A/N:
Nomarch (from what I have read) are like governors that watch over a part of Egypt they would be assigned to by the Pharaoh. They collect taxes and set rules that they have permission to set in their area but all have to report to the vizier.
Vizier is a close advisor to the king; he helps keep things in order and gives the reports from all 42 divisions in Egypt to the Pharaoh while probably handling some on their own.
Keeper although I'm not sure if I should explain this, basically a person who looks after The Pharaoh's estate. Keeps servants in order and keeps supplies coming from merchants or just organizing gifts that are given by visitors.
The usual power string in Egypt from my understanding is: Pharaoh (Atem) , Vizier (Set since Shimon passed away ) , Commanding General ( Still deciding on who I'll give this title to; I was going to pick Honda but it didn't fit in my head that way. Suggestions?), and then High Priest (In this case the Millennium item priests.)
Wheezing in frustration the protagonist of our story turned to the closest corner so he could attempt to separate or even confuse the slave traders that were on his tail. Dehydration had not gotten the better of him the past few weeks of being tugged along the desert sands from village to village but when he needed it most he could clearly notice the desperation his body was going through. A cold feeling washed through him while the little sounds the empty street made were filtering into white noise. Thankfully he seemed to have been smart on planning his escape when the sun had left from the sky realizing that the darkness could hide him better than any amount of distance he could put in this condition.
Trying his best to shake off the exhaustion, he rushed into the smaller back ways of the streets. Gripping his shackled that connected his wrists in hopes to silent them, after achieving more flexibility from the men by moving in random directions he quickly finally slipped himself through a crack and silenced any noise that could be coming from him praying that his loss of breath would not be the death of him. Slipping his body down against the wall to hide himself in the shadows of the two small merchant set ups that had poor quality cloth compared to the main streets of the city he was brought to the morning before. Shutting his eyes tightly the dark-haired boy clung to himself focusing on the sounds of the men arguing over the missing sounds of shackles clinking in the direction where he had turned. For a while they bickered before both separating to find him their selves, hopefully though it would be a matter of time before they had to give up for the lack of wanting to trouble themselves over one slave. Normally they wouldn't even have given this much effort but since he was a 'unique' find; their boss would probably not let them get off easy with just shrugging off such merchandise. Even then, coming back empty-handed after running around all night would probably still not save them from the rage they would meet.
It took a moment more before the boy would let himself catch a breather, but only slightly relaxing in case one of the men felt like retracing his steps. Listening for any reason not to leave the safely of his brief hide out he reinforced his grip on the chains before regaining any strength to get on the move again. Knowing fully well that if he didn't disappear before sunrise they would easily recapture him. The thought itself irritated him to no end. 'Why couldn't they make this easier for me?' It seemed like common knowledge that there was no one who wanted an aggressive type of person like him no matter what the breed. With that he went back into the road trying not to look suspicious, although the bonds did make it very hard not to stand out. So he tucked his arms under one another bending forward a bit while running in who knows what direction. This stupid city was foreign to him, who had no luxury traveling past his home town. That was until his father had been caught as a thief making his name shunned from work and forced to leave in hope of the next city having some need for him. Getting captured by slave traders seemed the least of his problems.
"AH!" Knocking over to the ground from a figure that he bumped into from the corridor he had rushed straight through to enter a wider road. He looked up weakly at the shadowed silhouette before hardening his eyes at an instant when it tried to reach out to him. Jumping to his feet he made room between the stranger and himself automatically, observing that there were two other figures with the one which he made contact with. Somehow he made it back on the main street finding it to have a closer view of a palace to make him realize he had wandered deeper into the city. The city wasn't right anymore he could clearly note that he was in the county of Egypt from recognition of a few giant god statues that seemed crafted in the tall temple walls that he had a closer look at before and knowing there must be a king to live behind such decorated fortress in conclusion that he would be in the heart; Thebes.
"An escaping slave?" The dark-haired boy heard one of the figures say snapping him from his thought process.
'Shit.' He should have not let his guard down; attempting to hide the chains although he knew it was no use. The last thing he noticed was the person who he had bumped into was holding the railings to a horse. If he had not known any better the slave would have thought it was a blessing from the gods.
"He isn't one of ours, Sir." They went on making it clear that the person who he hit was a big shot.
"No," The worn out teen stated so that to get their attention "I'm not."
Flipping the chain over the bosses head to press against the back of his neck he pulled him in a sudden movement down and gave him the biggest headbutt against what felt like the others nose, being quick he took the railings which the man had let go of out of pain, kicked himself up using one of the guards to jump on and straddle the animals back making his leave in one fluid moment from the hollers that now emulated behind him.
A smile had broken out on his face finally from the adrenaline that had pumped through his veins, leaving a very shocked high priest with a bloody nose in his wake.
He made it! Dawn wasn't even approaching yet but he had made his way out somehow, well not out of the city that was a different feat to carry out. Not only were the gates being guarded but there were multiple men checking through everything coming in and out of the city, from pottery to soldiers . It wouldn't be a problem to ride past them but with little to cover his shackles he knew they would get suspicious and not let him cross. Glancing around he became surprised to see no separate amount of guards searching for him. He thought for sure he had to have gotten in a scuff with one of them if not some commander; then again it could have just been a big time merchant visiting from another village. Biting his lower lip at the predicament the boy found himself once again scratching his neck uncomfortably. He was not used to being covered in soot and mud for so long even if it was his own choose to apply the contents on himself as to hide his features. Any thoughts of wanting a bath soon interrupted short when his eyes caught sight of the small luggage strapped to the back of his new horse. 'Supplies? 'Maybe the person really was a merchant. Looking around cautiously Jono took back into the shadows to rummage through the contents. Scrolls and clay tablets were the first things to stand out but they were no use to him so he went for the more materialistic things.
'Blanket, scroll, scroll, whatever that thing is, clay, s-'Blessing his luck there was a canteen that was half filled up with water. The rest of the items were forgotten automatically so he could guzzle down the contents, it wasn't much but enough to fill his empty stomach and rejuvenate life back into him. Returning back to exploring the bag, he became disappointed to not find any food but a pouch of money stood out quite a lot. Frowning slightly he glared down at one of the silver coins. He wasn't one to steal money of all things but the situation he was in didn't give much of a choice to cherry pick through his morals. However the question 'What to do now?' still remained unanswered. He could use the money to ask someone to remove the shackles, however along with stories of beauty and diverse markets of Thebes it was also known for crooks and grave robbers. Not just anyone could be trusted in city like this, especially since he had no connections to lean on.
"Then again…" The boy murmured looking down at the few coins he was playing with in his hand. He could attempt in buying himself. Such probability of such an exchange seemed impossible but to some so was running off. The gods of this country might send him another miracle. "Tch!" Clicking his tongue he came to a fast conclusion that there was no way he was going to take a risk like that without being sure to get away with it. It was frustrating though being so close to freedom yet having trivial things block your path.
Stuffing the coins in their holder he put the supplies back where they originated and gripped the railings of his transportation tighter than before, peeking out the corner to see if there was any new movement. In an instant his body felt a jolt of pain in his neck before things went black.
Set stared aimlessly in front of him after the sudden events had taken place trying to processes what had happened. He was returning from the Valley of the Kings to give word to his pharaoh about the status of his pyramid and bumped into a dark-haired boy who at first seemed harmless until he noticed the chains that bound his wrists to one another. Few slaves in the area were ever chained like that in the city since Atem had taken the throne. His eyes twitched in fascination at the powerful glare he was suddenly met with, the slave's eyes reflected an amber color that seemed to have a strange fitting for how dark-skinned the boy was.
"An escaped slave?" He questioned out loud only for the two guards that were escorting him to note that they most certainly knew he did not belong to anyone in the vicinity.
"No," The adolescence spoke up causing their eyes to lock when the stranger started to make his move. "I'm not." Before he knew it his face became forced closer to the male causing the priest's shoulders to tense up but their eyes stayed connected as if hypnotizing him.
That's when the pain from his nose set in causing him to let go of his horse and hearing his men attacked suddenly while the other was unsure if he should have been more concerned with the thief or the bleeding priest who only turned to watch the wildling becoming a silhouette down the road.
"Priest Seth, are you well!?" The flustered guard asked before changing the tone of voice at an instant to bark at the man next to him. "Idiot! What are you waiting for? Go after him!"
"Wait." Set spoke up causing both guards to pause any attempt to run after the slave, the bewilderment had settled in the brunette's chest so he could make his own commands in the usual stoic manner as to make the impression that such a situation had not affected him. "You." Blue eyes peered over at the man who seemed to have been untouched throughout the encounter. "Tell the men at the gate to look out for my horse or anyone who fits your description."
"Y-yes!" The man exclaimed before stumbling down the road.
Set glanced at the other who was still holding his stomach in pain that the slave somehow used as a step stool. The sight took a while more to register: a slave had not only injured him but made of fool of his men, and stole his belongings. Letting out a small laugh of irritation, which in turn caused the guard to jump in fright, he turned away walking back along the path he was taking before stopping once more. "You!" He had turned back towards the man at his side letting the irritation finally reach his voice, wiping the blood from his nose causing a smug mark across his palm obviously not in the good mood he had arrived with. "Are you okay?' He asked watching the other speechless guard who nodded out of fear to be scowled for the events that had occurred. "Good. Join your friend and tell the men that when they do find that thief to bring him straight to me. Now go."
"Ah… but sir, are you sure that you'll be alright alo-?"
One piercing glare shut him up as fast as the man was able to summon words through his now quivering lips. "Are you insinuating that I need protection now?"
"N-NO! I'll take my leave, High Priest." With that the coward ran in the same direction as the one before him.
Set huffed out turning around to the path straight to his cousin, who he knew was going to have a laugh at the fact that he was merely caught off guard.
Knocking on the gates door of the pharaoh's estate he offered a slight nod at the keeper who greeted him at the entrance. "The pharaoh was expecting you at sun rise my priest, I doubt our king would not mind you taking a short retreat before bringing him news of his tomb." The brunet let a smirk appear on his face as his cold eyes landed on the servant who kept his own on the floor to let Set know he didn't mean any harm or try to send him away out of disrespect.
"Although I am certain you are right, Habib. I would rather finish the task at hand before retiring for the night. You don't look as rested as when I last saw you, so I would assume you share my enthusiasm." Habib offered a knowing smile before escorting the priest to his master's study.
"Cousin!" Atem extended his welcome happily. "You have arrived early as usual. Really Set I doubt there was any need for-"The tri-color haired king stopped his words when noticing evidence of an assault on his families face and smeared blood on the others knuckles after the priest had come closer into the candle light where he sat.
Noticing the others eyes wondering at his appearance Set waved a hand to dismiss Habib which Atem consented before the brunet finally spoke up.
"It is nothing to cause you worries my king."
"Yes, I see that… I'm more curious on how it came to be." The curiosity in his cousin's voice caused him to pause.
"A little trouble along the way but for now let us speak of more important matters. I wish to sleep plenty tonight."
An eyebrow rose on Atem's face at the sudden secrecy coming from his high priest but chose to accept the other's evasive words so that the night could be peaceful. He would have to ask once again tomorrow if rumors didn't already make way into the palace before he could rise to the occasion. "Of course. Although I should warn you, Obadias has visited the city and will probably ask for your presence at his audience at sun rise."
The new piece of information caused Set to frown in disapproval, noting that Obadias i was most likely the reason Habib had not rested to get perpetration in order. "Did he state why he visits? Nomarch's only gather without request if something dire has come to pass."
"He seems in no rush, so I doubt it is of much importance to be brought to my attention."
"Of course…" Set paused for a moment before bowing. "Then I shall take your offer to rest before my report since I will have to return soon anyhow." This caused Atem to chuckle knowing his cousin was most annoyed that he had wasted time when he could have done something more productive.
Not watching the high priest leave his study Atem spoke up one last time. "Sleep well Set."
A/N: I hope I was able to capture the moments I've been drawing constantly for the past three days alright. I urge any constructive criticism you have for me or if you want to tell me something you liked. I've tried to do as much research as I can use with the YuGiOh universe without messing things up too much. This stories rating will change to M when things start the characters are finally set into place. Mentions of rape also will probably be included late on. (Fair warning Set will not become a rapist)
Habib is Honda and I'll let you guys find out who Obadias in the next chapter since it's not as obvious but feel free to guess.
Thank you for reading!