Chapter Seven- Senses and Shifting

Mahad slowly opened his eyes and then shut them again. Everything looked brighter, sharper, and clearer. It's morning and my senses are enhanced. Right now, it's my sight. He felt warmth against him and opened his eyes to slits to look around. The others were curled up around him. They kept me and themselves warm like this, like wolves would do.

His slight movement woke Atem who had been curled up by Mahad's stomach. He uncurled himself and sat up before looking at his friend. "Good morning," he said softly.

"Morning, my pharaoh," he replied just as softly.

"How are you doing?"

"Everything looks brighter. It is…a little hard to take."

"It'll fade in and out throughout the day as will the hearing and smell. Tonight, they will be easier when you change. Tomorrow morning, you'll be able to turn them on and off."

"How was your hunt?"

Atem smiled. "I was unsure if I could do it. I had to practice tracking a lot and Seto demonstrated how to stalk. I took down the first animal we smelled and it was exciting." His voice got a bit louder as his excitement grew. "The thrill of chasing after it, the speed with which I moved, the leap, and the killing bite. It was great."

"It was also great to watch as well," Aknadin spoke up behind Mahad. "The pharaoh is a natural hunter, just as I thought."

"The water was appreciated, by the way," Seto spoke up by Mahad's legs as he sat up. "We were thirsty when we got back."

"You're welcome. We won't have that problem tonight, right?"

"Right," Aknadin said as they began to pack. "The oasis has plenty of water. Hunting is not a problem either."

The four of them saddled the horses, got on, and rode back to the palace with Mahad dealing with a brighter, sharper world. It was when they were heading into the palace that Mahad experienced his first shift. His hands had changed halfway into paws before becoming hands again. It was noticed by Seto but he said nothing.

Atem followed behind his priests as they went to their places. He took his seat and called the court open. "Anything at all to report?" he asked at large and Isis came forward. "A vision came to me last night. I am not certain I understand it."

"Of course. What did you see?"

"I saw the court, Bakura, and a wolf."

"Perhaps your vision predicts an attack," Shada said.

"If Bakura was seen, it must be so," Seto agreed. It could also predict that Bakura is a werewolf or that he will use a trained wolf to attack the court. Heh, Mahad's magic would put a stop to that; as long as the attack is not today, that is. He glanced at Mahad who had discreetly covered his nose by making it look like he was pinching the bridge.

Mahad lowered his hand as his sense of smell faded to normal. He sighed softly. This is worse than I thought it would be. It'll be all right, though. Once I change, my transition will be done. He felt a tingle in his feet and suspected that they had partially become paws. The tingle faded and then went to his ears which caused his hearing to sharpen.

"Mahad? You plan to run a patrol after the meeting?" Atem asked.

Mahad stepped forward and knelt. "I do, my pharaoh."

"Good. I want to run some ideas past you before you begin."

"Yes, my pharaoh."

"Seto, the tablets?"

"All secure and accounted for. I will check again today."

"Court dismissed, then." Everyone except Mahad left and he gave Mahad an understanding look. "I know what you're going through. It will get better later."

"I know it will. My hearing was sharper until a few seconds ago. I admit that, as overwhelming as they are, they are also incredible."

"They are. Once yesterday morning had arrived, I was able to control them and truly be impressed by them."

Aknadin followed Seto to the tablet storage building some time later. "One more night and then we can change when we want and actually talk."

"I look forward to that but I do like the full moon," Seto said, his eyes probing the tablets for cracks or chips as well as making sure all were there. "Hmm, we still have two criminals in the dungeon. They need to be judged."

Perhaps we will once Mahad has finished patrol."

As if on cue, a guard approached, knelt, and said, "The pharaoh requests your presence." He left and father and son followed him out and to the throne room where the rest of the court was waiting.

Atem nodded as they took their places. "Mahad found two more criminals, so we will hold four trials now. Seto, the tablets are the same as before?"

"Yes, my pharaoh."

"Very well. Then, let us begin."

The guards brought in the first prisoner and the trial began. Mahad put his hands behind his back as his fingers tingled and then it faded. His attention was not needed during this part of the trial and for that he was grateful. His senses and shifting were distracting as it was, though it was getting better. He was becoming accustomed to the sharper senses, but the shifting was still annoying. Once, during patrol, his muzzle had partly formed before going away. Luckily for him, no one had been around when it happened. He thought of tonight and concluded that no supplies would be needed. There would be shelter and water at the oasis and he resolved that he would hunt like the others. So, he was surprised when Atem got up after the trials and announced that he would handle the food inventory himself and requested that Mahad accompany him.

"I want you to choose what meat you would like," Atem said.

"Of course, my pharaoh but I had considered hunting with the rest of you."

"Not tonight. Aknadin told me that a wolf's first night is traditionally food already bought and ready to eat. It makes sense as he would have enough to handle with his body's movements. Also, four wolves hunting together attracts too much attention; better done in pairs or threes. You will get another time, I promise. I would be happy to teach you myself."

"Thank you for your offer. I accept."

"Excellent." The pair entered the room and Mahad approached the meat, his nose flaring as he looked over his choices. He was a little surprised to find that he had no craving for meat. Another false tale. Very little of the verbal tales are true and it's better that way.

"Of course it's better that way," Aknadin said as they headed for the tunnel when Mahad made this observation. "It protects us from harm. I admit, I don't like most of the tales and would like to dispute them, but that may prompt people to seek us out and kill us if they knew how vulnerable we really are."

"Not may; it would prompt them," Seto clarified. "If they knew we were not weak to silver, they would attack with swords and spears."

"But we heal quickly from cuts and scratches, right?" Mahad asked as they reached the tunnel and crawled into it.

"Yes," Atem said. "But one cut across the throat and it's over. A torn throat does not heal as quickly. Seto told me that last night while hunting."

"I'm a little nervous," Mahad admitted.

"That's understandable," Seto said. "I knew for years what would happen so I was only excited. Trust me, Mahad, once you've changed, you will love being a werewolf. I know it."