"But what of the cost, my Liege, you don't know what you may summon with this spell. Where did you get it? How do you know it's authentic?" The high priest droned on, and Yami rolled his eyes annoyed by the old man's badgering.
"Enough, Heisien! I do not need your blessing or opinion. Leave me!"
He spoke the words on the parchment.
Still no indication of life, the music played, the incense burned. He leaned over her; he could almost feel the heat of her flesh. He uttered the last word of his incantation, "Awaken."
Something changed; a whisper, then he felt as if he were being totally immersed in freezing water. It took his breath.
"M'Lord." Grunting in frustration he left the chamber to meet his vizier.
"Do not disturb me now." He kept his voice level only with great effort; he felt a new power within himself, different than before—like every cubic of his body had been infused with white lightening. He had no time to examine the sensation.
"The Greeks have sent an envoy to check on the Princess! What would you have me tell them?"
"Tell them she will dance for them tonight. Better yet let me tell them."
Seto's eyes widened, but he joined his King as Yami stalked down the corridor and said nothing. The audience room was near and the monarch hurriedly approached the group of delegates.
"Where is Princess Cassandra? We desire an audience with our cousin." The man was short, and owned a fat face surrounded unruly dark curls. His cheeks were lined from smiling, Yami supposed, or it could be frowning. He saw nothing of his Intendeds fair face in this foreigner.
"She is indisposed." He replied, ignoring all the formality of audience and court. Suddenly, images came to mind, the man in front of him riding a dark roan mare, splashing across rivers, the horse had lost its footing. Falling. Panic.
He shook his head to clear his vision, what was that?!
"We have traveled far and are weary. I am still soaked from a fall earlier today; may we enjoy your hospitality until our Princess may grant us audience?"
"Fall? Did you ride a roan mare?"
"Why yes, a shame too, such a fine animal," he nodded. "Your scouts are timely in their reports to you."
The pharaoh was confused, how had he known that? What was happening? He attempted to keep his decorum.
"Fine, yes stay, the Princess will be performing tonight. Be our guest."
He left the room and barreled back to the small chamber where the Princess lay. The vizier was throwing admonishments and warnings, something about the games. He responded automatically.
"We are getting closer, I could feel her presence that time," then he realized she was gone. He summoned the guards, and out of the corner of his eye. There she was! Peeking out from behind a large column like a small child, he felt the blood in his face drain away. None of this had seemed real, until now. The weight of what was happening came crashing down, and it took all his strength to send the others away, turn, and approach the object of his quest.
Tears burned his eyes; his only desire was to wrap her in his arms. She made that easy by falling just in front of him. He grabbed her and pulled her close. He felt her fear like icy fingers on his on his own spine. He gripped her arm tightly scanning her almond eyes for some answer, "Cassandra is it you? Can it truly be you?" No response. The sensations became a tidal wave, but instead of the joy he had expected, strange pictures filled his mind. A small room… a dark world… chariots without horses.
He released her as if bitten.
"Answer me or I will assume you are some demon returned in my beloved place and slay you where you stand."
She fell to her knees and pleaded for her life, so like that night long ago in her chamber. He extended his hand to her, still cautious, yet this time the images did not appear. Drawing on his remaining strength he lead her to her room, excused himself quickly, and stumbled toward his chamber.
Seto and Heisen were waiting for him there. "Are you well, my liege?' Heisen blurted out and rushed to the monarch's side.
Seto stood quietly surveying the scene, "You did it, didn't you." It wasn't a question.
Yami stared at him and nodded, trying to organize the foreign images in his mind. Was he mad? Had he been driven insane by this spell, he leaned heavily against a nearby chair.
"I need time," he managed after a moment. Heisen and Seto exchanged a long glance.
"Pharaoh, has the spell affected you? Can we help…?"
"I'm fine. I just need some time," he straightened. I can handle this. "Seto check on Cassandra. Assure she is ready for this evening. Heisen make preparations for the banquet." Yami felt his composure returning, I am king, Ruler of all upper and lower Egypt, I shall conquer anyone that gets in my way.