The final song of the set began and the ten paired dancers adjusted to the strains of a new melody overlaid on the now familiar rhythm of the Lambada.
"Now or never, Jayhawk," whispered Incontinentia into her partners ear. "I suppose you're right," he replied. It was then the Mistress of the Dance poured a major amount of skill and, oh yes, a little daring into her steps. Jayhawk kept pace, though startled once more by the incomparable Incon and the depths of her mastery of this addictive dance. He made a fine show of leading, enough of a show so that the audience was properly fooled; but without a doubt, it was Incon who set the standard.
The Egyptian couples were dismayed. They knew they had little chance to outdance Incon and her partner, the tall slender foreigner. Nonetheless, to their credit they gave it their all.
Civis's annoyance grew with the growth of the raw spot on his thigh. Big mistake, he thought. Yet he struggled on until at long last the strains of the melody faded away and the musical set came to its conclusion. Phase 3 would begin after a modest break.
The stampede to the beer cart was instantaneous. Nothing like the Lambada in the heat of the Egyptian desert to build one's thirst into a veritable crescendo of overpowering need. Anything that could hold beer was filled.
Civis took the opportunity to do what he knew he must. He walked over to the nearest Egyptian guard. He reached under his toga and delicately as well as discretely removed his sword and scabbard, pulling it out and from under the cloth. He handed it to the startled guard with specific instructions. He wanted it back in one piece just as soon as the contest was over. The guard didn't know what to say, so said nothing and shook his head up and down to signal his agreement.
"Thank you," said Civis.
Dionne had obtained two goblets of brew, one for herself and one for Civis. She had known the rush would occur and had wasted no time in getting to the barrels. That was why she was free to witness the removal of the sword while she stood there hands filled with goblets of brew. "Tsk, tsk, Civis of Rome. Why didn't you tell me you were wearing that thing. All this while I kept wondering what that knobby thing was that kept bumping my hip."
"Sorry, Dionne. I thought I might need it tonight," the Roman replied.
"Why, because of me?" she asked as a twinkling star awoke in each of the young woman's eyes to tease the Roman yet again.
"No, of course not. Quit being so silly. To protect Cleopatra, if necessary."
"You think that she is in danger tonight, don't you," she said, becoming more serious than usual.
"I just don't know. I heard Ramesses say something about intruders in the servant's entrance. I'm just being careful."
"Here, Civis. You need some refreshment." She handed him his goblet. "And yes, I'm glad for her Majesty's sake that you are being careful. I know of no one else who would make me feel safer than you." Civis turned beet red as usual, making his blue eyes stand out like two puddles in a red clay pit. Then Dionne did what every young woman of every nation or culture will do when she has thoroughly embarrassed her targeted male. She giggled.
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"Announcing the last phase of the contest. These are the final contestants for the honor of dancing before her Majesty, Queen Cleopatra and Julius Caesar of Rome..."
MRed and her companion...................................
Incontinentia of Londinium and Jayhawk, her companion....
Dionne, Handmaiden to the Queen and her companion, Civis.
The crowd groaned once more... But to their surprise the official had not concluded.
"By special permission of her Majesty, to ensure two couples of equal skill are given a fair chance to compete, one additional couple will be permitted to dance in the last phase.....................................................
Invited to this final phase are:..........................
Nephisis and her husband, Ramesses.
The audience went all abuzz with excitement. An all-Egyptian couple would compete! How wonderful! The Queen is indeed considerate!
The official motioned for silence. "Will these couples please take the floor." The four couples did as they were told. "Take your companion's hands," the official directed. This the four couples did. Then the official turned to the musicians and signaled for the third and final set of melodies to begin.