Daughter of the Nile

Chapter Seventeen

First song: The Celestial Nile

Bek found Octavius in the Hall of Miniatures, sitting on the edge of the Rome display with his legs dangling over the edge. His bowed form truly did look miserable.

She did not honestly know what Jedidiah thought she could do for Octavius that the cowboy could not. Jedidiah was Octavius' brother in all but blood; this was something Bek quickly picked up on. If the Roman was not comfortable with revealing his vulnerabilities to his brother, he would never reveal them to a new companion like her.

So, she decided to try the passive approach; let him know that she was there, and just let him speak if he desired it.

Hesitantly, she hovered the doorway. "My Lord General, might I practice in here?" She held up her "I believe Ahkmen is going to try teach senet* to Master Jedidiah, and you well know how...enthusiastic they can be."

Slowly, he raised his head and gazed up at her. It was hard to tell because of his size, but Bek thought his eyes look red and puffy to her. However, what was easy for her to see was the pain and grief his chocolate brown orbs held. Once upon a time, she had seen such an expression often on her face.

After a moment, he nodded, silently granting permission to enter, and his gaze returned his lap.

Bek situated herself on the floor with her back to the side of the double-sided bench in the center of the room, having always found this position most comfortable to play. She tested a few strings to make sure her instrument was still in tune, then began playing a piece she had composed herself as a teen, inspired one day as she sat on the Nile bank. The whole time, she kept peeking at Octavius out of the corner of her eye. When she finished and was preparing to begin another song, she just barely heard it, so softly she thought perhaps she was mistaken until she turned and looked up at Octavius on the ledge.

His head was in his hands, his helmet having been removed and sitting on the ground beside him. His tiny crimson-clad shoulders shook.

Bek's first instinct was to fly to his side at once, pull him into her arms, run her fingers through his hair as he buried his face in her shoulder............but then she remembered she could not.

Gently setting her harp aside, she slowly rose and approached him, waiting for an indication to stay or leave. She carefully knelt in front of him, and her heart broke to hear his sobs. Tears stung her own eyes at the sound.

"Please, Octavius," she pleaded in a whisper. "will you not tell me what pains you so?"

It took several long minutes before he could speak. "Today is her birthday."

"Who's birthday?" She gently prompted.

"My daughter, Julia's."

* senet is an Ancient Egyptian board game.

The music is from Michael Levy, who is into reintroducing the world the music and instruments of the ancient world, mainly different types of harps and lyres. You guys should check out his site! ancietlyre.com

Michael Levy's page and videos about the harp used in the above YouTube track:

Bektamunet board: