The Mummy Reincarnated
By
Susanne L. Lambdin
Genre: Adventure / Romance
Rating: NC 17
Disclaimer : Standard disclaimers apply.
Summary : This a sequel to the Mummy Returns set twenty-six years later and which involves the feisty daughter of Jonathan Carnahan, Amanda Shaw, and his famous nephew, Alex O'Connell, who come to Cairo in search of the legendary Orb of Osiris and do battle in modern times against the reincarnation of Imhotep and an evil priest called Senmut
~
In darkness unbridled,
Through time unnumbered,
Of a past bound by betrayal.
To a life only half-fulfilled.
With sorcery corrupt,
Death insufferable,
A soul rendered by pain and
Deceived by love untrue,
Returns for redemption,
To find a heart that is true.
Of trials and myth
To seal the fate,
Of those who banished
The undead soul of power.
~
"Soul of Power" by Brandie Postell
Chapter One
A winged shadow was cast across the front of Cairo's busy international airport as a passenger plane, in from New York City, circled around waiting for its turn to land. The blue sky hung like a drape over several landing strips covered with black asphalt on a brown parched terrain. The engines of the plane suddenly surged to accommodate the demands made by its pilot to fight against high winds and turbulence. The passengers, already alarmed and nervous due to a rough sea crossing, let off a number of screams, which grew in intensity as a mechanical grind echoed within the plane as though the entire bottom of the plane had dropped off.
Professor Amanda Shaw looked out the window, trying not to panic as the pilot announced there was difficulty lowering the landing gear. She spotted the Great Pyramids in the distance and felt a knot form in her stomach while memories of her childhood in Egypt came rushing back. An image of her father, Jonathan Carnahan, appeared in her mind, standing at the entrance of a tomb holding a torch, smiling at her, then six year's old, to encourage her to follow him inside.
Suddenly, Amanda was pushed back against her seat as her boss, the director of the Smithsonian Institute, appropriated the view of the trio of pyramids covered by a blanket of smog.
"We'll be lucky if we set our feet down on land again," replied Landers, as he sat back as the plane suddenly dipped down, caught in turbulence. "This has been the worst crossing I can remember."
"I totally agree."
Showing very few wrinkles at the age of forty, despite his many years excavating in Egypt under the harsh sun, Landers was an exceptionally handsome man, she thought, able to forgive him for his rudeness on looks alone. He was clothed head to toe in khaki, and it looked good on him. His smile vanished into a frown behind his moustache. Amanda realized her blunder at once. By quickly agreeing with him, he'd taken it to mean she hadn't enjoyed his company or conversation during the long flight.
"Once we land," he continued, "we'll be met by my assistant, Professor Gregory Maxwell, then we'll go straight to the train station. The only view of Cairo you'll see, I'm afraid, is from above, so enjoy it while you can," Professor Shaw."
"You forget that I lived here for tens years as a child."
"Then you should have lots to talk about with Gregory. It's a long train ride along Karnak, but scenic, we pass by the Nile. You should feel right at home, Professor Shaw." Landers looked her up and down. "Gregory was born in Wisconsin, studied in Mexico City before coming to Cairo several years ago. He was first with me when we discovered the Temple of Osiris five months ago. Due to his family donating a large sum to support the excavation, we are far ahead of schedule."
Amanda glanced out the window and found herself staring at a large white cloud in the shape of a sphinx. She sighed softly as she toyed absent-mindedly with a silver charm that hung around her neck, something she did frequently, then muttered under her breath. She turned back to him, feeling suddenly over heated in her simply tan skirt and white silk blouse and sandals. His gaze was hypnotic. She suddenly shivered as she remembered her father taking her by the hand and leading her inside the tomb. An image of what lay within, waiting for them, came flooding back vividly and had it not been for Landers' hand touching her arm, she might have bolted from her seat and demanded the plan to turn around.
"What is wrong?" asked Landers.
"I never thought I'd come back. Maybe I made a mistake."
Landers glanced at Amanda from out of the sides of his luminous hazel eyes beneath long trailing eyebrows. He squinted at her as the sun coming in from the windows briefly blinded him. She stared back at Landers, momentarily distracted by his brilliant eyes and good looks. Black hair adorned his head like a crown, cut short and receding off a broad forehead, and a large moustache overshadowed a slightly down turned mouth. His lips were full and sensual lips. Their eyes briefly locked. The plane engines growled, then went silent before frantically trying to start back up with a snarl and a sputter. She felt his fingers massage her arm and forced herself to relax.
"Try not to panic and concentrate on the fact that out of all the fine archeologists from universities around the world who might have accompanied me to Cairo, you are that person." Landers smiled at her and gave her hand a triumphant little wage in the air. "Just think, Amanda, for the last six years you have wasted your skills digging in New Mexico at an excavation that produced only a few human bones and artifacts of a primitive Indian culture, you are now traveling with the most famous Egyptologist, me, to join a worthwhile excavation at the Temple of Osiris. Never seen before by present day man, who knows what the temple will yield."
Amanda smiled stiffly. "My wasted effort uncovered a town larger than Waipi that predates any prior found Hopi Indian site by one hundred years. And received nationwide recognition despite critics who claimed my find was nothing bu pure luck." She eyed him. "Why did you ask me to come? Think I am that lucky or are you counting on me performing a miracle, because that's what it will take. You are asking me to find the proverbial needle, in the middle of a huge desert."
"Not in the middle," laughed Dr. Landers. "Only at the Temple of Osiris." He grew silent as the plane engines began to hum strongly. He leaned toward her, still holding her hand. "Your extensive studies in American ancient cultures are nothing compared to what you learned in your childhood with your father and uncle in Egypt. Jonathan Carnahan was obsessed with Egypt. I know you are too. Why kept you from returning?"
"Bad memories," explained Amanda. She pulled her hand away from his and turned the air nozzle above directly on her face and unfastened her shirt a few buttons. She glanced over and saw that she still held Landers' attention. "My first excavation with my father was a bit exciting. I was six. My father discovered a tomb which surprisingly enough contained the spirit of a dead vengeful Hittite general, not an Egyptian pharaoh. We barely escaped with our lives. If it had not been for my Uncle Rick and his son, we might have . . . well, some things are best left unsaid." Her father, Uncle Rick and his wife and son had spent many years in Egypt, unearthing temples and finding lost treasures, and wile adventures that had proved intoxicating to her cousin.
Alex O'Connell had made a name for himself as an Egyptologist. He was ten years older than she and far more arrogant and opinionated that her Uncle Rick, whom she adored.
"I understand now why you agreed to come with me. The memories still plague you at night?"
She nodded. "But that's not what's really bothering me. My father expects me in London tomorrow. He doesn't know I came here with you. Only my cousin knows."
"I'm sure your father will understand," said Landers.
"I don't think so. I haven't seen him in more than two years."
Amanda remembered Alex had written her. She reached into her pocket and pulled out an envelope addressed to her. She started to open it, but slipped it back into her pocket.
"My cousin sent me an express telegram before I left New York but as you can see I haven't read it yet. It probably contains a note from my father. I didn't even send him a present."
"Just think of what we are trying to accomplish, Amanda," said Landers. "Legend says that the Temple of Osiris was ordered by Seti I to be built by his high priest, Imhotep. But Seti I died before he could pray at the temple. Construction stopped after his untimely death, however, it is said that within this temple is an altar which contains mystical powers."
"Which most likely means it was cursed," Amanda conjectured.
His dark eyes suddenly grew murky. "I expect great things from you, Professor Shaw. I am a perfectionist. People do not like perfectionists because we expect perfection in others. You wouldn't be here if I didn't think you were unable to perform anything less than a miracle. My rules are simple. Do what I say without question. As long as you do that, you have no reason to fear what we find at the temple."
Amanda bit her tongue to keep from commenting. Dr. Landers was an intimidating man. Although he was fifteen years older, she found some comfort that she held two Masters' degrees in archeology and ancient cultures and spoke several languages, including ancient Egyptian. In comparison, Landers had a doctorate in the field of Egyptology and had taught at a several major universities before becoming director of a museum, while she'd spent her time in the field researching for a corporate funded archeological foundation. She might have accomplished more had she not married at the age of twenty, only to divorce five years later. All she'd kept out of the divorce was her ex-husband's last name, Shaw, to avoid being stereotyped by the name of Carnahan. Her father was known in the small international archaeological community and she wanted to succeed on her own merits, therefore, the less mentioned about Jonathan Carnahan, the better for her, or so she thought.
The pilot announced the plane was landing. A final turn brought the plane in alignment with the air strip, with engines screaming as they dropped from the sky with a heavy jolt, landed with a bounce on one wheel, lurched back into the air, then hit the ground again on all four well-worn wheels. Amanda knocked against Landers, grabbing his arm in alarm as she bit into her tongue as the last, final bump brought the plane to a standstill. She noticed blushing that her breast was pressed against his arm and immediately drew away.
Landers grinned at her discomfort. "Once you get to know me, Professor Shaw, you will find I am a tolerable companion. I admit I have the confidence of a pharaoh, the conviction of a high priest, and the determination of an embalmer."
She laughed softly and put her hands in her lap, only to start fussing with her khaki skirt out of sheer frustration. Sitting so closely to Landers made it difficult to think of anything else but him. He leaned back as the plane slowly taxied toward its terminal.
"I was not trying to make you laugh, Professor Shaw. Twelve.
That's how many archeologists wanted to this job. Thirteen, if you include you. No one has ever dared refuse me. It took three offers before you agreed to come to Cairo. Your cousin refused to even consider coming. It was his adamancy that you would never return to Egypt that made me determined to have you. But then again, you have incredible ability to find the proverbial needle in a haystack, Professor Shaw, and for that reason alone, despite all the comments made about your reckless cousin or eccentric father, your abilities are testimony of your skills. I have no doubt that you will find for me what I am looking for."
"It might take some time, Dr. Landers," said Amanda. "I don't perform miracles. But if you have the right references, I'll locate what you want." As the plane taxied to its terminal and came to a halt, Amanda pulled her backpack out from its place beneath her seat, watching while Landers retrieve a briefcase. "It wasn't the money or having an exhibit at the Smithsonian that convinced me to come with you. I have my own reasons for coming. Personal reasons."
"Do they concern your father?"
"Why do you want to know? Does it matter?"
"I had the pleasure of meeting your father in person. Jonathan Carnahan lectured in New York six months ago, I thought you knew. He talked about his adventures abroad with your uncle, Rick O'Connell. As a naturalist, I give him credit, he does know his material. Shame he was thirty minutes late for his own lecture. I am sure he had a good reason."
"I'll have you know that I'm very proud to be the daughter of Jonathan Carnahan! My father was not late because he was nipping at the bottle, Dr. Landers, which I know you and everyone think that about him, and maybe it's true, but I won't have anyone else saying it."
"Please. There is no reason to be defensive," Dr. Landers replied, soothingly. "I admire your father's work. He has provided our museum with many fine artifacts over the years. In fact, I wouldn't have hired you if I hadn't talked to your father first and informed him of my selection. I hope you don't mind?"
Amanda was shocked. "Of course I mind. Now he'll think I'm deliberately avoiding him. You certainly are full of surprises. Why didn't you tell me earlier you'd spoken to my father?"
"I thought I did. I don't understand why you are upset. Your father approved and sent his blessings. I thought you'd surely already discussed this with him."
"No. I didn't get a chance to."
"How unfortunate," said Landers. "Your father seems I hired the wrong person for the job. He thought I needed Alex O'Connell."
Amanda bristled. "Well, I'm the one you paid a quarter of a million dollars to find your little missing trinkets. I guess you're stuck with me."
Dismissing her with a look, Landers brushed his hand to rid her of an imaginary speck of dust on her sleeve as the stewardess announced that they would be allowed to disembark within the next few minutes. He openly stared at the attractive stewardess. Amanda surprised herself by deliberately trying to impress him by mentioning something about herself.
"If you'd asked me to go to Peru, then I might be excited. I know about the Mayans and Aztecs, and while many believe that their cities were built by the same superior entities that built the pyramids, I don't think they meant aliens. I think the gods walk amongst us."
"At this moment, it's merely a crowd," commented Landers, totally unimpressed.
Amanda glanced at the doctor as the passengers began to collect their bags and depart the plane when he showed no signs of getting in line to exit the plane. She tapped him on the arm. He glanced at the crowd in the aisle and shook his head. Not content with waiting, she stood and flipping back her short blonde hair, she attempted to squeeze past his knees.
"We should have flown in first class. You might as well sit down, Amanda. It is going to take a few minutes."
"If you let me by, maybe I can get off sooner than later."
"Be my guest," said Landers. Leaning back in his chair, he spread his hands and legs wide. Amanda glanced down, hating him for drawing her attention to his body, but inwardly she had to admit he had an admirable physique. He caught her staring. Annoyed she'd been caught looking, she clutched her backpack to her chest and with determination, squeezed past him.
The moment Amanda heard Landers laughing at her, she caught sight of a handsome young Egyptian starting at her a few rows back. He was about the age of seventeen, lean and tall, with dark hair that fell to his shoulders and a thin moustache that quivered above a nervous smile. Amanda thought he looked familiar, though she was unable to place him. His cheeks were tattooed with ancient Egyptian marks and his robes were of dark blue. She also noticed that he was motioning at her to speak to her. She pointed at herself. He nodded to confirm this was what he wanted.
Leery but intrigued, Amanda glanced down at Landers, found him busy removing his coat and stuffing it into his carry on bag, and decided to wait to see if the young man had men motioning at her. She reached above in the overhead compartment and pulled down her army duffle bag, weighted down by clothes and other necessities, making her temporarily prevent others from getting past her. She glanced toward the young man and found him not more than three feet away.
"Do you need help?" Asked Landers, his briefcase and carry on in either hand, eager to leave the plane. He made no effort to offer any assistance. His offer was for show only.
Amanda glanced toward the rear of the plane. The stranger grew nervous when Dr. Landers noticed him standing close to Amanda and quickly backed away. Landers protectively pushed Amanda around him so she could exist the plane first, then, swinging his bags around, he slammed them into the young man, making him jump back and knock into the passenger behind him. Landers turned back to Amanda, surprised she was already off the plane and angrily motioned for her to get moving. She quickly headed down the aisle, thanked the pilot, and climbed down the attached staircase to the pavement.
Loud angry voices caused her to turn around and look back at the top of the stairs, where Landers and the Egyptian youth pushed and fought to be next. A stewardess unfortunately made the mistake of trying to break the two men up and lost her hat before being bumped back inside the plane.
"William? We have a train to catch," shouted Amanda.
Landers snarled at the young man and forcibly took the initiative and headed down the stairs first. He stuck his briefcase under his arm and grabbed Amanda by the arm, propelling her around and away from the plane, over to where a young man in a khaki suit waited beside a dusty Mercedes Benz convertible.
"I didn't like the way he was looking at us," said Landers, as he hurried her over to the car. His large steps forced him to keep a tight hold on her arm to keep her from tripping on the inappropriate high heels she'd chosen to wear, along with a narrow skirt that kept him from taking anything but small strides. But she soon protested and dragged Landers to a standstill in order to remove her shoes.
"I don't think we are in any danger," said Amanda, slightly out of breath. "Didn't you notice all those tatoos on his face? Those markings belong to the Medjai, the guardians of the City of the Dead. I think he wanted to talk to me. You didn't have to be so rude."
"He was obviously making a pass at you. I was defending...."
"My honor? You were defending my honor? How sweet."
"Hurry up. We haven't all day to stand here and chat." Landers' voice sounded cold. His normal temperature, she thought, as he proceeded without her to the vehicle. She soon caught up with him. The bottom of her feet were from the hot pavement. She sped past Landers and was first to greet a short man in his thirties, with a shaved head, a dark tan, and small, gold rimmed glasses, waiting beside the Mercedes Benz.
Landers called out to Maxwell, distracting him, while Amanda paused beside the car to slip her shoes back on and wipe the perspiration from her forehead. Maxwell brought over Landers' bags and smiled at Amanda as he tossed the gear in the backseat, then hurried around to let his impatient boss in on the passenger side. She glanced down at the backseat and found it barely large enough to fit a small child into without some discomfort. Her duffle bag was tossed into the trunk. She held onto her backpack.
"You've got to be kidding?" Asked Amanda as Maxwell came around to the driver's side and opened the door for her.
"I'm afraid it's all the room we have, Professor Shaw."
Amanda sighed and reluctantly climbed into the backseat. Maxwell leaned down, whistling softly as the tall, slender woman lifted her leg, getting a quick look of her exposed muscular calves under the hem of her skirt. He grinned wide as Landers caught him ogling the attractive professor.
Landers cleared his throat. "Enough chitchat, Gregory. Take us to the hotel. I want a shower and a strong cup of coffee."
"But I thought we had a train to catch?" Asked Amanda, staring so hard at the back of Landers' head, that he turned around to gaze at her. "Maybe you do have a heart after all, Dr. Landers."
Gregory started up the car. "The train to Karnak leaves in the morning," he said. "Tonight you'll be staying in a four star hotel. I've arranged everything the way you requested, Dr. Landers. You have nothing to worry about."
"Oh, you needn't try to impress her," said Landers, turning around to look at Amanda. "Professor Shaw is very familiar with my prejudiced outlook on life. She knows I dislike everyone equally. Don't start spoiling her, Maxwell."
With that, Landers reached down onto the floor of the car and produced a wide-brimmed hat that matched his jacket and slacks which he stuck onto his head, pulling low over his eyes before shading them with sun glasses. He pointed toward the road. "That way!"
Amanda bounced back in the seat as the car lurched forward with a screech of rusty gears and headed out onto the road. She glanced back toward the plane, for no particular reason, and found the young Egyptian standing near the road, a troubled expression on his angular, brown face as they drove away.
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