Imhotep could not sleep a single minute. When he was finally allowed to leave and go to the temple, he was exhausted but sleep eluded him. He thought once his head would touch the pillow, he'd walk into the realm of dreams with ease, but no. He twisted, and turned, the night was particularly hot that day, and his mind would not give him a rest.

All he could think of was her. He had talked very little to her but already knew she was no puppet, or not a mindless decoration. She had a fire spirit, she was defiant, she was different… She had been cautious around him, but had given her enough clues, perhaps unwillingly, to know how miserable she felt, and that saddened him. He barely knew this woman, but in his heart he longed to see her smile, to see her happy, for he knew that her beauty would only grow like that.

—-

Time passed, and the chances where they met were very, very few, as if they were intentionally avoiding each other. Both of them knew that pursuing that desire would only lead them to their doom. They prefered safety, sacrificing whatever else a meeting between them could bring.

Imhotep's prestige kept rising in the higher circles of Thebes, and the Pharaoh now thought the priest was indispensable for whatever decision he had to make for the entire kingdom. Imhotep enjoyed that position of power, as if he was born for it. He enjoyed the respect and even fear that people had when he spoke, and the admiration some of them projected when he was officiating a ceremony.

He felt he had everything he ever wanted, but he didn't feel the joy that he felt when he achieved his goals. Sometimes his mind would wander away and remembered the stunning, olive skinned woman who was simply impossible to even dare to dream of. He knew she paid attention to him too, he had seen her eyes fixed on him when he was speaking the sacred words in the temple, or when he had a meeting with Pharaoh in the palace. They always acknowledged each other's presence with a slight bow or a nod, but hadn't spoken since that night at palace.

After everybody was gone and the moon was at its highest, Imhotep took a stroll in the sacred gardens, to meditate and reflect on how he was feeling. He felt incomplete, and he knew exactly why, and that is what was tormenting him. For the first time in his life, he was afraid. He was afraid to miss the opportunity to find out more about her and know why exactly he was so drawn to her, but at the same time he was terrified it'd drag him into a pit of sin, treachery and death.

He found a bench, sat down and put his elbows on his knees to support his head, while his hands rubbed his face as if trying to shake himself from the train of thoughts he was having.

-What if i'm just idealizing my soul mate into that woman? She's beyond beautiful and I'm sure that's the reason she's Seti's favorite, for he cares nothing about her spirit or thoughts. I think underneath that beauty also lies a soul made out of fire that matches mine. But I could be wrong, what if she's nothing like I think and I'm just imagining it? Maybe I could end all this anxiety by simply finding out. Maybe she turns out to be as shallow as all the other women I've met. - Imhotep spoke to himself, talking reason into him to snap out of that gloomy state he seemed to be always sunk, and just end this entire agony. If she turns out to be nothing like he expected, well then he could resume his life and forget all about this, and feel normal again. Of course, there was the possibility to prove him right, and then…. - well, i'll take the chance - Imhotep rose, took a deep breath and walked back to Palace to try to sleep.

—

Anck-su-namun was suffering her own torment, far worse than Imhotep's. While he had power and was only second to the Pharaoh, Anck-su-namun was nothing but a trophy, a glorified slave whose only purpose in life was to pleasure the Pharaoh. It was something so many woman desired in Egypt and who envied Anck-su-namun for having it, but for her, it was dying a little every day.

Seti had noticed that Anck-su-namun was extremely indifferent lately, and decided to give her something to do that would cheer her up and go according to her preferences . He summoned his High Priest on a morning to consult with him an idea he had come up to

-Come Imhotep, seat. GET US WINE! - Shouted the Pharaoh and a servant rushed to get it. Imhotep bowed respectfully and sat in front of him.

-Your majesty wished to see me? What can this son of Osiris do for you my Lord? - asked Imhotep.

-I'll go to the point: my mistress Anck-su-namun…

Imhotep panicked inside him and swallowed hard, he thought maybe the Pharaoh had discovered the fascination he felt for her? It was completely platonic so there was no danger, but it could be a warning…

-Yes? Is she well?

-No…. She worries me. I see her becoming more and more uninterested to everything with each passing day…

-Oh? Imhotep asked genuinely curious

-I think she's bored… after all, she comes from a family with no brothers, only sisters, and all of them did activities that mostly men would do… hunting, fighting, fishing and the likes. - Seti took a sip of wine as he explained the situation to the priest.

Interesting. - damn it! He was feeling more intrigued and excited than ever.

-So, I was wondering… you are a master in Tahtib yes?- Seti enquired.

-Uhm, yes my Lord, I am… - Imhotep didn't know what he was planning.

-You wouldn't mind teaching her that fighting art would you?

Imhotep felt a surge of indescribable excitement, and had to calm himself down before venturing to reply, but since he couldn't ,the Pharaoh kept speaking.

-…Because you see, I think this will rise her spirits. I know she feels bored with all the women in court who only seem to play hound and jackals or to weave all day. And I wouldn't trust my treasure with anybody else but you, I know you'll teach her well, and protect her. -

Imhotep gathered all his composture to answer solemnly - "Of course your grace, if that is what you desire, I will teach lady Anck-su-namun the art of Tahtib.

-Excellent! It's settled then. You shall begin tomorrow. I will send word to you of the hours you will practice. You understand of course, one of my Medjais will always accompany you in your lessons.

-Of course my Lord. I have one question though…

-Oh?

-Tahtib is a combat style that requires physical touch… of course Lady Anck-su-namun can't be touched by anybody but you, besides the body paint… - Imhotep frowned as he exposed the difficulty in teaching somebody how to fight without being able to touch that person, impossible.

-Oh that! Don't worry, like I said, I trust you. She will not use the body paint in her lessons of course, and physical interaction will be allowed during lessons, but keep it minimal if you will.

-Understood your grace. I look forward to begin. One more question if I may?

Pharaoh was already dismissing Imhotep and felt impatient at this.

-Does lady Anck-su-namun know or have accepted already?

Seti grinned, and waved his hand to dismiss him.

Imhotep rose, bowed and left. His heart was about to come out of his chest, this was destiny! This was Osiris and his wife Isis taking pity on this poor priest and granting him the wish to know this woman who was driving him to insanity. For the better, or worse.

—

Anck-su-namun felt a smile forming on her lips as Seti was telling her of the new agreement. She very rarely smiled, in fact these few months, she thought she had forgot how to smile. Seti thought her smile was about his idea to have her learn a new fighting art and give her something fun to do, he had no idea it was about the instructor.

-Your grace, I am humbled that you have taken pains to arrange this for me… I swear to you, I will learn it and make you proud. Thank you, divine one! - she said, and for the first time in her life, she really did feel the urge to hug her jailer. She didn't of course, only took his hand and kissed his ring, this time she kissed it willingly.

-I hope this keeps you with a better attitude Anck-su-namun.

-I want to learn too father! Said Nefertiri, excited about this idea as well.

Anck-su-namun frowned, stupid child she was going to ruin this completely.

-Now darling don't get ahead of yourself. Let's see first if Anck-su-namun enjoys it, learns it and then we'll see if it's a good idea.

Anck-su-namun sighed in relief and smiled, while Nefertiri frowned and crossed her arms, annoyed.

-Don't worry your grace, I can come back to palace and teach you everything I've learned. - Anck-su-namun said with a smile that was trying to sound like a generous and caring offer, but in reality she just wanted her out of the picture.

-See? Now my darling, go to your room, it's late. Anck-su-namun, I'll wait for you in my chambers, go get ready but make haste! - Seti stood up and walked towards his chambers with all his Medjai following close. Anck-su-namun got up and strode to her her own chambers to get ready.

She was so excited about the next day she didn't even mind laying with Seti this night. Funny enough, and Seti noticed and approved, how Anck-su-namun was more enthusiastic in the bedroom tonight, he felt pride thinking about what a great idea it was. Poor Seti.

—-

Imhotep woke up a lot earlier than the sunrise. He felt a knot in his stomach, he could barely eat. He checked his hand and it was trembling. This was ridiculous, he felt like a young boy, helpless. At the same time, he forgot when was the last time he felt this exhilarated, if ever. He made sure everything was ready, he got the bamboo sticks of the right size, although he had thought today's lesson was more theoretical than practical, she would need to know the phylosophy of Tahtib, and get to know the weapons, how to stand, how to breath, the basics. But he was so nervous, he was sure he'd freeze and make a fool of himself.

He had prepared a small arena in the middle of the temple gardens, where he planned to teach his new student the lessons required.

He saw the royal follow enter the temple, leaded by Seti, and walking behind him was Nefertiri and his new student, Anck-su-namun. A short distance behind walked the royal guards, the Medjai. The priests of the temple formed a honor guard, and guided them to the gardens. Imhotep greeted the Pharaoh, his daughter, and his mistress, feeling a tingly sensation in his chest as he did. He tried with all his consciousness to not reveal his inner thoughts and feelings in his face or his expressions. He was succeeding, for nobody noticed anything extraordinary in him.

-I see you are ready to begin your lessons! I approve the place you have chosen, High Priest. You shall train in the mornings, I demand that you impart the lessons personally, do not delegate the lessons to any of your priests, for I have placed this task to you and only you.- Seti commanded.

-Of course your grace, and I thank you for the trust you've placed. Lady Anck-su-namun, I promise to teach you everything I know until you or your grace require it. - Anck-su-namun vowed but didn't say a word.

-Anck-su-namun, remember this favor done to you and make the most if this experience. - Seti stared at Anck-su-namun with a very sly smile on his lips.

.I will. Thank you again my Lord - Anck-su-namun bowed her hair and smiled back.

-COME! Said the Pharaoh and everybody followed, everybody but Anck-su-namun and Nefertiri.

Nefertiri looked jealous, she wanted to have the lessons too, and it was also an interest not only in the combat arts but on who was imparting it. But her father had already said no, and pushing the subject in front of people was something she knew very well to never do. She swallowed her annoyance and bowed to them both and left.

A medjai was left behind in the gardens to be Anck-su-namun guardian (and warden).

-Well? Said Anck-su-namun, walking to the center of the arena. Imhotep followed closely behind.

They both stopped and they stood their ground, facing each other. Imhotep didn't say a word, he couldn't. He was too busy examining her from so close, with the sunlight. He memorized every line, every stroke, every freckle, every mole in her face and neck. It was a very awkward silence, which was broken by a laughter.

-What are you doing? Are we to stand here all day staring at each other? I thought you were going to teach me how to fight not how to bore me to distraction. - Anck-su-namun laughed and took a few steps to the side.

Imhotep smiled, - I'm sorry. Yes you are right. Pharaoh Seti I has entrusted me your training in Tahtib, he told me you'd enjoy it. - he replied.

-I suppose, to be honest, anything is better than to stay in that nest of old women and pestering servants - replied Anck-su-namun.

I see… Imhotep said. Your father mentiones that you are familiar with wresting, hunting and such?

Yes… My father taught me and my sisters how to defend ourselves, and how to survive if it ever came to that.

Have you heard of Tahtib?

Yes… it's some men hitting each other with bamboo sticks. Exciting. - Imhotep caught Anck-su-namun's sarcasm right on the spot, and felt a bit insulted.

He raised his eyebrows in annoyance, and since she seemed to unimpressed, he decided to do a little show.

-Medjai! He shouted.

The Medjai strode to his command. -Yes Lord Imhotep?

-Are you trained in Tahtib?

-Yes sir.

-Would you mind to assist me with a little demonstration with me for lady Anck-su-namun? I believe she thinks this equals knitting or sewing.

The medjai laughed sarcastically and nodded.

Imhotep walked towards a rack where the wooden sticks were. He took the two of them and threw one of those to the medhai who caught it mid air and did a little acrobacy with it, showing off his skills.

Imhotep took off his robe, revealing his strong muscular chest and back, and his impressive legs. Anck-su-namun gasped.

Both of them stood in front of each other, bowed in salute and took a fighting stance. They were really throwing hits at each other, no holding back. This didn't see like a friendly match but a deadly battle, and Anck-su-namun was in awe.

Each one swung the stick fiercely, they charged, blocked, dodged, and received a fair share of damage. Imhotep charged a brutal attack where the medjai tried his best to block, but with a swift move , Imhotep put his leg behind the medjai's heel and made him trip and fall, and he pointed his stick to the defeated soldier.

The Medjai breathed heavily while a string of blood ran down his lip. Imhotep left the fighting stance and offered him his hand to help him back. The medjai was embarrassed but said "There is no shame in losing to the best" - as he stood up and undusted himself.

Imhotep smiled, "Thank you for the friendly match. You may go to the bathhouse to freshen yourself and get some water if you desire" - and extended his arm to take his stick,

The medjai accepted the invitation, handed over the stick and left. Imhotep and Anck-su-namun were all alone. Imhotep took both sticks and put them back in the rack, and grabbed a wineskin that was filled with water, to freshen himself. His muscular, tanned body shone with the sweat of the exercise he had done.

It was impossible for her not to feel seduced by what she just saw. Defeating a medjai is something she didn't even think was possible. They are the elite force of the Pharaoh's guards, and have been for many, many centuries. And here, she just witnessed a priest do the impossible. A Priest! She fought the sinful thoughts she began to have with the Priest.

-Well my Lady, what you saw is Tahtib. It's an ancient fighting discipline where the entire body is used along with a weapon, or without it. in this case we will use sticks, but if the occasion rises, it could be swords, daggers or spears. But more important than the body, is the mind. You know why I won when this Medjai is better trained and stronger than me?

Anck-su-namun shook her head. She was still gathering herself and fixing everything inside her to prevent her from doing something stupid.

-Because I was faster, and not in my steps but in my mind. I studied him and understood he was keen to attack and attack, and didn't care much for defense… So I used his fighting strength and turned it into a weakness.

Clever.

-You will learn that here my Lady, if you wish to.- he took a piece of cloth to dry the sweat from his face, head and shoulders.

-Please stop calling my My Lady. I'm your apprentice. If anybody should show respect here should be a student to her teacher, and I would have to call you Master or My Lord, but I refuse to. I demand we both be equals here. Use my name and I'll use yours, Imhotep. - Anck-su-namun said defiantly, her confidence was so alluring to him.

Imhotep smiled. The walls of doubt he had about this woman being an illusion, a mirage, were beginning to crumble. He was right from the beginning. Underneath all that beauty laid a soul made of fire, of thunder, of storm. And by Osiris, he would witness and release that storm.

He walked behind her and whispered into her ear - If we are to be equals, Anck-su-namun, I shall not go easy on you. I shall teach you as it was teached to me, harshly and without kindness. Is that what you really want?- He was testing her, and his hot breath in her ear was doing everything to drive her to insanity.

She breathed, smiled, walked away to the sticks rack and picked up both of them, and threw one at Imhotep.

- So, shall we begin? She replied.

Imhotep grinned.