Egypt Must Live


Anai knew she was going to die. The maids of Hathor, however, made sure that she was meeting Hapi today in as resplendent a form as possible. Her wisp of a dress hugged her accurately, barely concealing her chest - a sheer white shift of linen craftily cut and sewed for the occasion. Her thick gold bracelet sported a serene Anubis, flashing in the hot afternoon sun, a reminder fastened to her delicate upper arm, that she was not alone on her last journey of this life. Her eyes were smeared with the royal blue dye of Memphis, her hair subdued in an intricate weave of gold threads. The Key of Life hung heavily from a chain around her neck, where it rested precisely between her breasts. Pharaoh was seated in prime position among the priestesses and the dancers were poised for the first roll of the drums.

The crowds either side of the Nile held their breath in silent prayer; their hopes as well as their sights trained on her. Only she could soothe the river god enough for a blessed flooding season. She must not falter - she the chosen one, must give in to him willingly, utterly. From her raised position on the procession boat, she felt the weight of upper and lower Egypt on her tiny shoulders and looked to Isis, the Mother, carved majestically on the overhead posts, for strength and courage. Was Merret in the solemn crowd, waiting for her to take her final plunge? Will he watch her drown and join the chants of Egyptians and Greeks seeking favour with Hapi? A world where love bows to duty...a world without end. Her eyes were locked on Pharaoh, as they should be, but Anai could also feel her Key of Life faintly thumping against her skin in line with her heart.

The sun was scorching, but Memphis stood still. The drummer made his first strike. The dancers languidly enveloped her, and she turned to gaze upon the muddy face of her first and final lover. Her trembling lips parted to let out a faint sigh. She closed her eyes. It was time. Egypt must live.

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