Asenath

by Anna Patricio

  One day, my parents came into the room. I had just awoken from another dreamless sleep. I turned my back on them, unable to face them.

  Mother placed a tender hand on my arm. "Asenath, how are you feeling?"

  I looked at her, unable to speak.

  She sat on the edge of my bed. "Are you all right, love?"

  Father appeared beside her. "Daughter, I am so sorry about what happened. I heard what those people said to you. If it will make you feel any better, I happen to know that their parents are no better. In fact, those families have rather vile reputations."

  "Do not allow them to destroy your life," Mother said. "You have so much to live for."

  I snorted.

  "You have come such a long way," Father said. "We are very proud of you. You don't want to throw everything away just because of a few jealous brats."

  Mother gently tugged my arm. "Come now. Let me help you out of bed."

  I whimpered. "But if I go back out there, they'll try to hurt me again. Please, just send me away."

  Mother's grip on me tightened.

  "No, Asenath," Father said. "We will not do that. We have waited so long for you."

  "Yes," Mother said. "Come now. We will help you through this."

  I had no doubt my parents were sincere. But I was now scared of the world. I pulled the blanket over my head.

  Mother gently drew it back.

  "Please, Asenath. Let me help you out of bed. Come now, love, please."

  "It will be fine, daughter," Father said. "You will see. Come now." He extended his hand to me.

  "No."

  "It will be fine, I promise. Let us help you now. Come."

  My parents coaxed, pleaded and prodded. Soon it was clear they were not giving up.

  I had no choice. I reluctantly allowed Mother to help me out of bed.

  A couple of pleasant surprises awaited me on my return from the world of the half-dead. First, all my school assignments had been rescheduled. None of my tutors scolded me, let alone mentioned the incident at the party.

  A week later, my parents gifted me with a puppy and a kitten. I was delighted for I had always wanted a pet. The closest I had had to one was a small lizard Menah had given me years ago in the fishing village. After a few days, the lizard disappeared and was never seen again.

  My new pets were both males. Out of humour, I named them Horus and Seth, after two gods who had battled against each other. Despite this and the fact that their lineages destined them to be enemies, the pets got along quite well.

  For a long time, I was not obliged to attend social affairs. But one day Father informed me that he and Mother would be having a few people over for dinner.

  "Lord Potiphar will be there too," Father said. "But thankfully not his wife. Anyhow, I know you are not very keen on social events. But Lord Potiphar has told me he would like to talk to you. He still remembers you. He wants to know how you have been. Surely you can mingle if only for a little while?"

  I considered this. From what I remembered Lord Potiphar had been a kind and amiable man. He would probably not be too difficult to deal with.

  But I was still hesitant. "How many people will be there?"

  I did not have the courage to face a big group. Not after what happened last time.

  Father frowned, thinking. "Hmm. Around ten. Maybe even less. But these are all people I know very well. They will be good to you."

  I was finally convinced. "All right. I suppose I can stay a bit."

  That night, I braced myself.

  Of all people, Lord Potiphar was the first to arrive.

  "Ki―Asenath. How you've grown." He smiled. "How have you been?"

  I bowed slightly. "Very well, my lord."

  "I am glad to hear that. You do indeed look well. Come, tell me what has been happening with you. How do you like living with Pentephres and Satsepdu?"

  "Very good, my lord."

  "Are they treating you well?" He winked, indicating he was teasing.

  I chuckled. "Yes, my lord."

  I spoke to him of my studies and my pets. Soon, the other guests arrived. They were as warm as Potiphar.

  The company was so genial, I ended up staying the entire affair. Nobody mentioned the disaster at the party either.

  After that night, I felt encouraged to make social appearances again. The people I had met at the dinner introduced me to their friends, who introduced me to their friends and so forth. Soon, my tumultuous life eased into a comfortable and familiar niche.

  Every so often, I still saw the people who taunted me. But they did not bother me again. I could not have cared less about their existence.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  On my sixteenth birthday, Father informed me we would be travelling to Thebes for the Beautiful Feast of Opet.

  I was excited. It would be my first time to Thebes. So far, I had only travelled to nearby cities like Memphis and Hermopolis.

  "We will be attending the procession at the Karnak Temple," Father said. "Also, we have been invited to a couple of banquets at Lord Potiphar's house. Alas, a certain lady might be there. Or maybe she won't. Well, most likely she won't. Potiphar told me he hardly sees her face anymore."

  I laughed. "That is good to know."

  We sailed south for several days. We arrived in the Theban quay at nightfall. From there, we were taken to our house in the city. Father was in Thebes fairly often to do business with Pharaoh, thus we had a second address there.

  When we arrived, I saw the house was a duplicate of our home back in Heliopolis. Even my room had been meticulously copied, right down to the unusual fish vase. When I awoke the following morning, I thought I had been magically transported back to Heliopolis overnight.

  That afternoon, at the Karnak Temple, we were escorted atop a high gilded platform where we would be watching the procession. We sat alongside Thebes' prominent clergy, as well as other visiting dignitaries.

  The view was spectacular. A gleaming marble avenue stretched out below us. Vast buzzing crowds filled the sides. In the distance, the Nile glittered in the sun's light.

  We had not waited long when a horn blared. The temple's gates swung open to the cheer of the crowds.

  I remembered the Feast of Hapi back in the fishing village. I had thought it to be very grand. But it paled in comparison to this lavish Theban festival.

  Leading the procession was the high priest of Amun. Behind him were three golden model barques each of which housed idols of Thebes' patron gods—Amun, as the sun-god was known in Thebes, his consort Mut and their son Khonsu. We could not see the idols, as they were enclosed within a veiled cabin.

  Uab priests shouldered the barques on poles. As the gods passed by, the crowds tossed floral offerings and called out requests for blessings.

  "Merciful Amun, give me long life."

  "Divine Family, bless me with more children."

  Behind the gods was a grandiose train of lector priests bearing offerings, fan bearers, soldiers and Theban dignitaries. There was also a colourful whirlwind of singers, drummers and acrobats. The most impressive performer was a little boy who could spin while balancing himself on one hand. The crowd went wild at his amazing feats.

  Father pointed out some of the dignitaries. Among them was Lord Potiphar who was again unaccompanied by his wife. There was also an army general, Tuthmosis, who was rumoured to be Amenhotep's appointed successor, since the king had no sons of his own.

  As if they had saved the best for last, Pharaoh Amenhotep and Queen Meritamen appeared, riding in their golden chariot. The crowds cheered and tossed petals in their path.

  After the procession, my parents and I wandered leisurely through the streets. The air swirled with life. Vivacious drumbeats pounded in my ears. Merrymakers jostled about, some of them already drunk so early in the day. Sideshows and holiday bazaars crowded the sides of the streets. Appetising food aromas, mixed with the bitter scent of incense, hung heavily in the air.

  In shrines worshippers con
sulted oracles, asking questions that could only be answered either 'yes' or 'no.' Mother suggested I ask about my future husband. I refused, laughing.

  The following evening, we went to Lord Potiphar's house for dinner. I expected a huge boisterous feast. However, it turned out to be only a small gathering of about twenty people. I was pleased.

  Even better, Lady Zalikha was not there. I imagined that she and her husband had yet another argument, after which she had stormed off.

  My time in Thebes had been enjoyable thus far. I was happy and relaxed. Sometime before dessert, I excused myself to use the chamber pots.

  On my way back, I saw a brilliant stream of moonlight pouring out from a corridor at the side. Intrigued, I went to have a quick look.

  I found myself on a portico overlooking a breathtaking garden. In the stillness of the night the pools, trees and flowerbeds glowed with moonbeams. I was so entranced, I allowed myself a moment to take in the beauty of the silvery world.

  I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around as two figures emerged from the darkness.

  To my horror, I saw it was Lady Zalikha, along with the girl who had insulted my first parents years ago.

  A sharp chill came over me. Potiphar's wife was as beautiful and as menacing as ever. The moonlight revealed her flawless features, twisted into a cobra's smile. Her jewellery glinted like knives ready to kill. She was like a poisonous flower—lovely to the eye, deadly to the touch.

  "Good evening, Lady Asenath. Are you enjoying yourself?" Her voice made my skin crawl.

  "Yes, Lady Zalikha."

  "Do you know this girl?" She gestured beside her.

  "I don't really...yes, my lady."

  "She told me you met in Heliopolis years ago."

  "Yes, my lady."

  "Did you know she is a cousin of mine?"

  I felt as if a rock plummeted down on me.

  The two women smiled.

  "She told me all about what happened," Zalikha said.

  She grabbed my lip, twisting it hard. "No one and I mean, no one does something like that to my family and gets away with it. Especially a dirty, lowly peasant. Did you really think you could, Kiya?"

  She practically spat out my childhood name.

  Her cousin laughed.

  Zalikha released my lip. "Get her."

  Two burly guards sprung out of the darkness. One clapped a hand over my mouth. The other held my arms tight.

  Zalikha's cousin came forward. She snatched the lapis lazuli lotus off my neck.

  I watched in helpless horror as she hurled the precious gift into the darkness. There was not even a faint clink to tell me where it had landed.

  The guards released me and disappeared. I slumped to the floor.

  "Well," Zalikha said. "Everything's now taken care of, wouldn't you agree, Henutmire?"

  "Yes."

  I heard their footsteps fading away. "You are right. That is the ugliest necklace I have ever seen. That is, if you can even call it a necklace. But what would these peasants know?"

  Silence.

  Like that of a tomb.

  I still had to try and find the necklace though. I struggled to my feet and scrambled around. It was so dark I might as well have been searching with my eyes closed.

  Nothing.

  The precious gift was gone forever.

  I sank once more. Now, I could barely move.

  But after a while, I forced myself to stand. I could not stay there. Not in the home of that snake Zalikha.

  I caught a passing servant in the hallway. I told her to inform my parents that I had developed a headache and gone home. Then I left.

  The weight of despair rested heavily upon my shoulders. I was trapped, frightened and dismayed. I wanted to cry out, to tell someone what had happened. But what was a peasant girl's word against that of Lord Potiphar's wife?

  I dwelt on these sad thoughts, picking at them like one picking at a wound until it opens up and bleeds.

  The following morning, I awoke to see Nafre bustling around as usual. Everything looked so deceptively calm.

  She saw me and came over. "Good afternoon, mistress. Your parents have just finished lunch. They had roast fowl with coriander, your favourite. Would you like some?"

  "No, thank you. I am not that hungry. Just some fruits and milk, please."

  Later as I chewed on a pomegranate which I barely tasted, Mother appeared. She hurried over to me. "Asenath, we heard you had a headache last night. How are you feeling now?"

  "Good."

  She sat down beside me. "Are you all right? You seem a bit dazed."

  "I'm fine. I just got up." I forced a smile.

  "So I noticed. I thought you were going to sleep the day away."

  "I'm sorry," I replied absentmindedly.

  "Don't be. I was just teasing. You are on a holiday, you can sleep as long as you want. But first, I have a small favour to ask of you."

  "What?"

  "Do you know my favourite silver shawl, the one I wore to Lord Potiphar's last night?"

  "Uh, yes?" I felt sick.

  "Your old mother stupidly forgot it there. Would you be so kind as to fetch it for me, my dear?"

  "Why not Tjia?"

  "I would, but I sent her to the market. I had a craving." She gave me a guilty smile.

  If I had not been in such a foul mood, I would have teased her about lack of self-control. "I could send Nafre."

  "No. She doesn't know it."

  "I'll describe it to her."

  "And she'll end up bringing home the wrong thing. Please, Asenath. It won't take long. For Isis' sake, all you have to do is just go there and ask."

  "But..."

  "Asenath, are you all right?" She frowned concernedly. "Is something wrong?"

  "No, Mother," I said quickly. "Not at all. I will go."

  On the way back to Potiphar and Zalikha's house, I felt I would heave. When the villa's gates came into view, I realised the best thing I could do was get this over with as quickly as possible.

  My presence was announced. A guard approached my litter. I drew back the curtain.

  He bowed. "Life, health and prosperity, my lady. How may I be of service to you?"

  "My mother forgot her shawl here last night. I have come for it."

  "My master and mistress are away at the moment, but the steward will be happy to assist you. Shall my lady be escorted in?"

  I nearly let out an enormous sigh of relief. "Yes, please. Thank you."

  Inside, a servant led me into the loggia. She seated me with sherbet and dates. "The steward won't be long."

  "Thank you."

  I picked up a date and chewed on it. I absentmindedly stared at a large tiger rug at the centre of the room. Its fangs were wide open. I imagined it had been in a close fight before it was killed.

  Out of habit, my hand went to my neck to finger the lapis lazuli lotus pendant.

  How could I have forgotten?

  The precious gift, which contained everything I loved, was gone forever.

  Suddenly, the grand villa vanished. I found myself back in the fishing village, inside my family's hut.

  Papa and Mama were huddled together in a corner. A large black shape advanced toward them. In its hand, a spear glinted.

  Mama whimpered. She buried her face in Papa's shoulder. Papa put an arm around her.

  The black shape raised the spear and let out an evil laugh.

  My first parents clung onto each other and screamed, "Kiya!"

  At long last, the tears finally spilled out of my eyes.

  I wept freely. I did not care that I was in someone else's house. I did not even care if Zalikha showed up and tortured me. It did not matter.

  I was a lost soul, wandering aimlessly in the dark. On all sides were evil creatures, waiting to pounce on me. Now, it seemed they finally had. I descended further and further into the abyss.

  A voice out of nowhere asked, "My lady, are you all right?"

  My head jerked up.

>   Kneeling in front of me was a young man. His tone was soft and kind. "I did not mean to frighten you. Are you all right?"

  I did not know what to say. I lowered my eyes. Fresh tears appeared.

  "Baktre," the man said.

  A little girl appeared at the doorway. "Yes, Joseph?"

  "Fetch the lady some water. And also linen for her face."

  The girl was gone in a flash. The man named Joseph drew out a handkerchief.

  He gently dabbed at my face. "Don't cry."

  His touch was astonishingly comforting.

  My sobs began to die down.

  "Don't cry," he whispered.

  The little girl reappeared with the requested items. I downed a glass of water and dried my face. I felt considerably better. Even more so when Joseph smiled at me.

  Such a kind and warm smile it was.

  "Do you feel better now?" he asked.

  "Yes."

  Joseph paused. Then he said, "Ah, forgive me, my lady, for forgoing a proper introduction. I am Joseph, Lord Potiphar's steward. I am here at your service."

  He briefly got to his feet and bowed.

  I was astonished. Had Joseph not informed me of his position, I would have taken him to be one of the noblemen's sons. He wore a fine tunic and kilt, held together by a stylish leather belt. Solid gold cuffs adorned his wrists. A jewelled chain hung around his neck. He carried himself with more refinement than many of the aristocrats I had met.

  "I believe you have come for your mother's shawl?" Joseph said.

  "Yes."

  Joseph handed me a small bag. Inside, my mother's favourite shawl shimmered.

  I drew it out and briefly inspected it for damages. Afterward, I placed it back inside.

  "Thank you, Joseph. My mother will be most pleased." I rose to leave.

  "I have something else which I believe belongs to you." Joseph held out his palm.

  The lapis lazuli lotus.

  I gasped. "How?"

  Joseph smiled as he pressed the precious gift into my hands. "I found it this morning while cleaning. I suppose you must have dropped it or something."

  "Thank you, Joseph. You have no idea how much this means to me. Thank you." I sank to my knees before him.

  Chuckling, Joseph helped me up. "It was my pleasure, my lady."