CH.16 Walking Through Misery: Factions and Ambitions Unveiling the Dark Truth

In Egypt, there is a city where people go Affected by factions, their future unknown Kids stop to grow, with no hope in sight Their next meal uncertain, their lives a fight

These are the ones who live but are dead Their struggle for survival, an ongoing thread A juxtaposition between the heart of Thebes And this town, where inequality breeds

For some, life is a dream, a world of wealth While for others, it's a constant battle for health The divide between rich and poor, a chasm so wide It's hard to see the other side

Walking Through Misery: Factions and Ambitions Unveiling the Dark Truth

"Sorry, Commander Menes. The carriage is broken," said the charioteer.

"Oh, again," said Commander Menes.

"Don't worry. The palace isn't that far. We can walk from here," said the old man.

"Fine," said Captain Menes in a tired tone.

They started to walk through the town what caught jacks eye, with great dismay, Was the deplorable conditions in which people lay.

The streets were filled with debris and dirt, And the stench of rotting food made his nose hurt.

The buildings were small and overcrowded too, with families cramped inside, feeling blue.

Children with dirty faces and ragged clothes, Bellies empty, and their future unknown.

Women with heavy loads on their heads, their eyes filled with exhaustion, feeling like the dead.

Men toiled in fields, their skin weathered and worn, Working in the sun from dusk until dawn.

Jacks mind couldn't help but feel anxiety while he was walking through this misery it was truly horrible.

"Hey, Commander Menes, what happened to these people?" Jack asked, noticing the suffering of the locals.

"Oh yeh, you are new here. Marcus told me everything about you," Menes replied. "These people are affected by the factions."

"What factions?" Jack inquired.

"In Egypt at this time, there are currently four factions fighting for power, and they all want one thing," Menes explained.

"What is that thing?" Jack asked, intrigued.

"They want the CHRONOTEX," Menes replied, causing Jack to widen his eyes in shock.

"But why?" Jack asked.

"Well, I don't know myself. I am still investigating the reasoning. But It could be because of their ideals and ambitions," Menes answered.

"Oh my, I guess the times have changed," the old man remarked. "When I worked for the royal family, people weren't like this."

"Yeh, because at your time, the queen wasn't even born yet," Menes joked.

"Be quiet, Menes, remember to respect your elders," the old man reprimanded him.

"Oh yeah, what was I saying?" Menes asked, trying to recall the topic of their conversation.

"The factions," Jack reminded him.

"Oh yeah, so there are four strong factions in Egypt right now. They all are powerful with CHRONOTEX users, and their abilities far surpass some of our own in the army. There are some other small ones too, but they don't stand a chance and aren't that big of a threat," said Menes.

"Oh, I see. Interesting," said Jack. "But what are their names?" Jack asked Menes.

Menes lifted his hands and started counting on his fingers. "Well, first, you have The Anubis, the people we fought right now. Then we have the Merchants Guild, then we have us, the Royal Family, and then we have the ne.....

"Commanderrrrr! a man shouted from behind. I am here."

"Oh my, what are you doing here? Ramon?" asked Commander Menes.

"As soon as I heard about you, I took my carriage from the palace and came here to pick you up myself," said Ramon.

"Come on now, commander Menes. Let's all go in the carriage. I can't walk that much," said the Ayman.

"Ok then. Finally" shouted the old man in excitement.

After several hundred meters

They finally arrived at the palace. The bustling city streets were a sensory overload for them, with vibrant colours and unique architecture surrounding them. The clip-clop of horses' hooves on the cobblestone roads blended with the calls of merchants selling their wares, creating a chaotic symphony that somehow fit perfectly with the ancient city of Thebes.

As they looked up at the towering mud-brick walls adorned with intricate hieroglyphs and paintings, they marvelled at the stories of gods and pharaohs depicted on them. The air was heavy with the scent of exotic spices and perfumes, and the sun's heat beat down on them, a constant reminder of the desert landscape beyond the city walls.

Despite the city's chaos and noise, there was a sense of order and purpose in everything. They passed by markets brimming with vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to ornate jewellery and clothing made of the finest silk. People from all walks of life mingled in the streets, from wealthy nobles riding in carriages to humble farmers carrying baskets of goods on their heads.

As they approached the palace, the crowds began to thin, and the sounds of the city faded away. The palace itself was a massive structure made of gleaming white stone, adorned with gold and precious gems. Guards stood watch at the entrance, their weapons at the ready, and they were required to provide their names and business before being allowed to pass.

Inside, the atmosphere was opulent and serene. Intricate murals and carvings adorned the walls, depicting the triumphs and conquests of the pharaohs who had ruled from this very palace. Richly woven tapestries hung from the ceilings, and the floors were paved with smooth marble tiles. The air was cool and fragrant, a welcome relief from the heat of the city.

Despite the grandeur of the palace, Jack couldn't shake off the sense of unease that hung in the air. There was an underlying tension, a feeling that not everything was as it seemed. Jack senses something a feeling that was overwhelming something he had never felt before. As much as Jack admired the beauty and history of this ancient city, He couldn't help but wonder what lay beneath the surface, of this palace.