Chapter Two
"Things are going to be alright now." Pharaoh Atemu told Sagira quietly,as he set her down in a comfortable bed. "Mahadou,send for Senora. I need her to take measurments for Sagira's clothing."
"Yes,my pharaoh." Mahadou left the room,in search of the woman.
The Pharaoh studied Sagira silently. She had the same features as......No! I won't even let that thought enter my mind! Besides, he can barely take care of himself. But yet, the girl, who was asleep now, was calling for the thief Bakare in her sleep. Pharaoh Atemu covered her up, not responding to her slumbering pleas. He stood up, and left the room. Mahadou was just returned with Senora. "When Princess Sagira awakens,I need you to take measurements so that we might get more fitting clothing for her."
"Yes,my Pharaoh." Senora seemed like she wanted to question the king though. "I-is it true? She came from the streets?"
"That is not your concern." The Pharaoh replied coldly. "Mahadou, you will stand watch over her until she awakens."
"Yes,Pharaoh." Mahadou slipped into Sagira's room stealthily. The pharaoh returned to his throne room.
"How are we going to get inside the palace gates,Bakare? You know it's heavily guarded." Beni was studying his best friend,and king silently. "I mean, even if I was to slit a few throats, we'd still have more trouble."
"You forget whom you're talking to." Bakare snorted. "I'm the master at sneaking in. I was even better than my own late father." He looked around. "Where's your sister? I told her to be back in an hour."
"I..I'm not sure,Bakare. I'll go find out." Beni left the thief king's hut quickly. Bakare was furious, and Beni knew to save his pleas for another occassion. "I hope we can get Sagira back without much trouble. Or no one is going to have any peace." He found Sultana sitting beside their hut. "Sultana!" He ran to her. "The king is awaiting your return!"
"I got distracted. I'm so sorry." Sultana stood up,and they both ran back to Bakare's hut. The found him gone.
"Damn him! He must've went alone to the Pharaoh's palace. Come on,Sultana. We have to go be back up." Beni sighed in aggrivation. He loved Bakare like a brother. He and the king had grown up together, and had even done a blood ritual to cement their devotion to each other. But now.....Bakare was acting solely on anger,and that alone. All rational thought was gone. Beni shook his head. "Rash,Bakare,too rash." He and Sultana left the village then, and headed to the palace gates.
"Brother........" Sagira blinked in disorientation. She was confused by the fluffy pillows, and the silk clothing she was wearing. "Bakare?"
"Bakare is not here,Princess." Mahadou approached Sagira slowly,not wanting seem like a threat. "I am Mahadou,Chief advisor to Pharaoh Atemu."
"Pharaoh?" She blinked, then remembered. "Oh!" She looked up at the priest. "Where is he?"
"The pharaoh is attending to business of the kingdom right now. I have been charged with your care for the time being. Can I get you anything?"
Sagira thought for a long moment. "I'm a little hungry....." A little,her young mind thought,I'm starving!
"Of course. You must be so hungry." Mahadou picked her up now, holding her gently. In that instant, he knew there was going to be a special bond between them that no one would break. He carried her out of the room, and down a long corridor, towards the dining hall. That's when the commotion began.
"Get that child back into her room, right now!" A guard called out. "There is a thief trying to get into the palace."
"A thief?" Mahadou blinked, looking down at Sagira. Could it be her brother was trying to get back to her? "I'll have food brought to your room." He took her to her room,and began back to the guards to help stop Bakare from getting in.
"You fools! I'm only here to get back what that pharaoh took from me!" Bakare yelled up at them from the ground. He threw another grappling hook. "My sister."
"Your sister is in a better place. Why do you wish her to live in a place like that with you?" Mahadou demanded.
"Because she is my sister, you imbicile!" Bakare retorted,cursing as his hook was thrown back down to him.
"Bakare!" Beni appeared up on top,as the guards fell back. "Come on up! This priest won't do anything unless he wants to die." He had Mahadou at dagger point.
"Perfect timing,as always,my friend." Bakare scaled the wall, and landed on top of the balcony. "Now to find out where they're keeping my sister."
"Y-you won't get away with this!" Mahadou gasped out with narrowed eyes.
"We'll see. Tell us where she is, and I might spare your life." Beni poked him with the dagger point.
"Never!" Mahadou suddenly blasted an energy spell from his palm. Before either of the thieves could stop him, he was gone,wanting to move Sagira to safety.
"Damn it to Seth!" Beni groaned in pain. "Bakare, can you make it without me?"
"Yes. I'll return for you." Bakare made his way silently down the corridor, praying for his friend's safety,as well as his own.