path of the betrayer

Like it was yesterday, he remembered. The Pharoah shouting his commands, seeking blood. Servants attempting to flee, though few made it out. As semerkhet, he'd been ordered to lead the hunt and gather those that he had been able and bring them to his lord's feet. It sat wrong with him, but what else could do? Speaking out was against his teachings. 

But when he'd heard that Sobekhet had fled and succeeded, he was struck with a hard choice. Follow his friend (lover) and betray his Pharoah, or remain, and deal out the executions. 

Waking here, on an unfamiliar land of sands, it was clear he'd chosen. But nothing could keep him from the one he'd known since a boy. He'd trained Sobek, spending many days with him. It hadn't taken long before he'd grown deep feelings. Even if Sobek didn't know it. 

For weeks, he traveled, until finally the path had led him where he needed to be. Only when the familiar scent was strong enough, did he dare to stop to take a rest. But now that the sun was high, lighting a new day, he would go out in search for his lost lover. To protect him and maybe one day make him see the truth of the soldier's feelings.

---

Any of Akashingo are welcome to stumble upon him, as he is technically trespassing. @Rashepses, @Toula, @Senmut ; tagging leadership for visibility. 

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 The mazoi had alerted. A stranger approached.

 “I would see this newcomer for myself,” the king commanded, for there was a possibility it was no stranger at all and instead a reawakened loyalist. Cloaked in sheeny jackal pelts, he strode in front, flanked on either side by men marching as sets of garrons. At the crest of a dune they halted and waited for the man to approach.

 He had a ruddy complexion, with Egyptian eyes the colour of fine gold. A man with physical strength that drew intrigue from the obsidian god.

 “Halt!” Called one of the man-at-arms, “you stand upon the claim of Pharaoh Muat-riya Isetnofret and Divine Consort Rashepses. State your business with the kingdom of Akashingo.”

 A muscle jumped in Rashepses’ jaw. No longer would he be demeaned by the lesser title of consort. Akashingo would be the kingdom of the Dual Pharaohs.

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Many approached in the dunes ahead, far sooner than he'd expected to be found. But if they could lead him in the direction he wished to go, he would not complain.

One stepped out toward the front, then to be spoken for by another. Pharaoh. Consort. Akashingo. Most were familiar words. Almost too familiar. Like home.

The soldier took a pace closer, then halted, tipping his chin in a respectful nod. They may not be his rulers, but he knew and heard divinity, thus showing the respect that was rightfully earned.

“Greetings,” He speaks firm, voice loud enough that he should be heard from the distance. “I come from Ankhoris, seeking a friend. He is called Sobekhet. Maybe you know of him? It is to my assumption that he has passed through here.” Or perhaps even remained.

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 “Sobekhet is among us, and has sworn servitude to Pharaoh. Does his friend from Ankhoris have a name?” Hard eyes collect over the fine-muscled figure as the spoke. Journeys through the desert were not frivolously made. Perhaps if this man heard of his companion’s new allegiance, he would also submit to the crown. The king did not know what it was Akashingo would encounter in this new realm. But where there was wealth and prosperity, there were those eager to steal it…

 And the man wore the strong face of a king’s soldier.

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So he had stayed. This wasn't surprising in the least.

“He is an eager soul and always willing to serve. It does not surprise me that he has to chosen to remain, especially with what happened in our.. previous dwelling.” With a pause to collect himself, he continued, chin high and eyes firm once more. “I am Tahrosek, majesty.”

Again, his head bows, awaiting the judgement of he who now looks upon him.

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 “Come, Tahrosek from Ankhoris. I invite you to rest upon our shores. The friends must be eager for a reunion,” the regal spoke warmly to the man, though his eyes lingered in rigidity. Rashepses flicked his ear and a servant approached, bowing deeply before their lofty king.

 “Fetch the man @Sobekhet and prepare a meal along the lagoon for our visitor.”

 The black tail pitched into the air as his retinue of guards moved also to flank their guest, ushering him into the settlement of Akashingo.

“Tell me more of your home,” Semer-wati inquired as they walked.

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He was beckoned forward and along to join them as they furthered the trek into the oasis.

Some reunion it would be... he thought to himself. It wasn't even known by Sobek that he'd followed.

"Tell me more of your home." The royal had asked. He wished he could have denied, but decided to be careful with his words instead. “It was a beautiful place. The people were kind and our Pharoah was good to us. It remained that way, at least until his first wife passed on. He grieved for a long time, but his temper got the better of him. Many feared their jobs, and some their lives. Sobekhet left, like others had, sadly having to do so without his mother.” A soft, mournful sigh escaped him. He knew how close the two were. “I could have stayed. I should have... but knowing that he was out here alone—” He paused, biting his tongue on the final words.

Someone has to protect him, where he cannot protect himself..

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 So, he was a confessed deserter. It did not portend a loyal path for the strong-man in the judgement of Semer-wati, but the royal also knew he would likely be put to death should he ever show face in desert nome again.

 “Before your return, you must dine with Pharaoh and I. You’ll never meet a more gracious and benevolent woman as my goddess-wife,” he regarded the man with a placid smile. Toula would charm him; another obliged servant to their divine country.

 They neared the reedy banks of the oasis where the entourage split off into two; half to prepare a meal of fine waterfowl while the remainder stood primed at the behest of their king.

 “What is your role to the Pharaoh in Ankhoris. Do you serve as a soldier?” Rashepses inquired, eyeing the man expectedly.

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Before your return...

He grimaced in response to the suggestion.

“I do not intend on returning,” he admitted, jaw hardened. “I will not stay to serve a ruler who does not treat his people in kind and executes the innocent.” It was more than he'd meant to share, but anger spurred him. Their former ruler nearly cost his lover his life. How could he stay, even if it meant to relinquish his title and trust?

“I acted as semerkhet, captain of the Pharaoh's guard. As did my father before me. It has been a legacy and title passed down. We've known no other way.” But his son would not.

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 Khusobek was royal captain to Pharaoh but the sight of healthy competition would do it’s work. Advancement was encouraged in their soldier’s ranks. If the semerkhet had such aspirations to rise then he would find himself welcomed in the New Kingdom.

 “Rest. Indulge your friend. Then perhaps you will see yourself among my mazoi in Akashingo,” Rashepses’ look was pleasured upon the man. The king would not press a choice so quickly upon their guest. But he knew, and perhaps they both did. Not many could regret the intrigue of the dynasty.

 An ear flicked, in moments the king was surrounded by attendants who followed his descent into the lush green botanics.

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An offer to rest peacefully. Then perhaps to join.

He thought, for a moment. This place seemed swell, and while he did not know if he could yet call another place home, Sobek may be the only that could sway him.

“Your generosity is kind. I will think on your offer, but I must know how Sobekhet feels. If he wishes for me to stay, then I will not leave him.” He never wanted to again.

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