The morning sun rose over Aaru, illuminating its golden temples, celestial rivers, and towering obelisks.
For most of the Egyptian gods, it was supposed to be a peaceful morning.
Unfortunately, Kael Veyris was still there.
And Ra had not forgotten the honey cakes.
"Before we discuss anything else," Ra declared from his golden throne, "I demand an explanation."
Kael sat comfortably beside Neferet, drinking tea.
"About what?"
"My missing honey cakes!"
"You had seven hundred thousand yesterday."
"And today I have none!"
Kael glanced at Sekhmet, who was suspiciously quiet.
She immediately pointed at Anubis.
"He did it."
Anubis stared at her.
"I guard the passage of souls. I do not steal pastries."
"Perhaps you have a secret hobby."
"I do not."
Isis sighed. "Can we please discuss the mysterious woman, the missing tablet, and the ancient conspiracy threatening our divine history?"
Ra crossed his arms.
"Fine. But the honey cake investigation remains open."
Neferet rose from her seat.
"Then let us begin."
The room gradually became serious.
Kael placed his teacup down as Neferet explained what they had discovered beneath the palace: the records of the First Covenant, the eight pedestals, and the revelation that one divine presence had deliberately been erased from history.
Osiris listened carefully.
"If the records are genuine, then our understanding of the Covenant is incomplete."
"They are genuine," Anubis confirmed. "I felt the ancient protections respond to my authority as Keeper of Passages."
Isis's expression darkened.
"And someone possesses the missing tablet."
Neferet nodded.
"The name Meret-Shet appeared in the hidden chamber. We believe she may be connected to the missing records."
Ra leaned forward.
"Then we find her, recover the tablet, and demand answers."
"Demanding answers may cause her to disappear again," Kael said calmly.
Ra frowned.
"What do you suggest?"
"An invitation."
"An invitation?"
"Yes. We invite her to speak. If she refuses, we investigate further."
Sekhmet rested her chin on her hand.
"You make everything sound so simple."
"Most problems become more complicated when people begin shouting."
Everyone slowly turned toward Ra.
The sun god looked deeply offended.
"I am not shouting."
A golden flame briefly flickered above his crown.
Isis raised an eyebrow.
Ra cleared his throat.
"Not at this precise moment."
Kael smiled.
Once the discussion of Meret-Shet concluded, Neferet stepped toward the center of the hall.
"There is another matter I wish to address."
The Egyptian gods turned toward her.
"For ages, our divine houses have guarded their sanctuaries independently. We have argued over authority, tradition, and the interpretation of the First Covenant. Some temples have fallen into ruin. Others have become isolated from the civilizations they were meant to protect."
She looked at Ra, Isis, Osiris, Anubis, and Sekhmet.
"If we are serious about restoring the Covenant, we cannot continue working as scattered houses with competing interests."
Ra's expression became thoughtful.
"You propose that we reunite the pantheon?"
"Not by forcing every god to surrender their independence," Neferet replied. "I propose that we cooperate. We share knowledge, protect our sanctuaries, assist our people, and investigate threats together."
Isis nodded slowly.
"That would allow us to restore forgotten temples without forcing every divine house to abandon its traditions."
Osiris added, "And our guardians could coordinate their efforts to protect the mortal civilizations connected to our realm."
Sekhmet smiled.
"I like the sound of working together. Provided that cooperation does not mean endless meetings."
Kael quietly looked at her.
"I cannot promise that."
"Then I shall personally destroy the meeting table."
"Please don't," Anubis said.
Ra rose from his throne.
"Neferet, your proposal has my support. The Egyptian Pantheon will stand together."
One by one, the other gods agreed.
Neferet turned toward Kael.
"There is something else. You have helped us uncover the truth about the First Covenant without attempting to claim authority over our affairs. You have respected our decisions, even when you could have solved our problems through sheer power."
Kael listened without interrupting.
"On behalf of the Egyptian Pantheon, I wish to establish a formal alliance with the Veyris Empire."
The chamber fell silent.
Ra stepped forward and extended his hand.
"Let our realms become allies. Not master and servant, not conqueror and conquered, but partners who protect their people and respect one another's sovereignty."
Kael stood.
He accepted Ra's hand.
"Agreed."
A radiant golden circle spread across the floor. Crimson and gold symbols appeared beside the ancient insignia of the Egyptian Pantheon, forming a new emblem of cooperation.
Neferet spoke the declaration.
"By the authority of the Egyptian Pantheon, we recognize the Veyris Empire as a trusted ally. We shall exchange knowledge, assist one another in times of crisis, protect innocent civilizations, and respect the independence of both realms."
Kael responded calmly.
"The Veyris Empire accepts this alliance. Our gates will remain open to your envoys, scholars, and travelers. If your people require assistance, they may ask without fear of being forced into our service."
The golden light expanded through the hall.
Far beyond Aaru, the alliance was recorded within the Veyris Empire's Infinite Library. A new entry appeared among the diplomatic records.
ALLIANCE ESTABLISHED: VEYRIS EMPIRE AND EGYPTIAN PANTHEON.
STATUS: ACTIVE.
FOUNDATION: MUTUAL RESPECT, COOPERATION, AND THE PROTECTION OF CIVILIZATIONS.
Ra looked at the inscription and nodded approvingly.
"Excellent. Now that the alliance is official, perhaps your empire could send us a few more honey cakes."
Kael looked at him.
"I knew there was a hidden motive."
"I have no idea what you mean."
Later, Kael and Neferet stood upon a balcony overlooking Aaru.
Celestial boats traveled along the golden rivers below. Priests and scholars walked between the temples, while divine guardians prepared to reopen several ancient sanctuaries.
Neferet rested her hands upon the balcony railing.
"This alliance will change our future."
"It will give you more opportunities," Kael replied. "What you do with them is your choice."
"You really have no intention of ruling over us?"
"No."
"Even if our pantheon becomes involved in a conflict beyond our abilities?"
"I can offer help. I can stand beside you. But I will not take away your right to make your own decisions."
Neferet studied him for a moment.
"Your empire possesses power that could overwhelm entire divine civilizations. Yet you speak more often about freedom than conquest."
"Power can build a kingdom," Kael said. "But only trust can make people willing to live in it."
She smiled.
"I believe I understand why your empire has endured."
"Shalya deserves some credit. She keeps the administration functioning."
"Who is Shalya?"
"My imperial maid."
Neferet blinked.
"Your maid manages an empire of that size?"
"She manages my schedule."
"That sounds more difficult."
"It is."
For the first time that morning, Neferet laughed without the weight of ancient mysteries pressing upon her.
Then her expression became serious again.
"Will you help us find Meret-Shet?"
"Of course. The alliance includes cooperation in matters concerning the First Covenant. But you will lead the investigation. This is your history, Neferet. You deserve to uncover it yourself."
She nodded.
"Then we shall begin with the sanctuaries that still preserve the oldest records."
"And I will make sure the Veyris Empire provides whatever assistance you request."
A golden bird landed upon the balcony railing.
It carried a small message sealed with black wax.
Neferet opened it.
Inside were only two sentences.
THE ALLIANCE HAS BEEN FORMED.
NOW THE EIGHTH WILL DECIDE WHETHER TO TRUST YOU.
Beneath the message was the symbol of eight thrones.
Neferet looked toward the distant horizon.
"She knows about the alliance already."
Kael examined the seal.
"Perhaps she was waiting to see whether we would cooperate."
"Do you think she will reveal herself?"
"Eventually."
"And until then?"
Kael smiled faintly.
"We continue helping people, rebuilding what has been lost, and asking questions."
From somewhere inside the palace, Ra's voice thundered across the balcony.
"KAEL! THE ALLIANCE DOCUMENT DOES NOT SAY ANYTHING ABOUT FREE HONEY CAKES!"
Kael closed his eyes.
Neferet began laughing again.
The alliance between the Veyris Empire and the Egyptian Pantheon had been established.