The Story of Nefrekepta, from a Demotic Papyrus

Set in a richly imagined ancient Egypt, the tale follows Setne Khamuas, high priest of Ptah, who becomes obsessed with retrieving the legendary Book of Thoth—a volume said to hold the secrets of the gods. Rendered in lyrical verse, the story draws from a fragmentary Demotic papyrus, preserving the style and mystery of its original. As Setne assembles a brotherly companion and prepares for a night‑time expedition, the narrative weaves together ritual, scholarship, and a hint of looming danger. Listeners are invited into a world where whispered spells echo through stone corridors.

The priest and his brother slip past seven guarded doors, chanting powerful incantations as they descend into Nefrekepta’s sealed tomb. Inside they confront the restless spirit of a phantom lady and a shadowy child, guardians who refuse to surrender the book without a price. Their confrontation spirals into a tense dialogue that reveals ancient loyalties, love, and a warning that the gods’ will may yet intervene. This first act sets the stage for a deeper exploration of fate, knowledge, and the cost of daring to claim divine power.