Exodus: Gods & Kings

Leaving Memphis

Ramses and Moses departed the war room, Pharaoh's orders having been given, knowing their duties yet brimming with the high conviction and youthful pride princes often exhibit. Moses dark blue robe already wet with spots of sweat, even around his golden collar and arm bands. Ramses regal persona clearly displayed in the linen tunic he wore with a blue shawl across his shoulders, his golden collar and pleated shirt shining in the sun.

"Your first order of business when the time comes, you will retire her." Moses said with a hint of jovial vindictiveness in his voice. He always thought Hetpet spoke more than she should have. Queen Tuya and their sister Tiya just as influential but not as pretentious.

Ramses concurred wholeheartedly, "I will. By Amun I do not know why my father  has not done so....yet." His tone taking a more lighter change. "But, should you see me in any real out there, ride the way."

Moses smirked in response. That was the brother he admired, loved and sometimes even envied. A lion never one to let his enemies see his back. Never in his life did Moses ever hear Ramses say the word cowardice without wanting to spit on the ground.

"I am serious," Ramses stressed before turning to go put on his armor. A man true to his words than any other Moses knew.

The brothers were called to the royal throne room, their father to give them blessings for Montu's protection and a swift crushing victory over their enemies. In a wooden chest, Seti revealed two iron swords, one for the two of them.

"When I look at you, I see the two boys who grew up together, close as brothers. If, for any reason you ever forget  that... Let these remind you. Long to be effective  from horseback, not so long that you trip over them."

"This is his. You have mine," Ramses teased.

"That is true. That is how I want it. You have each other's, to keep each safe. Promise me you'll do that... always." Seti's tone tinged with both the honorable expectations of a king and the deepened love of a father to his sons.

The brothers swords clang in unison to the applause of the court. Outside the palace walls the clamor and ear-splitting cheering of the soldiers and citizenry sang high that they carried across the halls. 

Ramses embraced his mother, the formidable Queen Tuya. A golden-skinned and lion-heart woman from similar military stock as her husband, also one whose pride and beauty never wavered in her growing years. Moses received the same from his mother Princess Bithia, Seti's sister. The tawny-skinned brown-eyed lady was one of strong idealism and earnest spirit. The princes mounted their chariots and advanced forward. Well wishes and salutations ringing in their ears as the Pharaoh's name reverberated down the sphinx-lined avenue of the palace. 

" SETI! SETI! SETI!SETI!"