Fall of the House of Ramesses, Book 3: Tausret

by Max Overton

  Tausret shrugged. "I had not thought to make Ament king, only a husband by whom to generate an heir."

  "Even so, Majesty, it is out of the question."

  Tausret sighed and faced her Tjaty. "Look upon me as a woman, Mentu, not as a king. Is there no way I can take Ament as my husband?"

  "No, Majesty."

  "I could ennoble him; give him rich estates and high titles."

  "He would still be the son of a fisherman. Nobody would accept him and very soon you would have active rebellion on your hands." Mentu regarded his king with compassion. "If you are discreet, you could take him as a lover. No one would think the worse of you for that."

  "And if I had a child?"

  "It is unlikely they would accept it as an heir. I am sorry, Majesty, and of course you can do as you please--but there will be consequences for any action you might take."

  "I suppose you would prefer I accepted the offer from Meryre, son of Ratep?"

  "The man who rebelled against your husband? He has the advantage that he is a noble and descended from Usermaatre, but if you were asking my opinion, Majesty, I would not even deign to reply. It is absurd."

  "So I am to live out my years without a husband?"

  "There is only one real candidate, Majesty, and I fear he is not acceptable to you."

  "If you mean General Setnakhte, then no. Not under any circumstances."

  "I was thinking more in terms of his son Ramesses," Mentu said. "Setnakhte is too old, being of your father's generation, but Ramesses is young and virile and I'm sure quite capable of planting a son and heir in your Majesty's belly."

  Tausret made a face. "He would expect to be king though, relegating me to Great Wife. I have been that but now I am king. I don't want to step backwards."

  "I think Setnakhte would prefer to be king before him anyway, with you marrying his son and heir."

  "That is not going to happen."

  "But Ramesses...?"

  "I will think on it."

  ***

  Tausret had another problem on her hands when she brought the northern legion commanders together to talk about the defence of Kemet and the southern troubles. Each commander left their legion in the hands of their deputy and, together with the northern general Iurudef, made their way to the capital for talks. The king came straight to the point.

  "General Setnakhte and Commander Ramesses have effectively withdrawn their support of my rule. What effect is this going to have on my ability to govern?"

  The commanders and general looked at each other, each afraid to be the first one to show apprehension at the news. Ament said nothing, though of course he was aware of the problem already. In the end it was Iurudef as senior officer who broke the silence.

  "When you say 'effectively withdrawn', Majesty, what exactly do you mean?"

  "They do not acknowledge my right to rule as king. They withdrew their legions to Ta-senet until I left Waset and then returned to the city. As far as I am aware, they are not interfering in the government of Ta Shemau. Tjaty Hori continues to rule in my name."

  "Have they indicated they will do more than just refuse to acknowledge you?"

  "By all the gods, Iurudef, what do you mean by 'just refuse'?" Ament shouted. "That is treason and should be punished."

  "Ament, please," Tausret said. "General, so far they have given no hint that they would do more."

  "Then, Majesty, I do not see that you have a problem." Iurudef saw Ament snarl with rage and held up a hand to forestall his outburst. "I agree their actions could be interpreted as treasonous, but it could just be that they feel unsettled by recent events..."

  "Do you feel unsettled, Iurudef?" Tausret asked.

  The General considered his answer. "I would have to say I do, Majesty."

  "In what way?"

  "The male line of Usermaatre Ramesses has come to an end with the death of your son. I was prepared to support King Akhenre Siptah as this was the will of the Council, but now that he too has died, we are left without a male heir. I know the arguments for your assumption of the throne, Majesty, and in principle I accept them, but it is unsettling to have a female king." Iurudef remained on his feet, but paused as if in thought. "I am loyal to the duly anointed king of Kemet, of that you may be assured."

  "I see. Is this how the rest of you feel? Disebek?"

  Commander Disebek of the Re legion stood and bowed to the throne. "I am loyal, Majesty."

  "And I," said Ahhotep of Ptah.

  Merymose of Heru also bowed and spoke words of loyalty, while Ament bowed and remained silent. Ramose of Khent-abt, Djutep of Sept, Natsefamen of Shu likewise silently bowed, and Ankhu of Sobek loudly proclaimed his loyalty.

  "So I have eight loyal legions in the north?" Tausret asked. "And a loyal general?"

  The commanders and Iurudef once more affirmed their loyalty.

  "Whereas only two legions are less than loyal, possibly three as the Kushite legion has sent no word. Should I be worried, Iurudef?"

  "No, Daughter of Re...provided they do not actively oppose you. If they do, then we might have a problem."

  "Two...or possibly three, against eight? How is this a problem?"

  "General Setnakhte is a very able commander, and his son Ramesses has learned his lessons well. You may assume that the two southern legions are well trained though perhaps a little inexperienced in battle, though of course, the recent civil war proved a good training ground. The Kushite legion is an unknown quantity--no doubt full of fierce warriors but without discipline.

  "Opposing them in the north are eight legions, four of whom--Ptah, Heru, Re and Set--are well trained and experienced. The other four less so, on both counts."

  "Even so, four well trained legions against two?"

  "Setnakhte has no border to guard. I need three legions to hold the northern border against the nations. Two at a pinch, if I can use two of the lesser legions. That leaves two against two with two lesser legions to balance the Kushites. It is an even battle, Majesty, and not one I relish."

  "But you are a better general than Setnakhte, aren't you?"

  "Yes, Majesty, but...he is very capable. As is his son Ramesses."

  "So what exactly are you saying, Iurudef? That my position is hopeless?"

  "Have a care how you answer," Ament growled.

  Iurudef sneered at Ament. "Remember your place...Commander." He turned back to face Tausret. "Majesty, the two kingdoms are evenly matched. You may reign over both, but Setnakhte effectively rules in the south. My advice is to rule wisely in the north, while giving him no reason to be dissatisfied with your rule. When he sees that catastrophe does not fall on Kemet because a woman is king, he may come to the realisation that the gods do indeed support you."

  "What say the rest of you?"

  The Commanders murmured their agreement, but Ament went further.

  "I have always said it would be better to remove two men for the good of Kemet. Let me take a few men south and rid you of this man and his son once and for all."

  Tausret stood and everyone scrambled to their feet and bowed.

  "Thank you all for your reasoned advice and considered opinions. I have taken note of every argument and will weigh your words carefully, even yours, Ament. I thank you all for your loyalty and bid you return to your legions. No precipitate action will be taken and you may be certain I will consult with you, my loyal commanders, before any move is made."

  ***

  Tausret refused to allow Ament to put in place his plan to assassinate Setnakhte and Ramesses, but stopped short of forbidding him to even contemplate the thought. The future might necessitate some such action, but for now she decided to put such thoughts from her and concentrate on ruling well. Ament knew she was wrong but recognised she was not open to persuasion. He would have to act without her knowledge. In the meantime, Tausret met with Treasurer Huy, Tjaty Mentu and the High Priests of every god in Ta Mehu and the northern parts of Ta Shemau.

  "I wish to make my mark on the la
nd," Tausret said. "Make a list of every temple construction work that needs doing, and make an estimate of the cost. I want men to look at my reign as an age in which building flourished and the gods prospered."

  "That will be very expensive, Majesty," Treasurer Huy said. "I am not sure the Treasury can pay for large scale building projects."

  "Why not? There seemed to be ample gold under your predecessor."

  "Chancellor Bay employed...shall we say, unorthodox methods, Majesty. He drew on taxes not yet paid and paid others in promises. I have had to dispose of a large part of the gold in the Treasury just paying promissory notes since his, er...demise."

  "And what of building projects that are unfinished?" Tjaty Mentu asked. "A number of constructions were started during the days of Akhenre Siptah. Should those works be finished or not?"

  Tausret thought for a moment and then nodded. "Yes, that fits in with my plans. Every temple, shrine or other work started under Siptah is to continue, because in reality, they were started during my reign." Huy opened his mouth, a puzzled expression on his face, and Tausret continued. "Remember, I date my accession to follow directly on from my husband Userkheperure. Every work of the last six years has been my work. You will finish them but put my name in place of Siptah's. Furthermore, all of Siptah's finished works, in both kingdoms, are to be modified. His name is to be chiselled out and replaced with mine where appropriate, or my husband's."

  "It shall be done, Majesty," Mentu said. He checked what the scribe had recorded and appended his personal seal.

  "Finally, the mines at Timna and the nearby temple of Het-hor. I know Siptah had an inscription placed there. You will add my name to the inscription. Now, the most important aspects--my tomb and my Mansion of Millions of Years--how are they progressing?"

  Mentu consulted his notes. "I received a report from Tjaty Hori indicating that work on your tomb is progressing well, but that work on your Mansion has slowed. It seems there is a shortage of suitable stone. Er, Hori indicates he has told the builders to continue with mud brick."

  "That is not acceptable," Tausret said. "Send word that stone is to be quarried and shaped and the mud brick torn down."

  Treasurer Huy coughed, and Tausret flashed him an irritated glance.

  "Find the gold, Huy. I don't care what you must do; this quarried stone takes priority."

  ***

  Word came south to Tjaty Hori of Tausret's commands, and Hori issued the necessary orders for more stone to be quarried and for masons to chisel out Siptah's name on several inscriptions and substitute the present king's own name. The news spread quickly and, along with every other scrap of information brought into Waset, quickly found itself in the hands of General Setnakhte and Commander Ramesses.

  Both the Amun legion and the Mut legion under the command of Panhesy were now housed within the city barracks, which had been enlarged for the purpose. Setnakhte studied the report and then passed it to his son for comment.

  "She is determined to rule in the south, isn't she? Are you going to let her?"

  Setnakhte took back the report and tapped the relevant passages. "Why should it concern me whether she commands her tomb and Mansion be built? She won't remain king long enough for it to matter. As for putting her name in the inscriptions--well, Siptah never was the real king, so his name should be removed."

  "So you are going to act against her. When?"

  "When the time is right. Look, we have two legions against what? Six? Eight? We need to get the Kushite legion behind us first. Panhesy, you were going to bring them over--how are you progressing with their commander?

  "With Taharqa, General." Panhesy shrugged. "He doesn't like the idea of a female king, but he is uneasy about rebelling against an anointed one. He says that if he gods have accepted her, how can he not?"

  "Keep working on him. Who's his deputy?"

  "Shabalka, General."

  "And what does he think about Tausret?"

  "He is more inclined to oppose her."

  "Perhaps we should just get rid of Taharqa and promote Shabalka," Ramesses said.

  "It may come to that, but for now we do nothing that might bring the northern legions down on us. Continue to support Hori and keep the peace in Waset." Setnakhte say the disappointment on his son's face. "Do not be despondent, my son. I cannot believe that the woman will be able to rule effectively. Discontent within her own ranks is our sure ally. If the gods favour us, one or more of the legions will change sides and then we strike."

  Chapter 42

  Year 1 (6) Sitre Meryamun Tausret

  Leader of Fifty Meryset had taken fifteen years to rise through the ranks of the Amun legion. He had joined in Baenre's day as a simple soldier, learning his basic skills against desert tribesmen and the occasional foray into northern Kush. By the time Menmire Amenmesse claimed the kingship in Waset, Meryset was a Leader of Five and was adding the lessons that leadership taught him. When Menmire's general led the southern army northward, Meryset went with it and learned the hard way that the northern legions were far more battle hardened and experienced than the southern ones. Fellow officers fell in battle And Meryset was promoted to Leader of Ten and then Fifty.

  Menmire was captured and died, and his son Akhenre Siptah took the throne. General Setnakhte took over the southern army, and he recognised talent in young officers, promoting them. Meryset had been confidently expecting to be made Troop Commander but was passed over in favour of officers junior to him. The insult rankled and his bitterness against Setnakhte grew over the years as his career stagnated. Siptah had now died and Queen Tausret had been elevated to the throne, but still he remained in the lower middle rank of officers.

  Meryset drank more than was wise and talked to strangers more than he should, complaining to anyone who would listen about the disservice that had been done him. On one such drunken ramble a man approached him and engaged him in conversation. The man plied him with strong barley beer, listened attentively to Meryset's complaints and fed them with provocative comments.

  "Sounds to me like you've well and truly been raped, my friend. Anyone can see you're a man of worth and from what you've told me you're an experienced officer. Why, you should be a Troop Commander at the very least, maybe even legion commander."

  "Jus' what I been saying, friend," Meryset agreed. "Gen'l Setnakhte's got it in fer me. Pass me over fer permotion fer no good reason..."

  "You should complain to the proper authorities. Get them to overturn his decision."

  "'Ow's I gonna do that? 'E's a gen'l an' I's just a Lead...Leader o' Fif'." Meryset belched loudly and the man refilled his mug.

  "You could take your complaint to the king. Every man has the right to approach the king."

  Meryset drank deeply from the foaming mug, wiped his upper lip and belched again. "King's a woman now."

  "So? She's still king, isn't she?"

  "What's a woman know 'bout solshurs an' war an' stuff?"

  "Have you forgotten she fought the Ribu in Baenre's day? And quashed two rebellions in her husband's reign? I think you'll find she knows a lot about military matters and what is fair. If you put your case to her, I'm sure she'll find in your favour."

  "'Gainst a gen'l?"

  "Even against a general. You do know that Setnakhte insulted the king to her face here in Waset? He refused to swear allegiance to her. It was only that he led the legions out against her that kept his head on his shoulders."

  "Sunnuva whore. Why 'asn't she led the legions 'gainst 'im?"

  The man shrugged and refilled Meryset's mug. "Setnakhte is too strong down here. Talk is he's going to declare himself king and lead the kingdoms into civil war again."

  "Set's bollocks. 'E can't do that! Can 'e?"

  "I'm afraid he can--and will. Unless someone stops him."

  Meryset nodded. "Yerss...sommun should."

  "Whoever does will be hailed as a hero and saviour of Kemet. I would imagine the king would reward that person with gold, with land, rank, anything
they wanted."

  "Might make 'im Troop C'mander mebbe? What I...'e 'afta do?"

  "Well, it would be useless just to bring charges against him. You'd have to remove him...permanently."

  Meryset looked around the tavern to see if anyone was near enough to overhear them. He leaned closer to the man. "Yer mean kill 'im? That's dang'rous."

  The man nodded and sighed. "Yes, it is. I thought perhaps you knew a brave man prepared to perform a loyal act for your king and for Kemet, but you're right. It would be too dangerous. You're only a Leader of Fifty. I need to find someone closer to Setnakhte, someone who hates him and loves the king."

  "I love th' king."

  "Yes, I'm sure you do."

  The man started to get up and Meryset reached out a hand and grabbed his arm. "Yer sure the king'd reward me...'im? Make me Troop C'mander?"

  "At least. Gold too. But why are you asking? You said it was too dangerous."

  Meryset nodded. "'Tis...but I can do it. 'E passes our rooms ev'ry noon ter get 'is meal. I could kill the sunnuva whore easylike."

  "What about the danger?"

  Meryset screwed up his face as he tried to pin down his thoughts. "I gotta way out after," he said. "Nobody gonna catch me."

  "When you get out of the barracks, make for the Tjaty's palace. I'll make sure he has guards waiting to take you in and hide you."

  "An' my reward?"

  "The moment he's dead, I'll send word to the king." The man took Meryset's half empty cup from his hand and poured the beer out on the ground. "Now, I think that's enough drinking for tonight. You've got to get yourself sober and ready. Sooner done, sooner rewarded, eh, Troop Commander?"

  Meryset grinned and lurched to his feet. "Tha's Legion Commander to you, me frien'."

  ***

  Meryset could scarcely move the next morning and by the time Setnakhte walked past the room where he lay groaning at noon, the only part of his body he could move were his eyes, which he rolled in their sockets to follow the course of the General. By nightfall, he had recovered and started giving serious thought to his plan to kill Setnakhte and reap the reward from a grateful king. He stood in the doorway of his barrack's room and looked at the path the General took each day, mentally measuring distances and wondering whether a sword or spear would be the better weapon. It might depend on whether Setnakhte walked alone or in the company of others--like his son Ramesses. Alone would be easier, Meryset decided, but it was possible either way.