Page 85 of Beyond the Ruby River
Though Mahu would wish her well on her travels, he was already beginning to dread the inevitable goodbye. Hopefully when the time came, he’d already have Daka safely back in his arms.
The voyage to Egypt could be taken by land or sea. Mahu left the decision to Sachi and wasn’t surprised when she picked land. They set out immediately, continuing their breakneck pace through Anatolia then south along the Mediterranean coastline. The closer they got to Egypt, the more Mahu’s heart longed for its other half.
* * *
Dawn approached with its wispy white rays just beginning to turn golden. Both Mahu and Sachi were old enough to withstand this gentle hint of the morning sunlight to come—Ra’s light, though Mahu hadn’t believed in Ra in over a millennia. But in Egypt, it felt right to call the sunbeams Ra.
They’d bury themselves in the black silt sands of the Nile’s banks today, and come dusk, Mahu would seek Daka. Well, he’d seek Niya and beg for directions to find her brother.
“Are you excited?” asked Sachi, her green eyes big and glowing like a cat’s.
Mahu settled next to her on the ground, side-by-side, and wrapped an arm around her slim shoulders. She reached around to hold his waist. In this fashion they’d sink beneath the earth together to rest.
Was Mahu excited? Yes, but it was more than that. His chest fluttered with nerves, and his throat felt tight with anxiety. But in his soul hope bloomed a bouquet big enough to crown a prize racehorse.
“I’m everything,” Mahu answered, for it was closest to the truth. Fear, happiness, shame, anxiety, glee; they were all present.
“He’s going to be thrilled to see you.” Sachi gave him an affectionate squeeze. “After all you’ve told me of Daka and your time with him, this is going to be his greatest dream come true.”
“I’m glad you think so. I don’t know.” Mahu’s shoulders hung forward. “He has a right to be angry.”
“And yet, so do you. But are you angry Mahu?”
“I’m not,” said Mahu firmly. He’d long ago let go of the anger.
“Then give Daka some credit. In all his years, I’m sure he’s gained much wisdom, a broader perspective.”
Mahu leaned into her shoulder. “Sachi you are too kind to me. Thank you.”
“Thank you, Mahu. I could never have asked for a better tour guide.”
“Pfft,” Mahu tutted. “I’m a terrible tour guide. I’ve been rushing you every step of the way.”
“Now I know these routes.” Her eyes roamed the horizon, which steadily grew brighter. “I can come back to them whenever I please. The education has been invaluable. Don’t sell yourself short.”
Mahu enjoyed one more slow scan of the Egyptian countryside. He couldn’t believe he was back. He’d sworn he’d never come here again, and yet there was no other place he’d rather be.
“Shall we?” asked Sachi.
“Let’s,” said Mahu.
Together they willed the ground to part underneath them. Sinking carefully beneath the safe haven of the earth, leaving a cavern over their chests and faces, Sachi and Mahu lay next to each other in the cool embrace of the sand.
Sachi took his hand. “Rest well.”
Mahu gave hers a squeeze. “And you, dear.”
With any luck, Mahu would be reunited with Dakarai under the moon’s next journey across the sky.
* * *
Niyarai was just as Mahu remembered. Tall, broad, curvaceous, and angry. She stood in the doorway of her own house, hands on hips, glaring at Mahu while ignoring the calming presence of Sachi behind him.
Travel-weary, having just arrived on Egyptian soil the night before, they’d headed directly into Cairo. Mahu had known this meeting might be delicate and was glad to have Sachi along. If anything, she’d make a wonderful mediator.
“Give me one good reason not to kill you where you stand,” said Niya, her storm blue eyes burning.
Mahu could think of several: slaying another immortal was forbidden, he’d just cheated death for the second time and wasn’t eager to face it again, his blood on her hands would ruin her immaculate manicure—but what he said was, “Dakarai might prefer to do it himself. Would you take that away from him?”
