Chapter Six- The Request

Mahad headed back the way he came and called an end to patrol. He wouldn't be able to focus on his duty with his mind pulled in two different directions. One direction was his jealousy. He sometimes imaged living with Isis forever and what powers he might have as a vampire.

His mind was also on Isis' vision. She saw him dying from a vampire attack. He knew it was an attack, not a turning as she saw him pale. It was clear that he needed to steer clear of other vampires to avoid an attack. That was why he had asked for the location of Isis' clan.

I may want to carry some silver with me, secrete it on my person so Isis doesn't accidentally touch it. He nodded to himself as he sent the guard ahead of him before he roamed the market to find some silver jewelry or weapon as the palace usually held gold which was lucky for Isis.

Isis roamed around the city, invisible and delighting in not being seen by anyone. This is a cool power, though not better than my wings. My senses are amazing, though. I can see in the dark, hear the beating of hearts, and smell blood if it's leaking. I can turn the enhancements off so I'm not driven crazy from them.

I was a bit surprised when Mahad admitted being jealous. I understand his jealousy and it's tempting to turn him. He didn't come right out and say he wanted to be a vampire but there was a subtle hint in his words.

Isis spent the rest of the day pondering on whether or not to turn Mahad and came to a couple of conclusions. If Mahad asked her, actually asked her to turn him, she would grant the request but insist they receive permission from the pharaoh. She felt it would be irresponsible to turn Mahad without informing Atem of the request than be allowed to do it. Maybe I could approach Mut tomorrow and ask her if she would cast the curse on Mahad. No, no maybe. I will approach her and ask, Isis thought as she got into bed that night after deciding to feed off a guard in the morning.

Isis gestured to an empty room. "I need to speak to you privately," she said to a guard.

"Yes, Mistress Isis," he said as he preceded her into the room, both unaware that Seto saw them do so.

Now, Seto had observed Mahad and Isis' interactions over the last few weeks and had deduced that they were in love. He was happy for them, but did not confront them to congratulate them as they had not announced it to the court and neither had the pharaoh. So, to see Isis enter a room with a guard, made Seto curious and suspicious. Is Isis being unfaithful behind Mahad's back? If so, Mahad should know about it. Seto swiftly went the room's threshold and stood in it to see a shocking sight: Isis was biting the guard on the neck! She released the guard who fell unconscious and Seto had a clear profile view of long incisors before they shrank in length. Gods, Isis is a…a...vampire! But when? How?

Isis closed her eyes as she sucked blood from the guard who was getting weak and kne now was the time to stop. She withdrew and eased him to the floor before shrinking her fangs. She didn't feel different like she did yesterday and figured she had all her powers now. Hmm, perhaps I'll go flying tonight, she thought before turning and seeing Seto in the doorway, staring at her in shock. "Seto!" she exclaimed in fear.

"Isis, you're a vampire? Really?"

A desire to perform some manner of damage control went through her. She stood up straight and looked deep into Seto's eyes. "You will forget what you saw this morning," she said, pointing at him. She saw his eyes go blank for a few moments before going back to normal.

He blinked and focused on Isis and the sleeping guard. "Isis? Why is a guard sleeping there?"

"He had said he felt dizzy and I suggested he go to the infirmary before he staggered in here and collapsed."

"I'll inform Mahad." Seto left and Isis smiled. I gained mind control powers! Seto doesn't remember seeing me drinking from the guard or my fangs. She turned the power off as she did not want to accidentally use it on Mahad or anyone else. She soon heard his steps before he came into the room.

"Seto said one of my men collapsed. I, however, believe you drank from him."

"I did and Seto saw me do it."

Mahad paled. "He did? But he gave no indication of seeing that."

"That is because he doesn't remember. I gained the power of mind control today. It is the same power Mut used to lure me to her home."

"Mind control. A useful, but dangerous one, depending on one's point of view. I wouldn't mind that myself." He knelt beside the guard who was coming around. "Easy there. Isis said you were dizzy and sleepy before collapsing. I suggest you get some rest."

"Yes, Master Mahad." The guard rose and swayed slightly as he left.

"Isis, you were fortunate to have gained mind control when you did. Otherwise, we would have someone else in on your secret."

Isis sighed. "It may be prudent to just tell the court."

"Let's not be hasty, Isis. We have avoided it this time. We may continue to avoid anyone else knowing."

"Yes, you are right." The couple left and Isis said, "Mahad, I thought I heard envy in your voice when mentioning my new power."

"You heard correctly. I should not be jealous or envious but I find it hard not to be so."

"I understand both of your feelings. I would feel the same way."

"Isis…I…I would like to live with you forever, be a vampire like you," Mahad said in a rush.

"Oh, Mahad, I would love to turn you. But before I do so, we should ask the pharaoh if he would allow it."

"I doubt he would deny it, particularly if I explain it and he knows that I would not act any differently.'

"That is true. Mahad, let me speak to Mut to see if she will use the curse on you. I will explain why I'm asking and hopefully, she will agree as I believe the curse would be less painful."

"As it was used on you, it must be less painful than biting and then feeding me your blood."

They entered the Throne Room in silence and the meeting passed in its usual fashion, including Isis reporting the visions of peace and security of the city and the people. She smiled to herself as she and Mahad both headed for the gates. Atem had looked pleased at hearing a pleasant vision instead of one of darkness and danger.

"Have a good patrol," she said, kissing Mahad's cheek.

"It will be if I find at least one criminal for you to feed on. Good luck to you in talking to Mut."

"Thank you." The gates opened and Isis preceded Mahad and the guards outside. She quickly headed through the streets being careful not to use her vampire speed as she headed to the last house on her right.

"Mut?" she called as she entered.

"Isis. My, three time in a few days. I did not think you would visit this much," came the elderly vampire's voice. Isis turned to it to see Mut seated in a meditative position. Her brown eyes opened to focus on the priestess.

"If you count the time I was turned, this would be the third time. I am still new and seek much guidance." Isis kneeled before her.

"Of course. What guidance do you seek?"

"How many powers are there?"

"Not counting healing bite marks, there are five."

"I see. Now, about the curse you used. Can it be used on anyone?"

"Oh, yes." She smiled. "There's someone you want turned in a painless way."

"Yes. He wishes to be with me forever."

"He? Is he a priest?"

"He is. It is Mahad."

"Ah, the magician and captain of the guard."

"Yes. Could you use the curse on him and make him a vampire?"

"I could. If he comes here at sunset tomorrow, I will lay the curse."

Isis smiled. "Thank you. I will tell him." She left and Mut frowned. She did not trust men as she had tried to have men in her clan but they always tried to kill her and the other females when they were about to be turned. She felt that Mahad was no different from those men she had drained in the past. When Mahad comes to be turned, I will instead drain him so that he won't kill me or my clan.