Chapter 1
Nefertari rolled to the side just in time to see the sharp blade of the axe land in the ground beside her, inches from my head. She twists her body and deftly lifts her legs, kicking them upward with all her might as the determined soldier viciously throws himself over her again. Nefertarikicks him in the stomach, shaking him so that he feels a sharp pain under his armoured vest and flies backwards, whirling through the air and landing on the grass with a dull thud. She scrambled to her feet and limped over to my discarded shield and sword, which had fallen ten feet away from me when they were knocked out of my hand. She spun quickly to ward off the renewed attack of her opponent, who rushed forward to seek revenge.
Nefertari runs, but before she can get her equipment, she looks back and just escapes as the axe flies through the air toward her and hits a tree behind her. The soldier quickly runs toward her. She did not get her gear in time until she is thrown around and comes face to face with the soldier. He swings a dagger from his belt and aims it at her face. Automatically, Nefertariquickly grabs the wrists of his hands, gets evenly close and fends him off by elbowing him in the face. This causes him to take a step back as he loosens his grip on the dagger. The sound of the blow and the groan echoes off the walls in the courtyard.
He quickly regains his balance and gives her a sly smile. The soldier walks forward and fights with his bare fists. He swings his right fist at her head. She backs away, balances on one foot and gives him a punch to the jaw. Then she turns to the side to get a better grip so that his upper body is between her head and shoulder. Nefertaripushes him. As he collides with the three of them, she feels the shock through him in her body. The soldier sees the sword that Nefertarilost had earlier. He picks it up and gives her a foot in the stomach, causing her to stumble and lose her balance. She falls to the ground and the soldier stands over her, preparing to bring the blade of the sword to her throat. Instead, he mimics the motion and the fight ends. She hisses. She is discouraged and angry with herself. She knows she should be better than this.
“Argh!” Nefertaricries out breathlessly. “Tahar, what am I doing wrong? This is not good enough.”
“Tiri, you are great. And a tough opponent to beat.” Tahar gently takes the sword away. “We just need to work on a few little things, if you feel the need.” He reaches out to help her up.
“Thank you Tahar, you are a great friend. I really appreciate you wanting to do combat drills with me.” She takes his hand and brushes dust and dirt off her clothes. They leave the small, versatile grassy area at the far end of the castle’s grounds, which is hardly used. If it is used at all. They walk on in silence for a while.
“How has your father been treating you lately? The people in Alexandria are all excited and talking about how happy they are that you are Queen.”
“You should have heard my father in the last year or so. OH, Nefertari my dear child, you are growing up so fast. Look at you, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. You look like your sweet mother when I met her. We got married at the same age you are now and nine months after our wedding you, my dear, were born. Please tell me you have found a man to marry,” Nefertari tried to imitate her father’s dark male voice, which made Taha laugh. “My father has urged me to hurry to find a husband - a wise, calculating and noble man who can one day rule our kingdom by my side in ancient Egypt.”
“That really sounds like your father. He’s been mentioning that to the soldiers lately too. But I am sure your father, the almighty King Ptolemy of Egypt, loves to have his only child and daughter out here training and learning combat skills with his best trainer for his soldiers, to help you, oh right he doesn’t know else he would have locked you up inside the palace.” Tahar tries to make a gesture only worthy of a king as a playful smile escapes him.
“If he had his way, I would wear the finest clothes every day, attend all the events and be the coming great queen that everyone expects me to be. There are so many strict rules, and I cannot even be myself.” Nefertarisighs over her dark lips. She sits down on a bench among the flowers and trees in the palace garden. And Tahar sits down right behind her.
“Oh, please do not be offended, I was just pulling your leg.” Tahar gave her a guilty look. “I know how your father can be. I am sure people love you for who you are. Even if you break some rules.” He tries to comfort her by putting his hand on her shoulder.
“Thank you, Tahar.” There is a pause. “You know what? I did not know this was a bizarre part of the garden. Have we even been here before? I should have known better about this part.” Nefertarilooks around.
“What, did you hit your head? We pass this place every time we walk around the garden.” He gives her a laugh. “Even after our toughest sessions, you still seem to comment on something here.”
After a while, Tahar speaks up again. “Dear Nefertari, I should leave now before someone in the palace worries about you. I would be very grateful if your father did not find out that I am helping you. It could mean not only my position in the army, but also my head. But you know I will help you no matter what, because he is my best friend.” He kisses Nefertari’s hand gently, as he always does. “Goodbye. If our paths do not meet before then I will see you next week at the same time and place.
“Goodbye.” she calls out to him as he walks out into the street.
They part ways and Nefertariheads back inside the palace. She heads for the main entrance but does not quite get there until she is stopped by a soldier.
