The Memory Painter

During the next round, Seth won the match. He was older, stronger, and the more seasoned fighter, and he had been considered the favorite from the beginning. But to everyone’s shock, Hermese chose Thoth as her champion. That Seth won the tournament but not the prize caused a great stir—and it strengthened the divide between the brothers.

The rift had occurred after the tragic death of Seth’s wife, Kiya, who had died during childbirth, along with their newborn son. Seth had been away on a hunting party and had not been present. Instead, Thoth had been the one at Kiya’s bedside, holding her hand through her pain and witnessing the moment her spirit left her body.

Even the Guardian’s daughter, Hermese, had come to take part in Kiya’s death ceremony. Kiya had been Hermese’s playmate as a child, chosen from hundreds to be her companion. She had spent most of her childhood with the House of Atum, where she had been treated like royalty, and when her time at the temple fortress had come to an end, Hermese’s family had showered her with gifts and wealth. Thoth had heard Kiya tell countless stories about what it was like growing up with Hermese, whom she had loved more than a sister.

When Hermese came to pay her respects, it was the first time Thoth had ever caught a glimpse of her. She had stood on the tallest dais in the Sun Temple, but even from afar he could not mistake her tears. That had been seven years ago, and he had loved her ever since.