Page 173 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
“The other half is mine,” Selene explained, “but she is blocking me from shining on Aur. I descended into this plane to fight the battle here.”
Past the sounds of voices, Zahra heard the snarling ofkeresand the metal clanging of blades. “But there is a battle in Aur as well. Our people are suffering, and we cannot fight Iset head-on. We need your guidance. What can we do to stop this?”
“We have given you all you need,” Selene said. “It is up to you to use it.”
Namir squinted at Zahra. “The Thoth. It bound all underneath the sky, including Zosar—Iset’s vessel—to repeat the day. If we activated the Thoth again, could we trap Iset in this day?”
“All the planes and their inhabitants are affected by the Thoth, yes,” Selene answered, “but her memory would not be reset. The power within the Thoth was meant to bind the memories of the mortal plane first and foremost, and she would easily break its hold. She would remember, and she would do all in her power to destroy Aur and end the spell.”
Namir glanced warily at Zahra. She bit the inside of her cheek, considering the Thoth’s power. “Selene, is there a way we can only bind Iset? If the Thoth was made to bind the memories of those in the mortal plane, it might be possible to only bind her. Then, we may stand a chance at defeating her.”
Selene was silent as she thought. “I can change the Thoth’s nature to only affect Iset and her servants. The focused power may be enough to bind only Iset’s memories to one day. However, my connection to Aur is limited.”
“You have a connection through me,” Zahra said.
“Yes, but it would require you to hold great power, something you are not fit to do as only my servant. There is another matter as well. Though the Thoth would have the power to bind Iset, she could easily escape in her current state. We must weaken her for the Thoth to fully work, which is something I cannot do from here.”
Zahra understood her meaning. “Then take me as your vessel.”
“Zahra!” Namir grabbed her arm. “I refuse. The act could kill you, just as it did my mother.”
“Iset required a blood sacrifice to steal Re’s domain and power,” Selene said, “but I require nothing but a willing servant. She will be changed, yes, but the change will be temporary as long as we defeat Iset.”
Zahra looked at Namir with weary eyes. “It must be done, Namir.”
He gritted his teeth. “But the risk?—”
“Is one we must be willing to take,” Zahra finished. “For our family. Our friends. Our people. If we don’t do this, there is no chance for us.”
Namir let out a shaky sigh. He squeezed her hand. “Then we must do it.”
“There is something else,” Selene said. “Trapping Iset in this day will trap her in the Thoth itself. It will require you both to start the spell, and you and your descendants must bear the marks from it to keep the spell in effect. You must promise to never shirk this burden, or else the mortal plane will be doomed. Is this a vow you are ready to make?”
Zahra and Namir looked at each other. With a shared nod, they spoke. “Yes.”
“Then it shall be done.” Zahra’s sight was filled with light as the being in front of them lowered her hand toward Zahra. “Take my hand and stand, worthy vessel.”
Namir held Zahra’s hand tight as she lifted her other hand to Selene. She was pulled to her feet, and Namir stood behind her.
Selene’s voice came softly. “Rhodopis, my daughter, you are my voice, my eyes, and my hands in this fight against darkness.”
Zahra’s eyes opened back in the village, consumed by moonlight. Namir let go of her hands, leaning back in shock as she lifted the Thoth from the ground. Hersibylmark of the crescent moon grew into that of a full moon. Silver light ran down her hands and into the Thoth. The golden sands glowed bright, and the purple light became lavender from Selene’s touch.
Zahra set the Thoth down, and the mark and light disappeared from her. Namir leaped forward, catching Zahra as she slumped to the side. Selene’s voice came softly in Zahra’s ear. “Only one of you is required to utter the words to begin the spell, but you must wait until Iset is weak. When you are ready to fight Iset, call, and I will come.”
Waaiz stumbled to their side. “What has happened? Are you alright?”
Zahra grunted as she sat up. “I am alright, Waaiz.”
Though there were a few people watching her and Namir, the rest were looking at the trees around them. She followed their gaze, stunned by what she saw. Eagles were in the trees. Her mother was among them. Selene’s servants had returned with her.
She turned to Namir. “We shouldn’t wait any longer.”
Namir nodded, helping Zahra to her feet. He turned to their people. “We must offer others refuge from the beasts here. I know I am asking much of you, but I ask it as not just your Pharaoh King but as your friend—your ally.”
Zahra nodded and added, “I know you are scared, but there are people out there who also need Selene’s protection. As long as you are within the borders of this place, you will be safe, but there will be those seeking refuge. The eagles will guide them here. Welcome them and invite them into your homes.”
“Then we will wait for them to come.” Waaiz looked between Namir and Zahra. “And you two?”
