Marianne had felt lousy in the mornings for a few weeks now. She had finally decided to go to the doctor to find out what the problem was. Now, she was lost in her thoughts, with the doctor's voice only a background sound.

"My good woman, you happen to be in your first trimester of pregnancy." The matronly older obstetrician had just told her. "Congratulations."

Marianne just sat there, stunned beyond belief. Surely what the doctor had just revealed couldn't be! She would have known somehow. She hardly acknowledged when the doctor again tapped her shoulder. "What did you say?" she mumbled.

"I said you're pregnant." The doctor repeated.

"Are ..Are you .sure?" she mumbled again.

"After all these tests we just ran, I'm very sure." The doctor answered her. She looked like she was ready to faint at news that would have overjoyed most women.

"Will the father be pleased?" asked the doctor. She was a little uncomfortable at this initial reaction.

"He'll certainly be surprised." was the quiet answer. Without another word, she got up and left the office, leaving without even so much as a thank you or anything else for that matter. The doctor thought she could hear her patient whisper about how she was going to tell him; tell all of them.

She hoped all would be well with her.

"You're what?!" Rath fairly yelled. "Of all the cursed luck!"

He had come over when he had heard the urgency in her voice when she had contacted him. He had been so upset by the tone of her voice that he had almost forgotten to have Sohkarra bequeath him with the blush of life spell she used whenever her guardians went out in public. In fact, if she had not caught him, he would have gone out without it.

"I thought I said it quite plain enough." She answered in a low voice. "I'm pregnant."

"What do you intend to do about it?" he demanded. He still couldn't believe this.

"What do I intend to do about it?" she yelled back. "As I recall, you were there as well. I certainly could not have done this by myself!"

"Don't you see?" Rath said, "This was not supposed to happen."

"Well, it has!" she retaliated. "And YOU are just as responsible as I! You're the one who asked me to marry you when we thought we could not get back home."

"I thought you scientists knew how to prevent such a thing from happening."

Marianne couldn't believe what she was hearing. Here was the man she loved, however back, in spite of all outward appearances, he had been transformed back to his necrotic state, berating her for something he was every bit as responsible for himself. When they had gone back in time, Rath, as well as the others, had been returned to their human forms in order to be able to correct the young Prince Rapses' death. In the end, the young man, who had by then been crowned Pharaoh following the death of Amenhotep, had been assassinated by Chontra, a former pupil of this same Scribe! Once again, the guardians had paid the ultimate price. The only survivors had been herself, by then Rath's wife, and the Princess Sohkarra, who had been able to function in the past only after the death of her former self. But through it all, the timeline of history had been restored when Tuthmosis I himself, the Vizier of Rapses' reign had taken over as Pharaoh. She couldn't help but think that no self-respecting Egyptologist would ever believe such a fantastic tale.

She gave her full attention back to Rath, who was still ranting, "What are we going to tell the others?" he wanted to know. "What will the Prince and Princess have to say?"

"They're our friends. They'll stand by us." She stated adamantly. At least she hoped they would. In actuality, she had no idea how they would react. Would they resent her for accompanying Rath to the past? Even though the God Osiris and Goddess Isis had themselves blessed the trip. This was something no one had in their wildest dreams imagined would happen. She knew they would be shocked, but she had faith that they would not act as Rath was now. But Rath's question did make her think of Sohkarra. And the strange feeling of sorrow she had felt emanating from Sohkarra since their return. What had she not told them? Marianne knew she blamed herself for what had happened. For it was her word alone that had enabled them to go into the past in the first place. Prompted by her father. If she had only found the strength to say no to her sire.

"Get used to it." She interrupted his tirade. "You're going to be a father. What are you going to do about that?"

This brought him up short. "The first thing I'm going to have to do is tell JaKal. He is the leader of the guardians, and it is his right."

"How will he be with it?" Marianne asked. "After all, he lost his own child long ago."

"I cannot say. But I'm more worried about how the Prince and Princess will take this. For all of us in the past, Sohkarra had the worst of it, with having JaKal reunited with his wife and child then not being able to help her father and having to watch him die, and then going through her brother's death again. For even with the troubles we all encountered, our lot was the easiest."

Marianne had to agree, for she had been closest to Sohkarra when they had been in the past, and seen firsthand the pain the Princess went through. But also through it all, her royal bearing had never slipped. She had done the duty expected of her. But here in the future, she had been reunited with the man she loved. "But Sohkarra is fond of children. Look at how protective she is of Presley. One would think he were her son instead of her brother." Marianne observed.

"That may be, but she's never been faced with something like this. She confided in me once that she was only sorry she herself never had the chance to have children. You know she died before she was to have been married to Tuthmosis." Rath was remembering part of a discussion he and Sohkarra had once when the Princess had confided to him that she regretted that she had never had the opportunity to have the child of the man she loved, and how now, she never would. Yes, he was concerned indeed.

Marianne was surprised at this. "I never realized. I mean, she never seemed interested in being a mother herself. So what you're saying is that this will hurt her."

"Yes, that is basically what I'm saying." Rath answered. "I know she would have gladly bore JaKal's child. But the fates never allowed it."

"Well, that cannot be helped." Marianne said to him. She knew in her heart that Sohkarra would never hurt either her or her unborn child. And if push came to shove, would even defend the child, out of her respect for all life, if nothing else. Also the training she had undergone with the 'Masters' had taught her to respect all life, no matter what its origin.

Rath interrupted her reverie by saying that he was leaving to go to tell JaKal the news.

"Would you like me to go with you?" she asked. "It might be easier if we tell him together."

"No, it is my duty to do so." Rath answered. "He's been my friend for more years than either care to admit. I owe it to him. Please stay here and I'll return when I'm able."

She nodded that she would.

"Get some rest." Rath told her. "I understand it's best for expectant mothers."

JaKal said nothing. For this must surely be a mistake. Even though, the more Rath spoke, the more he was convinced that it was no mistake. Modern healers would not mistake something like this, would they? What would the young Royals say? Especially the Princess. She was still recovering from their ordeal when they had stepped through time to their home on the wishes of her father and mother. She had been wounded in the battle with Chontra and those battle wounds had come forward with her.

"I respect you for telling me before anyone else." JaKal could make out to say to his old friend. "Now comes the hard part."

Rath knew exactly what he was talking about. "I will collect up Marianne and the three of us will go together to tell her. There is a saying here about safety in numbers."

JaKal nodded his agreement. He worried how she would take this. He knew she would blame herself for this happening. Her father had given her no real choice when he had told them they would be afforded the chance to go back in time to prevent the assassination of Rapses. Hers had been the last word when confronted by the almighty deities. If she had said no, then none would have gone back. But she had not. She'd seen it, along with her guardians and brother, as a second chance to correct a 3,500 year old wrong. But going back to the past had presented more problems it seemed than it had fixed. Rapses had still died, albeit a few years later, and the timeline had been restored. But at what price? They were about to be faced with one of the after-affects of that decision.

Sohkarra was sunning in a favorite place outside the sphinx when the trio approached her. She removed her sunglasses she was wearing and put down the magazine she was glancing over. "You're in my sun." she commented to her companions. She was wearing an emerald green one-piece swimsuit that was effective in hiding the still healing wound in her side. This suit drew less attention to it.

"How are you feeling Sohkarra?" Marianne asked solicitously. "You're healing all right?"

"Yes, I'm fine." As she adjusted her position slightly, it got painful. "Well, almost." She grimaced.

"Princess, there is a matter of grave importance that we would discuss with you." JaKal said interrupting her good humor. She knew that when he addressed her as such, something was very wrong indeed.

She looked up at JaKal through the sunglasses she had put back on. He looked solemn indeed. And when she looked at Rath and Marianne, they looked the same. She frowned. "What could possibly be wrong on such a beautiful day?" she asked. Then, "Is it Rapses?" she demanded.

"No, my Princess. Your brother is safe." JaKal answered her. "We need to speak to you of something completely different."

"Princess, will you please listen to us?" Marianne implored her. Sohkarra had never seen her look quite so pale and worried. Plus the fact that Marianne never used her title when addressing her.

"Would someone mind telling me what is going on here?" she asked anxiously. "I swear you all look as if all hell were about to break loose." Before she could get her answer, she was struck by a most unusual feeling. She closed her eyes as if reaching out to something. Her face turned toward the source; Marianne. Opening her eyes, she looked straight into Marianne's eyes with her own, which had suddenly lost their sapphire loveliness, but had taken on an icy look. Marianne could tell she knew without being told. Blast her sixth sense! She was sometimes way too perceptive for her own good!

"I sense another presence here." Sohkarra said quietly. "It is here, yet is not." Still looking at Marianne, asked, "Am I correct?" Even though she didn't need any verification.

"Yes your Highness." Rath answered for Marianne. "You are."

Sohkarra turned her attention to Rath. "When?" she demanded. "And how could you let this happen?"

Marianne sat down next to Sohkarra, to divert the Princess' growing anxiety away from Rath, who was very uncomfortable to begin with, to try to explain. "It came about when we all thought we were going to be unable to be able to return to the present." She looked to Rath, hoping for a little assistance. He shrugged at her as if to say she was doing fine. Giving him a dirty look, she turned back to Sohkarra, who told her to continue.

"Rath had asked JaKal for permission that would have allowed us to marry." This clearly surprised Sohkarra as she looked to JaKal for confirmation of this statement. He nodded in the affirmative to her.

"I attended your wedding myself." Sohkarra answered. "Yet, I ask again, how could this have happened? It was supposed to be a marriage in name only....." Then she remembered how she had found Marianne one morning prior to the wedding ceremony. "What in the name of Isis were you thinking?" She was clearly not happy. In the back of her mind, she was thinking that if she hadn't consented to return to the past, none of this could have happened. So much for the beauty of the day. Suddenly clouds had come in force. Never in her wildest thoughts had she ever anticipated such an event occurring.

"Nothing happened that would not normally happen between two people who love each other." Marianne retaliated. "There is no such thing as birth control in ancient Egypt. Plus Rath had been restored to his mortal form, which as we all know means he was capable of fathering children."

"I know.....But still..." Sohkarra responded. Then looking to Rath asked, "What do you two intend to do about this? With all the unknowns we already deal with here, this was not one we had bargained for. Or should have to deal with."

"We will deal with this the best way we can." answered JaKal who had until now been silent. He had been carefully watching the Princess' reactions to this revelation. He thought she was amazingly calm about it. But underneath the seemingly accepting façade, he knew she was seething inside like a mini volcano waiting to erupt.

"JaKal is right." Rath responded. "This should be a happy event. For all of us. We will now have a live piece of history right in our midst born to this time, but conceived in the past."

Seeming to not hear her tutor, Sohkarra asked of her head guardian, "JaKal, please talk to them. For I swear I do not know what to say. I truly don't. Then she rose and made to leave.

Marianne rose with her, and took her by the arm. "Please Sohkarra....Try to be happy for us. A piece of your own heritage is going to be born. No child like this one has ever been conceived before. It will be a true meeting of the past and the present. I for one, am very happy about it.....Surprised, but happy nonetheless."

Sohkarra turned sad eyes on her. "You of all should people should realize the implications of this event. If our enemies should ever find out......"

JaKal went to her then. "We will deal with that if and when they do my young love."

Sohkarra then looked at Rath. "And you my tutor? Are you happy about this?" she asked. She sensed that all was not well in that area, for his immediate silence spoke volumes. But she wisely kept her own counsel for the time being.

Finally Rath answered in the only way he could then. "I too am adjusting my Princess." He was not going to tell her about the major argument he and Marianne had concerning the pending birth. He too was still in shock over the bombshell Marianne had dropped on him; on all of them.

"So be it." said the Princess. "I will take this all under consideration."

Marianne, who had not released her hold on Sohkarra's arm, spoke quietly to her. "Please Sohkarra. I need your support in this. This child could just as well have been yours. You and JaKal were together yourselves in the past." At the sharp look that earned from Sohkarra, she continued, "You said you were my friend. Be that friend."

"That is not fair!" Sohkarra hissed back at her. "You are cruel for saying so. I have been and shall always be your friend. Be kind enough to allow me time to adjust to this development, for if the truth be known, I could envy you for your blessing."

Marianne couldn't argue with that. She had seen the hurt in Sohkarra's eyes when she mentioned about her and JaKal. She had always suspected rather than knew, for Sohkarra had never said one way or the other, that she had spent the night with JaKal when her father had died. Could something have happened that could have potentially compromised either of them? Had they only offered comfort to each other? Nothing more, in spite of the flames that had burned beneath the surface. She had never been sure. She did not know what Sohkarra's definition of 'compromise' would be. "I'm sorry Sohkarra." Marianne apologized. "I understand how you feel."

"I will be here for you." the Princess confided. "But I need JaKal now." Then she turned and took JaKal's arm, and the two of them left the parents-to-be alone.

As they walked away, JaKal, seeing the lack of color in Sohkarra's normally vibrant face, asked anxiously, "Are you all right?"

"I will be." answered Sohkarra. "I desperately need time to think. Please take me to our special place. It always seems to help when things seem overwhelming. I sense you need time away also."

"Of course my young love." he answered. With that he spoke his infamous chant of "With the strength of Ra." and instantly was armored in his familiar blue and gold falcon armor. Without further hesitation, he took the Princess delicately in his arms to avoid aggravating her wound, as together they flew off.

Seeing the mood in the sphinx was ugly, she had slipped away home. Behind her she had heard Rath and JaKal arguing fiercely. It was too much to take. She was solely responsible for the dissention between the guardians.

Nefertina had been angry at the two men for their insensitivity. And Sohkarra was being uncharacteristically distant, in spite of her promise to remain a friend. So she had thought it prudent to leave. It never occurred to her that Sohkarra was shouldering the blame for what had happened. It was her guilt that made her seem distant.

Marianne sat in her apartment hugging her knees. She did not sense the life within her yet. It was far too early to tell that she was pregnant with any possible moves from the baby within. They say such a quickening is experienced in the fourth or fifth month. She was checking out every parenting book she could lay hands upon. It didn't help matters any knowing that Cameron would demand an explanation from her the instant he found out he was to become an uncle. Or the fact that this child's other "extended" family were at each other's throats. And the poor Prince. He was caught in the middle of it all.

"Deal with it, JaKal says. As if it were a sickness or a disease! How can he be so archaic?! As if he's never had a child before. It is my body after all! What right does he have to say what I can and cannot do?!"

But as Cameron came in to find her there with a book entitled, "Our Bodies, Our Selves", and T. Berry Brazleton's book about expectant mothers, he was curious.

"What's wrong?" he asked her. "You've been thoughtful ever since you got back from that trip to Egypt...."

"I know. Some things...have happened since then."

"I saw the books. Are you worried about your biological clock ticking?"

"Er....in a sense, yes."

"There are many women your age who haven't yet had a child. And women are waiting till in their thirties to have children. I would not worry..."

"I have to worry." she responded. And at his curious look, continued, "Cameron, I cannot lie to you anymore. I'm pregnant..."

There was a long pause as time stood still. A look of utter shock came into his face. "How? What? Who is the father?"

"Rutherford." she said simply. "I.....and he....were..." She was not accustomed to talking about such intimate matters with her brother.

"But how long ago was it? Are you sure?!" he demanded. "Is that why you went to the doctor?"

"Yes. I was afraid you'd be ashamed of me.....for being careless..." she said in a low voice.

"Sis, this is a big thing! A child! I'm going to be an uncle! You could have told me..."

"I didn't know myself till earlier this week. Cameron, I'm so scared!" she broke down.

"Shhhhh now. At least you told me now, instead of nine months later." said, trying to comfort her. "Oh Mary, you know you can trust me. Come on. Tell me what the doctor said. Is it healthy?"

"It's two months along. And I didn't know." she sobbed, holding him as he held her close. He rubbed her back, not pushing her away. "What do I do?" she said through her tears.

"Does he want you to keep it?"

"I don't know."

"Look, I'm the last person to give advice to a woman concerning matters of her body, but you are my sister. And this is my niece or nephew you're carrying. Family...And I think that whatever you decide is up to you. I cannot convince you either way. But don't let the father dictate whether or not you should keep it!"

"He....said nothing about abortion if that's what you mean. I'm not even sure I could go through with it."

"I cannot tell you what to do with your body Sis.. It's your right. But I believe you....should let nature take its course. If your body cannot take the baby and it's not meant to be.....nature will take care....of it. It's far better to wait...."

"Oh Cameron. That doesn't make it easier!"

"What do you want to do?"

"I....want to keep the baby." said she. "I...am thirty years old. And ...I did want children someday. But this is so unexpected!"

"I know it. You're worried about the baby being conceived outside of marriage, aren't you?"

"Yes." she sobbed. Although that was technically the least of her worries. It wasn't conceived out of wedlock. But how could she legally prove an ancient marriage?

"But we were.....married." said she.

"And you didn't tell met that either? Was that to remain a secret too?" he demanded. "Ever since you became involved with him, you've been more secretive about things."

"Cameron....." she said helplessly, for she knew the truth of what he said.

"All right. This is too much. But I cannot push you away. You're my sister. I will stand by you no matter what. But you have to trust me. Tell me the truth! All of it!

"Cameron, it's time you knew the whole story. I owe you that much. And please....don't think me mad when I tell it...."

All the details spilled out of her as she sobbed out the story of how she had met the individuals who had at first seemed like everyone else, but later found out that they were all reborn into this timeline in order to protect the spirit of a deceased Prince who had reborn in a modern host boy. She didn't give names, but intimated that the individuals involved were an Egyptian Prince and Princess and their guardians. She also told how, with the help of the Princess, had become involved with another of the guardians, and one thing had led to another that had culminated in going back in time to ancient Egypt.

As she spoke, he shook his head. He wasn't sure he believed her. "I don't know what to say..." he said, thoroughly flabbergasted. I don't know whether to be angry at you for not telling me or not believing you and having you committed."

Just then there was a knock as two people came in. It was Nefertina and Rath swathed in Sohkarra's blush of life spell. Cameron rose to get it. Anger darkened his face. "You two have a lot of nerve darkening my door." he growled at the two of them.

Marianne called from behind them. "Please let them in. They will prove what I say."

Rath went automatically to his love's side and put his arms around her. She shivered as her brother glared daggers at Rath, then Nefertina.

"So you're the one responsible for this." Cameron said slowly to Rath. "You....got my sister pregnant."

"It was a consensual decision." Rath said angrily. "And you as her brother could show more sympathy!"

"That's a cheap shot." he snapped.

"Look, this isn't helping her." said Nefertina angrily as she rounded on Cameron. "You should be ashamed of yourself for acting like this..."

"She told me a most fantastic story I cannot believe." Cam said.

"What story would that be my dear?" Rath inquired, expecting the worst.

"I am sorry." Marianne said. "He's my brother and I can no longer lie to him. Not even to protect the Prince and Princess."

"Do you know what you've done?" Rath stormed. "You've compromised us! To him! You know he's been looking for the Princess as well. He's only interested in gaining a name for himself for what tombs he plunders! He hit the proverbial mother lode with at the expense of the treasures of Sohkarra!"

The two men almost came to blows over that comment, but Cameron knew that "Rutherford" was partially right. What did he mean by looking for the Princess as well as possessing her treasures? Could he know where the mummy of the elusive Sohkarra was?

Nefertina, knowing the damage was done, but trying to minimize it, stepped in on the middle of this most volatile situation. "That......is true." she said. "I'll just have to prove it to you." Looking to Rath she said, "Like it or not, Cameron's involved now, and there's nothing we can do about it."

She released her spell, and stood in bandaged form before him. He drew in his breath sharply and backed away. "It is true." he gasped, not able to take it all in.

In a matter of seconds the attractive woman with dark hair and smooth skin had metamorphosed into a blue-skinned, necrotic, bandaged-swathed Mummy. To think this was a woman he'd kissed! Inwardly he shuddered with revulsion.

"This is what I really am," Nefertina said folding her arms and trying to avoid Cameron's hurt expression. "And what 'Rutherford' or Rath, seeing that is his real name, is. Also those you know as Jaime and Jack Garrett. And Armon. We are the guardians of Prince Rapses and Princess Sohkarra....And sworn to secrecy. So will you be now."

"Sohkarra......" he whispered unbelievingly. Then louder, "How did you get my sister mixed up in all this?" he choked, still very much in shock. "Is what she told me true?"

"It was my fault." said Rath, stepping forward. "An evil sorcerer sought to destroy your sister. He almost succeeded. In order to save her life, I had to take her away. Then Princess Sohkarra and the leader of the royal guardians, JaKal, charged me responsible for her safety."

"And make her lie?" Cameron shouted. "To her own flesh and blood?"

"That was her own choice; for we have never forced her to do anything she did not wish to." Rath said in defense of himself and his fellow ancients.

"Cameron, stop!" Marianne sobbed. "I....cannot take this. I tried to take responsibility. But we were in so much danger. They saved my life for God's sake. Don't you understand that? The last thing I wanted was for you to hate me.....for you to be hurt. Only by keeping their secret could we keep you safe."

"You idiot!" Nefertina yelled at Cameron. "Can't you see how hard this is for her? For us? As a guardian I had to keep a vow. We all did. It was the command of Pharaoh. Just like you do not to take treasure from the tombs when you're tempted. Or reveal secrets you learn to the press for publicity, of which this most assuredly qualifies as one of the hardest secrets you'll ever keep!"

Shocked by her words, he fell silent. "I cannot keep this to myself." he stammered. Nefertina was furious at everyone who showed little sympathy for Marianne's predicament. She'd even argued with Sohkarra, at whom she was shocked at her friend's behavior. And Rath. JaKal was angry as well. Presley wasn't sure how he felt. The only one who seemed totally okay with this was Armon. He looked at it as having a new young one to teach warrior skills to. He'd always been fond of children.

The whole world seemed against Marianne. She buried her head in her hands, sobbing uncontrollably. "Oh Lord, I never meant to hurt anyone! Why must my love create such agony, even now?"

Rath, despite his anger at the whole situation, chose to stand by the woman he loved. The woman he had vowed to protect in the in the marriage contract of so long ago. They were married then, and this extended to the here and now. Even though he died, he was still responsible! He enfolded her in thin arms, as if trying to shelter her from her brother's stony grey gaze. "There now. Hush. Peace now."

Cameron finally sighed, and went to his sister's side. "Look, I cannot agree with any of this. It's all still too fantastic to take in. But I suppose I was hasty in condemning you for what you did. If ancient magic was at stake, I perhaps would have done the same. I know how potent the ancient Heka is. It explains a great deal. But how can you get my sister pregnant?"

"We were in the past," Nefertina explained. "We had become mortal again."

Rath was so consumed with comforting Marianne he focused all his attention upon her.

In haunting words they filled him in on how they had all been called upon for a chance correct a past mistake that had claimed all of their lives. Sometimes Marianne told him, sometimes Rath, but mostly Nefertina. Wonder filled his face. "Oh my God," he sighed. "What a chance...to explore history. I would have gone myself! Think of the information you can provide."

"That is so typical!" Nefertina snapped. "Men.....As soon as you explain something, they forget the emotional side. As if this were a problem to be dealt with like a disease or something. We are talking about a child! Another whole person!"

"Oh do calm down Nefertina." Rath shushed her. "Not that I don't greatly appreciate your help, but we must figure out what is to be done."

Another voice, a feminine one, entered the fray addressing Cameron. "Cameron, have you not heard what my guardians have been trying to impart to you?" When Cameron turned to see who addressed him, he met with a familiar face. He gasped audibly. Could this woman really be the elusive Princess he'd been searching for?

"You can never tell anyone of the knowledge you gain here; now or ever; for our sakes, as well as my brother's, your sister's and her unborn child's."

Everyone turned to see that Sohkarra had arrived with her remaining guardians and Presley. She felt that they all should be there should the brother need convincing of the urgency of the situation. Marianne was glad to see her, no matter what the reason. For it proved she was not as distant as she seemed.

"Sohkarra." she said. "I'm glad to see you."

Sohkarra nodded at her. "It seems we got here just in time. I need to speak with your brother."

"Of course." Marianne was discouraged at her apparent lack of emotion. She looked at JaKal who returned her gaze with a look of sadness in his own blue eyes. There was nothing he could say that would adequately explain why things were as they appeared now.

"Jaime?" Cameron gasped. "Jaime Garrett, or is that even your real name?"

Calmly, the Princess corrected him. "I am Princess Sohkarra. Or you may call me Jaime if it makes you more comfortable." Indicating Presley next to her, "This young man here with us is the host of the spirit of my brother, Prince Rapses. I believe you already know him as the son of Amanda Carnavon, Presley."

Then inclining her head toward her remaining guardians, "Let me present JaKal, the leader of the royal guardians, whom you know as Jack. And Armon, warrior extraordinaire. Then of course you've already met Nefertina and Rath."

"Glad to know ya!" Armon piped up. After all, it couldn't hurt to try to lighten it up, for the tension here was so thick it could be cut with a knife, and a dull one at that.

"So it is true….." Cameron started. At Sohkarra's questioning look, continued, "You broke with royal tradition and married one of your guardians? And managed to get away with it? Is that what the papyrus meant?"

"My life in the past in not the issue here," Sohkarra stopped him. "It is not something I will discuss with you. Nor need to justify; least of all to you."

Undaunted and almost more curious than he could bear, plowed on, "You don't know how long I've been looking for you." he choked out, still unbelieving of what he was hearing, but yet sensing she was who she said she was. But these people looked like anyone he would normally run into during his everyday routines. "Ever since your body disappeared."

"How can you even think of that now?" Sohkarra asked angrily. "Now you can say you have found me. But right now, even you must agree we have much more important matters to deal with. Not the least of which is your sister's safety and well being as well as that of her unborn child."

Presley piped up, "Plus if you were to tell everyone what you know now, Scarab would know who I am. He would never let up on any of us. You understand that, don't you?"

Cameron looked at him, still unbelieving. "How do I know you are who you say you are?" he demanded of this ancient Princess, who for all her youthful looks, which made her look younger than he, was in reality, older than he by hundreds of years.

"How would you have me prove it?" asked the Princess. "Before you respond, be sure you wish to know the answer. And know that you must not tell anyone what you see here. It would be disastrous for all within these walls."

"Change yourselves over to look like her." he said nodding at Nefertina who'd changed over. Rath had not.

"All right." Sohkarra said. The only sound to be heard was her soft voice as she chanted, "Great Forces, remove my spell of life on these souls and restore them to their true appearance." Then all at once, a blue light enveloped the remaining guardians and where there had stood well-dressed individuals were now those same individuals in their mummified forms. All except Sohkarra herself. And Presley, of course.

Cameron was quick to notice the difference. "Why didn't you change along with them?" he asked, glancing between Sohkarra and Presley.

"As you yourself said, the ancient powers are great indeed. The secret of my restoration is something known but to myself and a chosen few. As I stated before, Presley is the host for my brother's spirit. The search lasted for 3500 years" she answered mysteriously. "Do you require further convincing?"

"Nothing that you would probably be willing to tell me," he muttered as he wondered what search he spoke of. Instead, nodded his head in the negative.

Seeming content with his response, Sohkarra continued, "And now, thanks to circumstances we had no control over, we have a far greater situation to deal with, as you can see and will no doubt agree. With this knowledge, I am sure you would not care to expose us to the world. To do so would also expose your sister's most unusual condition. While I am sure you care not whether my guardians and I are exposed to the crude and disrespectful methods of dealing with ancient bodies such as we have seen displayed in this sometimes barbaric time, I am equally sure you would not want your sister or the child she carries exposed to the same treatment. Or an innocent boy." As she said this, she again held Presley tightly at her side. "As if they were nothing more than scientific curiosities."

"Exactly. You and they are exactly that." said Cameron in a most aggressive manner. "But I want you to understand this. I will not stand for anything else that risks my sister's life. Don't any of you think you can make her quietly get rid of it as if it were some infection! That's my nephew inside her! I am family!"

"Or niece." said Marianne looking up at him. Protectiveness for her overwhelmed his pride. She was his sister after all.

Sohkarra, who was by now losing her patience with the brother of her friend, "I have something to say to you." she said sharply.

This brought him up short. He was not used to having a woman speak to him thus. Much less by someone who claimed to be a 3500 year old Egyptian Princess.

When she saw that she had his attention, continued, "I will say this only once. Even though I am far removed from my own time and home, I am still a Princess of the Royal House of Amenhotep. As such, I will not be addressed in a manner as you are displaying. I will forgive your tone this once, for I know from personal experience how much of a shock you have received this day. You would be wise to remember my words. Lest my guardians will help you remember." She hadn't come here for a meaningless confrontation, but rather seeking a rational solution to what had befallen them. She meant what she said about forgiving Cameron's insolence this once for she realized he was still in shock over his recent discoveries. As were they all. He too, must learn to accept the truth.

He could do nothing but stare at her. When he would have said something in return, he glanced around and saw that the guardians had closed ranks around her. He could see they were prepared to defend her against him if necessary. "I understand your Highness. Please accept my humble apologies for my outburst. It will not happen again."

"Very well." she said simply.

Marianne couldn't help a small grin that appeared. No one, much less a woman, had ever called her brother to the carpet for his sometimes abrupt ways before. But Sohkarra had accomplished it easily. He wouldn't soon forget his reprimand by the ancient Princess.

"My dear boy, what are you on about?" Rath inquired, getting Cameron's attention away from the irate Sohkarra.

"She is not getting an abortion." said Cameron. "She told me herself." His tone had gone down at least an octave.

"That has never been our intention." Sohkarra interjected. "But we will not allow you to compromise us further. I should for all our sakes, remove your memories of us."

Marianne perked up at that. "Sohkarra!" she implored. "Please don't do that! He won't divulge your secrets! You have my word!"

Sohkarra went to her then. "Don't you see? He knows too much. There is too much at stake now."

"Wait!" Nefertina said. "It's her choice. Don't talk about her like she isn't here. JaKal was bad enough, saying she had to 'deal with it'! Sohkarra, this is a baby we're talking about here. How can you act as if it is your decision?"

Sohkarra turned on her cat guardian. "Will you go against me?"

Nefertina had never felt this from her Princess and friend before. "Of course not. But I've never known you to turn your back on anyone, much less a friend who needed you before. Your behavior has all of us worried."

"I'm not the one you should be worried for." She left that statement wide open.

"Thanks Nef, for your support." Marianne said, eyes like blue steel. "It is my decision alone." And looking to Rath, asked him a question she knew would put him on the spot. "Rath, do you stand with me? Or not? I want this baby!"

Rather shocked, Rath coughed. "Errrr....well,....I....er....."

"She's pretty determined. And Cameron is too."

"Whatever ...you feel is right my love." Rath sighed. He could do nothing in this case. For in his mind he was secretly glad to have another one to carry his name. It truly was a unique child. The emotional side detached from the scientific.

A Child. A boy to raise as a sorcerer? Or a girl to raise as a priestess? He could remember that first time his other love had given birth. How he held the tiny person in his arms for the first time. And that little face looked into his and smiled. With those eyes and perfect hands and feet. Its mother squatted in isolation; in triumph.

"Oh Ashake, if you had only seen them grow," he sighed and closed his eyes. "But you never lived after the childbirth. For you died so soon after giving life to our son. I am only sorry I sent him and his sister away. For every time I looked at them they reminded me of you. And what I had lost when you died. Forgive me my love."

Now he would not walk away. This was a second chance. But how could he be a father to a child when he was technically long dead? A pale shadow of what he had once been?

Marianne could well raise him. But how would she survive the stigma of an unwed mother? Granted in this time unmarried pregnancies were widespread. She'd be accepted socially. But her religion might shun her. For she explained that in the Church of England, unwed mothers were frowned upon.

Then he realized the enigma. Of whom Tharakenat's parents had been. Himself, and his first wife, Ashake. The Celtic bard to whom he'd been married for only a few short years of bliss. And how she had disappeared after the birth of their son. How this had closed his heart off. For when Chontra returned, he was angry and bitter. She had not dared approach. Then history had changed, and this was the result, a new life, unexpected had come into being.

When Trynia received the news, she was very concerned. Such paradoxes could be most hazardous. Immediately she started working on a project in her laboratory that she shared with Mennehotep.

The lady in question came into the lab, a bit concerned when she saw the expression on Trynia's face. "What ails you my friend?"

"You know about the recent development?"

"Yes. Sohkarra just told me."

"It's a real problem." Trynia said. "A child being developed from a woman who traveled through time. This is a most dangerous paradox! And I must be sure to account for all the variables."

"You are like Sohkarra." Said Menne. "Acting as if this child is a thing to be feared."

"I appreciate personal concern, but Sohkarra is right that this is a problem. You know well I am sworn to uphold the laws of time. I never should have let them go back into the past!"

"Osiris and Isis are powerful gods," Menne told her. "You couldn't go against their will. Any more than Sohkarra could have."

"But Maat should have stopped them!" said Trynia, very frustrated. "The time travel authority is having fits! It took a lot of us to fix this mess you people have made of your own timeline."

"True. But is all well?"

"Hardly. I must study this child and learn of its impact "

"Then I would suggest maybe she should come here." Said Mennehotep. "To stay with us"

"You've never met Marianne, have you?"

"No. Not till that brief time when I was in the past "

"Why don't you and Tuthmosis bring her here as soon as possible then," said Trynia. "I need to gather data immediately."

To Marianne's apartment the couple went. They had been told the way of it by Sohkarra who was still furious. Menne couldn't help but feel sympathy for this woman who was Rath's sweetheart. The same woman that Sohkarra herself had been instrumental in pairing with her cobra guardian. What right did Sohkarra have to be so distant to a friend? What could possibly be prompting her to act as such? What was her reason? From all indications, even JaKal could not reach her. She made a mental note to seek out the young Princess herself and try to find out why she was behaving so uncharacteristically.

Marianne sat in sorrow, with Nefertina nearby. Rath had left to run some errands. Sohkarra had left with her remaining guardians and Presley.

Marianne gasped in surprise the minute the two others walked in. "Who are you?" she asked.

"They're friends." Said Nefertina. "Allow me to present Queen Mennehotep and…"

Upon seeing Tuthmosis, even in street clothes, she gasped, "It cannot be you! Tuthmosis!"

"That is my name," he smiled. "And you are the Lady Marianne."

"But wait. You're his grandson then," said Marianne, trying to get things clear. "Tuthmosis III! How could you come to life when your mummy was so badly damaged?"

"Sohkarra's miraculous power of resurrection has restored me to the prime of my afterlife." He explained. "All damage was reversed."

"Oh, to actually meet the grandson of the Pharaoh I saw crowned," said she, bowing to them.

"Peace," he said to her. "Rise. We have come to assist you in your present situation."

"I am Mennehotep," said Menne, helping her to rise. "I have very much wanted to meet you for a long time "

Glad to see a friendly face, Marianne let Menne take her hand. The Queen helped her to sit down, and Tuthmosis sat next to his wife. "I understand you are expecting a child…"

"Yes. Rath's and mine," said she. "But everyone seems to be adamant I get rid of it!"

Menne was surprised. "Sohkarra has said this to you?"

"No, she has not." Marianne conceded. "At least not in so many words."

Menne shook her head. "She of all should understand what a precious gift life is. And how fleeting it can be." She said with a sigh. "I have had two children myself. And it was very difficult for me to become so "

"Sohkarra has been so cold to me." Marianne said. "I thought she was my friend. Too bad, that with all her powers, they cannot help her see her way to me in this."

"Despite how badly she is conducting herself now, she still is. Never let yourself doubt it." Menne said. "She is young and tends to be......."

"Hard headed," said Tuthmosis helpfully. "And stubborn. Not unlike you were at that age, my beloved. But she is also compassionate and possesses a great feel for life in all its forms. She will come around, for her respect and feeling of friendship for you runs deeper than whatever is bothering her now."

Menne laughed as she remembered. "But back to business. We are offering you a safe haven at Trynia's warehouse. She has expressed concern over your pregnancy and wants to make sure everything is all right."

"We will understand if you say no," Tuthmosis said. "But do understand, we will not force you to rid yourself of your child. But rather to understand its uniqueness "

"Thank you for taking my side." She sighed. "I feel so also! Even Rath acts as if this is my fault."

"Two are required to sire a child," Tuthmosis said. "After so long in this new time, he forgets the duty of a husband to his wife or to the child."

"Come with us, dear one," said Menne, putting an arm around Marianne's shoulders. "We will help you."

"On one condition. That Trynia's observations in no way endanger this baby."

"I give my word they will not." Said Menne. "As a Queen of Egypt and Great Wife."

"I swear you will not be harmed, nor will your unborn one," said Tuthmosis. "Do not fear. We will help you in this crisis."

At last she felt she had allies in this mess. Marianne called her brother to her and introduced him to the royal couple. In awe, he was quite amazed. Once he got over his dazzled state, he agreed that perhaps it was better that she "disappear" into a more friendly environment.

"But I am coming with you." He insisted. "This child is my flesh and blood too. I will stand by my sister, whatever she decides."

"You know your family duty well." Tuthmosis said to him. "And should be well commended for it."

"Let us be off," said Mennehotep. Cameron helped his sister pack a few of her things, and kissed Nefertina goodbye. She was unsure of how finding out her secret affected their relationship.

In the warehouse, Mennehotep showed Marianne to a small room with a bed and dresser. All the modern comforts of home were there. Trynia had thoughtfully placed special sensory devices her and there, so if there were any problems, she could act accordingly. Pregnancies presented challenge enough when considered 'normal', but this one, for its unusual origin, could prove to be a challenge indeed.

Cameron helped his sister to settle in, and then joined them in the main room. Tuthmosis and Menne changed into their bandaged clad forms. They used Menne's special cosmetics to hide their appearance.

Cameron couldn't help his question. "Why do you not appear human as Sohkarra and her guardians do? If I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't have believed."

Menne looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"Sohkarra and her guardians looked human when I first met them. Then she turned them into their mummified forms. But she didn't change along with them."

Menne laughed. "Oh that. I do not possess the secret of the life spell as the young Princess does. It is not something she discusses."

"Nothing like a clear cut answer." muttered Cameron. He thought of the papyrus.

Trynia stood up from her computer as then went in. And extended a hand to Marianne. "Let me first apologize for your current predicament " she said. "I wish I had not let you go back. This all could have been handled much better."

"I am not sorry I loved Rath." Marianne said firmly.

"I don't want to add to your anger and resentment. But you must understand what responsibilities I have for upholding the laws of time "

"And you must understand that I am a mother, and the safety of my unborn child is what is at stake. I will do what I must to protect it."

"This is true," Trynia said. "That is why I asked you here. As a safe haven where I can study you and your child and find a safe way to help you. To help you bring this child into the world if that is what is meant to happen "

"That means away from the Sphinx." said Mennehotep to Marianne. "Away from Sohkarra, JaKal, and the others. Expectant mothers shouldn't have that sort of stress is that the right word, Trynia?"

"Yes," she nodded. "If this baby is to be born, you need to take care of yourself. Even if that means being away from negative sources of emotion. You have been under a lot of stress, and it's the last thing you need."

"But what are the dangers?"

"Temporal paradox," Trynia said. "There have been cases of this before. Not on your planet, but in your planet's future "

"But didn't you have children? With Tharakenat?" Marianne asked her.

"I have only recently discovered that fact," Trynia said, a pained look on her face. "I will deal with that issue in time. But you are correct. Yet I had been adapted to live in that time. And the children remained in that time when I went into shutdown. You have conceived in the past, and you and the baby have returned to a time beyond that for which you were prepared."

"That is true," said Mennehotep. "And that is why we must take care. I will do all in my alchemical power to make sure this baby is healthy and strong to survive birth."

"I suppose taking it to a hospital is out of the question." Marianne said.

"Yes. You must take some sort of maternity leave from your work. This could be a difficult pregnancy." Said Trynia.

"I have already done so," she said. "Requested a sabbatical. I suppose I could spend it here, but......"

"She will be all right here, won't she?" Cameron asked. "If I read your intention correctly, it is to have her stay. "

"She will be able to interact with the outside world here better than in the Sphinx," said Menne. "Away from Scarab. Here she is under the protection of the house of Tuthmosis."

"What does that mean?" Cameron asked.

"It means, my good man," said Tuthmosis, "That I have intervened for the sake of a greater purpose. On the request of my good wife. I have done this before. This incident will no doubt create tension betwixt our respective guardians and the children and guardians of the House of Amenhotep. But be assured that I will stand by my wife in her decisions, and those of the Lady Trynia."

"Sohkarra was so angry at me!" Marianne sighed. "As if it were my fault. I don't want to be the cause of discord between all of you. I couldn't bear it."

"I will have words with her. For this is more to her behavior than what she is telling. I think she will talk to me." said Mennehotep. "But we will give it a little time. Already Nefertina brings word to the sister and guardians of Rapses. They will know that we are behind you, supporting you."

"But that might create an even worse situation!" Marianne cried. "They might turn against you."

"They have before, but justice and reason prevailed." Menne said. "I am a Queen, and I will not stand by when Trynia has a concern, as is duly noted. For a time, I was a guardian of Rapses, but now I have my own fights. Preserving life and friendship is one of them...Between both our great houses."

"But why do I get the sense you have another reason?" Marianne asked her.

"There is a more selfish reason," said Mennehotep. "Have you ever wondered why that bracelet you wear works so well for you?"

"Yes but I suppose you wanted it back "

"I do. But you see, my sister Kara had prepared a host body for herself in the future. Karen Romano herself was descended from Kara herself. What no one else knew was the same contingency was put into action for myself. Should my mummified form be destroyed and incapable of hosting my spirit when Kara returned "

"Wait What does this mean?"

"Sethnakhte and Tharakenat prepared a plan by which Kara should she be resurrected in the future, I could stop her," said Mennehotep. "That was why Rath awakened me. But he resurrected my mummified for. Had my mummy not been found, or been destroyed, the spell would have found another means to work "

"Wait you don't mean you'd come back and possess a living person .do you?"

"Yes," said Mennehotep with shame. "That is initially why I wished to help you . For you are descended from me distantly yes. But you were to be my host should my mummy be destroyed!"

"This is crazy," Marianne gasped. "You would have taken me over?"

"Not without your permission of course. I'm not like Kara who simply took without asking. But you are your own person. I cannot or could not have brought myself to take you over, even if it did mean I'd be stronger "

"I don't know what to say "

"Know this. You are related to me, flesh and blood centuries ago. By some forgotten line"

"But my ancestors are English and Scottish and Irish." She said. "No one was in Egypt. Wait! There Celts in Egypt long ago.. Before they were recognized as so."

"Yes. And somehow that Celt blood merged with Egyptian." Said Mennehotep. "You do recall the children Hemrata and Tharakenat?"

"Yes. Rath's children."

"Yes. Somehow their relatives; for there were others he did not mention of his previous wife. Must have married in to my royal family." Said Mennehotep. "Tuthmosis had other wives. So he passed on the spell and the blood bonding to one of them."

"Yes," said Tuthmosis. "Your own daughter married one named Sehnenrath a Scribe of Trynia's house. And he had Celt blood. The child did end up wanting to return to the land from which one of its ancestors did."

"So wait! I am related to all of you distantly? That Rath is some great, great, grandfather, several times over? How could that be?" asked Marianne.

It was Cameron who answered. "Well, perhaps I have an explanation. As you know, in Ptolomeic Egypt there were Romans in your country. It's possible several Egyptians could have either married or taken slaves to sell in Rome. Everyone knows the Romans tried to conquer remote parts like Brittania and Gaul. It is possible some of your relatives, Great One ended up in Brittania around shortly in the Common Era. And may well have intermarried with the Celts! It's well known that England has had many successive waves of immigration and conquering ."

"Yes." Said Tuthmosis. "That is how Menne explained it to me. I was not believing at first. But as I am a Pharaoh, I have sensed the blood link within you, Marianne. And you, Professor Ellis.

"That is astounding!" Cameron gasped. "I am related to Egyptian Royalty! But considering how diverse a background we British have, with the invasion of the Romans, the Anglo Saxons, the Vikings, The Normans it is little wonder more of us could not trace our roots to Egypt. For certainly there is a hint of Roman in my family. And I do know how migrations go. But it is wild and hard to prove."

"Wait. There is a way to conclusively prove this--Not that I doubt your sincerity Great Ones. But I am a scientist who needs proof. Surely you can understand that, Queen Menne "

"Yes. We can give whatever proof you desire."

"If I could isolate your DNA and separate it and compare it to my own I will be convinced."

"Doubtless " said Trynia. "I have already confirmed the story. When I examined your results of your tests upon Tuthmosis' and Menne's mummies. And that of your own DNA which you separated from Rath and yourself."

"So you have anticipated this. But what is your interest in protecting me?" asked Marianne.

"I am responsible for your predicament. Do not assume all the blame for this for a moment. I assure you now that I will take the necessary steps to preserve this unique life in its gestation, and in its ultimate lifespan…"

"I thank you, but Sohkarra was the last word…"

"That was part of it, but my machine was the instrument of intervention…"

Marianne went over to the cybernami, and gripped her filigreed hand within her own. For a creature of such power, Trynia's gentle grasp seemed odd in contrast. "I thank you in ways I cannot express…"

"Your gratitude is not necessary," Trynia blushed. "It is my duty to preserve life, in accordance with the Creator's laws, and my inaction would cause more harm to the timeline then you can anticipate."

"How am I connected to all of you?" Marianne muttered.

"That is history, and supposition. And it is a tenuous link." Trynia explained. "By all rights you are related to me as well. For the inhabitants of my world were once as humans themselves. Although my own people may be loathe to admit it. And Tuthmosis III! Your ties following your trip to the past is also closely linked with the House of Amenhotep."

"This is a family matter," said Tuthmosis III. "You are a daughter of the House of Egypt. Even if your blood is diluted, it still flows. Why else did you have such an interest in Egyptian history? Or feel the call as you entered your trade? You were searching for yourself."

"So you are like great grandparents to me. Even though I'm English." She said, shaking her head.

"You were also for a time in the house of Tuthmosis I," said Mennehotep. "And the girl Hemrata you cared for was my first guardian before Trynia. She taught me to fight and taught me to stand up for what I believed in."

"Hemrata knew you?" asked Marianne, not believing it. "But she was a child of five when I knew her!"

"She was a middle aged woman when she guarded me." Said Mennehotep. "She often spoke fondly of her mother."

"Yes. But she spoke of a great alchemist. I assumed that she meant Ashake .she who was married to Rath. But over the years the two legends were blended "

"I am part of my own history?"

"Yes. That is why we are duty bound to assist you." Said Tuthmosis. "Trynia has explained it to us. You are our flesh and blood, and the ties that bind Trynia's family to mine."

"And through myself, I am bonded to Rath with this child!"

"Your ties to him cement an alliance to Amenhotep's house as well. To the Prince and Princess of that great house that preceded our own." Said Tuthmosis. "We must all work together to preserve this child's life, for the sake of that great house as well as its own children and guardians and many others!"

"And its life must preserved, for it impacts us in ways you cannot begin to comprehend at this time," Trynia added in a low voice.

"But why cannot Sohkarra see this?"

"She does, but suffers from her own loss that she has yet to explain to you. And this stems from a state of denial of her own pain… and when she comes to terms with it I pray to Matrix that she will have the compassion to understand and take on her responsibility to protect this child…"

Meanwhile Sohkarra had just gotten word from Nefertina as to Marianne's status. Needless to say, she was not happy at the news that Marianne had moved into the protection of Tuthmosis. It seemed a pattern that he interfered in affairs of her own royal house for the length of time she'd known him.

"Why did Menne have to get personally involved?" she grumbled.

"She has her reasons." JaKal said. "As Trynia does."

"Trynia wanted to study this child." Said Nefertina. "That is the best place for Marianne now. Can't you see that?"

"But why do Tuthmosis and Menne involve themselves?" asked Sohkarra. "They are our friends."

"Why does this bother you?" Rath asked, a bit puzzled by Sohkarra's anger. It was understandable that Marianne's pregnancy might endanger Rapses' safety. But since Trynia now provided a safe haven, why was Sohkarra upset by this?

"Tuthmosis is involving himself in something that is not his problem or affair!" Sohkarra gritted her teeth. "He did it before when my father returned "

"But you must admit you needed his help," said JaKal. "You were only too happy that he stood behind us being united."

"But that was different!" Sohkarra shouted. "He wished to help me after I reunited him with his wife. I did not ask for his assistance."

The guardians had to concede this point.

"Rath is the guardian of my brother and myself. Marianne was in the service of my father! This is an affair of my father's house! Not theirs!" she stormed.

"Sohkarra," Rath said, surprised at her behavior. "I am shocked! Why are you so hostile toward Marianne? I openly admit I was also to blame for this. After all didn't I teach you the facts of life when you were old enough?"

She blushed when she recalled that little talk he'd had with her, about the Egyptian version of the birds and the bees. But she had learned much having a horse for a pet, when she saw her own beloved horse Kiya give birth to a foal. She hadn't told Rath that she had also seen the stallion with Kiya at the time of conception. Plus the fact that she had helped many expectant mothers give birth; case in point, Tia!

"I learned them with or without your tutelage, Rath." She said firmly, deliberately leaving the statement wide open. She ignored the looks she got from her companions and continued, "You seem to have hidden a few facts from us as well. About your own marriage before Marianne, and the two children you sent away! Why can you not do the same here?"

JaKal's mouth dropped open. "Sohkarra!" he exclaimed. He could not believe what she was saying. Sure she was angry; as was he. But he was not about to blame a helpless child for the circumstances of its birth. This was so unlike her! Had the safety of her brother undermined her friendship with Marianne? Yes, for she too swore to be a guardian, as they all did. Because she with her teachings, had a more widespread responsibility to protect life, in all its forms. How could she forget this? For some reason, this baby was a threat, in her mind. Though she would let none in on why she thought this.

He even wondered if their love could survive such a change that seemed to be coming over her. Did she realize all she risked with her continued behavior?

"Princess, by the powers of Isis, listen to what you are saying!" JaKal still spoke up. "You cannot ask a father to just walk away from his family! I did and look what it got them! A son who only heard of me when he was old enough to understand, raised by another. I know what Rath is going through."

Rath shook his head. "No," he said. "I walked away from my responsibility as a father before."

"But you did so out of duty," said Sohkarra. "You did do right thing by having Sethnakte raise them. He offered to help. He did not have your responsibilities. Besides their mother was not around to....."

JaKal, Armon, and Nefertina, all shocked, in chorus spoke up, "Princess!"

A pained look appeared on Rath's face. "You knew my wife Princess. You have her memory of her caring for you and the Prince within your mind even though she left us when you were still very young."

"Your wife is partially responsible for the way I feel now Rath!" Sohkarra stormed. "She interfered where she had no business. She overstepped her boundaries and took something from me that she had no right to."

Rath looked at her confused. "What could she possibly have done? She has been absent for all these years."

Sohkarra again clammed up. She had said all she would for the moment. Rath's look of pain was also reflected on her own face. She realized she had overstepped though what she said was truth. There would be reckoning for that. But she couldn't back away from this situation now. To top it off, she had earned JaKal's wrath as well. She couldn't tell them what was driving her now, for she didn't completely understand it herself. "I remember she left and I knew what was in your heart when she did. How much you missed her. How you threw yourself into your work. I know more than you can possibly imagine."

Then Rath muttered, "You don't understand what I went through "

"What was that Rath? Sohkarra asked, having approached her guardian. "If you think I do not, then help me to understand your point!"

"You cannot understand the anguish I went through losing my wife!" he said, raising his voice. Still it was deadly calm. "Every time I looked at those babies, I saw her! And it pained me. So I gave them to my brother because I couldn't face being a father for them. Oh yes, I provided for their needs. But Hemrata hated me for abandoning her and her brother. As much as she almost hated her mother for leaving .when she died."

Sohkarra lowered her eyes. "I better than any know what you felt. Do you forget that you also helped me to accustom myself to this curse I'd been born with? You told me it was a gift that I should cherish."

"If you had, then you would not be in such a state now." Rath answered her quietly.

"Rath, you know your duty as father must come first." Said JaKal. "I too paid the ultimate price with Padjet."

"But you still had a family!" Rath finally exploded. "I did, but I turned my back on them when she died. I should not have done that! The child Marianne carries is mine! I will not run away from being a father again!"

"Rath, I am surprised at you. I have never said you could not be with your child. But you are also sworn to the royal house. That is not my word, rather the command of my father! " Sohkarra said. "You are sworn to protect Rapses! By your own vows. Will you go back on your vows now and abandon the House of Amenhotep?"

"I shall continue to protect the Great House of Amenhotep, my Princess. But do not ask me to turn my back on the women I called 'beloved sister'. Whom I also swore to love and support. Whose child I helped create?" Then Rath glared right into the face of his Princess. "Would you have me abandon this child, Sohkarra?"

"I must work my own way through this Rath." she said to him. "There is more to this than even you know my tutor."

In his anger, he turned to walk away, not even stopping as JaKal moved in way. "Do not try to stop me JaKal." He said.

"But you are sworn to uphold your duty to Sohkarra."

"Yes but what does that duty mean when a child is put in the middle? You may be my mistress Sohkarra, but this child is innocent. Caught in the middle of a dispute. It should not be the subject of your anger just because you cannot come to terms with whatever is bothering you. For you will not disclose to those of us closest to you what it is. As for me, I take responsibility. If you wish punishment exacted, then punish me. By Egyptian law, children are the property of the father. And as a reasonable one I take the blame for whatever this child may represent."

"He is right," and then JaKal, who could take no more of this, spoke up. "You cannot dispute that law, that your own words, you say your great Father bids you and I uphold. This quarreling will only divide us; make us weaker. The worst thing for the pack of wolves is to allow the females to create discord "

"JaKal, do you speak against my will? She asked, a bit annoyed at this defiance. "You my head Guardian, accuse me of creating discord? I'm not the one who created this dilemma!" she stormed, looking right at Rath as she said this. "But by all rights, I should have been!"

They were all startled by her remark and wondered at its cause.

"Think of the child Princess! You swore to defend life, in all its forms. This young one will need all of us, especially you. I cannot believe you would leave a blameless child to the mercies of our enemies! You have been blessed with the great powers that will be needed to protect this child as you would your own brother. As you would a child of your own. As you have protected your friends, including Marianne! She needs you now, more than ever! Will you abandon her?! She is with us now because of your own order! And you yourself encouraged the two of them to be together. How soon you forget Princess!"

Sohkarra couldn't believe how close to home he hit with his words as they stung her to her very core. "I am not the great protector JaKal!" she cried. "I am not the difference between life and death for this child!"

At her inflamed statement that confirmed to him that she had more to tell that she still would not, he stormed away, leaving everyone watching his back. He had never addressed the Princess; the woman he loved in that way before.

She knew he was not entirely talking about what was happening now But her pride would not let her admit to him that she had failed him. Had failed on a much larger scale.

Sohkarra felt shame fill her. Such a sense of duty. But she was still angry at this whole mess Rath and Marianne had gotten them all into.

"Rath, if you must go. Go. I won't stop you. I cannot think of what to do at this point. I am still so shocked and angry. Go to her. Be a father. But remember, your duty to this house comes first."

"Won't you tell us what is bothering you my Princess?" he asked. "You must get rid of it before it destroys you."

"I cannot." she answered. "But remember my words."

"I have not forgotten my duty for one moment, my Princess." He said sadly as he left to prepare himself for his trip. "But I cannot say the same for yourself…"

His words wounded more than she would ever let on. Even Armon and Nefertina walked away from her, not knowing what else to do.

Rath carried a few items he had slipped into a plastic sac. Plastic was an odd material in the future. There was little substance like it in ancient Egypt. He let his scientific mind ponder the miracles of plastic s he traveled to the warehouse.

Mennehotep was there to meet him. The two friends embraced, sharing their concern. Long ago he had once loved Menne, or thought he did. Now the love was still present, as a basis for a strong friendship that little could break.

"She is waiting for you." Menne whispered to him.

"I thank you from the depths of my soul, Mennehotep, for intervening. Sohkarra is consumed with anger. I fear to think what she would do in a fit of rage."

"She knows better than that Rath. You yourself taught her responsibility for the use of such power. I still refuse to believe she would harm an innocent babe."

"She also carries the training of the 'Masters'. You know as well as I that they are the bearers of the dark magics. They bequeathed that knowledge on her highness as well." Rath answered. "If she feels this child is a threat to Rapses there is no telling what she may do to prevent its birth, or if she would anything at all."

"Hush. Don't even think of that! She will not!" said Mennehotep. "You forget. This is a child not yet born. You being a father yourself twice over should know that most of all."

He flushed when he realized she knew about his family now. Hemrata and Thar. But of course Hemrata had been Menne's guardian, so how could she not know?

They went down the hall to the small room Marianne occupied. She was about four months along since they came back, and there was no danger thus far. At the sound of the door, Marianne woke up. She had been napping at Menne's insistence. Somehow she wished Menne wouldn't treat her like an invalid. After all, pregnant women had been working right up until delivery. But the fact that this child was different from others had prompted extra caution. In that light, she didn't have the heart to argue. They all wanted what was best for her.

"You have a visitor here " Menne said to Marianne. "Are you awake?"

"Who on Earth?" Marianne asked, but brightened up instantly at the sight of Rath there. Instantly he went to her arms, sitting on the edge of the bed as they embraced. He was careful not to hold her too tightly. But his eagerness was there all the same. From a distance, Mennehotep smiled for both of them. She remembered the excitement and fear that had surrounded her first pregnancy.

"My love, forgive me for not coming sooner." Rath said, smoothing her hair. "But I was otherwise occupied."

"I understand." Said Marianne. "But at least you came! It is so good to see you!"

"I could not stay away long," said he. "Sohkarra has given me leave to be at your side. I cannot leave you to bear this alone. I swore an oath to be at your side in the past and I will not make the mistake I made before "

"Rath settle down " Marianne laughed as she held him again. Then she again got serious. "Sohkarra, is she...... I mean you said she gave you leave to be here."

"Her highness is trying to cope. Her anger is still high, I'm sorry to say." Rath responded. "There is something within her that will allow her no peace. Until she faces that eventuality, I fear for her."

"Menne, what will become of us?" Marianne asked her. She missed the companionship the younger Princess provided. And missed the laughter she had once brought to her. Would it ever be again?

"I will talk to her. This foolishness is more of a threat than an unborn baby and has gone on long enough. For this dissention between the house of Amenhotep and Tuthmosis could well meet with disaster. It is time to go to the source."

Leaving the couple alone, she closed the door. And made her preparations to meet with her old friend, Sohkarra. She knew that perhaps she was the best hope of smoothing out ruffled feathers in this case.

With the blessing of Tuthmosis, she left the warehouse heading for the Sphinx.

Upon arriving at the sphinx, Menne first met up with Armon and Nefertina. Of everyone, they seemed the only two who had managed to keep their heads about them. They greeted Menne warmly and answered her requests to see JaKal before she spoke with Sohkarra, whom they both reiterated was still most upset. And in fact, hadn't been herself since returning to the future. They were most worried about her.

Menne found JaKal meditating. He often did this when he needed to collect his thoughts. His responsibilities were heavy enough before this had happened. But with the apparent discord of Sohkarra's actions, and their own budding relationship, his soul must indeed be out of tune with his mind.

She called out to him, "JaKal."

He heard her and immediately went to her. They too embraced as old friends. "What do we owe the honor of this visit?" he asked, but he suspected he already knew.

"Guess." Menne said with a little laugh.

"I hope you can reach her, for I swear to Ra that I cannot." He said sadly. "Ever since she got the news about Marianne, her Ba and Ka have been out of balance with one another. She refuses to talk to anyone about what is bothering her. The only one whose company she seems to crave is that of her brother."

"She still loves you JaKal. That much I can sense just from being in her vicinity." Menne assured the hunter. "She needs you now more than ever before."

"Well, if she does, she has a most peculiar way of showing it." JaKal came back.

"You two have been through more than your share of trials." Menne commented. "But for all of that, you have become stronger together. Let me talk to her and find out what is going on."

JaKal merely said, "I would appreciate any help you can render. For I honestly believe that it is not so much the child she is upset about, but something much deeper. Something I may have an idea about that myself."

"Out with it." Menne asked. "What are you thinking?"

"I would prefer not to say until you talk to her." JaKal remained evasive. "If it is what I suspect, then she will have to talk to me soon. And I will welcome that chance."

Menne knowingly looked at her old friend. "So you are still in love with her, in spite of this latest crises." It was more a statement than question.

JaKal looked at her as if he couldn't believe what she'd said. " She is a magical individual. I do not speak just of her abilities. She put a spell on my soul that I have no wish to break. You know that. I swore an oath to her father that I would care for her forever. But even if I had not, I would never give up on her, for I know her heart. Now it and her mind are in discord. But we will prevail! We are united!" He said this last part with conviction that none would dare doubt.

"I certainly had no doubt of that my friend." Menne told him. "She is a very lucky young woman to have one such as you in love with her." Then she left JaKal to seek out the young Princess she could only hope she could reach.

Sohkarra heard the soft sounds of sandals on the floor even before the knock on her door. She'd been expecting this visit for days.

"I knew you'd make your way here Menne." Sohkarra said to her newly arrived friend. "What took you so long?"

"I'm sure you did." Menne answered her. "But I was really hoping you would find your way to me first."

"I've been a little preoccupied lately."

"As have we all." Menne answered. "But Marianne says you have been less than your usual charming self toward her since she told you her news."

"Don't you see Menne?" Sohkarra stormed at her friend feeling the need to vent her emotions. "All of this is my fault! And my failure!"

"Your failure?" Menne smiled at the younger Princess. "How do you figure?"

"Many mistakes were made and now I must pay for them!"

"Is this the same Princess who has such confidence in her powers that she was able to bring my husband back from the land of the dead? And has on more than one occasion helped each and every one of us?

"No, it's nothing like that."

"Whatever are you on about then?" Menne asked Sohkarra.

"This is hard for me to talk about." Sohkarra whispered so low that Menne could barely hear her. "I cannot believe we even considered it."

"Who is 'we'?" Menne asked. "Out with it young Princess. I really must insist!"

Sohkarra stared at Menne, who had never spoken to her thus before.

"Now!" Menne stated, most insistently.

Sohkarra just looked at Menne with a haunted look in her eyes. "I'm concerned for what this could mean to all of us."

"There's more to it than that, isn't there?" asked Menne. And then a little impatiently, "Now, out with it young Princess. What is your unspoken concern? I've never known of you to turn your back on someone in need; much less a friend. It is most unbecoming."

"For a Princess?" Sohkarra mimicked back at her friend.

"Exactly!" returned Menne. "Your great parents would be most disappointed in you for your behavior."

"That's not fair!" Sohkarra stormed back. "If it was not for my father and his request, none of this would have happened!"

"Go on. Tell me what you're feeling." Menne coaxed her.

"Everyone said it was my responsibility to go back. Then when we did go back, I couldn't even be recognized by my parents because my former self had to die. I had to watch Tia take my place at JaKal's side and make like it was nothing. Rapses had to die again, despite everything we did to try to prevent it! And the worst part is the betrayal......and the loss."

"Betrayal? Loss?" Menne asked. "What are you talking about? You speak in riddles."

Menne took hold of Sohkarra's shoulders as if to shake her. "Talk to me young one! Before you drive yourself crazy over something you had no control over!"

"No, for you'll condemn me for my weakness." Sohkarra said softly. "But no more so than I've already condemned myself."

"What weakness do you think you have?" Menne pushed her. "You cannot even spell the word." But seeing the look in the younger woman's eyes, knew she really believed what she spoke of. It would tear her apart if she didn't get it out.

"Very funny." She came ever so close to a smile. But the emotion was gone again as soon as it came. You know that I watched my father die after the 'Masters' and I were unable to help him?" At Menne's nod that she indeed know, continued. "After he died, JaKal came to me to try to help me through my grief." Then Sohkarra turned away so Menne couldn't see her pain.

"Go on." Menne urged. "It was most commendable of him to try to help you."

"It's not what you think." Sohkarra tried to explain. "We spent the night together! Do you know what that means Menne?" Then she turned back on the Queen, "Do you?!"

Not getting the disgusted reaction from her friend that she thought she would, Sohkarra could only look at her. "You know, don't you?"

"Yes, I think I do." Menne answered. "You think I will look down upon you for doing something that any of us might have done in your situation. JaKal was in agony himself, both from the loss of the togetherness you two had grown accustomed to, and knowing he was technically still married. He had a great burden himself trying to hide his feelings for you from one he still loved also. Just in another way by then."

Sohkarra only looked at the floor, wishing she could just drop through it, so great was her shame. Not for what had transpired between her and JaKal. She would always treasure that one special night in the deepest recesses of her mind. She felt she had failed for the loss that had resulted.

"You're not going to condemn me for what I did?" Sohkarra whispered.

"You know I would never do that. Nor should you condemn yourself." Menne took her chin raising her face back to her. "But there's more, isn't there young one?"

Sohkarra could only nod in the affirmative.

"Tell me."

"I lost a most precious one." Sohkarra could barely talk now, for the emotion was threatening to overwhelm her so great was her grief.

Mennehotep thought she could not be shocked, but she truly was over this. "Are you sure?" she asked.

"Have you ever lost a child Menne?" Sohkarra asked, looking her straight in the eyes.

"No."

"Then you have never felt that feeling of complete emptiness of a being that is there one minute and gone the next." Sohkarra's voice trembled as she recalled her sense of emptiness at returning to the present minus her precious one. Sometime during her transformation back to her necrotic state, she had lost that which she had carried for but a brief time, but had learned to love nonetheless, once she'd realized its presence.

"You were expecting a child?" Menne tried to clarify just what the younger Princess was talking about.

"Yes." was the quiet reply.

"Did JaKal know?" she asked.

"I didn't tell him if that is what you mean." Sohkarra answered.

"Why not, for Isis' sake?" asked an astonished Mennehotep. "He as the father had a right to know."

"Because I've not got the little one now." Sohkarra said. "Why should I want to put JaKal through the pain of the loss? It's my fault it's gone. But I think he suspects something anyway; by some of the things he says, and in his actions."

"How did it happen?" Menne wanted to know.

"When you pulled me back through the void, I was transformed back to my current state. A new life cannot long exist within the body of one who has for all intents and purposes, died." Sohkarra stepped away from Menne. "I was hoping to remain long enough to at least give birth. That way I would have a part of JaKal with me always. I would have found a way to bring my child forward in time with me."

"I'm so sorry my friend. We had no idea." Menne said in such a sincere manner. If she and her husband had known, they would not have brought her back at that particular time. The time trip could have been held off long enough for the young one to be born. Even if it had to be left in the past with someone else raising it. That the Princess could have accepted.

Sohkarra couldn't believe she was taking it so well.

"I know how much you would have wanted one." Menne assured her.

"I always regretted the fact that I was not able to have JaKal's child when we were alive." Sohkarra confessed. "Now I must bear the guilt of having conceived his child while he was married to another. And now the worse guilt is of having lost that young life. I feel as if I have no honor left."

Menne truly felt her young friend's pain and could understand how she felt the need for distance between her and Marianne. She had been wrong when she thought she could understand what Sohkarra was going through. She could not personally imagine the pain associated with the loss of a child. She went up and put her hands on Sohkarra's shoulders. "You have nothing to be ashamed for young Princess."

At Sohkarra's wondering glance, "You certainly have no right to feel guilty for trying your best to do something that was forced upon you in the first place. Your father put all of you on the spot when he asked you to go back to correct something that was never meant to be corrected."

Sohkarra continued to look at her unbelieving. "But Rapses......"

"Rapses was never meant to live. You all know that now. The timeline had to be restored."

"But we had to try!" cried Sohkarra.

"Of course you did." answered Menne.

"What do I do now?" questioned Sohkarra.

"We cannot change the past, only learn from it." Menne replied. "I grieve with both you and JaKal on your loss. Trust me when I say I will keep what you have said in confidence. Please consider telling JaKal. He may surprise you. For now we must face the future. This child of Marianne and Rath's child is the future. We, and you in particular with your incredible abilities, must do all we can to help this young one safely into the world. And to nurture it."

"I've been very unkind to Marianne." Sohkarra said. "I couldn't deal with the fact that she managed to bring that which I lost to the future. I almost hated her for it."

"That is understandable." Menne said. "But now is not the time for hate. She needs you with her now more than ever. You know this to be true. She in her heart knows you care in spite of everything."

"Yes, I do." Was the quiet reply.

As if on cue, Marianne stepped through Sohkarra's chamber door. She had gotten Rath to bring her to the sphinx in the hope that Menne's talk with Sohkarra would somehow break the ice and allow her to see her.

Rath was skeptical at first, fearing the Princess' temper, but then his deeply embedded faith in her won out. He knew deep down that Sohkarra would never do harm to either Marianne or the babe.

"You heard?" Sohkarra asked the newcomer.

"Everything." Marianne answered. "And I'm so sorry for your loss." Then she walked up to where Sohkarra stood. "It would have been a lovely child."

Finally Sohkarra could take no more. The emotion she'd been keeping in check for so long suddenly broke loose in a torrent of tears. Then thunder could be heard outside as if some great power heard her grief and shared it.

Menne and Marianne could only stand by while the Princess vented her emotion. It broke their hearts to see her thus. Neither previously had any idea of the loss and grief that Sohkarra had been harboring within herself.

Finally, Sohkarra, no more tears left, turned and faced her friends. "Forgive me my outburst." She said as she gave a last wipe to her eyes.

Together they both came to her and embraced her. Sohkarra held Marianne away from her. "Can you forgive me? Surely you know I would never have harmed either you or your child."

Marianne had only one answer, "You gave me the love of my life and helped me take the greatest adventure anyone ever dreamed of. Plus you've become the best friend I've ever had!" Seeing Sohkarra's look, continued. "You goose! There's nothing to forgive. Now I understand why. I will not insult you by saying I know what you are going through now. But I cannot say I would not have behaved the same way given your circumstances."

The three women felt the first genuine sense of relief any of them had experienced in several days. A new understanding had been reached. The Princess had rediscovered her protective instinct. But she would continue to mourn for her own little one.

Then another reality set in. Sohkarra realized she had one more major hurtle to get over. She must tell JaKal about what had happened. And hope.

"You know what must be done?" Menne asked her.

At Sohkarra's nod that she indeed did, said to both of her friends, "Wish me luck."

"He loves you Sohkarra." Marianne added. "Trust in the power of his love."

"I'll try, but I've been awful to him as well." Answered a still apprehensive Sohkarra. "He was angry with me when last we parted."

"Go to him." Both her friends insisted. Then with both their best wishes, they sent her off.

None of the three ladies were aware of the three guardians standing just outside the slightly ajar door who had heard the last part of this exchange. The three guardians shared a smile of relief with each other as they realized their Princess was indeed back. She was back. She would be okay.

Sohkarra found JaKal where Menne had earlier. He had returned to his meditating. For his mind and soul were troubled indeed. He didn't know if his old friend would be able to make any headway with Sohkarra, for she'd been wild with emotion for days now. And when he had seen Marianne arrive with Rath, had decided to keep close in case of any trouble. But not too close. All had been quiet when Marianne had gone into Sohkarra's chamber where the other two women were already engaged in conversation. He knew in his own unique way that his Princess had much to tell indeed. If only she would.

"JaKal." She called out softly to him.

"Princess." He responded. In spite of his need to go to her, he knew that he had to let her come to him. It was the only way.

Gathering her courage, she went to stand before him.

"I have something I would tell you JaKal." She again spoke in a most soft voice.

"What would you say Princess?" he asked. Now he had opened his eyes and was looking at her with eyes that were like blue steel.

She stood before him. "You 're not going to make this easy, are you?"

He just kept on looking at her.

"I deserve this." She acknowledged. "But will you not hear what I need to tell you?"

"I will listen." He answered.

She became flustered then, and started to turn away. Before she could, he grabbed her by the shoulders and turned her back around to face him. "What would you say Princess?" he demanded. "What is it you feel you cannot tell me?"

He was almost hurting her with the pressure from his hands on her shoulders. But it was evident he would not release her until she spoke. This was the first time she ever felt overpowered by her head guardian. But she owed it to him to tell him. After all, he'd been there too. And deserved to know. He would still love her or not. It was a chance she had to take.

"I........." She started.

He shook her slightly. But the sudden movement caused a sharp pain to the still healing wound in her side. As he saw her wince slightly, he immediately let go of her. "I'm sorry Princess." He apologized. "I would not wish to cause you pain."

She put her hand to his bandaged face. "You didn't." she slightly lied. "I need to tell you what I've been putting off. But I only did it because I didn't want to hurt you. And I was afraid."

His hands moved to clasp both her hands. He looked straight into her eyes. "Don't you see?" he implored her. "You cause me more pain by what you don't say. Because of this, I didn't tell you that I had an idea already what you're going to say."

"Well, in that case, I'll say it." And Sohkarra looked directly into his eyes. Sapphire to steel blue. "I will tell you first and foremost, that I have no regrets over anything that transpired between us." With that statement, she saw she had JaKal's full attention.

"Go on."

"All right." She answered. "As you recall, the night my father died, you came to me."

"I remember." He answered softly. The soft look that came into his eyes confirmed to her that he did indeed remember. "Well."

She started to blush as she saw the look. "Our time together garnered fruit." She said this so quickly so that she wouldn't chicken out. She truly expected the worst. What she got was unexpected.

"I know." He said quietly.

"How?"

"I noticed certain changes in your body; the way you carried yourself. You became even more beautiful in my eyes." he answered her, quite unabashed.

Again she blushed. She herself had not even been certain. It seemed where her powers were wonderful for picking up on other's emotions and vibes, it didn't quite work the same for herself. Or maybe it had been her own youth and naivete.

Seeing her obvious discomfort, he continued. "Don't be embarrassed my young love. It happens to women at that time when they are breeding. But I want you to know that I was proud that you would bear my child, even if we must keep the secret."

"JaKal……" she started.

He put a finger to her lips. He had to know that which had haunted him. "What I need to know is, what happened?"

"We don't have the young one anymore." She tried to answer. When she saw he wasn't surprised, could only look at him. "Did you hear what I said? I failed you!"

"Yes. I hear you," Was the quiet reply. "But you didn't fail me."

"How can you say that?" she asked.

"What happened was not what was planned. Nor was the result." JaKal reasoned out. "It only stands to reason that the young one could not survive your transformation when you had to return to this time."

She couldn't believe how he was taking this. "Does it not matter?" she asked. At the look he gave her, she immediately regretted it. "The child was ripped from me when it needed me the most!"

"Of course it matters!" he exclaimed. "It matters very much. But do you not see?" At her questioning look, continued, "You had to come back for the sake of all of us. As with everything else we've done since we've been in this new time, a price had to be paid. This time we both paid dearly a price that was never meant to be extracted. Think of this another of our trials your father said we would have to go through to test our love."

"JaKal!" she called out as she felt his strong arms enclose about her. Together they shared a private grief for that time which they had held the world by the tail for a few stolen moments. And grieved for that small life which they had shared briefly, but would now bury in the recesses of their hearts. They held each other as if they would never let go. Both of them shed tears for the small soul that had never had the chance to be. But would live on in their hearts and memories.

Finally, when the majority of the grief was spent, JaKal held her away from him. "You know now what we, and most especially you, must do?" he asked her.

She nodded. "I've made peace with Marianne already. I am committed to protect this child of Msir as I do my brother." In a low, determined voice, "I swear this with everything I was granted."

JaKal put his hand under her chin, once again bringing her eyes to his, "You are truly a child of the Gods my young love. Their light shines upon you now." To push his point home, he bestowed on her one last kiss before they went to face the others. They both knew she had one last guardian to make her peace with.

The other guardians and Marianne and Mennehotep were in the sphinx main chamber when Sohkarra, on JaKal's arm, found them. With a last look to JaKal, who gave her a wink of encouragement, she went over to Rath.

"My Princess." He acknowledged her.

"Rath." She answered. "I would wish your forgiveness for my earlier behavior. I haven't exactly been at my best these past days." As she said this, she extended her hand in reconciling manner.

Rath, who never wanted to be at opposite spectrums where his mistress was concerned, took her hand and gave it a small kiss. "I too, have missed you Sohkarra."

Turning to Armon and Nefertina who had now been joined by Presley, "Can you all forgive my less than wonderful behavior?"

Before she could say more, a loud "YES!" went up through the hall as all assembled let her know that she had been truly forgiven.

"Thank you." She said quite simply. That was all that was needed. And after their arguments, Nefertina was especially glad to have her friend back. Now all could progress. This situation would still take some getting used to, but Sohkarra was now ready to take it on. Come what may. She had pledged to do her part in protecting that small legacy of her home. The word of the daughter of Amenhotep was stronger and more precious than the gold of their homeland.

She once again approached Marianne. "You have my promise and that of the guardians of Rapses that that your child will have the full protection of the House of Amenhotep."

Mennehotep came up to Sohkarra. "Doubled with the protection of the House of Tuthmosis, this child will be the best protected ever born of the great Msir."

"Amen, Menne! Amen!" Sohkarra said, speaking for her respective house. "Let there be no separation of our great houses."

"Amen, Sohkarra! Amen!" Menne gave right back to her.

From afar, Trynia Merin watched the happy reconciliation. In her filigreed hands she clenched the latest results of her scientific assessments. At least in the moment of ultimate crisis they had still managed to weather the storm. Yet Sohkarra's disturbing behavior frightened the cyborg. What did this trend portend with regards to the Princess' developing powers? Was she really as much at peace with them as she claimed?

"I must run more tests to be certain," Trynia muttered to herself. "This is only the beginning… and I fear I will soon pay the price for my own interference as well…"

None noticed her absence at that moment, Trynia tiptoeing to her laboratory. Sighing, the cybernami entered, running a finger over the conglomeration of brass and crystal that had created so much of a problem for so many.

She lay her notes to one side of the machine, and frowned. A distant hum crackled with blue sparks from the smoking crystals in the heart of the machine. Narrowing her eyes, she glanced at the weak blue throbbing like a newly beating heart. A slow rhythm pulsed.

"I didn't reactivate this," she muttered. As the intensity and the pulsing increased, Trynia stepped back. Her eyes locked hypnotically into the stroboscopic flashing.

Hours later, Trynia failed to reemerge. Menne was puzzled as she burst into the laboratory, papers scattered about the place. Only the time machine remained amidst the twisted sculptures that comprised her futuristic equipment.

"Trynia?" Menne called to the empty air.

But is this truly a happy ending? What further payments will be extracted?