Thanks for sticking with me guys! Please keep up the R and R, I need to know your opinion! I don't own YGO or its characters.
Chapter 9: Puzzles and Games
"Wait! Hey, slow down! Ma'kat, please!" I dug in my heels. The rotund servant walked on, her hand a steely bracelet upon my wrist.
"M'lady, we should not even be out of the palace without an escort, if the Pharaoh found out…"
"Don't worry, I'll say I kidnapped you if we get caught." Her wrinkled face frowned, then broke into a wide grin.
"Nevertheless, the sooner we get to the shop and back the better." I nodded, glancing longingly back at the last booth. The narrow street was lined in hundred of such street vendors; the aroma of sizzling spicy meat invited me to explore. Everything from perfume in intricately designed jars to leather sandals, virtually begged to be pored over, handled and purchased. I exhaled and fell into step with Ma'kat, no time for browsing.
We pushed though the teeming road, dodging to avoid animal dropping, carts and hordes of humanity. I thought of Yami. He was resting in the care of Heisien the High Priest. The squat, bald man had insisted that the Pharaoh was fine, just in need of rest. I had some reservations about him, his voice was smooth and convincing, his small black eyes hard. He reminded me of a used car sales man, but Yami seemed to trust him.
Finally, we entered the small mud brick building. The light was dim just the small amount seen though the cracks in the door and shutters, and a tiny lamp hanging in the corner. The store smelled strongly of incense and perspiration, my eyes watered. It was one of the best-kept shops on the avenue. The shelves were adorned with unusual globes, small statuary, and religious icons. Ma'kat lead me toward the rear, to the living area. This was my first experience with the commoners of the age; they did not enjoy the same benefits as the upper class. The quarters were cramped and held around a family of five, if counting the children was any indication. Three came barreling out of the backroom, laughing, and playing a game of chase. A riot of black hair and dark eyes circled us, then rushed into the street. An ancient woman slowly followed in their wake, yelling, "Slow down!" She noticed us and lowered her eyes, "Ma'kat you should warn me when royalty will be gracing my store. Forgive my grandchildren, my liege."
"Uh, no problem." I replied not sure how to respond.
"What can I provide for your highness."?
"I need a gift." I had not thought any further. I stumbled awkwardly for words. It had sounded good, earlier in my chambers. Buy Yami a present, see the marketplace, and perhaps the fresh air would lead to a new perspective. I thought I would find answers here, now I just felt stupid.
"Oh dear, don't worry so." She'd read my expression perfectly. "I have just the thing." She reached out and patted the back of my hand before turning. The box she presented was old, even for this time, pure gold with inscription; it was beautiful. I traced the inlay with my finger and found the lid slid back. Small square and oblong pieces lay in disarray inside. I glanced at the proprietor, my eyebrows raised.
"It's a puzzle," her voice lowered, "but not just any puzzle. It is enchanted."
"Enchanted?"
"Yes, once assembled it become an amulet of protection."
"That sounds perfect. He loves a challenge."
She grasp my arm, "The talisman chooses its bearer, only one who is worthy."
I looked at her dubiously, but agreed upon a price. We turned to leave and the elderly woman spoke again.
"Just believe in yourself, trust your heart. You know who you are, Tea."
My eyes widened at the sound of my real name. "How did you know?"
She raised her chin. "One has just to open their eyes to see."
What was this cryptic response? I needed facts. I lunged at her over the counter and she stepped back.
"What else do you know? Why am I here?"
"I will tell you no more, I have said too much already."
"But.."
Ma'kat dragged me out of the shop as I pleaded, "You can't. You don't understand. She knows! She knows!" My attempt to accept this reality shattered at the sound of my real name. All the questions that had lay sulking beneath the cloudy surface of my consciousness were suddenly shouting, screaming in my head.
"Shhh, M'lady, please." Thoughts tripped over each other vying for my attention. I felt exposed, my secret laid bare for the world. Face flushed, I began to yell at Ma'kat, but the words stalled in my throat.
I softened at her worried face, "You meant no harm. I just have to talk to her—now." I broke away from her grip, and started for the door.
I felt a rough hand cover my mouth, and without warning the world suddenly went black.
"Where is Cassandra?" Yami's question filled the room. The servants retreated in reaction to his tone of voice. Only the High Priest seemed impervious to impact of the king's words.
He closed in quickly, speaking in even tones, "We know not, my liege. She did not tell anyone where she was going."
"What was she thinking? After the attack, and the storm, it's not safe."
"Surprising all the strange events that have occurred since her return."
"Humph," he had not put the two together, but yes the events did coincide. The attack at the oasis had been the worst thus far, if Cassandra had not helped it would have surly overwhelmed him. Yami had confided in Heisien following the explosion at the banquet. He assured Yami the pain and visions would subside and side effects would cease. The price of High Magic, the priest scolded, and offered him the foul potion for relief. The tonic numbed the pain, but did not affect its roots. The deep, uncontrolled power grew as a festering wound in his soul, staggering in its intensity, he knew this to be true, as well as he knew his own name. Yami hoped the High Priest was right, and his ailment would soon end, but he his doubts. Perhaps he could learn to control it?
"What would you have me do?" Heisien hovered near the bed where Yami sat propped up against a mound of pillows. Another pain shot down his arm as he viewed the priest intently. The small man waited for an answer, his face as mild as usual, but something was not right. As if a curtain had been pull back, a new light stuck Heisien's visage, and Yami saw him again. Beyond the skin and bones, down past the physical, he viewed a soul. A soul as black and evil as a dragon. Thick tar leaving no room for mercy or pity, love or loyalty, an endless abyss, absorbing everything but hate.
Yami gasp at the pure hatred, how had he missed it, the desperation for control, to destroy, to conquer. "Heisien! What are you doing?" The old man's demeanor had transformed at Yami's vision. He stretched out his hand, which shone with an eerie pale green glow. The eye of Horus appeared on his brow, and Yami grew silent.
"Don't worry, my liege," he paused, smiling ever so slightly, "this won't hurt." He placed his searing hand on Yami. "You didn't see anything, it was your imagination."
"My imagination." Yami repeated.
"Everything is fine, you just need rest." His hypnotic voice continued.
"Yes, rest." His eyelids felt weighted, and the room spun. What had he been worried about? Everything's fine.
"You will need all your strength for the duel tonight. Sleep." Heisien's hushed words lulled the Pharaoh into a fitful, dreamless slumber. All trouble erased from his mind.