Nikolas inclined his head politely to the madam and stood with hands clasped before his chest. “How may we be of assistance, my Lady?” he asked politely.
“One of my girls has been injured. Please come inside and see to her,” the madam replied.
Nikolas and Kiya passed into the brothel’s central corridor and after walking a short distance they passed through a doorway dividing the working area from what was clearly the living quarters for the staff. They were shown to a small but well-furnished and clean room, where a figure lay sideways on the bed covered by a sheet and with her back towards the door.
“Muyet,” said the madam. “The healer has come.”
As Nikolas approached the bed, the figure turned slowly and carefully towards him, the sheet slipping to expose her naked torso as she did so. Nikolas paused and gasped in shock. The face was bruised and battered, one eye closed by swelling. The left side of her face from the cheekbone to the jaw was one massive blue bruise. Scratches and bruising could be seen on her torso. What may normally have been a good-looking woman appeared to have been ravaged by an animal.
Nikolas knelt quickly by the bedside and gently touched the ravaged face. “My poor dear!” he said. “Please sit up so I can examine you properly.”
As the prostitute sat up, gasping with discomfort as she did so, the bed sheet slid to her waist and Nikolas averted his eyes after a quick examination. In the circumstances carnal thoughts engendered by the woman’s voluptuous breasts were inappropriate. He could feel Kiya move closer behind him and heard her open the medicine case.
Nikolas first carefully examined Muyet’s head, checking for fractures of the skull. Muyet winced as he touched bruise after bruise and whimpered as he gently pressed on her left cheekbone. He asked whether her lower left jaw was numb and received a nod in reply. He noted the bruising to her throat and to her ribs and stomach. Muyet caught her breath several times as he pressed gently on her ribs.
“Muyet, clearly you’ve suffered a severe beating. Madam, she has a depressed fracture of the left cheekbone. This has caused damage to those things that control the muscles and the feeling in her jaw; that is her major injury. She has several cracked ribs and I’ll bind these shortly. The bruising will pass in a couple of weeks; the ribs will heal in perhaps a month. The jaw…I don’t know.” Nikolas paused for reflection and then continued, “The numbness probably indicates a long-term injury which I cannot treat and which nobody that I know can treat. The bone at the cheek is pressed down and causes numbness below. The depressed bone cannot be lifted. Hopefully the numbness will lessen or pass altogether as the bone sets in its new place, but if it doesn’t, the left side of your face may fall, the muscles may waste and you may find it difficult to talk or eat and drink. I’ll do what I can, but the injury caused by the broken cheekbone is in the hands of the gods and I can do little about that. I hope that you do make a full recovery, but I’d suggest that you often visit the local shrine of Isis and perhaps make an offering together with your prayers.”
Nikolas applied salves to the cuts and bruises and provided a sleeping-draught of opium before arranging to return next morning.
As they walked towards the servants’ entrance to the building Nikolas introduced himself and Kiya to the Madam, who in turn identified herself as Iubet.
“Whatever happened to Muyet?” asked Nikolas.
Iubet paused and then led Nikolas and Kiya to a small sitting room. This was not one of the ‘public’ rooms and was sparsely but comfortably furnished. Iubet indicated a padded bench to the others and carefully lowered herself onto another chair opposite. “One of our guests last night was General Padiamun. He’s visited before, usually seeing Muyet. He has a tendency to be rough with the girls; sometimes he prefers boys, or both at the same time. Last night he was like a man possessed by demons and beat her severely until her cries brought assistance from our male staff.” Nikolas had noted on entering the house the large well-muscled doorman and was sure that he had several similar companions within.
“We provide a meal for our guests and the girls dance for them, or play music or talk, as the guest wishes. Usually, but not always, the girls provide further services. Often we have a group of guests attend and eat and talk together with several girls before proceeding upstairs. Sometimes to several rooms, sometimes to one room. I’m at a loss as to what to do. General Padiamun is a good client and a man who has powerful connections, but Muyet is one of my best courtesans. It’ll be many weeks before she can work again - or if what you say is correct she may never be able to return to work. Quite apart from the financial aspect, I see my girls as daughters and will not have them abused. I think it best if I tell him not to attend again and to seek compensation for Muyet for her loss.”
Nikolas thought quickly. “Do you have many military men coming here to meet and be entertained?” he asked.
“Several groups each night,” replied Iubet. “There’s little else to do in a frontier town like Aswan. Food, drink and sex are always popular. We provide all three.”
Nikolas considered for a few moments and in an apparent change of topic asked, “What are these officers saying at the moment about the regime and administration?”
Iubet paused, raised one eyebrow in query and said, “That’s an unusual question for an itinerant healer, isn’t it?” Before Nikolas could reply she continued, “They’re dissatisfied. They talk of others being promoted or preferred ahead of them, and Pharaoh favouring his family above worthy officers. They talk of Lord Horwebbefer being persecuted, his lands seized and his being forced into exile in Nubia.” She smiled slyly. “They come here to talk of things they cannot talk of in other places. They’re assured of privacy and our silence. After all, who would believe what a whore says?”
Nikolas inclined his head and clasped his hands respectfully. “Me for one,” he replied. “And your own feelings about the government?”
“I respect the administration, revere Pharaoh and worship the gods. I don’t like the tax collectors,” said Iubet. “The local governor is lax and allows much to pass, but is no more than normally corrupt. People in business, such as myself, don’t want change. We want security and order for our businesses to prosper.”
Nikolas stroked his chin in reflection for several moments. “You said that my question was unusual. That’s true. We’ve been asked by Pharaoh to enquire into happenings in the South. Much has been happening of which he doesn’t approve and which disturbs the peace. Indeed there seems to be threats of widespread dissent amongst the nobles. From what you’ve said, it appears that you and your people may be of assistance to me and to Pharaoh Ramesses.”
Iubet pursed her lips and nodded carefully, looking Nikolas in the eyes. “And what would you want yourself for such assistance?” Nikolas asked.
“I have a son, fifteen years of age. Menmet is his name,” replied Iubet. “I would have him advance in life. Common people such as myself have little chance of advancement, although we may build up riches. I would have him join the army as an officer. That will provide him with an avenue for advancement, if he’s worthy enough.”
“I pledge on behalf of Pharaoh that your son will be accepted as you say, and further that he will be stationed in the North where he may catch the eye of the generals.”
“Done! In what way can I help?”
“Speak to your girls about what they have heard of dissent in the army and ask that they pay attention to what is said at these meetings in the future. They should give you a full account of discussions between the officers. I’ll call twice a week to see Muyet and to talk to you. Also I can assist the girls here with their own health needs. Perhaps some asafoetida as a contraceptive, treatment for yeast infections and so on. Asafoetida is moderately effective, and is reasonably available, unlike silphium. I certainly don’t believe in the efficacy of crocodile dung suppositories!”
Iubet nodded her agreement, and then asked, “And how much do I owe for your visit today, and for future visits?”
Nikolas smiled and made a dismissive gesture with his hand. “Ramesses is paying me well enough to be here in Aswan and I need no further payment. Don’t mention me to your girls, other than as a healer. We’ll speak in private when I call.” Nikolas took his leave, being ushered out of a small side-door by Iubet and a doorman.
T T T T
Kahun and Pamose sat separately at the long table in the officers’ mess of the Aswan garrison, each seated with other officers of the regiments they’d joined several days before, having just been served with a substantial but simple repast with adequate liquid refreshment. They’d arrived as scheduled, with the handpicked company of trustworthy troops who had accompanied them and then dispersed as reinforcements to the local regiments and to the fortresses to the south along the Nubian border.
Because officers of the Royal Bodyguard were widely known, Kahun was not travelling under disguise. He’d spent the last several days building his story of an officer unfairly accused of corruption and transferred to the South as punishment, bemoaning his loss of privileges and banishment to the wastelands.
Many of the other officers had similar stories; it was clear that garrison duty in the Far South was either punishment for past infractions or a way to promotion for those without influence or patrons. Either way, the officers seemed fully behind their generals, as after all they were the only way out of the hell-hole that the officers and men found themselves in the southern garrison. Of the twenty-two regiments in the southern garrison, two-thirds were at any one time in the various fortresses between the First and Second Cataracts on the river. The others and the general staff were at Aswan.
Kahun had been appointed to General Padiamun’s staff. Pamose was due to be rotated south in the next week or so, where he would remain for three months. Umtau had also successfully joined the local garrison. With his previous military experience he’d been appointed a corporal in the headquarters unit. Zirman had obtained employment as a bodyguard to a local lord.
T T T T
Lorentis was staying in Aswan at the house of a distant cousin, Nakhtmin. She was posing as a giddy socialite touring the country for pleasure, and spent the evenings in what passed as high society in Aswan.
While her own family was not important in terms of the politics of the lands, Lorentis was in great demand as a fresh new face amongst the jaded petty nobles of the Far South.
That evening she sat in front of a polished copper mirror carefully arranging her décolleté before proceeding out to the street where a litter waited to take her to the palace of Hapimen, the local Nomarch.
As she adjusted her thin gown she smiled as she recalled a comment that Nikolas had made on the trip from Memphis, that the more important a woman was the more of her body she exposed. Lorentis was dressed in the height of fashion and although clothed from neck to ankle, the thin diaphanous material of her white kalasaris dress left little to the imagination, clearly showing both breasts and the dark triangle of her pubis.
As the palanquin was lifted onto the shoulders of the two large slaves who were its bearers Lorentis left the side curtains open to catch a glimpse of the town as she proceeded. Although Nakhtmin had his townhouse in a well-to-do and fashionable part of the town, to get to the central plaza where Nomarch Hapimen had his palace it was necessary to pass through a poor-quarter of the town. The litter-bearers strode forward as the roadway narrowed to an alley between ramshackle buildings, with scant room for the litter to pass.
Apart from the bearer-slaves, Lorentis was accompanied by four servants armed with large knives, two ahead and two behind the litter in which she was carried.
The cool evening breeze from the river did not penetrate here. The air hung heavy and hot, fetid with the smells of the garbage, waste and excrement lying on the dirt roadway. Rats, huge and bloated from feasting amongst the debris, scampered across the road ahead of the litter. Despite the repugnant surroundings the streets and alleys teemed with ragged humanity. Through open doorways and windows could be seen the filthy interiors of the buildings with several families packed together in each room, many with pots of noisome porridge cooking above smoking fires of dried dung or charcoal. Naked urchins played and splashed in the filth in the streets, and shrieked loudly for alms as the palanquin passed by.
Lorentis wiped the sweat from her brow and with disgust considered that her destination for the evening could not be more different from what she was seeing now. They passed suddenly from the alleyways of the poor-quarter into the wide and well-kept streets approaching the Nomarch’s palace. But even here squalor intervened as beggars stood or sat at every corner, displaying sores or missing limbs, and starving children from the slums called out for alms. These streets were also crowded as servants and masters moved in the relative cool of the evening.
Darkness was falling as they approached the Nomarch’s palace, the entrance to which was ablaze with the light of many torches, some fixed on sconces on the walls and others held aloft by some of the many servants clustered around the doorway. Three other litters drawn up next to the door were discharging their occupants. At least a dozen others were lined up to one side, bearers squatting on their heels by the wall or wandering around chatting as they waited for the return of their masters.
Lorentis had arranged for her guards Idu and Hanuka to arrive later; an escort of six armed men, plus the litter-bearers, should be enough to ensure safety on her return through the poor-quarter. Her litter was carried to the steps next to the door of the palace and placed on the ground by the bearers, who then rose and stretched their backs as they stepped aside.
A flunkey hurried out from the doorway to assist Lorentis to rise from the seat of the litter. Lorentis allowed her hand to be held as she was assisted and then stood and carefully adjusted first her dress and then her jewellery. She smiled with satisfaction as she straightened the lapis and gold necklace and bracelet she had borrowed from Kiya. After a quick touch to ensure that her formal black wig of human-hair was still in place she allowed herself to be shown past the soldiers guarding the doorway and into the Reception Chamber beyond the entrance.
Governor Hapimen’s wife Nebetah had arranged a small informal gathering of her closest friends; only a hundred or so were present, mainly women. Hapimen and his staff would not be attending. Lorentis received an insincere hug and fake kiss to each cheek from Nebetah and then proceeded slowly towards the crowd, smiling and waving happily to the ‘dear friends’ she had met briefly at one or another of the dinners and parties she had attended since arriving in Aswan.
Only a portion of the dining-hall was being used for the function.
Lamps hung like a myriad of fireflies from sconces on the walls and the two rows of fluted stone columns that acted as natural dividing lines within the room. The columns and walls were whitewashed and painted with geometric patterns in red, blue and green. Despite the lateness of the hour the room was stiflingly hot. Clouds of incense competed with the scent of myrrh from the ladies’ wigs, anointed by servants as they had entered. White-kilted servants drifted around serving drinks and small delicacies carried on copper platters.
The dress and jewellery of the women reminded Lorentis of so many exotic birds in their multiple hues and coloured jewels.
Lorentis took a gold-inlaid cup of watered white wine and drifted from group to group, chattering vacuously in meaningless gossip.
After a while she progressed to a group with several men. One young man of about twenty years of age was backed up against a column by a very tall woman in a gown which almost fully exposed her pert but very large breasts, with which she had virtually pinned him by the ears to the wall so he couldn’t escape. Of average height and slim but muscular build, the man was relatively plainly dressed in a fine white linen robe with a torque of blue and white beads on a finely-worked gold chain about his neck. He had a thin pleasant face with an aquiline nose. Contrary to fashion his clean-shaved head had no heavy black wig. As he lifted his chin to avoid suffocation in the hoyden�
��s bosom his eyes cast around desperately seeking escape.
Lorentis took pity on him and approached from one side saying, “Ah, there you are my darling. I’ve been looking all over for you!”
She touched the arm of the other woman, who in response half turned which unpinned the man and secured his release. Lorentis wound her arm through his and turned to look at the hussy. However, as Lorentis was of small build she was unable to see above the woman’s bosom, which threatened to poke her in the eye. “What fine weapons you have!” she murmured to the woman. With a brief but disappointed smile the woman drifted away, seeking conquest elsewhere.
“Saved from a fate worse than death!” muttered the man. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Khui and I’m a scribe on the Nomarch’s staff.”
Lorentis considered the man, his demeanour, dress and ornaments, together with his presence at the party, and deduced that he was no simple scribe. “What type of work do you do?” she asked.
Khui smiled self-depreciatingly and replied, “I mainly work on building design, but recently I’ve been doing some work on the political side.”
Just then the major-domo called loudly for attention, announced that the meal was shortly to be served and requested the guests be seated. Still arm-in-arm Lorentis and Khui strolled to the large table on the other side of the room and took seats next to each other near the foot of the table. Lamps positioned regularly along the table cast a yellow light on a table covered with a white linen cloth and delicately painted wooden plates. Servants presented bowls of scented water with floating flower petals for the guests to rinse their hands before eating. More wine was served and then a series of dishes were relayed to the table, delicacies such as Lorentis had not seen since her time as handmaiden at the royal palace, when she had been more a servant and not a guest participating in the royal repast.
Braised duck was followed by stuffed ibis and roasted hyena, and a multitude of other dishes, mainly of wild game. There were also the ubiquitous fish dishes, more than a dozen varieties each cooked in a different manner with a different sauce. Naked female dancers twisted and cavorted about the guests, swaying and clapping their hands to the music played by a small band, sistra and tambourines shaking in their hands and menats clashing on their fingers. Lorentis excused herself briefly to visit the lavatory during the late evening and checked her appearance in the burnished copper mirror in the Ladies’ Room before returning.
Murder in the Palace: A Nikolas of Kydonia Mystery Page 25
