Ahmose Inarus

Ahmose Inarus

Hato chiisai

Shonen-ai

Disclaimer: I own Ahmose. That’s all. Nothing else.

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Chapter 10

Tomb Robbers

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The sixteen year old Pharaoh moaned and squirmed in the dark, sweating and panting.

“Nnnh......... mmmm.......hnnh...... ahhh..... aaahhh... Ohh.......nneh.... AHH!!” Yugioh sat straight up, eyes wide, shaking and covered in perspiration. His chest heaved as he tried to calm down. He looked around at his empty room and then slid from the bed, grabbing his scarlet robe and flinging it around his shoulders before grabbing a small oil lamp and hurrying across the room. He squeezed into a corner behind a plant and brushed a curtain aside. The Pharaoh pressed his shoulder against the stone wall and it opened, revealing a hidden passage. He rushed in, closed it behind him, then ran down the black corridor, the only light being the one in his hand. He reached the end of it and pushed the door open. He emerged into a dark room. And not only dark from lack of light; the room was all black and deep shades of purple, with gold here and there. At one end stood an ebony bed with busts of the head of Anubis on each bedpost, and black and purple curtains shrouded it in darkness.

Yugioh padded across the obsidian floor, his bare feet slapping softly on the cold stone, which was odd.... Usually the floors were warm. Sometimes they were cool, but only in this room were they cold.

“Ahmose.” He whispered into the dark shadows that the bed was hidden in. “Ahmose, wake up!” No answer was given. Yugioh frowned and brushed a curtain aside. “Ah–“ he stopped and blinked. “–mose?” The bed was empty. In fact, it had never been slept in. Yugioh blinked a few times, then turned and looked around the dark room. He held his little lamp up to a large floor lamp, lighting it. The room was dimly lit. The shadows were eerie and made the young king shiver, but it confirmed that his friend was not present. He glanced at the moon. It had been four hours since sunset.... Where could Ahmose be? He turned and left the room, sneaking past sleeping guards. He made a mental note to discipline them later. There was no point in waking them, it was doubtful that they saw Ahmose; the seventeen year old sorcerer moved like a shadow, unheard and unseen, even in broad daylight.... he had nearly given Yugioh a heart attack on several occasions. Yugioh sighed.

Ahmose sometimes didn’t seem to be human. He sometimes seemed a living god to Yugioh, if it weren’t for his appropriate humility. He was devoted to Yugioh and to his duty to his patron god, Anubis. Yugioh sighed. The Day of Anubis was fast approaching; Ahmose’s birthday. But of course, while the entire Empire celebrated the anniversary of Yugioh’s birth, no second thought was given to that of Ahmose, even from Ahmose himself. To him, the Day of Anubis was not his birthday, but the day in which he had to devote himself completely to his god. He was there at the temple from the midnight at which it began to the midnight at which it ended, praying and paying proper homage to the God of the Dead. It was the only day out of the year that Yugioh never saw Ahmose.

Yugioh entered the darkened library and looked around at the shelves of papyrus, expecting to see the dark figure of his body guard.

“Ahmose?” He called. No answer. The Pharaoh sighed and left, heading to the supply room where Ahmose kept his inventory of.... Stuff. Yugioh knocked on the door. “Ahmose?” No answer. He turned and walked down the hall. He went out onto a balcony and looked down into the dark courtyard where Ahmose would walk when he needed to think. It was empty. He checked the training hall where Ahmose worked out. Empty. The Throne Room? Empty. The kitchen for a midnight snack? Empty. Jono’s place of work? Empty. The teaching rooms where Ahmose was taught? Empty. The Scribe’s hall? Empty. The stable? No Ahmose, and Nakhti was asleep in his stall. Yugioh sighed, then turned and headed down to the only other place he could think of; the dungeon. He walked down the stairs and into the corridors. The guards saluted him, confused as to why he was there so late. Yugioh shivered in the cold air and drew his robe closer around himself. It was then that he discovered the only floor in the palace as cold as that in Ahmose’s room. The men in cells either slept or glared at the Pharaoh, some growled. He went through the dungeons, but did not find the man for whom he was searching. As he left, he looked to the guards.

“Has Ahmose been down here tonight?” He asked.

“No my King. We have not seen Lord Inarus.” A guard replied, and Yugioh nodded, and began walking up the stairs. Then, suddenly, he stopped as he felt the Puzzle pulse in Shadow Magic. Slowly, he turned and looked at the torch on the wall. He frowned and pulled it down, watching the section of the wall open. He walked into the dark corridor and followed the passage until he emerged onto the Shadow Grounds. He breathed a sigh of releif. The great cavernous hall was dark, but for a bronze brazier ablaze in the middle of it. And around it were four figures seated cross legged in mid air; the three Maha Vailo and Ahmose Inarus. The Maha Vailo all opened their eyes and looked up at Yugioh. Yugioh blinked, then swallowed and slowly walked across the room. Ahmose raised his head and turned. Seeing his king, he unfolded his legs and set his feet on the floor. The Maha Vailo followed suite.

“Yugioh.” Ahmose said, and the Maha Vailo bowed.

“Ahmose... What are you doing down here?”

“What are YOU doing down here?”

“I was looking for you.”

“What? Why?” Ahmose asked, blinking. Yugioh stopped. Why HAD he been looking for Ahmose.

“I... I had a nightmare.... And when I couldn’t find you in your room.....” He trailed off and shrugged. Ahmose blinked, then nodded.

“I am sorry to have worried you.” He apologized with a small bow. Yugioh smiled lightly.

“What are you doing down here?”

“Oh... Nothing.” Ahmose said with a shrug, then to the Maha Vailo, “I am retiring for the night.” The monsters bowed and vanished. “Come Yugi... Let’s get you back in bed.” And he smiled and put an arm around Yugioh.

“About that nightmare....” Yugioh said, and Ahmose nodded.

“Tell me.” Ahmose said.

“It was.... About you.....” Yugioh said.

..................................

“– this is the fourth year in a row that the people of this city have slighted us in the annual shipments of copper. Something must be done. Scouts sent by Lord Inarus report that it is only a matter of time before the city tries to revolt, Pharaoh! You must...... Pharaoh? My Lord?” The noble blinked, and Ahmose looked down at Yugioh, who was staring out the window at the Nile.

“Yugi.” He said, and Yugioh jumped.

“GAAH!! Oh! Oh. I’m sorry. What was it you were saying... Ummm... Where’d he go?” He blinked, seeing that the noble before him was not the same noble as last time he checked. Ahmose sighed.

“This session of court is adjourned.” He called, much to the dismay of many people gathered. “Please bring your issues up tomorrow.” And he grabbed Yugioh’s elbow and pulled him from the room. He entered a nearby store room and sat Yugioh down on a barrel of barley.

“Why did you do that?!” Yugioh asked, annoyed.

“Because... The people who have come before you should not waste their breath talking to your crown.”

“Huh?”

“You were not listening! Can you tell me ONE ISSUE that was brought up?!” Ahmose demanded.

“Umm..... Something about a camel stampede?” Yugioh offered, and Ahmose smacked his hand to his forehead.

“There was NO camel stampede. There was a HORSE stampede and a disease among the CAMELS.” Ahmose knelt. “Yugi.... What’s on your mind?” Yugioh gave a weary sigh.

“I’m bored, Ahmose.” He said, and Ahmose blinked. “I want to have some fun again! I want to... I want to race chariots across the desert! I want to swim in the Nile again! I, I, I want to make mud pies on the banks of the Nile and make forts out of palm leaves in the gardens! I want to go out into the bazaar and see the merchants and their goods, and the slave traders and the people..... I want to... I want to NOT be Pharaoh! For just ONE DAY I want NO responsibilities!!!” Ahmose blinked, then sighed and smiled, nodding. “And I want to go ONE WEEK without you having to stop an assassination attempt!” This time, Ahmose frowned and stood. “Father NEVER had so many attempts on his life!! Ahmose.... why? Am I a bad King?”

“No, Yugi.” Ahmose said, kneeling again an taking Yugioh’s hands. He smiled lightly, something that only Yugioh had the privilege to see these days. “You are a good king. But there will always be those who will be against you. There is no perfect king. There are those who hate you. There are decisions you have to make. Hard decisions. You have many times had to cheese the lesser of two evils, decide something that will benefit most, but will leave a few in a bad spot. You cannot be perfect. You are not Ra, and even Ra himself is not perfect. No one is.”

“But... Why so many attacks on me?”

“I have been looking into it, Yugi. And trust me.... I will find the reason for it.” Yugioh smiled and Ahmose, and threw his arms around his shoulders. Ahmose blinked, then smiled and wrapped an arm around Yugioh’s back.

“Thank the gods I have you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” The Pharaoh whispered, and Ahmose closed his eyes, feeling a slight blush spread across his cheeks. He stood.

“Come. We have much to do.”

“No.”

“No?”

“No.”

“Why no?”

“I am Pharaoh.”

“Yes?”

“And I say I get the day off.”

“WHAT?!”

“Come! Let’s go for a ride!”

“What!?” Ahmose blinked as Yugioh left the room. “YUGI!!!”

.........................................

Two figures stood on a balcony and watched the gray stallion race from the gates of the Palace with the Pharaoh on his back and Nakhti bearing Ahmose behind, who was followed by a half dozen soldiers.

“This... goes against everything I have ever been taught, but nothing has ever appealed so much to me....” The larger man said, looking at his slender companion.

“He is too powerful. And the Pharaoh isn’t much better. Together they would be unstoppable. We must destroy one to keep the other in check, and honestly, Inarus is the one that must go. Should we kill the Pharaoh, HE will merely take his place. So he must die. Then you will take HIS place. And then the kingdom and world will be safe from the Pharaoh. He wields too much power through Ahmose.”

“But my Lord... Killing Ahmose is no mere task. He has the power of Anubis on his side.” The large man told the slender one, who grinned.

“Yes. But Ra is on mine.” And the man turned and left the side of his companion.

....................................

A good few miles away another pair of figures lounged in the shade provided by trees surrounding an Oasis.

“How much longer?”

“SHUT UP! I’m sick of you asking that! You can look at Ra himself and see how long we have to wait!”

“....... I’m bored.”

“Fuck off.”

“.... Where’d the horses go?”

“Over there somewhere.”

“Oh...” There was a pause. “Hey Mariku.”

“GODS BE DAMNED AKEIFA!!! SHUT UP!!!” The blonde theif roared, sitting up and looking at his white haired companion.

“The horses....” Akeifa said, pointing. Mariku looked. The horses’ ears were perked and they were looking off in the distance. The two theives turned and looked.

“Shit....” Mariku said, seeing the cloud of dust. “Get out of sight!” And he and his partner ran to the horses and pulled them into a dense area. They coaxed their horses to the ground, making them lie down, and then watched the approaching riders

Ahmose followed close behind Yugioh, watching the gray stallion’s flanks heaving. They reached the Oasis and Yugioh slid off his horse, Ahmose close behind. The gray stallion stopped to rest, panting, and Nakhti nickered softly, snuffling over the gray’s ears before leading the way to the water to drink. The soldiers rode in, all looking a bit put out with the Pharaoh, but they kept their silence. Yugioh had stripped by this point and took a flying leap into the water. Ahmose smiled as Yugioh swam into the middle of the Oasis.

“Ahmose! C’mon in!” Yugioh called, and Ahmose smiled lightly and shook his head.

“I am fine.”

“Oh, c’mon...” Yugioh said.

“I am not of Egyptian blood or skin tone, Yugi. I will burn.” Ahmose said, and Yugioh frowned, eyeing Ahmose’s pale complexion, hidden in the shadows of his cloak. He snorted.

“That’s what you get for hiding in dark rooms all your life.” He said, and splashed water at Ahmose, who simply rolled his eyes.

“Well, let me know when you have decided to act like the Pharaoh and not a child.” The sorcerer grunted, and wandered off. Yugioh smirked and relaxed in the cool water, floating on his back and closing his eyes, oblivious to the eyes that were fixing a homicidal glare on him. Mariku pulled his knife from his belt, as did Akeifa. Both had a sinister glitter in their eyes.

“The gods have delivered us the Pharaoh.... We should use this to our advantage...” Akeifa hissed, and Mariku grinned in agreement.

Ahmose sighed as he drank from his water skin. He was slowly circling the oasis when something caught his eye. He frowned and corked his water skin, approaching a small grassy area. He looked over two spots where the grass was flattened. He circled them, carefully taking in their shape. Two people had lain here.... Not long ago. He frowned.

“Uh oh....” Mariku murmured.

Ahmose’s eyes followed the footsteps leading away from the flattened grass and into dense foliage, and he noted a broken palm branch where the people had entered the shelter. Wet sap flowed. His eyes flashed and he whipped his Kris from his belt.

“PHARAOH!!” He shouted, and Yugioh blinked and looked up. “GET TO THE GUARDS!! NOW!!”

“Accursed Set! We’ve been found out!” Mariku snapped and stood, hurling his knife.

“NO!” Ahmose shouted.

“NYAAARH!!!!” Yugioh let out a pained scream as he was struck in the side as he scrambled from the Oasis. He fell and Akeifa leapt to his feet and launched his own blade at the Pharaoh. Ahmose flung one of his Kris and it struck Akeifa’s knife, knocking it off course and lodging it in a tree.

“GET YUGIOH OUT OF HERE!!!” Ahmose screamed at the guards as he charged at Mariku and Akeifa. They were a formidable pair and he knew it, but he had never met them face to face before and he was not sure of the outcome of this fight. The pair were ready for him, their panicked horses getting up and running out of the way. Ahmose leapt into the air and used the momentum and weight of his own body, bringing his blade down to cleave Mariku’s skull in two. But the man raised his twin scimitars and blocked the blow, and Ahmose yelped in pain as Akeifa took the opportunity to slam his elbow into Ahmose’s ribs. Ahmose swung his blade to the side, but Akeifa dodged it. All three then leapt back and Mariku and Akeifa faced Ahmose, who was cringing and gingerly felt his side with his empty hand... Nothing was broken.

Ahmose glanced over at the guards who had gotten the knife from Yugioh’s side and bandaged it quickly, and were now getting him onto his horse, but the Pharaoh was fighting and screaming for Ahmose. No words were said, Mariku and Akeifa just attacked as soon as Ahmose looked away from them. Ahmose jumped, cursing himself for allowing himself to be distracted. He dodged Mariku’s blades only to find Akeifa’s fist in his stomach and he doubled over. Mariku slammed the hilt of his own blade down onto Ahmose’s wrist, forcing the sorcerer to loose his grip on his own weapon, and Akeifa brought his elbow down between Ahmose shoulder blades. Ahmose hit the ground, shocked and stunned at how easily he had just been disarmed... He had NEVER been disarmed before and he wasn’t sure what to do now. He froze when he felt the tip of Mariku’s scimitar pressing against the back of his neck; one wrong move and Ahmose would find himself with a severed spine.

“AHMOSE!!!” He heard Yugioh scream, but he saw the guards taking Yugioh away out of the corner of his eye. He sighed in relief; Yugioh was safe and he could focus on his current dilemma... How to stay alive.

‘Anubis, protect me...’ He prayed silently, then made his move. He rolled over and swung his legs out, sweeping Mariku off of his feet and snatching up his Kris, only to find Akeifa’s foot on the blade. He yelped as he got a kick in the face but he was able to turn his recoil to his advantage, going into a back flip to his feet.

“Heh.... He’s good.” Mariku said, getting to his feet.

“That he is....” Akeifa drawled, flipping Ahmose’s blade around in his hand. Ahmose pulled his belt knife and the smaller blade that he kept concealed at his calf and flung his cloak to the ground, leaving his torso bare. The tomb robbers chuckled and approached the sorcerer. Gold glinted off of the hilt of Mariku’s blades, catching Ahmose’s eyes. Mariku chuckled.

“Look familiar, kid?” He asked, grinning. Ahmose frowned. The weapons did indeed look familiar. “Only a small bit if the wealth gathered from the tomb of a certain recently departed Pharaoh.” Ahmose’s eyes widened. His mind was assaulted with a memory from when he was eight, and he and Yugioh were out in the courtyard to see the Pharaoh off to a battle. The man was in his armor and had two blades in his belt, which he drew and presented to the High Priest to be blessed. Ahmose saw red. They had raided the tomb of Pharaoh! The tomb of the man who had been his father.

“ANUBIS STRIKE YOU DOWN YOU CARRION EATING FILTH!!!” He screamed and charged, forgetting one of the first rules of combat; never fight mad. And Ahmose wasn’t just mad... He was in a blind rage. “YOUR BLACK SOULS WOULD GIVE AMMUT HIMSELF INDIGESTION!!!”

“Whoah!” Akeifa yelped, dodging Ahmose’s small knife, but still found himself with a slashed arm. He swung out with Ahmose’s Kris, and the sorcerer gasped as he felt a hot pain in his side as he was sliced open by his own weapon. Mariku swung his weapons at Ahmose’s chest, but the sorcerer fell back to escape certain death and leapt forwards, wrapping his arms around Mariku’s knees, and both fell to the ground. Akeifa blinked, then ran to get their horses, or more accurately, rope from the saddles. Mariku and Ahmose wrestled furiously, rolling over and over. Ahmose managed to get the upper hand and sat on Mariku’s chest, strangling him with his bare hands. Mariku was turning red, clawing at the sorcerer’s hands. He eyes flicked to the side and caught sight of the water. He flung Ahmose off and the pair wrestled a bit more, until Mariku threw Ahmose off, and pounced. They were right next to the water. Mariku sat on Ahmose’s back, pinning one of his arms down with his knee, and forced his face into the water and held it there.

Ahmose’s eyes widened as he struggled to get loose. He tried to buck Mariku off, but the thief was so much bigger and stronger, and heavier, than himself. He gripped Mariku’s hands that were buried in his hair, trying to pry his fingers open. In a small panicked cry air bubbles escaped his mouth, and Mariku grinned as the young man’s struggles got more and more desperate. Akeifa finally caught the horses and ran over with them. As he did, Mariku let out a startled yelp as Ahmose and himself were engulfed in an explosion; in blind desperation Ahmose had let loose a blast of magic, blowing Mariku off of his back. Mariku landed on his ass and Ahmose hurled himself backwards and collapsed, coughing and gasping in large amounts of air.

“Son of a–“ Mariku growled, and snatched the rope from Akeifa, storming over to Ahmose. A struggle ensued in which Mariku tried to get the rope around Ahmose’s neck, but it ended up around his neck and left shoulder. And then Ahmose managed to get Mariku down. Akeifa, trying to save his partner, grabbed the other end of the rope, leapt onto his horse and rode. Later, when all was said and done, Mariku would laugh and tell Akeifa of the priceless look on Ahmose’s face as he was jerked away from Mariku and dragged across the ground.

“GREAT RA!” Ahmose yelped, startled as he found himself being painfully dragged across the ground behind a horse. As Akeifa rode the horse in a curve to return to Mariku, Ahmose managed to get his footing and ran around and tree, then braced himself. This time it was Akeifa who yelped as he found himself unhorsed.

“I’LL KILL HIM!!” He roared, and he and Mariku charged at Ahmose, who was still slightly unsteady and dizzy from lack of oxygen. They tackled the unsteady body guard to the ground and fought ferociously.

“AHH!!! HE BIT ME!!!” Mariku yelped, jerking his hand back and slamming his fist into Ahmose’s jaw. Ahmose kicked him back and rolled away. He got to one knee, clutching his throbbing ribs and glared up at the tomb robbers who towered over him. He grabbed his Kris which he was next to.

“Time to die.” Mariku said with a grin. Ahmose swallowed, then let out a sharp whistle. Nahkti neighed and charged towards them at full gallop. As he passed, Ahmose swung himself up into the saddle.

“Oh no you don’t!” Akeifa snapped and grabbed the rope that Ahmose had forgotten about, and he and Mariku held on and braced themselves. This time it was Ahmose who was unhorsed, and he slammed down onto his back.

“AAH!!!” He cried out, grimacing in the pain in his back; he could hardly move. He heard Mariku and Akeifa running over and began tapping into Shadow Magic, knowing that if he wanted to survive he would have to escape... NOW! He sat up and grabbed his dropped Kris and its twin in the ground beside him and sliced the rope that held him. When he did, the Key around his neck flashed and Mariku and Akeifa skidded to a stop as two black holes appeared in thin air on either side of the sorcerer, and two beasts emerged from the roaring blackness. The Mad Dog of Darkness moved to Ahmose and nudged him with his nose, and the Great Angus, which looked like a demonic bull with no skin, pawed the ground and snorted.

“RUN!” Akeifa yelped and fled to his horse, Mariku on his heels. The Great Angus charged with a bellow as Ahmose managed to drag himself onto the back of the Mad Dog, who took off at an easy lope after Nakhti, who had disappeared over the sand dunes. Ahmose clung tightly to the fur of the dog, but that didn’t last. His adrenaline rush finally wore off and his grip began to loosen. The Dog felt Ahmose slipping and he stopped, watching his young master slump to the sand in a dead faint. The Dog blinked and whined, nudging Ahmose and licking his face, but when he got no response he lay down to keep watch over Ahmose.

...............................

“There. Good as new.”

“Thank you, Jono.” Yugioh said, then looked up as Ptahshepses came into the clinic. “Has Ahmose returned?”

“No... Nakhti just arrived alone.”

“WHAT?!” Yugioh gasped, leaping to his feet. “I WANT TWENTY MEN READY TO MOVE IMMEDIATELY!! READY MY CHARIOT!!!” And he ran from the room. Jono sighed and got ready to take care of possibly more patients. Ten minutes later, Yugioh led the soldiers from the palace and out into the desert, his heart pounding. He rode for the Oasis and got there in record time, but the sun was already down when he did get there. His soldiers carrying torches searched the area.

“No sign of Lord Inarus or the assassins.” Tris reported.

“SIR!!” A man called, running over. He saluted Tris. “We found some very large paw prints, and the prints of what looks like a large bull. The bull follows the tracks of two horses, then just... Disappears.”

“And the paw prints?”

“Heading into the desert in the direction of home, sir.” The soldier said. Yugioh frowned and placed his hand on the Puzzle.

“I feel Shadow Magic....” He said softly. He thought of Ahmose’s monsters. “The Great Angus and Mad Dog of Darkness.... Follow the paw prints!” He ordered, and they were on their way. A cold wind was blowing, making Yugioh shiver. For half an hour they rode, until they saw a dark form on the sand. Two glowing red eyes opened and the great beast go to its feet, growling, revealing a smaller figure lying in the sand.

“Stay back!” Yugioh ordered his men, and approached the beast. “Easy, boy... It’s okay... Is that Ahmose with you? I’m here to help him....” Yugioh spoke gently to the dog. The Mad Dog sniffed the wind and recognized the scent of the Pharaoh and sat, looking back at Ahmose. Yugioh smiled and pet the dog, who wagged his tail, then went to Ahmose. He draped his own robe over Ahmose, who was shivering now that the warm furry body no longer protected him from the cold.

“Ahmose?” He called, shaking his shoulder. The sorcerer was bruised and bleeding, and did not respond. But for some reason, Yugioh was not afraid. He smiled lightly and brushed the sorcerer’s bangs from his face.

“Sire, we must get him to Jono.” Tris said.

“Take my chariot home.” Yugioh said, standing and gripping the Puzzle. He had been taught how to summon monsters outside of a Shadow Game, but he had never done it before. He closed his eyes and concentrated. There was a sudden roar, and panicked shouts from the soldiers. Yugioh opened his eyes and looked up, grinning at the golden dragon.

“Thank the Gods.” He breathed, then looked at Tris. “Help me with Ahmose.” He ordered his pale captain of the guards. Tris helped Yugioh get Ahmose onto the dragon’s back, and then Yugioh climbed on, holding Ahmose tightly. “Take us home!” He ordered, and with a shrieking call, the dragon spread its wings and took to the air. Yugioh looked down in awe as they soared over the desert. Ahmose stirred lightly, but did not awaken. The dragon flew silently over the city and soon landed in the courtyard, where they were met by many palace officials. Yugioh lowered Ahmose into the arms of Jono and Togeses, then slid off himself. He sent the Curse of Dragon back to the Shadow Realm, then ran to the clinic.

“Jono! How is Ahmose?” He gasped.

“Fine. His injuries are not major. What he really needs is rest. Did he really fight Akeifa and Mariku?” Jono asked.

“Yes.”

“Wow. Impressive.” Togeses said, and Jono smiled at Yugioh.

“I’ll have some men take Ahmose to his own room. He will rest better there.” Jono said, and Yugioh smiled and nodded.

“Thank you.”

“Get some sleep, Pharaoh.”

“I will... Thank you.” He said, and followed the men carrying Ahmose to his room. Jono and Togeses helped him strip and clean Ahmose up and get him into his bed. Then, Jono and Togeses left. But Yugioh remained until sleep overtook him, and he drifted off next to Ahmose, which was where Ahmose found him when he woke up in the morning. Ahmose looked down at his King, and smiled. He brushed Yugioh’s bangs from his face and kissed his cheek, then simply stared at him for a few moments before getting up and dressing, then left the room. He went straight to Ptahshepses’ office, barging in.

“Ahmose! You should be in bed!”

“Do you remember that offer when I was young, of a reward to any man who could defeat me in combat, and then train me?” Ahmose asked. Ptahshepses blinked, and nodded. “Good. Reinstate it.” Ahmose snapped, then whirled and left, heading for the stable to ride to the Temple of Anubis for his morning rounds. Ptahshepses sighed. Ahmose had obviously been shaken by the thrashing Mariku and Akeifa had given him. Ptashepses sat down at his desk and began to write a royal proclamation as Ahmose had instructed.


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