The city wall—built of beautiful steel—towered three hundred feet above the ground. Golden patterns shined on its rough, dark surface, capturing visitors' attention. Streams of people walked in, out, and around the gates; some hurried, others calm. The variety among the crowd increased as one got closer. Some were taller, buffer; others darker or gaunt. They appeared of different origins and looked lavish, clothed in expensive fabrics.
Ten men cloaked in somber clothes stood atop the giant iron gates, overseeing the crowd for any signs of felony. They were city guards appointed to monitor the area. Another group of ten guards interacted with suspicious individuals below. Crime couldn't be committed under their strict watch.
Teleu and Reloua passed through the city gate, greeted by soaring towers all around. Pagodas, pavilions, and skyscrapers decorated the city like pieces on a chessboard. The broad streets overflowed with businesses, merchants, and customers. The image of Nkap being the busiest metropolis in Nubia came alive before Teleu's eyes. His curious gaze moved right and left, analyzing everything. Used to such views, Reloua displayed no emotion and continued her stroll.
"Finally, the city lives up to its name," Teleu praised, dodging a tall, buff, shiny brown man. At the sight, Teleu's pupils contracted. "He is not from Gold Land, is he?" he muttered.
"He is from Mura." Having caught Teleu's words, Reloua replied. "Nkap is full of tourists in search of adventure, precious gems, or a better life. Crossing paths with people from Ankh, Mura, or Fairyland isn't uncommon."
Teleu nodded, his doubt pushed away. "Fair enough. Nkap is, after all, the economic giant of Nubia. They lend funds to foreign kingdoms and states. Diversity is the norm." He gazed at the figures pacing around with a smile.
Animosity raged between the kingdoms of Nubia. The line between peace and war was thin. Darkness lingered above the land, great families grew greedy, and war loomed as they neglected the peace treaty. Thus, diversity was a myth most people couldn't experience. Such a sight was pleasant to Teleu, who rarely interacted with foreigners.
Reloua showed Teleu around the city—government offices, historical monuments, museums, education complexes. Amazed, Teleu absorbed every bit of information she mentioned. He liked the city well. Without Reloua as a guide, he wouldn't have learned nearly as much. As a princess, she had access to more information, boosting her guiding skills considerably.
"Why the frown?" Reloua noticed Teleu's changing expression.
"It's just—" he paused. "Nkap is massive, diverse, has monuments… However, I saw no shrine or temple during our stroll."
Ankh Kingdom was known for its spiritual prowess. They venerated a monotheist polymorphic divinity who they believed brought grace to their people. Sacred areas and temples were erected all across the kingdom. Being from Ankh, Teleu was accustomed to such scenes. Hence his doubt at seeing no shrines.
But it was more than just the absence of buildings. Teleu could feel it—or rather, he couldn't feel anything. In Ankh, even the air seemed to hum with spiritual presence. The ancestral shrines acted as conduits between the physical realm and the astral planes. Initiates could sense the veil thinning near sacred grounds, feel the pull of the Dream Cycle where ancestors whispered wisdom to those who knew how to listen.
Here in Nkap, there was nothing. The spiritual atmosphere felt... empty. Dead.
"Gold Land has lost its edge when it comes to spirituality," Teleu said, his frown deepening. "In Ankh, we understand the Mystic Hierarchy of Nubia—how power flows from the Unseen to the Seen. The ancestors, the spirit routes, the astral planes. These aren't fantasies. They're the foundation of true power."
He gestured around them. "I don't truly feel anything special here. It seems like people lost the essence of what life really was about. They only focus on trivial and material things—gold, commerce, buildings. But what good is wealth when your soul remains disconnected? When you can't even perceive the spiritual cycles that determine whether your kingdom rises or falls?"
He shook his head. "A kingdom without shrines, without ancestors venerated, without Initiates who can navigate the astral realms... it's like a body without eyes, stumbling blind while thinking it sees perfectly. You've chosen the merchant route—trading spiritual strength for material comfort. That's why your kingdom is crumbling from within, and you can't even see the true cause."
"Temples won't help us boost our economy, will they?" Reloua asked sharply, clearly stung by his words. "People of Nkap are rational and contemporary. We prioritize grandeur and wealth over cults, sects, and religions. The former gives us the power that enables better life, while the latter is people living in fantasy. Shrines or gods won't feed my people. The result of their hard work is what feeds them."
Teleu's frown deepened, surprised by what he heard. "A kingdom, state, or empire with no spiritual or metaphysical prowess is bound to fail. Spiritual science guides people. You know where you come from and where you're heading. No wonder the great legacy left by the Ashantis has reduced to such a state." He rolled his eyes.
"Tsuiip! As if you know my ancestors better than me. People from Ankh are spiritual but still borrow wealth from us. That's the legacy left by the Ashantis—a high standing." Her chest puffed, proud of her origins.
Teleu offered no reply, his expression deadpan. Let her believe what she wants, he thought. She'll learn soon enough that gold can't protect you from forces you can't see.
Tip! Tap! Tap!!! Tip!
Redu rhythmically hit a bamboo table, reading papyrus scriptures. He'd sat here for a while, away from the noise. Rest is essential, he thought. Managing a tavern and brewing wine was his passion—he had no qualms about doing it every day. However, a recent event had overstrained him, and he couldn't concentrate. Clients complained about the palm wine not being good, a situation he'd never previously experienced.
As days went by, his situation worsened and his reputation suffered. Conscious of these facts, Redu temporarily shut down. The news shocked quite a few. Never had the most significant wine merchant in Nkap closed. "How could a business worth thousands of gold coins close? Is he an idiot?" Gossip spread.
Redu paid no heed. His mind was full of thoughts to which he needed answers.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Redu turned to see a sweaty young knave running his way. "Sir! Sir! Strangers are looking for you."
"Shoo them away! You know I'm not in the mood," Redu scolded, his eyes focusing on the papyrus.
"They mentioned a vow and said it was important," the knave insisted.
Swish! Surprisingly, Redu threw his scripture aside, running toward the door. A hopeful expression crept across his face, excitement gripping his heart. Will I have the answers I wanted? He reached the room where the strangers had been led by the knave.
At the sight of the alluring veiled figure waiting in the room, Redu knelt and sobbed, relieved from his pain and doubt. "I pay respect to the Princess," he said proudly while kneeling.
Reloua rushed to his side and hurried to lift him. "Uncle, you don't have to kneel." They embraced deeply, as if there were no next dawn.
Redu was a friend of her mother. They'd known each other since childhood and grew up together. He'd followed her after her enthronement as Queen of Gold Land and was one of her closest servants. She'd trusted him with vital information and her life. At Reloua's birth, he'd sworn an oath to the queen—he would take care of Reloua and help her when needed.
"I ought to perform my duty as a servant, young lady. I promised to take care of you to the Lady. I won't be able to face her in the astral world if you encounter a mishap." He spoke solemnly. "What happened to you, young lady? Why did you disappear?" He asked worriedly.
"Let's first sit, uncle!" They sat opposite each other. The knave served them tea before departing. Reloua proceeded to narrate what transpired in Botankeu. As she spoke, Redu's expression switched from shock to spite, to rage, to relief.
"Sorry for being useless, young lady." He bowed his head, not daring to face her. "It won't ever happen again. I promise to do my best. If my service is needed, please mention it."
"I do not need much, uncle. What occurred during my absence?" she asked.
"Okay! After the king learned of your disappearance, he raged at the guards and threatened Ankh with war. People thought you'd been kidnapped in Ankh for ransom, hence the king's rage. Also, as soon as you disappeared, two ministers following your cause switched sides and slandered your name…" Redu narrated every possible detail, leaving nothing behind. "That's all that transpired," he concluded.
"Someone is scheming against me. Keep tabs on my stepmother. She most likely is the one plotting against me. Her power drive truly blinds her," Reloua said.
"Consider it done, Princess."
"Also, rally the patriotic ministers and merchants. We need economic and political allies to keep this country functioning. Organize a conference with them when possible," she ordered.
"Consider it done, Princess." Redu nodded.
His wine business provided him with considerable political and economic connections. He knew who was who and what they did in the kingdom. He could efficiently achieve such a task.
In the corner of the room, Teleu expressionlessly listened to their conversation. He'd heard Reloua complain during their journey, so he knew what she'd discussed with Redu. Even though he never showed it, he deeply respected Reloua. A young girl with the courage to stand up against an entire system. That was the pride only a princess of a great family could possess.
"Provide us with two rooms, uncle. I won't directly head to the palace," Reloua said.
Redu headed the command and provided them with the most luxurious rooms in his tavern. The young knave accompanied Teleu to his room, leaving behind a high-spirited Reloua who caught up with Redu.