I wrote this for a little contest. I went way beyond the scope of the contest. I didn’t win. It was originally published in chapters on T2.world, a Web3 writing platform.
“Behold and shake with wonder at the magnificence of the Temple of Khepri!
Its ancient walls carved before any known sentient beings inhabited this world and the relief sculptures of our fearsome and wise god are cloudy to all who are not schooled in the runic languages of the Kheprian Priesthood.
Yea, though ye may sit along the shores of the Kheprian steam and study leaves of wisdom with the maidens of the temple, those hours must be paid for with the blood and sweat of the men and women who dedicated themselves to the furtherance of our God’s five-fold plan.
I am Inshotep Five, a simple priest of Khepri and I implore you to not waste these opportunities put before you! In my youth, I was like you, drawn to the temple for reasons that the heart knew but which reason itself could not discern.”
—
Scaring the newcomers is part of the fun of my job. Don’t get me wrong. I take my job seriously, but of all the gods, Khepri is the one who would be least appreciative of taking things too serious. Scaring the newcomers is a serious business though – it sets the tone for their entire stay.
Having taken my turn for the day, I march headlong back into the temple leaving the pilgrims to contemplate the overt seriousness of my words.
In truth, the Temple of Khepri stands as a monolithic testament to ancient power and divine mystery, its imposing structure hidden deep within the dense, untamed jungle of Wataru, a jungle world with no oceans but criss-crossed with myriad streams.
The ancient walls of the temple, weathered by millennia yet still formidable, were carved long before any of the known sentient beings walked this world. Each stone is etched with the wisdom and might of Khepri, the scarab-faced god, whose enigmatic gaze seems to pierce through the veil of time. These carvings are consistent with Kheprian carvings found on other worlds – including those on ancient and long lost Terra – but these are far older than anything else.
The temple itself is a labyrinth of corridors and chambers and as I head towards my real work of the day, digging within the ancient hidden city, I hear the haunting echoes of sacred chants and see the faint glow of ethereal light – some of it from my fellow priests – but most of it false light that can never be chased down or identified.. The relief sculptures that adorn the walls depict Khepri in his many aspects – the god of the rising sun and the harbinger of transformation and rebirth. He is both wisdom and foolishness for only a fool can ever achieve anything like true wisdom. Some of these carvings are understood though intricate and elaborate, others have withstood countless attempts at interpretation -their meanings inscrutable to all. The runic languages that describe the god’s deeds and doctrines are a closely guarded secret, known only to those initiated into the highest levels of the priesthood. I’ve learned some of them – but without permission.
At the heart of the temple, I pass through a grand hall, its ceiling adorned with a vast mosaic of celestial patterns, symbolizing Khepri’s dominion over both the sun and the cycles of life and death. An altar stands at the center, draped in rich, dark fabrics and surrounded by offerings of rare herbs, precious stones, and golden scarabs. The air is thick with the scent of incense, a blend of myrrh and sandalwood, which perpetuates an atmosphere of solemn reverence. I approach the alter and perform my obeisance seven times as required -though no one is watching. I take my prayers seriously. I don’t want to piss off Khepri.
Feeding the temple is the most sacred of streams on Wataru that meanders through the jungle, its waters dark and reflective, mirroring the canopy of ancient purple and crimson trees above. This stream, known as Khepri Vascular, is said to originate from a hidden spring blessed by the god himself. Some claim the water is the god’s blood. I’ve drank plenty of it – if it be Khepri’s blood it has given me no powers. The water is revered for its purported life-giving properties, believed to carry the essence of Khepri’s transformative power but to all who can see, I am still a man like any other. Priests often gather here at dawn, performing ritual ablutions and collecting the sacred water for their ceremonies. Right now, none are here – they are gathered in the temple barracks to hear the latest broadcasts from the outer worlds – hoping that Terra and the Sol system have been found. They should know better.
We will know when Khepri wants us to know. Not through broadcasts but through our souls. This is the truth and far too many ignore it. The world will distract you but you should not let it.
The path to the temple barracks, overgrown and rarely trodden, is shrouded in a perpetual twilight cast by the thick foliage overhead. One grows used to the green sky and the distinct colors of the trees – but at first it can be a shock. The sounds of the jungle – the calls of unseen creatures, the rustle of leaves, and the distant roar of waterfalls – create a symphony of the wild that harmonizes with the spiritual sanctity of our temple.
In the depths of this ancient sanctuary – in the part I am now entering, time seems to stand still, held in the thrall of Khepri’s eternal presence. The ancient city has slowly emerged and with it the hope that we might find out who it was that built it. While it is never said – it is each of our hope that we might find something that will allow us to transmute our mortal beings into a vessel of the divine.
The temple is not just a place of worship but a realm where the divine intersects with the mortal, where the faithful come to seek the god’s wisdom and the power of rebirth, transformation, and the perpetual cycle of the sun’s rise. Here, in the shadow of the jungle and the embrace of the sacred stream, the true legacy of Khepri endures, a dark and sacred path for those who revere the ancient ways.
Duties and Obligations of a Kheprian Tender (along with some torments)
The life of a priest in the Temple of Khepri is one of unwavering devotion and rigorous discipline, or at least that’s what it is supposed to be. I do my best, but I often fail and though I’m supposed to pretend not to see it – I see my peers and my superiors fail too – sometimes very hard.
Ideally, from the break of dawn until the final whisper of twilight, my days are filled with rituals, teachings, and the ever-present search for deeper understanding into the dualistic nature of Khepri. The weight of my duties is supposed to be balanced by the sacred honor of serving but honestly, sometimes I just need to get away from all of it or it starts feeling like a ball of dung.
Daily Rituals and Ceremonies
Each morning, I begin with the ritual ablutions in the Khepri Vascular, the sacred stream that feeds the temple. The water, dark and reflective, is believed to carry the essence of Khepri’s transformative power and my repeated daily bath is the means towards a spiritual and physical transformation. As I immerse myself in its cool depths, I chant the ancient prayers, invoking the god’s blessing for the day ahead.
In your light, we find our purpose,
In your shadow, we remain,
Khepri, god of transformation,
In your service, we are trained.
Oh, Khepri, lord of morning,
Scarab-faced, in golden gleam,
Cleanse our hearts and souls with blessing,
In the waters of the stream.
I’ve actually translated and put some rhyme into it for you. In High Kheprian, when we chant it, it sounds like this:
Tul vehras, nir’ae tu’kel,
Tul maran, nir’ae talar,
Khepri, dor ta’lanthrae,
Tul vehran, nir’ae valar.
O, Khepri, lor ta’morar,
Scarab-fel, tul’orin glim,
Veris nir’ae jon tar, lor valar,
Tul na’mir ta’valar.
After the ablutions, I am designated to lead the dawn ceremony in the grand hall. The air is always choked with incense in there – in truth, I hate it, a blend of myrrh and sandalwood, creating an atmosphere of solemn reverence and suffocation. We offer rare herbs, precious stones, and golden scarabs at the altar, beseeching Khepri for guidance and strength. The chants of my fellow priests echo through the hall, a haunting harmony that resonates with the divine presence of our god.
Throughout the day, I teach the novices the fundamentals of the runic languages and interpretations of the sacred texts. These intricate symbols and cryptic scriptures are the keys to understanding Khepri’s will and the ancient wisdom carved into the temple walls. Each lesson is a step towards deeper knowledge, a path that only the most dedicated can tread. We make sure of that – when a novice shows a lack of dedication. We push them harder until they quit, die, or become dedicated.
ArchPriest Ramdothenese Seven: Mentor and Nemesis
In the labyrinthine corridors of the temple, there is one figure I am not able to ignore: ArchPriest Ramdothenese Seven. He is both my mentor and my nemesis, a figure of profound wisdom and formidable power both within the temple and within the galaxy. I am honored that Ramdothenese Seven has been a guiding force in my journey, his teachings opening my mind to the vast depths of Khepri’s doctrine and yet – I hate him. His strict adherence to tradition, his dogmatic approach to learning, and his unyielding demeanor often clash with my own views and aspirations.
Standing in the shadow of ArchPriest Ramdothenese Seven, I often reflect on the striking contrasts between us. His towering figure, with its midnight blue skin speckled like the starry sky, commands immediate respect and awe. He moves with the confidence of a mountain, each step a testament to his strength and cosmic heritage. In contrast, my own presence is more subtle, my pale, iridescent skin shifting between green and silver like the play of light on water. Where Ramdothenese’s eyes, with their ever-changing hues, intimidate and mesmerize, mine, slit-pupiled and reptilian, penetrate quietly, unsettling those who meet my gaze. His long, silvery hair flows with the grace of the wind, while my short, dark green hair speaks of practicality and the natural world. Ramdothenese’s tattoos are bold declarations of his sacred vows, while my bioluminescent patterns, visible only in darkness, reveal hidden depths known to few – especially because they are almost always covered. He embodies the raw power and resilience of Khepri’s teachings, a living symbol of divine strength. I, on the other hand, represent adaptability and the quiet, persistent quest for understanding. Together, we balance the temple’s energies, each reflecting different facets of our divine patron’s essence…but that doesn’t mean that we always see eye to eye.
Ramdothenese Seven is a master of the ancient rites and the keeper of the most esoteric secrets of the Kheprian Priesthood. His knowledge of the runic languages is unparalleled, and he is the only one who can fully interpret the most complex carvings and scriptures. Under his tutelage, I have learned much, but his methods are harsh, and his expectations, unforgiving. Also, he holds knowledge back from me as a way to retain control over my actions. I yearn to be free of the chains he binds me with and yet – I also know that there is still much I need to learn from him. Dual nature manifests in many ways.
Our relationship is a delicate balance of respect and rivalry – though, perhaps, he does not see it that way. I strive to earn his approval, yet I am driven by a desire to transcend his teachings and uncover truths that even he has not grasped. This tension fuels my devotion and my relentless pursuit of wisdom, even as it often brings us into conflict.
The Excavation of the Hidden City
Deep within the temple’s inner sanctum, the hidden city, slowly emerging from the shadows of history, is a symbol of our conflict. Ramdothenese Seven has forbidden me to dig without his being there. I break this command whenever I am able. My most crucial duty is overseeing the excavation of this ancient metropolis and while each day, I lead a team of priests and scholars in the meticulous work of unearthing its secrets – in the dark of light and the early shadows of morning – I lead my own solo expedition.
We – the priesthood – delve into the depths, driven by the hope of discovering relics that might unlock new realms of understanding and possibly grant us the power to transcend our mortal forms.
I – the Tender – delve into the depths driven by a command that has always been my master. It is that same voice that led me to Wataru, to the temple, and to the life which I lead. Khepri has given me this mission and also demanded that I defy the will of my mentor.
This work is both a sacred mission and a personal quest. The hidden city holds the promise of enlightenment, and every artifact we uncover brings us closer to the divine. It also holds something that I alone am supposed to discover and hold. I don’t know what that is. The process is painstaking, the dangers real, but the rewards are beyond measure. Here, among the ruins and relics, I feel the closest to Khepri, the god’s presence almost tangible in the air.
A Solemn Vow
Despite the challenges and conflicts, my faith remains unshaken – in Khepri, in the Priesthood, and in Ramdothenese Seven. Each evening, as the sun sets and the shadows lengthen, I return to the grand hall for the final ritual of the day. We perform our obeisance seven times before the altar, our prayers a vow of unwavering devotion to Khepri. This solitary moment each day is a reminder of our sacred duty and the eternal cycle of transformation and rebirth.
Tul vehras, nir’ae tu’kel,
Tul maran, nir’ae talar,
Khepri, dor ta’lanthrae,
Tul vehran, nir’ae valar.
O, Khepri, lor ta’morar,
Scarab-fel, tul’orin glim,
Veris nir’ae jon tar, lor valar,
Tul na’mir ta’valar.
The Subliminal Night of the 11th Lunar Day on Wataru
The jungle world of Wataru was bathed in the pale, ethereal light of the 11th lunar day, casting long, ghostly shadows among the ancient trees. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. In the depths of the Temple of Khepri, all was silent save for the gentle murmur of the sacred stream, Khepri Vascular, winding its way through the jungle.
I had chosen this night for my secretive excavation in the Hidden City, hoping the increased lunar glow would aid my search without the need for torches that might attract unwanted attention. My heart raced with a mix of excitement and trepidation as I delved deeper into the ancient ruins, the faint bioluminescent patterns on my skin casting a soft glow around me.
The southern quadrant of the Hidden City had always intrigued me, but its excavation was strictly regulated by the temple’s hierarchy. Ramdothenese Seven, with his imposing presence and strict adherence to protocol, had always deterred any unsanctioned exploration. Yet, something deep within me urged me forward tonight, a whisper of Khepri’s will perhaps, guiding my hands as I carefully brushed away layers of soil and debris revealing deep layers of stratigraphic timeline.
The night was serene, the jungle’s orchestra a soothing backdrop to my work. I was so absorbed in my task that I did not hear the approaching footsteps until it was too late. The sudden shadow falling over me made my heart leap to my throat. I looked up, and there stood ArchPriest Ramdothenese Seven, his midnight blue skin shimmering under the moonlight, his eyes reflecting a spectrum of colors that betrayed no emotion.
“Inshotep Five,” he began, his voice a low rumble that resonated through the ruins, “what brings you here, digging at night without permission?”
Caught off guard, I struggled to find my voice. “ArchPriest Ramdothenese, I… I felt compelled to continue the excavation. There are truths here that call to me, and I believe Khepri’s will guides my hands.”
He stared at me for a long moment, his gaze piercing through the darkness. Then, to my surprise, his expression softened just a fraction. “You are bold, Inshotep. Boldness can be both a virtue and a folly. However,” he paused, glancing toward the southern quadrant, “it might serve you well to focus your efforts further south. The ancients often hid their greatest secrets in the most unassuming places.”
Before I could respond, he turned and began to walk away, his long, silvery hair flowing behind him like a cascade of moonlight. His form melded with the shadows, and soon he was gone, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the faint glow of my bioluminescence.
I stood there, stunned by the unexpected encounter. Ramdothenese’s subtle suggestion was not lost on me. It was both a reprimand and a nudge in a direction he deemed important. With renewed determination, I gathered my tools and moved towards the southern quadrant, my heart pounding with anticipation.
As I dug deeper, the soil seemed to give way more easily, as if guiding me towards something significant. Hours passed, and just as the first light of dawn began to creep into the jungle, my hands uncovered a large, intricately carved stone tablet. The runes inscribed upon it were unlike any I had seen before, glowing faintly in the dim light.
Khepri’s will had indeed guided me here, but so had the enigmatic guidance of Ramdothenese Seven. In that moment, I understood the delicate balance between obedience and boldness, between tradition and innovation. The path of a Kheprian priest was fraught with challenges, but also with the promise of profound discovery.
With the tablet carefully wrapped and secured, I made my way back to the temple, my mind racing with the implications of my find. The Hidden City had yielded another secret, and I was one step closer to understanding the ancient mysteries that lay beneath the surface of our sacred temple.
### The Council of Khepri
The noonday light barely touched the ancient walls of the Temple of Khepri when I received the summons from the Council. My heart pounded in my chest as I made my way to the inner sanctum, where the entire Council of Khepri awaited. The council rarely convened, and when it did, it was never for trivial matters. My unauthorized excavation had not gone unnoticed, and now I would face the consequences. I wore the cuff, but under my robes. The tablet was hidden within my sleeping cell.
Entering the grand hall, I was met with the imposing sight of the entire council assembled. They sat in a semicircle, Ramdothenese Seven in person but the others on wormhole holographic feeds from throughout the galaxy, their eyes fixed upon me with a mix of sternness and curiosity. At the center was High Priestess Aeloria from the oceanic world of Micorla. Her overly large deep blue eyes and flowing silver hair made her look like a living embodiment of the sea. She had been with the Kheprian religion for over a century and no one knew how old she was, her wisdom and calm demeanor were a guiding light for many. Some even claimed that she herself was a goddess, but not where they might be overheard. She had dropped the order designation of one after five decades of service. Her name was synonymous with the designation.
To her left was Valtar Three, a tall and lean figure with feather-like golden hair from the temperate jungle planet of Zenthara. His eyes were like those of a hawk, sharp and piercing, reflecting his decades of service to Khepri. Next to him sat Meira Four, a petite woman with luminescent golden skin from the desert moon of Hespia. She was renowned for uncovering and recovering ancient Kheprian texts from places no one else would think to look – or be willing to .
On Aeloria’s right was Haldor Six, a broad-shouldered man with fiery red hair and pinkish white skin from the outlaw planet of Pyros. He had been a part of the Kheprian faith for longer than I’d been alive, his fiery temperament was legendary in junior acolyte circles. Stories often showed it clashing with his duty to remain composed.
Finally, there was Elyssium Two, a serene figure with a lavender cloak and violet eyes from the crystalline world of Bromine. Her years with the Kheprian religion were marked by her exceptional ability to mediate and calm disputes – a skill that was often called into service by other religions or warring factions.
As I stood before them, I noticed Ramdothenese Seven standing off to the side, his expression unreadable. The council’s eyes bore into me, and I knew the reprimand was coming. I was the youngest member of the council in the history of the order. No one had been more surprised than I when I was asked to replace Bergollian Five as Tender of the temple. While they all had legendary pasts – my greatest exploit so far was getting caught sneaking into the Hidden City for a nighttime excavation.
“Inshotep Five,” High Priestess Aeloria’s voice rang out, “you have been brought before us to answer for your trespass in the Hidden City. You have shown a blatant disregard for the rules and protocols that govern our order.”
Valtar Three leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “You have overstepped your bounds, Inshotep. Your position does not allow you to do whatever you choose. Such actions could have dire consequences for the sanctity and safety of our temple.”
Meira Four’s voice was softer but no less stern. “Your recklessness is unacceptable. You have proven yourself to be unfit to remain Tender of the Temple of Khepri. The Hidden City holds secrets that are not to be tampered with lightly.”
Haldor Six, with his fiery disposition, could barely contain his anger. “You have jeopardized everything with your insolence! If word of this were to spread, our entire system of maintaining control could crumble. The Tender disregarding protocol – inconceivable!”
I knew I had broken some rules, but all of this seemed far too extreme. There must be a deeper reason, but no one was going to answer any of my questions right now. My best course was to stand thin and take it like a fermolin.
Elyssium Two, though more composed, was also far too upset for what I thought I had done, “Your actions demonstrate a lack of respect for our traditions and the hierarchy we have established. While we can’t remove you from the council, you will no longer be the Tender.”
Aeloria chimed in “Did you discover anything of interest? Did you experience any sort of vision or bodily experience, Inshotep Five?”
Throughout the scolding, Ramdothenese Seven had stood stoically, his face betraying no emotion. Now he spoke “He found nothing. A childish foray into a forbidden area. We are making mountains out of scattle droppings!”
I braced myself for further reprimand, but then the council’s attention shifted.
“Ramdothenese Seven,” Aeloria addressed him sharply, “as the overseer of the temple, it is your duty to ensure that such infractions do not occur and to keep tabs on the inhabitants. How could you allow this to happen under your watch? Why is it that we had to hear about this from a drone satellite feed instead of your having discovered it yourself?”
This was interesting. They’d seen me, but they hadn’t seen him. Also, presumably, they hadn’t seen my excavation or discovery. Ramdothenese’s eyes flickered with a hint of emotion – I couldn’t tell what it was, but he now remained silent.
“You have failed to maintain order,” Valtar Three added. “Your laxity has enabled this transgression.”
Meira Four nodded in agreement. “We expected better from you, Ramdothenese. Your negligence has compromised the integrity of our order.”
Haldor Six’s voice was a growl. “This is a grave oversight, and it will not go unpunished.”
Elyssium Two’s calm voice delivered the final blow. “From this day forward, Ramdothenese Seven, you will share your administrative duties with a senior member of the council to ensure that such lapses do not happen again.”
I stood in stunned silence as the council turned their focus back to me. High Priestess Aeloria’s gaze was unyielding. “Inshotep Five, for your actions, you are hereby removed from your position as the Tender. You will no longer serve within these sacred walls.” They couldn’t take my name, nor my position on the council – but they could change where I served – and how.
The air grew tense as she continued, “Instead, you will be sent into the wild areas of the galaxy. Your punishment is to bring the teachings of Khepri to the bounty hunters and warring factions. You will spread our word among those who live by chaos and violence.”
I began to push my sleeves upward so I could reveal what I had found and defend my actions but Ramdothenese Seven shoved me to the side and stepped forward, his voice like cold steel. “This punishment is fitting. Inshotep Five must understand the weight of his actions and above all learn how to respect the order and discipline that our faith demands. My failure to inspire him is a burden I must always carry. Who is it that will replace him as Tender?”
“I will take over the duties as Tender,” Aeleoria said. For the first time in all the years I had known him, Ramdothenese Seven lost his composure.
“Shit,” he expelled in an uncontrolled whisper with something that might have been panic flashing across his face. Then “You are, of course, the most suited for the position but my understanding was that your work building bridges to the other gods was a priority.” He was looking at Valtar.
“I believe we are done here,” Aeleoria said in a whisper that was louder than gunfire. “The two of you can vacate your quarters at once, I will be occupying the entire senior barracks with my organization. Ramdothenese Seven – move into the novice barracks and I expect Inshotep Five to be well on his way by the time I arrive.”
The council murmured in agreement, and I bowed my head, accepting my fate. Their images flickered out. The council meeting was concluded, and I began to leave the grand hall with a heavy heart. At the doorway, the hand of Ramdothenese Seven spun me around.
“Not a word!” he said. “I will see you at the Khepri Vascular for absolution of remorse in ten minutes.”
I had never heard of such a thing, but there was no point in trying to avoid it.
Then in a whisper shout he mouthed “Bring it!”
—————
### The Khepri Vascular
The late afternoon air was thick with the decaying scent of jungle mud, the sounds of unseen nocturnal creatures awakening as the light of the day began to fade creating a wild concerto that echoed my unbridled thoughts. The Khepri Vascular, as dark and reflective as the day’s light began to fade, was the place Ramdothenese Seven had named for the absolution of remorse. I made the journey there with his whisper-shouted order still ringing in my ears: “Bring it!”
I had gathered the rune-carved tablet from my quarters and as I approached the stream, held it hidden beneath my robe. The cuff on my arm burned as my skin rearranged itself beneath it. Ramdothenese Seven stood by the water’s edge, his tall figure almost blending into the shadows thickening from the thick canopy above. His eyes, as hard and unreadable as a atmosphere-scarred meteorite, turned toward me as I arrived.
“Inshotep Five,” he began, his voice a low rumble. “Do you have it?”
I heard something in his voice that had never been there before. Uncertainty. I hesitated for a moment before reaching into my robe and presenting the stone tablet to him. His eyes flickered with a mix of relief and urgency as he took it from my hands, examining the ancient runes with a practiced gaze.
“This will aid you in deciphering the hidden runes,” he pressed a detachable nanobot onto the stone. It melted into the tablet. “You already know the key.”
“What is this really about, Ramdothenese?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “Why did you tell me to keep digging, send me to find this, and allow me to destroy my position here?”
He sighed, looking up from the tablet to meet my eyes. “Could I have stopped you? There is much you don’t understand, Inshotep. Like this librarian nanobot,” he motioned to the tablet where the nanobot had left no sign of itself,” there is more than what appears on the surface. The council’s reprimand was necessary. The collaborators must seem to be making the decisions, even if that makes it more difficult to maintain the facade.”
“The facade?” I repeated, I could sense lights of confusion illuminating my face from within. My bioluminescents were out of control. Never since being a tadpole had I felt so at the mercy of my emotions .
“There is a war,” he continued, his tone grave. “They think you were brought into the council as their pawn, but in truth, my cabal ensured your selection. Your heritage and your unique physiology make you vital to uncovering the deeper truths hidden within the temple. We knew that, but they did not.”
“You were not chosen by the council for your perceived obedience or lack of ambition, it was no coincidence or lucky straw that brought you,” Ramdothenese went on. “Some members believed you would be nothing more than an easily controlled vote within the council. This battle, no one is ever sure of what side they are on or who their allies are. The Gods keep us guessing and shift with the winds just when we think we may know. However, the lines seem to have solidified and those I work with ensured your selection for reasons only we could know, but then the other side may have reasons of their own. Such is the great strategy of the blind game. Only our side knew you could play a crucial role.”
“A crucial role? A crucial role in what? ” I echoed, the pieces of the puzzle slowly starting to fit together but making no sense whatsoever. The council was divided? “You said my heritage and physiology? I am nothing special.”
Ramdothenese smiled now, his expression still dead serious. “Your connection to the Shal’tharan people, with their adaptability and heightened senses, makes you uniquely suited for this task. But there is more.” He pointed to the tablet as he handed it back to me.
The flaring of my skin lit the hidden runes. Now, the nanobot he had embedded began to translate the intricate symbols before my eyes. I didn’t understand what I saw, but it began to make sense to me as he explained.
“This tablet holds the key to a mystery that has eluded us for centuries—the fate of Terra – and more.”
I could hardly believe what I was hearing. “Terra? But how…”
“Terra was not lost by chance,” Ramdothenese interrupted. “It was hidden, protected by those who feared what its discovery of its secrets might bring. The star map cuff you hide under your robe,” he indicated a series of symbols on the tablet that now replicated some of what was on the cuff, “is a map that, over time, will guide its bearer to the true path to Terra.”
“Over time?” Never had I felt like such a novice, even when I had been. I understood nothing.
“There is a decay,” he told me. “It is programmed to reveal things based on certain conditions, some of which have to do with your enzymes and proteins and others that are dependent on location or other conditions.”
I stared at the tablet, the weight of its significance pressing down on me. “Why me? Why was I chosen for this?”
“Because you are not just a follower of Khepri,” Ramdothenese explained. “You are a seeker of truth, someone who understands the balance between wisdom and folly, order and chaos. The council is divided, a schism that threatens our very foundation. Some seek power for its own sake, while others, like myself, strive to uncover the deeper truths and restore our faith’s true purpose.”
“Who can I trust? Who is on your side?” Even as I asked, I realized the folly of the question. I wasn’t even sure if he was on my side, though, this experience had brought me to the realization that he was not the nemesis I had thought. My mind was adjusting to the fact that he had been my ally all along, but still, the years of resentment and suspicion I had judged him with were loathe to allow me to change my thinking so suddenly.
“You can trust no one,” he laughed. “Not even me. Khepri will be your only guide because only Khepri knows the totality of actions that have led us to the present present. “If I were to tell you who I have worked with to bring us to this now, it would make no difference. Loyalties shift, agendas change, each of us has our role to play and sometimes it is the role of a thief, villain, or rebel. You must let Khepri be the director of your alliances. No one else.”
His words resonated deeply with me. I worked to reconcile the hate and resentment I had felt for him with this new perception he was opening of himself. I had to trust him in this moment. Khepri was guiding me. “What do you need me to do?”
Ramdothenese looked at me with something I had never seen from him, compassion. “Your assignment to the wild areas of the galaxy are part of a larger plan. While you spread the teachings of Khepri, you will also follow the clues within this tablet. It will not be easy, and you will face many dangers, but it is a path that only you can walk.”
I looked at the tablet, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. “You knew it was there. You directed me”
Ramdothenese placed a hand on my shoulder, an almost parent-like act. “You found your way to it, I merely sped up your discovery by playing my part as I was directed by Khepri. I suspected what you would find, but vastly underestimated the importance of it.”
“What comes next? How should I proceed?” I was lost. This was all too much, too fast.
His calm voice soothed the turbulent waters of my thoughts though not comforting my insecurities. “The odds are stacked heavily against you, Inshotep Five, the true path is not always the one that seems most clear. Tomorrow you will leave Wataru. Prepare yourself this night for all that lies ahead of you. Trust in your instincts and in the guidance of Khepri.”
He turned and disappeared into the rapidly approaching darkness, leaving me alone with my insecurities beside the sacred stream. I removed my clothing and following the direction of my internal compass, performed the ablution of remorse within the warm embrace of the Khepri Vascular, infusing my soul with the armor, strength, and power of my god.