//------------------------------// // The Darkest of Days // Story: Kingdom of the Sphinx // by TheTruckerBrony //------------------------------// The first year, wasn't so bad.     I mean, without the Sphinx's blessings things did get pretty serious.  Where the fields would normally be irrigated by the overflowing of the sacred River, there was no overflowing this year.  Ponies tried their best to irrigate the fields themselves with buckets and vats, but when harvesting season came the fields looked anemic, and shriveled.  The fruit from the trees still grew, but where just last year the dates, apples, pears and pomegranates where big, juicy and perfect, this year they all seemed small, bruised and tasteless.  Bugs, mice and locusts came, gnawing at our feeble crops, and we had no idea how to fight them off. Even my hives produced poorly, and several of my newer colonies collapsed totally. While we where all sure we could squirrel enough away for the double offering the Sphinx demanded, there wasn't a lot left over for us.      In anticipation of some kind of disaster, The Pharaoh and several of the high temple officials had stockpiled corn, wheat, vats of pickled vegetables and assorted other emergency staples.  So as I mentioned, this year wasn't so bad. The Palace and the temple distributed the food to those that needed it, so that the Sphinx's offering could be gathered. The first year of Jasmine and I's marriage was bliss of course, even if we had to spend every meal figuring out how to turn pickled corn, barley and dried rice into a filling meal.  No more sweet cakes, no more spicy pasta, even the breweries had a shortage of beer, but we would not go hungry.      Still, our home was a place of joy.  On temple days, Jasmine and I would have modest dinners for guests.  Bomani, Hisan, and friends and family would gather in our parlor and while the food wasn't as rich or flavorful as we were used to, it was by far the best days of my life.  We honestly thought we were going through the worst of it, the topic often came up. Bomani was always silent about it, thinking he was the one who brought down the wrath of the Sphinx on us.  Even after we lamented our troubles, we all concluded that the Sphinx would reward us for doubling the offering. We were all so confident that this little dry spell would be over soon. Bomani never talked about it, but he seemed to know better.      Offering day came again, and there was little left for a feast.  We made bread, and vats of rice with butter. There was joy everywhere, we where convinced that after we presented the gifts to the Sphinx she would tell us Bomani was forgiven and all would be made well.  Bomani for his part, didn't say anything. He just sat at the table across from Jasmine and I, looking like he was right on the edge of crying up until the moment the Sphinx came.     The Sphinx landed, and the Pharaoh came to greet her but just as before the Sphinx seemed to want to get right down to business. "Pharaoh, I see you have doubled my offering as ordered." She said before the Pharaoh could speak. "Yes, yes we have." The Pharaoh said. "How did you do this and still have food for yourself?" The Pharaoh looked confused for a moment then spoke out. "Years ago the Temple and I, along with a few nobles who where experts on agriculture stored staple foods that could feed the kingdom in times of crisis." "What of the fields?" "We. . . Have had trouble growing enough food just for your offering, great Sphinx." The Pharaoh said. "So your fields are not producing enough to feed your people?" "No, Great Sphinx.  Without your blessing how would we grow such abundance?" The Sphinx looked down, disappointed.  "Pharaoh, have I not given you wisdom on the rotation of crops, irrigation, fertilization?" "Yes great Sphinx, but-" "Next year the offering will be tripled." The Sphinx interrupted. "And you will not receive my blessing this year."      There where gasps in the crowd, one of them mine.  I held Jasmine close, hardly knowing what to do or say. "I gave you my blessings, not because of your offerings." The Sphinx said, as she spread her wings. "But Because I truly love all of you, and because I still love you all. . .I deny them to you.  I will reconsider this next year."      There was no speech from the Pharaoh this time, just confusion.  We thought the offerings would bring us back into favor of the Sphinx.  Now, we where to triple the offering, and the reserves of food wouldn't even last another month.  Most of our crops would go to the Sphinx now, and while we still had plenty of seeds the chances of us growing enough food was almost impossible.  We where all so scared, soon we'd have no food! Jasmine . . .was still smiling at me when she turned my face toward her's and kissed me passionately. "My beautiful wife," Jasmine said, "There is nothing to fear," "But-" "No my love," Jasmine said. "I know how we'll survive."     When I looked into Jasmine's eyes, I couldn't feel fear, only love and hope.  I ran a hoof through her mane, As my anxiety about the days to come washed away.  Jasmine turned to a nearby soldier. "Sergeant," Jasmine said. "Would you and some of your friends do something for me?" "Yes, Warden We serve the Nobles and the Temple." The Soldier said. "Gather all the shovels you can find and bring them in a wagon to the riverbank near the Obelisk." "Shovels, Warden?" The Soldier said, confused. "You know, flat pieces of metal on the end of a stick you dig with. The Castle has some right?" "Yes Warden, the supply rooms have shovels and picks and the like." "Oh, good thinking!" Jasmine said. "Bring the picks too!" The Soldier first turned to Bomani, who nodded. "It will be done Warden." Jasmine gave me one more gentle peck on the nose, the same kind of kiss she gave me every morning as she made our morning tea, then ascended the Podium. "People of southern Equstria!" Jasmine shouted. "I know you're all afraid, I know you're all confused.  But if we're going to survive this, we can't waste time by feeling sorry for ourselves. We have to do something, and now is the perfect time to start.  I humbly ask you to join me by the river, near the Obelisk." The Pharaoh, himself reeling from the less-than friendly encounter with the Sphinx nodded in agreement.  He smiled at Jasmine, how could he do anything else? "Yes, Jasmine is right.  Now is the time for action! Follow us!"     Encouraged by Jasmine's words, or perhaps not having anything better to do, most of the ponies at the feast followed Jasmine and I.  We met at the Obelisk that marked the place where the river always flooded it's banks to pour into the basin, where the fields where.  Jasmine smiled as when we arrived a few soldiers had already brought wagons of Shovels and picks and where giving each other confused looks.  Jasmine thanked them politely, grabbed one of the Shovels and landed on a hill overlooking the Obelisk. "Our fields need irrigated, and buckets won't do it." Jasmine said. "In Pandemonium we helped the locals dig channels from their river to their fields.  It was difficult work, but it watered their fields well." "The Basin is many miles away!" One of the Older nobles shouted. "Then we will dig a Chanel that goes many miles!" Jasmine shouted. "We have to bring the water to the fields!  If we work together it can be done!" "What will we do for food until the crops come in?" A mare shouted. "We still have gold, we can trade it for food!  We'll send words to the Fremen, the Baratas, even from the Hyksos if we must!  Whoever we can! We'll put out the word and the world will answer! But there will be no more food at harvest time if we do not dig!" "We should go and pray to the Gods!  Beg for forgiveness!" A pony offered. "No, we must destroy the Baratas! Then the Sphinx will forgive us!" Another shouted. "There is no way to triple the offering, we're doomed!" Someone else shouted in panic. "Ponies of the Kingdom please!" The Pharaoh said, "Now is not the the time for rash ideas.  Let us rest, I'll call a conference of our best minds to determine a corse of action. . ." "No!  Pharaoh, with all due respect our path is clear!" Jasmine shouted, "We must irrigate the fields!  Without this we will not survive!"     Not a single pony was sure what to do, except for Jasmine.  We where all so scared, so fearful, feeling so abandoned. I understood their apprehension, so many of them lived lives of privilege, leisure, not since the nearly forgotten times before the Sphinx have anyone in Southern Equestria had been poor, or starving, and the idea of a life of poverty struck us all with terror. "My people!  When the armies of the Hyksos attacked, murdered us in the streets, toppled our homes we stood together and we survived!  I beg of you, stand with me today!" Jasmine cried out, but when she saw nopony was coming to help she flew to the bank of the river, and began digging. "If no pony will help, I will dig this channel alone.  I heard of an earth pony to the North who was so strong he dug a channel in a single day, if he can do that so can I."     None of us where sure what to do, so for a few moments we just watched Jasmine dig.  I was worried. . .Jasmine's medicine was getting harder and harder to come by and she'd been taking less and less.  I saw her out of breath after only a few moments, and I flew to her and held her. Her strength was almost gone. "Rest, Jasmine." I asked of her, "Don't over-exert yourself." "My love, if you wish to help. . .get a shovel." Jasmine said with her perfect smile. "I'll use yours." I said as I took the shovel from her. "You can supervise, okay my love?"     Jasmine smiled, and nodded as I started Digging.  Soon, I realized another shovel was digging into the clay beside me, and I looked up to see Bomani digging next to me.  He smiled his winning smile and turned over his shoulder to shout at the crowd. "Come on!  You going to let a Temple Warden and a beekeeper do all the work?" Bomani roared, "Any Pony without a shovel in their hooves is a coward!  So says your General!"     The Soldiers present grabbed shovels and picks and joined us, Then the Priestesses and temple wardens.  The Nobles and commoners still held back, until Prince Hisan. . .then the Pharaoh himself grabbed shovels and started helping.   Soon hundreds of ponies where with us, digging, as one, as a kingdom. Only a few of the Older nobles held back, looking upon us with suspicious eyes. "This is Madness!  Digging without direction, We'll never get anywhere like this!" An old Noble said, "I'm going to get with the royal architects and draw up a detailed plan for all of you." "We'll need wood for supports," An older mare offered. "And carts to carry away the dirt, I'll go into town to retrieve them!" "Let's go back to the Plaza, get some of that food, these workers will need energy!" Another offered.      And so, on that offering day instead of drinking ourselves silly, watching musicians and wrestlers, the entire Kingdom banded together. Together we worked the rest of the day, under torchlight under the stars, and into the rising of the sun the next day.  When we where finally done, a channel of amazing size led from the river to the basin. A floodgate was installed, and opened. The fresh water of the sacred river flowed into the valley, quenching the thirst of our dehydrated fields.      Just as Jasmine suggested the Pharaoh put out the word that we where in the market for food to get us through until harvest time.  Fremen, Baratas and even Hyksos refugees heard of the promise of money and arrived in droves offering food from every corner of Southern Equestria.  Some even came from further, the people of Sultana Amira, Pegasi from the distant mountains, Earth ponies from the north, even a band of griffons with baskets of hard bread and barrels of Meade.  All the towns in the Kingdom where visited by this multitude, creating thriving markets where the foreigners sold everything from food to medical supplies, blankets, even crafts.     Being that trade was on hold for the previous year, few of us in the kingdom realized how cash-poor we where.  Gold was in low supply, but most of the merchants where reasonable. I'd just used the last of my loose gold to trade for a few vats of pickled cabbage, when I saw Et, one of my father's servants trying to trade with some Griffons. "Please, I don't have that much, will you accept four coppers?" "We got no use for your copper, pony." The griffon growled. "We want gold, jewels, we want riches!" "Please, I'm just a worker, I have nothing else!" Et Said, "My children are hungry," "They'll stay hungry if you don't get me some gold." The griffon grumbled. I honestly didn't think about what I said next, "What about pearls?" I said. The griffon's eye grew wide with desire, "Pearls?" He said. I removed the necklace Jasmine gave me, and held them up. "Fremen pearls." I said. "Mm, That's worth five loaves of bread," The Griffon said. "It's worth twenty." I said, knowing the griffons desired this necklace desperately. "Or I'll trade it to the Beduin." "No, We can do twenty." The Griffon said, fearful I'd walk away with the object of their desire. "We'll throw in some picked beats!" "Done." I said, putting my pearl necklace in the Griffon's Talon. "Somnambula, thank you." Et said, bowing to me. "Thank you so much, I owe you my children's lives. . .but. . .your pearls." My heart dropped as I realized what I'd done. "It's well worth it." I said through my sorrow. "Your family has worked with mine for generations."     I wept as I ran to Jasmine, who was dealing with a unicorn with an eyepatch.  I held her, weeping into her shoulder at what I'd done. "My love, what's wrong?" "Jasmine I'm sorry," I cried. "Et was trying to buy food but the griffons wouldn't deal with him, I traded my pearls for bread. . .I'm so so sorry," Jasmine Gasped, "Oh no, Somnambula that's terrible," Jasmine said, "I never even thought of the workers, they haven't made a lot of money last year, they won't be able to trade for food! but you have a good idea Somnambula!" "What?" "We have jewelry, ingots," Jasmine removed her head dress, her mane tumbling down. "This head dress is pure silk, it could feed a whole family!" "But. . .I didn't want you to be upset. . ." "I'm not my love, I know it must have been difficult trading those pearls, but you did it to help others.  I'd never be upset at you for that." I smiled, "Well we still have each other." "We do, but let's do what we can to help the workers!" Jasmine said with joy as she climbed atop a barrel and waved to get everypony's attention. "Everypony!  PLease hear me! Our workers are struggling, and I know we don't have much but we must do what we can to help them, we have to get through this as one!"     In front of the gathered crowd, Jasmine pulled off her bejeweled bracelet and, handing it to the Violet colored pony. "Sir, however much fruit this will buy, please distribute it to the workers, can you do that for me?" The Pony smirked, "This is solid gold," he said. "This will buy a lot of melons," "How much will THIS buy?" Bomani said from nowhere, handing the Pony a dagger with an ivory handle. "This was a gift to me from the Pharaoh himself for saving his life during the war." "Bomani, I won't be out done by my bodyguard!" Hisan said with a broad smile as he removed a medallion from his neck. "For the orphans and widows, good sir." "Well, this is more than enough to buy out my entire Supply," The Eyepached unicorn said. "I'll see that those in need, get what they need." "Come on everypony!" Jasmine said, "It's only jewelry!  Trade your baubles to these merchants to help those who cannot help themselves, show your love for this kingdom!"      All around Nobles came forward, giving rings, bracelets, necklaces, colorful clothing, and giving them to the merchants to turn into food for those that couldn't afford it.  Again Jasmine inspired the kingdom to come forwards to look out for one another. Every pony walked away from the markets with carts of food, and the nobles walked away looking a bit less glamorous but a lot more content.      It took some doing but Jasmine and I finally found a trader that could sell us her Blood medicine.  The Buffalo rubbed his chin, and disappeared into his wagon for a few moments, returning with a large crate clinking with dozens of bottles of the medicine Jasmine needed.  We were overjoyed, it would be enough to keep her healthy for months. "You are lucky," the Buffalo boomed, "The herb that makes this medicine grows more and more rare.  My people are one of the last that grow it." Jasmine pulled out the last of her coins, "Is . . .this enough?" "Oh yeah," The Buffalo said, "More than I would make in Panampen." "Panampen?" I asked. The Buffalo nodded, "Many children there have weak blood, because of all the smelting." He said. "Their parents would pay top dollar since the blood weakness is so much harder on children. But this gold is more than they can pay." I saw a look of sorrow in Jasmine's face, "Is. . .there anypony else who sells this medicine?" "No, in fact I was going to Panampen specifically to sell this, you saved me the trip." Jasmine put her coins away, looking at me apologetically, knowing what she had to do. "Sir, go to Panampen, sell this to them." "I could sell you one or two bottles," The Buffalo offered, "No." Jasmine said with sorrow. "Every dose I took, would be taken from the mouth of a child who needs it." The Buffalo smiled, "You're something else, lady." "She really is," I said, hugging her closely. ----*----     We were at our home, and Et and his wife offered to make us a dinner as a thank you for me trading my pearls to feed them.  It was only a few weeks after the market, we carefully rationed our food and thought we'd have enough to last until the harvest.  Et's young son played a flute while his wife cooked, and there was that boundless joy again. We were together, in our beautiful home.  I wish it would have been forever.      There was no more of Jasmine's medicine available, so we tried our very best to keep her comfortable.  She ate the foods the healers recommended and tried not to participate in strenuous tasks. I noticed little things, she tired more easily, took longer to get out of bed, spoke more softly, but we figured she had this condition years before she knew about it and was just fine.  If she took good care of herself, she'd be okay until we could find more of her medication.     That night was the last night I saw Jasmine on her hooves, as she danced gleefully with Et's daughter.  We ate a modest meal of bread, honey and dates. When Et and his family left Jasmine and I opened the windows to the bedroom, letting the cool evening wind blow through, and we made love it's the cool desert breeze blowing across our bodies.       In Jasmine's state, her body could not handle even the slightest ailment or infection.  I never knew what it was that finally afflicted her, but when the morning came after that wonderful night, I kissed Jasmine's cheek and Jepti took his morning trek over our heads.  Jasmine cooed at my touch, but did not embrace me. "My love," Jasmine said, "I. . . .I don't have the strength to stand," "Oh no," I said, holding Jasmine.  "I'll go and fetch Hotep, immediately." "Yes, that would be best."     I flew into town as fast as I could finding the Hotep already had a line of ponies waiting for help.  There was much need in the kingdom in those days, so I waited patiently, breathing heavily and panic growing.  I told Hotep Jasmine was sick and he flew with me back to the house. When we arrived I saw my father and mother already at the side of Jasmine's bed, giving her water. "Now Jasmine, what's the trouble?" Hotep said kindly. "I fear I have very little strength." Jasmine said, "I. . .don't know what's wrong."     Hotep shooed us away from the bedroom, and my parents and I sat in the parlor, for what seemed like days.  We didn't talk much, my mother just holding me as I trembled, for fear of what Hotep would say. As you've been guessing I'm sure, the news was not good. "Somnambula, Lady Ophet. . .Lord Zaan," Hotep said, emerging form the room. "I fear I've reached the limit of my knowledge, I'm sorry, there is nothing I can do.  Even if we had her medicine, her malady is to far along." "No," I whimpered, Hotep bowed to me, "Somnambula, I am sorry." I said, "I will return to my archives, I will contact all my associates and see if there is anything I can do to at least make her more comfortable." "How-" I began, my voice catching in my throat. "How long?" Hotep paused, trying to find words to say. "She is very strong, but. . .not long."     So I went back to our bed, and I crawled into the bed beside Jasmine and held her as tightly as I dared. "My wife," Jasmine said weakly. "My love." I said back. "Hotep. . .did all he could, do not have ill will," Jasmine said. "No, of course not." I said, "Don't worry about anything, I'm going to stay with you.  Stay with you as long as I can."      And I didn't. Bomani and Hisan came by as soon as they heard what happened, bringing Jasmine fruit and wine, giving it to her as she had not even the strength to lift her head.  Apedi and Sedeh came by, and shared stories of our adventure to Panamen. They hugged Jasmine, told her they'd never forget her, said their goodbyes. Jasmine's mother and father came by, kissing their daughter lightly, setting flowers by her head on our large marriage bed.  I held on, stroking my wife's mane, giving her tender kisses, holding on to every single moment I could.     Jasmine's parents where quite elderly, and as the sun set they retreated to the guest room to rest.  Hisan and Bomani stayed with us, refusing to say their goodbyes. They spoke about so many things, our time in school together, even laughing at the time Bomani let a snake loose and scared one of our professors so much she flew out the window.  Jasmine laughed softly, having joy in that moment. The time came however, when my dear Prince, and brave Bomani had to admit that the light of our lives, was dying. "Jasmine," Prince Hisan said, softly. "I spoke with my father before I came here, he's agreed to adopt you posthumously so that you may rest in theTomb of the Kings." "I'm- not royalty, I'm not worthy." "Nonsense," Hisan said, "Jasmine, you've done so much for us, for this Kingdom.  You've inspired us to survive this catastrophe. You've done more with kind words and compassion than I could do with all my power.  The only reason why you should be entombed with my family, is that there is no higher place." Jasmine smiled, "Thank you dear prince.  I accept your generosity." Bomani removed his sword from his saddle, setting the bejeweled scabbard on the bed beside Jasmine among the fresh flowers. "My dear, it would be my honor if you-" Bomani choked back his tears, and continued. "If you would carry my sword with you into the afterlife.  Anubis will test you, and while I know your heart will not be found wanting I want him to know how much you were loved. Thank you Jasmine, for being with me through all this. I will weep with ashes for you." "Thank you brave Bomani," Jasmine said, "If I can ask one thing of you, please learn to forgive yourself.  You did not fail this Kingdom." Bomani was quiet for a moment, averting his gaze. "For you beloved Jasmine, I will try." "And. . .find a wife." Jasmine said with a giggle, "It would be a shame for such male beauty to be wasted on bachelorhood." Bomani smiled kindly, and kissed Jasmine's hoof. "Well, when you meet Hathor, tell her to send me a mare with soft eyes and generous flanks and I'll make her my wife." "Why not a stallion?" Jasmine said with a playful wink. "Handsome and demure," Bomani turned to Hisan, "You told her!" "I tell her everything." Hisan said with a shrug.     We all shared a laugh, and there was a silence.  It was now their time to say goodbye. "Well, we'll leave you two alone." Hisan said. "Goodbye my sister, I love you." "Yes, farewell until we meet again, Beautiful Jasmine." Bomani said. "Be brave," The two of them left, and I was alone with my wife. "The hour grows late." Jasmine said, "I think I may sleep soon." "No, Jasmine, please.  Hold on." "It's not for us to determine when the light of our life begins, or ends my love." Jasmine said. "But I can't go on without you, there is no joy without you my love, my entire life will be darkness I'll never love again!" "No, Sombambula no, you will go on!  You are young, healthy, you have friends and family.  You will fly with the sun on your back and you will have have so many joyous daysm, so many adventures.  You will find love again, I know this." "What kind of life can I have with you?" I asked. "A wondrous one," Jasmine said, "I will look at you from the beyond, always with love. I won't have your life end with mine.  Never lose hope, never let that beautiful smile of yours fade. Never lose hope." "How can I have hope without you?" I cried. "Hope is always there, even if it cannot be seen."  Jasmine said, using what little strength she had to kiss my neck. "To have it costs you nothing, but to loose it costs you everything.  Do not loose it my love, never loose hope." I cradled Jasmine close to me, kissing her forehead. "I won't my love.  I promise you, I swear it. I'll love you forever and never let go of hope." "Thank you Somnambla." Jasmine cooed. "I love you," "I Love you too, my flower in the desert, my beloved wife."       Night crept on and Jasmine used what strength she had to draw herself as close to me as she could.  There was no more words, only the soft sound of her breath in the dark. I don't know how long I held her, I lost all track of time in that calm void as we cuddled tenderly under the light of the moon.  Jepti climbed into the bed, purring and cuddling with us, seeming to know we needed his affection.     Then somewhere in that time where late night becomes early morning, Jasmine of the Kingdom of the Sphinx, temple Warden, and my beloved wife, breathed one last time softly against my cheek.   It was then I knew Jasmine was lost to me, and I wept until morning came. ----*----       What strikes me most of all, is how incredibly unfair it all felt.  I waited for years, unable to even kiss Jasmine, then years apart, loving her deeply while she was on the other side of the world on Pilgrimage.  All that time, feeling desperately alone and then she was with me. I’d hope she’d be with me forever. Our years together felt like the beginning, but now here I was, at the entrance to the royal tombs, wearing my funeral dress.  Almost three years ago I wore a wedding dress of brilliant gold, now I wore the veil of a widow. What did Jasmine do to deserve it? Unite a kingdom? Inspire it’s people? Help a people in despair recover? Give her LIFE to save a bunch of children she never met?  Make me the happiest Mare in the land? Was that what the gods deemed worthy of such a young death? Like I said, Unfair.      A pyre was burning, and those of Jasmine’s household and friends spread the ashes on their faces and necks to show their mourning.  Jasmine’s sarcophagus was simple stone, there where precious few jewels and gold left in the kingdom at that time. Only a medallion and a few spots of glowpaz decorated the vessel she would take into the afterlife.  I myself pulled the cart with her remains on it, Bomani, Hisan, the Pharaoh and Jasmine’s Parents carrying the canopic jars to set beside her in the tomb. I walked inside the silent stone room at the base of the pyramid where Jasmine would prepare herself to leave through the gates of the afterlife.  Since Jasmine’s death was so sudden, there was precious little time to prepare her sarcophagus, much less decorate the tomb with the hieroglyphics and murals that would chronicle her life. In the week it took to mummify her remains, the Pharaoh’s artists carved out and painted one picture, Jasmine standing on the podium bravelybefore the kingdom’s worried masses with a look of resolve.  It was The most they could do.      We entombed Jasmine with some of her favorite things, her marriage gown, her own sword, and Bomani’s.  We carried in the reed canoe she often took into the river on sunny days, and the pet finch she had as a child, which was mummified when it died years ago.  It even had it’s own tiny sarcophagus inside it’s brass cage. I guessed Jasmine would be joyful to see that little finch again after she reached the final gate.  After the last of Jasmine’s things where packed away neatly inside the tomb with a few jars of rice, barley and honey, the temple wardens rolled he heavy stone in front of the door, pushing it into it’s narrow place, fitting so tightly that not even air would pass through.      My Wife’s tomb would remain undisturbed for over a thousand years, until an archeologist by the name of Daring Doo Dazzle opened it on a routine investigation of our culture.  What was left in that tomb was catalogued, preserved and put in a museum exhibit in Baltimare that to this day. I haven't had the heart to see it yet but I understand it’s a popular attraction, “the Tomb of the lost noble”.  You see, because of the lack of hieroglyphs and other carvings, nopony knew who‘s tomb it was, they only that it belonged to a very important pony. Some theorized that she was the Pharaoh’s mistress, others think the rumors of my disappearance where false and it was MY tomb.  This is how she was forgotten, she died too soon and nopony had time to chronicle all the wonderful things she did. Again, very unfair.      You might assume that the raiding of my wife’s tomb bothers me, let me assure you it doesn’t.  First of all, those museum ponies where very respectful to all the items in her tomb where cleaned and meticulously preserved, then put on display in a place of honor, not so bad.  Secondly, my wife was done with those things. The Canoe, the finch, the swords, the food, all were meant to help her on her on her long path to the afterlife. She’s there now, among the gods, in a state of being that nopony among the living can comprehend.  Jasmine has no more sickness there, no weariness, she runs without tiring, swims in the rivers without slowing, and flies among the brightest of stars. Let those museum ponies have all those dusty old things, the only thing Jasmine lacks in the afterlife is her wife.     I’ll return to her one day though, after a long life filled with other adventures.  I’ll join her there, among the gods and spend my eternity with her. Not just yet though, I still have things to do, things to see, adventures to have.  It’s what she wanted. ——*——      Back then, a thousand years ago, I wept for days.  I saw nopony, never went outside, it felt wrong to sleep alone in the bed we shared, so I rested on the seats in our parlor.  Mom and Dad visited me, as well as Hisan, and Bomani a few times, mostly to bring me food and check on me, but they know I needed some time alone.  Seven days of this, was all I needed. And on the seventh day, Prince Hisan payed me a visit.     The Prince came in with a jar of hearty grain beer, one of the only kind of alcohol still available in the kingdom.  He poured a bowl for himself and me and set them on the rug in my parlor. I found myself thirsty, so I took a long swig of beer, it’s mild sweetness and tinge of alcohol making me feel a bit warmer, a bit more relaxed. “The rain is coming soon,” Hisan said, talking about the upcoming rainy season. “Yeah,” I said quietly. “You know what they say; in Southern Equestria there are four seasons: Hot, Hotter, hottest and Mud.” I giggled a bit, the old saying bringing me joy. “Yeah,” “Your father tells me the Hives are doing well, so well there may be a few ready to split.  With the rain softening up the clay near the river it may be time to make a few new hives.” I nodded, “That’s good.” I said. “We. . .We’ll make the offering, have a little left over to make cakes.” With that, Hisan stood and walked to my window, ducking back a bit as a few curious bees flew inside to search for flowers.  “That’s. . .just what I meant to talk to you about.” “Well, don’t worry.  We won’t come up short.” “No you won’t.” Hisan agreed. “Neither will any pony else in the kingdom.  The Sphinx’s offering will be two thirds of our yield. Most of our crops.” “That’s. . .more than I realized.” I said. “Jasmine's canal saved us, but there may not be enough for all of us.” “And the royal treasury is almost empty.” Hisan said, “We won’t have enough food until next harvest, not near enough.  We’ve been going over it again and again in court, and there is no way for that amount of food to last more than a few weeks.  Two hundred thousand ponies sure can eat a lot, when it comes down to it.” “You’re smart enough to figure it out.” I said, “Jasmine had faith in you, and so do I.” Hisan was quiet for a moment, and seemed to change the subject. “Somnambula, I saw the Sphinx at the Funeral.  You where in the Tomb, she was near the oasis, sitting by the spring. She was crying Somnambula, and she wore ashes.”     That confused me, the Sphinx only came out of her temple on rare occasions, and even then it was just for a quick trip to the river for a bath, or in times of great importance.  The idea that she was at my wife’s funeral, and mourning her in the traditional way, it was both very comforting and a bit confusing. Hisan continued, “I asked her what she was doing there, she told me she was mourning Jasmine’s death.  I got a bit angry, as I am want to do. I told the Sphinx, how she can mourn my beloved sister, when it was HER who killed Jasmine with her bitterness.” “Hisan-“ I whimpered, “You said that. . .to the Sphinx?” “Yes I did.” Hisan admitted, “And, it’s not untrue.  The Sphinx created this famine. I expected the Sphinx to be angry at me, she’s killed ponies for less Blasphemy.  However, she did something I didn’t expect. She agreed with me. The Sphinx told me she would never forgive herself for what happened to Jasmine, and told me. . .to let you know.” “I don’t think blaming her is going to make things better.” I said, “The Sphinx Loved Jasmine, and mourns her too.  It was big of her though to admit fault.” “Yes, and Jasmine wasn’t in favor of grudges, when I shouted at the Sphinx, I could almost hear her saying ‘Hisan, be calm’.  So, I have forgiven the sphinx, and told her that. I won’t let her pettiness harm any pony else.” Hisan said. “She gave Bomani an impossible choice, kill thousands of innocents, or allow his people to suffer.  He chose sparing innocents, even offered his own life as penance, that kind of courage is rare. Now she offers us another impossible choice, feed our people, or give the offering to her. Let all that food rot in the temple while our people starve.” “What are you saying?” I asked. “I’ve discussed this with my Father.” Hisan said. “We’ve decided that this offering day, we will give the offering back to the people.  I will decree that no one in the kingdom will go hungry and I don’t think ponies will argue.” I wasn’t sure what to say, the first thing to escape my mouth was, “No offering?” I said, as if I didn’t understand the words. “B-but we’ve always given offerings, what will the Sphinx do if we refuse her?” Hisan Shrugged, “Perhaps she’ll just leave, or take the offering by force, or burn the entire palace to a cinder.  To be honest, I don’t know. I do however know what will happen if we give the offering.” Hisan said sadly. “Our people will run out of food, and starve. We have to choose the unknown, because the known means certain destruction.”     I drank the rest of the beer in my bowl and joined Hisan by the window, resting my head on his neck like I did when we were courting.  He wrapped a foreleg around my shoulders, and I could feel his body relax and his breath slow. “You’re very brave,” I said. “Thank you.” Hisan said, a tremble in his voice. “I have to admit, I’m terrified Somnambula.  I feel like everything will end soon and all my courage, all my power, it means nothing.” I smiled up and my friend, “Hisan, What would Jasmine say?” Hisan smiled, “She would tell me to never lose hope.” “Yes, and since she’s not here I guess I’ll do that.” Somnambula said. “Jasmine taught me that no matter how hopeless things seem, we have to believe that things will get better.  Even as she died, she was so brave, she spent her last moments making me promise her that I wouldn’t give up hope. Don’t be scared Hisan, no matter what happens I’ll stand with you.” “Thank you.” Hisan said. “The best days are ahead.  We have to believe that.” “I do.” Hisan said, holding me close.