Needing a Stick

Central America, the part on the third floor, was also mostly dark. We had to slow our pace in order to make sure nothing was hiding in the shadows to get us but we couldn't go too slowly for fear our pursuers, who would have no such concerns, would be able to catch up with us. Nothing new there.

From where we were at that stairwell to the entrance of the exhibit hall was not far compared to the distance we'd traveled through Africa. There was a sharp right turn, a few dozen feet of displays before the hallway veered to the right for a few steps, another junction where we continued forward instead of turning right, taking the next right into a small room that featured the entrance to the exhibit, unless, like us, you approached it from this angle where it worked as an exit. We walked into the large, well lit, open area that featured elevators, display cases, and a marketplace diorama. Most importantly under the circumstances were the escalators and the freedom they represented.

“We're here,” I declared. “Now what?”

Harry smiled. “Well now we...” His enthusiasm faded. “Say, what are we going to do next? I'd gotten so wrapped up in the concerns of the moment, I stopped considering a larger plan.”

“Could we just hit Set in the hand with a stick so he drops the gem in his hand?” Larry asked. “Would that break the spell?”

Harry just looked at him. “Hit his hand with a stick?” he echoed. “Why that's the silliest thing I ever heard.”

“Had the possession not been complete, it wouldn't be unreasonable,” Mr. Thorndyke noted. “I imagine that it is too late for that action now.”

“I wonder if his death touch would go through the stick, like electricity?” I questioned.

“We could throw the stick,” Larry offered.

“Good thought,” I responded.

“Enough with the sticks,” Harry grumbled. “Can't you see this is serious?”

“And we are seriously stuck for a plan,” I retorted. “We might as well talk about what we have worked out.”

“I can see no way to fight Set directly,” Mr. Thorndyke thoughtfully declared. “It may be possible to return him to the prison he escaped from earlier today.” To Ms. Chapman he asked “Are you using any storage on this floor or would we have to find our way upstairs to reach a supply of Egyptian antiquities?”

“We have nothing here,” she informed. “It depends on what you're thinking of. We have a number of items on display in the Jewels exhibit for context.”

“Yes, of course!” Mr. Thorndyke exclaimed excitedly. “The very location that returned Set to this plane of existence may also provide the means of dismissing him from it.”

“We're going downstairs then?” I checked. Upon receiving a confirmation nod, I continued. “Good. We need to go somewhere soon as our friends are catching up with us.” The mummy and revived gun men were emerging from the gloom of Central America. Thusly prodded onwards, we eagerly descended the escalator back to the second floor.