Disclaimer: I don't own anything to do with Yu-Gi-Oh, except this fic and any own characters.

Author's Note: Hi there! It's been a while, hasn't it? Busy studying, then what do you know? Writer's block! Well… here's chapter two. Hope it lives up to your expectations. Enjoy!

Chapter Two: Signs and Revelations

On the Pharaoh's command we departed for the palace. The Pharaoh and his priests rode on camels, whilst I was escorted alongside them on foot by two of Pharaoh's guards. I had never been to the palace before. Trying to keep my mind off the scorching heat I tried to imagine what it would be like. However, the thought that filled my mind was what the Pharaoh wanted of me. I had committed a crime. Despite this, the Pharaoh had decreed that I was to live in the palace. What sort of punishment was that…? I considered this for a moment. The Pharaoh did have servants who lived in the palace. Servants… slaves, they weren't that much different. Both were required to serve, although as a servant you had some rights whereas as a slave you had none. Perhaps then I was merely to fulfil my days as a slave in a different setting. A slave in the palace... At this time, I was uncertain whether my fortunes had changed for the better or worse. Surely, it had to better in the palace than being at the mercy of that an– Those poor people… That girl… I had tried to help her, but now… I felt a tear run down my face as I dreaded to think how the slave-driver would treat them after the day's events. The slave-driver had been enraged by the Pharaoh's decision. He had gone quietly then. Though, thinking back now… The look he had given me, before he left the Pharaoh's presence, had been full of malice and promise. A promise which meant… it was not over. Exhausted now, both in body and mind, I collapsed onto my knees.

"Get up," said the guard behind me, pushing the rod of his spear into my back. The other guard in front also stopped and turned round to look at me.

"What is wrong?" The Pharaoh asked stopping his camel.

"She won't get up, my Lord," the guard explained.

"She needs water," the Pharaoh told them, glancing at me.

"Yes, my Lord, but we have none," said the other guard.

"No excuses," he told them firmly.

The guards bowed quickly. "Forgive us, great Pharaoh," they spoke in unison.

The Pharaoh addressed one of his priests. "Have we any wine?"

"Yes, my Lord" began the priest, "but it is ceremonial wine."

"No matter," the Pharaoh told him, holding out his hand. The priest delved into the bundle attached to his camel and pulled out a gourd. Obediently he passed it to the Pharaoh. In turn, the Pharaoh tossed the gourd to his guards.

The guards dropped the gourd on the ground before me. "Drink," they told me.

Slowly, I picked up the gourd and opened it. For a moment I held it to my dry lips. A strong fruity scent rose from the bottle. I had never tasted wine before. Feeling light-headed and without another thought, I tipped it back and took a large gulp. I coughed, unaccustomed to the taste. Hoping to quench my thirst I took another sip.

"Seto," the Pharaoh called to his servant. "Is there a camel that can bear Kisara?"

"There is no other to bear her, my Lord," replied Seto. "For it is packed with supplies."

"Help, her up," the Pharaoh commanded the guards. Therefore, standing either side of me they lifted me up. The gourd slipped out of my hand, and the little red wine that was left trickled out onto the white sand like blood. I looked up slowly, my head heavy. The priest known as Seto was staring at me. I lowered my gaze.

"My Lord, if it pleases you, Kisara may ride my camel," said Seto.

"What of you, Seto? That camel does not look as if it can bear both of you."

"Let Kisara be its burden. I am not unaccustomed to travelling on foot," Seto paused briefly. "Besides, the river is not far now."

"Very well," agreed the Pharaoh.

The guards took me to Seto's camel. Once he had dismounted, the guards helped me up. Meanwhile Seto tied another rope to the camel. He held it and began to lead the camel. My eyelids grew heavy now. I tried to fight it, but I could not help but drift off…

'Where is she?' said a voice from the darkness. Pharaoh Yami…?

There was someone else but…his face was hidden in the shadows. 'She betrayed you, great Pharaoh. You must see that…' The figure disappeared and Pharaoh Yami was now alone. He looked troubled.

'Seto, why didn't you tell me…? Why?' He said slamming his fist on the table…

'Kisara…!' Seto…? He sounded as if he was trying to warn me. Everything went pitch black.

"What was this?" I called out. I didn't understand. At that moment, a masked man emerged from the darkness and approached me. He pulled out a knife and waved it threateningly at me. I tried to back away. "Please… please don't hurt me," I pleaded with him, but it was no use. He reached for my throat, bringing the knife towards me. "Please… somebody, help me!" I gasped for air…

"Kisara, wake up," a familiar voice called to me.

I awoke to find myself face to face with Seto. He was sitting beside me, his hand on my shoulder. "You were dreaming," his tone was reassuring.

"Are you all right?" he asked, moving his hand away.

"I… I'm fine," I said sitting up slowly. There was an awkward silence now. Seto just sat still, his eyes fixed on mine. Feeling uncomfortable, I looked away. "Thank you," I added shortly.

"That isn't necessary." He stood up abruptly. "I am only doing what my Lord wishes." Pausing then, Seto turned his back to me. "I have left you fresh attire. You may wish to bathe first, so I will send in a maid to show you where you can freshen up." Then he started towards the doorway. Stopping suddenly, he added "The Pharaoh wishes to see you as soon as you are ready. I will be back to escort you shortly." With that he left the room.

So many thoughts wandered through my mind. For one, I awoke in the palace. How long had I been here…? The last thing I remembered was… Seto... We were on our way to the palace and he offered me his camel… but why? Then there he was again at my bedside... It was strange. Seto was the one who had objected to the Pharaoh's decision, after all. And that dream… It had felt so real. What did it mean? …Why had the Pharaoh brought me here…?

"Excuse me," said a female voice. It was the maid. "I will show you where you may bathe."

After bathing I put on the clothing that Seto had left for me; a plain white gown with a gold trim. I felt so refreshed. It had been a long time since I had bathed leisurely. As a slave, bathing usually consisted of having a few buckets of cold water thrown over you.

"Are you ready?" Seto called from behind the curtains of the doorway. Then it was already time to discover my fate.

I walked over to the curtains and pulled them open. "I am," I answered.

"Then please, this way," he beckoned for me to follow.

We walked through corridor after corridor. All of which were decorated in the same lavish style, lit with torches mounted on gold brackets and lined with statues of Egyptian gods and intricately detailed tapestries of various events. After many twists and turns we came to a passageway much wider than any of previous ones. Seto stopped and turned to face me. "The Pharaoh is not alone at present. Please for your own sake, if not for his, speak only when you are spoken too. Do you understand?"

I nodded in acknowledgement.

With that Seto turned and continued down the passageway. I followed him.

"My Lord, may I present Kisara," announced Seto with a bow. Then he glanced at me indicating for me to bow also. So I did. Meanwhile, Seto sat down among the other priests.

"Welcome, Kisara," began the Pharaoh. "Come, take a seat," he gestured to the chair beside him.

Slowly then I walked towards the chair. When I was seated the Pharaoh added "Let's continue. What other matters need my attention?"

"My Lord, forgive me for I must ask you, who is this girl?" The oldest of the priests asked.

"Her name is Kisara. She will be appointed the title of advisor," he told him.

"Advisor…?" said the priest, sounding as shocked as I was. I looked around the room briefly. The other priests also shared our surprise. "My Lord," he continued, standing up and supporting himself with his staff, "it is obvious that this girl is no priestess, but a slave. What does a slave know about the affairs of a kingdom?"

"There are many affairs that need to be dealt with in the kingdom. Some of which she will be more than adequate to attend to." He gave me a fleeting look. "In addition, I will gain another perspective of my people, not only that of those who crave power."

"It is sad, but a true fact of life, my Lord. There are those of us fortunate enough to live a life of power, as well as those who have no choice but to submit to that power. We cannot all have power."

"Then perhaps you should experience a life without power," he paused briefly. "How about it…? Work as a slave and then you can share your perspective with us and I will not need to appoint Kisara as an advisor."

"I did not mean to question your judgement, my Lord… I merely meant it is impossible for us all to be equals. Those who question this need to be put in their pl–"

"I wish to be loved by the people, Akunadin, not only feared by them." His tone was genuine.

"Forgive me," said Priest Akunadin, giving a slight bow.

Hope you liked it… If you did, I'll try and update sooner, eh?

Thanks for reading,

Lady Leonhart 04/11/05