Eternal sands: Shadows of Ra

The sun was setting over the horizon, casting long shadows over Egypt's vast and ancient sands, while Memphis thrived with activity. The bustling streets were alive with the sounds of people going about their daily lives - merchants selling their goods, craftspeople creating unique works of art, and children playing in the dusty alleyways. The sun's golden light added warmth and glow to the sandstone buildings, creating a beautiful and serene atmosphere. Amidst this bustling cityscape, the grand pyramids stood tall and imposing in the distance, a testament to the ingenuity and brilliance of ancient civilization. Of ancient civilization. The ancient civilization that built them. Overall, it was a beautiful and bustling scene, full of life and activity, and a true reflection of this incredible land's rich history and culture. Within the hallowed halls of the Temple of Ra, Nefertari, a priestess of the sun god, stood before the altar, her heart heavy with foreboding. Draped in robes of shimmering white and gold, Nefertari exuded an aura of divine grace and majesty. The pristine white fabric flowed around her like a river of light, adorned with intricate patterns of gold that shimmered in the flickering torchlight. Her ebony hair cascaded in waves down her back, framing features as delicate as striking. But behind her beauty lay a soul burdened by secrets and uncertainty. This had happened to be the eighth time she'd broken up a heated argument with the other priestess. The fear and confusion had begun to seep into the temple as well. As the High Priestess of Ra, Nefertari dedicated her life to serving the gods and guiding her people with wisdom and compassion. Yet lately, whispers of discontent had begun to spread through the city, casting doubt upon her devotion and sowing seeds of mistrust among the temple priests. She knew the reason must have been from the pharaoh when she refused to indulge in evil acts with him, and the people's pent-up frustration because of the constant attacks by shadow beings. Nefertari sighed and raised her head to the altar of Ra, praying that these turbulent times would end without much destruction of Egypt. Unbeknownst to Nefertari, shadows lurked in the sacred halls of the temple, whispering secrets and weaving webs of deceit that threatened to unravel the very fabric of her world. Dark forces conspired in the shadows, their motives shrouded in mystery as they plotted against her. As the last rays of sunlight bathed the temple in a golden hue, Nefertari made her way to a secluded alcove where her close friend, Aset, awaited her. Aset was a fellow priestess of Ra, her gentle demeanour and kind spirit a comforting presence amidst the turmoil that gripped the temple. "Nefertari," Aset greeted her with a warm smile as her friend approached. "You seem troubled. Is everything alright?" Nefertari sighed heavily, her brow furrowed with worry. "Aset, have you noticed Ra's silence about the happenings in Egypt? The unrest among the people, the shadow beings that haunt our land... It is as if the gods have turned their backs on us." Aset's expression mirrored Nefertari's concern as she listened attentively. "I have sensed it too," she admitted, her voice tinged with sadness. "It is unlike Ra to remain silent in the face of such turmoil. Perhaps there is more at play here than we realize." Nefertari nodded, her thoughts swirling with apprehension. "I fear that dark forces are at work, Aset. Forces that seek to undermine the balance of Ma'at and plunge our land into chaos." Aset reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Nefertari's shoulder. "We cannot lose faith yet, Nefertari," she said softly. "Even in the darkest of times, the light of Ra still shines within us. We must trust in the wisdom of the gods and remain steadfast in our devotion." Nefertari breathed in softly before she replied “And, yet I feel something dark approaching Egypt… It is only a matter of time before something serious happens while the pharaoh sits on his throne with only lewd and disgusting thoughts in mind…” Aset’s hand flew quickly to Nefertari’s mouth as she shook her head. “You should be careful what you say, Nefertari. The temple has ears and eyes, and even if they did not, Ra would still undoubtedly hear you as you question his authority.” Nefertari’s eyes closed slowly as she soaked in Aset’s advice. ”I suppose what will happen to Egypt will happen as long as the gods have ordained it.” As the shadows lengthened and night fell over the temple, they returned to their duties with renewed determination, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. ~~~Late at night, Nefertari’s bedroom~~~ “A warning? Or a sign? Oh Gods, what is to befall Egypt?” Nefetari sighed as she lay in the bed reminiscing. Ra had been silent through the whole prayer this evening. It seemed that his benevolence had been suddenly withdrawn from Egypt. Darkness shrouded the whole of Egypt, and seemingly Ra had to accept it. Why? “Why can I not see through it, this fog of disaster, what is it?” Nefertari said, questioning herself. Rising from the bed, Nefertari walked towards her window overlooking Memphis, “It’s beautiful…” In the veil of night, Nefertari did not notice three shadowed figures as they crept into her room. She did not notice until a cold, sharp object pierced right through her. She doubled forward in shock and pain, her assailant held the scabbard firmly through her chest, and a red sticky cold fluid had soaked her overall “... who-” Nefertari tried to ask but was silenced immediately when a certain one of the shadows said, “Darkness will cover this world as Apep descends, you are a messenger of Ra, the destroyer of darkness, therefore, you will fall first before Egypt. Your death will bring Egypt to its knees as the second pillar of truth falls. A gift from the pharaoh’s queen. She supposed that her condolences for your untimely death would bring your Ka to rest.” Nefertari was bewildered, the answer to all her prayers had never come because Ra had been preparing for a battle against Apep’s descent. Nefertari fell, her assailants suddenly aware of the growing sounds of hurried footsteps, their presence had been found out. She watched wearily as the three figures left through her window. On one she noticed a scarab with intricate ruby designs, a sign of a tall, tall backer. Sighing sadly, she taught Egypt what was to become of the place she loved so dearly, the people who were so diverse in everything… what was to become of the land of Egypt without her. She was beginning to fade. She felt her Ka leaving her body slowly. She didn’t want to depart yet; she did not wish to see Anubis yet, not when Egypt was about to fall. With tears trickling down her cheeks as she lay on the cold stone floor in a pool of her blood, she prayed quietly “Ra, show your servant your benevolence”, then there remained nothing but silence.