Kiya and the God of Chaos

by Philippa Bower

  Chapter One Hundred and Eight: An Unexpected Invitation

  The guards at the palace gate stood back and saluted as Kiya was escorted through. She tried to look dignified but was aware of the incongruous figure she must appear in her ragged shift and clutching a jar of water. With her head held high she walked in the midst of the soldiers through the gardens, up the steps of the terrace and into the house. Dennu sat working at the table in the main room, but rose to his feet when the group entered.

  “Was she at the address I suggested?” he asked.

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Thank you. You may go.”

  The soldier saluted, barked an order to his men and they marched away, leaving Kiya to face her husband.

  Dennu frowned. “You are mad to leave the palace on your own, Kiya. The streets are not safe.”

  “You took too long to organise a pass for Laylos. I wanted to see her.”

  Dennu’s frown deepened. “You are a grown woman now and must learn patience. Surely the meeting with your aunt could have waited? Apart from the risk of being out alone, how did you intend to get back into the palace?”

  “I did not consider it.”

  Dennu nodded. “I thought as much. You are fortunate that Itet was concerned enough to inform me of your departure. I hope you show her gratitude.”

  So it was Itet’s fault that she had been discovered. Kiya gave a bitter laugh. “I should show Itet gratitude for spying on me?”

  Dennu sighed. “Itet is unhappy with your attitude, Kiya. The last thing I want is for her to be upset.”

  “What about me being upset?” demanded Kiya.

  “You have made little effort to get along with Itet,” said Dennu sternly, “while she has made every effort to look after you and teach you the ways of the harem.”

  Kiya knew that he was right. “I am sorry. I honestly do not dislike Itet, Dennu. I think she makes you an excellent wife. The problem is that I find it difficult to live in a harem, indeed I fear it is impossible for me to do so.”

  Dennu looked at the jar she was holding. “Is that full of Nile water?”

  “Yes.”

  “Does this mean you want a divorce?” His expression was inscrutable.

  “Is that not what you want?” asked Kiya.

  “No!” He was emphatic. “I want you to submit to the disciplines of the harem and bear me children.”

  “Do you love me, Dennu?” she said and held her breath while she waited for his answer.

  “Of course I do.”

  “But you love Itet as well.”

  “It is my duty to love all my wives.”

  “But do you not love me more?”

  Dennu sighed. “Why do you always have to be special, Kiya. You are my first wife. Is that not enough for you?”

  “No.”

  He shook his head. “You are overwrought, Kiya. I suggest you go back to the harem and think things over before you make any hasty decisions.” He turned away and was about to return to his work when Kiya remembered Sobek and the mission to Nubia.

  “Wait, Dennu. There is something I need to talk to you about.”

  “Be quick,” he said.

  “I saw Sobek this morning when I went to the river to fill the jar.”

  “You saw a floating log, more likely. Your fantasies border on the insane.”

  Kiya ignored his insult and continued, “He wants me to go to Nubia and petition Seth to let the Nile flood.”

  Dennu gave a sardonic laugh. “So you, little Kiya, are going to single-handedly end the famine. Your craving for attention knows no bounds.”

  Kiya fought back her anger. “Not single-handedly for I hope you will come with me.”

  “You must be mad. Have you asked Huy and Laylos?”

  “They cannot come for Laylos is with child and Huy must stay and look after her.”

  “Sensible people, and I am needed here.”

  “Power has made you a coward,” she said, her anger rising.

  “And nature has made you an irresponsible fool. I forbid you to go on such a foolhardy adventure.”

  “Then I want a divorce!” she cried and held out the jar to him. He ignored it. “I have no time for such nonsense. I am very busy - your misconduct has cost me several hours work. I must ask you to return to the harem.”

  He gave a dismissive bow and turned to the piles of papyrus sheets upon the table. Kiya stood clutching her jar but he took no more notice of her and, with a heavy heart, she went through the door to the harem.

  Itet was sitting on a bench in the courtyard. Her face lit up when she saw Kiya. “Kiya! Thank the gods you have returned safely. We have been so worried about you.”

  “I only went to visit my aunt. There was no need to tell Dennu that I had gone.”

  “You are right,” said Itet. “It caused our poor husband much concern. But what if you had failed to return? I would never have been forgiven.”

  “I suppose so.” Kiya had no wish to argue and was about to pass by when Itet put a hand upon her arm.

  “I have such good news, Kiya. I think I may be with child.” Kiya stared at her, aghast. Another pregnancy? But whereas Laylos’s condition was joyful news this was like a kick to the stomach. Itet frowned “What is the matter? Are you not happy for me?”

  She was carrying Dennu’s baby, an indissoluble bond had been created. Gone was any last hope that Kiya could return to the old days when it was just her and Dennu. With an effort Kiya controlled her emotions. “Yes of course,” she said and kissed her rival’s cheek. “But you have given me much to think about.” She pulled her arm from Itet’s grasp.

  “Don’t go!” cried Itet. “You have experience in such matters and will be a great help and comfort to me.”

  But Kiya could think of nothing but this final betrayal and hurried to her room. She flung herself onto her bed and wept. She had pulled herself together and was drying her eyes when there was a knock on the door and the voice of a servant announced. “Princess Ana is waiting on the terrace. She wishes to speak with you.”

  Kiya leapt from her bed and checked her appearance in the mirror. She looked dishevelled. Hurriedly she combed her hair and wiped the last traces of kohl from beneath her eyes.

  Ana was standing, gazing out over the garden. She turned with a smile when Kiya approached.

  “Ah, Kiya, the heroine of the Maze. I never thought that I would see you again.”

  Kiya curtsied. “Princess Ana, I am honoured that you have come to visit. Can I offer you refreshment?” She was about to clap her hands to summon a servant but Ana shook her head.

  “I have little time, but I was curious to hear how your life has changed. From peasant to slave and now among the highest of Egypt.”

  “I cannot claim any credit. I have marriage to your cousin, Dennu, to thank for my good fortune.”

  Ana smiled and leaned forwards confidentially. “To be honest, I cannot imagine you in a harem. You are a warrior, Kiya, as I am. Crete still talks about your confrontation with the Minotaur.”

  “Really?” Kiya was flattered.

  “I have come to pay my respects and say goodbye,” said Ana. “Tomorrow I will be leaving.”

  “Are you going back to Crete?”

  “Not yet. I have to go to Nubia to find a supplier for ivory.” Kiya’s heart leapt. Could this be her passageway to Seth? “Your husband has agreed a trade route on terms very favourable to Egypt,” continued Ana. “We need to buy enough ivory to make the price of passage worthwhile.”

  “I wish to go to Nubia too.”

  “You do?” Ana looked surprised and then she laughed. “What a shame, under different circumstances you could have come with us.”

  “Can I, Ana? I promise I would be no burden.”

  Ana shook her head. “We leave first thing tomorrow. Besides you are a married woman. Dennu would never let you go.”

  “I intend to divorce him. I have the jar of Nile water ready.”

  “You are full of sur
prises, Kiya.” Ana frowned, obviously rethinking her offer. “It will be an uncomfortable journey, for we ride on war chariots.”

  “No matter.”

  “Oh, very well. If you are ready before we leave you can come with us. I remember your bravery in the bull maze on Crete and have no fear that you will be a burden.”

  “Thank you.” Kiya clasped her hands together in happiness. The immortals must have arranged this, she thought, although she could not imagine how.