Ramses, Volume II

by Christian Jacq

  “I pledged my loyalty to Ramses and I’ve given my all.”

  “Wise choice. It won’t be long before Ramses is crowned, if the gods are willing.”

  “They are. Did you hear he’s already survived one assassination attempt? Our Greek visitor, Menelaus, sent his henchmen after Ramses.”

  “Menelaus is a minor king and a scoundrel.”

  “To put it mildly. He took hostages and threatened to kill them unless we handed over Helen.”

  “What did Ramses do?”

  “He refused to violate the laws of hospitality and planned a counterattack.”

  “Risky.”

  “What alternative did he have?”

  “Negotiate, then negotiate some more. Though I admit it would be almost impossible to get through to a ruffian like Menelaus. His plan worked, then?”

  “No, Helen gave herself up without his knowledge. She felt responsible for the hostages. As soon as they were free and Menelaus’s ship headed out to sea, she took her life.”

  “A grand gesture, but rather final.”

  “Ironic as ever, I see.”

  “I find that making fun of everything, including yourself, helps keep things in perspective.”

  “Helen’s death doesn’t seem to affect you.”

  “I say good riddance to Menelaus and his crew. If Egypt is looking for allies in Greece, we can do better.”

  “Homer stayed behind, though.”

  “Ramses’ old poet,” Ahsha said with a smile. “Still writing his account of the Trojan War?”

  “I’ve had the honor of taking it down for him. His verse is tragic, but not lacking in nobility.”

  “Literature will be your downfall, Ahmeni! Do you know what plans Ramses has for you once he’s Pharaoh?”

  “No. I like what I’m doing now.”

  “You deserve better.”

  “What about you? Do you have your eye on something?”

  “My first concern is to meet with Ramses.”

  “Urgent business?”

  “Do you mind if I save it for him?”

  Ahmeni blushed. “Sorry. You’ll find him in the stables. No matter what he’s doing, he’ll want to see you.”

  Ramses seemed strikingly different. The prince was regal and sure of himself, driving his chariot with consummate skill, leading his horses through incredibly complex maneuvers that left the old stable hands gaping.

  The tall adolescent had become a powerfully built athlete with the incontestable authority of a monarch. Still, Ahsha noted a rashness and drive that could lead to errors in judgment. But what use would it be recommending moderation to someone burning with so much energy?

  As soon as he caught sight of Ahsha, the prince steered his way. The horses pulled up short only a length or two from the young diplomat, splattering his spotless tunic.

  “Sorry, Ahsha! These young war horses can be a bit hard to handle.”

  Ramses jumped down, called two grooms to look after the horses, and took Ahsha by the shoulders.

  “More trouble brewing in Asia?”

  “I’m afraid so, Majesty.”

  “Majesty—I’m not Pharaoh yet!”

  “A good diplomat always looks toward the future. As it happens, your future is fairly easy to predict.”

  “You’re the only one who thinks so.”

  “Does that bother you?”

  “Asia, my friend—I asked you about Asia.”

  “Outwardly, all is calm. Our protectorates are ready to welcome you as Pharaoh, and the Hittites are making no move to expand their territory.”

  “Outwardly, you say.”

  “That’s what the official reports will tell you.”

  “But you don’t see it that way.”

  “There’s always a calm before the storm—but how long before?”

  “Come have a drink with me.”

  Ramses checked on his horses, then sat down with Ahsha under a sloping roof with a view of the desert. A servant instantly appeared with cool beer and scented towels.

  “Do you believe that the Hittites really want peace?”

  Ahsha considered this, enjoying the delicious brew. “The Hittites are fighters and conquerors. To them, the word peace is a sort of poetic image with no concrete meaning attached.”

  “So they’re lying.”

  “They hope that a young, peace-loving leader may place less emphasis on defense, gradually weakening the country.”

  “Like Akhenaton.”

  “A prime example.”

  “Are they still manufacturing arms?”

  “In fact, they’ve stepped up production.”

  “Do you think war is inevitable?”

  “A diplomat’s job is to make sure it isn’t.”

  “How would you go about stopping them?”

  “I’m unable to answer that question. My current duties don’t afford me a broad enough view to suggest effective countermeasures.”

  “You’d like a more responsible position?”

  “It’s not up to me.”

  Ramses looked out at the desert.

  “When I was a boy, Ahsha, I dreamed of becoming Pharaoh like my father, because I thought power was the best game of all. Then Seti had me face the wild bull. The traditional test of will, you know. He opened my eyes to the perils of ultimate power, and I found another dreamworld: living in my father’s shadow, relying on his strength. Now his death has brought reality crashing in on me. I prayed to be relieved of the burden of power I no longer sought, and I looked for a sign from the gods. Menelaus sent his men to get me; my lion, my dog, and my bodyguard saved me as I communed with my father’s soul. From that moment on, I decided to stop swimming against the tide. What Seti has ordained will come to pass.”

  “Do you remember that night just before graduation, when we discussed true power with Setau, Moses, and Ahmeni?”

  “Of course. Ahmeni found it serving his country, Moses building monuments, Setau studying snakes, and you in the diplomatic corps.”

  “You’re still the only one who will have true power.”

  “No, Ahsha, it will pass through me, come to life in my heart, my sword arm, but it will leave me if I misuse it.”

  “Living only for Egypt . . . it’s a terrible price to pay.”

  “I’m no longer free to choose my destiny.”

  “It’s almost frightening.”

  “Do you think I’m never afraid? No matter what stands in my way, I plan to rule and to continue my father’s work. I need to leave Egypt stronger and more beautiful than ever. Will you help me, Ahsha?”

  “Yes, Majesty.”

  TEN

  Shaanar was dejected.

  The Greeks had failed him miserably; Menelaus, obsessed with stalking Helen, had lost sight of their ultimate goal of eliminating Ramses. The only consolation, which was not inconsiderable, was being able to convince his brother he had not been involved in the coup. Now that Menelaus and his men were gone, no one would dare point a finger at Shaanar.

  But Ramses would ascend to the throne and rule Egypt single-handedly . . . and he, Seti’s older son, would be forced to bow and scrape to his brother. No, he refused to accept this reversal of fortune.

  That was why he had arranged a meeting with his one remaining ally, a friend of Ramses’, a man above suspicion, who might help him fight his brother from within and undermine his authority.

  At dusk, business was still brisk at the pottery stands. Strollers and serious shoppers passed the displays, eyeing vases of all different sizes and prices. At the end of an alleyway, a water bearer hawked his thirst-quenching product.

  That was where Ahsha waited, almost unrecognizable in an ordinary kilt and common wig. Shaanar, too, was carefully disguised. The two men bought a water skin and shared a bunch of grapes like simple peasants, sitting side by side against a wall.

  “Have you been to see Ramses again?” asked Shaanar.

  “I no longer work for the State Department. I report directly to
our future Pharaoh.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “A promotion.”

  “To what?”

  “I’m not sure yet. Ramses is forming his government. Since he’s a loyal friend, Moses, Ahmeni, and I should be given high-level appointments.”

  “Who else, besides you three?”

  “His only other close friend is Setau, but he’s so devoted to his dear old snakes that he’ll never come to the city.”

  “Did Ramses seem determined to rule?”

  “He realizes that it’s a crushing responsibility and admits he’s not fully prepared, but he won’t give up now. Don’t expect him to change his mind.”

  “Did he mention the high priest of Amon?”

  “No.”

  “Good. Then he underestimates the man’s influence and potential to do him harm.”

  “I heard the old fellow was rather intimidated by royalty.”

  “He was afraid of Seti . . . but Ramses is young, with little experience of power struggles. Now, as far as getting help from Ahmeni, it’s hopeless. He worships the ground Ramses walks on. On the other hand, I think I may be able to work with Moses.”

  “Have you tried to recruit him yet?”

  “He wouldn’t have anything to do with me, but it was only my first try. He’s a tortured soul, seeking some personal truth that may end up clashing with Ramses’ views. If we offer him what he needs, he’ll switch sides.”

  “That makes sense.”

  “Do you have any influence with Moses, Ahsha?”

  “I don’t think so, but give me long enough and I’ll find his weak spot.”

  “And Ahmeni?”

  “He does appear absolutely loyal,” Ahsha commented, “but who knows what strange tastes he may develop in time? If he does, we’ll be there to exploit them.”

  “I don’t intend to wait until Ramses has his network firmly in place.”

  “Nor do I, Shaanar, nor do I, but we must be patient. Your experience with Menelaus should teach you that a successful strategy leaves no room for guesswork.”

  “How long do I have to wait?”

  “Let’s let Ramses get settled on the throne. Being the center of attention will turn his head. What’s more, I’ll be one of his advisers on Asia, the one he’ll listen to most closely.”

  “What’s your plan, Ahsha?”

  “You want the throne, correct?”

  “It’s my birthright. I know how to lead.”

  “Therefore, Ramses must be overthrown or eliminated.”

  “I see no other way.”

  “Two avenues are open to us: a coup or an attack. As for the first possibility, we would need to enlist a number of influential figures. The onus would fall largely on you. The second scenario would require determining the Hittites’ true intentions and preparing a conflict that would ruin Ramses, but not Egypt. If the country is devastated, a Hittite king will take over the Two Lands.”

  Shaanar’s displeasure was obvious. “It sounds too risky.”

  “Ramses is no easy target.”

  “I don’t see how the Hittites could win and not overrun the country.”

  “It can be done, I assure you.”

  “Do you have a miracle up your sleeve?”

  “Not a miracle, but a trap that we’d set for Ramses, without our country being involved. If he survives, he’ll be blamed for the defeat. In either case, he’ll no longer be a credible ruler. Then you can step in to save the day.”

  “It sounds too easy.”

  “I’ve built my reputation on accurate predictions. When I know exactly what my role in the government will be, I’ll set things in motion. Unless you’d rather stop before we begin.”

  “Never! Dead or alive, I want Ramses out of my way.”

  “If our plan works, I hope you won’t prove ungrateful.”

  “Don’t worry. My right-hand man will be richly rewarded.”

  “Can I really be sure?”

  Shaanar was taken aback. “Don’t you trust me?”

  “Not in the least.”

  “But why . . .”

  “Don’t pretend you’re surprised. If I were that naive, you’d have gotten rid of me long ago. When a man is ambitious like you, no one ought to believe his promises. The sole basis for his behavior is personal interest.”

  “Are you a cynic, Ahsha?”

  “I’m a realist. When you become Pharaoh, you’ll form a government based on your needs at the time. There may be no room for those who, like me, have paved your way to the throne.”

  Shaanar smiled. “Your intelligence is exceptional, Ahsha.”

  “In my travels, I’ve encountered a great many cultures and all different sorts of people, but wherever I’ve been, it’s survival of the fittest.”

  “Not in Egypt as we know it.”

  “Seti is dead now, and Ramses can’t wait to flex his military muscle. We need to help him find the right war.”

  “In exchange for your research, I suppose you want immediate compensation.”

  “It’s my turn to compliment you on your intelligence.”

  “Tell me exactly what you expect.”

  “My family is well-off, of course, but who’s ever rich enough? Since I’m constantly on the move, having several residences would be both a help and a pleasure. I’d like villas in upper and lower Egypt to use whenever I feel the need. Three houses in the Delta, two in Memphis, two in Middle Egypt, two near Thebes, one in Aswan ought to meet my present needs when I’m here at home.”

  “That would cost me a small fortune.”

  “A trifle, Shaanar, a mere trifle when you consider what I’ll be doing for you.”

  “I suppose you want precious metals and gemstones as well.”

  “It goes without saying.”

  “I wouldn’t have thought you so venal, Ahsha.”

  “I need the best of everything. A collector of fine vases like you must understand what I mean.”

  “Yes, but so many houses . . .”

  “Beautifully decorated houses, serving as a background for fine furniture! They’ll be my earthly paradise, pleasure palaces where I’ll be the absolute master while you climb the steps to the throne of Egypt.”

  “When do we get under way?”

  “Immediately.”

  “You haven’t actually been appointed.”

  “I’m certain to have considerable responsibilities. Encourage me to serve you well, Shaanar.”

  “Where do we start?”

  “With a villa in the northeastern Delta, near the border. A sizable estate, a small lake, a vineyard. Fully staffed, of course. Even if I spend only a few days a year there, I want to be treated like a prince.”

  “I can handle that. Anything else?”

  “Well, women. When I’m on a mission, the pickings can be rather slim. I have to make up for that here in Egypt. Yes, a good supply of women. As long as they’re attractive and willing, I’m not particular about where they come from.”

  “I agree to your conditions.”

  “I won’t disappoint you, Shaanar. Just one more thing: we’ll continue to meet in the strictest secrecy and you will mention it to no one. If Ramses were to learn of our dealings, my career would be finished.”

  “Your best interest is my best interest, Ahsha.”

  “There’s no better guarantee of friendship. Farewell, Shaanar.”

  As he watched the young diplomat merge into the crowd, Ramses’ older brother mused that luck was still with him. Ahsha made a first-rate partner. The day he had to be done away with would be a sad one.

  ELEVEN

  Tuya, the late Pharaoh’s Great Royal Wife, sailed at the head of the fleet leaving Memphis for Thebes. On its outskirts lay the Valley of the Kings, where Seti’s mummy would be entombed. Nefertari never left the Queen Mother’s side, sensing the pain beneath her usual serenity. Simply spending time with the great king’s widow taught Nefertari how a queen should behave when faced with the cruelest of losses
. The young woman’s quiet presence was a tremendous comfort. Neither of them felt a need to express her sorrow, but each felt her heart go out to the other.

  As they sailed down the Nile, Ramses worked.

  Ahmeni had prepared an impressive stack of dossiers on foreign policy, national security, public health and welfare, public works (including dikes and canals), and a host of other more or less complex subjects.

  Ramses was fully aware of the scope of his responsibilities. An army of civil servants would be helping him, but he should have detailed knowledge of how each department worked and keep the government under his control. Otherwise Egypt was liable to pitch and sink like a rudderless boat. Time was working against the Pharaoh-to-Be; the moment he assumed power, he would be expected to make informed decisions and function as the Lord of the Two Lands. The prospect of serious mistakes plagued him.

  His mood lifted at the thought of his mother, a precious ally who would help him steer clear of many obstacles and teach him how to deal with turf wars. So many officials had already called on him to plead for their departments!

  After long hours of work with the incomparably thorough and insightful Ahmeni, Ramses liked to stand in the prow of the boat, contemplating the source of Egypt’s prosperity and enjoying the brisk wind—the breath of the divine. In these stolen moments Ramses had the feeling that all of Egypt belonged to him, from the mouth of the Nile to the desert reaches of Nubia. Would he be able to satisfy her needs?

  His dinner guests at the head table were Moses, Setau, Ahsha, and Ahmeni. It was like the old days when they studied together at the Kap. Even then they’d thirsted for power as well as knowledge. The pleasant reunion did not disperse the gloom caused by Seti’s death. Each of them sensed the difficult days that might lie in store for Egypt.

  “This time,” Moses told Ramses, “your dream is about to come true.”

  “It’s not a dream anymore, but a frightening obligation.”

  “What?” objected Ahsha. “You’re not afraid of anything!”

  “It’s the last job you’d ever get me to take,” muttered Setau.

  “But I was my father’s choice. If I stepped down now, how would it look?”

  “As if you’d come to your senses. Your father’s funeral may not be the only one we end up attending on this trip.”