Chapter Twelve- Dark Kingdom

Atem felt apprehensive as the day wore on. He hadn't seen any of his sacred court since the meeting that morning. He would have, at least, seen Mahad who would report about patrol, but nothing. This isn't like him. He is dedicated to protecting the city.

"My pharaoh, perhaps you should retire for the day," Siamun suggested.

Atem sighed. "Very well." He turned to one of the guards. "I want all guards to report here before patrol in the morning. Spread the word."

"Yes, my pharaoh," the guard answered as Atem left his throne and the room, alone.

Atem had the feeling of being watched as he headed for his chambers. He thought he heard something a few times, but when he looked around, there was nothing. He turned down to the corridor to his chambers and froze. Outside his room at the end of the hall was a black wolf with red eyes and wearing a gold collar with a moonstone in the center. The wolf slowly approached, but stopped halfway up. Atem was wary; a black wolf that had somehow gotten past security was clearly a clever creature.

Then, it spoke. "My pharaoh, help me." He recognized the voice instantly.

"Mahad?" he gasped as he swiftly approached and knelt down. "What happened to you?"

"I wanted to tell you, but the Shadow Realm have been controlling me all this time. I'm the werewolf who…killed." Mahad dipped his head and whimpered sadly.

"The shadows forced you to kill?"

"I couldn't stop them. I tried to resist, but they kept getting stronger. They took my humanity this morning, trapping me like this."

Atem stared at Mahad, taking in his muscular form. This must have happened after the meeting for he was human earlier. His eyes focused on the collar. That must be how they're controlling him. Maybe I can remove it. His fingers ran along the band, but felt no clasp or finger holds. It was solid and firmly attached.

Mahad knew what Atem was trying to do. "My pharaoh, I've tried that. I couldn't remove it, not even with a spell."

"I believe it. The shadows did a good job." He settled back on one knee.

"Indeed." Then, without warning, Mahad lunged forward, latched onto Atem's throat, and tore it apart. The life faded from his eyes as he hit the floor and died. Mahad removed Atem's crown and pushed it onto his head. "All hail Mahad, pharaoh of darkness," he said as he turned and headed for his new bed chambers. He curled up in the bed and as he fell asleep, the shadows said, "Sleep tight, Pharaoh Mahad."

Mahad awoke early the next day and, at first, was confused by his surroundings. Then, the weight on his head brought it all back. Ah, yes. I am the pharaoh now. Time to begin my eternal reign of darkness. He jumped down, stretched, and shook himself out before readjusting his crown, leaving the room, and walking up the corridor, stepping on Atem's body as he did so. I will have people cleaning up the messes.

He strolled into the Throne Room, head held high. He saw Siamun beside the throne and inwardly swore. He hadn't thought about the advisor. No matter. I can deal with him. Perhaps, he'll serve me. He ascended the steps and jumped onto the throne. He looked over at Siamun who seemed frozen with fear; indeed Mahad could smell the fear coming off him. "Hello, Siamun," he greeted.

"Mahad!?" he gasped.

"That's pharaoh now," he corrected. "Listen. This land will be ruled by darkness with me as pharaoh. The previous pharaoh and the court are dead and unless you want to join them, you will support and advise me. Believe me, I won't hesitate to kill you," he growled.

Siamun gulped before kneeling. "I pledge my services to you, my pharaoh."

"Good." He faced the doors to see the entire army assembling. "What is this?" he demanded of Siamun.

"The previous pharaoh wanted to speak to the guards before patrol," Siamun answered immediately.

Mahad grinned. "Did he? Excellent." He sat up straighter as he faced the men. "Good morning. Last night, Pharaoh Atem died and I have assumed the throne."

His right-hand guard man knelt before asking, "The pharaoh is dead?"

"That's right. I know because I killed him."

There was a collective gasp before another guard called. "You murdered our beloved pharaoh and usurped the throne!?"

"I did and now you serve me." He pointed a paw at his second-in-command. "You are now captain of the guards." The new captain, still kneeling, bowed his head in acceptance.

"We will never serve you!" a guard shouted and the others roared in agreement.

Mahad's eyes glowed and he growled at the insubordination. He waved a paw and the moonstone glowed. A flash occurred and the captain found a pack of gray wolves behind him. He yelped in fear as he backed away from them.

"Relax, captain. Say hello to your new army. I have placed an obedience spell on them and they can only make wolf sounds as punishment for insubordination."

"They now obey you, my pharaoh?" the captain asked.

"You as well, captain. They are your pack as well as mine."

The captain faced the wolves who looked shocked at what Mahad had said and done. One of them apparently broke the obedience spell and growled at the captain as he advanced. The captain hit him on the head with the flat of his spear. "Mind your place!" he snapped. "Be grateful the pharaoh didn't kill you."

Mahad pointed a paw at the wolf and cast a stronger obedience spell on him. The wolf stiffened and then resumed his place. "That's better," he commented.

The captain turned to Mahad and knelt again. "My pharaoh, how will I control them even though they are spelled to obey?"

Mahad ran his chin over a paw. "Hmm, you raise a valid point. Therefore, I grant you the ability to become a wolf should they get out of hand." He touched a paw to the stone and the captain glowed black briefly. "Now, announce my ascension and bring a citizen here. Anyone will do but if you can, find someone young who opposes my rule."

"Yes, my pharaoh. Move out!" He led the pack out of the room.

"Siamun, assign some servants to dispose of the corpses in the palace and clean up the blood. I also want you to bring me their Millennium Items."

"Yes, my pharaoh. Might I ask why you ordered for a citizen to be brought in?"

Mahad bared his sharp teeth in a grin. "I'm hungry. I developed a taste for human flesh and I decided that that will be the only thing I'll eat."

Siamun gulped before scurrying off to organize the clean-up and retrieve the Items. Mahad laughed once the room was empty.

"Well done, pharaoh. Changing the guards into a pack of obedient wolves. Brilliant."

"Thank you. They can't talk but the captain will as he alone pledged loyalty when I promoted him. The criminals of my kingdom will be those who oppose my rule or disobey the laws I will implement. They will serve as my meals."

"So you will allow murderers, robbers, and other types to run free?"

"Absolutely. This is a kingdom of darkness, after all."

"Of course and we insist you cast a blanket of shadows across the sky."

"As you command." Mahad looked up as two wolves entered with a young woman who glared at Mahad, who descended the throne and steps.

One wolf pushed the woman to her knees and didn't flinch as Mahad killed the human. "Resume your duties," he ordered. They obeyed and Mahad began breakfast, decided to fulfill his orders afterwards. At long last, he finished and padded over to the balcony that overlooked the city. He closed his eyes and chanted a spell, the moonstone glowing brighter than ever. He opened his eyes to see the skies overhead darken as shadows flowed across it, blocking out the sun and making it seem as if an eternal night had come. He nodded approvingly. Perfect. A blanket of shadows for a dark kingdom ruled by a dark immortal wolf pharaoh. He howled in triumph.

The End