Bast's Warrior

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  They entered a large room where ornate columns braced the roof and allowed a view of the garden. Backless stools were arranged in clusters. Women dressed like the chief priestess sat near small tables.

  The priestess chose seats in a secluded niche. “Sit. Food will be brought.”

  Before long, women carried plates and trays of food to the table. Tira selected from a variety of dishes, some she recognized and some she didn’t. There were lentils and chickpeas, beef and some type of fowl, a variety of lettuces, onions both cooked and raw and cheese. Wine and beer were offered. Tira accepted beer. She sipped the bitter brew and put the cup down. The alcohol content of the beverage was more than the kind she knew. She needed food to counter the effect of the alcohol. Once she finished the food on her plate honey-sweetened dates appeared.

  She swallowed the last of the beer and looked from one woman to the other. “What would you have me do?”

  “You are our hope,” the priestess said. “With the help of the goddess you were brought from a far land to this troubled place. The invaders came with their horses and chariots. Like a plague of locusts they swept through the land leaving destruction behind. Three treasures, gifts from the major gods, were removed from the pharaoh’s house. Before those who took the symbols of the role were able to report their location they were killed. Their deaths took place in the Valley of the Pharaohs. Thus the flail, the crook and the double crown were lost.”

  The warrior took up the tale. “Twenty years ago the invaders were driven from the land. The pharaoh and his sons were killed. We have sought the symbols and have unearthed a clue as to where they were hidden. At present the land is divided and the nomarchs vie for the rule. Your quest will help us establish a new dynasty with ties to the beginning.”

  Tira looked up. “How can this be done?”

  “Though the pharaoh and his sons reside in the afterworld one woman of his house remained alive. She fled the estate and vanished in the desert. Word came that she gave birth to a daughter. That child, now a young woman, can trace her lineage to the first dynasty. The man who weds her will sit on the pharaoh’s chair.”

  “Where will I find her?” Tira asked. “How will I know her?”

  “She is not your quest. When the time is right she will be revealed.” The priestess leaned forward. “Your quest is to find the hidden symbols. When you leave the temple seek the compound of the nomarch of Mero. Among his scrolls I believe you will find information to aid your search. During the rebellion against the invaders he carried many scrolls from the temple of Toth. When you reach the town near his estate you will meet a warrior of Horu, the god of the skies. He will join you in the search.”

  Tira frowned. “How will I identify this companion?”

  “He will wear an amulet marking him as Horu’s choice.”

  Tira closed her eyes. “Can you tell me more about these symbols?”

  The priestess rose. She crossed the room and entered an alcove. A short time later she returned with a small scroll. After unrolling the papyrus she showed Tira the pictured objects. Tira studied them. Beneath each of the symbols she saw another picture. There was a cat, an ankh and a hawk.

  The priestess rolled the scroll and tied it with a strip of linen. “Take this with you to help in your quest. Other clues will be found.”

  Tira had seen pictures of the flail, the crook and the double crown in books. In the images on the small scroll she noticed small differences from the ones she remembered but she thought she would recognize the objects when she found them. She accepted the scroll. “How do I find this nomarch and his compound?”

  “You will be shown a road.” The priestess leaned forward. “Be wary. Ramis of Mero is no friend of the goddess. He is an ambitious man and wishes to see his eldest son named pharaoh. Though Mero sits at the gateway to trade with the dark lands Ramis wants more wealth. With his son as pharaoh he will become the power behind the chair. As vizier he will gain power. To achieve his goals he has allied with the priests of Aken Re, the abomination.”

  “If he is the enemy why will he allow me into his house?” Was the quest for the symbols a true one? Did the priestess want her to spy on the nomarch and the priests?

  The warrior smiled. “When he sees your amulet he will offer his help. He will act like a friend. He plays a double game and wishes a sandal in each camp. He may try to learn what you know. He might decide to give you to the priests. Do not trust him. Learn what you need and depart as soon as you have the knowledge.”

  The chief priestess nodded. “You are a woman who will remind him of a past he chooses to ignore. His ancestors were slaves from Nubia who won their freedom and through marriage rose to power. You are also unlike the women on his court for you will not bear to be confined and controlled.”

  Tira swallowed. She had known men with the same nature as the nomarch and she hadn’t liked them. “How far must I travel to find this compound?” Another thought arose. She had never ridden a horse. Driving a chariot was beyond her imagination.

  “You will be guided to a path along the river. If you walk north you will reach the town where traders come and workers live. Anyone you meet can direct you to the nomarch’s compound. You should be there by dark.”

  Tira rose. “I’ll leave now.”

  The priestess clasped Tira’s hand. “May the spirit of Bast guide and guard you.”

  Tira paused. “When I have these objects should I return here?”

  “The goddess Bast and the god Horu will guide you. There are other temples to the goddess.”

  The warrior beckoned. Tira followed her down the hall. The older woman slipped into one of the rooms along the hall. She returned and handed Tira a heavy pouch and a bundle she could fasten on her back. “A blanket and five changes of clothes. Coins for the journey.” She strode along the hall.

  Tira pushed the small scroll into the bundle and fit her arms through the straps. The warrior opened a door into what Tira believed was the main temple. Drawing a deep breath she entered, halted and stared. A huge mural on the back wall showed the goddess surrounded by a variety of felines. One of the views showed Bast as a warrior, one within a circle of children and another of her offering the crook to a man and a necklace to a woman.

  The beauty of the mural held her attention until the warrior touched her arm. “Come.”

  They strode along a walk with plinths on either side leading to an open doorway. The highest pair flanked the mural. On each pillar an image of a cat stood. Some were created from preserved skins, some modeled from clay and others carved from wood, semi-precious stones and various rocks. Had there been any temple like this in the Egypt she had studied? She couldn’t remember reading of one.

  One of the statues appeared to be carved from a smoky gray stone. As Tira passed, the cat stretched, yawned and leaped to the ground. Tira knelt so the feline could smell her hand.

  The cat nipped the skin between Tira’s thumb and fingers. A shock of awareness swept through her body. Truly she had been chosen by this feline as a companion. As Tira rose the cat rubbed her legs. Tira lifted the feline into her arms.

  The warrior laughed. “Bast Ka has chosen to become your spirit guardian. She will go with you.”

  A rumbling purr vibrated against her chest. Bast Ka leaped to the ground and padded to the temple entrance where pillars carved into likenesses of cats flanked the rectangular doorway.

  Tira followed. Though she would have loved to remain and explore the temple an urgency to be on the way filled her. She would return another time. This was her world until death claimed her.

  That thought remained as she trailed Bast Ka from the temple. Occasionally the cat turned and stared at Tira. Beyond the entrance they passed walled enclosures where lions, leopards, cheetahs and a tri-colored breed she had never seen roamed. The huge cats moved toward the low wall. Bast Ka halted and yowled. The large felines retreated.

  The warrior waited at the end of the walk. “This is your road.” She pointed t
o a path of packed earth. “Good fortune to you. May we meet again in this time and place? If not, surely in the afterworld. Remember all we have told you. I leave you now. Good hunting.”

  “I’ll do my best.” Tira set off along the path. How much knowledge did she have of this new world? The spoken language was hers. She recognized and seemed to understand the things the priestess and warrior had told her. She knew what most of the foods had been and she had easily figured how to dress.

  Wish I had a car. She could think the words but when she tried to utter them she couldn’t. She had been warned that would happen. She could bring nothing from the future of the other world into this one.

  The sun moved toward mid-afternoon. To the right she saw the rushing water of the river. The sound of the cataracts seemed distant. On the other bank she saw granite cliffs. Along the edge of the path reeds grew.

  Would she encounter crocodiles or other unfriendly creatures? She edged closer to the cliffs. She was along but this wasn’t unusual. She seldom allowed others to cross the barriers she had erected. Her sister had been close but Luci had cared only about drugs and escape. In this time and place Tira regretted her sister’s death and the loss of a life poorly spent. Bast Ka purred. The sound brought comfort.

  As she continued to walk, the sun sunk lower in the west. She wondered how far she had walked since leaving the temple. One thing she discovered was how much easier walking on dirt was that the concrete sidewalks she had known.

  As the sunset flared in brilliant colors the river turned red and orange. When the light faded the water darkened. Tira smiled. She was almost where she had dreamed of being. Here was a different Egypt and a different time but she felt as if she belonged.

  A crescent moon edged above the horizon. Stars appeared, more than she’d ever seen. There were no city lights to dull the night sky.

  The cliffs on her left were further from the river. Ahead she saw the outline of buildings. Her stomach rumbled. Perhaps there would be a place where she could buy a meal and find somewhere to sleep. Were there restaurants and hotels in this land? She hoped to find someone to ask. Though she was wary of speaking to strangers perhaps the amulet would protect her.

  Bast Ka jumped from her arms. The cat yowled and took the lead. Tira trotted after the feline. Where were they going and what would they find?

  Chapter 4

  Kashe sat on the edge of his bed and stared at the sky. Ever since the priests of Aken Re and the hawk from Horu had arrived he had felt restless. One night he’d managed to escape and find relief at his favorite beer house. Three wins at arm wrestling had eased his edginess. His problems remained. He had to leave the compound before this moon ended to escape being further enmeshed in his father’s plans. Something held him back. He wasn’t sure what loomed ahead but he hoped he would soon learn.

  The moon was a quarter full. The days until his father’s command must be obeyed oozed away. Kashe wore the Horu amulet and wondered why the remaining priest, his father and older brother had failed to see the medallion. Several times he had tried to inform the nomarch about being chosen by the god of the skies and discovered he couldn’t speak the words. Was there a reason? How would his father accept the news that his plans to rid himself of his troublesome son had failed?

  With a groan Kashe walked to the window and searched the sky for his unusual companion. Hawks were birds if the day but Horu Ka flew by night. Why was the avian different from others of its kind?

  Kashe studied the bundle he had prepared for a stealthy departure. He considered what weapons he should take when he left to find a temple of Horu. He intended to find one even if he had to travel to the delta.

  A whisper of wings and a harsh cry announced Horu Ka’s arrival. Kashe held his arm for the hawk to land. Instead the bird’s cry demanded action. Kashe slipped through the window. The avian flew toward the rear gate. Kashe followed.

  Just as they reached the edge of the village Horu Ka shot into the air. Kashe checked the area. What had caused the hawk to depart? A group of burly men swaggered from a beer house. He noticed one of them had a club. He searched for some way to avoid them. He had no desire for a fight. The gang surged forward.

  When they parted Kashe saw the reason for his uneasiness. Hebu, beloved of Aken Re, his father’s recent guest, walked with the men. Why?

  “That’s him,” the serpent-eyed priest shouted. “Bring him to the house on the waterfront where I’m staying. You will be rewarded.”

  So Hebu wasn’t content to wait until the moon ended. Did this man of the enemy have an agenda different from the other members of his priesthood? Kashe slid his knife from the sheath and prepared to fight.

  Hebu paused. “See that he arrives alive.”

  Though those words brought a lessening of Kashe’s tension, the odds against him were eight to one. Still he intended to fight. The first of the attackers sped toward him. Kashe waited until the man’s intentions were clear. He slashed with his knife and a line of blood appeared on the enemy’s chest. The man howled and retreated. Kashe moved to the side in an attempt to prevent being encircled. He ducked a swung club. The dodge saved him from a knife wielder. Instead of Kashe the club bashed the man with the knife.

  A cat yowled. An eerie shout answered. For a moment the attackers froze. A stranger kicked one of the enemies beneath the chin. An ally, Kashe thought. Another attacker charged the new arrival. In a blur the man flew through the air and slammed against the street. Kashe evaded a fist and dove forward. He connected with an attacker’s stomach. His ally faced another of the enemy and slashed the side of a hand against the man’s throat. Before long the eight river men sprawled on the ground.

  Kashe drew a deep breath and turned to thank his ally. He stepped over fallen bodies. “Don’t know who you are or where you came from but you have my thanks.”

  “No problem. You were in trouble.”

  His eyes widened. The new arrival was a tall beautiful woman. Her skin was a warm brown several shades darker than his. Black hair, clipped short, formed tight curls. Her eyes were as dark as night. Her gaze filled with desire.

  She strode toward him. Her eyes glittered and he saw her beaded nipples press against her breast band. His body responded to her scent. He was primed and she seemed willing.

  He pulled her into his arms and pressed his mouth against hers. The touch felt as hot as the growing season’s sun at midday. He cupped her rear. The aroma of sweat and woman surrounded him. Her nipples tightened against his chest. She fit against him perfectly.

  She slid her arms across his shoulders and stroked the skin beneath his warrior’s braid. He slipped a hand under the edge of her kilt and pressed her closer. With his teeth he tugged on her lower lip and gained entrance to her mouth. His engorged member throbbed with an urgent need for release.

  The cat yowled again. Horu Ka screeched. Awareness of where he was and what he’d been about to do slammed into Kashe. He drew a deep breath and released her.

  “Don’t stop,” she murmured.

  He didn’t want to let her go but continuing wasn’t for here and now. “Not a good idea. The river men are stirring. We must go.”

  She drew a deep breath. “You’re right.” She moved away and retrieved a bundle.

  As she slid her arms through the straps moonlight glinted on the amulet she wore. Kashe examined the medallion. “Are you one of Bast’s warriors?”

  “Sort of.” A smoke-gray cat bounded from the shadows. She lifted the feline. “I am Tira and this is Bast Ka.”

  Kashe held his hand for the cat to sniff. Ka, he thought. Was the feline akin to the hawk? Did Bast Ka hold part of the goddess’ soul? He led Tira into an alley between two houses. “What are you doing away from the temple? I thought the warriors remained to guard the priestesses. I’ve never seen one travel alone.”

  She coughed several times. “I was sent.”

  “You can’t be an imposter. You wear the amulet. The sacred cat would not accompany any pretender.”
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  “I was brought from a far land to undertake a quest.”

  He frowned. Was she one of the three he’d read about in the prophetic scroll Horu Ka had delivered? If so he had to temper his lust. “I see.” They left the alley and stepped onto a street. “Why did you come to this town?”

  “I was sent here by the chief priestess.” She studied him and smiled. “You wear the wings of Horu.”

  He nodded. “I’ve been chosen by the god of the skies though I do not know the purpose.”

  “The chief priestess of Bast told me to visit the nomarch of Mero and ask to see some scrolls he has obtained from a temple of Toth.”

  He laughed. “Your luck is good. The nomarch is my father. I’ll take you to him but not tonight.”

  “Why not?”

  “A priest of Aken Re visits the compound. He leaves tomorrow.” Kashe halted. “Why were you sent at such a late hour? The compound gates are locked at sunset.”

  She grinned. “Perhaps she knew you would need help.”

  He laughed. “Maybe she did. To the gods and goddesses we are but pawns.” He paused. “Why did they send you to my father? Couldn’t the information be discovered in some other place?”

  “The chief priestess knows he favors Aken Re but she believes he would like a sandal in each camp. Will he refuse the favor I ask?”

  “Not for an instant.” Kashe considered the priestess’ view of his father’s nature and knew she had spoken the truth. “He will help and ply you with questions. He’ll set my brothers on you. Namose will be discrete and Pian will resort to seduction. My father will seek to learn what you are doing, especially if the knowledge will advance his plots.”

  “Plots?”

  “He’s sure to have a number. My father has great ambitions. If giving you to the priests of Aken Re will advance him he will have no difficulty in aiding them. Those priests have no love for any of the gods and goddesses who guard and guide the people of the Two Lands.”

  “Just who is this god?”