"I agree." Kalugal's eyes gleamed with the thrill of the hunt. "The figurines are our breadcrumbs to finding Esag. That Egyptian artisan had an original to copy from. Where did he get it? Who sold it to him or commissioned the copy?"
"The trail is very old," Max said. "But I trust the Fates to show us the way."
"Where do we start?" Syssi asked. "Egypt is a large country, and figurines are sold everywhere. Only now, most of them are made in China."
Jacki chuckled. "That's why an original like this one stood out." She waved her hand at the figurine. "There won't be many of those around, and we can hire locals to scout for them. Once more are found, we can focus the search there."
"We'll need to be subtle," Brandon cautioned. "The political situation in Egypt is volatile, and the Brotherhood's influence there grows stronger by the day. We can't afford to attract the wrong kind of attention to our efforts."
"Don't worry about it," Kalugal said. "I have the perfect cover for searching for artifacts. Professor Gunter is well known in archeological circles." He cast a glance at Din. "What do you think? Would you like to sink your teeth into this project?"
"I would love to." Din glanced at Annani. "Finding Khiann is more important than the Holy Grail, even if I can't boast about it to any of my colleagues."
"Jacki and I can return to Egypt and help with the search as well," Kalugal said. "I have plenty of local contacts that I can deploy." Kalugal's gaze swept over Fenella, Kyra, and Jasmine. "Perhaps our three talented ladies would consider joining the expedition? If we find Esag, or even just more of his work, the immediate availability of their combined abilities could prove invaluable."
Fenella looked uncomfortable at the suggestion. "I've just started a job at the Hobbit Bar. I don't want to lose it."
Annani had a feeling that it was more about leaving the safety of the village than the new job.
"I am sure Atzil will hold the position open for you," she said. "And you will not be traveling alone. You will be well protected at all times."
Kyra reached for Fenella's hand, but her eyes were on Annani. "I'm not keen on leaving my sisters alone in the village while I go exploring in Egypt, but this is important to the Clan Mother, and we owe you more than I can put into words. You are theonly reason we have a civilization at all. Without you, we would all still be living in the Dark Ages." She shivered. "Women would have been treated everywhere as they are treated in Afghanistan. As less than human, caged and abused."
Fenella's back straightened. "Fifty years ago, I would have dismissed what you've just said as a crazy conspiracy theory, but I know better now." She turned to Annani, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I know now that we owe it all to you, and I also know that we need to unite behind you and help you hold back the tsunami of hate."
Annani swallowed. "Thank you, child. I appreciate your confidence in me, and I hope that I will live up to your expectations, but some tidal waves might be too powerful even for me. Good does not always triumph over evil."
"Evil will not win on my watch," Fenella said with so much conviction that Annani was tempted to believe her. "Maybe finding your Khiann will be just the thing we need to reverse the trend."
It was a beautiful sentiment, but Khiann was only her salvation, not the entire world's.
He had not been a particularly powerful god, and since he had spent the last five thousand years in stasis, he had not grown in power during that time. If Annani were incredibly lucky, he would be found exactly the same as when he had been lost.
Kian looked at her with understanding in his eyes. "Let's find him first and then fight to save the world."
She nodded. "My heart tells me that we must not delay. If Esag is out there, and if he has knowledge of what became of Khiann..."She couldn't finish the sentence, couldn't voice the hope that threatened to overwhelm her.
"There is no reason to delay," Kian promised. "We just need a few days to organize things."
"I have a few business meetings I can't postpone," Kalugal said, "But in the meantime, I'll have my people begin searching for genuine artifacts. We might be able to narrow down our search area before we even leave."
Annani looked around the room at these people—her family by blood and by choice—and felt a swell of emotion that threatened to spill over as tears. For five thousand years, she had believed Khiann was lost to her forever. Now, for the first time, she had more than just vague hope. She had a trail to follow, breadcrumbs left by an old friend who had mourned his people in the only way he knew how.
"Thank you," she said. "Whatever comes of this search, know that your efforts are greatly appreciated."
