LOGINThe Temple of Ra felt completely different from the day I had first opened my eyes.
The silence that had surrounded my recovery was gone, replaced by gentle conversations, soft laughter, and the comforting scent of lotus flowers and burning incense drifting through the corridors.
Word had spread across the capital that I had finally awakened.
The journey east continued for several more days.Unlike the harsh wilderness we had crossed before, the roads gradually became wider and busier. Merchant caravans passed us carrying spices, dyed fabrics, pottery, and livestock from distant kingdoms and travelers from every direction filled the dusty roads, their conversations blending into one constant murmur.By midday, the walls of a bustling frontier city finally came into view.Unlike the little hidden village Harun called home, this place was alive with commerce.Stone watchtowers overlooked the gates while colorful banners fluttered above the crowded marketplace. The air was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of roasted meat, fresh bread, and unfamiliar spices. Traders shouted from every direction, blacksmiths hammered glowing iron, glassmakers carefully shaped molten glass, and musicians filled the streets with cheerful melodies.My eyes widened. "This place is...""Larger than I expected," Ramose finished with a grin.Kharef
Nearly three weeks had passed since Pharaoh Kharef disappeared and the palace of Memphis no longer felt the same.The grand audience hall remained open each morning as it always had, yet the throne beneath the golden wings of Horus sat empty.Every petition… Every dispute… Every decision of the state… has to wait.At first, no one dared to speak openly.The official announcement had been simple."His Majesty remains on an important western expedition."That explanation had satisfied everyone for a while. But as the days continued to pass, whispers slowly spread through the palace corridors."Why hasn't the Pharaoh returned?""Has anyone received a message from the expedition?""They've been gone longer than expected."Even the palace servants had begun exchanging worried glances whenever they passed the empty throne.Inside the council chamber, Egypt's highest officials had gathered once again.General Menes stood before a large map of Egypt. "There is still no word from the western e
The hidden valley was peaceful once again.Morning sunlight spilled over the mountains, painting the cliffs in shades of gold while a cool breeze carried the scent of wild herbs through the village.Two more days had passed since the battle against the Black Jackals and Maritza's fever had finally broken.Although the bruises covering her face and body still ached whenever she moved, the color had slowly begun returning to her cheeks."You are not leaving this bed until you finish everything."Zahra crossed her arms while placing another bowl of warm broth onto the small wooden table.I looked down at the enormous meal before me and couldn't help laughing."I've already eaten enough for three people." I said and tried to give a reason.She shook her head. "And you'll eat enough for four today."I looked toward Kharef for help but he simply raised an eyebrow."I believe Zahra has given you an order," he said calmly.I stared at him in disbelief after I heard his answer."You're taking
Night had already settled over the hidden valley.The children had long since gone to sleep, and only the soft crackling of the fire disturbed the peaceful silence.Inside Harun's cottage, Maritza still rested. The fever had finally begun to ease, and Zahra smiled with relief as she replaced another cool cloth upon her forehead."She's getting stronger."Kharef quietly released the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding."Thank you." He said quietly.Zahra smiled gently after a nod of her head."She'll need another day or two. I'll watch over her."Kharef nodded before quietly stepping outside and the cool night air greeted him as countless stars stretched across the sky.Harun was already waiting beside the fire and he looked up as the Pharaoh approached.For several moments… Neither man spoke.Finally… Kharef broke the silence."Tell me."Harun frowned slightly. "About what, my Pharaoh?""The reward." His voice remained calm. "The one placed upon Lady Maritza."Harun's expressi
The celebration did not last long.The moment the last of the Black Jackals disappeared beyond the mountain pass, the tension that had been holding Maritza upright finally broke.She swayed and tried to reach for the nearest tree, but my fingers found only empty air."...Maritza!"Kharef caught me before I could collapse onto the rocky ground.My body felt strangely light and the voices around me became distant."I'm... okay..." The words came out as little more than a whisper."You are most certainly not," Kharef answered firmly."I only..." Darkness swam before my eyes. "...need..."Before I could finish the sentence, everything disappeared."Lady Maritza!"Ramose's voice echoed somewhere far away but I couldn't answer.It seems like the fever had finally stolen what little strength I had left.*****Kharef carried her back inside the stone cottage without hesitation."Zahra!"Harun's wife hurried from the back room and the moment she saw Maritza's unconscious face, her expression
The crimson cloud drifted across the narrow mountain pass and within seconds, the front line of the Black Jackals dissolved into chaos.Terrified horses reared violently, throwing their riders to the ground while others bolted in every direction, ignoring their masters' desperate attempts to regain control."What have you done?" one of the raiders shouted, rubbing his burning eyes. "My eyes! I can't see!"The leader of the Black Jackals pulled hard on his reins as his own horse reared beneath him."Hold the line!" he roared. "Don't panic!"But it was already too late.The narrow pass that had once favored the attackers had become their prison and Kharef saw the opportunity i







