Khasara
Matthew
Nye
Thanks to my devoted reader Yamis Girl 4everandever, Cheeky-eyes, Anorethunbound, Fluffy's mate, and thanks to my friends and editors RoMi IshUraTarMeshi and Viet grl.
Hope you enjoy reading this story. Please R&R. Thanks again.
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Chapter Nine: Homeward Bound
The cold chill upon the new morning air reached Khasara as she stood from the lavish bed and worm blankets. Crossing her arms over her chest she quickly rubbed her bare forearms to warm them. The long silky pale blue sleeping gown whisked about her ankles as she walked to the dresser. Opening a drawer she bent down, her long jet-black hair falling over her shoulder as she pulled out another day gown. The dark purple and silver gown quickly replaced her nighty. The silver trims along the belled sleeves, neckline, and hem shimmered as Khasara slipped into matching silver sandals. Opening one of the large doors of her room, she poked her head out. The sun and servants had yet to completely rise. Soft light danced through the windows onto the empty corridor floor. With a mischievous grin on her face Khasara glided quietly through the door. Her footsteps fell silently as she stepped along. She knew better than to open any door she didn't know, but that did not stop her from examining as many hallways as she could.
Hieroglyphics were scattered along the corridors of the palace. Catching her attention, Khasara would stop and skim over the ancient writing. Many of her readings depicted battles of monsters and many other things she never seen in the tomb. Once again questions ran through her mind. 'What are these?' 'Monsters, its seems but that's not possible. Is it?' and others such as these arose. Some of them resembled cards she had seen the children and out of country visitors carried around with them, but she could not quiet grasp the concept of why the were so important. Then a picture of the fiery Pegasus flashed through her mind, along with the strange monster that the thief Bakura had sent after her. Confusion engulfed her, and completely puzzled she continued her walk through the slowly crowding halls.
As the palace slowly started to wake up Khasara worked her way outside, asking for directions along the way of course, into the lavish garden. The smells, sounds, and colors were calming and yet energizing. Full of purples, reds, blues, whites and greens among another variety of colors. Finding a cozy spot on one of the stone benches, Khasara laid back and relaxed, forgetting her earlier misunderstandings. She took a deep breath and slowly let in out as she placed her hands behind her head. Closing her ebony eyes she smiled as she laid there listening to the garden around her, and the faint sounds of voices coming from the palace. Another feeling of home crept over her, for it was only home that she felt this way. Completely at ease, no troubles dared to venture through her mind as she enjoyed the peace and quiet.
It wasn't until the garden's maintainers came about doing their usual routines, did Khasara stand up to leave. Giving a small stretch she walked back into the doors of the Pharaoh's home. Coming upon the flight of stairs she had come down on her way to the garden she pulled purple fabric of the bottom of her gown off the floor, and proceeded up. Quickly stepping from one elevation to the next, it was easy for the toe of her sandal to catch upon the edge of one of the sandy stairs. Knowing the fall was coming Khasara threw her hands in front of herself to block the blow of the trip. As soon as she thought she should have hit the stairs, a strong tanned hand had reached out and grabbed hers before she hit the dirt. Slowly she lifted her head she hair falling away from her face and her deep eyes looked into the dark blue eyes of Set.
"Be careful what you do Princess, there are always people watching you." The Priest said a small smirk planted upon her lips. Khasara gave a dumb founded expression as she looked from his hand to his face. Quickly regaining her composer she stood straight with a frowned and glared at him, but the evil look was returned right back to her.
"Why bother?" She asked with a spark of venom, "I have nothing to be worried about. Do I?" She asked snatching her hand away from his, keeping her ebony gaze connected to his blue. Set straightened his posture his face taking on a more serious looked and glared down at her.
"I don't know Milady. I was hoping that you would know that yourself." He commented his voice snapped with the same venom that she had gave him. A smirk tugged at the corner of her mouth, and she jokingly looked about.
"Well seeing that no one else is here, I'm guessing that you are the only one I truly have to worry about. Huh, dear Priest?" The air tensed between them, as they exchanged defiant stares. The thought of striking her smug little face crossed Set's mind more than once during those moments, but each time they were replaced with the lecture he would receive from Atem. So he controlled himself to the best of his ability, hating her every moment Khasara stood there attempting to make a fool of him. Unknown to him the same thoughts had crossed her mind, but she did not have to worry about the anger of the Pharaoh. To her it wasn't worth her time, and the fact that he had a magical stick rod thingy also kept that action at bay. It was then that Atem turned about the corner a thoughtful looked upon his face, and came to a abrupt halt as he caught sight of the scene. He worriedly looked between the two them, wondering if a fight was going to break out within the hall. Then quickly the Pharaoh stepped up beside them, and cleared his throat. Set and Khasara jumped at the sudden and unexpected noise and turned to look at him. With a 'Where'd you come from?' expression upon both faces. Atem gave a small smile and looked back and forth between the two.
"Good morning Princess. Set. If I might intervene?" He asked turning to hold a hand out to Khasara. "Would you like to accompany me to breakfast Lady Khasara"
Khasara looked at his hand before looking back to the crimson cat-like eyes, and nodded her head placing her hand into his.
"It would be my pleasure my Pharaoh." She answered sweetly. Taking her hand Atem turned to walk down the stairs. Before turning with him Khasara gave one more victorious grin back at Set, and turned her hair spinning about her as she followed beside Atem. The Priest clenched his teeth and curled his hands into fists, as anger flared through his eyes. Oh how he hated her! Letting out a sigh her relaxed and stepped behind the duo to the dinning hall.
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The steam blew about the station as the train came to a grinding stop, and from the smoke stepped a short stout engineer in the usual blue stripped overalls and hat. Grease spotted the old mans clothing, and the shine of his boots had long disappeared. Matt waved and walked up eagerly to greet the first person he had seen in hours. The engineer looked up at the American in surprise then took a quick look about the station looking for anyone else.
"Did ya stay out 'ere all night, by yerself?" The gray haired man said as Matt stepped up.
"Yes sir. Well not really I had a horse with me, and I did have a friend with me but she went missing within one of the tombs some time ago." Matt answered above the hissing of the locomotive.
"Missing? An who might yer friend be?" Asked the train driver taking a piece of cloth from his pocket an wiping his brow.
"Yes sir missing, and her name is Khasara." He answered. A shocked expression crossed the old mans face, and his jaw dropped.
"I's know Khasara. She's quiet a nice gal, but it's not like her to get lost in one of them there tombs." He shook his shaggy head. "Not like 'er at all"
"I know that's why I came back to catch the train back to town, I don't know my way around those tombs enough to go looking for her by myself. So I was wondering when the quickest time we can leave?" Matt asked quickly.
"Umm, in about 20 minutes time Mis'er. We's got to unload the station manager and check some gauges befores we head off back to pick up the tourists." The stout man stated turning to do some quick checks of the gauges within the engine. Matt let out a sigh, and turned to walk back to where Nye stood tied. Grabbing the reins with one hand he reached the other up and stroked the face of the horse.
"Won't be long now pal. Then we'll have Khasara back, and she can take you back." He told the horse, the creature nudged his hand and gave a soft knicker. Matt gave a small laugh, and turned to watch at the station's staff unloaded themselves from the coach cars.
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Usual morning chatter roamed itself about the long dinning table set with dishes and food. Khasara sat quietly listening to the talk, as she nibbled at the food that was sat in front of her. To her left sat Atem, who was laughing and conversing with the other priests and priestess who lined the table. Occasionally she looked at him and gave a small smile as their gaze met, and Set sat across from her still sour from that mornings encounter. Finishing her meal she stood up from the table, seeing her stand Atem also rose.
"If I might excuse myself sire? I wish to return to my room." She asked politely, clasping her hands in front of her. Atem gave a nod and a smile, and in return she bowed slightly to him then to each priest. Her politeness was returned by each that was with the exception of Set who silently scuffed to himself and rolled his eyes. Khasara smiled to herself and turned away, walking quietly from the breakfast scene. Atem sat back down, and looked at Set out of the corner of his eye as the Priest folded his arms and stared after Khasara. The Pharaoh couldn't help but laugh to himself; he couldn't understand why Set hated her so much. It's not like she did anything, or could do anything to him. But the theme of the morning turned from the gay and bright conversations to a more serious tone, as problems and important matters arose with the departure of the Princess.
Khasara quickly made her way back to her room and slid through the doors, quietly closing them behind her. Letting out a sigh she hung her head and turned to walk into the room, but came to a stop when she noticed she wasn't alone. A maid stood quietly in the corner and curtsied.
"Is there anything may do for you your Grace?" The girl asked quietly. Khasara gave a small smile and nodded her head, as the thought of a nice hot bubble bath came to mind. It was the one thing she had been wanting since closing hours of the tours at the tomb, and that had been days ago.
"Yes, as a matter of fact there is. Could you have a bath made ready for me?" She asked sweetly. With her command the maid bowed once again and hurried from the room. Moments later she came back with a few others, who motioned for Khasara to follow them. Somewhat confused she did, and quickly they lead her to a bathroom of the same elegance as her bedroom. She couldn't help but look around in awe; a small pool like bath lay in the middle of the room. Rose petals and soap bubbles floated along the surface of the steaming water. The handful of maids quickly set to work undressing Khasara. Who at first resented but after much persistence from the girls and a blushing red face, she stepped into the water. She sunk down seated so that her head was just above the liquid. The aroma from the red petals drifted to her, and she quickly relaxed as the maids bussed themselves with setting out her new clothes and keeping the temperature of the water warm. Dunking herself beneath the water she scrubbed her hair, and leaned her head against the marble of the pool. Slowly the noises around her were drowned out as she focused on the sound of the water, and her mind was at ease. If only for the time being, but it was worth it.
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Nye had been properly boarded and stalled in one of the stock cars, before Matt took his seat in within the coach carts. He gave a sigh and rested his head against the window, and stared at the heat haze that rose from the desert sand. The temperature of the day was quickly rising, but no matter what he was going to return later that day hopefully a search party in tow.
"ALL ABOARD!" The old engineer shouted from his engine's open window, and with a moments hesitation the locomotive lurched forward. The metal of the wheels ground against that of the tracks, as the train worked its way faster and faster. Slowly the steady beat from the metal machine acted as a lullaby to the weary worn American. Within no time Matt was dead asleep and sprawled across the tattered seat. Every now an the they would hit a bump, but even that couldn't drag him away from the comfort of sleep.
It wasn't until the whistle blew to signal their approach to the towns station did Matt stir from his slumber. Blinking and rubbing his eyes, he sat up and peered out the window of the modern buildings that slowly made their way into view. Then thoughts of where he would ask for help and who would he go to crossed his mind. He knew had had to make a few stops before going on the search for help. Those were the stable where Nye was kept, his house, and Khasara's grandmothers. Matt knew where the stable was, because on occasion he would accompany Khasara there and watch as she brushed and untacked the chestnut, Nye. An Khasara's grandmother was her only remaining relative; Minaria should be one of the first people to know what happened. Matt had only seen Minaria twice in his time in Egypt. The old woman was wise and sweet, and it shouldn't be hard to explain to her what happened. With a sigh Matt leaned back against the seat, until the steam engine came to a stop.
Within minutes he was on his way through the tourists crowed streets pulling Nye along by the bridle. Down a few streets leading them further away from the station and the center of town, he attempted to mount the horse. A few failed tries almost discouraged him, until with one last trial he managed to swing his leg over the cantle of the saddle. A triumphant smile etched itself across Matt's face, and he clucked to the horse. Nye sighed and shook his head, before walking off as if saying "you have no idea do you?". Lightly touching his sneakers to Nye's flanks the horse picked his pace up to a trot. Matt quickly grabbed a hold of the horn and tighten his grip on the reins. Trying desperately to hang on and steer at the same time. Down a few more streets a finally out to the edge of town they came upon a neat little stable. Hearing another horse approach the facility the already pastured equines lifted their heads and whinnied to Nye. Nye perked up his ears, and nickered back transitioning over to a lope. Not knowing what to do Matt grabbed the horn with both hands, and gripped the saddle with his legs. But the pressure from his rider only made Nye go faster. As the horse pushed over to a gallop, Matt tried to pull back on the reins.
"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! WHOA!" He shouted to the creature as the fence of the pens came closer and closer. Hearing the frantic cries of a control less rider, an Egyptian stable hand poke his head out of the barn. Seeing the on coming horse and inexperienced American, the man quickly dropped his pitchfork and ran to the horse holding his hands up.
"Whoa easy Nye. Salright boy, easy come now." He said, and hearing the calm voice Nye happily slowed down and made a b-line for the stable hand. Proudly the horse trotted to the Egyptian, and plopped his head right in the hands of the strong man. Matt gave a relief filled sigh, and sank in the saddle.
"Thank you so much sir." Matt began to say but was cut off.
"And who might you be sir? And why do you have Khasara's horse? Why are you riding something that doesn't belong to you? I want answers and I want them now." Came the gruff voice of the man holding the reins of Nye. Matt turned a shade of white, as he was snatched from the saddle by one strong hand.
"I-I-I'm-m a friend of Khasara's. A-a-an I-I-I have Nye because she's gone missing, and I had to bring him back somehow. So I rode him from the town's station to here." Matt stuttered, as the man gripped the color of his kaki shirt. Dark brown eyes gaze at him, before the grip loosened.
"Khasara's gone missing? Oh no! Where at, who took her?" The man said a worried look crossing his face.
"We were at the tombs, and sometime during the night she went within one of them and never came out. We missed the train so we had to stay behind." Matt quickly explained. The stable manager regarded him with a surprised look.
"Not like her to get lost in there." The darkly tanned Egyptian stated. After a moments thought he extended his hand to Matt. "By the way name's Simar." Matt shakily shook the guys hand.
"I'm Mathew or Matt." He stated, and slightly cringed as the mans strong hand gripped his. "Its a pleasure to meet you"
"So I'ma gonna take Nye back and get him cleaned up. Can I get anything for ya?" Simar asked turning to lead Nye off into the barn.
"N-no Sir I'm fine. I have to get home before heading to the agency to look for someone to help me go look for Khasara." Matt commented slightly following hind the pair. Simar spun to face the American, a serious look upon his face.
"If you need any further help finding her, you march yourself right back here and let me know before you leave. I wouldn't miss helping her for the world." He said quietly almost in a whisper. Matt nodded quickly.
"Yes, I'll be sure to do that. An thanks again for the help with Nye. I don't know that much about horses, that was my first ride." He said with a half grin. Simar shook his head returning the smile.
"Well for someone who hadn't done any other riding in their life. I'd say you did a good job. Good luck finding help, and make sure to tell Minaria about Khasara." Simar said before once again turning to disappearing with in the building.
"You bet I will." Matt said before quickly running back into town. It took him a few moments, and when he finally reached the main streets he called for a cab. Slowly a worn out yellow car pulled up next to the out of breath American. Matt opened the door, and slid onto the seat.
"Where ya headed to sir?" The cabby asked turning slightly in his driver seat.
"To 578 Tituna Avenue" Matt answered, and with a nod the cabby put the car into drive and pulled off.
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Muahahahaa! Without writers block caging my mind I can now write all the chapters I want. Hehe..But yea hears a new chapter hope you enjoyed it. Chapter 10 is on the way soon hopefully. I know this chapter left you at a cliff-hanger, but its the only way I could think to end it. It was suppose to have a lot more happen in it, but I thought it was long enough as it was. So yea I'm gonna leave it the way it is and continue with my plans in the next chapter..Review?...Please and Thank yous !