Counting the Seconds

Chapter 1

The world under the tent was a little more like home to the man. There was a thick brown mat laid out on the floor, looking slightly bumpy from the hard stone under it. A high wooden table stretched against one side of the tent, covered in important papers. There were two hard-backed chairs to match, set off to the side. Half-opened crates were stacked neatly in the back corner, and next to them was a couch, of sorts. It was old and no longer held much of its shape, but it was comfortable. On this couch, stretching languidly over the cushions, was the man himself. His eyelids fluttered in rhythm with his breathing. He was not sleeping, however; as was indicated by his indistinct muttering.

There was a sudden breeze, and this quiet world inside the tent was interrupted by the flapping of the curtain over the doorway. The man opened his eyes, and irritably gathered himself up to tie the curtain shut. As he was reaching for the fabric, a hand pushed it aside and someone entered the tent. It was a man; dark-skinned, but naturally. His head was shaved, and eyes were rounded in a fashion that showed he was a local. The newcomer glanced at his expression and offered a smile. "This heat isn't likely to get any better, but at the very least, it's not likely to get any worse," he told him.

"The heat is the least of my concerns, Akhom. I am more interested in learning about whether or not we have received permission yet to start the excavation." Turning on his heel, he walked over to the table and stabbed a finger on a detailed map spread out before him. "This entire cliff is an ideal location for hiding the tombs we've long been searching for. Now, if we could only just start—"

"And I have come to tell you that we can, sir. The Ishtar family has finally accepted our terms, though with some modifications." Akhom reached into a pouch slung over his shoulder, and withdrew a folder. It was snapped up eagerly from his fingers. "Dr. Yoshida, I personally think that this is the best offer we'll receive. The Ishtar family has been extremely reluctant through most of our negotiations. Arguing further could cause them to take back their offer."

Eyes scanning quickly over the document, Dr. Yoshida barely heard him. The cliff was now open to his team's explorations, provided that he did not go further into the valley. Beyond, he knew, was a narrow pass that led further into the rocky mountain range. And deep within lay the most prized treasure of Egyptian history: the tomb of the Nameless Pharaoh. "They are not permitting us to explore the Pharaoh's tomb," he noted aloud, "but this will do, for now. I am of the firm belief that we will find what we came here for."

Akhom took a deep breath. "The tombs of the last keepers of the Millennium Items," his eyes shone with unbridled excitement, "but no one has thus far uncovered them. Are you sure..." Akhom broke off, and silently watched the man flip open a pencil case. He scribbled away at the map on the table, delightedly planning routes that the team would take. There would be no more conversation between them, then. He understood this silent command instantly. "I am going to inform everyone to prepare to launch the excavation," he said, and left the tent without another word.

Dr. Yoshida nodded briefly, although Akhom had already left. He paused a moment to consider the meeting that he would have to attend in order to sign the contract that would entitle him access to the cliff face. His brow crinkled in distaste. He was not looking forward to dealing with that Marik again. Determined, confident, and self-assured, he had not taken well to what he had deemed the desecration of the land they held jurisdiction over. The young Egyptian had argued hotly with him, stating that some history was better left untouched. His sister had been equally as frustrating. With her calm, cool voice, she had suggested he best look to other projects to spend his time on. He gave an annoyed snort at the image this thought brought up (the sea-coloured eyes, the golden bands in her black hair). They had allowed him this one thing, to search for the tombs of members of the highest court to the Pharaoh. But still, they kept him away from his true desire. His fingers clenched unconsciously around the pencil in hand. Somehow, he would find a way to get around that. This new endeavour would please him for a while, though, so he had to put all his energy into that. He could consider other projects later. At least six tombs were waiting to be discovered, he imagined. He relished the idea that he and his team, before anyone else, would be the ones to do it.

Many hours passed. The day, as Akhom had assured him, did not grow any hotter. The breeze did die down, however, which made it seem as if it had. The entire archaeological team (some hundred people in total) spent the day preparing for the dig, loading trucks with supplies. Tools were sorted and counted, and the heavier machinery was going through check-ups to ensure maximum efficiency. The tents, trailers, and make-shift buildings were to stay put -this was their intended campsite, and it was not far from the location they would work on. Finally, nearing the late afternoon, Dr. Yoshida received word that the Ishtar family had arrived to conclude their agreement. Gathering some paperwork from his office tent, he walked to the trailer to greet them. It was sleek in design, with the white exterior gleaming in the harsh sunlight. A low rumble issued from a vent, indicating that the air conditioning was on. He approached the door. Stamping off the excess sand on his boots, he gripped the metal doorknob and twisted.

The cool air that welcomed him was certainly satisfying after having been outside. A few stairs led up to the living and dining area of the trailer. There was a long couch lining one wall, and a short table opposite of it. The kitchen curled around the table, leaving little room to cook. Past the couch was where the bedrooms were situated. There was a faint musty odour of dirt that was somewhat familiar, and the outdated plaid fabric adorning the couch and chairs seemed to match it. Ascending to the top of the stairs, the man took stock of his surroundings. There was his legal advisor sitting at the table, good. Leaning against the wall beside the couch was Marik Ishtar, bold purple eyes sparking with intelligence. His muscular arms were crossed over his chest, and his face was raised, proudly meeting his gaze with an expression of authority. He looked for all the world like he owned the place. Dr. Yoshida turned his gaze to his sister, sitting on the couch with hands folded neatly in her lap. She too had an air about her that demanded respect. Her confidence was not as easy to see, but more subtle in the way her jaw was set, the way her back was straight and shoulders were relaxed. There was a third person in the room, a man whom he had never been introduced to. The wild tattoo covering half of his face (hieroglyphs which he was not close enough to read) suggested he might be some sort of bodyguard.

Dr. Yoshida spread his arms in greeting. "Welcome, my friends. I'm so glad we have finally reached an agreement. It's good to see that Egypt is not completely adverse to letting foreign companies explore its ancient history." He strode forward to shake hands with the sister, knowing that it was she who had probably organized the arrangement, and not her brother. But it was Marik whose hand was suddenly in front of his face, cocky smirk lining his cheeks. Dr. Yoshida clasped his hand warily, noting with annoyance the golden bangles that he wore. Assuming that they were painted with real gold (although this did not seem likely), they must have cost the man a fortune. What an ego.

"Doctor," Marik said with false cheerfulness, "we too are glad to reach an agreement. I simply can't wait to see what you manage to dredge up from that hunk of rock. We will, of course, be keeping tabs on your progress. Any and all artefacts you find will be turned over to us. You did read the fine print on that document, I assume." He added as an afterthought. His hand was still trapped within Marik's, firmly, but thankfully not cutting off his circulation. He had the faint impression that this was a man who'd had a bit of practice when it came to casually inflicting pain on others. The thought made him shiver. Marik did not miss this, and said mildly, "Cold? We do not particularly mind either way if the air conditioning is on or off. Your legal advisor, however, seems to think it is necessary." He finally released his hand.

Dr. Yoshida glanced at his advisor, sitting uneasily in the chair at the table. He wasn't a complete idiot, then. He too felt the tension in the air. He returned his gaze to Marik's, shaking his head. "I think we'll keep it on. We're from Japan, after all, and it simply does not experience the amount of heat that Egypt does. I must say I'm quite unused to it." He smiled a little, in an effort to relax the tension somewhat. Marik only smiled mockingly back. "Well," he said hesitantly, and sat down beside the sister, Ishizu. She had been silent through the exchange, but now she turned to him as he laid the document on the table. His signature was already on it —clear block characters in thick black ink. She and her brother had only to sign it and he would be out of their way. "I am accepting your offer with no changes," he told her, licking his teeth in anticipation. And he offered her a pen.

Ishizu was good-looking, he supposed, for an Egyptian. He thought the dark skin wasn't really to his liking, though. Her hair was pin straight and it neatly framed her oval face. She had on a golden circlet around the crown of her head (perhaps the ego ran in the family). He thought idly on this as he awaited Ishizu to take the pen from his fingers, but she did not seem inclined to do so. His train of thoughts screeched to a halt.

Her chin tilted forward slightly. "I must tell you, Doctor, that I have felt a troubling aura of darkness shrouding your person, ever since I met you. Take this how you will, but I believe fate has more in store for you than you would think."

He was inclined to think she was a little crazy —he did not believe in any sort of occult matter— but her voice did not waver as she spoke, and the seriousness in which she spoke it made her words eerie. He frowned, "Miss Ishizu, I can assure you that nothing troublesome will happen during this excavation. I have taken all the precautionary measures to insure that the dig will be run smoothly and efficiently."

She nodded. "Yes, I am certain you have. But that does not change the feeling I have. I am sure that something terrible will happen to you, if you are not careful. There is, perhaps, more to this dig than any of us realizes." His frown deepened. "You may find something entirely different than what you are looking for." He opened his mouth, as if to say something, but she then plucked the pen delicately from him. She leaned forward and found the space where her name was to go, and wrote it out slowly, as if trying to delay the inevitable.

Marik came forward and held his hand out for the pen. Ishizu looked up at him, and they gazed steadily at each other for a moment. Dr. Yoshida wondered at the look shared between them; deep and mystifying, it spanned through the years, the memories, and came into the space between them. Marik took the pen. His signature was scrawled more messily than his sister's, uncaring and abrupt. For another moment there was silence, and the unknown man shifted in the corner, bringing Dr. Yoshida's awareness to him. He had forgotten he was there. The bodyguard —if that was indeed what he was— seemed completely impassive, but as he looked closer, he thought there might be a line of worry between his brows. Otherwise, he was expressionless.

The legal advisor sitting at the table cleared his throat, and everyone turned to look at him. "If that is all," he said, coming over from the table, "I will take these and have them copied for each party." He took the papers from the table, flipping through them to make sure everything was in order. "Do you need me for anything else?" He asked this of Dr. Yoshida.

"No, I merely wanted you to oversee this and have the document placed on record for everyone." Dr. Yoshida stood up as well, glancing at each of the other occupants in the room once more. He offered his hand again —to the brother this time, who did not seem to like him shaking hands with his sister. Marik gripped it very briefly. "Now, I thank you for your time. I do hope you have a good trip back to Luxor. Goodbye, then." He made to leave.

"You will remember my warning, Dr. Yoshida," her clear voice rang out, like a bell. It was not a request, but more like a gentle reprimand. He did not like her tone.

"Of course, Miss. Ishizu. Goodbye," he said again, irritated. He left the trailer, the legal advisor trailing behind him. The metal door slammed shut with a clang, and the three Egyptians were left alone to the near-silence of the air conditioner.

Marik let his shoulders relax, if only fractionally. He looked again at his sister. "Do you really think something terrible is about to happen?" He questioned. The man in the corner drew closer, the line between his brows deepening in further anxiety. Ishizu eyed them both, then turned her eyes down to her slender hands folded in her lap. She let out a sad sigh.

"Although I have lost the Millennium Necklace, I still have not lost all of my senses, it seems. I do feel something surrounding this man, and this expedition. The string of fate connecting him to this dig is strong...too strong, I think. That is why I had to let him and his team do this, Marik. I sensed that he may have tried to search for the tombs anyway. Do you understand?" She paused, and Marik clenched his hands in the silence. She continued on, "I do not believe he listened to my warning. But I had to try anyway. I will tell you what I think: I believe he will find the tombs of the last priests of the high court. I believe they are all waiting in that cliff, like we have speculated on. We may have wanted the history to stay quiet, and for the priests to have their peace, but I do not think fate has that in store for us. He will find the tombs, but he will find them at a cost. I only hope that it is not so great a cost that we will regret what we have done." She stood from her place on the couch, taking each of their arms in her own, so that she stood between them while they walked.

The heat of the desert was welcome after the freeze in the trailer. This was their element —sand and rock and earth and cloudless blue sky. They each heaved a sigh. Marik spoke after a few minutes, once they reached their green jeep waiting for them a few tents over. "If we do, my sister, I swear that I will do whatever I can to rectify the matter. As the inheritor of the tomb keepers' legacy, I am bound to protect the Pharaoh...all of his land, his possessions, and all of the people who serve him. I promise I will defeat the darkness shrouding the dig. So don't worry." He sent her a firm look, an I-can-do-anything look, a look reminiscent of the struggles he'd undergone in order to get to where he was today. Ishizu observed him, and noticed his hand flicking reflexively to his belt, reaching for something that was no longer there. Her sad mood worsened.

They reached the jeep, climbed in, and started back toward the city. Behind them, the excavation team started the engines of their own vehicles, about to travel down, down into the base of the little gorge, to the foot of the sheer rock cliff. And the breeze that had existed earlier in the morning started up again, and the team decided it would be a good day.

Dr. Yoshida chose his battles wisely. He took his team to very particular places to dig into the rock. He knew where the rock was loose and would come down on top of them if they tried to gouge a hole into it. But he could also see where the rock was not loose, where the thick stone of the cliff had crumbled away, but was still nearly indestructible from the elements of time. At these places he demanded the excavators to begin, and they did, carving a little away at a time from the hard wall before them. He still had his team work on the places with the loose earth and rock; they carefully chose the dirt and boulders that did not carry a load and had them moved away, to a place pre-determined as a dumping ground for what they dug apart. He was determined to get as much done with the small piece of today that they had —evening was nearly upon them, but they had perhaps another few hours before it was too dark to work.

There were no clues about where to search for the tombs in all the ground before them, no half-degraded pillars, no ruins of any sort. This was disappointing, but expected. The priests of the Nameless Pharaoh would not be buried in plain sight. It would make sense that such highly respected and revered members of ancient Egyptian society would have been afforded the best protection from tomb robbers as possible. Dr. Yoshida was not a tomb robber, but he was certainly determined to unearth every secret buried deep under the earth. And modern day archaeologists had what ancient tomb robbers did not: heavy machinery and technology.

They did not stop until the last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, covering the dig site in a purple and pink haze of almost-darkness. Dr. Yoshida listened to the rumble of the machinery as it died away, and the chatter of voices as they packed away the materials that they were not going to leave at the site. He felt content, excited, and wholly satisfied. These were the moments he had been fighting the Ishtar family over. They could not possibly —not even remotely— realize the amazing experience he was having, the dreams he was unearthing. They were selfish, to be sure, to try and keep such wonderful history all to themselves. He was doing the whole world a favour. He was going to have his name written in scientific journals. He was sure of it.

There was a sudden uproar of shouts from far over a steep incline, past a low wall of rubble they were removing. Heart pounding in even greater excitement, Dr. Yoshida left his hand-tools to walk briskly up the hill. It was sandy, but there was a rough groove up the middle that was made by the excavator. He picked his way up the hill using this groove in the sand, not wanting to waste any energy in getting up the slope. He heard the voices more distinctly now: they were calling for the head of the excavation team. More curious workers were joining the trek up the hill, wondering at what could have caused a commotion so early in the dig. Not a discovery, surely? Something had broken, perhaps, a dump truck used for hauling dirt and rock had gotten stuck in the sinking sand.

Dr. Yoshida clamoured eagerly up the last patch of rubble. He came upon a hollowed space that had probably once been filled with a boulder before it had rolled off of the incline for some reason or another and had made the mess further down. At the top of the incline, stretching before this hollowed space, was a spider web of deep and shallow cracks in the earth. Presumably it had been made by the collapse of something beneath it, and the sand and earth and fallen down further to leave holes in the ground above. Dr. Yoshida could not guess at what could have collapsed, but he did not bother with such details. He was more interested in what was in the rock, after all, not the rock itself and the extenuating circumstances surrounding it.

A group of people were crowded around one such crack in the earth. It was narrow enough to jump across, possibly, but it would certainly be a risk not worth taking, for it was deep, too. Workers were shining bright flashlights down the hole, and pointing excitedly. Dr. Yoshida manoeuvred his way around the cracks in order to reach them. "What's going on here?" He demanded.

One of the men turned to him in delight, grinning toothily. "A find on our first day! We've sent for the posts to be pounded into the ground, and the ladder. And it's not too deep —we'll be out of here quickly, before it gets completely dark. Can you believe it? What luck!" Dr. Yoshida snatched a flashlight from the ground, and directed its light into the hole, heart skipping a mile a minute. He'd prove it to that Marik, that Ishizu, the greatness that he would show the world from his expedition!

He shone the light down into the darkness of the hole, bouncing it off rock and earth till he lit upon what they had found.

The Millennium Rod glinted golden rays in the Egyptian twilight.