by Wend Petzler
Stunned by her troubling words, Setti sat, unsure how to respond. Deciding the time not proper with an audience a few feet away, he inclined his head to her. “Kate, later we will speak more privately when others are not about to hear our conversation. Rest, it takes less than half a day's journey before we reach Thebes.” Rising to his feet, he went to speak with Hotep.
Getting comfortable, Kate took a long pull on the wine skin, needing the reinforcement of the potent alcohol. “Lord, what hell have I tripped into this time?” She asked herself, miserable and happy at the same time, divided by what must be done. After Setti claimed his throne, she must return to her own time, far from the torment of wanting Setti and the constant onslaught to her senses and body. No matter how heavenly each moment in his arms was.
Chanting a tune about the hunting lion and his prey, the men kept in time as they rowed, eager to bring their Pharaoh home. Lulled by their deep voices, Kate fell asleep. What seemed like hours later, a hand gently shook her shoulder, startling her upward, her fists balled up and ready to fight.
Squatting on his haunches, Setti easily avoided getting punched, shaking his head at her amazing spirit. “Please, take my hand. I wish to show you my birthplace. I want you to see my home, the most beautiful city in Egypt.” Setti extended his hand out to her, hoping she would not shun him. When she hesitantly accepted, Setti felt a warmth settle around his heart and rose, taking her with him. Pointing over the grayish-green waters, he grinned, “Thebes!"
In all her dreams, she never came close in imaging what Thebes looked like in the ancient days of Egypt. Thebes of the future remained a shadowy fragment of the expansive city rising above the shallow shores of the great Nile. Towering, white walls protecting the city rose majestically. The sun's bright rays illuminated the twenty-four golden sphinxes guarding the road leading to the enormous bronze inlaid, wooden gates belonging to Thebes. Archers and soldiers walked the walls, on guard, ready to defend the city.
Waiting with baited breath, he watched her reaction to his home and was not disappointed. Kate cried at the magnificence of Thebes. “Welcome to the City of the Dead. We, Egyptians, believe in honoring the dead while living a full and rich life. Many tombs are built under the city, giving loved ones comfort knowing the ones who made the journey to the Afterlife are close at hand,” Setti explained.
The oarsmen manned the ship until its side bumped against the wooden docks. Thick, braided ropes were tossed to the waiting boys who quickly tied off the boat, securing it. The soldiers prepared to disembark, unsure how to proceed with Pharaoh onboard, remembering his order to hide his identity.
Hotep made the decision.
"Ready the prisoners. We will take them straight away to the Royal Vizier,” Hotep commanded loudly, inclining his covered head ever so slightly at the approach of ten men, wearing blue loincloths, charging toward them.
Setti helped Sabni to his feet, placing a protective arm around the terrified man's hunched shoulders. Kate placed her hand over the trembling priest's, taken back when Sabni grabbed her and held her tight when he saw the Shedty coming.
Hotep made a big show of checking them over, whispering to Setti. “Keep your eyes down and refrain from looking the Shedty in the eye. You are in the custody of Ramose. They will not dare contest his authority.” Jerking his head for them to follow, his men surrounded them. The Shedty strode in pairs, intercepting the group with hands on the hilts of their swords, prepared for a fight.
The apparent leader briefly bowed to Hotep, his dark, scarred features savage-looking. Trying to get a better look at the trio partially hidden behind the clustered soldiers, he introduced himself, “I am Dak, second in command to SobeKnefru's personal bodyguard. The Pharaoh Queen commands me apprehend those people in your custody."
Hotep grinned broadly, folding his brawny arms before him. “My orders come personally from Ramose, the Royal Vizier. My prisoners are to be taken to the palace and presented before him. Ramose wishes to interrogate them."
Growing irate at the blatant impertinence of Ramose's guard, Dak took a menacing step forward. Drawing his sword, he paused when a horn blew, announcing the approach of the Vizier and a full regiment of soldiers. Dismayed, he watched Ramose storm down the dock wearing a sword belted around his thick waist, his white linen robes flowing behind him.
"Why are the Shedty in my city?” Ramose roared, furious at finding SobeKnefru's men so dangerously near the man he personally sought.
Refusing to bow to the Vizier, Dak's sneered at the old man and declared, “We do not take orders from you! Sobe...” were the last words out of his mouth.
Ramose's sword arced, cleaving the man's head clean from his limp, falling body. Snarling at the shocked Shedty, Ramose stood holding the bloody sword clutched firmly in his hand. “Tell that bitch, who hides in Itj-towy, if she dares send another of her Shedty in my city, I will personally execute every last one. Have I made myself clear?"
One of the more intelligent of the Shedty bowed his head, motioning for his companions to gather the dead man's body and head. “I will relay your message, my lord.” The men hastened to leave before the Vizier changed his mind and ordered them all beheaded.
Ramose felt a certain satisfaction at killing the arrogant bastard until a deep voice spoke behind him, a voice so familiar it brought tears to his eyes.
"You really should have killed them all. SobeKnefru will only send more.” Setti's grin brightened as Ramose slowly turned around, his eyes widening when he recognized him.
"Is it really you? Has my beloved grandson come home?” Ramose asked almost breathlessly, his dark eyes shining bright with hope.
Casting a worried look about the busy dock, Setti shook his head. “Not here. Let us go to the palace and speak in a more private setting."
Startled, Ramose knew the boy was right. He mentally reminded himself Setti was not a boy anymore but Pharaoh. “Hotep, escort your prisoners to the palace.” Once more the great Vizier, Ramose handed his sword over to his personal assistant and strode away, barely able to keep a straight face, thankful his daughter's second son alive and home at last.
Grandson? Kate stood, unable to comprehend what she heard. Setti was grandson to the great Ramose? Hiccupping again, the horror of seeing a man decapitated before her was the most hideous thing she'd ever seen in her whole life. Jumping when she felt a hand touch her shoulder, she glanced up to see Setti gazing down at her, a look of sympathy on his handsome features.
There on the docks, it fully struck Kate at what Ancient Egypt meant. Life and death was held not only in the balance of sickness or old age, but in the hands of powerful men and women who decided either on a whim or a flash of justice to kill. As Pharaoh, Setti's law was absolute. A simple word spoken and a man could be killed as easily as ordering a cup of coffee. Cringing away from the tall Egyptian, she reached a consoling hand out to Sabni who stared, transfixed by the vivid red blood staining the timber, hypnotized by the gruesome sight.
Ignoring the flash of hurt in Setti's eyes, she urged Sabni to come with her. “Do not worry, Sabni. It will not be your fate to die by the sword,” Kate whispered. Sorrow welled inside her as she spoke the false words. It will be the priest's fate if Setti wished to end the curse cast upon him by Sabni.
Feeling her withdrawal was like a knife thrust deep in his heart. Setti berated himself for allowing his heart to soften in the first place. He should have known it would come down to this when Kate fully realized what being Pharaoh truly meant. There was no glamour in it for him, only a game of survival. One he must win, if he wished to take his place upon the Egyptian Throne and safeguard Egypt for his nephew to inherit. Making sure Kate and Sabni followed, he kept in front of them in case something went terribly wrong along their way to the palace.
Walking down the road guarded by the magnificent, golden sphinxes, Kate gawked at the massive architecture of the immense buildings, the intricate detail of alabaster columns, almost weeping at the brilliant ingenuity of the
talented craftsmen who built them. They continued down the busy main street, unhindered as merchants and slaves scrambled out of the Vizier's way. Heading directly to the palace built high on the hill above the city, the palace guards, armed with shield and spear, lined the white, alabaster colonnades and with a loud clip of their heels, the men saluted Ramose as he approached. Two burly men, leopard skin draped over their shoulders, opened the huge doors for him and his company to enter the palace.
Jaw dropping again from the stunning splendor of the inner palace, her head spun from the magnificence of the architecture and art displayed along the hallways. The mirror-like obsidian floors were polished to perfection. Kate returned her attention to Sabni, placing her arm around the quaking priest. Sabni looked haunted, appearing as if he were reliving an old memory. They walked past a set of ceiling high, double doors bearing the images of two, golden lions bearing full manes. The all seeing eye of Ra rose above the regal pair. Ramose continued through the maze of hallways, finally ending up at another courtyard.
Two men in white loincloths opened the gilded double doors for the Vizier and his entourage. Stepping aside to allow Ramose and his guests to enter the chambers, the guards stared, intrigued by the red-haired woman whose pretty eyes grew round in awe.
Rendered speechless by the glory and beauty of the amazing craftsmanship of the Ancients, Kate gasped, studying the painted murals along the walls, depicting sleek cats and predatory birds in various poses of hunting. Golden statues of lions and Egyptian cats prowling were placed along the interior of the beautiful chamber. The artwork depicted how the artist took pride and dedication in creating such beauty for the Vizier. Entering the second chamber, Kate was stunned as she viewed the sheer opulence of the Vizier's personal entertaining quarters. Serene scenes of the Nile and beautiful birds bearing plumes of pale pink and gold, danced in the soft green waters decorated the beige walls.
Serving girls rushed forth carrying wine and fruit. Chairs were provided for their ease. Setti's eyes grew misty as he viewed his grandfather's private courtyard and chambers. Without warning, Ramose spun around and gathered him close, holding Setti in a bear hug. Silent tears fell from the old man's dark eyes. For a single instance Setti stood, unable to move or return the gesture until memories of a loving childhood flooded back. Returning his grandfather's hug, the burden of being without family slowly lifted, and Setti felt whole again. His grandfather stepped back and gripped Setti's biceps in a firm grip.
"Before all present, I defy SobeKnefru's orders we are never to speak or write your name.” Ramose drew his shoulders back, pride and defiance in his dark eyes, “Welcome home, Setti."
A slight, amused smile made Setti's mouth pull to the side and bowed his head. “Thank you, Grandfather."
Regaining his composure, Ramose awkwardly patted Setti's bulging forearms. “Come, sit and rest. You will tell me where you have been these past four years.” He sat down in a comfortable chair, his attention drawn to the wild man devouring a bowl of dates. The woman who traveled with Setti wrestled to get it back, finally offering a glass of water as enticement. Able to get a good look at the man's dirty face, he gasped, recognizing him past the shaggy beard.
"Setti, do you know who that man is?” Ramose demanded, glaring at the traitor as the frightened man cried out, scrambling backward. Sabni buried his face in the folds of the red-haired woman's dress. She had the audacity to glare back at him, Ramose, one of the most feared men in Egypt. How intriguing, he thought.
"Yes, I know who he is. Our fate is bound together. He, who must not be named, is the key to end my curse,” Setti explained as Kate attempted to calm Sabni. The confused man started slapping his head, weeping in tormented agony.
Ramose sat back in his chair, the truth sinking in what Setti said. “I heard rumors about a man unable to die, cursed to live forever. You are the one condemned by the traitor of Ra?"
"He is no traitor!” Kate snapped, momentarily forgetting her manners. “SobeKnefru is responsible for making him fall in love with her. If he really wanted to hurt Setti he could have killed him, instead he gave him an immortal life. I agree what was done to Setti was terribly cruel and wrong, but Sabni had crossed the line for the love of a woman, the wrong woman."
Unsure about how to react to Setti's companion, Ramose decided to be gracious for she appeared to have traveled a long way, the dark circles under her eyes made the bluish-purple depths darker. “We all have felt the madness of what love can do to us, in one form or another. Since he is here of his own free will, I will be lenient and not have him put to death. As to you, young lady, I believe a hot bath and a soft bed is in order.” Ramose clapped his hands twice and an older woman appeared. She wore a simple brown tunic, her right shoulder bared and a slave bracelet attached around her upper arm. “Take her to a guest room in my wing. Have fresh clothes brought to her and a bath drawn.” His kind, dark eyes turned to Kate whose jaw slacked by his generosity. “Later, after you bathed and slept, I will have a servant fetch you for lunch. Go with Pariah, she is my most loyal slave."
Kate rose, bowing to the Vizier. “Many thanks, my lord, for your generous nature.” Worried, she turned to Setti, ignoring the sexy, amused half-smile of his, steeling her heart against the bittersweet ache she felt every time he did that to her. “Make sure nothing happens to Sabni. If you need help with him, come and get me. Oh, I'd better give these back to you.” Withdrawing his shawl necklace and belt from her backpack, she held the items out to him. Avoiding his inquiring gaze, she hefted the heavy backpack over her shoulder.
"Yes, Kate,” Setti replied, giving up when she refused to look at him. “Go and rest. I will see you in a while.” Setti bowed respectfully to her as Kate followed the servant out of the chamber. Distracting Sabni, he handed back the bowl of dates when the man issued a loud protest about Kate leaving him, his attention centering instead on the offered treat.
Arching a dark eyebrow at his grandson, Ramose motioned a servant to pour wine for him and Setti. “What a remarkable woman you travel with."
Grinning broadly, Setti accepted the gold goblet from the serving girl. “Grandfather, you have no idea! Kate has a resourceful nature and proven to be quite invaluable in our journey."
Frowning at the priest gobbling up the fruit, Ramose dared not think of the dreadful conditions the once proud pupil of Imtep had endured. Sabni had become little more than a beggar. “Young Kate is correct. SobeKnefru is responsible for ruining the priest. Sad really, he possesses the Sight, which was why Imtep and I made him Guardian of the Black Book."
"He does?” Setti glanced down at Sabni, now asleep on the hardwood floor. A serving girl took pity on him and carefully slid a pillow under his dirty head while another servant cautiously tossed a blanket over him. Sabni continued to snore, clutching the bowl, oblivious to their efforts in making him comfortable.
"Oh, yes. It was why SobeKnefru pursued his companionship. If she had him in her bed, she would possess his Sight and the Black Book. Come, let us take you to your quarters. You must wash and rest."
"What about him?” Concerned about leaving the priest unprotected, Setti knew Kate would be angry him if anything should happen to Sabni.
"Worry not, Hotep and his best men will personally watch over him. No one will enter my chambers without my permission, unless they wish to die.” Ramose's voice was dark, filled with menacing tones.
"I think it more prudent if I use one of the guest rooms, instead of my own quarters. Less gossip for the servants.” Setti did not want to admit it, but he wasn't ready to see his old chambers. The memories were much too painful to bear, especially after so many years had passed.
Giving Setti a measuring look, Ramose finally nodded. “As you wish."
Kate felt her waning spirits lift at the prospect of a real bath. The servant pushed open the heavy door and stepped aside, her eyes remained downcast as Kate entered the cool chamber. An enormous bed, with the fine netting pulled back, set to the left of the delightfu
l, airy room. Trailing her fingers along the emerald green comforter made from dyed, soft linen, it was filled with fluffy cotton, springy to the touch. Dropping her backpack on the floor, she shoved it under the bed for safekeeping. Several more women hurried inside the chamber and quickly removed Kate's clothes before urging her into the warm waters of the sunken tub. They were about to assist her in bathing, halting when she raised her hands.
"Please, I can bathe on my own. Can I just have some time alone?” she pleaded, wanting to float in the beautiful pool and relax.
Pariah smiled in sympathy and clapped her hands. “Let us leave our guest to her own.” Bowing to the relieved, young woman, “If you should have need of me, ring the bell and I shall come forthwith."
"Thank you for your kindness,” Kate smiled gratefully. The sweet woman ushered the serving girls from the chamber and closed the doors behind her.
Alone at last! Kate tilted her head back and floated, enjoying the lotus scented water hardly believing the incredible adventure she had embarked upon when she had searched for the elusive Scarab King, or the journey she had traversed when she had found him. Or the good fortune in winding up in the very city she studied three thousand years in the future. Tired from walking through the desert, riding in a hard, wooden boat or on a camel and sleeping on the ground, she forced her weary body to move. Reaching for a clay jar filled with a fragrant substance she assumed to be a shampoo-like mixture and dipped her fingers in it. Rubbing the creamy textured liquid between her palms, she lathered it into her long hair. Sighing with delight at having her hair clean at last, she slipped under the water and rinsed out the soap. Taking a bar of mashed oat and honey combined with boiled down fat, she scrubbed her body free of grit and dirt.
Once Kate felt properly clean, she wearily left the tub. Grabbing a linen sheet to dry with, she stumbled over to the enticing bed. Eyes burning with the need for sleep, she drew back the beautifully sewn comforter and crawled under it, pulling it up to her ears. Wrapping her arms around one of the fluffy pillows, she pretended it was Setti, though it compared little to his wide, hard chest or smooth, warm flesh. Nor did it have the steady rhythm of his beating heart. Exhaustion won over her breaking heart and she fell into a troubled asleep.
