Decide to let the man lead you to his source
From Create Your Own Story
"All right," you say. "Take me to this man. But no funny business. You've already gotten a taste of what will happen if you try that."
He nods eagerly. "Of course, Miss Van Helsing."
"You can call me Anastasia. Or Ana. I've never been much for formality." You hold out your hand and help him to his feet.
"Thank you, Miss V...Miss Ana." There is a clear look of relief in his eyes as he looks into yours. You find yourself enjoying the feeling of being tall enough to look straight into them. You help the two henchmen, who are just regaining consciousness, up as well. After checking to make sure you haven't done any permanent damage to any of the men, you start on your way, the leader in front, then his two henchmen, and yourself at the back, keeping a watchful eye on the men.
Several twists and turns through the dirty streets and alleyways of Cairo later, the four of you approach a small, square dwelling with an unassuming-looking wooden door. The leader knocks three times, then once, then twice and the door opens.
A native servant escorts you and your companions inside and down a set of stairs. In the underground room, a middle-aged Arab with a scar across his face is seated behind a large desk. He looks up and his eyes narrow with suspicion upon seeing you. Addressing the man who led you here, he growls, "Who is this? You know I don't like strangers in my office."
"S...sorry, sir. This is Lady Anastasia Van Helsing. I agreed to help her in exchange for...never mind."
The scarred Arab looks at you, the expression of suspicion still on his face. "Ah, a lady of the famous Van Helsings. But what brings you to my little...empire?"
"Just a search for information," you say simply. "I was told that you had some, concerning the...grotesque happenings in this city."
"And if I do have information, why should I share it with you?"
"Perhaps because I am Anastasia Van Helsing, and I can make the...grotesqueness go away?"
He stares at you, his face expressionless, and whispers something to his servant in Arabic. Finally he looks up again. "Very well." He turns to the other men. "You may all leave now. I will speak to Miss Van Helsing alone."
When it is just the two of you, he beckons you close with his finger. "There have been...rumors of an ancient mummy, awakened from the dead after thousands of years, roaming the streets of Cairo, preying on the people. It...drains the very life out of its victims."
You frown. "Rumors? Has anyone actually seen this mummy?"
"No. But the victims...I've seen them myself. Not much is left of them except bones, skin, and a look of pure terror frozen eternally on their faces. Who else but a being of supernatural power and evil could do that?"
You swallow hard at that, hoping that your brief sign of nervousness goes unnoticed. "And where might a monster huntress go about looking for this mummy?"
"I have...acquired a map to an ancient tomb, lost to all except myself. A few weeks ago I sent half a dozen of my men to explore it. None of them ever returned. I believe it is the mummy's lair. But given how my men disappeared, I doubt any man would want to risk going there."
You smile faintly. "But I am no man. Give me the map, and I will take care of this mummy, if that is what it is." You hold out your hand.
The Arab responds by holding out his own hand. "You don't expect me to give it up for free, do you?"
With a sigh, you reach into a convenient pocket in your dress and press a gold coin into his hand, which remains outstretched. Rolling your eyes, you add a second gold coin.
"Don't get greedy, that's all you're getting," you growl as his hand remains out. "If I'm killing a monster for you, you should be paying me."
"You're not doing it for me, you're doing it for yourself. To show yourself, to show the world that you are powerful, that you can slay the monster and live up to the name of Van Helsing." He chuckles to himself. "But two gold pieces...I suppose that will be satisfactory." He pockets the coins, then unlocks a drawer in his desk and hands you an old, wrinkled map. You study it quickly but efficiently, noting the location of the secret tomb, a few miles from the edge of Cairo, out in the desert.
"Thank you." You turn to leave. "I believe our business is concluded."
"Good luck, Miss Van Helsing. You're going to need it."
As you exit the building, you try not to let his last words get to you, but you know they ring true. Vampires and werewolves you have slain, and you know their powers...and their weaknesses. But a mummy, an unknown enemy, with the power to literally drain the life out of its victims...
The ugly man, a dagger in his hand, who approaches you and waves his weapon in your face snaps you out of your thoughts and reminds you that you are still in a dangerous neighborhood. A swift kick sends the dagger flying out of the shocked man's hand. You look down at him, as he is shorter than you, grab him by the neck, and headbutt him hard. He crumples to the ground like a rag doll. You continue on your way, feeling almost no pain in your own head. The comments you've gotten throughout your life about your stubbornness, being "hard-headed," have literal truth to them as well.
As you finally approach the Nile and the steamboat, you plan your strategy for exploring the tomb. Should you go alone, or try to find some men brave enough to go with you?
