“Merup,” the cat said.
“You’re no help.” The feline wound around her legs. “Yah, I know I can defend myself.” She chuckled. As if the cat could understand.
Tira paused outside the west loggia where she and Namose had spent the afternoon reading scrolls. After he’d explained the two the feline had chosen, they had discussed the history of the Two Lands. The information had explained many of the differences between the Egypt she’d studied and the one where she now found herself. One of the main differences was in the hierarchy of the gods and goddesses. Here there was no Osiris, Isis or Seth. Neither was there an Amon.
She liked Namose. To her surprise he hadn’t protested when she’d taken the map of the Valley of the Pharaohs and the plan of the temple of Toth.
Tira thought of the small dark room where her bundle resided. A narrow bed, a low table with a single cushion and a saucer lamp completed the furnishings. There was a small bathing room where a servant had attended her before the evening meal. On a whim she took one of the torches from the wall in the loggia.
She had to leave tonight but she had no idea of how she could escape the compound without being seen. Pian’s threats echoed in her thoughts. Be with him and he would protect her from the priests of Aken Re. Refuse and she would be sorry.
She had refused and she wasn’t sorry. She had no liking for being used. She grimaced. Being eaten by a crocodile would be preferable.
As she moved toward her room her thoughts returned to escape plans. The gate was guarded. She might find a way over the wall. Could she find Tuten’s house in the maze of streets and alleys of the town? She had to try.
Kashe appeared to be the promised companion but he was as trapped as she was. The guest rooms had no windows, just narrow openings high on the walls. The guest chambers were in a dead end hall. She had to wait for the house to settle, creep into the garden and find a way to climb over the wall. Instead of Tuten’s she needed to find the deserted house and the promised supplies. Could she, and if she did, could she drive a chariot?
As she pushed the beaded curtain aside she found a bracket on the wall for the torch. The dark room filled with eerie shadows. Tira went to the bed and examined her bundle. To her relief nothing seemed to have been disturbed. She took the scrolls from the bundle and slid the small one free.
Before Namose’s arrival she had tried to read the words. The pictures beneath the symbols were labeled with the word for keys. A cat, a hawk and an ankh. Did she have to find these in a physical sense before she could locate the symbols of the rule? Did the answers lie in the scrolls Bast Ka had pulled from the shelves?
Would the Valley of the Pharaohs and the Toth temple be anything like the pictures she had seen in books? In her world those places had been relics of the past peopled by broken statues and ghosts.
The flail, the crook and the double crown must be found before a new dynasty can be established. Those words echoed in her thoughts.
The nomarch and the priests of Aken Re believed a consummated marriage to the daughter were the only necessities to establish a new rule. Tira sighed. She needed to read the rest of the words on the small scroll.
Bast Ka leaped onto the table. Tira unrolled the papyrus. The small circle of light from the saucer lamp wasn’t bright enough. She carried the scroll to where she’d placed the torch and slowly read the hieroglyphics.
These are the keys. On three necklaces they will be found. The words continued. In the days when the gods and goddess first spoke to the people of the Two Lands Bast, Horu and Toth blessed a young woman. From her womb the rulers of a united land would arise. She was from the south. From the north a young man was chosen.
The gods and goddess brought the pair together. Thus the first dynasty was founded. To insure the rule would always have ties to the first dynasty this pronouncement was given.
Should a dynasty fall the oldest daughter descended from the first pharaoh and his queen will wed the man who will form the new dynasty. Each of the three objects presented to the first pair, the flail, the crook and the double crown will mark him as the new ruler. The woman will wear the tiara, collar and armband given to the first queen. Without these there will be no unity in the land.
Tira rolled the scroll and tucked it in the bundle. Namose had pointed out a number of scrolls that spoke about the symbols but nothing had told her where the three could be found.
She wished there was time to read more of the scrolls the nomarch had brought to the compound. Namose had read many of them. He could help her understand the mysteries of this Egypt. She sighed. She almost wished he could be her companion but he was a boy and could offer no protection or real knowledge of the land.
Finding the symbols was her goal but curiosity about the daughter stirred. The idea of being able to trace a heritage for generations brought a trace of envy. She only knew of her parents and grandparents.
Where was this young woman to be found? Pian and the nomarch believed the priests of Aken Re knew. Pian expected to wed her and found a new dynasty. Did he realize marriage was but half of the requirements needed?
Tira sat on the cot and removed her sandals. She wasn’t ready to attempt her escape from the compound yet. She closed her eyes and recalled what she’d seen of the garden. Could she climb the wall there? Though she wished she knew where Kashe slept she didn’t think exploring the family’s quarters was wise. Bast Ka leaped to the cot and curled beside her. “Wake me when it’s time to leave,” she murmured.
Were any of the nomarch’s sons suited to become the ruler of the Two Lands? Pian looked the part but he had a selfish and bullying nature. He was also under the control of the priests of Aken Re. For him to become pharaoh raised in her a fear for the land now to be hers. Kashe had a warrior’s nature. The Two Lands needed more than a military commander. Namose, though a scholar, was a boy. Her eyes closed. None of the nomarch’s sons was qualified to sit on the pharaoh’s chair.
A faint sound pulled her into alertness. She prepared to attack the intruder. Muscles coiled. Pian would regret using the cover of night to complete the assault he’d attempted earlier.
“Tira.”
Her tensed muscles relaxed so quickly her lungs felt empty. She gulped a breath and then another. “Kashe?”
“We must leave.”
“I know. I was waiting for the house to settle. I’m glad you came since I had no idea how to reach you.” The torch had burned out. Her eyes adjusted to the dim light from the saucer lamp. She sat up and resisted the urge to run to him and seek comfort and more in his arms. Bast Ka leaped from the bed. “Give me a moment. What have you learned?”
“Pian sent a message to one of the priests of Aken Re informing him of your presence in the compound. Just before my father retired I heard him read a message to my brother. Came from Hebu. The priest ordered them to keep you here.”
As she tied the sandals Tira’s fingers fumbled with the leather thongs. She reached for a calm center. “Why?”
“He plans to take you aboard a barge and deliver you to their temple near the Valley. They’ll torture you until you reveal the daughter’s hiding place.”
“Fools. I have no idea where she is. She is not my quest.”
“They won’t listen to your denials and if they learn about the symbols they’ll have all the pieces they need. With Pian as pharaoh and under their control the Two Lands will have a new god and there will be a reckoning that further splinters the land.”
Tira fastened her bundle to her back and lifted Bast Ka. “I’m ready.”
Kashe led her from the guest room, past the west loggia to the central hall. He paused. “Use the pillars to hide. I usually leave by the window in my room but we can’t chance the family quarters. There may be slaves about tending to chores.”
Slaves. That word made her uneasy. While she knew in her world some forms of slavery had existed for centuries and her ancestors had been held in bondage the idea was distasteful. There was little she could do abou
t the customs of this land.
Cautiously she followed Kashe as he slipped from pillar to pillar. Only the quarter moon provided light. They reached the garden. With stealth they hurried past flowering plants and shrugs and strode past the lotus pool. Finally they reached a gate behind an arbor for grapevines.
Outside the wall Kashe straightened. “For now we’re safe.”
“What are we going to do?”
“Hide in Tuten’s house for the rest of the night and spend the day there. We’ll leave in the afternoon for the abandoned house.”
“What if they learn we’re gone before then?” She wanted to be away from here at once.
“I’ll think of something.”
“Can we go now?”
He met her gaze. “We could but the safest route is along the river and there are crocodiles. There is a longer route that passes the marshy areas but on that one near the cliffs travel can be difficult.”
They strode along the road near the town. Tira watched the hawk circle overhead. Just after they reached a cluster of houses the bird screeched and angled down. The avian landed on Kashe’s wristband. “Horru. Horru.” The cries sounded like a warning. Bast Ka yowled.
Kashe pushed Tira into an alley between two houses. “Hide.”
Tira put Bast Ka on the ground and removed her bundle. She pressed against the mud brick wall of a house and edged forward until she could see what occurred and be prepared to help Kashe if another group of men attacked.
A thin man wearing a white robe embroidered with rayed circles stepped from the shadows. Had he seen her? The man’s sharp features reminded her of a vulture. A large gold disc like those decorating his robe hung on his chest. As he neared Kashe she saw the priest’s expression. She shuddered. Evil formed a darkness around him.
Chapter 8
Kashe leaned against the wall of the house near the alley where Tira hid. Horu Ka perched on the roof above him. He prayed the priest hadn’t seen Tira. Kashe hoped he could convince the man the night had been spent in a beer house so she would be safe from discovery.
What rotten luck, he thought. A few minutes more and they would have been safe at Tuten’s house waiting for morning to pass so they could escape. A cat yowled. Had Tira’s feline companion added a warning?
“Hebu, beloved of Aken Re,” Kashe said. “Out late again?” Kashe scanned the shadows and saw no one. The priest had come alone. Why had he failed to bring a band of bullies? But the ones the priest had used the other time had been river men and might be away from the town.
“Well met,” the priest said.
Kashe crossed his arms on his chest. “Really. Are you without protectors?”
The priest smiled. “I was on my way to your father’s house. We have much to discuss.”
Kashe braced. “Nothing you can say interests me. Excuse me, I have places to go.”
Hebu laughed. “I think not. The beer houses are closed and you have visited none.”
The malice glittering in the priest’s eyes chilled Kashe. He forced himself to remain calm. “There are other places for a man to visit. Hear what I say. I have no desire to enter your temple.” He struggled to keep his voice low and even.
“Why not? There is so much we can offer you.”
Kashe wanted to rub his arms to erase the chill he felt. He dare not let any sign of his uneasiness show. “I don’t want to serve your god.”
The priest stepped closer. “Aken Re is the one and only god. None is greater. You cannot fight your destiny. Your father pledged your service to our temple. You will come with me and take your place in our ranks. If you wish once we have questioned the mysterious warrior of Bast you may have her as a reward.”
Kashe lowered his arms. “My loyalty is pledged elsewhere.” He touched the amulet.
“False vows to a false god.” Hebu sneered. “Join us. Wealth and power will be yours. You will be the greatest commander who ever led the armies of the Two Lands. Your older brother will admire and honor you. Your father will extend the blessing and love you crave.”
Kashe drew a deep breath. Those had been his childhood dreams but he was now a man. Those dreams had died beneath his father’s neglect and Pian’s scorn. The only person whose blessing he needed was his own.
He stepped forward. “Even if your promises were possible to fulfill I won’t accept your god. Your ilk thought to conquer the Two Lands by force. You failed. And you will fail in this attempt to destroy the gods who have ruled here since the land was united.”
Hebu’s eyes narrowed until his heavy brows formed a straight line. His nostrils flared. “Be warned. When the sun rises on a new day you will belong to Aken Re. Don’t be a fool. Your father and brother are the god’s possession. As pharaoh Pian will declare Aken Re as the sole god of the Two Lands.
Horu Ka swooped from the roof and dove toward the priest. The hawk’s wings brushed Hebu’s head. The talons caught in the man’s hair. As the bird soared into the air the priest screamed and staggered back. In haste he scurried into the darkness and vanished.
Kashe held his arm so Horu Ka could land. Strands of dark hair fell to the ground. Kashe soothed the bird’s ruffled feathers. The bird took wing. Kashe wadded the hair into a ball and tucked it into his pouch. “I will never go to Aken Re. I am a warrior sworn to Horu.”
“Horru,” the hawk cried.
Kashe felt the warmth of a blessing infuse him.
Tira stepped from the alley. “That priest is evil.”
Kashe nodded. “And so are all who serve a false god.”
“All the priests of the temple may not be willing servants. Some could have been forced to join the priesthood or been lured by the promises of wealth and power.”
“You could be right.” Kashe looked at Bast Ka. “Your companion shares our opinion of Hebu.” The cat’s fur had risen until the feline appeared twice as large as usual. Horu Ka screeched and the cat yowled.
Tira lifted Bast Ka. “We should go before he returns with me to take you prisoner.”
“He was alone and I think Horu Ka scared him off.”
He clasped Tira’s hand and they hurried to Tuten’s house. He left her in the main room and used a splinter of wood to light several saucer lamps. He entered his friend’s sleeping chamber and carefully woke him.
“What’s wrong?”
“Tira and I had to leave the compound.”
Tuten rubbed his eyes and reached for his kilt. “When do you go to the Valley?”
“I had hoped we could wait here until afternoon.”
“All is prepared at the vacant house.” Tuten walked to the cooking area. He returned to the main room with the makings for a meal.
Tira looked up. “I think we should leave now.”
“Why?” Kashe asked.
“Remaining here will risk our capture and put Tuten at risk.”
“Why do you say that?”
Tira peeled an egg. “The priest will go to the compound and wake your father. When they learn we are both gone this is the first place they will look.”
“She’s right,” Tuten said. “Your father knows of our bond of friendship. He will come here. If you stay he will take you.”
“What will you do?” Tira asked.
Tuten smiled. “Misdirect them. As soon as you leave I’ll join a friend who fishes each morning. They’ll waste a day waiting for me.”
Kashe rose. “Then we’ll take the longer and slower route and eat as we go.” He clasped Tuten’s hand. “Fare you well. Should Namose seek your help will you be there for him?”
“I will and I’ll speak to those men of the guard who can be trusted and who will remain at the compound to protect your mother and sisters when your father leaves.”
“Thank you.” Kashe gathered eggs, bread and cheese into a cloth.
Tira selected fruit. She slung her bundle on her back and lifted Bast Ka. “Thanks. Take care.” She pressed Tuten’s hand and followed Kashe.
He led the way past clusters of
houses onto a narrow rock strewn path that skirted the edge of a towering cliff. Though the light from the moon was dim this path was safer than the one along the river for a time.
“What is Horu Ka doing?” Tira pointed at the dark shadow of the bird.
“Checking our trail both back and forward. He’ll warn us of danger.”
By the time they reached the deserted house the sun had risen. They sat on the grass and ate part of the food they’d brought from Tuten’s. Kashe drew water from the well and offered some to Bast Ka. Once the cat lapped the water Kashe filled a dipper for Tira. “It’s safe to drink. We’ll need to fill these small sacks for water along the way.”
She took the dipper, drank and finished her share of the meal. She rose to fill the water flasks. “We shouldn’t linger.”
Kashe studied the sacks of food and prayed there was enough to see them well on the way. While he might have the good fortune to bring down a bird or two or catch some fish they would need to purchase food along the way. He pulled the chariot from the shed.
“I’ll bring the horse,” he said. “Pack the things in the chariot. Be sure to balance them.” He strode to the small pasture. When he returned he watched Tira’s face as she examined the vehicle. Had she never seen one, he wondered. Bast Ka perched on the sacks Tira had loaded into the chariot.
She looked up. “Are you sure this is safe?”
“Perfectly.” He fastened the horse into the traces. “You’ll need to stand behind me and keep your arms around my waist. There are larger chariots where you could stand at my side but we must be content with what we have.”
She nodded. “Where did Tuten find this one?”
“I didn’t ask.” Kashe buckled the last of the straps. “We’ll travel until we tire, rest and continue. Time to be on our way.”
“Do we ride after dark?”
He nodded. “Unless the moon is hidden.”
“Won’t that be dangerous? There are crocodiles.”
“There are but we’ll attempt to pass marshy areas during the day. We must trust the Three to aid the journey and pray there are no storms. If you have any hope of success we must make haste. The Valley of the Pharaohs is many sun turns away. If we had wings we could fly. Alas, we don’t.”
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