Return to Egypt

Chapter One:

The embalming process was a long and slow one. Everything had to be done according to tradition.

The wheels were set in motion from the moment it was announced that their Pharaoh had been killed in action. There was a beginner who was learning this vital trade from his father, who he would one day take over from. But for now, he was watching as his father oversaw the entire procedure.

He tried to put his feelings for the Pharaoh to one side as he watched it all happen in front of him. He had only met the Pharaoh a few times during his short life, but he had immediately taken to him. For someone with such regal blood he seemed like a nice, respectful man. And he adored his wife. The young boy was quite envious of the close relationship the couple had. He hoped he would one day find a relationship like that for himself.

The young boy watched in awe as his father instructed his workers on how to delicately remove the body from the scene of his premature death to the ibu tent, where he was to be prepared for his funeral and transition to the afterlife.

He watched in wide eyed wonder as the body was carefully washed. He almost lost his lunch as they removed many of the pharaoh’s internal organs and placed them into canopic jars. He wasn’t sure if he would ever get used to this part of the process. He understood the thinking behind it, but knowing the theory was very different from seeing the practice up close.

The time soon came for the pharaoh to be laid to rest in his tomb. Everyone present in the tomb were very saddened and mournful, but also composed. They knew he was destined for an amazing time in the afterlife, and therefore he was moving on to better things. He looked over at the Pharaoh’s wife. She was trying to be strong, but it was obvious she was heartbroken. He doubted she would ever get over the loss of her beloved husband.

He couldn’t help but wonder what was awaiting them in the afterlife.