Breaking Through Time

Chapter 8 Should I be a polygamist?

When we reached the City it was magnificent. Michael looked at me and said,

 "We need to cover you up a bit. Press inside your ear and ask for options for visual virtual clothing. " 

I followed his instructions and then on the side of my vision a Heads Up Display (HUD) appears showing me all the options of clothing for women in this century, I could choose the fabric, colour and fashion of the creation that would then holographically make the image appear over my clothing. 

"Now say out loud,  women in Egipt, 2600 BC." 

Again I followed his instructions and suddenly my mind was flashed with information relating to the behaviour and customs of women in this time. 

"This is really useful," I say, thinking back to how scared I was in Ancient Asia when I didn't understand the culture.

" It is, but" he starts to whisper "in this century you really need to be able to stop yourself from staring". 

"Staring? What do you..." And then I see it. I see exactly what he meant, so I quickly look down at the sand between my feet.

We had been walking on the main road, and it is an early, busy morning around here. The workers are leaving their homes and heading off to work. That wouldn't be so unusual except for the fact that humans aren't the only ones walking down this street and seem to be following this routine. 

"What are they?" I whisper to Michael, he smiles, almost laughs and says 

"I guess your century would call them the aliens that built the pyramids."

"And are they really? The aliens?" He smiles at my confusion and says "yes and no"

I then feel my AI once again flashing my brain with information about these creatures and then I understand it all.

We stop at a market stall and Michael buys some bread. The seller while waiting for Michael to produce the payment gives me a penetrating glance. He comments to Michael 

"That is a fine woman! I have been looking for a wife. Just look at her! Her skin is the colour of the moon, and so smooth,  she would be the talk of Egypt, everyone will want to come and see her at my stall, it would be very good for business!  How much for her? I can promise you a good dowry!". 

I look up shocked and desperately stop myself from saying something or shouting. Michael looks at me trying to stay calm and then looks back at the Egyptian man he then explains that I am already promised to someone else. The man looks at us and thinks that is the starting point for some negotiation and starts arguing that he will be able to pay more for me than whatever Michael was previously offered. He starts explaining how many sheep and camels and bags of wheat he would be able to provide for me. Looking to cut him short, Michael explains that the man I am to be offered to is Kanefer. I quickly query my AI who this is and realise that Michaels is talking about the Egyptian prince, son of the ruling pharaoh. I understand what Michael was doing and I calm down with relief.  

The man allows Michael to take the bread and go, but unhappiness is written all over his face. Michel hands me the bread 

"I thought you might be hungry by now?" 

"Thank you for that," I said with a smile " and for not selling me too."

As we walk down the road, we are able to see the river Nile, my heart fills with conflicting feelings. I am really glad I am about to see my family and get back home, but at the same time, it is a bit hard to think that this amazing adventure is about to end.