V.E. Well, back to Princess of Egypt! I know, it's been a while, outside of technical issues with my computer I only have the regular excuses for not updating. But you know, writing for me is a passion and the reason I didn't want to make it my career is because it would take the fun out of things. Though someone did tell me once this could be its own story if change things around. Well, something to consider.
It took me a while to really get an idea of how I wanted this chapter to go. I know I wanted to bring back Issa as well as get things set up for when Aknamkamon passes away. I'm not sure how much of it will come off well.
Well, I hope it will at this chapter will at least live up to all of your expectations.
Quote: "When the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome."- Wilma Rudolph
As an older sister, there was a lot of things Kisara had become accustomed to. She was used to worrying for Atem when it looked like he was about to do something dangerous, scolding him and Mana on the occasion a prank went to far, and being very protective about anything that would cause him harm.
But all she could feel was slightly amused as she saw her brother's but hit the hard floor of the courtyard again.
Given the circumstances, she supposed, it wasn't as big of a deal to her. For one, this was a practice session with swords that were being watched not just by her, but by a rather notable crowd of the Inner Court. Another things was that after her little brother being taleted in just about anything, he had finally found something he needed to work at and as someone who constantly lost to him in games, Kisara found it slightly amusing how his luck wouldn't help him here. Thirdly, the person teaching him was Seto. And she knew that Seto would never let Atem come to any real harm.
She felt her face warm, but she cut off her feeling early so it would not show too much.
Her eyes searched and found Mahad, wearing the Millennium Ring around his neck. She caught his eyes and smiled and him, but as he smiled it just struck her how tired he looked. Ever since the young man had finally ascended to the status of Sacred Guardian, Kisara had been seeing him less and less and when she had the young priest looked grimly tired.
One could perhaps chalk it up to the stress of the new position or having to work with Seto, the two's caustic relationship common knowledge to everyone in the Inner Court, on a daily basis. But that haunted somber expression...for some reason, Kisara couldn't help but feel that there was more to it. There was stress, there was exasperation, and then there was this.
She wanted nothing better than to go over and ask Mahad what was going on, but that interrogation would be better served in a more private setting and not in the full view of several members of the Inner Court that would no doubt seize upon the interaction like a den of starving wolves on a plump rabbit that wandered straight into their den.
If there was one thing about being royalty she would never care for, it was how Court gossip would seize upon everything she did and spin it to the point of ridiculousness. Especially if it could pertain to her (as far as she was concerned, nonexistent) love life. I suppose there is one thing to be said about the idea of marriage, it would definitely get people off my back. Granted, then I think it would just go to wondering about who Atem will marry, but considering he's the next pharaoh it makes much more sense that people would be speculating on his future partner than mine!
Kisara gave Mahad a nod, the young priest getting the message that there would be a talk coming eventually as he nodded back. He glanced one more time at the sword practice (enough to shoot a hawk like gaze at Seto) before turning to walk away. She hoped he was going to take a nap, but knowing Mahad he was probably going back to work.
She looked around to see if Mana was nearby, so as to give the magician in training a hint to get Mahad to rest, before noticing that Mana wasn't here at all. That worried her, after all she was trying her best not to let Mana be ignored and let to her own devices like last time. But when it was just her or with Isis and Mahad, Mana seemed to be all to willingly to hang out though she was putting more into her studies these days.
Now that she thought about it, she hadn't seen Mana around Atem all that much these days. She didn't know if that was intentional or not, but it might be a good idea to talk to her brother after practice today.
Once again, her brother hit the ground (she reigned in an amused smile) as Seto stared down on him.
"Are you done?"
Atem looked smirked at the priest, half in defiance and half in determination.
"You wish."
Seto seemed to consider the words before nodding.
"Alright, one more bout and then we'll call it quits for the day."
As the young prince got to his feet once more, Kisara smiled at the thought. While both young men were very competitive, at the very least Seto knew that pushing themselves too far would be a bad thing. Well, it would be bad for Atem, the priest didn't exactly account for his own body in the same way.
"Quite the interesting display, wouldn't you agree?"
The words suddenly took Kisara out of her good mood as she turned to see Nabirye at her side, the young woman's face just as much as a mask as ever.
To this day, Kisara couldn't quite figure out what it was that Nabirye wanted. The other girls were obvious in their feelings, their desires; but Nabirye seemed to keep her true intentions unclear to anyone other than herself. Her feelings seemed to line up with her father's beliefs, who was the head of the rather sizable faction of Court that pushed for more conservative policies and advocated for the return to the traditions of old. Still, she got the impression that Nabirye would discard anyone, even her father if she could get what she wanted. The white haired princess couldn't even say for sure whether the young woman's intentions were even good or bad.
The only thing she knew is that Nabirye was on one side and one side only, her own. And she did not see Kisara as being on her side.
Nabirye then motioned back to the two's swordsmanship.
"A prince learning the ways of the sword from a commoner, oh how times have changed..."
Kisara felt a sting of irritation, but kept her voice even and polite.
"That commoner is one of the Sacred Guardians and is thought of very highly in terms of his ability by the others. So if there's something you're trying to say..."
Nabirye shook her head, her insinuating tone unchanging.
"Oh no, I'm not concerned about whether he's good enough for this, that's very well apparent. I'm concerned whether he might be TOO good for this."
Kisara suddenly felt lost in this conversation, which she was pretty sure what Nabirye wanted but she couldn't help but ask.
"What do you mean by that?"
The Egyptian woman seemed to straighten herself as she explained.
"Our pharaoh has reigned for many years and while it would be nice if that would continue for many more, the fact is that he is old and his sun will set soon. And that will leave Egypt with a young untested king to face all the things Aknamkamon is currently trying to keep from boiling over. Not to mention the fact that if Atem were to die childless, there would be no one in line to step up to the throne."
"And what does that have to do with High Priest Seto?" (She narrowly remembered to identify the young Guardian by his title.)
Nabirye's serious expression did not flicker in the least as she went on.
"If what I just described isn't a prime opportunity for a coup in the near future, then add in the fact that there is someone at Court who is shown to be capable of competing with the Prince, besting him on occasion. Someone who is talented, popular, and seems much more mature than that young boy."
The white haired princess' mind was scrambling until a calm horrible clarity came to her.
"You're...you're not suggesting...that's absurd!"
The young woman shrugged.
"Maybe it is crazy. I will give Seto this, he is stubbornly loyal to a young boy he barely knows. Father was very displeased at how he didn't seem to comprehend how his situation looked to others."
The woman then leaned forward toward Kisara, the tint of green in one of her eyes glinting knowingly.
"But when it comes down to it, do you honestly think that priest wouldn't take that power if the opportunity presented itself? It wouldn't be the first time a commoner ended up on the throne of Egypt. And as the Princess...well, I hope you'll never be confused over whether someone at your side is truly a friend or foe."
Nabirye then drew back to her previous position.
"Thank you for my engagement present by the way. My betrothed Lord Reseph told me to give you his regards."
Kisara was simply left there dumbfounded.
Her words were crazy, the young princess knew that. She was trying to get under Kisara's skin, trying to make her turn against someone who she knew without a shadow of a doubt would never do those things. Admittedly, Nabirye had no idea how well she knew Seto personally, she knew he would never intentionally seize power in that manner. Seto was a person who did not give his loyalty to people so easily, but once he was for you he was you tooth and nail. She could not help but notice the admiration he had whenever the two of them would get into talking about the pharaoh's policies and accomplishments. Even now she could see the traces of fondness on Seto's face as he stared down the young prince.
And yet...
She felt a shiver go through her at the treacherous thought. And yet, she knew very well that Seto was ambitious. She knew how driven he was, how much wished to prove himself to those who doubted him.
And she was suddenly afraid of what lengths Seto might go to achieve those goals.
Clang!
The sound of clashing swords broke the spell of her thoughts on her as she saw both prince and priest with their swords at each other's throats, a definitive draw. This brought on murmurs of surprise and shock from the surrounding crowd. They had gotten used to the status quo of the two's matches, change throwing the people off.
Ignoring the onlookers completely, Seto smirked.
"Not bad. You've improved."
Atem's smirk was almost identical.
"One day, I will best you."
"Perhaps, but not today. For now, you'll just have to settle for a draw."
The prince's expression ticked with some irritation, but he seemed to understood what he was saying as he drew his sword back. Seto doing the same.
"I still don't get how you know so many more moves than I do."
The blue robed priest smiled in amusement.
"More experience with many people who used different techniques. You've only been fighting for a fraction of the time I've had with not as much variety."
Atem's purple eyes tinged with ruby red stared at him in suspicion.
"Don't tell me you were gong easy on me."
Seto's smile was wry as he answered.
"Oh believe me Prince, that is one thing I never do, regardless of who I go up against."
"My, my."
A slow deliberate clap sounded, drawing the boy's attention away, as well as everyone else's, from each other to the originator of the sound. Kisara's eyes searched and found Aknamkamon and Aknadin (the twins looking appropriately and identically grim and respectful) making their way to the front of the crowd, standing on the ends of a very familiar priest with a clean shaved head and round figure with many wrinkles and dark spots. The leopard skin he wore was also very eye catching.
It took Kisara a few seconds to place him, but it soon came to her like a thunderbolt as she saw his glassy blind eyes.
It's the High Priest of Amun! I think his name was...Issa? I don't think I've seen him since my coronation.
Finally, the priest spoke.
"Quite the spectacle to hear. It reminds me of the old days, when I could watch the duels of blades with my own eyes."
Both the young men were caught off guard, bowing to the old priest as the prince replied.
"Oh...thank you High Priest Issa."
The words merely made Issa smile even more, gaining a tinge of sadness in the reverie.
"Tis always good to know that the next generation is strong and healthy. Time slows down for no man, after all."
The priest then turned to his king.
"Pharaoh, if you wouldn't mind?"
Aknamkamon nodded before addressing the small crowd.
"Everyone, please disperse. We have private business to be done."
The crowd did not look particularly happy at those words, but at the clearing of the pharaoh's throat the guards stepped forward to remind the bystanders of who they were risk disobeying. The people scattered pretty quick after that, leaving the five to their talk.
Kisara was about to turn around follow suit before Issa's voice stopped her.
"Oh no my dear moon, you have just as much of a right to bear witness to this as they do. Come closer, dear."
She glanced first at the younger men, then to trio before slowly making her way over there with as much grace and composure as she could muster. Finally, she stood right next to her foster father, catching his expression. She couldn't be sure if it was more anxious or solemn.
Aknadin looked distinctly uncomfortable, so much so he hadn't given Kisara so much as a disapproving glance. His one remaining eye seemed to dart between Atem and Seto.
Then Issa took several deliberate steps towards the two who just moments before had been dueling with their swords (which had been practically forgotten with this turn of events).
"The wheels turn, boys grow to men, and the sun is setting on my time as head priest. But before I follow my forefathers to the Duat, there is something I must do for those who will face what is to come."
He reached out with his right hand, as wrinkled, gnarled, and spotted as the rest of his body, towards the Prince.
"Prince Atem, if you would."
The tricolored haired prince was slightly taken aback at being personally addressed by this great man who he was used to addressing his father. Nonetheless, the young man stepped closer, allowing the priest's hand to find his face. For the next few moments, the old man's fingers traced over the Crown Prince's face in slow painstaking manner that reminded Kisara of her own coronation.
Finally, Issa nodded with a generous smile, his pale eyes seem to twinkle with mischievousness.
"You've grown quite well, my prince. I still remember when you were first placed in my arms when you were a newborn. Nor can I forget the very lovely voice that cooed over you while simultaneously threating my manhood if I dropped you."
That last sentence seemed to three younger individuals in the group off guard, while Aknadin's face looked very done with the reminder of that day while Aknamkamon cleared his throat to get things back on track.
"ISSA..."
"Oh please, I didn't mention anyone specifically. Anyway, my Prince, you have a great road ahead of you. Named in honor of the first god, you have great power within you and you already had a great destiny ahead of you as the one who will one day become pharaoh. Such a destiny is not an easy one and it is even more so for you. You will understand why that is some day."
Issa's smile faltered then, a solemn expression replacing it.
"But what I see ahead for you is greater than perhaps any pharaoh that has come before you. You will face more troubles in first years on the throne than many pharaohs face in a lifetime. If you can make it through and succeed in your goal, your reign will be unlike any other pharaoh in our histories. If you fail, Egypt will fall with you."
His words brought Kisara a certain sense of dread, one glance around her told her that she was not alone in feeling the tension.
Then a small smile came back to the Priest of Amun's face.
"I cannot give you much advice save this. Remember that you are not alone, that there are those at your side that are willing to help you bear the burden you must face even if you do not comprehend it. They will remind you of humanity even as you will be a god."
Atem nervously gathered his courage and spoke.
"I think I understand."
"You will remember these words even if you do not fully comprehend them right now. That is enough. Now then..."
Issa then held up his left hand, gesturing to Seto.
Kisara wasn't the only one who felt shocked, both Akandin and Aknamkamon had twin expressions of surprise.
For a few moments, there was only silent confusion for the young priest until comprehension slowly dawned on him.
"Wait, you want me to...?"
"Is there anyone else in that direction I could be addressing? Come on now, don't dawdle."
The young priest then took his steps forward, standing directly beside Atem, who for his part didn't look at all surprised at Issa calling Seto. The old priest's left hand examined its charge, though Seto looked a tad more flustered and uncomfortable about it compared to the Prince.
Then Issa's face shifted into a contemplative expression.
"Contradictions...many contradictions reside in you you. Proud, yet humble. Ambitious, yet submissive. Many who walk your path desire power, influence, and riches; yet these things do not matter to you so. You have never desired the power that many crave most handsomely. Duty is your goal and its own reward. However, I sense that there is something in your heart that you do desire above duty."
For a blink of an eye to Seto, it seems as if Issa's pale blind eyes seemed to flicker towards the pale princess. Seto almost flushed red in embarrassment, how this blind priest seemed to see through him more thoroughly than anyone.
Atem merely watched Seto in concern, noticing he seemed uncomfortable but unaware of the reason.
Issa broke the tension as he smiled at Seto like an indulgent grandfather.
"Do not worry. Those feelings of yours are nothing to be ashamed of. And though it may seem hopeless, that does not mean it is. Never forget to think of your own happiness while you strive to do your duty. And with those specifics instructions out of the way, it is time."
Issa's hands went to the young mens' forehead, a distinct echo of what had happened at the coronation years before without the anointing oil. Even so his words carried tremendous weight as he blessed them.
"May you two have the strength and courage to walk the path in front of you. May Horus, Osiris, Ra, and all the other gods watch over you both. And even as you face your own struggles, look to the other for guidance. For while you two are contradictions to each other, you are also compliments. Rivals that both challenge and push each other to succeed. You two, more than any of the others, are bound together in fate that it is impossible to separate."
Then Issa's face turned dark at his last words.
"Never forget this, so to not repeat the same mistakes of your predecessors. Guard this country well, Suns of Egypt."
With that, the priest removed his hands from the young men. Said young men were wearing twin expressions of bafflement and solemnness.
Then he hobbled towards the king and the one eyed priest, smiling as if a great weight had been lifted off his shoulder. Seeming to not care at the utter shock and amazement on the brothers' faces.
"And now it is done. My king, Aknadin, would you both be so kind as to escort me back?"
The pharaoh answered shakily, uncharacteristic of the man as he steadied the priest to his side.
"Of-of course."
Aknadin said nothing as he went to the other side to guide him, glancing back at both his nephew and Seto as the two led Issa away.
the three were left alone in the courtyard for several minutes until Seto broke the nervous silence."
"What...what was that about?"
Atem looked even more unsure then Seto about it.
"I...I really don't know. I've heard that High Priest Issa says and does strange things, but this... this doesn't make any sense."
And yet to Kisara, she comprehended what Issa's act signified.
The High Priest of Amun giving a blessing to a Crown Prince would be normal, but giving it to Seto would mean that the two are equal in Issa's eyes. Equal in the eyes of main god of the Egyptian pantheon...And to call them both Suns of Egypt, if I'm the Moon...
Suddenly, Kisara knew that this was something that must not to get out to the rest of the Court. She hurriedly walked up to her brother.
"Atem, whatever you do, don't tell anyone else about this."
The prince's eyes widened at his sister's sudden demand in confusion.
"Kisara, but why...?"
"Please, Atem, I do not think Issa meant it in anyway to harm either of you, but what happened here today must remain secret. That goes for you as well, Seto."
Her jewel like blue eyes glanced over to Seto pleadingly. The priest didn't seem to get it, but after looking at terror in her eyes, he seemed to comprehend what she had. He bowed to her curtly.
"Of course."
Atem looked between the two, still somewhat confused.
"Huh? I don't..."
"I'll explain it to you later Atem, for now it's best we retire for the day."
The young prince's expression turned petulant at the thought.
"But I'm not tired."
"Then how about a game of senet?"
He considered it before nodding. Then his mind seemed to strike upon something and turned his head towards Seto.
"Okay, that sounds good. Hey Seto, do you know how to play senet?"
Seto seemed a little off guard at the question, but seemed happy to move on to something lighter.
"A little. Master Khalid explained to me some of the rules and we played a few games, but I haven't played at Court that much."
Before he knew what was happening, the young prince seized one of the priest's arms and dragged.
"Wha-what?!"
"Alright that settles it, we three are playing senet for the afternoon."
Kisara couldn't help but let a twinkling laughter escape her at Seto's expression.
"You best prepare yourself for no mercy from 'The King of Games'."
Seto's rolled his eyes at the idea.
"As if I'd want any."
Still, he felt his heart warm at the thought of spending more time with the princess. Even if the prince was still there and the events from before still hovered in the shadows of his mind, he was grateful for any time he got to spend beside her.
He would deal with destiny laid out for him a little later.
V.E.: I am so sorry people, I started this back in April but things happened. Well, the good news is I got this out just in time for June 9th. What's so special about that you might ask? It's my birthday! So in exchange for birthday gifts, you can give me some reviews.
Anyway, I'm trying to build up the tension for what's going to come next. I'm thinking next chapter is about Mahad and then we're going to do an interlude chapter. I have a general outline on how I want this story to go with changes to be made along the way. At least it's something.
Anyway, please remember those gift reviews! Hopefully it wont' take me as long to do my next update. I'm setting myself to update another story before the end of June.
Until next time!