by Jean Murray
“What the hell?” she murmured, turning in a circle. There were paintings on the walls, showing offerings to a goddess with a tall crown and white wings. Lilly was no stranger to temples—her father had her crawling through them since she was old enough to walk. This one was nothing like those in the human world. Most of those built in the Old Kingdom had deteriorated over the millenniums, although they still made impressive statements.
Lilly walked down the long corridor lined with alabaster statues of gods on either side. She ran her hand against the smooth surface of the white marble. Kendra would surely know their names. Her booted footfalls echoed off the walls and ceilings, breaking the tombed silence as she made her way to the center chamber.
He father’s teachings echoed through her mind. The inner temple was reserved for those proven worthy to acquire higher knowledge and insight. If this temple mimicked the human Egyptian temples, she would soon enter the innermost chamber that was reserved for the High Priest and Pharaoh. As suspected, she breached a smaller room that contained an ornately carved wooden shrine running floor to ceiling.
“Naos,” she said in quiet recognition and ran her hand over the wood. It was the name her father used for the shrine. An enormous white statue rested within its alcove.
“Mother Goddess!” Overcome with shock, she knelt on the hard floor. Why would Asar have a temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess? Why didn’t he tell her?
She focused on the two weathered marks marring the glossy, white floor. The wear seemed out of place against the highly polished surface. She looked up at the statue and then back down to the marks. She shifted her knees so that they covered the marks exactly. Someone had spent many hours prostrated in front of this very statue.
Her gaze traced the familiar features of the goddess. The facial structure matched her own, but the Mother Goddess’ hair had large curls cascading down to her waist, not unlike Kendra’s spirals. Her body shape was very similar to Kit’s with long, lean muscles flowing over a small waist and hips, unlike Lilly’s body which was more curvy and athletic.
“God, she is our mother.” Her gaze came to rest on a stack of rolled parchments placed neatly at the feet of the statue. On her hands and knees, she touched the ostraca. Prayers submitted to the Mother of Gods. She took a deep breath and opened one of the rolls, careful not to tear the flax.
The black ink on the uppermost prayer roll smeared under her fingers. She withdrew one from the bottom of the stack. The paper cracked as she attempted to unroll it. The parchment was extremely brittle and dry, its ink faded. Afraid it may crumble under the stress, she tenderly slid it back into its place.
“They are beautiful, are they not?”
Lilly jumped at the sound of the musical voice, scattering the ostracas across the hard slick marble floor. Mortified, she scrambled to gather them all in her hands. “I’m so sorry to intrude. I… I was just curious.”
She nervously tried to organize the prayer rolls back into the stack, but to no avail. A strong wave of energy shifted around her, just as strong as Asar’s, but with a gentler eddy. Lilly swallowed back bile as the energy settled in right next to her. Only when she felt a gentle touch did she dare peek at the whitest fingers she'd ever seen resting on her shoulder. White as the room itself. Lilly followed the pale skin up the length of the woman’s arm and came face to face with her own reflection, green glowing eyes and blonde hair.
The Mother Goddess touched Lilly’s blonde hair, and tucked it ever so lovingly behind her ear. The fascination on the goddess’ face spread all the way to her brilliant green eyes. “My Lilly. You have grown into a beautiful woman.”
Lilly couldn’t help but sit back on her heels, her voice frozen in her throat. The energy that rolled over her was like nothing she had ever experienced before. It had a familiarity to it, but with several layers that were left to her imagination. Her whole body trembled with a mix of fear and longing.
“There are so many questions in those eyes of yours.” The Goddess pressed her warm lips to Lilly’s forehead, and then pulled her off the floor into her embrace. “You are stronger than I ever imagined in my dreams. Shemsu took good care of you and your sisters. I regret not being able to raise you at my own hand, but I needed to keep you safe, little one.”
Years of grief, longing, and anger melted away with a single hug from her mother. Mother Goddess’ heart pounded against her ear. Her mother was truly alive, a living breathing goddess. So unlike Asar, whose heart only beat when she was in close proximity.
The Mother Goddess pulled back and gave her the warmest smile. Lilly swallowed away the tightness in her throat. “I don’t understand.”
“I asked Asar to build it for me many centuries ago.”
“He never told me.”
“That is one of the things I admire about Asar—he never breaks the rules. Well, until he met you.”
“What?”
The Mother Goddess waved away Lilly's concern. “Do not be too hard on him. I told him to keep it the utmost secret. He was just keeping his word.”
Lilly shook her head. Although it disturbed her he kept the temple a secret, her mother’s last statement bothered her the most. “He is breaking rules with or for me?”
The Mother Goddess laughed again with her musical voice. “Oh, yes. With and for you, my dear. It is really quite touching.” The goddess walked around the room, pulling Lilly with her. Her face held admiration, as if she was viewing the paintings for the first time. “Asar is such a complex man. When I asked him to build my sanctuary, I never once imagined he would actually visit and pay homage. His prayers were so genuine and sincere. I could not help but answer them.” She stopped and turned to Lilly and cupped her chin.
“Those are Asar’s ostracas?” He had worn down the stone while prostrated in prayer? It seemed so out of character.
“Yes. He is such an honorable man. I thought you would be the perfect answer to his prayers.” The goddess smiled down on her. “He suffers you know, cursed with an appetite than cannot be sated unless he devours the very thing he is sworn to protect. A cruel joke handed down from his creator.”
“He told me since we've been together, he hasn’t needed to feed on others.”
“You have more than enough energy for the both of you.”
“Mother?” The word slipped from Lilly’s lips seamlessly, as if it had been ordained. A flash of joy glistened in the goddess’ eyes, which Lilly presumed to mean it was okay to address her as such. “You mentioned that Asar is breaking rules?”
Her mother’s eyes softened. “There has been segregation between the two Pantheons since the dawn of time. Asar knew the minute my symbols graced your arms you were off limits to him, but the draw for you two to be together is so strong that he would rather face death than give you up.”
“Oh, my god.” Lilly gasped. “But, he only wants to protect me and my sisters.”
The goddess laughed again. “I would have not sent you to him if I could not change my own rules.”
“That’s why he left me behind,” Lilly said, realizing his intentions. “It hurts to be away from him. I need to protect him, as much as he wants to protect me.”
The Mother Goddess pushed back the hair back from Lilly’s face again. “Why do you think I am here, my child? I may agree with Asar on many things, but his survival is just as dependent on yours. I worry for him. He is the only one who can defeat my enemies. He needs your energy to maintain his strength and balance. He must bring his beast to the surface to win.” The goddess’ eyes darkened and the musical tone of her voice faded as she spoke further. “Menthu cursed the love of my life to a horrible death.”
The stress of betrayal and loss weighed heavy in her words. Lilly knew the Mother Goddess referred to her father. “It was this god, Menthu, who cast a spell on the key to release Kepi?”
Her mother nodded. “He helped Kepi entomb the one god who could truly kill him.”
“Asar’s son.” Lilly contemplated the ramificat
ions. “Menthu is at Thebes, isn’t he?” That was the only threat large enough for Asar to leave her behind.
“He is. As is Kepi.”
Lilly shuddered, fear gathering strength in her chest. Asar needed her. She looked into her mother’s eyes. “Before her death, my Nehebkau mother said my sisters and I are the key. I am the cure. What does that mean?”
The Mother Goddess busied herself adjusting the pectoral necklace on Lilly’s neck, and brushed the white marble power off her pants, just like a doting mother. “Ah, yes. She was a very devote Shemsu. It pains me to know of her loss, but she will find her rewards in the afterlife.”
Completely ignoring Lilly’s question, her mother took on a very serious look. “This war will not end tonight. It has only begun. It will only end when Asar’s son is recovered and resurrected, and your sisters come of age with their powers. It is very important that you do not sacrifice yourself to save your father. You must promise me.”
“I promise.”
The goddess’ eyes welled with tears. “Your father will find his peace. He would never forgive me if any harm came to you because of him. He loves you very much and does not blame you for his curse.” She hugged Lilly tight against her chest, like a mother cradling a child. After several moments, the Mother Goddess relaxed her arms and wiped the tears that had fallen down her pristine cheeks. “Now, you must gather the human Nehebkau. I will transport you to their compound. The huntresses are awaiting your leadership. Take your sisters with you. Please give them these.” The Goddess disappeared in a cloud of white vapor. In Lilly’s hand lay two identical pectoral necklaces, identical to the one that hung from her own neck.
“Lilly?” Kit called out from the outer chamber. The sound of rushed footfalls echoed through the corridor to the innermost chamber.
“How did you know I was here?”
“Ah, I don’t know," Kit drawled, as she walked in wide circles. "I thought I felt your presence somehow and followed it.”
Kendra appraised the room in a more analytical fashion. “Do you realize whose temple this is? See the symbols on the walls. It’s the domain of the Mother Goddess. Egyptians believed that the god actually lived within the sanctity of the innermost chamber.”
Lilly smiled, grabbing her younger sister by the shoulders. “Well, I can confirm that to be true. I just met our long lost mother. She asked me to give you both these.”
Kendra’s eyes widened. Lilly placed it around her neck. Her little sister bounced on the balls of her feet. Kit, on the other hand, scowled as if she had just been asked to eat a scarab. Regardless, Lilly put it over her head.
“Whatever!” Despite her trying to look discrete, Lilly caught Kit peering up at the statue with a look of wonder on her face. After making eye contact with her, Kit frowned. "Here's your stuff," she said, and held out Lilly’s weapons belt.
“How did you know to bring that with you?”
Kit shrugged. “I figured you'd find a way off this rock. You always do.”
“Well, are you ready for our ticket out of here?”
“Ready as we always are. Flying by the seat of our leather thongs.”
Lilly grabbed Kit and Kendra’s hand, and signaled them to complete the circle. “Time to show these gods how it’s really done.”
CHAPTER thirty-seven
The flood of revens was just as Bomani had expected, a major annoyance. Decaying human body parts were strewn across the parade grounds once used during the ancient festivals to carry the statues of gods in a procession through the city streets. The once grand monuments were now just piles of crumbled stone and dust.
He led the center charge into the ancient city. As their commander, he wanted it no other way. He, like his fellow warriors, was conjured from the depths of the sacred river in Aaru. In the legion honor and respect was earned not granted. Not until Bomani rose to the top did Asar reveal the truth of his conception. The God of the Underworld had sired Bomani with his own blood, and thus bore himself a son to lead his legion. A secret kept amongst a trusted few.
God-like power flowed through Bomani’s soul, powering his large body to administer blow after powerful blow. Killing fed the dark part of himself, but this was effortless slaughter. After a millennium of stagnation, he thirsted to confront a formidable foe. Instead, he squashed the equivalent of bugs.
He swore in the ancient tongue as more revens made their way around and through the scaffolding humans were using to restore the decaying structures. The ground shook in the distance. The commander presumed Asar was making his way toward the Precinct of Mut. If it went as he planned, Nehebkau’s army would be flanking their position to the south and his second-in-command to the north. Kamen? Well, he had seen flashes of him and the carnage he left behind. It was always best to keep a healthy distance away from him in his altered state.
With the battlefield effectively secured, Kepi and Menthu would have nowhere to run. Bomani cursed again, slicing through several revens. He would rather battle true warriors than obedient fodder.
The next rumble was not within the ground but from the heavens. Black shapes approached in the sky at a distance. A familiar energy electrified the air around him. So familiar that he had difficulty believing he sensed it.
“Goddess Lilly.” Damn, if that woman was not the most stubborn and resourceful human. He could see why Asar chose her as a mate. Pushing through the swarm of revens, he jumped up onto the closest sphinx and held up his sword. The strange birds headed to a flat location along the hillside, not far from where he stood. Pale shapes slid down long ropes thrown from the hovering bird. The second black bird swung low over the parade ground.
From the side door of the helicopter blonde hair swirled in the wind. Bomani laughed. The bird skimmed low and slow enough that the revens picked up on its heat signature and drew them toward the waiting human Nehebkau huntresses. The metal creature flew back around and hovered in the air just above Bomani’s head. He raised his hand to shield his eyes from the sand kicked off the ground around him. Lilly, Kit and Kendra jumped out of the machine into the horde of dark warriors that had formed to see the strange flying machine.
Lilly walked up to him and smiled.
Bomani shook his head. “I will not ask how you got here, but I know it was not Nebt.”
She held out her arm for him to shake. He hesitated as it was forbidden but relented in the end, giving her arm a hearty grasp. Bomani bowed to Kit. His eyes shifted over the littlest sister. During the raid on the safe house he had only seen Kendra for a few brief seconds. Her reddish brown hair fell in large coils down to her waist and framed the most angelic face with big brown eyes. She looked no more than a hundred pounds. He towered over her.
Kendra bounced up and gave him a grand smile which radiated genuine warmth. “Hi, I’m Kendra. I never had a chance to thank you for saving my life.”
She held out her hand. Bomani held back the chuckle that almost escaped his chest. Rather than insult the demi-goddess, he gingerly reached for her forearm. His massive hand wrapped around it entirely, and a strange warmth spread through his arm at the contact. He consciously lightened his grip for fear of breaking her thin bones. Her small thumb brushed lightly over his raised tattoos, sending small shocks skittering across his skin. Amazing, since his body was usually so numb from his scarifications.
She looked up at him with the most innocent way. For how small she was, there was no fear in her eyes. He would have expected some anxiety, considering he must look like a monster to her. At least, that is how he thought he looked next to something so pure. He could not contain himself any longer and let out a hearty laugh. “It is an honor to meet you, goddess Kendra.”
The crowd of his dark warriors began to part. He looked over her shoulder. Over two hundred huntresses entered the grounds.
“Try and control yourself now,” Lilly chided.
Bomani glanced briefly at the huntresses. Although his warriors were enthralled, he much preferred to look at Kendra, who he s
till held in his grasp. She smiled warmly again. He reluctantly loosened his grip. Oddly, the warmth remained in his body after they separated.
He scrubbed his hand over his skull trimmed hair in an attempt to shake off the sensation. Unfettered, he turned back to Asar’s mate. “A lot has happened since our last encounter.”
“You could say that. The Nehebkau huntresses are at your disposal to take care of the infestation here. Kit will direct them, as you see fit. I’m sure there are bigger fish to fry deeper into the city.”
Several low rumbles emanated from the dark warriors as the scantily clad women armed with various weapons formed up in front of the commander. “Thank the gods,” Bomani said.
Kit punched him in the arm. “I thought you’d like them.”
Bomani nodded, although not for the reason Kit was insinuating. Now someone else could sweep up the mess of revens. He could fight with a more equitable foe. Menthu’s soldiers or even Menthu himself, if he got the chance. “I stand relieved, goddess Kit. I will leave a few warriors out here at your disposal and to watch over goddess Kendra.”
“I will watch them,” a deep voice growled from behind a large sandstone wall. Kamen stepped around the corner, surprising the hell out of Bomani. The god’s chin, neck, and bare chest were covered in black blood. Menthu's soldiers. Kamen must have smelled the Carrigan sisters—or more specifically, one particular sister—from a great distance away.
Kit scowled. “Damn it, Kamen. I don’t need someone to hold my hand.” She stomped her way back to the Nehebkau’s formation with Kamen a few steps behind. Bomani stiffened. No one talked to Kamen that way without losing a limb, but apparently different rules applied to the middle Carrigan sister. Shit, a lot of rules did not apply to these three. Despite his reservations, the human women were an unexpected diversion from traditional roles of women in the legion. They served no one and could fight with the best of them.