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<blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 6973406" data-attributes="member: 8530"><p><strong>Chapter 114, "Divine Wrath" , September 12, 1882, 11:00 AM. </strong></p><p></p><p>Neferka says, "Well Miss Marsters, Mirimee was correct in one respect. It was wise to not underestimate the Druidess Meren." She turns towards Merimee and says, "Would you care to see what she and her companions brought me?" The gagged man is unable to reply, and she gestures towards Barrister Sefu. He brings his Queen an item in his hands covered with a velvet cloth. As he hands it to her he removes the cloth, revealing the ornate gold box with intricate filigree designs and gems. The expressions on nearly all of the French within the room indicate shock at the Queen holding this item. </p><p></p><p>Bast/Sabah turns towards Neferka and says, "It is safe for you to open, I have removed all of the magical traps and wards from the container." Neferka turns a latch and lifts the lid. From the box she removes an ornate wide gold necklace with gems encrusted and a large diamond mounted to an amulet in the center. Neferka turns towards the group of seven French who had been declared innocent and asks "Mr. Duruy, is this not the very item that originally united your group? The artifact which grants all of you extended life?" </p><p></p><p>He replies, "It appears to be. Each of us must wear the amulet for seven consecutive days during a year for the magic to continue." This just got interesting" George mutters to Ruby. "I wonder how much they will beg or bargain for their lives, and their continued extension, if the Queen so permits it." </p><p></p><p>Neferka asks, "And Mr. Duruy, if I were to have this artifact destroyed, would it then strip you and your companions of all benefits that you derived from it during these past centuries?" He replies, "Queen Neferka, I implore you not to do such a thing. Destroying it would only result in it no longer being able to be used any anyone. There would be no effect on us, we would just continue to age normally from the point that we are at now. That is also what would occur if we no longer have access to the item, whether it exists or not."</p><p></p><p>Bast/Sabah steps forward and says, "My Pharoah, if removal of the magic that these individuals have received from this item is your wish, that is something within my power." Neferka says, "It is my wish, however only for the ten conspirators of my father's death." Duruy begins to object when Bast commands "Silence, or you shall share their fate." She then raises her hands and the room darkens. The amulet held by the Queen begins to glow a ruby-red color. Ten separate tendrils of light shoot forth from the object and attach to the ten identified wizards. </p><p></p><p>Over the next several minutes light surges through the tendrils from the men and back towards the object, the light being most faint in the youngest men and darkest in the oldest. Rene Bellocq is the youngest of the group and one of the most recent member of the French wizards society, having only worn the amulet once, so there is no discernible effect. The alchemists Moissan and Richet are both chronologically in their early thirties, and the impact on them also appears negligible, although they both show some visible pain.</p><p></p><p>The impact on the other seven is far more intense, with them each aging decades before everyone's eyes in a process that has them all writhing in agony. The first to perish is the oldest, Joseph-Marie Jacquard, whose life had been extended well into his second century. His body ceases moving and then continues to decompose, although this effect is only visual as from the first hint of decaying flesh Bast makes a gesture that purifies the air in the room, with no further smells from his or any of the other soon-to-be corpses.</p><p></p><p>Dying shortly after Jacquard is the man Joseph-Louis Gay-Lussac, followed almost simultaneously by Gaspard Gouraud and Louis Daguerre. Several minutes later Prosper Merimee dies and then Francois Guizot. The energy continues to flow from the remaining elderly wizard Michael Chevreul and then ceases, the tendrils all withdrawing from the six dead husks and four remaining live men. </p><p></p><p>As the normal light returns to the room Bast turns towards Neferka and says, "It is done." Gesturing to Chevreul the Goddess states "This old man now wears his full ninety-six years on this planet. If allowed to continue he will live until the age of one-hundred-and-three. Also know that, while the leader of the conspiracy was Daguerre, the chemist Chevreul was the architect of the overall plan." She then gestures towards Moissan and Richet stating "And his two apprentices were charged with delivering the poison meant to kill your family."</p><p></p><p>Neferka states, "Seven more years....." She turns to Barrister Sefu and says, "Please make arrangements for Mr. Chevruel and his two students to remain in our care for these next seven years. Each and every day I want you to ensure that they undergo experiences which are quite memorable and proportionate to the crimes that they have committed. However, be certain that none of these prove fatal, I would not want Mr. Chevruel to miss a single day of his remaining time with us. When he does finally leave our care see to it that his students experience the same fate at that time." Sefu says, "As you wish my Pharoah." He orders the three men removed. </p><p></p><p>Ruby watched silently and stoically at the proceedings, as the men all deserved their gruesome fates. She really wished she had taken a drink from George as watching the sentencing made her throat dry. She wasn't about to say anything out of turn so she tried not to fidget while this was all going on. Abby kept her expression neutral as the sentences were pronounced. The moral high ground did not feel at all comfortable when it resulted in years of torture for three fellow beings. Whatever they had done, the torture would not undo it. Yet it was Neferka's decision to make, and in cold logic it was not an unfair one. </p><p></p><p>Neferka approaches the last conspirator, Rene Bellocq, and says, "One left, the linquist I believe." Barrister Sefu steps forward and says, "My Queen, this man along with the aforementioned Victor Sardou, were the ones who manipulated the rebel Abdullah to attack the Palace. We have not located this Sardou yet." She turns towards Bast and asks, "Would you know where this Sardou is?" The deity stops and concentrates. She turns back and says, "Yes Pharaoh, he is among the eight-five rebels that your forces have captured and imprisoned in Cairo. He is disguised as an Egyptian rather than a European and speaks fluent Arabic." </p><p></p><p>Neferka thanks Bast for the information and tells Sefu, "Identify and isolate the man. Hold the linguist near him. I will deal with both of them during the trials to be held for the rebels. I will hold those within the next week, once reunited with my husband, as he may know of extenuating circumstances by which some rebels may receive pardons. Not these two French however, especially this man Bellocq." Gesturing towards Berhardt Neferka asks Sefu "And her?" Sefu says, "She was in Heliopolis alongside Gay-Lussac, Moissan, Sardou, and Bellocq." Neferka says, "Then hold her for the trial with the rebels as well. Remove them now." Sefu has guards take Bellocq and Bernhardt from the room." </p><p></p><p>Turning back to George and his party she says, "Is it done then? Those guilty of crimes against my precious Egypt?" Ruby says, "Well, there was a merchant quite unwilling to part with some items for the cause," Ruby smiled at the new young ruler, "But in the end, he saw the error of his ways and helped so you should probably go easy on him. I did quite ruin his dress after all," she gestured to the scorched robes of Aphrodite. She hoped she had lightened the mood just a little. </p><p></p><p>"Truthfully Your Majesty, we are all very tired and worn out and our brains a little foggy. I do believe you have apprehended all those we can currently recall. Luckily you have the guidance of one so wise," she nodded her head towards Sabah/Bast. "So yes, I do believe you are done. You should be reunited with your husband and also get some rest, I am certain you have a lot of work ahead of you." </p><p></p><p>Bast/Sabah steps forward and says to Ruby, "The Greek Goddess is known to be a jealous one. She would not be pleased that her gown was damaged aiding a deity of another Pantheon. Allow me to rectify the situation." She touches the headdress atop her head, the symbol in the center specifically, and a golden light shines forth from the headdress to the scorched part of the dress. Ruby feels a slight sensation, not unlike an electrical jolt, but it is not painful, more like being tickled. When the light ceases the dress is fully restored to its former glory. </p><p></p><p>Ruby laughed and shook her shoulders as she was tickled all over. It had been some time since she felt happy and light. Finally she composed herself. "Thank you very much, Goddess, that is quite generous of you. I would not want to anger my own goddess! And actually, the gown belongs to our new Pharaoh so I am sure she will appreciate it returned in good working condition." Neferka says, "Ruby, it is my gift to you. It is the very least I can do to reward you for all of your efforts on behalf of my Eygpt." Turning back to Sabah/Bast "You have been more than helpful in aiding us all to protect Egypt. I know there isn't much we can do to thank you, but if there is I am sure you will let us know," Ruby smiled. Bast says, "Aiding and protecting Egypt is my duty, and I thank you. Now one final task awaits me before I depart." </p><p></p><p>She approaches Champollion and says, "Thief and defiler, have you anything to say?" He replies, "My intention was to safeguard the artifacts." She angrily replies, "That was the wrong response, as it is a lie. You wished to acquire them. A true protector would have left them where they were, and appointed guards. You could have done so for a fraction of what it cost to have them moved to France." </p><p></p><p>She then raises her voice and states <strong>"The correct response would have been to offer to immediately return all of the stolen property to Egypt". </strong> Lowering her voice she concludes, " I am sending you to my home plane where you will await my arrival. You will come to regret your actions." Before he can protest she touches him and he vanishes. </p><p></p><p>Bast/Sahah then approaches the remaining French and says, "You seven have been found innocent of this plot against Egypt. But your wizards group, which you have now become the leaders of, is hardly innocent in the plunder of Egypt's treasures. Nearly half of what Champollion stole is at your mansion. I will ask you what I asked him, do you have anything to say?" Without hesitation both Empress Eugenia de Guzman and Victor Duruy reply in unison "We will immediately return all of the stolen property to Egypt." </p><p></p><p>Across the room, Manual Gonzales has made his way over to George and slips a rolled up piece of paper into his hands, whispering, "While the wizards are being generous, here's a little something I found in the same place as the box with the amulet. It is the deed to their mansion, which they stole from the family of Maurice Beaujoulais three decades ago." George glances at the document briefly before tucking it inside his jacket. "He will be quite happy to have it back, not to mention anything the wizards 'forget' can be recovered" he whispers back.</p><p></p><p>George steps forward and waits to be recognized by Bast/Sabah. When she inclines her head towards him he states "Goddess, last we knew, the French ship anchored in the Mediterranean contained the dowry from the wedding. Captain Nemo may have sunk the ship to keep the French from absconding with it, he would have sunk that ship on my orders. This was the ship we found the Generals and the Queen prisoners on. I do not know if it is in your power to retrieve that wealth for Egypt now. If not we will need to organize a recovery effort before we leave." </p><p></p><p>She says, "I am afraid Mister Eastman that cats are not fond of water, so it is out of my element. However your concern that the ship rests of the floor of the sea is premature, your associates were able to prevent it from totally submerging and while the vessel is no longer seaworthy, your friend Captain Nemo has managed to tow it to shore, where it now lies on the beach. The American warships that you dispatched to that location are now guarding it, the submersible having departed just as before those ships arrived." </p><p></p><p>"Excellent. I am glad that the situation is not as dire as I had thought. I wanted it brought up before you left us yet. The new Queen will certainly need the funds to rebuild the palace. Of course, restitution and reparations for the rebuilding should probably be arranged now. I am quite sure that the remaining French wizards would be more than glad to provide financial remuneration from their vast resources to compensate the Egyptian state for the damage that was caused by their leadership " replies George </p><p></p><p>Queen Neferka says, "As it was their airship that fired on the palace I would certainly hope so. At a minimum I will be keeping their remaining airship as partial compensation. However, I will permit it to be used to transport these seven individuals out of my country and back to France. They will be leaving within the hour, once their possessions that they had left in Cairo arrive here." </p><p></p><p>Queen Neferka moves closer to Duruy and the Empress and says, "And I expect the two of you to communicate to the Druidess that rules the French Council that I expect the return of ALL Egyptian artifacts within that nation." The Empress says, "I have no influence over them, Mr. Duruy and I are no longer members of that Council." Neferka says, "I think they will listen. First, I plan to send the Druidess Meren to France as my new Ambassador. A druidess is inclined to listen to another druidess. And Meren is hardly without power, having managed to defeat the guards and defenses that were at your mansion in France, that alone should impress your leaders. </p><p></p><p>Secondly, your home country also wishes for my kingdom to repay the loans that my father incurred to build the canal, our default would cause a financial collapse of the French banks. They will also wish to continue to use the canal. Until EVERY EGYPTIAN ARTICLE is returned, no funding will flow from here, nor will any French ships be allowed in the canal." Neferka then turns to Bast and asks "Will you be able to let your Priestesses know if any items remain in that country?" Bast says, "Yes, I will communicate to them the location of plundered Egyptian items in EVERY country on the planet." </p><p></p><p>Neferka says, "Good, then I will hold all nations accountable, no country will be permitted to use the canal until our property within that country is returned. Although I will be reasonable, while all religious items must go back to the temples of their deities, I may allow non-religious items to remain abroad on public display in foreign museums, provided that the institutions acknowledge in writing that the items are ours and not theirs, subject to recall at any notice." </p><p></p><p>She turns back to the Empress and says, "My parents were very impressed with you, I think that the French Council would benefit from your reinstatement. I will strongly recommend it through my Ambassador." The Empress gestures to the man at her side and asks, "And Mr. Duruy?" Neferka says, "I should not press my luck, and besides, you know as well as I do that the majority of the Council's decisions take place at social functions rather than formal meetings. Bring him with you as your husband."</p><p></p><p>The Empress looks shocked. Bast interjects, "Miss. de Guzman, I did not have to probe your thoughts for me to hear your feelings towards him, it is obvious that you love the man." Eugenia turns toward Victor Duruy and asks, "And your feelings towards me?" "I have loved you in secret for decades," he replies. </p><p>He goes down to one knee and takes her hand, saying "I would be honored to have you as my bride." She pulls him up and gives him an enthusiastic kiss as a response. Bast says, "It is settled then. My Priestess will perform a marriage ceremony here in this temple prior to your departure." Neferka's mother comes across the room towards her long-time friend and gives the Empress a hug. </p><p></p><p>Ruby gave a little bounce and clap. "Oohhh, weddings, I love weddings! Think we'll be invited? Course, her friend did try to have Nana and I imprisoned for life, so we probably shouldn't give too nice a gift." Mina gave her granddaughter a raised eyebrow and a shake of the head, but she was chuckling. Ruby laughed in return and shrugged. "What?"</p><p></p><p>Queen Neferka turns towards Callum Stuart (who she knows is an ally of George's group). He is still attired in a French Foreign Legion uniform and she says "You are the airship pilot are you not?" He wisely replies (for the benefit of the French) "Oui" in a French accent. She says, "Following the wedding ceremony I want you to transport these seven individuals directly to Paris, and then return the airship here. Will you do so?" He replies "Oui, I will do as you request. I would not dare do anything otherwise, lest I anger the Cat Goddess." </p><p></p><p>She then turns towards George and his companions and says, "Will one of you accompany them, as further insurance that the flying craft is returned to me?" Callum stares directly towards Abigail. Abby says, "I will do so. I speak excellent French and have some skill with magic. And I'm sure Miss West and Mr. Eastman will wish to remain here to offer whatever assistance to you that they can before our final departure, Your Majesty." Ruby says, "We absolutely will Your Majesty, anything you need. Besides, I am sure Abby will want to see the City of Love!" Neferka replies, "Very good." </p><p></p><p>Turning towards the Druidess Meren Neferka says, "And will you make the trip as well, starting your new duties as my Ambassador to France?" Meren says, "I would be honored to do so. I will communicate your wishes, but I will need credentials." Barrister Sefu says, "They will be drafted and signed by the Queen prior to your departure. I will also draft the recall notice to our present Ambassador to France. We will request that he remain in Paris until the month's end to assist with the transition and help make introductions for you. Assure him that he will have considerable choice in selecting his next assignment, probably a location with warmer climate, as his wife has found European winters to be far too cold." Ruby interjects, "Who is the present Ambassador, if I may ask?" Neferka says, "His name is Ahmed Ali Kamel. He has served in France for close to a decade, through multiple changes in French administration." Ruby adds, "Well, I am sure he is ready for a change." </p><p></p><p>Bast announces, "My work here is finished." She turns towards the French who will soon be departing and says, "Although let it be known that I will return if I am needed to protect Egypt again.....and next time I may not be as generous and forgiving. Also know that part of me will always remain within the High Priestess Sabah, she is not one that you will ever wish to cross." Ruby comments, "Priestess Bast, you have given much to help Egypt. I am sure your name will be honored for long to come." </p><p></p><p>Bast lifts her hands above her head and starts chanting in the ancient Egyptian language. A bright light radiates over her and then floats across the room and into the large statue of Bast in the room, fading into the black onyx. The Priestess Sabah stands in the room, still wearing the robe and jewelry that Bast has worn. While she had previously been a young lady in her mid-twenties, the woman now before them appears to be approximately two decades older. </p><p></p><p>Abby rushes over to the priestess. "Sabah. Do you need anything? I'm so glad to see you." Sabah replies, "I am fine Abigail. Actually better than fine, I remember everything that Bast said and did while she resided in my body, and I can still feel her power and thoughts surging through me. To be bonded to your deity in such a way is all that a Priestess could ever hope for." Abby nodded and smiled gently. "To feel so intensely connected to your goddess must be... absolutely joyous. How fitting that your first act now will be to perform a marriage." </p><p></p><p>Sabah replies softly so that only Abby can hear, "Indeed. Bast is very wise. She realized that after just watching the brutal deaths of their long-time allies, the French would be less inclined to do what Queen Neferka wished. By forcing this union between the two French leaders this will have them return to Paris on a far more positive note." She then tells Abby, "Excuse me a minute." Sabah then announces to the room " I think the smaller chapel will make for a far better setting for this ceremony than this larger room."</p><p> </p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Silver Moon, post: 6973406, member: 8530"] [B]Chapter 114, "Divine Wrath" , September 12, 1882, 11:00 AM. [/B] Neferka says, "Well Miss Marsters, Mirimee was correct in one respect. It was wise to not underestimate the Druidess Meren." She turns towards Merimee and says, "Would you care to see what she and her companions brought me?" The gagged man is unable to reply, and she gestures towards Barrister Sefu. He brings his Queen an item in his hands covered with a velvet cloth. As he hands it to her he removes the cloth, revealing the ornate gold box with intricate filigree designs and gems. The expressions on nearly all of the French within the room indicate shock at the Queen holding this item. Bast/Sabah turns towards Neferka and says, "It is safe for you to open, I have removed all of the magical traps and wards from the container." Neferka turns a latch and lifts the lid. From the box she removes an ornate wide gold necklace with gems encrusted and a large diamond mounted to an amulet in the center. Neferka turns towards the group of seven French who had been declared innocent and asks "Mr. Duruy, is this not the very item that originally united your group? The artifact which grants all of you extended life?" He replies, "It appears to be. Each of us must wear the amulet for seven consecutive days during a year for the magic to continue." This just got interesting" George mutters to Ruby. "I wonder how much they will beg or bargain for their lives, and their continued extension, if the Queen so permits it." Neferka asks, "And Mr. Duruy, if I were to have this artifact destroyed, would it then strip you and your companions of all benefits that you derived from it during these past centuries?" He replies, "Queen Neferka, I implore you not to do such a thing. Destroying it would only result in it no longer being able to be used any anyone. There would be no effect on us, we would just continue to age normally from the point that we are at now. That is also what would occur if we no longer have access to the item, whether it exists or not." Bast/Sabah steps forward and says, "My Pharoah, if removal of the magic that these individuals have received from this item is your wish, that is something within my power." Neferka says, "It is my wish, however only for the ten conspirators of my father's death." Duruy begins to object when Bast commands "Silence, or you shall share their fate." She then raises her hands and the room darkens. The amulet held by the Queen begins to glow a ruby-red color. Ten separate tendrils of light shoot forth from the object and attach to the ten identified wizards. Over the next several minutes light surges through the tendrils from the men and back towards the object, the light being most faint in the youngest men and darkest in the oldest. Rene Bellocq is the youngest of the group and one of the most recent member of the French wizards society, having only worn the amulet once, so there is no discernible effect. The alchemists Moissan and Richet are both chronologically in their early thirties, and the impact on them also appears negligible, although they both show some visible pain. The impact on the other seven is far more intense, with them each aging decades before everyone's eyes in a process that has them all writhing in agony. The first to perish is the oldest, Joseph-Marie Jacquard, whose life had been extended well into his second century. His body ceases moving and then continues to decompose, although this effect is only visual as from the first hint of decaying flesh Bast makes a gesture that purifies the air in the room, with no further smells from his or any of the other soon-to-be corpses. Dying shortly after Jacquard is the man Joseph-Louis Gay-Lussac, followed almost simultaneously by Gaspard Gouraud and Louis Daguerre. Several minutes later Prosper Merimee dies and then Francois Guizot. The energy continues to flow from the remaining elderly wizard Michael Chevreul and then ceases, the tendrils all withdrawing from the six dead husks and four remaining live men. As the normal light returns to the room Bast turns towards Neferka and says, "It is done." Gesturing to Chevreul the Goddess states "This old man now wears his full ninety-six years on this planet. If allowed to continue he will live until the age of one-hundred-and-three. Also know that, while the leader of the conspiracy was Daguerre, the chemist Chevreul was the architect of the overall plan." She then gestures towards Moissan and Richet stating "And his two apprentices were charged with delivering the poison meant to kill your family." Neferka states, "Seven more years....." She turns to Barrister Sefu and says, "Please make arrangements for Mr. Chevruel and his two students to remain in our care for these next seven years. Each and every day I want you to ensure that they undergo experiences which are quite memorable and proportionate to the crimes that they have committed. However, be certain that none of these prove fatal, I would not want Mr. Chevruel to miss a single day of his remaining time with us. When he does finally leave our care see to it that his students experience the same fate at that time." Sefu says, "As you wish my Pharoah." He orders the three men removed. Ruby watched silently and stoically at the proceedings, as the men all deserved their gruesome fates. She really wished she had taken a drink from George as watching the sentencing made her throat dry. She wasn't about to say anything out of turn so she tried not to fidget while this was all going on. Abby kept her expression neutral as the sentences were pronounced. The moral high ground did not feel at all comfortable when it resulted in years of torture for three fellow beings. Whatever they had done, the torture would not undo it. Yet it was Neferka's decision to make, and in cold logic it was not an unfair one. Neferka approaches the last conspirator, Rene Bellocq, and says, "One left, the linquist I believe." Barrister Sefu steps forward and says, "My Queen, this man along with the aforementioned Victor Sardou, were the ones who manipulated the rebel Abdullah to attack the Palace. We have not located this Sardou yet." She turns towards Bast and asks, "Would you know where this Sardou is?" The deity stops and concentrates. She turns back and says, "Yes Pharaoh, he is among the eight-five rebels that your forces have captured and imprisoned in Cairo. He is disguised as an Egyptian rather than a European and speaks fluent Arabic." Neferka thanks Bast for the information and tells Sefu, "Identify and isolate the man. Hold the linguist near him. I will deal with both of them during the trials to be held for the rebels. I will hold those within the next week, once reunited with my husband, as he may know of extenuating circumstances by which some rebels may receive pardons. Not these two French however, especially this man Bellocq." Gesturing towards Berhardt Neferka asks Sefu "And her?" Sefu says, "She was in Heliopolis alongside Gay-Lussac, Moissan, Sardou, and Bellocq." Neferka says, "Then hold her for the trial with the rebels as well. Remove them now." Sefu has guards take Bellocq and Bernhardt from the room." Turning back to George and his party she says, "Is it done then? Those guilty of crimes against my precious Egypt?" Ruby says, "Well, there was a merchant quite unwilling to part with some items for the cause," Ruby smiled at the new young ruler, "But in the end, he saw the error of his ways and helped so you should probably go easy on him. I did quite ruin his dress after all," she gestured to the scorched robes of Aphrodite. She hoped she had lightened the mood just a little. "Truthfully Your Majesty, we are all very tired and worn out and our brains a little foggy. I do believe you have apprehended all those we can currently recall. Luckily you have the guidance of one so wise," she nodded her head towards Sabah/Bast. "So yes, I do believe you are done. You should be reunited with your husband and also get some rest, I am certain you have a lot of work ahead of you." Bast/Sabah steps forward and says to Ruby, "The Greek Goddess is known to be a jealous one. She would not be pleased that her gown was damaged aiding a deity of another Pantheon. Allow me to rectify the situation." She touches the headdress atop her head, the symbol in the center specifically, and a golden light shines forth from the headdress to the scorched part of the dress. Ruby feels a slight sensation, not unlike an electrical jolt, but it is not painful, more like being tickled. When the light ceases the dress is fully restored to its former glory. Ruby laughed and shook her shoulders as she was tickled all over. It had been some time since she felt happy and light. Finally she composed herself. "Thank you very much, Goddess, that is quite generous of you. I would not want to anger my own goddess! And actually, the gown belongs to our new Pharaoh so I am sure she will appreciate it returned in good working condition." Neferka says, "Ruby, it is my gift to you. It is the very least I can do to reward you for all of your efforts on behalf of my Eygpt." Turning back to Sabah/Bast "You have been more than helpful in aiding us all to protect Egypt. I know there isn't much we can do to thank you, but if there is I am sure you will let us know," Ruby smiled. Bast says, "Aiding and protecting Egypt is my duty, and I thank you. Now one final task awaits me before I depart." She approaches Champollion and says, "Thief and defiler, have you anything to say?" He replies, "My intention was to safeguard the artifacts." She angrily replies, "That was the wrong response, as it is a lie. You wished to acquire them. A true protector would have left them where they were, and appointed guards. You could have done so for a fraction of what it cost to have them moved to France." She then raises her voice and states [B]"The correct response would have been to offer to immediately return all of the stolen property to Egypt". [/B] Lowering her voice she concludes, " I am sending you to my home plane where you will await my arrival. You will come to regret your actions." Before he can protest she touches him and he vanishes. Bast/Sahah then approaches the remaining French and says, "You seven have been found innocent of this plot against Egypt. But your wizards group, which you have now become the leaders of, is hardly innocent in the plunder of Egypt's treasures. Nearly half of what Champollion stole is at your mansion. I will ask you what I asked him, do you have anything to say?" Without hesitation both Empress Eugenia de Guzman and Victor Duruy reply in unison "We will immediately return all of the stolen property to Egypt." Across the room, Manual Gonzales has made his way over to George and slips a rolled up piece of paper into his hands, whispering, "While the wizards are being generous, here's a little something I found in the same place as the box with the amulet. It is the deed to their mansion, which they stole from the family of Maurice Beaujoulais three decades ago." George glances at the document briefly before tucking it inside his jacket. "He will be quite happy to have it back, not to mention anything the wizards 'forget' can be recovered" he whispers back. George steps forward and waits to be recognized by Bast/Sabah. When she inclines her head towards him he states "Goddess, last we knew, the French ship anchored in the Mediterranean contained the dowry from the wedding. Captain Nemo may have sunk the ship to keep the French from absconding with it, he would have sunk that ship on my orders. This was the ship we found the Generals and the Queen prisoners on. I do not know if it is in your power to retrieve that wealth for Egypt now. If not we will need to organize a recovery effort before we leave." She says, "I am afraid Mister Eastman that cats are not fond of water, so it is out of my element. However your concern that the ship rests of the floor of the sea is premature, your associates were able to prevent it from totally submerging and while the vessel is no longer seaworthy, your friend Captain Nemo has managed to tow it to shore, where it now lies on the beach. The American warships that you dispatched to that location are now guarding it, the submersible having departed just as before those ships arrived." "Excellent. I am glad that the situation is not as dire as I had thought. I wanted it brought up before you left us yet. The new Queen will certainly need the funds to rebuild the palace. Of course, restitution and reparations for the rebuilding should probably be arranged now. I am quite sure that the remaining French wizards would be more than glad to provide financial remuneration from their vast resources to compensate the Egyptian state for the damage that was caused by their leadership " replies George Queen Neferka says, "As it was their airship that fired on the palace I would certainly hope so. At a minimum I will be keeping their remaining airship as partial compensation. However, I will permit it to be used to transport these seven individuals out of my country and back to France. They will be leaving within the hour, once their possessions that they had left in Cairo arrive here." Queen Neferka moves closer to Duruy and the Empress and says, "And I expect the two of you to communicate to the Druidess that rules the French Council that I expect the return of ALL Egyptian artifacts within that nation." The Empress says, "I have no influence over them, Mr. Duruy and I are no longer members of that Council." Neferka says, "I think they will listen. First, I plan to send the Druidess Meren to France as my new Ambassador. A druidess is inclined to listen to another druidess. And Meren is hardly without power, having managed to defeat the guards and defenses that were at your mansion in France, that alone should impress your leaders. Secondly, your home country also wishes for my kingdom to repay the loans that my father incurred to build the canal, our default would cause a financial collapse of the French banks. They will also wish to continue to use the canal. Until EVERY EGYPTIAN ARTICLE is returned, no funding will flow from here, nor will any French ships be allowed in the canal." Neferka then turns to Bast and asks "Will you be able to let your Priestesses know if any items remain in that country?" Bast says, "Yes, I will communicate to them the location of plundered Egyptian items in EVERY country on the planet." Neferka says, "Good, then I will hold all nations accountable, no country will be permitted to use the canal until our property within that country is returned. Although I will be reasonable, while all religious items must go back to the temples of their deities, I may allow non-religious items to remain abroad on public display in foreign museums, provided that the institutions acknowledge in writing that the items are ours and not theirs, subject to recall at any notice." She turns back to the Empress and says, "My parents were very impressed with you, I think that the French Council would benefit from your reinstatement. I will strongly recommend it through my Ambassador." The Empress gestures to the man at her side and asks, "And Mr. Duruy?" Neferka says, "I should not press my luck, and besides, you know as well as I do that the majority of the Council's decisions take place at social functions rather than formal meetings. Bring him with you as your husband." The Empress looks shocked. Bast interjects, "Miss. de Guzman, I did not have to probe your thoughts for me to hear your feelings towards him, it is obvious that you love the man." Eugenia turns toward Victor Duruy and asks, "And your feelings towards me?" "I have loved you in secret for decades," he replies. He goes down to one knee and takes her hand, saying "I would be honored to have you as my bride." She pulls him up and gives him an enthusiastic kiss as a response. Bast says, "It is settled then. My Priestess will perform a marriage ceremony here in this temple prior to your departure." Neferka's mother comes across the room towards her long-time friend and gives the Empress a hug. Ruby gave a little bounce and clap. "Oohhh, weddings, I love weddings! Think we'll be invited? Course, her friend did try to have Nana and I imprisoned for life, so we probably shouldn't give too nice a gift." Mina gave her granddaughter a raised eyebrow and a shake of the head, but she was chuckling. Ruby laughed in return and shrugged. "What?" Queen Neferka turns towards Callum Stuart (who she knows is an ally of George's group). He is still attired in a French Foreign Legion uniform and she says "You are the airship pilot are you not?" He wisely replies (for the benefit of the French) "Oui" in a French accent. She says, "Following the wedding ceremony I want you to transport these seven individuals directly to Paris, and then return the airship here. Will you do so?" He replies "Oui, I will do as you request. I would not dare do anything otherwise, lest I anger the Cat Goddess." She then turns towards George and his companions and says, "Will one of you accompany them, as further insurance that the flying craft is returned to me?" Callum stares directly towards Abigail. Abby says, "I will do so. I speak excellent French and have some skill with magic. And I'm sure Miss West and Mr. Eastman will wish to remain here to offer whatever assistance to you that they can before our final departure, Your Majesty." Ruby says, "We absolutely will Your Majesty, anything you need. Besides, I am sure Abby will want to see the City of Love!" Neferka replies, "Very good." Turning towards the Druidess Meren Neferka says, "And will you make the trip as well, starting your new duties as my Ambassador to France?" Meren says, "I would be honored to do so. I will communicate your wishes, but I will need credentials." Barrister Sefu says, "They will be drafted and signed by the Queen prior to your departure. I will also draft the recall notice to our present Ambassador to France. We will request that he remain in Paris until the month's end to assist with the transition and help make introductions for you. Assure him that he will have considerable choice in selecting his next assignment, probably a location with warmer climate, as his wife has found European winters to be far too cold." Ruby interjects, "Who is the present Ambassador, if I may ask?" Neferka says, "His name is Ahmed Ali Kamel. He has served in France for close to a decade, through multiple changes in French administration." Ruby adds, "Well, I am sure he is ready for a change." Bast announces, "My work here is finished." She turns towards the French who will soon be departing and says, "Although let it be known that I will return if I am needed to protect Egypt again.....and next time I may not be as generous and forgiving. Also know that part of me will always remain within the High Priestess Sabah, she is not one that you will ever wish to cross." Ruby comments, "Priestess Bast, you have given much to help Egypt. I am sure your name will be honored for long to come." Bast lifts her hands above her head and starts chanting in the ancient Egyptian language. A bright light radiates over her and then floats across the room and into the large statue of Bast in the room, fading into the black onyx. The Priestess Sabah stands in the room, still wearing the robe and jewelry that Bast has worn. While she had previously been a young lady in her mid-twenties, the woman now before them appears to be approximately two decades older. Abby rushes over to the priestess. "Sabah. Do you need anything? I'm so glad to see you." Sabah replies, "I am fine Abigail. Actually better than fine, I remember everything that Bast said and did while she resided in my body, and I can still feel her power and thoughts surging through me. To be bonded to your deity in such a way is all that a Priestess could ever hope for." Abby nodded and smiled gently. "To feel so intensely connected to your goddess must be... absolutely joyous. How fitting that your first act now will be to perform a marriage." Sabah replies softly so that only Abby can hear, "Indeed. Bast is very wise. She realized that after just watching the brutal deaths of their long-time allies, the French would be less inclined to do what Queen Neferka wished. By forcing this union between the two French leaders this will have them return to Paris on a far more positive note." She then tells Abby, "Excuse me a minute." Sabah then announces to the room " I think the smaller chapel will make for a far better setting for this ceremony than this larger room." [/QUOTE]
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AGELESS Campaign Episode 2 - Temple of the Cat-Goddess
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