Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne.
Author's Note: Steal yourself for a long chapter! Sorry!
The pounding at the doors was beginning to irritate her as she murmured the protective prayers in Egyptian. The priests around her chanted as well, burning the offerings their queen had brought with her in tribute to the goddess. Again the doors to the temple trembled as the soldiers once again pounded into it trying to break the thick wood beam that barred the entrance. Within the holy precinct the rattle of the sistrum and sound of lutes and horns along with the priestesses singing could not drown out the panic that the men outside were creating. Panic was the last thing Sitiah wanted to feel. Her teeth gripped her bottom lip at the thought of her beautiful city in the hold of uncertainty. And her stomach tightened as she remembered the white horse that had carried Strategos away. She glanced to her left trying to see her servant out of the corner of her eye.
Isadora seemed to be the only one, besides the high priest, that was undisturbed by the chaos. As always the Prophetess felt a kind of tranquility that only the incense and hymns could fill her with. As a devote priestess she had spent much of her time in such temples, learning the praises, ceremonies, and prayers that had been kept since the days of Egyptian kings. Her first memories of Egypt were of kind-hearted priestesses and sacred gods glowing gold in the light from the lamps. After all, it had been a priestess who had found her beneath the palm trees in the courtyard of Isis' temple. Asleep in a patch of moonlight, Isadora, at that time called by the name Hitomi, had woken to the sound of Lady Mitylene's soft giggle. From that moment onward, Hitomi was engulfed in the dazzling world of Greek- Egypt, where the atmosphere was far different from what she'd known.
Isadora smiled at the warm memory of welcoming Egypt into her heart. She'd been only six years of age when life had taken that unexpected turn for her, but still she found that she could not feel bitter towards the odd fate.
The reasons behind her calm manner were simple. She was confident that the war was coming to a close. And though she blushed at the knowledge, she was certain that the two men who had been the main focus of her prayers were alive. Of course she had prayed for Miles as well, she had promised him she would. And Sitiah had asked her to keep Strategos in mind as well, but… Another face had entered her mind when she asked Isis to protect the fighting men. It had seemed right though. It was right that she had petitioned the goddess on that man's behalf. Wasn't it proper that she had, being that he asked her to- well- sort of…
Flashback
Isadora watched the two from the shadows. There was a look of remorse on her face, regret and happiness mingled in her eyes. She could see through the brave front with which her queen used to smile at Strategos reassuringly. But the Prophetess could hear the uncertainties ringing in Sitiah's ears.
Strategos, you'll come back. You have to! I will lose everything if you do not! Please, Eset- mother of Egypt- do not let him lose! What will I do if he- dies- if he leaves me alone? Ptolemy will have me executed- all my men- he'll take them- and Isa- I know that little bastard! He'll make her a concubine to spite me! Oh gods, gods! I ache so much! Why does this war have to be?
Yes. The handmaiden could hear the doubts as clearly as she could feel her own heartbeat. If it had been her with so many insecurities she would have cried. But the queen had a warrior's will that would allow her only a sculpture's countenance.
"Stay where my guards can protect you. Ptolemy will try to send assassins. And in the chaos it's likely that one or more might be able to penetrate the palace' defenses. My men have orders to lay their lives on the line should that happen." Strategos was telling her quickly, his concentration already feeding on battle plans. He was watching the movements of his men in the intersecting hallway, his eyes steely and shrewd. Abruptly he took her upper arm in one hand dropping his gaze to her face, "Don't do anything foolish, Sitiah. I've left some of my best men in charge of your safety. I won't have them killed because you are being stubborn." His voice was stern, but both Isadora and her queen knew his words were spurned by concern as much as they were cold calculation. Sitiah looked back at him with the same seriousness and she narrowed her eyes.
"I will not die," She said surely, then went on in a low voice, "You're foolish to think I need so many of your men, when they can be of more use to you in the field. Ptolemy has no hope of killing me, with or without your unnecessary precautions." They stared at one another for a long time, their eyes devoid of any gentle emotion. It was as though they were threatening each other. Sitiah broke the silent showdown pushing up on her toes to crush her lips against his. Folken's hand tightened on her arm, as he took hold of the back of her head, pulling her hard against him. Their eyes closed, the passion was intense, heated. It seemed that they were arguing with one another as they kissed so fiercely. Isadora had never seen a man and woman seem to battle one another in a display of affection, she found herself staring wide eyed. When they're lips broke apart, both were breathing heavily. Again they glared at one another. Strategos let her go in an almost forceful way, and turned on his heel striding away from her.
"If you die because of your stupidity, Strategos, I'll curse you and have your body thrown to the crocodiles!" Sitiah called after him furiously. She was flushed with irritation, but her maid knew it was an act to keep her from hopeless pity. The woman's lips trembled so that she bit her bottom lip to control the shivers. She said nothing as she took a steadying breath and flew away toward her office. The Prince heading in the opposite direction stopped and started to bow.
Ignoring him she snarled, "Your brother is an idiot!" and swept passed him into the room, slamming the door behind her. Van looked bewildered as he slowly rose, but did not think on it for long spotting the queen's assistant. Isadora almost laughed, her smile pleased, until she noticed the young man's attention on her. Instantly Isadora's breath caught in her throat, and she began to look indecisive. He walked toward her and she barely had time to reverence him before he stopped in front of her.
"Lady Isadora, you should be in hiding." He stated emotionlessly. The sound of his stern tone puzzled her and she frowned.
So, you're still being like that huh? She thought. She raised her chin in a haughty way and responded, "I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be Prince Van."
He snorted with a little sneer. He took her wrist tugging her passed him, "I doubt that. Go to your queen." Shocked she gasped, unsure what to do.
Then scowling she snatched her arm away and rounded on him in exasperation, "What gives you the right to speak to me like that? Why are you so- so- rude now?" Van only looked away from her, feeling his patience running thin, and a trickle of shame hit his heart like a drop of hard rain. He knew that he was being uncharacteristically discourteous towards her, but it was the only way he knew to be toward a girl who confused him. He inwardly slapped himself for losing track of his initial plan.
He brought his eyes to her face and said, "Never mind. Get going."
Isadora shook her head and snapped, "No! Why should I?"
Van growled his hands forming fists at his sides, "Are all women this dense?"
Her eyes flashed with green lightning as she strained to keep from slapping him. She hissed in annoyance and said acidly, "You're an ass. Why is that?" He blinked, struck dumb by her question. Swallowing he frowned in a vulnerable way, that reminded her of Ptolemy when he was genuinely sad. It wasn't a sorrowful look, more of a cheerless pout.
Before he could answer her a messenger darted toward them crying, "Lord Prince!" He stopped several feet away panting, "They're rushing the eastern gate! The emperor's ordered you to take your forces to meet the enemy there." Van nodded, his face losing all trace of the depressed child. Isadora made a soft sound of distress that caused worry to turn him to her. Without hesitation he took her arm gently, the way Folken had done to Sitiah.
Isadora sucked in a wavering breath, "Oh-"
But the prince silenced her with one kind look, "Go to your queen. Stay safe with her. Please." It was sincere. The anxiety in the red-brown pools made her certain of that. Isadora's own eyes held her fear for him, and she was unnerved by the realization that she had glimpsed this moment. Dreams were coming to reality again and she opened her mouth to say something, but could find nothing to express.
"Stay safe, Lady Isadora." He breathed, slowly stepping backward away from her. She found tears in her eyes as she nodded numbly. He unwillingly tore his gaze away and turned determinedly. As he headed away the handmaiden could feel the alarm clenching her throat.
Suddenly she cried out, "I'll pray for you Van!" He didn't look back, and she earnestly hoped he had heard her. She pursed her lips tightly swallowing the tears as he vanished from sight. Be safe, Van. Isadora turned and took the same path her lady had into the chamber, guarded by Strategos' own men.
End of Flashback
At once Isadora found herself very much startled, and her eyes opened with a clear alarm resting within them. The pounding had stopped, and like her, others around her picked up on this vital sign and had halted in their prayers. The entire temple was still; the only sound the intake of hurried breaths from the worshippers.
"The Emperor has come!" The cry went out followed by the clang of a golden censer as it fell to the marble floor.
"Open the doors!" Sitiah gasped, stepping over the spill of incense at her feet and striding toward the end of the long hall to the entrance. Isadora turned to watch as the priests at the doors frantically pulled at the wooden bar. A murmur of excitement went through the room. Letting a shaking breath escape her lips Isadora went after her queen. She felt an odd sense of apprehension nipping at her, as she thought of the emperor and his brother safe within the palace walls. The beam had been removed from the doors, which were being pushed open steadily, wafting cool evening air into the sanctuary.
As though blown in with the breeze Strategos stepped in, trailed by several of his officers who could barely keep up with his great pace. Marked by blood, with dirt smudged upon his face, he looked like a war god, alluring and dangerous in his battle stained clothes. His injuries are few. Isadora assessed quickly scanning him with the trained eye of a healer. But they're deep. But he looks well enough, though obviously weary. She watched as he stopped a few steps before Sitiah who stood staring at him with an inscrutable expression. For the second time everything went still as Emperor and Queen faced one another.
Gracefully bowing with all his royal dignity Folken intoned, "Your highness, Queen Sitiah." The woman said nothing only inclining her head for him to continue. "Your brother is dead, his army has surrendered… Egypt is yours." He studied her face carefully, his voice betraying only a hint of pride, meant for only Sitiah to hear.
Slowly the queen smiled, a polite curl of the lips hiding her true emotion behind courtly manners, "We are quite pleased with Strategos' success, a masterful victory." It was all very formal, simple really, though the whole building seemed to let out a silent sigh of relief along with a stirring of cheer.
"Praise Isis, the mother goddess for the victory!" One of the brotherhood exclaimed. His shout of triumph was taken up so that the room erupted into similar thanksgivings and refreshed laughter. Isadora smiled widely looking about at the joyous mingling of priests and priestesses, and groups of eased soldiers. For a moment a pang of sadness shot through her as she realized that though Fanelians and Egyptians had fought for a similar cause, they did not feel the need to mingle in their happiness. There was also a moment of pity for Ptolemy mixed with the unrest. However, the thought drifted away at the sound of Folken's voice.
"Come, all must join in the palace! Our day has been full, but it is not over." He raised his voice above the celebration. The crowd became more subdued as the mass was reminded of their duty. Sitiah walked to Folken and took his arm turning with him to the door. The path cleared and all became ordered as men and women fell in behind the two mindful of their stations. Isadora allowed herself to be lost in the flock of priestesses. It mattered little to her that her place was nearer to the queen, though she doubted Sitiah would notice her absence. She was swept along; calmed by the announcement, and hopeful that she would soon see the handsome features of a familiar face.
Alexandria had been won, but Strategos would not allow that knowledge to sink in. There were still several things that needed to be done to secure the city and keep his men from being lulled into a false security. Reconstruction had to be done where it could for the night to ensure that the citizens had shelter. The fires that had sprouted had to be brought under control and doused, while all damages were taken stock of. Scribes were sent out to record the number of civilians and soldiers dead and injured in the struggle. There were also men to tally the number of enemy troops dead and captured. The temples filled with battle worn soldiers, and priests and priestesses jumped into action to do what they could. Much work was required to be able to put the memory of the fight behind, and Strategos as well as the queen were quick to remind all of that.
Not until an hour or so before the sun was to rise again were all orders finally given. Strategos had dismissed the last messenger for the day. He stood in the throne room suddenly looking much older than he truly was, the lamp light casting shadows on his tired face. Sitiah too was in need of rest, but she wore it much better than the general. Her features still looked fresh and soft as she sat silently in the chair in front of the table. Folken leaned heavily on the wood at the head of the table, hanging his head as he shook it slowly.
"Too much blood spilled today." He said quietly, his voice surprisingly unhindered by the weight of sleep. He seemed to be merely stating a fact, though Sitiah caught the almost nonexistent hint of regret.
She got to her feet with her usual grace and went to stand by him, "Come." She placed her hand upon his shouldered coaxing gently, "Let me take you to our chamber." He seemed to consider this for a moment his eyes fixed upon the polished wood between his hands with no real interest. He did not miss the comment about it being their chamber, but was too tired to tease her about a lesson in sharing. Finally he nodded in silent surrender, allowing her to slip her arm around his back to place her other hand on his shoulder. Her hands had to slip down, one to his arm and the other to his back as he stood at his full height. Sluggishly she began to walk him toward the doors where the only other two people in the room stood. Halfway there, Strategos stopped in his tracks swaying on his feet. Alarmed, Sitiah gripped his arm more tightly and turned to face him. Just as she looked into his eyes to see how very unfocused they were, he fell forward onto his knees bringing her to the floor along with him. He was much bigger than her, but still she managed to catch him in her arms as he dipped forward. She eased him down, shifting herself so that she could cradle him, part of his back against her thighs and his head in her arms. The guards at the double doors rushed forward to aid her, but her head went up and she stopped them a step away with one look.
"Go fetch my handmaiden, she should be among the priests in the left wing's courtyard. Tell her to bring her herbs and to find Olympus as well." She commanded in a measured voice. One of the soldiers, a young man with light green eyes, nodded staring in astonishment at the emperor's pale face. He looked frightened, and she pitied him for he seemed to be no older than her own handmaiden. She sobered quickly and snapped, "Did you not hear me? Go! And say nothing to anyone about this!" His eyes flitted to her face, and he swallowed nodding numbly. After looking back at his emperor once more he turned and ran to follow her instructions. The other guard had gone down on one knee in front of the two, earnestly looking between her and Strategos. "You must go to Strategos' own physician and bring him here immediately." Sitiah said, looking into the man's eyes, trying to impress the seriousness of situation. He was obviously more seasoned than the other guard for he gave a quick nod and was on his feet without hesitation.
Alone with him, Sitiah looked worriedly down at the still figure in her arms. For the first time she conceded to cry. She wept, her tears falling on the man's face as her body shook with the violence of her sorrow. She cried not only for fear of his eminent death, but also for her treasured Alexandria that had been torn apart by a family dispute, leaving the place racked with terrifying memories.
"Please, please Strategos do not leave me," She begged in a breathy whisper, then leaned down to press a kiss on his cheek, "I need you still." All through the agonizing hours of waiting out the battle, Sitiah had refused to become frantic over Folken. She fought against every doubt that surfaced in her mind. And it had been truly hard for her to watch him mount his silver horse, and take the lead of his army. Knowing how sorely outnumbered they were caused a tight knot to twist in her stomach becoming almost unbearable at times when she had no news of the statistics. Now she let all her terror spill out as she hugged him tightly to her chest pleading with him to stay with her.
Historical Note:
Caesar did win Alexandria, though the odds were set against him, but then again we are talking about a great military tactician. He set his own ships on fire, and some of those captured in the port that were part of Alexandria's fleet, and sailed them into the enemies ship formation. He did this for one: To be sure that the enemy couldn't take control of any more ships and two: To set fire to the enemy ships. One of the turning points in the battle for both sides was when Caesar captured the lighthouse on the Pharos. The lighthouse by the way was one of the ancient wonders of the world set on a small island off Alexandria's coast. It was a great accomplishment at the time and could be seen from 30 miles out to sea. Oh, and just so you know, pharaoh is actually a Greek term for what Egyptians called there ruler which is (blank, darn it I forgot!- I'll get back to ya on that one).
Also, it's been discovered that Julius Caesar was indeed plagued by a rare disease. In his time it was termed as "the falling sickness". I'm not perfectly clear on the precise disorder, so if anyone does happen to know, do me a favor and fill me in! And if not, have no fear, I'll see what I can find and cue ya'll in a chapter or so.
Author's Note:
A bit of a long ch. there for ya. Sorry about the tedium! Okay, so I'll try to update soon!