The Skin of the Gods

by Phil Armstrong

  Nesu Narmer asked Ka to place the Amulet in the Golden box and clasp the lid closed. As the lid closed, he simply disappeared. Queen Nithotep took a sharp intake of breath. Bener-ib blinked, hardly believing the void in front of her eyes. Could this be a clever illusion, staged by the Nesu as entertainment?

  Ka had entered a place that he immediately recognized as strange. It was bright but he could not see a sun. The sky was blue with no clouds. He was standing on a dock and had entered near a white marble column. It emanated a strong light and contained carved inscriptions. The column read, “Ra saith unto the mountain: Send forth light, O Mountain!”

  Ka stood on a short dock, with the blinding light at his back. He looked across the water and could see movement. Far in the distance, he could see an entrance but it was not what he had anticipated. It looked like a large leaf, hinged at one edge forming a gate. Ka could see a coiled giant snake, blocking the entrance to the gate. It was a large creature. It had scales that glistened as if wet. The serpent’s heads rested upon a dark green thick coil. Immediately to Ka’s right he could see a boat. He had never seen a boat like this before. The boat of the sun was large and made of polished wood. He walked to the rear of the boat to gain a better vantage point. Ka had strayed from the luminous column. On the right was a flag flapping furiously but there was no wind. The flag bore the design of a jackal’s head. Kneeling either side of the flag were two bearded Gods, Tat and Set. The left side of the boat had a ram-headed flag, also flying proudly in the non-existent wind. Kneeling below this flag were two more bearded Gods of the same name. At the bow of the boat Ka could see Sa, the God of divine intelligence. At the stern, he recognized Heka, a God standing near two paddles. Twenty-four Gods waited to pull the boat across the watery channel. The twelve Gods on the right are known as the Gods of the Mountain. The twelve on the left of the boat are known as the Gods of Set-Amentet. A strange feeling crept over Ka and he suddenly felt unsafe. An overwhelming urge to return, swept through his body. He did not belong here. He was intruding in a holy place. He turned to face the brightly lit column when he noticed movement to his left. A large grey mass of fur caught his eye. Snorting and snarling could be heard. It was Wepwawet! Ka ran towards the warm welcoming light, trying to block the sounds of terror from his mind. He thought about his beautiful Queen sitting dutifully at the side of her Nesu. She would be listening to the address aimed at the two Magicians. Within an instant Ka was enveloped by the white light and transported back to his kneeling position. He had been gone long enough to examine the antechamber of Duat. He knew this place was real and not some fanciful tale, manufactured by the High Priests. The experience had left him shaken and frightened. He dropped the Golden box at his feet and backed away from its powerful energy. Ka had experienced a world where he was not supposed to enter, until his life force was spent. Ka slumped backwards into his chair, shivering with fear.

  Nesu Narmer placed a comforting hand upon his shoulder. “You’re safe now. Have no fear. I’ll protect you in this world, you’re safe now.” Ka looked at his Nesu with fear coursing through his veins. Nesu Narmer crouched upon the ground and carefully opened the lid of the Golden box. He nudged it with his hand and the Amulet escaped, falling onto the floor. Picking up both objects, he brought them to Bener-ib. She looked at the box and the Amulet. She took one last glance at the petrified look on Ka’s face. Ka watched with interest, still shivering from the experience. Bener-ib felt frightened but she did not want to show it. She stretched her hands outwards, both palms raised. Nesu Narmer placed the Golden box on one hand and the Amulet on the other. Bener-ib repeated the process and closed the lid. As she disappeared Ka recoiled into a ball within his chair, raising his feet from the ground.

  Within seconds Bener-ib reappeared, similarly frightened. Nesu Narmer removed the Amulet and placed both items upon the floor. “I need you both to remain calm and start to relax. You’re quite safe and I’ll not make you do that again. Duat is a glorious place but only the pure of heart can traverse its many dangers. Souls will be annihilated, if they’re found to be impure. I want you to imagine the power someone will have, if they possess these two items.”

  Ay had moved closer than he had dared but he had heard enough. He knew a way into Duat was possible. He could transport himself back to any time and place, simply by thinking it. This was powerful magic from the Gods. He could transport back to a time before his love was savagely murdered. He strained to hear the conversation continue but he had already made his mind up. He was going to get these artifacts and the power that came with them.

  Nesu Narmer continued. “I’ve never traveled through this entrance into Duat. I don’t want to offend the Gods by entering prematurely. My time will come and I will be fully prepared, to advance through the twelve gates. I’ve mentioned that I grow increasingly concerned about uprisings, boat people and looters. Should these objects fall into the wrong hands,” he shook his head. “I’ll be blamed by the Gods. That’s why they need to be protected. They need to be separated at all times. This is why you have been asked to the royal palace. I need you both to make me a promise that you need to keep, for the rest of your lives. That’s not good enough I’m afraid. I need you to help me keep these promises intact, forever. You’ll have to pass down the importance of what you are about to do, from generation to generation.”

  Ka rubbed his forehead, clearly feeling the weight of the situation. Queen Nithotep sat stoically. “Egypt will likely fall, if I don’t protect these Godly artifacts. I need you both to cooperate and form an unbreakable alliance. Suspicion, money, love or time must not break the bonds you are about to make. I will give each of you, one of the artifacts. You must keep them both apart but you must know where the other is located. I requested that this Golden box be kept away from the royal palace for this very reason. Now it’s time that the Golden box and the Amulet are kept hidden and safe. Destroying them will bring great harm to our land. They must be kept safe.”

  Nesu Narmer approached Bener-ib. “Powerful Magician, I give you this Golden box to keep safe for all time. When you die, you must pass this onto someone you trust. You must explain the power and the dangers, that come with this box.” He let the Golden box fall into her lap and she reluctantly stared at the small heavy object with a new respect. “Ka, mighty Magician, I need you to keep this Amulet safe for all time.” Nesu Narmer dropped the sweet smelling jackal’s head into Ka’s lap. “You will both form an alliance. You will become the Servants of Byblos. I need you both to make this promise to me. You will promise to keep these artifacts safe and to pass on this responsibility to your future generations. Should you break this promise, a curse will fall upon your families and our beautiful land.”

  Nesu Narmer approached Bener-ib, “Promise me mighty Magician.”

  Bener-ib moved her eyes from the Golden box to meet Nesu Narmer’s intense stare. She glanced at Queen Nithotep, sitting in a motionless pose. “I promise.”

  “Good, then you will become the Soul Collector, keeper of the Golden box of Anubis and Servant of Byblos.” Nesu Narmer approached Ka. “What about you Ka?”

  Ka did not raise his eyes to meet the Nesu’s stare. He kept his head bowed and rubbed the sweet smelling Amulet with his thumb. “I promise.”

  “Good, then you shall become the Keeper of the Pendant and Servant of Byblos. Two promises both to be kept through all of eternity. It will be important to know where the other Magician is located. I have made two rings that I want to present to you.” Queen Nithotep finally moved from her seat and retrieved the rings from Nesu Narmer’s chair. The Nesu motioned for her to distribute the rings. Each ring bore the Catfish and the Chisel emblems. “The center of the ring contains the only remaining artifact left by a God, in this mortal world. The center of the ring is a fragment of Wepwawet’s claw. Retrieved from Ete’s damaged sandal, the claw has been polished and set. I now need your help.”

  Queen Nithotep returned to her seat. “Place the rings on the ground in front of
your feet.” The Magicians dutifully followed the instructions. “I want you both to cast a spell of magic upon the rings. The rings should always move to point in the direction of the other ring. The spell should make the two halves of Wepwawet’s claw want to join. Can you do this?”

  Both Magicians nodded and with a confirming look at each other set about their task of casting the powerful magic spell. Within seconds, the two rings flew across the stone floor joining at the polished setting, as if two powerful magnets had engaged. The Nesu smiled. “You will always know how to find each other. The rings will point you to the other Servant of Byblos.”

  Ay could hear footsteps approaching. They reverberated through the narrow stone corridor. He quickly moved into his assigned position and tried to look happy to be relieved. A large guard approached, frowning at the prospect of starting his shift. Ay now understood the power of the artifacts. He wanted them and he knew he had to have them. Later he would form his own society, The Order of the Serpent, aimed at destroying the Servants of Byblos. His knowledge would threaten this allegiance throughout the ages. As the two promises endured, the legend of the artifacts and their power, endured also. Nesu Narmer was only too aware that greed and power would always motivate men to unusual ends.

  “I hope you realize the significance of what you have promised here today. My security and the fate of Egypt now lie within your collective promise. The Gods were careless to leave these artifacts in our world. The Gods possess unlimited power. I’m your Nesu, your God in this world. I have to trust mortals with this enormous power. I trust my two Magicians implicitly. I know you will not let me down. This promise must extend well beyond your mortal lives. Twenty lives from now, can I trust your families to keep these promises? Will they have the same conviction as you have today? That is my fear. These rings bear my name, Nesu Narmer. I have to trust you but I will not sleep well tonight. Two promises, two very important promises, don’t let me down.”

  Bener-ib and Ka looked at each other with steely determination flashing through their eyes. Both looked solemn and determined. They understood the serious nature of the task at hand. They were both Servants of Byblos, the original pair. Now they must resume their lives with this great responsibility. It would take five long years before Nesu Narmer went a full day without thinking about the artifacts. War had distracted him and he had more severe issues to concentrate upon. The Magicians kept the artifacts safe and ensured the longevity of the promise they made. Ay mobilized a group of followers and they tried desperately to find the Magicians and find the artifacts. Their stories grew with embellishment but their determination remained like an unquenched thirst.

  * * * * *

  Chapter 15: I need a Timmy’s Coffee

  Burlington, Ontario, Canada, Present day.

  It was almost noon when her stomach decided to send a clear and audible message. “Oh my,” she said concentrating on the traffic as the growling sound repeated from her empty stomach. “I’d better pull over and get something to eat,” she thought as she redirected her silver Mercedes northbound onto Brant Street. Sakura Tanaka had visited an old friend. Her friend was desperately lonely after her husband had passed away. He had fought valiantly against the ravages of cancer but had succumbed four months ago. Most people are good at showing immediate support as they try to help with the grieving process. Everyday life then has a habit of diverting well-meaning people into the fray. The widow will quickly slip from their conscious thoughts and that’s when the depression sets in. Carol Lombard was always a good friend. She gave Sakura some great advice when she struggled to get her business exploits off the ground. Carol was also a Mother. Sakura desperately needed sage advice when Kaigara was a rebellious teenager. Carol was a supportive and loyal friend, willing to dish out tough love when it was deserved. Sakura respected her for that. Seeing her this morning was rough. She seemed beaten down and in need of a pep talk. Her children had stopped calling and she had lost her purpose in life. This is a common realization for many women. She had devoted most of her life to raising their children and supporting her ailing husband. When he passed away she had lost her identity and struggled to find herself. This once confident, radiant, supportive role model was now a lonely girl, lost in the woods.

  Sakura needed a pick me up. She was hungry but she also needed an energy shot, she felt drained. When you give someone so much of your positive energy, it leaves you feeling empty and drained. A large coffee would give her the jolt she needed. It was still early enough that she would sleep tonight and the coffee would not keep her awake. Sakura pulled her car into a small strip mall, recognizing the familiar logo of Tim Horton’s. When Sakura lived in England she quickly assimilated into the pub culture. The pub was not only a place to drink, it meant more than that to the English. It was the meeting place, to catch-up on gossip, discuss issues and exchange views. It was the hub of the community and played an important role in social discourse. Today was a beautiful warm day but Sakura’s mood did not match the vibe created by the glorious weather. Tim Horton’s was a coffee shop franchise. It sold sandwiches and soup, coffee, tea, muffins and donuts. It was more than a coffee shop to Canadians. It was the pub. People come to Tim Horton’s to grab a coffee, meet people and talk. This habit has permeated the Canadian culture so vividly; it showed up in their language. Election language would always refer to coffee shop politics. The general public and valued voter would discuss issues and candidates openly over coffee. So important was this activity that opinions would be galvanized and voting patterns set.

  When Sakura entered Tim Horton’s, she joined a small lineup of people. Soon it was her turn and a pleasant young woman willingly accepted her order. She was dressed in a light beige blouse and a brown sun visor sporting the company logo. Sakura ordered a large double-double coffee and an egg salad sandwich. She procrastinated over the ginger bread cookie and decided to treat herself. She was served quickly and found a small table for two, tucked away in a quiet corner. She eagerly awaited the first gulp of her coffee as she tore open the lid’s plastic flap. She sighed contentedly. “I need this Timmy’s to give me a real boost today,” she thought. The sun streamed in through the glass windows as she watched cars parking and people going about their daily routines. A steady line of cars crawled through the drive-thru line, waiting to pickup their goods. The constant sound of conversation reverberated as people talked and laughed. The mood was light and the energy was positive.

  Sakura started to eat her sandwich when her cell phone began to vibrate, causing a noise. It scurried across the flat tabletop. It then burst into a chime, signaling an incoming call. She reached for her Blackberry phone and activated it in one smooth motion. She pressed it to her ear and struggled to swallow the partially chewed food in her mouth.

  “Hello? This is Sakura.”

  “Sakura how are you? It’s David Lee calling.”

  “David! I haven’t heard from you in a while, are you in Canada?”

  “No,” he said with a laugh. “I’m at home in Hong Kong.”

  Sakura did the math quickly in her head. “It’s almost midnight your time, can’t you sleep?”

  David laughed again. “I’m relaxing at home, but I wanted to talk with you about a woman I met in Manila this week.” David walked slowly towards his penthouse window. It was close to midnight but the city of Hong Kong was still vibrant with abundant noise and light. David was a successful business entrepreneur and a self made multi-millionaire. He was an avid collector. He loved to collect items that others did not seem interested in. David studied religion and spirituality. David had studied spirituality in many cultures and was particularly fascinated with a common thread that seemed to weave its way through all cultures. David made a point of collecting experiences as well as artifacts. He had visited Egypt and seen the pyramids. He had meditated, high in the mountains at Machupicchu. David had the wealth to take him to the most interesting places. He observed this common thread when talking with specialists across cultures.
In Aberdeen, a picture perfect harbor on the Island of Hong Kong lived an old man that David visited. David could not say how old he was but he had wisdom and insights like no other. David never knew his name and never asked. He referred to him as Sampan man.