Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne.
Daemon was glad to be home. And though he had to push his way through the crowded marketplace, his body crushed in the throng, and sweaty in the Arab garb, he felt relief flood him. It was odd to have missed the hundreds of different smells assaulting his nose, and even more odd to have longed to hear the familiar sound of merchants and buyers all chattering away in the many diverse languages of the city. The white washed walls and the dust of the streets were a welcomed sight for one that had been removed for so long. Most knew it as the most glorious and cultured city in all of Gaea, but to Daemon it was only home.
When he had finally broken free of the rabble, and directed his way through the confusion of streets, his stomach began to tense. He swallowed hard as he passed Fanelian guards into the outer palace courtyard. He pretended not to notice as they narrowed their eyes and murmured lowly watching the little caravan make its way to the steps.
"Keep on, Daemon. We'll make it past." Setepenre encouraged him in quiet Egyptian that the guards could not pick up.
Daemon only nodded. I hope you're right, Commander. They passed through another courtyard deeper within the palace walls. A man wearing the uniform of an Austurian officer frowned looking in their direction. He was tall with hair like gold that fell to his waist. He was speaking to two men in Fanelian uniforms when he noticed the odd group walking toward the main entrance.
"You there! Hold on!" He called turning towards them.
Daemon felt his body freeze in panic, immediately wishing he had not stopped and simply feigned ignorance.
"Daemon, use that glib tongue of yours. We've got to get into the palace. She may not last much longer!" Setepenre hissed halting behind him as the Asturian officer, and the two guards stopped a few steps away. The general curbed his anger and dropped his eyes to the floor like any common man would. He thought of the load on his shoulder and for the first time in years found himself praying to the gods. Please, let me deliver her unharmed. She is that last hope in restoring The Two Lands…
She could not believe what was going on. Was she in the hall of judgment before Anubis? Was this death for a queen?
She had felt the solidity of the floor and the binds being tugged on and cut away. But her eyes remained closed as she was revealed, the carpet having been unfurled upon the cool marble. The light was distinct as it fell on her face gently warm and harsh at the same time to her eyes. She lay against the rug just breathing softly. The gasp had erupted in the room and she knew that she lay at the feet of destiny, destiny that she would only know by the words of Strategos. Her stomach rebelled because of its shabby treatment, but she stubbornly struggled for complete focus. The black lashes fluttered open, leaving her to squint at the sun's brightness in the room. Slowly her eyes focused and she could see the tall figure standing above her. Her heart skipped a beat. Strategos.
Eyes a light brown with flecks of gold stared up at him. He was as astonished as the rest of his men who could not look away from the young woman lying on the rug. Black waves pillowed her head and spilled to her shoulders. The white satin that graced her was tucked tightly to her body, flowing over the sensual lines of her breasts, hips, and thighs. Folken had to take a deep breath before he could un-cloud his mind of the many questions he wanted to ask, and the thoughts causing chaos behind his eyes. Once he had the right frame of mind he glanced to his right. Van stood there, his jaw dropped slightly, and his eyes wide with shock. Strategos smirked at the expression. Nothing had ever rendered his brother so speechless before.
Finally Strategos spoke, his mind as sharp as ever, "Sitiah." She lifted herself slightly on to her elbows. Her confidence in complete check after her awe had worn off a bit.
She gave him a small smile returning quietly, "Strategos." The voice struck a chord somewhere in him, and a wave of pleasure rippled up his spine. He could feel himself swoon a moment, fully aware of the beauty he beheld. The voice was sweet, a woman's warm tone sending rippling notes of music about the chamber. No one would ever make an impression upon him the way she had. But he knew his manners quite well, and etiquette was something no man of court could survive without.
Squatting down he offered his hand, his eyes blazing into hers, "Princess Sitiah." She paused looking at his hand, calculating silently, and then slipping her hand into his. So strong… His other arm went around her to catch her elbow as she stood with him. Sitiah forced back the nausea that instantly rose in her and managed to stay standing.
"Queen Sitiah," She corrected him, a smile playing on her lips. He smirked with a little huff that flared his nostrils. He carefully brought his hand from her elbow still holding to her hand with the other.
"So they tell me." He responded with a tiny nod.
"Not a surprise, knowing how men talk." She raised a slim eyebrow.
"Yes," He said then slowly let her hand fall to her side. He turned from her to pace a few steps away. He looked back at her solemnly, remembering his duty as emperor. "They also tell me you're a ruthless and deceitful woman who would do anything to gain power." He watched her carefully, but she betrayed no sign of anger at his words. She looked down a moment shaking her head sadly. When she looked back up her eyes had hardened and she was the mysterious queen of the desert once again.
"Please, say no more of the court's petty talk. I know what my enemies say… Don't assume anything about me. I am my own person. I'm not a puppet." She said coolly. Strategos felt a hint of surprise at her audacity, and had in mind to reprimand her for such brazen boldness. But he could see that she was weary, barely able to stand where she was. He could see the tremble of her limbs. He realized that it must've taken much effort to stay so stiff within a carpet. And with the heat, he wondered how she had truly survived. He decided it best to think of such things later. The most important thing was that she had arrived and in a very unusual way nonetheless.
"Please, forgive me. You must be in need of refreshment and attendance. We can speak later of why you've come. As for now-" He gave a careless wave at the men of her entourage.
"You will excuse me, Strategos, but I must ask you for a favor," Sitiah broke in hurriedly.
Folken gave a nod urging her to go on.
"I'm sure you're aware that my brother has in mind to kill me. His men are everywhere. You see the danger in me being here within my own palace. I'm afraid I must ask you for a few of your own men to protect me while I ready myself." She said. His eyes darted to Van, then to Allen considering her petition gravely. He knew that he could not allow her to be murdered.
"Of course. Two of my men shall accompany you to keep you from any danger there may be." He finally answered singling out two guards with a quick gesture. The two men stepped forward, bowed to her, and then went to stand on either side of her. She studied one than the other out of the corner of her eyes. She nodded in approval, but hesitated with an uncertain frown.
"My men, Lord Strategos. Will you be sure they are well hidden in the barracks?" She asked looking back at Daemon, her general, and the two others that had accompanied them. Setepenre looked ready to protest but she quickly sent him a glance that pleaded with him to stay silent.
"Yes, they will be taken care of as well, my lady." He assured her. She smiled at the man.
"Thank you…Strategos." She smiled, bowing her head. So… you are Strategos.
The water was a divine shelter that smoothed away the dirt and sand, clothing her in its cool silky depths. The queen sighed with obvious pleasure laying her head back against the tile of the floor. The sweat and grit came free easily from her worn body, for which she was immensely grateful. So close to death within the stifling carpet, she had slipped into a dark lull, allowing herself to forget the task at hand. Jolted awake by the awareness of the sounds of her city she had become fully in tune to the voices that spoke of the Strategos' presence in the palace. There were no languages she could not translate and soon she had discovered the unrest in the people. But now she was free of the confining rug, and she buried the memory of her horrid entrapment.
She lazily spread her arms in the water closing her eyes as a swooshing sound soothed her entire body. Her eyes fell shut. The darkness was perfect and silent, wrapping her into its security without thought. She wanted to fall into a deep slumber that would keep her from thinking of anything but the comfort of the bath. Relaxing away the tension in her upper arms she stretched lightly bringing her arms toward the middle and out again. If she sank to the bottom, no longer breathing, but embracing Osiris with welcomed relief… But she opened her eyes crushing the thought abruptly.
No, the queen in her would not allow her to give in so easily. She had chosen the road, and now had to take every step with grace and pride. Sitiah raised her head and moved away from the wall against her back. She tipped her head back allowing the water to seep into her scalp, drowning the dark hair. She stood straight, the water gliding down her hair and dripping back into the water. She sighed again swirling around in the water watching as it trickled through her fingers when she raised her hands, palms to the ceiling.
The voice of a soldier at the door startled her, "I beg your pardon, princess, but my commander has ordered me to ask if there is anything you need."
Sitiah smirked sarcastically. Yes, of course. Like my own ladies, and a good two hours to properly ready myself!
She finally called back, "Thank you soldier, no, I have everything I require."
"I shall let my commander know, Princess." The man replied before she heard his retreating footsteps echoing down the hall. She remained silent as she waited for any other voice, nibbling at her bottom lip. When she was sure that only two guards stood by the door she walked to the edge of the pool. She picked up a bottle of sweet-smelling liquid and poured some into one hand. As she worked it through her hair her thoughts strayed to the curious man that had invaded her palace.
He is handsome, and younger than I had thought. Such a man who has conquered as he has is normally full of wrinkles and dark shadows upon his face! He is not what I expected…Isadora was right when she said his eyes were secretive, though. He is a man in full control of his life, one that does not easily let others in. He will not easily be persuaded…I do not fear him, yet I felt such a shiver at the sight of him. His very presence is profound. Commanding, it seems. He draws attention, craves it I think. Strategos is a man of action, and mystery…so tall and assured. With such broad shoulders, and chest… I barely stand to his shoulder! And what attractiveness he has! His face is so… She shook herself smoothing her hair back. Her hands dropped from her head into the water as she frowned. "Strategos will not listen if I plead…" She whispered to herself. Worry built up behind her eyes, and her heart tightened with a fearful shudder. How will he see that I am the true ruler of Egypt?
The silence did not depart with the impetuous princess, but lingered in the hall as they all recovered from the shock. No one had expected her to pull a stunt such as that to bring herself before Strategos. Not one man in the hall could shake the memory of her burning eyes.
"How-on earth-how do you think she managed to stay alive in that thing?" Gaddes broke the quiet.
"She must have been protected by some sort of spell!" One of the soldiers exclaimed. There was a murmur of agreement from some others.
"What do you think, Allen?" Folken's question brought the men to silence again.
Allen shrugged casually with a calm smile, "She's very tenacious, Highness."
"That's for sure," Merle snorted, "I've never met a woman with enough guts to try and argue with Strategos about her title!"
"Not even a man for that matter." Gaddes agreed nodding.
"And you, Van, my brother, what do you think of the Egyptian princess?" Strategos focused on Van with a curious smile, his eyes narrowed slightly.
"She is… very- well-" He searched for the words.
"Beautiful, is the word, Lord Van." Merle put in with a smug nod. She knew him much too well.
"Not just that," He frowned shooting her a glance, "But she is just-"
"Startling… It's something in her eyes. She's definitely a cunning one, sir." Gaddes crossed his arms in finality.
"Well if I could finish a sentence I could tell you exactly what I think of her!" Van snapped glaring at one then the other.
"Go ahead." Merle looked away casually.
Van sulked frowning bitterly, "Well damned if I can remember what I was going to say now."
His brother gave a light chuckle and dismissed the group with a wave of his hand, "I'll consult with my brother for now. Tend to the soldiers arrangements. And Merle, kindly see to the princess."
"You mean the queen." The girl teased before she darted out among the others who bowed and showed themselves out.
Strategos only shook his head at the comment and waited for the last men to file out. Alone with his brother, he studied the young man who had pulled up a chair and was frowning down at a map. He walked over to stand by the table, saying nothing as he too looked upon the map. After a few long moments of silence he asked, "What do you think of Alexandria, Brother?"
"It has only been two days," Van shrugged, then leaned back a bit to capture Folken's gaze with his own. He pursed his lips trying to read the man's expression. Strategos' face remained calm, open almost, though there were no emotions to be found. Finally he let his eyes scan the chamber around him. His eyes resting on the throne he finally spoke his mind, "Things are going to be more difficult than you thought, Strategos. You didn't foresee that this situation would become more tricky to handle…Will you allow her an audience before her brother arrives tomorrow?"
Strategos smiled lightly at the way Van had so tactlessly brought up their unexpected guest. He sighed heavily letting his eyes drop to the marble floor. Ribbons of black onyx and russet swirled in each tile that was glossed to a high sheen. His gaze rose to the throne somberly contemplating the look in the woman's startlingly beautiful eyes.
She is very confident. She truly believes in whatever claim she has to the throne… Sitiah…Who are you truly? You are different than your father. More determined, I think. In your eyes is a great fire, which I saw in Auletes eyes several times, but in yours they are deeper blazes. What is it you really want, Princess? Queen…
Historical Note:
As far as any historian knows, Cleopatra was truly delivered in a carpet to Julius Caesar. It is a story that has been told over and over again, in all kinds of descriptions. I tried to keep my explanation simple because of the fact that it has been written about so many times.
Anubis is Greek for the Egyptian god Anpu, the god of embalming and guide of the dead. He is the jackal headed god that would weigh a man's heart against the feather of Ma'at in a golden scale. If the heart were heavier than the feather, it would be fed to the Eater of Souls and denied a glorious eternity. However if the heart weighed evenly with the feather, a man could pass into the arms of Osiris, king of the dead. And begin an afterlife of bliss.
Osiris, called Wasir in Egyptian, was the great king of all gods. As the story goes his brother Set, or Setesh, murdered him and scattered his body parts all over the Egyptian empire. Isis (Eset), his sister-wife, was devoted to him and in morning gathered all of him together, except for one part, his phallus. Finally though after a long search she found it and was able to complete her husband's body. Taking the guise of a hawk-or eagle (I forget which), she hovered over the body, coupling at last with her brother-husband. Out of the union she gave birth to a son, Horus. Horus, Heru, became the hawk headed god of the skies, and the new symbol of kingship in Egypt, while his father became Lord of the Underworld. There are several versions, for others I suggest checking out a book on Egyptian Mythology.
The confusing thing is that Osiris, though dead, was still the king of the gods. Once however, Amun had been king over all, but instead was replaced by Wasir. Amun-Ra was the mightiest god in Egypt, but was the sun representation of Amun. Craziness, I know. Ra was the sun, and also the great god.
Author's Note:
Ya know, I don't think I'll confuse you anymore w/ the older gods. Just know that in this fiction, all gods mentioned here will be a part of Sitiah's faith.
Well, I hope you've enjoyed this chapter, and will enjoy the next.