by Scott Peters
Instead, he stumbled down to the Nile.
Chapter Eighteen
Understanding
The broad river sparkled up ahead. Zet headed for it.
He had a vague idea of finding a boat headed for the far bank. Maybe he'd find a person who was headed for the tomb maker's village. Maybe they could carry a message to Merimose for him. Saying what, he had no idea. And the chance of finding someone to help was next to impossible.
Time was ticking away. He'd need to meet Kat and his mother and baby brother soon. She'd be worried if he didn't show up. And he needed to prevent them from going home at all costs. But he still had a little time.
Around the curve in the river, he spotted the crowded water-steps. Near the fishing boats, skiffs made of papyrus stood ready to taxi passengers up and down river, or across to the far bank. Zet approached, drawing ever closer as the events of the last two days roiled around in his mind.
Something was bothering him. Some little thing that he couldn't quite grasp.
He tried to figure out what it was. He went over the facts, but the point he was searching for kept eluding him. A ferryman helped two passengers onto a skiff. A second boat pulled up to the steps and threw out a line. A boy caught it and tied the rope to an iron cleat, which was fastened to the stone stairs. Further down, three fishermen scrubbed the deck of their vessel.
Then he had it.
The Rose Bark.
Bark was another word for boat.
His feet carried him flying to the shore. He skidded to a halt in front of the fishing boat with the three men on board. It was a large skiff made of papyrus reeds tightly lashed together.
"Hey!" he shouted.
The nearest man glanced up. His face was deeply tanned. He quirked his brow.
"I'm looking for the Rose Bark!"
The fisherman wiped sweat from his face with his forearm. "The Rose Bark?" he said, as if searching his memory. He turned to the others. "Do you know it?"
They shook their heads.
"Sorry, messenger," he called. "We don't usually dock in Thebes. Try that boat down there. Maybe the captain knows it."
"Thanks," Zet called back.
He headed for the boat. It was larger than the others, and unlike most it was made of wood. Cedar planks, glued with resin, and it had a large square sail made of linen cloth.
"Hello?" Zet called.
He waited.
"Hello!" he shouted a second time.
"Coming, coming," said a reedy voice. A little old man poked his head over the side. He wore a wig, but it was all off kilter. He looked like he’d been sleeping. His eyes lit up at the sight of Zet. "Oh good. You have a message for me?"
"I’m sorry to say I don’t."
The old man’s scrawny shoulders drooped a little. He reminded Zet of a friendly, bony cat, all lean with big dark eyes. "Oh. That’s a disappointment. Can I help you with something, then?"
"I’m looking for the Rose Bark."
"Rose Bark . . . Rose Bark . . ." he put a finger to his lips. "Aha!" he raised his finger in the air. "I have it! You must mean the boat with the roses painted along the hull. Am I right?"
"I’m not sure! That’s all I know, that I need to get to the Rose Bark."
The old man shot Zet a toothless grin. "Then I woke up for a good reason. Always nice to help a fellow in need. Yes, it’s the boat with the roses you want. Only one that would match that description. Roses painted all down each side, twining into each other if you know what I mean. Pretty thing it is."
Zet’s heart was in his throat. Finally. Finally someone knew of it!
"Where can I find it?"
"Some official owns it. Try down near Pharaoh’s palace. At that set of water-steps where the nobles like to dock."
"Thank you so much!" Zet cried.
The old man laughed and waved. "Glad to be of service!"
Overhead, the sun-god was sailing swiftly for the horizon. Cool shadows slanted across the waterfront. He needed to get to Kat and his mother soon. They'd be waiting outside the Chapel of Mut, as planned.
As he made his way there, Zet went over everything in his mind. He thought about his family, their stall destroyed. He thought about poor Padus, locked up in jail and awaiting death; and Ama, home alone and terrified. He thought of Pharaoh with his kind, world-weary eyes, and the threat on his life. And then he thought of the medjay, Merimose, called away to a village in the desert.
It's true, he knew of the Rose Bark now. But what he would do with that information he had yet to figure out. Everything he knew and cared about had fallen into ruin. And it seemed there was nowhere to turn for help. No one would believe a boy like him. And the man in power, the High Priest, wanted him dead.
Chapter Nineteen
A Decision
Kat, their mother and little Apu were already outside the chapel, waiting. He spotted them from a distance, seated to the right of the Hearing Shrine. Zet’s heart swelled at the sight of his family. And at the same time, he wondered if this was a foretelling of things to come. Would they be left to the streets, the four of them, their happy home gone forever?
Apu saw Zet first. The baby gurgled and clapped his chubby hands. Zet swept him up and hugged Apu tight. Their mother was smiling, but her smile faded at Zet’s appearance.
"Your hair," she cried, touching his shaved head. "And this uniform, what’s going on?"
Zet desperately wanted to lie. He wanted to tell her everything was fine. But what excuse could he give for not letting her go home?
He let out a huge breath. "I have to tell you something. And it’s not good."
Kat was shaking her head frantically, but Zet ignored her.
His mother’s eyes were wide. "Did something happen with the stall?"
Apu was touching Zet’s face paint with a curious finger. Zet sat down against the wall, still holding his baby brother.
"Do you remember how father asked me to take care of things while he was gone? And you were still in your birth bed, and Apu was only days old and I said I would?"
"Of course!"
"And you both trusted me? That I could do it?"
At this point, Kat had her face in her hands, as if she couldn’t bear to hear what he was going to say next. A woman with a marketing basket approached the Hearing Ear shrine. She made an offering, and spoke in low tones. Zet waited for her to leave, and took another deep breath.
"Here’s the thing," he said. "I need you to keep trusting me. Just for tonight. Something has happened, many things. Terrible things. All I ask is that you let me try to deal with them now, without asking questions."
His mother studied his face. "Perhaps I could help you."
"No." He shook his head. "It’s something only I can fix."
"If there are terrible things, I’d like to know about them. I’m your mother."
He wished he hadn’t used those words, because now it was clear she was curious and worried. He stood and handed her the baby. "I know you’ll be angry with me when I tell you there isn’t time, but that’s the truth. I have to go. Right now. And you’ll be even angrier when I tell you that you can’t go home tonight, but you can’t. Men are looking for me. Evil men. And they’ll hurt anyone they find at our house. That’s why I’m dressed in this disguise."
"This can’t be true! What could you have possibly done? I don’t believe it. You’re exaggerating."
"Look at Kat’s face. See how scared she is?"
It was true, Kat had begun to shake, knowing it had come to this. They couldn’t go home. They were stuck in the street.
"Kat knows it’s true. That’s why she took you out today. I’m sorry we created this lie to get you out of the house, but I love you and am terrified for you, for all of us."
"Men are after you? At least give me some hint why!"
Zet glanced at the sun. It was nearly at the horizon. He drew himself up to his fullest height. The time for arguing was over. "If you love me, if you love this family, you’ll do
what I say. You’ll let me go, and you’ll stay away from our house. What is your decision, Mother?"
She looked taken aback.
"I’m running out of time!" he said.
"All right." She nodded, quickly. "Clearly, you give me no choice. I’m not happy, but we’ll stay here, we’ll wait for you."
"Thank you!" He threw his arms around her neck and kissed her cheek. She smelled of flowers. She smelled of home. She smelled of everything good he stood to lose.
"I’m coming with you," Kat said.
"No. It’s too dangerous. I’ll be back as soon as I can." Zet turned and sprinted away.
He heard footsteps and turned to see Kat running after him. He slowed to let her catch up. "Kat, I mean it! It’s too dangerous."
"It’s my responsibility, too," she said. "So don’t argue. And you’ll need help. And I’m not going to sit around when our family is in trouble."
He groaned, but kept going.
"Where are we going? Did you find out about the Rose Bark?"
He told her everything as they ran. About their pots being destroyed, and how he’d found them all smashed to pieces. He told her about meeting Pharaoh in the street. About Padus and Ama. About the papyrus he’d tried to deliver to the medjay. And about the discovery the Rose Bark wasn’t a restaurant, or a tree, but that it was a boat.
Suddenly, he saw it.
"Out there, on the water!" Zet cried. "Look!"
Sure enough, there it was. A lavish, private river cruiser. The boat was long and crafted of cedar. Its sail was unfurled, and a gentle breeze tugged it shoreward. All along the side of the boat, below the polished rail, were beautifully painted roses. Leaves and stems twined around them, so that it looked like it was festooned with a long garland of flowers. The prow, which arched upward in a graceful curve, was crowned by the head of a wooden ibis bird.
Kat caught her breath. "It's beautiful," she said.
Together they stood watching in awe. It made a beautiful picture. On the Nile's opposite bank, mountain peaks cradled the setting sun. Overhead, long streaks of red and purple stained the sky. There was very little wind. Water lapped gently at the stone wall that bordered the river, and the air smelled fresh. The sun winked, sparkling. Then it dropped out of sight.
From the pier-side, two men strode into view—the High Priest and the thin-man. The High Priest wore a gilt-edged, ankle-length kilt, which had been pressed into countless knife-sharp pleats. The thin-man followed close behind, his sandals flapping as he walked. Over one shoulder, he carried a large basket filled with what appeared to be the makings of a lavish picnic. Zet had no doubt that secreted beneath the fruits and flagon of wine was the precious scroll, well-wrapped in leather to keep it safe.
The High Priest turned, as if sensing someone watching.
"Get back," Zet said, grabbing Kat's hand and pulling her behind a pile of reed baskets.
Chapter Twenty
The Rose Bark
Zet and Kat ducked back just in time.
The High Priest scanned the waterfront. Behind the baskets, Zet held his breath. The air smelled of old fish. He wanted to gag. After a moment, the priest glanced away, turning his attention to the boat.
On the water, the boat came closer. A tent-like structure occupied much of the boat's deck. Colored ribbons flew from its four corners, and the sides were trimmed with thousands of golden beads. Four servants guided it shoreward, using long paddles. One leapt out when they reached the water-steps. A second threw out ropes, and the servant on shore fastened the boat in place.
When the boat came to a gentle halt, the curtains of the tent were thrust aside.
Out stepped a man with broad, muscular shoulders, on which rested a collar of shining gold. A striped cloth covered his head, held in place with a gleaming circlet. Everything about him seemed regal. There was a grace and power with which he surveyed his deck. His servants bowed low, but he brushed them aside, ordering them ashore.
The tent flap was pushed aside a second time, and a beautiful young woman stepped out. A white sheath hugged her slim upper body; it flowed away in billows down her legs. Around her shoulders lay a delicate, short cape that looked as if it had been sewn from threads of pure gold. A formal, black wig with beads of turquoise framed her high cheekbones. Her wide, almond shaped eyes looked neither cunning nor evil, and Zet wondered if she was aware of the purpose of the meeting.
Beside him, Kat sighed at the sight of her.
"Who is she?" Kat whispered.
"I don't know. Look, the man's inviting the High Priest and the thin-man on board. This is it, Kat."
"What are we supposed to do? We can't just run over there!" she said.
That was just it. He didn't know what to do. It could all be over in moments, and their chance would be lost forever. He stood, frozen in place, unable to do anything except watch. On the boat, the four people greeted one another. The High Priest seemed on good terms with the man, for the man clapped his back and their laughter echoed over the water.
The High Priest gestured at the overflowing basket of goodies, which the thin-man now clasped with both arms. It looked heavy. Smiling, the group ducked into the tent.
To anyone on shore, it appeared to be a small, private evening party.
The servants took up a post on shore, some distance from the boat.
Clearly the men on board wanted privacy to make the transaction. Why else order the servants away? It would also make it impossible for a stranger to get on board, with all four men standing near the gangway.
Two stood guard, facing the city. They were armed with short daggers and clubs, fastened at their waists. The other two sat on the steps. One unfolded a game of Senet, laying the playing board on the ground. When they began throwing knucklebones, the servants standing guard drifted closer to watch.
The red, dusky streaks were fading overhead. Twilight had begun to fall. A huge yellow moon glowed on the horizon. Over the water, an ibis bird flew low and called out in a lonely cry. There was no response.
Zet turned his attention to the boat. On board, inside the tent, lamplight flickered to life. It danced against the white linen walls.
"What are we going to do?" Kat whispered.
"I don't know!"
Zet let out a breath of frustration and sank down with his back to the baskets. He drew his knees up and put his head on his folded arms. What could he do? He was just a single boy. How on earth could he fight four armed servants, and then four more adults if he did somehow miraculously get on board? It was impossible.
"I don't know, Kat," he said again.
"There must be something we can do!"
"Like what?"
She didn't answer.
He'd never thought he could sink so low in life. He never thought a beautiful evening like this could be so disturbing and bleak.
"Zet," Kat said. "Padus will be killed. And Pharaoh too. We're the only people who can stop it. We're the only people who know."
He looked at his sister, whose wide eyes were staring into his own as if searching for an answer. She hadn't even mentioned what would happen to her. It was so like his little sister, to think of everyone else. If a stranger were drowning, she'd throw herself into the river and drown herself trying to save him.
Wait—that was it! He had an idea!
"Kat! Quick. Run for the medjay. Go to the head office if you have to."
"Why? They'll just arrest you!"
"Trust me, just do it."
"Why? What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to get on that boat."
"It's too dangerous."
"Do you have a better suggestion?"
She bit her lip.
"Then run!" he said. "It's our only chance."
She grabbed his wrist. "What if they won't come? What should I tell them?"
"Anything! Tell them I'm trying to murder the High Priest if you have to!"
She let go of him and her hand dropped to her side. Her chin was tremblin
g and she blinked back tears. "All right, I'll do it," she said. She put her arms around his neck in a quick hug. Then she took off running.
Zet turned to face the boat. It was a crazy idea. But with everything lost, it was his only choice left. He'd stop the thieves, he'd free Padus and his family name, and he'd stop the enemies plotting to kill Pharaoh. Or he'd die trying.
Chapter Twenty-one
Action
Keeping one eye on the guards, Zet crept out of his hiding place and made his way to the river. When he reached the water, he slipped in. The bottom felt soft and muddy against the soles of his feet. Silt squished between his toes as he waded toward the water-steps, staying low.
The closer he came, the deeper the water got. Soon he had to tread water to keep his head above the surface. He wasn't the best swimmer, but he managed to dog paddle along with one hand on the wall to guide him.
He kept moving, trying desperately to stay silent. Finally, he reached the first rope that tied the boat to the wharf. Pulling himself up, he risked a peek on shore. The servants were still playing their game of Senet. No one glanced his way, but from this distance their daggers looked longer and sharper, and their arms, muscled from rowing, looked deadly.
The rope had been wound several times around a cleat, and then knotted securely. He worked the knot free, his legs furiously treading water. Then he unwound the rope from the cleat. The rear of the boat floated out a little, but not so far anyone noticed.
Not yet.
Praying it would stay that way, he swam for the second rope. This went more slowly than the first. The knot was more complicated, and his legs were growing tired. He kept sinking below the surface, and his wet hands were slippery.
On shore, one of the men shouted. Zet looked up, frantic, and saw he was shouting about the game. The shouts were followed by laughter.
The second rope was free.
Zet didn't allow himself time to rest. He tied the rope around his waist and then pushed off the wall with his legs. The current caught hold of the boat and he swam with it, towing the boat from shore. So far so good, but he needed to get to the oars before someone else did.
