Into Egypt
King Herod hears rumors about the birth of a prophesied Messiah. His search is in vain so in a paranoid rage, he orders all male babies under the age of two murdered. Elias sends Amariah, the infant, and his parents into hiding in Egypt. Despite opposition from the Egyptian priesthood, Amariah gains a position in the Secret Schools in the temples of Egypt, where she learns magic spells, healing miracles, and the art of embalming.
Aumun ran his tongue over his teeth and lips. His mouth had gone dry over what he suspected lay ahead. “What cargo is so precious Elias would chance such a thing?”
“An infant, the Teacher of the Ages, and his family is in grave danger in Judea. Herod hunts the child and his parents like a lion on the scent of blood. Elias requested my help getting the family to the Essene community at Lake Morais. He feels they will be safe there until political conditions allow them to return to Judea. The House of Khepri can meet their needs while they are in Egypt, but I have another request which may be beyond your power to grant.” Amon lowered his gaze, took a deep breath, and plunged ahead. “Elias’ protégé travels with the family. He is hopeful you will be able to gain admission for her to study in the secret schools.”
“Her? Did I hear you correctly? Elias’ protégé is female? Surely you jest.”
Temple of Isis Philae
This was the temple in which all Priestesses of Isis were anointed as the Goddess’ personal representatives upon completion of their schooling in the Egyptian Mystery Schools.
Takhaet
Supreme High Priestess of Isis, Takhaet and Amariah become a powerful force when their combined knowledge of magic spells, Therapeuts potions and ointments, sacred words and prayers are used to defeat the Dark Brothers and protect those traveling with the House of Khepri caravans.
When Elias, the Chief Hierophant of the Essene Order, sent the infant Herod was hunting into Egypt, he enlisted the aid of his old friend, Amon Khepri. Amon assigned his only son responsibility for taking the family deep into Egypt to hide them in the Essene community in the Nile Delta at Faiyum.
Owner of the largest trading company in Egypt. Balthazar, his only son, is responsible for a large portion of the family business. The influence of the wealthy merchant reaches far into the deserts surrounding Judea and assures a smooth passage to the far borders of Egypt.
As an orphan in Jerusalem, Judah Adbell was gathered up with other orphans and taken to Engaddi where they were cared for and taught skills which would insure their survival in a harsh environment. Judah wished to become the greatest salt caravan master to ensure Engaddi was repaid for everything the gentle people did for him.
As the Proconsul of Judea, Thaddius was also in charge of the six hundred soldiers stationed at the Antonia Fortress on the plateau on which Herod rebuilt the temple of Solomon. Thaddius sought the advice of Elias on how to keep the warring factions in Judea from erupting into all out rebellion against Rome.
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