When he came out of the blackness that was the space between times, he was hit with a blast of heat. His feet landed on dry, hot sand. He tried to search the surrounding land, but his eyes, now more sensitive from his spell, couldn't acclimate to the raging light cascading down from above. IT was like he was suddenly in a blast furnace. He closed them and looked upwards, forcing his healing talent to compensate for the bright light. It apparently worked, because when he opened them he could see. Just that quickly he wished he was still suffering from the temporary blindness.

Where ever the clash of spells had flung them, it was nothing but desolate wasteland. No, wait, there was something off in the distance. Before he could focus on what it was, he heard two noises. One was obviously a groan from Lanana. She was lying at his feet. He hadn't noticed her because he hadn't focused on his immediate surroundings. He leaned down and gave her a hand up. She too was adjusting to the sunlight, all the while spitting out a mouthful of sand.

The other noise was from the Plated Folk wizard. He was on his back, struggling to sit up. The two mammals looked at him and grinned. “Shall we leave him?" asked the ocelot. Jon-Tom was quick to answer. “I should. However, my conscience tells me we would be better off keeping him alive for now." He leaned down and righted the giant bug.

Khepri struggled to his feet and backed away, his freakish eyes scanning the horizon. “What have you done, you red-blooded freak? Where are we?"

Jon-Tom shook his head. “The better question is when are we? I have no idea either way. There isn't that much desert on this world that I've ever encountered before. Of course, it also depends on when in the past or future we've been thrown."

The bug just stopped and stared. “Time travel is impossible. The mathematics for it was proved to be beyond the scope of normal magic."

“Well you ugly bastard, when dealing with me there is no such thing as normal magic. The only reason I didn't destroy you and your horde right off the bat is because I have to worry about messing up the future timeline. So you see, as far as I know, this very well may be your world's future. I very well could have messed it up."

Khepri stood stock still. “Yes, I can believe that. Why do you think we try so hard to eradicate the warm blooded menace? To preserve our species and our way of life! And yet we are decried as the villains!"

“Well, you can argue semantics, but either way, time travel is possible because I've done it and I know we've traveled quite a temporal distance. As for who did what, I don't really care right now. We can discuss it like civilized beings when we get back home. If we get back."

“You lie! You are trying to deceive me!"

“To what end? I got you on your feet when I could have left you there to die slowly in this awful heat. For that matter I could still kill you if it was my desire." He looked up to search the horizon for whatever he saw a moment ago. It was now a bit bigger. He focused. He blinked. He shook his head. “Shit!!! Damn, damn, damn, damn!" He was stamping his feet into the sand.

Lanana knew a worrying tone when she heard it. “What's wrong Jon-Tom?"      

He pointed to the spots that were moving. “I'm in trouble; deep, deep trouble, yet again."

“Uh, if you're in trouble, doesn't that mean we are all in trouble?"

He started laughing insanely. “Oh my God!" He looked at the bug wizard and howled with laughter. He looked at Lanana and did the same. He was in tears. Khepri was dumbfounded.

“What is wrong with him? Must I assume that out situation has changed for the worse!"

The jackal just rolled in the sand. He was crying tears and his arms were holding his sides from the convulsive nature of his humor. He finally got himself under control. “Listen you stupid bug; we are in so much trouble right now. But it's not what you think. Third time's a charm they say!"

“Third time for what?"

Lanana was wondering the same thing. He stood and brushed the sand from his outfit. “Hanobos indeed! Why didn't I see it coming?" He went back to laughing. As the shapes on the horizon made their way in their general direction, Jon-Tom thought up a plan. It wasn't a great one, and even then, it wasn't a good one. The situation was beyond his ken and he really needed time to think.

“All right you two, here's how this is going down. You both are going to hide inside of my cape until such time as I deem it appropriate for you to come out. It at least should be cooler inside it."

Lanana had no qualms about this, but Khepri was incredulous. Your cape? Your cape is sufficient to cover your parsimonious frame, but it will do nothing to hide me. My robe covers me just fine!"

Jon-Tom was uncharacteristically sharp tongued. “Listen you dung eater, you'll get in or else. If you go in alive I promise you you'll come out alive. If I put you in dead, you'll be just as dead when you come out!"

Lanana put her hand on his. “I don't think he understands." She motioned for him to remove the cape. He opened the flap and she stepped in.  She sank from sight almost immediately. Khepri grabbed the cloak in his claws and peered into the opening. It was a mere black void.

“Where did she go?" He nearly dropped it when a small voice called out.

“I'm in here!" Then the voice hushed to a whisper. “It's very strange, but not uncomfortable."

Khepri used his spare arms to pat down the cape while he was holding it. He could feel nothing. “This is extraordinary magic!"

Jon-Tom growled. “Yes it is! Now, are you going to get in, or must I do it myself?"

“Is there room?"

“Yes!! In fact, I could probably fit your entire army inside. Now, are you going in on your own?" The bug seemed confused for a moment. Then, with a bit of inspiration, he held it aloft and allowed it to slide down his body. By the time it had covered the distance to his feet it fell flat against the ground.

As Jon-Tom clasped it back into place, he was faced with a problem. His magic might backfire, or worse, might not even work at all. He could try it out, but just in case something funny was going on, he decided to wait until he absolutely needed to do something magical. Some of his time traveling experience's had been less than ideal.

His sharp eyes had told him that his present situation was going to be a tough one to get out of. He wished he could transform back into his human shape, but while he might be able to, it would expend magic. Even transforming from human to unicorn, an inherent ability now, still required power. On top of that, he was a jackal now, on two legs like all the other intelligent species (except for the quadrupeds of course) so it was hard to say what would happen if he tried to invoke it.

In the end he simply stood there as he was, the cape fluttering weakly in the hot breeze, while the objects got closer and closer. He had no fear of them. His concern was for those who only now seemed to espy him, a lone pillar on the shifting desert sand. Because of him, those who now approached were probably going to have a bad day. Jon-Tom was pretty sure the effects of his visit here were going to be set in stone. It made his head hurt.

Lanana and Khepri couldn't interact much with each other, which was just as well. The ocelot was a kind person, but she hated the Plated Folk just like every other intelligent warmlander. The fact that she entered the cape and allowed him to come in with her spoke volumes about her character. Since they refrained from talking, each instead took the time to reflect on the strangeness of the interior of the cloak. They had several hours to do so.

Out of the blue they heard a voice and could see a light, a mere tear in the fabric of their present reality. The light wasn't strong, yet it hurt the eyes and seemed to flicker and dance with a life of its own.

“Lanana, give me your paw!" She instinctively raised it above her head. She felt his strong grip and the next instant she was in the light. Her eyes tried to adjust. The bug was next, landing awkwardly on the floor. As their eyes adjusted, they found the light was not bright at all. They had been in dead darkness for so long that their eyes were unprepared for any light at all.

 They both stood, astounded. Words failed them. They were in a room that looked like it was carved from stone. There was, on closer examination, evidence that the great pillars and solid walls were actually blocks moved into place. Objects made of gold and silver adorned wooden furniture carved with elaborate detail. There were linen curtains covering the windows, and oil lamps lit the room with a flickering glow.

Khepri was amazed. “Are we still on the same world as before? Or have you yet again transported us somewhere different? This place is a far cry from the arid expanse of sand you brought us to."

“It's the same world. And it's not your world. We have traveled a far shorter distance then you might believe from our original point of entry there in the desert. And that is a problem, though only part of the problem."

Lanana pursed her lips and whistled. “It doesn't look like a problem."

 “Go look out the window, but please be careful not to show your face. Use the curtain to cover it."

She crept out to the balcony that jutted out over the wall. She pulled the curtain over her lower face and peered out over the stone railing. Below was a street, extending for blocks in either direction. Her ears were assailed by the murmur of a thousand voices. She looked down at the mass of bodies below. She felt no fear at their presence, yet all at once the significance of it struck her and she backed away from the ledge. Someone saw the movement and shouted.

The noise outside increased, enough that Khepri abandoned all caution and ran out to see what was going on. The crowd erupted at his presence. Jon-Tom put and arm around the ocelot. He pulled her towards the balcony again. “Jon-Tom, why? And how? I don't understand!"

As they stepped out into the evening air, he put his other arm around the bug. He only had this to say. “Welcome to my world you two. From now on, consider yourself gods!"

Khepri was unimpressed. “Any Plated Folk is a god compared to puny, insignificant humans!"

Lanana's foot kicked out and nailed him in the backside. His carapace protected him from harm. “Look you stupid bug! My friend here happens to be human in his real form and it seems we are on his world now. I'd suggest you show some decorum and a little respect. He only assumed this form to hide from the goddess."

The big bug's brain was swirling. “Goddess? What goddess? And how have we changed worlds? No known wizard or mage has that power! How much power do you possess?"

Jon-Tom shut him up. “Look, right now is not the time for this. I'll try to explain later. All you need to know is that you're on a world I call Earth, but the folks here will have no idea what you're talking about. We are roughly 3,000 years in the past, and somewhat longer for me. What you are looking at is the only civilized species on this round ball of rock. Bugs are small and mindless, and even the other species are sometimes used as servants to mankind.

Lanana looked pained. “I would hope us felines are excluded from such indignity?"

He shook his head. “No my dear, even felines may show up here in ways you will not like. You will see equines as well. Just remember they are not what you would expect from your world."

Khepri was watching the crowd as it continued to go wild. “Look at all that meat down there. It's too bad it's not seasoned properly."

The ocelot chastised him, but she understood his meaning. “Yes Jon-Tom, I'm hungry too. Is there any food here?"

“Yes, but you had better go back to using Hanobos as my name." He held up his hand to silence her. “No one here will know me one way or another, but the name you chose had best be the one I go by. I can't explain it now. Maybe later."

He went over to the large doors and pounded soundly. They opened almost immediately. Humans came in carry flagons of wine, bowls with fruit, baskets of bread, and platter's with cooked fish and other meats. Every person entering the room was wide eyed at the sight of the three freaks of nature standing there. Some of them trembled and fought their emotions to do their duties. Khepri was drooling. It wasn't over the prepared food.

“So much fresh meat! Is none of it for eating?"

“I had no idea what you ate Khepri, but eating our host or his people would be improper. However, make do with what's on the table and I'll come up with something better I promise."

“Our host? And who might that be?" Lanana was watching the humans with unabashed fascination. They in return were staring at her. And him…and the big bug.

At that moment a human walked in, dressed simply but adorned with gold and jewels. His stately stride spoke volumes. He was surrounded by guards carrying wicked spears and swords. He was also followed by a troop of females, some older and some younger. Everyone had brownish skin, unlike Jon-Tom's normal paler tone. The human turned jackal made a sweeping bow, and the man fell to his knees with his head bent. “My lord god, I hope all is to your satisfaction?" He looked up to see the other two. His eyes went wide. “I see my lord has brought more good fortune into my house!"

“Get up! I'll not have you bow before me. This is Khepri and this is…" He stopped Lanana was a pretty name, but hardly one that sounded correct for this situation. “…Ubaste. We are here for an unknown length of time. We thereby extend our humble thanks to the great King Khnum-Khufu, ruler of all the land of Egypt!"

Lanana leaned in. “I couldn't understand the crowd. Why can I now understand him?"

“I transferred the power of their speech to both of you just a moment ago. You can do a lot with a touch." He turned to the king.

 “My honored king, I have need for your hospitality on another level."

The human king, with his shaved head and immaculate white loin cloth, bowed. “My God need only ask."

Jon-Tom pulled him to his feet. “Walk with me." They ambled over to a quiet corner. The king looked at the huge bug, nodding in understanding.

“Yes my lord, we can accommodate him. I hope he would not mind going to them, instead on us bringing them here. I will do as you command, but I would find it most disagreeable if I had to watch."

“Khepri!" It was Jon-Tom.

“What do you want you…" then he remembered himself. “What can I do for you?"

“The king has made arrangements for you to eat. I am going to hazard a guess and say it should be up your alley. Please follow this servant wearing the white robe.

The man thusly described looked like he was about to expire in ecstasy. Jon-Tom was trying to absorb everything that was going on. He half expected the people to be in total shock and denial. He chuckled for a moment. “De – Nile." But they believe so strongly in their gods that they had been accepted as good omens. True, it was a good thing to be able to say that your god actually made an appearance once in a while. Not every religion could claim that.

The king was rushing around madly, in a very undignified manner. He was consulting with his sages and ministers. Then he came and bowed to Jon-Tom. “Oh great Anubis, I wish to present you a gift. I have nothing that you have not already provided, so I am returning to you that which is yours. Please accept this most humble of offerings."

Jon-Tom was still reeling from the outcome of the innocent use of Hanobos, Lanana's brother's name.  “There is nothing you need provide for me that you have not already done."

The king mad an expansive gesture. “I Khufu, King of Egypt, hereby decree that the great God Anubis may have any priceless gem from my entire kingdom. His presence here is the greatest grace to befall a ruler, and I have needs to reciprocate as I might."

Jon-Tom had no need for gems, or gold, or anything right now. But he did need to maintain some sort of clever deception. His power alone would make him a god to these people, but he had no desire to contaminate the timeline.

Lanana could sense his hesitancy. She spoke openly to him, “A gift given with one's heart should not be denied. I think you may have whatever you chose. Don't make him feel bad."

“As you know, I have no need for anything you possess. Still, you offer anything I might wish?"

“Of course my lord!" 

There were few things that made a man covetous than something of unbridled beauty and grace. Jon-Tom was beyond the need of most things men crave. He could make just about anything he might want, and his power was beyond compare, leastwise on his adopted world. But there was always something that could tempt him. In this case, however, he was trying to use it as a learning tool. Don't offer what you don't want to lose. He hadn't gotten the grasp of how strongly Khufu desired to make his god happy.

Jon-Tom ambled purposely over to the side. He walked around his selection with a keen eye. If there was anything the king would not wish to give up, it was epitomized by this sum of all loveliness. “I choose this!" He figured the king would tremble and fall down, begging him to reconsider. He had no idea who he was dealing with.

“My lord has excellent taste. There is nothing in my kingdom that surpasses the beauty of your choice. I freely give to you my daughter Hesmetep and am honored to call you a part of my family. May our descendants rule for a thousand years!"

Lanana came up to him. “What were you thinking?"

“I was thinking that I would choose something he wouldn't want to part with. Now it looks like I've done it again!"

The girl was trembling slightly, her eyes lowered. “My Lord Anubis. I hope that I will make you an adequate wife."

Jon-Tom could only think of one thing. He was a stupid fool who had done it again. There was no way he could take another wife, not even one who had been long dead and buried in his own time. He had gotten lucky with the timeline so far, but he had no idea how his presence here in ancient Egypt was going to affect his future. Yep, he had asked for, and was freely given, her hand. Of course, that was from her father.

“Might I ask if you wish for this?"

She was pragmatic, if nothing else. “One may do as they please in life, but to fail to accept the offer of marriage to a god is not a thing I would lightly do, my lord. I look forward to seeing if I survive the night under the power of one such as yourself. At least I shall die happy."