Shadows of the Nile (14 page)

Aline sat back to enjoy the experience. The musician, a young lad, suddenly struck up a chord on a small guitar.

“We sing songs, ladies,” he said. “We will sing old Nubian songs together.”

“I don't know any old Nubian songs,” Jan laughed. “You'll have to sing them yourself.”

“No problem!” Dark eyes twinkled at her. “I will sing the words and then you will copy me. They are very easy words, but don't ask me to translate them as I don't know what they mean.”

“Mm, I'm sure you do!” Jan jingled her bracelets at him. “But as long as it's nothing naughty we'll give it a try. Go on, then.”

He sang three strange words and paused. Aline and Jan copied them. He sang another three. They did the same, and soon the pattern was well established, and the others joined in, the strong voices of the men blending hauntingly with those of the ladies.

At first, to Aline, it was a bit of fun. Then she realised, with a shock, that she could actually understand the words. They were singing an old love song about a man trying to find his lost love who'd wandered into the desert and not returned. It became very sad, but the man refused to give up hope, and he wandered around in a sandstorm, and saw a shadowy figure of his lost love, and they were reunited. The song ended with three very cheerful shouts.

“You sing very well, ladies,” the musician said.

“I wonder what it all meant,” whispered Jan.

*

The boat sailed on. Aline looked at Achmed, sitting enjoying the ride, and tried to concentrate on him. But suddenly she knew he and the others were all slipping away from her. She wasn't going back to the past. This time it was different. Something was here and now, but it was only for her, and the others were to be blanketed out. The ring sat comfortably on her finger. Whatever was about to happen would not put her in any danger.

The breeze was replaced by a strong and unearthly wind, which sent her shawl flying over her face, so for a moment she couldn't see. When she looked again the others had gone and she was completely alone on the boat. Then a sound like the sighing of a million souls whistled around her, until she had to clutch her ears to keep out the intense noise. The waves lapped at the side, causing the boat to rock a little. A mist, so intense, settled on her so she could hardly see her hand in front of her face. She stood up, dropping her shawl as if something had commanded it. Time had stopped. Time now and time then, they came together, and afterwards there was quiet – the wind, the noise and the fog ceased.

She waited. How long she would never know because there was no concept of hours as she knew them. She held her snake ring; it comforted her, but it seemed for the moment to become completely neutral.

“Aline.”

She heard a voice call her. She stared into the far part of the boat. Something big stood there, towering and intimidating.

“Come here.”

Trembling, she started to walk forward. Her legs felt so weak she thought she could fall at any moment.

“Do not be afraid of me. I have come to help.”

Encouraged, she moved further forward and stopped. The figure in front of her was muscular, with a human male body, and the head of a jackal.

“Anubis,” she whispered. “Have I died? Have you come to take me to the afterlife?”

“No, Aline. Your time hasn't come. I wanted to see you, to see what form you had taken, and to help you. You are not much different, a bit older, but that is in our favour. You will be wiser and that is a good thing.”

“Form? I don't understand.”

“You will learn. You must grow stronger. Now, no more questions. I have to do something. It won't hurt you. Turn round, I have to mark you. There will be a small tingle, nothing else.”

Still a bit apprehensive, Aline did as she was told. Nothing seemed to touch her, but there was a slight burning on her lower back.

“That will help to protect you.”

Aline turned to look at him. “What did you do?”

“I have burnt the Ankh into your skin. It is the symbol of eternal life and the key to some of the secrets of the Nile. When it is needed, like the Snake Goddess's ring, it will help you.”

He was growing taller. There was a mist behind him, concealing someone.

“Who is that?” Aline asked breathlessly.

Anubis didn't answer.

She could just make out the figure of a man. He was tall and muscular like Anubis, but he was all human.

“I have to see him,” she cried.

“Soon.”

“No, now. I have every right. I want to hold him. Don't keep me away from him. I love him.”

“Soon,” Anubis repeated. “But now is not the time.”

“Please!” Aline's cry was full of pain. “Please.”

Anubis didn't answer. The mist swirled and they were gone in a second.

Something dried her tears. Something wrapped her shawl round her and sat her down. The others had returned, but they were like statues. Slowly something brought them all back to life.

They were all quiet on the boat ride back. Aline glanced at Achmed. His serious expression told her he knew something had happened.

*

“You two look as if you enjoyed your trip on the river this evening,” Peter said, as they finished dinner. “Maybe Mary and I should have joined you.”

“We'd have liked to have you with us,” Aline said quietly. “We didn't really think; just wanted to show off our dresses.”

“Anyway, let me help you up,” Peter said gallantly to Aline, pulling out her chair. “Goodness, I didn't know you were into tattoos! What's that symbol you've got on your back?”

“It's an Ankh,” Mary answered, glancing at it. “It's a religious symbol of eternal life.”

“Very nice,” Peter remarked, reaching for his cigars.

*

When Aline returned to her cabin she was at long last able to examine the mark Anubis had burnt into her skin. It wasn't very big, and she had difficulty in trying to look at it with a mirror. But it was there and it was symbolic, with the ring and shawl; all instruments to help her in her coming trials.

She didn't take the dress off. She fastened her shawl around her hips. Anubis's symbol was in full view for anyone to see. She held her hand over the ring, and whispered some of the Nubian words she had remembered.

Anubis had said she would find her lover ‘soon'.

She trusted his word. She was going back, and this time she wouldn't return until she'd found him.

“I don't know about you, but I'm tired of being trussed up like some ancient mummy. I reckon we could get out of these bandages if we wanted to. All we have to do is untie the knot at the bottom of our feet and unwind the cloth. What do you think, Eboni? Shall we?”

“We'll get into trouble, Tadinanefer,” Eboni replied, not moving from the position on her back. “They'll beat us.”

“I don't think so. Think about it. They won't do anything brutal to us because we're going to make a lot of money for that woman, and she'll look after us. We can get away with things up to a certain point, and we should find out just how far we can go.”

“They'll do other things to us, drug us or something, so we don't know what we're doing or who we are.”

“She won't do that either. She won't want us behaving like drunken loonies in front of her wealthy clientele.”

“I think we should wait a bit longer. Lie down, Tadinanefer. You'll make it bad for both of us.”

Tadinanefer stopped fiddling with the knot round her ankles, and hesitated. Eboni was right. And her actions could get Eboni into trouble, too. No, the next time she took on Nephthys she would do it all by herself.

She sank back just in time. The door opened and a big woman walked in. She reminded Tadinanefer of the woman who'd been her jailor when Ptah imprisoned her in her room.

The woman untied her legs and started to remove the bandages. “Stand up, girl,” she muttered. “My name's Heddy. I've been assigned to look after you and to instruct you in what you're to do. You'll go into the small pool and wash yourself thoroughly, I'll dry you, and then you'll go to your room. You'll put on the dress which is there, and you'll wait there. Do you understand?”

“Yes. Will Eboni be with me?”

The woman's face darkened. “Don't ask questions, just do as you're told, or I'll punish you. Do you understand?”

Tadinanefer lowered her eyes. “Yes,” she replied.

“Yes, who?”

“Yes, Heddy.”

“Good.”

Tadinanefer waded slowly into the water; she proceeded to soak off all the oils and clean herself up. Then she was grabbed and dried by Heddy, who held her roughly, making her realise how strong she was and that this was someone to be wary of. She hadn't taken into account there might be some sort of go-between for Nephthys. She could be a problem but Tadinanefer would somehow deal with her. She followed instructions, and went through a door indicated by the woman, and closed it after her. The room was small but beautifully furnished, with two small beds and identical dresses laid on each. As she donned the thin white shift she guessed Eboni was to be with her and her spirits soared.

Indeed, within a few minutes Eboni joined her. However she was followed by Heddy, holding two goblets of wine.

“Drink these quickly,” she said, giving one to each.

Tadinanefer sniffed it cautiously. She didn't want to drink it. It had a very herby smell to it.

Eboni did as she was told. Tadinanefer still hesitated.

“If you don't drink it,” Heddy threatened, “I'll get the guards to take Eboni away, and make her stand out in the cold and dark, chained to a pillar. Is that what you want?”

Tadinanefer drank quickly. It couldn't be poison but she suspected something. She was right. Within a few minutes she began to feel drowsy, and soon both she and Eboni were sound asleep.

A few hours later, in a drowsy state, she saw Nephthys creeping around examining and gloating over her two latest money-making acquisitions.

*

Tadinanefer finally woke before Eboni. At first she wasn't certain where she was. It seemed a bit like her childhood home, with the exquisite drapes and furnishing, but as she collected her thoughts she realised with dread just what had happened to her. She was in the worst place possible – a whorehouse – and had already been subjected to something unpleasant. She'd been drugged, and she knew they'd do it again if she wasn't alert enough. She glanced across at Eboni, who was still deeply asleep, with her arm thrown across her face. She looked so vulnerable and defenceless. Tadinanefer sighed. Somehow she had to get them both out of that vile and evil place, and right now she had only the vaguest ideas how to do it. She'd no intention of ever going with just any man, and certainly not for money. But everything was stacked against her – the power of the woman who ran the place; the intimidating bullying of the heavy who was ‘looking after' her; and being imprisoned in the top of a guarded and impenetrable building.

She sat up. Maybe it was time to explore; see how far she could get. Find out just who waited round the corner, and how soon they'd try to stop her.

She swung her feet to the floor, feeling a bit giddy, but she ignored it. Her first faltering steps quickly became firm, and she was soon out into the pool room and at the top of the steps. There seemed to be no one around. It was maybe a bit too easy.

She could make a dash for it, down the steps and out, but it was likely she wouldn't get any further, so instead she leaned against one of the pillars and wrapped her arms backwards around it. With her white dress flowing round her shapely body, she looked very desirable.

“What are you doing?”

A male guard appeared in front of her, hand on dagger.

“I'd like to see Chione. I'd like to know if she's safe.”

She stood without moving, like a goddess, her paleness offset by her brown hair, the curls reaching almost to her breasts, which she knew could be clearly seen through her thin gown. She moved slightly, so her thighs became visible through the transparent silk.

“Not possible,” the man said huskily. “When did they bring you up here? Where did that colour come from?”

“I'm Tadinanefer,” she replied, looking up at him with her deep brown eyes. “I'm from a distant country where all my people are this colour. I've been here a long time.”

He drew back a little, not quite certain what to do. Tadinanefer noted there was still no one else around.

“You must go back to your room before you're missed. If she catches you she'll punish you severely. Do what I say, Tadinanefer. Don't make me drag you and raise the alarm.”

She gave him a tiny smile, as she slowly brought her arms to her side. She had some sort of friend. He might be useful. She moved gently past him. She did as she was told and went straight back to her room. Eboni was still sleeping. She wasn't surprised. If she herself had drunk all the liquid the woman Heddy had given her, she'd still be asleep. But she'd held some of it in her mouth, and spat it out as soon as she could. As a youngster she remembered finding out how her father's female slaves had been fed drugs in drinks at some of the parties. She'd asked her mother at the time why this was being done. The reply had been that as a daughter of the house she didn't question such things. But she'd guessed the answer.

She felt pleased with herself. She'd found out two things. The guards were not very alert at that early hour. Maybe the girls were drugged, or with clients. That meant it could be a good time to plan an escape. And more important – she had an ally. She'd recognised the guard. He was certainly not one of Nephthys's long-serving henchmen, or very loyal to her, otherwise she could now be in chains. She'd seen him before. He was the guard who'd been in the procession, protecting the Egyptian, and the one who'd whacked her. So what was he doing here? She couldn't wait to find out.

*

They were left alone for much of the day. Eboni eventually awoke late morning, but she was very drowsy. Food was brought by a slave; both girls ate ravenously.

“What do you think they'll do with us next?” Eboni asked.

“Prepare us for a sinful career, I imagine. We have to get out somehow.”

“I can't see how we can do it.”

They were thinking of venturing out to the pool later in the afternoon when Heddy came bursting through the door.

“We have a client for you, Tadinanefer,” she announced. “You're to be oiled and prepared immediately.”

“But… but,” Tadinanefer protested. “Don't you have to instruct me in the art of seduction or something?”

“I think with you it'll come naturally,” Heddy replied sarcastically. “Follow me.”

Tadinanefer's heart sank. There'd be no escape the following morning. She gave Eboni a scared look, as she was bustled out of the room by the two women slaves who'd massaged her the day before.

This time it was different. She was taken to a larger room, where there were a couple of other girls. The slaves were very professional, smoothing and stroking her skin, and adding additional herbal remedies as protection. They wrapped her loosely in cloth, and continued to brush her hair, adding different perfumes to it. They washed and dried her with soft cloths, and then left her with Heddy to dress her. Gold ornaments were put in her hair and a heavy necklace with semiprecious stones laced round her neck. Long gold armlets were placed on each arm from wrist to elbow, and long gold earrings put in her ears. A gold skirt was put on at her feet and pulled up to her waist. It was so tight she could hardly walk; it outlined her stomach and her bottom to their full advantage. She wore nothing else; her back and breasts were completely bare.

“Good!” Heddy announced at last. “Come with me. You're to be inspected.”

Tadinanefer followed her as best she could.

Nephthys waited for her. Seated, she was dressed in white, and half-veiled; she exuded innocence and charm, in contrast to Tadinanefer.

“Well done!” Nephthys said, with great pleasure in her voice. “She's perfect. A slave and a whore. She'll do very well. It's a pity we couldn't put a heavy wig on her head, but I like her hair loose as it is. And the minimum amount of makeup is good, showing off her white skin. You have done well, Heddy. You may go. I will reward you.”

Nephthys stood up. She walked round Tadinanefer.

“You'll do just as you're told.” She brought out a small silk whip and gently hit her several times with it across her thighs. “You won't be rewarded if you don't behave yourself. It's expected. If you're awkward then you'll be severely punished. Is that understood?”

“Yes, mistress.”

“Good. Now drink this.” She produced a small phial from within her clothes and thrust the contents into Tadinanefer's mouth. “It'll make you relax.”

She didn't wait for her to swallow it, but instead gave a triumphant laugh and went on to inspect the next girl. Somehow Tadinanefer managed to spit most of it into one of her hands. She wiped the liquid onto her back, hoping nobody had noticed.

But she was worried. Whoever she was about to see could do whatever he liked with her and she couldn't stop him.

*

Two guards accompanied her up more stairs to an ornate door. One of them motioned her to open it and, standing behind her, put his hand round her neck and pushed her through. The door closed firmly behind her. She stood trembling, alone and afraid, and once more feeling abandoned by everyone who'd ever loved her.

As her eyes became accustomed to the dimly lit room she realised it wasn't very big. It had ornate furniture, and food set at the side, and flagons of wine, but it was dominated by a wide divan with silk drapes. And on the divan a large man was reclining, staring at her.

“Come here, girl,” he muttered impatiently. “I can't see you over there.”

Timidly she took a step towards him.

“Further, further,” he growled impatiently. “Stand in front of me.”

She did. He got up.

“No wonder you can't walk in that skirt. It's far too restrictive.”

She kept her eyes to the floor. She thought if he sensed she was too inexperienced he might not want her. She had to hope she didn't appeal to him.

“I've never seen anyone your colour. I've heard of them, of course. I've seen drawings of white men but never of a white woman.”

He pinched her skin, making her wince. “It feels the same as mine, no different. And your hair is like the other women but very brown. Fascinating. Your breasts are the same, but pale. You're that colour all over, I suspect, but I'll find out. What I want you to do for me, Tadinanefer, is to take off all your clothes, and all those junky ornaments. I want you to do it in the torch light over there, so I have a good view of you. And stop shaking, I don't mean to hurt you.”

“Please.”

“Do as you're told.”

He resumed his reclining position and motioned her away with a flick of his hand.

She thought about running out, but she knew the guards would be ready to stop her. As she stood away from him, very slowly taking off her ornaments, she looked at the man who'd bought her for the night. Wearing only a covering from the waist down, she could see he was portly, with rolls of fat over his stomach. He was middle-aged. His face was unattractive and his hands podgy. She could see him watching her. Her heart sank.

“Hurry up,” he said impatiently.

The armlets were off. The earrings had gone. Her hair was free. The necklace proved a bit difficult to remove, but finally it was off. He was probably enjoying her stripping for him, although she couldn't really see his expression. It wasn't fair. If she was to go through something which disgusted her, at least she could have had someone muscular and attractive. No wonder Nephthys had laughed. She'd known exactly what she was doing.

She didn't want to remove her skirt but there was no choice. It was easier to take off than it was to put on.

She stood with her hands by her side, willing him to dislike what he saw.

“Come here.”

Again he stood up. “Stand where I can see you.”

He walked round her. “Fascinating,” he reiterated. “Everything about you is as they said. You're completely genuine. You really aren't from this country. No one has painted you that colour.” He continued to look at her, picked up her hair and rubbed a strand through his fingers. He poured some wine onto a cloth and rubbed her back with it.