The Wraiths Of Alkebulan

CHAPTER 4

THE WAY OF LIFE
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The land of Egypt, reflected deeper in the way an Egyptian ruler was perceived. The name of kings to pharaohs, concured with the rise of Egypt under a centralized authority. The pharaoh seen as a living god, a divine intermediary between the gods and the living.
In the heart of the Nile Delta, the grand palace of the Black Pharaoh stood tall. A testament of the grand ruling bestowed upon the mighty and mystic land of ancient Egypt.
The palace, with its towering onyx walls, a sign of protection from evil, was enhanced with complex hieroglyphs. The watchful gaze of  lion-headed gods, cast long dark shadows in the palace.
A cat-headed woman wearing golden jewelry, Bastet, was seen mouted at the back of the Pharaoh's seat. It was seen as the protector of the Pharaoh.
It was here, at the sacred palace walls, that the young Prince Amare was summoned by his father, the reigning Pharaoh. The air was thick with a smell of sweet incense. The whispers of court advisors could be heard, each vying for the Pharaoh's approval.
As Prince Amare approached the throne, he noticed the presence of Nehesi, Crown Prince Kiros's loyal bodyguard. His body, just below the throne, one knee on the ground. He stood up when he noticed Prince Amare's approach and moved to the side. He stood silently in the shadows.
Your Majesty, Prince Amare said bowing to the Pharaoh. My son, the Pharaoh's deep voice echoed in the palace walls. I have received word that Crown Prince, Kiros will be returning within two moons.
Prince Amare's heart raced with excitement. He had been seperated from the crown prince since birth. The reunion he had longed for and the well-being of his brother was all he had wished for.
The time has come my son. Your brother has been favoured by the gods and will return to us, the Pharaoh declared.
Nehesi, was the bearer of the news. Crown Prince Kiros, had sent him with word for the Pharaoh.
The Pharaoh's wife, the Queen, sat elegantly as her divine presence filled the palace with feminine energy. She watched closely on the scene unfolding before her.
Standing always at the right hand of the Pharaoh, was his vizier, Sedaq. To all that saw him, he appeared very devoted and wise. His words held a great weight in matters of the land of Egypt. He served the Pharaoh as the chief advisor on important details for governing the land of Egypt. His influence over the court carried weight only second in command to the Pharaoh himself.
But beneath this deceptive outward appearance of loyalty, lied a heart consumed by ambition and a mind twisted with forbidden knowledge, it dreaded of revenge. For years, Vizier Sedaq has been secretly looking into the darkest corners of Egyptian magic, he saw the rule of the Pharaoh's as weak.
His soul had swayed him to test the laws of nature. He had taken upon himself, closer to the throne, an idea to raise a better people. His need to give spiritual powers to the ruling land. To cast wraiths in every being, as a way to enhance their existence as the powerful nation.
    When he spoke, his mouth moved in a slow pace. His words slithered out of his mouth, in a manner, that blinds the eye from seeing how sly he was.
    He had been establishing within the court, an organization that held secret meetings to find means to unleash wraiths.
I summoned you as I want to send you back with Crown Prince Kiros's bodyguard. You are to go and return with Crown Prince Kiros in two full moons, the Pharaoh declared.
Prince Amare felt his heart stop. Your Majesty, he said in satisfaction. The favour you have bestowed upon me is too great. He bowed down. Long live the Pharaoh, he is the best of decision makers.
As the brothers prepare to unite, the vizier, Sedaq, sees an opportunity to push through with the evil plan he had crafted. Betrayal and dark magic unfolds within. He plans to exploit the childhood seperation of the two princes and use them as pawns to drown all Egypt into a black hole.
Prince Amare and Nehesi make their way out of the palace. Your Highness, Nehesi said following behind Prince Amare. We should leave at the ninth hour of the evening, so you may be safe.
Prince Amare turned his face towards him. I agree, see to it that the finest robes and food are loaded in the chariots. My brother must receive the best from me, he said, his handsome face glowing even more.
They rode out at the ninth hour of the evening. Prince Amare anxious to see his brother. They only wrote to each other over the years, bridging the gap of growing seperately.
A journey that will change the course of nature had began.