-1Title: Book of Tales II- Tales of the People of the Mists
Author: Dragonwrangler
Summary: Lord Dartz has arrived with Atemu's newest wife while Mahado deals with the darkness that is now awake within the Millennium Ring; and Gaighdon and Ciorstag must scramble to protect both the Prince and the new Priest from the ancient magic Lord Dartz holds. Sequel to Book of Tales- Tales of the People of the Sun.
Rating: M
Warning: AU, AE, OC, a minor discussion regarding sex, Het, Lemon, M/F (Atemu/Dakhamazu, Atemu/Ifenete). I also mess around with Egyptian history and Celtic mythology. (I may also mess up some Scottish Gaelic- feel free to correct me on that!) And the intro here is a bit long (though it will let you know what you're getting into) - you'll find the story itself under the dotted line below.
Feedback: Please.
Characters: Egypt:All Millennium Item Keepers- Atemu/Puzzle, Akhenaden/Eye, Seth/Rod, Isis/Tauk, Shada/Ankh, Karim/Scales, Mahado/ Ring, Chief Vizier Siamun, Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen (Atemu's father),Mana, Inherynakht- High Priest of the Temple of the Temples of Amun. Also the O.C. characters of Atemu's wives- Ifenete, Nekhennan, Meskera, and Dakhamazu.
Dalriada: Gaighdon (Elf Soldier/Celtic Guardian), Ciorstag (Holy Elf/Mystical Elf), Ard Draoidh Cian, the Dian Birog, Ard Righ Murchadh, Ruadh- first guardian of the Ard Righ, Seòras- second guardian of the Ard Righ, Seer of the Tuatha de Danann Ìomhar, Ailig- Righ of the Duìne-sìth and brother of Ciorstag. Gaighdon's family- Moira- Gaighdon's wife, Lachann- eldest son, Ùisdean- second son, Màili- daughter.
Also: Coeremar (Magus of Illusion), Lord Dartz
Seth's father Akunadin is known by the name Akhenaden after forging the Millennium Items. At the start of this story, only Pharaoh Akhenamkhanen knows Akhenaden's true name.
Timeframe: This takes place five years before Atemu's soul is sealed in the Puzzle, at the end of the Eighteenth Dynasty. Atemu is 15, Mahado is 16, and Seth is 21. I also have Lord Dartz entering Egypt five years earlier than he supposedly did in the series.
Author's notes: This is part two of Book of Tales. This part picks up after the cliffhanger that ends Book of Tales: Tales of the People of the Sun. I highly recommend reading that story first.
Book of Tales is actually a background story for another I am writing on Mahado- I needed to figure out how Mahado met Gaighdon and Ciorstag before continuing that story. As a result, a lot of the focus is on the three of them.
I'm having a lot of fun writing this- I hope you enjoy reading it!
Disclaimer: Yi-Gi-Oh is owned by Kazuki Takahashi and I am not making any money from this story. However, everything that is not Yu-Gi-Oh is the property of Dragonwrangler, including the names Gaighdon, Ciorstag, Ifenete, Nekhennan, Meskera, and Dakhamazu.
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Book of Tales- Tales of the People of the Mists
Chapter One
Gaighdon staggered out of the Shadow Realms and crashed to his knees onto the soft moist grass that covered the ground before the Crosspoint. Quickly covering the limp form in his arms, Gaighdon braced himself for what he knew was about to happen.
The dead streamed into the humid air and flowed past their prey, their screams of triumph filling Gaighdon's ears, before suddenly striking the wards that surrounded the Crosspoint glyph. The impact deafened Gaighdon and, for a moment, the power flaring through the air astounded him. Looking up, while still shielding Mahado, Gaighdon watched the wards grab the spirits and lock them in place; while beyond the shimmering wall of magic, Gaighdon could just make out several figures running toward the top of the hill the glyph sat upon.
Shaking from both the cold of the Shadow Realm and the loss of adrenalin that had fueled his run, Gaighdon finally glanced down at Mahado to see what condition the young magic user was in. Shocked, he found an arc of red spreading out from under the bottom half of the Millennium Ring, soaking into the white robes the youth wore. Gaighdon was horrified to find the tines that hung from the bottom of the Ring were now buried into Mahado's chest.
Instinctively reaching down to yank the Ring away, he froze when a voice snapped across his mind, "Gaighdon, stop!" His hand still gripping the pyramid set in the center of the Ring, Gaighdon dragged his eyes back up to the group that had now reached the hilltop.
Cian, Ard Draoidh of the Duìne-sìth, called out a quick spell with a wave of his staff that caused the wards to flare and consume the dead they held. Dodging the blazing magic, Cian stepped quickly toward Gaighdon, only to jump back as power flashed between them. A black clad figure suddenly appeared, leveling the flared end of a green wand at the Ard Draoidh. Cian raised his staff defensively as Gaighdon shouted, "Magus!"
The figure turned, its face hidden by the dark cowl it wore, to regard Gaighdon and Mahado. Gaighdon watched impatiently as the tense form gazed at them a moment before finally moving away to allow the Ard Draoidh through.
As he skidded to kneel at Gaighdon's side, the Dian Birog quickly coming up behind him, Cian said sharply, "What happened, Gaighdon- who is this?"
Shaking his head, barely able to hear the spoken words, Gaighdon answered roughly, "I'll explain it all later." Feeling Birog's hand on the one that gripped the Ring, Gaighdon reluctantly let go to allow the healer to inspect Mahado. As he listened to the Dain begin to chant softly as she held her hand over the Ring, Gaighdon closed his eyes a moment as he added, "It may be best to seal the Crosspoint for the time being."
"And Ciorstag?" Cian asked.
"She was the one who ordered us through. However I do not believe she was in any danger." A chime from the Ring caused Gaighdon to open his eyes. He watched Birog sit back with a weary look before looking down. He found the Ring's tines were now lying flat without a drop of blood smearing their gleaming surfaces.
Rubbing her face, the Dian glanced at Cian before saying to Gaighdon, "There is nothing more I can do. I am afraid to try anything else. The item he is wearing is heavily warded and it may cause him more harm if I attempt a healing spell." Turning she stood and walked beyond the wards to send one of her assistants down for supplies to clean and bind Mahado's wounds.
As Birog stepped back, Gaighdon asked, "Can it be taken off him without harm?"
"I would not advise it." Birog frowned as she added, "He is in a state of shock but I do not believe the damage that has been done to him is simply physical. I won't be sure until he regains consciousness."
"Do you have an idea how long that may be?"
She shook her head and said evenly as she looked at Gaighdon, "Possibly never. I don't understand the magic I am sensing. I'm not sure how he even survived going through the Crosspoint, considering the condition my senses tell me he is in."
With a slight bow, Birog gestured to her assistants. "I will do what I can to stop the bleeding, Gaighdon. What I can do beyond that remains to be seen."
Slightly startled when Cian himself helped the assistants shift Mahado out of his grip and down to the ground, Gaighdon managed to say, "Thank you. When you feel it is safe to move him, I will take responsibility. You may take him to my home to be treated."
The Dian nodded absently as she began to cut away Mahado's robe to get a closer look at the damage done to him while Gaighdon was pulled to his feet. Looking up at the Magus, who still hovered off to the side, Gaighdon said, "I'm sorry that we cannot do more, but we will help him as best we can. You are also welcome in my home." He could see the curious look the Ard Draoidh gave him but ignored it.
The figure nodded once, sharply, before relaxing slightly and crossing his arm, the wand braced against his elbow.
Allowing Cian to lead him down the hill Gaighdon wondered how Ciorstag was faring.
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Ciorstag knew immediately the moment Gaighdon crossed into the Crosspoint. The power she felt around her dropped away and she could feel the healing spells settle as the Millennium Puzzle's magic shifted back to strengthen the ones she held in place against Atemu's wound. She mentally sighed in relief when Atemu suddenly relaxed in Seth's arms.
"Atemu!" Seth cried out.
Ciorstag reached out to rest a hand on the tense Priest's shoulder. "He's all right now, Seth. Just give him a moment to recover." Shifting to face Akhenamkhanen as he knelt down beside her, she added softly, "There is still something dangerous happening within the Temple but the threat that affected Atemu appears to have been removed."
He frowned slightly as he looked away from his son. "What did you do?"
Sighing, Ciorstag answered, "I had Gaighdon take Mahado through the Crosspoint. According to what Gaighdon said, something happened to the Ring and Mahado was no longer able to control the Ring's heka. It was somehow interacting with the Puzzle and damaging the healing spells."
Concern lacing his voice, Akhenamkhanen asked, "Are they safe?" Looking down at his son, he added, "Is Atemu safe?"
"I cannot answer that in regards to Gaighdon and Mahado but I believe your son is in no danger now." Ciorstag said apologetically.
A groan from Atemu drew all eyes to him. Slowly opening his own eyes, he stared calmly at Seth a few moments before a frown slipped over his face.
"Why are you up there, Seth?" he asked reasonably.
"Because you fell when you passed out!" Seth answered irritably, but relief was clearly visible in his expression.
Scowling now, Atemu said, "Passed out? I don't pass out." As the words left his lips, Atemu's eyes suddenly became distant.
"Atemu?" Akhenamkhanen asked carefully.
Feeling the magic of the Puzzle shift under Atemu's control, Ciorstag heard him muttered, "Something is missing."
"The Ring and Mahado." she said.
"What?' He blinked and looked at her in confusion. "Where is he?"
"Hopefully in Dalriada by now." Pushing herself to her feet, Ciorstag reached down to pull the Prince to his feet. Assisted by his father and Seth, who appeared surprised she was allowing Atemu to rise, he was soon on his feet and glancing around the courtyard curiously. Ciorstag could see Seth was not happy and suspected the High Priest would not be leaving his Prince's side anytime soon.
Akhenamkhanen rested a hand on his son's shoulder for a moment and gave the boy a swift smile before turning to speak to Akhenaden and the High Priest of the Temple. As his father moved away, Atemu opened his mouth to speak when he was distracted by something behind Ciorstag.
Looking over her shoulder, she found Lord Dartz speaking to Karim and beside him stood a young woman, a few years older than Atemu, dressed in elegant robes and jewelry. Having a good idea who the women was, Ciorstag turned back to find Atemu scowling again.
"How long was I out?" Atemu asked quietly.
"Only a few moments, my Prince." Seth answered under his breath.
Atemu sighed. "And how long was she here?"
Ciorstag smiled slightly. "Probably from the moment you passed out. Her adviser, Lord Dartz, offered his assistance when you fell." she said.
Giving her a look, Atemu asked, "Her adviser?"
Nodding Ciorstag answered, "The white haired man. Ifenete and I met him when we were in the marketplace yesterday."
She realized she had failed to hide her unease when Atemu's eyes suddenly narrowed. "Is there something else that is wrong, Ciorstag?"
Sighing, Ciorstag said, "I am afraid that answer will have to wait until another time, Atemu."
A slight smile twitched Atemu's lips. Straightening, he nodded once and stepped around her to greet his new wife.
Falling in step with Seth, Ciorstag followed, watching discreetly the expressions that crossed the young Princess's face. As they approached, she kept her head slightly bowed, not meeting the eyes of anyone around her. However, in the brief moment Atemu turned to speak to his father, his voice strong and clear, Ciorstag saw the Princess glance up to look at Atemu, an irritated scowl creasing her flawless skin before moving her attention to her adviser.
Lord Dartz turned from Karim to say a few words to the Princess, words that brought a small smile and a nod, before he faced Pharaoh and his son. The Princess relaxed and watched her new husband approach, appearing calm and serene.
For some reason that did not make Ciorstag feel calm and serene.
"Great Pharaoh, to you I give, life, health, and prosperity." Lord Dartz said, bowing slightly. Straightening, he continued, "Please forgive my intrusion a moment ago. I did not mean to question the abilities of your Priests and healers but the heka I felt was quite dangerous. I could not stand idly by."
"We welcome you and thank you for the offer of help but those who surround us are more than capable of protecting us." Akhenamkhanen answered formally but with a note of warning in his voice. Ciorstag was surprised at the careful tone.
Considering Pharaoh's initial reaction to Gaighdon and herself, Ciorstag found herself wondering what Pharaoh saw in the man before him that caused him to be on guard.
Apparently taking no offence to Pharaoh's tone, Lord Dartz stepped to the side to gesture to the Princess. "May I introduce the daughter of Zannanza, the Great King of Hatti; the Princess Dakhamazu."
Nodding to the young woman, who had knelt down as her adviser introduced her, Akhenamkhanen said, "Welcome daughter. We are glad you have come safely to us."
Atemu reached out a hand. "I too am glad and welcome you into my household, Dakhamazu. Please, rise and accompany me as we return to the Palace."
As she was pulled to her feet, Dakhamazu smiled brilliantly at her new husband, but Ciorstag could not help thinking, it was going to be a long night.
She could tell Atemu was going to have his hands full managing his new wife.
Which meant she was going to have her hands full managing him tonight.
Ciorstag sighed.
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Gaighdon stood in the doorway of the master bedroom and watched Birog move away from the still figure lying upon the bed. The Dian had managed to stop the bleeding and had treated the puncture wounds with an herbal concoction that would keep them from becoming infected but Mahado had yet to respond in any way to what was happening around him. Even the fever that now burned through him failed to cause any movement beyond the rapid rise and fall of his damaged chest.
Glancing around, Gaighdon half expected to see the Magus still floating in the air around Mahado, but Birog had informed him the Magus had disappeared when she stopped the bleeding. Gaighdon hoped that meant Mahado was out of danger but knew it might also mean the young magic user no longer had enough life left within him to keep the creature manifested in this world.
Stopping before him, the Dian said softly, "I've done all that I can, Gaighdon."
"I know." he answered. "I can ask for no more than that."
She nodded then stepped around him, resting a hand briefly on his shoulder, before making her way down the hall leading to the kitchen. Gaighdon stood watching Mahado a few moments longer, then turned and headed for the gathering room.
Deep in thought, it took Gaighdon a moment to realize someone was leaning against the wall of the hallway. Glancing up he found Ruadh, first guardian of the Ard Righ, watching him with a sympathetic look on her face.
Smiling slightly at his former student of the sword, Gaighdon said, "I was unaware you were back in Dalriada, Ruadh."
Pushing off the wall as she brushed a few strands of unruly red hair from her eyes, Ruadh said, "The visit was not planned in advance. We actually arrived a few hours after you and Ciorstag had left. Your wife was kind enough to offer us rooms while we awaited your return."
"The Ard Righ is here?" Gaighdon asked in surprise.
"Yes." Ruadh grew serious. "You need to talk to him, Gaighdon. You need to talk to him now."
Moving to the entrance to the gathering room, Gaighdon found the core of the Royal Court of the Tuatha de Danann sitting around the largest table within the long narrow room. The largest space within the ancestral home of the council chieftain of the Isle, it was often used to host the Royal Court on their visits to the Isle, so there was nothing unusual in the sight before him. However, the fact Ìomhar, the Seer of the Clans, was also in attendance managed to cause a shiver of foreboding to slip down Gaighdon's spine.
As he approached the table he could hear the Ard Draoidh say, "But how can you believe that it is tied to the prophecy? The item the boy wears is heavy with ancient magic- yes- but it does not feel like anything I nor the Dian are familiar with. Why do you believe it was made using the Book of Millennium Magic? And how could such a Book have gotten through a Crosspoint in the first place?"
"It did not pass through a Crosspoint." Gaighdon answered as he reached the group. As the others looked at him in surprise, Gaighdon knelt before the Ard Righ.
"I am sorry I am not able to honor you and yours with the welcome or attention that is your right, Ard Righ."
Smiling, Murchadh, Ard Righ of the Tuatha de Danann said warmly as he stood to pull Gaighdon to his feet, "I know I am always welcome in your home Gaighdon and the opportunity to be treated as simply one of your household is more of an honor that you can imagine." Giving Gaighdon a close look, he asked, "Are you up to joining this discussion? The Dian says that you were sorely pushed by the events that have brought you home, chieftain. This can wait until you have rested."
Nodding, Gaighdon answered, "I am up to it." Turning to Cian as he settled into a chair beside the Ard Righ, Gaighdon said, "And yes, the Millennium Ring that Mahado wears was, according to him, made from spells that could be found in a book he referred to as the Book of Millennium Magic. The Book is in An Èipheit. It is to there the new Crosspoint leads."
"An Èipheit?" Cian said, surprised.
"Yes."
Cian frowned as he looked at the Seer. "Then it appears you are correct, the prophecy has been put in motion."
"Prophecy?" Gaighdon asked.
Ìomhar leaned back, a contemplative look on his face. "The prophecy of Lugh. The last Guardian spoke the prophecy during the exodus from the ancient lands. He stated that the clans will finally leave this world for the new Homelands when the Dark God awakens." The Seer rubbed his face for a moment before adding, "The Dark God of the seven Millennium Items."
"I am not familiar with that one."
"Very few are." Ìomhar said. "It is required that one training as a Draoidh or a Seer learns it but it is not taught beyond those traditions." Glancing at Murchadh he added, "Not even the Righ knew of it until I felt it necessary to inform him."
"So you are here because of this prophecy?"
Shaking his head, Ìomhar said, "No, my vision only pointed to great events being put in motion when you stepped through the Crosspoint. It was not until I saw the Item that I made the connection."
"Do you know what caused the Item to attack the boy?" Cian asked.
Gaighdon frowned. "No. Supposedly, the Ring accepted Mahado as its Keeper, but something caused him to lose control of the magic contained within it. And I do not know why the dead were attacking him."
"It is possible they were the dead held within the Item itself. I had not considered that was what the wards were holding" Cian said thoughtfully. For a moment, he was silent, staring into space, until he became aware of those around the table who were gazing at him in surprise.
"The dead within the Item?" Gaighdon asked cautiously.
Cian nodded. "That is what's said to gives the Items their power, the souls of those that were sacrificed to forge them. Their remains are supposedly added to the crucible that the metals are melted within, to bind them forever to the Item."
"What?" Murchadh said. Staring unbelieving at Cian he asked, "Do you speak of willing sacrifices?"
The Ard Draoidh shook his head. "It does not matter, at least according to the knowledge that has been passed down. I would guess unwilling sacrifices would be more powerful though, depending on what the Items are used for."
"The defense of a kingdom and a Righ." Gaighdon said quietly.
Cian nodded. "Unfortunately, unwilling sacrifices would suit." Meeting Gaighdon's eyes, Cian added, "And that would be enough to awaken the Dark God."
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Akhenamkhanen watched Atemu assist his new wife from the canopied litter she had been carried in from the Temple to the Great Palace and listened to the cheers from the people filling the street, and could not stop a shiver of guilt and unease from slipping through him. Laughing lightly at a comment from Atemu as she stepped onto the ground, Dakhamazu smiled graciously to the men who had carried her litter before allowing Atemu to guide her into the Palace. Leaving his son behind as he led the Royal procession on to the Eastern Palace complex- the crowds parting before them - Akhenamkhanen found his thoughts drifting into memories he had not considered in many years.
Many had informed him how beautiful the Hatti Princess was but Akhenamkhanen had dismissed most of the comments during the negotiation of the marriage treaty. He had no doubt that the truth was being told but he also knew beauty to be a subjective thing. However he had not been prepared for what he had seen when he turned at Atemu's words and saw the Princess for the first time.
She was Itakayet reborn.
It was only a momentary thing, seeing Atemu's mother in the face of this foreign Princess, but it put Akhenamkhanen off-balance in ways he could not explain. Itakayet had been his favorite long before Atemu had been granted to her to bring into the world by the great Aten, and Akhenamkhanen did not hesitate to raise her up to the title of Great Wife upon his birth; but when she passed into the next world, he had turned all of his focus on Atemu in an attempt to escape the awesome pain her loss had left behind.
He had escaped so well he had forgotten how much that pain hurt.
Only training kept Akhenamkhanen from being overwhelmed by the past as he answered the adviser, but it had still taken a few moments for Akhenamkhanen to come to his senses. When he did he could not miss the subtle movements in Atemu's actions that showed a certain amount of discomfort, discomfort that had nothing to do with his collapse. That was the source of Akhenamkhanen's guilt. After the one true fight with his son regarding his arranged marriage to Ifenete, Akhenamkhanen had tried his best in finding suitable matches for him; and Atemu had not protested any subsequent arrangements. But the importance of this treaty meant he had no choice in who was suitable, only the firstborn daughter of the Hatti King would suffice. It was up to Atemu now to manage his new wife and household, Akhenamkhanen could not allow himself to get involved.
He wondered though what Atemu had seen when he first looked upon the face of his new wife.
As they walked, Akhenamkhanen barely heard the sounds of the crowds cheering the new Princess, his son, and himself- he was as used to the sound as he was the beating of his own heart- as he turned to speak to Siamun as he walked beside him.
The Chief Vizier appeared worn out by all the walking the court had done today and Akhenamkhanen wondered briefly if one of the reasons many of his meeting were rescheduled tomorrow was not for his well being but for Siamun's. He hid the brief smile that crossed his lips, he knew Siamun would never admit such a weakness and Akhenamkhanen would not call him out on such a thing. Siamun deserved a break more than he did.
Bringing the smile under control, Akhenamkhanen asked his adviser and friend, "Siamun, I am interested to know what your opinion is of Dakhamazu."
His eyes brightening, obviously relieved to have something else to think about than his tired feet, Siamun answered, "I believe she will fit in fine, my Pharaoh."
Surprised, Akhenamkhanen said, "You do?"
Siamun nodded. "Yes." A shrug lifted one shoulder. "I believe it will take some time for her to settle into her new role, and I expect there will be some disruptions that will need to be dealt with, but she appears to be well aware of what is expected of her." He gestured to the crowds around them. "And the people are happy such a treaty resulted in such a beautiful wife for the Prince. She will do well."
Unconsciously frowning, Akhenamkhanen said under his breath, "Yes, she is quite beautiful."
He was silent until Siamun asked, "What bothers you my Pharaoh? You do not appear as happy with this as I would have thought."
"Did she remind you of anyone Siamun?"
A quizzical look passed through Siamun's eyes as he replied, "No, my Pharaoh." Waiting a moment he asked, "Have I missed something, great Pharaoh?"
Akhenamkhanen shook his head. "It is nothing." Noticing they had reached the entrance to the Palace he announced in a firmer voice, "I will take this time to change before meeting you at the balcony, Siamun."
The desire to ask a question was clear in Siamun's expressions but all he said as he bowed was, "I will be there, my Pharaoh. Health to you."
Smiling slightly, Akhenamkhanen made his way into the Palace complex.
Thinking of Atemu as he walked through the edge of the central courtyard and into the private section of the main building, hoping he would have time to rest a few moments before making his appearance at the viewing balcony before the Aten slipped past the horizons, he once again reminded himself he could not help his son with his new wife. Akhenamkhanen heard Itakayet's voice once again slip into his thoughts and failed to stop the sigh that crossed his lips as he recalled the wisest comment his Great Wife ever made-
"If one cannot manage one's own household, how can one ever hope to run a kingdom?"
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Atemu breathed a sigh of relief as Ifenete lead Dakhamazu and her handmaidens into the women's quarters to prepare her for the marriage bed. He knew he would need to discuss the changes that were required to adjust to his new wife but he was glad to put it off one more day. He still had mixed feelings regarding tonight, and wondered how much of that was his surprising uneasiness in Dakhamazu's presence, but he knew what his duty was and would not waver from that path. He would be much more prepared to deal with Ifenete after that was behind him.
Stepping into his dressing room, allowing Hurenmun and his assistants to disrobe him and prepare him for his bath, Atemu hid a smile as Seth settled against the doorframe as if he belonged there. As he lifted his arms to make it easier to remove the embroidered apron and kilt he had changed into before meeting his new wife, Atemu asked, "Were Karim and Shada able to discover what happened in the Temple?"
As he glanced back at the tall Priest, Atemu found some of his worry pushed back when he noticed the seemingly embarrassed look on Seth's face as his clothing was removed. "No, there was nothing left in the Temple, though they believe from the amount of residue heka in the room that several high level spells were enacted within the inner Temple itself." Shifting slightly, Seto continued, saying, "There was no sign of Mahado or Gaighdon within the temple but there was a line of footprints overlapping a pair that ran along the outer wall to a point halfway down before ending suddenly. Another line of footprints lead out into the desert."
Raising an eyebrow as a length of linen was draped over his shoulders to keep him warm as he stepped from the room toward the baths, Atemu asked, "Into the desert?"
Seth fell into step at his side to answer, "Yes. Shada and several of the Medjays are following the trail but it may be some time before they return."
Atemu contemplated the news and wondered what exactly happened. There was a dimness within his senses where the presence of the Millennium Ring should be. He could still feel it but it was less than a whisper now.
He never considered the possibility he could feel the difference between each Item with the Puzzle, but now that the Ring was so far away he was unable to deny the fact that the Puzzle did indeed allow him to sense each one, that the Puzzle did tie them all together. He wished he knew how to harness that unique ability so he could reach out to the Ring and see that Mahado was safe but it was beyond his level of skill.
If Mahado returned maybe he should ask for some lessons himself.
As he stepped up to the bath and the linen was pulled away, he turned to the High Priest to say reassuringly, "I am all right Seth." Atemu was slightly amused by Seth's protective attitude and for a moment considered asking Seth to help Ciorstag tonight; he knew she had been relying on Gaighdon and Mahado being here to assist her with the healing spells that were holding him together but decided against it.
He did not need his cousin knowing that much about him.
Settling into the bath, Atemu watched a frown cross Seth's face before the tall Priest bowed toward him. "Then I will see you in the morning, my Prince."
As Seth straightened, Atemu said gratefully, "Thank you for your assistance, Seth."
A small smile softened Seth's stern features for a brief moment as he nodded once before turning to leave.
As he watched Seth disappear into the hall, Atemu had to wonder at the sudden, incongruous thought that crossed through his head.
"I wonder what Seth looks like under those blue robes of his."
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Gaelic terms-
Ard Draoidh- high druid (literally high wise man)
Ard Righ- high king
An Eipheit- Egypt
Duìne-sìth- literally preternatural person
Tuatha de Danann- the people of the Goddess Danu (Irish)
Also-
Heka- Egyptian for magic
The Dian- The master healer of the Tuatha de Danann. (In Celtic mythology, Dian Cècht was the god of healing within the Tuatha de Danann. Since there was a healer card called Dian Keto the Cure Master in the Yu-Gi-Oh TCG and it fit into the mythology I was using, I decided to use Dian as a healer rank within the Tuathan clans.)
