Cleopatra's Tomb and the Regit Tigers of Egypt

By J.W.S. Getty

Dr. Liz Malin, an 11-year-old archaeologist, is searching for Cleopatra's tomb; even better, she has the Regit Tigers of Egypt helping her. Their search must remain a secret, though, as dark forces are following them, hoping to steal all. A thrilling, magical adventure where the fate of humanity and every creature on Earth is in the hands of the world's youngest archaeologist and her Regit Tiger friends.

"This fantastical world grabbed me from the first page. The easy writing style and captivating story had me quickly turning the pages to find out what happens next. Once I started, I couldn't put it down."

--Christa Avampato, award winning author of the Emerson Page young adult series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Feb 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9780228880516

J.W.S. Getty

Jerry is a professional actor, writer and director. This is his first novel. He lives with his wife in a cozy neighbourhood called The Annex in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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Cleopatra’s Tomb and the Regit Tigers of Egypt

J.W.S. Getty

Cleopatra’s Tomb and the Regit Tigers of Egypt

Copyright © 2023 by J.W.S. Getty

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Tellwell Talent

www.tellwell.ca

ISBN

978-0-2288-8050-9 (Hardcover)

978-0-2288-8049-3 (Paperback)

978-0-2288-8051-6 (eBook)

Dedicated with much love to Harlowe, Addison and all of my nieces and nephews, and Dee Dee, too.

Contents

Chapter 1 - A Striped Surprise

Chapter 2 - Bill’s Interview

Chapter 3 - Temporary Headquarters

Chapter 4 - The Leaders

Chapter 5 - Tigers and Dolphins

Chapter 6 - The Problem

Chapter 7 - A Gateway

Chapter 8 - A Meeting of the Minds

Chapter 9 - A Heavenly Visit

Chapter 10 - Considering the Sites

Chapter 11 - A Stranger Calls

Chapter 12 - The Art of War

Chapter 13 - Replication

Chapter 14 - Bill, The Speedster

Chapter 15 - Gathering Bolts

Chapter 16 - Headquarters

Chapter 17 - The Search Begins

Chapter 18 - The First Site

Chapter 19 - Best. Shower. Ever.

Chapter 20 - Pancake Breakfast

Chapter 21 - Cleopatra’s Father

Chapter 22 - The Second and Third Sites

Chapter 23 - Sleepover

Chapter 24 - Back to Alexandria

Chapter 25 - Two Welcome, One Not

Chapter 26 - New Renovations

Chapter 27 - To the Water

Chapter 28 - The Jaylynn Dolphins

Chapter 29 - The New Boat

Chapter 30 - Underwater Introductions

Chapter 31 - The Hand and the Paw

Chapter 32 - Cleopatra’s Tomb

Chapter 33 - The Golden Ratio

Chapter 34 - Through the Gateway

Chapter 35 - The Escape of Cleopatra

Chapter 36 - Back to Earth

Chapter 37 - A Shocking Development

Chapter 38 - Tigers and Dolphins Decide the Fate of Man

Chapter 39 - More to the Mission

Chapter 40 - From Headquarters to the Office

Chapter 41 - Omnes Videntes Speculo

Chapter 42 - Calling Kate

Chapter 43 - Convincing Kate

Chapter 44 - Kate Finally Meets Cleopatra

Chapter 45 - A Quick Trip to Toronto

Chapter 46 - Better Tell Mom

Chapter 47 - The Velox Door Safeguard

Chapter 48 - The World Takes Note

Chapter 49 - Help from Afar

Chapter 50 - On the Same Wavelength

Chapter 51 - A Time to Say Goodbye

Chapter 52 - Closing the Gateway Door

Chapter 53 - Confiding in Two More

Chapter 54 - The Press Conference

Chapter 55 - The Visible Truth

Chapter 56 - Another Conference, No Press

Chapter 57 - Back to Home, Back to School

Acknowledgements

Nanaimo Bars

Chapter 1

A Striped Surprise

The door opened and closed in an old office building, although no one was there.

It was late in the afternoon, and the muffled sounds of traffic drifted in from outside; the sun was bright, and like most summer days in Alexandria, it was hot. William McKenzie (usually known as Bill) had fallen asleep at the desk opposite the door. Bill had jet-black hair tied back in a long ponytail, and his skin was a very light brown. He stirred a bit at the sound of the door. Looking up with sleepy eyes, he saw nothing, thought nothing, and put his head back down on the desk.

Someone cleared their throat. Bill snapped awake this time, looking around. He saw the blinds drawn, mostly keeping the sun out. He saw the slow-moving ceiling fans rustling a couple of papers on his desk, barely making a difference, and he saw nothing else to give him pause. But he did hear that, didn’t he?

Someone cleared their throat again, and suddenly right in front of him, sitting calmly, was a rather large Tiger.

Bill jumped up so quickly that his chair skidded several feet to his right; his legs were taut and crouched, and his fists were in front of him, ready for battle.

The Tiger looked like it was politely trying not to laugh. Excuse me. I’m here to see Dr. Elizabeth Malin. Is she available?

Bill was muted by shock and stood still as a statue.

Yes, I know it’s a bit unusual to hear someone like me talking, but I assure you that you have not gone mad.

Bill remained frozen.

The Tiger gently sighed. I see that you’re at a loss for words. I’m not surprised. However, it is critical that I speak with Dr. Malin. Is she in?

Bill’s mouth started to work. You’re a Tiger.

Yes, I am.

You’re talking.

We’re making progress, said the Tiger.

How is this possible? Bill mumbled, shaking his head. Am I still asleep?

The Tiger roared; Bill jumped back quickly, smacking his elbow on the wall behind him, letting out a howl of pain.

Still think you’re asleep? The Tiger said with half a smile.

I guess not, Bill said, rubbing his arm. I’ll go get Liz; I mean Dr. Malin. I think she will really want to talk to you. Never taking his eyes off the Tiger, Bill rushed towards the room across from his desk, knocked quickly, and went in.

There were some urgent mutterings in the closed office. A loud exclamation. Then two sets of shocked eyes slowly crept up the window built into the door, only to quickly disappear again when the Tiger gave a friendly little wave. But seconds later, the door opened, and out came Dr. Elizabeth Malin with Bill right behind her, his hand on her shoulder.

She had wavey, shoulder-length hair the colour of milk chocolate. She was a little tall for her age, had eyes as blue as the sky and was (almost) 12 years old.

Ah, Dr. Malin, said the Tiger, it is wonderful to meet you finally. We have been following your remarkable career for some time now and are very happy to see that you’ve made your way to Egypt.

Dr. Malin stood gaping at the Tiger, her left hand tugging at the bottom of her light purple T-shirt, her right hand over her mouth. She was trembling a little, but her curiosity gave her courage. With a deep breath, she removed Bill’s hand from her shoulder and took three cautious steps forward and bowed to the Tiger, then she and the Tiger gently touched foreheads.

It is a great honour to meet you, Dr. Malin said in a quivery voice as Bill moved quickly behind her again.

You know the traditional greeting? the Tiger exclaimed.

I can only assume that you are a Regit Tiger, Liz said, gaining a little confidence. The little-known talking Tigers of Egypt, that everyone considers to be a myth; but unless Bill and I are suffering a shared illusion, you must be a Regit Tiger. And yes, I have learned all I can from the legends. I hope my bow was appropriate.

Having relaxed a tiny bit, Dr. Malin could take the Tiger in. She was exceptionally beautiful, the burnt orange background, the pitch-black stripes and the stark white, and those eyes, those incredible amber eyes.

You are correct, Doctor. Your bow was quite well done for a human, but please let me introduce myself properly. My name is Zakeyya of the Arlo tribe of the Regit Tigers.

Nice to meet you, Zakeyya. How can I help you? Dr. Malin could hear herself saying the words but could hardly believe she was having this conversation. She looked to Bill, but he was gazing at the Tiger, blinking rapidly as though he could blink her out of existence.

The Tiger continued, I believe, Dr. Malin, that you are in Egypt to pursue your interests in Egyptian history, specifically anything to do with Cleopatra, and even more specifically, you are in search of her tomb.

I am, Dr. Malin said, surprised and curious at this question.

Surely you know that you are not alone in this endeavor? Many seek Cleopatra’s tomb, but perhaps we can work together. The Regit Tigers also need to find her tomb; indeed, it is essential to our survival.

Liz answered. Then I see no reason why we can’t cooperate, and to be honest, I have about a thousand questions regarding the Regit Tigers as well. I hope you can appreciate how groundbreaking it is to discover that you and your kind actually exist in this world!

Zakeyya hesitated, Ah yes, well, there we may have a problem. You see for us; it is very much in our interest that we remain a legend.

I can see why you’d want to keep it that way.

Zakeyya gracefully paced back and forth, pondering the problem, her tail high and flicking through the air. Perhaps we can come to an arrangement. If you help us discover Cleopatra’s tomb, there is a chance that we could leave this realm forever, and if that’s the case, you can write all you want of the Regit Tigers. If I get approval from my leaders, I will tell you all you need to know about the Regit Tribes, our history, our ancestry and will even offer proof for your records. But you must agree to keep our secret unless we discover Cleopatra’s tomb. If we find it, and if we can escape, then our story will be yours to tell.

Dr. Malin turned to Bill, who looked as shocked as she felt; he gave her a slight nod. I can’t ask for fairer than that. When can we get started?

The Tiger smiled. Excellent to hear. I shall be back again tomorrow morning at 11. We Tigers do like to sleep in a bit. Is that time all right with you?

That would be wonderful. I very much look forward to it!

Once again, Dr. Malin and Zakeyya bowed and touched foreheads. Then the Great Cat turned towards the door and immediately disappeared. The door seemed to open and close of its own accord.

Did you . . . did you know they could become invisible? Bill stammered, staring at the door that Zakeyya had just walked through.

I do now. I think we have much to learn, Dr. Malin said as she touched her forehead and stared just as much as William McKenzie.

Chapter 2

Bill’s Interview

For Liz and Bill, their apartment and office were one and the same.

The front door that opened directly to the lobby had a window on either side. In the lobby, there was Bill’s desk, close to the back wall. To his left was the door to Liz’s office. There was a kitchenette in the downstairs hallway. At the end of the hallway, there was a garage and steps leading upstairs to Liz and Bill’s bedrooms and a tiny bathroom.

The day following the Tiger’s visit, Dr. Elizabeth Malin and Bill were hovering near the front door of their small home. The walls were white but dirty with age, and although it was not yet mid-day, the July heat was already oppressive.

She said they’ve been following my career, Dr. Malin said. She stopped pacing and leaned on Bill’s desk.

Bill chuckled. Well, it’s a pretty incredible thing: you finished both grade school and high school by the age of eight and a PhD in Archaeology three years after that—there was lots of media coverage, you know that. Your mom had to field 20 calls a day for interviews.

Yes, but mostly in Canada and the U.S. I didn’t expect the coverage to reach Egypt.

You opened an office in Egypt. Your peers certainly know your story.

"Technically, you opened the office. They don’t let 11-year-olds do that, and many of my fellow archaeologists don’t take me seriously."

That will be their mistake, Bill said knowingly.

Dr. Malin laughed, I think if we went to my colleagues right now with a story that the Regit Tigers are real and they can become invisible, we would immediately be sent back home . . . if we’re lucky. Sent to a hospital if we’re not.

Zakeyya said she’d give you proof; if we can help her find the tomb.

Yes, but not just that, she said if we helped her find the tomb and help the Regit Tigers escape . . . I wonder what that’s about?

Bill looked up at the old clock that reminded him of the ones they had in school with the red, sweeping second-hand. The red hand was moving towards the big 12 at the top. Soon it would be 11 AM.

The door opened and closed by itself. Zakeyya materialized before them.

Good morning. I hope you had a wonderful night, she said.

Dr. Malin and Bill gave a tiny jump, then Liz greeted Zakeyya with the traditional bow, and Bill quickly came around the desk and did the same. He felt something akin to a small, but gentle shock when his forehead touched the Great Cat’s.

Before we continue on our journey together, Zakeyya said, gracefully jumping onto one of the chairs in front of the desk, I will need to ask you some questions, specifically, some questions for your assistant, if that’s all right.

You mean Bill? Dr. Malin said.

Yes, Mr. William Tecumseh Waagosh McKenzie.

Bill looked a little taken aback, Sure, that’s fine with me, and you can call me Bill.

All cool people have four names, Dr. Malin said with a smirk.

You ought to know, Elizabeth Sadie Addison Malin, Bill grinned.

It seems a wonderful combination of names, Bill, said Zakeyya.

I have a quintessentially Canadian name, Bill laughed. My dad was Scottish/Irish, and my mom is Ojibwe.

Ah, of course, excellent. As I mentioned, we have been aware of Dr. Malin for some time now. Whenever someone quite young shows this much aptitude and talent, we take notice. It shows that they have the potential to play a great role.

What role is that? said Dr. Malin.

To save the world, Zakeyya replied simply.

Liz and Bill looked at each other but stayed silent. The Great Cat continued.

However, we don’t know much about you, Bill, other than you’re an actor and 42 years old. Could you please explain your relationship with Dr. Malin?

How did you know I was an actor?

A simple search.

I didn’t know you had access to the Internet?

Zakeyya looked back politely, waiting for him to continue.

Well, um, OK, Bill said, clearing his throat. I’ve been a good friend of Liz’s parents since before she was born. Unfortunately, Liz’s dad died a short time after that.

A car accident, was it not?

Yes, replied both Dr. Malin and Bill.

And I’ve been her de facto uncle her whole life. My mom would babysit Liz as well; she’s like a grandmother to her. Liz’s mom has a PhD, too, in mathematics, so she’s quite busy with research and teaching, but I have lots of free time.

Because you’re an actor? Zakeyya said.

Bull’s eye, but I do some stunt work as well, mostly stunt driving.

Is your work inconsistent?

That’s a nice way of putting it, Bill said, laughing. It’s true, I have more free time than most, but it turned into a great thing for me because it gave me more time to spend with Liz.

He’s a wonderful actor, said Dr. Malin, jumping to Bill’s defence. And a really good mimic, too!

Bill chuckled a bit. Thanks, Liz, you’re the tops.

Zakeyya looked a little abashed. I didn’t mean to cast aspersions on your chosen career. Regit Tigers have always valued the arts. I just need to know more about you before continuing on this mission.

No problem at all. The great thing is, having more time off is the main reason I’m here right now. Liz wanted to get to work on Egyptian history and Cleopatra as soon as possible, and 11-year-olds—

Almost 12, Dr. Malin said.

Yes, even kids who are almost 12 can’t just come to a foreign country and open up explorations on their own.

Quite, Zakeyya replied.

And Wendy, that’s Liz’s mom, asked me to take care of her and be her guardian during her travels. Wendy’s coming out for a visit in October for Liz’s birthday.

Ah, yes, Dr. Wendy Neale. She kept her maiden name, correct? asked Zakeyya.

Liz and Bill nodded.

Speaking of your mother, Dr. Malin, she has a PhD in mathematics?

Yes, she specializes in cryptography or discreet mathematics, recognizing patterns and codes, Liz answered.

Liz’s mom always said that Liz was better at it than her, that she should have gone into mathematics instead of archaeology, added Bill.

Zakeyya took this in and flicked her tail in a sort of hopeful way. Why didn’t you go into mathematics, Dr. Malin?

I loved dinosaurs too much. She and Bill both laughed. And then ancient history was too interesting to ignore: the pyramids, the sphinx—

The mummies, Bill inserted with a grin.

Liz laughed. Yes, the mummies! It was too fascinating not to explore, and not just Egypt, but Rome, Greece, so many ancient worlds, so many mysteries to unravel. Liz caught her breath for a bit. I still work on math in my spare time, though.

And don’t forget animals, Bill said. She has always loved animals and does all she can to help with conservation efforts.

So do you! replied Liz.

It’s in my nature, smiled Bill.

What else do you do in your spare time, Bill? Zakeyya asked.

I make cookies, brownies and apple pies.

And Hello Dollies and Nanaimo bars, too, Liz said. It’s crucial, she added, smiling.

Zakeyya had a laugh that sounded like a purr. Well, who doesn’t enjoy a good treat? I am satisfied with your history and your energy, Bill. We just had to be sure before we began. Regit Tigers very rarely communicate with humans for obvious reasons. We had to know your commitment was to Liz and not to personal gain or profit.

I’m glad I passed the test, said Bill looking a little amused.

With an A+, Mr. McKenzie, smiled Zakeyya.

I will go now and make my report, but there is some work to do before we can begin. Would you be ready to start next Monday?

Yes, said Dr. Malin. Monday is fine with us.

Zakeyya elegantly leapt down off the chair. Then I will see you here on Monday morning at 11. It will be safer to escort you to where we begin.

That sounds excellent, said Dr. Malin.

Perhaps you could make us some cookies for the occasion? Zakeyya said to Bill.

What kind?

Chocolate chip?

That can be arranged, Bill grinned.

Zakeyya purred another laugh and turned around before disappearing out the door.

Chapter 3

Temporary Headquarters

The following Monday, Bill and Dr. Malin were at Bill’s desk waiting for an invisible Tiger to arrive.

Bill had baked the cookies the night before. They had some other light food, water, small jugs of milk and one change of clothes each. They had no idea where they were going or for how long but decided to pack light.

Once again, at precisely 11 o’clock the door opened and Zakeyya appeared before them.

I see that you’re ready to go! Excellent. Wait, do I smell chocolate?

You do, smiled Bill.

Wonderful, but before we leave, do you have your cell phones with you?

Yes.

I’m not allowed a cell phone yet, said a slightly put-out Dr. Malin. My mom says not until I’m 16, and no social media until I’m 18.

And she’s absolutely right, Bill said firmly. You don’t need a cell phone at your age. Trust me, they’re traps, and social media is the last thing a kid needs to be paying attention to. It can cause a lot of pain without much reward—better to stay away from it until you’re older, if even then.

I’d have to agree with Bill, Zakeyya said. I’m going to ask you to leave your cell phone here, Bill, just in case anyone is trying to track you with it.

Liz asked, Who would be tracking us?

We believe archaeologists are being spied on. Cleopatra’s tomb would be the biggest prize of all, and we don’t want it to fall into the wrong hands. If we’re working together, we need to be sure it’s just us.

Not a problem, Bill said, turning his phone off and placing it in one of the drawers of his desk.

Dr. Malin asked, Where are we going? We have a truck if needed.

Oh no, we can walk. It’s not too terribly far. We set up a camp close to your office to avoid prying eyes, Zakeyya said.

Should we still bring our bags? Bill asked.

Are the cookies in the bags?

Yup.

Then you better bring them.

Bill took both hemp satchels, crossing one over each shoulder, looking a little like a soldier. Both he and Liz threw on their light grey, wide-brimmed Tilley hats that blocked out the sun and the rain equally well and went out the door that had been opened by an invisible Zakeyya.

Alexandria, Egypt is a large and beautiful city; but funds were tight for Dr. Malin’s expedition, so they were in an area of town that was a little run down; there were a few closed stores and some boarded-up windows. It wasn’t quite as vibrant and colourful as other areas of the city.

Dr. Malin had been given grants from three Canadian universities, but they had to save money for their own meagre salaries, rent, food, and living expenses. They needed funds to buy their computers, devices and supplies, but they also needed cash to hire men and women to help with future expeditions. Their neighbourhood wasn’t horrible, but it wasn’t great (another good reason to have Bill around), and a few of the buildings close to their office were empty. This suited the Regit Tigers very well.

Bill and Dr. Malin walked down the sidewalk, but following someone invisible walking on big soft pads, was next to impossible, so Zakeyya hummed a little tune as they walked along so that Bill and Liz could follow the sound of her voice.

They were listening to Zakeyya’s soulful, little melody when the humming suddenly stopped altogether: they both halted.

Where is she? Dr. Malin said.

I can’t hear her anymore, Bill said.

Over here, came Zakeyya’s voice from somewhere they couldn’t quite identify.

The three of them had walked about four blocks from Dr. Malin’s office, and the only thing close to them was a partially opened door that led to an abandoned building. Thinking this must be where the Tiger had gone, Bill and Dr. Malin squeezed through the jammed door to find the gloriously visible Zakeyya waiting inside; her bright colours were illuminated by spots of sunlight, and her amber eyes glowed in the shadows.

We wanted to find a place close to you. Our headquarters are further away, but we thought that if anyone were following you, they would expect you to go further—in a way, we’re hiding in plain sight. So, our leaders decided that we should set up a makeshift camp close to you. Welcome to our temporary den.

Dr. Malin and Bill looked, and it didn’t look like much. There were a couple of old desks whose long-forgotten papers had avalanched down to the ground. It was quite dusty, and the paint on the walls was peeling. A smattering of sunshine sneaked through the dirty, cracked windows. There were two old office chairs dutifully waiting behind the desks and a few more chairs scattered about that didn’t look like they could take Dr. Malin’s weight, let alone Bill’s.

Um, it’s nice, Bill muttered.

Keep looking, the Great Cat said.

Dr. Malin and Bill looked further around the somewhat small office, which continued to look like an old, abandoned shell of a building. Bill was looking more attentively at the desks. Was there a clue in one of the drawers? He was about to ask Liz what she thought, but when he looked over at her, she was staring straight ahead at the wall in front of them. Her right arm slowly rose, and she pointed right at it.

What kind of door is that? Liz said quietly.

Zakeyya did a double take as she quickly looked back at Liz; then, she jumped with joy. Excellent! You can see it? I can’t believe it!

Bill was looking right where Liz was but didn’t see anything. What door are you talking about?

Zakeyya walked close to Bill, Put your hand on my back, Bill.

Bill did as he was told and gently placed his open hand on Zakeyya’s back, just behind her head. An energy ran through his fingers that made him feel warm and cool at the same time. When he looked up, he could see a door directly in front of them; that hadn’t been there before.

The door was almost like soft translucent glass, filled with brilliant blue and yellow swirling lights. The colours and patterns reminded Bill of Van Gogh’s The Starry Night. It had no traditional frame, but the door itself was high and arching and the lights gently spilled onto the floor.

Shall we?

Zakeyya walked nimbly through the glass-like door.

Bill wanted to tell Liz to wait up for a second, he was the adult after all, and he was there to take care of her, but before he could open his mouth, the youngest archaeologist in the world had already followed Zakeyya through the door.

Bill took a tentative step, drew a big breath and, finding just enough courage, walked through the blue and yellow door to see what was waiting for them on the other side.

Chapter 4

The Leaders

A room—a spectacular, beautiful room, unlike anything Liz or Bill had seen before.

It was at least 20 times the size of the dreary office they had left behind. The floor seemed to be made of a type of bamboo wood. There were two levels, the second about 12 feet above the first, with curving staircases on either side of the upper floor curling towards the main room and foyer. The walls and ceilings were made of asymmetrical stone slabs that fit perfectly together.

And there were Tigers. Everywhere. Like all Tigers, they were large, but some were larger than others. And although there were many Tigers, seemingly all at work, Liz was surprised by how unnaturally quiet the room was. Liz gazed at them all and recognized many as Bengal Tigers; she also noticed a white Tiger with bright blue eyes; there were Indo-Chinese, Sumatran and Siberian or Amur Tigers as well. Even in her astounded state, Liz’s sharp mind recalled: Siberian Tigers are the largest cats in the world. She also noted that while she always thought Zakeyya was a large Tiger, she was probably the smallest Tiger in the room. Perspective is everything, Liz thought to herself.

Bill guessed there were around 18 of them, but Liz had already counted, There are 21 Tigers in this room, she whispered.

Twenty-two if you count me, Zakeyya said.

There were images on several of the stone slabs; it was as if they were TVs or computer screens that were shaped along the contours of the rocks. In front of those projecting slabs were multiple symbols on the bamboo floor that even Liz, with all her studies, could not decipher. The Tigers would step or stomp on different symbols to change the screens, and Liz thought of dance video games, which she would have found funny if she wasn’t so astounded. She also saw, here and there, what looked to be music stands just barely above the floor with books on them. She was wondering what they were there for when she noticed a Tiger lie down in front of a book, lick its paw, and turn the page.

What do you think? Zakeyya asked.

Liz’s jaw had dropped when she walked in, and it was still open. It’s remarkable! Incredible! How did you do it?

Before Zakeyya could reply, the activity stopped, and all the Tigers were gazing at Liz. The Tigers moved towards Liz and Bill, and the Tigers from the upper floor elegantly descended the stairs to gather around.

Bill took a step closer to Liz and put his hand on her shoulder, but neither felt in danger. These Tigers seemed very happy to be meeting them.

Everyone, this is Dr. Elizabeth Malin and her guardian, Bill, Zakeyya said.

After a small moment of silence, while the Tigers stared at her, Dr. Malin found her voice. Please, just call me Liz. You too, Zakeyya. I’ve been meaning to say that to you.

Liz, it is, Zakeyya whispered.

The largest of all the Tigers stepped forward; one of the ones Liz had suspected was Siberian. He looked immensely powerful, and his fur, much thicker than the Bengals and Sumatrans, was greying around his muzzle. His voice was deep and rumbling.

Dr. Malin, Liz, we are honoured to have you here. My name is Akiak. I represent the Ra-shell tribe of the Regit Tigers.

I am the one who is honoured, Akiak. Bill and I are thrilled and humbled to be here.

Let me introduce Chaalaak, leader of the Wyllems tribe, Akiak continued.

A sleek, beautiful Bengal stepped forward. We are very glad to finally meet you, she said.

Liz remembered her manners and bowed to Chaalaak, touching her forehead with her own and then did the same with Akiak. Bill promptly followed suit.

And, of course, said Akiak, you already know Zakeyya, leader of the Arlo Tribe.

I didn’t know you were the leader! Liz cried.

Zakeyya smiled back at her.

"Let us go to the meeting room; there is