(the following works were all written by me years ago and are purely fictional, each is a horror story, enjoy)
Glory, Blood and Fame- One Man's Greed, Another Man's Legacy (17+ Fiction)
Cracking, splitting, dust failing, breaking open the long lost tomb, the men surrounding the hidden entrance. Sand and rock in the ancient, empty land. The workers chant and they broke the seals, the Foreman yelling orders to diggers. Talson and Riggard, Lousen and Hadrick, the men from another land far away. They, the men in charge of the dig, paid off the workers, 20 in all to keep this work silent. For if discovered, they would lose their lives in the most gruesome of ways, for that was the Law of the Land.
The Long-lost tomb of Amhut-Ta'Re, the greatest and most feared King of this Ancient land. His tomb said to be filled with vast riches, the wealth of a reign that lasted 70 years they say. The gold and silver, jewels and artifacts of a dozen conquered kingdoms were, according to all the rumors and legends lay in this vast tomb.
This is what the four outsiders hoped for, the culmination of 12 years work, the lives lost, the blood on the four outsiders hands. There was a large crack in the entrance, the workers stopped. The Foreman yelled up to the four outsiders in the native language of this ancient land, but a more modern dialect. "Whats he saying Talson' Why did they stop" These grimy little beggars aren't paid to stop!" Bellowed Riggard, a fat man with a bald head, black goatee and hazel eyes. Dressed in a sweaty, outsider made version of a Local desert robe and fez. He was the main backer of the dig, some would say grave robbery that was taking place. Riggard made sure that several man paid with their lives, those that opposed his search.
Talson, the Academic, a tall, wiry man, with sandy blonde hair, green eyes, scruffy beard. He too was dressed in a desert robe, but this one was local made. The people of the land knew Talson well, he spent 20 years in this land, some hated him, some respected him. If anyone knew the ancient past of this lost desert land as good as any Local, it was Talson. The other two outsiders, Lousen and Hadrick, Lousen was an ex army man, now chief of the Expeditions' security. He wore old army fatigues, boots, carried at his side was an old army gun and an old, yet sharp army knife. His steely-blue eyes looked on, nervous, anxious, hand always by his gun, just in case. Graying-brown hair kept under a local made head wrap, wrinkles and scars on his weathered face.
Lastly was Lousen, Riggard's fop of a Nephew, dragged out here by Riggard, to take the young man, just now 19 away from getting into more trouble with the Law and with his overbearing Mother. Riggard convinced his sister that the desert air and some adventure would do the boy good. Lousen complained all the time and Hadrick wanted to bury the boy somewhere in the desert sand.
Talson peered down into the entrance way, seeing it was in fact opened up."The men stopped because they have opened the tomb you fat old fool. We can go in now, if that's alright with you Riggard?" Said with a smirk to the fat man, Riggard huffed, his face red from heat and frustration."Watch it Talson, I pay for the dig, food and every damn thing else, so don't get smart with me you hack of a History scholar." That made the Scholar rather mad, but he kept his anger hidden well. This tomb would grant Talson a real place in the annals of History, he would be at least recognized for the greatest contribution to the World.
"I am not going in there first you fool. Lets send one of the workers in first, place could have traps you know." Remarked Riggard to Talson, Hadrick just laughed and shook his head, which made Riggard glare at the old ex-soldier."Traps!" are you serious Riggard, I think someone has read too many fairy tales in his life. If there were traps in that tomb, they would be too old and worn by now to even work." Talk of traps and heat almost made Lousen faint, he got himself on a rock, scrapping his willowy hand.."Ouch! my hand, damn miserable place I am so sick of it here, lets just go already!"
He whined in a somewhat nasal, high-pitched voice as if he was a little boy and not a young man."I say when you go and when not to go Nephew, now stop this complaining, you are almost as bad as your foul mother!" Talson growing tired of the bickering just decided then to send in one of the workers. Taking a lit torch, slowly the small, darkly-skinned worker, with back bent from years of hard work, walked carefully, praying for safety. A few moments past as the man entered the tomb, so far nothing. "See Riggard, no traps, you fat fool, Hadrick was.." And then before Talson could finish, there was a terrible scream from within the tomb, then silence. In terror some of the workers fled from the dig site, Hadrick took out his gun and shot each deserter.
Talson just screamed at the old soldier.."What the Hell is wrong with you, you insane bastard!?" Hadrick, that old hateful, cold stare, the one he gained from 30 years of wars in his eyes as he looked at Talson. Gun in hand as if he was going to shoot the Scholar. "Stop it Hadrick! and put the gun down, we need the good scholar alive, not dead." Barked Riggard at the old soldier, grumbling, Hadrick put his gun away. "Fine." Was all the old ex soldier could say, Talson unnerved, still showing calm, turned to Riggard. "What then do you suggest we do now fat man?" Scorn in that voice for Riggard.."We send in another worker, we have 11 left, should be plenty. No fool trap or silly curse is going to stop me, now go to it!"
Shaking his head in disgust Talson ordered another worker in, for a moment hesitating, then the worker saw the gun in Hadrick's hand. Plus the dead bodies of fellow workers and friends, in all 9 more dead by Riggard and Hadrick's whims. Lousen, trembling not saying a word, cowering by the side of his uncle like some pet dog. The worker, who also gave a prayer entered the tomb, more time past, and then he came out alright, waving the others on. Talson went in next torch in hand, then Hadrick gun in hand, Riggard and his simpering nephew Lousen and five other workers, including the foreman, Yagish. Two of the other workers had torches lit, all this light casting long shadows down a great, long and wide hallway.
It was a sight to see, massive pillars holding up a ceiling 50 feet tall, carved from the very rock some 200 feet below ground. Statues of strange animal headed gods, warriors holding spear or hand axe, representations of Amhut-Ta'Res' main wife, Laut-Num'Ske. Ancient runes and spells of protection carved by hand long ago covered the walls and ceiling.
It was indeed a grand tomb, the hallway alone stretched a good 150 feet in length, slowly the group walked down the hall. And yet stranger still, no sign of the first worker to go into the tomb, only a smoldering torch, some 30 feet from the end of the Hall and a large door. "What the Hell!" Where is his body?" A confused Talson said as he regarded the scene, or lack there of. "Who gives a damn Talson, lets just find the main tomb, so tell me Scholar is it beyond this large door?" Responded Riggard, no sympathy or remorse for the loss of another life at his hands.
The Scholar took slow, cautious steps towards the door, looking around at all the glyphs and runes for symbols of Death or Blood, symbols that might be used for protections against intruders. He did find something odd, in the upper right and upper left corners of the ceiling above the door, two scorch marks, as if something had blasted away the markings. Talson kept that to himself, no need to tell the others, he looked at the door now, though heard Riggard's impatient grumbling. "Yes this is the way into the main tomb Riggard, just as you wanted. Shall I open it, or shall a worker open it?"
Talson knew the answer already as Riggard pushed another worker forward, bellowing at the poor local man. Frightened, the local worker approached the door, hand out, he looked at Talson, the Scholar sighed, a gentle hand placed on the man's shoulder. This calmed the worker some as he pushed on the door, surprisingly it was rather easy to open. That caused Talson to wonder to himself how it was possible, but he would not say anything, Riggard would care less.
The group moved on, this time it was a slightly smaller hallway with corridors branching off the main hall. At the end of each doorway was another door and at the end of the main hall were two statues. Both of large winged sphinxes, facing each other, sitting on their hind legs. "What is the meaning of this Talson, I thought you said this lead to the main tomb' There are ten side halls with a door at each end. Curses man did you get it wrong!?"
And that was it for Talson, he came right up to the fat Riggard and with all his strength he slugged Riggard right in the face. The fat man fell on his ass, covering his mouth and left cheek, cursing and stumbling to get up. "Why I ought to.." saying as some blood trickled from Riggard's mouth."What fat man! I have had it up to here with you calling me a failure. If not for me taking this damned job and working my ass off for you for all these years, you would have never found this tomb!" Yelled Talson as he and the foreman walked off further into the tomb. Hadrick, Lousen and the other four workers had to all work to get Riggard on his feet.
"When we get back to civilization I will have you arrested you damned crazy, sunbaked scholar. Mark my words!" Screamed the fat man, watching Talson and Yagish the foreman walk away. "Uncle I don't think that was a good.." Riggard snapped his gaze upon Lousen, which made the foppish young man quiet."Best not finish that sentence Nephew, if you know what is good for you. Now lets catch up to the scholar before he gets killed, shall we?"
Dusting himself off, Riggard walked on in front, arrogant as ever. Hadrick whispered to Lousen.."That or your fool of a fat Uncle gets us all killed." Hadrick moved away, Lousen could only agree as his walked behind his uncle, Hadrick to the left of Lousen. Then without warning..a blood curdling scream from behind Lousen and Hadrick, both men turned around to find that two of the workers had their chests ripped right open, innards and blood spilling out as they dropped to the ground. The last two workers that were in front of the two workers behind then quickly moved to Hadrick's position. He had his gun out, on the ready, Lousen fell to his knees and started to throw up.
Riggard waddled back, a look of horror on his face.."How in the name of..!" Hadrick just gave the fat man a look that shut Riggard up.."Happy now you fool, your greed got two more men killed, I hope you are happy now." Hadrick helped Lousen up after the young man was done throwing up his supper. Lousen was now visibly shaken and paler then before.."Uncle please, please lets leave this unholy place, it is cursed, trapped I don't care, lets just go!" Riggard regained his composure and slapped his nephew across the face, which made Lousen yelp. "Enough of this nonsense, we move on!" Turning on a heel, Riggard pressed on, who then called out for Talson. No sound, no response.."Hadrick, you and one of the last workers check down the hall Talson and that foreman went down. Shaking his head, the old soldier grumbling, with one of the workers went down the first side hall on the right.
"You better get over here Riggard! and now!" Yelled Hadrick from down the side hall, waddling as fast he could, Lousen by his side and the other last worker, they came down the side hall. They found Hadrick, the other worker and a sobbing Talson. He was on his knees, nearby the door, was the bloody, mangled remains of Yagish the foreman. Lousen just dry heaved, he had nothing left, Riggard walked over, grabbed Talson by the collar, and shook the poor scholar, who was ranting and raving by then. "What happened here Talson, what the Hell is going on here, who did this"!" All Talson could do was mumble.."It..it came out, out of the shadows, it was so..so hideous, it tore apart Yagish..I.." Riggard slapped Talson across the face.."Get yourself together man and pick yourself up! We have a treasure to find!" That was it for Hadrick by then.."Your treasure be damned Riggard, we have lost enough men, shall we all lose our lives for your obsession. This ends now, come on Talson, Lousen, we are done.."
Hadrick looking around for Lousen.."Where did your nephew go Riggard?" Riggard also looked around, throwing hands up in disgust and panic.."I have no damn clue was looking at you, Yagish and Talson." The worry of the lost young man snapped Talson out of his temporary madness and he got to his feet. "We have to find him!" As quickly as they could, the four men, hurried out of the side hall into the main tomb corridor. Torches casting light down the corrider, they could see Lousen standing between the door sphinx statues. Then they saw him reach up and touch a symbol carved into the wall, which caused a bright light to flash. Then..it was gone, and in its place where Lousen stood was an opening in the wall. Confused and shocked the other four men made their way to the opening, the size and shape of a doorway. Open closer inspection, Talson could tell from the carvings alongside the opening, this was a false door, where offerings were laid for Amhut-Ta'Re in his journey through the Afterlife.
Stepping through the opening, the four men finally entered the true tomb, a large, ornately carved room, with a high ceiling and pillars. At the end of this room opposite from the opening were two large statues of two seated figures in royal garb. To the right was a statue of Amhut-Ta'Re, his grim likeness forever carved in stone. To the left was a statue of the King's main and most beloved wife Laut-Num'ske, said to be and from the statue carving an extremely beautiful woman, with a slight smile carved on the lips of her statue. And below these statues on a raised, stepped dais of solid golden-hued sandstone were two gold-gilded sarcophagi. Standing by the sarcophagus of Amhut, to the relief of the four men, was Lousen. But something was wrong, he just stood there, facing the statue of Amhut, his left hand on the sarcophagus.
The others approached carefully, that is until a dark shadow of some hideous woman-like figure hovered between the four men and Lousen. Backing up some, then Riggard yelled out to his Nephew.."Nephew, you get away from that damned sarcophagus, this instant!" Some tense moments passed as the men stood there, the shadowy woman not moving, cold and hate her aure projected to the four men. Then Lousen spoke.."No dear Uncle, I do not think so, I will stay here for now." Then Hadrick, who aimed his gun at the shadowy figure about to fire, but his hand then shriveled black, cold, icy, black veins coursed through his hand and arm. This made the old soldier drop his gun, crying out falling to his knees. "No more of that I think good sir, your days of warring are at an end." Remarked Lousen, still not facing the four men.."What, what evil..is.." Hadrick, buckling over in pain, the black veins and cold spreading.."My dear Hadrick, you speak of evil when you have done much in your time, old man."
Riggard snapped and yelled again, Talson eyes wide grabbed the fat man by his arm, but not before Riggard blurted out.."Just what the Hell is going on here Nephew..I demand that you look at me! Now!" There was a cold laughter, from both Lousen and the ghostly woman who now hovered by Lousen's side, then the young man turned around. His eyes made Riggard look away, Lousen or what was Lousen, those eyes, glowing a sickly green, there was sense of power and hatred now in the once foppish boy. He even appeared to be taller and stronger, his once brown, short hair was now long and black.
The shadowy ghost woman had taken on a form much like that of Laut-Num'Ske. Talson who did not look away, but in awe of what he saw, sure he might die, but this was worth it as his last sight. He in his heart knew what was taking place..and as for the last poor worker he ran in terror, but didn't get far, he burst into flames, his body now a smoldering pile of ash and bones. "Behold foolish Riggard, a man so bent on finding this place, so much blood on your hands. Here now is your reward, I am Amhut-Ta'Re, reborn into this flesh that was once your Nephew, and this is my queen Laut-Num'Ske. Behold and Despair for this is the last sight you shall hold, and it shall curse you for all your damned Eternity!"
Outstretching his hand the reborn Amhut then closed his hand, in a crushing motion as Riggard fell to his knees coughing, choking, blood flowing from his eyes, mouth and ears. The fat man fell over dead, as for Hadrick, the cold, black veins over took his body and his skin cracked, spewing bile and blood.
And as for Talson, he just fell to his knees, head bent, but alive..he felt Amhut and Laut's presence, then heard them speak as one, both mighty voices to the mortal man.."You Scholar shall live, you shall spread word of our return upon world, let them know this is our kingdom, our realm and those who dare seek our treasures shall parish as these men have. Now go.." Then there was a bright flash, and Talson was outside the tomb, alone in the desert.
He wandered off into the vast emptiness, in time he was found by some nomads, he was half dead from heat, lack of water and food. Raving about what he had seen and heard, thought mad by the Nomads, they took him to a town and from there to the land's capital. And poor Talson, well..in a dark corner of the Asylum he now resides in, the guards and caretakers bring him food and water.
In his small room with a single barred window he stands watching out, mumbling, his skin covered in cuts that form the symbols he found in that tomb from years ago. His eyes gouged out, by himself to stop the visions, but doing so only made him see better. And in that darkness he hears the Ancient King and Queen speaking to him in whispers and in dreams. He got what he wanted..and there was part of him that was happy about that.
The End.
Glory, Blood and Fame- One Man's Greed, Another Man's Legacy (17+ Fiction)
Cracking, splitting, dust failing, breaking open the long lost tomb, the men surrounding the hidden entrance. Sand and rock in the ancient, empty land. The workers chant and they broke the seals, the Foreman yelling orders to diggers. Talson and Riggard, Lousen and Hadrick, the men from another land far away. They, the men in charge of the dig, paid off the workers, 20 in all to keep this work silent. For if discovered, they would lose their lives in the most gruesome of ways, for that was the Law of the Land.
The Long-lost tomb of Amhut-Ta'Re, the greatest and most feared King of this Ancient land. His tomb said to be filled with vast riches, the wealth of a reign that lasted 70 years they say. The gold and silver, jewels and artifacts of a dozen conquered kingdoms were, according to all the rumors and legends lay in this vast tomb.
This is what the four outsiders hoped for, the culmination of 12 years work, the lives lost, the blood on the four outsiders hands. There was a large crack in the entrance, the workers stopped. The Foreman yelled up to the four outsiders in the native language of this ancient land, but a more modern dialect. "Whats he saying Talson' Why did they stop" These grimy little beggars aren't paid to stop!" Bellowed Riggard, a fat man with a bald head, black goatee and hazel eyes. Dressed in a sweaty, outsider made version of a Local desert robe and fez. He was the main backer of the dig, some would say grave robbery that was taking place. Riggard made sure that several man paid with their lives, those that opposed his search.
Talson, the Academic, a tall, wiry man, with sandy blonde hair, green eyes, scruffy beard. He too was dressed in a desert robe, but this one was local made. The people of the land knew Talson well, he spent 20 years in this land, some hated him, some respected him. If anyone knew the ancient past of this lost desert land as good as any Local, it was Talson. The other two outsiders, Lousen and Hadrick, Lousen was an ex army man, now chief of the Expeditions' security. He wore old army fatigues, boots, carried at his side was an old army gun and an old, yet sharp army knife. His steely-blue eyes looked on, nervous, anxious, hand always by his gun, just in case. Graying-brown hair kept under a local made head wrap, wrinkles and scars on his weathered face.
Lastly was Lousen, Riggard's fop of a Nephew, dragged out here by Riggard, to take the young man, just now 19 away from getting into more trouble with the Law and with his overbearing Mother. Riggard convinced his sister that the desert air and some adventure would do the boy good. Lousen complained all the time and Hadrick wanted to bury the boy somewhere in the desert sand.
Talson peered down into the entrance way, seeing it was in fact opened up."The men stopped because they have opened the tomb you fat old fool. We can go in now, if that's alright with you Riggard?" Said with a smirk to the fat man, Riggard huffed, his face red from heat and frustration."Watch it Talson, I pay for the dig, food and every damn thing else, so don't get smart with me you hack of a History scholar." That made the Scholar rather mad, but he kept his anger hidden well. This tomb would grant Talson a real place in the annals of History, he would be at least recognized for the greatest contribution to the World.
"I am not going in there first you fool. Lets send one of the workers in first, place could have traps you know." Remarked Riggard to Talson, Hadrick just laughed and shook his head, which made Riggard glare at the old ex-soldier."Traps!" are you serious Riggard, I think someone has read too many fairy tales in his life. If there were traps in that tomb, they would be too old and worn by now to even work." Talk of traps and heat almost made Lousen faint, he got himself on a rock, scrapping his willowy hand.."Ouch! my hand, damn miserable place I am so sick of it here, lets just go already!"
He whined in a somewhat nasal, high-pitched voice as if he was a little boy and not a young man."I say when you go and when not to go Nephew, now stop this complaining, you are almost as bad as your foul mother!" Talson growing tired of the bickering just decided then to send in one of the workers. Taking a lit torch, slowly the small, darkly-skinned worker, with back bent from years of hard work, walked carefully, praying for safety. A few moments past as the man entered the tomb, so far nothing. "See Riggard, no traps, you fat fool, Hadrick was.." And then before Talson could finish, there was a terrible scream from within the tomb, then silence. In terror some of the workers fled from the dig site, Hadrick took out his gun and shot each deserter.
Talson just screamed at the old soldier.."What the Hell is wrong with you, you insane bastard!?" Hadrick, that old hateful, cold stare, the one he gained from 30 years of wars in his eyes as he looked at Talson. Gun in hand as if he was going to shoot the Scholar. "Stop it Hadrick! and put the gun down, we need the good scholar alive, not dead." Barked Riggard at the old soldier, grumbling, Hadrick put his gun away. "Fine." Was all the old ex soldier could say, Talson unnerved, still showing calm, turned to Riggard. "What then do you suggest we do now fat man?" Scorn in that voice for Riggard.."We send in another worker, we have 11 left, should be plenty. No fool trap or silly curse is going to stop me, now go to it!"
Shaking his head in disgust Talson ordered another worker in, for a moment hesitating, then the worker saw the gun in Hadrick's hand. Plus the dead bodies of fellow workers and friends, in all 9 more dead by Riggard and Hadrick's whims. Lousen, trembling not saying a word, cowering by the side of his uncle like some pet dog. The worker, who also gave a prayer entered the tomb, more time past, and then he came out alright, waving the others on. Talson went in next torch in hand, then Hadrick gun in hand, Riggard and his simpering nephew Lousen and five other workers, including the foreman, Yagish. Two of the other workers had torches lit, all this light casting long shadows down a great, long and wide hallway.
It was a sight to see, massive pillars holding up a ceiling 50 feet tall, carved from the very rock some 200 feet below ground. Statues of strange animal headed gods, warriors holding spear or hand axe, representations of Amhut-Ta'Res' main wife, Laut-Num'Ske. Ancient runes and spells of protection carved by hand long ago covered the walls and ceiling.
It was indeed a grand tomb, the hallway alone stretched a good 150 feet in length, slowly the group walked down the hall. And yet stranger still, no sign of the first worker to go into the tomb, only a smoldering torch, some 30 feet from the end of the Hall and a large door. "What the Hell!" Where is his body?" A confused Talson said as he regarded the scene, or lack there of. "Who gives a damn Talson, lets just find the main tomb, so tell me Scholar is it beyond this large door?" Responded Riggard, no sympathy or remorse for the loss of another life at his hands.
The Scholar took slow, cautious steps towards the door, looking around at all the glyphs and runes for symbols of Death or Blood, symbols that might be used for protections against intruders. He did find something odd, in the upper right and upper left corners of the ceiling above the door, two scorch marks, as if something had blasted away the markings. Talson kept that to himself, no need to tell the others, he looked at the door now, though heard Riggard's impatient grumbling. "Yes this is the way into the main tomb Riggard, just as you wanted. Shall I open it, or shall a worker open it?"
Talson knew the answer already as Riggard pushed another worker forward, bellowing at the poor local man. Frightened, the local worker approached the door, hand out, he looked at Talson, the Scholar sighed, a gentle hand placed on the man's shoulder. This calmed the worker some as he pushed on the door, surprisingly it was rather easy to open. That caused Talson to wonder to himself how it was possible, but he would not say anything, Riggard would care less.
The group moved on, this time it was a slightly smaller hallway with corridors branching off the main hall. At the end of each doorway was another door and at the end of the main hall were two statues. Both of large winged sphinxes, facing each other, sitting on their hind legs. "What is the meaning of this Talson, I thought you said this lead to the main tomb' There are ten side halls with a door at each end. Curses man did you get it wrong!?"
And that was it for Talson, he came right up to the fat Riggard and with all his strength he slugged Riggard right in the face. The fat man fell on his ass, covering his mouth and left cheek, cursing and stumbling to get up. "Why I ought to.." saying as some blood trickled from Riggard's mouth."What fat man! I have had it up to here with you calling me a failure. If not for me taking this damned job and working my ass off for you for all these years, you would have never found this tomb!" Yelled Talson as he and the foreman walked off further into the tomb. Hadrick, Lousen and the other four workers had to all work to get Riggard on his feet.
"When we get back to civilization I will have you arrested you damned crazy, sunbaked scholar. Mark my words!" Screamed the fat man, watching Talson and Yagish the foreman walk away. "Uncle I don't think that was a good.." Riggard snapped his gaze upon Lousen, which made the foppish young man quiet."Best not finish that sentence Nephew, if you know what is good for you. Now lets catch up to the scholar before he gets killed, shall we?"
Dusting himself off, Riggard walked on in front, arrogant as ever. Hadrick whispered to Lousen.."That or your fool of a fat Uncle gets us all killed." Hadrick moved away, Lousen could only agree as his walked behind his uncle, Hadrick to the left of Lousen. Then without warning..a blood curdling scream from behind Lousen and Hadrick, both men turned around to find that two of the workers had their chests ripped right open, innards and blood spilling out as they dropped to the ground. The last two workers that were in front of the two workers behind then quickly moved to Hadrick's position. He had his gun out, on the ready, Lousen fell to his knees and started to throw up.
Riggard waddled back, a look of horror on his face.."How in the name of..!" Hadrick just gave the fat man a look that shut Riggard up.."Happy now you fool, your greed got two more men killed, I hope you are happy now." Hadrick helped Lousen up after the young man was done throwing up his supper. Lousen was now visibly shaken and paler then before.."Uncle please, please lets leave this unholy place, it is cursed, trapped I don't care, lets just go!" Riggard regained his composure and slapped his nephew across the face, which made Lousen yelp. "Enough of this nonsense, we move on!" Turning on a heel, Riggard pressed on, who then called out for Talson. No sound, no response.."Hadrick, you and one of the last workers check down the hall Talson and that foreman went down. Shaking his head, the old soldier grumbling, with one of the workers went down the first side hall on the right.
"You better get over here Riggard! and now!" Yelled Hadrick from down the side hall, waddling as fast he could, Lousen by his side and the other last worker, they came down the side hall. They found Hadrick, the other worker and a sobbing Talson. He was on his knees, nearby the door, was the bloody, mangled remains of Yagish the foreman. Lousen just dry heaved, he had nothing left, Riggard walked over, grabbed Talson by the collar, and shook the poor scholar, who was ranting and raving by then. "What happened here Talson, what the Hell is going on here, who did this"!" All Talson could do was mumble.."It..it came out, out of the shadows, it was so..so hideous, it tore apart Yagish..I.." Riggard slapped Talson across the face.."Get yourself together man and pick yourself up! We have a treasure to find!" That was it for Hadrick by then.."Your treasure be damned Riggard, we have lost enough men, shall we all lose our lives for your obsession. This ends now, come on Talson, Lousen, we are done.."
Hadrick looking around for Lousen.."Where did your nephew go Riggard?" Riggard also looked around, throwing hands up in disgust and panic.."I have no damn clue was looking at you, Yagish and Talson." The worry of the lost young man snapped Talson out of his temporary madness and he got to his feet. "We have to find him!" As quickly as they could, the four men, hurried out of the side hall into the main tomb corridor. Torches casting light down the corrider, they could see Lousen standing between the door sphinx statues. Then they saw him reach up and touch a symbol carved into the wall, which caused a bright light to flash. Then..it was gone, and in its place where Lousen stood was an opening in the wall. Confused and shocked the other four men made their way to the opening, the size and shape of a doorway. Open closer inspection, Talson could tell from the carvings alongside the opening, this was a false door, where offerings were laid for Amhut-Ta'Re in his journey through the Afterlife.
Stepping through the opening, the four men finally entered the true tomb, a large, ornately carved room, with a high ceiling and pillars. At the end of this room opposite from the opening were two large statues of two seated figures in royal garb. To the right was a statue of Amhut-Ta'Re, his grim likeness forever carved in stone. To the left was a statue of the King's main and most beloved wife Laut-Num'ske, said to be and from the statue carving an extremely beautiful woman, with a slight smile carved on the lips of her statue. And below these statues on a raised, stepped dais of solid golden-hued sandstone were two gold-gilded sarcophagi. Standing by the sarcophagus of Amhut, to the relief of the four men, was Lousen. But something was wrong, he just stood there, facing the statue of Amhut, his left hand on the sarcophagus.
The others approached carefully, that is until a dark shadow of some hideous woman-like figure hovered between the four men and Lousen. Backing up some, then Riggard yelled out to his Nephew.."Nephew, you get away from that damned sarcophagus, this instant!" Some tense moments passed as the men stood there, the shadowy woman not moving, cold and hate her aure projected to the four men. Then Lousen spoke.."No dear Uncle, I do not think so, I will stay here for now." Then Hadrick, who aimed his gun at the shadowy figure about to fire, but his hand then shriveled black, cold, icy, black veins coursed through his hand and arm. This made the old soldier drop his gun, crying out falling to his knees. "No more of that I think good sir, your days of warring are at an end." Remarked Lousen, still not facing the four men.."What, what evil..is.." Hadrick, buckling over in pain, the black veins and cold spreading.."My dear Hadrick, you speak of evil when you have done much in your time, old man."
Riggard snapped and yelled again, Talson eyes wide grabbed the fat man by his arm, but not before Riggard blurted out.."Just what the Hell is going on here Nephew..I demand that you look at me! Now!" There was a cold laughter, from both Lousen and the ghostly woman who now hovered by Lousen's side, then the young man turned around. His eyes made Riggard look away, Lousen or what was Lousen, those eyes, glowing a sickly green, there was sense of power and hatred now in the once foppish boy. He even appeared to be taller and stronger, his once brown, short hair was now long and black.
The shadowy ghost woman had taken on a form much like that of Laut-Num'Ske. Talson who did not look away, but in awe of what he saw, sure he might die, but this was worth it as his last sight. He in his heart knew what was taking place..and as for the last poor worker he ran in terror, but didn't get far, he burst into flames, his body now a smoldering pile of ash and bones. "Behold foolish Riggard, a man so bent on finding this place, so much blood on your hands. Here now is your reward, I am Amhut-Ta'Re, reborn into this flesh that was once your Nephew, and this is my queen Laut-Num'Ske. Behold and Despair for this is the last sight you shall hold, and it shall curse you for all your damned Eternity!"
Outstretching his hand the reborn Amhut then closed his hand, in a crushing motion as Riggard fell to his knees coughing, choking, blood flowing from his eyes, mouth and ears. The fat man fell over dead, as for Hadrick, the cold, black veins over took his body and his skin cracked, spewing bile and blood.
And as for Talson, he just fell to his knees, head bent, but alive..he felt Amhut and Laut's presence, then heard them speak as one, both mighty voices to the mortal man.."You Scholar shall live, you shall spread word of our return upon world, let them know this is our kingdom, our realm and those who dare seek our treasures shall parish as these men have. Now go.." Then there was a bright flash, and Talson was outside the tomb, alone in the desert.
He wandered off into the vast emptiness, in time he was found by some nomads, he was half dead from heat, lack of water and food. Raving about what he had seen and heard, thought mad by the Nomads, they took him to a town and from there to the land's capital. And poor Talson, well..in a dark corner of the Asylum he now resides in, the guards and caretakers bring him food and water.
In his small room with a single barred window he stands watching out, mumbling, his skin covered in cuts that form the symbols he found in that tomb from years ago. His eyes gouged out, by himself to stop the visions, but doing so only made him see better. And in that darkness he hears the Ancient King and Queen speaking to him in whispers and in dreams. He got what he wanted..and there was part of him that was happy about that.
The End.