Chapter 24
"There is but one more gift," Merenkare adds. With a sweep of his arm, two bodyguards bring forth two mysterious, long objects, swathed by gray linen. Somebody, Ahkmenrah was unsure who, nudged him forward until both he and Kahmunrah were standing before the pharaoh. They did not have to wait for long for their final surprise.
"Fit for kings of Egypt, my sons! A sword for each of you! For brothers since birth, brothers until death, nothing will keep you apart."
Both princes gazed down in awe at the new blades, made entirely of silver, stretched out before them. Kahmunrah grabbed his first, his trembling fingers belying his eagerness. The weapon was light, much lighter than any he'd handled before, and sang even as he lifted it up carefully to inspect it. Naturally, he shifted into some moves just to show off, to the roaring delight of the crowd. Ahkemnrah merely took it gently and thanked the bodyguard. Already, he could feel, not only how airy it was, but how perfectly balanced it was. It rested in his palm as though it had been molded to fit it. He would never use a weapon more perfectly suited to him than this sword.
"Crafted from the finest silver, molded by magic and moonlight, these swords will serve you as well as you serve each other! Guard each other, love each other well, and they will never falter in their service to you."
Silver! One of the rarest metals known to Egypt, it would never rust, and was stronger than gold in battle. Father had truly been generous in his gifts!
"Thank you, Father," both princes said solemnly. The king warmly clasped both of them on the shoulder before surprising them with an embrace together. He looked deeply into Kahmunrah's eyes. "Never stray, remember who you are, my son."
To Ahk he added, "Always keep him in the right. Never wander far from sight-you are more precious than you know," he said teary-eyed.
Ahkmenrah missed Kahmunrah's expression of shock and dismay as he heard those last words reserved for the favorite son.
Ananka swerved and twirled in tune with the melody in her mind. Though the celebration was already over, she could still hear the music and laughter from below the palace grounds, glowing upwards from the commoners. Slowing down on her balcony, she leaned on the rail, enjoying the view of the remnants of her betrothed's birthday celebration.
Twirling her hip-length braid, she inhaled the jasmine perfumed air. Her parents were counting on her for such a marriage, and who better than the heir to the throne? It had been just her luck that the king was so desperate for a bride for his older, less handsome son. She found him less handsome, anyway; that rogue charm might have worked on half the women in the kingdom, but his womanizing ways were lost on her. Fortunately, her heart had been unattached prior to their engagement, so she did not have a tale of lost love to hold close, but still, something was... missing. One day, she would seek her happiness elsewhere; for now, however, her fortune lay here with the royal family.
On the other hand, she had seen his brother, Ahkmenrah. Quite the handsome fellow, and so sweet and shy. Too bad he was also too young for her, being but fifteen years of age. For now, Kahmunrah would have to do, and he would be more than enough.
0o0o
Having managed to make merry for most of the night, Ahkmenrah groaned, leaning against the wall for support. His muscles were so sore already, and Uruk was going to work them especially hard tomorrow. He wished he didn't like dancing so much, but after that last gift, well, what wasn't there to celebrate?
He giggled watching Kah and his bride-to-be dancing around- poorly, if he did say so himself. He suspected his brother was the worse of the two, for the lady had a graceful figure and movements by herself. And Kah had been so anxious over his birthday celebration before! At least he was having fun now. He tried not to wonder how many drink he'd had as he fiddled with the pommel of his new sword.
Kahmunrah stumbled through the marble archway, feeling more hindered than helped by the person guiding him. "I can-I can make it to bed, thanks," he slurred, his lisp even more prominent.
Ahkmenrah winced as he stepped on his foot. "Shut up, you big oaf! We would have been there by now if you weren't so drunk!" Together, they finally made it into Kahmunrah's chambers, where he gratefully shoved the prince down onto his bed. Kah made no sounds of protest, but instead he sighed contentedly and sank further into the goosey down.
"Why do you have to be such an oaf?" The younger prince asked before leaving the room.
