War Of Egypt

Chapter 33: Shed No Tears

    Sebmet had led the others safely, slaughtering three guards, into what was supposed to be the chambers of Kha. As they entered, the gods glanced around the chamber, looking for Kha or any sign of life. As they were busy poking behind the curtains and walking around in the chamber's bathing area, they failed to notice Sanhir staring so silently at the big golden canopy bed.
    The images of last night flashed into her mind; the images of Kha and Ametis from the balcony, kissing. Their eyes that held such affection, one of which she has not seen in many years. Not in the eyes of mortals, or immortals. Yes, she had saw those eyes herself, once, so long ago. Her gaze swept over the rumpled sheets and feather pillows that were strewn across the floor near the bed. Surely they did not turn into animals, the Nubian goddess thought blinking absent-mindedly as she kneeled to pick up a feather pillow.
    She placed it carefully on the bed and turned to look at the other gods that accompanied her. Sebmet still had not returned from the bathing area, Sekpht who was examining the balcony area moments ago now stood complaining about the color of the curtains. Ay was literally pulling apart the chamber like a rampaging bull; tearing down the huge tapestries and rugs from the floor. He was obviously looking for a secret passageway.
    He tossed aside a carpet and leaned back with a sigh. He caught Sanhir's gaze and flashed her a faint smile. She smiled back, not knowing if it was a good thing or not—he rarely smiled. As he disappeared after Sebmet, Sanhir wondered if she should inform the group of what she now knew about Kha and Ametis. If I do not tell them, it would be a waste of time and I will have failed them since they are all searching for an evil god and a prisoner goddess. Not two gods who are in love. Sanhir moved towards the end of the other and pushed open the doors to another chamber, but then again it is not my secret to tell.  She walked over and examined the room.
    It was obviously the room Kha had prepared for Ametis before they became affectionate to each other. She looked around and spotted Ametis's dress that she had worn before her kidnapping. Shai had described it vividly. She swooped down and picked it up when the doors behind her burst open and Sebmet strolled in with something clutched tightly in his hands.
    As quick as lightning, Sanhir pulled the dress behind her. She did not want Sebmet to get the wrong idea, that Ametis, was killed by Kha. She frowned at him.
    Sebmet, emotionless opened his hand and two separate attires fell down to the marble floors. A red and gold dress and a gold hendyt. "Tell me what you see, goddess."
    It was clear what the message was but Sanhir hoped it was a different one, "I see two clothing pieces, General."
   "No. I found this in the bathing area. It is either that the servants dropped it or it is entirely something else, which if it was, still raises questions."
   "I do not follow," Sanhir replied.
   "These belong to Kha and Ametis."
    Sanhir was struck, "how would you imply so if there is no proof?"
   "My bride talks of everything. Ametis is said to love the colors of the Nile and the sunset, and this garment is in her measurements. It could not have been the sorceress's. The other piece is, undoubtedly, Kha's. Make your conclusions, for I have mine." He picked up the garments and placed them in Sanhir's hands before he turned and walked towards the door.
   "General! Sebmet," she ran and grabbed his arm. He stopped. "I know what you think and it may be true but for the sake of everyone, do not spread the word."
   "You know. "
    Sanhir sighed, "late last night. But give me your word that the news will not reach anyone who has not heard—particularly Lord of the Air Horus and Lady Hathor."
    Without turning to look at her Sebmet replied, "Ametis may be a friend of mine and it is not my concern if she has love for the enemy, but I am also Horus's General. Horus is her father. I do not withhold information from him."
    Just before Sanhir could reply, Ay urgently shouted something out to Sebmet from the chamber next door. She let him go out before she followed slowly.
   "Sebmet," Ay came into view. "There is something you should see. Come quickly."
    Sanhir trailed behind. She saw that it really was something urgent, for Sekpht was staring out the balcony like someone who had been struck by lightning. His eyes were huge and concealed horror.
   "Oh by Ra's rays, what in the whole of Egy..."
    Sebmet trailed off and everyone fell into a string of silence and heavy breathing. Down in the gardens was Ametis and Kha. Four of them stared in confusion and horror as Kha lifted a gold desert rose and placed it into the crown of Ametis's dark hair. She laughed and playfully jabbed his arm.
   "I have no words," Ay whispered to Sanhir.
    She ignored him and shot Sebmet a look of disappointment and annoyance. They had just tried to reason out the situation but no matter, it was now in plain sight. Literally.
   "Sebmet?' Ihet looked expectantly at him.
   "Nothing has changed. We are still leaving with the Princess." Sebmet looked at Ay, "your wings span quite large, am I right?"
   "Indeed," the war god replied.
   "I will cover you and they will cover us."
   "What are we doing?" Sekpht asked worriedly as he still gazed down on the gods in the garden.
    Sebmet pulled out his sword, "we are leaving, with Ametis."