Shards of Ankh

Chapter Twelve

"Aqen is a God of the underworld, protector of the dead," Ankh said, his voice strong and proud as he looked up at the representation of his God. "He is the protector of the boat Meseket, which carries souls into the underworld. When Aqen is not needed, he is in a deep slumber until his time is called. Then Mahaf, ferryman of Meseket, wakes him."

Thea tilted her head to the side. "What importance does he bear on this town? Why is he worshiped here?"

"For his role with Ra." Ankh led her away to the statue of Ra, not far away. "Aqen holds the duty of bringing Ra his shen ring."

Thea blinked. "He was Ra's protector?"

Ankh smiled. "Ah, so you understand the weight shen rings carry."

"Yes," Thea said, idly walking back to Aqen's statue. She reached out to run her hand over the shen ring of his name, but then paused, not wanting to be disrespectful. She looked at Ankh. "May I?"

Ankh inclined his head. Thea looked back and touched the symbol.

Thea was immediately assaulted with visions. A tall man standing at the stern of a large papyrus boat. The same man, whose face was in shadows, crying. A freshly wrapped mummy lying at the end of the boat. The mans mouth, opening freakishly and impossibly wide, a shen ring coming out of it tied via rope to the uvula. The shen ring opening and wrapping around Thea's waist, pulling her closer and closer into the mouth. Thea screaming, trying to break free, two eyes staring her down--

"Thea!"

Thea stopped screaming. Ankh was kneeling besides her, looking petrified. The guards stood at attention, looking down at her only slightly less alarmed. For a moment Thea couldn't speak, much too afraid.

"Are you alright? What happened?"

"Visions," Thea said breathlessly, putting a hand to her head. "Visions of--of death, and a boat--and--"

"I'm sorry if I frightened you," Ankh said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I didn't mean to upset you by speaking of Aqen--"

"No," Thea assured him. "No, it wasn't that, I promise. It--"

Thea cut herself off, looking up at the guards. She could feel herself turn beet red. Great, she thought, now I'm going crazy in my dreams, too!

"Are you sure you're alright?" Ankh asked worriedly.

"Yes," Thea replied, brushing sand off herself before getting to her feet with Ankhs assistance. "It's just been a long day."

"Please," Ankh said, wrapping his arm around hers again, "come back with me."

"Oh no, I couldn't impose like that--"

Ankh began to lead her back towards his living quarters, the guards dutifully falling into step behind them. "I can have a room prepared for you in no time." Ankh stopped, only to take both her hands in his own and look at her hopefully. "Please?"

After just one more moments hesitation, Thea broke out into a sigh. "Well, I feel like I can't refuse the wishes of the Pharaoh."

Ankh laughed heartily, leading her away. "You are correct, you cannot." With a wink though he leaned in, speaking directly into her ear. "With you though, I think I'd make an exception."

Thea blushed, saying nothing.

~

Thea was shocked with the room. It was gorgeous. Her bed was made of plush violet velvet, set in a golden frame. A tray of food, beer, and wine awaited her. A large bath had been drawn, the water hot. Maids had been assigned to her and they insisted she undress.