by Phil Tucker
“That…” Sisu cut off his own brash response, going so far as to raise his hand to his mouth as he fought for control. “Excuse me. As you might have noticed, I am the grandson of Nekuul herself. I have, how should I say, some small understanding of these matters. What you’re saying sounds… unappealing. What is the point of the afterlife if you lose your sense of self? That’s akin to… to a true death.”
Nahkt’s smile remained kind, but Acharsis saw something like to pity enter the young man’s eyes. “A common question, and a good one. I must have been asked it a thousand times over the course of my life by my students. When are you the most alive? In the moment of climax with a loved one. In the heat of battle when you are doing all within your power to kill and not be killed. Moments so intense that you cease to think, to reflect, to be self-aware. All is reduced to the most immediate of concerns, and in that immediacy, in that stripping of the cerebral self, you become your most essential. Entering into Amubastis’ presence is akin to that. To exist forever in that most primal state, at once completely alive and yet utterly sublimated into her glory.”
“That doesn’t make any sense,” said Sisu, his voice almost sulky.
“You are correct,” said Nahkt. “Even I can only approximate through metaphor the divine truth that I shall soon experience. My explanation rarely satisfied my students, though to be fair, children are often unable to divorce their minds from the demands of the body.”
“I’m not—” began Sisu, and then cut off with a hiss.
“It is time to continue,” said the lamassu. “Nahkt, you shall come with us to the netherworld, though not to become as one with the mother. You shall guide these four to the border of our realm, as close as you can bring them to the netherworld of Nekuul, protecting them from all perils as best you are able. Upon doing so, you shall be free to return to Amubastis, having earned her gratitude for your services.”
Nahkt’s eyes widened. “To - to the border? Beyond the light of Amubastis?”
The lamassu did not see fit to repeat itself, so Nahkt quickly bowed again, but his composure was clearly broken.
“We go,” said the lamassu. It crouched then leaped up into the air, the force of its leap pressing Acharsis down almost into its mane, then its wings caught the breeze and it muscled its way higher into the sky. Catching himself, gripping fiercely with his one good hand, Acharsis looked over the side and saw Nahkt flying up alongside them, though it looked for all the world as if he still stood on the meadow below. But it was his expression that shook Acharsis to the quick: there was a look of sublime fear in his eyes when he met Acharsis’ gaze, something akin to panic, but as the lamassu flew on under the ever stranger stars the dead priest dropped his gaze and refused to lift it once more.
CHAPTER THREE
The dawn light awoke Annara, and she sat up, momentarily confused as to where she lay. A broad bed set within a cavernous chamber whose walls were covered in Maganian hieroglyphics and interspersed with great vertical windows set between massive columns rimmed in gold and ivory.
Heart racing, she turned, expecting to find Acharsis there, smiling by her side, but the bed was empty. Six serving girls emerged from the shadows, clad in elegant white robes, and bowed low.
“Lady Annara?”
Lady Annara. Of course. Her new chamber. Her new home. Magan. Elu. Everything swirled into place, and Annara schooled her features, banishing doubt and fear and instead projecting a calm purposefulness. “Good morning.”
The serving girls stood straight. “May we assist you with your ablutions?”
Annara had never slept in a room so large. Large enough to hold a rectangular pool of fresh water in which a hippo could have waded, each corner surmounted by a bronze vase, steps leading down into its center. Cushions were scattered artfully here and there, while crimson couches were placed between vast potted palms. Tiger skins were stretched out underfoot on all sides of her bed, and a great archway led out into a covered hallway from which she could emerge to the Women’s Courtyard.
It was unreal.
“No, thank you,” she said. Annara knew she was in the wrong here, and the hesitant glance between the girls confirmed it. But Nekuul take her if she’d allow others to bathe and dress her while she still had her health. Rising, she trod across the stiff tiger fur and carpets to the edge of the pool, where she shrugged out of her tunic and then descended into the cool waters to her chin.
Acharsis and Jarek were gone. That would place the onus of looking out for Elu squarely on her shoulders. With the nation mobilizing for war, she would have to work twice as hard to ensure she didn’t overlook any threats to her son. How was she supposed to navigate an alien court and help Elu keep his generals in check?
She slowly drifted to the far side of the pool, then turned to submerge her mouth so that she rested like the river crocodiles, gazing without seeing at the great archway through which a chariot could have been driven.
Damn Acharsis. Damn his preoccupation with the River Cities and Irella. How did that distant land matter more to him than his son?
In her mind’s eye Annara saw him once more mount the lammasu’s back, ready for his next grand adventure, to deal once more in the affairs of gods and kingdoms, leaving her behind with a rueful smile.
Leaving her to navigate the complex currents of the royal court when she had precious little experience with such matters. Already the different factions were making themselves evident, even as they mouthed words of eternal obedience and loyalty to her son. The Queen Mother and those whose livelihoods had depended on her lineage’s power. The priests of the lamassu in their golden wigs. The generals, of course. The high steward, whom Annara had gathered was related to the Queen Mother, along with the treasurer, the vizier…
Annara closed her eyes. Fought for calm. Their saving grace was that Elu - no, Senacherib - was the supreme ruler here. But power came in many guises, and if Elu were forced to punish or give direct commands he would lose face, lose respect, and it wasn’t unheard of for unpopular rulers to suffer uprisings…
Seized by impatience and anxiety, Annara emerged from the bath and with a sigh allowed the serving girls to wrap her in robes, anoint her with oils, bind and braid her hair, paint her face and adorn her body with precious jewels. She at least could look part, even if it galled her to be so tended.
When the girls deemed her ready, Annara emerged from her chamber into the Women’s Courtyard, and there was forced to stop as dozens of strangers moved to greet her.
Her every step would now be dogged by officials, watched by scores, marked by tradition and ritual.
“Greetings, Lady Annara,” said a woman Annara’s own age and wearing perhaps even more jewelry. She was handsome, even striking, and Annara thought she detected a hint of fear in her gaze before it was hidden behind a broad smile. “We are honored to at last make your acquaintance. I am Isotep, First Companion of the former pharaoh, and your humble servant in all matters.”
Ah, realized Annara, again fighting to betray shock or impatience. Of course. The Women’s Hall. Where the pharaoh’s keep their harem. An insult that I’d be chambered here? Or are all female members of the pharaoh’s family kept here?
Annara inclined her head graciously. “The honor is mine, dear Isotep.”
“I know you have a busy day before you, and the pharaoh no doubt yearns for your company, but I had hoped to introduce the other companions before you left. We have all been anxiously awaiting this moment to bask in your glory.”
Annara fought the urge to glance at the exit. To brush aside this needless formality, to not become embroiled in the harem politics of another ruler. But as she glanced around at the other women - a few her age like Isotep, but most young, she couldn’t help but pick up on their fear.
Fear of what? Being cast aside, of course. Replaced. Elu would be expected to begin his own harem, to pick his favorites, and begin anew a whole cycle of politics. With a burst of insight, Annara understood just how fraught
this moment was for these women: what was for her a moment’s annoyance could for them determine the rest of their lives. And though she wasn’t the Queen Mother, her influence on the new pharaoh was clearly understood.
She was still early for Elu’s meeting. She could risk a brief delay. “Of course, dear Isotep,” said Annara. “I would like nothing more.”
Half an hour later she emerged from the Women’s Courtyard into the bright sunlight of the palace grounds, her royal guard appearing as if by magic as she stepped through the ornate archway, her maids to one side, a crowd of curious court nobles watching her and bowing when she caught their eye.
The names of the twenty or so harem ladies were already all jumbled up in her mind, their titles and homelands all mixed together so that she knew she’d only cause offense if she tried to address any given member directly. No matter. She would continue to do her best. Raising her chin, nodding politely to all who greeted her, she made her way toward the great hall where Elu’s throne was contained. The palace grounds were large enough that this should have taken her nearly ten minutes of walking, but with all the bowing, nodding, greeting and introductions that were effected on en route it took almost half an hour before she finally entered the main courtyard.
Great gold-plated obelisks stood on either side of the broad marble steps that rose to a landing then continued again until the entrance of the palace proper. Potted plants in fabulous urns, white statues of Maganian heroes, lammasu statues flanking the doorway, crimson carpets threaded with gold - the wealth on display was stunning, and only her natural sense of dignity kept her from gaping or feeling overwhelmed.
She entered the palace hall and was immediately approached by Khantoperos, the high steward, who took about five minutes to finish greeting her properly and working his way through all her titles.
Annara’s patience finally wore thin. “Good morning to you to, Khantoperos. Where is the pharaoh?”
“My apologies, Lady Annara, but he is meeting with his generals in the Sun Chamber -”
“Then please direct me there so I may join him.”
The high steward suddenly looked very pained. “The pharaoh in all his wisdom asked that you await him in the Room of Flowers, Lady Annara. He said that he would greet you there shortly.”
Annara raised an eyebrow. “Senacherib did not wish for me to join him in this meeting?”
The high steward bowed very low. “I would never presume to know what the pharaoh thinks nor desires, but only relay his words. Entertainments have been provided, and I am sure your time waiting will be both pleasant and brief.”
Countless strangers were watching and waiting for her response. Was she being tested? Should she insist? Would that mark her as disrespectful? Did Elu truly not wish for her to be in this meeting? It was a crucial one, and she wanted to be present - but dared she gainsay a direct request of his before his court?
Annara smiled graciously. “Then I would be delighted to await his pleasure. Lead the way.”
The next two hours crawled by slowly despite the antics of trained dogs, jugglers, acrobats and fire eaters. Annara picked listlessly at the endless platters of food that were brought to her side table, sipped from the sweet wine, and watched the angle of the sunlight slowly shift across the sandstone floor. She didn’t speak Maganian, couldn’t understand the whispered conversations around her, so pretended disinterest so as to not reveal her discomfort.
The sound of many footsteps approaching caused her to sit up, but when the group entered Annara realized it wasn’t Elu, but rather the Queen Mother’s personal court. Even more guards, courtiers, and serving girls than she had, and at the center, a stern, beautiful woman clad in royal regalia: a great blue headdress banded in gold upon her brow, a broad necklace of gold and lapis lazuli spread across her chest, and a sweeping dress of purple banded with crimson and gold.
“Queen Nethena,” said Annara, rising to her feet and bowing low. “Good morning.”
“Lady Annara.” Nethena swept forward to claim the gilt chair that Annara had been wise enough not to occupy. “Is it true? I have heard rumors that you are abandoned by your companions.”
The words were spoken lightly, Nethena turning to pluck a plum from a small pyramid of the purple fruits, but when she turned back to smile at Annara there was no mistaking the gleam in her eye.
Curse you Acharsis for leaving me like this!
Nobody attempted to disguise their listening in. At least forty people were present, all of them waiting, watching her.
Annara smiled.
“My companions set forth last night at the behest of the pharaoh on a most perilous mission, yes. They petitioned the lammasu for his blessing, and with my own eyes I saw him carry my friends aloft into the night sky on a journey into the underworld.”
This the queen had not expected; her eyes widened in a moment of shock, and a wave of whispers rushed through the crowd.
“A singular honor,” said Nethena, sitting back and holding the plum up to her painted lips. “And all the more reason for the entire court to grieve over their absence. Will they be gone long?”
The urge to lie was strong. Instead, Annara affected disinterest and gave a one shouldered shrug. “Only the gods themselves can say with any accuracy, my queen. But if the gods are kind, they shall be back sooner than you can imagine.”
“Oh, I do hope so. You are after all a stranger in our land, and with my son now so occupied with affairs of state I hate to think of your being left all alone, cast aside like a child’s toy after he has grown tired of it.” Her smile grew warm though it touched not her eyes. “Come. Let us be friends. Join my court, and I shall show you the wonders of Magan, teach you the ways of our court, and introduce you to everyone worth knowing.”
Again, that weight of expectation as everybody stared at her. Damn their eyes, couldn’t they even pretend not to eavesdrop? Annara’s mind scrambled to process the offer. Join her court? What did that mean, exactly? Would she be making a public symbol of subservience to Nethena? What message would it send everyone? Dared she refuse? Would saying no be tantamount to a declaration of enmity? What was worse, to be seen as dependent on Nethena, or her enemy? Could she risk such a powerful enemy outright?
“But I already considered ourselves friends,” said Annara, smiling with just as much false charm right back. “Do we not both share a unique love and devotion to Senacherib? How could I harbor anything else but an equal love and devotion for his blessed mother? Thank you, my queen. You truly do me far too much honor.”
“Oh no,” said the queen, her smile slowly fading. “Not at all. You deserve everything I have planned for you, and more. Don’t you fear, dear Annara. I shall do everything within my power to ensure that your stay at our court shall be nothing but memorable.”
In the corner of the chamber a small monkey defecated loudly.
It was a testament to the courts’ sophistication that nobody even tittered.
Annara’s smile remained wooden. “That’s lovely. How enticing. If you’ll excuse me, my queen, I’ve -”
Rapid footsteps echoed from the great hall beyond, the murmur of voices as if a crowd was spilling their way, and then the guards at the main arch bowed low as Elu strode in, face pale, jaw clenched, to rake the crowd that was hurrying to genuflect and lock his gaze on Annara.
“There you are.” His voice was tight with fury. With visible effort, he mastered himself. “How good to see you, Lady Annara. Would the rest of your please excuse us?”
Queen Nethena rose slowly to her feet, and only then did Elu realize she was present. Her face had gone stiff with fury.
Probably not a good idea to dismiss his royal mother in such manner.
Elu visibly winced. “Queen mother, how good to see you. I, ah, hope you’re well? Perhaps we can talk soon about court stuff? Please, stay seated. I’d never ask you to get up. I’ll, ah, just step aside with Lady Annara for a moment. Everyone else, ah, as you were.”
Annara hurr
ied forward before he could shove his foot any further down his throat. Elu turned and strode away moments before she reached him, and escorted by a dozen royal guards they marched down the great hallway, turned off a side corridor, passed through three chambers that were all occupied, and finally found a small room from which Elu sent the three or four noblemen who’d been playing a board game there scurrying with a bark.
When the room emptied and the guards positioned themselves outside the sole entrance, Elu whirled on Annara, his whole body vibrating with anger.
“Where the hell were you, mother? How could you be eating cakes and watching jugglers while those generals - those generals - !”
Annara took a deep breath. Pieces began to fall into place. “You didn’t command me to wait for you in the Room of Flowers.”
“What? No! Of course not, I - wait. Someone told you that?”
Annara pinched the bridge of her nose and began to pace, strewed petals crunching underfoot. “Damn it. And the harem women - no doubt instructed to delay me so that I’d miss running into you before the meeting began. Using my own compassion against me.”
“Who, Annara? Who told you that lie?”
“The high steward,” she said. “As I walked in. Gave me no choice but to wait for you.”
“I’ll have his head,” growled Elu.
“Perhaps. But the damage is already done. What happened?”
Elu snatched up a tasseled cushion and hurled it as hard as he could against the wall. It went ploomph and fell softly onto another pile. “It was infuriating! Without Jarek there they all but ignored my suggestions, spoke mostly in Maganian, gave me superficial answers to my every question, and from what I understood have decided to move far slower than I want to counter Irella’s invasion. They treated me like a child, mother, and the more I protested the more childlike I felt.”
Annara sat down and closed her eyes. “Damn.”