Chapter Ninety: Hernieth
Hernieth’s house was reached by a grassy track, which ran through the fields. A large white stone marked the boundary between the two farms. Kiya smiled when she saw it, for one of Teos’s first duties after the flood was to check that the waters had not moved the boundary markers. It was a time of much squabbling among peasant farmers but Teos was a good-natured man who had always been on friendly terms with his neighbours.
Khamet reached the house before them and held the door open for Kiya and Ramala to enter.
“Ramala has brought medicine for you, Grandmother,” he said. “And Kiya has brought her new baby to show you.”
A dark shape on the seating bench stirred and a withered arm stretched out to them. “Thank you, my dears. Help me sit up, please, Khamet.”
Khamet hurried to his grandmother’s side and gently supported her into a sitting position. The old lady winced in pain as he did so, but never made a murmur.
Kiya was horrified to see Hernieth in such a state. She had last seen her a year before, when Hernieth had been newly widowed and they had walked together to Thebes. Her neighbour had felt unwell and was going to buy medicines. Was that the start of the illness that had reduced her to skeletal fragility?
Ramala poured belladonna medicine into a goblet. She gave Hernieth a copy of the spell that would make the medicine work and then held the goblet to the old lady’s lips. A few mouthfuls were swallowed before Hernieth smiled and pushed the goblet away. “Thank you, Ramala. You have been a great help. I feel that the pain has diminished already.”
“We have brought my new grandson to see you,” said Ramala, indicating Kiya and the baby.
Kiya had been clutching Meri tightly, but now she held the baby out so the old lady could see him.
“Bring him closer, dear. My eyes are dim,” said Hernieth.
Kiya approached reluctantly and felt the power of love as her baby stretched out his arms to the dying woman.
“Let Hernieth hold the baby,” said Ramala. “He will be quite safe.”
Obediently, Kiya put her beloved child into the arms of Hernieth and watched as the old woman gazed in wonder at the blue eyes which looked up at her.
Slowly the face of Hernieth changed. The tenseness caused by her pain disappeared and Kiya realised that she was being healed. For a few moments longer she let Meri remain in Hernieth’s arms then she saw that the light in her baby’s eyes was dimming.
“Let me have him back!” she cried and snatched Meri away.
“Well, really, dear!” said Ramala, shocked by her behaviour.
“Don’t you see?” said Kiya. “He is losing his life force.” She felt tears pour from her eyes as she cradled Meri in her arms.
“I am so sorry,” said Ramala to Hernieth. “You know how protective new mothers can be.”
Hernieth sat on her bed as if stunned. Then she slowly swung her legs to the floor, removed the sheets that covered her and rose to her feet. “I feel so much better,” she said. “Indeed, I feel quite hungry.” Khamet hurried to the kitchen while Hernieth came towards Kiya and the baby. Kiya shrank back, fearful that she might touch Meri again. “Your baby is a miracle worker,” Hernieth said.
“He is too young for such things,” said Kiya. “Please do not tell anyone what has happened. I fear for his life.”
“I promise I will say nothing,” said Hernieth, “Though it will be hard to hide my recovery from my friends. All will be curious.”
“Come, Grandmother, sit down and eat,” said Khamet. “Can I offer you refreshment, Ramala? Kiya? I cannot thank you enough for what you have done.” He noticed for the first time Kiya’s distress. “What is wrong? Are you not happy that your baby has saved my grandmother?”
“Healing has made him weak,” said Kiya and she held out her arms so the others could see how the baby lay without moving. Meri opened his eyes but they were no longer bright.
“Oh no!” Hernieth said. “If I could return his life force I would. I am just an old woman at the end of life but he is more than a baby. He is a true wonder.”
“We must get you home,” said Ramala. “The baby needs rest and nourishment. I hope we are in time to warn your father before he goes to market.”
Kiya looked at her in alarm. Teos would be bound to tell his friends about his back and all would want to have their aches and pains healed by the miraculous baby. “Please, Khamet. Run ahead and stop him,” she said.
Khamet hurried from the house, while Kiya and Ramala took their leave of Hernieth.
“I do hope the precious baby will recover,” said Hernieth. “I can never thank Meri enough for what he has done.”
“I am sure he will be fine,” said Ramala. “But there will be no more healing until he is fully grown.”
Kiya took comfort from her mother’s confidence. Perhaps Meri would regain his strength, but only if he was protected from the demands of the sick. She followed Ramala home and found Khamet waiting for them at the door. “I am sorry,” he said. “Teos has already gone and he has taken the donkey so there is no hope that I can catch them up.”
“Oh, no!” cried Kiya. “The whole of Thebes will know about Meri’s healing powers.”
“We must hide him,” said Ramala.
“Where? How?” Kiya’s mind was in a whirl.
“Perhaps you could come and live with us?” said Khamet.
Kiya shook her head. “Your grandmother’s recovery will soon be known and your house will be full of curious people.”
“I am so sorry your good deed has caused you so much trouble,” said Khamet. “If there is anything I can do to help...”
“Look after my parents for me,” said Kiya. “I must flee.” She hurried into the house.
“No,” cried Ramala in distress and followed her. “Surely we can think of something.”
“Help me pack, Mother,” said Kiya. She laid Meri’s inert body on the seating ledge and filled a bag with a spare shift, strips of linen, dates, cakes and a flask of beer.
“Don’t forget the money,” said Ramala. She removed Kiya’s money belt from its hiding place inside the chest. “If you can reach Akhetaten Dennu or Laylos will look after you.”
“I will try to get there, but I cannot take the upper road, people will be coming from Thebes. I will take the path by the river.”
“I pray to the gods that you will both be safe, my darling,” said Ramala and gave her a hug.
Kiya put on the money belt, swung the bag over her shoulder, picked up Meri and, with one last goodbye to her mother, hurried down to the river.
Kiya and the God of Chaos Page 90
