Book Two Chapter Sixty Seven: Pharaoh_Starter

Book Two Chapter Sixty Seven: Pharaoh_Starter

Fearsome pharaoh, Sewer Bard said, looking slightly uneasy, that is not yet necessary. First, I beseech you to tell us of what events transpired to lock you in this dreadful place.

We ruled over our land as we saw fit, the pharaoh said, seething. But traitors within our people rose up, and cast us here. They shall rue the day they ever raised a hand against their master!

What does ruling over as he saw fit mean? Qube whispered to Sewer Bard, not wanting to interrupt his conversation with the pharaoh. If he was ruling badly, then it would

She became aware that the pharaoh was looking at her. Quite how she could tell it was her, and not anyone else, was hard to say, given the lack of moveable facial features. But she felt the weight of his gaze upon her, and it frightened her.

What is this creature? the pharaoh boomed, pointing at her.

This is our Healer, Sewer Bard replied as Sexy Screamy Spider Lady flared up, scuttling towards the pharaoh.

And you will address her with respect, Sexy Screamy Spider Lady practically hissed, her eyes glowing with rage.

You choose strange servants, the pharaoh said, staring at the arachnid with his unblinking eyes. We shall keep them.

Sexy Screamy Spider Lady spat onto the ground in a shockingly unladylike display. The glob of green venom started to eat through the sandstone floor. Qube wasnt sure if she was more upset by the spitting, dissolving, or implied threat.

You can keep my daggers in your heart, the arachnid growled. Even Definitely Bad Guy had joined the group clustered by the doorway at this point, and was glowering at the once-almighty ruler. Qube felt tentacles wrap around her ankles, and glanced down to see Squiggles winding around both the Hunter and her, slowly opening her maw as if trying to intimidate this powerful being.

That cant be normal, the Chosen One said from the back of the group. The haughty non-Royal swivelled his body to face the Hero.

Undying ruler, Sewer Bard interjected desperately, trying to wave down the others from their confrontational stances, we cannot aid you in your quest for vengeance unless we understand the circumstances surrounding it. Please, I beg that you enlighten us.

Their lives were ours, to use as we saw fit, the pharaoh replied, sounding almost surprised that Sewer Bard had to ask. They objected. So we slew them.

Ah, Sewer Bard said eloquently.

Qube felt a heat spread throughout her at the pharaohs words. Shed been mildly offended, but otherwise indifferent to being referred to as a creature, and the implication that the pharaoh would try and keep her and Sexy Screamy Spider Lady was concerning, but expected. After all, he was just trying to act Royal and happened to be bad at it. But this this callous disregard for the lives of people under his care.

She burned.

The survivors banded together, and bound us here, unable to escape, or die. For centuries we have lain here, withering, waiting for the one who would free us, and allow us to wreak havoc on those ingrates.

Qubes heart was aflame with rage. He dared hurt his own people?

So, freeing this guy, we happy with this decision, or no? the Chosen One piped up. Sewer Bard turned and glared at the Chosen One, before focusing all his attention on the pharaoh.

I, of all beings, well understand your desire for revenge against those who have wronged you, he said, far too earnestly for Qubes liking. But this is not necessary. I have freed you, body and mind, and you now have a choice to work with us, to join us in overthrowing the Evil Emperor and creating a new world where all are free.

Is that why theyd freed him? Qube had thought it was to get all the facts before making a decision. The facts that were now blindingly obvious and required immediate action.

That is why I cast [The Bards Ballad], Sewer Bard continued, clenching his fists even as his face remained earnest. You are no longer bound by your quest for revenge. Come, join us, and we can transcend the limitations placed upon us by our circumstances!

The Bard held out a hand towards the pharaoh, who regarded him with his perfect, unmovable face.

Psst, the Chosen One said out of the corner of his mouth, not breaking eye contact. What are we doing? Am I allowed to blink? He blinked. Aw man, I blinked. Hold on, give me a second and Ill be good to keep going.

The Chosen One hated choices. He hated having options removed. In almost every Temple, the place tried to manoeuvre him into an either/or decision, which he never took.

Well, itd tried that here, too. It had said that they could choose to either break the seal, or reinforce it. It had even tried to remove their option to reinforce after breaking, by making the runes disappear. And if Qube had learned anything in her study of the Temples, it was that there was always a way to do both things.

Oddly enough, the pharaoh wasnt using this opportunity to leave the tomb and start his plan for world domination. Instead, he was wandering about his room, still holding the flail and golden gem hed tried to offer them earlier.

Definitely Bad Guy had managed to edge his way into the tomb-room, and was studying the various artefacts with interest. In this he was somewhat hindered by Squiggles, who was trying to help him, which mostly consisted of knocking over whatever he was reaching for. Whether this was a series of genuine accidents, or on purpose, Qube wasnt sure.

I dont understand, Sewer Bard was saying to Sexy Screamy Spider Lady. The duo were still standing in the doorway, watching the pharaoh move about. The Hunter looked down at the Bard, and shrugged.

You cant force everyone into doing what you want, she chided. How would that make you any better?

I wasnt trying to force anyone! Sewer Bard angrily rebutted.

Werent you? Sexy Screamy Spider Lady asked in what was, for her, a very neutral tone.

Giving her a haunted look, the Bard lapsed into silence.

Qube, meanwhile, was still trying to think of how to solve the breaking problem.

Chosen One, Qube whispered to her not-childhood-but-still-important friend.

Yes? the Chosen One whispered back.

Do you know anything about the pharaoh? she asked. This wasnt technically her asking him for help; she just needed more information! Normally, Sewer Bard would be her go-to source (outside of a library) but he hadnt seemed to know anything about the pharaoh and also he was having a rough enough time as it was. I need to figure out how to break him, she added, just in case the Hero was wondering why she was asking.

Not that she was trying to sway his answer in a more helpful direction, or anything!

That guy? the Chosen One asked, breaking their staring contest to throw a look of scorn at the pharaoh. Undead, probably heaps of health, ego-maniac, rule the world, yadda, yadda. You guys were saying he controlled the mummies from earlier, right? Qube didnt remember saying anything of the sort but she nodded anyway to encourage him to keep speaking. So probably some kind of mass control. If I had to guess, hes gonna go turn that group of desert people he was talking about into zombies, or mummies or something, and rule over a city of the dead style thing. Which is super annoying, actually, considering we somehow skipped over that whole section.

Yes, it is very annoying that all those innocent people will die, Qube agreed sincerely.

Oh, yeah, no, dont get me wrong, were going to stop him from doing that, the Chosen One hastily added. Or, I suppose, youre going to stop him.

The Chosen One rubbed his chin, a sight that filled Qube with hope.

I dont suppose youve tried hurting him with your healing stuff, have you? he asked.

Qube tilted her head to the side as she considered his question.

What do you mean? she asked.

Oh boy! the Chosen One happily exclaimed. Time to teach you about the undead!