Disclaimer: The characters of Gargoyles are property of Disney. The characters of Mummies Alive belong to DIC. Marianne Ellis belongs to me, Trynia Merin, as does Cameron Ellis. Lyris belongs to Mia. Chas Quin Cassidy and Elspeth Ashake Coulter belong to Javagoddess. Sohkarra is property of Naomi. Damia is property of Sardra Rowan. This story means no harm to either show. This is a sneak preview of a story to come!
Dragon's Plague:
Part 1, Return and Retribution
Words and Pictures by Trynia Merin
Slowly Marianne drew her knees into her chest. She huddled miserably in the comfortable chair. "I don't know... what to do..." she sniffed.
It hardly mattered to MacBeth that her feet rested on one of his expensive Louis XVI chairs. Still he crouched next to her, pulling up a hassock to sit upon at her side. Gently he took her hand between his, reassuring her, "Lass, ye know ye can tell me... whatever is the matter..."
"It's... Chas..." she stammered out. "He's incredibly ill... and I don't know how to help him..."
"Taken abed?"
"Exactly," Marianne nodded, pulling off her glasses and throwing them down on the table. "Xanatos has some of the best doctors looking at him... but there's no scientific explanation for his illness..."
"Magical perhaps then," MacBeth murmured, becoming rather thoughtful for a moment. "Has Xanatos asked Puck..."
"That's just it... even he has no power to help. All Alexander's magic cannot help him either... its just no use..."
"Where is he nau?"
"C... castle Wyvern..." she stammered out, between soaking the tears up with the facial tissue. "Alexander's spells... have kept him in a protective coma... but unless something is done, he'll have to stay that way... indefinitely..."
"Did they say why Puck couldna help?"
"Something t' do with the fact that Chas is not a Child of Oberon," said she. "And also the sickness is far more ancient... and we are trying everything we can think of... I thought possibly you might know something... and Fox is trying to get in touch with her mother, even though they haven't been on speaking terms... and short of going to Avalon myself... which is what Arthur Pendragon has agreed to do...
"Yes... and ye perhaps thought I might know something t' help?"
"I know you two have a falling out... and are not precisely the best of friends... but where else could I go? Save perhaps Demona... and she hates me... even though she is a sorceress..."
"Lass," MacBeth said, as she collapsed into a sobbing fit. "There, there nau..."
Strong arms folded her in, as MacBeth pulled her close to him. For a time he rubbed her back, shushing her with soothing noises. "I know it must be terrifying right enough... but I am your teacher, and thus yer ally..."
She looked up with tear filled eyes, "But the argument..."
"Has gone on long enau," MacBeth said firmly. "Cassidy must be alive t' settle the dispute, and this is the time t' atone fr our differences. I swear as a King of Scotland I'll do all in my power t' help see he lives... and stand at yer side in this..."
"There... was another thing Puck said... that I suddenly remembered. Something t' do with the fact that Chas' totem animal was a dragon... and perhaps that was the cause of the illness..."
"He does spend much time around them throughout the centuries," MacBeth said. "When we first met..."
"How could he become ill from a dragonish disease? Unless it's like...."
"Swine flu," MacBeth nodded. "As ye recall, farm workers became sick when the illness passed from the pigs to themselves."
"Viruses can adapt... but if so, why can science not find a cure? I had even thought of going to Sevarious... but his price would be too high..."
"No," MacBeth shook his head. "Dragons are magical beasts, and thus it would take a combination of science and sorcery..."
"MacBeth! I... there might be someone who could help... whose knowing is... no. I cannot do it..."
"Who lass?"
"Someone I once knew. With great powers of healing. But it would mean traveling..."
"There is another possibility, that I just thought of," MacBeth suggested. "There is but one person who is the most powerful of healer that I have come to know. Her power is legendary..."
"Who..."
"One who is perhaps the same blood as your man. She is known as Lysande Rhiannon in ancient times..."
"Rhiannon... no wait... you mean... of course! I'm a complete idiot not to have thought of it! But it's a matter of finding her..."
"Aye... And we'd best get started..."
"We?"
"Did ye not hear lass," he smiled briefly. "I'm going wi ye. But first we must tell the others..."
MacBeth by now had changed into his customary kevlar armor with the long black coat. Its striking red lining flashed majestically like a cape about his legs with each step. Ellis herself drew in her breath as he entered the makeshift hospital room. Fox looked up from the bedside, saying, "Bout time you got here..."
"MacBeth," came Chas' voice weakly. Marianne gripped him by the shoulders, pinning him to the bed.
"He's here to help," she said firmly.
"Like he did before?" Chas spat, even though he had hardly the strength to move.
"Chas Quinn Cassidy, kindly be quiet and listen or I'll stick a needle in your arm to make you so!" Marianne snapped at him.
"He canna be trusted..."
"So you say..." MacBeth put in. "But it just so happens ye have little choice lad..."
"I've found someone who might be able to help you," she said. "But I have to go back to San Francisco to find them..."
"It's too dangerous... what if..."
"That's precisely why I'm going with her," MacBeth said, stepping in front of the bed. "And no harm will come to her as long as I am at her side..."
"How can I trust you...?" Chas asked, as Marianne continued to force him to lay back.
"Ye have little choice, as I said before..." MacBeth said, folding his arms. "This feud betwixt us has gone on far too long. Now is the chance for retribution. Fr me t' make amends."
"Please Chas, I don't want you to let stupid male pride get in the way of your life!"
"It's not that..." Chas turned to her.
"Shut up and listen to me!" she cried, grabbing his face. "I love you, damn it! And I'm not going to loose you! After all you've risked for me, whatever price I must pay is worth it! Even if I have to go to Demona for it!"
"MacBeth, come here," Chas said, after a moment's thought. So weak and thin he appeared.
MacBeth knelt by his bedside. "Yes..."
"You swear you will take care of her... and let no harm come? Because if something should happen, I swear I will haunt you in death. A drove of dragons wouldn't pass up a visit t' yer house... and ye'll be seeing them more then ye'd like..."
"Agreed," MacBeth said, gripping Chas' hand in his black gloved one.
Marianne summoned her courage as she entered the park. At her side, MacBeth asked her one last time, taking her arm, "Are you sure you want to do this... alone?"
"I must face it... alone for now..." she said to him. "And you must look elsewhere to find her. For San Francisco is a large city..."
"I pledged the man you loved to protect you," MacBeth said, gripping her arm.
"You did so by teaching me the sword..."
"There is so much more for you t' learn... my student. Take care, and God be with you..."
"Thank you. If I need you..."
"I won't be far away," he said, releasing his grip on her arm as he vanished into the bushes. Marianne moved off into the park, unarmed and dressed in her usual street clothes. Her heart pounded in her chest though. What was causing those hairs on her neck to stand on end? It wasn't as if she had ever been here before. Yet a gulf of time separated her from the last time she had visited the Sphinx.
Slowly she cleared her mind, and projected her thoughts. There was no resulting message from the Princess. Very strange. Shrugging, she moved rapidly across the green lawn. Perhaps she would encounter Sohkarra later. Unless something had befallen the Princess.
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Others in the park rushed to get home in the receding sunlight. Even a figure in 501 jeans, slightly ripped, her leather jacket wrapped about her shoulders seemed in a hurry. She climbed off her motorcycle, narrowing blue green eyes in the fading glow of the sun as she kicked down the stand.
She exchanged her helmet for a fedora, tipping it back on the mass of chestnut curls. Fishing in her pocket she withdrew a cellophane package. After tucking a cigarette between her lips, she lifted her ring before the end. Bright radiance exploded to light its ends, the smoke curling up in the deepening dark.
"So, the fledgling returns to the nest," she said slowly as she moved into the Park herself.
************************************
The crackle of branches alerted her, and she froze in her footsteps. What was that overhead? There came a low growl, like that of a wild dog. She looked up, to see nothing. Already the sun was creeping to the edge of the horizon across the bay. What would Rath have to say of her sudden appearance? She had tried to call, but the number had been disconnected. When she had called Cameron to alert them, he was not in town. Strange.
Again came the growl, each step closer she took. "Go no further..." the growl formed itself into words.
Yet Marianne increased her walk to a rapid run. Suddenly a dark shape fell before her, snarling. She noticed a dog muzzle and pointed ears, gasping as she recognized the mask of Anubis. "You... Anubis?" she gasped. "But how..."
"Be warned, you must not trespass, mortal! Lest the curse strike you down!"
"If you are with the Guardians, I am friend to them! Marianne Ellis! "
"Go away! I know of no such person!" the snarl continued.
"I am friend to the Princess... and I wish to speak with Rath, the scribe..."
"Begone or face the Guardians..."
"I'm sick of this cheap attempt to frighten me!" Marianne breathed. "I demand to see the Prince! And the Princess!"
"You are in no position to demand, mortal!" Came a musical voice.
Suddenly from the side came a fox in purple armor. Another bandaged figure that carried a wicked looking spear. "Wait, did you say Dr. Ellis?" asked she.
"Yes..."
"Do you not recognize her?" the fox said to the jackal.
"You... know Rath?" asked the Jackal.
"Yes..."
"Then you have no business here! He has no wish to see you..."
"I'll let him be the judge of that! Where is Princess Sohkarra..."
"Get back!" the Fox said, advancing as she brandished the spear.
Suddenly there came a sizzle of energy from a weapon as a black armored figure strode forwards. His blue eyes gleamed with anger. "Get back from the Lady, you beasties!"
"Lennox! No!" Marianne cried as the Fox staggered under the blast. Yet the magical armor seemed to have absorbed most of.
"Treachery! Ambush!" cried the Fox. The Jackal snarled, moving towards Marianne.
"Leave now... or suffer the consequences..."
"I don't respond to threats..." Marianne said, as she held MacBeth back. But the Fox recovered, pushing the Jackal aside as she hurled a glistening circle. MacBeth shoved Marianne out of the way, blasting the weapon with his gun.
"George and Andrew I summon thine aid!" Marianne shouted as the Jackal moved towards MacBeth. Already the Fox leapt up, screaming out a battle cry as she leapt upon MacBeth. Snarling, he dropped the gun that she kicked from his hand. Yet he gripped her, and kicked her off easily.
Marianne summoned her shield, and held it before her as the Jackal's staff arched down. She slipped between her friend and the jackal, shield blocking the blow. Another blow followed through as the staff whirled. Marianne backed away, a sharp uppercut making her head reel. That jackal was fast, several inches taller and slender. Angrily Marianne summoned her sword in a blaze of light. Before she could swing the Jackal somersaulted over her head.
She whirled about, sword arcing as she dressed her shield. In the nick of time her sword glanced off the whirling staff, and her upheld shield blocked the slashing talons on the Jackal's feet. She swept out with another roundhouse kick, as Marianne's sword cut down in a glistening arc. Metal clanged against metal. Suddenly the jackal folded its arms over it s chest, vanishing.
"Teleportation," she muttered as MacBeth fell back from the fox's assault, drawing his own sword against her spear. Fox claws raked against his chest plate, yet he kicked her off.
"Look out, milady!" MacBeth shouted, as he spotted a figure leaping down from a tree branch.
Everything moved in slow motion as Marianne glimpsed the descending turquoise figure, her staff whirling. A long blade popped out from its top, slashing as it became a scythe. How appropriate for one whose armor was that of death.
Marianne backed away, slashing as her blade met the scythe. The shock made the jackal fall, rolling over and over. As Mary moved over, the Jackal swept out with her talons, scythe also arcing. The scientist gritted her teeth as the scythe blade scraped against her shield, but it held. Unfortunately the blow sent her sprawled on her back, her sword held up as the snarling jackal leapt upon her.
"You were warned!" came a terrible voice. The point of the scythe blade came down, yet Mary beat it aside as she slashed just in time. Shield between her and the jackal, she scrambled to her feet as claws slashed at close range. A quick slash cut at her arm, making blood seep between armor of the greaves, followed by a sickening blow to her chest. Yet the armor held as Marianne's anger boiled.
"Crieag au Tuire!" Marianne screamed, sword arching as she charged. For a moment the traditional clan cry of MacLaren unsettled the figure. Despite this momentary delay, the Jackal swung, her scythe upraised to block. Mary's sword made a figure eight as it came clanging against the scythe shaft. A shield butt pushed the jackal off, as the jackal's roundhouse kick and slashing blow followed through. Screaming again, she swung with a lateral blow that sliced right through the shaft of the whirling scythe.
"You... broke my staff!" cried the musical voice beneath the mask. "That was my brothers... you... wretch!"
"I did not start this," Marianne gritted.
"But I will finish it!" snarled the jackal, leaping on her with claws outstretched. Marianne gritted her teeth, screaming as her sword slashed to block the talons. A scrape raked her chest plate as her sword sliced at the jackal mask. Another slice from her claws raked Mary's helmet. Blood spattered in Mary's mouth as the force of her blows rattled her head. It was all Mary could do keep the clawed fury from slicing her to ribbons as she held her back with the shield. A low scream escaped from her throat as she saw red, and the fury of battle seized her. A well-planted foot shoved the slender jackal off her as she moved to her feet. Again sword met claws and talons in a deadly fury.
MacBeth moved as he gripped his gun. For two new warriors, a golden armed Ram and a black panther had entered the fray. He rolled out of the way as the golden arm slammed him off his feet.
"Rrrreow!" the Panther roared, claws gleaming in the moonlight as she pounced. A well-placed kick sent the snarling panther armored figure off him. Quickly he leapt to his feet again, firing a charge towards the panther, which leapt over the blasts. As Armon slammed a fist at MacBeth, he actually caught Armon's fist, and flipped the warrior onto his back.
Sparks flew as golden talons slashed in a deadly fury against Wavedancer. Marianne realized this jackal had been seized by a berserker rage that rivaled a wolverine! It was all she could do to keep the claws off, thankful her holy steel held up well. They rolled over and over, shield partitioning them.
"I've had about enough of this rubbish!" Marianne hissed. Another quick lateral slash unmasked the jackal, revealing a head of snow-white hair and two turquoise eyes that blazed in fury. Marianne raised her sword, her knee pinning the jackal down. A sharp blow from the hilt of the weapon stunned her into submission.
"Leave her alone!" cried Armon. MacBeth tossed the Panther off him again, sending her crashing into the golden armed warrior.
There came a hissing as a serpent armored one moved towards Marianne. Still the scientist stood over the fallen jackal woman.
"Face me, attacker!" he hissed, sword arcing towards her.
"Rath..." Marianne gasped. "I don't want to fight you..."
She realized he didn't recognize her in her new armor, the Celtic influence masking everything. His khepesh met her blade as he moved between her and the fallen jackal. "I didn't mean to hurt her, but she was trying to kill me!"
"You struck her down... and she is a guardian..."
"I came to ask for your help! I wanted to talk to you... not fight with you..."
Immediately their two swords developed a mind of their own, sticking together and flying off into the bushes. Green tipped fingers locked with the silver gauntlets, pushing against one another.
Rath's tail tripped her up, as he leaned over her, and pulled off the helmet. "Marianne!" he gasped. "You... left... why did you leave? And why have you returned?"
"I am sorry I didn't want it to be this way!" Marianne said, looking up into his green eyes.
"Do you realize how much pain I was in when you left?"
"I... had no choice but to leave you... for you had sent our son away... and I couldn't remain with you..."
"So now you come back to smirk?"
"Never! I need your help! Please Rath, I beg of you, this has nothing to do with why I left..."
"Get away from him!" screamed someone from behind. For the jackal had recovered, and two turquoise eyes blazed with rage as the woman threw herself at Marianne.
"Lyris, no!" Rath cried as Marianne fell to the ground. A feral scream escaped from the woman's throat as Marianne's own brown eyes fixed into the turquoise fires. Marianne again put shield between herself and this woman, holding off the fists that beat at her armor.
"Enough of this!" came an authoritative voice that threw itself between the attackers. For MacBeth found himself facing a figure in glittering hawk armor, and another armored figure. Armon were held in a telekinetic grip, emanating from a figure in gold and black horse mask and form fitting body costume. "Why are you acting like fools? Lyris! Why did you attack?" JaKal shouted.
"This... woman... helped to ambush Damia..."
"That is not true! I came in peace to ask for help! And I was attacked..."
"But that man attacked!" Armon said.
"Only because those two attacked an unarmed woman!" MacBeth spat.
"You almost killed me!" Lyris spat as she came to her senses. Still Sohkarra's telekinetic grip held all parties in question.
"I did not... you provoked me, and I was defending myself. I asked to see the Princess..."
"Enough of this," JaKal said. "Lyris, Damia, I will deal with you later. And I would have words with you Marianne..."
"I am sorry I attacked. But it was only in defense..." Marianne repeated, dispelling her armor.
"And you sir?" JaKal turned to the other warrior.
"I fight for the lady," MacBeth said. Rath stiffened at his protectiveness. This look was not lost on Sohkarra. "And I am pledged to protect her... by those who have sent us for your aid!"
"Lennox, let me speak to. I warned you not to get involved!"
"Who is this man to you?" Rath finally got out.
"An ally. But not the reason I am here, Rath. I need your help. A friend of mine is gravely ill, and only you and the Princess can help..."
"Whatever it is, why should he help you? It could be a trick, my Princess!" Lyris cut in. "After all, she separated herself from us..."
"Stay out of this," Marianne sighed. "It's not your affair what I chose to do. I answer to Sohkarra and JaKal only!"
"Silence!" Sohkarra clapped her hands, at last choosing the moment to speak. "I will not have my guardians arguing like children. Even children would be better behaved. JaKal, I will speak with Marianne Ellis and her friend alone. With Rath present..."
"Nefertina, Armon, come with me. And bring the others..." JaKal said firmly as Armon gripped Damia's arm, and Nefertina pulled Lyris along. Both stared daggers at Mary and MacBeth. Yet their challenging looks were met with equal iciness from the warriors.
Marianne sadly glanced about the huge vaulted main chamber, torchlight flickering high into the gloomy expanse. Too much time had passed between her visit now and the last time she set foot inside. Beside the lineup of sarcophagi stood two others, a Jackal and a Fox. Even an Ibis sarcophagus rested in one corner. Mennehotep's? What was she doing here? She couldn't even see the Hawk one, and guessed it might well be in Sohkarra's sanctuary.
A figure in scarlet armor rushed in, from the vehicle garage. "I'm sorry I was out on a mission..." she panted, then noticed the others assembled about two strangers. As she took another look the Alchemist's eyes met those of a handsome gray stranger.
"It is not to blame, Menne," JaKal bowed to her. Menne noticed the scowling countenances of the Muse and the Amazon warrior. Why were they standing off to one side, arms folded?
"Dr. Ellis?" Mennehotep gasped, as her eyes met those of Marianne. "What an unexpected surprise seeing you again..."
A warning look from Sohkarra stopped Menne momentarily. Nevertheless Mennehotep moved over to Marianne, and extended her hand in greeting. "What brings you here..."
"This is a grave matter," JaKal said. "For she has had a skirmish with two of our guardians..."
"It is quite a misunderstanding," Sohkarra said. "But as Princess I must hear all sides of the story..."
Rath folded his own arms across his chest, green eyes unreadable. Was it sadness or anger Menne read there? She moved over to her old friend, whispering, "Are you all right... doesn't she know..."
"I think not," he said. "I feared this might happen. It was all so fast... and now..."
"Shh," Menne muttered to him.
"I am most sorry, Princess," Marianne apologized again. "But the man I love is in grave illness. And I came here, thinking perhaps you or your great Scribe might have the answer to this mysterious disease. Seeing as you cured me and Presley long ago of a disease..."
"You are not to be faulted for returning for such a reason," Sohkarra said. "But the fact is that we had not heard from you in a long time. We presumed you mad with us... and it hurt us to see you return in the heat of battle..."
"I tried to contact you, leaving phone messages with Presley and Amanda, and my brother. But did my brother not contact you?"
"He has gone missing," JaKal said. "We have been searching for him everywhere..."
"But I last spoke with him last week... where could he have gone without telling me?"
"There are many mysteries," Rath said, leveling his emerald gaze on Marianne. "And few answers..."
"Don't you see she needs our help?" Mennehotep asked, appealing to Sohkarra. "If her lover is suffering from a disease, I would like to know what it is, and the sooner the better. He may well die from the urgency in your voice Dr. Ellis..."
"Please Princess, help me... I beg of you," Marianne said, getting down on one knee.
Sohkarra gently raised her friend up again. "There's no need for that. We will help. But I cannot ignore the fact that two of my guardians were in confrontation with you..."
"You can deal with that while I help," Mennehotep said. "For if you won't help an old friend over a misunderstanding..."
"AS always you are right," JaKal muttered. "Princess, we will leave Mennehotep and Rath to assist our friend. But I must ask that MacBeth remain in good faith... till we decide what is to be done about the previous conflict..."
"I will do so. But if you cannot..." MacBeth muttered.
"He will not reveal your secret," Marianne said. "For like you Sohkarra, he swore an oath..."
"Indeed," Sohkarra inclined her head. "Rath, I would suggest you go to the lab, and Menne, will you help?"
"You don't need to ask," Menne said, taking Marianne's arm as they followed Rath into the lab. Reluctantly he showed them the way, even though Marianne knew it well enough.
******************************************************************
Marianne was about to go with them when Sohkarra stopped her. "I need to speak with you privately..."
"But Rath..."
"Menne is capable of helping Rath. There are some question I need answers to..."
"Yes, Princess," she inclined her head. The two moved beyond earshot, to an area of the Sphinx that was vacant of anyone. Only yards away was the secret entrance.
"Why did you leave?" Sohkarra asked her.
"I should have known you'd demand an explanation," she said slowly.
"I can understand, but you left without telling... cut yourself off from we who were and are your friends..."
"Princess.. I could not stand to be here any more... I love all of you so much... but there was only so much..."
"That's no excuse! Why didn't you come to me for help! I could have offered you comfort! You could always trust to help..."
"I didn't want your help," Marianne suddenly cried out. "For two years I lived among you, my own life forever changed! I endured so much, but it was too much. Rath stole my child! He didn't even ask me what I thought was best!"
"It was for the best!"
"And you could have stopped him!" Marianne exploded. "I thought you were all my friends! He was your godson for God's sake!"
"It was for that that I tried to stop the Guardian from taking him! You don't think I fought for him? How dare you Marianne..."
"So now I'm the rotter for running away... is that the case? Well if that be the case, then I didn't need to stop here. What I came to find I'd best do without your help... but I thought it was better to come back and explain now..."
"Marianne wait... I didn't..."
"The man I love is dying..."
"You loved Rath..... and us! Couldn't you have at least told someone..."
"I did!" Marianne cried. "God knows I did. Would it have mattered then as now? You would have tried to convince me to stay, and it would have been most awkward, and then you'd have to end up using your mind powers to make me forget I was in so much pain. But I needed to face my pain on my own... without your help..."
"Why Marianne?"
"Read my mind if you wish an answer to that. I cannot explain it..." Marianne said. "So go ahead... read my mind... I won't stop you..."
"Marianne you're not being fair..."
"Well Princess... life isn't fair. And since you insist of talking of fairness why must MacBeth be imprisoned for protecting me?"
"Do you really have to ask that, Marianne?" Sohkarra shook her head.
***************************************************
From the side, two mummies could overhear their conversation. MacBeth struggled to keep from barging in on them himself.
"Why is she being so cozy with that woman?" Damia asked Nefertina. "I thought Mennehotep didn't like this Dr. Ellis..."
"Times change," Sohkarra said, overhearing their conversation. "And now the matter of you two..."
Rath suddenly came back, with Mennehotep at his heels. "I wish to speak to Marianne now... if I may..."
"Do so," Sohkarra said, giving Marianne an icy look. "Perhaps you two can settle this dispute better than I have. I must have words with my guardians... and if you see fit to speak to me more charitably Marianne, I will be waiting..."
"As you wish, Princess," Marianne nodded, with a bow.
"So you say this illness is magical in origin?" Rath asked Marianne. Still she felt sickness in the pit of her stomach at his green gaze. Menne felt the tension mounting by the minute.
"Yes..."
Rath held up the strange sword that she carried. "And this weapon. Can you explain where it came from? How do you have the use of a Fay weapon?"
"What has that to do with anything?" she asked. "The man I love may be dying..."
"Rath please," Menne sighed. "WE can discuss niceties later..."
Already the Alchemist had opened up her scroll, peering over the various symptoms Marianne described.
"Is this man you love... a magic user?" Rath asked her, raising one eyebrow as he joined Mennehotep looking over another set of scrolls.
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"This disease you describe... is magical in nature. A very specific one... but I am afraid... it may take time to find the proper references..."
"Don't worry, we can try it..."
"Magical..." Marianne said.
"For it affects the magical totem spirit attributed to the victim. Ah... yes... in particular... those with mixed blood are very susceptible..."
"Mixed blood..."she breathed, noticing the look of familiarity in his eyes. Of course he'd know, considering he himself had two children of such ancestry.
"Obviously from personal experience, this person of whom you speak is of Faye/human lineage... is he not?"
"Yes... and that is why I thought you'd have an understanding..."
"Naturally," Rath said, after a tense moment. He glanced to Mennehotep who cast a sympathetic look to Menne.
"Perhaps it is best if you leave us to this task... we will let you know if we find anything..." Menne said, gently taking Marianne's arm and moving her out of the room. "Please, I know it's hard to wait..."
"He probably hates me for leaving, does he not?"
"He'll get over it," Mennehotep whispered. "And besides, of what good will it do to watch two of us puttering over lab stuff?"
"I want to help.."
"It took a lot of courage coming here and facing him after what happened. Don't worry, Rath had told me much. I cannot say I'm surprised at his anger. But I cannot blame you either..."
"I had to do what I believed. I couldn't be with a man who would send his own son away... and now I understand, even if am still hurt..."
"Then you'd really not do much good moping about here. Why don't you go out, and take Sohkarra with you. You have much to catch up on..."
"Very well," Marianne sighed, as Menne walked her to the entrance of the Sphinx. MacBeth joined her, a bit angry and concerned as he lay a hand on her arm.
"I'm sorry lass, but it's driving me fair mad to see their looks."
"I don't know if they'll let you leave..."
"They will. You're a free man..." Mennehotep whispered. "If you leave in peace, and leave this matter to us..."
"I canna do that, yuir majesty," MacBeth said with a shake of his head. "I swore an oath to her beloved..."
"MacBeth, they cannot help us... we had best leave..." Marianne sighed again. "There is one other place we should have gone to in the beginning..."
"We won't stop till we help..." Mennehotep said.
"Tell the Princess I am going again. But I will be back once things have cooled off," Marianne said to Mennehotep. "There are too many old wounds here now..."
"As you wish. But please... don't stay away so long..." Mennehotep said. She embraced Marianne, and bowed to MacBeth.
"So you would leave again?" Came Sohkarra's commanding voice.
"It would be best if we weren't here... at least till you have settled the matter of the guardians..." said Marianne. "There's too much anger here now... would you not agree..."
"WE only wish to help... and now that you have come.."
"Please Princess, this is best is it not?" MacBeth broke in. "If I am here there will be little anyone can do... and if that blackguard Scarab should attack, twould be best if there be little discord among ye as possible..."
"Sohkarra I will come back to speak to you... and we will settle things once and for all... once you have dealt with your guardians..."
"Fair enough. But do not forget you have said so..."
From afar, cigarette smoke wreathed up around someone's fedora. Bright eyes peered from beneath the brim as long thin fingers pulled the cigarette from between full red lips. Unseen, unknown she was, observing all as she was want to do for the countless centuries. The Princess, so strong and full of the desire to keep things together, meant well. Yet there were hidden sides to all stories. Few people knew the ins and outs better then she who watched at a distance, living other's lives and knowing the secrets.
"Tis not easy, is it Princess?" Elspeth murmured, a thoughtful puff materializing into the shape of a flaming Pegasus. "Your little side dimensional travel is not what you expected..."
Marianne happened to be on her way out as soon as she encountered the murderous stares from Lyris and Damia. "I have nothing to explain to you," she said coldly.
MacBeth moved before Marianne, a challenging look in his eyes. "You heard the lass..."
"This isn't over... scientist," Damia glared.
"Let them go," Lyris said, the look in her eyes infuriatingly rational. "They have their own business to attend to. WE mustn't stand in their way. I must apologize for our former behavior..."
"Don't feel sorry for me," Marianne muttered. "I am sorry as well. But if you will excuse me..."
"If you need to talk to someone..." Lyris said.
"No thank you," Marianne muttered, moving aside. "You have your own concerns as guardians. And this doesn't concern you, so don't trouble yourself..."
"Why..."
"Excuse me," Marianne muttered, moving away. And smack into a figure that was just moving into the Sphinx. She smelled cigarettes and fine denim, and backed up as a familiar pair of bluish green eyes laughed into hers.
"Marianne Ellis!"
"I... might ask you the same thing...." she stammered. Instantly she was caught up in strong arms and lifted nearly a foot off the floor as Ashake planted a smacking kiss on her lips.
"Where have you been hiding yourself?" the bard mage asked, scolding her. "Rath and I were worried sick... how is yourself?"
"My self is fine... but not the man I love..." she said, voice choked off. Lyris watched this exchange with interest as she moved into the background. Damia snorted audibly, and moved away in a huff. MacBeth raised an amused eyebrow.
"Milady?" he asked, turning to her with a bow.
"Hmm, it has been a long time..." she murmured as her eyes registered MacBeth's. "And how is time treating you, milord? It is a pleasure indeed to see you here..."
"Milady, it is an honor indeed to meet you in this time. Your reputation proceeds you," he bowed again. Taking her hand he raised it to his lips to kiss.
"It's not what you think," Marianne caught the mischievous twinkle in the Bard mage's eyes as they looked questioningly from MacBeth to her.
"I am not saying a word," Ashake laughed. Then the eyes flushed a slight gray with seriousness.
AS if moving with distance and objectivity of five thousand years of observation, she surveyed the room, hand pushed into the pockets of her 501's, the other clenching the cigarette balanced precariously on her lip. She gave a few thoughtful puffs as she took in Lyris, leaning against the wall the turquoise eyes fixed on MacBeth. The old king wrinkled his brow at the Muse, who muttered, "Ashake, what a pleasant surprise..."
"Likewise, I am sure," Elspeth replied, leveling her gaze at the muse. A hint of amusement was still present in the gaze. "And what are you skulking over there for? I'm not going to bite..."
"You seem awfully friendly to a man who almost harmed my friend," Lyris muttered coolly. "Did you not know..."
"About your little punch up? Is the great and powerful Muse of Amenhotep a bit... put out that a mortal human woman took her down?" Elspeth asked simply.
"Don't taunt me," Lyris said. "It is beneath you. And I am at peace to know it was a mere accident..."
"Seems to me you don't think so," Ashake said simply, stubbing out her cigarette on the heel of her boot. Such power, and such strange detachedness Marianne realized. "But then what business is if of mine? Actually I came to see what the fuss was all about. So what's this I hear about a disease?"
"Rath and Mennehotep are working most feverishly to help find a cure," Lyris said. "And I am sure you will not be disappointed Ms. Ellis for if he cannot..."
"But what if he can't?" MacBeth asked, a hint of amusement in his face.
Lyris cleared her throat. "Forgive me, milord. But I didn't mean..."
"You seem awfully confident yon wizard can turn gold into lead. Rather high hopes. Why are you trying to be all cozy with us after what happened?"
"Sir, I only want there to be peace..."
"Never mind, forget it," Marianne muttered, moving away as she edged closer to Ashake. "Let's just drop the whole thing..."
"As you wish," Lyris said, turning away to leave. "But Rath will help you..."
"What was that all about?" Ashake asked.
"As if you didn't know..." Marianne muttered.
"Who me?" Ashake asked, feigning innocence. "Oh... not that again. Don't let it bother you. It's her problem, let her best to face it. But your problem... that isn't so easy, is it?"
"He's most gravely ill," MacBeth broke in. "And there is not much time I wager...."
"Hmm," Ashake muttered. "Where is that old curmudgeon of a badger now?"
"In his lab, with Mennehotep... as the lady Lyris said," MacBeth muttered.
"I pretty much succeeded in pissing everyone off," Marianne muttered. "Coming here did little good..."
Ashake shook her head, draping an arm around the Scientist's shoulders. "They are angry because you didn't confide in them..."
"I told you, did I not?" she asked.
"I know... but it might have been better if you had at least left word with the Princess that you had to go. And at the very least given word of how you were doing. These people were your friends, Marianne..."
"It doesn't excuse what I did, but I tried to explain, for all the good it did me..." Marianne sighed, hanging her head in shame.
"I know that. Past is past," she shook her head.
"I am trying to make it right..."
"There's a lot of hurt happened here..." Ashake shook her head. "And you deserve credit for at least making the effort now. But it will take much time..."
"Can you help me Ashake?" she asked her straight out, eyes fixed into the blue green ones.
"I can but try. But it's not that easy. There's a lot of ingredients that need fetching... and it will take their help to find them all..."
"So I must reconcile with them..."
"Right you are..." Ashake tapped her on the nose.
"Somehow I was afraid you were getting at that," Marianne shook her own head. "Very well..."
The Celtic bard mage gave her a good solid kiss on the cheek, laughing, "You have learned lots since we last met... it takes a lot to admit you need help..."
Marianne leaned her head on the woman's shoulder. No mean task for Ashake towered over her. "If only I had five thousand years worth of wisdom..."
"Don't start that again," Ashake warned her. "Five thousand years worth of mistakes more like... and that includes the dimension hopping..."
MacBeth watched their exchange with a look of amusement on his bearded face. Both ladies strode out of the Sphinx by now, with MacBeth close behind. Into the sunlit streets they moved, Ashake's arm still snug around her friend's shoulders.
"So tell me about him... and don't skip the good parts..."
"Rather hard to do when he's got his head doon," MacBeth put in.
"You stay out of this," Ashake laughed back at him. "This is good old fashioned girl talk..."
MacBeth shook his head and grinned wryly. There were just some constants in the one thousand years he had been alive. Women and men would still have their own private subjects of conversation no matter the century. Discreetly he lessened his pace so that he fell far behind the two old friends. Not a word did he claim to hear, and even if he did, he was too honorable a gentleman to admit so.
Hope you enjoyed this sneak preview of the next story! More to come soon!