Beauty of Re

by Mark Gajewski

  “Nehi, come forward.”

  “Nehi, I appoint you viceroy in the South. Collect my taxes. Man my fortifications. Keep a watchful eye on Wawat and Kush.”

  “I shall, Majesty. Thank you, Majesty.”

  And so another of Hatshepsut’s supporters was replaced. Amenemnekhu looked as surprised as Hapuseneb had.

  In quick order, Thut named Sennefer the Greatest of Seers in Iunu, making him the high priest of Re, as well as Greatest Controller of Craftsmen at Mennefer, the high priest of Ptah. Ken became the high priest of Mut, Nebwawi the high priest of Osiris at Abdju, Minmose that god’s first prophet, and Kaemheribsen the Third Prophet of Amun at Ipet–Isut.

  Ahmose stepped forward and Thut smiled at him. “Ahmose, you’ve served me long and faithfully, since we were boys together in this very per’aa. I bestow upon you the following titles: Confidant of the King in the Council Chamber, Great Offspring of the King in the Per’aa, Greatest of His Companions, Master of the Secret of the Great Throne, Seal–bearer of the King. In addition, you shall be First Prophet of Henketankh, the mortuary temple I’ll construct for myself on the west bank of the river. You shall also be First Lector Priest of Amun, Second Prophet of Amun–Re in Ipet–Isut, God’s Father, and Beloved of the God.”

  Ahmose bowed humbly. “You honor me beyond my wildest dreams, Majesty.”

  At Thut’s motion, Ahmose ascended the dais and took a position one step below and to his right.

  “Rekhmire, come forward.”

  He moved to the open space before the dais.

  “Your father, Neferuben, has served me long and faithfully as vizier of Lower Kemet at Mennefer,” Thut said. “Your great–grandfather, grandfather and uncle all served Kemet as viziers, beginning with the reign of my own grandfather, Aakheperkare. Today you join them in service to me. I appoint you mayor of Waset, in charge of the east bank.”

  “I am honored, Majesty.”

  I saw Rekhmire’s wives, Bet and Meryet, beaming with pride.

  “Useramun, come forward.”

  He stepped to the open space.

  “You are uncle to Rekhmire, newly appointed mayor,” Thut said. “You are brother to Neferuben, my vizier in Lower Kemet. You are son to Aametshu, vizier of… that woman, who today has renounced his loyalty to my sister.” Thut leaned back in his throne, gazed at Aametshu. “Your father has grown old in service to the kingdom, Useramun. Today you take his place as vizier of Upper Kemet, to reside with me at Waset.”

  “Thank you, Majesty.”

  “Look to the office of vizier, Useramun,” Thut said. “You are now in the public view. The very winds and waters report all you do, so your deeds cannot be unknown. Be watchful over all that is done, for your new office supports the whole land. As for the vizierate, it is not sweet, but bitter. You are copper enclosing the gold of my house. The vizierate is not to show respect only to nobles and councilors. It is not to be used to make for yourself slaves of any people. Never forget you are appointed to labor on behalf of others. Tools are made of base metals, and you are just such a tool in my hands, whose very flesh is gold. Never forget where your loyalties lie – you work for me.”

  “I shall not forget, Majesty,” Useramun replied.

  “Each morning you shall enter the per’aa and inquire after me – my life, my well–being and health – after you have been informed of the condition of the Two Lands, upon which you will report.”

  “It will be so, Majesty.”

  The bureaucracy at Waset was vast, and I let my mind drift as Thut made appointment after appointment: Ipy, captain of boats in the Temple of Amun and overseer of boats for Amun in Thut’s future memorial temple; Kha, overseer of construction of that temple; Minmose, overseer of all Thut’s works throughout Kemet, the man who would build all other temples and shrines for Thut; Senneferi, overseer of the seal and overseer of the gold land of Amun; Maiherpri, royal fan bearer on the right side; Wadjet–Renpet, chief steward; Nebamun, steward of Thut’s wife Nebtu; Kenamun, royal butler and mayor of Mennefer; Djehuty, royal butler and royal herald; Tati, royal butler; Iamnedjeh, royal herald, controller of works, overseer of granaries; Ty, overseer of the seal; Sennefer, overseer of the seal, superior of the overseers of the storehouses, overseer of the gods Sobek and Anubis, chief of mayors, overseer of the fields of Amun, mayor of Akhmim, overseer of the priests of Min in Koptos; Amenhotep, deputy overseer of the seal; Djehuty, overseer of the silver houses and overseer of the gold houses; Minnakht, overseer of the two granaries and of the accounts of grain of Upper and Lower Kemet, overseer of horses of the Lord of the Two Lands, royal scribe; Nebamun, superintendent of the grain stores; Mentuherkhepshef, fan–bearer and mayor of Qusiya; Min, mayor of Tjeny, replacing Satepihu in that post, overseer of the prophets of Onuris and overseer of the priests of Osiris; Iamnefer, mayor of Nefrusy, wab priest and scribe of divine offerings of Thoth, high priest of Thoth; Ahmose, mayor of Shat; May, harbor master in Waset; Amenemhab, overseer of cattle of Amun–Re and steward; Amenmose, overseer of the cattle of Amun, overseer of the production–area of Amun; Amenhotep, overseer of works in the temple of Osiris, director of works in the temple of Isis; Samut, overseer of works of Amun–Re at Ipet–Isut.

  There was a pause as Ineni, the aged architect, shuffled forward.

  “Ineni, you have served the king since the time of the first Amenhotep, raising great monuments and temples and statues throughout the river valley. You shall continue in that task.”

  “Thank you, Majesty,” he said.

  “Commander Djehuty, come forward,” said the herald.

  Djehuty moved briskly to the front of the room.

  “Commander, old friend, you taught me how to be a soldier,” Thut said. “Together we have campaigned against the Nine Bows. For years we have talked of forging an empire. Now, we’ll do so, you and I. My army will be a hammer in my hand, and none will stand against it. From this day you are its General, and you will command it at my side. Together we shall make the world tremble at the mention of Kemet.”

  Djehuty’s eyes flashed fire. “Majesty,” he said, in a tone that would have made our enemies shiver had they been in the room.

  “To aid General Djehuty and I in our task, I name Amenmose captain of troops and Eyes of the King in the Two Lands of the Retenu. I name Penhat overseer for all the Northern lands. I name Dedu governor of the deserts on the west of Waset and head of the troops of the king. I name Tjanuni royal scribe and army commander.” Thut paused. “Tjanuni, you will continue to serve as my military scribe. You will travel with me on all my campaigns, and keep detailed records so that my deeds may be accurately proclaimed throughout Kemet.”

  Intef rolled up the papyrus. The appointments were done.

  We’d been standing for several hours now. Thut had saved Nefer for last, whether to make her uncomfortable or perhaps draw some sign of weakness or irritation I did not know. But she remained calm, eyes downcast, humble, throughout the appointments, reacting not at all as the advisors she loved were replaced.

  Intef brusquely ordered Nefer to move forward. She walked to the open space, fell to her knees before Thut, kept her eyes focused on the floor. Everyone in the room was watching her. I’d never seen such a look of satisfaction on Iset’s face. Hatshepsut had trivialized and humiliated her son, or so Iset believed. That her son was about to do the same to her hated enemy’s daughter before everyone who counted in the Two Lands was beyond her wildest dreams.

  “Rise,” Intef said.

  Nefer stood, raised her eyes to Thut.

  Thut addressed Nefer. “Yesterday we lay Hatshepsut, your mother and my aunt, to rest in the Great Place. Today I must decide what to do with you.” His voice, and the look in his eyes, were ominous. That he had used Hatshepsut’s nomen and not her prenomen underlined that he had never considered her a king.

  “Do with me, Menkheperre – life, health, prosperity?” Nefer asked, with dignity.

  Despite her calm exterior, I knew Nefer was afraid. Otherwis
e, she would not have referred to Thut so formally. While Thut had made promises to me, there was always the danger that his advisors and mother might have caused him to change his mind – or even forced him to – in the weeks since. Had he really not decided what to do with Nefer, despite our agreement, or was he merely trying to placate his advisors? I prayed it was the latter.

  “You may not speak unless the king says so!” Intef angrily shouted at Nefer.

  Thut held up his hand. “My sister may speak freely, Herald. She will have some say in her fate.”

  “My fate?”

  Thut’s eyes narrowed. “Declare yourself, Sister, right now, publicly – will you challenge me for my throne?”

  What had been hinted at for so many years was finally out in the open. I saw the sneer on Iset’s face. For more than a decade, she had filled Thut’s ears and those of anyone who would listen with talk of Hatshepsut and Nefer’s treason. I knew Thut had to ask the question, so that both Nefer’s supporters and his would know she had no design on the kingship. She had known it too. It was the only way to lay the issue to rest.

  “I seek only to serve you, Majesty, in whatever way you wish,” Nefer said humbly. “Whatever talents and abilities I have are at your service.”

  Iset addressed Nefer. “My son is and always has been the rightful and sole king of Kemet. Your mother usurped his throne – with the help of a handful of the men in this room.” Her eyes swept Hapuseneb and Hori and the rest. “When my son was but a youth, serving as priest during a festival in the hypostyle hall of his grandfather at Ipet–Isut, his father, my husband, Aakheperenre – life, health, prosperity, justified – placed incense upon the fire and made a great offering to Amun of oxen, calves and goats. The image of the god made a circuit of the hypostyle hall, searching for my son in the crowd of worshipers. On recognizing my son, Amun halted. My son instinctively threw himself on the ground, placing himself on his belly in the god’s presence – just as you did today before my son. Amun set Thutmose before his person. Amun made known before the people the secrets in the hearts of the gods. Thutmose flew to heaven as a divine heart. Re himself established him. Thutmose was dignified with the diadems that were upon the god’s head.” Iset glared at Nefer. “Thutmose was selected by the gods to rule. You will never wrest his throne from him.”

  “As I have already assured His Majesty, I have no intention of trying,” Nefer said calmly.

  “Liar!” Iset cried. Her hatred boiled over. She stood, pointed at Nefer. “Execute her!”

  Shocked gasps echoed in the hall. I raised my hand to my mouth, suddenly deathly afraid. I did not underestimate the influence of Thut’s mother and her power over him, of the influence she had with his advisors. All stared at Iset. Thut listened, his face impassive.

  “Neferure was in this very audience hall fifteen years ago when Hatshepsut and her advisors plotted to steal your throne! Those same advisors conspired with Neferure once more beside Hatshepsut’s dead body just weeks ago, seeking to put her on your throne!” Iset turned to Nefer. “Do you deny it?”

  “Of course I don’t deny being present,” Nefer said. “Would you have had me let my mother die alone? But when her advisors suggested I take the throne, I refused.”

  Iset stepped towards her son, her voice rising in volume.

  “You cannot let Neferure live! The civil servants were appointed by the Usurper, as were the priests. They are loyal to Neferure, as God’s Wife of Amun, despite what they said today. That position gives her wealth enough to buy the loyalty of many. Even an army! Unless you execute her, they’ll kill you and your son and place her on your throne!”

  Nefer drew herself up regally. “You’d kill me for what you fear others might do?”

  “Neferure and Hatshepsut kept you from your rightful place on the throne for fifteen years!” Iset continued angrily. “She must die for usurping your rights! Kill her! That will send a powerful message to any who would challenge you in the future. Her mother claimed to be king – she was a laughingstock! Have you not heard of the graffiti etched on the cliff above Djeser Djeseru picturing Hatshepsut and Senenmut, a commoner, having sex? No one would have dared depict a real king in such a way. Neferure needs to pay the price we could not make her mother pay.”

  That was what this all boiled down to – Iset had spent decades seeking vengeance against Hatshepsut, and had failed. So she would have it on Nefer instead. The woman’s vindictiveness knew no bounds. I wondered if Thut was strong enough to resist her.

  “If you make the attempt, Majesty, there are those who will prevent it,” Nefer said quietly, and I knew it was true. There were in fact many in the land still loyal to Hatshepsut and her daughter, officials who had not been summoned to the per’aa this day.

  I saw that Thut knew it too. He raised his hand and Iset fell silent, though her eyes flashed with hatred and her nostrils flared in anger. “Neferure is not responsible for the actions of Hatshepsut, Mother,” he said calmly, “though her fate must be considered in light of what her mother did – or her mother’s counselors – and what she has said to me this day and in the past.” He leaned back in his throne, appeared to ponder.

  I trembled. If Iset had talked Thut into execution in spite of his promise to me I’d never forgive him. Nefer’s blood would be on my hands for luring her into Iset’s trap. From the half–smile on Iset’s face I could tell she was certain of that outcome, the one she had personally called for.

  After a few agonizing minutes, Thut stood. Everyone in the hall waited with bated breath. I began shaking uncontrollably. Sweat trickled down my back.

  “I have made my decision, Sister,” he announced. “I will marry you. That, at least, will ensure your loyalty to me.”

  “Thank you, Majesty,” Nefer said.

  I breathed a sigh of relief. Nefer’s life had been spared, as Thut had promised. And she would be what she had always been destined to be – Thut’s wife and, hopefully, someday, mother of his heir. And then, possibly, Great Wife.

  Iset was absolutely furious. “My son, do you not recall reading The Teachings of Amenemhat for his son Senwosret? Amenemhat was assassinated by the women of his harem and his personal bodyguard. Remember his words? ‘Maintain your vigilance against those who should be subordinate to you, but who turn out not to be so, men in whose loyalty one can place no trust; do not let yourself be alone with them. Put no trust in a brother, acknowledge no one as a friend, do not raise up for yourself intimate companions, for nothing is to be gained from them.’ What companion could be more intimate than a wife?”

  “I recall the teachings, Mother,” Thut said. “But I don’t believe Neferure poses a risk to me. She will be a minor wife, ranked fourth among them, tucked away in my harem where she can do no harm.”

  I was shocked. Nefer was the daughter and granddaughter and sister of kings. By right she should be Great Wife and rule at Thut’s side. I’d known that was impossible from my discussion with him on the boat, and why. But to be relegated to a position as low as fourth wife was utter humiliation. I heard snickers in the hall, saw the delight on Iset’s face. Was Thut saying this only for public consumption? Did he still plan to utilize her to help him rule, as he’d promised me? Or was the future Nefer should have had with Thut truly dead? Was she fated to disappear into anonymity, her skills and talents unused, her life one of frustration and uselessness? I had no idea, and Nefer didn’t either. She kept her face impassive, so that they would not see how much Thut had hurt her. Only Hori gazed at her with sympathy.

  “And if she bears you a son?” Iset screeched. “What then?”

  “I will take appropriate steps.”

  Iset was clearly unsatisfied with that answer.

  I assumed that meant Thut would live up to his bargain. I was convinced of it. Thut would consider Nefer’s son as his heir. That had to be comforting for Nefer.

  Thut addressed Nefer once more. “In addition, Sister, to ensure that you do not have the resources to supplant me, the title
of God’s Wife of Amun now passes from you to another.” Thut turned to his family. “From this day Sitiah, mother of my heir and my Great Wife, shall bear the title. But I claim for myself all the lands and wealth that go with it.”

  I knew Nefer had not expected this. Since its creation the title of God’s Wife had passed from mother to daughter in her family. For the first time it would be held by a woman without royal blood, and with no tie to her family. But what could Nefer do? She bowed her head in acquiescence.

  I glanced at Hori; his face was ashen. I suspected mine was as well. Thut had never hinted that he’d planned to do this.

  As for Iset, she was not assuaged. She was still clearly angry that Nefer had been allowed to live, even as a token, even stripped of power. I had no doubt that she would do her best to make Nefer miserable until the end of her days, for it was Iset who ruled Thut’s harem.

  Thut motioned to his mother and she moved before him. He addressed the hall. “My beloved mother, Iset, will henceforth bear the title of King’s Great Wife of Thutmose Aakheperenre.”

  “But my mother Hatshepsut was our father’s Great Wife,” Nefer protested. She had finally been pushed past the breaking point. I could see she regretted speaking the moment she finished.

  Thut strode to the edge of the dais so that he towered over her. “You will never speak that woman’s name in my presence again. Ever!” He looked around the audience hall. “That goes for all of you. My mother Iset was the King’s Great Wife. Inscriptions throughout Kemet will be changed to record this truth.” He glared at Nefer. “And they will be changed to show my mother was God’s Wife of Amun as well.”

  How much more indignity was Thut going to force Nefer to bear? She stared at a spot on the wall over the king’s shoulder. Her lips quivered slightly, but she said nothing.

  “Benermerut, come forward,” Thut cried. “Benermerut, I appoint you overseer of works for Ipet–Isut. Your first task is to change the inscriptions there referring to that other woman and Neferure. They must reflect the titles now borne by my mother and my Great Wife.”