THE MYSTERY OF THE EGYPTIAN SCROLL: An Ancient Adventure by Peters Scott

Author:Peters, Scott [Peters, Scott]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Best Day Books For Young Readers
Published: 2013-12-10T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

A Meager Meal

Zet, Kat and Padus ran from the house. They tore through the streets, all caution gone. It may have only been a few minutes. To Zet, it seemed to take forever.

Lamplight flickered through the familiar, cozy open window ahead. The three of them slowed, found an alcove and pressed themselves to the wall. The front door was shut, which Zet took as a good sign. When his mother crossed in front of the window, her movements calm and composed, he sucked in a great breath of air.

"They're not here," he said.

Padus said, "Which means you're safe for tonight. With the market empty and the vendors home for the evening, the High Priest and his men will have to wait for morning to inquire about your address. What a relief."

"Thanks for coming with us," Kat said. "And for keeping us safe today."

He patted her on the back. "Don't worry, everything will be fine. Tomorrow, we'll find this Rose Bark. We'll tell the medjay, and it will all be over. I promise."

"Thank you," she said.

Padus stood watch until they reached the front door. As Zet stepped inside, he glanced out before closing it. Their friend waved good night and disappeared into the darkness.

Kat ran to her mother and threw her arms around her waist.

"Hello," their mother said with a smile. "It's late, I was getting worried. But what's all this?" she cried as Kat stifled a sob.

"I just, I missed you, that's all," Kat said, wiping her nose and smiling up at their mother.

"Well! I missed you too, sweet one." She stroked Kat's braids. "I think you've been working too much, haven't you? I know it's a burden on you children, I wish it weren't so. But I'm proud of you. And your father would be too."

Zet stared at the floor, unable to agree, but not wanting her to see his face.

"Let's have dinner, and you can tell me all about your day," she said. "I'll just check on the baby. Wash up, and then sit down at the table, I'll be there."

They washed in silence in the kitchen. Kat looked exhausted. Zet felt exhausted.

"Let's try not to worry mother," he said.

She nodded. He wondered if they'd fool their mother. At least he'd regained his appetite. That would make her happy! She liked to see them eat well. At the table, he put on a happy face, and Kat did the same.

"Aren't you going to eat?" Zet asked his mother, after he and Kat had been served.

She waved a gentle hand. Her comforting, motherly perfume smelled faintly of baking and flowers.

"I'm not hungry," she said. "You go ahead."

"Did you eat earlier?" Kat asked, putting down her piece of bread.

"Oh, I had a little here and there. I was baking," she said vaguely.

"Mother, what's going on? Please, we want to know."

She dusted the table, smoothing her fingers over it, despite the fact it was clean. "Children, I don't suppose you made any trades today?" she finally said.

"I'm sorry," Zet said quietly.

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