The Gates of Ahnatep When the Pressors began the ambitious task of reassembling shattered Ahnatep, the city gates were the first endeavor. They were a warning and a promise for all who entered, and the statue that loomed over the entrance was an idol of the city. Before the Valterrian, gates served a stronger purpose, but in the absence of true rivals and meaningful enemies, they are now empty gestures. Ahnatep revels in pomp for its own sake, so the structure is still a wonder to behold. The processional road begins forty strides before the gate proper. Sand gives way to marble patterns in deep green and lapis blue. Every ten steps is marked by a line of the rare aubergine marble found only in Eyktol. Black statues of narrow jackals mid-stride line the last ten paces of the path, as if trotting nobly alongside the traveler. The intricate path is the pride of the house of the East Winds, and explains their lack of a totem over the final gate. The gate proper is a large rectangular arch painted with icons of the sun and winding rivers. Standing atop the arch is the lady of Ahnatep. Her flesh is stone and her robes gilded iron. She stares into the desert, commanding its praise. Six arms radiate from her, bearing symbols of the city. One set of hands raises a diadem over her head, a single hand holds a bundle of wheat tied with a poppy, another a furled scroll of wadj, a shell sits in the palm of another and the final is clenched around a writhing snake. One raised foot steps on a carnelian skull completing the symbols of the city. The lady of Ahnatep has a merciless face despite the beauty of her form, and some observe that of all the symbols, the skull was depicted with the most care and detail. Only when one passes under her, can they enter the city. The cedar and iron gates are open at all times, unless a Hik-Zulrav rages. Jackals and Foxes, the city guard, flank the entrance watching all who enter. Most people are waved briskly into the city without a word. Many feel the lady of Ahnatep has spoken for them. |