The Reward of Love

Chapter 5

Izzy lowered the airship to the ground over Karnak. A train sat on the track just in front of the old ruins. Ardeth and Rick dashed off to the train while Evy and I scoured the city for Alex. Evy and I walked carefully through the old city following the many footprints in the sand. The city was too quiet for my liking and my nerves rang.

"Rose," Evy said softly. "I don't think they're here. I think they've already left."

I pulled her close, rubbing her shoulders following Alex's tiny footprints. "We will find him."

"But if they left, how can we track them?" Tears filled her eyes.

I looked up at a statue to see a colorful tie hanging on the old stone. "Evy look."

Her head lifted to the sight and she gasped. "Rick!" Her voice echoed off the bare walls as if her life was in danger. She dashed to the tie pulling it from the statue. Rick and Ardeth were by our sides in no time. "Alex left us his tie." She handed him the colorful fabric kneeling down in the sand. "And he made us a little sandcastle."

I recognized the layout. "It's the island temple of Phillie."

"They've gone to Phillie!" Evy said.

"That a boy Alex," Rick helped her up. "Come on!"

We made a mad dash back to the airship fresh on Alex's trail.

"Once we land I need you all to stay on the ship." I ordered.

"No," Evy growled. "I'm going with you!"

"No you are not." I put my foot down.

"Rose," Rick came up behind his wife to comfort her. "our son is out there."

"I know he is, but you are of no use to him dead."

They all turned to me. "What are you talking about?" Rick moved forward.

I let out a long sigh. "The day I left years ago, Anubis ordered me to go to Phillie. Since then all the tombs and special places pertaining to the bracelet are filled with traps that I placed myself hoping to slow down Imhotep."

Evy covered her mouth in a gasp and Rick grabbed me by my shirt collar. "My son is with the creature!"

"How the hell was I supposed to know your son was to be involved?" I growled back. "It doesn't matter because the traps only pertain to those unassociated with Anubis. The bracelet will guide him where to step, where to move and when to duck. Anubis needs the guide alive to raise the army."

Rick let me go before running his fist into a post.

"Hey! Don't be breaking my ship." Izzy yelled at his old friend.

"Just wait here and I will find him." I tossed a rope over the side of the ship. "Trust me."

"Okay," Evy paced before coming over to me. "He was wearing-"

I held up my hand. "Evy I met the boy, I know what clothes he wore and I am certain there are no other children traveling with them."

I slid down the rope and made a dash through the temple avoiding my hidden traps. There were several bodies laid around the temple and I checked them for any signs of life. Unfortunately, my traps worked too well leaving no one to question. We were about a day behind.

I scoured the temple about to give up before spotting a dark tan lump in the corner of my eye next to a beautifully carved pillar. I lifted the coat to see the next destination. I smiled with pride at my cousin's son. He was clever and bright.