| abstract | - Tomb Prince Tutankhanut was the only son of the wealthy King Ahken of Numas was famed throughout Nehekhara for his handsome features. Tragically, the young prince was slain before he had even come of age at 15. He had been hunting lions, for he was renowned as a particularly skilled bowman, even when speeding along the plains on his war chariot. Separated from his hunting party, a crude spear hurled by a savage northern tribesman smashed into his chest and threw him from his chariot. Adored by his wealthy father, prince Tutankhanut was given an elaborate burial. When the young King awoke from his death sleep he was horrified at his withered skeletal form. According to the Nehekharan beliefs in the afterlife the gods would bestow each king with a body of gold. Tutankhanut was furious to find this was not the case and demanded that his priests fashion him such a body.[1b] Under his rule, life has returned to the desert and once again crops grow around the city of Numas. Numas is a marvellous place, and over many centuries the pyramids have been restored to their former glory. It is populated by the Scythans, a formerly nomad tribe who came to the city to worship their god - for they believe that the Prince of Numas is a manifestation of their deity and so have dedicated themselves to his service. Each day they tend to the necropolis, guarding the tombs from those who would seek to defile them. Prince Tutankhanut now rules over the living and the dead and both live in strange harmony. These black-robed nomads patrol the deserts, warning their divine ruler of any intruders to his realm. In return the nomads are allowed to live in the city under the protection of soldiers who do not sleep. It's said that when a Scythan warrior dies, his body is left in the desert for the carrion to pick his bones clean. After forty days and nights his skeleton is carried back to the tombs where it is prepared so that he may continue to serve the Prince in death as he did when he was alive.[1a] When he arises from his tomb, resplendent in his golden body and death mask, the still living people of Numas hearken to his call, perceiving him as blessed by the gods. When the Prince goes to war his chariots race alongside the white Arabian steeds of the Scythan warriors: living and dead fighting side by side. Tutankhanut has led his army to many victories. Fighting in the thick of battle his golden form deflects even the most powerful attacks.[1a][1b]
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