Uarda : a Romance of Ancient Egypt — Volume 02

The tale opens with a scorching sunrise over the western hills of the City of the Dead, where the relentless heat turns limestone to blaze and the air hums with the sounds of labor. Workers haul massive stone blocks on sledges, vendors hawk food and drink beneath swaying palms, and rowers from distant Thebes lounge on decks, playing games of chance. The bustling necropolis is a vivid tapestry of slaves, craftsmen, and priests, each caught in the rhythm of daily toil and the oppressive summer sun.

Amid this chorus of activity, a striking procession slips through the stone gateway of a newly carved gorge. Four slender youths, wrapped only in gold‑brocade aprons, lead a sleek two‑wheeled chariot pulled by proud horses festooned with feathered plumes. Their radiant skins catch the mid‑day light, hinting at a hidden purpose that will draw the listener deeper into the mysteries of ancient power, loyalty, and rebellion.