"Daughters of Isis"
By: Heikou and Janime Lee
The Path Begins
Thabit wondered the market aimlessly. Confusion ruled his mind after his recent meditation at Karnak temple. The vision he received was haunting him relentlessly. Even his aunt, Bahiti couldn't give him an interpretation.
The heavens parted and a large red serpent creature flew down - its large mouth open with a giant roar, sending its enemies across the sands. The rider remained calm at the events before her. Eyes blue as the Nile looked directly at him, and she held out her left hand.
He sighed and looked up into the clear sky. The gods must have a path set out for me, but I do not know what it could be, he thought to himself. He felt like he should know the rider but his mind refused to work with him. But it would come to him. He wasn't sure when or how but it would come.
So lost in his thoughts, Thabit walked into the section of the market where the caravan was setting up.
"Gyasi! Watch out!"
Too late. Thabit was knocked into a large barrel and then fell to the ground.
"I'm sorry!"
Groaning, Thabit looked up and found a boy around his age staring down at him with a concerned look mixed with some embarrassment. Another boy came into his sight--this one had honey-colored hair and lighter skin than anyone in Egypt.
"Are you alright?" the fair-skinned boy asked.
"I think so," Thabit sat up, rubbing his right side where he crashed into the barrel.
"Nice going, Gyasi."
"I didn't see him! How could I with all those canvases piled in my arms?"
"I told you to watch out."
"Kasuyan," Gyasi raised his hand as if to punch the foreigner.
Thabit decided to grab Gyasi's wrist to stop him from punching Kasuyan and to allow himself to get to his feet.
"I'm fine, I should have watched where I was going," he said and patted Gyasi on the shoulder. "No harm down."
"Yeah see?" Kasuyan said with a goofy grin.
The brunette sighed but cracked a smile. "What are you doing just wondering around, Thabit?"
"Trying to figure out something," the other Egyptian boy answered. "I just left Karnak Temple."
"You've been going there a lot recently."
"I've been meditating there. What are you doing here?"
Gyasi grinned. "This is Kasuyan. His father was a merchant and many years ago, my father and I went to Crete for a while. That's how we know each other."
"The caravan hasn't left Crete for quite some time," Kasuyan picked up. "My father passed on seven moons ago. A few of his associates decided to return to Egypt this year so I decided to come."
"Oh, sorry to hear that but how do you like Egypt?" he asked.
"Amazing. It reminds me so much of Crete but it's also so different," he sighed. "The Sisters of the Moon remind me of the oracles back home."
Thabit looked puzzled. "Oracles?"
"They see the future and answer to the gods. And when they tell you what they see, it's going to happen no matter what."
"They sound almost like the Sisters of the Moon."
"I heard about them," said Kasuyan. "But the oracles, as far as I know, do not have gods' blood in their veins."
"Kasuyan! Gyasi!"
The boys turned and saw Demetrios shaking his fist at them.
"Hurry up over there! We don't have time to talk! We're already behind setting up!"
"Yes, sir!" they replied.
"Sorry, Thabit," Gyasi apologized.
"Do you need help?" Thabit asked.
"Sure," Kasuyan smiled. "But let's ask Demetrios first. You know how he gets."
"I saw yesterday," Gyasi grumbled.
--
Agalameia watched the people go about their lives, sighing to herself. She wished she could enjoy that feeling but shook her head. I'm the Daughter of Isis, and Anubis is my father. I have two wonderful sisters and friends who care about me. What more could I want? she asked herself.
The sleek jackal watched her quietly, his large ears flickering as he heard new sounds but he lifted his head when he heard soft footsteps. His body went alert yet his tail wagged when he saw the tall young man. The man smiled and motioned him to be quiet.
Khalfani moved silently until he was standing behind the young woman. "Agalameia?"
She jumped, turning to him and smiled. "Khalfani, I'm sorry I didn't hear you come in," she smiled.
"It's alright. I bought these for you." He brought a bouquet of exotic flowers up to her. "I hope you like them."
"They're beautiful," she said and inhaled their wondrous scents. "I haven't seen flowers like these before. Where did you find them?"
"I was in the market earlier and the caravan that arrived the other day already had a stand set up and was selling flowers."
"Thank you," Agalameia smiled at Khalfani. She raised herself up and gave him a quick kiss on his lips.
Khalfani felt his cheeks burn slightly from the action. "You're welcome." He paused for a bit then cleared his throat. "I was wondering, Agalameia, would you like to go into the market?"
She stopped briefly, remembering what happened the last time she went outside the temple. "I don't know," she said, playing with one of the petals. "I'm just worried that something will happen. What if the people recognize me? What would they do?"
He gently took her hand in his own, having her look into his eyes. "I promise I won't let anything happen to you."
She smiled, squeezing his hand. "As long as you're with me, then I have nothing to fear."
He smiled and waited as she set the flowers in a vase of water. Heading out they told Zashida that they were going to the market. She told them to be back before night and smiled as they left.
"Where are you going?" Mosi asked as he watched them put on their cloaks.
Khalfani glared at him as he tied his cloak. "Don't you have some studying to do?" he asked.
"Finished so Asim said I was free for the rest of the day," he added smugly. "You're going out, aren't you."
"For a little while," Agalameia smiled. "I know I've been hesitant about going out again but I would like to see the caravan setting up."
"If you don't mind," Mosi reached for another cloak, "I can go-"
"Mosi!" Manu ran up to his brother. "Jabari said for you and I to meet him in the arena."
"For what?"
"Training, no doubt," Khalfani said, managing to keep the smile off his face.
Mosi frowned. "I'm going out."
"It would be best that you do not disobey Jabari," Agalameia warned. "I've seen him angry when Deunoro was late for training and Sefu was his teacher."
He wanted to protest but sighed. "Fine." Ignoring Khalfani he reached up and gently trailed his fingers along her cheek. "Be safe."
She blushed but nodded, taking his hand in her own. "We'll be back soon."
"She'll be in safe hands," the taller boy said, leading her out and couldn't help but smirk. He was slowly winning the battle.
"Mosi let's go!" Manu said, taking a hold of his brother's arm and led (more like dragged) him to the arena.
--
Hanif held Peisimemne's hand in a firm grip as they walked through the market. Dalila was against her daughter's wish to see the caravan setting up after what happened at Karnak Temple, so the two had snuck outside the temple with help from Sadiki. Despite their attempts to convince Theliane to join them, the Daughter of Ra chose to remain within the temple grounds. Sadiki stayed as well.
They couldn't lie to the Daughter of Osiris but they would do their best to keep her from finding the truth.
The young man looked around and smiled. "There it is," he told her, pointing to where they saw men putting up tents and the like.
"Then let's go and see," she smiled and they walked towards the area, still holding the other's hand tightly.
A rather tall person bumped into Peisimemne. Hanif immediately pulled her aside before the person could try anything.
"Excuse me," he said, ushering a shorter person next to him.
"Khalfani?" Hanif asked.
The couple stopped and looked at him. "Hanif?"
"Peisimemne?"
"Agalameia?"
The four stared at each other then Hanif and the two Sisters started laughing lightly as Khalfani shook his head.
"I thought your mother didn't want you to leave the temple," Agalameia said quietly.
"She didn't," her Sister replied, "Sadiki and Theliane helped us leave."
"I thought you never wanted to visit the market again?" the slightly shorter guardian asked.
"Nothing will harm her as long as I'm around," the taller boy said sternly.
Peisimemne smiled as she saw her sister blush lightly. "Since we're going to the same place why don't we go together? There's safety in numbers."
"Indeed," Khalfani agreed.
--
"All done," said Kasuyan.
Demetrios looked over the tents the three boys had set up, and the stockpiles stacked neatly behind the makeshift table. "Very good," the older man nodded his approval. "Go take a little time to rest but don't make it all afternoon."
"Yes, sir," they answered and made their way from the caravan.
"Rather harsh, isn't he?" Thabit couldn't help mentioning.
"Yeah but we would be lost without him," the blonde sighed, wiping his brow.
"So what do we do now?" the brunette asked.
At that moment four figures in hooded robes stepped into the area, watching the people of the caravan set up tents and set their supplies together. To the girls, it was amazing to see so many people working together. It was also clear to see how they were not from Egypt with their colored eyes, different hair styles, and even the cut of their clothing.
Agalameia walked up to the three boys, mainly the foreigner. "You are from the caravan, are you not?"
Khalfani placed his hand on her shoulder. "I don't believe that he understands us."
"And why wouldn't I?" the blonde boy asked, startling the small group.
"You speak our words!" Hanif beamed.
"My father was here many years ago," the blonde pointed to the brunette. "Gyasi and his father traveled back with my father and we taught each other how to exchange words."
"Difficult as it was," Gyasi laughed.
"True, but we learned faster than our fathers did," he turned back to the group. "My name is Kasuyan."
The young lady smiled. "My name is Agalameia, this is my sister Peisimemne, and our guardians Khalfani and Hanif."
The blonde nodded to them. "Nice to meet you all." He then winced when he felt his friend pinch his arm. "What was that for, Gyasi?" he hissed.
"These are the Daughters of Anubis and Osiris! Two of the Sisters of the Moon!" he answered.
Peisimemne giggled behind her hand. "It's alright. We will not receive the title until our time has come," she explained.
Thabit looked at Peisimemne. "Are you alright?" he asked. "What happened at Karnak-"
"I thought you looked familiar," said Hanif.
Peisimemne bowed her head. "Thank you for your help."
"It was nothing," said Thabit. "Nexeu threatened both you and Prince--I mean Pharaoh Hakizimana."
"At least he's been dealt with," said Khalfani.
Gyasi and Kasuyan looked at each other but shrugged.
"Do you have any plans for the day?" Gyasi asked.
"Hanif and I are escorting the ladies around the market," Khalfani answered.
"Mind if we go with you?" asked Kasuyan. "Since we arrived in Egypt, I haven't had time to explore your city."
"Of course," Agalameia answered.
Khalfani frowned. "I don't believe it's a good-"
"Khalfani," the young woman looked at him, "please."
Releasing a quiet sigh, the Guardian nodded his head. As long as they don't try anything, he thought.
--
Theliane sat on a long bench just inside the balcony of her room, overlooking the temple gardens. She watched Tumaini play with Agalameia's pet jackal; giggles and yips floated up to her ears. She smiled, remembering when she was the one playing in the gardens with her Sisters and their first Guardians.
Sadiki watched her from the doorway, smiling to himself. He cared for her deeply and loved watching her. I wish I had the courage to tell her that I wish to be more than friends, he thought to himself. Taking a deep breathe he knocked on the door, smiling as she turned to look at him. "Mind if I come in?" he asked.
"Sadiki, please come in." He walked over and she made room on the bench for him to have a seat. "Was there something you needed?"
"No, I was just admiring the beauty of the day," he answered.
"Yes, the gods have bestowed a great gift onto us," she sighed, looking out the window at the lands of Egypt.
I can think of something far greater, Sadiki thought as he looked at her.
Theliane turned her head and looked out to the gardens. "Remember when we were Tumaini's age?" she asked quietly. "And we did what he's doing now."
"Seems almost a lifetime," Sadiki admitted, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear and let his fingers trail over her cheek.
She leaned into his hand, savoring the gentle touch. Her emerald eyes looked into his equally rare lavender ones. Sadiki leaned closer and gently brushed his lips against hers.
It was very different from the kiss they shared nearly six years ago, but at that time they were only ten and didn't realize the significance behind a kiss.
Both had grown physically and mentally over the years, their friendship growing stronger but would it evolve into something more? The young man secretly hoped so. Sighing softly he reached out and covered her hand with his own.
"Theliane... there's something I want to tell you," he began.
"You can tell me anything, Sadiki," she breathed softly.
"I know... but it's hard to put into words..." Dare I tell her how I feel about her?
"I would like to hear what you're trying to tell me."
Sadiki paused; shutting his eyes and took a deep breath. "I-"
Anubis pounced on Sadiki, knocking the unaware Guardian backwards off the bench, and landed on the stone floor.
Theliane was at his side in a heartbeat. "Anubis!" she yelled, grabbing the jackal and pulled him away from licking Sadiki's face.
"Sorry!" Tumaini ran into the room. "He ran from me and I followed."
Theliane gave Anubis to the young boy. "Sadiki, are you alright?"
"I'm in pain," he coughed, "and covered in slobber."
The Daughter of Ra helped him sit up, being careful as she could. Then she placed her hands on Sadiki's back. Her hands began to glow briefly, and then she pulled them away.
"Thank you," Sadiki said and rose to his feet.
Tumaini looked guilty at them. "Will you two play with me?" he asked.
"Of course we will," Theliane smiled at the boy.
Sadiki nodded his head. I'll tell her later, he thought. There's plenty of time.
--
"Delicious," Peisimemne licked her fingers and smiled at the thought of her mother's expression if she ever saw what her daughter had just done. But they were in the market and Peisimemne had to act like a commoner rather than a priestess.
"Very good," Agalameia agreed. "What was it called again?"
"Beef stew," Kasuyan answered then spit a small piece of bone into the empty bowl before placing it on the counter for Cytherea to take. The older woman had served Kasuyan's family for many years, and had become a second mother to Kasuyan after his mother had taken ill and passed away.
Hanif smiled as he wiped his mouth. "I've never tasted anything like this before."
Khalfani looked around at the people before turning to the blonde. "Tell us about your homeland."
"Well it's different from here. They're many different plants everywhere and my home is an island surrounded by the ocean but like here we have statues of the gods and goddesses we worship. We also have oracles."
"Are they like priestesses?"
"In a way yes. The gods communicate through them and have the power to foresee the future. They live in their own temple where people come to see them."
"Interesting," said Thabit.
Kasuyan looked at the two Sisters. "How come Theliane didn't come with you?" he asked quietly. He flushed at the looks everyone gave him.
"I'm sorry," Gyasi apologized, "I didn't tell him."
"She's in mourning," Hanif started.
"Her mother, Nathifa, was killed," Peisimemne said sadly.
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear that."
"It's a duty we must bear. We lay our lives down for Egypt and its people," Agalameia nodded.
Kasuyan nodded. She lost her mother... I lost mine years ago... he thought to himself. I have an idea.
Gyasi watched as his old time friend stood. "Where are you going?"
"To do something. I'll be back. It was nice meeting you all." Smiling he waved and headed out. Stopping at the venders he got some flowers and asking for directions, headed for the Temple of Isis.
--
"Tumaini!" Sadiki yelled as he chased the boy down the hall.
"I just want to borrow it!"
"It is not a toy! It's very dangerous if you're not careful!"
"Don't worry! I will be careful!" Tumaini reassured.
"Not unsupervised you aren't!"
"I promise to be extra careful!"
"Stop running or you'll get hurt!" If anything did happen to the young boy it would be on his head.
Tumaini laughed as he turned the corner. He was going to be careful so what was the problem?
Theliane laughed quietly as her Guardian chased Tumaini around the temple. As long as the catch held the dagger in place, Tumaini wouldn't injure himself.
Although, Tumaini is very skilled in figuring out puzzles like Hanif, she thought.
A temple guard walked up to her and bowed. "Forgive me, Daughter of Ra," he said, "but there is a young man at the temple entrance who wishes to speak with you. He is from the caravan that recently arrived and he claims that you healed him."
Theliane's heart jumped. "Did you happen to ask for his name?"
"Yes. He calls himself Kasuyan."
Kasuyan. "I would like to see him then."
"Forgive me, Daughter of Ra, but is it wise? It may be a trick."
"I understand your concern but I have faith," she smiled.
The guard smiled just a bit and nodded, leading her to the entrance. The young Guardian was still chasing the little boy and the black jackal watched from his spot.
The temple guard returned with a pale-skinned young man carrying a bouquet of several flowers in his hands.
Kasuyan's heart sped up as his eyes landed upon the young woman who had healed him after the attack on his caravan. He bowed deeply before Theliane and held out the flowers.
"Thank you for helping me and my friends," said Kasuyan.
"You are welcome," Theliane smiled at him as she took the bouquet. Whoever had arranged them was amazing. Some of the flowers were native to Egypt mixed with the ones that had been brought from Crete.
"I... I know it's not much, but I thought you may enjoy them," he said with a flush on his face.
"They're beautiful," she commented, taking in the sweet scent.
He couldn't help but watch her. Even the statues of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Beauty, paled in comparison. His heart began to beat like a drum. What is this feeling? Could I possibly have some amount of feelings for her? he asked himself.
Sadiki finally managed to get the dagger away from Tumaini; with the dagger in one hand and the child's wrist in the other, the Guardian walked back to the temple's main hallway entrance.
He stopped when he saw Theliane talking with a pale-skinned boy. The visitor was of their age and held a bouquet of flowers, which he then gave to Theliane.
Sadiki frowned and tightened the grip of both his hands.
"Ow! Sadiki! That hurts!" Tumaini yelped.
That caused both young adults to look at him.
"Sadiki!"
He released the young boy, murmuring an apology as he tensely slid the dagger into his belt. "Sorry I was lost in my thoughts," he explained.
"You should be a bit more careful," the Daughter said, petting Tumaini's hair when he reached her.
The little boy rubbed his wrist but looked at the new stranger with curiosity. He still hid behind the older woman.
Kasuyan smiled and slowly knelt but didn't dare to move forward. "Hello there," he smiled, trying to be friendly.
"This is Kasuyan," Theliane spoke gently to the young boy clutching at her skirt. "He's with the caravan."
Tumaini slowly stepped out from behind the Sister of the Moon but he still looked ready to hide again.
"His name is Tumaini," Theliane said to Kasuyan. "Please forgive him. He becomes unsettled around people he doesn't know."
"I understand," said Kasuyan. He held out his hand to the child. Tumaini looked at Kasuyan for a moment before hesitantly placing his own hand into the elder's.
Sadiki's mouth fell open at the scene before him. Tumaini never let anyone he didn't know get too close to him, and now the child was holding the hand of a foreigner!
The foreigner smiled, carefully closing his hand around his. "Nice to meet you."
Tumaini smiled at him. He knew he just meet the man, but he felt like he could trust him.
Theliane was glad and looked at Sadiki. "Did you need something?" she asked softly.
He blinked but slowly shook his head. "No, it can wait but I did manage to get my dagger back."
"I remember when I took my father's sword without his permission when I was Tumaini's age," Kasuyan said grimly and he traced his right index finger along his stomach going up to his ribs. "I tripped and fell on it. Fortunately, it didn't go deep."
"That must have been terrible," said Theliane.
"It was. I couldn't stop screaming until after the healer left."
Sadiki looked at the flowers in Theliane's hands, feeling the slight anger and suspicion building inside. "Where did those come from?"
"Kasuyan brought them," Theliane smiled.
"They're from Crete, my homeland," Kasuyan explained.
"Forgive me, but how is it that you know how to speak our words?" Sadiki asked.
"My father was in charge of the caravan for many years," Kasuyan began. "When he returned from one particular trip many years ago, a man and his son accompanied him back to Crete. They stayed with us and we were able to exchange words."
"Through them you learned our language." He nodded.
"How long will you be staying?" Theliane asked.
"We're not sure just yet. Egypt has so much to offer but I would like to stay here for a while," he smiled.
Tumaini looked up at Theliane then Kasuyan. Smiling he took their hands in his own. He looked like a little imp up to something.
"He can see the temple," said Tumaini--it was not a question.
"I don't see why not." Theliane smiled at Kasuyan. "Please follow us."
Sadiki managed to keep the disproving frown off his face but he sent a look to Kasuyan, warning the foreign boy not to cross any boundaries.
The blonde looked at him wit no fear in his eyes but followed the priestess and child. He silently prayed to his gods that hey would stay just a while longer.
--
Peisimemne and Agalameia both stood before a vender, admiring his wares. Never had they seen anything so exquisite before with gem stones they have never heard of until now.
"Look!" Agalameia carefully held up a broad necklace that held the image of a woman holding a bow and arrow, standing before a crescent moon.
"Ah that is Artemis, the Goddess of the Moon. She is a protector of women and animals, a fierce warrior. She is also the twin sister of Apollo, the God of the Sun," the vendor told them.
"Apollo," the Daughter of Osiris repeated. "In Egypt, Ra is the god of the sun."
"We may be worshipping the same god, just under a different name," the vendor smiled.
"But Ra doesn't have a sister," Hanif spoke quietly.
Khalfani shrugged, and then shifted his eyes to another emblem. "Who is this?"
"Ares, the God of War. He is the older brother of Zeus, and lover of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. Ironic that the God of War and Goddess of Love would consummate."
"If they were happy," Khalfani murmured casting his eyes to Agalameia.
"Is this Artemis?" Agalameia pointed to the woman archer using the crescent moon as a bow.
"Yes, that is she."
She let her fingers glide over the image. "It's lovely."
"You have a keen eye, my lady," the merchant grinned.
Thabit kept looking around as the two Sisters browsed the wares. He had a terrible feeling that he just couldn't shake and it unnerved him greatly. His eyes came upon a man standing near the edge of the bazaar just before where the caravan had set up. The man was wearing a long dark robe and the shadow of his hood covered his face, but Thabit could still see his features.
Before Thabit could say something to the Sisters' Guardians, the man walked off and disappeared down one of the streets.
They stayed there for a bit longer before moving on. Many new things caught the girls' eyes as they continued walking through the market, as the young men keeping an ever-alert eye on their safety and well-being. Life outside the temple was an entirely new world for them, and they wanted to enjoy every moment. For when they returned back home, they would more than likely be unable to enjoy another day such as this.
Not all was serene within the Temple of Isis. Theliane peeked out from behind the pillar, watching as the Daughter of Osiris headed down the hallway. The Daughter of Ra had no doubt that Dalila had gone beyond furious for being unable to find Peisimemne. And it was getting harder to make up excuses to avoid the older woman.
Sadiki and Tumaini were doing their best to help Theliane slip away when Dalila was heading towards them.
I hope they come back soon, Theliane prayed as she quickly ducked into a vacant room.
--
"Where is she?" Dalila practically hissed through her teeth.
Sadiki held his breathe as he gave a small shrug of his shoulders. "As I said before I don't know where Peisimemne," he said.
"Where is Theliane?" she hissed angrily.
Tumaini hid behind the older boy but said nothing.
"She is attending to business somewhere in the temple."
She raised a brow at him. "You are her Guardian yet you do not know where she is?"
He resisted the urge to growl and a slight frown came to his face. "She is within the temple walls and safe." Which much more than I can say about your Daughter, he thought to her.
Dalila narrowed her eyes at Sadiki. The little waif that had been adopted into their lives was extremely difficult to retrieve information from, and it still held true to this day.
The Daughter of Osiris tilted her head slightly to look around Sadiki. "Tumaini, please come out."
Now Sadiki was nervous. Tumaini never lied to anyone. But he did stay quiet when he didn't want anyone to learn something.
The little boy slowly moved forward but continued to stay close to the Guardian.
Dalila took a step closer and knelt before him. "Do you know where my daughter is?" she asked.
He nodded slowly.
"Do you know where she is?"
He nodded once more.
"Where is she?"
Please Tumaini, Sadiki pleaded.
"With Hanif."
"And do you know where Hanif is?"
Tumaini shook his head.
Sighing, Dalila rose to her feet. "For your sake, Sadiki, you better not be lying to me."
"Why would I lie to you?" the young Guardian smiled.
"I could probably think of a reason." Or five, Dalila added mentally as she walked away.
Sadiki let the smile drop and let out a huge sigh.
"We lied," said Tumaini.
"No, we didn't."
"But we know Peisimemne went into the market."
"We know where she went," Sadiki explained. "We don't know where she is in the market so we didn't lie. Had Dalila asked where Peisimemne went, we would have told her. But we don't know exactly where she is. Understand?"
Tumaini smiled at the Guardian.
He still uses that excuse, Dalila thought, glad that she ducked behind the pillar and overheard Sadiki's explanatory loophole. Shaking her head at the boy's sneaky ways, Dalila went off to find her Guardians and retrieve her daughter.
Authors' Notes:
Heikou: Ooh boy are they gonna be in trouble
Janime: Well they didn't lie. Not entirely.
Heikou: Yeah... I still don't wanna be in there shoes.
Janime: We won't ask.
Heikou: Right. Okay, we apologize for no note last chapter.
Janime: We were both tired so we skipped it. Our jobs are draining us of energy and time.
Heikou: Not to mention I'm moving soon.
Janime: But we'll keep going until this saga is finish.
Heikou: Should we give them a bit of a treat for sticking with us this long?
Janime: Of course. Market shopping continues.
Heikou: Little squabble.
Janime: Guardians chosen.
Heikou: Romance blossoms.
Janime: Jealousy festers.
Heikou: I won't say who kicks the bucket.
Janime: Neither will I.