The Amulet of Amon-Ra Read Online Free PDF Page A

exist,” said Neferhotep, solemnly.
    â€œWell, we’ve never had a problem. Besides, you put protective spells around the garden years ago, and you renew them every year. Nothing could get in.”
    â€œI suppose. And Miw would warn you if one did. It’s time I renewed those spells, though.”
    â€œAs you wish,” said Ramose.
    â€œWe would appreciate that,” said Meryt-Re, with a glance at her husband. “We appreciate everything you do for us. Not everyone has a priest of Amon-Ra in the family.”
    Neferhotep shrugged.
    â€œIf you are truly worried, then perhaps this will help,” said Ramose, lifting the amulet. He lowered the thong over Jennifer’s head, and it settled in front of her chest with a comforting weight. She had recognized it instantly, though in this time it was still bright and clean. She gripped it in her fist. It felt right, like something she had been meant to wear.
    â€œThank you,” she said to Ramose.
    â€œAnd look,” he said. “It is not just a heart scarab.” He gestured for her to let go of the amulet. “Do you see the latch? Ah, my clever child. You open it like you already knew how.”
    Jennifer pried the amulet open a little way. She hesitated, then held her breath and pulled it apart.
    â€œSee?” said Ramose. “It is hollow.”
    Jennifer let her breath trickle out. It was empty. She hadn’t been sure what would happen when the amulet opened. She ran a finger around the inside, which had been polished smooth.
    What had Grandma Jo thought, when she disappeared? Or—maybe she hadn’t.
    They were calling her ‘Dje-Nefer,’ and they didn’t seem surprised to see her. Maybe, when she traveled through time, she had somehow ended up in someone else’s body—Dje-Nefer’s. This body had different skin and hair…perhaps it wasn’t her own. She remembered how she had felt when she woke up.
    That meant Dje-Nefer could be in her body, back in her own time. She shook her head. No. Forward in her own time. Jennifer shivered, feeling the long black hair brush her shoulders.
    â€œWhat’s the matter, Dje-Nefer?” asked Meryt-Re.
    Jennifer looked at her, then at the others. Ramose was still smiling at her. Neferhotep’s eyes narrowed, as he watched her.
    Should she tell them? That she had traveled through time, and wasn’t really Dje-Nefer? She doubted they would believe her. She wasn’t sure she entirely believed it herself.
    No. They would laugh. They might even think she was some sort of demon, like this Neferhotep fellow was so worried about.
    She gave them a weak smile. “Just tired, like you said.”
    â€œDid you dream?” Neferhotep asked abruptly.
    â€œUh…yes,” said Jennifer, startled into remembering. “There was a man…I think…with a white, uh, crown. Split into two sections.”
    Neferhotep’s painted eyebrows shot up. “Amon-Ra!”
    â€œThere, you see,” said Ramose. “Nothing to worry about. If Amon-Ra is coming to my daughter in her dreams, then she is well-protected. He and this scarab will keep her safe.”
    â€œWell…that is so,” said Neferhotep. Now he looked at Jennifer with an entirely different expression. Thoughtful, even respectful. “Dreams are powerful omens, you know.”
    â€œThat’s true,” said Meryt-Re, “but if you wish to discuss this any further with Dje-Nefer, it will have to wait, Neferhotep. We must get to the market.”
    â€œYes, of course,” said Neferhotep. “I didn’t mean to delay you. But, if you don’t mind—I’d like to offer more protection for your daughter, in the form of a spell. Will you allow me to do that?”
    â€œCertainly,” said Meryt-Re.
    â€œGood. It may take me some weeks to concoct, however,” said Neferhotep. “I will go and return at sunset, with Ka-Aper. May Amon-Ra