Chapter Four

Bakura was stalking around his village days later,cursing everything in sight. Yaminah had retreated for the time being, fearing staying too long would ensure her death. He was still determined to find a way to get back his sister. Beni's recovery had been tedious,and his friend was looking really bad. This must be punishment for all the crimes I've comitted in my life..........He scowled in irritation. Well,he knew one thing for certain. He needed Sagira by his side. The very thought of her prancing around in a silk dress made his blood boil. "She's forgotten her place in this world. It's not in a palace with the very same people who killed our parents!"

"Bakare.......don't be too hard on her." It was Beni, who'd woken up from another fitful sleep. "This life isn't meant for children, you know."

Bakare growled. "That may be,but she was born into it, and she should deal with it!" He sighed. Besides,I promised our parents I'd always look out for her. And I can't do that when she within the Pharaoh's grasp! He'll tell her all kinds of things.

"Bakare.....When I'm better, I promise I will help you get Sagira back. But for now, let it go. She's not in any danger of being killed." Beni cut into the thief king's thoughts once more.

"Don't worry about it." Bakare grunted. "You concentrate on getting better." He headed into his hut, silently. He turned in the doorway. "And Beni?"

"Yes,my Lord?"

"Thanks." He closed the skin flap, and walked to the small fire, beginning to prepare a cheap dinner.

"Do it this way,Princess." Seth turned the plant right side up, and put it in the ground properly. "There. It will grow better that way, don't you think?" He chuckled a little bit, as Sagira patted the soil down with her little hand. "Did I not pack it enough?" He wondered aloud. "Are you happy here, Sagira?"

"Uh huh." Sagira grinned up at the priest. Her skin and hair had improved greatly in tone and brightness, and she was beginning to fill out nicely. Palace life suited her better than her previous one before. "When we gonna learned magics?"

"But,little one, you are. You're learning the magic of the divine. Ra will shine on this little plant we buried, and make it grow. That's magic." Seth looked up suddenly, hearing a rustling. He put a hand a on Sagira's shoulder. "Show yourself,now."

"Calm down,Love. It's just me." Yaminah appeared then, and knelt beside Sagira. "Hello,Sagira."

"Yaminah, are you crazy?" Seth asked,looking around to make sure the guards weren't present. "What if someone sees you?"

"Don't worry. Only you and the thief princess can see me." Yaminah replied. She was studying Sagira calmly. "She cleans up nicely, doesn't she?"

"What are you doing here?" Seth demanded, standing up with Sagira in his arms. "Are you here for that thief king?"

"Of course not. I wouldn't want him raising any children. She's better off here." Yaminah replied, lying all the while. She was merely checking on the girl, to see if she was completely adjusted to the palace. It looked like she was. She frowned inwardly. If she and Bakare tried to take her away now, it could have horrific results. "Do you like it here, Sagira?" Yaminah spoke directly to the young girl now.

"Uh huh. Seth's teaching me magics." She smiled up at the priest, who hugged her close to him in return.

"That so? Well, I hope you have lots of fun learning from him. Don't let him push you around too much okay?" Yaminah stood now. "I think I've seen all I need to see for now."

"Are you leaving already?" Seth looked at her, disappointedly. "It's just about time for Mahadou to take over watching the princess. Perhaps we can take a walk in court yard?"

"I wish I could....but there is much I have to do for Set. I'm sorry. Perhaps another time." Yaminah blew him a discrete kiss that was the warm wind that hit the priest's face, before disappearing as quickly as she came.

"You loves her, don't you?" Sagira was giggling at Seth's expression.

"That's none of your business." Seth smirked, whisking her off to be cleaned up for Mahadou's lesson.

It was late at night when Bakura heard a rustling at his door. "Who's there?!" He demanded, sitting up in his pallet.

"It is me, Yaminah." The witch of the sands walked in, smirking a little. "Sorry to startle you so late. I have come to give you my report on Sagira."

Bakare muttered curses, running a hand through his terribly messed up hair. "Well?"

"She's doing really well, unfortunately. She really seems to like it where she is. She didn't even seem to miss you." Yaminah spoke softly.

"Do you have any good news, damn it!?" Bakare demanded, clenching his fists in irritation. He hated it when Yaminah toyed with him.

"As a matter of fact, I do. She's learning the magic of the Pharaoh's people." Yaminah replied cooly. She knew perfectly well that wasn't what Bakare wanted to hear.

"Damn it all,Yaminah! When does she want to come home?!"

"Actually, Seth was with her, so I couldn't ask that....I'm sorry. But, I don't think it's going to be a good idea to take her away from them right now. She's so content, and happy. She looks a lot better than she did."

"Traitor!! It's not Sagira you're worried about, it's Seth!" Bakare spat on the floor at Yaminah's feet.

"That's not true! Listen to me, old friend. Sagira is perfectly happy where she is. Let her stay for now. At least until she's old enough to....deal with this kind of life. Bakare, you had your mother and father. She doesn't have that anymore. Let her be happy just now. Alright?"

Bakare growled in frustration, then just sighed. "Very well. We'll give it a few years. But I want reports every month."

"It's done." Yaminah slipped out again, and walked into the cold night.