by Max Overton
"What will be their punishment?" Bay asked.
"I will take no action against them, but neither will I show favour. How can I trust any of them?"
"There must be some you can trust, Son of Re. You will need good men to restore the city to its former prosperity."
Seti smiled at his Chancellor. "I have good men."
"I shall be returning to Men-nefer with you, Son of Re, and your other good men are army officers who will also lead their legions back to their proper stations. You need at least a Tjaty who can govern Waset and the Ta Shemau in your absence."
"I wish they had not killed Neferronpet. He was a loyal Tjaty."
"He has a grown nephew, I hear," Bay said. "Paraemheb."
"Send for him. I will talk to him and if he is suitable, make him Tjaty for his uncle's sake. Who else do I need?"
"A loyal Hem-netjer of Amun."
Seti grimaced. "I tried to rid myself of Roma-Rui once before. He is the chosen one of Amun, so I cannot lightly rid myself of him despite his disloyalty."
"Then reward him with estates in the north and make him Hem-netjer in Men-nefer. You can keep an eye on him there and you can limit his contact with the south. The present high priest in Men-nefer, Amenhirkashef, is old and should be retired."
"You see why I value your advice, Bay? Should I bring back Bakenkhons as Hem-netjer in Waset?"
"He is languishing as Fourth Prophet, but the very fact that Roma-Rui let him remain even in that position indicates he did not think him much of a threat. He was not effective before; don't give him another chance."
"Who then? The Second or Third prophets?"
Bay shrugged. "They are competent, I have no doubt, but the fact that Roma-Rui kept them on is suspicious. I think they are tainted."
"Who then?"
"Your Royal Secretary Mahuhy. He is the son of Nedjam, Overseer of the Royal Bedchamber by his wife Ta-nekhenemhab. Both are of good family, and loyal."
"Is he qualified?"
"Yes, Son of Re."
"Mahuhy it shall be then. Send for him as well."
"He will need to be elected by Amun."
"That can be arranged. I will suggest to Roma-Rui that it would be in his interests to comply with my wishes."
"So let it be done, Son of Re. Next there is the matter of the Amun legion and the Commander in the South."
"Samut is already Legion Commander," Seti pointed out.
"You would trust him, Son of Re? He betrayed your brother quickly enough."
"One could argue that he was being loyal to me."
Bay nodded. "He had many opportunities to be loyal, yet he waited until your brother could not possibly win before changing sides. Remember that he rose through the ranks by promotions coming from Sethi and the commanders he appointed."
"He did me a service though, and saved many lives, so I feel I should reward him."
"You are the king, Son of Re, and we are all guided by your will."
"Counsel me."
Bay thought for a few moments, seeking the right phrases. "Samut could remain as Legion Commander, but perhaps given an estate as reward for his service, an estate that calls him away from Waset from time to time. His deputy could be an officer promoted from one of your loyal legions, to act as Commander when Samut is away, and to watch upon his loyalty at all times."
"Good, good. I can think of several worthy officers for the position of deputy. And what of the Commander in the South? Who is worthy to be made General?"
"I would have said Iurudef were he not already General in the North. Second only to him is Setnakhte, who is a loyal officer and a talented Legion Commander."
"I had considered him," Seti agreed. "He comes from the best family," he said with a smile, "a son of Usermaatre yet is not overly ambitious. A decent wife and a grown son by the name of Ramesses, I believe. A daughter too, though I cannot remember her name. Yes, I think Setnakhte will do. Send him to me."
"As you command, Son of Re," Bay said. He made a notation on a papyrus scroll, and then consulted a list he had made earlier. "There are a number of lesser posts to be considered, positions like mayor, Medjay Commander, the overseers of grain, fisheries, wharves, temples, for instance, and several more in the palace itself. The present incumbents are compromised and should be replaced. I have a number of names for your consideration..."
"It is too much for me," Seti said. "When I have appointed Paraemheb as Tjaty, you and he can work through the list, raising up those you think are worthy."
"As you wish, Son of Re. There is one other matter, two perhaps, though they are tied together. Your brother did not do much building while he was er...king in the south, but he did some. Do you want those buildings destroyed, or just have his name obliterated?"
"What buildings did he erect?"
"Shrines to various gods, for the most part. Here in Waset and throughout the south. Also a number in Kush when he acted as King's Son there."
"I think we can just cause his name to be erased and mine inscribed in its place."
Bay looked uncomfortable. "He er...made a few statues too, Son of Re. Notably showing him seated with his son Siptah on his lap."
"Be easy on this score, Bay, for I know the boy is your nephew. I have sworn no harm will come to him," Seti said. "He is blameless in this and already suffers enough under the affliction visited upon him by the gods." The king pondered for a few moments. "Cause the head and torso of those statues to be changed to my own, or if it is not possible then to be destroyed, but leave the person of Siptah intact."
"Thank you, my lord."
"You said there was a second part attached to this issue?"
"Yes, Son of Re. It is the matter of the royal tombs in Ta-sekhet-ma'at. Your brother stopped work on your own tomb, of course, and has gone a good way toward building his own. I hear it has particularly fine carvings."
"Well, we can't have that, can we? Work is to stop on my brother's tomb and all the carvings of his name are to be chiselled out. Start work on my own again...and that of Queen Tausret."
"What of Queen Takhat?"
Seti sighed. "I cannot show her undue favour if I am to keep good relations with Tausret for our son will be our heir. Takhat, on the other hand, was taken in marriage by my brother to cast doubt on the paternity of any children by her, so I can scarcely take her back. Her child by me was a daughter anyway, so does not enter into the succession." The king thought some more. "Takhat can have my brother's tomb, after it has been suitably cleansed of his inscriptions."
"I shall arrange for all your wishes to be carried out, Son of Re."
"I will inspect the tombs in Ta-sekhet-ma'at. Arrange it."
Two days later, Seti took his new Tjaty Paraemheb and Chancellor Bay over the river to visit the Great Field. A squad of soldiers from the Ptah legion accompanied them as security, while Setnakhte, newly appointed as General of the South, ripped through the military forces at his disposal like a sharp bronze sword, both in the Amun legion and within the auxiliaries that were to be left behind as a new legion. Samut, the Amun Commander, scurried to do the General's bidding while Ament, his new deputy, watched him with the eyes of a hawk.
There were chariots waiting on the western shore. Seti rode with Bay in one of them, and Paraemheb took the other, while the squad of soldiers ran behind. The day was hot, and the sun beat down fiercely with waves of heated air making them sweat, especially the soldiers who also had to put up with the acrid dust churned up by the chariot wheels and horses' hooves. Seti called a halt at the Mortuary Temple to Nebmaatre and insisted the men refresh themselves with cool water before carrying on. Past the temple, the road split, one branch leading toward the dry hills and the great gap in the cliffs that hid Ta-sekhet-ma'at. As the road rose slowly to the workers' village, the residence of the Servants of the Place of Truth, Seti slowed their pace to a walk, allowing the soldiers the opportunity to catch their breath.
"It has been years since I was up here," Seti remarked to Bay. "Th
ere was an old man called Kenhirkhopeshef, who was the Scribe of the Great Place. He had been Scribe most of his life, his fingers in everything, managing every detail of the village life and the tombs despite the fact he looked like he'd be needing his own tomb before the day was out. I was amazed to learn he is still in charge."
"Such men are a lesson to us all, Son of Re," Bay replied. "He must have lived a life of exemplary virtue for the gods to reward him so."
Seti nodded. "Both my grandfather and father lived to be old men."
"Exactly, Son of Re. A life spent in service to Kemet and the gods. May your life be extended also, my lord, so that Kemet may once more know the peace of Usermaatre."
"Oh, I intend to live for a long time, Bay, and hand over to my son Seti-Merenptah when he is an old man. Ah...see...we come to the village."
There were a number of people gathered outside the village waiting for the royal party. Seti stepped off the chariot, wincing as he jarred his left arm, and was quickly joined by Bay and Paraemheb. The villagers bent low, their outstretched hands parallel with the dusty ground as they made their obeisance. Seti told them to rise and the Scribe of the Great Field tottered forward, supported by a stick and a young man that Seti took to be his grandson Remaktef.
"Son of Re," Kenhirkhopeshef quavered in a thin voice. "Greetings. Forgive me, but I am unable to accompany you today. If it is your will, my grandson Remaktef shall speak for me."
"Take your ease, Scribe Kenhirkhopeshef," Seti replied. "You have given good service these many years. Sit in the shade with a pot of beer and let younger men act for you. Scribe Remaktef, perform your duty."
"Son of Re," Remaktef said. "This is the village of Set-ma'at and these are the Servants of the Place of Truth, dedicated from generation to generation with excavating and decorating the tombs of kings and exalted persons within Ta-sekhet-ma'at." He spoke fast, almost gabbling his words, and Seti smiled, for he recognised phrases that Kenhirkhopeshef had used when last he visited the village. Evidently, this was a speech learned by heart.
"Great One, there have been changes since the last time you were here. Neferhotep, Foreman of the First Team has passed into the West and his place has been taken by Paneb, son of Nefersenet..."
Paneb the Foreman bowed to the king as Remaktef spoke, but Seti saw an arrogant look in his eye.
Seti frowned, and motioned the scribe to silence. "Your elevation is recent, Paneb. In fact, it was one of Paraemheb's first actions. His predecessor absolved you of blame for the death of your adoptive father, Neferhotep."
"That is so, Son of Re," Paneb said. "I showed that Neferhotep stole building stones and used them for his own tomb. Thus was I justified in my actions."
Seti nodded. "So said Tjaty Amenmose, who was appointed by my brother. One could argue that as my brother's reign was not legitimate, nor was any decision made by those he appointed."
Paneb scowled, but hid his displeasure by bowing deeply.
"Paraemheb, you will reopen this case and examine the evidence. I will not have my Servants of the Place of Truth steal or kill with impunity."
"It shall be done, Son of Re," the Tjaty said.
Remaktef made as if to continue, but Seti silenced him again. "I will go up to the tombs. Remaktef, you will accompany me."
Paraemheb took Remaktef with him in his chariot, and the royal party continued on into the dry and sun-baked valleys where the tombs of the kings and queens of Kemet lay. The day grew hotter as the sun reflected off the cliffs and valley floor, dazzling their eyes and bringing out prickles of sweat that dried in an instant. At length, they came to the side valley that housed the unfinished tombs of Userkheperure Seti and Tausret his queen. They dismounted and stood near the black hole in the rubble beneath the cliff face that was the king's tomb, looking into the silent darkness.
"Son of Re," Remaktef said. "It grieves me that nothing has been done on your tomb for four years, but what could we do? The king...your brother ordered the work to stop on your tomb, so we...we could only obey. On the Queen's...well, he did not give us specific directions, so work continued. It is nearly finished."
"I understand," Seti replied, "but you will resume work on mine immediately. You still have the plans?"
"Yes, Son of Re."
"Good, then there should be no delay. My brother has a tomb?"
"Yes, Son of Re. It is in the main valley. Do you want to see it?"
"No, but work on it is to cease from this day. Paraemheb will give you instructions of its future modifications, but those are of low priority." Seti looked around at the towering cliffs and the bone-dry dust and rubble that made this place seem even more desolate than the open desert.
"Remaktef, if you were to start a new tomb, where would you place it?"
"A...a new one, Son of Re?" Remaktef licked his dry lips and looked at his king in some consternation. "I...I thought you would have the old tomb refurbished, my lord. There is nothing wrong with it that a month or so cannot put right. It would take much longer to dig out a new one."
"Just answer my question, Remaktef. Where would you situate a new tomb?"
The scribe stared around him, shading his eyes from the glare, striving to remember everything he had learned about these dry valleys. "There are suitable places in the main valley..."
"No. It must be close by."
"Then...forgive me, Great One, but I cannot be certain of the structure of the underlying rock and whether it is suitable for excavating a long passage..."
"I understand. Choose a place, Remaktef. The best place in this valley."
The scribe pointed down the valley, past Tausret's tomb. "I would look there first, Son of Re. In the rock face a little past the Queen's tomb."
Seti walked down to the indicated place, his sandaled feet crunching and slipping on the loose surface. He glanced at the entrance to Tausret's tomb, and then at the place near it.
"There?"
"Yes, Son of Re."
"What do you think, Paraemheb?"
"Much like any other place, my lord," the Tjaty said. "If the scribe says it is a good place, then he should know."
"And what do you say, Bay?"
"I think that anyone buried here would count it a great honour to face eternity alongside you and Queen Tausret."
"Well said, Bay," Seti said with a laugh. "Do you feel honoured?"
"Son of Re?"
"You are looking at the site of your own tomb, Chancellor Bay. You have served me well, and I would reward you suitably."
Bay gaped for a moment and then fell to his knees in the sharp rubble. "You do me too much honour, Great One."
"You accept my gift?"
"Oh yes, Son of Re. Thank you."
"So, Remaktef. You will record this place as the site of the tomb of Chancellor Bay. Hire as many men as you need, and send the requests for supplies to Paraemheb. I want work on this tomb to start immediately, and I want mine and the Queen's to be finished inside of five years."
Chapter 45
Menmire Amenmesse speaks:
I am still housed within the Royal Palace in Waset, but my accommodation is scarcely worthy of a king. I have a suite of rooms but the cedar doors are barred and guards stand at every door and window. They have been drawn from my brother's loyal legions, Set, Ptah, Re, and Heru, and I have no friends there. I am allowed servants to tend to my needs, but they too are drawn from the legions, and are not as servants should be. A proper servant is one who supplies my needs, is self-effacing and discreet, but these are insolent and openly sneer at my plight. In truth, it is hard to squat above a pot and empty my bowels with a man standing watching me, a look of hatred on his face.
I have complained, sending messages to my brother and his new Tjaty, but to no effect. I must make the best of my captivity, spending my days sitting at a window and thinking. If only I had someone to discuss matters of importance with me. What am I saying? What matters of importance? My world has shrunk down upon me so it now encompasses three small r
ooms, where once I called the whole of Kemet mine, from Abu almost to Men-nefer, and the province of Kush besides. Now I am alone, uncertain of my fate. I have asked after my son Siptah, but no one will tell me anything. I do not even know if my brother has taken his revenge upon my poor, innocent child.
What could I have done differently? I go over every action from the day I sailed south from Men-nefer all those years ago to take up my position of Deputy King's Son of Kush. Sethi was only one of my companions then. Did I allow him too much freedom? Should I have maintained a tighter control over his actions? The common people hated him and through him, me. A king should be feared, but should he also be loved by his subjects? That is a novel thought and after a few moments' consideration, I tentatively reject it. Love is good, but fear is enough providing one has the armed might to back it. My greatest failing, if failing it is, was to leave the army in Sethi's care and attend to matters of state. I should have left those matters to Khaemter and concentrated on defeating my brother's legions. I know I am a better general than Sethi, though I have never had the opportunity to prove it. After all, I am descended from the great Usermaatre, whereas he is but a short step or two above a commoner.
From time to time, people come to see me, or rather, to look at me, for they merely stand in the doorway, peering past the crossed spears of the guards, and will not answer when I implore them for news. They are high-ranking army officers for the most part, but also include court officials, and even the new Tjaty Paraemheb came once. I must hope that one of my...
* * *
My heart beats faster and I must turn away from the guards lest they see the awakening hope in my eyes. If ever there was proof that the gods have not forgotten me, it was this. I was entertaining the hope that one day one of my trusted servants would have occasion to visit me, when in walked Hemaka, a junior scribe that I had praised once for his work. He was dressed as a common servant, carrying some cleaning implements. Taking them into the inner room, he casually signed for me to remain silent. I followed him into the room and saw that we were alone.