-Melissa Whitaker-

I woke with a start to the door rattling. Quickly picking up my sword I had lying beside me as I process where I am. Right, enemy territory. And my protection detail proceeded to have supper with them after our argument.

My extra precaution in the form of wedging the dresser between the door and the wall worked to keep them out, noting they seemed to be slamming themselves into the door to try and break in now. I'm not at all happy that this is happening, scrambling to gather the few things I had on me before darting for the window. A small ledge lines the outer wall of the building, so I take a breath as I hook my khopesh to my side before climbing out to test my balance against it. Quickly closing the window, I go to jump the rest of the distance to the sand beneath. I can hear the door being ripped off its hinges, so I go to run around the edge of the building.

Our camels are still in the spot we left them. I quickly go to take my bag and Amos' bag of statuary items off before slapping the asses of the two animals to make them run off. Then quickly dart behind the sandstone trough to the front doors opening.

Someone snorts, "Looks like girly ran off without you. Maybe not as popular as you think, eh?" I peek only slightly beyond the stone to see a guard dragging a very unconscious Amos toward a carriage being wheeled around by two Arabic horses. "Oh, you finally went under? Good, I didn't want to hear more bullshit from you anyway." He finalizes this as he tosses the statuary magician into the back.

"Damnit Amos," I mutter in anger as I watch the owner of the place approach the carriage before the guard can situate himself.

"Make sure he has absolutely nothing on him. I'm not entirely certain that he wasn't aware of the SOS the last one sent out. I'll be paying him a visit in the morning."

"If he knew, why would they still send him out?" The guard finds it amusing.

"The same reason Iskandar would send statuaries out to try and push us to use their fucking tools. They are fools, the Per Ankh. Now go, before I suddenly decide I'd rather kill him."

I move back to be completely behind the stone as the owner of the operation goes back inside, hearing the carriage wheel out. An SOS? Michel hadn't mentioned anything about that. I freeze as I hear the owner scream, "Find her now! She couldn't have gotten far."

I grab both bags, finding Amos' is significantly heavier than mine so I move it to my shoulders and make my way as far away from the building as I can. Relatively in the direction the carriage had gone, I intend to find Kane in the morning so I can officially set the whole place on fire like I've been wanting to. Once I felt I had given myself enough distance from the place, I went to settle myself quietly behind a dune to hide from the road.

There's a familiar blue glow from the statuary's bag as I settle it on the sand from my shoulder. I roll my eyes and stretch my shoulders a bit before I attend to this light. It's a small portable bowl for scrying, I've seen these before but never found a reason to carry one myself. I open it and am surprised to find a distraught Julius peering up at me. Great, this day is just getting better.

"Melissa?" He's apparent in his confusion. "Where's my brother?"

"Uh," I peer around to make sure I'm in the clear to talk for at least a few minutes. "Busy. You know, statuary things?"

He frowns at that. "He didn't mention that he was going to have someone accompanying him."

I just shrug at that, "Honestly, I wasn't even aware I was being partnered with him."

He sighs in annoyance at that. "Okay, well just tell that idiot to scry me back. I have choice words for him."

I raise an eyebrow at that. "Sibling argument?"

"Will be," Julius rubs his face with his right hand. "He didn't tell me that our mother can't even walk. She fucking fell down the stairs, Melissa! I was stupid and believed her when she said she was fine. She is not fine!"

I take a moment to process what he said. "Wait, what's wrong with your mother?"

He shakes his head to calm down before he goes to answer. "Amos has been helping her around the mansion the past two weeks. I only just found out because he wanted me to come back and help while he was out. I'm not sure what is going on, he held a lot of things back that I'm finding out now."

My heart aches. Nadia Kane is sick? And Amos still took orders from the Chief Lector to come out here? And now the idiot is in the enemy's hands. "I'm really sorry to hear this. Is she okay after the tumble she took?"

"She's okay, I guess. Ruby is taking the first watch in her room though so I could chew Amos out for this." Julius hesitates a moment, "I think she might be done. Just a matter of time, I'm sure."

I hold back tears before I speak. "I'll chew that idiot's head off for you, and make sure he contacts you so you can continue from there."

He just shrugs, "Sure, I guess." He takes a breath to bring himself to a more serious expression aimed at me. "Be careful, Mel. The Per Ankh hasn't changed much since I stopped working under Iskandar. Sending a combat magician to a 'simple statuary deal' is a giant red flag." A pause before he continues, "Amos is certain to know what to do, just keep yourself on your toes. He'll make it obvious when he needs your assistance."

I blink in surprise at this. "Wait, do you-"

"Desjardins and Iskandar still consider my brother a valuable player in their dealings. They wouldn't send him out for some easy proposal."

"Even if three other statuaries have gone missing before they sent us?" I feel uneasy saying as much, but Julius doesn't seem very affected by the news. I sigh as I process the weight of that. Jabari put his sons on the front line very young, and it's taken its toll. "Sorry."

"Honestly, it bothers me more that I'm not out there, but my hands are now tied with the condition our mother is in. Besides, Michel would have begged if he thought he needed me there, and I haven't heard from him in three years. My faith stands with you."

Julius would have protected him. The pained scream overcame my senses now. He had just pulled the knife out, reacting to having cauterized the injury after. Who the fuck else would think to do something like that immediately in this situation?

I limped to him, making sure that Theo asshole wasn't still lingering around to attack us further. I pick the knife up and quickly slip it into my bag. Amos is clearly not aware of his surroundings at this point, brown eyes glassy as I kneel beside him.

I could pick him up, like I had. Hoping he would make it to the San Francisco Nome. But he won't, and I sniff at the emotions hitting all over again. "Tell your brother I'm sorry."

I've played it all out in my head numerous times. If I had sliced at a different angle at different times to strike a blow on the Roman. If I had done anything that could have spared the General of Armies. None of it played out in my head as him making it out. Miserably having to accept this fate, failing.

Us combats have been trained to never accept failure. Our duty is to fight, offense, or defense. The weight of protecting the Per Ankh is on our shoulders, failing to do so is a failure on you as a person and your training. Never expect anyone other than ourselves to do the fighting.

Julius Kane was put on a pedestal, a shining example of what is expected of the rest of us. Jabari's trophy. And boy, did he play his part well around the rest of us, he was expected to be our role model. Hardly any of us took a peek behind the curtain to see the real Julius behind the act. A warrior demanded to perform under pressure, even though he had other priorities personally. His leaving the Per Ankh was met with a mix of confusion from some, anger, and understanding from the few of us that could read that the man is fucking human, not gold.

I spent a few years idolizing my peer because we were practically trained to do as much. Caroline's relationship with Amos is what opened the curtain for me. That was a man to be respected, not worshiped. He didn't expect much from any of his peers, because he knew what that kind of pressure feels like. Someone who honestly couldn't care less about his reputation if it was ripped out from under him, it would make life so much easier to bear.

And I failed him, by allowing one he holds close to pass on. A stubborn-headed idiot, a naïve little brother of Julius, a leader willing to keep pushing forward, smartass, friend. I knew something was off about Theo, I should have followed my instincts sooner. In my failure, the Romans claimed an important soul from the Per Ankh. The man supported Julius because it was his brother, not a trophy on display.

Now that I've come to accept that this is to be, I recognize that Amos deserves the same peace that Julius looked for. The House of Life damaged these two. I can only hope now that he is finally spending deserved time with Caroline. No longer worrying about silly politics. He's done enough.

I woke up two hours early this time, better than not sleeping I suppose. Sighing, I roll out of bed and start readying myself for the day. It's the day before our Pharaoh intends to be here. I'm expecting seven more nomes to appear. My scouts are to report their findings so I can report it all back to Pharoh upon his arrival of what we should expect. Battle plans that I can suggest, I will not suspect Julius' son to be knowledgeable in battle strategies to the extent that I am.

The San Fransico Nome is overflowing with magicians, and rooms filled with reinforcements for us to expect more. Tents have been pitched around the building to accommodate at this point. The Sixtieth's members assist with feeding the growing army and supplying it with whatever is needed. Either genuine support or fear, I can tell they are not fond of me after placing their Nome Leader as a traitor.

Cuba is the first to make their appearance, I'm told that Hungary had appeared earlier in the morning. Breakfast is divvied out as fast as the nome can provide. Three of my four scouts are back to report. The silence that follows my question on the missing finalized what had perhaps happened: prisoner or dead. Means the Romans are aware we intend to launch an attack soon.

The scouts were still able to provide the information I required. Their routine Amos and I experienced was the same every day, not a show due to having visitors. Great, that can leave us opportune times to strike when and where. I dismiss them to clean up and rest before we launch our attack tomorrow.

I spent most of the day on battle strategies. Difficult, because the Romans had shown their skill in building defenses. Upkeeping siege weapons, the war elephant. We will have to use everything we have to get any kind of advantage. A sudden earthquake could be a matter of overtaking any defenses. A line of fire to protect any side we could be vulnerable to attack from.

A knock on the door detracts from my studying. An established combat magician from Spain is in the hallway upon opening. "You have a Derrick Smith wanting an audience with you."

I hesitate at that. We haven't talked about my failure yet. Honestly, I wasn't sure how to approach discussing it with him, and I was grateful he didn't pry. All he knew was that Amos didn't make it out of that camp, and I did. He took on my leading responsibilities of our Nome once I took on the role of General of Armies. What would he be doing here?

So, I was surprised to find him unloading supplies of clay and wax with only vaguely familiar faces. I clear my throat to get his attention, the man's eyes lighting up. "Mel, you look like you've been busy!"

"I have," I gesture to the number of tents around us. "What brings you here?"

"I called in some favors," he explains. "These are some of the best statuaries the Per Ankh has. I'm providing clay so they can build whatever you require still. I also brought wax for any of your more intermediate statuaries you have already."

I take a moment to process this, eyes landing on the men and women around him who have stopped unloading to watch this conversation unfold. "Statuaries don't exactly excel in battle."

"No, we don't," A woman of Asian descent speaks up. "But we lost an important representation of what we can do. We'd like to fight in honor of Amos Kane if you will allow it."

I study her for a moment, noting the determination to be here. I've always wondered if other talents followed the same code of conduct as combats do. Loyal to each other, in the end we may need their support in a fight, no reason to make enemies.

"We know that Amos studied under Iskandar," A male voice speaks up. "We were instructed to not speak on the matter. We'd like to show our respect to him."

Another step forward, and I recognize him from when Amos and I overthrew the clay supplier years ago. A knowing look on his face, because he must have told them all that he had been the one to tell me. Because Amos should have been taking classes from him, and it didn't happen. He only showed respect towards him, keeping him safe while incapacitated while we armed the workforce to fight back.

I cross my arms as I take another second to take them all in. "Your help is welcomed here. There should hopefully still be space to set up your tents. We plan to launch our attack once Pharaoh is here tomorrow."

-Trevor Starr-

There's doomed silence after Francis Sabat stopped reading. I peer at Zia Rashid to see if maybe she thinks this is what our late Setian was trying to hide. Wouldn't make sense, even Desjardins seems like he believes it's done and over with.

There's one thing for sure. If I pried some in Amo's drunk state the last time we talked, I might have known why Amos felt guilty over Caroline's death. This bothers me some, because if it was done and over with, why was he thinking about it under the surface of his constant masking? While yeah, it's a girl he had a crush on that died, I have a sinking feeling there's a reason he had cracked some.

Zia frowns but shakes her head. "That, um, certainly explains why he was always touchy when her name would get brought up. However, it sounds like they all trust it was destroyed."

I clear my throat immediately at that, three sets of eyes on me. "Zia, I took Amos out drinking to get out of the nome some. A few beers and shots in," I exhale to force myself to just spit it out, "he mentioned Caroline Smith's death. How he felt guilty, but I was trying to be nice and keep him in a better mood and forget it so I didn't let him get further into it."

I'm rewarded with a glare from Zia. "So, Sadie was right, you both showed up inebriated early in the morning?"

I cross my arms in annoyance at this woman's judgment. "Why are you against the idea of fun? If anyone needed a fucking break it was him, sorry not sorry." And I'd do it again because what the fuck is wrong with a human being needing space from the standards people think they have to uphold all the time?

Sabat closes the journal, taking Rashid in. "I don't think searching for this is going to help in any case. We have one more day before they launch their attack on Camp Jupiter. We're better off speaking reason."

Zia nods in understanding. "Fair, I'll speak with Carter, and see if I can get him to at least consider waiting."

"I don't think that's going to stop Whitaker," I point out.

"Then what do you suggest, Starr?" Francis asks, seeming a bit worried about what my answer might be.

I give a stressed exhale as I take them all in. "Mel's always been aggressive. I'm going to head to San Francisco, see if I can delay her some."

Max immediately gives me a confused look. "Um, you didn't do well fending her off last time, Trevor."

"Yeah, but what else do you suggest?" I ask the Animal Charmer.

He slouches some. "I'll come with, can't have you trying to get yourself killed."

"I need to get ahold of Abby first, tell her to get Melanie out of the Twenty-First. She's going to hate it, but I can't take the risk."

"What risk?" Zia asks.

I stare at her for a moment before realizing she doesn't understand. "I'm not letting my daughter get caught up in all of this."

Zia rolls her eyes to that. "We wouldn't let initiates-"

"Ah!" I stop her right to the sound of a lie. "What happened at the First Nome when Jacobi attacked? You guys were just there to visit or something? Don't bullshit me, Rashid. Friedrich got too close, and I'll be damned if I allow someone to try and blindside me on my daughter's safety."

"What do you require of me?" Sabat asks.

I hesitate a moment. I doubt he would be of much help coming with. And what would his mother have to say about it if he turned up dead, probably celebrate that too at this rate. "Just keep a good eye on those journals."

Francis isn't exactly happy with that answer, but I gesture to Max to leave with me anyway. But upon opening the door, I give a frustrated sigh to his newly wedded wife taking me in as well. "You better be here to try and continue your last fight with Zia." I cross my arms as she rolls her eyes.

"I wouldn't fight her," Alisha/Sabrina/I don't know anymore clarifies quickly. "My husband has far too many guests for this late at night."

I huff at that, "And it's not to discuss shit that's been going down since your little crush got himself killed in a Roman Camp." I turn to Francis now, "She told you about her thing for Amos, right?"

Francis rolled his eyes at that, "We talked about it, yes. He made it very obvious he didn't feel the same. Didn't even attend our wedding either."

"He would be alive if he had," the fire elementalist adds.

I glare back at her, "Yeah, bet he soured the event not attending, right?"

She takes a moment to digest my accusation. "It has nothing to do with timing, I would rather he still be alive."

"Yeah, I know," I step around her to get past her in the little space she provided between her and the entryway. "Sabat, keep your feral fire woman here, that's your new role in all this."

"Feral?" Max questions immediately as the woman sidesteps to allow him to follow me out. "Seems regal to me?"

"She was rogue last year, Hunter. And reeks of trouble if you ask me." I peer at her and snort at the apparent switch in appearance. "You even removed your piercings."

"They've healed decently," Sabrina confirms.

"Attempt to get Chloe's approval?" I judge quickly, earning a frustrated huff from the woman. "I'm pretty certain that even she knows you can't pull the rogue out of someone, just slathering it in makeup doesn't take your past life away."

I gesture to Max to leave with me. "Tell Old Fart that his son is a sad little man, yes?" Sabrina yells out.

I kept walking, recalling my father accepted that was the nickname she had given him. "I'm a fucked-up mess, get it right, Sis."

-Ptolemy XV Caesar-

I bow as the son of Mars leaves. Reyna stands oblivious still, excellent news. Seems the only problem at the moment is the other praetor. Sad, I'd rather the Egyptians rid of him than have to get my hands dirty again.

I left the Principa, noting Grace talking with Zhang, confirming my suspicion. Our eyes meet, and I give him something of a friendly smile. After all, there's still time before my plan comes to fruition, deception is still very much key to it all playing out. Too bad some of it will have to be altered. I was hoping to allow Egypt's fraudulent Pharaoh to kill Grace himself, and establish old conflicts again between the two pantheons.

Like Horus, in an urgent attempt to take back his namesake, I plan to swoop in. The Per Ankh has grown weak, establishing my power over their Pharoah will force them to follow my leadership again. Rome will worship the ground I walk on for enacting vengeance. And I will happily take back my kingdom. Reuniting Egypt and Rome, like Narmer had united Lower and Upper Egypt.

The next stage is weeding out any that still respects Iskandar within the Per Ankh until they finally bring his apprentice before me. From what the silly Setian had explained, it sounds as if it will be quiet the bloodbath, but required. From there, it's up to them if they honor my place as their united ruler and hand over my namesake, the crown my mother always promised was to be mine.