A Falcon's Light

Chapter 22

The next morning our group sat at a long table with several members of the Gathering for breakfast. Fish, loaves of bread, and fruits lined the table waiting for someone to grab them. We, of course, didn't eat that, instead, we ate the provisions I had packed at Anubis' command before we left. Flapjacks and jelly and a few big sticks of jerky. Hatshepsut and Tut both sat close to me but didn't say anything. I thought it was funny trying to ignore their quick glances, like a kid that wanted something but wouldn't say anything until you acknowledged them.

Tut finally spoke up. "How did you know my name? I didn't say yet you knew, how?" I blew out my nose as a quiet laugh.

"Out of all the ancient Egyptian pharaohs, you are by far the most famous. I've had the most amazing opportunity to see first-hand your beautiful death mask. Your face is almost exactly the same." I shrugged trying not to make a big deal about it.

"Ancient Egypt?" Hatshepsut finally asked, her voice in utter amazement.

"Yeah, ancient. Let's put it to you this way. It's been about 3300 years since Tut here died. Even longer for you, Hatshepsut. By the way, that mortuary temple of yours is amazing! It's one of those few things still around, same with one of your obelisks." I explained, my egyptologist brain kicking in.

"It's really been that long since our deaths? We don't really care about how much time passes in here so we didn't know it'd been that long." She said astounded.

"Wait what do you mean I'm one of the most famous. I only ruled for like 10 years. I was only 19 when I died so how am I so famous?" His eyes glittered. So I told him all about the famous discovery of his untouched tomb. His smile widened with every detail I spoke. Soon the young king was bouncing in his chair happily. "That's so cool! Take that Shep!" He pointed at the queen who stared at him with cold stinging eyes.

I shook my head with a smile. This was cool, talking to people of the long dead. People I've read about and studied meticulously. It was fascinating, I could ask them about their lives and details about things we didn't know about. I was about to ask Hatshepsut about her death when a squeal of delight sounded followed closely behind by a death-grip hug.

"Alice I'm so glad to see you. Do you know how badly I wanted to see you again? I missed you! How's my beloved Heru too?" Ita's energy was contagious, even if Anubis shied away from her as he would a bright light. Meneba shook his head at her.

They looked a little older than when I knew them, but not exactly old. I had met both of them when they were in their 20's, where they looked to be in their late 30's maybe 40's. Meneba looked far wiser and seemed much more regal while Ita looked very motherly, even if she squealed like a child.

"It's good to see the two of you as well. I would ask how you've been but you are both here, so I kinda already know." They laughed, before quickly silencing at the entry of Narmer. Everyone else stood at attention at his entry, all except us gods.

The ancient king waved his hand signaling the others to continue what they were doing. Narmer strode up to us and nodded at Ita and Meni, who bowed before leaving, though not without a quick kiss to my cheeks. Narmer himself was an extremely handsome man with high cheekbones and dark black eyes.

"My gods, I see you are well. I would offer you food and wine but I know the living cannot have food from the dead. The barge and stone army are ready and waiting for you." Anubis stood and extended a hand that Narmer accepted with a small smile.

"Thank you, Narmer. I know you have very little love for my father, so I thank you for your help." The king smiled at the death god and bowed slightly.