Haunted by an Image (part 4)

Part 4 Abandoned and the Coils of the Serpent

Many days passed, the nights were cold and full of nightmares, the days were lonely and empty. I lay there inside that abandoned house where I had betrayed Myrtis. My wounds had healed somewhat, and I used my skills with the bow to gather food from the many rabbits that abound the surrounding countryside. At night I used those same skills to keep the marauding DarkBeasts at bay that prowled the farmyard area.
No one had come looking for us and I began to wonder why? Surely after our absence for the last few days, at very least a scouting party would be sent out as to enquire to our whereabouts? Unless of course something was wrong! My answer came on the evening of the twelfth day. An answer in the form of a dream.
I had fallen into a deep and unnatural slumber early that evening and in that dream Imothep appeared to me. He told me that Myrtis had somehow escaped her captivity. He was angry, but that anger from what I could gather was not directed at me. He bid me to ride to Khemi in Stygia to see him. There he would provide for me and shelter me from any reprisals from the Fearghals. He reiterated his promise to me about my wife and again told me of the preparations that he had undertaken with his priests to carry out the ritual. He told me he was pleased with me and that father snake would take good care of me now. I no longer needed anything in this world, and my flesh was now his to do with as he pleased. In time I would be educated to serve the Prophet and Set and eventually to give my worthless soul to the great snake. I was told that he would send some of his men to meet with me and they would take me to him. He uttered an incantation and I felt a new warmth and strength in me. Like a flowers first blossom in the morning sun, a new energy filled my body giving me a new found strength and vigor. My wounds healed at an accelerated rate and I got up from deep sleep. I stepped outside into the morning air, taking a deep breath as I did. I could feel the pulse of life itself. The sounds around me so crystal clear, every noise, every movement seemed to be part of me.
I gathered what little belongings I had and made ready my horse for the road ahead. I glanced around at the place where I had lay dying for days and looked once more at the house where I had betrayed my friend. I paused for a few moments and wondered of her faith and how she had come to escape.
All this would be revealed in due course but for now I mounted Sleipnir and rode for Khemi and my new life.
It took me a few days of travel before I finally arrived in Khemi. I made my way to the usual haunt of Imothep and his men which was the purple carp tavern. There I met with some of his men and a priest whom I did not recognize. He knew me however and was expecting my arrival. I was taken to the docks were I boarded a boat bound for a small island off Khemi.
There I would find the Citadel of Imothep. It was both a terrifying and impressive piece of architecture that sent fear into the heart of his subjects and cast doubt in the mind of his enemies. Steep wide steps on the approach to the citadel main gate made me look up as if I was walking into the domain of the gods themselves. Rich Stygian art decorated the outside walls on the approach. Intricately carved figures of snakes and people worshipping snakes adorned the walls with detailed inscriptions in a raised gold leafed filigree. These served to remind people of the power of the priestcraft and the power of Set. Small alcoves were built into the wall at regular intervals and in these alcoves were finely crafted sculptures of snakes. They each had precious stones in their eye sockets and what looked like ivory for their fangs. Beside each snake there was a small metal bowl that contained a dark red liquid that to my eyes seemed like blood. If it was human or animal I could not tell though and I did not stop to check however as I continued to ascend the stairs.
The main citadel itself was a masterpiece of design. It had obviously taken the finest craftsmen in Stygia and possibly beyond to create such an imposing piece. No doubt the priestcraft themselves had also a hand in its design. High towered spires jagged and sleek extended skywards pointing into a purple swirling storm that seemed to rotate around the central spire. This swirling storm was not a natural occurrence and was probably the work of some diabolical experiment going on high in the tower by one of the priests. This was broken abruptly by flashes of lighting and the low and ominous sound of thunder. Elsewhere the sky was its usual cloudless blue with the sun still beating down furiously on the dessert inhabitants below. I continued to the top until I finally found myself in a large open courtyard. There were robed priests everywhere. Some were male and some were female, and as I crossed the yard I could hear them talk of my presence. Some smiled at me as if they knew who I was, others remained quiet as they fixed their eyes upon me and watched my every step as I made my way closer to the main citadel. There I was greeted by a priest who slowly eyed me up and down before speaking. We have been awaiting your arrival brother please follow me to your quarters where you will be given rest and food before the prophet speaks to you. He gestured me to follow him and I made my way around to the far side of the courtyard and down a narrow flight of steps to a building that had two guards posted outside. Please give me your weapons brother, you have no need for them here, Set will take care for you now he said. I handed him over my weapons without fuss and made my way inside. Oh one more thing brother he said with a sly smile developing across his face, please take the opportunity to wash yourself in the bathing pool provided, as you must not see the prophet without first presenting yourself as a clean subject. There is also some more appropriate attire for you to wear before you go before your master so please dispose of those filthy animal skins you are wearing. I just nodded to his request without the slightest hint that I had taken offence to his words. In days before these times I would have killed him where he had stood for his insults.
My quarters were large and spacious in the centre there was a pool of cold deep water with several steps leading into it. Beside it were layers of beautifully cushioned silk pillows and a bed made of the finest cloth. Beyond the pool area there was a table laid out and fit for a king, with bowls of fruit and goblets of wine. There was also some cooked meat which looked like chicken and some bread. Throughout the room candles were burning in silver holders and there was an altar to the serpent god just beyond the bed area.
I was hungry from my travels but first decided to take the opportunity to bathe myself. I undressed and stepped into the pool. I spent some time bathing myself and during those moments my mind wandered to the promises Imothep had made me. He had kept his end of the bargain so far and treated me just like he had promised. After drying myself off I found the servant attire on the back of a chair and put it on. It certainly was nothing like I had used to wear when I lived in Cimmeria. No rough leather or animal fur here. Instead the garments were made of light cloth. The fitted loosely but comfortably on my body. There was a sash to go around my waist and some sandals. Finally there was a headdress that consisted of a one piece cover with holes for the eyes and mouth. This hid my face from view to those around me. I did not put this on that moment however as I still was awaiting word to go and see the prophet. I sat at the table and began to eat and drink the food that had been prepared for me and I spent the next few hours making myself comfortable in my new surrounds.
It was late in the evening as the sun settled on the horizon when there came a timid knock on the door. I arose from my resting position and went to see who was calling. When I opened the door I was surprised to see a sleek but very beautiful Stygian woman in front of me. She carried a golden serving tray on the palms of her hands and on it there was a vile of liquid and two glasses. There was also a small piece of parchment addressed to myself. Read it she said, it is from the prophet! I picked up the letter and began to read the short note. This is what it said…

My child, you have come before me as a willing and capable servant. You have proved to me your value and to Set, and we are both pleased. I am preparing the ritual for you as I have promised but it will take more time as the moon and the stars must be in the right place for me to finish the ritual. This will be a while yet. In the meantime you must prepare yourself and your flesh for this. My servant has brought you some drinks that you must take. Follow her instructions and we will speak soon. Signed Imothep first prophet and high priest of Set.

The woman smiled at me and made her way past me into the room. She gently put the tray on the floor beside the pool and lay down beside it looking at me with a seductive smile. I stood from the door looking at her and her supple features but hesitated when she beckoned me to come closer. I closed the door and made my way to where she lay and sat beside her. I remained quiet as I watched her pour the drinks. Her dark hair flowed over her shoulders and her ebon skin shone like silk in the candlelight. She had the grace and strength of a feline and I felt myself almost overcome by her presence. She raised her eyes to me with a slight smile as she finished pouring and handed me the glass. The liquid inside was like red wine but it tasted bitter as I drank down the first sip. Almost immediately I found myself feeling lightheaded and dizzy, but I trusted in Imothep as if he wanted me dead he could have done it a long time ago. As I continued to drink the liquid I slowly started to lose whatever control I had left over my own senses. Images and noises flashed in my head and the world seemed to rotate. Through it all I could see this Stygian woman smile at me and speak to me, though her words were unclear. A cold sweat developed on me and I felt myself lose consciousness. The last thing I remember was the laugh of the Stygian woman as I collapsed.