Chapter XIV
Fragments
The next few days, her left hand wound caused by her father healed miraculously with no scars. Zainab didn't even used magic and now she was at her mother's stables not for the chores, but for the new horse her mother had bought her, Horus was his name and the beautiful stallion was in the stables with the donkey Tiger Nuts, and one of Halima's favorite horses Astennu, a black stallion and the father of Magic.
Zainab wore a lavender off shoulder gown, the Dragon's Eye and half up do braided, reading in the horse's stall, the stallion was eating hay, his water trough was at the left, the stables were made out of wood with gold inlaid on the stable doors, Horus was her new found friend, she decided to train him personally bright and early in the morning, she spent her time with Horus first to see what kind of personality he had, the horse didn't seem to be afraid of loud noises, however it was completely dark tying a blindfolds. The stallion was frighten, perhaps she should condition him to not be afraid the darkness. Horus was responsive to her signals; she studied his behavior couple days ago, and hadn't seen Faiz for almost a week; she wondered what the assistant of hers did in his free time. But currently it wasn't the right time to think of him, her focus was on the new horse, the Arabian stallion munching on oats.
"Well, Horus it looks like you are a perfect match for me, not only you have a curiosity beyond measure but I believe you are capable of being the absolute perfect steed, you have the stamina, agility and strength," getting up from the floor, she stood up and the horse followed her lead, she tied a halter lead on him, "let us see your four gaits," she walked the horse out of his stall, he calmly followed her. Outside her family's house gates, she looked around making sure no noble was around incase an accident might happened. Not like she cared if someone got hurt as long it wasn't her. Zainab's fear of pain drove her to the point she might consider overcoming if possible. The horse moved his head exact same time as her, he held his tail high and snorted.
"Well Horus no one is here," she walked out with the horse behind her, "and here we go, you will demonstrate while I am on riding you," she climbed over his back, struggling to get on before the horse lowered himself and she climbed over his back, then patted his neck, she tied the other end of the rope to make a reins, "Show me what a good horse you are," light tapping his sides, he walked slowly, then she made him trot, and canter and didn't even noticed they were heading to the west side of the Noble District, she urged the horse into a hard gallop, the horse ran with the wind, his gaits executed perfectly. Riding on Horus bareback smooth movements, spent her three hours until she returned home sliding off his back, and returned him to his stables. Zainab went to take a bath again just in case she wasn't sweaty, changed her clothes again into a diamond shape key-hole neckline of blue green kalasiris, and placed the gold beads on her right strands with matching flat shoes.
Picked up the Journal of Discoveries but before that she needed to place her thoughts (in her other journal) diary, writing about Horus and her birthday, sixteen and no period. Perhaps she wasn't meant to have it because she was eccentric—weird people never got anything. Putting away the diary in a safe place, she stuffed the Journal of Discoveries in a side bag slung over her shoulder, it was time for her to find more clues on the Dragon's Eye, and touching the deep blue pendant it was cold to her skin.
Zainab was about to leave the house, she saw her father going into the ceramic room, dressed in his dreary clothing again. I guess he only wore light colors on my birth day…Hmm where was I believe I should see what is Faiz is up too? Opening the door and left her house, Lucky greeted her but she ignored him, she couldn't find the dogs Silver or Amazonite around odd usually they were with Raja or if not in the backyard, she didn't hear the dogs barking. Walking along she was going to head to the Secret Hideout, actually she preferred to call it her Research Hideout then again it sounded foolish, she went inside the area, alone like usual. She looked around and head out into the back. Today was the day she was going to see Cricket in the evening, Set didn't need to come with her even though she wouldn't mind seeing those blue eyes of his. The forge in the back of the room in the back, some clay pots in a shelf at the far right, the room was the biggest out of all the rooms, this must be the place where Kateb used to carve his wooden animals, she found wooden shavings in a pile on a table, the forge was right on the right side of the room with a table blacked with soot, the forge made of bricks, and a small area arch shape with tongs next to it, still usable it front attach to it had the necessary tools, a flat bronze anvil stood couple feet away from the forge itself, she could make weapons in her. Looking at the tools, chisel, hammer, tongs, fuller, interesting things, what surprised was the fire still on, perhaps her grandfather and a slack tub empty of water with a dead rat floating in there, she went over and used the tongs to pluck the body out and tossed it outside where a man had been smacked by the cadaver walked and left quickly before he saw her.
Back in the forge room, she took off the Dragon's Eye. The blue swirl eye like pendant gleamed in the right palm of her hand. It is time for my experiment. If this is lapis let us see what you are made of…then placed the Akhet item in front of the fire. Alright if I am doing this correctly let us see if I melt this if possible I highly doubt an Akhet item would melt but it's a theory. Staring into the flames of red and yellow, it suddenly felt very hot, she picked up the necklace and tossed into the burning flames and watched.
"What?" she said out loud, the Dragon's Eye laid in the flames with nothing, was that normal? Perhaps she should wait and find out; it was too soon to finalize the test. Zainab crossed her arms peering over her nails for the next five minutes, still too short to even conclude. While observing she cleaned the forge out and found some gold in a chest underneath the table, distracted by the chest, she found a wooden boat in the process, figures of people and animals, one of the figures looked like a pharaoh, "Hmm interesting," sitting up and walking to the flames, "I have always wanted to do this, Ammit away with dynasties!" the pharaoh figure was cast away into the flames. "I know pharaohs are just as arrogant as I am," the flames sparked ignited for few seconds eating away the pharaoh figure, the Dragon's Eye stayed blue emitting blue light the pendant glowed blue briefly then diminished. She was going to reach for it, the and nearly burned own right hand, she squeaked as the flames licked her fingers. I deserve that. Thinking to herself while she rubbed her chin and squinted at the item. "Well I could use the tongs but that would be too simple and logical however if the Dragon's Eye itself is immune to fire which would make the wielder immune? Maybe not or possibly, no," if science ran through blood and finding answers were her goal than burning herself wouldn't be a problem perhaps, not thinking she might die of burns from an affected wound. No gain, no pain as they say…risking her own health was a small price to pay, after all she never been sick in her life. Slowly reaching out to the flames of possibly her demise, she ignored the pain as she touched the necklace and pulled it out while she clutched her right hand. "I should have used my left hand," muttering the pendant fell to the floor, she knew the air wouldn't help cooling her hand down, she turned to the water in the slack tub. I just injured myself twice but my left hand is fine. Looking at her red hand while she placed the Dragon's Eye around her neck, the pain receded and the burns slowly disappeared.
"The Dragon's Eye can heal me?" she muttered. Couldn't be or maybe, she should put her hand in the fire again and test it out? Flipping her hand front and back, she looked at the fire, while taking the Dragon's Eye off dropping the necklace on the floor. "Let's see if this is righ—"
"Zainab," said a familiar voice, she jumped when she saw Faiz dressed in a dark blue and violet cut sleeve tunic, a light blue sash tied at his waist and shendyt, he looked sweaty, "I was looking for you, I thought you were in the street venders, like usual I guess you avoid crowds," as he tried to catch his breath, while they gazed at one another she picked up the Dragon's Eye off the floor.
"Morning…" said Zainab, Faiz walked up to her and looked around the forge room, he rubbed the back of his own neck. He looked sweaty and gross, her assistant needed a bath. "What have you been doing while I was away?"
He smirked at her, "Man stuff, how was your special day? Did you wear that dress? I would love to see you in it, I heard you got a horse, sorry I wasn't able to visit you I was out of town for my cousin, she got sick so my parents told me to keep an eye on my sisters Kali and Leila,"
"…I am curious how is your sister doing Kali?" Zainab ignored the fact he said something about his cousin was ill.
"Oh didn't think you cared, um she's fine, thank Ra, she isn't talking about that stupid future husband of hers, I wish she would just not marry that moron," Faiz sounded disappointed.
,"Actually I do not care, I was just wondering if your sisters mock the peasants?" asked Zainab, true fact she didn't care about Faiz's problem since it was sister getting married and not himself, he did look like a jealous type.
"Um well they kind of mess with people, I mean I'm not familiar with their cruel humor with the poor, but I will ask them about that," Faiz said he actually looked surprised, he didn't know about his sister's behavior? Nadir sure had strange children, "So any plans for the day?" he crossed his arms.
"Not really I do have a new horse, I must say,"
"That's good to here, can I see him?"
"No, but since you are here, I could ask do you have a horse?"
"Of course I do,"
"You do?" Zainab said, surprised about that, she never saw his horse. Maybe he's lying to her, "I have been to your house and I have never seen a horse unless they are hiding somewhere,"
"No, my horse at my cousins, they own this piece of land and have like five horses, excluding mine,"
Zainab then said out of the blue, "I hope your cousin will get better…" muttering. She should have mentioned it earlier after all it would have been insensitive to not (act) like she cared or cared which she didn't but it supposedly much nicer to say that to people. For her she just said it to look like she cared but honestly Faiz shouldn't come to her with his problems, he was independent and she didn't want him to come to her, because he never did before so why start now?
"What?"
"Nothing," Zainab said quickly.
Faiz rubbed the back of his neck, and looked a little shy to ask her, but he started to talk in a slow manner, "So um I was wondering who is that priest in blue I have seen you with—"
"Well then I should mention this to you and literally forgot this ridiculous social gathering— um my friend Karida wants to meet you, I have no idea when but I will have go and ask her that…"
"Oh the friend you never really talked about, but since you asked I am free most of the time,"
"When?"
"Not in the mornings or nights, I'm busy," Faiz said, something about her made her suspicious about his behavior. It made her feel like she should do re-evaluation of his behavior.
"Well I do not know the exact time…"
Faiz crossed his arms, "Alright well tell me and maybe I can change my schedule for that day,"
"Very well then," Zainab said turning to the fire in the forge. Faiz took a step forward, looking around, she didn't want to do the testing in front of him, "Faiz we will start the density experiment,"
"What do I need to get you?"
"The ingredients of course, wine, water, beer and milk,"
"Any specific type of milk?"
"Cow of course," Zainab touched her chin, staring into the flames, her mind was buzzing with ideas, and her confidential experiment with Dragon's Eye, she might have an idea that the item itself was immune to fire, if dragons breath fire not that it was proven yet. But her theories about the Dragon's Eye were slowly being piece together in her mind.
"I will go and get them, and when do you want to start it?"
"Two days from now,"
"Alright," Faiz was about to leave her, "are you going stay here and make weapons?" he sounded sarcastic.
"No, formulating theories," she said not even turning to look at Faiz. He sighed; perhaps because science wasn't his thing, he left her in the forge alone. Nothing but the crackling sound of fire, she stared at the fire. Then pulled out her Journal of Discoveries and flipped through the pages to find that black dragon in gold armor. "He must be real, I thought I made him up but I honestly believe he is a real dragon…so if the Eye itself is immune to fire what if I…burn the most prize possession," she held her arm straight. Toward the fire inches away from the hot tongues of blazes, the Dragon's Eye gleamed with streak of gold, and closed her eyes, her precious research a chance it would be gone within minutes if burnt. She worked hard on this ever since she was nine years old it's been almost six full years of hard research even the code she created all thirty-nine symbols. She didn't even the flames at all, or the sound of burning papyrus, as she opened her left eye staring at the book with both eyes now. It did not burn? She slowly pulled the book and touched its spine and flipped through it. Unharmed, so the Dragon's Eye protected her from fire but why? Did dragons breathe fire? Were there any records of dragons burning villages down to the ground, more questions came to her then answers were answered.
Zainab went back to her grandfather's library searching for any books of with information for dragons, nothing, and nothing at all. Disappointed she went straight to the palace looking for any books on dragons, she even searched for Magician Platypus if he had anything to do with them? Then she just remembered after making a mess in the library, royal scribe Erina was about to come to Zainab while the young priestess was looking through scrolls, countless scrolls were everywhere. But before she even approached her, she just remembered the book that her grandfather gave the entire collection of Magician Platypus, running out of the palace and almost smacking into priest Set, she was in a hurry, passed by Mahad who was surprised. Finally at her own house running up the stairs, she locked the door of her bedroom. Then pulled from underneath her bed; Magician Platypus book, the thick dark blue book with gold lines align, she opened it at first she noticed it was blank—wait what? Tiny hieroglyphics as she went to the gold chest opening it and found a circular glass piece then placed over it at the sun while holding the book. Magician always hid secrets within their works with magic, if Tahir was known to be a cheerful man and the sun was the symbol of Ra. She reflected the sunlight onto the tiny gold print and the book revealed the words onto pages, quickly checking the other pages, all the hieroglyphics and images appeared.
Spending half her time reading the tale of Magician Platypus, a story how he came to be first appearing when Tahir was eleven years old, describing how the critter was so small and barely having magic. She leaf through the book and found absolutely nothing on dragons except a small portion of the book mentioning Tahir speaking with a dragon name Kheker, few other names were mention, no pictures but she now had some proof that dragons exist. So if they were out there then she must go and seek them, perhaps she should plan a trip to leave this horrible place called home. The next day she spent searching for more clues not only she had a small ounce of hope to find more things about dragons, she even started to plan her trip out of Thebes, wrote a whole list while during her priestess duties (ignoring the fact she was supposed to do them) what the answers she seek was out there, after that she didn't even see Set or Mahad, when the day came Faiz came up to Zainab the following day and ask about the experiment to his surprise she postpone it, next week she told him.
Spending hours alone researching or more like searching to her…the weekend came, she did plan on seeing prince Atem however like before Zainab was too carried away with her re-searching continued in her room, the notes she gathered and the possible theories however she needed someone to answer her questions about the Akhet items overall but particular the item she wielded. By noon she spent her time at her own family's library reading. Then she searched for geography map for her future travels not only she was determined to plan the trip, she wanted to go off alone not even her assistant would not be coming with her. Later in the next few days she didn't see Mahad disappointment arise within her, she sure missed seeing that beautiful face of his. Tuesday came and Karida told Zainab she had to cancel after coming over to Zainab's house at noon, saying her brother needed more help on the farm so they would reschedule. Later next week hopefully on Karida's favorite day Tuesday, following waking hours of daylight landed in more disappointment apparently Faiz decided to ditch her for the worst time not showing up at all, she left to the Nile later in the evening, lying there with her arms behind her head, she had her legs crossed in un-lady like, staring at the evening sky with her dear friend Cricket. She watched the faint dark clouds drifting. Nothing like being at the Nile behind my parents back, how long can I keep this heinous false spell on behind them? Perhaps I should plan for a plan in case they find out my awful secret. While Zainab glanced at the green crocodile, if her parents found out she would be ruin. Crocodiles were important of their cultural and Sobek was the god of the Nile. She wondered if the crocodiles ever saw him or believe him. Cricket's siblings came and spoke with her, they told her that their hatch day was during November coming soon.
Zainab sat in her study desk reading about Horus the sky god, while her head rested on her right hand with the left hand flipping the pages, it was around afternoon. Silver and Amazonite were in the bedroom lying on the floor napping near her bedroom window. A knock came from the door.
Dressed in a pale blue and white kalasiris, V-halter neckline, and her brown sandals with little gold lotus, there was a slit on the left side of her dress.
"Come on," Kalima walked in dressed in a linen gown, Zainab didn't bother looking up at the servant, "what brings you here to my lair?"
"Your mother told me that she wants you come downstairs in five minutes,"
"Why?" Zainab asked not interested in what the expressionless woman has to say.
"Elder Ramses coming to Thebes,"
"And…what does that have to do with me..?"
"You're not menstruating, she is worried and you're sixteen now," Kalima said. Zainab frowned, not this again. Oh no not this again…how in Ra's name did they know I do not have my menstruation? I never told them I have yet to have it…Kalima didn't moved from the door way as if she was waiting for the ombre blonde teenager to get up from the desk.
"I know that, I would not need to be reminded about how old I am, as for my so called menstruating problem how did you know I am not bleeding?" looking up at the black hime cut woman.
"Laundry," replied Kalima.
Zainab sighed, "Fine, I will go," as she stretched her arms, then closed the book, getting up from her chair while she pushed it in. She was about to walk out of room while the servant moved aside, but stopped to look at the mean servant who seemed unaffected any of Zainab's problems. Did Ramses got the letter about Musician Platypus, the ka was wandering around Thebes playing her music at night.
"It's not a choice, it's mandatory," Kalima said.
Downstairs her mother stood there dressed in a dark green kalasiris with gold align; she smiled at her daughter, while Zainab came at the last step of the stairs, "Are you ready?"
"Um yes," Zainab said.
They left the house and off they go to Thebes it turned out Elder Ramses was at his other house that he had in Thebes standing in front of a large white house with two story floors with the opened air windows, this building had pillars align painted in gold and blue the capitals were gold glimmering under the sun, the gates had white walls, in the front yard had jasmines bushes, couple of low set stairs before the actual entrance to the front door, the door had gold and red motif around it, when Zainab and Halima reached the door, her mother knocked the door very loudly not what she expected from her own mother.
The door opened a male servant with gold band cloth headdress, and white tunic and shendyt, Halima spoke, "Pardon, I have come with my daughter to see Elder Ramses,"
"He has been expecting you," said the servant as he opened the door and gestured them to come in, the walked in the large foyer, if Zainab was correct his house was built when Tahir came to Thebes, built a house while he stayed here after being at the palace. The foyer was white as the clouds, the opened area with staircase at the front two corridors one straight the other at the left that lead to a room where the guests could sit in, however on the left was a library with countless books, an old man came up them, he had white grayish hair he looked about eighty but he was far older than that, chisel and pointed nose but a kind demeanor, he was actually around five eleven in height, he wore gold band cloth headdress covering his gray long locks, he wore a white cut sleeved tunic tied around with blue and gold sash, walked with his hands behind his back and smiled at them. He had brown sandals strapped to shins, and wore gold cuff bracelets.
Elder Ramses was the four time great grandfather to Zainab, and Halima's three time great grandfather, he approached them as the servant left them family alone, "Ah, Halima it's good to see you," the old man turned, he beamed at Zainab, "Zainab, I haven't seen you in a very long time, you've grown so much you're radiant as Ra the Sun Magician, how are you?"
"I am good…" Zainab said. Wondering why did he say a very long time, she hadn't seen him once briefly at fourteen but long time.
Halima gave a small smile, "Elder Ramses, I brought Zainab here because I believe I had this discussion through our falcon messages,"
"Ah, yes you told me about Zainab," he said looking at the ombre blonde, he looked worried, "come with me, we'll discuss this in my office,"
Elder Ramses made Zainab sit down on a bed pushed against the wall, a single pillow and white sheets covered the bed. The room where she sat with her mother sitting next to her; the room had a table on the left corner with some bottles and jars of things, a shelf filled with medical and herb books, couple of vases with blue lotuses freshly placed there, a window behind the bed, Ramses pulled up a chair, while holding a book with all his medical records of Zainab, her birth day, and other important information on her health. "Now Halima you told me you have been worried for Zainab not having her menstruation,"
"Yes," Halima said.
"Well as you know most girls get their menstruation around twelve to thirteen if not older or younger which can occur at times, Zainab is not the only one who has yet to start, some girls I have looked over the years, some get it at fourteen or even later," Ramses said, stroking his chin, "I know, a girl in Memphis had hers when she was eighteen! So it varies there is no set time for a menstruation to come," paused for a moment, "as for Zainab's overall health I have to ask what she usually eats in her daily meals all three, and what she lacks it could be something to do with her insufficient nutrients, though it might not be, as I say before it could just that fact she will get it later,"
Halima looked at her daughter, as Ramses took out a reed pen and flipped the page his hand slightly shook but the Elder Ramses wasn't as feeble as strong men would perceive him as, actually quite the opposite strong in healing magic. Oh no she is going to list everything I eat to him and how much of my portions as well. Halima cleared her throat, "Where should I start? Zainab usually eats lightly, no meat during breakfast; her mornings usually consist of a lettuce, grapes, apples, watermelon, radishes, chick peas with fried onions or with alfalfa, dates, as for lunch she eats figs, lettuce, lentils, tigers nuts, lamb at times, kababs if she feels like it, um hardly eats fried fish unless its cut properly and not the whole fish with the bones present. Of course dinner is variety of lunch and breakfast except she would eat lamb with onions, lentils, naan,"
"How much does she eat of these?" Ramses asked, while jotting down in hieroglyphics, he glanced at Zainab's mother. Before Halima could answer her daughter spoke.
Zainab said with confidence, "May I borrow that?" as she pointed at the book, Ramses handed to, with Halima glancing at her daughter. "A visual representation would be accurate if properly in mathematical terms in proportion," as she flipped the page, and drew an actual precise plate, then drew lines to divide the plate the meat was less than half actually quarter, or more were the vegetables and fruits, bread (other starch foods were less) then wrote down what she ate usually list next to the drawn plate and handed the book back to Elder Ramses.
"Oh um," Ramses said in surprised voice, "well your plate has a lot of vegetables and fruit,"
"Vegetables and fruit are eighty to ninety percent water, if not accurately."
"I never knew that," Ramses chuckled with a smile.
"I did the math," Zainab said, with pride, her reasons of eating the vegetables and fruit were that it kept her less hungry, because of the amount of water in them.
Halima gave a smile, "I suppose that answered your question,"
Ramses, "Well it did, but now I know you don't really eat your meat Zainab, and does she drink anything else but water?"
"No," replied Halima.
"Hmm I see, well I suggest that Zainab should eat a little more meat," he looked at the sixteen year old, "not that I am saying your too thin, I just need to see if that is what you need in your diet, perhaps some almonds or nuts, and keep an eye her. If she does not get her period by the time when she's eighteen, I think I advise come and see me,"
Halima looked relieved, "So she will have it then?"
"Yes, it just some girls get it late, not to worry, Zainab is just getting hers later in life, and change your diet it might help as well, let me know if she starts bleeding," Ramses said,
"Thank Ra," muttered Halima as she touched her heart as if she had weight lift off her shoulders. Zainab didn't care if she actually had it, but it was the only way or one of the ways to become a woman? Maybe not then again if she had her period it would be make her normal. She sat up from the bed stretching her legs and walking over to the shelf filled with herb books, away from the Elder of the Re House and her mother she glanced at them.
"Oh more thing, before you leave Halima, you have not seen…the Fox Magician anywhere near here?" he closed the medical book with Zainab's name on it. Placed it on the table next to him.
"No, why?" asked Halima with stern expression.
"I will warn you, I have not seen her anywhere near Memphis, I have sent some spies on her but they have yet to return, I am a little worried about the situation, she might be coming here," then he whispered, " but be on your guard, she is out looking for…" Ramses and Halima glanced at one another then looked at Zainab as she pulled out a book out of curiosity.
"I have been,"
"Does Khalid know about it as well?"
"Yes, he does that is why he is hardly home lately, he thinks she will be coming."
"The prophecy may come true. I am surprised that…Tahir has yet to show up,"
Ramses stroked his chin again, "beware she might come, however let your parents know, I'll be in the city for two more weeks, if you need anything let me know,"
"Who is keeping an eye while you are here?" asked Halima she constantly glanced her daughter, Zainab almost dropped some books off the shelf by accident, she couldn't hear their conversation at all.
"Ah, well a good trusted friend of Keret's, after all she is a magician," he smiled.
Zainab walked up to them, "Are we finished, Mother?"
"Yes, we are," Halima said getting up, then turned to Elder Ramses, "thank you for your time,"
"Anything for my great, great, great granddaughter, and tell Khalid my regards," smiling at them. "May I speak with Zainab alone for few minutes?"
"Of course," Halima said as she walked out of the room, the door shut gently, Zainab twiddled with her fingers nervously, Ramses turned to the young teenager and walked up to her. She always thought he was shorter than her, but he was tall not as tall as her own father but taller than her mother and her.
Zainab didn't give any eye contact to Elder Ramses, "Zainab," the old man spoke, "I did received Mahad's message from Maat about Musician Platypus,"
"Oh…so he did that…" muttered Zainab, glancing at the old man.
"Yes, he told me that the ka has been playing music every other night, and I think it was a good idea to contact me, however I will let you make a contract with Musician Platypus instead of sealing her away in a tablet,"
"Why?"
"Because I do not think it's necessary, besides your own Diadhank it would be good to practice shadow games with your magic," Ramses said. She has her own Diadhank; she didn't realized and take Musician Platypus as her personal ka to summon, odd for him to offer that. It sounded like there was more going on but Ramses would not be saying anything.
"I do?" Zainab said surprised.
"Yes, even Tahir and Ra had their own, and you should have mock duels with the other court members I think you would be good in strategizing plans, have you summoned your ka yet?"
"No, I never realized it until now, I—"
"Not to worry it will come in time, in the meantime I think you should do some research on kas, or whatever you do in your free time," Ramses said, "Take care Zainab, do you have any questions for me before you leave?"
"Um uh…" Zainab was thinking. Well I could ask about my breasts if they are normal…but it would be very odd to ask him that? My weight or is he talking about other things than my health? Baffled by his question she gave him a nervous smile. Suddenly Mahad came to her mind.
"No?"
"Um uh…I well um…" her face flushed red, "D-do you um…know I mean well of course I uh want to know if…you know anything…" struggling to put her words together, "I mean well if you…know anything about…" Zainab turned away embarrassed of what she was going to ask, "um about…Mahad?" covering her face from embarrassment.
Ramses said "Mahad?" In surprised but he smiled.
"Um yes…" Zainab said as she placed her hand over her mouth.
"Well Mahad is the only child of Osaze of Thebes, a magician of tradition, Mahad is well a gentleman, though I have no idea how to describe he is a kind soul very selfless," stroking his chin, "I suppose you could say he is a beautiful person from inside and out, not sure he if he is popular with the girls but I assume he is,"
"Um uh…is he busy?"
"Ramses laughed, "He is busy at most but not all the time, I mean he is the wielder of the millennium Ring,"
"Oh alright, I think that is all I wanted to ask of you…"
Ramses chuckled, "If you say so, but if you have any questions, I'm here," he touched her should, "you should get going, and don't forget to consider my recommendation of your diet," they walked out of the room together; Halima was in the foyer looking at flower vase. She turned to see Zainab, "Halima I hope in best coming weeks, you and Khalid take care of Zainab and yourselves,"
"Of course, and thank you again," walking up to her daughter, "take care Ramses,"
"I will," he said. They left the house saying goodbye, but now Zainab had a new goal capturing that ka, and continue her researching of the Dragon's Eye. Going home, she decided to write her plans down for next coming weeks, and to much of her surprise her mother gave her beef during dinner and Zainab tried to refuse though she was force to eat some of the slab of meat, when her mother wasn't looking she gave it to the dogs. Later in the evening, she visited her dear Nile friends alone, testing out her schedule nothing wrong hanging out in the night gazing and talking to the crocodiles.
Another week went by fast, Karida's lunch date was approaching but Zainab was too consumed with research, priestess duties and reading. Hadn't seen Mahad or Set, she didn't know if priest Set had excuse what if he was avoiding her? Couldn't be Zainab was at home in was in her room reading a book about Isis, and dressed in her white V-neckline dress with slit on the right side, her sleepwear, no jewelry or kohl all taken off, lying on her stomach with her right hand supporting her head and her legs prompt up in the air crossed, facing her pillows. Her ombre hair looked like the sunlight fading into blue, the lamps fire burned in her room casting darkness in the corners. Silver and Amazonite were stargazing out the window, the silver stars twinkling in the night, they Ibizan/pharaoh hounds stood on their hind legs a shooting star flew across, Silver barked, Zainab glanced up at the window turning to her left. Amazonite barked with her brother Silver,
"What are you two doing?" the dogs turned and still had their paws on the window sill, "stop making such noise, people can hear you," the dogs barked until the star suddenly disappeared. Then the dogs were silent. And she continued read until the dogs moved away from the window, they barked at her wagging their tails, she spoke without taking her eyes off the book and flipped the page, "Nothing is out there," the hounds sat down on whining, the Dragon's Eye was lying on her nightstand next to her bed, it gleamed silver faintly before turning back to the deep blue color. Later in the night, Zainab fell asleep lying on her side, the dogs were asleep as well.
Gentle breeze blew; Zainab woke up in field of white lotus, half her body submerged, but it wasn't too deep pretty low set pristine water. She was in her white night dress and freaked out. She could have sworn she was in her bedroom reading? She looked around it looked like a familiar place? The tall white pillars with lotuses etched on the stone surface, feeling wet she slowly stood up dripping wet, scanning the area with her hazel eyes, she looked at the interior of the building, the ceiling was high with the light pierced through it lilac petals fell scattering across the empty room, the area where Zainab stood was a large rectangle pool low set with few steps to get on the white smooth stone floor, behind her cascades of crystal clear water.
"Where am I?" she muttered, walking up the low set stairs, she looked to her left and realized a mirror? A large circular mirror, walking up to it, the mirror reflected her image the V-neckline slightly revealed her cleavage, she adjusted her straps, no gold or kohl of course, she touched the mirror and jumped when the image rippled showing Egypt under the night sky. "Huh?" In the corner of her eye she could have sworn she saw a silver four legged creature, standing there with the faint silver mane billowing the in the breeze, a gleaming pointed horn, suddenly it felt cold and she wrapped her arms around. "Who's there?" the minute she turned around, the creature disappeared, "I am having an unusual night…" the mirror gleamed and was back to her reflection. "How odd,"
Zainab wandered around examining everything nothing in the room, she turned to her left and a long hallway, and the place seemed so familiar? But where did she see this place, she hadn't gone that far but walked into the hall, light pierced through the pillars with stone rails and jasmines wrapped around the pillars, she walked over to the railing, high above below her curving stairs and waterfalls and fountain, she looked at the sky a beautiful shades of morning rose and lavender. Morning already was it not night? She thought the architecturelooked Egyptian with the stone structure the green and blue fan like pattern near the capital of the pillars. Strolling across the opened bridge, she found two corridors one led down a curving down a blue torched and one straight where she stood, she chose the curve corridor and walked down the stairs until she was in a clear with wide opened area of railings made of stone, a fountain pour behind her with lilacs. Hmm the place looks very pretty and outstanding…She walked up to the railings, and squinted across the wide below another set of stairs that led to the final area with large pool of lotus floating with crocodiles. She ran down the stairs and stopped right in the pool, and bent down, "Excuse me?"
"Hmm?" said one of the crocodiles, they had gold adorn to them.
"Would you mind tell me where am I?"
"You are in the Palace of Lilac, bath house" replied the crocodile, Zainab stood up and turned to look at the palace, it looked like a white version of the palace the towering with large statue of crocodile sphinx, and in the distance a haze of pyramids stood like a faraway dream, "If you're looking for the actual palace it's on the left connected to this building, on her right she could see a magnificent city with white walls, and flying creatures in the distance, and roaring falls in the distance, "Are you lost maiden?"
"Um….uh I am just confused…" Zainab said in a low voice.
"That's Pharia and the Nile river,"
"What!?" said Zainab, she wasn't in Egypt it didn't look like.
"What?" said a crocodile in a surprised, the other crocodile crept closer and raised his head, "what Sobek?"
"She can understand us, none of the other Egyptians can,"
"What?" said Zainab lost and now more confused.
The crocodiles approached her examining with curiosity, as they walked up to her, Zainab showed no fear crocodiles peered at her; they looked one another, "Egypt is that way,"
"I know I am from Egypt, but how far is this Pharia?" Zainab asked, and where was she?
"How did you get here? Dragon's Eye wielder?" asked Sobek.
"I asked a question first…"
"Pharia is a city in Dragonia world, aren't you one of the three magicians from the prophecy? I didn't think you would be so thin, Tahir and Ra have been waiting for you, so did all the Dragons of the King's court, Zainab right?"
"I—I never told you my name? And what prophecy?" Zainab asked, she remembered Set an her found a page, these crocodiles didn't answer her questions at all well most of them. Dragonia sounded familiar.
"Wow she is confused," said the unknown crocodile, Sobek crawled out of the water, "go with Sobek, he will take you to your home,"
"Um…alright, but what about Pharia and what is Dragonia?" asked Zainab, now her mind was buzzing with questions, she was confused.
"Shh don't tell her," whispered Sobek, "the dragons know everything go to them, let's go to Pharia," he started to walk of and talking about the dragons, Zainab ran after him the other crocodile sat in the pool watching them. Walking and turned back to see up in the balcony silver beast peering below, the falling petals blew in the breeze fell from the trees, it smelled nice the sweet fragrance in the air, the skies were clear with the pastel pink and lavender, the sun rose from the sands, she couldn't see it but mountains far at the north. She walked across next to crocodile he was twenty feet, he was huge and happy to help, she noticed his scar across his tail, he walked with a purpose, they walked across lush gardens the stone pillars, "so where have you been?"
"Um what?"
"Where were you when Tahir and Ra needed you?"
"Um I was not born…yet," Zainab said trying to understand this crocodile, the truth she wasn't even born during that time, but she was confused as ever perhaps this was a weird dream with all her thoughts thrown into a whirlwind of crocodiles, the palace, Egypt and her recent research or search for dragons in history. She rubbed her forehead walking felt like forever (perhaps two hours passed or so) and she held herself as they approached the opened city, it reminded of her home Thebes in the distance, however the arches and waterfalls pouring gallons of water near the bridge over the water, she walked with crocodile named Sobek they stopped right at the entrance of the gates with tall gold hieroglyphics, she saw the waterfalls pouring, she could feel the sprinkling water on her skin, the gates, now she clearly could see the city, huge and a sheer cliffs in the far back, she peered below the bridge water sparkling down below her, then looked back, a desert, "Wait where is Egypt?" dragons flew around with dazzling armor, some were slimmer than the muscular males, the females were bright with vibrant colors, they all worn armor? One particular black dragon in gold armor! He carried scrolls in saddle bags, he was huge thirty feet in height and dark blue eyes, his eyes had gold kohl? She looked at him as he looked down preparing to land right in the bridge. The gold armor gleamed under the sun; his black skin was highlighted with the armor.
"This is the Pharia, Egypt is far north from here," Sobek said as he turned around. A breeze came from the water, Zainab shivered; gusts of wind came as she closed her eyes.
"Zainab?" said the black dragon surprised, he lowered his head and folded his massive wings, "oh my Ra you came? How did you get here? You found the key?"
"Wh-what?" said Zainab in confusion, how did this dragon knew her? She looked at him; his breath smelled like ashes, she covered her mouth. She remembered the drawing and the dragon looked exactly like it. He wasn't fictional.
"Oh you don't remember me, hmm I remember that, quick come with me, oh Sobek morning to you," he suddenly grabbed Zainab with his tail and she flinched as he picked her up and tossed her over his between his shoulders, she screamed and held onto his spines that protruded from his back, "hang on," he spread his wings and lifted off the ground, looking down the crocodile was getting smaller as they went high in the sky, a cold breeze. "It's me, Kmt, I see you obtain the Dragon's Eye, good, good, did Sobek confused you?"
Zainab ombre blonde hair billowed in the wind as he flew, she felt sick to her stomach, he flew fast like the wind, and she shut her eyes but his movement the large flapped of his wings propelled him, she opened her eyes and saw the clouds they flew and she could see the sun rising everything Ra's light touched bright life. Flying was freedom, and this felt like freedom to her, if dragon flew anywhere like birds then they could go anywhere. Falcons flew by with messages, she saw other dragons flying below and high, some didn't look like the same kind as Kmt. She touched a cloud but if phase through her what a strange feeling, she felt a little moisture? Clouds weren't physically apparently. "Y-yes…" she looked below the Nile snaked away through Egypt, where were they going? She looked back and saw the city far away, "where am I?"
"Pharia, I assumed you entered through the mirror connected to your world of the living. You have the Eye, the eye that sees all but you have must came through the Dream Mirror,"
"Wha-what?"
Kmt sighed, "You are asleep in Thebes Egypt yes? If you want to come here physically you need to get the key,"
"W-what key? And why am I here?"
The dragon chuckled, while she shivered, "You are the true wielder of the Dragon's Eye,"
"…"
Zainab looked around without another word, the scenery had changed, she wasn't in Egypt anymore—wait how did they get here so fast? Below were mountains and forests, she looked down as the black dragon lowered himself to the vast water, she looked down and saw arches spanning across the water, flying fish leaped out of the air with sparkling rainbow fins, the arches were water? Ribbons around and weaved through around a tall obelisk in the center of the wood. She never seen so much trees in her life? Kmt headed toward a stone building with tall arches entrance few dragons flew by, some carried fished on their backs, she saw a strange snake like fish it looked grossed. The building ahead of them again looked like an Egyptian building almost like a temple with countless stairs surrounded with cliffs around and on the cliffs were build inside shops a bazaar and balconies, dragons landed there on the ledges, she could see boats with large sails in the river far faraway from where Kmt flew. He flew into the building with ease; the walls had pictures of Osiris and Isis, the dragon glided through the white stone halls a pool of water appeared before them the dragon landed down. As he grabbed Zainab and placed her down with his tail, she shivered holding herself turning to Kmt. The room had circular pool with lotuses pillars surrounded the room, dimmed lighted it gave an eerie atmosphere, cold breeze weaved into the room; distance pouring water from a statue of rearing horses casting shadows it looked like a monster could come out anytime.
"What is this?" staring down at the water in front of her.
"This water makes you remember you have to wash yourself,"
"Wha-what I am confused?"
"So take your clothes off if you want to, this memory water, you'll remember our meeting and—" Kmt said. No he wasn't explaining anything she needed to know if she was physically here?
"No, please stop and slow down I do not understand this…will this affect me when I return to Egypt? Will I be soaked with water or is this all a dream?"
"Your ka, and in some sense your soul has come here, physically yes you can come to this place but only if you have a key, you've entered through the Dream Mirror. Your body is asleep,"
"Oh…" said Zainab touching her straps, but she didn't pull off her dress, she did look at him, "what happens after this?"
"Well, once you remember, I will have to let you wake up, in three hours you're going to be awake in your world, and I will come to get you,"
"I cannot leave Thebes,"
"I know that deep down you crave for adventure not sitting at home, you will eventually leave Thebes, you do not wish to stay there forever and Hathor has been watching you,"
"Pardon, Hathor?" Zainab said, Hathor was the goddess of joy, motherhood and feminine love. Zainab wasn't looking for to become a wife, actually the opposite she wanted to be someone accepted in her society perhaps, not after all no one liked her, her oddities always frighten people or make them hate her, only handful people accepted her.
"Oh no, she is a dragon like me, she has seen you in the future I mean long before you came to exist—anyway I think you should stop asking questions and just step into the water," Kmt said. He sure does not want to explain anything to me. The black dragon turned around as if to give her respect, she wondered if she would be wet still back in her own bed. She didn't believe this was a dream now that this dragon appeared if he was fragment of her imagination she would be crazy.
"Are you sure this will make me remember?"
"Yes and I believe you might see other things?" Kmt said with uncertainty.
She dipped her toe in the water sending cold sensation through her body. Ah of course cold water, Zainab pulled down her dress in case if this was real, everything felt real, but her ka shouldn't be an image of herself but another part of extension of soul. The white dress fell to the floor, she bare and wrapped her arms around her breasts, Kmt's back was behind her. Slowly stepping into the icy cold water, she ignored it or at least tried to, as much as she liked baths this was cold, her hair spread like a sunflower as she stopped midway half lower body was in the water.
"You have the Dragon's Eye, good, Tahir will be proud," muttered Kmt in a low voice, "I will meet you in time,"
Before Zainab took a deep breath as she laid down in the water, and closed her eyes trying with breeze and shivering while floating in the water. Zainab thought she saw something swimming around in the water, an emerald snake, and the young priestess flinched, as she standing up. Holding herself, she heard a splash and turned around nothing? "Kmt is there something in the water you did not tell me about?" turned around Kmt was gone.
A shadow loomed over her, Zainab felt a presence then she turned around and saw a large emerald cobra, and gasped. The cobra dazzled in diamonds and lapis bejeweled, the eyes gold like the sun as she spoke
"Come don't be afraid, they await for you, they have been awaiting for you. Time for you to understand, the third magician of knowledge," before Zainab could say anything coils of the cobra shining body grabbed her and yanked her into the water as she squealed, pulled under with the cobra, "it is time for you to remember…"
Zainab felt the water in her nose and felt like air escaped her as she gasped, the snake's eyes bore into her very own ka. Images appeared right before her eyes. All so fast and not in any exact order; it was like someone throwing so much information in her mind.
Tahir holding hands with his sister Ra, looking at the sky, a black sky appeared and fire below burning the pyramids, in front of them a house burning? She didn't know what she saw, a red dragon covered in gold grieving with a female blue dragon as they stood in front of pile of bones. Two phoenixes one black and the other red, three eggs of green, blue and red in front Zainab as she reached for it, someone speared Hapi, she saw herself sleeping somewhere in bed covered in sheets with Mahad they didn't have any of their clothes on, Cricket falling from a high altitude, a woman with sandy blonde hair laughing holding a scoff of a little fox in her hands, black powder falling into an large blue silt eye, a blue eyes white dragon roaring, she saw herself drowning reaching out to someone above the surface, flashed and she saw the seven millennium items falling. Tahir and Ra cut their wrists drawing blood and handed to her the dagger while she cut her wrist as well and saw blood pouring down onto a floor carved with a dragon, someone holding their hand with hers while she laid in bed, a scroll with depictions of Tahir and Ra's duel, Zainab as child standing staring at sky with a red dragon in gold, Magician Platypus twirling in the air and blasting at a nine tail giant fox, snakes, turtles and dragons, a green dragon with a harness and saddle leaping for joy in front of her, Zainab saw herself standing in field of flowers with the sun rising, Zainab embracing Mahad, he had his priest clothes on, she had typical tiara veil and linen kalasiris, Zainab as a child talking to Kmt in the cliffs with breeze, the Dragon's Eye covered in blood with blood being poured, and the last image saw was a silver horn with a gleaming horn with the dark blue eyes glowing intensely.
Zainab jolted up from bed sweating and heaving, she held her neck and swallowed, frantically looking around the sun barely touched the horizon. What was that? She touched her forehead. Looked at herself her clothes were still on, but her straps were pulled down, her bedroom was dark but with blue light, the dogs were sleeping on the floor, she found her book next to her. I never tucked myself in bed? Oh Ra I had strange dream…what did I just saw. Rubbing her forehead, ugh my head hurts I cannot even remember what I saw he is Kmt…Zainab quickly was going to get her Journal of Discoveries but her bedroom door opened and her father Khalid walked in. Feeling of the Dragon's Eye was around her neck, and it was.
Zainab looked at him, he had his dreary black tunic and black shendyt, and he looked at her. While she wiped her forehead, he spoke, "what are you doing up?"
"It's almost um…sun rise," Zainab said glancing at him.
"Hmm?" he said he walked up to her, Zainab moved away as Khalid placed his hand over her forehead, "you're cold, and drenched in sweat,"
"Oh um uh…" said Zainab embarrassed maybe she was soaked, Khalid didn't let her say anything he pulled her blankets and saw nothing as if was checking if she was bleeding on the bed, "I am not bleeding…" glancing away.
"I know that," Khalid said as he forced to her to lay down on her back and tucked her in, "you should get some sleep,"
"But is it sunrise, morning is coming," said Zainab. Khalid was about to walk out of the room, he only glanced at her she sat up, "and I am going to change my clothes," and walked up to her clothes chest that was next to her makeup table, she opened it and looked through kalasiris. He wasn't looking at her but at the walls with a frown.
She took out a light blue shoulder off dress, she placed it on the bed and started take her white night dress off, Zainab placed the other one on bed and put on the blue shoulder off gown.
"You're cold, Zainab. You can get sick," Khalid's tone sounded concern, though he didn't look like it. He picked up the dress and touched her forehead again, "you're very cold, as if you were swimming in the Nile," with suspicious look.
"I never lneft my room…" Zainab said in defense. True except in that dream.
"If you say so," Khalid said taking the sweaty dress from her bed, "get some rest, I'll wake up little later," he left the room. Zainab climbed into bed and shivered, while she looked at the Dragon's Eye it gleamed. What kind of dream I had…what were those images…She racked her own brain for any memory besides remember Kmt it felt so real. It was real, Kmt was real and I now I understand I did meet him…She turned on her left side. She touched herself on the cheek, cold.
"A very odd dream…" she said.
"Alright, Cricket and Hapi I have decided we all should have a meeting," Zainab said, standing the next five days, but her mind was on the dream even though her body was physically here. It was around evening and she was wearing linen halter neckline of silver with dark blue leaf pattern and rim of skirt, gold and blue sash around her waist. Tiara veil linen, gold beads in her right strands of hair that laid on her dress.
Out in the Nile alone, the river looked orange and gold, Cricket the green crocodile and dear friend of Zainab. Hapi was just an experiment for her, and somewhat a friend, Zainab stood right behind a tree. Amulet, Ra, Dawn and Twilight gathered around as well surrounded her get-together.
"Zainab are you alright?" asked Amulet, the black and violet crocodile sounded concern, the crocodile's voice was much clear to her ears, "you seem distracted…"
"I had an odd dream…" Zainab said looking at the crocodile, Ra moved his massive size could just scare anyone who saw him, "nothing really to worry about, I brought you all for Cricket and Hapi,"
Ra spoke, he turned to look at the ombre blonde priestess, "It sounds serious, did something happen?"
Dawn chirped with her brother, "I believe you had one of those message dreams, Mother always says it happens to the chosen ones or um when it comes to those who are destiny with great fate…"
Twilight in rude tone, "You're just tired perhaps, or did you have dream with that priest Mahad…" the other crocodiles laughed at her, they must have heard chatter or grandmother somehow how did the crocodiles knew about Mahad, she never told anyone but Karida.
Suddenly Zainab remembered those images the embraced with him, and being in bed with Mahad. Why was I with Mahad? I mean I like the way he looks nothing more I suppose…or did I have a feelings for him…I mean I never thought I would be with him. Zainab was looking at them and was lost in thought. She never thought they could be together? Perhaps…she saw the future? Impossible.
"Zainab you're blushing," said Dawn cheerfully.
"N-nothing," said Zainab.
"Why are we here again?" asked Ra.
"We're here because Zainab wants spend time with us," Amulet said turning to her brother.
"Yes I am," Zainab sat down with her knees in front of her, hugging them "let me, tell you about what I have found out and what I learned," the crocodiles huddled in closer and the hippo sat on her butt. She did spend her time telling the crocodiles about Kmt a dragon who was real, they seemed so amazed to hear a reptile flying, and they told they have seen dragons before? She felt relieved to talk to them Night and Dusk came by to check on their last remaining children even though some of them were not theirs such as Dawn. They crocodiles told her a tale of a red dragon king all and the ruler of the heavens (in which they call the skies) the unknown as well. They believed her Kmt was real because they mentioned their ancestor who seen a black dragon fast as the wind with gold armor. Made her believe he had come to Egypt before it must been before she existed, and she told them about the magicians Tahir and Ra. By time the sun was sitting Zainab didn't leave until Cricket showed off her new skills of attempt to climb a tree (a fallen log) Hapi seemed to get along with the other crocodiles. Strolling with Cricket next to her, Zainab had hands behind her back.
"You know Cricket, I am the Dragon's Eye wielder," the crocodile hissed in response, "I know you. I still am confused is Kmt really coming how can I know for sure?" she looked out at the Nile river, the glittering fireflies danced around them, "I want to know where do I fit in…I know it is not Thebes…I am lost and confused and what about Tahir and Ra have been trying to tell me or others have left… I feel as something is missing and do you know a crocodile told me about they were waiting for me,"
Cricket stopped and Zainab turned around with her several shades of blonde brushed against her shoulder, "what is it?" she paused, "I will find out about this prophecy and Tahir and Ra with everything that follows connected with the Dragon's Eye." She grabbed the Dragon's Eye blue pendant, then looked at the night sky, "I will have to see you later, I will come by tomorrow hopefully, it's getting late," she touched Cricket on the nose; the croc watched her running back to the city.
Zainab was in the city it was so different in the night for her, she walked with her arms behind her, she hoped her father won't find out her secret, he almost accused her for going to the Nile at the night. She needed to plan her outings carefully if he find out, she saw two guards coming her away, she freaked out and climbed up a large tree, sighed out of relief and was about to climb down until she saw Set and Mahad dressed in their priest clothing, she watched them walked by under the tree. She calculated the distance and the time while she slowly climbed down the tree however her miscalculation from watching which branch she was grabbing and it snapped, she fell and landed on her behind while at the same time both of the young men found her sitting against the tree with her hands behind her head. They approached her however she stood up.
"Zainab?" said Mahad in confusion, Zainab quickly got up dusting herself as if to pretend she wasn't embarrassed at all. She knew Set was looking at her, "are you alright?"
"Of course I am…I was just walking by…" she said not looking at him, few leaves were in her hair, Mahad plucked some before she turned around, High priest Set eyed him.
Set spoke but he seemed to be glaring at her, "what are you doing out so late?"
"Oh well you know just…wandering," said Zainab as she came up to him, but she was trying to hint to Set she visited Cricket, "I am sure you know my habits, Set,"
"Right," said Set, he looked at her.
Mahad gave a concern expression, he didn't look happy to see her, but she felt pleased to see Mahad and Set, "you shouldn't be wandering around during the night, it's dangerous,"
"Who says? You are practically doing the same…" muttered Zainab.
"You should be home at this hour," Mahad went on. What about you? Hmm wandering the night and why is Set with you…Zainab was about to say something thinking carefully for the words.
"I am going home actually," said Zainab with haste, started to walk passed them, "No need to worry…"
Set followed her, "Zainab," she flinched at his harsh tone, "do you want me—" before she could answer the priest in blue.
Mahad came up to her from the other side, she was startled by his sudden movement, "Zainab you did not explain to me, why were you out wandering? You're not with Ms. Keret so I assumed you were by yourself,"
"Uh…yes true, I was why would it matter…" said Zainab picking up her pace.
Mahad crossed his arms, "you're avoiding the question,"
"I am?" said Zainab as if she didn't know he even asked her that, but she knew just ignoring him then turned to priest Set, "no Set knows where I live, it is not like I will be mug by someone because nothing happens in Thebes…carry on with your manly nightly strolls," in a swift manner and saluted them. While walking away from them with them watching her, she glanced at them, Mahad didn't look happy and still had that concern look on his face, and priest Set crossed his arms.
Set said, "I'll see you in the morning Zainab," she stopped and turned around. Surprised wait in the morning? She never saw him in the morning? Was this something to do with owing him?
"What?"
"Nothing," said Set with a slightly sly smile. He stood there looking at her.
Zainab walked away, but she heard Mahad said, "I will go and walk her home, I do not like the fact she's wandering around during the night," Set didn't say anything except frowned at him. "Zainab!" she froze, while Mahad walked up to her, she glanced at the millennium ring. She didn't say anything to him while the priest in blue left in another direction, "Why are you out at the night?" standing next to her. Suddenly she faintly remember that dream. She gave a hard stare at him while he went on "Zainab you should really be careful being outside in a time like this—" his words faded as she was lost in thought. Oh Ra, am I going to marry Mahad….Why would I? I mean how impossible love I have no such feelings for him…well he looks nice I suppose but Mahad…I need to ask Kmt this if he comes which would be perfect because I believe he has some answers…as for me and Mahad there is nothing between us is there? Do I even like him no I have not seen him, but Set could be—no, no stop you are not interested in marriage what good will come of such useless matter I believe marriage and a man would slow me down…I cannot imagine myself with him? I do not even know him well…and besides who would want to marry me? She rubbed her chin squinting at him and examining. Love is nothing but a mere feeling that people foolishly follow…it is illogical and by Ra what in gods name—I mean ahem hmm I wonder where did you get your beauty from Mahad…why do you have be so, so— she stared at his body, trying to see if he had a ring on his finger—left ring finger.
"Zainab are you listening to me?" he placed his hand on his hips. No ring…
"Pardon?" as she snapped out of her thoughts, the memories of the dream seemed to have faded.
"Were you listening to what I was saying?"
"Um…" she said taking a long paused while she touched her chin, then tapped her index fingers, "I heard half of it…could you repeat the other half?" as she twiddled with her fingers. Embarrassed because she was lost in thought then wanted to ask him something but was so sure, did he have someone? No do not ask that you will embarrass yourself!
Mahad sighed, "Never mind, come I will walk you home," he started to walk with her as he grabbed her wrist and pulled her along before letting her go.
"You know where I live?" she muttered but apparently he heard her. Zainab looked down at the floor.
"Of course," Mahad with a gentle smile, they walked side by side, Zainab glanced at him and felt her face flushed red, "I am still a little worried you might be out again alone in the night, you still haven't told me,"
"I just went out for a stroll…" a complete lie, she couldn't just tell him how does she knew he won't tell her parents, only Set was to be trusted not Mahad.
"Somehow I don't believe that…"
"Well I went out last time with you…"
"Yes but you were with me, not alone last time," Mahad said, he glanced at her. She caught his gaze but quickly turned away, "but this time you're alone, I prefer you can just tell me," with worry, "I'm not going to get mad or anything,"
"I uh…" she wasn't so sure what excuse could she make, not sure if could use her grandmother Keret. Mahad was perturbed about her wandering why? He is kind and all and seemed very nice to her. She couldn't used Karida either especially not Cricket, not her dogs maybe Kateb as an excuse but he might ask him. She needed a plan, "I liked being out in the night, kind of different compared to…the day, it is sort of a hobby…I do not think it is dangerous at all nothing happened…"
"Safer in numbers than being alone in the night, you should know it's dangerous for you to be out here, alone." His tone sounded concern for her, why did he care? She didn't understand that was it his job to care or his part of his personality? Sure he mentioned he would have loved to meet her if they were children, but his over protective personality was something she didn't like at all. Worse than her own mother's personality, wait did Mahad and mother Halima had the same personality? She needed to analyze him. But that didn't came in her mind except the fact she didn't see him kind of felt hurt deep down. Zainab didn't know why she had the feeling of disappointment.
"But you still should be careful even if you are in your own home, you'll never know what will happen to you, if you are carelessly running around during the night, Zainab." Then she realized she hadn't seen him two weeks perhaps and five days. She felt distance toward him, and frowned at his words not only she felt suddenly bitter with him, she didn't felt like talking to him. Who cared if he was friends with Musician Platypus or Set or whoever, he was being one of those people who probably acted like he cared. Like her parents too they did the same thing and judged Cricket or her odd behavior she couldn't trust him, he wasn't Faiz or Set.
"I know that…." She said in bitter tone. They walked right into the Noble District however she didn't felt like talking to him, perhaps she was judging him too soon but his attitude sounded like her own mother's worried and she didn't want that kind of person in her life, he may be beautiful but his protective nature was just so overwhelming to her. Now I know what he reminds of…my mother….I cannot have another 'mother' in my life…I already have it...if he is this protective person, he could restrain me…with my outings and I cannot have that. Her thoughts contradicted her actions.
Mahad glanced at Zainab who didn't even look at him; she was frowning and seemed distance toward him. "Zainab," he said. She looked back at him with her hazel eyes. He stopped and she was about to just ignore him. And kept walking he grabbed her wrist to stop her from walking away from him. "Zainab, what is wrong with you?" he sounded concern. Zainab glanced at him, but didn't say a word, "you can tell me,"
"It is nothing just…lost in thought…" Zainab said in a voice, she was still baffled with those strange images, was she really going to be with Mahad in the future? When? How? Why? She just couldn't see herself with him, he was someone above her from a magician house if she recalled? The name didn't come to her. Did she miss him more than Set even though Set was a friend? Yes she did like him at one point after running into Mahad but that felt like lifetime ago. I cannot tell him if I…miss him…she felt her face red. Mahad didn't let her go, she diverted her eyes from him, "I uh…um…" he was looking at her, wondering perhaps embarrassed for eternity.
"You can tell me, if its bothering you…" he kindly said while he released his grip from her wrist, she moved back while he looked at her and taking few steps back while Zainab placed her hands behind her back.
"It—I mean uh…" Zainab said glancing around, but attempted to bring courage in her own heart, her heart raced with anxiety being at the cause of it, she tried to looked at him, she did, "I um…kind of well…I mean I—I really miss-ed you…" blushed at him. Her life was over because she told him the truth and now regretted every word to him, probably a weirdo in his eyes however he gave a surprised look to her.
Mahad looked at her, while she glanced at him or a random cat nervously, "Oh I never knew that," his tone sounded shocked, while he paused, "until you told me,"
Maybe I should have been straightforward I mean my grandmother Keret is always so rude I sometimes wish I could…be like that. Zainab thought embarrassed, she looked down taping her index fingers out of old habits. Probably made it awkward like always; she was waiting for sign anything Ra could give her.
Mahad smiled a pleasant one, she felt her face grew hot, "Do you want to take a stroll with me, tomorrow?" her heart screamed with joy. Leaping over a fence like a giddy horse. He read her like that? Because she just say she missed him? Maybe it was his way to spend time with her? Probably like taking strolls with people, Mahad's possible hobby.
"Um uh…yes…?" Zainab meant a firm answer but it came out all wrong. "Is that what you do for hobby?" she muttered again he heard her glancing down to the ground.
Mahad smiled briefly with eyes closed, "Yes, well one of my hobbies," he looked at her, "I asked you it because you said you missed me, I am actually quite pleased you told me this," all the negative feeling blew away in the wind for her, she gave a shy smile to him, "I missed talking to you…" they looked at one another.
Not until Zainab ruined the moment, "oh uh…" she said glanced away from him, while tapping her fingers together, "um uh when?" they weren't even at the friendship level probably more like acquaintances. Maybe they could just be friends, "um when is this happening?" looking away from him.
Mahad replied, "At the evening," he turned and looked at the direction of the wealthy district, "oh we should get going, I'm sure your parents are worried for you,"
"Alright," she said with a slight smile. She seemed to be a better mood now; though he didn't know what was really wrong with her perhaps she seemed to wanting to be friends with him. Rocking on her heels, she still was smiling at him. Zainab never grinned; she found it foolish to do so.
. They walked all way to the house with the cat statues. Lucky always there to greet them this time sitting on the wall itself, the cat never opened his gold eyes but supposedly it was rumored he did when he was a kitten, the cat was actually an old one lived long very long sometimes Zainab thought the cat himself was immortal, they approached the front door and Mahad was going to knock not until it flung opened to find Khalid glaring at him.
Khalid probably just wore dark color clothing because he did work as an embalmer, he had black sleeveless tunic with gold pendant around his neck, his shendyt was black, and he didn't have any shoes perhaps because it was late around nine in the night. Relieved to see no sash around his head, so his pretty platinum blonde locks, Zainab stared at him then glanced at Mahad while her father came up them.
"Zainab why are you out late in the night? And why is Mahad here?" asked Khalid he shot a glare at his daughter, she flinched he was inches away from her.
Mahad replied to Khalid, "I walked her home," with a modest expression but Zainab's father didn't look like he believed him.
"Really?" Khalid squinted at the millennium ring wielder while he crossed his arms, but kept his gray eyes on Zainab.
"Yes he did…" Zainab said, she flinched instinctively when her father came up to her, "it's true…"
"If you say so, why weren't you home before sunset?"
"I uh…was well um with—" Zainab struggled to explain herself, maybe he knew she left to the Nile. That would be horrific, she started to twiddled with her fingers and avoid eye contact, she racked her brain for anything, "I was wandering…around the city…"
Khalid still glared at her, however Mahad came up to him, "Mr. Khalid I—"
"Don't you dare call me Mr. Khalid, it's just Khalid," Khalid said almost with a threat. Mahad gave an apological expression.
"My apologies, Khalid." Pausing, "Zainab was with me,"
"The whole day? And if so why are you with my daughter? Is there something going on?" Khalid sounded so harsh. Zainab knew her father hated being called Mr. Khalid it was consider disrespectful for a Tau being called Mrs. Ms. Mr. anything with suffix, they
"No," Mahad and Zainab replied in unison, they glanced at one another.
"I hope you both aren't doing something…." Khalid said looking at the two, he gae was locked on Mahad. "Isn't this the second time you walked here, except Halima was out to greet you…?"
"Yes it's the second time I walked her home, and we are not doing anything. I only walked her home," Mahad said in calm tone.
"Is this some sort of hobby or do you do this with other girls?"
"Pardon? I have only have done—" before Mahad could explained, Khalid came up to his face towering him, Mahad six feet but Khalid was a couple more inches, backing away, "it's the truth I—"
Khalid glared at him, "Are you having se—"
"No, of course not, I just walked to her home," Mahad said sternly but modestly, he had slight blush, Zainab didn't know what they were talking about. She glanced at them as her father took few steps back, "I walked here because it was dark, I do not want Zainab walking alone,"
"Don't do it again, or I'll end up forbidding your relationship," Khalid said. Mahad and Zainab looked at one another then at him, "get inside, Zainab, I need to have a word with you," she walked up to the entrance door but turned to face the millennium ring wielder.
"Thank you for walking me home, Mahad," Zainab gave a shy sweet smile to him, the beautiful Mahad smiled back at her.
Priest Mahad replied, "You're welcome," ignoring Khalid glaring at him. He left the house and Zainab walked in with her father behind her, closing the door behind them, Raja who waved at her while he passed by heading to the right side of the hall further down.
The hunting dogs Amazonite and Silver raced down the stairs with Halima in her night gown of white holding a Diadhank, Zainab glanced at her parents, while her mother came up to her, they looked at her, "Zainab, we need to talk about something important," Halima said as she glanced at her husband and daughter. She looked at her mother and the Diadhank.
"About what?" asked Zainab, she hoped it wasn't anything to do with marriage, they went into the family and sat in a table together, this was the room where they usually spend time together as family. She didn't know what they were going to say, but she felt nervous. Her heart screamed.
"Many things," Halima said she sat in front with Khalid next to her, interlacing her fingers, "things they have had occurred before you were born," with a pause, "I want you to know that it might sound strange but this will be a warning for you," please not the Nile threat…anything even marriage…the young priestess thought, "There is someone looking for you," the gold Diadhank laid there on the table with a book.
"Hmm?" said Zainab confused.
"Not someone we wished for you not to meet however your fate is tied to her," Khalid said. Halima opened the book and turned it over to her daughter a picture depicting a sandy blonde haired woman in canvas of proportion dressed in white cloak and large nine tail fox. She didn't read anything about the Fox Magician her hand out stretch in front of a large black book.
"What me and your father is trying to say, we are planning to teach you summon your ka, I believe it's important for you to learn how to defend yourself besides you swords, magic or a Diadhank, the Fox Magician is our family's arch nemesis, she is coming and is fated to kill you however you are also fated to kill her, she believed a blonde girl will end her." she flipped the page skimming over the information, the Fox Magician had allied herself with Mariam and Osiris, even Tahir. She wanted to read this entire book and was about to pick it up, but her father grabbed the book.
Khalid said to Halima, "I don't think we should tell her at this time, it's late, she was wandering with Mahad,"
"Khalid I wanted to tell her this because it's important, we cannot hide this from her forever," Halima said with a worried expression.
"I know that but you know how Zainab is, she'll start researching." Khalid said.
Halima sighed, "Very well Khalid, but in the morning," she briefly closed her eyes while their daughter stared baffled with the situation.
"What? What do mean?" Zainab asked, kill why was the Fox Magician want to kill her, she never met the Fox Magician and what did her family have against this old magician, "but that is vague…what's going on?"
Khalid and Halima glanced one another, her mother spoke to her, "I think we should explain to you, in the morning tomorrow first thing, I believe you are tired,"
"No explain just—"
Khalid said in a stern voice, "We'll explain it to you tomorrow, nothing more, Zainab,"
"Alright…" said Zainab still confused. Why was she getting information in fragments, she didn't mind staying up learning about Fox Magician the five hundred fifty old wise magician who lived near Memphis done great things but she was known to be secretive.
Halima got up from her chair and hugged her daughter, "I don't want you to worry about the Fox Magician. We'll talk about the issue tomorrow, just get some sleep it's late,"
They told her to go bed, Zainab just went upstairs closed the door; she changed her clothes into her light blue shoulder off kalasiris, and dropped down on the bed. She forgot to the take off the Dragon's Eye it gleamed under the moonlight and tucked herself while she picked up her Journal of Discoveries and flipped the page to the black dragon with gold armor. "Kmt can you tell me what is going on? If you can hear me? When are you coming to Egypt?" she said out loud. Zainab just spoke out loud like usual. He couldn't possibly but that dream was real not a dream an event that happened. She was still confused and wondered why she was cold other night. The picture gleamed, and the dragon smiled as if the ink itself was alive, the dragon winked, she saw hieroglyphics appeared in gold writing then literally floated out of the journal. Kmt heard her apparently the words said.
I will come and find you in couple of weeks, Dragon Magician, Magician of Knowledge, , daughter of Halima. I promise you that Princess Zainab.
Sorry for late update, I did my research on in this one for sure. Enjoy!