Submitted to: Contest #308

The Longest Day

Written in response to: "Write a story in which the natural and the mystical intertwine."

Drama Speculative

At dawn, on the longest day of the year, a throng converges on the temple grounds. All eyes are drawn to the rising sun. A throbbing ball of radiance, it rests a while, bobbing on the horizon. Gradually, it recedes behind a line of distant palms, trailing ribbons of red in its wake.

^^^

Canet, my faithful young servant, was intended for the priesthood but when I saw him struggle with the hieroglyphs, I took him on in the lesser role. His loyalty is a useful resource in a temple that has turned into a pit of vipers.

Entering my chamber, the dark patches beneath his eyes betray a night as disturbed as my own.

He hovers, waiting instructions. “What would you have me do, Master?”

An hour after sending this bag of nervous energy out to gather information, he returns with reports of people stricken by fear and hunger.

“They want to know whether our land will ever be blessed again, Master. They ask why our sun god, Ra, has turned against them. Will he rise tomorrow morning after his sunset descent into the underworld, or will he be destroyed by Apopis, the serpent of chaos?” He whispers as if fearful of being overheard. “Will our world end, if Apopis wins? The crowd need to know if Ra will ascend the skies on his magical boat and warm the earth in a golden glow.”

As the day wears on, more people gather in the temple grounds. People that are physically as well as spiritually hungry.

Would it comfort them to know the priests have been burning wax effigies of Apopis all last night in a bid to stave off a return to chaos?

^^^

Seven months earlier, I remember Canet reporting how in this exact spot the people cried when the light went out and the land was covered in darkness. They were convinced the serpent had taken on the guise of a demon and wanted to block out the sun permanently.

If my fate and the fate of my family is tied up with that of the Pharaoh, his is tied up with the land and its people. While training to be a priest, I studied astronomy, mathematics and matters of state. Having charted the progress of the stars and other celestial bodies over many years, I have more understanding than most of a phenomenon I can only describe as – no irreverence to Ra intended – a “solar eclipse.” According to my projections, this will take place when the sun is within 21 degrees 41.

That’s now only hours away!

I’m excited rather than frightened by the idea of another eclipse but in these uncertain times, such things are generally seen as bad omens and viewed through a lens of fear. It didn’t help that not long after the last eclipse, a plague of flies came and feasted off the skins of cattle which led to a food shortage. In spite of numerous priestly spells and incantations, the flies persisted in their destructive course. To add to the misery, for the past two years famine has strangled our crops with the Nile holding back the annual flood which replenishes the soil. We’ve also had to contend with an ailing Pharaoh who has not been seen in public for months.

^^^

With such thoughts in mind, my daily progress to the Sacred Room seems interminable. The nearer I get, the steeper and more enclosed it becomes.

Along the way, temple workers bow with varying degrees of depth, according to their status.

All except Abet, who after me is the most senior priest in this part of Egypt. We were taught the same subjects, but unlike me he struggled to grasp the finer points of mathematics and astronomy. As the Pharaoh’s nephew, the highest position in the temple hierarchy seemed assured, but then his uncle broke with tradition by appointing someone of merit in his place. Me.

Resentment oozing from every pore, Abet manages a curt nod as he passes by.

Of course, he’ll never know how hard I fought for the right to wear my High Priest garb. Robed in fine white linen, complete with shoulder strap, leather sandals and an emerald and turquoise neckpiece, I bestride the Hypostyle Hall, an enclosed area of the temple with many pillars, including the cobalt blue ceiling with its multitude of stars, that portal where the dead go if the final judgment weighs in their favour. As High Priest, my ultimate purpose is to maintain order (maat) in the universe through the practice of spells and rituals. Only by doing this can a return to the primordial chaos we all fear be prevented. I must also offer undying devotion to the semi-divine Pharaoh, the earthly representative of the Egyptian deities.

With all to play for and rumblings of disorder among the gathered throng and general unrest gathering pace in the country, everything hangs in the balance.

^^^

There’s a delicate patter of feline feet. Tail in the air and wearing a necklace of lapis lazuli, Smudge follows my gradual ascent to the temple’s inner room where the best food is kept. I took the cat under my wing after she hung round me in the pool I use for ritual cleansing.

Removing my sandals, I break open the door’s seal. One of Canet’s duties is to place a clay seal upon it before he retires, a task he performs assiduously. Inside, the smell of incense is overwhelming. Eyes adjusting to the dimly lit scene, the statue of the goddess Hathor faces north in the central alcove. She gets carried out during festivals and other special occasions when the priests raise her up on the rooftop for the crowd to see.

While Smudge won’t understand all the temple backbiting, she growled when she heard Abet’s raised voice in the corridor the other day. Other than the Pharaoh, few would dare to question the actions of a High Priest, and the present Pharaoh is currently incapacitated. Unless he recovers soon, I suspect his ambitious nephew will overturn all his uncle’s decisions.

^^^

Smudge winds herself round my legs, mewing loudly. Bending to pat that noble head, her emerald eyes melt into mine. As a stray who came to me not long after my wife died, her appearance felt providential. In spite of having been a gifted pharmacist, my wife had been unable to prevent her own death. Assisted by Canet, she was studying the effects of bacterial poisons in a bid to cure tumours. My sons did their best to comfort me, but it was Smudge who saved me from despair. That, and Canet’s loyalty.

“Ah, Smudge, my sweet one, if only you could advise me now …”

For which I receive a clicking purr as she nudges her way past me into the Sanctum. She’s a naughty minx! Cats may be highly regarded in Egypt, but giving Smudge a portion from the votive offerings might be seen as a step too far, possibly even sacrilegious, by the priestly elite. Regardless, she licks her lips demurely, savouring the choicest morsels.

Then retiring to her favourite spot, she sleeps with one eye open.

^^^

Only the most senior priests can undertake the intimate rituals of washing, cleansing, and clothing the goddess. I ‘offer’ the statue food. The fact that Hathor has never actually eaten anything is besides the point – these are merely symbolic gestures – and therein lies my problem.

The one man in Egypt whose faith in the gods should be unquestioning, I doubt. I’ve always struggled to believe in things I cannot see.

^^^

After the ritual with the goddess, I devote myself entirely to Smudge, tickling her under the chin and whispering secrets into that twitching ear. Maybe I love her because she’s the only one who cannot betray me. Even with my sons, I have to be careful, in case of indiscretion. Training to be priests, they’re outside watching the sky for signs right now.

I long to spend time double-checking my charts in the library. All the training at the temple school, all the preparation for my role, all the scaling up the slippery pole to reach my position envied by ‘lesser’ mortals – all for what? Only to have lost my faith. And now, what if the present Pharaoh’s soul passes and his son takes over? I would not wish to cross this young man with the beaky nose and hooded eyes. Will I once again be forced to run through hoops to prove myself?

I gently scoop up the cat and carry her out of the room.

^^^

Other than my bedchamber, the library is the place I feel most at home. There, I can study astronomical charts and pour through mystical papyri texts inked by the reed pens of priests long gone.

Abet’s dark shadow breaks my concentration.

“I see you’re engaged in your charts.” He makes charts sound like a dirty word.

“Yes, indeed.”

“I need to talk to you.”

His haughty tone rankles.

“This isn’t a good time, Abet.” I can smell his unpleasant beery breath, something that natron, the salty mixture we use to clean our teeth, cannot disguise.

“What is it?”

“I caught that cat of yours sicking up something in the corridor. I hope you haven’t been feeding it forbidden food. That would be most unwise.”

I’m determined to nip his insulting inferences in the bud – even if they happen to be true.

“How dare you speak to me like that! Your attitude to our beloved cats is most strange. They bring good fortune.

“That may be true in peaceful times, but they can never rank above our goddess Hathor. They may be sacrificed when resources are scarce – as they are now. Sentiment shouldn’t keep us from doing what is right.” He grinds his teeth setting my own on edge. “Our deepest beliefs should never be flouted.”

I’m about to tell him where he can stick his advice when theres a knock at the door. A temple dancer enters bowing gracefully.

“Excuse me interrupting Master, but the Pharaoh’s nephew is here, may he be worshipped and praised. He wishes to see you in the Appearance Room.”

“Right.” Having only met the young man once before; I compose myself accordingly.

“We’ll continue this talk later,” I tell Abet meaningfully.

“As you wish,” he says.

^^^

In the Appearance Room, the Pharaoh’s nephew sits on a throne, fanned by two maids. Bearing only a passing resemblance to his uncle, beneath the regality, he appears strained. Stretching out his hand for me to kiss his ring, he addresses me in pompous tone.

“The mob outside grows hostile. What do you plan to do about it, High Priest?”

It’s more his problem than mine though I can hardly say that.

“With your permission, my lord, I think the people seek reassurance.”

“Hmmm.” He purses his lips. “The Pharaoh rewarded you well, didn’t he? Made you Chief Astronomer, as well as High Priest. As such, I’ll leave that to you.”

“Of course.” I clear my throat. “According to the alignment of the stars, the sun will soon become invisible – at least for a short while. If my predictions are correct, the land will be thrown into complete darkness.”

The royal countenance pales. “You should have alerted me sooner.”

“I didn’t want to disturb you. I know how busy you’ve been with preparations for the, er Pharaoh’s pyramid.” I tactfully omit to mention his own costly and extensive funeral preparations. “I didn’t want to cause unnecessary alarm – after all, once Thoth, the god of learning, restores the moon eye of Horus that was stolen by the god of chaos, all will be well. It’s a question of keeping faith.” I was surprised by the strength of my conviction. Perhaps a smidgin of belief remained.

“Hmmm. It’s all most vexing. Not what I need at all.” Like a child ready to throw his toys out of a pram, only far more dangerous. “The kingdom is restless. Even the pyramid workers talk of striking! A disgusting notion.”

I take a deep breath.

“My lord, the people are struggling. Would it be possible to reduce taxes – at least until the crisis has passed?” His glare is enough to make a sphinx shrivel, but I hold firm. “Perhaps if the most recent program of pyramid building was halted until…”

He raises his hand.

“Enough! How royal funds are spent is not your concern, Priest. I expect you to deal with things closer to hand.” He rises from his father’s throne grasping an ornately carved stick. “While I visit Hathor’s shrine, I expect you to attend to the crowd. If your speech fails to calm them, I will hold you personally responsible.”

“I believe they will listen, my lord.”

“Let’s hope for your sake they do. Before he died, my father used to say pride comes before a fall. There are others who would willingly take your place.”

So, Abet has already spoken to him.

The very idea is blood curdling.

^^^

There is no turning back. The best of the day has gone and in exactly ten minutes, the moon will go into a strange orbit and cast its shadow over the sun.

The plinth from where I’ll make my speech is formed from a piece of solid stone in the courtyard.

Somehow, I must persuade the crowd that in spite of evidence to the contrary, all will be well.

The shadow clock lies ahead of me. Going by its readings and the state of the celestial bodies, I tell the crowd the earth will be temporarily clothed in darkness. Hearing this, a few people begin crying, someone faints, but most wait silently. Expectantly.

“Do not be frightened. The eclipse is a natural phenomenon. It does not mean the gods have abandoned us. If my predictions are right, it will only take seven minutes for the light to reappear.”

“Does this mean the flood will come?” A woman asks tearfully.

“There’s every reason for hope. If you look now, you will see the great star Sirius has risen to its most extreme point. It’s a sign the river will flood and lead to a harvest. Things will get better.”

Suddenly the clouds burst open, and rain pours down. Children let go of parental hands laughing at the water running down their bodies. Many weep openly, thanking the goddess for her goodness.

^^^

I can hardly wait to tell Smudge the good news but on returning to the temple and searching in all the usual places, she fails to appear. There’s only one place I haven’t been!

There’s a gross cloying smell coming from the Sacred Room! Abet stands beside the altar, hands raised in a parody of supplication, his mouth twisted in a warped grin, a goblet of wine to hand, presumably to be enjoyed shortly.

I daren’t look. If I discover Smudge is the sacrifice, I will kill him with my bare hands. I have my sons to think of. Even so, I have to ask what he is burning.

“That is no longer your concern.”

“What do you mean?”

“While you were out addressing the crowd, the Pharaoh’s son asked me to take on your duties. In any way I saw fit.”

“How could…?” Rage and pain tear at me. “Where-is-the prince?”

“The prince has left, but not before making it clear he expects things to change round here. From now on, I will be the one serving the goddess. You should be pleased. You’ll get to spend more time with your precious charts.”

“If that is what he wishes.” I try not to choke on my words. “I will leave you to attend to your… duties.”

Having restrained the urge to strike Abet, I hurry to the pharmacy, a place I haven’t visited since my wife died – I need her records on the use of poisons in case they mysteriously vanish. I’ve never had a reason to examine them before, but now I intend to study every detail. If I have to, I’ll spend the rest of my life searching for a way to wipe the smugness from my enemy’s face.

But first, I need to grab some air.

^^^

“Master?” Canet’s slight figure is waiting by the temple entrance. He’s holding Smudge in his arms!

“Thank Ra, you’ve got her. For a minute I thought…”

“She’s eaten something that doesn’t agree with her,” he explains. “I’ve been looking after her for you.”

“What, in here? While I’ve been speaking to the crowd?”

“In my chamber, Master. I didn’t want Abet to find us.”

“So, she hasn’t been with Abet?”

“No,” he says, obviously puzzled. “Why would she be with him? I know he doesn’t like her.” He spits on the floor, then wipes it with his foot. “You should be with the goddess, not him.” Canet gently strokes Smudge’s soft fur, and she whimpers. “Why? What were you thinking?” He asks suddenly.

“Nothing. Nothing at all.”

“Oh yes … I heard about your speech. The Pharaoh will be pleased. They say he’s turned the corner at last.”

“Really?”

“Apparently, he’s started eating again.”

“That’s wonderful news!”

“It’s good about the rain too, isn’t it?”

“Oh, yes.”

Canet smiles, showing his dimples. “Maybe the chaos will come to an end, Master. Or maybe Abet has already drunk himself to death.”

“Unlikely. But at least the chaos has been averted.”

As I watch the rise and fall of Smudge’s chest. I tell myself the crisis has passed. I tell myself nothing can beat the rain except the sun. I tell myself the longest day is almost over. Tomorrow morning, the sun will shine as it always does.

Posted Jun 24, 2025
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27 likes 24 comments

02:54 Jul 03, 2025

The way you weaponize that eclipse as both literal astronomical event and metaphor for knowledge versus superstition, while making us fear we're heading into ancient Egyptian John Wick territory when Abet threatens the cat? That's some good storytelling. Good job.

Reply

Helen A Howard
09:42 Jul 03, 2025

Thanks Daniel.
Loads of work goes into my Egyptian stories so I am pleased you appreciated the elements here.

Reply

Jack Kimball
20:36 Jul 02, 2025

Hi Helen. What I liked best is learning about mythology wrapped in a story. After googling the characters I realized how much research was done. Also, I liked the name Smudge.

Favorite line:
His glare is enough to make a sphinx shrivel, but I hold firm.

Reply

Helen A Howard
09:40 Jul 03, 2025

Hi Jack,
Tons of research, but a certain amount is poetic license too. Thanks for reading. The Egyptian stories are a bit of a passion for me.

Reply

Colin Smith
22:44 Jun 30, 2025

Fun mix of mythology and theology, Helen. You do a fine job of building tension throughout (cleverly done too, getting us to worry about Smudge like that!).

Reply

Helen A Howard
10:50 Jul 01, 2025

Thanks, Colin.
Although he may have come close to losing one if his nine lives, I couldn’t allow Smudge to come to any harm,

Reply

Colin Smith
11:06 Jul 01, 2025

Honestly, the name Smudge seemed pretty foreboding to me. I was afraid he would end up an indistinguishable glob of something. Maybe when the Hittites arrive?

Reply

Helen A Howard
11:53 Jul 01, 2025

Maybe?
He deserves another life or two but not sure I’m up to a sequel in this one.

Reply

Mary Bendickson
13:23 Jun 26, 2025

This story about a favorite cat almost sacrificed seems very familar to me. Have you shared it before?

Reply

Helen A Howard
19:41 Jun 26, 2025

Hi Mary,
Yes, the cat features in a few Egyptian stories. I wrote about it in Amber Eyes too but in a different way. More like a reincarnation. It’s based on a character that hangs about my garden.

Reply

Rebecca Hurst
15:07 Jun 25, 2025

Very good, Helen. In my story I did actually kill a dog 😇

Reply

Helen A Howard
15:28 Jun 25, 2025

Glad you liked it.
I’ve just read it and enjoyed it (in spite of the dog killing)!!

Reply

Clifford Harder
18:03 Jun 24, 2025

Nice writing! Interesting to see the High Priest/Chief astronomer struggling with his faith in deities relying on his knowledge of astronomy. He then uses that knowledge of a natural phenomenon to forewarn what was probably a very superstitious crowd that the gods have not abandoned them. Nice conflict. I am glad you saved the cat.

Reply

Helen A Howard
19:15 Jun 24, 2025

I like the idea of faith and science being complementary rather than in conflict but it doesn’t always seem to work out like that. I just had to save the cat! Thanks for reading.

Reply

Alexis Araneta
16:38 Jun 24, 2025

Helen! What a glorious piece! Your tale brought to live Ancient Egyptian temple politics in such vivid detail. Incredible work !

Reply

Helen A Howard
17:09 Jun 24, 2025

Thank you. So glad you appreciated it. So much work goes into the ancient Egypt stories.

Reply

Ari Vovk
12:06 Jun 24, 2025

I really enjoyed this thank you. It was pretty cool to learn about their religious rites in this context. Terrifying reminder, as well, of how contingent our security tends to be.

Reply

Helen A Howard
06:57 Jun 25, 2025

Thank you, Ari.
Happy you picked up on the bit about security as I wanted this to come across.

Reply

11:28 Jun 24, 2025

Deep in Egyptian mythology and symbolism, you brought to life the life and politics of the temples. I really enjoyed this and was glad to find that Smudge was unharmed! Fabulous stuff!

Reply

Helen A Howard
17:02 Jun 24, 2025

Thank you, Penelope.
I really enjoy writing about this. It takes a lot of research so my wish is to bring that time to life and hopefully make it relevant.

Reply

17:46 Jun 24, 2025

I stayed in Luxor in the year 2000 and loved every moment though it was a scary place to be. I'd love to go back at some time. It's such an amazing place.

Reply

Helen A Howard
17:49 Jun 24, 2025

Oh wow!
I went to Cypress and was supposed to be going to Egypt but in the end couldn’t go. I have a bad ankle now so I’m more limited.
However my interest remains strong and I did write a novel about a doomed love affair in ancient Egypt which was a big project for me.

Reply

18:10 Jun 24, 2025

That's fantastic! If you do ever get chance, Luxor, Valley of the Kings and the Egyptian museum at Cairo are a must. Fingers crossed one day you can get there!

Reply

Helen A Howard
19:08 Jun 24, 2025

I hope so!

Reply

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