The Trader´s Pact

by Nathaniel Burns

  Shabaka looked at her with a mixture of shock and confusion on his face.

  “If a boy had a talent for cooking or baking it would be encouraged, because bakers are always needed. But someone like Yani, who bakes the best bread in all of Thebes, no one encouraged her. Even now, she seeks permission to do something that comes so natural to her, something she is so truly gifted in. It… it… it is annoying. Yani only really started to barter her skill and the goods she made when it became uncertain as to when we would return.” Neti again pointed to her per-nefer as she said, “And that girl is no different. She could have had a skill, a much needed skill, but because she is a girl her usefulness and innocence is considered more important than any of her skills.”

  Shabaka looked at her for several moment, obviously uncertain as to what to say, however eventually nodded.

  Neti turned to enter her per-nefer and nearly walked right into a man and a woman. Her brows furrowed as she glared at them, demanding, “What do you want?”

  The man glared in return and said, “You are the most disrespectful woman I have ever encountered.”

  Neti rose both her brows as she countered, “So says the man who is in my per nefer without an invitation.”

  Shabaka stepped in after her and moved to the side, before saying, “Neti this is Eema and Abhar, the are the young girl’s parents.”

  Neti pointed to the man and said, “Well you can arrest him…” Before obviously changing her mind and flatly stated, “No, you know what, maybe we should have them watch how I butcher their daughter.”

  “Neti,” Shabaka cautioned. The woman, Eema visibly retreated at Shabaka’s tone. Neti however did not move or heed. “Perhaps they would want to know why she even killed herself.”

  “Neti,” Shabaka cautioned, firmer the second time.

  “And why not,” Neti countered. “He shows no remorse for the loss of his daughter, she did not live in a home she lived in a prison. Her fate would be negotiated whether she liked it or not.”

  Eema visibly cowered as Abhar stepped forward and slapped Neti. The force of the strike sent Neti reeling backwards. However before Shabaka could respond Neti called, “Hazam!”

  The bearer immediately stepped forward. Using his superior strength he easily captured both of the man’s arms and held him in place. The man made to struggle, causing Hazam’s knuckles to turn white every so often.

  The woman looked about her, bewildered, as Neti lifted her hand to press against her cheekbone to alleviate the pain. Neti looked at the woman and said, “From her reaction I would say this is a normal response for him.” Neti said turning towards Shabaka, “I doubt I need any more confirmation that he dictated matters around his home. Or that the girl feared her father’s wrath so much that she was willing to chance taking her own life.”

  Shabaka looked at Neti, visibly in shock as she continued, “Restrain him, and then take him to the chamber where his daughter lies, I think being in the company of her body would serve as a reminder enough of what has been lost.”

  She then turned to her other bearer, “Once he is secured go summon a runner, preferably an eunuch, to take the mother home. An embalming chamber is no place for a mother.”

  “What do you want me to do?” Shabaka asked.

  “I would say that once I am done you should take him to Ramesses on the charge of hitting a prefect, but that would seem heavy handed.” said Neti

  “You did ask for it.” Shabaka asked.

  “So you will excuse any man who strikes a woman on the basis that she asked for it?”

  Shabaka seemed hesitant, causing Neti to counter, “But then women may be beaten, just as one would beat a lazy donkey or camel.”

  Shabaka looked shocked as Neti turned to the mother, her tone and manner greatly softened as she spoke, “I am so sorry for your loss.”

  The woman hesitantly looked at Neti, before allowing her face to portray her real emotions, “She was my only daughter. I really thought the Gods answered my prayers when she came back the last time. Even this time I did not think we would have this.”

  “I have to ask,” Neti started and immediately the woman’s back went ramrod straight. “Has your daughter ever seen a herbalist or asked about herbs?”

  The woman looked confused but answered, “She would often gather herbs and barter them at the market. Not many women had the time and would often look for her.”

  “I see, and what did she barter for these herbs?”

  “She’s bartered a pair of sandals once, more often bread or fruit, it depended on what the other person was willing to barter. But mostly it was things like weaving grass, horsehair or short stretches of fabric. Gera liked to look nice. She even wove her own wig because her father would not trade for one.”

  Eema hesitantly look around when two more men entered, the first was a member of the mejay the second was a runner.

  Neti turned to the woman and said, “I summoned someone to escort you home. You do not belong here. I would much rather spare you the torment.”

  Eema nodded, however made to speak, but then hesitated.

  “I will inform your husband that you were taken home,” Shabaka said.

  As the woman turned to leave, Neti turned towards her chamber. Passing Shabaka she threw over her shoulder, “Are you coming to oversee my butchering of the body.”

  “You are not serious,” Shabaka said in obvious disbelief before quickly following, “…but you never just cut a body.”

  “I don’t need to.” Neti countered, “Given the time passed, and the fact that I know what to look for, I only need to check some things.”

  “Then the father?” Shabaka asked, obviously confused.

  “He will come face to face with some realities.” Neti said before pushing aside the fabric that separated the chamber from the passage.

  On their entry, Abhar fought his bounds while Hazam calmly stood besides him.

  Neti looked from Abhar to the sheet covered body as it lay on the platform, however said nothing. Her cheek still stung from the blow she’d received. Neti approached the table with implements and lit one of the lamps before flatly stating. “We were called to the scene with your daughter yesterday morning.” She then looked up at the man before finishing, “It took you long enough to report her missing.”

  The man made to say something however Neti silenced him by holding up her hand and firmly stating, “This is my chamber. If you talk out of place I will seek permission to have your tongue cut out.”

  Abhar glared at her almost challenging, then made to say something, however Neti instantaneously instructed Hazam, “Gag the man, I have no time for insolent comments.” Once done, Neti picked up the lit lamp and moved towards the platform. She tied it above the body before taking hold of the end of the sheet. Neti quickly flicked the sheet away from the body before collecting together the fabric and placing it to one side. She heard struggling again but ignored the man as she walked back to the platform and lit a second lamp. She then poured water from the pitcher into the basin and proceeded to wash her hands. She dried them before colleting up the lamp and handing it to Shabaka.

  “Do you need someone to take notes?” Shabaka hesitantly asked.

  Neti shook her head and said, “I will make them once I am done here. I need you to hold the lamp over her head, I have to check something.”

  Neti then moved to the girl’s head and pointed to Shabaka where she needed him to hold the lamp. Carefully, she pried open the girl’s mouth, pulling a face before looking inside.

  “By Ra! That smells strong.” Shabaka said

  “I think the herbs she consumed may have something to do with that.” Neti said as she carefully checked the tongue and cheeks of the girl.

  “What are you looking for?” asked Shabaka.

  “Sores or raw spots.” said Neti.

  “And are there any?” asked Shabaka.

  “On her cheeks, I can’t see farther, but I will guess she has the same sores in her throa
t as well.”

  Shabaka did not answer but stepped away as soon as Neti moved. “You can place the lamp back on the platform and bring me one of the linen cloths there.”

  Shabaka moved to collect the cloth while Neti adjusted the wick on the lamp suspended above. She then moved down the girl’s body and ran her hand over the girl’s distended abdomen. She felt for the navel before placing both hands below it and applying pressure.

  Shabaka came to stand next to her and offered her the piece of linen before she moved towards the girl’s legs. Carefully she moved them apart and could once again hear a struggle from behind her but ignored it. Using the rag, Neti picked up the small red mass there, covering it with the rag entirely and then turned towards Abhar and said, “When pregnant women or girls die, their bodies secrete a poison that kills their unborn child. After death the body then builds up gas, which is why her abdomen and body are already distended. Depending on how long she has been with child, her body may expel the child.” Neti then held the piece of fabric before her and opened it to reveal the red mass. Neti again covered the mass before moving to the platform and placing it to the side. Before turning back to Abhar, continuing, “Your daughter was with child. It was also why she chose to end her life by consuming very dangerous herbs. She had also been with child for some time, given the fact that the babe was not that small that the body would keep it. Your daughter did not feel safe enough in her own home to acknowledge this, even though she was kidnapped and the possibility of her being with child most likely.” Neti took a deep breath.

  Even though Abhar was restrained and gagged Neti could see the anger in his eyes however pushed on. “I would guess that she could not come to terms with the shame she felt or the censure she was certain you would subject her to, so she took matters into her own hands.” Neti pointed to the body on the table. Her voice angry as she spoke, “But the saddest thing is, the most regretful thing, her Ba has now been condemned to Apep. And no matter what is done, what chant is spoken or spell cast, her heart will be consumed by the God Thoth, it’s sins far greater than Maat. For not only was she judged harshly in this world she will be judged harshly in the eternal world since you, in your censure and domination, have not just robbed her of this life, you have also robbed her of her eternal life. It is an unforgivable act. Apep however thanks you for her. And waits for you, for the gods will certainly judge you harshly for this.”

  Shabaka looked at Neti, dumbstruck. Neti then turned to face him and said, “So if you want to know why I am angry, why I was angry when I arrived, there is your reason. A young woman would rather take her own life to be spared a life of censure. All because a man decided she would be worthless, possibly even a burden if it was discovered she was with child.”

  Neti then turned to Abhar and Hazam, commanding “Get him out of here. I have no time for people who bring such things upon others.”

  Abhar looked at Neti, his expression failed to hide his shock. Hazam pulled at his arm, however the man did not move. It was almost as if he had been rooted to the spot. His eyes narrowed, however with the gag he could say nothing.

  Neti’s eyes narrowed as she said, “You may wish for all evils to befall me, but your heart will one day be measured against the feather of maat. And it may be wrong for me to feel such anger towards you, but my anger is founded in concern and compassion for another. Your actions… the gods will judge.” Neti then reached up and again pressed her cheek, “The same as the Gods will judge all of your actions and the pain you inflict on others.”

  Neti then nodded her head and said to Hazam, “Get him out of here, even if you have to carry him, he makes me feel sick.”

  Hazam roughly shoved the man towards the covered doorway, while Neti again picked up the sheet and cast it over the girl’s body.

  Shabaka approached, and made to say something however Neti cut him short. “I don’t want to talk about it.” She then took a deep breath before turning to him, confiding, “My father once told me that the Gods choose to test us in the strangest of manners, they will create situations from which we are to learn. And try as I may, I simply cannot see reason in this.”

  “I cannot either.” Said Shabaka.

  5

  Chapter Five

  The sun had barely risen over the far tops of Thebes when a royal runner rudely interrupted the occupants of Neti’s home. His appearance was akin to that of a man having run as if the serpents of Apep were after him.

  His sudden arrival and distressed appearance instantly had Neti concerned for both the pharaoh and Shabaka, while his unwillingness to disclose the exact urgency of her summons, or the reason for her appearance at court in the palace, concerned Neti. She had no knowledge of any matters they were to bring before Ramesses however gathered up her things and quickly moved her wig into position. Bumping her cheekbone she hissed and then tentatively touched the area before leaving with the runner.

  The royal runner jogged irritably while hurrying her along as they made for the palace. His actions only caused Neti even greater concern, particularly since she was familiar enough with proceedings within the palace to know that such haste so early in the morning was not needed. Matters of the court or for Ramesses’ attention would wait until after Ramesses’ morning meal.

  Neti entered the courtyard with the runner, who then halted and doubled over to draw in huge gulps of air, even Neti felt flushed after the brisk walk. The guards lowered their heads in acknowledged and gestured for her to continue on.

  Even before entering the hall she could hear a humming in the air, something she found extraordinary strange. Especially since it was unheard of that Ramesses would agree to a sitting so early. For a moment she stood and tried to remember if there could be any reason, even one she may have forgotten, for matters to start as early.

  The guards at the gilded doors waited patiently for Neti to regain her breath and composure before opening the gilded doors. Neti held her head high as she stepped into the room. Within moments she identified a number of the elders and could feel her hesitation claw at her. The elders were all grouped together, those who had always been most verbal in their opposition to her.

  Keeping her head high and her step steady she walked to the front of the assembly hall and lowered to her knee. Lowering her head she respectfully addressed Ramesses, “Good morning my Lord, you summoned.”

  “Yes I have, rise my child.” Ramesses said, this tone formal but not angry. It was enough of an indication to Neti that her appearance in the court was of a formal nature.

  Neti’s heart pounded in her chest as she lifted her head and rose from her position. Glancing to the side, where she expected Shabaka to stand, she was immediately taken aback on recognizing an elder with the dead girl’s father Abhar. She knew immediately the reason for her appearance and also why so many of the elders had been called together.

  On reaching her full height, Ramesses exclaimed, “By Ra! What happened to your face?”

  “I am certain, my Lord, that you will be informed soon enough” Neti said, for a moment glancing towards Abhar.

  Ramesses response sent a new wave of humming through the air, however did little to alleviate Neti’s immediate concerns.

  Ramesses called for silence and then turned back to Neti, before starting. “I have received a request from some of the elders that an inquiry be held into your recent conduct. They have come to me with the charges that your conduct and manner has on occasion been disrespectful and at other times bordering on being demeaning. Since you are one of my trusted, I view these accusations far harsher than I would with another.”

  “I understand, my Lord.” Neti replied.

  “Since you are one of my prefects, I will allow you to choose one to speak in your defense as to the events pertaining to these charges.”

  “My Lord, I choose the prefect Shabaka. He was present and understand the conditions.”

  A mumble again started in the hall as Shabaka was summoned. Neti expected some reprieve how
ever Shabaka appeared within moments and Neti knew without a doubt that he’s been present in the palace all along.

  The room again grew silent as he approached Ramesses and also lowered to the floor, “My Lord, I accept.” before rising and moving to stand next to Neti. Neti shifted her weight from one foot to the other, watching as the men settled into position.

  The scribe called for calm before the pharaoh’s official announcer spoke.

  “The matter brought before Ramesses as urgent, has been brought to the court by the elders of the Garat area.” The man gestured towards a small grouping of men who also approached the pharaoh.

  “The pharaoh requests that the person elected to lead the charges step forward.” The announcer said before stepping back.

  Ramesses stood and said. “Since you have laid this charge, you are to inform Prefect Neti what these charges are.”

  The elder, Meht stepped forward and with much ado spoke, “My Lord and most revered Pharaoh of all of Egypt. Unlike you we have not been fooled by the tricks and antics of a deceitful woman.”

  “What!” Ramesses exclaimed, “You choose not only to insult me but the Prefect Neti as well!” Ramesses demanded. “I will have you thrown from the room if you again speak to me in such a manner. You demand a hearing, immediately only to insult me!”

  Meht looked visibly chided and quickly lowered his head, “My apologies, my Lord.”

  Neti could feel a smile build but tried her utmost to prevent it forming on her lips. While she was familiar enough with the proceedings it appeared as if the elder was allowing his own opinion to cloud his actions.

  “Proceed!”

  “Yes, my Lord,” Meth said and then visibly puffed himself up to look taller before continuing. “It has been obvious to several of the elders that Neti Kerti, while no longer actively practicing as an embalmer has on occasion behaved in a disrespectful manner towards others. We have brought this matter before you today as we have increasingly become aware of her disdain and superior behavior towards others.”