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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 6243799" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 72 "Audience with King Haker Takeleth VI” (Episode Two, Chapter Thirty-two) - Saturday, September 10, 1882, 7:00 P.M.</strong></p><p></p><p>George does not have to wait very long with the tall Ogres before he is approached from behind by a pair of very well dressed gentlemen who appear to be around his own age. The first speaks to him in English with a thick French accent stating, "Hello, you must be Mr. George Eastman. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Edgar Degas." The other states in a rich deep voice, "And I am Jean Baptiste Faure."</p><p></p><p>"Well gentlemen, my face or reputation precedes me. It is my pleasure to meet both of you celebrated artists. I have enjoyed both of your work. I had the opportunity to hear you Jean several years back on a trip to Paris. But we are a ways from Paris gentlemen. I know Jean Baptiste is an avid collector of art, but what brings you men here?" asks George genially.</p><p></p><p>Degas replies, "We are traveling with two colleagues, Maria de Guzman, the former Empress of France and Victor Duruy, who had been her late husband Napoleon III's biographer. They brought me along to paint the King's portrait and Jean to sing for the Egyptian Monarch. They are hoping these efforts would put the King in a better mood during their attempts to convince the King to end this war. I must say, Mr. Eastman, your assisting his rebellious daughter to join with the enemy has not helped very much."</p><p></p><p>George smiles dryly. "Aren't all daughters rebellious?" he quips. "While your friends’ efforts to help the king relax are admirable, as is their mission. I can assure you that the actions by the princess were undertaken with precisely the same aims. They merely involved a different methodology. In any case gentlemen, how about a drink as we wait? I can tell you I have been in worse prisons." George may reconsider those words when a group of a dozen armed Ogres surround the trio.</p><p></p><p>Meanwhile, The three women proceed down the hallway. Two more male ogre eunuch's stand before an oak double doors which they open to allow the trio to enter. They go inside a vast room magically lit room with walls covered by brightly colored silk tapestries. The marble columns in the room are also covered with bright silk. A sunken pool is in the far corner with several beautiful young women who resemble Neferka being bathed by female attendants. </p><p></p><p>A pair of middle-aged women who had been seated on large pillows near an opium pipe stand. Both are attired in Egyptian-style silk dresses with gold and silver embroidery. One woman is Egyptian and attired in blue, the other looks European and is attired in Green. Stopping before them Mina bows first to the Egyptian and says, "Your Majesty", then to the other woman also bowing and saying "Your Majesty". Ruby mirrored her grandmother and bowed to both women respectfully, saying "Your Majesty" to each. This was definitely not the time to be rude. She waited for one of the women to speak.</p><p></p><p>The Egyptian woman says, "So I see that you never change Willamina Hamilton. You still insist on continuing to interject yourself into places uninvited and stirring up trouble. So, are you going to explain to me why your daughter Alma was impersonating my daughter?" The other woman states, "Now Nikki, you are once again jumping to conclusions. We don't know the full story yet, although I suspect that the deception has something to do with the recent marriage. I was told that Americans were witness to the nuptials in Zakazik." </p><p></p><p>Mina smiles and says, "Thank you Maria, it has been way too long." Turning to the Egyptian Queen she says, "Queen Nikkathia, my Granddaughter Constance can speak for herself." Ruby steps forward and with a respectful bow of her head she speaks. "Yes, your Majesty, I can speak for myself. And I should begin by telling you that my grandmother doesn't really have anything to do with this. Fate would have it that while we are here vacationing in this beautiful land, I have become friends with you daughter Princess Neferka. We've been spending time together, sharing meals and shopping, and she asked me to help her plan her wedding. She's a lovely girl and I respect her greatly. We have a lot on common.</p><p></p><p>This morning she feared she would be abducted by her father's men. She asked me to come here in her place, giving me this," she held up the Princess's ring, "To become her so I would be taken rather than her. She wanted me to vouch for her, that her wedding was not coerced but rather done out of love for the General. She's very concerned for her country, for her father, and for her new husband, whom she loves very much and very concerned about the war that now rages. Her wish is for the fighting to end and for her parents to support her marriage to the General."</p><p></p><p>The European woman says, "See Nikki, it is exactly as my colleague described it. This is love at its finest." The Egyptian woman says, "Bah! That's all you French think about!” The other woman laughs and says, "How true, but need I remind you that it was husband who was French, I am from Spain, and my mother from Scotland." Mina interjects, "Constance speaks the truth Queen Nakkathia. We are here to speak to your husband on your daughter's behalf." The Egyptian woman says, "Fine, you may attempt to do so. And if he orders your immediate executions I will not be surprised. Fifty years too late as far as you are concerned."</p><p></p><p>Ruby gritted her teeth at the dig at her grandmother. However, she was smart enough to know not to provoke a Queen. "Yes, your Majesty, you are correct, it IS love at it's finest. I witnessed the wedding and can attest to the true feelings the Princess and General free for each other. I've never experienced a ceremony like it. And because of that love, the Princess has been very conflicted as to how to aide the effort in ending the war because she also loves her Father and her people."</p><p></p><p>The Queen states "And a fine way of showing it! Marrying his enemy! Giving away her father's wealth in the city! Listening to these damned Frenchmen!" The Queen then turns towards the girls bathing in the pool and says, "Hurry up you two. I want you present when your father deals with this mess. Hopefully you will learn a valuable lesson about defying his will." Ruby says, "I don't believe the General wants to be the King's enemy, your Majesty. But I can understand why you would feel that way."</p><p></p><p>The two princesses are soon dressed in fancy attire and they fall in place behind their mother to head up to the throne room. Mina has Ruby fall back towards the end of the procession. They exit from a different doorway than the one they entered from. Ruby whispers to her grandmother, "Nana, who is that other woman?" Mina whispers back "She is Eugenia Maria de Montijo de Guzman. She was married to the French Emperor Napoleon III. She served as the Empress of France from 1853 until 1871." </p><p></p><p>They soon arrive at a vast hall with over 100 people in attendance. The King is seated on a throne made of solid gold with red velvet padding. Standing to either side of him are two older non-Egyptian Gentlemen in the finest of European clothing. There are two other chairs, one apparently for the Queen, the other with the Grand Vizier seated in it. George is not present. Ruby bowed before the King but said nothing, waiting to be spoken to.</p><p></p><p>The King stares at Ruby and says, "Impersonation of a member of the Royal family is a capital offense. Can you give me one reason why you should not be executed?" "I was only doing what a member of the royal family asked me to, your Highness. I have proof, if you wish." Ruby bowed while she waited for the answer. He states "Proceed as though your life depends upon your statement, because it does." </p><p></p><p>Ruby nods gravely. "I understand your Highness." She reaches into the skirts of the now too small gown and produces a folded up note. "Before I give you this," she nods towards the letter, "Let me introduce myself. I am Constance Grace West, also known as Ruby West, a singer from the United States of America. My grandmother is Willamina Hamilton Parker," Ruby waves a hand towards Mina, "Also American, though she has been a close friend of the British Military for years now. Your granddaughter seemed to think that alone would get you to at least listen to me.</p><p></p><p>Your daughter and I have become friends over the past weeks. She invited me to her wedding and she wanted me to convey to you what I saw. That is why she asked me to come here. What I saw was two people who are in love, pledging their lives to each other. It was surely not political nor was it arranged as a way to hurt you or your family, your Majesty. Your daughter is very concerned about you and her primary goal now is to make peace, peace between you, her, and her new husband and of course, the peace and prosperity of your people."</p><p></p><p>The King nods and says, "And so she felt that it was necessary to try to trick my trusted associate?", as he gestures to the Grand Vizier. The Wizard says, "Yes, from outside the room you were inside we detected the presence of the Princess. Once inside we mistakenly assumed it was the woman who appeared to be the Princess. One my associates was detecting for invisibility, and there was none. So does that mean that other person in the room with you, your Grandmother and your fiancé was actually Princess Neferka?</p><p></p><p>Ruby chooses her words carefully. "I don't think she was trying to trick anybody intentionally. Yes, she chose to not be what she considers kidnapped. She just felt that if she was brought here against her will that people wouldn't be... open... to hearing her side of the story. Your Majesty, I hope you can find it in your heart to at least hear what she has to say. If you've ever been in love, you owe it to yourself to try to understand. I don't know what god or goddess you follow but my Goddess, Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, believes in following your heart."</p><p></p><p>The King states, "False Gods do not concern me, only those deities of the Egyptian Pantheon matter in this Kingdom. So you admit that my daughter was present three hours ago when my Grand Vizier stated that the man who had abandoned her had a period of one day to stand before me or the marriage would be annulled. That ruling will stand, whether she is physically present or not. Unless Ahmed Orabi stands here before me within the next twenty-one hours this marriage will be declared invalid.</p><p></p><p>Princess Neferka was sent to Zakazik to act as my representative. If what you say is true, then the Princess instructed you of her own free will to impersonate her. So you were merely following a royal decree. If however, she was under some magical spell or being coerced into allowing that, then you and your two co-conspirators have violated the law and will be executed for it. She will have the same twenty-one hours as her supposed husband to appear before me to corroborate your story. I will send one or more of these Frenchmen to relay that message to her in Zakazik."</p><p></p><p>Ruby pulls out the letter the Princess has written and holds it up for a guard to take. "Here are her words in her own hand, Your Majesty. I do not know where she went or how your men will find her. 21 hours is not a lot of time but I suspect you already know that." She paused. "Since my life is already at stake, there is more." Ruby inhaled, a long, deep breath, gathering her wits. She looked to her grandmother for strength. </p><p></p><p>Standing taller she began, "I do not know who these Frenchmen are that you refer to. Nor to which Frenchmen you have been speaking to and trusting in their council. I would never dare to tell a King whom to trust. However, I would be remiss to not inform you that there is a plot against you, Your Majesty, a plot to assassinate you. Along with that, they intend to also assassinate the General and attempt to rule your kingdom through Princess Neferka! This plot comes at the hands of the French." Her eyes flicked to the Ambassador Queen. "Not all of the French are privy to this plan, it seems only a small faction of French are guilty of this heinous plot. I believe it has something to do with their own country being in turmoil over the public use of magic. I have some small details of how the French plan to carry out their deed, though I don't know much, I admit. So you see, Your Majesty, you and the General, your Son-in-law, have something in common."</p><p></p><p>The older Frenchman behind the King exclaims, "Preposterous! We would never wish you any harm your majesty." Mina interjects, "Yes Victor, knowing both you and Maria as I do, I truly believe that. However, my Granddaughter and I have received this information from a very reliable source. Specifically, it comes directly from one of the top eight members of your wizarding group." The King exclaims, "I have heard enough! Grand Vizier, take charge of the palace guards and immediately arrest all Non-Egyptians who are in this palace. Come back and see me once you have ascertained who is being truthful."</p><p></p><p>Ruby states, "Your Majesty, time is of the essence here! We have information that there are people hidden in plain sight using disguises- don't just check non Egyptians, check everyone!" The Grand Vizier says, "Do not worry your Highness, I will question the young lady first. She states, "Time is of the essence, let's go." </p><p></p><p>A short distance off, George and the Frenchmen are split them up, with a quartet each marching the man to a different room of the palace. The men do not respond to any of George's questions. He is waiting inside a sparsely furnished room for about 10 minutes when the Egyptian wizard with the law degree arrives and states, "Tell me everything you know about this assassination plot against the King, and the role that you and your French friends have played in this."</p><p></p><p>Ruby and the Grand Vizier do not travel far, merely down the corridor to a large room on the same floor. The Grand Vizier is accompanied by one of the ogre guards as well. Based upon the shelves and shelves of urns, bottles of various dried herbs and multi-colored liquids, and entire wall of filled bookcases, Ruby deduces that this is the man's own personal library and store room. </p><p></p><p>He sits in an ornate leather chair and gestures for her to take a set in a green-velvet low lounge-chair opposite it. He exclaims, "Well, what is the story young lady?" Ruby sits in the chair indicated. "I wouldn't exactly call it a story, Your Eminence, that would imply it was made up. The simple truth is, the Princess asked me to come here. She loves her husband and she loves her father and she is now torn between them. We became friends and I guess she feels I have a way with words." Ruby shrugged, "I guess that is true.</p><p></p><p>"I came here to Egypt with a group of friends. Some of them, like my grandmother, have a lot of experience and influence with different groups of people. At one point, some of my friends came across a camp filled with French. I suppose they have some sort of system where they rank their wizards by playing cards? My grandmother knows about this and could perhaps explain it better. The two French emissaries... Victor and Maria... I think they are a part of that. My grandmother has known both of them, I think, and she believes that neither of them is involved in this plot. One of the factions, one of the suites, so to speak, has decided to take matters into their own hands. Their own country is possibly deciding to not allow magic publicly anymore? I think. Politics isn't really my thing. </p><p></p><p>Anyway, I don't know all the facts but I believe they already tried to get two people into here using magical means. They were found out due to your palace's magical protections. From what I heard they were tortured and killed." Ruby gulped but continued on. "So they knew they needed to find another way. It kills me to say this, but I believe the actress, Sandra Bernhardt is one of the wizards being sent here. They chose her for her ability to use a non magical disguise, figuring she could get into the castle undetected if she was acting. I believe there was another man who was to go along with her? My Nana might remember his name.</p><p></p><p>They were also going to try to somehow get to the kings special sheep? I am afraid in this way I am unsure of most details. I believe they might try to use poison. If they poisoned the sheep the King could easily fall prey to the poison." Ruby tapped her lips in her way. "Is that everything? Oh, right, just that once the King and the General were murdered, they thought they would be able to rule Egypt through the Princess. I don't know how they were going to try to murder the General but let's face it, there are French people everywhere around here! And both the King and the General have been using French as advisers. Trusted advisers. </p><p></p><p>I know you don't know me and have no real reason to trust me. But I did hand over the letter from the Princess and I have been telling you the truth of all I know. And I truly feel there is urgency needed here. The disguised imposters could be in the palace now! As for the Princess and her marriage, she truly loves the General. I saw their love with my own eyes. And while I understand the King doesn't believe in my gods, I do worship the Goddess Aphrodite, and have been serving her the best I can. I have no doubt that they really do love each other and believe me, I would not have agreed to do this, Princess or not, if I didn't."</p><p></p><p>The Grand Vizier takes all of this in. He nods and says, "One element of your story rings true, that I should not trust these French. I have not, and have been advising my sovereign not to as well. However, as to this assassination plot, one part sounds false. It is not with conceit that I say that, quite frankly, their main target within this palace would actually be myself. While the King and General may be political leaders, in terms of absolute power and ability, there would be no greater threat in Egypt to foreign wizards than the most powerful of all Egyptian wizards."</p><p></p><p>Ruby pondered this for a moment. "Perhaps you are right about that. Is it possible they intend to target you too? You eat here, right? And even as powerful as you may be, poison would affect you just as it would anyone else? I don't even know about the poison thing, I just couldn't figure out any other reason they would want to get near the sheep. Can you think of any reason? What are the special sheep used for?” He replies, He replies, "The Royal Flock is used for feasts. The King had actually called for the shepherds to bring some of them here today as a contingency, so the cooks would have them in the event that either the war ends or he does recognize his daughter's marriage, either would be cause for celebration.”</p><p></p><p>She says, “If you don't mind me asking, why ARE there so many French here? And why have they been able to get so close to so many high ranking members of your government? I can understand the former Empress perhaps but all the rest? My fiancé went off with them today in their big balloon, why are they so eager to help? Except to put themselves in a position to affect large changes." He says, "They claim that they simply seek peace, and to preserve our ancient temples from war. I have not believed them. The six who have been here have been of some comfort to the King, I have sensed no ulterior motives from them.”</p><p></p><p>Ruby was quiet for a few moments. "At home, I have secretly studied with a wizard and also a bard, to try to learn how to use my own powers of magic. I know almost nothing is impossible. Is there any kind of magic spell you might have to root out the imposters?" He states, "This palace itself is protected from imposters, as you have already seen. And you are right about two trying to sneak in last year and being executed, although neither of them appeared to be French. As to rooting out this plot, we have called for the High Priest. He has a spell that can detect truthfulness."</p><p></p><p>She says, "I would check out those sheep if I were you... who knows what they could have done to them! And it's curious, about the two imposters, not being French. The only problem with the truth spell is that you need someone to use it on. And that means finding the imposters first. They could definitely look like Egyptians, the whole point of using actors is that they blend in." He replies, "No, we will use the truth spell on you, your companions, and these French here in the castle to see which ones of you, if any, are part of any assassination plot. I do not trust any of you."</p><p></p><p>Ruby shrugged. "We have nothing to hide. But I'm afraid you need to widen your search. Didn't you hear me say that they were using the best actress in the world to try to get in here? I'm not asking you to trust me and by all means, we'll submit to the spell, but don't stop your search with us. As for the other matter, is someone going to try to find the Princess?" He replies, "The Queen has sent one of her younger sisters to relay the King's message."</p><p></p><p>She replies, "Hopefully someone the Princess trusts. More importantly, I'm not sure how someone will get the message to the General. I think they off and took him to France." He smiles and says, "I'm sure that some form of magical communication will be available." The Grand Vizier concludes his interview with Ruby and she is brought back down tot he basement rooms where they had been earlier.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 6243799, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 72 "Audience with King Haker Takeleth VI” (Episode Two, Chapter Thirty-two) - Saturday, September 10, 1882, 7:00 P.M.[/B] George does not have to wait very long with the tall Ogres before he is approached from behind by a pair of very well dressed gentlemen who appear to be around his own age. The first speaks to him in English with a thick French accent stating, "Hello, you must be Mr. George Eastman. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Edgar Degas." The other states in a rich deep voice, "And I am Jean Baptiste Faure." "Well gentlemen, my face or reputation precedes me. It is my pleasure to meet both of you celebrated artists. I have enjoyed both of your work. I had the opportunity to hear you Jean several years back on a trip to Paris. But we are a ways from Paris gentlemen. I know Jean Baptiste is an avid collector of art, but what brings you men here?" asks George genially. Degas replies, "We are traveling with two colleagues, Maria de Guzman, the former Empress of France and Victor Duruy, who had been her late husband Napoleon III's biographer. They brought me along to paint the King's portrait and Jean to sing for the Egyptian Monarch. They are hoping these efforts would put the King in a better mood during their attempts to convince the King to end this war. I must say, Mr. Eastman, your assisting his rebellious daughter to join with the enemy has not helped very much." George smiles dryly. "Aren't all daughters rebellious?" he quips. "While your friends’ efforts to help the king relax are admirable, as is their mission. I can assure you that the actions by the princess were undertaken with precisely the same aims. They merely involved a different methodology. In any case gentlemen, how about a drink as we wait? I can tell you I have been in worse prisons." George may reconsider those words when a group of a dozen armed Ogres surround the trio. Meanwhile, The three women proceed down the hallway. Two more male ogre eunuch's stand before an oak double doors which they open to allow the trio to enter. They go inside a vast room magically lit room with walls covered by brightly colored silk tapestries. The marble columns in the room are also covered with bright silk. A sunken pool is in the far corner with several beautiful young women who resemble Neferka being bathed by female attendants. A pair of middle-aged women who had been seated on large pillows near an opium pipe stand. Both are attired in Egyptian-style silk dresses with gold and silver embroidery. One woman is Egyptian and attired in blue, the other looks European and is attired in Green. Stopping before them Mina bows first to the Egyptian and says, "Your Majesty", then to the other woman also bowing and saying "Your Majesty". Ruby mirrored her grandmother and bowed to both women respectfully, saying "Your Majesty" to each. This was definitely not the time to be rude. She waited for one of the women to speak. The Egyptian woman says, "So I see that you never change Willamina Hamilton. You still insist on continuing to interject yourself into places uninvited and stirring up trouble. So, are you going to explain to me why your daughter Alma was impersonating my daughter?" The other woman states, "Now Nikki, you are once again jumping to conclusions. We don't know the full story yet, although I suspect that the deception has something to do with the recent marriage. I was told that Americans were witness to the nuptials in Zakazik." Mina smiles and says, "Thank you Maria, it has been way too long." Turning to the Egyptian Queen she says, "Queen Nikkathia, my Granddaughter Constance can speak for herself." Ruby steps forward and with a respectful bow of her head she speaks. "Yes, your Majesty, I can speak for myself. And I should begin by telling you that my grandmother doesn't really have anything to do with this. Fate would have it that while we are here vacationing in this beautiful land, I have become friends with you daughter Princess Neferka. We've been spending time together, sharing meals and shopping, and she asked me to help her plan her wedding. She's a lovely girl and I respect her greatly. We have a lot on common. This morning she feared she would be abducted by her father's men. She asked me to come here in her place, giving me this," she held up the Princess's ring, "To become her so I would be taken rather than her. She wanted me to vouch for her, that her wedding was not coerced but rather done out of love for the General. She's very concerned for her country, for her father, and for her new husband, whom she loves very much and very concerned about the war that now rages. Her wish is for the fighting to end and for her parents to support her marriage to the General." The European woman says, "See Nikki, it is exactly as my colleague described it. This is love at its finest." The Egyptian woman says, "Bah! That's all you French think about!” The other woman laughs and says, "How true, but need I remind you that it was husband who was French, I am from Spain, and my mother from Scotland." Mina interjects, "Constance speaks the truth Queen Nakkathia. We are here to speak to your husband on your daughter's behalf." The Egyptian woman says, "Fine, you may attempt to do so. And if he orders your immediate executions I will not be surprised. Fifty years too late as far as you are concerned." Ruby gritted her teeth at the dig at her grandmother. However, she was smart enough to know not to provoke a Queen. "Yes, your Majesty, you are correct, it IS love at it's finest. I witnessed the wedding and can attest to the true feelings the Princess and General free for each other. I've never experienced a ceremony like it. And because of that love, the Princess has been very conflicted as to how to aide the effort in ending the war because she also loves her Father and her people." The Queen states "And a fine way of showing it! Marrying his enemy! Giving away her father's wealth in the city! Listening to these damned Frenchmen!" The Queen then turns towards the girls bathing in the pool and says, "Hurry up you two. I want you present when your father deals with this mess. Hopefully you will learn a valuable lesson about defying his will." Ruby says, "I don't believe the General wants to be the King's enemy, your Majesty. But I can understand why you would feel that way." The two princesses are soon dressed in fancy attire and they fall in place behind their mother to head up to the throne room. Mina has Ruby fall back towards the end of the procession. They exit from a different doorway than the one they entered from. Ruby whispers to her grandmother, "Nana, who is that other woman?" Mina whispers back "She is Eugenia Maria de Montijo de Guzman. She was married to the French Emperor Napoleon III. She served as the Empress of France from 1853 until 1871." They soon arrive at a vast hall with over 100 people in attendance. The King is seated on a throne made of solid gold with red velvet padding. Standing to either side of him are two older non-Egyptian Gentlemen in the finest of European clothing. There are two other chairs, one apparently for the Queen, the other with the Grand Vizier seated in it. George is not present. Ruby bowed before the King but said nothing, waiting to be spoken to. The King stares at Ruby and says, "Impersonation of a member of the Royal family is a capital offense. Can you give me one reason why you should not be executed?" "I was only doing what a member of the royal family asked me to, your Highness. I have proof, if you wish." Ruby bowed while she waited for the answer. He states "Proceed as though your life depends upon your statement, because it does." Ruby nods gravely. "I understand your Highness." She reaches into the skirts of the now too small gown and produces a folded up note. "Before I give you this," she nods towards the letter, "Let me introduce myself. I am Constance Grace West, also known as Ruby West, a singer from the United States of America. My grandmother is Willamina Hamilton Parker," Ruby waves a hand towards Mina, "Also American, though she has been a close friend of the British Military for years now. Your granddaughter seemed to think that alone would get you to at least listen to me. Your daughter and I have become friends over the past weeks. She invited me to her wedding and she wanted me to convey to you what I saw. That is why she asked me to come here. What I saw was two people who are in love, pledging their lives to each other. It was surely not political nor was it arranged as a way to hurt you or your family, your Majesty. Your daughter is very concerned about you and her primary goal now is to make peace, peace between you, her, and her new husband and of course, the peace and prosperity of your people." The King nods and says, "And so she felt that it was necessary to try to trick my trusted associate?", as he gestures to the Grand Vizier. The Wizard says, "Yes, from outside the room you were inside we detected the presence of the Princess. Once inside we mistakenly assumed it was the woman who appeared to be the Princess. One my associates was detecting for invisibility, and there was none. So does that mean that other person in the room with you, your Grandmother and your fiancé was actually Princess Neferka? Ruby chooses her words carefully. "I don't think she was trying to trick anybody intentionally. Yes, she chose to not be what she considers kidnapped. She just felt that if she was brought here against her will that people wouldn't be... open... to hearing her side of the story. Your Majesty, I hope you can find it in your heart to at least hear what she has to say. If you've ever been in love, you owe it to yourself to try to understand. I don't know what god or goddess you follow but my Goddess, Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, believes in following your heart." The King states, "False Gods do not concern me, only those deities of the Egyptian Pantheon matter in this Kingdom. So you admit that my daughter was present three hours ago when my Grand Vizier stated that the man who had abandoned her had a period of one day to stand before me or the marriage would be annulled. That ruling will stand, whether she is physically present or not. Unless Ahmed Orabi stands here before me within the next twenty-one hours this marriage will be declared invalid. Princess Neferka was sent to Zakazik to act as my representative. If what you say is true, then the Princess instructed you of her own free will to impersonate her. So you were merely following a royal decree. If however, she was under some magical spell or being coerced into allowing that, then you and your two co-conspirators have violated the law and will be executed for it. She will have the same twenty-one hours as her supposed husband to appear before me to corroborate your story. I will send one or more of these Frenchmen to relay that message to her in Zakazik." Ruby pulls out the letter the Princess has written and holds it up for a guard to take. "Here are her words in her own hand, Your Majesty. I do not know where she went or how your men will find her. 21 hours is not a lot of time but I suspect you already know that." She paused. "Since my life is already at stake, there is more." Ruby inhaled, a long, deep breath, gathering her wits. She looked to her grandmother for strength. Standing taller she began, "I do not know who these Frenchmen are that you refer to. Nor to which Frenchmen you have been speaking to and trusting in their council. I would never dare to tell a King whom to trust. However, I would be remiss to not inform you that there is a plot against you, Your Majesty, a plot to assassinate you. Along with that, they intend to also assassinate the General and attempt to rule your kingdom through Princess Neferka! This plot comes at the hands of the French." Her eyes flicked to the Ambassador Queen. "Not all of the French are privy to this plan, it seems only a small faction of French are guilty of this heinous plot. I believe it has something to do with their own country being in turmoil over the public use of magic. I have some small details of how the French plan to carry out their deed, though I don't know much, I admit. So you see, Your Majesty, you and the General, your Son-in-law, have something in common." The older Frenchman behind the King exclaims, "Preposterous! We would never wish you any harm your majesty." Mina interjects, "Yes Victor, knowing both you and Maria as I do, I truly believe that. However, my Granddaughter and I have received this information from a very reliable source. Specifically, it comes directly from one of the top eight members of your wizarding group." The King exclaims, "I have heard enough! Grand Vizier, take charge of the palace guards and immediately arrest all Non-Egyptians who are in this palace. Come back and see me once you have ascertained who is being truthful." Ruby states, "Your Majesty, time is of the essence here! We have information that there are people hidden in plain sight using disguises- don't just check non Egyptians, check everyone!" The Grand Vizier says, "Do not worry your Highness, I will question the young lady first. She states, "Time is of the essence, let's go." A short distance off, George and the Frenchmen are split them up, with a quartet each marching the man to a different room of the palace. The men do not respond to any of George's questions. He is waiting inside a sparsely furnished room for about 10 minutes when the Egyptian wizard with the law degree arrives and states, "Tell me everything you know about this assassination plot against the King, and the role that you and your French friends have played in this." Ruby and the Grand Vizier do not travel far, merely down the corridor to a large room on the same floor. The Grand Vizier is accompanied by one of the ogre guards as well. Based upon the shelves and shelves of urns, bottles of various dried herbs and multi-colored liquids, and entire wall of filled bookcases, Ruby deduces that this is the man's own personal library and store room. He sits in an ornate leather chair and gestures for her to take a set in a green-velvet low lounge-chair opposite it. He exclaims, "Well, what is the story young lady?" Ruby sits in the chair indicated. "I wouldn't exactly call it a story, Your Eminence, that would imply it was made up. The simple truth is, the Princess asked me to come here. She loves her husband and she loves her father and she is now torn between them. We became friends and I guess she feels I have a way with words." Ruby shrugged, "I guess that is true. "I came here to Egypt with a group of friends. Some of them, like my grandmother, have a lot of experience and influence with different groups of people. At one point, some of my friends came across a camp filled with French. I suppose they have some sort of system where they rank their wizards by playing cards? My grandmother knows about this and could perhaps explain it better. The two French emissaries... Victor and Maria... I think they are a part of that. My grandmother has known both of them, I think, and she believes that neither of them is involved in this plot. One of the factions, one of the suites, so to speak, has decided to take matters into their own hands. Their own country is possibly deciding to not allow magic publicly anymore? I think. Politics isn't really my thing. Anyway, I don't know all the facts but I believe they already tried to get two people into here using magical means. They were found out due to your palace's magical protections. From what I heard they were tortured and killed." Ruby gulped but continued on. "So they knew they needed to find another way. It kills me to say this, but I believe the actress, Sandra Bernhardt is one of the wizards being sent here. They chose her for her ability to use a non magical disguise, figuring she could get into the castle undetected if she was acting. I believe there was another man who was to go along with her? My Nana might remember his name. They were also going to try to somehow get to the kings special sheep? I am afraid in this way I am unsure of most details. I believe they might try to use poison. If they poisoned the sheep the King could easily fall prey to the poison." Ruby tapped her lips in her way. "Is that everything? Oh, right, just that once the King and the General were murdered, they thought they would be able to rule Egypt through the Princess. I don't know how they were going to try to murder the General but let's face it, there are French people everywhere around here! And both the King and the General have been using French as advisers. Trusted advisers. I know you don't know me and have no real reason to trust me. But I did hand over the letter from the Princess and I have been telling you the truth of all I know. And I truly feel there is urgency needed here. The disguised imposters could be in the palace now! As for the Princess and her marriage, she truly loves the General. I saw their love with my own eyes. And while I understand the King doesn't believe in my gods, I do worship the Goddess Aphrodite, and have been serving her the best I can. I have no doubt that they really do love each other and believe me, I would not have agreed to do this, Princess or not, if I didn't." The Grand Vizier takes all of this in. He nods and says, "One element of your story rings true, that I should not trust these French. I have not, and have been advising my sovereign not to as well. However, as to this assassination plot, one part sounds false. It is not with conceit that I say that, quite frankly, their main target within this palace would actually be myself. While the King and General may be political leaders, in terms of absolute power and ability, there would be no greater threat in Egypt to foreign wizards than the most powerful of all Egyptian wizards." Ruby pondered this for a moment. "Perhaps you are right about that. Is it possible they intend to target you too? You eat here, right? And even as powerful as you may be, poison would affect you just as it would anyone else? I don't even know about the poison thing, I just couldn't figure out any other reason they would want to get near the sheep. Can you think of any reason? What are the special sheep used for?” He replies, He replies, "The Royal Flock is used for feasts. The King had actually called for the shepherds to bring some of them here today as a contingency, so the cooks would have them in the event that either the war ends or he does recognize his daughter's marriage, either would be cause for celebration.” She says, “If you don't mind me asking, why ARE there so many French here? And why have they been able to get so close to so many high ranking members of your government? I can understand the former Empress perhaps but all the rest? My fiancé went off with them today in their big balloon, why are they so eager to help? Except to put themselves in a position to affect large changes." He says, "They claim that they simply seek peace, and to preserve our ancient temples from war. I have not believed them. The six who have been here have been of some comfort to the King, I have sensed no ulterior motives from them.” Ruby was quiet for a few moments. "At home, I have secretly studied with a wizard and also a bard, to try to learn how to use my own powers of magic. I know almost nothing is impossible. Is there any kind of magic spell you might have to root out the imposters?" He states, "This palace itself is protected from imposters, as you have already seen. And you are right about two trying to sneak in last year and being executed, although neither of them appeared to be French. As to rooting out this plot, we have called for the High Priest. He has a spell that can detect truthfulness." She says, "I would check out those sheep if I were you... who knows what they could have done to them! And it's curious, about the two imposters, not being French. The only problem with the truth spell is that you need someone to use it on. And that means finding the imposters first. They could definitely look like Egyptians, the whole point of using actors is that they blend in." He replies, "No, we will use the truth spell on you, your companions, and these French here in the castle to see which ones of you, if any, are part of any assassination plot. I do not trust any of you." Ruby shrugged. "We have nothing to hide. But I'm afraid you need to widen your search. Didn't you hear me say that they were using the best actress in the world to try to get in here? I'm not asking you to trust me and by all means, we'll submit to the spell, but don't stop your search with us. As for the other matter, is someone going to try to find the Princess?" He replies, "The Queen has sent one of her younger sisters to relay the King's message." She replies, "Hopefully someone the Princess trusts. More importantly, I'm not sure how someone will get the message to the General. I think they off and took him to France." He smiles and says, "I'm sure that some form of magical communication will be available." The Grand Vizier concludes his interview with Ruby and she is brought back down tot he basement rooms where they had been earlier. [/QUOTE]
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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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