Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne.
Note: Final chapter is quite long.
Her prayers fell silent, a chill zipping up her spine, so cold that it gave her pause. The feeling crept into her belly. Was it the child stirring? No. For that moment ritual was forgotten, even the Mother Goddess was brushed aside in her thoughts. Sitiah took a breath, and continued the invocation, her eyes refocusing on the lapis lazuli figure of Isis. But the winds were changing, the desert dunes shifting, and she was not the only one to feel it in that instance.
"Damn! I felt it again! What the hell is that, Chesta?" Dilandau demanded reaching out toward the soldier. He had paused on his way down the steps of the Senate. His guards around him paused as well, watching him anxiously. Chesta rushed to his right side to take his arm.
"I'm here, General," He eagerly watched the side of his commander's face.
"Tell me what the hell I'm feeling. Tell me why I should feel so threatened." The General closed his eyes, speaking through gritted teeth, allowing his officer to steady him. Chesta knew what he spoke off, he had felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise at the same moment, but he was wary of voicing his thoughts. He licked his dry lips and cast an uncertain glance at the men over his shoulder. To his relief, before he could give a hesitant reply, the sound of horsemen approaching disrupted the normal bustle of the Forum. Screams of the merchants and buyers mingled with the shouts of the men bellowing to make way, along with the slap of hooves on the cobbles. Both Chesta and his commander looked up to see a group of familiar soldiers arrive before the steps on horseback. The lead horses had barely halted before their riders jumped from their backs and began to dash up the steps toward the general and his men. The obvious leader stopped and went to one knee before Dilandau, saluting the general with a fist to his heart.
"My lord, another province has been raided by Pharnaces." The man got to his feet, taking a moment to catch his breath and study Dilandau's reaction.
The shrewd magenta eyes narrowed, but the General said nothing.
A young officer mistaking Dilandau's reaction offered hopefully, "But do not worry. It is doubtless that Strategos has been contacted by now. He will come and avenge Fanelia."
Dilandau paled, his fury so white-hot that he could not utter a word, but growled low in his throat. But if there was one thing politics had taught him it was to mask his personal feelings toward men of power. He smiled, but to the soldier who had spoken it seemed more like a wolf baring its fangs.
"Yes, I have no doubt that Strategos will bring Pharnaces under his heel. I shall send him my own reinforcements for the coming battle." His eyes gleamed, which to the soldiers who did not know him seemed like the light of determination, but to his own men it meant he had his own agenda.
"Sir," The commanding officer smiled, "I have no doubt that both forces together will crush any resistance."
From behind the General's group a man called to them, "Lord Dilandau, a meeting of the Senate has been called to discuss the news. We request your presence."
Dilandau turned back to nod in agreement, "Of course." There was no rest for the wicked after all. And he need not worry about Strategos for now. The closer he was the easier it would be to get rid of him.
It was hard to catch a glimpse of Strategos in the activity on the deck of Sitiah's barge. As Sitiah and her entourage boarded they were nearly swept aside by the men hurrying to and fro with luggage and supplies.
The disregarded queen frowned, her heart beginning to race with anxiety. "What is going on? What are you doing?" She demanded as a dirt- smudged soldier passed her a crate in his arms. But the man merely grunted, shooting her a reproachful look. At first she was stunned, surprised by the amount of hatred she'd seen in his eyes, but that wore away and was soon replaced by anger. A part of her longed to follow him until he turned to face her… But she had grown up in the last few months; she was still as willful as ever, but not so prone to impulsive acts of fury. She quelled her indignation, balling her fists at her sides and once more began to scan the deck for Strategos. As always he seemed to be in the middle of the confusion, the center of whatever was going on. He stood at a table, his most capable officers around him as he mapped his battle plans. She could see it in his face as he spoke to them; something very vital was happening, and she was certain she would not like it. She steeled herself against the rising fear in her, and set him with a solemn stare.
After dismissing most of her retinue, she headed calmly towards Strategos. A path was cleared for her almost instantly, the servants and soldiers avoiding her gaze as she passed. She stopped in front of Strategos and the whole ship seemed to hold its breath as she stood there, awaiting an explanation.
"Sitiah," Strategos greeted her with a cursory glance and a nod of his head. She bristled as he continued in his conversation, blatantly ignoring her. But again she maintained her calm.
"I can see you are busy, Folken, so I shall keep this brief," She allowed herself the smallest sense of satisfaction at the slight insult she'd given, "As this is my vessel I believed I am owed an explanation as to what is going on." He paused in his speech, but did not raise his eyes to hers for some time; she felt as though it were she that was holding her breath. When he looked up at her his gaze was steady and he drew himself up, taking a soldier's stance. She swallowed hard as she recognized the uncompromising certainty of his pose.
He cleared his throat and spoke, "It has come to my attention that Pharnaces has been stirring trouble in the eastern-most Fanelian provinces. We are preparing to make a quick return to Alexandria and from there ready my fleet to depart." The silence was deafening as though everything were waiting in stillness for Sitiah to break the spell. Time passed slowly in the space between them making mere seconds seem like hours.
Finally Sitiah's words came, strong and unwavering, "Then I wish you luck…" She paused and then softly breathed out his name, "Strategos." She said no more. Her dark eyes said it all, speaking volumes of her fury, sadness, and fear. For a moment longer she stared at him, no one but him seeing the emotions behind her seemingly emotionless gaze. Sitiah turned and walked away, Olympus hurrying after. It was Isadora that remained.
In the temple, Isadora had felt the same foreboding feeling as Sitiah, and like her mistress was uncertain where it came from. Now she understood that tingling of premonition. She stood; her jaw dropped slightly, her green eyes wide.
"You can't- be serious…?" She spoke breathlessly. The officers about Strategos awkwardly evaded her gaze.
Upon Sitiah's retreat Strategos had dropped his hands to the table, his eyes falling to the map stretched before him. But now he looked up at her, his eyes weary as though facing Sitiah had taken all his strength. "I'm quite resolute about this, Isadora. Fanelia must come first."
Those words seemed to echo in her mind, setting off something within her that she had not known was there. "'Fanelia must come first'? That is all you have to say?" Isadora stared at him in indignant disbelief. Her anger rose to the surface and burst forth. "After all you have gone through with Sitiah you will abandon her- for your petty ambitions? For-for Fanelia? That is a weakling's excuse! You have plenty of legions- soldiers that are willing to fight in your name if you but ask! Why not send them, huh? Why is it, you must go?" She glared at Strategos scornfully. The shock was hard-hitting and it left the table in silence for several moments.
"Young Lady," An older officer spoke up sternly, "An Emperor cannot leave things such as this to a lesser man. Men will not follow a man who is not willing to take on a king for the sake of his kingdom."
"Ha!" Isadora cried mockingly, her voice rising as the surge of rage continued, "Another excuse! This isn't simply about righting wrongs or regaining pride- it's about continuing your greedy quest for domination! Taking Pharnaces is just one small task. And don't think that my queen does not know that! She knows as well as I that it will not stop with Pharnaces! After all, what has this all been leading to? Why- Parthia of course! Why stop at crushing the rebellion when you can go on to conquer the rest of the East?! Have you even thought of your child, Strategos?" Her eyes narrowed as she challenged the man across from her.
"Don't you think it is for my son that I do this, Isadora?" Strategos responded quietly, his eyes once more upon the map, surprisingly calm in the face of this changed Prophetess.
But Isadora shook her head slowly, the anger draining slightly from her face. She gave a soft chuckle, "And don't you think a son would rather have his father than a meaningless land across the sea?" Again silence pervaded. It was Van that dispelled it appearing from the other side of the barge.
"I've managed to find a list of our supplies in Alexandria," He was walking up behind his brother, his eyes focused on the scroll in his hand. When he stopped and looked up he was surprised to see Isadora standing before the table an indescribable expression on her face.
"Isadora?" He wondered, his hands falling to his sides, the parchment forgotten in his right hand.
Upon seeing him Isadora's eyes welled with tears. She stated softly, "And you too Van. You will forget all that Egypt has meant to you- all that Egypt has had to offer." Her voice finally wavered, finally gave sign of the ache that she was feeling. She turned away before he could reply, not wanting to hear what he might say. As she left the deck seemed to fill with noise again, life to move on. But Van stood there, unable to tear his gaze from the place she had abandoned, his heart slowly crumbling.
The days that passed as they made there way back to Alexandria seemed agonizingly slow to Strategos. No words passed between Sitiah and him, and though he longed to explain he could find no sufficient words; the silence remained, slowing the hours. But to Sitiah, each day seemed short, each night lying in bed next to him too brief. Their nights were cold, no longer warmed by Hathor's loving breath. When Strategos unconsciously reached for her in the night she pulled away, his touch too reminiscent of what she would soon lose. And he would wake, missing the smoothness of her skin, and the curve of her body curled up next to him.
For Isadora, as well as for Van, the nights were spent tossing and turning in anxious longing. During the day Isadora avoided him, remaining with her queen in the shadows of the cabin. Each day he tried to catch sight of her, tried to think of any excuse to seek her out, but each day found him with more duties, more meetings with which to discuss the coming battle.
In her heart Isadora knew Van was suffering as much as she, but she could not bring herself to face him and hear the words that would cause her even greater pain. She remained with Sitiah, trying her best to care for the mother-to-be and raise her spirits, despite her own depression.
"I sure will be sad to go," Merle sighed as she shouldered a knapsack.
"Yeah? Why is that?" Van asked softly, his voice sounding distracted as he sat in the windowsill of his chamber in the palace, plucking the petals from a Lotus. Merle stood still, frowning in thought for a moment.
She let the bag slide off her shoulder to the floor as she replied, "I'm not sure, really. At first I thought the place was really strange, so many temples to weird gods, and languages I can't understand. But- I guess it's grown on me. The temples are kind of soothing, and the people are all so different- it keeps things interesting." She grinned suddenly, "Besides, Sitiah is very interesting to watch. Now that she's pregnant her moods will be even more unpredictable."
Not even a smile from Van, who stared at the petal-less stem. Merle sighed watching as he finally discarded the stem and stared out the window embrasure into the sunlit courtyard.
"You know I think we're all going to miss it in our own way. But some have more reasons to regret leaving than others," She commented quietly, rubbing the silver ring on her finger.
"Merle…would you do me a favor?" He asked after a few moments.
"Of course," Merle looked up eagerly.
He hesitated for a few moments, and then turned his face to look at her, "Will you stay and look after Isadora?"
The traffic at the docks was slowing as most of Strategos supplies had been stowed and the troops assigned to their ships. Allen was overseeing the last of the placement of the supplies that Sitiah had generously given. The gift was generous enough that some of Sitiah's own ships were being sent with the fleet to carry all the extra supplies.
"That should be it, make sure the captains of the Egyptian vessels understand the formation we'll be sailing in," Allen clapped Gaddes on the shoulder.
"Not to worry, a scroll has already been sent with those orders," Gaddes nodded, his hands folded across his chest. Out of the corner of his eyes he noticed the girl, stepping out of the shadows behind them. He cleared his throat, "Well, I best go make sure those have been delivered and there are no misunderstandings." He nodded to Allen and started off toward the mass of ships at the docks.
Allen caught sight of the reason for Gaddes departure and smiled as she stepped to his side. "Everything should be ready to go for tomorrow. Have you packed?" Merle shook her head, her eyes on her feet. Allen frowned slowly, turning to face her side. He waited for her to speak, though he knew it was not good news that she bore.
"I am staying, Allen. I'll be Lady Isadora's maid." She said, still unable to look at him.
She listened as he took a wavering breath that spoke of his surprise. "But-" He started.
"Van is the one that asked me. But it was my decision. I like Alexandria- and Lady Isadora is really nice… Besides, I think I've seen enough battles. And Van wouldn't have asked unless it was important to him." She said quickly, turning to face him. Her eyes pleaded for understanding.
"I see," Allen replied with a nod, "As long as this is what you want." He looked her in the eyes to be certain that she was.
"It's what I want." She assured him solemnly. Several moments passed as they held each other's gaze, the breeze from the sea gentle against their bodies.
He smiled slowly and took her hand, "The best of luck to you then, Lady Merle." He bent to kiss the back of her hand and then placed a kiss on her cheek. With that he walked away, leaving the girl behind with a smile.
All day the anxiety in Isadora kept her busy, she would not stop to feel sorry for herself. The palace itself was in a state of anxiety also as it readied for Strategos departure, and the farewell banquet in his honor. Luckily with so much excitement there were a million things to keep her hard at work. As Sitiah was still in a stupor, most of the details of the banquet fell to her. By the time she went to Sitiah's chamber to help her dress, she was not sure she wanted to attend the festivities herself. But she knew if she did not put on a brave front for Sitiah, the queen would not attend the banquet either. After helping array the queen, Isadora surrendered herself to the expert hands of the other maids in order to prepare for the evening, which allowed her time to sit and think.
As the women fussed around her, picking out the perfect jewels to match her gown, and choosing the right cosmetics, she thought about what the coming day would mean. So much would change within that day, that it seemed a lifetime away. Would all go back to the way it used to be before Strategos had come? No, of course not. Now Sitiah had a country to rule- practically on her own (young Ptolemy was kept out of politics to avoid another civil war). Not only that, but there was the child to think of. It had all come to a close too quickly it seemed.
Suddenly she was thrown from the room against her will. She could see Sitiah, a child in her arms, outlined by golden light. And then trees surrounded her, trees so green they were like emeralds. But the scene changed again and she felt herself moving, rocking as the ship she stood on bobbed against the waves. Looking out from the deck of the ship she saw the sky was full of smoke, the sea choked with ships at battle.
She was thrust back into her body, cold and shivering. She coughed as she tried to get her breath, the maids clustered around her, watching her anxiously as they chattered. When she had gotten her breath she calmed considerably, though her skin still prickled with the energy of the premonition.
The feast was a great success, a glittering array of wealth ensconced with the spirit of cheer.
Strategos and Sitiah had entered together to the blast of horns and the sonorous voice of a priest calling out the praise of the gods on them, and praising them as gods themselves; her the Daughter of Isis, him the Son of Aphrodite. They sat next to one another on a raised dais at the end of the hall, looking as radiant as any true gods, Sitiah in her Egyptian dress and crown, and Strategos in his glorified battle attire. They both glittered with gold, and seemed to complement the other perfectly, as they smiled for the benefit of the crowd. But both were merely playing at being joyful, for when the night was over, the morning would bring their separation.
"I've been meaning to talk to you, Sitiah…" Folken chose his words carefully, the feast going on around them so that few were paying them any mind.
Sitiah took a sip of wine before she answered stiffly, "Of course, but you've been very busy. So busy it has even kept you from my bed at night."
Folken hesitated, glancing away from her a moment before turning back to reply softly, "I did not think I would be welcome."
She gave a humorless laugh, "Please, you are Strategos. Whether you were welcome or not did not matter. You do what you want after all."
He sighed wearily, making an unconscious sweeping gesture with his hand, "I do not wish to go, Sitiah. But I must. I cannot leave the mission to someone else without fearing my position would become unstable. As it is there are already rumors of unrest in Fanelia. The Senate is unhappy that I have not returned."
"Yes, of course, the Fanelian Senate…" She said coldly. And I suspect there are plenty of malicious rumors flying in your precious Senate about the eastern queen who is carrying the bastard child you care nothing for! She longed to snap at him, but held her tongue. Instead she asked icily, "And what of Egypt? How am I to keep her from flying into rebellion once you leave?"
"Sitiah, I would not leave you without sufficient guards. A contingent shall remain here to keep the peace-"
"You mean to make sure there is no question who truly holds Egypt!" She retorted, her cheeks flushing with the anger she had suppressed with silence.
"No," Folken said, his patience strained slightly, "I mean to keep the peace… And to protect you, and my child." He finished softly.
Sitiah felt her throat constrict, tears threatening to burst from her eyes, but she swallowed the rising emotion. "That's very thoughtful of you," She responded, her voice husky as she curbed the ever present need to cry.
He nodded and replied softly, "I would not do that for just anyone, Sitiah."
"I know." She answered, her voice barely more than a whisper. Suddenly she gasped as her stomach seemed to flinch. He turned his face to her to ask, but before he could she took his hand and placed it on her belly. He became very still as he felt the undeniably strong force within her.
Finally she turned her face to look at him with a smile, "Our son."
He swallowed hard and nodded. But even as the child fell quiet he took her hand, and did not release it for the rest of the banquet.
There was no need for her to remain in the hall. The entertainers had finished their acts, and the wine and food were still plentiful; no one needed her to supervise the rest of the night. She slipped away from the noise and heat of the hall to reflect in the East Garden. She had assumed that her exit had gone unnoticed, but she was wrong. A young man watched as she drank in the moonlight, trailing her fingers across the surface of the water in the reflection pool. She breathed deeply of the night air, listening to the distant voices of the guards and the murmur of the trees. She did not realize how radiant she looked in the powder blue gown, her hair done up so that sandy curls fell to her half-bare shoulders. The curve of her neck as she raised her face to the moon, was particularly enchanting, her skin so milky white. Van forced himself to look deeper than the spell that held him; there were things he needed to say.
He broke the silence between them with a thoughtful smile, "Do you recall dining with me in this very spot several months ago?" She turned at the sound of his voice, more surprised than startled.
She hesitated, staring at him with a mix of uncertainty and fear. I've avoided him for so long, I'm not sure what to say.
"I remember," She finally nodded.
"It was that day that you realized you were in love with her," The voice murmured. This time he did not question it. He walked toward her, a light in his eyes that she had not seen before; it was more than confidence, more than determination.
What is it? She wondered, her hands clasping one another nervously. As he walked a couple steps past her to sit on the marble edge of the fountain, she felt a faint flutter within her.
He did not look at her as he said, "We'll be leaving tomorrow."
"Yes, I know," Her throat was dry, the words almost sticking there. The stillness echoed, in the time it takes for one to take a deep breath, the night was perfectly silent, waiting.
"Hitomi, you must know… I don't wish to leave you," Van said, his voice steady, unwavering so that there was no doubt in her mind of the truth of his words.
"Van," The emotions she had kept at bay broke forth as she began to cry silently. Her hands clutched tightly together in front of her she dropped her chin to her chest as the tears flowed. He got to his feet in response to her need and wrapped his arms around her. There was no need to deny anything now, and she returned his embrace, pressing her face into his shoulder.
"Listen to me, Isadora," He said, swallowing his own grief as well as the immense relief he felt. "Be patient with me. I'll come back… But for now I must go. I'm leaving Merle with you to watch over you while I'm gone-"
At this she drew back enough to look up at him. She gasped, "You can't! She's been your companion for- forever! You can't ask her to stay!"
He smiled down at her, loving the way she stared at him stubbornly, "I already have. It's settled. Don't worry, Merle wanted to stay. She likes Alexandria, and she's perfectly happy to serve you. I promise." Isadora looked as though she was ready to protest again, but he silenced her, pressing his lips gently to hers. When he pulled back, he smiled tenderly at the expression of surprise on her face, "I love you, Isadora. I want to be sure you're looked after while I'm gone." Her face softened, her heart swelling at his confession. In that moment she knew that all his feelings were returned. He did not need to hear the words from her lips; the look on her face was enough to assure him. As they kissed one another in the light of the moon, beneath an Egyptian palm, their bond was strengthened and Hathor smiled. It was about time.
They were not the only two to feel the pull of goddess, to be bold in their love. Within the royal bedchamber Strategos found his kisses and caresses returned as fervently as they were given. And as they made love for the last time, Sitiah heard her lover murmur the words, "I love you."
All of Alexandria it seemed had come out to witness the Fanelian fleet's departure. But despite the throng of the crowd, the water steps of the palace were peaceful. Strategos would take a smaller vessel to his larger ship docked in the bay. This way his good-bye would be more subdued, more personal for him and those he was leaving behind.
"I bid you farewell, Strategos. May the gods' grant you victory in your endeavors. You will always be welcome in Alexandria. May the soles of your feet be firm." Young Ptolemy smiled.
"Thank you, your majesty. Your hospitality will be returned in full should you come to Fanelia," Folken bowed to the young man with a small smile. Ptolemy nodded and turned to walk away, his entourage in tow.
"I imagine you should have no trouble keeping him from taking an interest in Egypt's affairs," Strategos said after Ptolemy had disappeared.
Sitiah grunted softly with a smirk, dismissing the comment. The trouble will come when my- our- son is born. She thought darkly, but made no response. A sharp pang of loss strummed through her. I will be alone when I give birth to our child. Oh Strategos, how will I run things without your guidance? She forced away the thoughts of momentary self-pity and smiled, stepping forward to take his hands.
"I'm sure Pharnaces will be more trouble than Ptolemy," She teased, though there was sadness in her eyes. She frowned seriously, "You will be sure to update me on the situation, won't you? I want to hear everything."
Folken gave her a half smile and was about to insist that she would be bored with battle talk, but realized whom he was speaking to. Sitiah was no ordinary woman. He nodded, squeezing her hands, "Of course."
A few steps away out of anyone's range of hearing Van and Isadora stood side by side, hand in hand.
"I realize you'll be very busy, but would you still write when you have time, please?" She asked softly.
"Whenever I am not occupied with petty matters, I shall be thinking of you, and writing should I have the time. I promise, I'll write as much as possible," He assured.
"Thank you," She replied with a smile, watching as the last of the crew boarded the small barge. The captain called out that the tide was right for them to set out. Isadora squeezed tighter to his hand.
"Merle," Van called softly. Merle stepped up to his right side. "Take care of her." He looked over at his friend who met his gaze.
She nodded, "I will. You take care of yourself." Her voice was strong, but he could still hear the subtle strain to it.
"I will," He smiled. Her eyes misted slightly as she nodded. She returned to her place a few steps behind them. Van turned to stand in front of Isadora. She looked up at him, her eyes dry and bright as the sun slowly cresting on the horizon.
With his right hand he cupped her cheek tenderly, "Stay safe, Lady Isadora."
"Hitomi, my name is Hitomi… I'll pray for you daily, Van," She replied, staring him in the eyes. They kissed one another gently, and then embraced.
As he pulled away he whispered in her ear, "Be patient with me, my love…Hitomi." And then he was gone from her arms, walking away, his hand on his sword. He did not look back, and she was glad.
Strategos pulled away from their kiss to whisper fervently, "Do not do anything foolish, Sitiah."
As he kissed her again, she opened her eyes to study his face. When she drew back she insisted through gritted teeth, "Do not die, Strategos!" Again they locked lips passionately, their ardor as great as any of the times before. But the captain called out again. Strategos gazed at Sitiah one last time, imprinting her memory in his heart, and released her. He hurriedly boarded the boat and soon disappeared only to reappear with his back to her at the helm. The ropes were drawn in and the oars pushed out over the water. As the oars struck the water, Isadora went to stand at her queen's side. They linked arms, griping one another's hands for comfort.
"Who would've thought Fanelia would suddenly mean the world to us?" Sitiah murmured with a bitter smile. The oars were rising and dipping low into the water at an even pace, the barge slipping further and further away. The Queen of Egypt watched the vessel drift away with the knowledge that Strategos would never return to Egypt. But with no doubt she would see him again.
Fin