The Skin of the Gods

by Phil Armstrong

  “The Queen must be talking with the Magician,” thought Aya. She was soon waved forward and she approached the suite’s entrance. Aya stopped and bowed her head in respect. The Queen wheeled around to see Aya carrying a large water vase.

  “Aya, what do you have there?” asked the Queen impatiently.

  “Cool refreshing water my Queen; your guest must be thirsty, after the long journey.” Aya raised her eyes; they widened visibly at the scene that lay before her. Bes was standing directly in front of Aya; he was a fine specimen of a man. He was muscular, tall and possessed piercing brown eyes shielded with thick black eyebrows. Aya dwelled her gaze upon Bes for a second before responding to the Queen’s order.

  “Put the water here and leave us.” Nithotep pointed to a small table, pushed against a wall.

  Moving towards the table, she decided to sneak a look at the third person standing in the room. The sight of the mighty Magician of the south was too much to resist. She placed the jug down gently. She turned her head quickly, raising her eyes to take in his image. Her eyes widened and the blood rushed into her cheeks, as she digested the sight. It took a moment for her brain to register what she was seeing. Her cheeks tingled with rage, like the shifting sand blown by the desert wind. A short distance in front of her was a beautiful woman, dressed in a gown the likes she had never seen before. The gown had a hood and shimmered as it clung to her body. The material looked shiny and was a brilliant green color.

  The gown covered her entire body, just stopping short of her bare toes. Her hood covered the back and sides of her head. Aya could see her beautiful face as clear as a morning vista. Aya was hurt and angry. It was Bener-ib, trying on the robe of the famous Magician. What was she doing here? Why would the Queen allow her in this suite? Why was she being dismissed and Bener-ib allowed to stay and watch proceedings? Perhaps this was part of her elaborate revenge plan?

  Aya knew Bener-ib would get what she deserved but her presence irked her immensely. The sooner the Queen would deal with that tiresome nuisance, the better. Where was the Magician? Perhaps the Magician was the figure in the robe? “He’s changed his face to represent the person you like the least! Clever, very clever,” thought Aya. Her soft smile dropped as she retreated from the room.

  The Queen spoke directly to Bener-ib; she had asked about a spell. Still unsure why Bener-ib was being afforded these special privileges, Aya’s blood was boiling. She needed to teach this woman a lesson. When the Nesu returned to the palace, Bener-ib would surely start to flirt with him again. Aya retreated with a plan formulating in her head.

  Aya knew the Queen did not have the heart for what was needed. She feared he husband’s reaction. Bener-ib would live a charmed life, living off her beauty until the Nesu tired of her. Until then, the Queen had to suffer this indignity. The Nesu would keep his favorite dalliance right under her nose. This had to be stopped; Aya would be the one to stop it. She walked to the rear of the palace and entered the Nesu’s private quarters. She knew he had left the palace; she would sense the rise in activity upon his return. The guards were preoccupied with imminent arrivals to worry about the rear of the palace. The lone guard was easily fooled into waving Aya through. She made an excuse that the Queen needed her comb.

  Aya grabbed the comb from the Queen’s sleeping quarters, she moved quickly into an adjacent room. She had attended the Queen countless times and had followed her as she walked through each room. She had noticed a spectacular gift the Nesu had received from a tradesman. The gift ratified an agreement. This gift was given in exchange for safe passage. The merchant would often travel through a notoriously dangerous part of Egypt. The merchant would transport valuable merchandize. He would now be afforded the right to fly the royal standard; this was enough to warrant his safe passage.

  In return, he gifted the Nesu with a spectacular dagger. It was meant as a showpiece item; the Nesu displayed it on a table next to his bed. The handle was black with a brilliant red gem set into each side. The blade was made from gold. The finest craftsmen had worked upon this piece. A popular legend described how this dagger had once belonged to the Gods. It was only right that the Nesu should keep it. The boat people had managed to plunder it for a while; their greed drove them to sell it for a profit.

  It was heavy but Aya managed to conceal it within her robes. She flashed the comb to the ambivalent guard. She smiled at him, to distract him but he seemed more interested in his sore feet. She crinkled her nose in disgust; the guard would have a different reaction if it were Bener-ib passing his curious eyes. She would wait for one of two opportunities. She would not know which would come first. The Nesu would return to the palace, throwing the guards and the aides into an elaborate dance. Nobody would be paying attention to her or the lowly Bener-ib. Alternatively the arrival of the Magician of the north would have the same effect. The place was buzzing with a powerful story. The Nesu had sent Amman and Bes to summon the two most powerful Magicians in the kingdom. This seemed to be fact, what was pure conjecture was the reason behind the summons.

  The Nesu and his Queen both looked healthy; some speculated they were having trouble producing an heir. Magicians were not the usual people to assist with such delicate issues. Aya would need to keep close to Bener-ib and seize her chance when she could. That afternoon seemed to drag as Aya tried to locate her prey. It seemed that Bener-ib never left the safe sanctuary of the suite of the Magician. To add to the danger, guards were posted and Bes never faltered in his duty to guard the inhabitants. Aya was getting increasingly frustrated; her opportunities simply did not exist. She needed to bide her time, neither the Nesu nor the Magician had arrived yet.

  The palace erupted in activity with staff running around and senior aides gathering quickly. Word spread that Amman was escorting the great Magician of the north through the palace entrance. It was true; Amman made a show that he had been successful in his mission. It was a pity that the Nesu was not present to see Amman in his finest moment. The Magician, in contrast, seemed overwhelmed. He quietly followed Amman’s huge frame into the palace’s reception area. The Magician Ka was greeted personally by the Queen and shown to a private suite. The guards were doubled and Amman was instructed not to leave Ka’s side. Aya slipped towards the first suite; she was disappointed to hear familiar voices. She approached the guard and informed him that she needed to replenish the water. She looked into the room and could hear Bes talking. She could not see Bener-ib but she could hear her voice.

  “That sly fox, she’s not left the suite since I first entered with water. She’s pouring her beauty all over Bes. She knows how to exploit a man’s frailties. Her beauty would blind any man’s sense of judgment. Where was the Magician?” thought Aya. She looked at the guard and shook her head. “It appears they don’t need anything. Please call for me if they need more water or food.” The guard sneered; he did not appreciate the request or the instruction.

  The palace continued with its air of excitement, the Magician drew curious looks from the staff. Ka had the ability to appear frail and old. He walked with a slight shuffle, usually reserved for the elderly. Amman had seen him straighten his crooked back growing in power and youth instantly. This Magician was deceptive; he could offer a persona that suited the occasion. It was difficult to put an age on him; many said he was over two hundred years old. With Magicians, their reputations were often more valuable than their skills. Amman was a fine soldier and a muscle bound hero. Very few men would even contemplate a physical dual with him. His prowess on the battlefield caught the palace’s attention. He was selected to guard the Nesu at the royal palace. Amman escorted the withered old man to his suite. He was still rubbing his palm and the imaginary blisters from his burnt hand. He had gained immense respect for the powers of this seemingly frail old man.

  The Queen explained to Ka, that the Nesu was expected shortly. He seemed surprised and suspicious that the Nesu was away. The palace went about their business and calm descended once more. Aya recognized Amman; she caught a
brief glimpse of the powerful Magician of the north. Once Ka was settled into his suite, the Nesu arrived at the royal palace eager to meet his guests.

  “My Queen, has the other Magician arrived yet?” asked Ka.

  “Yes, both Magicians are comfortably housed within the palace. I suggest you rest and replenish after your journey. You will want for nothing while you stay in the royal palace. Later, the Nesu will ask you to join us in the great hall. I expect your summons will then become clear.” The Queen smiled respectfully and hurried to greet her husband. Escorted by a guard, she moved to the front of the palace to join her husband. He was changing his clothes. He selected a set of special robes, used for meeting important guests.

  “Are they both here and ready?”

  “Yes. Everything is in order, just as you specified.” Nithotep felt pleased.

  “Is the great hall prepared as I instructed?”

  “Exactly how you instructed. I saw to that personally.”

  The Queen suddenly felt nervous around her own husband. “The staff seems on edge, or is it me thinking that way?”

  “We’ve had a day of arrivals. The staff and the aides have been talking. What they don’t know they seem to create with their limited imaginations.”

  “That must be it.” The Nesu tied his robe; it concealed the Amulet hanging from his neck. He reached into his robe and pulled the black Anubis pendant from inside. He let it rest, clearly in sight, upon his collarbone.

  “Where are the rings?”

  “I have them stored over here.” Nithotep prayed that the rings were where she had left them. She opened a small wooden box; inside she could see a crumpled cloth. She nervously extracted the cloth and opened it within her trembling fingers. There, like two stars shining in the black sky of night, were the two custom gold rings.

  “Let me see them,” said Nesu Narmer, walking towards Nithotep. She placed the wooden box upon the table and removed the cloth from her hand. Cradled within her bare palm, the two rings looked perfect. On each side of the polished grey stone, were the symbols of a Catfish and a Chisel. The rings contained the symbols of Nesu Narmer, the God who unified Egypt into one land. Seth had done an amazing job; Nithotep had made her husband proud. He looked at the rings and switched his attention to Nithotep’s eyes. “You’ve done well my Queen. I could not have asked for more. Keep them safe for now,” he said closing her fingers around the rings and pressing them into her closed fist. “We must go to the great hall, let’s start this important night.”

  Nithotep ran her hand up her husband’s strong forearm, holding onto him gently. “You’re doing the right thing. If you have any doubts, I’m certain that you’re doing the right thing.” She stared deep into his eyes and showed a sign of strength that he’d not seen before. “Breaking with tradition is hard; you have to make tradition. You change the rules, for it was you who united our land into one.”

  Nesu Narmer smiled placing his hand on top of hers. “I had doubts, but today I don’t. The Gods are with me; I can feel them. Humans are incredible creatures. They’re full of hate, insecurities and doubt. Then they can surprise you, with love, passion and honor. At some point in your life, you have to trust them. My day has come.

  Together, they walked towards the great hall. The hall was configured just as the Nesu had instructed. The Nesu asked the guards to move further down the long approach hallway. From that vantage point, they would not hear the conversations taking place. He cleared the room of servants and approached the table. “You’ve done well, this is perfect.” He reached in for a grape and tossed it into his mouth in one smooth movement. He stood in front of the Magician’s chairs and paced his way to the raised stage. Eight paces as instructed. He invited Queen Nithotep to join him and motioned for her to sit. “Guard,” he said in his normal tone and volume. When no guard appeared, he smiled. At his feet lay the Golden box, concealing the two rings. Amman and Bes appeared at the entrance; they paused, with their heads bowed. “Enter. Bring our honored guests before me.”

  The guards escorted the Magicians to their seats; both remained standing until they were asked to sit. Each guard took a protective position on the platform facing the Magicians. Amman stood to the right of the Nesu. Bes positioned himself to the left of Queen Nithotep. Each Magician stood in silence facing the Nesu. Bener-ib wore a long shimmering robe. Her hood covered her head, casting a shadow upon her face. Her beauty was concealed but her small slim frame indicated that she was female. Ka was surprised; he had expected a weathered old man. Ka looked old, resting upon his cane and wearing simple clothes. His hair had turned gray and his eyes were sunken, surrounded by dark circles. He had worry lines etched into his forehead and face. His shoulders looked like they had seen too much sun. His flesh hung on his tired frame; he looked old and withered. They both stood in silence, waiting for the Nesu to begin.

  The Nesu started with a slight air of uncertainty. His strong tone became more assured as he continued. “Welcome to you both. Welcome Bener-ib, the wise and beautiful Magician of the south. Welcome Ka, the greatest Magician of the north. I asked you to meet with me today for an important reason. I’ll explain to you, in great detail, the nature of your visit. It’s a matter of great importance. I don’t bring you here today for entertainment. I don’t bring you here today in competition. I’ll need you both to cooperate and combine your talents. I’m not interested in a competition. I don’t need to know who the greatest Magician is. We’ve more important things to accomplish. I do need to know, that I can trust you. I’ll need you to show me something. I’ll need convincing, that the two people standing before me today are who you say you are.” The Nesu paused for effect. He pointed at the hooded Bener-ib.

  “My Nesu, I see you have my gift to you; the Golden box.” Bener-ib lowered her eyes to the box at the Nesu’s feet. Ka felt awkward; he’d never been summoned to the royal palace before. He was not aware of the protocol. He shook his head slightly, knowing that a gift would have made a favorable impression. Bener-ib continued, “I need to trouble you for a simple bowl of water. The bowl has to be large enough to submerge my hands.” The Nesu nodded knowingly; he flashed a look at Queen Nithotep. Nithotep rose instantly and walked from the stage towards the entrance to the hall. She looked concerned. She felt the irritation welling up in the pit of her stomach. Had the Nesu asked her for this? Had she forgot to make this preparation or was this simply a new request? The look on his face suggested that he knew she would ask for this. Nithotep was disappointed and could not control her irritation. She walked the long hall and snapped at a guard. “Get me Aya, now.” The guard scurried away like an insect heading for the dark.

  Aya ran the length of the hallway to meet her Queen. “Don’t run,” she barked, clearly annoyed. “Bener-ib would like a bowl of fresh water, large enough to submerge both of her hands.” Aya looked at her Queen, as if this were some degrading request. Why would the Queen be asked to convey such a message on behalf of a servant? Was this Nesu Narmer’s way of humiliating the Queen? Aya wanted to ask but clearly her Queen was angry and upset. This was embarrassing; the Nesu was flaunting her beauty by asking the Queen to be subservient. Why was Bener-ib allowed in the great hall with those distinguished Magicians? Clearly the Nesu wanted her there for her looks. This would be at the expense of Nithotep’s dignity. Something needed to be done and Aya was the one to do it.

  She would get her chance when she brought the water. She would have to kill Bener-ib and she would suffer the consequences. Her Queen was worth it; she would reward her loyalty in the afterlife. Aya turned silently to fetch the water as requested. Her eyes glowed hot with hatred and revenge. The Nesu looked at Ka; Queen Nithotep returned to her seat. “The great Ka from the north, how will you prove your worth?”

  Ka quickly stepped forward; he caused the ever cautious Amman and Bes to reach for their weapons. “Easy, that’s as far as I’ll approach. I want my Nesu to see my powers. Ka leaned heavily upon his waking shaft. He twirled in a circle and the
shaft fell to the floor. He dropped to his knees and gestured with his hands. He drew attention to his once stiff walking shaft. It was now moving. It coiled into a set of smaller circles as a snake emerged. The shaft had turned into a Naja Haje, or Egyptian Cobra. The snake remained coiled, trying to locate a position of safety in an open room. Both guards recoiled with their eyes wide open, gripping their undrawn weapons. They were amazed and in shock. Queen Nithotep did not like snakes, especially Cobra’s. She gripped her throne in an unusually tight way.