CHAPTER 1: THE SONG OF THE NILE

Mist shrouded the eyes, therefore giving no sight. The smooth sound of the flowing river was the only sound. Birds flew over and beyond to the incoming sight of a felucca. Moving stealthy upon the waters of the Nile. On the felucca was only a man. His presence spoke of royalty, from his bronze-like armor and tunic. However with such a brooding countenance, he was of no royalty. He rowed the felucca quietly, taking a keen eye to the waters. His ears focused on the surroundings. In the distance from the boat, the waters moved swiftly, gaining his attention. He paused and stopped the boat. Looking ahead of him toward the river. Sensing nothing, he continued to row and the further he went a strange sound began to call to him. Looking both ways to the river, the unnatural music continued and began to grow in volume.

“Help me.” A voice cried from below.

The man stopped the boat and looked toward the front, through the mist he could make out a hand. The hand arose to reveal to him a woman. One of a beautiful countenance. She came from below the river with only her bare torso showing. The man looked on at the woman as she moved her long hair from her back to her chest.

“I need help.” She said. “Please, help me.”

The man only stared at the frightened woman. Her gaze was set upon him as he let go of the boat’s paddle. The woman smiled, tilting her head over her left shoulder. Her eyes began to reflect with the river’s waters as the man stepped forward to help her. Inching closer to grab her hand, she grinned as fangs lowered from her mouth. With a loud screech she went to slash the man with her nails. Nails that have grown inches out of her fingers. Her body had become semi-transparent, nearly blending in with the Nile.

She continued to screech and splash the water, rattling the boat. But the man was not afraid. He was only... Calm. This only caused a disturbance upon the woman. The man reached to grab something laying on the boat and the woman saw it as an opportunity. The man’s back is turned toward her. From there, the woman leaped out of the water like a cat, showing her full appearance. One of a water spirit. Her eyes had turned green as of a tadpole. Almost atop the man, he tuned back toward her, swinging a khopesh sword at full strength. The woman startled as the sword sliced through her. The eyes of the woman became blank. Her body fell back into the Nile, whereas her head, laid on the boat. The man only sighed as he picked up her head, gazing into her eyes, showing no sign of life.

“It is done.” He uttered softly. “Now, onto Thebes.”

Putting her head in a bag next to his other items, the man sailed down the Nile as Thebes awaited him.