by Max Overton
"That is hardly fitting, Lord Messuwy," he said. "Even I who represent the king in Ta Shemau do not sit on the king's throne."
Messuwy shrugged, but did not get up, forcing Neferronpet to cross to the lower throne. "I am the son of the king. What news have you?"
"You are no longer son of the king, for the king your father is dead."
Messuwy leapt to his feet. "I knew it!" The animation in his face slipped away and was replaced by a look of avarice. "What else?"
"There was nothing else," Neferronpet said. "I grieve for you, my lord. King Baenre will be sorely missed."
Messuwy waved a hand nonchalantly. "Yes, yes. Did the letter say nothing about..." he hesitated. "Anything else? The succession, perhaps?"
"Prince Seti has already been named Heir. I cannot think the king would change that on his deathbed."
"You would tell me if there was anything else?"
"Of course." Neferronpet kept his face impassive as he sketched a shallow bow. Messuwy did not return the courtesy, nor offer the deeper obeisance due the position of Tjaty, but instead stalked out of the audience chamber as Merenkhons hurried in.
"Much good it will do you, Merenkhons," Messuwy snarled as he left.
"My lord?" Messuwy did not reply, so Merenkhons watched him go and then bowed to Neferronpet. "You have news?" he asked.
"Indeed I have. Come and sit beside me." Neferronpet pointed to the dais steps and seated himself as Merenkhons approached.
"The messenger was from Men-nefer? It's official?" Merenkhons sat on the steps and looked eagerly at Neferronpet.
"King Baenre Merenptah ascended to Re seventeen days ago. His son and heir, Prince Seti Meryenptah will mount the Double Throne."
Merenkhons whistled. "Someone's going to be upset."
The Tjaty nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I cannot see him accepting his younger brother's elevation quietly, but there's more. Baenre was poisoned. His neru pehut introduced a poisoned cream to the king's body."
The legion commander gaped. "Assassinated? Has the neru pehut admitted why he did it?"
"He died by his own hand before he could be arrested. It seems a palace servant plotted with him. The servant was of Ribu descent, so we must assume it was revenge, perhaps for a family member killed in the invasion four years ago. The servant is also dead."
"Thank the gods for that, then," Merenkhons said. "Better a simple plot by disgruntled servants than a palace plot involving the nobility or..." He broke off and looked toward the servants at the door before shrugging. "It would mean civil war."
"It may yet," Neferronpet murmured. "You should have seen Messuwy's reaction when I told him his father was dead. There was no grief or even sober reflection, but rather joy and calculation. I don't think the news came as a surprise."
"The king was an old man."
"True, but though I cannot say exactly what was amiss, I thought there was more to it."
"You think he knew the king was about to die? Gods, you don't think he actually had a hand in it? You said a Ribu servant was responsible."
"That is what the letter from Men-nefer said. Royal Butler Bay says there is no doubt." Neferronpet frowned and watched the servants cleaning the walls of the chamber.
"How did Messuwy react to the news of the poisoning and the Ribu involvement?"
"I didn't tell him." The Tjaty saw Merenkhons' look of surprise and offered a wry smile. "I'd like to choose who hears about that and when. It's not that I suspect him...not really...but if I thought that the news might precipitate a response from him...I don't want complications."
"He's bound to hear soon. Better from your mouth than garbled gossip."
Neferronpet nodded. "I'd like to decide what I'm going to do first."
"What do you mean?"
"There's one other thing the letter mentioned, Prince Seti is on his way up to Waset. He's probably half way here already."
"That's no surprise, I suppose. Like his father Baenre, he'll be making a progress to the principal cities. Waset is a logical stop."
"Baenre came with just an honour guard. Seti is bringing the Ptah legion. The Royal Barge and five transports in all. You don't bring that many troops unless you're expecting trouble."
Merenkhons shifted uneasily. "The Amun legion is loyal."
"I don't doubt it, but Waset has ever had an uneasy relationship with the House of Ramesses, something that Messuwy, Sethi and Roma-Rui have fostered."
"Traitors all, my lord Tjaty. Let me act against them and deliver a peaceful city to the king when he arrives."
"A thought that had crossed my mind."
"Give me the word and it is accomplished."
"You have already sent men to arrest Sethi. Has that happened?"
"He seems to have eluded the fool I put in charge. My men are scouring the city, though. We'll find him."
"You can't arrest the Hem-netjer of Amun; you don't have the authority. Neither do I, for that matter, so that must wait on Seti's arrival. I believe it would be useful to deliver Messuwy to him, though. Do you think you can detain him without fuss?"
"I'll throw him in a dungeon so fast his feet won't touch the ground."
"No. There must be no arrest. He is still the next king's brother and has been charged with no crime, let alone been proven guilty. Detain him, politely but firmly, and let him be held alone and in comfort until Seti arrives. Can you do it?"
Neferronpet stared at the commander's face as he wrestled with the difficult task he had been given. Neither man saw one of the servants slip out of the audience chamber.
"What if he resists?"
"Then subdue him, but let no lasting harm come to him."
"All right. If that's what you want, I can do it," Merenkhons said.
Chapter 5
Year 1 of Userkheperure Seti
The royal barge 'Wisdom of Ptah' arrived at Waset, but remained in mid-river, the oars stroking slowly to keep the barge stationary while the troop-carriers disgorged the Ptah legion onto the docks. Commander Besenmut was under orders to make his disposition of the men under his command look like nothing more than an honour guard, but he also had to make absolutely certain of the safety of Prince Seti, so he drove the populace back, ringing the area with armed men.
As the royal barge hove into view, the Amun legion also turned out, with Commander Merenkhons leading them, but was prevented from getting too close by the Ptah legionaries. Merenkhons made a formal complaint to a Ptah Troop Commander and was escorted into the presence of Commander Besenmut, who had set up a command post in a granary near the docks.
"I must protest, Besenmut. You are treating my men like criminals," Merenkhons said. "It is my duty to provide an escort for royalty in Amun's city."
"Ah, Merenkhons, I was wondering how long it would take you to show up. You are welcome to join me as I greet the Son of Re."
The Amun legion commander's eyebrows rose. "He is king already?"
"As good as, and you'll offer him full kingly honours if you're wise."
Merenkhons scratched his chin. "Why is he here in Waset?"
"You think I am privy to every decision made by my betters? I follow orders, Merenkhons. See that you do too."
"Of course." Merenkhons looked through the open door of the granary to the river and the royal barge with its oars beating time on the green waters. "How long before he comes ashore?"
"There you go again, asking questions instead of simply obeying orders. How did you ever rise to the rank of legion commander?"
"I rose through the ranks, if you must know," Merenkhons growled. "Doing some real soldiering in Kush."
"Didn't see you at Perire though," Besenmut said. "You heard about that did you? When we smashed the Ribu and Sea Peoples? Where were you and the Amun legion then?"
Merenkhons caught sight of two of the guards on the door grinning and scowled. "It was not my decision. I was only a Troop Commander then. Now, are you going to let my men do their duty by the Heir?"
&
nbsp; Besenmut considered. "What exactly do you see as your duty?"
"Waset is Amun's city, and therefore the Amun legion controls everything. If the king or the Heir is visiting, it is my duty to turn out the legion to protect and honour him, and keep the peace."
"Very commendable, I'm sure. A pity the king cannot rely on the loyalty of Waset...and by extension, the Amun legion."
Merenkhons stared at the other Commander, his face suffusing with blood. "What do you mean by that? Are you implying I am disloyal to the king?"
"Be easy, Merenkhons," Besenmut said. "Reports have reached us from Neferronpet that assure us of your personal loyalty. Regrettably, not everyone in Waset is of like mind. The Hem-netjer of Amun...I forget his name..."
"Roma-Rui."
"Yes, that's it. He's a centre for disaffection in the city and he is a known associate of the new king's brother Messuwy."
"Is Lord Messuwy guilty of something?"
"Let us just say that the Son of Re greatly desires to have him brought before him. You have knowledge of his whereabouts?"
"He has rooms in the temple, I believe. By chance, I have dispatched men to bring him to the Tjaty's palace. I hoped to have his adjutant Sethi in custody too, but he slipped the net."
"Sethi, by the gods. You know he was implicated in the Ribu invasion, though nothing could be proved? In the circumstances, his presence would be much desired. You say he has gone, though?"
"I have men searching for him," Merenkhons assured Besenmut.
"Then let us hope these men are loyal to the king and not his brother."
Merenkhons looked uneasy. "You believe Messuwy to be guilty alongside Sethi?"
"I dare say that is what the new king seeks to determine. Please make sure Lord Messuwy is waiting in the Tjaty's palace by the time the Son of Re disembarks."
"But what of the Amun legion's duty? We should provide the honour guard of greeting."
Besenmut regarded Merenkhons coolly. "As I said, you are welcome to join me as I greet the Son of Re. However, your men would better serve finding Sethi and Messuwy and keeping the populace quiet. I have no desire to have bloodshed mar the king's visit to the Southern Capital, but if there is any trouble, I won't hesitate to guard the king's person by any means available."
Before Merenkhons could respond, a Leader of One Hundred of the Ptah legion entered the granary and saluted his Commander. "The docks are secure, sir, and all is in readiness."
Besenmut raised an eyebrow. "Well, Merenkhons? Your answer?"
Merenkhons capitulated. "I would be honoured to accompany you."
Besenmut nodded. "Good. Lead on Panhesy."
The Leader of One Hundred trotted off with the two legion commanders strolling after him. As soon as they were out in the open, Merenkhons beckoned to one of his officers and issued instructions that the men were to police the street corners in pairs, ready to quell any disturbance. Besenmut smiled to hear the instructions and issued his own commands to a waiting Troop Commander.
"Signal the Royal Barge that we are ready for them."
The Troop Commander saluted and ran off, shouting orders of his own, and soon the rhythm of the oars on the Royal Barge changed, the craft angling in toward the docks.
Merenkhons stood beside Besenmut, watching the approaching barge. "What's he like?" he asked. "I only saw him once, when he was a young lad. He came to Waset in a fishing boat with his sister. It was quite a scandal."
"I wouldn't remind him of it," Besenmut cautioned. "He was a boy then, but a king now, and an able warrior." He broke off and strode a few paces to the same Troop Commander who had signalled the barge. "Sound the horns of greeting."
Rams' horns blared out, the sound rising and falling as the oars swept once more the paused aloft, river water sluicing off the blades as the barge lost momentum, nosing in toward the dock. Sailors leapt and scrambled, hurling heavy flax ropes ashore and securing them to timber posts, the ropes creaking and groaning as the weight of the vessel tugged on them, easing to a stop. A gangplank clattered into place, and soldiers of the Ptah legion raced to their places on either side. Their kilts were white, their sandals new, and the tips of their bronze spears gleamed in the bright sunshine as they stood to attention, their eyes fixed and raised.
Besenmut and Merenkhons advanced to the end of the double line of soldiers and, as Prince Seti walked across the gangplank onto the Waset dock, bowed deeply, their hands outstretched at knee level.
"Greetings, Son of Re," Besenmut said. "The docks are secure."
"Welcome to Waset, Son of Re," Merenkhons added.
"Who is this?" Seti asked.
"Merenkhons, Commander of the Amun legion, Son of Re," Besenmut said. "His men are keeping the peace within the city."
"Where are the priests? They should be here to greet me."
"They seem to be taking their lead from Amun, Son of Re, and Amun is absent."
"Have the Hem-netjer brought to me."
"It shall be done, Son of Re."
"And what of my brother Messuwy?"
"Son of Re," Merenkhons said. "My men have gone to bring him to the Tjaty's palace."
Seti nodded and walked on, the two legion commanders stumbling out of his way. He continued walking toward the cordon of Ptah soldiers, and signalling frantically, Besenmut conveyed his orders to his men, who fell in around their king. They walked through the streets of Waset, the population pouring out of houses and running from side alleys, eager to catch a glimpse of their royal visitor. A cheer went up from the crowd and fed on itself, conveying the hopes of a people and the promise of a new king.
Soldiers of Amun were visible at each street corner, busy trying to keep the crowds under control, but without much success. Men and women jostled one another, calling out and making comments, chattering amongst themselves, while children ducked and darted through the throng and raced across the street ahead of the procession. Dogs, half-starved and mangy, yapped and barked, and fights erupted over scraps of food littering the dusty streets. The stink of the city was almost tangible, thousands of people crammed together, the stench of ordure pervading the hot air, and mingled with scents of sweat, of cooking food, of spices, and the wet scents of the river mud. Over everything hung the sun, the visible manifestation of the god and father of the young man who now walked the streets amidst his subjects.
Tjaty Neferronpet stood on the steps of the palace and bowed low as Seti arrived and, on being allowed to stand and greet the young man, welcomed him officially to Waset. A number of other officials and dignitaries were also present and Neferronpet introduced them all as they came forward and bowed. Seti muttered a few pleasantries, and then insisted on moving inside.
"Where is Messuwy?" he demanded, as soon as they reached the audience chamber.
"He is not here, my lord," Neferronpet said.
"I sent for him," Merenkhons said. "I am sure he will be here soon."
"Perhaps my lord would like some refreshment after his voyage? I have ordered food and drink."
Seti sat down to a light meal of fatty beef, fine bread, crisp vegetables and rich wine, watched by the Tjaty, the legion commanders, and several servants. When he had finished, the servants cleared away the remains of the meal and, at a word from Neferronpet, bowed and withdrew from the chamber, closing the doors behind them.
"Well, where is he? He should be here by now."
"I... I will go and find out, Son of Re," Merenkhons said. He bowed and hurried away, calling for his officers as he went.
"Is that man competent?" Seti asked.
Neferronpet shrugged. "He has given me no reason for dissatisfaction. He is loyal, at least," he added. The Tjaty hesitated a moment and then pressed on. "Do you suspect Lord Messuwy of...of having a hand in the death of your father?"
Seti sighed and picked at a fragment of food caught in his teeth. He waved his other hand toward chairs near the wall and said, "Sit, both of you. I think we can dispense with formality in private." The prince looked
around and nodded toward the throne on its raised dais. "Too grand for me today. Just bring me an ordinary chair, Besenmut. Today I am as other men."
"Never, Son of Re," Besenmut protested.
"Not yet. Until I am crowned, just call me Seti..." he saw the look of horror on the legion commander's face and grinned. "...or 'my lord', if you must."
"Yes, Son of...my lord." He brought the best of the chairs over for Seti, and then went back for another for himself. Obviously feeling ill at ease, he sat down, but could not relax in the presence of his king.
"That's better," Seti said. "By the gods, you have no idea how good it is to be able to relax instead of having to keep up the facade of the godhood day after day. I'm not even crowned yet, and I can already feel the weight of the Two Kingdoms on my shoulders. No wonder my father aged so rapidly in the last few years."
"That will not happen to you, my lord," Neferronpet said. "You have an advantage few of your predecessors had, namely youth. Your father Baenre was an old man when he came to the throne, and even Menpehtyre Ramesses and Menmaatre Seti were mature men. Only Usermaatre Ramesses was a young man and look what a long and illustrious reign he had."
Seti beamed. "If I can achieve even part of what my grandfather did, I will be well pleased. My father should have been able to build on his achievements, but he was struck down before his time. We of the House of Ramesses are long-lived and my father could have continued alive another ten years at least." The complacent smile on Seti's face slipped and was replaced by a frown. "I will have the truth of it."
"My lord?" Besenmut ventured.
"The death of my father the king, Besenmut. He was poisoned, you know."
Besenmut looked down at the floor, not knowing how to respond.
"So said the official letter I received," Neferronpet murmured. "It intimated the Ribu were responsible."
"Butler Bay investigated and found evidence that pointed at a Ribu servant and the neru pehut. Unfortunately, the physician killed himself and the Ribu was not taken alive, so I cannot find out how deep the plot goes."