CHAPTER 27:
Declaration of War
The next day, Kiara walked through the hot sand as the sun's mid-day rays burned at her bare arms. Wiping her forehead, she kept her pace as her water pouch slapped against her side and Asim purred at it curiously as he walked by her side. Her mother had informed her that her father and his court had gone out with the gods to look over the ancient temple that resided near their kingdom. At first, she'd thought it was at least a two hour walk but she was going on three and she cursed herself.
I should've taken a camel, she thought irritably. Then again, maybe father won't say anything if I enter the grounds looking like cooked meat.
Her curiosity had won over her worry when it came to this deadly hunt of the gods. She wanted to know all of the information available about it so she could come up with possible evacuations if the situation got out of hand. She knew she'd be disobeying her kingdom's traditions but she'd rather have a live kingdom than an extinct one.
"Maybe Atem will listen to my small rants" she hoped but snorted, knowing it could be useless due to her people's train of thought. "Everyone is loyal to the gods though. I'd be seen as an infidel despite being the only one with the truth. . ."
I can't believe he told me the truth, she thought, her mind wandering to Kaen'Dre. He blessed and burdened me with this revelation, almost like the ancient oracles.
"The question is, what will I do with it?" she whispered to herself as she kept her pace over the dunes, sand entering her open toe sandals to scratch at her feet.
Will Kaen'Dre be in trouble for admitting this?, she thought worriedly. The last thing I want is for him to have problems with his people.
"But can I let my people keep believing this image of grandeur towards these wanderers of the heavens?" she asked out loud, biting her bottom lip. In a gentle tone, she smiled, "Wanderers of the heavens. . .they still sound so spiritual. Yet they are solid like mortals but. . .so different."
How did my Kaen'Dre fall for me? I am very different and he still protects me from them, she thought fondly and clasped her hands together over her skirt. He said it was forbidden for so many times and yet. . .he chose me.
"What could I ever offer such a man like him?" she wondered softly as her eyes closed for a moment. "I'm just a mortal woman and he complained he could not offer me enough."
Why must I keep him from me then? I love him, she thought longingly. My strong wanderer of the skies.
You cannot let him think you are weak, her mind popped in with its detesting rational input. A princess is not vulnerable and a strong woman does not let a man think of her as a fragile flower that can be trampled upon.
"He did lie to me, as if I were a simple fool" she mumbled pathetically and curled her hands at her sides. She didn't want to listen to her logic but it did have a good point. "He practically had me sheltered in his make believe world where he was a god. . .and it was false. A false deity!"
She kicked the sand angrily, the overwhelming hot anger from yesterday arising again in her veins. If he would've been a casual acquaintance like before, she would've strangled him before banishing him from Memphis but. . .how could she think of doing that now that he was her husband? How was she meant to react with him and overcome that huge life-changing event? Yes, he held her heart in the palm of his hand but would that simple fact allow her to forgive him?
"This will be difficult" she sighed and looked down at her companion, "You have it easy, Asim. All you need is a temporary mate for mating season and you're happy."
Her leopard simply licked his fangs with his pink tongue and kept walking. She chuckled at his animalistic naivety and picked up her pace to catch up with the main group.
"I wonder how it looks, I've never wandered to these areas before" she panted as she wiped her forehead again. "Times are going to get exciting with their arrival, that's for sure."
XXXXXX
"Hello there!" Kiara spoke up as she arrived at the temple grounds and gave a smile to the closest people, mainly her father's caravan. Spotting her brother at the bottom of the temple's steps, she approached him.
"Why am I not surprised you're here?" Atem chuckled and wrapped a friendly arm around her shoulders as she caught her breath. "The temple needs a lot of work and the hunters are at the top. . .well, what's left of the top."
Kiara shaded her eyes with her hand as she looked up at the enormous temple. The bottom portion of it needed some work done to seal cracks while the rest crumbled as it passed the middle of it and the top of it was. . .missing.
"It looks ancient" she murmured as she walked closer and touched the material of the temple. It was made of limestone which decorated the pharaohs tombs in their own step pyramids. However, this temple was shaped more angular in a triangular unlike their old pyramids. If at all, this temple seemed to be developing the new structures kingdoms were now developing with the smooth-sided triangular pyramids!
"How is this possible? I heard that the founder of the 4th dynasty, Pharaoh Sneferu of Dahshur, was barely able to achieve this and yet this ancient behemoth depicts everything our recent technology has been able to accomplish thus far?" she breathed in overwhelmed shock as her fingers stroked the structure to make sure it was real. The sanded stone scratched her fingertips as she asked, "How has nobody noticed this?"
Did no one notice this advanced structure under the sands? Or was it left hidden until the time was right?, she thought as a shiver went down her spine. This is almost eerie.
"The gods work in mysterious ways" Atem reminded as he walked up the walkway leading to the top. With a smirk, he asked, "Would you like to see the top or rest after your long trip? Seriously Kiara, why did you not bring a camel?"
"I was ignorant and thought I could make it here easily" she groaned in embarrassment and laughed with her brother. She rubbed at her itchy arms and sighed, "I can't wait to take a bath later, my legs are going to ache after this."
"You'll be burned tomorrow" he laughed jokingly and began to lead her up the steps.
She followed slowly while Asim stayed at the bottom protectively, awaiting his mistress' return. Her legs burned slightly from the overused muscles used in the long walk so she decided to make a few stops here and there to see the view. She wasn't used to climbing so high, most people entered a pyramid from the bottom rather than the top from her experience. This new method made her wonder how far she'd have to climb once these structures began to fill her land as the years passed. The golden sands easily obscured the whole land with small patches of green off in the distance as the brown mountains showed off from afar. She smiled enjoyably from the tall height and wondered why their palace wasn't at this altitude when it offered a beautiful panoramic view.
"What a view" she told her brother who nodded and began the trek again for the top. Reluctantly, she followed her brother and tore her eyes away from the endless desert lands.
After a few minutes, they reached it and Kiara noticed pieces of broken limestone over a narrow walkway which served as a wall for the temple ages before. From within, a huge black chasm could be seen as the inside of the temple was revealed with aid from the sunlight overhead. Atem and Kiara walked over to their father quietly as he conversed with Elder Reig'Tu. She noticed the hunters had begun to curiously look over the sacred temple as they leaned over and kneeled to touch the broken material, giving trills and rattles to each other in conversation.
"Not all of them are here" she stated as she saw their number had dwindled in half. She assumed the absent ones were in the odd vessel she'd visited in the desert. However, she saw that her husband was here among them, speaking to the side to two of his brethren.
"No, some stayed to for private matters, I suppose" Atem shrugged and greeted his father as they stood at his side. The two leaders stopped conversing and faced them as he offered, "May we be of assistance?"
"Not today, we are scouting the temple to see what reparations need to be done" their father said with a smile and patted his son's back. "I see that we have a lot of work ahead of us. We will prepare the laborers tomorrow to begin on the reconstruction."
"Will that be all? Only reconstruct the temple?" Kiara asked calmly as she looked at the older hunter and her father. She doubted that the temple would be all they needed to suffice after Set had described the ritual would include many things from both cultures.
"Soon the search for the worthy needed in the sacrificial rites will begin" the elder informed her and she held her breath in surprise that he addressed her. His deep voice exerted authority along with his tall height so she listened without complaint. She nodded meekly as his deep rattle-like voice continued, "For now, the temple is the main priority."
"The worthy? What do you mean by that, my lord?" she inquired respectfully, reminding herself of the mannerisms she'd used with Kaen'Dre before. She mentally kicked herself for believing his lie about his false divinity. Still, they were superior and older so she had to be polite to not embarrass her people.
"The mortals worthy to open the gateway between realms to bring forth the serpents for the battle" Reig'Tu explained simply as she raised an eyebrow suspiciously. He saw the human wasn't accepting the vague answer easily and added, "They must be of your kingdom and will come willingly into the temple in order to begin the hunt. They are essential to accomplish the ritual."
"They have to die?" she gasped as her eyes widened slightly. "Is there no other way?"
"Kiara, you must not question the gods methods" her father snapped and she nodded nimbly as she dropped the subject. To the elder, he said in an apologetic tone, "You must forgive my daughter, she is very protective of her people and very independent with her tongue."
Kiara stared in outrage but said nothing. All she had asked was a simple question, could it not be addressed easily? Realizing the she didn't hold much power like her male relatives and the god-like hunter, she pursed her lips and bowed slightly before taking her leave. Atem stayed behind as he eyed his sister worriedly.
Ever since they came, she's been on edge, he thought as he placed his hand on his chin. Are the two connected somehow?
"Atem, prepare the camels for our leave" Abubakar ordered his son as he eyed the dark chasm below him, the chambers below masked to everyone above. "We will be departing soon."
The prince nodded obediently and descended the steps to head to the bottom where the camels were tied to a post as they snorted and flapped out their tongues at buzzing insects nearby. As he walked, he noticed one of the hunting gods in a conversation with his sister and smiled to himself.
Maybe she can get along with him, he thought hopeful and passed by the two.
Kiara watched her brother pass by and she stared up at Kaen'Dre's silver masked face. She fought the desire to trace her fingertips over the cool metal indenting his cheekbones. If she did, she'd easily arise suspicions and she couldn't, especially with her family here and their previous argument.
"Kaen'Dre, we cannot be seen together" she reminded softly as she intertwined her hands over her chest to keep them busy. "It is too risky for us."
"It will look like a simple conversation between a god and mortal" he assured and traced his eyes over her concerned face by using the human vision mode in his mask. He liked seeing her better this way rather than the colorful arrange of heat lines his kind had. In a soft delicate tone, he admitted, "I missed hearing your voice."
"I missed you" she smiled weakly as she kept her eyes on his face. He was here, not afar, and for a moment she wished she'd forgive him and be done with it but something always held her back. Clearing her throat, she stated firmly, "However, I have not forgiven you yet for lying, the wounds are still fresh and I need time."
"I know but I overheard your conversation with my leader and. . .well. . .Kiara, will you tell your people what I told you?" he asked with a more serious tone. At first, he'd thought it was honorable of him to tell his mate the truth but he also held his allegiance to his people and what he'd done could be a direct betrayal to the clan. "Will you reveal the truth?"
She hesitated as he leaned down expectantly for her answer, "I. . .I did think about it but I doubt anyone would believe me, I'm just one person. Besides, everyone seems so proud to have you here and I feel guilty for wanting to change that for them. It is against what I stand for but I will protect my people behind the shadows if anything goes wrong."
I really hope she doesn't have a change of heart, he thought but was pleased nonetheless.
He let out a sigh of relief and nodded, "Thank you, Kiara-"
"And I did it for you" she admitted quietly, feeling ashamed for wanting to protect him at the same level as her people. Her heart loved both and she couldn't choose between them. "I don't want you in trouble with your people because you told me this- this is big and I could never live with myself if you were caught in between. I will keep this secret with me but you must promise that you will keep my kingdom safe."
"I cannot guarantee it but I will try for you" Kaen'Dre promised and gave a small soothing purr, "I will do anything you ask of me."
Must he be so willing for me?, she thought sadly. How can we put ourselves through this emotional torture?
"Kaen'Dre, why. . .you say you are different than mortals, why. . .what appealed you to choose me as your wife?" Kiara asked softly as her eyes sought his through his visor. "You travel many worlds, why me?"
"You opened your kingdom and heart to me without asking anything in return" he answered with a smile, despite she couldn't see it, and purred softly as her eyes closed fondly at the mere sound of it. "I have never met one like you, and when I did, I wanted to keep you to myself so no one could ever take my precious treasure away from me."
"Kaen'Dre" she whispered lovingly and saw his mottled taupe hand raise slowly, reaching for her cheek. "I-"
"Come Kiara, we return to the palace now" her father's voice interrupted the two and Kaen'Dre straightened back up, hands at his side as the stoic warrior he was meant to be.
She watched her beloved walk away quietly without a word to rejoin his leader and thinned her lips as she took a deep breath to regain her calm outlook. She'd been so close to him, less than a foot away, and now he had left again. Nodding to her father, she obeyed, "Right away, father."
She walked with her parent glumly as Kaen'Dre watched from behind. He'd forgotten his own rules and had almost shown open affection for his princess. For a moment, he wanted to give up everything just to touch her skin against his. To feel her warmth as she had sought his every morning when they woke. He watched her quietly from his perch on the steps until he felt someone clasp his back.
"You can't let her go, can you?" Ani'Twei asked, sympathetically. His best friend had told him the whole ordeal the day before, but left out the part about his marriage. Despite he and Kiara loved their dear ones, that was one secret only the two themselves would share.
"No, but I cannot draw attention" he answered and rumbled his chest in agitation. He saw the humans had begun to climb onto their animal steeds and the Elder beckoned their group with a wave of his hand. The humans animals could withstand their weight so they had taken the creatures out here instead of wasting their energy running alongside them.
"Come, let us return" Ani'Twei trilled contentedly and shook his sandals to rid his toes of sand. "I really dislike this sand."
XXXXXX
"This is delicious" Kwei'De mumbled as he stuffed his face with food from the served platters. The group had stopped at an eatery near one of the kingdom's outposts as they relaxed for an hour to give rest to their steeds.
"You have to excuse him, mortal cuisine of any kind gets him like this" Ani'Twei told the humans who stared widely at Kwei'De as he guzzled down an entire bowl of warm stew in minutes.
"At least he's enjoying his time here" Atem chuckled as he bit into a spicy hen's thigh. He stared at Kiara who was already starting on seconds as the cooks from the eatery brought her another plate. "And not the only one."
"I walked for three hours in the hot sun, I deserve my food" she pointed out quickly before going back to her hot meal. Kaen'Dre stared at his mate from across the table and trilled amusingly to himself as he picked at his food. Feeling bold, Kiara grinned at him, "Do I amuse you, my lord?"
His mandibles dropped in surprise since she'd promised to keep their interactions low and cleared his throat as he tried not to choke on his food. Keeping a non-interested tone, he answered, "Of course not, princess."
The whole group went back to their meals to fill their hungry stomachs, especially the humans. The yautja weren't used to eating every day like them but did it out of courtesy. The meals would sustain them as they regained any lost energy but they were used to their own kind's food; however, their bodies could adapt to foods similar to theirs. After all, humans were not completely different in anatomy or biological composition like other species in the universe.
Kwei'De finished all of his dishes and beckoned the nearby human servants to bring him more. Kaen'Dre shook his head in embarrassment at his friend's gluttony while Ani'Twei laughed.
"How my sister fancies him is beyond me" he joked to his best friend in their language and Kwei'De flicked one of the eating utensils at him. Ani'Twei simply deflected it by flinging the small object away with his hand before it reached him.
"The young ones seem to be entertained" Elder Reig'Tu observed as he tried not to sigh at the young hunters.
At least they're mature compared to the Unblooded ones on board, he reminded himself.
"Kwei'De, you are a hunter, act like one" the elder scolded him in a paternal tone, which he used for most of his crew when they were beginning to irritate him. "Only pups act this way with company present."
"Yes, Elder" he obeyed and returned to his meal grudgingly. Getting a sudden thought, he asked out loud, "Will we explore today?"
"What is there except sand and more sand?" Hui-Lak snorted irritably as he stabbed at his food with a glare in his red eyes.
"You're just cranky you can't kill anything" Kwei'De shot back with a smirk as his brow ridges rose in triumph. "Or fuck anything."
Ani'Twei rolled his brown eyes as the hunter growled, "You envy my skills, loudmouth. Besides, I could have any of these pitiful females with my great superiority which they very much desire, even that princess right there. I bet she'd willingly bed a hunter of my caliber."
Hui-Lak looked at Kiara leeringly, who stared back at him clueless, and trilled in their tongue, "Nice curves and assets for a female pyode amedha. Though she has quite a tongue on her, I bet it could be put to good use during mating. After all, bedding a god would-"
"You will not do anything to her!" Kaen'Dre cut in with a sharp growl and slammed his hand on the table as the occupants stared at both men. How dare he insinuate such things about his beloved? And behind her back as well! His blood boiled at the simple thought of another male smiling lecherously at her. He lowered his voice as he glared at the smug male, "You will be courteous to these beings who aid us in the Hunt. If I hear you touched any female here wrongly, especially the princess, I will cut off your limbs personally."
"Did I touch a nerve, Kaen'Dre?" the older hunter taunted as Ani'Twei diverted the attention of the humans by engaging them in small conversation. Chuckling deeply, he made a mocking sound of recognition, "Oh yes, I distinctly remember you holding a female like this no more than a week ago! Was this the one? Did I strike a nerve then? I suppose you'd cling onto anyone who could make your name rise significantly. After all, males with awful lineages barely find a suitable mate, even a lowly ooman-"
"Enough, Hui-Lak!" Elder Reig'Tu barked at the insulting male who still wore a smirk over Kaen'Dre but ceased his rant. "You will treat your brethren with respect, no matter what lineage they hail from. If not, you can leave and rejoin Sife-Ru on the ship right now."
"I meant no disrespect but I will leave, my muscles itch for some training anyway" Hui-Lak responded and stood up from the table. Bowing to the elder, he addressed him in farewell before leaving quickly without sparing the humans or Kaen'Dre a glance.
"He will apologize to you for his words on the ship, Kaen'Dre" the elder told the furious male who had dug his claws deeply into the wooden table, splinters of wood scattered over the table. "There is no need to cause a scene here among the oomans."
"I don't need his apologies" he spat in a low growl as he glared at the table angrily. He knew males of his society needed to be ranking well to earn mates but to insult his own was unforgivable. She found him honorable and after his own hunts over the years, he knew it as well. Still, males needed lineages to prove what worthy hunters had been their sires and to rise in rank as well. He didn't know much of his father's lineage since he died when he was still young and his mother and grandmother were gone as well so he was truly alone. That alone had dwindled his chances to rise in rank and diminished potential females to breed his pups. Unlike his friends, he needed to prove himself constantly and he hated any slurs thrown his way even though his rank was fair.
"His words were still out of line" Reig'Tu pointed out firmly and shook his head in empathy. "You diverted from the path your sire had chosen for you, Kaen'Dre, that does not make you any less than the hunters here who accompany you. You're a strong hunter and you keep improving every season. You are honorable and successful in all your hunts, your rightful mate will come along and you will make strong lineages thereafter."
I already have my mate, Kaen'Dre thought as he sighed. A beautiful one that is almost forbidden to me. My respect would probably drop to nothing if I revealed it.
"I hope so" he muttered skeptically, but his mind did hope he would have the chance to make offspring with his mate, even if they would be hybrids.
My Kiara wanted to, he remembered fondly as the thought turned his mood from a rage to melancholic tone. Even so, our children would still need to be hidden from their rightful heritage because of our relationship.
"Is everything all right?" Kiara spoke up between the leader and her hunter. She'd noticed the angry look on Kaen'Dre's face moments before as Ani'Twei diverted their attention to their pyramids. However, her beloved's unknown conversation had drawn her focus.
"Yes, just a misunderstanding" Kaen'Dre said dismissively, purposely not giving her much attention. "We have more important matters to focus on than this."
"About that. . ." Kiara hesitated as she looked at the Elder. "My lord, must the ritual hunt take place now?"
"Yes, with the preparations, the hunt is delayed slightly already" he explained, giving no room for negotiation. Besides, the sooner it was finished, the sooner they could return to their clan ship. "There is a time alignment we must keep to maintain our order and for your kingdom to remain safe."
"But we are not safe right now, there are dangerous sorcerers prowling the lands, attacking our people!" she pleaded unwaveringly and looked into his blood-red eyes bravely. "Please, if you could just-"
"Kiara, we cannot demand from the gods for what they cannot give" her father interrupted firmly as he broke out of his own conversation to stop hers. Kiara sighed impatiently at the sturdy beliefs her people held about them. "This ritual will take place as soon as the temple is fixed and there will be no room for setbacks."
"But. . ." she trailed off and tried to think of something. Her people couldn't do anything but maybe she could appeal to the hunters. "If the rogues continue their attacks, your hunt could be ruined by their interference."
"And where are these rogues?" Reig'Tu asked, slightly curious.
"That is unknown but they will return until our kingdom is no more" she informed quickly as her heart hoped he'd reconsider. "They are dangerous-"
"I assure you that our kingdom is well protected so far" Atem interrupted, surprising Kiara. He was objecting to her plead? Why? She stared in disbelief as he continued, "We are not as weak to let petty criminals ruin what our gods hold dear. They will be dealt with before the temple is finished."
"I will hold you to that then" the elder nodded to him and turned his firm gaze to Kiara, "I understand your concern, young one, but you must trust in your leader's decisions."
"Yes, but my people are also my concern" she mumbled softly, knowing her battle was lost again. Why did no one listen, even a little? Sighing in defeat, she nodded, "I will agree to your judgment, my lord."
"It will work out, princess" Kaen'Dre added in sympathetically to his upset mate, but made sure to keep his tone neutral. She gave him a small smile as she looked up at his face.
If only his words could make it true, she thought solemnly. This whole event has worsened my overall mood, even more now that I cannot be with Kaen'Dre.
XXXXXX
"Atem, how could you refute my opinion?" Kiara asked as she sat behind her brother on his camel so she did not need to walk the long distance to the palace. Asim trailed alongside them in a slow trot as she stared at the sand, seeing the camel's feet indent it and leave footprints behind.
"You cannot question the god's decisions, we are their loyal subjects, not the other way around" he reminded in his brotherly tone as he counseled his sibling. Kiara pursed her lips in displeasure but said nothing. "You are too headstrong sometimes, sister."
"Egyptians are growing to their peak of their time, one day women will rise and cast off the shackles of remaining in the shadows" she replied proudly, hoping future generations would be better. Women may have been able to own property but education and high-ranking jobs were still withheld from her gender in favor of men. Hopeful, she declared, "One day we might even have women as Pharaohs!"
"That is impossible, only men can inherit the monarchy" Atem chuckled and felt the back of his head get struck. He forgot his sister's temper flared when she was demeaned in any manner. Groaning from the sudden pain, he cried out, "What was that for? It's a common fact!"
"I know, I just wanted to do it" she answered smugly and slapped his shoulder blade afterwards. "That is for the lunch incident."
"Most siblings would protect the next pharaoh" he whined as he massaged the back of his throbbing head while holding the reins in his other hand. "Not assault."
"No they wouldn't, they'd get rid of them" she pointed out loudly and he waved his hand at her to stop her ranting. She glared from the dismissive gesture and exclaimed, "Stop that!"
"Only until you become a quiet passenger like Asim next to us" Atem grinned as he watched the top round peak of the palace come into view as their caravan moved through the crowded streets. However, their people moved aside as usual to allow their pharaoh and gods passage and spoke in awed whispers to one another for witnessing them. The prince couldn't help but join in with his sister, "Isn't this exciting? Traveling with the gods as if they were mere mortals like us?"
"Hmmph" she responded gruffly, knowing they were more than similar in mortality.
"I think the sun melted your mind today" he teased and she groaned from the brotherly taunts. "All those rays seeping into your-"
Hearing surprised awes from their left, the two siblings saw a group of four riding their camels at an alarming speed. Surprisingly, they stopped in front of the pharaoh with correct precision to stop any possible collisions as the dust picked up around them. Kiara coughed and waved at the air to clear it as she squinted her eyes to see who had arrived and delayed their trip.
"It's Bomani" Atem told her once he got a good look and wondered, "Why is he here though? He was stationed near the outskirts until the late evening."
Bomani caught his breath as he dismounted his steed and bowed, "My pharaoh, I apologize for the delay but I have urgent news. Scouts on the western banks of the outposts have had a battle with the rogues. Our numbers were decimated due to the delay of aid by the outpost guards. Apparently, they are rallying numbers to their pathetic cause."
"Another attack?" Kiara whispered to her brother in shock and fear rose for her people living in the outskirts. Atem shushed her as they kept listening.
"Have the injured brought to the medics and we will prepare the dead for the journey to the afterlife" Abubakar ordered and shook his head solemnly in lament. "Were any settlements attacked?"
"No, the army at each outpost made sure they were dealt with before it came to that" his general answered and hesitated, "My liege. . .they have declared war on our sovereignty."
"On what grounds? Surely they cannot believe they're stronger than our military" the pharaoh demanded in surprise at the scoundrels audacity.
"Only the scouts know the answers, I came here to make sure the news were personally brought to your ears first" Bomani said as he awaited his leader's further orders.
"Have them debriefed as soon as you can" he ordered and nodded to him gravely, "If it is a war they want, it will be granted and they will be crushed."
Bomani nodded and bowed to Abubakar and Reig'Tu, "My lords."
The general departed as quickly as he'd come and Kiara saw the caravan move forward, silence filling the streets. She stayed quiet as she pressed her forehead over her brother's back and hoped things wouldn't get worse. First, a dangerous hunt and now war? What was their kingdom's fate coming to?
"Don't worry, sister" Atem comforted as he led the camel behind their father's. "We will overcome this. Those criminals cannot raise an army as strong as ours, no kingdom would even side with them."
"I hadn't thought of that" she groaned, feeling worse. If Memphis had any bitter enemies or rivals, they would itch at the chance to take them down. "Who knows what kingdom may try to join them for political gain and invade us?"
"Then we will ask Armana for aid" Atem assured and smiled proudly, "Uncle Jabari is pharaoh after all."
"Their people have their own matters, we must stand on our own to prove our strength" Kiara reminded but agreed to his statement. If the rogues wanted aid, then they would seek it as well.
"Besides, our army will be empowered knowing the gods have visited us out of all kingdoms" he pointed out cheerfully and she uttered a half-hearted chuckle.
Yes, the 'gods', will they let us fight alone or offer a hand?, she thought bitterly.
"Maybe now they'll delay the hunt" she mumbled, holding on to a shred of hope that it could.
"Father says the tradition will always go on, the same as it did with our ancestors" Atem said proudly and looked back with a raised finely arched eyebrow, "Why are you so adamant to delay it, sister? Is there something I do not know?"
"Of course not" she lied and looked down at the sand gloomily with downcast eyes. "I worry over these sudden changes is all."
"At least no civilians were injured" he said, trying to brighten her mood.
"But lives were lost with the scouts" she whispered and the siblings went silent as they continued their path to the palace. Kiara lamented for the innocent lives lost and glanced to up to see Kaen'Dre not far behind them.
Would his people help us?, she wondered and looked over his toned body. He's so powerful, he could take out a small band of enemies single-handedly without breaking a sweat. His people could really help us out but I doubt my father would ever let me bring up the option.
"Staring at your new friend?" Atem asked, noticing his sister's gaze towards the taupe colored being.
"He's not my friend" Kiara lied sharply but then lowered her tone, "Not yet. The gods are mysterious beings and one must be cautious before approaching them."
"Maybe you could tone down the bossiness towards the leader" Atem suggested in a light humorous tone as he gave her a grin. She smacked him over the head again at his jester and he groaned, "Kiara!"
"I am not bossy" she snapped in annoyance and raised her chin. "I am merely demanding when it comes to changing things for the better."
"Bossy" he laughed and was hit right between his shoulder blades. "Ow! Do that again and you're off the camel!"
"I am not bossy" she insisted again in a grumble as she stopped hitting her pestering brother. Patting his back, she smiled, "I'll buy you a trinket at the trader's post from the Land of Punt when they visit next month."
"Oh, they have exotic animals" he said, perking up instantly. With a smirk, he requested, "I want a monkey."
"A monkey? Why a monkey?" she asked, wrinkling her nose as her eyebrows raised in surprise. Those creatures weren't appealing, now cats, they were ferocious and graceful like the goddess Bastet. She snorted distastefully, "That thing will probably ruin the palace."
"Asim doesn't and he's huge" her brother pointed out and the leopard raised his head at hearing its familiar name. Atem crossed his arms while still holding the reins and raised his chin, "I want my monkey. You got your leopard when you were little and I want my animal."
"Fine but if it gives us parasites, I'm making Asim eat it" she threatened and laughed afterwards at the idea. In a playful tone, she suggested, "What about a frog? They're small?"
"I want a monkey" he stated decisively and scoffed, "Why would I want a frog? Unless I'm married and trying to get my wife fertile by the goddess Heqet, I want it far away."
"There's no way I'm changing your mind about the monkey?" she persuaded again and he shook his head. Sighing, she huffed and crossed her arms, knowing she'd get blamed for the new tenant joining them.
Mother will scream once she sees a furry rug flying over the ceiling, she thought.
"I hear they carry baboons also and they're much bigger than monkeys too" Atem said airily and gave her a sideways glance.
"Monkey it is" she growled as he laughed victoriously and the two finally saw the palace in full view in front of them as they drew closer.
"Maybe I'll name it after you" he joked with a laugh. She groaned and knew whatever creature her brother unleashed would cause chaos within their home. She'd picked Asim as a cub because he was clean and protective, what would be the use of a monkey?
He has the oddest sense, she thought.
"Do that and you'll wake up with snakes in your bed" she warned instantly, poking his back for emphasis.
"Point taken" he smiled and spotted their mother waiting at the entrance of the palace. Looking back, he told Kiara, "Home sweet home."
For now, she thought, her worries lingering again in her mind.
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End of Chapter 27. So now the character's face the Hunt and an oncoming war? Oh, whatever will they do? Thanks for reading and for your wonderful reviews, I enjoy your enthusiasm for the story.