Queen of the Heavens

by Kingsley Guy

  I smiled at Hint-mi-re, who wore a dress with straps that partially covered her small but developing breasts. The hips of my daughter, who once was as slender as a papyrus reed, were becoming rounder and fuller as well.

  “You’re growing into a woman. Of course you feel great power inside you,” I said.

  Hint-mi-re sat down in a chair next to me. “I felt fearsome, and I wanted to pounce on something and tear it to pieces with my teeth and fingernails.”

  “As your body changes, passions will build within you, causing you to act differently than when you were younger. Don’t be concerned if from time to time you feel like a lioness. When I was your age, I often wanted to rip things apart and scream.”

  “I wanted to growl and roar, not scream.”

  “Then do so. Ask Sekhmet for knowledge of what this power means, but remember, all girls approaching womanhood feel great forces within them they don’t understand. It is a part of the mystery of life.”

  “Yes, Mother,” Hint-mi-re said, but I could tell by her glum expression she found little value in my words.

  Ramesses’ body was changing, too. He was growing taller and stronger, and though the change as yet was barely perceptible, his voice was becoming deeper as well. For the most part, he still was a well-behaved and loving son, but at times he would become quite disagreeable with me, as is the wont of boys as they grow closer to manhood. Fortunately, Ramesses’ martial training provided a channel for his energy and the rigors of his activities often exhausted him, making life a bit easier for me.

  One morning, his father approached me in the garden as I was practicing the harp.

  “Ramesses must soon undergo the rites of manhood,” Sety said. “He and I will leave next week for Thebes, where he first will spend a month at the Great Temple of Amun praying with the priests and purifying himself by bathing each day in the sacred lake.”

  I winced. “I know the time has come, but the pain will be great.”

  “As the serpent sheds its skin to emerge anew, so, too, will Ramesses. He must learn to deal with pain, Tuya. It’s a part of becoming a man and a warrior. The High Priest will use the sharpest obsidian knife when he removes the foreskin. It will be over quickly, though the pain will last for a while.”

  “Our son has never been without me and he’ll be afraid. I’ll accompany you to Thebes and to the temple when he is given over to the priests,” I said.

  “No,” Sety insisted. “It is my duty to take Ramesses to the temple, not yours. Women have no place in the circumcision ritual. For boys to become men, the bonds of dependence on their mothers must be severed. Your continued doting on Ramesses would not serve this purpose.”

  I didn’t attempt to dissuade my husband, for he spoke with wisdom. Nevertheless, the evening before his departure for Thebes, I asked Ramesses to join me in the garden so I might be with him one last time while he was still a child. We sat down on a bench overlooking a pond, where the scent of blossoming lotus mingled with the smell of jasmine.

  My eyes filled with tears as I took my son’s hand. In recent months, Ramesses had objected when I expressed affection by touching him, but he didn’t this time and I felt his love flow into me.

  “Why are you troubled, Mother?” he asked.

  “You face a great trial and I’m concerned.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m brave. I won’t scream or cry. I’ll show Father and the priests I’m ready to become a man.”

  “I’m concerned for myself as well,” I said as I embraced my son. “I fear the child whom I brought into the world and nourished with milk from these breasts will no longer need me.”

  “I’ll always need you, Mother, not to protect or feed me, but to give me love and advice. Why do you think I would not?”

  “My fears are those of every mother when their sons grow up.”

  Ramesses sat up straight and looked at me. “You needn’t be afraid. Wherever I go in the world, I’ll always think of you and love you.”

  Ramesses’ kind words soothed my spirits. Still, I could not sleep and I cried throughout the night.

  The next morning, after Sety and Ramesses departed for Thebes, I asked Hint-mi-re to accompany me for a stroll through the palace menagerie, for I needed to keep myself occupied and I wanted to be near my favorite daughter.

  We marveled at the size of the two hippos wallowing in the mud and water at the bottom of a great pit, and we smiled as a mother baboon tethered to a tree meticulously picked lice out of its child’s hair and ears. I so enjoyed watching the baboon care for the infant, I didn’t notice Hint-mi-re wandering away.

  To my horror, when I looked down the path, I saw her step over a low stone wall and walk toward a wooden cage holding a lioness. As Hint-mi-re came to within two paces of the enclosure, the lioness pounced with the speed of an arrow. It thrust a foreleg through the bars and the powerful swipe of its claws fell just short of my daughter’s face.

  Hint-mi-re backed up, but did not run away. Instead, she reached out to the lioness, which ceased growling, withdrew its leg and lay down on its side. I rushed to my daughter, and to my amazement found the lioness purring like a kitten.

  “Can I pet her, Mother?” Hint-mi-re asked as she started walking closer to the cage.

  We already were near enough to smell the animal’s breath, made foul by rotting meat between its teeth.

  “No,” I shouted as I grabbed Hint-mi-re’s arm and pulled her away.

  “Why not? The lioness was fierce at first, but now she is so gentle.”

  “I see, but it’s better that you not touch her. She might become fierce again.”

  “No she won’t. She’ll let me pet her.”

  “You will not try,” I shouted. “You must promise me you’ll never attempt to pet her. She could take your arm off.”

  Hint-mi-re gave me a perturbed look. “All right, Mother, but you worry too much.”

  What force within my daughter causes a lioness to behave like a gentle house cat? I must find out, I said to myself as we returned to our quarters.

  That afternoon, I sent a message to the Temple of Ptah asking Renoutet, the High Adoratress of Ptah, to come to the palace the next day. Renoutet had the name of the Goddess of the Harvest, which was fitting. Much bigger than most women, she looked as if she could wield a scythe with authority and carry large bundles of wheat under each arm with little effort. In a strange way, Renoutet’s strength gave her great beauty that manifested through a sparkle in her eyes.

  I had met Renoutet some months before at a festival for Ptah and Sekhmet, and found her to be most intelligent and insightful. Her knowledge of the Neters equaled mine, and I was thrilled to be able to talk that day with so erudite a woman. Now, I sought her advice. With Hint-mi-re beside me, I told Renoutet of how the ferocious lioness turned into a gentle beast.

  “Your daughter is blessed, for divine power flows through her,” she said.

  “How do you know this?” I asked.

  “Because the lioness knew it. Animals are the first to sense the presence of the divine in humans.”

  “What should Hint-mi-re do?”

  “This has yet to be revealed, but the strange behavior of the lioness could be a sign that Sekhmet has an interest in your daughter.”

  Hint-mi-re beamed. “I pray to Sekhmet every day and sometimes feel the power of a lioness within me. I used to be afraid of this power, but I’m not anymore.”

  Renoutet acknowledged Hint-mi-re with a smile. “Perhaps the lion goddess wishes you to join the Order of Sekhmet.”

  “Why have I not heard of this order?” I asked.

  “It is most secretive, My Lady. I mention it to you only because Sekhmet may be showing interest in your daughter. As Ptah’s consort, Sekhmet is worshipped by the temple’s priests and adoratresses, but within the temple confines a special group of the most beautiful women in Egypt commune directly with her. Sekhmet teaches them spells and rituals they are forbidden to reveal to the rest of us.”

 
“This sounds exciting,” Hint-mi-re exclaimed.

  “It is, but acceptance into the order carries with it great responsibilities. The lion goddess demands complete loyalty and obedience. Those who enter her order must do so for a lifetime.”

  “Would I be able to see my daughter if she were to join?” I asked.

  “Not immediately and perhaps never. A few women are granted permission by the High Priestess of the order to live outside the temple grounds and even to marry, but at least ten years must pass, and Sekhmet must send a sign before this is permitted.”

  “I am Queen,” I said, raising my head in a gesture of authority. “If Hint-mi-re joins the Order of Sekhmet, I will see her whenever I wish.”

  Renoutet’s eyes lost their sparkle. “No one could stop you, but the rules are clear. Breaking them would bring the wrath of Sekhmet down upon you, your child, and the priestesses.”

  I remained silent, ashamed of the words I had just uttered.

  “Is something wrong?” Renoutet asked.

  “I apologize to Sekhmet and to you,” I said with a soft voice. “The lion goddess has looked after me during my lifetime and will protect my son when he is Pharaoh. I would not offend her by countermanding the rules of her order.”

  Renoutet gave me a respectful nod. “I didn’t think you would, My Lady.”

  I rose, as did she. “Thank you for coming. My daughter and I have much to discuss.”

  “You are most welcome. I’m honored to be able to serve the Queen and the young Princess.”

  “What should I do, Mother?” Hint-mi-re asked after Renoutet had left.

  “I don’t know,” I said as I sat down next to her again. “When I was a child, I could have entered the Temple of Ptah but was afraid to do so.”

  “I’m frightened, too. I love Sekhmet and want to serve her, but I don’t want to leave you and Father, or Ramesses. I’d even miss Tjia.”

  “You needn’t decide immediately, my darling. If you ask Sekhmet for guidance, she will provide it.”

  Hint-mi-re jumped from her chair. “I’ll go to my room right now and pray before her statue.”

  As I watched my daughter run off, I worried Sekhmet might send a sign telling her to join the order, thus taking her from me. Suddenly, indigo filled my consciousness. My destiny was to become Queen, but often I long for the sanctuary of a temple. If Hint-mi-re enters the Order of Sekhmet, perhaps she will know the life of peace and happiness I have been denied.

  As soon as Sety returned with Ramesses from Thebes, I told my husband the story of the lioness and about my conversation with Renoutet.

  Sety looked morose. “I don’t want to lose my daughter.”

  “Nor do I, but we can’t think of ourselves. Life in the temple could bring great purpose and joy to Hint-mi-re’s life. We must do what is best for her.”

  “I agree, Tuya, but this must be Hint-mi-re’s decision. You must not interfere.”

  Later in the day, I sat with Ramesses in the garden. Now shorn of the side knot of youth, he wore a short wig.

  “Did all go well during the ritual?” I asked.

  “Oh, yes, Mother,” Ramesses exclaimed. “You would have been so proud of me. I didn’t shout or scream when the priest cut away my foreskin. I barely even cringed. Father was there. He’ll tell you how brave I was.”

  “I believe you, my son. I know you’re a brave boy.”

  “Boy!” Ramesses shouted. “I’ve gone through the rites of manhood. I’m not a boy anymore.”

  “I didn’t mean to offend you. I know you’re now a man.”

  “That means I can marry Hint-mi-re.”

  I grimaced. “You’re still a few years away from marriage.”

  “Not that many. You must allow us to marry. We love each other so much.”

  “There’s a chance Hint-mi-re will leave the palace for life in the temple,” I said, after some hesitation.

  “Why would she do that?” Ramesses asked.

  “Sekhmet may call Hint-mi-re to her service,” I answered, and then told him the story of his sister and the lioness.

  When I finished, Ramesses stood up, scowling. “Is Sekhmet calling, or are you forcing Hint-mi-re into the temple?”

  “Why do you ask this?” I said, taken aback by the comment.

  “Because you don’t want her to be one of my wives. You never have,” Ramesses said as he stormed away.

  A week later, Hint-mi-re asked to speak to her father and me together. I sat next to Sety in his chambers as our daughter entered. She walked slowly, but with a lightness in her step. I had never before seen such serenity in her countenance.

  “What do you wish to speak to us about?” Sety inquired.

  “A vision,” Hint-mi-re said. “Two days ago, while meditating before the statue of Sekhmet, a group of beautiful women, some naked and others dressed in thin and flowing garments of the purest white, appeared before me, dancing in a shimmering silver mist. I saw joy in their faces and I knew they lived in ecstasy. When they saw me, they parted, revealing Sekhmet seated on a golden throne. She stood, raised an ankh above her head with her left arm and beckoned me to her with her right. As I approached, I found power rising within me. Soon, I dissolved with Sekhmet and the others into a sea of bliss.”

  “How do you feel now?” Sety asked.

  “Like a feather. Sekhmet has called me to her service and I want to join her order.”

  “Are you certain?” My husband said as he slumped into his chair. “Your mother tells me such a decision cannot be revoked.”

  “If you had known the bliss I felt when Sekhmet called, Father, you would not ask this question. It is my destiny to serve the goddess and, if I am so fortunate, to have her power flow through me in abundance so I might serve the world.”

  A tear rolled down Sety’s cheek. He rose slowly, walked to our daughter and held her tightly. “You have given me great joy. I don’t want you to leave, but I will not question your vision or Sekhmet’s wisdom. You have my permission, and my blessing.”

  Three days later, Hint-mi-re came to my chambers after bidding a final farewell to Sety. She wore a new dress and mantel, and exquisite turquoise and silver earrings I had given her the day before. My daughter never looked more radiant.

  Ramesses and Tjia stood on each side of me in the middle of the room while Renoutet waited in a corner to escort Hint-mi-re to the temple.

  First, Hint-mi-re hugged Tjia. “Good-bye, my sister. I will miss you.”

  She embraced Ramesses. “I love you, my brother. Had Sekhmet not beckoned, we would be together for a lifetime.”

  Then, she embraced me. “You have taught me to love the Neters with all my heart, and I am grateful. Because of you, I have the strength to commit my life to Sekhmet.”

  Suddenly, Ramesses turned to face me. “I hate you Mother,” he raged as tears flowed from his eyes. “You drive Hint-mi-re away because you want me to love only you and not her.”

  Ramesses’ words left me aghast. “What makes you say such a thing? Does a demon possess you?”

  “No. It is so. I want to take Hint-mi-re as a wife, but you don’t want this. You make her think Sekhmet is calling her.”

  “Ramesses!” Hint-mi-re shouted. “You are a man now, but you act like a boy. Mother does not drive me from you. I go to the temple of my own will, for I know my will is also Sekhmet’s.”

  “You cannot leave. You must always be with me,” Ramesses cried, shaking with fury.

  “My darling brother, don’t you understand? I’ll always love you, and in this way I will be with you, but Sekhmet has bestowed a great gift upon me. I enter her order with joy in my heart.”

  “If you leave, we’ll never see each other again.”

  “That’s not so. We’ll be together once more, if not in this world, then the next.”

  Hint-mi-re took Ramesses’ head in her hands. “I cannot depart knowing rancor exists in your heart toward Mother.”

  As she looked into Ramesses’ eyes, his tears an
d shaking began to subside. Like the fearsome lioness in the menagerie, he quickly turned calm and gentle before Hint-mi-re.

  Such power, I thought. My daughter could even calm a desert tempest.

  Ramesses, head bowed, walked a few steps to me. “I’m sorry. I don’t hate you, Mother. I love you. Do you forgive me?”

  I cried as I stroked my son’s shoulder. “Of course I forgive you.”

  “You have the strength of a lion, Ramesses,” Hint-mi-re said, “but lions rage only when they must. Promise me you will strive to control the lion within you so you always act with purpose.”

  “I promise,” Ramesses said as he turned toward his sister.

  Hint-mi-re smiled. “Good. Now I can go in peace.”

  After some moments, she looked at Renoutet.

  “I am ready,” my daughter said, and with her head held high, walked out of my life and into the embrace of Sekhmet.

  XXXI

  While I had no doubt Sekhmet would watch over Hint-mi-re, I still wondered whether my daughter was adjusting well to life in the temple. Not knowing caused me great distress, so I asked Renoutet to inquire about her.

  “The High Priestess tells me your daughter is an eager student and you shouldn’t worry, but that is all she would say.” Renoutet told me during a visit to the palace. “As I mentioned to you, the Order of Sekhmet is quite secretive.”

  “Did the High Priestess tell you the truth, or were her words designed only to ease the concerns of a Queen?” I asked.

  “The truth, no doubt. I’m sure Hint-mi-re misses you, just as you miss her. This is to be expected, My Lady.”

  “If my daughter’s heartache is as great as mine, she suffers terribly.”

  “As time passes, the heartache will diminish for both of you. Hint-mi-re will know bliss at the temple, for Sekhmet will see to it. Of this you can be certain.”

  Renoutet’s words provided me with some solace, though not as much as I would have liked.

  I had no such concern about the well-being of my other daughter, who had reached the age of marriage. Not long after Hint-mi-re left for the temple, Tjia went to live with Tia as his wife. Tjia’s dowry was no bigger than mine, but Tia’s parents did not object to the moderate size. Implicit in the marriage was the understanding their son would rise quickly in the ranks of government and might someday even achieve the governorship of a province.