Birdees and the Bracelet of the Five Gods

By Engy Donia

A historical fantasy based on real rulers, prophecies, spells, battles, and a real villain whose name was obliterated from the ancient papyruses . . .
 
Death is the end, but life goes on. And the past shouldn’t be messed with . . .
 
Birdees is obsessed with her ancestors’ history—ancient Egyptian history. After her mother’s tragic death, her obsession grows more and more powerful. She rejects her ordinary, boring life and her mind keeps living within the pages of the history books, fascinated by the mystery and magic of the past . . .
 
But she will soon realize that the reason for her obsession is an ancient legacy left for her from thousands of years before. A burden she holds in her hand for years, unbeknownst to her, that will bring her pain, suffering, and the death of her beloved ones. Yet she must protect her legacy with her life. It should never fall into the hands of the evil priest, Jed Didy, but must be passed to the rightful owners for the sake of survival . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Oct 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781639843350

Book preview

BIRDEES

and

The Bracelet of the

Five Gods

BY

ENGY M. DONIA

Birdees and the Bracelet of the Five Gods by Engy M. Donia

Copyright © 2020. All rights reserved.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED:  No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted, in any form, without the express and prior permission in writing of Pen It! Publications.  This book may not be circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is currently published. 

   This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.  All rights are reserved.  Pen It! Publications does not grant you rights to resell or distribute this book without prior written consent of both Pen It! Publications and the copyright owner of this book.  This book must not be copied, transferred, sold or distributed in any way. 

   Disclaimer:  Neither Pen It! Publications, or our authors will be responsible for repercussions to anyone who utilizes the subject of this book for illegal, immoral or unethical use.

   This is a work of fiction. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect that of the publisher.

   This book or part thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means-electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise-without prior written consent of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

Published by Pen It! Publications, LLC

812-371-4128  

www.penitpublications.com

ISBN:  978-1-954004-44-3

Edited by Dina Husseini

Cover Design by Donna Cook

♣

Second Edition

Dedication

To my darlings, my sons Saif and Fares, I dedicate to you my first book. You’re the world to me, and the air I breathe.  Love you so much.

Table Description automatically generated

1

Obsession

          NO. I don’t want to die. Help! I…I can’t breathe.             

          I shall save you. You are not alone—you never were.

I woke up screaming. Catching my breath in a startled gasp of dismay, I ran my hand over my sweaty neck. Thank God, it wasn’t real. It was just another nightmare. Why is it always my neck?

I turned my face to mom’s photo on the nightstand next to my bed, held it in my hands and gazed at her smiling face, my eyes full of longing. Good morning, Mom.

Looking at mom’s photo was like looking in the mirror. The gazelle hazel-brown eyes, the sand-pearl skin, the long, wavy hair—red like the warm sun of autumn. All I took after her.

As I got up, I felt throbbing pain in every bone in my body. Yet one look outside my arched-bedroom window was enough to sweep away the discomfort of every morning. "I’m so lucky to see this view every day," I grinned as I watched the golden sun, embracing the three pyramids warmly.

I kept staring at the pyramids, thinking of how much time I wasted, living away from Egypt. I don’t know why mom and dad moved to U.S after they got married! We’re Egyptians, we supposed to live in Egypt.

Stepping away from the window, I glanced at the clock on my desk. Dammit. I’m late.

I scuttled around the room, trying to get ready for school. I wore my school uniform; blue skirt, blue blazer, blue tie, long-blue socks! So boring.

Huffing, I slipped my arms into the blazer’s sleeves. I hate uniforms. I couldn’t join a public school—my Arabic was terrible. So I joined one of the Private-American schools where rich people in Egypt send their kids to make them forget their first language.

While I was hopping and trying to tuck my foot into my leather-black shoes, Zahra yelled, Birdees—breakfast is ready.

I’m coming, I’m coming, I yelled, throwing my hair back into a ponytail.

Darting to the room door, I tumbled over my black backpack on the floor. I snatched it up and scooted downstairs.

Good morning, Birdees.

Morning, Zahra. I plopped down on the chair, rubbing my red eyes.

You’re late! Zahra placed on the table a dish of Falafel, cheese, and bread.

I know, Zahra.

Another terrible night?

Yeah, I sighed. I don’t know why these dreams keep haunting me, every night?

Poor child, Zahra said with sympathy. Maybe you are still suffering from the loss of your mother.

Maybe.

I paused for a moment, my eyes focusing on a piece of bread in my hand. This was different.

 Different how?

There was a woman in my dream.

Was she your mother?

I…I’m not sure. I looked at Zahra, She was trying to save me.

Save you? From what?

"A thorny…bl…black snake. It was squeezing my neck. But the woman, she…she rushed to me. Snatched it.

And?

She whispered something to me.

Zahra pulled out a chair and sat across from me. She propped her crossed arms on the table and leaned in. What did she say, dear?

I tilted my head, stared at the piece of bread, again. Nothing—she said nothing.

Zahra looked at me with her blue eyes that glowed through the wrinkles of age fifty. With a motherly voice, she said, I know that I’m not your mother. I’m just the woman your father hired to take care of you after your mother passed away. May God rest her soul in peace, she went on, but when I look at you, Birdees, I see the daughter I never had. You know you can tell me anything.

I know, Zahra, and I’m truly thankful for you, I smiled.

Zahra stood, went to the kitchen for a minute. She came back, put a cup of tea in front of me. Listen, dear. Every night before you sleep, try to fill your mind with happy and positive thoughts. You can read a book. What about your new book? Your father’s gift. Did you read it?

Of course I did, Zahra. It’s about ancient Egypt—it’s impossible to have it in my room without reading it. I shook my head.

I took a sip of tea, then bounced up, glancing at my watch. I’ve to go now. I threw my backpack over my shoulder, rushed to the front door as I murmured, Sally will kill me.

Before I exited the door, Zahra yelled. Don’t forget your gymnastics training after school.

I won’t. I slammed the door behind me.

I ran to Sally’s house, which was a few buildings down the road.

I saw the frustration on her face as she approached the sidewalk. "Late, again," Sally scolded.

I know, I know. I’m sorry. Better late than never. Let’s go.

Approaching the school’s entrance, Sally yelled, "Hurry, Birdees.

As Sally outpaced me to inside, I loitered, letting out a sigh of boredom. She stopped and turned to me. Here we go, again, Sally waved on. "Okay, say it Birdees. Like every day, you say the same things. All the classes are boring except history class."

I’m sorry. I can’t help it.

"I’ve told you many times, history is a bunch of old stories about people who died long ago. And they’ve shown most of these stories on TV a million times. Why do you love it so much?"

I don’t love history just for the fun of hearing tales from the past. History makes me travel to ancient times. To worlds where I find my real self. It’s a unique feeling, and—it makes me happy, I grinned.

That’s deep. Sally rubbed her chin.

Now you’re only making fun of me, I frowned, walking away.

Wait, Birdees. I’m sorry, she yelled, running after me.

Sally pushed me in the class. Staring down at the floor, I hugged my backpack and scuffled to the corner, where I shoved my frame into the little space that I chose to separate myself from the boring reality.

Ten minutes later.

God! I whispered. "I can’t stand this anymore. The same faces. The same rules. The same words. I bet she’ll say the same words she says every weekend, pick a good book and read."

Do not forget to pick a good book, and read, please, my teacher said.

My God. I dropped my face in my hands.

Another ten minutes passed. "Please, please, say, see you next week."

Rain pattered against the window of the English’s cell—namely, class. I turned my head to my right side and put my hand on the window, only to feel the cool water drops that slid on the other side of the glass.

The rain kept knocking, as if it was saying to me, don’t worry, Birdees, I’ve come to break the boredom. I glued my face to the glass, watching the trees as it sparkled under the warm rain of the summer. Seconds later, a woman appeared through the falling rain. Who—who is she? I whispered, Am I dreaming?

She sloshed through the wet yard, then stopped five steps away from the window. I squinted, tried to recognize her blurry face. Before I could take in what I saw, the mysterious woman thawed with the rain.

WAIT. Don’t go.

Birdees. Why are you screaming? I startled by my teacher’s raging voice.

I’m s…sorry, I stammered. My eyes fluttered.

Pay attention please, she said.

After few glum and dull classes, Sally and I went to the cafeteria. As we chatted, Sally’s twin brother, Adam, came in. The same emerald-green eyes, the brown hair, the oval face, but when it came to the size—unlike Sally, Adam was truly a herculean young man.

Adam broke into the cafeteria like a famous movie star. He waved to his fans saying, Hey. Ran a hand through his short hair, making sure not to mess up his faux-hawk cut. Then sashayed to our table. Can I sit with you guys? He pulled out a chair and sat across from me.

I didn’t allow you to sit. Leave now, Adam. Sally almost broke her plastic fork.

Adam tucked his hand into our meals and took a bite from each one. He looked at Sally with the food spattered out of his mouth. I don’t need your permission to sit. Besides, I’m not here for you, sis? Adam moved his eyes from Sally to me. Hey Birdy.

"Don’t call her, Birdy," Sally sneered.

But I like to call her, Birdy. He winked at me.

She doesn’t like it.

Don’t speak for her, Sally. Adam held up a hand at Sally.

I swallowed a laugh. What do you want, Adam?

It’s the weekend—what are you going to do tomorrow?

"It’s none of your business. Go now, Adam. Or I’ll tell mom about last week."

 What are you talking about?

"You know. The car stealing last week. You went who knows where, with who knows who? I’d like to know what mom would say about that. I mean after all it was her car you took. I bet, she would ground you for the entire weekend, at least."

I didn’t steal it, I just borrowed it.

That’s the same thing, Dumbo. Sally mocked. Okay. We’ll see what she’s going to say.

Adam looked at Sally, his face crossed. Fine. I’m leaving. I feel bored already.

You’re a genius, Sally. I’m sure he’ll not dare to come back. I laughed.

I hope not. A thin smile touched Sally’s lips.

Before Adam took two steps away, I started telling Sally about ancient Egypt for the millionth time. I spent the night reading my new book, and what I read, was breathtaking. The Egyptians were masters in using magic, especially the queens. They had real schools of magic—can you imagine? I laughed, waving my head as I poked the French fries with my fork.

Sally rolled her eyes and exhaled loudly. Please, Birdees, that’s enough. Sometimes, I feel you’re possessed by an ancient spirit.

But I’m not…

Birdees. Could you just try to live in our reality for a moment? That era ended thousands of years ago.

Believe me, I’ve tried. I don’t know why I always feel like, I don’t belong to this time. I rested my elbows on the table, propping my chin on my palms. "I know it sounds crazy, but I wish I could find a way back to the ancient times and live there forever." My eyes and my mind fled with the dream for seconds before I was startled by Sally’s voice.

You’ve lost your mind, girl. Sally patted my shoulder.

While I was fiddling with my bracelet, Sally asked, That was your mom’s, right?

I nodded as I remembered mom, telling me it passed down through the women in our family for many generations, and I should never take it off. I wondered at the time why she made such a strange request. But a few days later, she was gone. I forgot I had even wanted to ask. As I kept staring at the gleaming gold, the green scarab the symbol of Khepri, surrounded by five blank spots, each had a space where something clearly should have been. I knew I would never take it off until I had a daughter of my own to give it to her.

After school, I went to my gymnastics training, and thank God that I haven’t forgotten it. After that, I returned home. Dad’s rarely a round, because of the archeological sites and the major days at university. But, sometimes I get lucky and have dinner with him.

I went to my room, took a quick bath and put on my pink pajamas. I headed to my desk to start working on my school project, which suited my prodigious obsession with ancient Egypt history. I opened my laptop, searched for information about the fourth and fifth dynasties, as my teacher asked. But, I didn’t find exactly what I needed.

As I turned to my bookshelf, and among the history books and the gymnastics medals, my eyes fell on Maniton’s book. Maniton’s book was my last birthday present from my father. It was a copy of an ancient book, known as, the Egypt book, or the book of Samanode Manitone.

Samanode was a priest in the Ptolemy, second era, in 280 B.C. The emperor had commanded him to write the ancient Egypt history for the first time in papyruses, but many of them were lost in the fire of the ancient Alexandria library. The rest were protected over the years. My dad’s present was a copy of those papyruses, not the original of course, but it had very worthy information about ancient Egypt history. It was a wonderful gift for a history nerd—like me.

 I sat on my bed. Opened the book.

The fifth dynasty. The fifth dynasty. I kept flipping the old-yellow pages.

What is that? I haven’t seen this page before—how have I missed it? I stopped at a certain page in the middle of the book.

The legend of Isis and Osiris. I read the title. Then went on, "On the land of mysteries and magic, a great goddess lived and ruled a golden kingdom known as—Kemet, Egypt. However, she did not rule alone; Isis and her genuine love Osiris ruled Egypt by love and justice, until a dark night came with a grievous fatality. That is when god Seth killed his brother Osiris by cutting his body into pieces and throwing them along the Nile River. He held his brother’s soul—Osiris’s soul inside Seg—hell. Seth’s agonizing act had shocked the earth, darkened the sky, and saddened the gods. Distressed, the gods cried tears of blood, dropped down into Isis’s hands as five precious stones, which detained the powers of the five gods. If someone gained them, he could possess a great power. Isis had had taken the five stones and placed them on her golden bracelet. After regaining her husband’s body parts, her son Horus’s safety had become her only concern. Therefore, she put the bracelet on her son’s wrist, in order to use its power against Seth and avenge his father’s death—and everything proceeded as she had foreseen. When Horus matured, he defeated Seth, using the great power of the gods’ bracelet. Only then, she could stand before the gates of Anubis, holding the chest of her husband’s body parts. She knelt, raised her entwined hands in front of her face and said humbly O great Ra, I witness that my love for Osiris is deep as the Blue Nile, immortal as the golden sun, even when it sets, my love for him shall remain. She repeated the words of love until the gods answered her prayers and restored Osiris’s soul in his body. Their love had gotten a second chance to live. I held the book close to my heart, leaned back in the bed, sighed. Oh, this’s so romantic. I wish I—

Birdees. I’m home. I closed Maniton’s book as I heard my dad’s voice.

I went downstairs. Masaa al-khayr, Birdees.

Good evening, Dad.

Arabic, Birdees. Speak Arabic! dad said as he put his suitcase on the small-wooden table by the door.

I’m trying, Dad.

 Are you all right? I asked, looking at dad’s pale face.

It was an exhausting and busy day.

What happened?

As you know, Birdees, we’re working these days on a new archaeological discovery in Abusir, south of Giza.

Yes, Dad, I know.

We’ve finally reached our goal.

 My eyes popped out of my face. What did you discover, Dad? Tell me, quickly.

We’ve discovered a tomb for a great queen from the fifth dynasty.

How did you know it’s for a queen?

From the way she was buried. The shape of her sarcophagus.

As my heart skipped a beat, I asked my dad, You said in Abusir?

Yes.

That means in the kingdom of the dead.

Dad smiled. You’re right, honey.

Then, what happened?

It’s getting late, Birdees. You’ve got school tomorrow, and I’m tired. I need to sleep.

Dad, please. You have to take me with you to the site tomorrow. I want to see the tomb.

I can’t honey. First, you will need a statement to enter. Second, the site is too dangerous for a young girl like you. They won’t let you in.

Dad, I’m not a child. I’m sixteen-years-old. I clasped my hands and begged. "Please, Dad, try to find a way. Please, please.''

Dad looked at me, watery-eyed. You’ve got your mom’s passion. I wish she could see you and see how you became exactly like her, obsessed with ancient Egypt history.

Does that mean you’ll take me with you?

I’m sorry honey, I can’t do that. He changed the subject. Now, go to your room. You have school tomorrow. Goodnight, honey.

 I could hear my heart racing as I walked to my room, thinking, how will I go inside that tomb?

2

The Priestess of Ancient Egypt

Next day, as Sally and I sat in the cafeteria, I told her about my father’s amazing discovery.

Awesome. She kept looking at her meal, ignoring my conversation.

I wish from all my heart to see it, I said. I didn’t see a real mummy before. All I’ve seen was in history books and inside the Egyptian museum, behind the glass boxes.

I paused as a crazy idea popped into my head.

Sally.

Yeah?

 Do you think it’s crazy to wake up tomorrow, before dawn, and go to the archaeological site to see the tomb? Tomorrow is a weekend, there won’t be anyone on the site. We will go there and come back before anyone knows.

  Have you lost your mind? Sally snapped. Gazed at me. "You want to go to the site alone, to see ancient cemeteries."  

We will go together. I won’t go alone, you’ll come with me.

Yeah, right, Sally giggled. And what on the face of the earth will make me agree to go with you?

Because you’re my best friend. Besides, we’ll be the first to see the tomb, even before they do an announcement about it.

Wow, that’s so tempting. Sally said. Still… No.

Please, please!

What about your, Dad? If he finds out, he’ll ground you for life. Sally pointed sternly with an unflinching stare.

Don’t worry. We’ll go at dawn and return before he wakes up.

I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

Everything will be fine. Don’t worry.

Swear? She asked.

I swear, I said, smiling.

I went back home, drowning in my thoughts about tomorrow. I lay on bed for hours, so eager that I couldn’t close my eyes all night.

At the crack of dawn, I wore a blue jeans, a pink T-shirt with gold-sun print on it. Slipped my feet into the Sneakers, slung my backpack over my shoulder, and as I paced to the door, I put on mom’s bracelet.

Shutting the room door behind me, I glanced at my dad’s closed door. Great, he’s sleeping, I whispered, heading to the stairs.

I tiptoed to the front door, got out, feeling overjoyed. I closed the door behind me, paused at the threshold and gazed at the hushed neighborhood.

What are you doing, Birdees? It’s the weekend. You’re supposed to be in bed, and not out, looking for cemeteries. I ran a hand through my hair. God. Now, I’m sound like Sally. I exhaled.

No, it’s my only chance. I must go.

I reached Sally’s house. I left my bike on the ground, crossed the house front garden, and stood under her bedroom window. I threw a pebble. Sally crawled out of the window. She paused and looked back before letting a sigh of relief.

I’ve truly lost my mind to agree to do this with you, she said. Now. How will we go? The sun hasn’t arisen yet, and there are no cabs.

Bikes.

Seriously?

 Sally, come on, please! The site isn’t far from here. I went there many times with dad." I slung my backpack on the bike handlebars.

Okay. Let me grab my bike.

As Sally went to the backyard of her house, she tugged down her white shirt four times, glanced down at her black jeans, pulled up her short ponytail, then glanced down again at her black tennis-shoes. It was the first time I saw Sally in casual wear, and obviously; she wasn’t feeling comfortable—at all.

I stifled a laugh as Sally walked toward me beside her bike. What happened to the dresses and the skirts and the blazers?

You’re taking me to a tomb. What do you want me to wear? A red dress? Sally scowled.

I almost choked with laughter. Okay, let’s go.

After nearly twenty minutes, we reached Abusir. We left our bikes on the ground and trudged on the sand for a while. I’m scared, Sally said, staring everywhere.

Why? There’s no one here except us, and cemeteries for people who died from thousands of years.

Your words, Birdees, really make me feel comfortable and safe, Sally said, taunting. How are we going to know the tomb location?

It’s a new discovery, and they’re still working on it. We may find digging tools and equipment close to the tomb.

We shambled on the sand until we found mounds of rocks and wooden pillars near a short entrance dipped inside a small pyramid. That’s it, Sally. I think we’ve found it.

 Finally, you’ve seen it. Now, let’s go home, Sally said, rushing to the bikes.

Are you kidding? I’ll not leave until I see it from the inside. I pushed Sally forward.

What? You want to enter the tomb. It’s too dangerous, you’ve told me that ancient Egyptian tombs are full of traps and curses to scare away the robbers, Sally thundered.

Not all the tombs. Now, let’s go inside.

Sally clawed at my T-shirt as we bowed and passed through the tomb’s entrance. There’re few steps down. Be careful, Sally.

As we stepped down the first step, heard strange sounds behind us. Huh. Did you hear that? Sally shivered, tucking her head into my back.

Calm down, Sally. There’s no one here. Look. I threw a glance behind our backs.

We took the stairs down until we reached inside the tomb. Once we stepped in, Sally’s sensitive nose felt the tomb’s dampness. The smell is uncomfortable. Ha-choo!

 Bless you, Sally.

It’s not right to be here, Birdees, Sally said, wiping her nose.

 ''It is fi—ouch!'' I winced as my foot tumbled into a rough rock. I seized on something big, and unfortunately, it fell down with me.

Pressing on my right foot, I heard another, Ouch.

Sally dropped on her knees beside me and anxiously she asked, Are you all right?

Yes. I’m fine. Did you get hurt?

''I’m fine. Why do you ask? I didn’t fall with you?'' Sally replied.

What! So who screamed?

At the same moment, we heard a third voice, a familiar voice. My head, the familiar voice said.

ADAM. What brings you here, chucklehead? Sally hollered.

 Adam stood, dusted off his blue T-shirt and the back of his black sweatpants. "I heard you yesterday at school, while you and Birdees were talking,