Distantly Falling Stars (GRAND WINNER * ONC 2019)

8. Finding the Stars

In the grey light of morning, Seti was pushed along over the beach by a group of tired, irritable solders. He tried not to look too closely at their blood-splattered torsos and kilts, nor far up the beach towards the smoking remains of the Babylonian camp as he stumbled over the sand and towards the tree-line. A strong, chilly breeze was blowing and the tall palm trees waved and shook high above. 

Neb-ka stood waiting for him, a self-satisfied grin on his face and one hand resting on the handle of his curved, bronze sword.  

"Time for you to retrieve the stars, Scribe! Negotiations have been. . . concluded."

A few soldiers laughed, and Neb-ka's smile got even bigger.  

Seti shook his head. "They didn't tell me anything about the stars. I don't know where they are."

He hoped he had said the right thing. Perhaps he would simply be sent back to wait on the ship until this was all over. He didn't think that was likely, but he clung desperately onto what little scrap of hope he had left. 

"Of course they didn't tell you. Why would they? But you know where they are anyway, so get going. We're right behind you." 

Seti shook his head again. Not only was this man malicious, he was also thick. Seti dug in his heels. "But I don't know where they are. I have no idea. No one told me anything." 

The smile disappeared from Neb-ka's face and was replaced by a look of growing annoyance. 

"Don't play games with me, Scribe. We were told you would find them, so find them! I'm not in the mood to stand about chatting. Remember those intestines? There may not be jackals on this island, but trust me, I can find a substitute." 

Seti didn't doubt that for a moment. 

"He's a sensitive, not an adept," a calm, clear voice from behind them said. Seti turned and saw Mehu, a simple linen shawl draped over his shoulders, the knotted fringe dancing in the hard breeze. He wasn't wearing any of his finery and almost looked like a normal person. Seti was instantly relieved he was there, but not hopeful he would be able to do anything to help him. If he was even inclined to help him.  

"You know as well as I do what they said about him. Don't expect miracles," Mehu said. 

"I don't expect miracles, I expect stars." 

"He doesn't know who you are or why he's here. Don't expect miracles I said, you mannerless goon." 

To Seti's surprise, Neb-ka laughed. "Right you are, cousin! This peon would have no clue who I am, would he?" 

Turning to Seti, Neb-ka said, "I think you've met my cousin's father, haven't you? The great Amunkheper? I bet that was a surprise for the likes of you. But, there is absolutely no reason you'd ever have met my father or even have an idea what he looks like, is there? Now, who could he be?" Neb-ka crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Seti. "I'll give you three guesses." 

Mehu snorted. "First you you can't wait to get the stars, and now you're playing games and wasting time. Tell him who you are and what you want him to do, or I will. I'm growing tired of this myself." 

"You always were a killjoy."

"Get on with it."

"Fine. To please my esteemed cousin, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Prince Neb-Ka Amunhotep Rasenach Mer-anteb. First born son of the Living God."

"By a secondary wife," added Mehu. 

"By your aunt." 

One of Pharaoh's sons! No wonder he'd disappeared into the royal complex and been saluted like that!