“The Creator is not going to be happy with you” Nemo fell into step with Pythia as they walked backed from the kitchen. It was routine for Pythia to eat meals with her brother and be walked back to her room. It was something they had always done since they were children.
” I am aware but it had to be done. Otrere is in grave danger and I will not sot by and let anything happen to us or our future” She had been granted a vision after visiting Meritamun. This threat that was looming was so much more powerful than rogue tribes and runaway slaves. Someone wanted to destroy this land al everyone in it. Meritamun’s story held a key.
“Must you do this again?” Nemo sounded exasperated. “The last time you went against a Creator, mother banished you”
“I have to do what I feel is right” Pythia was disappointed Nemo never understood why she did what she did. After so many years should he not trust her judgement. “The goddesses-“
“Damn the goddesses” Nemo snapped facing her. “They don’t care about us! They don’t truly care about you. They are trying to save themselves. Without us, they have no one praising them or asking for guidance. Do you think they would care if you died?! They wouldn’t bat an eye and just move on to the next.”
Pythia was taken back. Never had she heard anyone say such terrible and blasphemous things.
“They don’t care if you were cast out or killed. I do!” Pythia had not seen her brother so upset. “It isn’t right to ask me to just let you get yourself get into danger”
“I am not asking you to let me” Pythia had made up her mind. “I know what I must do. For your future.” Pythia knew. She had seen Nemo leaving Alkyone’s room for months now. She knew that meant Otrere would finally have an heir. Once the child was born Nemo would be sacrificed.
“What about yours?” Nemo persisted. “Your future is just as important as mine! More so!”
“My future is to protect my tribe! To ensure that it will go and prosper and that your daughter will have a chance at a good future” Pythia wished she hadn’t said that.
“My daughter?”
“Yes, the goddesses bless you and creator Alkyone with a daughter” Pythia was sure that Alkyone knew.
“Alkyone never told me” Nemo’s voice had gone soft. He had always wanted children, regardless of what that meant for him. He had accepted his fate long ago.
“She won’t not until things have calmed” Pythia knew it wouldn’t be announced until Meritamun was dealt with one way or another.
“Pythia” Alkyone’s voice rang across the yard. The creator was strolling across the yard towards the pair. Pythia loved Alkyone, she was strong-willed and smart and one of her truest friends but she couldn’t help the anger at her brother’s eyes loving seeking out the woman that would kill him.
“Good evening Creator” Pythia managed to smile. Hoping that none of the previous discussion showed on her face. “How do you feel”
“I am well” Alkyone returned the smile with ease. “A moment of your time Pythia”
“Anything for you Alkyone” in the background she heard Nemo wish them both a good night before leaving her alone with Alkyone.
“Walk with me” Pythia fell into step with her creator. Alkyone looped her arm through Pythia’s as they walked around the small village. The gentle calm of night had chased away the scorching heat of the day.
“Pythia are you happy here?”
“Of course Creator Alkyone! Otrere is a wonderful place to live” Pythia couldn’t think of much wrong with Otrere. The heatwaves were a bit much to deal with but otherwise, it was nice.
“Then tell my Pythia why have you disobeyed me?” Alkyone had stopped walking, pulling Pythia to a stop. “What have I done for you to undermine me so?”
“I am sorry creator. I did this for you and the future of Otrere. I believe that Meritamun’s story holds the key to stopping what is going on and I-“
Alkyone held up a hand to stop her.
“Tomorrow at dawn, judgment will be passed. You and the prisoner will plead to me your case. Should it be deemed truthful I will be lenient on your punishment. Should you or she lie to me you will be sent to the underworld where you stand” Alkyone had let go of Pythia’s arm so she could face her. Her expression said it all. Should Pythia fail she would be the newest in the list of traitors to fall to the queen of Otrere.
“Yes, creator” this is not how Pythia wanted this conversation to go.
Alkyone left Pythia in the darkness as she headed back to her room.
Isla Amazon Challenge 