Chapter 10: Goals
Mahado gives her a half hour to collect her things, sufficient enough to fill a knapsack. The essentials are obvious and quick to gather from her room: a large canteen, magician's energy pills, dried figs, a compass, and emergency spell tags. She scrambles the longest, however, searching every inch of her room for Dartz's necklace. She looks underneath books, her blankets, old clothes, everything.
"Where is it?!" Mana panics. How careless of her to lose a precious gift after a day. It's the one good luck charm she could physically carry and soothe her in stress.
There's no time to waste. The magicians' party leave in mere minutes. Mana gives up her search and mentally apologizes to Dartz. She grabs a piece of parchment and writes a quick message to Serenity's room of her departure.
Mana meets the group at the back entrance by the stables. It's still the black of night and it'll be hours before sunrise comes. They have to leave immediately, to prevent suspicion in the midst of some alliance treaty, Mahado had explained. All the magicians have already ridden their horses. Mana sees one lone stallion being fed by a servant; she's found her ride.
Smiling, Mana approaches her horse, a white, average-size Arabian breed. Behind her horse, Mana notices another one remains inside their box stall, the largest one within the stable. It's the most majestic and whitest horse of them all, and Mana knows this horse very well.
Ouji's childhood horse. Mana remembers the joyful and curious energy of a ten-year-old Ouji upon receiving it for the completion of his duel training. Back then, it was a mere pony barely larger than she was. Now, it's Ouji's main companion through all his battles and travels throughout Egypt.
She can't think of him right now, of all times. Mana straps her wand to her belt and leaps on the saddle and looks around for her master, stopping at his figure next to Priest by the gates. Lifting the reins, Mana navigates the horse to head to the two.
"The current treaty is in our favor, but could be ruined if this mission gets revealed."
"Better not to risk an image of instability," Mana overhears her master comment.
"If nothing happens, you are ordered to return in five days," Seto explains. "They'll get the wrong idea if a court priest is missing during these talks."
"Seto, I will be taking my apprentice."
"Do you want this kid to ruin the mission?"
"I'm not a kid!" Mana pouts, earning her a scoff from Seto.
"Don't trip on rocks," Mana knows that was cold, sarcastic talk for "stay safe."
Seto clicks his tongue as falcon flies to Mahado's shoulder. "Send daily updates to Isis and I; she'll be calling on foresights concerning the Valley. Militia backup are three hours west of the Valley should you require them."
Mahado nods. "Protect the Pharaoh until then, Seto."
Mahado rides his horse, checking around the magician's party. Mana shouldn't be smiling this much. But Mana can't contain the excitement. Blood rushes through her entire body and she sits straighter and prouder in front of her master. Tightening the reins, she takes one last glance at the palace. She'll come back, she trusts that her master can lead this mission to success. It's not as if she's leaving forever. Yet, nostalgia overcomes Mana and she can't but accept how small the grand palace is compared to the world.
The front gates open, and Mana and the magicians set off into the night.
The progress of the Atlantis treaty did little to improve Atem's anxiety, and it didn't help that he was currently sharing a rare breakfast with Dartz. The sole other companion was Seto, who was the worst ally to pick up awkward conversations. Atem half-expected this private meal as the perfect opportunity for Dartz to gloat his riches and travels, then wait for Seto to shut him down. But Dartz is unnaturally quiet, "good morning" being the only words exchanged after starting their meal.
Dartz had accepted one of the few afternoon meetings Atem had been desperate to schedule after a long bout of insomnia (Early morning meetings were the bane of Atem's existence). Moreso, Dartz finally stopped taking trips to the city and for the past few days, moping around the palace like a widower. It was so bad that Atem became worried for the snobbish king.
"You look tired, Dartz," Atem thinks out loud.
Dartz blinks rapidly, as if initially lost in his own world. He sits up straighter. "As do you, Pharaoh."
"I could grant you my harem for stress relief," Atem jokes.
"Clearly not good enough if you look like this."
"I'll admit, having woman at your command for a night's play can be fun and relaxing," Atem says. "But it's a temporary relief. It's nothing compared to their love."
"Yes, a genuine heart is irreplaceable," Dartz comments.
They fall into a unexpected, but peaceful silence. Atem observes Dartz and notices his lowered guard in tone and soft smile suddenly appearing. He knows that look.
"So a woman has captured your heart, then?"
"It appears so," Dartz confesses, his smile growing. Seto stops eating and raises an eyebrow at Atem, as if asking him "What are you doing?" But Atem takes a moment to see Dartz not as another ruler, but a man. There's no sense of ridiculous snobbery in Dartz's tone nor smile. It comes naturally and without hesitation. For the first time, Atem can understand him.
Atem lowers his utensil. "A woman's love is one of the most precious gifts."
"It's not a gift, Pharaoh," Dartz chuckles. "Gifts are given freely, but a woman's love must be earned."
"A worthy endeavor to earn indeed," Atem agrees.
"Tch, women aren't that important," Seto mutters. biting into a piece of bread.
"Your heart must be aching to miss a woman thousands of miles away," Atem says. "Atlantis is quite far from Egypt."
Dartz lowers his utensils, his posture turning rigid. Atem can sense him struggling to say something, as if a confession of sin.
"Pharaoh, I must be honest: I cannot return to Atlantis tomorrow."
Seto chokes on his meal.
"Say what?" Atem forces himself to remain unfazed.
"I cannot leave Egypt."
"I knew it," Seto groans. Atem kicks him underneath the table.
"I have fallen for an Egyptian maiden."
"Of course it's for a woman," Seto mutters.
"If I were to leave without her, my heart will never heal."
"Yes it can."
Atem shoots a quick glare at Seto before returning his attention. "Tell me, Dartz, who is this woman you seek?"
"I've never seen anyone like her. With soft skin kissed by the sun, dark hair untamed like her spirit, stunning eyes like jewelry…"
"Every woman in Egypt," Seto scoffs.
"I'm surprised you believe Egyptian women can be described in such poetic manners, Seto," Atem laughs. "Does she have a name, Dartz?"
Dartz sighs deeply, a smile creeping to his lips. "Maha."
"What dumb parents named this woman 'Maha?'"
"Indeed, it is an unusual name for an Egyptian," Atem adds.
"An unusual name for a very special woman," Dartz grins.
Smiling, Atem pats Dartz on the back and raises a hand over his hear. "Dartz, I swear on the gods that you will not leave Egypt without the woman you love."
"Really now?" Dartz is suddenly amused.
"He is never leaving," Seto groans. Atem doesn't care how heavy this promise sounds.
"Priest Seto," Atem turns to his cousin, grinning mischievously. "will assist your pursuit."
Seto slams the goblet on the table, and Atem wonders if there will be a crack there. "No."
"He will search every corner of the city to find your soulmate."
"Fuck you, cousin."
"Trust me, Dartz, when I say that we will find this mystery woman," Atem exclaims, and too soon, the thought of discovery Dartz' secret lover intrigued him. This will play favorably to Egypt, Atem believes.
"Oh, Pharaoh, one day you shall surrender your heart to a woman," Dartz laughs, throwing a friendly arm around Atem's shoulder. "And she'll conquer you with the truest love and care."
Atem's not sure if he's halfway there.
"Forgive me, Dartz. I have to meet with some advisors, but I'll see you in the afternoon for the treaty."
"Not a problem, Pharaoh. Lets pray to your gods that this treaty will run smoothly," Dartz replies. They finish their meals and depart from each other. Upon leaving the dining hall, Seto pulls Atem by his collar.
"If it weren't for that gaudy crown, I'd strangled you," Seto threatens.
Atem chuckles, calmly pulling away from Seto's hold. "You'll thank my gaudy crown once we find this woman."
"Why is finding that island idiot an Egyptian bride a priority?"
"Egyptian law dictates the Pharaoh has the final approval on international marriages," Atem explains. "If Dartz is truly in love, I can use the woman as leverage in our alliance agreements."
Seto lets the realization settle, then grins. "Finally thinking like a real king."
"Don't worry, Seto, you won't have to set a single toe outside the walls."
"How so?"
"But there's a particular person I want you to recruit for this search. Somebody very familiar with the locals and...you I suppose."
Seto doesn't like the knowing grin on the Pharaoh's lips.
Ouji's father and ancestors all rest here...
They arrive at the Valley of the Kings just after sunrise. To Mana's disappointment, the building isn't as fancy as she assumed. Instead, it's covered in decay, mud and sand. Rumors of riches among the pharaohs' tombs caught her interest, but she was under strict orders from Mahado forbidding her entrance.
"Disturbing the souls of our powerful leaders could release an ancient magic even we do not understand," another magician warns her.
She doesn't disagree. Being around the perimeters already has her checking behind her back for ghosts and demented kings of the past. It sends chills down her body, knowing these past kings hid great victories and dark secrets within their tombs.
Mahado assigns each magician a post to prepare the protection charm. As the youngest, Mana is sent on the middle of the top roof, an area least likely to be the cause of break ins. Upon taking their spots, Mana doesn't believe 30 magicians could possibly create a barrier as expansive as the Valley. But when Mahado yells the signal, Mana witnesses the work of true magicians. Each magician chant the spell in a unanimous chorus, producing their individual protection charm. Their charm erupts into visible energy shields, eventually expanding until they stitch together in one.
Mana nearly forgets to start her own when she recognizes her spot is wide open. Forcing all her concentration, Mana fills in the last of the gap, shy that her pink energy stands out from the rest. But the other magicians make no snide comments and continue to maintain the barrier. She exchanges a quick glance with her master, her nods in approval.
Her first task as a real practicing magician is going smoothly. All she has to do is remain calm and concentrate.
Hours pass and eventually night falls quicker than sexected. The glow of her barrier dims quickly, and Mana shifts her breathing multiple times to compensate. Her shield disappears and reappears too often in a second. Mana transfers as much of her Ba spirit into her staff, but her eyes grow heavy. She can barely keep them open, much less her wand forward with her sore forearms. Mana must be imagining and replaying scenes. The sole tree around moves slowly with the wind, and the same damn, free bird keeps flying back and forth from the hills. The excitement has quickly died and not even a day has passed. No, she can't be done yet. The others are still alert and powerful and-
"Mana," Mahado taps her shoulder. "Get some rest."
To Mana's dismay, the distraction of her master causes the immediately collapse of her barrier. Soon enough, her neighboring magicians quickly close her gap and stitch together.
"But Osho-sama...huff...the others-"
"-will be fine. You've done well," Mahado assures her. "It's better to rest and recharge than continue at minimal effort."
Mana can't argue with him. As much as she wants to impress her master, Mana desires the safe comfort of a bed and blanket.
"Osho-sama, how strong is this threat?" Mana asks.
"I don't know. This thief has been stealing Ka from multiple villages. He's been gathering a high volume of spirits that will eventually make his more powerful."
"But, you can't summon or steal Ka without a Milenium Item or a Dia Dhank, right?"
"Supposedly."
This makes her nervous. Mana has spent long enough under her master's care to know he was always a sure man. To hear him express any sign of uncertainty was a red flag.
Just before sunrise, Atem is woken up by a servant with a message: His presence is requested by Priestess Isis with a new foresight on the Ka stealer. Any sign of annoyance from lack of sleep disappears. Atem jumps out of bed, puts on his clothes, and climbs up to the Northern Tower.
A handmaid tells him Isis has been concentrating on new insights for the last 24 hours, yet Isis appears perfectly prim and alert over the blue flames of her fountain. Her Millennium Necklace's glow diminishes as she ends her meditation.
"Long, white hair and dark skin. His eyes are filled with loneliness, pain, and above all, hatred," Isis describes the thief. "He has recently assembled a team of soldiers on black horses."
"Were you able to see their recent locations?"
"Unfortunately, I was only able to see him in the same village the civilian witnessed last week."
"By this point, he's most likely near the Valley."
"This thief is very specific," Isis continues. "He has a large army, yet doesn't raid villages. He purposely ignores the mass and only targets those with strong Ka."
"It's a similar pattern to one with a vendetta," Atem notes. "The Valley houses several powerful Ka from my father's reign. It's a guaranteed hunting spree this thief."
Isis adds. "Pharaoh, the goddesses are telling me the magician's barrier won't be enough to capture the thief."
Atem startles. Initially, he had been confident in this mission with Mahado, the strongest magician in Egypt, leading the charge.
"He'll sneak in, if that's what you're saying?"
Isis nods. "We shouldn't underestimate him. If he succeeds, it'll place enormous danger not only on you, but to civilians known to possess strong Ka."
"Send word to Mahado to expand the barrier to underground channels," Atem orders. "I'll have Seto round up a protection search."
"Yes, Pharaoh," Isis replies. The blue flames disintegrate from the fountain, then moves to her desk and prepares a message. After seeing a messenger pigeon fly in, Atem leaves the room and descends down the stairs.
The recent update troubles Atem. He may have to expand security within his own palace, particularly the temples housing the tablets. There are numerous Ka spirits within the palace and Atem wouldn't be surprised if the thief would launch a potential follow up here. Then there was that bloody treaty draft he had to review with Dartz in the midst of their national crisis.
The golden crown above his head hangs heavier than usual. There are few things that could comfort Atem's anxiety, and the best one doesn't want ever want to talk to him.
He needs Mana, no matter how angry she may be. He hasn't seen her in nearly a week. It's not the longest, but Atem desperate to see her face. Whether she's angry or apathetic or sad, Atem just wants to see her. To know that she's healthy in some form. To simply be in her presence would renew his motivation and responsibilities as a ruler.
Sunrise hasn't started, so it's prime time for Mana to sleep in. Particularly with Mahado away. Atem turns around and heads toward the servants' quarter. She'll be asleep at this time. Atem prefers it this way; she won't be screaming or judging him for his stupidity as a best friend, king, nor man. He'll simply be Atem.
Atem doesn't notice he was smiling the whole time until he arrives at Mana's room. Gently, he unlocks the door, eager to see Mana and remain close to her peaceful, warm aura. To his disappointment, Mana isn't inside. Her bed is neatly made and according to the mild dust, hasn't been for a while. He clutches on the doorknob tighter, gritting his teeth.
Something doesn't add up...
Then, he remembers the necklace from the three nights ago, a fury sparks multiple scenarios involving Mana in the embrace of a faceless man.
Bursting out of Mana's room, Atem marches down the hallway to another door. He unlocks it and shakes the sleeping figure from her slumber.
"Serenity!" Atem whispers harshly.
Slowly, Serenity opens her eyes and blinks multiple time. When her vision returns, she gasps in shock.
"What-Pharaoh?!" she clutches her blankets closer to her body, blushing. "What are you-good morning- it's not even-"
"Where's Mana?"
"Huh? Mana?"
"She's not in her room," Atem doesn't have time for decency and manners; besides, he is the Pharaoh.
Serenity gives him a skeptic stare. "She's out with Mahado."
Atem's eyes widen. "What did you say?!"
"She's out with...Mahado?" Serenity repeats, yawning. "They're training with other magicians. Didn't she tell you?"
Mana was outside of the palace. Mahado was at the Valley of the Kings. The thief is heading to the Valley. All these thoughts make his throat tightens, his heart beats faster, and a panic attack ready to happen in a minute. Which means...
"SETO!"