I really don’t want to hear this right now. I am ready to go and eat.
“Please continue,” Akua said.
“The afterlife is another example. When the Ba of the deceased rejoins with the Ka, this is like the recurrence of the deceased person. Now the Eternal Recurrence may not be exactly the same as the person transits from one world to another, but I don’t think that is too significant.”
“That is a lot of great information, Merit. I’m sure we’ll get a chance to talk more. Right now, Pamu and I are going to go enjoy the festival and get some food.”
With the conversation that had just passed, Merit grew more suspicious of Akua’s motives. She wondered why the priestly Rotation would send a young priest so far just to learn and observe. She continued to be nice and courteous though.
“You two can come back and sleep here, we consider you both to be guests of the temple,” Merit said.
Akua and Pamu left the House of Life. Outside, they walked over to the tables where food and drink were being served as part of the festival.
“Boy, that woman really loves science and religion. There’s only so much I can take,” Pamu said.
“Yeah, most in the priesthood do love religion. It seems like there are two classes. There are those that like to talk about this stuff, but in the end they just raise more questions than they answer. For them, it’s like much of religion and philosophy is on some abstract level and it hardly touches the land of the living. On the other hand, there are those that profess it because it alludes to a code of ethics to live by or so they think,” Akua said.
“I’m not sure I understand. It sounds like you question the priesthood. You do have the conviction, don’t you?”
“Pamu, I just want to learn things for myself and in my own way. Although it is not common, I think it is okay for a priest to question these things. What’s wrong with that?”
“So maybe Meehi was really trying to help you by sending you here. Maybe he thinks that you have the mind to enrich Egypt,” Pamu said.
“Pamu, don’t be fooled. You are just a fisherman. Meehi-Awk is evil, a true beast. The gods would surely condemn him for what he has done to me.”
“What did you mean by ‘You are just a fisherman’?” Pamu asked.
Akua realized he said something he did not mean and it offended Pamu. He quickly changed the subject.
“Pamu, I am sorry. I meant no disrespect. Going back to what Merit said, think about this, ‘Merit sees the Eternal Recurrence as something that gives Re new life. She relates it to Orion in the night sky and Osiris. And this is great, but my question is what does this mean to you or me? I remember what Armanahtep, my teacher in the priesthood, taught me about the Eternal Recurrence. He likened this to the Dung Beetle. The way the beetle emerges from the desert sand symbolizes a new beginning, a new day, a chance to start again and avoid the known pitfalls. That is it. There is no mystery to it.”
“Okay, I am sort of seeing your point, Akua.”
“So basically, Merit and Armanahtep are saying the same thing, but their presentations differ. For me, the Armanahtep types relate better. That was all I meant to point out. I do hope they have wine up here. It’s been awhile since I’ve had any,” Akua said.
*
Pamu and Akua walked about two hundred feet to the main market. It was unusually active that night. It seemed to Akua that the entire village was out eating, drinking, dancing and listening to various musicians. In the center of the market was a series of tables filled with food. The meat choices were duck, goose, dried fish and pork. Breads were plentiful with twelve types, including biscuits and cakes with honey, figs and dates in them. Akua and Pamu went to the table where the drinks were first. They planned to have some wine before they would eat.
“Ah…The dark wine looks excellent. You should try some, Pamu. It is great,” Akua said before taking a sip from a large wooden mug.
“I have only tasted wine once. Is this wine stronger than beer?”
“Yes. It should be about twenty percent stronger, although I do not know much about brewing or wine-making.”
They both drank a mug of wine. As they did they walked around to see the different musicians and dancers. They finally came to a stop to watch four female dancers accompanied by three instrumentalists, a lutenist, a harpist and percussionist.
“Those dancers are incredibly exotic. How can they move to the beat of the music and never miss a step?” Pamu asked.
The dancers were almost nude. They only wore transparent veils around the waist. The veil was held in place at the top by a band of jewels that were highlighted with colored pieces of amethyst. The lower portions of the veils were allowed to move up and down as the dancer moved. The dark skin of the dancers blended beautifully with the moonlight. The lute player broke the rhythm momentarily to entice Akua and Pamu to clap to the beat.
After about twenty minutes, they made their way back to the wine table. This time, a large bowl sat next to the wine skins. It was filled with blue and white flower petals.
A woman walked up to Akua and Pamu and said, “Soak some Blue Lotus in your wine and then eat the petals. It helps.”
They both refilled their mugs and placed a handful of flower petals in the wine.
“Next time we come back here, we’ll get some food,” Akua said.
“Okay. Let’s go back and watch the dancers. The one with the longest hair has a beautiful body and smile.”
The dancers were now moving in perfect synchronicity. As they watched, both of them became increasingly oblivious to the surroundings. With glassy-eyes, they both clapped louder and louder.
“Pamu, I’m going to eat the flower parts.”
Akua ate the first petal.
“Well it is not too sweet but it is satisfying.”
“Now, we’ll get some food,” Akua said.
They walked back to the food tables. By now, the food was almost gone. Each of them grabbed a bowl and started to fill it.
There was still some duck meat left. Meat of any type was a treat to them. Shortly, each of their bowls was full of duck meat, bread, onions, leeks, cucumbers, dates and figs. Without losing a step, they walked straight to the wine table.
Akua filled his mug for a third time and placed another handful of flower petals in the wine. Pamu also filled his mug.
“I’m not getting any more flowers. But I do want to go back and watch the musicians,” Pamu told Akua.
“You really just want to see the dancers, the darkest skinned one in particular,” Akua said.
“So what is wrong with that, Akua?”
“It’s okay. I like them too.”
They went back to the dancers. This time, each dancer wore a flower necklace made from daisies, chrysanthemum and cornflowers. Two more instruments had been added, a lyre and an oboe. Both were played by women.
“I have never seen anything like this, Akua. The music warms my soul. The dancers kiss my heart. If this is what the afterlife is like, then kill me now.”
They were both inebriated now. The conversation between them was pretty ridiculous.
“Are you sure that you don’t want the dancers to kiss something else?” Akua asked with a grin.
“Well maybe the one with the long black hair. Do you think she would spend the night with me?”
“Yeah, I think she might. But in Heliopolis, lust is prohibited in the House of Life. I bet it’s the same down here.”
“So what do I do?” Pamu asked.
“You’ll just have to forego it.”
“Akua, you do understand what you’re saying? It’s pretty hard, if you know what I mean.”
Two scribes from the temple had been watching Akua and Pamu all night. When Akua and Pamu were clearly drunk, the two scribes approached.
“This town is no place for you two. Merit is our friend and you have challenged her,” one of the scribes said to Akua.
“Oh, Merit. When will these people learn to let it be? Merit thinks she
has all the answers. Well I have news for you, there’s more to me than meets the eye,” Akua said in broken words.
“I don’t know where you are from or why you’re here, but I will be watching you and your apprentice for any false moves. Do not take advantage of our kindness,” the scribe said as he prepared to walk away.
Akua and Pamu looked at each other with a puzzling look then started to make their way to the House of Life to sleep.
*
The two slept until mid-morning. Akua awoke first and, shortly thereafter, Pamu woke from the noises Akua made.
“This should be a great day. I can’t wait to see the temple,” Akua said.
Akua and Pamu walked over to the temple. They were greeted at the door by a priest.
“I am Yuya, a priest here. I serve Rahotep, one of the high priests in the Land of Kush. Why are you here?”
“We came to celebrate the day. We are both in the priesthood and have come here from northern Egypt. We spoke with Iawy and Merit yesterday,” Akua answered.
“This is a special day, as you two know. Right after midday, the sun will fully illuminate the temple. Have you travelled so far just to see this?”
“No. We have business with the temple,” Akua replied.
After trying to explain why he was in Abu Simbel so much, Akua began to question himself.
Pamu and I are not really welcome here. I don’t know where to go and who will ever want to help me.
Akua tried not to let his depression show. He knew no one would empathize with him anyway. Akua continued his conversation with Yuya.
“How wonderful the lighting will be. We will not want to miss that. Until then, we hope to speak with Iawy and Merit.”
Akua and Pamu walked through the temple entrance. Akua saw Iawy cleaning one of the walls.
“This is a beautiful temple. It is very impressive.”
Iawy extended himself.
“Did you sleep well? Be sure to go and see the garden in the back. We are especially proud of the small circle of Acacia trees. Please go back. Merit is attending the sanctuary now.”
Is Iawy trying to get me out of the temple? What does he know about me?
“Yes. We enjoyed the celebration in the marketplace last night. The reed beds in the House of Life were very comfortable too. Thank you. We will both go out back and see the garden,” Akua answered.
Akua and Pamu moved slowly looking at the elaborate decorations. Shrines to Ramesses II were decorated with wreaths of flowers and draped in fine colorful cloths. The Sun Festival was a tradition that celebrated the coronation of Ramesses II as the king.
Akua and Pamu walked out the back and entered the garden. Merit was tending to a row of blue, white, red, and yellow flowers.
“Hello, Merit. It is a pretty day. The small circle of Acacia trees is unusual, although it is very nice,” Akua said.
“Akua, those trees are symbolic to us.”
“What do they symbolize?” Akua asked.
“They symbolize the ancient Circle of Stone structure located in the desert land to the south. Now nobody lives in that area, so this is how we pay tribute to the structure and the people that used it.”
“Wow! I’ve never heard of this. Is it for astronomy?” Akua asked.
“Yes. It is aligned to the stars.”
Pamu sat down on the ground. When Akua and Merit saw him, they too sat down on the ground. The three formed an intimate little circle where they sat. A slight breeze made the robe Merit wore appear to flow.
“I will try to describe the holy structure to my best. A series of flat rocks forms the main circle. And the circle is only about ten cubits in diameter. Now, over time, bones from bulls and other desert animals were placed atop the flat stones. This created small shrines at the perimeter of the circle. Four pair of rock slabs, up to five cubits high, stand inside the circle. One pair is aligned north and south, another east and west and two are aligned with the summer solstice. Magically, the rocks that align with the solstice do not cast shadows.”
“What is the significance of that?” Pamu asked.
“It is a sign from the gods, specifically Re. Most things cast a shadow, the shadow being a remnant from the object’s essence. This is a characteristic of our world, but when the shadow is absent that object has become, albeit temporarily, one with Re.”
“Merit, was the circle used for anything else?” asked Akua.
“Yes. The taller stones would mark the height of the floods in the rainy season. This was and still is very practical. Water is the giver of life.”
“It is great that the temple honors the Circle of Stone,” Akua said.
“I think that structure helps to thin the veil, the veil being that which separates our world from the afterlife or the underworld. And anything that can glimpse or even bring us closer to the underworld can’t be all bad,” she added.
Akua could deduce from Merit’s last statement that she was not just a lover of science, but also a lover of mysticism. He hoped that Pamu would try to understand Merit’s perspective without discounting it first.
Yuya came out back to where they were sitting.
“Akua, we would like you and Pamu to join us in our celebration of the day. The high priest will be there. Supper will be followed by an elegant dance.”
“We gladly accept,” Akua said. He could see Pamu’s approval in the smile on his face.
“It’s nearing the time for the illumination. Let’s go inside,” Yuya said.
Pamu looked to Akua as they walked toward the temple.
“After I see the light event, I’ll go and catch some fish for the feast.”
Pamu was trying to be helpful and gracious by fishing.
“That sounds great, Pamu.”
Merit overheard the conversation.
Why does Pamu want to catch fish for the supper? Why do they want to provide food? And why is an apprentice going out to fish?
Just like her scribes, she had questions about Akua and Pamu.
*
The temple was gloriously illuminated when they entered. The columns in the hall were as bright as gold and the painted designs sparkled. Akua and the others were astonished at the sight. Reflective surfaces were strategically positioned to diffract light to every room.
“Akua, I am feeling the power of the gods,” Pamu commented.
“Pamu, this is what attracts me to religion and the priesthood. I’m awe-struck that our world can be made into something so beautiful and ethereal.”
Akua had to explain to Pamu what ethereal meant. But he was careful not to make Pamu feel inadequate.
“This is so lovely. When this occurs, I like to envision being up in the heavens. Up where a constellation, like Scorpio, surrounds me. Rays of light all around and in all the various colors bathe me in the care of our makers,” Merit said as she turned back to look at Akua and Pamu.
Within the next hour, just about the whole town came by to look at the temple. Although they were not allowed inside, the sight of the illuminated statues in the facade was satisfying enough for them.
“I am going to catch some fish now,” Pamu said.
Akua was slightly disappointed that Pamu didn’t appreciate the sight as he did. But he was happy that Pamu was excited about the upcoming banquet.
“But you don’t have any nets or fish traps. How will you catch the fish?”
“Well, Akua, I will find a fishing boat at the shore and I’ll find a fisherman that will let me borrow his nets. I have done this before. I hope to catch twenty or more fish.”
Merit heard Pamu say ‘I have done this before...’ and that raised more questions that she kept to herself.
“Good luck. You probably have two hours until the banquet begins. Be careful.”
“I will.”
With that, Pamu headed down to the fishing dock. His first plea was successful. An older fisherman agreed to take Pamu out to one of the prime fishing spots. Pamu returned to the temple an hour and a half
later with a basket of fish. It was filled midway with perch, catfish, bolti and a couple of carp. The fish were already cleaned and ready to be cooked.
“You actually caught some fish,” Akua said with delight. “This will be a great addition to the banquet.”
Pamu carried the basket of fish to the food preparation room near the House of Life. The cooks were happy to boil them for the banquet.
When it was time for the banquet, Akua and Pamu walked over to the temple. Merit was at the entry to greet them.
“Now you are going to meet four new people. The high priest and high priestess of the temple, the offerings priest and the temple doctor.”
Akua and Pamu followed Merit to the dining area. The other five were already seated. Merit spoke to cover the introductions.
“This is Akua from Heliopolis and his apprentice, Pamu. They have already met Iawy and me. But I would like to introduce you to Nebhotep, the high priest, Raziya, the high priestess, Teti-en, priest of offerings and Uni-tek, the temple doctor and magician.”
“It is great to meet all of you. Thank you for inviting us,” Akua said.
The food was brought out as soon as Akua, Pamu and Merit sat down. The table was graced with bountiful amounts of breads and cakes, fruits, vegetables, goose and duck meat.
“Pamu has supplied us with the fish. In addition to being a priesthood apprentice, he is quite a good fisherman.”
It struck everyone at the table, besides Akua and Pamu, as odd that an apprentice would also be a skilled fisherman. But no one said anything about it, they just continued eating and serving themselves.
“So what brings you two to our temple? Did you come for the Sun Festival?” Raziya asked.
Akua wanted to answer with stilted speech to sound more learned.
“Yes indeed. At the highest level, I am fulfilling the wishes of our great king, Nectanabo. The priesthood in Heliopolis wanted me to come and learn from this temple in the hope that I would return to enrich northern Egypt,” Akua said.
The Reed Fields Page 3
