After nearly a week of sea travel, one morning the ship finally approached the harbor of Alexandria. From afar, a huge tower could be seen. The Egyptian men present told Zeeniya that they were now about to arrive in Egypt's capital city, Alexandria. They explained that this city was the center of Egypt's knowledge, politics, and trade, and that the royal palace of the king was also located here.
As Zeeniya was about to enter the city, they told her that by witnessing the city's vibrancy and generosity, she would realize how advanced and prosperous it was. Zeeniya asked about the tall tower that was visible ahead. The Egyptian man replied that it was the Pharos Lighthouse of Alexandria, the tallest lighthouse in the world. Its light could be seen far across the sea at night, guiding ships on their voyages.
By now, the ship had reached the harbor. It was morning, and a cool sea breeze was blowing. Large and small ships were unloading at the port—spices from one country, ivory from another, and frankincense and perfumes from yet another. The Egyptian man told Zeeniya that through this harbor, trade caravans from all over the world entered Egypt, and that Egypt exported wheat and bread to other lands.
After some time, the royal carriages arrived at the port to receive them. Zeeniya mounted the royal chariot, and her journey into Alexandria city began. The royal carriage soon raced along stone-paved roads, with buildings on both sides. Zeeniya looked very beautiful, and it was the first time she had ever seen stone-built roads.
As she traveled along, they entered the bazaar, where shops lined both sides of the street. Shops selling colorful clothes, shops selling gold, silver, and copper jewelry, and even some shops selling books could be seen. Passing through the city, Zeeniya also noticed public bathhouses in many places, where people were enjoying hot baths, fragrances, and spices.
After seeing all this, the royal carriage finally reached the royal palace, where Zeeniya was accommodated in the royal guest house to rest and have breakfast. She was told to relax, as later she would be taken to the royal court to meet King Akhnatoon.
After resting for about half a day, royal guards came to summon Zeeniya, saying that King Akhnatoon was waiting to meet her in the royal court.
Zeeniya entered the royal court. It was a vast hall, where the king sat upon a grand throne. On one side sat the queen, and on the other side possibly the princess. The king's ministers were also present in the court.
As soon as Zeeniya entered, the king stood up to welcome her warmly, expressing his great joy. Pointing to one side, the king introduced his queen, and then pointing to the other side, he said: "This is our daughter, Princess Bastira. She is the sole heir to this crown."At the king's gesture, Zeeniya sat down on a nearby seat. The king said, "Princess, now please tell me and my courtiers about yourself." Zeeniya replied, "I am Princess Zeeniya of the Zargoon tribe.""Our tribe is not as large as Egypt," Zeeniya said, "but I want it to become a prosperous and advanced tribe. That is why I wish to establish trade and diplomatic relations with Egypt. It is also the reason I accepted the king's invitation."
Zeeniya then noticed that Princess Bastira kept glancing at her neck repeatedly, as if troubled by something. Zeeniya found this very strange. After a while, Princess Bastira apologized and quietly left the court.
The king then said to Zeeniya, "Now you may also rest. You will have dinner with us tonight, and there we shall continue our conversation." With that, the court was dismissed.
At night, a grand feast awaited at the royal dining table. The king, the queen, and some ministers were present, but Princess Bastira was absent. During the meal, the king said to Zeeniya, "For now, you should explore Egypt. Afterward, I will share with you the real matter for which I invited you here. Especially tomorrow, you must visit the pyramids—the true symbol of Egypt."
The next morning, after breakfast, the king's guards came to escort Zeeniya so she could tour the pyramids and other parts of the city. Along with them, a royal guide was also appointed.
As they traveled through Alexandria, passing along the banks of the Nile River, they headed toward the pyramids. On the way, Zeeniya marveled at the Nile itself—a vast and mighty river. In the distance, the sun was shining brightly, and in its light, three great pyramids and the Sphinx could be seen. Zeeniya was astonished by the sight.
When they drew closer, the guide began telling Zeeniya the stories of the Pharaohs—Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure. Zeeniya listened in amazement.Zeeniya wondered how such massive stones could have been lifted by humans. In front of the pyramids stood a huge statue with the body of a lion and the face of a man. The guide told Zeeniya, "This is the Sphinx. It is an ancient and famous monument. It is considered the largest statue in the world carved from a single stone, and it is seen as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and intelligence."
Zeeniya also noticed that besides the Great Pyramid, there were several smaller pyramids. While passing near one of them, she suddenly felt uneasy, as if her Power of the King of Sandail was being pulled or drawn toward it. She asked the guide about that pyramid, whether he knew anything of it.
The guide replied, "No one is allowed to enter this pyramid. Whoever has ever tried to enter it has lost their life. Ancient Egyptian records say that inside this pyramid lies the burial of an Egyptian princess named Selqara. Thousands of years ago, she ruled Egypt, and she was extremely cruel. Princess Selqara was a master of black magic, so no one could face or challenge her.
Eventually, the people grew weary of her oppression. Then, a man who was even more skilled in black magic than the princess performed a powerful ritual and put her into a deep sleep. Afterward, she was mummified. It is said that the day the seal of her dark magic is broken, the princess will awaken from her sleep and once again attempt to reclaim her rule."
After a whole day of sightseeing, Zeeniya returned to the palace in the evening. That night, while she was sleeping, she suddenly felt a tight pull around her neck, as though someone was trying to draw away her Power of the King of Sandail. As soon as Zeeniya opened her eyes, it seemed to her that someone was standing near her bed—but then vanished instantly. She thought about it for a while, and eventually, she fell asleep again.
The next morning, after breakfast, the king summoned Zeeniya to a private chamber in the palace—one where he dealt with the kingdom's secret affairs.When Zeeniya arrived, the king motioned for her to sit and began speaking:
"Princess Zeeniya, the reason we have called you here is to help us with a great trouble. Now the time has come to tell you about it, so that you may remove this problem as soon as possible.
We have only one daughter, who will inherit the throne of Egypt after us. Our daughter, Princess Bastira, is very beautiful, kindhearted, and skilled in all arts and sciences. Because of her grace and character, our people love her deeply.
But some time ago, something happened. When the princess awoke one morning, her temperament had completely changed. She no longer seemed like Princess Bastira. She became quick-tempered, and since that day, if anyone in the palace or among the people made even the slightest mistake, she would punish them harshly and express hatred toward them.
I have tried many times to reason with her, but she even speaks rudely with me. Since then, I have been very worried. In the future, she must take the throne of Egypt—and such behavior could prove disastrous for our kingdom.
When I consulted the royal astrologer about this matter, he told me after his calculations that some spell has been cast upon the princess's mind. The enchantment is so powerful that no ordinary sorcerer can break it. Because of this dark magic, the princess has changed so drastically.
The royal astrologer also told me about you, Princess Zeeniya—that you possess a great power, the King of Sandail. With its help, you can break this spell over the princess."
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