Chapter 3: I'll Find Out

Isis watched the pharaoh and his party enter the palace from the balcony of her chamber. Almost everyone was wounded, even the pharaoh who had a gash on his arm, she noticed.

The trainee watched in anticipation for one particular person to show up. But mentioned person didn't appear, not even his shadow can be traced. She ran to the door and darted outside in concern. Where was Atemu?

She ran past corridors looking for the others, spotting them resting the day off in the gardens. Lessons were finished for the day after all.

"Is that the best thing you've got?" 15-year old Seth's taunt reached Isis' ears.

"The fool speaks before he thinks," Mahado taunted back before clashes ran through the air. Shadi and Karimu sat watching them, discussing who would win this time.

"The pharaoh's back!" she announced, catching their attentions.

"Since when?" Mahado asked, abruptly stopping his movements and met Isis' eyes.

"Just now," the only girl in their small circle answered.

"Then where's Atemu?" Seth asked.

Isis shook her head, "Atemu's not with them. I didn't see him enter the palace," she voiced out, "I think something happened to him."

Her answer surprised the four boys; it was clearly seen in their faces, well except for Seth who narrowed his gaze in disbelief.

"I don't think so," he said.

"If Atemu's not with them, where is he then?" Karimu asked.

Seth suddenly left, heading for the throne room with the others in tow just in time to see Akunadin and the pharaoh talk. But with the way they were talking, the five High Priests to be knew something was wrong.

"Father," Seth called, catching both his father and uncle's attention.

"What is it, Seth?" Akunadin asked, not noticing the pharaoh went back to his throne and hearing the soldiers' reports.

"Where is Atemu?" he answered.

Akunadin, although accustomed to his son's frankness, was taken aback, not knowing what to answer his son. Five pairs of eyes watched and waited for him to answer.

"I want the river searched again, look in towns, search the deserts! I don't care how long it takes I want my son back now!" the pharaoh's voice boomed.

"Father what happened to my cousin?" Seth demanded. No one, definitely no one, had the guts to demand something like that from the pharaoh's brother/ High Priest. No one but Seth.

"He fell into the river," Shimon solemnly answered, hearing their conversation. He was looking for them to announce the news.

"Fell?" Mahado croaked in disbelief and concern. Both Shimon and Akunadin refused to meet his gaze. Seth turned to look at the pharaoh. No wonder the pharaoh reacted that way. Isis ran into Shadi's arms and cried.

Mahado headed to the pharaoh and crouched in respect to be followed by Seth. "My pharaoh, we ask for your permission to allow us help with the search," he suggested. His co-trainees watched him in surprise, seeing how determined he was in looking for Atemu.

Seth's suspicions rose. The other was too worried and protective of the prince recently. And there's no denying that it bothered him greatly. Somehow he knew the reason behind it. But Seth kept his mouth shut, knowing he'll talk to Mahado soon.

Knowing how stubborn the five teenagers were in whatever aspect, the pharaoh wisely conceded to Mahado's suggestion, if and only if they let at least twenty-five men accompany them. Well, frankly speaking, the five trainees didn't have a choice but to agree.

They sped off from town to town all day, looking for any clues that could lead them to the prince's whereabouts. But not one was found, not even footsteps. Seeing the sun set, the five priests-to-be headed back to the palace to call it a day, ready to head of the next day to continue their search.

Mahado sat by the balcony, staring off at a distance, deep in thought. Where can the prince be? What if he's hurt and is lying on the desert or somewhere dangerous? What if they don't find him in time? It was true that after that snake incident; where he saved the prince from being attacked by a cobra he had developed greater deeper feelings for their Crown Prince.

So engrossed he was in his thoughts that he didn't hear somebody enter his chambers until the voice called his name. He turned around to meet Seth's gaze.

"What is it?" he asked.

"We need to talk," Seth said. Mahado didn't answer. The truth about his feelings would come out anyway, sooner or later.

"You're acting odd, everyone can see it. What troubles you, Mahado?" Seth asked.

"Nothing troubles me. I'm concerned about the prince, he hasn't been found yet and I worry," Mahado answered.

"You lie, Mahado. Something is going on," Seth replied before pausing, "You have feelings for him, don't you?"

Mahado turned away, "I have no feelings for him. He is my prince and I am merely concerned, I have no feelings for him," he said. Seth shrugged.

"It seems you're convincing yourself that, not me. Everyone's concerned about the prince but I don't see everyone acting odd. You lie, Mahado," Seth answered.

"Leave me be, Seth. This does not concern you," Mahado replied, "What does my feelings have to do with you anyway?"

Seth rose and dragged the other towards him so that they were face to face.

"Listen closely, Mahado. I don't need any hassles when we're looking for Atemu so it's either you get over it or you stay behind," he said before letting Mahado go.

The other glared at him as he fixed his robe. Seth shrugged again and reached for the door.

"Oh and Mahado?"

Seth turned around to stare at Mahado.

"Do anything that might hurt him and you'll be facing me," he warned before he left, leaving Mahado to contemplate in his thoughts.

A/N: I think Seth's too violent in this chapter. Well, he's really overprotective of his cousin so I guess this attitude fits even in the slightest way. Hey, can anyone guess what my plot is? Chapter 4 coming up next! Don't forget to review!