The girl visibly swallowed and eventually nodded. She then looked past Neti to the one scroll. “That thing is stupid.”
“What thing?” Neti asked, turning to look at the rolled up scrolls, then back at Seota. “You can read it?”
The girl nodded. “At first I looked at it the way Sutten taught me, but then it made no sense.”
“So how?”
“When I was younger I had a friend who wanted to learn how to read and write, but her father forbid it. We used to pretend we were clever.”
“But you are clever.”
Seota shook her head. “Not like you,” she stated flatly, before continuing. “We used to pretend that we could write, so we used to draw things in the dirt and the other had to say what they meant.”
“And that is how those scrolls were written?”
Seota nodded. “It was the only way that made sense.”
“Show me,” Neti said.
Seota rose from her bed mat and opened the first of the fabric sheets. “See that, that is a man. This is a woman. That is a pyramid, that is either a cow or a donkey, I can’t decide. This is a tree, but it does not make sense, so I consider it to mean wood as well.” Seota said pointing to various drawings on the fabric.
“So what does it say to you?”
“Well, nothing really,” Seota replied. “It tells of an average day. How the men built the pyramids and moved the stones. I have not read much more than half of the first sheet.”
Just then the scrape of sandals on the stone floor drew Neti’s attention to the doorway. From the look on Shabaka’s face she knew that it could not be good news.
“You should come and have a look.”
Neti looked at Seota. “We can continue this when I return.”
Seota nodded.
Neti followed Shabaka along one of the passages, for a moment halting on seeing Sereb. She rushed over to him, placing her hand on his head as she checked the wound. There was a lot of blood on his face and he seemed confused. “What happened here?”
“I’m so sorry,” was all he said, over and over again.
“Whatever it is, it is fine,” Neti said as she checked him for other injuries. “Just tell me what happened. Who did this?”
“Zereth. I didn’t see him.”
“Your father?” Neti asked in disbelief.
Sereb shook his head. “He is my mother’s brother. When she died they sent me to him. He is the only father I know. But I did not think he would do something like this.”
“This?” Neti asked, confused. She looked at Shabaka.
He indicated with a nod that she was to follow him.
“I’ll be back in a moment to check up on you. Don’t go to sleep.”
She rose and followed Shabaka to the storeroom. There was a lamp lit and placed on one of the platforms. The sight before her was familiar.
“You do not seem surprised,” Shabaka said.
Neti shook her head. “I’ve seen this,” she said as she entered the storeroom.
“When?” Shabaka asked, confused.
Neti looked at him. “When we were in the pyramid.”
“Did you see anything else?”
“There was an image of some dead people.”
“What do you think that means?”
Neti shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know. What did he take?”
“Nothing other than the grain and oil, the donkey and some valuables.”
Neti looked at him, cocking a brow, “I knew that donkey was going be trouble, what are you going to tell the mejay in Memphis?”
“The truth,” Shabaka flatly stated.
“He took things he could easily barter. It makes sense now,” Neti said as she walked around the storeroom.
“What does?”
“I don’t think he knew of the hieroglyphs at the pyramid. I think he just wanted us away for long enough to do this. Come to think of it, how could he have known the inside of the pyramid?”
“They could have kept record of it.”
Neti shook her head. “He could not read, and until such time as Seota has figured out what is on those scrolls, we will not know.”
“You think he is a criminal?”
“If he is, he had the perfect place to hide. No one would suspect a priest.”
“I’m really starting to think we should be more suspicious of them.”
Neti nodded. “He is intelligent, though.”
“Why would you say that?”
“He knew that we could not follow him, not with Seota ill and Sereb injured.”
“That is what is so frustrating about it all, that he will get away with it.”
“His day will come,” Neti said, looking around. “I will make a record tomorrow, but from a glance I can tell you that we may not be able to remain here for long, not without any grain.”
“And Sereb, what are we to do with him?”
“Can’t he take the goats to Memphis? I’m certain Ramesses would have a beast master there.”
“He should,” Shabaka said. “But if he is related, he could be involved.”
Neti looked at Shabaka but shook her head. “Don’t judge him by the actions of a greedy uncle. Besides, if he were involved, I think he would have left with Zereth. I think we should put in a word with the beast master. He has been loyal to his duties.”
Shabaka nodded. “Well, for now we should rest.”
“I will first have to see to Sereb.”
Chapter Eighteen
The decision to leave the villa was one that was forced upon them, with Seota still ill and insignificant supplies. Neti and Shabaka spent most of the day packing and securing the remains of the storage room, before closing up the villa.
They had debated various traveling arrangements but had settled on traveling at night, since it would not leave Seota vulnerable to the sun. They had also opted to take as little as possible with them.
The trip itself was without incident and, as with their return from the pyramids, they covered a significant distance before sunrise. The outskirts of the city were visible by the time the sun lifted from the horizon.
They sought shelter under a grouping of small trees, while Sereb allowed the goats to feed on the lush foliage. He and Shabaka took turns supervising the animals, which allowed each to rest in his turn.
The sun hung low in the sky before they proceeded, entering the city just as it became dark.
The beast master not only looked like a beast, he had the temperament of one when they called upon him. He glared at Sereb and Shabaka, at first flatly proclaiming, “I do not have space at the moment for another herd of goats. And even if you were willing to pay double the board for the evening, I have no interest.”
Shabaka made to speak, but the man flatly said, “Try the marketplace, there should be somewhere there that you can keep them for the evening.”
“We are looking for the royal beast master. I was told I could find him here,” Shabaka said.
“Flattery won’t work either,” the man firmly stated. “It is late and I do not know if your animals are sick. I cannot afford for some disease to break out here. And from the look of you, those animals are desert-reared.”
“These goats are the Pharaoh’s. They were the ones that were kept at the villa by the pyramids for milk.”
The man looked at Shabaka, disbelieving. “If they are, then they should have remained there. There could be no reason to bring them here.”
Shabaka took a deep breath in preparation to reprimand the man but Sereb placed his hand on Shabaka’s arm. “We can find somewhere else for the goats.”
Shabaka turned to the boy. “It is not that simple, the goats belong to Ramesses. The royal beast keeper is therefore responsible for them.”
“And if I were to believe you,” the man said, “why bring those animals here so late? Unless you intend to make the others ill.”
“We traveled by night,” Shabaka said.
“As a bunch of thieve
s would.”
Shabaka took offence at that and angrily said, “You question the loyalty of a prefect?’
The man waived his hand dismissively at Shabaka. “Your sashes do not mean anything to me. They can be copied.”
“What?” Shabaka said.
“You think it is the first time that someone with royal colors has approached me? I have even had men here claiming they were sent to collect animals for the Pharaoh. Men who wore royal colors but happened to be thieves. I do not trust you anymore than that youngster with you. There is place at the market for animals, you should take them there. If they are the Pharaoh’s, you can bring them back during daylight. I will have a look at them then.”
Shabaka turned to Sereb, “Looks like another long evening for us.”
They turned to lead the animals away, when Sereb asked, “Are all people in the city as rude?”
Shabaka looked at the boy, uncertain as to what to tell him. He eventually shook his head. “Most people are perfectly amiable under most circumstances. Let’s just hope an evening’s sleep will see the beast master in a better mood. ”
The following morning had them return to the beast master, who only grunted on their approach. “If it was not for confirmation from the mejay, I would have dismissed you again this morning.”
Shabaka frowned, “You spoke to the mejay?”
“One cannot be too careful around here. So what is the story with these goats?”
Shabaka provided the man with an abbreviated version of events, while the man looked over the goats.
“They are well looked after for desert animals.”
Shabaka pointed to Sereb. “He has been their shepherd for some time already.”
The man looked at Sereb, “How much milk do you get from them?”
“The bigger nannies give about a hiwn each.”
“That is a respectable amount. How many young kids do you have?
“Hakou, about half of them are male.”
“I’ll put the ewes with the others, the ram I can trade for a new one.”
“Are you looking for any help?” Shabaka asked. “Sereb has proven to be resourceful.”
The man looked at the boy for a moment as if considering it but then shook his head, “I have enough shepherds.”
The boy’s shoulders drooped.
“It doesn’t need to be with goats,” Shabaka said, “He loves all animals.” The man again looked at Shabaka, then at the boy.
“You willing to learn?”
Sereb eagerly nodded.
“I know the mejay have an opening for a beast keeper for their donkeys and horses.”
“Horses!” Sereb enthused, “Really?”
“Your friend here can put in a word for you,” the man said looking at Shabaka. “Which reminds me, the commander currently in charge said that you should go see him.”
Shabaka nodded. “We will go after the morning meal.”
Neti, Shabaka, and Sereb entered the barracks of the mejay just as the sun had risen to its zenith. Only Kae was present in the office and he immediately rose to his feet on Shabaka’s entry.
“Where is Isha and the others?” Shabaka demanded.
“They are at the…,” the man suddenly stuttered.
“Do you always have a problem with telling someone where the others are?” Shabaka demanded. His tone caused Sereb to jolt and look at the other man with confusion.
“No,” Kae quickly replied, “…it’s, just…”
“Are you going to speak any sense today?” Shabaka demanded.
“I can’t remember the name of the place,” the man said honestly, already cowering.
Shabaka took a deep breath before continuing. “What are they doing?”
“Making a list of stores,” the man said more confidently. “He said that I should send you with Heki once you’d arrived.”
“Who did?” Shabaka asked.
“Isha. He said to expect you today.”
Shabaka did not bother to ask how they could have known that they were back.
“Whom do we speak to for the position with the horses?” Neti calmly asked.
The man looked at her, his brow furrowing. “You want a position with horses?” His voice conveyed his confusion.
Neti pointed to Sereb. “He does, and comes with good recommendations.”
The man looked him over before flatly stating. “Dergo is out back. The boy can speak to him.”
Neti turned to Sereb, “You want me to come along?”
Sereb shook his head, “You have done enough already.”
The man called Kae then rose from his seat, indicating for Sereb to follow him, “Come along. I’ll take you to see Dergo.”
Another Nubian entered the room and looked them over for a mere moment before bowing, “My Prince, my name is Heki.”
“At ease,” Shabaka said, adding, “You are to take us to Isha.”
“Yes, my Prince. If you are ready, we will leave?”
Shabaka nodded and indicated towards the door, waiting for the man to precede them.
As with all official runners in Thebes, Heki was not talkative. He led Shabaka and Neti through a series of streets, so much so that Neti became suspicious that the men had purposely set out to confuse them.
Just as Neti was about to question him, they turned a corner, coming face to face with a group of mejay, actively keeping citizens at bay.
As they approached one of the men made to stop them, but on seeing their sashes and identifying Heki, he allowed them to pass.
“What is this?” Neti asked, looking about them.
“It is not for me to tell you,” Heki said as he led them towards Isha.
Isha looked up and smiled warmly. “I have you, my Prince, to thank for our success.”
Neti took a step sideways, pulling a face.
Isha, noticing her actions, was quick to comfort her, “I know, it smells awful.”
“Smells like you have at least sopeado bodies in there.”
“You are not far off,” Isha said, surprised. “There are onuris bodies.” He then looked at Shabaka in question.
Shabaka smiled smugly. “Isha, meet my partner, Neti-Kerti.”
“The Neti-Kerti?” The man said, somewhat amazed.
Neti nodded.
“Is it true that the dead speak to you,” Isha asked eagerly.
“Well, they don’t speak to me like we do, but I understand what their bodies tell me.”
Isha just looked at her in awe.
“So what is this?” Neti asked with her hand gesturing to the area.
“The guards have been walking past here every day, and yesterday there was this stench coming from the one home. They went to have a look and was not surprised when no one came to the door, so they entered.” Isha turned to point at one of the men. “Azam over there, I am told, threw up and the other man next to him came to alert me of the deaths.”
“How many were there?” Neti asked.
“At first it seems as if it was just a family, but on closer investigation, the home opened up to a series of underground chambers.” He turned to Shabaka, “Just as you said it would.”
“Then what?” Shabaka asked.
“When the men searched the chambers, there were more bodies and a great deal of goods. I had men guard the home during the evening, since we could not remove anything.” Isha then gestured to the people surrounding them. “By morning news had traveled that we had found the thieves’ hiding place. My men have been dealing with demands from the public for their goods all morning.”
Neti turned to look at the people. “And their claims are valid?”
The man shrugged his shoulders. “At the moment my men are trying to determine what is within the chamber. And the local embalmers hall is in the process of removing the bodies, but they do not know what to do with them.”
“Could we have a look?” Neti asked.
“Yes, certainly.” Isha said, nodding.
They entered
the home just as two bearers came out with a sheet between them, the remains of a body on it.
Neti held up her hand to halt them and the one made to object when she moved to look at the remains. Isha, however, assured them that she could.
Neti reached into her satchel and withdrew one of the masks.
“What’s that?” Isha was quick to ask.
“I do not care for the smell,” Neti said when she tied it around her face, for a moment looking towards Shabaka, who remained silent and only held out his hand.
“You should give me one of those as well.”
“We should not have eaten before coming,” Neti said as she pulled out another for him. “It is the last one until Seota has had time to make more.” She then turned to look at the body.
“We think that they have been dead for some time already,” Isha said.
Neti shook her head, “Only a few days.”
“But their bodies are too far decomposed for it to be only a few days.”
“By tomorrow there will be nothing left to mummify,” Neti flatly stated. “Although not one of them deserves an afterlife.”
Isha looked at her in shock.
“The bodies should be burnt,” Shabaka said, causing the bearers to look at him in concern. “They have already been cursed. I doubt there is a chant or spell that could undo what they have done.”
Neti nodded, then turned to one of the bearers. “Tell your senior I will be there later to speak with him.”
The one man nodded and she allowed them to continue. As the bearers exited the house, several of the onlookers could be heard shouting demands.
Neti looked at Isha. “You should have a scribe take down all of their claims.”
“And what will that do? I already don’t have enough men.”
“It will show them that you are serious about their claims, especially if you state that their claim will not be considered unless they have listed it.”
“That will still take too many people. Besides, there will be those those that put in fraudulent claims.”
“You will only need two men who can write to keep them occupied,” Neti said in return. “And if there are no goods that correlate with their claim, then the claim would be invalid.”
“And who keeps them away from the goods?”
Mystery of the Temple Page 16
