Bast's Warrior

by Walters, Janet Lane;

  The massive temple, unlike the two she had seen, was open to the sky. At the back she saw a covered area. Spaced pillars formed the side walls. Near each pillar she noticed a low table. Of course, she thought. Among other tasks the Toth priests were scribes.

  Men began to light torches in preparation for the coming sunset. She saw Pian and the nomarch stride past the temple. They neared the place where she lay. She decided to follow in hopes of finding her friend.

  Tira crawled forward. Several times the men halted and spoke to passing priests. They turned from the wall and walked toward a single story building. Her focus on their destination was so intense she failed to notice a missing portion of the capstone. Her hands dipped and she jerked. In a futile attempt to retain her perch she twisted and fell. A scream erupted.

  One of the guards trailing the nomarch ran toward him. Before Tira untangled herself and regained her feet he grabbed her. “Nomarch, I have a spy.” He dragged her to the waiting men.

  The nomarch pushed the hood of her robe back. “Well met, warrior of Bast.”

  “I say this meeting is ill, nomarch of Mero.” She gulped a breath. Being captured wasn’t the way she’d planned to learn of Merin’s place of captivity. What would Kashe think when he reached an empty boat?

  “What are you seeking?” The nomarch smiled. “I’m sure Oris Aken Re and Hebu, beloved of Aken Re will have methods they can use to bring your secrets to light.”

  Tira clamped her lips together. To speak would reveal her fear of those priests.

  “Where is Kashe? Tell me and I’ll let you go. He is needed to serve the god of the temple. Tell me and your reward will be large.”

  His voice held the oily tones of a conman. “I don’t know.” She toed the ground. She knew where he’d been and where he planned to go but his whereabouts at the moment were unknown.

  Pian pushed past his father and grabbed Tira’s arm. His nails dug into her skin. “You and Kashe won’t ruin my plans. I will be pharaoh.”

  The nomarch nodded. “You will be. Even now the priests prepare for the ceremony. The other nomarchs will come. Any who don’t will learn the punishment meted out for disobedience. Kashe will be found and enter the priesthood of this temple. He will no longer be a threat to you or our family. He will lead the troops gathered here.”

  Tira laughed. “Your plan will fail. The Three will see them defeated.”

  Pian squeezed her arm. “Not if the avatar dies.”

  Tira sucked in a breath. They wouldn’t accept her denial. Could she use their belief against them? If they believed she was the goddess come to life, a way to escape might be possible.

  One of the guards bound her wrists. Pian pushed her ahead and she nearly fell. The nomarch gripped her shoulder and pulled her toward the single story building. When he called out a young priest pulled the curtain aside. “Why have you come?”

  “Inform Hebu, beloved of Aken Re and Oris Aken Re that I have brought a guest they will gladly question.”

  The young man bowed. Moments later he guided them to a large room that reminded Tira of the one in the compound where she’d eaten a meal with the nomarch and his family. A pair of chairs stood on a dais. Behind them a dark tapestry formed the background for a large rayed disc. If the metal was gold the object was priceless.

  Two priests sat on the chairs. Tira recognized them. One had been carried through the village where she’d met Kashe. The other had confronted her friend. Pian and his father bowed. The nomarch pushed Tira to her knees. She stared at the floor and sought for composure.

  The obese priest, Oris, stepped from the platform. He raised Tira’s head. “Rise.”

  When she stood she towered over him. He ran a finger along her jaw. The dark gaze of the second priest bored into her. He moved to join the other man. “I am Hebu, beloved of Aken Re.”

  The obese priest smiled. “She is a most fitting gift.” His laughter held a tinge of madness.

  The nomarch bowed. “She says she is only a warrior of Bast but I feel she is more. For many sun turns she has evaded capture. Tonight she fell into our hands. We must learn her secrets.”

  Hebu faced Tira. “Our spy among the grave robbers brought us a map of the Valley. There are strange markings on the papyrus. What did you seek in the place of the dead?”

  Tira stared at the disk on the wall. Silence was her best defense.

  He grasped her shoulders. “Have you come for the daughter?”

  Tira shrugged. Her eyes flicked to his face. She felt cold inside. His smile failed to reach his eyes.

  “Have you come to join our temple? An impossibility. Women have a low place in the worship of the true God. They are created to serve the needs of men and to bear their children.”

  Tira stared down at him. “Perhaps I have come to destroy you.” She glanced around and saw Bast Ka slink into the room.

  Hebu raised his head. “Be still. Your threats are empty. You are our prisoner.”

  “What will you do with her?” the nomarch asked. “She denies seeking the daughter.”

  “Yet the young woman was found in her company along with two of your sons.” Hebu’s face focused on the nomarch. “Have you tried to grasp the crocodile at both ends? He who does that will surely die.”

  “My loyalty hasn’t changed. Aken Re has given me my greatest desire. His power has washed the taint of my slave ancestors from my blood. When Pian becomes pharaoh I will stand at his side. I want to know why she is here.”

  “And your sons?”

  “Kashe has been a disappointment since his birth. He is everything I would reject. He has ever rebelled. Though Namose is a studious youth he admires his brother’s skill with weapons. He can be weaned from that.”

  Tira struggled to loosen the bonds and failed. If they tried to kill her she was nearly helpless. At least these men knew nothing about the symbols. If they remained a secret she would find a way to escape.

  The hawk-nosed Hebu walked toward her. Using a knife he slit the mottled robe. The pieces fell to the floor. The way his gaze roamed over her body made her feel naked. She felt anger bubble inside. “Tell me where Kashe of Mero hides. If you do you can remain as a servant of Aken Re. If you refuse you will die.”

  She met his gaze. “I have no idea where he is. He left our hiding place before I came here.”

  He stroked her cheek and then slapped her so hard she fell to the stone floor. “Answer me.”

  “I tried to follow him and failed. He spoke of going to Tebes.”

  Oris steepled his fingers on his corpulent abdomen. “Why would he go there? Where would he find a craft to carry him across the river?”

  She shrugged. “How would I know? I am a stranger in this land.”

  “Why does he refuse the honor we offer?” Oris turned away. “Nomarch, you promised he was ours.”

  “He will be.”

  “The time until the moon is full again creeps closer. We must have your son or there may be no marriage. There are other nomarchs who will agree to our demands.”

  Tira laughed. “There will be no marriage. Horu has claimed Kashe’s loyalty. A sacred hawk is his companion.” She struggled to stand.

  Hebu glared. “That cannot be. There is no god but Aken Re.” He reached for her. His hand brushed her amulet. He screamed and cradled his hand. His fingers turned scarlet and curled toward his palm. “Take her to the women’s court. I will deal with her tomorrow.”

  Oris went to the door and summoned a pair of priests. Tira studied the men. Scrawny and pale. If her hands had been free she could have bested them and escaped. Not her desire yet. She wanted to enter the women’s court. Surely Merin was there.

  The priests gripped her arms and dragged her from the chamber. She nearly fell but they jerked her erect. The bonds cut into her wrists and rubbed the healing knife wound. They strode past the lotus pool to a walled area. With a shove they pushed her inside. She fell to her knees. The gate slammed shut. Tira sprawled on the ground. Women’s frightened
screams sounded. She struggled to rise. One of the women ran toward her.

  “Tira, what happened?”

  “Merin.”

  The young woman helped her stand. “How did they capture you?” She released the bonds.

  Tira gasped. The pain of returning circulation shot along her arms. “I was careless.”

  “And I was foolish. Come to the bathing chamber. Some hot towels will ease the pain. Where’s Kashe? Did they catch him, too?”

  “He’s fine and on the way to free Namose.”

  The sound of chanting filled the air. Tira shivered.

  “What are you going to do?”

  “Escape.” Tira looked around. The small courtyard and house was surrounded by a high wall. She saw several places where she could climb.

  “How?” Merin asked. “The gate’s the only way out and there are guards. I looked for another way to leave this prison and found none. Escape is impossible.”

  “Never let yourself think that way.” Tira walked with Merin to the bathing chamber. She spoke with more confidence than she felt. She knew they could climb the wall but could they escape detection? Once inside the room Tira sat on a bench.

  Merin placed steaming towels on Tira’s shoulders. The heat leached stiffness from the muscles. Once the towels cooled Tira undressed. She spread cleansing paste over her skin. Merin poured water on her back and scrubbed with a cloth. Tira washed the rest of herself and let Merin pour water as a rinse.

  When dry, Tira washed her breast band and kilt. Merin pointed to the scab in Tira’s arm. “Did they hurt you?”

  “I met some tomb robbers.” Tira reached for the dress Merin offered. “Did the priests force you to talk?”

  Merin shook her head. “They asked me questions but they want me to wed Pian so all they did was threaten me. They sent for him.” Her nose wrinkled. “He may be brother to Namose and Kashe but he has none of their nature. I won’t wed him but I don’t want to die.”

  ‘We’ll find a way out,” Tira said.

  Merin met her gaze. “Last night in my dreams I heard a voice. ‘Go to the delta. The pharaoh to be is there and he needs help.’ That’s where I must go.”

  “First we must escape this place.” Tira walked to the door. “I’m going to the courtyard and practice. The dress will make moving difficult.”

  Merin laughed. “I hope I’ll do better than I did in the Valley. Namose and I stood like statues.”

  “A first time is hardest. Next time you’ll remember.”

  Chapter 28

  As Kashe neared the village he glanced at the sky. Perhaps he should have waited until after sunset but he worried that Namose would forget to continue the pretense of sleep. Kashe held his arm for Horu Ka to land. The hawk hovered and called what sounded like a warning. Kashe halted and studied his surroundings. He was alone and saw no place where attackers could hide. What did the bird want?

  “I’m going to rescue my brother. First I must see if any of the men my father left at the house is alert.”

  The hawk called once more and flew toward the barge. He circled and returned to land on Kashe’s wristband. His wings fanned Kashe’s face. “Horru.”

  The call was so loud Kashe jerked his head back. “Is there trouble?”

  “Horru.”

  There were times as in this moment when he wished he could understand the avian’s language. Kashe shook his head. Though something troubled the hawk learning what problem existed seemed impossible. Horu Ka pushed off Kashe’s wrist and again flew toward the barge. Kashe continued to the village. He didn’t have time to return to the sailing craft until Namose was with him.

  He paused at the edge of the field and filled a sack with rocks. The sight of one large stone produced a grin. Perfect for the head. Finally he reached the house and left the sack outside the window. Before entering he crept around to check the guards who remained on watch. From the added number of beer flasks on the table Kashe decided the men would soon drift into a drunken stupor.

  If Tuten had headed the patrol the men would be alert. For a moment Kashe bent his head and thought about his mentor. The ache of guilt had lessened. Enough, he told himself. Tuten travels to the afterlife where he will be honored by Horu.

  Kashe returned to the window into the room where his brother lay beneath the blanket. The eerie chanting rose from the temple. The sun vanished beyond the horizon and the sky darkened.

  Just as he was about to enter the room a guard appeared in the doorway. He stepped into the room but didn’t cross to the bed and disturb the figure beneath the cover. After a short time he turned and left.

  Kashe lifted the sack of rocks over the sill and slowly lowered it to the floor. He climbed inside. Kneeling beside the bed he touched Namose’s shoulder. “It’s time.”

  Namose rolled over. “Untie my hands.”

  Kashe used his knife to sever the bonds. “How often do the guards check?”

  “Been here twice since you left. I pretended to be asleep. One of them said Father has gone to the temple with Pian and won’t return until morning.”

  “That’s good.” Once Namose was on his feet Kashe handed him the water flask. He brought the sack of rocks to the bed and arranged them beneath the cover. He walked to the door and nodded.

  Namose put the flask down. “Where are we going?”

  “To a safe place where you can stay while Tira and I rescue Merin.”

  “Is there food at this place? Father thought starving me would make me tell him where you are. He didn’t believe I had no idea.” A hint of hysteria crept into the youth’s voice.

  Kashe patted his brother’s shoulder. “There is food.” He helped Namose to the window. “Hold onto the sill. I’ll climb out and help you.” Kashe vaulted to the ground.

  Once Namose caught his breath they walked to the field and made their way through the rows of barley. At the barge Namose slumped on the deck. Kashe handed his brother two boiled eggs, some of the meat, bread and a large slice of melon.

  For a long time Namose ate. When he finished he looked up. “Where’s Tira?”

  Kashe frowned. He had cautioned her to remain on the barge. Moving around at night could be dangerous. Had she been drowned? He ducked into the shelter. The symbols were there and safe. He turned to Namose. “Maybe she found a place to practice. You know how faithful she is.”

  Namose laughed. “When possible twice a day. Are the symbols here?”

  Kashe nodded. “Your bundle and Merin’s, too.”

  “Where will we go after Merin’s safe?”

  “Tebes and one of the temples of the Three.”

  “When will we go for her?”

  Kashe sat beside his brother. “After Tira returns.” He leaned against the side of the barge and muffled a yawn with his hand. “Rest until I wake you.”

  Namose lifted a water flask. “You sleep. I’ll keep watch. I slept most of the time while I waited for you.” He ducked into the shelter and picked up a scroll. He unrolled the papyrus. “This is a plan of the temple compound. Do you think Tira went there?”

  Kashe groaned. That would be something she might do. Would she do more than climb the wall and spy? When he retreated to the small shelter and studied the bundles he noticed the mottled robe was gone. “Very possible.”

  “What should we do?”

  “We wait. If she’s scouting to find a way to secretly enter the grounds when she returns she’ll tell us. She may even discover where Merin is.”

  “How long should we wait? What if she’s in trouble?”

  Kashe shook his head. “We won’t dash off. Though the moon is on the wane and shadows gather there is enough light to see but we could pass each other and not know we had.” He envisioned a scenario where they spent the night passing each other.

  “She could be a prisoner.”

  “”If she is we’ll rescue her.” He had to believe if the priests had captured her she wouldn’t talk. “If she hasn’t returned by morning we’ll seek her.” He clo
sed his eyes.

  Light from the rising sun woke Kashe. The chanting of the priests filled the air with an eerie sound. Kashe reached for his belt and managed to send his knife and pouch clattering on the deck.

  Namose jumped to his feet. “Did she come back?”

  “Afraid not.” Kashe splashed water on his face. Tira’s absence meant she was either a prisoner or dead. He opted for the first. If she had died he believed he would have known. “Grab some cheese, dates and the rest of the round bread. Bring the plan of the temple compound here. I need to discover the best way to enter the grounds.”

  Namose entered the shelter and returned with his arms full. “I want to go with you.”

  “You’ll stay here.” Kashe cut a slab of bread, spread the cheese on it and alternated bites of bread and dates. He studied the scroll.

  Namose sat beside Kashe. “You can’t go alone. I think I know where they put Merin. If they have Tira she’ll also be in the women’s court. Those priests don’t allow women any freedom. If we can get into the complex I can show you where to go.”

  “You’re staying here.”

  Namose squared his shoulders. “You can’t stop me. I’ll only follow.”

  Kashe rubbed his temples in an attempt to ward off a headache. He knew his brother would follow. Though Namose hadn’t inherited Kashe’s stature the youth was equally stubborn. You can come but promise you’ll follow any orders I give.”

  “I can do that.”

  Kashe reached for his belt and gathered the things he’d dropped. He nodded to his brother. “Do you want my knife?”

  “I have my own.”

  “It’s not a fighting weapon.”

  Namose exhaled forcefully. "I haven’t mastered the techniques of knife fighting yet.” He stooped and lifted something from the deck. “What is this?”

  Kashe laughed. “Hebu, beloved of Aken Re’s hair. Horu Ka pulled the wad from his head.”

  “Can I have it?”

  Kashe shrugged. “Don’t even know why I took it. If you want the hair it’s yours.”