by Wend Petzler
Amused, Kate shrugged her shoulders. “Oh, he's probably getting ready to claim his throne by now."
"He cannot claim the Double Crown! I wear it,” she screamed, desiring to rip the disrespectful bitch apart with her bare hands.
"You won't be wearing it for long, I guarantee it.” Kate smiled, growing amused by the tantrum the smaller woman prepared to throw.
SobeKnefru halted in her tracks, blinking at the sure confidence in the woman's voice. “You think Setti can just enter my palace and kill me?"
"Apparently you do. Why did you kill Yoshabel?” Kate asked, keeping a wary eye on the volatile woman.
"She was in my way, just like Amenemhet and Setti. I grew tired of being second and I shall never be again!"
"I see. You are admitting to a stranger you murdered Pharaoh Amenemhet the Fourth? My, my, what arrogance you possess.” Goading the smaller woman, Kate wanted to get the interrogation over and be sent back to her cell, away from the murderous glare in those blazing, dangerous eyes.
SobeKnefru's red lips curled in a snarl, wanting to tear the bitch's hair out when Michael entered the courtyard. “Why do you come when you were not sent for?” she demanded hotly.
"I wanted to make sure you didn't do anything irrational, like kill dear Kate for instance. Remember our plans. We need her alive to control Setti when he comes. And we both know it is only a matter of time before he arrives.” Controlling a herd of wild horses was far easier than keeping one woman from deviating from their plan.
Annoyed by his interference, she knew he was right. “Fine, but once I am made immortal, I will personally slit her throat. Agreed?"
Bowing low at the waist, he straightened, “Agreed, my Queen. Shall I escort Kate back to her cell?"
Waving a fine-boned hand, dismissing Michael, SobeKnefru stormed from the courtyard, far too angry to speak.
Mike glared at Kate who simply smiled up at him. “Miss Martin, you have a death wish, don't you?” Grabbing her arm, he dragged her along.
"Perhaps. When do you plan to bring back the mummified body of SobeKnefru?"
Halting in his tracks, Mike's head whipped around to look at her. “What do you mean?
Acting innocent, she schooled her features to look surprised. “Did you not know? Jarha told me you needed SobeKnefru's mummy in order to complete the immortality ritual."
"We shall send for SobeKnefru's body after the feast. Afterwards, we will perform the Ritual of Resurrection, uniting the Pharaoh Queens into a living goddess.” His voice rang with elation, finally having the key to making SobeKnefru an immortal.
"Is Sabni going to make the potion?” Kate asked innocently, inwardly amazed Mike continued to listen to her suggestions.
"What potion?” he demanded, suddenly unsure if his information correct from what was taught him by the Shedty of the future.
"Did you not know Sabni made a pact with Anubis, infusing the Jackal God's spirit into a potion concocted from a spell in the Black Book?"
"How do you know these things?"
Shaking her head at his obvious blindness, she replied, “Because I ask questions. Maybe you should speak to Sabni about what happened the night he placed the curse upon Setti."
Instead of answering, Mike dragged her to another cell. Jerking his head for the guard to open it, he stepped inside. “Sabni, I want you and the priest to make SobeKnefru immortal like you did Setti!” Mike barked at the chanting priests, his patience at an end.
Sabni visibly paled, frantically looking at Kate, calming when she winked at him. “I will need the Black Book and supplies to make the potion."
Mistrustful, Mike conceded to the request. “Take the priests to Inarus’ private chambers. You will have all you require there.” He stepped out from the chamber, hauling Kate with him when Sabni halted him.
"I need Kate's help."
"No, you don't. Go with the guards and get to work on the potion."
A determined look came over Sabni's features. “If SobeKnefru wants to be immortal, you will leave Kate with us,” he growled softly. “If you do not, then the cold-hearted bitch can do it herself!"
Surprised, Mike drew back slightly, unsure what harm it could do to leave the three together. “Fine, I will allow Kate to remain with you. If you try anything funny, I promise her death will leave a lasting impression upon you all!” He instructed the guards to take them. “Keep a close eye on them, especially when Sabni reads from the Black Book. I have matters to attend."
Surprised Mike allowed her to remain with Sabni and Jarha, Kate wondered if he really knew how powerful they were. His loss, she surmised, staying close to Sabni's side. They were taken to the Shedty Temple built on the far south side of the palace. The guards came to a halt and opened the door to Inarus’ chamber. The room appeared to have been stripped bare of anything of value, most likely taken in tribute to Queen SobeKnefru. Bottles of all shapes and sizes, some glass, some clay, lined a long table with short legs. She took a seat on the narrow bed the former High Priest once used as Jarha and Sabni examined the bottles and their contents.
The door opened, admitting a Shedet priest nervously cradling the Black Book in his arms. He was followed by three other priests. The Black Book was reverently placed in Sabni's hands. They bowed in deep respect for the immense mystic power the priest of Ra possessed. Sabni solemnly returned the gesture. Taking the Black Book, he knelt before the altar and began chanting the protective spells. The Shedty priests hurried out of the room when Sabni opened the thick plated pages, searching for the right incantation. Rising, he spoke quietly to Jarha who went about collecting the ingredients required to accomplish their goal.
Several hours later, food and honeyed wine were brought to them. Hearing shouts and music, Kate realized the Celebration of the Dead had commenced outside. The revelry resounded in the streets and into the open window of their chamber. A knock wrapped on the door, admitting Mike decked out in a beaded shawl necklace and wide bracelets adorned his wrists. Blue-gold earrings dangled from his freshly pierced ears. Bare-chested, he wore a blue-dyed linen loincloth and a wide, white pleated belt tied about his waist, the excess falling past his knees. Having not completely adhered to tradition of a Shedet priest, his wheat-colored hair remained intact, falling about his shoulders, blue and gold painted beads intertwined in braided sections.
"Kate, the Pharaoh Queen commands you be brought to the Feast of the Dead."
Scowling at him, she retorted in disgust, “Translation—that if Setti comes, SobeKnefru will use me as a body shield from his wrath."
"More or less. SobeKnefru is quite resourceful when it comes to her own survival.” he answered with much amusement at her expense.
Kate rose gracefully from the cot and went to where Sabni and Jarha sat working on the potion. “How goes it?"
Sabni spared a brief glance at the impatient foreigner. Stirring the liquid boiling in black cauldron set over a copper brazier, Sabni whispered to her, “Watch for my signal. Be prepared for anything. Setti will not allow his sister to become an immortal, I am quite certain of this.” He winked at her with a rare display of humor.
"Be careful, both of you,” she whispered back before rising, staying when Sabni grabbed her hand. He placed a small, smooth stone in the palm of her hand, quickly closing her fingers around it before anyone saw what he'd done.
Unsure what it was for, she rose to her feet. Mike grabbed her arm and led her out of the chamber, pausing to speak to the guards.
"After the Queen has given her blessing over the people, bring the priests to the Throne Room.” Smiling down at her, “Come, Kate, let us be about our destiny,” Mike ordered, leading her down the corridor.
When they entered the magnificent chamber, Kate was astounded by the melee of sound and people. Her gaze traveled to where the Queen Pharaoh sat upon a white alabaster throne, wearing the stolen Double Crown of Egypt.
Dressed in a clinging gown of shimmering gold, the fine material molded to her voluptuous, full
breasts, her tiny waist, and rounded hips. Multitudes of gold bracelets jingled from her bare, slender arms. At the base of her throne, leashed to heavy rings attached to the fire marble floor, sat a pair of five-foot crocodiles.
Mike yanked Kate's arm to keep walking, but her eyes never left those of the reptilian creatures snarling hungrily when they approached. Flicking their powerful tails, they hissed in frustration at not being able to tear into the tender flesh of the humans. Staying just out of reach of the crocodiles, Kate and Mike awaited the Queen's pleasure.
Destiny. Kate never really thought about her destiny before, not until she met Setti. Was it her destiny to help the next Pharaoh claim the Golden Throne, or was she to help a priest save his soul and return mortality to an Immortal? Confused and forced to wait, she had to be patient and see what was destined to come about.
Lighthearted music played. People laughed. Dancers writhed to the seductive music while others leapt about in daring acrobatics to entertain the dining nobles. Kate's eyes grew round, admiring the detailed elegance and sheer beauty of the Egyptian nobility. Many stared at her in open curiosity, many ignored her. Tonight, the gathering people outside the palace would receive food and drink, provided by the ruling monarch. Festival of the Dead was widely celebrated throughout Egypt. The Egyptian people believed the dead and the living co-existed harmoniously, their religious beliefs deeply ingrained since birth.
SobeKnefru rose from her throne and gracefully descended down the steps. She reclined on a low couch, watching the ruling class eat and drink from her tables. A servant, holding a black handled, ostrich plumed fan, slowly waved it over SobeKnefru, cooling her from the hot, humid air of so many bodies crammed in the spacious chamber.
As SobeKnefru idly drank from a goblet, her sultry, dark eyes lazily studied the crowd. Omar had his men positioned in intervals, ensuring her safety in case Setti decided to make an appearance. Oh, what she would give to see his face when she became an immortal. Her mood darkened when she studied Kate beside Michael. The foreign woman's arrogance irritated her. SobeKnefru's attention was distracted when the Royal Administrator approached her. She had been forced to elect the sniveling man since Ramose refused to bow to her. Ramose openly defied her orders, ruling Thebes as if he were king. She was going to enjoy killing Ramose, the arrogant bastard, after she was made an immortal. The Egyptian Army will have no choice but to obey a goddess!
"Your Majesty, your Divine presence is requested. The peasants are gathered outside and await your blessings.” The man spoke in a nasally tone, irritating her further.
"Mike, bring the woman. I must bless my people.” With great, self-importance, SobeKnefru rose, striding to the balcony.
Stomach churning, Kate glared at Mike when he grabbed her forearm and jerked her after the Queen. The poor and skilled workers had gathered below in the main courtyard, cheering when servants exited the palace. Carrying heavy baskets and trays laden with breads, honey cakes, and fresh vegetables, the soldiers handed out the food. More servants came out carrying heavy trays piled high with sliced beef, a rare treat for only the rich could afford to raise and maintain cows. Serving girls carried clay pitchers containing beer and filled wooden cups held out by people laughing and singing in celebration.
Kate scanned the crowd for anyone familiar, pausing when she noticed the scattering of dark-robed Bedouins. One man in particular made her frown, trying to remember him. When he lifted his face, scowling at the Pharaoh Queen, Kate recognized him—Raj, the thief who gave them aid. Quickly hiding her elation, she listened to SobeKnefru as the woman addressed the people below.
"My people, I give to you food and drink as we celebrate the Festival of the Dead. We honor those who have departed and have returned to walk once again with us on this blessed of all nights. Go with Sobek and rejoice so when our journey ends we may enjoy His everlasting Afterlife. Praise Sobek, father to you and beloved husband to me.” She raised her hands to the sky as if praying. The bracelets she wore clanked, shifting down her thin arms. Abruptly, she whirled about and stepped back into the chamber. Clapping her hands, SobeKnefru broke tradition again.
"I want everyone out. NOW!” Taking her place once again on the white throne, she idly played with the end of her pleated belt, acting bored as the nobles protested, mulling around in confusion when soldiers armed with spears shoved them outside, closing the doors behind them.
"Bring in the priests,” Mike shouted, taking his place behind SobeKnefru's throne.
Two guards escorted the nervous men in, followed by another who carried the Black Book and a vial filled with a dark, green liquid. Sabni and Jarha knelt before SobeKnefru, awaiting her permission to rise.
"Sabni, bring me my body from the future,” SobeKnefru commanded imperiously. Sabni's freshly shaved head jerked upward to look at her in surprise.
"My Queen, I know not where to begin such a summons!” Sabni protested, praying she would cease her madness.
"But dear Kate does. You will use her to bring me back,” she purred, smiling viciously at the way Kate paled.
Resigned, he motioned for Kate to come to him. “Trust me,” Sabni whispered to her. Chanting, he took the Black Book and flipped the thick pages until he found the right incantation. Taking a deep breath, he motioned for one of the guards to stand beside Kate and concentrated on summoning Amun Ra, not Anubis. A soft hum arose from the silent chamber, growing in intensity. The fearful guard looked to his Queen for help, receiving none.
Frightened, Kate clutched the stone in her hand, trying hard to keep her breathing normal. Gold mist surrounded her and the guard, surprising her by its soothing warmth. Feeling a bit more at ease, she let herself go, her mind expanding. She felt the light touch of a mind so vast and powerful, joining her with Sabni's. A flash of land entered her vision. Accelerating, the sandy landscape sped by, startling her. Bright stars burst into rainbows of color suddenly shifted to midnight, and they halted. Focusing her whirling vision, Kate realized she looked down at the museum in Cairo. Peering closer, she saw a stone altar and a mummy wrapped in yellowed, frayed linen resting upon it.
SobeKnefru's mummy.
Kate screamed in agony, collapsing to the stone floor. Clutching her chest, feeling something had reached right inside her, squeezing her heart. Sabni kept chanting, his voice growing stronger with each word. Lightening cracked high above without clouds to give it charge. The breeze elevated to a roaring wind. Inside the chamber flashed a brilliant white, blinding the occupants.
When the wind calmed, there sat in the middle of the room a linen wrapped mummy, wisps of golden mists rising from underneath it.
Shaking, Kate accepted Sabni's hand, rising unsteadily to her feet. Glancing around, she frowned, noticing the guard standing beside her was missing. “Where did he go?” Kate breathed hard from what she endured. Sabni grinned broadly at a very angry SobeKnefru.
"Amun Ra accepted him as a worthy sacrifice,” he simply replied. “Do not worry, you were never in danger. Not with the protection stone I gave you.” Sabni winked conspiringly at her.
She realized, growing angry, the Queen knew about the living sacrifice and hoped she would be taken in exchange for the mummified body! Glaring at the bitch sitting on the throne, Kate protested when two guards grabbed her, dragging her toward a white alabaster altar, darkly stained. Lifted onto it, she struggled but to no avail. Her feet and wrists were strapped down firmly. Terrified, she watched SobeKnefru descend from her throne.
"My Queen, what are you doing?” Mike demanded, alarmed when Omar drew his sword, grinning at his confusion.
"Dearest Michael, you should have studied my religion more acutely.” SobeKnefru smiled, near to her goal of killing the red-haired woman. “I must offer Kate to my beloved Sobek, who will ensure my immortal transformation shall be a smooth one. You will bring me the ceremonial blade,” SobeKnefru purred, a mad gleam in her dark eyes.
Regretful, he watched Kate desperately fight her bonds. “I am sorry, but I must side w
ith my Queen and do as she commands, whether it be right or wrong.” Accepting the long, wicked-looking dagger from a Shedet priest who reverently held it out to him, Mike took a deep breath. Striding over to SobeKnefru, he knelt before her, holding the blade out in front of him, his head down.
SobeKnefru accepted the blade from Michael. “Rise and know you have done your duty well. I promise to reward you handsomely when I become a living goddess."
"Yes, my Queen.” Mike rose and took his place behind her as she walked over to Kate who ceased her struggling.
Sabni took the vial of potion from Jarha and knelt beside SobeKnefru, offering it out to her. “Drink and become an immortal.” Sabni kept his head down when she accepted the vial.
"To immortality!” SobeKnefru shouted and lifted the vial to the sky, then drank all of it. She moved to stand over Kate. “My, my, what a helpless position you are in, dear Kate. Perhaps you should not have shown such contempt toward me or I might've found another to sacrifice to Sobek.” She chided, trailing the sharp tip between Kate's heaving breasts.
Deciding she'd heard enough, Kate refused to cower. “I guess anyone else in my position would plead for their life. I won't! You get off making people terrified of you.” When she looked about the chamber for help, she grinned in relief. “Well, get ready, because I see someone who frightens the hell out of you!” Kate spat triumphantly.
Amused by the woman's false bravado, SobeKnefru smiled patiently. “Oh really, who would that be?"
"That man standing behind you,” Kate replied smugly.
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Chapter Twenty Four
Watching from the courtyard below, Setti felt rage surge anew. SobeKnefru lifted her arms to the sky, inciting the crowd with her conceited words. Disgusted, Setti adjusted the deep hood over his head and nodded to Raj. The leader of the thieves signaled to his men. Raj shouted obscenities at the Shedty priests who were supervising the handing out of the food. The thieves grabbed loaves of breads and started throwing them at the stunned priests. The soldiers interceded, trying to subdue the Bedouins before a riot was incited. When SobeKnefru's guards failed to stop them, more rushed in to aid their companions, giving Setti the opening he needed. Walking right into the palace, he encountered no one along the way. Huge, lit copper braziers held back the darkness, making it easy for him to find the Throne Chamber.
