The Garden Of Egypt

Ch. 5

Ebony tumbled down the dune, rolling until she came to a stop. She laid there until she could catch her breath, coughing and spitting the sand out of her mouth. She wiped her cheek and ran as quickly as she could towards the direction of the Hawk's territory. Ebony slowed down, her heels becoming a bother. She kicked them off, and they became lost to the sands, but Ebony didn't care.

All she cared about was reuniting with Asim. When she grew thirsty, she grew a plant to refresh herself. Ebony was used to the hot desert with little protection. Her golden skin was used to the burning sun bearing down upon it. She stumbled, and she caught herself. Her attention was waning and she needed to be at full alert. Ebony glanced behind her. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw no one. Then she came across the border, a line of skulls. Ebony swallowed and stepped across. She brushed all the sand off herself and made herself look more presentable. The guards who had been lounging around, straightened and barred the way. Ebony herself straightened.

"Another one?"

"How many can there be?"

Ebony kept her relief hidden. The others had already arrived.

"Show me to your Chieftain."

The guards looked at her cautiously, their dark eyes glittering behind their skull masks. They both shrugged and motioned for her to follow. Ebony looked at their painted bodies curiously. The paint was in three colors: blue, white, and red. They were drawn in lines and swirls, almost like a sea. Both appeared to be male, only wearing some sort of long black skirt around their waist and circlets on their ankles. Ebony was led through a city of bones, houses made out of mud and stone, paint marking every home. Then, they approached a castle-like structure, modified by the Hawks. She swallowed and followed the two men inside. As they neared two thick doors, an argument could be heard from within.

"How dare you accuse me of being crude! We are a very advanced species, unlike you White Sands people!" The guards opened the doors and they stood at attention as Ebony walked in, nodding to both of them. The argument came to a screeching halt as everyone watched Ebony stride in, seeming carefree and unafraid. As Ebony strode in, she took in the sights. Asim, Azizi, and Lotus being restrained by more guards, and the Chieftain. An old woman whose face was covered by the traditional skull mask. She wore a long white dress and seemed almost harmless. Almost. Ebony knelt, bowing her head respectfully.

"I am Ebony Mosut, daughter of Ammon, and of the Moon Sands. My companions and I come here seeking refuge from the White Sands, who have taken what we hold dear and threaten our loved ones. Please grant us this wish."

There was silence, but Ebony was prepared for this. Reports said that the Chieftain liked to use silence as a weapon. Ebony could do the same. Moments passed and then the Chieftain laughed. A long hearty laugh.

"My, my, Princess. The Queen of another territory is seeking refuge. What a surprise! I thought that place was heaven." She laughed again. Ebony joined her, standing up gracefully.

"Indeed. As did I when I married King Asim. Unfortunately he soon was dragged into a curse, spelled by the wicked High Priest Omari. He made everyone's lives miserable. But," Ebony laughed. "You don't care about that. Would you like me to list the benefits of us staying here?"

The Chieftain raised her hand.

"No need, child. We will grant your request. Know that you must depart in the upcoming week. We cannot have the WhiteSands attacking us."

Ebony smiled gratefully. "Many thanks, Great Chieftain. May Ra bless your reign."

The Chieftain huffed and waved her hand. The doors opened and they were shown out. The guards brought them to a well-furnished room, Azizi and Lotus were taken to a nearby room down the hall. Asim strolled to the window. His face twitched.