Anck was always amazed on how the temple looked on the inside. It was so huge and there was always somebody praying. At one time or another she wondered if they knew what her father knew. Even though Lemonie didn't like it or even allow it Anck would sneak off to see her father. They would talk for an hour or two, or as long as she could spare without her mother finding out. Tucktin did not believe in the gods and his way of thinking was starting to rub off on Anck-su-namun. This was one of the reasons why Lemonie made the trip to the temple today. Anck stayed close to her mother because there were always men painted in gold from head to toe. When they were almost to the spot where everybody prayed, Anck stopped like she had seen a ghost. "Anck, what's wrong?" Lemonie asked within the softest tone she could, but she didn't say anything she just pointed at the statue so many had prayed too.
When she looked at the statue, Anck was pointing at she did not know why she was acting so strangely. She just knew she was. So she lend down and put her face up to Anck's and said in the softest voice she could, "I don't see what has you so spooked." Then Lemonie remembered how Anck felt about the priest and just like that she knew why Anck hated to come to the temple. She was scared of the priest. She smiled a little as she said, "They are nothing to be frighten of. They're not going to hurt you." Anck remained in the state she was in. Lemonie glanced forward then she looked at Anck and said, "Will it make you feel better if you stay out here until I come back?" Lemonie didn't have to wait long; as soon as she said that Anck nodded her head twice. Lemonie stood up and looked at the back of the temple for a second, then she looked at Anck and said, "Ok, you can stay out here but, don't get into trouble and if anyone asks you're here to learn about Osiris." "Yes, Mother." Anck said with a smile on her face.
Lemonie smiled then she walked away and when Anck could no longer see her she worried her mother would not be coming back. Lemonie was not there to pray, not even a little bit. She was looking for Nyarlahotep, but she did not see him. At first she was just going to give up and come back later when she knew he would be there, but then she remembered that at this time of the day he liked to pray in the garden that was off from the temple. Hardly anyone knew about it because he liked to keep it privet, Lemonie knew where it was too. She looked around to see if anyone was watching her then she headed toward the hallway. It was always kind of dark so next to the walls there were sticks burning so one to find there way. The garden was far it was long before she reached it. When she got to the end of the hall, she turned the corner and that was when she saw a light.
The light wasn't from fire it was the light of sun and right then she knew she was close. The light was coming from a door way on the left. That was only a few feet away. She didn't mind the garden it was nice and peaceful, but she hated walking through these dark hallways. When she got to the door way the light started to get brighter and it kind of blinded her for a moment. Soon her eyes adjusted to the light and she was seeing normally again. When she could see again she saw that she was in the garden and there were plants and flowers everywhere. It was so beautiful; she remembered the first time Nyarlahotep showed her this place she was amazed that such a place existed outside the palace. She walked through the garden for a while then when she came to the middle she saw Nyarlahotep sitting down, he was praying.
She didn't want to disturb him, but she didn't have time to wait until he stopped praying she had to talk to him now. She took a few steps toward him and said, "excuse me my lord" At first she thought he didn't hear her, but then he said, "yes Lemonie." "So you know it's me." She said with a grin on her face. He opened his eyes and looked back at her as she said, "You are the only woman who knows about this place . . . as far as I know." Then he got up and faced her and said, "What has brought you here on this fine day?" She gasps as she said, "I'm no longer lost. I know what I must do; I just don't know if I have the strength to do it." "It is not always easy to do what the gods command of us, but we must do as they command. Because in the end, they always have our destiny's in mind." He said.
Years ago when she and Tucktin first got together she was a faithful follower of the gods, but now after years of living with a man who does not care for such things. She has lost her faith and hearing Nyarlahotep speak of such things made her feel even more lost. My lord I don't' believe in such things . . . anymore." She smiled slightly. "How can I believe in gods that would allow an innocent girl to be passed off to a man who only wants her for her beauty. A man who would never really love her or even make her feel special." Nyarlahotep could see the past was still on her mind. "Tell me of your father, Lemonie." He said. She hadn't talked to her father in years. As for as you knew he was dead. So she said, "I do not know of my father. I saw him once after I was married, but that was a long time ago. Only the gods would know where he dwells now."
He knew then that nothing he would or could ever say to her would make her feel anything for her father. It was time to change the winds so he took a deep breath and said, "What must you do?" She smiled and once again that sadness he often saw in her eyes was gone, and he knew why. It was Anck-su-namun. It was her daughter; the only thing that gave her any sort of joy in her life. "I have decided to take Anck to someone who can teach her the ways of the warrior. So her fate will always be in her hands and not others. In fact I have found one who is willing to teach a girl theses ways. I will not speak of his name so, please to not ask." Nyarlahotep wanted to protest but she had stopped him dead in his tracks. He wanted to say something not because of the way things were, but because he feared for Anck's safety. The way of the warrior was dangerous that's why mostly mean ventured down it.
He said, "Why do you want her to go down this road filled with danger?" Lemonie couldn't bare to look into his eyes any longer. She turned away and said, "Because she needs to be strong. I want her to have a life she chooses; not one that was chosen for her. I don't' want her to end up like me. I'm married to a man I do not desire or love. I have four children and three of them are dead to me as though they don't even exist. She is all I have to give to this world and when I'm gone she will be long in this world. I won't' be around for her Nyarlahotep. I need to know she will be ok. I need to know. Yes the road I am setting her upon is dangerous, but at least she will be prepared for the whatever comes her way. You may not know it Nyarlahotep, but my daughter has a great further. She will experience all the love, joy, and sadness of two life times in one breath. She will give her name a meaning that will echo in the halls of the after life for all time.
This is my daughter and she will never know of the life I know. This vow with my dying breath; this and only this I vow." After hearing that he knew there was nothing more to say. It really wouldn't make a difference. Lemonie's mind was made up and there was nothing he could do about it. So he said the only thing he could, "Lemonie, she will be great and her name will live on when ours have returned to the dust." She couldn't help but smile. The truth was he said it not because he believed her, but because she needed to hear it. As the stars need a night sky to hear it. He knew if she could do it again she would choose a different life. A life of her own, and her only joy came from Anck-su-namun. This was the way gods had planed her life. He was happy for any joy she had. There was so much that was not being said, but this was the way he had come to accept. Lemonie always wondered if he was truly happy with the priest hood.
This was question she would never receive a answer to and she knew it. In an attempt to bow out gracefully with causing any further shame or pain she said, "Thank you, my lord. Anck is waiting for me and we have some other place to be. Time waits for no one, no matter how much you want it to. She turned away from him and left noting giving him a chance to say a good-bye. Now Anck was starting to wonder if her mother would ever come out. For the longest time people were passing her and giving their gifts to gods and as they did her fathers words came back to her mind. He said, "Anck-su-namun the gods are not real. Dumb, and foolish men thought them up to prey on the week and feeble minded. You're smarter then that aren't you?" "Yes father." She replied.
Then suddenly she heard her mothers voice, "Anck . . . Anck." She looked up and there she was standing in front of her. She had those sad eyes again. Lemonie often had a sad look about her, but her eyes told how sad she felt. Anck always wanted to know what was making her so sad, but she would never dare to ask. This was the way of her world. She stood up and said, "yes, mother." Lemonie forced a smile out of herself as she asked, "are you ready to go." Anck resisted the urge to say something smart and out of her place, "yes mother." Fallowing her mother once again they left the temple and started walking further into the city. Anck noticed they were getting closer to the palace. She had never been there, but her father always told her about it. When her mother was not around.
Lemonie tried her very best to keep them apart, but Anck always tried to spend as much time with her father as she could. She did not understand why her mother did this. Anck never understood a lot of things and whenever she asked. Lemonie would just reply saying, "When you are older you will understand." Lemonie made sure Anck was right behind her, for some reason she did not want her to see the place they were going until they were there. Lemonie wanted to get the first look. When they finally stopped, she stepped aside and Anck saw it. The building for beautiful, and plan all at the same time. It had writings all over it. Anck could read a little better now then she did before. She tried to read it out loud, but it just came out sounding all wrong. Lemonie said, "temple of the warrior. Only those who are worthily will come to know the meaning of theses words. (Dai-sungi-pedana-dateno)
Anck looked up said, "what does it mean mother?" "I do not know, but let's find out." She took her mothers hand and they walked into the place. The inside was filled with all sorts of weapons and more writings. They eluded Anck and Lemonie. Then someone said, "you are late." Lemonie turned around as fast as she could and saw a man standing there with his hands folded. Before she could say anything he walked over to Anck and said as he looked into her eyes and her face, "the writing out side means if you want peace prepare for war. You are worthily of the knowledge I have to give." He walked away and said, "Have her here when the sun is high every day except the seventh day without fail." Then he walked away. Anck was in a daze. What had just happened? Her mind thought. She asked, "Mother, what's going on? What do you we do now?" Lemonie replied, "You are here to learn the ways of a warrior, and now we go home.
The whole way home Lemonie was silent. She knew finally what she was doing was right and nothing could convince her other wise. Anck tried several times to get answers out of her mother until finally Lemonie stopped and said, "Anck, now is not the time for questions. Now is the time for silence. Anck knew what this meant. It meant her mother did not feel the need to tell her anything, and she just had to wait until she did. This was the way she was with Anck sometimes. To Anck silence was a punishment. She hated being silent, but her mother willed it so. She had no choice but do as she wished.
This silence continued all the way into dinner that night. The only conversation she had was with her father and brothers. It seemed Lemonie was in a world of her own, and Anck was not allowed to even visit. Sometimes because of this she felt lost and out of place. She felt like her mother did not care for her at all. Anck knew this was untrue, because Lemonie would always come back and show all the love a mother can. Still, the feeling was still present. That night she was put to bed by Loca and she assured her that her mother was not angry with her. Loca told her a story and soon she was off to sleep. What Anck did not know; that her mother knew was to day was last day she was going to be allowed to be a little girl. Tomorrow she would grow up and there was nothing Lemonie could do about it. She wanted her to be strong and choose her own destiny, and this was the only way to do it.
Tomorrow was the future and the future would bring joy, happiness, sadness, pain, shame and a path that remained unseen.