Faithful Servant

Chapter 5

Groaning as his back popped, Seth mentally cursed. The palace staff and guards so far had found no clues as to poisoning attempt. Everything appeared to be in order. Nothing out of place that anyone could find, but there had to be something they were missing. Seth frowned as his eyes settled on the bowed guards before him. Their searches yielded nothing but more questions. No one noticed anyone strange in the kitchens or even among the serving staff. The usual cooks and slaves tended the meal; so what was different this time. After interrogating the slaves and servants, the guards reported back immediately. Not one of them betrayed their station; it had been business as usual in the kitchens.

“Stop the searches. Whoever the culprit has escaped. I want guards stationed in the kitchen during all preparations from here on.” Snarled the blue eyed priest, “Leave.” He didn’t wait for the guards to walk out before turning towards the window. Thoughts chased each other until he hit on a plan. It seemed simple, but he knew it would be anything but. Sighing, he quickly strolled from the room in search of his menace. The cool breeze wafting from the desert teased his skin. Goosebumps danced along his arms, but not from the chill as he found the Golden Menace holding court with his little ones.

Sitting regally in front of the other cats, the gold tom watched silently as the others danced and moved in synch. The graceful flow of one move to another captivated him. Standing silently by the hidden garden’s doorway, Seth tried to follow the differing slides and struts, but could not follow every little detail.  “Mew?” Seth hid his startled jump well. Too large amethyst eyes blink up at him in curiosity. Shaking himself, Seth leaned down to the Pharaoh’s little one. “I need to speak to the Mu- er the golden tom. It deals with the attempted poisonings.” Heba’s small yellow and black head nodded in understanding and he turned, indicating Seth should follow with his tail. This was surreal on many levels, but Seth shook off the amusement as the kitten lead him before the tom; timed so well the dancers whirled off to the side as Seth took the center.

Honey-gold eyes narrowed on Seth’s form, but no other movement did the tom make. Seth barely held back his sigh as his head nodded in acknowledgement. He was here to ask for assistance, not perpetuate their feud...no matter how that thought soured in his mind. But the humans around him failed, now it was time to try another way. Squaring his shoulders, Seth got right to the point. “I need your help. As you all know someone tried to poison the Pharaoh, his advisors, as well as my little brother today. The guards and staff have not found any clues in discovering the person or persons involved. This is a heinous act of cowardice that we can not allow to go unpunished. If we do, then next time they may actually succeed. With your many eyes, ears, and talents, can you search to the extent of your abilities to uncover who we seek. If not for the Pharaoh or myself, but for your precious bonded.”

Silence stretched until Seth started feeling despair settling in. The tom appraised Seth, gazing deep within his eyes before a barking sound left the tom’s lips. Before Seth could turn to watch, the other cats fled to all corners of the palace and beyond; leaving only the tom and Seth. Standing, the tom turned to walk away himself. He froze, one fore paw raised, staring at Seth from over his shoulder. “And now you understand our purpose. We are Guardians to our bonded; meant to be partners and protectors. Many uses and abilities we have. You just have to allow us leave to do our jobs without interference.”  The tom’s words seemed to echo in the peaceful garden long after he himself disappeared into the evening shadows. Seth’s eyes closed softly, enjoying the sudden peace embracing him. What was this feeling? Something of the night or something of the tom’s being? Seth didn’t know, but shrugged it off reluctantly as he once more returned to his duties in the palace. Maybe the Mutt was worth something after all.