After Khufu had told Sargon of the existence of the Tablet he was given back his quarters as a reward. As much as he wanted both Ahkmenrah and Kahmunrah dead, how could he rule if his family was usurped from the throne. That is why he needed the brothers help in taking back the Kingdom. If his calculations were correct, when they did get back the Kingdom, and when both Ahkmenrah and Kahmunrah were gone, he would be King of both Nubia and Egypt.

One might be wondering if he had only been thinking of the good of Egypt why did he tell Sargon of the Tablet.

That was only to save his own life.

Khufu stepped out of his chambers and went straight to a Sumerian Guardsman.

"I would like to see my great-nephews. Ahkmenrah and Kahmunrah."

"Not yet."

"Why not?"

The guard looked at the old man and sighed "Haven't you heard?"

"Heard what?"

The guard grimaced. "Torture."

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They cut away the ropes that bound them. They fell with a thud. They were whipped and bloody. Their naked bodies covered in lash marks. Their blood seeped through the cracks on their skin sank into earthen floor of the cell.

"I find your lack of cooperation disturbing." stated Sargon. "But you will tell me. Or I'll have your mother..."

"If you so much touch our mother, I swear..." growled Kahmunrah, rage in every syllable.

"Then tell me about the Tablet"

"NO!" This time it Ahkmenrah who spoke.

"Have it your way then..." He turned his heel in such an unceremonious way that the brothers took it as personal insult.

Ahkmenrah got up weakly, but soon strength filled him, along with all the wrath he felt towards this man.He lashed out, knocking the Sumerian General to the ground. Then he proceeded to pummel him. Sargon had already received black eye when he had tried to kiss Sabra. At rate an at the strength of which Ahkmenrah was hitting him, he would probably end up a lot worse.

Kahmunrah watched on with interest.After all Sargon, in his opinion definitely deserved it.

Sargon's guards were left in shock. When they finally regained their senses they leapt forward and seized Ahkmenrah binding his arms together.

They lead out a thrashing Ahkmenrah who was screaming vulgar obscenities at the General now King.

It was only Kahmunrah and Sargon left in the room. They way Sargon held himself it was clear he had some how dislocated his shoulder. He now also gained another black eye and there were multiple bruises forming. His blood also coloured the earthen floor.

"My brother only gave you a thrashing. He had every right to" started Kahmunrah. "I don't give a damn about your guards and punishments. I will kill you if you lay a hand on my mother."

"Why don't you kill me now? You have your chance."

"I don't attack first" replied Kahmunrah. "I'm not like you."

He wasn't just referring to the now but also to the brutal murder of Ramses.

The guards came back.

Sargon stood staring at Kahmunrah. Ahkmenrah may have been the louder brother, but he was the more soft hearted one. Behind Kahmunrah's cool calm exterior there lay a deadliness that was sure to be unleashed if Sargon wasn't careful.

"Release the Mother Queen." said Sargon. "Have her thrown in the cell with her sons."

It was only then that Kahmunrah realised he had forgotten Sabra.

"And Sabra?" He asked.

"Don't push your luck" sneered Sargon "She is mine to do as I please"

Kahmunrah wasn't going to lie to himself. Sabra wasn't the most beautiful woman out there. Sure there were some features that were quite nice but he wouldn't use her as a sex slave. He understood why Ahkmenrah took a liking to her. But that was only because of her personality, and it takes time to figure out personality.

He could never guess at the all consuming passion that Sargon felt to see someone like him. A woman who like him had average features, but a brave heart and one would even say great character.

Kahmunrah gritted his teeth and gave Sargon a murderous glare. It was all he could do now. He deeply regretted not saving the Guardian of Egypt, but he was just as glad to save Egypt's Mother.

Another guard burst into the room.

"Your highness, their Great-Uncle requests a private meeting with them."

"Well then give it to him. It's the least I can do after he had revealed the secret to unprecedented power."

So Khufu told Sargon.

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Shepseheret was given more decent clothes. She was glad. It had been utterly humiliating.

Before she was take away she squeezed Sabra's hand. She didn't want to leave her alone. Not with Sargon. The Gods only know what he may do to her.

Sabra's feature's where cool and calm, but her eyes told a different story. They for the first time Shepseheret saw that Sabra was scared. She kissed the young girl's forhead and whispered.

"Be brave. Be strong."

She turned towards the guards.

Her hands were tethered. She was led away. Down and down the stairs she went. She never realised how labyrinth like the dungeons were.

The place was dark and had the metallic smell of blood and the sweat of men. Not a word was said, but it was quite clear she had earned the respect of the Sumerian Guards. So much so that they didn't actually throw her in jail. Instead they carefully untied the rope and escorted her to her cell like one would escort a queen. They asked if she were alright and they told her they deeply regretted what may happen to Sabra. A legendary figure like her didn't deserve something like this.

When they left Shepseheret took in her cell mates. Kain, the Awan General and Sabaf the young boy who stayed with her through the whole battle.

Kain gave a boyish grin, while Sabaf gave a relieved smile.

"Your majesty." Greeted Kain in his boyish manner.

Shepseheret merely smiled. Then her smile wavered "Where are my sons?"

"They were tortured a while ago. They came here to be clothed and patched up again. Then they were taken away. A private meeting of some sort. If you ask me I think they are conspiring something" informed Sabaf.

Kain gave another boyish grin "If you ask me I think a celebration is in order" then turning to one of the guards he said "Egypt and Awan aren't going down without a fight!"

--------------------------

They were set free an left alone. Three men, the two brothers and their great uncle.

Kahmunrah had told Ahkmenrah about Khufu telling Sargon. So as soon the guards left, Ahkmenrah for the second time lunged at the man before him.

"You little..." he started. But this time Kahmunrah pulled him away from their great uncle. Ahkmenrah struggled against his hold "What on earth Kahmun?! He betrayed us! And to think how did he know?! HIM!! OF ALL MEN! WHY DOES HE KNOW?"

"Quiet down Ahk. Why don't we hear him out?"

"NO! HE'S A TRAITOR!"

"Shhh! Quiet down! And hear him out."

Khufu sighed and started to talk "Listen, the tablet's existence is a well kept secret. I only knew...well to hell with how I know. But I only told Sargon so I could..."

"Stay alive" guessed Ahkmenrah. "Typical."

"I was actually going say to carry out my plan."

This piqued Kahmunrah's interest. "What plan?" he asked slowly.

"A plan to get back our Kingdom."

"What if we fail?" asked Kahmunrah.

"We won't. I have many plans. Plans within plans. But I'll need your help."

Kahmunrah nodded.

Ahkmenrah watched absolutely horrified. His brother and their worst enemy actually working together.

Pulling Kahmunrah aside Ahkmenrah whispered frantically. "Do you actually trust him?" Kahmunrah tried to move away but Ahkmenrah held him in place. "Answer me?!" his whispering was more frantic.

Kahmunrah glanced at his brother then his great uncle, then back to his brother. He whispered one word. "Yes"

Ahkmenrah let him go, never realising how far that trust would go.

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WHAT THE HELL?! IT'S ALREADY CHAPTER 42?

ARE YOU GUYS OKAY WITH THE PACE? ARE THE CHAPTERS TOO SHORT?

Okay I'm slightly calmer now. How was it? What do you think will happen? How do you think the plan will work out.

Hmm remember the thread that Isis cut? No I haven't forgotten. That person doesn't seem to have died yet? Who do you think it will be and when will they die?