Key

Of

Eternal

Darkness

-¤-

Book One:

The Weapons of Osiris

Chapter One:

The Mission

-¤-

A small child wandered around Abydos. Her clothes were torn in various places giving others the impression that she was a beggar. The frightened child went to the middle part of Abydos and knocked on a random door.

"Come back later! I'm eating!" A female bird bellowed.

The child's mouth began to water. She could smell the foods delicious aroma and knocked on the door once again.

"I told you," The female bird said walking to the door, "I'm --" She opened the door to see no one there. "Hmm, I was certain someone was here." She said curiously.

The child tugged at the bottom of her dress. The female bird looked down at the poverty-stricken child in disgust.

"What do you want child?" The bird asked impatiently.

"I…was wondering…if…you had…any…spare food?" The child asked innocently. Fear was present in her eyes, voice and posture.

"No." The female bird said quickly, slamming the door in the child's face.

The starving child hung her head in defeat and her shoulders dropped. She closed her eyes allowing a single tear to slide down her cheek. Turning around, she dragged her feet as she walked away.

"Isis…" Hissed a dark mysterious voice.

"W-Who's there?" The terrified child asked, her voice shaking with fear.

"Isis…" The voice hissed again, this time louder.

"Go away!" The child screamed running across the bridge.

"ISIS!" Someone screamed.

Isis's eyes shoot open as she jolts out of her dream into an upright position on her bed. Her breathing is short and heavy as she quickly glances around her room, hoping to see the mysterious person from her dreams. To her dismay, she only spots her partner, Sphinx.

"What are you doing here?" She asks the demi-god; her voice quaking with fear.

"I'm here to get you up." Sphinx answers standing next to the bed.

"For what?" The demi-cat asks cluelessly.

"Isis, don't tell me you forgot!"

"Forgot what?"

"Typical…" Sphinx mumbles looking at the floor as he shakes his head back and forth.

"Oh shit!" Isis exclaims, her eyes widening as she throws the covers off of her and jumping out of bed.

"Now what?" Sphinx asks.

"I can't believe I forgot that we have to meet Master Imhotep today." The young apprentice replies while gathering her clothes.

"I'll let you get ready." The demi-god says nodding. "Once you're done, meet me downstairs." He walks out of his partner's room, shutting the door behind him to allow Isis to change.

After quickly changing into new clothes, fixing her hair, and putting on her jewelry, Isis rushes down the stairs to see Sphinx waiting by the door.

"Are you ready?" Sphinx asks his partner.

The demi-cat nods in response as Sphinx opens the door for her. "Thank you Sphinx." Isis says as she walks through the door.

Sphinx closely follows behind her as the two apprentices make their way through town towards Master Imhotep's Temple.

"Why do you think he summoned us?" Isis asks her partner while looking at all the shops in town as she passed by them.

"I honestly don't know. All he said is that it was urgent and to meet with him immediately." Sphinx answers back a bit clueless.

An awkward silence fell upon the two apprentices as they walk out of town and up a hill to the Temple. Once at the Temple doors, Sphinx and Isis look at each other upon entering.

The hallway is well designed with many hieroglyphics and jewels. Isis slowly walks down the hallways, stunned by the breathtaking beauty of the jewels.

"So … um … which jewel is your favorite?" Sphinx asks a bit nervously.

The demi-cat walks over to one of the walls and runs her index finger over her favorite jewel. "The Emerald."

Sphinx stands where he is and nods in head in response. "Come on."

Both apprentices walk down the hallway until they reach the main room. Their partner, Horus, and Master, Imhotep, were standing in the middle of the room; awaiting their arrival.

"Alas, you both are here." Master Imhotep says in a pleased tone.

Sphinx and Isis just nod in acknowledgment while walking into the center of the room; standing next to Horus. A ramp lies in front of the three apprentices with their master at the top.

"Now that all of you are here, I have some bad news. The time I feared has arrived; the darkness prophesied will soon descend upon us…and we need to be prepared." The Master begins eyeing his apprentices intently.

None of the apprentices dare to interrupt Imhotep during his speeches. Everyone knew that whatever their master had to say was important and was not going to be repeated. The apprentices listen very carefully, taking in the information.

"I have chosen you three because you have already proven you are my most worthy apprentices. The mission that you are about to embark on will be a test of your strength and abilities." Imhotep continues still eyeing his apprentices.

'So this mission requires our strength and abilities. Looks like I'm gonna have to try and remember everything he taught us.' Isis thinks while her master takes a breath.

"Prepare yourselves, for the path ahead will be highly dangerous. I cannot guarantee safe passage, or that you will return alive." Master Imhotep says, his voice becoming very serious.

'Well, that helps me feel much more confident.' Sphinx thinks sarcastically.

"But, you must go of your own choosing. Now is the time to stand down if you wish." He pauses, waiting to see if any one of his three apprentices will back down.

None of the apprentices say a word as they look amongst themselves. Shaking their heads, they give Imhotep their undivided attention once more. This was a sign that they have accepted the task. From here on out…there is NO turning back. It's either they make it out alive…or die.

"I see. Since you three have accepted the task, I will transport us to Uruk: the land of darkness." Imhotep walks down the ramp and stands in front of the three demi's. A holographic projection of a sword appears between them. "There, you will need to find the Blade of Osiris. An old and powerful sword protected by the demons of Uruk." The holographic sword disappears and Imhotep takes a couple steps forward.

"How are we going to get to the lands of Uruk?" Isis asks closing her eyes.

"I will transport you three there. Prepare yourselves for the journey…" The Master says conjuring a magic spell.

His three apprentices make a half circle around him as a white light surrounds all four of them. The white light disappears in an instant indicating that they have reached their destination.

The outskirts of the Uruk Castle.