Colossal Legs of Stone

Chapter 4

As the sun set over the Nile, it bathed the capital city of Ozymandopolis in a golden glow. The sprawling palace courtyard was filled with thousands of people who had come to witness a historic moment. Civilians in vibrant garments and jewels mingled with crack troops in shining armor and weapons. They waved palm branches and lotus flowers in the air, chanting and singing praises to their king.

On a raised platform, Ozymandias stood tall and proud. He wore a double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt and a golden collar around his neck. His piercing eyes scanned the crowd, radiating confidence and charisma. He raised his voice, loud as thunder, and addressed his subjects.

"My people, the time has come for me to fulfill my destiny as the son of Ra and the lord of the two lands," he announced in a loud and clear voice. "I am going to lead our mighty army to conquer Kelba, the rebellious city that dares to defy our authority and plot against our interests."

The crowd erupted. He could tell how much they loved and trusted their king by the volume of the cheers and applause. They knew he was a great warrior and a brilliant strategist. They believed he was favored by the gods and destined for greatness.

Ozymandias raised his hand to silence them.

"But fear not, for I will not leave you without a leader," he continued. "I entrust the throne of Egypt to my eldest son and heir, Amenhotep. He will rule with wisdom and justice in my name, until I return with the spoils of war and the glory of victory."

He pointed to Amenhotep, who stood behind him. He appeared anxious but resolute. He had received the best education and training from his father and grandfather to prepare him for kingship. He had mastered the laws and customs of Egypt, the art of diplomacy and war, and the rituals and prayers of the gods. He had a brave spirit and a keen mind. But Ozymandias knew he still lacked the experience and wisdom that only time could bring. He hoped his son would listen to his grandfather's advice and the counsel of the courtiers who would guide him in his absence.

Amenhotep stepped forward and knelt in front of his father.

"Amenhotep, my son, you have proven yourself to be a worthy prince and a loyal son," he said with pride. "You have learned well from me and from your grandfather, Djet. You are ready to be a king."

He embraced Amenhotep and kissed him on both cheeks. Then he turned to face the crowd again.

"Behold your new king, Amenhotep!" he proclaimed.

The people cheered again, louder than before. They bowed their heads and swore allegiance to Amenhotep. They wished him a long and prosperous reign.

Ozymandias held the scepter in his hand, a long rod of gold and ivory topped with a falcon head. He looked at Amenhotep and saw all the potential of the young man.

"Take this scepter as a symbol of your power and authority," he said, handing it to Amenhotep. "Rule over Egypt as I would rule. Protect our people from harm. Maintain order and harmony. Honor the gods and respect the traditions. And above all, be loyal to me and to our dynasty."

Amenhotep took the scepter with both hands, feeling its weight and significance. He bowed his head and spoke with sincerity and reverence.

"Thank you, father. I accept this great responsibility with humility and gratitude. I will do my best to follow your example and your commands. I will not disappoint you or our people. I will make you proud."

Ozymandias embraced Amenhotep, holding him close. He whispered in his ear. "I know you will, my son. I love you."

Amenhotep hugged him back, tears in his eyes. "I love you too, father."

Ozymandias let go of Amenhotep and turned to his wife Nefertari, who stood beside him. She was a beautiful woman around 40, with dark hair and eyes and a radiant smile. She wore a golden tiara and a white linen dress that accentuated her slender figure. She held the hand of their seven-year-old daughter Neferure, who looked like a miniature version of her mother. She smiled warmly at Ozymandias as he approached her.

"And you, my queen, my beloved Nefertari. You are the light of my life and the joy of my heart. You have given me the greatest gift of all: a daughter who will carry on our bloodline and our legacy."

He kissed Nefertari on the forehead and then kissed Neferure on the cheek. He felt a surge of love and tenderness for them both. He wished he could stay with them forever.

"Take good care of our little princess. Teach her to be strong and brave like you. And wait for me patiently. I will come back to you as soon as I can."

Nefertari hugged him tightly. She bit her lip. "I will, my king, my husband. I love you more than words can say. And I pray for your safety and success every day." She wrung her hands as she spoke. "Please be careful out there. Don't take any unnecessary risks. Remember that we need you here more than anything else."

Ozymandias smiled reassuringly at Nefertari and cupped her face in his hands. "Don't worry about me, my love. I have the favor of the gods and the strength of thousands of men behind me. Nothing can stop me from achieving my destiny. And nothing can keep me away from you for too long."

He kissed her passionately, hoping to make her forget everything else for a moment. He broke the kiss and looked into her eyes.

"Now I must go. The army is waiting for me outside."

He turned to the crowd again, his voice booming and commanding.

"My friends, my brothers, my fellow Egyptians! Today we begin a new chapter in our history! Today we march to glory! Today we show the world who we are! We are the children of the Nile! We are the masters of civilization! We are the rulers of all!"

The crowd erupted in cheers again, waving their palm branches and lotus flowers. They chanted his name and praised his greatness. They were ready to follow him anywhere.

"Follow me! To Kelba!"

He raised his sword in the air and exited the throne room with his generals, followed by his army. They marched out of the palace gates, forming a long procession of chariots, horses, and foot soldiers. They headed eastward, toward the rising sun and their enemy's land.