NEFRET

x. {ptah}

1279 B.C.

19th Dynasty

Waset, Egypt

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Six moons have passed since Nefret last laid eyes on Ramses.

Nefret's nightmares were happening more often than before. There were nights where she did not have any sleep, afraid even to close her eyes for the images were too surreal. The dreams were always burning that her dress was drenched in sweat. She saw huge flames every night and heard a dissonant voice calling through a never-ending corridor. Nefret always woke gasping, still disoriented and sad. Every night, Lapu snuggled closer in bed, forcing Nefret to relax and take a calming breath. Every night, Nefret wished it was Ramses by her side.

"Nefret!" Lapu shouted. "Nefret!"

It was Lapu now that Nefret saw running to her when she turned the corner to their house. Nefret just finished her work for the day. A smile bloomed in her lips at the sight of Lapu, her brother in the capital, as she bent her knee for a hug. He ran towards her embrace, before bouncing back and delivering news in a fast tone.

"I was cooking this morning and getting ready for lunch when I remembered I did not have any flour for bread! So I went to the market and all the old ladies were whispering! I listened, of course, because I delight about interesting news from merchants and the desert. They were whispering about things I do not understand like slaves and house of medicine and.. and the injured soldiers, as well as the prisoners of war who will be auctioned of as slaves to others because.. because — "

"Lapu," Nefret laughed, fondly caressing the curls of his hair to stop his prattling. "Slow down, please, so that I may understand you."

"What Lapu is saying," a deep voice interrupts from behind. "Is that the army has returned." Nefret quickly turns to find Ahmose regarding him with calm posture. Her heart skipped a beat. Ahmose's skin remained pale and shone under the sun. His face remained serious, although a solemness adorns his shoulders like a heavy cloak. Ahmose was alone, she noticed, with no guards or companions who followed. A lone messenger sent to meet me secretly, Nefret thought. Whatever news Ahmose brought, she said to herself, was meant to be received alone. Her heart nervously began to pound, so loudly, that Nefret almost did not hear the rest of Ahmose's words.

"The army has been arriving by groups the last couple of days. The legion of Ra arrived first after successfully taking the town of Tabuk. The legion of Ptah arrived next after the battle at Arar. The legion of Set took almost a day to come back, for they accompanied the prince's troops to the big battle at the city of El-Nakib."

"And the prince?" Nefret demanded, her right fist clenched behind her back. "What of the legion he commanded?"

Ahmose was silent for a moment and spoke haltingly. "The legion of Amun only arrived this morning during dawn. They received the most casualty, with many of its men wounded, and the soldiers took longer to recuperate for a long journey. I sent after you as soon as I found out. Forgive me if I arrived too late but you are wanted at the palace."

Nefret stared hard at Ahmose who met her eyes solemnly. "Whatever it is you want to inform me can be said here, between the two of us, without the palace needing my presence. Answer my question, Ahmose. Is he...," Nefret's throat closed with dry fear. "Is Ramses...?"

"It is better if I show you." And with that Ahmose bowed and motioned for Nefret to follow. Lapu reached out to squeeze Nefret's hand, letting her know she should go.