The Files of Art. Inc.: The Hunt for the Lost Scrolls: Chapter 116 (01.04.2024) (FFFF/FFF/ MM/F)
We have read of Anck-Sun-Amun on the giving end of punishment so many times, [mention]Caesar73[/mention]. She made the mistake of serving the dish of her hatred hot instead of cold. Now, she is paying a price. So far, we don't know the extent of that price. Well written, you have kept the tension on a razors edge until your cliffhanging ending. Well done.
A List of my stories:An Unlikely Savior Completed
Spy Task Force Completed
Tale of an Archer Completed
The Bandit Scout on Newhome updated 05/30/23
-
slackywacky
- Millennial Club
- Posts: 2639
- Joined: 5 years ago
- Location: Canada
But we will know soon enough (eventually), as knowing [mention]Caesar73[/mention] will be revealing it in due time.
Another wonderful addition to this story. As [mention]wolfman[/mention] would say, did they turn this into a movie yet?
Thanks for reading. Feel free to comment.
Slackywacky, also @DeviantArt
My active stories:
Slackywacky, also @DeviantArt
My active stories:
- All in the family - Updated 8/05
- Bondage model by choice - Updated 7/05
- Hitchhiker - Updated 5/05
Damn was that another great read, and at last I’m not the only one demanding the movie version, at least then we won’t be hanging on the cliffs edge by our fingernails and holding our breath waiting for more, 
Thank you - Im waiting still for Ridley Scott´s callslackywacky wrote: ↑1 year agoBut we will know soon enough (eventually), as knowing @Caesar73 will be revealing it in due time.
Another wonderful addition to this story. As @wolfman would say, did they turn this into a movie yet?
Anck-Sun-Amun has overplayed her hand this time, and one of her enemies, I have a hunch who that might be, at court used her transgression to get back at her. It is a safe assumption that this punishment will strengthen Anck-Sun-Amuns resolve to get rid of Anna once and for all. Anna - if the plans of Pharaoh´s come to pass - as Great Royal Wife would be threat to her position. The future developments will without any doubt be exciting .....
[mention]GreyLord[/mention] [mention]Bandit666[/mention] [mention]banshee[/mention] [mention]Beaumains[/mention] [mention]Bigballgag1[/mention] [mention]Trammel[/mention] l [mention]wolfman[/mention] [mention]mrjones2009[/mention] [mention]slackywacky[/mention] [mention]Nainur[/mention] [mention]TightsBound[/mention] [mention]Pantyhose971[/mention] [mention]TayDay95[/mention] [mention]NotSeen[/mention] [mention]Mineira1986[/mention] [mention]BlissfulMisery[/mention]
[mention]Bandit666[/mention] [mention]Fandango[/mention] [mention]LunaDog[/mention]
If you like movies like "The Mummy" you will like it
The door swung open and they crossed the threshold. As if by magic the door closed behind them. They stood in a vast chamber. Chains hung from ceiling. There was a rack, an iron maiden, an Andreas Cross, and all other torture instruments an executioner could wish for …. Anck-Sun-Amun steeled herself. The face of Seth-Nacht was in inscrutable mask.
But the Commander of Pharaoh´s Sacred Guards did not stop in the chamber. Instead he lead his charge to another doorway which led deeper down – and now a sense of dread filled the High Priestess. She knew the location where they were headed. The air was even cooler now. Now Anck Sun Amun could hear chants. Rhythmic chants of deep resonating voices in the Ancient Tongue.
The High Priestess had not to look at the reliefs adorning the walls: They depicted scenes of the afterlife, the rites of death and resurrection. The chants grew louder the Egyptian smelled the heavy incense in the air. Finally they stepped over another threshold. And for the smallest of moments the indomitable High Priestess hesitated: She knew now, which would be her punishment – and she dreaded it.
They stood in a large cavernous room, more a hall. The chants of the priests reverberated from the walls. The flickering lights of torches filled the room with a dim light. The walls were covered in reliefs, bright and colourful. In the room´s centre stood a large stone table with heavy manacles at each corner. Anck Sun Amun knew their purpose. More than once she had been in charge of the ceremonies to be performed here. Here in the preparation chamber for the Afterlife.
Around the stone table the priests formed a circle, bowing and chanting on unison. Anck-Sun-Amun and Seth Nacht were greeted by a tall bald headed priest, clad in the ceremonial garb of a High Priest. The Egyptian knew him. It was Senemut, High Priest of Anubis.
He was tall, haggard. His black eyes seemed to piece her heart. She had ever felt uneasy around him – which said something. Among the duties of the priest was the preparation of the death for the afterlife or to fulfil the rites for the journey to Amduat – or to exact punishment.
“Why have you come here! Commander Seth Nacht!” The Priest intoned in a dark reverberating baritone in a formal tone. Seth Nacht responded in the same formal tone “Pharaoh has ordered me to deliver the High Priestess for Punishment. The Punishment of the Living Death” The Priest nodded gravely “And so shall it be written and so shall it be done” He turned to some of his priests “Prepare the High Priestess!”
Anck-Sun-Amun supressed a shudder but held her head high, as the priests approached her. This what the prize that she would have to pay “I have to think of the long game” she mused “Pharaoh is resolved to make that Russian Bimbo to make his Grand Royal Wife” To stop the Son of Horus from doing that would be impossible.
But that did not mean there were no ways to deal with Anna Romanova …. For the time being she would play along. But she would neither forgive nor forget – and there were ways to deal with the Russian.
Anck Sun Amun was patient.
The approaching priests broke her out of her reverie. She steeled herself. One of the two priests held a golden chalice. Two other held her at her upper arms. In a solemn voice the Priest intoned “Drink now the draught of living death oh High Priestess Anck Sun Amun! May Anubis and Osiris be merciful upon you!”
Another priest removed her gag. Anck Sun Amun steeled herself. So this was it the draught of living death. She knew that potion – and what fate awaited her. But this was not the end. She would get back at that Russian Whore. They would meet again. They would fight again and this time she would not play with her prey. This time she would kill her, thrust a dagger straight through her heart.
The priest pressed the chalice against her lips and she drank, drank the potion. It tasted bitter. At once a burning sensation filled her body from the tips of her toes to the crown of her head. She knew it would grow more intense. The priests removed her shackles and led her to the stone table. She felt as if she was in a dream. The effects of the drug were already setting in. She seemed to glide - she did not feel the cold stone under her bare soles. She felt moving as in slow motion. All sounds around her seemed dimmed.
All will to resist had evaporated. Like a sack of grain Anck Sun Amun was manhandled on the stone table. Click. Her right wrist was shackled. Click. Her left wrist was shackled. Click. Her right ankle was shackled. Click. Her left ankle was shackled. Click The High Priestess found herself now shackled into a tight spread eagle on the ceremonial stone table. Strangely enough the stone felt not cold under her back.
In her trance like state she registered absentmindedly that her left ankle was unshackled. The Egyptian stared at the ceiling, at a painting of the amduat. Anck Sun Amun felt that her left ankle was wrapped in cotton bandages. Her skin felt to glow under the touch, one wrap followed the other. Soon her left leg was covered in bandages up to the knee. It compressed the flesh of her calve. Somehow it felt like the soft caress of a lover. Soon her complete left leg was covered in bandages from ankles to groin. The procedure was repeated three times.
Anck Sun Amun felt as if her body was detached from her mind. She felt like an observer clinically watching how another woman was being mummified. It was not her. Above her was a mirror made of polished metal. It showed her. Now her right ankle was unshackled – and wrapped. After her legs had been wrapped. Her right wrist was unshackled next. Her hand was balled into a fist and wrapped.
Soon her right arm was wrapped from her fingertips right under her shaven armpit. When her arms had been wrapped the priests manhandled her unresisting upper body in a sitting position and began wrapping her upper body. Certain Amulets were placed under and between the bandages. Two direct on her nipples. Anck-Sun-Amun´s warms were folded under her chest as it was tradition.
After her upper body had been wrapped three more times, only her head, her groin and her feet were not wrapped. The Egyptian felt the pressure on her body from ankles to her head. One effect of the draught was that her bodily functions were much reduced: She would feel neither thirst nor hunger, nor the need to relieve herself.
But another side effect of the potion. She would not sleep and she would feel a growing arousal. All while she would be lying in a sarcophagus in total darkness … till Pharaoh decided her punishment was over.
One of the priests took a phallus like object made from ivory, it was large and had knobs on it. It glistened in the torchlight: As the High Priestess knew, the artificial phallus was coated with an oily substance. She felt that the intruder entered her vagina. Anck Sun Amun felt very full. She was turned on her front side and her anus was filled with another plug. Before her groin was wrapped, an amulet was placed on her labia.
Between her legs and in her anus she felt already an intense burning sensation. So intense it was, that she did not register that small pads of gauze were placed between her ankles and knees. Now the priests began wrapping her legs together. As she could see in the large mirror above her, her long muscular legs resembled one neat white column of Egyptian linen. Her complete body from ankles to chin was wrapped three times. Anubis Priests worked efficiently and precise.
Now only her feet and head were left uncovered. With clinical interest she registered that her feet were oiled with a sticky substance: The effect was instantaneous: Her soles felt as if they were aflame, as if a fire had been lightened under her soles.
The sensation got more intense as each foot and each toe was wrapped in gauze – which had been prepared with the stuff too. Now her feet were wrapped together. And final layer was wrapped around her already heavily bandaged body from the tips of her toes right under her chin
As the High Priestess knew, now would come the final part: The gagging and then the wrapping of the head. One tall bald priest inserted a dental mouth opener in her mouth which held her jaws wide ajar. Another priest began to pack small cotton rolls into her gaping mouth. Methodically and thoroughly, till her oral captivity was so fully packed, that her jaws stood wide ajar.
The potion did something to her gag reflex as well, because the large mass did not trigger her gag reflex. Next her lower face was wrapped in bandages from the tip of her chin right under her nose, after another amulet had been placed between her lips.
Anck-Sun-Amun felt that her long black hair was hidden under some sort of leather cap, which covered her head. Next her head was wrapped in tight layers and her world became dark. Only her nose was not covered now. The High Priestess could only listen and feel now. A heavy death mask was placed on her head. Her mummified body was lifted up and placed into a casket in form of a mummy. Its lid was closed before Anck-Sun-Amun was placed into a Sarcophagus made from red granite and covered with reliefs and hieroglyphs.
They served a purpose: To enhance the curse of living death.
Its heavy lid was closed and she was alone in darkness and silence.
And the Phallus in her vagina and the plug in her anus began to work.
Deep down in the catacombs of the palace lay the mummified High Priestess. Her punishment had just begun – and only Pharaoh would decide then it would end. She would not sleep, she would not rest. Vivid dreams would fill her mind.
[mention]Bandit666[/mention] [mention]Fandango[/mention] [mention]LunaDog[/mention]
Here comes the next partslackywacky wrote: ↑1 year agoBut we will know soon enough (eventually), as knowing @Caesar73 will be revealing it in due time.
Another wonderful addition to this story. As @wolfman would say, did they turn this into a movie yet?
If you like movies like "The Mummy" you will like it Chapter 70
“The curse of living death”
The Preparation Room for the Afterlife
“The curse of living death”
The Preparation Room for the Afterlife
The door swung open and they crossed the threshold. As if by magic the door closed behind them. They stood in a vast chamber. Chains hung from ceiling. There was a rack, an iron maiden, an Andreas Cross, and all other torture instruments an executioner could wish for …. Anck-Sun-Amun steeled herself. The face of Seth-Nacht was in inscrutable mask.
But the Commander of Pharaoh´s Sacred Guards did not stop in the chamber. Instead he lead his charge to another doorway which led deeper down – and now a sense of dread filled the High Priestess. She knew the location where they were headed. The air was even cooler now. Now Anck Sun Amun could hear chants. Rhythmic chants of deep resonating voices in the Ancient Tongue.
The High Priestess had not to look at the reliefs adorning the walls: They depicted scenes of the afterlife, the rites of death and resurrection. The chants grew louder the Egyptian smelled the heavy incense in the air. Finally they stepped over another threshold. And for the smallest of moments the indomitable High Priestess hesitated: She knew now, which would be her punishment – and she dreaded it.
They stood in a large cavernous room, more a hall. The chants of the priests reverberated from the walls. The flickering lights of torches filled the room with a dim light. The walls were covered in reliefs, bright and colourful. In the room´s centre stood a large stone table with heavy manacles at each corner. Anck Sun Amun knew their purpose. More than once she had been in charge of the ceremonies to be performed here. Here in the preparation chamber for the Afterlife.
Around the stone table the priests formed a circle, bowing and chanting on unison. Anck-Sun-Amun and Seth Nacht were greeted by a tall bald headed priest, clad in the ceremonial garb of a High Priest. The Egyptian knew him. It was Senemut, High Priest of Anubis.
He was tall, haggard. His black eyes seemed to piece her heart. She had ever felt uneasy around him – which said something. Among the duties of the priest was the preparation of the death for the afterlife or to fulfil the rites for the journey to Amduat – or to exact punishment.
“Why have you come here! Commander Seth Nacht!” The Priest intoned in a dark reverberating baritone in a formal tone. Seth Nacht responded in the same formal tone “Pharaoh has ordered me to deliver the High Priestess for Punishment. The Punishment of the Living Death” The Priest nodded gravely “And so shall it be written and so shall it be done” He turned to some of his priests “Prepare the High Priestess!”
Anck-Sun-Amun supressed a shudder but held her head high, as the priests approached her. This what the prize that she would have to pay “I have to think of the long game” she mused “Pharaoh is resolved to make that Russian Bimbo to make his Grand Royal Wife” To stop the Son of Horus from doing that would be impossible.
But that did not mean there were no ways to deal with Anna Romanova …. For the time being she would play along. But she would neither forgive nor forget – and there were ways to deal with the Russian.
Anck Sun Amun was patient.
The approaching priests broke her out of her reverie. She steeled herself. One of the two priests held a golden chalice. Two other held her at her upper arms. In a solemn voice the Priest intoned “Drink now the draught of living death oh High Priestess Anck Sun Amun! May Anubis and Osiris be merciful upon you!”
Another priest removed her gag. Anck Sun Amun steeled herself. So this was it the draught of living death. She knew that potion – and what fate awaited her. But this was not the end. She would get back at that Russian Whore. They would meet again. They would fight again and this time she would not play with her prey. This time she would kill her, thrust a dagger straight through her heart.
The priest pressed the chalice against her lips and she drank, drank the potion. It tasted bitter. At once a burning sensation filled her body from the tips of her toes to the crown of her head. She knew it would grow more intense. The priests removed her shackles and led her to the stone table. She felt as if she was in a dream. The effects of the drug were already setting in. She seemed to glide - she did not feel the cold stone under her bare soles. She felt moving as in slow motion. All sounds around her seemed dimmed.
All will to resist had evaporated. Like a sack of grain Anck Sun Amun was manhandled on the stone table. Click. Her right wrist was shackled. Click. Her left wrist was shackled. Click. Her right ankle was shackled. Click. Her left ankle was shackled. Click The High Priestess found herself now shackled into a tight spread eagle on the ceremonial stone table. Strangely enough the stone felt not cold under her back.
In her trance like state she registered absentmindedly that her left ankle was unshackled. The Egyptian stared at the ceiling, at a painting of the amduat. Anck Sun Amun felt that her left ankle was wrapped in cotton bandages. Her skin felt to glow under the touch, one wrap followed the other. Soon her left leg was covered in bandages up to the knee. It compressed the flesh of her calve. Somehow it felt like the soft caress of a lover. Soon her complete left leg was covered in bandages from ankles to groin. The procedure was repeated three times.
Anck Sun Amun felt as if her body was detached from her mind. She felt like an observer clinically watching how another woman was being mummified. It was not her. Above her was a mirror made of polished metal. It showed her. Now her right ankle was unshackled – and wrapped. After her legs had been wrapped. Her right wrist was unshackled next. Her hand was balled into a fist and wrapped.
Soon her right arm was wrapped from her fingertips right under her shaven armpit. When her arms had been wrapped the priests manhandled her unresisting upper body in a sitting position and began wrapping her upper body. Certain Amulets were placed under and between the bandages. Two direct on her nipples. Anck-Sun-Amun´s warms were folded under her chest as it was tradition.
After her upper body had been wrapped three more times, only her head, her groin and her feet were not wrapped. The Egyptian felt the pressure on her body from ankles to her head. One effect of the draught was that her bodily functions were much reduced: She would feel neither thirst nor hunger, nor the need to relieve herself.
But another side effect of the potion. She would not sleep and she would feel a growing arousal. All while she would be lying in a sarcophagus in total darkness … till Pharaoh decided her punishment was over.
One of the priests took a phallus like object made from ivory, it was large and had knobs on it. It glistened in the torchlight: As the High Priestess knew, the artificial phallus was coated with an oily substance. She felt that the intruder entered her vagina. Anck Sun Amun felt very full. She was turned on her front side and her anus was filled with another plug. Before her groin was wrapped, an amulet was placed on her labia.
Between her legs and in her anus she felt already an intense burning sensation. So intense it was, that she did not register that small pads of gauze were placed between her ankles and knees. Now the priests began wrapping her legs together. As she could see in the large mirror above her, her long muscular legs resembled one neat white column of Egyptian linen. Her complete body from ankles to chin was wrapped three times. Anubis Priests worked efficiently and precise.
Now only her feet and head were left uncovered. With clinical interest she registered that her feet were oiled with a sticky substance: The effect was instantaneous: Her soles felt as if they were aflame, as if a fire had been lightened under her soles.
The sensation got more intense as each foot and each toe was wrapped in gauze – which had been prepared with the stuff too. Now her feet were wrapped together. And final layer was wrapped around her already heavily bandaged body from the tips of her toes right under her chin
As the High Priestess knew, now would come the final part: The gagging and then the wrapping of the head. One tall bald priest inserted a dental mouth opener in her mouth which held her jaws wide ajar. Another priest began to pack small cotton rolls into her gaping mouth. Methodically and thoroughly, till her oral captivity was so fully packed, that her jaws stood wide ajar.
The potion did something to her gag reflex as well, because the large mass did not trigger her gag reflex. Next her lower face was wrapped in bandages from the tip of her chin right under her nose, after another amulet had been placed between her lips.
Anck-Sun-Amun felt that her long black hair was hidden under some sort of leather cap, which covered her head. Next her head was wrapped in tight layers and her world became dark. Only her nose was not covered now. The High Priestess could only listen and feel now. A heavy death mask was placed on her head. Her mummified body was lifted up and placed into a casket in form of a mummy. Its lid was closed before Anck-Sun-Amun was placed into a Sarcophagus made from red granite and covered with reliefs and hieroglyphs.
They served a purpose: To enhance the curse of living death.
Its heavy lid was closed and she was alone in darkness and silence.
And the Phallus in her vagina and the plug in her anus began to work.
Deep down in the catacombs of the palace lay the mummified High Priestess. Her punishment had just begun – and only Pharaoh would decide then it would end. She would not sleep, she would not rest. Vivid dreams would fill her mind.
Last edited by Caesar73 11 months ago, edited 1 time in total.
First, I do like The Mummy and The Mummy Returns. Great movies, but the third one was Hollywood schlock.
Second, I have never found much interest in mummification. But your vivid writing and the intense feelings that it generates is making me rethink that. WOW, [mention]Caesar73[/mention], well done.
Second, I have never found much interest in mummification. But your vivid writing and the intense feelings that it generates is making me rethink that. WOW, [mention]Caesar73[/mention], well done.
A List of my stories:An Unlikely Savior Completed
Spy Task Force Completed
Tale of an Archer Completed
The Bandit Scout on Newhome updated 05/30/23
-
mrjones2009
- Centennial Club
- Posts: 614
- Joined: 6 years ago
- Contact:
Nice to see a certain someone get what they deserve!
That is the truth, [mention]mrjones2009[/mention]. Anck-Sun-Amun has been skating for a long long time.
A List of my stories:An Unlikely Savior Completed
Spy Task Force Completed
Tale of an Archer Completed
The Bandit Scout on Newhome updated 05/30/23
can only agree to all written here. Shivers.GreyLord wrote: ↑1 year ago First, I do like The Mummy and The Mummy Returns. Great movies, but the third one was Hollywood schlock.
Second, I have never found much interest in mummification. But your vivid writing and the intense feelings that it generates is making me rethink that. WOW, @Caesar73, well done.
Nainur wrote: ↑1 year agocan only agree to all written here. Shivers.GreyLord wrote: ↑1 year ago First, I do like The Mummy and The Mummy Returns. Great movies, but the third one was Hollywood schlock.
Second, I have never found much interest in mummification. But your vivid writing and the intense feelings that it generates is making me rethink that. WOW, @Caesar73, well done.
Thank you!
Dear friends, dear readers, dear commentors! This Tale has brken through another barrier: Well over 100000 Views so far. Thank you for support for commenting and reading. The story is far from over!
Well congratulations on hitting another huge milestone, many can only dream of such visitations, but then it can only be expected with such a memorable and fantastic tale. You even made mummification sound amazing
Thank your for the compliment ny friend [mention]Bandit666[/mention] !!! Since the journey will us lead to Egypt at some point in the not so far future you exspect some more mummifactions - in fact mummification is one of my favourites - not only because of ancient Egypt - but the Idea of sensory deprivation fascinates me. And I do love the first two Movies with Brendan Fraser "The Mummy" and "The Mummy returns"
"The Mummy" and "The Mummy returns"[mention]GreyLord[/mention] [mention]Bandit666[/mention] [mention]banshee[/mention] [mention]Beaumains[/mention] [mention]Bigballgag1[/mention] [mention]Trammel[/mention] l [mention]wolfman[/mention] [mention]mrjones2009[/mention] [mention]slackywacky[/mention] [mention]Nainur[/mention] [mention]TightsBound[/mention] [mention]Pantyhose971[/mention] [mention]TayDay95[/mention] [mention]NotSeen[/mention] [mention]Mineira1986[/mention] [mention]BlissfulMisery[/mention]
[mention]Bandit666[/mention] [mention]Fandango[/mention] [mention]LunaDog[/mention]
Anna sat ramrod straight in her bed. Her pulse was racing, her body was covered in cold sweat. She had been hit by Anck-Sun-Amun´s brutal kick against her head. Her right hand shot to her left brow. Astonished she looked at her palm: no blood! But she had just fought against the Egyptian. She had been hit brutally several times.
The black-haired Villainess had mocked her “Who kicked who´s ass b*tch?” Only slowly her pulse returned to normal, and even slower she realized where she was: She was not in the British Museum, she was in her bedroom at Hall Place Manor. It had not been the first nightmare that night.
The Russian had relived the murder of Tatiana Nikolajeva, how Nofret had slung the G-String of her Lord-Dunn-Raven around her former teacher’s throat and strangled her with brutal force. The desperate attempts of the old woman to free herself, how her eyes had bulged out of her sockets, the gurgling noises – and finally silence, Anna had felt so helpless. It was always the same dream.
Another one recurring dream: The vault, Anna tied to the chair. Hayley had to let go and the iron balls had smashed her right hand. The searing pain always woke her up …
The Russian looked at her watch: Three o´clock, the heart of night. She threw her damp covers aside and got up, tapped into her bathroom. Anna eyed herself critical in the mirror: the bright cold light was merciless: The dark smudges under her eyes were unmistakable. She would have to make an effort to cover them. She showered long and hot. Anna dressed: black Yoga pants, a sports bra a maroon shirt and a matching fleece jacket. Two pairs of black woollen socks on her feet:
The violinist grabbed her violin case, closed the door behind her and stepped out on the corridor. All was silent. She listened for a moment – turned left and went down to the library. She wouldn´t be able to go back to sleep anyway ….
Hall place manor, midmorning, Anna´s quarters:
To muster the energy for their morning run with Chris had been challenging. The blonde had asked no questions but the Russian knew though her best friend had known exactly what was going on.
Chris had given her space not asked any awkward questions Anna did not want to answer presently, the Russian was grateful for that “When you want to talk Anna, I am there” she had just said “I know” the Russian nodded. No more words were necessary.
Minutes later she took another look in the mirror and was pleased with the result. Evie and Amanda would present their findings and a summary of the translation they had made. The Russian pulled herself upright closed the bath room door and left for the conference room.
The Conference Room:
Evie stood at the head of the large table and looked around: Kirsty and Hayley were having a whispered conversation. The American and the Briton was a beautiful pair – and something had changed since they had returned from their trip down memory lane to Norfolk. They seemed to have bonded even more, and out of sudden a picture crossed Evie´s mind: Kirsty and Hayley before the altar, all in White …
Anna was typing on her smartphone, but the Russian looked distracted, and tired. Chris and Sophie were obviously in high spirits: they were chatting amiably. The Black Lady looked intently at Anna, and then she turned her gaze at Evie. The Canadian had obviously arrived at the same conclusion: The Russian had had a bad night obviously. Sarah McKenzie had enough experience to recognize the signs. During the hunt Anna had gone through a lot:
First the encounter with Anck-Sun-Amun at the British Museum, then their next confrontation only days ago, but the Canadian knew one thing too: Anna was resilient and she had friends at her side which would to anything for her – and the Russian had her violin, and her music.
“Hey guys” Kate entered the Conference Room. She had had to make some calls. Evie looked around, then to Amanda and nodded “Let us begin!” “Excuse me” Sybil interrupted “There is a courier at the gates. He said he has a delivery for ´Grand Duchesse Anna Alexandrovna Romanova´ - which he had to hand over personally”
Chris and Anna exchanged a look, Anna nodded and raised “Kirsty and Hayley and Kate! You will accompany her!” The pianist turned to Sybil “Tell the courier Anna will expect him at the main entrance!”
At the main entrance:
John Malcolm worked for one very posh very exclusive courier service. His job today: To deliver a package for a certain “Grand Duchesse Anna Alexandrovna Romanova” – in person. He scoffed “a bloody aristocrat, probably an old hag!” What impressed him? The Security measures at Hall Place Manor were extensive:
He had spotted several cameras on the walls, two alone at the gate. The Gate swung wide open, almost noiselessly. Malcolm followed the gravelled pathway which led to the main entrance, where he was supposed to hand over the delivery.
He was a bit nervous as he stood before the massive wooden door. He pressed the door-bell, in form of a lion-head. Noiselessly it swung open. The courier stepped over the threshold, into the vast entry hall: Four women awaited him.
They formed a half circle. In its centre stood a very tall woman clad entirely in black: a black turtleneck, black trousers, black ankle boots, her dark mane in a ponytail. Two things stood out: a silver cross around her neck – and the bright red fresh scar above her left brow in the shape of a lightning bold, in a stark contrast to her pale complexion.
She was flanked by a blonde and an auburn haired woman on her left and a brunette with amazing cheekbones on the right. All three wore her shoulder holsters openly. John Malcolm recognized this manoeuver as what it was - he had served in the armed forces, a show of force. The blonde was carrying a metal box, he noticed.
He cleared his throat “I have a delivery for the – he hesitated – Grand Duchesse Anna Alexandrovna Romanova!” “That´s me” the Woman in black smiled. “I am sorry Madam but regulations state, that you must identify yourself before I can hand this delivery over” The Grand Duchesse seemed slightly amused “I don´t think my good looks are enough” Anna chuckled.
“I am afraid not, regulations state that I need a document that confirms your identity or a person who can vouch for you” Malcom held his ground. The black haired woman and the brunette exchanged a look. The latter nodded “Right then” the Russian stated, smiling “I think we can clear this up quite easily” she took her smartphone and dialled.
The person on the other line took the call “Hello James” and a warm smile crossed the Russian´s features “We need someone in official capacity who can vouch for me” The Russian listened then turned to Malcolm and gave him the phone “A friend of mine likes to have a word with you” A bit hesitantly the courier took the phone and listened to the person on the other side:
“Yes Sir!, yes, I understand!” John handed the phone back to the woman in black “Thank you James! I will call you later!” and a warm smile crossed her features. The Russian put her phone away and turned to the courier again “After we have cleared this up, would you give the delivery to Hayley please?” She nodded at the tall blonde with piercing blue eyes who had opened the heavily padded box. Malcolm put the package in the box.
The Russian smiled at him “Thank you that will be all” The courier took this as his cue to take his leave. For the rest of the day John Malcom racked his brain what had transpired at Hall Place Manor.
But he would never learn, he had a story to tell though at the pub this evening.
The Conference Room later:
Hayley handed Sybil the heavily padded box over. The tech wizard exchanged a look with Evie obviously they had talked about what to do next: “We will scan the package first” the Egyptologist explained.
A few minutes later they looked expectantly at the large screen – “That is strange” Evie raised her eyebrows “What?” the Black Lady inquired “There is a wooden box inside the package – but this box is heavily shielded, the scanner does not penetrate” the Egyptologist explained. “Then we will do it the old fashioned way” the thief explained … Minutes later the assembled team looked in awe at the wooden box.
It was beautifully made: Highly polished dark wood. Evie inspected the box - she frowned as she looked at the upper side. There were several hieroglyphs, cartouches “What is it Evie?” Anna sounded impatient “These are the same Hieroglyphs as on the box which contained the first scroll we discovered!”
Carefully the Egyptologist lifted the lid of the box and gasped. What did she saw? In the box laid several items: A papyrus scroll, a diadem and a pectoral. Carefully she retrieved the scroll. It was sealed and Evie inspected, assisted by Amanda, the seal “Professor” Amanda sounded slightly hoarse “it is the same seal!” “The same seal, as that of the first scroll!” Evie confirmed.
With utmost Evie removed the diadem and the pectoral from the box “I see wonderful things” the Egyptologist quoted “What?” Chris inquired “The quality of these jewels is extraordinary – we have to check this – but I go out on a limb here – these are originals no copies – those were made for Pharaoh´s court – going out on a limb? New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty!” Evie´s exaltation was palpable “We bow before the searing logic of your intellect Professor” The Dark Lady teased her.
“Right” Anna interrupted “but what about the scroll?” Assisted by Amanda Evie cut the string that sealed the scroll: With utmost care she unrolled the Papyrus “This is not antique” she stated “highest quality, but newly made” gently she stroke above its surface “This scripture was written by a professional scribe” Evie thought aloud.
She read the script, frowned and read it again, read it a third time. Then she gave the scroll to Amanda “Do you read what I read?” Her assistant read a first time, then a second time. Amanda nodded, I guess I do. The two Egyptologists exchanged a look then looked at Anna.
“What is it?” Anna quipped “my death warrant?” “No”, Evie hesitated slightly “On the contrary, this is a love poem. I have to translate it verbatim later, but this is the summary: The writer adores and loves you Anna. He wants to make you his Great Royal Bride!”
The Russian felt all eyes resting on her. She blushed “That must be a bad joke”, her apprehension clearly visible. Evie shook her head “I doubt that Anna, the writer quotes one of the oldest and most famous love poems ever written in ancient Egypt. And judging by the tone, the vocabulary, the phraseology this is written by someone who is familiar with the language in a way, I haven´t seen ever before.
This is pure instinct, but to me this letter feels as if it has been written by an old Egyptian himself”
Anna was still shell shocked, this could not be, but then she remembered something. Someone had called her his Great Royal Bride before. Was that possible? Several weeks ago: What had he said? Anna racked her brain:
“My dear Anna, you would have been the crown jewel at Pharaoh´s court, you remind me very much of Queen Nefertari – at my court you would be my great royal wife” Al Mansour complimented her.
This had to be a coincidence. This just could not be –Anna resolutely shoved the thought aside. This was a coincidence, the Russian decided. The thought alone was just too monstrous.
Chris had watched her friend intently “Anna what is it? Something is on your mind!” The Russian looked her best friend in the eye “Nothing, Chris, a thought crossed my mind” Anna demurred. The blonde knew that look: The violinist had decided to keep her thoughts to herself.
“Amanda and I will analyse the letter and the jewels, I think, tomorrow we can give you a first assessment” Evie interrupted them “Our preliminary report on the scrolls will have to wait till tomorrow – this is more important. We need to know more about the letter and the jewels as fast as possible “If you be so kind to leave us alone?”
By now Chris and her friends were used to this sort of curt dismissal. The Egyptologist could be rather bossy at times, mostly when it came to her area of expertise.
When the others had left Evie and Amanda turned their attention to the scroll. As usual Sybil had stayed to assist with the instruments.
In the Library:
Chris had taken Kate and Anna aside and commandeered the library. When they had sat down, the blonde looked her best friend directly in the eye “I didn´t want to push you in front of the others Anna, but I know you: What did you not tell us?”
Anna was on the verge of speaking but the pianist interrupted her, not unkindly though “Speak your mind Anna you know in the past bad stuff happened when we did not talk to each other right?” The Russian still said nothing “Chris is right Anna!” Kate seconded the blonde “In there? You remembered something – what is so bad, that you don´t want to tell us?”
Anna looked at Chris then at Kate and sighed “Right …. but this might be pure coincidence you know ….” The blonde smiled “Just tell us and let us judge that” “Fine” Anna nodded “You remember back in New York, the evening when the Egyptian bitch” Anna breathed in deeply “attacked us, or better, before she crashed the party Hiram al Mansour said something, he made me a compliment” the Russian blushed “he said something like “My dear Anna, you would have been the crown jewel at Pharaoh´s court, you remind me very much of Queen Nefertari – at my court you would be my great royal wife” Anna looked expectantly at her friends.
Kate and Chris exchanged a look “Right I remember” the detective nodded and smiled “Back then you liked the compliment” she teased her friend “You even blushed a bit, if I remember correctly” The Russian stared at the brunette “That was back then” she stated curtly “We know” Chris chimed in “where your heart lies nowadays” “People learn you know” Anna fired back.
The blonde grew serious again “You are right Anna, this could be just a coincidence that Al Mansour used this phrase does not proof anything ….” Chris fell silent “Personally I do not believe in circumstances” Kate added “You are right Chris: this phrase does not proof anything – but I don´t think we shouldn´t ignore it either”
“What do you mean?” Anna inquired, her body language signalled she was intrigued, Chris too looked attentively at the detective “What I mean is this” the brunette continued “Think about this conclusion: if this is not a coincidence this could mean that “Hiram al Mansour and the writer of this letter are the same person” Chris concluded “But think about the implications” Anna said “This would mean …” “That Hiram is behind all that and that what we witnessed that night at Rachel´s Penthouse was staged” Kate finished the sentence.
“But why?” Anna still struggled with the implications as it seemed. Chris looked thoughtfully in the fire for a moment “The logical conclusion would be this: If, and I stress “if”, this was a ploy from the beginning it would give Hiram al Mansour the perfect excuse: He was kidnapped in front of us. He played even the Hero, you remember?” Kate nodded, I do “ Anna nodded too, but said nothing. Chris thought back to that moment, only a few weeks ago at Rachel´s apartment:
What had the High Priestess said?
“My master has the burning desire to speak with you Hiram, you have been a very naughty boy of late” the woman chided him “so you will accompany us …. as for the others … “ she turned to Chris and her friends “Kill them all!”
Hiram rose from his chair “There is no need to kill them Anck-Sun-Amun! I will come with you, I will do your bidding but spare their lives, they are innocent in this I implore you!”
The stared at each other for a long moment, the air crackled with tension, then the villainess chuckled “Always the knight in shining armour … ready to rescue a damsel in distress” she added mockingly “So be it Hiram – but if you don´t follow my orders to the letter …” The Egyptian let her last words ominously hanging in the air.
Kate broke the silence “If this is true: What is the end game? Why going to all this trouble?”
Anna cleared her throat “We could ask Sybil, if she could dig deeper in Al Mansours past, really deep – if anything comes up, which would corroborate this theory – and I still have trouble to believe that”
“We definitely have to find out more about that cult, the Daughters of Isis” Chris concluded “and we have to see if Evie and Amanda can tell us more about this mystical weapon “The Sunray of Amon-Ra”
Anna huffed “You know what I find really creepy?” Kate and Chris looked expectantly at her “You will tell us” Chris smiled “That someone is obsessed with me as von Winterfeldt was with you Chris” The Russian shuddered.
“Well, you know, how that ended for the bastard!” Chris grinned “This time I might not just sever his hand but go straight for the head!” her smile became grim “If anybody tries to harm you Anna, he has to get past me” “And me” Kate added sincerely.
Anna blushed deeply “Thank you” The blonde smiled “You are there for us, we are there for you Anna it is as simple as that” Even if her tone was light, the Russian knew with utter surety, that Chris would sacrifice herself for her, for anybody she held dear without any hesitation “You would go “One for all. All for one” for me?” she teased her friend good-naturedly “Yes I would” Chris replied simply.
The ensuing silence was not of the uncomfortable sort. On the contrary: There was a silent understanding which needed no verbal confirmation, so strong was the bond between the three women. Time would tell though, if this band would be tested.
Chris had to smile “What are you smiling about?” Anna inquired “A passage of Shakespeare just sprung to mind” the blonde explained “You all know Henry V?” Anna smiled at her “The speech of St. Crispin´s day?” Chris returned the smile “You simply know me to well, yes, you are right, this speech”
Kate chimed in and quoted from memory the verses Shakespeare wrote so many centuries ago:
“This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say "To-morrow is Saint Crispian."
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say "These wounds I had on Crispin's day."
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words—
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester—
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be rememberèd—
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition”
When Kate had ended, neither woman spoke a word.
Finally Chris rose “Let us drink to that” she went to the cabinet and filled three goblets with a golden liquid, put them on a tablet and went to her friends. Each woman took a goblet, they looked each other in the eye, Chris raised hers and toasted “To the happy few!”
“To the happy few!” Anna and Kate returned and they drained their goblets.
[mention]Bandit666[/mention] [mention]Fandango[/mention] [mention]LunaDog[/mention]
Chapter 71
“One for all and all for one”
Two days later:
Hall Place Manor night and midmorning:
After Midnight:
“One for all and all for one”
Two days later:
Hall Place Manor night and midmorning:
After Midnight:
Anna sat ramrod straight in her bed. Her pulse was racing, her body was covered in cold sweat. She had been hit by Anck-Sun-Amun´s brutal kick against her head. Her right hand shot to her left brow. Astonished she looked at her palm: no blood! But she had just fought against the Egyptian. She had been hit brutally several times.
The black-haired Villainess had mocked her “Who kicked who´s ass b*tch?” Only slowly her pulse returned to normal, and even slower she realized where she was: She was not in the British Museum, she was in her bedroom at Hall Place Manor. It had not been the first nightmare that night.
The Russian had relived the murder of Tatiana Nikolajeva, how Nofret had slung the G-String of her Lord-Dunn-Raven around her former teacher’s throat and strangled her with brutal force. The desperate attempts of the old woman to free herself, how her eyes had bulged out of her sockets, the gurgling noises – and finally silence, Anna had felt so helpless. It was always the same dream.
Another one recurring dream: The vault, Anna tied to the chair. Hayley had to let go and the iron balls had smashed her right hand. The searing pain always woke her up …
The Russian looked at her watch: Three o´clock, the heart of night. She threw her damp covers aside and got up, tapped into her bathroom. Anna eyed herself critical in the mirror: the bright cold light was merciless: The dark smudges under her eyes were unmistakable. She would have to make an effort to cover them. She showered long and hot. Anna dressed: black Yoga pants, a sports bra a maroon shirt and a matching fleece jacket. Two pairs of black woollen socks on her feet:
The violinist grabbed her violin case, closed the door behind her and stepped out on the corridor. All was silent. She listened for a moment – turned left and went down to the library. She wouldn´t be able to go back to sleep anyway ….
Hall place manor, midmorning, Anna´s quarters:
To muster the energy for their morning run with Chris had been challenging. The blonde had asked no questions but the Russian knew though her best friend had known exactly what was going on.
Chris had given her space not asked any awkward questions Anna did not want to answer presently, the Russian was grateful for that “When you want to talk Anna, I am there” she had just said “I know” the Russian nodded. No more words were necessary.
Minutes later she took another look in the mirror and was pleased with the result. Evie and Amanda would present their findings and a summary of the translation they had made. The Russian pulled herself upright closed the bath room door and left for the conference room.
The Conference Room:
Evie stood at the head of the large table and looked around: Kirsty and Hayley were having a whispered conversation. The American and the Briton was a beautiful pair – and something had changed since they had returned from their trip down memory lane to Norfolk. They seemed to have bonded even more, and out of sudden a picture crossed Evie´s mind: Kirsty and Hayley before the altar, all in White …
Anna was typing on her smartphone, but the Russian looked distracted, and tired. Chris and Sophie were obviously in high spirits: they were chatting amiably. The Black Lady looked intently at Anna, and then she turned her gaze at Evie. The Canadian had obviously arrived at the same conclusion: The Russian had had a bad night obviously. Sarah McKenzie had enough experience to recognize the signs. During the hunt Anna had gone through a lot:
First the encounter with Anck-Sun-Amun at the British Museum, then their next confrontation only days ago, but the Canadian knew one thing too: Anna was resilient and she had friends at her side which would to anything for her – and the Russian had her violin, and her music.
“Hey guys” Kate entered the Conference Room. She had had to make some calls. Evie looked around, then to Amanda and nodded “Let us begin!” “Excuse me” Sybil interrupted “There is a courier at the gates. He said he has a delivery for ´Grand Duchesse Anna Alexandrovna Romanova´ - which he had to hand over personally”
Chris and Anna exchanged a look, Anna nodded and raised “Kirsty and Hayley and Kate! You will accompany her!” The pianist turned to Sybil “Tell the courier Anna will expect him at the main entrance!”
At the main entrance:
John Malcolm worked for one very posh very exclusive courier service. His job today: To deliver a package for a certain “Grand Duchesse Anna Alexandrovna Romanova” – in person. He scoffed “a bloody aristocrat, probably an old hag!” What impressed him? The Security measures at Hall Place Manor were extensive:
He had spotted several cameras on the walls, two alone at the gate. The Gate swung wide open, almost noiselessly. Malcolm followed the gravelled pathway which led to the main entrance, where he was supposed to hand over the delivery.
He was a bit nervous as he stood before the massive wooden door. He pressed the door-bell, in form of a lion-head. Noiselessly it swung open. The courier stepped over the threshold, into the vast entry hall: Four women awaited him.
They formed a half circle. In its centre stood a very tall woman clad entirely in black: a black turtleneck, black trousers, black ankle boots, her dark mane in a ponytail. Two things stood out: a silver cross around her neck – and the bright red fresh scar above her left brow in the shape of a lightning bold, in a stark contrast to her pale complexion.
She was flanked by a blonde and an auburn haired woman on her left and a brunette with amazing cheekbones on the right. All three wore her shoulder holsters openly. John Malcolm recognized this manoeuver as what it was - he had served in the armed forces, a show of force. The blonde was carrying a metal box, he noticed.
He cleared his throat “I have a delivery for the – he hesitated – Grand Duchesse Anna Alexandrovna Romanova!” “That´s me” the Woman in black smiled. “I am sorry Madam but regulations state, that you must identify yourself before I can hand this delivery over” The Grand Duchesse seemed slightly amused “I don´t think my good looks are enough” Anna chuckled.
“I am afraid not, regulations state that I need a document that confirms your identity or a person who can vouch for you” Malcom held his ground. The black haired woman and the brunette exchanged a look. The latter nodded “Right then” the Russian stated, smiling “I think we can clear this up quite easily” she took her smartphone and dialled.
The person on the other line took the call “Hello James” and a warm smile crossed the Russian´s features “We need someone in official capacity who can vouch for me” The Russian listened then turned to Malcolm and gave him the phone “A friend of mine likes to have a word with you” A bit hesitantly the courier took the phone and listened to the person on the other side:
“Yes Sir!, yes, I understand!” John handed the phone back to the woman in black “Thank you James! I will call you later!” and a warm smile crossed her features. The Russian put her phone away and turned to the courier again “After we have cleared this up, would you give the delivery to Hayley please?” She nodded at the tall blonde with piercing blue eyes who had opened the heavily padded box. Malcolm put the package in the box.
The Russian smiled at him “Thank you that will be all” The courier took this as his cue to take his leave. For the rest of the day John Malcom racked his brain what had transpired at Hall Place Manor.
But he would never learn, he had a story to tell though at the pub this evening.
The Conference Room later:
Hayley handed Sybil the heavily padded box over. The tech wizard exchanged a look with Evie obviously they had talked about what to do next: “We will scan the package first” the Egyptologist explained.
A few minutes later they looked expectantly at the large screen – “That is strange” Evie raised her eyebrows “What?” the Black Lady inquired “There is a wooden box inside the package – but this box is heavily shielded, the scanner does not penetrate” the Egyptologist explained. “Then we will do it the old fashioned way” the thief explained … Minutes later the assembled team looked in awe at the wooden box.
It was beautifully made: Highly polished dark wood. Evie inspected the box - she frowned as she looked at the upper side. There were several hieroglyphs, cartouches “What is it Evie?” Anna sounded impatient “These are the same Hieroglyphs as on the box which contained the first scroll we discovered!”
Carefully the Egyptologist lifted the lid of the box and gasped. What did she saw? In the box laid several items: A papyrus scroll, a diadem and a pectoral. Carefully she retrieved the scroll. It was sealed and Evie inspected, assisted by Amanda, the seal “Professor” Amanda sounded slightly hoarse “it is the same seal!” “The same seal, as that of the first scroll!” Evie confirmed.
With utmost Evie removed the diadem and the pectoral from the box “I see wonderful things” the Egyptologist quoted “What?” Chris inquired “The quality of these jewels is extraordinary – we have to check this – but I go out on a limb here – these are originals no copies – those were made for Pharaoh´s court – going out on a limb? New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty!” Evie´s exaltation was palpable “We bow before the searing logic of your intellect Professor” The Dark Lady teased her.
“Right” Anna interrupted “but what about the scroll?” Assisted by Amanda Evie cut the string that sealed the scroll: With utmost care she unrolled the Papyrus “This is not antique” she stated “highest quality, but newly made” gently she stroke above its surface “This scripture was written by a professional scribe” Evie thought aloud.
She read the script, frowned and read it again, read it a third time. Then she gave the scroll to Amanda “Do you read what I read?” Her assistant read a first time, then a second time. Amanda nodded, I guess I do. The two Egyptologists exchanged a look then looked at Anna.
“What is it?” Anna quipped “my death warrant?” “No”, Evie hesitated slightly “On the contrary, this is a love poem. I have to translate it verbatim later, but this is the summary: The writer adores and loves you Anna. He wants to make you his Great Royal Bride!”
The Russian felt all eyes resting on her. She blushed “That must be a bad joke”, her apprehension clearly visible. Evie shook her head “I doubt that Anna, the writer quotes one of the oldest and most famous love poems ever written in ancient Egypt. And judging by the tone, the vocabulary, the phraseology this is written by someone who is familiar with the language in a way, I haven´t seen ever before.
This is pure instinct, but to me this letter feels as if it has been written by an old Egyptian himself”
Anna was still shell shocked, this could not be, but then she remembered something. Someone had called her his Great Royal Bride before. Was that possible? Several weeks ago: What had he said? Anna racked her brain:
“My dear Anna, you would have been the crown jewel at Pharaoh´s court, you remind me very much of Queen Nefertari – at my court you would be my great royal wife” Al Mansour complimented her.
This had to be a coincidence. This just could not be –Anna resolutely shoved the thought aside. This was a coincidence, the Russian decided. The thought alone was just too monstrous.
Chris had watched her friend intently “Anna what is it? Something is on your mind!” The Russian looked her best friend in the eye “Nothing, Chris, a thought crossed my mind” Anna demurred. The blonde knew that look: The violinist had decided to keep her thoughts to herself.
“Amanda and I will analyse the letter and the jewels, I think, tomorrow we can give you a first assessment” Evie interrupted them “Our preliminary report on the scrolls will have to wait till tomorrow – this is more important. We need to know more about the letter and the jewels as fast as possible “If you be so kind to leave us alone?”
By now Chris and her friends were used to this sort of curt dismissal. The Egyptologist could be rather bossy at times, mostly when it came to her area of expertise.
When the others had left Evie and Amanda turned their attention to the scroll. As usual Sybil had stayed to assist with the instruments.
In the Library:
Chris had taken Kate and Anna aside and commandeered the library. When they had sat down, the blonde looked her best friend directly in the eye “I didn´t want to push you in front of the others Anna, but I know you: What did you not tell us?”
Anna was on the verge of speaking but the pianist interrupted her, not unkindly though “Speak your mind Anna you know in the past bad stuff happened when we did not talk to each other right?” The Russian still said nothing “Chris is right Anna!” Kate seconded the blonde “In there? You remembered something – what is so bad, that you don´t want to tell us?”
Anna looked at Chris then at Kate and sighed “Right …. but this might be pure coincidence you know ….” The blonde smiled “Just tell us and let us judge that” “Fine” Anna nodded “You remember back in New York, the evening when the Egyptian bitch” Anna breathed in deeply “attacked us, or better, before she crashed the party Hiram al Mansour said something, he made me a compliment” the Russian blushed “he said something like “My dear Anna, you would have been the crown jewel at Pharaoh´s court, you remind me very much of Queen Nefertari – at my court you would be my great royal wife” Anna looked expectantly at her friends.
Kate and Chris exchanged a look “Right I remember” the detective nodded and smiled “Back then you liked the compliment” she teased her friend “You even blushed a bit, if I remember correctly” The Russian stared at the brunette “That was back then” she stated curtly “We know” Chris chimed in “where your heart lies nowadays” “People learn you know” Anna fired back.
The blonde grew serious again “You are right Anna, this could be just a coincidence that Al Mansour used this phrase does not proof anything ….” Chris fell silent “Personally I do not believe in circumstances” Kate added “You are right Chris: this phrase does not proof anything – but I don´t think we shouldn´t ignore it either”
“What do you mean?” Anna inquired, her body language signalled she was intrigued, Chris too looked attentively at the detective “What I mean is this” the brunette continued “Think about this conclusion: if this is not a coincidence this could mean that “Hiram al Mansour and the writer of this letter are the same person” Chris concluded “But think about the implications” Anna said “This would mean …” “That Hiram is behind all that and that what we witnessed that night at Rachel´s Penthouse was staged” Kate finished the sentence.
“But why?” Anna still struggled with the implications as it seemed. Chris looked thoughtfully in the fire for a moment “The logical conclusion would be this: If, and I stress “if”, this was a ploy from the beginning it would give Hiram al Mansour the perfect excuse: He was kidnapped in front of us. He played even the Hero, you remember?” Kate nodded, I do “ Anna nodded too, but said nothing. Chris thought back to that moment, only a few weeks ago at Rachel´s apartment:
What had the High Priestess said?
“My master has the burning desire to speak with you Hiram, you have been a very naughty boy of late” the woman chided him “so you will accompany us …. as for the others … “ she turned to Chris and her friends “Kill them all!”
Hiram rose from his chair “There is no need to kill them Anck-Sun-Amun! I will come with you, I will do your bidding but spare their lives, they are innocent in this I implore you!”
The stared at each other for a long moment, the air crackled with tension, then the villainess chuckled “Always the knight in shining armour … ready to rescue a damsel in distress” she added mockingly “So be it Hiram – but if you don´t follow my orders to the letter …” The Egyptian let her last words ominously hanging in the air.
Kate broke the silence “If this is true: What is the end game? Why going to all this trouble?”
Anna cleared her throat “We could ask Sybil, if she could dig deeper in Al Mansours past, really deep – if anything comes up, which would corroborate this theory – and I still have trouble to believe that”
“We definitely have to find out more about that cult, the Daughters of Isis” Chris concluded “and we have to see if Evie and Amanda can tell us more about this mystical weapon “The Sunray of Amon-Ra”
Anna huffed “You know what I find really creepy?” Kate and Chris looked expectantly at her “You will tell us” Chris smiled “That someone is obsessed with me as von Winterfeldt was with you Chris” The Russian shuddered.
“Well, you know, how that ended for the bastard!” Chris grinned “This time I might not just sever his hand but go straight for the head!” her smile became grim “If anybody tries to harm you Anna, he has to get past me” “And me” Kate added sincerely.
Anna blushed deeply “Thank you” The blonde smiled “You are there for us, we are there for you Anna it is as simple as that” Even if her tone was light, the Russian knew with utter surety, that Chris would sacrifice herself for her, for anybody she held dear without any hesitation “You would go “One for all. All for one” for me?” she teased her friend good-naturedly “Yes I would” Chris replied simply.
The ensuing silence was not of the uncomfortable sort. On the contrary: There was a silent understanding which needed no verbal confirmation, so strong was the bond between the three women. Time would tell though, if this band would be tested.
Chris had to smile “What are you smiling about?” Anna inquired “A passage of Shakespeare just sprung to mind” the blonde explained “You all know Henry V?” Anna smiled at her “The speech of St. Crispin´s day?” Chris returned the smile “You simply know me to well, yes, you are right, this speech”
Kate chimed in and quoted from memory the verses Shakespeare wrote so many centuries ago:
“This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say "To-morrow is Saint Crispian."
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say "These wounds I had on Crispin's day."
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words—
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester—
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be rememberèd—
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition”
When Kate had ended, neither woman spoke a word.
Finally Chris rose “Let us drink to that” she went to the cabinet and filled three goblets with a golden liquid, put them on a tablet and went to her friends. Each woman took a goblet, they looked each other in the eye, Chris raised hers and toasted “To the happy few!”
“To the happy few!” Anna and Kate returned and they drained their goblets.
Last edited by Caesar73 11 months ago, edited 1 time in total.
Shakespeare never fails...
Henry V., part 2, if I am not mistaken.
Well, once more into the breach...
Henry V., part 2, if I am not mistaken.
Well, once more into the breach...
-
mrjones2009
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Another masterful chapter. Keep up the good work!
So very outstanding.
A List of my stories:An Unlikely Savior Completed
Spy Task Force Completed
Tale of an Archer Completed
The Bandit Scout on Newhome updated 05/30/23
It’s true, it’s outstanding, masterful, gripping and entertaining, and I’m not even a fan of Shakespeare but got the wording
I ever loved that scene of Shakepseare´s Drama since I watched Kenneth Brannaghs Movie. And I found these speech captures fits to the moment perfectly. A close bond has formed between all of them: Chris and Anna, Kirsty and Hayley, Kate and Sarah, Sophie and Evie and Sybil. They are the happy few as Shakespeare says. But their enemy does not sleep and there are challenges looming ahead. And they will have to stand together to have a chance of success. They are up against forces they have no idea off yet. They stand only a chance together: All for one and one for all.
Finally caught up with reading this one, WELL up to your normal excellent standards. Good to see Sieglinde back too, and relatively 'unharmed' after her ordeal in the previous story. With both her and Chris, receiving and giving each other some interesting 'tie up games.'
And another thing with this story, [mention]Caesar73[/mention], thank you for having the courage to include that iconic figure, James Bond in this one! And why not? He's a fictional character after all, NOT a REAL one. Hope Anna enjoys his attentions.
Now Mr Bond is surely one of the great 'symbols' of the United Kingdom, one of the defining 'images' of being British. Right up there with red telephone boxes, Routemaster Buses and not forgetting the fantastic English Breakfast. And it's my opinion that ALL the actors who have played him have been tremendous in the role. While many believe that the best of those was the first, Sean Connery, understandable as he was great, MY favourite will always be Roger Moore.
Now Mr Bond is surely one of the great 'symbols' of the United Kingdom, one of the defining 'images' of being British. Right up there with red telephone boxes, Routemaster Buses and not forgetting the fantastic English Breakfast. And it's my opinion that ALL the actors who have played him have been tremendous in the role. While many believe that the best of those was the first, Sean Connery, understandable as he was great, MY favourite will always be Roger Moore.
[mention]GreyLord[/mention] [mention]Bandit666[/mention] [mention]banshee[/mention] [mention]Beaumains[/mention] [mention]Bigballgag1[/mention] [mention]Trammel[/mention] l [mention]wolfman[/mention] [mention]mrjones2009[/mention] [mention]slackywacky[/mention] [mention]Nainur[/mention] [mention]TightsBound[/mention] [mention]Pantyhose971[/mention] [mention]TayDay95[/mention] [mention]NotSeen[/mention] [mention]Mineira1986[/mention] [mention]BlissfulMisery[/mention]
[mention]Bandit666[/mention] [mention]Fandango[/mention] [mention]LunaDog[/mention]
It is a fine line though: In the focus of the Story stand the heroines we know, so I must take care that 007 plays his part but does not play too great part. One thing is for sure Anna enjoys his attention - very much so. And we will Bond now and then
Dear friends, readers and followers and commentators thank you for your ongoing support. The Hunt will continue - but there will be hiatus, since I am currently writing the final stage of the Hunt for the lost Scrolls. The Story will continue seven months after the events in the previous chapters. The final Quest will lead Chris and her friends on a Quest, from Hamburg, to Alexandria, up the Nile to Cairo, to Luxor to Aswan and Abu Simbel. From Aswan the journey will lead deep in the Western Desert to seek revenge, and to destroy the Enemy once and for all. It will be a highly emotional roller coaster, which will test the inner strength of some characters to their absolute limits and beyond.
"Death after all is only the beginning!!
[mention]Bandit666[/mention] [mention]Fandango[/mention] [mention]LunaDog[/mention]
Thank you [mention]LunaDog[/mention] ! When I first came up with this idea I chided myself crazy - but couldn´t resist the temptation. And in the end I am glad I didn´t
It is a fine line though: In the focus of the Story stand the heroines we know, so I must take care that 007 plays his part but does not play too great part. One thing is for sure Anna enjoys his attention - very much so. And we will Bond now and then Dear friends, readers and followers and commentators thank you for your ongoing support. The Hunt will continue - but there will be hiatus, since I am currently writing the final stage of the Hunt for the lost Scrolls. The Story will continue seven months after the events in the previous chapters. The final Quest will lead Chris and her friends on a Quest, from Hamburg, to Alexandria, up the Nile to Cairo, to Luxor to Aswan and Abu Simbel. From Aswan the journey will lead deep in the Western Desert to seek revenge, and to destroy the Enemy once and for all. It will be a highly emotional roller coaster, which will test the inner strength of some characters to their absolute limits and beyond.
"Death after all is only the beginning!!
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mrjones2009
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No [mention]Caesar73[/mention] Thanks for sharing this splendid tail.
Although disappointed that there will be a break I know that you will come back with a great finale when you are ready!! Better to take the time and get the story the way that you want it.
The hints that you drop raise expectation!
Although disappointed that there will be a break I know that you will come back with a great finale when you are ready!! Better to take the time and get the story the way that you want it.
The hints that you drop raise expectation!
Thank you my friend for you understanding - progress on the new Chapters is good - the plans for the final battle are made. If anything goes as planned the hiatus might be over in the near future. Two or three weeks are a realistic time span - maybe sooner - or a bit later
Just a short notice: You should expect the continuation to begin in the next two weeks. The muses were kind - I began writing the final battle. To give you an idea: If you know the Movie "The Mummy returns" think of the battle of the nine tribes of the Medjai against the Army of Anubis The weaponry will be though a bit more advanced ....
The weaponry will be though a bit more advanced ....