by Wend Petzler
"Fair thee well, my friend.” Jacob waited until the front door closed behind Setti before running upstairs to demand an answer, only to find his daughter weeping. Unsure what happened, he gently took her into his arms. When Yoshabel was somewhat calm, he asked, “Why did you not accept Setti's hand in marriage?"
"SobeKnefru will seek to destroy me for coming between her and the Golden Throne. I am not strong enough to stand up to her. She is evil,” Yoshabel whispered past the terrified lump in her throat. Furious at herself for being such a coward, her fear of the malevolent, spiteful woman reminded her that one day SobeKnefru would find a way to murder her, making sure no other wore her crown.
Stroking her silky, sand-gold hair, trying to comfort his daughter's broken heart, Jacob understood at last Yoshabel's reasoning. Yoshabel knew best her strengths and weaknesses. If she felt unable to stand up to SobeKnefru's ambitious and conniving nature, then he would not force her to accept Setti's hand in marriage. “I understand, and in time, so will Setti. Do you wish to remain at home while I attend the feast and his coronation?"
Shaking her head, fresh tears fell again. “I will go with you and see my beloved crowned. If I cannot have him, at least I will be there to support him as our new Pharaoh."
"Go and prepare yourself. We will leave after sunset.” He watched her leave, knowing what she'd done today was a brave decision. Not strong in nature or in body, some might think her a coward, but Yoshabel knew she was no match for SobeKnefru. Will Pharaoh see it as such or view it as a personal rejection? Sighing, Jacob went about getting ready, praying all went well tonight. If SobeKnefru were to ever claim the Double Crown, Egypt would suffer unimaginably. The fragile peace along her borders could fail, inciting war again. Only Setti's feared reputation upon the battlefield and determination in reinforcing Amenemhet's will had kept the peace treaties intact.
God of my forefathers, please hear my prayer and protect Setti from his enemies, even if it may be from his own sister, Jacob prayed, worried for his friend on the eve of Setti's coronation.
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Chapter Three
Racing across the desert, desperate to outrun his confusion and apprehension, Setti noticed his horses labored to catch wind. Setti slowed his horses to a walk, soothing them with soft words. Yet, Yoshabel's words haunted him. He had not thought about his family's history, shocked to realize most died in the prime of their life by violence or strange ailments. As a soldier, he always assumed someday he would die by the sword. His impending coronation left Setti perplexed about his future.
It will not be my destiny to share the same fate my family suffered, Setti swore. Although determined, a small seed of doubt interjected.
Was he cursed, too?
A large star, just above the darkening skyline, sparkled against the twilight. Sepdet's arrival signaled the coming of floods, the harvest season almost over. Like the sacred Nile, Setti knew his duty to his people all too well, ingrained into him since before he learned to walk. Turning the lathered horses around, he drove the wild pair back to Thebes.
The magnificent palace rose before him. Setti's heart pounded with fierce pride. I shall rule Egypt as Amenemhet and Father had. I shall make them proud of me. But, I still will not marry SobeKnefru. Removing his sister from Thebes would be his first official act as Pharaoh.
Two stable boys met him and led the tired horses to the lower buildings. Taking a deep breath, Setti strode inside, mentally getting his priorities straight—Egypt first, his heart second.
Servants awaited him in his quarters. Setti stripped and bathed. Stepping out of the water, he was met by several servants holding linen towels and quickly dried. Next expensive frankincense oil was rubbed over his body, making his bronze-colored skin gleam. Donning a white sarong, a belt of gold and black, ruby-eyed scarabs, were fastened around his hips. Next came a heavy shawl necklace bearing seven, ruby-eyed, black scarabs. Arranging it about Setti's neck and shoulders, the center scarab wore a crown, signifying his status as Royal General Commander of Pharaoh's army.
Grimacing, Setti adjust the jeweled necklace and matching belt. They weigh almost as much as my armor, he thought, grimacing at the irony.
A striped headdress of white linen and gold was placed upon his head. The servant reached upward to remove his earrings, but Setti shook his head, waving him off. Despite Yoshabel's rejection, he would wear them in remembrance of happier times. A knock at the door drew his attention. When a servant opened it, Setti bristled at who it was—Sabni.
"Your Highness, may I approach?"
"Come.” Setti took a seat in a nearby chair and waited for the priest to speak. Something was clearly wrong. Sabni nervously shifted his feet, keeping his eyes fixed on the floor. Growing vexed by the long silence, it also concerned him. “Is everything ready for my coronation?"
"Yes, your Highness. Queen SobeKnefru bade me come to you and present her desire for a private moment before the feast. She awaits you in the gardens.” Sabni kept his eyes focused on his sandaled feet, praying for the strength to stay his course.
"Why?” Setti bluntly demanded, not in the mood for any more surprises on the eve of his coronation. Rising from the chair, Setti accepted his jewel encrusted dagger from his manservant and placed it in the sheath at his hip.
"The Queen wishes to know your intent about her fate since you refuse to wed her."
Nodding, Setti figured SobeKnefru wanted to discuss her future. SobeKnefru proved to be a dangerous female. Not with conventional weapons, but ones of seduction and traitorous desires. If she remained in Thebes, SobeKnefru would turn the palace upside down, tempting the most loyal of men against him. “Come, I have a moment to spare.” Setti strode past Sabni.
* * * *
In the great hall, Yoshabel, her father by her side, mingled amongst the many guests gathered. Admiring the murals painted on the high walls, she tried her best to maintain a smile despite her decision to deny Setti. Listening to the conversations around her, many wondered when the crowned-elect Pharaoh would arrive and the celebration could get under way. Yoshabel's attention diverted to the serving girl weaving through the crowds toward her. Bowing before her, the girl held out the message she carried.
"Yes?” Yoshabel asked.
"For you, my lady."
Taken aback, Yoshabel warily accepted the note, frowning when the girl hurried away. Her father peered over her shoulder, curious what it contained. Apprehensive, she read it and almost sighed in relief. “Setti requests I come and speak with him in the gardens. Father, what shall I do?"
Understanding her dilemma, Jacob knew she had other choice but obey the royal summons. “Dear heart, do not fear Setti. He loves you nearly as much as I.” Briefly, he pressed his forehead to Yoshabel's, assured his only child was safe in Setti's honorable company.
* * * *
SobeKnefru waited impatiently. Her plans tilted on the edge of becoming reality. Who would arrive first—Setti or Yoshabel? When male voices echoed down the hall, elation surged inside her. A far more terrible fate will Setti suffer than his poor, beloved Yoshabel, she maliciously thought.
Coming around the corner, Setti stopped, unable to help admiring his sister's stunning beauty. SobeKnefru had made a magnificent queen, if only she weren't so ruthless. The malice in her deceitful eyes tainted her delicate loveliness. If he did not marry Yoshabel, would he take SobeKnefru as wife? Revulsion slithered in his stomach at the thought of bedding his own sister. How had Amenemhet?
"Sister, how fares your day?"
"I am pleased with my day. And you? Are you ready to don the Double Crown?” He still doesn't trust me and for good reason, she thought with a malicious smugness, ready to reap another terrible crime again on another of her family members.
"What did you wish to speak with me about?” Unsure what games SobeKnefru played tonight, Setti watched Sabni continue over to a table and pour wine into two cups.
"I wanted to congratulate you on your upcoming we
dding.” SobeKnefru accepted the cup from Sabni, her dark eyes narrowing when Setti took his.
"There will be no wedding between Yoshabel and me.” At her soft, hopeful gasp, he shook his head. “No, I still will not marry you. I have plenty of time to find my own queen.” Setti looked down at his cup, then at the priest, uncertain whether to drink the wine. When he saw the tattooed eye of Ra etched on the side of Sabni's neck, his doubt vanished. Sabni belonged to the Sacred Order of Amun Ra, sworn to serve and protect Pharaoh, even if it meant sacrificing their lives to do so.
The pain of Yoshabel's rejection still fresh, he drank the wine. The instant the liquid touched his tongue he knew something was terribly wrong. The priest started chanting. Setti's world spun, his vision blurred. He tried to focus, seeing only SobeKnefru's evil smile. She watched him struggle, such hateful malevolence in her glittering black eyes. His legs buckled from underneath him, and he dropped to his knees. Unable to stand, Setti tried to face of his enemy, his own flesh and blood. Sabni placed a large ruby amulet around Setti's neck, the gold chain dropped heavily against his bare chest. The stone glittered sinisterly in the soft glow from the oil lamps lit against the dark sky.
Was he going to die, too? Dead at thirty, he thought mournfully.
As if reading his thoughts, Sabni answered, “My lord, you will not die tonight. Your fate is to sleep, to only awaken when you are summoned.” Resuming his chanting, Sabni reached into the leather pouch slung at his hip and grabbed a handful of white powder. Tossing it onto the hot coals burning in the brazier beside him, crimson smoke arose. Forming into the shape of a ghostly hand, it reached for the struggling warrior's throat.
Silvery, rolling clouds gathered. Flashes brightened the darkness. The storm gathered above the lush gardens, broiling in its fury. Setti cried out, trying to break the brutal grip from around his throat. Clawing futilely at the red mist, it entered through his mouth and nose, writhing inside him like a nest of snakes. Falling onto his back, Setti stiffened, unable to move, paralyzed. A woman screamed behind him. Struggling to look, he saw Yoshabel rushing toward him. Setti desperately tried to warn her, but his lips refused to obey his command.
"Setti, what is wrong? Please answer me,” Yoshabel sobbed, gathering his limp head in her lap. His flesh cooled, his eyes were open and unseeing. The scuff of a sandal made her whip around, spotting SobeKnefru. “What have you done?” When the woman gave no answer, her gaze swung over to the priest who continued chanting in a low, determined tone. “Please, you must help Setti!” Yoshabel begged, stunned when he ignored her. The truth slammed her. “Why have you betrayed your pharaoh?"
SobeKnefru answered for Sabni. “Us? I think you mean what you have done. Sabni, kill her,” SobeKnefru shrieked. Sabni stared at her blankly. “Must I do everything myself?” She grabbed Setti's dagger and drove it deep into the girl's heart. Yoshabel screamed. Laughing hysterically, SobeKnefru watched in morbid fascination as Yoshabel clutched the jeweled hilt, collapsing on top of Setti,
Bending low, SobeKnefru whispered in Setti's ear, “Dear brother, I am sorry it had to come to this, but you refused to be reasonable. Rest assured, dear Yoshabel's fate is much kinder than the one I have planned for you. I believe to be mummified alive is an appropriate fate for the man who denied me what is mine by Divine Right.” She kissed him full on the lips. Chuckling, she shoved the dead woman off Setti and rose. Grabbing the small vial hidden in her tight bodice, she took the cup Setti used and poured some of the clear, brown liquid in it, followed by more wine. Dropping the cup and vial beside Setti's hand, the white wine spilt on the ground, mingling with the dark blood staining the worn, grey stones.
"Sabni, go to my chambers and use the secret door to get outside the palace. I will go to the great hall by using the back halls. People will assume our beloved Pharaoh killed Yoshabel and then committed suicide by drinking opium our physicians use to sedate their patients."
Shaken by what he'd just witnessed, Sabni came to his senses and rushed to her side. “My Queen, you should go first. I shall take care of things here for you.” Holding his breath, SobeKnefru looked as if she were about to protest.
Conceding his plan better, SobeKnefru nodded. “Perhaps, you're right.” Straightening her gown, she smiled victorious at having outwitted her brother.
"Hurry before anyone sees you.” After she fled the gardens, he leaned down so Setti could see his face better. “I swear you will not die by mummification. As soon as I can, I will revive you. SobeKnefru has gone mad in her lust for power. I knew not of her murderous intentions toward Lady Yoshabel. Ra never revealed to me SobeKnefru's plans to kill her. SobeKnefru will come for me next, I am certain.” He arranged the amulet around Setti's neck. “It will keep you safe. I have made provisions for the spell to be reversed. When the time is right, I will resurrect you, my Pharaoh. I promise.” Sabni made to leave, but stayed when he heard the reedy whisper from Setti's nearly paralyzed mouth.
"Promise me ... hide Nefari ... and son. Keep ... them ... safe.” It was an agonizing effort made happen by a will as unconquerable as the wild desert, a man desperate to get the words out.
My brother's only son cannot die! Setti swore, Upon my honor, I will come back from the dead and kill SobeKnefru with my own two hands!
"May the Gods help me. I pray for your forgiveness for the crimes I have committed for SobeKnefru. The Prince and his mother shall be safe from SobeKnefru. I swear it upon the curse set upon me by Anubis!” Showing Setti the ugly, red burn in the center of his palm, Sabni left him and hurried away to keep his promise.
The pair remained where they lay.
* * * *
In the act of tucking in her son, Nefari drew back when Sabni burst unannounced in to her private chambers. Ready to berate him, she stood flabbergasted when he grabbed a cloak, tossing it at her. “What is the meaning of your intrusion?” she demanded hotly.
"There is no time! You must gather your son and come with me if you wish him to live and be Pharaoh. I will hide you in the Temple of Amun Ra until the time is safe to sneak you out of Thebes.” Breathing hard from running and the spine chilling fear of being caught by SobeKnefru, he grew desperate, trying to keep his promise to Setti.
Nefari made to protest but stilled when she heard women scream and men shouting as people ran down the corridors. “Is Setti dead?” At his curt nod, Nefari donned the cloak and flipped the deep hood over her head. Tenderly, she picked up her sleeping son and cradled him in her arms. “Lead the way, priest. We are in your care. Do not betray us as you have Setti or I shall kill you,” she warned, grabbing her dagger from the table. Holding it out defensively in front of her just in case it was a trick and Sabni really meant to harm her and her son.
"Come, my lady, we must take the secret passage away from the palace. Imtep will help us.” Careful to keep his distance, Sabni admired the young queen who fiercely protected her son, the future Pharaoh of Egypt. Swinging open the closet door, he placed a hand against the back wall, opening the secret door. Grabbing a lit oil lamp, he motioned for Nefari to hurry past him. Closing the closet door and the secret one behind him, he took the lead. Exiting out onto the outer balcony pathway, they headed down to the dark street below.
When they entered the Temple, a melee of chaos greeted them. The priests anxiously gathered around Sabni, demanding news of Pharaoh's welfare. Motioning for silence, Sabni urged several of the younger priests to come to him. “Take Nefari and her son below and hide them. For all our sakes, their presence must not be made known to Queen SobeKnefru or her men. Now, I must return to the palace. Pharaoh has been murdered.” Confirming their worst fears, Sabni left them and ran back to the palace. He had to maintain the appearance of loyalty to SobeKnefru but at the same time keep Setti from being mummified alive.
* * * *
A bloodcurdling scream startled Jacob and the gathered guests. Running down the hall leading to the gardens, Jacob cried out, grief-stricken at what he witnessed. Falling to his knees, wailing, he
gathered his dead child in his arms. Shock hit him like cold water. Setti's dagger, a gift from Jacob to his friend, was buried deep in her heart. Setti lay still on the ground, his eyes open and Yoshabel's blood covered him. SobeKnefru stopped beside Jacob, gasping when she saw the dead couple. Nonetheless, Jacob saw the truth in the Queen's deceitful eyes. He knew he could never prove she caused their deaths. Her lackey, Sabni, skidded to a breathless halt beside the High Priest of Amun Ra. Imtep shouted orders for the guards to search for the killer.
"Wait!” SobeKnefru shouted above the confusion and hysteria. “We already know who the killer is. It is Setti! Look and recognize my brother's dagger. I heard the girl had scorned his advances. When she refused him, he killed her and then drank poison to end his own life. Do you not smell it?” Grabbing the discarded cup and vial, she held it out for those nearest to her to smell the sickening sweet scent of raw opium.
All stared in stunned disbelief at her words.
Jacob, who had known Setti best, refused to believe the story. But, he also knew none of the others were brave enough to stand with him and disprove SobeKnefru's theory. For now, SobeKnefru had won.
Not believing a single word the Queen spoke, Imtep snapped at Sabni, “I want you and our priests to take Setti's body back to the Temple.” The priests quickly lifted the still body of the not yet ordained Pharaoh and rushed away from the chaos filling the palace as word spread of Setti's death.
Pharaoh had taken his own life?
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Chapter Four
The priests placed Setti's body with great reverence upon the stone altar positioned before the gigantic, golden statue of Amun Ra. Not long passed when Imtep stormed inside the Temple.
"I care not what that bitch says, Setti did not commit suicide! Do you know what this means? It means SobeKnefru now has a clear pathway to the Throne. All that stands between her and the Double Crown is a baby!” His wild, disoriented gaze settled on Sabni. “You!” He pointed an accusing finger at the paling man. “You are to remain close to her as you have in the past. You are our only link to power with the death of this poor man.” Defeated, Imtep looked upon Setti and closed the dead man's eyes.
