Chapter 26-Where Did Big Brother Go?

Much like his older brother, Ahkmenrah was up with the sunrise. Despite his exhaustion and the festivities, he'd had trouble with sleeping. Something, like an impending welt of kinetic energy, was building up inside himself, starting from the pit of his navel and spreading up to his chest. Only the moon or the sun soothed him. The moon in particular was lovely as its pearly light shimmered through his window. Even the phases of the moon never bothered him- it felt more like the winking of an old friend. He knew such thoughts were irrational, for a celestial being could not possibly notice one person, not even a prince of the realm. However, on nights when he was lonely, he could look out at the moon and believe a friend heard his prayers.

Tonight, Khonsu was waning, half full in his regalness. Ahkmenrah wondered how the god lived with his ever-changing form; he would have to ask father to recount the legends sometime. The deity was known as a protector of life, especially wild animals and a healer. In some tales, he recalled Khonsu providing safe passage by shining his light down on the path, showing the hero the way.

Ahkmenrah wished could protect others. How instead of lingering in the background, he could learn to take the right risks, make the right moves, provide shelter enough for all. Those who knew no true power would then feel better around him and would find their own ways in life.

But he was not brave, nor was he a person who reveled in taking chances. Indeed, a life of adventure sounded beautiful, but those days were gone. In the wake of his brother's coronation, he would be reduced to the supporting role of Grand Vizier. Or, as his father had once jokingly referred to it, as the most priceless spare ever created. He knew the pharaoh had not meant such words unkindly, but their sting still clung tightly to his heart. There used to be equality in how Kahmunrah and he were raised and treated- indeed, he was not treated any less than before, but after Kah's birthday party, there had been miniscule changes. Less sword fighting (ironic, considering his recent improvements), more transcribing and alchemy. He shuddered at the thought of all the various vials and herbs he was expected to memorize- it was the one subject he truly abhorred. Apparently, he was expected to understand basic medical stuff as well in his role to aid the king, but his brain simply was not attuned to such details. If medicine depended mostly on alchemy, he pitied any patient he might treat someday. Potions were simply not his expertise. In addition to the new academics, he also saw much less of his old friends, and the villagers by and large avoided mingling with him now. As a child, he'd enjoyed racing in the streets, but "such behavior was ill-fitting for a prince," as Menet had stated. Perhaps these changes were not merely part of royal life, but of growing up.

He in no way envied his brother-Kahmunrah's life had now become full of chores, battle training and other responsibilities he himself could scarcely comprehend. He would not wish for such a life. Indeed, Kahmunrah was the main reason he was alone on his balcony most nights now, for while they used to have fun together, Ahkmenrah was now left fretting and wondering alone. Wistfully recollecting his childhood while forgetting about the realities of royal life.

Unbeknownst to him, Khonsu beamed down, smiling about the hopes and dreams of one lonely prince. Soon, it would be all right.

In the meantime, Kahmunrah was having one hell of a time.

He'd always enjoyed sword fighting. Currently, it was his only solace among the countless new lessons he'd been burdened with. And who was in charge of these lessons, one may ask? Why, his beloved uncle, of course!

If anything, Uncle Menet relished taking orders from no one except himself. Despite the pharaoh's admonitions to be gentle with his sons, he took great pleasure in assigning Kah the most challenging tasks, watching over him, breathing down his neck-literally breathing down his neck. Screaming at him for even the slightest error, or a difference of opinion. It would be enough to fry anyone's nerves, so Kahmunrah did the one thing he felt accomplished in. He took to training religiously in the practice yards at night. Hopefully without any other living soul around.

"You've done enough." Uruk's voice emerged from the shadows, tranquil as the surroundings. Kahmunrah glanced up at him, but continued slashing at the mannequin. "You will be in no fit state to function tomorrow. Come now, even the sun must rest."

"And if I don't?"

"Then the King will be leaving the throne to no one but his brother." Although it had long been implied that Menet coveted the throne, nobody dared to speak about it openly. Not even the princes.

"To do so, he would have to deal with me and my brother, something I doubt he would ever bother with," Kahmunrah.

"Do not underestimate your uncle. Regardless of any actual plans from him, he will not need to deal with you if you die from exhaustion! It is time to rest."

Kahmunrah would have dearly loved to argue with him, but even he felt himself teetering slightly. Reluctantly, he put away his sword. It was not his real sword-that one was tucked away safely in his chambers. If what Uruk said was true, then one day he might get to use it.

Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope you're enjoying your day relaxing.