Trial of Anubis

١٣: ZIARA

      Ziara's mind struggled to process what he'd shown her and rationalise the political divide between Ungifted and Children. Jumping down his throat and berating his actions would benefit no one. So, Ziara went the emotionally detached route to provide a voice of reason.

      "You thought you were the Cursed One after Lacy read that scroll from the quarry. . .but I beg to differ. There was no literature documenting the massacre as it happened far too quickly and by surprise, I feel that the papyrus was eluding to something far more ominous," Ziara said. 

     Wraith shook his head violently in defiance, "But I am a Shabti, the Great Father stripped all parts of me which made me whole. My purpose is to earn them back and to repopulate the Sons of Anubis." 

     "You're allowing the guilt to crush you," Ziara rolled her eyes. "It's mere coincidence that your punishment coincides with a throw-away parchment. While I agree it was an omen, there are many pieces which are yet to be filled. Look at the main prophecy as a whole, two betrayals seek two ends, Head of Death and Head of Sky a war ascends―it could infer Horwedja selling out to the Hyksos or your own treason with the royals, however that depends on the interpretation. The truth is given by the Eye, perhaps Asemonekh's eye has this ability. As for the destiny in the Lake of Fire, a choice must be made to determine the course of the war. . .once we decipher who 'He' is, then the anonymous other will become clear."  

     "Is there anything you don't know?" it was supposed to be taken in jest, but Wraith's tone quipped in annoyance. "What's your interpretation of my Sons' prophecy?"

      "That's somewhat easier, each line refers to one of your Sons directly. Since Azizi isn't with you, and I assume it's because he serves another purpose, it speaks of your four core members and their talents. Anuka is embalming, you represent Death―the final breath is obscure as I wouldn't classify you either living or dead," she bit her lip in thought. "Nathanial and Isfet are Colour and Art. . .but the betrayal is unclear, you already died for your treason if it aligns with the main prophecy. And from what I can gather already, Anubis only gave you the most loyal of men." 

       His gaze drifted off into the distance with an airy breath, "And what of your prophecy?"

        She cocked her head at him and let go of his hand, turning to pace. She'd tried earlier to get a reaction out of him with her quip, but it got nowhere. The more Ziara's mind dwelled on the prophecy, the more she realised her attraction to him―aside from his physical attributes, his unwavering determination and mystique intrigued her beyond belief. She liked men which had layers, she could put her archaeological skills to use flaking away their walls. However, if he believed his former relationship was a product of magic, she presumed he had the same opinion on their fate. 

      Regardless, Ziara wanted to tread with caution. She couldn't allow herself to be gutted like with Carn.

      "The Eyes speak of Sekhmet's stolen prowess, so the Wadjet and Eye of Ra which I've received during the altercation process or whatever Isfet called it. I'm not stupid Wraith, I have a new clarity to my sight, I used to have to wear glasses to read long distance but now my vision is perfect," Ziara cleared her throat and continued to pace. "In Ancient Egyptian religion, 'He' could translate into a number of god's names such as Ra or Seth. In our situation, it's most likely those two. . .and since we are all connected, we could apply those identities to the other prophecies."

      There was a long pause as Ziara continued to pace, she knew exactly what Wraith was trying to get at―he was well aware of the second part of the prophecy, and it frightened her if the words of Sekhmet were true. She didn't really even know Wraith, let alone Anuka. So how could she be destined to fall in love with them?