True to my promise, I stood by Hisan, quite literally on the next day of offering. I arrived at the plaza, to find that only Hisan and the Pharaoh where there, the rest of the kingdom having been told to stay at home. The public response to Prince Hisan’s decree was mixed, of course they where all relieved that there would be enough food but knowing the Sphinx would be denied made many very afraid. Some ponies even chose to leave the kingdom, so afraid at what the sphinx might do they gave up on the kingdom. Nopony did anything to stop them, this was a terrifying time, who could blame them for protecting their families?
Hisan, the Pharaoh and I where joined only by a few select Nobles, and Bomani with a few honor guards, the Pharaoh’s personal guard, all in full battle dress. This meeting had the feeling of a Parlay between enemy armies, not a day of celebration as it was before. That along made me sad, my fondest memories of the Offering day. Family, friends, great banquets, music, laughter, all things denied on their dark day.
The sphinx seemed to know something was different as she landed, her face neutral as she stood on the Podium. She said nothing as she sat there, looking us over each on turn. Something about her face, told me she missed the celebrations we used to have as well. From the time I was a foal I remember the Sphinx swaying her head to the music, drinking wine by the barrel, and her smiles of joy. Faced with only soldiers and diplomats, she knew something was wrong. This time, Prince Hisan stepped forward instead of his father, and without greeting he began.
“Great sphinx, we have not been able to produce enough food to both feed our people and make our offering.” He said without emotion. “We have chosen to feed our people.”
I expected instant rage, or at least surprise but the sphinx only closed her eyes and nodded. “Pharaoh, do you agree with your son’s choice?”
“I support him fully, Great sphinx.” The Pharaoh said, patting Hisan on the back.
“Somnambula,I see you stand by your friend.” The Sphinx said addressing me.
“I do, Great Sphinx.”
“I offer my condolences for your wife.” The Sphinx said quietly, “when her heart is weighed, it will not be found lacking.”
“Thank you great Sphinx.” I said, politely bowing.
The Sphinx turned back to Hisan. “Dear Prince, you must know that this is unprecedented. Nopony has ever refused me an offering.”
“I’m aware.” Hisan said. “You’ve forced this choice upon me, I will not let my people starve. You taught me that I was responsible for every life in my kingdom and that I should do anything to protect them. So there will be no more offering.”
The Sphinx’s upper lip curled in a snarl, and she was surround in an aura of flame. “That’s where you’re wrong dear prince.” She said. “There will always be an offering, if you will not give me the fruits of your labors, I will take you.”
None of use expected that, and before we could even figure out what she was talking about, the Sphinx reached forward with one of her massive paws to grab the prince. None of us had ever seen the Sphinx show aggression, and it scared the soldiers so much that as she lunged those battle-hardened veterans jumped backwards. All but one of them, that is.
Bomani lept in front of Hisan, and deflected the Sphinx’s paw with his shield. He stood with his calm, nuetral face, pointing his solid bronze spear over the crest of his tall Shiled, eyeing the sphinx.
“I made an oath to you Great Sphinx, that I would protect Hisan and his kingdom from all that would harm him.” Bomani said.
“Your courage is noted, Bomani but I don’t wish to hurt you.” The Sphinx said, “Get out of the way.”
“I promised Hisan that for him I would fight a God.” Bomani said, the head of his spear not wavering. “If you’re not careful today I will fulfill that promise.”
The Sphinx scowled, “Be reasonable, Ender of Worlds. What chance do you stand alone?”
“Who said I was alone?” Bomani said with his winning smile. “NOW!”
Quickly, the nobles present threw off their cloaks, and I recognized Apedi and Sedeh, fully armed and armored under their robes along with a few more of Bomani’s elite soldiers. A hundred combat veterans, fully armed with spears, swords, axes, and tall shields rushed into the Plaza.
Archers popped up from the top of the white marble gates of the plazon, raining down long arrows in large swarms on the Sphinx. The arrowheads where sharp but the Sphinx’s soft fur hid her thick, nearly unbreakable skin. The archers couldn’t hope to harm her, but they where protecting their prince.
“Nets!” Bomani shouted.
A team of ponies flew overhead trailing what looked like a massive fishing net, dropping it over the Sphinx, as her wings tangled in the net the foot soldiers rushed forward, pulling down on the ends of the net, trying to hold the great sphinx down as she roared and thrashed.
“Hold her!” Bomani said, hundreds of ponies pulling on the net with him, “So I can finish this!”
Bomani hefted his spear, and flew upwards then down with his spear forard, turning himself into a dart. I realized he was actually going to bury that spear in the sphinx! I didn’t know what to think, I almost shouted out to Bomani to stop, but I know almost nothing could stop him.
The Sphinx wasn’t ready to give up either, she roared and a shockwave of flame incinerated the net and threw back all the ponies holding it. Bomani was tossed backwards like a doll, but caught himself before he landed. Bomani looked at his solid bronze spear to see that the flame of the aura had softened it, and bent it. Bomani tossed the useless spear aside and drew his axe.
“Formation!” Bomani roared, “Protect the Prince! Artillery Open fire!”
I wondered what Bomani was talking about then noticed two wagons that where parked near the back of the plaza turned around, revealing that in the rear of these wagons where scorpion baristas, gigantic bows that fired heavy stones over enemy walls. They weren’t very accurate, and fine for when you were aiming at a building, but the Sphinx moved. The fast moving stones whizzed by her as she calmly moved out of the way. Still, the rocks where the size of my head and when they did connect they impacted with enough force to make the sphinx stumble.
“Link Shields and spears forward!” Bomani shouted as a hundred foot soldiers locked their bronze shields together, foot soldiers armed with swords and axes standing behind the shield wall, protected. “Forward March!”
The impressive formation moved forward step by step, shouting in unison at every hoof beat, the Sphinx eyeing them with unimpressed impatience. I was stunned, what where they expecting to do? Stab a god?
“You, the ones throwing rocks!” The Sphinx said, blocking a boulder from hitting her face. “You need to leave, now.”
The Ponies reloading the ballistas paused and when they saw the Sphinx raise her paws with a fireball in each one, throwing them at the wagons. They got out of the way just before the the carts and the Balistas exploded in fire and flame.
“Halt and open fire!” Bomani instructed his elite cohort, “Bring her down!”
The ponies compiled and threw sharp javelins and darts, slingers spinning their leather straps and casting fist-sized sling bullets at the sphinx. The missiles hit, but where harmless to the sphinx who simply stared indignantly at the formation.
“This is foolish,” The Sphinx said. “I salute your bravery and creativity but you’re in my way.”
The Sphinx spread her wings, the feathered limbs as big as the main sails of a ship and flapped them fiercely, and there was a great wind in the plaza that blew back at every javelin and bullet, and caused the entire formation to lower themselves, straining to stay on their hooves. I was standing far back, near Hisan and I almost lost my dress in the deluge.
“Brace and advance!” Bomani roared, “Don’t you DARE give up!”
Despite Bomani’s encouragement, the wind was getting more intense and one by one the soldiers lost their footing and where blown backwards, tumbling across the plaza, their armor and weapons flying about like leaves in a hurricane.
“Advance!” Bomani roared over the wind, “Advance and Attack!”
It was no good, soon the entire formation was tumbling across the plaza, scattered like dust. The Sphinx strode confidently toward the Prince again, before Apedi flew strait at her face, both daggers drawn, Atanen his loyal hawk flying beside him. The Sphinx rolled her eyes and puffed out her cheeks, blowing a column of wind at him, pushing him so far away I didn’t see where he landed. Sedeh wasn’t ready to give up either and roared as loud as she could as she swung her mighty mace with all her might, connecting with the Sphinx’s forehead with a pathetic little “plink”. The Sphinx grabbed Sedeh and scowled at her.
“Go home!” The Sphinx roared at Sedeh as she threw the pegasus high into the air. I’m not sure where Sedeh went that day but I think she listened to the Sphinx.
“Regroup! Regroup!” Bomani shouted as he hefted a wooden spear off the ground, “Grab whatever weapon you can find and Charge!”
The scattered soldiers complied, grabbing swords, spears, axes, mace, even pieces of wood or discarded arrows and galloped at the sphinx full speed, not willing to give up.
“I’m growing weary of this,” The Sphinx said, her aura of fire igniting around her.
The sphinx held forward her paws at the scatted soldiers and flames leaped from them. even the hardened veterans knew they where in over their heads, and at the first lick of flame dropped their weapons and ran for cover. Soon, Bomani was the only one still in the Plaza, the only one not hiding or running away. Bomani held his shield forward, the flames surrounding him.
“Bomani! Stop this before you get hurt!” The Sphinx said, roaring as she narrowed her flames against Bomani’s shield.
“One of us DIES TODAY!” Bomani spat back defiantly. “We fight to the END!”
The Sphinx shook her head, “No, we do not.” She countered, sadly.
I knew Bomani would never give up, he would never surrender, he never once did. He never was beaten in battle, never once retreated from an enemy, and today was no exception. The wooden shaft of his spear caught fire, his shield deformed against the heat of the flames, and Still he marched forward. There was a sound like frying fish and I realized with horror that Bomani’s helmet and shield where so hot his skin was sizzling! Bomani threw off the helmet and tossed the flaming spear aside. He emptied the water from his canteen over his head to douse his burning mane and drew a dagger from his belt as he continued to advance. Now he was underneath the sphinx and the roar of flames was defending as it spread around him.
“Surrender!” The Sphinx Commanded.
“YOU FIRST!” Bomani roared, his voice hoarse as he threw his red-hot shield at the Sphinx’s face.
The Sphinx batted the shield aside and Bomani, with speed and skill impossible to comprehend leapt into the air and buried his dagger into the Sphinx’s chest with all his strength. The Sphinx reared up and roared so loud I had to cover my ears. Perhaps out of reflex, she backhanded Bomani with her paw sending the loyal soldier, my best friend, flying into a pillar. He fell to the ground, and did not stand.
“Bomani, no!” I said dashing to his side, I lifted his head and saw he still breathed, but shallowly and in a short rasp.
The Sphinx had grabbed Hisan, and flying high into the air looked down upon us with rage. The Soldiers where scattered, not a one still wanted to oppose the sphinx.
“Pharaoh, generations ago I gave the first of your royal line a riddle.” The Sphinx said, “If you wish to have your son back, one of you must come to my temple and answer it.”
And without another word the Sphinx flew away, all of us dumbfounded at what happened. Medics where rushing to see tend to the injuries of the collected Soldiers, and for a second I almost called for Jasmine to come and help Bomani. . .and with sadness realized that call would go unanswered.
——*——
I flew Bomani to Hotep as quickly as I could, only realizing after I got there that being an general, Bomani had his own private surgeon. I never thought of Bomani as the leader of our armies, I still thought of him as that kid I grew up with. Hotep was glad to help however, quickly tending to his injuries. The Pharaoh and Bomani’s surgeon soon realized where I’d taken him, and joined me there. The Surgeon going to help Hotep as The Pharaoh and I waited in silence, not even sure what to say. Finally after some time I had some small talk.
“Your Majesty, what. . .what will we do?” I asked.
“For now, we make sure Bomani is okay.” The Pharaoh said. “The Sphinx won’t hurt Hisan, so we’ll have time to formulate a plan.”
“Was any pony else hurt?”
“Surprisingly no,” The Pharaoh admitted. “A few bumps and bruises, minor burns, nothing serious. Though I firmly believe that the Sphinx could have killed all of us with only a little more effort. This is why I’m sure Hisan will be fine.”
“I’m sure he will too.”
Hotep approached us, “Your Majesty, Bomani will survive.”
“Very good, healer. What where his injuries?”
Hotep sighed, “He has serious burns on his legs and his head, and despite being thrown like a toy he has no broken bones. I treaded his burns so he will be free of infection, He’ll need to lay in bed for a while until the burns heal.”
“Thank you, healer.” The Pharaoh said. “May we speak with him?”
“Yes, but be aware it will be very painful for him to speak.” Hotep said. “He breathed in a lot of flames, and it scorched his throat and lungs.”
“Oh my,” I whimpered,
“He will heal, Dear Somnambula.” The Pharaoh said. “Let’s go and and see him.”
As we entered, the Surgeon was letting Bomani drink from a canteen. What I saw, shook me to the core. Bomani, who’s flowing mane made mares coo in delight, now was totally bald, a few bandages covering the gruesome burns from where his brass helmet rested. The leg that carried his shield was wrapped in gauze. Bomani’s eyes where bloodshot, and for the first time since I’d seen this mighty warrior, Bomani actually looked weak. I knew he might not want it, but I hugged him closely, and he rested his good arm across my back.
“Hisan,” Bomani croaked, his voice sounding like a coarse whisper, “Safe?”
Bomani winced as he spoke, it seemed like every word was a struggle. Bomani’s strong baritone, the voice that could command legions or sing with immeasurable skill was gone. Replaced by a coarse croak that sounded nothing like he did before. I’m sad to say, that his heavenly voice never quite came back.
“The Sphinx has him.” The Pharaoh said sadly.
Bomani let out a sad, defeated moan, closing his eyes, turning his gaze away.
“General, you fought braver than ten armies.” Pharaoh said, “And we don’t believe the Sphinx will hurt him.”
“I . . .tried,” Bomani whimpered, eyes filled with tears.
“Shh, rest your voice,” I said,
“Should. . .have-“
“Bomani, stop.” I said, “He knows you did your best, but look who you where fighting!”
“You will be remembered as the best warrior our kingdom has ever produced,” The Pharaoh said, proudly. “Mighty Bomani, the one who made the Sphinx bleed.”
Bomani couldn’t smile, but nodded his head humbly at the Pharaoh, he touched my chest with a hoof, and croaked out the words, “Bring him home. . .promise.”
“I promise, Bomani.” I said, kissing him on the cheek. “Whatever it takes I’ll get Hisan home. You just rest, you deserve a break, okay?”
Bomani nodded, his surgeon setting a soft blanket over him so he could get some rest.
-----*-----
The Pharaoh called a meeting of all the Nobles, and I joined my father and Mother at the meeting. Usually these meetings where really boring, and had to do with some tariff or a proposed effort to expand some nobles land, but today there was the pressing matter of how we where going to get Prince Hisan back. Honestly, these meetings where pretty unproductive most of the time, we didn’t exactly have democracy yet (Us Pegasi would get that going later) so the Pharaoh or Hisan where the only ones who made decisions, these meetings of the court of nobles were only held so Nobles could voice their opinions, offer suggestions and bring the Pharaoh the benefit of their wisdom. Nobles where chose back then for their skill at their trades, so we were all really good at something.
Today was strange, if we were talking about an export tax on radishes or something we could all chime in, but what to do about the prince being captured by a god? Our greatest warriors had failed to stop the Sphinx, the only reason she was slowed down at all is that she didn’t want to kill them. Our long talks seemed to always come around to the riddle, when everypony fell silent. It was all we had, the only course that the Sphinx gave us.
“Ponies of the Kingdom, answering the riddle may be our only course of action” The Pharaoh said with sadness. “Fighting the Sphinx will Yield us nothing, bringing her the offering would only ensure our destruction. We must answer the riddle.”
The Pharaoh motioned to a group of scholars who produced a dusty scroll that looked older than the kingdom, as they likely where. I glanced at the writing, it was a very very ancient pictogram that was total gibberish to me. It was the language of the old dynasty, what we often called the first people. Many believed they were formed from clay at the banks of sacred river by the gods. These four scholars I recognized as some of the few ponies who had a grasp of that old language, but only as an abstract.
“I am Ahmed, and along with my fellow royal scholars have studied the text of the Riddle as given to the first Pharaoh.” The Impossibly old stallion in front of the scroll said. “Those of my order, in seven hundred years have never once been able to make sense of this riddle. I’m afraid today is no different my Pharaoh.”
The Pharaoh nodded, as if he expected that answer. “Ahmed, read the text of the riddle to those gathered.”
Ahmed looked horrified, “My Pharaoh, this is not done, the Riddle is for the ears of those of the royal line and my order only!”
“Your order has failed, Ahmed.” Pharaoh said, sadly. “Somepony else should have a try.”
There was a faint disappointment on Ahmed’s face, but he seemed to realize the Pharaoh was right and without preamble he read the text of the Riddle, “What is invisible, and burns? What is Worthless and costs nothing?”
There where murmurs, but nopony jumped forward with an answer.
“Mr. Scholar?” I asked, raising a hoof. “Pardon me but that makes no sense whatsoever!”
“Young filly, this is a riddle! It’s not meat to make sense.” Ahmed answered.
“I know that,” I said with a grin. “It’s just I’ve heard the Sphinx recite her poetry. She had a way with words and what you just read is a mess! Are you completely, totally 100% sure you translated it right?”
Ahmed opened his mouth as if to answer, but stopped, then thought.
“It is a really old language, it’s probably all mixed up.” I said. “And the guy who wrote that down didn’t HEAR the sphinx say it, he just wrote down what somepony told him she said.”
Ahmed nodded, “Yes. . .there may have been some. . .loss of the original intent of the text over the years.”
“So you didn’t really FAIL,” I said with a smile. “You just didn’t have the right tools to work with! Riddles have to be clear to be solved and that wasn’t clear at all.”
“Than somepony must go to the sphinx. . .and ask for the riddle anew.” The Pharaoh said. “I will ask for volunteers to stand before the sphinx, but know that if you answer the riddle incorrectly, it is the only situation where the sphinx will take your life.”
The room gasped, the very idea of the Sphinx taking a life was beyond them, but that part of the legend was well known. It’s the reason only a few ponies in our long history have attempted to solve the riddle. They’d all failed, and where killed instantly. Needless to say there were no volunteers.
“Nopony will face the Sphinx?” The Pharaoh said, sadly. “Then. . .there is no hope.”
“There is always hope,” I said, as if Jasmine were speaking through me. “I’ll do it, my Pharaoh. I will face the Sphinx.”
“Somnambula, are you sure?” The Pharaoh asked. “Can you answer the riddle? You know the consequences if you fail.”
“I know my Pharaoh,” I said, “But when I go swimming in the river I don’t think about drowning, or being bit by a crocodile even if those things MIGHT happen. I just swim. Today, all I have to do is answer a riddle. I won’t think about what MIGHT happen.”
I felt my father hold me close, he was supportive, but I knew he was afraid he might lose me.
“I’ll be okay Daddy.”
“I know,” My father said. “I’m just proud of you.”
——-*——-
A military escort of soldiers, chariots and skirmishers escorted me to the temple, silent and contemplative the entire way. I remember that day very well, most of of I remembered not being afraid. Then I felt a little concerned about not being afraid, and tried to remind myself just how serious the situation was, If I didn’t answer the riddle correctly, I was going to die. This would be it, I’d walk in that building and never come out. . .the end of my story. I wasn’t able to muster any panic or fear however, I knew what ponies said, but despite all of that I could not immagine the Sphinx ever harming me. The Sphinx challenged us, gave us tasks, but she never gave us one we couldn't handle. I had gone beyond fear, let it pass me and now I only felt peace.
We reached the ornate pyramid, a temple where nopony had set hoof in hundreds of years. There was no ceremony, no speeches, how could there be a ritual when nopony had ever done this before? The Pharaoh just looked at me, and met my eyes. He wasn’t a ruler in that moment, he was a scared father who’s beloved son was in danger. I broke just about every rule of decorum in the book when I gave the old Pharaoh a tender hug.
“I’ll bring him home, I promise.” I said, before soaring toward the temple without another word.
I realized as I stepped through the Sphinx-sized door that I had no idea what was in this temple, and even in that desperate moment I found myself excited that I was going to see a place nopony else alive had seen. Except for Prince Hisan of course, who currently was tied to an Obelisk at the center of the temple, over a deep chasm that glowed green. Hisan look frightened, but he was unhurt, he smiled shallowly when we saw me, but seemed to know it wasn’t the time for words. The light was dim in the temple, and after my eyes adjusted to the light of the oil lamps I noticed huge statues of the gods lining the edges of the enormous room. This was indeed a temple with idols all around, but they were Sphinx-sized. All the walls were covered in jade and blue topaz, with delicate carvings that scholars could send a lifetime reading and analyzing.
The Sphinx was waiting for me, sitting proudly as she always did, the wound Bomani gave her was still fresh. She looked at me with the regal bearing she wielded ceaselessly through her long life. Proud, but wise, strong but loving, powerful yet not threatening. There was no greeting, no preamble, she knew why I was there. She knew I was there for my friend, and being that I wasn’t the stabbing type, like Bomani, I was there to answer the riddle. So, she gave me those famous words, that would outlive most of the history of the Kingdom:
“I Shine Brightest in the dark. I am there but cannot be seen. To have me costs you nothing. To be without me, costs you Everything.”
Just like the Legends say, I knew the answer instantly: “Hope.” I shouted.
Here’s where things are different than the legends: The sphinx wasn’t angry when I answered the riddle correctly. She just closed her eyes and nodded in acceptance, as if she was fully aware I knew the answer to that riddle, long before I came in here. Indeed, I truly did. Even if I didn’t know the WORDS to the riddle, I knew the answer. Jasmine had long ago given me the answer, even if she didn’t know it.
“Such a terrible thing, hope.” The Sphinx commented, and I wasn’t even sure if she was really talking to me. “To give one strength in secret, in quiet places, but never the solution to suffering.”
“I disagree, great Sphinx.” I said. “Today I freed prince Hisan, because I didn’t lose hope. And because the kingdom did not lose hope, we will survive your famine.”
“MY Famine?” The Sphinx said, scowling. “How is this My famine?”
I grew up with the Sphinx, held by her when I was a foal, taught by her on temple days and offering feasts, like everypony else in the kingdom I loved her. That moment however, I started to realized what she truly was: The Sphinx was a tyrant. A benevolent one to be sure, but a tyrant nonetheless. I never realized my entire life that all my people where at her mercy, and we did not truly have freedom. We only had her orders, her rule, her rein. When we defied that by not committing genocide. . .she turned on us. I realized the sphinx I loved, that we ALL loved was a convenient illusion we all learned to live with. The truth was too terrible; we were all playthings, toys for a tyrannical god, and subject to her whims. Naturally, this made me angry.
“You watched over us for centuries, took care of us, then you made impossible demands and left us on your own.” I said, my anger growing. “And you STILL demand we make offerings to you when you offer us nothing? You punished us because Bomani did the right thing! You took our food . . . made the crops wilt . . .if not for this Famine my wife would sill live.”
I saw the sphinx shrink back like a scalded dog, tightly closing her eyes. . .what I said must have hurt. Good! It actually felt good to know this situation hurt HER too! I opened my mouth to twist the knife.
“I’m starting to think Southern Equestria would be better off without you.” I muttered in anger.
“Without me?” The Sphinx repeated, “Well then, it’s good that I do not come and go at the will of a beekeeper.”
“Just give me back Hisan,” I muttered.
“Very well,” The Sphinx said waving a paw toward Hisan, “Walk to the Prince. But you will do it in the manner of your father, Blind. . .and without flight.”
The Sphinx summoned a blindfold, and covered my eyes, then there was a brief tingling in my wings. Trying to move them, I realized they were frozen in place like they were made of stone.
“Walk to the Prince.” The Sphinx said again, and I felt her soft paw push me to the edge of the precipice. “The bridge is narrow, and the fall quite long. This will be your second challenge.”
“Okay, if this is a challenge then I should get something if I win.” I offered.
“You will get your prince back,”
“I already earned that when I solved the riddle, I want something else.” I Muttered, “I want you to leave from this kingdom, Forever.”
I was blind in that moment, but I could almost hear the Sphinx’s heart break.
“So be it.” She said. “Walk to the prince.”
When I was little, I always wondered how my father could walk from our front door to the fields, then to the river without being able to see. Nopony guided him, he just did it. I used to try it, closing my eyes and walking toward the shed, or the palm trees by the road. If I didn’t trip over a rock or bump into a hive I usually wound up wandering aimlessly. Dad never could explain to me how he did it, he never could see, so he had no idea how we navigated with sight. Point is, as I dangled my hoof over the edge of the chasm I realized I had no idea where that bridge was. I could hop off safe ground and into open space. . .or hit the bridge haflway and tumble to my doom. There was no going back, I promised I’d get Hisan home! I had a chance to free the entire kingdom!
“Somnambula,” I heard Hisan say, calmly and deliberately. “I believe In you, I know you can do this, follow my voice.”
I nodded, too scared to speak and reached a hoof forward to step onto the bridge.
“You have to take a leap of faith, follow my voice Somnambula, and we can all go home.”
I don’t think Hisan meant a LITERAL leap, but that’s what I did. I figured if I was going to plummet to my death I’d want to get it over with all at once. I let out a sigh of relief when all four of my hooves met the wooden planks of the bridge. I felt the bridge wobble and pitch beneath me, and I lowered myself, afraid to move.
“Don’t give up, Somnambula! It’s just a rope bridge, you’ve crossed dozens of them.” HIsan said, “Come one, one hoof in front of the other, I know you can do it!”
Despite the pitching and tipping I did as Hisan said, stepping intentionally, with confidence. I had no idea how long the bridge was, but Hisan’s voice kept getting louder and closer as I went on.
“That’s it! You’ve got this! Just a few more steps! You’re almost there! Don’t stop now, you’re doing It Somnambula!”
Then, I felt stone under my hooves and I knew that I’d made the crossing! Hisan pulled my blindfold off and tossed it into the pit (I would later learn that particular blindfold clogged the drain, whoopsie daisy!) and I pulled the rope to untie Hisan. Once again, things are different here than in the stories, the Sphinx didn’t just fly out of there in a blind rage.
“As we agreed,” The Sphinx said, “I will leave this kingdom, and never return. Know that nothing you said to me is untrue, Somnambula. I hope you and the rest of this kingdom will grow and flourish. . .and perhaps one day forgive me. Farewell.”
The Sphinx lept into the air, and there was a gust of wind as her massive wings propelled her through the open roof of the temple, and she disappeared, and we never saw her again.
----*----
The news of the Sphinx leaving us completely brough celebration, it seems most ponies in the kingdom had some to the same realization I did. Our crops grew big under her blessing, but it was us who wilted. If not for Jasmine and her strength none of us would have had to will to go on without those blessings. We were growing complacent, like a bird refusing to leave it’s nest.
The Sphinx will always be remembered as a villain, of this I have no doubt. I know however the truth of the matter: She knew she had to leave, and she knew if she just disappeared one day we would never have the will to go on. So, she prepared a situation where we had to unite against her, and MAKE her leave. I may have been the final agent of this defiance, but it was all of us that made it possible. I hope she knows that at least I forgive her, and love her for the benevolent teacher and protector she was.
Things were quiet in the kingdom again, and just as Jasmine promised the channel worked! Working with the fields in the basin was difficult, without the blessing we had weeds and pests, but with the lessons we were taught the fields grew abundant. My family's hives thrived and when it came time to tally up the exports I had plenty of beeswax, honey and royal jelly to sell. We made some money in trade, not as much as we usually did but it was clear that after a little time our kingdom would prosper again.
On the next offering day, we gathered together for a feast. The Pharaoh had announced that instead of giving an offering to the Sphinx, we would gather an offering for those in need. There where meetings of compatriots, dancing, music, heaps of good food and wine, and an empty place at the table where my wife joined us in spirit.
As always, after the main events of the night Bomani, Hisan and I gathered in Hisan’s private residence where we shared drinks, and song. This year Bomani brought a girl he was dating. . .Sedeh. Their relationship didn’t last more than a few years, a general dating his subordinates didn’t always work and the eventually broke up, but they had some fun. I think Bomani only courted her because he promised Jasmine to find a wife. They made a cute couple for the time they were together however.
As the night wore on, and we drank and danced, sharing the joy of a fruitful year. As the late night rolled around we all relaxed on the silk pillows in the room and rested while we drank the last of the wine. Sedeh cradled Bomani on her lap, petting his head a bit firmly. Bomani’s mane only grew in with patches with the burns on his head so he often just cut the whole thing off earning him another nickname: Bomani the bald. Sedeh admitted to me that she liked Bomani’s scars, so much so that in their courtship SHE was the one who bribed the chaperones so they could be alone.
“Somnambula. . .I got a confession.” Prince Hisan said,
“He’s still in love with you!” Sedeh said, “Bomani, let’s make ourselves scarce so they can do the deed!”
Bomani Laughed, and said in his raspy voice, “Dear don’t push them! Let them come to that conclusion themselves!” He joked.
“It’s not that,” HIsan said, giving Bomani and Sedeh a look. “I was going to ask you if you wanted a job. My father is giving me a lot more responsibilities and my Advisors are all so dull. I’d like YOU to be my advisor Somnambula, as an official position. It would mean a suite at the palace, if you’re interested.”
“Wow, sure I’d love to!” I giggled, “But if it’s all the same, I prefer to live at home. I like the palace but I don’t want to be to far from my hives.”
“Wonderful! However let me know” Hisan said, “I was hoping to get you a present this offering day. I was going to get your pearls back.”
“You would do that?”
Hisan nodded, “I tried my best to find the Griffons you sold it to. You know griffons, They just disappear into the mountains. I had no chance of helping them. So. . .I got you these.”
Prince Hisan lifted a necklace of glowpaz to me, it’s light illuminating the entire room. He put it around my neck and Bomani and Sedeh said “Wow” in a hushed chorus.
“Hisan, it’s beautiful!” I said as he slipped it around my neck.
“They’re cut from the same crystal that decorated Jasmine’s sarcophagus.” He said “ I hope you will wear it, and remember her always and maybe spare a thought for me.”
I know what you’re wondering. . .is the last part of legend true? Did they really glow bright enough to light the whole kingdom?
Yes, they sure did.