ICE/SAND/GLASS

Chapter 2

Add Fuel to the Fire

Out of all people in the throne room that stood frozen after hearing the news, soon-to-be-priest seemed to be the only one to show any reaction. His eyes followed Atem as he stormed out not even caring that his orders were needed. Seto knew full well that the heart as well as the mind of his pharaoh was in the West; together with her, wherever she may be.

There was only one thing he could do right now.

"There is no threat here! All soldiers are to leave the throne room and return to their posts with no delay. " Seto's clear voice rang like silver bell waking all up from their daze. Many heads nodded in confirmation and left as they were told; nobody dared to question the orders of blue-eyed priest.

"General, go to library and find Mutou-sensei. He can assist you in handling the matter of refugees," Seto continued without a pause.

"Yes, but what about-"

"I'll inform the pharaoh about the situation. Go."

"But I haven't told you a thing-"

"Do not doubt me," now his voice was low and intimidating. "And don't make me repeat myself."

General turned on his heal and left without a word.

"Was that really necessary, Seto," Yugi asked feeling sorry for the guy.

"Yes, it was. You," priest turned to servant that held the feather fan, "are free to go. Pharaoh won't be needing you anymore. Go and tell those two fools at the door to stop placing bets and that they are to report to their commanding officer since they are, too, no longer needed."

Servant bowed and left, but didn't need to tell anything to the 'fools' – they heard the message loud and clear.

"What's the deal, Seto? You sent everyone away," Yugi noticed. "Now only three of us are here."

"That's be-"

"Four, Yug. You're forgetting that strange bird," Joey corrected.

Before Seto could scold him for interrupting him or before Yugi could scream at him for using that name again, Atem came back in the room.

Air around him seemed different… Joey jumped up and practically ran to stand next the other two. Yugi swallowed hard clenching his small fists against his sides, while Seto straightened his back more (if that was even humanly possible). Never before had they felt such a thing coming from Atem, but they knew what it meant.

It wasn't their friend that had entered; the ruler of all Egypt graced them with his presence. So, not even glancing in anyone's direction, pharaoh Atem returned to take his seat at the throne.

"Priest, I want to know what's happening with western provinces," emotionless voice sliced through palpable anxiousness around the trio.

'No beating around the bush, huh?' Seto thought and stepped out. He felt a sting of pride sensing that the one before him was the only one worth to be his life-long rival. Yes, he indeed had chosen well all those years ago… He fell on his knee and bowed his head before speaking.

"My pharaoh, I can't help you with that."

"Then find someone who can. Now."

"No need; she is already here."

"Who is 'she' that you speak of, priest?"

"The bird, my pharaoh. She is servant of your sister, princess Urala of West."

Yugi and Joey didn't dare to turn but both could still feel the presence of strange golden bird still standing on the same spot it had landed. Two amethyst crystals grazed over the bird before returning back to the kneeling young man.

"So it's a messenger bird?"

"In a way, yes. Allow me to show you."

"Go on."

Seto got up to his feet and turned to the center of the room. He passed by two boys who stared at him, only to stop in front of the bird.

"You can transform now," he said in an almost gentle tone. Almost.

Bird let out a sound before spreading its golden wings again and letting them fall down causing a flash of brilliant white light. Boys let out a surprised gasp, pharaoh covered his eyes, but Seto didn't even flinch. Instead he came even closer to the light, opening his arms like wanting to embrace it… Moments later, it died out, leaving something small and fragile to lean on Seto's chest.

"So we meet again priest," tired, very feminine voice said.

"I never said we wouldn't, priestess."

Atem carefully listened to this whole exchange, while seeing nothing other than priest's broad back. She knows Seto? Priestess? His patience was running thin.

"True," she answered with a small chuckle. "Would you mind holding me up? My legs are a little weak right now and I need to talk to the pharaoh."

"Of course," Seto confirmed and moved aside, still holding her by her waist and left arm.

What came out from behind Seto surprised the young ruler as well as his friends. Girl that came to view was no older than him, but there were two bouncy white curls of hair that fell alongside her heart-shaped face. Tall around 5'2" she looked awfully small in arms of tall priest, almost like a doll… But what intrigued him the most were two golden orbs shining under white bangs.

The pair came to a halt just before the beginning of stairs on which Yugi and Joey sat not so long ago. Girl slowly bowed her head as much as she could in her position.

"Your Highness, my name is Amber. I am priestess-in-training in the Temple of goddess Ma'at* and loyal servant of her Highness, princess Urala of West."

"Rise, Amber, and tell me what you know," came the order.

It was then that impatient amethyst first met with sad gold. At that moment something broke deep within Atem and made his posture soften. 'This girl won't hide anything from me.'

"Princess ordered me to gather all people from the town and lead them here, because… Palace, its surroundings and whole town Rosetta has been, for five days now, covered with ice and snow."

*Ma'at is the goddess of truth, justice and harmony. She is associated with balance of things on Earth. She was the daughter of the sun god Ra and appers as a woman with a feather on her head.