Chapter 15: The Lady of Knowledge

• 𓎬 ☼ 𓋹⋅☾𓂀 ☽⋅𓋹 ☼ 𓎬 •

Rowena XXXVII

2014 - London

She wasn't sure if she fell asleep on the drive to the British Library or her mind quickly shut down, the moment she felt the humming of the engine.

Rowena should be scolding herself for putting her guard down despite that the exhibits were with her on the way and knowing how protective they were: she knew that they would never let a hand touch her. The adrenaline had come undone, released like a tensed string and made her feel groggy and sludgy. Apart from Ahkmenrah keeping a hold of her head as she dozed in the back of the car, there was some part of her that was relieved she got some rest.

Even then, the moment the engine drawled down to a halt her head snapped upwards. Ahkmenrah was startled, but quickly soothed her with his hand and she thanked silently that he was used to her certain...mannerisms from her time in the war.

They exited the car, taking Ahkmenrah's hand and they spotted the car in front - with Teddy, Sacagawea and Attila stepping out. Next to her, Leslie had fallen by her side and she gave the woman a side glance with a look that asked if she was alright. The red-haired woman quirked an eyebrow instead and shrugged her bag over her shoulder. With everything that occurred at the British Museum, she had yet explained to Leslie the truth of all the exhibits and the magic of the Tablet.

Hell, Rowena even wondered why Leslie had not burst into a fit of confusion.

"So, care to explain to me now what this Tablet thing is going on and why your boyfriend is still in his costume?"

Oh, there it was.

At first, Rowena was going to answer. But instead, someone else spoke first.

"This is not a costume, Leslie Carter. I am indeed Ahkmenrah as it was first given to me." He explained, waiting outside the main entrance for everyone else to arrive.

Leslie in turn, let out a laugh. Though both Rowena and Ahkmenrah stayed silent. Cutting off, she froze in her place and stared at them. "You're not kidding, are you."

Rowena gazed up to her lover, and he gave an apologetic smile. "I am sorry that I lied to you, Ms Carter," Ahkmenrah spoke with sincerity. "But we take precautions on who we tell about the Tablet's magic and its uses."

Quickly, the colour in Leslie's face drained and she stumbled on her words. "So...like...you're actually..."

"Over four thousand years old. Yes," Ahkmenrah finished with a plain tone.

"Right, and I'm Boudica." Leslie clamped her mouth shut and cursed quietly. She shook her head and waved her hand. "Jesus Christ...wait, you're older than him too. Wait, that's so wrong."

Rowena watched in amusement as Leslie processed in silence what he told her. She had yet to meet anyone else to conclude this, and she felt slightly bad for putting her into this place. Ahkmenrah simply smiled back, leaving Leslie to ponder more. At least now, her explanation as to why she was older than her grandparents themselves would be understood.

Patting Leslie's arm, Rowena tugged her along as they finally saw the rest arrive. "Come on Carter, let's get going." She said with a tint of mirth.

In the corner of her sight, she could tell that Ahkmenrah was holding his laughter. At least at such a worrying time, there was some light in the tunnel.

They found the rest of the exhibits waiting at the steps, with Jedediah and Octavius amazed at the size of the building and wished the explore it. However, Antonio told them that people were waiting for them and they had little time in their hands. Rowena tightened her jaw, tensing as her guard grew around her friend. Why was she so hostile so suddenly? She agreed for them to come willingly, so why resist now?

'You are getting old, Clarke.' She joked before she huffed in annoyance. It did become a habit post-war to feel jittery, but it took only a few decades for her to manage them some time. 'What do they say? Old habits die hard, correct?' It was why her arms clutched the Tablet in her bag stiffly, making it incredibly uncomfortable as they arrived inside.

Where they stood had been the newer parts of the Library. She remembered when it was first built, initially being a part of the British Museum with its large mahogany shelves and rows and rows of books. When she wasn't working or tackling the rights of people of colour, she was coming here to get lost in her head.

Even now, it was still beautiful in its own modern way, with taller shelves rising above their heads and the orderly system which the Library now used. But even reminiscing her memories as a younger immortal, Rowena wondered as to why Antonio led them here.

"Why are we at the British Library? Who are we meeting?" Rowena thanked Leslie's bolder character in fishing for answers. Even Ahkmenrah, who could simply be infatuated in books if she wasn't here, didn't comment.

Or perhaps it was that.

Nevertheless, Antonio did answer the young Carter's question with an even more confusing response. "You will know soon enough Ms Carter."

Rolling her eyes, Leslie muttered: "...Actually, it's Dr Carter."

Rowena bit her lip not to laugh and focused on the front, keeping her senses on the sound of her steps or the steady beating of her heart. Even after embracing Ahkmenrah for the first time, there was a flutter of nerves when she felt his pulse. She knew her love must be adjusting to it all.

"This way. Your friends are here already," Antonio answered and led them through a quieter hallway.

As Rowena was by Antonio's side, she glanced back at him and inquired, "What do you mean our friends. Antonio, you don't mean—"

He didn't need to answer as she found three figures entering the doors. Whilst she momentarily held her breath, she could feel her rage fuelling in the pits of her stomach.

"Gigantor?" Jedediah called out.

Approaching them from the other end was Larry, Rebecca and Nick. Sat on and pushed on the wheelchair was no other than Larry Daley, his tired ragged face looking at them in shock whilst Rebecca handled him from behind – masking her own confusion with silence and wide eyes. Beside Larry was Nick, carrying what seemed to be both his and Larry's belongings in bags.

All three of them looked like they had just made it out of a mosh pit.

Rowena strode, almost ran, hadn't she worn better shoes and cried out in anger, "Larry!" She snarled – all but at Antonio. "Why in God's name did you make them leave the hospital!"

Her friend winced slightly, hiding it well with his composed look whilst the rest of the exhibits rushed to surround them.

"Hospital? I fear we've missed something here." Teddy murmured, sternly giving a look at Larry in which a father would after scolding a child.

The trio was staring at them, still shocked at the exhibits from Rowena's view before raising eyebrows. She wasn't focused at all on Larry, more like drilling a hole through her supposed friend's head. Why did the man decide to take Larry out for all things? He practically could look like he was going to fall apart by how pale and sickly he appeared.

Larry meekly looked before solemnly answering them, "We'll explain on the way." He then eyed her before adding, "But Rowen, you look like you're going to blow a fuse."

She inhaled sharply before snipping back, "Oh hell, I am. I am very much angry with you all." Rowena wasn't sure if she should be laughing or shouting back. Reckless and cocky just like Robert. She sighed in defeat, "You're not even healed yet."

Antonio cleared his throat, "Well—"

"They found us, Ro. The Order knows." Larry interrupted, looking up to both her and Antonio with intent. He peered his eyes over to Antonio and spoke, "You were the one that sent Anna, right? Paladino, isn't it?"

She glanced over to him, who nodded subtly.

"Indeed. I know who you're speaking of," Antonio acknowledged.

Finally, she had enough. If there wasn't a crowd of exhibits and tourists, she would be snapping back at the man for the secrecy. Instead, with her decades' worth of composure, her threat came out in a low calming tone: "What the bloody hell is going on Paladino?"

From the corner of her eyes whilst staring up at the Italian historian, she knew Ahkmenrah was gradually hovering to her for assurance. She simply let it be, keeping her gaze upon Antonio's until he could reveal to her some ounce of the truth.

In the end, Antonio dodged the bullet – giving her an apologetic look before he softly spoke, "I am sorry, Rowen. I may not have been honest with you, entirely of what this ordeal apart from the Lady's meeting." His eyes glanced down to his watch before he gestured to them, "But we cannot discuss this here just yet. Mr Daley also needs some assistance."

Leslie snorted, "No shit." She waved her hand before reaching to check Larry closely. Rowena didn't react, trusting the young woman that she would act accordingly to her job.

Rowena heard Leslie mutter, "This guy needs a fucking drip. You did bring enough right since we are in a Library and not a hospital."

She heard Antonio make a noise of affirmation, "Of course. There are enough doctors and surgeons in our ranks to be able to check your vitals."

Standing up, Leslie took a step back and stood beside her and Antonio. Her eyes never left Larry with a cold blank stare, "Good." She said with a tone that could slice through the air and make it bleed. "As much as I hate your fucking guts, I swore an oath."

There was an understanding between Leslie and Larry. A mutual agreement, though Rowena couldn't risk yet how much Leslie Carter would try and harm Larry. This was the worst possible circumstance to meet, especially when Larry was still indisposed.

"Larry, what happened?" Sacagawea was the first to speak calmly to the new trio, whom both glanced at each other before the one in the wheelchair explained.

He cleared his throat and said, "I... I may have gotten shot—"

"Shot!"

Teddy reacted in a shocked tone, taking a step until Sacagawea stopped him with a glance.

On the other hand, Octavius was merely too surprised as Jedediah exclaimed, "How in twisted knots did you get yourself shot?"

Rowena then felt a brush against her arm, glancing up to Ahkmenrah who had turned to her for answers. He too was confused, not as surprised as the rest but understood the contraptions of the weapons they now had in the modern world. She could only give him a look, a way to show that she would explain to him what occurred.

The night guard on the other hand wasn't expecting the large group, already looking dazed as he quietly replied, "A long story...I... hey." Larry creased his eyebrows as he stared at the two exhibits that were standing beside Sacagawea and Attila. "I'm high, but I don't think I'm supposed to be this high."

Rowena then remembered the elephant in the room and couldn't help twitching her lips.

"No, Larry. They're human-sized," Ahkmenrah spoke, showing more amusement than the rest of them.

Larry's jaw dropped before he closed his eyes and rubbed his face. He groaned, "Jesus Christ. I need more morphine."

There were some smiles of varying degrees as she heard Nick sarcastically joke beside his father, "Might need some edibles after this shit."

Rebecca and Larry gaped at him, "Nick—"

Leslie smirked, nudging her eyebrows to Nick Daley. "Listen to the adults, kid. Especially when I know that face," She rose her chin, facing towards the older woman with a calm facade, "Leslie Carter."

Oh no. Rowena should perhaps break this up. And by how Rebecca's expression changed into a blank canvas, she swallowed down the bile down her throat.

"Rebecca Hutman," She introduced herself in a neutral tone, "Your husband shot my fiancé."

The red-haired doctor replied retorted, "Yeah, and someone else killed my husband." There was a smile on her face, something dark within them that Rowena began to prepare to interfere. "I'm a doctor, but that doesn't mean I don't make mistakes."

As Leslie was about to step forward, Rowena called out with an ordering tone, "That's enough, Les." Her eyes averted away from the younger woman before warning Rebecca, Nick, and Larry with a glare, "And you three."

The group began to continue walking in the direction they were heading towards, her step falling beside Leslie and Ahkmenrah and making sure to keep Leslie and Rebecca and Larry apart. She trusted them as adults to behave, though with tensions high and trust low to everybody – Rowena wasn't going to risk it.

They arrived at the end where a set of lift doors were positioned, as they waited, she continued to control her breath and keep her fingers tapping.

"Morphine?" Larry asked, mostly to Antonio and her.

She glanced over to Antonio, who gave another apologetic reply, "Unfortunately, you will need to be awake for the meeting." He spoke, "We can offer smaller sedatives to at least ease the pain."

They entered the elevator; it was a tight squeeze for half of them, so Rowena decided to part with Leslie and Ahkmenrah. Having Leslie with Larry in a confined moving contraption was not something she wanted to do.

She assured Ahkmenrah with a small smile, squeezing his hand before letting the metal doors close, now staring at her reflection.

"How long?" Rowena asked, never letting her eyes off the doors.

Antonio replied, "Since I was a child."

She took a breath and felt her chest shudder. This man had known this conundrum since he was little and yet she had not known for over two hundred and thirty years. Two centuries worth of constant searching and travelling, trying to figure out how it was all possible and why it happened to her.

And here was Antonio: a man she had thought as a man who was nurtured to know her more than herself.

It was a relief that Larry's delusional state had him whispering, "I thought we're talking about morphine?"

"They're having a moment, shush." Rebecca quietened him.

She wasn't sure how to start, simple murmuring under her breath. "So, our friendship." Rowena's voice grew but remained unwavering as she questioned, "Was there anything real? Or am I to speculate that: that was also part of the plan."

Rowena didn't want to believe it. She wanted Antonio to tell it was all a lie and that he was simply riled into this without a choice. Instead: she saw the guilt and she had her hands curled her hold over the Tablet tighter.

She heard a short breath from him as he began speaking in Italian, "At first I was only to watch you from afar. But you approached me, and I decided to actually know you better." He continued, "In fairness, I am poor at lying and I hated every part of the time that I had to disappear with excuses. But I realised then who you were."

Her eyes looked briefly at him, wondering if he was lying or not. "And what was that?" She asked in the same language.

Antonio appeared pained but didn't bother to hide it. He spoke back in English, "Look, amica. Growing up was always hearing about the Heka Guardians. How they were the protectors of the relics that protected this world from darkness. How there was a secret organisation was built to remember them so when they resurface, they wouldn't be alone." He paused, "That is what I was brought up with. And to meet you: I realised there wasn't anything ethereal or godly. You are my friend; first and foremost, the woman that's led the museum into a good era."

There wasn't much to say after what he said. Rowena allowed the words to sink in, evaluating her thoughts as her memories with the Italian man passed. When she first met Antonio Paladino, she had met a young man eager to know the hidden past and allow his character to flow through his work. He was passionate and yet did not flaunt his knowledge, rather show his interest in other things. He wasn't modest, but he showed no push to become around her for the purpose of some secret group.

No: Antonio chose to like her as a friend, as a person who didn't simply have a background of being immortal. He, like so few who knew her secret, never brought the issue and ignored it.

In a way, she should feel bad for reacting in disgust to his confidentiality. Antonio had his own to tell her things and never pried about her. And here she was pushing a boundary that wasn't hers to delve into. He was only one of many of this group he was in and he shouldn't be blamed.

She then thought about Ahkmenrah and their interactions with their secrets. They hid more from each other than anyone here and it had damaged them to the fact that it left her empty until her heart overcame and she could never refuse. He was the only one who understood the burden and she loved him for the acceptance.

Though with more secrets resurfacing, how long will the barriers burst?

She felt the amulet in her pocket, remembering the conversation she had with Merenkahre. They were quiet enough from the other end, despite knowing Ahkmenrah was watching them, as he passed on the symbol that showed his trust for her. He had trusted her with Ahkmenrah's life, to protect him at the moment things may turn against them.

Of course, she wouldn't let that happen. Not in another hundred years would she let him into harm, now when he was alive and breathing.

Merenkahre also said something else which made her heart grow cold.

"Our family has been cursed the moment the Tablet was given down to me." He murmured to her, with pain naked in his eyes. "I was not supposed to hold it. And neither did Ahkmenrah...and yet fate has decided for him to be the one."

Rowena asked, "You're afraid we'll be like his brother and wife."

Merenkahre didn't vocally answer, but she already suspected it.

"He isn't his brother, and I'm here." She said with more determination in her voice. "I won't let it happen. He won't be damned for eternity."

He placed an object in her hand, his eyes staring down at her. "And that is what I'm afraid of."

Rowena still didn't know truly what he meant. Merenkahre believed that her love for his son would affect what happens in the future, and she wasn't sure why it would be like that. Her history and background about the Tablet and their family were jumbled, a mix of truths and lies. It didn't help when even his parents were secretive, only speaking in cryptic messages that she was frustrated having to decipher it all.

Why didn't they want to reveal the truth to the world when they were nothing more than the heroes of their story?

'Well, it's like how you always said, Jo.' Harry's voice almost whispered in her head. 'Every story has multiple facets. Like with the war, you showed me the other side. The people were innocent even if they were in the enemy's lands. We always think of ourselves as the betters of the story. And them? Maybe they don't want to tell their story yet.'

As they all regrouped at the corridor outside the lift, she glanced over to Ahkmenrah who racked up a small smile in return. She decided to stand beside him, hand in his whilst she kept an eye on Leslie and everyone else.

Antonio was at the front, informing them: "You'll be briefed about it soon." He nodded before nudging his chin, "Now, let us go forward. And perhaps we'll find something for you to keep awake, Mr Daley."

It was a long corridor, large enough to cast several podiums and cases as they passed. Rowena realised that the colouring had changed, with now various dark brown walls lined with gold and bronze patterns. They were of different languages, stretching from Hieroglyphics to the modern language. There were Latin, Chinese and Cyrillic characters to then Greek and Arabic alphabets.

But the translations were more interesting.

The walls spoke about a free world, the philosophy of free will and the unity of humans. Of renewing life and rebirth.

The objects in the casings were random. Some were broken weapons like daggers or shields, and some were scrolls and parchment. Things she had never come across in her entire life and that were never visible to the public.

The paintings were various. Some were renaissance or gothic whilst others were contemporary or even posters from what seemed to be the 1930s.

Her historian side wanted to stop and ask how they could obtain such rare finds and realised where she was. They probably weren't even legal to keep and have been since they were found.

"I never knew this was a thing," She leaned to Ahkmenrah to whisper to his ear. He glanced down at her and silently understood, squeezing her hand to respond before they caught up to the back of their group.

At the end of the hallway, they came through a set of grand doors. Painted in gold was the outline of a flower similar to what seemed to be a lotus.

There were guards stationed, wearing modern tactical gear. Though along with them, she was curious at the weapons they possessed on their hips. They looked to be swords or daggers. Why would they choose to carry those things if guns were now a thing?

After Antonio spoke to the guards in English, the two opened the doors wide and they all entered.

He introduced them with a loud voice, "Welcome to the Reading Room."

Rowena panned her eyes at the immense space and felt her breathing skip.

It was unlike the Reading Room which the British Library should have. Instead, it was perhaps twice as large. A dome-shaped roof caved in, adorned with frescos of clouds. There were windows that shone the sunlight through. The round room wasn't lined with books but with booths of what seemed to be seats cushioned with velvet.

There were three rings of wooden benches that segregated the place, each with seats as they descended to the centre. Rowena could compare it with an amphitheatre, though at the centre was a large table.

Where they entered was covered slightly by an overhang, and she noticed above them was more seats, the column supporting the balcony above them.

Jedediah had stuck by Octavius as he asked aloud, "So...where's the person we're meeting, fancy foot?"

Antonio answered politely as he headed down the steps to the centre of the hall, "This way, you all have a hearing with the Lady of Knowledge."

The rest followed. Larry had to be carried by the aid of Atilla and Jedediah, who felt embarrassed with his protests before being shushed by Rebecca on the way down.

Whilst this occurred, Rowena noticed that Ahkmenrah hadn't budged from the closed doors. He was staring forward, a frown on his face.

"I do not trust this, mer ek." He easily stated.

She could easily understand his uneasiness too much and decided to reach up to his face. Cupping her free hand on his cheek, she leaned up to kiss his lips in return. Rowena spoke quietly back, "I think it's best to let them speak. And then we'll go from there."

She felt his breath brush her skin and it felt so foreign to sense his warmth for once. She couldn't even begin about his heartbeat.

Once she knew he was ready for now, they followed the rest down the steps where they now stood in front of the circular table. It was made of marble, something like an altar that she wondered what its purpose was for such a large room. There were more several carvings and patterns which she realised was a common occurrence.

Lotus flowers.

The floor was marble as well evident by most of their shoes echoing but muted by the green and purple carpet lined over it.

They waited for a few seconds until a figure appeared from the set of doors opposite to where they entered. Rowena already flickered her eyes up to them, but her head had stopped processing once she saw the familiar face even the familiar voice.

As they descended to meet them at the centre of the hall, her head was always up high with a voice that carried around the room. "I was not expecting a whole audience," They had an amused tone and mirth in their eyes as they smiled with a greeting: "Welcome, Guardians, Old Souls and their friends."

Standing now across from them, dressed in an emerald suit was Micarah Campbell. Around her neck, shown fully, was an amulet in the shape of a seven-pointed star.

"Micarah?" Rowena breathed, her hand letting go from Ahkmenrah as she stepped in front of everyone else. Ahkmenrah followed, keeping next to her as she stared at the woman.

Micarah's eyes bore into her's, feeling a sense of power radiate softly into her mind. "Hello, Rowena Elizabeth Clarke: daughter of Harold Clarke and Eleanor Clarke, Duchess of Cornwall." She then flickered to the right and continued, "And you are Ahkmenrah: Son of Merenkahre and Shepseheret, Fourth King of Kemet of the Fourth Dynasty...And Lawrence Daley, Son of Mildred Daley and Janet Daley, Guardian of Brooklyn."

As those names left her mouth, Rowena could feel everything around her blur and the world stop.

She knew her name. She knew all their names.

Rowena was then reminded of the memories that were a part of them. Her name that she had hidden well enough in decades of other facades so she would never have to choose. Hearing it ring again from both Khafre and Salma Atkin's mouths caused her to grow cold and weak.

And why annoyance grew as she said with a placid tone, "I do not go by that name any longer."

Micarah Campbell – or whoever she truly was – gave a look of sympathy, replying: "No, but that name was chosen to become a Heka Guardian."

There was it again. The title in which still confused her and knew little about it.

It wasn't until Ahkmenrah breathed sharply as he said aloud, "You are the Lady of Knowledge." He continued, "You were there during the Tablet's corruption in New York. I apologise for what occurred, my lady..."

From the corner of her eyes, she saw Ahkmenrah bow down in a gesture but was halted by Micarah's raised hand.

There was a solemn look, calmness and yet elegance as she continued, "Do not apologise, young pharaoh. I am not of the Ennead; therefore, I do not care for extreme propriety." She explained, "Though, I am indeed the main correspondent between the Mortal and Immortal realms. To those outside these walls, I am Micarah Campbell. But here, I am Seshat."

Rowena breathed in awe. Right in front of them was an actual goddess, brought into a human form just like them.

Maybe that was why she felt the room slightly lighten the moment she entered. How her mind simply filled with tranquillity and eagerness. "Seshat. The Goddess of knowledge, writing and wisdom." She recalled, her eyes looking to Seshat. "You are a scribe much like Thoth."

Seshat nodded, "Indeed. Thoth is my father."

Well, that covers another correction of the mythology of the gods of Egypt.

"An honour to meet you, my lady," Ahkmenrah wore a small polite smile at the goddess, "It would seem my parents predicted this meeting to happen."

Rowena didn't vocally question it, but perhaps this was what Merenkahre and Shepseheret were trying to say.

Nodding, Seshat had her hands behind her back as she answered: "Yes. I did converse with Merenkahre, just two thousand years ago," She continued, "A prediction that the Ennead will grant a choice to bring you here."

Rowena's eyes widened slightly as she asked, "So, this was prophesied. Why?" She added, her hand clutching the satchel tighter whilst the pendant remained cool on her neck. "Why bring them back now that could possibly aid us?"

There was a moment of silence which everybody shared. Her eyes remained only on the Goddess and they both somehow shared a common answer to which she revealed with a surprised tone.

"Two days ago," Rowena stopped, turning over to Larry who now was rolled next to her. "That wasn't a coincidence."

Larry gazed up and he knew already what that entailed.

"What happened two days ago?" Ahkmenrah questioned a worried expression that was now directed to both her and Larry.

Seshat was the one who answered his and the exhibits' dying questions of Larry's situation and spoke, "The Tablet was stolen by one of the Order's followers. Paladino, you have suspected this many months beforehand?"

Rowena could imagine what the exhibit's reactions were and heard it well enough by their hissing and gasps.

She then glanced over to Antonio who now stood away from them at the left side, his attention focused over to Seshat. "Yes. But we were not sure why they were gaining close around the Museum. The Tablet wasn't in London until Rowen asked the board to let Ahkmenrah and the Tablet to London."

Well, that cleared most things and she felt more anger that they, the Order, decided to do it when civilians were at risk of being killed.

But was worst to think that someone clearly set it up way before it was taken to London.

Someone had tampered with the Tablet in New York.

Ahkmenrah hitched a breath as he posed a grim look. "Father was right. Someone planned it all," He glanced down to her side, noticing the peek of gold of the Tablet. "The Tablet was corroding just before the programme happened. Someone must have slipped through the museum."

Seshat peered her eyes, a look of sternness as she explained, "It was why I went there. I had hoped something was to happen to the Tablet that night. However, the magic and chaos which erupted prevented me from investigating any longer."

"Who? No one could have slipped through. We have a bunch of exhibits and security cameras. And the glass...that shouldn't happen." Rebecca countered, showing nervousness on her face. She was worried such as Larry and she was. Because they were responsible for keeping the museum and the Exhibits safe.

And they had just let someone slip through their fingers with a blind eye.

Someone they could have trusted.

Someone who worked perhaps. But who?

Rowena assured her friend, "Someone from the museum, Rebecca. One of the staff probably knows," She didn't want to think of it like that; it meant that Rowena had slipped and made a mistake, misjudged a person and assumed they were trusted to work there. Because not only Rebecca, Larry and Richard had responsibility for it, they knew her experience of judging character was at best.

Maybe she was getting old.

Turning to Rebecca, Rowena asked, "Do you think we could get a background check for each one?"

"When we get back, we could," Rebecca replied and took a shuddered breath. "But it will take some time considering summer is here and there's a lot more staff that are needed. We won't know yet who had done it and even then, it's a risk that they might rat us out."

The historian wasn't wrong, and Rowena allowed to hum in agreement. Once this was over, she would travel back to New York and help with cleaning the number of staff they had.

Interrupting their conversation, Seshat calmly spoke, "I am glad you are planning your investigation on who tainted the Tablet; however, time is precious." She said with a serious tone, "The Order of Snakes is hunting you all."

"But why? What do they want with the Tablet and the Wadjet key?" It was the first time Larry had faced the goddess, asking her the very question everybody around them was probably begging to know about.

Thankfully, they didn't wait as Seshat simply replied, "It is best to start in the beginning."

• 𓎬 ☼ 𓋹⋅☾𓂀 ☽⋅𓋹 ☼ 𓎬 •

Ahkmenrah XXI

2014 - London

"Before I may explain why the Order seeks the Artefacts, you must know how they came to be."

Seshat crossed the room, revealing a large round table planted in the centre of the large hall. With a waft of her hand, a glimmer of dust formed on top of the large table. It began to build up from thin air, shaping into familiar figures of people and buildings.

Despite having kept alive due to magic for centuries, it still drew him in awe to watch the Goddess of Knowledge easily manipulate the unknown forces. For a goddess, he did admit that he did not discover sooner that it had been her, even after sitting with her during dinner and hearing about her work.

However, finally standing in her presence he thought she would be more goddess-like. In fact: Ahkmenrah felt more assured by Seshat's own appearance and demeanour. She was humble and yet understanding to them. And she respected them like she was an equal herself. Maybe that's the consequence of living amongst humans.

Meanwhile, the dust and glowing sand formed what seemed to be Egypt: recognising the Nile flowing through and the farmers who tended the farms by the banks. However, it would seem to be a different era, older than by his reign by what they wore. Ahkmenrah would have thought of his ancestors to have been plainer and less known to the technologies of his time, but to his surprise - it was far from that.

People were freely using magic. Actual magic. Women weaving clothes that seemed to quickly spin faster than anything he has found. Farmers using spells to grow the crops.

Magic users used to roam Kemet. But what happened to them?

Seshat began her tale, moving the scene of several figures amongst the lands. "Us Gods once dwelt in this realm and helped grow the first civilisations of what came to be Kemet for you, and Egypt to the modern world."

A large figure flew across the sand-version of Egypt, the familiar bird flying across the sky. Ra, the god of the sun and the sky and all creation.

"After Ra established themselves as the God of the Sun and travelled across the sky, Ra chose Osiris as the ruler of Kemet for he aided the growth and prosperity of the Nile and the Kingdoms." Seshat's magic changed the scenery, in which a cloud of animated dust morphed the body of Osiris in front of them. "He married the goddess Isis, for she aided in the growth of the mortal realm. They were worshipped, a good king that gave many the light and good the kingdoms needed."

Another figure rose beside Osiris, one which showed Iris with a headdress and her dress imitating the feathers of a bird. They held hands, their eyes onwards as they looked upon their subjects in front of them. Each person bowing to them as they gave them gifts. In turn, Osiris and Isis were in several scenarios.

Whilst Osiris was depicted speaking with the other rulers of the kingdoms of Kemet, Isis was shown aiding helping a mother – a toy appearing in her hand as she gave it to the figure of a child.

Whilst Osiris was shown to aid the connections of the powers, Isis was shown to have a connection to the people instead. Just like what she was known as, the goddess of motherhood and of the people.

The dust continued to show the two gods continue their roles as Seshat's voice called out, "But of course, when one brother is in the light, the other brother shall be in the dark." The dust then blew in a harsh gust, sparkling into a darker brown until a figure appeared. "Set's jealousy of Osiris praise sought him to feel unwanted and instead turned to hatred. And it did not help that his wife, Nephthys: had given Osiris a son out of marriage."

Whilst Osiris and Isis' forms disappeared, a figure what he assumed to be Set, the god of Chaos, appeared. He wore pure hatred in his face, a permanent scowl as he watched another figure from afar.

The more feminine figure had been Nephthys, familiar with her headdress as she cradled something in her arms before looking guilty before Set. Set's figure simply shunned the goddess, making Nephthys react before running away and disappearing back into dust.

The scene changed and now it appeared to be some throne room. Set was stood at the bottom of the step, a manic smile on him as he gestured to the sarcophagus beside him. Osiris and Isis sat upon the throne. Whilst Isis had a concerned expression, she continued to be composed – unmoved by Set's sly attitude as Osiris moved towards his brother.

Nephthys was standing far on the side, a man like Nephthys standing next to her. That must have been Anubis.

It was there absolute chaos occurred. There was fighting, and a mix of the gods magic erupted. Ahkmenrah gasped internally as Set used his magic to disappear into a gust of sand with Osiris and the sarcophagus.

"He decided to trick his brother, drowning him in his own sarcophagus in the Nile before splitting all of his body part across the world. Isis, horrified of her brother's actions, was banished but not alone. Her followers aided her to find the parts of his body alongside Nephthys and there they made him whole enough for Isis to bear a son." Seshat explained, "However, despite what my father – Thoth – and Anubis could do, Osiris could not last long in the world of the living and now rules the realm of the Duat."

Another scene formed in front of them, and now it held Osiris sitting on a different throne. He held both his staffs, his face marred with scars and his body seemingly endure through Set's actions.

The golden dust changed, forming the familiar figure of Isis as she wandered the world-changing into multiple forms. A bird and a scorpion were the two Ahkmenrah could tell.

Whilst Isis's figure changed, the dust formed a scene of a city burning.

People, civilians, were running in fear. Running away from soldiers and people with swords and torches. Some were magic users, moving their hands before them as fires grew and engulfed the entire scenery into just a burst of dust.

Seshat spoke, "Isis hid from Set, who turned Kemet and the world into his image. It was horrifically filled with anarchy and dishonour. Chaos brought into life...But Isis lived on and bore a child."

In the next scene, Ahkmenrah saw the small child clinging beside Isis.

The young boy gradually grew before he looked to be a grown man, taller than his mother and bore the mixed features of his mother and Osiris.

"Horus, that's him," Rowen pointed.

Seshat hummed, "Horus and Isis hid from Set's gaze well, protected by Nephthys and their followers who made sure to notify them and those allied." She continued, "As Horus grew up, so did the impending doom of war. And this war was greater than the gods; it was the riddance of tyranny and to bring peace to all parts of the world, for Set attacked the minds of those and gave them the desires to draw chaos despite it being authority what grew to his cult."

There was a figure large than others. Set was facing a group of people, pushing down the end of his Was-sceptre onto the floor. As the end hit the ground, the humans' eyes glowed red as the god himself smiled in content.

More of the golden sand collapsed before forming a bird's eye view of two armies.

Ahkmenrah had never seen such a war.

Both sides fought ruthlessly. Mixed with weapons and magic, both gods and mortals fought alongside animals. Whilst Set was left watching, Horus was on the front lines with his short words, slicing down the opposition without a single touch to him. Above the sky, Isis scouted as a bird whilst Nephthys stood at the back of Horus' army, using most of her magic to protect those injured.

The scene continued, focused now on the duel between the young god and Set.

"Horus, with the aid of his followers, Isis and Nephthys - a war began. A war that can never match your imaginations. Set and Horus duelled, and Horus won, but instead of killing his uncle for good, he decided Set's fate be chosen from all gods." Seshat changed the table, now showing the aftermath of the wars. "The gods wished for him to be killed and be rid of the mortal world whilst some deemed him a danger to both realms. Instead, Khonsu had an idea."

What seemed to be sped through time was something Ahkmenrah had not known before.

The dust formed a city like no other he had seen in his long life. It was grand, with great walls and golden streets. More miniature cities grew on the table, the flowing of boats depicting the Nile.

"With the aid of the mortals, the Ennead and the people of Kemet built the cities of eternities, and one being the most important," Seshat waved her hand and brought another sculpture.

This time it was a desert. In front of him was a large gate with both the symbols of the Ankh and Wadjet carved in the golden sand.

The goddess proclaimed, "Menniwt, the last city to be built and the most important one of all."

Ahkmenrah inhaled sharply and flicked his eyes up to Seshat. He had not heard of that name at all in his life. Even from all his memories of learning all of his peoples' history, there was no mention of Menniwt at all.

Seshat continued her story, bringing Horus' figure back along with another man who bowed before him, "Horus granted Narmer, his mortal general, to unite the kingdoms of Upper and Lower Egypt. He along with the gods created the gate in which Set would be tossed into the void. In doing so, he would never reach neither mortal nor god-ruled realm ever again."

There, he saw the Ennead. He saw Iris, Horus and Nephthys along with Geb and Nut and Shy and Tefnut. They surrounded the form of Set, cuffed in shackles as he faced before some gate.

It looked similar to the Gate of Kahmunrah, but this was larger.

Behind the Ennead was Khonsu carrying the Tablet in hand. He looked down to Set and spoke something with the motion of his mouth before Set was brought up to his feet and dragged into the gate and disappeared into the golden gate.

The dust blew away, and the vision of Menniwt disappeared.

Ahkmenrah's mind was running faster than a cheetah. So many questions he wanted to ask the goddess before him. "There's a city? Where?" He questioned.

When he glanced over to her, Seshat simply waved her hand and brought the magical dust back on the table. "That is where the Artefacts come in. We needed something to lock the gates and the city itself from the mortal realm. And so, we created the Artefacts."

There floated five objects. One had been the Tablet, a replica of the one that was in Rowen's possession.

The other two were identical to each other, two circular pendants with the carvings of the Wadjet eye.

And the last was a staff, curved at the top to look like the one Osiris held in the first few scenes.

"The Tablet and the Wadjet Keys and the Staff, all made from the same gold which was obtained in the Qattara Region. They were blessed by Heka herself, chosen by each god so that they can pick a guardian that will protect it and a guardian to connect them all." Seshat explained, "The Ennead would choose who the five Guardians will be in the future. However, Hemsut predicted a prophecy..."

With one last movement of her hand, Seshat brought the golden sand away. The glow dissipated, and what was left was the original marble table they once saw.

She looked at them all with a serious façade as she continued, "...That there will be a possibility that Set could return, should he be able to contact someone from the void. The Ennead believed Menniwt was strong and prevented this. However, that does not seem the case."

"To protect the Artefacts before the birth of the Heka Guardians, we entrusted the mortal realm to protect them. Horus and Khonsu entrusted the line of Kings to guard the Tablet. Whilst the Wadjet Keys were to be split into the two upper and lower kingdoms. One in Heliopolis and One in Thebes, the other two Eternal Cities. And the Staff would be with Ma'at." The goddess explained, "Ages on, we had hoped that the artefacts would not be used for any other purposes other than to protect the mortal realm from Set, but we underestimated his power over the souls of some. Now he bears control of a group that wants the Artefacts to do what Set has wanted."

"To rule over the world...To open that gate," Ahkmenrah called out and saw Seshat give a gentle nod in confirmation.

Seshat answered, "Not unless we do something."

"Khafre... said something about Heka Guardians," Rowen said, and he glanced over to her with a rising feeling of dread. That name would forever haunt him and anger him after what that monster did to him and his family. "That was Set. He could control them through people."

He gave a double-take. How was that possible? Ahkmenrah tried to flick through the memories of fighting Khafre during the Smithsonian and remembered one note.

Khafre's eyes were red...just like those which Set controlled.

"Yes," For once, the goddess showed a worried look. She pursed her lips as she glanced over to Rowen's friend as she spoke, "And that is what we're afraid of. Unless you three stop what they will try to do."

His head flashed up to the goddess.

"Us three?" Rowen asked.

Seshat spoke, "Whilst Ahkmenrah bears the mark of Khonsu, you bear the mark of Isis. Horus bears the other mark of the Wadjet key and Osiris bears the staff."

He then felt that he was back in the British Museum again. Those words rang in his ears as his father revealed the very thing he hated.

Guardian of the Tablet. Khonsu's chosen.

Not Kahmunrah. Him.

Ahkmenrah wanted to look away, to growl in anger and in distraught but he couldn't. He would not break in front of them. Not in front of a goddess and his friends. He needed to be strong for them all; to know that he would protect them from the danger he knew was coming.

Thankfully, Larry Daley had cut his swirling thoughts with a confused tone, "You said five. Ahkmenrah and Rowen are the other two and Ro: you said Salma had the other one. The last one?"

"Was Ahkmenrah's brother, Kahmunrah. He bears the staff, which leads to one last one: Nephthys." Seshat informed them, and Ahkmenrah again was shocked at the revelation.

Perhaps that was why he was given the position. His brother was a guardian by his own right but chosen by Osiris instead.

Though his own shock of his brother's involvement had him confuddled by the last guardian.

But whilst Ahkmenrah was trying to connect who it was, it would seem his lover was quick enough to speak, "Nephthys, Khafre spoke of her before..." Rowen's gaze rotated to the man in the wheeled chair and said, "To you, Larry."

Ahkmenrah's eyes widened slightly and turned to the nightguard.

"That is because you are finally one, guardian," He heard Seshat call out.

Larry's facial expression almost slacked, his eyes growing wide as he asked back, "What do you mean?"

"You are not mortal anymore, Lawrence Daley."

He inhaled sharply the moment those words echoed into his ears. Ahkmenrah heard the round of gasps around him as well as saw Larry's face morph into disbelief.

Waving his hand, Larry shook his head, "What? No. You're. You're wrong. I've been greying my hair ever since Dexter existed! No. You've got it all wrong."

Ahkmenrah glanced over to both Rebecca and Nick and almost felt sympathy at the two. He didn't know what both of them were thinking the moment this was being spoken of, but he understood from their eyes that they were afraid. Especially young Nick, who saw the anger growing in his eyes.

Nick didn't want to believe this at all.

"Larry, please tell us," Rebecca's voice wavered, almost pleading as she stared down at her intended.

The nightguard closed his eyes, shakily letting out a breath. "...Nephthys. I met her in my dream." Larry croakily spoke, "I was dying, and...and she helped me."

From the corner of his eye, he saw Seshat and Antonio glance at each other.

Ahkmenrah wasn't the only one who noticed as Rowen asked, "What is it?"

Dread began to fill him once more the moment Seshat explained with a blank tone, "If you have met your goddess, it is a sign that trouble is stirring in the immortal realm. The life beyond and life here are merging."

"Like a path," Ahkmenrah spoke quietly.

"No. Like glue. Something sinister." Seshat's eyes peered, staring out though never piercing into anybody's gaze. For a moment, he thought her eyes glowed. But in a blink, they returned to their normal shade. "Dark magic has forced us to join the worlds together. And alongside it, the Ennead had to do something which was to bring those dead back. The ones that were touched by Khonsu's magic."

Larry furrowed his brows, piping back into the conversation, "Wait a minute. How am I immortal? I still don't understand."

"Death."

His eyes turned to Rowen.

"What?" Larry breathed.

Her eyes bore into the nightguard as she explained, "You touched death like me and Ahk. You saw the darkness and the pull, but you never found a way over it."

His eyes were still searching, confusion and panic plastered on his face. "What do you mean—"

"When I died," Rowen paused, feeling surprised by her own answer but drew another breath. "When I first died: I always felt like I was drowning, trying to push myself to the surface. But something kept pulling me, but not enough to bring me to the seabed."

Ahkmenrah murmured, staring out in a haze. He could sense the wound pulsing as his hand drew to it on instinct. "Yes...that's how it felt. I felt that I couldn't get to where I was. Like nothing was there, floating."

His eyes turned to Larry, and the nightguard's own paled face showed more of the truth. The same face that filled his own when he first woke up and found out from his parents. How Larry was feeling right now, Ahkmenrah could sense a dreading fear his friend was crumbling under his own weight.

It only needed Seshat's explanation to topple Larry over. "To become immortal, you have to sacrifice the path to the Afterlife. And your path was cut the moment you woke up. The moment you agreed with Nephthys." She locked eyes at the nightguard, unfazed by how white-ridden he was.

Larry blinked several times, swallowing a gulp. "I...I need a moment." He darted his eyes across everyone before rushing through them, rolling his own wheelchair out before asking Jedediah and Octavius with a menacing look.

To their surprise, the two didn't even question and began helping him up the steps.

"Larry—" Rowen was the first to reach for him, taking a step.

Suddenly, Larry Daley snapped back: "Give me a moment! I need a doctor anyway..."

Rowen's shoulder slumped, and he did not need to read her face to see the distraught tears that welled in her eyes. He should go to her, but he froze in his own spot trying to process what just occurred.

The Nightguard of Brooklyn was immortal, and that sudden realisation almost made him feel sick to his stomach.

Why though? He and his friends all knew that Larry Daley could never imagine something like this.

Larry was the man of the modern world, and Death's door had just locked him out to a future.

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A/N: So we finally got some answers and establish some key things now.

And that Larry is now immortal, and they all know he hates it. Why? Well, I think the last bit speaks for what he's like and that he already made a future with Rebecca and Nicky where he would grow old with her. Now it's been kicked out like a rusty old bolt.

The story lore is based on the Myth of Set and Horus, with the addition of what I made up as the City of Eternal, Menniwt [you can pronounce this whatever you like]. I have been waiting dozens of chapters to finally link the Wadjet Key and The Tablet together and the reason for the Guardians in the first place and there you have it.

As well as this, I loved seeing Larry react to Jed and Octavius being normal-sized now and I'm very excited to see how he plays along with it.

Next chapter we'll be catching up with Larry and Rebecca as well as a big meeting.

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Written: 15/05/2021

Edited: 15/05/20201