Chapter 1: Anubis.

He was a pharaoh. He was a descendant of the gods. He was a god. And his children, and his children's children at their time would be gods. His name was Anubis, the first Lord of Darkness.

Nobody doubted that he was a god. He looked like a god. He was at least one arm higher than they. His hair's color of a soft, sweet, brown-red color. And his eyes...Oh those eyes! With that green gaze he could weight the ba, and the ka (soul & spirit) of anyone. His was a well-proportioned body, for such a big frame like his, he had clean limbs, and a hard belly. He acted like a god, because he had courage, intelligence, and nobility. He was contemplated in awe, and loved by all the people in Ha-Ka- Ptah, many centuries later called Egypt; people that he loved, and liked to call them "his creatures."

Besides his beautiful qualities, he was an intelligent and good warrior, and had won many battles, and several wars with what he called "mind games." Those games were in reality tricks that he used with his enemies, so he could keep them off balance. They never knew what he would do next.

Continuously, a very evil lord, Bes, tried to destroy him using all his wicked power, to make Anubis his servant, and submit to his malevolent desires. And at that moment was at war with Anubis. But Bes was completely wrong! The dark lord was too noble, and gentle to submit to such an evil doer.

Once, Ra the sun god, was setting far away in the horizon when Pharaoh Anubis was taking a walk in his palace gardens: he was very fond of the animals, and flowers that he had there. Especially a flower in particular, that flower was called The Flower of Darkness not because of its color, wich was the purest white ever, but because it opened his flowers at precisely midnight. And the aroma of those flowers perfumed the whole city, the capital city of Kemit (Egypt), Thebes. All the "creatures," and Anubis were deeply grateful to the gods, Ra, the sun god, Nut the sky goddess, Geb the earth god, and Osiris the creator of that flower in particular.

When he was totally distracted enjoying those flowers, he was interrupted by one of his servants, which told him with great respect:
-Sire, two emissaries of Punt have arrived.
Punt, the country ruled by Bes.
- Please loyal one, tell Bes messengers to tell me the message, because I can't wait to know what Bes wants this time.

The two stepped forward. One tall, with long dark brown hair, both eyes with the color of the heavens, the other shorter, his hair very long, but curlier, his eyes brown. This was the one that spoke:
- Our king, Bes the Magnificent...
Bes? . Magnificent? .Hah! Anubis chuckled to himself.
- ...wishes that you send some Flowers of Darkness. He wants to plant them in his beautiful palace gardens.

Beautiful? That fortress is the house of evil, the house of Seth; thought Anubis narrowing his eyes.

Pharaoh didn't answer immediately. He remembered, that Bes was responsible for the death of his parents and the disappearance of his brother, terrible battles, and a war that didn't seem to end. Bes had tried almost anything, and everything to make Anubis submit to him.
- If you do not send the flowers to our king, he will send all the evil forces at his command to get him your kingdom. This way he would be the owner of EVERYTHING in this land.
At last the Lord of the Darkness spoke:
- Tell your king that he will NEVER have the flowers, Ta-meri(Egypt) or me.- The young pharaoh said calmly.

Anubis began preparations secretly, and as soon as the messengers left for Kush, the capital of Punt, he called all his generals and told them:
-Once again we have to fight in this endless war to save our lives, and our beloved Ta-Nutri (Egypt) of Bes power. Prepare yourself, and the ‘creatures,' because we're going to play. Said the pharaoh with a mischievous smile.

The dark warriors listened to him, and swore their obedience to him, in anything that he would order, because they had great faith in him.

So, when Bes armies arrived three months later, the Lord of Darkness was ready with his armies waiting for them. Anubis was there in the battlefield wearing gold sandals, a black quilt with a golden slash in his waist, bare chested with only a gold collar in his neck, and a long black cape covering his back. But his head was dressed differently. He used the dark mask of the jackal with the long ears and mouth of the dog, but the eyes of the mask were open and you could see the green eyes of it's owner staring fiercely. Bes warriors were tired from the long voyage, and they were confronted by a very tall figure in black with the head of a jackal, and with a long dark cape trailing behind him, and also behind him thousands of shouting, angry warriors. Few days later Bes Army was defeated.

When Bes knew about the humiliating defeat, he went mad with anger. His bulbous figure was stirring furiously, and his triple chin trembled in disappointment. If his skin was considered white, with that news it became almost death like. Then he settled down and began to plan the most evil ever. -Ooooooohhhhhhh yyyyeeeeeesssssssssss!!!!!!!

Chapter 2: The Whip

To realize the evil plot, he needed the help of someone, and he called for someone. A young woman. Her name was Nefer-Neferu-Ra- Nefertari, (the most beautiful of all). Her hair was jet black, of a skin color lightly tanned, the eyes were almond shaped, but the color was different. They were even rarer than Anubis eyes. They were yellow! And they were the kind of eyes that changed with the mood or dressing of their owner. The shape of her body was quite beautiful, with breasts of the size of pomegranates, a slim waist, and the tightest pair of buttocks in all Punt. -Nefertari, I want you for a very difficult, and dangerous mission.- Bes said.

Nefertari had to obey, he was her master, the king of the land, and...the only one that knew where her mother was. True, Bes had cared for her, providing all the material possessions that she could ever need. But that wasn't what she needed...she needed a warm smile welcoming her when she arrived home, a caress, hugs...all those silly little things that make life worth living with a mom. But when some barbarians kidnaped Hebmet, (Nefertari's mom), Bes came, organized a search party, and went to the hunt for the barbarians. He said to the young one that the barbarians liked to call themselves The Shrikes, from some horrible vulture like birds that were in the land. That there was more than a thousand Shrikes in their camp, and he hadn't enough men to go against them, because the majority of his warriors were in the war against Anubis. But he also said to the frightened, and saddened girl that her mother was still alive.

That's why she stayed with Bes, because he was the only one that could give her that hope. But she was afraid of Bes, very afraid. As his servant, she got to sometimes see how he would plan terrible attacks to his worst enemy Anubis, and his uncontrollable rage when those attacks failed. Sometimes getting out of his being in that rage by beating without sense other servants or even throwing them to the gorge that surrounded his castle, woman, children & men for equal, but he didn't do that to her. The punishment that she would usually get for something was twenty-five lashes with a whip on her back. Lashes that left a crimson weal that never broke the skin, but stung immensely, and left her writhing, and weeping in agony.
-I'm at your service milord. Said the young girl, looking to the floor, and kneeling before her master, like the custom of the land (imposed by Bes himself) demanded.
-I want to have all the flowers of darkness, conquest Egypt, and Anubis. This is my plan.-said the tyrant, and explained to the tasherit (the youngest) what she had to do.

Few days later, Nefertari left Punt in secret accompanied by two slaves. All of them were going to Thebes, the beautiful capital of Egypt. To the young girl the voyage was long, and treacherous, but she did it because Bes said that if she accomplished the mission he would make the west wing of the army attack the Shrikes, and bring her mother to her. With that hope in her heart Nefertari, and her companions arrived to a lake near the palace of Anubis, and there they spent the night.

The next day, Nefertari was contemplating the waters of the lake. All of the sudden an exclamation escaped from her lips, and she looked at the waters again. In that same place, beside her was the image of a surprised masculine face.
-Oh!
Silence. The surprise became seriousness.
-Good morning. She said turning her face to look at him. More silence. And at last the young man with a hardened, but beautiful face spoke with a very serious green stare.
-Who are you beautiful one? You look like you're the goddess Isis that just descended from Nut (the heavens)!
-My name is Nefertari. I am the saddest young woman in the world, traveling all over the earth, trying to find happiness, but without success.
-In Thebes I'm very powerful, how could I help you?
The girl smiled sweetly.
-I don't doubt it holy father. Thank you.
-Huh? Father?.- Said the tall man.
-The tattoos that cover your arms said it all, gentile priest.
-Oh!
He then realized that she did not know who he was in reality.
-In which country I am? She asked.
-You're in Egypt.
-Egypt!!!!-Nefertari almost shouted, alarmed.
-What? What's wrong? -He asked between surprised and annoyed.
-I'm sorry father, but I have been told so many things about this land.
-Like what?-Said the man with long auburn hair.
-Is that true that Hapi (the Nile) swells with so much that the water becomes blood?
-There is a time for inundations, and waters augment in quantity getting rid of a red colored silt, then it changes color to green fertilizing the land. But it is not blood.-Said the man firmly.
-Is that true that the ones that are too feeble, or weak are killed?
-We respect life, and our elders. We want to reach the perfect age. 110 years' old.
-Is that true that Pharaoh Anubis is a ruthless, and a cold-blooded killer?
Obviously she didn't know who he was!
-*sighing somewhat amused* Pharaoh is a strong, but short tempered man, that loves his country, and his "creatures" with all his might. But he's not an ogre.
-Thank you father.-She said sincerely.

This is his country, and I respect it no matter what. I hope that this priest doesn't say this to someone that knows Pharaoh, she thought. The last thing she needed was the anger of a priest, and that class was quite powerful, only Pharaoh was more powerful than they. The young ones continued talking for quite some time, but that made the court begin to become alarmed when they didn't see him, and began to wonder where the pharaoh was, they had no idea that he was enjoying himself chatting with a very young woman.

All of the sudden the sound of trumpets and people came to their ears.
-Your majesty! Your majesty! Where are you?.-The courtesans shouted.
Anubis heard them, and told her:
-Let's go! Let's get out of here!-He said standing up, wanting her to leave with him.
-Why? What's happening father?-She asked puzzled.
But it was too late. The courtesans arrived much too anxious to serve the king.
-Here he is! Long live Pharaoh! May he live forever! Life, Health, Prosperity!
And that unleashed his anger.
-Enough, enough! Out, out, out of my sight!-He began to shout, and began to use his whip.

For the first time Nefertari was witnessing his short temper. But those medley courtesans interfered with his conversation with this beautiful one. And frankly it was beginning to amuse him. He thought that it was a refreshing change from all the worries of the war. He didn't liked to lie to her, but he wanted her to see how was he, and his country in reality.

After chasing them with the whip, Anubis returned to a very nervous Nefertari. She was shocked, and looking at him with eyes like plates. He beckoned her with a gesture of his head, and hands, but nodding she refused. He then went to her, and made her sit at his side, so close that she could hear his agitated breathing. She wanted to run for her life, and not being paralyzed in total fear. He took her hands into his own, and spoke softly:
-*sigh*My real name is Tut-ank-Ra (plentiful of life is Ra). More than 20 years ago my father the Pharaoh Thamose; life, health, prosperity! had a vizier. The name of the vizier was Bes.

Chapter 3: Soul & Spirit

Nefertari paled. But he continued to speak, as he was showing her his soul.
-He was my father's best friend. Once Abu (father) discovered certain discrepancies of what the royal tax collectors, the scribe's records, and what was in reality in the royal treasury. Abu appointed two helpers in this task, my brother, and me. From the investigation we determined that someone very close to Pharaoh was responsible for the robbery, and we found out that the person was Bes. He stood impassible during the accusation, like nobody was talking to him. Abu was furious, and ordered the arrest of Bes instantly. But very evil gods intervened, and he escaped. Several months after that, Abu, trying to distract himself went to hunt for some ostrich feathers for his fans. All of the sudden an arrow struck him on his chest, everyone in the court went to his rescue, and the soldiers began the chase, but it was in vain. Abu whispered the words: "I love you" to my bibi (mother), closed his eyes, sighed, and parted to the eternal stars.
All the time that Anubis was speaking, Nefertari had taken his big soft hands in her little ones.
-All the court began the cry of mourning and ululation of grief. But bibi stood there where she was, kissed Abu very softly in the lips saying: "No more than I love you", and lumped over him...

At that moment the young man's eyes became inundated by tears, but he didn't shed any, it was his voice that gave out.
-Bibi couldn't bear the sadness of seeing the great love of her life dead, so she went with him.-He said very sadly.
Nefertari felt like invisible insects crawled upon her skin, but she didn't say anything, and kept listening to him.
-When the soldiers returned from the hunt of the killer, they only brought a red piece of cloth with an emblem on it. But I knew who was owner of that seal. My former teacher, Lord Bes. When it was cleared who the assassin was, the war was declared on Bes. He got sanctuary on the country of Punt. With tricks, and lies like he did with my abu he was promoted as "The one that carries the king's fan" (right hand man) of the real king of that country. But conveniently enough the king "disappeared", and since then Bes is king. My brother was one of the firsts that went to war, but we haven't heard anything about him for a long time, sometimes I think that...
His voice trailed off.
-I wanted to be an historian, to record everything in the history of this sacred land.-Said Anubis explaining.
-There is so much that this land can give to the future generations, and the rest of humanity! I wanted to record all that. But there is a big difference about what you want, and what you have to do. That's why I'm Pharaoh. I'm trying with all my power to stop this war that is depriving the families of their beloved ones. And return this land to the peace, and tranquility that it deserves.
Then Nefertari smiled sweetly.
-I apologize Pharaoh for the things that I said, but like I told you, I'm a traveler in this distant land.-She said trying to keep her eyes down, in a demonstration of humility. He was Pharaoh, with just a word he could dictate her death sentence.
He took her chin with his right hand, and lifted it so he could better appreciate those amazing eyes of hers.
-There is nothing to apologize for. This is the first time that you came here, and you wanted to know the truth. Who better than me to say the truth?-He said with an almost imperceptible smile.
-Come with me to my palace where my aunt, and my cousins will care for you dearly.

Holding her hand they went to the royal compound, to a small palace surrounded by the mysterious Flowers of Darkness. All the court was already murmuring about the uncharacteristic behavior of pharaoh. He never took the hand of a woman in public. He never did it with the ones of the harem, or with his official consort Alida.

Chapter 4: The cat

Alida was a lady of the court. She was the chief consort of Anubis. A woman with a well proportioned body, she was as beautiful as ambitious.

Her stand in the court was high because her family was given a nobiliary title in the by the founder of the last dynasty. But she wanted to have more than a title, she wanted to be queen.

One day she decided to use all her feminine charm to get it all. Her maidens combed her hair in the fashion of the time, her makeup resalted the whiteness of her fair skin, and she wore the most transparent dress that she could find. Then bribing some of the guards with jewels, and precious oils she arrived to the most private quarters of the lord of darkness, and then waited patiently that he arrived. When he got there he began to take off his clothes, and all of the sudden he realized that she was there. He looked at her like he was trying to read her mind, then he beckoned her with his green gaze, and his hand, and then she came to his side. He took her hands, and lifted them over her head, and began to take her gown off her.

Alida tried to kiss him, but he snapped his head to the other side. She didn't pay too much attention to that because he was holding her tightly in his arms. He slowly began to run his fingers across her entire body. As his fingers ran across her nipples they became hard to the touch. The man caressed the inside of her thighs. Quite slowly, he replaced his hands with his tongue. He ran the length of her back, and then cross her stomach. Quickly he dove down to her femininity as his soft fingertips ran across her chest. He lunged his tongue across the tightness of her. At first she moaned, then she began to scream. Then he entered in to her...

After they finished, she told him that she wanted to remain in the palace, and he said dryly:
-As you wish.
-I love you milord.-She said trying to convince him. He looked at her again with that amazing green gaze, entering her soul. He knew that she lied, but he opted to keep her close, to watch her. Because of her family heritage she had wealth, and power. He knew that she wasn't a woman you could trifle with.

Since that day she became the chief consort of Pharaoh. Sometimes he would go to the harem, and not to her. She wouldn't mind when he did that. She would mind when he would stay with one of the girls of the harem for too much time than she estimated necessary. Usually one of the soldiers that Alida bribed would "warn" the girl, and the concubine would leave the palace silently. But when someone didn't listen to the warning, the girl would "disappear" and nobody would know anything about her. Regretfully Anubis was too busy with the affairs of a warring state, to pay attention to the intrigue in the harem.

He had his occasional pleasure with Alida, and that would cement her position in the court. But he did something that disturbed her, better said he didn't do something. He would never, ever kiss her. She had tried several times, but his sensual thin lips were hermetically shut.

She heard the gossip of the court and decided to position herself far enough so she could not be seen, but close enough to hear everything. Anubis arrived at the royal compound of Malkata with Nefertari at his side. And went immediately to the princess, and royal duchess Anser-Wossett. His aunt.

She was a middle aged woman, but she still had some of her beauty left. She also had still some of the fire and spark of youth. When Nefertari saw her she understood where his regal stand came from. The tall man approached the woman that he regarded as a mother, and she received him with a tender, warm smile. Bowing, and giving him her hand for him to kiss it she said:-My pharaoh.

Then the young pharaoh saluted her in the way of the royal protocol of his dynasty. He took her hand and bowing back to her he took her hand to his heart, and said:
-Your highness, may my heart...
He took her hand to his lips, and kissing it he said again:
-my lips...
He took her hand to his forehead, and finally said letting her hand go:
-and my mind be with you.

With one flicker of his hand the servants behind him left, and the court kept a more than reasonable distance remembering the whipping that they almost got. When Anubis and Anser-Wossett were with strangers they behaved with all the pomp and circumstance of their royal stand. But when they were alone, they were family, they were aunt and nephew, they were Tut and Tata.

-Tut!-Said the princess with a huge smile, and opening her arms. -Tata!-He said with a smile from ear to ear, hugging her. Nefertari was the only stranger outside their family circle that has ever seen that intimate show of affection. Not even Alida had ever witnessed their show of filial love.

-Have you forgotten me already young man?-Asked the princess scolding him lovingly.-No Tata! Never! You were always on my mind.-He said apologetically with his eyes wide open. Then the royal duchess looked at her right and saw Nefertari standing there looking at both of them with a soft but warm smile. She missed her mother terribly, Hebmet was the only family that she had in all the world, and witnessing that beautiful display of affection she could tell for certain that his aunt was more like a mother.

-Tata, this is Nefertari, she is a traveler from all over the world, and just has arrived to this sacred land of ours. Can you make the proper arrangements for her stay with us?-He asked holding both hands of his Tata.

Anser-Wossett approached the girl, and touched her face with both hands while she was kneeling to greet the older woman. The duchess look into the yellow-green eyes (that was the color of her eyes at that moment), smiled, and said:
-Welcome to this Egypt of ours little one. Don't worry Tut-she said turning to him- I'll make sure that she is well cared for.
-Thanks your highness.-Nefertari said.
-Are you alone?
-No your highness, I have two servants with me.
-Very well then.

The lady clapped her hands, and an eunuch arrived almost instantly bowing to her, she spoke to him, and he bowed again.
-Please go and accompany Todd. He has been instructed to take you, and your servants to your quarters while you're staying here in Egypt.
-Yes your highness, and thanks again.
Nefertari said that, and approached pharaoh.
-Thanks for your kindness sire. I don't deserve your it.
When she said that she thought: I TRULY don't deserve it.Anubis said looking at her:
-I want you to dine with me, and with Tata. Is that alright with you Tata?
-Oh, It has been such a long time since we have had supper together! I'll love to hear her stories of around the world.
He said:
-Then is settled. We will dine together tonight. And turning to the girl he said in a soft voice:
-May sweet spirits, and geniuses go with you. See you at supper time.
Nefertari bowed to both majesties, and left with the eunuch.

Anser-Wossett took gently the wrists of her nephew, and took him aside where no one could hear them.
-What do you think my dear?
- I think that she's the one.-He said very seriously, rolling his eyes back showing the whites, and narrowing them to just slits.

Chapter 5: Wonder

When Alida found out about the invitation to Nefertari, she became furious. How come Anubis would never hold her hand in public? And now this...this little girl... had witnessed what just a handful have ever seen. The lord of darkness talking intimately with the woman that cared for him, and his brother, after the death of his parents.

The Princess Anser-Wossett, was the sister of Anubis' father, but they (Alida & the princess) had never had a good relationship. Although the color of the eyes of the great duchess was an absolute black, they had the same effect as the ones Anubis had. They could enter through the soul of anyone. With those dark eyes she "weighted" the soul of Alida, and she didn't liked what she saw. The princess saw a lot of cruelty, and ambition for power on her soul. And Alida knew it.

Alida could never forgive the great duchess for entering her soul. At the beginning Alida wanted to destroy Anser-Wossett immediately, but then thinking it over she decided that it would be better for her interests to wait, to dispose of her later.

Now more than ever the chief consort was eager to be in the special supper that Anubis had ordered for his new guest. But she couldn't go. She wasn't invited, and that made her even more furious. Nevertheless she decided again to watch, and not be watched, to see, but not to be seen.

The room in which the banquet would be realized was filled with the pungent fragrances of freshly cooked food. Beef, stuffed dove with rice, roasted fowl, cakes, sherbets, wine, milk, and beer, plenty of beer. Egyptians really liked beer. Nefertari was already there with her two maidens at short distance, and Anser-Wossett just arrived at that moment. The "traveler" bowed to the princess, and then the lady beckoned her, and she responded.
-Ah, Nefertari dear, how are you? Are your quarters comfortable enough?
-Yes milady. Thank you so much. They are wonderful. When could you give me the honor of your visit?

The princess could not respond to her because at that very moment the arrival of pharaoh was being heralded. He arrived at the room with the nemes crown on his head, the starched linen light crown with a boa on his brow. A solid gold chain with an ostrich pendant adorned his neck, and a long black kilt covered his lower part. Rapidly he took off the light crown, and gave it to a servant with an obvious distaste for the starched fabric. Both woman gravely bowed to pharaoh. He nodded back to the ladies, but with a smile. Then he told them to sit, and with a hand gesture the banquet began.

After the dinner the princess began to question Nefertari almost relentlessly about the travels that she had realized, while Anubis heard in silence everything, but his eyes were big with interest. She told that at the south of Egypt constant warfare dominated the land, that the warlords liked to called themselves "King of Kings, lord of lords", and that they enslaved each other.
-But there is just one king of kings, and that's pharaoh!-Exclaimed theold lady.
-I know that milady, but they don't know about pharaoh's existence.-Said the girl.
-That means that we have barbarians that fight among themselves in the south.-Said Anubis to no one in particular.
Then Nefertari told them that when she traveled to the east one day she had seen what she believed to be very huge grey stones. They stood upon the green grass, and then surprisingly they began to move. -In reality they were...-but she couldn't finish the sentence, because the princess cried:
-Elephants! You saw living, and breathing elephants!
-Yes your highness. I had never seen one before, but then what else could they be? There were thousands of them. Their numbers had no end. Also there were antelopes, and gazelle, and other species of animals that I had never seen or heard before.

Great quantities of Ivory in the east, pharaoh thought. His mind was racing fast with the thoughts of riches. He had to be thinking about that because he was startled when he heard his aunt's laughter.
-But that's impossible tasherit (little one)! Is preposterous! It's barbaric, it's...impossible!-She said in disbelief, and amazement.
-What is it Tata?-He said amused to see his aunt in such a good humor.
The lady said the reason with a faltering voice because of the laughter. -Nefertari said that...the barbarians of the west...use some kind of tools...to shovel food...in their mouths!The girl nodded with a sweet smile.
-I liked the intricate carvings in them though.

Pharaoh smiled completely, it was the first time that Nefertari saw him do that with that radiance, and she became speechless. But the great duchess was speaking non stop.

-Every civilized person knows that for you to eat with the proper etiquette, you need to take the thumb, the index, and the middle fingers, and take the food with them, not touching the lips.

-Tata, you said it best, civilized people know that.-Said Anubis defending Nefertari. She looked at him with a look in her eyes that said: Thank you. But he felt like he was enveloped in the softest yellow caress ever. He almost moaned, but instead he narrowed his eyes maintaining her gaze.

The princess continued talking without noticing the warm glances between the young ones.
-She also said that some of them believe in just one god. Can you imagine? One-she said raising her index finger-just one god!
-But personally your majesty, what I really liked was the news that I got from a port.
-What news?-He asked.
-That far, far away in the north there is an island, an island covered with trees, great huge trees. (That island many centuries later would be called BRITANNIA).
-Timber!-Anser-Wossett said.
-Wood!-The lord of the darkness said.-Little one, you must understand that timber for us Egyptians is a rare, and treasured commodity. Every single stick has to be carried in by any method of transportation available from very far away lands.
-That's what I heard in that port in the west sire.
-Well then, I have to leave now. Tata I will talk to you later, there's a lot of things that I have to discuss with you.-He said bowing his head.

-As you wish sire.-Said the duchess bowing gravely to her beloved king.

-Nefertari, I want you to accompany me. Perplexed she looked at the duchess, the old lady slightly nodded to her, and the she said:-Yes sire.

Nefertari bowed to the princess, then left with pharaoh at her side. They walked through the corridors of the small palace in silence. But it was he stopping dead in his tracks that broke the silence.

-My aunt always wanted to be a traveler like you. But she married very young, and could never do it. True, she has traveled all over Egypt, but she wanted to go to other lands, to meet other people, and know other cultures. Do you understand?
-Yes sire. But don't worry. The truth is that I enjoyed talking to her. I learned from her, and from you.
-Good. I'll summon you tomorrow, to be with me. Until then.-And he then did another thing uncharacteristic of him. He took her hand, kissed it on the palm, reverse the hand, and then kissed it again. That sent invisible flames of fire over her skin, but she didn't say anything. Now she was the one, that felt a green caress. She bowed gravely to pharaoh, and left.

Anubis went to his castle, and went to his private chapel. He lighted a candle, and stepped inside the darkened room. It was decorated with images of Ra, the sun god. His patron god since he was a child. He was dedicated to him. In that room he was no more Anubis, king of Egypt. There he was Tut-Ank-Ra, the man. He opened two golden doors, and there was a gold statue of Ra. He knelt before the statue, and turning the palms of his hands to it, he said:-It is true then, she is the one. There he began to pray.

Chapter 6: Egyptian vulture

Nefertari spent several happy days in the palace. Sometimes she was alone, sometimes with her maidens, and sometimes with Anser-Wossett. The girl could not always be with pharaoh like she did in the beginning, but those times that she wasn't with him she could feel that she was being looked at with a warm, sweet green gaze.

Any way, pharaoh would always try to spend some time with her. When he couldn't be with her, his mood became terribly grumpy. And when he could not see her for days at a time, he became more, and more angrier. His aunt warned him about his new temper, and from then on by royal command when Nefertari wasn't with Anser-Wossett, the girl would be accompanying him in the court. It was there that at last she met Alida.

She greeted the royal consort with perfect court manners, but Alida remained like nobody was talking to her. Alida was too busy trying to impress pharaoh with her beauty, but he witnessed the way that she treated his guest. In retaliation he completely ignored Alida, and even dismissed her from the court, making her angrier than before.

When she arrived at her rooms she was so furious, that in a almost hysterical act she began to destroy things in her chambers and threw down to the river a jeweled mirror, comb, and brush that had been in her family about five generations. Then she tumbled down in her bed crying of pure fury. She was in love with pharaoh, but she was even more in love with the possibility of being queen of Egypt.

Anser-Wossett really liked this young girl that arrived at Terra-Amata (the land you love). She would always ask her about her travels, and the "barbarians" in the west.
-Oh, tasherit! Those barbarians...what are they thinking?-She asked laughing.
The girl smiled sweetly. She had grown quite attached to the old woman, the princess had always the thirst of knowledge. But more importantly she always treated her with respect, and love, like a daughter.
-I'm sorry dear, but I still can't get over what you told me, about the shoveling of the food, and the just one god thing.-Said the princess giggling.
-Oh milady, that's nothing compared with what their "doctors" say.
Just with that comment she got her total attention.
-What do they say?-She said fixing her intense gaze into her.
The wind wasn't blowing, but Nefertari could have sworn that some of the plants that adorned the garden were moving.
-You know about the brain, that cheese curds like substance?
-Yes, yes. What about it?
-They say that the brain is responsible for the thought, and feeling.
At that very moment she was shadowed by a huge figure. The great duchess was going to stand up and bow, but he put his index finger to his lips, so his Tata could be quiet, and take Nefertari by surprise. With a secretive wink his aunt accepted the gentle prank.

-That's it! The barbarians are totally nuts!-The lady said as a matter of fact-That's the function of the heart. Is the heart that jumps when we love, we get frightened, when we feel a strong emotion. Don't you think Tut?

The girl surprised bowed gravely to greet pharaoh, but he stopped her.
-What do YOU think milady?
-Me?-Asked the girl surprised at the question, and at the handsome man in front of her.
-Yes.-He said with a faint of a smile.
-Well...*sigh*-she took a hard deep breath, and then blurted out- I think that it was made as a vengeance of the evil gods...

Anubis narrowed his eyes. The great duchess remained silent.
-so we can keep arguing amongst ourselves without end about the reason of it being there, and wonder the reason for the rest of eternity.

Nefertari waited for the reaction of her hosts. It took just a few seconds, but she felt like minutes passed.
-Tata, I think that we found the real answer.-He said convinced.
-Her logic is absolute.-Said the older woman thinking about what the young one said.
-Thank you, your majesties.-Saying this the girl bowed gently.
-I'll leave now. -Said the princess, and left. Both bowed to her, one with a nod of his head, and the other bowed gravely.
-There is no way that I could repay you for making my Tata so happy in this tough time.-He said taking her hands into his.
-Oh, is nothing, sire! I love her very much, she is like a mother to me. That came from her heart of hearts, without thinking. When she realized what she said, she remembered her beloved bibi (mom), Hebmet. Were could she be?, was she alright?, would lord Bes be rescuing her right now?, or was she...? While she was asking herself all these questions, the color on her face flushed, and became a pale-yellowish color.
-Nefertari?, Nefertari?, Are you alright?-When he saw the sudden change of color in her face, he became very alarmed.
-May I be seated sire? I still feel that the weight of my sadness in my shoulders.
-Of course little one.-He said still holding her hands, and still worried. Each and every day he grew more and more affectionate of his guest.
-Are you alright now? Do you want a doctor?
-No, no sire, thanks.-She never trusted those quacks, and she neverwould.
-Good, because I have a gift for you!-He said with a broad smile. She noticed that he would only smile at his Tata, and to her. Could he be...? No, better not think of that...She loved pharaoh as a friend. And no matter what lord Bes' plans were she could not destroy pharaoh's trust in her. No matter if that would mean being whipped her to death.
-What is it sire?-She asked curious.
-It's a surprise. Don't peek.-He said softly, putting gently her hands to her eyes.
He stayed looking at her to see if she was peeking, and then brought a basket covered with a fabric. From it he took out a very cute cheetah cub. It looked kind of like a common cat, but bigger and spotted all over. It growled at him, and the girl heard it, but Anubis said:
-No peeking! Open your eyes when I tell you so. He put it in her lap, and told her:-Now, open your eyes.

She opened her eyes, and pharaoh was delighted to see her jaw drop when she saw the little cat.
-Oh sire, it's so adorable, and pretty! It's precious! Thank you so much! Then without thinking, she kissed Anubis' cheek tenderly. He took his right hand and put it on his cheek, the girl now realized what she had done, and repented saying:
-*gulp* Oh, I'm sorry sire, it will never, ever happen again!-She bowed gravely, and nervously, and turned to leave, but she was stopped by his deep voice.
-I don't want you to leave Nefertari.
Very nervously she responded: -Yes, sire.-She seated down at his side, and he became serious.
-What happened to you before I gave you Bastet?
-Bastet?-She asked puzzled.
-Yes, Bastet, the cheetah cub that you're still holding in your hands. She looked at the inoffensive kitten that was stretching its legs, and then said:
-Well sire, is that milady Anser-Wossett reminds me very much of my mother.
-Were is she?-He asked curious.
-My mother is a hostage of the shrikes. A band of barbarians that have savaged my country.-She said almost in tears.
-Shrikes?-He asked to no-one in particular, but he felt that something was wrong, very wrong and didn't knew why.
-When did that happen?-He asked again.
-When I was in one of my travels. That's the reason of my sadness your majesty.-She said not looking at him. He remained in silence, and finally said:
-From this moment on you're going to have soldiers that will be with you twenty-four hours a day. I don't want anything bad to happen to you.
-Thank you your majesty, but I don't think that...
He snapped his head around and looked at her with a gaze that ordered total submission. She gave up to it silently.
-You may leave now.-He said very seriously.
-Yes sire.-She said that with her gaze low, she bowed gravely at him, and turn to go, but again he interrupted her when he took his right hand, and put it under her chin, making her look at his emerald eyes. He said to her almost whispering:-Do that again.
-Do what again Sire?-She asked baffled.
-Do that again. The kiss on my cheek.
She took both her hands, caressed his cheeks with her fingertips, and then kissed him on the soft cheek. But her surprise was boundless when he kissed her cheek also.
-Thank you sire.-She said without looking at him.
But he responded:-No little one, thank you.
She smiled sweetly to him, and left. He stayed in the garden, and thought aloud:
-Those guards are the luckiest men alive. I would give anything to be one of them.
In silence he reviewed all what happened with Nefertari, and then remembered why he felt that something was wrong. Bes' emblem was a red cloth with a black Egyptian vulture in the middle of it. A shrike.

-Bes has Nefertari's mom as a prisoner.-He concluded sighing, taking his hand to his brow.

Chapter 7: Scorpion

Nefertari was in total awe with pharaoh. First his gracious hospitality, then all the knowledge about this sacred land of his, the opportunity to teach his own aunt about the costumes of the world, and now this most beautiful little kitten. She decided to do something for him. But what? She paced across her room thinking. Some ideas occurred to her, but she would dismiss them shaking her head. Then it happened.

-But of course, how could I ever forget? This is what he wanted to do!-She said and began planning, and preparing herself. To accomplish what she wanted, she would need a whole lot of help. Because of that she recruited the great duchess for her plan.
-But little one! That's wonderful. He'll be absolutely delighted!
-Are you sure your majesty?
-Without a question. I'll gladly help you.-She said with a radiant smile.
Using the help of the princess, and her two servants, Nefertari could access the royal archives, and began reading, compiling, and writing. Her project took actually quite some time, and pharaoh became curious of what she was doing.
-Tata, what's Nefertari up to?
-Nothing dear.
-Tata, I seldom see her with you, and she is not with me in the court. He was becoming serious.
-I am with her sometimes. She said smiling.
-Tata...-He said, and that sounded like he was warning her. But she was on the brink of laughter.
-Well...-The princess began to tease him- Nefertari is preparing agift.
-A gift? For who? He asked with curiosity, but he was becoming more, and more serious.
-Well, I know that it is a young handsome man...More seriousness.
-with broad shoulders, and beautiful eyes...
He looked at his aunt out of the corner of his eye.
-he is very elegant, his manners are the ones of a gentleman, and he is sooooo nice...
With that, before the astounded look of the princess, he stormed out of the room, and went to his private quarters.
-Oh my!-Said the princess-But I was talking about him!
There, he in tremendous rage destroyed everything in the room and threw every single thing to the floor.
-She is mine!, She is mine and no one else's! She is mine, mine, mine! The gods told me that she would be the one for me!
Saying that he remembered once again the vision that he always had, since he became a man.

He was in the battle field, sword in hand. His short kilt black, and gold totally covered with blood. But he had won the battle. The seven prisoners were at his feet, including Bes. All of the sudden a soft voice nor feminine nor masculine told him:
-You have the power to conquer all that you wish. Now, if you conquer this, it would be yours until the end...
Then he was transported to the lake near the castle, were he found...a smiling girl that looked like the goddess Isis, with long jet black hair, and yellow eyes.
-you must me warned, it will not be easy this conquest. You will face a lot of obstacles, and even treachery. But she will be yours for the rest of the eternity.

That's the reason why he became serious when he saw her the first time, but began to talk to her gently. He recognized her from his vision. That was also the reason why he presented her to his aunt, and the narrowing of his eyes when she asked him what he thought. His Tata was the only person that knew about the visions. And that's why he was praying in his private chapel almost daily to his patron god Ra, praying so he could conquer her heart.

After his rage subsided, he sat down on his bed, and said in a soft tired voice:-She is mine, she belongs to me. *sigh* She is mine...because...I...belong to her.

Then he realized it. He was falling deeply in love with her. A few days after.
-Tut?-The princess asked slowly, entering to the garden were he was "resting". But he had no peace, he hadn't seen the girl in several days, and he was very restless.
-Yes Tata?.-He said in a low tone of voice.
-Someone wants to see you. Said the princes, not knowing if to smile or to be serious.
-Send him in.-He sighed, believing that it was one of his cousins that wanted to see him.

It was an unexpected, but welcome surprise to him seeing Nefertari. Well, at least he thought that it was her, because the woman that entered (he could see for certain that it was a woman because of her skirt, and the shape of the legs) carried with her a large quantity of papyruses in her arms and her face could not be seen.
-Your majesty! Life, health, prosperity!-Said the female voice behind the manuscripts.
When you don't hear the voice of the one that you love for some time, and all of the sudden you hear it greeting you; that can make you beam with happiness. And surprisingly Anubis did that, but the girl couldn't saw because of the load on her arms.

-Tasherit, in the name of all the gods of Egypt! What is this?-He asked surprised, with a smile.

Putting the scrolls on a table, she approached pharaoh with a smile. She was wearing golden sandals, and a long, white linen dress. She wasn't wearing any jewelry, but her makeup was done with great care and it accented her beautiful features. She knelt to the floor in front of him, and touched the ground three times demonstrating her obedience.
-Milord, you have so kind with me, and I don't deserve it...
You deserve EVERYTHING my beloved, I would give you the stars, the heavens, or the moon, just ask me my love, and I will. While he thought that the wind was blowing, and made his auburn mane flow in the air.
-so I spent all these days in the royal archives, and gathered for you something.
She then handed him a scroll from the table.
-The story of the kings of Egypt. From the first king that ruled this wonderful land, until pharaoh Anubis, lord of the darkness. May he live forever!-She said triumphantly.
-Thank you, it will be great to read the adventures of the first king, Menes.
-Specially if is written by you my love, said his heart. But the girl looked at the great duchess, and she nodded approvingly. Nefertari took a big breath and said:
-But milord, Pharaoh Menes, life, health, prosperity! Wasn't the first pharaoh in this land. The living god Scorpio, life, health, prosperity! Was the one.He looked at Nefertari with disbelief, but she nodded affirmatively.

Then he turned to the great duchess, and she also nodded confirming what the girl told him. Opening the scroll he began to read, and said:

-Is amazing! The historians forgot the most important one. The one that organized the people, and the economy for the first time. -Maybe they didn't include him because he was only the lord of upper Egypt. Pharaoh Menes, life, health, prosperity! Was the one that unified the both lands.

They were busy talking about the kings, and the history of the land. Pharaoh was reading and commenting; Anser-Wossett and Nefertari were explaining to him all the details of the findings. That's why they didn't listen to the noise that the animals were making. They were very agitated, pacing back and forth in their cages, and doing all the noise that they could make. The servants tried to calm them, but in vain. Then it happened...the earth began to shake itself.

Chapter 8: Strength

It was a complete surprise for pharaoh, the princess, and the young woman. The ground that they were standing on was shaking violently. They reacted with what their instincts told them, and began to run. When they arrived at one of the exits of the palace compound they were almost mobbed by a scared multitude. When the rush of people went away, the earth stopped shaking. He turned his head to the right, and saw his aunt on the floor.
-Tata, are you alright?-He shouted.
-I think that I sprained my ankle running.- Said the old woman, but with a worried look she asked to her nephew:-Were is Nefertari?
He opened his eyes as big as he could, and began to snap his head from left to right, searching for the owner of his heart.
-Nefertari!, Nefertari!-He began to shout anxiously, and began to lookfor her.

The girl was dragged by the mob when she, and her hosts were getting out of the Malkata compound. Fortunately, the earthquake finished, and the people stopped running. But now she was lost. She tried to regain her composure, and looked around. The people around her looked like they were in a daze; she could hear someone crying near her, some soldiers were shouting orders, and the animals were loose. She was among all this when the second earthquake began.

Like all the other people, she began to run searching for a safe place to be. But the buildings in the surroundings were debilitated for the first quake, and they began to crumble.

While she was running, she was also witnessing all the destruction first hand; when a wall fell down crushing the people immediately in front of her. A cloud of dust, and debris raised from the broken wall, and it went into her eyes.

The earth still trembled under her feet, but now she was coughing, lost, blinded, and scared. Very scared. She walked around with her arms in front of her trying, but in vain not to stumble. She could hear people shouting, crying, sobbing. The girl could hear all the chaos, but not see it. Between these sounds she heard another sound, but it was a lot scarier than the others. It was a deep rumble that came from under her feet. She had never heard it before, but the reality is that the earth was literally opening at her own feet. She heard people falling, but didn't know where. When she took her left step, the ground wasn't there, and she began to fall.

Nefertari felt like she was going down in a slow motion, when all of the sudden a powerful hand grabbed her by the waist and held her in his big arms. True, she could hear suffering, and pain all around her, but she could also hear something else. The deep drum-like beating of his heart, and his sweet words:
-Don't worry Tasherit, I am here, and I'm not letting go.
-My pharaoh.- She said in a husky voice.
Then as suddenly as it began the quake stopped, but her body still trembled.
-Are you alright?- He asked her lovingly.
-Yes.- She said, but he knew that it wasn't true.
Pharaoh looked around to see the damage that had occurred. He could see the buildings destroyed, and the ones that were destroyed in part. The street was opened in several parts from side to side. He heard the crying, and the sobbing of the women and children. Everything was so confusing. In one moment he was chatting amicably with his aunt, and his beloved; and in an instant almost everything began to crumble down.

He was pondering this when the third and final quake began. He held her in his arms tightly with all the love that he had in his heart. She held on to him for dear life. The ground below them was trembling in complete fury, and from it a deep sound like a growl could be heard. Surprisingly she jumped up, and he, amazed, took her into his arms.

She touched with her fingertips the soft skin of his cheeks, then his lips, and finally kissed him moving her hands to the back of his head caressing it. She believed that he would refuse the tender caresses that she was giving him, but contrary to what she believed he corresponded to it with fury and passion. Escaping from his lips she said to him:
-Goodbye my pharaoh!-even her voice was trembling.
He heard her farewell to him, and that made his face look like he was a demon.
-No! I forbid it! I, pharaoh, forbid for you to die! I, pharaoh, can control the elements of nature, and I order that this devastation stop, NOW!
Then the miracle happened, as soon as he shouted the order the ground stopped it's terrible movement.
-See, little one? Even nature has to obey the pharaoh's orders. It has been decreed by royal command since pharaoh Menes, life, health, prosperity!- Anubis said more calmed.
-I'm sorry my pharaoh, but...I can't see.
He looked at her face, and finally payed attention to the thick layer of grey dust that covered the girl's face. The man gasped, and told her:
-Tasherit, let's go to the river and clean you!
-No, my pharaoh! Tata...where is she?- It was the first time that the young woman referred to the princess as Tata. She waited for a negative response, but she obtained none. He could perceive that she was really worried for his aunt.
-Let's go to her.
He took her into his arms, and went to where he had left the princess. They were half on their way when a man appeared walking towards them. Pharaoh recognized him immediately:
-Durrah!- He exclaimed loudly.
-Who?- She asked confused.
-It's my cousin, Durrah, the general in charge of the army that is staying here in Egypt.
Durrah was the firstborn son of Anser-Wossett. He looked very much like pharaoh, at a distance. But when looking very close, the differences were clear. Anubis' hair was curlier, and darker, but Durrah's hair was lighter and straight. Pharaoh had his whole arms tattooed, and the soldier had them in just part of his upper limbs. Tut eyes' were amazingly green, but his cousin's were blue like the heavens.

-My pharaoh!- Said the warrior smiling, happy to see his cousin alive.
-I'm glad that you survived this. You will truly live forever!
- Durrah. Where is Tata? Is she alright?- He asked concerned.
-My mother has been asking for you two. Come, I'll take you to her.

The trio walked silently to where the old lady was. The princess had been praying and crying continuously.
-Durrah, Tut, little one! Thanks to the gods! What happened to her?-She asked when she saw that Nefertari was being carried in Anubis' arms.
-She has been blinded Tata.- Said the tall man with the green eyes,distressed.
-I'm fine your majesty, honest.
-Tata, please stay with her. I'm going with Durrah to verify the damages. Tomorrow we begin the reconstruction of the city.
-Yes my pharaoh.
-I'll send a doctor to attend you as soon as I can.
He kissed his aunt goodbye, and caressed very softly the face of the young woman. He didn't want to leave her so vulnerable, but he had to. He had to see how "the creatures" were doing in the face of this calamity.
-Durrah, summon Osyut and Aquer, we are going to need their help also.
Osyut and Aquer were Durrah's two younger brothers. They were the abbots of the temple of Ra. Twin brothers, identical in almost everything, tall, well built, with deep voices, bald, and tattooed. It was late at night when he returned at the side of his aunt and his beloved.

Chapter 9: See.

He arrived at the temple where his aunt and Nefertari were going to spend the night and he could not believe what he saw. The princess standing up, walking to receive him.
-Tata! What are you doing?! Your ankle...
She spoke to him in a low voice:
-Tut, Nefertari cured me.
-What?!- He could not believe what he was hearing.
She looked directly in his eyes and told him:
-Nefertari has powers, powers that I have never seen before; she has the power to cure people. He listened carefully at all this.
-When I was on the floor, and she was at my side, I told her what happened to me. She went, touched my ankle and asked where it hurt. Then she touched her heart and extended her hands. I saw that her hands became encircled with a white light. She massaged me and then I felt an intense heat. I really don't know how she did it but she said: "Now you're well again milady." I couldn't believe it at first but it was true. I was cured!
-Where is she?
-Over there.- She said signaling a room.
For Anubis she was the most delicate and fragile thing in the world. The girl was laying down over a mat with a dampened cloth over her eyes. He thought that she was sleep and didn't wanted to wake her up so he took one of her hands, compare it to his and kissed the palm; then he sat at her side. He began to look at her carefully. The little feet, slender legs, rounded breasts, firm belly, softness of the skin...

She felt that someone was seating close at her side:
-Is somebody there?- Her voice was weak.
-It's me tasherit.- He said whispering.
-My pharaoh.
He took her in his arms like she were a little girl, and carried her out of the room.
-Where are we going milord?- She asked.
-This is the main temple of Ra in Egypt. My cousins Osyrut and Aquer are the abbots here. They have made all the arrangements necessary for us to take a bath.
-US?..A BATH?- She exclaimed loudly.
He told her to keep her voice down, they were still inside the temple.
-Us?... bathing?...together?- She asked again in a much lower voice.
-Yes.- He said grinning evilly.
-Put me down great pharaoh.- She pleaded with him.
-Why should I?
-Because this creature is supplicating it to her lord.
He complied putting her down and led her to a medium sized pool. It was located in the back of the temple and it was surrounded by a luscious garden with immense papyrus shaped columns painted with vivid colors. It had flowers from all the corners of the empire, but he took her there because of his favorites, the flowers of darkness. He put her down and told her:
-Very well Tasherit we are here; now, what happened with Tata?- He asked the young woman, crossing his arms. She braced herself.
-That was the gift of Isis.-She said in a low voice with her head hunglow.
-The gift of Isis??, what is that??-He was completely puzzled. She lifted her head to look at his deep green eyes.
-*sigh*Like Tut-Ank-Ra the man is dedicated to the god Ra, and the pharaoh Anubis is dedicated to that god of the underworld, I'm dedicated the goddess. According to the passion of the gods, the goddess Isis cured the wounds of the god Osiris when he was killed and dismembered by his brother Seth. I have that gift, but as a mortal I have to pay a price.

He opened his eyes really big when she said that, and unfolded his arms, placing them on his hips.
-When I use the gift my life sources get depleted, a burning up of something deep inside of me that leaves me worn out and debilitated. For days after that I am spiritually and physically drained.
Pharaoh remained silent all the time with his eyes totally open, but at last he exploded.
-Are you telling me that you could have died curing my Tata?- He asked loudly taking her by the shoulders roughly.
The girl could not resist such an intense fiery gaze, but couldn't lie to him either.
-Yes my pharaoh. If the wound would have been bigger...probably an exchange of ba's & ka's (souls & spirits) would have occurred...
She could not say more because all of the sudden, he embraced her with all his might. She felt his heart beating like thunder and something else. When she caressed him on the cheek, she felt it. A single tear ran down his soft skin, and she touched it.
Sweet Isis! -She thought- He is crying, the most handsome and sweet man alive is crying and it's all because of me.
He retained her in his arms; he was caressing the skin and hair of his beloved. Anubis was going to kiss her when suddenly:
-My pharaoh you're needed now.
-Please, Osirut, not now.- He said in a deep voice.
-But my pharaoh!
-Not now!- Pharaoh growled and that made her tremble in his arms. He turned to Nefertari and said softly:
-Hush now. I would never hurt you, well...at least not intentionally.- He said cuddling her remembering how he harmed her with his tight squeeze over her shoulder. The lord of darkness was really sorry for that, he really was, but against his will, she withdrew from his arms.
-Go my pharaoh.- She appealed to him.
-No. I don't want to leave you.
-Milord, I'll be waiting for you. I promise.-She smiled when she said that.
-Hhhrrrmmmppphhhh. *sigh* Very well, I'll leave, but Nefertari...-He spoke very seriously- I have to talk with you, and it's very important.
-About what milord?- She didn't understood why and the answer worried her immensely.
-About us.

Chapter 10: Be hidden

When pharaoh left she could at last wash herself and began to think. Pharaoh had taught her so many things. The names of Egypt: Ha-Ka-Ptah the ancient version, that meant Temple of Ra. Kemit: another aged variation; The Black Earth, after the color of the fertile soil after the annual innundation. Ta-meri; another venerable title, the Beloved Earth. He showed her who was Tut-Ank-Ra the man, he exposed to the girl his ba and ka (soul & spirit). True, she had never seen him with the accustomed white linen quilt that every man used, but he was not an ordinary man. He was called the lord of darkness because his seriousness, his way of being dressed, his love for the flowers of darkness, and the tatoos of the gods of the underworld on his arms, but the reality was that he was a good and kind king.

Anubis was a soft-spoken man that rarely used foul language, at least that she knew of. He loved his "creatures" very much. Pharaoh also liked children, once she saw him scoop one of his nephews in his arms and talk to him, and even began to play with the boy.

Pharaoh also was proud of his royal heritage, and upbringing, but she didn't blame him. Only a "living god" like him could govern a country like Egypt with a terrible war in the outside, control politics & economics at the inside, and still find time for his Tata and more recently for her. For her...he always had time for her... Then with sadness she admitted it at last:
-Sweet Isis! Pharaoh is in love with me!
Her jaw dropped and the tears began to flow form her eyes.
Bes had won the battle.
Bes wanted Nefertari to conquer and destroy what made Anubis the most powerful and beloved king in the world; his heart. So the evil one could hurt pharaoh using the young woman as a weapon. However Bes could never suspect that something happened in the heart of the girl. Her ba & ka were rebelling against her master. Nefertari was beginning to fall totally in love with Egypt, Anubis and the creatures. But how in the world she could betray her master?, how about her mother?.

She felt her heart rip apart in tiny little pieces. She was torn between her duty to Bes, the loneliness without her mother, and the love that was emerging from her heart for pharaoh. All those mixed emotions carved a deep pain in her heart and the girl began to sob uncontrollably.
-Tasherit?- Said the known and dear, older female voice.
Nefertari had already finished bathing herself. Her eyes didn't hurt and she could see a lot better, but her eyes were all red because of the crying. She was with her back to the princess, and turned to the great duchess.
-Yes, your majesty?- The girl asked, however she couldn't hide the sadness from her eyes.
The woman extended her right hand with a kind smile and said: -When a creature offers her hand, she offers her unconditionalfriendship.
The young one took it with both hands, although she hadn't expected the big hug that the princess gave to her.
-Oh, your highness!- And she began to cry again.
-Please my dear, don't call me that way again. From this moment on, call me Tata. Yes?
The demonstration of kindness was for Nefertari like a sweet balsam for her tortured soul. She then understood that she could never betray them no matter what.
I'm sorry mother. - She thought sadly. The girl became determined not to double-cross them.
-Tata... -She said almost whispering, because of the tears choking her.
-Yes dear.-Said the princess sweetly, but she became very surprised when the girl said:-I have to leave Egypt...forever.
Tata released her hand, and took her by the shoulders with fury, but not against her.
-Did that sleazy, scum ball, good for nothing, bitch of Alida did something to you sweety?
To hear the calmed and tender voice of Tata raise with that kind of anger, and spat that kind of foul language, totally surprised the young woman.
-Tata!! We are on a temple!!!
The princess calmed down a little, but just a little.
-Under normal circumstances my dear I would never, ever have said that.Then she said like meditating.-I'll have to make a generous donation to the temple, and make sacrifices for that, but when you consider that I'm the mother of both the abbots of this temple...well...-her angered face turned into an evil grin-you have certain privileges.
Taking a couple of big breaths, Tata told Nefertari: -Well dear, I'm more at ease now. Can you tell me what's wrong?
How in the world can she tell her that in reality she was sent to Egypt to destroy her king and nephew??
-Tata. I have to go. I have stayed here way, way long past my welcome. I have to return to my country.
-But, but, but...!!! Tata tried to find fast in her mind some argument, but for no avail.
-Tata. -This time she was the one that took the hands of the older woman.- I'll leave tomorrow.
As soon as Nefertari said those words, Durrah appeared: - Mother. Milady.-He said bowing to the women.- I have orders from pharaoh himself to give you both an important mission to accomplish.

Both women looked at themselves totally baffled. However Anser-Wossett was the one that spoke:-Tell us son, tell us.
-Pharaoh is ordering you ladies to help in the reconstruction of the of the part of the Malkata compound that was damaged.
-But how? We don't know how to build things!-Anser-Wossett declared.
-Mother, you know how to draw beautifully, so the lord of darkness wants you to draw cartoons and render them to the walls of the buildings and milady here to paint in the designs.
-But that would take weeks, even months!!-Said the young woman.
-I know milady, but those are pharaohs' orders!-Said the pharaohs' "twin" kind of apologizing.
-Oh no! But have to leave as soon as possible!- Nefertari protested
-Well, Tasherit, we can't disobey the orders of a living god. Can we?-The truth was that Tata couldn't be more happier.
-*sigh* If that's what pharaoh wants.- She said resigned.
-Milady, you're tired. Please go and get some rest. Tomorrow will be a great day for Egypt, a new beginning!
-Thank you lord Durrah. -Said the girl.
The man called for one novice priest to take Nefertari to rest. Then his mother spoke to him: -Thank you son. You arrived just in time. She was going to leave tomorrow. -I know mother.
-Huh??- The woman said shocked.
-Tut wanted me to keep an eye on you two, specially on Nefertari. I was going to enter here when I heard the conversation between you two. And for a few seconds I was pharaoh.-he said that last thing with a wink and a smile to her.
-Are you telling me that, you lied about Tut orders?, that was an invention of yours?, Tut never ordered you this??.
-Yup! I have seen with my own eyes the love that my cousin has for the girl. And if she leaves, that would break Tut's heart. I could not permit that mom.

The princess meditated what her elder son said and told him: -Durrah, right now you're the third in the line of the throne. Why you are not interested in it?
-Mother.-He said caressing her brow.- Believe me, I have not interest whatsoever to be a king. Do you realize how much work and responsibilities Tut has on his shoulders? Besides many other things he has to resolve legal disputes, take care of the relations with the other countries, pay close attention to the agriculture, the irrigation, and the economy. Believe me, I'm quite happy and full of work like it is right now being the General in chief of the royal army in Egypt.
-Durrah.-Said the mother lovingly.
-Yes bibi (mom)?-He asked sweetly.
-I'm sooooo proud to be your mother. She said rubbing her nose to his, and he corresponded the same way.

Chapter 11: Build

The Malkata compound took a long ground extension, but it glistened like a diamond in a crown. Anubis wanted to reconstruct it to be more beautiful than ever before. He instructed the gardeners to have planted in the gardens trees of Ficus, dragon blood , sycamores, date palms, figs, olives, and hundreds of other varieties of plants. However the one plant with more prominence than the others were the mysterious ones, the flowers of darkness. The girl could wander through the garden when she finished her daily duty of painting the frescoes in the palace.

The walls of the twelve new rooms were made of red clay covered with white plaster. Anser-Wossett designed a set of frescoes for each room. Tata drew, and Nefertari and her maidens painted. The frescoes were scenes from the mythology of the gods, with fantastic scenes inhabited by amazing beasts and creatures.

Tata employed Nefertari as a model for the body of Isis, but the girl felt a little uneasy that the character of Anubis, the god of the underworld, fundamental to each illustration, for Tata's insistence he had to be painted having auburn hair and green eyes, instead of the thousand year tradition (blue hair and black eyes.)

The frescoes caused a sensation through the court and every single one of the courtesans took turns to visit the ladies, drink sherbet with them and view the paintings. Even the ever envious Alida had to admit that the paintings were sheer works of art. Very soon the king came in person to check them. Nefertari gave him a tour of the chambers.
-Do you like these new rooms Tasherit?-The king asked.
-Yes sir.- The young woman said, but her eyes were looking at the floor.
-Tut, these rooms are exquisite, they have their own courtyards and kitchens...
-I know Tata. I commanded the engineers and architects to build them that way, because the size and furnishings of these rooms states the honored place of their new owner....-he took his right hand and put it under Nefertari's chin, so he could see the expression on her face- do you like YOUR new rooms Tasherit? With a huge smile Tata left them alone.
-Milord this is way too much for me, I'm sorry, but I can't accept... His face became very serious: -Are you refusing a gift from the living god and pharaoh?
-My pharaoh..I can't...I don't need a lot.
More seriousness. -Very well then, *sigh* how much do you need?
-Three.
Disbelief.-Just three???
-Yes sir.-This time she looked at his gorgeous eyes and sustained the amazed gaze.The rooms were quite comfortable and beautiful, surrounded by walls they also included a well maintained water-garden. The entrance was adorned with different kinds of columns. The hall had a lot of space and the air could move freely, besides the bedroom, kitchen, an office and a bathroom with every luxury available, it had a special room for massages. In the upper part there were some structures that channeled the soft afternoon breezes, directing them to the lower floor. He was still serious.
-I will oblige you this time, Tasherit. But you know that we have a VERY serious conversation on hold.
She thought: No, please milord, not now, not later, not ever. Our love could never be, it can't be; for my sake, for YOUR sake, no!
-You will be summoned to be at the barrazza near the pond that is near here. I want you to be ready.
-Milord?- She asked, bowing down her head.
-What is it Tasherit?
-I have also something very important to tell you, sire.
His eyes sparkled. Was that hope?-See you then.
The girl bowed to him and he left.
-Tata?-Said the young, but deep masculine voice.
-Yes Tut?- Said the princess- Please do come in and sit down.
The pharaoh, better said the man, went into the room were his conscience in human form was, always ready to give him sound and loving advice.
-Tata. Tasherit...doesn't love me.-He said very sad.
-Are you sure of it?- The old woman asked, pouring wine into a cup and offering it to her guest.
-Well..at least she hasn't given me an indication of the contrary. And refused in part my gift of the lodgings for her. -He said accepting the brimming cup.
-I think completely opposite to you. She loves you deeply.
-What?- He didn't believe what he heard.
-You told me about what happened in the earthquake, and I have seen with my own eyes the way she looks at you sometimes. She loves you, there is no doubt in my mind of that.
-Then, why she is evading me, and refusing my gifts? Since the day of the earthquakes she has been doing that. -Have you asked her why she is behaving like that?
-I will do it tonight. And that's one of the reasons that I'm here. You're a woman, what can I do to conquer her heart? Sometimes she even evades me when I look at her.
-Tut, there are just a handful of people in Egypt, and in the world that can sustain that green gaze of yours. You are a living god and pharaoh. Not everybody is allowed to look at your face. You are a lot taller, stronger, and...-she said that last thing in his ear-handsome than any other human being alive. What did you expecte from the girl? What is her age?
-I'm nine years older than her. -He said in a deep voice.
-What else do you need? She is still a child for the love of the gods! True she has demonstrated to be a very mature young woman. But you are THE most powerful man in the world. How she could not be afraid of you?
-But Tata!-He protested.-I don't want her to fear me, I want...I need-he ran his hand through his auburn mane-for her to love me.-He stood up and began pacing the room.-I realize that she would never love me in all her life in the same quantity that I love her in a second of my life, but I have to conquer her Tata. It is the will of the gods.
-Tut, YOU are a part of the godhead.
-It is my will to conquer her Tata. Please Tata, tell me what do I have to do. I may be a god, but I don't know how to make her fall in love with me.
With a smile, she said: -Wait here just a minute. I think that I have something that may help you.
The princess delayed a lot more than a minute, and the gentle pacing of his became agitated like the one of a lion in a cage. He went for his aunt when she appeared followed by two servants that were carrying a perfumed cedar chest.-What is that Tata?
-Tut, I have never showed this to anyone because in reality I was looking for my chest, but this is the one that appeared and this is the perfect one for you. Is a miracle that it still exists. It is your right to have it, and it is now yours.
-But Tata, what's in that chest?
Dismissing the servants, the princess broke the seal that for more than twenty years guarded the contents of the chest. -Look at the panels on it. Who do you see?
He knelt and saw the pictures of a woman and a man embraced and sharing a kiss. He had never seen a picture like this. And when he read the names he gasped:-Bibi and Abu!!!!! (Mom & dad)
-Yes. This chest contains how my brother conquered the heart of my best friend. The daughter of the Vizier when my brother was the crown prince. Your mother. Your father conquered her heart with love letters. True he was not a poet, but he stated plain, simple, and truthfully what he felt for her. She loved so much the letters and your father that she commanded the finest cabinetmakers in the land to make this chest for her. They kept writing love letters to themselves way past their wedding and the births of you and...-her eyes became full of tears when she said this-...your brother, Aton.
He became serious and bowed his head at the mention of the name. -In fact, they never, ever stopped. Bes was the one that stopped them.-Then she shed tears, but she wiped them.-*sighing composing herself* I strongly believe that these letters were the reason of your conception in the first place.-She said smiling softly between the tears, and he also showed a faint of a smile.
- Go Tut, go. This is for you. You are the real owner of this and what is inside of it. Go and use it anyway you want it to. Go.
The man kissed the forehead of his aunt, and hugged her. He left her rooms with the chest, and arrived at his. Then he ordered not to be disturbed until he came out. There he opened the chest again, and began to read all the papyrus and ostraca that were so lovingly written so long ago.

Chapter 12: Dagger

The setting was perfectly composed in the garden near her lodgings and it was absolutely lovely. A trail surrounded by the flowers of darkness led to a small barraza and Hapi, the Nile, mother and at the same time father of Egypt, was behind the small building. Nefertari was seated in a low bench waiting for him to arrive. She closed her eyes for a moment while at the same time she sighed, breathing in the perfume of the sycamores, and the other trees in the garden. His very favorites in the garden, the mysterious ones, the flowers of darkness, haven't opened their petals. Because of that she knew that it wasn't midnight yet.

When she opened her eyes she saw a very tall human shape with the head of a jackal. The mask gleamed because of the polish and the finesse of the head's traces. The deep green eyes of his owner stared at her implacably. A long black linen cape, furled and flapped about the masculine body. He raised both hands and lifted off the mask of the god of the underworld. Then he shook his head and a cascade of auburn hair tumbled down beyond the broad shoulders.
-Good evening milady.- Said pharaoh in those deep tones.
-My pharaoh.- And she made her obedience.- Milord, first of all, I wish to delight you with something that I cooked just for you.
Maybe with a full stomach he would take better the news of her immediate departure. Maybe. Perhaps. She didn't knew, but that was her hope, and she went for it.

To accomplish that she had to go through a brigade of butchers, preserves makers, vegetable cleaners, bread makers, pastry makers, beer brewers...all of them supervised by the Chief Cook. All of them very zealous of their prerogatives and easily offended. Anubis did not doubt that the girl was the one that cooked that covered meal in front of him, but for that army of specialists to let her make that dinner he knew that she had to use all her patience, charisma and sweetness.

Although all the people in the palace compound were recognizing her as the king's favorite, (To Alida's total fury.) And, there was the always discreet intervention of Tata.
-You will never cease to amaze me Tasherit.- He said sitting down in a bench higher than hers, but face to face with his guest...and love.
-I prepared this for you. I'm told that it's your favorite.
-My favorite?- He wondered for a just a second and his eyes opened with surprise and cheer.-You mean...
-Yes sir.- She responded with a smile.-Roasted wild goose with figs.
His mouth began to water when he saw the plate without the cover. Also she had made the proper arrangements to get a digestive beer.
-And for dessert I had the liberty to prepare my favorite, dates in honey.- She said with obvious delight for the sweets.
She prepared his favorite dish, and was sharing with him her favorite confection. He was enthralled with all of this, but he narrowed his eyes: -Nerertari, I cited you here because I wanted to talk with you for quite some time, although I'm very grateful for the supper.-He became serious and the next thing he said slowly in a low voice tone, looking directly to her eyes.
-Do you want something from me?
He cited her there because he was going to offer her to be the queen of Egypt, and the owner of his heart. He was going to tell her that he loved her with all his heart.
-My pharaoh, I have also something to tell you, but lets dine first.Shall we?
She also became serious, but she was bound to her purpose. She was going to save his life, the lives of the creatures and this beautiful wonderful land, this gift of the Nile. She was going to tell him that she was going to leave Egypt as soon as the sun came up. What she would not tell him is that she was going to leave, never to return.
They dined and talked about topics of lesser importance. After that a silence followed, and the young woman lowered her eyes. She was mustering all her courage, so she could tell him about her imminent departure. All of the sudden Anubis seized the moment:
-Tasherit, this is for you. Handing her a papyrus.
She looked at him puzzled and began to read:

Her serenity. His green gaze upon her. She was intrigued by the papyrus in her hand. He was waiting for her to read it. Her smile. He was at ease. The sweetness reflected on her face. His desire to have her in his arms. And then...Her eyes as big as plates, doing a double take at the writing. His muscles began to tense. Her trembling lips. His fear of rejection. Her eyes opening and closing, trying to realize if all those things written were real. His nervous biting of the lower lip. The sadness on her face. The anguish on his. Her saddened sigh when she read the last lines with his signature and all his names and titles as a pharaoh, was more than enough for him and he held her tightly in his arms.

He took her face very gently between his big, white hands, but she was the one that spoke:-Beloved, I also love you too, and with all my heart.

He gasped when he heard that confession, a huge smile of happiness appeared on his face, and began to stroke the cascade of her hair while murmuring endearments and other words of love.
-My sweet love. My little love...well *giggle* everyone from my point of view seems little...but you are my love, my true love.
With what he felt as momentum on his side he popped the question: -Will you marry me?
She was in his arms, and said that she loved him, but something was not right. If she was in love with him, then why was she as stiff as a pylon?!
-Sweetheart, what's wrong?
She looked up to meet his eyes and placed both her hands over his massive chest. When he saw the look of pain in her face his gaze became deep.
-Tut...This was the first time that she addressed him by his name, and for him that single syllable was music to his ears.-I adore you, but...
Wasn't she supposed to be happy to find someone that loved her with all his might?, Someone that could treat her like a queen, for real?
-I must return to my country.
He didn't say a word at first, but the look on his face shouted: WHAT?! Finally he said:
-No.-Beloved...-No!-He said fiercely.-My love...-No! If you love me you'll stay with me!
-Tut... -I order you to stay here, with me forever!
She looked at him sweetly. Love can be a very egotistical feeling sometimes.
-My heart...-She said caressing him- you are the life of my life, please never doubt that, not for a second, but our love is impossible.
-Nothing is impossible!
-My pharaoh...
-Yes!, I'm pharaoh!, and for me nothing is impossible!
-I'm lord Bes protegee, and he will never consent our union.
A kick in his masculine parts wouldn't be as painful as those words were.
-He has promised that as soon as I came home he would detach a whole army wing to find the shrikes and return my mom to me.
Anubis looked at her intensely and asked her in a very deep voice. -Do you trust him?
-Do I have other option?
-Yes.
-What is it?
-Me.
-You?!
-Yes. I can command to the rest of my army to go to find the bandits that have your mother, and bring her to you. The only thing that you have to do is stay here with me and be my and the creatures queen.
Did she hear right? Did he said queen? QUEEN?!
In not a very protocolary way she stood over the bench standing on her toes. Even in that way he was still a lot taller than her.
-My love, you are the heart of my heart, but Lord Bes is my master and my tutor. I have to obey. How would you react if one of your creatures didn't respond to your command?
If the Egyptians could believe in the existence of a place of torture after death, Pharaoh would have said: Hell, I'll kill him! But Egyptians didn't believe in the existence of such a place.
-My mom is very important to me. Can you understand me beloved? How could he not understand? Every time he looked at the bronze mirror his mom was there. He had her same white skin, many of her manners, the thin lips, the small ears, the nose, the color of her eyes and hair, he even had the same length of her hair when she... But *sigh*, love (when is a desperate one) occasionally can turn the most tender man into a despot.
-I am Anubis, Lord of the darkness. I am pharaoh. I'm giving to you my heart, my creatures, my land and the throne of Egypt in a silver platter...AND YOU ARE REFUSING?
Pushing her violently to the floor, he fell on top of her kissing her vehemently.
-Now you will be mine, like it or not!
She remained more rigid than the sphinx that guarded the Gizanecropolis. He felt that his urgent caresses were of no avail, and he asked her sarcastically:
-I'm giving you something that all the girls of Egypt wished to do. Laying down with pharaoh. Don't you like it?
Her calmed answer made him stand up astonished.
-You are my pharaoh, you can take me, you have that right, but you will not get my will. You're the owner of everything of this land, my life and even my honor, but your rule will not reach my soul. That is not the way to obtain it, and you will not attain it. You can order me to be whipped to death, you can give me to the soldiers. You can even kajan (kill) me. I'll never surrender to you. You'll only take me by force.
He became impressed by her firmness, and saddened he apologized.
-I'm not a villain, or an ogre my love. I'm sorry, I truly am, but try to understand me also. How I'm supposed to even breathe without you?
It was midnight when he said those loving words, because all of the sudden all the flowers of darkness opened, spreading in the air their fragrance.
Nefertari looked like she was brightened by the silver rays of the moon in the middle of the barraza. It looked like the sister of the pharaoh, the moon (according to the Egyptian theology), was protecting her. Wasn't the moon itself one of the many incarnations of Isis, Nefertari's patron goddess?
Anubis witnessing that miracle, took her hand and led her to the small pond close by. He took one of the open flowers and gave it to her. She took it with both hands and kissed it sweetly. He sat at the base of a huge tamarind, and this time with all his tenderness he seated her on his lap. There they spent the rest of the night kissing, holding on to one another, and saying to each other pledges of love.
-You are the woman that I truly love, through this world and the next.
-You are the Hapi (Nile) of my heart. The waters of your love will feed me in my long voyage.
Many times she offered her face to his and he kissed her more deeply and lingeringly every time. She wasn't worried about another attempt with evil purposes on his behalf. For him, she truly was a living goddess.
Anubis was a warrior and had killed thousands of men, because of the war with Bes. Who could ever imagined that the sound of such a small animal as a rooster in the morning would break his heart in thousands of pieces? Some times love can be desperate and crazy.
-Take me with you.
-What?!
-Take me with you.
-Are you out of your mind?!
-I'm not afraid of the dangers of the voyage.
-Beloved...
-There are many in the court that wanted to be pharaoh, well I'll give it to one of them.
-You're the chosen one. The gods themselves have made their choice and it was you.His sigh. Her heart breaking, watching his suffering.
-How long is the voyage?
-Three months.
-Three months?, twelve weeks of ten days each?
-From Egypt to my country...yes.
-You will delay more than six months to return to me!!!
-I'm afraid so.
He bowed his head and all his gorgeous mane fell foward. -Then, return to your country, my messengers will arrive and ask for your hand in marriage to Bes.
He left her in the margin of the pond, with the flower of darkness in full bloom in her hand not letting her see his desolated face. Her face wasn't so happy either. She would gladly give her life, so he would not go through this torment.
Nefertari and her servants began the voyage home, escorted by a squadron of Anubis best soldiers, and once again she felt the beloved green gaze upon her when she left the palace compound.
At night when she was approaching the Egyptian border, Nefertari heard the sound of jackals; her maidens were afraid to go out, because of the ghostly howl that they were doing. She went out of the tent, and she saw about ten of the jackals surrounding her camp. But her surprise found no limits when he saw the adored masculine figure with the head of the jackal in the middle of the pack. With a hand gesture he ordered silence to the pack, and walked to her.
-Tut! What are you doing here?
-I just came to give you this.
He handed her a small perfumed cedar box. It was a box like no other in Egypt. Well, kind of, because it was a small version of the box full of love letters between his parents. In the panels of the smaller one was what she thought were the images of the goddess Isis and the god Anubis, embraced and sharing a kiss. In Egypt those images were extremely rare. When she looked more closely at the light of a flame, she realized it finally:-It's me and you!!
-Yes. It has more than 240 notes of my love for you. One for each day that you're away from me.
-I have nothing to give you.-She said sadly.
-Promise me that you will return to me safe and sound. Promise me that you will not forget me. Promise me that you will love me forever, for millions and millions of years.-He said with anguish in his voice.
-I swear by the goddess Isis.
He turned away from her, and went to where the pack was, there he turned around and looked at her. She placed a hand over the box, then over her heart, after that she put it on her lips and blew a kiss to him. What he did next left her speechless.
He, Anubis, pharaoh of Egypt, Lord of the Darkness; knelt on one knee, extending his right hand to her, slinging his hair back, and very, very slowly bowed his head foward, all his auburn mane falling foward in his face, while from his throat came the most grieved howl that she ever heard.

Chapter 14: Arrows and target

The throne room, bigger than what many centuries later would be called a football field, could be accessed by an immense staircase adorned with figures of defeated enemies. They represented the forces of evil, forever menacing, and only the pharaoh could submit them to harmony. Surrounding the main entrance, the five names of the pharaoh were painted in gray, purple and black, and placed in cartouches, oval forms that evoked the cosmos; the pharaoh's kingdom, son of the creator and his representative on earth. But instead of entering to a gloomy looking domain, whoever entered there discovered in wonder it's serene beauty.

He was alone, seated on his golden throne, decorated by a lion attacking an enemy; he looked over briefly to a papyrus about Egyptian history written by Nefertari. Her absence was for him a thorn torturing his dark heart. Anubis was completely silent, saddened and immersed in his thoughts. That's why he didn't notice the entrance of the princess Anser-wossett, the only one with the moral authority to counsel him in the matters of the heart. Wearing a braided hair wig, and a long linen dress, on her neck six rows of Amethysts made her collar, she also wore on the wrists solid gold cuffs.
-Let me guess. Something inside of you is crying. You don't know what it is. An unknown longing provokes you pain, vexation.
His mood was even more somber than ordinary. He was very depressed. The princess told him to go to the harem to delight in it's pleasures, she even suggested to him the frivolous Alida, but the man only made a grimace.

To everybody's astonishment he ate very, very little. All could see that he was becoming thinner. Instead he drank more wine and beer than he was accustomed to. At last he spoke, not concealing his thought to his aunt:
-I'm trying to understand Tata.
-What dear?
-Why Bes wants Nefertari at his side. She is not from a noble family...
-But she has been blessed with beauty, intelligence and maturity for such a young woman.
-She has been granted the privilege of voyages around the world. But I sincerely doubt that those are the reasons for him to have her at his side.
-Tut, have you considered that Bes could be using her to get you into a trap?
The pharaoh looked consternated at the princess.
-That would be the limit of barbarism, Tata.
-Tut, we are talking about Bes. You know better than everybody that there is no end to his treachery.
He nodded affirming that statement, and extending his right hand to his aunt, they left the room and began to walk through the palace.
-What could it be?, what could it be?, what?
They continued walking and without thinking they arrived at the front door of a small chapel in the old part of the palace compound. The door of the chapel was open, and apart from it's interior could be seen from the outside. What the majesties precisely saw was the golden statue of the goddess Isis, extending her wings, lovingly, tenderly,protectively.
-Isis, her patron goddess.-He sighed, everything reminded him of his beloved.
-Her tears for her beloved Osiris make the sacred Hapi (Nile) inundated every year. And that is just one gift of the many gifts that she gives to this sacred land of ours. Then, it was all clear. They both looked at each other at the same time with horror and dread. Her jaw hit the ground and gasped, he hid his face in his white hands. Isis...gift...THE GIFT OF ISIS!!!!!
It was all crystal clear. Bes had Nefertari's mom as a prisoner so the girl could be at his side. Since he was her master he could order her to cure him of whatever affliction he had no matter the size of it, and no matter if in one of those cures she died giving him all her life force at once.
-Tut, Bes will kill her! Do something! Quickly!-The feminine voice said.

At last the ship that carried the girl docked at Bes palace wharf, and already one of his slaves was waiting for her.
-Lord Bes bids you to attend him immediately.
She wanted to avoid the summon, but she knew that she couldn't get rid of the escort, and with a sigh she acceded, passing the guards at the main gate, the gate of the hawk. The city had five gates, the hawk was the biggest followed by the gates of the rabbit, ibis, goat and lion. Each guarded by armed soldiers. Surrounded by rocky mountains, it had stone terraces, and the temples were made of huge stones. But it didn't have the charm and elegance of the Egyptian architecture. Once there was peace and it's inhabitants enjoyed a good life, but not at that time; at that time was Bes.

She was guided to the room were the tyrant ate. He always was eating or enjoying himself with his latest recreation of the past months, throwing slave boys to the abyss. The former tutor of the pharaoh was small and fat, with a rounded face and big cheeks. Bulky and glossy lips denounced his delight for fine cuisine; his brown eyes always alert. Heavy, squared, hated the sun and the physical exercise. His voice, unctuous, and floating wanted to manifest a distinction and sophistication that he didn't have.

Drinking a cup of wine of exceptional quality, eating a good piece of ox, and an excellent beans puree, Bes received the girl. He questioned her about her voyage to Egypt. She described all to him, and all the wonders that she saw. She inflated the descriptions of the marvels at the land of the pharaohs, and he smiled.
-Are the planned procedures proceeding properly?
-Yes, sir. Everything goes according to your plan, sir.
Abruptly, he raised his voice:-Man-ka!-He cried.
She saw the approach of the owner of that name. It was the same man that delivered some time ago Bes message to Anubis requesting the flowers of darkness. Brown curly hair, brown eyes, and mannerisms like he were actually mad.
-I haven't been able to rescue your mother, from those despicable shrikes. I'm sure that they are from Anubis elite army. They move fast, that's why I haven't been able to get them, dear, sweet child.
Surprisingly Bes ripped off her dress, and left her naked. All this under the eyes of Man-Ka. Completely terrorized, she covered her breasts with her arms and hands, and crossed her legs so the jet-black inferior part of her sex were at least partially covered. Bes took her head and continued to speak:
-You have been away from me a long time child, a long time indeed. It is very important that you remember who is the master here. Do you understand?
-Yes, milord.-She whispered almost imperceptively, turning her head to watch the whip in the hands of Man-ka. Bes seated and buried her head in his lap, and then spoke to Man-ka over her head.
-With all your skill, Man-ka. Do not break the skin, please. I do not want this delightfully smooth back scarred permanently. Ten will be enough for start.
-One!.-Said Bes, and the lash fluted. The girl screamed loudly. Man-ka grunted and raised the lash high.
-Two!.-Said Bes once again and Nefertari shrieked.

Chapter: 15 Soldier

Nefertari was in the terrace of Bes palace, clutching the rail. The fortress was situated on the top of a mountain with abrupt sides and a breathtaking abyss. She looked down at the dark bottom, with a vague vertigo, but it didn't matter to her. She stared down into the awesome drop, and the wind played with her hair. The time for dreaming was over. Egypt was gone. The artistic architecture, Hapi (the Nile), Tata, and her beloved Tut-Ank Ra were all gone. She remembered his deep voice. "You are my moon, my nights will be so lonely without you". And she remembered her answer. "You are the man that I love, and I vow to you my eternal love."

She smiled sadly. Could someone ever find her body in those depths? She glanced at the gulf. She was wearing a linen dress that left her breasts uncovered, after the ten lashes that she received from Man-Ka under supervision from Bes. She wanted to be dead. Dead, probably like her mom.

"Your mouth is more beautiful than a flower of darkness". His voice resounded again in her recollection. "You have me under your spell my pharaoh, please don't ever make it stop." she replied to him. The Egyptian adventure had ended. For Nefertari everything ended. The only thing that she regretted was that she was going to break the promise of her safe return to him. She would never return. The girl knew that Bes would never, ever, let her return to her beloved. The dark chasm awaited. She'd be carried over by the strong wind, with no likelihood of a rescue. That seemed to her the only way out of this immense sadness in her heart.

She climbed up, and let herself go in the wind. She stretched up her arms, and pitched herself forward.

Then two female arms embraced her. Nefertari hung over the guard rail,confused.
-No milady! Please don't do it! Don't do it! The one that supplicating to her was a young woman, a little bit shorter than Nefertari, with long reddish hair, and the sweetest look ever in her eyes. Her name was Khamsin (sand STORM), and was a lady-in-waiting in Bes court. It was said that she was madly in love with Lord Bes most powerful general, Lord Set.
A burst of sobs emanated from Nefertari's very soul, and spirit; the tears froze on her cheeks while she stepped down from the rail and Lady Khamsin hugged her. She hugged back the girl with the gentle eyes and buried her face against the chest of her new friend.

The two abbots of the temple of Ra, Osyut and Aquer were having an audience with the Lord of Darkness.
-Milord. May I ask were is our older brother, Durrah?
-The Great Lion of Egypt, Lord Durrah, is on a extremely important mission. He'll arrive soon here, don't worry.
The fact is that as soon as he left Nefertari in the Egyptian border, and gave her the perfumed cedar box with his love letters, he went directly to his cousin, the general in chief of his armies in Egypt.
-Durrah, take with you a thousand in gold, and give it to Bes -a bothered groan went up from the royal cousin- as a dowry for the girl.
-Gold. He loves gold.-Durrah said ironically.
Since that moment on Tata's oldest son wasn't to be found in Egypt, he was on his way to Punt.

When the audience finished, Anubis left for his private palace. There he found an astonishing object: an exceptional fine wood bed. One of his servants asked:
-Shall we bring it inside, milord?
-No. Was his cold answer.

With big strides, Anubis went straight to see Lady Alida, his chief consort. She wanted him to wait as she got dressed and primped, but he wouldn't have any of that. She was bathing herself, when pharaoh stormed in.
-Yes milord?-She said smiling.
-Was that bed from you?
She put her arms around him.-Do you like it?
The traditional gift of the bed, was practically making pharaoh give her one more intricate and elaborate, forcing him to make their engagement official.
-Why are you delaying the inevitable?
Anubis wasn't a talker, but a doer. He turned around with a decision in his face so clear, that Alida cried trying to put him in a delicate position: -If you don't accept it, it would be a grave insult!
He stopped dead in his tracks, looked over his shoulder at her with total disdain, and left. A couple of hours later, she was ranting mad, when she got back the expensive piece of furniture.

Lady Khamsin's quarters were the closest to the main gate to the city, The Gate of the Hawk. They were surrounded by a pretty garden with lily ponds and singing canaries in wooden cages. The walls were decorated with scenes of fishes, birds, and goddesses, but nobody knew that Lord Set himself helped to paint them. From time to time she wrought out cloths in cold water, and placed them with tenderness across Nefertari's eyes. For the traveler cried hard at first.

So much time of secrecy couldn't be vanquished in a moment. It was difficult for her to realize if Khamsin was under Bes thrall. Deeply as she feared him, he dominated her, and therefore persisted a kind of perverse spirit that made it difficult for her to speak out. Nefertari attempted to fob her off with only the outline of his plan to destroy Anubis, but she abridged her:
-Come on now! I know more about Lord Bes than you ever dreamed. Tell me everything.
So she obeyed her, and told her the whole story with all the details. When she finished the moon was all the way up in the sky. She had left out nothing, nor tried to deny or to excuse her own part in any of it. What both women didn't knew was that a huge figure with his head tilted to one side, disguised in a shapeless red cloak also heard everything that Nefertari said. He took off the garment and at last a figure was revealed. Almost as tall as Anubis, wearing a long black and red long sleeved outfit, and a mask with the same colors; but he had one of his eyes the color of sweet honey, and the other...of a blue more paler than the heavens. From him came the voice of a young man, deep, not as deep as Anubis, but soft, that stupefied said:
-By Horus! None of my messages have arrived! Tut and Tata think that I'm dead!
For Bes the man that said that was the Chief Commander of his armies Lord Set. But for the "creatures" he was the prince of Egypt, for Tata he was the golden child, for Anubis he was the one that he called brother. In reality he was Prince Aton, second in the line of the throne of Egypt, the one that Lady Khamsin loved with all her heart...and the one that corresponded her with even more love.

Chapter 16: Protect

Nefertari cried so much that at last she fell asleep. Lady Khamsin was dozing in a chair close to her, and then she felt that something fell in the terrace floor. She went there and found on the floor a red blood rose, attached to it was a golden chain with a scarab pendant, the symbol of the heart. When she turned, she saw the one that had "dropped" the gift:-Set!
The young man was leaning against a wall with his head tilted to one side.
-Bes thinks that you're still in the battlefield.-Said the young woman embracing her love.
-I know. For you, I arrived here just some minutes ago. But for Bes, I'll arrive here tomorrow, morning.-He corresponded her with the same display of affection.
-Why all the rush?
-Bes doesn't know it yet, but The Great Lion of Egypt, Lord Durrah, will arrive tomorrow, to ask for Nefertari's hand in marriage for Pharaoh.
Lady Khamsin like Nefertari in the beginning, didn't know who was her beloved big guy in reality.
-Is that lord a very important person in Egypt?
-Right now, he's the third in line to the throne of the Land of the Gods.
The lady opened her eyes as big as plates, but the man continued speaking.
-Bes will try to trap him, after he gets the dowry for the girl. With two important prisoners, he'll demand anything that he might wish.
-In the beginning, for example, a great part of Egypt.-Said the soft female voice.
-Yes. Bes likes to use the ones that people love as commodities for him. That's why I'm going to help the girl to escape.
-And I will help you, beloved.
He passed one hand caressing very tenderly the cheek of the noblewoman.
-You must help her darling, because you're going with her.
-WHAT??-Her surprise became complete.
-If Bes finds out that you're the woman that I love, he'll use you to get to me. He must see me as someone aloof to worldly things, if not all the people that I really care about will be in the utmost danger. Including you, dear.
Khamsin was going to protest, Set was her man and it was her duty to be at his side, no matter the consequences. But behind the red and black mask she could read his absolute determination. Sighing she submitted to him, and said sadly in a whisper:-I love you.
Then Set took off his mask and kissed her with all his might. Did she really care about the scars that disfigured part of his gorgeous features? The answer was simple. NO.
Khamsin like Nefertari, had a power, not so developed like her new friend; she had the power of sia, intuitive vision. That's why she could stop Nefertari from killing herself, because she saw her in her visions.

Although she never saw it in her visions, once she felt that something strange happened to Lord Set when he went to fight Prince Aton, the prince of Egypt. It was that when Set came back that she saw that he behaved like he were a like a completely different person; instead of an evil killing machine, he behaved like a true gentleman. He treated her with affection, and sensitivity never ever seen in Lord Set before. It was that kindness, that sweetness, of this man with terrible scars that conquered Lady Khamsin's heart.

His hands stroked her all over, and she gave up to him. He wanted to warm this woman with the fire of the love that consumed him. Khamsin was already burning in desire for her beloved. Then with Nut (the heavens) as a witness they gave themselves to each other, their love and hunger for each other rekindling all through the night.

In the morning, just like Lord Set (Prince Aton) said, Lord Durrah arrived at Bes palace to ask for the girl's hand. He was escorted to the audience room, and there looking at all the chests filled with gold, the tyrant said with a faked surprise:
-Lord Durrah! I'm surprised about your mission! In other occasions Punt and Egypt have been enemies. This marriage that pharaoh wishes, hopefully will be the basis for peace and friendship!
After several moments of a well rehearsed sad face that didn't fool the royal cousin for a second, Bes continued:
-That child that you're asking for, and will go out of this house, is a very loved one. But please, we can talk about it later. Enjoy my hospitality.-Said the fat one with an evil grin.
Hospitality that in truth meant imprisonment. This implied to be jailed soon in some sort of "comfortable" prison. Tata's older son was a commodity that he would like to retain, just like the girl, to exercise pressure over Anubis. That's why Bes needed them alive; well sort of. He would be jailed in the great jail of Kush, locked up and fed two times a day. Durrah was pushed to a corridor, but other guards took him to a room where a huge man with a red cape with his back turned awaited.
-I'm Lord Durrah. Great Lion of Egypt. Third in the line of the throne of The Land of the Gods. I will say no more...
-Can I ask about the health of my sweet Tatita, you big ear of corn?-The strong but young voice said.
-Huh???- The jaw of the Great Lion of Egypt almost hit the floor. The word durrah in Egyptian meant ear of corn, and only the group of the royal cousins teased him about his name, but only one, just one of them called his mom Tatita.
-A...-The prisoner couldn't finish to say the name, because a big white hand slammed shut his mouth.
-Listen to me, and listen to me carefully.-The sound of the masculine voice became a whisper.- I'm risking my neck, big time here, but I will help you to escape. Tell Tut that when I went to fight against Bes best general, Lord Set, we fought inside a ship near the last cataract from Nubia, the vessel caught fire, the real Lord Set died, and I got scarred.
Taking his hand away from the mouth of his relative, he took off the mask that covered his face. Still with his mouth open Durrah saw the face of his cousin with just a part of the face scarred, and with his left eye an unnatural blue. But yes, there he was, the youngest of his cousins. Aton.
-That's how I became Lord Set. Like the other, I hide behind this mask. But not only to conceal my ugliness, but also so I could help my brother from inside the lion's den. Now, hear this, two men have been ordered to accompany you to the great jail of Kush. They are just behind this door. That's why I have been whispering the whole time. I will ask them to enter here. Take this dagger,-the big man handed his not-so-short-after-all cousin a dagger-as soon as they enter, cut the throat of the one at the left silently. Two of my most trusted men will replace them, they will take you to a farm. There you will wait for me for more instructions.
Lord Aton had taken an immense risk helping Durrah, and could not continue talking for more time with him. He called the guards, they entered the room and the duo were instantly killed in complete silence. The new guards took their places, and they took Durrah to the farm. Everything happened just like Aton said it would.

In there Durrah was given peasant clothes and a big hat so he could cover his attractive facial traces. He heard someone approaching, and with the dagger in his hand he almost jumped to the visitors throat.Almost.
-Durrah?, were are you cornhead?
-This is the first time in my life that I'm glad to hear that nickname that you guys gave me. WHAT IN THE WORLD???...
Aton had changed the red cape, for a long red and black tunic with just one sleeve that left his right arm naked. And the red and black mask was exchanged for the black mask of the god Set, the god of storms in Egypt and Punt, with red flaming eyes, a canine like face with a long snout and two big ears.
-Now, you will take a wagon full of hay, and leave immediately, but slowly, don't rush it or you'll get the suspicions of the soldiers in the border. As soon as you are far enough from them run for your life. Got it?
-What about the girl?
-The girls will be hidden in the haystacks. Don't worry.
Did Durrah hear right?, did Aton say girls?. The answers to his questions appeared just in front of him. Nefertari, and another lovely young woman made their appearance. The first seemed kind of lost, and the other very saddened. The owner of the yellowish eyes spoke first:
-What is happening Lord Set?
-You're going to Egypt milady.
At first she looked stunned, then surprised, and at last an immense happiness entered in her soul. She was instructed what to do, and with agility she jumped head first into the haystack.
-Milady?-Said the young, but deep voice.
-Yes milord?-The girl popped her head out of the hey instantly.
-Lady Khamsin, will accompany you. Can I ask you to take the utmost care for her?
-Yes sir. It will be a pleasure sir.
She said looking first to the tall man, and then to her very sad faced friend.
-Thank you. The man took one of her hands and kissed it. That gesture seemed to her so familiar, and she wondered about it for a little while, but she dismissed the thought. Nefertari knew that Khamsin was going through the pain of being separated from her beloved one. She looked again to the one wearing the mask, and hid again in the hay. The man went to his sweetheart, took off his mask, kissed her almost devouring her, and very gently put her in the fully loaded wagon.
-Everything is set. Now while you go to Egypt, "Lord Set" will make his triumphant entrance to Kush. I have completed the arrangements, to let you know how things are going here as soon as possible.
-Can I tell pharaoh and my mother that you're still alive?
-Tell my brother, but not my beloved Tatita.-The young voice behind the mask became depressed.-I don't know if Bes has placed a spy in the palace, and he believes that I'm dead.
-Can I ask you to take care of yourself until we meet again, golden one?-Asked the royal cousin, using Aton's nickname since childbirth. The answer was that without a word he hugged his cousin. Then Durrah jumped into the wagon and began the march toward Egypt. From the back of the wagon, Nefertari's head and arm popped out and waved goodbye to her protector, and he corresponded the same way. But now Khamsin's head and arm also popped out, but she blew kisses to his beloved. What he did next left the two women speechless. He, the Chief Commander of Bes armies, and in reality The Prince of Egypt, knelt on one knee, extending his right hand to her, slinging his hair back, and very, very slowly bowed his head forth, all his honey-brown mane falling in front his face. Did all the men say goodbye to their flames the same way?

Chapter 17: Embrace

Anubis was seated in one of the benches of his private garden, and at his side was one of his "nephews", Tata's oldest grandson, Petehu. The child was gifted with an astonishing ability for math. Today he was showing his Royal Majesty, and "uncle" (In reality his second cousin, but for Tut, the abbots of Ra's temple, Lord Durrah and his sons were like little brothers to him.) a board covered with numbers and geometric figures. The king inclined to better contemplate the sketches:
-What are you doing now?
-Totaling masses of objects.
-Wouldn't you like to learn other things?
-Like what?
-Like hieroglyphics for example.
-Hieroglyphics! Yes, dear and divine uncle! Please!-Said the child with a appealing look.
Smiling Pharaoh took the small writing board, and began to draw a circle with a point in it's middle:
-This is the sun, Ra. To convert that sign to the Sun God Ra you have to also draw a mouth and an arm because they are the verb and the action. Here, your turn.-He gave the writing tablet to the child, but the boy discovered that there were no more ink in the cakes. Requesting permission to get more, Petehu went inside the palace, and left Tut alone.
That was the opportunity that the assassin was waiting for. To strike an arrow in the heart of Anubis. To kill once again the pharaoh of Egypt, like his first time, more than twenty years ago, pharaoh Thamose, Anubis father.
The killer picked an arrow from the rack beside him. He drew and let it fly. It struck in pharaoh's chest, and buried in his flesh without any blood coming out. Tut gave a rough cry, slid forward and collapsed on the floor.

Hearing the pharaoh's cry the palace guards, his personal guards, servants, Petehu, Alida, Tata, and all that heard him went to him. Tata was the first on the scene and began an awful howl of horror and grief, that everyone adopted.

Pharaoh converged strongly, and Tata fed him a small bowl of soup. However everyone was unsettled. The danger was in the third day. If he could survive that day, he could be saved. All the "doctors" agreed that because of his amazing physical condition, he was still alive.

The third day arrived, and Tata woke up from her sleep. Since she was the nearest female relative of the unmarried pharaoh, she was the one that had the duty of attending him first. While she was on her way to his room, she thought of the tough position Tut was in. As pharaoh he HAD to get married. The royal couple was the one that ruled Egypt. Without them Nut, the heavens, wouldn't rest over it's pillars. Hapi, the Nile, wouldn't flow. The birds wouldn't fly... As soon as Tut recovered from his wounds, he would have to be married. And since Nefertari hadn't arrived yet from Punt, he would have no other choice than to marry, Alida. The pompous one with bloated ideas of her own self.

Tata walked through the corridor to Anubis bedchamber, and stopped at the opened golden chapel of the god Ra. There was a candle in front of the statue. The flame symbolized the pharaohs life. The room didn't have windows and only the flame of the candle illuminated it. All of the sudden the flame flickered and it blew out. Tata gasped, and almost dismayed knelt at the premonition coming from the god. It was very clear the meaning, Tut's life was going to be extinguished. Pharaoh was weak and writhing. Tata wanted to wake him up, but in vain.
-Tut, dear.-Her voice was soft but filled with anguish.-It's me, Tata. Please my pharaoh. Wake up. Open your eyes. Those pretty eyes of yours. Please dear.
Then he blinked, and slowly opened his eyes:-Tata?, is that you?
-Dear one! Divine one! Please stay! Don't go yet! Not now!
-Tata. I love you very much. I'll never be grateful enough for taking care of Aton,-She moaned sadly at the mention of the name.- and me during all this years. I still don't know how in world you could take care of five ruffians at the same time.- He smiled weakly.
-It was so easy dear, so easy indeed. But don't say those things, you'll be fine, you'll see.-The eyes of the great duchess were completely inundated with tears.
Anubis closed his eyes, sighed and became still. Anser-Wossett almost became beside herself.
-Please milord don't leave us! Your creatures need you, Egypt needs you, I need you, Nefertari needs you. Yes, she needs you. Are you going to leave her?
At the single mention of his beloved's name, he opened his eyes. He narrowed his eyes for a long moment and then smiled completely, even showing a dimple:
-My darling Nefertari. You're so sweet, and I love you so much. Your lips are blossoms of Flowers of Darkness. I've been craving your kisses, for such a long, long time.
Tata opened big her eyes, filled with dread. Tut was now delirious! He was talking to the girl, saying pure words of true love. He was ready to embark for the eternal travel for the stars, and she was calling him, from the other side.
-How beautiful is your hair when it floats in the air. Please darling, come to me. Please Tasherit (little one), come to my side. Let me discover the thousand flowers of your love.
Tata turned to get help from priests, concubines, courtiers, anyone that could make Tut snap out of it. Then the great duchess saw her. She was just at the end of pharaoh's bed. Still covered with a little bit of hay, with a very pretty girl standing in the door of the room (she was also covered with hay), accompanied by Durrah dressed like a peasant. What?, Durrah?, Nefertari? By the gods! They are here! They made it!
While Tata was in the process of mobilizing and realizing that Durrah, Khamsin, and Nefertari were in the room. Nefertari came just a little bit closer to Anubis, also her eyes were covered in tears. Using all his strength he sat himself up in the bed, and extending both his arms to her, he said:
-Darling, when a creature offers his or her hand, unconditional and eternal friendship is offered. When a creature offers both hands, unconditional and eternal love is offered.
Just with those loving words, Nefertari burst into sobs, and buried herself in his loving embrace. After she showered him with kisses, she concentrated putting both her hands over his heart. A white light appeared between her hands, and placed them at the wound's mouth.

Anubis didn't understand what was happening at the beginning, then he remembered The Gift of Isis. He resisted a little bit at first, but he used the last of his strength in seating himself and could not react to Nefertari giving to him part of her life essence. He felt a small dizziness and closed his eyes. When he opened them again, a very moved Tata was looking at him. Durrah & the other girl were outside of the room. But at his side was the fragile figure of Nefertari, asleep at his side. He looked to see his wound, but there was none. He looked at his aunt worried:
-Tata?!-Although his voice was a whisper, the concern was evident.
-It's alright, dear. She's alright.
-Tata, please begin the proper arrangements at once.
-Arrangements for what dear?
-When he answered her question, the great duchess beamed in happiness.-My wedding Tata.
Nefertari was in the middle of the multitude, smiling radiantly, with Hapi (the Nile) at her back and before her all the theban population. The wedding dress of a virgin bride, was colored wine and fell to her ankles. Her loose hair, radiated in the moon light. The bridal wreath was woven from long stems of water-lily, and by special request, a VERY special request, flowers of darkness. Her face carefully made, framed the large and dark yellowish eyes.
Khamsin remembered all the things that happened since Lord Durrah, Nefertari and her arrived at Egypt. She introduced her friend to pharaoh. In complete awe, the young woman said not a word, not a peep, but bowed low. Anubis studied her closely for a few seconds, and took notice of the scarab pendant that Set gave to her. He inquired who gave the pendant to her, and she told him that was a gift from her beloved. He urged her to continue her friendship with Nefertari, as she would need all the love and caring possible for what the future laid for her.
Unable to look at pharaoh's rare eyes, she withdrew nodding. He turned around and began to talk with Lord Durrah, without her hearing what the big men were saying. The only thing that she knew was that while they chatted, pharaoh's eyes blinked at first in disbelief, and then a smile formed on his lips, and he fraternally hugged Lord Durrah.
Khamsin woke up from the recollection of the past events, and focused at the wedding occurring at that moment. Priests and pharaoh's guard surrounded the girl in the wedding canopy on a bank above the Nile, and the bride waited beneath it for the groom to come to claim her. The royal bridegroom came at last, to the ceremonial beat of drums and the bleat of gazelle-horn trumpets. Anubis wore the nemes crown, the one made of starched linen; encircling his brow with the snake and the buttress, patrons of the upper & lower Egypt, with the folds that only pharaoh could wear. He also carried the royal scepter, reputed to be four thousand years old. After the crook and the frail, this was the most relished antique related to the gods in all Egypt. However Khamsin perceived pharaoh behind all the pomp and regalia as a kind and gentle huge man with a small pot belly, but with an amazingly handsome face.

The ministers and high officials attended them so closely, that Khamsin didn't get to see them for a minute or two. All of the sudden Khamsin felt the wind play with her hair, and small insects crawl upon her skin. She shuddered, and sighed with resignation. This was always the prelude for one of the visions of sia. The intuitive vision.
First, Bes appeared to be very happy telling to the newly arrived Lord Set, his accomplishment to have two important prisoners to bargain with pharaoh. A dark cloud obscured her vision and when it cleared up she saw Bes again but furious with the news of their escape from Kush. Only his anger was quenched when he threw four poor souls to the gorge that surrounded the fortress. Her vision was once again obscured, when the darkness was removed she saw a completely new and awkward vision. A huge, scaly crocodile, four times bigger and stronger than any man, and with it's tail moving like a whip. The voice of her beloved Set was heard time and time again with the same cryptic message:
-Pain, Crocodropolis, soon.

Chapter 18: Harp

The First Prophet of Osiris washed the hands and feet from both bride and groom with water that the Second Prophet drew from the Nile to illustrate the goodness of their bond. Then, Anubis broke a morsel from the ritual corn-bread and offered it to her as the first pledge of his love. The pharaoh placed the crust between her lips, and put on Nefertari's hand a wedding ring on the middle finger, the one that had a vein that went straight to the heart. The ring was made of solid gold, lapis lazuli and an immense ruby in a triangular shape.

Nefertari was trembling with nervousness like a leaf in the wind. She had been looking at the floor the whole time, in complete concentration of the words spoken by the priests. When she looked up, she could not believe her eyes. Tut had shaved his mustache. The secure, smiling man with a dimple in his face looked a lot younger, but still very handsome none the less. It was against all the protocol and she knew it, however, before she could stop herself she took her hand and caressed with her fingertips the smooth male skin between his nose and his upper lip. Gulping she retreated her hand, just to be stopped by him and he placed the little hand of hers on his cheek. Then he placed a golden chain with the pendant of a scarab made of solid gold on her neck. She knew that the scarab was the symbol of the heart, but that same kind of gift was seen by her before. At last she remembered, it was the same design as the one Kamsin had on her neck. What a strange coincidence!

With a single blow of his sword, the jar that contained the marriage wine was shattered, and at last Tut and Nefertari were married. Throughout the rest of the procedures Tata and Khamsin accompanied Nefertari. At the wedding feast a multitude of delicate entrees were displayed before her. All kinds of roasted birds, Nile fishes aromatized with fine herbs, fruits in puree, and a thousand and one different honey cakes. (Many thousand years later these cakes would be called cookies.)

The protocol established that the groom would leave first the nuptial banquet, and then the bride would entertain the guests until the end of it. Anubis blew out the last of the candles in his room, when the figure of a woman appeared at the door.
-Darling, come to me.
The woman approached the man, put her hands over his powerful torso and began to caress him. However, something was wrong, very wrong. The hair was shorter, the feeling of the hands were different, and the perfume on the female body smelled different. What kind of mockery was this?! At the same time he thought that question, a candle illuminated the room. The eunuch that served as pharaoh's chamberlain had accompanied the candle bearer. The one with the light was Nefertari.

She blushed when she saw the picture displayed before her. A very confused looking pharaoh had between his arms a totally naked Alida, smiling triumphantly.
-I thought that you may want a real woman tonight.
If those green eyes of his were darts, Alida would look like a seamstress pincushion.
-I apologize for the interruption my pharaoh. It wont happen again.-Bowing to pharaoh, Nefertari turned around and left. She could never have imagined that this could have happened to her on her wedding night. While she was having these thoughts, Anubis caught up with her.
-Nefertari...
-Yes milord?- Her eyes were filled with pain, but at the same time with dignity and nobility.
He took her hands.-I want to explain you everything.
-There is no need.
-I want to.
This time he led her to his chamber. And stopped when they heard the arguing between Alida and the chamberlain.
-I need to get rid of this girl. Fetch me poisons to kill her, you eunuch! Pharaoh, Egypt, needs a real woman, me!
-I will accuse you to pharaoh, that you wanted to me to poison Lady Nefertari!.-Said the queer voice.
-That title is too big for her! She is nothing more than another concubine. No one can compare before me.-She said very proud of herself.-Besides no one will believe what you said.
-But I do believe what you said.
Alida slowly turned around to discover that just a footstep behind her, Anubis had witnessed her confrontation with the eunuch. Paler than a pure linen sheet, she knelt down to the pharaoh, to beg forforgiveness.
-You stupid bitch! You will rot in the dungeons of the prison in Kargeh, for the rest of your life!
-No!, No milord, mercy!, Mercy!
Nefertari herself, intervened on her behalf.-I forgive her, let her go.
Alida looked at her in total fury.
-No, she doesn't deserve it. She tried to kill you. She tried to kill the future queen of Egypt.
Everyone in the room became stunned. Did milord said queen of Egypt?! It was very late in the night, and everyone was tired from the eventful day that passed. Tut could see the tiredness in his beloved's eyes, and decided to end everything right-there-right-now. He summoned two of his personal guards.
-I want you to take her-signaling Alida-and throw her out of Thebes and Egypt forever.
Tut was condemning Alida to live in exodus for the rest of her life. For an Egyptian, being out of Egypt implied an immense suffering. The fact that she would never be embalmed and entombed in Egypt meant that she would never cross the western fields of paradise. Alida began to cry desperately.
- Guards! Take her away!
Anubis face was like a mask of pure rage. How dare this false one interrupt his wedding night with his beloved? The guards turned away with a sobbing Alida, that would never be seen again. When Anubis turned around, Nefertari saw that immediately the terrible appearance of his was eliminated when he saw her. Sighing he went to her, and in his heart were sublime feelings never felt before.
-Nefertari, I love you.
The young woman looked at those rare green gems of his eyes in wonder. What a strange, and amazing man that was. Strong, and fierce with the ones that opposed him; kind and gentle with the ones he loved.
-I swear by all the gods, that I have never pronounced those words before to another woman. However I did tell my bibi (mom), and Tata that.-He said that with a faint of a smile.
-I thank you.
-No, I don't want you to thank me. I want you to tell me that you love me as much as I love you.
His powerful arms surrounded her tiny waist. The two bodies contrasted completely. His was tall, masculine and powerful while hers was delicate, curvaceous and feminine.
It is said that when a couple makes love it is she the one that offers herself to the man. However this time he was the one that became subdued by the sweetness of the girl, when she gave herself to him.

When she woke up, Tut wasn't at her side. Instead a group of servants, including a hairdresser, makeup artist, manicurist and pedicurist seized her and turned her more beautiful than ever. She was led to a temple were she was told to meditate in front of a throne adorned with the hieroglyphic of the goddess Maat, the goddess of truth. After that, Tata took her before the full court to the palace of the Great Administrator of Pharaoh's House. The reception hall was decorated with columns adorned with lotuses, canes, papyruses, fishes and birds. At last there she found Tut where he beckoned her to the lesser throne below his. She made her obeisance, touching the ground with her forehead three times and seated.

Tut had in his right hand a staff with a rope coiled on it. That symbol meant that the Pharaoh was going to proclaim a decree that would instantly be declared law. The staff symbolized the action, the rope that the matured and reflexioned decision was for real. Pharaoh addressed his subjects.
-The words that I'm pronouncing are a royal decree. From this day on and until my last breath, I acknowledge and commend this woman, Lady Nefertari. Know all men that she sits now the closest to my throne and to my heart. From this day on she is elevated to the rank of chief consort and senior wife of pharaoh. From now on she will be Queen Thalia; Thalia, that means, the melody of the harp.

She was the perfect picture of femininity. Dressed with a long linen tunic, adorned with a gold necklace, amethyst earrings, and jasper bracelets, the young woman looked at the king astonished. Seeing her vacillation Tata came forth, and murmured in her ear the words that she had to say.
-I recognize the god Horus and the god Set reunited in the same being. I sing your name, oh pharaoh, you are yesterday, today and tomorrow. Your words make me live, I'll apart from you the evil and danger.
-I acknowledge you as the queen of the two lands, and all the other lands, you, the one with great sweetness and the one that satisfies the gods, you, mother and wife of the god, you, the one I love.
Tut placed on her head the crown with two tall plumes, that made her the great royal wife.
This was the way that Nefertari, daughter of Nebmet, became Queen Thalia (Taj-Lee-Ah!),The Harmony of the harp, Queen of the two lands, the one that made Ra (the sun) appear in the horizon, Queen of Egypt.

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