Sands of Abydos

Chapter 4: Priestess of Isis

"We need a Plan B," Mozzie muttered in Peter's ear as they watched Neal being escorted out of the hall.

Truer words .... They couldn't rely on the priestess having an innocent motive. She'd walked straight toward Neal as if she knew he was there. Had one of the guards notified her? Was there something else at play? Whatever it was, Neal needed to be extricated fast.

"Don't attract attention to ourselves," Peter whispered back. "We'll be less likely to be noticed if we're on the opposite side of the hall." Guards now protected the cedar door behind which Neal and the priestess had disappeared.

Mozzie began walking slowly in the direction Peter indicated. "We need to create a diversion to lure the guards away."

"But first we'll have to figure out a way to get the priestess to leave. You saw how she pressed her hand on Neal's chest."

Mozzie nodded. "Like the priest in Leng. She could be in league with the cult. I don't care how much perfume she's wearing. That woman is evil."

Ancient Egyptians loved perfumed unguents and were experts in their preparation. Perfumes were associated with the gods. The blend worn by the priestess was particularly cloying. It gave Peter a headache. He suspected Neal had an even stronger reaction since his senses were enhanced with alien DNA.

"What would make a priestess leave?" Mozzie mused, stroking his chin.

Peter spun through options, searching for one that had any chance of success. "An order from the pharaoh should do the trick. Temples this size usually have multiple entrances. We could sneak out a back way, then approach the guards stationed at the entrance. They may not remember having seen us earlier."

Mozzie nodded. "We'll claim mighty Khufu demands her presence, and that they fetch her at once. One small problem. Why would the guards believe us?"

Peter mulled over the contents of his work bag.

"You've thought of something," Mozzie prompted eagerly.

Peter hesitated. The plan was crazy, but he didn't have anything better to propose. "It's time to abandon the Prime Directive," he said with a conviction he wished he actually felt. "If we shine a flashlight in their faces and command them to kneel before us, we may be able to bluff our way through it."

Mozzie exhaled slowly. "Better let me handle the light show while you issue the orders. Your growls are much more menacing than anything I could achieve."

"Let's hope they're as effective against guards as they are with students." They'd reached the side of the hall. A couple of small storage annexes were along the wall. Peter pointed them out to Mozzie. "Are you feeling lucky? We may find accessories to help sell our act."

* * * * *

The priestess led Neal into a spacious chamber. Small windows set high in the sandstone wall illuminated a square pool of water in the center of the room. The stone sides had been painted midnight blue which made the water appear to be the same color. The heady perfume worn by the priestess permeated the air. Neal saw two incense burners filled with hot coals. The incense was held in metal dishes over the coals. His nose itched from the oppressive atmosphere.

"Few are privileged to see my chamber," the priestess said. "You should feel honored." She nodded to the guards. "Strip him."

"If you value your life, you will release me this moment," Neal threatened, attempting to imitate the bluster of a wronged prince.

She strode forward and slapped his face, her long nails slashing gouges into his cheek. "Silence! Any future insolence will be met by the severest of reprisals."