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Thick red husks piled on the fertile soil of a small garden. Imsety had gathered them and spread them evenly across the soil. Carrying a large cup, Qebehsenuef waddled from the oasis to the garden, water spilling with every clumsy step, reducing the amount to half when he reached his destination. With a proud smile, the baby poured the contents on top of the pomegranate husks and earth.
A good harvest required good soil.
“Good!” Imsety patted his brother’s head.
Qebehsenuef beamed, flashing his new teeth at Imsety.
Hands reached over and offered the children more husks. “I said I could handle it.”
“You too big,” said Imsety. “Go sleepy-bye.”
“Biiiiig!” repeated Qebehsenuef, opening his arms wide to emphasize the size.
Seth pouted at his youngest. The child was growing too rapidly, and too smart for his age. Imsety was certainly intelligent with his thought process being advanced for his size - though that could have been due to his initial slow growth. But Qebehsenuef held a twinkle in his eye, a sharpness Seth couldn’t put a finger on. Vocal and impatient like himself, yet an underlying awareness and shrewdness that scared him sometimes. Seth prayed for his wild child to never use his intellect for misdeeds or destruction.
“I refuse to believe I am being insulted by a nine-month old.”
Qebehsenuef stuck out his tongue and giggled. He got up from the ground and patted Seth’s thigh, walking back to the oasis with the cup in hand.
“Isis, if I ever did this to you, I get it now.”
Imsety’s eyes sparkled. “Gramma?”
“Ah, oh…” He looked away from his hopeful son. What an awkward situation. Of course Isis would never be terrible to children, no less one from her own son. She was kind and sweet to the human children they met when they used to rule Kemet together in harmony. If anything, Imsety would become her joy, the sun and the moon, and by the toddler’s reaction, he indeed meant the world to her.
It was no different from Anubis.
Anubis was Seth’s love and joy, and stole the hearts of everyone in the palace, especially Isis. Her eyes shimmered with adoration and love when she held Anubis in her arms. She read him stories and played games. If Anubis interrupted her, she never grew upset or impatient and listened to his requests. When Seth gifted Anubis the charmed, blunt sword, it was Isis who had scolded him for giving his son a dangerous weapon. A sharp and abundant maternal instinct that never got the opportunity for her own.
Osiris never gave her a child, even when she looked back at Anubis with cast down eyes full of longing and sorrow, hoping and wishing for the day she would nurse a baby of her own. Her farewell hug to Anubis was longer than to any guest or her sibling. She pressed her lips into Anubis’ temple and adjusted his ribbon, fingers slipping through the child’s hair, lingering with hope.
In the end, Anubis returned to Seth and Nephthys’ home. The farewell hugs were simply goodbyes. Isis had to say goodbye.
If only he could see Anubis once again.
A swift kick to the ribs broke him from his melancholic thoughts. With a grimace and gritted teeth, Seth pushed down on his bump and bit his tongue to stop himself from cursing the angry baby inside.
What the hell was that for?
“Okie?” asked Imsety, patting Seth.
Qebehsenuef returned from the oasis back to the garden with the half-full cup.
“Ah, your brother or sister is fussing.” Seth scrunched his face together. “I think they’re mad.”
“Top being mad baby,” scolded Imsety. He placed a small hand onto Seth’s belly and rubbed. “Mut trying.”
“Don’t worry, Imsety. They already stopped.”
“Good.” Imsety frowned at the baby inside. “Baby jelly.”
“Jelly?”
“Vewy jelly. I spank.”
“No spanking the baby!” Seth rubbed his temples. “Argh, I hope Isis didn’t teach you anything weird.”
“Gramma? Gramma go? I go Gramma?”
The sparkle in Imsety’s eyes hurt. Seth patted his son’s head. “Soon enough.”
Imsety jumped in delight, clapping his hands and hugging Seth’s thigh. “Qebeh come?”
“No, he’s going with Serket.” Seth viewed said child cheerfully waddling back into the house after tripping into mud. “One day he’ll go with you to meet Isis.”
Frowning, Imsety let go of his mother’s thigh and plopped himself onto the ground.
“Imsety, it’s just until I return.”
“I go, Mut go.”
Seth lifted Imsety and swung him around, eliciting giggles from his son. “I’m going to a very scary place full of hairy people. I don’t think you want to go.”
“Ew!”
“Exactly!” He pressed his forehead against Imsety’s, noses touching. His shining blue eyes were just as brilliant as his father’s. “Go with Grandma and when I come back, you’ll have a brand new sibling waiting.”
Imsety cupped Seth’s face and kissed him on the lips. “Love Mut.”
“I love you too.”
Qebehsenuef emerged from the home cleaned up and wearing a new diaper.
A familiar scent hit Seth’s nose. “Wait, how did you-”
“Da!” Qebehsenuef called out, pointing into the sky.
The silhouette of wings and a body hovered in front of the sun, creating a large shadow over the family. Gentle winds refreshed and greeted, picking up the smallest child and guiding him into the arms of his father.
“Hello, my burning sun. Did you behave today?”
Qebehsenuef kissed Horus on the cheek. “No.”
“At least you are honest.” Horus chuckled. “Husband, I’m home.”
“Yeah, yeah dynamic entry and all,” Seth replied, rolling his eyes. Back throbbing, he put Imsety down and urged him to greet his father. “Took you long enough.”
Horus cuddled into Qebehsenuef’s face. “I had to make sure no one else saw me.”
“You sure about that? Because I smell someone on Qebehsenuef.”
“Serket hasn’t arrived yet? She should be here soon.”
Seth took Qebehsenuef from Horus and sniffed his belly. Qebehsenuef laughed. “No, it’s not her. Go check inside the house.”
Horus investigated the home and returned without any success. “I didn’t see anyone.”
“Did you check the pillows and blankets?”
“Of course I would check, Husband.”
“I know I smelled something! Someone was in my house and touched Qebehsenuef! You’re not leaving until I know who!”
“I never said you were lying. No one else has a better sense of smell than you.”
“I check,” announced Imsety.
“No Imsety, you’re not checking.” Seth smelled Qebehsenuef again. “It’s a goddess. I just don’t know who.”
Imsety disobeyed and ran into the home. Who was going to stop him? His round mother?
Seth didn’t bother to reach out to Imsety, handing Qebehsenuef to Horus. “Never knock me up after this one.”
“Last week you begged to get breed you agai-”
Thousands of daggers covered in poison and flames were shot through Seth’s eyes. “You’re lucky you’re holding our son or you’d be dead!”
Qebehsenuef remained indifferent to the idea of his father being killed and played with the golden tassels on Horus’ headdress. Mommy was so silly around Daddy. Life was made simpler when he admitted his love for Daddy.
“I’ll make sure to make up for it, Husband!”
“You’d damn better.”
Horus leaned in and kissed Seth’s cheek. “I missed you.”
All it took was a gentle kiss and sweet words for Seth to quell his angered state and relax against his husband’s touch. The man had a way to sway him in either direction, usually in the positive direction, but Seth wasn’t going to tell him that. After that embarrassing display in Ur calling out Horus’ name, begging, moaning, and declaring his love for him, he’d rather have Horus second-guess himself.
And it’s fun to ruffle his feathers.
“You always say that,” Seth answered. “...I missed you too.”
Horus kissed him again then received the cutest, most infuriated pout from Qebehsenuef, who demanded a kiss too.
“I’m sorry Qebehsenuef! I didn’t forget you!” Horus rewarded his youngest with a kiss on a reddened cheek. “Better?”
“No…” said Qebehsenuef, staring into the distance and noticed a figure of a woman with a scorpion on her head. Sighing, he cuddled under his father’s chin and wilted. He was going to miss his family dearly; a few moments he had were better than none at all. His eyes wandered onto his mother’s stomach and wanted the whiny baby born now.
“What is it?” asked Horus.
Qebehsenuef remained quiet and defeated.
Seth noticed the woman and sulked. “I see.”
“Is all well?” asked Serket, the scorpion goddess.
The baby looked at his guardian goddess and deflated further. “Saaa.”
“Don’t be so sad, my prince,” said the goddess. “It’ll only be for a short while.”
Qebehsenuef resisted the temptation to cry and make an ordeal out of the inevitable. The last time he cried, he embarrassed himself in front of a powerful god and made a fish sad. He knew his family would reunite but it didn’t mean he had to like the separation period. For his mother, he’d put on a brave face. He witnessed Mommy’s tears when they had to leave with their goddesses, and he witnessed them on moonless nights when Mommy wandered outside to think and weep about a man named Anubis. If he could keep his sadness together, his mother’s burden would lessen.
He kissed his father and reached for his mother’s face, squishing his lips together in a goofy fashion. “Lub.”
“I love you too,” answered Seth through his scrunched mouth.
Qebehsenuef nuzzled into Seth’s face and kissed his mother goodbye. That new baby better not make things difficult! He turned to Serket and held out his arms, giving her the honor and privilege to carry him. “Saa!”
“You have got to be the most demanding child I have ever met,” she said, taking Qebehsenuef from Horus’ arms. Her eyes gave a knowing look to Seth. “I wonder where he got it from.”
“Shut up before I sick Imsety on you.”
Imsety walked out of the home with a loaf of bread in his hands.
“Wait, where did you get that bread? Horus, go check the house.”
Serket stepped back.
“Quit being dramatic; he’s not going to do anything to you.” Seth patted Imsety, attempting to pry the loaf from his hands.
“I almost died, Seth.”
“No!” Imsety bit into the bread, stuffing his cheeks with as much food as possible. “Mine!”
“Imsety where did you get that bread? -Serket, I don’t care, you’re alive so what? - I haven’t made any bread yet!”
“My nummies!” Hugging the bread, Imsety turned his body away from Seth. It was his!
“Tell me who gave it to you!”
“Husband,” said Horus from the house, “I don’t see anyone, just a plate with bread.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Seth was ready to pull his hair out. “No one is leaving until I know who’s in my house!”
Qebehsenuef clapped with joy.
Leaning toward Qebehsenuef, Seth pushed his finger into his son’s forehead. “Confess.”
“Gebeg,” answered Imsety, mouth stuffed with bread.
“Chew your food.”
Imsety swallowed. “Qebeh.”
Qebehsenuef rolled his eyes and pointed to his mouth. “Ba mooou!”
“Try! Mut mad! Who there?”
The baby fumed, the urge to kick, scream, and pull on everyone’s hair rising the more his mother and brother put him on the spot. Understanding speech had been no problem for him, but his physical age prevented him from speaking freely. They knew this! They all knew this! And yet they chose to expect a coherent explanation. All this unfair harassment - none of this would have happened if they were born already! That little sibling had better make it up to him. He was too cute for this!
Serket smelled Qebehsenuef’s head and got pushed away by the falcon child. He was in no mood to be told to control his toxins.
“Maybe it’s better that I take Qebehsenuef with me before he loses his temper,” said Serket.
Horus came to Seth’s side and placed a calm hand on his husband’s shoulder. “How about we let Serket take Qebehsenuef, and Imsety and I can stay until we find the person?”
Seth leaned into Horus' touch. “That’s going to make Qebehsenuef never forgive you. Do you really want that?” He pointed to a bright red baby.
“Ah, good point.”
Qebehsenuef glared at Horus. He would never forgive his father if they didn’t leave at the same time. Equal time with Mommy or nothing at all.
Seth kissed his wily child on the forehead. “Be good. I’ll be back in two or three days.”
Qebehsenuef nodded. He could handle that. His father kissed his head too, which he accepted as long as Imsety left at the same time as him.
A familiar scent caught Seth’s nose. His eyes lit with realization. It couldn’t be…
“What do you suggest, Husband?”
“Just go. I got it figured out.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah, don’t worry.” He patted Imsety’s head. “Nothing bad will happen to me.”
Horus gave Seth an incredulous look.
“I swear! Hey don’t look at me like that!”
The family said their goodbyes to one another. Horus kissed Seth’s hands and touched his stomach, promising to return after dropping Imsety with Isis. They kissed on the lips, excitement for their new child to come and a tinge of worry for the stranger in the oasis. Seth bid his children a final farewell, arms waving until they disappeared into the distance.
Wiping a ridiculous tear from his eye, Seth steeled himself to confront the entity. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. The scent of dry sand and wet soil hit his nose. Too broad. Eyebrows furrowed, nostrils flared, he concentrated on the aromas around him. A hint of cinnamon, a dash of myrrh… lilies?
Eyes flying open, he whispered, “Susinum.”
“I had wondered how long it would take you to notice.”
Seth turned and spotted a woman leaning against a palm tree. She was tall with dark green hair and lilac skin, wearing a bronze dress and a sheer cape that wrapped around her arms and shoulders. On her headband was a green oval with arrows outlining the sides. No other Kemetic goddess outside the Ennead was as bold as Neith.
“The cinnamon gave it away.” He rubbed his nose and leered. “Were you the one who cleaned up Qebehsenuef and brought the bread?”
“The bread was a gift I brought, and your son let me attend to him and appeared to try and have a conversation with me. Very charming child. Hmm… he resembles Horus, and yet he reminds me so much of you. I like him.”
“Cut the crap.” Her sudden appearance after all these years was beyond suspicious. “So who was it?”
Neith closed her eyes and opened them slowly, eyes blank and knowing.
“Isis!?”
“She wanted to know where her son was going, so she appointed me as the god of war.”
“A ruthless warrior and the second best hunter, of course she’d try to suck up to you.”
“Second best,” she scoffed. “Can you blame her? With King Horus as a demigod and you and your other siblings no longer at her side, Isis is left vulnerable to the other gods who despise her.”
“How long?”
“Roughly a month.”
“...Did you tell her?”
“I have no intent to disclose this information to Isis. She told me to follow Horus and tell her where he’s been going. As for my answer, all I need to say is that he’s gone out for some tranquility in an oasis.”
“She won’t accept that lazy answer.”
“Then she should’ve thought of a better order before promoting me.” Neith smirked. “And I’m not one to meddle in a love affair.”
“Who said it’s an affair!?”
Neith laughed, walking toward Seth. “You must really care for him.”
Heat traveled to his ears. How much did she find out? Wait- did she see him when he was having his way with Horus, his legs spread, arms pushing into that boulder, screaming and moaning how he wanted to get impregnated again!? That woman-
“The children, Seth,” deadpanned Neith. “You having his children is proof.”
Right. Naturally that would be the best proof, wouldn’t it? Seth shook off his paranoia and brushed her off, heading back to his home.
“Do you need assistance with your next child?” She followed him.
Seth sat on a chair, legs wide open and uncaring how large and unattractive he looked. “No. Yes. Actually, no, yes. Fine, I do. But I don’t need your help. I can manage.”
“Can you?” Neith poured cooled water from a barrel into a cup and handed it to Seth. After he downed the entire drink, she poured more and she sat beside him.
“I walked all the way from Hellas to Assyria for my first one.”
“By yourself?”
“Yes, by myself!”
“No Horus?”
“I didn’t need him. Besides, he needed to run things and I barely conceived. I was fine and Ishtar owed me.”
“What about the other?”
“Same situation, except I went to Canaan.”
Neith scowled.
“What? Don’t give me that look! Horus came later! It’s fine!”
“But now you are ready to birth and still in Kemet. Where do you intend to go in this state?”
“I don’t know how to explain it,” said Seth, placing a hand over his abdomen. “But this child wants to be born beneath the ground.”
“What an odd child. Shall I assist you in finding a cave?”
“Not here. They want to be born outside of Kemet.”
Neith arched an eyebrow. “This is rather…”
“Don’t ask. I just know.” Seth sighed. “Believe me, I just wanted to get this over with. I wanted this one to be born in Kemet or have Asherah help, but they seem to have other plans.”
“Asherah from Canaan? I didn’t think she’d favor anyone.”
“She likes me well enough.”
“How fortunate,” she said plainly. “If not Kemet or Canaan, where do you need to go to deliver this child? I hope not Assyria; it’s too far.”
Seth melted into his chair. “... Ugh…”
“Yes?”
“I have a sneaking suspicion it’s Hellas.”
“You mean the land of that bearded scoundrel? That is way too far! Is that child daft?”
“Hey, don’t make fun of my kid!” He buried his face into his hands. “I think they want to be among the dead. Again, don’t ask me how or why I know this.”
“Among the dead…” Neith tapped her chin and chewed her inner bottom lip in thought. A child of Seth attempting to mimic… “This child of yours seems jealous.”
“Don’t even joke about that!”
“I’m not joking.”
Seth jumped from his chair, desperately squeezing Neith’s shoulders. “You don’t understand! I don’t need a jealous child! I already have enough to deal with Qebehsenuef!”
Shrugging the hands off her, Neith shook her head in pity. “Remember me when your baby refuses to detach themself from you.”
“Neith!”
“Seth, I’m also a mother goddess.”
“You’re also not infallible!” He pointed a finger at her blank face. “Your mother skills are probably no different than a human’s! Nothing but assumptions and going by tradition! You’re wrong and nothing’s going to change it!”
“Goddess,” she replied, unblinking and eyes boring into Seth’s abdomen.
“Whatever.” Seth sat, sight wandering to any place that wasn’t Neith. After all the centuries of his reign and the temples he ruined, why would Neith be civil? She was in the trial and saw his pathetic display. Not to mention being hired by Isis to follow Horus. There was no way she’d lie to Isis!
Right?
“I mean you no harm.” Her hands were folded on her lap, head tilted and eyes soft.
“You were screaming your distaste for me during the trial.”
She sighed wistfully. “I was in complete shock, Seth. Imagine how I felt to discover an old friend was the reason why the Duat river ran dry. I am a psychopomp after all - I was bound to notice the lack of souls at some point.”
Seth remained silent.
“And while it does hurt to know said friend ruined several of my temples and attacked the women of my city, I do know that Maat punishes justly and that you will do everything in your power to fix this.”
“Do you truly believe that?”
Neith smiled. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t, Isis or not. The flow has been improving and souls have begun to be reborn.”
All was not for naught. The pain, sweat, blood, and tears he endured were beginning to reflect outside of the heavy burden he held on his wrist. Their anger quelled, the vengeful souls were being put to rest, journeying back to the river of life. More humans meant the scales of Maat were returning to balance. The sand lessened as Seth brought the souls to peace, and he accepted his shrunken domain. If he was a god worthy of worship, he didn’t need to slaughter needlessly and bolster the desert with the souls he damned.
He’d prove himself to everyone.
A gentle hand touched his knee.
“Tell me what I can do to help you.”
Neith’s terse personality wasn’t welcomed by other gods; Seth’s brash and brazen nature proved unpopular to the reclusive deities. And yet they stood by one another’s side, sharing their passion for hunting and fighting - two warriors venturing into different lands and conquering enemies of Kemet. And though their characters clashed, they held a mutual understanding and became friends. Until one day, Seth’s world came to a halt.
Their centuries of congeniality ended the moment Osiris betrayed him. Whatever warmth or camaraderie they once had, disappeared at an instant.
“You guide the souls, does this mean you’ve seen Anu-”
Another intense pain burned from his spine down his leg. Seth squeezed his eyes, rubbing the spot where his child struck him. His first two were nothing like this one at all.
Neith took his other hand and massaged it. “That bad?”
“Neith,” said Seth, blowing out the breath he held. “I need you to get me to Hellas as soon as possible. You are wepwawet - the opener of ways - you of all gods can take me to another world through your magic.”
“I’m… uncertain.”
“What does that mean?”
“It is a risk to enter foreign lands without a god’s permission.”
Seth snatched his hands away from her grasp. “That never stopped us from leading calvaries into enemy soil.”
“We are not at war. Our current circumstances are different.”
“Then leave!” He pointed to the door. “This kid refuses to go anywhere except Hellas! And by the way, you’re a lousy opener of ways!”
Neith frowned. “I don’t think you quite understand how my abilities work.”
“Then explain, o sacred opener of ways!”
Fists bunched the fabric of her skirt as sucked in her lips with a loud pop. “If you weren’t pregnant…”
“Well I am, and I’m tired of it. Get this baby out or just go tell Isis. I don’t care anymore.”
“How does he put up with you?” she asked herself, turning her head to look around the humble abode.
“Hey-”
“Shut up, Seth.”
“What did you-”
“Shut. Up.” Silver light glowed from her eyes.
Seth stayed quiet, too stunned to speak.
Standing, Neith explored the home and examined a sword. “I see you have a Phoenician sword. Astarte, no? … Do you have anything here from Hellas?”
Shaking his head from his stupor, Seth replied with a smart, “Uhh…”
“Maybe from Hattusa? It’s closer to your destination.”
“I have wine gifted to me by a god in Hellas.” He pointed to a black amphora with orange figures depicting an epic battle near the hearth. “He told me I was welcome any time.”
“...Was it that scoundrel?”
“No, not him, but I think they may be related.”
Neith made a disgusted face.
“They’re nothing alike! And he’s not that bad, come on. Annoying, but could be worse.”
“If you say so…” Neith gathered the vase, swishing it gently before taking a delicate sip. “It’s excellent wine. I’m surprised it hasn’t turned yet.”
“Aidoneus said it’s special because he made it. I guess wine blessed by a god means it’s good forever.”
She took another sip. “Indeed. I believe I can take you to Hellas now.”
The child fluttered with excitement. Seth couldn’t help but smile and stood up from his seat.
“Good. Now take us to Hellas.”
Neith and Seth walked a kilometer from the oasis home. Seth wore a tunic and face veil to conceal himself.
“Why are you always so dramatic about opening ways? You can easily just do it in my home.”
“Some places have a stronger aura. If it’s too weak and we pass through, then I cannot guarantee you live through the error.”
“How the hell did you do it before then? We were fine a long time ago.”
Neith paused, patting the ground with her foot. “War’s different - we had permission from Osiris to invade, and the law of the land allowed it. Since only you have permission to go, I have to find a way that will help me. It’s either this or sail for a month.”
Seth shivered. No boats. And no more delays.
She flicked her finger in the air, then turned the opposite direction and repeated the action. A metallic clink rung. Finding a good spot, Neith led Seth away from the area. The emerald shield on Neith’s diadem glowed. A beam of light blasted into the horizon, tearing into the scenery like ripped fabric. Wisps of darkness billowed out from the shorn portal, disintegrating from the sun’s powerful light. Neith touched the torn seams and peeked into the dark abyss.
“It worked,” she said, offering a hand to Seth. “The wine helped.”
“This will take us to Hellas?”
She nodded. “If I may, would you give me the permission to be their guardian?”
Seth took her hand and entered the portal.
“It feels odd being in another nation without permission,” said Neith, fingers twitching to reach for her bow and shield diadem. Every time her hand neared, she snapped it back to her side. A foreign god holding weapons would spell disaster if they encountered a native deity.
“So much for a god of war,” Seth sneered.
“That’s precisely why. Unlike you, I can’t make friends with the likes of Anat or Astarte. Gods of war are untrusting and analytical by nature. The sheer fact they consider you so much is odd in and of itself. If you ask me, I’d have thought you a god of the foreigners.”
Seth cringed. “What kind of godship is that? That’s so stupid.”
“Don’t be upset if I make you speak to Hellas’ god of war then. Many don’t like my tone.”
“Yeah, yeah I’ll handle it. If they’re anything like Nergal, they’ll leave me alone seeing my current state.”
“Let’s hope they’re as dim-witted.”
“Oh, shut up!”
Neith covered her smile with her hand. “For what it’s worth, I think you look beautiful.”
“Who’s beautiful!?”
She patted his shoulder, walking toward the mainland. “Let’s hurry along, Seth. You may not feel it as a demigod, but I can sense that I am not welcomed in these lands.”
“By the way…” he said, looking at a mountain covered in clouds on the horizon. He should have asked sooner, yet the time didn’t feel right. She intruded his home and he had to know why. Now that they were far from Kemet and from prying eyes and ears, it was safe to ask. “You mentioned you could see the changes with the souls.”
“I did.”
“Then as one who guides souls, does this mean you’ve seen Anubis?”
“I’ve met him a few times.”
Seth frowned. “And you never said anything?”
“I have no obligation to tell anyone anything. I am doing my godly role and no one else has the power over me. Besides-”
“Anubis is my son and the son of the Ennead!” He snatched her forearm, sharp nails digging to the point of rupturing her skin. “They have the right to know what happened to him!”
His unborn infant punched his spine. Seth let go of Neith, bending backwards to stop the pain. His hand sought purchase over his back, pressing and massaging to ease the muscles and baby.
Neith reached for Seth and rubbed circles along his back. She whispered soothing sounds, hands making way to the swollen belly. The baby seemed upset - whether for Seth or for what Seth said, she wasn’t sure. Initially the baby appeared mad and jealous, but then changed with Seth’s grimacing and pained cries. Neith tutted the child, turning to Seth. “Take deep breaths. Your baby is very sorry.”
“Every time,” he said through gritted teeth. “Every time I say his name or think about him too much, I get kicked.”
The baby fluttered nervously.
“Don’t think I didn’t notice!”
“Seth, he said he’s sorry.” Holding onto his arm, Neith led him to a smooth boulder and eased him down. With her magic, she created a leather pouch with water and offered it to Seth.
“He?” Seth removed his veil, yet refused the drink. “It’s a boy?”
“Yes, and apparently he’s apologetic for hurting you. I told you he was jealous.” Twirling her wrist, the pouch disappeared. “He adores his mother.”
Seth groaned at his luck. No more children after this one. If this child turned out to be wilder than Qebehsenuef, he had no idea what to do. Was this a part of Isis’ curse? Was he doomed to have savage children? At least Imsety had his calm moments, maybe he could help- No!
I must be desperate to think of consulting a toddler for infant-rearing. What the hell?
“Are you feeling better?”
The baby’s movements calmed.
“Yes. Let’s just finish this so I can take this kid home.”
As the two journeyed farther from the shore, Neith said, “I was going to tell you earlier that I barely found out the jackal-headed god was Anubis. We may have seen one another for our duties, but it wasn’t for idle chatter.”
“Hmm… I see. That makes no sense at all.”
“Things are run differently with the dead, and with the poor state of the river gone dry, the sooner I guide souls to Duat, the better.”
“Right…” It was his fault after all.
“Seth? How are we supposed to get you to the ‘Underworld?’ I don’t have jurisdiction over these lands. I fear I may incur the wrath of a local god if I try.”
“I thought you could do that!”
“The rules of balance exist for a reason, Seth. If I were to attempt something, it could go bad and it will be me who suffers the consequences. The only thing I can do is tear a portal to return home.”
Seth sighed, standing from the rock. “Then let’s go find the entrance to Hades. I remember where it was.”
I think.
But he would never tell that to Neith.
They traveled toward a road and followed its path to the east. They encountered an empty vineyard. Not a human to be found. Plump grapes enticed passerbyers for a taste, yet none dared. Neith’s body tensed, fingers anticipating an attack from a god at a moment’s notice. She could handle herself against any foe yet with Seth present-
Seth tapped her arm. “Calm down.”
“It’s not me I’m worried about.” Neith snapped her arm in front of Seth. “Do you hear that?”
“No?”
“It’s coming closer.”
Seth closed his eyes to concentrate. A soft whistle echoed from the vineyard. “I hear it.”
A tall, pale man sprung from the vines, whistling and singing. He danced and twirled a strange baton, throwing it up in the air, leaping and catching it with victorious cry. He threw a triumphant fist in the air and tried it again, each time launching the wand farther and farther from the ground, and each time jumping higher to catch it.
He laughed and whistled, securing his wand on his belt - a long stick with a pine cone at the end fastened by ivy and ribbon. He plucked a handful of grapes from the vineyard. Sweet juice burst from the grape, coating his trim beard with the substance. The man wiped himself clean and continued eating as if nothing happened.
Though carefree and pleasant, the man’s garnet eyes contained a profound madness. Stare for too long, and one would become intoxicated, falling into the depths of lunacy.
The man glanced at the travelers and grinned.
“I never thought I’d see you like this!” The young man adjusted the fresh laurels on his head. “It’s been years, Seth!”
Seth looked at Neith, then back at the strange man. “Do I know you?”
“Shall I stab him for you?” asked Neith, reaching for her diadem.
“I wouldn’t mind death from a beautiful goddess. Or anyone, for that matter.” He laughed and winked at the two foreign gods. “Slaughter me and I shall return right back from the earth.”
Incredulous, Seth smelled the air. Susinum from Neith, and sea salt from the ocean nearby. A sharp smell of grape leaves and wine flooded his nose. He had never smelled a god with that scent before - how could the god claim to know him? Closing his eyes, Seth took a deep breath. Asphodel and a hint of pomegranate.
He opened them, eyes fixated on the simple clothes the stranger wore. His white chiton hung lazily over his shoulder tied by leopard’s skin that draped over his left hip. There was nothing out of the ordinary with what he wore and yet…
“Aidoneus?”
“Up here I’m called Dionysus.” The stranger placed a finger over his lips and grinned. “I’ve ascended from Hades to run an errand. How can I be of assistance to you?”
“Open the way to your underworld,” said Neith.
Dionysus jerked his head back in disbelief.
“And give me permission to be in these lands until Seth and his child are ready to leave.”
The god raised his eyebrows. “You’re quite a bold goddess. I recall asking Seth what he needed.”
“And that is what I am telling you. You can open the way to the underworld, can you not? Seth says his baby needs to be underground in Hellas, and you’re the man who welcomed Seth with your wine.”
“I can speak for myself!” pouted Seth.
“You must be an opener of ways to see through me.” Dionysus leaned in, twirling his wand near Neith’s stoic face. “I’ll give you permission to stay in Hellas, but you must give me something in return.”
Neith crossed her arms. “Name it.”
Dionysus pointed his thyrsus to dark clouds. “I desire an amphora with rainbows. A large one, not a scant amount.” He produced a glass amphora with red wine from thin air with his other hand.
“As long as no harm comes to Seth, then it is a deal.”
“I have no intention to spread my madness onto him. I’m what you’d say… an entirely different person in Hades.”
She leered, fingers depressing deep into her skin. “See to it. I will fulfill my promise as soon as I see him descend.”
“Quit ignoring me!”
“Your name?”
“Neith.”
“You two-!”
“Neith, goddess of Kemet, I, Dionysus, give you permission to be in Hellas until Seth reemerges from Hades with his child. In that time, you must give me an amphora filled to the brim with rainbows.”
“If I fail?”
“Are you going to fail?”
“Certainly not,” she scoffed.
“Welcome to Hellas. Enjoy the wine, love.” He winked, turning towards the forest and twirling his thyrsus wand. It grew several cubits longer, and struck the wand to the ground with a resonating boom. The ground shook in front of Dionysus, the earth cracking and stretching open. The pine cone peeled itself one layer at a time, each scale falling to the ground. Its bloom revealed a bident.
Dionysus extended his hand to Seth. “Hades awaits.”
“Remember the deal,” said Neith. “If he is hurt, our king will declare war.”
“I’ve had the pleasure of meeting your king. A fine man. No harm shall come to Seth.”
Seth looked at Neith then Dionysus’ hand. He had hoped for Neith to assist him with his child, but Aidoneus had other ideas. A gentle flutter in his core encouraged him to continue his journey. His son was waiting to meet him.
And Seth wanted to meet him too.
The earth closed itself behind the two beings as they trekked towards the gates of Hades. Dionysus talked about nothing in particular, not expecting any reply from Seth. Pulling Seth away from a gathered soul, he sang a hymn to keep the shade at bay. As they approached the gates, Dionysus’ softer, jovial voice grew solemn and deep. Kerberos loomed over them, each head growling and baring their fangs.
Unshaken, Dionysus held up his arm to the right head. The dog's head lunged toward the god. Seth flinched and turned to run away. His escape was halted by a powerful hand gripping tight on his wrist. Eyes hardened and fixed on the enormous beast, Dionysus didn’t look to see Seth’s panic. The right head paused a fingerbreadth away from Dionysus’ hand. The wet nose sniffed and pressed itself into the open palm. The other heads relaxed and panted happily.
“Good boy. I’m home.”
Kerberos allowed their master and guest to walk through the gates.
From the moment Dionysus stepped beyond the gate, he became a different man. The white chiton grew longer and transformed into a tyrian color. Brushing his fingers over his unruly hair, the curls became obedient and loosened its knots into a tidy style. Green laurels shriveled and blossomed into shimmering gold leaves. He unfastened the leopard skin and tied it around his waist underneath his chiton. A golden girdle was produced from thin air to replace the pelt. His garnet eyes glowed, commanding flames of magic to illuminate their path.
Dionysus had wholly become Aidoneus.
Seth glanced at the god’s eyes.
The madness never disappeared.
I guess I never paid attention to that.
Aidoneus invited Seth to his palace and helped him sit on a cushioned chair. Snapping his fingers, a servant came and presented the Lord of the Dead a tray of shining metals, jewels, and dyed fabric.
“As ruler of the Underworld, I am responsible for the earth and all who dwell beneath. However, I am also entitled to all its riches.” He picked out small bricks of gold and placed them inside a fine leather bag. “This gold shall be for the child you conceived in my realm.”
Seth accepted the bag. “You don’t need to do this.”
“You are my honored guest, Seth.” Aidoneus chose a golden chalice adored with ruby, sapphire, and emeralds and placed it in another bag. “For the child who brings madness and death with a touch.”
“He’s a work in progress,” he mumbled.
Aideoneus laughed, handing Seth a neatly folded tyrian-colored fabric. “This one is for the one that shall be born in my realm.”
Seth pressed the fabric against his lower abdomen. “Aidoneus… have you met my other son? Anubis from Duat?”
The god shook his head. “I’m afraid I do not have much contact with Duat. Its lord keeps it tightly sealed. The only time I knew of its existence was when you and your husband came through. The breech you made became sealed rather fast, not just by my side. Duat or some sort of force didn’t want either side to interfere with one another.”
A dark goddess wearing a red chiton made herself known to the men. She was elegant and confident, proud steps commanding respect among those in Hades. She curled a lock of jet-black hair away from the various ivory horns protruding from her skull, and bowed her head to Aidoneus then to Seth.
“I am Hecate, goddess of witchcraft.”
Seth arched an eyebrow at Aidoneus. “Why’s she here?”
“I’m surprised you thought I’d be able to assist you with bringing in a precious life,” he said with a humored smile. “In this realm, I only deal with the dead and all that pertains to Hades. The honor belongs to Hecate.”
“Your child is eager,” said Hecate. “I shall assist you.”
Hecate guided Seth around the palace, weaving around the various corridors until she reached its back exit and entered an expansive garden. Or it seemed to be a garden of sorts. There were no fruits or foliage, save a few pomegranate trees and dulled green grass made wondrous with the glow of light reflecting from the dew. Asphodels swayed from a gentle breeze, loose petals brushed their feet.
“I will need water,” said Seth, face grimacing from the child’s movements.
“Worry not. There are ponds in Asphodel Meadows.” She placed hand over Seth’s stomach. “Your case is peculiar, but not unheard of.”
“What? You mean you’ve seen this?! You know about lotus children?!”
Hecate helped Seth to sit by a clear pond. “I know of another who birthed a lotus child.”
“Tell me now!”
“Shh, shh…” Hecate soothed, rubbing circles on Seth’s aching back. “This can be discussed after the birth. Your son is longing to meet you.”
When his fourth son was born, the Asphodel Meadows were perfumed with the scent of lotus. Hecate congratulated Seth and placed the infant in his arms.
Seth looked at his son. Messy black hair, dark skin like Horus, and his face-! Blue eyes stared lovingly into Seth’s own. But they were not the same expressive eyes as Horus, nor his smile nor the appearance of Seth. Tears flowed and landed on the child’s forehead. Seth wiped them away and cleared his eyes. Despite the superficial features, despite inheriting them from Horus- this child he wanted to meet and protect and adore… This child resembled Anubis!
Seth held his baby close, sobbing into his head. He would make things right. He had another chance. “You shall be named Duamutef.”