The passage was like a furnace. The hot sun and lack of air circulation had made the dark tomb almost unbearable. Using only a small flashlight to show her the way, a tan-coloured Pegasus moved her way through the passage. The heat did not bother her, though, and she scanned the walls as she slowly made her way along. The hieroglyphics intrigued her, and she noted them in a small leather bound book she kept in her pocket.

She noted the interesting designs, and used her book to translate common phrases. They were typical of a pharaoh, the symbol for king, god, and other praises were scratched into the walls. Coming to a stamp in the plaster in the shape of a Jackal and nine slaves. The Jackal representing the god of the dead, Anubis, and the slaves representing the pharaohs royalty.

On the far wall, she found it. It was exactly as the legends and textbooks had described it. The wall was covered in the royal seal of what what believed to be the wealthiest of the pharaohs. He had had so many names throughout history and folklore that there was no definite translation of his name. The design of his seal was intricate and bold, with symbols representing his lineage and conquests throughout his reign.

The Pegasus scratched down a copy of the seal and moved to the wall. She felt around the edges of the wall, finding what seemed to be cracks all the way around. She leaned against it, putting all of her strength and weight into the wall. She strained, holding her breath until the rock lurched forward an inch or two, and she almost lost her balance. After the initial two inches, the wall moved with ease, having been on some ancient-style hinges. The wall swung out into a much larger antechamber.

As the Pegasus stepped through the door, her mouth fell open, and she stared in awe at what lay before her. The room was expertly organized, and must have housed hundreds of artifacts. There were statues, weapons, carriages, tables and chairs, all made of gold and precious gems. If she had been a grave robber, the Pegasus would have settled for what she had just found. But her goal lay deeper in than this antechamber, she was looking for one artifact specifically. However, she could not help herself but take something. She reached out to find a small, perfectly smooth, gold disc only an inch or two in diameter. Directly in the centre was a smooth ruby that had been inlaid to the gold. On one side, the ruby was almost half an inch in diameter, while on the other side, it was significantly smaller. It looked so familiar to her, like something out of one of her books back home. She looked it over for only a moment before popping it into her pocket.

When she looked up, she saw more hieroglyphics on the wall. Not surprising, since this was an Egyptian tomb. However, these ones seemed more rushed than the others. As if this was the last statement to be put down before the tomb was closed. Or, someone didn't like what they were righting and wanted it over with as soon as possible. The tan-coloured Pegasus couldn't resist a little mystery, and took the time to write it down. When she had finished her copy, she leafed through the pages of her leather bound book to translate them. She did her best, though she had to fill in some of the blanks to better understand. She did not read aloud, as if speaking them would summon some sort of curse.

However, it read, “As the god of night does sleep, the sun remains in the sky. If his rest is disturbed, night will rule the day.” It did not make much sense to the Pegasus. She knew that the pharaoh who lay in the tomb was sometimes referred to as “The God of Night”. He believed, unlike other pharaohs, that he was descended of Nut, the night goddess. This was a strange belief because until that point, the pharaoh was always believed to descend from the sun god, Ra. There were several reasons in folk lore and legend as to why a pharaoh would change the beliefs of the Ancient Egyptians so drastically, all different. Some believed that it was because this pharaoh held a specific hatred towards his father, so he wanted a change. Others believed him to be a night worshipper. Others still believed that he was actually a she. They believed that the pharaoh was a woman disguised as a man who decided to change the beliefs to match her ideals. There was only one way to know for sure. To open the sarcophagus.

The Pegasus moved to a door with the pharaoh's seal resting above it. She cautiously entered the burial chamber and saw what it was she had been looking for. Not the sarcophagus, what she searched for was beyond. On a golden table past the glorified coffin was a pot, much like a canopic jar. However, it did not contain the mummies organs, but something of much greater value.

The legends said that the pharaoh was buried with their most prized possession. It was said that it contained a small magical device shaped like the moon, which could control it's phase, rise, and set. The device was believed to be used by the pharaoh to control the tides of the Nile, giving greater harvests. It was a small trinket, but could contain real power. The Pegasus did not believe the stories, however, the discovery of the trinket would make her famous, and perhaps bring better understanding to the legends of the pharaoh.

She walked around to the other side the sarcophagus and opened the jar. Inside, she found it, just like she had imagined. It was a giant pearl that had been carved to look like the moon's face. It was magnificent. She took out a rag from her pocket and wrapped the pearl in it, sliding it into her pith hat, and popping it back on her head.

She stared down at the sarcophagus, not wanting to open it, but consumed by the idea of finding out what it meant. She remembered the statement on the wall, and dared not open it. She didn't believe in curses, but she wanted to be safe. The Pegasus shook her head to clear her thoughts before exiting the burial chamber. She was met then by three grave robbers. The one in the middle was dressed significantly better than the others.

“I really must thank you for clearing this place for me, Ms. Do.” The well dressed pony sneered. “I was worried about traps, but you seem o have gotten in all right.”

“Who are you, and what do you want?” Daring Do asked through clenched teeth.

“I am called Richmond.” The stallion bowed. “Isn't it obvious what I want? Doesn't everybody want a slice of the pie?”

“So, it's money then.” Daring do shook her head. “And, what? No Doctor or professor before your name? Just Richmond?”

“No.” Richmond shook his head. “I have no need for a title, I am brilliant enough as I am. A higher education would be pointless. As well, why have a higher education when all I do is take things out of holes in the ground?”

Daring Do took personal offence at the last comment. She had spent years studying Archaeology and Anthropology to get where she was, not to be insulted by an undereducated grave robber. She was outnumbered, however, and did not want to antagonize the stallions blocking her only exit.

“Ms. Do.” Richmond stepped forward. “We are here for the riches of the pharaoh, and we will not leave empty handed. I imagine that you have taken the pearl already, so I will ask you to hand it over.”

“What are you willing to trade me for it?” Daring Do growled.

“Nothing, really.” Richmond shook his head. “But I will let you leave here alive.”

“Not a chance.” She adjusted her pith helmet.

“Well then.” Richmond pointed at his two henchponies who ran to grab Daring Do.

She expertly dodged and charged past Richmond. She was almost free and clear, thinking of a clever one-liner to shout as she charged out of the tomb. Unfortunately, she did not notice the larger than life stallion standing just beyond the doorway, who she ran into, knocking her hat off and causing her to fall to the ground.

Daring reached for her hat, but was grabbed from behind by the other two henchponies. The massive stallion picked up her pith helmet and fished out the giant pearl. He handed it over to Richmond who eyeballed the gem before dropping it into his pocket like an old coin.

“Now, I think we should solve the age old question of 'what gender was the pharaoh?'” Richmond mused as his henchponies moved Daring into the burial chamber.

he decided to save her strength to escape when she could get more leverage. The five of them stood in the burial chamber, the light of a lantern Richmond had brought illuminated the room. The massive stallion stood in the doorway so Daring could not escape, and Richmond stood on the opposite side of the sarcophagus. He ordered the two ponies holding Daring to open the golden box holding the dead king or queen.

The two strained for a second before knocking the ancient lid haphazardly to the ground, scuffing and scraping it. They were obviously hired muscle with no regard for history or delicacy. The sarcophagus was like a Russian stacking doll, with two more layers of coffins underneath, each slightly less brilliant than the last. When they were at the last layer, a simple wooden coffin, Richmond had them pause.

“This is an incredible historic moment, Ms. Do.” Richmond grinned. “Would you like the honour?” He motioned to the wooden box.

Daring hated being talked to like this, especially when she was a captive. However, she did want the honour. It was something she had been dreaming about for years. Discovering the unknown pharaoh would be a dream come true for her. But then she remembered the curse on the wall.

“I'll pass on this one.” It almost hurt to say it. To lose her only chance to discover this huge part of history. Especially seeing as she was only backing down because of a silly curse.

“Suit yourself.” Richmond laughed as he threw the lid off of the box and stared down at the body within. “Magnificent.”

Daring couldn't help but peer into the box. She needed to know. As she stared down at the mummified remains, she called to mind her training as an anthropologist and started to notice the subtle differences between male and female. She could not help but grin.

“Ms. Do, would you care to fill us in?” Richmond cocked his head.

“Only if you let me go.” Daring growled.

“You rive a hard bargain.” He replied as he looked down at the body. “Sure, you tell me what I want to know, and you're free. I have everything I need anyway.”

Daring looked back down at the body, double checking her findings so she was one hundred percent accurate.

“The pharaoh,” Daring Do stated, “was a woman.”

“Good, very good.” Richmond replied, looking excited. He then turned to his goons. “Throw her in the annex room.”

The goons looked confused, but Daring was scared. The annex room was small, and sealed by another stone door, but thicker. Inside would be old food and games, but there would be no way out. Richmond explained to his thugs where the annex was and they nodded. It took the efforts of both of the thugs to open the room, while the biggest one kept an eye on Daring. They finally opened the door and pushed her inside.

“How do you expect to get away with this.” Daring asked, standing back up. “You can't excavate with someone screaming and banging in one of the rooms.”

“Simple.” Richmond shrugged. “I will wait a few weeks, and then you'll be no more than a modern day mummy. Then I can take what I want and go. You will have simply gotten abandoned by your grave robber friends and died. Goodbye, Professor.” He said the word with such disdain.

The door closed, but Daring didn't give Richmond the satisfaction of screaming. She heard him laugh as he and his workers exited the tomb. The annex was dead silent. Daring could hear only her own breath and heartbeat as the gravity of her situation set in. She looked around the room, trying to find anything that could help. All she found were a few board games, jars upon jars of wine, and different spices and foods that had long since decayed.

She looked the door over and considered her options. Suddenly, an idea hit her. She walked over to the door and sniffed it for a moment. She nodded in approval, but to be sure, she licked it. Drawing her tongue back into her mouth, she considered the taste.

“Limestone.” Daring confirmed, nodding. “This I can work with.”

She then looked around the room at what was left in the annex. Her eyes stopped on the jars of wine. Daring took the lid off of one of the jars and inhaled deeply, causing her to gag and cough on the fumes. The jar reeked of vinegar. The years had separated the components of the wine, leaving a concentrated vinegar solution.

“Perfect.” Daring coughed, taking the jar from its resting place.

She tossed it against the door, shattering it on impact. The door was coated in vinegar, which bubbled slightly and slowly dripped to the floor.

As each solution of vinegar rolled to the floor, Daring smashed another pot on the door, it was working. It took hours, but eventually Daring Do managed to weaken the door enough that she could push it out of place by herself. Not a moment too soon. Any longer in there and she felt like she would pass out from the vinegar fumes.

She stood once again in the antechamber of the tomb. Her clothes and mane reeked of vinegar, but she was free. Suddenly, Daring became aware of a lump in her pocket. It was the small golden disc she had picked up before.

“At least I still have you.” She said, slipping it back into her pocket and starting the long trek back to the town from which she had come.

Author's Note

My first shot at a Daring Do story. I checked my science, so I think everything so far works. I did my homework on the Egyptology as well. However, if you find errors, please let me know and I will further investigate.