[Main POV]
After a brief exchange with Amun, I began helping with the inspection and fine-tuning of small adjustments to the ship, and that took up the rest of my day. By the end of it, she was finally ready. I looked at the vessel before me with a proud smile on my face.
It was a Greek trireme — a ship that wouldn't be invented for another 500 years. A perfect warship, built for naval combat and cargo transport. I remembered this type well, especially because it was used by King Xerxes I's soldiers in the film 300 Spartans. A beautiful vessel, made even more striking by the dragon carvings.
But unfortunately, it wasn't suited for long voyages. Traveling to the Americas with a ship like this would be completely unfeasible. I still plan to create ships capable of that — but those designs will remain a closely guarded secret, known only to my most loyal men.I have no intention of advancing the Age of Exploration by over 1,200 years. It wouldn't benefit me in any way.
"My lord, would you like to test it for a bit?" asked Abraam, the shipwright in charge of the construction. He was an elderly man, a fisherman since childhood, and exceptionally skilled in building watercraft. Few knew the Nile like he did.
Upon hearing his question, I replied,"Absolutely," I said with a smile, excited. My first experience at sea had been dreadful, but I was sure this second time would be far better.
After a few final preparations, we were ready to board. Agent 3 had been following me the entire time — now joined by Amun as well. When we finally stepped onto the ship, several people were already aboard — many workers could be seen on both sides of the vessel. They were in charge of the oars.Despite the trireme having sail technology, it still relied heavily on manpower. In fact, most of its propulsion came from the rowers.
Inside the vessel, we made our way toward the bow. When we arrived, I gave Abraam a subtle nod, signaling he could begin issuing orders. Without delay, he began shouting:"ATTENTION, EVERYONE READY?"
I had previously taught him the techniques and terms used in rowing coordination, which helped streamline his commands. He called out again:"GROUP ONE, READY?"A group responded:"READY!""GROUP TWO, READY?"Another group:"READY!"
And so on, up to group five. Then Abraam shouted:"OARS IN THE WATER!"
With that, more than forty men lowered their oars in unison, perfectly synchronized and well-trained. It was a beautiful sight — as if they had been rehearsing even before the ship was finished. Soon after, Abraam gave the command I had been most eager to hear:"ATTENTION! DEPART!"
At that command, all rowers moved in unison. The ship began gaining speed. Abraam continued giving short commands, but overall, we were doing great.This voyage was far more enjoyable than my last maritime journey — which had been truly traumatic.
After about five minutes at a steady pace, Abraam gave another important order, shouting:"INCREASE PRESSURE!"
I watched as everyone put more strength into their strokes. The ship sped up considerably. I felt the wind rush through my hair, and it brought me immense joy.It was a truly beautiful day. Now, we just need to begin mass production, and I'll be able to expand my fortune even further. Though for now, I'll probably keep using this prototype — at least while I'm not preoccupied with other conquests.
I plan to use it to finally return to Greece, after so many years away from home and family.I'd been gone so long, I hadn't even seen Sulpicia and Didyme being turned. I had wanted to witness that momentous day.
I spent some time reflecting on that, gazing at the sea and feeling the wind on my face. I stayed that way for the entire trip, until we returned to the shore a few minutes later, as dusk had already begun to fall.
[General POV]
From a distance, a messenger dressed in noble garments awaited on the shore. As Morpheus disembarked, he was immediately approached. In his hands, the emissary carried a scroll sealed with the golden emblem of Egypt's Royal House. It was a letter — and not just from anyone, but from Ramesses II.
Morpheus broke the seal gently, his eyes following the lines as the sky was painted in hues of twilight purple. The handwriting was firm; the tone, solemn — almost reverent:
To the famed and mysterious Morpheus,Son of the lost ages,Whose deeds echo among granite pillars and the veils of the otherworld,May Amun-Ra, Lord of the Horizon, grant you his mighty blessing.
I write to you through this script, sealed with the royal sigil of the House of Ramesses, with the reverence of one who recognizes a power that transcends both flesh and stone. Since your feet touched the soils of Kemet, the balance between order and mystery has leaned in your favor.
Stories speak of your rise not as that of a king, but as a divinity — one who walks among humans with the memory of forgotten times and the command of powers even the priests dare not name. Your presence has not only disturbed the silence of ancient tombs but rekindled the sacred flames on the altars of Ptah and Thoth.
Egypt, land of gods and monarchs, sees in you something that belongs neither to this world nor to any other known one.
As Pharaoh of the Two Lands, I wish to forge a sacred pact of respect. I see not an adversary in you, but a milestone in our people's history — perhaps the beginning of a new Zep Tepi, the age of divine rebirth.
I offer my hand in dialogue and my home for your presence. Come to Pi-Ramesses, my new capital, where obelisks bow to the sun and scribes sing the names of the immortals. There, under the watchful eyes of the gods and before the counsel of sages, I wish to contemplate the future — not just of this world, but of all the worlds your existence may yet touch.
With firmness and reverence,
Ramesses, Son of Ra,He Who Is Chosen by Amun,Lord of the Two Crowns,Living Eternally as Ra.
To be continued...