The Romans might be the strongest forces on Earth, but with Ptolemy's call to arms, the civilians of Alexandria rose up against the invaders.
The streets became a chaotic battleground, where it was difficult to differentiate between harmless civilians and insurgents. Citizens barricaded themselves in their homes, their fear mingling with a fierce determination to protect their beloved city.
Julian stood in the heart of the Egyptian palace, his gaze sweeping over the aftermath of the conflict seen from its balcony. The once majestic city was now marred by the scars of battle. Smoke wafted through the air, carrying the scent of burning buildings and mingling with the acrid stench of fear and desperation.
Report after report reached Julian's ears as his army relayed the events of the past few days. "Kaesar," a soldier began, stepping forward with caution. "King Ptolemy managed to retreat to the sea. We have dispatched a fast ship to give chase. However, we were able to capture and secure Princess Arsinoe."
Understanding the significance of detaining the Egyptian king, Julian nodded, his expression thoughtful. He knew that if Ptolemy managed to gather hundreds of thousands of supporters from cities all around Africa, it would lead to a long and bloody battle, costing countless lives.It was imperative to prevent such a conflict from escalating.
Just then, Marc Anthony burst through the palace doors. He brought several prisoners, a group of cloaked figures with tattoos adorning their faces—the Medjadi warriors, renowned for their fierce loyalty and unmatched combat skills. They were led by their high priest, Imhotep, who now stood before Julian in chains.
Julian descended the steps, his gaze fixed upon the captives and toward the high priest as he spoke with a mixture of weariness and resolve,
'I have heard about you, I thought you were a wise advisor to the court, why did you set them free? Now the blood of the people in the streets is on your hands."
Imhotep remained steadfast, his voice filled with conviction, "We are willing to fight and die in service to the Pharaoh"
Julian's weariness momentarily lifted as he let out a sigh, his gaze softening. "I was just asking for patience until your Queen returned. Are you not loyal to her?"
The man appeared surprised with the question, not about his loyalty to the queen but the fact that he received a message that the Roman Kaesar was planning to execute the royal families to take revenge for Pompey's death.
"I did not say nor plan such a thing!" Julian angered by the accusation "From whom did the message come from?"
The room fell into a heavy silence, each person holding their breath, waiting for Imhotep's response. But no words escaped his lips, and at this moment Julian suddenly realized something was amiss.
It was as if time itself had frozen, none of the people within the room was able to move, not even Marc, his trusted saint realm warrior.
"Powerful spirit attack! Who..?"
With his spirit reading, Julian could not sense any other powerful individual around until there was a figure materialized in the doorway, a young woman of unparalleled beauty, one Julian has missed the last three years.
Julian's confusion morphed into joy as he called out, "Klea!"
However, his smile was met with an angry gaze and a powerful spirit attack that sent him staggering backward. The force of the attack was enough to make even the mighty Julian lose his footing momentarily.
"Julian! Is that true? You dare to harm my family!? My people!" Klea's voice rang out with fury, her eyes blazing with a mixture of pain and anger.
Despite the attack, Julian remained undeterred. He approached her cautiously, his voice filled with sincerity, "Calm down. It was never my intention, believe me"
Klea, with her heightened spirit reading abilities, sensed the truth in Julian's words. Though not fully convinced, she managed to suppress her anger, releasing her grip on her powers. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart, and looked into Julian's eyes, searching for any hint of deceit.
The room remained in a state of shock at the sudden arrival of Klea.
Marc, the second most powerful person in the room, finally regained his composure, instinctively reaching for his gladius. However, as recognition dawned upon him, he took a step back.
Meanwhile, Imhotep and the other Egyptian captives quickly bowed in reverence, recognizing Klea as their true ruler.
Klea turned her gaze toward Imhotep, and said "tell me the truth!"
She delves deep into his mind to retrieve information from him. The room was enveloped in silence as she extracted what she needed.
"It's true… you received false information," she said.
These words quickly made the high priest bow till his body lay flat on the ground.
Klea's anger had not dissipated entirely; the sight of her people's lifeless bodies scattered on the ground and her precious city in ruins still burned within her.
Sensing Klea's lingering anger, Julian took a step closer, his voice filled with remorse, "I am sorry that this happened. Truly, I am."
However, their conversation was interrupted by a hurried messenger bursting into the hall, his face filled with urgency. "Kaesar, the Egyptian warship crashed into a rock and sank."
Julian's and Klea's faces turned pale, their eyes locked in shared concern. Julian's voice was filled with urgency as he asked, "What about the Pharaoh?"
The messenger's expression said it all. Without a word, Klea dashed out of the halls, she soared into the darkened sky, heading toward the sea.
Utilizing her mastery of wind and water elements, Klea managed to calm the stormy seas within minutes. Yet, it still wasn't swift enough to search the vast depths where the warship had met its watery grave.
With a heavy heart, Klea eventually located her brother's lifeless body, his form weighed down by the heavy king's armor.
Though Klea had never truly connected with her little brother, he was family—a person who had grown up by her side.
As the storm raged once again, rain mingled with tears as it cascaded down upon the burning city of Alexandria washing the blood staining its streets.
With the arrival of their loved queen and god, the people of Alexandria quickly pacified. A grand memorial was held to mourn the death of their young Pharaoh. During those days of mourning, the two did not speak, other than the unfortunate incidents, it seemed there was something else holding them back.
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