"Daughters of Isis"
By: Heikou and Janime Lee
Darkness Rising
When word of what had happened spread past the temple walls, the people of Egypt were in mourning. They had lost a beloved priestess and Daughter of Amun-Ra. Pharaoh Senusnet was gravely ill but he struggled to remain living and even came to the Temple of Isis to give his own prayers. When he met Theliane he bowed to her as deeply as he could.
"I owe your mother my life and, especially, the life of my son," he said in a weaken voice. "She will never be forgotten."
"Thank you for your kind words," she answered, bowing her head to him.
Sadiki wanted to hold her, comfort her, take away the pain she was feeling but he couldn't. He watched as Agalameia and Peisimemne stood at her sides, taking her hands in their own adding their own comfort to her.
All priests and priestesses came, offering prayers and small gifts for Nathifa to bring with her to the afterlife. The ceremony went on for most of the day but as the sun was beginning to set only the Sisters of the Moon, their daughters, their Guardians, and their priests left to the sacred burial where the past Daughters had been buried.
The priests chanted, guiding the departed soul to the Afterlife where she would be judged before Osiris. Dalila and Zashida stepped towards the golden coffin, adding their own prayers. One by one, each of them came forward until it was at least Theliane's turn. Everyone could see how she suffered but she held strong as her fingers gently glided over the cold mask. Tears fell but no sound escaped her lips. Stepping back she watched as the sarcophagus was lowered into the cavern hidden beneath the sands. They stayed there until the sand covered it all before slowing turning and headed back to the temple. By the time they got back nearly everyone was gone.
Except for Prince Lisimba, his bodyguard Shadi, and his friend Thabit.
"So what will happen now?" Thabit asked.
"Theliane must now mourn for two moon passes," Shadi explained. "When the time is over, she will be the Daughter of Ra."
"And only two Guardians," Lisimba said quietly. "The people will see it as a bad omen."
"I doubt that," Shadi chuckled, "Dalila only had Baruti when she became the Daughter of Osiris. It was quite some time before Fadil and Garai were chosen."
"So, there's still time?" Thabit asked.
The bodyguard nodded. "Let us return to the palace."
--
Theliane ran from the temple when she heard the deep bellow of the horn, telling everyone that wounded were being brought into the city. She flew past the guards standing by the doors and down the steps. People were already setting down the makeshift litters with their passengers. Agalameia and Peisimemne were already healing wounds and comforting those distressed.
"What happened?" Theliane asked a soldier.
"A caravan was attacked by rogue bandits," he answered, setting down a youth.
Theliane knelt beside the injured person and stopped. The person was a boy who couldn't have been much older than herself. His hair was a golden color, like the sands of the desert with the morning sunlight shining upon it. His face was beautiful for he didn't have the looks of the everyday people here. He must have been from the caravan.
Groaning, the boy opened his almond eyes. They were full of pain and fear. Theliane smiled gently at him and brushed his hair away from his face. "It's alright," she said, "I'm not going to hurt you. What's your name?"
"... Ka... Kasuyan..." said the boy.
"I'm going to heal you now, Kasuyan." Theliane placed her hands over the wounds on his chest, closed her eyes and began to pray. "Isis, glorious Goddess, you of the Healing Wings, World-Mother, Wound-Mender, Breaker of the chains of pain. You who hold the world in the palm of your hand. Heal from me, heal through me, heal by me, heal for me. All Glory to You, Holy Isis!"
Kasuyan gasped as the pain intensified briefly then faded. He didn't feel as weak and looked down, eyes widening at the sight of the wounds slowly disappearing.
Theliane smiled at him as she rose to her feet. "Rest now, Kasuyan. I will return."
He watched as she moved and closed his eyes, smiling at the thought of the angel that had saved his life.
The girls worked to the best of their ability but not before long were they done. The caravan members were slowly getting to their feet, the most serious of wounds having been healed through the will of Isis, and their terrors had been calmed by a soothing word or gesture. The three young ladies were exhausted but they were relieved that weren't any casualties.
"Theliane," Agalameia spoke, "…are you alright?"
Her Sister nodded. "I heard the horn. I couldn't ignore it."
"How can you?" Sadiki asked as he walked over to them. "It nearly knocked me over."
The three girls laughed lightly at him. Theliane turned her head to where the caravan boy was resting. He was sitting up now, and talking with an elder woman. He paused for a moment and looked at Theliane.
The world around both of them blurred and all sound was muffled. Something indescribable passed between the two youths that neither had ever felt before.
Theliane jumped at her name. "What?"
"I said you should go back to the temple," Dalila repeated herself.
The Daughter of Ra blushed and nodded, silently calling herself a fool for not even realizing that the Daughter of Osiris had arrived.
Sadiki began to follow but paused and looked at a blonde young man who was part of the caravan. He frowned but went inside the temple.
Dalila looked at the other two girls, smiling softly. "You have done well."
"Thank you, mother," Peisimemne smiled.
"What will happen to these people?" Agalameia asked.
"They will stay here and once they are ready, will continue their journey. They are travelers and go where they please."
"Oh… I don't think I could ever leave Egypt."
"I don't know," said Peisimemne. "I think it would be fascinating to see other places. Hanif told me the stories he's heard from merchants and travelers who've been beyond Egypt's borders. They say there are places where it becomes so cold that white crystals fall from the sky, and when the weather is warm again the crystals turn into water."
Her Sister's eyes lit up. "Really?"
"Yes, I think he said they call it snow."
"Wow. I would like to see that but I'd miss Egypt too much."
"Me too. But it does sound nice."
Zashida sighed softly. She offered a prayer of thanks to Anubis for not taking the souls of these people just yet. She walked towards the temple, smiling at the girls. "How are you both feeling?" she asked.
"Tired but grateful," her daughter smiled.
"Understandable," Dalila nodded. "Why don't you two go inside? We'll be in shortly."
"Something's on your mind," Zashida said when their daughters passed through the doorway.
"Don't tell me you haven't noticed that these attacks are becoming more and more frequent," Dalila gave her a look.
"Who hasn't?" her Sister asked. "Lisimba will be pharaoh when Senusnet departs this world. Because of his age, other kingdoms will try to overtake Egypt. They believe that Lisimba is too weak to rule."
The Daughter of Osiris sighed deeply. "This is too much to bear. Alliances are crumbling and the guards cannot hold out forever."
"I know... but we swore to protect Egypt at all costs. Even if it means protecting it from its own people." But Zashida was worried. With the pharaoh dying all kingdoms that swore alliance pulled away. Each wanted the kingdom for their own selfish greed but she would not let that happen.
"And don't you even think of it."
"Think of what?"
"Don't be coy, Sister," said Dalila, "you know exactly what I mean."
Zashida blinked then turned her head away. "We were both instructed if it was ever needed. Agalameia will take my place. However there is a slim chance-"
"A slim chance that only happened once, and the reason why she survived was that she didn't have a daughter."
"Yet shortly after her daughter was born she died. You know this is a burden we must carry, Dalila."
"She is not ready to take on such a role. She is too young."
"So is Theliane but Nathifa trusts her." The thought struck her she slowly turned to face her Sister. "You don't trust her."
Dalila refused to look at her.
Zashida frowned. "Anubis trusts her-"
"But I don't."
"How can you act like this? Regardless of what happens when I pass to the Afterlife Agalameia will take over as the next Sister of the Moon. I trust her to protect our home as do the Guardians and Anubis himself."
"… Trust can easily be broken, Sister."
"Indeed it can." Zashida walked away.
--
Kasuyan stood near the covered wagon, his honey-colored eyes slowly going over the scenery before him. This was the first time in his young life that he had ever left Crete, the island off the coast of Greece. His father had told him about the many places he had traveled to in before his passing, and it was those very stories that made Kasuyan's desire to see the world. When his father's associates began talking of traveling again, Kasuyan was one of the first to volunteer to go.
Their destination was Egypt.
All sand, limited water, Kasuyan thought, and yet people are thriving here. Father was right; it is amazing.
The people were exotic and so different from those he traveled with. And like on Crete they worshipped many gods instead of one but most bore heads of different animals and were considered very holy. He looked at the temple that the guards had brought them to after they had been found in the desert. Supposedly the women who resided in the temple were very important and had more power then even the pharaoh.
He smiled as he thought back to the young woman who had healed him. A beautiful angel…
"Hey, Kasuyan!" a voice called out to him.
Kasuyan turned, catching sight of a slightly taller boy about his age running towards him. Memories of a man with his son from Egypt who had returned with his father on one of his later travels surfaced in his mind.
"Gyasi!" Kasuyan clasped hands with the Egyptian. "I almost can't believe it. By the gods."
"Yours or mine?" Gyasi grinned.
The fair-skinned boy laughed. "How did you know I was here?"
"I overheard in the tavern that a caravan from beyond Egypt's borders had returned, so I had no doubt that it had to be your father's." Gyasi looked around. "Where is he, anyway? Setting up shop? My parents want to see him again."
Kasuyan cast his eyes down. "He's gone… Seven moons ago."
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that," Gyasi said quietly.
"You didn't know, but now I'm really glad I came with the caravan."
Gyasi smiled and nodded to him. "How do you feel?"
"Better. I thought I wasn't going to make it but... a young woman healed me... she was the most beautiful woman I've ever seen..." Kasuyan said wistfully.
"Really now? What did she look like?"
"Gentle green eyes and rich red-brown hair that falls down her back." He looked at his friend when he heard him gasp. "What's wrong?"
"There's only one girl in Egypt with green eyes but... did you hear her name?"
"No, I didn't. I know for a fact that she did call upon Isis."
Gyasi swallowed before speaking. "Kasuyan, try not to get to upset from what I'm about to say but… it would be best if you forgot about her."
Kasuyan looked at him in shock. "What are you saying?"
"Believe me, what happened was a once in a lifetime opportunity. But you'll never see her again." Gyasi walked off, leaving a stunned Kasuyan in the street.
--
Manu looked at his brother who was glaring at the scrolls before him. "Glaring at it won't make it go away," he said.
"Like I care. Why can't I burn them again?" he growled.
"Asim threatened you, remember?"
"Yeah..." It wasn't that, really. It was mainly because Agalameia would never forgive him. "This is so damn boring!"
"What else would you rather be doing?"
"Anything except reading!"
Manu rolled his eyes towards the ceiling. "Just finish the scroll, Mosi."
"I'm firstborn," Mosi snapped, "I give you the orders."
Physically you are but as for your mind, you haven't aged past three, Manu thought.
Anubis, who had been sleeping on the floor, lifted his head. He looked around the room before standing and ran to the entrance. Agalameia smiled as she reached down, gently scratching his ears and showering him with affection. He followed her as she entered the room.
The younger twin looked up and smiled as he watched his friend come in. "How are the people?" he asked. They had been at the temple long enough to know what the sound of the horn meant. It was one of the Daughters' duties to help those in need.
"They'll live though for some it was close," she sighed, sitting upon a long sofa as Anubis sat at her feet. "I overheard that the other kingdoms want the land as their own."
"Greedy bastards," Mosi said as he stood up, stretching. "Didn't his father form any alliances?"
"Yes but only with Pharaoh Senusnet; many people don't think Prince Lisimba can handle the pressure but we are not going to give up on him."
"How much longer does the pharaoh have?" Manu asked.
"A few days at the most."
"Why doesn't he just order the other kings to leave this kingdom alone? He's the one who forged the alliances in the first place," Mosi asked.
"Do you really think they'll listen to a dying man?" Manu countered.
"When we were kids those noble brats listened to me."
"Because they were afraid you were going to beat them up."
"Done it before."
The younger sighed and turned to ask Agalameia's opinion but she was lying along the sofa seat, her head pillowed on her arm. She had fallen asleep. Anubis never moved from his spot on the floor.
--
Shadi watched his charge sit solemnly beside the open balcony. It pained the guard to see his prince distressed. He had been there at the prince's side since the moment Lisimba was born.
"Your highness," Shadi spoke gently.
Lisimba released a quiet sigh, never taking his eyes off the marketplace before him. "He's going to die soon. I know that he will join my mother but… how can I measure up to what he has done?"
"You cannot... Your father has done many things during his reign as pharaoh, but you are not him." He stood behind him and rested his hand on his shoulder. "I have faith in you. You will be a great pharaoh."
The prince smiled and looked up at him. "Thank you Shadi. I'm glad you're here."
The bodyguard smiled. "I would lay my life down to protect you."
--
That night, the caravan had moved to a lesser-used section of the marketplace. Everyone decided to hold off setting up for a couple days after their ordeal until they had their minds calm.
Kasuyan sat down with a bowl of stew and leaned against a wagon wheel. He fished out a piece of meat, blowing on it so that he wouldn't burn his mouth.
"You've gotta be kidding!"
"Daughters of gods?"
"I tell ya, man, it's the truth! Three of them!"
"So let's get this straight, now. They say their mother is the goddess Isis, and that three different other gods are their fathers?"
"That's the word in the market. They're called the Sisters of the Moon. That's their main title; other times they're called the Daughters of Isis."
Kasuyan paused when he heard the conversation of the older men sitting near the fire pit. Forgetting his supper for the moment, the young traveler rose up and walked over to them.
"Ah, Kasuyan," one of them greeted him. "Have a seat, boy, and listen to this senile old timer's gossip."
"Ain't gossip!" the older man said.
"I caught part of it," said Kasuyan as he took an empty space. "Who are the Sisters of the Moon?"
"Three priestesses," the old timer smiled, happy that someone was taking him seriously for a change. "Isis is their Mother even though they have mortal mothers. And they each have a different Father-"
"Ra, Osiris, and Anubis," another man broke in. "Can you believe this?"
"I wouldn't mock them if I were you. They were the ones who helped us after the attack along with the other priests."
"What do they look like?" Kasuyan couldn't help asking.
"The Daughter of Anubis--her given name is Agalameia. She has dark brown hair, a little wavy, and dark brown eyes. The Daughter of Osiris is named Peisimemne. She has short brown hair, lighter than Agalameia's, and blue eyes. And then Theliane, the Daughter of Ra. Her hair is reddish-brown, rather long, and eyes like emeralds."
There's only one girl in Egypt with green eyes…
"And she's the only girl in Egypt with green eyes," the old timer finished with a smile.
"Please, I saw a boy in the market with green eyes," the first man snorted.
"I said the only girl, not the only one!"
Kasuyan remained quiet as the rest of the small gathering bickered.
It would be best if you forgot about her… you'll never see her again…
"I can understand if their mothers were different but I don't believe a woman, goddess or not, can have three girls at the same time with different fathers," the second man said.
"It's true!" the old man snapped.
"I believe you." Everyone looked at the young man in surprise.
"Kasuyan, maybe you should get some rest. You've had a long day now," one of the men said.
"I am not tired," the boy confessed. "The girl with green eyes-"
"Theliane," the old man interrupted.
"-Theliane was the one who healed me. And I spoke with Gyasi. His father knew my father but he's lived most of his life here in Egypt. They are the Daughters of the gods you've named and the goddess Isis. They are also priestesses of Isis," he told them, taking out a piece of meat from his now cooled stew.
"So it is true."
"And we thought the oracles were amazing."
Kasuyan looked over his should towards the temple of Isis, his thoughts on the priestess who had saved his life.
Theliane…
--
Tumaini picked up another bead and ran the string through it, a small smile on his face as he inspected his craft.
Peisimemne smiled at him. "That's very nice, Tumaini," she commented.
"Is that a gift for someone?" Agalameia asked.
The little boy just smiled and picked up another bead. It was a calm day for Egypt and everyone was enjoying it, including the Daughters of Isis and their guardians. There had no outburst from the other kingdoms since the caravan had arrived and many hoped it meant they had stopped this fruitless war but it was too soon to be sure.
Theliane was thinking back to the young man she had healed. For some reason her thoughts have been plagued of the young man as of late. All she knew of him was that he was part of the caravan and his name was Kasuyan.
Kasuyan...
"Theliane?"
She jumped slightly. "Sadiki… Forgive me, my mind was wondering."
"I've noticed," he said, sitting down next to her on the stone bench. "What is it?"
The Daughter or Ra shrugged. "A lot of things."
Sadiki nodded and decided not to press the matter. He knew that she was still grieving over the loss of Nathifa. Another factor was that the ceremony to name Theliane as the next Daughter of Ra would not commence until she had all three Guardians.
And it's just Deunoro and me right now, he thought. Please, Ra, send your Daughter her third Guardian. For her, and for your people.
A guard ran into the temple, nearly running into the guards. "I must speak with the Sisters of the Moon!" he panted.
"What's your business with here?" one of the guards asked.
"I come from the palace, Pharaoh Senusnet is on his death bed," the servant told them. "He wishes to see them before he parts into the afterlife."
Everyone looked at each other then Dalila rose to her feet. "We will be there shortly. Tell the pharaoh and the prince."
The palace guard bowed and quickly ran off.
Dalila turned. "Theliane, go get ready."
Nodding, the Daughter of Ra quickly headed to her room.
"Shall we go too?" Agalameia asked.
"No," Zashida placed her hands on her daughter's shoulders. "We will go, but after we return we will tell you everything."
"Alright," she said softly. They watched as their mothers and Sister ran out of the temple followed by the guards and Guardians. Tumaini stood between the girls and reaching up, held onto their hands.
--
Senusnet was gasping for air, his skin pale as the moonlight. Lisimba sat at his side, holding his hand tightly. He was amazed that his father had made it this far, but the gods were now calling for him.
I'm not ready, father... I cannot be pharaoh, he thought bitterly but tried to remain strong.
The servant came into the room, breathing heavily. "The Sisters... are coming... your highness," he told them, struggling to regain his breath.
"Shadi…" the pharaoh gasped out. "You… have always… watched… over… my son… He… he will need… your guidance… more… than ever…"
"I honored, my lord, for your trust in me," Shadi bowed.
Senusnet looked at his son. "Lisimba… don't be afraid… You will… be… a great… pharaoh… Do not… make… the mistakes… that I have…"
He nodded as tears slowly fell. "I will do my best, father," he told him.
The three women finally arrived and made their way to the bed. Lisimba silently stepped aside to allow them more room.
Senusnet looked at the women and smiled weakly. "Daughters... of Isis... please, continue to... protect... Egypt..." he asked of them.
Dalila nodded and rest her hand on his shoulder. "Oh course, your highness."
"Forgive me... for mistakes I... I have made..."
"The gods know of Set's treachery, your heart will be judged fairly," Zashida told him with all honestly.
The pharaoh smiled weakly, and then looked at Theliane. He held out his hand, and she took it within her own. "I pray… that one day… you will… forgive me for… the pain… I have caused you…"
"You are forgiven, Pharaoh Senusnet," said Theliane, "you must now forgive yourself."
"My shame… will be judged… before Anubis…" Senusnet inhaled sharply and coughed. "Lisimba…"
"I'm here," the prince took his father's hand from Theliane.
Senusnet smiled at his son. "… Lisimba…"
His eyes closed, and his breath was no more.
Lisimba fought the tears as they spilt over his cheeks. "Guide him to the afterlife, mother," he whispered.
The three women silently stood, whispering a prayer for the departed pharaoh. One of the servants left the room to tell the council, who had been waiting outside the chamber, the news. Before the day was out Prince Lisimba would be crowned as Pharaoh of Egypt. The kingdom has lost a king that day but the prince would take the throne.
Lisimba looked at the women, wiping the tears away from his face. "Thank you for coming at his last moment of breath," he said softly.
Zashida placed her hand on the prince's shoulder. "We are sorry for your loss, but he will go on to a better life, and no doubt to reunite with your mother."
Lisimba nodded, turning his head as the priests of Anubis draped a large purple cloth over Senusnet's body then carried the deceased pharaoh from the room.
"Ninety days before he can begin his journey," Shadi said quietly. "The crowning ceremony will begin soon for tonight."
"Of course," said Lisimba and turned to the Sisters. "Will you be there?"
"Yes," Theliane answered before Dalila or Zashida could speak.
He smiled weakly and bowed to them. "Again, I thank you."
"You're welcome."
--
All the nobles, priests and priestesses filled the throne room as the crowning ceremony began. Lisimba was nervous but he struggled to stand tall and strong. It would be difficult but he would not let his father or the kingdom down. He looked over the crowd. All the people seem to be faceless blurs but he was glad to see Shadi, Thabit, Dalila, Theliane, and Zashida as well as the others. He could count on them to be there for him and took strength from that.
Zashida, Dalila, and Theliane stood along the left side of the throne room, dressed in their finest robes and each wearing the symbol representing their Fathers. Peisimemne and Agalameia stood back away from their mothers and Sister. All the Guardians standing near their appointed charges.
Omari stood with Sadiki and Deunoro. After Nathifa's passing, Omari, Sefu, and Zareb took the Trail of Passing, where the gods would decide which Guardians would be chosen to help guide the deceased Sister of the Moon to the Afterlife. In a room filled with large clay jars, each of the three Guardians would choose one jar and place his right hand into it. If the asp bit him, he would guide the Sister to the afterlife.
Since Theliane only had two Guardians at present, only one of her mother's had to remain. Omari was the one who remained. Theliane was the Daughter of Ra, but she was also the blood daughter of Omari. Though it pained him that he could not accompany his beloved Nathifa to the afterlife, he did find comfort knowing that she would be waiting for him, and that he was still watching over their child.
The ceremony was long and at times a bit boring, but then came the moment of truth. Lisimba stepped forward, standing before the High Priest. He was nervous, inside he was trembling like a leaf in a storm but outside he remained strong. I will do my best, father. Bowing he closed his eyes, feeling the slight weight of the crown as it was placed upon his head. Standing he accepted the small specters that show his rule over Egypt and stepped towards the large crowd. He took a deep breath and began his speech.
"I did not think I would have to be pharaoh for a long time... but the gods decided that my father's time had come. I realize that he made mistakes, we've all made mistakes but we learn from them. As pharaoh of Egypt I will do my best to protect our land and its people from invaders. The other kings did not believe I can take such a burden but I promise I will not fail our beloved Egypt."
Shadi smiled warmly as the others inside the throne room nodded.
"As with tradition of the crowning, I have the decision whether to keep the name that was given to me or to give myself a new name," the newly crowned pharaoh swallowed before continuing. "I have decided to give myself a new name. Before my mother passed to the afterlife, she told me that she wanted to give me the name I am going to give myself."
Theliane glanced over to her Sisters then back to the pharaoh.
"I am now Pharaoh Hakizimana."
There was the slight rise of talking but before the new pharaoh could worry they began to chant their new ruler.
"Hail, Pharaoh Hakizimana! Hail, Pharaoh Hakizimana!"
The young man smiled but he knew that others would not be happy about this. His great kingdom would soon be engaged in war all for the throne. Only then would the true test for the newly crowned king be known.
--
Tumaini smiled as he moved the Hound, and then looked at Mosi.
"You win again," Mosi said in shock.
"Why don't you stop letting him win?" Manu
"Who said I was letting him?"
"The one thing about Tumaini," Hanif laughed, "is that once he learns a new game, he will beat you at it, no matter what."
The little boy smiled, his eyes shining.
Sadiki laughed at Manu's expression. "Beaten by a little boy!"
The older twin growled at him. "You've lost to him too, so shut up!"
"At least I can take it like a man," Sadiki grinned.
"How about you, Khalfani?" Manu asked before his brother would do something rash.
"Khalfani won't play against him," said Hanif.
Mosi smirked. "Afraid?"
"I only play against Agalameia," Khalfani returned the smirk, which widened as Mosi frowned.
"How is Theliane?" Manu again decided to change the subject.
"She's with Deunoro before Lisimba… I mean, Pharaoh Hakizimana," Sadiki told him.
"She only needs one more Guardian," Hanif took Mosi's place at the table.
"How long does it take for a Guardian to appear?" Manu asked.
"The gods decide that. Sometimes the Guardians are friends, a noble, a soldier, even an outsider."
"How do we know that the third Guardian will appear? I mean what if someone says he's the one when he really isn't?"
"Ouch," said Mosi.
--
"My lord Pharaoh Hakizimana."
Deunoro watched with much distaste as his father's second wife bowed to the new Egyptian ruler.
"It is such an honor to have an audience with you, great one."
"Rise, Maibe," said the pharaoh.
She did as told, moving upright very slowly. Deunoro rolled his eyes; he knew what she was trying to do. He looked over to right to one of the pillars, seeing Theliane standing just in the shadows.
She had encouraged him to bring the matter to the new pharaoh and promised to be there for him. He was a bit nervous but trusted the Daughter of Ra and turned to the pharaoh.
Hakizimana studied them each in turn, thinking back to the reason the audience was called in the first place. "I am saddened to hear about the death of your husband," he told her.
"Yes it was tragic but the gods deemed to take him," she said sadly, her shoulders dropping.
Yeah right. It took everything the Book Keeper had not to snort out loud.
"And what was the sickness that had caused his suffering?" Hakizimana asked.
"I do not know, my lord," Maibe faked a broken-hearted look.
"Deunoro, were any of your sisters affected by your father's ailment?"
"No, Pharaoh Hakizimana," the Book Keeper answered, "I sent them to stay with my elder brother and his wife during that time."
"They should have stayed at home," Maibe chided. "He needed to see his children before he passed to the afterlife. I even invited Tabari and Umayma to stay with us so that they could care for the girls."
Theliane narrowed her eyes. Something's not right with her. Deunoro said she was insistent that they all stay in their house, and was very angry that they declined.
"I see. The healers could not save him?" he asked.
"No, my lord, but they did try their best!"
"And you are here because you claimed your husband agreed to leave all he had to you, am I right?"
"That's a lie! I was there when my father passed away, my lord," Deunoro interrupted. He lowered his voice, ignoring the glare Maibe was sending him. "He told me that he wanted the money and land to be split between my siblings and myself, so that we would have a home and future for ourselves."
"Your father wrote that I would inherit all the land and money. He signed it as well or don't you remember, my dear son?" the woman asked in a sickening sweet voice.
"I am not your son and you will never be my mother, Ra be praised!" the young man yelled at her, fury blazing in his eyes.
"Do you have the document?" Hakizimana asked.
"Of course, my lord," Maibe removed the papyrus scroll from within the folds of her robes, and started to make way to the pharaoh.
Shadi stepped in her path, holding out his hand.
"I would like to give this to the pharaoh personally," Maibe said.
"You either hand it over to me or I will gladly throw you out of the palace and over the main gate," Shadi promised.
Deunoro had to bite his tongue to prevent himself from laughing at the look on Maibe's face. It was short-lived as she slowly gave the guard the scroll and stepped back.
Shadi walked up to the pharaoh and held out the scroll. Hakizimana took it and unrolled the sheet of papyrus.
Hakizimana read over the scroll carefully, studying the characters very carefully. After a bit he silently lowered it down. He cast his eyes on the young Guardian. He seemed calm yet furious as his eyes darted to his step-mother. Deunoro was here to make sure his siblings were taken care of. This woman, on the other hand, seemed to care about them as well but something was not right. Her eyes never wavered from him and she didn't look like she was in mourning over her husband. He couldn't place his finger on it but he wanted a second opinion.
"Maibe, would you please wait in the other room? I wish to speak with Deunoro."
"My lord, forgive me but the proof is written on the parchment," she protested.
"I understand but I wish to speak with him." She frowned but bowed and walked out of the room. Once she was gone, Hakizimana gave the scroll to Shadi to give to the young man. "Would your father write anything like this?" he asked him, studying his face carefully.
Deunoro looked over the parchment. "That is his cartouche but this is not his testament. I know because I saw him write it two days before he became ill."
"Would you mind if I looked at it?" Theliane stepped out from behind the pillar. She took the scroll, immediately feeling something off about it.
Shadi noticed the look on her face. "What is it?"
"Deunoro, your father did write this," said Theliane.
"That's impossible!" he exclaimed. "If he did write that one then where is the one I saw him compose?"
"Right here." Theliane held the papyrus sheet up and murmured a chant. "Horus, son of my Mother Isis, grant me your sight to remove this deception."
The scroll began to glow and the hieroglyphs moved about on the surface, looks of amazement appeared on the faces of the three men.
Theliane held the scroll out to Deunoro. "And now?"
He nodded vigorously. "That's it! That's exactly what he wrote!"
"But how was it changed?" Shadi asked.
"Maibe either knows a little magic or she knows someone who does," Theliane concluded. "We won't know for certain unless you ask her."
Hakizimana nodded. "Theliane, until you deem it necessary, please remain hidden. Shadi, have Maibe return."
"My lord," Shadi bowed and left the room.
Theliane gave the scroll to Hakizimana and returned to the shadows along the side of the throne room. When Shadi returned with Maibe in tow, she noticed the confident way the woman held herself.
Maibe bowed and smiled at the pharaoh. "My lord."
Hakizimana was quiet for a little bit as he looked at the scroll. "I find it fascinating," he began, "how an extremely skilled scribe would be able to tell if a document was forged. But you, without a doubt, would have succeeded."
"Pharaoh Hakizimana, what are you saying?" Maibe asked, and then her face fell as the pharaoh showed her the scroll.
"Did you alter it yourself with magic?" Theliane asked. "Or did you have someone do it for you?"
Maibe paled as the Daughter of Ra came into view.
Deunoro watched with a smirk. She thought she had succeeded but there was no way she could lie now that the truth had been revealed. "You may as well confess now, Maibe. Lying to the pharaoh is one thing, but lying to the Daughter of Ra is something else," he warned her.
She shot him an angry glare, her hands closing into tight fists. "You little bastard," she hissed behind her teeth.
"Tell me the truth Maibe, who altered the scroll?" Hakizimana asked.
Maibe looked at everyone before releasing a dark chuckle. "I altered the scroll with the power that my master bestowed upon me." She turned her evil smile to Deunoro. "And I also killed your father as a sacrifice to him. He thrives on suffering, always has."
"You bitch!" Deunoro ran at her.
Maibe raised her hands and struck him with a dark energy ball, sending the Guardian flying across the room. Theliane braced herself as her Book Keeper slammed into her and they fell to the floor.
"And now to end the line of Horus!" Maibe sent another ball towards Hakizimana.
Suddenly a large circular object with a glass-like surface and a long handle appeared in front of Hakizimana. The ball of energy went into the glass with shattering it and the glass began to glow.
"I can direct where I want that attack of yours to go, Maibe," said Theliane, now standing on her feet with Deunoro at her side. "Perhaps I should send it back to you."
Her eyes wide but slowly her lips pulled into a smirk. "You can't harm me. My master will gave me more than enough power to protect myself even from you," she laughed.
"I knew there was something I hated about you," the Guardian said angrily. "You're nothing but a greedy bitch!"
"What your mouth, bastard child!" Holding her hands up she sent the attack at them but the mirror glowed and the attack from before was released. The two cancelled the other out, light filling the room. Maibe cursed but she looked up when she heard chanting. When the light cleared she took one look at her step-son, and ran for the doors leading out.
Shadi removed the dagger at his side with practiced grace, sent it flying. The blade sank deeply into the back of the woman's leg, causing her to hit the floor with a cry of pain.
"It's time you pay for your crimes." In the young man's hands was the golden book of Amun-Ra and it was opened, the pages glowing brightly.
Maibe hissed from the pain as she pulled herself to her knees. "Master, I beseech you! Come to my aid, Destroyer of Egypt! Grant me your power to annihilate those before me! Hear my plea, Great Lord Set!"
Her stomach bulged and than a large serpent ripped from the fabric of her robe. It grew larger, encircling the woman.
"As you can see, oh Daughter of Ra," Maibe laughed and gently stroked the scaly body, "you are not the only one who can call upon a god."
Theliane glared at the serpent. "Set."
"Theliane," the dark god hissed. "Last time I visited the kingdom I saw your Sister. Too bad I didn't take the opportunity to kill her."
Green eyes narrowed but she continued to keep her cool. "What makes you so confident this time?" she asked.
The enormous snake titled its head, mimicking a sadistic smile. "Maibe."
"Yes, my lord," she looked at her god.
"Time to uphold your half of our pact."
Maibe paled. "But my lord, I haven't-"
"I agreed to lend you the power for you to use anyway you wanted," Set hissed. "That did not mean you were guaranteed to receive anything when you used it."
"But-" she screamed in pain as the serpent sank it's fangs into her neck. She fell to the floor, dead. Set laughed as he slide from her body but his body seemed to grow larger and longer yet still retained the form of a large serpent.
Deunouro held no remorse for his step-mother but still slowly took a step back. It was Set the entire time. Somehow I'm not really surprised, he thought to himself.
Shadi moved before the young pharaoh, pulling out his sword as he prepared to lay down his life for the young charge. "What will you do now, vile creature?" he commanded.
Set laughed, his fangs dripping acidic venom onto the marble floors. "Fulfill my revenge against the gods. When the line of Horus dies, Egypt will fall into darkness. People will kill one another to claim the throne. I shall sit back, watching and taking in their pain and suffering. The gods will become powerless and I will slaughter them all!"
"So you say."
"Asim!" Theliane cried out.
The Book Keeper stood at the entrance of the throne room.
"What's wrong, Set?" Asim stepped forward. "Can't you take on a higher form? Oh, silly me, I forgot. Part of your punishment is that your powers are limited, and you can't take on a greater form unless it's by sacrifice."
Set glared at the mortal. "How dare you even speak to me, servant of a bastard!"
"A bastard Anubis may be, but even he has more power and recognition than you, Set."
The snake hissed and instead of lunging at the young ruler, decided to take care of the foul Guardian first. "By your blood shall I rise in power!" he proclaimed.
"I think not." His body began to glow, the aura gathering into a figure dressed in robes and armor of a powerful spellcaster the color of blood. The face could not be seen but that didn't matter as the mage flew before Asim, leveling his staff he sent a blast of power at the snake.
Set cried out in pain, the blast sending him to fly and hit the far wall. He crumbled to the floor but slowly rose. "One day Anubis will suffer and those that serve under him shall fall."
"Now while his Daughter and the Guardians live and breathe."
"Then I shall start by getting rid of you!" Set charged at him, but a flurry of white and gold swept Asim out of harms way, and Set's mouth crashed into the stone floor.
Wingweaver gently put Asim on his feet next to Shadi.
Deunoro opened the Book of Amun-Ra. Quickly skimming over the pages; he found the spell and recited the words.
A large black and purple tear appeared behind Set, and dark mist flowed out, enveloping the dark god. Hissing and flopping about in attempts to escape but to no avail, Set was dragged into the dark abyss and the tear wove itself together.
Everyone looked at Deunoro. "What did you do?" Hakizimana asked.
"I sent him… to the Shadow Realm."
Theliane gasped. "But the Shadow Realm is not permanent," she said.
"It's true," said Asim. "There is always a chance he can be let loose."
"It'll buy us some time though," he sighed and let the book close.
Shadi slowly relaxed and looked at the bloody mess of Maibe. "I shall call someone to clean this up."
Hakizimana nodded. "Deunoro," he waited until the Guardian looked at him. "Your siblings will inherit your father's estate."
"Thank you, pharaoh." Deunoro bowed then looked at his stepmother's corpse. At least my god answers my prayers, Maibe.