The exploration of the Nile: Part 3: WHispers of the River (fictional story

Part 3: Whispers of the River

Their journey deeper south took them into uncharted territory. Imhotep, the priest, deciphered hieroglyphs carved on ancient monuments, revealing stories of a hidden kingdom rumored to lie near the source of the Nile. Khufu, the sailor, navigated treacherous rapids with a practiced hand, his wrinkled face etched with worry.

One moonlit night, while patrolling the riverbank, Marcus and Menes stumbled upon a group of dark-skinned warriors, their bodies adorned with intricate tribal markings. They were the Meroë, a formidable African kingdom. A tense standoff ensued, broken only by Imhotep, who used his knowledge of ancient languages to establish a shaky truce.

The Meroë, wary but intrigued by the Romans' quest, offered a bargain. They would guide them to the rumored hidden kingdom in exchange for safe passage through Roman territory. With no other option, Marcus and Menes agreed. They were ofcourse unable to grant such safe passage, even though they themselves might be willing to grant it, but these savages would never make it to Roman territory anyhow.

After days of arduous travel through unforgiving savannah, they arrived at a lush hidden valley carved into the mountains.

free picture from pexels, author: Rachel Claire

A magnificent city of white stone lay nestled within, its golden spires gleaming in the midday sun. The King of this hidden land, a man cloaked in leopard skins and adorned with gold jewelry, received them with wary hospitality.

Through a series of laborious translations, they learned this kingdom, Axum, worshipped the Nile as a deity. Their scholars had charted the river's source deep within their territory – two mighty waterfalls cascading down from an endless mountain range.

Marcus, his heart pounding with triumph, sketched a map