The Reed Fields

by Brandon Campbell

  Akua’s interest was strong. He looked Reonet straight in the eyes.

  “Ancient?”

  “Yes. Akua, did your father ever tell you what your name means?”

  “No.”

  “You are named after Akua’ba, the original Primal Mother. Some say that Isis is actually Akua’ba. Anyway, stand proud Akua as you keep her divinity alive.”

  Reonet extended her arm and put her hand on Akua’s forehead. Akua knew that Reonet was trying to energize his third eye. He spoke in a quiet voice.

  “That makes me proud. It will inspire me to try and live the best life I can. Even with all of my troubles.”

  After he spoke, Reonet removed her hand.

  “Well, I want to spend the rest of the day looking around the island. I have always loved seeing new sites. Maybe it will help me figure out what to do.”

  “Alright. Have fun. I will be worshipping in the temple if you need me,” Reonet said.

  Akua was feeling better about his situation, but he felt an urgency to figure out what to do. He knew he would be persecuted by the priesthood and the only ideas he had were to go into hiding or leave Egypt altogether.

  As Reonet left Akua, the mass of priests and priestesses came out of the temple. One young priestess looked over to Akua and smiled. Akua smiled in return. He admired her beauty and innocent look as she walked out of sight.

  Outside of the temple to the immediate north was The Birth House. This small chamber was a shrine to the king’s birth and his divine marriage. Akua went inside. The wall paintings were alive with color. King Nectanabo was shown in a series of images. First as a small child and later at five different phases in his adolescence. As Akua gazed at the images, he thought about all the life situations a young person has to endure. The small child was holding a handful of white, green and blue lilies. His face wore a smile as the sun shone down on him.

  So innocent, eyes open wide. Re was already looking after him.

  In the last picture in the series, the young Nectanabo was laying an offering of exotic spices to the feet of Osiris as he sat in his throne.

  Serving the gods. It’s what I do. It’s what everyone here at the temple does. I’ll always do it. Somehow and someway the priesthood will learn of my pure heart.

  Akua continued to walk around the small island. Nearby was a vestibule between the river shore and the pylons to the temple. This boat dock was beautifully cut from rosy-pink granite. A series of steps led to the pylons.

  Since Nectanabo’s decree of returning to Egypt’s old ways, Philae was bustling with new construction. Akua saw obelisks being prepared to stand upright, large limestone blocks being carved by masons and newly planted groves of fig, date and pomegranate trees. In the small market, Akua was given bread and beer just because he looked like a priest. The locals were trying to attract people to the island.

  “Even the new royal money is accepted,” one merchant shouted to Akua from a distance.

  After a small supper, he headed back to the temple. Next to the entrance sat the same priestess that had mesmerized him earlier. She was sitting alone. Akua decided to introduce himself.

  “Hello. I’m Akua-Mat.”

  “Where are you from? I have not seen you around here before, so I know you are not a priest of Isis at this temple,” the priestess asked.

  “Heliopolis. But I have just come from Kush.”

  “Isis is also worshipped in Heliopolis. Have you seen her temple?” she asked.

  “I have. It’s very beautiful. What is your name?”

  “My name is Femi. My parents have land in Thebes. Also, my father serves as a royal scribe there. So why are you here?”

  Akua had to think about his answer. He was not about to mention his hardship and struggles.

  “I am just a passer-by. I wanted to visit this temple before it was widely known. I have been fortunate enough to cross paths with one of the priestesses from Heliopolis.”

  “What is her name? Maybe I know her,” she asked.

  “Reonet.”

  “Of course. She is one of the more devout here. I like her. You know, Akua, she is a mystic, maybe even a sage.”

  “I know. That is precisely why it is so good to talk to her.”

  Femi continued the conversation.

  “I’m learning the mysteries of Isis. I hope to learn some about her magic. She is the goddess that sits in the heavens.”

  “I did not know that. Does she guide people through the afterlife?” Akua asked.

  “In a way. But more so she guides people to the afterlife. Reaching the heavens is like an ascending journey. The righteous progress through life and she is there to assist them.”

  “Like the ascension with the royal tombs. I understand. They actually reach for the stars,” Akua said.

  From now on, Akua would see pyramids in a new light. Although he would not believe everything that Femi told him, he liked this pyramid-ascension idea.

  “Yes. This is what I have learned through study. I look forward to learning more. So Akua, how long do you plan to stay?”

  “I’m not sure,” he answered, knowing that he would have to move on soon.

  “Well, I hope to see you again. I need to go and get some food from the market. Goodbye.”

  Just as Femi walked away, Reonet approached. Reonet and Femi stopped briefly as they met.

  “You have met Akua. I know Akua from the temples in Heliopolis. He has just returned from The Land of Kush,” Reonet said.

  “Yes. I find him to be secretive of his past. He never took the opportunity to elaborate. I see that as peculiar.”

  Reonet wanted to tell Femi what she knew of Akua and his conflict with the priesthood. Reonet knew why he was in Southern Egypt. But she also knew it was not her place to do so.

  “Maybe in time, Femi. I don’t even know that much about him.”

  “I’ll see you tomorrow,” Femi said.

  Reonet continued towards Akua. She sat down on the stone slab where Femi had been. Akua could tell that she was bent on something. He hoped it would be something he wanted to hear.

  *

  “Akua, a few of the priests and scribes here have been asking about you. It did not take them long to find out your name,” Reonet said.

  “How do you think they found out?”

  “Probably from the fisherman and boaters from Elephantine and Abu Simbel,” Reonet answered.

  “Reonet, I don’t want my situation with the priesthood in Heliopolis or the high priest’s accidental death to kill me. Please tell me what to do.”

  “Isis also has a following in Heliopolis and, as such, some are traveling to Heliopolis and some are returning. Akua, Meehi-Ahk has told many about you. He will not tolerate you being in Egypt Proper. Akua, I fear for you, Nefertet and Nefertet’s family if he learns you are here.”

  “Why can’t he just leave me alone? I’m certainly not threatening him or the priesthood by being here, am I? I can’t believe the priesthood and how they operate,” Akua said.

  “As he sees it, you are threatening him. Akua, I tried to get him to tell me why you were a threat, but he would not tell me. Anyway, with what happened in the Southern Lands, I think you need to leave Egypt.”

  Akua was frightened, but he was grateful that Reonet was there to help him.

  “But to where?” Akua asked her.

  “Back to Kush and then farther south into Nubia or to the horn lands of Punt. You could also travel farther north all the way to Greece. Hopefully, your extended absence will help the priesthood to forget and forgive where you’re concerned.”

  “I know it would be quite a journey, but I would love to go to Greece. Although, I really want to spend the rest of my life with Nefertet. What if I was to secretly take Nefertet from Heliopolis and go to Greece? Would that satisfy Meehi and clear my name?”

  “Probably not. If the priesthood knew of this, they might exact vengeance on Nefertet’s family. And then Meehi might even go so far as to persecute you
and Nefertet in Greece. Akua, Meehi has basically exiled you from Egypt and he will not risk Nefertet being with you in any way. He told me this. I guess she is a risk of uncovering or revealing something about you and spreading the word, something the priesthood would kill over.”

  “I just can’t stand this Reonet. It’s almost like a curse against me, will it ever be lifted? Will they ever leave me alone?”

  “Akua, listen to me carefully and always keep these words with you. Yes, there has to be another way. A way for you to satisfy the priesthood and a way for you to be with Nefertet here in your homeland. Don’t ever stop searching for that way. I will help you in any way I can.”

  “Okay. I will go to Greece and I’ll make the most of it. But someday I will find that way. You’ll see me again Reonet, count on it. I still believe the gods will make this right.”

  Both of them were on the verge of tears. As Reonet opened her arms to Akua, she hoped that she would see him again.

  Chapter 6

  Akua’s first order of business was to find transportation that would eventually take him to the mouth of the Nile River. He was determined to stop at Thebes to see Nyla and Tiaa and explain Pamu’s fate. He felt he had to do this. He knew it would be difficult, but he was determined to see Nefertet when he came to Heliopolis.

  Akua gathered what little belongings he had and headed for the dock at the vestibule. He caught the next boat to Thebes. He was looking at a two day journey now that he was traveling downstream.

  In two days, Akua’s boat pulled into the shipyard at Thebes early in the morning. Since he wanted to get out of Egypt soon, he planned on spending only a little amount of time with his friends Nyla and Tiaa.

  The city was beautiful just as he remembered it. The largest structure in Thebes was the Luxor Pyramid and as Akua looked upon it he felt reassured. The pyramid’s surface shone as it reflected the bright desert sun.

  Yes. This is why I am a priest. There is a lot of beauty in life and I can be one of those that glorifies it.

  Akua headed to Nyla’s place as soon as he got off the boat. Although he did not know them very well, he was excited to see Nyla and Tiaa. Akua started to run lightly once he could see the place. As he had expected, they were both outside in the yard.

  “Hello, Tiaa. Hello, Nyla. I didn’t think I would be back in the city so soon.”

  Akua hugged both of them in succession.

  “Akua, it is great to see you. Did you enjoy your time in Kush?” Tiaa asked.

  Akua wanted to say no, but he held his tongue.

  “Is Pamu with you?” Nyla asked.

  “No. Pamu is not with me,” Akua answered.

  Akua felt uneasy once again with the thought of telling them about what happened to Pamu. But he also knew that they had a right to know.

  “Let’s go inside the house. I have some wine and some honey-fig cake leftover from supper last night,” Tiaa said.

  They all took a seat at the round table. Tiaa immediately began to serve the others and her place at the table with a big piece of cake and a cup of wine.

  “It truly is great to see both of you. My journey had some high points but also a fair share of low points and sadness,” Akua said.

  No one, including Akua, ate cake or drank the wine. Everyone at the table was silent. Anticipation grew for what Akua would say next. Akua continued,

  “Pamu decided to travel with me to Abu Simbel. We both had a lot of fun from Elephantine to Abu Simbel. Once at Abu Simbel we enjoyed the festivities ahead of The Sun Festival. We stayed in The House of Life adjacent to the temple of Ramesses II. On the day the temple was illuminated, we stood in awe. That night we were invited to a temple banquet with the high priest and priestess.

  “For the banquet, Pamu supplied a fresh catch of fish. He went out of his way so fresh fish could be enjoyed at the banquet. We all had a great meal and watched a wonderful rondo. Pamu and I were awakened the next morning by a temple scribe and two armed guards.

  “During the night, the high priest fell ill and died. In his vomit they found the meat of a poisonous catfish. And that catfish was accidentally and inadvertently part of Pamu’s fresh catch. In the end, a temple oracle passed judgment. Pamu and I were found guilty. They sentenced Pamu to an excruciating death. They decided not to kill me.”

  Akua was close to tears. No one was about to say a word. An eerie stillness filled the room.

  “I still have trouble telling this. I lost the best friend I ever had. I have more than enough reason to resent the priesthood now. They weigh heavy on my Ba.”

  Nyla and Tiaa were shocked to hear this. These events were so atypical to their simple lives. A tear formed in the eyes of both.

  “That is truly terrible. I’m sorry for you and I’m saddened over Pamu. Tiaa and I loved him. So what will you do, Akua?” Nyla asked.

  The girls knew very little about Akua’s conflict with the priesthood and he wanted to keep it that way.

  “I have decided to travel far north across the sea to Greece. Maybe a better life awaits me there. And someday I will return to Egypt and clear my name.”

  The sisters could sense that Akua was running from something else. But they chose not to aggravate Akua by inquiring about it.

  “The gods will be with you Akua. I hope we see you again,” Tiaa said.

  Akua had planned to ask if he could stay overnight, but he sensed he was not too welcome. Nyla and Tiaa were relieved to see Akua leave. He found an Inn in the heart of the city. And since he was a priest, he did not have to pay for a room.

  *

  The next morning, Akua headed to the shipyard. Most of the crewmembers were out getting supplies. Since this was a commercial ship, Akua wanted to pay the captain for his way. He told the captain that at the next harvest the Per Atum temple in Heliopolis would pay him one sack of emmer, but he would have to wait until then to collect. Akua liked spending the priesthood’s fortune.

  The boat he was on stopped in every major port city and Akua was preoccupied with how he could secretly meet with Nefertet when they stopped in Heliopolis. It would be at least ten days before they reached Heliopolis. He constantly worried that someone would recognize him.

  Akua really wanted to get out of the country by now. And the more he thought about what Greece would be like, his anticipation grew. He had heard of the scholars and artisans there. And he was eager to learn their science and philosophy.

  10 days later...

  When the boat approached Heliopolis, Akua was still thinking about what he was going to do. Since the captain and some of the crew members had family in Heliopolis, they would stay there overnight. As the crew tied the boat to the main dock, Akua stepped off. He walked up to a young shipyard worker.

  “Hello. I’m honored to be in your presence,” said the young worker.

  Akua saw that the young man was respectful to the priesthood. He thought to himself.

  Here is the person to help me see Nefertet.

  Akua started a conversation with the young man.

  “Would you help me out? The boat that I came in on is leaving in the morning and I need to be on it. Oh and my name is Akua-Mat.”

  “Yes. My name is Ankhu and I am at your service,” the worker said.

  “I need to see my love, but I don’t want anyone else to find out,” Akua said.

  Ankhu did find this a little strange, but he also did not question it. He was just happy to serve a priest.

  “Okay. What do you want me to do, Akua?”

  “I’ll tell you how to get to her house. Her name is Nefertet and her beauty is striking. She has green eyes and long hair that extends below her shoulders. When you find her, ask her to come to the docks to meet Akua. But be sure nobody except Nefertet is around to hear you.”

  “I will bring her to you, Akua,” Ankhu said.

  Ankhu ran up the small hill to the city without wasting time. Akua was waiting to see Nefertet after what seemed like a year.

  An hour later Ankhu re
turned holding and slightly pulling Nefertet by the hand. He led right up to Akua with a big smile on his face. Nefertet threw her arms around Akua as soon as she was close enough to him. Their embrace lasted for ten seconds before a word was spoken.

  “I would rather not be anyplace else. How are you? I’ve missed you greatly,” Akua said while they were still holding each other.

  “I’m so happy to see you. I’ve missed you too. Will you stay?” she asked.

  Akua broke the hug. He held her shoulders at arm’s length.

  “I’m leaving in the morning. It is still too dangerous for me, you, and your family if I stay. But I promise you; I will find a way for us to be together forever. Count on it.”

  They hugged again. Akua looked to Ankhu and said,

  “Thank you. You have made me very happy. If ever I can do anything for you please ask. I will return to Heliopolis someday and I consider you my new friend.”

  “Akua, you are welcome. I will look forward to seeing you. Goodbye, my friend.”

  Ankhu walked back towards the shipyard. Akua and Nefertet walked about one-quarter of a mile upriver to a sandy spot on the bank.

  “I was serious about finding a way for us to be together forever. It’s only a matter of time. In time, the priesthood will have to deal with me in a righteous and legitimate way,” Akua said.

  The only sounds were those coming from the river. Familiar to Akua was the splashing noise the Hippopotamus’ made.

  “I know. Meehi can’t keep us apart forever,” Nefertet said.

  The sunset was beautiful that night. Various shades of red shone against a sky filled with clouds amid a blue backdrop.

  “You know, Re creates these dazzling sunsets. Tonight we are blessed with his protection,” Akua said.

  As they sat shoulder to shoulder, Akua gazed over the river. It was obvious to Nefertet that he was worried.

  “Nefertet, I’m traveling far north to Greece. Although it is promising, it’s hard to leave you.”

  Nefertet understood enough about why Akua was leaving. She also knew that he would return when the time was right.