I, Black Pharaoh: Rise to Power

By Emmanuel Kulu

Set in ancient Egypt, an epic novel about murder, lies, betrayal, war, and a new leader’s triumphant ascension to power.

This written masterpiece elucidates the accurate imagery of African kings never seen before by the western world. The novel is a fast-paced powerful story of epic battles based on the historical rise of the Queen-Pharaoh Hatshepsut and expansionist Warrior-Pharaoh “Thutmose III,” who is also called the “Napoleon of Egypt.”

A prophecy is given to the sorcerer by way of dream, about a coming birth of a child that would become a mighty conqueror of nations, Black Pharaoh. But his birth would be darkened with betrayal, deceit, and eminent death to the royal throne.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: Feb 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781639843022

Book preview

I, BLACK PHARAOH

RISE TO POWER

Emmanuel Kulu, Jr.

I, Black Pharaoh:  Rise to Power by Emmanuel Kulu, Jr.

Copyright © 2019. All rights reserved.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted, in any form, without the express and prior permission in writing of Pen It! Publications. This book may not be circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is currently published.

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. All rights are reserved. Pen It! Publications does not grant you [the] rights to resell or distribute this book without prior written consent of both Pen It! Publications and the copyright owner of this book. This book must not be copied, transferred, sold or distributed in any way.

Disclaimer: Neither Pen It! Publications, or our authors will be responsible for repercussions to anyone who utilizes the subject of this book for illegal, immoral or unethical use.

This is a work of fiction. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect that of the publisher.

This book or part thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means-electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise-without prior written consent of the publisher, except as provided by [the] United States of America copyright law.

Published by Pen It! Publications, LLC

812-371-4128  www.penitpublications.com

Published in the US by Pen It! Publications, LLC

ISBN:  978-1-951263-92-8

Edited by: Rene Thompson, Rachel Hale & Jen Selinsky

Cover Design by: Brand Innovations & Design

Acknowledgments

My African father, Emmanuel Kulu, Sr., from Cameroon, trained me well in the rich history of Africa. He raised me to stand out amongst my African American peers, and to become more than just another stereotypical black man.

The fact that my dad was a star professional soccer player for our country team, The Indomitable Lions, gave me the inspiration to become whatever I desired. I was named after my father, Emmanuel, which means God is with us. This also motivated me to not fear opposition. In this book, I shall show the world of the rich history of Africa in a way no one has ever done before.

My beloved mother, Betty Kulu, schooled me in the importance of knowing Jehovah God, the Creator of the Heavens and Earth. She raised me with the biblical notion in her words, If a Man will work, let him also not eat. She was a mother of six and raised us with God first, family-love second, education, third, and work, fourth.

Though my mother had a Master’s in education, along with four other degrees, she never spoiled us. Aside from food, clothing, and shelter, we had to earn everything we got from her. She taught us that life was not easy and how we all have to endure beyond the pain while our goals are still in sight. May Jehovah God call her out of the grave during the Resurrection.

My older brother, Stephen Kulu, always supported my vision for whatever I wanted to do in life. You helped sponsor www.iblackpharaoh.com and gave me wisdom about our African and biblical history. Stephen, I appreciate and love you dearly.

My childhood friend, Dan the Underdog, also sponsored www.iblackpharaoh.com. From making music, to this book, you have always been a loyal friend to me, no matter what I wanted to do.

My dear brother in the faith, Alex Bundy, owner of Brand Innovations & Design, also contributed in a major way to this work. You created the cover art (front, spine, and back) and built www.iblackpharaoh.com.

To my queen, Winter Whitehead, you have been my biggest support throughout the toughest times of my life. When no one knew what I was going through, you showed loyal love and compassion to stick by me. May our love and bond continue to grow stronger. I love you!

Paul Weisser assisted in the private editing of this book. Thank you, Paul, for the great sessions we had while going through certain parts of the manuscript. You made it fun and had a great sense of humor as we went through it. Your insight was great, and it helped me become a better writer.

To my dear friend, Hugh Davis, since the day we met, we clicked. You never held a good word back from me. You always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and to keep pushing. We both have a passion, and love, for the creative arts, which made it easy for you to see my vision. You helped connect me with good people. Thank you for always being a friend.

My dear friend, Franklin Stewart, you always kept it real with me, whether good, or bad. You supported the I, Black Pharaoh movement and always gave me deep knowledge and insight. Whether it was music, film, or the book, you always kept an open mind, and ear, when I needed advice, or just someone to talk to. One love, bro.

Shout out to the entire Smith/Kulu family, I love you all. My beloved children Emmanuel & Zahiya Kulu may you embrace your African lineage and be proud. Your father loves you both with all my heart.

To my cousin Brad Smith, you’ve always been like a brother to me by supporting and encouraging me. Thank you for your love and loyalty. You’re a great man/father and friend. One love.

My dear friend, Johnny Cold Cash Goggins, you always kept me on my toes and focused on the grind and hard work of becoming great. We often talked about what it takes to leave your mark on the world. One love.

My Agent/Development Editing Consultant, Rene Thompson, you displayed immense passion and concern for the project from the day we connected. You believed in this project by giving me my first interview about the novel. Your expertise has single handedly made me a better writer/storyteller. You pushed and challenged me night and day to rethink, rewrite, and now we are a team. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I know that our meeting was by the will of the Almighty. May God Bless you!

Special thanks to Pen It! Publications for taking on this project, despite the controversy surrounding it. You appreciated I, Black Pharaoh at first sight, without even reading a single page. I thank you for your boldness and vigilance. May the truth of ancient Egyptian imagery come to light.

To My Publicist, Dominique Wilson, thank you for being by my side and pushing the movement forward. You believed in the movement since it’s conception. Whatever the team needed, you made it happen. Thank you for being the rock I could lean on in this journey. I am grateful to have you as a teammate; may we continue to Rise to Power!

Foreword

I, Black Pharaoh Rise to Power brings to light the true African imagery of the ancient Egyptians. For years, the media has perpetuated the Eurocentric belief that Egypt's origins came from Europe. Though Egypt is often mentioned as being a part of the Middle East, the fact still stands: Egypt resides in Africa.

The author found it necessary to refer to the ancient Egyptian inscriptions, and statues, as the most vital proof regarding their African origins. Contrary to prior film and novel depictions, the ancient Egyptians, through immaculate art, and sculpturing, depicted themselves as black, copper, or brown-skinned people. The Greco-Roman historian, Ammianus Marcellinus, once said, The men of Egypt are mostly brown and black with a skinny and desiccated look. There were many other notable Greek historians and philosophers who also described the Ancient Egyptians as Black African, such as Aristotle, Herodotus, and Aeschylus.

The ancient Egyptians also shared many practices, beliefs, and similar architecture as other Ancient African nations, such as the Ethiopians, Puntians, Nubians, Kushites, Medjay and, later, Carthage, and Zululand.

After the invasion of the Assyrians, Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans, many of the original ancient Egyptians fled to the Nubian region of Egypt. They also migrated to places like modern-day Sudan, Ethiopia, South Africa, Mali, Nigeria, and Cameroon.

The author found it appropriate to include the western standard race classification term black in regard to skin complexion. Not only does it simply mean dark black skin, but it also represents anyone of melanated skin complexion, or people of color. The novel, by no means, promotes an Afrocentric movement, racism, or race superiority; it simply restores the historical fact that the original Ancient Egyptians/Kemites were none other than Black African people.

The Insertion of Kemet

The Ancient Egyptians did not refer to their homeland as Egypt. In fact, they called it Kemet, which means Land of the Blacks, or the Black Land. The term Egyptian or Aegyptus was not used until the later Ancient Greeks made contact with modern-day Egypt. Therefore, I find it appropriate to use the term Kemet, and Kemites, when there is dialogue spoken between Egyptians throughout the story. While describing the scene, I used the modern terms, Egypt and Egyptian, to help the reader make the connection.

Main Characters

Thutmose the Third - Born of Thutmose the Second, and Iset, the maidservant. Thutmose the Third was known as Black Pharaoh and The Greatest Warrior King of the 18th Dynasty. Because of his conquering expansions, modern archaeologists referred to him as the Napoleon of Egypt.

Hatshepsut - One of Egypt’s most recognized Queens. Hatshepsut was the daughter of Thutmose I and Queen Ahmose. She became wife to Thutmose the Second and had no biological sons. She had three stillborn children and, in turn, was considered to have a cursed womb. Hatshepsut did have one daughter, Neferure, with Thutmose the Second. She also adopted the Prime Minister and had Thutmose the Third as her stepson.

Thutmose the Second - Pharaoh of Egypt. Thutmose the Second was the husband of Queen Hatshepsut and Iset, (2nd wife) father of Neferure and Thutmose the Third. He was a medium-built man.

Hekauton - The great sorcerer, and prophet of the god Amun-Ra., Hekauton served under Thutmose the Second, and Thutmose the Third for guidance, wisdom, and insight about the future.

Senenmut - The Royal Stewart and great architect of Hatshepsut. Senenmut was Hatshepsut’s right hand, as he handled all her business affairs and constructed her great monuments.

Prime Minister - The adopted son of Hatshepsut grew up in the royal house; many questions surrounded his lineage. 

Iset - Half Egyptian, (by her father) and half Nubian (by her mother). The Nubian-born maidservant served under Queen Hatshepsut. Iset became a concubine and, later, the second wife to Thutmose the Second. Iset was the mother of Thutmose the Third.

Hannah Ekota - Mother of Iset, and grandmother to Thutmose the Third. Hannah was an older woman from the land of Nubia.

Neferure - The only living child of Thutmose the Second and Hatshepsut. Neferure served as a royal princess in the house of Egypt.

King Armant - King of Kadesh, enemy of Egypt. 

Satiah - One of Queen Hatshepsut’s maidservants, who would become one of many wives of Thutmose the Third.

Hamnon - Great Giant (7’5") Warrior of Kadesh (undefeated champion).

Thanuny - Scribe who followed and recorded all of Thutmose the Third’s campaigns and accomplishments.

Story Background

Most of the story takes place during the peak of the eighteenth dynasty, beginning with the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose the Second. He married his elder half-sister, Queen Hatshepsut. They had the same father, Thutmose the First. During those days, it was the rulers’ tradition to keep the Royal bloodline sacred to preserve the purity of the Royal family.

The pharaoh and his queen had been trying to bare a male heir to the throne, but failed having had two stillborn, male children. This was likely because of the DNA corruption due to incest. The couple, however, did bare one daughter, Princess Neferure. She was about thirteen years old at the beginning of this story.

The queen, being the elder between herself and the pharaoh, often had great influence over every decision that he made. The pharaoh’s council respected Hatshepsut’s wisdom, as it reminded them of Thutmose the First’s. They would often go to her so that she could persuade her husband to agree on political matters.

Hatshepsut had become pregnant for a third time. Witches and sorcerers came from near and far regions to remove this curse of death from her womb. Whoever removed the curse, would receive a rich reward, and become a member of the royal family. Hatshepsut had growing concerns, so she dispatched sorcerers to discover what she must do to save her unborn child.

Book One

The Black Prophecy

Early during the spring of 1577 B.C.E, on a morning with clear skies on the desert beach of Dahab, on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. A man sat with his legs crossed underneath him. He sighed contentment as the sound of rushing waves crashed against the shore. A dark brown turban covered his head and face but left his eyes exposed to the light of day.

Hekauton, an Egyptian sorcerer of great renown, languished in deep meditation. In sync with the forceful waves, he hummed and chanted, Great god, Amun-Ra, reveal yourself to me. The nation has become weak as the days of the Hyksos. Rise, O’ Kemet.

The sixth chant brought a strong wind that blew against and dislodged his soul. His eyes closed. Blacked-out vision revealed an instant out-of-body experience. His eyes opened. Hekauton observed himself and his surroundings on a high desert mountain. Screams of terror reached his ears. Smoke and blood invaded his nostrils. He gasped and recoiled while chaos unfolded below him during a futuristic time of uncertainty and great turmoil. 

What is this? Where am I? He rose to his feet. He heard a loud horn-blast and clashing war-shields. Looking down from the mountain peak, he found himself watching a great war in the high grounds. Across the top of the opposite mountains, he saw a large waterfall. He saw an older version of himself standing at the right hand of a tall, muscular, dark-skinned man, who wore the skin of a black lion as a cape with only his human mouth showing.

Hekauton hid behind the mountain peak, he hoped not to be seen.

At ground level far below, two armies were at a standoff, they taunted each other. On one side stood the mighty Egyptian Army; on the other stood the great Mitannian Army. The hooded man raised his hand, and the battle began. The Egyptians charged the Mitannians. Shields clanged. Daggers and swords cut and sliced through the atmosphere while the military men struck each other down.

The Egyptians dispatched their war chariots, which trampled over many Mitannians. The Mitannian warriors, fierce fighters, began to gain an advantage over the Egyptians.

Below the black-hooded man, two-hundred Nubian arrow snipers launched arrows toward the Mitannians and struck down many of them.

Still, the Mitannian military fought as a unit, which gave them momentum over the Egyptians.

The older Hekauton, a great sorcerer, turned to the man in the black-hooded cape. My Lord, Black Pharaoh, the Mitannians have gained an advantage on the ground level. What should we do next?

Black Pharaoh, in a calm voice replied, We have allowed those rebels to escape on two occasions. This time, I will deal with them, myself. Guide me down! He jumped from the top of the waterfall down into the water.

The eyes of the older Hekauton glowed like fire. He used his sorcerer powers to shield Black Pharaoh. When Black Pharaoh surfaced, his garments had turned into gold armor with a gold mask, and his drawn sword, unlike any other, shimmered. His eyes turned black as he extended his hand toward the enemy. His hand released a smokey dark mist, which resulted in the death of hundreds of the Mitannians’ frontline soldiers. Frightened, the enemy retreated. Fire consumed hundreds. Bodies dissolved into thin air.

Black Pharaoh, with one mighty hand, struck down everyone in his path with his sword. He regained the advantage for his army. The Mitannians were soon annihilated, for Black Pharaoh, and the Egyptian Army had cornered the Mitannian King and all his personal guards. The enemies were backed against a high cliff.

The king of the Mitannians had no choice but to surrender. Great Black Pharaoh, he begged, Have mercy on me. Allow me to live and be a servant in your house?

Black Pharaoh replied, Time and time again, I have shown you mercy, and you have rebelled and risen up against the Supreme Forces of Kemet. On this day, you, and every nation, will know that I am a mighty god of Kemet: Black Pharaoh. All will submit, or perish, before me.

The king of the Mitannians said, I submit.

The lion-faced hood disappeared. Black Pharaoh’s natural face appeared. You are wise, but Kemet has no place for a coward.

He then slit the defeated King’s windpipe with his sword and kicked him off the cliff into the steep pit below.

The Mitannian King’s personal guards knelt and bowed their heads in submission to Black Pharaoh. Thus, he spared them. Black Pharaoh raised his hands to the sky as his military forces behind him cheered their great victory. He beheld someone peeking down from the mountain. Black Pharaoh made eye contact with the transfigured Hekauton. Black Pharaoh’s eyes turned black and released a great blast.

When his soul reentered his body on the beach, Hekauton realized the experience was no ordinary dream, but a prophecy of the future Black Pharaoh. Without warning, the day turned pitch black. Stunned, as if possessed, he silenced his mind to tranquility and listened.

A deep eerie voice spoke. You have been given the dream, sorcerer, regarding the prophecy of Black Pharaoh. The time for his arrival draws near, and you will become his eyes and ears.

Hekauton gave obeisance to the high stationed voice and asked, "Amun-Ra, god of Kemet, it is you. I am honored. When