Following their initial exploration of the tunnel under the Sphinx, the investigators decide to return there better equipped. They end up discovering different cells protected by monsters half-man half-animal, but are forced to flee when the reinforcements of the Brotherhood arrive. Determined to save their comrades and prevent the resurrection of Nitocris, the investigators then try to get support to attack the underground, in vain. They must return alone and poorly armed on the evening of the resurrection ritual.

Things go rather badly: the ritual is interrupted in extremis when the investigators resolve to assassinate the innocent Agatha Broadmore while the Brotherhood forces her to bring the spirit of the Queen back to this world in a trance. Then, Tewkik al-Sayed dons the mask found in New York - the same one that was stolen from the group a long time ago - and incites powerful spells that threaten everyone present. In panic, Brenda, Setsuna and Lise flee, leaving their unfortunate comrades to their fate.

A ruthless chase follows, initiated by a vengeful Omar Shakti who tries to prevent the runaways from leaving Egypt. Against all odds, they reach Port Said and take the first ship that comes along - the Bantu Wind - towards Australia.