A Pharaoh's Pride

The early morning sun shined off the river as it peaked over the horizon. The ship, having been led by Amen's guard up the river from the eastern region of the continent of Hetep. Having reached the harbor of Khemriq only an hour before the sunrise, Izar stood out on the deck overlooking the harbor accompanied by his own group of personal guards, one he was forced to have before he was granted the go-ahead to leave the continent of Ashvattha. Though it was beautiful indeed its beauty did not overpower the feeling of urgency and worry that had brought him all the way to Hetep in the first place. It was only thanks to the very little and limited that Amen had taught him of their language that Izar was able to communicate and understand those around him. But it would have to do until he could meet with his old friend. He had not come alone though, despite his aversions and warnings not to, Triss had begged and pleaded to be allowed to join him on his journey even if she was unaware of the true nature of his reason for coming. 
Triss marveled at the sight before her, as she stared at anything and everything she could just as she had nearly the entire trip up the river. Getting more than a few odd looks from the people she'd waved at as they'd passed. Though now she seemed more restless, as though gripped with a deep sense of anticipation that wouldn't let her go. What exactly that was, Izar did not know.
As they neared the city of Khemriq, there was a great big sore thumb sticking out of the horizon. A colossal pyramid that stood nearly the size of half the city itself. A pyramid seemingly made of everything from pristine sandstone to gold and silver. Certainly a spectacle, yet it quickly came to the question of what it took to create said pyramid.
Once anchoring by the harbor, there was a grand spectacle to be found waiting for them. Golden feather fans and a feast of fruits and small treats. And in the center of it all stood Amen Heqet, awaiting for his believed to be single guest. As the ramp connected to the boat, Amen stepped forward to greet his friend. "Izar! It has been so long! Come! Allow me to treat-!" he exclaimed before coming to a quick and decisive end as he saw something else. Someone else. "Triss..." He muttered, stunned by the sight of Triss among the arrivals. She had certainly matured in her appearance over the two years that had passed, but she was none the less beautiful.
Izar greeted his old friend with a wave before his guards were forced to move out of the way as Triss bolted down the ramp to greet her old friend. 
"Amen! It's been so long! How are things going? Were you able to do what you needed to do? Everything looks like it's going well." She word vomited as though she were trying to make up for the past two years they'd been apart.
Izar stood to the side, his eyebrows raised, now understanding what it was the Triss had been anticipating and why exactly she had begged so furiously to be allowed to accompany him to Hetep.
The guards around him gave Amen questioning looks, but he cared for none of it. He rubbed his goatee with nervousness, not having prepared himself for her to come. "Triss! I- I am so happy to see you!" He cried out genuinely, having now for the most part gotten over his initial shock. "I am so close now! Things are proceeding as they had to do and I am only a few months away from fulfilling my task. Then all will be as they always should have been." He replied, happy to see her youthful spirit no the less diminished. He then turned to Izar, feeling it would be rude to ignore the man. "Of course it is a pleasure to see you as well, Izar. I hope your travels have treated you two fairly?"
Izar stepped up and patted his tall friend on the shoulders, "Our travels went better than one could expect when traveling into the unknown. There were a few times I'd thought a storm would be the end of us but alas it seems that was not our fate. From what little I've had the pleasure of seeing I can say the continent is living up to how you described it. Though, I imagine it would be easier if I understood more of what everyone was saying." He said with a hearty laugh despite what weighed on his mind, not wanting to be rude to his friend by jumping onto the topic before they'd even greeted one another.
Amen nodded. "Come my friends! Take whatever I have to offer for your stay. I did not present all these delicacies to be drying and rotting in the sun." He joked with a chuckle as he popped a dried grape into his mouth. With a nod and clap of his hands, the guards began to escort them all towards the royal palace, all while the attendants and servants made sure to follow and ensure that they were all properly tended to. As they walked towards the palace, there were a multitude of people along the way who stopped whatever they were doing, not to grovel or bow or cheer, but rather to simply give him a nod of appreciation before returning to their everyday lives. Beyond that, there were more than one or two curious looks from the populace directed towards Triss and Izar, as if they were utterly perplexed about their existence and appearance. "I am beyond ecstatic to have you both here at long last. I feared that my campaign and aftermath of said campaign would have to come to an end before I had the chance to see you again or show you the splendor of my home. I would also love to show you my menagerie. There are plenty of animals to be shown. I am also pretty sure that they have felt my excitement for today, so they are a bit energetic now."
"You're going? To show us the Dreadmare?! I haven't seen one since we were in Vroldafn." Triss explained excitedly as they walked along. "I still have Fluffal by the way, I keep him on a shelf in my room. I take him down to dust him off every other day so he doesn't get dirty." She continued.
Izar looked around as they walked, trying to pay mind to his friend but having trouble as a twinge of unease settled in the back of his mind, one wholly different from the one that brought him here but the cause or source was not something he could place. Perhaps it was merely the eyes on him, or perhaps not? At the mention of a campaign, Izar turned his head back toward his friend, "I do remember you mentioning that your continent had been experiencing some strife back when you first visited us. I hope that these campaigns have not seen too much bloodshed."
"I am happy that our little baby is still being well tended to. And yes, the Dreadmares are certainly on the agenda. You should see their behavior in a proper family unit." He said with absolute glee. He then looked to Izar, who seemed to get right to the point regarding the state of Hetep. "True. The conquest of Hetep left some scars and angered kingdoms who still desired their independence. When I returned, a vast majority of the kingdoms still remained faithful to their emperor. Why, I am not sure, but probably because they didn't really know that I was gone. But there was some kingdoms who had decided to act on "my indecisiveness" to reclaim their lands. It didn't take much to make them submit once more though. Most just layed down their arms as soon as my armies approached, not wanting to see more death. I am happy about this, as Hetep needs to be unified now more than ever before. We cannot afford division at this time."
As they approached the citadel, the guards reassumed their positions around the entrance. As they walked inside, they were instantly greeted by a selection of servants and politicians. The gathering of people began to speak the tongue of Hetep, with Izar only picking up on a select few words, such as; cumbersome, disgraceful, and inappropriate. Amen dismissed them rather forcefully with a single word towards the end: Begone. Scattering shortly after, disgruntled mutterings as they did. "Forgive me for that, my friends. The life of a Pharaoh is getting more and more complicated these days. All the same, do not worry, my whole day will be dedicated to entertaining the two of you. Speaking of which, Izar," Amen said, before taking on a more serious tone, but still with a sense of jovialism in an attempt to ease his friend's mind. "You have seemed a bit tense if not a bit quiet. Is something concerning you?"
Izar crossed his arms, "There is, though I had intended to try and enjoy our reunion for a bit before I interrupted with more serious matters." He said, his arms uncrossing as he subconsciously used moved them while he spoke. "You see, my dearest friend, my son arrived here some two months ago with his beloved and until recently he's kept in contact. But now that they've stopped coming I very highly doubt contact has been severed of his own accord. I'm sure you understand my worry, adult or not I cannot sit idly by while he may be lost on a foreign continent." Izar explained, "I certainly hope lost anyway, he took quite the interest in your country and learned far more of the language than I had. So I doubt whatever trouble he is in comes from a lack of communication."
"Amir is missing somewhere in Hetep?" Triss asked, surprised by the news before turning to Amen. "We have to find him, if he's lost someplace he's never even been to then there's no way he'll be able to find his way back on is own."
Amen felt that he should have realized the answer to his question before Izar had even begun to utter words. Then Triss got involved as well, and he felt that he had to deflate this tension that was building before their joyous visit shifted into a more distressing one. He turned to them both with a sweet and comforting smile. "Do not worry, Triss, he is not alone. In fact, he is traveling with one of my once finest templars, Isis Madu. He could not ask for a better guide to lead him through Hetep. I also gather that he has not only taken interest but may just have commited himself to the Hetepian faith as well, making him a fellow brother 'neath Galeers Grace." He said with a chuckle. "I know you have a certain distaste for the idea of deities, my friend, but all the same. My scouts are also in a frenzied search for your lad. I have reason to believe that he is traveling north from the city-state Kophales, towards some of the smaller states and kingdoms in the region. I am certain that Amir is well and sound here. Trust me, one way or another he will remain safe and soon enough return to you. I wouldn't efven be surprised if he eventually shows up here out of his own volition, regardless of knowing if you are here or not."
Izar raised his hand to his chin, rubbing it between his middle and index fingers as though in thought, "I'm glad to hear that he is in the good hands of someone you trust, it does wonders to ease the burden on my heart but I'm afraid it won't fully lift until I know he's safe and sound. But I'm sure your scouts will see his safe return shortly so I ask you not to let my worries ruin our reunion." Izar said, a warm smile on his face as he let his hand. "Though, I must ask, for what reason were you searching for him before I arrived?" A curious questioning in his tone as if the pieces didn't all fit quite right and he was trying to understand why not.
"Who said that I was searching for him?" Amen asked in return, though not with a tone that sounded anything as hostile or defensive as the question itself might have implied. "I did not really know of his arrival way until some time after they had made landfall. I had heard in advance that Isis was returning to our shores, and with company. Little did I know that it would turn out to be Amir himself. When I found out that the idenity of her companion was Amir, I made it a goal to ensure myself that he would not come to harm in any fashion. Can't have a son of my dear frind faring ill on my lands, after all. My true intent was to find Isis at first. You could say that the plans evolved and shifted once his identity was made known." He said, no longer with joking tone, but treating this with absolute seriousness, but not absent the previous joy in his tone. "I can tell you more when it is time for dinner, but for the moment, suffice to say that he is beyond question safe and sound. As long as I wear the title of Pharaoh, I will fight with all I have to ensure his continued well being."
"Now then! What would you like to see first? I have the throne room where all the celebrations take place. If I may say so myself, I have quite the splendid throne that is a bit more unique than the rest of the kingdoms. There is the dining hall, the newly developed science flight, much to the dismay of the priesthood, and, of course, my pride and jewel; The menagrie."
Triss felt subtle but noticeable tension in the air between the two leaders, something which Izar's guards felt as well as they shifted nervously in place. For but a split second it felt like tumbleweed would pass by and the two would draw their weapons but this was not the case.
The tension was broken when Izar's smiled widened, "I would like to see the throne room. I've seen many in my day as you know so seeing one you claim is unique certainly makes me more excited than it should." He said before turning to Triss, "Ah, but you wanted to see the menagerie though. Given the way the Amen has talked it up, I don't blame you but perhaps we should save the best for last?" He said, to which Triss nodded in agreement but did not speak up.
Amen clapped his hands togehter as if he was thrilled over their choice. "Follow me then." He said as they walked through the halls of the palace. Unlike what Izar had heard of in tales of Hetep, with walls clad in memories of old from the family's past, there was no such thing here. Only images of Amen and the feats of a more current Khemriq. It was impossible to imagine that any of this could be more than ten to twenty years tops. As they neared the a great archway, the guards pushed open the gates as tehy approached. Within was a great hall of marble and what appeared to be silver. Pillars of darkened marble to keep up the ceiling, a great terrace to gaze upon the yonder horizon so well as the kingdom below. And on the other end there was a similar terrace, only that it nigh exclusively showed the pyramid itself, whose peak was still in the midst of construction. In the middle of the hall, rather than a stone floor, it was one of colorstained glass, to which underneath was displayed a living, thriving underwater ecosystem, one which trailed further and further up until it reached the throne itself. Made from more seethrough cremation glass, it too was hollow with water and fish swimming about inside it. "Each king is expected to construct a throne of their own. A symbol of their might and accomplishments, so well as a promise of what they want to achieve. My father and his nobles used the same throne his father had used and his father before him. They all thinking they were the same and had the right to the same throne. And so it was. Until I broke that cycle. For the longest time I didn't have a throne. I thought I was better than the ragged pompous throne of gold they had made, but not good enough for a new one. Still... This place holds many memories for me."
Izar marveled at the throne, or more what lead up to it that it. "It is truly an impressive design, a bit flashy for my own taste but I would be a liar if I claimed not to understand the charm. I'm sure your ancestors would be proud to see you adding things while still honoring them." He said with a chuckle, as he looked around the underwater ecosystem. "The architecture must have been rather complicated. Is there perhaps a hatch where they're fed or is cleaning and food supplied within the ecosystem itself?" 
"Wow! It's so cool, I can't believe something like this exists. Are you ever nervous about walking on the glass? Does walking on it scare the fish?" She asked as her face was all but pressed against the stained glass structure while the fish swam by.
"I understand the criticism. I made it in honor to represent the cleansing of our great river, returning life to it so well as pulling this kingdom from its ashes and into a new age. There used to be a hatch in the old design. Then I realized that having a single spot for feeding made it so that the fish and eels went into a frenzy to eat, thus harming one another as they tried to get to the food first. At this point, while complicated, the system keeps them supplied with everything they need. Cleaning included." He said proudly as he turned his attention to Triss. "Isn't it!? They used to be a bit scared, but then they got used to us walking here, realizing that we never actually stepped into their waters. As for nervous... Not really. When it was designed I was assured that a herd of horses could stampede over this with nary a crack to show for it."
Izar nodded along as he spoke, It is indeed impressive, and the achievement that it is made to commemorate certainly sounds like one worthy of remembering." He said, his hand running along the glass but not quite touching it. "You said that a throne is supposed to represent what the leader plans to achieve. Tell me, old friend, what is it exactly that you're planning to achieve now that Hetep is all but completely united under you? I imagine now more than ever is the best time to enact policy and change for the betterment of your country. "
"Indeed it is, and I already am working towards plans of that. First of all is to make the nation as a whole more secular. I have seen the folly and backwards thinking of the Priesthood for what it is, and it needs to stop. We may be one of the top nations in the known world right now, but what of in ten years? Twenty? If this continues, we will be surpassed within short, and do not think ill of me when I say that if people see easy conquest there will always be some bastard out there willing to take the shot. Take Ashvattha for example. Some might say that we could take your homes from you in the name of the heavens. I have to ask if it will be worth it though. We would surely suffer a lot of casualties on the way. And thats the other despicable thing; A man will see the loss of life and see a tragedy. The priesthood looks at it and only sees a number."
"The priesthood must be ripped from their pedestal and assume the role they always should have had; Spiritual guides. Let the actual politicians rule over their kingdoms. The pyramid is actually a step in that direction too. It is a pain to build and acquire materials for, but the results will be worth all the pain. When it is complete, the days of the governing church will be over." He said proudly.
Izar raised an eyebrow at the man's mission goal, a bit taken aback by it considering the cultural relevance their religion had on their society. "I understand your desire to rid the church from politics, nothing throws a wrench in the gears of the political machine more than fundamentalism but from my understanding religion has been such a large part of your government for as long as any can remember. If your plan is to pull off the band-aid in a single pull I trust you're ready for the cultural earthquake and existential rift or crisis you're about to send through the hearts and minds of your people. Just like Vrodalfn and slavery, instituting change no matter how much it is needed takes time if it is to be done right. After all, when it is done right, people won't even have realized you'd done anything at all." Izar explained to his friend while Triss stood idly by, confused and uninterested in all the political jargon and things they were talking about.
"Don't mistake me. I am not excising religion from our culture, nor the kings right to use their faith to lead their kingdoms above common mortal sense. That would be too quick a change. All I seek is for the priests to no longer be the real authority in Hetep. Kings and queens have for such a long time now been little more than mouthpieces for the church. That is what must come to an end. As a quote from my speech when I was crowned Pharaoh: 'No allegiance, I will swear no oath. Crowned by gods, not by the church as my power is divine.'" Amen finished, feeling proud oncem more. "Imagine the fright on the priests faces when I basically said; Screw it all. I am gonna do me. I will answer not to a church, nor a priest, or even a king. I will answer before the gods when my time comes. Luckily, the priests have seemed to get the memo. They no longer influence authority over anyone in fear of me. This has lead to some kingdoms being unknowing of what to do next, sure. Luckily for them, they have a Pharaoh who leads now. However, the priests need their influence removed once and for all. If it isn't they will just reclaim what they lost when my days have come to an end... All the same, I am no fool. Even such a change will confuse and anger some of the populace. However, I cannot look at the small picture and ignore the bigger one. If my work is interrupted, Hetep may never recover."
Izar nodded, "Your goal is a noble one, I do give you that. So I wish you the best of luck in enacting the change you seek and that the change you bring will indeed bring about a better Hetep. You only need ask when you're ready and I've little doubt anyone would be opposed with sharing Ashvattha's technology and research with your people." Izar approved of Amen's mission, hoping his friend will fair well in its execution.
With that, Triss couldn't help but yawn. Catching herself in the act, "Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude. I know you all are talking about important stuff and all that." She said, waving her hands in front of herself guiltily.
Amen couldn't help but laugh at that. "I'm sorry, dear. I agree that things like this are pretty dull, even more so in execution. I think you spoiled me a bit too much with all the joys and entertainment of Ashvattha. Well, if there are no more questions, there are only two rooms left of real note, and that would be the science wing and the menagerie. I think we should head to the animals first, give you a bit of a show too, don't you think, Triss? I fear that my scientists and engeineers would bore you. They like to consider themselves interesting people, carrying on with speeches and explantions that would lull anyone to sleep, some never to awaken." He joked before he waved for them to follow him. This time however, there were no guards that followed when they got to the stairs. The palace was a two floored with a menagerie on top of it, covering the whole roof.
Once they got to the top, they were quickly greeted by the chirps of birds, the clicking of thestrals, roars of lions and the hissing of colossal snakes. And that was just the start of it. With the mengarie spanning the whole rooftop, the only spaces without a pen were the walkways which carried them from cage to cage. "Feel free to look and explore. But first! Let me show you my family!" he exclaimed as he guided them down the paths, every animal in every cage seemingly getting calmer and more at ease when Amen passed them by.
After a bit, they reached a pen with much higher fence walls than the other pens. Leading them up the stairs they looked down into the pen, only to find a swamp-like ecosystem down there with murky waters, thick foliage and many puddles of mud. "I assume that you can guess what is down there?"
Triss was in awe at the menagerie, looking like an entire other world within the walls of a palace, seeing many animals and plants she both was and was not familiar with. When they came to the swampy area Izar himself wasn't quite sure what Amen might be talking about but Triss was basically jumping for joy when she called out her answer. "The Dreadmare?!"
"Could it really have been anything else?" He returned with glee. "While typically a sea-animal and would prefer a deep sea, this is the second-best option. The murky waters ensure that they can remain hidden when they don't want to be seen, and they have enough foliage and mud to dwell in when resting. Now..." He said as he walked to the side, grabbing a metal rod and walked up to a pair of metal pipes with it. "To lure them out." He finished as he struck the pipes three times. He waited a couple of seconds and then repeated the action, sending a reverberating sound through the air and vibrations into the pools below. There was a soft snuffling sound among the foliage and piles of mud that shifted and moved. He reached down to the side and grabbed some meat, two big chunks of horse leg. "Come on out, you guys! You have friends to meet!" He said as he tossed the slabs of flesh into the pen.
Barely halfway down to the waters surface before the water surface, mud and bushes exploded out in a cry of ferocity, savage hunger, and color. Dreadmares of various colors and patterns that flung themselves forward to get a taste of their meal. Screeches like the wail of the damned and growls of beasts that competed for the food. Then they realized that the meat was not alive and began to simmer down. "Vaeta, I know you like to put up a front, but that was a bit excessive, don't you think?" He called out to the beast below, a glistening pink Dreadmare, larger than all the rest of them, with darkened patterns of spots and stripes along its upper body before turning pitch black along the lower body and the tails. She looked up at them with a curious look, which then turned into one of curiosity as she looked to Triss and Izar. "Sorry if she spooked you."
"They're fine-looking specimens from what I can tell, though, my wife is more the animal expert than myself." He said as he watched the large creatures move about in the mud. "What made you decide that they should be put in the menagerie? They seem rather ferocious don't you think?" He said, though realizing that with some of the other animals in the room his question may not have the impact he might have wanted it to.
"Because they're actually really nice when you get to know them, right?" Triss answered for Amen.
"That is but part of the reason, but yes, Triss. They are intelligent and exceptionally loyal beasts when bonded properly with. They are not a pack of alphas and betas, but rather follow a concept of family. My family wasn't really all there to a great extent, so having some sort of familial bond has always made them appealing to me. As I've told Triss before, their leader is more or less elected by the pack to ensure that it is not the strongest that lead them, but rather the most clever and experienced. They were and are like second family to me. There was once a time when I got attacked by a frenzied animal that broke lose. Vaeta over there saved me by killing the animal that was attacking. They are astoundingly faithful, especially if the member in question is a child."
"However, despite such a disposition, unique to our collection, and savage power, they were never my family's most favored creature in the menagerie. They always prefered the phoenixes." Amen shrugged as if he was disappointed with the statement.
"Phoenix? I believe I've only ever had the pleasure of seeing one of those once before, majestic and beautiful creatures indeed. Extremely smart too, even able to teach others magic. The closest thing to a dragon most will ever hope to see. You keep one here you say?" Izar said, suddenly a lot more intrigued by their visit to the menagerie than he had been before.
"What kind of Phoenix is it? I hope it's one of the red ones. I've only ever seen them in books but Osmund's mother once said two mages that had learned their magic from a Phoenix were once a part of her Branch," Triss said.
"She was quite right, twins actually. I was close friends with them for a time." Izar confirmed Triss' story.
Amen was equally intrigued over their words as they appeared to be from his. "Teaching magic? Maybe it is another species of the Phoenix, because while powerful and magical, I have never known of a Phoenix that have been more than a veryu intelligent bird. Hardly an entity that could teach magic to someone else. All the same, I only have one remaining in the menagerie, but I would be happy to show you him." He said as he waved for them to follow after he said goodbye to his darling Dreadmares, who happily returned to their frenzied consumption of the meat.
After a couple minutes of walking, they reached what would likely be the greatest construction of them all. A tweny-five meter tall cage, lined with powerful, heat resistant glass, and within its confines soared a remarkable avian with a vast wingspan, powerful talons and a bright, deep crimson flame being excuded from its verdant green feathers. "This is Min'Ra. He has been around since I was born, so I never had the stomach to make use of him in any other way than a spectacle beast or even to set him out into the world. Feels like I would fully let go of my old life if I did so. He is quite the beast. Sorry to disappoint you with his coloration, though, Triss."
"Oh, So this is a Pheonix? It's bigger than I'd expected it to be!" Triss said as she stared up at the large bird that landed onto a rather thick branch of a tree. It's head cocking to the side as its eyes met hers for but a moment before it began to pick at its feathers. "Min-Ra," She said under her breath, trying to commit the name to memory.
"He is a rather handsome fellow to be sure, shame he's not as intelligent as the ones the legends from Ashvattha say they should be. Imagine the stories one might learn if they were able to sit down for one. They say Phoenix never die, though I'm sure this is just a myth I've no doubt they must live a very long time. Tell me, Did your family acquire these animals from all over the continent or from somewhere more specific?"
"Must be a very impressive lifespan then, because the City of the Gods have a Phoenix that have been reported to have lived since the conception of the church, many millenia ago. As for how we acquired him and his siblings, they were caught in the deserts, as they are only occuring here. When one is born it becomes a contest between the kingdoms of who will catch it. They are only really born, according to the tales, when a faithful child of Galeer falls before his time or by deceit. In other words, when there is a red sunrise. It is told that the Phoenixes are born from the tears Galeer sheds for the fall of his beloved children. There are jungles along the southern coasts of Hetep, and they have yet to be found there. Maybe because the desert is the only area in Hetep hot enough to fulfill their needs. They feed on anything from meat to fruits, nuts, and when needed, even sulfur."
"Your people have quite the interesting mythos. In Ishtar's primary religion the Phoenix is believed to be a child born from the Sun, birthed when a star falls from the sky. It is an intriguing story to be sure but I don't believe it to be much more than that. It does seem quite the shame to keep such a being locked away from the open sky, especially with the story that explains their existence but to each their own. I certainly understand the desire to keep something so beautiful where you can always see it." Izar said with a shrug as he watched the beast.
"It's kinda sad that he doesn't have anyone else to play with. You said your family used to have more, what happened to them?" Triss asked.
"I will second that statement, Izar. It is quite a pity, but when I consider what would likely happen if I set him free, I find it more appeasing to know that I can still look after him. And while I agree that it is sad to keep him alone, I learned some time ago that they don't really feel properly at home being stuck in a restricted area together. They are very lonely animals by nature. They enjoy having company from time to time, but if possible, they prefer loneliness." Amen repsonded, thinking back to the times when he would see them viciously fighting one another. "As for where the rest of them are... I can show you, but the results might displease you." Amen said, feeling uneasy with what their reactions could be when they see what has happened to the family phoenixes.
Triss was about to open her mouth when Izar placed a hand on her shoulder, "It might be a good idea for us to move onto something else? What was it that was next on our tour, Friend?" Izar said with a clearly faked laughed, having caught on to what Amen probably meant before Triss had and sought to avoid upsetting her, either out of fatherly instinct or simply not wanting to hear it, he really didn't know which. "What sort of scientific or magical advances have your people made in the short time you've been back? Taken any ideas from things you've experienced in Ashvattha?"
Amen noticed Izar's protective disposition and the quizzical look on Triss' face, and he realized he had made a great blunder. "Do not worry. They are very much alive and well. Its just that, atleast by Hetepian standards, what has been done is beyond unethical, probably heretical. If you want to see the science wing, meeting them will likely happen either way." He said, trying to put on a braver face. "As for developments, I haven't been able to introduce more magics to the land beyond my own kingdom, but we have developed new techniques and forms of magic to be used. Carrion Magic, Divine Fire Magic, Galarite Magic and further. Though, admittedly, what I brough most back from Ashvattha were your superior developments in military practice, such as guns. I believed that walking with a handheld cannon would make the re-establishment of my reign swifter and less painful. I proved to be right." He said as he began to show them the way to the science wing. "I brought back things like your telephonic networks as well, but that will take a lot of time to establish as well as convince the people that it would better our society."
As they further walked towards the last "attraction" of the palace. As they approached, one could see the walls being indented and connected with pipes and tubes pumping steam and boiling water. The final gate opened up before them, the stench of oil and elements being processed heavy in the air. "I never get used to that smell."
"That's why I am here, no?" Came a feminine voice from the side. From a workbench stepped a giant of a woman forth, dwarfing even the tallest of Hetepian Men,standing a bit more than two feet higher than Amen himself. Her hair icy blue and white eyes that radiated a bright kindness, face covered in sot and her arms in scars from probably some manner of fight.
"Ah yes, and I know that the workshop are in exceptionally good hands because of it!" Amen replied back with a great goofy smile on his face. "Triss, Izar, may I present Altaria, my most experienced and diligent scientist. I wouldn't have been able to develop half the things in our arsenal without her help."
"Aren't you giving yourself a bit too little credit, Father?" She jokingly replied, to which Amen froze stiff. He then looked towards Altaria with a most disapproving look. She quickly realized her error. "Oh... They... They weren't supposed to... I'll just... return to my work." She said as she walked away to another area of the room.
Amen turned back to the two, no doubt stunned by what the amazon woman had just stated. "I, um... That was not how I planned on you to learn about this, but..." He trailed off, having issues finding the right word to describe this.
Triss was indeed stunned by the words of the neigh-giant woman, feeling her heart drop a bit in her chest. "Father? I- Well, I didn't know that you were a father, Amen." She said with an obviously false smile on her lips as though not trying to cause a scene in front of everyone but she clearly didn't understand what was going on and her mind was already jumping to conclusions. "I guess it makes sense..."
Izar was all but completely oblivious to the tension growing in the room, "Ah, a father? It's good to see your ambitions haven't stopped you from pursuing a more...homey life. A beautiful girl to be sure, did she get her height from her mother?" He asked, happy with his friend.
Amen could already see the distress this was causing his beloved Triss, and he immediately regretted having brought them here. Completely ignoring Izar for but a moment, he moved up to Triss. He wanted to embrace her, to tell her in action so well as words that nothing had changed, that nothing was different, but he didn't dare to try at the moment. "Dear, this is not what you think. You know that I had a child many years ago, but regardless of that, she... She is not a daughter as such. It is more a... Affectionate title they have chosen to give me. They didn't know what else to regard me as, so they chose that. And me, the ever living sentimental sod I am, didn't have the nerve to deny them that. I have not remarried, and I have sure as hell not been able to breed something like that in the two years I've been absent for..." He then turned to Izar as well as Triss as he continued. "Remember what I said about Min'Ra's siblings being missing? It isn't really true. They are just different now. She... Well... She... She is one of them. She is not a biologically born child. She is more of a creation." He said hesitantly, fearful of their response.
"That's certainly a... Different outcome than I'd expected when you mentioned their fate was unpleasant. I admit part of me wants to question the morality of this but given they seem happy enough I don't exactly know how to feel..." Izar said hesitantly as he watched the woman at work, wondering what sort of magic would have to be performed to permanently change a bird into a person. "But I suppose such things aren't necessarily unheard of."
Triss did seem cheered up by his explanation however, " So they're like Olivia! But different sorta...more like mom? Changing from one thing to another. Can they change back?" She asked, confusing herself with the thought of how this all might work.
"No, they can not change back. Not innately at least. With particular magics, such feats would and should be possible. But they seem to have come to terms with their conception and their purpose for being here. Still, their very existence is an afront to the gods, so I can't say that I will not face repercussions for making them once this is all over. I am glad to hear that you question my judgement in this. Holds me grounded, I would say. Not enough people who say no around here. Come, there is something I want you to see." he asked, not wanting to dwell too much on the topic.
As they neared one of the workbenches, he drew attention to to a certain liquid in a vial. "Now this is one of my proudest discoveries. My men have worked tirelessly to achieve this little wonder." He said as he picked up the vial in his hand, letting the thick liquid within slush about inside. "This, we have come to refer to as Aetherium. A new substance made from a powdered rock, some herbs and some life essence of yours truly, which all comes together to make this. You know how some people are incapable of magic, and even those who have it will eventually run dry of it in a battle, right? Well, look at this! Ambari!" Amen called out as one of the scientists stepped forward. "Show us what you can do with this."
"Gladly, Sire." he replied in Hetepian before consuming the substance. His magicless body began to thrum with magical potency, crackling with magical might before delivering a punch towards the ceiling, unleashing a burst of pure magical power, absent traits or elemental natures. With a proud nod, Amen dismissed the man called Ambari. "This works as an amplifier and refueler, and in the hands of a non-magical entity, allows them to cast a single affinity-less spell. Pretty incredible, huh?"
"It is something, I imagine many mages would find it quite useful. Are there any notable side effects? I can't imagine pushing one's soul beyond its limits could go without consequence." Izar asked, looking curiously at the vials on the table, "And what do you mean by life essence. I'm sure you understand that has different meanings depending on the situation if you catch my drift." He said with a chuckle at his own slightly dirty joke.
Amen didn't know wether to chuckle or to punch him in the face. "Really, friend? Really?" Amen questioned. "I speak of my blood. Distilled and sterilized and then infused into the dust to then create this. And yes, it is not fully without risk. Try and use this with a still relatively full reservoir, it will begin to be painful, which someone might decide is good enough for that boost of power, but too many times will essentially 'break' the magic for a substantial amount of time. For a non-magical being, it is harmless, given that you excude the power nigh instantly. A similar substance have also been developed to work for a new powerful firearm."
Amen snapped his fingers, and when he did, Altaria returned, an apologetic look in her eye. A near comical sight to see such a giant of a woman, seemingly able to snap Amen's neck like a twig, would be subservient to him to this extent. In her hands she carried the weapon he had mentioned; The Thunderlance. A grand weapon almost as tall as the woman who carried it with her. a great blade for cutting and piercing, accompanied with a gun barrel on top of it. "This weapon has been developed for my... Children and their armies to be used against our most dangerous foes. We tried initially with your more typical designs. They all but shattered shortly after having used this new gunpowder. So we developed this. Too big and heavy for the Hetepians, but for the armies of my children, it is just perfect." He explained as he gave it back to Altaria. "I would have been happy to show you how it works, but I fear that a lab is not the best spot to show off its power." He joked.
Izar raised an eyebrow as Amen spoke, the phrase 'armies of my children' disturbing him in a way he didn't quite understand but most certainly did not like. "It does look a bit impractical in design. I would understand its use as an intimidation tool but you say that you intend for them to use it, or already have....against who exactly?"
Amen pondered for a second how to best approach the topic. Realizing that there was likely no sugarcoating that could hide away the more grim intent behind them. "To be used against the ones who would try to usurp my throne and interrupt my work. Fortunately I've only had to use these weapons twice so far. And by their use I shut down a rebellion before it had barely even begun, discouraging any more conflict. The other occasion was during and invasion that could have ended the future of many a kingdom. Those monsters had to be put down."
Amen sighed and pulled a hand over his hair, drawing back any stray hairs into place. "There were also several kingdoms who sought to end my reign and reclaim their independence. They had to be stopped. Their success would have seen an end to of everything I am working towards. It could not be allowed."
Izar sighed, though whether it was one of relief or disappointment was still up in the air. "My friend, I know more than most that there are times when conflict and war are unavoidable, when one must choose what they believe to be the lesser evil. I believe that your goals are what you truly believe to be for the betterment of Hetep and its people but you must be careful to not be simply replacing one monster with another. If it is fear that keeps them at bay it is not their loyalty or respect you have earned from them but only their resentment and contempt. Take it from a man who has walked that path and seen its failures first hand." He spoke with a serious air, a tone of concern for the road Amen may decide to walk.
"That I know..." Amen replied with, unsure how to go on. Had it simply been him and Izar, things might be easier to explain; but she was here now, and he was afraid that his words might intimidate the young woman, or worse. "I think I told you once of how I perceived myself. I thought that I was as holy saint. A man doing the gods divine work. When I came to, I left to find myself again. A feat which Triss helped me accomplish and more." he said, remembering back to the old days in Ashvattha.
"I am under no delusions this time around though. I know that many of the things I have done have been questionable at best to unethical and horrid at worst these recent years. However, I am fully aware of what I am now. If I must play the devil to save my people, then that is what I must do. I will do good wherever I may , but if I must tear down their illusion of grandeur in order to save them from the lies of Hetep, then I will do so, even if I must pay with my own kingdom to do so. This work... It's greater than any one kingdom, any one individual. Nothing is more important than what I am doing now, and nothing can be allowed to get in the way."
Izar approached his friend, a sad look in his eyes upon hearing Amen's words, "Every man with something worth saving thinks he's the only one who can do it. There's arrogance in your words, friend, a dangerous and frightening amount. I would have thought your time in Ashvattha would have humbled you to your place in the world but now more than ever I fear you're falling back into the you that you so desperately tried to escape. You've merely replaced your Gods for your own goals and ambitions, claim the priesthood would see casualties as nothing more than numbers yet have the audacity to claim the ends will justify the means. Do you know the type of people who say that? That the ends will justify the means? My friend, only the worst kind. Never forget that some of the most horrid atrocities this world has ever seen have been committed by those who only had the best of intentions."
Amen did feel the shame washing over him as Izar spoke to him, yet he did not feel discouraged. He felt that it held him to the ground, not allowing him to spiral out of control. "I agree with you. As they say, the way to hell is paved with good intentions. I just can't stop. I am not deluded enough to believe that I alone can fix this issue. But I must ask, if we fail now, how much longer will it be before everything is fixed, until a new man or woman rises to the occasion? I must also question if they could do a better work than me. I don't know if I want to take the risk of that question being a no. Izar, if only I could tell you then-"
The doors were slammed open, causing the lot of people gathered to jump slightly. "Revered father!" Came a masculine voice from the opposite end of the room. A even taller man than the "Daughter" which had approached earlier, crimson hair with black highlights and striped tattoos acorss his bare upper body, his eyes a bright blue. "There are news from Kophalesh! Amir and Isis have been spotted to the north, approaching Mother's kingdom. They are expected to arrive within a fortnight. Dinner has also been prepared for you and your guests."
Amen's look took a strange disposition, almost between a glad warmth and a cold and stern one too. "So they are heading for Seraphine's realm then...? Follow them in their tracks. Apprehend them and bring them to Khemriq if they resist. No matter their response, they are to be brought here."
The man pounded his chest in response, similar to how one might salute an officer. As he turned around and walked out the room, Amen was left behind with his two guests, one of which he assumed would be at the very least near furious with him after having heard that. "I can tell you more at dinner. I will answer any question you might want to have answers to."
Izar nodded his head, "Yes, yes you will. But I will gift you the benefit of the doubt for the sake of our friendship." He said sternly as he motioned for Amen to take the lead.
Triss was very disturbed and was beginning to feet upset at the tension that seemed to radiate in the room. Being much stronger than anything she'd felt since she'd arrived but she didn't quite understand anything that was going on. Only that whatever it was, it was more than Amen was telling them.
Amen continued to lead them through the halls until they reached the dinning hall, as grand as every other room, making it redundant for him to explain anything about it that hadn't already been etstablished in any other hall. Rather than a colossal table of epic proportions, there was just a smaller circle table, mean to be just able to house the three of them at the same time, and not much more. As everyone took their seat and the food started to be served, Amen knew that Izar would no longer find it sufficient with half-truths. "Among other things, I assume that you would like to know why I just ordered the arrest of your son."
"Indeed I would, I want the truth, Amen. I no longer wish to put up with the cacophony of nonanswers and half-truths you've felt it appropriate to feed me up until now. You've tested the patience of my trust and good faith and I am afraid that I now run short on both. What is going on here, Amen?" Izar said, done with pleasantries and now only wanting answers. "What is going on with my son?"
Amen nodded. "I don't know what Amir told you before he travelled to Hetep, but considering your lack of knowledge, I can only assume that he kept some things from you as well. Amir did not arrive here in Hetep to go sightseeing. Probably by the encouragement of Isis, he and her have arrived here to cast me down from my throne. They are travelling between kingdoms as we speak, most likely trying to assemble allies for their rebellion. I've already faced them once, in the southern kingdoms' harbor. Isis and Amir tried to prematurely strike me down, probably in hopes of ending my reign without any loss of life."
He was skeptical of Amen's claims but not completely dismissive, however, it was Triss who spoke up first. "That doesn't make sense! Amir may be good at fighting and stuff but he's dorky and doesn't like confrontation! I'm sure there must be some mistake or misunderstanding."
Izar sighed, "I won't call you a liar, Amen, no matter how closely you've tread on that territory today. However, I know my son better than anyone except perhaps his mother and I assure you he would never do anything so drastic without rhyme or reason. So tell me, Amen, for what reason would my son have for wanting you dead or dethroned? Is there perhaps a reason you're not telling me?"
"Isis has no doubt been feeding him the stories of my life that was, probably making more recent events easier to convince him of that I am some monster. I also suspect that the God Galeer he has alligned himself with has given him similar revelations and stories. I have no doubt that Isis is the driving factor to his endeavours, but there are only two recent events that I can imagine causing him to share her views of me. The first of which would be the razing of many a temple and sacred site around the continent, harvesting the resources from them to construct this pyramid of mine outside, her family temple among them. Then there was likely the biggest factor for her return and campaign; The execution of her former Templar Order."
Izar pinched the bridge of his nose, "You're just outright executing people now? Tearing apart your religious monuments, so much for not excising your countries religion from your culture. All to build a pyramid? What is that if not salt on the wounds of your people. Amen, how could you? After all the things you said you wanted to achieve back in Ashvattha how could it all devolve into barbarism? Because the ends justify the means?!"
"Why would you do something like that? Executing them, that's awful. Maybe they were misguided, maybe they were even bad people but I thought you said you wanted to come back to make things better? How is killing people doing that?" Triss asked, discouraged and upset by what she was hearing. Unsure of how the same kind and down to earth man she'd come to know could do something so horrible.
"Amen, what is the point of achieving your goals if you're only trading the fear of the church and the Gods for the fear of your ire and the axes of your executioners? What would have changed in the scenario besides who's boot they feared being brought down upon their heads. My son is in the wrong here and I will let him know just as well but you are here now and thus you are the subject of my criticism." Izar's tone was a mixture of disappointment, disgust, and an underlying desire to make his friend see the errors of his ways.
"They didn't give me much of a choice." Amen sighed. "Do you think so little of me that I would execute someone because they made me a bit frustrated? They were traitors and oathbreakers. They were feeding sensitive and secretive information concerning Khemriq to Isis, across the ocean. It didn't stop with telling her about some torn down monuments. They told her everything from patrol routes, defenses, technology, army compositions and more. I didn't do it because I hated them or even angry with them. I did it because had forsaken their sacred duty and putting my whole kingdom at risk of invasions and assaults. It wasn't just sent to Isis, a relatively minor threat, but to the entirety of Hetep, every single kingdom that still held a grudge. I could not risk imprisonment at the risk of them either escaping or being broken out to continue and harm the sanctity of my realm."
"And what is the difference in the end? The priests would have us lament under the lies and deceit of the heavens, forever damned because of our ignorance. They kill millions of people to stay in power. I have had a few thousand face their unfortunate demise not for the sake of power or stature, but for the ensured future of Hetep so well as saving the future that awaits every single one of us. If I don't do this, then all of Hetep is doomed... Your son included. He has pledged himself to the Hetepian faith and is thus equally damned as the priests, me, the templars, the Goddsends and even the common man on the street."
"A few thousand now! How many more will be added to the count until this is over? And for what? For whatever you think comes next? For whatever awaits us after we're gone? As for what I think of you? I don't know anymore, everything we talked about, all the conflicts and dreams you spoke about. Watching you make the same mistakes a second time..." Izar stopped himself, his hands drained of blood as he clenched them in restrained fury. Letting out a shaky sigh, he continued, "Find my son and bring him here, we can sort out the rest when that is done." He stood up and pushed in his chair, "But know that I am now torn between not knowing if I failed you or if you failed yourself. My appetite is ruined, please have someone show me to my quarters. I need time to process all of this." He said, turned away from Amen as though not able to look at his friend at the moment.
Amen nodded, and with a snap of the fingers, a servant revealed himself to escort Izar away to his chambers. He felt the tension through and through the room, something weighing heavy on his heart. Knowing that a certain someone was still present, he sighed out, afraid to look up from hte table. "I assume that you would like to distance too, Triss? Shall I have someone escort you to your room too?" he asked without hostility or accusation, only defeat. He knew full well when Izar would arrive that there would be tension. He had always known this. Which was why he had hoped to fulfill this task of his before meeting her again.
Triss sniffled a bit, "I-I don't know. I've never really understood any of this sorta stuff, politics or war, this or that. I wanna believe you're right, that you're doing good, but that's not something that's easy to do. I'm also worried about Amir, he's out there somewhere and he wants to hurt you. That's not like him, and this isn't like you." She said with another sniffle, raising her arm to wipe the tears that now threatened to overflow from her eyes. "But maybe it's exactly like him. it's exactly like you, and I'm the one who just doesn't understand things."
Amen felt the tears threatening to push their way through his eyes as well, but he tried to fight them, to remain strong for the one he loved. He rose from his chair and tenatively approached Triss, searching for signs that she did not want him to approach. As he got close he went down on his knees, something which caused a gasp from the nearby servants around them. "You are wiser than what others and even you give yourself credit for, Lah'mi, and you probably understand me better than I do myself. I won't ask you to believe in me. I don't have the right to do so. I want you to, but I won't ask for it. It is up for you and you alone to decide that."
"As for Amir... I can't say for sure what it is that is going through his mind right now but I am certain that he does not want to cause any more harm than what is required. I am certain of this because when we first met he would ratehr spend a most precious gift to put my men to sleep rather than harming them. He is a good man, much like his fahter, that I can tell. I won't say that he is wrong. I won't say that Isis is wrong either. We are just people on opposite ends of the spectrum of justice." He said. He breathed out, not in complaint, not in disdain or even defeat. He breathed out a breath of hope.
"Tell me, Triss. If not of my regard, what of Amir. You know him better than I have had the pleasure of doing myself. Do you think he is doing this to me out of malice and hate, or do you think he is just a young man trying his best to bring about peace in the dark times of this nation? Or do you have another idea?"
She shook her head, "I-I don't know. He was never much to cause trouble but he could be really hard-headed at times when he was passionate about something. So if he's going this, " She sniffled, "If he's going this far, then he must really think what he's doing is right. But I don't know, maybe he's just been convinced that's the case like you said. But isn't that all the more reason we should help him?" She said, still fighting back tears. "Before he or someone else gets hurt."
Amen nodded softly. "Helping him is exactly what I want to do, trust in that at the very least. I owe you and Izar so many things. Saving him from further harm is the least I can do, and if possible, I would love to do so without violence being involved." He said softly. "Triss... If you want at some point, I can explain why everything I am doing is happening and why I believe it must happen. I can't in good conscience tell Izar for what it would mean, but I am ready to tell you, if you so want me to."
Triss thought for a moment, she wanted to know what was going on, how she could help, how Amen could think what he was doing was worth whatever he was trying to achieve. She wanted the answers and wanted him to explain, but not right now. "I-I can't, not right now. This is all so much to take in and this isn't how I thought coming to Hetep would work out. I do want to know, but can we wait until later?"
"I understand." Amen said sincerely. "The offer will stand until you feel ready. Until then, feel free to do whatever you feel like. You are free to walk the palace and the streets. Just about anything you two want to do. Just wait with entering the Pyramid until further notice. With all the work going on there it is hardly safe right now." He requested, feeling ready to punch something or eve himself for how much he felt that he had failed the ones he cared most for. He hated himself now more than ever, for even in his darkest days had he never made anyone so important as these two feel so disappointed with him. He rose back up to his feet. "If you want I can arrange for a meal to be brought to you at a later hour?"
Triss nodded her head, "Thanks, I really appreciate it. Do you think I can go to my room? It isn't that I want to be away from you right now or anything. There's just a lot going on right now and I think I need some time to think through it all before I can do anything else. I just want everything to turn out okay."
Amen smiled softly. "You don't need to explain why you want to go up there. There will be a woman right outside the hall doors that can escort you there. You can also then ask anyone for food when you get hungry. Take care, Lah'mi." Was the last thing he said before Triss got up and walked out the doors. Groaning to himself for having let things get to this point, he sought to find a way to explain or correct this.
The doors opened up once more, to reveal the same tall man with red and black hair. "What do you want, Alqaum?" Amen bemoaned.
"The scouts and officers are ready to depart. We are only await your instructions."
"Good. Then send them on their... No."
"No?"
"No. You will go yourself as an emmisary of Khemriq. Find Amir and Isis. But when you do, do not apprehend them... Invite them."
"Invite them, fathter?"
"Yes. Invite them to Khemriq to discuss the terms for peace. But most importantly; Let him know that his father is here and wants to see him."