was the future king. In addition to Adad, who taught him everything there was to know, Nabu also had a trainer who taught him how to fight. Nabu was still a bit clumsy, but he was still often praised. His trainer was clearly friendlier than Adad. Or did he just not dare to criticize the prince? Adad was more open about this. He was probably already cursing that Nabu had slipped away. He decided to hurry up and wish Naid a good day and maybe steal some of his breakfast from him.
When Nabu's uncle entered the classroom, he found Adad hanging his head. When he turned his head and found the empty seat where Nabu had been sitting a few minutes ago, he began to laugh loudly.Adad found this reaction inappropriate. "My King, your nephew snuck into my classroom for the third time," he complained. The king broke off his laughter. "And for the third time, you didn't notice, old friend," he replied, half reproachfully and half amused. Adad had to put on this shoe. Once immersed in Babylon's history and ancestors, he turned off his surroundings completely. "I'll go looking for it right away," he promised. King Shamasch-Mudammiq didn't seem to think so. "Leave it alone. He would only get away from you again. I will instruct the palace guards to bring the prince back," he replied. Adad, who still felt guilty, nodded understandingly. King Shamash-Mudammiq was a good-natured person. The only thing that could keep him from forgiving Adad was if something happened to Nabu. But probably the ruler worried completely in vain. Babylon's enemies lurked outside the city, not inside. Nabu would return to him unharmed. There was one thing in particular that worried him. The enemies who threatened Babylon came not only from other countries, but from Babylonia itself. Other rulers did not like Shamash's government and his gentleness. Yet these enemies would never dare attack. Babylon was under the protection of the main god Marduk. In contrast to his peers, he never let the capital of the Babylonian Empire out of sight. The people of the country were just as important to him as shamash. That was probably the reason why he valued and adored him so much. But there was another reason. And this concerned Nabu and its origins. The king left the depressed Adad behind and headed for the stairs. Two guards stood in front of it, who examined their king first before letting him pass. The reason for this was that they were not directly subordinate to Shamasch-Mudammiq, but Marduk. If he was not in the divine spheres, then in his premises of the Babylonian Palace. Today was one of those days when the king would find the deity there. The king groaned audibly as he climbed the long stairs. He was more likely to be described as weighty or corpulent. There were two more guards at the top. They had the express order only to let the king by. Not even Prince Nabu was allowed to pass. Despite their affiliation, they greeted the king and bowed. One of the guards opened the door through which Shamash Mudammiq disappeared. The space behind it was reminiscent of the divine spheres. The walls shimmered sky blue and there was a scent in the room that you probably couldn't hear anywhere else in the world. Besides, it was quiet. The tower in which Marduk was located was the highest point in the city and remained untouched by the street noise.Only the wind could be heard whipping against the single window on the turn. Through this window Marduk observed and watched over his city. At least the king found him in this position most of the time. Today as well. The king made an attempt to bow, but Marduk stopped him. "You don't need that, old friend," the god hastened to say. Shamasch-Mudammiq patted his knees and stood upright again. "Sorry for bothering you, but ..." he began to explain, but Marduk cut him off. "Nabu ran away again," he continued for the king. Before he could wonder, he remembered that he was facing a god. The explanation for Marduk's knowledge was different, however. "I watched him leave the palace," he said. Babylon's king was surprised. "I watch him often.", Marduk explained. A smile crossed both men's faces. "He grew up.", Marduk said quietly. Shamasch-Mudammiq agreed. "My sister would have been happy to see him like that." This sentence made Marduk sigh. "Certainly she would have," said Marduk simply. Shamasch-Mudammiq struggled with himself. Finally he gave in to his urge. "I want to ask you something," he began. Marduk already seemed to recognize the question. But the answer isn't. "Why don't I tell him? He may be old enough to understand it, but he's not ready for it yet. Think of one thing. When your time is up, it will rise as ruler of Babylonia. And one day ... still continue. "Shamasch-Mudammiq stared at him uncertainly. "That means ... if Babylon still exists that long.", Marduk said suddenly and the king winced. "What do you mean by that?" He asked confused. Marduk took a deep breath. "A storm is brewing, old friend," he decided to tell him the truth. However, the king wasn't sure what the god meant by that. "Is Babylon about to be attacked? Which madman would try that?" Marduk couldn't give him a straight answer. "Someone who wants renewal. Babylonia is an old civilization. And one day every civilization must give way to the new," Marduk said sternly. Nabu's uncle looked at him unreal. "You can't possibly be serious," he said weakly. Marduk made no reply. "Something's getting closer. I want you to find Nabu quickly," the god told him. King Shamash-Mudammiq nodded weakly. Marduk's words had frightened him. Still, he followed the order his old friend had given him. The guards left to look for the runaway. Shamasch-Mudammiq had given them advice on where to find him.
Nabu was predictable. It was clear that he would see Nait when he got the chance. He had reached the edge of town and was standing in front of an old, rustic second-hand shop.He decided to ask his uncle to have it deleted when he got back. Or maybe he won't be around for a few days, in case his uncle was too angry with him. He would take away all his privileges. Only lessons with Adad would remain, which was actually the worst torture for him. Nabu dared not knock, as Nait's parents would be sure to report back to the king. So he climbed the fountain to see through the window. Despite the risk of being discovered, he looked inside and recognized three people. It was Nait and his parents. Nabu was lucky. His friend's parents had their backs to him. Nabu undertook to wave to the barn, but Nait was too absorbed in his breakfast. Nabu didn't dare knock either, otherwise he was in danger of being discovered. He just decided to keep waving until it occurred to Nait to look outside. Nabu's friend had a large piece of bread in his mouth when he finally spotted the prince. His eyes widened and he almost choked. He hastily swallowed the piece of bread and swallowed. His parents asked if everything was okay, but Nait just nodded, embarrassed. But then he said that he had to go to the bathroom for a moment. "I'll be right back," he promised. At first his parents were shy, but then agreed. Nait stormed into the hallway and pushed the door open. Nabu waited obediently in front of it. "How did you get here?" He could hardly believe it. "I'm coming to visit you, so don't complain," he grumbled. On the one hand, Nait was happy, but then quickly checked on his parents. "Let me guess, you have stormed again.", He seemed to read Nabu's mind. "You know me too well by now," grinned the prince. Nait seemed to find that less funny. "You're getting me in fucking trouble," he moaned. He thought of sending Nabu away, but Nabu invited himself. Nait asked him to wait in his room while Nait finished breakfast himself. When he finished and strutted back to his room, Nabu was already fiddling with his things. "I didn't know you were collecting papyruse," he said, astonished. Nait got angry. "Stay away from my things. I haven't studied some of them yet," he explained. Nabu looked incredulous. "You study those old things?" He asked. Nait didn't think it necessary to answer. "Well, I have a great teacher for you.", Nabu alluded to Adad. "You need it more," hissed Nait. Nabu sighed. "Ok, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have just shown up like that.", He held out his hand to his friend. The latter looked at the prince briefly and then handed him his. "So you want to become a teacher one day?", Nabu wanted to come back to the papyrus. Nait quickly said no. "Oh what. I'm just so interested in these things. I think ... I'll be something of a researcher."He dreamed to himself. He expected Nabu to make fun of him again, but Nabu just looked at him proudly." I will support you as well as I can. ", he replied. Nait was relieved." It's already clear to me what I'll do in the future. ", Nabu continued. Nait rolled her eyes." Yes, I know, you want to become the greatest ruler that Babylon has ever had. ", he said, bored." I guess I've told you that before. ", Nabu played the embarrassed." Whenever we see each other. Nait helped him. The two boys joined in laughter. Until they heard voices. Someone had knocked on the door of the house and sounded very excited. It was opened and Nait heard his father's voice. For the boys it was clear that the palace guards had arrived. "Well, that's it then. Well, nice that you could visit me once. ", Nait made an attempt to say goodbye. But Nabu did not think of pulling in his tail." Come on! ", he said and grabbed Nait by the arm. He dragged him to the window. Nait wanted to defend himself, but Nabu simply pushed him out. The fact that there were two meters between the window and the floor hardly affected him. Nait was just able to support himself . "What shoud that? ", he asked irritated." How to flee. ", said Nabu, as if it were the most natural thing in this situation." Why do you always have to involve me in such things. ", Nait asked blankly." Because friends do everything together. ",