~Stay at the Luxor Sheraton, then Take a Romantic Ride down the River Nile in this snippet.~

One of my goals in writing the “Gold of Mansa Musa” was to engulf the reader in the settings as though one was enjoying an Egyptian vacation. The novel would take the reader into the fine hotels and then into the back streets of Cairo to mix with the locals. I found myself with a ton of travel books and searching the internet to make everything authentic. In this snippet our threesome checks into the Luxor Sheraton and then our hero and heroine enjoy a romantic ride down the River Nile.

Take a deep breath. slow down, and enjoy this moment ....

~*~

Ramazani piloted the jet to Luxor International with unwavering ease while Ci and Quentin chatted in the back. Quentin had made arrangements for a ruby Equinox SUV to be ready when they arrived and they soon found themselves driving down River Nile Street filled with throngs of tourists in the colorful shops and markets. Five-star hotels with Egyptian statuary and water fountains sprouted up on every street corner. The trio pulled up to the entrance of the Luxor Sheraton resort where bellhops took the luggage into the magnificent lobby filled with white upholstered wicker couches and chairs with matching tables, each with a glass vase filled with white roses. The lobby extended from front to back that overlooked a panoramic view of the Nile. One could sit anywhere drinking tea in the lobby and watch the ferries and white sails moving to and fro on the shimmering ancient river though a wall of glass.

“As-salaam Alaykum. May I help you?” asked the clerk behind the desk.

Quentin said, “As-salaam Alaykum. We have two rooms reserved. The name is Crockett.”

“The room is for two adults and I see you have a party of three.”

“Yes, we have one extra person we added at the last moment,” explained Quentin as he handed the clerk his credit card.

“Very well—if you require anything at all, we will be happy to accommodate you.”

Soon the three were inside the second floor that featured an enclosed balcony with deep scarlet upholstered chairs that overlooked the Nile. The suite was decorated in emerald and gold Egyptian themed furniture with lavish Egyptian rugs covering polished hardwood floors. Ci stood before the balcony window with the expansive Nile shimmering as far as one could see. “This takes my breath away, Quentin. You really know how to impress a gal.”

Quentin said, “We must look at the other room and then you can decide which room you want. The three found themselves in a bungalow that overlooked a blue-tiled pool that featured sculptured rocks, swaying palms and Egyptian statuary….

~*~

Back at the Luxor International, Ci sat in a bamboo wicker chair in the lobby while Quentin and Ramazani were engaged in a private discussion. The two apparently reached an agreement and approached her. Ramazani said, “I need a rest and will retire alone. The two of you will be fine without me during dinner.” He gave a courteous bow and left the lobby.

“Is he OK?” asked Ci. The rascals are up to something. I’ll play along.

“He is fine and we will see him after dinner. Let us stroll out onto the Nile before we have dinner,” suggested Quentin. “The sun will be setting soon and it looks like it will be a pleasant sunset.”

“Sounds fine to me.” They strolled out the back of the lobby onto the dock that led to the waters edge. Feluccas cruised up and down the Nile as the sun began its descent into the western horizon. Several boats were secured against the dock, some with crews waiting for tourists.

Quentin walked up to one of the attendants who said, “Salaam aleykum! Welcome aboard Mr. Crockett—so nice to see you again. You have one guest this evening?”

“Yes, this is Ci. There will be the two of us.”

“Good evening, madam Ci. Welcome aboard.” The grey haired Arab wearing a white suit open at the collar and an imma took Ci’s hand and escorted her safely into the boat and seated her and Quentin at a table covered in white linen. A white sail was hoisted up the mast into a cool gentle breeze and the felucca cruised down the Nile where the banks were lined with papyrus, lilies, and palm groves. A western sky turned an Egyptian crimson and pink as the sun touched the horizon. A proud purple gallinule led her tiny ducklings alongside the boat looking for a handout.

“Quentin—I have no words for this. It is simply beyond words.” The chef prepared steak and shrimp on a grill near the table and a waiter served olives, feta and pita appetizers.

The wind suddenly became calm and the boat stopped dead in the water, as did others nearby, all drifting silently along in the mild current. “I assure you all is in good order,” said the captain who stood nearby. “It is the The Moment of Judgment. Amon Ra has delivered his souls to Osiris. The Ka of the pharaohs stirs along the banks of the Nile now. If all is well, Amon Ra will leave us and return tomorrow on the sunrise. The Moon will soon appear from the darkness and watch over us until his return.”

Soon the breeze returned and the sail pulled the boat along the river. The two enjoyed the romantic setting and later Quentin escorted Ci to her room. Outside the door a man dressed in a black djellaba and a scarf around the head hovered ominously near the door. “Quentin, we must wait here.” Ci pulled him back the instant she saw the shadowy figure and hid around the corner.

“Wait here—if he is a problem, I will take care of it.” Quentin walked to the doorway and Ci could see a discussion between the two. Quentin motioned that she should walk to the door.

The man pushed back the scarf and she could see it was Ramazani. “You gave me quite a scare….”

~*~

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Book 2 of the "Seeds from Heaven" series.