Children of the Gods[Ceaden]

[Numer]

Children of the Gods



City-State of Sepris

As the first radiant rays flowed through the lush delta of the Suppir River, the wildlife awoke. Brightly colored cranes began to slowly unfold their legs and spread their wings. Crocodiles lumbered into the water as fish rose to the surface to eat insects. The deadly Numerian cobra slithered through the papyrus reeds. The river flowed smooth and the flooding season was coming to a close. Semphis, god of agriculture and the sacred rivers, the Suppir and the Reegarsh, as well as the patron god of Sepris, had brought precious silt to the farmers once again.

Soon the Numerian humans arose to begin the day. The vast irrigation systems, tending to fertile fields of grain, had to be maintained, animals had to be fed, goods had to be brought to market, and taxes had to be collected. Slaves awoke first, letting their masters cling to the ever-disappearing solitude of night. Then the farmer's themselves had to rise, throwing on linen tunics and instructing children on the days' tasks while their wives served bread and honey-beer, the staple food of Numer's middle and lower classes.

After a long breakfast of various spiced dishes, the elite of Sepris conducted their business outside the home. In Numer, wealth, not birth or ancestry, determined social standing and power, and the merchants of Numer were considered what other nations would call nobility. These lugals, or merchant-nobles, enjoyed a multitude of servants and vast private estates and businesses.

The city of Sepris slowly awoke to the sounds of the bazaar. Street vendors, hired by the merchants, unloaded exotic goods and luxury items while craftsmen brought their own beautiful creations to stalls where they would be sold for great sums of kaads. Bargaining and haggling could be heard even at the early hour.

The most influential and wealthy merchant family in Sepris, the Urans, awoke in the the Ensi's Palace. The Ensi was the absolute leader of the City-State-in charge of the military, economic, judicial, and political affairs of the city, as well being the High Priest of the patron god. The Ensi was also the city's High Priest of Numera, goddess of beauty and ancestor of all Numerians. Whatever family was in charge were the descendants of Numera and of the patron god; Numera had many lovers amongst her fellow divinities.

Therefore the new Ensi, Resgaal Uran, was considered the divine leader of Sepris, direct descendant of Semphis and Numera. He had been in power for over a year now, and he had adjusted to his new position with great skill. He was extremely ambitious, and wanted to unite all of Numer under one Ensi, himself. And today, he had found the opportunity during his court.

He sat on his throne, decorated in precious, detailed silk and satin cloths and a fine carpet under his sandals, and heard proposals as two servants waved palm branches at him to keep him cool in the blazing southern sun. The throne itself was located against the wall of the Palace and under a small black marble platform supported by four heavily decorated pillars. Two flawless statues of female angels made of obsidian and gold sat on either side of the Ensi, appearing to worship him. The Ensi's court was literally in the central courtyard and garden, and the Ensi presented himself in full regalia including the simple yet elegant golden headband which signified his status as a descendant of Semphis. The courtiers would bring their requests to him personally while musicians played and an alchemist experimented in the far corners of the court, displaying his skills and knowledge for the Ensi. Two lugals played a new game called chess, in which two could test their strategies through simple playing pieces similar to the courtiers themselves. Resgaal loved the new game, and played it with his servants and guests whenever there was time.

"My Ensi, I have received word of a great struggle in Kad," said his trusted friend, Lugal Darut. Kad was the trading capital of the Numerian City-States, centrally located in between the Suppir and Reegarsh. It was Sepris' main rival. "It seems that Ensi Ptolaram III has died of natural causes, and his two children grip each other's throats for the inheritance. Ptolaram insisted that his fortune only be given to one child so that they could rule instead of a new, wealthier Ensi."

"Why has it not been given to his daughter?" Ensi Resgaal said in an imposing tone. In Numer, the birthright was usually given to the eldest child, no matter gender or personality.

"To be frank, I agree with you, Karetsut should be given the wealth. She is wise despite her age, and her beauty will gather her support. Ptolaram IV is merely a teenager, yet he thinks he will defeat and murder his sister and become great. I suggest we...intervene. He will get the upper hand being a male, despite tradition. He has already driven her outside Kad."

I've heard enough. Intervene we shall..." Resgaal said, a murmur of approval seeping through the court.

[Numer]

City-State of Sepris

As the sun once again beat down on the court the next day, a man was summoned before the Ensi at his command.

"You are going to Kad, saying that you are my representative. I need someone I can trust in Ptolaram's court," Ensi Resgaal continued, "It is time you prove your true worth to this family, brother."

Rolling his eyes, Sansid ignored his older brother's authority and quickly quipped back, "It is time you stop thinking you are so high and mighty because of your position. Too good for family now, are you?" he hissed, "Now you make me travel to the very doorsteps of our enemies!"

"It is because I believe in your abilities. Am I wrong?" A faint smile could be seen emerging at the corners of Resgaal's lips. It had been a while since he had teased his brother like this, and he still found it humorous despite being them being adults now. Sansid, now twenty-three, had the same personality as he did when they were so young, funny and wild.

"You don't think I can handle some boy and his eunuch slave? Go build your new temple, brother." Sansid uttered as he grinned.

"That I will, Sansid, that I will."

And it was true. A new seven tiered temple to Semphis was being built in the heart of the city, across from the Palace of the Ensi and the Hanging Gardens of Sepris. It, like every other building in Numer, was being built out of yellowish mud-bricks, but this would be painted over by beautiful and religious depictions of the former Ensis and the gods, highlighting Semphis and Numera. Soon it would stand, soaring to reach a height to touch the sky, adorning the city because it would be a part of it, but glorifying in its own beauty.

As the construction continued, two men rode by on horses, hooded and on a mission. They rode in the direction of Kad.

City-State of Kad

Later that night Sansid arrived in another court, that of Ptolaram IV. The young leader's steward and advisor, a sly eunuch, halted Sansid from approaching the throne.

"Greetings, Sansid of Sepris. What business do you have with the Son of Valnur, god of wealth and trade, and Numera, the Fourth of the Dynasty of Ptolaram, the Ensi of Kad? I apologize, but his Benevolence is very busy." The eunuch smiled with sincerity, but behind his eyes his true ambitions shone. Both men knew who held power in this court.

Sansid looked skeptical and replied briskly, "Enough with these formalities, please. I have come to...inquire about the problems you seem to be having with the Ensi's sister."

"Problems? what problems? Karetsut has no followers, it is simply a rumor spreading through the slums."

"Do not speak of her in my court!" The young teenager's cracking voice rang out to the visitor. Thinking himself a god, in a condescending tone, he continued, "I do not like the tone of this man. Bring him away!"

"Let his Greatness know that this 'man' has killed far more worthy men than some in here in this room," Sansid retorted sharply, as he stepped forward to lock eyes with Ptolaram. The teenager was small for his age, and was quite arrogant, showing only insolence.

Pleading in his eyes, the eunuch tried to calm the scenario. "Please, master, he is here to help us."

Sansid already knew whose side the Urans would help. Nonetheless, they needed eyes in Kad. "To help you, my Ensi, I request that I be allowed to stay at your court for a few days. I hope to build a strong relationship between Sepris and Kad."

Unsure of how to react, Ptolaram looked to his servant. The eunuch nodded his head enthusiastically, urging the young Ensi on.

Clearing his throat and trying to sound mighty, the Ensi replied. "Fine then. But never speak of that...bitch again."

Some elder Lugals shook their heads in disapproval, but hid the gesture from the Ensi's paranoid eyes. Sansid left the court to retire to the guest's quarters. Ptolaram called his servant over and whispered in his ears, "Kill Karetsut. I know the men found her hideout in the countryside."

And the eunuch smiled.

Outskirts of the countryside of Kad

Meanwhile, the two hooded men who left Sepris arrived at the outskirts of Kad. They waited until they saw the Ptolaram's assassins on horseback, and they silently followed. After some hours of travel through the darkness, the assassins got off their horses and walked to a large, portable tent structure, ornately decorated and gilded and shining in the night. Servants of Karetsut as well as local shepherds waited outside the camp.

Inside the tent, Karetsut lied on a silk bed and drank wine. Her handmaiden, who was with her since her birth and practically her grandmother, conversed with her. Karetsut's beauty was no rumor- she looked like the goddess Numera herself. But beauty did not win wars, and she feared for her life.

Her fears were realized when one of the assassins entered her tent.

"Say your words," The assassin grimaced. Her handmaiden began to weep.

No tears in her eyes, just a look of shock, she began to say prayers in her proud and angelic voice. She could hear outside the sounds of swords clinging, and felt sad her servants would die for her tonight.

"Numera, your child calls for your deliverance-"

"That's enough," Her assassin laughed and raised his sword, "What a weak thing you are-"

One hooded figure flew into the tent, sword raised and swinging. The assassin quickly parried the blow, and went on the offensive. Back and forth they dueled, until the assassin gained the upper hand and plunged his sword through the rescuer's stomach. The defeated warrior dropped, a puddle of blood leaking onto to the carved wooden floor. The assassin laughed again over the body at such an easy kill. But in the middle of his hyena-like cackle, a golden dagger plunged through his throat.

"Weak, am I?" Karetsut said, violently pulling the dagger from her victim. Stunned, the assassin sunk to his knees, and finally fell. Outside the other hooded figure finished off the second assassin with a flourish. The savior took off his hood, and walked to Karetsut.

"I am a servant of Ensi Resgaal of Sepris. He wished to speak with you at once."

[Numer]

City-State of Sepris

The Ensi awaited Karetsut in his personal quarters. He had heard of her beauty, how she shared the black hair and dark eyes of all Numerians, but had lighter skin, not the tan skin of her people. It made sense, as her mother was unknown, and her father did take frequent trips to the brothels...it was rumored her mother was foreign. Nonetheless, it made her unique, and sought after by men in power.

As he contemplated, she entered, and his suspicions were fulfilled. Wearing a fine linen dress and adornments of all sorts, she was the epitome of desire. Resgaal did not just want her city, he wanted her. And she knew how she could gain so much power because of this.

"Ah, here she is, daughter of Valnur and Numera, in all her glory," Resgaal smiled,"Yet her brother wishes her dead."

Smiling back, she replied sarcastically, "I heard many things of you, yet none were of your humor."

"So how are we going to give you your throne," Resgaal said, still with mockery,"And what is in it for me."

"The Lugals of Kad hate my brother, he disgraces them every day. If I can show that I am in control, we can take the city without raising a weapon once. Of course, he would have his men kill me on the spot if they saw me in Kad, but I have a plan to get into the court. The lugals would not allow such bloodshed there," Then locking eyes with Resgaal,"As for your reward...you can be ensi of both Kad and Sepris, so long as we share power. I know your ambitions, and I am willing to help you become Ensi of all Numer itself...as long as I am the Isis, the empress."

"It is agreed, then."

"It is agreed."

Resgaal was thrilled, and Karetsut deviously thought of how she could influence her future husband.

City-State of Kad

It was another hot afternoon as a shipment of fine carpets were driven by cart into Kad. The driver was a slave of a prominent lugal, and he had been ordered to drop one particularly fine-crafted rug to the palace of Ptolaram IV. As the cart cruised in front of the Palace, Sansid and two of his Sentinels, elite troops of the city-states, awaited. The Sentinels picked up the carpet and waved the slave off.

Inside Ptolaram IV's court, the teenager showed his battle prowess with a wooden sword as he hit his eunuch slave, who was blindfolded. Each strike drew applause from the court, simply stroking the ego of the ruthless ensi. The slave smiled, repeating "Good hit, my Ensi" after every hit. It was truly a pathetic scene to behold. Sansid briskly escorted the carpet straight past the guards and the Sentinels placed it on the ground in front of the court, the courtiers confused at the interruption.

A wave of silence flooded the large room as the carpet was slowly unrolled to reveal Karetsut, in full regalia, stand up with the help of Sansid. Ptolaram's face grew from puzzled to horrified, as the eunuch slowly removed his blindfold to see what quieted and shocked the lugals. The Ensi walked quickly up to his throne and sat down, trying vainly to reestablish his control.

Karetsut strolled up to Ptolaram with a look of self assurance and power, bent down, and uttered a simple greeting with a hint of malice.

"Hello, little brother," she said, loudly emphasizing the last two words. Ptolaram looked desperate.

"I...I never meant to h-hurt you."

"Oh I'm sure, I'm sure...you were just...corrupted, yes?" Karetsut said mockingly.

Ptolaram, not seeing her feigned forgiveness, jumped at the opportunity to save himself. Pointing to the eunuch, he nervously betrayed him. "It was him! He convinced me! It was all his ideas! He wanted to seize power from us, sister! He wanted to put another family in power!"

"Well we can't have that can we?" Karetsut continued in her playful tone, "He should pay. But so should you. If it were not for my future husband, the Ensi of Sepris, I would have been dead by now, on your orders."

Sweat poured down both accused faces as they awaited their punishment. Karetsut suddenly grew serious.

"They shall be killed," she said, staring down her brother and his slave. She then addressed the lugals and courtiers in an angelic and assertive voice.

"We are at the dawn of a new age. It is time for the people of Numer, the children of the gods, to stop fighting amongst themselves. I declare Resgaal Uran the Ensi of both Sepris and Kad, soon to be Ensi of all Numer. I am to be the Isis, the empress, the incarnate of Numera. Bow before me, and you shall be greatly rewarded, in this life, and the afterlife."

The lugals, free of Ptolaram's wrath, bowed before Isis Karetsut and smiled, no longer serving the whims of a weak teenage boy.

Months Later

Resgaal and Karetsut were now married after a particularly lavish ceremony, and now ruled over Apesh and Urvarys along with Sepris and Kad. Their combined troops overwhelmed the smaller Apesh, yet Ensi Quramesh remained defiant. After he was killed, Sansid was appointed Lugalesh, head lugal and leader, of the city. Urvarys was more of a challenge, as the harsh jungle environment proved deadly from men who had lived near the floodplains of the sacred rivers their whole lives. Nonetheless, fearing for her unborn son, Ensi Ceris pleaded for peace and offered to join the new empire as long as she could be Lugalesh of Urvarys.

And now, after a two month siege, the mountain city-state of Raegal was about to fall. Raegal was the hardest to defeat, as the city-state worshipped the war god Raggesh and focused on having the most powerful military of the city-states. They created the fierce warriors called Sentinels and vicious cavalry called Seraphim. Being mountainous also aided the defenders, and the cold helped kill off many wounded attackers.

But on this radiant day, the gates of Raegal were broken through using war elephants from Urvarys. The combined forces of the other cities, now comprising an empire, poured into Raegal, despite its elite troops. The defenders retreated to the palace of Ensi Yeshinezzar, a man in his late thirties with great wisdom and knowledge in tactics. He knew when he was defeated. He called out to Resgaal, surrendering and offering Resgaal the city if he stayed in power. Resgaal accepted, he became Ensi of Numer at last, with his beautiful wife, Isis Karetsut of Numer.

And so what was once a collection of individual city-states in the "land between the rivers" became the Empire of Numer, destined to be ruled over by the Uranid Dynasty for centuries to come.