THE LOCKET'S HIDDEN SECRET

“How are you doing on the locket son? The Emperor is expecting it to be finished later this week.” “I’m almost finished.” “What’s taking you so long? It should be done by now.” “Dad, it just needs a little more work. I want it to be perfect. This is my work dad. This is our legacy. I want the world and centuries that follow to know this magnificent, gorgeous locket came right from “Nile & Zion’s Rusty Rudimentary Smithy.” “I like to think we are just as glorious as that locket you are making.” “Well dad, we’re not. Mom is gone. Our smithy isn’t the tidy, organized, equipped place it used to be.” “Why bring up your mother?” “Because she kept this place pristine. Nothing was out of place. I miss her.” “I know you do son. So do I. But it’s up to us to stick together and run it the best way we can.” “Right,….. for now.” “What do you mean for now? I hope you’re not going to leave your ol’ fellow, stuck to do all this work around here.” “What work dad? We haven’t had more than five people a week since mom.” “Exactly. We’re lucky to get five, and you want to leave?” “I wasn’t talking about leaving dad.” “Then what are you saying?” “I’m saying when I finish with the details of this locket, we will be known as the best in town. I don’t understand why the Emperor chose us anyway.” “Do you know what you are to the Emperor son?” “No.” “You are magic....... purity........ simplicity....... a sense of renewal. The Emperor searched all over and couldn’t find one child in town working in a smithy. You were the only one, and nearly a man.” “Dad, I’m fourteen. I am a man.” “Yes Eriq, you are. You are the youngest gifted man I know, and that the King could find. And so now…. you will make this glorious locket. You will put your gifted hands to work and craft the only magical, pure, simplistic gift ever, transforming twelve inches of metal into an individual creative transmuted perfection. They’re going to love it. I just know.”

“Thanks dad. I just don’t understand the occasion for the gift.” “The Empress is not feeling like herself. Meketaten meant the world to her. She was so beautiful, so young. Meketaten's experience of labor and childbirth created a sense of joyful anticipation, but the irony of it all gave into a tragic death.” “Did the child make it?” “No. The gift is supposed to help with the loss of the beloved. The locket will capture the face in time of the cheerful innocent one. I just want you to put each hand, every finger, skill and knack in this project.” “Ok Dad. I will. I am. They will love it, but there’s one thing you’re missing.” “What?” “I have to put my attention into it as well.” “You are. Aren’t you?” “Sort of, if you can stop pestering me.” “HHAHAHHAA. Watch it son. But, ok. I’ll leave you to it.” “Thanks.”

“Eriq. King Amenhotep IV is ready for the locket. You told me it was ready, but I don’t see it in the smithy.” “You don’t see it, because I have it in my pocket.” “You’re pocket. Eriq! Are you nuts?!! Our smithy depends on this. And you put the precious in your pocket?!!!” “Calm down dad. The locket is carefully placed in its box.” “Box? What box? Weeeee…. don…’t make boxxx……eeesss… We place them in clothed bags!!!!!” “Dadddddd. Calm down. I made a small precious box and placed cotton on the inside to protect it.” “You did whatttttt!!!! Oh no!!!! Let me see it. Now!!!”

Eriq gently pulls a small sized sparkled, gold, glittered, suffused woolen clothed bag out of his pocket. Then he opens the bag and reaches in, removes the box. The box is decorated with jewels (provided by the Emperor’s staff) wedged in the holes created for the pocket. The wood, a nicely stained maroon hue, sanded into a smooth, shiny surface. The opening sealed by a shimmering, reflective, silver latchet connecting the top to its bottom.

The pupils of Mr. Nile’s eyes glistened, and the dark of his pupils dilated. He had never seen a box so luxurious. And now Eriq slowly unfastened the latch opening the box to a beau blue heart-shaped beautiful locket.

“Eriq…the locket is a bluish grey?” “It’s called beau blue dad.” “And it’s heart-shaped with interesting carefully crafted circles on the front.” “Yes dad. It symbolizes his love for the Empress. The wiggly circles symbolize their journey together in this life.” “It’s beautiful son. Queen Nefertiti will love it.” “Thanks dad.” “How did you carve it so immaculate? It’s so exquisite, I don’t even want to touch it. Maybe you should hand it over yourself.”

“For such a beautiful Queen, I wanted to make her locket with something sacred. Something barely touched. I made it with grandpa’s special smooth faced hammer.” “Why did you touch grandpa’s hammer? I told you not to ever touch his hammer. They are special.” “Yes. And this was a special order. It’s the Emperor.” “How did you get the keys? That hammer was locked away in the cabinet.” “I snuck the keys out of room while you were asleep.” “You couldn’t just ask me for them?” “I knew you wouldn’t let me use them, dad.” “It isn’t that son. The hammer is special. I was told to lock it away…….to only use them if our other one collapsed.” “It’s ok dad. There is no omen on the hammer. Look. Wouldn’t they have a message on the sides if it were a curse.” “I guess so son. One thing’s for sure. You made the most precious, breath-taking, and alluring locket….And case. We will be rich.” “You think, dad?” “I know son.”

The walk into town was ten miles. Eriq knew his walk would take him around three hours and so he packed light. Water was the most important thing on his journey, as well as the sandals he wore that were made from leather. They were made, of course, by him. The weight of the jug of water around his neck was manageable. The walk would be hot, hilly, and exhausting, but Eriq was familiar with the road and traveling. For longer trips, such as this one, Eriq was taught to remain hydrated and most of all to make sure his feet were comfortable. Once there, it’s a tradition for the masseuses to store your belongings in safe place, offer you a chair, water, food, and most definitely a foot massage. Eriq was looking forward to it. It would be his first trip to the palace.

The Emperor’s guards would not accompany him on the journey. They did not want to bring attention to “Nile & Zion’s Smithy.” So, Eriq had to make the trip on his own. Mr. Nile would not be accompanying him. He awarded the task to his son, wanting the Emperor to see how brave, loyal, and responsible Eriq is.

Luxor was an amazing city with several towns and indigenous people who lived and traveled the streets. Everyone was happy with their way of life. No one judged. The huts were built from the clay of the land, water and food were abundant. Fire pits, laughter, food, and music filled the streets every night to celebrate and pray over their copious land. In the mornings, the people would work, building and crafting innovative things trading with others their gifts and inventions. There was nothing to want or complain about. Indeed, this was a beautiful land that stretched for miles and miles. It wasn’t so much the rich ground of the earth, but the detailed architecture the people built. There were so many ways to tell the lives of the indigenous. No one could erase their history, for the things they drew, sculpted, and rooted constructs were not just for the hierarchy, their families/or descendants, but for centuries to come. One might feel rich or prosperous, confident, wealthy even, while passing. Most of all there was a sense of honor and humbleness, knowing it was not only the land that provided them the means, but long hard work of the people believing in concepts that created the masterpiece.

As Eriq started on his journey, he passed numerous cultures of the Egyptian land. Most were friendly, showing off beautiful smiles and supplying Eriq with bananas or pomegranates helpful with his cravings and energy along his route. Eriq saw babies wrapped in tarps around their mothers as they worked. The children played along the streets and the fathers nowhere to be seen, for their work was in the towns. Still Eriq continued to walk, and walk, and walk, and at last the Emperor’s castle doors came into view.

In the distance he could see the security guards posted at the door. The castles structural design was alluring but at the same time intimidating. This was the first time Eriq had seen the three-hundred-foot statue that close. The high cylinder crowns they wore told a story of an overwhelming sense of elegance. His fears were eased when the guards spoke.

“Hi, I’m here to see King Amenhotep and Queen Nefertiti.” “You may enter.” “Thank you.” “Hello Eriq.” “Hi.” “I am the king’s advisor. I will show you around the palace of Gempaaten and show you to your room.” “My room?” “Yes. You didn’t think you would be on your way so soon? We would like you to stay, have dinner, and then leave tomorrow morning.” “Oh, ok, I did not come prepared, neither did I let my father know.” “We will send word on horses, and perhaps invite him as well. I’ll check with the King.”

The King’s advisor, Jude, showed Eriq around the entire palace. The rooms of course were magnificent with high ceilings and luxurious paintings on the walls. As they moved through rooms, Eriq couldn’t help but think about the task he had completed for the King and wondered if his locket was good enough for the Queen. The palace had several maids and kitchen staff, along with guards inside the home. Everyone seemed to move about in an orderly fashion, botted to perfection on the King and Queen’s daily instructions of the day. Both ruled equally over the entire Egypt, and although not liked by many, conquered all opposing views. King Amenhotep and Queen Nefertiti stood resolute and unbothered by any of the small rebellious mishaps.

Eriq was finally taken to his room, where he was provided a bowl of fruit to the side of the bed, a tub filled with water to bathe, four masseuses to assist and administer the massage and a change of clothing. Outside the door were soldiers posted with a sword in one hand, and a shield of armor on the other.

“Dinner is set for 6:30 tonight. Enjoy your bath, massage, and oh, the rest of our accommodations. You should be rested by that time. If you choose to awake before then, you can go on another tour around the palace. Just stay out of the tomb area. No one is allowed down there except for the royal family. Toodles.” “Wait! Aren’t you going to take the locket?” “No. The King will handle that later. See you later.”

The doors shut, and for the first time Eriq saw how huge they were. The 300-foot ceiling towered over the entire room, filling it with so much depth and huge quantity, ten beds could fit comfortably inside.

After his bath, massage, and fill of his belly, Eriq fell fast to sleep. He did not realize his exhaustion from the trip. The next thing he remembered were the masseuse entering the room to awake him.

“Mr. Eriq it’s time to awake. You have ten minutes until dinner. We must get you dressed and to the dinner table at once. Hurrrrrryyyy.”

The four ladies were extremely kind and spoke with beautiful, sweet, but solemn voices. It was just enough to hasten Eriq out of bed and dressed just in time. Eriq made sure to place the clothed bag and its contents neatly in the strapped sack he carried. Before leaving Eriq located the sack hanging against a knack on the wall, went inside and retrieved the item.

From Eriq’s room the corridor distance was a whopping 100 feet. The tall statues of ancestors and, drawings, and soldiers were lined against the walls throughout the entire distance. The table was a whopping twenty feet, draped with several pieces of cloth printed pictures, expressing the culture and power of the couple and their precedented fathers. Eriq was not only accompanied by the staff of the home, but The Emperor and Empress’ children. Eriq was escorted to the end of the table and before sitting down bowed to show his humbleness. King Amenhotep and Queen Nefertiti tilted their heads in approval. The dinner began. King Amenhotep spoke in a large booming voice.

“Hello Eriq. I am King Amenhotep and this is my Empress, Nefertiti. Sitting alongside us are our Shara’s. They are Meritaten, Setpenre, Ankhesenpaaten, Ankhesenamun, Neferneferure, and Neferneferuaten Tasherit.”

As their names were said, all of the Shara’s tilted their heads in acknowledgement.

“We are the rulers of this dome and all over Egypt! We greatly welcome you to our feast!”

Eriq begin to move his lips to respond, but his advisor quickly silenced him with a finger to his lips. This simply meant, Eriq would have a chance to speak when made available to him by the King or Queen.

“Sadly, your father could not make it to the dinner, but we’re happy to have you here in our presence!”

“Yes. We are. I am still unaware of the reason for your presence here, and I’m sure my husband will make that known to me soon. Tell me, what is it that you do?” “Your Majesty, I am a blacksmith.” “A blacksmith? Well, you must make amazing things. Is that why you’re here?” “Uhhhhhh.” “Speak up I can’t hear you.” “Nefertiti, yes. That is why he is here. I would like to present you with a gift.” “A gift? What for?” “You’ll see once the young boy gives it to you. Let’s finish up with dinner first.” “Sure.”

The King and Queen continued to talk about life in the palace and its history. Eriq sat quietly, nodding his head in acknowledgment. The food was none Eriq had seen or tasted before. Everything was embroidered with pictures and glamor. Eriq was in awe about the whole experience and stayed within the moment. This would be an amazing tale for his dad. Dinner ended and Eriq was asked to approach the head of the table where King Amenhotep and Nefertiti were seated.

Eriq could not believe the moment. It was like his feet were planted on the ground, but his body levitated into the air. It was such an amazing feeling to be in the presence of wealth. Simply breathtaking.

Eriq immediately knelt before the King and Queen’s feet, gently pulling the woolen clothed bag out of his sack. The Queen’s eyes lit up, for the bag itself expressed exquisiteness. With exhilarating anticipation Queen Nefertiti waited for Eriq to pull the case from the bag.

“Oh gosh,” said the Queen. “This is exquisite.” “Wait until you see what’s inside my love.” “What is it?”

Eriq reached out his hand with the case in it, handing it over as directed, to King Amenhotep. King Amenhotep grabbed the case and opened it.

“Awwwwwww. Goshhh. It’s a beau blue locket.” “Yes, it is. Here…let it be placed around your neck.”

King Amenhotep handed the locket to the Queen’s maids of honor who swiftly lifted the Queen’s hair out of the way and placed the jewel around her neck.

“What is this beautiful design on the front Eriq.” “Your Majesty it is a compass. It symbolizes travel. My father and I believe your Shara has traveled to a beautiful place. The color symbolizes clarity and being at peace.” “And why is the case maroon?” “Maroon is a color that symbolizes beauty, strength, courage and love. The amount of strength and courage you embody is admirable, My Queen.”

Queen Nefertiti opened the locket in and noticed the small, printed words that read, “My Precious Love Shara,” and on the other side, a picture of their daughter Meketaten. The Queens eyes filled with tears, as she impulsively embraced her King’s arms.

“Shara means princess.” “Yes, my love. She was, and will forever be our little princess.” “Thank you my King." "Your welcome my Queen." "And thank you so much Eriq. This is the most precious, beautiful gift, anyone has ever made for me.” “Thanks, Your Majesty. A beautiful gift for a beautiful Queen and daughter. Might I add, this gift was made with precious tools my father and I have never used. There is a saying; "Whatever the tool crafts, creates a space in time where the tool and craft meet.”

“Stand up young man. You are now my family. Anything you need, just ask. The Emperor and I are pleased with your gift. You can leave at dawn tomorrow. We will let you out at the Nile. Your walk should be only a mile from there. As a token of our gratitude, we offer you 500 guinay.” “500 guinay?” “Yes.” “But that’s more than enough money for me and father toooo……” “Yes! Do you wish to object to the Queen and King of Egypt?!” “No. It’s just that I’ve never heard of that much money before.”

A slight smiled formed around the corner of Nerfertiti’s lips. She responds.

“It’s ok young Eriq. This jewel means the world to me. And now, you shall have the world. Leave this area at once. The Emperor and I are to be alone.”

Everyone at the table dispersed. Eriq was kindly guided back to his room. His feet felt like water beneath him. All he could think about was how rich he and his father were. Eriq often fantasized as a little boy living in a palace, such as this one. He was not permitted to speak to the other princesses in the room, but they were all gorgeous. He kept his physique together, for there was one princess he had his eye on. He remembered the name as Tasherit. Anyway, he thought, I’ll buy a palace to live in and she’ll see I am the one. I may not be a Prince, but I have the fortune. Such a shame, Mother Zion couldn’t be here to see. Although we were never poor in money, such as the indigenous, mother would have appreciated it. With many thoughts, and much excitement Eriq could not just stay in his room. He wanted to go explore, and so he knocked on his bedroom doors.

“Yes, Master Eriq,” answered one of the guards. “I would like to take a tour of the palace. Am I still permitted to do so?” “As you wish.”

The doors opened, Eriq stepped out, and the guards closed the doors.

“The palace seems pretty big. Will I get lost?” “No. His and Her Majesty had the palace built in a circle. The only place off limits is the tomb and the upper level. This is where the royal family sleeps.” “Thanks.” “Sir.” “Yes.” “Everyone in the palace, except for the soldiers and guards, are in their rooms by 12am.” “Okay. Thanks.” “You’re welcome.”

Eriq took the tour around the palace. There were the same paintings, drawings, sculptures, and positioned soldiers throughout the entire place. It felt like Eriq walked for an hour before he saw the entrance to the Tomb. It wasn’t that noticeable. Eriq knew it was the opening because of a slight disturbance in the center of the wall. The crack carried up the entire space. There was some interest in seeing the tomb, but he respected the command of Jude. It was the King’s advisor whom King Amenhotep loved. So Eriq continued to walk past until he came upon the stairs. Oh, how he wished he could see the royal family rooms. If his room was magnificent, he wondered how much more glorious their rooms were. But still, he continued to walk past. It was almost midnight. Eriq headed back toward his chamber where the guard was still positioned at the door.

“How was the tour.” “Magnificent! Can I ask you guys a question?” “Sure.” “How do you stand there for so long?” “HAHAHAAHAHAHAHHA! Practice. Our shift is over at three am. In the morning you will have other guards. You’ll recognize my relief because only one of us are permitted to speak. When you awake you will not bid the Emperor or Empress goodbye. The guards will safely guide you to a horse and carriage where you will be dropped off at the Nile River. You are to continue your journey home. Never tell anyone what the Queen and King have given you. Never tell anyone you were here.” “I haven’t told..” “Listen carefully. It is important you listen. Never tell anyone you were here. We already told your father the same. Enjoy your rest, Master……You will need it.” “Thanks.” “Goodnight Sir.”

Eriq stepped inside the room and immediately fell asleep. He tossed and turned, dreaming that there was a cloud of white smoke chasing him. He felt endangered as if the white smoke were coming to cause him harm. It almost engulfed Eriq, but he awoke to the masseuses call to wake.

“Eriq. Eriq. Eriq, it’s time to wake up.” “AHHHhhh (yarn). Good morning.” “I can see you had a comfy sleep.” “Actually, it was pretty weird. Scary even.” “Oh, sorry about that sir. I guess everyone can’t enjoy the luxuries of this huge room. It’s so overwhelming…..immersing at times. We need you to be ready. Let’s bathe you and get you dressed. We only have a half.”

Before he could blink, Eriq was home again.

“Father.” “Yes, Eric.” “His and Her Majesty loved the locket.” “Great son. I knew that they would." "The palace was so big, beautiful.....magnificiant. You would have loved it." "Okay, okay. Enough of the wealthy talk, son. Do you have the 5 guinay?” “No.” “No. What do you mean no?” “We didn’t get the 5 guinay.” “But that was what the Emperor promised. I thought you said they loved it.” “They did.” “So, then what did they give you?” “We don’t have the 5 guinay.” “Well did they give you anything?” “Yes, they did.” “Well, what is it?” “We don’t have 5 guinay..........WE HAVE 500.” “500? You lie.” “No.” “Let me see son.”

Eriq gently hands over his sack. Mr. Nile’s arm quickly drops to the floor. The weight of the bag was unexpected.

“Wow. I must admit. This is heavy my son. Ha.” (nervous laugh)

Mr. Nile opens the bag and peers inside. His eyes glowed with the same sparkle it did before when Eriq showed him the woolen clothed bag. A tear formed in the corners of his eyes, as in disbelief.

“Eriq,…… son. Do you know what this means?” “Yes dad. We’re rich.” “Wooooooohhhhhhhooooooooooo! Wooohooooo. Woooooooohooooooooooo!” “Dad. Dad. Daddddddd! Calm down. We can not let anyone know. You’re going to let the neighbors hear.” “Oh, Eriq! You did it now! You really did it! My Boy!!!

Knock. Knock.

“Dad. Shhhhhhhhhh.”

Eriq opens the door.

“Hello.” “Hi, yes. It’s Mek. Is everything alright in there?” “Yes Mek. We are simply happy the week is over and ready to hang up the work.” “Oh, ok. It’s just that we haven’t seen anyone come over in the last couple of days.” “Yes, I know. We finished some things up yesterday and we both just arrived back from far, exhausting trips. You know how Mr. Nile can get sometimes.” “Ahhhhh. Yes...I see. Your dad can be a nuisance. Enjoy your day.” “Ok. Thanks.”

Door shuts.

“Did he just say I can be a nuisance?" "Dad. Never mind that. You have to get a hold of yourself.” “I know son. What are we going to do with all this money? We planned on getting 5 quinay with an increase in clients, not this. I mean this is like palace money. We don’t need the shop or this home any longer. WE’RE RICH.” “Yes dad. Whisper. I think we should finish up next week’s orders. Tell everyone we are going on a pilgrimage, so no one suspects.” “Suspects what?” “That we are moving.” “Great idea son. Where should we move?” “Ah ha. That’s the million-dollar question, but you answered it already.” “A palace.” “Yes dad. We’re royalty now.” “Indeed, we are.”

Packing was easy. Mr. Nile and Eriq decided not to take much. They had a couple of Zion’s pictures, one fresh item of clothing, soap, and all the tools split into the two sacks they could carry. The money was split into another two sacks. Mr. Nile would carry one, Eriq the other. Mr. Nile planned to purchase a carriage and horses on the way. The journey for them would be too long. For they no longer were going to live in Luxor, but in Esna. Esna was just over the river. The journey would only take three days to get there. So Eriq and Mr. Nile started off to their destination.

The days passed and they were about ten miles from Esna. They met lots of wonderful people in Luxor and thought about how much they may miss the town. They were just about to continue when they noticed a white cloud in the sky, peering over the land about twenty miles back. The white cloud was approaching their pathway quickly and so both Eriq and Mr. Nile rolled up their sacks, threw in the carriage and headed for the town, Esna. The cloud was not stopping, and Mr. Nile whacked the horses harder to pick up speed. The horses flew in haste but were no match for the speed of the cloud. It gained a mile every ten minutes, and the horses seemed to need rest from exhaustion. Mr. Nile and Eriq just passed the “Welcome To The Town Of Esna” sign, when the white cloud stopped. It was still visible but did not cross the line into Esna.

“Weird!” “Weird? What is that?” “I don’t know, but it sure is covering Luxor. Look at that. You can’t even see through it.” “Do you think we should go back and see if everyone’s ok?” “No son. It looks dangerous.” “Well, what should we do?” “Let’s wait a day or two and see what happens.” “Then what?” “Then we’ll go in and see.” “Ok dad.”

Within the week Eriq and Mr. Nile managed to buy a newly built mini palace. It was the smallest of all the rest, but still amazing. There were six rooms, not including the washroom, kitchen, dining and living room. The feeling of not working, or doing hard labor, worried the father and son. The both, never knew what it was like to take a real vacation, and especially not work. So the father and son turned the basement into a smithy. Eriq still planned on marrying Princess Tasherit. The Shara would be his someday, he thought.

By the end of the week, they were exhausted, but finished. Then Eriq remembered what he asked his father. They were supposed to check on Luxor, to make sure everyone was ok.

“Dad.” “Yes, Eriq.” “When are we going to check in on Luxor?” “Awwww son. I thought you would forget about going back there.” “No. Why would I? You said we’ll check back in on them in a week.” “Look how that would look Eriq. We said we were going on a pilgrimage. That at least takes about a year. If we return so quickly, do you realize how that would look to everyone?” “Yyyyyyyeeeeeessssss….but, they might need our help.” “No son. Did you see that cloud? Do you honestly think anyone survived that?” “Yyyyyyyeee.” “Son. I know you would like to help……but look at all we have now. It’s not being selfish. It’s called being safe. If we go back there, we might be absorbed in the cloud as well.”

Mr. Nile places his hand on Eriq’s shoulder.

“I know this is rough for you son……but trust me. There’s nothing left of Luxor. Promise me you won’t go back there.”

There was a seven second pause.

“Son. Promise.” “But Dad.” “No buts! Promise me now! I promised your mother I would take care of you before she died. I can’t lose you too! Promise me!” “Ok dad. I promise.” “Thanks son. Come on. It’s time for bed.”

During the night Eriq had another tormenting nightmare. The white cloud was not only chasing him again, but the whole town of Luxor. People were running and screaming as they were getting sucked into the cloud. In the dream, Queen Nefertiti’s face was in the middle roaring. The Queen looked different, scary even. Her beautiful face was now disturbed by a missing eye. In the dream Eriq kept screaming,

“Queen Nefertiti….it’s me..Eriq! Stop Queen Nefertiti! Stop! Stop! NOoooooooooooo! Noooooooooooo!”

“My boy, what’s wrong? You are dreaming, wake up, WAKE UP.” “Ahhhhhh…! I’m awake.” “What’s wrong with you?” “I had a dream about the Queen. She was the white cloud taking everyone under her control.” “Well son, hahhaha (Mr. Nile chuckled) everyone issss under her control.” “No, I mean in a horrific way. Almost curse way.” “Son, go back to sleep. Forget about the white cloud.” “Dad, I just have a feeling that Queen Nefertiti is in trouble. Don’t you want to help?” “No. If the town of Luxor is in trouble, there is nothing we can do about it.” “But I have a feeling it has something to do with the locket.” “Why?” “I just have a feeling that’s all.” “Well, I told you not to ever use the hammer. It is supposed to be magical.” “Ok. So, you do agree it has something to do with the locket.” “No. All I’m stating is that when you listen, there is no guilt.” “Dad.” “DON’T DAD ME. Get that cloud out of your head.” “Ok. Dad.”

While Mr. Nile fell back asleep, Eriq left to travel the three-hour ride to the border of Luxor and Esna. As Eriq rode one hour in, he slowed down his horse, Ez. Thirty feet up the road Eriq could see three people on the side of the road.

“Hey.”

Eriq called out to them. Ez now walked slowly to where the people were.

“Hey!”

Eriq now screamed louder, but continued the horse slow up the road. Finally, there was a response from one of the people.

“H e e ey yy.”

The words were said slowly, almost is a sickly kind of tone.

“Issss everything alright?” “N o oo. M y n a m e is I z z le. I am f r o m L ux or. We w e re en gu l fed by a wh i te sm ok y cl ou d. We are al l t ha t’s l e f t f r o m the to wn. Qu een Ne fer ti ti ha s g on e m ad.” “What? What was the last thing you said?” “I sa id Qu ee n N efe rti ti h a s gone m a d. It’s behind that new l oc ke t the Ki ng gi ft ed her.” “A locket?” “Y es. It has sp ec ial po we rs. The ma ids of ho no ur re por ted one day the K ing ca ught Qu een Ne fert iti tal k ing to it and ju st dis a p p ea r ed ins ide. The lo cke t is a ti me tr av el ing l oc ket. I lo oo ked at it my se lf. It was made with “The Ha mm er Of Wi shes.” “The Qu een re que sted the lo ck et be made with the the ha mm er of wish es, be cause it could bring her dau ghter back.” “Where did you hear that from?” “His Ma jes ty.”

“How do you know the locket was made with “The Hammer of Wishes?” “The Ki ng ask ed me for he lp and so I took a look at the loc ket. There is e ven a co mp ass on the fr ont of it. That’s e ven more dan g er ous. All Her Ma je sty had to do was ma ke a wi sh to ti me tr av el, but the com pass may cause her to be lo st in si de. She wan ted to see her dau gh ter. I gu ess the King foun d it ex trem ely ben efic ial for the Queen to see their dau ghter a gain. H is Ma jes ty thou ght the lo ck et coul d poss I bly hel p her to heal. I told him to get rid of it at once. Now ev er y thing has gone to pie ces. The Queen is st uck in side, and on ly the per son who made the lo ck et can save the town. The peo ple that are here now, cov ered them selves in the earth. Al though we are a live, the cloud still made us sick. Cough, cough!” “You said the person who made the locket can save everyone?” “Yessss. He mu st re trieve the lo ck et and take it to the tomb. “What about the white cloud?” “The cl oud will not bo ther him. The anc es tors will show Queen Ne fer ti ti her way back th rough the com pass.”

“Is Queen Nefertiti with her daughter?” “I be lieve she is not. Queen Ne fer ti ti can only re live the se cond in time Me ke ta ten was fil med in the pho to. Now the Queen just sits in dark ness un til she is save d. Her Maj es ty’s soul now haunt s the town of Lu xor.” “Where are the people of the town?” “I am not cer tain, but I guess they are with their love d ones who pa ssed too. Ne fer ti ti took them with her in the cloud, so they re vis it a sec ond of a mem ory with their love d one/s re pea ted ly un til save d. Why do you ask so ma ny ques tions?” “Because I want to help save the land.” “Here is food and water. Make your way a mile up the hill. There is a newly built palace. Ask around for Mr. Nile. He will provide guess rooms.” “You mean Mr. Nile from “Zi on and Nile’ s Smi thy.” “There’s no time for questions. Just go.” “Alright my boy. Thank you.”

Eriq took off toward Luxor. As he approached the town, the white cloud persisted. Eriq tied his horse up and proceeded to enter the cloud. Although very afraid, Eriq was able to move through. It had a light order of fresh Lilly’s, but thick as butter pasty feeling. Eriq could not see more than three feet in front of him, but he proceeded to walk through. No one was in sight. It was quiet and vacant. So very unusual from when he first traveled. By the time Eriq reached the palace of Gempaaten he was so exhausted, he sat down and rested. Eriq knew he had to get up and quickly find the locket. There were no soldiers or guards to stop him along the way. So Eriq attempted to push open the Palace doors. He could not and winced in pain from the lack of strength. The doors were not only tall and weighted but bolted shut. Eriq knew he had to find another way and so he looked around until he saw a solution. Eriq noticed the walls were built with ledges on the sides to scale the walls. Eriq was able to climb up and onto the balcony area on the upper level. Eriq was finally able to see the upper level, he thought. Although unfamiliar with the floor, the palace’s huge and massive size remained the same, and as well still intimidated him, Eriq forced himself to walk around Queen Nefertiti and King Amenhotep’s room. Eriq could tell this was their room because there were pictures of the two of them on the walls. There was also one family picture of the Majesty’s with their children. Eriq immediately sprang into action, looking for the locket. After a few seconds, he noticed the locket was hanging off the side of the mirror attached to their dresser. So Eriq grabbed the locket and headed out of the bedroom. The doors were so heavy, it took Eriq fifteenth seconds to open. Once open, a hallway appeared. It was a large hallway and about twenty bedrooms. They each had their name and a drawing on the door to distinguish the rooms. Eriq came up to the door that read Tasherit. Contemplating on whether he should enter, Eriq pushed his thoughts to the side, and opened the door. Again, it took him fifteen seconds to open it, but he was able to do it. The room was full of flowers, jewels, and lovely bedding. Eriq fantasized about marrying Tasherit for several minutes until he snapped back into reality. Tasherit was gone too. Everyone was. He had to save them. With one last surge, Eriq ran down the hall until he found the staircase, jetted down until he found the door to the Tomb. It wasn’t far. Eriq opened the door and immediately the air changed. This was more of a misty heavy smell. The entire castle was engulfed in the white midst, but not down in the Tomb where there was a sense of being with the dead. It was dark and so Eriq reached into his sac and pulled out a torch. The entire first 10 feet of the cave lit up, and for the first time Eriq could see the familiar paintings on the walls, and about twenty strongboxes with the faces of the ancestors. Eriq did not know exactly what to do with the locket, for Izzle was not specific. So Eriq did what he felt to do in his heart. He took the locket and placed it open on Meketaten’s stone. Eriq begin to talk to her.

“Hi Princess Meketaten. I am the one that made the locket for your Majesty’s. I would like you to return Queen Nefertiti so we can bring back the people of the land. Everyone is gone, and those that survived are sick from the white cloud. Can you please help us?”

All of a sudden, Meketaten’s face appeared through her stone. It frightened Eriq, but he stood still.

“Hi Meketaten.” “Hello Eriq.” “I was wondering if you could help me save the town of Luxor.” “Of course, I can. I will send Mother back, but I need a promise.” “What is the promise?” “It’s that you will never make anything with your ancestors hammer unless the original is broken.” “I will. I promise.” “Okay. I shall send mother back, but I have to take someone from you.” “What? What do you mean? Princess Mekeataten!” “Goodbye Eriq. Remember your promise.” “Princess?”

And in a flash, Meketaten’s tomb returned to the way it was, and the white cloud disappeared. The locket was no longer in sight and seemed to have vanished. Eriq could hear the shouts and bangs of the guards and soldiers with their armor. So Eriq raced to the top of the tomb’s stairs and saw everything had returned to normal, just like it never happened. What was even more intriguing is that everyone appeared to be in some kind of ceremony. When the guards spotted Eriq they ceased him and took him to jail.

Eriq pleaded with the guards to let him go, asking if they had remembered him from a couple of weeks ago. Eriq explained who he was and the gift he provided to Queen Nefertiti in which turned her mad. No one remembered him or the gift. After spending hours behind the cell, King Amenhotep entered in the room to speak with Eriq. The King even appeared not to recognize him.

“Hi Your Majesty. I am Eriq. Do you remember me?” “No. Why should I?” “I was here a couple of weeks ago. You requested my father and I to make a locket for The Empress.” “No young man. You are mistaken?”

Eriq rammed on to the The King. The continued to tell Eriq there was no such thing. When Eriq mentioned the death of the Majesty’s daughter, the king almost cut Eriq’s head off with his sword. What stopped the King was Eriq’s youth. Instead, the King called for one of the guards to escort Meketaten into the jail tower. Meketaten arrived. Eriq could not believe his eyes and repeated the same story he told The King. Eriq felt like he was the one who was going mad.

“Princess Meketaten, I am so sorry. I must have dreamt all this.” “No need to apologize we all have our stories. It is an absolutely fascinating one and I’m so glad you were able to save mother and me. She will be happy to know you were unharmed. You were so brave, and we are happy to be in one another’s arms again. You’re the same age as Tasherit. Maybe you can share the story with her one day. (Eriq blushes). Father, will you let him go?”

Meketaten pleaded for her father to let Eriq go. After all he was just a young man. Eriq was granted the right to leave, not just by Meketaten, but Queen Nefertiti as well. Although he didn’t see the Queen, he overheard she overruled the order for Eriq to remain imprisoned. Eriq was told to leave the palace and to never come back again. After leaving the palace, Queen Nefertiti could be seen out on her balcony. Queen Nefertiti waved to Eriq and blew kisses in the air. Eriq even believed he saw the Queen sign a simple thank you.

Eriq was very confused and didn’t know where to go. If no one remembered him, is he still rich? Where is his home? So, he continued to walk until he reached his old home in Luxor. All the items Mr. Nile and Eriq packed were gone and so he was very elated realizing he still had the money.

Eriq started his journey on back to the town of Ezra. His horse was where he left him tied. Tired and exhausted the horse rode Eriq all the way home. When he arrived at the palace, he saw Izzle and the three others, but not his father. He awoke Izzle and asked..

“Izzle. Where is my father?” “He left to go find you. If he isn’t here, or wasn’t on your journey, I’m afraid the white cloud swallowed him in. I told him not to go.” “But the white cloud is gone now. Everyone returned.” “Oh HOW MAGNIFICENT! You must have found the maker of the locket? Thanks, Eriq!” “How come he isn’t back?” “Mr. Nile was not in the white cloud during the Queen’s takeover. Sadly, he will not return. So how did you find the person who made the locket?”

With a mouth opened wide, Eriq remembered what the princess told him.

“Okay. I shall send mother back, but I have to take someone from you.” “What? What do you mean? Princess Mekeataten!” “Goodbye Eriq. Remember your promise.” “Princess?”

“QUEEN NEFERTITI AND PRINCESS MEKETATEN KNEW FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.”

“Will you answer my question Eriq?”

THE END