Egypt Read online

  Running along the western side of the river is a busy street all crammed with people walking every which way and backed up with traffic. Horns blast from everywhere, but they’re far enough away that they don’t really bother me. Looking around at the gridlock and chaos of the city only makes me more aware of how nice it is to be on a boat, cruising down this wide and peaceful river.

  We’re now moving beyond the city. The skyscrapers are fading into the haze behind us. Here, palm trees and farmland dominate the landscape instead of buildings and roads and cars. South of the city, most of the land is divided up into small, fenced-off plots where people farm. There are cows in some places, mostly thin with bones showing through their skin. There are men working these small plots of land, taking care of their crops, some with water buffalos pulling plows. There are also women in burkas and little kids helping in the fields. Other children are playing along the shore, some with dogs that are skinny like the cows.

  Our boat is ignored by most adults, but the children always show interest. Whenever I wave they always wave back and shout and jump around with big smiles on their faces.

  This is all so great out here on the river and I feel good and mostly relaxed, but I know the toughest part is ahead of us and I have to admit, nerves are starting to bubble up in my stomach again. My fear, I guess, is the unknown. Exploring unexplored tombs and all the dangers that go along with that kind of thing—the narrow tunnels and the dark chambers and the bats and rats, the snakes and booby traps, the curses and mummies… Jeez, I’m totally ruining this cruise by worrying about things that I might not even have to deal with.

  I think it’s time to put away the journal and enjoy the scenery. I mean, how many times in my life will I be aboard a boat cruising down the Nile River? I’m guessing, not many. If I can just ignore all these troubling thoughts, just put them out of my head completely, this cruise will be one of the memories of Egypt I’ll cherish most.

  Sunset over the Nile River

  PART II

  AN ANCIENT SECRET

  WYATT

  FEBRUARY 24, 10:56 PM

  NORTH OF AL MINYA, EGYPT

  24° CELSIUS, 75° FAHRENHEIT

  SKIES CLEAR, WIND 5-10 MPH

  Earlier tonight we learned of Cleopatra’s Secret.

  James, Serene, and I sat in the boat’s dining area, playing cards as we moved south along the Nile. It was getting dark, as Gannon came down the steps from the boat’s deck and joined us at the table.

  “Be honest, mate,” James said to me. “Do you really think we’ll find Cleopatra?”

  “Hard to say,” I replied. “But I’m optimistic.”

  “But this is Dr. Aziz’s sixth season excavating the site and he hasn’t found anything that proves without a doubt that it’s Cleopatra’s burial place. What if he’s made a mistake? Some archeologists believe he’s digging in the wrong place. They say Cleopatra’s tomb isn’t anywhere near Alexandria.”

  “Don’t you worry,” Gannon said, “he’s digging in the right place.”

  “How do you know?” James replied with sarcasm in his voice. “Did the Sun God, Ra, come down from the sky and give you this information?”

  “Very funny,” Gannon said. “Actually, Wyatt and I met a man whose grandfather was close to finding Cleopatra and he was digging in the northern deserts just outside Alexandria.”

  “So he said,” I added, as a disclaimer. “We have no proof that what he told us is true.”

  “You’ll believe just about anything won’t you, mate?” James said to Gannon.

  “I know it’s true,” Gannon said. “Check it out. He gave me this.”

  Gannon reached into his satchel and removed the relic the man had given him.

  “See the profile,” he said. “That’s Cleopatra. The shopkeeper’s grandfather found it near her tomb.”

  “Oh, he was a shopkeeper,” James said. “That explains it. They’ll tell you anything to sell their junk.”

  “It’s not junk. Besides, he gave it to me. For free. Thought it might help us in our search.”

  “Can I see it?” Serene asked.

  “Sure,” Gannon said and handed her the relic.

  Serene examined the piece. Running her thumb along the broken edge, she studied the profile.

  “This is from the Ptolemaic period,” she said, “which was the time of Cleopatra’s reign.”

  “Oh, come on,” James said. “Really?”

  “Yes,” she said with confidence. “I’m sure. We have a collection of relics from this period at the Egyptian Museum where I am interning. And this profile is very similar to other carvings of the Queen.”

  “Told you it was real,” Gannon said with a smirk.

  Serene leaned over the table, looking us each in the eyes.

  “This is probably a good time to tell you,” she said quietly. “There are a couple scholars who believe that Cleopatra went to her tomb with a powerful secret.”

  We all leaned in closer, gripped with curiosity.

  “Not many people know this. It’s kept top secret. I only know by accident. I was waiting outside Dr. Aziz’s office one morning when he happened to be discussing it on the phone. He didn’t know I was outside his door, and I don’t want him to know. If this information got out, every archeologist in the world, not to mention every tomb robber, would soon be in Egypt digging up the desert. That’s why you have to promise that you won’t tell anyone.”

  “I promise,” I said.

  “I won’t tell a soul,” James said. “Cross my heart and hope to die.”

  “I won’t either,” Gannon said. “Your secret is safe with me.”

  “Do you know the story of the famous Library of Alexandria?” Serene asked.

  “Yes,” I said. “It was the greatest library in the ancient world. When Julius Caesar invaded Alexandria, he accidently set it on fire and destroyed all the material in the library.”

  “Not all,” Serene said. “When Cleopatra learned the library was on fire, she sent several men from her army to save the most sacred texts. Luckily, they were successful. They brought these scrolls back to Cleopatra and she hid them from the Romans.”

  “What was in them?” James asked.

  “Information that had been passed down among Egypt’s Royal Historians for thousands of years. It’s believed they explain some of ancient Egypt’s greatest mysteries.”

  “Like what?” I asked.

  “Like how the pyramids were actually built, the meaning behind their geometric dimensions, the significance of the Great Sphinx, and information on ancient curses, among other things.”

  “You’re kidding?” James said.

  “I’m just telling you what I heard,” Serene said.

  “Do the scrolls say anything about aliens?” Gannon asked.

  I’ve come to expect off-the-wall comments from Gannon, but occasionally they are so far-fetched, even I’m taken by surprise.

  “Aliens?” I said. “Really, Gannon?”

  “I’m just asking. Some people believe extra-terrestrials played a part in building the pyramids. I’m not saying it’s true, but you never know. The scrolls might say something about it.”

  “You sure do keep an open mind, don’t you?” James said.

  “Too open,” I said.

  “I don’t know the exact contents of the scrolls,” Serene said. “Just what I heard from Dr. Aziz, which is all speculation, really. Only Cleopatra knew. It was said that secrets contained in the scrolls were so powerful that Cleopatra ordered men loyal to her to bury them in her tomb at the time of her death and never tell anyone of their location. She was afraid that if the Romans took possession of the scrolls, they would be able to use the knowledge to expand their power and become an unbeatable force.”

  “This is incredible,” I said.

  “If it’s true,” James added.

  “Just imagine,” I continued. “Dr. Aziz said uncovering Cleopatra’s tomb would be one of the greatest finds of the century. But to
discover Cleopatra and the secret scrolls … that would be one of the greatest discoveries of all time!”

  “Without question,” Serene agreed.

  I doubt I’ll sleep much tonight. My mind is racing with thoughts of being part of the team that makes this discovery. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I’m already picturing us on a world-wide museum tour. I can see it now. Stops in Tokyo and Los Angeles and Paris. Speaking in front of huge crowds. Cleopatra’s treasures displayed all around us, as we provide answers to mysteries that have remained unsolved for thousands of years!

  All right, calm down. One step at a time. Have to stay focused on the task at hand. First, Luxor and Valley of the Kings. Then Cleopatra. There’s still lots of work to be done.

  GANNON

  FEBRUARY 25

  The entrance to the tomb

  We’ve gathered around the entrance of the tomb, which is just outside the city of Luxor, not far from the Valley of the Kings where the tomb of King Tut can be found, along with lots of other pharaohs. Luxor itself sits along the banks of the Nile. It’s lush and green with flowers and ancient ruins everywhere you turn and there’s no air pollution like in Cairo. Just outside the city is more desert with sharp, rugged mountains and canyons rising up in the distance. It’s about as bright as the surface of the sun here and my eyes are squinted to tiny little slits and watering like a broken faucet. I have no clue how the ancient Egyptians worked in this valley without sunglasses.

  “Welcome to A1,” Dr. Aziz said, standing on the steps that lead into the tomb. “This is the 99th tomb I have discovered in Egypt, and the first in Luxor. We have been excavating this area for nearly four years. It wasn’t until this last season that we discovered A1, which shows you the value of being persistent!”

  Dr. Aziz went on to tell us that the “A” is short for Aziz, since it is Dr. Aziz who discovered the tomb, and that the “1” part came from the fact that it’s the first tomb he has discovered in this area.

  After Dr. Aziz’s introduction, we got a lesson in excavation and learned some interesting archeological history. Here’s something we learned that just seems idiotic to me. Back in the day, archeologists like Giovanni Belzoni used dynamite to blast their way into the chambers. I mean, really? Dynamite? Now, I’m no expert, but that’s about as smart as burning down a forest to find an ivory-billed woodpecker. Goes without saying, but all that dynamiting destroyed some priceless ancient artifacts over the years.

  Of course, the process has totally changed since then. Today archeologists go out of their way to prevent damage to the tombs. Dr. Aziz’s men showed us a few modern excavation techniques using various tools and equipment and taught us how to tread lightly when on a dig. They also told us that we have to leave our cameras behind because the interior is so fragile that even something as harmless as a camera flash can cause damage.

  Taking photos is not permitted in most tombs

  Just as the lesson ended, two men came out of the tunnel and pulled Dr. Aziz aside. When he turned to us, he had a huge smile on his face.

  “We happen to be here on a very special day,” Dr. Aziz said. “My staff has just discovered a new passageway behind a large boulder. They are in the process of removing the boulder now and when they do, you will all have the privilege of being the first to explore the chamber.”

  Suddenly, this crazy fear rose up and gripped me tightly around the chest.

  “I have a question,” I said.

  “Yes, Gannon?” Dr. Aziz answered.

  “What’s it like in there?”

  “I cannot say for sure, but given my previous experiences, I’d say it’s hot, dark, and narrow.”

  “That’s what I was afraid of.”

  “What’s the problem?” he asked.

  “It’s just that I tend to get claustrophobic in tight places.”

  “If you want to study archeology, you’re going to find yourself in many tight places. That’s part of the job. Did you not consider this when you applied for the fellowship?”

  “You know, I didn’t really think about it.”

  Wyatt rolled his eyes.

  “Since when have you had a fear of small spaces?” he asked quietly.

  “Since a few minutes ago.”

  “Toughen up, mate,” James said. “This is just the kind of experience we all came here for.”

  “You’ll be fine,” Serene said. “Just stay calm.”

  Four men emerged from the tomb, all wearing surgical masks over their faces. One of the men removed his mask and spoke to Dr. Aziz in Arabic. When they were done talking, Dr. Aziz translated to us.

  “The boulder has been withdrawn just enough for us to enter,” he said. “But before we do, we will allow the chamber to breathe for a while. That will let the bad air out and the good air in. Then it will be safe.”

  “Seriously, Wyatt,” I whispered. “I don’t know about this.”

  “Look,” Wyatt said, “Just think of it as a big hole in the ground. All we’re going to do is walk inside and take a look around.”

  “But, no one has ever been inside this hole, which means no one knows what’s down there. For all we know there could be booby traps. Jeez, I can see the headline now: Young Explorers Die After Being Hit by Poisonous Darts.”

  “You watch too many movies,” Wyatt said. “Besides, we’re with Dr. Aziz. What could go wrong?”

  Famous last words, right?

  Anyway, looks like I’m going in. Not that I really have a choice. Well, technically I do, but I can’t exactly bail on our first archeological exploration just because I’m a little nervous. Dr. Aziz would scratch his head and wonder why the heck I even applied and he’d definitely be upset that I’d been picked when there were so many other qualified kids that deserve to be here.

  Right now we’re all just sitting around quietly in this blinding afternoon sun, waiting for all the toxic air to clear the tomb so we can poke around inside and get ourselves cursed … or worse!

  WYATT

  FEBRUARY 25, 3:56 PM

  LUXOR, EGYPT, 25° 43’ N 32° 36’ E

  25° CELSIUS, 77° FAHRENHEIT

  Once the air cleared, we followed Dr. Aziz down a steep and narrow passage into the tomb, each of us holding a flashlight. Dust swirled in the beams as we moved deeper into the earth.

  Dr. Aziz was like a little kid on his birthday.

  “This is what makes my job so exciting,” he said, hardly able to contain himself. “Remember, move slowly. You never know what we’re going to run into down here.”

  “Um, what exactly might we run into?” Gannon asked.

  “Follow me and we’ll see.”

  Moving down the steps, I heard a strange sound. It almost sounded like a “hiss.” Was my mind playing tricks on me? Was it just the sound of a boot sliding over the steps, or was it what I thought it was—a snake?

  It was so dark I was having a hard time seeing anything clearly, even with the flashlight. I was disoriented. I couldn’t keep my balance.

  Then, I heard that sound again. It was a hiss. This time I was sure of it. From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of something moving within the stones. I stepped back slowly, careful not to make any quick movements. When I turned the flashlight on the wall, I saw the flutter of a narrow tongue as it lashed out. It was a snake, all right. Its beady eyes were staring right at me!

  “Uh, there’s a snake down here,” I said, nervously pointing at the reptile. “It’s coiled up right here in the stones.”

  “Just keep moving,” Dr. Aziz said. “If you don’t bother the snake, it probably won’t bother you.”

  Honestly, his words weren’t very reassuring. But, I did as he said and continued quickly down the steps, further underground.

  We finally came to a narrow doorway that was partially closed off by a collapsed slab of stone. There was a small, square-shaped opening in the bottom. Dr. Aziz knelt down and shined his flashlight inside.

  “Remarkable!” he said with so much enthusia
sm you’d have thought he just found the Ark of the Covenant. “What a treat I have for you young fellows! Follow me!”

  At that, Dr. Aziz crawled through the opening and disappeared. Gannon shined his flashlight on me.

  “Is he serious?” he whispered.

  “Of course he’s serious.”

  “To be honest, I’d rather stay right here. I’m sorry, I’ve tried to keep my mouth shut, but I’m feeling more than just a little claustrophobic.”

  “Dr. Aziz said he’s got a real treat for us,” James said. “Don’t you want to see what’s inside?”

  Gannon thought for a moment.

  “Fine,” he said. “After you?”

  “No, I insist,” James replied. “You first.”

  “Suck it up,” I said to Gannon.

  “Yeah, mate,” James added. “Dr. Aziz is waiting for us. Get in there.”

  Gannon shot us both an angry look, dropped to the ground and crawled into the opening. I know he wasn’t happy, but there was no way I was going to let him turn back.

  I followed close behind.

  Through the collapsed doorway, the chamber opened up into a square room, probably fifteen feet at each side, with a ceiling just high enough for us to stand upright. I shined my flashlight along the ground in front of me, checking each step before I took it. Dr. Aziz was somewhere in the darkness. Then, suddenly, there was a click and a bright beam of light shot across the tomb.

  “Behold!” he thundered. “Mummies!”

  “Ooof!” James belted, and fell back into the wall as if he’d just been punched in the gut.