Awakening To The Lost Grandeur Of Ancient Egypt: Crocodile God Pharaoh, Sobek II, Confronts 4000 Years of Decline

By Allen Pollens

ARCHEOLOGY PROFESSOR SEARCHES FOR EGYPT'S LOST PHARAOH IN EXCITING SCI-FI ADVENTURE

A visit to Philadelphia Art Museum's Tutankhamen exhibit changes everything for Dr. Alberto Rodriguez. A professor of archeology at Jess Hawkins University, he is familiar with the whole story of Howard Carter's 1922 discovery of Tut's tomb. His own participations in excavations in
New Mexico and Arizona were worthy endeavors but trivial when measured against Carter's achievements.
Alberto tells himself that emulating Carter and trying to make an equally significant discovery is
foolish. He stifles the obsession, but it bursts to the surface when Alberto comes upon reports of another lost Pharaoh in Egypt.
Alberto looks for a way to respond. Finally, throwing all caution to the wind, he draws his closest friends into an undisclosed escapade that satisfies his ambition. There will be hardships and danger, but so what? When Egypt calls, it is time to act.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Allen Pollens
• Release date: Jul 22, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301846740

Allen Pollens

"Starfish Chronicles" is my third fiction offering in nine months. It is middle-grade-reader fantasy and follows two adult science fiction books, "Creator, Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Epic, Earth’s Human Behavior Confronted" and "Alternative Lives, To Sleep Perchance to Dream...Another Life." In addition, “Superhero, Chronicles of Blue Knight Adventures,” book length fantasy for young adults, is just days away from publication. "Starfish Chronicles" is currently available in paperback and for Kindle at Amazon.com. My main retirement interests are travel, photography, and writing. My high-tech work life included hardware engineering on the front end, software engineering on the tail end, and 25 years of sales and marketing in between. Future writing projects include adult science fiction, “The Story Teller” (or “Conjurer” ... I have not decided yet). There is much else awaiting my attention: Butterphant stories for younger children; Lorna’s Legacy, adult novel based on true events; Sales – Honing the Craft, non-fiction. I have been telling stories my whole life. My children and grandchildren were ready audiences who assumed I could deliver a new story on demand and generally, I did.

Book preview

PREFACE

I often don't know or don't remember where I get my story ideas. However, I know exactly when the notion of The Lost Pharaoh, began to percolate in my brain.

In 1984, Ellen and I took an extended tour of Egypt. We flew into Cairo, and a fast taxi whisked us to our hotel in Giza. Our tour took us on day outings to all of what remained from ancient times.

After a few days, the tour operator put us on an overnight train to Luxor. From there, we traveled on a Nile River boat. It stopped at all the historic sites along the way to Aswan. It was a terrific trip.

Recently, I found myself looking over the photographs we took and I thought about Howard Carter. In addition, I had fully developed characters from my Conjuror book who were eager for another adventure. I couldn't stand in the way of that.

Thus was born The Lost Pharaoh. I enjoyed writing it. I hope you find it interesting and enjoyable.

PROLOGUE

There often is more to a person than is obvious on the surface … sometimes more than what is even known by the person. Such was the case with Ph.D. Alberto Rodriguez, head of both the Archeology and Anthropology Departments at Philadelphia's Jess Hawkins University. A United States born son of immigrant Mexican parents, Alberto never forgot his roots or belittled his heritage. He made time for everyone.

The students loved his lectures and respected Dr. Rodriguez's unfailing knowledge of the subject material. Alberto might have happily gone on in this manner indefinitely. However, a Tutankhamen exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Art changed Alberto.

Rodriguez was familiar with the whole story of Howard Carter's 1922 discovery of Tut's tomb. However, during one his lecture halls, a student questioned Alberto about his experience in the field. He told of digs in New Mexico and Arizona in which he took part as a student. The experiences were commendable. Measured against Carter's success, they were like child's play.

Not everyone is Howard Carter. Rodriguez understood this and there were few Tut like opportunities. He tried to put the obsession behind him. However, underneath, where no one else had access, remained his desire to prove himself, to show himself to be a worthy field professional remembered for an important discovery. It was a difficult goal and Alberto was realistic. So, he buried the aspiration until the day he happened across reports of another lost Pharaoh.

Egypt was calling again out to inquisitive professionals, who, like Carter, would respond to pleas for discovery. Rodriguez had no idea of how or when he would have the chance to pursue the Nile River mystery. In any case, Rodriguez realized it was a foolish pursuit. He hid his secret inclination until the day came when he saw a way. Throwing caution to the wind, Alberto drew his closest friends into an escapade that served his ambition.

Chapter 1 - Rodriguez

Sunday, October 10, 2021, 2:00 PM, Near Philadelphia Art Museum …

Alberto was in a foul mood. He and Vincent walked to where they parked. He didn't say a word.

What's wrong, Alberto? queried Vincent.

I don't want to talk about it, responded Rodriguez.

When they got to the car, Vincent entered through the driver's door. Alberto went around to the other side. He opened the door but did not get in. I'm going to walk. You can go, he advised Vincent.

We're miles from the school, Alberto, warned Vincent even as the passenger door was closing. Vincent pondered what to do. Then he exited the vehicle. It was a busy street. He looked both ways. Alberto was nowhere to be seen. He got back into the car and drove for several blocks in one direction and then the other without finding Alberto.

Vincent parked the car and got out. He dialed Alberto's cellPC. There was no pickup. Alberto, I don't know what upset you. Please call me when you get this message. Then he called Maureen.

Where are you? she asked.

I'm not far from the Philadelphia Art Museum. We went to see the Tutankhamen exhibit. It's wonderful, and Alberto enjoyed it. Then, after we left the museum, he went from being enthusiastic to depressed and not speaking. I have no idea what triggered it.

We're scheduled for Conjuror's promised Evento Catastrófico in Plaza de Toros, in Mexico City, in just two days, on Tuesday. I know he won't want to miss it. I'm sure he'll show up for your flight tomorrow. You're both scheduled out of Philadelphia I'm still flying out of New York.

I've never seen him like this. I'd call the police, but it's too soon. I'll just have to wait until tomorrow and see if he shows up for the flight.

Alberto Rodriguez and Vincent Pommel were longtime friends and highly-educated Ph.D. associates at Philadelphia's Jess Hawkins University. Dr. Vincent Pommel headed the Psychology Department. Dr. Rodriguez headed both the Anthropology and Archeology Departments.

Many people thought it odd that he had degrees in both areas. However, Rodriguez considered the fields related and enjoyed his twofold responsibilities. For a small university like JHU, his dual credentials were a blessing.

Vincent and Alberto had been through a lot together. Rodriguez was instrumental in persuading Vincent's wife, Maureen Connor, to do her book research in Mexico's Yucatan instead of South America. Alberto traveled to Chetumal and Campeche City to help Maureen get started on an unusual journey.

Monday, October 11, 2021, 10:00 AM, Philadelphia Airport …

Boarding in thirty minutes non-stop to Mexico City, announced the desk agent on the public address system.

Vincent was upset. Alberto had not shown himself and was still not answering on his cellPC or calling back. Vincent boarded the aircraft. He sat down next to Alberto's empty reserved seat. Worried, he placed his right hand over his eyes.

A flight attendant came over to him. Are you okay, sir?

My friend was to be on this flight with me. He's been missing since yesterday afternoon, and he's not here …

Yes, I am, a voice from behind the attendant advised.

It was Rodriguez. He looked terrible and smelled worse.

As soon as we are airborne, Alberto, I want you to go to the lavatory and wash yourself up. If you have any other clothes in your carry-on, change into them, as well.

Yes, mother, responded Alberto.

Then you're going to tell me what happened to you.

Alberto looked doubtful. Ask me again after I wash up and change.

Alberto returned to his seat thirty minutes later after using the lavatory.

Now talk to me Alberto. I'm your friend. You can trust me.

Vincent, I harbor an awful need. It's unreasonable and I mostly suppress it. However, it periodically surfaces and I lose it.

Is that what happened yesterday?

It is. I'm almost ashamed to share this with you. I dream of being part of a significant archeological find. My students ask about my background. I tell about my participation in Arizona and New Mexico excavations. That, of course, was many years ago.

What's wrong with that, Alberto? queried Vincent.

Compared to Howard Carter's 1922 find of Tutankhamen, they were nothing. Well, they were okay but not the work of a real archeologist. It's an obsession that I keep buried because my dreams are unreasonable. However, face to face with the 'Tut' exhibit, I lost it.

Where did you go, Alberto?

I found some street people in the park, and they listened patiently to my tale of woe. I doubt they understood my dilemma, but it served to diffuse my pain. By morning, my obsession was back into its hidden place, and I came to the airport. I know I'm still a mess. I'll do a thorough cleanup when we get to the hotel. Please don't tell the others.

Vincent nodded but thought, You are carrying difficult baggage my friend. It is going to rise up and bite you again at some point. I hope I'm around to save you from yourself.

Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 1:00 PM, Día de la Raza - Columbus Day, Mexico City, Plaza de Toros …

The first part of Ekahau's conjured event was over. It was a large success, and the participants were ready for the next event. Several minutes went by while the crowd waited for the second matador to reveal himself for the final fight. There was much speculation who it would be. Then the figure, with the matador cap shading his face, came out slowly and stood in the center of the arena, slowly turning as he surveyed the audience. Finally, he removed his hat and bowed to the onlookers.

Maureen gasped. It is Ekahau!

For the first time in a conjured event, Conjuror had put himself into the story.

Why is he doing this? Maureen asked Vincent.

I don’t know. It is ominous, her husband responded. Alberto and Gabrielle nodded agreement.

Soon everyone recognized it was Conjuror standing in the ring. The chanting began, Conjuror, Conjuror … This went on for several minutes until it changed to, Ekahau, Ekahau … Then the people shouted, Ekahau Lobo, Ekahau, Lobo …

Alberto sat next to Maureen's publisher, Gabrielle Greene. They joined in the chant. He placed his arm around Gabrielle. She looked up at him and smiled. Funny, he thought, I didn't realize how much I am drawn to her.

The gates slid open and black wolves ran out, circled the arena, and ended up surrounding Ekahau. He kneeled, petted them and then looked skyward as he led them in an extraordinary howl.

The wolves ran up and down the aisles separating the seats. They exited the arena through the same gates from which they had entered.

What's next? the crowd wondered. Then they heard the opening of the gate for the bull. There was simultaneous astonishment as the largest bull ever seen in a bullfight arena rushed forward into the sunlight. The animal was at least 2000 pounds and beautiful in the shape of its strong body. The bull's golden horns gleamed as they reflected the sun’s rays. They tapered to sharp points that looked like they could penetrate steel.

Ekahau did not flinch. The crowd could not imagine what kind of duel would take place between Ekahau and this animal.

Ekahau stood rigid, the cape hanging from his hand. Then, he flicked the cape in a small gesture and el toro charged.

Ekahau turned to the side as the bull passed with its right horn tearing into the chest-high fabric of the matador suit. Ekahau smiled, undisturbed. He waited. Then, he taunted the bull to attack again.

The bull stroked the ground. It prepared for another run at the matador. It lowered its head and ran at full speed.

Ekahau faced in the opposite direction this time and watched, as the bull tore past him. The bull’s left horn ripped the fabric of the costume once again.

The crowd stood and jeered. "Lucha contra el toro. ‘Fight the bull,’ they shouted repeatedly. Lucha, lucha, lucha …"

Ekahau was calm as he turned to face el toro in a full frontal position. He draped the red cape, so it hung over his body from his shoulders to the ground. The sword fell out of his hand and onto the dirt.

The bull, sensing a ready target, charged faster and faster. Its right horn struck Ekahau just below his rib cage with its point emerging from Ekahau’s back. El toro then hoisted Ekahau high in the air and shook him like a rag doll. Ekahau’s body was limp. The bull proceeded to parade his prize before the crowd as he circled the arena.

Everyone watching, wanted it to be over, but no riders came out to take control. Ekahau’s mind slipped off to where the scene locked in place. Finally, weakened to the point where he no longer could maintain the conjuring, everything mercifully went dark. There was only silence.

The conjuring over, Alberto and Gabrielle focused on Ana and Conjuror.

Ekahau laid by Ana's side, his head in her lap. Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth. Was a good story, he mumbled. Ana, I am dying.

Why, did you do this, Ekahau? she cried.

"Because Ekahau belongs nowhere. I love you Madre, but now I go to Mi Padre in a place where Ekahau belongs. I love you …"

Rodriguez realized how silly his obsession was. What mattered was that Ekahau was dying because he didn't understand he had friends who cared about him. I'm partly responsible, he told Gabrielle.

No, you were in Philadelphia and Ekahau was in Mexico City. We didn't have the slightest idea where he was until he announced Evento Catastrófico.

We should have come here right away, asserted Alberto. Instead, I spent time trying to figure how to pursue a significant archeological dig.

You are too hard on yourself, Alberto, Gabrielle responded.

Alberto nodded but knew his obsession lingered. It would surface again at the first opportunity.

Chapter 2 - Después de Evento

Tuesday, October 12, 2021, Late Afternoon, Día de la Raza - Columbus Day, Mexico City, Following Evento Catastrófico in Plaza de Toros …

Ekahau did everything he could to conjure his own death in the bull ring. Where is this? Is there an afterlife, after all? he wondered. He heard familiar voices. Was he hearing others who had also passed away? He feared what he would see. He opened his eyes slightly. He snapped them shut! I failed. I failed. I’m in a hospital!

He’s going to be okay, the doctor said. It was a narrow escape. His heart stopped, and he bit his tongue. He’s lucky there were doctors in the arena, or he might not have made it.

We’re going to have to watch him closely, another more familiar voice said. This was a try at suicide.

We’re going to need close friends like you to help us with his therapy. We have no background in treating people who want to conjure themselves to death.

Enough! Ekahau said, suddenly sitting up and expecting disapproving looks in response to his outburst. Instead, smiling faces greeted him.

You feel you don’t belong anywhere? challenged adopted mother, Ana. I don’t know another person with more people who care about him.

Ekahau realized they were all there … Maureen, Vincent, Alberto, Juan, Luis, Pedro, Gabrielle, Miguel, and Claudia. Ekahau did not know the pretty face of the woman who stood next to Gabrielle. However, she was the least of what was on his mind.

We would have brought Lobo, but he doesn’t like crowds, quipped Vincent.

Friends who know you from Chapultepec Park are waiting outside, too, Ana advised. They want you alive, telling more stories, and doing magic tricks for the children. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

Ekahau felt foolish for failing to kill himself. Next time I will succeed, he thought. For now, he felt he owed them all an apology. I’m sorry. Ekahau sorry and loves you all.

You’re only saying that because of the money, Vincent responded.

What money?

Royalties from the book in your bank account. It’s a decent amount. You’re getting 100 percent of the money, Gabrielle Greene advised as she came forward. It is all courtesy of Ms. Connor.

I didn’t write the book for the money. You are the one who deserves it, Maureen asserted.

Ekahau perked up. Is there enough to buy a little house for Ana?

There is and with some left over. The money will continue as long as people buy the book, Gabrielle responded. You are in demand for all kinds of appearances. I’m not talking about people who want to control you and use you. Paid speaking, a storytelling hour on t-vision and much more is possible. You can also tell stories any way you wish, unhindered in Chapultepec. That’s important to your little friend from the park.

Erika wheeled Sofia forward and over to the bedside. Hello, Ekahau. Are you okay? she asked.

Yes, I’m a little confused, but I think I am. Thank you for coming to see me. Then, Ekahau turned back to Gabrielle. Ekahau is happy with everything you say but doesn’t know what to do.

That’s why we’ve found you a manager who does. Let me introduce you. Come over here, Maria.

Maria, Maria… Ekahau was instantly smitten. He forgot all about wanting to end his life. He heard his Padre’s voice inside his head …

I am proud of you. I love you. I am with you always.

Hey, what about us? Pedro shouted out. Just like a conjuror. Show him a pretty face and he forgets all about his friends.

Maria blushed. I’m looking forward to working with you, Mr. Lobo.

Are you married? blurted Ekahau.

No … I … I’m not. Are you?

Vincent stepped in. I just want to know if you both believe in love at first sight. I waited a long time for mine. Vincent kissed Maureen full on the mouth.

What is going on here? Alberto called out.

Be quiet, admonished Gabrielle, I’ve been waiting a long time for this. She kissed Alberto full on the mouth.

Gabrielle surprised Alberto as she lingered. He put his arms around her and pulled her close.

Love is in the air! exclaimed Luis. Juan, go bring back some unmarried nurses.

See if there’s a nurse who’s heard of Macanche, Pedro called after Juan.

Ekahau could not hold back as he serenaded his love at first sight with his oft remembered song from West Side Story …

Maria …

The most beautiful sound I ever heard:

Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria. . .

All the beautiful sounds of the world in a single word …

Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria …

And they all lived happily ever after … or did they?

A little more than a month past Evento Catastrófico, two significant occurrences took place. They had to do with Maria and Ana.

As had happened to Vincent and Maureen, Ekahau and Maria experienced love at first sight. Maria managed Ekahau’s time and business interests. They got married in the Mexico City Zócalo Cathedral on Sunday December 5, 2021. All their friends from the Yucatan and the United States attended the ceremony. Ana stood in the position of his mother and Alberto was best man.

By the time of the wedding, Ekahau had already bought a house for Ana. It was a duplex, and he bought the adjoining unit for himself and Maria.

Alberto and Gabrielle announced their engagement at the reception following the December 5th wedding. They looked happy together. Alberto promised to take Gabrielle on a Yucatán honeymoon but not in Punta Put.

In the days that followed, Alberto pondered a plan that would put the wedding and honeymoon in a different place … Egypt. It would drain his savings, but the opportunity might never come again. He arranged to visit with Gabrielle in New York City on New Years Eve.

Friday, December 31, 2021, Near Midnight at The View Restaurant in New York City …

This is always wonderful, marveled Gabrielle.

As are you, my love, complimented Alberto."

We are an unusual pair, the Jew from Manhattan and Mexican offspring from Philadelphia. I wonder sometimes how we put up with one another. Then I look into your eyes and you own me.

We're overdue for tying the knot, declared Rodriguez, and I have the place picked out … subject to your approval, of course.

The last you mentioned was the Yucatan …

Enough Yucatan. I want to sweep you away to a place you will never forget and with a honeymoon to match, offered Alberto.

Hmm, we've been to Hawaii …

Think Sphinx!

Egypt! Egypt! You jest, Alberto.

Hold the thought my dear … happy New Year 2022. I pledge my love to you, Alberto continued.

They stood and embraced for a long time until the revelry all around them died down. Now, where were we? queried Rodriguez with a sly look on his face.

Egypt, Egypt, you devil.

Picture the two of us in a marriage ceremony set in front of the Great Pyramid of Giza. Vincent and Maureen are with us and so are Ekahau and Maria.

A shocked Gabrielle asked, What else?

All of Cairo and then a honeymoon that includes a Nile River Boat cruise to Aswan. It will drain my savings, but I will pick up the tab for the six of us. Who cares! It's only money! This is something to remember the rest of our lives. I'll tell you a secret Gabrielle. The archeologist in me hankered to do this for as long as I can remember. You might say I have a Howard Carter complex.

Early 1900, King Tut?

Are you familiar with the story, what he did?

Only a little but if we're going to Egypt I have to know more of the tale, Gabrielle expressed.

I've done it. We're on our way, dear, to more than I can tell you now, thought Alberto. Carter, with financial support of long time friend, Lord Carnarvon, searched the Valley of the Kings for an undiscovered Pharaoh for years. In late 1922, they found the entrance to the Tutankhamen tomb. It led to an almost empty chamber showing evidence it had been robbed. Carter and Carnivon inspected the vault, knocking on the walls. One sounded hollow. They opened it to find the Tutankhamen sarcophagus surrounded by all he needed in the afterlife.

Fascinating, responded Gabrielle. When do we leave? Can we ride on a camel? Could you please kiss me hard on the mouth before I explode?

Alberto responded without hesitation. His fiancée was ecstatic, and he would have his chance at making a significant archeological find. He didn't know how he was going to manage it. However, it was something he had to do.

In the days that followed Alberto contacted Vincent, Maureen, Ekahau, and Maria. Vincent was on staff with him at Jess Hawkins. Pommel was first on his list when he arrived back in Philadelphia.

Monday, January 10, 2022, 10:00 AM, Jess Hawkins University, Philadelphia, Vincent Pommel's Office …

Maureen and I missed you in New York City over the holidays. I thought about it but waited too long and before I knew it we had other plans in place. They included a visit with my parents in Atlantic City, advised Vincent. How about you and Gabrielle?

We have wedding and honeymoon plans. We want you and Maureen to come with us. I'll pay all the expenses.

Yucatan … right?

Egypt.

You don't mean it?

I do, and I have never seen Gabrielle more excited, Vincent.

I can't believe that you are picking up all expenses, Alberto.

Well, I am and I'm going to try to include Ekahau and Maria, as well.

You blow me away. Of course, we'll go … well, speaking for Maureen, I can't imagine she would turn down your generosity.

Rodriquez plan was falling into place better than he hoped. The wedding and honeymoon would cover his main goal of finding a dig along the Nile. He needed his friends because they were friends. In addition, he might need their help … if he actually found a site to excavate.

Maria and Ekahau were happy to receive the invitation. They accepted, with Maria sending a photo showing Ekahau standing atop Egypt on a globe of the earth.

With everyone on board for the trip, Rodriguez coordinated a plan. It would have them arriving in Cairo in the third or fourth week in March. They would have to clear their schedules with those to whom they reported. However, when advised it involved a getaway to Egypt, their superiors in most cases said they wished they were going.