Amarna Araanon smiled and instead of embracing, shook the hand of Fadil.
The prince and his family had been dropped off in front of the Holy Palace of Aten, a holy place that doubled as not only a temple, but also a parliament and a palace. Armed guards stood discreetly to the side, a precaution that Amarna hated, but one he knew was necessary. Despite there being very little tension in Altromine, if the High Priest was killed, the country would be thrown into chaos.
“It is an honour to meet you, Prince Fadil and Princess Farida. I am Amarna Araanon, High Priest of Aten, and brother to the Arch-Protector. Your sultan’s absence is understandable, bureaucracy is a pain, isn’t it?”
He accepted the crop from the Princess.
“Thank you greatly for the gift. And a horse as well! You are too kind! Welcome to Altromine.”
He handed the crop to a priest who was watching from the sides, it would be taken somewhere where it could be kept safely until it was used. Smiling, he led them towards the Temple, but instead of leading them to the tourist and worshipper heavy main entrance, he took them to a canal, ones that lead into the Temple. There, a boat was waiting, a traditional one, rowed by servants and big enough for a small party.
As they got on board, the boat unmoored, and rowed up the canal, entering the Temple. The trip up the canal took around very little time, the boat quickly moving through the waters. It came to rest outside another gate, not as big as the main gate which hundreds moved through every day at the front of the Temple, but just as grand. The symbol of Aten glared down from the elaborately carved ceiling. Amarna stepped off the boat, indicating for his guests to follow.
The wall and roof of the hall which they entered was covered in hieroglyphs. Seven Pillars held up the roof, each painted with their own hieroglyphs. At the end of the hall, an altar stood, above it hung a symbol of Aten, made of gold and other precious metals.
“This is the senior prayer hall,” Amarna said pleasantly, as they walked up it, “It where all senior priests and state officials come to worship.”
He guestered to one of the pillars.
“Each of these is actually hollow, and the final resting place of all High Priests. When I eventually die, my mummified remains will be placed inside a pillar, which will be erected in the gap there. Anyhow, enough of that gloomy subject.”
He nodded his head towards a door to the side of the room.
“We’ll have our talk in there, and some refreshments can be brought if you fancy anything.”
He opened the door, revealing a comfortably furnished room, a sky light above letting in the sun to fall gently upon the furniture.
He took a seat, clearing his throat.
“So, trade and such between our nations. I’m all for it personally, and I know my sister and the Chancellor agree. Cooperation is the way forwards.”