Treasure of Egypt Read online

  Chapter 15

  “Akeim returns,” Sophia whispered over her shoulder.

  Samuel who was stretched out on a sack of grain yawned. “Oh, goodie,” he stood, shaking out his limbs.

  Genevieve and Alec climbed down from their roost. Alec came down first reaching up his arms to assist her climb down. He doubted she needed it, but he enjoyed the brief contact with her hips immensely.

  The door opened and Akeim stepped inside. “I have good news and bad.”

  “Let us hear it,” Alec couldn’t help but notice the change in his calm demeanor as he approached him. He was now deadly calm.

  “Bad news first, if you don’t mind,” Samuel interjected. “Matter of preference, I like my good news last, always have.”

  “The boat is ready,” Akeim scowled at him.

  “Augh,” Samuel groaned, “that was the good news wasn’t it?”

  “What is the bad?” Alec asked as Akeim cast black, unreadable eyes on him.

  “A few of the men that survived the fight today have made it into town and have alerted the others that we are most likely here.”

  “I knew we should have killed them,” Samuel declared.

  Akeim gave him a weary glance. “As I said, I do not commit murder.”

  Alec dragged a hand through his hair, “How is it that those two made it here so fast without a horse?”

  “From what I understand there are three of them. We obviously missed one.” Akeim spoke softly. “Their version is slightly different than the truth as well. They have accused the English of attacking them.”

  “That’s preposterous!” Samuel snorted indignantly.

  Ignoring him Akeim continued, “Their leader has asked the Omdeh for permission to search every house for us.”

  “And?” Sophia glanced over at the door.

  “It is only a matter of time before they are here. We will have to make our way quickly to the boat and set sail under the cover of darkness.”

  “I thought he owed you for saving his life and that of his family?” Sophia turned back toward him. “Does that not count for something?”

  “It is why we are still here and they have started searching on the other side of town,” Akeim stated flatly. “There is no other way for the Omdeh to openly protect the English over the edicts of the Maja Hadean. This is our best chance,” he looked over at the door. “After tonight, the debt has been repaid.”

  “Why are we standing here wasting time?” Samuel tossed the sack of dates back into the pouch. “Let’s get a move on.”

  The trunk was reloaded on the back of Cupid along with the food and a few other necessities. The tent was sacrificed in an attempt to reduce the noise the animal’s hooves would make on the wooden dock. Akeim tore the fabric into long strips of cloth as Samuel and Alec wrapped the hooves of the animals.

  “I hope this works,” Samuel picked up the rear flank of Akeim’s horse, “or I just got pissed on for nothing.”

  Alec tied the cloth around the hoof that he held. “Your sacrifice is duly noted.”

  Once again they led their mounts through the narrow alley that took them to the dock. Akeim went first, then motioned with his hand that the coast was clear. One by one they left the safety of the shadows and went out into the moonlit street.

  “The moment of truth,” Samuel spoke to no one in particular as they brought the animals onto the wooden boards. Their hooves were almost whisper silent, despite the strange way Cupid was walking. The animal’s steps were awkwardly high and wide, no doubt in an attempt to rid himself of the bothersome boots.

  It wasn’t until it was Cupid’s turn to walk over the plank onto the boat that he became a problem. Genevieve and her mother had already made it into the boat when the camel refused to go any further.

  “Hold up there Samuel,” Alec whispered. “Let me get this horse over and I’ll help you with that one.”

  “Fine by me,” Samuel held onto the agitated animal tightly. “And to think I chose you over a horse,” he complained to the camel at his side.

  Alec returned quickly, but still the cantankerous beast refused to go up. “I’ve danced to this tune before. Here you take the head and I’ll bring up the rump.”

  “Nice try,” Samuel peered around the hindquarters, “but I’ll take my chances with this end.”

  “Get him up or leave him.” Akeim pulled the cloth from his horse’s feet. “I think I hear someone coming,” he cautioned them as he mounted his steed.

  “Ahh, you little bugger!” Samuel swore as he put his shoulder to his rear and pushed. Cupid took a few steps before rearing up slightly.

  “Oh no,” Genevieve called out in a whisper. “Watch out for the trunk, don’t let it fall.”

  “Let’s get the trunk down off him first.” Alec whispered back to Samuel.

  Even when Genevieve clucked softly, the animal still refused to go any further. It took five different attempts to get him up to the plank. Bribing him with food eventually coaxed him part way up it. The camel was halfway over the gangplank when he started to bolt, despite the fact there was food on the other side.

  “I knew I should have taken a horse,” Samuel grumbled.

  Genevieve pulled on his reins while both Alec and Samuel pushed. He did such a sideways skid that the boat started rocking, causing the gangplank to slip with him.

  Akeim rode up behind and prodded him in the rear with a stick. The Camel jumped forward onto the deck of the boat, bellowing and spitting all the way. Alec and Samuel barely had the time to jump off of the plank before it fell, disappeared into the black water, with a splash.

  “You could’ve warned us!” Samuel complained, dripping wet with water from the dousing.

  “Shh, someone comes!” Akeim warned as he rode down the dock. “Get that trunk out of sight.”

  Alec and Samuel hoisted the trunk up to their shoulders and took off… in the opposite directions. The trunk swung wildly between them before they caught it.

  “This way,” Alec whispered loudly, tugging on the trunk. They made it to a side street then paused when they heard voices coming from that direction.

  “No, this way,” Samuel pulled him back.

  Akeim came riding towards them, “They’re coming!” He waved at them before disappearing further down the street.

  Heading toward the buildings behind them, Alec and Samuel found an opening in between them. They backed away from the entrance into the darker recesses of the alley. It was rank, filthy and a dead end.

  “This isn’t good,” Samuel looked around for an alternative exit. “There’s not even a bloody door,” he tripped over something in the dark. A cat hissed and ran from the recess. “That scared the—”

  “Shhh,” Alec whispered. “They are here.”

  The cat ran through the feet of several men who appeared at the entrance of the alleyway. Alec and Samuel remained silent waiting for them to make the first move. Just as the leader of the group commanded that they come forward or face the consequences, Akeim appeared on horseback behind them.

  “Ah, shit!” Samuel groaned. Thinking fast, he walked forward. Speaking in Arabic he called out to Akeim. “All clear Saiyid, no one here.”

  Akeim caught on quickly to the ruse. “Continue searching, check the refuse pile.” He ordered, turning his attention back to the men.

  Samuel dutifully started to pick through the garbage, bemoaning his impulsive nature. “Of course he’d say the trash,” he mumbled under his breath.

  “We have searched here,” Akeim proclaimed to the men. “Why don’t you continue on the other side of the street?”

  Samuel continued searching through the foul-smelling remains until Akeim gave them the okay. “My thanks,” he nodded toward Samuel, “I did not like the idea of having to kill them.”

  “I know… You don’t commit murder,” Samuel parroted.

  “Despite the fact they have been lied to, they are my brothers,” Akeim replied solemnly, “I thank you for your quick thinking.
”

  “Like a fox,” Alec replied sarcastically as he emerged from the alley with the trunk over his shoulder. “If you two are through chatting, I could use a little help.”

  “I’ve got it,” Samuel took the other side of the trunk and helped haul it over to the boat. “By the way,” he looked up at Akeim. “Nicely done with the rubbish, remind me to thank you in kind.”

  Sophia had pulled the line as close to the dock as she could, but there was still a gap where the plank used to be. Alec and Samuel had to toss the trunk over and then jump over a few feet of water.

  It was obvious how the women had managed to keep Cupid quiet throughout the ordeal. The ornery beast was lying down in the center of the deck enjoying a whole sack of dates. Alec and Samuel had to step around the cantankerous animal as they boarded the boat.

  “I wonder if he could have found a smaller one,” Samuel criticized.

  “Ukaf!” The voice raised in alarm shouted from the corner of the building.

  “Oh, Com’on!” Samuel looked over his shoulder in exasperation, shaking his head. “They’re on to us.”

  “Make way!” Akeim shouted over his shoulder as he withdrew his sword and charged toward the man who took off running in the other direction.

  Alec and Samuel worked the sails as the women held the lines and the rudder still. The wind buffeted the canvas, as the fabric rose, causing both the ship and dock to creak with the stress.

  “Hurry,” Sophia called to Akeim.

  The man Akeim had threatened had disappeared around the corner, but his cry for help was raising the whole town. The distant shouts of men coming towards them were getting louder as they scurried to set sail.

  Sophia loosened the line that tied the boat to the dock, already the fellucca was pulling away. She glanced worriedly over to where Akeim had disappeared. “Akeim!” she called out. The gap between the ship and the dock was widening despite the fact that Sophia held the line.

  Akeim returned with a dozen men chasing after him, several shots were fired in warning from the group. He raced his horse down the pier, with the angry mob close behind. “Stand back!” He shouted as he charged his horse toward the boat, leaping off the edge in a dangerous bid to reach the ship.

  Sophia let go of the rope just as the stallion cleared the rail and landed just in front of Cupid. Jumping over the large camel, the horse skidded to a halt on the other side. The ship broke free of the dock and quickly pulled away.

  “If I hadn’t just seen that with my own eyes, there is no way I would have believed it.” Samuel’s amused chuckle could be heard over the flurry of activity.

  P-ting! Shots were fired, this time hitting the boat as the group of men came to the end of the dock.

  “Take cover!” Alec looked back to make sure Genevieve was safe.

  “This seems awfully familiar,” Samuel glanced back at the angry mob. “We seem to have a knack for this type of departure.”

  The bullet struck the trunk at Sophia’s feet, splintering the side. Akeim was off his horse, diving over her in the span of a heartbeat, covering her with his body.

  Samuel and Alec worked the sails, giving them everything they had in order to take the ship further away from the flying bullets.

  Genevieve crouched by the rail and loaded a musket, taking aim she fired. One man grabbed his shin, hopping on one leg in response.

  Sophia’s muffled voice sounded from under Akeim a moment later. He moved enough to uncover her face.

  “I’m sure it’s safe now,” she repeated awkwardly.

  With their noses a mere inch apart he looked at her with concern. “Are you all right?”

  Surprised by his close proximity, not to mention compromising position, she could only nod her head in response.

  He stared into her eyes. “Did I hurt you, Sit Hakeem?”

  Sophia felt a blush rise to her cheeks. “I-I’m fine.”

  There was a glimmer of a smile on his lips as he looked down at her. “I suppose I should see to the sails.” With that he rolled from on top of her.

  A flustered Sophia joined her daughter a moment later. The men standing on the end of the dock were running for cover. Genevieve fired again, this time the bullet hit one of the men in the rear.

  “That has to hurt,” Sophia commented wryly as she loaded a musket beside her daughter. A moment later another man who’d been hiding behind a crate was grasping his rear in pain.

  “Nice shot!” Genevieve smiled.

  “And you thought I was a pain in the arse,” Samuel whispered over to Alec. “Remind me never to get them angry.”

  “That’s the least of your worries if you do,” Akeim warned as he came up behind them. Checking the rigging he trimmed the sails, doubling their speed with his effort. Samuel looked over to Alec with amazement.

  “Imagine that,” Samuel whispered as he held the wheel against the strong current. “The lord of the desert knows his way around a ship.”

  “Imagine,” Akeim answered as he turned around. “Here, let me take the helm.”

  “Oh, no,” Samuel protectively kept his hold on the wheel, “I had it first.”

  Alec rolled his eyes and went to the rear to help the women who continued to fire at the men on the dock who were steadily making their way along the dock toward the large boat.

  “Then I guess you don’t want this,” Akeim retrieved a bottle that he’d stashed nearby.

  “You run a hard bargain,” Samuel gave up his post, taking the bottle from his hand. He uncorked it sniffing the contents with his eyes closed. “Ahh,” he sighed. “There is a God,” putting the bottle to his lips he tipped it back.

  “We have company,” Sophia shouted back to the men. Several boats had joined the chase following in their wake.

  “Help us return some fire,” Alec called to Samuel just as the bottle in his hand shattered, the bullet wedged into the mast behind him.

  “Oh, Hell No!” Samuel swore. “I didn’t even get a sip!” he licked his lips, sponging off what residue the bottle had left behind. He stared longingly down at the spilt liquid. Most had been soaked up by the rags discarded from the animals’ feet.

  Three ships were trailing them, the large one that had been moored alongside their own, leading the pack. With its sails open, the large ship was steadily gaining on them.

  “Oh, that is it! Samuel yelled at their pursuers. “Now you’ve done it!”

  “Does he always carry on so?” Sophia asked as she loaded her weapon.

  “Afraid so,” Alec replied while shooting his.

  “I’ll return some fire, all right,” Samuel threatened as he stalked over to the stockpile of weapons. Instead of a musket, he selected a bow and several arrows. Going back to the spill, he tore off a swath of the soaked cloth and wound it around the tip of the arrow. Using the flint-lighter from his pocket, he held it to the end. The spark ignited the alcohol causing the fabric to burst into flame.

  “This ought to be good,” Alec remarked.

  Samuel notched the arrow and pulled back the string. Raising it high overhead he let it fly. They watched as the fire streaked across the sky, hitting the sails high up on the biggest ship that followed them. It didn’t take long before the fire spread across the fabric.

  Samuel quickly had another arrow in the air, hitting the other sail, which quickly went up in flame. The burning sails were brought down by the crew, but not before it caught some of the decking on fire. The large ship sat dead in the water with only the current to lend it speed.

  Samuel sent several more arrows across the night sky, crippling the other two boats as they too lost their sails to the hungry flames. The glowing boats receded into the darkness as they sped away.

  “By God, that will teach them.” Without a target left to shoot, Samuel let the bow sag to his side. Having singlehandedly stopped the pursuit; he looked over at Alec and the women, who had long since stopped firing, watching him instead.

  Akeim started to chuckle.

  “What
’s so damned funny?” Samuel glanced irritably over his shoulder.

  “You have what I would call a fiery temper,” Akeim announced.

  “Great,” Samuel replied dully. “I suppose now you’ll be calling me a phoenix or fire breathing dragon.”

  “No, you’re still a sneaky fox.” Akeim remarked.

  “Super,” Samuel sighed, “I’m forever the sneaky fox.”

  “Cheer up,” Akeim handed him another bottle. “I believe you’ve earned this.”

  “What?” Samuel looked at the bottle in surprise. “You had another the whole time?”

  “I’m not so stupid as to only get one and pass up the perfect bargaining tool,” Akeim replied.

  “Let me get this straight… You’re bargaining with something purchased with my money?” Samuel eyed him in disbelief. “I’ve underestimated you… You are a snake.” He saluted him with the bottle, “Well done.”

  This time Samuel wasted no time in uncorking the bottle and taking a big swig. “Augh,” he sighed, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “Out of curiosity, how many of these did you get?”

  “Let’s just say you should keep that one out of target range,” Akeim answered.

  Samuel nodded offering the bottle to the others. To everyone’s surprise Sophia took it. “Thank you,” she nodded before taking a sip. “This has been quite the day.”

  “It should be an even longer night,” Akeim remarked. “We’ll have to sail through it in order to keep ahead of them. I’ll take the helm for the first part of the night.”

  “I’ll take it after that,” Alec accepted the bottle Sophia handed him. He took a deep pull and passed it to Genevieve.

  “Wake me at dawn,” Samuel stretched.

  “I’ll stay up with Akeim and help him navigate.” Sophia looked out at the dark water.

  “I’ll be the look out while Alec is at the helm,” Genevieve volunteered.

  “Well with that settled, you two should probably get some sleep.” Sophia smiled over at her, “I’ll wake you when it is time.”