by Gary Gygax
Tuhorus stared at the shaven-pated man. "Threat? Bribe? Or .. ."
"Consider it a reward and my interest in furthering the security of Pharaoh and /Egypt. Besides, you're too good a detective to be stuck as Chief Inspector of the city of On until you retire. The Utchatu needs men of your sort, Tuhorus. I'd have seen you posted thus regardless of the little business regarding the Lady Xonaapi, you know."
The homely face of the chief inspector broke into a broad smile. Tuhorus knew that the ur-kheri-heb spoke truth.
—— 17 ——
PAYING THE PRICE
The whole affair was hushed up as much as possible. Word would get out, but it wouldn't reveal the depth of the treason. Prince Harphosh was allowed to commit suicide, and his death was then stated as from "natural causes." Only the Utchatu knew of Yakeem's involvement. Ram-f-amsu's murder and the others killed were said to be a part of a falling out among thieves, with the dead governor a quasi-heroic victim. Thin, but it avoided royal scandal and served to supply a reasonably plausible answer to what had occurred. All the /Egyptians involved were held incommunicado and then executed. No leaks there. It was all blown over by the time Magister Inhetep, again "retired" from the secret service of Pharaoh, concluded his time attending the convocation of kheri-neb« and returned south to his own villa.
"I have just heard about the trouble in On, Setne!" Rachelle exclaimed after hugging him hello as he came in. "Were you involved?"
"Murder and bribery are always nasty, my
dear Rachelle, but no. I was called in, shall we say, to consult for a little. An excellent fellow by the name of Tuhorus managed the case quite ably, however, so there wasn't much for me to do. Now, the Grand Convocation—"
"Bored you to tears, if I know you," the amazon said forcefully. "Did you find anything else of interest there, Setne? Anything to relieve the tedium?"
Inhetep walked into the next room, tossed down his case, and came back. "Oh, a little of this, a bit of that—nothing special. And you? How was the hunting and the sparkling company of Lord Lakhent? Did he keep you from tedium?"
"He is quite a boor, actually. Had it not been for Lady Mintet, I would have returned much sooner than I did."
"Sooner? Did you cut your visit short?"
"Yes, dear shave-pate," Rachelle told him seriously, "I did. That fop, as you have called him so aptly in the past, was constantly around me, panting and pawing. You would have thought I was some choice animal and he was the hunter bent on bagging me for his trophy collection."
"Quite aptly put on your part," Inhetep drawled. "So you've been here for some time?"
"Well, no. I thought a little city life might restore my humors, so I went downriver for a few days."
The tall wizard-priest didn't ask where. "Ah ..." he murmured. "That's nice. I trust you found that trip more enjoyable."
Rachelle looked at him a moment before replying. "Yes and no, Setne. I met a charming young couple, but she was so splendidly dressed I felt frumpish. I think it's time I acquired a few new things for my wardrobe."
"But you're not one to ... to ... go in for high fashion," he stammered. "A new riding outfit, a corslet of chain ..."
"I believe I've had enough of leather and armor for a time," Rachelle said firmly. "From now on, I plan to dress in more attractive style. Memphis has wonderful boutiques, I hear. How soon can we go there, Setne?"
The magister drooped and went to check his cash box, calling back over his shoulder, "A day or two, perhaps, Rachelle. I'll have to see about getting some funds in hand—I fear we're somewhat strapped at the moment."
"Oh, no, dear," the amazon called to him in reply. "After I took care of the bills sent up from On with the money you'd left here, I withdrew more from your banker. Do you think a hundred gold atens will be sufficient for the trip?"
The sum was enough to buy a villa. Setne threw up his hands, "What!?"
"Couldn't we take just a little more to make sure, dear?"
"Yes, Rachelle, I suppose we could. If I were Pharaoh, perhaps!"
"But Setne, you spent almost that much when
you were by yourself in On—at least, I assume you were alone. . . ."
The magister winced, happy that she was unable to see him. "Well, why not? I did receive a small honorarium for assisting in the investigation—will another ten atens do?"
"Let's take two hundred," Racheile said firmly.
The priest-wizard knew better than to discuss the matter further. "I'll have it all arranged tomorrow, Racheile."
And that was the true conclusion of the events surrounding the Samarkand Solution.
1 The four forms, in order of importance are: Repa-maa, Hereditary Prinee Ur-kheri-heb-tepi, Great priest-wizard-master Utchat-neb, a full captain of the secret police, a colonel Magister
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