As Long As the Sun Doesn't Set

Hathor's Patron

Bakari had a horrible sick feeling throughout the rest of the day. It had nothing to do with all of the rituals and processes he had to go through, It had to do with the look of fear that was on Julian's face before Bakari had left with Merneptah. Bakari knew that there was something horrible happening to Julian, but didn't know how to address it. It had always been an assumption of Bakari that all parents loved and cared for their children. He didn't know what was more painful: Julian's fear, or the disregard his father had for him. Even though Bakari had to focus on receiving a patron, he couldn't get his mind off of Julian.

After a very, very long day, Bakari watched the moon begin to rise on one side of the horizon as Ra disappeared on the other. So Ra was not his patron. Not a surprise. It was a great honor for Ra to be a patron, but it was so incredibly rare that it was not expected anymore. Ramses was a patron of Ra, which is why he was exceptionally loved and respected through the land. Bakari's mother, Victoria, had Khonsu as her patron. It was impossible to predict who was going to take patronage of Bakari.

Everyone sat in almost dead silence as the moon continued to travel through the night sky. Bakari didn't care much. He wanted to leave. He was tired and sick. It was obvious on Victoria's face that she, too, wanted him to end the ritual, but knew that they had to press through it or wait another eight years. He'd get chosen. Everyone got picked by a god, even if they had to wait until the sun rose again. Bakari was forcing himself to stay awake, wishing that he'd gotten some sleep the night before.

Suddenly, he felt a burning in his left wrist. It was similar to when he had stepped in the coals, so Bakari panicked for a moment. Then, he took a careful look at his wrist. He wasn't burning. Something was being written into his wrist. Victoria ran over to him, looking at the symbol slowly appearing in his skin. A circle, framed by the horns of a bull.

"HATHOR!" she exclaimed. "Hathor has claimed the patronage of Bakari!"

Exclamations of joy and excitement echoed through the entirety of the courtyard. But they were disappearing. Everything was disappearing around Bakari. He wasn't passing out, because he wasn't falling. Then, he was sitting in the pitch-black room that he'd seen so many times in his dream. The eyes began to open, one by one, their luminescent gaze resting lazily upon Bakari.

Hello child, the soft, melodic voice of a woman echoed.

"Hello. Are you Hathor?" Bakari asked.

I am, she confirmed. I've been watching over you, Bakari. There's a lot of love in your heart, and you need to share it. That's why I chose you. I had to beg and plead for your patronage. You're very well-liked here, Bakari. I'm very lucky to have you.

"Thank you." Bakari "But Julian-"

-will be alright. You do not need to concern yourself in his affairs, child. They are not your burden to bear. The eyes closed and the glowing figure of a woman appeared in front of him, the bull horns resting on her head. I have something for you.

A soft blue flame appeared in her right palm, a jar in her left. She poured the flame inside as though it was liquid, corking the top. She held the jar in her hands and it shrunk until it was no more than the size of Bakari's thumb.

"What is it?" Bakari asked.

When you return to your family, the priests will be instructed to bring forth seven statues of different guardians. Do not choose any of them. Though it may seem tempting, and they will be beautiful, walk past them and pour this flame into the pool kissed by the moon, Hathor instructed him. In there, you will find a creature that will not only provide you with protection but with friendship and freedom. Listen, Bakari, your life is not going to be easy. It was never destined to be easy. But if you just trust in your heart and in those who love you, answers will become clear.