Disclaimer: I've finished it! -Yes, I do not own Red River- But I FINISHED IT! HAHAHAHHahahehhehehehehehHEHEHEHEHEHHAHAHHE! *My eeeeeval laugh just FYI*

Thebes: Ramses Villa

I sat outside the front of the villa in a chair as a handful of slaves and servants oohed and aahed over the ivory stallion prancing proudly in the large courtyard. I rolled my eyes and watched with a bored expression as Ramses praised the horse. Apparently the Pharaoh was in a generous mood today. Instead of reacting with fury as I thought he would, early in the morning a servant from the Palace came to the villa and awarded Ramses with the beast. I guess he was either sucking up to Ramses, apologizing to Ramses or providing the General with an incentive to win the position of vizier. Perhaps the gift horse was meant as all three?

I sighed as Cala offered me a goblet of water and a male slave puffed air over us with a large feather fan. I shook my head at her offer and propped my chin on a fist. I was bored and wanted to leave to visit Siranush and Aline, but Sharifa said that I would have to wait until this afternoon after my lessons.

I got to my feet and brushed the invisible dirt from my pleated white dress and moved to go back inside when the General's voice called to me. "Where are you going?"

I glanced back, annoyance and boredom plain on my face, "Inside."

He shook his head grinning, "No, you are not. You haven't learned to ride yet."

I felt a sharp breath get stuck in my chest and I glanced with wide eyes to the silver beast. At that exact moment, as if the animal knew how afraid I was of it, it snorted wildly and pawed the thick tiles lining the courtyard. Uhhh, no way Jose...

I threw Ramses a 'you've got to be kidding me' look, and started for the open door way, "Thanks, but no thanks. Your pony will kill me if I tried."

"She isn't a pony! She is a fine mare, brought all the way from Cannan as a gift for the Pharaoh." He patted the side of the snorting horse and whispered sweetly to it.

I inhaled and exhaled heavily, "Whatever...either way, the horse is huge and will trample over me the moment I get near it."

He shook his head, amusement dancing in his eyes, "Where has your courage gone woman? You are afraid of such a gentle creature?"

"Gentle?" I looked at the wild female horse with disbelieving eyes, "Yeah, and I'm a fantastic singer!" I snarked.

Ramses blinked, my sarcasm not deterring him in the least. "You are? My, I never knew my concubine was so talented! I will have to have Sharifa arrange for you to sing for us all some time soon."

I bit my lip and resisted the urge to slide my hands down my face, "Fine!"

I sighed in defeat as I aproached the horse cautiously. I knew Ramses was watching my face for any sign of panic and I ignored the amused smirk tugging at his full lips. My mouth flattened, I would pet it, maybe ride it and then hasta la vista horsie! That should do right?

I reached out carefully watched the horse carefully, the anxiety was stifling. I wouldn't die if it bit or stomped on me right? Ramses, wouldn't let it stomp on me right? The closest I had ever been to a real horse was merry-go-round at summer fairs, and even then I hated that ride.

Ramses pet the rough breathing horse and murmured his praise. "Don't be so afraid. She's harmless."

I said nothing, my hand was mere inches a way from the white coat of hair, but it felt so much farther and closer than it actually was. I reached out and touched the silky hairs, "That's it, Aasifa won't hurt you."

I looked up at the General's smiling face, "I think she likes you."

I looked at the now calm horse. She whickered quietly now and then, but didn't protest my gentle petting. I was hesitant to agree, but felt a little better now that the animal seemed less likely to chomp my hand off. "If you can learn to ride her, she'll be yours." He said calmly, petting the animal's flanks.

I whipped my head around to look at him, "Wha-!" The horse whinned loudly and I lowered the volume, "What do you mean she's mine? The Pharaoh gave her to you!" I hissed.

He shrugged a shoulder, "I already have Nader, my war horse here...Besides, so far I have many prized mares for breeding and I think Aasifa would be better off here in Thebes rather then sent to Memphis as a breeder."

"You talk about her like she's a person..." I muttered. Not quite sure what I was supposed to do with a horse once I learn to ride it. It's not like there was any paticular place I wanted to go or do, so the point of this surprinsing gift was kind of pointless. I eyed the white mare, poor thing was gonna be locked in a stable until I finally went home and Ramses took her back.

"She is a person, in a way." He eyed me, "You should probably change into something more suitable for riding."

I gave him a pointed look. Remebering yesterday's riding incident all over again. "Fine. Try not to sneak a peek while I'm changing." I demanded, his frequent habit of stumbling upon me nude whether by accident or on purpose was starting to exasperate me more than anything else now.

I retreated from the courtyard and back to my room, Cala dutifully following behind me. I wondered what would be considered an appropriate riding outfit if all I was allowed to wear were dresses.

I pulled on the thick clothed tunic and ditched all of the jewelry and makeup that had been slapped on me. Cala had informed Sharifa of this new development and the woman had quickly had me stripped and wiped down, before leaving me with the tunic, sandals and leather ties for my hair.

I laughed. I was finally free of those constricting and fancy shmancy dresses! My smile dropped when I remembered why I was free, though. I grimaced. Horseback riding 101 with Ramses, oh goodie.

"Alright, now straighten your back. No! Don't sit like a peacock! Sit as you normally would...Now you are slouching, sit up straight!"

I growled, "I am sitting straight!"

The horse whined and tossed it's head at my loud voice and I cringed holding onto the reins tightly. "Ease up on the bridle. Aasifa knows where you want her to go, you don't have to force her."

I sighed and ignored the sniggers and narrow eyed looks from the slaves and servants watching my first horse back riding lesson. "Can I get off now? I think she'll throw me off if I start to annoy her too much."

"No! You have not even learned to properly seat yourself. How can you want to leave when you haven't even tried to ride?" He crossed his arms adamant that I learn.

"What is the point of learning to ride when you have the slaves carry me everywhere or escort me there?" I bit out, only to bite my tongue and flush. I can't beileve how spoiled and bratty that sounded!

Ramses sneered, "Just because you have slaves and servants to carry you around doesn't mean you must rely on them soley. You are perfectly capable of learning to ride Aasifa and you will ride her." He spread a hand to encompass the suddenly downturned faces in the courtyard, "The concubine will not be assisted from her seat and her lessons postponed for today, have Sharifa watch her carefully and the Stable Master over see her training for today."

The servants and slaves scurried off the second Ramses finished. He gave me one last disgusted look before striding away back into the shaded villa. I held the mare's reins tightly and bit my lips. Okay, I admit it. I was being a brat about this. The man just gave me the Pharaoh's horse and I was busy mouthing off all ungrateful about everything. I winced, I was gonna have to learn to ride a horse wasn't I?

I sighed, leaning down to pat the snorting mare's neck, "Okay, Aasifa. You and I are gonna be seeing each alot over the next few days. Don't take my bad and unsocial personality personally. It's a 'not you, but me' type of thing. You understand right?"

The horse whickered and stamped the tiled ground. I took that as a postive answer. I groaned; hopefully, this wouldn't be too hard to master.

"Pull the reins, like so..." The stable master was a tall and burly man. He showed me the basics and gently guided Aasifa around the courtyard as Sharifa watched the display with a sour face.

"The Princess has been out here since noon, and it is almost time for the evening meal. Perhaps it would be best for her to-"

"It's okay, Sharifa! I'm sure Ramses won't mind if I eat in my room later. Besides I almost got the gist of this riding stuff." I answered carefully using my knees to squueze the mare's sides and pull Aasifa's reins to slow her trot down to a walk.

"If you weren't so afraid to go faster, you would learn get more comfortable with your mare and she with her rider." The stable master shook his head, "In all my years, I've never seen someone so reluctant to ride a horse."

I sighed slouching on the cloth that made up the saddle. The cloth was thick and blue like lapis lazuli edged with white and grey stiching, the reins were a dark leather along with the bridle. It contrasted greatly against the mare's white coat of hair and silvery-white mane and tail. She looked like something straight out of a fairy tale, the knight on his white horse and everything. I could see why the Pharaoh had been given this horse, it was large and strong, mild mannered and beautful. I sighed, defintely the exact opposite of myself. I wondered if we would even get along outside this courtyard...

"I don't want to fall and break something. I was lucky all I got were a few scrapes from yesterday's ride." I answered back.

The man shook his bald head and wiped his sweaty palms on his tunic, "You'll never understand your mare if all you have her do is prance around the courtyard. This is foals play to her. She won't acknowledge you as her rider if you keep her locked up in the stable or trotting around like a pony."

I turned wide eyes to him, "You could tell?"

He gave me a sigh, "You're a Princess, Lord Ramses' Lady. I figure you'd rather stay indoors than run free with the horses."

I blew out a breath and flicked my thick braid of hair back over my shoulder, "Fine...Let's do this, for real this time."

I tugged on the reins and Aasifa backed up pawing the tiles as she went. Straightening I leaned forward just slightly to prepare myself for the next step. I wasn't sure which action it was that got her moving, but I guess the moment I dug my knees into Aasifa's side to prepare for her run was the signal she took to take off like a bat out of hell.

I held back my scream of surprise as Aasifa galloped like crazy around the large courtyard. The wind whipped my skin and pulled curls loose from my tight braid. I caught a glance of Sharifa standing up horrified and the stable master clearly enjoying the newly made progress between me and my horse.

I clamped on the reins hard and pulled them back firmly. I didn't think Aasifa would apreciate a reappearance of lunch all over her clean coat. She skidded to a stop panting and pawing the ground, she nieghed and whipped her head from side to side, clearly ready to expel more of her pent up energy.

I just wasn't having it though. I felt bad that she wasn't nearly as tired out as she wanted to be, but I wasn't cowgirl material just yet. Still a city girl unfortunately... I sild slowly from Aasifa's back and on to the ground without twisting my ankles. A good sign in my book, although my thighs and back ached while the palms of my hands felt like they were stinging and were red like a cooked lobster.

I managed not to walk like a crab over to Sharifa and the stable master, the former imeaditely seating me on a cushioned stool and whipping out a jar of foul smelling ointment to slather all over my hands. The stable master grinned, telling me to be prepared for a lot of soreness until I was used to riding. He assured me it would get better in time, but I would have to keep at it before my muscles were used to it.

I watched silently as he guided the snorting and stamping Aasifa away to be put in the stables at the very back of the villa. Looking down to my lap I didn't even have the energy to be surprised to find Sharifa between my legs with my tunic hiked up around my waist as she applied the ointment to my thighs where anyone could walk by and see this...

I rolled my eyes upward then looked towards the orange-coral sunset in the distance. I defintely needed to get to Aline and Siranush stat.

I had just finished a late dinner and found myself sitting in the small courtyard outside my room quietly as Cala and Kamaria talked with each other and cleaned up the dirty dishes I had finished eating from. I drummed my fingers on the small table they had set up for me before flopping onto my back. The stars were starting to poke through the deepening light indigo sky and I sighed as another day passed without answer to my dilemma on how to get back home.

I felt my eyes start to flutter close. I knew I should probably get up and sleep inside, but I was so tired. I yawned, stretching out on the thick carpet laid beneath me more than ready for a nap.

Hittite, Karekemish: Detached Palace

Nakia smiled as she went under Kuskuh's magic. The girl was closer than she had ever been before, if only she could make that last leap and take hold of her...

Wading through this girl's dreams was like wandering around in the god's realm. Everything was unknown and fantastical, they were colors so bright she could not put a name to them, structures taller than Babylon's tower and the Hanging gardens of her youth. The sky was lit with strange signs and the people wore the smallest of dresses and thickest of tunics, all in an array of colors and designs. The men wore cloth over the legs like elongated boots and some people had strange colored hair. In the end though she would always end up in the same place after traveling through this fantastical dream world, a place where darkness and cold reigned.

It was there she could corner the girl and press her influence upon her. It was there where she would be able to gain her prize, she only had to reach far enough.

Thebes, Ramses Villa

Ramses carefully read the clay tablet over again. The Pharaoh was summoning the men to court very soon to assign them their first trial. He sighed, he had hoped that the tablet would contain more information and yet he knew well enough that where the council was involved things would only become more difficult for him. Those old officials were nothing but greedy nuisances, if Horemheb had them reassigned like he had advised there would be no trials! He blew out a breath, hopefully Donkor would be back with new information soon. The tutor was the only one he could trust to pick up secrets in the palace from the scribes and servants without looking suspicious.

A small flash of red caught his attention in his peripheral vision. He turned his head to see Jade sleeping under the stars by the pond. Ramses frowned, the stable master had informed him of her half a days riding lesson. Apparrently it had gone much better than the man had hoped and had claimed that Jade -however reluctant she was- would soon be as good a rider as him with her determination.

He found himself quietly walking up to her. She was on her side and deep in sleep from the looks of things. Ramses knelt, then pushed loose whorls of crismon hair from her pale face. Perhaps he had been a little more than unfair with her lately. She wasn't like most women...actually she was quite different from all the others he's met.

Court ladies were usually of two kinds. Beautiful and sweet natured, but shallow to an extent. Then there were the almost inhumanly gorgeous ones, with personalities like demons. As beautiful their faces were, their hearts were a hundred times more hideous. Jade didn't seem to fall in either catagories. She cared not for her new found wealth and title, if he did not know her better he would think she completely abhored him.

He pursed his lips. The only other woman he could compare her to would be that woman. But once more Jade was nothing like her. The other had been kind, selfless to a fault, smarter than any woman he knew and though perhaps not the greatest beauty, she still could be likened to the goddess of love and beauty herself when the occasion called for it.

Ramses sighed, Jade though pretty in her own way if one cared to look, was by no standards a great representation of the ladies of court. She wasn't a very good example at all, really. She had a roving mouth, temperment like a cobra and was disintrested in most things except what concerned herself. At least most times...other times, she seemed so...unlike what she normally was. More approachable and understanding. And her honesty, while mostly blunt was not meant to hurt; but her pure observation. She was naive and sorely lacking the finesse most women had at her age, but she was also...

Gem like eyes snapped open and red brows furrowed. Blinking the sleep from her eyes, she sat up and yawned, "Hey..."

Ramses cocked his head, "Yes?"

She gave him a small drowsy smile, "I kinda have to apologize, don't I?"

The word he had been serching for popped into mind. Jade couldn't be compared to others because of one simple thing. She was unique. She was unlike anything else he encountered before and he wasn't sure if that was reassuring...or frightening.

I moved my head from side to side feeling my muscles strech and bones pop into place. I ran a hand through my messy hair. Ramses had been watching me sleep like the creep he was, but I figured I'd let it slide. Afterall, the man had try to do something nice for me and I all but threw it back in his face.

I grinned a little nervously, "I'm sorry I acted like such a brat earlier. Aasifa really is a nice horse..."

He said nothing, merely watching me closely. I went on to say something about how riding Aasifa wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but his thoughtful face had me trailing off.

"Um...Is something wrong?"

He blinked coming out of his thoughts. "Aasifa is orignally supposed to be a horse to race on chariots. I think even if she is slightly small, a quick and intelligent horse would be the best match for you."

"Small?" I laughed, "Aasifa is far from small!...What do you mean that a smart horse would be the best match for me?" I asked, suspicion ringing in my voice.

He shook his head, a grin slowly emerging. "I mean no insult. Aasifa will help you learn to ride quicker, she is your teacher in her own way."

I nodded vaguely, "Yes, well I'm visiting Siranush and Aline tomorrow. I would really appreciate it if you don't try to stop me."

He gave me a slow nod, "Yes, I think a trip outside of the villa will agree with you. Be sure to take Aasifa with you."

I gaped, "B-but I thought-"

Ramses smirked, "She is restless. Stretching her legs will also make her more agreeable."

He stood then. Retreating back inside the villa, most likely to work or figure out his trial stuff. I sighed, deciding that in order to avoid any and all disasters tomorrow I would need a good eight hour plus sleep.

Hittite: Karkemish, Main Palace

Papatya sat quietly in the middle of the large sitting room. Mounds and mounds of cushions and blankets created a wall around the concubine as the healer read her symptoms. It was late evening just after the sunset, but Prince Juda insisted that the woman be checked and checked again.

Princess Alexandra sighed, this was the fifth healer to confirm the woman's pregnancy. She stood from her cushioned chair in the corner of the room before Juda could summon another. "Papatya must be tired. Escort her carefully to her rooms." She waved the concubine's women over. They hesitated, looking to Papatya for their orders. She grit her teeth, biting out, "Escort the noble concubine to her room. She doesn't need to be subjected to anymore of this behavior."

Juda narrowed his eyes on his wife but Alexandia ignored his reaction. The women flocked to the black haired concubine and immediately surrounded her to take her to bed. Papatya said nothing, her expression somber and chestnut eyes shrewd.

Alexandra watched her go with a blank expression. She would not stoop any lower than she had gone. Her mother had raised her to be a princess, and by the gods she would act like one. When the door shut loudly behind the last woman she turned to face Juda. "What is the meaning of this?"

He crossed his arms, "I had to be sure. Papatya was mother's favorite out of the three."

She narrowed her eyes, "Are you suggesting Papatya was lying to you?"

He shook his head, "Not me. You. I am not blind to the power struggles of the harem, Alexandria."

She sighed, her annoyance dissipating as quickly as it came. "The healers have confirmed it. The child she carries is real...and yours." She finished, quickly striding to the nearby window to gaze on the slowly exhausting city.

Juda sighed, "I did not mean to hurt you by confirming it. I really did think she might be pretending for attention. She and Manolya are threatened by you, they don't hold half the affection I have for you. You know this."

Alexandra's spine stiffened and she shrugged, "Whomever has your child first is no concern of mine. I am the first Princess of Arzawa, I am above such things."

Juda came to stand beside her. Gently taking her shoulders and turing her to face him. He noticed she kept her eyes on his chest, "Yes, you are. And you are also Alexandra, a Princess of Hittite, my wife...We will have children of our own soon enough. Do not be angry with Papatya...Do not be angry with me. Please?"

Alexandra looked up into sad ocean blue eyes, her husband was too kind. He had only done this to spare her humilation and hurt. But her faith in him had been shaken for but a moment and now they were both hurting. She put a hand to her temple, "I think it would be best we send out a proclamation. His Majesty and Ishtar must know soon and Papatya's family will want to-"

Juda gripped her wrist gently, "There will be time enough for that later. If you insist, I will have riders sent out immediately with the news. No doubt all of Karkemish will know by tommorow morning."

She sighed, detengling his fingers from her wrist. "Then I take my leave, Your Highness." She dipped her head, picking up the white skirt of her bed dress.

Juda shook his head a mischvious grin pricking his lips, "Not yet, my princess."

"Hm?" Alexandra looked at her husband over her shoulders, "What is i-"

Juda leaned in close, sweeping his mouth over her soft pink lips. Her eyes widened and a blush warmed her face before she could think to stop it. He moved his face away from hers, a satisfied smile on his mouth. "Alexandra, let us retire. I promise you, you will have a son or daughter soon enough."

Princess Alexandra's sadness melted away, and her eyes fluttered closed keeping his words close to heart. Juda leaned in pressing a light kiss on her brow, "Come. I feel we will be busy these next few hours."

She nodded, tangling her fingers with his own slender ones. Perhaps soon she would have a baby of her own, but for now she would be content to have Juda's love.

Nakia carefully had the maids dress her in her most unassuming and dour outfit she had. A long white sheath and matching shawl. Her jewels consited of a simple gold choker, an amythest on a gold chain necklace below that and large gold ring with a cabochon emerald. She examined the hand with the ring, it did not go with her clothes but she wasn't intending on keeping it with her...

"Prince Juda has given his permission to visit concubine Papatya, my Lady." A maid walked in with her head bowed, "Shall I inform her of your impending visit?"

Nakia chaffed at the title, but dismissed it. She nodded gravely, "Yes, please inform her I wish to see her. I would like to give her a gift of congrautlations on her first child."

The maid blinked, "It is also your grandchild my Lady..."

Nakia felt her jaw clench and she inhaled sharply. Forcing a pleasant expression she shook her head, "The child is of my blood, but I will not shame it by asking it to call me grandmother."

The maid's eyes widened but went soft after a moment, "My Lady..."

Nakia stood up, waving away her words brusquely. "Please escort me to Lady Papatya. I'm sure she will have enough gifts and visits showered upon her soon enough. I'd also like to visit the temple of Hebat, make sure Prince Juda is informed."

The maid bowed deeply, "Of course my Lady. I will have the guards escort you safely to the main palace and from there to the temple."

The maid bowed once more and left quickly, rapidly relaying her commands to the others. Nakia's pleasant expression slid from her face and was replaced with ire. Such insects! It was bad enough she had to bow and scrape to her own son! But now she must curry favor with Papatya of all people! The little fool was no smarter than a camel's rear! How dare she presume to summon her after she gave her the fertilty herbs!

Nakia huffed, ripping long blonde hair out of her face. She wore it long and unbound to appear more feminine. Less threatening. Papatya may think she has the former Tawanana eating of her palms for favors and wealth, but Nakia could care less about that. Because today she would see the fruit of her labor, the little braying donkey could neigh all she liked. In the end Papatya was nothing but a brood mare to further her plans and soon enough be discarded like all other useless things.

"My Lady, the guards are waiting for you." Nakia straightened her gown taking one last look at the ring on her finger before following the maid out into the courtyard.

Papatya sighed, brushing her long black hair from her face. She looked in the large bronze mirror, admiring her sensuous figure and her thickly lashed dark brown eyes. "Does Juda no longer love me?" She looked around at the gossiping maids clearing her throat, "I said, does Juda no longer love me?"

The maids froze, exchanging glances before hurrying to assure the vain woman. "Abusolutely not my Lady!"

"Whatever gave you such an outrageous idea!"

"You are so beautiful my Lady!"

"Yes, the envy of the entire empire!"

"Kings would start wars over such loveliness!"

Papatya brightened, "You are right. No woman could be as beautiful as I..."

The maids nodded. Then she tossed the mirror onto the carpeted floor with a pout. "Then why does he look at the stupid princess as if she were the sun and I a mere trinket?"

The ladies around her were quiet until one spoke, "Because he must now plactate the Princess and Lady Manolya. They haven't been blessed with a child, it is only courteous that he try with them now."

The maids rushed to agree with their friend. Papatya's features grew stormy, "He should only have children with me! I came after Zurhe! The other two are unnesscary!"

The women bit their tongues. They watched Papatya admire herself in the bronze mirror once more. This time noticeably cupping and carressing her flat stomach. "Perhaps he is disappointed that I will soon be to swollen for his bedroom and wishes to punish me by spending time with the others?"

Another voice, cold and clipped answered this time. "If Juda cared that you looked like sow in his bedroom, he wouldn't have put a child in you at all."

The maids bowed at once murmuring their greetings in unision. "Lady Nakia!" Papatya's eyes widened in shock.

The former Tawanana lifted her chin striding into the concubine's chambers as the maids scrambled to find her a seat. She sat on the cushioned stool the put before her and fixed stern eyes on the concubine. "Princess."

Papatya frowned sitting in a cushioned seat the maids dragged from another room. Nakia's eyes narrowed further, "I am still a Princess of Babylonia. You are barely a noble, the youngest neice of a senator's aristocrat wife."

Papatya straightened, "I am-!"

"I know perfectly well who you are Papatya Kaya of Kizzuwadna." Nakia answered swiftly, "And I know exactly who I am, so let us skip such nonsense and get on with our visit."

Papatya nodded meekly, throughly intimidated by the former Queen. Nakia smiled, "I have come with a gift and a warning."

She dismissed the maids with a glare and Papatya trembled in her seat. When she had ordered the former Queen to her palace chambers for a visit she had expected the woman to act with grace and decorum as she always did. But this...this frightening creature sitting in Lady Nakia's flesh chilled her bones and made her very afraid. Papatya gripped her middle protectively and Nakia glanced at the action, a smirk stretching her lips.

She stood from her chair taking slow steps toward the terrified concubine as the words spilled from her mouth, "You will do your all to deliver this child. You will not make a greater fool of yourself. And you will not endanger either you or the baby. Am I understood?"

Papatya sat still unsure if the Queen meant those words as a warning. She opened her mouth insulted, "Of course I will take care of the chi-"

Nakia loomed over the fool, leaning in close her golden hair created a curtain around the two of them, "That wasn't your gift or warning. Those were your orders."

Papatya went cold but she opened her mouth to say something, anything. Nakia silenced her with a deadly sneer, "I warn you to follow my exact commands. For if you defy me, I will rip the infant from your body and leave you for the carrion to eat."

Papatya swallowed thickly, her eyes welling with tears. "Here your gift."

And with those final words Nakia strode from the room. Her golden hair flowing behind her like the tail of a great serpent. Papatya blinked tears sliding down her frightened face, in her palm was a heavy golden ring with an oval emerald gleaming in it's middle.

Hittite: Hattusa's Main Palace

Yuri laid her head on her folded arms at the ledge of a window. Deiru had just learned to sleep through the entire night, but the Hittite Queen wouldn't say no to more rest if given the choice. With Kail overseeing the new recruits and Hadi dutifully watching over her napping infant left Yuri with a good hour to herself. She decided that a quick cat nap in the mild weather of Hattusa would suit her just fine, soon enough she would be on her feet running around after someone or something again.

It was then a rider rode into the courtyard. There was quite a large bustle of activity and a rapid exchange of words. She peeked beneath her lashes watching the soldiers talk amongst themselves when Ilbani rushed from the palace to meet the still seated rider.

This perked her interest, why would Ilbani be rushing to meet a rider? She sat up and leaned her hands on the bannister peering down at the commotion below. More words were exchanged and the rider unseated himself, pulling a clay tablet from a satchel and handing it to Ilbani. The soldiers took hold of the riders horse, guiding it towards the palace stables. That's when saw the sigil, Juda's sigil draping the horse's sides.

Her heart dropped. Then quickened, pumping fast with adrenaline. Lifting her thick red skirts Yuri walked away from her once sunny balcony and towards what she hoped would not be sudden gloom.

"Juda and Princess Alexandra are expecting?!" She laughed at the news. Thank god! She had worked herself into a worry for nothing.

She grabbed Ilbani's hand, "When do you think the baby is due?"

"Baby? Yuri!" The shocked voice of her husband came from the door way of the antechamber. Turning on her heel she launched herself into Kail's surprised arms.

"Oh, Kail! I have the best news!" Yuri laughed and the King of Hittites hugged her tightly, "Yuri...Are you...?" He trailed off unsure and Yuri realized her mistake. She clamped her hands over her lips then grinned, quick to soothe Kail's mind she shook her head. "No, I'm not having another baby."

Kail sighed and then smiled sheepishly, "Though I would be more than happy to welcome another son or perhaps a daughter... I think our Deiru is enough for the moment."

He lifted her into his arms to kiss her soundly on the mouth. Yuri smiled blushing with happiness. "Your Highness?"

Kail pulled his gaze away from his Queen to rest on Ilbani's serious but pleasant face, "Yes, Ilbani?"

The royal advisor folded his arms pausing to wait for his King to let the Queen rest on her own feet before continuing, "There is news from Karekemish. His Royal Highness Prince Juda is expecting."

Yuri smiled turning to Kail, "I had thought something had happened. Thank goodness I was wrong, but Juda and Alexandra are having a baby! I can't wait to-"

As Yuri went on about Juda and the baby Kail caught Ilbani's gaze. There was something in Ilbani's eyes that led him to beileve his advisor wasn't telling him something. "May I see the tablet Juda sent?" He held a hand out for the large piece of dried clay.

Yuri suddenly quieted and Ilbani quickly pressed it into his hand. His eyes flew over the text, pausing for a moment on a name he hadn't given much thought to in quite a long time. "It is his concubine that is expecting, not Princess Alexandra."

Yuri stepped up beside him with a frown, "His concubine?"

Kail nodded. This news wasn't anything bad. It was far from it in fact, but Yuri didn't seem to think so. "You mean one of his concubines are having his baby?"

Kail nodded and Ilbani slipped from the room with a hurried bow. Yuri frowned, "Poor Princess Alexandra...Do you think she's alright?"

Kail sighed, slipping his light robe from his shoulders. He knew Yuri would not be entirely pleased by this development, perhaps that was why Ilbani had said nothing until now. "Princess Alexandra knows where her duties lie as Juda's wife. She knew even before she married he had two concubines. I doubt she met them before their wedding, but I think she is very kind and understanding. And even more so, she loves and trusts Juda."

Yuri's eyes grew somber, "Yes. She is very kind...Kail, I have never met these concubines-"

"Manolya and Papatya." Kail supplied as he sat in a nearby chair holding out a hand for Yuri.

Yuri moved to stand in front of him almost without concious thought. He entwined their hands and she leaned against him, "I haven't met Manolya or Papatya," She continued, "but I sincerely hope they are nothing compared to the women from before."

Kail wrapped an arm around her middle, scooping her into his lap and pressing a quick kiss to the top of her head. "Do not worry so much. Juda should be overjoyed and I know Alexandra will be happy for him too. They will have children of their own soon enough." He pacified.

Yuri turned to her husband, the worry not entirely erased from her eyes; but her frown was now a soft smile. "I think we should send them a gift."

Kail smiled, "Yes. I think Juda would like that."

Hugging his wife close, he listened as Yuri listed the various things Juda and his concubine would recieve to celebrate this baby. He knew Juda was going to be as clueless as he was when Deiru came along and he had only ever seen his concubine Papatya at formal gatherings. She had always stuck close to Nakia and Kail avoided her on that sole reason alone. Stroking soft pale skin absentmindly he hoped that none of Nakia's cruely and ambition somehow influenced the young woman. Otherwise, Yuri would have more to worry about besides Alexandra's feelings.

Egypt: Thebes, Malkata Palace

"I don't care what you have to do! Just kill them! Kill them all!" Horemheb snarled.

I stood quietly in the crowd with Ramses beside me. We had been summoned early this morning to return to the palace. Aparently the Pharaoh had decided what the first trial would be. Thankfully I was allowed to visit Siranush and Aline after this palace meeting but if the Pharaoh continued to throw a tantrum instead of getting to the point I feared I would be stuck here all day.

A young lord stepped out of the lines of nobles, "Your Majesty, the council has agreed to your request as this task for the first vizier trial but to excute the criminals..."

The Pharaoh stood from his throne and the man quickly took his place back in line, "They steal gold from my temples! They rob my people! They are rebels and traitors of Egypt! I want them brought before me and excuted!"

"And just who are they?" Princess Meritaten fanned herself in her gilded seat below the dias.

"Have you not been listening girl?" Horemheb snorted, "They are the rebel force stealing gold from noble houses and esteemed temples! Temples that I plan to restore! Nobles that are my people!"

Princess Meritaten huffed turning her face from the crowd and and fanning herself just a tad more forcefully. I sighed. She really liked to work people's nerves...

Another man walked out of the rows and bowed before saying, "I agree with Pharaoh, these rebels must be stopped. Rai a priestess of Hathor in the city of Abydos has stated just three days ago their temple was robbed of every piece of gold, every jewel and copper deben, down to the offerings of food! She knows not how it happened or when. Men patrol the temple and their doors are closed to worshipers during the late hours of the night. Their was no sound, no clue to tell something was wrong until the preistess opened the main temple at dawn and found everything gone!"

There were shocked gasps and angry murmurs throughout the hall. I glanced up at Ramses face and found his expression thoughtful. I looked back to the Pharaoh who dropped back into his seat waving for a servant to come over.

I covered my mouth to yawn and scratched my itchy scalp when the Pharoah stood once more. "The council and I have agreed that any man worthy of serving a king must also know how to serve his nation. All canidates of these trials are hereby charged with the task of tracking down these traitors and bringing them to Thebes to answer for their crimes. Let it be known that these rebels are under a death sentence, I care not if you bring them back in one piece."

And with that the King of Egypt turned on his heel to leave the great hall. A roar of answering encouragment echoed from the nobles and Ramses gently took my shoulders to steer us away. "How are you going to find men robbing Abydos in Thebes?" I whispered once we got outside the palace.

Ramses looked at me sharply, "How do you know they are men?"

I watched the servants hurry to get our palanquin ready. I shrugged, "Just a feeling. Why? Do you think women are robbing people left and right?"

Ramses turned to look at the litter, waiting until we were both seated and well on our way back to the villa to answer. "No. I don't think they are women."

I tilted my head surprised he shared what he had been thinking at all. "Well, good luck. I think you might need it this time."

Sharifa squeezed me into a light pleated dress with a thin red belt embriodered with yellow suns wrapped just under my breasts. I had been allowed to forgo the wig but Sharifa insisted on covering my red hair with a thick red shawl wrapped around my head like a hood.

If I wanted to inconspicuous the red hood wasn't helping. I sighed, "I'll be fine Sharifa. Ramses gave me two guards and I'll be riding Aasifa to Donkor's home and back."

Sharifa sniffed, "I worry more about you on that animal than a visit to the tutor's house."

I smiled half-heartedly, "Aasifa isn't that bad...and I have the hang of it...mostly."

Sharifa sighed like the world was unraveling at the seams, "Please come back in one piece my Lady. For the sake of this old woman if not for Lord Ramses."

I rolled my eyes, "You aren't that old and yes, I'll be super careful."

Sharifa nodded slowly. Maybe the word 'super' and 'hang' hadn't been invented yet...I shrugged off her wary reaction and lifted the skirt of my dress. Not waiting for Sharifa I walked swiftly to the front of the villa. I was finally going to see Siranush and Aline! No one and nothing could stop me this time!

Egypt: City of Abydos

"Shemu's end is upon us in mere weeks! The temple of Hathor has been robbed and it is only time before Osiris' sacred place is robbed as well!"

Osiris' High Priest nodded gravely, agreeing with his protege. "Bak is right. We must take precautions. The festival to celebrate the end of Shemu is well on its way. All of the temple offerings must be stored and locked away in the great vault. I will not risk Amun's wrath should the mongrels think to claim treasure that isn't theirs."

The circle of priests nodded sagely at the High priests words. Collectively they left the small room in the large temple. None noticed the small crouched shadow in the corner. Said shadow waited until the animal skin wearing, gold bedecked priests left and the temple fell silent.

Standing the shadow receded from the small figure revealing the features of a young boy dressed in a simple stained tunic and worn sandals. He crept quietly from the room, not daring even the slightest sound to escape him.

When he finally passed the Temple's carved gates and was finally outside in the dimming light of sunset did he dare to breathe his words. He smirked, brown eyes darting over the abandoned dirt road, "That Thief will pay greatly for this information." Turning on a heel the boy whirled around running in the direction of thieves gold.

The room was dark. Outside just beyond the closed door drunken shouts and rough housing could be heard. There was the occasional sweet laugh of a woman, but that was always quickly silenced by louder men's voices. The man picked up a stack of gold deben dropping each of them back onto the table with a musical jingle one by one before starting over again. He didn't miss the street urchin's greedy gaze on the pieces of valuable metal.

"The priests think they can hide their spoils from us, eh?"

The boy nodded eagerly, "They're going to lock it away in the vault beneath the temple. It's where the keep the god's sacred texts."

The man abruptly stopped plucking up the deben, and the boys eyes stayed fixed on the pieces lying on the table. The boy watched the gold carefully. Hopefully the Thief would be kind enough to gift even one to him. His stomach rolled and cramped even now, though it had been days since he had last eaten.

He watched the leader of thieves stand from his chair, his face concealed by a dark blue hood and shadows as it always was. There was a loud creak and the boy nearly broke his neck to look behind him.

He frowned. Where this Thief was his Beast was not far behind. A broad shouldered man stood in the doorway, his head shrouded in black and Anubis's face peering from beneath the dark folds.

"You asked to see me?"

The Beast's voice was pleasant but hollow, like the heavy mask made his voice darker, stranger, less human. He shuddered, these men had only been here for mere days, but their reputations preceded them. "I brought you the information you asked for. I want my reward!" The boy was desprate. He turned back to the leader, "I need that reward..."

The man in the blue hood cocked his head, "Fine. Take it." He swept a hand to the scattered coins on the rough wooden table.

He lunged for the deben, his open hand slapped down onto the metal and pulled them closer. Suddenly a knife was brought down between his index and middle finger. The silver tip sinking an inch into the wood. The boy swallowed, mouth dry and heart pounding.

"Remember, keep your mouth shut or I'll feed you to my dog."

The boy nodded vigorously, "Absoultely my Lord!"

Scooping up the gold pieces he ran from the dark room in the tavern. He would be eating heartily tonight and then he would leave Abydos, the Thief's mischief and dastardly plans known only by him and his beast in that dark room.

Egypt: Thebes, Donkor's Home

Donkor's villa was much smaller and more humble than General Ramses. It was on the Nile and definitely no mansion or even a very large house, but I could tell it was well taken care of and loved all the same.

There was a quaint bed of vegetables and flowers at the front and a tall palm tree that stood like a sentinel beside the house. It was two floors instead of the one like Ramses. But that was probably to save space in the back. Sliding from Aasifa's back one of the guard's Ramses assigned me took the reins and guided her away to beneath the palm tree. "We will await your return out here Princess."

I tilted my head, "I don't think Donkor would mind if you came in..."

The man nodded, "Yes, but the tutor would mind if your horse ate his vegetables."

I hesitated. Donkor didn't have a stable and I'm guessing barely any servants. Nodding slowly I agreed to make my visit as quickly as possible. The guards waved my promise away but I knew I wasn't planning to stay very long anyway. I would check up on Aline and Siranush, ask them questions and be on my way. After all I could visit whenever I like now...

Walking into the shady and cool house was like heaven. Sun and a warm breeze was nice, but decent air con wasn't wildly available in ancient Egypt which put a huge damper on the whole tropic vacation feel.

I stepped further into the house glancing around at the simple furniture and plain apolstery. Sheesh, I really was living the high life with Ramses...

The sound of pitter patter caught my attention and I turned in time to see a blur of white and blonde before it crashed into me. "Jade!"

I fell into a soft worn settee, and laughed. I guess I was expected. Aline's thin arms wrapped tightly around me and she buried her face into my dress. "It's great to see you too shorty."

I patted her back and she pressed her face against me more, "I missed you Jade."

I felt tears clog my throat and I coughed, "Yeah, I missed you too."

Taking her by the shoulders I made her look at me, "Where's your sister?"

Aline's blue eyes twinkled and a large grin took over her face. "She's watching Master Donkor."

It took me a minute to figure out why she was so happy about that but the metaphorical light bulb went off. "Oooh...I see." I stood up brushing the skirt of my dress down, "Well, why don't we go see if we can get her attention shall we?" I held out a hand.

Aline grinned, a devious light coming into her eyes. "Yes. I think Siran will be more than surprised to see you."

Aline took me to the back of the house and that's where we found Siranush. I had to hold in my laughter when I finally saw her.

"She does this everyday. I think finishes her chores early just so she can do this." Aline giggled quietly.

I nodded, "I can believe that."

And I could. At the moment Siranush was ogling, practically drooling over perfect, snooty, pristine, pretty man Donkor. I smothered a snort, the tutor was currently occupied carving herioglpyhs and cuneiform painstakingly into wet clay tablets on a mat in his backyard while Siranush watched the tutor intently from behind a palm tree planted just a few feet behind him. I shook my head, stalker much? I guess ancient people haven't quite mastered the art of secret admiring. The point was to do it from afar, but I guess a few feet could be counted as far...

I walked up behind her and cleared my throat. She kept on staring at the man, who was also oblivious to my arrival. I glanced behind me to a red faced Aline who was squeezing her face so hard to keep from laughing that she would probably leave a handprint on her mouth.

I had to smother my own laugh and turned back around to tug on Siranush's white dress. She let out a squeal and whirled around. Aline belted out laughing and I laughed right along with her. "Jade!"

Siranush looked like a cross between surprised and on the verge of cardiac arrest. "What are you doing here?!" Her cheeks flamed fire truck red.

"Me? What are you doing?!" I held my stomach and wiped tears of laughter from my eyes, "Man, and here I thought you couldn't tell the difference between a boy and a potted plant!"

She lunged forward to clamp her hand on my mouth as Donkor stood from his seat and turned to go back inside. He paused when his eyes landed on me, Aline and Siranush. It was then he noticed her hand slapped over my mouth and he barked out an order for her to release me.

Siranush flushed bright pink and let go of me. I sighed and smiled politely at my tutor but his face flushed and he rushed past us to go inside. "What was that about?"

Aline giggled, "Who knows...he's a silly man."

I nodded...well, at least they liked living here unlike with Lady Khepri. I grinned, "So, you got the hots for teacher huh?"

Siranush blinked, clearly modern lingustics were beyond her. "What?"

I shrugged, slipping the hood from my face and pulling my braid out from the cloth imprisonment. "I never would have thought you would actually start to like an Egyptian man."

After all, Siranush had made her disdain for Egyptian men clear on multiple occasions. It's not that she hated them because they were Egyptian, but because she knew no man would see her or value her more than a brood mare here. Back in her home, in Hittite; she would have married someone who saw her more than the most basic parts of the female anatomy, or at least that was what she told me.

"And you?" She rounded on me, her voice silky smooth like melted chocolate.

My lips twitched, "Me?"

Her eyes narrowed and she made a show of examining me from head to toe, pausing on the pleats of the dress and gold ring on my right index finger, "You really are with general, aren't you?"

I sighed, understanding her mild accusation, "It's a long story." I explained.

She shrugged a delicate shoulder, pulling Aline onto her lap as she sat in the shade of the lone palm tree. "We have time."

Sitting in the shade of a palm tree in Donkor's back yard I confessed everything. Well, nearly everything. I left out the nudity and swearing and the fact I'm from the future out of the general conversation but Siranush and Aline got the gist of it despite some missing information.

"And now he's got these trials that he has to complete so he can become the Pharaoh's vizier and I-"

Siranush interrupted, "So, the King and Queen have accepted you, this situation without fuss?"

She seemed more surprised than I was about it. "Er..yeah, I guess so. I mean I thought they were going to hate me like everyone else seems to, but they were polite...And Queen Mutnodjmet is kinder than the princess that's for sure. I haven't met the others but Meritaten is-"

Siranush waved a hand to stop my rant. "Queen Mutnodjmet favors you?!" She choked in disbelief. I sighed, then smiled as Aline finished another braid in her sister's hair. She had been weaving the complicated plaits for the past half hour that I've been recounting everything and humming to herself as me and Siranush talked. I was happy that Aline was taking all of this in stride, she was calmer and almost passive, very much the opposite of her older sister...

"She doesn't favor me...at least I think she likes me, but favor is such a strong word and that word comes with ties in world like the General's and I think that-" She didn't let me finish my thought though, abruptly she stood pacing in the shade of the tree.

I turned to Aline with a look and Aline smiled at me, "Siran isn't angry. I think she is wondering why Princess Nefert had you become General Ramses' concubine."

I blinked, "That's very insightful Aline..." Holy crap! Was she the silent but deadly type? You know what they say about the quiet ones...Did she even really comprehend what she was talking about?

Aline must've read the panic in my eyes because she smiled hesitantly, "Siran told me everything before we left Memphis. Lady Nefert insisted that we spread rumors as we traveled the Nile those few days on our trip and many people were very interested in those lies she told us to spread...I didn't think it would do much harm, after all you were sold to the evil slaver again and Lady Kehepri was so angry."

I shook my head, "No, it's okay. I already figured Nefert had her hand in all this..." The sneaky spoiled princess brat that she was! I blew out a breath, I guess Nefert was trying to help me out in her own way but still...making me her own brother's mistress? Who does that?!

I wiped the sweat from my brow, "That reminds me Aline...Do you know anywhere where I can find a person who specializes in potions or something?"

Aline turned away from her still frantically pacing sister to look at me with a frown. "What do you need a potion for?"

I shook my head, "I don't need a potion...I just need to talk to someone about a potion."

She cocked her small blonde head, her chin resting on her delicate fist. "Well...when I go to the market there is a small shaded stand me and the head servant always pass by. It's a place where they sell herbs and vegtables for healers and the priests, but I wouldn't know if they make potions." She shrugged.

I sighed, I guess that was as good as I was gonna get. But it was a start. I turned and snapped, "Siranush! Are you done freaking out over my latest escapades or what?"

Siranush whirled around her face flushed and her eyes focused on me, "I-I-I-!"

I shook my head, "I'll come visit again."

I got to my feet and Aline jumped up with a frown, "Your leaving already?"

I patted her head, "I'll come back. And if you really want..." I gave her a conspritorial smile, "Just throw a temper tantrum until Donkor bring's you to General Ramses residence."

Aline's hand flew over her mouth and her blue eyes widened. I grinned, "See you later shorty." I turned to look at a speechless Siranush, "And I'll be seeing you again Siranush. Try not to be so creepy and spy on the tutor too much."

Her face flamed and she slapped her hands to her cheeks. It wasn't until I was almost through the back door that Siranush found her voice, "I am not in love with Master Donkor!"

I just threw my head back and laughed. Way to make it obvious Siranush.

It was just about noon when I arrived back at Ramses' villa and found the slaves and servants rushing around stuffing clothing, pots and jewels and other various things into ebony chests out in the courtyard. Aasifa went willingly with the gaurds back to the stables and I watched the organized chaos around me with a frown. "What's going on?" I asked a nearby slave.

The elderly man bowed his head politely and answered, "Master Ramses is leaving with all haste to Abydos. The other canidates haven't thought to leave Thebes just yet and the Master wants to arrive before them."

I nodded absently watching as he carried some blankets towards the growing pile of stuff. So, Ramses wanted to beat the other guys to the punch huh? I pursed my lips, did this mean I also had to go to Abydos? Ramses came hurrying out of the villa then, Sharifa fussing behind him with Cala hot on her heels. Speak of the devil...

I crossed the courtyard to meet him and he stopped delivering orders long enough to face me. "I'm leaving for Abydos." He stated.

Sharifa and Cala came to stand beside me and I crossed my arms, looking up at his serious face, "Are you inviting me along or...?" I trailed off.

He shook his head, his mind clearly somewhere else and not focused on our conversation. "You will be staying behind. I need you to attend court in my place and manage the villa while I'm away. Normally Sharifa would be in charge but as my first and only concubine that duty now falls to you."

I pressed my lips togther. Man...Sharifa was gonna be a nightmare. I spoke up, "Why can't Sharifa just-"

Ramses turned his attention back to me. "It is your place now. I trust you will do your best. All undomestic matters will be handled by me when I return and if something urgent comes up have one of the guards come to Abydos with all haste."

I narrowed my eyes, "Nothing urgent will happen...right?"

"I don't plan on it, but it is a precaution. The men have their orders and will see to the villa's and your safety. Listen to Sharifa and don't fight your body slaves." His expression turned stern and he looked down on me with serious eyes, "I'm counting on you to look after things here Jade. Do not make me regret this."

I inhaled sharply, "Yes. Fine, I'll behave. I get it, General." I gave him a mock salute and he rolled his eyes.

"I do not know when I will return. Perhaps in days, weeks, maybe months, but not a year." He said and nodded when a servant came running up announcing the boat was waiting at the docks.

"Wait, this arrangement might be for months?" I asked in disbelief.

Ramses nodded, "I hope it will not take that long, but the Pharaoh is insistent that we find the thieves and deliver all of them to Thebes dead or alive."

I nodded, "I see. Then...I guess I won't be seeing you for a while..." I shifted on the balls of my feet, plucking at my thin dress and scuffing my sturdy sandals.

Ramses lips twitched, "Already missing me?"

I glared, "Way to ruin the moment..." I huffed turning my face to the commtion going on in the yard, "I doubt you'll miss me, so why would I miss y-"

Ramses scooped me into his arms suddenly, pressing a hard but chaste kiss to my mouth. I felt warmth rush to the point of contact then flood the rest of my body. Before I could think to do anything the kiss was over and a smirk was on his lips, "Can't have the slaves talking about a cold departure, my dear."

With that he plopped me back onto my feet. Too frozen with shock to do anything, I watched him stride away out of my line of sight. "Y-y-yo-you!" By the time the words were out of my mouth Ramses had already mounted a horse and was exiting the courtyard, a few men and a large cart of belongings following behind him.

I heard Sharifa sniffle behind me, "Don't fret my Lady. Lord Ramses will return sooner than you know it, but for now let's clean you up and see you fed."

I twitched whirling around to face her. I thought about denying it, but then just gave up with a fustrated sigh. Sharifa snapped her fingers and Cala grabbed my arm to herd me away, patting my back all the while. I glanced back at the emptied courtyard, wondering just how long I was going to have to play the part of a perfect concubine.

Thebes, Malkata Palace

Amuntaten sighed watching the sky darken to golds, oranges and reds as the sun sunk below the horizon."Nebi!"

A young man appeared in the doorway of his palace chambers. "You called, Master?"

"Nebi...have the men informed General Ramses will be arriving shortly in Abydos. I want them to arrange a welcoming gift for him."

Nebi nodded his head slowly, "It will be done, Master." He slowly backed out of the room, his pearly teeth were bared, cruel and dangerous before hiding behind thin lips once more. "Oh, and Nebi?"

The young man stopped just before exiting through the doorway, "Yes, Master?" "

"Have that man loosen the leash on his pet, while he's there. And tell him the Queen has something that might interest him." Amuntaten kept his eyes on the darkening sky, he heard his slave's footsteps hurry away and a low chuckle escaped his mouth. Things were starting to get interesting.

So, that's the end of this chapter guys...I already have the next 2-3 chapters plotted out and semi written, so hopefully sometime around mid July the next chapter will be out. Um, I'm going on vacation for one week in July, somewhere around the 12th or so...so when I comeback I should be able to post the next one sometime after that week hopefully...

Like always, Read & Review please! Your constructive critisim & encouragment always help. Love you guys!

TLK Vocabulary:

Abydos: One of the oldest cities in ancient Egypt.

Osiris: Is the Egyptian god of the afterlife, underworld and dead. He is the brother and husband of the goddess Isis, and the god Horus is their son.

Canaan: Is a region constantly being fought over at this time in history. The Canaanites are their own people and rule their land without assimilating to any current Kingdom, but currently most of the land is being pushed to accept Hittite infulence, but the Egyptians covet and try to control this region as well. In modern day terms, the land would span several regions such as Lebanon, Israel, Palestinian territories, the western part of Jordan and southwestern Syria.