The Time Travelers' Club: Chapter 65 -- The Mighty Queen

 "I'm glad I wore my shorts," said Sam.  "This place is bloody hot."

"Where did you hear that word?  Bloody?"  Mrs. Steers asked.

"While we were in London, but also in a movie."

"I see, well it is summer here," said Mrs. Steers.  "She picked a fine time of the year to die.  Let's see."

Sweating, Mrs. Steers and Sam stood in the sun on a paved-stone back street of ancient Alexandria.  They stepped into the shade of a plain tan building. There was little decoration to any of the surroundings. Sam could see a clear blue sky above with the blazing sun now in the East.  Within a blink, it moved to the western part. From somewhere nearby, they could hear a study murmuring of voices.

"I think we just experienced a hiccup.  We must be near water," said Mrs. Steers.  "I can hear waves breaking.  There's also some seagulls flying around."

Sam was anxious to see the city, a little more than seeing Cleopatra.  At the end of the street, Sam spied people walking past.

"Let's go that way." Sam pointed and headed toward the end of the street, with Mrs. Steers following.  Stepping out into an intersection of narrow streets, Sam spotted more people.

Walking down one narrow street, Sam and Mrs. Steers found themselves on the edge of a vast thoroughfare of packed dirt and sand.  Egyptians dressed in white tunics or skirts moved in both directions.  Roman soldiers on horses rode by.  Dark men in multi-colored robes led camels burdened with goods. Down the center, huge horse troves filled with water formed a single line.   Both sides of the street were lined with columned buildings with red-tiled roofs.

"There seem to be a lot of wide streets now," said Sam. "Remember that one street in London.  New London doesn't have any streets this wide.  This smells different though.  It smells like water and dead fish.  You know that sea smell."

Mrs. Steers reached into her bag and pulled out her guidebook.   After a few moments of study, she announced.  "I have no idea where we are.  This map is too new."

"Why don't you get one for this time?"

"They didn't have city maps like we do.  This isn't exactly a time of luxury for most people.  Hmmm..."  Mrs. Steers launched into her role as tour guide, telling Sam all about the city, the buildings, architecture, and the Roman influence on the culture.

Annoyed, Sam rolled his eyes, shifting back to really wanting to see Cleopatra.  "I think the simplest would be go right to Cleopatra herself.   I really want to hear more about the city, but maybe later.  Ok?"

Mrs. Steers stopped and reluctantly agreed.  Reciting the incantation, they now stood in front of a majestic limestone building on one side of mosaic tiled square. Towering golden statues of Egyptian figures stood along the building's facade.   Two smaller statues stood on each side of grey and black swirled marble double doors.   Flaming torches made the gold shine.  Other less-impressive stone buildings lined the rest of the square.

"This is Cleopatra's mausoleum."  Mrs. Steers began another one of her history lessons in her typical tourist-guide tone.  "Mark Anthony was defeated in battle against the Roman army. He had heard that Cleopatra had died."

Just as Mrs. Steers finished, a Roman soldier arrived on horseback, followed by another horse with a wounded soldier, hunched over in the saddle.

The Roman soldier spoke in a language Sam didn't recognize.

"Latin," said Mrs. Steers. "Do you know any Latin, Sam.  Other than the incantations of course."

Sam shook his head.

Mrs. Steers pointed to the injured soldier on the horse.  "I know enough to tell you that is Marc Anthony.  The love of Cleopatra's life."

Mrs. Steers and Sam watched as the soldier helped the famed yet dying Mark Anthony from his horse.  He led him over to a woven reed gurney.  Lying down in it, Marc Anthony began to be pulled up and then through a window above the main entrance.

"And there he goes," said Mrs. Steers.  "Into the arms of his beloved Cleopatra no doubt."

Not interested in the love story, Sam shrugged his shoulders.  "Let's go inside and see what's going on."

"I can tell you that," said Mrs. Steers.  "They are probably..."

Sam snapped.  "I'd rather see it instead of you telling me another story."

Mrs. Steers hung in mid-sentence.  Sam could tell she was both hurt and mad at his words.  He scrambled to apologize.

"Umm... I'm sorry, but don't you think if we're going to time-travel to these places, you would want me to actually see, just like you did."

Mrs. Steers, almost pouting, shook her head.  "I see your point.  I've been talking more than I should.  Sorry, Sam, I just overly protective of you since you are young and new to this."

Sam gave her a smile, trying to make light of the situation.  "I've read about this.  Cleopatra locked herself inside with all her gold and stuff to escape Octavian.  He's the guy who took over after Julius Caesar was murdered.   He was also the guy who wanted to capture Cleopatra and Mark Anthony.  But Mark Anthony stabbed himself."

Mrs. Steers stopped pouting and listened impressed by his knowledge.  Taking over as tour guide, Sam walked over to the marbled doors.

"Cleopatra was so upset over the death of Mark Anthony.  She supposedly let some kind of snake bite her and she died.  I don't remember what kind of snake."

"An asp," added Mrs. Steers.  "The snake was an asp."

"Yea, that's it.  I remember reading that's what they think she did, but they don't know for sure.   Now, they are trying to find out where she's buried."

With that cue, Mrs. Steers jumped in with an extra piece of information.  "There was a carved stone with the location of the final resting place of Cleopatra and Mark Anthony.   It's too bad the archeologists haven't stumbled across it yet, but maybe it didn't survive."

"So, you know where she is?"

"Yes, I do."

Sam's curious streak acted up. "Where?"

"Well, they are near to finding it, but..."  Stopping, Mrs. Steers noticed something in the distance behind Sam.

"And..." Sam waited patiently to hear.

"Sam, why don't we leave that for you to find out." Mrs. Steers patted him on the shoulder.

Sam's bubble burst.  "But now, I want to know!"

"It's alright, you'll see.  Now, why don't you go inside and see what's going on.  Good time for practice.  You go ahead and I'll catch up with you in a few minutes."

"OK." Sam spoke the migration spell.

Looking around, Sam gawked at the gaudy interior of the mausoleum. 

"Wow!  Look at this place.  They really like to paint stuff."

The walls were gold with hieroglyphs and figures.   Sam walked over and studied a few of the symbols, pondering what each could mean.  The limestone columns were painted, with scenes of Egypt, in deep blues, bright reds, and vibrant greens.   Low ivory-inlaid wooden chairs, short sofas, brass lamps emitting light, and silk pillows all formed a decorative scheme Sam couldn't have imagined.

"I can't believe they had all this stuff.  And these colors.  I always thought of Egypt as sandy and tan colored. And no furniture."  Sam walked over to one of the doors.  The brass handles glowed in the light.

Just as he reached to touch it, the doors flew open.   Before he gets out of the way, three women carrying Marc Anthony rushed through him and over to a sofa.   One of the women threw herself on him and started to kiss him.

Marc Anthony uttered one word.  "Cleopatra."

Sam understood that word.  He was looking at the great Queen of Egypt.   Kissing, hugging, and caressing each other, they continued to talk to each other in Latin.

Sam grimaced.  He didn't like seeing this level of affection.

Without notice, the room went dark.  All the burning lamps went out at one time.  Sam stood perfectly still, listening for any sounds.