Fallacies of Freedom

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story from The Mummy (1999) except for my Ocs.

Terms to Know:

Heru Nefer: Egyptian phrase meaning "A beautiful/good day."

Incense Cone: Women were often depicted as wearing incense cones on their heads at parties. As it burned, it left behind a pleasing scent that would replace perfume.

Kemet: Ancient Egyptian name for the land of Egypt. 'Egypt' is the Greek name. Kemet is the real name.

Sehkmet: Lion-Headed Goddess of War, Protection, Healing, and Chaos.

For every joy, there is a price to be paid.
~ Egyptian Proverb

Imhotep lay prone on the stone floor. His head was caught up in a hysteria of doom. Dark swirling clouds of smoke and grease filled his nostrils. Coughing, he was unable to escape the gloom. Peering through the grime, he turned in all directions, trying to get his bearings. The thick clouds that surrounded him were impenetrable. Laughter shook the ground beneath his feet, and he spun around, trying to pinpoint the noise.

The evilness of the voice seeped into his bones, rendering them powerless. His ears began to burn as the voice croaked out, "Imhotep…He Who Comes In Peace …you are perfect," the oily voice purred.

Imhotep tried to move, but his body was no longer his own.

"Hello?" he called into the obscurity.

The laughter was his only response. His bones began to feel as if they were crumbling, and Imhotep hissed in pain.

"You must pay the price." The disembodied voice whispered, the dank breath of the creature washing over him.

Imhotep legs began to scream in pain, and his teeth clenched against the agony. His ears burned with each utterance of the voice, like knives puncturing his eardrums. "What price?" Imhotep managed to wheeze through his torment.

Gaining control of his neck, he looked down at his hands and screamed. The flesh of his fingers sizzled away with each breath, leaving behind ancient bones in its place. As he watched, the last of his skin melted away, falling into the mist. Imhotep tried to scream once more but found he had no tongue. Darkness covered his eyes, and his panic began to claw at his psyche.

"What is happening to me?" He managed to gurgle out. The only thing that existed was pain.

The laughter grew in stature. Imhotep could feel an unholy feeling of darkness and power within him. As the voice spoke again, Imhotep felt himself lurch forward and fall to his knees.

A presence stood behind him, its harsh breath washing over him now. Imhotep felt his body oozing onto the sand beneath him, the only sensation left. The figure bent down and caressed him tenderly, like a father to a son. Whispering in his ear, Imhotep could feel his last breath leave his body as the evil one spoke, "Death… is only the beginning."

Waking up with a gasp in his chamber, Imhotep body was covered in a cold sweat. He almost wept. Shaking, he held his knees to his chest and heaved for breath, trying to understand what had just occurred. How could all of this happen from touching the scroll? It had to have been a dream. Why, then, did it feel so real?

Sitting there for an eternity, Imhotep finally looked out the small window on the other side of the room. The light outside was dim, and Imhotep was startled. Ancksunamun! Scrambling to his feet, he ran to the sundial, useless at this time of night, and he cursed his luck.

Resting his palms on its cooling surface, the rough stone cut into them. Trying to catch his breath, the last tendrils of his vision flowed from his mind. All that was left was an overwhelming feeling of primal fear. He tried to shake it off, to no avail.

Light footsteps behind him reached his ears, and he turned to see one of his priests waiting in the doorway. The torchlight shone behind him, obscuring his features from view.

"My Lord, it is almost supper time. Shall I send for someone else to retrieve the dancer?"

Imhotep's jaw shook, and he took a deep breath to steady himself. Seti will have my head if she is not there on time. Dinner is to begin any minute now. He knew how serious Seti was about his mealtimes and his entertainment. Guilt flashed through him at thinking of Ancksunamun as entertainment to his King.

Sighing, he replied. "Yes, Rehu, you may send someone along to fetch her. I will be along shortly…."

"It is done, Master." Rehu bowed and left Imhotep with his thoughts.

Swirling with images of his own flesh dissolving, and what the evil one said filled his mind. It flitted in his mind along with the beautiful face of Ancksunamun and the thoughts of Seti defiling her. Guilt and hatred battled inside him as he slumped against the sundial onto the floor.

I am a fool. I have failed her already…

Imhotep had not, in fact, shown up to escort Ancksunamun to dinner. A messenger had been sent from the Vizier in lieu, stating that Imhotep had other matters to attend to. She hadn't known whether to feel slighted or relieved. Though her heart felt bruised. Well just as good anyhow. I'm not worth his time… With that, she cleared him from her mind, though her heart hurt. As she donned her simple blue dress, lent to her from Safiya, she felt her heart pounding in her chest. Tonight would be her last night of freedom if the Pharaoh had his way. She was effectively sighing away her autonomy with a kiss.

"I will wait out here for ten minutes," the messenger said. "No longer." With that, he left through the alcove.

Another servant entered the room after the other, bowing.

"Dearest Ancksunamun," the small man said with a sneer, "The Pharaoh has requested you wear something special tonight. That dress… will not suffice."

Handing her an outfit, the messenger turned on his heel and left without another word. Safiya and Ancksunamun stared after him, dumbfounded.

"What's wrong with this dress I gave you?" Safiya said, incredulous. "My mother made this!"

Ancksunamun looked at herself in the mirror and twirled in the dress. "I think it's beautiful, Safiya! But I guess…I must wear this," she wrinkled her nose in disgust.

Undressing, she handed Safiya back her dress. Ancksunamun turned once again to gaze at herself in the mirror.

Looking back at her was a reflection she did not recognize. The outfit the Pharaoh gave her to wear was strappy, beaded, and tassled. Red and bedazzled, her stomach and breasts were highlighted. And her backside was very much on show.

"Well…you look hot, at the very least!" Safiya said with a smile. "Here, I have some kohl to complete the look."

Stepping back to admire her handiwork, the two girls peered into the mirror.

"Safiya…I look like a common whore. No one will take me seriously in this! Can't I just wear your dress? It's all pretty and blue…and covers me…."

"No! You must sell yourself to the Pharaoh if this plan is going to work!"

Ancksunamun glared at her.

"Wrong choice of words. I apologize!" Safiya held up her hands in defense. "But if the Pharaoh is to believe your loyalty to him, you must do this…." Brushing back Ancksunamun's hair from her face, she put her head on Ancksunamun's shoulder and gave her a hug. "I promise you. Everything will be alright. Here!"

Safiya turned and ran back to their chambers, disappearing from sight for a moment. Returning to the washroom, she smiled at Ancksunamun. "Hold out your hand. I have something for you."

Safiya placed a small amulet of Sekhmet in the palm of her hand. "Wear her for protection. She is the protector of women… Allow her to give you her strength and tenacity."

Ancksuamun turned the small red amulet over in her hands, admiring its beauty. "Safiya, I don't–."

Safiya cut her off, "I know, I know, you don't believe in the Gods. But for me, do it, please? She will protect you!" Safiya forced Ancksunamuns hand closed and stared into her eyes. "Stay safe. Remember the plan."

Ancksunamun swallowed, her nervousness increasing. "What if I'm caught? What do I do?"

"You won't be. You have Sehkmet. Carry her with you,always ." Safiya rested her forehead on hers for a moment before giggling. "Now go! And see why that Priest never showed up! I want the deets!"

"Fine! Thank you…. You are the truest friend I have." Ancksunamun said, barring her soul for a moment, the mushiness taking hold.

An annoyed cough sounded from the hallway as the messenger shifted his feet.

Safiya smiled at her. "Go! "

Ancksuanmun gave her friend's hand one last squeeze and held the amulet in the other. She prayed that Sehkmet knew what she was getting herself into.

The grand dining hall was cavernous. The room stretched for eons, never-ending. The ceiling was open, allowing a perfect view of the stars. There was no moon tonight, but the room was lit with torches, giving it a warm glow. But Ancksunamun knew looks were deceiving. This was not a room of warmth; it was a room of sorrow. For here, she would be losing herself tonight.

Exotic plants in pots lined the room. Some plants even grew from the floor, laden with fruits. Ancksunamuns eyes widened as she watched the servants pick from the trees and place the fruit on the table. At least it's from garden to table, she thought with a snort.

Servants bustled to and fro across the floor, frantic in their movements. The table was near empty, and the Pharaoh and the Queen had yet to arrive. Standing there, she felt the cool spring breeze chill her through the skimpy outfit. Crossing her arms over her chest, she walked toward a chair and sat down. Her heart was pounding in her chest. The amulet of Sehkmet was still grasped in her hand, and she did not want to let go. The jasper's coolness calmed her.

Looking at the table, her eyes widened in wonderment at the spread of food before her. Dates, figs, plums, melons, and other bizarre fruits ladened the table. A surplus of onions, leeks, radishes, turnips, and other vegetables were strewn about. Soups of beans and lentils boiled in heavy pots. Their fragrant steam spiced the air with their mouthwatering aromas. Peculiar meats were piled high on giant platters. Stomach rumbling, she reached toward a pile of grapes and felt her hand slapped away.

"Do you not know your manners?" A servant scoffed. "You wait for the Pharaoh and the Queen to arrive beforehand." He said, glancing at her derisively before disappearing.

Shrinking into her chair, she did not move for quite some time. She watched as many of the palaces elite entered. Some were royal scribes; others were priests. Noblemen, fan bearers, and entertainers poured in through the doors. They each took their respective seats.

High-class women sat regally in their chairs, incense cones atop their beaded wigs. They wore dresses of the finest linen and silk imported from distant lands. Their haughty faces looked around the room, poised and elegant in their demeanor. The room began to fill with the heady scent of their decorative incense. Ancksunamun looked down at herself. She felt out of place.

Maybe if I leave now and run away, I can make it back home. No one will notice if I disappear, right?

As she contemplated leaving, loud drums sounded from the right of her. Startling, she swallowed and turned to look. Her heart was pounding in her throat as she clenched the amulet of Sehkmet. The drumming grew louder and louder as the giant golden doors were thrown open. Oh, Goddess, please protect me! Ancksunamun pleaded in her mind.

Musicians entered through the doorway, each instrument more bizarre than the last. Beautiful dark-skinned dancers swayed to the beat of the drums. Her eyes widened as the front of a large golden palanquin entered through the doors. Royal fanbearers kept the Pharaoh cool as he was carried by no less than twenty men. His hefty frame spilled over his seat, and his face was a mask of pompousness as he surveyed the room. The Queen, Ancksunamun assumed, walked in behind him. Her long white dress trailed on the floor as she followed. She sat down at the head of the table and rolled her eyes.

Ancksunamun inhaled. The Queen was stunning. Her curly black wig was adorned with semi-precious stones and gold leaf. Her deep-set kohl-lined eyes observed the room, small lips pursed. Long elegant fingers played with the hem of the table, annoyance on her regal features. As the Queen looked around the table, her eyes landed on Ancksunamun. A flash of fear went through Ancksunamun as they made eye contact. A look of disgust came to the Queen's face, and she turned away.

Oh no, she knows who I am. She wished she had snuck out when she had gotten the chance. Ancksunamun shrunk down further into her chair, wanting to disappear.

The Pharaoh's throne was lowered to the ground, and he sat at the head of the table. The room hushed in resigned silence, all eyes on him. Servants ran from cup to cup, filling them with wine and beer from large jugs in the middle of the table. When they got to hers, Ancksunaum chugged hers down, feeling the effects at once. Her head fuzzy, she looked at the Pharaoh from across the table, hatred beginning to boil in her gut as it always did. Her eyes were hard as she glared at him, with no decorum left in her. Is this wine stronger than usual?

The Pharaoh clapped his hands. "Heru Nefer! Friends, family, my beautiful Queen….we are gathered here tonight for a feast. For the Gods smile down upon me and have blessed our land." Seti raised his chalice in a toast, signifying everyone to do the same. "To Kemet!"

He clapped again, his barrel chest resting against the table. Ancksunamun swallowed down her nausea. Servants filled her chalice again, and she once more guzzled the wine. Seti was breathing heavily, the room still silent as they waited for their master's orders. "Let us eat!" He commenced, and the table began to come alive with chatter.

Ancksunamun's mouth watered, and her anger was forgotten as she loaded her plate with food. She dug in. The wine and the beer intermingling within made her forget where she was and what would happen to her.If this is my last few moments of freedom, I may as well enjoy it now.

Giving into the pleasure of food, Ancksunamun enjoyed the royal banquet. It was unlike anything she had ever experienced. It was exquisite, and her plate was cleared within minutes. She sat back in her chair, satisfied. A whoosh of air brushed past her neck, and she stiffened. A radiating heat stood behind her.

"I apologize, My dear Ancksunamun," a deep voice whispered.

She shivered at the sound of his voice. It had been months since he had stood so close. Where had he been this evening? It's none of my business, she thought. But I want it to be…

Not bothering to turn, she spoke softly so as not to draw attention. "It is alright, Lord Imhotep. You had other things to attend to." Ancksunamun could not help but feel her heart squeeze in pain at her words. A flash of anger coursed through her.

"Let us speak later tonight." Imhotep's voice commanded, his warm breath caressing her ear.

Who does he think he is? Not showing up and then ordering me to speak with him? She fumed, but curiosity gripped her insides.

With that, he was off in a rush of black capes. He walked to the head of the table, his eyes proud, his face devoid of emotion. Imhotep looked noble as he reached down and whispered in Seti's ear. His eyes quickly flickered to hers and softened before they were blank again. He sat and took a seat to Seti's right. What does that mean? She thought, confusion filling her. The wine and the beer coursed through her veins. She wanted nothing more than to feel his full lips on hers… No! Stop it! You cannot entertain these thoughts! He's probably only talking to you later because he wants to apologize again! Nothing more than that!

So lost was she in her thoughts she almost jumped out of her seat when Seti bellowed from across the room.

"Anck Sun Amun!"

The room quieted. All eyes turned to look at her. Through her wine-drunken stupor, she felt helpless. This was it. This was the moment she had dreaded. The Pharaoh's face was jovial, full of hedonistic pleasure. His dark, cold eyes looked at her from across the extravagant table. Though they were miles apart, it felt like his eyes saw through her. Cutting her soul to shreds. Terror gripped her insides as he spoke again.

"The lovely dancer! Yes! Come, come!" He laughed in joy.

Ancksunamun shook as she stood. Looking at the Queen, she saw her look of pure hatred and swallowed. Pulling down the back of her outfit, she stood and approached the Pharaoh. Clenching the amulet of Sehkmet so tight it left marks on her hand, she prayed for help. A juxtaposition of hatred, fear, and nausea threatened to control her.

As she approached Seti, she saw how his eyes appraised her and worried she would be sick.

"You are looking quite enchanting this evening. A nice choice of outfit, if I may say so myself." Seti grinned, his black eyes twinkling. "Turn! I would like to see."

The entire room's eyes were on her. Silent tears threatened to overflow from her lashes. She turned in a slow circle for the Pharaoh, choking down her sorrow. He sucked in a deep breath as she turned, and she felt shame and humiliation course through her. Safiya's words rang through her head. "We're meat to him, don't you see?" Gritting her teeth, she turned fully and again made eye contact with him.

Imhotep sat so close to her she could feel his eyes on her too. Cheeks burning, she bowed at the Pharaoh's feet, knowing it was what she must do. Safiya's words ran through her head once more. "Think of this as getting revenge on the Pharaoh. He'll think you're one of his loyal subjects when really you're pulling the rug out from under him. It's brilliant." Tears of anger and humiliation fell to the floor at the Pharaoh's dirty feet, and she kissed them. Grimacing in disgust, she waited in trepidation for his following words.

"Stand, my sweet. I wish for you to dance for us. Show the room what I chose you for."

Hatred coursed through her veins at his command. Gritting her teeth into a smile, she remembered her place. If the Pharaoh is to believe your loyalty to him, you must do this…

Smiling at the Pharaoh, she stood, "Of course, My Pharaoh, as you command."

Seti's eyes darkened. Smiling back at her, he beamed. "Excellent! Stand over there, and allow the music to show off your pretty figure." He pointed to the stage where the musicians stood, awaiting their cues. "I'm sure you will not disappoint me."

Imhotep sat in the royal dining hall next to Seti. The vision that was the Goddess stood before him, swaying her perfect body to the sensual music. His yearning to be near her again had led him to be impulsive. He had no idea what he wanted to discuss with her that evening. He only wanted to be in her presence. Just being near her had made his skin burn with desire. How am I even supposed to be near her? She'll be owned by Seti by tonight…the thought struck a cord in him, and he felt numb.

Eyes trained on the beauty before him, he watched as she danced before the entire hall of people. There was no trace of nervousness or embarrassment on her features. But if he looked deeper, her eyes were distant and unhappy. Seductively twisting her body to the sounds of the sistrum, she was ethereal. A naiad gracing the shores of the Nile. Not able to take his eyes off her, he hardly noticed that the song had ended, and the Pharaoh stood next to him.

"Bravo, my dear Anck Sun Amun. Dance for us again," Seti said, his voice booming.

Imhotep internally cringed. He felt terrible. He wanted to grab her and sweep her from the room. I would go to the ends of the earth for this woman….but why? Why has she imprinted on my heart so? It does not matter…all I can do is protect her from him. But I can never have her if the Pharaoh has his way…

The inklings of his dream came back to him in bits and pieces as he stared at her. Terror gripped his insides. It was only a dream… squeezing his eyes shut, he took a few deep breaths. The Goddess swayed before him, and he relaxed in her presence. Taking a deep breath, he lost himself in the vision of her. Allowing her beauty to calm and sweep him away, he failed to notice Seti staring at him.

"Imhotep," Seti said as he finally noticed.

Imhotep smiled sheepishly. "Yes?"

"What do you think?" Seti asked, waggling his eyebrows at him. "Pretty nice, huh?"

"Yes, quite nice." Was his simple reply. They had gone through this routine for years, night after night. But tonight felt more foreboding. For it was she that danced before them tonight.

"I see you seem to like her as well, Imhotep," Seti said, his eyes darkening as he leaned toward him, his brawny arms on the table. "I pray that this is only a surface attraction becauseー" He sat back and smiled, putting his hands behind his head and stretching. "Of course, I have to have her. She will be mine."

"No doubt about it," Imhotep replied. He was beginning to sweat. The way Seti looked at him made him feel like a caged animal. Seti scrutinized every aspect of his face.

"Good, I'm grateful that you agree." He leaned in once more, his face inches from his own. Imhotep could smell his breath. "Could she be the one, Imhotep? The one to lift me from this curse?" Seti's eyes pleaded with him.

Imhotep swallowed as the music swirled around him, leaving him dizzy. Taking a sip of his beer, he sat back, fingers templed. "What do you want to hear?"

Seti laughed, his head thrown back. "I want you to say yes. I knew you weren't listening to me this afternoon! I asked you this very question, and you said yes!"

Imhotep tried to remember the conversation from earlier that day but was drawing a blank. "Are you quite sure?"

"Yes, I'm quite sure! I will have her…for she is a crown jewel." Seti turned to look at Ancksunamun again and sucked in a deep breath. He adjusted his loincloth a few times as she danced before them.

Imhotep grimaced and looked toward her as well. He sucked in his own breath. Each glance of her was imprinted in his mind. Her glittery outfit hugged her curves and highlighted her womanly shape. She was breathtaking; all he could do was tear his eyes away. He could not stare unabashedly at her here, not tonight, not ever. He needed to be more careful now. This was dangerous territory.

"Yes, Imhotep. She will be mine..." Seti said with a sigh. All of a sudden, he clapped.

Imhotep's throat went dry. He knew what came next.

Two servants pulled out his throne, and Seti walked over to Ancksunamun. The music halted. Her eyes widened as he approached her. Grabbing her hands, he whispered something in her ear, and her eyes widened further. Turning around, Seti addressed the room.

"Servants of Thebes! Tonight, we have made a fortuitous discovery in our newest dancer. Anck Sun Amun is to be my new Head Concubine! Let us rejoice!"

Tua-re scoffed on the other side of the table and caught Imhotep's eye.

"Does he really think he's found something in her? He's in for a treat," the Queen said, rolling her eyes at him. Standing up from her chair, she snapped her fingers for the Medjai and left the room without another word.

Looking after the Queen, he turned back to the spectacle. Ancksunamuns face turned gray, and Imhotep wanted nothing more than to comfort her. But he was bound by sacred law to obey his Pharaoh. He had to sit and watch as the life drained from her face. It was near impossible. Forcing a smile, the Goddess looked on the verge of tears.

"Thank you, My Pharaoh. This is quite an honor," she said, bowing stiffly.

Ancksunamun looked in his direction, her eyes brimming with tears. As he stared into her frightened eyes, he made himself a promise. Swallowing, he kept his own frustrated tears at bay.I vow to protect her from him if it's the last thing I do.