"Daughters of Isis"
By: Heikou and JanimeLee
Deception of Truth
Set hissed loudly, making his minions flinch. "The time has come..." he hissed softly.
"Sire? What do you mean?" one of the men asked.
"What do you think I'm talking about! The time has come to take my revenge on Egypt!" he yelled at him.
The man bowed deeply before him. "F-Forgive my ignorance, sire!" the man pleaded.
"What shall we do?" another asked.
"Nothing... for now. But be prepared to take the Daughter of that bastard."
"But she never leaves the temple and her Guardians are always with her," another said in slight fear.
"Just be ready for soon, she will come to us." Laughing the dark god vanished. It was time he made use of his minions. A pawn that wanted the kingdom as his own, so greedy for power and wealth he sold his soul without a second thought. It was time to put him to work.
--
"Nock the arrow."
Tumaini did as Jabari instructed.
"Line your eyes to your target."
He focused on the white spot with a small red dot in the center that had been painted on a cloth covering a bundle of straw set on the west wall of the arena. He raised the bow in his left and cast his sight along the arrow shaft. Once Tumaini evened his eyes, he pulled the string back towards him, keeping the arrow's end between his index and middle fingers of his right hand.
"Loose," said Jabari.
Tumaini released the string and the arrow whistled through the air, hitting the red dot on the target. He smiled widely.
Clapping from above caught both teacher and pupil. They looked up to see Zashida applauding Tumaini's accomplishment.
"Very good, Tumaini," the Daughter of Anubis smiled and lowered her hands. "I seem to recall another time very similar to this. Only Jabari was in your place."
"Such a high compliment," the teacher smiled.
Tumaini returned the smile. It seemed that no matter what he did he always won one way or another.
"Okay, let's see you do that again. As before but this time, release when you're ready," Jabari instructed.
The young boy nodded and placed another arrow in the bow. Making sure it was held correctly he held it up. Both eyes focused on the target, keeping his arm steady. Holding his breath, he released it.
The arrow flew through the air and actually pieced the first arrow down the center. He released his breath and looked at his teacher.
Now that was a first! The second arrow pierced the first one in the exact spot. "Nicely done, Tumaini. I've never seen anyone accomplish this feat before," he said with a nod of his head.
"Impressive," Zashida agreed, having left the upper tier and now walked towards teacher and student in the arena.
Tumaini smiled, and suddenly turned serious. "Khalfani and Mosi don't like each other," he said flatly.
The Daughter of Anubis blinked at his blunt statement. She just nodded her head and smiled sadly. "I'm afraid so." And they're not the only ones with a similar predicament, she thought.
"They may not like each other but they know they have to work together to protect Agalameia," Jabari said. "If only they set their differences aside would they make a formidable pair."
"That they would... perhaps time will reveal that to them," the priestess nodded to them and smiled at Tumaini. "And I know that when you are older you will be a great young man."
The young boy smiled up at her. "Thank you, priestess."
The sound of hurried footsteps caught their attention; they turned around and watched as a servant came in, breathing heavily. "The pharaoh--he has called for the--Sisters of the Moon!" he told them quickly.
"What's wrong? Has something happened?" Jabari asked.
"A vast army is approaching; they plan to invade the kingdom!"
Zashida's eyes widen. No this is too soon! "Have you told Theliane and Peisimemne?" she asked.
"Yes, they are waiting for you at the entrance."
"Good." She turned to the Guardian. "No matter what happens keep everyone inside the temple." She quickly ran out of the room and towards the entrance.
--
Asim was anything but surprised. The Hittites had been trying for many years to take control of Egypt. With the passing of Senusnet and the shaky beginning of Hakizimana's reign as pharaoh, it wasn't a total shock that the Hittites were advancing. Just mildly amused that they had waited this long.
"What do you think?" Manu asked.
The elder Bookkeeper looked at his successor. "Pharaoh's soldiers are ready," Asim turned his eyes back to the east horizon, the sun now heading towards the west indicating that Ra would yet again begin his constant journey into the Underworld. "But we must also be on guard. The people will have to be ready to take shelter behind the palace's outer walls."
"Do you think they'll be able to stop them?"
"... The soldiers will lay their lives down for the kingdom. But that's now what you mean."
"Set made himself known; he must have convinced the Hitties now would be the best opportunity to attack."
"True but they have been waging for a battle against Egypt for a long time." He closed his eyes. "Today may decide it all..."
Manu looked at his mentor in surprise but said nothing.
--
Theliane, Peisimemne, and Agalameia stood close together--Agalameia giving her Sisters as much support as she could, while their Guardians stood nearby vigilantly. The young Daughter of Anubis had yet to face the responsibilities and trials that her Sisters now did, and secretly she hoped it wouldn't happen anytime soon.
There was a change in the air--everyone could feel it. Whether it would be for the better or not, changes were inevitable.
Deunoro walked over to Gyasi. "What do you think?"
The taller Bookkeeper shrugged slightly. "I don't know," he admitted. "It's too quiet. Reminds me of the time Kasuyan and I went hunting by ourselves when were children on Crete. We almost became the hunted instead of the hunters."
"Let's hope that's not the case here," He said quietly.
Outside the soldiers fought the Hitties. For a moment, it seemed as thought the soldiers were going to win but with a sudden burst of strength the enemy overwhelmed the soldiers. Their sizes seemed to triple, swarming over the fighters and moving closer to the kingdom. The soldiers that had stayed behind were making sure those that lived outside the palace walls went inside. This battle wasn't over just yet it would seem.
Zashida frowned. Set was behind this, the soldiers seemed to have inhumane strength and felt no pain. She hated to do this but she had no choice. I had hoped I would never have to call up your army, father... but sacrifices must be made. Closing her eyes she concentrated, thankful Agalameia would not be here to see this.
Asim frowned, as the defense line was broken. "Get ready," he told the younger Guardians. He was about to call forth his own Spirit Creature when a silvery voice began to sing. He paused, and his skin started to prickle.
"Mother?" Agalameia turned to the hall.
No! Asim bolted from the entrance and raced up to the second floor balcony. Zashida, don't!
He reached the open portal and skidded to a halt. Zashida was glowing the blue color representing Anubis; her head tilted back slightly as the wordless song ran clear from her mouth.
Too late… Asim could not stop her know even if he wanted to. Several footsteps behind him and gasps echoed at the sight of the Daughter of Anubis.
"Servants of the Underworld," Zashida called, "in the name of my Father, Anubis, Lord of the Dead, rise up now and do as I command!"
Outside the once golden sand began to turn black. Both sides of the army watched as the sand shifted by an unseen hand. Slowly both sides began to back away as the sand took form. The beings were tall, wearing ragged cloth and carrying rusty weapons but they looked like a cross between man and beast. Throwing back their heads they howled, their battle cry filling the sky; they moved as once, showing no mercy as they attacked the nearest soldiers before them. The Hitties were taken off guard and many fell but those that tried to stand were brutally cut down. Beneath their feet the sands began turning red with spilt blood.
Zashida tried to continue the hold but she could feel her life force ebbing away. When I die... the army will return to the Underworld, she thought but something was wrong. She could feel the control over her father's army being pulled away. Before she felt darkness try to take her she heard a scream of terror and pain.
The Army of Anubis was now attacking the pharaoh's soldiers! They were now trying to advance into the city itself, slaughtering anything that came in their path. Over it all an evil laugher sent chills down their spines.
Zashida fell. Asim managed to catch her before she hit the sandstone floor.
"Mother!" Agalameia ran to the unconscious form.
"Set!" Asim shouted into the darkened sky. "You cowardly bastard!"
"Me?" the dark god's eyes appeared. "Cowardly? Never. A bastard? My conception was of a consenting legitimate union, unlike the one whose army I now command. And now to take care of some minor issues."
Asim heard the arrow. He quickly pushed Zashida and Agalameia down to the floor and spun around. The arrow struck his back, piercing his left lung. Manu ran to his teacher, gaping in horror at the arrowhead protruding from Asim's chest.
Khalfani and Mosi were beside them in moments. They grabbed the two Daughters of Anubis and pulled them inside. Manu tried to help Asim, but the elder Guardian pushed him away.
"It's my time," he coughed and blood spurted, dribbling over his lower lip and down his chin, staining his robes.
"Asim," Manu shook his head.
"Go!"
Hesitating for a moment, Manu quickly ran back inside.
Set laughed. "So much for that. Egypt is mine!"
"Not while I'm still around!" Asim shouted. He removed a dagger from within his robes.
"And what do you plan to do with that, simple mortal?" Set asked mockingly.
The Bookkeeper smiled and summoned his Spirit Creature.
"Should I be impressed? Your Ka takes form of a spellcaster."
"Maybe not my Ka," Asim pointed the dagger to his stomach, "but this!"
He plunged the blade into his abdomen, grunting from the pain. Warm blood spilled over his hands and he collapsed. His breathing slowed, and the world around him became dim, the faint screams of his name echoing in his ears.
Then he was above his body, wearing a dark red spell caster outfit with a scepter in his right hand. Asim looked at Set. "Now are you impressed?"
The dark god hissed angrily but once more laughed. "Even in this form you don't hold enough power to destroy me!"
"I'll take that as a challenge." He quickly took to the sky, willing to do battle against the dark god.
Inside the temple Agalameia was in a state of shock. She heard someone shouting, someone shaking her but all she could see was her mother. She looked up and watched as Mosi and Manu brought in Asim's body. He was dead too. There was a battle going on with the dark god but that wasn't what grabbed her attention.
In the streets the Undead Army was killing everything that moved. The pharaoh's own soldiers were being cut down, the citizens were getting slaughtered, innocent people were dying before their time. By all rights the army should have returned to the Underworld but Set stole control.
"Mother... Asim... I'm sorry." She felt tears rolled down her cheeks but she didn't bother to wipe them away. She cringed as another howl seemed to pierce her heart. Before she knew it, she was running down the stairs and out of the temple. Her sisters and guardians called out to her but she ignored them all. She ran outside and watched as the undead slowly destroyed the city.
Several people ran by, running as fast as they could but one fell to the ground dead, an axe protruding from his back. Anubis warriors ran by, howling like crazed beasts but one turned. It looked at Agalameia and snarled, raising his sword up high she looked up, eyes widening. She didn't have a chance to move, fear gripped her tightly but she didn't have to. Anubis, her pet jackal, jumped up and intercepted the attack. He gave a pitiful whimper, the weapon slicing him open but that seemed enough for the warrior as he ran off, attacking another helpless villager. The attack had left a splatter of blood over the woman's face, mixing with the tears as the mutilated body of her pet laid at her feet.
"Anubis... why, why is everyone I love being taking from me!" she screamed out loud. Taking a deep breathe she screamed as loud and hard as she could. The warriors halted, their long ears turned towards the sound but they lifted their heads and howled. Agalameia's body was glowing but not the vibrant blue of the lord of the dead. She was glowing with a dark black aura. From her shadow a massive scorpion grew.
Asim dodged Set's attack, the dark energy striking the upper corner of the temple. Minor worry, right now the former Guardian was battling a god.
A loud scream echoed through the city, followed by the howling of the Army of Anubis.
"What is this?" Set demanded, his attention wavering.
Asim saw this as the opportunity to attack. Just as he was readying to blast the dark god, his eyes caught someone on the ground: a young woman, screaming at the top of her lungs and her shadow now in the shape of a scorpion.
Agalameia! No!
The ground rumbled and the Army of Anubis turned into sand, blown away in an unseen wind. The Hittites were then sucked into the sands, screaming and trying to grab onto anything to save themselves.
Agalameia's shadow returned to normal, and she collapsed just as her Guardians ran to her side.
Set had seen it all but smirked. His plan was going well but with the girl unguarded his idiot minions could take her. "Another time, magician!" the dark god taunted and vanished.
Asim wanted to go after him but Agalameia came first. He landed just as Ishaq wrapped a cloak around Agalameia's form. She was visibly shaking from an unseen cold. "What is she doing outside the temple?" he demanded.
"She came out here in hopes of stopping the army," Jabari said. "We must get her inside."
"Yes... but Set is not done with us just yet," the mage said as he looked at he sky. He felt like they were pieces on a giant game board.
Khalfani gathered Agalameia into his arms. "The Army of Anubis," he started.
"Inside," said Jabari. "We'll explain once we're safe."
Theliane and Peisimemne took their Sister from the young man's arms, taking her to her room. He made to follow but Ishaq held him back. Asim was quiet the entire time, watching as they carefully covered Zashida with a sheet. He also noticed that his mortal self was lying next to her, covered by the sheet as well but it hurt to know that he wouldn't be joining her anytime soon.
Mosi, growing sick of the silence, exploded with questions. "What in the name of the Underworld happened? What happened to Agalameia? What was that army out there attacking the soldiers? Why is Set here? Why isn't anyone speaking!"
"That, was the Army of Anubis, and had you spent some of your time here studying you would know what that means!" Khalfani snapped angrily at him.
"Listen you-"
"That's enough from both of you!" Jabari shouted. Both young men fell silent. "Each of the daughters have been granted gifts from their fathers... the Daughters of Anubis are given command of his army, the Undead Soldiers. You saw how they fought; they feel no pain, have no emotion and show no mercy. Only a descendent of Anubis can summon the army but in the process, they die..."
"When Zashida, passed on, the army should have returned to the Underworld. They would never attack the people of Egypt only the enemies," Asim continued. "But Set somehow took control from her hands. She didn't have the strength to fight him and he turned the army loose. Since Agalameia is a descendent of Anubis she could control the army so she sent them back to the Underworld. But she over extended her powers. She should not have left the temple in the first place."
"And a miracle she's alive," said Ishaq. He glanced over at the two shrouded forms. Now that Zashida was dead, Ishaq and Jabari would now have to pass on to the afterlife as well.
Asim had no choice but to stay behind. His Ba and Ka now merged together; the former Bookkeeper would forever serve as a Spirit Creature, locked within a stone tablet until he was called forth.
A solider walked up to them, covered in sweat, dirt, and blood. "The Hittites have retreated," he spoke. "Pharaoh Hakizimana has been wounded but he is well."
"That is good to hear. How are the people?" Jabari asked.
"Many have been slain but those that have survived are being treated as we speak."
"I suggest we help out as much as we can. Where is the pharaoh now?"
"With his physicians being tended to. He would like to speak with the Sisters of the Moon, when they are ready."
"Alright. Thank you." The soldier bowed and left silently.
"Come," Jabari signaled to Khalfani, Mosi, and Mau to follow.
"Asim," Ishaq spoke and called a forth a blank stone tablet. "I'm sorry, little brother."
"I know," the red mage nodded in understanding. "When you guide Zashida through the Underworld, please tell her that we will find each other again, no matter how long it takes."
Ishaq nodded. "She will wait for you. I have no doubt."
"Just as Meshkenet swore that she would wait for you." Asim walked over to the tablet. "Isn't it ironic that siblings tend to flock to the Daughters of Anubis. It's been seven generations including Agalameia."
"Indeed," Ishaq gave a small smile. "One day you will be free, Asim."
"We shall see." Asim reached out and touched the smooth surface of the tablet. "Goodbye, my brother."
"Goodbye." The stone glowed as did the spellcaster. Asim closed his eyes and his form vanished. The stone stopped glowing but it bore the image of the spellcaster now. Ishaq sighed sadly but he knew one day he would live once more.
"May you find Zashida," he said softly.
--
Agalameia sat in the middle of her bed, holding a blanket tightly around her shoulders. She had asked her sisters if they could leave her alone for a bit. They didn't want to leave her, they wanted to comfort her but she just wanted to be alone. She lost everyone she had ever loved in one day. Her mother... her father-figure... her best friend... all gone.
"Why... why did you have to leave?" she cried softly. "I'm not ready... I can't handle the duties... I don't want to control Father's army..." She looked in her arms and hugged the worn toy so tight she felt her arms begin to ache. A cherished toy that once brought her immense joy brought nothing but painful memories.
It's not fair… Agalameia wiped her tears. "Why did this have to happen? Isis, please tell me why…"
"Isis cannot help you," a male voice spoke.
Agalameia jumped from her bed, eyes darting around the room. "Who's there?"
"One who can give answers," he said, "or to bring you to someone who can give you the answers, princess."
Princess? Agalameia backed up, bumping into someone. Arms quickly grabbed her--one going around her waist, while the other hand brought a cloth over her nose and mouth. She tried to scream but instantly became lightheaded, and the Daughter of Anubis passed out.
The man quickly placed her limp body over his shoulder, letting the blanket and toy fall to the floor. He moved to the window and without a second thought, jumped down from the balcony. His expertly slid down the rope, landing heavily on a saddled horse that nearly bucked under the sudden weight. Easing his captive to sit against his chest he grabbed the reins and dug his heels into the stallion's sides. It took off with a sharp squeal down the empty streets.
With the soldiers cleaning the streets of dead bodies no one noticed or heard the sound of hoof beats pounding the streets, or of a rider racing out of the ruined gates. The rider led his horse further into the desert, kicking the poor animal to go faster and faster. It was difficult for the animal to run through the shifting sand. Still it couldn't do anything but continue running.
--
Manu lowered his hands from his ears once he was certain there was enough distance between himself and two certain Guardians.
They fight more than Mosi and I ever did, the young Bookkeeper thought as he walked down the hallway. Not far ahead he saw Jabari and Ishaq carrying a stone tablet. As he walked closer, Manu saw the depiction of a spell caster on the stone.
Jabari noticed the young Guardian and said, "All Spirit Creatures are contained within tablets such as these."
Manu kept his eyes on the tablet. "But Asim… I know that he merged his Ba and Ka. Even though he did such a thing, he has to be contained?"
"Until summoned. Such is the life for all Spirit Creatures."
"I don't understand."
"Not all Spirit Creatures are loyal or benevolent. There are those who thrive on destruction so for the safety of the people, they are locked in stone tablets," Ishaq explained.
Manu gazed the tablet, sadden to see his mentor in such a state before he looked up at the older Guardians. "Can anyone summon them?"
Jabari shook his head. "There is where priests and common folk differ. Those with the fabled Millennium Items can easily summon any Spirit Creature from the tablets. The Sisters of the Moon and the Guardians hold no such items but since they are descendants of the gods they hold the power to summon them."
"So... we can summon any monster... from any tablets?" the young Bookkeeper asked.
"Providing that you have what is needed to summon them," said Ishaq.
They entered a dimly lit room and set the tablet on the floor before the altar. Then the stone tablet sank into the floor.
"For some of the stronger creatures you must sacrifice a weaker one," Ishaq continued, "sometimes two, and there are a few where three creatures must be sacrificed. It does take a lot of your own energy to summon them."
"What about the Millennium Items?" Manu asked.
"The last time they were used was when Aziza's daughters were born," Jabari answered. "Before she entered the Afterlife, Aziza destroyed them because the Pharaoh's advisors and priests demanded that she give the Millennium Items to them."
"Can you understand why she would refuse?" Ishaq asked the Bookkeeper.
Manu thought about it before coming up with an answer. "The Millennium Items were powerful, each one with a different ability but they all could summon the Spirit Creatures, even powerful ones. In the wrong hands someone could take over all of Egypt."
The two men nodded. "Exactly," said Jabari. "Despite being priests they could easily be corrupted by the power. Aziza knew this and she did not want that to happen to the kingdom."
"I understand."
"Manu!" Tumaini's voice echoed into the room and the owner raced in moments later. He skidded to a halt, panting. "Agalameia… she's gone!"
--
The fuzzy feeling in her head was the first sign of waking up. Agalameia remained where she was, which she guessed was on a carpet of some kind. The last thing she remembered was being alone in her room, and then someone speaking to her…
The man! Agalameia sat up quickly, groaning at the dizziness that swam into her mind. She braced her right hand on the floor as her left hand covered her eyes.
My head, what did he do to me? she asked and slowly removed her hand. When her world stopped spinning she carefully looked around the room. She looked like she was in a lavish room of some wealthy nobleman but when she saw an altar that made her blood run cold. It looked like any other altar she had seen but this one was black and there appeared to be dark red stains around the floor and on the altar itself. The image that took up the most space was of a vile looking snake.
Agalameia swallowed, knowing who the altar was for but she wasn't going to allow herself to show fear. She slowly pushed herself to her feet but she still felt dizzy. "I have to get out of here..." she said and began looking for a way out.
"Leaving so soon?" a voice called out, making her jump. The voice chuckled as she looked around the room for the source. "I am closer than you think."
"Where are you?" she asked before her eyes settled on the altar. Her eyes widen and she held her hands to her chest tightly. "Set..."
"Ah, so you remember," the dark god said mockingly. "It's been quite a few moon passes since the last time we saw each other."
The Daughter of Anubis quickly regained herself. "Not enough moons have passed," she snapped. "You tried to kill Pharaoh Hakizimana and failed."
"That was just practice," said Set. "I knew that attempting to assassinate Hakizimana would cause the security and concern of everyone focus on him. I had long since planned something else that required a minor distraction."
"No matter, whatever your plans are my Sisters and Guardians will come," she retorted. "I have faith in them."
"I have no doubt in that but it will be quite some time. Meanwhile, I believe we should have a little chat." The statue looked like it was smiling at her.
"I have nothing to say to you and you have nothing I want to hear." She turned to leave.
"What would you do if you knew Anubis was not your true father?" He smirked when she paused. "In fact, your father was not very liked among the gods."
She shouldn't have let it get to her but she found she couldn't move and it was getting harder to breathe. "What lies are you saying?" she whispered.
"I am not lying, my dear. Tell me, what do you know of the fabled Black Scorpion?" He chuckled when she turned to look at him. "What has Zashida and the others told you?"
"That... he betrayed the gods. He wanted to steal the gods' powers but he also killed my aunt, making my mother the next Daughter of Anubis. Mother said, that Anubis personally dragged his soul to the Underworld for Judgment. He was a murder who let greed eat him alive."
"Now now my dear child, is that anyway to speak about your father?" he tsked.
Agalameia felt as though she had been attacked by Obelisk. "How dare you!" she screamed. "Asim is my blood-father!"
But even as the words fell from her lips, Agalameia couldn't shake the feeling that it was a lie.
Set laughed at her outburst. "Is that what you were told? Or what you led yourself to believe?"
"... You lie. Why would they lie to me?" she demanded but she was trying very hard no to shake.
"The people have not forgotten about the Black Scorpion, they still fear him. If they knew you were his daughter they would hate you, even try to destroy you. Afterall, what kind of father can he be if he killed his own wife before you were born?"
That felt like someone had struck her hard and faster, leaving her breathless. She fell to her knees, trying to understand what he was saying. "But... Zashida is... my mother-"
"She lied. Meskhenet was your true mother, she was Zashida's sister. Let me tell you a story... of betrayal and murder..." he purred. Set told her the entire story, of how Anubis asked Meskhenet to trick the Black Scorpion into giving up his most prized treasures. When he found out she murdered her but at the time she was pregnant with their child. Anubis came and spared her life but only until the baby was born. Zashida raised the child as her own but the only ones who knew were the Guardians and the other Daughters of Isis.
Agalameia found herself shaking, tears running down her cheeks. Those she loved, had been lying to her from the beginning? Was this why she never felt comfortable around Dalila?
Unbeknownst to Set and Agalameia, Theliane and Peisimemne were crouched in the shadows of the balcony above the room. The Guardians were hiding elsewhere around the room.
Ishaq and Jabari had used the remnants of their powers to locate Agalameia, which was just enough. The two Daughters of Isis and the Guardians immediately headed towards Set's so called palace.
And they had heard the every word Set had spoken.
Peisimemne had a bow and arrow ready in her hands. She remembered what her mother had told her, and it pained her heart that she would have to kill her Sister now huddled on the floor before Set. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few--she had been taught ever since she was a child.
I can't do it, Peisimemne thought. Mother, I can't kill my Sister.
"You are Meanae the Thorn," Set continued. "One of five loyal servants to the Black Scorpion. A professional assassin turned traitor to your king, your brother, and your makeshift family. This is who you are."
Deny it, Agalameia, Peisimemne thought as she took aim. Deny his words!
"I… am…" Agalameia spoke.
Peisimemne pulled back the arrow.
"I am… a Daughter of Isis. Zashida is my mother. I am the Daughter of Anubis." She raised her head and glared at the dark god. "My name is Agalameia!"
Peisimemne sighed and relaxed her weapon, sinking back. She caught Theliane looking at her with an expression of disbelief and nearly appalled.
"Stupid girl! Accept the truth!" Set yelled angrily.
"I will never accept the truth just as the gods will never accept you," she said with venom in her own voice as she stood.
"How dare you speak to me in that manner! I am a god!"
"Not to me." She turned and headed for the door. "I'm going back to my sisters--my family."
"Your family?" Set laughed as more of the statue cracked. "You have no family. Your parents are dead, and your brothers are sealed in stone. What you call family are nothing but liars and charlatans-- AAAHHH!"
Agalameia looked at Set's left eye, an arrow piercing the purple orb.
"As you have torn out Horus' eye, Set," Peisimemne's voice echoed through the chamber, "so I will take yours to avenge my Brother."
"Sisters!" Relief filled her entire being as she whirled at the dark god. "They are my family or else they wouldn't have come for me."
Set hissed angrily, pieces of the statue breaking off to hit the floor. "Are you so certain they're here to rescue you? This arrow could have easily pierced your heart," he said smugly.
"Be silent!" Peisimemne demanded as she set up another arrow.
"I speak nothing but the truth."
"You speak nothing but lies. Agalameia, let's go!" Theliane said as she threw down a rope.
"None of you will leave this room alive!" The rest of the statue shattered but in its place was a huge snake with scales black as night but its eyes were gleaming blood red. It was a desert cobra but much bigger than the girls had ever seen. Opening its mouth wide fangs was revealed and it lunged at the Daughter of Anubis.
Two figures jumped out from the shadows. One held up a wooden staff and jammed in into the serpent's open mouth. Set reared back, hissing and shaking his head to dislodge the object.
"Time to go, Agalameia," said Jabari.
"We will take care of this demon," Ishaq pulled out two swords and handed one to Jabari.
Agalameia shook her head. "But-"
"When a Daughter passes on to the Afterlife, her Guardians must follow," Ishaq stepped towards Set.
"How we go to the Afterlife is of our own choosing," Jabari looked at her. "Call him back, and everything will become clear."
She didn't move even with her sisters urging her to grab the rope. "It is true?" They quickly looked at her. "About my parents?"
"Yes. But you are nothing like your father," Jabari explained.
"You are the Daughter of Anubis no matter what anyone says," Ishaq nodded to her. "Now go!"
"Fools! I will crush your bones!" the snake hissed angrily as he lunged at them. as both men attacked. Agalameia quickly grabbed the rope, letting her sisters pull her up she quickly hugged them. "Thank you," she whispered though part of her wanted to cry and ask why.
--
"This is taking too long," Mosi hissed.
"Stay calm," Manu replied.
"She's with the god who nearly destroyed Egypt and you're telling me to stay calm?" the older twin glared at the younger.
"This whole situation would be more tolerable if you two would keep your mouths shut," Khalfani said quietly from behind a pillar.
Some consort you are, Mosi thought.
"They'll be back soon. But we have to stay calm."
The older twin snorted but kept quiet. He was worried but this was the only way he could express it.
Several moments passed before he blew up again. "What is taking so long!" he shouted.
"Listen, if you don't shut up I'll cut out your tongue!" Khalfani snapped angrily.
"Hakizimana's coronation was quieter than those two," Deunoro said.
"Any celebration is quieter than they are," Sadiki couldn't help smiling a little.
The nine Guardians tensed when the sound of fast approaching footsteps echoed towards them.
"Kasuyan," Theliane called.
The Greek boy sighed and they stepped into view.
Agalameia ran into Khalfani's embrace. "You're safe," he said relieved.
"Where are Ishaq and Jabari?" Manu asked.
"They're staying behind," Peisimemne answered. "For us..."
Hanif shook his head. "We can't leave them behind-"
"They want to follow Zashida," said Theliane. "We must honor their wish."
Solemnly, Thabit nodded. "She's right. Let's get out of here."
A small group of horses, several tied to chariots, awaited them outside. Most of the Guardians pulled themselves into the saddles but the others climbed into the chariots. As much as they hated to leave the older Guardians, they had no choice. it was their decision. They rode out into the desert as fast as they could, towards the safety of the temple. Set would no doubt come after they so they had to hurry and put as much distance between them as possible.
Set hissed as he pulled the arrow from his eye. Dark blood spurted then retreated back into his eye and healed over.
"Little bitch! All three of them!"
His followers sank back in fear of what their lord would do. Set lashed his tail sending the nearest man into a pillar, shattering both stone and human.
"F-Forgive us, m-my lord-" one tried to say but the dark god would hear nothing of it.
"I was a fool to leave my business in your hands!" he shouted angrily. "The Daughters of Isis will die!" He unleashed his power; his full intent was on the vengeance of the gods' daughters.
"Hear me now, Amun-Ra, Osiris, Anubis, and Isis! I will kill your mortal Daughters! And Horus, I will also kill your mortal son!" Set's body glowed with a dark purplish-black aura.
"Let the power of the Shadow Realm consume the entire world!"
Authors' Notes:
Heikou: Set is pissed. Well 'an eye for an eye' as they say.
Janime: He deserved it. Besides, this chapter was getting kinda long.
Heikou: Yeah. This way we can keep the readers coming back.
Janime: Sneaky people that we are, yes?
Heikou: Yes.
Janime: And now you see how the crimson Dark Magician was sealed away.
Heikou: We pulled a Mahaado.
Janime: I need to watch the Egyptian Arc. I forgot to set my VCR Saturday.
Heikou: I'll wait until it comes out on DVD
Janime: The next chapter will be up soon.
Heikou: And the story will soon come to a close.
Janime: Yes, our tale has come full circle.
Heikou: Until next chapter!
Janime: TTFN!