Balance (Book 9 )

Anubis stood mighty and strong in front of me. I watched him transform into the god he was. He was intimidating and beautiful. His eyes soften slightly, as he reached a hand out to me. We would never speak of this moment.

I accepted his hand, and he took me to the isolation box. Kebachet had been in there for two years. He would not be pleased. I stood slightly behind Anubis, allowing him to do what must be done. He held himself well. My heartbeat thumped hard in my chest. I feared for Kebachet. This young god is of my flesh. I naturally wish to protect him despite my convictions. Anubis could be cruel in his fury.

When the door opened, I saw my scared little boy lying on the ground. I wanted to run to him and comfort him, but he was an adult and committed an act of treason. He must suffer the consequences. He must face his father.

“Come with me, son.” Anubis commanded. His voice was stern but smooth and without emotion.

Anubis reached out to help Kebachet to his feet. Kebachet’s green eyes blinked at the sudden light. Anubis held the back of Kebachet’s neck as he guided him to where Set and the death knights waited.

We walked in silence for what felt like an eternity. I wished to know why Kebachet betrayed us. Did he have no love for his father? Anubis said his soul was tainted. I wondered how such a thing happened under Anubis’s tutelage. Anubis is honer driven and loves his family fiercely. Did the screams of the earth madden him as it maddened me?

Anubis stopped midstride and looked at me with eyes that bordered on madness. The dark green of his anger now had a red glow. Kebachet was caught off guard and stumbled against Anubis’s chest.

Anubis’s gaze made me step back from him and forced my lungs to lock. I had forgotten he could hear my thoughts. I dare not speak unless he desires me to. I was uncertain how he would respond to any disrespect. His anger has taken control of his mind to allow him to follow through with his duty.

Kebachet’s eyes darted from me to Anubis then back to me. I could see the desire behind Kebachet’s eyes. Even after two years in isolation, he would still pursue me.

The words were on my lips to ask him the question that plagued my mind. Anubis was giving me the chance to get my answers. It did not matter Kebachet’s reason. It will not change the past or his sentence. I lowered my eyes and quieted my mind to allow Anubis to concentrate on what must be done.

Anubis wordlessly tugged on Kebachet’s neck and forced him to walk. The army of death knights could be seen in the distance behind a muscular god with black eyes and a long snout.

Kebachet’s concern grew. I could hear his heart quicken. I began to second guess allowing this to happen. No matter his transgression, I loved him. He is my flesh. I forced the anxiety back and supported Anubis. This was difficult for him, as well.

Set remained passive and waited for us to approach him. I could see a dark smile cross his eyes as he gazed at me. I felt as though he was stripping me bare and dreamed of how he would torment me.

Anubis’s growl vibrated the ground we were on, and Set’s eyes slowly moved to him. He breathed in deeply as he fed on the emotions swirling around us. Laughter replaced the vibrations of Anubis’s growl.

“My son, you are delightful,” his gaze went to me once again, “and you are fortunate, little vampire.”

Anubis stepped in front of me and silently challenged his father. Set was not amused. His eyes darkened, and I could see his lips curl. We are in the underworld. Set, has no dominion over this land. The laws of the gods prevent Set from attempting to interfere with another god’s relationship.

I could see a silent battle take place as an argument erupted. Anubis’s body seemed to become coiled and ridged. The conversation was not in his favor.

Set’s eyes finally lowered to Kebachet as he spoke, “Kebachet, you have committed an act of treason and have manipulated death nights into doing your will. The ones loyal to you have been destroyed. As a payment to compensate for my loss and for your treason, you will take your mother’s place.” Set told him.

Kebachet flinched and tried to break free of Anubis’s grasp. “No, father, please! I beg of you.”

Kebachet’s plea was like a dagger in my heart. Tears weld up in my eyes as my heart began to break.

“You dare call me father and beg for mercy? Was I your father when you thought to steal my army? Was I your father when you thought to take my wife!”

The anger coming from Anubis scared me. I could feel his restraint from tearing Kebachet apart. He did not refer me to Kebachet as his mother, as he usually does. The disconnection already began. A mixture of emotions threatened to consume me.

“Please forgive me. I will not do it again, and I will swear my loyalties to you.” Kebachet’s voice was high pitched as he begged for mercy.

“It is too late for that. Payment is due.” Anubis growled. Kebachet saw me and locked his eyes onto mine.

“Mother, do not allow this to happen. I see your power. You can stop this.”

I forced the lump in my throat down and stood tall next to Anubis. My heart would not betray my voice. “You must learn to take responsibility for your actions. This is the result of your disloyalty to the one who gave you life.”

Kebachet stood staring at the both of us, hoping we would change our mind. His body relaxed slightly as he turned his gaze to me one last time.

His eyes darkened. “I will come for you, Egyptian Goddess. I will find a way.” His voice deepened and turned dark and calm as if he had no fear. It sent chills down my spine.

Anubis’s hand met Kebachet’s face. Kebachet fell to the ground. The furry that came from Anubis was beyond anything I have ever seen. I backed up slightly. Green eyes whipped around and froze me to my spot. I could not look away from him. His thoughts were closed off from me, but my body quivered in fear. His anger threatened to choke me.

He turned from me and grabbed Kebachet by the back of the neck. Set’s eyes flashed a fraction of fear then seem to relax in ecstasy as he fed off Anubis’s anger. A calmness came over me as I watched my husband. The thought of Anubis killing Kebachet brought peace to my heart.

Set seemed to want Anubis to let his rage go and kill his son. His already dark eyes seemed to grow darker in anticipation as he glanced at me. I remained still. I felt the need to tear him apart. It took him two years to fix this. He had lost control of a very powerful army, and he had no desire to help restore the balance to the earth. Who knows what torture he put my husband through.

Anubis controlled his anger and forced Kebachet to turn round and face the death knights.

“Stop your groveling. You dishonor me in front of your grandfather.”

Anubis’s voice was darker than I have ever heard it. Chills ran through me, making my hair stand. The need to run was strong. I could see Anubis was on the verge of losing himself. He was indeed a god not to anger. I wondered if he was stronger than Set. He had always controlled the rage inside. It seems Kebachet found away to unlock it. I gently reached out and touched Anubis’s flexed arm, hoping to help calm him and give support. His back straightened as red eyes turned to. I could see the fire dim slightly as he regained control.

His gaze went back to the death knights. The Knights did not show fear from Anubis’s fury and approached Kebachet. I saw Kyle was leading them.

Kebachet’s body stiffened with fear. Kyle came and touched his chest. Kebachet’s screams broke my heart at the same time I knew justice was being executed. I knew of the knight’s touch. My hand went to my chest in remembrance.

Kebachet’s body fell to the floor as his soul came forth. He was much bigger than any soul I have seen. Perhaps it is because he is a god. His soul did not glow a faint blue. His was a deep red. Deeper than the color of blood. I caught a glimpse of his face as he disappeared with the death knights. He is in agony.

The need to destroy the entire death knight species grew from deep within. I must protect my son. The pain I saw is not desired for him. Something happened that I have never felt before. A surge of power touched deep within, and I immediately forgot the need to be angry. Calmness washed over me like a warm bath in my oasis. I looked at Anubis. He gave no indication he was aware of my torment.

“Anput, you have earned your soul. You fought for the world and for the god’s realm when the other gods were willing to give into death. You continued to fight even when your life was threatened. You have shown honor to your husband by defending him and loyally waiting for his return, instead of ruling with your son. You have shown how to be a god.”

I remained quiet and still. I could smell the deceit in the air. The words he used were simply to appease Anubis. This god could not be trusted.

“He is to be returned in one thousand years.” Anubis told Set in a growl

“As is our agreement.” Set replied, then teleported out.

“What did you do, Anubis?”

The venom in my voice was too much. His green eyes darkened as he turned to me. I stood before him and did not back down. I was not defying him, I was angry that he somehow controlled me. His eyes softened at my thought. He knew he abused his hold over me. It was for my protection.

“Forgive me, wife. This was a delicate matter.”

“You do not trust me to stay in control?”

“I had my reasons. Trust in me, Anput.” He touched the underside of my chin. His voice purred and caressed my heart.

I narrowed my eyes at him and jerked my chin from his fingers. “I will not be controlled by anyone, least of all you.”

“I do not wish to control you. You are free to do as you wish. Stay away from the death knights, Anput. And stay away from Set for the time being.”

I could feel the command course through me. Anubis walked away, feeling numb. My heart sank. I rejected his love because I was angry with him. He just finished facing his father and watched his heir leave with the death knights.

I silently followed him a good distance before I spoke. I have lived in the silent darkness, detached from him, or anything living for two years. The silence of the underworld became deafening. “Should I be concerned with your agreement?”

“No. The price has been paid.” His voice had calmed, but he was still agitated.

“What was it?”

“It is of no consequence. Do not think of it.” It was a command to stay out of his affairs. He was only doing as he must as head of the house hold. He fought to keep his family together. Though he was unsure if he would succeed.

“What is to happen to Kebachet?”

Anubis’s ear twitched at my voice, and he stopped midstride then turn to me. He had been lost in thought and did not tell me what was to happen. His hands touched my shoulders as his sorrowful eyes gazed at me.

“Anput, Kebachet is dead. His body will be destroyed, and his soul is to please the death knights for millennia, after which his soul will return to me in judgment. He will enter bardo and wait for reincarnation. His godhood will be striped. Kebachet is gone.”

“He is not entirely destroyed. I will take comfort in that, at least.”

Anubis nodded, then continued on. I find my instinct to protect my son is dormant. I am pleased to know he will suffer for his crimes and even more pleased to know he is not truly gone. He will return one day. I hope to visit him during his time as a mortal.

Anubis’s emotions are once again opened to me. He is angry, and his heart cried out in pain. His love for me is strong in our bond; however, it is not strong enough to silence his heart’s torment.

“Husband. Please, wait a moment.” I could feel his annoyance rise. He wished for the silence of the underworld. His thoughts and emotions are erratic, and his duties are not yet done. He needed space to organize his thoughts before continuing to the council chamber.

“What is it, Anput?”

“There is a soul I wished to visit or see if she remains alive. I tried to go to the Valley of Souls while you were away but could not find my way.”

Anubis’s gaze softened, and his mood lightened. His love of the souls is evident.

“Who do you look for?”

“The vampire Casandra whom I, unfortunately, toyed with in my madness.”

“I know of the one. She accepted Ra. However, she will have to work a long time to over come the taint I see in her soul. You did her a disservice.”

“I understand, husband. I will labor to try to reverse her thinking. Perhaps we can remove her memory?”

“No, she must work through the sickness just as you did.”

Anubis turned and continued walking toward the god’s temple.