For Monoke. Based off an idea by Monoke and Abrank

***

When Lilly woke up, she tasted sand in her mouth.  Sand was, in fact, all around her.  Spitting and choking, she lifted her head and looked around, seeing nothing but an endless sea of sand all around her.

Pausing for a moment, she simply looked around, trying to take everything in, trying to make sense of what was going on.  Was this a dream?  A quick pinch on her arm revealed that no, it was not.  Grunting, Lilly got to her feet, trying to keep her balance.  She felt woozy and sick to her stomach, as if she had just gone on a very fast carnival ride after eating lunch.

She figured the best course of action was to reach the top of a sand dune she was next to.  Perhaps that would give her a hint of where she was.  Dressed in a t-shirt and blue jeans, she was able to move easily, but the scorching heat of the sun baked down on her.  Hopefully she was just outside of…well, she didn't know what she was supposed to be outside of.

Reaching the top of the dune, Lilly saw only an endless sea of sand, a sea that stretched to the horizon and beyond.  She was the only living thing in sight.  What the hell was going on?  Sitting down, she panted, trying to keep the rising panic at bay.  She could do this…she could do this…all she had to do was keep her head and focus.  Her fiancé had told her that all she had to do was focus in any situation and she would be…

Her fiancé?!  Where was he?  Who…who was he for that matter?  What was going on?!  "Why can't I remember my own fiancé?!" Lilly thought with rising panic.  "What the hell is happening to me?!" Confused, terrified, and tormented, she did the only thing she could think of.  She ran.

Under the baking, scorching heat, Lilly was able to run for about a minute before she was drenched in sweat, oh so much sweat…it was so hot, so very, very hot.  Her strength left her, and Lilly slowly fell down onto the sand.  She rolled down a dune, coming to rest in full view of the sun that was baking her, that was slowly cooking her.

Before any more questions came to her, she passed out.

***

Sand and heat had been replaced by coolness and softness. 

"Phew…it was just a dream."  She thought.  "I just open my eyes and poof!  I'm back home in bed ready for another day at work."  Opening her eyes, Lilly saw light, but it was a moment before her eyes adjusted.  "Oh shit…I'm not in Kansas anymore."

She was in an unfamiliar bed in an unfamiliar room with strange decorations and a style that seemed familiar…yet just out of reach.  Wherever she was, it wasn't her normal room.

The sheets were nice though, she had to admit that.  They were gold and black and made out of a strange material that felt different from anything she had ever experienced before.  This was all so strange, so very strange.

Lilly debated whether to call out for several minutes, or to simply stay put and hope for the best.  She never got to decide though, for someone walked in.  She was a fairly small woman, dressed in a simple white dress.

"Uh, excuse me?"  The lady looked at her and smiled.

"Ah, you are awake.  My master was beginning to wonder if you were under a spell of sleep."

"Uh huh…listen, I'm really, really confused right now and I don’t know where I am.  Can you tell me what's going on?"

"Shhh, everything is fine visitor.  You are a guest of his highness Doulen the first."

"Doulen the first?"  The woman smiled. 

"You must be tired.  You should sleep for a while longer."

"No, that's okay.  I think I'll just get up and…Ahh!  Where are my clothes?!"

"Pharaoh Doulen was fascinated by them and wished to examine them in his private chamber."

"He stole my clothes?!  Listen lady, I'm not…wait a minute…did you say, "Pharaoh"? "

"Of course.  What else would he be?"  Lilly shook her head. 

"I’m sorry, but this is all so confusing for me."  Smiling, the woman walked over.

"Then come.  Perhaps some fresh air will help."

"That would be nice, but I don't feel like going out naked."

"That is why I have this dress with me."  The lady pulled out a white dress identical to her own.  "Let me help you into it."

"Uhh…that's okay.  I think I can do it myself."  The woman looked puzzled.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course.  In the United States , we dress ourselves."

"United…states?"

"Yeah, the united states of America .  You've never heard of it?"  The woman looked puzzled, then pondered.

"No, I'm afraid I haven't."

"Boy, how far out is this place?"  Lilly thought.

***

Ten minutes later and Lilly was dressed in her own white dress of soft fabric.  The lady stood by her side and walked towards a curtain at the side of the room.

"So, where exactly am I?"  Lilly asked.  "And what's your name?"

"My name is Weet.  And you my fair lady, are in the land of the land of the pharaohs!"  Walking through the curtain, the two emerged onto a balcony overlooking the land.  The pyramids of Gaza , glistening white in the noon sun, shone brilliantly on the shores of the Nile .  The capital of Egypt was full of activity as boats sailed, farmers walked their goats through the streets, and sellers displayed their items.

"Holy shit, I'm in ancient Egypt !"  Lilly said, unable to contain herself.  There were no antennas, no cars, no signs of twentieth century innovation to be seen.  It was, by all accounts, Egypt of several thousand years before Lilly's time.  "What the hell is happening to me?"

"My lady?"  Turning, Lilly gazed at Weet. 

"Weet, what year is it?"

"My lady, what happened to you?  It is the first year of the pharaoh Doulen's reign."

"Doulen…Doulen…Doulen…Look, I'm sorry, but I have never, ever…wait…wait a minute…I think I have heard that name somewhere before…but only once…"

"My lady, if I may ask…where are you from?"

"The united states of America in the year 2008."  Weet looked terribly confused, but also intrigued at the same time.

"I have never heard of such a place my lady.  How far is it in which direction?"

"Uhh…it's about…twenty hours to the west by plane, a few days by…oh wait, you don't have trains or cruise ships yet, do you?"

"Trains?  Cruise ships?"

"I'll tell you later.  Right now, I just want to get my clothes back, so can we go see Mr. what's-his-name?"  Weet looked at her guest with inquisitive eyes.

"You are definitely from outside visitor.  Otherwise you would have known that to insult our leader is punishable by having your tongue cut out."  Lilly looked mortified.

"Oh shit, I'm sorry!  It's just that…well, I feel…lost.  I'm new here and I haven't been here before, and to be frank, I don't know how I got here in the first place."

"One of our patrols found you lying in the dunes outside the city two days ago."  Weet's expression softened.  "But you do sound lost.  Come, maybe our leader can help set things straight."  She reached out and took Lilly's hand and gently started to walk back into the room. 

"I sure hope so."

***

"Man, my sweetie pie would be so thrilled to see this place right now!" 

"You are impressed my lady?"

"Heck yes!  My fiancé's an amateur historian.  He would give almost anything to see this palace like this!  So white, so clean so…oh my gosh!"  Lilly gasped.  She remembered something about her fiancé.  He was an amateur historian!  It didn't tell her what she was doing in the past…but at least it was a start.

"Are you okay my lady?"

"It's Lilly.  My name's Lilly."

"Like the flower?"

"Yes, yes, just like the flower."

"Ah.  Then you, like the flower, are filled with a beauty that is not typically found in the world."  At that moment Weet and Lilly reached a huge set of marble double doors, guarded by six armed men with spears.  Much to Lilly's amusement, she was at least a head taller then they were.  She had forgotten that ancient Egyptians were quite small compared to people of the twentieth century.

"Wait here Lilly."  Weet said, walking up to the guards.  "Weet has brought the visitor to greet his highness Doulen."  Nodding, the tallest guard nodded to the others, who banged a large bronze ring.  From the other side Lilly could hear large levers being moved and slid out of position.  There was a dull cracking nose and the double gates opened.  Walking back to Lilly, Weet took her by the hand and gently led her inside through the doors.

They emerged into the throne room, a huge and ornate chamber with billowing drapes and white marble pillars.  A thick blue carpet caressed the feet of the two as they walked up to a table in front of the throne, where two men in priestly garb were talking with a man wearing an ornate crown.  When the two females approached, the priests went silent as the man with the crown turned towards the visitors.

"My lord."  Weet said, "I bring you our guest."  The man nodded silently, turned towards Lilly.  He studied her for a moment with great interest, then waved his hand.  The two priests soundlessly left the room, as did Weet.  As they left, the large double doors closed, leaving the ruler of Egypt and Lilly alone together.

"So you are the woman who was found in the desert."  Doulen said.

"Yep.  The one and only."  Lilly was surprised by this pharaoh.  For one thing, he was very, very young.  He seemed no older then twenty, perhaps twenty five at the most.  He was also quite short at a mere five feet while Lilly was a full head above him. 

"You are tall."  He commented.

"Well, people from my country are quite tall.  Six feet on average." 

"Six feet…where is your country?"

"You don't know what trains and planes are, right?"

"Trains?  Planes?  What are these strange things you speak of?"

"They are means of transportation where I come from.  My country is about…I'd say a year or two from here, heading west."

"Fascinating.  How did you arrive here in our country?"

"Well Mister Doulen, I know this may sound really, really strange but…I don't know how I got here.  And on top of that…well…no, you wouldn't believe me."

"I have seen strange sights and know many things my girl.  Tell me."

"Well…I'm from the future.  I'm from the year two thousand and eight.  I don't know what year this is right now, but I think I've gone back almost…wait, do you know about a Ramses?"

"Ramses?  No, I have not heard of him."

"Okay, several thousand years into the past."  The pharaoh looked at Lilly, his expression both stunned and surprised.

"You…are from the future?"  He finally asked quietly, almost in a whisper.

"Yes, I think so.  Like I said, I have no idea how I got here.  The last thing I remember is waking up in the sand and finding myself here in Egypt a few thousand years in the past."

"Most fascinating.  The ability to travel through time has been talked about among my family's priests for generations, but it has never been done before.  Your…ornaments and items would certainly suggest that you have come through time."  Doulen held up Lilly's watch, looking at it intently.  "What is this strange device that makes strange noises?"

"That's called a digital watch.  It tells you the time, what time it is in other countries and also has an alarm feature and a stopwatch."

"Amazing!"  Doulen said, examining its display intently.  "Such a device exists?  What is a stopwatch?"

"Uhh…I'll tell you later.  Can I…"  Doulen's face suddenly lit up. 

"Tell me, how has our civilization grown in your time?"  Lilly paused, unsure how to break the news that Egypt as a kingdom no longer existed in her time.  How would she explain the death of their religion and their beliefs?

"Well…your civilization is seen in awe and amazement.  You know those pyramids out there?"

"Yes."

"Well, they are going to still be standing thousands of years from now, and they are going to be called one of the eight wonders of the world."

"Fascinating!  You must tell me more!"

"I can, but can I please have my clothes back?"

"You mean these strange garments?"  Doulen turned and walked over to the table, Lilly in tow. 

"Yes, these are my clothes."

"They are most interesting.  Does everyone in your time wear them?"

"A lot of people do, yes.  This is called a t-shirt."  Doulen picked up, feeling the soft fabric between his fingers. 

"And what is that?"

"Those are blue jeans.  They are very, very popular in my time." 

"Blue…jeans?"  Putting the shirt down the young ruler picked up the pants and felt them.  "They feel quite rough, yet soft at the same time.  How is this so?"

"Oh, advanced fabrics and sewing techniques, those kind of things."  Curious, Doulen took off his skirt and slipped into the jeans, which fit him surprisingly well.  "Hmm…those look very good on you."  Lilly commented (figuring it was best to stay on the ruler's good side).

"Thank you.  If you do not mind, I will keep these for my tailors to study and adapt."

"I guess that's okay.  But can I have my cell phone back?" 

"Your what?"

"That thing."  Lilly said, pointing at the cell phone.  It was going to be useless of course…but something was telling her to take it. 

"Very well."  Doulen picked up the phone and gave it to Lilly.  "Now come, you must tell me more of the future that you come from, especially with regards to our kingdom." 

***

The next hour or so was spent in the throne room, with Lilly telling Doulen everything she could remember about Egyptian history, from upcoming pharaohs to king Tut, including Egypt 's influence on future civilizations.  Doulen and his priests listened intently, utterly transfixed at what she said.  They especially found planes, cruise ships and trains to be utterly fascinating.  Warfare, too, was something that utterly transfixed them.

"Your tale is astonishing indeed."  Doulen said when Lilly finished.  "The future of our world is amazing.  In light of what you have said, we must attempt to bring part of it here to us."

"You guys can actually use time travel?"

"We have not tried it before."  One of the priests said.  "And we can only do it for objects, not for living things.  And there is another factor.  Whatever we bring from the future has to be connected to you.  That is, it must have meaning for you in your everyday life."

"Get to work on it immediately."  Doulen ordered.  His two priests went silent and walked out of the room, leaving the pharaoh and his visitor alone in the room.  "I have noticed that you have not spoken of yourself visitor.  Tell me, what is your name?"

"Lilly."

Doulen froze, as if petrified by the news.  But it quickly passed, and he regained his composure.  "Ah…Lilly…like the flower?"

"Yes, that's it."  Doulen breathed a sigh of relief.

"For one who is an outsider, you speak our language very well."  The moment he said that, another part of Lilly's brain clicked.  She had been speaking ancient Egyptian without even knowing it!  Her mind became a whirlwind of thoughts and ideas.  Her fiancé was a historian…she spoke ancient Egyptian…it appears that she had something to do with history.  Could she, Lilly, be an Egyptian historian?

"Yeah, well…your language does exist in the future, but only in a limited amount.  There are many languages in the future, some more prevalent then others."

"Fascinating.  And why have you come here into the past?"

"I…I don't know your honor.  I don't know why I'm here.  The last thing I remember is…well, waking up in the desert and wondering who I was and how I got here."

"Surely if you had gone into the past it was for a very important reason." 

"Maybe, but I just can't remember it.  Maybe time travel erases one's memory or something.  Maybe there's a clue somewhere, a note or something that I wrote to remind myself of what to do next when I got here."  Before she could pursue the matter further, the two priests returned. 

"We have located all the necessary spells and potions your majesty, but we will not be ready until tomorrow morning."

"Very well.  Resume your work."  Turning to Lilly, "Lilly, you are now an official guest of Egypt .  You may go anywhere you like within the palace, except for the underground chambers.  Those are strictly forbidden."

"I understand your highness.  May I stay with Weet?"

"She will be your guide if you desire."

"Yes, I would like that very much." 

"Then it is done.  She will be waiting for you outside the doors.  Please return tomorrow morning so we may use our spell to bring something of yours back to our time." 

"I will."  Turning, Lilly walked down the long carpet back to the double doors, which were opened for her as she went past.  The hallway outside was empty, save for the guards and Weet, who was calmly waiting for her.

"It went well, I trust?"  She asked.  Lilly thought for a moment, then nodded.

"Yes, it did."

"Very good.  Will you be so kind as to tell me the account back at your quarters?"  Lilly smiled at the request.

"Of course.  But on one condition."

"What is that?"

"Is it dinner time yet?  I'm starving and I've always wanted to taste your food."  Weet laughed.

"I can assure you Lilly, our ruler's chefs spare no expense in creating dishes that soothe the stomachs of those who come to the tables.  Here, I will show you."  Taking Lilly's hand, the two walked down the hall towards the kitchen.

***

From his balcony, Doulen watched, looked between the curtains as the two walked down the hallway.  The visitor's story was a fantastic one no doubt.  One that if true, could give him great help in deciding his country's future.

And the woman herself…she was, unlike so many in his country, fair skinned, almost cream white instead of the usual dark tan of his citizens and servants.  And her hair…it flowed like the Nile during the season of watering the fields. 

His heart beat faster.

A cough was heard and he turned to see his eldest priest standing behind him.  "Your highness."  He said.  "The spell is ready."

"So soon?  Dervan, I am impressed."  Blushing, the priest bowed.

"Thank you your highness.  Shall we summon the lady to perform the spell?"

"No, no.  Let her rest.  We shall have all the time in the world when the sun god makes his next journey into the sky."  Bowing, Dervan turned and began to walk away.  A sudden thought prompted Doulen to speak.  "Dervan?"

"Yes your highness?"

"Do you have within your archive of spells…one for creating love?" 

"Ah, I am sorry my highness, but that is one spell that we have never been able to perfect.  We cannot create love.  For that is the one substance that cannot be created or destroyed, only grown and tended to."  Doulen was silent as he thought.

"Hmm…very well.  You are dismissed for the evening."  Bowing a final time, priest Dervan turned and walked.  But as he did, he spoke.

"If I may say so my highness, you look very noble in those…er…what are they called?"

"Blue jeans, apparently."

"Yes, you look very royal in them."

***

"Oh my belly!  You weren’t kidding about the food Weet."

"Why would I lie?  They are after all, the cooks for the pharaoh himself."  Another loud rumble, and Lilly rubbed her stomach. 

"Well anyway, thanks for eating with me.  It'll just take a few nights to work this off I suppose."  Both women laughed as they walked.  But when they turned the corner leading to Lilly's room, Lilly stopped laughing. 

In front of her, further down the hallway were a group of men and women.  All of them were naked, all of them were wearing chains around their ankles and wrists.  All of them were being led off somewhere.  The position of their heads indicated that they were apparently going to some kind of funeral.  But in chains and in the nude?"

"Weet?"

"Yes Lilly?"

"Where are those people going, and why are they dressed like that?"  Weet's enthusiasm stopped.  She paused, obviously trying to figure out what to say.

"They are the intimate followers of our last pharaoh, who died shortly before you arrived.  You do not need to concern yourself with them."

"But…"

"Come Lilly, let's go into your room."  Taking Lilly's hand again, Weet quickly pulled Lilly into the room, out of sight of the people.  "Now…ah good, the candles have been lighted.  Now, if everything is comfortable for you, I shall take my leave."  Weet turned and started to leave the room, only to have Lilly's hand come down on her shoulder.

"Wait a minute Weet.  You're staying with me tonight.  I asked Doulen if I could stay with you, and he said yes.  Therefore, you get to stay with me."  Weet looked very surprised. 

"I do?"

"Yes, you do.  I don't suppose you have a fold out couch here do you?" 

"A fold out couch?"

"Thought not.  Hmm…we need to find you a spare bed."

"That is not necessary Lilly.  I shall sleep on the floor."  Lilly glanced at the hard, tiled floor. 

"You'll sleep on this hard thing?" 

"Yes.  I can do so if I am required too." 

"Are you sure?  That bed looks big enough for two."

"No, no.  I'll be all right."  Sensing that it was futile to continue the discussion any further, Lilly shook her head. 

"Okay, if that's what you want to do.  But I still think it's pretty silly."  Yawning, a sign that she was more tired then she thought, Lilly walked over to the bed.  The black and gold colored sheets looked so inviting.  As she stood next to the bed, Lilly yawned and stretched her hands up in the air, only to feel hands behind her back.  "Hey, what are you doing?"

"Undressing you for bed."

"Weet, you don't need to undress me."

"That is our custom here.  The servants help undress their masters for bed."

"Uhm…I'm not your mast…sorry, I'm not your superior."

"True.  But then again, I have been assigned to you." 

"I…"  Lilly gave a small sigh.  "All right, if you want to."  Weet's fingers moved quickly and Lilly felt the knots holding her dress up come undone.  With a soft gliding sound, her dress fell softly to the floor, leaving her quite naked.  "Uh Weet…is it normal for servants to see their mas…superiors naked?"

"Yes, I am used to it.  But your body is softer and more smooth then anything I have ever seen, including my own.  Tell me, how do you make it so?"

"Well…weight lifting if I remember correctly, a correctly balanced diet of fruits and vegetables, daily running and jogging, you know, that kind of thing."

"Amazing.  Truly, I must visit this United States one day."  Lilly yawned again.  "Come my guest, you are tired and must rest."

"I've slept for two days and I'm still tired?"  Lilly asked, slowly crawling between the sheets.  "That doesn't sound right."

"Going through the desert sapped your strength.  Now sleep and rest.  Your day tomorrow is going to be filled with the wonder of Doulen's presence."  Lilly tried to answer, but fatigue slipped over her and she passed out.

***

She woke quickly, momentarily forgetting where she was.  But within a minute, she did remember.  She was Lilly, who had a fiancé and was in ancient Egypt .  But what had woken her?  Glancing around, she peered into the darkness.  Even with the limited light from the dimmed candles, Lilly sensed no threat, no danger lurking that was waiting to pounce. 

But then she heard shivering.  Slipping out of the warm sheets, she looked around and found Weet lying on the stone floor, shivering against the cold.  She was asleep, but it was clear that she was not resting.

Lilly thought for a moment, then went back to bed.  She took a thick blanket of black and gold and carried back to the woman.  Very carefully, Lilly draped the blanket over Weet's sleeping form.  It took a few moments, but the shivering stopped.  The chattering of teeth stopped and Weet went quiet.

Smiling, Lilly softly walked back to bed.

***

"You have to go back Lilly.  There's no other way around it.  And besides, you know what we can do if you go back."

"But…I don't…I…I can't.  I just can't."  He smiled and gently caressed her hair in that special way that always calmed her down.

"Yes you can.  You can do this.  Just step forward, close your eyes, and you'll be there.  And then you'll know what to do."  Lilly looked at her fiancé's eyes.  They spoke to her in a way that words couldn't.  "And besides, if things go really bad, you'll have that note that's going back with you."  Gently, he turned her around.  "Just go back, do what you have to do and come back.  You're the only one who can do this.  After all," he joked.  "I can't speak ancient Egyptian."  Lilly thought for a few moments longer, then nodded.  Yes, she would do this.  She would do it for him.

***

The first full memory came back with such a rush that it startled Lilly out of sleep, making her jump up in bed.  It took several moments for her to calm down, for her heart to return to its normal beat.  Glancing around, she saw that it was still night, though apparently it was very close to dawn.  Weet was still on the ground, curled up under the thick blanket.

A list…yes, it was coming back.  She had apparently gone back in time with a note.  But where was it?  It had to be someplace obvious, somewhere that she could remember instantly if need be.  But alas, she couldn't remember where it was.  Maybe a walk would help.

Getting out of bed, Lilly took a white linen robe and draped it around herself.  Moving as quietly as she could, she tiptoed past Weet and out into the main hall.  It was almost completely abandoned, save for a few guards who looked either surprisingly alert, or very tired.  There was a very faint light coming in from the horizon, where the sun was just starting to come up.

Lilly walked, her bare feet tapping the cold tiles.  As she walked, she tried to remember anything she could about the note.  What it was, how big, and what was written on it.  Yet, nothing came to her, no matter how long she walked.  But other thoughts came to her.  What if she couldn't find the note?  What if she couldn't finish what she came here to do?  And if she did fail, what did it mean for the future?  What would the world and time she left behind be like if she didn't…

She shook her head.  She had to keep those thoughts away, at bay.  Otherwise, she would be overwhelmed.

"Greetings Lilly."  She stopped upon hearing her name.  Turning around, Lilly saw an elderly man with a bald head coming up behind her.

"Uh…hi.  Who are you?"

"My name is Dervan, and I am Doulen's high priest.  You did not sleep well I presume?"

"Oh, I slept fine.  That is, until I had a dream about home, about my fiancé."  Dervan smiled. 

"Dreams are gifts from the gods.  They can tell us many things if we stop and listen.  What did your dream tell you?"

"Well…it seemed urgent, as if it were up to me to save the world.  It also seemed that I was the only one up for this task.  And it also said that there was a note in case I forgot what I was supposed to do."

"Then the dream's message for you is that you are to seek this note of yours.  When you find it, you shall know what to do.  And the time for the end of your task is approaching.  Otherwise, it would not be so urgent." 

"You seem to know a lot about dreams."  Lilly said with amusement.  Dervan chuckled.

"I have had many years to interpret them, and to understand them.  I am the eldest of the priests in our order.  I have created spells, mixed brews and recited incantations.  A simple dream of yours should be simple enough to interpret.  May I join you on your morning walk?"

"I don't see why not."  Smiling, the priest walked up to Lilly and matched her pace as she walked.  The two went down the hallway.

"Sometimes I wake up because of my dreams."  Dervan said.  "It has been happening more frequently then normal.  Before you came here, I saw a lilly flower almost every night.  I could not make sense of it.  It's simplicity, its beauty.  And here you are, a woman of the lilly.  Somehow, your coming here means something great for our kingdom."

"Dervan?"

"Yes?"

"What can you tell me about Doulen?  He seems very young to be the ruler of Egypt ."  The priest sighed.

"He should not be on the throne.  His father died a month ago of a sudden illness that we could not stop.  With no others to come to the throne, he had to become ruler.  He has done well in his first month, and he has performed remarkably, even with his young age.  Yet…most of the staff that attends to him is growing old.  My own son, Targonamey, is still a young boy, and he will be the next head priest after I am gone."  He said no more, but Lilly could tell that there was something else on his mind.

"You think that I am here to help him out, don't you?"  The priest looked at her, smiled slightly.

"Your insight serves you well.  The pharaoh does not have any brothers or sisters.  Nor does he have children of his own.  And you come here, right when we need you the most…"

"I'm sorry Dervan, but I can't have kids.  I'm engaged to be married to someone I love very much.  And where I come from, it's considered proper to not have intercourse with someone else when you're engaged."  Lilly wished she could have said it more gently, for Dervan's face went very sad, and he had the look of one aged beyond his years.  He sighed.

"I understand."  He said.  "But I am not sure Doulen will."  On the horizon, the sun began to rise.  "Still, there is always hope.  Even if there is just a small chance of something, there is still hope."  Dervan stopped and looked out the hallway towards the pyramids.  "You say those pyramids will still be standing in your time?"

"Yes, they will.  They will be visited and admired by millions of people from all over the world."  A smile came onto the man's face.

"That is good."  A pause.  "I…I want to ask you about what becomes of our civilization and our religion, yet I am not sure if I want to hear the answer."

Lilly didn't speak.

"Tell me Lilly…do we survive?"  Lilly paused for a few moments.

"Your civilization does live on in one form or another, and its influences are felt all over the globe.  Egypt does survive into my time." 

Dervan let out a sigh, as if he had finally heard something he had to hear.  "It is a relief to know that.  That is all I wish to know for now.  And besides…"  He looked at Lilly.  "Pharaoh is waiting for you.  It's time to bring back something from your time."

***

Dervan led Lilly into the throne room, but took her to a small side door in the back.  Once through, the two went through a long, dark corridor that eventually emerged into a vast chamber that was dimly lit with torches.

Lilly gasped upon seeing the room.  Its ceiling was high above her head, suspended by many tall pillars that were several feet thick and elegantly carved into things of beauty.  On the sides of the wall were several large statues of various deities such as Anubis, Bastet and others that Lilly recognized, but couldn't name.

"You have been given a great honor."  Dervan whispered as he walked Lilly to the center of the room.  "No foreigner has ever been inside this chamber."  Before Lilly could reply, the young pharaoh himself came forward, still dressed in Lilly's blue jeans.

"Greetings Lilly."  He said.  "The spell is ready.  The preparations have been made.  All that we need now is you."  Doulen smiled.  "Are you ready to remember who you are?"

"I do."

"Then come forward to the pool."  One of the other priests in the room said.  Stepping aside, Doulen let Lilly come forward.  In the center of the room there was a large pool filled to the brim with water that was perfectly still.  In the dimness of the chamber, it appeared to be black.

Walking forward, Lilly went to the very edge of the pool.  She peered over and looked at the water, seeing only her reflection, her long hair flowing from her head.  Standing up, she saw that Doulen had been looking at her as well.

"So…what do I do?"  She asked, looking away from the young man.

"In order for the spell to work," A priest said.  "We shall require a part of you."

"Okay…what part is that?"

"We require some of your lifeblood."  Lilly gasped and took a step back. 

"Wait a minute…you want some of my blood?"

"Yes.  We only need a drop for the spell to work."

"Uh, listen guys…I'm not that big on cutting myself to draw blood." 

"Then if you wish, I may do so."  Doulen walked up to the woman.  "I am trained in the arts of fighting, and I know how to draw blood."

"With a knife, or with a sword?"

"Both.  But for you, a quick prick, and then it will be finished.  You may not even feel it."  Lilly however, wasn't sure.  She wanted to remember more of her past, yes.  But the thought of intentionally hurting herself and drawing blood was a frightening concept.  Still…

"There really is no way around this is there?"  The priest shook his head.  A sigh, and Lilly held her arm forward.  "Fine.  Just make it fast."  Doulen took her hand, but moved his body close to hers. 

"Do not be afraid."  He said, quietly stroking her head.  "It is already done."  With his other hand he held up a small knife, its edge covered with a single drop of red blood.  Glancing to her arm, Lilly saw a very faint spot where the knife had done its work.

"Wow.  You're fast."  Doulen smiled.

"I told you, I have been trained in the art of cutting blood.  Now…"  He walked over to the water and held his knife above it.  "…We shall learn more about you Lilly."  A single tap, and the drop of blood fell into the pool.

The priest in charge of the spell opened a very thick, very heavy book and began to chant.  As Lilly watched, the water began to bubble and churn, small waves going over the side of the small pool.  The chanting was joined by humming from the other priests in the room, and the water began to boil.  Doulen, the only one not chanting, slowly walked forward.

A light appeared in the water, though it was very far down, as if it were at the bottom of a lake.  Curious, Lilly leaned over and peered down…only to be yanked away by the pharaoh as something shot out of the water and went into the air.  The chanting and humming stopped as all within the underground chamber looked at what had come out.

It was a chest.  A simple, solid, wooden chest, dark black in color.  It floated for a few moments, then came down and softly landed next to the pool.  The water quieted down and was still again.  No one spoke.  Lilly however, slowly walked up to the chest, her heart beating heavily within her breast.

This chest…it seemed so familiar…She saw two gold locks.  And then she remembered…the key was in her front pocket.  And Doulen…

“Doulen.”  She said.  “Look in the front pocket of the pants.”  Doulen glared at her for a second, not used to being given orders, but he calmed down and did so, going through a piece of paper, a small leather case, and finally some keys.  “Please give me the keys.”  Taking the keys, he gave them to Lilly, who then went through them until she recognized a small round one.

Kneeling next to the chest, she slowly moved the key into the first lock.  With a twist, the lock clicked and popped open.  The others drew close to the chest, waiting to see what was inside.  Heart pounding, Lilly took the key and stuck it into the second lock.  But she did not turn.  What was inside this chest? She wondered.  What would it tell her about herself and where she had come from?

Would it tell her what she came here to do?  There was only one way to find out.

With a twist, the lock popped open.  Slowly standing up, Lilly took the lid and pushed it open. 

And with a deep breath, she looked inside.

continues in part two

01.10.06

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