Page 42

A Zamboni-sized weight lifted off Oliver’s chest with the shift in subject. “I have, a few times, although I haven’t been back in a while.”

“That must’ve been amazing, seeing it all for real,” said Leesa. “Have you gone on digs?”

“Yes. Although, most of my fieldwork took place during my archaeology and anthropology BA. I spent a lot of time up in Orkney, the islands off the north coast of Scotland.”

Mid-sip, Georgie’s face lit up. “My mum was born there!”

“Really? Have you been?” asked Oliver.

She set her drink on the table. “Once when I was ten.”

“It’s so beautiful and rich in history,” said Oliver.

“It is! I’m long overdue for another visit. My cousin Graham and his wife just had a baby. The way I’m going with my ever-growing travel list, Evie will be twenty-one before I meet her.” Georgie half-laughed and claimed a chocolate chip muffin from the open box. “Egypt’s on my list, too. I’d love to see the pyramids and all the antiquities. I got a sneak peek when the Treasures of Tutankhamun exhibit came here when I was in Grade 12.”

“Me too,” said Kaitlin, plunging a hand into her Hickory Sticks again. “King Tut’s gold burial mask was stunning.”

Nodding enthusiastically, Georgie cracked the crunchy square cap off her muffin. “So was the Falcon Pectoral.”

Kaitlin paused her snacking. “Which one was that?”

“The falcon necklace with the outstretched wings?” explained Georgie. “It had Ankh and Shen symbols in his talons, and a red sun on its head⁠—”

“Oh, that one.” Kaitlin eased back on her folding chair. “My friend’s mum, one of our chaperones, bought a replica from the gift shop.”

“I tried to commit it to memory so I could draw it later, but the guards made me move along.”

Georgie draws? Oliver grinned to himself.

Leesa tsked, her pen landing loudly on the envelope she was addressing. “How do you guys remember all that stuff? I’m only a few years younger than you but all I can recall from my trip was the candy floss I bought outside the art gallery.”

“Must’ve been good if you remember it so fondly,” said Oliver. “I had a BeaverTail from a food truck near the museum last week. It was delicious. I’m still thinking about it.”

Leesa perked up, flashing a grin. “It’s the little things, right?”

“Always.” Oliver smiled back. “Little things make life special.”

Georgie glanced up from her mail, her gaze meandering.

Nudging her box braids off her shoulder, Leesa picked up her pen. “So, what’s a pectoral and why was King Tut’s so incredible?”

“They were ornate breastplates made of gold and semi-precious gems worn by kings, queens, and other high-ranking Egyptians,” Oliver explained. “They typically featured deities and religious symbols, which, when buried with the wearer, were meant to help guide and protect them in the afterlife.” He glanced at Georgie demolishing the cap from her muffin. “The pectoral Georgie mentioned is an elaborate falcon design, reminiscent of Horus, the patron deity of kingship. Under his watch, Tutankhamun would’ve been well looked after on his journey through the hereafter.”

“Until his tomb was discovered and they dug him up,” said Kaitlin.

Oliver shifted in his chair. “Well…there is that.”

“Did you have to learn multiple languages to become an Egyptologist?” asked Georgie.

“I already knew French and German, but I studied Arabic, all five stages of the Egyptian language including hieroglyphic script, and some Hebrew.”

“Plus English and Swedish!” said Leesa. “You’re a walking, talking United Nations.”

Oliver laughed. “I guess, yeah.”

“So which pyramid is the most impressive?” Kaitlin picked up a bundle of mail.

“They’re all remarkable for different reasons. Khufu, the Great Pyramid in Giza, is breathtaking due to its impressive size. But if you were hoping to see hieroglyphics carved into the walls of its burial chamber, you’d be disappointed because there aren’t any. It’s quite basic inside.” He sipped his coffee.