Chapter Four
"I think you should leave me alone now Kiya… afterall, I am a better fighter than you"
"This is not over…. You just wait…."
"Bravo, Bravo" Seti proclaimed. He had never seen such an enthralling fight in the showcases and never has a student out mastered their teacher. He wondered who this girl was and how old she was. He desired her so greatly, wanted to feel the smooth curves of her body, the taste of her mouth. Next to him was is closest advisor, the High Priest Imhotep whom decided to leave the activities at the temple of Osiris to join in the day's festivities. He too was captivated by the lithe student who had out mastered her teacher. Not only was he captivated by her ability and beauty, but also the strength in her spirit….
Eshe entered the podium to break up the two girls who were still in a fierce attacking position. She pulled Anck-su-namun off of her teacher and then helped Kiya from the ground.
"where did you learn to fight like that?" Eshe asked Anck-su-namun.
"Neithobet, the old master taught me 'mam"
"Neithobet? There is no one called that name here" Eshe responded confusingly.
Anck-su-namun was mystified "but she's over…." Anck glanced over to wear her master was, who smiled gently at her, bowed her head in respect than vanished…She thought to herself Neithobet….. then realized the name Neith would be more appropriate for her mysterious master who had turned out to be the goddess or war Neith.
Eshe dismissed the conversation and approached Seti, who beckoned her over.
"Eshe, who is that girl?" Seti asked,
"Great Pharaoh Seti, that is 16 year old mistress in training Anck-su-namun. She came to the palace at the beginning of the year."
"would she be ready to serve me at the end of this year?"
"Sir, she would not yet be 18…"
"Do not oppose me, I desire her beyond all mistresses, just tell me will she be ready?"
"yes Sir, I shall speed up her training for you."
"I want her ready for the end of the year for an early induction."
That night, Anck-su-namun allowed herself to soak in the baths. Her two maids assisted her in her washing, however she asked them to leave her in peace and closed her eyes in meditation. She had accomplished her goal, and proved to be stronger and more talented than the favourite. Anck was aroused from her meditation as the door to her chamber was opened and Eshe entered. Eshe congratulated her on her triumph and discussed what she had been asked by Seti earlier that day. Anck's mood suddenly diminished, she did not want to be rushed into serving the Pharaoh any sooner. After Eshe retreated, she stepped out of the bath and placed a plain white linen dress on. Just as she was to depart to go to the temples to council with the High Priestess, Eshe returned to her room with a grave expression.
"Anck-su-namun…. I have just heard some distressing news….. I have just been informed that your parents taken the journey with Osiris into the afterlife… I am so sorry.."
Anck-su-namun stood there, in disbelief. She wanted so desperately to escape, to run as far as she could to forget about the sorrows in her life. She walked with all the composure she could muster before running to the temple of Osiris to pray for her dead parents.
As she reached the prayer room she collapsed onto the ground before the green statue of Osiris and began to sob.
Her cries were heard throughout the temple, and caught the attention of Imhotep whom was deep in meditation. He followed the sounds of the cries until he came across the petite figure of a girl curled up on the ground crying out in lamentation. As he approached the body the figure looked up, startled by the entrance of another. As she glanced up he recognized her immediately as the girl who captivated his attention during the days festivities. Even when she mourns she still possesses such beauty, he thought to himself.
Anck-su-namun heard footsteps approaching her and quickly looked up. Her cries had roused the High Priest. Embarrassed about her disorderly appearance and tear-streaked face she began to fumble with her dress to make her more presentable. The High Priest, clothed in a dark linen kilt and robe which opened slightly to reveal the chiseled muscles of his golden chest, lowered himself down to her level and asked her what was troubling her. She explained her situation, of her parents death and then of her awaiting duties to the Pharaoh. He felt such remorse that he raised his hands to her face to wipe away the tears, then placed a light kiss on her forehead. They both stared into the depths of each others eyes, seeing through the façade of their appearance. The attraction was indescribable and was so powerful, not even the gods could intervene. However their attraction and even touch was forbidden. She was the property of the Pharaoh and he was a High Priest, dedicated to Osiris. Anck-su-namun suddenly broke the connection and moved out of his reach.
"uh.. I am sorry I must go.." she stuttered, then ran out of the temple, leaving Imhotep filled with infactuation.
That night, both of their dreams were filled with images of the other, dreams that could only stay dreams, otherwise suffer the terrible consequences…..