PHARAOH
When she woke up, she felt a pair of warm hands bathing her forehead with a wet cloth. She groaned whitout opening her eyes and sat up, ready to pester at her sister-in-law, when she heard the person speak in ancient egyptian... that she was understanding perfectly!
"Do not tire yourself young one..." - She opened her eyes and found herself staring into the dark eyes of a very old egyptian man who was dressed with an ancient priest robe?!
The old man just smiled and put a comforting hand on her shoulder, she couldn't utter a word... "Calm your fears young one, you are safe here. " - Where... where am I...? - In the palace of the great pharaoh Seti the first. You are under my protection my dear. I am Thas, priest of Osiris and guardian of the secret library of Egypt.
She just passed her hand on her eyes, feeling really dizzy... How could this be possible? The priest patted her shoulder... - I think you have traveled through the times my dear... - But it is impossible! - Your destiny was to come here to accomplish your goal.
She looked at him and sighed... "What do you mean?" - I will tell you child, but for now you must know that whatever happens, I will be on your side...
She smiled a little and told her whole story, the priest just listened and explained his own life to her, he was a priset that had served the king and his father before... he knew how to read future and he has seen her coming...
"But why Thas? Why me? I am... well, just me!" - It is not said still, but we'll find out. For now, we must disguise you as a Egyptian girl. - With my blond hair, it will be difficult - You know how to dance? - Yes... I have learned Hindi dancing - And fight? - Well, my brother thaught me some things, hand to hand combat, sword fighting... - Good! We just happen to need a priestess of Isis! - What?! - Yes... you will do, with a wig and egyptian clothes you will be a true priestess. - But... Pharaoh? - I will tell him that you are an orphan who was raised by an ancient priestess... my friend Niala, will be happy to retire for you, she needs rest now. - Niala? - Yes, the present priestess of Isis, at forty she is too old now to dance and she wishes to go back in her village.
Before she could say anything, she was pushed behind a screen with some transparent and embroided dress in her arms, a maid came in and bowed helping her to put her clothes on, Isis was a little ashame to undress in front of someone but she knew it was pretty normal for this time.
Then the girl put golden make up on her face, dark on her eyes, fixed a wig on her long golden hair and tied necklaces and bracelet of solid gold around her neck and wrist.
- Perfect my dear. said Thas, you look absolutely stunning!
When she looked in the high polished mirror, she saw a beautiful curved golden girl.
- I must say...
- ... That you will do!
She laughed and thanked the old man, he just waved it off and told her to follow him... They left the giant-sized room for a bigger corridor who was leading, through ornated columns, to a giant room where a throne was resting. On it, pharaoh seti the first.
She had been watched, as she had been following Thas. By servants, other priests and concubines. But it was nothing compared to the piercing eyes of the king. She bowed before him, as Thas had told her to and she calmly looked in the eyes of the king.
-... and I think that she could remplace, the high priestess.
Seti rose, never leaving Isis eyes and said: - Are you not afraid of me girl? - She just shook her head negatively and Seti seemed surprised... - Am I not to be feared? Am I not to be respected? - I respect you, your majesty... but fear is out of question.
He rose his dark eyebrows, no one had dared to tell me such words. Even his old teacher, Thas the wise, never showned so much dare...
- Why is that? Don't you know that I could decide of your life and death right now!
- I know that perfectly my lord...
- Then why do you not fear me!
Evryone in the room waited for the answer and Isis bowed her head agin, smiled sweetly.
- Fear is for those who cannot be loved and respected my Lord... You are a great king, wise and courageous... fear is an insult to your person. Respect is all you deserve.
Seti smiled and turned to his old friend who just watched the exchange calmly.
- She deserves to be called your pupil, my friend... we will watch her performance tonight and decide if she is worthy of serving the House of Isis.
He left the room, followed by his court, leaving Isis and Thas behind. - You are a lucky little minx my dear! - Well, he know what I am made of now! - Yes... my poor old heart too! I thought it would stop any moment. Don't make me that again!
He scowled her and she smiled - Now, to Niala's temple so she can teach you what you need to do tonight.
And they left...