HETAERA: Daughter of the Gods

by Coffey, J. A.

  I spoke only a few words to the assembly. When the Delphinian priests asked who gave such a generous gift, I surprised even myself.

  “I am Rhodopis,” I said. “Rhodopis of Egypt.” It felt right. Surely thoughtless Doricha would’ve never made such a grand gesture.

  A pair of young girls dressed in rags stared at me. Their eyes were wide and one sucked nervously on her finger. Gods, had I ever been so young? Grief and misfortune had pushed me beyond that reckless, self-centered child who thought only of her own comfort. Aesop would have been proud, I think.

  Goodbye, my friend.

  I hoped that his shade would go quietly into the afterworld, his death having been avenged. Perhaps he would join my Lady and watch over his Thracian flower. For the court of Egypt was a tangle of political turmoil--who knew who would be the victor? I needed some watching.

  *** ***

  I returned to Naukratis within the month, much sadder, but determined to learn from my mistakes. I vowed to use the gifts of reason and logic that Aesop had bestowed upon me.

  I did not keep my promise to Amasis, however, which was not an auspicious start to my new life. I’d been away over a month. Though the seas were calm, our ship docked in Naukratis almost a week after the Festival. I’d missed it and, I realized with a shock, I missed Amasis.

  Praxitlytes met me on the docks, with an entourage of servants.

  “I’d heard you returned.” He smiled broadly. “See? I have been made Master of the Docks in your absence. Not a barge settles here that does not go through my accounting.”

  I was tired and crusted with salt from my journey, but I forced myself to smile. “I am glad for you, Praxitlytes. Your gamble at the festival has paid off.”

  “Yes,” he chuckled. “I am sorry you were my gaming piece, though. Will you forgive me for that?”

  “It is my own pride and folly that I cannot forgive, Praxitlytes. I have already forgiven yours.” I signaled to a litter bearer.

  Praxitlytes laughed again. “Still the consummate game player, lovely Rhodopis?”

  I thought of what Zahouri had said about the ships bringing news. Sailors from many ports came through Naukratis. Perhaps there was news of the Persians.

  “I keep my hand in. Tell me, Praxitlytes, how fares our Naukratis?”

  “It is as well as can be expected. The people sorely miss you. Their numbers swell the temples. We are glad for the continued support, in your ah….absence.” He shrugged his shoulders and helped me into the litter.

  “Any news from the palace? What of the Kourosh?”

  Praxitlytes stroked his short beard. “You heard he conquered Babylonia, did you?” When I nodded, he continued. “He sent an envoy to Pharaoh’s palace, proclaiming himself King of the Four Rims. They came through here and that nasty fellow, the one who called you unworthy, came to greet the entourage.”

  “Neferenatu? The Grand Vizier?”

  “The very same.”

  My stomach fluttered. “Neferenatu came to greet them?” I wondered if it was by Pharaoh’s command, or by Neferenatu’s own design.

  “So it would appear.” Praxitlytes turned and shouted at a pair of workers lounging in the shade. I sensed that he wished to make a show if his importance, but my endurance was running short.

  “Blessings on your new appointment, Praxitlytes. I must go. Zahouri will have much for me to do before I sail back to Sais.” I signaled to the litter bearers to lift.

  “Zahouri is a loyal credit to your name. I’ll call on you tomorrow.” Praxitlytes bowed.

  I waved what could be taken for assent and closed my linen curtains.

  *** ***

  Zahouri greeted me at the gate. “Will you go to Sais, now?” he asked.

  It felt good to be back in Egypt. “Yes, I suppose.” I sighed. “Though Nesu will not be pleased by my late arrival.”

  “The people will rejoice to hear you’ve returned. And as for Nesu Ahmose,” Zahouri’s lips curved in a lascivious smile. “You can ease his displeasure, I’ve no doubt.”

  I raised my brows at him. Despite rumors that I was Pharaoh’s courtesan, Amasis had never indicated any desire for me other than his chaste kiss. If only the people knew half of what went on behind the palace walls, what a laugh they would have.

  I gave him a mock frown. “Such talk is unseemly, Zahouri. Even for you.”

  His face grew serious. “Truly, Great Mistress, I mean no disrespect. It is well that you should go to Nesu Ahmose at once.”

  “You are very eager to be rid of me, Trusted Servant,” I said.

  Zahouri’s cheeks went pale. “No, Mistress. It is just that…well…the rumors say Nesu shall announce his Great Wife before the next full moon.”

  “Then Amasis has chosen his Queen?” My heart skipped a beat.

  “So the rumors from Sais report. But nothing is set until the decree has been posted.”

  “There no secrets in Egypt. Who is it?” I asked.

  I did not want to hear her name, but I found I could not help but ask.

  “No one knows, but Nesu has been closeted with his viziers for days. Rumors say none of his advisors appear pleased, but the threat of invasion forces Nesu’s decision. Our Great House must be strong.” Zahouri’s lips compressed. “The people believe Nesu Ahmose will do what is best for Egypt.”

  I wondered who the woman was, which one of the royal Egyptian ladies had deigned to marry a former commoner. I hoped for his sake that she was both clever and pretty. Well, I rubbed my eyes with the heel of my hands, perhaps not too pretty.

  I forced my tone to be calm. “Then, I hope he shall get her with child and make our alliances secure in the eyes of Ra.” My voice sounded sharper than I’d intended.

  “You jest at what you cannot understand, Mistress.” Zahouri’s expression was strained. A man in his position could not express outrage at what he perceived was an insult. I felt horrible to have treated him so.

  “I am sorry, Zahouri. I did not mean to belittle you. We are all children of Egypt, whatever our origins--you, by birth, and I, by choice. Let’s not quarrel. Make the necessary preparations. I promise to head for Sais by the week’s end.”

  “Or tomorrow, perhaps?” he wheedled. “Tomorrow would be a good day to sail. I’ve heard the weather will be fine.” He sounded so hopeful.

  I did not like to be hounded into action, nor did I wish to rush to Sais only to return when Amasis married his Great Wife. No Queen of Egypt would tolerate a courtesan as her husband’s personal confidant. Lesser wives, such as all the Princesses, surely must bow to Pharaoh’s decree, but a Queen? Her position would be as like to Pharaoh’s own, and her power multiplied tenfold. Not only would I lose him, but I would be forced to leave Egypt altogether.

  “No, not tomorrow. Would you have me appear before Amasis, thin and ill from the sea? Give me a few days of solid earth beneath my feet and decent food before I must go.”

  Zahouri bowed deeply. “As you wish, Mistress. It shall be done.”

  Oh, if only it were that simple.

  Chapter Twenty Eight

  The day I sailed back to Sais, I decided to put an end to my foolish naiveté. I’d thought long about the lessons I’d learned from Aesop, from the misery of my life as a slave to my experience as the only Egyptian hetaera. Well, I was a woman now. I need seek my value from no one. If the goddess saw fit to send me love, it would not be the fickle attentions of some man too weak to make his own destiny. Surely not after all I’d learned.

  Live free, my father bade me.

  It was time to put away childish dreams and consider what lay ahead. To plan for my future, whatever future my Lady had in store for me. And here I had the very symbol of my misspent youth, stowed in my baggage. I handed Kyky to my escort and fetched out my lovely rose-gold slippers from the peplos stored in my satchel.

  The afternoon sunlight glittered on the ripples of the Nile. The small barge moved through the green waters like an eel. I breathed deeply and glanced at the slip
per in each hand.

  I’d vowed to follow my Lady all of my days and she’d indeed led me to Love.

  Perhaps mine was not the love of a god-king, or even a simple man. But Egypt, ah Egypt! Motherland of nations, she sang to me a song called home. After so many years, I’d grown to adore it. The endless copper sands, the swelling jade river that twisted through the black fertile land, the gleaming white cities, even the deliciously impudent people who kneaded clay with their hands and bread with their feet! They chose their own path and so must I.

  What need did I have for empty tokens, when the goddess gave me riches in excess in every leaf, rock, and wave? For me, Rhodopis of Egypt, it would have to be enough.

  I called upon all the gods of my memory, those of Thrace, Greece and Egypt. I called upon my Lady with the Golden Hair. Take back the treasures you have given, that I may honor you anew, as a woman.

  I breathed deeply, drew my right hand back and flung one of my treasured slippers far over the water. It glimmered like a blazing star and arced toward the welcoming depths of the Nile with a soft tinkle of the brass bells. But just as the toe of my slipper touched the water, there was a piercing seven-scale cry and a flutter of cream and brown bird’s wings. A predator swooped low over the water, hunting for his evening meal.

  I cried out and lunged far over the side of the barge, but it was too late. I lost sight of my slipper beneath the feathered body of a crested falcon. His talons dipped into the river’s surface and he lifted up, up and sailed away carrying a dripping treasure in his fierce grasp.

  “My slipper!” I shouted. “Come back!”

  What portent did this have for my return? Did the gods not accept my offering? I glanced at the remaining slipper. I thought I’d learned so much. I’d lost nearly everything I treasured in my life, if only to gain some measure of clarity. Did that count for nothing?

  “How much more?” I shook my empty fist at the sky.

  The far off, triumphant cry of the falcon rebounded across the water.

  *** ***

  By late afternoon we docked in Sais. The docks were almost empty, surprising for midday.

  “Where is everyone?” I asked the nearest dock worker.

  The slave dropped his hemp rope and crossed his arm over his chest as if I were royalty. “The gods have answered our prayers, Great Lady. Nesu makes a proclamation at the palace.”

  So, Amasis would announce his wife today. My heart was so heavy, I wished I could pluck it out of my chest and drop it into the Nile. I was sure it would sink like a stone.

  All I lay upon your shoulders you bear, my Lady had said. All and more.

  Well, I did not think I could bear anymore. I was shaken by the portent of my lost slipper. And though I should be happy for the Pharaoh’s marriage meant Egypt would hold against the Persians, I found I could not muster any joy.

  I should go to the palace and wish him well. I should be relieved that the troubles of court would no longer plague me--that I could slip into the obscurity of my profession and fill my coffers for the days when Mara and I were old, when I would be fit for nothing but spinning yarn and tales from my youth. I should return to Naukratis, back to my garden, my stables, and my life.

  I should.

  But it is not in my nature to do that which I should.

  All I could think of was the rumble of his laughter, the unfettered joy as we rode in his chariot, and the way his lips warmed my hand. I buried my face in Kyky’s furry back. He cocked his head and squeaked at me.

  “Take me home,” I said to the litter bearers. No doubt Mara would be thrilled to pack up and return to Naukratis.

  But Mara was not there. The servants reported that she attended the ceremony at the Temple of Neit. Feeling anxious and a little abandoned, I read over my household accounts for a few hours and reviewed a few patron offers while I waited. I tried not to think of what might be happening at the palace, to not speculate on which woman Amasis chose. Hours passed and I realized that this was a test of my earlier resolve. I must put this whole mess out of my mind. He had his Queen. It was time for me to leave Sais, to return to Naukratis and make my mark as Egypt’s foremost hetaera.

  Mara returned late in the day, with her hair arranged artfully. Ladice must have loaned her the use of a servant.

  “Dori!” Mara kissed my cheeks. She smelled of myrrh. “I’m so glad you are back. I have so much to tell you.”

  “Do you?” I directed a servant to unpack my satchel and another to draw me a bath. I dreaded hearing who Amasis had selected. “Mara, I’m tired. Perhaps we can discuss this later?”

  “But, you’ll never guess what has happened. Someone tried to kill the Pharaoh!”

  I froze. “What did you say?”

  “Amasis went lion hunting with some of the other nobles this morning. I saw them leave; their chariots made such a racket as they left the palace!”

  “You were at the palace, then?” My heart pounded. “Is Amasis well?”

  “Well, yes, Ladice asked me to attend her.” Mara waved her hand back and forth in the air. “But that is not here nor there. Settle your heart. He is well, Dori. The attempt did not succeed, nor did they catch the one responsible.”

  “How did it happen? Perhaps it was only an accident?” Oh, I could not bear to think of him injured.

  “They’d cornered a lion out in the dunes,” Mara said. “Someone miscast a spear and it almost hit Amasis, and not the lion in front of him.”

  My throat grew tight. “Who threw the spear?”

  “The spear was unmarked. No one claims to have seen who threw the spear, not even the chariot drivers, though Neferenatu ordered them beaten to make them talk.”

  “I cannot believe the guards saw nothing.” So many soldiers, all of them trained to notice small details. Pharaoh himself had described their training to me. And not one of them saw the culprit? Chill bumps raised on my flesh.

  “So they claim. But Amasis has dismissed them and selected a new personal guard. I think the proclamation today was arranged to quell the fears of the people.”

  A hard knot formed in my throat. “Ah,” I forced myself to sound nonchalant. “Who did Amasis name as his Great Wife?”

  “He didn’t.” Mara’s gaze darted to a plate of dried fish. She snatched one up and took a bite. “How was Delphi?”

  “It was fine. What do you mean, he didn’t?” Delphi was not fine, but I was too concerned with her news to elaborate.

  Mara shrugged. “He said something about the sun god Ra and Horus…you know I don’t understand Egyptian all that well.”

  “Ladice has interpreters. What did he say, Mara?” I stared at her.

  Mara’s hand dropped from her mouth. She set the fish aside. “If you must know, he never announced his choice.”

  “Why not?” I sat down, stunned.

  “He sat on his throne on the central dais. All the nobility was present. Everyone waited for the moment he would speak the Queen’s name. As for me, I thought he would choose Ladice. Amasis has visited her often since you left.”

  Did she think to wound me with her words? Was she still angry, then, that I’d left her behind in Sais? “Why should he not? It is a wise choice. She is already his wife and a Greek.”

  A declaration for the Cyrene Princess would cement relations between the Greeks and Egypt. I knew Amasis needed Greek support to fight back the Persian threat of invasion. I knew this.

  I did.

  So, I forced my tone to be even, though my near sister cut me to the bone with her hasty support of Ladice. It felt almost like betrayal, though I myself had no claim to him. Still, better he marry a kind and gentle Egyptian royal, than to raise up an awkward foreign Princess with little or no interest in Egypt or her people. I tried to picture Ladice standing behind Amasis on his sun chariot as the wind whipped around them or passing out resources for the temples to support the indigent and sick. Tried and failed.

  “Why did he not make his intentions clear?” I asked. “His pr
oclamation would be cause for great joy.” For some, I amended in my head.

  “There was a sign from the gods which precluded it.” Mara fussed with her pleated gown. “Just as he spoke, a great bird sailed over the dais. It was a falcon, the very symbol of Horus. All present bowed their heads for its wings were twice the span of a man’s arms, I’m certain! At any rate, the canopy bearers backed away in fear. The priests called out to their gods. Then, the falcon swooped down low and dropped something right into Amasis’ lap.”

  “The falcon dropped something?” An image of brown wings stretched over the glittering Nile flashed before my eyes. My heart stopped.

  “Yes,” Mara stared at me. “It did. Your slipper. Right into the hands of the Pharaoh.” Her voice was cold with accusation. “It was a neat trick, Dori. How did you manage it?”

  I could not breathe.

  “How did I…? I never!” The venom in her voice startled me. Did she think I meant to steal her precious Ladice’s favor? I’d never set out to do any such thing!

  “You did!” Mara retorted. “How else could such a thing have come to be?”

  “I tossed my slipper into the water and the cursed bird fetched it back again. It flew away. I had no idea that it would drop it into Amasis’ hands! How could I?”

  Mara stared at me for a long moment and I watched the flame of accusation dwindle and die in her eyes.

  “No,” she mumbled. Her shoulders deflated. “I suppose not even the great Rhodopis could manage such a feat. I’m sorry, Dori. It might be the will of the gods, but still I worry for you.”

  I was so grateful that she believed me that I put aside her condemnation. “What can it mean?” I whispered, feeling sick. “What can the gods mean by this?”

  Mara shook her head and moved towards the door. “I don’t know. But Amasis claims the gods have spoken to him. He will marry none but the woman who fits the slipper.” She paused and looked back at me. “And we both know that you can never be named Queen of Egypt.”

  *** ***

  Mara was right.