(OOC: Keep going! 
)
Together we entered a city of strangers, we made it a city of friends, and we leave it a City of Heroes. - Sweet_Sarah
BOYCOTT NCSoft (on Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/517513781597443/
Governments have fallen to the power of social media. Gaming companies can too.
((Yeah, if you don't keep going, I punish. 
)
I demand that you continue or I will hang you by your dygestive track!!!
Chapter Two
She nodded to the temple guards as she passed them at thier posts outside of the main gates. Heading in she noticed that several tents had been set up in the front gardens. She smiled to herself as she watched a couple of the younger priestesses helping groups of people who had sought out refuge here.
She had sent her sisters out the following morning after her audience with Isis, to warn the people and offer them shelter at the temple. Etheria had gone to visit her priest brothers at the temple to Osiris in the south and the temple of Ra to the east to ask them to open their doors to those in need during this war. They had readily agreed. She was determined to help as many of the citizens as she could.
She wiped the sweat and road grime from her forehead as her temple leader priestess, Nantaru, ran down the pathway to her. The woman stopped to bow in front of Etheria. "High Preistess, I am glad to see you back so soon. I take it our brothers have joined our crusade," she asked in quiet reverance.
Etheria smiled at the woman. "Yes, they have. Hopefully we can spare all those who are willing to accept our help. I pray that we shall not lose many to the impending bloodshed," she replied as she continued on to the main temple chamber.
Nataru fell into step behind her and began informing her of what was happening. " We have set up tents in the gardens and sleeping rugs in the main temple and mediataion quarters. Many have brought provisions with them and we have our surplus ready in the storage room. Our sisters have been helping the people get aquainted with the grounds. The temple guards are on fully alert. I am sorry to say that many have chosen to remain in their homes."
Etheria nodded as she glanced around at all the faces with in the main chamber. Children played quietly as the adults talked amongst themselves. Several eyes turned to her as she entered, smiles of joy and eyes full of reverance. Word had spread of her favor with the Great Goddess. Heads bowed and hands reached out to her as she passed by. Etheria stopped to touch each one by the walkway and impart words of blessing and encouragement.
"We have been sent word that Cleopartra's armies will arrive tonight. We must be ready. Make sure that everyone remains within the temple walls. I pray that we will be out of the battle grounds since our compound is far outside the city borders," Etheria replied, turning to Nantaru,"but you never know."
Nantaru bowed before her briefly. She raised her dark eyes to Etheria's amber-brown ones."You look wary, High Priestess. I shall prepare a bath for you. I know that tonight will be very busy on your personal mission for her Great Highness Isis."
Etheria was tired from her travels and lack of sleep. She was worried that she might fail her people, Isis' people. She smiled warmly at her attendent. "Thank you, Nantaru. I would appreciate a bath," she replied as she turned down a side hall to her private quarters.
"My High Priestess, there is a gentleman here to see you. He is waiting in your chambers. I believe he is a roman soilder. He came unarmed but we unfortunatly could not understand him. I am sorry, blessed by Isis," she stammered slightly.
Etheria stopped to turn to the woman. She really did not what a visitor today, especially a roman. " Thank you, and please do not refer to me as blessed by Isis, Nantaru. I am only a priestess, acting upon her will as we all do. We are all blessed by her," she replied with an exasperated voice.
Nantaru bowed again and hustled off to the bathing room. EEtheria heaved a sigh and slugishly moved towards her room, wary of meeting this man.
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Commander Valerius Augustus shifted awkwardly in this forgien room. He glanced around at the noticable feminine decorations. It wasn't that he had never seen a woman's chambers before, as a roman noble he had induldged in certian hedonisms as they all did, but this was a priestess' room. Regardless if she was Eygptian, a priestess was a sacred being, a physical embodiment of the god they served, and he respected those who commited their lives to the gods.
His eyes moved over the mound of brightly colored pillows and carpets enshrouded by a gauzey curtain that consisted of the bed. He coughed into his hand as he fought the urge to blush. He was a soilder. The thought of a virginal woman lounging unclothed on that mountain of exotic fabrics should not arouse him. He probably shouldn't even be thinking of this woman he had never met like that, especial since she was a priestess. He glanced up at the open skylight expecting to be blasted by divine energy for such a thought.
He ran a nervous hand through his short wheat-colored hair as he tried to keep himself occupied while he waited. He huffed in frustration. Nobody here could speak Latin which was going to make his job more difficult. Luckily the General had the woman Cleopatra write a mesage in her wierd, picture-like language. He notice a large mural of the pictures on the far wall. He moved to look at it, his silver armor clinking as he walked. He stood pondering the story that this mural was trying to tell.
He froze when he heard the sound of sandals on the stone floor. The gait was soft and slow like a woman's his warrior instint replied. He turned to see a lithe, bronzed skin woman in a white, airy gown dusted with the red sand, probably from traveling, standing in the doorway staring at him.
He swallowed deeply as he stared into her intelligent yet kind amber eyes. He stepped forward and saluted her, thumping his fist on his armor. She merely stood there, her eyebrow quirked inquizzitively. "I am Commander Valerius Augustus of General Julius Ceaser's army. I have been sent with a message," he replied, his voice strong and clipped.
Etheria just gave the man a soft half-smile, noting the commanding tone.
"Right, you probably do not understand me. Nobody here does and I thought Latin was spoken through the civilized world. Guess I was wrong," he sighed as he went at ease, still staring at the exotic-looking woman.
She gave him a very warm smile as she moved further into the room, her midnight pleated hair swinging around her hips. He found himself shifting uncomfortably as he watched her fluid, gracefully walk. He pulled the scroll out and held it alfot for her. She nodded at him as she stopped infront of him, reaching for the scroll. She still smiled, staring into his forest green eyes.
"Well, you may not understand what I am saying but at least you have a lovely smile. It makes this meeting a little pleasent," he replied with a soft smile of his own," And you are far better looking then the barbarians I have defeated."
"Why thank you, Commander. I find your smile pleasant too," Etheria replied in perfect Latin as she took the scroll from him.
She bit back her laughter at his expression. His attractive eyes buldged as his jaw dropped. He looked as if she had struck him.
"You can understand me..." he stammered.
"Perfectly," she replied as she stepped back from him," I am quite fluent in Latin. As a high priestess, I had to study the language of Alexander the Great. Since many officals and Pharohs have dealing with Rome, we clerics must learn the language also."
Valerius regained his composure but continued to smile at this surprising creature. " Ah, how wonderful to meet an educated woman who is also a creature of the divine," he replied, bowing slightly.
"Divine in looks or in faith, Commander?" she asked, her voice lilting playfully as she unrolled the scroll to read it.
He rubbed at his chin as he smiled at her though it was hidden behind the scroll. He found he automatically liked this woman, especially since she had a sense of humor.
"By faith of course, Priestess..."
"High Priestess Etheria, Commander Valerius Augustus," she replied from behind the paper," Please to meet you."
"Forgive me, High Priestess. I was not aware i was in such commanding presence," he replied playfully, giving her an elaborate bow.
She glanced over the edge of the message at him, hiding her smile. For a harden soilder, he was quite amusing. "You may simply call me Etheria, Commander, seeing that we shall be spending the war together," she replied as she rolled the scroll up.
He returned to standing as their business came up. " Yes, my lady. As you are aware, the Lady Cleopatra wishs your temple to be under our protection durning this war. I have a contingent of men ready to defend this temple at all costs. She was very adamant about that and since she has General Ceaser's favor, my men and myself are your humble and loyal servants."
She studied him for a moment, peering into his heart using her newfound powers. She smiled at him happily. "I have faith you shall protect my sisters and all within these walls. I would die for these people, Commander, and expect your man to do everything in there ability to do the same," she replied seriously, staring into his eyes.
"As I would die for my men, they are my brothers. We shall give ours lives to protect these innocents, I above all shall fight make sure no one dies. My life shall come before everybody elses," he replied, the conviction in his voice matching hers.
"Good, then you shall meet with my second, Nantaru. She is still learning Latin. I will not remain in the temple during this war. I have a mission to do," she replied handing the scroll back to him.
A look of confusion crossed his face. " My lady, the General and the future Queen, gave me specific orders to protect you, personally. I must obey orders so where ever you go I must follow, though I suggest you remain here where it is safest," he replied, a commanding tone surfacing.
Etheria shook her head. " I can not stay here while those who have not sought shelter still suffer. Regardless of who's side the people are on I must help all those who are injuried. They are all children of Isis and as her vessal I must help and protect them, even if the do not wish it. It is something I must do. So I am leaving the temple tonight and shall be out in the streets giving aid. If you try to stop me, there will be...unpleasantries," she replied, holding his stare, her eyes burning with conviction.
He was going to argue but knew it was futile. She was a strong willed woman who only answered to a god. "Fine, my lady, but I shall accompany you. I must follow my orders," he replied, bowing to her.
She smiled softly at him. "We leave tonight when the moon is at it's zenith. I suggest you get some rest, Commander. I will see you later," she replied, stepping aside to allow him passage.
He saluted her again and walked past. He stopped in the doorway and turned back to her.
"Valerius. Just Valerius, Etheria. Til tonight," he swept down the hallway, his armor clinking as he went.
Etheria stood there and smiled.
((sorry it's a little long. Next chapter shall have some action, I hope.... 
))
Awesome. Just awesome. Please continue. My favorite current story now.
Agreed, excellent. Keep it coming!
"Shut up Mr. Burton, you are not brought upon this world to get it!" - Lo Pan
@MadGremlin
Hurry up I want to reed this story the suspence is literaly killing me....
Oh no its Suspence he is back AAAHHHH!!!
:: looks at his watch, tapping his foot. ::
:: gets out the whip ::
Excellent story so far, I can't wait to read Chapter 3.
Chapter Three
They came in the darkness of the night, traveling through the silent expanse of the desert. As quiet as a whisper, they sought the city out. Fear, blood, and fire perfumed the air with an intoxicating scent. With alacrity, they glided through the wonderous chaos, drunk on the despair and misfortune of these base creatures.
Dancing within the shadows, they hunted for thier prey, undetected by the populous. Predatorial senses flared as each sight, sound, taste and touch became a tangible living force. They rejoiced in the lingering touch of their prey, carelessly worn by these lowly mortals like a second skin. They follwed the invisable trail, stalking through the city like a pack of animals. As they drew closer, they could feel the invigorating caress of ultimate power. Power that they had to get for their master. Power that ensured their lives.
Elation ran through them with a hot shutter as they approached the dwelling. The ebbing power taunted and teased them like a forbidden lover, promising them everything yet unable to give anything. They broke and prowled around the buliding, readying to tear apart the mortal with their contained animalistic urges and lay the sacred object at the feet of their master.
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Valerius shifted against the sandstone wall with a soft sigh, trying to keep his armor from clinking. He failed. As he straightened his legs, the silver grieves clanked fairly loudly. His green eyes darted to the sleeping form on the floor next to him. Etheria didn't even stir. He relaxed as her rhythmic breathing remained soft and soothing. He gingerly placed a hand to the priestess' sweat soaked forehead. He frowned deeply. Her fever was still there. He brushed a stray strand of her raven hair from her face as worry wrinkled his usually smooth face. His hand fell away quickly as he rested his head back against the wall. His eyes closed briefly with wariness as his mind recalled the events of the last couple of days.
Valerius discovered that over the last couple of days, this woman had won a place in his heart. Aside from her exotic beauty and the wonderful sense of humor she posessed, he found her compassion and selflessness had touched his hardened warrior heart. He would play her vigilant guard as she moved about the city, aiding those who needed and asked. He would stand quietly by and watch sadness pool in those incrediable amber eyes as she mourned for those who died and when the great library burned. They had spent a couple of hours evacuating people from their burning houses. She was tireless in helping people and it amazed him. He watched in silent awe as people reached out to her in reverance as they pleaed for help. She stopped at every person and spoke in her soothing manner that sent warm shivers down his spine regardless if he understood what she was saying.
What amazed him even more was her ability to heal wounds miraculously. She trully was a divine creature. As her personal defender, he become silently worried about her. She would go with out food or drink for hours, surging ahead to help those would needed. She started to get headaches and fevers as she overexherted her body. He admired her relentless and stubborn spirit but her feared for her health.
He cared very much for this woman. He would quietly carry her when she passed out from exhuastion like she did this night. His heart sank as his thoughts moved away from their shared mission. Even with his eyes closed in much needed rest, the sound of her quiet breathing reached his ears. His senses recalled the feel of her bronzed skin soft as silk against his fingertips. The caress of her warm breath against his neck as he carried her. The sensation of her long, midnight tresses sliding against his arms. What he would give to quench the fire in his heart for her, but he knew it was impossible. Like any other priestess across the world, she was to remain untouched by any man. He sighed deeply as he tried to force the strong sensory memories from his mind, but they were stubborn.
His mind conjured the sound of her soft voice whispering his name breathily as he felt the comforting press of her graceful body against his. When the delicate smell of lavander and a soft breath of a woman danced against his cheek, his eyes flew open to stare into her surprised and pained golden-brown ones. Her wary body was pressed against his, her hands placed against the wall behind him, cradling his head.
"Run," she breathed quietly but fearfully against his face.
Confusion flickered in his mind before his warrior instinct kicked in. He felt the movement of someone behind her, looming in the shadows. She took a shallow breath as she whispered at him to flee again. His eyes darted down to see the point of some kind of curved dagger proturding from her chest, directly above where his heart was. She saved him.
"Etheria..." he struggled to speak her name. Fear and rage boiled inside of him.
"Run," she breathed shakily again as she pushed away from him and stood with a wobble, turning to face the assasian.
Valerius leaped to his feet and drew his sword with a fluid motion. He moved up behind her and noticed the rapidly bleeding wound caused by the kukri. He watched as she swayed where she stood. She was going to die. Red hot anger burned through him as he stared into the darkened corner.
Two pin-pricks of gold glared back at them with a slow, low hiss.
Chapter Four
Etheria staggered with a slow, painful breath. The wound burned and made her light-headed. She stared into the creature's glowing eyes as she felt the skin-crawling caress of evil. The lingering smell of serpintine musk filled her nose. It was that scent that drew her from her slumber in time to save Valerius. She stared heatedly into those hypnotizing golden orbs. She staggered again and began coughing painfully. Her vision swam as she doubled over and spat a gout of blood on the floor. She wiped away the remaining droplets of blood as she glare back up into the unusually dark corner. Poison.
Valerius choked down his concern for Etheria as his warrior instinct rose up. Confidence moved through him as the familiar weight of his steel in his hand calmed him. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her behind him as he felt the creature move from the shadows.
Dark, pooling, brown ovid eyes stared predatorially at them from a humaniod face. It's brow ridge was slightly flattened with boney plates for eyebrows. There were serpentine slits where a nose would be. It's ears appeared to be malformed as if they did not grow out from the head. Black tattoos of arcahic symbols adorned a bald head and bared chest that moved with too many muscles. It strolled foreward with a flowing, liquid grace meant for creatures with out legs. It bared long, pointed fangs with a low hiss as it drew two more kukris.
"What in Pluto's realm is that thing?" he asked outloud as he tried to hide his fear.
He felt her put a hand on his shoulder as she took another struggling, wet sounding breath. He felt her grip his shoulder tightly with a painful grunt. The soft, splattering sound of blood was heard follwed by the metallic clang of the kukri dropping to the floor.
"Setite..warrior," she breathed slowly into his ear," Humans...fused with...snakes..by magic."
The strage sound of rough and dry paper sliding together was heard as Etheria turned around to stare at two more Setites. She placed her back to Valerius as she struggled to remain standing. "Two more..."
"I know," he replied as he stared at the first one, ready for it to make it's move.
Valerius kept focusing his mind on this inhuman being and trying not to notice the frantic fluttering of her heart against his back. "Stay close, priestess."
She tried to laugh but ended up groaning softly," I'm in no condition to go anywhere, commander."
The snake men began to slowly circle them, hissing at them, trying to shake their resolve. The duo moved slowly with them, trying to watch all three at once. "What do they want?" Valerius whispered to Etheria.
"Samething you want, Valerius," she replied breathily as she placed a hand over her wound and began to pray in her mind.
The gem set in her necklace began to pulse strongly as she felt the warmth of Isis' healing energy jump from the gem, to her heart, and dance hotly through her, sealing the wound. With it's soul-fluttering caress, she felt invigorated and was no longer weaked. Standing straighter, she glanced over her shoulder to Valerius when she felt him shiver as the energy flowed over him.
"Me," she whispered as he turned his head to glance at her.
The Setite's chittered excitedly after Etheria envoked the power of the gem. They stopped their circling dance and tensed.
Before Etheria could blink, the sound of steel meeting steel rang through the room. It took her a moment to realize the soildness of Valerius at her back was gone. She stumbled slightly at the suddeness of his movement. The setite infront of her moved with a flash of steel at her throat. Her eyes went wide as she tried to catch her breath at his quickness. She threw her arm out and took a stinging slash to her forearm.
Her heart began to race as she spun on her heel to run for the window. She was not a fighter. The ringing of steel became ferocious, drowning out all other sounds. She prepared to leap through the open portal when in a flash of gold and brown the setite was there. She halted quickly and was about to backpedal when it sprung at her like a wildcat. She shrieked as it's pure muscled body tackled her. Her head bounced on the floor, sending stars through her vision. The darkness of unconsciousness ebbed in the corners of her mind. Not good.
The deep, fathomless brown eyes stared down at her as he pinned her legs with his and held her arms down. She tried to focus on his blurring form, but her body was telling her to sleep. She blinked up at the creature in futility. She registered it's smile full of white fangs and nefarious content. It leaned down and ran an inhumanly long tongue down her cheek. "Two treasssuress of Isssiss. One for massster and one for uss sservantss."
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Valerius dodged one set of daggers and blocked the second set with his gladius. He kicked out at one of thier knees as she brought his free elbow up to smash into one's face. With liquid speed they darted out of the way. His body hummed as he fought, straining the limits of his fighting abilities. He was no stranger to combat, fighting in the field, surrounded by friend and foe. His breathing was excited as he began to sweat. He brought his arm up and caught the set of daggers against his gauntlets as he slashed out at the other snake man with a quick flash of steel. It slithered out of the way. They fought in a quick striking mannar like the animal they were fused with. Move in quickly, strike fast and move out. He smiled to himself. This was challenging.
They moved to flank him and he merely stood his ground. His mind flashed on Etheria briefly before they charged him.
He dipped his left shoulder as he slowly rolled his body to the right. He quickly reversed the grip on his blade and brought it up. It caught the arms of the one attacking him from the front. With the flat of his balde, he swiftly pushed it's arms away from him, across the snake's man body, as Valerius rolled his shoulders back, allowing the second set of kukri's plunge into the first creatures chest and shoulder. It shrieked in pain as Valerius stuck a foot out and tripped the second creature allowing it's own momenteum to tackle it's commrade.
With a hiss and spurt of blood, the second setite drove it's blades deeper into the first one as it rode his clutchmate to the floor. With the quickness of a jungle cat, Valerius drove his blade through the being's back, smoothly sliding his sword through the third and fourth rib, into the heart and straight out to pin the one beneath.
The faint whispering breath of death was heard as the top creatures body went limp. The injured one hissed up at Valerius as it struggled under the dead weight.
Valerius placed a foot on the dead one's back and pushed further down on the sword with all of his might. He felt it slip further in and heard the angry and painfilled hiss. He smiled truimphantly down at it.
A wave of heart-racing, soul-tingling energy washed over Valerius as Etheria's soothingly exotic native tongue hummed in his ears. His gaze shot up, finding her pinned on the floor. Anger and maybe a hint of jealous ran through him, bringing a rage he had never felt before. He kicked the slowly dying setite in it's jaw, hearing the satisfing snap of bone, before striding pwerfully towards her.
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Her eyes went wide in fear as her heart raced, understanding now what was on this creatures mind. She began to squirm against him, trying to wriggle away, darkness still lurking in her mind. She heard him chuckle and felt him press tighter against her, strengthing his hold on her and showing her what her struggling was doing to him. She froze and stared up at him, fear plain on her face. She heard the sound of a body hitting the floor. Praying it was not Valerius, she attempted to turn her head and check on him. A hand moved from her arm and struck her swiftly across the face. More stars exploaded across her vision as she winced.
"All you need to ssssee iss me, {censored}," it hissed down on her with a hot, putrid breath.
She blinked up at him, trying to clear her fuzzy vision. A thought crawled through her disorientated mind. She smiled happily at the creature.
" All you need to know is that you will obey me. Now, feel my pain," she replied, inacting her ability to dominate minds, granted by Isis.
The creature closed it's eyes and hissed in pain as she transfered her increadiable headache brought on by his attacks. It clutched deeply to her as the pain racked it's body. Now all I have to do is get him off of me.
Etheria heard the soft clink of armor before the creature did. It's eyes flew open, no longer under her spell. It's eyes went wide as she smiled innocently up at it. A slightly taned arm wrapped around it's neck as another hand cupped its jaw. With morbid fasination, Etheria watched as it's head was jerked quickly. The heart wrenching sound of popping bones echoed in the room, along with the labored breathing of her rescuer. She felt the dead wieght of the creature for a brief moment before it's body was hurled aside with an angry grunt.
Etheria stared up shocked and slightly concered at Valerius as he loomed over her. His forest green eyes were wild and his breathing fast. The muscles that she could see were taut from fighting and a slight sweat sheened his body. He released a shuttering breath as he leaned down and pulled her up. He crushed her body to his with a fierce tenderness. She released the breath she was holding as her fear began to subside. The wound on her arm began to sting again. She stuggled to pull away from his hug.
He circled her arms with his stong hands and held her infront of him. She stared into eyes full of fear, sadness, and fury.
"Valerius?" she whispered her question, his name hanging on the air.
He answered by pressing his lips hotly, posessively to hers as he embraced her, holding her body close.
She lost her breath as she surrendered to his kiss. Her heart raced as she felt her body go weak. She had never felt the touch or kiss of a man before and had never had the urge to until now. The only thing she could assoicated the sensation she felt was when Isis came to her. Isis forgive me.
Sorry it's been awhile for the next chapter! I've been busy with my B-Day and it's been finals week. I promise I'll have a new chapter by the end of this week....Sorry again....
Chapter Five
"RRRRAAAGGGGHHH"
A beaten gold bowl clangs to the sandstone floor, rolling out of the flickering candlelight, leaving a trail of water as it splashes it's contents about. The heartbeats in the deeper shadows shrink back as the scrying altar is kicked over with an angry growl. The stone pillar breaks to pieces with the rumbling sound of earth.
The swish of a robe is followed by several sets of golden pin-pricks, watching silently and paitently but fearfully. They were built not to fail, created in the image of thier god, by the High Priest, to do his bidding. They were unstoppable or so they thought.
The metallic rustle of chains is heard. They watch like obiediant pets as the slave concubine, covered only by the scale-like tattoos adorning her body, moves cautiously towards the two red orbs. She reaches a slow, comforting hand out, wanting only to caress and sooth her master.
A powerful hand reaches out of the darkness and clamps around her wrist. She squeaks in surprise as it squeezes her tightly, painfully but she just stares placently into the red orbs, like the mindless, emotionless slave she was. With a quick jerk, her wrist is broken, the sound echoing through the grand, dark chamber. She doesn't scream, or cry, or even squirm. She just sits there like a doll, cold, empty.
A low, frustrated growl issues out from the red orbs as the hand moves to grip around the woman's neck. The darkness stands, holding her aloft, her chains rattling. It chokes her tighter, shaking her, trying to make her react.
The warriors watch interested as the woman just hangs there, not reacting.
The darkness grunts as it digs fingers tightly into her throat, choking her, red eyes burning in fury. She begins to gulp for air but thats the only reaction. It's hand begins to shake with strain as it digs deeper, tighter, waiting and wanting.
Her eyes roll back slightly but she doesn't speak, she doesn't beg, nor cry. Her body is thrown, cracking loudly against the wall, as her chains clatter with her. Another frustrated, angry roar comes from the red orbs as the warriors return their attention to the darkness.
"Worthless puppet. No passion. No pain. Nothing. An empty husk. It's not fit for our god. Feed it to Apep. The serpent is hungry," a deep, rolling, powerful voice booms through the room.
The rustle of it's robes is heard as it sits back upon it's throne. A small form races over to the slave woman and drags her off by her chains. She is still complacent.
"Whatttss would pleassse you our ssssupreme masssterr?" one of the Setite Warriors asks, before adverting it's gaze, feeling the contained heat behind the red orbs.
"You know what I want, what he wants! Is it to difficult to kill a woman? She's merely a priestess! I maybe able to understand the warrior but he is only human...not a creature created to be a ruthless killer!" the voice booms angrily, the sound of a fist slamming against metal echos in the chamber.
There is silence for a few moments, the only sound heard is quiet breathing. A wavering silver light is seen floating in the middle of the room. The image of a man and woman caught in an emtional embrace is seen clearly. A ragged sigh drifts from the drakness on the throne.
The image flickers and the figures are seen running through a city. The scrying bubble focuses in on the woman as she runs with determination. The golden winged necklace, bejeweled with the 'Heart of Isis', glimmers against her dark skin.
"No more failures. Bring me the gem and the woman, preferably unhurt. And I need the woman intact..." the commanding and frigthening voice trails off.
The warriors slither off, set upon their task with a fear of death over their heads. If they failed, it was their lives.
The robed figured remained sitting upon it's throne, watching the woman in the conjured image.
"Such life. Such emotion. Such passion. Thank you, my lord. I shall enjoy her."
Chapter Five ( Part Two)
Etheria took the sharp corner quickly, sand sliding under her sandaled heels. Heart racing, breathing quickened as she surged back towards the temple. Fear sped her mad dash, sending vivid images of violence, bloodshed and death.
Oh please let them be alright! The soliders would have seen them, right?
The cobbled, sandstone streets of the many bazaars were empty. The tents and wares packed away for the next morning. Blood pounded in her eyes along with the rhythmic padding of her sandals and the clinking of Valerius' armor. She glanced over her shoulder, making sure the commander was still following, as she streaked through her city. Each twist and turn memorized.
His eyes met hers briefly before casting his glance aside. They had yet to discuss what had happened and niether of them knew what to make of their kiss.
Etheria's fear that the Setites had already visited the temple, sped her along. She darted down sidestreets and alleyways, surprising several of the homeless people who took residence in the backalleys. Her already borken heart ached more at the sight of these people, some with small children. She swallowed down her compassion as she continued to run, thinking of all the soilders, preistesses, and innocent people taking shelter in her temple and how they could all be dead because of her.
Tears welled in her eyes as she headed through the south gate and onto the route to her temple. She could not shake her morbid thoughts. Her already exhausted body cried out for rest as she felt her knees begin to shake. Her breathing became ragged as she pushed herself foreward.
Oh, Great Mother, please...please help me!! Give me strength so I may assit your servants and children, she prayed as she thought about all those people who believed she would keep them safe.
She felt herself slow. Her breathing was quite rapid and her whole body shook from her exhertion. No, Oh ,Isis, no. I've failed them and you, she cried as hot tears of frustration began to fall down her cheeks.
Etheria yelped in surprise as an arm hooked hers, slid behind her shoulders, and lifted her into a set of arms.
"Worry not, Preistess. You may borrow my strength. I'll see that you get to your flock. It is the least I can do..."
Etheria wiped at her tears as she blinked up at Valerius. His face was stotic as he ran, keeping his attention ahead of them. He carried her as if she was a mere package, his pace never faultering.
"Valerius..." she whispered, her voice lilting with concern.
A muscle ticed in his jaw, but his expression remained. " You have done so much today already...prior to our altercation...such stress and fatigue is not good for your health...or your body," he replied to her silent question as he continued to hold her effortlessly," It would be a shame to see such a divine body as yours marked by such exhaustions..."
She saw the smile spread across his face as he glanced down at her, showing the man beneath the warrior. She couldn't help but smile, also. It was infectious. But her momentary joy was short-lived as she thought once more about the temple.
" Do not fret, Etheria. I am sure no harm has come to the temple or any of the people. My men are excellent soilders. If their was an attack, I'm sure they took care of it," he replied as he shifted her in his arms, craddling her closer to his chest.
"I'm...i'm sure...i..i...just worry...to much sometimes...it's my sacred..duty," she yawned, sleepily against his chest, hearing the faint rhythmic and soothing beat of his heart against his armor.
He felt her body relax in his arms as he continued to run, knowing exhaustion had finally taken her. He continued to run, pacing himself as he carried her. He couldn't help but question weither his heart was pounding from his exercise or from holding her. For virtue's sake, he said it was his running.
More please
Okay, Ive been silent long enough. The story is great, but to leave us with a cliff hanger... is an evil tease. Is the next one coming soon?
(( Alright everybody, thank you for being patient. My muse was on vaction, but she's back and now I can write again. So here you guys go and thanks again!!!))
Chapter Six
There were voices in the darkness. Crying. Screaming. Begging. Such pain echoes from the chorus lost in the shadows. The sound chills her to the very depths of her soul. She shutters as she clutchs the gem with shaking hands.
They call for her by name. The individuals voices rise as one agonizing sound as they call out. It is a symphony of despair and pain as they beg and plea for her to stop the suffering, the poverty, the wars, the famine, the hunger, the disease, and the death.
She clamps her eyes shut as the noise becomes feverant. The one voice of many burrows into her mind. She can not shake the sensations assoicated with that sound. The sound of her people. Hot tears begin to fall from her eyes as she's engulfed in their emotions. She has failed them. No matter how hard she may try, she will never be able to help.
"It does not have to be that way," a soothing voice like liquid temptation whispers softly in her mind.
Her eyes fly open as she finds herself standing, bathed in a golden light. She glances around, searching for the source of the voice.
"You scarifice so much, yet the world will never change. All your fears shall remain. There is only so much you can do. You already drive yourself to exhuastion for what? More pain to arise? More people impoverished? More children straving? More people dying in the streets?" the voice repiled as flashes of pain and suffering danced through her mind, accenting his points.
She closed her eyes against her tears. Their pain was so real, it was like a knife through her heart.
"What of your sisters? The goddess will let them suffer. Famine and disease shall spread across your lands and they will suffer with the goddess' children. Painful death shall take them all from you for what? The goddess gave you her power so that she can remain in exisitance. There will come a time when the belief in the gods shall faulter and they will return back to where they came from, abandoning the humans. You are nothing but amusement for them. You are pawns in a game they play," the voice purred at her, showing her more awful sights of her sisters racked with pain.
She just shook her head in disbeilef at the thought. " That will never happen. Isis cares about her people. She is a good and noble creature of divinity. You only speak lies. Believing her to be selfish, blasphmy!"
"True she gave you the magical jewel to help and heal, but did she not tell you it was shard of her heart, her divine spark? The energy that makes her a god. Why would she want a piece of her divinity to exist on the material plane of man? As long as faith of the diety or in her case, a physical piece of them exist, they will remain in contact with the human world. She is scared to lose her godhood. She wishes to remain powerful and worshipped by the masses. It is through you that she will maintain her regin as a god. You will remain immortal until she sees fit to remove the gem from you. You will watch thousands, upon thousands die for petty reasons and their will be nothing you can do. You shall be tormented by the changing world and what will come. You think you will fail now? You have no idea how human nature will change. They will revert back into the true dominating animals they are. Death will be man's legacy. All that you wish to accomplish, to save, will be for naught. Why sentence yourself to such a fate?" he asked, his voice dripping with seduction and succor.
Etheria squeezed her eyes tight against the horrific images of wars and senseless slaughter. She began to cry as her mind was bombarded by these images. She fell to her knees, crippled by the pian of the ages to come.
"Why? Why, show me? What do you want?" she cried, her voice heavy with her pain.
A tender hand slide down her cheek as she stared up at a red-headed man with golden skin. Her was glorious to behold. Perfectly formed and ozzed sensuality and power. Golden orbed eyes smiled sweetly down at her.
"I want to save you, child. Save you from all this pain and death. Isis will satnd idly by, letting you suffer through, hoping you learn on your own how to keep her alive. I wish to spare you from that," he replied, continuing to caress her cheek," You desevere to be a Queen. With power as such, you could change the fate of the world. You could shape it into a world pf peace and you wouldn't need to start wars. All you would need is me by your side."
The breath-taking being knelt down infront of her, tilting her chin up to stare upon his incrediable face. " I can give you what you want, without asking for your suffering and life like she asks. I want, need to spare you from this fate," he whispered at her, his voice wrapping around her like warm silk.
Her eyes went wide in pain and fear as she saw her death by torture. She felt the backlash of the pain inflicted upon her. The divine creature gather her shaking form in his arms and began to rock her gently, smoothing the hair from her face.
"She will abandon you and let you suffer. I can prevent it only if you give yourself to me. I will give you all that your heart desires. They only thing I ask in return is if you join me and forsake Isis."
Etheria was scared and confused. She could not deny what she saw and felt. She knew that he was being truthful to her, in his own twisted way. She was going to die along with everybody else, unless she relented. It was too soon. Fear raced throug her as she stared up into his serene looking face. He smiled lovingly down at her.
"Think upon it my darling Etheria. I have plently of time to wait for your answer, but remember you unfortunalty do not. When you are ready, I'll be here. All you have to do is call out to me and I shall come," he caressed her cheek again before kissing her forehead lightly.
"I can give you everything you've every wanted," he whispers as she starts to drift away.
A final image flashes in her mind. Valerius.
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Etheria bolts up from her bed of pillows, her body shaking from her dreams of pain. She closed her eyes and rests a hand over the softly pulsing jewel. His words crawled through her mind sensually, curling about like a cat. She shutters and sighs sadly as his seed of doubt begins to implat itself in her mind.
"Set," she whispered into the empty room.
She felt a wicked smile in her mind as she spoke his name.
Another chapter! Thank you so much, QueenEtheria!
Here's hoping that your muse remains to treat us all to your story. We are all waiting as each chapter is presented in its woven enchantment. Again, thank you!
~Yydr
This story just keeps getting better and better, can't wait for the next chapter.
Chapter Six ( Part Two)
Valerius sighed as he slouched farther down into the bath. The warm water was soothing against his tired muscles. He tilted his head back to rest against the stone border of the larger communal bath. He was alone in the lightly rose scented water. He smirked to himself as he closed his eyes, wondering if all the priestesses smelled of the rose water. He began to relax more, soothing incense burned in their pots as he heard the music of the desert night. It had been quite sometime since he last allowed himself this kind of indulgence. Baths like this were few and far between on the battlefields.
He had run into one of his scouts earlier that morning as he returned back to the temple, Etheria craddled in his arms. The scout relinquished his mount and Valerius returned swiftly to the temple. Nantaru greeted them at the gates and had Etheria carried off to her private chambers by the temple guards. Valerius had fought the urge to scramble after them and remain by her side. He instead turned to find Kyrian, his second in command, and find out if their had been any attacks. To his men's dismay, all was quiet at the temple.
Valerius had spent the day, trying to stay busy as the priestess' kept taking turns sitting with Etheria's sleeping form. He found himself walking down her hallway, every once in awhile as he went about his day. He shook his head sadly.
I am such a fool. This woman has ensnared me is some wicked trap. Have I wronged you in some way dear Fates? Do I deserve such a cruel existence? Tempted and taunted by this siren?
Valerius shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts as he sank further into the warm water. All the grime and wariness of the last few days was slowly washing away.
It matters not. The day was won and we shall return to Rome shortly. I shall return to my life as a warrior as she goes back to serving her goddess. There is no possiable way for us to remain with each other. It was not meant to be.
A slight excitement ran through him as he thought about his home. It had been a few years since he had been home. This campaign carried him far from the bustling metropolis of Rome. The message the General had sent said he would be given a few month's vaction. It also mentioned that his uncle, Senator Magnus Augustus, was egar for his return from a sucessful campaign. It had also mentioned that he was going to be honored with an advancement in his rank and several daughters of very influent families were expressing interest in meeting the new General.
He groaned outwards as he sank chin deep into the water. He hated politics with a passion and hated the games he had to play for the sake of his family. He had been happy when he was assigned by Ceaser to lead one of his armies into the northern barbarian lands. It was his chance to escape.
He shuttered, remembering the lavish attentions of several noble ladies. Monogomy was a fairly unknown term to the higher classes of the Empire. Several married ladies expressed their interest in him at a young age, inviting him to parties, claiming to his family that they wanted him to meet the budding young women in their households, yet plotting to get him in their own bedrooms. He was no prude and was tempted by some of the very lovely noble ladies, but he always felt like a piece of meat. It was at the age of 13 that he learned to harden his heart and forgo emotions. All most of the women he met only wanted him for physical needs and never bothered to get to know him personally, emotionally. But that was the society he lived in.
He sighed again, causing ripples in the water. Sometimes he wished he was a commoner. He closed his eyes, picturing his uncle boosting about his exploits with the army. Valerius unfortunatly was the oldest male in his family. His three elder sisters were married off with great doweries, ensuring his uncle's seat on the senate, but leaving them slightly light in the coffers. Valerius' father had died from an illness before he had turned 6. His mother, Grippada, had moved in with his uncle and began to play the moruning widow, while gathering more wealth with a joint effort between his uncle and her. Now at the age of 21, they felt he was past the age of marriage and feverantly tired to join him to a new household while he was away at war. He just wanted to fight. He did not want to have to worry about maintaining a household with an arranged marriage and being forced to reproduce. He knew once they packed up and returned to Rome, he would be leaving without his heart, his passion.
His ears picked up a very soft hiss and he felt the rippling of the water. His eyes flew open as he tensed, prepared for an attack. He paled and coughed harshly as he choked on the water he had swallowed. He blushed brightly for the first time in quite sometime as his eyes cast downwards away from the dazzling smile. He tried to calm himself, thinking of boring things like political debates and unsettling things like carnage and bloodshed, anything to stop the reaction of his body.
"You do not have to look away anymore, Valerius. I would've thought communal bathing was common in Rome," Etheria's voice drifted to his ears.
Her voice carried a note of amusement. He slowly raised his gaze, happy and disappointed all at once, as he noted she was fully submerged in the water. She sat across from him and smiled softly.
"I promise I am unarmed," she replied, smiling meekly.
"That was not a concern of mine," he replied, upset that he thought he heard a squeak in his voice.
He stared at her, glad that the murky mineral was able to hide his body, as he studied her. She seemed less wary. The lines of worry were gone from her lovely face, but there was a shadow in her mesmerizing amber eyes.
"Is something the matter, High Preistess? Be rest assured that no harm came to the temple in your absence," he replied, trying to be as business-like as he could, sitting naked with a woman he desired greatly.
She smiled softly at him, crumbling his resolve. "I know that nothing befell these people, but I fear the longer I remain here, that there will be bloodshed," she sighed sadly, running her fingers lightly over the necklace she wore.
Valerius swallowed hard. Her saddness tugged at him. He wanted to gather her in his arms and soothe her. He saw the haunted look in her eyes.
"What has happened, Priestess?" he asked, addressing her with the title, hoping to keep this impersonal.
The corner of her lips curved down slightly. "He knows where I am at at. He knows all of my sisters. He...he...wants me and will use them to get to me," she whispered softly, her eyes widening with slight fright.
She locked eyes with Valerius and shuttered. "I don't know what to do. He'll never leave me alone."
"Who?" Valerius asked, feeling an anger boil up inside him as he saw her fear.
"Set. The dark god. He will come for me. Oh, what do I do Valerius?" she breathed quietly, her eyes drowning with fear and saddness as she wrapped her arms around her chest.
Goosebumps marched down his spine as she spoke his name. The intimate setting had stripped him from the harden warrior mask that he always wore.
"Come with me," he whispered, shocked as the words escaped.
She stared at him, blinking in disbelief. He should've stopped. He should've said nothing at all, but without knowing why he bullied on.
"Come with me... back to Rome. He will not be able to harm you if you stay with me. I shall guard you, protect you. You wouldn't have to fear for your sisters, if you are no longer with them. I'll take care of you, I promise. I give my word and honor as a soilder to be your sword. Just come with me," he replied, internally shocked but also hopefully.
She sat there, her hair floating on the water like raven snakes, as she stared into his eyes, hers contemplating.
"I...I do not know, Valerius. There's...I mean...if something happens...I...I...especially...with what..." she rambled, eyes casted sheepishly away.
"I will need time to reflect. I must mediatate and commune with Isis before I even decide to leave. This would be a very big and important change in my life," she replied, returning her gaze to his.
He finds himself moving closer to her, feeling the strands of her hair lap at his chest and shoulders.
"Think about it, but we leave in two days. I can not really say how I feel about leaving you behind, especially if this Set is after you. I can't imagine more of those monsters hunting you down. I would be able to sleep better at night if I knew you were protected and near me. I can not change what has happened between us, and I do realize that what I wish for is not possible in this life but, aside from my selfish needs, I do feel that you'd be safer with me..in Rome," he replied, staring meaningfully into her eyes.
He noticed her slight fidgit and blush as he moved closer. "It will only take a day for me to decide, Valerius, once I've spoken with Her," she stammered, staring nervously at him.
"What the matter, Etheria? I thought you were use to communal bathing?" he smirked playfully as she squrimed again at his closeness.
He reached out and began to twist one of her locks of her hair between his fingers, smiling devilishly at her.
She blushed even brighter as she replied," I am, but only with women. The temple guards do not bath with us, though they watch. But I have nothing to fear from the eunnichs."
"Ah, well if you come with me, you should get comfortable with bathing with men. It is not uncommon for man and woman to wash each other either. I promise while I am around, you shall have nothing to fear from any man, myself included. Here, let me show you," he replied into her wide eyes as his hands began to brush through her floating hair.
Ran over here from my thread when I heard you wrote another one. Partly to read it. Partly to hide from QueenEtheria camping out at my thread. Great chapter. I see the story is seen through Valerius' eyes more than Etheria's. Its hard to pull off a smooth perspective change, in my opinion, which is what you did perfectly.
Awww...Thanks, Wolffe! I really appreciate feedback. Honestly, this story is told by both. It just depends on who I feel is best suited for the chapter. But after going through, you are right, it seems that it mostly right now is Valerius' prespective but it shall change. There is still so much to tell of this tale.
Chapter Seven
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Etheria stood at the prow of the ship, staring at the docks as the cool wind caressed her hair and robes. The slowly fading sun washed over her, giving a last warm caress on her exposed skin. She watched as her home slowly began to fade into the horizen. Her heart felt heavy. Everthing she knew, everyone she loved was back in Alexandria. It was mildly exciting to think about what Rome would be like but, she would be a stranger in a strange place. She knew culturally that these were two different places. Nervousness began to crawl inside of her. Isis had given her blessing for this trip but she still felt that something terrible was going to happen while she was away. Etheria couldn't shake the feeling that darkness was lurking, waiting for her.
Would leaving Eygpt be enough? Would Set still be able to find her?
She felt a crawling sensation up her back as if someone was watching her. This was going to be the first step on a very long path. Deep down with her heart she knew that she would never find peace as long as the dark god had his sights set on her. She just wondered how much pain and suffering he was going to throw her way, hoping to break her will.
Her hand began to caress her necklace, feeling the reassuring pulse of the gem against her palm. She was going to have to be strong. Her faith would never falter. She just prayed that she could spare all those who would find themselves a part of Set's nefarious plan to convert or kill her.
She felt a cloak being draped over her bared shoulders. She glanced behind her to see Valerius smiling softly at her as he clasped it closed for her. "It will become colder on the open ocean at night. I thought you may need it," he replied tenderly, his eyes reassuring.
She knew he could sense her despair at leaving her only home.
"Thank you, Valerius," she replied quietly, glancing back at the fading cityscape.
She watched as they erected the second obolisk in front of Queen Cleopatra's palace. She knew the obolisks were bare but they would soon be decorated with hommage to Eygpt's new Queen Pharoh. Etheria frowned as she thought she would never see them finished.
Valerius squeezed her shoulder gently, letting her know that he was there. She turned her sad amber eyes to him.
"All will be fine, my Priestess. You shall see your homeland soon. Have no fear. I shall see you returned safely home," he replied, hand still resting on her shoulder.
She reached up and patted it. " I know, my dear solider. But i would be lying if I said that my heart does not ache for my home," she replied softly, letting her hand drop away as she drew the cloak more around her.
"If you need me, you know where to find me," he replied hesitantly as he withdrew and went back to help man the boat.
Etheria closed her eyes, letting her senses open up. She felt the caress of the delicate wind and the fresh, salty smell of the water. She felt her body sway with the boat as it moved across the waves. She opened her eyes with a sigh and watched as the city began to vanish against the horizen.
"Home," she whispered sadly, brushing away a loose strand of her hair as she curled up into her cloak.
---------------
"Aaacchhhoooooo!"
*sniffle*
"Why is everything so dusty in here! You would think that they would take better care of these things. I mean it's a freakin' museum," she mumbled to herself.
She brushed a wayward strand of copper hair behind her ear as her ice blue eyes searched the shelf. She scanned the titles, brushing away some of the dust to better read the older tomes. She felt another tickle in her nose. She leaned back slightly, so not to sneeze directly on the books. She covered her nose and mouth with one hand, the other holding onto the bottom of the self for support.
"ACHOOOOO!!!"
She wobbled for a moment, but steadied herself and went back to her search. She smiled triumphiantly when she found the book. She removed it and hopped off the shelf she was standing on. She brushed the leatherbound cover off and tucked it under her arm as she headed back upstairs to the office.
She strolled slowly past the glass windows that peeked into the labs where several archeologists and scientists were running tests and studying the giant obolisks that they had just recieved. She sighed sadly as she continued towards the elevators. One day soon, she told herself.
She noticed that the curator and several members of the Foundation of Natural History were entering the elevator. She jogged towards them, hoping to be able to talk to Dr. Smyth about a position at the Foundation next year when she was done with school.
"Wait," she shouted as the doors began to close.
One set of eyes looked up at her and the man shrugged as the doors closed right before her. She came to halt infront of the silver doors and heaved a sad sigh.
No one ever bothers to pay attention to me, she thought to herself as she pushed the button.
She stared at her slightly warped refelection in the metallic doors. Her copper hair pulled back in a loose bun. Her pale, slightly freckled face unadorn with makeup. She frowned at her faded flared jeans and Lucky 13 hooded sweatshirt. Normally she was more professionally dressed but she came in to help on her day off, directly after school. Granted she truly looked like an intern at this moment.
The doors slide open and she stepped inside, a slump to her shoulders. She rode up to the first floor and headed towards Dr. Tompkin's office. She poked her head into the open door, causing the wayward strand to fall back into her eyes. The large office looked much small since it was cluttered with rows of books, small iconic statues, and his large desk overflowing with papers. She had tried once to organize the office but it had failed. Niether of them could find anything.
She cleared her throat lightly.
His silver templed, brown head looked up, light brown eyes smiling at her. "Ah, Aleslia! I take it you found the book?" he asked, sitting back in his overstuffed brown leather chair.
"That I did Doc!" she replied, presenting the book to him as she walked in.
"Excellent," he replied taking it from her," I must say you are one of the best interns I ever had. You do great work, Ales. I mean it."
She stood there, glancing down sheepsihly as she hid her blush. She wasn't use to people acknowledging her. "Thank you."
"Well, no need for that because I mean it. Also I appreciate that you came in today even though you weren't scheduled," Dr. Tompkins replied as he began flipping through the book.
"I do want to give you a heads up. Next week we are doing inventory and unfortunatly you will be helping," he replied, glancing up at her.
Leslie made a silly face and groaned. Dr. Tompkins laughed. "I know, it's not the exciting life of arecheology that Indiana Jones portrayed but it has to be done. It does give you a chance to check out some of the relics that are not on display," he replied with a smile, trying to make the assignment seem better.
"I'll keep that in mind, Doc," she replied sarcastically as she picked her bookbag up out of the chair, "Need anything else tonight?"
"No, thank you again, Aleslia. I'll call if I need anything. I am pushing to get you involved with the translation of those new obolisks, since you are a wiz with languages. Just thought you should know, so you won't be to surprised if one of the Foundation members approach you," he replied smiling as he saw the happiness light her eyes.
" Have a good night Kiddo.," he added knowing she hated it when he called her that," I'll see you tomorrow."
She shook her head and smiled at him,flinging her bag over her shoulder. "You too, Doc."
Leslie headed out the back door and made her way to the train. She readjusted her backback as she looked at her watch. She had three hours until she had to be at work. She stopped to stand on the ramp leading to the tram and watched a brightly colored figure in a cape bound over the station. She sighed sadly wondering what it would be like to be somebody, to do something great like the heroes in this city. She shuffled onto the platform. Maybe if she had superpowers she could've changed all the bad things that happened in her life. She could've saved Josh.
She frowned sadly as images of the car accident flashed into her mind. The sight of twisted steel and blood. The sounds of his painfully shallow breathing. She squeezed her eyes shut to blot out the images that were forever huanting her dreams.
She boarded the tram and flopped down into a seat, pulling her sociology book out and began to read it as she made her way home to Atlas Park.
((So, I haven't had requests for a backround on Queen Etheria or anything but I wanted to try my hand at this. It's not like I have anything better to do....
))
Twined and Bound
Chapter One
The cool night air slowly drifted into the silent main chamber, causing the two candle's flames to dance upon thier wicks. The chilled desert wind moved through the small rows of pews to flow softly around the kneeling figure infront of a silver alter. The cool caress of night did not disturb the young woman's prayer. Her head remained bowed, the cascade of midnight that was her hair, slid silently from her shoulders, buffeted by the wind. Her pale pink lips whispered the prayer as her bronze-hued hands moved across the mystical scroll laid out infront of her. Her amber-brown eyes followed her slender fingers. She translated the prayer slowly, making sure to get every inflection. She had to get it right. The innocent lives of hundreds, thousands depended on her faith and unrelenting studies. She poured her heart in this prayer, this petition for protection.
She had know Queen Cleopatra would find support in the Roman General Ceaser. She knew a battle was going to be waged here in Alexandria between the Pharoh and his older sister. With a blessing from Isis herself, bestowed upon the rebel Queen by Etheria herself, the High Priestess knew where the victory would lie. Etheria worried more for all the citizens in her city that would be effected by this war. She had vowed when she became an annointed priestess of Isis to protect her family, her community, to help all those who asked her. That's what it meant to be a priestess of Isis.
Finishing her chant, she raised her gaze to the alterpiece. The candlelight flickered across the round silver disk held aloft by two curving ivory horns. She sat quietly, staring at the iconic symbol of her goddess. The main temple was eeriely quiet except for the night breeze that danced through it with a whisper. Etheria sat unmoving as the cool wind breezed through her loose, airy white gown, kissing her skin with a prickling chill. She glanced up at the open aired vaulted ceiling and caught sight of the cresent moon moving slowly through it's acsent. Her paitence knew no bounds.
As she waited for the great mother goddess to reach her zenith, Etheria's mind wondered to her sister priestesses. She knew that they were already asleep in the room, guarded by the temple eunichs. Her heart raced at the thought of losing them to a war. She had know most of them her whole life, ever since she was five when she arrived to begin her training. They were her family and her heart ached at the thought of losing one of them.
But that's why she was here, locked inside the temple, determined to be granted an audience with Isis. She needed to find a way to protect her sisters and all those who will be caught in the crossfire. She was the High Priestess. She was the one everyone came to for help, for guidence, for blessings, for healing, for a kind word, for a warm smile. She was a vessel of Isis which made her a pillar in this city. Tears began to form in her eyes as she thought about disappointing her community. She could not fail these people.
Hours passed as she sat in contemplation. Her emotions ebbed within her, rising and receeding like the tides against the shore. Her fear, sadness, joy, love, anger, despair, happiness swirled in a vortex, pulling her thoughts with them. A dull ache crawled through her muscles. She had remained kneeling in supplication the whole time. Her body ached, crying out to be streched. She ignore it. A glint of pale bulish-silver colored the disk. Her eyes raised to watch as the serene glow of the moon reflected on the disk. The soft glowing beam bounced off the center of the alterpiece abd onto the scroll laid before her. As the hieroglyphs were illuminated by the silver light, they began to sizzle off the page. The scroll was slowly burned away by a silver fire. Etheria sat quietly, mesmerized by this. As the scroll crumbled to black ashes, a soft breeze rushed through, swirling the paper ashes into the air.
In the casted moonlight, the ashes swirled around, creating a ghostly outline of a woman. As the wind died down, the ash rained down upon the ghost, giving her form. Etheria automaticly bowed her head to the floor before the formation was completed.
Isis smiled down at her pious High Priestess. She knew what was in this woman's heart and it pleased her. "Etheria, my daughter, please do not abase yourself in my presence. It is I who should bow to you," she replied, her voice a calming whisper, as she places a warm hand to Etheria's chin, lifting it.
Etheria's amber eyes went wide as she stared into the silver orbs of her goddess. A soul-fluttering warmth run through her body as the Mother touched her. She couldn't breath as she gazed upon the glory of her god. The reflected moonlight from her idol casted a silver haze over her outline. Her skin was a radiant gold, set of by the pure white of her robes. Her luminscent pitch black hair shimmered with indigo. Her face was soft, caring like a mother's. "You have done wonderful miracles in my name, child. The faith of the people has spread due to you. You have given new life to my church. It is your faith, your piousness that gives me strength," Isis replied as she helped Etheria stand.
Etheria remained awed by the goddess. The divine energy still wound it's way through her body, wrapping her in an indescriable warmth. She swallowed hard, trying a few times to find her voice. " My...my Great Mother Isis...Misstress of Magic...Matron of the Moon...God Queen to Osiris..." she stammered, her voice breathy and quiet.
Isis held her hand up with a soft, friendly smile, silencing her. " Please, Etheria, I'm am simply Isis. I know why you have called me. I see into your heart and mind. You ache and fear for others but never yourself. You're whole life has been a selfless sacrifice for others. Your faith in me and others has never faultered. How could I deny you this one wish? This plea to help?" she asked as she reached out to brush aside a sray strand of Etheria's raven-dark hair.
She remained frozen stiff in front of this divine creature as the goddess caressed her cheek with featherlight fingertips. She blinked up at her glorious form as her question registered. Etheria dropped to her knees before Isis. " Oh, Great Mother, all I want to do is protect them, all of them, Egypt herself. There is only so much I can do, to cure, to help heal. We tend to the wounded and provide medicines but I feel thats not enough. I can not shake the feeling, Oh Moon Mother, that some terriable disaster will befall my home," she cried up to the radiant being.
Isis stroked her hair as she stared into Etheria's eyes, hers full of seriousness. " What would you be willing to do, my High Priestess, if tragedy befalls this world?"
Etheria's awe and timidness washed away swiftly as she locked eyes with her goddess. " I would give me life, Isis," she replied, her voice hard edge with conviction.
A small, half-smile curled the goddess' lips. "So be it."
A flash of light blinded Etheria for a moment. As she blinked away the spots in her vision, she felt a cool yet warm weight around her neck. She glanced down as a hand moved up to trace the cool, gold metal of a necklace shaped like wings that wrapped around her neck. She felt the warm, pulsating power of the circular red gem set in the center.
She looked up curiously at the fading figure of Isis. " That, my child, is a piece of my heart. As my love, Osiris, is not fully whole neither shall my heart be. It shattered when I heard of his death by Set. I gather the peices of my broken heart as I gathered the pieces of my husband's body. It is a shard of my divine spark, the essence that makes me a goddess. Only those whose hearts are pure may touch it. Those who share my ideals. You, Etheria, are an embodiment of me. We share the same heart. I grant you the ability to heal any injury, any illness, any affliction with the magicks contained with in my essence. I also grant you the ability to look into the hearts and minds of others, with this you may control those who would cause harm to others."
Etheria smiled at Isis. " Thank you my Goddess. I shall forever remain you're willing servant. My soul is yours."
Isis smiled sadly at Etheria as she placed a tender hand aginst her cheek. " Your faith will never fail you or me. But heed this warning. There are evil powers that be, who would kill for what you posess. You carry my divine spark. In the wrong hands, the events could be cataclysmic. That is a direct link to my soul, to that what makes me a god. Be wary of the children of Set. The dark god is powerhungry and megolmanical. Never give that gem up. I am trusting my life with you."
Etheria's eyes glistened with unshed tears. Joy tore through her as she realized she had Isis's favor and trust. " I will protect it with my life," she whispered assuredly at the goddess.
"I know...and I'm sorry," Isis whispered so softly it was barely audiable. The goddess' heart was heavy with saddness and pain as she disappatted. Etheria had a long, painfilled path ahead of her and all Isis could do was watch.
She glanced back down at the kneeling priestess as she ascended through moonlight back to her palace in the stars. Isis still questioned if all this pain and anguish was worth surviving to the future. She pondered her prophetic vision from the other day as she entered her glimmering, evanescent gates.
((Please let me know what you think, if I should continue writing or head for the hills and scrap this.))