hallways.
"Gotcha!" Presley cried as he tagged the back of Cameron's elbow. Those patches made excellent targets, and Cameron retaliated by whirling about and grabbing Presley by the waist.
"Now who's got whom?" he laughed. The blue earmuffs contrasted against his blonde hair, looking rather comical with the rest of his outfit. But it was rather chilly.
"Hey, look who's there!" Presley whispered to him. He noticed Nefer-Tina pirouetting in the center of the rink, everyone stopping to watch as she whizzed by with the grace of her totem animal. She took to skating so easily, as much so as her dancing.
"Ah, I say..." Cameron grinned.
"Let's get her," Presley laughed. "I mean really get her..."
"I'm with you, lad," Cameron agreed.
Nefer-Tina felt the scrape of her blades upon flat sleek ice. It seemed as if she were flying, for the tiniest push of her toe or her heel coursed her nearly ten paces in any direction. The weaving in and out of the other skaters seemed just like the chariot races back in Egypt so long ago. All the bright colors, the music, and the laughter melted into her ears.
She shrieked aloud when two figures collided with her and fingers poked into her ribs. Two sets of hands startled to fiercely tickle her. Screaming with laughter she broke away and doubled back head on. Presley circled about, whizzing near her as she suddenly leapt. The momentum carried her as she felt herself twisting in midair and dropping behind him. She heard the staccato of a dozen people clapping.
Cameron Ellis suddenly zinged up from behind, grabbing her about the waist. She laughed aloud as he hoisted her off her feet with the force of his pass. "Let me go!" she half shrieked with surprise.
"I got you fair and square!" he laughed as he skated with her in his arms. Presley couldn't resist a laugh at how silly she looked that moment flailing her arms the moment he grabbed her.
"You are a jackal, you know that," she teased him.
"Is that a right or a left handed complement?" he responded, setting her on her feet again.
"No fair sneaking up on me..." she pouted, and saw Presley grinning nearby. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted the familiar figures of Rath and Marianne, who had gathered in the crowd to watch their antics. Once the show was over, the endless orbit continued.
"What's the young Prince doing with him?" JaKal demanded when he spotted Presley with Cameron on the ice. "I had no idea he was going to be here..."
Sohkarra noticed his tone of voice. Seldom did he speak with such an edge. "JaKal he's perfectly safe. Nefer-Tina and Rath are out there with him. Plus we are here also. The only place he would be safer is in his mother's womb."
"But what if Scarab tried to strike when he was alone... with that Egyptologist?"
"I doubt that would happen. After all, I sensed he would be here, didn't I my love?" Sohkarra gently reminded him. "Just as I would sense the presence of the evil one should he be foolish enough to show his morbid face."
"He should have been protected..." JaKal persisted.
"JaKal, he is well protected. If something were to happen, all he would need do is cry out mentally and I will hear him... you worry too much as of late..." Sohkarra hushed him.
"He should have been with me," JaKal said simply, sitting up straight in his chair. Sohkarra shook her head. It wasn't mere concern that made JaKal glue his eyes to the distant laughing figures of Cameron, Nefer-Tina and Presley on the ice. Rather a sense of jealousy at Presley having fun with another adult male friend.
"He has so few father figures, JaKal. Especially since you said his real father has only shown himself once. I think it's great that Mr. Ellis is spending time with him..."
"But I thought I did..."
"I know...and you do. But he has no brothers...just as Rapses had no brother either. Mr. Ellis is another good man. Besides, Presley needs people from his own time in addition to us to help him grow..." Sohkarra told him gently. "It doesn't diminish his love for you..."
JaKal sighed. "I only want his safety..."
"He has that JaKal. We are all here after all. He is fine with Cameron. You know he would not let harm come to the boy... so relax and stop being the Lead guardian right now. Rath and Nefer-Tina are right there..."
"I suppose you are right my young love," JaKal sighed yet again.
"JaKal, I would most like now to share this time with you. So do I have to command you to enjoy yourself? After all is it not close to that holiday they call Christmas?"
"Mr. Ellis has not spent time with the Prince before... that is why it seems strange," JaKal finally said.
"What if he were to find out that he is the spirit host to the Prince?"
"Perhaps he is learning to think of others than himself," said Sohkarra. "Nefer-Tina is having quite a good effect upon him. And perhaps... this might be the work of that Christmas Spirit Marianne was telling me about. Even if he accidentally found out about Rapses, I am more than able to wipe the knowledge from his mind. Not what I like doing, but it would be for the sake of my brother."
"This Christmas spirit; is it enemy or friend? Or a new god?" he asked.
"Hmm, I think it is a very good thing," Sohkarra said. "For this Christmas Spirit seems to tell many to do things they ordinarily would not do at other times of the year... like convincing those with plenty to give to those with so little. If only the feeling would last throughout the year."
Again JaKal focused on the skaters. Rath and Marianne continued their orbit, shakily keeping balance with each other as they laughed. As soon as he'd lean too far the other way, she'd tug him back into position. If she should become unsettled, he would tug her in his direction. Nefer-Tina and Cameron continued to race in the center, Presley between the two of them. All about them the music echoed amidst the laughter and lights of the Galleria.
"Everything is fine JaKal." Sohkarra whispered to him. "I should not like to miss all the fun." She gave him a grin that made the lights inside pale in comparison. To get his attention away from Presley and Cameron, she promptly took his gloved hand.
JaKal looked down at her and finally smiled. "Shall we my Princess?" He held out an arm so she could precede him. But she surprised him as she proceeded to pull him along with her. He surprised her by the way he took naturally to the ice. He was just as versatile on it as he would be if he were on regular ground. In fact, she was so surprised that she wasn't watching where she was going, and backed right into another skater. Down they both went.
She turned as if to apologize. Then she saw who she had gotten ..Rath! She heard the telltale laughter of the others in her group. JaKal was immediately at Sohkarra's side to help her up. As she got up, rubbing her tender backside, she heard Rath's mumbling about the accident just as he was getting the hang of it.
"I'm sorry Rath." Sohkarra laughed. But immediately stopped as she realized she had fallen harder than she thought. Everything hurt. Such it is when one falls fully on one's backside on hard ice. Turning to JaKal, she whispered to him, "I think the 'Masters' did their work too well; this really hurt."
"Are you seriously injured?" JaKal asked, forgetting his brief respite from his responsibility.
Sohkarra gave him a shaky smile. "Only my pride is injured."
Marianne and the others couldn't hold onto their mirth as they witnessed this silly scene of the beginner skaters.
"Just when I was getting the way of this .." Rath continued to grumble. Then he saw that Sohkarra was in discomfort. "Are you all right your Highness?"
Still gingerly rubbing her back, she answered him. "Just great Rath. Never felt better."
"Perhaps you should go and sit down for a while," Marianne said. She too was still giggling at the now mental picture of Rath and Sohkarra colliding. If only she'd had a video camera. It was definitely a Kodak moment.
Sohkarra shook off both JaKal and Rath with their ministrations. "Never!" she told them. And before any of them could stop her, she had skated across the ice to the other side of the rink as gracefully as a pro skater. When she got there she turned and stuck her tongue out at them.
"I swear, sometimes she acts like the small child." Rath said. He still could not get over the "un-princess-like" behavior Sohkarra sometimes still displayed.
"Don't be rough on her Rath," Marianne admonished him. "She is having fun for once being able to forget she's the Princess. And she is doing rather well considering this is her first time on the ice."
"She is indeed." JaKal agreed as he left them to skate over to where Sohkarra awaited him. Then taking her arm, they were off once again. Only this time, she watched where she was going.
As they glided along together as if they'd skated together for years, JaKal was finally easing up. "I find I enjoy sharing this bit of sport with you my Princess." He casually mentioned to her.
"I'm no Princess here JaKal." She gently admonished him. "Do you forget that I am your wife? At least in the eyes of everyone here?"
"I forget nothing my young love." He smiled down into her face. "I find it most rewarding to be your 'husband'; at least when we are able to get out."
"Well then, let's celebrate this feeling of yours!" she gleefully called out to him as she mischievously skated away from him. And the chase was on; hunter after his prey. She heard him as he called out to her, "Wait until I get my hands on you!"
Her inviting laughter was her answer as she led him on a merry chase. Princess and hunter no longer existed. There was only room for a young bride and groom as they enjoyed the freedom of enjoying each other's company. Both knew in the back of their minds that it would be brief. As always.
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December 19th or the Fourth Sunday of Advent...
"I just cannot believe this... your... parents are coming?" Rath asked. Those green eyes widened discernibly, and his voice shot up nearly an octave in pitch.
"Yes, and they are staying with Cameron and I, so that means you finally get to meet them," Marianne said. She busied herself with checking an itinerary in one hand. "And their plane comes in just a few days..."
"Your... parents," Rath repeated. Was it her imagination, or did his necrotic skin appear two shades paler.
"You make it seem as if it were a battle with Scarab himself," Marianne said to him. "After all they are my parents mind you, not your worst nightmare... but wait considering how my mother reacted to Cameron's last girlfriend..."
"What is the customary ritual in this time for addressing the parents of one's intended?" Rath asked. As always he was concerned with traditions. "And is it not in conjunction with your Christmas holiday to visit them?"
"It would be rather hard for Cam and I to hop a flight to England. As Da and Mum are coming through the country anyway on a month long holiday... we are but one of the stops..."
"Hmm... you did say your father was a man of learning... a Teacher much like myself... and your mother was a learned one, a scribe?"
"You could say that. Sometimes... she would accompany my Da on digs but lately..."
"How serious... is it?" Rath's voice softened. Emerald eyes lost their surprised dazzle and muted to a soft green mossy gaze. His bandaged hand clasped around hers with his gauntleted one resting atop it.
"She has lost... most of her mobility," Marianne said. "I doubt she will be making many trips across the pond... after this one... so it's extremely important that we make a good impression..."
From vulnerable to businesslike she passed in a matter of seconds. That strength tempered with strange bouts of sensitivity was what he admired and loved most about this modern woman. Perhaps it was that British "stiff upper lip" that she often spoke of that so resembled his own blue bloodedness. Also as she had said, the "Scottish temper" often took reign when push came to shove.
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Christmas Eve:
"Are you sure this is the right way this thing plugs in?" Nefer-Tina asked. Through the prickly branches she caught a glimpse of pale blonde here and there atop a patchwork of corduroy.
"Right-o you are," came Cameron's accent. On hands and knees he backed out from under the branches to survey his handiwork. Already Nefer-Tina had helped him wrap the tangle of little beads and popcorn strands about the prickly tree.
Cameron took the slender green box attached to the wire in his hand. "Here goes nothing..." he chanted. It always seemed a popular incantation to be spoken before a great undertaking, Nefer-Tina remembered.
Shock filled his face as only a few meager lights lit up. "Oh, Crumbs, here we go again," he shook his head.
"Well, you did say here goes nothing... and nothing did happen," Nefer-Tina chuckled. "Lemmie give it a whirl..."
"Very well, if you insist," Cameron helped her down from the stepladder. Nefer-Tina's hip brushed several outstretching branches, creating a tinkling noise as she scampered down. Under the tree she crawled with perfect ease.
"How go the preparations?" came Rath's softly accented voice, in contrast to the more crisp tones of Cameron.
"Ah Rutherford, good man! Have you gotten the eggnog?"
"Er..." Rath muttered, trying to see if the list was properly filled out. He clenched the paper bag precariously as he fought to hold both list and it at the same time. Marianne leapt to the rescue, grabbing the sack before it toppled onto the carpeted floor.
"Nice save," Nefer-Tina called up from below the tree. Still there was little luck with the lights.
"That doesn't seem to be the way I remembered the tree from the display window," Rath frowned, helping to lower the sack to the floor before Marianne toppled over.
"Well, the lights aren't on yet," Nefer-Tina muttered. Cameron backed under the tree again to spread a blanket around the stand's base.
"Captured pieces of net's vaulted glory, shine as the souls in Net herself upon this branch!" Rath chanted, with a flick of his fingers. Instantly it seemed as if a thousand fireflies had settled upon the green pine needles. All at once the lights flickered and sparkled. Nefer-Tina held the plug in her hand, shaking her head.
"Rath stop showing off," she muttered under her breath, pressing the wall socket home.
"Hang about... I don't know what you did, but it's spectacular," Cameron praised her, then turned with a questioning look to Rath.
"Er, I was... just reciting a papyrus that I had been trying to translate... and the lights reminded me of it..."
he stammered. Cameron narrowly avoided bonking his head on one of the many glass balls hanging from the lower branches. He helped to extract Nefer-Tina, and pulled her to her feet with both his hands clasped around hers.
"Speaking of translations, I'm so glad we finally got the last of the Christmas cards mailed off last week...now all that remains is the holly, garlands... and..." Marianne muttered.
"Marianne this is Christmas, not a bloody experiment," Cameron shook his head. Nefer-Tina giggled as she realized Marianne was being just as anal retentive about Christmas as Rath, and she was familiar with the holiday!
"I just want it to go right," she shook her head. "After all this is the first time Mum and Da are coming to our house, and they are going to be meeting some rather unique people..."
"Marianne, relax," Nefer-Tina laughed. "I'm sure it'll be okay! I mean, like Amanda and Soh... I mean Jaime are going Christmas shopping together... and Presley was worried sick when he first introduced them that they wouldn't get along..."
"This isn't exactly the same thing, Cameron," Marianne shook her head.
"Whatever have you got to be worried about, Sis?" Cameron laughed, pecking her on the cheek. "Every year since I can remember you've always fussed and bothered... I swear you get that from Da!"
"That's why I let you put up the lights, Cam," Marianne retorted.
"Oh bravo," Cameron needled back. "But you're the lucky duck whose going to pick them up from the airport! Whilst Tina and I make things presentable..."
"You have all the fun jobs," Nefer-Tina needled him. "Making your sister do all the work..."
"Could someone explain to me please, why the decorations are... well...different then I am accustomed to? I mean for instance who is that...." Rath asked suddenly. He was eyeing the small statue of the man with the wreath on his head, and the sack over his back. It looked rather like Santa Clause, but it was different. Also there was the matter of the small wreath on one table with four purple candles, three of which were lit.
Marianne had said something about it being called an Advent Wreath. Rath had seen the ritual she and Cam performed about it with joined hands and lessons from their own sacred scriptures. There were small cookies on the table with other refreshments. And there was the ritual chant he recalled her singing with Cameron, which seemed full of calmness and anticipation. It was far different from Presley's house where the Christmas tree was up the day after Thanksgiving, and the house glimmered like an Idol festival gone crazy. Inside the Ellis' apartment it was more subdued, pine needles and evergreen with red ribbons here and there. And a single electric candle in every window.
"Oh, that's Father Christmas," Cameron laughed. "I suppose you were expecting Santa... well we are a bit biased towards the Old country mind you... but..."
"Save the history lecture for Mum," Marianne shook her head. "If I don't leave now I'll be late...."
"Would you prefer I accompany you, my dear?" Rath asked.
"Please..." she breathed. What was making her so tense? It seemed she was nervous about him meeting her parents, but there seemed something else on her mind lately.
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"It's the most wonderful time... of the year..." Mennehotep sang, chanting as she looped a garland of popcorn around the tall lush tree. Presley had managed to get one for the Sphinx as he had last year, and all were determined to make it the best yet. Never mind that it was covered with ankhs, Horus, and scarabs in addition to the glass balls and electric lights.
"We simply must have the tinsel upon it," Tuthmosis said, directing an unwieldy Tharakenat as he stumbled under the weight of several packages. The wizard let the boxes slide to the ground, and shook his head.
"I could find none, Sire," he said.
"What? But the tree at the store had tinsel..." Tuthmosis shook his head. "If we don't have tinsel..."
"My darling one, I am certain that Ra will rise if we don't have tinsel," Menne reminded him. "Isn't that right, Trynia?"
"Affirmative. There are a variety of designs for the decoration of Christmas trees... that I have observed. It is a matter of preference... not of necessity to duplicate that which is seen in the stores... to assume that one must follow a preset pattern is error..."
"What?" Tuthmosis asked.
"She means lighten up!" Presley laughed, as he toted a pile of brightly wrapped boxes. Next to him Armon balanced a stack precariously on his single hand. Both were still wrapped in their outdoor coats.
JaKal and Sohkarra were not present, still doing their own private shopping at the Galleria. It had been obvious to everyone that the couple had been clearly enjoying their time away from the constant responsibility that was their afterlives. Armon and Presley came home with those things the Prince had already chosen. Rath and Nefer-Tina were elsewhere with their own beloveds helping them with last minute preparations.
"Why Marianne and her brother wait for the last minute to put up their tree is beyond me," Presley shook his head.
"We are doing the same, O Prince," Mennehotep said, getting down off the ladder. "Is it incorrect?"
"Negative," Trynia said. "Marianne and Cameron's own customs are dictated by a different cultural background than that of Presley and his mother unit Amanda... judging from the fact that the Ellis Unit's place of origin is Great Britain... and cross referencing their religious affiliation with the religion known as Church of England..."
"Trynia, is this a history lecture or a tree trimming?" Presley moaned.
"Please do not interrupt her," Tuthmosis said. "She is merely clearing up the customs... and I wish to know if it is anything like that man Scrooge on the magic box..."
"That was olden times," Presley said. "I mean... not as ancient as you guys... but still older then my mom and stuff..."
"I'm gonna tell her you said that," Armon joked.
"How is Christmas different in England?" Menne asked him.
"Every nationality celebrates different traditions about the Winter Solstice," Trynia said. "For instance Judaism celebrates Haunakka, and there is a cultural holiday invented in 1968 called Kwansaa... which has no religious significance but rather a philosophical one... and those of Catholicism and Anglicanism tend to celebrate Advent preceding the twelve days of Christmas... while those of Middle eastern..."
"Thank you, Trynia," Presley shook his head. Sometimes she didn't know when to stop being an encyclopedia.
"Perhaps you could continue later, my dear," Tharakenat told her softly as he noticed Tuthmosis and Menne's glazed stares. Still they were having some difficulty learning the new customs and norms of this new time.
However both failed to notice as Presley held something up over their heads. "Uh, majesties, look above you..." Armon pointed.
Tuthmosis and Menne saw the characteristic sprig of mistletoe above them. Like a reflex they leaned forwards for a kiss. Presley giggled as he moved the mistletoe over to Trynia and Tharakenat.
"Er..." Trynia murmured, glancing up. She had seen the tradition with mistletoe done last year, but hadn't partaken of it herself. But then again, Thar hadn't been here either.
"It's a tradition," Tuthmosis said.
"WE cannot argue with tradition," Tharakenat shrugged.
"But you know I don't recall our time..."
"That is hardly an excuse," Tuthmosis said to her. Trynia shrugged, and then looked up at the tall slender wizard as he leaned over. She expected a simple kiss on the cheek, but was rather surprised when a long arm caught her about the waist, leaning her over. For the next few minutes she was lost in the deep kiss.
Armon chuckled, and Menne and Tuthmosis both shared a smile at the sight of the tall Magician bent over with the alien anthropologist in his arms.
Presley, noticing the couple, muttered what he thought was to himself, "Reminds me of my sis and JaKal when they think no one is looking."
Menne heard the low remark. "Young Prince, that is your sister and her chosen one you are speaking of."
Presley had the good grace to look embarrassed. "Well, I can't help it. They do it so much!"
That brought a smile to the Queen's face. "I personally am glad to know of it young Prince. It means all is well with them. Does that not please you?"
"I am happy for both of them. But I just wish they'd keep it more private. I hate gushy!"
"Young Prince, you have much to learn of women."
When they finally parted, Trynia glanced up at Thar. Her eyes were shining, even if there was a look of surprised perplexity on the gold and white face. "Most... pleasing custom," was all she could get out as she caught her breath.
Thar simply smiled, not letting go of her as his beryl eyes focused on her. Both seemed to have forgotten the amused faces regarding them. Rather awkwardly Trynia and Thar disengaged from the embrace, taking a step back from each other.
"I... there are some preparations that I must attend to..." Trynia remarked, stumbling over her words.
"I... have a magic spell I must look up..." Thar murmured.
Tuthmosis and Menne said nothing as the two parted company. As Thar walked past Armon in a happy shocked daze, the Warrior whispered to him, "Way to go!"
"That is one custom that speaks for itself, young Prince," Tuthmosis said to Presley appreciatively. "Now I must inquire as to the whereabouts of your sister and lead guardian... when do you expect them back?"
"Uh I dunno... but somehow I hope it won't be for a while yet..."
"Young Prince," Mennehotep said with a slightly shocked look.
"Hey it's the first chance they've had in a while to be alone, so what the hey. And speaking of alone..."
Armon don't we have some stuff to wrap?"
"But the department store..."
"Forgot some things..." Presley said to him quickly as he moved him out of the room with a quick nod to Menne and Tuthmosis. Both royals shook their heads and wondered what was up.
********************************************************
Nefer-Tina and Cameron wandered out into the front yard. Cameron continued his preparations, tying the pine garlands about the front porch railing and garage posts. Marianne and Rath climbed into his Dodge Ram pickup, and rolled away to the site of the two lovebirds prettying up the house.
"Oh come, oh come Emmanuel... and Ransom captive Israel," Marianne muttered under her breath as she pulled out.
"What is that my dear?"
"Hmm what?"
"You were singing. and a most lovely intonation it was..."
"Just an old memory," Marianne murmured, pushing it aside.
"Don't stop, on my account," Rath said. "Please, do continue..."
"That morns in lonely exile here... until the son of God appear..." she continued, softly singing as small white flakes began to drift across the windshield. By the time she had reached the airport, her voice had grown into full song with, "God Rest ye Merry Gen-tle-men, Let nothing you dis-may..."
Rath had no idea what the words necessarily meant, other then that they had religious significance to her and Cameron. But it sounded good, and he hummed right along. What had started with such tension was now beginning to fade. Did he get that nervous around festival times as she? He hated to think so, but Nefer-Tina had pointed out that when it came to preparations, he and Marianne were so tightly wrapped up around the axle, she wondered that they could breathe. Rath was all set to point out that as Mummies, they did not require breathing... and being that Marianne was alive, not undead as they. He could hardly do this in front of Cameron though.
***********************************************************
"Honey, the tree looks beautiful!" Amanda Carnarvon clapped her hands.
"Thanks Mom!" Presley grinned. "Mr. and Mrs. Garret helped me decorate it..."
"Thanks for making sure he stayed out of trouble," Amanda said to the young couple busy around the small tree. It was half sized, open branches and thin light green needles. But lovely all the same with the golden and red horse head ornaments and long strands of gold garlands twined about it. Here and there were the small glass balls and glass icicles she had purchased so long ago that first Christmas before Presley was born.
"No problem, Mrs. Carnarvon," Jaime smiled. Inside Sohkarra was glad that Amanda had so come to trust her and JaKal in their alter egos. It made protecting the Prince that much easier lately. It also enabled them to spend more time with her brother's spirit host.
"I have just the thing," Amanda said. "Found it on sale at the Hallmark store. They only had twenty left..."
She dug through the plastic sack, and extracted a small box. Inside clanged ten bronze stars, in the shape of snowflakes. "You can help me put these on the tree..."
All four took their turns placing the bronze snowflakes all over the tree. When Presley plugged the lights in the effect was stunning. Literally. Amanda drew in her breath as she dimmed the lights. "This is breathtaking," she finally got out. "The most beautiful tree we've ever had..."
"Aw Mom you say that every year!" Presley laughed as his mother drew him to her. Jaime and Jack smiled as mother and son's eyes fixed on the tree. It was as peaceful and contented a moment as either Sohkarra or JaKal had felt since their reawakening. This Christmas season was truly a magical time.
*****************************************************************
At the airport, Marianne nervously awaited her parent's flight. Rath stood at her side, feeling the shaking muscles in her tightly clenched hand within his own. It was always a custom even now to meet a loved one's parents for the first time, and this was no exception.
When the long gangway shot out and clamped onto the plane, his own anticipation rose. What sort of personalities would they exhibit? Would they accept him, find him a suitable mate for their daughter? Or would he meet with rejection?
"I am a Scribe of Amenhotep," he thought automatically. "What father would not have pride in his daughter for being the beloved of one such as me?"
His next thought scolded away the first, "Fool, they cannot know your true nature! For in this life you are craftsman and scholar Rutherford Higgins...."
Marianne's anticipation crested when she spotted a white haired academic sort pushing a wheelchair before him. "Da, Mum! I'm so glad you're here..." she stammered out, pulling Rath behind her.
"Mary, my dear let me look at you..." Professor Ellis said, taking her into his arms for a measured yet affectionate hug. His snowy white mustache was salted with black, as was the matching hair neatly combed back from his tanned forehead. The blue eyes mirrored Marianne's own, as his slender frame mimicked Cameron's. He was perhaps Cameron's height, medium frame, covered in a neat hound's tooth suit with pale blue dress shirt and cream colored tie.
"And is this the gentleman who's seeking to make an honest woman of my daughter?" came a light voice from the wheelchair. Rath glanced down at the sparkling brown eyes set in a happily wrinkled face. Mrs. Ellis had aged gracefully, her snowy silvered hair a faded version of Marianne's own. Short cropped and feathered, it lay soft and graceful around her silver framed glasses. Her lavender wool suit seemed carefully chosen for the time of year. He tried to look away from the metallic braces secured to her stockinged legs with velcro straps.
"Mum, Da, this is Rutherford Higgins..." she said, taking a deep breath.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintances," Rath said, putting on his most charming smile. Instinctively he bowed to them both, then stopped himself as he realized what he was doing to extend a hand to Professor Ellis. Amusement crept over their faces at his mixed greeting.
"Right you are, then," Prof. Ellis nodded, giving Rath's hand a firm measured shake. "You are quite the artisan with hieroglyphics, as my son has told me..."
"It is... my life's work," Rath got out.
"So nice to finally meet you," Marianne's mother said, extending a hand up to him.
"The pleasure is mine milady... Mrs. Ellis..." Rath said, as he pressed his lips to Mrs. Ellis' soft hand. The fingers were long and fine, quite unlike Marianne's as he felt them within his own.
"It's MacLaren professionally, but you may call me Elaine," she smiled.
Professor Ellis handed a set of crutches to his wife, who hefted herself from the wheelchair. Marianne extended a hand to help her up, as she slipped her forearms into the cups upon the metal struts and stood up by herself. "I do hate sitting still for so long," he heard her mutter to her husband. "Wouldn't mind a bit of a walk..."
"I heard you were responsible for a rather lovely display at my children's museum," Professor Ellis said to him.
"Marianne did say that you were quite an expert at what you did, Mr. Higgins," Elaine Ellis said. "Do you specialize in mainly Egyptian art, or do other ancient civilizations also capture your interest..."
"Er I well do enjoy the occasional inventing now and again... and I do tutor the Pri... I mean... I do private tutoring..." he fumbled.
"Indeed," Elaine nodded. "Marianne always did have a weakness for teachers as I recall..."
"Mother," Marianne shook her head.
"Well you seem like a bright intelligent fellow," Professor Ellis nodded. "Where precisely did you say you were from? Marianne neglected to tell us..."
"Yes, do tell us a bit about yourself..." Mrs. Ellis nodded. Marianne froze as they walked out to the truck. Rath was in for the story of his life!
"Er well... what would you like to know?"
"Marianne said that you were from somewhere around Thebes..."
"Er... quite. But I haven't been back there in quite a while..." Rath muttered.
"Been in the country with your work, eh?"
"What precisely is it you teach?" Mrs. Ellis asked, as Rath helped Marianne into the cab.
"Well, I teach writing..."
"And history..." said Marianne hastily.
"Speaking of the which, I have some good news for you and your brother my dear..." Professor Ellis said to her.
"Which can wait till we get to know Mr. Higgins a bit better," Mrs. Ellis hushed him. "What sort of history do you teach, young man?"
Rath felt a bit odd being called a young man by someone who was much younger then he. If one took into account the number of years he had been laying in a sarcophagus beneath Egypt's burning sands.
"Er, Egypt, to be precise..." he coughed. "And you are an expert in the period of King Arthur?"
"That's right," she nodded. "Arthurian legends. In fact I was just saying to Geoffrey Ashe last month at the university..."
Rath smiled and nodded, even though he had no idea of which she was talking about. "Quite..."
"Which reminds me Marianne," her father said leaning over her shoulder as she drove. "What was this about switching to carbon 14 dating of artifacts instead of your DNA work?"
"They had a backlog of samples at the Museum here... in objects and paintings. Since I had some radio carbon 14 dating experience, I pitched in to help. Not only that, but I've had a chance to do analysis by mass spectrometry on their recent acquisitions..."
"Mass spectrometry? But your field is biochemistry my dear! What about your DNA database on mummies..."
"That's being done by a whole lot of us... and there's not been much with that lately. It's rather dried up," Marianne fumbled. Rath knew the real reason behind her change in fields.
"Dried up then? Well, this is perfect timing then. When do you think your sabbatical will be over? I had been speaking to Professor Morris just last week and he said there was a new position open at the Museum. They could really use someone with your experience on some new finds in Cairo..."
"Da, please we've been over that before..." she sighed.
"I'm only asking a simple question, Marianne..."
"Not for another six months... and besides which I rather like it here in San Francisco."
"So you do my dear. But this is quite a wonderful opportunity... and that's precisely what I told Professor Morris... because when you've wrapped things up here, I was saying that there was no reason why you might not want to come and work for him... there's this stunning project at the British Museum..."
"I know... but I rather think I'm more interested in moving into art restoration then biochemistry..." she said. "Can't we talk about this later?"
"I really don't understand how you can be mucking about in a dingy lab my dear child when you could be out in the field looking for new discoveries..."
"Da!" she protested.
"Well ask your friend here... surely if he's the enthusiast you say he is he'd not pass up such an opportunity... wouldn't you Mr. Higgins? The British Museum and all, and the access to the newest mummies in the collection!"
"I... wouldn't presume to advise..." Rath stammered. "But I do rather think she enjoys her work here..."
"At least think about it," Mrs. Ellis said. "It could be quite a leg up in your career... why when I was your age..."
"Oh all right... but can we wait till after dinner," Marianne sighed. "I mean..."
"Take some time to consider it. After all, why waste your time in a job where you have little chance of advancement, and they could decide at any time to let you go! You're far better then that, my dear... And I do want the best for you...."
"I know Da," she sighed dully as she pulled up into the main street towards her home. Rath sighed as he noticed the sparkle vanished from her blue eyes.
**************************************************
"All right then, that should do it!" Cameron announced with glee. Nefer-Tina finished pushing a few more logs onto the fire as he brought out a rather sizable silver bowl. Inside sloshed a smoky red liquid, the slices of lemon scooting just below its sloshing surface.
"This Christmas seems so complicated," Nefer-Tina muttered to him. Cameron set the punch down upon the dining room table. Already he had placed a plate of sandwiches wrapped with plastic on a pretty plate next to another one piled high with walkers shortbread and slices of fruitcake.
"Mmn let me see... have I forgotten anything... ah yes... the coffee needs to be started up and yes... the last thing..."
"This ritual of meeting your parents..." Nefer-Tina said to him. "It's as if you're worried your gonna screw up if you don't have enough food, or the holly in the right place? What could go wrong if we don't' have the lights up right?"
"Oh it's not that, duck," he said, putting a hand on her shoulder. "It's just that we want to make the best impression on ol Mum and Da... and to tell you the truth Mary's a bit nervous about this. I mean it being the first time we introduce you and Rutherford to the parents and all... she's a bit..."
"Up tight?" Nefer-Tina asked, with a small smile. She handed him a strange plant with a spicy pungent smell, tied in small bunches with red twine.
"Ah, the dried herbs... yes... oh I forgot to hang them here... yes... Mum will just love these... Yes, you are quite right about up tight, but it isn't as if she didn't have a good reason to be..."
Nefer-Tina watched as he wrapped the herbs in tissue paper, and placed the package under the tree he'd decorated. "There... one more thing... bring out the trifle, that's a good girl..."
"What the heck is trifle?" Nefer-Tina asked him.
"Only one of the best desserts ever known to mankind... and womankind," Cameron's face lit up with delight as she wrestled the bowl out and plunked it down. Peeling back the plastic he scraped a bit of lustrous custard and chocolate onto a small plastic spoon. "Complements of the house... a foretaste..."
Nefer-Tina allowed him to feed her a small bit. A look of shock came over her face as she slowly lapped up what was on the spoon. "Well..." Cameron said. "It's the first time I've given it a crack... since Marianne did the egg nog, the sandwiches, it was my turn to do the pudding, the cakes, coffee, and trifle... so what do you think?"
"Awesome," she stammered out, licking extra custard off her lips.
"You've still got a spot right there," Cameron said, half-serious as he lifted a napkin to dab off her cheek, moving very close to her to do so.
Nefer-Tina sniffed at the strong pine scent mingling with what seemed like a fresh leather bag. That cologne she had gotten him on his birthday last month... English leather? His pale freckled face, although tanned, was only inches from her own smooth unblemished skin. Those frosty blue eyes twinkled much as the lights upon the tree as they looked into hers.
"I say, do you know about another Xmas tradition?" he smiled. Nefer-Tina glanced up at the telltale sprig hanging over her head, and gave a knowing wink.
"Well, I would hate to go against tradition.... if it does mean your parents might not approve..." she giggled.
Cameron caught her about the waist, and drew her close. She giggled as she pressed her lips to his for what seemed a brief peck, but which slowly evolved into something much more involved. Till they heard the click of the door latch and sprang apart. Cameron shot back into the table, rattling several mugs as he gripped its edge. Nefer-Tina backed up, rubbing her lips as she quickly put her hands behind her back.
Marianne was first in the door, key in hand with Rath at her side. "Ah... home again," Cameron coughed, straightening his tie as he moved to greet them. "Mum, Dad... welcome home... ah... there's... someone er... I'd like you to er..."
"What's the matter lad?" his father asked, coming thought he door. "You look rather out of breath..."
"Poor thing's been rushing about like mad trying to get the house ready," his mother joked. Stiffly she shuffled in, her arms slipped to the strange sticks that held her small frame up, Nefer-Tina observed.
"So nice to see your place looking so festive...." she smiled, as he greeted her with a kiss. Nefer-Tina felt hot nervousness settle in as Cameron's father moved closer to his son, the blue eyes fixing oddly into Cameron's face.
"What's that on your face lad?" he muttered, drawing back for a second. Nefer-Tina moved nervously into view.
"Er well I..."
"Why don't you introduce us to this young lady?" his mother cut in, noticing Nefer-Tina fumbling with her hands. "You must be Tina..."
"Ah yes... Da, this is Tina... Tina... er... Tina "
"So this is the young woman who's left her lipstick all over your face," Professor Ellis rested his hand on his hips. "I rather didn't think it was his shade, my dear."
Shock melted into relief as Professor Ellis shook her hand warmly. After all, she noticed she was still standing under the mistletoe. "Right..." Marianne laughed nervously. "So... anyone for refreshments?"
**************************************************************************
"Better hurry up with those presents honey, if we're going to make it to Mr. Ellis' house for dinner," Amanda said to Presley.
"Cool! Wait till I give Mr. Ellis his present," Presley perked up.
"You really like spending time with him, don't you?" Amanda said. At this, JaKal felt a bit tense. Sohkarra didn't fail to notice this reaction.
"Yeah, it's great hanging with him and all... and he's the only grown up who's beaten me at Gameboy!" Presley laughed.
"Mrs. Garret, could you hand me that stack of presents under the tree..."
"Sure," Sohkarra said, responding with only a momentary delay to her alias. She picked up the neatly wrapped flat package from beneath the tree, balancing it atop her own stack of presents.
***************************************************************************
Back at the Ellis' apartments, Prof. Ellis had wandered into the kitchen where Marianne busied herself over the sink. Already she puttered about cleaning dishes soiled with Cameron's trifle. He had not seen her all evening, for each time he had moved close to say something to her, she had excused herself with some task or another.
"Have you er, thought about that opportunity?
"Da, you didn't even ask me first," she sighed.
"I naturally thought you would welcome the chance to work alongside some of the foremost scientists in your field. What has come over you is beyond me..."
"I do Da..."
"Why in heaven you'd whittle away your excellent credentials in an art museum doing carbon 14 dating and mere cataloguing is beyond me! Why, you were well on your way to becoming one of the best forensic biochemists in your field! The data you could provide for my colleagues would be priceless! Your work in extracting DNA from mummies is stunning! Why are you giving it up?"
"Because there are some things that shouldn't be disturbed!" she cried.
"What has gotten into you?" Professor Ellis asked. "Six months ago you would have jumped at the chance to work with me! We have just stumbled upon several new tombs in the Valley of the Queens... and there is that matter of Cameron's papyrus!"
"Papyrus?" she wondered.
"Yes. The one he had found that detailed a deviation in the usual mummification procedure! Professor Azziz and Professor Morris have been reinvestigating some of the mummies we have already found to see if there is any evidence of unusual mummification! And since you have had the experience with working in mummies biochemically... you're the best for this work!"
"Da, I'm not interested in that anymore!" she cried. "I could care less about what made them last forever! Why can't we just put them back where they were, instead of slicing off their bandages and grinding them into powder? What gives us the right to desecrate their tombs and their sacred rest? You don't get bloody excited if someone dug up great Granda to see if he had rheumatism, do you?"
"My dear we do not do that! And I for one take offense to that last remark! You know that is not the point!"
"Isn't it, Da?" she asked, hands on her hips. "Looking for another mummy to pull out of their rightful rest when all they ask is to be left in peace? What if what we are doing is the worst possible thing? Interrupting in things we know little about, and jolly well shouldn't disturb in the first place! Who knows what the consequences for their souls are?"
"What are you on about?" he half laughed. "Marianne, I don't know what's gotten into you, but don't you think you're making a mountain out of a molehill?"
"Da, it's not right!"
"It's that Rutherford isn't it? He's one of those Save the History people who are against any sort of archaeology? Who regard us as treasure hunters, and would just as soon run us out of business then let us rightfully learn about our past?"
"No!" she cried. "He's an expert just as you are, even more so! He really understands the ancient ways, and I don't think you ever did at all!"
"Nonsense! He's not even a proper Egyptologist!" Bertram exploded. "What university did he attend? What digs was he on? What books has he written? So far he's neglected to mention just what his education is! If I didn't know better he could just as well be one of those damn fool Pyramidologists who think that aliens built the Sphinx!"
"He knows more about Amenhotep then you would dig up in a thousand years with your picks and shovels, Da!" she shouted back.
"If that's the way it is then?" he narrowed his eyes. "Of all the disrespectful cheekiness! How dare you speak to me in that tone of voice young lady!"
"I'm not your young lady! I'm a grown woman with my own dreams, and my own ideas, not some little child who will spend the rest of her life dancing to your tunes, Da! I'm tired of your trying to run my life!"
"Why I never..." he stammered, and paled. "Of all the..."
Marianne turned her back as she heard him stumble out of the room. Anger flared hot in her stomach, making the next voice totally unexpected.
"Marianne MacKenzie Ellis, how dare you speak to your father like that!" cut in the low tone of her mother's voice. Up till now Marianne and her father had been debating in the kitchen. But their shouting had brought the attention of others.
"Mum... please... I cannot..." she cried. "I'm sorry... but he insulted Rutherford..."
"You had better go and apologize right this minute... young lady..." her mother hissed. "Just because you are thirty one doesn't give you the privilege to be disrespectful!"
"I'm a grown woman..."
"Then stop acting like a child," came back the response.
Marianne's hands knotted into fists as she plunked down on the chair. Her mother sighed, shaking her head as she regarded Marianne. "I'll give you a few minutes to think about what you've said, while I speak to your father. And I hope you come up with the right answer. He only wants the best for you, as I do."
"I know..." she sighed. "But why does it hurt so much?"
******************************************************************
Nefer-Tina and Cameron heard the heated exchange, and the pale faced stumbling Egyptologist as he exited the kitchen. "Da what..."
JaKal's blue eyes narrowed. "Has the lion king had a falling out with his cub?" he muttered to Sohkarra.
"Let me handle this..." said Sohkarra, quickly putting down her punch.
"What in the name of Ra," Rath muttered to JaKal as he saw Mrs. Ellis also emerging from the kitchen, shifting on her crutches. Her face seemed grim, resolute, the brown eyes dull and sad. Still she moved gracefully over to the lazy boy and sat down in it by the fire.
"Rath, I think you should talk to Mr. Ellis, alone..." Sohkarra whispered to him. "And JaK... I mean Jack... wasn't there something you forgot to get at the mall last minute for Menne's Christmas present?"
"Yes... my young love," he nodded in understanding. Sohkarra crossed the tense silent room to enter the kitchen.
"Da are you feeling all right," Cameron asked, as he went over to his father.
"I need some fresh air..." he muttered, and shot a black look at Rath.
"Are you referring to me sir?" Rath asked, folding his arms.
"As a matter of fact I would have words with you sir, regarding my daughter..." he said, pulling on his lapels. "Would you care to step outside..."
"As you wish," Rath nodded.
"Uh, why don't we take a walk too," Nefer-Tina said to Cameron.
"And weren't you and your friend going to help me put that puzzle together downstairs?" Cameron asked Presley.
"But..." Presley asked.
"What last minute..." Armon asked, till JaKal elbowed him.
Amanda Carnarvon had not missed anything. In fact she moved into the chair opposite Mrs. Ellis, and quietly began to speak with her. Slowly Cam and Nefer-Tina left, as JaKal nodded to them in silent understanding. With Presley in tow, Armon left for Cameron's basement apartment.
***************************************************************************
"And you sir, are concerned that I am having a negative influence on your daughter?" Rath asked, turning in the gleaming light of the full moon.
"That is precisely it!" Dr. Ellis exploded.
JaKal found father and suitor of the scientist in the front yard of the townhouse. Both scribe and Egyptologist were washed in the silvery moon glow. Rath had his arms folded across his chest of the blue coat, as he stood opposite the shorter older fellow. Blue eyes flashed angrily sparks at green ones. Discreetly JaKal slipped behind the bush to watch.
"And what is it that you wish to say sir," Rath asked, slipping into a low calm tone of voice.
"I want you to stop filling her head with nonsense! She never would have though of abandoning her work on the study of mummies if you had not talked her out of it!"
"What leads you to that conclusion, that I had influenced this decision?"
"She always loved her work!" Prof. Ellis turned on Rath, finger pointed right under his nose. "You should have seen the day I had taken her to the labs at the Cairo Museum! She couldn't wait to see the latest additions to the collection! When she was nine she insisted that each and every mummy was a friend she wanted to know more about! How her face lit up when she asked what they thought about when they looked over those walls of hieroglyphics, or what they had for breakfast! And when she had graduated her course of study at University, she couldn't wait to start work at the British Museum! I was so proud of her! But now she wants to chuck it all into the dust bin for some half baked scheme to go on running machines for a conservation lab!"
"I thought you wanted her to learn and preserve the past!"
"She's a brilliant scientist! Top of her class, top in her field!" he shouted back. "Conservation science is a respectable field, but she is far better off to use her skills in the service of what she's good at, not milling about in a dingy museum scraping out a living where she could be cast aside at the latest budget meeting!"
"You'd rather she stay with you, at the British Museum, running samples?"
"It's the only sensible thing! Wouldn't you welcome the opportunity to hobnob with some of the best experts in your field? She has the chance to be quite a reputable scientist in Egyptology! Like she always wanted!"
"As she always wanted, or as you always wanted her to?" Rath asked him softly.
"What?"
"Nothing would please a father better then seeing his daughter and son meet with success..." Rath reiterated. "And you have great pride in their accomplishment..."
"Which is precisely why I want you to stay away from her!" he shouted.
"And how do you propose to stop that?" Rath asked. "After all... she is rather headstrong, and very much in love..."
Rath found it strange to be saying such words. It seemed as if fate were throwing him an odd reversal of roles. JaKal from behind his bush nodded in agreement. His own father had only wanted the best for him, to continue in his footsteps as a great hunter.
"Talk to her! Convince her that she is passing up an opportunity! Let her live her life..."
"I love her very much, and I cannot ask her to do something that would hurt her," Rath said quietly. "If it is your wish I could stay away, but she would do all in her power to follow me. And what would that accomplish save to make her hate you for such a thing?"
"I don't want her to waste he life, her opportunities..."
"The last thing I want is for such a thing to happen. But I'm not the one you should be angry at, am I? She risked much in loving me, and I risk much in loving her. And it is not my intention of driving a wedge betwixt you and she..."
"If you love her, can you not make her see the sense in my words?" Professor Ellis asked.
"Can you not do that, as her father..." Rath asked him. "Funny this, but you sound much like my own father... who long ago had plans for me as you have for your daughter..."
****************************************************************
"Marianne, she is your mother," said Sohkarra softly to her friend.
"I know, but sometimes she and my father don't understand..." Marianne sniffed.
"Sounds familiar. But they love you and want the best for you even if you don't think so..." Sohkarra caught herself saying. Sadly she laughed.
"What's so amusing?"
"I guess the jokes on me," she muttered. "Now I realize how much I frustrated my own parents. Seeing this happen to someone else... just makes me look at my own life a little differently..."
"How can that help me?" Marianne asked. "I'm not a princess..."
"But your parents are learned ones in their fields, and hold power as teachers, do they not? Like my mother and father they command great respect."
"I know... and I shouldn't have spoken to my father that way. I suppose I should apologize. I only wish I could make him understand, and listen without wanting to shout! But he doesn't listen..."
"No... they don't always," Sohkarra sighed. An odd chill came over her, as if something were not right. It had been most unpleasant when she felt the sharp pains in her stomach at the sight of Marianne's father, pale faced and stumbling. But this was far different. Far more sinister. Sohkarra felt the squirming in her stomach writhing and twisting as if she had swallowed a nest of asps. Her face grayed as she clutched her middle. Even the coppery hue to her hair seemed to blanch a few shades.
****************************************************************************
Armon and Presley looked hopelessly at the mess of pieces. None seemed to fit. Armon finally slammed several together with well-placed bashes on the coffee table. "Armon, that's not the point," Presley sighed.
"Well, at least they go together now!" Armon muttered. Indeed the blotches of blue sky mingled with what were pieces of trees did make a sort of a nice pattern. It didn't help the small dents in Cameron's tabletop though that appeared beneath each piece.
"Let's see what the guys are up to," Presley muttered. "Professor Ellis looked major league bummed..."
"Perhaps he does not like Rath as a suitor to his daughter," Armon said simply.
"Yeah. But he's gotta see that they love each other..."
"So that's where you two are hiding," Amanda poked her head down the stairs.
"Hi mom. Is Mrs. Ellis okay?"
"Yeah. But I think it's time that we went home. I'm going to wait till everyone's back before we say goodbye..."
"Aw mom..."
"No buts. I think that there's something that we shouldn't get wrapped up in going on here."
"Mo-om, they're our friends!" Presley said.
"Honey, when you're older you'll understand," Amanda shrugged. "Now finish your puzzle and when I come down again, we'll say goodbye..."
*******************************
However Amanda suddenly felt dizzy as she walked up the stairs. There sat Mrs. Ellis, quietly working ribbon onto a Styrofoam egg with small brass pins. Slowly she rocked in her chair by the fire.
"I'm sorry but we have to be going," Amanda said.
"Yes, wouldn't want to keep you from your own Christmas cheer," Mrs. Ellis looked up at her. Sadly she shook her head. "You don't think I was too hard on her, do you?"
"It's tough enough with one, I don't know how you deal with twins," Amanda laughed softly. "Two kids at once with problems? I think you deserve a reward for that!"
"AS you do with being a single parent, raising your son all alone..." said Mrs. Ellis. "It's been a while since you've seen Paul, hasn't it?"
"Yeah. And this year he had promised to come, like he always does. And I bet at the last minute he'll come dragging in on Christmas day with some stupid story about pygmies in Africa..."
"Amanda, I'm sorry," Mrs. Ellis said, putting a hand on hers. "How long... has it been?"
"Six months," Amanda sighed. "I'm sorry I shouldn't go on like that... but it's so frustrating... he's always chasing all over the world with some shady dealings, and God only knows what they'd find him with next. Or if he'll somehow show up dead in Africa with his ridiculous quests for treasure!"
"Sometimes they can seem silly..."
"It's not a good role model for Presley," she said. "He's not the kind of man I think I want to see him be... but he looks up to his dad so much, but it can be months before a child support payment comes... and then sometimes it's out of the blue he waltzes in, takes Presley to a carnival, and it's all weekend of this that and the other... but curse it, that doesn't make up for a lazy useless..."
She stopped as she saw Presley standing at the entrance to Cam's apartment. His green eyes fixed onto hers with shock and silence. Slowly he lowered his head.
"Oh Presley honey I didn't see you there..." she stammered, her knuckles in front of her mouth.
"That's okay mom. I know you think he's a jerk," Presley muttered. Armon lay a hand on his thin shoulder, brown eyes glancing at the tree.
"But Presley."
"He couldn't even be home for Christmas," Presley said softly, looking down. He wriggled out of Armon's grasp, and kicked at the carpet.
"But Honey I'm here..." Amanda said, dropping to her knee before him. As she moved to hug him he turned away from her to stare at the pile of presents under the tree. Like a mannequin he stood there, fists clenching at his sides.
"Presley?" Armon said. Marianne and Sohkarra stole out of the kitchen, their eyes falling on Amanda moving behind her son.
"I don't care! He should have been here!" Presley shouted, whirling on his mom. "He is a jerk! He doesn't care! I hate him! Why mom? Why did he go away! What did I do wrong?"
"Nothing honey!"
"It's not true!" Presley shouted, breaking away from Amanda. Tears streaked his face.
"Presley!" Amanda cried. "No!"
Suddenly her foot caught on the pile of presents, and she crashed headlong before Marianne could reach her. Mrs. Ellis had tottered to her feet by now, hobbling over to the prostrate woman.
Sohkarra caught Presley in her arms, as he screamed and sobbed. "Oh brother," she whispered to him, holding him close. Armon moved to help Mrs. Ellis, who moved beside a crouching Marianne. The scientist gently touched Amanda, who lay quite still. A golden ornament had fallen from the tree, laying bright against the green of Amanda's sweater.
One of the golden snowflakes, bronze really. Was it Mrs. Ellis' imagination, or were there two of them? Her sharp eyes glimpsed several more that seemed to have fallen off the tree, unnoticed. Just how many had fallen as Amanda had?
"She's out cold," Marianne looked to her mother, then to the miserable huddle of Sohkarra and Presley before the fire.
"It's all my fault!" Presley cried, pulling away from Sohkarra.
"No it's mine!" Marianne said. "If I hadn't spoken back to Father like an idiot..."
"Marianne don't blame yourself!" Mrs. Ellis shook her head.
"It is my fault!" Marianne repeated. Hot tears burned her cheeks. Two fell upon the brass snowflake she bent to pick up.
"No... don't touch it!" Sohkarra suddenly shouted. Marianne tried to put it down, but somehow it had fused to her hand!
Mrs. Ellis watched in horror as gold seemed to spread over her daughter's hand. Marianne shrieked, struggling to focus her power to stop the odd gleaming liquid that spread as a film all up her arm. Already Amanda Carnarvon's back was covered in a mass of ten brass snowflakes gleaming in the firelight. She was a sculpture in brass fire, her shoulders and small of her back two humps of bronze. It spread as a living mass of liquid up the nearby crutches of Mrs. Ellis, turning them to gold.
Sohkarra saw a snowflake by Presley's foot suddenly melt into a moving line of molten goo. Faster it shot up his bare leg, over his sneaker, fusing into hard shininess. She struggled, trying to chant a spell. Till she found she could barely move her hand. Faster then thought her legs and waist were covered in the gleaming warm liquid.
Marianne half expected her mother to scream. Silvery blue eyes fixed upon the golden gleam encasing everyone, and Mrs. Ellis lifted her silver haired head. Slowly she struggled to move.
"It's the ornaments!" Sohkarra cried out. "I cannot... we must get rid of them!"
"I can't move!" Armon wailed. His arm fused to Amanda as he had struggled to pull her unconscious form up.
"I... can move..." Mrs. Ellis remarked, as she suddenly managed to shift her arm. The pale white brow knitted with intense effort. She struggled at the sense of hopelessness that suddenly flooded her mind. Sohkarra could only watch as the mental torture started. For having just met the woman, she felt a certain connection to her. Was it her courage in light of her pain that had aroused Sohkarra's feelings toward her? Or was it something deeper. She did not have the time now to wonder long about it. She had to find a way to help. Then Mrs. Ellis herself said something most unexpected.
"I don't believe... in that... there is always good. It's... a matter of perspective..." she said aloud.
"Mother... it's killing us..." Marianne half sobbed.
"No... remember what I always told you... there will always be... war... hunger... but through it all...perspective..."
****************************************************
"How is this possible?" Scarab gasped as he saw the bronze fall from the little woman's legs. Hunched over and sturdy, she shook herself free of the entrapping alloy, and staggered to her feet. Absent of her crutches she limped across the room, almost falling. How could this crippled woman have the strength to resist his trap?
*******************************************
"Rath... Rutherford!" JaKal burst in as he stumbled out of the bush. "Quick!"
"What on Earth?" Prof. Ellis asked.
"It's your wife! She's in danger! We must go back at once..."
"What is the meaning of this interruption?" Rath asked him.
"It's a matter of life and death!" JaKal pulled his arm. Rath sighed as he let the Hunter pull him along.
"What? How do you know..."
"Trust me!" JaKal shouted. "Your wife and daughter need you!"
Something about the urgency in JaKal's blue eyes stirred him into action. What was it about these two men that struck him as odd? This Jack Garret seemed sincere that there was danger... but how could he possibly know anything was amiss when they were a block away from the house?
He rushed after Rath and JaKal, panting as his shoes pounded the pavement. "Elaine! Marianne!" he shouted.
*******************************************
"It's what I've always believed..." she said calmly, moving to the tree. Her hand stopped inches from the crèche laying beneath it. "There is a force... far stronger then any of this..."
"I... believe it," Sohkarra suddenly realized. She felt the force of this woman's will, entrapped in a body that seemed a prison to she with a mind that refused to give up. Slowly she drank in that strength, and channeled it into the heart of the mass of bronze.
Mrs. Ellis grabbed at Marianne's hand, and a tear rolled down her daughter's cheek. "I love you Marianne... and you are a good daughter to me..." Even as she talked to her daughter, trying to boost her courage, she herself felt an almost spiritual connection within herself; a helping hand. She had a feeling she knew from where it came from. The young woman called Jaime whom she had felt the strange connection with from the start. Still she couldn't explain it.
"This is hardly the time..." she sobbed.
"Yes... it is the time..." Elaine Ellis said. "Because I just realized something. Whatever this is... is making us feel this way... and every negative emotion... is causing a downward spiral..."
"She's right!" Sohkarra cried out to Presley. "The doubts that everyone had... Presley... you're mad because your dad can't be here and you think he doesn't care! It was like that with our father as well! He loved us, but could not always be there for us!"
"He doesn't or he would be here..."
"But don't you see that you're with friends? With those who love you? IT is a hard thing when one's parents do not come. But I can remember my own father... when he would send gifts... but never love. And how much that hurt. But now that I have my own family... the hurt is less..."
Presley felt the tears slipping, and he felt the strength of his Guardian's love. Even Sohkarra's thoughts moved into his mind, giving him a gentle strength. Yes, he knew she loved him and all those gathered here now. Maybe Sohkarra was right; his father did care about him. Just as Rapses' and Sohkarra's father had loved them. He had not been there to see much of them due to his royal duties, but he loved his children nonetheless.
Marianne Ellis suddenly reached inside. "you... are right Mum..." she whispered. Slowly she focused her power, willing away the bronze into oxygen. Soon she was free to move as well. Mother and daughter embraced tightly, the smaller woman's silver hair striking against the blackness of her daughter's.
One by one the snowflakes fell from the tree, to melt into nothingness. Sohkarra rushed over to Presley, communicating her concern through private mind links with Rapses. She spoke softly to Presley as she made sure all was well with him, then moved to Amanda, slowly moving her healing powers over the unconscious woman. Presley held his mother's head and shoulders on his lap.
"Thank you Karra." Presley said to her softly. "I know you know what I'm feeling. And not just through your mind stuff. But with the way it was for you and Rapses in the past."
"It was my pleasure." Sohkarra answered. She hugged him close as if to reassure herself that he was indeed well.
Cameron moving to his mother and sister. All of them held each other tightly. "You saved us Mum!" Marianne cried happily.
"I... did... didn't I?" Elaine said softly, and glimpsed Sohkarra from across the room. "But I cannot think what this is all about..."
"Ancient magic at work..." Sohkarra breathed. "But I fear for our friends..."
Just then the men came bursting into the room. Sohkarra reached out with her mind as she mentally alerted them to stay back while she chanted the life spell upon them as they willed their armor away.
"Marianne are you all right?" Rath asked, at her side. "Mrs. Ellis..."
"I'm fine... young man," Elaine said, gripping his hand. "But I am wondering just what is going on here..."
"Someone invented a rather nasty weapon is what!" Dr. Ellis Sr. snapped. He held his wife close, supporting her where she stood.
Marianne looked to Sohkarra with concern. What was to be done? Would they suspect more?
"Some sort of high tech thing no doubt," Sohkarra said, holding up one of the snowflakes. "I read something about drugs... I wouldn't be surprised if they were on these when you bought them at the store...courtesy of our evil friend."
The explanation seemed to suit everyone. All it took was a little subliminal suggestion. But in the case of Mrs. Ellis, Sohkarra found she couldn't bring herself to change her mind.
"Child, what are you doing..." asked the older woman.
"I... want to make things easier for you..." answered the younger.
"Will it?" Mrs. Ellis asked. "Would it be easier for me if this was forgotten?"
"Yes... but I must ask..." Said Sohkarra. "For I will do nothing you do not wish. But I thought it might easier for you if you didn't remember."
Mrs. Ellis looked at Sohkarra. "I rather have a feeling you could do just as you suggest." She talked to the younger woman. "But if it is all the same to you young one, I would rather remember it," she said. "Lest it not happen again...But there is something about you as if you are somehow misplaced in time or space."
"You are indeed wise and it is my good fortune to have met you." Sohkarra answered graciously. She knew this woman knew more than she should. But it was an old knowledge; as if earned through the ages. It was meant to be kept close to her.
"Agreed..." Mr. Ellis nodded, interrupting the women. "It just goes to show that there are some things one should not tamper with.
"That much we all are agreed on Mr. Ellis." Sohkarra answered him.
"I just remembered, the church service starts in an hour," Mrs. Ellis said very matter-of-factly.
"After what just happened how can you think of a thing like that?" Cameron demanded.
"I think it would be the best reason to go," Sohkarra said. "To stop this from happening again...as Mrs. Ellis said."
****************************************************************************
"Noo!" Scarab cried. "Why does this happen? How?"
"What, a crippled woman defeating you? Is that what you're complaining about..."
"How can one such as she have a greater power than mine?" he ranted.
"I don't know," Heka said. "Maybe it has something to do with the fact that your plan sucked..."
"Rrrrghg!" Scarab gritted, pounding his head on the desk.
"Merry Christmas, Scarab," Heka said.
*****************************************************************
That night Rath, Nefer-Tina, and the others, as two cultures; one ancient and one modern, came together for a mutual experience, packed into a long wooden bench in a gray stone building that looked like something out of a travel brochure. All around glistened the colored glass that was dull from the darkness behind it.
The whole layout seemed to be one center aisle with another crossing it at the midpoint. These benches, or pews as Marianne called them, flanked both sides of the center aisle, and up the sides of the other. In front was a raised set of steps leading up to a smaller section, where a stone table sat just before a most ornate stone screen. The two sections were separated by a wooden screen, behind which were two opposing sets of pews.
There came the sound of loud thundering drums and brass from the balcony in the back. A man in white robe fussed and sweated behind the organ console, also up back. Such sounds vibrated into their very beings as if the music was merging into them. Everyone stood up in a rustle as they clenched the books with the blue covers in their hands. Rath felt Nefer-Tina prod him to do the same.
Then came the procession, with a white robed teenage boy bearing high a cross upon a pole. Two others, in red robes with white overtop flanked just behind him with two flickering candles upon shorter poles. Behind them marched a number of singers clutching books identical to those used in the assembly.
Everyone was singing, as the singers passed with two spaces between. Marianne Ellis passed by him, the corner of her sleeve just barely touching the pew railing. He caught her glimpse and saw how her eyes sparkled in that white garment atop the blue undergarment. Already Marianne mother sat in the pews up front, having moved there during the course of the silent meditation beforehand. All singing the same song loud and strong, men, women and children. Then came what must be the High Priest and his attendants. Rath was not surprised to see a Priestess flanked by another attendant, both in robes with a white over covering.
The singers peeled off and entered the two ranks of chairs before the altar. And the Priestess and attendants moved to the highest place before the stone table, and turned. In a loud clear voice she addressed all that had fallen into silence. Cameron had replaced his blue book for a red one, with just words. Rath noticed in this book were just prayers, not music, which had been in the other book. Just where were the images of their god? He had seen to one side a small chapel with the picture of a woman with a small child. A small candle was lit before it. And up front was a large cross that hung over the stone table, covered in linen. Upon it was a man with his arms outstretched, robed, with a crown upon his head. Then to one side over a pulpit was a smaller cross, with the same figure in a tortured, beaten defeated position. Marianne had called the one a crucifix, and the other a cross. These were the only statues he could see. Other then the images in stained glass that were blackened by the night behind them.
Sohkarra could not help but hope the singing would come again. And the music would wrap around her like a welcome new friend. For in those few seconds she had felt the full impact that hit her heart as surely as any ceremony at the Temple in Luxor. She had already opened her mind to the many new and varied ways of worshiping such as she had already witnessed since her reawakening. For even as she held her own ancient beliefs, she could not deny or disrespect the dedication of the worshipers as they knelt for their prayers, and rose to sing was every bit as familiar. Even in the middle whilst the woman Priest raised hands to hold up bread, then a goblet of wine to show before the people seemed odd at first. But somehow as the diatribe of the prayers moved on she could see what was happening. Some sort of contact... the food and drink of their God that the people could physically touch was this food and drink. Marianne called it Communion. Sohkarra was fascinated at it all. So different; yet somehow the same. Odd but somehow not so odd. So many customs, and so different yet so similar. Even as the service drew to a close in a flourish of brass and song she still couldn't help but think of the similarities. Or the glow in everyone's faces as they emptied the church and hurried back home to their own Christmas trees.
*********************************************************************************************************************
Marianne Ellis walked arm in arm with her father. "Da, I'm sorry... I never should have raised my voice at you..."
"No... I am my dear," he sighed, brushing off his mustache.
"I only wanted to explain to you that my interests had changed..."
"I should have listened in the first place. But I don't want you throwing away your career and looking back years later regretting chances you never took..."
"Da, I took chances... and I know you want to help..."
"I do...."
"Can you let me take my own chances once in a while?"
"I suppose. But do you know what you're giving up?"
"Sir... I do not mean to interrupt," Rath's softly accented voice cut in.
"What is it Rath... I mean Rutherford..." said Marianne softly.
"If this is a bad time... I can speak later..."
"No, please speak your piece... Rutherford," Bertram Ellis said, turning to face Rath.
"I simply wanted to assure you that I won't stand in the way of you and your daughter. My intentions are most honorable... and I would provide for her quite well..."
"Rath... Rutherford," Marianne blushed.
"You seem sincere, sir. Of that I have no doubt. But I only want..."
"What any father would want for her daughter. All I ask is a chance to prove myself..." Rath blurted out.
"And that you will have sir," Bertram nodded. "But please understand, she is still my little girl... even if she is grown up... and stubborn... and obstinate..."
"Then she and I are well suited for we share those traits in common," Rath nodded.
"Now look here..." Marianne said. Bertram's eyes sparkled, and his moustache twitched. Mrs. Ellis moved by her husband, slipping her hand into his arm.
"He's absolutely right, Bertram," she nodded. "I would say they do have much in common. And more so then you think..."
"Well, don't expect a letter of approval just yet," Bertram coughed. "After all, there are formalities..."
"Da," she shook her head.
"I do expect respectability... and responsibility..."
"Da," Cameron laughed as he moved into earshot of them. He clutched Nefertina's hand in his. "Of that you don't need to worry! If anything I'm the one you should save that lecture for!"
"I've got one for you my boy," Bertram scolded him. Still the blue eyes twinkled.
"And as for you," he turned to Rath. "Merry Christmas. I do hope you will see fit to visit us sometime soon... I would very much like to know your views on the latest in Egyptology."
"Thank you sir..." he nodded.
"Stay respectable, and no rot about flying saucers..."
"Of course not!" he laughed. "Everyone knows that Egyptians were most accomplished for their time..."
"There's hope for the lad yet," Bertram nodded. Rath saw the smiles and the good-natured bantering. Two very proud men struggling to redefine their relationships. Mrs. Ellis looked to Rath, her brown eyes soft and sparkling as bright as those stars above. Such strength in a frail body. Such heart.
Behind them Amanda clutched Presley's hand. JaKal and Sohkarra followed, Armon, in tow. "This Christmas was the most interesting I've seen yet," Amanda shook her head. "Just what happened to those ornaments I won't believe..."
"The news said they were a Y2K prank," Sohkarra supplied.
"Yeah. Really whacked," Presley nodded.
"Some sick people out there!" Amanda shuddered. "Melting snowflakes that suck away your strength?"
"Yeah, something about a new bio weapon some terrorist put in Christmas ornaments," Presley added. "I heard it on the car radio as we were getting ready for church..."
"I'm just glad I'm still here to think about it," Armon muttered.
"Whoever did it, won't try it again," Sohkarra nodded. "And you can be sure of that."
"I get the feeling there's more to you then meets the eye," Amanda said to her.
"That's true," Armon said before he felt a jab from JaKal in the ribs.
"Let's just say science and inventions are something I am always interested in," Sohkarra laughed. "This time is full of wonders..."
"Like the Christmas spirit," JaKal nodded.
"Especially... since it can come out of nowhere..." Amanda muttered.
*****************************************************************************************
Happy Holidays to all! And to all a good night!