I studied the items on the counter. The set of tools looked well-kept and, according to my research, needed by a Runic Scrivener. They just looked like they would break if you even looked at them the wrong way. Based on the runes on my hammer and the armguards, I knew it took skill, control, and precision, but I had no clue how such fragile tools could carve metal. The jeweler assured me it was true.

  I just hoped my aunt hadn't purchased a tool set yet, otherwise the money I was spending would be a waste. I turned my eyes towards the ring that was next to the tool, it was a gold band, while the small red stone was held by a silver mesh in the shape of a lion's head, but the head looked like it was almost on fire due to whatever enchantment that had been pced on the ring.

  SpoilerArmor Name: Sekhmet's Wrathful FmeArmor Type: Jewelry; RingArmor Css: Ultra-RareItem Slot: FingerBase Defense: N/APrimary Effects...--- +15 Intelligence--- +10 Spirit--- +3% Critical Hit Chance--- +25% Critical Hit DamageSecondary Effects...--- Increase the Chance that Burning Affliction will trigger with the appropriate spells by 10%.--- Decrease the Cost of Fire-based spells by 5%.--- Css Restriction: Firebrand

  'Fire burns and rages in war, but it's also the kindling fme of the hearth.'

  [colpse]It certainly expined why some of Beatrice's skills almost looked like fluid light, if they just didn't use Light but also Fire-based magic as well to augment the damage, it would expin how it looked like it did. "Well good master, it will be ten Gold Pieces for the toolset and the ring." the jeweler stated.

  It would consume the majority of the money I had, but my cousin had saved my life, and the tools may help my aunt long-term. I knew she was a driven woman who had made her own way by building a business before she had my younger cousin. Naomi was just like her mother, driven and ambitious, which was why she ended up where she had been. "Nine," I told the jeweler.

  The man stared at me, before slowly nodding his head, "Very well, but next time you need rings, neckces, or tools for a scrivener you come here." I nodded my head and handed over the money leaving me with only five Gold and change.

  I shoved the items into my Inventory, "Thank you sir, I won't forget this." I told the man before heading out where the others were patiently waiting.

  Ayh smirked, "Get everything you need?" I shook my head as she smirked at me.

  I nodded my head and gnced towards Beatrice, "I thought Sekhmet was a God of battle? When did fire fall under that?" I asked the Monk as we began our trek again.

  Beatrice smiled slightly, "Fire is destruction as well as cleansing, which Sekhmet holds some sway. However, Sorcerers are more associated with Elemental powers more than the Gods." I wondered if the Elements were like the Gods, another group of super-powerful beings maniputing events across the world.

  I made a mental note to research it ter as I steeled myself for the upcoming meeting, 'Are you going to buy me something special?' Bast softly asked as we passed another intersection.

  I smiled slightly, 'You are a fighter and lover, and enjoy the company of cats. What do you like besides those things? What would I get a Goddess that I know little about?' I thought towards her.

  It was true, besides training and guiding me through the city, I knew little of the Goddess on a personal level. Worse I still had no clue how to approach the whole thing with my family, to not only let them know that the Gods were real and that I was on the trail to becoming Pharaoh. 'Your aunt and cousin care for you, just be honest.' Bast advised.

  I chuckled and gnced at the cat, "Yeah, easy for you to say, it's not your family or revealing the fact you guys are from our old world and not constructs of the Creator of this reality." I told her earning bemused gnces from the others.

  Talk about mind-melting, 'So don't, just expin the part about being chosen by Ra and what that entails.' Bast countered.

  That would be less mind-blowing than revealing the fact that the Gods of this world came from our own, 'Either way, how will I be able to protect them long-term if I cannot even trust the people who are supposed to protect me? How can I keep them from being used against me?' I asked the Goddess, keeping the conversation mental wavelength and not speaking.

  Bast hummed for a few moments as she considered my questions, 'You make good points, I can commit my spawn to their protection, but the deterrence will only work for so long. The Medjay must purge their ranks of any taint or anyone not loyal to you.' the cat replied before going silent other than providing directions.

  I noticed the sandstone and limestone buildings gave way to wood buildings again as we entered a more industrial area. While I doubted it matched what Rome had been capable of at its height, it was clear where the city's mass production was located, and made me wonder why my family lived here.

  While it wasn't a slum, this part of the city wasn't the best or most well-maintained and even cked the greenery I had become used to. The waterways fnking the road on either side, we dry and devoid of anything except trash, dirt, and sand. 'As soon as I can, I am moving them out of here.' I thought towards the Goddess.

  The cat snorted, 'Agreed, your family should live somewhere else and better maintained. Do you know how they will react to that?' Bast asked as she guided us down a side street and off the main avenue.

  I thought for a few moments, 'If we managed to defeat the Ilithians and push them back, they will want to help with the restoration of the city and see it restored to what it was. Neither is afraid of hard work, but I don't know how either could help as my cousin is a Firebrand and my aunt is a Runic Scrivener.' I thought.

  Bast gnced at me, 'Firebrands can become powerful spell casters, do not underestimate them on the battlefield, smithy, or gsswork. As for your aunt, those that become proficient with their art can name the price for their works. There is no end to their application, and she will find plenty of work depending on how well she is at the specialty.' the cat Goddess expined.

  I grunted and remained silent as Bast led us to a trio of buildings encircling a small park, a small fountain gurgled in the middle, and I spotted more than one person around it just enjoying the morning while they ate. I scanned the group but didn't recognize any of them. Before I could ask, Bast directed me towards the far building on the second floor, I steeled myself and made my way past the group and towards the building.

  I was tense and hadn't seen either woman since before I had been drafted and I knew my cousin had been pissed I had left without saying goodbye. Could it be a problem now that I wasn't dying and we were meeting face to face, yes, but I was pretty sure they would just be happy that I was alive and here.

  At least until they found out that I had stumbled into the machinations of the Gods of Ebia. I could only assume how well that would go over with them, the thought made me chuckle as I ascended the stairs and made my way down to the door Bast indicated. Once they got over their disbelief, I could only imagine how they would react.

  I stopped and knocked on the door and waited, I could feel the others tense slightly but did my best to ignore them and rex. I heard the patter of feet and the door was yanked open to reveal a scarred chest and massive sword in my face. I looked up at the scowling mug of a Lion-Kin as Bast hissed in irritation, I reflexively bopped her on the nose, "Be nice, this is their home.' I told the cat before turning my focus towards the sword-wielding Lion-Kin, 'Can you please let Naomi and Melody know that Alexander is here." I told him.

  He blinked and dropped the bde as he kept a wary eye on Bast, "Naomi, your cousin is here." a surprisingly deep voice came from the man before his eyes settled on me.

  They were filled with curiosity, I gave him a slight smile and shook my head slightly as Lion-Kin was pushed out of the way, "Get out of the way you big lummox, I need to kick my cousin's ass for being a dumbass!" I smiled as Naomi came into view.

  She was still shorter than me by a fair margin, but she had kept her figure and meshed with Ebian features giving her an exotic look too. "Missed you too cousin, more than you know," I told her before I pulled her into a hug despite the squawk of indignation from her which caused the Lion-Kin to chuckle.

  For a moment she fought me, then she was hugging trying to hug me just as hard as I was hugging her. Eventually, I released her, but it was with some reluctance, then she spped me. "That was for leaving without saying goodbye!" she screamed at me, I worked my jaw back and forth as I chucked, so much for a gss cannon. Then she grabbed my breastpte and yanked me down and pnted a kiss on me that surprised me at first before I pulled her towards me and deepened it until the Lion-Kin cleared his throat which caused me to slowly break off the kiss, "That is for coming back alive and finally reaching out you dumbass." Naomi stated as she looked up at me.

  I chuckled and could feel the others looking at me, "This is Hakim, Beatrice, and Ayh, they have kept me alive over the st two weeks despite my best efforts to get killed. Everyone, this is my cousin, Naomi, if you can't tell she has a bit of a temper so don't piss her off." I told them as I chuckled.

  Naomi punched me in the stomach before she addressed the others while I looked at the Lion-Kin who bowed slightly towards me, "I am Thursk." the Lion-Kin rumbled as I noticed my aunt fill the doorway.

  I gave Melody a tentative smile and she rushed forward, I managed to catch her before she fell as she cried and she hugged me as hard as she could. "It's ok, I am alive," I told her as I rubbed her back. I can only imagine how stressful it had been for them over the st couple of years, "We brought food." I told them causing Naomi to giggle as Melody punched me in the stomach.

  I grunted, but with my armor, I didn't really feel the blow, "Bastard, don't ever do that again! Now all of you come inside and get out of the sun." Melody urged.

  I smiled; some things wouldn't change. "Thank you, ma'am, but we all have important appointments we have to get to now that we are back in the city. Alexander, we will be back ter, try to stay out of trouble." the Medjay urged before turning and leaving with the others trailing behind.

  Naomi frowned, "Where do they have to go that they can't even stay for breakfast." my cousin asked as her eyes settled on me.

  I smiled, "Hakim is Medjay, he has to check in with his order and the dies have to check in with the temple." I expined as I readied myself to tell them everything.