She gazed down the Nile. Perhaps she was thinking of her home village, which had stood on the banks of this river until it was destroyed by the forces of Apophis. Perhaps she was imagining her entire homeland crumbling into the Sea of Chaos.
I expected her to tell me that our plan was insane. I thought she might abandon me and go back to the First Nome.
But I suppose she had got used to the Kane family—poor girl. She must’ve known by now that all our plans were insane.
“Fine,” she said. “How do we reach this…nursing home of the gods?”
“Just a mo’.” I closed my eyes and concentrated.
Yoo-hoo, Isis? I thought. Anyone home?
Sadie, the goddess answered immediately.
In my mind she appeared as a regal woman with dark braided hair. Her dress was gossamer white. Her prismatic wings shimmered like sunlight rippling through clear water.
I wanted to smack her.
Well, well, I said. If it isn’t my good friend who decides whom I can and can’t date.
She had the nerve to look surprised. Are you speaking of Anubis?
Right, first try! I should’ve left it at that since I needed Isis’s help. But seeing her floating there all shiny and queenly made me angrier than ever. Where do you get the nerve, eh? Going behind my back, lobbying to keep Anubis away from me. How is that your business?
Surprisingly, Isis kept her temper. Sadie, there are things you don’t understand. There are rules.
Rules? I demanded. The world is about to end, and you’re worried about which boys are socially acceptable for me?
Isis steepled her fingers. The two issues are more connected than you realize. The traditions of Ma’at must be followed, or Chaos wins. Immortals and mortals can only interact in specific, limited ways. Besides, you cannot afford to be distracted. I’m doing you a favor.
A favor! I said. If you want to do me a real favor, we need passage to the Fourth House of the Night—the House of Rest, Sunny Acres, or whatever you want to call it. After that, you can butt out of my private life!
Perhaps that was rude of me, but Isis had stepped over the line. Besides, why should I act proper with a goddess who had previously rented space in my head? Isis should have known me better!
The goddess sighed. Sadie, proximity to the gods is dangerous. It must be regulated with utmost care. You know this. Your uncle is still tainted from his experience with Set. Even your friend Zia is struggling.
What do you mean? I asked.
If you join with me, you’ll understand, Isis promised. Your mind will be clear. It’s past time we united again and combined our strength.
There it was: the sales pitch. Every time I called on Isis, she tried to persuade me to meld with her as we’d done before—mortal and god inhabiting one body, acting with a single will. Each time, I said no.
So, I ventured, proximity to the gods is dangerous, but you’re anxious to join forces with me again. I’m glad you’re looking out for my safety.
Isis narrowed her eyes. Our situation is different, Sadie. You need my strength.
Certainly it was tempting. Having the full power of a goddess at my command was quite a rush. As the Eye of Isis, I would feel confident, unstoppable, completely without fear. One could get addicted to such power—and that was the problem.
Isis could be a good friend, but her agenda wasn’t always best for the mortal world—or for Sadie Kane.
She was driven by her loyalty to her son Horus. She’d do anything to see him on the throne of the gods. She was ambitious, vengeful, power-hungry, and envious of anyone who might have more magic than she did.
She claimed my mind would be clearer if I let her in. What she really meant was that I’d start seeing things her way. It would be harder to separate my thoughts from hers. I might even come to believe she was right by keeping Anubis and me apart. (Horrifying idea.)
Unfortunately, Isis had a point about joining forces. Sooner or later we’d have to. There was no other way I’d have the power to challenge Apophis.
But now wasn’t the time. I wanted to remain Sadie Kane as long as possible—just my own wonderful self without any godly hitchhiker.
Soon, I told Isis. I have things to do first. I need to be sure my decisions are my own. Now, about that doorway to the House of Rest…