Dark Wisdom Part Three

The first thing I felt after deplaning was the oppressive heat. Despite the modernization Egypt developed in the twentieth century, no one had yet developed a way to ward off the bright sun near the equator.

I slipped into the terminal, grateful for the air conditioning and had my passport and visa thoroughly examined and stamped. "Have a pleasant stay, Dr Nikos," said the customs officer. I thanked him and made my way toward the taxi stand, dragging my suitcase behind me.

"Right this way, miss," said an eager, fez wearing man. He was middle aged, with hair going gray and wore loose robes with a dark vest. "I, Wali, have a very fine taxicab, very nice with air condition!" I allowed myself to be hustled into his slightly above disreputable vehicle. The cab smelled of cinnamon, sweat and pungent tobacco. But I had to admit, Wali was right about the air conditioning.

"Is nice, yes?" he asked holding the door for me and taking my suitcase. "Hey, where is the rest of your luggage. No American lady have just one for trip to Egypt."

"I sent it through about a week ago Wali. They're holding it for me at the Stennet house. Do you know it?" I could see Wali's eyes widen noticeably at this revelation.

"Stennet House? Is Cairo base for Dr Sahdi and his diggers! I am cousin to one. I get you there in good time!"

As we careened through the city toward the Stennet House, I saw graffiti on some of the walls. It looked suspiciously new. "Wali? Who or what are the Sons of Amon?"

Wali practically growled. "Please not to mention them in this cab again, lady, please? They are new militia band or gang or something, and they want headlines, and people to talk about them. If you never mention, they lose their powers, see?"

I nodded, and refrained from asking any more questions on that topic. Instead I clung to the ceiling strap as we rocked through the city. True to his word, the taxi fairly flew through the streets. I was certain that death for SOMEONE awaited us just around each corner, but somehow we arrived with all limbs intact. Wali brought the cab to an expert and sudden stop in front of the Stennet house.

I pushed out of the cab and studied my surroundings. Stennet House stood in an older, run down section of Cairo, but the hope of rich American and European scientists always attracted a small gathering of beggars. Across the way, I saw them and my heart went out. But Wali put a hand on my shoulder and said, "Come lady, is not always safe for women outside Stennet House. I shook my head and followed him into the courtyard; unaware of the sinister eyes watching from beneath a beggar's burnoose.

"So, you've regained your arrogance and confidence have you?" muttered the beggar behind me. "Well, you'll soon see how misplaced that confidence is..." The beggar crept stealthily away, and slipped quietly into the back seat of Wali's cab, unnoticed by me. From the dark shadows, another, similarly dressed slipped into his place.

I walked into the foyer of the Stennet House and was promptly greeted by Mohammed; the manager. "Dr Nikos, how wonderful it is to see you again," he said with a stiff Sandhurst accent. He cast a suspicious eye at Wali, but good manners prevailed and he said nothing about my companion. Mohammed turned back to me and said, "We sent your things up to the Aten room as you requested."

"Facing east," I confirmed.

"Indeed, though that room offers the poorest view of any in the house. Are you certain you will not reconsider?"

"No, I like that room fine. Consider it my lucky room." At Mohammed's signal, one of the servants took my suitcase from Wali and proceeded up the stairs. I turned to my cabbie and paid him, adding a generous tip.

"Thank you Wali," I said. "It was an adventure."

"Oh you are too kind by far lady! If you need ride in the future, call Wali--I know all good spots in Cairo." He gave a very informal bow and headed toward the door.

Mohammed couldn't stifle the haughty sniff. I smiled despite myself. "I keep forgetting how egalitarian your country is," Mohammed said. "But there's an order in Egypt that shouldn't be crossed. That man should have known better." Mohammed hummphed again and led me up the staircase to my room. His usual good mood and brisk efficiency had returned by the time he opened the door and handed me my key.

"Oh, there was also a message for you Dr Nikos," he said, handing me an envelope. I took it from Mohammed and he stepped back but his curiosity kept him close as I read the note.

"Nothing serious, one trusts?" he asked, fishing for information.

I smiled. "Not unless you think having a guest for an extra day is serious," I said. "The note just means I'll be taking advantage of your hospitality until Wednesday. Dr Sahdi can't spare anyone until then, it seems."

"Shall I alert the kitchen staff?"

"No need Mohammed. I can manage the tourist traps in the bazaar easily enough. And despite your wife's good cooking, I wouldn't want to put the whole staff to trouble just for me."

He nodded easily, relieved, I think. "Well if that's all for now, then. Dinner is at 8, dress is casual tonight." I thanked him and closed the door, then tossed my luggage to the floor and sprawled on the bed.

I woke with a start, my heart racing. For a moment I was disoriented, then I settled into the memories of where I was. I checked my wristwatch and saw it was 7 pm. I yawned, then slipped into a pair of loose jeans and a comfortable golf shirt, feeling that satisfied the "casual" requirement for dinner. Looking into the secret compartment of my suitcase, I sent a quick "check in" signal to the Guild, satisfying Val for a while. I ran a comb though my hair, trying to get it to sit properly. Satisfied I offered a glance out the window in my room, looking out at the backs of buildings around the Stennet House and watching the shadows growing longer.

I left the window open, allowing the air to circulate, then slipped downstairs for a warm meal. I ate sparingly, more from routine than from actual appetite. The bread was good and so was the lamb but I just was more tired than anything. I thanked Mohammed, then headed back upstairs.
My room was darkening, and Stennet House had not yet availed itself to air conditioning. I turned the ceiling fan on, then slipped into a camisole and panties for sleeping. I think I was asleep as soon as I hit the pillow.

I felt something against my mouth and tried to sit up but powerful arms restrained me. I bit down on the hand, only to find a thick cloth in my mouth. "No no, Athena, we mustn't bite, we mustn't scream," said a velvet voice to my left. I struggled, realizing I was in the grip of someone overly powerful. My eyes could nearly make out a human figure, and a flash of gold at the neckline told me it was someone I was deeply acquainted with.

"Bllk bbs?" I mumbled.

"Indeed, White Owl, I have returned from my exile. Where you trapped me. I've been waiting all this time, my dear. I plan to see you dead, just like my poor beloved, Intrepid."

All the time he spoke, I angled my body and slashed a sidekick at his thigh. He gave a soft laugh. "Would that stop YOU, Athena? I think not. So how could you possibly believe it could stop me?" He lifted a hand from my mouth and I was about to scream when he slammed the fist into my solar plexus.

"Unnnn" I groaned. My stomach contracted, and I gasped noiselessly trying to draw breath.

"You should thank me, Athena. I'm going to save you...for myself. I'm here to rescue you from the horrible destruction of the Stennet house." My eyes wouldn't focus, but I guess I glanced at him.

Ibis grabbed the back of my hair and slammed me out of bed, throwing me into the bureau across the room. I slid to the floor, struggling now to get up. Instead I felt his heavy boot in my back. "No, Athena, you're MINE!" he said. I shuddered, hearing the mania in his voice. Then I felt his hands tightly about my throat. I reached feebly, trying to pry his fingers from my windpipe, but as he squeezed more tightly, I felt all my own strength ebbing away.

He pushed my head forward again, dashing it against the knob of the bureau and I saw stars, then blackness.

I awoke face down on the floor of my room in the Stennet House, my arms fastened securely behind me. "Wha?" I began.

"Ahh good, you're awakening," said Ibis. "I hope you don't mind, but I took the advantage of binding you with your own handcuffs; the ones you use for the powered villains...like me?" He laughed quietly and hefted me to my feet. I struggled, but Ibis had a strong grip on my arm.

"I think I prefer you this way, Athena; as Doctor Nikos, and not White Owl. So I'm taking you this way, and no White Owl equipment this time." He dragged me to the window, then I felt us falling. Ibis then began flying away from city. Behind me, I heard the explosions. I managed to look over Ibis' shoulder and I saw the fire blazing where Stennet House had once stood.

To be continued...