Rameke showed none of the veneer he had had displayed the previous morning. Gone was the need to appease the members of the royal family, which in itself was strange, because he could not claim that he did not recognize Shabaka or Hazim. Although Neti could make allowance for the lack of such courtesy in the face of his concern for his father’s safety.
“You would not understand”, Dagi countered. “All you know are your scholars and your friends and your stick dances, you know nothing of the dangers of life. You have yet to learn what it takes to provide for a family and servants. Your mother spoiled you, she gave you too much – do not think I do not it - I do. You never had to work for anything.”
“I don’t have to take this from you”, Rameke angrily flung back, “I don’t have to take it from anyone”, he added and then turned from his father. “I don’t see why I should worry about your health if this is how you express your appreciation for my concern!” Then he marched off past the guards.
Shabaka looked at Neti with an obvious expression of confusion in his face, but she said nothing. They were standing too far apart to discuss it with any discretion. But she knew that they could discuss it later.
They accompanied Dagi back home, where the evening meal had already been prepared.
14
Chapter Fourteen
Neti and Shabaka joined them for the evening meal. Shabaka had sent Hazim back to the palace and although everyone around the table was capable of speaking Egyptian, very little was said. Shabaka and Aya had at first attempted to keep the conversation going, but Dagi had not been interested in participating. His mood seemed broody, even more so since the encounter with Rameke. He seemed more intent on savoring his meal than conversing with others.
His mood made Neti nervous. She had never before encountered anyone as despondent; someone who almost seemed to wish for his death would come.
The atmosphere grew heavier with each passing moment. Nobody really knew what to say or do. It would have appeared to be disrespectful to talk about plans for the following day, and the issue at hand was not one any of them wished to speak about.
Nebtu moved around the table in anticipation of everyone’s needs and soon enough Neti felt like screaming. She wanted to shake the man to his senses, to show him what he was doing, what he was inflicting to those around him. At times Dagi looked her way, and although he never said anything, it did however make her feel like an unwelcome guest, an interloper, who should not be there.
After the meal they moved to the reception room, where Aya invited Dagi to a game of Senet. Not long after settling, Shabaka excused himself on the account that he had to speak with the medjay outside and that he was going to go on patrol with them. Neti stood as well, intent on joining him but he insisted she stayed within the house and take Nebtu to ensure that everything is as it should be in all the other rooms, and that the doors were secured.
Both Nebtu and Neti took a lamp and left the room. Nebtu showed her the way around the house, even took her into the upper rooms to ensure that all the doors were closed and secured. Once done Nebtu took her to the supplies room, where Neti learned they kept extra sleeping mats and bedding for their guests. They gathered up enough to make two makeshift beds, since Shabaka had decided the reception room would be where they would stay the night.
They took the first the mats and then returned for more lamp oil. Nebtu also took a wine skin, some cups and fruit before they returned to the room. Dagi and Aya were still playing Senet and Neti looked around. She had no idea why Shabaka had chosen this room for the evening. From an access point of view it was the easiest room to access from the door, there were several more secluded rooms although not as spacious as this one.
Shabaka had not returned from his patrol yet, thus Neti and Nebtu started arranging the sleeping areas. Once done, Nebtu poured Dagi and Aya some wine and they settled on the cushions on the floor mat again.
The lamps cast eerie shadows in the room. The brightness that surrounded one of them faded down only to be enhanced again by another one a little further away. The room was not brightly lit; it would have taken several more lamps to accomplish that. But given the danger that they could accidentally be overturned and start a fire, their numbers had been limited, for none of them knew what form the beast would take, should it come.
The evening slowly passed by. The moonrise seemed to take forever, almost as if it was mocking them with its slow procession through the sky.
The only sound in the room was the movement of the Senet pieces, the low murmur of the players, and the beating of Neti's own heart. The silence itself was disturbing, for it seemed as if even the crickets knew, that something was about to happen and had chosen to remain silent.
There was a shuffle in the hallway and Neti’s heart started to race. She looked around the room for anything that could be used for defense, but found nothing suitable. A light emerged from under the door, moments before the door was opened and Shabaka stepped into the room.
He closed the door and looked around before announcing, “I have spoken to the men. The lion is sleeping peacefully so he should not be a threat; they have not seen anyone moving on the premises and will continue to be on the lookout throughout the night.”
He moved towards Neti and placed the lamp on the floor before sitting down on one of the cushions. Neti could remember several evenings they had spent in a similar way, but then time had passed too quickly and they had had no need for guarded conversation.
“I think we should get Dagi to rest”, Shabaka said, looking at the two players.
Neti’s gaze followed his before she replied, “You think he is willing to go?”
“I don’t know, but I need to speak with you. Rameke’s words and behavior today confused me. It will be easier if he rests, because then we can speak outside.”
Neti nodded.
Shabaka rose from his seat and went over to the players. The game was almost finished.
“You have come to challenge me to a game of chance?” Dagi said as Shabaka stood next to them.
“No, I have not. It is late and I thought you might like to rest”, Shabaka said pointing towards the sleeping mats.
“And waste my final moments on resting? I don’t think so. I would like to spend the time with my wife, so I can remember her face as I pass into the netherworld.”
Again, Neti's anger grew at his words. She stood up, picked up her lamp and went to the door. Shabaka quickly moved and captured her by her elbow, sternly demanding, “Where are you going?”
“To get some fresh air”, she said pulling her elbow from his grasp and wanted to open the door.
“You cannot go by yourself.” Shabaka said, his concern evident in his voice.
Neti stopped to look at him before she answered, “You know how many guards there are on the property. I think it would be safe enough for me to go for a walk outside the door”, she lowered her voice as she continued. “Besides, I have had enough of this room.”
Shabaka nodded understandingly and allowed her to go. “I will join you soon.”
Neti turned and closed the door behind her, then made her way down the hallway to the main door. She stepped outside into the evening air, and it felt as if a great weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She fully understood what Aya meant by death walked in the house, it hung in every room like a heavy shroud, only because Dagi chose to believe that he would die that very evening. She looked over the gardens, and like so many times before had to fight the desire to run away from the compound. It was so tempting would be so easy. But her loyalty to Shabaka and the pharaoh kept her there.
Neti moved a little off to the side and took a deep breath of evening air, welcoming its coolness. She shivered slightly, because there was a slight bite in the air, which was only to be expected during the cooler season. Even the slight chill was not enough to urge her back indoors. She looked up into the sky and watched as the moon slowly edged its way towards its zenith. It would not be long. The
stars twinkled, peacefully looking down upon the earth below. She placed the lamp on the ground, and moved to sit, for the first time that day truly relaxing. Her shoulders were sore and stiff and she knew why, but had no idea how to make that feeling go away.
She suddenly tensed; her entire body alert as she heard footsteps. They were coming from the wrong direction to be Shabaka’s, although she knew he had wanted to follow her.
She wanted to turn down the lamp, but instead picked it up. If it was a threat she could always fling it at whomever or whatever was approaching.
Soon enough she could make out the shape of a man coming closer, although he seemed to be in no particular hurry. He approached her and stopped just outside the ring of light from her lamp, respectfully bowing to her. Neti recognized him as one of the medjay who must have come to see why she was there.
“It is a beautiful evening”, he hesitantly said in Egyptian. His words made her smile and she nodded, even though she knew he would not be able to understand much if tried to speak with him.
“Shabaka?” he asked.
Neti pointed towards the house and the guard nodded.
He again bowed his head and walked towards the house. Just as he approached the entryway, the door opened again to reveal Shabaka, who was carrying a lamp.
The two men exchanged a few words and the guard left, while Shabaka went to sit with Neti.
“What was that all about?” Neti said, watching the guard leave.
“He just came to check if everything was alright, he thought since you left the building something might have happened.”
Neti nodded.
“It is calm out here”, Shabaka began, “much better than in there.”
He didn’t have to explain what he was referring to, so Neti quickly replied, “I don’t think I can go back in there.”
“I felt that way earlier, it was only because you were there that I returned. I would much rather have stayed out here.”
“You think something is going to happen?” Neti finally asked.
“Whoever would try to approach such a heavily guarded home would be a fool. Most of Syène knows that Dagi’s home is under protection of the palace guards at the moment.”
Neti nodded, “What did you want to talk about earlier?”
“Rameke. He confuses me.”
“I would think he confuses his own father, I saw how you tried to get Dagi to talk about him during the meal. I would think most parents would be proud of their children.”
“That is why I fail to understand what is happening; Rameke seems concerned enough about Dagi’s wellbeing, yet Dagi has chosen to gift his wife to me when he dies. It does not make any sense. He is willing for all of this to go to his son, but not his wife.”
“I do not understand your customs, but I understand that if Rameke is a cruel employer, the servants can leave, they do not have to stay. But Aya would be bound to him.”
“You think he may be cruel?” Shabaka asked.
“His answers seem too well-rehearsed, as if he wants to curb any doubt in the listeners; his delivery is too smooth. I think he is hiding a lot.”
Shabaka remained silent after that and Neti let it go, knowing he had to come to his own conclusions. It was a matter that they could look into in the morning.
A short while later, the door again opened and both Shabaka and Neti turned to look. For a moment Aya appeared in the doorway with a lamp, and Neti’s entire body turned cold, as she appeared to be searching for them. Shabaka leapt up and ran the short distance over to where she stood.
They hastily exchanged a few words while Neti rose from the ground and gathered up the two lamps before making her way over to them.
“What happened?” she asked as she reached them.
“Dagi wants to go for a walk in the garden.” Shabaka replied.
Neti felt frowned. “Do you think that would be wise?”
“He has often walked in the garden in the evenings”, Aya replied, “It calms him down.”
Neti looked at Shabaka, “I do not see why he should not do that. There are several guards here we could call to follow us.”
Shabaka nodded in agreement
Aya retreated into the house while Shabaka moved a few paces away from it. He made a strange sound and a few moments later several men appeared. They stood in a loose formation as they waited for Dagi to leave the house, once again accompanied by Aya and Nebtu. He looked up to the sky and then at the men waiting for him, before slowly starting to walk. Neti once again chose to walk behind them.
The pace was slow, with Dagi often stopping to look at something. With every passing moment his spirits seemed to improve, almost as if he realized that he was safe. The walk took a more meandering path, what Neti did not mind. The gardens were beautiful in the evening; even the slight chill in the air was welcome to her. She turned to look at some plants she had not seen before, and made a mental note to ask Aya about it once they got to speak again, when an anxious “Dagi!” drew her attention.
She spun round looking and saw Dagi clutching his chest, gasping for breath, as he sank to his knees next to one of the statues. She ran towards them, while Nebtu and Aya tried to support him, but failed.
He was on the ground by the time Neti reached him, her hands instinctively seeking his heart. She felt nothing, when she knew his heart should have been racing had he stumbled.
“No!”, she cried as she moved her hand towards his mouth to feel if he was still breathing. Again nothing. She pressed her ear against his chest although from his gaunt state she knew that if she could not feel his heart she was unlikely to hear it, yet still she did, for he could not die.
Her entire body went cold as she closed her eyes. This was already enough to inform the others of the man’s state. Bile rose in her throat lifted her head , unwilling to accept what had just occurred. She lifted her gaze to the statue. “Shabaka”, she said with a shaking voice.
Her voice was hoarse as she spoke and within moments she felt his hand on her shoulder, which made her turn her head, yet not enough to look at him. She could not speak. She was unwilling to accept it, yet she had to, it was true. She pointed up to the statue and Shabaka’s eyes followed her gesture, when she finally managed to speak.
“He said he would fall at the feet of a beast, not he would be killed by one.” Her voice was both hesitant and strained as the full meaning of the situation revealed itself to her. Her entire body started to tremble and she could not focus on any particular thought.
Shabaka gently grabbed both her shoulders and pulled her away from the body. Turning to Nebtu he said, “Bring some linen and some wine.”
He pulled her up against him and said, “Calm down Neti.”
The heat from his body felt good, although it did little to disperse the cold that seemed to fill her. She was angry at the injustice of it, angry about what had been taken from her; and yet there was fear, fear that a man could predict something like this, that that same man had predicted that she would be hurt by these circumstances, the same man that had told Shabaka he could tell him which woman he would have children with, but chose not to, because it was something that could be changed by his will, while the current situation could not.
Nebtu arrived with the sheets and Shabaka gestured to her to cover Dagi’s body, while he took the wineskin from her. He pulled he cork and offered it to Neti to drink, but she declined, pulling away from his embrace.
“Neti?” he said with an insecure tone of voice.
Neti simply held up her hands to let him know to stay away from her. She knew it would be best in the long run to distance herself as quickly as possible. She pointed to Aya who stood there in a state of shock, almost frozen to the spot. Shabaka offered her a drink of wine, and unlike Neti she accepted it.
Shabaka turned to one of the guards and said, “Take her to the palace and have them see to her. Tell them what happened, they will know what to do.”
The man nodded and placed an arm around Ay
a as he guided her from the scene.
Shabaka then turned to one of the others and said, “Summon the embalmers, they are to remove his body, but they may not do anything until morning, we want to be there when they begin.”
The man left and ran to the gate. The others stood guard while Shabaka tried to talk with Neti, who remained unresponsive her gaze fixed on the body covered with a white cotton sheet.
The next minutes passed in a blur, the only thing she was aware of was Shabaka’s familiar presence at her side, although he did not try to pull her in his embrace again. She moved when he moved, she heard what was said but remembered nothing afterwards.
As the sky turned gray again, they faced the most difficult moment of the night, the arrival of Rameke.
Shabaka gestured for Neti to move off to the side as the young man approached, his every step appearing to be filled with rage as he came to stand before Shabaka. “What happened here?”, he demanded.
“Your father died”, Shabaka began only to be interrupted.
“I know that. I was just notified. I want to know how it happened.”
“We do not know what caused it yet.”
“How incompetent you are! All of these men were here and you cannot tell me what happened to my father? Who killed him?”
“No one killed your father; he fell to the ground holding his chest. The embalmers will allow you to look for yourself if you wish. He was not murdered.”
“I do not believe you, where is Aya? She has a lot of questions to answer.”
“She has been brought to the palace, where she will remain for now.”
“You will hand her over to me. She is now rightfully mine.”
“No, she is not”, Shabaka replied, causing Rameke to frown.
“You cannot simply take her; nothing entitles you to do that.”
“Your father bequeathed her to me. You will find in his papers.”
“I do not believe you!”
“Believe it or not, she will remain at the palace.”
The Forgotten Papyrus (The Mummifier's Daughter Series Book 5) Page 15
