SWORD MAIDEN OF SEKHMET

Chapter 4: Home of The Goddess

Where the precinct of Anubis had seemed to be all about death, that of the Goddesss Sekhmet was all about life.

Behind perimeter walls of warm sandstone could be seen many trees waving gently in the breeze, populated by brilliantly plumaged birds and tiny monkeys that leapt from branch to branch. From outside nothing could be seen of the palace, but four Sword Maidens stood guard at the open gates and more could be seen on the walkway above the gatehouse. All were armed, those on the walls with spears, those outside with swords.

As they passed inside, Ashayt took a deep breath. It felt as if one chapter of her life was closing and another beginning, and as they emerged into sunlight again, there was almost too much to take in.

To their right - and dominating everything - was the palace. It was not especially high, being constructed of just two stepped tiers, but it was so wide - at least a hundred long paces on each side - that Ashayt had to turn her head to take it all in. Columns of pure white alabaster ran the length of both levels, stopping only at the centre where high double doors of pure gold flanked the entrance, both embossed with the head of the lioness.

A wide ramp led up to these doors, guarded by a unit of Sword Maidens, who stood alert but unmoving. Lush gardens surrounded the building on all sides, threaded with running streams that connected pools brilliant with pink-blue lotus flowers, shaded by willows, acacia trees and palms.

Opposite the palace was a large square, bordered by identical buildings on three sides. These were much simpler structures of plain-faced sandstone, each two storeys high, with narrow openings to let in light and high doors of carved cedar. Ashayt guessed these were the Sword Maidens' quarters: a guess that was immediately confirmed as their group moved off in that direction.

As they were ushered inside the building that flanked the right side of the square, her eyes took a moment to adjust from the bright sunlight outside to the semi-darkness of the interior. They were in a large hall, lit with oil lamps and lined with trestle tables where a meal was being served. More girls were seated there, perhaps as many as their own group and judging by the variety of their dress, also new recruits. They looked up with interest at the new arrivals.

The girls were told to sit and female servants brought them a light meal.

Ashayt found a place next to Layla and, a moment later, the girl who had pushed her earlier sat down opposite, together with another girl. They were very similar in appearance and it looked as if they already knew each other. They seemed to be sharing some private joke since they glanced over at Ashayt, then turned back to each other and laughed.

Determined to be friendly, Ashayt looked across at the hard-faced girl.

"I am named Ashayt," she said.

"So?" said the other, rudely.

Ashayt hesitated, then:

"So...it is customary in our society to exchange names when we meet."

"But I already have a perfectly good name for you," said the other, "it's Yellow."

Her companion sniggered.

Ashayt was uncertain how to react, but before she could, she heard a voice from behind her. Glancing over her shoulder, Ashayt saw that her mentor, Panya, had walked over. The girls opposite immediately stopped grinning.

"I am named Panya," she said, looking straight at the two girls, then added, "and this is Ashayt and Layla."

"Greetings, Panya," chorused the two girls.

"And?"

After the briefest hesitation they added grudgingly:

"Greetings, Ashayt. Greetings, Layla."

"And?"

"I am named Sadeh," said the girl who had pushed Ashayt.

"I am named Menwi,' said the second.

"Very well," Panya said.

© Adriana Nicolas 2016