Chapter Eight- Preparation

Atem took in his court and the guards as he gathered his thoughts. The guards looked at their injuries as well as Atem's with fear while the court stared at Isis with suspicion and perhaps a bit of betrayal too. "I know this seems bad," he began.

"Pharaoh," Aknadin said as he came forward and knelt. "This is bad. You, the guards, and Isis were bitten."

"I was not bitten," Isis cut in. "My father was a werewolf. I am not a monster and I'm completely aware of myself every night. I can only speak as a wolf during the full moon and I do not desire human flesh."

"Why didn't you tell us three days ago?" Seto asked.

"I never knew my father and Mother never spoke of him. It's likely she knew I carried it but hoped it wouldn't surface."

"Mistress," one guard said. "Are you saying that tonight we'll speak as wolves but be aware of ourselves?"

"That is correct. Tomorrow night, we'll change again but can talk."

"Then, being born or bitten is not the terrible thing we thought it was. It is how it is used that makes it good or bad," Mahad said.

"Correct," Atem said. "Mahad, if you could check the people to insure none of them were harmed."

"Yes, my pharaoh." He left the room.

"Pharaoh," Aknadin said. "We were supposed to celebrate you and Isis being together."

"Yes, but we can do that tomorrow. I also propose that the seven of us," he gestured to the guards, Isis, and himself. "Spend the night where the spirit temples are located and have enough food and water for the night."

"Yes," Aknadin said. "I would be willing to provide the food and water."

"Granted. Furthermore, there will be no need for additional guards with us. Five is more than enough even if they're werewolves." Atem gave a gentle smile to the guards who all knelt before him.

Atem dismissed everyone, telling Isis and the guards to get some sleep. He wanted to sleep too but he needed to wait for Mahad's report on the people. He hoped no one else had been bitten even though he knew that it wasn't bad being bitten into a werewolf.

I will have the sharper senses that Isis has as well as the speed and strength of a wolf. I will walk on four legs and only speak as a wolf, the latter for only tonight until the next full moon comes. I know I can still speak wolf, but I will speak as human as well. I honestly look forward to my transformation tonight.

"My pharaoh," came Mahad's voice and Atem focused on the man kneeling before him.

"Report," he said.

"No one else was harmed by Bakura or his pack."

"Good. I…will need to inform them of the attack. I cannot hide this from them. Aknadin has volunteered to provide food and water to Isis, the guards, and me and we will be in the spirit temple yard and only the bitten guards will be needed for protection."

"As you wish. Pharaoh, you did not seem surprised when Isis changed. That says to me that you already knew."

"Yes. I had intended to tell the court yesterday but Bakura's threat changed that. I had planned to tell the people of Isis' heritage once I have her permission. I knew that Isis was a wifewolf when she changed on her birthday."

"I thought as much seeing as she didn't know before that night."

"I wanted to wait until I knew how Isis would be on the full moon."

Mahad then paled a little. "Isis was ill today. All the silver in the room must have been very painful to her."

"Yes and no doubt to Bakura and his pack. The guards and I will gain this weakness tonight."

"Given that, I will see to the removal of all silver in the palace and later on, the city as well."

"That would be most appreciated. See to it at once."

"Yes, my pharaoh." Mahad left and Atem retired to his room, informing a guard to awaken him at sunset. He laid in his bed and closed his eyes, feeling exhaustion sweeping over him. Maybe the bite has something in it that tires the victim. He sighed as he fell asleep.

Isis yawned as she stood and stretched. She felt refreshed and recovered from her exposure to all that silver. A glance out her window showed a late afternoon; not quite sunset. Perhaps Atem and I can talk before dark. She exited her room and started for the throne room when she met up with Mahad who seemed a little surprised that she was awake.

"I just needed a little nap," she said. "I was wanting to talk to the pharaoh."

"He's still asleep and so are the guards."

"They are? Why would that be?"

"Maybe because they were bitten. Their bodies could be preparing for their change tonight."

"That makes sense. Mahad? Are you angry that I did not tell you or the court about my being a wifewolf?"

Mahad was silent for a moment. "A little, yes," he finally said. "When you changed, I saw a side of you I never saw before. It was a little scary to see you attack the way you did."

"That was my role. I was to beat back the attacker. The pharaoh wanted me as his last line of defense. It did feel good to protect him as I did."

"Speaking of feeling, I regret making you ill with the silver. Rest assured, there will be no silver in the palace anymore."

"I appreciate that and I do not resent you or the court for the silver. You did not know and it was for the pharaoh's protection."

"A protection that ultimately failed," he said with a sigh. "I dislike failing to keep the pharaoh safe."

"As do I," Isis said. "I do wonder if the silver had dulled my senses as well as weaken me and slowed my speed and reaction."

"Slowed your speed?" he repeated in disbelief. "Isis, you were quick to recover from Bakura's attack before he bit the pharaoh."

"I would agree," came Atem's voice and both turned and kneeled as Atem approached. "You were fast and I look forward to seeing how fast I will be."

"How do you feel, my pharaoh?" Isis asked as she and Mahad rose and followed Atem as he passed.

"I feel fine. I was a little surprised by how tired I was. I suspect the bite caused it."

"I would agree," Mahad said. "I believe it helped prepare your body for tonight."

Atem nodded as he stepped outside. He wondered if he would feel something that would make him gasp like Isis had done on her first night or if he would whine as he changed. Well, I will soon find out as will the guards, he thought as all seven of them gathered and Aknadin laid out food and water before leaving.