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Chapter 111
“Oh, happy Day!”
The Arena:
And so, their friends found them as they entered the Arena. With a mix of Wonder and Astonishment, they looked at the Centre of the Arena where Anna and Chris stood, totally oblivious to what transpired around them.
“So, the prodigal Grand Duchesse returned” Natasha quipped “Shut up!” Sarah McKenzie shot her a sharp look and slapped the Russian heard on her butt “Ouch!” the dark-haired Woman protested “What was that for!” “You know exactly what for Natasha” the Thief smiled sweetly and just a little ominously “We will have words later!”
Natasha was astute enough not to voice any objections.
In awe, Hayley watched at the scene before them “Isn´t that touching?” the blonde said to no one in particular “You are such a softie Hayley” Kirsty teased her “And?” her Companion challenged the Briton “Oh nothing …” a small smile curled Kirsty´s lips.
Anna felt the Warmth of Chris´ body – and smiled: Chris's heartbeat had changed again. Steady now, strong, and regular like the Great Bell of a Cathedral – and in Anna´s imagination it was the Bell of the Holy Trinity Cathedral at the Alexandre Newsky Lawra at Sankt Petersburg.
It was a voice that broke the spell. The shimmering dark Voice of a Mezzo-soprano. A voice she knew. A voice Chris and Anna knew. Sophie´s Voice. But Sophie sang neither Handel nor Mozart nor Schumann: Sophie sang something different. Something really different – if she considered Sophie´s usual repertoire: The Woman who sang so wonderfully Handel?
Sophie Reichenbach sang a Gospel. The two friends looked at each other “Did you know Sophie can sing Gospel?” Anna mused aloud “I didn´t” Chris smiled warmly “But it fits, don´t you think?” And they broke their embrace to face the music:
“Oh, happy day!” Sophie sang with all her heart and a passion in her voice which would have made an Aretha Franklin or a Whitney Houston proud. The Lyrics of this famous Gospel fitted perfectly, the Lawyer had acted on pure instinct, she had not thought much, the urge to sing, to sing that song? It had been overwhelming.
Of course, she could not hide completely she was a classical-trained Singer, but she used her flawless technique to her advantage: The Art to Improvise was a Quality every Singer of Baroque Music needed – and Sophie was a natural in that regard.
Her voice filled the vast Arena easily as she sang and clapped her hands “Come on” she shouted, “Everybody now!”
And Sophie sang:
Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day)
Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day)
When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)
Oh, when He washed (When Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)
He washed my sins away (Oh, happy day)
Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day)
Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day)
Oh, happy day (Oh, happy day)
When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)
Oh, when He washed (When Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (When Jesus washed)
He washed my sins away (Oh, happy day)
Oh, it's a happy day (Oh, happy day)
Haley elbowed her Companion in the rips “I want to sing Sophie that at our Wedding!” A brilliant Idea!” Kirsty could not help but embrace her Partner.
“She is really good!” Anna smiled at Chris as they walked to their friends “She is! I really didn´t know she had that in her!” Chris pointed at the Dark Lady “Look, even our Master Thief is touched!” The Russian grinned “Who could resist the Power of Music?” Chris returned the Grin “
So I say Thank you to the Music, the Joy it's bringing!” Without missing a beat Anna intoned
“I've been so lucky; I am the girl with golden hair I wanna sing it out to everybody! What a joy, what a life, what a chance!”
Chris took almost casually Anna´s hand and squeezed it tightly.
The Western Desert: The Palace – the Great Hall, Evening:
The Tide was running high in the Great Banquet Hall of the Palace. It was hard to believe that in the early morning, a bloody battle had been waged on the Grounds. The Medjai had secured the Complex – and the Hall was well guarded. But the feast left nothing to be desired. The Cuisine was exquisite, and the Alcohol flowed freely.
It appeared the Inhabitants of Al Mansours Realm adapted to the change of regime quite easily. Ramose´s firm hand had helped, Chris had to admit. Sophie had proposed to invite the Grand Vizier and new Ruler of “Little Egypt” as Anna had dubbed Pharaoh´s “Realm” - along with his Daughter and a carefully selected handful of other Courtiers to the Feast this evening.
Chris was not exactly happy but saw the reasoning behind the Lawyers Proposal. And the Grand Vizier had accepted the invitation. The Formalization of the Relationship between the Egyptians and the Medjai would follow in the next two days. Sophie had agreed to draw up the Treaty which both Parties would sign.
The Pianist smiled “You are right Sarah. Sophie has really grown a lot!” Chris watched at another table, where Sophie and Evie were sitting. Both were in good Spirits it seemed. As much distress and sorrow, the Hunt for the Lost Scrolls had caused: That Sophie and Evie had found each other, had been one of the good things – much blood had been spilt, and all because of the Dreams of Grandeur of a Megalomaniac.
To Chris, the belief that People learned from History was a fairy tale. Resolutely the Pianist shoved those thoughts aside. Today was a day to celebrate – there would be enough time to reflect on things later. They had fought hard, they had won. They had ended Al Mansour and his mystical Weapon. She felt a soft touch on her left Shoulder. Startled Chris turned:
“Where are you, Chris?” Anna interrupted her musings “Just thinking about things” the Pianist smiled at her best friend “I see” the Russian grinned “It is all quite overwhelming, isn´t it?” Chris nodded “It is” and returned the Grin “Fighting a bloody battle in the Morning, finding my BFFL alive and having a rousing feast can have that effect, you must admit” Anna looked at the blonde keenly. The Change was remarkable. Chris seemed much more at ease as in the hour they met again. To Anna, it seemed Chris seemed to glow from the inside.
Chris eyed her Friend: Anna had had a long shower; a good massage and Merit had insisted on taking care of her many small cuts and bruises. Now clad in a purple-red gown, matching Platform Sandals, and her long dark hair in a stylish bun Anna looked simply radiant.
The Pianist took the sight in, and a warm smile curled her lips “There are still moments I don´t trust my eyes and fear in the next second you vanish in thin air Anna” The Russian returned the smile “I know, I feel the same” For a moment both Women fell silent. Not the uncomfortable sort of silence. But the way old friends do when they sit together, and a song by ABBA sprang into Chris´ mind:
“You and I can share the silence
Finding comfort together
The way old friends do”
The blonde smiled, looking into the distance … “Thinking of ABBA?” the Russian teased her, she knew pretty much where the blonde had just been, Anna felt the same, Chris grinned “You simply know me too well”.
How she had missed these simple conversations! She felt complete again, she felt whole again. Chris looked around in the Great Hall: The Pianist hated Al Mansour, but one had to give him credit that he and his Ancestors had created a Wonder here amidst nowhere in the Western Desert.
The blonde smiled: Her friends fraternized with the Medjai: Birte Ricciarelli was talking animatedly with Shahada. Ardeth Bey´s daughter cut quite the dashing figure in the long deep blue gown which left her shoulders bare. Their friends had all changed in fitting gowns as well. It had proven no problem to find some wardrobe in the vast vaults of the Palace and Merit had only been too eager to help.
Anna had followed Chris´s gaze – and understood her feelings. She sighed … there were little pains here and there – but besides that, she felt quite well. Which was a Wonder after the sheer endless fight with Anck-Sun-Amun. It demanded all her strength, all her will, all her courage to go through …. She did still not know what to feel about that fight …. And its outcome ….
The Russian listened to her body …
Anna had to admit, that she had enjoyed the Administrations of Merit and other Ladies of the Court in the Spa. Obviously, Al Mansour had been a respected and feared but not a loved Ruler. What had the Roman Emperor Tiberius said? Let them hate me, provided they respect my conduct.
To Anna it felt as if a spell had been lifted, the atmosphere had clearly changed. The air seemed fresher, the sun brighter. She looked at Chris who was chatting with Ardeth Bey, Chris smiled warmly and laughed.
The Laughter came from deep down, from Chris's inner Core. Anna had a fair idea of what Chris had been going through in the last few days. But she could only guess how deep the wounds were there.
But in that moment Chris was happy – and that was all that mattered. She had gone through hell to get to her to get to Anna. This Anna knew without Chris saying anything.
Fondly the Russian looked at her best friend as she was laughing and smiling.
The silken green gown left the blonde´s muscular shoulders bare – and the Russian noticed some haematoma on Chris´ tanned skin. Some were fresh – and some were almost faded. And the Russian had a pretty good idea, how old they were ….
The Russian forbade herself to dive into that well any deeper: The well of time and remembrance. There were talks to be had – but not today. She turned to her left: Merit seemed utterly dumbstruck. She had obvious trouble comprehending what was happening around her.
But that her Lady-in-Waiting was overwhelmed was quite understandable. Her World had changed in just a few hours “Merit, may I trouble you for the Wine?” Anna smiled at the younger Woman who had been so brave today, Merit did not react at once “Lady Merit!” Anna scolded her – playfully “Your Mistress requires your attention!” “Of course, Mistress! At once Mistress!” her Lady in Waiting blushed deeply.
“I was jesting, Merit!” Anna smiled broadly “Don´t worry!” Smiling Anna added “But you could fill my glass again!” And Merit smiled too “I will!”
That Scene went not unnoticed:
From the table across them, Sophie was following the scene: It was good to see Chris and Anna reunited. She turned to Evie “Look how relaxed Chris is!” The Egyptologist nodded “I haven´t seen her that way since Luxor “It is as if a heavy burden had been lifted off her Shoulders” her Companion agreed. To herself, Sophie thought “It is a good thing to see Chris happy again” Evie interrupted her excitedly “Look, Sophie! Chris is about to deliver a speech!”
Indeed, Chris had risen, her emerald-green Eyes bright as the Sun, her Glass in her right hand, filled to the brim with sparkling Champaign. With a spoon, she tapped against the Crystal Flute. The silvery sound was not loud, but the Hall fell silent at once. Chris looked from one to the other and cleared her throat.
“Dear Friends!” her melodious alto Voice filled the Hall easily like a trumpet – and Sophie´s keen ears noted the change; Chris's Voice conveyed her feelings; it was vibrant with joy –
“Friends!
The pianist continued, her emerald-green eyes, which had looked so cold and hard so often in the last days, beaming:
“To every thing, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die.
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal.
A time to break down, and a time to build up.
A time to weep, and a time to laugh.
A time to mourn, and a time to dance”.
The blonde paused, allowing the words of Ecclesiastes to sink in “Today is a time to laugh, a time to dance, a time to build up, a time to mourn! Today was a time to die and a time to kill! Tomorrow will be a time to heal!”
Sophie looked around: Chris had the undivided attention of her audience. So captivating was her presence. And it had grown Sophie noticed. There stood the great Artist, the Warrior Princess of the North – and the best Friend one could wish for.
Chris would come, would come for anybody she held dear.
Chris looked at her audience, looked at Anna, at Kate, at Sophie, at Evie, at Sarah, at Natasha, at Kirsty and at Hayley and warmth filled her heart. She inhaled deeply:
“Today we thought a great battle together as Brothers and in Sisters in Arms! Today we were victorious as the seers had foretold!” A rousing chorus of clanking glasses, clapping hands and shouts interrupted the Pianist. Sophie watched as Chris patiently waited, smiling warmly. As the chatter had died down the blonde continued.
“I drink to you Friends, Sisters, Brothers, Companions!” Chris emptied her crystal goblet in one gulp and smashed it on the marble floor “Huzzah!” she shouted, her eyes blazing “Huzzah!” the party followed suit and smashed their goblets too. The Lawyer noticed that staff replaced the broken Crystal with fresh-filled Goblets immediately. Chris had obviously given orders in advance.
Out of nowhere, a new Goblet materialized before Sophie …
“We destroyed Evil today! The blonde continued “That would not have been possible without you!” Chris pointed at her friends “You all came from around the World just because you thought it was the right thing to do!”
The Pianist turned to the Leader of the Medjai and his Subcommanders “I bow before you and your Medjai Ardeth Bey!” Chris bowed deeply “It was an honour to lead you into battle” Ardeth Bey rose and returned the gesture “It was an honour to fight under your command!” he replied in his deep and rich baritone.
The Pianist bowed a second time “Thank you!” Two small words – but they carried much more.
“This is a day of joy!” Chris continued “But let us not forget about those who made the final sacrifice, those who are not here in body anymore, but in spirit only! Let me bring out a toast!”
Chris raised her Goblet again, her wrist steady and firm “To the Glorious Dead!” her voice rang like a fanfare. She emptied her Glass but did not smash it this time but set it down on the table “It is unfair to single out any of the braves who committed their future for our today but let me bring out a toast to one Individual!”
Sophie watched and saw that Chris´ Eyes welled up but her voice was firm and clear “Nabiah bint Husseini was the Second in Command to Shana Al Amari. Our Enemies killed her just to get at me and Anna!” The Lawyer looked at Anna. She saw the tears in her dark eyes, the indomitable Russian was struggling with her Emotions.
Chris raised her Goblet again “To Nabiah!”
“Nabiah!” The crowd roared back. The Pianist waited till the chatter had died down again “We want to honour the brave Souls who gave their lives gladly and without reservation, so Anna, Sophie and I will play together to pay tribute to those who are not here in body but in our Hearts! Sophie and Anna, if you may?” Chris added warmly.
Both Women rose and walked to the Centre of the Hall where a gleaming Grand Piano was standing. Anna remembered the look of childlike enthusiasm on Chris's face when she had seen the Piano as they had inspected the Great Banquet Hall. Anna remembered when Chris had sat and stroked a key: Not loud – but it had filled the vast Hall easily.
The Black Lady followed the Events with rapt attention – and felt Natasha´s warm hand on her muscular thigh and smiled – the Russian´s “Education” was progressing perfectly “Don´t overdo it!” she whispered out of the Corner of her Mouth “I never would Mistress” the Russian, clad in a black evening gown smiled “I know” the Thief added dryly “You never would”.
Sarah McKenzie watched as one of the Servants brought a Violin Case; Anna thanked him – and the hard Canadian watched as Anna opened the Case and a bright and warm smile curled her lips – as she removed the Violin from its Case and took up the bow.
“Do I see a tear in your eyes?” Natasha grinned “Mistress?” she added mischievously “Shut up!” the Masterthief huffed “Or I will beat your sorry Ass later!” The Russian still smiled “My Ass is Yours Mistress!” The Canadian looked at her sternly “It is. Don´t ever forget that!”
The Canadian concentrated again on the Scene before them: The three Musicians were warming up. Finally, Chris turned to the Audience again “Firstly we will play Handel, Sophie will sing an Aria from “Messiah” for you “He shall feed his flock” The Pianist sat and looked at Anna and Sophie. The Lawyer´s right hand rested on the Piano, and Anna´s bow hovered above the Strings of the Guarneri.
Chris nodded at her two fellow musicians and her fingers touched the first key. Her bright brilliant, yet warm tone stood in the Hall. Anna´s bow touched the strings of the Violin – and in this moment a warm sensation flooded her body “How I have missed that! Making music with the people I cherish and love!” And Anna let the Violin sing and the warm sound of the Violin united with the Pianos.
Sophie breathed in deeply and a stream of Memories passed her inner eye: When she had first played with Chris at von Winterfeldt´s Stronghold in the Alps, when she had played together with Chris and Anna at Hall Place – and then the Concert at Buckingham Palace …
Chris nodded almost imperceptibly, and Sophie began to sing. She loved Handel. Thanks to Chris Connections she had recorded her first recital with Handel Arias in the Summer. Sophie knew no other Composer who captured emotions better. This Aria, in fact, a Duet, was the perfect example:
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd;
He shall gather the lambs with His arm,
And carry them in His bosom, His bosom,
And gently lead those that are with young.
He shall gather the lambs in his arms.
He will shelter them.
And carry them close to his heart.
And gently, so gently, so gently, ever so gently,
So gently shall lead those with young.
He shall feed His flock like a shepherd;
He shall gather the lambs with his arm.
And carry them in His bosom, His bosom,
And gently, so gently, so gently, ever so gently,
Shall lead those with young.
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
Anna felt like in heaven. There had been moments in the last days, when she had to fight hard to keep her sadness at bay, not to give in to despair, to the dark dog of depression. And in this moment, she knew why she had fought this battle:
Her bow glided gently above the strings like a lover would touch her skin, her fingers moved as if on their own accord. She had not to look at Chris or Sophie. They were perfectly in tune with each other. Her body moved in rhythm with Handel´s Music and Sophie´s dark shimmering Mezzo struck a chord in her heart. She felt the tears flowing down her cheeks. But they were tears of joy.
The Aria was over. The last accord stood in the vast Hall. Then – to Chris, it felt like an eternity – someone clapped his hand. Quickly a tremendous applause filled the Hall. Chris looked at her fellow musicians. She stood, and they bowed to the Audience. Held the Pose. Stood straight – and bowed again. Chris beamed.
The Pianist smiled at Anna “Shall I? Or want you?” she whispered. The Russian smiled back “No Chris, I leave that to you!” Her best friend nodded as they bowed a final time “So shall it be then!” A warm feeling flooded Chris from the tips of her toes to the crown of her head. How had she missed that to do what she was destined for: To bring music to life. Together with her friends.
She did not need to look at Anna and Sophie – they knew what they would do. Late in the afternoon, they had done a short rehearsal – and Chris had been impressed by how well that had worked. Considering the previous events … a warm smile curled her lips. They had not played music in the last weeks …but played a Games of Thrones.
Chris faced the Audience “As a tribute to all who are not here with us this evening we will play now a Song, whose Lyrics were written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer and set into Music by Siegfried Fietz”.
Kirsty watched as the Pianist got serious “You know that song?” she whispered to Hayley who had followed the words of the Pianist with rapt attention “I do” the American whispered back “Just listen!”
The Briton pouted but said nothing – and listened:
“Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident” Chris told their Audience “He was incarcerated for his beliefs, he was incarcerated because he did what was the right thing to do – to stand up against a bloody dictator, to speak truth to Power! Not minding the Consequences!” The Pianist looked each in the eye, and Birte Ricciarelli felt the Power the blonde radiated, she was mesmerized.
This was the Chris she got to know in Hamburg, only weeks ago – to the German Policewoman it felt like an eternity, so much had happened. Birte Ricciarelli had witnessed all sides of the Pianist. The good and the bad ones.
She had seen her elated and she had seen her devasted with grief. She had seen the Warrior Princess and she had seen the Musician.
“No better friend. No worse enemy” – this Epitaph on Sulla´s Grave could apply also to the blonde. The truth of this Quote many Egyptians had learned today.
The Policewoman listened with deep concentration.
“There are moments when we are prone to give in to despair” Chris paused “Dietrich Bonhoeffer is a glowing example to keep up hope in even the darkest times” And Sophie knew perfectly what Chris was talking about “Dietrich Bonhoeffer knew he would not escape his cell at Tegel Prison alive. But Bonhoeffer did not despair even in the face of sure death at the Gallows at Flossenbuerg on a grey cold Morning in April 1945”.
The Dark Lady´s sharp eyes noticed the tears in Chris´ eyes. And the Thief knew the subtext beneath these words. Anybody who had been with Chris´ in the last weeks knew.
Chris continued:
“In his cell at Tegel in December of 1944, in a letter to his Fiancé Bonhoeffer wrote Verses which testify his faith and courage. Dietrich Bonhoeffer is an example to us all!” Tall and erect and proud she stood there in the heart of the Western Desert.
Chris looked at Sophie and Anna. Both nodded at her. Chris sat down adjusted her gown and began to play the introduction to “Von wunderbaren Mächten treu und still umgeben”.
And Sophie sang those beautiful verses, which were a beacon of hope in the hours of deepest darkness. Chris and Anna accompanied her in the best way. The two world-class musicians stood back to give Sophie´s marvellous Voice and Bonhoeffer´s Verses Room to shine.
To Sophie Bonhoeffer´s Verses had a special meaning. They had carried her through some of the darkest hours of her life: When her father-in-law had abused her as his bondage toy for sport. Many times, the Lawyer had sought refuge in one of the many Churches of Nuremberg and prayed there – often Bonhoeffer´s Verses. And they had given her solace – always.
One day as she knelt before the Altar the Pastor had approached her – and under the seal of the Sacrament of Confession, she had opened up to him, confessed to him what her father-in-law did to her. And the Pastor, a Priest in his early Forties had listened but said nothing just blessed her and told her to come to the Church every time she would feel the need – and he had quoted Bonhoeffer.
Sophie had come often.
So, singing this Song was not just singing to Sophie – singing never was – but singing “Von guten Mächten wunderbar geborgen” was praying for her and deeply personal - everybody in the Hall felt that.
Kate Beckett watched and listened in awe. The three musicians acted as one. The Detective noticed all the small signs: Looks and gestures – one time Chris looked at Anna and beamed at her and the Russian beamed back.
Kate had had Piano Lessons, but she would never consider herself any good at the Piano - Castle had encouraged her though to take lessons again – but Kate understood enough to know what was happening here deep in the Egyptian Desert in the Middle of Nowhere: Extraordinary artistry.
The Detective listened to Sophie´s dark silken Voice – and did not mind the tears rolling down her cheeks:
Surrounded by such true and gentle powers.
So wondrously consoled and without fear,
Thus will I spend with you these final hours
And then together enter a new year.
By gentle powers lovingly surrounded,
with patience we’ll endure, let come what may.
God is with us at night and in the morning
and certainly on every future day.
The worries of the old year still torment us.
We’re troubled still by long and wicked days.
Oh Lord, give our frightened souls the healing
For which You’ve chastened us in many ways.
…
And though You offer us the cup so heavy.
So painful, it’s the most that we can stand.
Not faltering, with thanks we will accept it
And take it as a gift from your good hand.
…
And should it be Your will once more to grant us.
To see the world and to enjoy the sun,
Then we will all the past events remember
And finally our life with you is one.
Von guten Mächten treu und still umgeben,
behütet und getröstet wunderbar,
so will ich diese Tage mit euch leben
und mit euch gehen in ein neues Jahr.
Noch will das alte unsre Herzen quälen,
noch drückt uns böser Tage schwere Last.
Ach Herr, gib unsern aufgeschreckten Seelen
das Heil, für das du uns geschaffen hast.
Und reichst du uns den schweren Kelch, den bittern
des Leids, gefüllt bis an den höchsten Rand,
so nehmen wir ihn dankbar ohne Zittern
aus deiner guten und geliebten Hand.
Doch willst du uns noch einmal Freude schenken
an dieser Welt und ihrer Sonne Glanz,
dann wolln wir des Vergangenen gedenken,
und dann gehört dir unser Leben ganz.
Lass warm und hell die Kerzen heute flammen,
die du in unsre Dunkelheit gebracht,
führ, wenn es sein kann, wieder uns zusammen.
Wir wissen es, dein Licht scheint in der Nacht.
Wenn sich die Stille nun tief um uns breitet,
so lass uns hören jenen vollen Klang
der Welt, die unsichtbar sich um uns weitet,
all deiner Kinder hohen Lobgesang.
Von guten Mächten wunderbar geborgen,
erwarten wir getrost, was kommen mag.
Gott ist bei uns am Abend und am Morgen
und ganz gewiss an jedem neuen Tag.
Annotation: The English Version isn´t the complete Text. Some Stanzas are missing. So, I give you the original German Text as well – besides I find in a translation always some nuances get lost. And Bonhoeffer´s Verses are just beautiful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aN7dGz6NH5M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH3o_ULx2w8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1nBPFJinEw
Her German was basic at best – but what she understood touched her deeply.
When the Song ended, there was just silence and Sophie had the feeling that the vast Hall was filled by the rich Sound Bonhoeffer wrote about. It seemed to reverberate in the Hall, even if her ears heard no sound. Nobody dared to break the spell.
To everybody´s surprise, it was Ardeth Bey who broke it. The Chief of the Medjai stood, bowed deeply, and clapped his hands. Thunderous Applause thundered through the Banquet Hall. The three Musicians bowed repeatedly, and the Black Lady noticed the warm smiles Chris, Sophie and Anna shared.
Sarah McKenzie watched another exchange of looks: The three Musicians bowed a final time and then Sophie and Anna went back to their seats: Evie beamed at Sophie, while Anna sat and engaged in Conversation with Ardeth Bey. The Russian was all smiles – but the Thief saw beneath the Surface. There would be the nights – when the Ghosts would haunt Anna.
Chris interrupted her musings. Tall and erect the Pianist stood next to the Grand Piano “As the final piece you will hear now a transcription I made before we embarked on this adventure: A transcription of the famous March from Verdi´s Aida – I have never played it in public before and I apologize for any mistake in advance!”
Chris bowed and sat down. She inhaled deeply, concentrated, and closed her eyes for a spell. Truth be told she felt just a bit insecure – but she pushed that feeling away. Her fingers touched the first keys, and it was as if someone had flipped a switch: Gone were all doubts, and she felt this would be extraordinary.
This would be one of the moments where everything where anything was possible. Chris let the music carry her. With somnambulistic Precision, she hit every key, every chord. Jumps and scales she played with full risk, at full gallop – and enjoyed every second of it. This is what she was born for. Had she been the High priestess of Death in the morning hours was she now the High priestess of Music.
Anna watched Chris with deep affection: how her best friend let just go, and let the music guide her: She had not known that the Pianist had worked on that Transcription. This was a Transcription as Franz Liszt would have written it if he had had possessed a modern Grand Piano. Chris had made effectful use of the possibilities of the modern Grand Piano and her flawless Technique.
The Russian knew that not many Pianists could do what Chris did right now. Her nimble fingers danced in full gallop across the Keyboard. For a spell their eyes met, and Anna felt something passing between them. It was just a fraction of a second, but the Russian felt it keenly, nevertheless.
Anna looked around: Chris had done it once more. Ensnared her Audience with her art. Again, she did what Sensei Nakamura had said so long ago: Chris gave herself totally without mental reservation, there was no hesitation – she just acted.
Any anybody in the vast Hall felt, that they were witnessing something extraordinary, something that happened once in a lifetime. Anna was sure to see a Halo around Chris. In moments like these Chris´ laid her soul bare for all the world to see. And Anna could not help but to shed a tear.
With ease, Chris hit the final accord. She let her Hands rest on the Keyboard before she rose and faced her audience. With a warm and radiant smile, she bowed once, twice a third time. The applause wouldn´t stop. The Pianist grinned for the briefest of seconds. She knew that feeling: She had awoken a beast – and its hunger was far from satisfied. It wanted more.
So, Chris sat down again and turned to her Audience “Now I will play Mozart for you “Rondo alla Turca” ……it would not be the last encore …...
Much later:
With a Golden Goblet in her Hand, Chris stepped out onto the Patio of the large Banquet Hall: Laughter, cheering, and the clanking of filled Goblets diminished as walked on the Marble Tills to the Banister. They still felt warm under her bare feet – she had kicked off her high-heeled Sandals long ago.
The blonde had to smile … as she had left, Anna had challenged a Medjai to a drinking Game, after the battle-hardened Warrior had explained loudly to his Comrades that Women could not drink – Anna had overheard this “Do you Guys only talk or do you even drink?” She had hurled at the Medjai who had looked surprised at the tall dark-haired Woman with the blazing eyes.
She had turned to one Staff Member “Bring the Vodka!”
Amused Chris had watched as the Egyptian Maid had brought the Vodka and a Tablet with shot Glasses … - well Anna´s Sparring Partner was in for a Lesson. She knew that the Russian could drink any Man under the Table, if the Occasion called for it. Chris had left after the eight Round.
And the Medjai was already in trouble, the Pianist observed, while Anna seemed totally unimpaired. Chris stood now at the Banister and took the sight in the star-studded Sky, the vast Temple-Palace-Complex – and the silence her deep in the desert.
If she was honest to herself? Her mind had still trouble processing the Events of this day, who had begun with a bloody battle – and ended now here with a rousing feast. There had been moments in the last Days when she had doubted if they could pull this off: Avenging Anna, destroying the Sun-Ray-of-Amon-Ra, finishing Al Mansour. If anyone at dawn had told her she would hold Anna in her Arms in a few hours again she would have called him barking mad.
But it had come to pass. Chris knew she would need time to process that all, to bring things in order. Her mind wandered back to the moment before her blade had cleaved Al Mansour´s head in too. She listened to her heart – intently – no, there was no regret, not a milligram of it. But she felt no Triumph either. The blonde felt Satisfaction though.
This Megalomaniac´s blind Desire after Power had costed so many lives, caused so much harm. Chris felt Pity though for the many brave men on both sides who had given their lives today. She took a sip of the cool dry white Wine – in a silent salute.
Soft footfalls interrupted her musings “Here you are!” Anna greeted her, her eyes blazing, her cheeks slightly rosy “How is your opponent?” Chris smiled at her best friend. The flames of the Torches cackled in the slight breeze “Lying under the Table” The Russian grinned and registered the Expression on Chris´ face “You still cannot believe I am real?” The Pianist nodded “Something like that”.
For a moment both Women gazed into the Desert in companionable Silence. Both took a Sip of their Wine “I feel the same” Anna finally said “I knew, for a few days you had survived but even if I was sure you would come, there were also the moments of doubt – especially at night. The dark-haired Russian paused “Without Merit it would have been much harder – I simply knew I could trust her, I needed to trust someone”.
Chris nodded thoughtfully “She is a real Crown Jewel your Lady-in-Waiting” The blonde smiled “I fear though I gave her the Creeps today: she entered the Vault just in the same moment, I finished off Al Mansour”.
“May he rot in Hell!” Anna raised her Goblet “To hell!” Chris toasted back and they clanked their Goblets and took a large Sip “She is a big Girl, Chris, she can handle that!”
“Probably” Chris grinned “If she could handle you” she teased Anna “Christine von der Marwitz” the Russian wagged a Finger at her “I still have enough Energy left to kick your Ass!”
The two Women looked at each other, then they both laughed like two School Girls.
“Boy, how I have missed this” Chris gasped as she gained breath again. She touched her best Friend gently at her left shoulder “Come let us go back inside!”
The Hunt for the Lost Scrolls was finally over.
Neither Chris nor Anna noticed that they were watched by pair of grey Eyes
“I will make you pay” a hoarse Voice whispered.
A voice full of venom and hate.
The Hunt for the Lost Scrolls was finally over ….
Or was it?