Ella did not awaken until well past noon.

  The aching in her body had eased somewhat.

  As she sat up, a maid who had been waiting approached and guided her.

  The servant led her to the dining hall.

  The other siblings were already seated and eating.

  Roasted pigeon, bread, soup, cheese, and fruit were laid out before them.

  For some reason, Ella had little appetite and picked at the food slowly.

  As the servants attended to them with care, the court secretary entered the hall.

  He waited patiently until Ella finished her meal.

  Elaton wiped his mouth with a cloth and spoke.

  “Secretary, is something the matter?”

  The secretary first bowed politely, then took out a clay tablet and read out the day’s schedule in a clear, orderly manner.

  First: after bathing and changing clothes, they were to attend a ritual at the Grand Temple together with the kings.

  This was a great honor—placing the five siblings on equal footing with the kings themselves.

  Second: the King of Kish’s reward ceremony.

  Rewards befitting heroes would be bestowed.

  Third: attendance at a court council to discuss the future course of the war.

  When Ella finished eating, the servants stepped forward to guide her to the baths.

  Tamar rose and took Ella’s hand.

  “We won’t need attendants. Just show us the way. We’ll bathe on our own.”

  Elaton, Azael, and Eshiel also declined the close attendance.

  Following the servants, they arrived at a bathhouse so large it felt awkward even for two people to use.

  The bath was beautifully adorned with precious tiles, and clean water flowed in through aqueducts.

  When the servants set down bathing oil, scented ointments, and towels, Tamar dismissed them.

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  Ella shyly undressed and stepped into the bath.

  Tamar looked at her with pity.

  “How does someone even get this skinny? Honestly… we’ll have to keep stuffing you with food for a while.”

  Tamar spread the bathing oil over her body and scrubbed vigorously.

  It was an early form of soap, made from animal fat mixed with wood ash.

  Ella followed her lead. After repeating the scrubbing and rinsing for some time, the bath finally ended.

  They dried themselves with linen towels and applied fragrant oils.

  Wrapping a towel loosely around herself, Tamar called for the servants, who entered carrying clothes.

  First came linen undergarments, followed by dresses made from a combination of wool, linen, and leather—clearly expensive garments.

  Tamar was dressed in red, Ella in yellow.

  Once dressed, the servants led them to the cosmetics chamber and carefully began applying makeup.

  Green pigment was delicately painted onto Tamar’s eyelids in intricate patterns, and her lips were tinted crimson.

  Ella, still young, received a much lighter touch.

  Having only ever seen Tamar in her rough, unrefined state, Ella found herself quietly impressed when the preparations were complete.

  Clad in a form-fitting red dress, Tamar looked as beautiful as any noble lady of the court.

  Ella wore a slightly loose yellow dress that concealed her slender frame.

  When they stepped out, they saw their brothers already neatly prepared.

  Elaton and Eshiel wore deep navy robes, while Azael was dressed in purple.

  They followed the secretary up to the grand temple of Enlil.

  The temple was a pyramid-shaped structure, and reaching the ritual grounds required patiently climbing a long flight of steps.

  The five kings, who had arrived earlier, welcomed the siblings.

  They too were dressed in splendid ceremonial robes.

  Soon, the high priest and the priests emerged, and a solemn ritual began.

  Incense was lit, and music blended with the chanting of priestesses.

  At the priest’s signal, the kings bowed first, followed by the siblings.

  Scriptures were recited, and blessings were bestowed.

  A gentle breeze then swept around the priests.

  After descending from the temple, they stood upon a platform in a plaza filled with citizens.

  A ceremony honoring their achievements was held before all.

  As the King of Kish placed lavish necklaces around each hero’s neck, the people erupted into cheers.

  The king then spoke in a dignified voice.

  “No words can fully express the merits and deeds of these heroes.

  In any temple or merchant guild of any city, they may freely use silver coin guaranteed by the Kingdom of Kish.”

  Another wave of cheers thundered through the crowd.

  “Furthermore, I intend to open the treasury where the kingdom’s treasures are kept.

  Heroes, the entire kingdom is indebted to you.

  I urge you to accept your reward as representatives of the realm.”

  The five siblings all bowed in response to the king’s courtesy.

  Soon after, the royal treasurer stepped forward and guided them away.

  The cheers of the people did not cease as they departed the platform.

  The treasurer led them back into the temple.

  Deep within a secret passage of the sanctuary lay the kingdom’s treasures.

  A high priest waiting there greeted them and took the lead through the passage.

  He advanced confidently, disabling traps and security mechanisms along the way.

  At last, a massive stone door appeared, adorned with an elaborate relief of a bull.

  The high priest closed his eyes before the door and began chanting while gently shaking his staff.

  From the bull relief, white light poured forth.

  The radiant bull separated itself from the door and descended to the floor on four legs.

  The dazzling, pure white bull gazed at them with golden, divine eyes.

  Then it turned and pressed its head against the stone door.

  With a thunderous rumble, the massive door began to open slowly.