Kiya and the God of Chaos

by Philippa Bower

  Chapter One Hundred and Seven: Arrested

  As Kiya headed towards Laylos’s house her head was spinning with thoughts of the task imposed on her by Sobek. Would her aunt and uncle join her? It would be like the old days when she, Laylos, Huy and Dennu were chased the length of Egypt by Massui’s men. With her comrades by her side she would find the courage to face all obstacles.

  In a narrow street close to the barracks a man blocked her way. “What have you got in that jar, girl? Is it beer?”

  “No, it is just Nile water.”

  “Give it to me!”

  There was no alternative but to hand over the jar. The man took a swig then spat the water out in disgust. “What are you trying to do? Poison me?”

  “No, sir. I need it to divorce my husband.”

  The man handed the jar back to her. “He will be sorry to lose such a pretty wife,” he leered.

  Kiya hurried on. When she reached the square where Laylos lived she found more improvised shelters. The smell made her nose wrinkle. She trod carefully between two tents, made from filthy sheets, and knocked on Laylos’s door.

  “Go away I have no food to spare.”

  “Laylos, it is I, Kiya. Open the door!”

  The door was flung open. “Kiya, darling! I have longed to see you.” Laylos enfolded Kiya in her arms. “Have you made this journey alone? My dear child, the streets of Akhetaten are no longer safe. Come in quickly.” She ushered Kiya indoors. “Is that beer you have brought with you?” She took Kiya’s jar and looked into it.

  “No, it is just Nile water,” said Kiya and felt guilty that she had not thought to bring food for her aunt.

  Laylos put the jar down on the kitchen table, sat on the seating ledge and patted the cushion beside her. “Come and sit down, my dear. I regret I have no refreshments to offer you. But I have wonderful news.” Kiya looked at her aunt’s shining eyes and wondered what the news might be. “I am with child!”

  Kiya was astounded. Was it possible? She put her arms around her aunt and gave her a hug. “This is exciting news, indeed. But will you be all right, Laylos? Are you getting enough to eat?”

  “Yes, Huy is able to smuggle food out of the palace.”

  “What about the birth? Will it be safe for you to have a child?” She was about to add at your age but managed to stop in time.

  Laylos nodded happily. “I have known many women to give birth in their thirties.”

  But was it their first birthing? Kiya wondered. It must be easier for a woman who had children before. She did not voice her fears to her aunt but embraced her once more. “I could not be more delighted,” she said.

  “But what of your baby?” said her aunt. “Huy tells me that you gave him to a wet nurse.”

  “That is right,” said Kiya.

  “Why not get the baby back and bring it to the palace with you? I don’t understand, Kiya. Surely you must love your son?”

  “I adore Meri. Oh, Laylos, it breaks my heart to know that he will never be my baby again.”

  “Why not? Tell me everything, Kiya.”

  So Kiya told her aunt about the pregnancy and how she had been filled with the love of all living things. “It was as though the love came from the baby inside me. Even Seth felt it when he came to visit me.”

  “Seth? What did that devil want?” said Laylos.

  “He was angry and said he would stop the Nile flooding.”

  Laylos nodded. “He seems to have succeeded in that! How was the birth? Did Ramala look after you correctly?”

  “Mother was wonderful and the birth was easy, though I must admit it did not feel that way!”

  Laylos laughed. “The pains of birth are soon forgotten. If not, every woman would have but one child.”

  “The problems came afterwards. Meri is a healer and is willing to heal all who suffer. He lost so much of his life force that he was in danger of dying. I had to give him to Hathor to save his life.”

  “Hathor? The goddess?” Laylos was amazed. “The woman who can turn into a ravening beast if annoyed? Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?” Kiya tried to stop her tears but she could not. “I am sorry Kiya. Oh, my dear, please do not cry. I did not mean to upset you. Come here.” Kiya felt the warmth and comfort of Laylos’s arms around her, but instead of her tears stopping they flowed more freely.

  “I miss him so much,” Kiya sobbed. “He was a wonderful baby, so full of love that he seemed to shine.”

  “I am sure Hathor will bring him back safely. And what about you, Kiya. Are you happy with your life in the palace?”

  “No.” Kiya shook her head. “I returned to find that Dennu had taken another wife.” Her grief at Dennu’s betrayal added yet more tears and she wept in her aunt’s embrace like a child.

  “There, there,” said Laylos comfortingly. “Is that why you have a jar of Nile water? Are you planning to divorce him?”

  “Probably,” said Kiya. “I am going to give him one last chance. I need to go to Nubia to confront Seth.”

  “Seth? My dear Kiya, whatever for?”

  “I have been tasked by the gods to save Egypt.”

  “Impossible! You must not go. That devil will kill you.”

  “I must take the chance. If Dennu agrees to come with me all will be well. When we come back I will be content to live in his harem and bear his children.”

  “You are being unreasonable,” said Laylos. “He is an important man now. He cannot leave his responsibilities.”

  “Is not saving Egypt a greater responsibility?”

  Laylos shook her head. “I doubt if he will see it that way. If he has any sense he will forbid you to go.”

  “What about you, Aunt? Would you like to come with me?”

  Laylos laid a protective hand upon her stomach. “I cannot. I fear losing the child I have longed for all my life.”

  “What about Huy?”

  “No! I beg of you. Do not ask Huy. Without him I will have no food and will die.”

  The sight of her aunt’s anguish distressed Kiya. “I am so sorry, Laylos. How thoughtless of me. Of course I will not ask him and I am confident that he would refuse even if I did so. I envy you having a man who loves you so dearly.”

  As the two of them embraced there came a heavy knocking at the door.

  “Open up!” The voice was harsh and commanding.

  Laylos and Kiya stared at the door as it quivered under the blows.

  “We have a palace pass for Laylos the medicine woman,” said the voice.

  Laylos got to her feet and opened the door. Outside stood four men in the uniform of palace guards. One of then bowed and handed her a piece of papyrus. “Lord Dennu sends his compliments and has ordered us to escort Lady Kiya back to the palace.”

  “I think I am being arrested,” Kiya said and she picked up her jar of Nile water.

  Laylos kissed her. “Be kind to Dennu,” she said. “He wants what is best for you.”

  “Come and see me soon,” said Kiya and she turned to smile at her aunt as she was marched away.