Chapter 3

As he'd promised his friend, Theodore Roosevelt hurried towards the pharaoh's exhibit as soon as he himself came to life. He could already hear the shouts and rattles emanating from the tomb. Quickly, Teddy undid the screws-and ducked when the lid went flying.

The 'mummy' sat up swiftly, only partially wrapped this time-you could see his face clearly. Admittedly, Teddy had expected to meet a desiccated corpse. What he did not expect was a handsome young man staring back at him, very much alive. He climbed out without any assistance and stood there, calmly staring at the former president. He seemed to be expecting him to speak first.

Remembering his manners, Teddy went up to him and held out his hand in greeting. "Hello. Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of these United States." He realized his error when the pharaoh stared uncertainly at the extended hand. "This is called a handshake. I offer you my hand, you put yours in mine, and we shake them together. Care to try?" Ahkmenrah hesitated before following Teddy's instructions, releasing his grip as soon as possible.

"I am Ahkmenrah, Fourth King of the Fourth King, Ruler of the Land of My Fathers," the young man introduced himself, bowing with an arm crossed against his chest. "Forgive my hesitation, I was expecting the Guardian of Brooklyn."

It took Teddy a second to realize Ahkmenrah was referring to Larry. "Yes, well... We were all expecting him. However, I'm not sure if he will be able to make it here tonight." He hated to admit it, but Teddy wasn't sure if Larry would be returning at all. And if the night guard wouldn't be coming back, what exactly was he supposed to do with the pharaoh? No doubt the rest of the museum would eventually dissolve back into chaos as well. "He asked me to release you in the event he was late."

Again, the king bowed. "Then I am in your debt as well."

It appears Lawrence is right. He doesn't seem to be a threat; if anything, he seems almost lost. Still, it wouldn't hurt to exercise caution. In an effort to keep up some form of conversation, Teddy added, "Any plans for this evening, pharaoh? To entertain yourself?"

"Um, I do not believe so, no," the pharaoh replied. The question rang strangely in his ears; it had been nearly a millenia since anyone had bothered to ask him. In truth, Ahkmenrah really didn't have any plans for that night except staring at his tablet, trying to forget the nightmare that had been the past fifty years.

"Well, perhaps you would like a tour? I could guide you around these hallowed halls, show you the sights, as it were." And keep my eye on you, he added silently. After all, polite manners could sometimes conceal the darkest of characters...

Revealing nothing in his face, Ahkmenrah nodded. "I will gladly join you on this tour. With your leave, I shall change into more appropriate attire, and then join you?"

"Certainly."

As he waited outside the Egyptian exhibit, Teddy decided he would try to suspend judgement on his young charge-for now.

Ahkmenrah was not fooled. Though he hid it well, the President was extremely wary of him. He understood why, but it still hurt. One would think I would be used to being feared by now, he sighed to himself. I should simply be grateful to be let out again. Part of him wondered if he and his "most prized possession" were truly as dangerous as the others must fear. On the one hand, everyone depended on his tablet for survival; on the other hand, the very mystery shrouding it (and him) inspired little else but severe apprehension.

Still, he had to appreciate the President's effort to act friendly-at least he was trying. Perhaps a tour wouldn't be so terrible; it was best if he knew his way around the museum, right? It would also be a chance to meet some of the other exhibits and show them they had nothing to fear from him. With a final adjustment of his crown, King Ahkmenrah emerged from his tomb.