Egyptian 1:2 — Steve Elliott

Transition: Behena is a royal princess in ancient Egypt. She's clever, rebellious and mistrustful of the old traditions which have been followed for centuries. But she knows nothing of life outside of the Pharaoh's palace where she and her sisters and brothers live.However, things are soon to change. A major upheaval occurs - one which will cause Behena to question the very existence of the gods she had worshipped all of her life.On that fateful day, Behena and a brother, Nebat, find themselves running for their very lives. They flee to the city, where they find themselves totally unprepared to survive. However, they meet a boy thief, who isn't quite what he seems. Together, the three of them strive to keep themselves alive, despite being hounded from multiple sides.Bereft of hope, Behena begins to dream strange dreams. Could they be hidden messages from the gods? In one of them, she receives a directive to uncover a missing magical book. A book which it is claimed will save the Egyptian nation. But will she be willing to undertake such a dangerous mission?Contagion: Behena, Ipu and Nebat are marooned in the city, harassed by the royal guards, and desperately attempting to stay hidden. Behena's dream of recovering the magical book of Basanti troubles her, but she makes up her mind to search for it, since she believes that it may help restore her fortunes. Ipu, however, has serious doubts about the magic book, and even goes so far as to ridicule the gods, causing Nebat to recoil in religious panic.They search for the lost temple, reputed to contain the Book of Basanti, and venture inside. They discover a sarcophagus, with a mummy inside, but is it the long-deceased Body of Basanti? However, there's no sign of the missing magic book. All they find is a series of cryptic clues as to its whereabouts. They follow the clues, and eventually discover the magic book, but then come across an overwhelming obstacle. One that makes all their efforts fruitless.But Ipu puts forward a controversial solution, and Behena has no option but to accept it. They meet a magician, known to Ipu, and hand over the magic book to him. Behena holds grave doubts about this action, but realizes that she has no choice. The book predicts an upcoming catastrophe for the Egyptian nation, and implies that Behena has to solve it. And she does so, in a rather remarkable way.However, when success is almost assured, something drastic occurs. And it's something so dire that Behena may not survive. And worst still, she realizes that she might end up being the very one who brings the prophesized catastrophe to the whole of the Egyptian Nation.