This Nile cruise had been planned by Jim mainly for Clare and 'Sigi' - It was partly as a 'thank you' to Clare for her having looked after him and Ethan for so long, and it was also intended to be a nice holiday for 'Sigi', for his 'gap year', after high school, and also a reward for 'services rendered' by Brody - but as with many things that Jim (in the footsteps of the 'Boss') had organized, there was a secret agenda, only shared with a few, such as Faunus, Zac and the inscrutable Mr Stark.
Ethan was sound asleep when Jim returned to his suite in the Winter Palace.
Teddy was, as he often was, pretending to be asleep, and had switched on his 'low level, faint snoring effect', just to make his 'sleeping' seem really convincing.
Ethan always slept with a 'hi-tech', pink nightlight illuminating the bedroom, so it was easy for Jim to see what he was doing.
After quietly undressing, Jim went into the drawing room, with his laptop and cell-phone.
Jim of course realized that Teddy was not really sleeping, but rather listening, with his 'ultra-sensitive hearing system' - but then Teddy could always be trusted - so it was no problem.
The person that Jim 'phoned was Zac.
 |
| Ismail |
"Yes... Josh will be staying here to supervise the 'Winter Palace' while we are away.
"Good...", Jim replied...
"And Ismail will arrive here first thing in the morning, in order to act a an assistant to Josh, and as someone to liaise with Egyptian 'non-English speakers'.", Josh confirmed.
"And what about Faunus ?", Jim asked.
"I don't know about Faunus... but I'm sure he'll probably turn up when least expected.
"OK, well I'll be contacting Stark in a few minutes in order to ensure that the truck arrives as soon as possible - and have it come in through the rear entrance of the Winter Palace, at night, and the have it parked up in the 'sectioned off' part of the garages - I don't want any of the 'natives' taking an interest in it.", Jim explained.
"Of course, Jim.", Zac replied obediently, and Jim closed his 'phone.
 |
| Tony Stark |
Almost immediately Stark, (or more likely one of his minions - probably Hogan), confirmed that the truck had arrived at Alexandria, and would driving, with it's crew of technicians, down to Luxor during the day.
Stark himself would arrive probably the following day.
And so Jim returned to the bedroom.
"Is everything OK, Jim ?", Teddy asked quietly.
"Everything's good...", Jim replied, as he got into bed.
"Jim...", Teddy then began...
"I'm a bit nervous about meeting Mr Stark...", Teddy said diffidently
"Don't be... he's the guy who designed all your mechanical bits, and made you look so 'cute'.", Jim explained.
"So what about Faunus ?", Teddy asked.
"Well he made you you - and that's the best part.", Jim said.
"That's a nice thing to say...", Teddy replied.
Teddy then made his final arrangement of his cushions, and then switched himself off for the night.
Teddy was up early with one of his annoying lists, making sure that Jim and Ethan had packed everything.
Teddy, of course, had little to pack, other than his blue laptop, his disk-drive and his cell-phone - he was a very technological bear - and also he decided to take the bow-tie that Clare had bought him - just in case he was expected to attend any formal gatherings - and his 'King Farouk' sunglasses.
"Look out of the window, Teddy.
The 'boat-thingy' has already arrived, and is tied up, waiting for us.", Ethan said, showing signs of getting over excited.
"Try and remember, Ethan - it's called a ذهبية - a dahabiyah.", Teddy replied.
"OK... but it's still a 'boat-thingy'...", Ethan insisted.
Zac had suggested, in private, that they should all gather in the entrance hall so that he could give everyone a 'pep-talk' about 'security', but Jim vetoed the idea, saying that they should leave the 'Winter Palace' as just a group of 'carefree foreign tourists' - if such a thing was possible in Egypt.
 |
| Dahabiya 'Hadeel' - 'Winter Palace' -Luxor Corniche- Egypt |
Zac, as usual, deferred to the decision of his 'Dominus', as he had always done.
And so the 'bellhops', all much younger than the 'old men' previously employed at the 'Winter Palace', busied themselves collecting the luggage that was being sent down in the elevators, and then carrying the numerous suitcases, crates of books and Jim's precious telescope, on board the 'Hadeel'.
Clare had been wrong about three limos accompanying their Dahabiyah - there were now four, to carry additional 'guests', including Clare, Novius and Brody - and later two more limos would accompany them, to accommodate Mr Stark, when he eventually arrived, and also some 'Athena Security Guards', who even then were observing the loading of the Hadeel from the Corniche.
"Funny, you know, I could swear that 'boat thingy' looks bigger than the last time I saw it.", Ethan said, as he sat Teddy on the balustrade of the main entrance to the 'Winter Palace'.
"Well that's probably because it is...", Jim, who had joined Ethan, said.
"I see...", Ethan said, suspiciously.
"Yes... I had the keel, although if doesn't actually have a keel as such, lengthened while were back in the US, to provide space for more cabins.", Jim explained.
"So - you had something it doesn't have made longer - so it's now a 'stretch-boat-thingy' - like most of your 'stretch-Cadillac-thingys' ?", Ethan said, half questioning.
"Yes, I suppose so, Ethan.", Jim replied, taking his 'cabin bag' from one of the 'bell-hops', and handing the boy a nice, fat tip.
"So, lets go down onto the Corniche, and be good hosts by greeting our guests...", Jim then suggested.
There was a general air of excitement, as there often is at the start of any long journey.
"Well, it's an excellent looking boat !", Novius said, as Jim introduced him to Captain Hossam.
Zac was standing, resplendent in his uniform, near the lower end of the main 'gang-plank', apparently checking that no one boarded who was not crew or passengers.
"So now, Jim, I feel that I am really on holiday...", Clare said, as she followed Novius.
"Well that's the general idea...", Ethan said with a cheeky grin - while Teddy said nothing.
"And how are you feeling about this trip, Ashraf...?", Jim asked, as the latest member of the group made his way up the gangway with his fancy new luggage.
"The last time was on a large boat on the Nile was a very long time ago...", Ashraf said nervously.
"I understand.", Jim replied.
"Well just take it easy.
You know you can always come to me if you find things getting difficult.", Jim added.
"Thank you, 'pasha'...", Ashraf replied.
"And what does 'anchors aweigh' actually mean ?", Ethan asked.
"It means raise the anchors - in other words -'let's go'...", Teddy replied.
"So why don't they say 'raise the anchors', and why in English, rather than Arabic. ?",
"Well, it's a traditional maritime expression, used the world over, by sailors.", Teddy answered, sounding slightly annoyed.
"Okey dokey...", Ethan muttered, as he took Teddy down to their cabin.
"...' hope there's some nice cushions down here - like before...", Teddy said softly, as they disappeared below decks.
And so, once everyone was aboard, and had been allocated their cabins, the 'Hadeel' cast off from the Corniche at Luxor, and moved slowly upstream towards the warm, inviting waters of the South.
Jim and Ethan didn't bother to spend any time down to their cabin - they'd seen it all before, so they went up to the very top deck, to chat to Captain Hossam.
As they looked over the scene, Ethan spotted Clare on the passenger deck.
"Let's go and have a quick word with Clare...", Ethan suggested.
They quickly made their way to the next deck down, where Clare was looking at the passing East Bank.
"So what do you think, Clare ? Jim asked.
"Well, the boat's really nice, and much bigger than I expected - but the view - it' so romantic - and the beautiful breeze...", Clare enthused.
"Well this is only the beginning...", Jim said.
"But what about the kittens, and Glaux ?
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| River Nile - East Bank from the Hadeel - near Luxor - Egypt |
Are they safe being on the boat.", Clare asked, realizing that they were apparently missing.
"Oh they're quite safe - we had them with us on the last trip, but now they have the gardens at the 'Winter Palace', they prefer to stay there - all together - and Josh is very good at looking after them."
"Oh... Well I will miss them.", Clare said, regretfully.
"Well, perhaps when we get to Aswan we can arrange for them to be brought down, as there are nice gardens at the Cataract Hotel, and also Kitchener's Island.", Jim suggested.
"So... you certainly know this place well...", Clare responded, admiringly and that made Jim feel good.
"And... what do we do now, Sir ?...", Brody asked, as he approached Jim.
"Well, once you're unpacked, and have got your cabin sorted out - you just laze around, and do very little.", Jim said.
"And what about going for a swim.", Brody asked.
"Not in the Nile, Brody, unless you like being very sick, and even being dead.
The water might look cool and refreshing, but it's full of bacteria.
 |
| Swimming in the Nile |
"And once we get to Aswan, and the 'Cataract Hotel', there's excellent outdoor and indoor swimming pools there - and also a very good gym.", Ethan added.
Once he heard about the pools and gym in Aswan, Brody looked more cheerful.
Jim then turned to Clare.
"So let me introduce you to the captain...", Jim then suggested.
"Well, later maybe, Jim.
At the moment just let me just sit here, and watch the East Bank slip by...", Clare said.
"And where are we stopping off this time...?, Ethan asked Jim, trying to sound casual.
"First Esna, to have the boat checked over.", Jim said.
"Why, what's wrong with it ? ... the boat I mean, not Esna.", Ethan asked, sounding alarmed.
"Well because of the alterations to the hull we need it to be checked out.
"Oh... I see.
So at any moment we might sink.", Ethan said - not entirely seriously.
"Now I don't think Captain Hossam would have set off with the boat filling with water, Ethan.", Jim countered.
"Yes - but I don't know much about boats.
I can only remember, very slightly, three trips by boat.
One from Piraeus to Brundisium.
Later one, with you, from Brundisium to Piraeus - and another, with you, back from Piraeus to Brundisium - and I didn't enjoy any of them.", Ethan explained.
"Yes, but they were trips on the sea - we are on a river, and if we did sink, which is highly unlikely - well we could swim to the river bank - so it's nothing to worry about.
"I do hope so...", Ethan replied - "but I think I'd better go down to our cabin and stay with Teddy.
If we do start sinking, I don't want him to be down there on his own.", Ethan added.
"Well it'll be lunch soon, so why not bring him up here - it's safer here - and then after lunch we can watch as we go through the lock at Esna. ", Jim suggested.
"Sounds good...", Ethan said, apparently getting over his fear of the boat sinking.
"OK - then I'll ask Hossam to get to lunch started, and once it's nearly ready, he can get the cabin crew to escort our guests to the Sun Deck.
It's such a nice day it would be good to eat on deck, and I want Clare, Novius, and the others who have not seen Esna before, to have a good view.", Jim said.
So Jim went up to the top deck to speak to Captain Hossam, while Ethan went below to reassure Teddy that they were not going to sink, and that it would be good for him to see Clare, and the others, over lunch.
 |
| Esna Locks - River Nile - Egypt |
Two barrage bridges straddle the Nile at Esna one built by the British in 1906, and the so called 'Electricity Bridge', built in the 1990s. Navigation, particularly Nile cruisers ferrying tourists from Luxor to Aswan 155 km further upstream, can be held up for some time while vessels negotiate their way through the lock system. Apart the locks, the two main points of interest in Esna are its lively tourist-oriented market, which fills a couple of streets leading inland from the corniche. The other is the 'Temple of Khnum'. The temple, which has only been partially excavated, is about 200 meters from the river and some 9 meters below street level.
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| Lunch on the 'Sundeck' of the Hadeel. |
In a very short time the 'Sun Deck' had been transformed into a very pleasant open-air dining room, and all the 'guests were gathering for lunch.
Jim, Ethan, Teddy and Clare occupied one table, as Jim wanted Teddy to give Clare some information about Esna.
The others sat at various nearby tables, and were welcome to listen in to Teddy's little talk, even although they may have visited Esna on the previous trip to Egypt.
For most of the lunch the 'Hadeel' would be waiting its turn to pas through the lock system. but then later they would 'moor' at the Esna Corniche, and make their way through Esna town to the 'souk', and the Temple of Khnum.
Khnum as a Sphinx As Teddy would explain to Clare later, Khnum, (Koinē Greek: Χνοῦβις) was one of the earliest-known Egyptian deities, originally the god of the source of the Nile. Since the annual flooding of the Nile brought with it silt and clay, and its water brought life to its surroundings, he was thought to be the creator of the bodies of human children, which he made at a potter's wheel, from clay, and placed in their mothers' wombs. He was later described as having moulded the other deities, and he had the titles 'Divine Potter' and 'Lord of Created Things'. In art, Khnum was usually depicted as a ram-headed man at a potter's wheel, with recently created children's bodies standing on the wheel. He was also shown holding a jar from which flowed a stream of water representing the Nile.
Now if you either haven't read the account of the previous visit to Esna, or have read, it but have forgotten what Teddy said about Esna, or what happened there, then follow the link below:
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| Lunch on the Sundeck - 'Hadeel |
The crew of the 'Hadeel' had been together for a long time, and worked well as a 'team', and even although Jim was now the owner, he still needed to respect the feelings of the crew, if he wanted to keep them.
"So Clare, you've seen a little of Esna from the boat - what do you think ?", Jim asked, as the main course of their meal was brought to them.
"Well... it's not as tranquil, or as romantic as the West Bank was, as we left Luxor.", Clare said.
"True, but that's because Esna is a busy market town, with lots of farming, weaving, and boat-building.
It's not a 'tourist town' like Luxor.
The only places for tourists to visit is the Temple, and the tourist 'souk' - so it's not a place to look for a nice hotel, or have a 'fancy meal'.
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| The Corniche at Esna - Egypt |
"So, it's a bit of a 'Cinderella town'.", Clare said.
"Right ! Now you're getting the idea.", Ethan said, enthusiastically.
And by that time they had left the locks, and were seeking a berth on the Corniche.
"So why don't you and Teddy take me to the Temple here ?", Clare asked Ethan.
"Well yes, but would it be OK if we brought along Brody and 'Sigi', as they didn't visit Esna before ?", Ethan asked.
"Why, of course - and I'll feel safer with all of you with me.", Clare added.
Moments later Ethan had a word with Brody and 'Sigi', and collected Teddy's visual aids from Jim's cabin.
"Jim then explained to Captain Hossam about Clare's trip, and also mentioned the matter to Zac so that he could arrange for a couple of plain clothes security people to follow Clare and the 'boys' in a second limo, and then watch out for them in the town.
Meanwhile Clare went down to her cabin to change, despite the fact that she had already dressed beautifully for lunch.
Ethan and Teddy, followed by Clare, Brody and 'Sigi', then left the 'Hadeel', and settled themselves in the limos.
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| Mercedes Maybach Pullman - Egypt |
"So, Ethan - this is a different kind
of limo...", Clare commented.
"Yes - it's German.
bomb-proof and bullet proof, and very expensive.", Ethan explained.
"Now that's got me worried... why do we need a bomb-proof and bullet proof limo ?", Clare asked.
"Well according to Teddy, Egypt can be a dangerous place...", Ethan replied ominously.
"Yes - I'm beginning to understand that now.", Clare said, taking care not to make any further remarks regarding the subject.
"And it's certainly roomy and comfortable inside", Ethan added.
"Yes - and it even smells brand new.", Clare said.
"Well, would you expect Mr Johnson to buy a second hand auto ?", Brody asked.
"No, Brody - not really.", Clare replied.
"So where is this temple ?", Brody asked.
"It's right in the middle of the town, in a big hole..." Ethan replied.
"Are you being serious, Ethan... 'in a big hole' ?", Clare asked.
"Ethan's being quite serious, for once - so I hope you don't mind steps, and are not frightened of heights.", Teddy said.
"And now, if you don't mind, Clare, I would like to do some explaining.", Teddy began in his best 'tour-guide voice
"Well, alright Teddy, but don't make it too complicated - remember, I am on holiday.", Clare replied.
Teddy gave Clare a look, as if to say - 'of course I won't make it complicated', and then began, while Brody gazed distractedly out of one of the few tinted windows that was not covered by a blind.
"So... it goes like this.
 |
| Ptolemaic Eagle |
A short time later 'Alexander the Great' died in Babylon, and one of his generals, called Ptolemy took over Egypt, and he, and his descendants ruled Egypt as Pharaohs.
Now although they were Greek, they followed the Egyptian religion and way of life, and rebuilt many of the great temple situated along the banks of the Nile.
Such temples are described as 'Ptolemaic', because they were built by Ptolemy I, or his descendants, one of whom was the famous Queen Cleopatra.
Now hopefully you will have noticed that Teddy has simplified this account, as he is aware that Clare will not really be interested in all the complicated historical details. In that way Teddy can be a very a very considerate and thoughtful bear - at times.
Clare didn't find the souk at Esna very interesting.
It was mainly aimed at tourists passing through, and the variety and quality of the good was quite poor.
 |
| Steps leading down to the Temple of Khnum - Esna |
But then they came upon the Temple of Khnum...
"Well... you weren't joking when you said it was in a hole in the middle of the town with lots of steps !", Clare exclaimed nervously.
"I always try to be correct when I give information...", Teddy said - somewhat boastfully.
"Actually the 'hole', as you put it, is nine meters deep to be precise.
In fact only a quarter of the original building is actually visible, and much of the temple now lies below street level - and perhaps one day will be further excavated.", Teddy explained.
"That's because it was buried in Nile mud for many centuries...", Teddy said.
"Mm...Looks a bit messy.", Clare said, obviously not very impressed.
"Well Ethan here has got some plans of the temple, but there's no need to go inside if you're not very interested.", Teddy said, trying not to sound disappointed.
"Well I'll have a quick look.
I've got a guide book I bought in Luxor, and I'll borrow one of those plans you mentioned - that's if you and Brody and Clare don't mind waiting.", 'Sigi' said.
"No problem.
We'll sit on the steps for a few moments and then make our way back to the limos.", Clare said.
"But don't be too long...", Brody called after 'Sigi'.
So 'Sigi' walked around the rather gloomy interior of the Temple of Khnum.
With the benefit of Teddy's beautiful plan, and the wealth of information in his guide book he began to get some idea of the strange combination of very ancient Egyptian forms and the beauty of the sophisticated Grecian craftsmanship.
The temple at Esna, like so many Temples and tombs in Egypt with dark chambers and corridors, was mainly lit bey long fluorescent lights situated (for some reason) at ground level.
Such a positioning gives a very unnatural lighting effect, particularly as most Egyptian temples were illuminate by 'clerestory windows' or openings in the roof.
In architecture, a clerestory is a high section of wall that contains windows above eye level. The purpose is to admit light, fresh air, or both. In Egyptian temples, the lighting of halls of columns and other areas was obtained slits pierced in vertical slabs of stone. Clerestory appeared in Egypt at least as early as the Amarna period.
"You seem to be studying the columns very carefully
Do you have a particular interest in ancient Egyptian architecture ?"
It was a male voice - 'Sigi' thought the man might be English - but whoever spoke the words was hidden by the shadows of the columns.
'Sigi' peered into the darkness, trying to identify the figure who had spoken to him.
"No... not really an interest, but I just happen to have a guide book with me, and was just checking what it said.", 'Sigi replied, trying to sound casual.
"Oh... that's good." - and the figure stepped out into the rather unnatural neon light.
'Sigi' instantly got a very creepy feeling about the man who emerged from the shadows.
"That's strange... you look familiar.", 'Sigi' said.
"Well yes...
I have been on TV, and my pictures been on a few books I've written - so that's maybe where you've seen me.", the man replied.
"I see - quite a well-known guy - but I'm afraid I can't put a name to the face..."Sigi' said.
'Sigi' had a good idea who the man was, as Zac, after the 'question and answer session' at the Winter Palace, had given out photos of some of the individuals that they might come across during their time in Egypt - individuals they should report to Zac and security.
"The name's Graham - and yours.", the man asked.
"Oh, I'm Kurt - giving the man a false, but German sounding name, so there would be no problems with his accent.
Then came the inevitable question.
"Have you been to Egypt before, Kurt ?"
"Yes... just once , but only for a short time", 'Sigi' replied.
"And you ?"
"Yes... I come here quite often.
I lead groups of tourists on cruises up and down the Nile.". Graham replied.
"Well I must be getting back to my friends.
I'm also on a cruise - but it's a private one.
I know someone who has a dahabiyah, and he sometime takes a group of his friends on a cruise on the Nile - and this time he has invited me.", 'Sigi' explained.
'Sigi' was not too sure how much information he should give out, but he was pretty sure that Jim would like to keep track of this guy Graham.
"That sounds great.
Let's hope we meet up again."
And with that they made their way out of the temple.
When the arrived at the Temple portico, there was no sign of Ethan, Teddy, Clare and Brody.
"So what's happened to your friends ?", Graham asked.
"Oh, they'll be waiting by the souk.", 'Sigi replied.
But of course they weren't waiting in the sun - they were sitting in air-conditioned comfort.
Graham immediately caught sight of the two huge Mercedes, and the chauffeur who opened the door as soon as he saw 'Sigi'.
"That's your car ?", Graham asked - obviously very impressed and interested.
"No, not mine... They belong to the guy who invited me on the cruise.".
Before 'Sigi' got in the Mercedes, Graham had a few final words with 'Sigi'.
"So where is this Dahabyia of yours heading for next."
"Well we're heading for Edfu next - but I'm not sure when we'll arrive.
Maybe tomorrow or the day after.", 'Sigi' said.
"That sounds good - so I might see you there...", Graham said.
The one thing that Graham didn't seem to notice was Teddy (SEBF) - or the fact that Teddy was taking photos of him with his right eye, (which was also a hi-resolution camera).
 |
| 'Hadeel' Moored at Esna |
But there were also questions in the Pullman...
"So who was that gentleman who was talking to you...
he looked like a tourist ?", Clare asked.
"I'm not sure, Clare, But I need to speak to Zac and Teddy before I say anything...", 'Sigi' replied.
"OK...I understand - or at least I think I do...", Clare said.
And nothing else was said as they made their way back to the Hadeel, although everyone on the limo seemed a little uneasy.
Once they were back on the Hadeel, Ethan, Teddy and 'Sigi' went up to the top deck, and Ethan contacted Zac on his 'cell-phone'.
"Better come up to the top deck, Zac...
I think we had a 'contact' while we were in Esna". Ethan said in his best imitation of a 'secret policemen'.
"So... what's the story ?", Zac asked on his arrival.
"Well I was having a look round the temple at Esna - on my own - and this guy - I think he was English - started talking to me.", 'Sigi began.
"Now what I did tell you last night ?", Zac began.
"OK... I know... but Ethan was with us, but stayed in the limo, but I thought it was quite safe.", Sigi tried to explain.
"Thanks a bundle...
Now Zac's going to tell me off...", Ethan said angrily.
"No - I'm not Ethan, but we must be careful - all of us.", Zac said, trying to calm things down.
"So do you know who he was ?", Zac asked.
"I do...", Teddy said quietly.
'Sigi' ignored Teddy's remark.
"He said his name was Graham....
'seemed quite nice , but asked a lot of questions.", 'Sigi' said.
"So what do you know, Teddy ?", Zac then asked.
"The man's name is Graham Hancock.
I took a number of photos of him, without him realizing, and he matched up on my data-base with Graham Hancock - Graham Bruce Hancock in fact - 2nd August 1950, journalist and author, currently living in England.
"Well, he's just a harmless old man... what's the problem ? ", Brody who had come up onto the top deck said.
Meanwhile, Clare, not wanting to get mixed up in any further problems, had gone to her cabin.
"Did you give him any 'sensitive' information ?". Zac asked.
"Well yes, I suppose so.
I let slip that we would be stopping of at Edfu next - an he said he might see us there...", 'Sigi' admitted.
"Right... well we don't know if this Hancock has any hostile intentions, or agenda, but we need to be alert.
Equally he might be quite innocent, but may be being used by others.", Zac suggested.
"So what should we do ?", Ethan said.
"Well, we'll go to Edfu, but before we arrive, I'll send two operatives to scout out the town and the temple, and see if there's anyone else in the area who may be involved in any suspicious activities.
And you, 'Sigi', go nowhere onshore without Ethan or Brody with you.", Zac said.
"And why me and Brody ?", Ethan asked.
"Because you are the two that Hancock has seen already seen you with.", Zac replied.
"Okey dokey...", Ethan said - but Brody didn't look too happy about getting involved in another 'scheme' - even although he had not been asked to do anything specific.
"So, I'm going to have a word with Jim about this - but remember - not a word to anyone else.
Just have an evening meal, and relax on the 'sundeck' - and behave completely normally.
 |
| 'Hadeel' - Dining Area |
Teddy had himself strategically sat on the table between Ethan and Clare, with 'Sigi' and Brody sitting opposite.
"So.... What about the temple at Esna ?", Teddy asked, trying to sound 'bright' an innocent.
"I think I could have liked it more if it had not been in a dark hole in the ground, and had been less muddy." Clare explained.
"Quite right !", Brody concurred.
Ethan said nothing, but was worried that this evening conversation might not work out all that well.
"Well I told this Graham guy that we might be going to Edfu tomorrow.", 'Sigi' said, looking to the others for a possible reaction.
 |
| Edfu Temple - Upper Egypt - Watercolour - David Roberts |
'Sigi' said nothing.
"Nor have I... so what can you tell us, Teddy." Clare said.
"Good news... I think.
First, it's not in a hole in the ground.
It's a large temple, and it is extremely well preserved.
It is also an important temple, because of the 'Building Text's'." Teddy briefly explained.
"And what are the Building Texts, which you say are so important ?", Clare asked.
"Ah.... I know the answer to this one, because I was there before...", Ethan proudly stated.
"And ?", Brody asked.
 |
| Edfu Building Text |
"Well yes... I did know... but it's all very difficult to explain, so perhaps I should leave it to Teddy...", Ethan said apologetically.
"Ok - Well first, as a couple of you were not very impressed with Esna, perhaps it might be a good idea, before we go to Edfu tomorrow, for me to say jut a few things about what an ancient Egyptian temple is all about...", Teddy began - and by then they were on the last course of their evening meal.
 |
| The 'First Occurrence' |
The temples were pure and sacred places, where some humans - priests and the ruling class - could approach the neteru - the 'gods'.
And so it is very important to be clear about the character that the temples possessed - as single entities separated from the world.
This special character is acquired in the 'mythical' foundation of the original temples, because they are located in the lands that first emerged."
"And what has all this to do with the 'Building Texts' that you mentioned before ?", Clare asked.
"Well, it seems that the most important temples, like Edfu - located in the 'lands that first emerged' - had, carved on their walls, details of the original design and construction of those temples, which occurred at the beginning of the worlds - known as 'Zep Tepi' - the 'First Occurrence' - meaning, literally, the beginning of time.", Ethan said.
"Now that's interesting....", 'Sigi' muttered quietly.
"It is...", Teddy agreed.
"But I think it might be best if we left our discussion of Edfu, Horus, and the 'Building Texts' until tomorrow, when we visit the temple - but I'm sure, Clare, that you will be most impressed.", Teddy said confidentially.
In this case it was well away from the busy Corniche.
Clare, wanting to be well rested for the exploration of Edfu in the morning, went to her cabin quite early.
Brody decided to take a late night dip in the large hot jacuzzi on the sun-deck, and was joined by Max..
Ethan, Teddy and 'Sigi', on the other had, were inclined to take a stroll on the top-deck where the wheel-house was situated.
As was often the case the sky was cloudless, and studded with stars, and the air was warm, with only a trace of a slight breeze.
By the 'wheel-house' they found Jim chatting to Captain Hossam.
Jim quickly wound up his conversation with the Captain - which had been about arangements for the following day, and turned to Ethan.
"So how did it go at the temple ?", Jim asked Ethan, as if he didn't know.
"Oh good - although Clare seemed a bit disappointed.
I don't think she expected the temple to be so small, and stuck in a deep hole in the middle of the town - but 'Sigi' had a good look round.", Ethan replied, trying to sound casual.
At that point Faunus, with Glaux fluttering on his shoulder, suddenly appeared on the steps leading up to the top deck - (as usual, from where Faunus had appeared no one knew).
"Hi Faunus...
Is Glaux OK ?", Ethan asked.
"Oh yes... he always gets a bit excited when he's near the water.", Faunus replied.
 |
| Hawk God of Edfu |
"So what brings you here ?", Jim asked.
"Why Edfu, of course - Ἀπόλλωνος πόλις ", Faunus replied, reverting to the Greek
"Now you be careful... we don't want you to be giving too much away...", Ethan said.
"So what's that all about ?", 'Sigi' asked - ever curious.
"Ἀπόλλωνος - Apollon in Latin, and Apollo in English.", Ethan explained.
"Yes, the Greeks and Romans associated Horus, the Hawk God of Edfu, with Apollo.", Teddy said.
"And why is that significant ?" 'Sigi' asked.
"Ask 'Jim' here.", Ethan said.
"Yes, well we'll deal with that tomorrow I think, after we have looked at the Temple.", Jim said, sounding a little annoyed.
"Well yes - why not ?", 'Sigi replied, sounding embarrassed.
"Any way, I think I'll turn in...",'Sigi' said, as he quietly took the steps down to the lower deck.
"Yes... I think I'll come with you." Faunus said.
Jim nodded to Faunus and Glaux, as they followed 'Sigi'.
"Is everything alright ?", Ethan asked Jim.
"Oh yes...
It' just that I'd forgotten about the connection between Horus and Apollo...", Jim said.
"Oh...", Ethan said, not realizing that there was a connection.
At that moment Novius came up onto the top deck in order to take the evening air.
"Good evening Marcus... Aurarius...
 |
| The Nile at Night |
It's a beautiful night." Novius said reflectively.
"It is indeed...", Ethan replied.
"Marcus, I would like to speak to you about something important....", Novius began, hesitantly.
"Well of course Novius - always, you don't have to ask.", Marcus (Jim) replied quietly.
"Well, I'd better be getting back to our cabin...", Ethan mumbled.
"Now, Aurarius...
You mustn't behave like a 'little boy' every time 'adults' want to talk.
You're not a little boy anymore - you've seen so much, and these days you take on a lot of responsibility, and anyway, I know Marcus will share what ever I say to you later - so stay.
"Thanks Novius...", Ethan replied awkwardly.
There was a pause, while Novius surveyed the sky.
"Last night I had a dream...
You both know, of course, that back in that other life that we shared I was an augur - but that, of course was before you, Marcus, and Aurarius came to us - so when I say we, I mean of course myself and Gracchus.
In those days dreams were looked upon as being very significant, but now things have changed.
If people no longer believe in the gods, then how can they believe that the gods communicate with us in the privacy of our sleep and our dreams.
Now most of my dreams - being the dreams of an old man, are about the past, when I was young, but the strange thing about this dream, that I had last night, was the fact that it was about Egypt - and you know that I have never visited Egypt before - and also it was about Edfu, where we are going tomorrow.
Now I know about Edfu - I have studied the Temple and the 'Building Texts' - but I have never been to Edfu, and yet the dream was so real.
"Well, if I may interrupt you, perhaps we could go down to the sun deck, and take a seat and have some 'shai'...", Marcus (Jim) suggested.
So they made their way down to the sundeck and ordered 'shai'.
"So...the dream, Novius ?", Ethan asked encouragingly.
"Well, I was standing in the sanctuary of the temple, in front of the sacred barque.
There a young priest approached me , and showed me a scroll of papyrus - written in Greek.
 |
| Barque-Shrine of Horus at Edfu |
Now as soon as I woke up, I wrote down what I could remember - and this is what he said - and Novius took out a leather bound note-book.
'I am the He that giveth
knowledge and delight, and bright
glory,
Now let it be first understood that I
am a god of Vengeance.
I shall deal harshly with those who oppose me,
for I am 'Victory'.
Light is mine; its rays illuminate all
I am of Thebes, of Montu,
I am the Hawk-Headed Lord
I am Silence and Strength -
And my Nemes
is the shroud of the night-blue sky.
And my servant - the beloved of Apollon -
shall bear the title 'Vicit'...'
 |
| Horus of Edfu |
"Wowy !", Ethan whispered.
"Anyway... that's enough of an old man's dreams...
make of it what you will, Marcus - ", Novius concluded trying to sound offhand and inconsequential..."
I'll see you two tomorrow, at breakfast...", Novius continued, as he rose from his seat, and made his way down to the cabin-deck.
"So... What do you two make of that ?", Ethan asked, once Novius had gone down to the lower deck.
"I'm not sure - but let's go down to the cabin and think about it.", Jim suggested.
Once they were back in their cabin, Teddy started to type out on his bright blue laptop what Novius had said.
"Now how can you remember exactly what Novius said ?", Ethan asked.
"I recorded it, of course.", Teddy replied.
"OK - so where's the microphone ?", Ethan asked, trying to be clever.
"In my ears - stereo you know - just like you humans...", Teddy responded, without interrupting his typing.
"...' should have known... ", Ethan said to Jim, with a shrug.
"So... there !", Teddy said, proudly showing Jim the laptop screen.
 |
| Pyramid - Armant |
 |
| Temple of Montu - Armant |
"So what's it all mean ?".
Jim read through the text carefully.
"Well - I recognise 'Thebes', which is now Luxor - of course - and 'Montu', which is a temple at Karnak...", Jim began.
"But also at Armant.", Teddy pointed out.
"Which has a temple to Montu, and is also where we found the 'pyramid'.", Ethan added.
"And what's this 'Nemes-thingy' ?", Ethan asked.
 |
| Nemes - Coffin of Tutankhamun |
"Mm... very poetic.", Ethan commented.
"Well, should we go through it, slowly, and try to work out what it's saying?", Jim said.
"Maybe... but should we tell the others ?", Ethan asked.
"No...
Novius came up the the top deck to tell us privately, so I think at least we should have his permission before we talk to anyone else about it.", Jim said.
"Right !
So what do you make of it, Teddy ?", Ethan asked.
 |
| Phoebus Apollo |
Horus was believed by the ancient Egyptians to be the god of war, and the sky, and was married to the goddess Hathor.
However, he was also associated with the sun, and so, in Ptolemaic and Roman times, he was identified with Apollo - being given the title 'Phoebus' - meaning bright like the sun.
As 'god of war', Horus was associated with Montu - the Theban 'war-god'.
I think 'the beloved of Apollon' - 'Dilectus a Apollo' probably refers to Marcus - and because you both speak and understand Latin - you will know that 'Vicit' means 'Victorious', so in a way it could be seen as a prophecy.
Now it could be just wishful thinking on Novius' part - or it may be a genuine 'message'.", Teddy concluded.
"Yes...
All very well, but let's just get to bed, and see what tomorrow brings...", Jim advised.
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Turning and turning in the widening gyre
The hawk cannot hear the falconer
Surely some revelation is at hand;
Hardly are those words out
When a vast image out of 'the Spiritus Mundi'
Troubles my sight: somewhere in the sands of the desert
A shape with a lion body, and the head of a man
A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun
Is moving slowly, while all about it
Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.
The darkness drops again; but now I know
That twenty centuries of stony sleep
Were vexed to waking by a rocking cradle'
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All text - © Copyright Peter Crawford 2021
All Images - © Copyright Vittorio Carvelli 2021
Graphic Design - © Copyright Zac Sawyer 202