"Daughters of Isis"
By: Heikou & Janime
Chosen Heir
A hand was gently placed on her shoulder. "There is a way."
Meanae looked at the queen. "How?"
Meskhenet smiled gently at her. "Follow me."
The two walked through the palace corridors and entered a room that was in a section that was hardly ever disturbed. Meskhenet opened a door and they walked inside. Making sure the door was closed, Meskhenet whistled softy. Two women stepped out from the shadows. They were both wearing men's clothing; one had a red scarf around her head, and the other had several cuts on her face and a terrible scar from a burn on her neck.
"This is Nuru," Meskhenet said as the one with the scarf bowed, "and Subira," the scarred one bowed as well. "They have been chosen."
"Chosen?" Meanae managed to ask as her eyes tried to look away from Subira's marred skin.
"Anubis has heard your prayers, Meanae," said Meskhenet. "In your next life, he has chosen you to be his Daughter. Osiris has chosen Nuru, and Ra has chosen Subira."
The Scorpion finally looked at her. "Then… you are a priestess."
"I am the Daughter of Anubis."
Meanae stepped back slightly. "Is this why you came here?"
"To stop the Black Scorpion, yes," Meskhenet answered with a nod.
"And we are here to assist her," Subira spoke; her voice was heavy with bitterness of a long life of abuse.
"What must be done?" Meanae asked.
"I will attempt to assassinate the Black Scorpion," said Nuru. "My ka takes form of a powerful spell caster."
"And then what?"
"You two…" Meskhenet looked directly into Meanae's eyes, "must kill each other. I can save your soul, Meanae. You will be reborn as my daughtera Daughter of Anubis, a Sister of the Moon."
Meanae stuttered. "B-but…"
"A spell has been placed on Nuru's ba and my ba as well," said Subira. "The moment we die, we stay with the current Daughter of the god who has chosen us until she is ready to conceive."
"And then you will be reborn," Meskhenet finished. "Subira and Nuru will be your Sisters in your next life."
"But why me? Why not someone else? Why has Anubis chosen me?" the assassin asked.
"Although the gods did not interfere with our lives, it does not mean they did not care about us," Nuru commented.
"Meanae, the Scorpion King was once a good man but the lust for power has taken over. You have the power to stop his destruction but you cannot do it alone. Will you help us?" Meskhenet asked.
She didn't say anything as she studied the women each in turn, letting their words slowly sink into her mind. She wondered if this was the right thing to do.
Flashbacks of the last raid came to mind, people crying out in fear as their homes were burnt to the ground. So much blood was split she was afraid that she would never become clean. Yet it wasn't just the soldiers and men, it was the elderly, the women, and the children, even family pets' bodies littered the streets. For the first time in a very long time, she felt remorse for the lives lost. Looking at the women she slowly nodded her head.
"I accept but, what about my brothers?" They were her only family left and she feared for their lives.
"I will seal them away," said Meskhenet. "This way they will not go before Anubis in the Underworld for judgment, and your mind can somewhat be at ease of their fate."
Meanae looked at her, and nodded.
Meskhenet placed her hands on the young assassin's shoulders. "Anubis, my Father, bind this child's soul to mine so when her life ends, she will be reborn as your Daughter through me. Forgive her sins of this lifetime, and cleanse her soul."
A bluish glow surrounded the two, and Meanae could feel something seeping into her skin and wrapping itself around her on the inside. When it was over, she looked at Meskhenet.
"It is done," the priestess answered then turned to Nuru. "He's going to have a large celebration tonight. That will be your opportunity."
"I understand," the scarf wearer nodded.
"Are you certain this should be done so soon?" Subira asked. "We just told her of our plans, and now she realizes that she will die just after sunset."
"I have faith in her," Meskhenet said and Meanae could feel a surge of pride fill her body.
"I have taken too many lives during my time... it's time I pay the price myself," she said simply. Looking at the ladies they slowly nodded their heads. Tonight would mark the end of the Black Scorpion King.
Everything seemed fine as the celebration went on, people enjoying themselves while feasting and drinking. Even the Scorpions were taking a break. Meanae was trying to make it seem like nothing was wrong but she was worried. What if this plan failed? What if it was a trick? She looked up at Meskhenet who served the king some more wine. Looking at her eyes she felt no betrayal from her.
Slowly her hand come up and covered the tattoo gracing her upper arm. Anubis... let none see through this plan, she prayed.
The attack was sudden but explosive as a beam of magical energy entered the room, exploding and sending many people flying into walls and tables. The Scorpions quickly scrambled to their feet but another attack sent them flying back. A woman dressed in robes of a mage entered, wielding a specter that glowed with power.
The king growled as he stood from his throne. "How dare you invade my home!" he roared at her.
"You have outstayed your welcome in Egypt," she said coldly. "The gods are disgusted with your greed and lust for power. I have come to bring peace to this land." She pointed her specter at him. "Anubis take your soul."
Meanae immediately jumped in front of the Black Scorpion; her eyes glancing around the room for Subira but she saw no sign of the other Chosen.
"It would be wise for you to stand aside, little one," Nuru said as she stepped forward. "You are not my concern. I don't want to fight you."
"You dare to enter this palace!" Meanae shouted. "You defy my king with your very presence!"
"If you so wish to dance," Nuru held out her scepter, "this dance will be to the death."
"So be it." She removed her thorn whip from her belt but quickly jumped into the air to escape the sudden attack.
The scorpion smirked but turned his attention to the rest of his assassins. "Don't just stand there! Get rid of the intruder!" he ordered.
"Yes sire!" Each one took up their weapon and went to attack but the spellcaster was quick and cunning. Meanae seemed to be the only one who could keep up but she was outwitted a few times herself.
Suddenly Meanae jumped directly in front of, holding a short sword in her hand. The blade pierced Nuru through her heart just as the spell caster's own scepter went through Meanae's. Both women stared at each other, and then their hands slipped from their weapons and they fell to the floor.
Subira watched it all from the large balcony overlooking the grand room. Two spheres, one red and the other blue floated from Nuru and Meanae. The red sphere flew out a window, as the blue sphere went to Meskhenet.
So it is done, Subira thought. Now I must wait until Meskhenet gives me the word. I will see you in the next life… my Sisters…
"An interesting celebration, my lord," Meskhenet said after the chamber doors were closed.
"Those bastard priests will pay this!" the Black Scorpion hissed through his teeth as he threw his cloak from his shoulders across the room.
Meskhenet had to act fast. She needed to calm him and get him into bed. The soul-binding spell only lasted one moon pass.
"Your assassins have killed the intruder," she tried soothing.
"But in the process I lost Meanae. Compared to the others she was the best!" he growled and punched a hole in the marble wall.
"Had she not died your kingdom would be without a king." Moving swiftly yet silently she stood before him, her hands resting along his chest. "She sacrificed her life, for yours."
Her seemed to calm under her touch but didn't returned the caress. "Those blasted priests have tried to get rid of me more times than I care to remember. They will all fall under my hands as will the pharaoh and the gods."
"And I shall be at your side, as where a queen should be." Her hands undid his clothing and belts, letting them fall to the floor. Soon the king's battled-calloused hands did the same to her, letting the silk fall to the floor. She let herself be carried and placed upon the bed. Truth be told the king was ruthless on and off the battlefield but Meskhenet endured it all. It would be a matter of time before Anubis claimed what was cheated of him and Egypt would be at peace.
Subira placed her hand on Meskhenet's belly.
"It worked, Subira," the priestess smiled. "She's fine."
The scarred woman sighed. "You didn't tell me and it's been over four moon passes."
"Not even the Black Scorpion knows. The last time he touched me was nearly two moon passes ago, and during the first three moon passes, you can't really tell."
"So when do we make our move?"
"In three days," said Meskhenet. "He'll be readying his army for an attack. I want you to take care of a few chariots but make sure you leave one still intact and ready for me."
Subira nodded and held up Nuru's red scarf. "It will be tied onto the horse's harness."
"Thank you and be safe," she smiled.
"Same to you. May Isis watch over us."
The ground shook as horses and soldiers left the Scorpion City, rearing for battle and to claim victory over their enemies. As the commotion died a woman dressed in a hooded cloak made her way to the stable. Most of the horses and chariots were gone but in the back was a simple chariot with a brown colored horse harnessed.
A red scarf was tied to the harness.
Mekhenet smiled and went over, making shushing noises when the horse began to prance. Once she had it calm she untied the scarf and climbed into the chariot. She didn't have much time left and so they were off. The Temple of Anubis was a distance away but she had no time to stop and prayed to the Mother Goddess for her safety. At she drove the chariot over the dunes a rider upon a black horse noticed the faint cloud of sand and followed.
"And what have we here?"
Subira ignored the soldiers leering at her. It was her time, and she was going to make sure that none of these impudent, pathetic excuses for men would touch her. Too many of them she recognized that had destroyed her home, her family, and her innocence. Ra was giving her a blessing for this sweet revenge.
"How much time do we have?" asked one soldier.
"I'm sure that the king won't mind if we're a little late," said another.
"What makes you think I would let either of you touch me?" she said coldly.
They laughed at her, moving closer. "A feisty one!" one laughed.
"I bet she's a wild cat in bed as well," another said with a smirk.
"Shall we find out?" They advanced but they were taken back when the woman struck and already a few of them lay on the sands, blood pooling from their fatal wounds.
Subira's eyes were cold and her hands were steady. "I would sooner die than let myself be violated by the likes of youcreatures."
She grunted as an arrow went through her shoulder.
"Is that so?" the one who fired the arrow asked. "I'm not sure if you noticed but there's only you and five thousand men here."
"I have noticed." Subira grabbed the arrow and snapped it then reached behind to pull the other half out. "But you haven't noticed that this barren land shall also be your grave. The reign of the Black Scorpion is over."
Laughter filled the area. "And who is going to stop us? Right now only the gods can, but they don't seem to care lately."
Subira smirked, and for some reason that disturbed them.
"Have they now?" she asked. A golden glow surrounded her, causing the soldiers to back away. Six glorious white wings sprouted from her back and then another female form wearing a yellow dress emerged from her and flew above them.
"Kill her!" the commanding officer shouted. "She is an avatar! Kill her!"
"You are the ones who shall die this night!" Subira raised her arms up, and the Wingweaver did the same. An enormous ball of light appeared before the spirit creature and then it shot forward at the Black Scorpion's army. Screams echoed across the sands as the holy light eradicated them from the world, sending them to the Underworld for judgment.
Subira collapsed as her ka faded away. It was done, now it was her time to sleep for a while and forget the painful memories of this life as Nathifa, the Daughter of Ra had promised.
Meskhenet made her way into the temple, glad for having made it. Going to the statue she removed her cloak and let it fall to the floor. "Father Anubis, I have done as you asked. I give unto you the soul of the Black Scorpion King as well as the Army of the Dead," she prayed. "May the reign of this assassin end once and for all!"
"You betrayed me as well?" came the cold voice.
She whirled only to find her husband there. "Your reign will end today."
"But not before I take your life!" He charged at her but his sword was caught in a bladed cuff. A woman with dark skin and long hair stood before his queen, bearing two bladed cuffs upon her wrists. "Your avatar is weak!"
"There is more to winning than just strength."
"Strength also comes in numbers," Don Zaloog walked into the temple with the other Scorpion members.
"You murdered my sister," Cliff glared at her.
"She is carrying your sister!" the Black Scorpion snarled. "Isn't that correct, my dear wife. Meanae is the child growing in your womb. That is the reason you were so eager to get me into bed that night she was killed. You captured her soul before she went to the Underworld."
"And she will be given a gift greater than anything you ever hoped to obtain, my dear husband," Meskhenet said. "I'm very glad that you also brought your best assassin with you as well. Now I can fulfill a promise I had made."
Her avatar jumped and landed before the four Scorpions, slashing each of them on their upper right arms just below where the tattoo. Chick glared at the spirit creature and raised up his mallet. Before he brought it down, a strange dark mist surrounded the four.
"What is this?" demanded Gorg.
The mist became a fog, hiding them from view. After it dissipated, the Black Scorpion stared in horror at his best assassins now etched in slabs of stone.
"My assassins! What have you done?"
"They have been spared from being sent to the Underworld but you will not have the same fate," she said.
"Insolent witch!" Shouting he charged at her, meeting slight resistance with the Sword Dancer but with a powerful swing of his fist sent her flying. Running forward he grabbed Meskhenet's arm as she tried to run and brought the sword to her throat. "I should kill you slowly, make the gods suffer for betraying me."
She frowned and lifting her hand, slashed at his face with a small knife in her hand. "The gods never betrayed you, you betrayed them! They give us challenges so we can grow stronger!"
"Silence!" He swung his sword and smirked as it caught her in the stomach. As she fell he brought his hand to the gash on his cheek. "Foolish thing to do, Meskhenet, but then you were always a foolish woman."
Performance of Sword glared hatefully at him. Rushing she lifted her arms and drove the blades deep into his back, severing the spine so he was dead before he hit the floor. Spitting on him she went to the priestess and held her hand.
Meskhenet held her hand tightly as the other held the fatal wound on her stomach. Unless a miracle happened, she would lose Meanae and her life but she would gladly sacrifice her life for that of her daughter. She gasped as the warm blood seeped onto the temple floors. "Isis… Anubis… save my Daughter…" she pleaded.
"Sister!"
"Zashida…?" Meskhenet's eyes went to the hidden side entrance of the temple.
A young woman ran to the priestess's side. "Oh great gods…"
"Zashida…" Meskhenet gasped, "y-you… are the… the Daughter of… Anubis… now…"
Zashida's eyes widened. "But… but your daughter-"
"We share… the same blood…" Meskhenet continued, not hearing her younger sister's words. "… His line… will… carry… through you…"
"I-I can't..." But the rest of her words fell silent as she watched her sister's body begin to glow. It was strange when their mother gave birth to twin daughters, a first for the Sisters of the Moon, but they were loved and treated equally. As the eldest Meskhenet was the priestess of Anubis and Zashida her apprentice. "Father..."
The statue of the jackal god also began glowing, moving almost fluidly he stepped off the altar. Kneeling next to his wounded daughter he rested his hand over her stomach. He never said anything but also the wound came together until it was whole. Zashida hesitantly rested her hand upon her sister's stomach and could feel the very slight energy of the child. Anubis had saved her but before she could thank him he stood and walked over to the fallen king. He reached down, his hand phasing into his body and pulled out a black soul.
Black Scorpion King blinked and began to struggle but it was no use. "We had a deal! You cannot break it!" he yelled at him.
"You are the one who broke our pact," the god said roughly. "You gave your kingdom, your army, and your soul to your wife who gave them to me. Never again will I give any mortal command of my army. That right is for my Daughters alone." Turning to the women he nodded.
"The baby shall live but when she is born, Meskhenet will die. She gave the rest of her life energy to keep the child alive. Zashida, from this moment on you will be the new Sister of the Moon but when the child is born, you will raise her as your own."
"... Y-yes father..." she said softly.
"No! I swear I will have my revenge Anubis! You and the others will pay for this!" the king yelled even as his soul was dragged to the underworld. Anubis walked back to the altar and the statue went still once more.
"Five moons…" Zashida whispered. "That's all… just five moons passes…"
"Do not mourn for me now," said Meskhenet. "I still breathe, my sister. Nathifa and Dalila knew what the consequences my actions would be." She took her sister's hand. "You will tell them the truth."
Zashida nodded.
"I have one more request," Meskhenet place her hand on the other's shoulder, "please name her Agalameia."
"I swear," the younger woman said quietly, and hugged her sister.
Fives moon passed and so the spirit of Meanae the Thorn was reborn as Agalameia. Meskhenet died shortly but she was able to hold her new born daughter for a moment. Zashida wept in mourning for the loss of her sister but now she had a daughter to raise as her own.
The only ones to know that Meskhenet had been alive were the current Sisters of the Moon. The pharaoh had honored the past Daughters for sacrificing their lives to protect Egypt and for bringing the fall of the Black Scorpion King. Calling upon the help of her Sisters, they buried her body within a tomb beneath the temple.
Zashida held her niece… no, her daughter in her arms. Agalameia looked nothing at all like the Scorpion King and that would save her from any ridicule and unfair treatment. The only ones who would know would be the Sisters of the Moon and their Guardians.
"You realize that she has the blood of one of Egypt's worse enemy in her veins," spoke a soothing woman's voice.
"I know, Mother," Zashida answered, not bothering to turn away from the balcony entrance. "But Meshkenet's blood also flows withinthat will be her protection and her salvation. Anubis could have let them both die, but he heard Meanae's prayers. And I know, Mother, that you did as well, else you would have not permitted this to happen."
"One day, she will know the truth. One day she will continue in her father's footsteps."
"As long as I raise her to be a Sister of the Moon she will never lead the life of an assassin." Looking at the sleeping baby she smiled and held her closer. "Anubis is your father, little one."
Isis knew she could not change her mind but that only meant that Zashida would live true to her word. May that day never come, she thought silently.
Have six years already passed? Zashida thought as pulled the tarp of the covered wagon away slightly, her eyes fixating on the Temple of Isis.
"Mother?"
She turned her head away, looking down at the child next to her, clutching the small stuffed figure of Anubis to her chest tightly.
"We're almost there, Agalameia," Zashida smiled at her daughter. "I know it's hot in here but we can't let anyone know we're here. Remember the game?"
"Quite as a mouse, unseen like air."
"Exactly." She reached out and gently touched her nose.
The little girl smiled and leaned into her mother, holding the doll even tighter. She wasn't sure why they had to travel like this but she trusted her mother with all her heart.
The wagon ride was smooth except for several small bumps along the way but nothing too serious. Guards were everywhere but the driver seemed perfectly at ease. Stopping at the temple he waited and watched as one of the guard walked up to him, the other slowly circling the wagon.
"What brings you here?" the soldier asked gruffly.
"I bring offerings to the goddess," he said simply.
"What kind of offerings?" the second guard asked, tapping the head of his spear along the sides of the wagon.
"Nothing to concern mighty soldiers. I merely wish to thank Isis."
"Then we shall see just what kind of offering you bring," the guards said and grabbed a hold of the tarp, ready to pull it off.
Zashida wrapped her arms around Agalameia, holding her daughter in her lap and making sure that the commoner's clothing shielded her from view.
"Servants for the Daughters of Ra and Osiris," the wagon driver answered before the tarp was removed. "If you would be so kind to allow me to pass through the gate then I may give them my offering."
Zashida smiled. Her Guardian could be rather persuasive with just a look and a few words.
The men paused, looking at each other before stepping back to their post. They opened the gate and let the driver and his wagon in. Once inside they shut the gate behind him. The driver allowed himself a small smile as he approached the temple. He would breathe easier once the Daughter of Anubis and her child were inside the temple. Stopping at the steps he got off, calming his horse and took a careful look around. No one in sight. Moving to the wagon he slowly pulled the tarp back.
"We have arrived," he said softly.
The young woman smiled as she helped Agalameia to stand. The hidden Guardian smiled and helped the little girl to the ground, telling her to stay close. Taking the Daughter's hand he helped her off as well and pulled the tarp back over. "Thank you for you assistance," Zashida said with a slight bow.
"My pleasure, priestess. It's best if you two enter the temple," he said with a bow of his own.
Zashida nodded and took Agalameia's hand, leading her daughter up the steps and into the Temple of Isis. As soon as the doors closed behind them, Zashida removed the commoner's robe from herself and the child's, revealing the white robes of a priestess and young acolyte.
"Follow me, my daughter," Zashida said quietly. Agalameia did as her mother said, walking behind and staying very close. They entered a side room, and Zashida greeted her Sisters.
"It is good to see you again, my Sisters," Nathifa, the Priestess of Ra, smiled.
"It has been many years since we last meet within Mother Isis' Temple," Dalila, the Priestess of Osiris, said softly.
"It seems that now is the time that our Mother has decided it is time for our daughters to meet and learn through our teachings," Zashida, the Priestess of Anubis, said while looking at the statue.
Nathifa smiled and tenderly smoothed the hair of the little girl standing before her. She was a pretty thing with gentle green eyes and soft brown hair that reflected red in the desert sun as she held a small kitten. "This is my daughter, Theliane."
The other priestesses smiled at the little girl, welcoming her. Dalila led a young girl with mouse brown hair cut short and had bright blue eyes from her side. "This is my daughter, Peisimemne."
The little girl was welcomed as well. Zashida reached behind her and led a little girl before her. She looked shy with thick, deep brown curls and equally dark eyes as she held onto the woman's hand tightly and clung to a toy in her arms. "This... is my daughter Agalameia."
Nathifa and Dalila looked at Zashida. They knew that the previous Priestess of Anubis had been killed and Zashida was the successor but... she never had any children. The woman noticed their looks and made a sign with her hands, telling them she would explain later.
"Girls, would you give us a moment to talk?" Dalila asked. Theliane and Peisimemne smiled as they ran off to play but Agalameia just looked up at her mother with fearful eyes.
"It is alright, no harm will come to you here," Zashida smiled, giving the little girl a gentle push and watched as she walked off, slowly.
The blue-eyed and green-eyed girls were laughing happily as they played with the kitten, their simple cream colored dresses giving them freedom to run around without falling. They paused when the saw the brown-eyed girl enter, looking at them nervously. Saying nothing they watched as she went to a bench, pulled herself onto it, and played silently with her toy.
Theliane gave the kitten to Peisimemne and walked over to Agalameia. "Hello," Theliane spoke. The other girl looked up from her toy and gave a small smile. "Would you like to play with us?"
Agalameia glanced nervously over to her mother first, but then looked up at the taller girl and nodded. Theliane smiled and took Agalameia's hand, leading her over to Peisimemne.
Peisimemne smiled and held out the kitten to the new girl. Timidly, Agalameia took the kitten. It purred and settled in the girl's arms contently.
"Do you know who your father was?" Peisimemne asked.
Agalameia shook her head.
"I don't either. My mother said that Osiris is my Father."
"My mother said that my Father is Ra," Theliane grinned.
"... Anubis is my Father..." Agalameia said quietly. "That is what my mother told me. He gave me life twice."
"Really?"
The young girl just nodded slowly.
"Can we see your toy?"
Agalameia didn't say anything but quietly gave her the item. It looked like a stuff dog with fur dyed black with gold painted around the eyes, ears, and neck.
"He looks like Anubis," Theliane said.
"Mother said he would protect me from my bad dreams... He's my friend..."
"We'll be your friends," said Peisimemne
"... Really?"
The two girls smiled.
"Zashida, who is the mother of Agalameia?" Dalia asked.
"... Meskhenet," she said softly.
"Impossible! She died 6 years ago, how could she have given birth?" Nathifa protested.
"No. Allow me to explain... the truth is the day the Black Scorpion died was the same day that Meskhenet died herself. She was with child at the time but because of the fatal wound she and her daughter would have died. Isis and Anubis answered her prayer and allowed her to live until the baby was born but I was instructed to care for Agalameia as my own." she quickly explained. "But that is not all. The soul that resides within my daughter, is the soul of the assassin known as Meanae the Thorn."
Dalia's eyes went wide at this. "How could they let a killer be reborn as a Sister of the Moon?" she hissed.
"Because she helped in bringing down that Black Scorpion! Anubis deemed her worthy and let her be reborn as his daughter."
Nathifa was quiet as she thought but something occurred to her. "Zashida, if Agalameia is the daughter of Meskhenet... then that means she is the daughter of the Black Scorpion and not Anubis..."
"She is my daughter," Zashida glared at her, "and she is the Daughter of Anubis. Don't you ever say otherwise."
"The Black Scorpion," Dalila spoke, "his blood runs in her veins. Do you honestly believe that she will not fall to the same fate?"
"I know that Anubis could not turn the Black Scorpion," Zashida admitted, but he heard Meanae's prayers. He would not have given her life if he did not believe in her."
"Then all we can do is trust in the gods abilities and put our faith in them," Nathifa ended.
When the ladies went to gather their daughters they saw them talking with one another, enjoying themselves and petting the small kitten as it walked around them, lightly pawing at them. They looked so happy and carefree for a moment, there was not a worry or care in all of Egypt.
Agalameia looked up and smiled. Being careful she and the others stood and went to their mothers. "Mother! May I have a pet like Theliane?" she asked.
Zashida smiled and stroked her hair. "I don't know, little one. We shall see."
"Mother? Are we going to stay here now?" Peisimemne asked, looking up at her with a smile.
"Yes, my dear," Dalila smiled at her daughter. "This is our new home that I told you about, remember?"
Peisimemne nodded with a silly grin and held onto the red cloth belt at her mother's waist.
"Well then," Nathifa said, taking Theliane's free hand, the other holding the kitten, and she walked towards the doorway where two of her Guardians stood, "let's go see the rest of our new home."
"Come Agalameia, let's us see the gardens," Zashida said.
"Yes mother." Following her she turned and waved at Peisimemne who waved back.
"Let us see our rooms," Dalia said and took her own daughter deeper into the temple. The Guardians of the current priestesses followed at a safe enough distance that they could watch over their charges but far enough so the ladies would not feel crowded, as it were.
Dalila watched her daughter sleep in her new room, worn out from exploring the entire temple. Peisimemne was such a curious childshe had to know everything.
They had run into Zashida and Agalameia in one of the hallways; Peisimemne wanted the other mother and daughter to join them. Dalila had almost refused but she knew she could not act that way in front of her daughter.
"It must be a mistake…"
"Something troubles your heart, my Daughter?"
"Father," Dalila said quietly. "Please, tell me that Anubis did not choose that girl as his Daughter."
"It is true. My son has chosen her."
"But half of Agalameia's blood is the Black Scorpion's. He betrayed Anubis. How could he choose someone that defied him."
"Meanae saw what her former king had become. The Black Scorpion was corrupted by the power Anubis had given him. She wanted his reign to end, and to do so, she helped your Sister."
"What if she falls under the same influence? As a Sister of the Moon she will come into powers beyond any mortal's control."
"I understand your fear but understand, Anubis has faith in her and I have faith in him."
Dalia still found it hard to trust his word but nodded her head. The great god saw this and gently rested his hand on her shoulder.
"I cannot change your mind or your heart, but I ask you to please give the child a chance. She has been allowed to relive her life though she does not know it."
"I understand, father. I will not pass judgment on her for past actions." She felt the weight of the hand being lifted and knew she was alone. Slowly she reached up and curled her hand against her chest. It will still be hard to accept.
Authors' Notes:
Heikou: And that's how Meanae was reborn!
Janime: From assassin to priestess. It pays to have a god on your side.
Heikou: No kidding. So far what do you, the reviewers, think?
Janime: Yeah, we said we were taking a break to catch up on our other stuff.
Heikou: But we missed writing AFD so much, we just started again.
Janime: To quote you, my dear co-author, "Break? What break?"
Heikou: Hee! You're a great person to write with!
Janime: Thank you! So are you.
Heikou: There goes our egos.
Janime: It may be a little while between updates because we're still doing research. Man, I can't believe all the stuff the priests/priestesses did back then.
Heikou: They prayed almost all day to their patron god/goddess.
Janime: Nice way to spend your day.
Heikou: I know that whatever offerings are given tot he temple the one in charge takes it.
Janime: Who would want food to spoil in such a holy place?
Heikou: Certainly not the gods.
Janime: And the priests, too. They get free food.
Heikou: So there you have the first glimpse into the childhood of the Sisters of the Moon. You'll be seeing more of their younger days in the next chapter.
Janime: I hope so! We have to show off Sadiki and the others.
Heikou: And so the legend begins...
P.S. Have I mentioned how much I hate ff for ruining our stories? snarls angrily