Disclaimer: The characters of Mummies Alive are owned by DIC. Sohkarra is property of Naomi. Marianne, Sethnakte, Tharakenat are property of Trynia Merin. Ashake and Hemrata are property of Javagoddess Beth Strong. Pheres is property of Pheres. Nyx is the property of Nyx Riven. This saga is written to help preserve a unique show that ended too soon. It started out as a small concept, but grew into something so much more. It did indeed take on a life of its own.

CHAPTER 6: The Shifting Sands of Time

They gathered the widows and orphans within the throne room of the palace. Already mummification was in full process as the mourning for the young Pharaoh Rapses and his heroic guardians began.

Charioteer Kenna stood by Armon's mother. Kenna's own sorrow was great as he realized that he had hurt Nefertina more than he could ever repay. And his own pride had never allowed him to tell her what she truly meant to him. If only he'd been man enough to face her and show her the truth of things!

Tia wiped her eyes as she held close to her son. Close by, constantly watchful of all that transpired around her, was the young woman she'd known as Jaime. But who in fact had turned out to be Princess Sohkarra. She had been told of this by Setankhte, the brother of Rath.

An emptiness filled the mind of the Princess such as she had never known. No longer did JaKal's thoughts flow within hers. Even before when she had closed off their contact, there had still been a bonding of the souls that had maintained them. She could never have borne avoiding all contact with him. She couldn't help but wonder how many times was she destined to lose this man. Could it be true what he had said to her? That they would reunited again in some future time and place?

For now, all she could do to keep her thoughts from her own grief, was grant physical comfort to Tia in her pain. She couldn't help but notice that Tia looked strangely at her now. As if there was something she wanted to ask, but didn't quite dare. Or want to know the answer.

She, Sohkarra, would bear her own pain alone. Tia would have to come to her to ask her questions. Now there was yet another duty to be performed. Thanks to the threat of revelation presented by the brother of Rath.

"Your majesty, I have something I would tell." Sohkarra said as she came forwards, her head inclined.

"I have heard the sorry tale," the Vizier Tuthmosis sighed. "You have my greatest thanks for driving away the Great One's murderer..."

"I failed you," she said, dropping to one knee.

"No milady..."

"I have something I must confess. Something that duty bids me tell..."

"What might that be, Lady Jaime?" asked Tuthmosis, resting a hand on her shoulder.

"I... am not who I have purported to be." She stated matter of factly.

"How is this so?" he asked, arching an eyebrow. "You are a student of he who was once my Great Principle Scribe..."

"Rapses was not the sole heir," She said, glancing up.

"That is well known, but the Princess..."

"Is not dead." Sohkarra interrupted quickly. "She in fact survived the assassination attempt, but was concealed for fear the enemy would discover her existence... "

"What is this?" Tuthmosis asked, his eyes darkening with confusion. "What say you?"

"The Princess Sohkarra lives," Sohkarra repeated, feeling the emotion in her throat.

"If this is true... then where is she? Do you know the penalty for falsehood..."

Sohkarra stood to her full height, her sapphire eyes full of tears that she had held back. "Milord, I know she is safe and well. For I am she..."

An audible gasp penetrated tense silence.

"You cannot make such a statement without proof of your words!" Tuthmosis stormed.

"As you wish my lord." Sohkarra answered. Her path was clear. Tuthmosis drew in his breath sharply as suddenly the black hair burst afire in red coppery tresses. Standing before him was none other then she with the red hair, and eyes of blue sapphire. His eyes were suddenly opened to her true appearance. Sohkarra turned to the assemblage, royal bearing standing her hunched shoulders to straightness.

"I am here, my people. Here... to aid you in your time of need..."

"But how... why..." Tuthmosis stammered out.

"It was a command of the Gods," Marianne stammered out. Marianne held little Hemrata in her arms, embracing the five-year-old as she buried her head in the ornate priestess collar. Nyx, Rath's daughter and a priestess trainee, held little Tharakenat, still to young to realize why everyone was so sad. Sethnahkte kept a hand on Marianne's shoulder.

"What say you, Priestess of Thoth?" Tuthmosis coughed, standing on gold sandaled feet. Still he kept one hand on the Throne, as if it were his only anchor in reality.

Sethnakte came forwards, and addressed the crowd. "This is indeed your Princess. It was the command of Osiris himself that she be hidden, till that time be revealed. Let all Msir know that their Princess, the daughter and sister of our great Pharaohs, has returned..."

"My people I am sorry... but I swear to you the murderers of the Prince and his guardians will be found! And Tuthmosis himself shall be your new Pharaoh! Thus says my Father, Amenhotep and brother Rapses!"

A loud cry of affirmation rose up from a stunned crowd. Sohkarra glanced at the faces, filling with a shred of hope. Yet several sets of eyes glared with rage at her. She couldn't let herself feel their burning gaze for now, in the din and hue and cry.

The people couldn't understand how it could be that the Princess, thought to be dead, could be here now. But they were glad she was. They all remembered well how she had come into their midst offering kindness and compassion to all of them. And had even healed their pain when she could. Yes, they did indeed remember the fire haired, sapphire eyed young woman who had gone against the wishes of her parents to bring them comfort.

When the crowd had abated, Sohkarra sought out those that had cast their angry glances her way. Serving women flanked her sister Ahmese, who was exiting with her retinue.

"Sister, I would have a word with you," Ahmese called to Sohkarra. The Princess strode over to her sibling, sapphire eyes fixing into green ones.

"What is the look of anger, my sister?" asked Sohkarra. "I must know..."

"Leave us," she waved her serving women away as the two stood in a side chamber. When Ahmese was content they were alone; she turned her back to Sohkarra.

"Sister... please... why do you look in anger? I can feel it in your heart..."

Ahmese whirled on her. Tears fell from her eyes as she rushed to Sohkarra. The Princess extended her arms to her sister, to embrace the sobbing sister. Her hands gripped Sohkarra by the upper arms, shaking her violently.

"How dare you!" Ahmese screamed. "How dare you come back to life! How could you!"

"Ahmese... sister... why do you lay hands upon me?" Sohkarra demanded. Firmly she pushed her sister away.

"Is your resurrection to bring our brother back? Or our father? Your mother wept bitter tears when she thought you had died! And you are here now, alive, as I am as if nothing happened! How dare you make us suffer such pain! How can you return without shame for what you have done!"

"You don't think I didn't suffer too?" asked Sohkarra, trying to keep her temper in check. "How dare you, Ahmese? Do you know what price I paid so that I am alive now? I swear by Isis that it should have been me that died, and not my brother! All this I tried to change... and now Osiris rot me, I am here to do my duty..."

"Does that make everything all right?" Ahmese asked her, wiping aside a tear. "I think not. And now you will take my place and marry the Vizier, will you not? As Daughter of Isis, the first choice! You... that you would bear the Pharaoh! You do not deserve such an honor for your deceit!"

"You will not speak to me thus!" Sohkarra found herself growling. "I have no wish to marry Tuthmosis!"

"It is your duty is it not? I for one have not forgotten thus..."

"Say no more sister, I entreat you, lest there be no reconciliation," Sohkarra answered her.

"I shall say no more," Ahmese returned coldly. "Save that for what you have done, I hope to Isis that you find your just reward for it..."

Turning about she flounced out after her retinue. Leaving an angered Sohkarra in her wake. Still the place where Ahmese had shook her stung. What hurt far worse were the words that still festered and rung in her ears.

Marianne went to see Sohkarra. She'd not seen her friend since they had been brought back. Upon their return to the palace, Sohkarra had been immediately taken away by the doctors who would take care of her wounds. At first they were not sure she would survive, so bad was the loss of blood. But true to her way, Sohkarra had come through with flying colors.

Marianne started to bow to her, now that she was the true Msirian Princess again. She also noted that gone was the jet-black hair. Back again was the auburn the color of the sky at sunset. She truly looked like herself again. If only JaKal could have seen her thus.

Sohkarra would have none of this. "You are my friend. There is no need for formality between us. I am not deserving of it."

"That is not true." Marianne answered her.

Before any further words could be said between them, they were interrupted. There were formalities to be witnessed.

Princess Sohkarra stood at the podium at the side of the new Pharaoh, Tuthmosis I. Once they had returned from the battlefield, Rath's brother had wasted no time in revealing to the new Pharaoh the identity of the once thought departed Princess.

The new Pharaoh had gathered his court together to tell the news of what had happened to the young Pharaoh and his guardians.

The scrolls had been read that had decreed Tuthmosis would succeed Rapses in the event that something dire strike down the young Pharaoh, who had been married early, but who's union had not yet produced any royal offspring. Yet there seemed to be favorable winds. There was one fully royal child seemingly brought back from the afterlife.

The priests and new Pharaoh would now take the fate of the Princess into account.

She stood quietly at his side as he made his declarations. She could not ignore the looks she received from the Priests as well as her half sibling Ahmese, who was the wife of the new Pharaoh. None could understand how she had come back from the dead. Nor was Sohkarra particularly eager to divulge her secret, much to everyone's dismay.

The priests were of a mind that now that Sohkarra had been revealed to them by the brother of one of her own guardians, that now she must marry the new Pharaoh, as would be the way. She would assume the mantle of Great High Wife, usurping her own sister, whose mother had been a minor wife. Her reasons for her deception would be her own. For no one, even the great high priest, would attempt to make this young one answer. If she had truly returned from the dead, then she must be on good standing with the gods themselves.

If only they knew!

But marry Pharaoh, she must!

Sohkarra could sense the confusion in those around her. She remained silent.

She also knew the Priests would try to force her to marry Tuthmosis. She promised herself that she would not! She had to talk to the new Pharaoh herself to explain the way of it. She would tell him gently that she would not marry him.

Especially now that a miraculous thing had happened!

But she would deal with the marriage hurtle if and when it came to a head.

All of them were before the Throne. In an emergency move, Tuthmosis had been proclaimed Pharaoh. While Rapses' mourning wasn't officially over, the priests thought it best to move to have him made Ruler as soon as possible. Once mourning was over, he would be crowned in full ceremony. Now he wore the blue and gold striped head cloth reserved for men of royalty.

"There is no word to express my grief at this time. But be assured you will all be well cared for in my court. I cannot take away your great pain. But we will continue... by Ra we will!" The old Queen Merit-Amun was not present, having fallen into deep depression from the loss of her son. She lay sick abed in her chambers waiting to join her husband and children (she still believed Sohkarra dead) in (soothed mother's mind) the after world. Sohkarra, through her touching of the mind of her mother was able to soothe her mother's mind.

Young Queen Sit-Hathor-Unet wiped tears from her own eyes for the loss of Rapses, her husband. They later found her having taken dangerous poison, for life without her boy-husband scarce seemed livable.

Sohkarra had found her lifeless body. But knew immediately that there was no hope. Her young sister-in-law would join her brother in the afterlife. Again Sohkarra felt the guilt of what she perceived she had caused. Another life taken needlessly. When would the body count stop adding up?

Now another daughter of Amenhotep by a minor wife stood by her new husband. The daughter of the minor wife had been given in marriage to Tuthmosis when all had thought Sohkarra dead. For it was Tuthmosis that Amenhotep had pledged Sohkarra to. But seeing she had died unexpectedly, he gave another daughter in her place. Her name was Ahmese; a lovely girl who had recently been wed to the Vizier now Pharaoh. Yet she shared her stepmother and sibling's pain at the death of her brother. Sohkarra sighed, when she had learned the identity of the man she was to have married. Tuthmosis would have been a good husband. But she didn't love him as she did JaKal. Nor would she ever, especially now that she knew that she would always have a piece of her guardian with her.

Sohkarra gave Tuthmosis credit, for in spite of everything, once her true identity had been revealed, without ever asking questions, had offered for her hand in marriage.

Her half-siblings had not been so understanding. They were furious with her for what they perceived as her cover-up. Sohkarra felt no need to reveal the true nature of things to them.

She briefly remembered her conversation with the new Pharaoh who had succeeded her brother as ruler:

"Princess, I would have you for my Great High Wife in order to honor your great father." He informed her. "When he told me of the honor of our joining, I was most willing, for I had long admired you."

"You are very gracious my Lord. I am most honored." Sohkarra answered. "But with all due respect, I must decline."

The new Pharaoh seemed most surprised at this response. "May I inquire as to your reasons? Your father was most adamant to have us joined in order for us to continue with his noble line. I would make you a fitting husband, and give you many strong sons."

Something inside Sohkarra was repulsed at the thought of bearing another's child. Even Pharaoh's. So she chose her next words most carefully for she did not wish to alienate or dishonor him:

"I had no idea my father had betrothed me to you my Lord. And in not knowing, I fell in love with another. And he has since passed to the after life." Seeing that he was not interrupting her, she continued. "But in spite of the fact that I have been left behind, my soul belongs to him still. And always will. I can not desecrate his memory by joining with another. I hope you can understand that my King."

Tuthmosis saw the truth of her words in her face. She did indeed belong to another, even in death. He could only wonder who the man had been. For he had been most fortunate in winning the love of this elusive Princess. He found himself envying a dead man. But it was equally clear she would never reveal the identity of he whom she loved.

Tuthmosis in turn had no wish to offend her either, for he was aware of her mystical prowess and indeed respected it. He would have to content himself with the younger Ahmese. She was a lovely girl, but only a shadow of her half-sister.

"I will honor your wish Princess. But be it known that if you change your mind, you have but to tell me. For I would have you at any cost. Until that day comes, your title and position are safe. You will no longer be guardian, but a Princess in full standing with the House of Tuthmosis out of respect for your own father's and brother's great house."

"I understand my Lord, and you have my most humble thanks for your understanding." Sohkarra acknowledged. She started to bow before the new Pharaoh. He took her hands and gently pulled her back to her feet. "One such as you must not bow to anyone." Then in a surprising gesture, kept one hand and placed a gentle kiss upon the back.

The arrival of Princess Mutnofret as she came silently from the queen's chamber, to stand near her half sister brought Sohkarra's attention back to the present. "The queen sends her regrets she cannot attend..."

Sohkarra said in a quietly commanding manner, "She will be well cared for,"

None countermanded her. None dared.

Tia moved away with her son Padjet, crying bitterly at his father's disappearance. Sohkarra noted the sad look in the eyes of the new captain of the Archers. Was this the man that would become Tia's new husband?

In the house of Rath, all was somber. The servants had shaved their eyebrows out of respect. All bright things were put away and covered. Professional wailers had been hired, the best that money could by. As Sethnahkte came in, he saw Marianne with the children. Apparently Thar was crying, and would not stop. Even Nyx could not stop him. Marianne sighed as she reached for the poor boy herself.

Tharakenat saw a pale lady by him. Her smile was Re at noon, her soft sang a song that eased his mind. Sniffing back her tears, he rested on Marianne’s shoulder.

"Hush little one, my darling," she said. "I am here." She sang in a silver tone.

"Momma..." he said clearly as he reached his hands for her. This undid her completely, almost sending her into tears again. She did not realize he was staring at someone as she held him with his head over her shoulder. Beyond her, as if to another reality itself.

"Oh, you're too young to understand," said Marianne, taking him and slinging him across her hip. His little arms closed around her neck as he quieted. She never thought she had the touch with children till now. The full weight of her responsibility fell over her shoulders uncomfortably. How could she explain to this child when he grew about the complexity of his past? Or should she?

"Mother, do not cry," Nyx said to her, taking her hand. "He died well! And it was Chontra's fault! Not yours!" She winced as Nyx was trying so hard to be a little adult in all this. Who knew what pain was boiling just below the surface? "Father wanted you to watch us. And you are here now..."

"Oh Nyx, I wish you wouldn't try so hard to grow up so fast..."

"Mother, you need my help. And so do the others. It is just us now..."

At the nine- year-old's words, Marianne realized that the children's emotions were at a boiling point. At least Nyx had lived with her Father for a time, and loved him. Unlike the child she saw now.

"What is Hemrata doing alone in the garden?" Marianne asked.

"I don't know," Nyx said. "But she's not allowed without one of us with her..."

"I'll take care of this."

Hemrata wandered in the garden. Handing the sleeping Thar to Nyx, Marianne made her way to the child's side. Somehow she sensed the pain in this little girl. Even though Hemrata was angry with her father for leaving them in the care of her uncle, she still felt great loss. So much anger and resentment in one so young!

"Hullo little one," she said to Hemrata, who muttered a greeting.

"It's not fair," she muttered.

"I know..."

"I hate him... I hate him!" she shouted aloud, turning to Marianne. Anger creased her young face.

"Why... do you hate him...?" Marianne asked, knowing full well whom she meant.

"He went away!" she cried. "And I never told him..."

"There was no way. I tried to stop him..."

"He went away! He sent me away, and I hate him!" she cried.

"Why do you hate him! You must tell me, for if you don't it will eat away at you!"

"I never told him I loved him... even though I hated him. And he loved you... and I thought I was going to have a mommy and daddy again... then he left! Now I'll never have a father!"

"Oh Hemrata!" she said, coming over to the girl. Instantly her arms enfolded the child, clutching her close. The girl angrily grabbed Marianne and wrapped her in a fierce hug.

"But you can tell him!" said Marianne firmly. "Tell me how you feel..."

"He sent us away when Mommy left! And he loves Nyx more than us, because he let her stay!" said Hemrata, as she let Marianne hold her. "And now he left us too! Why do I hate him and love him?" "Because you are so young," said Marianne, loosing self-control. "I am so angry too!"

"But you are a grown up! Why are you angry?"

"I don't have all the answers..."

"What will you do? He's gone and left us all alone!"

"I don't know!" Marianne cried, wiping away tears. "I don't know what I will do... but I'm not leaving now. I am still alive, and you are too. And where there is life. There is hope!" Hemrata sobbed, and her cries mingled with Marianne's. Both child and woman held each other tightly as they wailed together.

"Father!" she cried. "Why did you leave us!" From a distance a lone figure saw their pain, and cried its own tears from a pair of green eyes that had gone blue.

As Nyx heard them she felt conflicted. Then she felt a strange presence at the house before she walked in. A great power was cloaked from her view. Glancing she saw a figure in a jade and milk white cloak standing in the shadows.

"Who... are you?" Nyx asked.

"Go ta them. They need ye," said the lyric voice. Almost hypnotized, Nyx sensed this stranger meant no harm.

"But Thar?"

"I will put him ta' bed... go now. Marianne needs yer comfort..."

"But... Dad... he died... and ... oh..."

"Musha child," said the voice, like velvet on honey. "It will work out. Trust Isis and Maat it will."

"I believe you... but I don't know who?"

"Ye'll ferget me as a dream," said the woman, and Nyx saw her lift the hood of her cloak. Thar opened his eyes at the sound of her voice, and held out his arms.

"Momma," he said. As if in a trance Nyx held the child to the tall woman. Sweetness filled her features as she tenderly took him into her own arms. And slung him across her hip.

"You... are she," Nyx realized. "That special place... they showed me! I remember you! The kind lady whom I called... mother..."

"And ye shall forget me, now. Know you're loved..."

The next thing Nyx heard was a strange song she'd heard Hemrata singing. Then there was the cry of her half sibling and the guttural cries of Marianne. Gasping she rushed towards the garden.

Nyx heard their cries, and came into the garden. "Mother... I heard you cry out..."

"Come here... daughter," Marianne said through sobs. Nyx slid into the hug, and held both her stepmother and half sister close.

Marianne put Hemrata down into bed, and went to the garden in the setting sun. Already Thar was in his cradle, fast asleep from Nyx' ministrations. Little did she know the real reason he had fallen asleep?

Together they watched the fading rays as Ra slipped to the horizon. Then she became aware of another's presence.

It was Sethnahkte.

"How are you holding up," she asked him.

"Fair," he said to her. "And how bodes things with you?"

"Surviving. Considering the circumstances. If I didn't have the children to worry about I'd go mad..."

"That was something else I wanted to talk to you about. You realize the estate falls into your hands now. Officially a widow you are in charge..."

"I was only married to him for a week!" she said angrily. "What the devil does this have to do with me?"

"Under our laws you are responsible for the household. All this is yours..." Nyx watched as her stepmother and uncle both argued. She opened her mouth to say something, but realized she'd better not. Why did Sethnakhte always interfere?

"I... don't know what to say," she said, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. Sethnahkte came to her and lent an arm to support her. "I never wanted any of this... without him... It is yours. I cannot believe you are talking about real estate now of all times!"

"Marianne..." he said to her. "It belongs to you rightfully. Unless you consider remarrying..."

"How dare you even say such a thing?" she shouted, rounding on him as she pushed him away. "How can you even think I could love another after him..."

"We must press on with our lives," he said to her. "I'm only thinking of your future. For it is prudent that you choose another husband..."

"Leave her alone!" Nyx shouted, pushing past her uncle to try and comfort her stepmother. Marianne felt her young arms hug her waist as she glared at her uncle. Gathering strength from Nyx' s support, Marianne glared back at Sethnakhte.

"Like you thought of the future of his other wife?" she asked. "I know the truth, Sethnahkte. She didn't die. She left..."

He paled. "I know it all. Because she didn't love you. Hemrata and you, dear Nyx... I thought she was fair crazy when she said to me, 'Beware my uncle. He wants you... and will have you...' "

"This is madness," he said.

"And now I can see you'd see nothing less than fancying me for a wife now that Rath has died! You're so insanely jealous to have lived in his shadow for so long that now he's dead you take all that he has!"

"Yeah, she's right!" Nyx spat at Sethnakhte as she clung tightly to Marianne's waist. "You hate my father, and are ashamed of me being the product of him and Chontra! That he never married her as he should have..."

"How dare you suggest that!" he shouted. "I loved my brother! I would never covet that which is his by right!"

"But your other siblings you were also in the shadow of. And now you have it all in your grasp!"

"I cannot believe you suggest such lies!" he shouted again. Still Marianne pressed her advantage, anger rising fast in her. Was it hers, or on behalf of another that she accused him thus?

"I know you would say that. By what right do you lie to Hemrata and Thar about their mother? You do not mention her name in this house! To make sure she is dead to them! But she isn't dead, is she Sethnakhte?"

From inside the house, the stranger muttered, "Well done, woman." as she watched but could not interfere. Her ire gritted against this. But she had promised that things would be watched. Till the right moment arrived.

"She is dead in all intents and purposes for abandoning her family! For breaking my Brother's heart!"

"She had her duty to uphold Maat's will! And that is why she left!"

"It is against our laws for a mother to abandon her children!" Sethnahkte cried. "For two years I have served as parent to them, whom she abandoned! How can you dare suggest I don't love them as my own? For they rightfully are!"

"That may very well be," Marianne gritted. "But you have no right to soil her memory with her lies!"

"I suppose Hemrata has told you all sorts of fancies about her mother..." said Sethnakhte, clearing his throat. "About how good she was, and how she could do no wrong... that she is alive somewhere now. You would believe the words of a child over those of an older one whose word is revered by the Pharaoh?"

"I would so! For her own words have spoken to me across time! You could not find her journals, could you not? Those things that hold her secret knowing! I have seen them for myself... and you cannot erase that."

"And you'll never find her scrolls, Uncle!" Nyx shouted, putting herself between her furious Uncle and Marianne. "Because they're in a place you'll never guess!"

"Fancies, all of it. But remember you are under our laws. You cannot turn your back on your responsibility! You are their mother, having married my brother! And I am family to you!"

"She's more family then Chontra was, and more than you are now," Nyx shot at him. "You keeping my brother and sister away!"

"And you would do well enough to keep your place, child!" Sethnakhte shouted at her in anger.

"And you remember yours! She's my daughter now!" Marianne shouted back at him.

"But you are but a woman!" Sethnakhte shouted. "Under the law..."

"Your blasted laws!" she shouted. "I am fed to the back teeth with them!"

Angrily she glared at him, and he backed away. "You dare suggest... oh... dear god... we cannot argue before the children! It will not help them..."

"Please don't yell at her!" Nyx cried, almost to the point of tears. She buried her face in Marianne's dress.

"I am sorry," he said, tears in his eyes. "I cannot think anymore... without his wisdom! Why did he have to die? Oh Ra what will I do without his guidance!"

Each shared their pain as their hands touched. Marianne wiped tears with one hand as he did his. Still they kept their own hands clasped. Till they embraced like brother and sister. "We mustn't let the hatred and anger destroy what is ours," came Rath's voice in her mind. She felt shame, and turned to look at his brother. Still Nyx looked from Marianne to Sethnakhte.

"I don't hate you, Sethnakhte," she said to him, holding him out at arm's length. "But if I am to raise these children, I will have my say. And I accept that responsibility now..."

"Father would not want you to fight with she who is Mother now," Nyx sniffed through tears.

"For that... I am eternally grateful. My brother chose well for a wife," said he, clearing his throat. "And I will stand by you in your need..."

From the shadows where no one watched, Nehs-ankh watched everything within their lives unfold like a waves on the beach of time. Nesh-ankh smiled, "Well done, Marianne. Well done indeed!"

She walked the halls of Rath’s house one last time. Memorizing all the minute details of the wall paintings, the cracks in the floor, the chip in the central pillar where Nyx fumbled her first lighting spell. The red ink scribbling of Tharankenat’s attempts to play scribe on the northern wall directly on the family portrait. Hemrata’s mud tracks in the rugs that the servants never could get spotlessly clean after her excursions into the garden. Rath’s lab where they had spent hours discovering new magics.

She caressed the banister of the stairs. The golden knob kept falling off another stunt of Hemrata, who connived she could fly and half on Nyx’s dare, slid down onto a collection of feathered pillows. The knob didn’t have a chance. Nesh-ankh sighed, her heart was full again.

Whispering a spell of invisibility, the nurse dropped the disguise that had concealed her for two years. Clad in indigo leathers, the jade cloak pulled close, Ashake began her final walk towards her chambers.

This is she began her magics. The candles flared to life at her word. She gathered the power within her and formed the protective circle. The glow radiated a soft white light bathing her in a powerful aura. She said the words of Power, wrote the sigils in the proper places, thinking of the colors, chanting the prayers that would open the Veil of Time. Ashake smelled the incense inside her nostrils, and called out with her mind. Trynia? Can you hear me?

The crystal in her hands burst into prismatic display of colors. The cyborg’s face flickered in smoke of the incense. Ashake! I hear you! The time is near?

Understood Trynia’s mind voice was tinny in her reply.

Good. I will stand by. Then the cyborg’s face disappeared. The Goddess Maat stood before her in all her divine glory. The white linen sheath dress clung to a slim tanned body, black hair neatly coifed, the red head band tied to her bow with the white Feather of Truth. She raised her wax staff touching her Chosen on the shoulder. All is readying, the Paths of Present and Future will converge, on the Mark of Pheres, Monarch of Time. You had done well, my daughter. I am most pleased.

Ashake felt the tears trickle down her cheeks. Maat held her face in her hand, smiling. "I know how hard it has been for thee, my dearest one. I am proud of your deeds that made these events come together thusly. I know how thee has suffered. From Amenhotep's hand, from my hands, from the Guild’s arm, you have performed your tasks with dignity and sound judgement and much pain and love. I am proud to call you my daughter."

Ashake received the blessings of her four goddesses. "Stand at the ready, Ashake. The convergence comes soon!"

Sohkarra could feel the tension as the various emotions of those within bombarded her mind. They were so strong it actually pained her to be near. Sometimes she felt the perceptions she was born with were more of a curse than a blessing from the gods as Rath had called them. And lately there was another's emotion she was feeling, but still couldn't believe the source. Was there nowhere she could go to find some semblance of peace?

She reflected on the words of the 'Masters' as they had told her that now all was as it was meant to be. For the first time she could remember, she doubted their words. How could any of these horrible events be meant to be? Who would wish such things to happen to them?

She stood in the doorway for a moment before she was noticed. The house servants had seen her enter, but none moved to stop her. They all thought her enchanted, this Princess who had seemingly returned from the land of the dead. They feared her for that. However, those she had come to see did not.

Nyx, still standing near Marianne and her uncle, was the first to see her. "Your Highness!" she called out. This brought her to the attention of both Marianne and Sethakhte.

"If I'm interrupting, I'll come back another time." Sohkarra said quietly.

Marianne went over to her taking her hands.

"Don't go." She said. "I'm very happy to see you, for I've been wondering how you were doing. I hadn't seen you since the Pharaoh's gathering. Everyone was shocked by your little surprise."

"As I am to see you." Sohkarra answered. "I know they were, but it could not be helped. I still wish Rath's brother had held his tongue."

"He was doing what he thought was best." Marianne tried to defend him.

"Perhaps..." She looked right at Sethnakte as she said this. He had the grace to not look from her gaze.

Then looking around Marianne, she looked at Nyx. Both the young girl and her uncle paid their respects to the seemingly reborn Princess.

"There is no need for that, for my family no longer rules, but I do appreciate the gesture." Then she went to stand before Nyx. The younger girl was more than a little in awe of this Princess she had only heard her stepmother speak of, but never thought to meet. It was said that she had trained with representatives of the dark side and had indeed earned great powers. Yet now with her standing in front of her, she realized she was indeed approachable. Her stepmother had said she was a friend. And Mother's word was good enough for her.

"So this is the older daughter of Rath." Sohkarra commented, kneeling down so she could look the younger girl in the eyes. "Chontra is your mother?" she asked.

Nyx immediately felt uncomfortable. She looked to Marianne, who only nodded. Looking back at Sohkarra, "Yes your Highness." Then in a sprightly manner added, "But I'm not to blame for that or what she did!"

Marianne smiled, for she knew these two both had a streak in them and knew that Sohkarra was not associating Nyx with her mother in any way. Sohkarra smiled too as she addressed Nyx. "I didn't say that you were young one. I was merely stating fact."

Nyx immediately relaxed as she realized that the Princess was not accusing, but was actually quite accepting of her. Marianne of the final battle between the Princess and her mother had told the young girl.

"I am sorry for what my mother did to you and your brother your Highness." She said sincerely looking right at Sohkarra. "And JaKal."

"You are in no way to blame young one." Answered Sohkarra. "But I thank you for your words." She didn't want this young one shouldering the blame for her mother's actions. "But I tell you now that one day your mother will pay for her deeds." Sohkarra said this with a vengeful look that was quickly covered again as she looked back at Nyx.

Nyx could only nod. She sensed the Princess would indeed one day make her mother pay. She didn't want to be around when that happened. Too much had been taken from them all to allow Chontra to go unscathed. She would not want to be her mother when the Princess finally exacted her revenge for the loss of her brother and lover.

Sohkarra noticed the serious look on Nyx's face. This was not good. She again spoke to the girl. "Your father was my tutor as well as my guardian and friend. One day I will tell you of some of my brother's and my escapades to get out of studying."

"Would you my Princess?" Nyx asked most enthusiastically.

"Indeed." She answered. "But the reason I've come today was to meet you and speak with your step-mother to convey my feelings at your loss, for I share your grief. And I wanted to pay my respects to the family of my Scribe. I have already met with the families of my other guardians."

"Your Highness, you are every bit the friend my step-mother told me about. I'm very glad to have the opportunity to finally meet you." Nyx meant what she said.

"As I am glad to meet you young one." Sohkarra answered. "You are a most lovely young woman." Then standing up, she turned back to Marianne. She noticed that Sethnahkte had discreetly left them to their privacy.

"Nyx is in training to become a Priestess." Marianne said proudly.

"She will make a fine Priestess and be a credit to the sisterhood." Sohkarra complimented, looking at Nyx, who was beaming with pleasure at the Princess' compliment.

"Now my dear, would you leave us, for I have something to discuss with your stepmother." Sohkarra requested of Nyx.

"Of course your Highness." Nyx answered. "And thank you for everything." Then she left as requested.

When they were alone, Sohkarra spoke. "She's a charming young lady Marianne. Rath must have been very proud."

"Yes, he was." Marianne answered. "Thank you for your kindness toward her for she doesn't deserve blame for what Chontra has done. Plus that is the first she has smiled since..." She couldn't say more.

"I needed to come," Sohkarra started. "So I could apologize for your loss. If I hadn't agreed to come back, none of this could have happened. I have been the cause of so much pain for which I cannot possibly atone. And I hope Nyx will not come to hate me when I take her mother down for what she has done."

"Don't you dare blame yourself." Marianne scolded her. "Even JaKal said so as he was dying. If you cannot believe him, who can you believe?" And going on, "Just as you don't blame Nyx for Chontra's actions, nor do I blame you for what you were sent back to do. Your father left you little choice. You were all very brave for what you tried to do. And you let me be a part of it. I would trade any of it for the world."

Seeing the truth of her words in her countenance, Sohkarra was humbled. "Rath did indeed choose his life mate well."

"As did JaKal." Marianne answered. "As I recall, if not for you, there would have been no 'us' for Rath and I. I want you to know that I'll always be grateful for the time you gave us. I've experienced a lifetime of love in a very short time."

"It could not have happened if you hadn't wanted it to." Sohkarra answered graciously. "All I did was present the circumstance. You two took it and ran."

Marianne smiled at this. Then sobered as she remembered what Sohkarra had stated about taking Chontra down. "Perhaps you should try to get on yourself and forget about Chontra. She is beyond our reach now."

"I cannot forget. She was the driving force in taking JaKal from me once again." Sohkarra hissed. Then looking at Marianne. "You are mistaken when you say she is beyond my reach. But she will wish she were by the time I find her. Be assured that I will find her and when I do..."

"That won't bring JaKal, Rath, or the others back!" Marianne tried to reason with her friend. "There are still those of you who need you."

"Is that what you would do? Let the murderer of your own husband and friends go with no retribution?" asked Sohkarra of Marianne. "That is the one thing I can still do for all of you!"

Marianne was stunned by the strength of the Princess' emotions where Chontra was concerned. Had coming back finally overtaken her reasoning? Would she indeed become a soul bent on revenge?

Sensing her friend's dilemma took her hands. "Do not worry for me. I am fine. But allow me my grief. I loved them all. They were a part of my life for as long as I can remember. And I will avenge them."

Marianne, seeing that Sohkarra wouldn't be dissuaded from her path, could only ask her to take special care of herself, lest she not fall into the age old trap of revenge and dark sides taking over completely.

Darkness had fallen by the time Sohkarra realized she was overdue at JaKal's domicile. She told Marianne of Padjet's illness, but that he seemed better. She also told Marianne she felt a sense of obligation to Tia for a wrong done that she wouldn't elaborate on. But Marianne had a feeling she knew what Sohkarra's unspoken truth may be and that it had something to do with time spent with JaKal. She remembered well how the both of them had disappeared late the night of the wedding celebrations. Rath too had known, but neither could begrudge them, if their suspicions were correct, their small time together. She also remembered how Sohkarra had, for her, looked uncommonly tired the next day. It surely wasn't from drink, for she'd seen her friend with a hangover before, and this look had definitely been different! But she hadn't asked. If the need arose, Sohkarra would speak of it when she was ready.

But for now, the two women parted each with new respect for the other, and a stronger bond of friendship.

Meanwhile, JaKal's family was equally desolate. Out of some sense of duty, Sohkarra came daily to the domicile. A gift of Amenhotep, the house was far less elaborate then Rath's. But still was quite nice by Egyptian standards. Within, Tia slowly rocked her child to sleep before the fire. JaKal's arrows and his bow still hung within the place. Empty ink pots, her own trade lay forgotten in this time of grief. As Sohkarra entered, she found Armon's mother there by Tia. Armon's mother had brought much food to share, but Tia refused it.

"You must eat, child," said Armon's mother, sadly. "Your son needs you to be well..."

"I cannot," said Tia. "The ache inside is too great..."

Sohkarra came within, holding her spear in one hand. She told the two women that the Queen was close to death herself from grief. Sohkarra had been to see her mother, and said her farewells. It had been too much to take in. So grief stricken was the Queen, that she no longer recognized anyone any that came to see her. Sohkarra had done what she could for her mother by soothing her agonized mind with the illusion that she was with her family at long last.

Plus she had left because she did not want to have to deal with the bitterness of her father's other children.

Now all she could feel was the numbness in her soul. She could feel no emotions, for she had shut down those parts of her mind that allowed her to feel the thoughts of others. And now her own emotions were shutting down as well. It was as if she was watching a movie, bland and devoid of any emotion save physical pain.

Armon's mother, ever the kind and caring soul, inquired after Sohkarra's health. "How fares you my Lady Princess?" she asked. "Has the pain of your wound lessened?"

Sohkarra, so in grief, had almost forgotten the presence of the wound that had almost killed her. In fact, she often wished it had. Making herself pay attention to the other woman, she managed a small smile. "I am fine, thank you." She answered. She had always liked Armon's mother. So kind and pleasant was she. And she had done a fine job of raising Armon after the death of her husband; again in battle with Pharaoh's Army.

"Princess Sohkarra, come in. sit..." Tia said, rising. "I have something I would ask of you."

"No. Stay there. I'm just here to look over Padjet," she said. "Is he still having a fever?"

"He's better now," Tia sighed, handing Sohkarra JaKal's small son. "His appetite is stronger."

"Good," said Sohkarra. "Are you eating?"

Tia didn't answer, but rather continued to look at Sohkarra. She needed to know that which had been plaguing her for so long. But had never dared ask JaKal about.

Sohkarra looked back at her. "What would you ask of me?" She sensed that now was to be a time of reckoning.

As she held the son of her guardian, it was if she could feel JaKal's own influence within his tiny body. The thought brought back memories of his day of birth. How she had brought him back to the land of the living. If only... But then she momentarily remembered the strange feelings within herself. Almost as if she sensed another life. As if she could feel the tentative tendrils reaching out to her. Before she had refused to consider the possibility. Each day found she could not ignore the possibility. The feelings had been with her since before JaKal's death. Like now, when she held JaKal's son, the feelings were so strong! It could seem possible that their time together had garnered fruit. But if it had, what could she do? Had JaKal not told her all would be well? He was gone now. So how could all be well? Then she decided. She would bear this symbol of their shared love proudly with her head held high. This child would also be of her royal blood, a descendent of the great Amenhotep himself.

Tia would never need know that this child was JaKal's, for she had never meant to hurt JaKal's wife. But then Padjet's squirming in her arms brought her attention was brought back to the matter at hand.

Tia opened her mouth, but a look from Armon's mother told the truth. She shook her head. As did Sohkarra.

"You have to eat, Tia," she said. "What would JaKal say if..." It was as if she'd said the wrong thing. Tia's eyes grew dark with anger. "You think I am not capable of taking care now he is gone?" she shouted. She had her momentum going and charged on. "And what was my husband to you?"

Sohkarra had known this was coming eventually. And she had to stay calm herself. "What do you mean?" she asked.

"After your supposed "death", he never came near me anymore! He was courteous, but distant! I demand to know if you were responsible for my husband's inattention!"

"Did you ever discuss this with him?" Sohkarra asked. She felt a momentary pang of anger at JaKal for leaving her to deal with this. She had no idea how to go about appeasing an angry and hurt wife. This is something he should have been here to deal with.

"No!" Tia yelled. She stood back as she composed herself after a few seconds. "I'm sorry for my outburst Princess."

"Do not apologize." Sohkarra answered softly. "I understand your sorrow. I share it myself. For my brother...and all my guardians. They died most bravely. I am greatly saddened by the fact that I did not join them in death."

"Please answer me Princess." Tia spoke quietly. "JaKal was distant to me and I never dared ask him."

"What would lead you to think I am the cause of your husband's seeming disinterest?" Sohkarra asked. Had they been indiscreet somehow? They had not seen that much of each other but had someone seen on one of those rare occasions?

"Whenever I mentioned you to him, he would get this faraway look in his eyes." Tia answered. "I remember seeing that same look when he courted me. It was a look of love that was unique to him alone."

Sohkarra had seen this "look" that Tia spoke of. How she had loved it when she had seen it. In their other life in the future, it had been reserved for her alone. It had been something she had seen frequently. But now she had a hurt wife to deal with. She was determined that she would not reveal the true nature of things. For it could do naught but hurt she who was an innocent bystander in events beyond her or anyone's control.

"He was my guardian." Answered Sohkarra. "And my friend."

"That is all?" asked a teary eyed Tia.

Sohkarra nodded, refusing to answer verbally. Isis help her, but she could not; would not hurt this woman with the truth.

"Tia..." Armon's mother said, shushing her as Padjet's eyes popped open. "Don't..."

Sohkarra drew in a sigh. It was a mistake coming here. All she had brought was misery from day one. To herself, to JaKal, to everyone. Why did it have to end like this? "I won't trouble you any more," she said, leaving. "Good day..." She handed the child back to his mother.

"Don't go..." said Armon's mother. Tia held Padjet even so much tighter to her breast as she sang him back to sleep.

Outside the house Armon's mother raced after Sohkarra. But Sohkarra shut out her cries. "I am sorry, Tia," she said in her mind. "To have caused such misery. But I am not without it myself... and there is much to go around. For I have failed... you all..." Then slowly she felt the cries fade.

Her attention was all of a sudden drawn elsewhere. It was as if she was being drawn somewhere. Far away. She had experienced the feeling of being called before. But this time it was actually leading her to some specific destination.

Before her was the great temple. Closer and closer she drew. Overhead rose the temple of Karnack, still beckoning to her. She dared not enter, for only the Pharaoh himself could pay tribute to the absolute image...

But she had to go in. She just had to. Pushing past the priests she entered deep within. Laying sleeping spells on all the priests that tried to stop her. Deeper and deeper inside, as if entering the womb once more to dark inner recesses. No common Egyptian would dare try this. But she was Pharaoh's daughter. And Pharaoh's sister. A Princess no matter what! Till she came to the inner sanctum.

She stopped before the door that lead to the idol. Ancient magic was fast at work here. It bombarded her. Then that voice in her mind came clearer. "Father?" she asked.

"My daughter," it whispered to her. "Come hither..."

"But only a Pharaoh may enter to behold Amun Ra himself..."

"You will come to the proximity... but do not enter fully. Just so I can hear you again..."

"Father," she said aloud. "We failed! Rapses died! I couldn't save him..."

"You surprise me daughter," he scolded gently. "You have succeeded beyond your wildest dreams. For I saw my son take the Throne."

"But history repeated itself Father," said she. "He died anyway!"

"But he was Pharaoh for a short time," said Amenhotep's voice from within Amun-Ra. "As was my wish..."

"Father... you also wished I would marry that man you had arranged..."

"That was a mistake," said he. "For you died before it could happen. The goddess Maat told me that my wish may have seemed genuine... but it has greatly upset the order of things. Pheres was most furious at my selfishness endangering time itself. It was my fault that you were trapped. Till I admitted my guilt in this. She has had quite a time trying to fix my mistake...Some fates are just not meant to be changed. The love between you and your guardian are one of those."

"But it was your wish father..."

"A wish out of a father's pride, and out of anger..." he said. "I should not have tampered with the order of things. Pheres told me when I entered the Western Gate that I had erred. She has taken pains to repair the damage done to Fate. And there are many repercussions..."

"Can I not be returned with the others?" she asked. "Or am I to remain here? I would wish to be so, for something most miraculous has happened."

"Pheres has decreed fate must be fixed by my hand. That is where you must come in, my daughter. There is one more thing you must do when you return," said Amenhotep. "Very soon you will be returned to your own time, by Pheres herself."

"But Marianne..."

"Maat has told me she must remain. For there is something she must do to ensure that balance is maintained..."

"But she came with us..."

"She will be returned. But not in the way you expect..." said Amenhotep. "I cannot say more. But you are even now returning."

The haunting voice was like the slight breeze on the Nile at sunset. The power whipped around her slender body enfolding her in a safe cocoon. Sohkarra briefly saw the pale lovely face, green eyes twinkling, chestnut ringlets framing a motherly regard. She knew her now. A face from her childhood. Her smile was one of sadness and love.

"It is time to come home, Sohkarra," Ashake said, calmly. The gate force rippled in front of her.

Before Sohkarra could say anything, a shimmering portal opened. Two figures stepped through, of Menne and Tuthmosis. "Quickly, there is no time!" Tuthmosis said to her.

"But Marianne is trapped..."

"We are taking care of helping her," said Mennehotep, as she grabbed her friend's hands. Both rulers pulled a protesting Sohkarra through.

The dark broke with a lighting swift strike of light, so intense her sight was seared. A new darkness enclosed her. Sohkarra hung in time, she felt the empty air, unsupported over a vest gulf into which she dropped like a leaded stone in vast pool.

Falling . .falling . .forever forever! In the midst of vast whirl pool of Time that struggle within itself. Ashake focused her magic and nudged the princess towards the Present. Sohkarra heard the voices of her friends. The princess felt helpless, at the mercy of whichever portion of the those vast godlike powers that battled the forces of Law and Chaos. She had endured terrors and won. But this was different. As she was hurled into a gulf she knew too well that she, the daughter of Pharaoh Amenhotep, could face an extinction worse than physical death and blast her ka to the wind of Time.

Ashake guided her charge to the sound of the voices. Only a few seconds to go . .

Sohkarra was then again aware of the hands pulling through the portal. Her mind screaming to be let go. I want to stay . .it is too soon! She fought the hands that pulled her. The Life in her womb beat one last thrust of breath. Sohkarra felt the tiny Life beat be cast into the void, her tears rage a feral cry of betrayal. The tiny Light swirled around her touching her soul before flying off into the hands of the Mother.

Ashake cried a small tear and with a final push sent the princess on the path.

I am sorry! Was all Sohkarra heard as Mennehotep and Tuthmosis III called her back to the Present.

"Damn you!" Sohkarra cried out to the voice, feeling more betrayed than ever. "You do not realize what you have just done! How dare you to presume you know what is best for my people and I? Interfere with us no further!"

Anger filled her as she was ripped from the past. To emerge in the Museum. Sohkarra gulped down her fear and apprehension as she took in her surroundings. There was a strange sense of passage as they emerged. She could feel herself dying inside. There was a great and intense feeling of loss that filled her mind for a moment, but she attributed it to her feelings about JaKal. But it was so strong that it took her breath away. But then she knew that she had lost something most precious. That which she had conceived with JaKal was gone! GONE!

"Do you realize what you've done?" she asked angrily.

"Sohkarra, we have need of your power," said Tuthmosis quietly. Both he and Menne now stood before her. Neither understood her anger, as she seemed to be accusing them of something. But they couldn't imagine what.

"Is this the future?" Sohkarra asked. Her companions did not seem to notice her look of grief, but attributed it to the shock of the sudden and less than gentle trip through time. She put her hand to her middle as if trying to perceive something.

"Yes Princess. There have been pitched battles fought for eternity by Pheres and Maat." said Tuthmosis. "Lady Trynia could not bring you back for her machine had failed, by Pheres. But Pheres remembered to me that I could pierce the veils to the Western Gate. And traverse to the Well of Time itself, the realm of the goddess Pheres herself. For it is she who decreed that I undo the damage wrought by my servant Trynia. I as her master am responsible for putting her under an oath to serve the Royal House of Egypt. By my hand are things restored to their proper order."

"Why had I not thought of that before?" asked Sohkarra, her grief momentarily pushed to the background as she realized the enormity of what was to come. Her personal grief must again take back seat to what must be now.

"Trynia did not realize that we of ancient Msir could mend our own mistakes in Fate," said Mennehotep. "I saw the Goddess Pheres as she told Trynia and the two of us what we must do. Maat's agent Ashake has repaired the damage."

"But if you brought me back why can't you do the same for Marianne?"

"She must be brought back by another's power, the Lady Ashake," said Tuthmosis. "Only her experience can mend Marianne's impact in time. For there is a problem Osiris or Isis did not see. Maat and Pheres have said that two fates have been created to accommodate things. But this is all I can say of her wisdom."

"A paradox," Menne explained. "Amenhotep incurred the wrath of Pheres. As your father said to you, you must undo what he has put into motion, for you are his daughter, and are capable of fixing the damage inflicted by you and your guardians. For he is in Osiris' realm."

"But how did you get me back by coming yourselves? I did not think even a Pharaoh had the power to traverse Time."

"I do, by the grace of Pheres," said Tuthmosis. "And with the help of Ashake, whose power can open gateways to other realms. The power alignments are only so that this transference could happen once every so often. For Lady Trynia's device has the power to pierce to the past whenever. But these natural movements require the right celestial forces in balance, and Maat decreed that we of Msir must redress that which another of Msir hath wrought."

"Since I gave up my power to send people through the Western Gate," Sohkarra realized. "I cannot bring Marianne back then..."

"I have said that is the responsibility of another. The lady Ashake," Tuthmosis repeated patiently. "That matter is out of our hands. You still retain the power of resurrection."

"That may well be," Sohkarra muttered, remembering a bit about Rath's previous wife, but she continued, "Are the others all right?"

"That is our first task," said Tuthmosis. "To waken the Guardians." They all traveled to the Sphinx. Sohkarra came and stood before sarcophagi standing up on end. She gasped as she saw them for the first time since the embalming.

Mennehotep and Tuthmosis came to her side before the Sarcophagi. "You must call them Sohkarra. Only you have the authority and power to awaken your own Guardians."

"But Presley."

"I'm here sis!" he cried, running up to her. Turning, she folded him into a hug. At his heels was a figure that Sohkarra had only seen in the past.

"Thank Thoth you're okay, Princess," said Nyx as she followed Presley.

"Nyx... how are you here..." Sohkarra gasped. Somehow one of the ramifications of the changed time line was evident! She did not recall Nyx being here in the future before their trip back.

"Are you going to bring my father back, or what?" Nyx asked, taking Sohkarra by the hand. She knew of the Princess' power and was most anxious for her to get on with it.

"Hey. It’s okay," he said to her, trying to get Nyx to let Sohkarra reorient herself to her surroundings, for she was still very upset. "She only just got back, y'know..."

"I failed you Rapses!" she said to her brother's host with a sad look within her sapphire eyes. "I failed to save you."

"Hey. It’s okay. He's telling me it's okay," Presley said. "If not for you I'd still be stuck in the past in his body."

"You must both call them," said Mennehotep said to the reunited royal siblings. "For this to work."

"But Marianne."

"Later. Once your guardians have returned, then Ashake will return her with your help." said Tuthmosis. "It will take both of you working together to accomplish her return."

"Let the calling commence. It is the will of Maat and Pheres."

All at once, Sohkarra and Presley joined hands. "Return to us, oh faithful guardians of the House of Amenhotep; Your Prince and Princess bid you come and serve us once again."

There was a blinding flash of Sohkarra's blue light as the sarcophagi burst open in four pillars of blue fire. Presley marveled at this repeat performance of the events that had led him to first meet his friends. Four bandaged figures stood beside their respective sarcophagi. They rubbed their eyes with bandaged hands. "Hey! My arm's gone!" Armon gasped.

"I'm all wrinkled again," said Nefertina, glancing at herself in bandages.

"Princess!" JaKal cried, breaking protocol as he noted Sohkarra. Hardly believing it, she raced to his arms. He lifted her off her feet as he folded her into an embrace. A look of pain spread over her face as he held her tightly for her side still pained her. The other guardians clustered around them and Presley as they all bade their Royals hello.

"JaKal, thank Ra I found you again!" she sobbed, tears wetting his bandages. "I don't know how I could live without you in my afterlife."

"I told you I was only waiting for you, my young love," he said softly as their lips met. "I knew you would bring us back." Everyone withdrew to leave the two lovers alone for a time, so absorbed in each other were they.

When they could tear themselves away, she softly whispered to him, "I would have waited for you forever." She held him as if she would never let him go. He seemed of the same intent as bandaged arms squeezed her ever tighter.

"Father!" Nyx cried, running to Rath. Anxiously he gripped his daughter tightly. Father and Daughter rocked slowly as they embraced.

"Oh my girl," he said, stooping to take her face in his hands. "Let me look at you! You're all grown up! But how in the name of Ptah did you get here..."

"It's a long story, Father," Nyx said to him.

Meanwhile Rath looked about in anguish. "Where is Marianne!" he despaired.

"That is our next problem," said Mennehotep, going to her friends.

"What is going on here?" asked Armon and Nefertina.

"As soon as you guys were killed in the past my spirit returned," said Presley. "I couldn't wake you guys up out of your sarcophagus things, and Sohkarra had not yet returned. So I went to find Trynia. But she couldn't' help. So Menne and Tuthmosis here brought Sohkarra back. Then she brought you all back!"

"For that we are grateful," said Rath, choking back emotion in his green eyes. Still Nyx kept her arms around her Father. "But that does not explain why Marianne didn't come back! She should have returned with Sohkarra."

"I am sorry," Mennehotep said, coming to her old friend, and taking his hand. "I have heard what she means to you. And I swear by Isis I will not rest till she is at your side again!"

"I still don't understand why you both couldn't bring Marianne here." Rath fretted. "After all, you brought Sohkarra back, did you not?"

"Yes," Tuthmosis explained. "But the alignment was only good for one trip only. For all must play their roles in the Goddess' solution to this plan."

"Yes," Menne explained. "Sohkarra must have her chance to atone on behalf of her father, and for Marianne."

"I see!" Rath cried. "You can have her resurrect Marianne herself! She may not be able to pass through the Western Gate, but she can call others through it! Just as she did with yourself Highness and her father!"

"All that remains is to guide Marianne from the Wells of Time to the Western Gate here." said Mennehotep. "With Sohkarra's power calling Marianne's spirit, and guiding her soul to the right place, she can easily pull her through!"

"And her body?" Rath asked.

"It was the blessing of Isis that Marianne return to her own time as herself. And she will, for Sohkarra alone still has the ability to bring the dead back intact. Remember my husband." Menne said. "By Pheres power all will be as it should... all things will be once again balanced."

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Nyx asked impatiently.

"Time is a delicate thing, and must be balanced. For that purpose, there is another helping us, a woman of great experience," said Sohkarra, debating whether or not to tell Rath that his former wife was indeed alive and well, if not in his century.

"Another... who..."

"Who else but Ashake, Father," Nyx burst in.

"Ashake..." Rath gasped, going extremely pale. "But how... why... what in the name of Ptah is going on?"

"Father, she had to leave all those years ago. Because her boss lady Maat told her to. It broke her heart, but she had her duty. An she told me to tell you this... that she loves you and she's okay with you and Marianne. And she'll bring you two together again!" Rath wrung his hands, and thought of someone he had not seen for years. One he never though he'd hear the name spoken of again.

In the past Marianne took Nyx to the temple for her daily lesson. She had with her the children. Already Nyx was close to becoming a full acolyte priestess at the temples.

As the ceremony happened, the girl received her office. And her future was secure, well on her way to becoming a priestess. At Marianne's encouragement. Sethnahtke stood aside with the children, in full pride of her. And she smiled at Marianne's warm embrace.

But then they shivered as the temple statuary glowed fiercely. And the image of mighty Pheres herself came to view.

Everyone gasped in awe.

"Marianne, you of Thoth! Come into my presence and receive your fate!"

"What... how?"

"Come now! And be reunited with your true destiny!"

A shimmering in Marianne's mind made her walk to the image. It was if she could almost hear Sohkarra's voice calling her; but how could that be? Sohkarra had disappeared shortly after she had come to see her and the children. It was as if an internal voice drove her. She said goodbye to Nyx, and bade her farewell. And she followed the sound of Sohkarra's voice.

And then Marianne vanished from view as she walked into the shimmering image, never to be seen again.

"Farewell, Mother," Nyx said softly. "Till next we meet." And to the voice she sensed, rather than heard, "Take care of her Princess." A strange figure in a jade and white cloak stood before the altar. Marianne swore she had never seen her before. But the bright greenish blue eyes shone like twin stars. And a face met hers. Energy emanated from the figure as she stood before a crackling vortex. Ultimate concentration was upon her face as she directed unfathomable energies.

"What..." Marianne gasped.

"Time ta go," said the woman, her cloak swirling around her back. It blew the hood aside to reveal thick chestnut ringlets. And a figure of supreme grace.

"But there is so much to do..."

"Ye've done enough, Marianne Ellis," said the woman, her eyes flickering like the vortex. "It's a fair mess I've had ta sort out. But all are ta' blame..."

"What..."

"No more words. Into the portal with ye and Isis and Maat guard ye well. Or ye have a choice..."

"What do you mean?"

"The balance of Maat must be upheld. There is a price if ye go back, Marianne."

"What do you mean?"

"Stay here, and live long. Without him. Go through here, and live with him, but there is no guarantee you'll find happiness. Or go through here..." she said, indicating another rift that seemed to mirror the first. "And ye will loose him forever, but ye will be filled with more love than ye can imagine. But all three paths are wrought..."

"Three paths, what does this mean? And who are you?"

"Ye've come ta know me, Marianne, as I've come ta know ye... and most likely ye'll ferget this time between times."

"I cannot decide. I don't want to stay, but part of me does. Then facing life without Rath seems scarce livable. But part of me knows and wants happiness."

"Ye canne have both ways. The world is not kind or fair..."

"I cannot... decide."

"The whims of fate here. Into the portal with ye now, or remain here in the past. Yair decision. Can ye accept the consequences?"

"I will do anything," she said. "But I am frightened."

"Life is choice. Decide to leave, or don't decide. It's a decision...But if you decide to go, follow the voice of Princess Sohkarra, for she with her power, even now looks for ye. She will return ye to the land of the living."

Marianne threw herself into the vortex. For a split second she felt torn. Would she face happiness and a life without Rath, or misery and a life with him? How could she make such a decision? There came a ripping, tearing sensation that shot through her. Every muscle fiber, every nerve ending screamed with a sudden white-hot searingness that sprang from within. Agonized her soul was rent asunder. As if a piece of her was torn and thrown halfway across existence.

All she heard was the words of the gate maker, "Ma puir child. Ye have much ta learn..."

Again she followed the sound of Sohkarra's voice and felt the gentle pull. Calling her across space and time to a place that hardly seemed hers anymore. She could not see or hear, only feel the reality of thoughts from outside her mind. Where was her physical body? As she tried to move her arms, she felt as if she were pressing against thick sticky gel. Movement was physically impossible, a great weight crushing on her from all sides, the weight of centuries of passage. Still that thought expanded into a hum, then a call, and a ringing behind her ears. Did she have ears, or a body anymore? Desire itself propelled her through blackness.

Sight and sound gelled into nothingness around Marianne. The awful splitting pain faded to a dull ache. She felt a hardness under her back, and a dull sound like garbled voices. Reality jarred her frame, and suddenly she felt she had a solid heavy body again.

She could hardly believe it, glancing at the world around her she shivered. For it was oddly cold as she lay there in that Egyptian gown. On a bed that looked much like an Egyptian bed.

Slowly a familiar face came into focus. "Sohkarra!" she cried. "Dear Lord is it really you?"

"Yes..." she said, smiling. There came the flicker of an orange glow in one corner. Much like torchlight. "You are returned to us."

"Mennehotep..." she gasped. "But where is she now?"

"They helped lead you through to me," said Sohkarra. "Then it was a simple matter of guiding you on through the portal."

As Marianne started to get up, she gently held her down. "Easy now... you were asleep for a long time. You've only just made the transition. The trip has a tendency to be a bit rough." She said this with a funny look on her face as she remembered her own trip through.

"Transition? Then this is the future?" she gasped, hoping beyond hope the nightmare was over. "But I heard your voice too."

"It was a definite team effort." Sohkarra responded.

"But I'm really back?" Marianne asked. "You would not be cruel and say it is so when it really isn't?"

"Definitely not!" said Sohkarra, pretending affront. "Yes, you are really back in your own time. As are we all."

"Give me a mirror," Marianne muttered. Obligingly a piece of bronze was brought. When Marianne glimpsed her face she sighed. Still she wore the makeup, but now her pale freckled skin was obvious. "It feels like forever that I waited to glimpse my own face. It almost seems like that of a stranger!"

"You can say that again," boomed a deep voice that she recognized very well. Marianne looked up at all of them, and again tried to rise. This time Sohkarra didn't stop her. Looking to her friend, said, "It would seem that I once again owe you my life."

"No my friend." Sohkarra answered. "You owe me nothing. If it weren't for me, you would never have been put in harm's way in the first place."

"Are you kidding?" Marianne gasped. "That was the greatest adventure of my life!" And before anything more could be said, the others joined them.

"JaKal, Armon... Nefert... Nefertina..." she cried. "But where is..."

"We are all glad you have been returned safely among us," JaKal smiled, gripping Marianne's hand as he helped her to her feet. Armon wrapped Marianne in a huge bear hug, as did Nefertina. The shock set in as she realized they were bandaged swathed versions of their past selves. Marianne felt a sad sense of loss as they withdrew, for she had known them when alive.

Then Nyx burst in, this time a girl of 16! "Mother!" she cried as she threw herself into Marianne's arms.

"What... how... Nyx!" Marianne gasped as the girl held her fiercely.

"I'm so glad to see ya again Mom!" she cried, hugging Marianne ever more tightly. "I knew you'd come back to me!" And Nyx looked to Sohkarra, who watched this reunion with satisfaction. "Thank you your Highness!"

Sohkarra smiled back at her and nodded.

"This feels like a scene out of the Wizard of Oz!" Marianne cried. "Next thing I feel as if I should say is... I had the strangest dream... and you... and you and you were there..." Armon laughed loudly, thumping her on the back.

Finally Presley and Sohkarra both held her in their embrace. As a brother and sister would greet a long lost relative. She was one of the small group that surrounded them, for she was even like family now more than ever!

"But there is another that wishes very much to see you," JaKal said.

A figure pushed past them, his long arms outstretched before him, "Is she... Great Ptah! Marianne!"

"Rath!" she cried. It seemed unbelievable to her that he was here! When the pain of his death had struck her. "Is that really you?"

"Oh... stop asking ridiculous questions, and come to my embrace!" he cried, folding her tightly in bandaged arms.

She felt a strange coldness against her, and realized it was because he was mummified again. Tears filled her eyes as she held him close. A sense of loss and agony she'd felt for months was soon washed away as his fingers reached for her shoulders again, soothing out the tough knotted muscles.

"Rath... I never thought I'd see you again... dear Lord it was so hard..."

"My beloved sister," he said over and over as they rocked together. Her tears flowed freely, dripping and soaking his bandaged shoulder. Nyx came and wedged herself into their embrace. Father embraced his daughter, and his wife. The family was reunited once more. That smell of natron and pungent spices was eerie, for she had seen his mummification first hand! Slowly he lifted her in his arms as he carried her back to the simple bed upon which she had rested.

"Oh... to hold you again..." she choked, hardly believing how silly it sounded, and corny. But how true! Here and now he was but a pale shade of what he once was in life. But he was the man she loved, and fate had brought them back together.

The others withdrew to let them share a reunion. Even Nyx knew her stepmom and father needed some time alone. Rath still sat on the edge of the small bed, holding her close to him.

"Forgive me.." she sobbed to him.

"Whatever for?" he asked, holding her out at arm's length. His scribe fingers traced over her face, as if he had not seen her for years. Her own fingers caressed the blue skin, even though it was somewhat resinous. And the fine textured bandages covered those place she most loved to caress and touch. The green eyes glistened with his own tears.

"You... were angry that I went after you... on the battlefield... and it ate at my heart that I failed you! Had I been there..."

"You would have been slain," he completed. "Nothing you could have done would have made any difference, my love. For we were fated to die by Maat's will. We never should have tried to cheat that..."

"Then the pain we went through... was for nothing?"

"No, my beloved," he sighed, taking her face in his two hands, like he had so often done in Msir many centuries ago. How odd it was to realize she had now shared in their history, and this sharing forever bound her destiny closely to that of the house of Amenhotep. "Don't even think that was ever the case! For I tasted love again, and it's sweetness was well worth the pain brought! And my children had a sense of hope for the future... they otherwise would never have had. For that I owe you more than I can ever repay. I died a true father and husband. With my children knowing how much I loved them, for you made me confront that responsibility..."

"But your children only knew one week of a family..." said Marianne tears in her eyes. "And Nyx was so looking forward to having a mother! I left her on her day of graduation when she became an apprentice Priestess..."

Nyx still heard her say this, and she broke in, "Mom, you were there at least! You were there when I became a Priestess!"

"But you were there for her on her big day," Rath said to her. "She will remember how you were a mother to her. Even in the time we were not joined. And as for the younger ones, My daughter Nyx and my brother would give them all they needed. Keep alive their memories..."

If only he knew, Marianne thought in her mind. This doubt crossed her blue eyes, making Rath gently wipe away the tears with one length of bandage. "Do not be sad, Marianne. I cannot bear the look of tears upon that sweet face when we are only just reunited..."

"Rath, I'm speechless ." was all she could choke as she started to cry. Gently he shushed her, meeting her live lips with his. She did not care he was no longer living. Just to touch him in any form was worth any price. Gently he lay at her side, holding her close as sobs racked her entire body. The mere shock of being with him again was great as emotions long pent up came rushing out. For she had been numbed for so long after his death it had collected up for seventy days.

Watching them together, Nyx finally withdrew. She shut the door on the small chamber as quietly as she could.

"Shhhh my love," he said, breaking off the passionate kiss. "It's going to be all right... Maat has

exacted her balance, and the will of Pheres is upheld. We are together again as we were meant to be...thanks to the Princess and Their Highnesses."

"But Rath, what price was paid?" she asked him. "Why do I feel that somehow Sohkarra paid an awful price for me to be here now? And someone else… who I cannot even think of right now?"

"Do not think of such questions now," he soothed. "A long time ago someone taught me that life is choice. That each decision brings a multitude of realities. All we can do is try to live with the result. You are here with me now thanks once again to the Princess and her miraculous power of resurrection.. That is what matters..."

"Oh dear Lord, how I missed you, Rath..." she sobbed, and his lips silenced her cries. Till now she lay in his bandaged arms, sobbing and shaking as he lay to share her suffering. To hold her close and not forsake her again.

"Let me comfort you, Marianne," were his final words as he kissed her thus. The same words that JaKal had said to Sohkarra the night her father died. Immense sorrow filled her, as if a loss had overcome her. Or else she felt a sense of overwhelming loss that Sohkarra had just lost something they once held dear. Her reality would never be the same. Still she thought about the sensation that something had been torn from her. Why did she feel fragmented? As if she'd never be whole again? Why had the Princess had to pay a high price? For she remembered feeling a sense of loss when near Sohkarra. Had she too taken a loss for a debt that was not of her making? Would the answers ever become known to any of them?

Later JaKal took Sohkarra to their special place overlooking San Francisco bay for their own private reunion. It seemed like a whole lifetime ago that they had last stood here. The entire chain of events that had touched off this wild adventure had started here in this very spot.

Now they were back to square one. A sense of loss and great relief washed over Sohkarra as JaKal wrapped her in his bandaged arms. She couldn't help giving an involuntary shudder. Still he wore his Horus armor as he held her close as he felt her movement. As she winced he eased up on his grip. "Forgive me for hurting you, my Princess," he apologized as he realized that he had accidentally pushed against her still healing side.

"Oh, don't let that stop you," she teased. From beneath his Horus visor his blue eyes twinkled again. That special look that Tia had seen from his as well. And now again, it was for her and her alone. She reveled in it. "I have sorely missed having your arms around me." They both winced at her deliberate and bad pun.

JaKal couldn't help but notice the serious look that she tried to hide. "I know what you are thinking my young love," he said softly. Being home again, she had once reopened her mind to his, with only one detail missing, unknown to him. The onrush of thoughts chattered about in his mind came back like a welcome friend from long ago trying to make up for lost time.

"It hurt so much when you closed yourself off to me in the past. But I understand why you did thus. I bear no anger for your decision..."

"You'll never know how difficult that was for me to do my love." She answered. "But it was the only way I could deal with the realities. But you always knew my heart, even as I knew yours."

The look he gave her told her better than words how he felt. "At least your thoughts are with me once more, giving me the strength and hope for a better tomorrow. I feel whole once again."

She looked at him, with love in her sapphire eyes that could never be mistaken. For someone so strong, yet soft spoken, he always knew just the right things to say.

"As do I, heart of my heart." She answered him as she planted a small kiss on his cheek.

But there was something she needed to know his thoughts on. "Did we make a difference, JaKal?" she asked. "My brother only lived as a Pharaoh for two short years! Marianne and Rath married, only to be torn from each other's arms on their honeymoon! Nefertina lost her position as Charioteer of the Sun. Only Armon really enjoyed his reunion with his mother and his 'fan club.' And you were torn between loving me and your wife and son! And something more was lost somewhere along the way. If only we had not gone..."

She was deliberately sidestepping what she knew she would eventually have to tell him, but she couldn't do it now. When she could hardly fathom it herself.

JaKal noticed the hesitancy as she spoke and wondered about its hidden meaning. But he would not press her. She would reveal it when she was ready.

"My young love." He shook his head. "We had much unfinished business back in Msir. This gave us a second chance to settle affairs that had plagued our consciousness. For that you cannot berate yourself. You have not failed before, and you are not about to break that streak of fortune..."

"JaKal, I failed to protect Rapses..."

"No. You gave him two more wonderful years. Amenhotep saw his son become Pharaoh! You got to see your family again. Even if it was painful!"

"There was one other thing......" she started.

He looked at her expectantly.

"Tia confronted me about the two of us." She said, lowering her eyes away from his. Somehow this didn't seem to surprise him.

"And?" For he had known that was bound to happen sooner or later, whether he had lived or died.

"And I couldn't tell her JaKal." Sohkarra answered, looking back up at him. "I saw no reason to hurt her for something that could not be taken back. She'd already been hurt enough, first by your closing yourself off from her, and then your death."

"You are wise young Princess." JaKal mentally applauded her wisdom and compassion for not wanting to hurt she who was completely innocent in the overall scheme of things.

"But we were still wrong." Sohkarra said guiltily. "You should know that we may have to deal with that at some time in the future." JaKal raised his eyebrows at this hidden meaning. Again, she would not explain further.

"But we are back together as the fates had meant us to be. All the grief and pain were but a delay to our reunion. That is what makes it that much sweeter..." It was hard to argue his point when he put it like that. Or when he looked like that at her.

"JaKal, I don't know what to say. You always leave me surprised and speechless..." she said.

"Words cease to be effective when there is action," he said, and deposited a kiss upon her lips. When he pulled away from her, she couldn't help her next sentence.

"Your actions are as effective as your words my Lord." She smiled up at him. "You know I always did love a man of action."

No reunion could ever be so sweet. They had traversed the doors of the dark side to get to where they were now.

Cuddling her body closer to that of his armored one, "Won't you show me more of the hunter's action?" she asked him with a twinkle in her eyes. The same twinkle that never failed to bewitch him. The look he gave her back told her he could refuse her nothing. The simple lip touch he bequeathed on her mouth deepened into a soul bearing kiss, the equal of what she had given him on the battlefield. It took the breath out of both of them.

Both backed away from the sheer force of it; shaken to their very cores.

Then under his continuing loving ministrations, she felt her heart carried away by a sea of sweetness and momentarily let herself forget her guilt. As they withdrew, Sohkarra watched the sinking disc of the sun. Together they passed the night, sharing their memories of time now long ago, spent together, and awaiting the dawn of a new day in their new time. A time that well and truly belonged to them both. Not borrowed from Fate from a future that could not be, but a future they could forge for themselves. For now they had truly made peace with their world. None would know just how brief that peace would be.

None could foresee the storm that was about to befall them. Or the consequences of their shared time together? Who had truly paid for this second chance? And when would Maat judge them for this action?

A cold shiver shot through Sohkarra, wrestling her sense of comfort away. Even the shelter of JaKal's arms couldn't stop the sudden passage through her body, her very being. Shivering, she pushed the shudder away in the warmth of her love. Still it hovered outside her mind, taunting her.

From afar, a distant silver-cheeked figure watched the two lovers. Trynia Merin’s filigreed fingers dug into her palms, drawing blood. Something akin to sadness flowed through her cybernetics, flooding her sensors with a choking sensation. It isn't over, she whispered. It isn't over at all. In fact it has only just begun... The weariness of centuries set in as she turned her back to the two whose next moments went unobserved.

Ashake stood outside the Sphinx. The cigarette flared as she blew the last drag from the cancer stick. Letting the smoldering butt fall from her lips, the smoke wafted up as she turned. She crushed it under her thick boot. Her steps were sure, full of purpose. Time was put right again. She felt very old all of a sudden. Her magic was drained and all she wanted to do was to sleep for the next century.

"I need a drink!" she said, tired as griffin after a mating flight.

The Java Goddess Bar was crowded. Not so unusual for a Friday night. Heather Morales, manager of the temporally challenged embellishment, watched as her star performer got ready for the gathered thong of patrons, eager of cut lose after hours and forget their troubles. Heather tugged at her blond hair piled high in a butterfly clip. Her blue eyes regarding her friend in concern.

"How are you? Do you feel like going on tonight?"

Ashake managed a meager grin. Brushing her cheeks in a bright rouge, her fingers fanning the cosmetics to a soft sheen that glowed on her cheeks.

"I need to lose myself in my music tonight, if all the same with you."

Brodin, her smart aleck mirror, didn’t even crack a joke about her rear end. That was uncharacteristic. Ever since she came back from the Nile, Ashake had been silent and remote. But the smile was returning to her face and her laughter was genuine. She still wowed the crowds, but her music was very sad.

Ashake slipped into her torn jeans and white leather vest. She collected Lady Cies off her stand and walked back stage. She peered out behind the closed curtain. Smiling she saw Trynia is the crowd seated a far table.

"So the cyborg did make it," she smiled to herself. Maxwell, at the piano, gave his sign, playing a long scale from highest to low on the ivories.

He squeezed her hand as she went by. "You ok, Angel Eyes?"

She kissed his cheek, winking. "Like an Ace of Hearts."

She sat down on the stool. Amid the cat calls, whistles, and clapping Ashake found her voice.

She cleared her thought as the slight back feed whined in the microphone.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Thanks for coming. I’d like to start my set with one of my favorite songs. I would like to dedicate it all those who was ever gambled on love and lost it all with a wave of fate." She strummed the strings of Lady Cies weaving the strands of starlight as the Music filled the bar. The scent of desert palm trees could be smelled, a cool northern Nile breeze drifted in, the smoke in the room parted. A copper haired princess and her blue and golden armored falcon Guardian walked in a field of acacia trees. If only it could be so.

"This one’s for you, Princess," the Celt said softly. Her fingers strummed an opening sad cord. A bluesy rock and roll sound created a base for Maxwell, on the piano.

The final notes faded in the air and the vision vanished. Ashake heard the applause shake her back to reality. Maxwell grinned from the piano, nodding his approval. Ashake sighed, closed her eyes, letting the feeling fill her up. What ever Muse looked after this Celtic lady filled her being with song and light. Whatever Goddesses who placed their power into this bard for safe keeping she didn’t care. It was time to Rock the House!

Ashake stood up. Struck a long intricate melody screaming as her fingers traveled up the bridge of Lady Cies. The patrons of the Java Goddess Bar yelled and cheered. The Music was her shelter. How she had forgotten that lesson, she never knew. But she would never again let it fade. Ashake was Rhiannon: Dreamweaver, Lady of the Underworld, and Songsmith of the Bards. Though not of the mother country of Msir. Life was no sweeter than this!

Ashake sang a melody of love songs and finished with her own version of the Moody Blues "Forever Autumn". This song would be bound to fit Sohkarra and JaKal in the not too distant future. Sweat beaded off her brow. Her throat was parched. She winked to her adoring audience, and left the stage.

Trynia was at her table, beer in hand. Stranger from a distant time, planetary anthropologist who'd observed many far flung times and realities. Who still felt flummoxed at the complexities of human relationships, when those who had lost everything in time could still find solace in small shreds of shining hope. Would she ever comprehend the depths of the human heart in its low pain and soaring, sonerous love? "If only I could remember, Thar," she muttered to herself, drowning the regrets in the foamy beer.

Ashake made her way to a vacant seat, sliding down with aching "whomp". She grabbed the Arjuine Brady, tossing the brew back with a relish that made her sigh. She eyed her friend.

Trynia nodded. "Excellent usage of subsonic vibrations. Your set ... how did Nefertina put it in this planet’s colloquialisms . . . it rocked!"

Ashake smiled. "How goes things at the Sphinx? Are things back to normal?"

Trynia shrugged. "As well as can be expected. Sohkarra is reflective. She is staying more and more to herself. JaKal is worried for her. Marianne and Rath are sorting out their differences. The Prince, Nefertina and Armon have returned to their previous activities without much complaint. How do you fare, my friend? I have not seen you for many days."

Ashake leaned back in the chair, listening the music of the next player. "OK, I guess considering that we just put time back together with a string a thread and hope."

Trynia looked at her blankly. And blinked twice. Ashake waved her hand, "Never mind. Bad Joke!"

"I have run all the tests that a Time lord can manifest. I conclude that our mission was successfully done. You should feel more elation than you appear to show. Your countenance shows signs of strain and melancholy."

Ashake shook her head. "It’s not that. It will take days for my powers to get back to full after that major shift."

Trynia drank her beer. "Then what is the problem. Everything is back to normal." The cyborg noticed the frown on the Celt’s face as her mouth twitched. "It is over, Ashake, isn’t it?" Her eyes narrowed at the questions pinging inside her computer brain as the waited for the Bard’s answer.

The Celt took in a long space breath. Her green grey lost in contemplation before resting on the cyborg. "No, we survived the Time quake. But we as still in the Eye of the Hurricane. The Storm is only just beginning."

"I was in error to presume that this situation was resolved," Trynia hung her head. Trynia watched Ashake take a long pull of her brandy. She swirled the beer in her glass, and thought it best to say nothing. She had felt the strands of time buck around her as well. Ashake was correct. It was just the beginning.

"And I fear an impending punishment from Mantissa, regarding my involvement…."

"You're wise to be afraid," Ashake said slowly, a few thoughtful puffs on her cigarette. The smoke wreathed her head.

"Complexities have arisen in my present assessment. Punishment will be exacted from sources not yet computed…."

"Well, I suppose we'll deal with one crisis at a time. But for now, we should be toasting to our success…"

"How can we justify joviality in the face of great loss?" Trynia asked her, silver gold features twisted into a confused frown. "My probability assessment indicates turbulence the ramifications of which would cause further emotional trauma…"

"Trynia, let it go for now…" Ashake lay a hand on her shoulder. "Live in the now, not the past and the future. Take solace in the works of your hands. For it is enough for now…"

"And what of the life that was lost?" Trynia demanded. "The innocent spawn of this temporal paradox?"

"Another has yet been created…" Ashake answered cryptically. "The eternal balance has been set."

"Has it?" Trynia raised a silver eyebrow. "Can you be certain?"

"No, I cannot," Ashake shook her head, remembering Sohkarra's last words as she was returned from the void. "But in times like this, we must celebrate what we can change… and that which we must let be…"

Trynia raised up her glass. "To improved Times. That those traversing the sidereal lanes of the Vortex find solace… and comfort…"

Ashake met her toast with one of her own. "May the Hand of Fate be gentle on those who seek their own on Life’s Path."

Two glasses clinked together as the sounds of the Java Goddess filtered by. The two friends just sat there as the night wore on, happy in the moment and nothing else. Even so their joy was tempered with great sadness of the pattern that was forever changed.

FIN

I would like to give my utmost thanks to Theresa Meyers and Naomi Capuano! The real Trynia and Sohkarra! Homecoming on the Nile has been a supreme labor of love to do. For the past year I have worked with these wonderful people and talented ladies to present a work of Mummies Alive fan fiction that in my humble opinion ... ROCKS!

Theresa and Naomi, thank you so very much for being so great and patience. Thanks loads for putting up with my computer hard drives melt downs, files that got deleted, the death of my old computer!