Magic of the Nile (19 page)

Suddenly she felt at ease, even though her companion was Pharaoh himself. “I think we can safely assume the limited scope of my crocodile’s ambitions, sir.”

Her men scrambled to their feet from the prone position as Pharaoh nodded his permission. Tyema introduced them, thinking as she did so she’d never forget the awe on their faces. Nat-re-Akhte asked a few genial questions about the difficulties of keeping the crocodile healthy during the voyage, which Hotepre answered in loquacious detail while his assistants shuffled and blushed.

Curiosity apparently satisfied by the pond keeper’s discourse, Pharaoh surveyed the assembled group of workers. “Where’s my zookeeper?”

“Here, my lord.” A burly man who had been waiting nearby took a step forward. “How may I serve you, Great One?”

“Open the fence so the crocodile can enter the water.” Nat-re-Ahkte gave Tyema a sympathetic wink. “I’m sure he must be getting impatient and thirsty in his crate.”

Once the gate was open, Tyema took her place next to the box and nodded to Hotepre to strike away the last bolt. As soon as the wooden panel fell to the ground, raising a small cloud of dust that sent one or two of the courtiers scurrying, she bent over, meeting the basilisk stare of the crocodile, his eyes practically glowing.

One hand resting on the emeralds of her golden pectoral, she pointed the other at the crocodile. “I command you in the name of the Great One Sobek, leave this box and move to your temporary pond.”

The crocodile rose on its stubby legs and waddled past her, slipping through the makeshift gate in the fence and launching itself into the shallow pool in a smooth motion, drifting with just his eyes above the water, watching them.

“Had I not seen it myself, I never would have believed it,” said the royal zookeeper.

“I
am
the high priestess of Sobek,” Tyema reminded them.

Her son now burst into howls of outrage over his ignored needs. Tyema was embarrassed, torn between her desire not to offend Pharaoh and a mother’s imperative to console her child. She took an instinctive step in Seknehure’s direction before forcing herself to stop. “I’m sorry, Great One—”

“Please don’t apologize.” Pharaoh made a dismissive gesture, a broad smile on his face. “I remember when my son was of a similar age. Peace can’t be restored until the child has its mother’s milk. Take your babe from the girl. You and I will sit in privacy in the pavilion yonder and chat a bit, while you satisfy his demands.” He spoke to the people surrounding them. “I’ll not need you for the moment.”

Tyema took a red-faced, wailing Seknehure from Renebti, bouncing him a bit and crooning a lullaby under her breath in hopes of calming him. Still humming the tune, she rejoined Pharaoh, courteously waiting for her while the others withdrew to a patch of shade beyond the pond, in the other direction. Sahure lingered beside the open crate but Nat-re-Akhte ignored him, indicating for Tyema alone to accompany him to the appointed seats. He led her to a pair of benches placed under a large shady tree and settled on the closer one, gesturing for her to take the other.

She sank onto the gilded wood, discreetly rearranging her dress and the baby’s light blanket to allow Seknehure to nurse. Pharaoh leaned against the carved back of the opposite bench, watching gardeners in the distance work at caring for the banks of flowers and fruit trees. “There’s a rare peace here in this area of the palace grounds. We used to bring my son to see the zoo, when he was little, as a special treat. He liked to catch the lazy fish in the pond.” The memory appeared to please Nat-re-Akhte, judging by the softening of the lines in his face. “The queen and I seldom have time now for such activities.”

“I can’t imagine the cares and duties on your shoulders, Great One,” Tyema said. “All of Egypt to deal with. The problems of a single temple complex exhaust me.”

“Perhaps one day when I have grandchildren, the zoo will again become part of my day. I’d enjoy teaching a grandson to fish.” Pharaoh took one more glance at his gardens before all his attention focused on her. “To business, Lady Tyema. Sobek tells me there’s someone in my Court using black magic, magic bearing the taint of the Usurper Pharaoh.”

Sobek didn’t tell me about the connection to the Usurper. I wonder if there’s anything else he neglected to mention?
“But surely the Usurper is long dead?”

Nat-re-Ahkte nodded. “Yes, she is. And Sobek himself carried her body away to be devoured by Ammit the Destroyer. But somehow, someone is invoking powers the Usurper called upon. The moment you know who this person is, I expect to be notified.” His tone was steely, his gaze hard. A muscle in his clenched jaw twitched and his hand curled around the dagger’s hilt as if he was ready to strike the enemy.

Tyema swallowed past the lump in her throat, remembering those telltale flickers of black magic coiling around Sahure earlier.
There’s no proof he’s using the magic. He might be a victim of it. I need to know more, to be absolutely sure before I accuse anyone of anything.
There was nothing to report yet, she assured herself. “Yes, Great One, I promise, at once.”

“But in the meantime, my queen and I’ll strive to make your visit to Thebes a pleasant one.” He was relaxed again, a genial host. “We’ve set aside a suite of rooms in one of the quieter wings for you and your party. I’ve assigned Captain Sahure to be your personal liaison, since I believe he’s the only individual you know here at Court?”

Dismay cascaded through her.
So I’ll see him daily? How shall I bear the pain and longing, especially if he’s married?
Realizing Pharaoh was watching her, she stammered out an appropriate response. “Th-thank you, sir. Most kind.”

Nat-re-Akhte glanced from her to the baby and then at Sahure, waiting at parade rest beside the crate. “Perhaps assigning him wasn’t the blessing I intended it to be? Old matters to be settled between the two of you?”

“This is his son, sir,” she answered, stroking the baby’s downy cheek with pride. “But we’ve yet to speak of him or anything personal. I appreciate your concern for my well being. Just on the short trip from the harbor, I began to perceive how different life here must be from the way we dwell in my small village.”

Pharaoh smothered a laugh, converting his mirth into a cough. “Sobek indicated this journey was a hardship for you and expressed his hope I’d do everything in my power to ease your way, while you’re working to discover the traitor for me.”

“Traitor?” The word struck a chill in her heart.
And so far the only person I’ve seen in Thebes with any sign of black magic attached is the father of my child. The man I love.

“The source of the black magic traces to Qemtusheb, god of the Hyksos; therefore any who are involved are traitors to Egypt and to me.” His tone made it clear there was no room for doubt. Pharaoh studied her for a moment. “A rare gift, to be able to see black magic in the air. Even I can’t command the ability, more’s the pity.”

“The Great One Sobek gave me the power, for this trip.” She wanted to change the subject, anxious about Sahure’s involvement. If Pharaoh were to ask her any direct questions, she didn’t think she could deceive him. “May I inquire what the plans are for dedicating the crocodile?”

“Tomorrow morning we’ll have a planning session with the high priest of the temple here, probably conduct the ceremonies a day or so after. A procession, hymns, prayers, you perform your magic of making the beast go where you will him to be. A day of feasting for the populace of Thebes.” Nat-re-Akhte shrugged. “Grateful as I am personally to Sobek over this matter of black magic, he isn’t a major deity in this city. I myself am sworn to Horus, who lent me his strength in battle many a time. The patron deity of Thebes itself since time immemorial is Amun-Ra. But we’ll give Sobek his due, never fear,” Pharaoh said, almost as an afterthought. “Then you’ll be at liberty to partake in entertainments the queen is arranging, over the next few weeks, and search for our sorcerer.” He clenched his fists. “My vengeance will be swift and deadly, once you’ve named the culprit.”

“I’ll find the sorcerer for you, Great One.” The baby had drowsed off, so she wrapped him in the light blanket, awkwardly fixing her dress.

Pharaoh rose and she hastily followed suit, Seknehure held close in her arms.

“There’s a feast tonight,” the ruler said as they strolled toward Sahure and the waiting courtiers.

Tyema couldn’t stop herself from groaning at the idea of being on display to the entire Court so soon. She bit her lip in alarm at showing her reluctance, but Pharaoh laughed. “You don’t have to attend, is what I was going to say. I can see the trip up the Nile has been tiring for a new mother. I’m sure my wife will understand your absence and be more than happy to set anyone straight who questions, although she’s anticipating meeting you. Rest, get yourself ready for what’s to come.”

“Thank you, Great One.” She understood he’d done her a large favor, granting her permission to skip the long evening of feasting and entertainment.

“Anything you need, you must request from my Chief Scribe, Edekh.” Eyes narrowed, he gave her a meaningful glance. “There’s no limit to my gratitude, Lady Tyema.”

They’d reached the waiting courtiers and her companions. Pharaoh said, “Until tomorrow, then.” He strode toward the palace, his guards and retainers hurrying to follow.

Tyema noticed Sahure staring at the baby as she handed the child to her niece, but she didn’t try to reopen the conversation. Worn out from her private session with Pharaoh, she felt shy of Sahure, wary of the flickers of black magic she’d seen. Taking refuge in her status as a high priestess, she adopted a haughty tone. “I wish to be escorted to my rooms now.”

“Certainly.” Sahure addressed Hotepre and the two assistants. “You’re to lodge with the household staff. The zookeeper can show you the way.”

The men bowed and Sahure took Tyema’s elbow, directing her to follow the path Pharaoh had taken a moment ago.

They walked in silence through the gardens toward the palace. Tyema felt reluctant to talk to Sahure, although there were so many things she needed to discuss with him. She also didn’t want to reveal private matters in front of her companions or the fan bearers.
Already I can see there are far too many listening ears in the palace. And no way to tell who might be loyal to what faction.

As she climbed up the many stairs leading to the palace entrance, Tyema realized someone was waiting for them in the shade. Coming forward as she took the final step, this newcomer bowed. “May I welcome you to the home of Pharaoh Nat-re-Akhte and his Royal Wife, Ashayet? I’m Edekh, Chief Scribe.”

“I’m pleased to meet you,” she said.

“Edekh runs this whole place,” Sahure told her with a laugh. “Anything you need, he can get. In fact, he’ll have figured out what you require before you know yourself. Good to see you again, old friend.”

“We missed you while you were away in the desert.” The two men clasped arms for a moment before Edekh returned his attention to Tyema. “Let me escort you to your chambers, my lady. I’ve ordered dinner for you and your niece.”

As they walked into the cool halls of the palace, Sahure gave Tyema a quizzical glance, eye brows raised. “Yes,” she said in answer to his unspoken question, “Pharaoh excused me from tonight’s festivities.”

“While I must attend,” he answered.
 

“There would be a number of ladies of the court who’d be disappointed if you were absent tonight, after being in the southern deserts for a year. Certain ladies-in-waiting seem to be unable to talk of anything else but when you might be seen again in Thebes.” Edekh poked Sahure in the ribs with his elbow and chuckled.
 

Tyema ground her teeth before she could stop herself, feeling a jealous pang of regret in her heart but steeled herself.
I found him so attractive, why wouldn’t the women here?

Brow furrowed in a scowl, Sahure glared at Edekh for a moment, before turning to her. “We should talk. Perhaps after dinner?”

“I—I’m going straight to bed. The voyage has tired me. Can we talk tomorrow?” She didn’t feel up to the subjects they had to discuss. And the brief flare of black magic in the air around him had badly disconcerted her.

He shook his head. “I’ve an errand taking me out of the city tomorrow. Pharaoh gave me his permission. When is the ceremony to be?”

Unable to quell a feeling of alarm that he was leaving her on her own, in addition to annoyance at herself for needing his presence to support her, not to mention the audacity of his abandoning her so soon to cope with the terrors of Thebes alone, Tyema answered distractedly. “Pharaoh indicated the dedication might be in two or three days.”

“I was given the same timeline,” Edekh said. “You can take care of whatever business calls you away from Thebes and be here by the appointed hour to fulfill your duties, my friend.” Pausing in the middle of the broad hallway they’d been traversing, the Chief Scribe indicated a gilded door, painted with a scene of water lilies and waterfowl, guarded by two sturdy warriors with spears crossed to bar entry. “We’ve arrived at your suite of rooms, Lady Tyema.”

As the guards saluted, moving their deadly weapons aside to allow her to pass, Edekh ushered Tyema into a set of chambers so elegant and richly appointed that she was speechless. If she hadn’t known better she’d have thought Pharaoh had given her his own rooms. The walls were painted with lovely scenes of the Nile, gardens and the like. Lotus-topped columns touched with gold supported ceilings decorated with a breathtaking vista of the starry skies ruled by the goddess Nuit. Tyema’s bedroom, visible behind gauzy draperies billowing gently in the afternoon breeze, was huge, dominated by a large bed made of shiny ebony, the mattress supported at either side by carved, gilded, life-size lionesses. The headboard and footboard bore the eye of Ra symbol, painted in gold, accented with turquoise. More elegant draperies surrounded the bed. Nearby stood a wicker cradle for her son.