The Man Beneath The Crown

Prologue

1333 B.C

Suddenly, young Menes heard his father call. He knew the precise reason behind that abrupt call. The thought twisted his stomach into a knot.

Egypt is well known for it's warm temperatures, but today just felt cold. Everything was somber, it had been for quite some time.

Menes hesitantly stood up from his wooden stool and began to quietly follow his father's voice into their little mud-brick home. He never expected this day to come upon them this quick, but it was bound to happen, his father always warned. 

Menes' movements felt slow. He began to silently pray to the gods for a miracle. A miracle that may not come. It might've been too late anyway.

"May we have some peace, physician?" Father asked, his tone flat. Menes peered from behind his father at the door.  

The bony doctor was still packing the last of his medications and remedies into his sling bag when he turned to the door. His eyes softened when he took in Menes at his father's side. The physician opened his mouth, but then decided against it. He gave a slight nod instead.

The physicians walked towards Menes with a small symphathetic smile and bent to his height, to speak at eye-level. A wrinkled hand rested on Menes' shoulder.

"Don't worry my son. The gods will take care of her," he assured. "As the brave nine-year old boy you are...just... stay strong for her." He carefully stood up and walked through the door. Menes watched him leave.

As soon as he closed it behind him, Menes' dear mother opened her weary, glossy eyes. A series of coughs gave Menes a start. Her illness had worsened.

It was because of that illness she was now laying on that bed, alone and helpless. The words bubbled up Menes' throat: 'Mother, it's all going to be fine. You're going to live' - but those were only words, not a cure. His throat tightened.

"Heru," his mother called, her voice a mere whisper. Her breathing became more laboured.

 He came to her side in mere seconds, holding her pale hands in his. "Yes my wife," he murmured. "I have brought him as you asked." Heru motioned for Menes to come closer.

Like tree wax, his feet was stuck to the floor - he could not seem to move at all. He was afraid of seeing his mother like this. Afraid of remembering her sickly face, when all he wished to remember is her being healthy and happy.

"Menes, come closer..." his mother urged gently. He walked closer, body stiff with fear.

A weak smile formed upon her dry lips as she took in the sight of him. Although he wanted to with all his might, he couldn't seem to return the gesture. With the heaviness in his heart, he couldn't seem to do anything anymore. He was numb.

"My dear son... the time has come for me to be with the gods." She struggled to proceed, taking a few shallow breaths. "But, I have lived a wonderful life here."

Her shaky hands took in his face. Coldness seeped through his skin and he instantly placed his hand atop of hers. If she needed warmth, he would give all that he had.

"I'm glad I was blessed with a son like you." Menes surprised myself by smiling appreciatively, which made her do the same. "We may not have a palace and servants, but I'm eternally grateful for everything I have. Love and a beautiful family."

She slowly released her hand and her facial expression transformed into a serious one. She faced her husband on the other side of her. His face sullen.

"Heru, take care of our son..." A tear rolled down her unrecognizable face. "Please."

"I surely will my wife, but I-"

"Yes, you can." She tried to grip his hand tighter. A cough escaped her mouth. "I know you can."

He gently nodded his head and gave her a kiss on her pale hair. "I-I love you."

"I will always love you and you too Menes." Her eyes caught him once more. His face contorting. "But promise me one thing my son..." Tears fell from her eyes.

His heart squeezed and his throat worked. He too felt like crying, but nothing managed to escape.

"Menes, I want you to become someone in this life. Do not settle for anything less." Dhe instructed. "Because you deserve much more my son. Let no one deprive you of that."

"Mother-"

"No, let me finish," she interjected. "I want you to change this world we live in. Make it peaceful, make it a place we all can live in."

He couln't really understand, but nodded as she continued.

"As you grow older you may be seen as a simple servant to many, a nobody, but that's just your disguise." She shook her head slowly. "Only true people can see your spirit. You are somebody Menes. Remember that."

"I will. I promise," he said.

His mother gave a weak smile, before it faltered. Her eyes slowly begin to fall. Her chest lifted once more then it didn't.

Menes' turned and shut eyes his quickly. He wrapped his arms around himself as he tried to control his breathing. His father held him in his warm embrace. 

His mother was gone and she was never coming back.

His father shook as he held Menes tight. Heru's tears were as rare as rain. 

Heru kissed Menes' shaven head and spoke with a hoarse voice, "Oh my son, don't fear. I will protect you. But now, I hope you know that this is how life is. Not everything seems fair."

Menes listened to his father's words. It was unfair. He didn't understand why she had to leave him. He didn't understand anything, but what he did know is that he has a duty to fulfil.

And that was to be a somebody.