AN: Do not own Prince of Egypt.

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Chapter 21: The Order of Pure Evil

A year had quickly passed since the bloody massacre at the annual nobles meeting, and things were beginning to be quite hectic. Another drought was predicted for the next year, the Hebrews were more restless, and the city of Avaris had finally crumbled; it was destroyed. The Pharaoh was formally poised on his throne with a crook in hand and a scowl on his face. Since the slaying of the nobles, Pharaoh Seti never properly recovered. He was, different - in a way. The Pharaoh's outer shell used to be lenient when it came to petty crimes, but alas, he could no longer hold the facade. He would brutally whip those who spat at his feet, he would burn skin with iron for charges of assault, and torture people of whom were suspicious in the eyes of the people and the Pharaoh alike. Everything about him was cruel, but justice was key in a thriving kingdom. He did not long for trust, he longed for loyalty to the throne. And so, just as he feared - but was inevitable - the Pharaoh was like his father; he was labelled a dangerous man.

Currently, the Pharaoh had issued the building of statues and other structures, thus keeping the slaves busy. The Hebrew slaves were no longer given food, water, or sleep; they had to earn these necessities. They were overworked, and suffered under gruelling heat; some of the slaves died from heat stroke while on the job. The Pharaoh cared, but not for the sake of the Hebrews, as he would often say, "They were only slaves." If there was an injury or a death, it would cost him money; this included the cost for loss of time, and the ordering of a replacement.

Although his morals shifted, Pharaoh Seti was still considered a good King among the Egyptian community. Before the downfall of Avaris, there was another mild drought throughout the summer of last year. But through strategic rationing of both food and water, along with the aid of the gods, Seti was able to pull his people through this rough situation while they impatiently waited for rain. Of course, Egyptians died from heat stroke and starvation, but they were already dead as far as the Pharaoh was concerned. As were his father's beliefs also, only the strong survived. The elders and the sick never stood a chance. But under the hard shell, lay a soft spot for the people of Egypt; he wanted to protect them; and although the Pharaoh's punishments were harsh, he was able to successfully maintain order, and thus the Egyptian people felt safe on their own soil.

Unfortunately, the Egyptians continued to distrust their Pharaoh. It seemed that no matter how many times he proved himself worthy, they still found his reign of power unsettling. It was almost as if they wanted Seti to make a mistake. So in return, the King stopped trying. He decided months ago that he would stop his childish antics, and do as his job dictated. He accepted himself for who he was, and knew that nothing more could be done. He told himself in the mirror everyday that a man like him could never change.

The Pharaoh did not make a habit of breaking his promises. Seemingly cruel to the people, he was never brutal towards Queen Tuya or his son. He was strict, but never terrible. He brought them no harm, and loved them to the ends of the earth. He swore to protect them.

Over the last two years, Pharaoh Seti started to lose interest in his favourite hobbies; and rather allured in the things that he never appreciated to begin with. On his resting days, Seti would observe chariot racing, but he always failed to pay attention. He would dine with the kingdom's people - not because he wanted to - because his duty told him to. And like Tuya, he would spend much of his spare time lazying alongside the shores of the Nile River, thinking. It was not healthy. If it weren't for his wife constantly pushing him to do the things he loved, Seti would have easily given up painting, wine and Senet without even knowing it. The Pharaoh ceased to lose interest in the two most important people in his life; his wife and son. He worshipped the ground they walked upon, and thanked the gods every day for their company and insight. If they did not exist, the Pharaoh would probably be known as an executioner rather than a King; and would surely kill himself.

Pharaoh Seti blinked. He glared at every person situation in the throne room. Queen Tuya was standing behind him. Then, the Pharaoh directed his attention towards the senator below. Senator Kai bore a lengthy scroll. General Maximus stood his ground beside the senator. He wore a worried expression. He was concerned of what was to come next. The Pharaoh hastily called for a meeting after the general brought his concerns regarding the Hebrews to his attention. Others soon followed.

The Pharaoh said, "Senator, please read the concerns."

Senator Kai opened the scroll with ease. He quickly cleared his throat before speaking, "My Lord, there have been a number of concerns, mostly regarding the Hebrew slaves. I've gathered all of my information, and according to Egyptian spectators, the Hebrews are becoming more restless. The slaves are rowdy, and do not hesitate to spout their immoral threats. It is obvious that they are tired of the shackles that bind them, and are in desperate need of escaping. Fifty said, 'Pharaoh, you have provided the Hebrews with the necessities of life, and yet, they are still ungrateful.'

As most of us are aware, two Egyptian soldiers were brutally assassinated last night. According to a lone Hebrew woman, she spat saying, 'Those soldiers were weak, they did not stand a chance.' In recent history, there have been recordings of beatings, stabbings, decapitations, genital torturing, and unjustified executions. These Hebrews have also hurt their own kind. One said, 'If they are wretchedly unkind to their own people, imagine what they will do to us.'

Our General, Maximus, also bought to your attention - one week ago - that twenty more Hebrew slaves had escaped and currently cease to exist. The general fears that they may be preparing for an ambush."

General Maximus said, "Or they journeyed into the desert."

The senator looked at the general. Maximus stepped forwards, and bowed before revealing his own reports. Senator Kai said, "It seems that the general has brought his own reports for today's meeting."

The Pharaoh shifted his eyes to the general. He said in his usual deep voice, "I'm disappointed in you, general. I thought you would have had a better hold on these wretched men. They went missing one week ago, correct?"

"Yes," said Maximus, "But over half have been found this morning, and are in holding cells until further notice. The others - as the senator said - figuratively 'do not exist.' My Lord, this scroll in my hand bears detailed information of each escapee; this includes their physical appearance, number, and their line of work." The general handed his report to the senator's little assistant.

The senator said, "The general believes that more Hebrews may attempt to escape and annihilate the governing structure of Egypt, the monarchy. Personally speaking, I believe that these events will continue to arise until we do something about the vial situation. And I assure you, Pharaoh, that I'm not the only one. My Lord, the Hebrews strive for a democracy."

The Pharaoh scoffed, "Even if they did manage to kill me, the monarchy would still stand!"

Senator Kai added, "My Lord, we also bring you some unsettling news."

Pharaoh Seti raised a brow. He said, "Yes?"

The senator said, "As our general has proved, our army is the strongest in all of the land; however, the Hebrew population has inflated ten times. And you may ask yourself, 'But isn't this good? I don't have to pay a hint of silver!' But this isn't the case, Pharaoh.

You believe that only the strong should survive. Well, the strongest have survived, and now they've gone and had babies. These fathers have unimaginable strength and endurance. And as we all know, these fathers are also dangerous threats. And again, you may ask, 'Why is this matter unsettling?' My Lord, I'll admit that my men and I have failed in our books. We have failed to register each newborn birthed in those slums. In other words, we lost count.

My Lord, after further examination, we've discovered that there's overpopulation amongst the Hebrew community. Many of their babes are male, and thus when those boys turn into men, they will be stronger than their fathers. They may attempt to overthrow the throne." He spat, "They are an invasive species. They are a danger to the monarchy, and in due time, it will be too late for us to stop them."

"It's unsettling news indeed," the Pharaoh agreed. "Do you believe that they're overpopulating on purpose? Or is it out of love?"

"Some admit to it, and some deny it," the senator answered, simultaneously reaching into the inside pockets of his short, green robe. He pulled out a long piece of parchment, and unrolled it. Although the length of the paper was comical, its contents were disturbing.

Pharaoh Seti rose to his feet, and slowly sauntered down the steps leading to the senator. He looked down at the lengthy paper in Kai's hands. Seti scanned the document, and he could tell from a distance that it was a list containing at least one hundred signatures.

The Pharaoh sneered, "What is this, senator?"

"Please believe me, Pharaoh, when I say..." he took a brief pause before continuing, "Your people trust you, Pharaoh. The Egyptian people took it upon themselves to do this. It's a cry for help."

Quick as a flash, Pharaoh Seti snatched the scroll from the senator's hands, and skimmed the first few columns. "These are names...they are the names of my people." He furrowed his brows, and asked impatiently, "What does this mean?"

The senator answered, "My Lord, there are five hundred names written on this document alone. And there are thirty-five more scrolls in waiting on my desk. I also hear from my messenger, that ten more scrolls will be placed in my office by late this afternoon. Pharaoh Seti, the people of Egypt are calling out to you. They are scared. They are scared for the lives of their children and grandchildren."

Pharaoh Seti retreated back to the throne. He crossed his arms with a hint of sass, and then sighed. He gave the senator a menacing glare. He said, "What do these scrolls entail?"

"They are petitions, Pharaoh. Petitions to end our suffering against the Hebrew slaves. You must put their intentions to rest once and for all." The Senator rolled up the list. He said, "Pharaoh, I will admit that you will find my name on this petition."

"Same, sir," said General Maximus.

The Pharaoh said, "This isn't a democracy, senator. The Egyptian people are not to make decisions on my behalf."

The senator answered, "We're not playing 'King.' We're only asking for you to hear us. What you do with the Hebrews is your decision alone."

Pharaoh Seti nodded. "I will think about this. Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention." He waved a hand in the air. "Everyone has my leave to go. General. Senator. Please stay."

They both murmured, "Yes, my Lord."

It took approximately half an hour for the hall to completely spit out its visitors. The only individuals left in the throne room were Pharaoh Seti, Queen Tuya, Senator Kai, General Maximus, and Hotep and Huy. There was silence amongst the group for a solid ten minutes before the Pharaoh spoke. He said with his back still turned to the Queen, "Tuya, please leave the room."

Queen Tuya was taken aback. The Pharaoh's voice was monotone, but bone chilling, and it caused Tuya to shudder. She grew concerned. She asked herself, "What's happening to you, Seti? What are you thinking right now? What are you feeling right now? What aren't you telling me?"

The Queen refused to leave. She stomped her foot, clenched her fists, and shouted, "Pharaoh, I'm staying! You can't tell me otherwise!"

Tuya was still looking at her husband's back. Seti retorted in a neutral tone of voice, "No, Tuya. You must leave this room. I beg of you."

Tuya shook her head. "No, Pharaoh, I will not."

"You shouldn't be here. Leave." The Pharaoh was about to make the biggest decision of his life, and he didn't want his wife to be there. She was too pure a soul to witness such evil.

Queen Tuya exclaimed, "Why not, Pharaoh?!"

Seti answered, "Tuya...it has nothing to do with your character. I know for a fact that you will not agree with my actions. I fear...that if you see..." he trailed off. Seti refused to complete his statement.

Tuya could no longer control her thoughts. She yelled, "Please tell me, Pharaoh! I don't understand what's happening! What's going to happen? What are you going to do!? Why are you always keeping things from me!"-

Seti snapped, "GO HOME, TUYA!"

Tuya froze. Something was very wrong. She could see her husband bearing conflicted thoughts. He looked like he was in pain.

Tuya obeyed the Pharaoh. She huffed, "Fine. Pharaoh, if you need me, I'll be at the Nile."

When Seti knew that Tuya was surely gone, he turned to his men, and they underwent their business. Seti started:

"I thought everything over. Let's do this quietly, shall we?" The Pharaoh raised a hand to the level of his chest. "I want to get this over with as quickly as possible, so that I can tend to my distraught wife."

Hotep said, "Your majesty, I assure you that she will be fine."

Seti closed his eyes. He thought otherwise.

The senator said, "Pharaoh, you now bear the knowledge of the reports, and petitions. You must accept that your people have spoken to you. We're all afraid. Something must be done."

The general added, "Pharaoh, the Hebrews are on the verge of throwing a rebellion. Whether it be today, tomorrow, next year or in twenty years time, they will find a way to overthrow the monarchy. Do something while you have the chance."

The Pharaoh acknowledged their words. He directed his attention to Hotep and Huy. They always could read his mind well. He said, "Hotep. Huy. If we are talking morally...will Ra damn me for eternity?"

"I'm sure Ra will understand. So will the others," said Hotep.

Huy said, "Pharaoh, this seems to be a life or death situation. They will understand."

Pharaoh Seti sighed. "On a moral standpoint, you don't know. I don't either, but I must do my duty." Seti looked at the general. "I'm talking to you personally, Maximus." Seti said with no emotion, "Am I...a good King?"

Maximus bowed his head. He answered, "Pharaoh, You are only doing your duty. You're protecting your people along with your family. Pharaoh, I know that you and I don't always meet eye to eye, but I've revealed that my name is also on that petition. I can't believe that I'm saying this, but I believe in you too." The general drew a shallow breath. "Yes, Pharaoh, you are a good King."

General Maximus' words were true and sincere, but the Pharaoh was still disturbed. He thought to himself, "What would Tuya think? Shit, maybe I should have let her stay."

"Yes, I am damned for eternity."

The Pharaoh quickly approached the throne, and sat with his dignity still intact. He firmly held the crook against his chest, and said eerily, "General, here are my orders."

"Yes, sir?"

"Send your soldiers to the Hebrew colony. I order them to kill every newborn male. Remove them by force, and send them into the Nile."

Then, the Pharaoh raised his arm, and he pointed forwards. From head to toe, everything about this man was now evil."

General Maximus bowed, and hurried out of the throne room.

Pharaoh Seti slowly lowered his arm, unsure of what had just occurred.

Senator Kai observed the Pharaoh. His usually perfectly postured body was now slumped into his chair. The crook that he often bore had fallen onto the floor, and a lone hand covered his face.

"I think this is a good time to take my leave," the senator said. He bowed before vacating the vicinity. Hotep and Huy trailed behind.

Pharaoh Seti was alone, and conflicted. He could no longer tell right from wrong. He said, "They'll rise against us. Sometimes, for the greater good, sacrifices must be made."

Yes, he was damned.

Chapter 22 is coming soon...

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