The Ways of Eternity

by D.A. Dean

Chapter 24: Demand for Proof

  Having emerged from their cover to wait in the low grasses a short journey from the concealed encampment, and now wishing he'd accepted Teo's offer of breakfast, Horus pushed forward his sword and reclined against the soft grasses, hoping the sun's warmth would loosen his muscles.

  Teo noted evenly, "You've trained for this. You're ready." Glancing ahead, he again straightened the mats. "Here they come."

  Pulse quickening, Horus took a breath and stood.

  Movements slow, controlled, Nalia led a group of seventeen men and six women.

  Tatuuf lifted his hand. The fifteen warriors accompanying him stopped and sat.

  Maeta nodded, and the five priestesses accompanying her lowered, legs crossed under them.

  Regally, Nalia stepped forward.

  Tatuuf followed just behind, wearing the scars of a warrior, the stones of a chieftain, the vigor of his movements surprising Horus, contrasting the age suggested by his deeply-lined face.

  Straight-backed, slender shoulders down, her gown of fine linen announcing high station, Maeta inclined her head, turning her gaze back and forth along the path.

  A multi-colored pouch slung over his shoulder, Saien followed behind her. His ankle-length, blue-purple robe hid all but the outline of his form, though the outline itself hinted at formidable strength. His light footsteps and quick gestures indicated he possessed agility, as well.

  Hands at his sides, Horus waited.

  Maeta's gaze settled on Horus, and she stopped. "This is foolishness."

  Nalia pivoted to face her. "Difficult as it may be to understand, he is the one you've awaited."

  "No," Maeta replied. "You, Priestess, have presented a story impossible to believe. I have no interest in hearing any more of your lies." She turned.

  Nalia shifted, blocking Maeta's departure. "I am not the one in error. You, High Priestess, will return. You will ask your questions. And then you will listen and be given your answers."

  Maeta hissed. "You dare speak to me in such a manner?" Eyes hard, she studied Nalia. "Your belief must run deep for you to place yourself in such a perilous position."

  "I know the truth. You have yet to recognize it." Nalia turned from Maeta and glided forward to the young god. "O, Most Glorious Horus." Head bowed, she knelt before him. "I bring to you a tribal chieftain, a high priestess, and her high guard."

  "Thank you, Nalia." Heart beating hard, Horus motioned her to rise and gave each of the three strangers a small nod. "Welcome. You know Nalia. I think you know Teo. As I'm sure you've gathered, I'm Horus. Son of Isis and Osiris," he added as a quick afterthought.

  Maeta's lips parted, but she remained silent. Finally, she turned to Tatuuf, gesturing him forward.

  Tatuuf moved nearer, his steps slow but firm.

  How old was he? At least thirty-five to be initiated as one of the few Seventh Order Warriors, the Serving Masters.

  Evaluating Horus discretely, Tatuuf crossed his right arm over his left and bowed. "I am Tatuuf, Chieftain of Many Tribes, an honor bestowed upon me by the Mighty and Beneficent Osiris."

  "Bestowed by...?" Horus blinked. "You knew my father?"

  Tatuuf's brows twitched, but he held his gaze steady. "I was twice given the honor of being called before the great King Osiris. It was on the second occasion of my entering his hall that he bestowed upon me my position. He then gave me this amulet."

  Watching Horus closely, Tatuuf pulled from among the stones around his neck a golden elongated circle. He held it out for Horus to view. "As you see, the inscription it bears, along with King Osiris' symbol, confirms my words. I have worn this amulet since the day King Osiris presented it and will continue to wear it always."

  Yearning to touch the gift, once held in his father's hands, Horus brushed at his nose and then nodded.

  Tatuuf nestled the amulet back in place and lowered his arm, the stones twined around his wrist creating a quick, pleasant jingle.

  "Thank you for coming," Horus said softly. Aware he'd allowed emotion to waver his voice, he cleared his throat and straightened. "I'm pleased to meet you, Tatuuf."

  Again the chieftain bowed. Eyes full of questions, he stepped back to the others.

  Maeta moved forward, her gaze skimming Horus' body. "I am Maeta, High Priestess of Isis."

  No symbols were traced over her throat, hands, or feet. It would seem, this day, she wore only her secret power symbols, traced where hidden or with smoke. There were no colors worn, no gestures given to indicate her rank.

  If it weren't for Nalia's word, it would be only through observing the way the warriors and priestesses responded to her and speaking with her that Horus could confirm her designation.

  "This," Maeta said and motioned toward the man standing behind her, "is Saien, my chosen protector."

  Saien, angled toward Teo, offered no gesture or signal of his position as a priestess' high guard.

  Instead, Horus noticed with unease, Saien, his hand hidden in the folds of his robe, kept his focus on Teo.

  Maeta snapped her fingers, recalling Horus' attention. "You are Horus?" she demanded.

  Confused by her insistence he repeat himself, Horus paused. "Yes. I am."

  "Son of Isis and Osiris?" Maeta pressed.

  Horus tilted his head. "Yes. I already—"

  "A Child of Ra?"

  Horus waited.

  Maeta's stare intensified. "A god?"

  Working to keep his annoyance from his voice, Horus answered, "Yes. I am Horus, Son of Isis and Osiris, a Child of Ra, a god." Anxious for the testing and the discussion of plans to begin, he angled toward the mats. "Now, then. I believe you have many questions, as do I. Before we proceed to them, I'd like to thank you for coming. I'm pleased to meet you, Maeta, Sai—"

  Maeta interrupted, "What proof do you present that you are, indeed, Horus, Son of Isis and Osiris? Surely you don't expect such a claim to be taken on faith?"

  So, this was where it stood. Horus lowered his shoulders.

  Teo shifted his weight. "With respect, High Priestess, I don't understand. Mother's told you who he is."

  Lips pursed, Maeta turned to him. "You think that should suffice?"

  Dutifully, Teo lowered his gaze. "Yes, High Priestess. I do."

  "A belief isn't fact."

  "The word of a priestess—"

  "I don't question her belief."

  Teo looked up. "So, you're questioning—"

  "I do question how a son of a priestess could deem such a tone appropriate when addressing me," Maeta warned.

  Metal glinted from under Saien's long sleeve.

  Maeta touched her thumb to her little finger, and Saien returned his hand to a fold in his robe.

  Nalia reached for Teo's elbow, and he angled away, gaze cast warily toward Maeta's protector.

  Tatuuf frowned. Noticing Horus' glance, he smoothed his expression.

  Maeta returned her focus to Horus. "If you are a god, as has been claimed, as you yourself claim, giving proof should be quite simple. You would need only," pausing, she spread her hands, "to shine."

  Unsure whether Maeta's gesture was meant as a signal to him or her guard, Horus glanced at Saien.

  Maeta continued, "Unless, of course, you wish to excuse yourself from such a simple matter by pronouncing us unworthy." She stared at him, challenging.

  Horus' eyes narrowed. He looked away, studying the grasses. What fears lay beneath Maeta's careful aggression? Shifting his gaze to the waiting warriors and priestesses, he stretched his fingers against his thighs. "I'm not sure why I shine some times and not others, so I don't know how to make it happen." He returned his gaze to hers. Choosing his words with care, he added, "I'm a bit puzzled why you ask for that as proof."

  "You say you're a god, but you're unwilling to offer the simplest of substantiation?"

  Scowling, Teo rubbed his forehead.

  Maeta turned sharply to him. "You wish to spea
k, Son of a Priestess?"

  "Yes, I do," Teo answered. "Horus moved the island. What greater proof than that?"

  "Moving the island is only proof of his godhood if it is known as fact he is actually the one who moved it."

  "Mother told you he did. I confirm what she's said."

  "You know what your mother told us? I don't recall your presence at our council."

  Teo clenched his jaw. "I have a question for you, High Priestess," he said, his voice calm, but his posture stiffening. "If I may."

  Maeta gave a slight bow.

  "Are you here to engage in games or to learn the truth?"

  Tatuuf brushed his fingers across his whiskers.

  Maeta's gaze hardened. "You feel a need to act as this supposed-god's protector?"

  "I'm acting as his—" Teo stopped.

  "Oh, I see," Maeta said menacingly. "You consider yourself his friend."

  "That wasn't what I meant," Teo countered.

  "Then what did you mean?" Maeta leaned to the side, openly studying him.

  "Maeta," Horus said softly, struggling to keep his anger hidden, and she turned to him. "Teo is my friend, as is Nalia, and I am honored by their friendship."

  A moment passed before Maeta blinked and straightened. "Would you have your friends answer for you?"

  "I would trust them to, but I understand this is my test. Shall we sit?"

  Nalia moved forward to the circle.

  Brows furrowed, Tatuuf gazed at the rippling grasses. He took the mat beside Nalia.

  Teo took the mat one over from Nalia's right, and Horus lowered between them.

  Maeta stepped nearer, Saien following close. "You invite us to join your circle?" she asked Horus.

  Something in her tone caught his attention. Searching her eyes, Horus leaned back. "Nalia and Teo are my circle. I would be pleased to have you and Saien sit with us. As I am pleased to have you, Tatuuf, sit with us."

  Lifting her hand to push back her hair, Maeta drew her thumb against her palm.

  Horus waited, shoulders tight. Nothing. Perhaps the gesture signaled Saien to hold? In any case, they were getting nowhere. It was time for a calculated risk. Gaze to Saien, Horus unfastened the leather strip holding his sheathed sword, leaned forward, and placed his weapon, hilt facing the center of the circle, a stretched arm's length before him. "A gesture of goodwill."

  Teo ground his teeth.

  Saien, expression unchanged, didn't reciprocate.

  Suppressing a sigh, Horus leaned back. "Maeta, Saien, join us."

  Maeta cocked her head. "You issue a command?"

  "A request."

  Maeta lowered, crossed her legs to the side, and smoothed her gown. She motioned Saien to the mat beside her.

  Saien crouched, one hand on his knee, the other fixed behind him.

  Maeta slid her hand to her ankle, revealing her dagger.

  Horus straightened, his muscles tensing.

  "I see you understand what's at stake."

  "I've tasted battle, Maeta. If it comes to it, I will defend my family."

  "Your...?" Too quickly for Horus to interpret, emotion flashed in Maeta's eyes. She waved dismissively toward Nalia and Teo. "They are secondary in this."

  "You intend your weapon for me?" Horus asked, his relief shifting to incredulity.

  "It would be best for you to renounce your lies now and flee. This dagger is steeped in Isis' magic. It would kill even a god. So, certainly, it would destroy you."

  Tatuuf rolled his shoulders.

  Nalia sat rigid, chin held high.

  Teo gripped his knife, held near the ground.

  Saien's arm twitched.

  Horus stared at his sword. Could he grasp it and turn quickly enough to counter both Saien and Maeta? Suddenly, his thoughts veered. He was being threatened by one who'd sworn loyalty to his mother? Pushing his hands through his hair, he laughed.

  Maeta's voice held an edge, "You disbelieve the power of my weapon?"

  "No." Horus lowered his hands and fixed his gaze, cool, to hers. "I have a question for you, Maeta. If, as you say, your dagger could kill a god, and you are, as you say, a 'High Priestess of Isis', why not infiltrate Seht's ranks and use your weapon against him? If all you claim is true, it seems to me there's an easy solution to our problem."

  Maeta was silent. "The attempt would be for naught. Nephthys has ensured against this dagger's use on her husband."

  Tatuuf leaned forward. "High Priestess, perhaps—"

  Maeta raised her hand. "Silence."

  Teo shook his head hard.

  Maeta lifted a brow. "Speak, Son of a Priestess, friend to a god."

  "You talk of proof. How do we know what you're telling us is true?"

  "Your mother has told you who I am. Do you now question her?" Maeta asked pointedly.

  "No, I don't question you are, indeed, a high priestess. However, much can change in five years. Especially five years of battle."

  "Ask your question," Maeta commanded.

  "What proof can you provide us you haven't abandoned your mistress for a master?"

  "You misunderstand the situation, Son of a Priestess. I'm not here to provide assurances. I am here to receive them, among other things."

  "I see," Teo replied. "So while you don't offer us trust, we're expected to offer it to you. With respect, High Priestess, I would say that's unreasonable. I would also say...what other things?"

  "I won't be interrogated by you." Maeta began whispering to Saien.

  "No, I suppose it's not appropriate for me, a son of a priestess, to question you. I wonder, then, how you deem appropriate your interrogation of a god. Yours is an interesting way."

  Maeta shifted to stare across at Horus. "You allow this insolence?"

  Forcing down his desire to cross his arms, Horus turned his gaze to the grass tickling his shin. "I think his questions are valid given his position, as those you ask are valid given yours."

  "You consider it appropriate for him," Maeta said, waving a hand in Teo's direction, "a warrior, to question me, a High Priestess of Isis?"

  "I believe I've answered that." Arms crossed, Horus leaned away.

  "I wonder what the one you claim to be your mother would think of your idea of order."

  "Perhaps you should ask her. Perhaps you might ask her, as well, what she thinks of your questions of me, her son. Teo is correct that your questioning me in this manner could be considered against the order you, yourself, speak to hold. However, I don't think you intend disrespect to those ways."

  Horus spread his hands over his knees. "Maeta, you and I have only met, but I see we have much in common. For one, we each have a duty. For another, we both trust and respect my mother, Isis. Which I think is, in itself, a good beginning. I believe we have something else in common. We both want to protect those we care about."

  "Oh?" Maeta steepled her fingers. "Yet you have only the priestess and her son to protect."

  "No, not only them. As I said, I understand duty. I understand mine. Now," Horus said and pulled back his shoulders, "I think you have more questions for me concerning who I am."

  Maeta folded her hands together in her lap, her silence a rebuke.

  "I never said I was unwilling to offer proof. I said only I'm unable to offer shining on demand. I'm prepared to answer your questions about my identity and to offer substantiation if I can think of a way to do so."

  The breeze caressed Horus' shoulder. Breeze. Falcon. Of course. He stood, and Maeta sat back. "Proof."

  Nalia tapped her knee, signaling Horus to stop.

  Horus transformed,Nalia's tapping becoming slapping. He ascended. Oh, how good it felt to release from the pressures of the meeting onto the freedom of wind.

  From below came movement and shouts.

  Maeta and Tatuuf must have signaled the priestesses and warriors to join them and celebrate. Pleased, Horus landed, returning to his form.

&n
bsp; Gripping his knife, Saien pulled Maeta closer, warriors and priestesses rushing around them.

  Nalia insisted, "It's no trick, Maeta. I told you he had this power."

  Teo grabbed Nalia's arm, tugging her back.

  Crouching, knife held forward, Saien countered, "Trap."

  "No." Nalia strained toward Maeta. "You must listen."

  Tatuuf hurried onto the open ground between them. "Only gods and goddesses know Flight. Only a few of them, at that. What does this mean?"

  Through the confusion, Fassah, knife drawn, crept closer.

  Knife poised, arm wrapped around his mother's waist, Teo dragged her with him to Horus' side. "Now'd be a good time to use your powers to get your sword."

  * * * * *