A/N: I can't believe I actually finished this! (Huuuuuuge grin) It certainly took long enough! Although, the ending IS a bit rushed… (Decides to post before she changes her mind) There is quite a number of … Historical liberties in this chapter, I'm afraid… But, in my defence, I'm fairly sure the show's exactly the same. Also, please forgive any of my typos, but I haven't proof-read because it's midnight and I wanna post this so I can go to bed… (Yawns)
Disclaimer: This chapter is set in Ancient Egypt. There isn't any copyright laws yet.
Twenty-Five: Once Upon a Time (Or Possibly Twice)
The sun had yet to put in an appearance, and yet, the entire Palace- no, the entire kingdom- was abuzz with activity. Trepidation or excitement, or perhaps both, hung in the air. No-one knew what to expect.
Seto, to, was already up and had been all night. It was not that he had anything in addition to his usual duties to attend to, more like a restlessness that had been brought on by the tension. As the sun began to emerge over the distance, bathing both him and the scene before him in a slight pink light, he leaned on the edge of the wall, deep in thought. He stared out over the great city, and in his mind he wandered it's every street, from the market place to the Palace itself. Yes, it was a great city, and he was going to protect it till the end, or may the underworld have his soul to torment for all eternity…
"Thinking morbid thoughts again, I see."
"Pharaoh." Seto replied, bowing hastily, cursing himself for not being more alert. He hadn't even heard the ruler approach. Straightening up, he allowed himself to be a little less formal then most people would get away with, looking back out over the view.
"You come up here often." Atem commented, coming to stand next to him. "Yet, I did not realise why until just now."
"Yes." Seto agreed. Bathing in the early dawn light, from here, on top of the east-facing Palace wall, the city did indeed look more beautiful then ever. No matter what these people brought with them, he was not letting it crumble…
"There it is again." Atem said, chuckling slightly. "Sometimes, I wonder what it is you think about to give you such an expression."
"I was simply considering what these… people might bring with them."
"Ah, ever suspicious." The Pharaoh replied, straightening up. Immediately, Seto did to, seeing that this was no casual visit when the leader had a spare few moments. He looked serious. "I need you to be there when they arrive, Seto. I wish to introduce you, and I may have to consult with you. Unfortunately, with times as they are, your suspicious nature is just as often proved correct as wrong."
"Of course." Seto answered, bowing again. "I will be there as soon as the bell sounds." He promised.
"Hmm." Atem nodded, making his leave. Sometimes, it paid to have someone who was naturally untrusting as your ally. However, being in charge often meant making decisions. In order to make the right choice, you had to be wise. To be wise required knowledge. To get knowledge meant to either find Isis or to have her sent for. It was always useful to know what the future held, after all.
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As it turned out, Seto was close by when one of the guards sounded the alarm. He was standing with the Captain, receiving a report on the additional security measures in place or ready to be initiated, should they be needed. And, he had to say, he was satisfied, although it did nothing to get his nerves off edge.
Days ago now, there had been news of important-looking foreigners passing over Egypt's most westerly border. Reports varied as to how many and to whom, varying from rulers to powerful merchants, but all the accounts agreed that they were rich. They had not as of yet done anything to disturb the peace, but it was obvious that these were no mere travellers; and as they seemed to be heading directly for the capital anyway, the Pharaoh had agreed to have them escorted straight to the Palace. The previous night, a young messenger from the escort had arrived, to say that they were no more then a day's travel behind him. Immediately, things burst into hurried but ordered action. When they arrived, everything needed to be welcoming but also, more importantly, a reminder of the Pharaoh's power and what they risked going up against.
"I see them!" Someone shouted, from the second viewpoint on the Western wall of the Palace grounds. "They're approaching the city wall!"
The Captain did not need to get permission to leave. Seto was already ahead of him, leading the way.
"Where?" He demanded.
"Over there, master." The guard replied. Seto followed the man's point, squinting. Then he, to, could see it. Just outside the city walls was something that resembled nothing more then a large, moving eye- a speck of black, with white all around it and a brown rim of the guards horses. Straining his eyes, he could just make out the movement of each individual horse. One thing was sure, and that was he would not have sighted them were it not for the keen-eyed guard.
"Good work." Seto said. "They'll be here within the hour. Ring the bell."
"Yes, sir!" The man hurried off to do so, but Seto did not spare a moment to ensure his order was being followed, already hastening off to meet with the Pharaoh and the other guardians.
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"Seto, there you are… What took you so long?"
"The Captain and I were out with the Guard." Seto explained, gesturing to the man behind him. "I got here just as quickly as I could."
"Never mind that now." Atem said, before Seto could be reprimanded any further. "How long until they arrive?"
"Less then an hour, majesty." The Captain responded. Atem nodded.
"Fine. Just remember that we don't know what these people want." He gestured at Isis, who stood just off to one side. "I was just informing the others, Seto, that Isis believes their intentions to be peaceful."
"That is correct." Isis confirmed. "I cannot see anything to worry us about these people."
"We should still be on our guard." Seto insisted, frowning.
"Yes." The Pharaoh agreed, although he still looked a little amused. "Any strangers should be dealt with carefully. However, the chances are, they merely seek trading; or refuge. There is trouble to the East, is there not?"
"Yet these came from the West." Seto reminded him. "We have no indication of what it is they desire whatsoever."
"If that is the case," Atem answered "Then all that remains to be done is to wait and see what our 'rich visitors' want… At least this way, we can do so on our own terms."
Seto nodded his agreement.
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They had been travelling solidly since sun-up, and now the shadows were short and centred, the sun beating down on them from directly above. Still, they showed no signs of slowing down. And, just as every day precluding it, they didn't seem to be any closer. She could feel her black horse tiring underneath her, trying to keep up with the browns of the Egyptians. She knew that those she had brought with her were having similar problems. Despite the weeks of travelling, the horses were not used to the temperatures and terrains of Egypt, and neither was she nor her ladies-in-waiting. None of them were comfortable on horse back, and they could not keep this up any longer.
"Azreal." She muttered to the woman next to her, who was whispering insults to the horse she was none-to-happily riding on in a soothing and encouraging tone. Unfortunately, the horse didn't seem to be taken in. If only they could have flown. "I need you to go and convince our escort to pause for breath, please. The horses simply can't take this pace any longer!" Seeing that the woman beside her did not completely comprehend, she added more slowly "Go and request that we stop for a time. The horses need a rest."
"Pé jenté." Azreal replied, determinedly. Kaho looked at her. She knew that she was supposed to use the native language, no matter how much or little she knew. "I… shall." Azreal corrected herself. The leader of this band of men was terribly stubborn, but if any of them could convince him, it would be Azreal, fluent or not. She spurred the horse on, coaxing it to pick up it's feet just a little more, and caught up with the leader of the band. He glanced over as she drew up beside him, slowing his pace ever so slightly.
"The Queen requests that we stop for a time." She informed him.
"Sorry, miss, no can do." He replied, not even considering it. Azreal frowned. He would regret making her life difficult. They began to head up a hill, automatically meaning that their pace was slowed and they could easily conduct conversation.
"The… horsesneed a rest." She insisted, her language slow and halting as she tried to remember the words Kaho had used over the previous days and weeks. "The Queen requests that we stop for a time."
"No can do!" He repeated, just as firmly.
"Why?" She demanded, irritated. She was sick of travelling, and of riding these beasts... How far could they be? "Jei!"
"You see, Miss…" He answered, as they reached the summit of the hill. "We're already here." He gestured a wide curve with his arm, and, indeed, it was an amazing view, looking down on what was undoubtedly the most powerful city in all the nations.
Azreal may not have understood the words, but the view was clear enough. Snapping her gaze away from the view, she spun the horse around, and headed back down a little way to her leader.
"Are we stopping?" She asked, magnificent upon their only black horse.
"We're here!" Azreal informed her, quite forgetting formalities in her excitement. "Inp Kaho, ka're jun! We kyan pun!"
Kaho smiled. "That's wonderful. But you mustn't forget to address me properly while we're in public, Azreal."
Azreal went red. She couldn't afford to slip up like that in the Pharaoh's court. "Doneet, In- um, majesty."
"Yes, but you need to ensure you do not use our words here! Tell the others we've arrived." Kaho instructed. "I'm going to the top." She convinced the horse to give a final spurt of speed, heading up the hill. Azreal headed just behind her, in order to inform the others of this exciting turn of events.
"Thank the teffet!" The eldest among them declared. "Pé almost thought we'd be riding those horses for the muuwall er pwao aueoi!"
The others offered their whole-hearted agreement.
"Would you ladies hurry?" The guard that had hung back with them asked. "I too am longing to see the city again!"
They needed no further encouragement.
"Dras!"
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When they rode through the city streets, they had attracted stares from the darker-skinned locals, which had faded into whispers as they passed. However, when reaching the Palace, it was all the travellers could do but conceal their stares. The place was gargantuan.
"It's an injid…" Azreal whispered in awe. "Itcould swallow Muwal Sarnes quek!" One of the hardest parts of the journey had been keeping to the language of the Egyptians, and now, in the excitement, she forgot it completely, ignoring the confusion of the guards. "Pé tyet op'ip puno et e sarne!"
"Dras…" Kaho agreed. "Puno kadae..."
One of the guards coughed, snapping them out of their stupor, and back to the reality of their situation- guests in a foreign nation, where only the ruler's good will was keeping them alive. Kaho swallowed. She had to approach this with tact.
"Don- sorry." Kaho had to quickly stop herself, half her mind still taken up by the Palace's beauty, surrounding and towering over them. "My apologies."
The guard snorted, gesturing at them to dismount. Dubiously, Kaho nodded, and they all climbed down. A series of stable hands materialised and lead the horses that had carried them the distance so faithfully away.
"Bidé, andra injid!" Azreal called after the white horse, delightedly. The steed snorted back in her direction in a dismissive way. Azreal waved a fist at it in irritation. "Si Fu-!"
"Azreal!" Kaho reprimanded, sharply, before adding in a whisper "Cen sianpé!"
"Yes." Azreal sighed, remembering her promise to behave formally while they were here- including speaking a language she only half-knew, a lot of which she'd picked up off the guard. She was trying, it was just so hard not to forget herself…
"I'm counting on you." Kaho whispered. "You, Azreal, more so then any of the others. Do not let me down." She began striding toward the prominent entrance to the inner palace, every inch the confident Queen. Only inside was she secretly scared for the future of her race…
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The doors opened painfully slowly. They were a magnificent feat of engineering, strong and grand; they'd stand up to any attack. It took four men just to open them, and when they were, a surplus of light flooded into the room, like water bursting over the banks of the Nile. That water was deceptive, appearing to cause so much damage, but breathing life back into the land. Seto hoped that the same could be said of these foreigners.
They were entering now, at the far end of the long throne room, the coloured columns standing along the sides, each gap another doorway to another part of the palace. With each doorway they passed, they were a moment closer. Even Atem himself was sitting forward slightly, eagerly, trying to catch sight of them.
'Them' proved to be a group of females, which was surprising. Not a man among them that was not in the Pharaoh's employment. They were lead by a single person, who carried herself proudly, her posture suggesting confidence, not humility. Behind her came another seven or so, the two directly behind her standing out the most to him. One was young, the other very old, so old that she required the assistance of the woman- more of a girl- beside her. But the lines in her face contained wisdom, the wrinkles round her eyes evident of all she'd seen, and Seto could see why she was important. As he observed this odd couple following their leader, the young one caught his eye. Her mouth twitched, beginning a smile, before she remembered her place and looked away, keeping her face fixed stonily ahead despite her obvious desire to look around at her beautiful surroundings.
Upon reaching a suitable length, the woman at the group's head bowed low, falling gracefully to the floor in a very controlled movement. Behind her, the other women mimicked this to the best of their ability, although the elderly woman required some assistance in doing so. It was a wonder she'd survived the journey. Despite the long distances they had reportedly crossed, their skin was far paler then their own. The same could not be said for their clothes; reds and browns and oranges and greens and blues; but not purple. Good. At least they knew that purple was the Pharaoh's right alone… But the colour proved they were rich. Otherwise, that privilege they could not afford.
Seto took their stillness to get a proper look at them- not their clothes, they had told him all they could. He studied their leader more closely. She seemed to be aware of all the eyes on her, though hers were fixed on the floor. She was breathing quite hard, a sign of nerves she couldn't quite smother. She was not adorned in a large amount of gold like their own ruler, if that was what she was. All she had to differentiate her from the others was a thin silver collar keeping her cloak attached, and another around her head, two thin strands of gold twisted together in a simple but beautiful way. He had no idea how they did that. No goldsmith he knew, however talented, could forge something so fine and fiddly, so intricate. He was surprised by the idea that the ruler was a woman, but it certainly appeared that way. He suspected she was the single person with the black horse.
What he could not fathom was what they could possibly want.
"Please, rise." Atem's voice rang out into the silence, echoing down the many corridors. "And introduce yourself."
The leader did, although those behind her stayed put on the ground. The girl who had almost smiled at him before began to straighten, but the old woman grabbed her arm before she got too far.
"Sarad! Danet!" She whispered, all too audibly in the echoing room. The youngerwoman coloured, biting her lip. Seto couldn't feel more then a passing irritation, though. He had made the same kind of mistakes on his original entry into court life. This woman hadn't even been brought up in their country, after all.
Ignoring the interruption, the leader stood, although, Seto noted, she avoided making eye contact with the Pharaoh. He had to give her praise for researching their customs. True, when she spoke, she spoke their language well, although it was accented.
"Great Pharaoh, I shall give you my name only to show my respect." She answered, steadily. This only made Seto more likely to think she was the ruler of these people, otherwise giving her name to a stranger would be of no value. However, giving her name to the Pharaoh would indeed show a great respect, and was almost a sign of loyalty. "My name is Kaho. I am the leader of my nation."
"And what is this nation of which you speak, Queen?" the Pharaoh asked. He looked amused again. That man smiled too much. "I do not recognise your clothes nor the lilt of your voice. Nor have I heard of any nation lead by a woman."
"I may be a woman, sir, but do not allow that to let you think any less of me." She responded. "I am proud of my kingdom, however small it is, and I would defend it as fiercely as anything else living upon this world."
"You did not answer my question." Atem pointed out. "What is your kingdom?"
"We have no name any more." She responded, sounding greatly saddened by the fact. "Many years ago, while my great grandfather reigned, we were a large people. Then we were attacked, and my ancestor fell. Our populace was scattered to the winds, carried to all the corners of the Earth. We are only a small nation in comparison to your mighty kingdom, wonderful Pharaoh." She paused before continuing. "We inhabit where no-one else can, in a range of distant mountains. We have travelled far to be here." Seto nodded despite himself. Well, that would explain the variety of colours- the plants of the hills would provide them.
"I see." Atem considered. "And what is it that brings you to my court?"
"We need help." The Queen answered simply. "As I say, we are but a small people, and there are others who would seek to make it smaller."
"You wish for refuge?" Atem asked. She shook her head firmly.
"No, Pharaoh. We wish to fight." She answered, steadily. "Your kingdom alone is legendary for mystic creatures. That is particularly what we wish for. We wish to learn to defend ourselves."
The room fell into a silence that spoke more words then any speech could. The members of the Pharaoh's court were stunned. Never had such a request been expected, for never had such a request been made.
"I see." Atem replied, carefully. "And, tell me, what benefit would this be to us? How do I know that you won't simply come up against us?"
Kaho carefully removed the ring from her head. "Note the gold so fine, king." She gestured at the woman behind her. "Note how even one so old is fit enough to make the journey. See the colours in our clothes." She hesitated before continuing. "Your nation is not the only one to hold secrets."
Atem considered her. Then he started chuckling. "Very well, Kaho, Queen of the Nameless Place, let me discuss with my councillors. Then perhaps we shall share our secrets." He smiled. "But let us speak no more of such things this night. For, this night, we shall feast in your honour!"
"You are eternally kind, Pharaoh. We are in your debt."
Behind her, Seto shook his head in exasperation. He hadn't been expecting a feast. He really should have done. The fact was, Atem loved the excuse to party.
Two servants materialised from one of the many hallways, bowing respectfully before taking the guests to the chambers they'd be using. The women that had accompanied Kaho finally stood, a little stiffly, and followed. Atem waited until they were surely out of earshot before speaking.
"So, what do you make of it all?" He turned to his right hand side, knowing exactly who would have an input. "Seto, what do you think?"
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The Pharaoh was indeed most generous. There were three rooms, leading off one another, getting progressively smaller. Kaho, however, was too preoccupied to admire their surroundings. She was worried. She needed the King of Egypt to accept their offer… What if after the meal he just turned them away? They couldn't stand up to any more attacks…
"Inp Kaho…" Azreal whispered. "Danet lera. Pun ca geg hashin."
"You mean…" Kaho prompted. "You cannot keep speaking our language here, Azreal!"
"Jei et?" Azreal demanded, grumpily. "Et-dono jun!"
Kaho sighed. "Azreal, you know I consider you a friend. But now, I am ordering you that, as long as we are in the Pharaoh's court, you will speak his language to the best of your ability! We must respect their culture. Are we clear?"
"Yes."
"Thank you. Now, repeat what you said."
"I said not to, um... hashin… It will be… fine?"
"Thank you." Kaho took her and the old woman by the arm, leading them into the second room and leaving the other ladies-in-waiting behind, closing the door behind them. The message was clear- they were not to be disturbed.
Away from her official standing, Kaho allowed herself to collapse onto the floor. Azreal and Sierra, the old wise woman, stood awkwardly. "What do you think of it all?" Kaho asked, from her arms.
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"I think…" Seto said, uncertainly. "That her intentions are clear enough. What we don't know is if they are the right side to back in this war she spoke of. We know nothing of the circumstance. As you said, Pharaoh, we have no clue whether they are in the right or the wrong." The others nodded in agreement. "Also, I don't think these 'servants' she brought with her are to be underestimated, particularly the old woman and the one who supported her. They know more then they reveal. I have no doubt that their nation has secrets locked away."
Atem nodded. "So, you felt it to…That is exactly what I thought. Perhaps the feast will loosen their tongues." Aha. There had been a system to his celebration after all. How devious.
"I have a suggestion, my king." Isis put in. "You will be here to deal with the Queen, with one of us. Perhaps those of us left should keep her servants watched. For once, I agree with Seto's suspicions. There is something unusual about the auras of these people."
"Very well." Atem nodded. "Sort it out amongst yourselves. Each take one of the women. Do not let them know what you're doing. If they prove untrustworthy, the very fate of this kingdom could be in your hands and eyes! Now," He smiled. "Let us enjoy a celebration."
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"Very well, Azreal." Kaho sighed, nodding. "As Sierra here seems to think it's a good idea, do as you will… I agree that there may be more to his 'advisors' then it seems. Keep an eye on them."
Azreal wanted to say that she knew exactly who she would watch, the Priest who had looked at her in such suspicion, but in this language she did not have the words. So, instead, she just said: "Yes."
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The feast was not so much a celebration but a farce. The entertainment was the best in all Egypt, but no-one was really watching it. Instead, they were all watching each other. Seto could see all the other guardian's eyes either fixed on the Queen, seated in the place of honour by the Pharaoh's side, or of the old wise woman next to her. But he couldn't help feeling that their suspicions lay in the wrong place.
Kaho's Ladies-in-Waiting were seated at their own table, talking amongst themselves in broken Egyptian or in their own language. And there she was, the one who had supported the old woman. Seto had no real regard for the others, but he was certain this one was no mere servant…
She turned around, catching his eye. This time, she did smile. It was a predatory smile. But then she looked away, catching the eye of her Queen instead, who, in turn, spoke quietly to the Pharaoh, who stood. Instantly, all the people at all the tables fell silent.
"I understand that our guests have some entertainment to provide." He said.
The LIW looked at each other, nervously. Then, apparently realising they couldn't argue with a direct order from the Pharaoh, the ten filled out into the central, square space. The old woman did not stand, instead pulling a wooden pipe from the folds of her robes.
The ten stood in three rows of three, with one at the front. All was silent, still, waiting. Then, as one body, they began stamping their feet in a clear rhythm. As the Pharaoh sat again, those on the edges of the row began clapping the beat to, as those in the middle of the three rows and columns pulled out wooden pipes or stringed instruments. Dubiously, the people seated around the edge of the room started clapping along. When the Pharaoh joined in, so did everyone else. Still, as the patterns got more complicated, the rhythms could not hoped to be followed, only the beat could be kept. Then, the instruments joined the melee of sounds.
It was unlike anything Seto had ever heard before. So bright and cheerful. So was the dancing. Even he could not tear his gaze away. The steps seemed to speak, clapping and tapping rhythms he could not follow, singing in a voice made up of feet tapping on stone and wood. He did not even notice the Queen leaving her seat as the woman at the front gave up her space in the limelight to another. The rows split and spread out, merged again, formed circles, spinning round and round. They moved in, and as they went wide once again, there was the Queen in their centre, in their midst. How she had got there no-one knew. But it didn't seem to matter so much as they began singing.
Seto didn't understand the words, but he didn't have to. They were strange and foreign, and, what's more, all the different pitches seemed to be singing different songs. The Queen was dancing among them, beautiful. And there, on the edge, he saw the suspicious one, singing with all her heart, eyes closed. Then, for just a moment, her voice raised above all the others.
"Muwal Sarnes, sarne er li, Fet, Teffet, Tef…"
Another person echoed it, and another, and another, each repeating it as more joined in, the instruments mimicking the sounds, rising to an immense roar. And still, they danced- their footsteps keeping the beat no matter how intricate the steps. There was something almost spiritual, ritualistic, about it. Never had he heard such joy in a song.
Then, suddenly, abruptly, they stopped, and the room fell into silence, stunned.
The Pharaoh brought his hands together, and others joined in. Yet, the applause was not as important as the acceptance it showed. The one who he suspected met his eye once again. She smiled. She did not look away until someone demanded her attention, getting her to try some delicacy or another.
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It was early the next morning when the two separate surveillance operations began, and it cannot be claimed that they started as well as hoped.
"Azreal." Kaho called, softly, emerging from the chamber into the one Sierra and Azreal had slept in. Her ever-faithful Lady was sleeping in the doorframe, so that no-one could get to her Queen without going through her first. No-one could ask for as loyal and fierce a subject, and as faithful a friend. She really would be lost without her. "Azreal. Rouse yourself."
"Ren Pé tyet farren si, Pé tyet com lai tessal… Azreal groaned.
"Yes you do have to listen, regardless of whether you understand or not." Kaho replied, trying to sound firm, whilst suppressing a laugh. "Come, now. I have a job for you. And, please, speak the local tongue."
"How can you?" Azreal demanded, the concentration evident on her face as she struggled both with the unfamiliar words, and to her feet. For a moment, the short dagger hidden in the folds of her clothes was visible, but with the quickness that comes with practise, she concealed it hastily; strapping her cloak, which had been masquerading as a blanket, back on. "Speak so good?"
"Well, Azreal." Kaho corrected. "But to answer your question… My tutor had spent some time here in Egypt. He was the one who told me the stories, the stories of the monsters that they could call on in times of need… He taught me the language, in case I ever needed it. I am grateful for the learning, but I wish I had never needed it." She sighed.
Azreal didn't look as though she'd comprehended a single world.
"Worry not." Kaho told her, wanting to laugh again. "You'll learn soon enough." Then, in case there was any doubt remaining, she added: "Lera et. Si ca farren muuwall!"
Azreal grinned. "Please, speak the local tongue!" She mimicked. Perhaps she had picked something up, after all.
"Very well. Now, get away with you!" Kaho answered, exasperated, wafting her arms towards the door so she would get the idea. "We must learn all we can of these people- I of the Pharaoh, and you of his advisors!"
The gesture was easy enough to understand. Azreal gave a brief bow, and left, carefully avoiding the elderly Sierra, into the third and outermost chamber where the others were. She woke them as she passed, cheerfully shouting: "Uzes loppi! Hep, hep! Namo fet o keppa! Si, si, carn si! Hep!"
She made her exit before Kaho could come and chastise her any further, making her way down lit stone corridors, never seeing a soul. She had no idea where to find who she sought, and did not even know her way around the palace. The corridors seemed an endless labyrinth. She suspected there could be a hundred lost souls wandering eternally, and they would never meet. The place was truly immense. Azreal had never considered her nation, while small, as poor. However, surrounded and smothered by this wealth, she truly understood how tiny they were in comparison. So insignificant. Why would the Pharaoh ever help them?
As she turned a corner, the light got brighter, and it was not light of the sort which would come from the burning torches that had shone so brightly the night before. This could only be daylight. Smiling, Azreal ran towards it, trying to ignore the small voice at the back of her mind which was beginning to wonder how in all the sky she was going to find her way back.
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There was a soft thump as someone brushed through the curtain that hung over the entrance to the temple. This sound came as a surprise to Seto. Ra had begun his journey only perhaps an hour before, so he had not been expecting anyone yet. Frowning, he left the private rooms in the centre of the temple to see just who was out there.
And there she was. The very one he'd been intending on watching, standing just inside the temple, looking around in interest, looking very confused as she breathed in the incense. He watched her trace the smell back to the burning stick on the wall, and saw her expression clear. She stepped towards it, as if to investigate further, when he cleared his throat and made himself known to her. She jumped, swinging round. Then she composed herself, and bowed respectfully. Seto returned it, but not as deeply; really no more then a nod with a slight inclination at the waist.
"Good morning." He said.
"Good morning." She answered, slowly. Besides the slight echoes of their words reverberating off the stone walls, there was no other sound.
"I'm surprised that you would come to a place such as this." Seto said, almost accusingly. "Do you not have your own gods to follow?"
She blinked, looking as confused as ever. "…No?" She tried.
Seto gazed at her, not hiding it. "Do you understand any word I say?" To his relief, she knew what he meant.
"Yes!" She answered. "…small?"
"A little, then." He mused.
"A little." She agreed.
"Hmm…" Seto muttered. This would make things a little more difficult, if communication was all but impossible…
"Pé tyre piu!" She was insisting. "Si tyre pui pa!" Seeing that he understood her language even less then she understood his, she considered, before eventually saying "Teach me."
"Teach you?" Seto was astounded. "Is this before or after we teach you to summon monsters?" But the pointed question was lost. Quite clearly, she did not understand him. He sighed mentally. Yes, he was meant to keep a watch on her, but he could tell it was to be a long trial… "Well… We shall see. Come." He said, beckoning her to follow. "I will show you the city."
"Your city." She repeated, quietly.
"Yes. My city." He turned to face her. "But, first, tell me. Do you have a name?"
She bit her lip in concentration, but eventually shook her head.
"Your name." Seto repeated, slowly, hoping it had just been the sheer amount of words and the speed he had said them which had confused her. Indeed, she did seem to understand this time.
"Azreal. My name- Azreal." She bowed again slightly, desperate to convey the respect she wanted to show through actions when she did not have the words. "And you? Your name, what?"
Seto considered for a moment before telling her. He wasn't sure if he should. But perhaps the easiest way to keep an eye on her was to be friendly with her. So he would introduce himself properly. "My name is Seto." He replied.
He didn't know what reaction he was expecting, but it wasn't a laugh.
"Sorry!" She said, again and again, sounding horrified at herself as she kept giggling. "Sorry!"
Unfortunately, she could not explain what was so amusing. She did not know the words. Which, perhaps, was all the more reason to teach her…
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After a lot of talking, advice from Sierra or Isis in each of their cases, Kaho and the Pharaoh managed to secure a deal. The Egyptians would teach her and her ladies to summon the creatures inside them, should they be there; and in return for their efforts, they would show the Egyptians how to spin gold so fine it could have been used for silk, gold and metals so fine they could be used for almost anything.
"When shall we start?" Kaho asked, adding, by way of explanation "We are eager to begin so we can get home all the sooner."
"Then let us start now." The Pharaoh replied, easily. "From this day on, after midday we shall teach you. In the morning you shall teach us. And so, we may share knowledge. Isis," Here he turned to his advisor. "Please ring the bell to summon the others. They could be anywhere." Isis said nothing, but bowed and left.
"Thank you, sir." Kaho said, bowing once again. "I cannot tell you how grateful I am."
"You will be able to show us soon enough…"
"Yes." Kaho nodded, straightening. "I have some very good metal workers with me."
"I don't doubt it. However, there is one thing that puzzles me…" Atem began, slowly. "If it is fighting you wish to learn, why have you not brought any of your warriors with you?"
Kaho smiled to herself. It never occurred to anyone that perhaps she had. That the women she had brought with her were just as capable as any of their men. But it would not be wise to let them know that. Instead, she answered simply. "We are not here to fight, my king. If I had come accompanied by my most heavily armed forces, then you would not have accepted my intentions as peaceful. We are here to learn, and I believe that my Ladies will be best equipped to learn quickly. The soldiers can be taught later. We do not wish to take advantage of your graceful charity for too long."
This appeared to be an acceptable answer, as Atem nodded. Good. Now all that remained was to wait for those the Pharaoh was summoning and to listen, to look, and to learn all they could; in the lessons, and outside of them.
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They wandered the city for many hours that morning, mostly silently. Azreal did not speak much. But she listened. She learned a considerable amount; and not just of the language. She noticed that Seto was treated with a lot of respect wherever he went, which just made her assumption that he was very important more solid. She was sure of it.
Much of the city was not of interest to her. It was very similar to their own, back in the mountains, except on a far larger scale. And it was far, far warmer. She was sweltering in the thick cloak she wore. Bright red in colour, now going slightly brown and dirty from the constant dusts and sands of this infernal place, it was thick and heavy, designed for the heavy snow winters of the mountains. Her escort, the Priest- she tried not to think of his name lest she became hysterical again- was much more suitably dressed, in thin linen; but on no account would she take the cloak off. That was not something she was going to reveal. Sooner or later, they'd have to reveal their secrets of metal work and medicines and of plants, but perhaps it was best some things were kept to themselves…
A sound came to her ears. A sound she knew all too well, as something sounded, hitting against metal. But it was too harsh, too heavy, it made her wince. Just what did these Egyptians think they were doing!
"We're near the forges." Seto told her what she'd already realised, and she understood what he meant. "I anticipate the time when you'll show us your… expertise."
Azreal did not comprehend the second half of the sentence, but she wasn't paying attention anyway. That awful sound was penetrating her mind, making her mutter some things that she would not translate even if she could, before adding "De ske ica!"
"What?" Seto demanded.
"De ske ica." Azreal repeated. "It means… um… you are…" She waved her arms around, making an odd roaring noise to demonstrate something akin to exasperation.
"…I see…" Seto said slowly, not entirely sure he did. "And what might it be to educe such an emotion?"
She opened her mouth to answer, but the only sound that came was the tolling of a bell. Seto turned to look in the direction it had come from, frowning.
"Bad?" Azreal asked, from behind him.
"No." Seto replied. "But we must return to the Palace immediately."
"Si geter lai e clay...?" She wondered aloud, knowing full well that he would not understand, but not intending him to. "That's funny…"
"What is?"
"I can't explain. No words, no words!"
"…I see."
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'Teaching' these people to summon up monsters of their own was easier said then done, especially as it was really only the Queen who spoke the language well- although the others improved noticeably with every day that passed. They supposed the best thing to do was demonstrate- there was not a citizen in Egypt who could not summon a monster of some sort, though the powers varied greatly. They were not even sure if these foreigners could do it.
Although very little progress was made in that one area, they proved themselves in others. They had a lot to learn about sword play, but learnt it fast. Any misgivings about their gender holding them back were dispelled as they learnt faster then anyone. The Egyptians supposed it must be some strange custom of their nameless country. After that first afternoon, they did not even bother with archery. They were established archers, all. It came from living on a mountainous terrain.
That was just the afternoons. In the mornings, the Egyptians saw the best of their arts- it was truly amazing what could be done with plants. They were shown everything from dyes to medicines and even some poisons and their antidotes. They also saw the way they worked their metals. It was strange, to say the least. Rather then hammering the shapes out, they treated it very delicately. Often, the only tools they used were twigs- some even used their hands, burning their palms severely but not seeming to notice it as it was so normal. The trick seemed to be acting fast, so that skin and sticks would not set on fire, but gently. The Blacksmiths were indeed learning to make many things, from the most delicate trinkets to other useful items. Although he was not required to participate, Seto would go and watch. He liked to know what was going on.
However, he was beginning to wonder exactly what was going on. It seemed to be crazy. The metal had been in the furnace so long, too long. Surely, it was getting dangerously close to it's liquid form now? He was not the only one to think so. One of the forge hands dashed forward, obviously intending to remove it, but Seto put an arm out to stop him. He wanted to see where this was going…
This morning, three of the ladies in waiting were there. He knew their names from Azreal; there was Daedalus, Ferra, and Azreal herself, looking serious, all armed with long sticks; and holding their own conversation.
"Turu?" Azreal asked.
"Sarad. Haji…" The one called Daedalus answered, pausing. "…Turu!"
The three leapt forward together, pushing the sticks into the furnace. Seto expected them to come back out on fire, but the three removed them as swiftly as they had put them in. They came back out whole, and between them, the metal, almost molten, clung grimly on; stuck to all three sticks. Hastily, the three women all took a step back in opposite directions, teasing the metal out between them. In their hands, Seto noticed, they were rotating the sticks as fast as they could, causing the solidifying metal to twist up. Then they passed their stick onto the next person, and they all kept swapping sticks, and as the metal became stiffer, a kind of misshapen sphere was formed, patterned like a spider web. They removed the sticks and laid it down to cool.
"What is it?" Seto demanded, as it didn't look like they were about to offer any explanations. "Some kind of cage?"
"Heat." Azreal replied, turning to face him. She spoke a lot better now. "And light. A torch. We call it a Kashin."
"That does not look like a torch."
"Burning wood is inside." Azreal told him, pointing to a hole in the top of the small ball-like creation. "Hung up, it can't fall out. The wood burns longer then a torch- no wind, hot… when it's all gone, the…cage… is hot. Keep you hot."
"I see." Seto said, once again. He tried to keep his face blank, although he privately thought it was a good idea. Even if it was never really cold in Egypt.
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The next morning, as dawn was fading into the brilliance of the day, Azreal arrived back at the temple just as expected, just as she had every day. Now, while this was convenient for Seto, who was meant to be watching her, her interest in his affairs was slightly concerning. Unfortunately, he had learnt very little about her. It was frustrating. Her lack of the language made her even more guarded. As she learnt more, he had hoped that she would open up more, but it seemed it was not to be. As for him, while he told her nothing of his personal affairs, more and more of their culture was laid bare to her, while he knew little of hers. He was not even aware of her race's name!
"You seem remarkably interested in our customs." He commented to her. "Particularly mine. I am beginning to wonder if you are watching me!" He said it in a joking tone, but they both knew it was anything but.
"No." She denied, smiling. Suddenly, she was remarkably fluent, though her accent was as strong as ever. "And you know it, Sir. If you really thought I was… watching you, you would have had me removed already." The smile widened. "Although, perhaps you are watching me also."
They both laughed. But they both knew nothing was funny.
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As it turned out, Seto had no reason to feel inadequate. That evening, when the torches, far outshined by the various new Kashin supplied by their guests were being lit up, the Pharaoh gathered all the guardians to his throne room to see how the situation was going, what they had found out. No-one had found anything as they tailed their various people. The total of the knowledge extended to the fact that they were a mountainous nation, who had a liking so particular for brightly coloured cloaks that they wore them despite the temperature, spoke a strange language, were skilled archers, metal workers, and herbalists, that they were unspeakably bad at summoning monsters, which any one of them had yet to succeed in, and had a very strange aura. It was not much.
"This is useless!" Seto exploded. "We've tried being tactful, and it has not worked! Pharaoh, I suggest that if we want to find out what these people are hiding from us, Shadi and I travel to the Queen's chambers this night and test her mind."
Atem considered. "Their skills have proved useful." He pointed out. "We cannot risk offending them."
"They are more desperate for our help then we are for theirs." Seto pointed out. "Besides, an essential part of the plan is getting away unnoticed. We have no choice."
"Very well." Atem sighed. "Do as you think best, Seto."
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- (A/N: For the sake of convenience, the following scene has been 'translated')
Kaho sighed, staring out from the balcony over the city. Even by night, lit only by the stars and moon, dots of a torch occasionally flaring up like a firefly, it was truly magnificent. Yet it was not hers.
"Miss Kaho?" Azreal said, tentatively, as she appeared at her elbow. "Are you alright?"
"Egyptian, please." Kaho said, monotonously. "You speak almost as well as I do now."
"Please trust my judgement in that, for this conversation, I think it would be best if our hosts did not understand us." Azreal replied, sheepishly. Kaho turned her attention away from the city.
"Very well… What is it?"
"Answer my question first." Azreal laughed.
"I was just thinking of home." Kaho said, dampening the mood slightly. "I feel we've been away too long! Anything could have happened! I've left my country, left my duties, and so far all for naught. I'm so worried I'll return to nothing but a ruin…"
Azreal placed a hand on her friend's elbow. They were friends, even if their day to day lives were covered by formality. When they were in private, they were just two girls who had grown up together; one who had been born into nobility, one into servitude. But when the working day was over, they were really just old friends. Azreal had been born to one of her father's generals, but he had died in battle. Kaho's father, wreaked in grief of losing both one of his best friends and best soldiers, in that order, invited Azreal and her mother to come and live and work at the Palace. He had asked that Azreal become a companion to Kaho, who had no friends her own age within Muwal Sarne's walls. The two could not remember a time when they had not known each other, when they had not been friends, and that would not change. It hadn't when their respective parents had died, and it would not now, however hard it got. "Don't worry. You haven't left your duties. You've travelled all this way to ensure the safety of our people! As for it being all for naught… well, I don't know about that. I felt something today…" She put a clenched fist to her chest. "Cold fire. And I heard Hareap say the same thing. I think we're close, Miss Kaho, really close! Then we can all go home- and I shall be glad of it!"
"So will I." Kaho admitted. "How is the situation with…" A smile tugged at her lips as she tried to force herself to say his name, before giving up. "…The Priest?" She finished. Azreal looked serious.
"Not well." She sighed. "He is as suspicious as ever. The others have noticed the Guardians watching them, to. Sooner or later they'll wonder why we do not remove our cloaks. Once they find out what they are hiding, I doubt our welcome will be extended. But the temptation to discard them is great. We are all suffering greatly with them and the heat…"
"Then we must hurry." Kaho nodded. "If we learn how to use these creatures, we'll be fine. But if we are discovered…" She trailed off, miserably.
"You must stop worrying." Azreal said, kindly. "Come. I think it is time for sleep."
"How can I, after all this?"
Azreal smirked, and, from a fold in her robes, pulled out a small plant.
"Where did you get that?" Kaho gasped.
"The temple." Azreal shrugged. "Can you believe that they mix it up with all their weeds and make it into incense? They do not know it's value!" She passed the plant to Kaho, who inhaled it's characteristic scent in relief.
"It is relaxing." She admitted, smiling for the first time that day. "Maybe I can sleep after all… But I dread to think what else you have hidden on your person."
"Water has been sent up." Azreal informed her, avoiding the question. "Mix the patchouli in- a wash will help. Please, try to get some sleep, Kaho. I will be just outside the door."
"…Thank you."
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The foreigners were staying in a set of three rooms, which the guards let them into without protest. On the corridor was the room where the lesser of the Ladies in Waiting were sleeping. They did not wake when Seto and Shadi slid past into the second room. In here, there was the old woman, and Azreal. Seto smirked. He had known she had some greater importance then the rest. Unfortunately, she was spread across the doorway to the Queen's chamber, blocking the way. Seto froze, but he needn't have worried. She was sleeping peacefully and deeply, her cloak now being used as a blanket. Gesturing at Shadi, he began to step carefully over her. Then he felt a sharp pain in his shin.
"One more step." Azreal's distinctive accent hissed quietly from below him, where she was pressing a dagger into his ankle. "And you shall find yourself quite legless, good sir."
Seto frowned. This was bad. He had not been expecting this. He had not realised, in all this time, that she was armed. "Allow me to pass." He demanded, though he did not move. "It is my duty to protect the Pharaoh against any potential threat!"
"And it is mine to do exactly the same for the Queen." She responded, steadily. "I will not let you pass."
"Perhaps…" Shadi began tentatively. "We could come to some sort of compromise?"
Seto glared at him from where he was still stood with one leg on either side of her. It already looked fairly compromising to him.
"Such as?" Azreal asked. "You are sneaking into the Queen's room. She would not be happy about it. And I wonder if your Pharaoh would?"
On the other side of the room, the old woman shifted slightly. Azreal swallowed.
"It would not be good for any of us if anyone was to wake." She pointed out. "Let's talk this elsewhere."
"The East wall." Seto said, immediately. She nodded, and removed the dagger from his leg. But, Seto noted, she did not stand until they were safely out of the room. Now he was certain the cloaks were hiding something…
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He heard her soft footsteps approaching, and turned from looking out to face her. Sure enough, the cloak was back.
"Where is…?" She asked cautiously, trying to gesture that Seto was alone when before there had been two of them.
"He had to leave. He was embarrassed by what happened, but he sends his sincere apologies." Seto lied.
She was either unconvinced or did not understand him, but whatever she was thinking, she did not reply, coming to stand next to him, looking out over the city, dimly lit by moon and stars.
"Why?" She asked, bluntly. "Are you so worried about us? What were you doing?"
Seto did not reply.
"Answer me!" She demanded, sounding angry.
"…We had no choice!" Seto replied, harshly. "There is something different about you people!"
She continued to stare out over the city, but her hands clenched into fists.
"You came here to protect your people." Seto said, more softly. "We are trying to do the same. Protect all this." He swept his arm out over the horizon.
"I can understand…" She muttered. "We have the same sky."
"What do you mean by that?" Seto asked.
"It is a… speech. A word… A…"
"A saying." Seto supplied.
"A saying," She amended herself. "It means that even in different, some is still the same." She craned her neck up to look at the sky. "It means that I can understand… it's beautiful."
"Yes." Seto agreed, knowing almost without thinking that she was now talking about the literal sky. "As a child, I used to stay outside and wait for the stars."
"Stars…" She repeated, trying the word.
"And the moon." Seto added, pointed at the glowing orb, hanging in the sky.
"Moon." She repeated. Then she pointed back at the stars. "Teffet." Now the moon. "Tef."
"And the Sun?" Seto asked, trying to indicate with his hands what he meant, but she understood.
"Fet."
"You sung about them." Seto realised, suddenly. "At the feast…"
"Yes." Azreal nodded. "Singing connects us to all things. All things sing. We sing. So we say: Fet, Teffet, Tef. Sun, stars, moon."
"What about the rest?" Seto asked, trying to remember how the first part of the line had gone… but it was impossible.
"Muwal Sarnes, sarne er li, Fet, Teffet, Tef…" Azreal muttered. "Muwal Sarnes. It is the name of our Palace."
"What does it mean?" Seto wondered. She frowned.
"Um… 'Muwal'…" She held up her two hands, fingers splayed. Then she closed them, and opened them again. "Tuan-tuan."
"Twenty?" Seto mused. "No. A hundred? Is it a large number?"
"Yes."
"A Hundred." Seto nodded to himself. "And… Sarnes?"
She considered. "It's in your head… Seeing in sleep…"
"Dreams."
"Muwal Sarnes." She repeated.
"A Hundred Dreams." Seto replied. "…Interesting. What about the other part. Dream of…what?"
"Li." She repeated. She knew this one. "Dream of togetherness."
"…Your songs are strange." Seto commented.
"So is your… clouds?" She responded, pointing at a stationary black smudge just visible in the now early-dawn light. Seto frowned. He had never seen a storm cloud so still. But it was not windy, he supposed. Still, it wasn't even the season for rain…He squinted, and his heart began pounding. Finally, one of the watchmen saw it to, and cried out. But Seto did not need to hear his shout to know that it was no cloud the woman had seen. It was an approaching army.
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Atem was not getting a good night's rest, to say the least. First, Shadi had awoken him, trying to explain, without making it look like it was their fault, how they were caught trying to break into the Queen's mind, and then a frantic Seto burst into the room announcing an approaching army on the horizon.
Sleep? What is this sleep of which you speak?
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Hundreds of pairs of eyes met each other, hundreds of people trying to stare one other person down. It was not a large army. But if it had got this far into Egypt, unrivalled, Seto was certain it was not to be taken lightly. He gazed back at them, heart pounding. He lived in a peaceful Egypt, not a war-torn one, and so had seen very few battles. But he would fight to defend his home. The brave do not fear the grave… It was just a matter of which leader gave the order to charge first. Still, Seto had to admit he hoped the Pharaoh could talk them out of it. What did these people want…?
He caught sight of a slight movement of colour in the corner of his eye. A red cloak, waving in the light breeze. He dared to remove one eye from the opposing army to glare at them accusingly.
"Why are you here?" He asked of Azreal, and the others with her. Even the Queen was in the centre of them, looking grim.
"Practising our lessons." Azreal answered, seriously.
"You have no weapons."
"Yes we do. And if we did not, fists are just as good."
"You should not be here!" Seto insisted.
"Your Pharaoh is speaking."
Sure enough, Atem was demanding to know why this army was ready to attack them.
"We kill all those who house the demons!"
Atem frowned in confusion. "We have no dispute with you!" He tried. The enemy army just spat on the ground, screaming and yelling. And then they charged.
"Very well!" Atem shouted back, grimly. "Then we shall fight! And we will win!"
Seto had no more time to worry about the foolishness of their guests as the two armies charged at each other. There was barely even time to think, he was too busy trying to avoid being killed, and also trying to avoid killing. They were under strict instructions not to strike fatally where it could be avoided, and he was happy to comply. There had been too much blood shed in this land, it was no wonder the waters of the Nile had once run red…
Beside him, he was aware of Azreal, fighting on, but did not pay her much heed. At least not until her grunts of strain became a cry of pain. He looked towards her as she stumbled forwards, but he dared not look away for long. He just had time to see her cry of pain become one of rage, and, the knife still sticking unnaturally out of her shoulder from where she had been stabbed, she threw her arm back, knocking the offending solider out with the hilt of the weapon he had attempted to stop her with. She turned, panting, to Seto.
"Pull it out!" She screamed. "Pull it out of me!"
Numbly, he did so.
"Thanks." She said, looking around her. Apparently, she saw her Queen under attack, because she yelled "Kaho!", grabbed the knife, still stained with her own blood, from his hand and pounded off back into battle. Her back was hardly bleeding at all, a lot less then he would have thought. Seto stepped after her, ready to help, when something soft came underfoot. He risked looking down.
"Feathers…?"
That was what they were. Trampled and bedraggled and unhealthy looking underfoot, but feathers none the less, too big for any bird he knew…
Then, the sky brightened, and, all around, Egyptians, Allies, and Enemies alike were forced to stop their conflicts and shield their eyes. Seto knew what it was immediately. The Pharaoh had summoned Ra…
Atem had made it to the top of a conveniently placed hill, allowing him to survey all that was going on. Things were getting desperate. The enemy soldiers were trained well, and it was only a matter of time before they were forced to start killing people. That, he did not want. Egypt had seen to much untimely deaths in the past. Not in his reign. Not now.
From the top of his conveniently placed hill, Atem could see everything. This naturally meant that everything could see him. A well-aimed arrow glanced past him, grazing his arm and falling to the ground some metres away. The wound was not deep. He was lucky. But now, this had gone far enough. He had no choice; and so, Atem finally called forth that most mighty of beings, the Winged Dragon of Ra.
Down below, the guests of Egypt got their first glimpse of the legendary Egyptian Gods. Exclamations of surprise and more echoed from their lips, but did not do it justice. Everything that had been said about it was true, and more.
Just as wonder and awe was spreading among the Egyptians and those that stood with them, panic was spreading among the enemy as Atem's voice echoed out from his vantage point.
"Leave!" He commanded. "Take your wounded and get out, or face the wrath of the Gods of Egypt!" He clearly saw them hurrying to comply, he saw his army cheering, saw them chasing the enemies away. But it was a blurred vision. It swayed from side to side, and seems to fade in and out in a most curious fashion…
And then he saw no more.
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After the fury of battle, it was discovered that the army had been after the foreigners all along. They were the ones who had been attacking the Queen's city. They had followed her here. And they would destroy any who stood with her, no matter who it was or how strong the army. And, once their army had been rebuilt, they would undoubtedly strike again.
The battle had been won, but not without cost. Many were injured. And, among them, the Pharaoh. The arrow head that had grazed him had been poisoned, a cowardly trick in Seto's opinion, and so even the slight wound had been enough to get into his blood. People throughout the palace were suffering the same, and worse, and to annoy Seto even more, Azreal and her 'queen' were now badgering him to be allowed into the room.
"We have learnt how to fight the poisons!" Kaho pleaded. "We have seen it many a time and if you just-!"
"I think you've done enough." Seto snarled.
"De ske ica!" Azreal screamed. "I suppose you think your medicines can save him!"
"We certainly don't need yours!" He yelled back. "This is all your fault!"
"Then let us put it right…" Kaho begged, quietly.
Seto eyes flashed angrily. "You will do no more here. That general was right. You are demons. All you brought with you was misfortune."
"We could not have known-!" Azreal began, but his look silenced even her abrasive tongue. Seto was well beyond anger, and reason now.
"Get out." He said. "Leave this land, and this kingdom. You are no longer welcome."
"…We have not yet learnt to control monsters!" Kaho protested. "You have seen with your own eyes what we are up against! We cannot hold them off for much longer!"
"I sympathize." Seto spat, sarcastically. "But be that as it may, as long as you are here, all of Egypt is in danger, and I cannot allow that to continue!"
Kaho swallowed hard. "I understand…" She muttered, while Azreal looked like she wanted to protest. "We will go. But, please…" She pressed a small vial of a thick sludge into his hand. You could still make out parts of leaves. "Give this to the Pharaoh. It will soothe his symptoms and he'll get better of his own accord."
Seto hesitated, but then accepted. There was no denying that every other potion and remedy these people had taught them had worked. "Farewell." He said, meeting Azreal's eye for the last time.
"Bidé." She whispered back, turned, and left. Simply walked away, until she was no longer in sight.
-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+- (A/N: Another 'translated' scene for you!)
They had put a full day's ride between them and the city. Between them and the palace. Between them and the Priest. And they were no further towards unlocking the secret of summoning monsters. The long journey, the arduous training… all it had resulted in was bringing troubles to another nation. It was all a waste. Kaho had no idea how she was going to tell the people upon their return… They had no secrets from Egypt. Their small city had no hope anymore. Muwal Sarnes… All shattered.
"Majesty?" Daedalus said from behind her. "There is trouble ahead…"
Kaho shook her head from her thoughts, all darker and grimmer then the last, to see what the fuss was about. The situation had gotten steadily worse. The army had obviously had reinforcements ready, and they were now marching steadily towards the city. Half the Egyptians were poisoned; and not even the Pharaoh would have recovered yet. There would be no guard to see the approaching threat, and hardly anyone to fight it when it arrived…
"They are moving towards the other side of the city." Azreal commented, arriving beside her. "If we wait until nightfall, they will have gone and we can pass safely."
"Yes." Kaho agreed. "They obviously do not want our help. We would never be able to get down there fast enough anyway. These horses have gotten fat!"
"So we wait."
"…Yes. We wait, and then we continue home."
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Some would call it Egypt's darkest hour. Some had seen darker. But either way, things were not looking good for them.
Every man of the city, trained or not, armed or not, was fighting. Poisoned soldiers had stumbled out of bed to do their part. But the Pharaoh was not among them. Even as all the citizens and guardians called forth their creatures, the sheer number difference was enough to ensure the opponent's victory. The battle was futile. Many fought, and all would fall.
A thick hail of poisoned arrows flew in from over head, and Seto, along with the twenty or so closest to him, could see no way out. The volley was too thick, and too wide. There was nowhere to run
And then they froze.
It was an odd phenomenon. One moment, the arrows had been flying through the air, and the next, they had been encased in ice that seemed to be unaffected by the sun beating down. They fell uselessly to the floor, and one by one they all looked up.
Above them were several winged entities. Seto recognised Azreal. They had wings. They were flying.
…Well, that explained why they did not remove their cloaks, and the feathers.
Next to Azreal was a blue creature, a Freezing Beast. The two descended neatly next to him. "…Did I do that?" She asked.
"He did that." Seto replied, pointing at the beast next to her.
"I summoned him…"
"Congratulations. You have wings."
"Aye. Why do you think everyone thinks we're evil? We're unnatural! Although I personally prefer the term 'Muses'."
"Indeed."
Around him, the other 'Muses' were landing with soft thunks. Some of them, to, had managed to summon themselves a monster; Kaho among them. Unfortunately, the appearance of a few of their sworn enemy just enraged the invading army more, and they ran into a blind charge. The Muses took back to the air.
The sides were balanced again. They may have numbers, but Egypt now had those with the ability to fly, and to shoot a bow whilst doing so. They also had the advantage of magical items and creatures. That little arrival, as the Muses had abandoned their horses and flown in to help, had tipped the scales ever so slightly back into Egypt's favour. Before too long, another battle had been won, and another chronicle of Egypt had been drawn to a victorious close. Well, what other kind of endings were there?
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Sure enough, everyone who had been given the Muses' medicines eventually recovered under their loving care. When Atem made a full recovery, he had, of course, had another feast. He definatly liked to party.
The Muses, however, had taken his survival as their cue to leave. And so, the morning after the feast, they were preparing to leave; loaded down with lavish gifts that would be enough to take them to the other side of the world, had they wanted to go that far. But all they wanted to do was go home. They knew that their city could remain safe now, to stand in the mountains for all time. However, Seto felt there was still one matter to be addressed.
"Tell me," He said calmly to Azreal. "Now that you are fluent, exactly what, about my name, is so amusing?"
She grinned. "Ah, that is not a word I have been taught." She sighed mockingly.
"…Then show me." Seto demanded. For some reason, Azreal's companions seemed to find this hilarious. "…Perhaps not?"
"No." Azreal agreed.
Which just goes to show that not all mysteries lost in time are ever found.
"Then I guess I'll never know." Seto sighed.
"You might," She replied, head on one side. "Just watch out for the back end of pigs."
They all laughed at him again. And, yet again, he didn't know why.
The muses rode away, and so did time, and eventually the great empire of Egypt fell. So did a small city in the mountains, as the Muses became more far flung, as their wings became weaker. There was peace, there was wars. There was creative periods, and there were depressions. Thousands of years fell through the hour glass, and cities cropped up all over the planet, and above it.
And on one of these cities, deserted bar three people, a girl was desperately searching for a survivor in the ghost town, and a boy was following after her; both completely oblivious to what had gone before.
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A/N: Thar. All done, at last. Now, to sleep… I apologise for the wait, but hopefully the length made up for it a little?
