Chapter 17

Lord Irynefer arrived in much the same manner that he did all those years ago. Atem, Mahado, and Mana were there to greet him as he met with Pharaoh. Once the formality was finished, Mana ran to embrace her father. Irynefer laughed, excited to see his daughter again, and welcomed her with open arms.

"Darling," he said, "You have grown into a beautiful young woman."

"I'm so happy to see you, Father!"

Atem watched from a distance as a family reunited. He watched Mana's entire face light up, and his heart warmed to see her so happy. He loved seeing her smile. Mahado's gaze wasn't on his uncle or cousin, he was watching the prince with a scrutinizing eye. Mahado had a sinking feeling in his stomach over what Aknatem had been about to say.

"She and I have…"

The prince's body language was more disturbing than whatever words he had been trying to say. Prince Aknatem had seemed nervous about what he had been trying to tell him. He had rocked nervously on his feet, like someone who had been caught doing something wrong or shameful. In the back of his mind, he should have seen this coming. He should have recognized and been more suspicious of the change in their behavior. Mana and the prince had been too quiet, too well-behaved, as if they wanted to avoid prying eyes. The prince and his cousin had even seemed to go out of their way to avoid suspicion. Mahado had naively thought it had been because they had grown up. He'd thought that the prince's avoidance of him had been because of misplaced guilt over the asp incident.

"She and I have…" Mana and the prince had…what? What had they done? Mahado wished that he had been about to say something akin to, 'She and I have set another trap for the priests,' or 'She and I have swapped the heads on the idols again'. He had always admitted those things proudly, never waffling like he had just seen.

"Nephew," Irynefer said. "You have grown. It warms my heart to see my sister's son so grown up,"

"Thank you, Uncle,"

"Your Highness," Irynefer bowed before Aknatem. "Your father must be so proud of you. What a handsome young man you are. From what I have heard, you are talented and skilled in many facets."

"My father exaggerates," Aknatem said warmly. He returned Irynefer's sign of respect with his own bow. "It's a pleasure to see you again, sir."

"Hello, old friend," Pharaoh embraced Irynefer like a brother. "I'm sure you're tired from your journey. Please, make yourself at home. I trust you are here to collect your daughter?"

"Here for me?" Mana looked at her father and Pharaoh, then at Atem and Mahado. Mahado's face was curious and surprised, but Atem's face was shocked. His eyes were wide, and his lips were pressed thin.

"Yes," Irynefer said, squeezing his daughter's shoulders in a small sign of affection. "I'm here to take her home, as promised."

Atem's heart was in his stomach. Irynefer was here to take Mana home to Ur? As promised? When had this arrangement been decided? Atem tried to rapidly think back, analyzing the conversations that the adults had in front of him when Mana had first arrived. There had been no mention of Mana leaving then, only of her staying to cultivate and develop her heka. He was sure there had been no mention of her leaving. It must have been an arrangement that his father had made with Irynefer in private. Atem looked back on the years he had spent with Mana, growing up with her, laughing together, making memories together, and all of this time, it was limited. He felt like he was standing on something unstable, and he fought to get his breathing back under control.

Sand had been trickling down in the hourglass of their time together throughout the entirety of their relationship.

He glanced at Mana. She looked struck, as if hit by lightning.

"Uncle," Mahado asked. "Are you here to collect me as well?"

Irynefer looked at his nephew with an appraising but pleasant look.

"We can discuss your situation further, Mahado. I have heard many good things about you and your progress. I will be staying for a while, we will have time to discuss it."

Mahado nodded.

"A drink, Irynefer?" Pharaoh asked. "I recall you having a liking for honeyed wine,"

Irynefer kissed the back of Mana's hand, but she barely responded. She felt paralyzed, rooted to the floor. If she moved, she would crumble into pieces.

"We'll meet this afternoon, Mana. I am looking forward to hearing all of your adventures."

Pharaoh and Irynefer departed, taking the air from the room with them. Soon, it was just Mahado, Mana, and Aknatem left alone in a big empty space. It felt empty and suffocating at the same time. No one made a single sound or moved. Atem's gaze was glued to Mana, and hers were stuck on the floor. Mahado watched them both very carefully. He felt invisible, as if the prince and Mana had forgotten he was there. Perhaps they had.

"Mana?" Atem asked, concerned. She was getting pale, and he took a step towards her, reaching a hand towards her arm.

"A-Atem? What?"

When his hand touched her skin, she leaned into him, folding into him like a puzzle piece. She started to hyperventilate and shake, but no tears fell from her eyes. His embrace was warm and solid. He felt sturdy, as if he were the only thing that was keeping her up.

"Mana? Are you alright?"

"I don't want to leave. I don't want to go back," she whispered. "I want to stay here. This is my home."

"Shh," he hushed her, and started stroking her hair. "Nothing has happened yet, we have time,"

"Atem, I want to stay here. You are my home,"

"We can fix this," He said, kissing her forehead. "I will fix this."

"How?" Mahado said, staring at them both. They both turned to look at him, their combined startled expressions at his intruding voice told him that they had been in their own world.

"You two," Mahado said, staring at both of them. He leaning his eyes on the prince, speaking mostly to him as the one responsible for this relationship. "The two of you are involved?"

Atem let her go after making sure of her footing, but kept his hand on hers.

"Mahado," Atem said with a summoned confidence. He took on a posture that Mahado had seen in him before when he faced a rival. "I'm in love with Mana,"

There was no stumbling or shuffling that Mahado had seen before when the prince had been struggling to speak earlier in the hallway. Prince Aknatem was staring at him like he was a challenger, an opponent to be conquered, if necessary, in defense of her.

"And I love him," Mana said. Mahado's gaze zoomed in on her.

"You're sure of this?" He asked her. His expression was unreadable. Would he accept this like Atem hoped he would? Or would he react badly as Mana suspected?

She smiled and nodded, leaning on Atem's shoulder.

"I have loved falling in love with her," Atem said.

Mahado sighed. There was no fighting this now. There was no point. When he heard the informal diminutive of Prince Aknatem's name from her mouth and had seen the clinging between them, he knew it was futile to stop them. They were enraptured in each other, unable to conceive of any other possibility.

"That is the way of it then,"

"Mahado!" Mana cried, lunging at him to bring him into a fierce hug. "Thank you!" she kissed his cheek.

"What are you going to do?" Mahado asked, his attention on the prince. He struggled and failed to throw off Mana's ministrations.

"I'm going to propose to her father that she stay here."

"Sounds simple," Mahado said. "But not easy. Once my uncle's mind is made up, it is fruitless to try and change it."

Atem grinned. He always reveled in a challenge.

"I see where Mana has inherited that trait."

"Yes, so do I," Mahado agreed.

"Hey," Mana said with mild indignation.

"Do you plan to take her as your wife?" Mahado asked. He had to make sure of Atem's answer. The prince was young, young enough to still pull out of any covenant to taste other pleasures. He was perhaps naïve, but he also had a duty to fulfill in carrying on the next generation of kings.

Mana's eyes went wide at Mahado's question. She hadn't even thought of that. She was too comfortable with the way things were to think of the future. She looked at Atem, waiting patiently to hear what he had to say.

He didn't answer, but instead turned to her.

"That is for me and her to decide, in our own time."

…

The evil has not waned from this place. Irynefer thought.

"The stars availed," Irynefer said to Pharaoh. Aknamkanon appeared next to his friend, handing him his wine. Pharaoh took a sip from his cup. They stood there together, looking out over the river as twilight settled into darkness.

The snaps of men turning in time with their weapons and shields ricocheted off the palace walls from down below. Another drill was being conducted under Siamun's and Aknadin's careful gaze. Egypt's armies and navy were always at the ready, constantly performing drills and exercises to stay sharp against impending enemies. Since the Items had come into existence, they had never had to worry about invading armies or powerful enemies threatening their home. Aknadin kept the armies ready for use, just in case.

"Something stirs against you, rising out of the east. Your enemy is moving, gaining strength and speed. It does not yet have the power to act."

Pharaoh said nothing. Irynefer's gift of foresight has long been coveted and trusted. It rivals even the Millennium Tauk in its ability. Aknamkanon has always trusted his sight and perspective, but in this instance, he was praying he was wrong. He had suspected that his wife's death had been because of his sins. Bringing the Millennium Items into being had sent thousands of men to their deaths. Some in the most gruesome of manners. Though the Scorpion King and his dark masses had attempted to conquer his nation, Aknamkanon had not taken their deaths lightly. Yes, they were enemies, but Pharaoh Aknamkanon had assumed responsibility for their deaths. The blood of thousands of men had poured into the sands that day. Thinking this sin had been the root of Mer-en's anguish, he had prayed for hours for relief for his wife and for his son to know only peace in his reign. He had prayed over and over that Mer-en would be spared from her death.

The only answer he had received was no.

Pharaoh had taken steps to prepare his son as best he could. To prepare him against whatever form this enemy would take. Atem had been taught by the best teachers in swordsmanship, tactics, strategy, and in hand to hand. He had spared no expense to have the masters of any possible skill and expertise that could possibly be of benefit to Atem to teach him all that they knew.

He knew his son resented him for the burdens he had placed on his shoulders.

At Irynefer's previous insistence, Pharaoh Aknamkanon had pursued answers regarding his brother Aknadin and the methods he may have used to bring the Millennium Items into fruition. So far, he had failed to have his brother share with him the secrets of their genesis. The men who had been involved with Aknadin were few. Those involved in the project had no memory of the preceding events or had died. Aknamkanon's only action left was to order his brother to reveal to him what had happened. It was becoming clear in his mind that this new enemy that Irynefer was speaking of had its origins rooted in whatever rite that Aknadin had performed to have the Items made.

"Have you seen the face of this enemy?"

Irynefer shook his head.

"It resides in shadows. It is impossible for me to see,"

It? Not he or she? My son's future enemy is an 'it'?

"What of my son?"

"The futures I see for him are boundless," Irynefer was being kind. He had seen many possibilities for the future Pharaoh Aknatem. He had seen Thebes burning down and crumbling around its king. He had also seen him triumph over his enemies with Thebes intact. He had seen Aknatem dying a torturous death as a young man, and also seen him as an old man, looking over his kingdom.

What had disturbed Irynefer was his daughter's position in this.

Too many possibilities.

"He has many choices to make before his future can be determined."

What he wasn't telling Aknamkanon was that when Irynefer had seen Pharaoh Aknatem's future, he had seen Mana's as well.

He had seen Mana, pregnant and holding her belly, as Aknatem held and kissed her. He had also seen Mana dead as a young woman, as her life force was drained from her after a long, hard-fought, and bloody battle. Aknatem was mourning her death. Others still, images of Mana as an older woman, watching as Aknatem played with their children and grandchildren.

Irynefer had two visions that were the most prominent. In his experience, the clearest visions that would become true were riddled with color and vivid light.

He had witnessed in this vision Pharaoh Aknatem standing at a balcony, looking over his home with careful discernment. He was interrupted by a small boy running to greet him. Aknatem greeted him by spinning him around and kissing his cheek. Mana stood by, watching them with a smile as she rubbed her pregnant stomach.

The other vision was riddled with despair.

Either by sword or by disease, Aknatem was dead. Irynefer could not discern the method of his death. A young Mana was left alone, grieving his loss, unable to move or speak while trapped in her grief. She would clutch his lifeless body, rocking him and crying, begging for him to return. After burying him, she would wander the land, alone and powerless to free herself from her grief. She would be trapped until her own life was utterly spent. Binding her spirit to Aknatem's, she would be paralyzed, unable to pass from this life into the next.

There was life and a bright future for Aknatem and Mana, but there was also the greater threat of death and despondency. It was the vision of darkness that grew in strength and prominence every time he looked. It threatened to completely consume the vision of light, forcing it into shadows and flame until nothing but a shred was left.

Pharaoh Aknatem's future would not be easy. It would be riddled with trials, tests, and battles that would threaten to destroy him. As much as Irynefer hated it, Mana's fate was tied to the prince's, unless he took steps to protect his daughter.

Whatever future Aknatem carved for Egypt, Irynefer could not conscionably leave Mana behind to suffer.

He would not leave his daughter here to die.

Irynefer took a sip of his wine and heard a knock come at the door.

…

Atem had searched for twenty minutes before locating Lord Irynefer and his father in his father's study. An assent came from inside, and he walked in, sliding the lock into place behind him. He didn't want to be disturbed.

"Come in, my son, come in," Pharaoh waved him over.

"My lords," Bowing his head before his king and nodding towards Irynefer, he greeted them both.

"Ah, the young prince," Irynefer said, welcoming him in. "Your father tells me how you have grown in strength and eminence. He is very proud of you."

"My father is being kind. I have much to learn,"

"And humble as well, I see. That is rare in someone who is in your position," Irynefer gave him a knowing look. Atem's lips were pressed. He looked at his father. It was the same look Irynefer recognized on Aknamkanon when he had a difficult task ahead of him.

"I have come to inform you of my decision."

"Oh? Already? You still have over a year before—

"I don't need any more time, my king," Atem said resolutely.

"Irynefer, could you leave us for a moment while I speak to my son?"

"Father, I would ask to speak to Lord Irynefer. Could I have a moment with him?"

Curious, Aknamkanon set down his wine and gave his son his full attention. Irynefer knew what was coming, not only because of the intertwined visions between his daughter and the Pharaoh's son, but because he could see the resolution on the prince's face. Aknamkanon had not seen this coming. Looking towards his friend, Irynefer's face was not surprised. Apparently, there were things that his friend had not chosen to share with him. Atem moved to leave the office with Irynefer, but Aknamkanon removed himself first. He placed a hand on Atem's shoulder as he left his office, closing the door behind him with a heavy clang.

So, Irynefer thought sadly. It has already grown between them.

Once they were alone, he turned towards Irynefer and bowed his head once more.

"My lord, Irynefer. I seek to make my intentions towards your daughter clear. I wish to ask for her to remain here, in Egypt."

Irynefer was silent, something that Atem did not see as a good thing.

"I wish to have Mana stay here in Egypt, with me."

"You wish to court Mana," Irynefer said. "Formally."

"I do," Atem said, giving his father's guest his full and rapt attention.

Irynefer sipped his wine, never taking his eyes off the young prince. Setting his cup down, he leaned his back against the table.

"I can see you care for my daughter," Irynefer said.

"I care very deeply for her, my lord," Atem said. Hope was sparking to life in his chest. Perhaps if Mana's father could see that he was serious about her, he would let her stay.

"My feelings for her are not fleeting, I can assure you,"

Irynefer sighed sadly. The hope Atem had fed in his chest was quickly snuffed out.

"I know that, Your Highness. I know what my daughter would go through for you."

Irynefer kneeled in front of the prince so that he would be looking up at him. The prince's eyes were heavy and determined. Irynefer could read his mind easily without any magical assistance. Already, Aknatem was coming up with backup plans to have Mana stay. He was coming up with the right words that might convince Irynefer he was determined and serious. Aknatem was clinging to the hope of having Mana in his life. He was planning on having Mana stay, to be with him, to have a life and a family with him.

Irynefer could not let that happen.

"I know that Mana loves you, but I also know that my daughter will love you to such levels that it would cause her detriment and destroy her."

"I would never knowingly hurt Mana, or let any harm come to her. I would defend her with my very life."

"I know you would try,"

"Sir," Irynefer could see Atem analyzing the situation, looking for loopholes or anything that could help him. "Sir, I love your daughter. She would choose to stay because she would have hope for Egypt, for its future, and its people. She would be a part of that future. She would stay—

"She would stay for you," Irynefer said. "But she belongs with her own people,"

"Lord Irynefer, Mana—

"Mana is my daughter. Perhaps if you become a father someday, you can understand the depth of love that a father has for their child."

Atem hated when people spoke down to him. Irynefer was no exception. His temper flared, bright and hot.

"Do you speak of the kind of love that had you leave Mana here when she was just a little girl?" Atem's fists were shaking. "You made the choice to let Mana grow her abilities here in Egypt. She has more ties to Egypt than Chaldea. She has grown, has laughed, and has loved here, in Egypt. You are asking her to forsake her home."

"Chaldea is her home. Her home is with her people." How dare this prince insinuate that he had abandoned his daughter. Prince or no, he would not allow Aknatem to speak to him in this way. Irynefer had risen and turned his back on this conversation.

"Mana's home is with me," Atem glared at Irynefer's shoulders. He wished for this man to feel the power behind his eyes.

"Perhaps it is," He said, acknowledging the very real possibility. "But I will not leave my daughter behind this time. We leave in a month. We are sailing home and she is coming with me."

Nothing more was said.

Atem turned his back on the study, feeling like a failure.

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