Part XI. A Whole New World

A whole new world
That's where we'll be
A thrilling chase
A wondrous place
For you and me

-Aladdin

Egypt

It was hot in this part of the world. But it was forgotten when Lancelot saw the shore of Egypt for the first time. Aisha stood beside him on the deck with Inara and Ardeth. The skies were pure blue and the wind hit his face like Aisha's sweet caresses. After saying goodbye to his brethren in Sarmatia, he did not once look back. Because there was only one place to look – forward, next to his sweet.

Aisha peeked at Lancelot out of the corner of her eye. The whole trip she hoped that he would not regret his decision to come with her. She knew Ardeth had assured him that if he were to change his mind, he could arrange passage for him back to Sarmatia. She did not want him to begin to resent her for taking him away from his homeland – from the chance to reconnect with his kin he had been away from for so long. Egypt was a far cry from both Britain and Sarmatia. It surely did not snow here, and it did not rain as much, except during inundation. Instead of mountains there were pyramids, instead of miles and miles of greenery, there were miles and miles of golden desert.

Closer and closer the ship approached their small harbor. She had told him the history of her home. Her great-grandfather, Menetnashte, had built the mansion for his wife, Nafretiri. She was sick, so he retired from the military to spend the rest of his years in peace with her, along with his three sons and one daughter. His absence was sorely missed, for he was one of the greatest warriors, hailing from Upper Egypt where all great warriors came from. He had trained many and led many to victorious battles. Her great-grandfather had acquired this part of land and began to build a home for him and his wife who loved the ocean. It was away from the hustle and bustle of Alexandria.

After a year or so, the mansion near completed he was approached by a commander he had known for many years. He wanted Menetnashte to take on a group of soldiers for training. Nafretiri thought it a good way for her husband to spend his time, for he had been a warrior for much of his life, before he met her, and he would be after she passed from this world. With a bit of prodding on her part, he finally agreed. So a small area for a training ground was built by his mansion. Housing for the soldiers was erected as well. Stables were built, an armory. Then they needed people to run these buildings. Over time, people came to live near the area with Menetnashte's permission. They built their houses, becoming a part of this growing community. Walls were built around the place and outside of it, there was farming, and the families who chose to build their houses outside of the walls, too.

There were blacksmiths, cooks, grooms, gardeners, butchers. An infirmary was built, employing only the best physicians, surgeons and healers. Within two years, an entire colony had been made. And it had thrived ever since. Soldiers were brought here in groups for the beginning of their training, and then sent off to become a part of a legion. Menetnashte's sons were trained as well. Fifteen years later, after Menetnashte's death, his sons took over, as they were extremely learned warriors as well. And their sons after that, and now it was Ardeth and his older brother, Memnon, who taught the men. There were other trainers who assisted as well.

The colony had a group of ten individuals who gathered for regular meetings to discuss matters of the town. Ardeth and Memnon were a part of it, along with the physician, Kneph, two other generals, a treasurer, an architect, two agriculturists, and a scribe.

From the port, other than the workers, there were a few people waiting for them.

"There is my brother, Memnon," Aisha said, pointing to a stoic looking man without a hint of a smile on his face. "And that is Nafrini." The woman she pointed to seemed to be poking fun at Memnon.

After a time, the ship finally docked and the plank was put down so they could make way to land. When they approached Memnon and Nafrini, both looked at the stranger.

"Akh," Ardeth said, embracing his brother, a genuine smile on his face. Inara was being held by Nafrini, then Aisha, who was staying close to Lancelot.

Inara gave her brother-in-law a kiss on the cheek, and by his greeting it looked like he felt sincere affection for his sister-in-law, as well.

"Memnon!" Aisha hugged her eldest brother tightly, and he her.

"Allow me to introduce our friend, Lancelot," Ardeth said.

Memnon did not fail to notice the closeness of the stranger and his sister who was gently holding the man's hand.

"I think we have met once," Memnon replied without inflection. "Years ago. Kaif Halak?"

"I'm good. It's nice to meet you, again," Lancelot replied.

A small upwards quirk of Memnon's mouth revealed that he was amused Lancelot had known what he'd said. "I am fine, as well." He shot his brother an inquiring look – one that said he would explain this thoroughly at the most convenient moment.

"Handsome!" Nafrini exclaimed, looking him up and down, making them laugh.

Lancelot seemed taken aback when the woman cupped his face and turned it from right to left. "Strong jaw," she said. "Good eyes..."

"Nafrini," Aisha hissed. "You can examine him later." She took Lancelot's arm.

"Did you get married while you were gone?" Nafrini asked boldly.

"No!" Aisha said; emitting a shaky laugh, hoping Lancelot was not offended at Nafrini's nosiness, but he only smiled.

"Come, enough questions for now," Ardeth spoke. "We need food and clean clothes."

By then, the people at the port were observing them. They waved hello to those who had returned, all familiar with Ardeth and company. "Welcome back," many of them said.

"When you're up to it, I will introduce you to everyone," Aisha said. "Don't mind their stares; they are interested in every new face."

"Wipe that look off of your face, Memnon," Inara whispered, poking her brother-in-law in the ribs.

The horses were led off of the ship and Lancelot went to Mithra, his steed. He patted the black horses on his neck. In the span of five months, he and his horse were beginning many changes in their lives. Aisha took Thema by the reins.

"Would you like to take Mithra to the stables?" she asked him.

"I think that's best, if that's all right," he replied.

"Of course."

So the first place they went was the stables, trotting through the roads. People waved at them cheerily, more "welcome backs" were shouted.

"Those are the training grounds," Ardeth pointed.

In the distance Lancelot could hear the shouts of soldiers going about their routines.

"Do you know everyone?" Lancelot asked Ardeth.

"Indeed," he said.

"We try," Memnon said.

When they approached the stables, Lancelot could not help but compare it to the one in Britain. In fact, he compared most of everything to Britain. Things here were in better shape. The stables for the horses here was much bigger.

"Yafeu!" Ardeth said, shaking the Head Groom's hand.

"Ardeth!" A very tall, skinny man greeted the Egyptian. He had a big nose, brown skin, a large jaw and was bald. He resembled a horse, so his occupation was fitting.

"Ah, do we have fresh meat here?" Yafeu asked jokingly, eyeing Mithra.

Mithra grunted a bit and put inquiring eyes on Lancelot. He patted the horse's nose.

"Yafeu," Aisha said, "this is Lancelot."

The man said a brief, but polite hello to Lancelot, but it was obvious he was much more interested in the new horse.

"He's not very good with strangers," Lancelot said, not knowing if Yafeu could understand the language he spoke, but apparently he could because he gave a large, benevolent smile, and waved his hand dismissively.

"May I?" Yafeu asked.

Lancelot nodded, but still held onto Mithra's reins. Yafeu approached the large steed cautiously and put his hand out for sniffing. Mithra scuffed a hoof against the ground, but leaned in a bit to catch the man's scent. Mithra took to him, Lancelot was surprised.

"He's something of a horse whisperer," Ardeth told him. "He will take good care of Mithra."

"Personally," Yafeu added. "I know new places can be very disarming to creatures." He ran off a list of questions to Lancelot, asking what specific things Mithra did or did not like; strange behaviors or reactions to certain things. "Very good, then," he said, when he was finished. "He is in good hands." He said something in Arabic in the direction of the stable doors. "Bubu!" A young boy came running out. Yafeu barked off orders in rapid succession and the boy took two horses by the reins and led them in, and in minutes other stable boys were attending the animals. As promised, Yafeu himself took care of Mithra.

"He likes horses more than humans," Inara said with a smile.

The manse was about half a mile away. It was nearest to the reaches of the ocean and overlooked the entire town. At the forecourt of the manse, a fountain was in the middle of two trails that encircled around it. There were vast gardens on the grounds, and workers were already tending them who stopped for a brief moment to say hello to those who'd returned. A few dogs were running around.

Another young boy came running out of the double doors of the manse and down the five stone steps.

"Lords and Ladies," he said, his voice high pitched. He bowed. He wore an immaculate white cloth that acted as one garment, and a golden rope tied at the waist. He was bald, as well. "Ahlan wa sahlan."

"Ahlan biik, Rasui," Inara said.

"We have a new friend with us," Ardeth said to him. "This is Lancelot."

"My Lord," Rasui said instantly, bowing at the waist to Lancelot.

"I..." Lancelot was completely befuddled at being called "Lord." Most of his life and the highest title he had ever been addressed as was "sir." Before any correction could be made, however, Rasui rattled on.

"We are most pleased at your return," he prattled sincerely. "Fresh clothes have been laid out, baths are prepared and food. I will prepare Lord Lancelot's rooms myself." He smiled at the Sarmatian.

When Rasui was out of earshot, Aisha said, "He is a very exuberant man."

"Man?" Lancelot asked.

"Oh!" Aisha laughed that musical sound he loved. "He's a eunuch."

Lancelot winced, and the company around him chuckled.

The inside of the mansion was awing. The walls were of ivory marble, and the floors were black and white mosaics. The ceiling had a circular window so the sun shone right in, making the ivory glitter. The railing to the staircase was carved with lotus flowers. Several paces one could go, walking in a straight line from the double doors was an atrium with a shallow rectangular pool of water with another small fountain in the middle, and the atrium led to the back courtyard/garden decorated with paths, hedges and fountains.

The dining area, living area, studies, bathhouses and rooms were all decorated with the finest of things – but, yet, it all managed to remain welcoming and unostentatious. All corridors connected, there were 12 rooms, three of which were master bedrooms – usually reserved for the married couples.

They were greeted at the door and led to their rooms. Ardeth told Lancelot that they would speak later as he and Inara went to their quarters. Memnon said something to his brother in terse Arabic, and Ardeth only gave his elder brother an indulgent smile. Aisha walked with Lancelot – ignoring Memnon's harsh stare – to his quarters.

"Here we are," she said.

It was the biggest room he would ever have slept in. The bed could fit a good three people, the headboard and columns shined to a finish. The coverings were of the best cottons and silks. The dressers were of lacquered mahogany wood. There was a sofa and two armchairs. The walls were frescoed with scenes from Egyptian mythology. There were two lamps on nightstands on either side of the bed, a few suspended from chains on the ceiling. The windows opened outwards, covered by velvet curtains.

His belongings were already laid out.

"The terrace," Aisha said, and led him out on the surface which overlooked the ocean. "Do you like the view?" she asked, the ocean's breeze ruffling her hair.

Lancelot gazed at her deeply. "The view is beautiful." He took a deep breath and looked out. In the distance the waves lapped or crashed against cliffs, he could smell the salt in the air. It was only mid-afternoon. He felt Aisha's hand upon his, her other moving to his cheek.

"I do not want you to regret coming here with me."

He kissed her palm. "And I do not."

"If you ever want to go back, you know I will go with you."

Lancelot knew; which was why he did not want to go back. He smiled. They were just about to kiss when someone knocked on the door.

When Aisha answered it was a Rasui. "Your bath has been prepared, Lord Lancelot," he said.

"Just Lancelot, if you will," Lancelot replied, wanting to nip that title in the bud.

Rasui looked scandalized at the very idea of calling on one so casually.

"How about 'Sir'?" Aisha offered, knowing how Rasui could be.

"Very well," Rasui said, only slightly mollified. "To the baths then?"

Aisha told Lancelot that she would go refresh herself and meet back up with him, and they could share a meal together. As Rasui led Lancelot to the bath, the eunuch chattered on and on happily. The bath was square and big enough for two people. There were niches in the walls that held bottles of perfumes and lotions, and drawers with fresh towels and washcloths. A window let in the light, this one looking out towards the rear courtyard.

"Please, relax, Sir Lancelot," Rasui said. "A masseur shall be along shortly."

TBC...