Hemaka operated Nekhen’s largest pottery works now. Teti, the former elite potter, labored for him in a rebuilt, smaller version of his original works in the lower settlement. Hemaka’s operation on the upper terrace was nearly four times its previous size. He was still loosely associated with Sanakht, who was growing rich thanks to me. I’d made essentially the same arrangement with Sanakht for Amenia’s pottery I’d had with Hemaka. Sanakht had set a premium price on Amenia’s objects, practically robbery, which I hadn’t even tried to negotiate lower – in truth, my only reason for the arrangement was to enable Amenia to continue pursuing her passion. It was the only thing I could do for her now. I’d sent Heth to arrange the deal. One of my workers picked up the pottery and delivered the payments. I simply couldn’t face that man, knowing Amenia was his. Neither could I face her, knowing I’d failed her. I should have worked harder to become an elite. I shouldn’t have waited so long to claim her from Hemaka. I’d been told Sanakht routinely strolled the upper and lower settlements in Amenia’s company so the respect and reverence shown her might accrue to him as well. In fact, he never let her go anywhere alone.
“Get out!” I ordered. Rawer might own the boatyard, but he didn’t own my smithy.
Rawer pointed to a small grove of palms near the river. “You’ll want to hear what Abar and I have to say.”
She was waiting in the shade, unattended. I hadn’t seen or spoken to her since her joining to Rawer, except at that same inundation festival. Whether she’d abandoned her quest to rule Nekhen I couldn’t say. For all I knew Abar had accepted that Rawer had won, that she’d never be more than a ruler’s woman, that her plan was dead, that Amenia would confirm Rawer as ruler when the time came. I followed Rawer to Abar, my steps leaden, halted facing her. Our eyes met for the briefest instant. The life that had once shone there had dimmed. I hated Rawer even more, for diminishing her.
“You’ve heard of the lioness terrorizing farmers north of Nekhen?” Rawer asked without preliminary.
The beast had been ranging up and down the valley for three months, killing livestock on farms, even carrying off some of Aboo’s domestic stock from the wadi pens. No one in the settlement went out between sunset and dawn unarmed or alone anymore for fear of being attacked. Farmers worked their fields only during daylight, always with weapons close at hand.
“Who hasn’t? Why should I care?”
“Aboo wants you and me to kill her.”
“You’re a mighty hunter,” I said sarcastically. “Kill her yourself. Or hunt her with Aboo.”
“He can’t spare the time. You’re the best hunter after the two of us.”
“Better. I recall winning your necklace at the elite hunt.” I couldn’t resist rubbing it in.
Rawer reddened. “The lioness is miles to the south. You need to take me to her on one of your boats. You might as well hunt.” Rawer looked over his shoulder, towards the lower settlement. He appeared nervous. “It’s Aboo’s direct order. You don’t have any choice.”
“Do you think I’m going to lie for you?” Abar interjected angrily. She addressed me. “Father’s on his deathbed, Nykara. This hunt is Rawer’s doing, not his.”
Aboo’s dying? That’s supposed to trigger Abar’s plan to make her ruler. Is it still alive? Or is it long since dead and buried and forgotten? Is Nekhen on the brink of chaos, or a smooth transition of power to Rawer? “I’m so sorry, Abar,” I said.
She didn’t acknowledge my condolences. I’d heard her relationship with Aboo had been strained these past years, ever since he’d forced her to join with her cousin. “He’s been sick for three months,” she said matter–of–factly. “Every healer in the valley’s tried to help him. Especially Amenia. I don’t know what I would have done without Amenia. She attended Father along with me, night after night for nearly three months, while everyone else was sleeping.”
I gave no sign I understood her message so Rawer wouldn’t suspect anything. Abar had just plainly signaled she and Amenia had been alone together for an extended period. They’d obviously had time to weigh their options and decide what to do when Aboo died. Now Abar’s presence here on the riverbank made sense – she wasn’t here to support Rawer. She wanted to fill me in.
“The same three months the lioness has been on the rampage,” Rawer interjected. “Aboo’s illness has unleashed chaos in the valley. It’s the ruler’s duty to control it. I intend to kill the lioness and prove to the elites I can control chaos. That’ll ensure I’ll be named Nekhen’s ruler when Aboo’s dead.”
“Wasn’t that the point of you forcing Aboo to give you Abar?” I asked.
“He has rivals,” Abar said cheerfully.
Rawer glared at her.
“Our second cousin Wehemka is supported by many elites,” Abar reported. “Rawer’s made it easy for Wehemka to rally them. The friends Rawer sent to run the trading posts in Tjeni and Nubt are incompetent. They send Nekhen’s craftsmen half as many raw materials as when you oversaw Dedi’s operation. That means fewer luxury objects for the elites. Plus, the materials supplied by the elites for trade obtain far less in return than they should. The elites can tolerate many things. Reducing their wealth isn’t one of them. They’re going to challenge Rawer’s selection.”
“You’re just guessing,” Rawer charged.
“You think because you keep me locked away in Father’s house I don’t know what’s going on? Please.” Abar laughed.
“Everything Abar said is true, Rawer,” I interjected. “I’ve heard exactly the same.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Rawer said stubbornly. “Amenia will name the next ruler. She has the authority of the falcon god behind her. She’ll confirm me.”
“If you were sure of that,” Abar pointed out, “you wouldn’t be trying to force Nykara to help you slay a lioness.”
“You know Amenia, Nykara,” Rawer said. “Will she follow her god’s command, or can Wehemka or someone else buy her support?” He was obviously very worried.
“Before Hemaka forced Amenia to join with Sanakht she was decent and honorable,” I said. “But since she knows you ruined her life – well, if I were you, I’d be afraid she’ll seize this opportunity to get her revenge.”
“I have no idea what you mean,” Rawer lied, feigning innocence. “I was as surprised as anyone when Hemaka joined her to his older brother.” I didn’t miss the sweat suddenly standing out on his brow.
“Are you the only person in Nekhen who doesn’t know Nekauba’s told everyone who’d listen about the bargain you made with Hemaka? He and Amenia were both hiding in the shadows that night. They heard every word.”
“He’s a liar! He’s making it up!” Rawer exclaimed.
What was the point of disputing his lie when we both knew the truth? “You forced Amenia to be joined to her uncle just to hurt me, Rawer. I wouldn’t be surprised if she takes a bribe from Wehemka simply to deny you what you crave – what better way to pay you back?”
“You desperately need Nykara’s help today,” Abar concluded.
“Will you hunt with me?” Rawer demanded.
“What’s my help worth?” I asked calmly.
“We’ll figure that out later,” Rawer said pompously.
“We’ll agree now. Or you’ll go after the lioness on your own.”
“You’re blackmailing me?” Rawer was incensed.
“You’d do the same if you were Nykara. Or worse,” Abar interjected.
Rawer glared at me for a moment. “Fine. What do you want?”
“Everything you’ve taken from me. But that’s impossible, isn’t it. You made sure I can’t ever have Amenia.”
“What’s done is done,” he said flippantly.
“I know you lied about Dedi, too. He never gave you his enterprise on his deathbed. So that’s what I want in return for my help today – what Dedi originally gave me – control of the fleet and boatyard and craftsmen and trading posts. And the freedom to operate them as I see fit. Without any interference from you.
Ever.”
Rawer blanched.
“You’ll be Nekhen’s ruler,” I said. “You’ll need transportation to work flawlessly, for trade to function, for Nekhen to maintain its influence throughout the valley. If I’m in charge you won’t have to worry about anything. I’ll prevent chaos. Your friend Senebi, on the other hand…”
Rawer really had no choice. “Fine. Once we slay the lioness it’s all yours again.”
And once Amenia makes Abar our ruler, and she throws you out, you’ll have absolutely nothing. I’ll use the trading posts and fleet to spread Abar’s and Nekhen’s influence throughout the southern valley. If I can’t have Amenia, at least I can help Abar achieve Dedi’s dream.
I indicated Rawer’s weapons. “You’re ready to go right now?”
“Obviously.”
I pointed a dozen yards downstream. “Get aboard the small reed boat at the south end. I’ll fetch my weapons and my six best oarsmen and join you.”
Rawer headed towards the boat, leaving me momentarily alone with Abar.
“Is the plot still on?” I asked in a low voice.
“Amenia’s prepared to confirm me,” Abar said, her eyes following Rawer to ensure he didn’t catch us talking if he turned around. “Rawer’s tried to bribe her over and over. So has Wehemka. And his father Pipi. And several other elites. She’s turned them down every time. In the oval court, when the time comes during the confirmation ceremony, she’ll tell me to join her on the dais. It’ll be impossible for Rawer to stop us then.” Abar’s eyes bored into mine. “You have to kill the lioness, Nykara,” she said. “Keep Rawer from claiming he’s the one who controls chaos.” Her hand sought mine, squeezed it for an instant, released it. “Make Rawer pay for what he’s done to me and you and Amenia.”
“Count on it,” I said grimly. My eyes met hers. I couldn’t help asking, even though I probably didn’t want to know the answer. “Abar, you’ve been with Amenia. How is she?”
“Truthfully? Miserable,” Abar replied. “We talked about you a lot when we were looking after Father. She misses you terribly. She still loves you, Nykara. She always will. She’s eternally grateful you made an arrangement with Sanakht so she could keep making her pottery. Without that to look forward to each day…”
“There’s a hole inside of me where Amenia used to be,” I admitted. “I don’t think it’ll ever be filled.”
“I’m so sorry, for both of you,” Abar said sincerely. “I understand how you feel.”
Her life had been taken from her too. “I’m sorry you do.”
Abar glanced towards the river. “I should go before Rawer gets suspicious. One more thing you should know. Amenia gave birth a month ago. A beautiful little girl named Keminub.” With that, Abar hurried off in the direction of the lower settlement.
The child that should have been Amenia’s and mine, not hers and Sanakht’s. My hatred for Rawer grew.
Five minutes later my six oarsmen and I joined Rawer on my boat. I dropped my weapons and a coil of rope and a small fishing net at my feet. Lions were dangerous prey – who knew what might come in handy? One of my men shoved us into the current.
I took up the steering oar. “Where do we start?” I asked.
“She attacked a farm about two miles downriver early this morning,” Rawer said. “I’ll tell you where to put in to shore.”
I steered into the channel, pointed us north. We covered the distance quickly, the current aided by my oarsmen, landed at the spot Rawer indicated. He and I disembarked. This hunt had to be limited to two men; we couldn’t risk the noise a larger group would make. After telling my men to be alert for my signal, we made our way to a small hut some hundred yards from the riverbank. The terrified farmer emerged and filled us in on what had happened during the latest attack while his woman and children peered at us from inside the structure.
We investigated behind the hut and found a great deal of blood and torn up ground where the lioness had killed a goat. We followed the blood trail to a trampled patch of emmer where the lioness had dragged the carcass and eaten the majority of her kill. Flies were buzzing around what little was left. Smaller tracks were pressed into the dirt as well. “Cubs,” Rawer said, straightening. “At least two.”
“Must be a nomad,” I observed. “If she belonged to a pride she’d be hunting with many lionesses.”
“She’s probably sleeping nearby,” Rawer noted. “Aboo taught me that’s what lions do most of the time, especially in the heat of day.”
After a bit of searching we found tracks where the trio had emerged from the field and entered the desert. From that point we proceeded quickly yet carefully, for the tracks were clearly visible in the dust and dirt. Rawer and I had hunted together many times when we were younger, mostly on river journeys to supply the crew with fresh meat. Only the elites were allowed to hunt for pleasure; hunting for need was a different situation, though it too was tightly controlled. I’d learned the hand gestures Rawer used to communicate with in order to maintain silence. He did excel as a hunter; he was instinctive, with a sense for how his quarry would act and where it would hide. He’d personally captured many of the beasts in Aboo’s menagerie in recent years. He’d find the lioness. And even if he didn’t I would, because I was a better tracker than him. After that, we’d need luck as much as skill to slay it. A lioness at bay was extremely dangerous.
We finally spotted her during the hottest part of the day, sleeping in a patch of shade created by a large shelf of rock jutting half a dozen feet outward from the base of the desert plateau. The shelf was perhaps eight feet over her head. I noted two cubs, fairly young, nestled beside her.
“You attack from on high. I’ll go low,” Rawer whispered.
He and I slowly moved to the right and approached the shelf, downwind and out of the lioness’ sight. Then we separated. While Rawer inched towards the area in front of where the three beasts were sleeping, I partially scaled the plateau’s face and then slipped down onto the shelf directly above them, lance and net in hand. Rawer signaled he was ready. In slow motion, he pulled an arrow from his quiver, fitted it to his bow, drew back the bowstring, took a deep breath, let the arrow fly. The lioness screamed and erupted from beneath the overhang in a cloud of dust, a snarling demon with an arrow embedded in her left flank just above her shoulder. Somehow, Rawer had missed the kill shot on a stationary target. I flung my net onto her from above just as she emerged from the shelter. It missed most of her body, but her hind legs got tangled in it. Rawer dashed forward and began stabbing her with his lance. She roared, clawed at him, broke free of the net just as I dropped from atop the shelf and landed beside her, in the same motion driving my lance into her spine with so much force its flint tip came out her belly and the shaft itself shattered. Carried by my momentum I tumbled head over heels twice, smashed sideways into the trunk of a stunted tree. I scrambled to my feet and to Rawer’s side. We both crouched before the lioness for a moment, Rawer with his lance at the ready, me with a knife, just in case she was still alive. She wasn’t. Blood began pooling around her body. Certain she was dead, we turned our attention to the cubs and easily captured them, with only a few scratches to show for it. We secured them with the net. I limped to where I could be seen from the river, clutching my side – I’d twisted my ankle and bloodied my knees and elbows and bruised my right shoulder and ribs in my leap and landing. My boat was tied perhaps a quarter of a mile downstream, my men resting on its deck. I signaled. Less than half an hour later they joined us.
Rawer stuck his lance through the two ends of the net and we carried the cubs suspended between us back to the boat. My men followed carrying the lioness’s body suspended from a long tree branch by her bound front and back paws. Once at the riverbank we loaded the carcass and cubs onto the boat. After I cleaned my bloody muddy wounds in the water and gingerly climbed aboard, we embarked. My men rowed us in the direction of Nekhen, not pausing a moment to rest.
“Let them try to deny me now,” Rawer crowed
triumphantly as we moved upriver. He paced the short length of the boat restlessly, back and forth, over and over, exultant.
Rawer wasn’t going to admit to the elites I was the one who’d actually killed the lioness. So I’d bide my time. No doubt when Aboo was dead and Amenia was confirming Abar as his successor, Rawer would argue he’d been the one to control chaos and thus deserved to rule. That’s when I’d reveal the truth. That, and the fact the fleet and boatyard and craftsmen were now mine, would be my revenge, little as it was.
Well after dark Rawer and I reached Aboo’s house after a long walk from the river landing. The house was completely surrounded by Nekhenians, the area in front lit by servants holding aloft torches, the women keening and crying and tossing dirt on their heads in mourning. That surely meant Aboo had died in our absence. Men were clustered together, talking in low voices, no doubt discussing who would be chosen next to rule. They fell silent when they spotted Rawer, quickly scooted out of the way when they saw the lion cubs I was attempting to control with two hastily–improvised stout leather leashes and leather collars. A sharp pain stabbed my ribs every time they jerked; I suspected a couple were broken. My side had already turned deep purple. We pushed through the men and entered the house. The audience hall was as I remembered from my visits in Dedi’s company; large, the dais at the far end, colorful mats decorating the plastered walls, flickering bowls of oil on wood tables, the roof supported by a forest of tall sycamore posts, young female servants standing silent and waiting to be summoned. I assumed every influential man from Nekhen and the nearby valley was inside the house somewhere, but those in the audience hall were undoubtedly the least important of them. I spotted Amenia’s man, Sanakht. He glared at me momentarily, then suddenly hopped backwards and pressed himself against a post, knocking into the men closest to him, for I was struggling to control the two mewling lion cubs and they’d both lunged at him. Or at least appeared to be struggling. I was enjoying using the cubs to put fear into those in the room who considered themselves better than me. Even Heth looked frightened.
The Women and the Boatman Page 55
