honor, along with additional perks.”
“Perks.” Howie snorted.
Finally, another hint of interest, but it only proved no one could resist Iker, not even Howie. Imagining these items as new, used by their original owners, thrilled her. She bet the mummy would excite the women visiting the museum. Maybe they’d dream about him like she did. According to history, Iker served the queen in numerous ways.
Sandy could only imagine. If she were queen, she’d certainly put the warrior to good use. Day and night.
She realized Howie waited for an answer, so shook off her daydream and put on a more professional air. “Such as a palatial mansion, maybe extra land.” And probably serving as the queen’s lover. But she wouldn’t go there. “Archaeologists discovered his tomb in Dra Abul Naga, an ancient cemetery on Luxor’s west bank. We’re lucky they included those photos of the dig site.” Though it pained Sandy to see his plain wooden coffin inside a crudely carved burial shaft recessed in bedrock. Someone with his elevated social stature deserved better.
Near Iker’s coffin, they’d found the weapons now on display beside him: five arrows made of reed, three still feathered, and two bows. Three wooden staffs sat nearby, and another plaque explained that the three staffs indicated his high rank.
Howie frowned at the plaque in front of the warrior’s remains. “The Excellent One,” he said, more deadpan than usual.
“You’re not kidding.” Sandy sensed Iker’s presence, more palpable than ever. “I mean, I’ve never seen such an amazing mummification.”
Howie shifted his frown to her. “I still don’t get it. The exhibit’s called ‘Egypt’s History Unearthed’ but it contains these distinctly unrelated items.”
She hated to admit she’d second-guessed the exhibit’s title about a thousand times, but couldn’t come up with anything else. “I decided it best to take the broader view with the title. This show will be the museum’s most high profile show to date. The Egyptian authorities are including Iker and User’s finds only on the scheduled tour of the exhibit for our museum. Americans can see the Bastet artifacts elsewhere, but can only view those two displays here. It’s a huge honor that will raise the level of interest for our show by an incredible amount.”
Beyond any of her wildest dreams. She shouldn’t question her amazing fortune, but couldn’t help it. Why did the council grant the exhibit only to her small university museum, one normally bypassed in favor of major venues for showings? The letter from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities gave no explanation, only tersely worded, strict instructions. In one month, Sandy would close her exhibit, at which time Iker and the vizier’s relics were to be shipped immediately back to Egypt.
“This will be the most amazing month. It will be over way too soon.” She stepped closer to Iker. “I don’t know which I’ll miss more—Iker or Bastet’s temple pieces.”
“Not the false tomb door?” Howie asked with a sly smile.
Another shiver passed through her. “No, I’ll have no trouble saying adios to that. It gives me the willies every time I’m near it.” Even more than Howie did.
“An occupational hazard?” His smirk was lopsided, as if he didn’t care enough about even that to give his full effort.
“No, this is the first time I’ve ever had that reaction to an artifact.” She’d worked with items from all over the world, associated with many cultures and beliefs, but never had an artifact impact her so deeply, or so negatively. She loved all things Egyptian, so it made no sense. Iker’s relics, on the other hand, evoked the opposite: a sense of strength, integrity and warmth.
Howie leaned close. “Maybe your subconscious is trying to tell you something.”
Something about the slant of his brows made his colorless eyes appear menacing. She stepped back, and bumped an object. Her touch feathered across the corner edge of the warrior’s table, and it nicked her finger. “Ow. How stupid.”
“Yes,” he hissed. “You should be more careful. And keep your distance from the warrior.”
“I will, thanks.” For the warning. It conveyed zero concern for her well-being, and way too much wariness about the mummy. “It’s late. Time to lock up.”
When he didn’t move, she hurried to add, “I’m meeting a friend.” Not until morning, but no need to mention that. “If I don’t hurry, she’ll start calling. You know how friends can be.” Did he? None ever stopped by, and Sandy had never seen him talking on a cell phone.
After an uncomfortable beat, he bowed his head. “Have a pleasant evening.”
What kid spoke so formally? According to his job application, Howie was twenty-two, but a casual observer might place his age closer to thirty, possibly even forty, with that half-dead complexion.
And why did it sound more like a warning when he wished her good night? “You too, Howie. See you on Monday.” Unfortunately.
Hallelujah for the weekend. She’d probably spend both days working at the museum, but at least it would be Howie-free. Her anxiety retreated along with the intern.
Her smile widened as she let her gaze wander over the mummy. “Just you and me, Iker baby. Then I can say whatever I want, and you, my fine warrior, will have no choice but to listen.” Ah, if only she could command such a man. The power might go to her head.
On her way out, before turning off the lights, she glanced back with a sigh.
If only he had a pulse.
A crazy thought entered her head. She turned to face him, squared her shoulders and stood tall. A vision engulfed her, pulling strength from deep within herself, and drawing power to her from unknown sources beyond her. The flow mixed with her lifeblood, an effervescent force that energized her as she collected it, concentrated and condensed it, readying to release again at her will.
Arms straight in front of her, palms up, she raised her hands. Closed her eyes. Focused every part of her body on Iker. Imagined the mummified layers falling away as new life flooded every cell, pumping through his veins. Breath filling his lungs. Strength pulsing in every muscle.
All the energy she’d gathered to herself, she released in words: “Arise, O warrior. I command thee.”
The words echoed through the darkness—her voice, yet not hers—and startled her. Even worse, she half-expected something to happen. Another type of energy emanated in the room. She couldn’t quite pinpoint it, and definitely couldn’t explain it, but something had changed. Shifted. And that wasn’t funny at all.
After a scan of the dark room, a nervous laugh escaped. Everything still where it belonged. Don’t be a weirdo. You’re freaking yourself out over nothing.
“Must be an early case of pre-opening night jitters. Good night, Iker.” She locked the door behind her, and then double-checked it. Yes, all secure. So why did she have the strange feeling the lock would have no effect?
****
To learn more about Goddess, Spellbound, visit my blog at https://catemasters.blogspot.com/2014/11/goddess-spellbound-goddess-connection-3.html
About the Author
Award-winning author Cate Masters loves stories of any genre. Multi-published in contemporary to historical, fantasy/dark fantasy to paranormal, she sometimes mashes genres. Look for her at https://catemasters.blogspot.com, Facebook, Goodreads, and in strange nooks and far-flung corners of the web.
Cate loves to hear from readers. Email her at: cate.masters AT gmail.com.
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