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"And this Henry Stratford knows my secret," Ramses said. "The tale he told was true. For when he tried by the same means to take the life of his cousin, I came out of the coffin to prevent it. Oh, if only I had had my full strength, I would have finished it, there and then. I should have embalmed him myself and wrapped him up and put him in the painted coffin for all the world to see as Ramses."
Samir smiled bitterly. "A just reward," he said under his breath. He felt the tears on his face, but there was none of the relief that tears should bring. "And what will you do now, sire?"
"Kill him, of course. For Julie's sake and for my sake. There is no other possibility."
"You wait for the opportunity?"
"I wait for permission. Julie Stratford has the delicate conscience of one unused to bloodshed. She loves her uncle; she shrinks from violence. And I understand her reasoning, but I grow impatient. And angry. I want this Henry to threaten us no more."
"And what of me? I too know your secret now, sire. Will you kill me to protect it?"
Ramses stopped in his tracks. "I don't ask kindnesses of those I mean to harm. But tell me. On your honour, who else knows the truth?"
"Lord Rutherford, the father of the young man who courts Julie...."
"Ah, the one called Alex, with the gentle eyes."
"Yes, sire. The father is a man to be reckoned with. He suspects. More significantly, he may believe, more earnestly even than young Stratford."
"This knowledge is poison! As deadly as the poisons in my tomb. First there will be fascination, then greed, and finally desperation."
They had reached the side door. The rain was coming down. Samir could see it through the thick glass, though he could not hear it.
"Tell me why this knowledge isn't poison to you," Ramses asked.
"I don't wish to live forever, sire."
Silence.
"I know. I can see this. But in my heart of hearts, I don't understand it."
"Strange, sire, that I must give you explanations. You who must know things I shall never know."
"I shall be grateful for the explanation."
"I have found it hard enough to live this long as it is. I loved my friend. I fear for his daughter. I fear for you. I fear to acquire knowledge which I cannot use to any moral purpose."
Again there was a pause.
"You're a wise man," Ramses said. "But don't fear for Julie. I will protect Julie, even from myself."
"Take my advice and leave here. There are wild rumours. And the empty coffin, it will be discovered. But if you are gone, all this will die away. It has to die away. The rational mind cannot have it otherwise."
"Yes. I will go. I must see Egypt again. I must see the modern city of Alexandria covering the palaces and streets I knew. I must see Egypt again merely to be done with it, and go on to the modern world. But when, that is the question."
"You'll need papers to travel, sire. In this age, one cannot be a man without an identity. I can obtain those papers for you."
Ramses considered. Then: "Tell me where I can find Henry Stratford."
"I don't know that, sire. I might kill him myself now, if I did. He lodges with his father when he chooses. He keeps a mistress as well. I urge you to leave England now, and let this revenge wait for a proper moment. Let me get you the documents you need."
Ramses nodded, but this was not a nod of agreement. He was merely acknowledging the generosity of the advice, Samir knew that.
"How do I reward your loyalty, Samir?" he asked. "What do you want that I can give?"
"To be near you, sire. To know you. To hear now and then the smallest part of your wisdom. You have eclipsed the mysteries I loved. You are the mystery now. But I ask nothing, really, except that for your own safety you go. And that you protect Julie Stratford."
Ramses smiled approvingly.
