Chapter 2: The Fading Spirit of the Nile

Chapter 2:

The spirit of Am-Tet, a guardian of the river’s sacred waters, had come to visit Seti. But unlike before, when the spirit radiated the joy of the Nile’s flow, tonight it looked labored, its form flickering like a dying flame.

Seti had always known Am-Tet as a peaceful, happy spirit, one that danced upon the waters and whispered secrets of the deep. But now, something was wrong. Something had changed.

His mother was still deep in conversation with the guests, so Seti excused himself from the table. He walked out into the moonlit courtyard where the spirit hovered, dim and restless.

“What’s wrong?” Seti asked, his voice hushed.

The spirit sighed, its voice like the rustling of reeds. “The unkindness of men has seeped into the waters. Their greed, their carelessness—it has created an imbalance among the spirits. The river is not as it was, and soon, all the spirits of the land will suffer.”

Seti listened, his heart heavy. He had never heard Am-Tet so troubled.

Then, suddenly—a soft sound.

Something brushed against the stone behind him.

Startled, Seti turned around. In the shadows stood Nefreti.

She stepped forward, golden eyes gleaming in the dim light. “Who were you talking to?” she asked.

The moment she spoke, Am-Tet disappeared—just like the other spirits always did when anyone else approached.

Seti hesitated. No one had ever believed him before. No one else had ever seen or sensed what he did. There was no point in telling her.

“I was just—” he began, searching for an excuse.

But Nefreti crossed her arms. “Don’t lie. I know you were talking to something.”

Seti stared at her, shocked. No one—not even his father—had ever questioned him like this before. No one had ever believed there was something to question at all.

Something about the way she looked at him made him realize—she wasn’t going to let it go.

And so, for the first time, Seti told someone everything.

Inside, the warm glow of the oil lamps flickered across the walls as the families sat together, laughter and conversation filling the air. Platters of roasted fish, honeyed bread, and figs were passed around, the sweet and savory scents mingling in the air.

Ra-Hotep took a sip of date wine and set his goblet down with a content sigh. "It is rare to find such fine company," he said, smiling at Amenemhat. "And even rarer to see our children sitting so quietly."

Neferu chuckled. "Perhaps they are plotting something."

Nefreti glanced at Seti before clearing her throat. "Actually, we have something important to discuss."

The table quieted as all eyes turned to the children. Seti swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the moment pressing on him. His father’s gaze was steady, waiting.

"The spirit Am-Tet came to me," Seti said, his voice steady despite his nerves. "He said something is wrong. The balance in the spirit world is unraveling. If we do nothing, more will suffer."

Ra-Hotep stroked his beard in thought. "Am-Tet came to you directly?"

Seti nodded. "Yes. He told me that the river spirits are growing weak. That sorrow is spreading like a sickness."

Neferu and Ma’atari exchanged a knowing glance. Slowly, Ma’atari set her goblet aside and leaned forward, her dark eyes thoughtful. "This is no small matter," she murmured. "If the spirit reached out, then action must be taken."

Amenemhat, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Seti, you are my son, and I trust you. But are you certain of this? Spirits do not call upon mortals lightly."

Seti met his father’s gaze, his chest tightening. This was the moment he had feared—doubt, hesitation. But he stood his ground. "I am certain."

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