CHAPTER ONE

THE RECORDING BEGINS...

C

A

R

T

E

R

[Sorry it took so long...we were being followed by...ouch!...fine Sadie, I won't tell them yet]

That was my annoying little sister, Sadie.

[Don't look at me like that, Sadie, you know its true.]

Anyway, after our adventure last year in Phoenix, you'd think we'd be taking it easy. Probably relaxing in our mansion, with our pet baboon and casting wicked spells. But sorry, no. We've been super busy looking for other godlings out there, that could help us in our quest to ally the House of Life with the Egyptian Gods.

Oh, by the way, if your reading this for the first time, I'm Carter Kane. I'm fifteen years old and I'm African-American and it turns out, I'm a blood of the pharaohs. You see, last year, my sister, Sadie and I, found out that our family goes all the way to ancient times in Egypt where the pharaohs used to summon gods. Now, it turns out that Sadie and I are the most powerful godlings to ever be born, which is why both of us were raised in different parts of the world. But we're together now and we have a new story to tell you guys.

We stopped the recording last time because of interference, but now we finally got the chance to take a break from our hectic god-like schedules and fill you guys on what's been happening.

Well first, let me describe my sister. [I was getting to that Sadie, jeez, give me a sec and make sure your watching out for the crocodiles!]

Now, where was I? Oh yeah. Sadie.

She's lighter than me because our mom was white and she has caramel hair and this time has a streak of bright purple in it. She wore her favorite outfit, black combat boots, brown duster jacket, with her headphones to her iPod around her neck. She had fierce blue eyes that seemed to sparkle with power [and yes, I mean real power]. She was twelve and would be turning thirteen in only 48 hours and trust me, she's been counting down ever since April started.

She thinks she's so much older and cooler now that she's going to be thirteen. But I had already been thirteen so I didn't care too much, but it was a really big deal for her so I guess it mattered. I know, I know. Big brother gushy-ness starting, but hey, she is my little sister after all and we saved the world together.

Anyway, I had decided to go look for Sadie a present in Brooklyn, since that's where we were living at the time. Our cat Muffin walked behind me at a brisk pace and was staring around like she was looking for pigeons to attack or something. It didn't bother me because I was so use to Muffin being on guard 24/7. I hadn't thought of what to give Sadie for her birthday because she could summon all the latest things with a snap of her fingers. But I was told my dad everytime I shopped for Sadie's birthday present in a different country that it was, "The thought that counts."

That's probably why she got a Hindu scarf one year and a pointed shoe from Saudi Arabia the next.

[Sadie just told me that's why she sent me a book on museums because that seemed to be only thing I was interested in with no fashion sense. I told her most boys don't have fashion sense and I happen to like museums!]

[And stop it, Sadie, your getting me off track.]

I was walking down Wright and Sixth when I stopped at this small boutique cart outside on the street. A teenage girl about sixteen was standing near the cart, calling to people as they walked by.

"Hey, how you doing? I'm Laura Cyrus! I would really love it if you could stop today and have a look at the latest trends of the world!"

No one was stopping and I kind of felt bad for the girl, so I decided to have a look.

First mistake.

The cart was littered with silks and hand-made Jewelry, some stuff Sadie would wear if she were on her way to a Green Day concert in London at the O2 Arena. The teenage girl, Laura, was pretty I guess, with a heart-shaped face and shoulder length curly red hair. She wore earthy colors like brown and green that I think my sister would describe as retro. Again, boys have NO fashion sense.

"Hi!" she said, brightly. "I'm Laura Cyrus. Welcome to Cyrus Fashions!"

"Nice to meet you," I said, kindly. "I'm Carter Kane."

"Likewise, Carter," said Laura. "Can I help you?"
"Yeah," I said, wanting to be polite. "I'm looking for something for my sister's birthday in two days. It has to be something stuffy and British-like her."

Laura laughed.

[Sadie scowled.]

"Well," she said, reaching over into the cart and pulling out a silver bracelet. "This was made to replicate a piece of jewlry worn by Queen Anne Boleyn herself back in 1535."

"It won't make my sister think she's a queen, will it?" I asked.

"No," said Laura, though the tone of her voice made her sound unsure.

I wasn't really looking forward to a fun filled day of shopping so I decided to buy the bracelet.

Second mistake.

"Are you out here often?" I asked, once she handed me a receipt.

"Pretty much," said Laura. "This is the only way I can make a living with my parents out of town on business. They have most of the jewelry imported to me from fascinating places like Egypt, Rome, and Paris. But the clothing I actually make myself. I kind of have a magical way with fabrics."

"Cool," I said, though I should've took the hint then of what she was talking about. "I'd like to stay in chat, Laura, but I-"

Suddenly, Muffin let out a low hiss like a tire deflating.

I looked down at her and said, "What's wrong girl?"

Of course, she couldn't respond to me here.

Laura's face looked ashen as she looked over my shoulder. Her eyes grew wide with fear. I followed her gaze and saw a three men pushing through the crowd down the block, wearing linen and workbags, coming toward us. My hand went instinctively to my own workbag that had belonged to my dad and always kept at my side whenever I went outside. I knew exactly who the men were, but why Laura looked scared was a mystery to me then.

She looked at me and said quickly, "Thanks so much for buying that bracelet, Carter. But I have to go. Now!"

She smiled and began pushing her cart down the street, hurriedly.

The three men would soon be on me.

I made a quick decision and followed Laura, Muffin trailing behind me.

I really shouldn't have done it. At the time, I seriously should've just took the bracelet and never gotten involved. If I hadn't maybe she would still be-

[Sadie just hit me in my arm and told me I was getting ahead of myself.]

But I knew in my heart I was right. I had no idea what kind of trouble would come after my meeting with Laura Cyrus and unfortunately, your about to find out.

Third mistake.