Role Playing Fan Fiction ❯ The Lady of Time ❯ You can never know too much ( Chapter 2 )

THE LADY OF TIME

OR

HOW THE HELL DID THIS HAPPEN?

 

Disclaimer: I own nothing except Iridia Sunheart. The song Tsubasa is from Tsubasa Chronicles.

 

Notes: Well, for once, my character is not ultra-powerful, is it?

 

Do not let her numerous skills fool you, most, apart for a handful, are below amateur level. Even a rank beginner could best her in a straight contest if she used many of her non-basic martial art moves. Im going to try to show her in a very human way.

 

Apart from an unhealthy interest from various parties and a modicum of magical powers, inferior to most high level spellcasters of the era, Iridia has only her jack-of-all-trade skill array, her modern knowledge and education and the device around her neck as advantages.

 

Some translations of ancient Egyptian:

Nekhti: Mighty.

Ayath: Mist.

Peraya: Pharaoh.

Horimerit: Beloved of Horus.

Eset: Isis.

Nekhbet: Goddess Vulture of Upper Egypt.

Neferuntu: Beautiful cow (that is blessed by Hathor).

Akhu: Light.

Tamit: Lady Cat.

Heni: Song.

Tawi: The Two Lands (Egypt).

Kamen: Dark.

Maaukepu: Lion Hunter.

Aayrt: Serpent.

Ausare: Osiris.

Isfret: Chaos and Destruction.

Heqt: Queen.

Yor: The Nile River.

Per-Ankh: House of Life.

Sutekh: Set.

Neb-Hut: Nephthys.

Siaseti: Set is the honorary parent of the child.

Sa-Re: Son of Re.

Men-Nefer: Memphis.

Heka: Magic.

Sekhem: Life Energy.

Sennu: Second.

Anup: Anubis.

 

 

Chap 2: You can never know too much.

 

 

Prophecy of the Lady of Time

 

Born under another eye of Ra with his sacred light in her heart

Wielding the Star of Ptah bestowed to her by the hand of fate

Marked by the eyes of Bastet and the grace of Bouto

The foreign living goddess will appear by the sacred waters

Her right hand will carry the light of reason

Her left hand will bear the fire of Heka

As a new red dawn fall unto the gardens of Ausare

She will ascended among the twin living gods

To cast her light among the shadows

The mighty hand will be led to her by the stealthy paw of a cat

The mist of the sacred waters will surround her

The Mau will adopt her

For the Lady of Time is eternal and free

The eye of Horus will watch her as the claw of Bastet will guard her

From the humble soil to the highest star, she will make her own path

Beware the eyes of the cat

Beware the wings of the Bennu Bird

Beware the sword of Anhur

Only by the strings of Hathor will she allow to be chained

She will become the treasure of the world

 

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The arrival of Iridia at the palace wasnt the kind of entry that anyone would have desired. Nekhti (Mighty) brought her still wet from his forceful washing in the Nile, clad in a dirty tattered linen dress, parts of the artificial skin-taint she used still visible on her in splotches and, of course, he was holding her under his arm in plain sight of everybody.

 

No really, it was a royal entrance: The kind where you only wish that the earth will open to swallow you whole after this kind of public humiliation.

 

Nekhti walked happily into the main hall. He did it! He took captive the Foreign Living Goddess known as the Lady of Time. Where are you my sister?! I want you to look at what Ive hunt today!

 

Ayath (Mist) blinked and excused herself from one of the numerous foreign guests. In an attempt to find the bride for their Peraya (Pharaoh) and gain favour, the advisors and many courtiers invited or brought many princesses from the neighbouring lands.

 

One of them was particularly interested: She was Princess Mitanun of the Hittite Empire. The young woman of 16 years was a beautiful long-haired blonde girl with brown eyes and a willowy silhouette. At her brow shone a polished diamond, an unknown precious stone for the Egyptians of this era. She was rather strong-headed and had travelled to Egypt without consulting her family. The prestige of Peraya Horimerit (Beloved of Horus) was strong and the wealth of Egypt was also attractive. The fact that he was rather handsome was just the cherry on the top.

 

Ayath wasnt prepared for his brother to throw at her feet a young black-haired girl. Nekhti smiled to his sister. Ayath, look! Ive capture a raven-haired, cat-eyed white skin girl! He smirked. I think you recognize this valuable prey, dont you?

 

æ…By Eset! (Isis) He did it! He managed to find the Lady of Time!æ… Ayath frowned as she considered the young woman struggling to her feet. My brother wants to conquer her.æ… The black-eyed Priestess considered carefully the few verses she had discovered about the Prophecy. Im unsure if taking her captive and force her to submit is a good idea.æ…

 

Observing the scene from afar, Mitanun was intrigued. Why all this ruckus for what seemed to be a mere slave girl. She felt also a bit miffed that Horimerit would prefer hunting other common girls rather than courting her. She glanced around her. Well, I suppose the fact he isnt courting the rest of the princesses is also a good thing.æ…

 

Iridia felt her strength slowly returning to her. Damn! Being captured and rode away on a horse seemed so romantic on TV.æ… She was sore everywhere and she could even feel bruises forming where the Pharaoh had hold her. She looked around and gulped, she was really in deep shit now. All the courtiers, too many guards to count, the Pharaoh, a whole bunch of foreigners and

 

She actually stared at the beautiful woman clad in a sumptuous blue linen and finely cut dress and harbouring many golden jewellery including a crown showing She whispered, awed. Nekhbetæ… (Goddess Vulture of Upper Egypt) One of the two divinities protecting Egypt!æ… Her eyes widened. Shes surely Ayath, the sister of Horimerit.æ… She blinked as a stray thought. Strange that she wears the symbol of the goddess of Upper Egypt since shes the Queen of Lower Egypt.æ… She grasped her metallic d20 under her dress to reassure herself.

 

Nekhti saw the gesture and frowned. The Prophecy didnt specify what the Star of Ptahæ… could do but he could guess a few things with the way she was grasping it with such fear in her mesmerizing green eyes. He quickly seized her again and ripped the small metallic chain from her neck.

 

Iridia cried, alarmed by the development: The dodecahedron was her only ticket out. No! NO! PLEASE! Give it back to me!

 

Nekhti smirked as he pushed back on the marbled floor the panicked young woman. AhI guess right: This is what you have used to come here and probably your only way of returning back to your land. He secured it in his fist, out of the range of the trembling hands. I didnt take the effort to take you captive in order to see you escape me via this bauble!

 

Iridia blanched and bit her lips in order to stop herself for saying anything. He was right and she couldnt afford to lose the precious artefact now. But what could she do? She couldnt take the risk to aggress the Pharaoh with all those guards and she didnt want Nekhti to confirm his guess. She lowered her head and stayed silent on the floor, trying to control herself and not shedding tears.

 

Ayath was now really worried about the situation. This young woman was potentially the future co-Queen of Egypt and would reign with her at the side of Nekhti. Her brother was using the same method he had always used so far: Strength. She wasnt sure it was the way to hold the heart of the foreign girl. She had seen the light of desire in the eyes of Nekhti and knew she could help to cultivate it into the light of love, but if the Lady of Time didnt feel something at least genuine in her for him, it could lead to disaster.

 

Mitanun felt fascinated by the prostrated young woman. She could see she had no more than a few years over her and under the dirty ripped clothes and the smudged skin she could discern true beauty. She narrowed her eyes: Enough beauty to draw the gaze of the Peraya over her. She was however unsure about the dynamic between this green-eyed girl, Horimerit and his sister.

 

Nekhti grabbed Iridia again and searched for someone among the crowd. Wheres Neferuntu? (Beautiful cow)

 

A mature woman in her late forties approached and bowed. Her greying hair was hidden by a decorated wig and she wore the dress of the chief-maid. My Peraya?

 

æ…I want you to give her a bath and see that she is clothed appropriately.

 

Before Iridia could even formulate a thought, a commotion at the main entry drew her gaze and she yelled in dismay. AKHU?! (Light)

 

The young Egyptian boy was roped and between two armed guards. Fear was visible in his eyes and he could only meekly nod to the time-displaced French girl. Tamit. (Lady Cat)

 

Iridia could only look at him in fright. Akhu was a slave. He risked death if anything was associated with him because of her and she had just yelled that for all to hear. What would become of his mother Heni (Song) if anything happened to him?

 

Nekhti smiled cruelly. His orders before his hunt for the girl had been observed. He turned to the kneeling young foreigner. Tamit, was it? Listen to me attentively. Iridia looked up to the smiling young man in dread. Just listen to me and this young boy will be safe. He turned to the guards. Beat him one hundred times and then put him in the Palace prison!

 

Iridia couldnt believe she heard that. Oh no! Akhu! NO! She attempted to rush to his help, but Nekhti captured her in his embrace. No! Please, Akhu is my friend. Hes done nothing to deserve such a punishment!

 

Courageously, the young slave turned back to his friend. Dont worry about me Tamit! Then the guards threw him on the ground and his punishment began. Four guards maintained him face down on the ground by holding his hands and feet. A fifth guard began to beat him with a stick.

 

Iridia looked with horror at the severity of the preferred mean of punishment of Ancient Egypt. Each hit reverberated in her heart. She couldnt support the spectacle and closed her eyes. Alas, she couldnt help but to listen to the screams of pain of her first friend in this era.

 

Nekhti nodded to himself. What? Are you feeling sorry for him?

 

Iridia turned to him. Im begging you! Please let him go! I I claim full responsibility. She finished softly.

 

Nekhti smirked. This was what he was waiting for. You want me to pardon him? Then kneel down and kiss my feet!

 

The luminescent green eyes, highlighted by tears, widened. Iridia was completely flabbergasted by the request. WHAT?!

 

The eyes of dark obsidian merely gazed back at her as the young Pharaoh tilted his head on the side without losing his smile. So? He leaned more closely the dismayed visage. I want to see if you can sacrifice yourself to save a friend.

 

Iridia could only bit her lips and closed her eyes, nodding. She slumped down on the floor and knelt before the smirking young man. There was something large in her throat and she forced herself to swallow it. The face almost crimson in her deep shame she kissed the sandaled feet. She felt so ashamed of what she had been forced into that she didnt even want to stand up again.

 

Ayath couldnt be but being impressed by the sheer courage of the young woman. The green-eyed foreigner was a Living Goddess and she willingly tolerated such a humiliation? She didnt think herself could do it without wishing to be dead first. She must do something to cushion the impact that her brother had on the Foreign Living Goddess. She leaned into the ear of the Pharaoh. Nekhti please. Leave the girl to me.

 

Nekhti shook his head. No! Shes mine!

 

Ayath could only gaze into the cats eyes of the numb young woman being escorted by Neferuntu. She willed her message through the intensity of her own obsidian gaze so like her brother but with more warmth visible. Courage!æ…

 

Iridia found herself into the hands of some servants who proceeded to wash her in a vast bathroom. She absently noted that Egyptians didnt use soap. She was still under the shock of her humiliation to really be bothered to be bathed by someone else or being nude in front of strangers. The servants used fine clay on her body, before removing it with water. She then found her pushed on a stone massage table and let the skilled hands of the maids under the command of Neferuntu soothed her frayed nerves with perfumed oils. Im really in deep shit.æ…

 

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Nekhti gazed on the Sacred Waters of the Nile River. The waters flew smoothly during the night time. The reflection of the moon gleaming on the surface of the river made it looking just like a gigantic piece of shimmering silk.

 

Mitanun admired the calm and proud visage of the young Pharaoh as he looked on the river that gave life to his kingdom. Horimerit! Ill return to my country in a few days. Do you have anything to say to me?

 

Nekhti reflected on the innuendo of the Hittite Princess. The land of Tawi (Egypt) was still a little country compared to some kingdoms in the Middle-East. He wished to spread his possessions so that his land became the most powerful country of all.

 

Mitanun leaned on the back of the young man. So? I really love your country.

 

Nekhti turned to her. To the point of staying here?

 

The blonde-haired girl tilted her head. To the point of proposing to unite our two kingdoms.

 

Nektiæ…s eyes lighted and he smiled to the young girl. You must understand that I cant promise anything right now. He took her hand. You might love this land, but can you adapt to it? And the decision is not mine yet. I have still to consult with my sister.

 

Mitanun hid the spike of jealousy she felt. I understand. I will wait for your answer.

 

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The old and bald man advanced calmly along the colonnades of the palace. He wore the white linen robe and the leopard skin of a high priest of the Egyptian clergy. His dark eyes shone with a malicious light under the twilight of the hall. His name was Kamen (Dark) and he was the First Prophet of the cult of Amun, main deity of Egypt.

 

He was smiling because everything was going as he wanted to be. The General Maaukepu (Lion Hunter) was doing marvels by supervising the constructions ordered by the Pharaoh. Under his advice, the palace was full of foreign Princesses, each vowing to be the spouse of Horimerit. He managed to control his chuckle. And each failing to take into account the influence of Ayath on her brother. The court was ripped with intrigues and everyone was concentrated on his own interest.

 

But the best thing was the entry of the last player, or should he say his last pawn: The beautiful and mysterious young woman known as the Lady of Time. He wasnt sure of the real origin of this foreign girl, but the signs of his true Master had been visible. He had taken the time to test her himself and he had been impressed by the potential hidden in the small body. Now it was just a question to give a little tweak on some truths and let the scene took place.

 

He stopped by the shadow of a colonnade to search for the presence he knew was here. Everything is proceeding smoothly. You know what you have to do.

 

A feminine silhouette bowed back. Of course. It will be done.

 

As soon as the First Prophet entered another room of the palace, the silhouette revealed herself to be a tall woman with long black-hair and tanned skin. She had almost the same features as Kamen, but she was younger and clothed in a dark linen dress. Her name was Aayrt (Serpent) and her smile promised a dark and painful death. Have no concern, Brother. The land of Tawi will fall under the hand of our Master.

 

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Ayath was praying in her private chambers to her personal goddess, the goddess of Magic, Eset, wife of Ausare (Osiris) and mother of Horus. Her rest had been troubled by half-forgotten nightmares and half-twisted omens. She was sensing a dreadful undercurrent in the actual situation and her own clashes in the court had done nothing to reassure her. She was praying that the young woman currently under the control of her brother was the One.

 

The signs she had seen for now were contradictory: Tamit was prophesised to be either the saviour or the destructor of the land of Tawi. Perhaps, even both at the same time. The magic of the High Priestess was powerful and her main affinities with Divination and Dream-Interpreting were enough to ensure that she and her brother remained one step above any opposition.

 

But Tamit, or more exactly Iridia Sunheart, was muddying everything by her simple presence. Currents of predictions stable for decades were now completely untrue and unverifiable. She was a powerful force of Isfret (Chaos and Destruction) and yet, Ayath was sure that she despised those very principles. She had made sure that she was protected by assigning some of her personal maids to her.

 

The trouble now was how Nekhti would act with the foreign Living Goddess. Everything was depending on the reactions of the young woman. The best she could do for now was to be ready to help either of them. Where Nekhti used a direct and forceful manner, Ayath preferred a soft touch and an indirect approach. Tamit was too like a captured feline right now: Forced to behave but still in possession of her claws. Ayath had no doubt that she would retaliate if pushed to her limits. She frowned. In fact, due to her foreign origin, she had no sure way to know beforehand of those limits. A trickle of worry filtered in her mind: She could already be at her limits and was only behaving herself because of the threat that Nekhti had made against the young slave boy and the fact that he was now in possession of the Star of Ptah.

 

She sighed, frustrated. Tonight, she would see the young woman again. Nekhti had decided to show her off at the revelry to celebrate the announcement of their marriage. In fact, many things should be revealed during this party.

 

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Egyptians loved revelry and needed no special occasion to host a party. That only meant that the party this night in the inner courtyard of the palace of Memphis washuge.

 

There was lavish amount of food and drink. Ever the good host, Nekhti had provided spicy cabbage as hors-doeuvres to make his guests thirsty and increase wine consumption. The setting was enlivened with displays by dancers and acrobats. Even a few guests took to the dance floor themselves. Finally, groups of musicians of both sexes played with a large variety of instruments and court magicians amused the guests with small displays of illusions and small elemental manipulations.

 

Nekhti and Ayath were sitting in the middle of the party. The young Pharaoh and his sister were merrily discussing with the guests and many toasts were made.

 

Mitanun, Princess of the Hittites was smiling as she sipped her wine. Parties with the Egyptians were always fascinating and wild, she hoped that she would like everything they did if WHEN she wed Horimerit. She leaned to Ayath, resplendent in her blue dresses. So, what is this party about? And what make you so happy?

 

Ayath smiled to the blonde-haired girl. You will know about it later. She really liked the young Hittite princess and hope that she would accept a political marriage in the future. What happened tonight should be a proper test to see if she had what was needed to be a part of the land of Tawi.

 

Nekhti was happy and drank heartily the costly wine from Greece. Ha ha ha, I cant wait!

 

A minor member of the court winked to his Pharaoh as he addressed the Heqt (Queen) of Lower Egypt. Is it because youre about to chose a wife for his highness?

 

Ayath used her mysterious smile as her power shone in her obsidian eyes. I am not the one who chose, I merely convey the words of the Gods and Goddesses of this land and the Peraya take his own decision.

 

Nekhti grinned to his sister and toasted to her. His own obsidian eyes lighted as he remarked the chief Maid Neferuntu coming in his direction.

 

The matron bowed to her Pharaoh. Sire, by your order, Ive brought the slave Tamit.

 

Nekhti nodded. Shes ready? Perfect! Bring her over here!

 

Neferuntu bowed again. Yes Sire! She turned to a silhouette hidden among the curtains of a passageway. Come on girl! Do not make the Peraya waiting.

 

The silhouette hesitated and then finally slowly walked under the soft lights of the oil lamps. A huge hush fell on the crowd as all stared on the apparition. A servant continued to verse wine in an already full cup and on the feet of the owner who ignored it as he stared himself. Many guests seemed to have drink or swallow something in the wrong track as they began to spit or cough. The musicians almost faltered in their musical accompaniment as the hush progressed and then was replaced by a roar.

 

æ…SO PRETTY!

 

æ…WHAT A BEAUTY!

 

æ…HER BEAUTY RIVALED THOSE OF THE GODDESSES!

 

Neferuntu smiled. She had managed her little effect when the servants had prepared Tamit for the revelry. Under the dirty shell of the young foreign woman, she had perceived the precious stone and polished it to reveal it to all.

 

It was a fact that Iridia Sunheart had never really made use of her natural beauty and the artifices of fashion to enhance it. It was a subject of discord within her family: All her family was mortified that she never clothed correctly to show off her appearance to others. Iridia had always considered this as stupid or useless, even in the Looks is all orientation of the modern society. Each time she had revealed her hidden true self was when others clothed and prettied her. Once again, it was the case.

 

Iridia was clothed in a thin pure white linen dress without sleeves, revealing the ivory colour of her bare shoulders. A red gold-trimmed sash made the dress hugging and highlighting her feminine curves. An almost transparent linen cloak rounded the base of her clothes. This was completed by a gold pectoral with onyxes and green glass paste, gold and silver bracelets and anklets, sandals of crme leather and a tiara of silver held a white lily in the shining blackness of her mane of hair. Her luminescent green eyes were lined with dark kohl and her blush highlighted her exotic white skin. Her long hair had been trimmed and braided in dozens of small braids.

 

Nekhti and Ayath were openly gaping. Both had felt that Tamit was something different but they were unprepared to see such a vision. Even Mitanun who had perceived that the slave could rival her had been caught flat-footed and could only stare.

 

Among the spectators, the general Maaukepu gazed on the young woman. I cant believe it! How such a beautiful bird could be a trained warrior.æ…

 

However, some looked to her with lust and malice. Kamen couldnt but smirked behind the young slave. Ha ha, you will be mine!æ… He glanced to the royal couple. You will be the poison that brings them down!æ…

 

Under the combined gaze of the crowd, Iridia felt 5 cm in height. She blushed more, looked down and nervously wringed her hands and that only heightened the cuteness of her appearance.

 

Nekhti reached for her and grabbed her hand. Sit over here!

 

Surprised and encumbered by her dress, Iridia loose her balance and fell unceremoniously on the giant cushion used by the Pharaoh. Ow! Damn it! Why cant have pants or a skirt!?æ…

 

The young man openly admired the exotic beauty at his side. You look so pretty tonight! He smirked as he remembered her tattered appearance as he washed her disguise in the Yor (The Nile River).

 

Even if she was deeply embarrassed, Iridia could tell that it was a genuine compliment and her blush attained nuclear proportion. She really didnt like being exposed like that.

 

Nekhti leaned to her and his hand caressed her shoulder. You are like a little bird from a foreign place lost in the land of Tawi. You will sing and dance for me.

 

Iridias eyes widened and she turned to the Pharaoh. She didnt want to provoke a scene but she was already tensing under the contact of his hand. She whispered under the cover of the background sound. Please, dont touch me!

 

Nekhti chuckled. Ha ha, dont forget that youre my slave! He smiled and took a sip of wine. He sensed the tension of the muscles under the smooth skin and was internally smirking as the young woman didnt show other signs of rejection.

 

She jerked back her head and leaned more into Nekhti when another hand touched her braided hair. She shuddered and her eyes widened in recognition as the old priest of Amun that tested her at the Per-Ankh (the House of Life) walked before her. His dark eyes seemed to pierce her soul. Youre beautiful. Ice flooded in her veins as she heard the possessive tone of the priest.

 

Ignoring the pale girl, Kamen gained the centre of the court yard and hit the floor with his staff to draw the attention of the guests. Tonight, in front of everyone that is present here today Ill announce the reason for this party!

 

As everybody turned to the First Prophet of Amun, Iridia took the opportunity to shake her surrounding. She had already checked if Horimerit had her precious dodecahedron, but the young man must have secure it somewhere else than on his person. Since she had been in the hands of the maids of the palace, she didnt have the time to explore the place and found the prison. She needed to check on Akhu.

 

Kamen smiled to the Peraya. Your Majesties and all the guests that are present here today As you know, as the First Prophet of our god Amun, it is my responsibility to ask the opinion of the gods about all the important matters in the land of Tawi. He bowed to the royal couple. Last night, I ask the gods about your impeding marriage and all the signs pointed to a happy near future.

 

Mitanun, and most of the other foreign princesses, smiled and waited for the announcement. The term near future lighted the eyes of the young girls.

 

Iridia blinked. A marriage?æ… She glanced to Horimerit. I wonder who is the poor bride who will be saddled with this bully.æ… Her eyes narrowed as she considered the high priest. You, however, are hiding something. Why did you test me personally if you are the First Prophet of Amun?æ…

 

Kamen used his power to conjure an illusion and a golden image of Nekhti in a traditional representation appeared behind him. We, the Egyptians, since Horus the Avenger stepped down from the throne to let mortals reign, have always done everything we could to protect the Royal bloodline coming from Ra! It is through the women that the blood is preserved. Ausare wed his sister Eset and Sutekh (Set) wed the older sister of Eset: Neb-Hut (Nephthys). He lifted his arms and let the radiance of the image touched the crowd. Thats why, the only one woman worthy for our Peraya Horimerit Siaseti (Set is the honorary parent of the child) Sa-Re (Son of Re) is Queen Ayath! His voice continued in the stupefied silence. That is the Gods message through the dream that I have last night!

 

The crowd began to react with enthusiasm.

 

æ…HOORAY! WE AGREED!

 

æ…YES! WE ALL AGREED!

 

æ…HOORAY!

 

æ…LONG LIVE HER HIGHNESS!

 

Nekhti turned to his older sibling. Well, my sister, it seems that the Gods have finally answered your prayers. What says you?

 

Ayath smiled to her brother. No, my brother, the Gods have only read Maat in our hearts, but the decision is yours. It has always been yours.

 

Nekhti closed his eyes: At long last, after so many ordeals. He smiled as he remembered that he had the final piece to his marriage in the form of the captive Foreign Living Goddess at his side. He raised and lifted his cup. Let it be written and accomplished that in the near future, when the signs will be auspicious that the marriage between me and Ayath will happen like any traditional marriage.

 

Ayathæ…s eyes were wet with contained tears of joy. She lightly kissed with contained passion her brother. From now on our powers will become one. She smiled as she glanced to the surprised young woman with the cats eyes. And soon the final element of our sacred trinity will join us.æ…

 

Indeed, Iridia was surprised. She knew that the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt sometimes marry their siblings in order to preserve the bloodline. But it was another thing to see and feel the love between the blood-brother and blood-sister. It wasunsettling for the modern young woman. She couldnt imagine transgressing this taboo herself. And yet They really loved each other.æ…

 

If Iridia was surprised, others were simply livid. Dismayed whispers fused among the foreign princesses. Many didnt know how to take this announcement. Mitanun was particularly flabbergasted. Horimerit! What about me?!æ…

 

Neferuntu leaned to Maaukepu. Its beginning my Son: The first move of a newly forged vast power in the land of Tawi.

 

Maaukepu nodded. Yes Mother. He turned to the white silhouette on the royal cushion. I only wonder how this strange element is going to interact with the Royal couple and our workings.

 

Nekhti and Ayath separated with regret. Ayath looked into his eyes. I have a request, my Brother.

 

æ…Anything! Name it and it will be done, my Sister!

 

She turned to the time-displaced French girl. I wish that Tamit sing a love song for us.

 

Once again Iridia reddened as the attention of the crowd focused anew on her. She pointed herself and stammered. MMe? YourYour Majesties?! She waved her hands in denial. IIm not a professional! I cant sing something worthy of you!

 

Nekhti laughed. He found her embarrassment very endearing. He gently guided his sister to the cushion and grabbed up the mortified young woman. Sing for us, Tamit!

 

Iridia wet her dry lips. How could she find herself in such situations? Must be Murphys Law. She was trapped: As a slave, she couldnt disobey the Pharaoh in front of everybody, but she knew only songs from her time period. She didnt think that modern songs would be well received by ancient Egyptians. Oh, she learned a few folk rhythms when she was living with Heni and Akhu, but no love songs. Besides, the only love songs she knew were

 

She blinked and pondered on that. She could perhaps pull it. There was one song that she knew well because she loved the Anime that used it and Yes! She could sing it on another background as long as the rhythm was the same. She didnt spend six years in Music School for nothing.

 

She turned and walked to a group of musicians, using the short distance to centre herself and took deep breaths. Her stomach was doing knots. She had a sick smile as she nodded to the musicians. Alright! Drums and tambourines She began to show the rhythm with her hands and proceed to guide the others instruments into a simple repetitive melody that should serve as a support for her song.

 

The fact that she acted instead of reacted had steadying her. When she gained the centre of the courtyard and faced the Royal couple, she was more focused than any moment after her capture by Nekhti. She wasnt sure that the song would be adapted to the two of them but She couldnt deny a song for the sheer joy and soft demand that she could read in the obsidian eyes of Ayath.

 

She softly began the song that will be always associated with her in the future.

 

Far in the light, I can see it

In every scene of the night

A tiny feather of love

 

I gotta go

Destiny never finds the way for me, my love

 

Iridia raised and extended her arms to the couple as if she was reaching for them.

 

Even in the night I see your face, in the dark

So I never lose my way to you

I never close my heart

The light is always there

 

She pulled back her hands over her heart. As the song filled her own heart, her power raised and began to manifest itself under her emotions: A soft golden aura appeared around her and her voice firmed.

 

Time goes by, we can never stay the same

Now we're come so far from love memory

Though your smile has gone, we will never be apart

In our hearts we are one, for love memory

The future arrives with your love

 

Because of her modern origin, Iridia knew many things that Egyptians couldnt even begin to concept, in this case, the value of visual impact in a video clip. Under her imagination and the emotions rocking her heart, small illusions manifested: Shadows of a teenage couple danced behind her, an image completely different than the traditional representation used by the Egyptian artists. The group of musicians seemed to have taken its mark and was following the song instead of simply supporting it.

 

Willing to go to the place

Where you never need to cry

I'll take you there

 

Willing to find an answer

In all the winding road we have come through

 

 

In the heat of summer, cold winter, I'm here

So you never lose your way to me

Never close your heart

Your light is always here

 

This time, Iridia opened her hands from her heart and willingly conjured a radiant representation of the feather of Maat. Her luminescent green eyes seemed to pierce the core of Nekhti and Ayath. The shadow couple began to dance around her by using the feather as a focal point.

 

Time goes by, we can never stay the same

In the shades of hope, in love memory

Though your smile has gone, we will never be apart

In our hearts we can hear the love melody

The future still shines, close to you...

Time goes by, we can never stay the same

Now we're come so far from love memory

Though your smile has gone, we will never be apart

In our hearts we are one, for love memory

 

This time, her voice grew and engulfed the whole crowd with the emotions flooding from her heart. The shadow couple gained in details so that everybody could see a young boy dancing lovingly with a young girl with the shining feather as a central point, their costumes and hair styles changing with each whirl. The aura around Iridia unfolded like a solar corona as she opened wide her arms to acknowledge the Royal couple.

 

Time goes by, we can never stay the same

Now we're come so far from love memory

Though your smile has gone, we will never be apart

In our hearts we are one, for love memory

The future still shines, close to you...

 

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Nekhti and Ayath were taking a short break from the revelry under the stars on a balcony and silently gazed on Men-Nefer (Memphis). They had been deeply touched by the song performed by Tamit. She had been right: She wasnt a professional and a few hesitations had been perceived. However, the intensity of her emotions had compensated those few mistakes.

 

What was surprising was the strange rhythm they had sensed under the song: Another proof of the foreign origin of the young woman. There was also the incredible way where she used a simple illusion in a moving symbolic display very different from what their court magicians would have done.

 

Ayath had also perceived her despair through the emotionally charged song: The foreign Living Goddess had practically begged Nekhti to release her. She wasnt sure that her brother had sensed the plea. The Star of Ptah was secure in the personal chambers of the young Peraya, but the way that Tamit had acted proved that she was resourceful and intelligent. The sheer potential of her Heka (Magic) was also not something to sneeze at: It was still unrefined and she obviously knew only a few basic spells, but she had what could be nurtured into something primordial.

 

Indeed, Nekhti didnt sense the plea of his newest slave. Or more exactly, he didnt take it into account since he had heard it in so many of his other slaves that it ceased to be something worthy of attention. What had seized his interest had been the incredible intensity of the Sekhem (Life Energy) of the young woman when she had manifested the solar corona. He was mainly a warrior and so his knowledge of Heka was limited: He left that to his sister. Tamit was different: He had sensed a blend of martial skills and magical knowledge never seen before. The sharp intelligence in her exotic eyes was also fascinating: Apart from his sister and a few highly educated ladies of the court and some members of the clergy, most women simply didnt have to sharpen to such a degree the brain.

 

Mitanun approached the couple. She had managed to regain her balance, but she now needed answers. Ayath turned at her approach and gently smiled to her before retreating a little to let the Hittite princess spoke to Nekhti.

 

The blonde-haired girl gathered her courage and tamed her jealousy. Horimerit, what about my proposition to unite our kingdoms?

 

Nekhti nodded to Mitanun. I wasnt jesting before: I couldnt give you an answer before consulting my sister. He lifted his head to gaze on the stars. Among the Royal family, a marriage is always decided by the gods: This is the price of our power.

 

Mitanun shook her head. That doesnt make any sense! Youre the king and you cant choose your own bride?! And what about Ayath? Shes your blood-sister! Its unnatural!

 

Nekhti sighed. I warned you. I can only choose my concubines, not my brides. I also said that you would have to make sacrifices yourself.

 

Mitanun whirled away as tears fell from her eyes. This tradition should be cursed!

 

Ayath sighed as Mitanun ran past her. Im very sorry princess Mitanun. I like you very much and I would have welcomed you

 

æ…Please dont say anymore! Ill return to my country tomorrow!

 

Sighing again, Ayath regained the side of her brother. Poor girl Its such a waste since we could have welcomed her in our hearts with time.

 

Nekhti looked at his cup of wine. I agree Especially since the Hittite Empire is very wealthy. Weve lost a great treasure here. He shrugged. She will perhaps change her path in the future.

 

Ayath leaned on his shoulder. Perhaps

 

In a shadow above the couple, two eyes burned with malice. Aayrt smirked. I dont think she will have the time to change.æ…

 

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In the middle of the night, Aayrt clothed as a maid, knocked on the door of the guest rooms of the Hittite princess. Princess Mitanun! Are you asleep yet?

 

The poor girl was still crying from what happened with Horimerit. She didnt answer: She wasnt in the mood for any discussion.

 

Aayrt continued. His Majesty wants to discuss with you right now.

 

This roused the stricken girl quickly. What?! Horimerit want to see me?! She blinked away her tears. Right now? At midnight? A foolish hope seized her heart. Oh. I get it Hes probably thinking about our marriage again. She smiled as she thought about the recent discussion on the balcony and came with another possible interpretation. He wanted to marry me and he doesnt want Ayath to be aware of it.

 

She quickly donned a cloak and exited her chamber. Wait, let me call one of my guards.

 

Aayrt shook her head as she took an oil lamp. Princess, I dont think thats necessary. She began to walk away. His Majesty only wanted to see you alone. She turned to the young girl. Princess, please hurry.

 

Unaware of the true intentions of Aayrt, Mitanun followed the woman through a maze of passageways in the palace. The Hittite princess rapidly lost any orientation.

 

Aayrt stopped before an opened door and bowed. His Majesty is waiting in there.

 

Mitanun entered the room and stopped. She blinked as the room had nothing to do with any place for a marriage proposal, even a secret one. Huh? This is a cell Why?

 

Behind her, the heavy door of the cell clacked and a masculine voice laughed evilly. HAHAHA, you have fall into my trap!

 

By a barred aperture in the door, Mitanun saw a man clothed like a priest with a mask hiding his features. It was an ebony mask representing the Egyptian god Sutekh. WHO ARE YOU?!

 

The man chuckled. You may call me Sennu (Second) He shook his head. What a shame for a princess to be so nave. Horimerit? Wanting to marry you secretly? HAHAHA!

 

Mitanun grabbed the bronze bars. GET ME OUT OF HERE! Do not forget that I am princess of the Hittites. If my father catches wind of this, a war will definitely erupt!

 

Aayrt laughed. Dont try to scare us! You came here secretly.

 

The masked man seemed amused. Beside, we know how the Hittites should react and were counting on it.

 

Panic seized the heart of the young girl. LET ME GO!

 

The two villains began to walk away. Aayrt turned to Mitanun. Are so pressed to meet Anup (Anubis), because my knife is the only way for you to exit this cell.

 

Completely terrorized, Mitanun began to scream. GUARDS, SAVE ME!

 

Aayrt laughed. Dont bother calling them! I killed them all!

 

They ignored the calls for help from the Hittite princess as they walked back. Sennu turned to Aayrt. Perfect! The plans of our Master are happening like he said they would.

 

The woman smiled wickedly and caressed a bronze dagger. Soon, well quench our thirst of Royal blood. HAHAHA!

 

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æ…I cant believe I pulled a Minmey during the party.æ… A small form sneaked away into the night. Iridia walked stealthily in the gardens of the palace. She had finally managed to loose the maids and escaped the sight of the Pharaoh. Clad in a dark cloak to mask her white clothes, the young woman was exploring the parts of the palace she didnt see before. She was sure that the palace prison should be near the basement and outside the public parts of the palace. The patrols of guards she had dodged were also a big clue.

 

She sighed in relief when, under the light of the moon, she managed to distinguish a young boy behind bronze bars. Akhu! Its me! Its Tamit.

 

The battered boy couldnt believe his eyes. His friend was before him and he could see the rich clothes under the dark cloak. Oh, Tamit?! How did you get here?

 

The young French woman reached for him through the bars. Hush Quiet down. She bit her lower lips in dismay as she assessed the bruises on the back of the young slave. Damn They didnt spare you Turn around.

 

The young boy obeyed and Iridia summoned her healing power to soothe the pain and reduced the bruising. Her hands glowed with a golden sheen as she massaged the wounded flesh. There! You should be better now. She smiled to him and a determined glow shone in her luminescent green eyes. Please wait for a little bit more. Ill rescue you when I have a chance.

 

Akhu had a lopsided smile. He knew better, especially if he was right about the clothes she wore. This situation is not as easy as you think. Im afraid that you might be in danger.

 

æ…So! You were here!

 

Iridia jumped in fright at the unexpected familiar voice behind her. She cringed as she whirled around to see Nekhti. Apparently his break was finished, but how did he manage to find her and how didnt she sense him.

 

Nekhti grabbed her arm and began to drag her away. Trying to protect this slave, huh? Im amazed she used her power to heal a simple slave.æ…

 

Iridia didnt try to resist. Although she was confident that she could surprise the young Pharaoh, once, it would be too dangerous for her friend. Akhu, Ill come back later! Please take care of you!

 

The revelry was still swinging when the Pharaoh and his new slave came back. Nekhti sat down his captive near him and took another cup of wine. Drink this!

 

Ouch. This wasnt good for the modern girl. She had always been unable to stomach the taste of alcohol. Seeing the effect of drinking on some of her friends had achieved to persuade her to swear off any alcohols. I apologize, my Peraya, but I cant drink alcohol.

 

Nekhti raised an eyebrow. You dare to disparage my wine?

 

Damn! That was what she feared. Absolutely not! Its just that my body cant support any alcohols.

 

Nekhti seized her and forced the cup through her lips. Drink it!

 

Nekhti laughed as Iridia whirled around and began to spit the drink on the floor. He blinked as he remarked that the young woman was nauseous. Hey! Whats wrong? He leaned to her and gently examined her face. Hum You really cant stomach wine, can you? He felt a little guilty: Tamit had politely refused his offer only because she couldnt drink and not because she was disobedient.

 

He turned her around. Well, lets see if I can make this bad taste disappear. He kissed her.

 

Iridia was shocked as she felt his tongue invading her mouth. Her hand slapped the Pharaoh back. Everybody around them was paralyzed by the audacity.

 

Iridia hadnt thought about what she was doing, she had simply reacted in righteous anger. By all that is holy! What do you think youre doing?!

 

Nekhti was looking bewildered at Iridia with his obsidian eyes, a hand on the red mark on his cheek. You dare to slap me?

 

Iridia gasped, her eyes widened and she felt her heart stopping. She looked at her hand like it wasnt a part of her body. She had just HIT the Pharaoh of Egypt! She cringed and the whispers around them didnt reassure her.

 

æ…The slave must not want to live anymore!

 

æ…Execute her!

 

Intense obsidian eyes gazed into scarred luminescent green eyes for an instant. Nekhti straightened back and walked away. Ill forgive you this time, but there wont be a second time. He remembered what his sister had asked and turned to nearby guards. Take her to the Queens chambers!

 

æ…Yes, Sire!

 

Iridia slumped down on the floor in relief. Oh boy It was so close I thought he was going to kill me for sure. She looked back to the disappearing Royal silhouette. I wonder why he spared me. I could see in his eyes that no one had acted with him like this.æ… She raised an eyebrow and tilted her head. Come to think about it I cant help but feeling sorry for him.æ…

 

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In her personal chamber, Ayath smiled as Neferuntu escorted Tamit inside. The matron had severely scolded the young woman about her comportment and the time-displaced French was red in shame or embarrassment.

 

She signalled the Chief-Maid to be dismissed and examined the foreign Living Goddess. Iridia began to fidget under the intense observation. She couldnt bring herself to look directly to the Queen after what she did to her brother.

 

Ayath smirked. Tell me, Tamit. Did you really slap my brother?

 

The poor girl could only nod. Ayath burst into laughter. Iridia stared at the high priestess of Eset. Its not funny! That only increased the volume of laughter. Iridia growled, crossed her arms and wellpout.

 

Ayath shook her head and approached the pouting young woman. She pinched gently her cheek. Youre adorable. As the bewildered green eyes turned to her, she pursued. However, I think you should refrain to do such actions in the future, IF you want to have a future.

 

Iridia wet her suddenly dry lips. Yes, my Heqt.

 

Ayath nodded seriously. Good. You shall live a long time. She returned to her chair. Tell me, Tamit. Did you finish you study at the Per-Ankh?

 

Iridia blinked at the change of subject. No, my Heqt. I have only managed a few months of learning.

 

Ayath nodded again and pinned the young woman with her intense obsidian gaze. Good. Each time you are free from the needs of my brother, I want you to return to my chambers where tutors will continue to educate you.

 

Iridia blinked. What will I learn, my Heqt? Those eyes So like her brother So fascinatingæ…

 

æ…Everything.

 

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Notes: The Prophecy text is the complete one. All those who will search for it will only find fragments and interpret them imperfectly.

 

The Hittite Empire is the main force in the Middle-East because of his mastery of iron during the Bronze Age.

 

Iridia is searching for her marks in this time period: Shes going to oscillate between her modern education and culture and her adaptation to the social mores of Egypt. Her reaction to the beating of Akhu is normal: how many among you would stay indifferent to such a scene. And yes: She had limits, she simply cannot act on it or she will forfeit her life.

 

Mitanun is jealous because she wants to be the main wife of Horimerit and not a concubine.

 

The remark about dream interpretation is because dream symbolic are very important to the superstitious Egyptian.

 

The reaction about Iridia appearance is because she is exotic compared to the Egyptian standards of beauty: especially her green eyes and white skin. A skin that will stay white despite exposition to the sun. Why? Lets say that the mysterious d20 had done something. The new hairstyle she received is because slaves were forbidden to have the same hairstyle as their masters. Ayath has straight long hair, so Iridia cant conserve her original style.

 

The reference to Minmey came from Robotech where the singer Lynn Minmey is used a psychological weapon against giant aliens.

 

Akhu has identified the clothes of Iridia as those of the personal slave of the Pharaoh. After all he has the cultural background to identify the status of people.

 

The story about alcohol is true: I cant stomach the taste of alcohol. Of course, that just means that I am always the one who drive back my friends after a party.

 

Please, read and review, thanks.

 

Character sheet with the rules of Time Lords (at the end of the first chapter):

 

Name: Iridia Sunheart. Age: 18 years (apparent). Height: 1m59. Weight: 62 kg. Race: human.

 

Strength: level 9, apt 2. Dexterity: level 12, apt 3. Intelligence: level 17, apt 5 (QI of 153).

Constitution: level 12, apt 3 (above average). Willpower: level 16, apt 4. Bravado: level 14, apt 4. Appearance: level 14, apt 4. Perception: level 14, apt 4. Stamina: level 14, apt 3. Power: 17, apt 5.

 

Max load without penalty: 8.1 kg. Max load: 81 kg.

 

Physical speed: 10; phase 1-2-5-8-10. Mental speed: 17; phase 1-2-4-5-6-7-8-9-10.

Body points: 26. Matrix lag: 3 seconds.

 

Skills/level:

Automatic weapons (10). Pistol (10). Heavy machine gun (4). Light rocket (4). Grenade launcher (4). Bow (8). Sling (8). Thrown spear (8). Shuriken (4). Shield (3). Sword (10). Martial Art (12). Demolitions (6). Automobile (12). Beast riding (8). Small sailboat (8). Power boat (8). Small man-powered boat (8). Blacksmithing (8). Carpentry (8). Cooking (10). Farmer (8). Jeweller (8). Mason (8). Potter (8). Weaver (8). Woodcarver (8). Navigation (8). Running (10). Swimming (12). Fishing (10). Hunting (8). Survival (8). Camping (6). Area knowledge/Ancient Egypt (10). Other languages (French natal, English 14, Spanish 7, Japanese 7, Egyptian 14). Acrobatics (10). Music (12). Dancing (10). Religion/Ancient Egypt (10). Veterinary (8). Medicine (10). Philosophy (10). First aid (16). Acting (14). Cat-fall (12). Climbing (8). Searching (8). Disguise (8). Stealth (10). Wounding/martial art (8).

 

Advantages: immunity (Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Smallpox, Influenza, common cold, rabies and other viral diseases), magical aptitude.

 

Disadvantages: minor phobia for flying dangerous bugs (like wasps or hornets) and minor physical weakness on right knee (failed to properly work after intense and prolonged effort).

 

Spells (from various GURPS books, this is only an example of what she can do now):

Body Control spells: Itch, Spasm, Touch.

Communication and Empathy spells: Sense Life.

Air spells: Purify Air.

Fire spells: Ignite Fire.

Water spells: Seek Water, Purify Water.

Food spells: Test Food, Preserve Food, Seek Food, Decay.

Healing spells: Lend Strength, Lend Health, Recover Strength, Awaken, Minor Healing, Sterilize.

Illusion and Creation spells: Simple Illusion.

Knowledge spells: Detect Magic.

Light and Darkness spells: Light, Continual Light.

Movement spells: Apportation.

Plant spells: Seek Plant, Identify Plant.

 

Martial arts moves (from GURPS Martial Arts, * are properly mastered moves):

Judo form (Orange belt level): *Arm Lock, *Breakfall, Choke Hold, Disarming, *Ground Fighting, Judo Parry, *Judo Throw, Leg Grapple, Slip and Trip.

Judo Cinematic form: Roll With Blow.

Karate form (Yellow belt level): Aggressive Parry, Ear Clap, Elbow Strike, Eye Gouging, *Hand Parry, *Hand Strike, *Hook Kick, Jump Kick, *Kicking, Knee Strike, Parrying Kick, Spinning Punch and Sweeping Kick.

Karate Cinematic form: Acrobatic Kick, Flying Jump Kick and Springing Attack.

Kendo form (Brown belt level): Feint, *Hit Location, Iaido, *Lunge, Riposte and Stop Hit.

Kendo Cinematic form: Power Blow.

Savate form (Blue gloves level): Back Kick, *Hand parry, *Hand Strike, Jab, *Kicking, Roundhouse Punch and Spin Kick.