The Table of Kalila Nag - Part 3

If you missed my opening prologue and part 2, to better follow along click the links below:

The Table of Kalila Nag - Prologue

The Table of Kalila Nag - Part 2

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The roar of the sky thundered in my ears, the sparks and flames that in the beginning cocooned me snuffed out at its godlike command. But In-mar-tu's breath carried me even higher, the air turning so cold that crystals grew white and sparkling upon my trembling skin.

Growing drowsy and numb, a great weakness overcame my senses, my eyes helplessly closing till I fell into a deep sleep. And yet I flew on, still strangely aware of passing the edge of this world before entering the terrifying realm of the Anunnaki.

In my dreams I visited the dominions of gods whose names I did not know, the buildings in their great cities towering above the clouds and sparkling with Utu's light. Their wondrous crafts sped upon smooth pathways and some even flew like great birds in the skies.

It was the most wonderful thing I ever beheld.

But when I awakened with a start, my surroundings were darker than the night sky robbed of the Anunnaki and Nanna's light.

The secret words absent from my throat, didila ur-sag seemed more dream than memory. Didi was small, afraid and alone. The Queen gave no sign nor voice in the stillness of that evil place.

Lying trembling upon the stony ground beneath me, even my curiosity could not rouse me to explore these dark environs.

But when the still, small voice arrived at last, it came not from the Queen of Heaven nor from any Anunnaki. Aba's voice impossibly reached me in the stillness of the underworld and whispered kindly in my ear, the warmth of his words stilling the pounding of didi's little boy heart.

Do not be afraid, my little one. Even in this dark place help will come. Hear me and listen to my voice, didila ur-sag, did I not hold you aloft for Nin-anna's blessing?

Already you have done what no man born of woman ever has before or ever will after. Wait and keep patient watch for the Queen of Heaven. She will put her words in your throat when you are ready to bear them.

Comforted, I waited silently for Nin-Anna to speak but her voice I did not hear, nor did her words enter my throat. Eventually I slept again.

But out of a hard sleep the goddess called my name, and I awakened in a fright, lying quietly in hope she was only a dream.

When she spoke the second time, her voice gentle as living waters, she called my name, Didila ur-sag, my faithful little one.

Trembling with anticipation, I answered softly, Speak my Queen, for thy servant's ears have heard thee and my throat awaits the filling of thy words.

Speaking unto me a second time, she said - Rise up didila ur-sag, and be not afraid. I will be a lamp onto thy feet and place my words in thy throat when you have greatest need of them. Be brave and do not falter.

Rising up, I saw a dimly lit pathway in the darkness before me. Obediently I followed and it led me through a maze of corridors within this great and terrible place.

Then in renewed terror I stopped. Before me a small boy stood dressed like me who stood in my way, his mouth opening with surprise the same as mine. We gazed at one another without moving for a long time.

Who are you? I finally demanded, his lips moving too but no words dwelt in his throat.

I was slow to realize that he was a reflection. I had seen something like it before in the still surface of the mother of waters when In-mar-tu's breath was light. But nothing like this.

Drawing closer, I carefully reached out my hand while my opposite reached out his to me. Finally touching it, I drew back my hand at its hard strangeness.

Not water, I whispered, my twin's lips moving with mine. And I drew still closer, till my face almost touched his.

What strange manner of magic has made such a wonderful thing? I whispered.

Nin-anna's words entered my throat and I spoke them in wonder.

I am didila ur-sag, the servant of the Queen of Heaven and he who flies upon the breath of In-mar-tu. In my blood the mighty races of old sleep.

My reflection smiled and I knew myself for the first time in my young life.