Ishnala proceeded to wave her torch about in an effort to illuminate any dark passages within her view. Several minutes passed and still no answer.
Ishnala: (thinking to herself) Perhaps it's another mouse---the cats are lazy again!
Ishnala chuckled to herself and proceeded to her quarters to retire for the night.
About five paces into her stride she stopped short to discover a tall figure stepping forth from the shadows and into the flickering light.
Ishnala: (inquisitively) Who are you?
Stranger: (with determination) I am Lord Seto, High Priest of the Vast Shrine, and trusted advisor to the Pharaoh!
Ishnala: (bowing reverantly) It is an honor to be in your presence------my lord.
The high priest grinned at the girl's unsuspecting naivete.
Ishnala: (rising to stand upright) My lord, what brings you to the palace at this hour?
Seto: (Smiling with a sinister satisfaction) Why, YOU ------Ishnala!!!
Seto: (In a throaty whisper) I believe that you possess something which I desire.
Ishnala: (perplexed) I….I don't understand, my lord.
With a smirk, the mage slowly advanced towards Ishnala as he spoke:
Seto: (Gaze fixed on girl) Ever since the day that you were presented to the Pharaoh my eyes have never left you!
A wide eyed Ishnala carefully back stepped as the mage continued his advances.
Seto: You are very beautiful Ishnala, even the Pharaoh knows this, but what the Pharaoh does not recognize, nor will he ever know is that this beauty stems from a power! A mighty power to build or demolish entire kingdoms, A power to summon one back to life or to sentence one to death. With this power, the entire world will fall at your feet-----except for those certain men who share a desire for this power and the desire of a woman who possesses it!!!
Ishnala's hand shot up to her mouth in surprise as her back steps quickened
Seto: (like a lion stalking it's prey) Oh yes Ishnala! For years I have waited patiently for the opportunity fulfil my destiny!!! With each passing night my desire for you burned greater and greater-----even greater than Ra himself!!!
Ishnala: (calmly attempting to rush away) Good evening, my lord.
The high priest immediately snatched Ishnala by the forearm and flung her back against the palace wall causing her to drop her torch.
Seto: (Sneering) Just where do you think you are going my lotus flower?
Ishnala felt the contrast between the frigid wall and the intense heat from the mage as he pressed his body against hers.
Ishnala: (appalled) How could you!!! You are a High Priest of the Vast Shrine----respected and honored by the people?
Seto: May I remind you that power or no power you are still a servant girl nothing more than property, for me to do with as I please!!!!
With that the sorcerer claimed Ishnala's lips in a passionate kiss for what seemed to be an eternity until she managed to jostle her head free.
Seto: (Angrily) How dare you refuse me?!!!!
Ishnala mustered every once of her boldness left in her being.
Ishnala: (Boldly glaring at Seto) When word reaches the ears of the Pharaoh as to your horrid conduct within his palace you will be stripped of your rank and expelled from the Order of Osiris!!
The mage immediately pulled a dagger from his sheath and pressed it against Ishnala's throat.
Seto: (Whispering in Ishnala's ear) If you even so much as breath a single word to the Pharaoh of our "friendly" encounter, I will personally deliver you to Osiris himself!!!!
The sorcerer traced his dagger down her left shoulder cutting open the sleeve of her dress.
Ishnala: (In desperation) Please my lord! Spare me my innocence!!!
Seto: (lustfully) Oh for whom-----The Pharaoh? NEVER!!!
Ishnala: (thinking to herself) Yes the Pharaoh! Oh please, my Pharaoh! Save me!!!!
Ishnala attempted to scream, but her cries were muffled by seto's consuming lips. She continued to struggle to brake free, but to no avail. In a surging panic Ishnala's body went limp and darkness consumed her. At that very instant a radiant light filled the palace corridors.
Seto: What's this?!!!! (covers his eyes and flees)