Chapter One hundred and twenty six: Calm Before the Storm
Kiya was left alone in the room. She unrolled at the map of Akhetaten and stared at the streets. They were set out in a tidy grid, unlike the tangled thoroughfares of Thebes. How swiftly the city had grown. How large the population now vulnerable to death and destruction. She went out onto the veranda and sat on the cushioned seat that ran along the wall. The faint sound of shouting voices could be heard in the distance beyond the palace walls. Outside there would be fear and chaos as people prepared for the coming invasion, but here it was peaceful.
Her mind turned to her parents and the storm that was coming to engulf them. Would the attack pass them by? The valley was dotted with small farms, surely the army of monsters would ignore them in its haste to reach the city. She thought of Khamet and hoped that he would fulfil his promise to protect Teos and Ramala.
She remembered the others she had known and loved – Huy, Laylos, Ana, Sabu, Dennu, Itet and Meri. Yes, above all Meri, her beautiful golden child. She prayed that they would be safe in the coming battle. Then she thought of herself and asked to be given strength, for she had seen the anger of Seth and dreaded what was to befall.
The evening darkened into night. Kiya’s thin shift did little to protect her from the chill. She was about to go indoors, when she saw a figure hurrying through the garden towards her.
“Laylos!” Kiya ran across the terrace and down the steps to greet her aunt.
“My dear child,” said Laylos as they embraced. “Thank the gods you have returned safely from Nubia. But what is happening? Akhetaten is in turmoil.”
“Come,” said Kiya. She put her arm around her aunt’s shoulders and led her to the house. “You must stay with me in the harem tonight.”
“The harem? Is that permitted? I have never seen a harem before.”
Agog with interest, Laylos allowed herself to be escorted into the house, across the main room and through the door that led to Dennu’s harem.
“What a lovely little courtyard,” said Laylos. She peered around. “Where do all those doors lead to?”
“They lead to the rooms of Dennu’s wives.”
“I am impressed. How many wives does he have?”
“Only one at the moment. But you know Dennu, he was always ambitious.”
Laylos laughed. “I heard you had divorced him, Kiya. Poor man, he loved you dearly.”
“He loved power and privilege more. Do not worry about Dennu, Laylos. He has a fine and loving wife in Itet. I believe she already bears his child.”
“I have a message from Huy,” said Laylos. “He thanks you for asking what he dare not ask himself. I think he refers to me coming to the palace. Tell me what is happening, my dear. You know I have courage enough to take the news.”
Kiya shivered. “Come to the reception room,” she said, “and meet Itet, for I should tell her as well.”
Itet was sitting sewing in the lamplight. She rose to her feet and greeted them warmly. “Welcome,” she said. “I have been instructed to expect you and it is a pleasure to have company.”
“This is my aunt, Laylos,” said Kiya. “Laylos, this is Princess Itet.”
Laylos was obviously in awe of the splendidly-attired young woman. She bowed awkwardly and muttered a greeting.
“Come and sit beside me, close to the warmth of the brazier,“ said Itet. “Can I offer you refreshment? Wine? Beer? Food?”
“Yes, please,” said Kiya. “We would both like beer.”
“And I would like something to eat, please,” said Laylos. “If you can spare anything. Food is scarce nowadays.” Itet clapped her hands and instructed the servant who appeared at the door.
“I have grave news to impart,” said Kiya, when the servant had left. “The reason Laylos has come to stay in the harem is because Akhetaten is in danger. The god Seth has become angry and has stopped the Nile flooding.”
“The false god Seth,” Itet corrected her.
Kiya paused, irritated by Itet’s primness, then she continued, “Seth has assembled an army of monsters, which is coming to attack us.”
“May Aten have mercy!” said an alarmed Itet. “Dennu will protect us.”
“Dennu will be in charge of soldiers protecting your brother and Meri at the temple. We must defend ourselves,” said Kiya. “Do you have any weapons, Itet?”
“No, of course not.” Itet was shocked by the suggestion.
“I have my star-metal knife,” said Laylos, drawing it from her belt.
The servant came in with food and looked startled to see Laylos with a drawn knife.
“Wait,” said Kiya as the servant put down the tray and was about to leave. “First thing tomorrow morning I want you and the other servants to assemble here. Bring knives and any other weapons you can find in the kitchen. I need you to protect your mistress and my aunt from any creatures that might enter the palace.”
The girl looked uncertainly at Itet, who nodded. “We will all be much safer if we stay together,” she said. “Make sure you do what is required.”
The girl bowed and hurried away.
“Are you not staying with us?” Laylos asked Kiya. “Where will you be going?”
“I will go where I am needed, wherever I can make a difference in the tide of battle.”
“Oh dear,” said Laylos. “You always were too courageous for your own good.”
“If you must fight, stay close to Dennu,” said Itet. “He will make sure no harm comes to you.” Kiya smiled at Itet, touched by her concern and by her confidence in Dennu.
“Honey cakes!” said Laylos looking at the tray. “And dates and peaches. I haven’t had such fare for a long time.” She ate eagerly.
“I could not eat a thing,” said Itet. “My stomach is knotted at the thought of what is coming to us.”
“Really?” said Laylos. “I must admit to feeling fearful, myself. But my stomach knows nothing about it.”
“I should retire soon,” said Kiya. “I must be up at dawn to join the army at the barracks kitchen.”
“Take care, Kiya,” said Laylos. “It will break my heart if anything happens to you.” She turned and gave Kiya a long and loving hug. “I wish I could fight by your side, but pregnancy makes me too fragile.”
“Are you in such a happy state as well?” asked Itet.
“I will leave you two talking about babies,” said Kiya and got to her feet.
“Your room is ready for you,” said Itet, “and another has been prepared for your aunt.”
Kiya kissed first Laylos and then Itet. “I pray you will both be safe. We will celebrate together after the battle.”
Kiya and the God of Chaos Page 126
