We had managed to advance a few centuries, yet still remained in Ancient Egypt. To my relief, my AI informed me that the current king was Neferirkare II, who had no children.
Looking around, I noticed that everything had changed. The buildings remained, but they appeared different in some way.
It was dark; I initially thought it was simply an overcast day. However, my AI explained that there had been an accident of some sort, causing a leak from machines that obscured our view of the sun. Bugs of various sizes and colors swarmed everywhere, attaching themselves to anything they could find. Michael and I quickly covered ourselves to prevent the bugs from settling on our skin.
As we walked through the streets of Egypt, we couldn't ignore the sight of human and non-human bodies strewn all around. Some were covered with cloths, but all were covered with bugs. I noticed large boils on the skin of the deceased, which frightened me.
The roads were muddy, and with each step, my feet sank up to my ankles.
"What happened here?" I asked Michael.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean all of this..." I gestured towards the streets and the bodies. "The last time we were here, it was magnificent... The sun, the friendly people..."
"Ask your AI about the reign of Neferirkare II," Michael suggested. So I did.
I discovered that a contagious sickness had spread through the air, overwhelming the people and causing a high death toll. The River Nile was unable to cope, resulting in floods. A plague had also affected the livestock. The populace was filled with fear and anger. The previous king had succumbed to the sickness along with his young wife, leaving their seventeen-year-old son, Neferirkare, in charge for the past year and a half.
"Michael, are we safe? Can we avoid contracting this disease?"
"We should be safe..."
"How is that possible?"
"Our DNA is different..."
"Different from the non-human creatures?"
"Yes, although this won't be known for many centuries. It is said that one of the humans released the sickness into the air to eliminate those with impure human DNA, but even with all the time travel, this theory remains unconfirmed."
"That's truly dreadful."
We reached the street, a familiar sight where the bustling market used to be. That's where we encountered the salesman... There stood a temple, adorned with beautiful, golden paintings and colorful carvings on its walls. As we passed by, I couldn't help but be captivated by its beauty. Inside, something was happening—people were singing, conversing with one another, some standing outside while peering in. I looked over their shoulders, trying to catch a glimpse of what had captured their attention. I saw pictures, exquisite ones, painted in gold and vibrant hues. A stunning woman, a gathering of some sort, perhaps a wedding? And then, I noticed something peculiar... a centaur? Wait a minute... I followed the sequence of pictures... there it was—the centaur, a snake, the woman flanked by Egyptian gods, and finally, the woman surrounded by what seemed to be divine light, ascending... becoming... a goddess herself... Is that me?!
"Michael, Michael!"
"What is it?"
"Did you see this?"
"What's that?"
"This!" I pointed at the pictures.
"Oh, yes, it's quite common in this era to depict such stories for the people of Egypt to appreciate and comprehend their history and the history of their gods..."
"No, Michael! Look at this!" I explained, pointing to the picture of me and Prince Kenefar. Finally, Michael looked up, his face paling as he understood what I was implying.
"Ask your AI to translate the inscriptions," he suggested, whispering the same to his AI.
The AI revealed the tale of Prince Kenefer, who was unhappy without a wife. The gods, in their benevolence, sent him the most beautiful goddess among them so he could wed someone worthy of him. Their love was true and strong, but the gods grew envious and summoned her back to their realm. They dispatched a black serpent to retrieve her from Egypt, which Prince Kenefer, consumed by anger and sorrow, crushed. From that day forward, the goddess became the embodiment of true love, beauty, and passion. She cared for all those who were sad, unhappy, or lonely. It was said that she would return if she found someone as deserving and in need as Prince Kenefer.
"Oh, dear!" I exclaimed in shock.
"This is not good," Michael replied. "Altering historical events is not only extremely dangerous, but it will also lead Isabel straight to us!" We halted, and Michael pondered for a moment before adding, "We can't leave immediately; we need to rectify this."
"What do you mean? How do we fix it?"
"You can't go down in history as an Egyptian goddess. We don't know what consequences it might bring. We need to ensure your cult vanishes."
"But how?"
"Hmm... we need to eliminate these images... let's see... today... tomorrow... ah... I think I have an idea..."
"Okay then?" I said, frustrated yet strangely flattered. Wow, they actually think I'm a goddess! People began leaving the temple, their activities seemingly concluded. As they passed by, they pointed and stared, whispering to one another. I suddenly realized I was still wearing my wedding dress, with my hair and makeup done. Even though most of my skin was covered, I still resembled the image depicted in front of us.
Michael remained lost in his thoughts. I started tugging at his arm, trying to prompt him to move and get us out of this place. People began to surround us, their whispers growing louder and more excited.
"Michael, let's figure it out later. We need to leave the street," I urged. He nodded, acknowledging the situation unfolding. As we departed from the market, the crowd grew increasingly animated, some even attempting to follow us. We hurried through the muddy road, taking turns left and right, while the bugs in the air helped obscure our tracks and confuse those who sought to pursue us.
"We need to find somewhere off the streets," Michael said. "I vaguely remember an inn not too far from here. It may be a few centuries old, but perhaps something is still standing..." Before he could finish his sentence, we found ourselves standing in front of an inn as we emerged from the alley.
Michael secured a couple of rooms for us, maintaining our story that we were father and daughter passing through. We ascended to one of the rooms and began formulating our plan.
"So, I'm not entirely certain, but in the next few days, the young King Neferirkare will be assassinated, and Herakleopolitan will assume power, starting the 9th Dynasty with Meryibre Khety. There will be riots and a general war within the city, along with a great fire... that might be our opportunity. With everyone preoccupied and chaos prevailing, we might be able to move discreetly and ensure that any image resembling your face is destroyed beyond recognition... What do you think?" Michael proposed.
"It sounds incredibly... dangerous. I'm not sure if it's wise to wander around the city during all that turmoil. I have children and a husband who need me to return. I can't just die here," I responded, voicing my concerns.
As I paced around the room, feeling my worries mounting, a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I looked up at Michael, and he shook his head before going to open it.
"What is it?" I heard him say, though I couldn't make out the response.
"No, you must be mistaken," Michael said, attempting to close the door.
I could sense some commotion outside, and then someone forcefully pushed the door open, revealing a crowd of about ten to fifteen men and women, their eyes wide with astonishment. An old man, not entirely human, walked in, with the others following closely behind. Michael rubbed his head, recovering from the forceful encounter. I stared at the old man and exclaimed, "What is the meaning of this? You can't just barge in here!"
"I apologize, Amunet... It is you," he said, bowing, and the others followed suit.
I was taken aback, unsure of how to respond. It seemed they believed I was the goddess, and they must have managed to track us after all. Okay, I thought, I'll have to play along once again.
"Rise, my servant," I commanded. "What is your name?"
"Abasi, my goddess. I am your loyal servant from your temple. We have been eagerly awaiting your return."
"Yes, I am aware," I replied. "And who are these people accompanying you?"
"They, too, are your most devoted servants, those who have witnessed your presence at the temple and now seek the honor of standing in your divine presence."
"I grant them that honor... but briefly. I am... tired," I hesitated, unsure if a goddess could experience fatigue. "I have much to attend to during my time here," I concluded.
"We are at your service! What is your command?" they exclaimed, eager to fulfil my will.
"My will?" I hesitated, silently contemplating how to navigate this situation. I glanced at Michael, hoping for some guidance, but he appeared shocked, unable to fathom that I was playing along.
"I have arrived to fulfill the promises made to the people. Egypt is suffering, plagued by pain. I have come to mend the land and heal the broken hearts of my people. I have heard their cries... My will is this: leave me now. Go and spread the word among your friends and neighbors that I have come to offer love and solace to those in need. Now, go! All of you!" I commanded, gesturing for them to depart.
As I observed the bowing individuals gradually exiting the room, bowing every other step, I uttered in a low voice, "Not you, Abasi."
Once the room emptied, leaving only the three of us—Michael near the door, myself by the window, and Abasi still on his knees before me—I addressed him directly.
"Abasi, my loyal servant, your faithfulness will be rewarded. As I ascend in my divine role and acquire new attributes upon completing my task, the other gods grow envious. I require your assistance. Henceforth, treat me as the hidden goddess. Remove my image from human sight, diverting the gaze of the jealous gods elsewhere. This is my will, my wish, and my command. Can I trust you with this?"
"Of course, Amunet. I shall fulfill your every wish..." he responded, though his hesitance and a desire to speak further were evident.
"What troubles you, Abasi?"
"Amunet... my lady, how do you intend to alleviate Egypt's suffering?"
"Abasi, have you heard of Meryibtawy?"
"Yes..." he answered, his voice trembling.
"I have come to bestow my favor upon him. Go to him, convey that I am present and wish to see him. Inform him that I am here to bless him and, through him, grant prosperity to Egypt under his rule."
"What glorious news, my lady. I shall carry out your wishes!"
"Very well, go now," I said, waving my hand to signal his dismissal. Abasi retreated slowly, still on his knees, almost crawling backward until he was out of sight.
Once he was gone, Michael closed the door and let out a deep sigh. "Your plan might be better... though I'm not sure if it's safer..."
"I suppose only history will tell, Michael. History will tell..." I replied, contemplating the uncertain path that lay before us.