Prophecy of Decay
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story from The Mummy (1999) except for my Ocs.
Terms to Know:
Amun: Creator of the universe. God of the hidden aspects of the universe and the Air.
Anubis: Jackal-headed God of Death. Led the souls into the Underworld. Creator of Mummification.
Bast: Cat-headed Goddess of Women, Fertility, Childbirth, Pleasure, and the Home.
Geb: God of the Earth. Husband of Nut.
Hathor: Cow-headed Goddess of Love, Beauty, Fertility, Music, and Dancing. Wife of Horus.
Horus: God of the Sky and War. Husband to Hathor.
Isis: Goddess of Healing and Magic. Wife to Osiris.
Khepra: Scarab-Headed God of the morning sun. He rolled the sun into the sky each morning.
Khnum: Ram-Headed God of Water. The Divine Potter and Builder.
Nut: Goddess of the Sky and Heavens. Wife of Geb.
Osiris: Mummified God of Death. Egypt's first living God. Husband to Isis.
Ptah: God of craftsman. The Architect of the Universe.
Ra: Falcon-Headed God of the Sun. Creator of the Earth, Heavens, and Underworld.
Sekhmet: Lion-Headed Goddess of War, Protection, Healing, and Chaos.
Set: God of Chaos, the Desert, Sandstorms, and Tricksters.
Sobek: Crocodile-Headed God of the Nile. Ruled over Military Powers and Pharonic Prowess.
Thoth: Ibis-Headed God of Writing, Knowledge, Wisdom, the Moon, and Science.
"Never forget, the words are not the reality, only reality is reality; picture symbols are the idea, words are confusion."
― Muata Ashby, The Egyptian Book of the Dead
The Duat~
Osiris stood up and stretched; his body felt ancient. He didn't remember feeling this stiff and tired ten thousand years ago. Yawning, he shuffled from his bed, his wife Isis still asleep. He gazed at her, admiring her never-fading beauty. Osiris swore that she got more and more beautiful with every thousand years that passed. As both she and Osiris had once been living beings, they continued to live as they did before. They relished in the break that sleep brought them whenever they could. Kissing her forehead, he left their room and into the Aventurine palace they called home.
"Sire!" A small minion ran up to him, skidding to a stop. "I have important news!"
Rubbing his eyes to wake up, Osiris replied. "Yes, what is it?'
"Your brother Thoth has called a council. He wishes to speak to all the Gods."
Raising his eyebrow ridges, Osiris sucked in a breath. "Thoth seldom comes to visit the Duat…" he scratched at his chin. "There must be grave news for him to travel all the way here…." Turning away, he rubbed his chin, gauze falling to the floor from his ministrations.
"Um, my Lord?" The small minion asked. "What do I do?"
"What? Oh yes, round up my brethren and bring them to the Hall of Two Truths. It should be big enough for us."
Bowing, the minion replied, "Yes, as you wish, Master," and scurried away.
Osiris turned on his heel to prepare for the meeting and to wake his wife. Passing the mirror outside his room, he gawked at his terrible appearance. Snapping his fingers, he sighed in contentment. Gone were the gauzy wrappers of mummification, and his green face shone forth with new vigor. Stroking his fresh blue beard, he adorned it with golden scarab jewelry. His dark kohl makeup was meticulous upon his eyes. Satisfied, he entered the bedroom, grabbed his white robes, and donned them. He felt ten thousand years younger already.
Smiling to himself, he kissed his wife's forehead once more. "My love, it is time to wake. We have a visitor."
Groaning, she stirred in her sleep. "What is it, Osiris? Who has come to visit?" She asked, grouchy already. Her eyes were barely open.
Laughing at her disheveled appearance, he tucked her long hair behind her ears. "My dear, we must hurry. Thoth has arrived with news."
At that, her eyes shot open. "Thoth? Pray tell, what would he want here?" Isis asked, "Why has he come so early?"
Worried, Osiris replied. "I wonder that, too," he said. Taking her hand, he helped her to stand. "Come, let us prepare ourselves before the rest of our kin arrive."
Loud chatter reverberated around the chamber, leaving Osiris' ears pounding with its onslaught. All his kinships sat around the expansive table. Each clambering for a seat, many bickering about this and that.
Horus and Ra sat together. Horus was roaring with laughter at Sobek's joke. While Ra sat stoic, his beady eyes roving the room, disappointed with the riffraff. On the other side, Bast and Anubis sat, twiddling their thumbs. Each time they made eye contact, they giggled and looked away. Smiling to themselves in secret.
Nut and Geb sat on each other's lap, gazing into each other's eyes, and Osiris rolled his eyes and chuckled. They were as besotted with one another as they always had been. Looking over at Isis, he smiled, for she sat there tired and grumpy, still not awake.
Khnum and Ptah sat with their heads close to one another. If Osiris leaned in, he could make out their conversation. "...if the Pharaoh builds it this way…." and "...no, no, he must face it this direction to access the sun…." Osiris laughed again. Amun, Sekmet, Khepra, and Hathor, sat in the fray, looking as tired as Isis felt. Seth was nowhere in sight.
Looking around, Osiris grew suspicious. Why would his blood brother not be here? He should have arrived with Ra and Sobek this morning. Seth was always on time and knew he had the oath to uphold. Drumming his nails against the table, he felt nervous as his mind switched. Where was Thoth? He should be here by now. And what had he to tell them that was important enough for them all to be here?
The great golden doors opened, and in walked Thoth. His great Ibis head was heavy as he walked through the doors. The chatter died down, and Thoth looked up, surveying the room until he made eye contact with Osiris.
"Brother!" Osiris called out, standing up and holding his hand to signify quiet. "We have awaited your arrival!"
Thoth nodded and didn't respond as he took his seat at the head of the table. All eyes on him.
Clearing his throat, he began. "Brothers, sisters, friends…I have called you here today with some grave news." The room was silent as a tomb.
Continuing on, he said. "I was deep in mediation a few moons ago and stumbled upon some information that needs to be brought to light."
Turning now to Osiris, his beady eyes were serious. "There is one, in the land of Egypt, who is destined to become the bringer of death. And the harbinger of destruction to all the creatures of the world."
Osiris felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as he asked. "And that is?"
Thoth's eyes were only trained on him now. "It is the one so devoted to you…but I fear something has been tampered with. There has been a prophecy made."
Swallowing, Osiris made to speak but was cut off by another.
"Hey, Thoth, speak to the rest of us too, will you?" Called out Horus, giggling with Sobek on the far side of the room. Osiris turned and glared at his son, signifying him to be quiet. Horus blinked and sat down, crossing his muscular arms.
Thoth turned back to Osiris, not paying any mind. "A scroll has found its way into the land of Egypt, and if it is read, it will bring about terrible things. But worst of all…."
Turning to the rest of the room now. "Worst of all…seeds of darkness have been planted in three souls, and it cannot be undone by any one of us."
Osiris' head began to spin, and he turned and looked at Isis, who was looking back at him with high anxiety. Remembering the prophecy he had seen years earlier, he swallowed. He felt as if his throat were rotting away.
"Thoth…" Osiris said. "What do you mean seeds of darkness?"
Thoth was grave. "If the prophecy is completed and these souls are to come together... death and destruction will follow."
His head spinning, he remembered, "Did you say three souls?"
"Yes, brother, I did, and the third soul is someone I cannot see."
Osiris had a sick feeling in his gut. He could not stop thinking about where Seth could be. Something in his mind was screaming about oncoming danger. Standing up, Osiris held out his hand, and his scepter came to him immediately. The ghastly green light it emitted lit up the dim room. All eyes were again trained on him, waiting for what would come next.
"I have a feeling, my brother," Osiris said, turning to Thoth, "That we shall find Seth at the bottom of this."
"Seth? Why he is my most loyal protector!" Ra called out from across the room. "He has done no wrong!" Ra stood up, his dark eyes boring into his.
Osiris' scepter began to grow brighter and brighter, blinding everyone in a flash of light. Evil laughter resonated from within the scepter, casting an eerie silence on the rest of the room. Within the scepter flashed pictures of darkness, death, and decay. The Gods all watched, horror growing on their faces at the scenes before their eyes, and it was then Osiris knew.
The evil before them was something they had never seen. It could not be stopped in life, and it could not be controlled in death. It was even more potent, sinister, and powerful than any of the Gods combined. It would be the end of them all.
~Thebes, Early 1294
Seti sat in his bed chamber in the early morning. The golden gauzy curtains had done nothing to stop the sun's onslaught on his poor eyes. Groggy, he got up to eat breakfast, which was already spread out for him when he had awoken. Staring down at it, nauseated, he pushed it away.
He felt useless that morning, thinking of all his failures to produce a son. Rustling covers behind him roused him from his thoughts, and Seti tensed up. He grimaced when he heard the patter of light feet heading for the chamber pot in the other room. Seti wanted nothing more than for the day to be over with already.
He stood up, his joints stiff and heavy. As he stood, two servants rushed out from the other side of the dividers near the door.
"My Pharaoh, here are your clothes for the day." One of the servants said, rushing to dress him. The other servant was quick to get rid of Seti's uneaten breakfast and called for another to make the bed.
All in the span of five minutes, Seti was ready for court. Walking over, his ankles stiff, he looked at himself in the mirror and felt proud. Looking at himself, he saw a strong, confident, and very handsome man staring back at him. Feeling more jovial, he nodded, and the servants lifted him into his chair. Spreading out comfortably, he enjoyed the ride into the throne room, not having to move a muscle.
"Imhotep, you are on time this morning!" Seti said, clapping him on the back. "It is nice to see your face this early in the day for a change!"
Imhotep startled and laughed at the Pharaoh's remark. "Yes, it seems I am on time this morning." He said, tired.
"Well...as you are on time this morning, you must help with the grievance committee," Seti said. He leaned back on his throne, getting more comfortable, and snapped his fingers. Two servants appeared and began fanning him with large ostrich feathers. Sighing in contentment, he yelled across the room, "Let them in."
The large doors opened, and in came a line of civilians from all across the kingdom. The first was a young mother and her two sons. The mother walked forward, her shoulders stiff. Bowing at the Pharaoh's feet, she kissed them.
Turning to Imhotep, he whispered, "She would be pretty if she weren't so poor." Laughing, he failed to notice Imhotep's lack of response.
The young mother rose her head and bowed once more before speaking. "Pharaoh Seti, I come here to ask forgiveness for our crops not being as productive this season. My husband died recently in a land dispute, and I have been rushing to produce the crops."
Seti frowned. No, this would not do. "And what is it that you produce?" He asked, bored.
"My husband–" the woman sobbed, and Seti shook his hand at her.
"Calm yourself, or I will have you removed. What is it that you produce?" He asked again.
Sniffling, she replied, "We produce wheat and barley, my Pharaoh. And we would be so indebted to you if you would give us just a bit longer–"
Seti cut her off again, "Wheat and barley, you said?" He smiled at her. "Well, why didn't you say so right away?"
"My Lord?" she asked, confused.
His face went stone cold. "If the harvest is not here by this time next week, I will have your farm sold to someone who deserves it. Next!" He waved his hand, annoyed, signifying that her grievances were over. The woman grabbed her sons, sobbing, and Seti groaned in vexation, his eye twitching.
Several hours went by in this fashion, and Seti was growing fatigued by his duties. Waving towards the guards near the doors, he signaled for them to close. A crowd of people watched in confusion as the door slammed in their faces. Seti stood up, stretched, and then flopped back down into his chair, too tired to do much else.
Dancing for the Pharaoh felt different to Ancksunamun. Each day, when she entered the throne room, she felt the Priests eyes on her, stripping her down to her very essence. His eyes had appeared cold and demeaning to her before, but now they felt different. They felt soft, warm, and passionate…but she could not go there. She imagined things could be different, but she knew they would never be. And so, as she swayed for the Pharaoh's enjoyment each day, she imagined that it was for Imhotep instead. In another land, another time, it would work, but here, she was a servant, a slave to the Pharaoh. Her feelings for the Pharaoh's Vizier would be under lock and key.
Catching the priest's eyes once more, Ancksunamun blushed and looked away. Imhotep's face was stoic as he looked back at her, but she swore she saw something flash within his eyes. Swallowing, Ancksunamun listened to the notes coming from the lyre. As the bells around her ankles jingled, she closed her eyes, feeling the beat of the music within her. The song ended, and opening her eyes; she was again met with the intense golden eyes of her dreams. She felt stuck in place, and a lump appeared in her throat. Safiya came and grabbed her hand, leading her toward the far wall.
"Whew!" Safiya said. "What a morning!" Pulling Ancksunamun down by the hand, the two girls sat on the cool Jade floor.
Ancksunamun nodded in response, closed her eyes, and let her head rest against the wall. In her mind, the feeling of Imhotep's hand in hers as she left the river still burned her skin. I need to stop these silly daydreams…she thought to herself as she shook her head. Imhotep was a rich man who spoke to the Gods. She was nothing more than a poor farmer's daughter, showing off her body for the Pharaoh to ogle.
Plus, I hated him no more than a week ago. I shouldn't be so easily swayed by him. Infuriated by her own change of heart, she felt confused as to how her heart had changed so quickly. He did save Kesi…she thought. And he was so kind to me down by the river…but that doesn't change the fact that he does work for the Pharaoh. That evil man!
Sighing and opening her eyes, Ancksunamun thought of the Pharaoh now too. He sat upon his throne, and his large stomach flowed into his lap, taking up more than half the space. She grimaced and looked away. She recalled the starved looks her parents wore. How their tired bodies worked endless hours out in the sun, producing the crops that fed the kingdom. She remembered the hearty but sparse meals her mother would cook to keep them all strong and healthy. Her eyes roamed over the Pharaoh's form once again. Nausea made its way up her throat, and she swallowed it down. Abrupt, she stood up as the head dancer signified their time for resting was over. Offering Safiya her hand, the two girls padded forward and resumed their positions. Ancksunamun's heart would never change toward Seti, and that, she knew, was a fact.
Seti stared at the girls dancing around him, feeling himself growing aroused. Most days, they were little more than decorations around the palace. But today, they seemed especially appealing. Seti watched, lascivious, as the girls twisted and twirled, their bellies on show. Their hips shimmied and swayed, calling out to him to breed them. Thinking back to his last conquest with the dancer, Seti thought better of it. He turned to Imhotep and stopped short.
Imhotep's eyes were on one dancer in particular. She was a small, lithe girl with long flowing locks that reached her waist. As Seti roved his eyes over her, he recognized her from her first day at the palace. A farm girl from a riverside town, if he remembered correctly. Her perky breasts and large bottom called out to him. Seti felt himself swell with desire, and he tore his gaze away.
"You approve of our dancers?" He asked Imhotep. Why was he looking at her?
Blinking, Imhotep tore his eyes away, "Yes, my Lord, they are satisfactory, I suppose."
Seti chuckled, "They seem to be more than satisfactory to me," he said, taking a deep inhale. The air smelled of heavy incense, and soon the musicians in the corner of the room came to the end of their song. Seti stood up, calling out, "Bravo, bravo!"
The dancers stopped and looked at him with big eyes, but Seti paid no attention. He had his sights set on one dancer in particular. All eyes on him as he parted the sea of breasts, he stopped in front of the tiny dancer, "My dear," he said, "You are ravishing. What is your name?"
The girl stared at him with dark, hard eyes, and she answered in a curt manner, "Ancksunamun." She replied with a stiff bow. Seti followed the line of her body and glimpsed beneath her dress. Sucking in a deep breath, he found it almost hard to speak as all the blood in his body rushed between his legs.
"Anck Sun Amun," Seti said, grinning at her in a boyish manner, missing her look of derision.
Bowing again, Ancksunamun replied, "Yes, Pharaoh Seti. At your service."
Seti felt himself throb harder at her obvious twist of words. "Anck Sun Amun, I want you to join me tonight for a banquet."
Her eyes widened, "Pharaoh Seti, thank you for your kind offer, but I will have to decline politely." Bowing again, she bent down to fix her sandals.
"Oh, feisty, are we?" Seti quipped. He liked her fiery attitude. Rudeness in women usually infuriated him, but not today.
Without looking up, she replied, "No, Pharaoh Seti, that is not my intention."
Turning to Imhotep, Seti spoke, ignoring her. "Imhotep! You are in charge of bringing our lovely dancer to the banquet hall tonight. I will not take no for an answer." Seti said, his eyes growing hard as he turned back to the girl.
The girl looked up and made eye contact with Imhotep before looking back to Seti. Her mouth opened and closed, and at last, she said, "Yes, Pharaoh Seti… I will accept your offer. Thank you." She stood up and bowed again.
Why does she look at Imhotep like that? He wondered, peering at both of them. Deciding it was nothing, he grinned in excitement.
"Great answer!" Seti said, beaming from ear to ear. Clasping his hands together, he turned to Imhotep and led him back to sit down. His legs were burning with the exertion of standing so long.
Panting, he sat down on his throne. Still smiling, he thought of all the wicked things he wanted to do with the dancer with the dark eyes. He wished the day could go by even faster.
Ancksunamun felt her stomach drop out from underneath her. Her legs feeling wobbly, she allowed Safiya to guide her toward the far wall once more. Hostile eyes peered out from behind Safiya as she gently sat Ancksunamun down on the cool stone.
"Ancksunamun, are you okay? Look at me!" Safiya said, grabbing her head and looking her in the eyes. "What just happened?"
"The Pharaoh chose me as his next victim," Ancksunamun swallowed. Her head was reeling, thinking of everything all at once.
"That's a bit dramatic, is it not?" Safiya laughed.
"No…it's not…" Ancksunamun trailed off. Behind Safiya, the other girls were shooting daggers in their direction. Coming back to look into Safiya's kind eyes, Ancksunamun relaxed a bit before speaking. "Safiya, think of Kesi. Think of all those people we witnessed today begging for help. He is so cruel and cold-hearted."
"Well, that may be true…." Safiya said. "But something else can more than make up for the Pharaoh's transgressions." Her eyes sparkled.
"What? Nothing can fix that!" Her eyes blazed back at her. "What do you mean?"
Sighing, Safiya whispered. "No, nothing can change how horrible the Pharaoh is, but there's more to him than meets the eye."
"Spit it out, Safiya," Ancksunamun pulled Safiya down onto the floor to sit with her.
"Don't you see? You could change those things if you get on his good side!"
"I don't follow…." Ancksunamun looked at her, suspicious.
"Silly! If you become close to the Pharaoh, you could become one of his wives!"
Ancksunamun began standing up, wanting to be anywhere but here, but she was pulled down again.
"Ancksunamun," Safiya lamented. "You could change the face of the kingdom. You could help those people. You could save your parents, and mine for that matter…."
Biting her lip, she glanced at the floor. Save my parents? Become one of his wives? "Safiya, this is crazy talk, and you know it. Kesi has disappeared!" Her voice rose, and several eyes turned toward them.
Pulling their heads closer, Safiya continued whispering. "I know that, and you can find out where she has gone as well. Think of this as getting revenge on the Pharaoh. He'll think you're one of his loyal subjects when really you're pulling the rug out from under him. It's brilliant."
Glancing at Safiya, Ancksunamun smirked. "Fine, that does sound like a good plan. But what about having to sleep with him?" Grimacing, she felt her stomach turn again. "I don't think I can do that." Pulling her knees to her chest, she felt sick.
"Ancksunamun…." Safiya pulled back and sat on her heels, holding one of Ancksunamun's hands. "My dear, that is why we are here. We're meat to him, don't you see?"
Glaring off into the distance, Ancksunamun's eyes unfocused. Since she had arrived at the palace, all she had felt for the Pharaoh was nothing short of contempt and disgust. Her parents' faces swirled through her head, mingling with Kesi's and all of the other concubines in the room. Putting her head between her knees, she thought she would be sick. But I could also get revenge on him, couldn't I? She thought.
"Plus," Safiya started. Ancksunamun raised her eyes to look at her. "There's another perk to the job."
Looking at her, she replied, "Such as what?"
Throwing back her head in a fake laugh, Safiya said in jest. "Ancksunamun! Do you not see how the Pharaoh's Vizier looks at you?"
Peering behind Safiya, Ancksunamun was surprised to see Imhotep still in the room. On an average day, he would be gone by now. He looked bored, sitting there. He was staring off into space, his face devoid of any emotions. Turning back to Safiya, she replied, "No? What do you mean?"
"Did you not see how he was looking at you when the Pharaoh offered him up to escort you tonight? He looked positively terrified!"
"So what?" Ancksunamun was growing uncomfortable.
"I see the way you look at him! All week you've been making lovey eyes at him!"
Her jaw hardened, "I have not!"
Safiya giggled, "Have to! Has something occurred between the two of you?"
She traced her fingers on the rough walls, "We met in the infirmary…. And then I met him again down by the river…." she trailed off.
"What? And you didn't tell me?" Safiya grabbed Ancksunamun's hand again, almost squealing, "Tell me about it! Is he as mean as he looks?"
Chuckling dryly, Ancksunamun replied, "No… he's not. And I do not wish to speak of this!" She said, laughing. "It was a chance meeting. It meant nothing!" She felt her face flush at the remembrance of his tight loincloth and muscular legs. Feeling the way his rough hands had soothed away her tears….
"Hmm….It doesn't seem that way to me. But if you say so!" Safiya said.
Rolling her eyes, Ancksunamun stood again, offering her hand to Safiya and pulling her up. Brushing off her dress, Ancksunamun huffed and resolved herself. "He is the one escorting me tonight as well. I'm mortified."
"Mortified? Why? I thought there was nothing between you?" Safiya jested. "It will be okay! I'll see what other dresses my mother packed for me. You can borrow one of mine."
"Very funny," she grinned. "And thank you, I can't go in this same old dress I wear every day," Ancksunamun said, still holding onto Safiya's hand. She gave it a squeeze before letting go. Tonight would change everything.
Imhotep's head was spinning with possibilities. Why had the Pharaoh chosen her of all people? Panic coursed through him as he struggled to stay calm. He sat beside Seti as he prattled on and on about some mundane topic. All Imhotep could do was agree with whatever Seti said.
His mind flashed back to the morning at the river. How delicate her hands felt as they passed over his face, caressing the air in front of it. Despite the acrid heat of the palace, Imhotep shivered. The girl's aura had been unlike anything he had ever felt before. It transcended human words or Godly powers. In all his years of convening with and working for the Gods, he had never felt anything like it. It was otherworldly. Being near her felt as if a piece of his soul had found its missing piece.
Biting his lip, he fought against the urge to run back to his chambers. Something about the scroll he had hidden under the floor called out to him. The words could not be interpreted. Something about it felt familiar to how Ancksunamun's presence made him feel. But that doesn't make sense...he thought. Besides, I have more important things to think about now.
Later that evening, he would have to escort Ancksunamun to dinner with the royal court. How am I going to be near her? He thought, anxious. Swallowing, he stood up. Seti stirred beside him, roused from whatever nonsense he had been speaking.
"Imhotep, did you not hear me? Where are you going?" Seti asked, incredulous.
"Hear what?" Imhotep asked, not bothering to sit back down.
Huffing, Seti replied, "I said, what do you think about what I'm proposing later this evening?" Seti looked at him in annoyance.
His mind was all over the place, and Imhotep struggled to recall their last topic of conversation. "I think it's a good idea..." Imhotep said, smiling to dispel any tension. He hoped that was the correct answer. His feet were twitching to leave.
"Hmpf.' Seti replied. He crossed his arms over his enormous chest. "I hoped you would have more to say on this matter, but oh well. Do whatever it is you priests do." He waved his hand, dismissing Imhotep at once.
Bowing, Imhotep left without another word. Air blew past his ankles as his robes billowed out behind him. His mind was all over the place. He thought of all the women that Seti had used, destroyed, and left for dead. He thought of Ancksunamun, of her beautiful, innocent face. Swallowing, feeling the tears prick his eyes, he felt anger bubbling up inside of him. Seti cannot do this to her! But what can I do? If he has his sights set on her, I cannot save her from him…
Sighing, he made his way to his chambers, sat down on his stiff woven mat, and crossed his legs. His back against the cold limestone, he closed his eyes, begging for answers from the Gods. His body floating away in the familiar respite of nothingness, he allowed his mind to relax, to no avail.
Sometime after, Imhotep felt a presence in the room and opened his eyes. Kher-heb stood in the doorway, leaning against it for support.
"Imhotep, my boy, it is good to see you."
Clearing his throat, Imhotep responded, "Yes, it is good to see you too. You're back earlier than normal."
Chuckling, Kher-heb hobbled into the room and sat down on his bed, sinking into its softness. He looked at Imhotep with kind eyes. "You seem troubled."
"When am I not?" Imhotep said, rubbing the back of his head.
"Come," Kher-heb patted the bed beside him. "Sit and have a talk with your old man."
Stiff, Imhotep stood, stretched, and sat beside his father. This was all too familiar. The last time they had talked like this, Kher-heb had been talking of curses. Imhotep had told him of his dreams, of the Goddess…
"So, what is it?" Kher-heb broke Imhotep from his thoughts. "You are always so troubled, my son. It is not good for the heart to keep it inside."
Imhotep rolled his eyes in faux annoyance and began to speak. "Do you remember the Goddess I spoke of?"
Kher-heb nodded at Imhotep to continue.
"Well…I have met her. As has Seti."
Kher-hebs eyes widened, "You've met her? And you didn't tell me?" Hitting him on the back of the head with his cane, he motioned for him to go on once more.
Nervous, Imhotep laughed, looking down at his hands. "Yes…I have met her... Her name is Ancksunamun, and she is the Pharaoh's newest conquest."
"When did you meet her?" Kher-hebs eyes widened, and a knowing look came into them. "I cannot believe you did not tell me of this!"
Frowning, Imhotep connected the dots for him. "She came to me in the infirmary. She was with the Pharaoh's head concubine, who had come in on the verge of death. I cannot tell you more about that…." He trailed off, the pain in his heart at the memory of Kesi hitting him. A few moments passed, and he began again, careful not to tell too much of the Pharaoh's misdeeds. "But that is all over now."
Kher-heb tsked but did not press further on the subject. "So what of the girl? What did you call her? Ancksunamun, you say?" Kher-hebs eyes twinkled.
What is he not saying? He is so infuriating sometimes. He knows something, doesn't he? Imhotep thought. "Yes, her name is Ancksunamun," Imhotep observed from the corner of his eye at his father for his reaction.
"So you met, so what of it? I am sure that is not the end of this tale?"
"No, it is not. We met again…down by the river." Imhotep said, flashing back to the chilly morning. Remembering the way her intoxicating energy had felt wrapped around him. Her soft body was so close to his. She had leaned in; her lips parted in anticipation. The air had fizzled with electricity, and he had felt the world fall away, but it had ended there. And he had been left feeling more confused than ever.
Feeling a nudge, Imhotep broke from his reverie. Finding his father looking at him, waiting for him to continue.
"Go on. You met by the river?"
"Yes, we met by the river. And it felt like nothing I had ever felt before. She is so beautiful…." He swallowed and looked away from Kher-heb's prying eyes. "Anyways...this morning, Seti invited her to dine with us tonight."
Kher-heb sighed and put his hand on Imhotep's shoulder. "You're worried."
"Well, that's obvious, is it not?"
Kher-heb nodded and looked down at the ground. Ample time passed, and Imhotep thought he had gone to sleep when he finally responded. "You know, Imhotep, you are in a position of power here. But you cannot overstep Pharaoh Seti. I feel that Ancksunamun will become important to both your stories…."
Imhotep's head shot up, "What does that mean?"
"It means she is part of something bigger, Imhotep. I have had the feeling for years now that something will change the course of Egypt, and it may very well be up to you."
"Why are you speaking in riddles? Why can't you spit it out?" Imhotep pleaded.
"There are some things a father can't answer. He just knows. Be careful, my boy. You are in a precarious position here, but also one of great importance. Play it careful. I have an inkling about something…." With that, Kher-heb stood.
"An inkling about what?" Imhotep asked, confused.
"I am not sure, but I believe it has something to do with curses…." Kher-heb said, muttering the last part under his breath as he limped from the room.
Always with the curses, Imhotep thought, amused. "Where are you going?"
Turning in the doorway, the dying sunlight a backlight, Kher-heb answered, "Where else? To the gardens, my boy. It is almost sundown. You best be going shortly as well."
With that, Kher-heb disappeared, and Imhotep, left with his thoughts, swallowed. Curses, why is it always a curse with him?
Scratching his head, he felt stubble tickle his fingers, and he sighed. Walking over to his basin, he splashed cold water on his face, shaved, and dried his face with a linen cloth. His heart was pounding as he looked in the mirror. Remnants of the conversation with Kher-heb rang in his ears. Curses. It intermingled with the awareness that he would have to face Ancksunamun again soon.
She seemed so skittish around him, so eager to be rid of his presence when she had almost kissed him mere days ago. It left him reeling. Donning his dark robes, he clenched his jaw in resolve. As he was about to leave, the scroll ran through his mind. I'll just look at it one more time…
Reaching down, Imhotep pulled out the bricks hiding the scroll. He inhaled. It sat there unimposing, looking like a sad piece of moldering linen.
Pulling back as his hands neared it, he stared at it in wonder. A strong feeling washed over him, feelings of darkness, despair, and power. Imhotep looked at his hands and wondered how he could feel all that from a tiny piece of papyrus. He reached for it again, unfolding it. The words still don't make any sense! They danced around the page, this way and that, scrambling his brain at any attempt to decipher it.
He grabbed his head, and the familiar pounding resounded through his skull. It whooshed through him, and he dropped the scroll. The world went black.