The rhythmic and repeating sound of metal against stone called your and everyone’s eyes toward the great pyramid. Animal-headed and armed golems, cousins of the gold and black jackal statues guarding the entrance, marched out onto a terrace before fanning out like an honor guard. Creatures, lesser in stature but not in bearing, followed after.
“Citizens of the island of Men-nefer, the city of New Thebes, kingdom of High Luxor.” No longer Manhattan or New York City. Fair, you supposed. The powerfully voiced speaker was a regally-dressed male. A winged sphinx with an eagle’s head. The way his keen gaze swept through the crowd it felt like he judged each one of you individually before moving on to the next person. “Pharaoh Sanura Neferkheperu, the first Pharaoh of the Restored Kingdom and founder of the dynasty of her name. Ruler of the arid desert, the wild savannah, and the fertile rivers. Beloved and born by the union of the twin goddesses Sekhmeth and Bastet!” Another mighty clang rang out when the golems thumped the butt of the spears into the ground.
You and many others took a sharp intake of breath and then held to the point you felt your lungs burning and calling out for new air. Even if you hadn’t been told that the black-skinned African woman with cat-like features approaching the railing was the child of deities that would’ve been the first conclusion you would’ve reached for. The cat girl had black tuffed ears and tail, and at the very least furred paws that ran up to her forearm, all with the ruddy and ochre fur of a caracal. Everything about this radiant and cheerful woman compelled your undivided attention. Eager to begin, she skipped forward the last few paces and waved to everyone with both arms. “Today heralds the birth of a new nation. Feast and be merry for this is a joyous occasion as we usher in New Thebes into an eternal golden age.” The bubbly mood and voice was infectious with elated cheers and clapping soon thundering through the park. You think you were one of those who joined in. “My pyramid stands open and those who seek and an audience or the blessing of their Pharaoh can join me in the throne room.”
After clapping her hands together more golems flooded out of the entrance. Although looking no less fierce, these ones carried trays of food and barrels with all kinds of drink that they set down for the fea– ‘Seek me out. Inside the pyramid.’ –st. Casting your eyes to the terrace you saw a naga in the robes of a cleric among the entourage slither behind Pharaoh Sanura. Could that have been the source of the voice or the sphinx? You must’ve frozen up because you didn’t notice the harpy man pressing one of two clay goblets filled with a sweet-smelling liquid into your scaled and clawed hand. “Less boring than a business meeting!” He flashed a charming smile then practically danced away. And most were like him, scattering and mingling to find interesting looking people and barely hesitating to indulge in the celebration.
You brought the cup to your lips. The honeyed alcohol tasted as sweet as it smelled and filled you with warmth but it had a rough edge that lingered. Like your thoughts surrounding the strange telepathic message. Following the voice meant that you could maybe learn something more. Or talking to Pharaoh Sanura. But you weren’t the only one who had a slightly doubtful look, though it was hard to read some of the more animalistic faces, maybe one of them could stick their noses or snouts in it.
All you were was an unnamed face in a crowd. Not yet anyone special.