The sun rises over Thebes.
Light bouncing off the temple and city and the Nile.
Amen wakes up, slowly. Messages flash across his eyes, especially about his new quest.
But he waves them off.
He stretches, looking over it all, glad he didn't fall off the top of the temple where he slept.
Warnings faintly flash that where he is at is forbidden, but they were going all night.
The priestesses should be out.
Amen gulps thinking of one FORMER priestess in particular, then pulls his new treasure map which is glowing. A counter shows how long he HASN'T been working on the mission.
The people of Thebes make their way to the river.
All economic backgrounds and types of Egyptian walk towards the river, men and children included.
Large crocodiles and hippos snarl as they are shoo’d away and dive back into water.
Women and priestesses all start walking towards the river, holding jugs for water.
The most beautiful of the women coming forward is Aziza.
She confidently walks towards the water.
She is striking in every single way.
As she walks, Amen seems to come out of nowhere and walks with her.
Every alarm, map, history and warning comes up as Amen walks with Aziza.
It also spells out MOST IMPORTANT NPC.
"NPC," Amen says towards Aziza.
"What's that mean?" she coldly responds.
"I still haven't figured it out."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'll try to explain it one day. You know, there are less crocodiles over there."
"There seems to be an annoying talking one on land."
"Where?"
Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.
Aziza spins her jar in her hands and slams it into Amen’s crotch.
Women clap and cheer as he falls to his knees. Amen tries to get back up and limps after Aziza.
She slows down a little.
"You know, I didn't deserve that."
"You deserve all that happens to you," Aziza bites back.
"Some. Not all. Aziza. Stop. I must talk to you."
Aziza stops and turns.
Their eyes meet.
Briefly, all of Amen's displays disappear, and all he sees is Aziza with his own eyes.
The displays start to glow back.
"What are you doing back in Thebes?"
"Freeing my cousin."
"Your idiot cousin and you have brought enough trouble here. Should I remind you what they did to him?"
"Nope! I’m good. I’ll see it soon. I want to show you something."
"No," Aziza says, turning.
"Please."
The two are at the river's edge when Amen pulls the scroll.
It glows in his hands, and her eyes start tracking it, as translations of the map fly around Amen's flickering eyes.
"Where did you find this?" Aziza asked, voice lifting.
"I cannot tell you."
"I've never seen anything like it."
"Is it real?"
"It is unique."
"I am unique. Is it real?"
"Yes. It speaks of the Hebrews," Aziza says, her mouth moving as she tries deciphering.
"Is it fairy tales?"
"A fallen prince following his people is no fairy tale," Aziza responds, trying to concentrate.
"So it is real?"
"Yes."
"Then I will seek it."
"Back in it? I thought you had given up. How long has it been?"
"This is different. Where is your boyfriend?"
"Gone," Aziza says, getting her pitcher ready.
"Scare him off too?"
"Let me see that map," Aziza responds.
Amen hands her the map.
She takes it and promptly kicks him in the water. All laugh and cheer around them.
Amen jumps up, trying to get out of the water.
"A crocodile was near by backside!"
More laughter.
But Amen's displays showed radar under the water, and a creature's mouth was nearly on him.
Amen grabs the map back.
Aziza smiles.
"Years," Amen responds finally. "It has been years, Aziza."
Amen tries drying himself off as he runs off into the light.
Aziza watches.