Expedition Journal VI: The Veiled Goddess of Kedet

The Veiled Goddess of Kedet

Expedition Journal VI

In-universe date: Era Nova, August--September, Year 1

Real-world date: 5 August 2026

Author: Percival van der Berg

Leaving the frontier of **Serrano** behind, I continued my journey north across a vast desert unlike any I had crossed before. Day after day, the sun showed little mercy, and the endless dunes seemed determined to erase every trace of those who dared traverse them. Yet beyond that sea of sand, I found another civilization waiting to be discovered.

Iedere horizon verbergt een nieuw verhaal.

The nation called itself **Kheta-Kedet**.

Upon my arrival, I was welcomed into one of their settlements and, to my surprise, offered shelter for the coming days. Before long, word reached me that I had been invited to meet their ruler, **Kheta-Semet**, revered by her people as both **Queen and Mortal Goddess**.

I must confess, my expectations were quickly overturned.

Harsh lands often leave equally harsh marks upon those who inhabit them, yet Semet seemed almost untouched by the desert itself. She stood noticeably taller than those around her, her posture unwavering and her movements graceful. Though a finely woven veil concealed much of her face, her **striking amber-orange eyes** immediately drew my attention.

Zo'n meedogenloos land... en toch zo'n buitengewone vorstin.

Among a people who endure one of the harshest climates I have yet encountered, their Queen possessed an almost unreal vitality and elegance. The contrast was remarkable. While the desert had clearly shaped the lives of her subjects, Semet carried herself with a quiet strength and poise that seemed to rise above it. Whether born of rigorous discipline, exceptional health, or something her people truly believe to be divine, I cannot yet determine.

Over the following days, we spoke often.

Contrary to what one might expect of a ruler worshipped as a goddess, Semet proved thoughtful, composed, and remarkably kind. She spoke softly, choosing each word with care, and showed genuine curiosity toward Koperdam and our pursuit of knowledge. I was particularly fascinated to learn of her interest in architecture and city planning. Though our civilizations have grown beneath vastly different skies, I found our conversations drifting naturally toward the design of cities, the responsibilities of leadership, and the ways in which great works outlive those who build them.

Kennis herkent kennis, ongeacht waar zij ontstaat.

One subject, however, never wavered: **magic**.

She regarded it not as a force to understand, but one to reject entirely. Though I cannot wholly share her conviction, I respected the certainty with which she spoke. Every civilization is shaped by its own history, and I suspect there are stories buried beneath these sands that I have yet to uncover.

For now, I remain within **Kheta-Kedet**, continuing to record its customs, architecture, and people. There is still much this kingdom can teach me before my journey resumes.

Iedere beschaving draagt een waarheid met zich mee. Het is aan ons om haar te ontdekken.

Translation Notes

• Iedere horizon verbergt een nieuw verhaal.
  • Every horizon hides a new story.

• Zo'n meedogenloos land... en toch zo'n buitengewone vorstin.
  • Such an unforgiving land... and yet such an extraordinary sovereign.

• Kennis herkent kennis, ongeacht waar zij ontstaat.
  • Knowledge recognizes knowledge, no matter where it is born.

• Iedere beschaving draagt een waarheid met zich mee. Het is aan ons om haar te ontdekken.
  • Every civilization carries a truth within it. It is our task to discover it.