Speaking Truths (18)

“Many things have happened since we reached that village.” I began explaining slowly. “Best to begin with the beast that attacked the village.” I continued slowly. “Understand that not all the humans we will meet will be of their inkling.” I stated slowly.

“That part we do understand.” Meli returned with a sour grimace. “We might not like the fact that those type of beings exist in the outer world but it is one reason you travel the world.” she continued.

“And a reason for noble Atlantians, such as the Royal Guards, travel the world like we should be doing.” Sert said with a nod of his head. “Without us helping them, they will lose hope and turn into beast.” he added in a whisper.

“But I still need to understand how Thoth was able to burn the village to the ground.” Meli returned. Sert became quiet as he listened.

“Because of the events that happened Meli.” I stated bluntly. “Thoth was able to reach into our world to purify the village because of the dire act placed upon it.”

“Would that not also suggest that I could use my abilities during a truly dire situation?” she remarked.

“It would require a extremely dire event to allow a mortal to do what the deities can accomplish.” I half lied to her. “And you would not have all those dead pleading for vengeance like Thoth had to face.” I continued with a chuckle. “As for the events with the young priest,” I began, “He verbalized that none wish to lose their Princess and she accepted him for a chance to be happy here.” I hoped that it would simply end here but to no avail.

“I am still lost about all that.” Sert stated calmly.

“So am I.” Meli continued more adamantly. “Why would she have to leave Egypt?” she remarked confused. I sighed deeply knowing Sert also felt the same curiosity and emotional turmoil. I had not wanted to reveal some of the more delicate customs of Egyptian life to them but it was too late now that we had stepped into it.

“I am her Uncle and since she is without family, she would be forced to ask me to marry her.” I stated slowly. “By customs and the oaths I have taken with her father and with Thoth, I would not be allowed to refuse her request.” I continued with false casualness. “The term 'Uncle' is not a blood relative term since he is the one set as being a possible mate if no proper suitor comes for her hand.” I explained. “She had a boy in the village that was to be her future husband and they knew each other quite well.” I added. Silence reigned for a few moments.

“So you would have been forced to remain here in Egypt?” Sert asked suddenly. I felt the worry forming in him that they may have been stranded here with me trapped in this marriage bond.

“My oaths to Atlantis, or the Alton as they are known here, would take precedence forcing me to bring her back to Atlantis as my bride.” I returned harshly.

“But how did the priest court her then?” Meli asked.

“By revealing to me, to himself, and to her that he did not see anyone worthy of her including himself.” I returned with a chuckle. It was a mistake to continue speaking but I believed they needed to hear all of it. “She has the gift of Thoth to be able to see into a person's soul and heart.” I added to my chagrin. I felt and saw the fear suddenly take Meli.

“She has mental abilities like you and the Holy Heart!” she shrieked. “I sat with her not knowing she could see within my thoughts while we talked.” she added paling.

“She would have wanted to see the events of the discussion between Thoth and myself which is her right as his grand daughter.” I returned calmly. I could not fathom the source of her fears over this minor event.

“Would this not mean that she may have gain knowledge about Atlantis?” Sert remarked in a quiet voice. The edge of nervousness that had taken Meli turned into full panic as she turned to face Sert.

“Yes.” I interjected still lost. “She would have filled the blanks I had not yet learned about Atlantis including improving her skill with the Atlantian tongue.” I continued calmly. “She wrote the book and help me prepare for my voyage to Atlantis which means she knew everything I did before arriving there.” I added. I hoped that all this would diffuse the situation with Meli but her panic did not ebb.

“She could be view a threat to Atlantis with her knowledge.” Sert explained grudgingly. “And by extension, all of us seen as traitors because we gave her information directly or indirectly.” he concluded glumly.

“She is my niece and not some evil threat to Atlantis!” I retorted angrily. I felt my bird like talons sink into the table a grasped at. Sheer power of will stopped my eyes from shifting to black orbs with the twin spinning stars tumbling as violently as my temper burned.

“But ...” they interjected in unison. I knock on the door forestalled any other comments from my two companions.

“Enter!” I commanded bluntly in Egyptian. The new husband entered cloaked from head to toe. I held back the laughter as I already could see in his mind what had him rushing to seek my advice. He quickly but quietly closed the door at his back before revealing his stricken face. My control lapse as I gazed at him staring in concern at us allowing a chuckle to escape me.

“We may have a problem.” he muttered nervously.

“Cut your finger and bleed on the sheets to make believe the marriage has been consummated properly. “ I told him between chuckles. “Some of the priest are pushing the High Priest for proof of their union.” I told my companions. “Having the High Priest show them a bloodied sheet will rebuke the doubters while keeping both of you from doing something you are not prepared for.” I added both in Egyptian and Atlantian. The young groom brightened at my words before thanking me profusely for this advice. He departed in the same rush he had arrived in. I was still chuckling before turning once more to face Sert and Meli. I felt that this simple moment had enlightened them more than my words could have.

“They are very innocent in this land.” Sert commented.

“No real chance they would do something with the information they have about Atlantis.” Meli agreed with a slow nod.

“She knows many things but first and foremost she knows that knowledge is kept within the heart without whispering outwards.” I added calmer.

“The Holy Heart Annianka must still be informed about her gifts and what knowledge she possesses of Atlantis.” Sert said sadly. Meli nodded a grudging agreement to his statement.

“Upon our return, I will explain to Annianka personally about my niece and her abilities.” I declared with finality. They nodded their agreement to my wishes before heading to bed. I could not let this information slip into Annianka's hands. The Heartstone may or may not be corrupted causing the infection in Atlantis as I had seen in the rest of the world. I clouded their mind replacing the discussion about my niece's ability with information they would need about nodes and how the Atlantians, or Alton, are perceived in the world. I must protect my niece as much as I protect Atlantis and the humans.