The city wall—built of beautiful steel—towered three hundred feet above the ground. Golden patterns shined on its rough surface, capturing visitors' attention. Streams of people walked through the gates, clothed in expensive fabrics from different kingdoms.
Guards stood atop the iron gates and below, monitoring for crime. Their strict watch kept order in the bustling metropolis.
Teleu and Reloua passed through the gate, greeted by soaring towers. Pagodas, pavilions, and skyscrapers decorated the city. The broad streets overflowed with businesses, merchants, and customers. Nkap truly was the busiest metropolis in Nubia.
"Finally, the city lives up to its name," Teleu praised, dodging a tall, buff man. His pupils contracted. "He is not from Gold Land, is he?"
"He is from Mura," 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. "Fair enough. It seems diversity is the norm here." He gazed at the figures pacing around with a smile.
Animosity raged between the kingdoms of Nubia, and war loomed constantly. Such diversity was rare, pleasant to Teleu who rarely interacted with foreigners.
Reloua showed Teleu around—government offices, historical monuments, museums, education complexes. Without her as a guide, he wouldn't have learned nearly as much.
"Why the frown?" Reloua noticed his changing expression.
"It's just—" he paused. "Nkap is massive, diverse, has monuments… However, I saw no shrine or temple during our stroll."
In Ankh, even the air seemed to hum with spiritual presence. 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.
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 feel anything special here. People lost the essence of what life really was about. They only focus on material things—gold, commerce, buildings. But what good is wealth when your soul remains disconnected? When you can't 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. You've chosen the merchant route—trading spiritual strength for material comfort. That's why your kingdom is crumbling from within."
"Temples won't help us boost our economy, will they?" Reloua asked sharply. "People of Nkap are rational and contemporary. We prioritize grandeur and wealth over cults and religions. The former gives us power that enables better life. Shrines won't feed my people. The result of their hard work feeds them."
Teleu's frown deepened. "A kingdom with no spiritual 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. Managing a tavern and brewing wine was his passion, but a recent event had overstrained him. Clients complained about the palm wine not being good—a situation he'd never experienced before.
His situation worsened and his reputation suffered. Conscious of this, Redu temporarily shut down. The news shocked quite a few. Never had the most significant wine merchant in Nkap closed.
Redu paid no heed. His mind was full of thoughts to which he needed answers.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
A sweaty young knave ran his way. "Sir! Sir! Strangers are looking for you."
"Shoo them away! You know I'm not in the mood," Redu scolded.
"They mentioned a vow and said it was important," the knave insisted.
Swish! Redu threw his scripture aside, running toward the door. A hopeful expression crept across his face. Will I have the answers I wanted? He reached the room where the strangers had been led.
At the sight of the veiled figure, Redu knelt and sobbed, relieved. "I pay respect to the Princess," he said proudly.
Reloua rushed to his side and hurried to lift him. "Uncle, you don't have to kneel." They embraced deeply.
Redu was a friend of her mother. They'd grown up together, and he'd followed her when she became Queen of Gold Land. At Reloua's birth, he'd sworn an oath—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?"
"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. "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?"
"After the king learned of your disappearance, he raged at the guards and threatened Ankh with war. People thought you'd been kidnapped. Also, two ministers following your cause switched sides and slandered your name…" Redu narrated every detail. "That's all that transpired."
"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. Organize a conference with them when possible."
"Consider it done, Princess." Redu nodded. His wine business provided him with considerable political and economic connections.
In the corner of the room, Teleu expressionlessly listened. He'd heard Reloua complain during their journey, so he knew what she'd discussed. 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.