"Daughters of Isis"
By: Heikou and JanimeLee
Inescapable Fate
One by one the people of Egypt were guided within the outer walls of the city. Farmers were forced to leave their lands but brought their livestock with them. Soldiers ushered them in quickly, keeping a weary eye out for any sudden changes. The evil god Set had declared war on their land and he would stop at nothing to succeed. Even the young pharaoh was preparing for battle but not against Set. No, that battle was left for three of the most powerful women in Egypt.
The girls silently bathed in the sacred spring located on the temple grounds. No words were spoken but their minds were a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. They couldn't turn back even if they wanted to. Their kingdom was in trouble and they had the power to stop the chaos forming. Silently they stood and stepped out of the waters. They didn't have to wait long as several female servants came and helped them into clean robes. Thanking them they headed to their chambers to get ready for battle.
Agalameia sighed as she dressed in the soft fabrics, running the thoughts through her mind once more. Yes she was afraid to die, she didn't want to leave Khalfani but she would hopefully be reunited with him in the Afterlife. Finished dressing she looked at her mirror and slowly reached up and pulled her dark curls back, tying it with a short piece of leather. She took a deep breathe, closed her eyes, then released it.
"Mother... help me calm my fears... Father... grant me your courage..." She picked up her double-edged axes and went to greet her Guardians and Sisters.
Peisimemne fumbled with her necklace as her hands shook uncontrollably. She could feel her heart beat like a herd of wild horses but it was a mix of excitement and worry. Set was a god thought his status had been stripped for his past crimes. They were mortal women. She closed the clasp on her neck and looked at her mirror.
I would die to protect those I love... I won't fail in my duties, she thought with determination.
The Daughter of Ra looked at herself in the mirror one last time. She couldn't tell who she was looking at: a priestess or a warrior? A daughter of a god or a living representation of the gods?
"I am... Theliane," she said aloud. Grabbing her swords, she left her chambers.
Tumaini was standing in the hallway. "I'm coming with you," he said.
Theliane nodded then dropped to one knee. "I want you to go find Peisimemne and Agalameia. There is something I need to take care of first, and then the three of us have something to give to you."
The young boy nodded and walked down the hallway to the other two Sisters' chambers. Theliane went down the west hallway and entered a room that the priests used for tattooing. She looked on as Kasuyan sat patiently as the priests finished their work.
The priests moved away and Theliane walked over to her husband, looking at the markings intently. She reached out and touched his chest, chanting softly and the hieroglyphs slowly vanished.
"When the time comes," she said, "use it to help protect everyone and everything."
Kasuyan nodded. "I will."
She helped him to stand and thanked the priests. It was time for battle. Kasuyan stopped them in the middle of the hall, holding her hand tightly. "Theliane... please, hear me out."
"... Alright."
"I don't want you to go into battle. I don't want to lose you now that I've found you but... you have duties you must fulfill." He looked up at her. "I will follow you wherever you go, no matter the distance. I will find you in the next life and so on until we are together again. I swear this to you before the eyes of your gods and mine."
Theliane hugged him, trying not to let her tears falls. "I will see you again," she whispered then pulled away. There is something my Sisters and I must take care of first. We'll meet with you and the other Guardians at the entrance."
Kasuyan nodded and gave his wife a quick light kiss before walking off.
The Daughter of Ra watched him leave then headed to the Trial Room. Her Sisters, Tumaini, and the three Bookkeepers were waiting there with the three Books sitting on a shelf off to the right of the doorway.
Tumaini walked over to Theliane and stood at her right side. She looked at the Bookkeepers and nodded.
Deunoro, Gyasi, and Manu walked around the large clay jars. Their heartbeats increasing from what was about to happen; who would be the one to live and the two to pass on. They stopped, each one facing a jar and put their right hand inside.
Deunoro and Manu hissed as the asps bit their wrists, pulling out of the jar quickly but it was done. Gyasi looked at them, guilt written on his face. They had guessed and it was truth.
The two bitten Keepers collapsed and their Sisters ran to them.
"Manu," Agalameia whispered.
"Tell Mosi…" he gasped, "we'll always… be brothers…"
The Daughter of Anubis nodded, and then leaned down, kissing Manu.
Duenoro looked at Theliane. "Goodbye… my sister…"
"I will see you again, brother," she said and hugged him tightly.
As the two boys' breath left them, the Book of Amun-Ra and the Book of the Dead vanished.
"Bound to their souls," Peisimemne wiped at her eyes. "No chosen heir so the books must go with them. My father has promised that no matter what happens to their bodies, they will enter the afterlife. Gyasi."
The last Bookkeeper walked over to her, and the Daughter of Osiris handed him the Book of Shadows.
"You must leave the city now," she said. "Guard it with your life. Return after the birth of Pharaoh Hakizimana's firstborn child."
"I will," Gyasi promised and took the book.
"Your name can no longer be Gyasi," Peisimemne continued. "Gyasi died with Deunoro and Manu. You are now called Ishtar."
He nodded but lifted his arms and hugged her tightly. "You are one of my best friends, Peisimemne. I can only hope we'll meet and be friends once more."
She blinked but couldn't stop the tears as they fell and held him tightly as well. "I'll miss you Gy--I mean Ishtar." Pulling away she watched as he embraced Theliane and Agalameia as well. Coming to Tumaini he smiled at him and held out his hand. The young boy--nearly a man, reached out and clasped it tightly.
"Be safe," was all his said but it spoke such emotion. The young man nodded and with a final bow, he settled the cloak around his shoulders and left. Today would mark the beginning of his new life.
The ladies moved the bodies of the former Book Keepers onto two altars and covered them with white sheets. Offering a prayer they silently left. It hurt to lose such a close friend but they had to move on. They had duties to uphold; their grief would have to wait. Tumaini reached up and held Agalameia's and Theliane's hand in his own. Together they walked out to join the remaining Guardians.
The young men looked up and the first thing they noticed was that they had an air of immense sadness around them and that the third Guardians were missing.
Mosi began to worry as he approached Agalameia. "Where's Manu?" She looked at him and in that instant, he knew he would never see his twin brother again. "... No..."
"He said... that you two will always be brothers."
Sadiki looked at Theliane. "Deunoro?"
She couldn't answer, only looked off to the side.
"Gyasi?" Kasuyan asked.
"He is gone," said Peisimemne. "They will cross over into the Afterlife--my Father has sworn to this." She gasped and her eyes turned red as the Eye of Horus appeared on her brow. "Set is coming," the Daughter of Osiris announced. "He will be here in less than an hour."
"Then let us welcome him," Agalameia said.
--
Far beyond the castle, in the opposite direction of where Set and his forces were coming, the Keeper of the Book of Shadows urged the camel on. He glanced over his shoulder one last time at the place he had called home. It would be a long time before he would see it again.
Goodbye, my friends, Ishtar thought and disappeared into the night.
--
Pharaoh Hakizimana stood before his army. Like them, he was dressed in light armor and had his sword in his belt. He looked behind them and saw them all ready for battle. There was no telling how many would lose their lives for the kingdom but their names would never be forgotten. He turned his eyes forward and narrowed his eyes.
There in the distance a wave of darkness touched upon the sands. Even from such a distance a pair of blood red eyes appeared in the darkness. The evil god Set was here and planning on taking over his land. He closed his eyes, gaining his composure. Opening them he unsheathed his sword and raised it high over head.
"For our kingdom!" he shouted. The soldiers cheered behind him and moving as one took off into the desert. They would tackle this god head on, buying time for the Sisters of the Moon.
As the pharaoh led his troops against the first wave of Set's army, the remaining six Guardians with the factions they were assigned to lead watched and waited. Signals were given, and they too joined the battle.
--
Theliane stood on a sand dune, Tumaini's left hand clutching her right. She felt Peisimemne reach out to her and Agalameia in need for strength.
--Peisimemne, do not lose heart now,-- said Agalameia.
--You will be fine, Sister,-- Theliane reassured.
Peisimemne wavered slightly. --I'm afraid…--
--We are here with you,-- the Daughter of Anubis said.
--Together we will defeat this evil,-- said the Daughter of Ra confidently.
--If we perish…-- the Daughter of Osiris began, --promise we'll meet again?--
--Nothing will ever separate us,-- Theliane vowed.
--Time nor space will ever break our ties,-- Agalameia promised.
"It is time," Tumaini said quietly.
Theliane faced the young boy. Letting go of his hand, the Daughter of Ra crossed her arms over her chest. She began to glow and the Heart of Ra slowly left her body, resting in her hands.
Tumaini floated up till he was eye level with the Sister of the Moon. He reached out and took the Heart into his hands. "Goodbye, Theliane. Thank you for giving me a happy life."
"Goodbye, Tumaini," she smiled at him. "We'll see each other again." And I know that you will become a great pharaoh.
Tumaini pushed the Heart of Ra into his chest, and then he was enveloped in a bright light. Slowly, it rose up to the sky, casting forms along the dark clouds.
"God of the Dead and Guardian of the Scales, come to my aid," Agalameia called out. "Grant me the power to summon the god of light and darkness! I summon thee now, Obelisk the Tormentor!"
"Lord of the Underworld and Ruler of Egypt, come to my aid," Peisimemne spoke. "Grant me the power to summon the god of good and evil !I summon thee now, Slypher the Sky Dragon!"
"Father of Creation and Child of the Sun, come to my aid," Theliane prayed. "Grant me the power to summon the god of earth and sky! I summon thee now, the Winged Dragon of Ra!"
"Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt, come to our aid! Grant us your strength, bestow us your wisdom! Dragon Gods of the World of Shadows, we summon you!"
Theliane began to sing a dark, wordless song. When she finished, Peisimemne and Agalameia followed singing the same tune. Then their voices joined as one, echoing across the sands and sending chills along the warriors' spines on both sides of the battle.
The Guardians paused in the heat of the battle. They heard the song, they knew the voices, but they could do nothing to stop them. Set, too, noticed this and grew enraged. Those girls taught they could defeat him? Impossible! But everyone stopped as they noticed the dark clouds beginning to change shape. Lightning could be seen but above the singing they heard inhumane roars. Even the dark god had never heard them before.
One by one the girls began to glow: red, blue, and gold. Behind them their auras began to take shape, the roars intensifying. From the sand behind the girls a demon burst free, his cry drowning out all else. He looked like a demon but the girls had no fear of him even as he unleashed his leathery wings. The Giant God of the Palace had burst free.
The clouds parted and a long, serpentine body was seen. It seemed like there was no end in sight even as curled behind the girls. It looked like a giant serpent with wings, eyes glowing brightly, wings arched towards the sky. The Dragon King of the Heavens had arrived.
Light seemed to gather and the darkness parted, revealing a huge orb of golden light. Had the Sun God arrived to help them defeat the evil god? The orb seemed to break, a form hatching as it stretched it's limbs. Feathers wings of gold stretched and the piercing cry of a great bird of prey pierced the night air. The Hawk with the Wings of the Sun graced the world of mortals with it's presence.
"I, Theliane, the Daughter of Ra, invoke the pact created by Rehema. Join with me now, Winged Dragon of Ra." The golden glow surrounding Theliane grew brighter and she floated up to the Heart, the Winged Dragon following and stayed behind her.
"I, Peisimemne, the Daughter of Osiris, invoke the pact created by Olabisi. Join with me now, Slypher the Sky Dragon." Peisimemne's red hue amplified, and she and her deity floated upwards.
"I, Agalameia, the Daughter of Anubis, invoke the pact created by Ain. Join with me now, Obelisk the Tormentor." The blue aura increased as Agalameia and Obelisk joined the others surrounding the Heart.
The three girls spoke as one, "Spoken by Aziza, the first Daughter of Isis, on the day she took her pledge to protect Egypt and its people, we as her descendents have also taken this vow. As the Sisters of the Moon, we have sworn to do everything in our power to protect and guide our people--man, woman, and child."
"Obelisk!"
"Slypher!"
"Winged Dragon of Ra!"
"Go now!" they commanded. "Join together and bring forth the Creator of Light, Halakti!"
Behind them the three gods cried out, their forms glowing before flying forward, their three forms merging. A pure light was seen from their union, blinding everyone but from that light a new being was born. Dress in robes of pure white, feathered wings of gold, flawless skin of a heavenly being. Slowly the eyes opened, revealing the color of a clear summer sky. Everything about this creature spoke of nothing but light and purity.
Set could only stare. He had never heard of this being, this creature of light! This Halakti! "You think you can stop me? I am a god!" he yelled at them. "Your efforts are been wasted for nothing!"
"Do not misjudge us, Set," the being said, the voice echoing of the three women. "This will be the final battle between us. No longer will Egypt and it's people fear you."
"You don't have the power to defeat me!"
"Light can overcome the darkness." Hands were raised and between them a pure light was forming, making him flinch.
The light shot forward, striking the dark god dead on. "NO!" He howled in pain. "I cannot be defeated!"
"You can," Halakti said, "and you have."
"Don't think this is over!" Set yelled as his body evaporated. "I will return! All of you will suffer my wrath no matter how long it takes! I will see you three dead and feast upon your souls!"
Their powers were so immense, Kasuyan thought that he was going to blown all the way back to Crete. Soon the light faded, and he looked up. The child that held the Heart of the Shadow Realm, the darker half of Ra's Heart as Theliane confided in him, was gone. The Sisters of the Moon continued to float in the air with their deities behind them.
Suddenly, the three great creatures cried out in anguish and disappeared.
"NOOOOOOOOOO!" Kasuyan screamed as his wife and her Sisters began to fall to the sands.
--
Sadiki ran his sword through his enemy's chest and he fell to the ground dead. With Set gone, the inhuman strength the dark god had given them had disappeared.
Kasuyan's scream caught his ear and he looked up to watch the Sisters of the Moon fall. His eyes then caught an enemy aiming to kill the Greek boy but Sadiki ran and killed him.
"Kasuyan! Go!" he shouted. "You are her consort! I am to safeguard her life! Go to her!"
Khalfani and Hanif suddenly appeared on horse-drawn chariots, a third one in tow for the other Guardian. Kasuyan wasted no time in jumping on and taking off with the others, but not before nodding his thanks to Sadiki.
"Goodbye, my brother," Sadiki whispered and ran back into battle.
--
"Peisimemne... Agalameia... Sisters..."
"...Theliane..."
"...We...we are...still with you..."
Theliane dragged herself across the sand closer to her Sisters. The simple act only drained her more. She collapsed, and then slowly reached her left hand to hold her Sisters'. "It's over..." Theliane said, feeling the last of her strength slowly ebb away.
Peisimemne nodded. "Egypt is safe...for now..."
"Our promise, Sisters..." said Agalameia. "Always remember..."
"Yes..." the Daughter of Osiris whispered.
"Promise..." said the Daughter of Ra
They closed their eyes.
"Theliane!" a male voice shouted.
Ra... Theliane opened her eyes slowly. He calls me... Why not...Mother Isis...? She faintly heard rumbling draw closer and then stopped. She was then picked up and cradled in a strong embrace.
"Theliane..."
"...Kasuyan...my love...you're injured..."
"Don't worry about me," said Kasuyan. "Theliane, please don't die. Don't leave me..." Tears started in his eyes, stinging as they ran over the cut on his cheek.
"Mother Isis..." Theliane gasped. "The temple, Kasuyan... please, husband... you must... the temple..."
Kasuyan nodded and gathered her into his arms, yelling at Hanif and Khalfani to take the other Sisters of the Moon straight to the temple.
The three Guardians drove the chariots as fast as the horses could run. Kasuyan glanced at Theliane every moment, and also at the other two chariots that rode beside him. They raced into the city, stopping as they reached the temple steps. Kasuyan dropped the reigns and gathered his wife into his arms. He jumped down from the chariot and raced up the temple steps with Khalfani and Hanif right behind him carrying Agalameia and Peisimemne.
The guards at the top of the stairs quickly opened the temple doors. They went inside and stopped before the altar before the statue of Isis. The priests who were praying inside the temple, watched in horror as the three men knelt down before the statue, laying the Sisters of the Moon on the marble floor.
"Mother Isis," Kasuyan prayed, wiping the blood from his forehead. "Please, your humble servant begs of you. Spare your daughters, the Sisters of the Moon. Our enemies are defeated... They used the three gods that Ra, Osiris, and Anubis have given them. Egypt is safe. Please give the Sisters of the Moon their strength to continue to live..."
At first nothing happened and just before he could scream his frustration a light began to gather in the temple.
The young men looked up and gasped, holding their beloveds tightly to their chest. The statue of the mother Goddess was glowing and it seemed to be moving. Isis stepped down to the floor and moved to stand before them but as she kept glowing she grew smaller. The glow slowly began to fade but just enough to where they could gaze at her face.
She was a beautiful woman with sun-kissed skin and hair black as ebony. Her robes shinned with the purity of the stars and gold that shown even with no light but the look in her eyes... they varied from the midnight skies to a clear day.
"Isis..." Kasuyan bowed his head even as the other Guardians bowed in deep respect. "Please... save them..."
"Kasuyan... I am sorry but I can do nothing," she said in a singsong voice even as she reached out and gently tilted his face to her own. With a gentle finger she brushed the tear away. "Sacrifices must be made... the Sisters knew that, and so did you..."
"But it's not fair!" he shouted, cradling his love to his chest as a mother would her child. "I can't lose her!"
"I know... you both prayed to me for love and I granted your hearts' wishes... But this is out of my hands..." Looking at him sadly she stepped back as three statues in the back began to glow and walk towards them. With each step they movements became more fluid and one by one they stopped before each of the fallen woman. The soldiers were shocked and yes, a bit fearful. Priests began to chant and pray as they bowed.
"The evil has been defeated..." Anubis said in a rough sort of tone as he knelt and reached down for Agalameia. Khalfani watched in horror as the god's hands passed through her chest as if she were a ghost but when he pulled back in his arms was the weaken soul of the young woman glowing a soft sapphire blue color.
"But even so, it shall rear its evil head once more..." Osiris said with a stern and strong voice as he reached for Peisimemne and withdrew her soul from her mortal shell. Her form glowing a ruby red. Hanif shut his eyes as the tears fell.
"The Sisters will live again to protect this world..." Ra said deeply as he reached for Theliane. Kasuyan pulled back, not wanting her to be taken away but still he could only watch as her soul was taken from her body, glowing a brilliant gold as the sun itself.
"No! Please take my life instead just let them live and breathe!" Kasuyan begged but they did not listen. Together the three gods stepped back and soon, the spirits of the girls were gone.
"What have you done with Theliane!" he demanded, not caring if they took their wrath out on him. He carefully laid the still form of his love on the ground and stood before the Mother Goddess, defiance in his darkened eyes.
"They will be reborn, Kasuyan, but... so the forces of evil do not corrupt them they shall be separated by time and space..." She looked at him sadly and reached down, resting her hand over his chest to feel the painful beat of his heart. "But I do promise this... you and your beloved wife shall be reunited..." Leaning forward she kissed his cheek and whispered words of encouragement. Their forms glowed and in a flash of light the goddess and gods were gone and their statues were lifeless once more.
Kasuyan shut his eyes tightly but still the tears fell down his face. He heavily dropped to his knees before leaning forward and wordlessly pounded his fists on the tiled floor, demanding they bring his wife back but they didn't answer him. I swear to the gods above and below I will find you, Theliane! I don't care how long it takes but I will hold you in my arms once again! he swore fiercely.
Khalfani and Hanif felt grief fill their hearts. They had lost the women of their lives. Hanif gently lowered Peisimemne to the ground but refused to let go of her hand.
May we reunite once more, he thought sadly, holding her hand in his own.
The tall young man couldn't believe that the gods--Anubis especially--took her away from him. He would not cry but he silently vowed to never let anyone get close to his heart least they leave him. Never again, he vowed.
The priests and soldiers, who had been silent during the ordeal, timidly stepped forward. Never before had they witnessed something like this happen but the Sisters of the Moon were gone. With no daughters the legacy would end. One by one they walked to the Guardians and offered them their deepest concerns. But they looked up when a soldier, dirty and covered in blood, stumbled in. he nearly fell but several soldiers caught him.
"What has happened?" one of them asked.
"The enemy... they have retreated..." he panted. Most of the blood was not his own but he was exhausted. "We have won..."
They smiled but no one felt like cheering. One of the priests stood and began to give orders. "Bring all available healers to deal with those that have been injured. And send a messenger tot he pharaoh. Tonight we shall pray for those that gave their lives for Egypt." he looked at the young women. "Including... the Daughters of Isis."
--
On the bloodstained sands where the battle took place, many soldiers lay dying. Among them, three particular warriors lay beaten, bleeding, and each of their minds focusing on the people that meant the most to them.
The spear that had pierced through Mosi's chest made it extremely difficult to breathe. He knew he was dying, and he prayed that he would see his brother and Agalameia in the Afterlife. However, he had a strange feeling that he would only see one of them.
His thoughts shifted to the other Guardians and he found himself chuckling, choking on some of his blood. "Khalfani... you better be prepared for next we meet... I won't go easy on you..." he whispered and continued to cough but it was no use. His eyes drifted close and the coughing ceased to be. Blood trickled from his face and down his cheek even as his soul left his mortal shell behind.
Thabit broke the arrows from his left side; he didn't bother pulling them out for it was futile. His organs were damaged and no prayer could save him this time.
Peisimemne… he thought fighting to keep his eyes open. Osiris, please… I want to see your Daughter… in the Afterlife… even if she is with Hanif… I just… want… to see… her…
Thabit closed his eyes and his soul began his journey to the Underworld.
Sadiki grimaced at the wound he got from the enemy. He had thought the man was dead but that proved to be a mistake on his part. The sword clashed at his stomach but he had the last laugh as he brought his own sword and decapitated him on the spot. he hunched over and despite hearing the survivors saying the healers were coming, he knew they would be too late for him.
My time has come... Ra, thank you for... for allowing me to know your Daughter... He smiled as he felt the warm light of the sun beat down on him. He continued to smile even as he slowly fell forward, his blood dying the golden sands beneath him.
He slipped his hand inside the small pouch at his right side, pulling out a pair of jade earrings. I'm sorry, Theliane… I wanted to give these to you… when we married… He closed his hand over them. You are my wife… even if only… to my heart… I will see you again… my love… Sadiki closed his eyes and his head rolled to the side just as the soldiers and workers arrived to collect the survivors and the dead.
--
"Kasuyan."
He looked over his shoulder, seeing Pharaoh Hakizimana standing not too far behind with concern on his face. Kasuyan turned back to the three sarcophagi resting on cloth-covered wooden benches; each sarcophagus had an image of the Goddess Isis in the center, with the god that the Sister could summon beneath their beloved Mother.
Three moons had passed, and Kasuyan had to bear witness to seeing the bodies of the Sisters of the Moon and the five other Guardians prepared for their funerals. The three Bookkeepers' bodies had been hidden away prior to the battle with Set. The remaining three Guardians took the passage and Hanif and Khalfani had been bitten by the asps.
Kasuyan slowly rose from his knees and walked over to the sarcophagus to the right, the one with the Winged Dragon of Ra. He reached out, trembling fingers caressing the golden mask that captured Theliane's face perfectly but to Kasuyan, it was far from his wife's true beauty.
Hakizimana did not need the powers of empathy to know how the young man felt. He had been joyous that the Sister Theliane had found someone to love but to be taken away so soon. Reaching up he rested his hand on the blonde's shoulder. "I am sorry... but they knew the risk and because of them, Egypt is safe."
"It doesn't mean I have to like it," Kasuyan growled angrily as he closed his eyes tightly. "So now what? With Theliane gone... I have nothing to live for."
"That's not true. The Daughter of Ra would not have wanted you to waste your life away like this."
"Then what do you suggest I do?" he snapped, whirling to look at him.
The Pharaoh walked over between the other two sarcophagi, touching the sides of both golden caskets with his hands. "Peisimemne told me that everything they had done, every task, must be kept secret. The recordings had to be separate from the ones my priests keep." He turned to the center sarcophagus and looked at Kasuyan. "Agalameia said that Isis had instructed for it to be that way for many generations, should one day that their bloodline end."
Kasuyan looked at the Pharaoh and the three sarcophagi. "And the records?" he asked.
"Safely stored in my chambers for now, but I cannot keep them. And as for the burial grounds for the Sisters, I know that my people would want them to be in the Valley of the Queens or even in one of the pyramids..." Hakizimana sighed, shaking his head. "I cannot allow that. Bandits and tomb raiders will seek them as their prey."
"So they have to be buried in secret..." Kasuyan said bitterly but even he knew it would be for the best. The less people who knew where the Sisters were buried the less likely for their bodies to be defiled. "Then... the records should be buried with them. If anyone does come across them, then they'll know how important they were."
"An excellent idea… but where to bury them..." Hakizimana frowned. It had to be somewhere no one would think to bury anyone but it also had to be safe from the hand of time.
"I know of a place," Kasuyan looked at the Pharaoh. "My friends in the caravan are leaving in a few days. I will go with them. They are family to me--they know how much I love Theliane. They will be silent."
The Pharaoh nodded; he walked over to Kasuyan and placed his hand on the other's shoulder. "And the less I know the better. I'll have my most trusted guardsmen help you with this hard task, my friend."
Kasuyan nodded mutely, and then leaned his head against the golden mask. "Isis said that one day we will be reunited... but that two of their souls will be sent to another time. If one of them is Theliane... how can we see each other?"
"Perhaps you two will spend some time together in the Afterlife."
"Her heart is lighter than a feather. I'm not certain about mine though..."
"I am certain that Isis will intervene on your behalf," said Hakizimana. "If there is anyone who should worry about Ammit devouring their soul, it is those who attacked us and anyone who dares to disturb the Sisters of the Moon."
Kasuyan smiled weakly. "I will talk to the caravan, and bring them to the palace in the morning... so that we can make the necessary arrangements to..."
"I know, Kasuyan." Hakizimana turned and started to leave. He stopped and turned around. "Your love for Theliane and hers for you is very pure. Remember, the gods had consented to your union. Isis will keep her promise." With that said, the Pharaoh left the temple.
"I can only hope so..." Looking down at the golden coffin he pulled out a flower from his tunic. It was a bit smushed but it was lovely and delicate. Resting it on his wife's sarcophagus he offered a prayer. "I hope we will meet again, Theliane. Isis..." he closed his eyes but still a tear fell even as he slowly made his way out of the temple. "Please... watch over them."
--
The caravan nodded to the young pharaoh as they stood before him. He nodded back to them and noticed how Kasuyan was calm but his grief was clear as day.
"I'm sure Kasuyan has told you why I have asked you to come," he began.
The leader of the caravan nodded. "Yes. We have discussed it and agreed to help him," he told him. "May both our gods punish those that would try to destroy those that wish only to seek peace after death."
The young ruler nodded waved his arm. From the sides cloaked men came out, nodding in respect to the caravan and bowed to the pharaoh. "These are my most trusted soldiers and clever builders. If you allow it, I would like for them to join you."
"A gracious offer but understand we may never return back here. If they join us, they will never return here and will live out the remainder of their lives in our homeland."
A soldier stepped forward and nodded to him. "We are aware of such but we have decided that what may happen happens. The Sisters of the Moon gave up their lives for ours. We wish to repay the debt with our skills."
Hakizimana nodded. "You must leave tonight," said the pharaoh. "Tomorrow the funeral will take place. We have duplicates of the Sisters sarcophagi to allow the people to mourn. The sooner they are away from here, the safer their remains will be."
"Yes, lord," Demetrious bowed his head. "We will have the wagons ready shortly."
Bowing everyone silently left, including Kasuyan. Once the doors shut it was just the young ruler and his bodyguard. Hakizimana sighed and leaned back, slouching in his throne. "I hate lying to my people... but we cannot risk having their bodies defiled," he said mostly to himself.
"I understand, my pharaoh. They wanted it this way," Shadi said.
"I still can't believe they're gone... my best friends I've known since childhood... I feel so lost, with no one to guide me." He blinked when he felt a hand rest on his shoulder and looked up at the concern gaze of his protector.
"You will never be lost. Your mother and father, the past pharaohs, the Daughters of Isis, even the gods will always be there watching over you and Egypt. But you must look within yourself for guidance as well.
The young man took in everything he said and smiled, sitting up straighter. Shadi was right, he had to stand on his own but that didn't mean he would be alone. Still he closed his eyes and offered a prayer.
May they all be reunited once more. That's all I ask.
--
Kasuyan knelt on the stone floor of the newly finished burial chamber, whispering prayers to the gods of his youth and the new gods he had accepted when he married Theliane.
It had been an emotionally long journey back to Crete. Kasuyan did want his wife to see his home. Now she would be buried there.
He finished his prayers and took the cup from Cytherea, nervously staring at the liquid inside. Closing his eyes, the young man drank the contents. He made a face and handed the cup back to the old woman. Then he walked over to the sarcophagus with the Winged Dragon of Ra engraved under the picture of Mother Isis. He touched the golden mask and leaned over, kissing the lips.
He swayed a little and the guards that had accompanied them from Egypt moved to help him, but he waved them off. Kasuyan sat down on the blankets and took the scroll into his hand, holding it over his chest, and closed his eyes.
The others in the tomb waited until they saw his chest rise and fall for the last time. His body became laxed, yet his hands still held the roll of papyrus. The old woman started to cry softly, for she loved him as one of her own. The guards escorted her out of the tomb, and placed the stone slab over it, forever sealing the Sisters of the Moon and the consort of the Daughter of Ra.
--
Ishtar pulled back on the reins of his camel, patting its neck when it grunted. It had been several years since he had seen the kingdom but to his eyes it still looked the same. He sighed deeply and urged the animal to continue on.
It feels strange to be back but it doesn't feel like home, he thought to himself as he entered the city. It had grown but not much. Many new faces he didn't know filled the streets but he didn't pay them any mind. No one seemed to give him another look but who would suspect a man dressed in commoners robes with a hood shielding his eyes from the sun and riding his camel to carry something of great importance?
Arriving at the palace he got off the camel and walked up to the gates. Of course the guards stopped him but he nodded to them. "I've come to see the pharaoh," he said calmly.
"Is he expecting you?" one of the soldiers asked.
"Yes... he should." His lifted his head to look at them. His hazel eyes were older than appeared, his face lined with the beginnings of wrinkles and facial hair but he was still strong and in good health. He saw some faint recognition in their eyes but he just nodded.
The guards looked at each other, and then one motioned for Ishtar to follow. So many memories were returning to the weary traveler as the walked through the corridors, it was almost painful but he had a promise to keep.
The guard led him to the palace gardens where Pharaoh Hakizimana and his wife watched their son playing with a water lily before giving it to his mother. She smiled at the gift and placed her hand over her swollen belly, which her son mimicked.
Ishtar remained at the entrance as the guard walked over to the pharaoh and bowed before announcing the visitor. Hakizimana's eyes darted quickly over to the entryway and nodded to the guard. Bowing to his lord again, the guard walked back to Ishtar.
"The pharaoh will see you now," said the guard.
"Thank you," Ishtar nodded and slowly walked towards the royal family. He lowered himself to his knees. "My lord pharaoh, please forgive my intrusion."
"There is no need," said Hakiziman. "Rise, Gyasi."
"Forgive me, my lord, but Gyasi is dead, my name is Ishtar."
He nodded in understanding and smiled as he bid him to rise. "This is my wife, Fukayna, and our son Jumoke."
Ishtar bowed to them as well, smiling. "The pleasure is mine, your highness."
Fukayna smiled as she nodded to him. "The pleasure is mine. I have heard many tales about you. I am glad to see you in good health," she said softly with great sincerity in her voice. Jumoke stayed close to his parents but curiosity was evident in his young eyes.
"You are too kind. But I have came as a last request from the Sisters of the Moon," he explained as he turned seriously. Reaching under his cloak he withdrew a wrapped item. Handing it to the pharaoh he watched as he unwrapped it to reveal the Book of Shadows. "Peisimemne instructed me to bring it to you after your first born child had been born. From this moment on the Book of Osiris will remain with the royal family."
Hakizimana blinked and felt his hands tremble as he held the book. He could feel the power within but he had to ask. "Why the royal family? You are the Book Keeper."
"It was told by the first Daughter of Isis that should the Sisters of the Moon die, leaving no heirs, the Book Keepers would go through a ritual. Two would be bitten by asps while the third remained. Do not worry, the Books of Life and the Dead are with their Keepers in the Afterlife."
The pharaoh nodded. He looked at his wife and son for a moment then back to the former Bookkeeper. "My family will protect the Book of Osiris and we will use it wisely for the good of Egypt. As a son of Horus, I swear to this."
Ishtar smiled, relief washing through him. "Thank you, my lord. I must go. My family is waiting for my return."
Hakizimana watched him turn to leave. "Ishtar," he called. "I would very much like for your family to move here. I am in need of a counselor, and you seem to have the qualities."
The other man paused then turned around. "Thank you, pharaoh, I appreciate and accept your offer. But my wife is expecting our first child. I believe it is best for us to return after the birth, and when my child is old enough to travel."
"Of course. I will see you then."
Ishtar bowed and left the palace.
Authors' Notes
Janime: Wow…
Heikou: Yup.
Janime: We did it.
Heikou: And once again we have a long final chapter.
Janime: Of course we have the epilogue to do.
Heikou: It won't be much but this brings another arch to an end.
Janime: We hope you had fun reading it as we did writing it.
Heikou: hey I think we broke our record! Another chapter just days after the previous update!
Janime: Woohoo!