by D. L. Jordan
and broad flight of steps that led to two tall, wooden doors. The messenger dismounted his Tigris and let it stray into the woods of the forest. Pharaoh Amenhotep watched as the creature went into the forest with the rabbit it had caught moments ago clutched tightly in its mouth.
The messenger faced the elephants and spoke their names-Abdalla and Zikomo. At the sound of their names, the two bronze elephants split at the middle of their bodies, granting the travelers access into the palace. The litter was set down onto the ground. Pharaoh Amenhotep quickly stepped out, for he had never seen a palace such as this before. They ascended the steps carefully. The messenger opened the two doors when they reached the top. Behind the doors was a large corridor.
Golden animals such as giraffes, elephants, lions, birds, and zebras of many different sizes were set on both sides of the corridor as if guarding it as the Babefemian messenger led Amenhotep and his servants through the long hallway. Amenhotep watched as the piercing eyes of the animals rested on him. He turned his head away from the creatures, focusing on the back of the messenger’s head. They finally reached the end of the corridor where another pair of two bronze figures stood, only this time it was two tall meerkats standing on each side of one large wooden door.
The first meerkat’s head was bowed and its claws were faced downward. The other meerkat’s head was faced towards the ceiling and its claws were facing upward. The messenger spoke the names of this new pair of copper figures--Fiyo and Fiya. The two meerkats slowly came to life. Their heads were faced towards them all as they stretched their claws toward the door and spoke in a low tone in unison “Enter the Room of Thrones.” The messenger led Amenhotep and his servants through the door as it opened.
Amenhotep silently followed the messenger, amazed by the Babefemian’s enchantment over inanimate objects. The two meerkats took their places once again and stood as they were before. Behind the door was a magnificent stone-sanded room. A green Babefemian letter representing the letter B was on a purple tapestry behind two couch-like thrones, which were below a wide balcony and at the top of twelve steps.
A middle-aged man dressed in red clothing sat in the first throne. A short beard and mustache were on his face and a golden crown of an elephant was on his head. He was holding the hand of a woman, who sat in the throne beside him. She was dressed in purple with golden hooped earrings. Pharaoh Amenhotep knew that they were the Emperor Deheim and Empress Miniya.
The messenger spoke, “My Emperor and Empress, Pharaoh Amenhotep of Pulchra has entered onto Babefemian soil to inform you on a matter of great significance.” The Emperor and Empress looked at the man and his servants behind the messenger, admiring the extravagance of his clothing. It was the first time Pharaoh Amenhotep had ever laid eyes upon the Babefemian Emperor and Empress.
Pharaoh Amenhotep bowed at the waist before them, showing his respect.
The Emperor spoke, “Leave us, Mateo. Servants of Pharaoh Amenhotep, you must also leave.” His voice was deep and boisterous and echoed throughout the throne room.
“I beg your pardon, Emperor, but no one but I control my servants.” Amenhotep told his servants to leave him alone with the Emperor and Empress. The servants stopped before leaving with Mateo. Emperor Deheim scratched his chin as he sat. A crooked smile was on his face.
The Empress Miniya looked at Amenhotep with an impressed glare. A loud hollow sound came from Amenhotep’s far left. He looked and saw a small boy holding a mallet. Beside the
boy was a huge drum that vibrated, creating the noise that Amenhotep heard. The Emperor gazed down at Amenhotep and informed him that it was Babefemian culture that before and after a royal discussion with foreign leaders that the Drum of Unity must be drummed. Amenhotep understood completely and began as the Emperor sat in his seat.
“Emperor and Empress of Babefemi,” Amenhotep began politely. “I don’t know if you both are aware of the situation, but a mighty threat is spreading throughout our world. The countries Rambonia, Enyern, Drasvone, Fewdstan and Campogrene are about to become involved in a foolish and great war. Their fighting will quickly spread to other innocent countries. If nothing is done as soon as possible, then it could mean the deaths of all the people of our world.” The eyes of the Emperor and the Empress became enlarged with concern, and their mouths turned into worried frowns.
“You, of course, are right, Amenhotep. Something must be done. What do you suggest?
Are there any other places besides our own that are also in this mortal danger?” asked the Empress.
“Yes,” he responded, “The countries of Gisilbertha, Kosala, Teotihuacan, and Chang’an are also in danger. The rulers of these countries have already agreed to the plan that I have devised.”
“Please tell us. What is your plan, Pharaoh?” the Emperor asked.
“Many months ago, a divine spirit came to me in a dream and told me of what was going to take place in the near future. Of course, I ignored it and classified it as nothing more than a mere dream. It was only after a short time that the events the spirit informed me of were actually coming true. I informed the rulers of the countries I’ve mentioned before, and out of love for their people, they decided without hesitation to become involved in my plan.”
The Emperor was interested in hearing the rest of Amenhotep’s words and the mentioning of Gisilbertha. Although Babefemi, Gisilbertha, and Pulchra were not neighboring countries, they were allies all the same.
Pharaoh Amenhotep continued, “My plan may seem foolish, but it just might work. We must build a safe haven for all of our people so they will be shielded from the war that is spreading. It must be somewhere that is far away from our own boundaries.” Amenhotep pulled out a map from behind him and laid it out on the floor.
“I have found a small island, very far east of your own borders.”
They both looked at the map and saw that the island was an outcast far away from any other country. They were pleased at the sight. They went back to their thrones and discussed the situation until they reached a decision. Pharaoh Amenhotep rolled up the map and stuffed it back into its original place behind him.
“I must remind you that I, and the rest of the rulers who have already agreed to my plan, will need your help in creating this new civilization in this short amount of time. This island may also be the place of the destined child from another world, the one who will have many legions, described in the prophecy of the Pulchran wise men years ago.”
The Emperor and Empress stopped for a brief moment, remembering the words of the prophecy and Erlon’s fate. They still spoke to each other on reaching a final decision. Pharaoh Amenhotep waited anxiously as they sat. It was at that moment that he spotted a tall woman of unmatchable beauty in long garments. She held a fan near her face, revealing a pair of exotic eyes.
She seemed no older than he was in appearance but older than the two women who were with her. The two other beautiful maidens were also dressed in long garments and carried fans.
Golden hoop earrings like the Empress’s dangled from their ears. They had come out of a small corner behind a wall on the far side of the room. Amenhotep gazed at her. She gazed back at him. The Emperor and Empress were ready to inform Amenhotep of their decision.
The Emperor smiled and saw Amenhotep staring at the woman near the connecting wooden railed hallway painted in red. The woman finally saw the Emperor and blushed. She followed the sounds of the other two maidens down a connecting hallway into the rest of the palace.
Pharaoh Amenhotep looked at the Emperor in surprise and saw that he was still smiling.
The Emperor stood from his seat.
“Empress Miniya and I have reached our final decision and have concluded that we will be more than honored to aid our people alongside you in these times of dire need, for it is better to stand alongside your allies than to fall without them.” Emperor Deheim walked toward Pharaoh Amenhotep and shook his hand.
“Amenhotep, you must stay with us for a few more days in order to ce
lebrate this newly found friendship.” said the Emperor. Amenhotep gratefully accepted.
The Emperor whispered into Amenhotep’s ear, “Many have asked for her hand in marriage. I am sure that she will be honored to stand beside you for the rest of your days.”
***
Two days had passed since Pharaoh Amenhotep convinced the Emperor and Empress of joining in his plan. The night was cool and a crescent moon was high in the dark night sky over Hetseiga. The air was chill and a soft wind blew through the trees. The palace was silent, as everyone within it was getting ready for bed.
The woman that gazed at Amenhotep two days before was passing by the chambers of the Emperor and the Empress. She heard a very sickly cough bellow from the closed door.
Worried, she entered into the majestic chambers.
“Lila, my daughter!” said the Empress in devastation. “Come and have a look at your father. He seems very ill.”
The Empress was standing over the bed and her voice was hoarse. The woman went over to her father and grasped his palm tightly. They were cold and clammy. She felt his forehead and found it to be feverish.
“Please, someone help us quickly!” shouted Princess Lila. One of the maidens, who was with her in the throne room two days before, arrived in the room within a matter of seconds.
“Something is terribly wrong with him,” she said, kneeling by his bedside, devastated. “Bring the palace’s nurse in here immediately.” The maiden dashed down the hallway to the nurse’s chambers. Lila still knelt by the Emperor, comforting him all the while.
His breathing was becoming labored and heavy. Another maid who had also entered the room went over to the Empress, who had just collapsed onto the bed beside her husband. She grabbed her palm and saw that her breathing was also becoming irregular. The woman beside the Emperor knelt in fear as did Lila. The maid who had entered the room after Princess Lila was still not back with the nurse. The Emperor’s breathing had once again become steady, which allowed him to speak.
“My daughter, Lila, you and you alone must go in our place to this new land.” His voice was hoarse like the Empress’s. The Empress’s breathing also became steady once again as she lay, which allowed words from her mouth to escape.
“Our time in this world is nearly over…I can feel it in my bones. We will no longer be with you. Remember that our love for you is eternal. Our souls will now pass beyond the starry clouds…into the glory of The Undying Lands.”
The Empress’s palms slid from the grasp of her daughter and all breath escaped them both. Their eyes became blank, leaving behind the expressionless faces of two corpses. The maiden came back to the room with the nurse, but by the time she had gotten there it was too late. The Emperor and the Empress had both passed away.
***
Later that evening, message of the sudden death of the Emperor and Empress reached every corner of Hetseiga and the rest of the Babefemian kingdom. Princess Lila wept all that night after the soldiers of the castle came and took away the bodies of her mother and father. The soldiers took them to a proper place until the time of the burial.
In the wide balcony above the thrones, the servants of the palace sang a lament for the Emperor and the Empress. The entire room was filled with light. No corner was filled with darkness. For many hours, Lila stayed and sat upon the throne of her mother, listening to the comforting words of the servants while tears streamed down from her eyes onto her garments.
Lila heard footsteps coming from the hallway into the lit throne room. It was Pharaoh Amenhotep. She blushed and wiped the tears from her eyes.
“I am aware of the sudden death of both of your parents.” he said calmly, “Please accept my most humble apologies. Even though I just met them two days ago, they became very close to me. I also had a very depressing time losing my two sons long ago. What you must understand is that death is a natural part of life and a road which we all must one day take.”
Lila smiled and was relieved by his words of kindness and said, “Thank you for comforting me in this time of sorrow. I overheard you speak of the grave situation our people are in. Before my father died, he bestowed upon me the task of helping you and the other rulers in the creation of this new civilization. And I must say on behalf of my mother and father, they were most honored.”
“What about your behalf, Princess?”
She paused, looking into his eyes and said, “I am most especially honored.” Pharaoh Amenhotep smiled as Princess Lila walked towards him. She placed her hand within his and they went down into a hallway that led to a large balcony over the Ice Waters.
****
Queen Lila then went into another daze and remembered how much time she and Pharaoh Amenhotep spent together when they first met.
****
They were in a garden not far from the palace of her mother and father, who were now dead because of a mysterious illness that took them before she journeyed to the future kingdom and construction of Avesia. They sat down upon a stone bench in front of a water lily pond of cranes and flamingos to discuss the planning for Yailon.
They arose from the bench hours later and entered a small and lavish chamber in the palace. Amenhotep noticed that a small, white, and stripeless young Tigris with purple eyes and feathery wings was lying on a set of pillows. A glow surrounded the creature. He had seen many creatures such as this in his own country. He owned many creatures like this in Pulchra, but he had never seen one like this before in his entire life.
Princess Lila called the young Tigris to her with open arms. The creature flew towards her and landed softly in the arms of her owner. Amenhotep smiled lovingly into its eyes as it purred.
“Her name is Pollima and she is completely harmless,” she said. “Would you like to hold
her?”
Amenhotep felt uneasy about that, but answered yes to her question. She handed the small Tigris to him. He held it in his hands and felt her comforting purrs vibrating against his skin.
“I see that she likes you. I am sure that her light will never fade nor leave you. From this day onward she shall be a symbol of us.”
Amenhotep gratefully accepted the Tigris. The sun peered into the room through the open windows of Pollima’s room. Amenhotep and Princess Lila both stepped towards the window.
Amenhotep found that it was over the harbor. They saw many ships nestled within it and the businesses that belonged to the merchants. Pollima flew out of Amenhotep’s hands and landed elegantly on top of the pillows she once lay upon.
Amenhotep held Princess Lila closely. They looked out to the sea as the flutter and chirping of birds filled the air. Amenhotep spoke to her saying, “I am not so certain that this new island is right for our people.”
A stern look fell upon her face as she turned and said, “You are a mighty and brave king. This war is spreading very rapidly. If we do not act soon the fate of our people will be destroyed. Your wisdom will inspire and keep our people safe from all that will try to harm them. And for that you must trust what is in your heart, for your heart is the greater guide over your mind.”
****
Queen Lila dozed out of her memory as she heard Dean’s footsteps coming towards the already occupied room. Tears were streaming down her face. She quickly wiped them from her eyes and stood towards the door to greet Dean.
BOOKS, SCROLLS, AND RIDDLES
Queen Lila opened the door of the library and saw Dean standing in front of it. “I’m glad to see that you have come,” Lila said to him.
“Yeah, I’m really excited to begin,” Dean said, watching her eyes. It seemed to Dean that Lila’s eyes had once been filled with water.
“Well, as you already know, you are close to completing your training.”
I know…that’s why I’m excited! Dean thought. He stepped into the library and viewed the many towering bookcases that stood towards the wide windowed ceiling, allowing the light of the sun to peer in on the library’s readers. Tables and chairs were set up in different areas fo
r reading.
“I have asked you to come to this place because the term ‘mental’ means the dealing with the mind. I thought the library would be the perfect place to begin.
“The books and scrolls of this place are divided into two sections, like the reading stations in your world. This section,” she pointed to the reading chamber on the right side of the room, “is where the fantastical type of person may find books and scrolls of imagination that completely came from the minds of our world’s most creative people. On this side,” she pointed to the reading chamber on the left side of the room where he stood, “is where the ‘down-to- Erlon’ person, craving knowledge, may find books of facts such as encyclopedias, biographies, dictionaries, and atlases from all over our world. You may also find and examine maps that are hung on the walls.” Dean was now interested to begin. He had always loved to read.
“I suggest that you begin in the section of knowledge, more than the section of imagination, to further your knowledge of our world. Your knowledge will continue to grow every day and as you get older. I have already saved you much time by picking out the main books you will need to read. It is imperative that you read every single page of every single book…You never know what valuable information you might miss.”
She dragged out two full carts of books from a nearby corner. Twelve books were in each cart. Dean immediately grabbed a book titled Famous Erlonans from a cart and began reading it.