It Certainly is a Mystery... Volume 1

By Tiffany T.J. Craig

In the style of 'Indiana Jones' and 'The Mummy' comes 'It Certainly is a Mystery...'. Follow Dr. Edryn Auxleigh, Dr. Rosenfeld Stonecraft the third, better known as 'Trip', and his beautiful, but obnoxious, assistant, Divakanni Raintree as they span the globe solving one incredible, and often times dangerous, mystery after another. Their travels will take you from the great pyramids of Egypt,to Stonehenge, the Great Serpant mound and beyond... so, grab your archeologists gear and tag along... if you dare.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Craiganmore-books Publishing
• Release date: Aug 28, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476079745

Book preview

IT CERTAINLY IS A MYSTERY…

PART I

Tiffany T.J. Craig

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2012 Tiffany T.J. Craig

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

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THEY

The journey had been long and arduous, but Dr. Edryn Auxleigh was filled with excitement as his caravan pulled into a makeshift camp on the outskirts of a large dig site. His friend, Trip, was awaiting him.

Still doing things the hard way, I see., Dr. Rosenfeld Stonecraft the third, better known as Trip, said, eying the camel his friend had just dismounted.

Edryn glanced at a line of cars struggling to traverse the sand dunes. Yeah, the hard way.

Trip laughed. Come on, I’ll show you the tomb.

Doctor Edryn Auxleigh was an interesting man. Handsome in features, he captured the heart of nearly every woman he met. He worked as an Investigative Archaeologist at the Marlow Institute of Learning Advancement, M.I.O.L.A. for short.

Trip, Edryns’ friend and colleague, had just discovered a new tomb in the Valley of the Kings, and had called on Edryn to help decipher its’ many mysteries…

When did you open her up?, Edryn asked as they walked.

Only a few days ago, but it’s the strangest thing.

What?

It's..., Trip started, but changed his mind. You'll see.

Edryn could not believe his eyes when he saw the tomb. Enormous in size, yet simple in design, it was unlike anything he had ever seen before, and he had seen a lot of tombs.

The door is over there., Trip said, gesturing behind him.

A large slab of granite lay in the sand near the entrance. Edryn translated the single line of hieroglyphics. Royal tomb of prince…

Priest Thut-Mohep., a voice interrupted.

Oh, yes, I see it now. Thanks. Edryn glanced up to see a face he’d tried hard to forget. Divakanni Raintree… long time no see.

She nodded briefly and said, This is weird.

I know, I meant to call, but…

She shook her head. The door, Edryn.

His cheeks flashed red. Oh, right.

Several snickers filtered through the crowd. All the MIOLA employees knew of Edryns’ turbulent relationship with Trips’ beautiful assistant, Divakanni Raintree.

This whole place is weird., she continued.

What do you mean, Kanni?, Edryn asked, shaking off his embarrassment.

Why would a priest have a royal tomb? And why would the royal tomb be empty?

Empty?

Trip nodded. The whole place is empty. There is absolutely nothing in there except a sarcophagus.

That is weird., Edryn agreed. When can we go in?

Now, if you want. The boys just finished rigging up the lights.

Trip and Kanni led the way into the tomb, with Edryn lagging behind to take in the towering ceilings and elaborately carved walls.

It’s beautiful., he whispered reverently.

Kanni nodded in agreement. And painstakingly done, it’s almost perfect. Someone put a lot of hard work into this tomb.

They walked through one empty room to the next until they finally arrived at the burial chamber.

Well, you’re right., Edryn said, It’s empty.

We’ve gone over the place with a fine toothed comb and come up with nothing. The only thing we haven’t done is move the sarcophagus., Trip explained.

Edryn dropped his pack. I guess that’s where I’ll begin.

Kanni and Trip watched as he inspected the ancient coffin from top to bottom, both of them sure that he wouldn’t find a thing.

What’s this?, Edryn asked, pointing to a spot on the mask.

Trip glanced at the area Edryn was examining. It’s just a design… some type of decoration.

Edryn shook his head. No, I don’t think so. In fact, I’m sure these are hieroglyphics.

What does it say?, Kanni asked, moving closer. Trip did the same.

Eternal Life.

As they stared intently at the chiseled words, they failed to notice a small scrap of papyrus fluttering to the floor behind them.

What do you think it means?, Kanni asked, her mind already turning up hundreds of possibilities.

It’s probably just a prayer or a spell., Trip decided. If we’re through here, let’s go tell the boys we’re ready to bring the old man out.

Edryn nodded and knelt to pick up his pack. As he did, he noticed a small scrap of yellowed paper lying on the stone floor. Curious, he picked it up.

What’s that?, Trip asked, gesturing to the object in Edryns’ hand.

It’s a scrap of papyrus.

Is there anything written on it?

Edryn nodded. Yeah, THA.

They?, Trip repeated. They who?

Not they, THA, T-H-A. It’s written in a cartouche.

Is that it?, Kanni asked. You’re probably reading it wrong.

He shrugged. Here, you read it.

She did, THA. What could it mean?

I don’t know,, Trip answered, but I know where we can find out.

They left the tomb quickly, heading straight for Trips’ tent. Upon arrival, he started throwing clothes and documents into a bag. We’ve got to go to Cairo., he said.

What for?, Edryn asked, plucking an apple from a bowl of fruit on the table.

One of MIOLA’s researchers works at the Cairo library. I’ll fax him a copy of the cartouche, he’s got to know what it means.

Fwen oo ee eaf?, Edryn asked around a mouthful of apple.

Kanni rolled her eyes at him. I think what he means is 'When do we leave?'.

Trip smiled. As soon as possible.

They were on the road within the hour, having left strict instructions that the tomb was off limits until they returned. Rather than go through the hassle of waiting for a plane, they boarded a tour boat that was heading up the Nile. None of them noticed the figures that followed close behind them.

At nearly sixty years old, Trip was twice the age of Kanni and Edryn, which, he said, gave him the right to the last deck chair. Once seated, he promptly fell asleep. This gave Kanni and Edryn a chance to catch up on old times.

They slowly walked the perimeter of the boat, each sneaking quick glances at the other.

What do you think about all of this, Kanni?, Edryn asked.

I think it’s rude to tell a person you’re going on a short trip, then never call, write or come back!

Edryn sighed. He had known this conversation was coming, but he still wasn't prepared for it. I know, and I’m sorry, I really am. I was dealing with a lot of stuff and… well, I’m here now.

She tossed her dark hair over her shoulder and glared at him. The only reason you’re here is because he called you. This is just another adventure for you, so don’t pretend it’s not!

Kanni-

Just leave me alone., she ordered, and stomped away.

They spent the rest of the ride on opposite sides of the boat.

The Cairo library was crowded when the trio arrived, but Trip quickly found the man he was looking for, and herded him to a secluded corner. Guys, this is Phil.

They nodded their hellos.

So, can you tell us what the papyrus means?, Edryn asked.

Phil shook his head. Sorry, Dr. Stonecraft. I couldn’t find one mention of ‘THA’ in the entire archives.

Damn it all!, Trip exclaimed.

Are you sure it’s even anything?, Phil continued. Maybe someone started to write something and quit.

Don’t you see the cartouche? Why would it be written in a cartouche?, Trip demanded.

Misspelling? I don’t know. I gotta get back to work.

Trip nodded. Thanks anyway, Phil.

What do we do now?, Kanni asked, after Phil had left. Do we head back to the tomb?

Edryn shook his head. Not just yet. It’s time we do things my way.

One quick phone call, and they were on their way.

As Edryn pulled their rented car down a back alley, Kanni shivered. Trust you to know the shadiest man in all of Cairo.

He’s not the shadiest man in all of Cairo… one of the shadiest, yes, but not the shadiest., Edryn joked.

Be serious!

I was only trying to make you laugh.

Well, I don’t want to laugh. I’m angry!, Kanni shouted.

I know, I know. You’re angry at me for leaving.

Among other things.

Edryn started to speak but Kanni cut him off. Who is this back alley street urchin we’re meeting, anyway?

His name is Ode Akil, and he’s not a street urchin.

Oh, I’m sorry! Black market dealer? Shady business man? Criminal-

We’re here. Edryn parked the car and got out with a huff, secretly wishing Kanni had stayed behind to do research, and Trip had come with him instead.

He waited for her at the door of the building. Do us a favor and let me do all the talking, alright?

She only glared at him.

They entered the small shop. It was dark except for a dim lantern that was casting light patterns over the mountains of merchandise.

Hello?, Edryn called out.

They waited for several minutes.

I guess no one’s home., Kanni concluded.

Impossible, he said he’d be here.

Kanni rolled her eyes and began to browse. When she reached the counter, her jaw dropped and her eyes flew open. Encased in the glass before her was the largest display of jewels she had ever seen outside of a museum. The assortment of precious stones and metals shimmered and sparkled in the dim light. She was so entranced that she didn’t notice the man who stepped up beside her until he spoke.

Can I help you find something? He was a tall Egyptian, clad in white robes. Thus far, he had not noticed Edryn standing in the shadows. I’m sure I could find something worthy of a beauty like yourself. He held up a pair of exquisite diamond earrings. These once belonged to the queen of England.

That’s funny, you told me they belonged to the Shah of Iran.

Both the merchant and Kanni turned. "Edryn, my friend! I