Chapter Three- Learning

Mahad stirred and was aware that he was lying on his side instead of his back. At first, he wondered why and then felt something furry move across the back of his legs. He got out of bed, lifted his robes, and craned his neck to see a wolf's tail the same color as his hair. He focused on moving it and it responded easily. He dropped his robes, concealing the tail nicely and lifted his hands to his head and felt two ears on his head. He then strode to a mirror to take a closer look, looked into the mirror, and recoiled in horror and shock. His eyes were gold-brown and were so intense-looking that it scared him. He turned away from his reflection, smoothed down his hair, put on his hat, and left the room, his head slightly bowed and his eyes focused on the floor. His eyes were so wolf-like, he couldn't bear to look at anyone.

He sensed the eyes of the court on him as he took his place. He felt his tail twitch slightly and a sense of shame came over him. He had gotten bitten as a result of a noble act, but surely he could have saved Seto another way. He could have used his magic to raise a protective shield. His shame turned to anger and chagrin as he thought of this action. I have magic, but I didn't use it. That was stupid and foolish of me to not use it.

Atem entered and all six bowed as was normal. He took his seat and regarded Mahad; like Reynard, he looked normal but knew the eyes would show that he wasn't. However, he kept his head down and eyes averted. Does he think we're afraid of him or is it something else? He wanted to ask that question but knew it would distract them from other matters that were just as important. I usually start with Mahad, but given the circumstances, I'll end with him. "Seto, your report."

Mahad was a bit surprised to hear the court open with Seto but reasoned that his condition would be discussed so it made sense for him to go last. This is a terrible thing to happen to me. Wait. Terrible! Isis' prediction! She said it would be terrible, but not entirely unpleasant. I fail to see the unpleasant aspect as I could have avoided it.

"Mahad, report," Atem said at last.

Mahad approached and knelt. "Night shift reported no problems. All was peaceful even as Reynard ran by."

Atem nodded before saying, "Mahad, why are you not looking at anyone? Do you believe we're afraid of you? Or is there another reason?"

"I do not wish to frighten anyone with how my eyes look. I saw them myself this morning and they frighten me."

"You cannot avoid eye contact forever," Atem pointed out. "You will need to look at your students and the guards."

"And me," Seto put in as he came over to Mahad and pulled him to his feet. "No one is afraid of you and we have an idea of how your eyes are now. Word of the attack has no doubt spread through the palace and no one within will be afraid. If anything, I think you are the one who's afraid."

That got Mahad to look at Seto with shock. "Afraid? Me?"

Seto gazed into Mahad's intense gold-brown eyes. "Yes, afraid. You fear how others will react to you and you fear how you will act tonight."

Mahad sighed. "You're right. I am afraid. I don't want to be like Reynard in regards to my actions and I fear how others will treat me."

Seto pulled Mahad into a hug. "I won't treat you any differently than before. You are still the man I love." He felt Mahad move closer to him and he smiled as he reached toward the white hat. "Now, let's see those ears," he said as he quickly whipped off the hat.

"Seto!" Mahad gasped as he stepped back.

Seto stared at the ears. They were longer than Reynard's had been and had an elegant look to them. He reached out to one and ran his fingers over the back, feeling the smooth fur there. "Nice. Those ears suit you."

"Do they?" Mahad asked softly with a sigh as he savored the feel of his ear being rubbed.

"Yes. You could probably hear things we can't now."

Mahad blinked at this comment. "Yes, of course. My senses are sharper now. Smell, sound, and sight will be enhanced." He turned to Atem. "My pharaoh, may I run a security patrol now?"

"Of course." Atem watched with a small smiled as Seto replaced the hat and Mahad left the room. "Good work, Seto. Your words are what he needed to hear."

Seto bowed. "Thank you, my pharaoh." He then smiled in amusement. "Mahad will likely be playing with his senses while on patrol. My comment on his hearing made him realize the advantages he has gained."

"Advantages he may explore again once night falls," Isis added.

"Speaking of night, Mahad will desire meat as wolves are meat-eaters for most part," Atem said.

"I will attend to that," Seto said before court was adjourned.

Mahad was astounded. Everything seemed clearer to his eyes. His ears heard conversations, loud and soft despite his hat. The myriad of scents, however, was a bit overwhelming and he was working on filtering them out. Some of the scents he focused on were unpleasant such as rotten fruit and unwashed bodies. Other scents were pleasant like the fresh desert air and a person's individual scent. He mused over how that would come in handy in apprehending criminals who were able to elude capture. This would be the pleasant part of Isis' vision. Hmm, maybe the terrible part was just the attack itself as the aftereffects are not too bad.

It was clear to him that his senses would make him an efficient captain and tracker of criminals and his guards did not fear him. They did ask how he was coping and expressed their condolences of the attack.

"I appreciate your concerns," he had said. "I also am pleased that you are not afraid of me."

"Never, Master Mahad," one called out. "It is clear that this has not changed you."

"In terms of personality, that is correct. I do bear the physical signs of my condition and will transform every night." Mahad did not look away, determined to not be ashamed of his signs. He was still a bit angry that he didn't use magic last night and dwelled on that as patrol ended. He went up to Atem after patrol and knelt. "All is still peaceful, my pharaoh."

"Just as Isis predicted yesterday." As Mahad rose, Atem saw the slightly angry look on his face. "Mahad? You seem upset, my friend."

"I am, but at myself. If I had used my magic last night, I would not have been bitten."

Atem knew Mahad had a point, but then so did he. "You tend do not use it often. Besides, Reynard was already lunging forward when you tackled him and it was Seto who was in danger."

The look of anger faded as Atem talked. The points Atem made were sensible and true. If I hadn't intervened, Seto would have been bitten and he's prone to be angry longer than I would be. "You speak the truth, pharaoh."

"Of course. Now, how did the senses tests go?"

A small smile appeared and his hidden tail swished which made the robe ripple a little. "They are astonishing. My vision is clearer and sharper and I can see further than before. My hearing is sharper. I can hear any volume of speaking. My nose is a little too sensitive. I have to learn to filter out the scents but what I've already learned is impressive. It made patrol more interesting to me."

"I'm glad that you're feeling better about this."

"Much better." Both heard cloth tear and when Mahad turned to leave, Atem saw a dark brown wolf's tail. Mahad looked back at Atem with another small smile. "Seto did say the entire palace knows and a concealment spell can hide it on patrols." Atem chuckled a little as Mahad left.