The Wraiths Of Alkebulan

CHAPTER 3

                            INTO A NEW WORLD
                ______________•.•_______________

    Where exactly are we going? High Priestess Aset asked as her eyes stared into the cold night. Crown Prince Kiros was quiet for a brief moment. Clearing his throat, he held on tightly to the horse's lead rope attached to a halter. We are going to a place no one can find us. Do not worry, you will be safe.
   The horse journey felt unusual for Noor who was used to riding inside Holiday's car and listening to music. I'm so tired. How will I be able to tell the crown prince I am not who he thinks I am? Will he even believe me? Noor thought.
    Crown Prince Kiros was now hopeful that the first step had been accomplished. He had taken upon himself to find the high priestess and now she was his. Noor was tired from the shock of finding herself in a different body, that she passed out on Crown Prince Kiros's chest.
  Mmh...she's asleep already? Crown Prince Kiros murmured as he stole a glance at her. Her face was perfect as she fell asleep on his chest like a baby. She is really beautiful, I wonder what's her story, Crown Prince Kiros thought, his gaze drifting away from her and focusing on the dark forest path.
  The seemingly impenetrable forest, where ancient trees swayed the private affairs of passed eras, lay a sanctuary only known by the Egyptian royal family and the most privileged few. It was no ordinary forest; it was the guardian of a portal to those who were in possession of the Ankh of Amun; the key of life of the god of the sun and air - an ancient key passed down through generations of the royal family.
   They were heading to the Sanctuary of the Black Pharaohs. It was a place where every crown prince had been taken, spirited away from the palace, barely a day old, to be hidden and protected against the curse. He was the latest crown prince, among many who had been secreted away to this hidden retreat. The Sanctuary of the Black Pharaohs, a refuge for the royal family for generations. He has called this place home for twenty years.
   They believed he was eventually going to run mad and face his death by the time he turned sixteen. It was assumed so, as all the preceding first males sons of his line had never lived past the age of sixteen.
   It was a shock to everyone that he had out-lived the age when many crown princes succumbed to their deaths. He refused to go back to the royal palace as he enjoyed the freedom that came from staying outside the royal palace walls. He was looked after by one of his maids, Head Maid Henut, that he considered close enough to give respect as he would his mother.
   The Sanctuary of the Black Pharaohs, providing a safe house, the buildings structure was covered in dome shaped roofs. Five buildings nested outside a mountain rock. Streams are seen flowing outside the buildings. Trees sprout on the rocks and the surroundings of each building.
    Yellow lights shone through the windows. At the bottom is a clear lake, blue, is seen as it reflects the sky during the day. At night, the fire flies light the lake, making it similar to a dark sky, that shone bright for everyone. The walls covered in protective hieroglyphs, each symbol to repulse the energy of the wraiths.
   As he approached the sanctuary, he slowed down his horse. He lifted his ancient key, and a portal appeared. The passageway to the Sanctuary of the Black Pharaohs started to form as he rode his horse through it.
   The High Priestess Aset's body slipped towards his left arm. Her face directly facing him. Her eyes still shut. Crown Prince Kiros, slowed down his horse. Then he came to a sudden halt. High Priestess Aset had not noticed he had stopped. Crown Prince Kiros was more concerned for her comfort. How does she sleep so peacefully? Is she okay laying like that? Crown Prince Kiros said lifting High Priestess Aset's head and laying it close to his shoulders. That would do.
Crown Prince Kiros was now infront of the Sanctuary of the Black Pharaohs. Maids rushed outside to carter for him. Guards surrounded him. Your Highness, Head Maid Henut said bowing down then lifting her head. Are you okay? We were worried when you failed to ride back last night. Head Maid Hunet was moving towards Crown Prince Kiros, to help the high priestess down. Crown Prince Kiros gently woke High Priestess Aset then turned his face towards Head Maid Hunet.
  Do not worry about me. Please see to it that she rests well. She is my guest and I entrust you with her care, Crown Prince Kiros said as he alighted his horse and carried High Priestess Aset down. Turning to High Priestess Aset he said, This is Henut, the head maid here. She will help you settle. Ask her if you are in need of anything.
   Thankyou, High Priestess Aset said. Her eyes were now roaming around the image before her. This is better than the arts from my books. I've never seen such a breathtaking view.
  As Head Maid Hunet was going to show High Priestess Aset to her chamber, Meryt, a young maid among many servants of Crown Prince Kiros appeared. She hurried towards him. Your Highness, Meryt said bowing. Lifting her head up, I was worried, I thought you....
   Meryt! Head Maid Hunet called in alarm. That is not how you address His Highness. Her figure turned towards Meryt. Her hands motioning High Priestess Aset towards Meryt. Here, show our guest to her chamber. I will tend to His Highness.
   Ye..yes, sorry, Meryt said in a stammer. Crown Prince Kiros now his back turned towards High Priestess Aset, faced Meryt. I am back now. I will call for you later, he said this and left as the Head Maid Hunet, some maids and guards followed silently behind.
  The royal guards returned to their posts as Meryt led High Priestess Aset to her chambers. Hi, said Meryt turning her face towards the high priestess. I hope your journey was not tiresome.
   Umm...no, said High Priestess Aset her voice smooth and soft, still foreign to her ears. This place is beautiful, she added.
High Priestess Aset clearing her throat slightly continued, I never knew this place existed in real life. She was hoping she sounded convincing.
Right! I've always fallen in love with it since I saw it, Meryt said.
  They were now in the hall way that led to High Priestess Aset's chamber. Taking a left turn, a tall door made of heavy wood came to view. Meryt opened the door and said, This is it, I hope it is to your liking.
High Priestess Aset stepped inside her chamber's. The chamber was expansive and well lit. Her bed was covered in pink and gold silk duvets and pillows. Her walls were adorned in vibrant designs representing royal lineage, divine protection and the gods. The space reflected both power and the essence of spirituality. Beautiful! I wish I could take a picture of what I'm seeing right now, High Priestess Aset said.
  Take a picture? What does that mean? Meryt asked while spreading the bed for her. Oh..don't mind me, High Priestess Aset said trying to play it off.
   Okay, I will leave you to it, said Meryt as she exited the chambers. For a spilt second Noor forgot her worries and jumped in excitment on where she was. She could not believe it. The world of magic and ancient artifacts was real and she was experiencing it.
   Wow! This would blow anyone's mind back home. I wonder what date it is here. Mmmh, i'll ask the crown prince when I see him, Aset said as she scanned the room. She moved to the magnificent window that showed her the night sky view. Wow! This is the most beautiful night sky I have ever seen. The stars are so bright. Wooooah...one star is really shining bright.
She saw a closet and checked for any night garments she could wear. The closet was filled with clothes rich in fabric. She found a blue robe. It was long and gave off a luxurious loungewear. The flowy robe had an ostrich feather trim in the hand to secure maximum fluffiness.
   The satin material felt smooth on her skin as she wore it. The fluidity and bounciness that it gave, made her feel like a real life princess. Why don't they have this in my world? High Priestess Aset said to herself.
  A knock came from the door. High Priestess Aset quickly tied her robe to her chest, unaware that one of her breasts was loosely exposed. She rushed to open the door. Crown Prince Kiros was leaning agaist the door frame.
  Are you alright? Crown Prince Kiros asked with a smirk on his face. It's too early for you to be flirting with me, don't you think?
   Flirting? High Priestess Aset asked her face in an amusement. Why would you think I'm flirting with you? I am settling in, High Priestess Aset said. Crown Prince Kiros gaze was now narrowed to her chest.
High Priestess Aset following his gaze towards her, saw one of her breasts pointing towards Crown Prince Kiros. She gasped and quickly tucked it back in her robe. Her face down in embarassment, Sorry, I am really sorry for that. High Priestess Aset's cheeks were flushed.
Crown Prince Kiros let out a sarcastic laugh. He was enjoying to see how flushed she was. Mmmh, sorry about what? There is nothing to feel sorry about.
    Crown Prince Kiros stepped inside her chamber's. High Priestess Aset stepping back, almost fell to her knees when Crown Prince Kiros grabbed her by her waist. Careful now high priestess, Crown Prince Kiros said his eyes locking with hers.
High Priestess Aset pulled away from Crown Prince Kiros and got to her feet. Sorry, I was trying to pave way for you, Your Highness. High Priestess Aset staring into his face thought, Omg! I haven't used honorifics in any of our previous conversations till now. I hope I do not get hanged for it! Or I'm just being paranoid. Act cool Noor.
    Crown Prince Kiros stood upright and chuckled. It sounded like a breath of fresh air. Do you always apologize for everything? Crown Prince Kiros asked slowly pacing the room.
    No, I do not....I mean.. Your Highness, I do not. High Priestess Aset now watched Crown Prince Kiros as he moved around in her chamber.
    Well, let's chat when the day breaks. Have a goodnight high priestess, Crown Prince Kiros said and left the chamber.
    High Priestess Aset sat on her bed, plotting on her next move. Thinking on how to embody the new vessel her soul had possessed. She was sure she would sleep and wake up back home or even at the Alkebulan Heritage Gallery. Closing her eyes. She slept.