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A Voice>>>

It was hitting mid dry season, and the banks of the Nile where low. Though in the slums and back houses the living was bad and the less water and quickly rotting food didn't help their problems. Life still issued on as normal for most, trading, eating, sleeping, drinking, buying and selling. One thing about the streets where different, more wagons and merchants where making their way to the palace.

Red ribbons and silks hung from the wealthy Egyptians doors and windows while the poor had to make do with blood stained sheets. The red was the sign of the birthday of the royal prince. Everyone was to celebrate. It was good few days; it was the only real time every Egyptian and fellow had enough to eat.

The palace halls and walk ways where draped in the finest flowing materials, Egypt had ever seen. The small dry breeze sent a wave of colour through the silks, a sea of shimmering gold's, greens reds, and yellows, every hall and every window had this. It was to be a huge celebration; the royal prince's birthday was a joyous day. He was the longest and only survivor of the pharaoh Ankunumkanon's children. Out of 12 wives only 6 had given birth to boys. The prince's mother had died during the life giving process to her son. Many believe that it was her sacrifice that saved the boy from a plague which had spread rapidly through slums and then reached the palace.

Slaves rushed about placing fresh reeds in vases, cleaning walls, floors and pillars.

Atem left the buzz of the hallway and stepped into a small alcove balcony overlooking the city and many courtyards below. Inside he was desperately excited about this celebration. Almost 19 years old and heir to the throne he had no wife or concubines. Being prince he wasn't unfamiliar with women but no one was special, he often never remembered the night and only found the girl in his bed the morning.

Atem hoped that his father would give him one of the young priestess' to wife, most of them where pretty and he could talk to them freely.

The prince was so deep in thought that he never noticed the figure approach from behind.

"My Prince." said a male voice.

Atem jumped and turned to see his best friend, the Priest Mahado.

"Mahado! By the gods you made me lose part of my life." he exclaimed.

Mahado smiled and stepped to look over the balcony. He was wearing a white robe with a gold belt and head dress. Around his neck hung the millennium ring. A mysterious and dark object. It contained a great power though it was deemed unlimited.

Atem was also wearing a white robe with a gold belt. He had the millennium puzzle round his neck. This magical item was to be worn by the king but a few days ago his father allowed him to wear it. The prince found it an honour and almost everyone was happy for him. Only Akunadin, his uncle and high priest of the unnamed god showed he was unhappy. The reasons for it where many but one that everyone had figured out. Giving Atem the necklace of the gods could mean that at the celebration Akunumkanon the pharaoh would step down from the throne and give it to the prince. Seto a priest and protector of the throne wasn't happy with it either, but it was his loyalty to the family that kept him from trying to take the power for himself.

Atem looked over the burned backs, dusty bodies and sweat covered faces.

"This celebration is to be a big one." sighed the prince.

"Its not just for you. It's also to mark the end of the 18 year war between Egypt and Israel." reminded Mahado.

"True." nodded Atem. "Still... I suppose I'm glad. I can't take all the praise. It for the soldiers that gave their lives for our home, their home and those that live now. I may be prince but I still care..." he paused. "Half the city is still ruin." he added as an after thought looking towards the damaged sphinxes and statues of the gods.

"Yes but we have a strong people and good slaves. In time the city will be restored to it original beauty."

"That however means that more slaves are needed, more slaves mean harsher beatings and the people a beaten enough." said Atem. "There must be some way that people can work without coming to so much harm."

"It depends. Your ancestors have tried to be friendly but the people ignored their goodwill and cause revolts to get more. Many people where killed and Egypt was plunged into a civil war. You can't let the authority slip, not in a world like this."

Atem sighed. "I guess your right. Still may the gods have mercy on our souls for the pain and suffering we cause.

Mahado slapped Atem on the shoulder. "Don't put yourself down, its your birthday. A feast, your father may even give a wife."

"Yeah, but speaking of girls. I take it you'll be with Mana later and for most if the night." hinted Atem slowly.

The priest stopped smiling and raise an eyebrow but said nothing.

"You silence speaks the truth." chuckled Atem. " You two make a good couple. Maybe you should marry her before Akunadin or Seto get a hold on her."

"Quiet!" said Mahado harshly and blushing at the same time.

Atem back away with hands raised in defence. He smiled before turning to head towards the Temple yards.

"If anyone comes looking for me, I'll be praying." he called over his shoulder mockingly.

Mahado waved him away with a limp hand. Atem burst into laughter and began a light jog to save time.

"Atem." came Mahado's voice. "If you hear any strange noises in the temple yards don't worry it's probably..........." the distance became too great and Atem lost the rest.

Within several minutes he reached the yards. The pale stone floor was smoothly washed and shined. He crossed it and headed to the temple of Ra. No one was about and it was eerie. The prince began to feel watched and slowed his pace to a creep. As he passed the temple of Hathor he noticed that it was locked and sealed off.

'Odd.' he told himself. 'The Hathor temple should always be open.'

Atem changed his angle and headed to the doors. He was about to knock when a soft, soothing, melody came to his ears. Someone was singing. It was faint but it was there. The prince looked around and could see no one; he pressed his ear against the door. It was louder, it was a woman singing. The words he couldn't make out or they weren't Egyptian.

'Could this be the noise that Mahado was trying to warn me about?' the prince asked himself.

The more Atem listened the more he doubted it.

'No way would anyone want to hide that voice behind walls.'

The song was beautiful; he wanted to see the singer without disturbing the natural spiritual peace of her song. Atem surveyed the side of the temple he noticed the priest's door hidden by cloth. He quickly went to it but checked around him again before going in.

The passage he found himself was long and thin, wide enough for one person to walk comfortably. He began to pray that no one would meet him here, although a prince he wasn't allowed to use most priestly entrances or objects. The walls where empty of writings and had been white washed. Eventually the passage widened to an oval room with more curtained entrances. The voice was closer now and clearer, crystal clear, almost heavenly.

Atem walked to each door to test the volume of song. It was louder by a blue covered door. With surprising anticipation he placed his hand on the edge of the fabric. He hesitated; there was no real turning back now. Slowly he pulled the silk back.

A light blinded him for a second, before revealing the scene before him.