The Sands of Time

Well heres the update. This chapter is a bit long and dull but the next will pick up with some action and get into the plot some more. Well anyway enjoy this chapter.

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The room was dark, only the torches scattered among the walls provided light. The room was made of stone, like what you see in tombs, dark, intimidating, and always the feeling of isolation. The air around me was stale and almost suffocating.
Where am I? Why am I here? I thought to myself. I walked up to the wall at my side. The torchlight showed some symbols craved into the stone.
Hopefully, this can tell me where I am, I thought.
Gazing at the symbols I recognized them as Egyptian writing, writing that made reference to the God of Chaos, Set. Also that this was his primary temple.
“Am I in Ombus?” I spoke aloud. Ombus, is the supposed birthplace of Set, and located there was a cult the worshipped him. “Is this the place?”
Before I could ponder anymore, I heard movement.
From a corner of the room a shadowy figure emerged and made its way towards me. I just stood there watching. The figure was shrouded in a black cloak that hid his features. Judging by the height of the figure I could tell it had to be a male. The said male still kept moving forward, till he passed me, moving behind. I turned around to a new site. Behind me was a large throne with an old man sitting atop it, also in a cloak. I could see his face and the older man look worse for wear to say the least, as though he were about to die.
The cloaked figure moved to be in front of the old man, and then dropped to his knees, giving a low bow. He then spoke, “You summoned me, master?” His voice was young and silky smooth, almost familiar.
“I did…” the old man replied, “Child, my time is nearly up and I must make preparations of my departure”
“Yes, of course master”
“Now young one you are my favorite and I believe best suited to replace me, however, being what you are you can not receive my position. That honor has to be passed to Akil,” the old man said.
“Yes, I understand master…” the young man uttered almost sadly.
“Akil may receive my position, but I fear he is not worthy of receiving the Jewel of Set. I fear he would abuse the power, and that kind of power cannot be misused. This is why I am giving the jewel to you…” the old man finished.
“What! Master I cannot accept it”
“You can and you will!” the old man barked. “This is the only gift I can give to you. You will need its strength to survive.”
“But I am unworthy. The others say,” the bowing figure whispered.
“The others are fools! All they see is blood when they look at you, they cannot see the soul burning within. When I found you in the desert and saved you, I knew you were going to be strong. A great power runs through your veins. You are the only one I trust with this power…”
“I understand master…”
“Good we will carry out the ceremony in secret. Akil cannot know, for now. Go now my child, prepare yourself”
“Yes master. Master?” the young man asked, raising himself into a sitting position.
“What is it, child?” the old man asked.
“Thank you, for believing in me”
“No need to give thanks, now go” the man replied, but he smiled.
The young man nodded, and then rose to his feet and walked out the chamber. I figured the conversation ended, and then everything went black.
“Meow” “meow” I heard. I felt something fuzzy brush up against my hand. I slowly opened my eyes to see sunlight pouring into the room. Things slowly came into focus, I found myself lying on the sofa in my small apartment. A thick book lay on my stomach where I had left it when I fell asleep the pervious night. Papers scattered all over the coffee table.
“Meow” I heard my cat say as he once again brushed up against my hand.
“Good morning Mr. Whiskers” I replied sleepily as I sat up and stretched my stiff back. “What was that dream about?” I asked aloud. It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve had a strange dream. Its just they’re so real, its scary and I have no idea why I have them. “Meow” my cat answered.
“Perhaps I’m working too hard, huh whiskers” I replied petting my cat. Best forget it; I don’t need to give myself more stress.
I brushed my platinum blond hair from my face although it looked white. I hated my hair because of its color. When I was in school the kids called me albino, but I’m not albino I have tanned skin, although in the winter mouths it’s a bit off from a true tanned color (Perhaps the lack of direct sunlight). However, back to my dumb hair, when I had my back to people they would mistake me for an old man, sometimes an old woman since I like to keep my hair long, at least to my shoulders, although my long bangs sometime obstruct my vision or my shaggy hair would look like it lost a fight to a hair dyer. I hated my hair for that reason but I never could bring myself to dye it or cut it. The reason why I hate my hair is also the reason why I leave it the way it is, it stands out making me different, a gift and a curse at the same time. However, Ra knows people have tried to make me dye it to a proper color or at least shorten it. Oh I used “Ra” which is the name of the Egyptian sun god. That’s kind of what I do for a living, oh I haven’t introduced myself. My name is Seth Glory, twenty-four years old, 5’9, and skinny, light blue eyes, and just out of college. I major in Egyptian mythology and translating. I don’t have my doctorate yet but I plan to. I want to go Egypt to study and become a doctor, but I need money, so that’s why I work two jobs.
“Job! Oh Crap!” I realized the clock read seven thirty and I was going to be late for my first job. I ran into my bedroom to change clothes real quick and slapped on some deodorant since I have no time for a shower. I had pulled an all-nighter to finish translations the museum needed. The Egyptian exhibit was being redone in the Museum of Natural History, and since for the moment I’m the only one that is somewhat of an expert so I was stuck with the workload.
I stuffed all my papers into my bag and ran out the door. It is a beautiful day in New York City, the sun is out and it is not that cold out today. I ran across the street. A taxi nearly missed me.
“Get out of the road you moron!”
“Sorry” I replied and continued my rushing. The day has got off on the wrong foot, and it will get worse. The subway was not great either being stuck next to a guy with an underarm problem. Nearly gagging I made it out. Running down the street for a block I finally made it at my first job, Joe’s Diner, where I am a waiter.
“Seth you’re late! You are always late!” my boss yelled as I entered the diner
“Sorry Mr. Telie” I replied throwing my bag under the counter and putting on an apron.
“If you weren’t such a hard worker I would fire your ass!” he growled.
“Yes sir”. I’m not his biggest fan and either am I to him, but he puts up with me. I think it’s because he’s an old man and he admires that a young man is working hard to support himself. My family is not poor; we’re upper middle-class borderline wealthy. Actually I can’t say, “We’re” because I’m poor. My grandmother would happily give the money I needed but I didn’t want it. I wanted to support myself on my own strength. I’m prideful don’t know why, but just am. I make enough to get by, the diner pays a little and the museum sometimes screws me over since I don’t have a doctor’s degree. However, of all the fancy experts out there, they don’t hire them. Why? When they can have the brain of an expert but not the price; you know in ancient Egypt the pharaoh was revered as a god, even though he wasn’t. Funny how the big organizations of the today are revered as gods and us common people as the slaves. Interesting how history repeats itself. The slaves hauled giant stones and I haul heavy trays of food, although the difference in labor is huge, the principle of working hard and not receiving any good from it is still there. I work hard for little money I get; yet I feel happy that I am living my dream and doing it myself. I know being a waiter by day and a translator at night isn’t a glamorous job but it makes me happy, that is all that counts I guess. Better to be poor and happy than rich and sad.
I worked till 6:00 in the evening. Once again I find myself rushing to the museum to make my night shift. On my way down the street I notice that the old abandon shop doesn’t look abandoned anymore. A new sign hangs over the door, reading in gold letters “KIRA’S BOOKSTORE” Out of curiosity and always looking for a good book to read now and then I go in.
Mr. Samson won’t be to mad if I’m late a little

It’s a small bookstore but very nice. I start looking at books.
“See anything you like?” came a voice. I whip around to see a man appear standing behind the counter. His skin was tanned with straight black hair that went to his shoulders, and light brown eyes. He looks in his twenties and wore a green hoodie.
“Sorry…I was just looking” I replied giving a friendly smile.
“Well look all you want” he replied with a grin.
“Thank-you. So you just moved in?”
“Yes. Just got here from Cairo and wanted to start a bookstore so here I am. Oh the names Kira”
“Wow you’re from Egypt! Oh sorry my names Seth…Seth Glory. Long time New Yorkian”
“Well nice to meet you. I hope I will see you more Seth” he replied a little taken aback by my sudden excitement.
“Sorry, I get bit excited at times. My career you can say revolves around anything Egyptian” I assured him. He smiled back.
“Oh I see. So you…”
“I work at the museum as a translator for artifacts and stuff”
“Oh yes your museum, isn’t the one that is holding the Necklace of Isis?”
“Oh yes it is. It going on display soon” I replied happily.
“Well I look forward to seeing it. Well if you want any books on Egypt we have them”
“Oh sure! I love to read…oh man! I’m going to be late! Sorry I got to go it been nice meeting you” I called running out of the shop accidentally walking into a table. “Ow…sorry bye”
“Bye…I’m sure we’ll meet again Seth”

Kira

Well this is Seth, not what I expected at all. If he acts like that we are defiantly going to have problems. Aiesha sure is going to get a kick out of this, I thought.
The last time I had met Seth; he was a cold, short-tempered ass, now he seems to be a happy, klutzily, geek. Go figure. It looks like the kid is going to need a lot more protection then we originally thought. Personally, I don’t want to be a babysitter, but then again there is no way I could refuse Aiesha, one being that I love her to death, and second, if I screw up she’ll turn me into something un-natural. Never anger a powerful sorceress, bad things happen.
Letting out a breath I took out my cell phone. I had to let my beloved know that the target had been sighted.

Seth

I swiftly walk in and head straight for the Egypt exhibit. I found Sheila the girl that works the day shift packing up for the night and my supervisor Mr. Samson rants about the opening.
“Good lord can’t you guys work faster! We have a deadline people! Seth you finish your work?”
“Yeah Mr. Samson the translations are done” I replied dryly.
“Hi Seth” cheerfully chimed Shelia; her bright brown eyes smiling at me from behind her glasses; She is a nice girl and little shy but very nice. She offers to stay at night to help but I think she should head home early. It isn’t safe for a young girl on the streets of New York at night.
“Hi Shelia” I replied smiling back.
“You know we need something grand to bring out the opening!” boomed Mr. Samson.
“Why Mr. Samson the new artifacts we have gotten in are pretty impressive, especially that beautiful necklace” replied Shelia.
“The Necklace of Isis, the goddess” I added.
“You know the history of it already Seth? I haven’t gotten the chance to read about it”
“Yeah, I’ve already read about it. Legend says that the necklace has supernatural powers to control the elements. It is also said that it was hidden in a tomb of great peril. Anyone foolish enough to try and claim it would perish horribly in the maze of traps guarding it. Then it is said that a man outsmarted the maze and retrieved the necklace. It is also said the man was a dark priest that processed inhuman abilities, like strength and stuff”
“Wow!” squeaked Shelia
“Yeah but it also rumored that the priest got necklace as a gift for his secret love”
“Oh wow that’s so romantic!” Shelia exclaimed.
“And so suicidal” I added “He probably paid for the necklace with his life. If others wouldn’t kill him for the necklace, his cult sure would”
“Did he die Seth?” asked Sheila her eyes growing big with anticipation.
“Can’t say, that’s all I know”
“Aww” she pouted, “You know I wouldn’t mind if a guy risked his life to bring me that beauty”
Sheila was right though; the necklace is very beautiful. It had a gold chain with large loops of gold accompanied with diamonds covering its surface linked together; it linked down to where a large diamond shape pendent was. The pendent is the most striking part of the jewelry; it is one of the biggest pieces of amber in the world. The honey-gold color shined brilliantly under the lights, but the pure light of the sun would really bring out it craftsmanship. It is the only kind in the world, priceless. The museum was lucky it got the rights to the tomb it was discovered in. We were expecting more artifacts to be shipped in.
“I’ve got it!” boomed Mr. Samson who hadn’t paid any attention to the story I had told. “We need a special tour!” he exclaimed clapping his hands together.
“But Mr. Samson we already have tours” said Shelia
“No, no the opening day is when the mayor and all the elite will be attending. That’s why will have tour guides dressed up all Egyptian like. We also need a top expert to lead the tour and brief the other guides! It’s great! It will add class to the event!”
I chucked to myself imagining one of the top experts on the subject, most likely an old man wearing a man skirt.
“Mr. Samson how are you going to get an expert to walk around dressed up in a toga?” asked Shelia reading my mind.
“Good point we’ll just get one our own to do it…say…Seth!”
“What!” I instantly exclaimed. I am a social person and would love to be a guide but not at such an important event. I’d get freaked.
“Sure Seth you’re an expert, even without a fancy degree. Better than that, you’d be a natural and not to mention you being in a skirt wouldn’t scare people out of the place”
“Forget it Mr. Samson! I can’t do it I’ll mess up” I replied praying that it would help me get out of the situation.
“I think you would do fine Seth. You better than some old guy walking around blabbing putting everyone to sleep with long speeches, you’re funny, remember when you led the tour of school kids? They really liked you”
“I’m not saying I couldn’t do a tour but in front of the top dogs of New York in the same room. I’ll get nervous then slip up when talking, and finally trip on something or do something clumsy” I defended
“Stop whining Seth you’re doing it” barked Mr. Samson. “Besides you got a couple of weeks to prepare yourself”
“Three weeks” I grumbled
“You’ll be fine Seth, I know it” said Shelia giving a big smile.
“Thanks Shelia that helps” I smiled. She blushed. “You better get going,” I added. She nodded and hurried out waving me goodnight.
The evening went on like usual with me translating the new artifacts and Mr. Samson coming around and ranting on how he should be promoted. Soon the early evening turned into eleven o’clock at night. By this time I am finished with my work and ready to head home for the night. I packed up my belongings and went on my way. I made it to my apartment and walked in. The first thing I did was take a shower since I missed it this morning. Put on some sweats and shirt and settle on the couch with a bowl of cereal. My cat snuggled on lap as I watched the news.
“Lets see more crime, more killings, and it’s going to be cold tomorrow”
Sure enough my prediction came true down to the weather. I’ve always been good in predicting the weather. For some reason I just have a sixth sense what it’s going to do. Pretty soon the news got too depressing and I had no choice but to turn it off. The time now is one o’clock in the morning. I guess if I don’t want to be so tired tomorrow I should get to bed.
I put the bowl in the sink and went off to the bedroom. I suppose my room looks still like a teenager lives in it. I have clothes dirty and clean scattered on the floor, books stacked all over the place, and papers littering the small coffee table I have at the foot of the bed. However, my bed is a king size with like eight pillows on it. It is the neatness thing in the bedroom. It was my parent’s bed and I just couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I have fond memories on that bed, from watching movies with my parents, to me and my dad playing broad-games, and my mom reading to me before I went to bed. After they died when I was twelve I lived with my grandmother on my mothers’ side. My mother was Italian and my father was Egyptian\\American. My mother Regina DAngelo came from a wealthy family since her family owned a large candle and vase company in Venice, Italy. My grandmother, Stella owns it now. Believe me being over seventy hasn’t slowed her down. On the contrary, my grandmother could run rings around me. My mother was a beautiful woman I inherited her face and eyes. I remember my mother as a very kind woman but could be very aggressive when needed. She would always spoil me and constantly tell me she loved me, and that I will always be her little bambino.
I got the white hair and tanned skin from my father, Richard Glory. He himself was a professor. He wasn’t very well off when he met my mother. At the time he was only staying in Venice for a short time since he was heading to Egypt. He met my mother by running into her on the street (very literally). I guess I also got my clumsiness from him. They started talking and getting to know each other. Then my father had to leave but he still kept in touch with my mother. He would always make an effort to get held over in Italy. As what my parents told me they fell in love and wed. My grandmother didn’t really believe in dad but as soon as my mother produced me, granny forgot about my less than successful dad.
Our family then moved to New York where dad could have more of an established place of living. Dad worked out of the university and mom ran the company out of the comforts of home. Even though I spent more time with my mom I always felt closer to my dad.
I thought dad was the greatest since he went to a few tombs in Egypt. I went with him on one of his trips to a tomb when I was six. I guess that’s when the obsession with all things Egyptian began. I always been fascinated with the culture and stuff like that, but I guess the real reason I do want to become a doctor in the field is for father. He’s gone now and I want to make him proud of me since I really never got the chance too. Of course, I realize that my goal in life will not always be good to me. Maybe I will remain poor living in an old apartment but it won’t matter if I am happy in what I’ve accomplished. But gods do I miss them. A stupid car accident shouldn’t have killed two wonderful people. A car accident shouldn’t have stolen them away from me! Mom…Dad…I want you back…I don’t think I can handle an opening alone
I snuggled into bed. “Good night guys” I said to the picture of my parents on the nightstand as turned off the light. In no time at all I drifted off to sleep.
The scorching sun beat down on me like Thor’s mighty hammer, as I stood in an ocean of fire; burning sand as far as I could see with no end. I could feel moister on my face as tears slid down. The thought of my parents had made me depressed. For some reason I couldn’t cry in real life, my pride wouldn’t allow it. But when the pressures of life start choking me I find myself here.
“Why do you cry child?” said the familiar voice. It was a silky, deep males’ voice that I’ve always heard when I was a child. Sometimes it was harsh, others it was comforting.
“I miss them” I replied sounding like a little kid.
“Death is a natural part of life. It was their time; you could nothing to stop it”
“I know… but…”
“The sudden memory of your parents is not the only thing that is bothering you”
“I guess. We have a big opening soon and I’m going to be center stage and I’m not sure if I can handle it”
“Your problem is that you have low self-esteem”
“Is not”
“You let the world walk over you like you walk over sand. You are stronger than that! Don’t live your life on a leash. You have the skill to do great at the opening. Do not lower yourself to others let them rise to you”
“But…”
“I do not want to hear your excuses!” His voice boomed making me flinch with its hardness. I could tell he was losing patience with me. “I don’t understand your attitude! What is wrong with you…how did you turn out like this…?”
“Well it just who I am!”
“I know! That what scares me!”
“What! You never tell me who you are! And you have the nerve to put me down!”
“That isn’t my intention. I only wish to guide you”
“I still think you’re a figment of my imagination. Maybe I am crazy”
“Believe me I am no illusion”
“Than who are you?”
I felt arms wrap around me and a head rest on my shoulder. The sensation felt so real. I have never seen this man in my head, only heard his voice. This would be the second time he has held me. The only other time he ever did this was after my parents died. At these times it almost feels real.
“Who I am, is you. I am the other side of you,” he whispered
“I don’t understand”
“Not now…but you will”
“But”
“Return to your reality little one…”
Suddenly I sat up in bed. The clock read two in the morning. This wasn’t the first time I’ve had this dream. Laying back down I turned over to my side and tried to fall asleep.

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Aww isn\'t Seth cute. Well I think he is. Thanks for the comments on the new version. Glad to hear you like this better. Some action is what it needed so yeah. I know Kira is hot, but sorry ladies he\'s married, but he will be making more appearences in the story along when his past. Anyway thanks for the hits and comments and I hope to get some more on this story. Later. ^.^