A hush fell upon the court as the Pharaoh rose and decended down the steps. At about midway, he called out to the girl.
Yami: (with authority) Rise and come forward!
Ishnala trembled as she rose to her feet and slowly with her head still bowed approached the pharaoh. When she reached the foot of the royal dais Yami began to speak.
Yami: What is your name?
Ishnala: (head still bowed) Ishnala.
Yami: (thinking to himself) I sense that the she is deeply frightened and worried about something and my puzzle tells me that I am the source of her fear-----poor girl.)
Yami slowly decended the dais to meet Ishnala. When he reached the first step he leaned towards the girl. Reaching out an approving arm, the young Pharaoh cupped his hand beneath Ishnala's chin and gently tilted her head until their eyes met. Ishnala quivered at his touch.
Yami: (quietly) You have nothing to fear Ishnala. You have my complete approval and acceptance.
His words caressed her very soul and as Ishnala gazed into his piecing violet eyes, her fears melted away as a mysterious new strength surged through her veins.
Ishnala:( thinking to herself) This is all so new and strange to me! I would have never expected this from a pharaoh
Yami: (thinking to himself) What's this?! Some power from my puzzle….left! but why? How? Ra! Her face! It shines!!! Could she really be….of course not! She is but a servant…..and yet…..)
So enraptured by the radiance of her Pharaoh, Ishnala was unaware that a certain High Priest was examining her with great interest .
Yami: (turning Ishnala around to face his court) Royal people of Egypt! Under Ra I present to you Ishnala my palace torchbearer!!!
The crowd cheered!!!!
*****End Of Flashback*****
Ishnala was jolted from her memories by a sound of footsteps.
Ishnala: (In a half trembling voice) Who's there?