by Dee, Debbie
Tiy didn’t wait for them to mumble their apologies. “You will all be reassigned to the slop house. I will find a replacement staff myself.” Tiy let her words sink in before she continued. “As for Kepi, I am assigning Merymose to the Nubian viceroy position, so you will no longer have any need to discuss her again. Do I make myself clear?”
The servants nodded.
“Notify the scribe. My official decree will be posted in the morning. Merymose and Kepi should enjoy their lives among the Nubian rebels.”
Tiy whipped around to enter her chambers, slamming the door shut behind her. She seized random trinkets off the tables and threw them against the walls, submitting to the rage boiling inside her. She knew her actions were irrational, that destroying her precious things would do nothing to calm her, but her arms moved of their own accord, throwing everything she touched.
She grabbed a small figurine and the feel of it jolted her enough that she paused. It was a miniature replica of the statue Amenhotep had commissioned when they were married. It depicted both of them seated on the Horus Thrones, their backs tall, their faces serene. Her arm reached behind him in a familiar, protective way. They looked so happy. He had requested that she be shown sitting at the same height as him. It was an extraordinary request, considering queens of the past had always been depicted as a woman no taller than Pharaoh’s knee, never as his equal. But Amenhotep had been adamant.
Tiy crumpled to the ground, the replica still in her hands. She stared at all the lovely things she had destroyed and was sick with shame. She regretted letting her emotions control her. This wasn’t who she was, or who she wanted to be. She knew better than to lose her temper. She could be strong without being a tyrant or wrecking her chambers. Amenhotep would replace her things without question, but that was no reason to lose control.
Amenhotep was going to want to know what happened. She grimaced at the thought. He was going to want to fix everything for her. But she didn’t want him to fix it or replace all her broken things. He shouldn’t always have to be the one to pick up the pieces and put her back together.
Tiy pulled herself off the floor and called out to Nebetya.
Nebetya bounded into the room, tears streaking her face. “My lady, I heard you dismissed all your lady servants.”
Tiy laughed bitterly. “Of course you heard. Amenhotep and I have no privacy in this palace.”
“I think the girls were surprised, that’s all.”
“That is because they were expecting the timid, yellow-haired, foreign-blooded Queen to swallow their insults. Well, no more. I’m not that girl anymore.” She ripped off her wig and stood with her arms straight at her sides, her hands in fists.
Nebetya stumbled back, her hand covering her mouth. “Tiy, what have you done?”
“It isn’t your place to question me, Nebetya.”
“Forgive me, my lady.” Nebetya’s chin quivered.
Tiy’s shoulders sagged. Nebetya didn’t deserve her ill treatment. She softened her voice. “It doesn’t matter what I’ve done, Nebetya. It only matters what I’m going to do from here on out.”
Nebetya sniffed and nodded. “How did your meeting go with Kepi?” she asked.
There was tenderness in Nebetya’s eyes that made Tiy want to rush into her arms and let her comfort her with assuring words. She wanted to unload her fears of Kepi’s threats onto Nebetya, and let someone else take care of it all.
But she couldn’t. She wouldn’t. As Queen, she needed to find her own strength and stand on her own two feet. She picked up her wig and positioned it on her head.
“Please find a new staff for my chambers. I prefer servants who possess an appropriate amount of respect for the crown. I am leaving at once for the hills of Shetep. Amenhotep is there, so that is where I want to be. I should be at his side, not wandering around the palace halls waiting for my mother to tire of her distractions.”
Nebetya sniffed. “I’ll prepare your things, my lady.”
“Have them sent behind me. I am leaving immediately.”
Tiy strode through a dozen courtyards as she made her way toward the palace gates. She was surprised by the number of servants and officials who did not even acknowledge her as she passed. How long had this been going on? She had never considered herself worthy of the queen-ship and they seemed to have recognized that, showing her only the respect she thought she deserved. Tiy huffed. The Queen of Egypt should never have insecurities. Amenhotep was believed to be both divine and mortal, the incarnation of gods, with his queen given that same divinity. It was clear most of the royal servants did not see her as having any authority or approval from the gods.
Tiy narrowed her eyes as she passed. Many of the servant’s chins jerked back, their eyes showing momentary shock before they bowed. Their questioning glances bothered her, and she wanted to shrink into herself again, hoping to avoid the attention, but she forced her head high and her shoulders back. With the exception of her gold sandals slapping on the smooth stone floor, the entire palace hushed, sensing the change in her.
The massive palace doors were flung open and she stepped into the warm sunlight of the winter afternoon. She pushed aside her instinct to cringe away from the bright sun, instead letting its rays kiss her and sprinkle freckles wherever it pleased. She didn’t care anymore that she was different. Her differences made her strong.
When she reached the Nile’s edge, she found Siese directing a group of soldiers near the royal barge. He looked up when she stepped aboard.
“Your Majesty,” he said with an eloquent bow. His motion was fluid, second nature, and Tiy appreciated that he had always shown her the respect she deserved, even if she hadn’t demanded it.
“Siese,” Tiy said with ring of authority that surprised even herself. His head jerked up at the different timbre in her voice. “I wish to join Amenhotep. I trust it is not too late?”
“No, Your Majesty. Pharaoh Amenhotep commanded a ditch to be dug surrounding the wild bulls and it has just recently been completed. His first day of hunting would have been the day before yesterday, but as I was sent to retrieve additional provisions and to deliver a note to you, I am uncertain as to the outcome.” Siese began digging through his pouch.
Tiy resisted the urge to dump out the contents of his bag and search for the letter herself in a very un-queenly manner. She had waited far too long for word from Amenhotep and knowing that a letter had finally come sent a wave of refreshing joy through her. So much for daily correspondence, she thought to herself with affectionate exasperation. She knew he was busy with the exciting business of avoiding death by trampling. Fun, he had said. She couldn’t think of anything fun about chasing a bunch of hairy beasts all day. She smiled. Only Amenhotep and Ramose would think it was fun.
Feeling lighter already, Tiy laughed to herself as she took a rolled sheet of papyrus from Siese’s hands. She was pleased by the length and elegance of Amenhotep’s script. She thought he would have been in a hurry to return to his blazing chariot of bull-fighting glory, but it was clear he had taken his time.
Tiy, Great Royal Wife and Queen of Egypt,
I hope all is well with you, my lovely Tiy, and that your mother is pleasantly occupied. I wish for you to join me. The days are long without seeing, you and the adventure is not as exciting. You are my sky goddess, my desert queen, and I need you on my chariot so it can soar with speed and strike with exactness. I will keep you from harm. You have no need to fear the cunning viciousness of the wild bulls.
Many officials are here to witness my ability to control wild forces and bring order to chaos. The priests have joined as spectators, as have many sculptors and scribes, nobles and soldiers. Yet my lovely Tiy is not with me. Please come.
Pharaoh Amenhotep Heqawaset III
Lord of the Two Lands, King of Egypt
Tiy smiled, glad she was already on her way. She only wished it hadn’t been Kepi’s doing that had compelled her.
“Siese,” Tiy said. “I see you are preparing t
o return on the royal barge; however, I would like to be escorted on a smaller, faster ship.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Siese said. “I will have one of my most trusted men escort you.”
“That will not do, Siese. I would like you to escort me. You are the King’s standard bearer, I will have no other.”
Siese’s eyes widened a little at her boldness, but she could tell by the way he pinched them closed that he was trying to not let his surprise show. “I would be honored, Your Majesty,” he said. If it pleases you, the royal barge could offer you much more comfort on the waters, and I am confident you would still arrive before the end of the hunt.”
Tiy glanced at the barge. Siese was right about the royal barge being the most comfortable ship on the Nile. It had plenty of cabin space to roam and several comfortable seating areas on deck. She had yet to travel in it since Amenhotep had it refinished to his liking. He had named it Kha-em-maat, or Appearing in Truth. He said it would someday carry them to the truth, although he didn’t elaborate what he meant by that. But her growing sense of urgency was stronger than her need for comfort, and stronger even than her curiosity. She could always see Amenhotep’s designs when they returned home.
“I prefer the faster ship,” Tiy said with an assurance that felt foreign to her. She wasn’t accustomed to having confidence in her decisions, or at least vocalizing them, but she had made up her mind to support Amenhotep and nothing was going to stop her.
Siese nodded and turned to delegate his responsibilities to another commander before leading Tiy to a smaller, faster ship. He sought out her approval before boarding and, with a quick nod, she stepped aboard and sat beneath the canopy, smiling with the happy anticipation of seeing Amenhotep again. She couldn’t get to him soon enough.
Chapter 31. Living Boulders
Not a single wild bull was in sight when Tiy arrived on the banks of Shetep. She had half expected a swarm of beasts with lowered horns and massive bodies stampeding toward her in greeting. Instead of wild bulls, Amenhotep charged toward her with his arms spread wide. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and lifted her from the boat, twirling her into the air and leaving her dizzy with happiness.
“I’m so glad you came!” he said. “You got here much sooner than I expected.”
“I was already on my way when I received your letter.”
He beamed and then pointed his finger into the grassy field. “Do you see them?”
Tiy held her hand above her eyes and squinted. She saw only the tall grass, black boulders, and a thick tree line. She secretly hoped the bulls had migrated overnight.
“Over there,” Amenhotep said pointing to the field of grass again. “I suppose from here they could look like big rocks, but you get the idea.”
Tiy gasped. “Those are the bulls?” Her voice had grown higher with each word as she eyed the things she had believed moments before were harmless boulders. Very large boulders.
“I’m about to head out for a second hunt,” Amenhotep said. “The horses have been resting for several days, so I’m anxious to get out again. You’re coming with me, right?”
Her voice jumped another octave. “What?”
Amenhotep laughed. “Just for a short hunt. This is something you need to experience! The thrill, the rush, the speed. There is nothing like it. Don’t worry. We shouldn’t have any major incidents.”
“I’d rather not have any minor incidents either.”
“I won’t let you get hurt,” he said with persuasive confidence.
“There are so many of them,” Tiy said. She had tried to lower her voice, to minimize the attention her previous exclamations had drawn, but she couldn’t control the tremor in her words. She couldn’t believe Amenhotep was putting himself in this kind of danger.
“Over a hundred remain,” Amenhotep said.
“How many have you captured already?”
“I’ve killed fifty-six.”
Tiy nodded as if she wasn’t surprised in the slightest, as if she had expected no less of him, but in reality she was reeling in shock. From what she knew of wild bulls, most hunters considered themselves accomplished if they killed a handful over the entire span of a hunting expedition, certainly not fifty-six in a single day. She didn’t understand why he was still planning another day of hunting. Hadn’t he proven himself enough?
“It wasn’t without effort,” Amenhotep said, clearly unsatisfied by her reaction. “They work together somehow, using group force to defeat their predators. One male nearly gored one of my horses, which would have put me in a precarious situation, but I was able to cripple it with a swift spear to its back.” He mimicked the motion of thrusting a spear toward the ground.
Tiy shuddered, giving Amenhotep an appropriate reaction he could be satisfied with. He grinned and continued his regaling of the previous hunt’s fun.
“They look slow,” he said, “but they’re quick and get mad fast. I had one run right up next to me, keeping pace with the horses, and rammed its horns—”
Ramose rode in on a chariot, cutting Amenhotep off. She’d never been happier to see Ramose. She didn’t want to hear anymore about the wild bulls and their deadly antics, especially if Amenhotep expected her to join him on the hunt.
The chariot was one of the new eight-spoke wheeled chariots designed for high speeds and rough terrain. In order to keep the chariot lightweight and maneuverable, the wooden platform was plain, lacking the usual elaborate metal work found in so many chariots. Her father had been coveting one for quite some time, and Tiy regretted not sending one to him before. She certainly had the means to send him a dozen, if he so desired, but it had never occurred to her that she had the power to make it happen. Until now.
“Amenhotep, I want to send three or four of these to my father,” she said.
Amenhotep laughed and rested his arm on her shoulders, pulling her close to him. “And so it shall be done,” he said. “They are a beautiful thing to behold.”
“I agree,” Tiy said, eyeing the chariot again. A rod extended from the front and harnessed two horses with red, green, and white dyed calfskin yokes. The horses tossed their heads and stamped their feet in anticipation.
“Tiy wants to join me for a short hunt,” Amenhotep said to Ramose.
Tiy grumbled to herself. Want? At what point did she say she wanted to go?
Ramose seemed disappointed as he jumped from the platform, his shoulders slumped and his lips turned down.
“Don’t worry, old Ramose,” Amenhotep said. “I’ll bring her back before Ra travels too far in the sky, and then we can go out again.”
“I don’t want to interfere,” Tiy said. Ramose’s forlorn face was too much for her to ignore. And she had no desire to become bull food. “It’s okay, really, I don’t mind watching.”
“Nonsense!” Amenhotep interjected before Ramose’s hopeful expression solidified. “You won’t be able to see anything from here and it won’t be as fun for you, trust me.”
Tiy smiled apologetically at Ramose.
“Are you ready?” Amenhotep said jumping up onto the chariot’s platform. He held out a hand toward her.
Tiy gripped his hand and let him pull her up. She didn’t feel any safer in the small wooden enclosure.
“Your hands are cold and sweaty,” Amenhotep said.
“I wasn’t expecting to meet my death today. Forgive me if I feel a little unprepared.”
Amenhotep roared in laughter and caught the reins up in his hands. With a snap of his wrists and a low holler, the horses thundered toward the massive black boulders.
At least the chariot was heavily armed, Tiy thought. Slung over the waist-high rails were two quivers for arrows and a sheath for bows. Javelins were kept near the front. Tiy gripped the rails and grabbed for a javelin. If she was going to die, she would die fighting. When they grew closer to the living boulders, Tiy grabbed another javelin with her other hand, choosing protection over balance.
Amenhotep’s laugh erupted beside her and
flew in the wind behind them. She was glad she had thought to tighten the scarf over her head, otherwise her wig would have been blown into the high grass and her bare head would have been exposed, something she was not yet prepared to explain. As it was, she stood balanced with one foot in front of the other. It was all she could do to keep from flying out of the open rails on the back of the platform. She didn’t have the coordination to secure a scarf as well.
They slowed, and Amenhotep pulled the chariot behind an outcropping of trees not far from the herd. They were far enough that the beasts hadn’t noticed them, giving them an opportunity to discern their forms among the tall grass.
Tiy shivered at the sight. The massive bodies were matted with coarse black coats that thinned toward the rear. Longer, stringy hair clung to their ears, which hung below the hook-shaped horns. Her mouth turned dry as she stared at the horns. They were so big! She swallowed, her tongue thick and heavy. The bull’s horns were the length of her forearm and twice as thick, broadening into what looked like a heavy shield mounted to their foreheads.
A large male lifted his head, his eyes narrowing at Tiy. He stared at her as if she were his greatest enemy and he was planning the perfect method for her destruction, which most likely involved trampling her under his feet or impaling her with the giant weapons attached to his head. Was it possible for horns to grow any bigger than the ones pointed right at her? She doubted it.
“Don’t let their placid behavior fool you,” Amenhotep whispered.
“Placid?” Tiy whispered back. She was ready to snatch the reins from Amenhotep at any moment and attempt their escape, and he thought they looked placid? She studied the male again, trying to see him through Amenhotep’s eyes, trying to comprehend what could make Amenhotep think they looked calm.
The male continued staring at Tiy, at least it seemed like he was staring at her. It wasn’t until he began moving his jaw back and forth in a circular motion that she realized he might not be looking at her at all, but might be simply enjoying his breakfast. In all actuality, he appeared quite bored and perhaps a little annoyed at all the little brown birds hopping up and down on his head, reaching into his nose and ears to find bugs to eat. Tiy glanced at the other bulls and noticed dozens of birds enjoying feasts upon their heads as well. If such tiny little animals could feel safe around a bull, surely they weren’t as dangerous as she had supposed. They appeared calm as they grazed, harmless and...placid.