Chapter 38: A Guide

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I soon found Ra again after he had showed himself to me in the hall only to wink at me as if I had done something particularly interesting. He was hard to find, to be quite honest, when you had to look for him. I realized he was here quite often, but was always in hiding so he couldn't be seen. Did that mean all gifted could see the gods all the time? They were their blood after all so perhaps whatever trick they had to keep mortals from seeing them didn't work with their immortal descendents like Samira. Or those they allowed to see them, like me.

I finally found him in the basement where I had first met him. And to my surprise he wasn't alone. Ra was perched atop a mound of gold talking to this other person, who looked like another god. I couldn't recognize him, though, he had a golden mask over his face. He was happily seated on a golden chair. I cleared my throat interrupting them. Ra quickly acknowledged me and jumped down to greet me, while the other remained seated as if I meant nothing to him.

I wasn't going to waste any time, so I got right to why I was there. "You have a plan." I said to him. Or else he would not have winked at me. I could feel his influence on me, and it was almost like compulsion. He was trying to use me, but I didn't know for what.

He didn't seem offended at all that I wasn't in the mood for chatter. He answered my question. "As I said, Samira is valuable. Not only to me, but to all of us. She is our greatest creation."

"Ere go she must also have a great purpose?"

He nodded. Great purposes meant great destinies. He wanted to use me to bring her closer to said destiny. Which was what exactly?

"However, she is not alone is her greatness." He added and it caught my attention. "No god would allow their greatest creation to live a life with a lover who was undeserving of them. And to deserve someone like that, you must also be extraordinary. Hence my interest in you."

"Am I one of you?"

He smirked amusingly and I could also see a hint of flattery. "No. Your story is more complicated than that, and all I can say is that Samira is at the center. She always has been. You have no gifts, but you have been very useful."

"What do you want from me now?"

"As your instinct told you - Samira is destined to be a great leader. We are proud of Dorothea, she has done her duty well, but her time as Queen is coming to an end."

"Samira does not want to be Queen."

"Now, perhaps. However, soon, Bastian's decisions and Dorothea's lack of rebuttal will get to her. She will be hesitant to actually challenge Dorothea for power due to Dorothea's age, and that's where you come in."

"You want me to persuade her?"

"Encourage her." He corrected. "She will need little persuasion when the time comes, but she will need the support to know she is making the right decision. She must become Queen."

"Why not show her a vision?" I asked, which made the other one laugh rather annoyingly. I could tell by his laugh alone he was overly confident. He wanted to say something, probably to insult me, but Ra silenced him with a snap of his fingers.

"Showing her a vision would work, but it would not give her the drive she needs. She would then only challenge Dorothea because of the vision. It has to be for the right reason, therefore it must also be at the right time."

I nodded understanding. I suddenly felt the pressure on my shoulders, it felt like the weight of the world because the fate of the world depended on who was in charge. The two futures (one with Dorothea as Queen, the other with Samira) are drastically different.

"There is something else on your mind as well. Does the boy still bring you to worry?"

To be honest I had partially forgotten about the boy. "No." However, now that he mentioned it, it all came back to me. I felt the concern and paranoia rise again.

"Fear not, my son. She is faithful to you, for the rest of her life."

I wanted to believe that, but Samira wanted that child so badly…

"In time." He promised.

I nodded again, then turned my attention to our guest. "Who is – "

"Oh, I almost forgot you were there, brother." He said laughing at himself as if he were amusing. "Godric, I am afraid that my time with you has come to a close. I am a King after all I have many other duties to attend to."

"So this is your replacement?"

"My brother, Osiris." As he was introduced he removed the golden mask to reveal his face, which looked a lot like Ra's. Though, his was more distinguished. Ra looked rather young, Osiris didn't.

I had to ask though, "Why him?"

"When Samira becomes Queen she will have to name herself a god, as all the others have done. And the name she will take is of her own blood, and also that of the goddess who watches over her."

Isis.

He nodded.

"Does that mean - ?"

He nodded again. So then I was to take a name too, and this is who I would be? To everyone else the Authority were gods, so they named themselves as such, like the original vampires had done, for emphasis. So Osiris was here to guide me? To teach me how to be like him?

"However, his patience is – well, practically nonexistent." He said then turned to face his brother again warning, "Do not judge him for his lack of our blood, brother." Osiris pretended to ignore him. "Be patient, Godric, he will be more helpful to you than you can imagine."

Then he disappeared. Apparently, there was nothing left to say. Gods were like that I'd learned. They came to say what needed to be said then left. There was no time for gossip. I left the basement to go find Samira. Bastian had upset her so much she left the Palace to go outside and get some fresh air even though everyone was against it. The only way they let her was if she took a guard with her, unfortunately that guard was Bakari.

I snuck out through the window in our bedroom. The throne room had too many people in it to try and walk out the door. The full moon above gave off plenty of light that even a human could find their way around. The werewolves were still nearby though, so it also gave off an eerie feeling of knowing they were out there. I could hear them howling – they were close. I ran as fast I could trying to find where she had gone. The Oasis was my best guess, and luckily there she was. Bakari was lounging under the tree reading a book of all things, while she was in the water swimming. Swimming always relaxed her mind. She heard me coming and quickly stood in the water. Bakari too, jumped up holding his sword in case I was a werewolf or worse. But Samira knew better.

"No, Bakari, it's only my husband."

I still found that word odd at times. I wasn't quite used to it. She came out of the water to greet me and wrapped her arms around my neck. I kissed her cheek then looked to her ex-lover.

"You may go."

"You do not dismiss me as if you are my superior."

"I'm here, she does not need you watching over her. Go protect your maker."

"You do not have to be rude." She said looking me in the eye seriously. Then she glanced over her shoulder to him. "Go." She said softly.

He obliged to her and quickly made himself scarce. She rested against me again clinging to me. "Where did you go?" She asked.

I kissed her hair while my hands caressed her back. "Sorry, love. Your god called me."

She laughed softly under her breath finding my statement odd. "They have spoken to you and you still refer to them as my gods?"

"I am not one of you."

She raised her head to look at me again and placed her hands on my cheeks to make me look at her. "You are my husband. That makes you one of us."

"It's not the same."

"Why do you fight so hard?" She asked. It was more her being curious than anything. She wasn't angry with me or frustrated. Just curious as to why I was so adamant about these things. She didn't understand why I would not let myself accept their ways when this was obviously home. I knew the gods existed so there was no reason to doubt them, and I knew all the myths Bastian had told us were true so why could I not accept it and be part of that world with her?

I replied, "I guess a part of me still clings to what's gone." I was a Gaul. Part of me, the human that had been so battered and damaged inside me, the part she was keeping alive, was still holding on. If I let go of what I truly was, what I was raised to be, I feared I would lose myself.

"I would never let that happen." She whispered as she leaned in to kiss me.

It didn't last long and we both noticed another presence. I opened my eyes to see hers were staring past me in awe. The odd thing was that it wasn't a vampire, or even one of the werewolves we had met last night. I could tell not only by the smell, but because she was stunned. Werewolves wouldn't astonish her that much, not after meeting them, and neither would a vampire. That look meant she was seeing something she never had before.

I turned keeping her behind me instinctively. The woman standing there was beautiful. She was beyond beautiful. For a moment I thought she was another of Samira's goddesses. She was tall, thin, had flawless pale skin, and dark brown hair that was almost black. Her eyes were chocolate like Samira's. She definitely was European, so the question was: what was she doing here.

"Apologies, I did not mean to interrupt."

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I am Mira."

"What are you?" Samira asked next.

Mira giggled like an innocent child. "What kind of question is that?"

She smelled human. Almost. There was a hint of something, but I couldn't put my finger on it. However, Samira seemed to know something I didn't. Not surprising, really.

"I can smell you. You are not human, not a werewolf – or a were of anykind -, and you are no vampire. I can also feel you. You have magic inside of you. So I will ask again, what are you?"

"Ask your Authority. They know us."

"Us?"

She grinned and stepped forward. "Oh we are everywhere. This is our home as much as it is yours, gifted one."

I stepped forward in return growling, "Stay away from her."

"Bakari!" Samira called. I should've known. He would never leave her completely. He came running like her servant and stepped between us to face the woman.

"What are you doing here, Mina? This is not your territory."

"Everywhere is our territory." She corrected harshly.

"No." He disagreed gently.

She laughed without fear. This woman was cocky, she obviously truly believed she belonged and she wasn't going to leave. At least not on her own.

Finally he turned to Samira as she was the one who called for his help. "Are you alright?"

She nodded quickly as if she were uncertain of how well she was right now. "Just tell me what the bloody hell is going on."

"Mira here is one of the old people."

"Old people?"

"I am sure your king told you the shocking truth that all religions, all myths and tales are true."

"Mira is from the island out west."

Island out west? There was only one island off the western coast of Europe. We had been there. We were dragged there by my treacherous, evil older brother to die. "Britannia?"

"Ah, you know it."

"She's one of them?" Samira gasped. I could feel her anger before she even expressed it. Then in an instant she was lunging at the woman and tackled her. Samira pinned her to the ground and hissed and snarled like a lioness. I was stunned to see her act so violently. It was usually against her. But considering how upset she already was due to her argument with Bastian.

"Samira!" Bakari cried as he tried to pry her off, but she roared at him.

"I am tired of being hunted!"

"She is not affiliated with the Celts, I promise you."

Mira lit up like the sun and Samira was sent flying. I knew what this woman was. I had never seen one, but Appius had told me about them.

I took her arm and pulled her back. She didn't fight me like she had with Bakari. "He's right, Samira." I said. "She's a Fae. They hate vampires."

Mira swept herself off. Her pure white dress didn't even look dirty. She was ready for a fight, but so was Samira. It took all my strength to keep her from killing Mira. Mira raised her hand up ready to fire another flash of light at Samira. Now that I saw a Fae for myself it reminded me so much of Samira. But Samira didn't seem to agree. She looked at her like she was a monster, worse than a vampire. Could she see her true appearance? Appius had told me once that on the outside Fae look beyond beautiful, like gods, but it was like a glamour. They were truly ugly creatures, deceivers.

Samira was disgusted. She took my hand and led me away. "If she wants to speak to the king, then come speak to him. I would love to see what he has to say about this…whatever she is."

We went back to the Palace as she wanted, and charged in like she was an authority member. Technically we were, but we had no authority over the vampires inside the Palace. Yet she eyed everybody like she was the Queen. She marched up to the staircase where Dorothea was sitting. Bastian wasn't there, which had us all curious as to where he was and why.

"You have a visitor." Samira said.

"Hello, Dorothea." Mira smiled as she stepped forward. It was a false smile. Appius was right, they couldn't be trusted.

Dorothea snarled at the sight of her. "Mira."

"I mean no harm, even to your abominations." She said with disgust. "However, we have a common enemy. Even the weres are all a gossip."

"The Romans, yes, we have already discussed that. Bastian has vouched to leave human affairs well alone."

"He will let them control everything? We ruled once. This is our planet, our home, how dare you let the humans take over!"

Finally Bastian came in from outside. He had been outside and we didn't know it. How had he gotten past us? I imagined he had been watching us. He already knew what was going on. Mira was here to protest like the werewolves had done. They wanted a war, not only among the humans, but they wanted to be a part of it so they could simultaneously rid us of the Romans and place themselves in its place as the rulers. "We can live together in peace." He announced. "But only by living apart."

"I urge you to reconsider."

"No." He replied sternly. "If you wish to live side by side with humans, go back to your island."

She huffed and left. I had expected more fight from her. Then again it could be an act, I thought. She marched out like she was on a mission. She had a plan. I wished I knew what, but at the same time I had a feeling I didn't want to know.

Once she was gone, Samira went into another fit. "Who is she?"

"Samira, calm down." I whispered in her ear gently. I hated seeing her like this. I was usually the one gnawing at the bit to fight or kill something. How had this gotten reversed?

"If she has anything to do with Hagan…"

I cut her off forcefully tightening my grip around her in an effort to make her listen. She was being ridiculous. But she was still fresh from her disagreement with Bastian. "Fae hate vampires. I told you that!"

My attempt failed, she merely barked in return. "She might not!"

I sighed and tried to be calm again hoping my calmness would sooth her. "Samira, please. Calm yourself."

Thankfully it worked and she took a deep breath trying to relax. I felt her muscles under mine loose. She said calmly, "Tell me about them."

Bastian replied, "They hail from Western Europe. They are known throughout all Celtic territory as part of their religion."

"You mean they are gods?"

Everyone chuckled. "No. No, absolutely not. Although, their Queen is worshipped like one."

"Fae are as old as we are, maybe older, no one knows." I added. At least that's what Appius told me. "However, they are a dying breed. Vampires hunt them. They have been massacred to the point that they have to resort to breeding with humans in order to keep their race alive."

"Are they a threat?"

"No."

"Then why do vampires hunt them?" She asked looking to me.

"For their blood." I replied hesitantly. It was an odd coincidence that her blood had the same effect, and it was something I never quite understood. I had tried to put it together, but so far I had come up short. Perhaps, Bastian knew the answer. "It allows vampires to walk in the sun."

She froze. Her eyes were glued to a spot on the floor as she retreated into her head to think. She was now wondering the same thing I had been since I first tasted her blood. I had honestly thought she was part Fae for a while, until we met Bastian and learned the truth of her heritage.

"It's coincidence only." Bastian assured us. "Honestly, it seems to be a popular coincidence. We have met other creatures from other religions and their blood all has the same effect on our kind. It means nothing."

"Are you certain of that?" She mumbled lowly as she kept staring at the floor.

He nodded. There was no need to say the word when she could hear it in his head. Then he turned and walked up the staircase to his thrown. Dorothea followed and I felt Samira tighten against me again. She was still angry. IN her mind they were less deserving of those seats they were sitting on and she wanted to remove them. According to Ra she would one day, but not today. She wasn't ready for that yet. She'd lose if she picked a fight with Dorothea.

But the Fae had brought up a point, the same that put Samira in this position. The war. She too said a war was coming with the Romans and therefore whatever of her people were here were now leaving. They hated war more than anything. But rather than arguing with Bastian again – he still hadn't changed his mind on the matter even though that was now two species telling him war was truly coming – left the throne room in a hurry.

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