"Daughters of Isis"
By: Heikou & Janime
Rivals of the Heart
Theliane's fingers danced gracefully along the strings of her harp, playing in time with her two Sisters' wind instruments; Agalameia played a flute, while Peisimemne had a low-note horn. The three Sisters sat along the stone bench in the gardens enjoying themselves and pleased that their small audience was entertained.
Sadiki, Hanif, and Khalfani sat on the ground as close as they dared within the presence of the young girls' mothers and of the older women's Guardians. They were fifteen now, and at the stage where the boys began to look at the young priestesses differently from when they were children.
They had blossomed into beautiful young women but never did it go to their heads. The current priestesses taught them that what mattered was how they lived their live and treated others. When they died and the gods deemed their souls pure, they would be able to enjoy paradise. The girls also learned to call upon Mother Isis but were not allowed to leave the temples unless they had an escort. Even if they were the Sisters of the Moon many people would overlook that fact and seek to cause them harm.
The boys had also grown into fine young men. They studied long and hard and would lay down their lives for the young girls, but their feelings for them also began to grow with each passing day. The song mesmerized them, as did their beauty. When the song came to an end they were the first to applaud.
"That was beautiful!" Hanif said with a grand grin.
Peisimemne smiled as she blushed. "We have been practicing," she smiled back.
"And it was well worth it. We are very proud of each and every one of you," Dalia said as she and the others stood to embrace their daughters.
Theliane released her mother and then looked down at the small boy clutching the Daughter of Ra's robe. She knelt down and smiled at him. "Tumaini, did you like the music?"
The child nodded in response then rushed over to Theliane and hugged her. He was a very quiet child-no more than the age of five, and only spoke when he believed it was necessary. He had a look to him that said his mind was older and wiser than any other child his age. The only thing about Tumaini that baffled everyone was how much he resembled Hanif.
One of Dalila's Guardians made a suggestion that perhaps one of Hanif's relatives had survived the bandit raid that had left Hanif an orphan. It was possible, but they would never know for certain.
Theliane smiled and picked him up. "I'll take that as a yes."
Agalameia giggled softly. "He does seem to have taking a great liking to you, dear sister."
"Oh hush," but the Daughter of Ra was smiling as well.
"When our time comes to serve the temple, we're hoping to sooth away any fears the people may have with our music," Peisimemne said. "And it seems to have worked on everyone here."
"You certainly made us calm and relax," Sadiki nodded.
Khanlfani nodded in agreement. "I think this calls for a celebration for such a glorious song," he stated.
"Excuse me," a servant entered the garden, "forgive my intrusion, Sisters of the Moon but the temple guards have ordered me to ask one of you to come to the east wing."
"What is wrong?" Nathifa asked.
"Intruders were caught sneaking over the temple wall. There were only two but they are not speaking to anyone despite… persuasion."
"I will go," said Zashida. "Agalameia, follow me."
"Yes, mother."
Mosi spit the blood from his mouth directly at the guard who slapped him, which only earned another blow to his face.
"Cocky, aren't you?" said the guard.
"You said it, not me," Mosi smirked.
Manu kept quiet and was wishing his brother would too but he was the way he was. He winced when the guard slapped his brother.
"I hope the Daughters let me dispose of you," the guard hissed.
Mosi matched his glare with his own while still smirking. "I'd like to see you try."
"That is quite enough," Zashida said as she entered the wing, Agalameia following behind. She looked at the boys then at the guards. "How you found out why they are here?" she asked.
"No holiness. They refuse to speak," the guard said with some distaste.
"They do not seem to mean any harm."
"No but they did try to sneak in by climbing one of the walls."
While the priestess talked with the guard the young woman moved closer to study the intruders. Both looked about her age with tanned skin from being in the sun for so long but their hair was white as her mother's robes. Something sparked a past memory that she moved closer despite the guard's warning. They both looked alike!
Mosi looked at the girl and frowned. "What are you staring at?" he snapped.
"You two look so alike."
"We're twins," Manu spoke up.
She blinked. "Twins?"
"When two babies are born on the same day-"
"-one right after the other… oh Isis." Lifting her finger she pointed to the one with long hair. "Manu?" He slowly nodded his head. Then she pointed to the other with shorter hair. "Mosi?" He reluctantly gave a stiff nod.
"What is wrong?" Zashida asked having heard the conversation.
Agalameia turned and smiled. "Mother, these are the two boys who helped me five years ago! Remember when I left the temple to find Anubis?"
The two boys blinked but it was Mosi who spoke up. "You're that cry-baby that called me a jerk!" he asked in surprise. Last he saw she was a whinny thing that argued and called him names. Standing before him was a lovely young woman with curves hidden beneath her robe he longed to touch.
"Lady I beg to differ, they snuck into the temple and may be here to cause you and your sisters harm," the guard protested.
"No I believe it is them and I know how to prove it." Looking around she gave a whistle. Nothing happened but a shadow detached from the doorway and padded over to them. It was a slender animal with fur black as night and wore a slim collar of gold with blue stones. It had long ears and a fierce-looking snout but when he approached Agalameia he sat and wagged his tail as she petted him.
"Anubis, do you remember these two?" she asked, pointing to the boys. The little jackal had grown immensely, protective of those within the temple that anyone he did not know he would attack. She watched as her faithful pet moved forward, sniffing at them but again his tail wagged and his licked the boys' cheek. Manu just smiled but Mosi didn't seem so happy.
"Yuck! Dog breath!" he frowned but Anubis continued wagging his tail.
"It is you!" Agalameia cried happily, throwing her arms around their necks.
Both boys started to blush, and then Mosi grinned slightly.
"Whatever perverse thoughts have entered your mind," the guard spoke, "they better leave just as quickly."
I doubt that, Manu thought.
Agalameia released her hold, immediately going behind them and untying their bound wrists. "What are you two doing here?" she asked.
"We heard the music not too long ago," Mosi said, rubbing his soar wrists.
"And then this strange feeling came over both of us," Manu picked up, "we just felt compelled to enter for some reason, especially after hearing the flute when it was solo."
"You... You really liked it?" she asked softly.
"Why else would we be here? We're you holding a concert?" Mosi asked.
"Um no. My sisters and I were playing our instruments. I was the one playing the flute."
Manu smiled. "That was you? It was so beautiful!"
Zashida smiled at her daughter blushing and nodded to the guards. "Thank you, we can take it from here," she told them.
The guards didn't seem to sure. "Are you sure, holiness?"
"Yes. Come, we should let the others know that we have guests."
"Yes mother. Everyone will be so surprised to see you both!" Agalameia smiled and gestured for them to follow. Anubis walked at her side as the twin followed but just as Mosi was about to leave he turned to the guards and smirked in a superior manner.
Manu smacked his arm, giving his older brother a look that said to behave. After all, they were in the Temple of Isis. The twins continued to follow Zashida and Agalameia, and then were led into the temple gardens. Mosi and Manu saw Agalameia's two Sisters and the two other boys they had met when they first arrived at the temple.
Mosi's eye then caught another boy, slightly taller than the rest, as he made his way over to them. He frowned slightly as he took Agalameia's hand.
"Is everything alright?" he asked.
"Yes, Khalfani," Agalameia answered. "Remember that day your grandmother's ka separated from her body? These are the twins I told you about."
He looked at them and nodded but locking eyes with the elder twin he sent him a cold look. He matched it with one of his own but the girl didn't seem to notice.
Theliane stepped forward and nodded to them. "Who are your friends?" she asked.
"Mosi and Manu."
"You mean the two boys who helped you those years ago?" Sadiki asked.
"Yes. The guards thought they were going to hurt us."
Hanif smiled and bowed to them. "It's good to see you two again."
Manu smiled happily at such a warm greeting. "It feels good to be back."
"Zashida."
The Daughter of Anubis turned, facing her Sister, Dalila.
"The Pharaoh has requested to see us," said the Daughter of Osiris. "Nathifa as well."
"Did he give any explanation why?"
"Only to come at our earliest convenience, that is all."
Zashida nodded and turned to the teenagers. "Stay inside. If you like, you may give Mosi and Manu a tour. We'll talk later after our return."
"Yes mother," the three girls said. The boys bowed to them and watched as they left with their guardians.
"Shall we start the tour?" Peisimemne asked.
"Sisters of the Moon, so glad you could arrive," the pharaoh bowed to them.
They merely nodded their heads to him in greeting. "What can we assist you with?" Nathifa asked.
Pharaoh sat down on his throne. "As you know, my son has come of age-"
"We cannot permit one of our daughters to marry into the royal family," said Dalila. "Mother Isis deemed it forbidden when Aziza's daughters were born."
"In the last two hundred years, the Sisters of the Moon have protected Egypt, and brought it back from the devastation caused by the Hebrews' God before Aziza was born," the Pharaoh looked at them.
"Ramses would not release them as their God spoke with ours for their freedom," said Zashida. "His ignorance was the true plague of Egypt."
"It will not be repeated, I swear to all the gods. But a union with your houses and mine will make Egypt greater than it has ever been."
"A union is already in place, Pharaoh," Nathifa spoke. "You are descended from Horus. We are descended from Ra, Osiris, and Anubis. We share the same blood."
"Be as it may with this union the children will have the god's blood flowing through their bodies. No one would dare try to take Egypt away," he argued.
Nathifa narrowed her eyes every so slightly. "It seems as though you are becoming a bit greedy, pharaoh."
He frowned but kept his voice calm. "Egypt is my one concern."
"Then why do you not arrange a marriage with a princess from one of the other kingdoms?" Dalila asked.
"Our ties have been holding strong long before my rule. There is no need to such an arrangement."
"Regardless the gods have forbidden such a union between the royal family and our daughters. We will not break our word," Zashida said sternly.
"As the pharaoh I will let this marriage happen!" he demanded.
The three priestesses said nothing but they were displeased. Without saying another word they turned and left. The pharaoh was fuming but knew if he dare raise a hand against them the gods would strike him down dead. My son will have one of Isis's daughters as his bride! he vowed.
"I cannot believe that he would dare suggest such a thing," Zashida huffed as she moved her jackal piece across the board.
"It is not such a terrible idea."
"Asim!"
"Forgive me. I'm only pointing out how I can see it from his point of view," the Book Keeper picked up the three small rods and rubbed them between his hands before dropping them to the table.
Zashida started at him. Meshkenet's three Guardians immediately became hers at the moment of her sister's death. Ishaq and Jabari were devastated over the loss of Meshkenet-Jabari took it the hardest as he loved her deeply. However, they swore on the departed Daughter of Anubis that they would protect Zashida.
As for Asim, Zashida had taken a liking to him long before he became Meshkenet's Guardian Book Keeper. Now he was her Guardian Book Keeper, and with Agalameia training to take her place as the Daughter of Anubis, the two were now free as long it was kept from the public eye.
"He wants to ensure that the royal family continues to rule Egypt and protect it from danger if the need arises," he explained as he moved his own game piece.
"The gods forbade the union for a good reason and we will not break it," she said sternly. "I want Agalameia to marry who she loves." She picked up the rods and dropped them but she didn't move her piece right away. "She already has so much to deal with..."
"You're afraid someone will find out about him," the Book Keeper said softly.
"A silly fear but yes. Although she does not look like him I can't ignore the fact that his blood runs through her body."
"Yet you trust her not to follow in his footsteps." He waited as she moved her piece over the board but didn't roll the rods just yet. "But there is something more, isn't there."
"... We control the Army of Anubis, his Undead Soldiers. Can you imagine what would happen if she married someone who forced her to summon the army? I don't want that to happen to her!" Forgetting about the game she stood and walked to one of the windows, looking out at the rolling sand dunes.
Asim watched her for a moment before standing and pulled her into his arms. He didn't say anything but held Zashida tightly. He loved Agalameia as his own and sometimes he liked to think that she was of his blood.
"She'll be alright," Asim said quietly. "She has you, her Sisters, Khalfani, and it seems that those two boys' destinies are intertwined with hers now."
"You saw them, didn't you?" Zashida looked at him over her shoulder. "Your dreams told you that they would come."
"Guilty a charged," he smiled at her, leaning down and gave her a quick kiss.
She sighed and leaned back into him. "There is no telling who that fool of a pharaoh will be forced to wed. But unless he changes his mind may the gods grant mercy on his selfish heart," she said. Asim didn't say anything but held her tightly.
During the entire tour Khalfani and Mosi were trying to see who could gain the most attention from Agalameia. She seemed to sense some tension between them but thought it was because they had just met. Manu was fascinated with the temple, having never imagined it to be so grand. As they were shown the library he grew joyous but sadden at the same time. Children of nobles were allowed to learn to read and write but since he and Mosi were orphans they could not pay for lessons.
"How do you live then?" the brunette asked.
"If we're lucky a merchant will let us help by selling his items for a few coins or even some food but um," he beckoned her closer and whispered in her ear, "Mosi steals anything he can get his hands on."
"The punishment is cutting off your hands!" she hissed softly.
"I know but it's the only way we can survive."
"... If mother would allow it, maybe you can learn to read and write here at the temple." When Manu looked at her hopefully she couldn't help but smile.
The blue-eyed brunette looked at the stranger and frowned. "I don't care who you are or who you think you are but don't even think of going near Agalameia," he warned in a low tone.
"I don't see your name tattooed on her," Mosi smirked.
"How would you know?" Khafani countered. "You can't read."
Mosi frowned at the taller boy. "Be sure that the gods watch your back."
"What else do you do in the temple besides study and pray?" Manu asked.
"We train just in case something happens and we have to protect ourselves," Peisimemne answered.
Now Mosi raised a brow at this. "You three can actually fight?"
"We all learn to fight," Sadiki said a bit proudly. "We're future Guardians and it's our duty to protect the Sisters of the Moon!"
"How did you three become Guardians?" Manu asked.
"Their Fathers chose us," Hanif explained. "Each of our souls are linked to the same destiny. It is our fate-what will be, will be."
"Each Sister of the Moon has three Guardians," Theliane spoke up. "So far we only have one future Guardian."
"And what of the other two?" asked Mosi.
"Our Fathers shall choose them," said Agalameia.
"How do you know they're the right ones?" Mosi asked with disbelief. "Doesn't sound so easy."
"The gods wouldn't lie to us," Sadiki frowned. "Besides, it's different for each of us."
"I hope you all find loyal Guardians then," Manu said kindly.
Peisimemne giggled softly. "You're right, Agalameia. He's very kind!"
Manu blushed as his older brother rolled his eyes. Movement up ahead caught his attention. "What's that?"
Everyone stopped and looked to where Manu was pointing. A silhouette of a child was hiding behind a thin curtain. "Tumaini," Hanif called out, "it's alright. Come on out."
The child did as told, removing himself from the safety of the curtain and into everyone's sight. Mosi and Manu looked at him in surprise. "He looks like you, Hanif," said Manu.
"Everyone who has seen them has said that," Peisimemne smiled then walked over to Tumaini. She held out her hand and he timidly took hold, allowing himself to be led over to the group. "He's very shy," Peisimemne explained, "and he hardly ever talks."
Theliane smiled at the little boy. "We like to think of him as our little brother," she told them.
Manu smiled as he knelt to the child's level. "Hi Tumaini, I'm Manu and this is my older brother Mosi."
Tumaini looked at him and smiled before hiding behind his sister's robes.
"It's okay, little brother, they're friends," Agalameia smiled at him. She looked at the twins. "Over time he'll trust you two."
"Like the guards will let us in. They think we're nothing but street rats," Mosi snorted.
Khalfani bit his tongue, knowing that any remark he wanted to say would not sit well with Agalameia. She trusted the twin brothers, but Khalfani didn't know what to think of them. Manu seemed trust worthier than his older brother. Yet Mosi gave off the sense of unquestionable loyalty to whomever he swore it to.
The pharaoh was in his chamber, looking out of his window at the Temple of Isis. The priestesses had dared to forbid him from allowing their children to wed. People had begun to notice that the ruler had been acting strange as of late but did not know why or how. His eyes seemed to glaze over as someone stepped out from the shadows.
"Regardless as soon as the prince married one of the Daughters, I can kill the pharaoh and rule through his son. And once they have children I will raise them as nothing more than a puppet. I will rule Egypt but no one will ever suspect it." He smirked at the possessed ruler. "The people will hate you, Pharaoh Senusnet, and no one will mourn your death."
Prince Lisimba watched his father and the so-called trusted advisor from the hidden passage. He quietly shrank back and moved the small stone back into place so that no one would discover the discreet tunnel.
This is not good, the prince thought. Nexeu wants to take control of Egypt. I would rather have my soul fed to Ammit that ever see my kingdom fall under his rule!
Truth be told his father had thought about joining both families as did most of the council but the gods forbid the union. Senusnet decided to let the matter drop but there were still members of the council that would not take no as an answer. Nexeu was one of them but he had the most power than the others and so had more to gain but he knew the daughters would never marry him nor would their mothers force them into arranged marriages. Making sure he wasn't seen Lisimba walked down the halls. He had to find a way to break this spell on his father but the only ones he knew who could help would be the Sisters of the Moon.
"You sleep here?" Manu's wide eyes flew about the room in awe.
Mosi, sharing the same state as his brother, whistled his impressments.
"My room, yes," Agalameia smiled.
The twins continued to slowly walk around. The walls of the room were covered with images of avatars, the gods and their history. Anubis, the God of the Dead, was the most dominant among the scenes.
Taking up most of the wall was a large mural in which several gods were portrayed. Anubis knelt beneath a large set of scales, Thoth was writing something on papyrus, and Ammit sat patiently to the side. In one plate rested a heart and in the other rested a feather. To the other side was a man watching the scales and above them all was Osiris and other figures.
Mosi looked at it and turned to Agalameia. "What's this?" he asked.
"Weighing of the Heart. It's a passage from the Book of the Dead; when a person dies their heart is weighed. If they lead a good life they may meet Osiris on the other side. But if not then they are devoured by Ammit," she explained.
"I heard about that. Isn't it a book from the gods themselves?" Manu asked as he walked over to the mural.
"It's one of three. The reason we have three Guardians is not only so they will protect us but to continue the bloodline and be a keeper of the books; Anubis' Book of the Dead, Osiris' Book of Shadows, and Ra's Book of Life."
"If you all have the books, what's to keep thieves from stealing them?"
"Because the Books can only be opened by the Keepers themselves. When mother's guardians die then one of my guardians will become the new keeper."
"How do you tell who will be the new Keeper?" Manu asked.
"The Book of the Dead will choose."
"A Keeper is chosen by the Book?" Mosi raised an eyebrow.
"You doubt the process?" Khalfani looked at him.
"No, we don't," Manu said quickly. "It's just that there are so many amazing things we've learned in one day. It's hard to take it all in at once."
"It was hard for us as well but it's our duty."
"Nice duty." Mosi went over to the bed and without asking, sat down but jumped up when something growled at him, "What the?"
Anubis growled and rested his head back down. For such a slender animal he seemed to take up the entire bed.
Khalfani didn't bother to hide the smirk. Thank you Anubis, he thought to the animal.
"Anubis, don't growl at them," Agalameia scolded but walked over and gently scratched his ears. "I'm sorry but when he came back to the temple he grew more, protective of me."
"Does he bite?" Manu asked.
"Not unless you mean to cause me harm."
"Of course not," said Mosi. He held out his hand to the animal.
Khalfani watched, anticipating the loss of Mosi's hand or at least two fingers. But to his surprise, Anubis only sniffed the boy's hand before licking it in affection.
"See he likes you," she smiled.
"Better than having him not like me," he smiled and looked up at Khalfani.
"Not everyone," he said in a low tone.
"And what do you think of the twins?" Zashida asked.
"The elder one is definitely mischievous," said Nathifa, "the younger one is very kind."
"Do you think that they have been chosen?" Dalila looked at the Daughter of Anubis. "You had a dream about a pearl that divided into two, and that one was slightly darker than the other."
"I believe so," Zashida said, "they came for a reason but it was not to harm anyone."
"How can we be sure?"
"I have faith in them and Agalameia also trusts them. They are like the Scales of Judgment," Zashida said quietly. "Mosi and Manu balance each other. One is calm, and the other is rash. One is kind, and the other a bit raucous."
"I believe that 'raucous' is an understatement," Nathifa chuckled. "Mosi reminds me of Sadiki in some ways."
"Pardon, Sisters of the Moon," an elder woman bowed, "Prince Lisimba has arrived and wishes to speak with you."
So the pharaoh sends his son in hopes to have us rethink our answer, Dalila sighed. "Send him in."
The old woman nodded and left the chamber. Moments later, the Prince of Egypt and one of his bodyguards entered. Both men bowed to the three women, and in response they nodded.
"Prince Lisimba," the Daughter of Ra spoke, "we are honored that you have come. May we inquire the reason for your visit?"
"Forgive me, Sisters of the Moon," the prince said, "the reason I am here is because of my father."
"We told your father that we cannot have our house join with the house of Pharaoh."
"That is not the reason," the prince's bodyguard interrupted.
"Shadi," Lisimba held up his hand, "please."
The women quickly glanced at one another. "Is something wrong?"
"My father is being controlled by one of his council members. I don't know how but he only wishes for the houses to join so that if a child is conceived, he will use him or her as a puppet," he explained. "My father did want our houses to join but he knows that the gods forbid it. Please, I am asking for your help."
"Who is the council member?" the Daughter of Anubis asked.
"Nexeu."
"That greedy fool, all he cares about is power and nothing more," the Daughter of Osiris frowned. "But I do not think he did this on his own."
"Nor do I," said Lisimba. "Is there any way to free my father?"
Nathifa sighed, closing her eyes briefly. "At the moment, I am afraid there is not." She looked at the prince. "We don't know who else may be involved with Nexeu."
"Prince Lisimba, it would be wise for you to move out of the palace for the time being," said Zashida, "until the infidels are exposed."
"But where shall I go? I cannot abandon my father."
"You won't," Dalila smiled. "Karnak Temple has been asking for the blessing of the House of Pharaoh, and your father has been putting it off quite a bit recently, of course now we know part of the reason why. We keep in contact with the High Priestess of Thoth-she could help us to have you temporarily moved to the temple."
He seemed to think it over before slowly nodding his head. "I will gather my things."
"We'll be ready but it would be best if we left at nightfall," Shadi spoke up.
"Yes I agree. Nexeu will no doubt make up a story but we will know the truth." Nathifa smiled as she rested her hand on his shoulder. "We will find a way to free your father from that fool's grasp."
He looked up at her and smiled. "Thank you for everything."
"Prince Lisimba has moved into Karnak Temple?" Peisimemne looked at her mother.
"High Priestess Bahiti has been requesting Pharaoh Senusnet to bless the temple for many moon passes," Dalila replied as she put away a small clay jar. "Prince Lisimba will be pharaoh and he needs to learn to respect the gods and the people of Egypt."
"I understand that but why hasn't Pharaoh Sunusnet performed the ceremony?"
Dalila paused reaching for the next jar. "He has not been himself lately."
"Oh. Do you know when he will return?"
"I am not sure but he will be fine." She smiled at her young daughter. "I though your heart was for Hanif."
Peisimemne blushed brightly. "Mother!"
Dalila laughed softly. "The prince will be fine. Shadi is with him as well and he will protect the prince with his life."
"Alright. I just don't want to lose a good friend."
The Daughter of Osiris silently watched her child went back to the scroll spread out on the small table before her.
How cruel fate can be, Dalila thought. It is too soon for this to be happening. They are not ready. Theliane and Peisimemne only have one Guardian, and it's still uncertain if those two boys are Chosen for Agalameia. Her hands tightened around the jar. Please, Father, we need more time.
"Mother, are you alright?"
Dalila jumped slightly, and then smiled at her daughter. "I'm fine, Peisimemne. I just have a lot on my mind."
"Peisimemne!" Theliane and Agalameia ran into the room. "You have to come with us!"
"For what?" their Sister asked.
"Mosi and Khalfani are going to fight!" said Theliane.
"Fight?" Dalila stared at them. "Why in the name of Mother Isis are they fighting?"
"They've been trying to best each other to see which of them can receive more of Agalameia's attention."
"I tried reasoning with them but they won't listen," Agalameia explained. "Manu tired also but they won't change their minds."
Peisimemne turned to Dalila. "Mother?"
She only nodded to her. "Go on but if it becomes too dangerous come get us or the Guardians," she warned.
"Yes." Bowing to her they quickly left. There was no telling how much damage the boys could inflict on each other.
Authors' Notes:
Janime: Yes, until the new full-timer comes in. Then I'm back to my crappy 15 hours. I gotta make these next couple paychecks last. Bills suck.
Heikou: Indeedy. Too bad we can't send them to the Shadow Realm.
Janime: I hear ya. Now, back to the fic.
Heikou: Mosi and Khalfani have started fighting for Agalameia!
Janime: And so the 5000-year-old rivalry begins!
Heikou: Isn't that how most rivalries and wars start? Two guys fighting over a girl or something?
Janime: Sadly, yes it does.
Heikou: The pharaoh is being controlled by one of his advisors. Good thing his son is out of the palace now.
Janime: And Shadi is here too! Man this guy gets around.
Heikou: We'll see you in the next chapter as Khalfani and Mosi begin to fight!
Janime: Now who will be the victor? The childhood friend or the recently arrived thief?
Heikou: Notice that his profession hasn't changed.