HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Sorry this chap was so late, but this week has been kicking my butt: work four days this week (and again on sunday...they're trying to kill me I swear it!) I started volunteering which is finally organized and on my days off I had to run so many errands any writing I got done was snippets at best. I'm still stunned I got this chapter done, but I have come to a few decisions about November so ...
PLEASE READ MY END NOTE ABOUT NOVEMBER IT IS VERY IMPORTANT!
For now...ENJOY HALLOWEEN'S UPDATE! HOPE YOU ALL HAD A GREAT NIGHT!
s always read, review, comment, critique, ask questions and enjoy, but BRACE YOURSELVES! this one's a doozy!
Chapter XXI: Revelation
Timaeus waited in the First Courtyard, an enclosed pavilion perpendicular to the Royal palace just beyond the "Window of Appearances", waiting for his daily summons. Morning negotiations were due to conclude at any moment and he was eager to learn if the growing days had loosened the Divine Servant and Divine Adoratrice' tongues. With practiced patience he leaned against the stone of an enormous bell-shaped column, grateful for the large shadows it cast over the courtyard. The heat was much stronger than it had been at dawn when the negotiations begin: though the mid-morning air was cool, the sun was hot and Timaeus felt the layer of sweet between his under-armor and his skin. The cool shadows were a welcome relief. He leaned against the enormous column and gazed heavenward. He wonder briefly if holding negotiations in the blistering heat would be enough to loosen their tongues, since any information their servants had given was vague at best and not secretive. It seemed whatever the conspiring siblings had planned not even their servants knew the ironed details: their obedience and loyalty was simply blind and faithful. He'd been right in assuming Yugi was just as naive, even if the little one was clever enough to notice subtle hints.
A smile curled at his lips. His little charge certainly made his own morning routine more enjoyable. He'd awake at dawn with a plate of Yugi's favorite morning treats, even when the honey cake fits made his skin crawl, and a bottle of morning wine; sometimes pomegranates on mornings when Yugi was particularly stubborn about rising. They'd continue their vocal games over senet of which Yugi's desire to best him had birthed a fierce competitive streak that Timaeus found quite flattering. After breakfast, the day was a mystery though lately they'd split for lunch: Yugi would join his sister in the Temple of Amun for daily offerings and service and he would remain where he was now, determined not to miss a single detail. He would then speak with his King and comrade and the Per-a'ah would meet with his wife and brother for the noon meal. Then he and Yugi could reconvene for the afternoon. It was a routine he'd grown quite fond of repeating.
He wondered what it would be like to have such a routine all the time. He closed his eyes and imagined his charge perched eagerly in his room, waiting for Timaeus to bring the evening meal and answer more of his curiosities of which Yugi was an endless void. What would happen to the lad once negotiations were over? Would they part ways never to meet again? Would one end up staying or going in hopes of pursuing their relationship further? The idea has entered his mind many times. Yugi had spoken often of his dreams to travel. Perhaps Psusennes would make Yugi his Ambassador? Lord knew the boy would be good at it with that sharp tongue and astute wit. Or perhaps once things were settled he could invite Yugi to Locri as a guest? He had no doubt Yugi would love that. And what would happen to them? Would their game of cat and mouse continue until it reached it inevitable end? Would it deepen to something more? Would they be married? He could certainly imagine waking up to Yugi in his arms every night and grant him the romantic desire he craved. There were a thousand possibilities.
His musing ended when a strong light left him temporarily blind. Negotiations ended just as Amun had reached its peak and transformed into Ra. He left the pylon just as his men and King left the Royal palace. The Per-a'ah was not with them.
"Well?" Was all he asked.
"There have been no new developments," Dartz said with a grim expression, and then his smile softened. "But we are getting close."
"How do you know?" Timaeus arched a brow.
"They have finally agreed to speak with us. They have not released any details of their activities, but they confessed their concerns with the religious freedom of the real, given past experiences, but they have found their confinements pleasing and Psusennes' willingness to listen to their side has encouraged them. He's confident we may have our answers at tonight's hearings."
"Excellent news," Timaeus agreed with a nod, but the hope didn't quiet reach his face. "Though if I may, it seems rather sudden, don't you agree? The Per-a'ah has made it clear he wants to negotiate peace between them, but they've held their tongues for ten days, now suddenly, they're ready to speak?"
"Time is a fickle mistress," Critias suggested with a shrug in his shoulder. "Perhaps they've grown just as tired as we have."
Timaeus said nothing, but looked thoughtfully at the sand. The Divine Servant's scheming smile haunted his thoughts. The smile he directed, not at them, not at the Per-a'ah, but at Yugi.
"We will know more," Dartz said in a cool tone, only used to silence a discussion. "For now, let us rest and enjoy this evening." It was a command, and Timaeus heard it. The grim knowledge blazing just beyond his King's neutral mask confirmed it.
"Hamos, Critias," Timaeus addressed each man. "Go without us, I wish to speak to His Majesty."
They knew the tone well, and left without further question.
Only when they existed beyond the first pylon did Timaeus lean to his King and whisper, "There is something you're not telling me." It wasn't a question.
Dartz' face did not change. "More something we have noticed," he said with a frown. "Our original plan was to wait a tenday and interrogate the priests' supporters before speaking directly to the Servant and Adoratrice, as to not enter that conversation blind. We spoke of the previous King and they had nothing but complaints. We spoke of the Royal Wife and they scoffed but said nothing, but when we spoke of your charge and why he was not allowed to leave the temple, they all had but one answer." He paused and let the information sink.
Timaeus perked up in an instant.
The King frowned. "Udjalah was their only apprentice. They all said and each time we asked it was always the same answer." He paused again. "Except it clearly is not an answer."
"You think they meant to involve Yugi in some way?" Timaeus said with outspoken defense, before he could swallow his tone
Dartz made no effort to scold him and simply shook his head. "If that was the Priests' plan then their followers had no knowledge of it." He scoffed. "Those answers were practiced and too-well planned. Even during our most," he paused again and coated the next word "brazen conversations they only had that answer. Even when fear and weariness loosened their tongues and they happily answered whatever details about the priests they could spare, the only answer they had concerning Yugi was that he was the priests' only apprentice. Tell me," He turned to Timaeus, his eyes hard and his words suspicious "Has your charge mentioned anything similar?"
Timaeus spoke only with conviction. "He believes his siblings sought to separate him from the Per-a'ah and his wife in hopes of stealing his affections from them. He never once claimed to be an apprentice or if he was, it was not of his own will. He's convinced their actions were purely spite."
"And do you believe this?" Dartz questioned, his suspicion had not faded.
Neither did Timaeus'. "I believe that is what Yugi believes. He's made it clear he's been nothing but a prisoner to their cause. It is not uncommon for priests to adopt heirs and the South has been under semi-independent rule for some time. It would not surprise me if they attempted to force that role upon Yugi against his will." Timaeus paused. "However," he paused again uncertain but his King's eyes demanded answers. "I do believe it is more than jealousy that drove them."
"As do I," Dartz nodded. "Now the question is, do you believe Yugi is in anyway involved?"
Timaeus said nothing, but his brows burrowed to a sharp V and his eyes formed sharp slits. Were he anyone else, it was a look that would've earned the lash, but Dartz never expected anything then less that honesty from his Dragon Knight. "No," he exhausted a sigh of guilt. "Of course you don't."
"Do you think Yugi is involved?" Timaeus challenged.
"Honestly," Dartz said flat, and then his voice softened. "I believe he is an innocent victim in all this, but whether he is aware of his connection or not, if those connections exist it could threaten the monarchy." He turned to Timaeus with blunt determination. "Let us hope to conclude this before it comes to that."
"Agreed," Timaeus nodded. "I will talk to Yugi again and see if there is anything else he remembers." He bowed to the waist and backed away before spinning back towards the Court where Yugi would no doubt be finishing rituals soon.
"Very well," Dartz concluded with a smile then added grimly, "But I warn you, Timaeus, whatever happens, remember that it is peace we came here for. No matter the risk, we must ensure that."
Timaeus stopped. The King said nothing else, but the words followed Timaeus all the way to the Temple.
X X X
Yugi couldn't remember seeing an offering ceremony so lively.
All seven Houses to the Lesser Gods were flocked by musicians banging sistrums and ringing methane beds in cacophonous harmony, artisans and other labors carrying massive stones of virgin sand into the pattern of an outer wall and farmers who tended the estates while the common people gave prayers and brought gifts of bread baskets, bottles of wine and bushels of fruits. At the heart of it all, was the House of Amun, where Mut and her attendants washed, anointed and elaborately dressed Amun, then revealed him to the people. Girls and boys alike spun like lotus in costumes bearing Amun's morning colors. Then one by one, gathered the common people's gifts of bread, fruit and wine, and placed them at the God's feet with respectful nods then dropped in elegant standing bows that reminds Yugi of a curtsy and slipped away.
Mut honored each offering to Amun giving thanks for all from the bounty of the Nile and the entire Delta and Desert's birds and beasts to the hopes of a bountiful harvest in the coming season. All while the common people waited outside the temple entrances, but nonetheless gracious and devoted in their prayers and praise. He'd never seen the common people invited to partake in the Morning offering ceremony, an ancient tradition restricted to the highest of hem-netjer. Traditionally, commoners honored the gods through the household shrines they kept in their homes. Even if no one but the hem-netjer physically entered the House, they graciously handed the hem-netjer their gifts and prayed as the offerings were carried to Amun's feet: this was not a secluded event, but nor was it the wild and lavish annual festivals where all were welcome and celebrated the Gods' glory with banquets of food and drink, and bouts of dancing and music. It was not overpowered by festivity but it carried all the social acceptance of it, as well as the simple and intimate charm of the common people.
It was nothing like the rituals held in the Waset House of Life where Menkheperre and Maatkare's ceremonies were little more than a display of power. Offerings were placed in silent, ritualistic order, Singers' hymns were dry and chanted in harmonious rhythm, and always ended with the Divine Adoratrice and Divine Servant throwing themselves at the feet of Amun screaming and praising in overzealous praise and dramatic speeches summarizing each of the God's divine greatness. And yet Yugi never once felt Amun presence there. Not the way he did when his mother sung lullabies to Mut and prayed in earnest desperation to Sekhment for her family's safety, and not like he did here in the city of Tanis among both its royal servants and the people who made the city great.
It made him wonder what other ceremonies had been held here: had majestic dancers guided Amun and his family across the river to Deir El Bahr for the Beautiful Feast of the Valley? Had mothers, sisters and aunts soothed laboring women and quieted newborns of in the adjacent birth house? Had Shepen Shemets been negotiated and signed and followed by a grand party celebrating the wedded union? Oh Ra, was he really thinking about marriage? And children? As if he could focus on anything lately but the rouge sonorous bass that he woke up to every morning and the glittering gleam of green under dark lashes. Yugi giggled and tangled a hand in his bangs, still damp from the morning's ritual cleaning. The sharing of laughs and secrets over whatever Timaeus brought for breakfast had become their own morning ritual the last few weeks.
Finally, it was Yugi's turn and he glided across the sandstone pavilion. He offered his hands to a young couple who gasped then dropped their basket. Yugi thought nothing of it and spun to lift it before handing it off to a dancing girl who carried it deeper into the Heart of the House where Amun shined in all his glory, and handed it with a bow to Mut. Yugi's next guest was an elderly couple who smiled and surrendered their offering without hesitation. The next scoffed at him silently. Yugi blinked, but said nothing and bowed his head hoping to mollify their impatience and continued the ceremony. He'd continued the circuit several more times, and the commoners responses varying but Yugi ignored any rudeness and continued the ritual until Amun had transformed to Ra and Mut declared and spiritual transference of the offerings into the spirit world. The group cheered, and was followed by the sharing of the offerings, but instead of sharing them singularly among the hem-netjer, Mut had all the assistants including Yugi share them with the people. Yugi watched her gather armfuls of apples and bread and hand them to the poorest of commoners. He himself grabbed a bowl of dates and offered them to a group of children and watched her smile humbly in response to their zealous thanks. Already she'd earned their peoples love and turned a ritual as ancient as Kemet herself into a unifying ritual. She would make a magnificent Royal Wife.
He jumped when a mother snatched her child away from him and scolded him to leave. He shook his head and smiled when a girl took two more, and ran to show her parents. They looked skeptically at him, but Yugi only smiled. There was plenty after all. He didn't notice the shadow slipping through the dispersing crowd but remaining respectfully outside the entrance. He did, however, hear the bass chuckle behind him, and his skin shivered when words rolled off it in a sonorous baritone "Quiet a crowd, don't you agree?"
Yugi spun around. Timaeus leaned against the incomplete stack of stones with a bright smile and brighter eyes.
"Timaeus!" Yugi dropped the empty baskets and ran to embrace him. Timaeus spun to catch him and returned the hug: yearning warmth followed the familiar weight of Yugi in his arms. Mut giggled in the background and Yugi fixed her with a pout, not wanting to leave the embrace just yet.
"Your pardon, Great Lady," Timaeus bowed his head with overdramatic grace. "Would you kindly bestow me the privilege of your charges' company?"
Mut laughed, "I would happily grant your request, Good Sir," she played along, then with a mock pout added. "But I'm afraid it is not I who can grant that request?" she smirked at Yugi with a cat-like grin that turned his cheeks red. "Tell me, Yugi, would you do our guests the honor of offering him your delightful company?" He cocked her head in a birdlike fashion.
Yugi rolled his eyes, grabbed Timaeus hand and pulled him away. "We shall reconvene in the morning, Great Lady."
"Do be late," Mut teased, and Yugi's blush deepened.
Timaeus chuckled then out the corner of his eye caught an elderly man straggling towards the temple then tossed something sparkling that Timaeus found eerily familiar to the floor. Yugi hadn't noticed the action but Timaeus arched a brow at the rude gesture. He stomped away before anyone could call him on it, but the offering was nonetheless retrieved by one of the assistants and brought before Mut who examined it with both hands.
Timaeus couldn't shake the feeling he'd somehow known who that man was.
X X X
They'd decided on the pleasure lake for the evening meal. The evening sun was hot and the trees provided much needed shade. A meal of fish and duck surrounded by vegetable sand barely bread was set on a grass mat with two glasses of wine, they clicked together in cheers.
"So how faired your morning without me little gem?" Timaeus teased with a small sip. "Not too lonely I hope?"
Yugi rolled his eyes. "Honestly, I was so lost in the business of the day I didn't even notice you were gone?" He laughed at the barely disguised pout settling on the man's face. "I do enjoy the morning offerings," he confessed, setting down his glass and gazing at the Pleasure Lake, brightly painted by Amun's light. "It's been quite a while since I was part of something so intimate."
"I can imagine," Timaeus agreed. "Is it my understanding that the High Priests were not one for social affairs?"
Yugi snorted, then laughed "Oh no, for them, everything done to invoke the Gods was sacred and had to be done correctly to the last detail. They were such boring events; it's no wonder I never felt our Divine One's presence there."
Timaeus cocked his head with a grin. "And I suppose being the King's son and child of Sekhment's priest, those rituals were mandatory things?"
Yugi shrugged. "Not necessarily, inheritance is not the same in Kemet as it is in other countries. It is true that many titles and positions are descendent through elder children, and most often we are chosen for our positions, but it is not mandatory that we accept. I may be the former Per-a'ah's youngest kin, but hardly bestows me as much power as people think it does. To be honest, I did everything I could to avoid those rituals. I was not a hem-netjer, nor did I have any desire to become one." He explained flatly then hooded his eyes, 'Speaking of that, has there been any new information?"
Timaeus paused his meal. "Not yet, but my King is confident the High Priests will speak soon. They sound…eager."
Yugi recognized the tone. "But you do not think so?" Yugi asked but in his tone it wasn't a question.
"I believe it was more than petty jealousy that spurred their actions against you and the Per-a'ah," Timaeus said grimly. "What that is, I know not, but I find it odd that they claimed you as their only apprentice."
Yugi chocked on his drink then swallowed. "They did?" That couldn't be right. He'd received no priestly training, never asked to assist with daily rituals and prophecy. His lessons had always been of history and finance, and scribing ancient laws and customs, hardly what one taught a hem-netjer whose duty was to ensure the universal survival and substance of the Gods and the country's faith. "That's not true. I was never their apprentice."
Timaeus arched a surprised brow. "Then why would their assistants and aides claim such?" The suspicion in his voice was more to himself then directed at his charge, but his mind was spinning and once more the High Priest's cruel smile flooded his memory and the old man at the temple came fresh into his memory, though he was unsure why. "None of this makes sense."
He paused then seized Yugi's shoulders gently. Yugi's spine shivered but unlike before it was not from desire. "Yugi?" Timaeus' voice was gently, but his face was neutral, his lips a hard line and his eyes unreadable and cold. "Are you certain they said nothing to you?"
"I-I'm sure," He stuttered, fearfully. Any other time the accusation would've insulted him. "I mean," he added looking away, but still felt Timaeus cold eyes piercing him. "It's not uncommon for hem-netjer to adopt heirs. It's not illegal for them to marry or have children, except for the Divine Adoratrice, but I'd never…they knew I didn't—I never wanted the 'destiny' they kept predicting for me." He suddenly felt slow, stupid for missing what should've been an obvious answer and his ignorance scared him. "Menkeperre and Mut always hated Pas and Mut, because they were more like parents to me then siblings." But it was only natural that happened, if he really thought of it. He'd been so young when his father died, and Pas, as oldest had taken over his role in the family, and it had been Mut who held him every night after his mother died. He'd never hated Menk or Maat, truly, but they were further away, and they had duties, it seemed selfish to burden them with his feelings when they had such a large responsibility placed on their young shoulders. "And for that my life has been nothing but a burden bearing the weight of their pride and expectations for a pointless cause."
"I don't understand," Timaeus whispered a growl to no one. His fingers tightening around Yugi's shoulders, and he immediately flexed them when he heard Yugi whimper. "What cause? Why would all their servants claim you as their apprentice when they knew full well you were not? Why would they now decide to speak? Why would they go to such lengths to keep you with them if for such a simple reason as love?"
"Because love had nothing to do with it," The boys split apart with a jump and spun to the grave tone. Dartz stood in the buttress of the King's chambers: his face fallen and his eyes unreadable. Hermos and Critias were on either side of him, and unlike their king did nothing to hide the anger in their eyes. Anger, he realized, they directed at Yugi.
"The Divine Servant and Adoratrice confessed their…plans to us," Dartz admitted but his voice was low and defeated. Behind him, Timaeus and Yugi saw the Royal Wife was raging and the Per-a'ah could do little to sooth her, she was nothing like the lively uniter they'd seen earlier that day.
Timaeus turned to his King, he said nothing, but eyes commanded he speak.
Dartz frowned. "They claimed that," Dartz paused again unsure how to speak. "They didn't not believe their elder brother was a suitable contender for the throne and they sought to replace him with a more…compliant candidate."
Timaeus' eyes widened. He barely heard Yugi's gasp, lost in his own shock. It had been Atlantis' original assumption until they'd invaded the temple and found no such puppet.
"Who," Timaeus demanded, and immediately wished he hadn't, because Dartz looked right past him and his eyes fell on Yugi and they were full or remorse. "You, Ujalah. They named you as their puppet master."
It was then Timaeus realized he had recognized the glittering item the rude old man had thrown onto the temple floor, because he'd seen it: it was the brooch Yugi had given him, when he was bartering with Rebecca for his stock.
And...Long Live the Queen of Plot Twists (sips wine with a Kuriboh in her lap) No joke, I make that my Halloween costume this year to go with my Black and Gold masquerade mask ;) I warned you all! I warned you something big was gonna happen!
Glossary of Terms:
*Little Historical note: during the 22nd dynasty, aka this time period, woman took the helm in religious orders, with the main morning ritual being when they washed, dressed and "fed" the statue of the God through offerings, once a day the Gods would embody their physical representation and devour the offerings by converting them to spiritual energy which would then be fed back into the universe, thus the priest were literally providing the god wish substances to live and thus maintain the order of the universe. It was also usually done only by priests and priestess that ritually cleanses and common people worshiped deities in similar manners at home (after the ceremony the food would them be shared among the priests and family). Temples also functions as actual estates with architectures and artisans, farmers, laborers, etc so temples were huge business and economic centers as well. I doubt people actually brought offerings to the temples and prayers at the smaller ones, like I portrayed here but it seemed like something Mut would so and given how big religion was I think it fit.
Beautiful Feat of the Valley-a ritual festival dedicated to Amun and his family, held in Shemu Seasa (summer) where Amun crosses the Nile to Deir el Bahri; one of the most important annual festivals
Shepen Shemet; literally "price for 'marrying" a woman; a ceremony a marriage celebration following the "marriage" of a man and women (in ancient egypt this was when a man and woman set up home together) with the signing of a formal contract between families, using the term hemet, female partner and hi, male partner
Birth house: since children were extremely important in Egyptian society and infant fitalty was high birth houses were part of most major temples: an enclosed, warm, and womb-like room where woman would squat on birthing bricks and tended by the females of her family and occasionally priestesses, though worship of childbirth goddesses were household affairs and there is little on the subject, death in childbirth was very rare (the Egyptians used a lot of herbs with drug like qualities, primarily opium) and offered assistance so the woman were usually safe and both her ans the child were cleaned and sanitized continiously for a week (ten days) or so to keep evil spirits from entering the baby's soul (names were also given right at birth for this reason) and after the purification rituals mother and child were permitted to leave and join society, so death in childbirth was rare but infant fatality was still pretty high due to the era
IMPORTANT ABOUT NOVEMBER:
As many of you know from my last note, its been an INSANE two weeks for me, work is kicking my ass in the evenings, I've had tons of errands, mostly family-run, and volunteering has been crazy, now I have things under control now and it seems to be slowing down somewhat but I have been unable to finish any more Timaeus chapters and even if I did, I'm still trying to plan an organize part 2 with very little time or success.
I'm also having little luck with preparation for NaNoWriMo, but my goal is still to finish writing my novel, or at least the first half that I have so far though I feel once I got right into it and just write the rest will come to me much easier. As such, I've come to a decision:
I'm taking off the month of November from updating until December: my goal is to write as many chapter as possible both for m novel, my poetry and Timaeus so when I return in December I'll have a freshc rop of updates both for you my lovelies, and my writers friends who are interested in Reading Red Kings: I'm looking for as many people as possible, so far i have three people interested in reading it chapter by chapter but I still need people who wanna read the whole draft. Due to my masters, finding a job and just a lot of issues in general my creativity has been on the fritz until May and this summer and I've finally got it back and I don't want to lose it, so taking part in NaNoWriMo is primarily for me to test myself and get back into te habit of writing early in the morning into the afternoon without interruption like I used to do, even if this is only a few hours a day due to life's complications but its been something I've been planning to do for a while but never got the chance to, but i KNOW i can do it, I know cause Ive been able to do it in small portiona with Timaeus, and I know this will also help me with Timaeus too because it will help clear my mind and help me think and get the ideas turned into scenes.
So that said I apologize, but there won't be any updates for the next month, so I hope this one will keep you all guessing and in suspence until then. My original plan was to take a break after I finished part one since it has about 3 to 4 chapters remaining depending, but my goal was also to write those chaps starting last week and finishing them this week, as we all see how that turned out and i REFUSE to force a chapter, so I thank you all for your patience and promise, in December, I will be back with more chapters to spare ;) and if all goes well I'll get Red Kings' draft done and finish off Timaeus with the Atlantis arc ;) which will be a LOT of fun ;) Trust me on that!
Thank you all so much! All your wonderful feedback, comments and your genuine enthusiasm and interest inspires me and keeps me going! I promise it will not be in vain!
Until then...Long Live The Queen!