A/N: Thank you to the two people who reviewed! Here's some candy for you both. I promise to give more candy out next time to everyone else who reviews, so please do! *brings out bull horn* Also, I just want to make sure there's no confusion about my OC, Isis is not Ishizu. I didn't know Ishizu was supposed to be the reincarnationof Isis when I started writing this, so just remember the two are not related and any similarities in their pasts are totally unintentional. Okay folks, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I have a Yami plushy, does that count?
Chapter 2: Royal Summons
"Pharaoh? Pharaoh Atem?"
Asim's voice interrupted the young man's thoughts. He had been completely zoned out. The entire morning had been devoted to receiving a stream of well-wishers and ambassadors offering their congratulations on his new title, of course he hadn't heard a word, merely smiling and nodding benevolently. Atem quickly collected himself, "Hmm? Yes, Asim?"
"Pharaoh, the Arabian minister you just saw was the last of your visitors. I thought perhaps you would like to adjourn for lunch? High-Priest Seth has requested an audience with you afterwards."
Relief washed over the new Pharaoh. No more visitors today! Thank the gods. "You may tell Seth that I should be available again in an hour, but I don't want any disturbances while I am taking my meal."
"Yes, Pharaoh." Asim bowed himself out of the throne room and proceeded on his way to give Seth the message.
Atem remained sitting, resting his chin on his hand. Who knew just nodding your head at hundreds of callers could be such tiring work? Where was that boundless energy he had felt the night before? Ah well, at least it wouldn't last much longer. Honestly, how many times could someone offer congratulations? He pulled himself up out of his chair and headed to the dining hall.
Lunch was delicious and very satisfying. When he finished, Atem grabbed a handful of dates and decided to take a walk in the garden. The fresh air and solitude felt nice after being cooped up in the palace all day long. As a mere Prince he had been accustomed to taking long rides in the morning and hunting and gaming with his friends afterwards, but he wasn't sure he'd have time for that anymore.
"My lord, the High-Priest Seth has arrived at the palace and awaits your grace in the throne room," a servant called to Atem.
"Show him to me here, I would like him to take a turn with me in the garden."
"Yes, Pharaoh." The servant returned to the palace to carry out Atem's orders.
A slight cough alerted the Pharaoh to Seth's presence. Atem turned towards him and spoke, "Seth, you desired to see me?"
"My lord," the High-Priest said, "I wish to discuss with you the current status of your kingdom. You should know of the affairs left unfinished by Pharaoh Akunumkanon, as well as all of the new developments since his death."
Atem nodded and Seth began to explain the condition of Egypt's foreign relations, important internal developments, and religious matters. It was no wonder that he knew so much about these things, according to Egyptian custom it was the duty of the magi to aid the Pharaoh in controlling the kingdom, for the priests and priestesses had the ears of the gods and could offer valuable insight into both political and domestic affairs.
The two men walked for several hours; there was much for Atem to hear. Seth had just finished elaborating on the shaky peace that had been drawn up between Egypt and Nubia when he paused, a look of uncertainty crossing his face.
"What is it, Seth? Is there something else you wish to tell me about?" Atem inquired.
"Well, there is a domestic threat I should bring to your attention. Of course, I don't want to trouble you with trifles, but this has the potential to grow into something more," Seth admitted.
"Go on. I must know of any and all threats to my kingdom."
"Yes, Pharaoh." As I'm sure you've heard there is a group of powerful magi who have learned to harness magical energy and summon terrible monsters to the earth. As far as I know, these priests are rogue and no country wants anything to do with them, but they are operating within our borders and there is always the chance they could launch an attack on us. With the strength of their monsters behind them, my priests and I would be hard put to stop them."
"Hmm, you are right in saying that this has the potential to get out of hand and although this threat is not imminent, I want preventative measures to be taken. You and your priests must work on harnessing this same energy and learn how to control it," Atem commanded. "As for me, the gods will guide my hand if it comes to battle."
Seth nodded in agreement. "I concur Pharaoh, that seems the right course of action. But speaking of the gods, there is another matter that requires your attention. In order to assure that you remain in their favor, I would like to request that the High-Priestess Akila come to stay at the palace. Not for long, of course, but until your rule truly takes off and it is clear that the gods are on your side."
"Yes, that would be wise," the Pharaoh agreed, "I will send word to her."
"Very good, my lord. That is all I wished to speak with you about today, but if your grace allows, I would like to meet with you every few days to discuss the affairs of your realm. Is that pleasing to you?"
"Yes, Seth. Then I shall see you again soon, but you'll have to excuse me now, I have a meeting with the royal advisory council."
"Of course, Pharaoh," Seth bowed as Atem swept by him and into the palace.
The Pharaoh's footsteps echoed in the halls as he made his way to the throne room, his thoughts his only company as he walked. Whew, what a long day this has been! There is so much going on in Egypt, I don't know how I am going to keep up with it all. Many of the things Seth told me about I had heard from my father, or when I was a Prince attending the council meetings, but what about this renegade group of magi? Something to worry about, certainly, but I wonder if anything will really come of it. I must make it a point to gather information on them. Asim can organize a patrol of sorts. I wonder how many more hours I will spend listening to other men talk today, there's not much time left in the day to be sure, but knowing the council they will have a whole other list of matters for me to attend to. By this time he had reached the throne room. Two guards opened the doors so he could pass through. The councilors stood as Atem entered and took his seat and then, opening with congratulations (not again! Atem thought to himself), they began their speeches.
Here we go…
Isis breathed a sigh of relief as she walked up the temple stairs. She had been out all morning: first off counseling an official on family matters, then to the house of an ailing woman to work some healing magic, and finally off to a noble's house to interpret one of his dreams. A fig-juggling pig with a head like his wife is certainly an interesting dream. Isis chuckled to herself. I hope I didn't scare him too much when I said his wife might run off with a band of entertainers! And I'm sure his she will have something to say to him when she hears he dreamt of her as a pig!
As she was about to cross the temple threshold she heard someone call her name. She soon found the source of the voice, her best friend Halima was running towards her.
"Isi," Halima said again, "you're wanted in the garden immediately! The High-Priestess has requested your presence."
"Sure, but what's this about Halima?" Isis asked as she headed back out the temple door and around to the garden.
Halima kept pace beside her as she walked. "I'm not exactly sure, but I did hear a messenger ask to see Akila not long ago; he was wearing the royal crest!"
"The Pharaoh having a message for the High-Priestess is nothing out of the ordinary, but what could Akila want with me?"
The girls had reached the garden by now. Halima turned back to the temple, to give Isis and Akila some privacy. Isis quickly promised to relate the meeting's events to her friend later that night and then stepped out onto the path.
She had only walked a little way before she nearly ran into a man going the opposite direction. He must be the messenger. Halima was right, that is the royal symbol on his clothes! The man bowed to Isis quickly before continuing on his way. It was only a short walk before Isis met up with Akila.
"My lady, you desired my presence?"
"Yes, Isis. Did you pass a man just now as you were on your way here?"
Akila is excited, too excited. She never gets this way! What could the Pharaoh have had to say that made her so jittery? "Yes, I did see him. Who is he?" Isis responded.
"That was one of the Pharaoh's messengers, the Pharaoh has requested my presence at the palace. Not just for a few hours to interpret a dream or give advice, I might add, but to spend quite a bit of time there!" Akila fairly shouted the last sentence in triumph.
What is she talking about? Why would the Pharaoh want her to be a permanent resident of the palace? This doesn't make any sense, besides, why would Akila tell me all this anyway? "That is good news, my lady." Isis mustered up a smile for the High-Priestess.
"Yes, it is very good news. It was High-Priest Seth's recommendation that Pharaoh Atem have me reside at his palace for a time so as to insure his favor in the sight of the goddess Isis and the other divinities."
Ah, well that explains it. He's not taking any chances with his new position, is he.
"And, Isis, I would like one of the temple priestesses to attend me while I am there, so you will pack your things and come with me."
"Me? Live at the palace?" Oh I don't think so! The memory of her last run in with the Atem was still fresh in her mind. I can't afford to remind him of my mistake! And I don't know if I will be able to resist the urge to wipe that stupid grin off his face if he laughs at me again! "I'm not so sure that's a good idea, High-Priestess."
"For the gods' sakes, why not?" Akila asked.
"Well, for starters there are others in the temple who are far more experienced than I, and –" Isis was cut off by the High-Priestesses stern voice.
"I will not accept any excuses, girl. You will attend me during the entirety of my stay at the palace. You are more than qualified and I see potential in you. Besides, you performed extremely well at Pharaoh Akunumkanon's funeral and it might please Pharaoh Atem to see you with me." After a pause she continued in a gentler tone, "I know that life hasn't always been easy for you, but ever since I found you on the temple's doorstep I have tried to care for you and help you gain a worthy position in life. Don't you think you owe me this at least?"
Oh great, she just had to play that card again. Well, I suppose it wouldn't be that bad. When I'm not with Akila I could spend my time avoiding Atem, perhaps I won't even run into him at all during our stay. With any luck we'll only be there for a week anyway. "Alright, my lady, I will go with you."
Akila clapped her hands. "Excellent! Get your things together, we will leave as soon as you are ready."
When the High-Priestess and her protégé arrived at the palace they were informed by one of the servants that Pharaoh Atem was in a meeting with his councilors and couldn't be disturbed. That worked out perfectly fine for Isis, she didn't want to see the young Pharaoh anyway. She had barely had time to get her things together and explain matters to Halima before Akila had hustled her out the door. Halima thought that staying in the palace was an honor and that Isis should be overjoyed, but of course when Isis told her friend about her mistake at Akunumkanon's funeral the girl quickly understood the dilemma. The only advice Halima could offer was to stay out of sight. As if I didn't know that already, Isis thought to herself.
Akila pursed her lips is a small pout when she heard Atem wouldn't be able to personally come and greet her, but she quickly recomposed her features into a serene smile. She inquired if she and Isis might be shown to their rooms and the servant quickly went to summon Asim, for he took care of all matters pertaining to palace visitors.
The two priestesses only had to wait a few minutes before Asim came striding towards them. A large man, broad and well muscled but with a kind face, his smile was warm and welcoming. He showed the guests through the palace halls to their rooms, on the way explaining the household schedule, what the priestesses duties were to be (which don't seem to consist of much besides praying for Atem to remain in the gods' favor, Isis thought), and continuing to apologize profusely for the Pharaoh's absence.
Isis zoned out as she followed him down the hall, she already knew why they were there and couldn't care less that Atem wasn't with them. Instead she marveled at the palace's beauty and colossal buildings. They were walking through an open corridor now, flanked by huge columns through which a gentle breeze was blowing. Isis barely noticed when Asim stopped and motioned her into a room.
"This will be your room, lady Isis," Asim said. "I hope you find everything to your liking?"
"Yes, it's lovely." Isis almost whispered, for truly, it was breathtaking. The room was more spacious than any she'd ever had at the temple. A large bed stood against one of the walls while a divan, tables, and chairs made up the rest of the furniture. A delicious spread of food had already been laid out on one of the tables, how thoughtful, the Pharaoh even has dinner waiting for us. A gentle breeze blew the curtains that partitioned her room from its balcony. Isis walked over to it and parted the curtains. She had a breathtaking view of the gardens as well as a large pond. Would you look at that, he even has a lake to complete his paradise. Figures.
She turned around to see that Asim and Akila were no longer outside her room. Walking to the door, she looked father down the hall to see Asim showing the High-Priestess into another guestroom equally as beautiful. After wishing both ladies a brief good evening and reminding them that their dinners had already been prepared, their guide left them to attend to his other duties.
Well, with rooms like these it shouldn't be too hard to avoid the Pharaoh! I could stay in here forever, it's so lovely. Plus, that garden looks big enough for me to lose myself in. Perhaps this won't be so bad after all.
A/N: This chapter wasn't one of my favorites, but Isis has to actually get to the palace, right? You weren't expecting her to just magically appear there, were you? I may be amazing, but I'm not that amazing. Alright, hang in there everyone, the next one's a goody!
