Lion Head Mesa Aten

Snowfall had made the mesa cold. Winter hung on everything, ready to take hold of the land and claim it. The snows had fallen in great white flakes, peppering the ground until they had banded together to form something stronger. It would not be long before they would rise, and the world would turn white.

Bayek had returned from a patrol on the borders. He felt the bite of the cold on his skin and grimaced. The warmth of the sand was forgotten in Akashingo. The man moved to find the shrine he had made for Amun. The place of worship was a small one, but Bayek could be found there often. It was the best place to clear his mind and remind himself to focus.

The Medjay hurried, unaware if he might draw the attention of the Akashingo natives.

another spearman.
like ahktar, this one had come from a land ramesses knew well. out with his retinue of guards and servants, he spotted the new man rushing back toward the palace. "come here," he called in amusement, hoping to arrest the mazoi's step.
his lapis eyes were a study, unreadable as they flicked over the other's strong frame.
"my queen says you are bayek, of siwa." a peasant, but one with rank upon his people. how had he ended up here upon ramesses' doorstep?

The Pharaoh had summoned him.

Bayek halted in his hurried steps. His worship would have to wait. The man turned his eyes upon the ruler of the mesa. He was a handsome figure with a golden crown and cloak. The lapis of his eyes was intense and unforgiving in its stare. The Medjay understood how he had gathered so many beneath him. He was the picture of royalty.

Yes, Pharaoh, the man dipped his head deeply, nose nearly touching the floor. The queen was kind to accept me as Mazoi. How might I assist you?

bayek was respectful. the delicate nostrils flared. he waved his convoy away with a flick of his tail and fell into step with the muscular tradesman. "siwa is very far from here," ramesses said in his smooth voice. he did not look toward bayek this time but proudly out toward the red land.
his tone invited the other to speak. if the man knew the ways of their people, he would recognize the hint. it was a test within a test, and he adored administering it.

Very far, indeed.

Bayek thought of the warmth of those sands, the hunting of snakes and lizards, rabbits that could dart across the softest granules with ease. He did not recognize a test being administered by the Pharaoh. He saw only that the man did not meet his eye. He gazed out across the territory that was his kingdom. Land was a most prized thing in Siwa.

The man splayed his left paw, claws touching the ground. It was a ritual of gratitude among some. Bayek wondered if the Pharaoh would notice it.

Amun has blessed your lands. Siwa may be far away, but I am grateful to be here. It would remind him of his home enough. His purpose had shed him of homesickness.

"word came such a distance?" this time the man's voice probed like an adder slithering over one's paw.
and it was to this gesture he looked now, and was appeased. the alabaster facade smoothed and he did take in the strong rugged look of the mazoi. next. "do you mean to be medjay here?" khaba was already captain of the guard, and jakoul specialized. bayek must contribute more to achieve the same rank. 
and yet ramesses was pleased. "Amun has blessed us indeed."

Ah, yes. Word of Akashingo has grown. It was never strong in Siwa, but the larger lands carried the word of many travelers. When one speaks of these lands as being blessed by the gods, it does not take long for others to join in.

Bayek wondered if it pleased the man to know that his kingdom was popular gossip among common folk, that travelers had carried word of it to faraway places. Before the Mazoi was allowed to reflect on such things, the Pharaoh asked if he had intention to become Medjay within Akashingo. The earthy man considered the question and then nodded his head once.

If there is a place for one, I will seek it. My skills are ever expanding. Bayek was not so proud that he would not learn, either.

it brought pleasure and suspicion to pharaoh. but he was sated by talk of his kingdom. he hoped it had reached the ears of his treacherous sister.
she who had deposed him. "there is a place. the crown prince makono —" echoes of hatshepsuun! "— will need a constant companion and mentor. when you stay out, set your night-camps beside the serpent river. therefore you will not be so far if akashingo calls."

A companion and mentor to the crown prince of Akashingo. Bayek would have been lying if he said he was not surprised. Such a role seemed too vital to offer to a newcomer. This seemed like a test, or so the earthen-hued man had thought. If he were to deny the Pharaoh, it would seem disrespectful. If he were to accept, it felt too forward, too confident.

I will be happy to assist the young prince in anything. It would be an honor.

The man’s voice was rough but gentle. He did not seem bothered by the instruction to keep his base near the serpent river. Bayek held the instruction in his mind and would obey the blue-eyed ruler. If he showed the man his skill, there was a chance that he could be Medjay again.

The prince- what would you like for him to learn from me? For Bayek had skills in battle, yes. He was also deeply faithful. What did Ramesses want his child to learn from a desert walker?

bayek was humble. ramesses noted this and found he liked the man. princess makono would tame him or turn him away. and he did not like this idea, but nor would he deny the young hawk her proper training. to do so would be unseemly.
"she has done a tour in mereo, with the soldiers. teach her stealth and closer combat. hone her hunting skills. show her how to navigate the stars." and all of this, easy skills for the medjay he expected.

As you wish.

Bayek bowed his head submissively.

The Pharaoh’s commands would be his duty for the months to come. It would give him purpose and keep him reporting to the palace. It suited the Medjay well enough. He was fond of roaming and would appreciate the walks from the lake into the halls.

Before departing, Bayek lifted his gaze to the underside of the man’s chin. He knew better than to meet the ruler’s gaze – such disrespect was unacceptable.

Is there anything else I might do for you, Pharaoh?

pharaoh looked at bayek for a long moment. he wondered to whom the man was loyal: to akashingo and its pharaoh? to the land? or to the crown prince, the young horus waiting to overtake him.
"no. go to your work, medjay." the royal lips curved and then he was turning away, back toward the cooler shadows.

Bayek bowed deeply to the Pharaoh.

There had been no reason to mistrust the man. He ruled over many wolves – their scents heavy upon the hallways and grounds of Akashingo. There was a reason why so many flocked to him, of course. Though he was not sure of it yet, Bayek found some relief in knowing that he was tasked with teaching the child who would become ruler. It would return memories of time spent with his son.

The Medjay turned from the Pharaoh and hurried to the grounds in search of the lake.