Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne.
Pressing her lips to the cold silver ring upon her finger, the queen paced her chamber frowning irritably. Her handmaiden sat upon the Persian carpet her hands in her lap as she watched the woman anxiously. A tabby kitten of gold, black, and brown pounced upon the blue linen belt the prophetess teased him with. The Prophetess smiled lightly down at the kitten that had sprung upon the end of the ribbon, only to bounce backwards and spring again. She looked up at her lady an expression of worry upon her face as she studied the woman's frustrated features.
"My lady, please, it is late and you are tired. Perhaps if you rest you will think of something- or perhaps the gods will grant you a dream…" Isadora said hopefully.
In exasperation the queen threw up her hands crying, "There is no time! Strategos will arrive tomorrow! My scouts have seen his ship, and his fleet! I cannot let my brother have an advantage by speaking to him first! I have to find a way into the palace, to demand an audience." She finished with a huff dropping onto her couch.
Isadora winced and looked at the floor only to look back up at the queen pleadingly, "Sitiah, you cannot demand anything of Strategos; he is the Emperor."
Folding her arms across her chest indignantly she rose, "And why not? It is my palace by right!" She wandered to stand near her servant staring down at her waiting for a reply. Isadora only nodded and gazed down at the kitten. Sitiah sighed; feeling the weariness in her body she gracefully sank to the carpet to lay on her side one elbow propped up, one side of her face resting in her hand. "I know I cannot go in there demanding things of him. But I must establish myself as the rightful ruler of Egypt…And I must find a way into the palace." She sadly watched the kitten as he strutted across the carpet proudly, having defeated the "snake" that threatened him.
There was a companionable silence that fell between the two women. Both knew that it was going to be a challenge getting into the palace that had been secured with guards loyal to Ptolemy. Men on the borders waited to find the exiled princess only to have her brought to the palace for her execution.
Isadora shivered at the thought and glanced at the queen. Imagining the slender beauty in chains on her knees before her younger brother brought a sudden tenseness to her limbs. She swallowed blinking the thought away.
Her attention went back to the little cat that had caught his claws in one of the tassels of the rug and was struggling to get it out. He plopped down on his back fighting with the strings as he rolled. However, he was too entangled and the edges of the carpet began to curl in on him. Isadora couldn't stop the giggle that rose in her throat. She allowed herself a few chuckles shaking her head. But abruptly inhaled sharply looking wide-eyed at the queen who had turned to her with a similar expression.
"We've shared a thought, Prophetess," Sitiah stared at the girl in awe. She slowly began to grin, "Yes, we have, haven't we?"
"Yes!" Isadora replied excitedly, "And-" She cut off seeing the flash of a scene before her eyes. She beheld the queen lying upon the very same carpet at the feet of a figure in the shadows. "And it will work!" She gasped as the eyes she hadn't known she'd closed, flew open.
Sitiah laughed richly sitting up and reaching for the kitten, "Ah, my all-seeing friend! What would I do without you?"
Isadora beamed as she watched her queen untangle the animal and hug him to her, "You will pass through the palace unnoticed!" The woman again laughed holding the kitten up to see him.
She smiled, her eyes brilliant with delight, "Child of Bast you have shown me a way! You will live with me in the palace and lap cream from a golden bowl encrusted with emeralds!" She cuddled the confused, but happy kitten in her arms again.
"He is certainly a gift from the goddess herself." Isadora nodded eagerly.
The queen smiled at her then called, "Daemon!"
A young guard appeared immediately, he bowed, "Yes, my queen."
"Bring me a dish of goat's milk, and my general. When you've returned remain here until I dismiss you." She said intent on the cat purring against her.
"As you wish, Majesty." He bowed and quickly exited to do her bidding with a smile.
"Thank you!" She called after him, shaking her head at his speedy departure. She turned to look at Isadora, "This night we prepare to depart. I must be on my way to Alexandria."
"I will stay here until all is finished and it is safe." Isadora assured her though she looked down with a small frown.
"Do not look so depressed, Isa! I will make it into the palace as you said!" The queen looked at her anxiously. She must have faith! Otherwise it is useless!
"I know lady, but you still have to convince Strategos." The girl looked up her apple green eyes darkened by her concern.
Sitiah stayed quiet seeing the question in Isadora's eyes. Her servant wanted to be reassured that her mistress was thinking clearly. The queen's gaze shifted as doubt began to cloud over the joy. "I have to try. I was meant to be Egypt's ruler. My father said so before he died." She said softly.
"Your majesty, it is I, Setepenre, come at your command." A male voice from outside the tent announced.
The queen quickly passed the young cat to her servant and got to her feet. She smoothed the Doric chiton she wore and tossed her hair back over her shoulders. "Yes, please come in, General." She raised her chin slightly and waited.
He bowed as he entered then went down on one knee before her, "Majesty, queen, I am your servant." He wore a tradition kilt with a gold belt, as well as a blue and white striped helmet with a gold band around his brow. He was a handsome man in his thirties, with a strong build and wide shoulders.
She smiled at his humble greeting and replied, "Stand, General, there is no need for you to go to your knees before me, we are old friends."
Indeed the General had known her since she was no more than a child, he being a young teen at the time. He'd been a soldier in the imperial guard, his father being a high-ranking court official. Before she had had to flee, Sitiah appointed Setepenre the general of Pharaoh's Men. Having grown up with the man she trusted him with her life, and he had helped her and her sister escape the palace.
He rose to his feet with a smile on his dark Egyptian features, "I am much honored by that, Majesty."
Sitiah shook her head wagging her finger at him with a scolding smile, "Come Setepenre, enough of your formalities, my friend. I need your support now more than ever." He glanced at Isadora who'd gotten to her feet and stood in the shadows holding to Bast's beloved. She gave a nod of respect than looked at the queen.
"Of course, Majesty." He said clasping his hands behind his back. The guard that had gone to fetch the general slid into the tent quietly made a quick bow and went to Isadora's side, the bowl of milk in his hands. Quietly Isadora bent, putting the kitten on the floor as the young man placed the bowl on the carpet. They both stood straight again and kept quiet, waiting for orders.
"Will you have a cup of wine with me, Setepenre?" The queen asked as she glided to her couch.
"I'd like that, majesty." The man responded. He watched as the queen's Prophetess quickly brought a stool for him. He sat and waited as the girl poured wine into two cups from a silver pitcher. Holding a tray she offered him a cup, which he took immediately. Isadora made her way to the queen sitting rigidly on the couch.
"We have come up with a plan to bypass the border patrols and make our way into Alexandria," Sitiah said after taking a delicate sip of wine.
Setepenre frowned his black eyebrows drawing together in uncertainty, "Majesty, there are guards everywhere. If we made it past the border guard we would still have to risk being caught by the soldiers patrolling the city. Ptolemy has taken careful steps to be sure you will not enter Egypt." He studied her face as she closed her eyes and opened them in pleasure.
"Yes, I know. But I have the assurance of my Prophetess that my plan will get me into the palace undetected." She spoke excitedly setting her cup down on the low table at her side. Again the general's gaze wandered to Isadora and then back to the queen. He'd never been a very superstitious man. And to him magic was something only gods possessed.
"I see." He said patiently, expecting her to go on.
"You will carry me in a carpet as a gift to Strategos. And you, Daemon will be the messenger sent with the gift." She said confidently. Setepenre and Daemon remained silent both in amazed disbelief.
"Majesty!" They both protested simultaneously.
Arsinoe pouted as she lounged on her couch waiting for her servant to return with the figs she had sent for. She was tired and annoyed, swatting flies away with her jeweled whisk, unable to sleep. The warmth of the desert was still considerable, and she found herself wiping away the sweat on her forehead with a silk cloth. "Where is my fan bearer?" She snapped sitting up with a scowl.
"You sent him for the figs, your Highness." Answered a servant woman who was placing incense on the princess' shrine to Hathor.
"Well stop burning all that incense! It makes my eyes water!" The girl hissed crossing her arms. Just then her servant appeared with a tray in his hands, steadily walking toward her. "How long does it take to get figs for your princess?" She shot at him angrily as he lowered to the floor before her.
Her nose wrinkled in disgust as she peered into the bowl to find only grapes.
"Did I not tell you to bring figs?" She questioned glaring at the man.
"Yes, your highness, but there are no more among the supplies, so I thought to bring you grapes instead. It's about all we have." He replied in his soft voice.
Her pretty features twisted with rage she knocked the tray from his hands with one swift blow, "Incompetent worm! I ask you for a simple thing and you bring me what I hate? I hate grapes!" She was on her feet her cheeks flushed with rage suddenly ignoring the servant who had fallen forward on his face, his arms outstretched before him. "Damn, my sister and her hellish desert! I am tired of being holed here in the middle of nowhere!" She screamed gesturing wildly. "Get out! You presume too much. And bring a guard to be my fan bearer!" She spat at the now frightened man bowed to the floor like a toad.
His voice muffled against the rug he said shakily, "Highness- your sister- the queen- has or-ordered that all guards stay on- watch."
Arsinoe's eyes narrowed to dangerous slits and she clenched her fists. "Do you think I care? Bring me a guard or I'll order you whipped, you flea!" She shouted.
The servant flinched visibly and whispered, "Yes, your highness." He slowly crawled backwards away from her, never raising his eyes. Scrambling out of the tent and her sight the man hurriedly got up and ran towards another tent.
It was obvious that the people of Alexandria were not relieved by Strategos' presence in their seaside city. Nonetheless it was a welcome sight for the soldiers and crew who had been cramped upon the ships. However, the beauty of the capitol was lost in a crowd of angry fellahin who shouted and cursed at their overlords. It was a dangerous business riding through the mob to the palace. Strategos' men had fanned out to keep the protestors back from the narrow road that he and his officials drove through in chariots toward the palace. Once inside the walls, the doors shut, the people's threats still assaulted their ears.
Strategos strode forward into the palace with cool confidence his dark eyes burning through anyone who started to approach him. "Spread my men out around the palace. Make sure all guards are replaced with my legionaries. I want this place secured. Send extra men out to calm the rioting." He ordered to the men that tried to keep up with his long stride.
"Yes, Emperor." They all replied than dispersed to do their duties.
"Kaid, see to it that the cavalry is shown to the barracks and housing for my legionaries is set up as well." He said to a young man with dark hair at his side.
"Yes, sir." The man smiled and turned on his heel. The only men left by Folken's side and behind him were his brother, Merle (an exception to 'the only men'), Allen, Gaddes, two of his advisors, and a couple servants.
He stopped in the main hall his eyes narrowed as he peered at the golden throne empty, but for a pair of sandals. "Gaddes, find Ptolemy and his regency, bring them immediately. And all of you keep an eye out for Pompey. I didn't see any of his men, but his ships were in the harbor. He's here somewhere. See to it the other commanders give orders to their men to be on guard as well."
A man in a tunic and kilt rushed forward, his eyes painted with kohl and his head covered by a short black wig, though he was obviously Greek. A gold pectoral lay on his collar, and his hands sparkled with the glint of gold rings holding precious stones. On his thin arms he wore gold gauntlets and bracelets of gold on his upper arms. He bowed to Strategos then looked up at the man. His gray eyes were curious, and he smiled politely, "It is an immense honor, Great Strategos. I welcome you to Alexandria. I am Lord Thaddeus, Overseer of Pharaoh's staff. May I offer you wine and perhaps-"
"Enough. Pleasantries stand in the way of business," Strategos cut in impatiently, "Now, where is King Ptolemy?"
"He- is at Pelusium, Emperor, readying for a surprise attack by Sitiah." The man blinked frowning. He was young, no more than twenty-two. He looked slightly panicked by Strategos' sudden question. Strategos sighed visibly unhappy with the news.
He murmured to himself, "He's protecting his borders against his sister… He must really fear her return."
"No, Strategos," The man exclaimed his eyes wide, "Forgive me, but Pharaoh fears nothing. But he must defend his kingdom from his sister's greedy plots. Sitiah is as vicious as a desert scorpion. She has already proven herself to be power hungry. When she was here, she signed official documents without her brother's approval. And she had her name and portrait printed on coins, once again excluding Pharaoh. Being only a co-regent and a woman she is not allowed to make such moves without Pharaoh's consent. She is certainly a child of Set." Folken slowly smiled in amusement.
"And you believe her to be an unworthy ruler?" He questioned his eyebrows winging upward.
Thaddeus looked uncertain for a moment his gaze shifting nervously from the thrown to Strategos, "Well- yes. I suppose I do."
"And would that be because she's a woman or because she's incompetent?" Merle glared at the man, standing beside Van. Thaddeus frowned haughtily looking at the girl.
"That's none of your business, servant." He huffed lifting his chin in a regal pose. Merle could feel a growl rising in her throat as lightning lit her eyes.
"Answer the question." Strategos ordered a secretive smile sliding into place as he watched the man carefully. Looking shocked, Thaddeus blinked several times looking at Folken's severe gaze. He looked from him to the Prince, who fixed him with disapproving frown, and back again.
Swallowing, with a weak shrug he responded, "I-I think- a woman should- know her place- and let men take care of matters of- state." He gave an astute nod, refusing to back down. Van put a hand on Merle's tense shoulder, keeping her from springing at the man.
Strategos only smirked, "No matter what your opinion, I want Ptolemy sent for, and his sister found. I will settle this matter between the two, and decide whether Egypt needs a monarch or merely a Fanelian governor. Now at least be helpful and tell me where Pompey is." All those above him have manipulated this man. He is a sheep, following the flock. Folken thought coldly.
Again Thaddeus' face fell and his eyes became round with disbelief, "Pompey? I-do- not know. Perhaps he is with Ptolemy. But my Lord Strategos, surely Egypt does not need a supervisor- her officials-"
Irritated by now Folken boomed, "The officials squabble like children, and forget their place! Do as I say and send for Ptolemy! Tell him Strategos demands his presence. And get me tables and chairs. Wine as well, and hurry." This time Thaddeus paled with fear.
"As you wish, Great Strategos." He bowed hurriedly and scuttled out, his back bent and his eyes on the floor the whole time. Not until he had disappeared behind a pillar did he take a deep breath trying to calm his sudden anxiety. His hand to his chest; quaking with alarm, he swiftly moved down the passageway his mind flying.
Strategos must have plans to make Egypt one of his provinces! It'll be swamped with his own soldiers and officials. And we will have to pay more tribute than we do now! He will bankrupt Egypt… I will send a letter to Ptolemy telling him to come. But I must warn Pothinus as well. He glimpsed a servant in the corridor and snapped his fingers ordering, "Send a scribe to my office immediately. And bring me an Egyptian courier. Quickly!" The servant bowed and turned in the other direction. Thaddeus swallowed hard entering his office. Strategos must not have Egypt! The heavy doors shut behind him.
Author's Note:
Hello again. I hope you enjoyed that chapter. Let me know where you think the story is going, or just comment on one of the characters. Thank you so very much for the kind reviews, I love having the support to encourage me. It's a great feeling. Well last time I did leave out some of the details on historical factors so I'll bring you up to date on that, but first I'd like to point out the things I starred .
First: Isadora is a Greek name meaning 'gift of the moon', it has also been used as the name for a moon goddess.
Second: Setepenre is a fictional character that I put in. As far as I know there was no general by that name that Cleopatra appointed. Daemon (who I didn't star) also is a fictional character, for extra info Daemon is a Greek name for a man who's good w/ people, pleasant and easy going, but doesn't like manual labor, but is responsible.
As for Setepenre, that is an Egyptian name for a man who is diplomatic, refined and organized.
Third: Arsinoe is a nonfiction character (I'm not trying to name drop, I swear). Cleopatra did have a younger sister by that name. And she supposedly fled w/ her elder sister to Syria.
Fourth: Merle is older than she is in the Escaflowne series. I'm making her about fifteen so that she fits with things that happen later on.
Fifth: Thaddeus is a fictional character as well. His name is Greek and means 'courageous'.
Sixth: Pelusium was a real place where Ptolemy did have his army encamped. It was just east of where Cleopatra was said to flee to: Thebaid.
Seventh: Pothinus is a nonfiction character. He was a eunuch who helped conspire against Cleopatra and led Ptolemy to Pelusium. He was an official who was a part of the regency set over Cleopatra and Ptolemy when they were younger.
Historical Notes:
Cleopatra was the eldest of the remaining three children by the time she took the throne. Her mother is unknown (but for the sake of my story Sitiah's mother's identity will be revealed), though specialists in Egyptology do have theories. Cleopatra had two older sisters. One was Cleopatra the VI, who was thought to have died young, and the other was Berenice who tried to overthrow her father and was instead ordered by him to be beheaded.
King Ptolemy the XII was already in debt to Rome before he died owing tribute in grain and other riches that Alexandria supplied. After Cleopatra the VII was exiled Ptolemy the XIII ordered that no grain be exported, probably to insure that his elder sister did not have it for her troops and to be sure his people were fed through the time of famine. Somehow though, Cleopatra managed to survive.
Ptolemy was about twelve when he married Cleopatra who was about eighteen. Royal incest was something that had gone on in Egypt for quite awhile to insure that the bloodline was continued, and that the ruling family was kept in power. The Egyptian pharaohs were known to marry their sisters, daughters, cousins and mothers, all in the sake of keeping the power in the blood. When Alexander took over he made Alexandria Egypt's capitol. The Macedonian-Greeks that became rulers wished to keep Egypt the same and so carried on the tradition. They were very accepting of the culture, and were worshiped as gods just like the Egyptian rulers before them. They even kept the religion, though changing the names a bit. The names of the gods of Egypt that we often hear are actually the Greek translations. Like Hathor who I starred. In Egyptian she was known as Het-Hert, the goddess of love and beauty.
As for the religion of Egypt it was always changing! The principal gods changed names, and took on new identities as some of the minor gods were replaced and sometimes forgotten. Their mythology is one of the hardest things to learn when it comes to Egyptology because it seems with each dynasty names and duties of the gods changed. So you must cut me a little slack if I get confused.
One more thing, Bast is a cat deity, a woman with the head of a cat. What I've read about her is that she was often confused with the lion headed goddess, Sekhmet. I've also read that the portrayals of Bast as a black cat with a gold earring, are false, and cannot be traced back to Ancient Egyptian art. Bast was said to be the avenger of Ra (the sun form of Amun, the highest god) and protector of pharaoh. She was also said to be Ra's daughter. She wasn't associated with cats until 1000B.C., before then she was the Eye of Ra. There is another way to spell her name, but translated it still comes out the same. Some believe Bastet's second "t" is silent and is spelled that way because the priests wanted to be sure the "t" sound was pronounced.
Whoa! Did ya get all that? Man I feel like an encyclopedia typing all this knowledge from memory! Well be sure to review! I'll update as soon as I can.