"Ascension?" Will frowned inwardly.
"Surprised?" Nefertari smiled. "You should consider yourself lucky, child. You're this generation's Ritual Arranger."
"Ritual Arranger?" Will thought he understood. Had she noticed his ability at some point?
Besides, the people who built tombs for kings and nobles rarely came to a good end. He was inside her pyramid, arranging a ritual for her. Would she kill him afterward?
She had sacrificed plenty of living people when she was Pharaoh, and who knew how many she had killed during her campaigns?
Nefertari seemed to sense Will's thoughts. "You needn't worry or be afraid. I won't harm you."
"I have to awaken every century."
"But if you awaken every century, why do you need me to arrange the ritual?"
"I awaken to find someone suitable to perfectly recreate the original ritual. I can't do it myself, so each time, I must find new wizards.
"This time, I chose you. Your talent is fascinating, child. How do you do it?"
"I don't know, Pharaoh."
"You needn't be wary of me. Your unusual ability would be very useful to me. Had you lived in my time, I think you would have become the empire's high priest. For now, I want you to recreate the ritual for me. It won't be difficult. You need only follow my instructions."
Will took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. This was a chance to negotiate. He had to seize it.
Nefertari clearly needed his unusual ability. That meant he wasn't entirely powerless.
"Honored Pharaoh," Will said, choosing his words carefully, "if I understand correctly, you need my talent for Ritual Studies to ensure the Ascension ritual is recreated perfectly. That means my ability is unique to you, at least in this age."
Nefertari narrowed her golden eyes, a hint of