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AUGUST 1190 A.D.

A ROYAL PALACE NEAR THE FAMOUS NILE

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IT WAS A DAY THAT BUILT a myth that would not be solved for millennium to come. An unexplained occurrence seen by a few, yet the story would be passed down through generations.

The last full moon of summer had just occurred the night before.  Temperatures were at a mild 80 degrees Fahrenheit.  A slight breeze bellowed through the stone walls of the great palace. Each stone wall towered above the occupants. Beautiful, colorful pictures and engraving adorned each wall. This massive complex was built to impress and to comfort many. 

Floors were garnished by elaborate rugs that shielded the dwellers from the cold rock floors. Each rug was embellished with multiple colors, gold threads and images of those who came before. Statues chiseled out of marble decorated the many rooms and hallways. It was as if someone stepped into a museum of modern-day history. Frequently guests would find their own likeness throughout the artifacts.

The summer day lent itself to an afternoon lunch on the grand balcony of the palace.  The balcony overlooked the magnificent gardens with manicured shrubs, perfectly placed rose gardens and a Grecian fountain that feed the large square pond that sat in the middle of it all. Flowers were in full bloom drawing the butterflies and birds. They could not resist the gorgeous blues, pinks, reds and yellows being presented with the late morning light. The trickling water from the fountain was a harmonious sound that only added to the ambiance of the day.

Several ladies were joined at the table by Menwi.  It was customary and almost a ritual to gather for lunch on a daily routine.  One might even mistake the ladies as sisters.  Warm tan to dark complications for each, with smooth baby skin.  All with dark black wavy hair that was long in length.  Few ladies would leave their hair down, but most preferred a braid that would frame their soft faces. All had blue eyes. Their bodies were voluptuous in shape with somewhat elongated neck that accentuate their noble features.

Menwi was a little younger than most at the table, but had been at the palace longer than many others. She stood about 5 feet 6 inches and worn a beautiful linen sheath dress that was dyed a lapis blue color and came to the floor. The dress was decorated with beads in a swirl style fashion.  Over her shoulders sat a leopard skin shawl. She wore several necklaces that were made of gold and turquoise.  Her favorite was a gold necklace with an amulet that resembled a beetle made from black onyx and trimmed in gold. Menwi was never seen without it. 

As Menwi approached the table she was happy to find the delicacies afforded them. It was everything she had hoped. There are several flatbreads available to choose from. Lentils, figs, dates, and green vegetables in her favorite garlic mixture in abundance. But the sweet breads made from barley and wheat with a touch of honey are her favorites and her beloved red wine made from the grapes of their own garden.

It was a paradise as far as Menwi was concerned. 

As Menwi joined the table she noticed Selene who was well into devouring the gourmet spread. Selene had always preferred using her second name and had been at the palace as far as Menwi could remember. She stood 5 feet tall, not really a pillar of a woman. It was apparent that her favorite color was any shade of purple. Her outfits were always magnificent, designed to promote her dramatic entrances into any room, which confirmed her belief in her divinity.   Her stance was always proud and she commanded the room reminiscent of a powerful leader. 

The women were in deep conversation about the ills of the world. Each having their own take and understanding on what must be done to correct the circumstances. The arguments and collaborations came from women of great privileged and often yielded to their personal benefits. It wasn’t that they did not find all people as equals, for surely, they did. They had a narrow vision of life lived in the castles of their time.

The food beckon to Menwi. As she reached for a slice of the wheat honey bread, Selene was boasting about the projects she built years before. She had been recognized as a fortuitous woman, who did not let male expectations hold her back. Grandeur in architecture was her passion.  She had overseen many new constructions during her reign.

Suddenly, Selene began to choke on her food.  The table of chatter turned silent as everyone focused on Selene. As suddenly as the choking started, it stopped. But Selene began to wheeze. In that moment it was as if Selene became transparent. The table of women could see right through her. And then it happened. Selene was gone. Disappeared. Her chair was not moved. Her food she was eating dropped to her plate. Her lap napkin landed on the chair seat. Not a sound was uttered. No one had any idea what just happen.