The Trader´s Pact

by Nathaniel Burns

  “Please clarify this behavior,” Shabaka demanded. Causing everyone in the room to look at him. “What may be reasonable behavior to one person could be considered distrainable by another. It is something I often encountered after moving here.”

  Meht looked at Shabaka, his eyes narrowing, before he spoke. “As a woman, certain behaviors are not tolerated. Neti Kerti has shown a complete disregard for status. She also lifts her opinion in the company of men and challenges their authority. And although this has been tolerated because of her position as one of the pharaoh’s selected, it can no longer be indulged. She has abused her authority and her position in society.”

  Shabaka thought things over for some time, leaving Neti to wonder whether she should not rather have chosen Moses

  “These are grave accusations,” Ramesses said, “But I have not seen evidence of such, nor have I heard complaints from others. I take it you have evidence of such behavior?”

  “Yes, my Lord, I do. For it was only yesterday that she crossed the line addressing this man in the most disrespectful manner while threatening to butcher his daughter. Showing that she considers herself as more superior than others, especially since a woman does not behave in such an uncaring and hateful manner. As the Elders of Thebes, we have long respected your wisdom, my Lord, but we cannot allow a woman such as her to influence our daughters and granddaughters. It is clear that she needs to be taught the position of a woman and must rightfully be stripped of her privileges and her title.”

  Again a murmur filled the room as Ramesses turned to Neti, “My child, since you have eluded to the fact that I will soon enough discover the reason as to why you appear injured before me, I fear that has not occurred, so before we continue, do tell me where the mark on your face comes from.”

  Neti pointed to the man besides the elder Meht, “He struck me.”

  “What?” Ramesses asked, shocked, looking pointedly towards the man.

  “She was being disrespectful so I put her in her place,” Abhar firmly stated pressing out his chest more and lifting his head.

  Ramesses glared at the man, his expression did little to hide his anger, as he meaningfully decreed, “Lifting a hand to one of my prefects while engaged in their duties is not allowed, I will certainly punish you for that act alone.”

  “My Lord, if I may,” Meht said, “That is exactly the response Neti Kerty expects you to give, and is why we should not tolerate such taunting behavior from her.”

  Taunting behavior?” Ramesses asked turning to look at Neti, then at Abhar, “I find that difficult to believe.”

  Another elder stepped forward, looking at Neti with distain. Neti for a mere moment stiffened, recognized him as one of the elders who had befriended the vizier and Ma-Nefer during the investigations involving the gems, she however said nothing.

  Shabaka turned towards her and asked, “What is it.”

  Neti hissed in low tone. “Not here.”

  Just then the elder addressed everyone gathered, “My lord, As I am certain that Prefect Neti and Prefect Shabaka have served you well. You also have to heed to the fact that their appointment and the functions you have given them remain truly odd. Their inclination to question the working of things and at times their complete disregard for proper procedures, have resulted in many complaints, complaint we as elders have had to resolve.”

  Ramesses held up his hands too still the man, while Neti whispered to Shabaka “Would he not just love it if we were separated.”

  “You know him?” asked Shabaka.

  “He was a friend of Ma-Nefer? said Neti.

  “You certain?” asked Shabaka.

  “I don’t easily forget a face.” said Neti.

  “If that was so why have I not heard of such?” demanded Ramesses.

  The second elder dipped is head as he spoke, “Up until now Neti-Kerty has remained within acceptable levels, but insulting a father who had just lost a daughter is not acceptable.”

  Ramesses turned to look at Neti and Shabaka before demanding, “Shabaka you were present yesterday. What is your view on Neti’s behavior?”

  “My Lord, I will state that Neti was exceptionally angry yesterday. But I think it is entirely understandable given her training.”

  “Training my foot, she’s…” the second elder said, he was however cut short by Ramesses’ angry retort, “Do not interrupt my Prefects when they speak!”

  The elder appeared chided, but at the same time lifted his chin in defiance.

  Ramesses again looked towards Shabaka, before Shabaka continued, “My Lord, you know how strongly Neti feels about those who have died, even I have had arguments with her in the past when she insisted upon doing what is right by the person’s Ba and Ka. That is why I understand her anger and understand the resentment she has shown towards Abhar.”

  “Resentment!” Abhar exclaimed, “She does not even know me, but she was ranting on about how bad I was with my child and such. How it was my fault that my daughter is dead.”

  Shabaka’s eyes narrowed, he remained silent for several moments before shaking his head, “I don’t recall Neti stating that. I do however remember Neti stating that your daughter would rather kill herself than face your censure.”

  “And this was before he struck her?” Ramesses asked.

  Both men looked at Ramesses for a moment before Shabaka shook his head, “No, my Lord, he struck her before then.”

  “By Ra! Had it been me I would have you hung.” Ramesses angrily said to Abhar.

  “I struck her because she said I should watch as she butcher my daughter!” Abhar countered.

  “And you felt it appropriate to assert yourself by using your strength and hitting her!” Ramesses angrily demanded, which had Abhar step back a pace. “I do not blame her for ranting about your parenting abilities.”

  One of the elders made to object but Ramesses cut him short, “I Don’t want to hear it.” Ramesses then turned to Shabaka. “Were you with when Neti – I’m going to use his words – butchered his daughter.”

  “My Lord, Neti did no such thing. In fact she did not even lift a flint knife.”

  Ramesses turned towards Abhar and demanded, “Is this so?”

  Meekly Abhar nodded.

  “Did your daughter take her own life?” Ramesses asked, outright.

  “I don’t know,” Abhar countered, “She has been the only one to see the body. She refused to release it.”

  Ramesses turned to Neti, “Is this true.”

  “Yes, my Lord. I had her body moved to my per-nefer for observation. It does appear that she consumed milkweed in an attempt to lose the babe she was carrying.”

  “How dare you speak of my daughter in such a manner!”

  “It is my understanding that the Gods judge those harshly…” Ramesses started still looking at Neti.

  However an angry Abhar cut him short, “You bring shame on her name and that of my family.”

  Abhar started for Neti but before he could take more than two paces Shabaka and one of the palace guards grabbed and restrained him. The man angrily fought to free himself, shouting profanities at Neti.

  A hard blow to the stomach by one of the guards silenced him.

  Ramesses appeared calm as he asked, “Neti, was this child with child?”

  “My lord, we discovered that she was one of the children that went missing during the jubilee, and although returned, I fear that a man must have violated her.”

  “And you have proof of this, this violation and the child?” Ramesses asked.

  “I cannot confirm the violation, however the babe was expelled yesterday afternoon, while the body lay in my per-nefer.” Neti then turned to the man, “He was present.”

  Ramesses turned to the man, visibly livid as he spoke, “So you are another one of the fathers who would sell his child to slavery or prostitution?”

  “I never sold her to nothing or no one!” Abhar vehemently denied. “She was to be married to the spice trader’s eldest son, it was
all arranged.”

  “And was your daughter’s opinion sought on the marriage or did you arrange the marriage to your benefit?” Ramesses asked.

  “Does it matter?” Abhar challenged, outright.

  “As a husband to a great many wives, and father to many children, I can assure you that amongst my wives there are several who opposed marriage to me, marriages their fathers insisted they enter into. That is why my own children get to choose their husbands or wives. I also known of many, many women who were so unhappy in their marriage that they would rather die themselves or kill their husbands, than serve them. Just as I imagine many women would resent an angry and resentful man such as yourself.”

  “What!” Abhar demanded in outrage.

  Ramesses shot onto his feet, moving faster than Neti had ever seen him move, before angrily stating. “You have the audacity to stand there and object. You, who could not control your anger and struck one of my prefects! And you only struck her because she is a woman and you considered her anger and her opinion validation enough for your actions!”

  “She was inconsiderate and disrespectful, she needed to be put in her place!” Abhar angrily countered.

  Lowering his tone, Ramesses said, “Just as you deserve to be put into yours.”

  Abhar immediately fell silent. It was however the elder Meht who spoke, “My Lord, we convened to discuss the conduct of Prefect Neti Kerty.”

  Ramesses glared at the man and said, forthright, “Neti Kerty is a certified embalmer, a priest as well as one of my most trusted prefects. I have no reason to question her loyalty or judgment. Everyone in all of Egypt knows that it is better to die with honor than to be a coward. Especially since the Gods will be harsh on the Ba of those who take their own life. Just as the Gods will be even more so on those who inflict pain on the Gods’ servants.”

  All of the occupants in the room fell silent.

  “Since the young girl’s Ba has been condemned to Apep, one could understand the anger of an embalmer, who has on more than one occasion show a considerable amount of compassion towards others. Unlike many others present in this hall today.” Pointing towards Meht, Ramesses said, “You, you bothered me with this, even insisted upon a court, when the only one who has suffered any real injury is the person against whom you bring a complaint. If the girl’s father felt insulted by a fact or someone stating the outright truth, then he should learn to moderate his temper.”

  Ramesses then looked at Abhar who still stood restrained between Shabaka and the guard, however challenged, “So your prefects are allowed to tie up anyone they deem fit.”

  Ramesses burst out laughing, before finally replying, “At this time, tying you up would be preferable to having two fully grown and trained men restrain you. But do tell me, Shabaka, did Prefect Neti have him tied up before or after he struck her?”

  “After, my Lord.” Shabaka answered.

  “Then I approve.”

  “You have gone mad, entirely mad to allow a mere woman such a position.”

  Ramesses approached the man and looked him straight in the eye as he said, “That mere woman saved the lives of my primary wife and my youngest daughter. She has also placed her considerable skills at my disposal. It is you that needs to understand things.” Ramesses then gestured for one of the guards at the door to approach, pointing to the man. And with well-practiced ease the guard took over from Shabaka before once again looking at Ramesses. “For striking one of my prefects, I hereby punish you with four lashes.” The man’s eyes enlarged and he made to object however Ramesses cut him short with a short, sharp slash movement of his hands before stating, “I shall add a lashing for every word uttered hereafter.”

  Instantly the man stopped and restrained by two palace guards meekly left the room.

  Ramesses again looked at the elder Meht, and warned him, “The next time you bring before me such a trivial matter and insist I see to it before the morning meal, I will have you lashed.”

  The elder hesitantly nodded, however Ramesses’ turned towards the rest of the room’s occupants and said, dismissively, “. You have all been dismissed, get out!”

  6

  Chapter Six

  The following morning, Neti watched as the young runner before her tripled and hopped. He was almost too young to be a runner, although his exuberance at his task caused her to smile. From his behavior, anyone could deduce that neither his errant nor his message were urgent in nature. But no matter how young, or new the runner was, after the previous morning Neti remained tentative of any summons issued from the palace.

  She turned to look at several of the passer-bys. Many of them once again appeared hostile, brining back memories and feelings she had long since placed behind her. But at the same time she understood the reason for it, well as far as the banishment of the parents of the young children were concerned. And although many had been grateful for the action taken and care the children had received since, the judgment had seen many families affected with the loss of either children or parents.

  The trepidation that consumed Neti on yet another summons to the palace grew with every step she took. She knew, just as Moses and Shabaka did, that Ramesses rarely make arrangements for anything without a reason. Her suspicion was confirmed when both Moses and Shabaka stood waiting for her at the palace gate.

  Ramesses’ reason for remaining in Thebes after the jubilee was still unknown to all of them. While Neti and Shabaka had considered the reason to be related to the young children and the parents he had sentenced they had received no confirmation thereof.

  Both Moses and Shabaka inclined their heads in greeting before Neti joined them.

  “I see you were also summoned by one of the youngsters?” Shabaka said gesturing to the young runner.

  Neti honestly admitted. “I could not understand his youth, or that he was sent by the palace to collect me.”

  “Neither could I,” said Moses.

  Shabaka looked at the youngster as he left and said, “I have a feeling Ramesses may be ready to discuss his plans for the children.”

  Neti only nodded in response.

  “Well whatever reason he called us for I doubt the elders will try another stint like yesterday,” Moses said. “Although I have a come up with a theory for it.”

  “This should be interesting,” Shabaka said as they turned and proceeded to the palace doors.

  “Well you were the one to say that I should look at things from different perspective, and I did. Want to hear what I came up with?”

  “I have a feeling we are going to hear it anyway,” said Neti, then teasingly added on noticing his expression, “…perhaps I should have thought to bring one of Yani’s flatbreads.”

  “Soon I will have all the flatbread I can eat,” Moses said in defiance.”

  “So that is why you’re marring her?” teased Shabaka.

  Moses was about to respond when he saw Shabaka’s expression, and shook his head, “You know very well that that is not the reason. Besides do you want to know what I think about yesterday?”

  “We are all anticipation for your thoughts.” said Shabaka, “Although given Neti’s history with some of them, I think they only took advantage of the situation.”

  “That is possibly, exactly what they want us to think.” Moses said casing Neti and Shabaka to stop as well and turn towards him.

  “Possibly, exactly?” Asked Neti.

  “Let’s hear it?” said Shabaka.

  “Last night I…”

  “I’m pretty certain I don’t want to know that.” Shabaka said smiling at Neti.

  “Ugh!” Moses puffed in response causing both Neti and Shabaka to laugh.

  “We’re listening.” said Neti.

  “Last night I was thinking about the possible reasons the elders could have, other than the obvious they are resentful of Neti’s title.”

  “And what did you come up with?” asked Shabaka

  “Well I thought about that thing you said about creating diversions
.”

  “We don’t have anything going on at the moment.” said Shabaka, “So there would be no need to create a diversion.”

  “We have the body of that girl.” countered Moses.

  “We know that she was one of the girls that was taken.” said Neti.

  “And that the herbs she took killed her,” Shabaka said turning to Neti, “Unless you can tell me that someone forced her to take them.”

  Neti shook her head and said “She could have wrongfully been given them. The person could possibly want to protect themselves afterwards, but since her father was involved I am more inclined to think it was simply a matter of opportunity.”

  “Well I figured that someone might be afraid that we could uncover something.” Moses said.

  Neti and Shabaka thought it over for some time, however Shabaka was the first to speak. “Since we never discovered who was responsible for Amenia’s murder, especially with both having disappeared around the time of the jubilee, You may just have a point. But what?”

  “It is possible that Gera might have been able to identify one of them.” Said Moses.

  Shabaka tilted his head for a moment, then looked at Neti and said, “When we stood in court yesterday, you reacted at the sight of one of the men.”

  Neti looked at him, for a moment before replying, “I recognized the man from that time with Ma-Nefer and the vizier, nothing more.”

  Shabaka looked at Moses and said, “I think your suspicion may have found ground.”

  “You think?” Moses asked.

  “Yes, but not here, we can discuss it after having tended to Ramesses’ request.”

  “Where are we to meet him?” Neti asked as they turned from the assembly room.

  “I believe he wanted us to meet in the courtyard.” said Moses.

  Confused, Neti asked, “Why ever meet him there?”

  On entering the courtyard Neti for a moment hesitated, especially since none of them

  had received word of the pharaoh’s imminent departure. Shabaka called in greeting to one of the members of the mejay, who as jovially replied. Neti watched as Shabaka approached the group of guards, each holding a horse. The one closest to the pharaoh was talking and pointing to the horse, with the others obviously waiting their turn.