A New Life:
Iras's life had taken a dramatic turn. He had found a new sense of purpose and belonging with the family that had taken him in. Despite the trauma he had endured, Iras had discovered that being an ordinary person in Egypt, free from the burdens of war and politics, brought him a sense of joy and contentment he had never known before.
One year had passed since the battle, and Iras now spent his days working alongside the elderly man, doing ordinary tasks that brought him peace. They lived in the Valley of Kings, but under a new ruler. Iras would often accompany the old man on his daily rounds, carrying sacks of grain and other goods.
As they walked, Ayala, the young boy who had saved Iras's life, would often join them, his bright smile a constant source of comfort to Iras. On this particular day, as they made their way through the bustling streets, they came across a group of men drinking and talking.
Iras's curiosity was piqued, and he stopped to listen. A drunken man stood up, slurring his words. "You know, our new king is different. He never shows his face to the people, but those who have seen his eyes say they're golden."
Another man, equally intoxicated, chimed in. "And I've heard he's ruthless. If anyone makes a mistake or commits a crime, he has them beheaded."
The group fell silent, their faces filled with fear. Iras's eyes widened in shock, and he felt a shiver run down his spine. Ayala, sensing his unease, tugged on his arm, urging him to leave. Iras nodded, and they continued on their way, but his mind was reeling with the implications of what he had just heard.
The Unexpected Revelation:
In the Valley of Kings, a grand assembly had been convened, leaving everyone in a state of confusion. The royal family and ordinary citizens alike were summoned by the new king, sparking widespread curiosity.
Iras, still reeling from his earlier encounter with the soldiers, found himself being dragged to the assembly alongside the elderly man. As they approached the palace, Iras caught sight of the queen, Ashira, seated on a throne-like chair. His eyes widened in surprise, and he strained to listen to the murmurs around him.
The atmosphere was tense, with the royal family and ordinary citizens exchanging worried glances. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, clad in golden attire and adorned with precious jewels. His curly hair cascaded down his back, and his golden eyes seemed to gleam with an otherworldly intensity. A crown sat atop his head, and his presence commanded attention.
As the figure took his seat on the throne, an unsettling chill ran down Iras's spine. The man's voice was cold and detached, his eyes flashing with an unnerving glare. "Kneel, all of you," he commanded.
Iras's world came crashing down around him as he realized, to his horror, that the new king was none other than Hylos. The man he once knew, with his bright smile and carefree demeanor, was now unrecognizable. Hylos's eyes seemed to bore into the souls of those around him, his expression twisted into a perpetual scowl.
As the crowd surged forward, Iras found himself obscured by the sea of bodies, unable to process the shocking revelation that had left him reeling.
The New King's Decree:
The royal herald stepped forward, his voice booming across the assembly. "You have been summoned here to learn that one member of each of your families will be chosen to serve as a slave to the king, residing within the palace walls as a loyal subject."
The crowd erupted into a mixture of shock, fear, and despair. Ordinary citizens of Egypt cowered in terror, while others wept uncontrollably. The herald's next words only added to the sense of dread.
"Anyone who refuses to comply with the king's decree will be beheaded."
The assembly fell to their knees, some wailing in desperation as they reluctantly chose which family member would be surrendered to the king's service. The air was heavy with the weight of their collective fear, as they trembled before the ruthless new monarch.
The elderly man's face fell as he contemplated the king's decree. He had already resigned himself to the fact that he would be the one to go, to spare his younger companion the brutality of palace life.
But before he could utter a word, Iras spoke up, his voice firm and resolute. "I'll go," he said, his eyes locked on the elderly man. "It's the least I can do to repay you for saving my life."
The elderly man's eyes widened in protest, his face etched with concern for Iras's well-being. "No, Iras, I won't let you do this," he said, his voice trembling with emotion.
But Iras was unmoved, his jaw set in determination. "I've made up my mind," he said, his voice firm but gentle. "I'll go to the palace and serve the king. It's my duty, and I won't back down."
The elderly man's face fell, but he knew better than to argue with Iras when his mind was made up. With a heavy heart, he nodded in resignation, knowing that Iras was determined to follow through with his decision.