Warrior of the Nile (The Gods of Egypt) (17 page)

He grimaced. “I will always regret not trusting you. I’m sorry for the way I acted.”

“You say that before you even know what it is I did,” she said in surprise.

“I was afraid for you, I was angry. I had all kinds of emotions mixed up inside me that day, but I should have given you the benefit of the doubt.”

“You may be angry all over again,” she said. “I went to ask Isis to spare you.”

Hugging her close, he answered calmly, “There’s no way to separate my fate from yours, beloved. I gave my oath to Pharaoh and my heart to you.”

“Which is what Isis said, as far as your oath,” Tiya admitted with reluctance.

“Tell me what you know in order. Let’s see what we can glean to devise a strategy.”

“All right.” After taking a sip of the wine from his goblet, Tiya launched into her story. “Nephthys condescended to give me a small explanation in Thebes.” Tiya grimaced. “I think sometimes she enjoys hearing herself talk. Smenkhotep practices black magic. Some rare mineral in his nome gives him access to extraordinary powers. He created a barricade of evil spells, which keeps Nephthys or any other Great One of Egypt from crossing his border in her own form.”

Khenet drew lazy circles around her nipple. “And she intends to cross the border while hidden inside you.”

Tiya nodded, toying with a sweetmeat. “Establishing a barrier against such an eventuality didn’t occur to him. Maybe he doesn’t know the potential of her power.” She shivered. “I’m not a black magician.”

“Thank the gods. I might be at your mercy,” he teased.

Gripping his cock with her fingers, she stroked from root to tip, keeping a firm pressure. “I believe you
are
at my mercy, beloved.”

His hips rocked. He groaned. “Keep touching me there and we’ll see who is more merciful.”

Tiya released her grip on him. “My heart wants to entice you but I fear I’m too sore.”

“We’ll lie here together and be close then,” Khenet assured her, inviting her to lean against him. “I’ve never plotted battle strategy in such comfortable surroundings, or with such a beautiful ally.”

“I should hope not!” She wriggled into his embrace. “Where was I? Oh, yes, so now the Usurper Pharaoh is dead and the Hyksos fled from most of Egypt, Smenkhotep thinks he can deal with their god Qemteshub himself, open a portal here to allow unspeakable evil to enter Egypt. Maybe even become Pharaoh someday. He must expect Qemteshub’s gratitude for betraying our country to him.”

“And me?” Khenet kissed her shoulder. “What part do I play in all of this?”

She couldn’t meet his eyes. He placed his hand under her chin, swiveling her head to him. “It’s all right, sweetheart, whatever it is. I need to know. Advance information is half the battle.”

“Smenkhotep needs a human sacrifice to entice Qemteshub itself through the portal. Ritual demands someone close to Pharaoh, someone representing Pharaoh.”

Looking thoughtful, he reached out and plucked a date from the fruit bowl, savoring the taste. He swallowed. “Are we talking a literal sacrifice? I’m to be killed on an altar?”

“I don’t know. I’m not sure. Nephthys plans to reveal herself as Qemteshub comes through into our space and time, destroying the evil one when it’s most vulnerable. She’ll obliterate everything, including Smenkhotep and me.” Tiya shut her eyes as if to refute the mental picture Isis had shown her. A tear fell, then another. “By her plan, you’ll already be dead. I-I haven’t told you the worst part.”

“Go on.”

“I can barely speak it. Not only will you die at the hands of a madman, but your immortal
ka
is to be destroyed by black magic.” She searched his face to see if he understood the magnitude of the horror she was describing. “There’ll be no Afterlife for you, no reunion with your family, with me, nothing. Qemteshub will eat your soul.”

Khenet left the bed, striding to the edge of the pool and standing with his back to her. Tiya unwound the linen sheet from her limbs and walked naked to him, hugging him from behind, arms around his waist. “Are you all right? I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you sooner but Nephthys threatened us both with terrible punishments if I breathed a word. And Isis confirmed that anything I said out loud, Nephthys would hear.”

He straightened, rolling his shoulders as she stepped back a pace. When he turned, he reached out to brush the fat teardrops from her damp cheeks. “I’m not going to die or to let you die. I will not surrender my
ka
. It’s good that you told me their ultimate plan.”

Staring at him, heartsick, Tiya said, “We can’t let Qemteshub enter Egypt.”

“Agreed.” He swept her up, carried her back to the bed and settled them both against the pillows again. Reaching into the sweetmeat bowl,, Khenet tossed a nut in the air and caught it in his teeth, biting the morsel in half and swallowing. He grinned, although there were lines around his eyes and his lips were tight. “I’ve no intention of allowing such a catastrophe either. What did Isis tell you? Does she provide any hope?”

Tiya considered. “She reconfirmed all that Nephthys had said. She likened this journey we’re on to a game of senet and said you and I are very important pawns.”

“Senet? With high stakes.” He laughed. “And we don’t know the rules the gods play by.”

“She showed me three outcomes—gave me a choice.”

“Ah, now we come to the place where I’m highly intrigued,” Khenet said. “So you did
choose
to return to the ship, to me?”

Tiya nodded. “I chose to
fight
,” she said, her fists clenching on his chest.

“Beside me?” Delight crossed his face and he hugged her close. “And I gave you such a hard time, keeping you prisoner, which tore my heart out. Can you ever forgive me?”

“I already have. I left you no choice—I realize that now.” Anxiously she gazed at him. “But you treated me with honor, as angry as you were.”

“So if we fight Nephthys’s battle in our own way, did Isis promise Egypt’s safety?”

Nodding Tiya, said, “We have to kill Smenkhotep, ensure that whatever portal he’s trying to open doesn’t allow Qemteshub access to Egypt. We may die in this attempt anyway but it’s a chance I’m willing to take, especially with your immortal soul and afterlife on the line.”

She hopped out of bed, headed for the heap of clothing on the floor. After sifting through the garments, she turned to display the golden dagger in the shape of a swallow, sacred to Isis. The deadly knife gleamed in the soft light. “I’m to use this against Smenkhotep.”

He reached out a hand. “Let me have it. I’m more likely to get the opportunity to wield the dagger in combat than you are.”

Shaking her head, Tiya moved the dagger out of his reach “The Great One said the task is mine, gave the dagger to me. She placed a magic spell on it, to keep Nephthys or Smenkhotep from seeing it.” Tiya glanced around the chamber. “I guess the magic doesn’t hold here but at any rate, I chose to take the dagger, to fight against Nephthys’s plans, while still guarding Egypt.”

Khenet left the bed, reaching her in two strides, lifting her high in the air and whirling her around. “So my little kitten is now a warrior with sharp teeth—I relish the coming battle!”

“I know you could defeat any human enemy. But working against our own Great Ones?” Tiya shook her head. “Not to mention Qemteshub.” Dread crept up her spine as a new thought crossed her mind. “I’ll do my best to help, to use the golden dagger but Nephthys may be in total control of my body and then I can’t make any promises.”

“So give me the knife,” he answered, his voice calm. “The spell cast by Isis will keep the dagger invisible until we need it, and I can wield it if you are...mired in Nephthys’s web.”

Frowning, she said, “But we still have no concrete plan prepared.”

“Hard to design a plan that unfolds in neat steps, when we don’t yet know what moves the enemy will take or in what order. But awareness of their goals gives me a strategic advantage. I’m no tame sacrifice.” Khenet sounded philosophical. “When preparing for battle, a good commander keeps various strategies in mind, based on the possible alternatives the enemy may try. You’ve given me the essence of their plan, as well as the knowledge of what they
must
have—my
ka.
So I know I have to defend my soul to the utmost and that
our
goal is the death of Smenkhotep. Kill him and there’ll be no one left to call Qemteshub.” He held out a hand and she placed the golden dagger on his rough palm. “Isis has given us a weapon aimed solely at the heart of Smenkhotep—we only need to unleash it.” He smoothed her hair as he carried her back to bed. “It’s all right, beloved. I may yet surprise your goddess. We should get some sleep before we have to leave.” Settling her into the crook of his arm, he leaned his head against hers. Knowing they were safe within the walls of the ancient temple, Tiya felt she could surrender to her body’s demands for a restorative sleep.

* * *

Tiya woke a few moments before dawn. She shuddered a little and Khenet pulled her closer without waking.
Can’t he feel Nephthys’s anger?
Pulses of hot pain rippled through Tiya, spreading out from her heart, beating at her, calling her
ka
. The goddess was outside the walls of this sanctuary, her fury building the longer she was kept apart from them.

Lying there, Tiya ignored the pain and watched the expressions on his handsome face as he slept and dreamed until a shaft of sunlight against his eyelids woke him. He stirred, and Tiya sat up as he stretched. “It’s time, sweetheart,” he said, kissing her. “We have to face the wrath of your goddess now.”

Frowning, heartsick and nauseous from the increasing pain, she attempted to stretch. She was hardly able to think because of the pounding in her breast, Nephthys’s summons. “I suppose, but it’s hard to force myself to leave this bed.”

With a grunt, Khenet rolled over out of bed. “I think we don’t want to find out how uninvited visitors are evicted.” A new dress had been laid out for her by their invisible hosts, and Khenet brought it to her. The fabric was soft woven cotton, the color of the sand along the Nile, and ribbons of darker brown and green ran along the hem and the neckline. It was slit up the sides to the knees. “Are you hungry?” Pausing, he examined her closely. “Why are there circles under your eyes today? Do you have a headache?”

“The goddess summons me and she’s angry. Be glad you can’t feel her call or her wrath right now.” Tiya got out of bed gingerly. “I had enough to eat last night. But I’ll take some of the bread and fruit for later.”

“Good idea. Be sure to pack some of those nuts for me.”

A few moments later, they were ready. Khenet held out his hand and, smiling, she took it. As courtly as any born noble, he kissed her hand, then her lips. “I’m proud to have you at my side for the coming battle.”

“I wish I had the confidence of a seasoned warrior,” she said. “But if I’m given the opportunity I’ll use the magic knife Isis gave us. Remember, not a word, no matter what Nephthys does, or she’ll know what we intend.”

“If this does end with my
ka
blasted to hell—”

She laid her hand on his lips. “It won’t. It can’t.”

He kissed the tips of her fingers. “All right, I’ll say no more. Just know that I’ll love you till my last breath in this life and any afterlife I might be granted.”

They walked through the small passageway. Tiya hesitated at the threshold. Standing on tiptoe, she pressed one final kiss onto her lover’s lips but, before he could catch her for an embrace, she rushed headlong out into the early morning.
Maybe if I go first
,
I
can plead with Nephthys not to punish him for doing what we both wanted.
Maybe she’ll listen to me
,
give him a chance
.

Chapter Eleven

Drawing a deep breath, Khenet walked past the line of glowing purple stones guarding the open door. He found himself in the courtyard, facing the ruined temple. Opening his mouth to say something, he realized too late that Nephthys-Tiya’s fist was flashing toward his jaw. A tremendous blow landed on his chin, out of proportion to anything the mortal woman could possibly deliver. Flung across the courtyard, he landed hard, the air knocked out of him. Before he could make a move, invisible hands grabbed him, throwing him face down on the dirt. Khenet couldn’t stir. He could barely breathe. The scent of the lotus was overpowering. Footsteps came nearer and nearer. With great effort, he yanked his head to the side and looked up.

It was Tiya’s body, her lovely face, but the intense black eyes of Nephthys glaring at him. She raised one foot and shoved his head in the dirt. Her voice was shrill. “How dare you try to thwart my will? How dare you bring my daughter to a place where I was cut off from her? I know you’ve used the opportunity to lie with her after all, against my express wish.” She took a step away then kicked him in the ribs with bruising force. “You refused to bed her when
I
commanded it for my pleasure, insulted
me
, human, and then think you can get away with such behavior?”

He was helpless to defend himself, flopping in the dust like a giant child’s doll. A broken paving stone dug into his ribs.

“Fortunately for you I must have an appropriate human sacrifice to represent Pharaoh for Smenkhotep’s black magic or you’d die here. But you’ll be punished.” The goddess’s voice was deep and terrifying in her anger. “Oh yes, there must be pain to pay for such insolence.”

Khenet heard the buzzing of her wasps and felt flames licking at his legs. He clamped his teeth on his lip to keep from crying out as his entire body was enveloped in heat and searing agony. He had no idea how long he endured the lash of her punishment, writhing on the ground, his guardian amulet providing only token protection from the worst effects of her fire and her wasps. Eventually Nephthys-Tiya sliced her hand through the air above him and the agony and flames disappeared.

Nephthys-Tiya smiled, the expression all the more terrible as it was his beloved’s beautiful face he saw gloating at his agony. “I hope you enjoyed last night, savored your union with my daughter. Relished your last bit of independence. From this moment until your death at Smenkhotep’s hands you’ll only do what I command. You’ll never touch this woman’s body again. And one more thing, impudent mortal.” She raised her hands to her neck and yanked the lotus necklace free, tossing it to the dirt beside him. “She can hardly wear your token of affection into the presence of her
husband
, now can she?” Nephthys-Tiya didn’t wait for an answer, gesturing impatiently with her right hand. “The venom of my wasps in your blood gives me the power to control you, as I do their swarms. I’ll use that power without mercy, rest assured. Now rise so we can be on our way.”

Awkwardly, he rolled over and got to his knees, scooping the little necklace out of the dirt surreptitiously as he moved, hiding it in his fist, then jamming the bauble in his kilt pocket. Somehow he managed to stand, despite the fact that his muscles and sinews were not responding to his commands normally. He was stiff, jerky, aching in every inch of his frame. Experimentally, he tried to take a step away from her and couldn’t move. The venom circulating in his body burned and his limbs itched everywhere he’d been stung, although he saw no visible marks. His tongue was thick and breath caught in his throat.

Nephthys-Tiya shrieked in amusement at his attempt to elude her control. “And so we shall go on. The gates to the nome lie at the other side of this pass. It is but a short ride from there to Smenkhotep’s capital city. By sunset tomorrow the dark forces of Qemteshub will have been repelled, his portal sealed forever.” She leaned in close. Her breath was bitter, reeking of smoke and dark spices. Poking him in the chest with her index finger in triumph, she said, “You’ll be dead, your soul destroyed by the black magic. Now, get in the chariot and take the reins.” She walked away.

He followed her like a dog on an invisible leash to a chariot that had materialized outside the statue-lined passage. Two large black horses stood in the harness, crimson plumes adorning their headgear. They regarded him with uncanny intelligence but didn’t fidget or stir. Flicking a contemptuous tail, one bared its teeth at him. Nephthys-Tiya ascended into the chariot and he came behind her, taking the reins when she made no move to do so. Rolling their eyes, tossing their heads, the horses sprang into a trot, easily traversing the pass.

About an hour later the drive came to an abrupt end at a massive wall, guarded by a squadron of soldiers. As the chariot swept up to the gate, the soldiers eyed him suspiciously from their posts on the walkway running the length of the barricade. Banners flying the cartouche of the Viper Nome drooped listlessly from standards directly above the heavily reinforced gates.

“You need to return the way you came, stranger,” the captain of the guard advised him from the walkway above. “No one enters the Viper Nome unless they are invited by our Ruler. And he doesn’t desire much company these days.”

Khenet fumbled at his belt. “We are expected.” He displayed the golden badge Edekh had given him, marking him as Pharaoh’s representative. “I’ve brought the Lady Tiya-ami-kitara, the affianced bride of your nomarch, from Thebes.”

Narrowing his eyes, the captain took a long look at Nephthys-Tiya. The soldiers behind him muttered and scrutinized her as well. Pointing at Khenet, the squad leader said, “Pull your chariot over there and I’ll attend you in a moment.”

Shortly, the great gate cranked open and the provincial officer marched through, a squad of six men fanning out behind him. Khenet observed that although they moved with discipline, the men seemed scrawny, underfed. Their uniforms fit too loosely, and some appeared barely able to lift their shields.
So
,
not the highly valued mercenaries then.

The soldier grabbed at Khenet’s golden token, giving Nephthys-Tiya a curious stare. She raised her chin haughtily, ignoring him.

“We didn’t expect to see her, not after the Usurper Pharaoh was deposed.” The officer studied Khenet, hands on his hips, taking special note of the golden falcon badge.

Blocked by Nephthys-Tiya’s iron control from making any move, Khenet could only clench his hands on the reins, literally frozen in place.

She unfastened the document case from the sidewall of the chariot and extended it to the soldier. “The proclamation from Pharaoh is in here.”

With an appreciative glance, the man accepted the leather cylinder. “Nomarch Smenkhotep will be pleased. I’ll send word to him.”

“At once,” she instructed, eyebrows raised.

The officer inclined his head. “As you say, my lady. You’ll have to wait outside the gate until he can get here. He was adamant no one but he could escort his bride into our nome, should you ever actually arrive.”

“We’ll wait then.” Khenet turned to Nephthys-Tiya. “Did you wish to leave the chariot, my lady?”

She was all innocence and sweetness, but fire blazed in the depths of her black eyes. A faint buzzing echoed in his ears, and Khenet’s gut clenched. Enjoying his reaction, she laughed. “Indeed. I am tired of this mode of travel. And extremely tired of your company.” She accepted his help to leave the chariot, although the horses stood rock steady. The touch of her hand left his skin itching. He escorted her to a nearby rustic bench in the shadow of the wall, apparently meant for people who had to wait to enter the nome.

“Are you hungry? Thirsty?” the captain of the guard asked. “It may be a long wait. We’re low on supplies but I can spare something if you have need.”

“We’re fine, thank you.” Khenet assessed the man, studying his lean features. “You remind me of someone, but I can’t quite place the face. Have we ever met?”

The soldier shook his head. “No, my lord. You may have met my cousin in Dendaret. Waset? He commands the garrison there.”

“Ah, yes. We passed a pleasant evening in the officers’ mess,” Khenet said. “He can hold his beer, round after round till lesser men fall under the table.”

The provincial officer laughed. “Indeed.” He stuck out his hand. “Any friend of my cousin’s is welcome here. I’m Narmer.”

They shook hands and the Viper Nome soldier leaned against the wall as Khenet got Nephthys-Tiya settled on the bench. Khenet suspected the man was lingering on purpose, perhaps wanting to have some private conversation, but Nephthys-Tiya kept him by her side.
I
can’t discuss anything meaningful in her hearing.
After a few more pleasantries Narmer returned through the gate, which closed ponderously behind him.

“While we wait, mortal, let me assure you, I’ll be allowing my daughter to waken as we share this body. I’ll let her
ka
watch all that is done to you, before she herself dies.” Nephthys-Tiya fanned herself with languid motions.

“Why do you hate us so?” Khenet asked. “She’s your descendant and we’re both loyal Egyptians.”

“Appealing to my softer side? Pleading for mercy at this late hour?” Nephthys-Tiya was contemptuous.

Through clenched jaw, he made one more attempt to save Tiya. “Not for myself, but surely you could spare her life!”

“Humans are but tools to accomplish the goal, pawns to play in the game,” the goddess said. “I deal in concerns far loftier than any puny life one of you has to live. Which reminds me, best I don’t greet my husband-to-be smelling of the sacred lotus. Even he might suspect something was amiss.”

A hot breeze blew past the bench, enveloping them both for a moment in a swirl of dust, and as the motes drifted to the ground, Khenet realized the heady perfume of a goddess was no longer evident.
She’s cunning and arrogant all right.
We’re going up against a formidable foe
,
my love and I
,
not even factoring in Qemteshub.
He shifted on the wooden seat, inching farther away from his companion, and felt the reassuring prick of the Isis dagger against his bare skin, where he’d hidden it inside the back of his waistband, covered by his tunic.
I
pray we get the chance to use this gift.

Nephthys-Tiya didn’t speak to him again and Khenet concentrated on regaining mastery of his own body, hoping the wasp venom was dissipating with each passing moment.

It was probably an hour later they heard trumpets calling from the other side of the wall.

“Our lord is here now,” the sentry called somewhat unnecessarily. “Prepare yourselves to greet him.”

The gate swung open slowly. Nephthys-Tiya rose and walked forward. “Bring the packs,” she said over her shoulder. Khenet hoisted the small trunk and the embroidered sack and followed.

Smenkhotep stood inside the line of the wall, not setting foot outside his own nome. Khenet eyed him curiously. The nomarch was tall, thin and balding. Tremors passed through his body every few moments. His long fingers clenched and unclenched on a green and turquoise robe he carried in his arms. His sunken eyes were brown, glowing with near insanity. He had a wispy brown beard, barely concealing a mouth full of uneven yellow teeth.

As Nephthys-Tiya came closer, the nomarch spread out the full-length hooded garment he was carrying. “Allow me to welcome you, my lovely bride, and garb you in my first gift of many.”

Presenting the picture of a happy bride to be, she simpered and preened as he draped the garment over her head and shoulders, then fastened the clasp, set with malachite and coral. Khenet noted the nomarch was careful to remain in the shadow of his gate. When his bride was virtually hidden in the generous folds of fabric, Smenkhotep drew her inside, past a line of glowing purple stones set into the gate, on the ground and above their heads. Khenet paced after, tethered on his invisible leash, unable to do anything other than what the goddess in disguise desired. He felt a small pulse from the matching purple gem hidden inside his amulet as he walked by the guardian stones and suppressed a smile of hope.

A fabulous litter awaited, carved from gilded wood, with black ostrich plume tassels at each corner. The cushions were purple and black and red, decorated with golden ribbons. Smenkhotep handed his betrothed in with a flourish, and the four brawny servants lifted their burden with ease. Clambering into his chariot, the noble drove along behind. Khenet was brusquely directed to another chariot, the packs taken away from him by soldiers, and like an exotic caravan they arrived in the capital city.

As they drove slowly through the streets, he took stock. The people they passed were apathetic, dull-eyed, hardly even glancing at the procession, certainly not cheering. The streets were in poor repair, full of potholes that kept the chariots bouncing and made the litter bearers step carefully to avoid toppling Nephthys-Tiya to the ground. Refuse and litter were everywhere. Khenet spotted no children and few women, heard no laughter. Many buildings had been abandoned. At the market stalls, the fruit and vegetables were small, withered. Little or no meat was on offer.

The nome doesn’t prosper under this black magician.
That explains why he sends bandits to steal from the caravans.
His paid soldiers appear well fed
,
though
,
just as Waset told me
,
back in Dendaret.
The men at the nome’s border crossing
,
under Narmer’s command
,
were clearly suffering from low rations.
Smenkhotep must not fear any invasions from Egypt.
Such men are ill-equipped to fight.

The poor state of the roads made the journey to the palace a long ordeal. Here the buildings were in somewhat better repair, although shamefully rundown to Khenet’s eyes. Well fed, swaggering soldiers, most of non-Egyptian stock, were everywhere. Waiting on the stairs was a short, fat scribe, flanked by a small crowd of nobility, judging from their garb.