Part 5 (2/2)

Before they could start bickering, Valerie asked, Did you find anything out about that Venu guy?

Sorry, Val. I tried to follow him to see what hes up to, but hes protected.

What do you mean? she asked.

Usually, a Conjuror thinks about someone on Earth really hard, and were at their side in seconds. But no matter how long and hard I thought about Venu, I couldnt find him. That means that someone on the Globe is using a charm to prevent anyone else from locating him.

So theres no way for us to know where he is, then, she replied.

Nope. Its kind of ironic”the charm was originally created to protect children on Earth from being bothered by the Fractus who like to scare kids. But eventually, the Fractus found out about the charm, and now one of them is using it to stop anyone from finding Venu.

At least we know hes not on this flight, Thai said. We should take advantage of the fact that were safe for now and get some rest.

Valerie nodded. She was exhausted, so she was able to sleep for most of the flight. It wasnt until the wheels of the airplane came into jarring contact with the runway in Cairo that she awoke. Rested and confident that Venu was hundreds of miles away, the thrill and worries about her adventure returned.

We made it! h.e.l.l never find us now, she said hopefully.

Thai didnt look so sure. I dont understand how he tracked us to Stonehenge in the first place. Its like he knows where were going. Maybe someone is watching us and feeding back our whereabouts to him. What if he knows about the Great Pyramid, too? He could be only a few hours behind us. We need to go straight there tonight so you can get off this planet!

Valerie turned to him, her forehead wrinkling with worry. Thai, youre not going to like what Im about to ask you, but its important. I dont want to leave tonight. I want one last full day on Earth. Once I leave, I can never come back. And even though were in a foreign country right now, its not half as foreign as the world Im traveling to. Please, give me one day.

Thai didnt immediately reject her request with his usual condescending commands, as she expected. I can understand that. Id want the same thing if I were you. But youre in real danger, and I really dont want anything bad to happen to you. I dont know what Venu is capable of and who might be helping him.

I know, and its unfair of me to ask you to risk your life by waiting another day. I can find my way to the portal from here. I know where Im supposed to go next. We can say goodbye now, if you want. The last thing I want to do is to put you in any danger.

Thais eyes flickered with anger. You really dont get me, do you? Im not afraid for myself! Its you hes after, and I wont leave your side until youre on your way to the Globe.

Sorry, I didnt mean to say that at all. I meant”

He interrupted, You can have your day as long as no more trouble finds us. But the second anything weird happens, Im getting you out of here right away, and I dont want to hear a word of protest from you.

Less than an hour after disembarking, Valerie and Thai had collected their luggage and found the air-conditioned bus that would take them to a campground in Cairo where they would stay for the night. But just as they settled in, Cyrus appeared, perching on the arm of Valeries seat. His mischievous grin was back.

Ive got a surprise, guys. Turns out we have a contact here who has pulled some strings for you two. Get off the bus at the Mena House. A host will be waiting for you.

But what about” Valerie started to ask, but Cyrus had already disappeared.

Thirty minutes later, the bus pa.s.sed through twenty-foot, ornately carved iron gates that led up a flower-lined path, through a maze of elaborate gardens, and then pulled up to the front door of a building that resembled a palace more than any hotel that she had ever seen in Oakland.

Mena House! the driver shouted.

Valerie and Thai stared at each other in disbelief, their stunned expressions perfect mirrors of each other. She heard Cyrus laugh. You guys are so easily impressed. Thai pulled her off the bus, and she stared at everything in a daze.

Is this a mistake?

Its real, Val. Enjoy it, Cyrus whispered in her ear.

The enormous front door of the hotel opened, and they were immediately greeted by a tall man clothed entirely in white except for a blue silk sash elaborately embroidered in gold with symbols that Valerie didnt recognize. On behalf of my employer, I welcome you, American guests, he said with a friendly smile. I am Chisisi, your personal host here at the Mena House. It is my great pleasure to attend to your every need while you are here.

Valerie and Thai were so blown away by the magnificence of the hotel and the reception that they were dumbstruck”that is, until they saw Cyrus pretending to make out with a golden statue of the ancient Egyptian G.o.d, Ra. It was all Valerie could do to keep a straight face.

Come, let us get out of the midday sun, Chisisi said cheerfully. Then, without wasting another minute, he whisked them past check-in so quickly that all the glittering finery became a blur. He stopped before a distinguished dark-wood door at the remote end of the thirteenth floor.

Enjoy, with our compliments, Chisisi said as he unlocked the door.

Valerie entered the room and gasped. The living room of their suite was bigger than any hotel room she had ever seen. It was extravagantly decorated in golden hues, including an enormous mirrored circle that adorned an entire wall. Chisisi unloaded their backpacks and looked at the two gravely.

Please know that you are most welcome here at Mena House, but I would be remiss if I didnt warn you that you must be on your guard. Please do not a.s.sume there is no danger here or anywhere in Giza. We have many strange guests visiting our landmarks, and not all are friendly. Do not hesitate to call upon me if I can be of service. Simply call Amun at the reception desk and ask for me.

Oh, Im sure we can take care of ourselves, but thank you, Thai responded.

As you wish.

Chisisi left, and Thai exclaimed, Im pretty sure that Chisisi guy rolled his eyes at me!

But Valerie was already out on the balcony, and the view took her breath away in a way that she thought nothing ever could after seeing Stonehenge. In the distance, three tall pyramids were silhouetted against the pink and gold skies of sunset. Even from miles away, their dark, heavy presence was both imposing and intriguing. What secret pa.s.sages and forgotten stories lay under the weight of those boulders?

Valerie sensed that she was not alone. She turned around and saw that Thai had stepped out on the balcony, but he looked as if he had totally forgotten his indignation at Chisisi. He was looking at her with a focus that made her blush, which was only made worse when he smiled. It was the first time she had seen him smile, and she was suddenly several degrees warmer.

Thais eyes turned from her to the scene before them. This trip keeps getting more and more incredible. The view is like something out of a movie, he said.

Its beyond any adventure I ever imagined, she whispered. She turned to look at him and found that he was already staring at her with his intense eyes, though they seemed softer now. She had the overwhelming desire to step closer and see if he really smelled like vanilla and cookies, like she remembered.

You were pretty amazing back at Stonehenge, you know, Thai said.

Not what you expected from a fifteen-year-old kid you had to babysit?

I barely know you, but Im going to miss you, Valerie.

She could feel her palms start to sweat and her heart rate speed up. Why was she reacting this way? She needed to get a grip. Her nerves made her feel lightheaded, and she hoped she wouldnt faint again in front of Thai. Once was more than embarra.s.sing enough. Finally, she managed, Well still be friends. I can come back”just not in person.

Yeah, but from the fighting talent Ive seen, youll be busy.

Projecting wont be the same as being here for real, she said thoughtfully. Thais stomach grumbled loudly, and they both laughed. Wed better get food in you, quick!

I think we can arrange that! Cyrus said loudly, startling them both. They turned around and saw him staring at them with a strange look on his face. She wondered how long he had been watching them.

Someone knocked loudly on the door, and Thai answered. Chisisi greeted them with a quick nod. Come with me. A feast has been specially prepared for you!

Chisisi, its too much! We cant possibly accept, Valerie said.

Nonsense. Your benefactor would be insulted if you refused his hospitality.

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