Trynia had been up all night and the day before. Working diligently to effect repairs on her time machine, but to no avail. The damned thing kept smoking and gliching out just was she set the proper dates. Cursing in a hexadecimal, she sank into a chair, rubbing her temples, wondering where she went wrong in her calculations.
The crystals Ashake provided were of good stock. Many were now in the machine as a prominent fixture, but why is not still working? Trynia glanced over at her associate by the cleaned up area of Rath's old lab.
Seated on the floor, legs crossed, the Celt was lost in a deep mediation. A small palm sized jade pyramid levitated in front of her radiating a soft pulsing green and white light, swirling around the room like a thin mist. Sparkles of light beamed around her body as a nimbus that looked almost holy. Her fingers were steepled to her full lips, her still shut.
The reality paths were then rewoven like a weaver at a temporal loom. Ashake cocked her head to the side, smiled. Trynia sensed that the electromagnetic field around the Sphinx had stabilized. Time on this side had been restored to normal.
The cyborg saw the green pyramid go dim. Ashake lifted the triangular crystal into its resting place between a three toed dragon's claw stand near Rath's own pyramid. The somber eyed Bard excused herself. Trynia let her go. She needed her sleep.
The Celt fell exhausted into the large bed fluffed high with comforters and pillows. She didn't even bother to peel out of her cloths. That much magic casting did take every ounce of strength out of a mage. Right now all she wanted to do was rest. Sleep was a welcome friend.
She prayed to her Goddesses, her Spirit Guides, then to her Totems for a restful night. And to lead her into the peace of dreams. The darkness was not so scary when she awoke in the dream world in the parting of fine mists, as Limbo and the Everstill merge into one.
Ashake dreamed that she was walking along the shores of the Nile. Rath greeted her on the shore. The old lovers flew to each others arms locked up in an embrace not even the Gods could sever. Tears welled their faces, the cries of happiness, and questions, and kisses interrupted their greetings which was the sweetest music to the Scribe's ears. But for the longest time him just held her. His beloved sister.
Even through this was but a dream, let me not wake from it, thought Rath. His bronze fingers smoothing away the tears in the corners of her luminous eyes. "Ashake, my beloved it has been so long!"
"I know, old badger," she kissed his generous mouth. "I am sorry I could not come sooner." They there together immobile letting the sounds of their souls linger together.
Rath sighed. "There is something I must tell you . . . I have met someone . . "
Ashake cupped his chin with both hands. AI know. I know all about Marianne."
"You ...know ..." he stammered. Releasing his wife from his arms, turned away, ashamed to face her. "I have been a fool to pursue this relationship with a mortal woman. Please forgive me, but I have missed you so very much. This lady brings me much joy. As you once did. I can not help but feel I have tarnished and betrayed your memory by having Marianne in my life."
"There is no sin in what the both of you have done,"Ashake said, standing at his side, holding his trembling hand. "Why do you think I sent Marianne to you? I wanted you to be happy."
"You are not angry?" Rath asked as his lovely wife smiled in his embrace again.
Rubbing his nose in a tender Msirian kiss, was all the answer he needed.
"Thank you Ashake," he breathed, gripping her closer.
"I like Marianne," said the Celt. "She has been good for you."
"As you still are to me," Rath kissed his wife passionately. The Fire ignited between them. "Soul of my Soul. Flesh of my Flesh." His kisses were molten running hot down her shoulder. Ashake cried out as her perfect lover, her beloved husband lifted her and mounted her there as the green shore of the Nile.
"Ashake, I have missed you so!" Rath said through their heated kisses.
"I have missed you, Rath," she returned, the soul bond echoed through the Mind's Eye. The ancient companions made
love as if it was their first time.
Marianne, who couldn't go out much due to her skin's continued sensitivity to the sun, had thought of something nice to do for Rath for all his help in getting her acclimated to this time. But she would need Sohkarra's help. She had devised a plan to prepare an Egyptian version of a home-cooked meal. And she sensed that Sohkarra needed something to divert her
thoughts away from her own loss. She had confidence that Sohkarra's sense of fun would still be intact enough to get her
to help lure Rath away from the house while she made preparations! For with his constant ministrations, which were
helpful, were getting a little old. So with that thought, she sent one of Rath's house servants to the palace to see if Sohkarra could be brought to her.
"You're in luck." Said Sohkarra when she had arrived. "For not everyone can get a Princess to come but at a mere beckoning."
And Marianne wasn't quite sure how to take this, but then she caught the look in the younger woman's eyes. They were sparkling. "I'm glad you've maintained your sense of humor." Marianne said, greeting her friend. "And you're going to love this."
And when she'd gotten finished explaining what she wanted to do, Sohkarra was all for it. "I know what will get Rath out of here." And at Marianne's questioning look, continued, "Rapses and I used to do it all the time when we'd had enough of his lessons." She couldn't help but laugh as she remembered. And then coming back to the point, "All I've got to tell him is that Pharaoh requires his presence." Again she laughed while Marianne looked on. "And he can't get there fast enough!" And as Sohkarra made a scooting motion with her hands, Marianne couldn't help but laugh herself. "And he is still responsible for the teaching of Rapses." And as she said this, she immediately sobered up. She remembered that she too, would also have had her lessons with her brother.
Marianne noticed the abrupt mood change. "I understand if you would rather not be party to this..."
Sohkarra looked at her. "What, and miss another chance to get Rath? Never!!" And the two of them laughed as they imagined Rath's reaction when he got to the palace. After several hours of preparation, everything was in readiness. Once he'd come back swearing vengeance on the young woman responsible for the wild goose chase, he was shocked by what he came home to.
"Sohkarra, when I get my hands on you..." And all at once he noticed that all was not as he had left it earlier. "Great Ptah and Thoth!" he exclaimed, dropping his scribe's kit and papyrus in surprise. "You... you cheeky khatibti you! It was a plot..."
Because there were not violins, a lyre did quite nicely. A muse stood a bit off, strumming upon a harp lightly. (Marianne had found this royal musician available for playing. Especially when she mentioned Rath's name. Eagerly the musician had raced off, a handful of scrolls in her arms as she prepared herself. Only too eagerly she'd joined Marianne on a chariot ride back to Rath's abode, well in advance of when he'd arrive. To serve the Great Scribe was indeed an honor few wished to pass up!)
Now he was stunned as Marianne herself stood by a table, alight with the lovely beeswax candles she had found in a special place. Their light was far nicer than the flickering oil lamps.
Sohkarra whispered in Rath's ear, "Well, don't just stand there with your mouth open, loverboy! Go to her!"
"I should have known you two were up to mischief," he hissed to her.
The Princess was totally undaunted by Rath's speaking to her thus, but was highly amused. For it wasn't' often she got to see him so off balance. "Don't disappoint a Priestess of Thoth," Sohkarra giggled, pushing him ahead of her.
"Oh, and before I forget Rath, the Queen told me she wished the two of you be chaperoned in light of the fact that that the two of you are in your house and unmarried.
Rath looked at her horrified. "You cannot possibly be serious." He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Marianne smiled. For she knew where this was going. And she could tell the young Princess was going to enjoy every minute.
"And here is the best part..." Sohkarra started. And as she watched the ever increasing look of horror on Rath's face.
"And that is..." he asked cautiously.
"I'm your chaperone." She smiled at her tutor. And before he could say anything more. "And rest assured that I will be at least as lenient as you were with JaKal and I when we went out on our first outing as a couple."
Marianne chose this moment to interject. She tried to keep the smile from her face as she addressed Rath. "She is right you know...." She started.
"Not you too!" Rath exclaimed.
"As I was saying, she is right. We are unmarried, and I am a guest in your home. So who better to chaperone than the Queen's own bodyguard, who also happens to be her daughter?"
"Of all the nerve!" was all he could say. But he was coming to see that he really didn't have any choice. And he should have known Sohkarra's memory would be long when remembering that he had insisted on a chaperone for her and JaKal when they had gone out. It turned out that Menne and Tuthmosis had volunteered to serve in that capacity.
"Well, enjoy your evening." Sohkarra said as she turned to leave the room. "But do not forget, I will be watching. And I have the eyes of the hawk itself." The double entendre was not lost on Rath.
Marianne was still in silent amusement as she realized that Sohkarra was treading on thin ice. But what was even more evident, was that she was indeed enjoying it. She only watched as the Princess left the room, but she had no doubt that she would know everything that took place.
"Ah... em... how was your day..." Rath said, trying to be as nonchalant as he picked up his scribe's materials scattered on the floor. Rich incense burned from one corner of the chamber, overwhelming his own customary perfume. He seated himself at the table, knowing far better than to question this lovely environment. For he had a sense of romance himself.
"Don't ask silly questions," she smiled at him. "Have a seat, and the evening will commence..."
Course after course was brought out, by Marianne herself, and put before both of them. There were grapes, pomegranates and figs. Wheat bread, and barley cakes. Although she stayed away from the bread, knowing full well how it wore down the teeth of the mummies she'd so diligently studied. The fresh vegetables were onions and leeks, with papyrus shoots that she had substituted for bamboo in the entree. And something that could pass for broccoli even if it wasn't truly it. As they sat at the table, sans servants (Rath had given them the day off) Marianne watched the slowly sinking disc of the sun as it touched the horizon.
Faintly she heard the noises from the river nearby, out the open windows. The glow of red painted out the blue of the sky in full glory. A perfect ending for another beautiful day. There was wine in the blown glass vessels that they both partook of.
Marianne sipped hers contentedly, savoring the rich taste. It smoothed down her throat, adding its slow burn to the food's delight.
Rath appeared equally content. "I never knew you cooked so well," he sighed, patting a full stomach of her version of Buddha's delight. In the future this was his favorite Chinese dish. Often on their encounters they ate Chinese food, for Rath preferred vegetarian cuisine.
"Don't get used to it." she warns him, thinking from his reaction that she had to nip this one in the bud. "This does not mean I am trying out to be a house keeper!" Flustered, the Scribe realized she was still very much a modern woman! Despite her Msirian appearance the same Marianne he knew and loved was still there underneath. She sat, and helped herself to more of the wine. It was as good as the fine Chardonnay of her time, of which she was rather fond. And the beer was quite passable. Some even like her Guinness draft ale. Still due to the bitterness she required limejuice. Limes were something strangely available in ancient Msir in small quantity.
"What's to become of me?" she asked him. "If I cannot go back?"
"Er, to tell you the truth I haven't given that much thought."
"You haven't?" she demanded. "Why is that?"
"Well, it was the general idea that I'd show you around, but if matters lead to one eventual conclusion... then... perhaps you could stay on... as a priestess and assistant."
"Assistant? I suppose I could justify that," she says. "For now. But watch out! Remember we are equals."
"Er, quite," he coughed, much chastised. "Perhaps, we should discuss this at greater length outside in my garden?"
"I think that would be a good idea," she said gravely. Extending his arm, she took it. As they exited, the servants were given leave to enter, by Sohkarra. They cleaned up together, being a bit amused by the whole spectacle. Even the musician, new from the royal palace was a bit perplexed. A look of concern clouded her young bronze face. Yet Sohkarra shook her head, indicating the musician should not concern herself with the personal affairs of the Scribe and Scientist.
Marianne had met this royal Musician at the palace. Her Egyptian was uttered with a faint Greek tint. Funny. She could not recall this musician ever made mention of. Yet she'd seen her at the banquets, entertaining the guests readily. She was the Pharaoh's bard, right enough. But kept a low profile.
Shaking her head the Musician retreated from eyesight. Marianne wondered at her departure with some regret. She did have a nice touch with the harp. Yet the sounds of the lyre still were audible as the Scribe and Scientist took their walk in the garden. "Who in the name of Horus is that girl?" Rath asked her.
"I have seen her at the Royal palace before, but I cannot remember her name! It's maddening!"
"One of the Pharaoh's muses, at least that's what Sohkarra said. She said she certainly knew you. That she'd been here a few times when the Prince came for his Magic lessons back when he first started as your student. Sohkarra said she used to teach History and Art to them..."
"Let me think," he muttered, struggling to recall this strange girl with the auburn hair. Instantly it hit him. She was one of Rapses' former tutors, and a fine player of the harp to boot. Rapses had turned into a fine player of the harp under her tutelage. Sohkarra, on the other hand, was never able to sit still long enough to learn to play such a delicate instrument as the harp. Yet she was just one of Pharaoh's many musicians that played at feasts and royal decree. He could recall having had several conversations with the girl as Rapses practiced his hieroglyphics with Sohkarra. Yet her name escaped his mind.
"Hmm, Pharaoh has many musicians," muttered Rath, fingering his chin. Something stopped him in his walk. Breaking the line of "small talk," Rath took a deep breath. Under the palm tree he turned, and took both her hands in his. "You have expressed your concern... that I have not considered your future... and I have openly admitted my negligence in this matter..."
"It's a rather obvious question, is it not?" she asked him.
"Yes... and I have been remiss. For that I apologize. But there is something else that you must know. I owe you an explanation, as to why I have not thought of the subject of your future..."
"Rath you can tell me anything," she said, taking his hand as he fumbled the words. "I know you had a daughter with Chontra. You yourself told me all about Nyx when we first came..."
"I know. And she has taken quite a liking to you. But there is another secret I have not revealed. A very painful part of my past. Er. the reason I have hesitate to think is this: I. was. married before. About two years ago. in the year you would call 1523 BC before Rapses was to have. died before our intervention. my own wife died. Shortly after giving birth to her son."
"You. were married before?" she gasped. "And did not tell me."
"It was a very painful experience," he said. "And I cannot hide it from you. For I love you very much. and I hope you will not be angry with me for not telling you sooner."
"But why hide that from me, Rath? Surely by now you can trust me!"
"I loved her very much as well. And I was afraid I was dishonoring her memory if I even considered marriage again. This is a cowardly thing to have done, and I am deeply sorry. To leave you in such doubt."
"Rath. I don't know what to say. Were you saying that because you were sad she died. you closed. off your heart to love again?"
"Yes," he said, hanging his head in shame. "Until recently. I had no heart left to love another. But then you proved me wrong. When I first fell in love with you Marianne."
"Did you meet her before or after Chontra?"
"After Chontra. Shortly after I came to the royal court. Prince Rapses was but five.," he said.
"Tell me about her Rath. What was she like?"
"She was. unusual," Rath muttered. "Not a woman of Doshret or Khemet. We had two children together. I was so grieved at her death I. plunged into my studies. To help me, my brother Setnahkte offered to see to the care of the children. I accepted his offer, knowing I could not be a good father when my duties kept me with Rapses and Sohkarra."
"Rath. I know what it's like to loose someone you love." Said she. "I remember when my Mother. cried for days when she lost a baby. Or when my grandmother Steward died from breast cancer... but I suppose it's not like loosing your. wife. "
Rath shook his head, and sighed deeply. Even now he could feel the pain and loss.
"But I wish you had told me in the future," Marianne told him.
"It was another lifetime then," he sighed, hanging his head. "But I had no excuse hiding it from you. And you taught me that I could love another."
"But if Setnahkte's children are indeed yours," Marianne said. "I would very much like to meet them. After all, they deserve to know their own father is... pursuing a relationship with another woman..."
"Ah, you are wise," he sighed. "Sometimes too much so for my own good. But bear in mind they are not too familiar with the idea..."
"You did what you had to do, I am sure. For like JaKal, your duty to Amenhotep comes first..."
"Yes. And do not forget that now you serve the Great One... and your duty to him must be put before all personal concerns."
"At least you told me now instead of later... and that I appreciate Rath," said she. "And if these children are yours, I am certain they cannot be any more difficult then you at times..." He winced at her grin, and ruefully shared it. At last the tension seemed to abate, replaced with another. For she thought about what he had said, concerning her duty to serve the Pharaoh. Its seriousness began to penetrate her consciousness. That meant that she had to live or die at the whim of Amenhotep!
"Rath... you said I must put duty above my life now..."
"Amenhotep himself made you a full Priestess. With that title comes rights and responsibilities. He would not confer that lightly. For he trusts my judgement... and I have utmost confidence you will be an excellent Priestess!"
"It. is all so sudden..."
"I know. But that answers part of your question. For you are a Priestess. And a Priestess has quite a full life. And that means I must train you in the ways of magic and sorcery so you can perform your duties..."
Marianne had left the strange device in Rath's lab. Sohkarra had just come back from the Palace, her mind burning with Trynia's summons. They were so strong she was actually in physical pain.
But this pain was a welcome change from the one that was ever present in her heart. She had already decided to leave the palace, for she could no longer bear to see JaKal with his wife. She realized that Tia had every right to be at JaKal's side, but it was still not a simple thing for her to see. Especially when her mind was barraged by the thoughts of love JaKal sent her. Upon Rath's table sat a small Pyramid device. Trynia had so camouflaged it to appear as one of the Scribe's inventions. It was a trans-temporal radio, tied directly into Sohkarra's amulet.
The instant there was any problems it had screamed its silent psychic warning to the former Princess.
"I am here," she said, speaking into the pyramid.
"Sohkarra," said Trynia. "Thank the Matrix it is you!"
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know how to say this, and I don't have much time."
"What do you mean? You are a time traveler." Asked Sohkarra, sensing something was desperately wrong.
"Something terrible has happened. You recall I did not say everything of my concern." Trynia tried to lead into what she needed to say. "Our actions have incurred the wrath of the goddess Pheres... she is most angry at this invasion of yours into the past. She has told me of my grave error in transporting you to fix the events of the past."
"Yes, I know she is probably angry at all this. I had thought my father would have discussed this matter with her before proceeding. But has something happened to the future?" Sohkarra was getting a real bad feeling about this. "Has she done something?"
"Yes, but is of your doing. There is a rip in time! And I have tried to stabilize it! Your going back caused a nasty split... and when I attempted to manipulate things to fix it." A silence fell in. "Once Pheres learned of Amenhotep's wish granted by Isis and Osiris, she visited me in the future... and I felt her wrath!"
"Trynia, you can tell me." Sohkarra urged her friend to continue.
The silence of five minutes was broken as Trynia grimly said, "You are trapped. I cannot reach you to remove you, for Pheres has destroyed my machine's ability to reach into your timeline. She says if you return, there will be grave consequences."
"What?!" demanded Sohkarra.
"I am sorry! I am trying hard to fix this problem... to appease Pheres. But it may take time" and my device might not be able to reach you... already a new... hitoru... sorry... u are" The message became garbled and distorted.
"Trynia!" Sohkarra cried. "Help us! Tell me what I can do!"
Only mere fragments came. All Sohkarra heard next was: "Sorry... canno.... Must... new timeline... create... you... trapped... no way to reach." Then the message fizzled. "Pheres said... she will exact change...."
The pyramid shattered in a shower of sparks. Sohkarra threw up her hands, surrounding it with a telekinetic bubble. Realizing the full implication she was stunned. "Dear Isis" no!" How was she going to going to tell everyone that she had let them down? That they had possibly defied the will of Pheres, goddess of Fate and knowledge. And in her rage perhaps she had trapped them there, at her mercy?
Nefertina had been thinking about it and decided she could no longer bear to keep her secret of being a boy. After much thought, and talking to Sohkarra about it, she decided to tell Kenna the truth.
"I cannot keep it in any longer," she told him as they were unhitching their horses at the stables.
"I'm your friend." Kenna urged her on. Whatever it is, I'll understand."
"Then... here goes. I am not Nefer. My name is Nefertina. I disguised myself as a boy so I could drive chariots."
"What a joke," he laughed. "You almost had me going there, Nefer!" Kenna laughed, being well familiar with her unique sense of humor.
Sighing, Nefertina reached for her gold helmet. "Maybe this will convince you." Pulling it off, she let fall her dark long hair. "I am serious Kenna. I AM a woman!"
"What in the name of Apep!" he exclaimed.
"I am sorry... to have deceived you."
Kenna is shocked. "I... had no idea... why did you... how did you?"
"I am sorry."
"This... is too much," he says. "Even for you. You're supposed to be my best friend... and yet I don't know you!"
"Kenna!" Nefertina protested, trying to stop him.
"I need to think," he says, getting into his chariot and driving away. Later Amenhotep is told by her. He is angry and puts her on trial. But Kenna comes back to speak in her defense. He loves her, and wants to get to know her as a woman. "She was a better charioteer than I, great one... and does that not prove that she had to work every bit as harder to prove it."
"I will consider your words. I cannot condone lying, but Nefertina did serve me well, and saved my son as Guardian." Later Amenhotep decides Nefertina will still be allowed to be a Guardian. But she will no longer be able to drive the chariot of the Sun. Instead she can drive chariots in races, and serve the Prince as a private charioteer. Kenna will drive the Great Chariot, instead.
Relieved and yet angry, Nefertina departs. She thanks Kenna for helping her, and is unsure. But she takes a chariot to visit Marianne, who is having a magic lesson at Rath's house. Sohkarra, who's been a frequent visitor to Marianne, when she can get time away from her new bodyguard duties, will be visiting when Nefertina shows up. But she and Marianne will be discussing Sohkarra's situation.
"How are you bearing up my dear?" asked Marianne of Sohkarra when she caught her with that ever more present faraway look in her eyes. "I know it must be difficult for you seeing him and not being able to acknowledge him, or he you. I don't know how I'd cope if I didn't have Rath."
"I know how you must feel being separated from your family. For I cannot be with my family, in spite of the fact that they are here. And on top of that, I cannot be with JaKal either." She replied. "If it was not for possibly being able to correct our past mistakes, I never would have come back here!"
Sohkarra was trying hard to keep it together for everyone's sakes. Marianne realized this and went over to her putting her arm around the younger woman's shoulders. "You have true courage luv; one born of love."
"Courage doesn't warm a cold heart." Sohkarra replied quietly. This young woman here before her now was a far cry from the one who had just a few short days ago, had enjoyed helping her with getting Rath out of the house so she could prepare a surprise. How quickly moods changed these days.
"I wish I could help you and JaKal as you helped Rath and I." Marianne told her, wishing she could do something to alleviate her friend's pain. For at least she had Rath for comfort, even if she was to be stuck here. Sohkarra, on the other hand, had her friends, but they could only help so much. She must do the rest. Even her great powers would be of no help to her in this ordeal.
Sohkarra turned away from her, pain evident, head bowed. "You must not, for we must not interfere with the way some things must be here." She looked back at Marianne, "But it is so hard watching them together. He sees me and sends me his thoughts. He still loves me, that much I know. And I just cannot bear it! Isis help me, I still love him too! But you know what is most difficult?"
At Marianne's negative nod, she added, "I cannot even retain my own identity. I never realized how much I enjoyed being the sister of the Prince. And now that I have him back, we cannot even be brother and sister. I miss being me!"
"But in the future, you became more than a Princess." Marianne reminded her. "You showed your true strength when you were able to adapt to a time so far removed from your own. You had the courage to reach out to me, who you didn't even know and had no reason to trust. And also you chose who you would love. You have never let little setbacks stop you. Remember your courage now."
"I must use some of that courage when I tell the others of my communication with Trynia. It was all I could do to tell you and Rath." Sohkarra said. She had not yet figured out how she was going to tell the others what she had learned form Trynia that they all may be here permanently. She was still trying to grasp it herself. The only one she had told was the woman and the one she knew as Tutor. And Marianne seemed to be taking it too well.
Once Rath knew he was a bit silent, and then disappeared to consult his many scrolls of ancient knowledge. Even now he poured over for some shred of a spell that might help them return.
"You haven't told them yet?" Marianne asked. And at Sohkarra's negative nod, she asked, "Why not?"
"Because I cannot bear to see JaKal's face when I do tell them." She answered. "I think the only one who would even want to stay is Armon. He's really gotten back into the warrior mode. And he has the ladies following him everywhere." She smiled as she said this last part. For she had met up with Armon and some of his"fans". He was very content being with his mother and being a true warrior once again.
"Well, you'd best make it sooner rather that later." Marianne suggested, interrupting Sohkarra's thoughts. "They have the right to know."
"I know, and I will." She answered. "Soon." And just then Nefertina strolled in. She too, had something on her mind. She found Marianne and Sohkarra in Rath's garden. She knew they metthere often. Both noticed she no longer wore her customary helmet and boyish outfit. In fact she now wore a woman's dress!
"I can't believe it!" she stormed before either of the other two women could comment on the dress. "I am no longer the driver of the great chariot!" she told them.
Sohkarra, grateful for the interruption to her own dilemma, "You told him, didn't you?"
"Yes, and Kenna tried to help me. But I still cannot believe it." Nefertina replied. She was calmer now than when she had
left Kenna and the Pharaoh.
"Are you no longer driving?" Sohkarra asked. "Surely my father did not forbid you from driving altogether?"
"No, I can still drive. But I've been demoted to the regular chariots." She said. "Kenna now drives the Chariot of the Pharaoh! It's not fair!"
Marianne cut in on this part. "At least you are still able to do what you desire! For he did not prevent you from driving chariots altogether. Be grateful for your lot. For I....And your Princess as well."
"I am sorry," Nefer says. She realizes that Marianne in this time cannot be a scientist as she loves being. And Sohkarra could not be with the one she loved. It seemed that coming back had made everyone more miserable than they had believed it could.
"Hey, this mood is too dark," said Nefertina, trying to lighten the somber atmosphere. "Anyone care to go for a ride?" Marianne declined. She knew her skin had not completely gotten used to the hot Egyptian sun. So she usually ventured out only after the sun was well on its way down. "Are you sure?" Nefertina asked one last time.
"Yes Tina." Marianne replied. And looking at both of them. "You two go out and try to have some fun."
And looking at Nefertina one last time, added, "By the way, you look very nice."
Blushing and smiling shyly, Nefertina managed a mumbled "Thanks" Before turning and going outside into the warm day. Sohkarra, on the other hand, felt the need to get out. Kiya was outside, so she took Nefertina up on her offer. "Will you be okay Marianne?"
"Yes I will, thanks." Marianne replied. "Thank you for your help in getting me accustomed to this place."
Sohkarra smiled and nodded. "You have helped me as well, for you are an excellent sounding board. And I do really appreciate it."
And she turned and left, her royal bearing never faltering. She was tired of feeling sorry for herself.
Once outside, Sohkarra, feeling a little of her sense of humor return, looked slyly at her friend. "Wanna race?" And Nefertina, never being able to resist a good challenge, immediately took her up on it. And away they went. All Marianne could see was a huge dust cloud kicking up behind them. She couldn't help but think that some things never seemed to change. These two still managed to retain their sense of fun.
Perhaps all would not be lost, if but for this one small miracle.
Later that night Marianne dropped to her knees on the banks of the Nile and sobbed. Rath's house was down by the river itself. A few boats were overturned near the dock, and it was low tide for the river. The mud was cool, and shallow as it lay against her bare legs. Still the sun peered out from the horizon. She could see the evening star peeking out in full glory as the sun yielded. But Marianne didn't care for this beauty. Not after what she had seen in the lab that afternoon with Sohkarra.
Raising her head she looked towards the silhouette of the Royal Palace. It would be in ruins when her Brother would arrive. Nearby the Temple of Karnack rose in equal splendor. She could hear the rush of chariots and people as they greeted the night.
But the night held no comfort. Only sorrow. Glancing up at the stars, she felt her eyes fill with tears. There was a voice calling to her softly. She paid it no heed, consumed by her grief. She didn't even notice as a hand rested gently on her shoulder. For seeing his love crying, Rath had sought to offer comfort. Night had fallen by now as soft starlight bounced off the waters of the Nile.
"Whatever is the matter, my love?" he asked, voice softened with concern. "What in the name of Ptah are you doing on the river banks in the cold mud! You know it could make you quite ill..."
"What does it matter anyway," she sniffed. Marianne didn't even bother to look at him. All the frustration and futility could not be bottled up. Here was the reason for her predicament, standing right behind her. Gently he rubbed her shoulders with those long fine fingers that wrote hieroglyphics all day. Why did that simple action have to feel so wonderful whenever he lay hands upon her? It made her anger all the more difficult to express.
"What does it matter?" he asked, a bit perplexed. "Why you might catch your death out here."
Night had fallen fully, and the evening star was lower. Angrily she turned on him. "I will tell you why I don't bloody care! I am homesick," she says. "I miss my brother and my family!"
"My love I understand," said he, moving towards her as he rested hands on her shoulders.
To his horror she pushed him back, breaking his grasp. "How could you possibly understand how I feel right now?" she sobbed. "This is your wretched home, not mine!"
Rath backed away from her as if she'd slapped his face. "My love, think of what you are having the chance to do! You have the privilege of living in Msir! There are many worse fates."
"But I honestly don't think I can make it! I am a scientist! And I cannot do what I love most! I feel so isolated... so alone in this world, before my family, before my religion even started! Before the advent of modern science... and to think I can never go home."
"May I remind you that you are not alone?" he said, stung by her words. "I thought you wanted us to be together. I have experienced your time, and the least I could expect from you is that you would give me the same consideration."
"True... but I didn't think... I would be marooned here!"
"I suppose... that's an unpleasant thing then!" he snapped.
"I never said that!" she exploded, tearing at her dress in grief. "Don't you dare put words into my mouth! You may be his Majesty's Great scribe. who can carve them on a wall for all I care, but don't think that you..." His face crumpled with horror at her tirade. A look of hurt spread into the green eyes that now clouded over. Turning away from her he hung his head. Still she breathed in heavy gasps, as she continued, "Don't you ever think that you can have the right to put words into my mouth... that you even have the right to... oh I cannot think anymore..."
Then Rath put his head in both his hands. Tears formed in his eyes, but she could not see them for the wrist guards covered his face. "I... am sorry," he sobbed. "I never should have coerced you into coming. I cannot bear to see you so unhappy."
Uncomfortably she watched him cry. It was quite different to see him in tears, posture stunted with grief as hers was. Somehow she now needed to comfort him! All he cared for was her happiness, and she had pushed him away. As he had always feared she might one day.
"Rath... I am not unhappy here... with you," she said, gripping his arms as she turned him to face her. "But I am frightened... for my future. What is to become of me? Please... I am not blaming you now. I am just so scared... and angry... I don't know who to direct those feelings toward. Sohkarra and Nefertina try to help, but they have their own problems."
"I never should have brought you here," he said again, wiping his tears with the back of one wrist guard. "Not thinking of the consequences."
"I agreed freely to come. Who wouldn't want to see ancient Egypt in its glory? And you are right. You were as much marooned in my time as I am here now. And... I wouldn't trade what we have together... for hardly anything. But I had a life full of promise in the future, and a family who thinks I'm dead."
"My family... would have too if not for your timely intervention. And they are grateful I am alive," Rath told her.
"Yes, your brother Setnahkte was greatly pleased you were alive," said Marianne. "It did... bring him joy I suppose that you weren't killed. But at least you can visit your brother when you please! As for Cameron, I will never see him again. Never share with him the joy of the digs in Egypt..."
"But we are your friends: JaKal, Armon, Nefertina, and Sohkarra," said he, holding his hands out to her in appeal. "It may not be family but we... I... love you so very much. And I want to do what I can to make sure you are happy."
"I know you are trying, and I am sorry I am so angry," said Marianne, wiping her eyes on the long cloak she sometimes wore in the chilly desert night. "But this is so different from San Francisco. From England even. Knowing you are in a place and cannot leave."
"It need not be a prison sentence," he said, trying to get her to see the positive elements. "For even if you could not come home... there are... alternatives. You could make your home here with us. This is one of the best countries in the ancient world to live... why the advances now are staggering... even compared with your modern science! Think of all the things yet to be discovered..."
"I... will try," said she, feeling the tears uncontrollably now.
"And your position in society gives you a privileged place where you will want for nothing! People respect you... and you have the time and the place to learn as you please! And I have taught you the art of reading hieroglyphics! All our ancient knowledge is at your fingertips!"
"But Rath, it's so hard!"
"Oh my love, I am so sorry," he choked again. Both lovers fell into each other's arms beneath the night sky. Rath lay his head on her shoulder as he let his own tears fall. He felt as if he'd let the woman he loved down. And that was far worse than any other disappointment in his life.
Marianne too wept, as she held the sobbing Scribe in her arms.
And the night swallowed them up.
A whole Msirian month had passed. Slowly Marianne became accustomed to the rhythms of life in the Palace and around
Thebes. Often she spent her days with Rath at his house, only traveling to the Palace at night to sleep. Trying to adapt to a ten-day week was maddening! So engrained was the seven day system it was awfully odd! On the tenth day of the fourth week in Msir, she was at Rath's home as usual. "You are going where?"
Rath asked, as he saw Marianne pulling on her cloak. He had just looked up from his scrolls when he heard giggling and footsteps. More female foolishness, he sighed to himself. He didn't know what was worse: having Sohkarra as a princess up to mischief, or having both his ladylove and a bodyguard Sohkarra plotting things behind his back.
"I'm going to show Marianne around Thebes," said she.
"But I thought I was..." Rath started, then shut his mouth. Obviously Marianne had loved the day trips he'd taken her upon.
To libraries and temples full of ancient knowledge. But this insistence upon local color. To a Priestess of Thoth! That just
wasn't done! And Sohkarra should know that! But then she had always gone her own way and done her own thing, despite his best advice to her.
"You haven't shown her the fun parts," Sohkarra laughed.
"You cannot mean... the marketplace... the rekket!" he said, a horrified look upon his green eyes.
"And what's wrong with that?" Marianne asked him.
"I cannot allow you to put yourselves at risk..."
"Rath, you're not my guardian anymore," said Sohkarra. "And I am the Queen's bodyguard. And seeing that this is the tenth day of rest. And besides, you as well as anyone know that I used to do this anyway. And it was very rewarding for me to help my father's people. And I am still a Princess. So I fail to see your point."
"For the love of Ptah what foolishness will you dream of next? Yes I acknowledge the fact of your temporary change in station... but I will remind you that Marianne is my student and a Priestess, and I take a certain level of responsibility...and as you said, you are still a Princess."
"Maybe so, but it's my day off. Like Sunday," said Marianne. And not being able to resist, "Besides, she is still the Princess, and I choose to spend it with my best friend..."
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