The sun’s lingering rays gave its final goodbye as it disappeared below the horizon. A young boy leaned on his balcony over-looking the Egyptian sunset as the night’s dusty winds ran against his face and blew back his straight black hair. Young Heptah’s heart sunk along with the sun. He pulled away from the palace balcony and reentered his large palace room. He pulled his fine wig from his head and threw it to his bed, revealing his natural curly black hair.
He slumped on the bed and then laid his head to the pillow. Sighing heavily, he closed his eyes. His dreams were dramatic and confusing. Each scene more detailed and unrelated than the last. The first was of a young girl that stood on a floating rock. The rock floated above a devastated landscape and defeated enemies with screams of terror and chaos filling the background. Dark figures stood behind her, but he couldn’t make them out no matter how hard he tried his eyes. Her eyes, however, her eyes peered deep into his soul as if she knew him. He would call out, asking who she was, but then he would wake in a cold sweat.
This morning was different however. He pushed the thoughts of his night terrors to the back of his mind and anxiously ran to the palace room. His father, the general of Pharaoh Tephrim’s army, was returning today from a victorious battle against a nomad tribe from the south. Heptah leaned against the stone pillar and peered into the throne room. Some of the royal family had already assembled along with the musicians and dancers who had already begun their work. The pleasant music drifted throughout the kingdom and soon Pharaoh Tephrim pushed aside the veil that hung behind the throne and was welcomed by a strong applause. He then bowed and held out his hand towards the veil and his wife grasped his as he led her out. The applause doubled. They seated themselves at their throne and enjoyed the music until the horns began, announcing the general’s arrival along with his small elite unit. They strode up the typical red carpet until they stood in front of the royal couple. The music stopped as the group knelt in respect. The Pharaoh stood and gestured his arms flamboyantly as he began his speech.
“My brother in spirit, welcome home! You have yet again not disappointed in your ventures. Rest assured the gods are pleased, as am I. You have Pharaoh’s blessing and thanks along with the rest of Egypt!”
“Thank you, I live to please you.” He spoke to Pharaoh but his eyes wandered to the queen, and she blushed slightly, trying to hide her affection. Their absence from one another had made them careless. It was obvious to all but them and Pharaoh, who refused to believe such a thing. His figurative brother and wife together, he laughed at the thought.
