In reply to The Keeper (msg # 216):

Molly couldn't control her gasp and put her hand to her mouth, trying not to interrupt.  She remembered what had been said about the Girdle.

In reply to Molly 'Mungo' Fuller (msg # 217):

The younger imam looked at the group, then at the older imams.

"The ulama have other things to do and talking about this upsets them, somehow. If you have nothing to add, then we are done here, yes?"

In reply to The Imam (msg # 218):

"Please express my sincere well wishes to them.  I have heard of what they guard and I am sure it is not an easy task they do.  They have my thanks for doing it."

Molly smiled and bowed low to them as she spoke. It was at times like this that she wished she could speak their language but on the other hand they might have objected to such direct statements coming from a woman.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 216):

"Were you able to discern who the thieves were working for and why they wanted the object you protect ?" The Count clasped his hands behind his back as he waited for the reply.

Cynthia will wait until the Count gets his response before putting in her own questions.

"The girdle, you are certain it is still secure? What happened to the thieves? Do you know anything of the Carlyle expedition, or the disappeared sarcophagus?"

The translating imam consulted with the ulama.

"These thieves... they were in the employ of a wealthy businessman. Someone above the law of the state, if not the law of God. That is all I will say."

This individual fit the bill for being a lot like Omar Shakti, wealthy businessman and head of the Brotherhood of the Black Pharaoh.

"We are certain the girdle is quite safe. Have no worry. The thieves have not come. When they do, we will be ready for them. We have heard the Carlyle expedition were all killed. If so, perhaps this was God's justice, as they were accused of many cruel acts. We believe the sarcophagus held the mummy of Queen Nitocris, if not now then at one time."

"Why is it that the girdle is kept? Would it not be better to destroy such a foul object?

"How could the sarcophagus have been moved? And for what purpose?

"Do you know anything of the Clive expedition? Is it safe to contact them?"

JM shakes his head at the mention of the girdle.  He looks a bit dubious at the confidence of the imams to guard the cursed relic but keeps his peace.  "The entire sarcophagus was removed without any signs of effort.  It was as if some evil force moved it whole.  Some evil seemed to linger in the place."

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 223):

The imam scowled.

"We heard of the theft from workers there. It was moved by some evil blasphemous sorcery, no doubt.

"I cannot say if you will be welcomed at the Clive expedition. We do not maintain contact with the Europeans that command it. If I were you, I would talk to the head of Egyptology at the Cairo Museum, Dr. Khafour. He would know all about them, and he is a respected and pious man who prays often here."

Having actually met the scholar in question the group could of course form their own opinions on him.

"We have prayed many times on what to do about this accursed artefact. So far, God has refused to give guidance. Perhaps this is a message in and of itself? Until we receive a sign from God we will keep it safe the best we may."

JM shuddered a bit at the memory of the tomb.  "Allah preserve but I felt the workings of evil in that empty tomb.  I hope that He might guide and protect you in his beneficence as you guard these terrible things from those that would work great evil."

He considered their advice and looked to the others. "I could go myself and speak again to Dr. Khafour on this topic.  He was civil to me at the end during our last talk."

"Perhaps that would be wise, Mr. Falcon.

"This wealthy man who hired the thieves, do you believe he may have reach outside of Egypt? Is there nothing that can be done to act against him directly?

"We believe the tomb was stolen, and the girdle sought, for some sort of necromantic ritual. A demon summoning, or returning a corpse to life. I don't know if I should believe it, but I do know that wicked magic is a true threat, to the faithful and the wicked both. Please, is there any guidance you might lend us on how to protect ourselves from this, or to prevent it? Or perhaps where or when such an act might be attempted?"

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 227):

"We do not know of the reach of this person. He has much wealth and many acolytes. Surely, he and his wicked cultists have spread far if they are able to thrive here in the heart of the Islamic world? We have complained to the British and Egyptian authorities many times but they merely laugh this off as mere mumbo-jumbo."

Typically, people would think that the Kingdom of Sau'd was the heart of the Islamic world, as the holy sites of Mecca and Medina lay there. But Egypt also lay claim to that title due to its long and deep history of Islamic scholarship and other holy sites.

"As for how to protect yourself, I urge you to embrace the one True Faith of God and the teachings of His prophet, Mohammed, a thousand blessings be upon his name. There is no God but God, and Mohammed is his prophet."

"While not to disparage God and His great works, we have seen many of the faithful already brought low. I am not yet married, and not prepared to meet paradise yet. I would ask that you pray for us, that God may take notice of us and bless our mission."

"I know this may be overstepping bounds, but... would it be possible for us to see the girdle? I do not care to touch it, but I am hoping by seeing it, we may better understand our foe and the trap he lays for us."

The Count waited for a reply as to the "viewing" while he was somewhat sceptical that the object was "magical" he never turned down a chance to see an historical object held in reverence.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 229):

While the Imam never actually said the item was "magical", it was clear it was held in great esteem. They conferred for a while.

"Yes. We will allow scholars such as yourselves to view the girdle of Nitocris. Be warned it is of great evil. It is stored in a safe plafce indeed."

He got up to lead the group.

"This way."

Cynthia is frankly quite surprised they'd permit them to see it. But indeed, never turning down the opportunity to see either ancient magic, or expensive fashion, she falls in with the group to see.

In reply to Cynthia Jane Holloway (msg # 232):

The Count gestures forward with his hand "After you Ms Holloway." He then follows along after the Imam. The Count takes in the surroundings of the building as they walk along looking for any interesting architectural features.

Amazed to see the Imam grant them access to such a rare and nefarious artifact of Egypt's dark and mysterious history, the Professor follows the others.

In reply to Prof. Ralph T. Fulty (msg # 234):

Molly was unsure if she was happy to go see the girdle or not but Mungo wanted to go see it so she found herself following Professor Fulty and the others.

Part of it was good that Mungo was happy to go see such an artifact as well as to see how well it was guarded.  Molly did think it would be interesting but she'd have been happy to see it from the behind an Iman and just peeking through her fingers.  Somehow she didn't think that Mungo would go for that.

Mr Perkins his bowler hat in hand follows the others to see this belt. He would usually be quite sceptical of such things, but now it probably held some power. Given that they are somewhat on their own in Egypt it is always good to make friends.

JM considered what he would say to Dr. Khafour as the others spoke.  He looked back at the conversation when mention was made of seeing the girdle.  A quick look of surprise came over his face and then he followed after the others.  "After you miss Mungo..."

They are brought to the office of the highest-ranking cleric at the mosque, Imam Achmed Zehavi.

The younger Imam acting as their interpreter left, after pouring yet another round of tea.

In reply to The Keeper (msg # 238):

The old cleric spoke with the other Imam for a short time, then dismissed him. He only spoke Arabic, forcing JM or Ralph to translate.

"You wish to see the Girdle of Nitocris. I am not sure this is a wise idea.

"We know why the infidels wish to have it. But they will not.

"My colleague says you are to be trusted with this knowledge as well. Heed my words: if the Brotherhood infidels can obtain the girdle much sorrow will be visited upon the land, and the world.

"Do not worry yourselves. The Girdle is well-protected by the lives and faith of the holiest among us here at the mosque."

JM trailed after the others.  When they reached the office he bowed respectfully and offered his politest greetings.  As the conversation started JM translated such as he could, turning to Ralph for help with certain phrases.

"Your pardon excellency, for what blasphemy do the infidels wish to use the girdle?"

In reply to John-Marc Falcon (msg # 240):

"Allah preserve us! With the Girdle the infidels can resurrect the bride of the Black pharaoh, Queen Nitocris."

He closed his eyes and shook his head.