Chapter Text
Arabic English thoughts
Prologue:
An older woman was tucking a little girl into bed. “Can you tell me a story, grandmother?” the little girl asks.
“I have one, but it is not just a story Sati.” the grandmother replies, settling down next to her, wrapping her arms around the young girl. “This is a story that has been passed down. It is a warning.”
“Our tale takes place in ancient Thebes, the city of the living, the crown jewel of Pharaoh Seti the First.” The grandmother explains, bring the blanket up around the young girl. “It was also the home of Imhotep, Pharaoh Seti’s high priest. He was the keeper of the dead. He was most trusted by the Pharaoh.”
“Really?” The young girl asks.
“Really, my dear. To be a high priest you had to have the trust of the Pharaoh. Now, Thebes was also the home and birthplace of Anck-Su-Namun. Anck-Su-Namun was the Pharaoh’s mistress. No one, especially another man, was supposed to touch her. She was only supposed to be touched by the Pharaoh himself. This is where it goes wrong.” The little girl let out a small gasp, eyes never leaving her grandmother. “The High Priest Imhotep and Anck-Su-Namun fell in love with each other. A forbidden love that would be their downfall.”
“What happens to them?” The little girl asks.
The grandmother let out a small laugh. “Hush child, I am getting there. The two of them were willing to risk everything. Their lives and the wrath of the gods to be together. They were discovered by Pharaoh Seti. They did the unthinkable.”
“What was that grandmother?” The little girl asks, pulling the blanket up even closer to her face and letting out a yawn.
“They attacked and killed the Pharaoh, my wild flower,.” She explains while the little girl lets out a small gasp. “They loved each other so much that they killed him to be together. That is not what happened. Anck-Su-Namun killed herself and Ihmotep stole her body and made his way to the city of the dead, Hamunaptra, the city also held the wealth and riches of Egypt. Where he tried to resurrect his love but was stopped by the medjai before he could complete the ritual that would bring her back to life. His priests were mummified alive while Ihmotep was given the Hom-Dai for his crimes. This is a punishment that had never been used before or after Imhotep. If he would ever arise, my little flower, the end of the world will surely follow.” The grandmother finishes.
“Why would they do all that? Could...could he come back?” The little girl asks, with nervousness working it's way into her voice.
“Not if the warriors of the twelve tribes of the medjai can do anything about it. Now it is time for you to sleep.” the older woman says, re-tucking the little girl in and kissing her forehead. “Love could be a powerful motivator.”
“Good night grandmother.” the little girl says, turning onto her side and closing her eyes.
“Good night my little Sati.” The older woman says before leaving the room.