Note: Out of my 22500 gold, 1500 were deducted after buying one (1) lemon, one (1) orange, and one (1) lime to help combat scurvy. For this chapter, I will be using my orange to give me the necessary vitamin C to stay healthy!

***

A sharp gasp escaped Marina as she bolted upright, her hair and clothes sticking to her partially soaked body. A pounding migraine forced her to shield her eyes from a blinding sun. Both hands trembled violently from enveloping fatigue. The sensation was caused by... a reason she couldn't recall.

She didn't know who or where she was.

Remnants of some sort of ship were scattered around her, jagged heaps of wood and torn sails floating along crystal clear waters. The silk garments hugging her features felt expensive—they made her feel like she was a person of importance. 

But, since she didn't remember why that would be the case, those minor details meant nothing to her.

The issue that did matter was the fact that Marina was lost; and it was very apparent that if she didn't get a move on, some sort of wild animal or hungry creature would seek her out for an afternoon snack.

Despite her muscles and joints screaming in agony with every slight movement, Marina rose to her feet.

Her movements were sluggish. Uncoordinated, even. Walking on seemingly endless mounds of sparkling sand didn't help her feel any better. Neither did a strong breeze that was more hot air than it was a refreshing current. Her mouth tasted of salt and dust—each swallow stung because of a desperate need for a drink of fresh water.

Limping at a snail's pace in search for a safe haven was better than just waiting around for an early demise.

Fortunately, it only took Marina a couple hundred steps to find what she was looking for.

Before her was a wide slab made of red stone. Images of people donning skirts, tall headwear, and thick eye makeup could be made out. There were no words to give any clues as to what the large block could be. But it did have a handle, alluding to the stone being an entryway to an underground space. One out of reach of sweltering winds, a scorching sun, and miles upon miles of sand that was too hot to touch with bare skin.

Marina covered her hand with the sleeve of her shirt before reaching for the handle.

Upon opening it, she was greeted by strong gusts of air that pushed neighboring mounds out of the way. The entryway swung open, causing her to stagger back in shock. She couldn't help but marvel at the strange imagery on the inside of the slab.

The sun was shining atop a trio of pyramids, and beneath the pyramids were long cases in the shapes of people. Each container had a skeleton within them.

Marina's safe haven from the elements was a tomb in Egypt.

The thought of being surrounded by death, literally from every corner, made a chill run up her spine. She had to manually shake out her hands to get rid of residual jitters before making her way inside.

Handcrafted steps were a lot smoother and cleaner than she was expecting. The further down she walked, the more stale air was filtered out for a sweeter, richer aroma—a fragrance quite similar to sesame seeds mixed with honey. Darkness lost its staggering intensity, courtesy of dim sources of light later seen to be lanterns and torches.

At the very bottom, there were indeed the expected sarcophagi. 

But hanging around, like it was just another eventful afternoon, were beings that could only be described as mythological deities.

Egyptian gods, goddesses, and other divine creatures were conversing with one another over a large banquet of sweets and wine. Some of the more powerful beings were showing off their skills as party tricks: controlling fire, fanning out large wings, shapeshifting into other people, etc. They were all in their own little world while having a grand time with one another.

Time appeared to stop, however, when Marina let out a small sigh in disbelief. All eyes darted to her figure, staring into her very being. 

For a moment, no one moved.

But just as quickly, penetrating gazes became friendly and welcoming. Multiple deities offered waves or raised their cups in greeting. The only being to rise and personally meet Marina was none other than the God of the Afterlife himself: Anubis.

The golden hue of his eyes shined brighter than any piece of jewelry hanging from his strong, tall, muscular body. One of his pointed ears flicked before his canine features softened. "Greetings, mortal. We've been awaiting your arrival."

"You have?" Marina looked around the room in uncertainty. "I don't understand- what's going on? Who am I?"

"You do not remember?"

"No. I woke up on a beach surrounded by the remains of a large vessel. I can't recall any details about where I was before, who I was with, or anything of the sort."

"I see." Anubis stroked his chin in thought. "That is all right. I have no problems filling you in on the details. I do not wish to frighten you, however. You seem rather frazzled as it is."

"Just because there's a lot of confusion. If you can clue me in as to why I'm here, I'd really appreciate it."

"Of course." A small grin was offered. "My brother, Horus, has the ability to see the future. We've known of your arrival for a long time now, Marina. Or shall I say Captain, seeing as that was your occupation before coming to our land."

"Why am I here, Anubis?"

"To aid the current reigning leader of Egypt, Cleopatra."

Marina's eyes widened. "Cleopatra? Why would she need my help?"

"People are dying from famine, disease, and war. We, as gods, can only do so much to help. You, Marina, have insights of a distant Egypt—one more advanced. Cleopatra is searching for answers you may have."

"I don't understand- how would I even get to her?"

"Allow me."

Anubis grabbed Marina's arm.

She gasped when the world around her began shifting, morphing before her eyes.

Blank walls elongated. Low ceilings did the same. Murals and hieroglyphs began appearing until every visible surface had intricate designs on them.

Low chanting came from behind her.

Marina turned, only to take in the sight of the Egyptian Queen herself kneeling down in awe.