Chapter Text
“Tadal”, the Pharaoh spoke sternly and raised a smooth hand in silence, his deep voice boomed up to the high ceilings. “I appreciate that you are my most loyal and trusted advisor, but I don’t need a champion”.
Tadal bowed his head in submission, he knew not to push the Pharaoh too far. His power was infinite, his wisdom was boundless. The young man, his Pharaoh Atem, was like a son to him and he couldn’t consider himself a loyal servant if he didn’t try to protect him anyway he could. Especially since the Pharaoh’s father was no longer here to guide him…
With a deep breath, Tadal continued his protest.
“Pharaoh, please”, he kept his head bowed in respect. “With your infinite power it’s only a matter of time before someone comes for you. You are truly skilled with Shadow Monsters, of this, I have no doubt, but not everyone fights with honour, like you. What if…” he trailed off, he couldn’t bring himself to say it. “We’ve lost Mahad, what if someone else comes, and you are left defenceless?”
Tadal felt the long material of his headdress fall as he continued to bow to his ruler, the smooth material was a comfort against his cheek. It was always hot in Egypt, the light flowing material of their clothes allowed them to stay cool and protected from the sun’s harsh rays. Finally, he lifted his head.
The Pharaoh looked down at him, the way only a ruler of a great nation could. His face gave away nothing. His lips were pursed shut and his nostrils flared in anger. Tadal suddenly felt he had overstepped his boundary.
The Pharaoh’s purple eyes narrowed in annoyance of this petulant old man. It had only been a short time since Mahad had been sealed in a stone tablet. Whereas the kingdom was still loyal to their Pharaoh, without Mahad to protect the Pharaoh and with the battles they had recently faced, their inner circle got smaller and smaller. He was not willing to take a chance. Atem’s father was his best friend and he was his most trusted advisor, he promised he would care for him as if he was his own.
Tadal readied himself, this was his last attempt to plead his case to the Pharaoh, and get him agree. “Please forgive me for speaking out of turn”, he straightened, hoping his stature over the young Pharaoh would get him to listen, to remember how he served him, and his father before him, with the upmost loyalty. Now, Tadal was looking ever-so-slightly down on him.
He took a deep breath.
“Atem, you are my Pharaoh. I flatter myself that I can think of you also as my friend. I took a vow to serve you, with my last breath. I only want what is best for you. If something bad were to happen… Who would protect the people? It is not enough that you have me and the rest of the guardians. It’s not enough even to have your royal guards. You need someone close to you, someone to be with you always.”
The Pharaoh turned his back on Tadal and began to walk away. Flaming torches lit the golden corridor and magnificent statues of the Gods and beasts stood proud in the palace, ever watching over them. He watched the tall, slender young man move. His shadow grew longer and longer as he walked past each torch. His spiky hair gave him a startling silhouette.
Tadal hung his head in shame, he had failed to persuade him, and in turn he had failed to protect him.
The Pharaoh spoke over his shoulder, in his deep authoritative tone. “Very well, Tadal. I accept your premise and give permission for preparations for this tournament to begin”.
Tadal lifted his head and a long smile grew across his aging, tanned face. “Thank you, my Pharaoh. You won’t regret this.
Tadal never heard the Pharaoh mutter under his breath as he walked away.
“I had better not.”