Pirates of the Caribbean: The Price of Freedom

The princess glared at her bodyguard. Her memory of how he’d
carried her down here to the hold was still vivid, and embarrassing.
She stroked her bracelet. “You know, I might be able to help,” she
pointed out. “Perhaps I could cast an illusion that would help the crew
against the enemy vessel.”
Tarek shook his head obdurately. “Captain Sparrow said…”
Ayisha took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. She
wasn’t sure what was impelling her to leave the hold, but it was strong.
Her fingers crept to the scrap of fabric that was her wristlet, gently
rubbing the raised bumps of the embroidery. All her instincts were
telling her to leave the hold, to go up to the main deck and see what
was happening. Was she just curious, or spoiled, accustomed to
getting her way? Not after more than six months of slavery.
She wet her lips, eyeing Tarek, knowing he could—and would—
physically stop her, unless she could convince him. “Tarek, I have to go
up there. There is something I have to do. I feel…” She turned to her
brother. “Shabako, I must go. Please. Order Tarek to let me leave
here.”
Her brother gazed at her, then his eyes fastened on her wristlet,
which she was still rubbing. “Amenirdis, be honest with me. Do you feel
that you are receiving some kind of…sacred command…to go?”
Ayisha bit her lip. She couldn’t lie to her brother. “I cannot be
certain. But I think that my own wishes could not push me so strongly. I
do feel some kind of…guidance…at work. This I swear to you, I, who
have served as Apedemak’s handmaiden in his temple.”
Shabako nodded, then faced Tarek. “Tarek, I give my sister
permission to go, and I ask you to go with her to guard her. This is my
royal will.”
Tarek bowed his head. “As you say, so shall it be, Hemef,” he
replied, using the term in their language for pharaoh. “But first, give me
your word that you will remain here, in as much safety as possible,
given our circumstances.”
Shabako nodded. “You have Our royal word,” he said, formally.
Ayisha stepped forward and hugged her brother. “I’ll come back
as soon as I can,” she whispered.
Impatience quickened her steps as she headed for the ladder