Kiya and the God of Chaos

by Philippa Bower

  Chapter One Hundred and Twelve: Captain Yidini

  Shadows were lengthening into evening when Kiya saw tents pitched beside the road.

  “Ah, good, Yidini has managed to prepare our camp,” said Ana.

  Kiya heaved a sigh of relief. She had feared it might be the Princess’s intention to drive through the night.

  Ana reined in her horses and a man hurried from one of the tents. He held the horses steady as she dismounted from the chariot. He spoke in Cretan but was obviously welcoming her with great deference. She nodded her approval of the camp and said something that made him smile and bow.

  Kiya climbed down from the chariot with difficulty. Her leg muscles were knotted with the strain of keeping balance and her arms and shoulders ached with holding on. She stood uncertainly. The man indicated her and asked a question.

  Ana replied and he shook his head. The Princess spoke more forcefully and he bowed in acquiescence. Ana beckoned Kiya forwards.

  “This the captain of my troops. His name is Yidini. He is reluctant to take you to Nubia for fear you might be a liability. I have told him that I vouch for your bravery.”

  Kiya held up her hand in salutation and smiled at the man. He was in his thirties, a battle-hardened soldier with a grim expression. He returned the gesture without a glimmer of welcome.

  “Yidini was sent ahead to prepare the camp, while I stayed with the King in Akhetaten. I have congratulated him on his success.”

  Kiya looked around at the tents. There were six of them, made from the dark, goat’s-hair material used by nomads. They had been erected on an area of scrubland next to the road and beside them was a fire. A whole lamb was being spit-roasted above the fire and Kiya’s mouth watered at the delicious smell. It had been a long time since she had eaten.

  “Come, Kiya,” said Ana, “You can join me.”

  The Princess walked towards the circle of men sitting around the fire. As she approached they leapt to their feet and stood to attention. She greeted them and they bowed. Beyond them, the horses were being tethered in the scrub. Kiya followed Ana to see that each was given a pile of hay and a container of water. Only when the horses were settled did Ana return to the fire and indicate to Yidini that the meal should be served.

  Kiya sat down beside Ana in the ring of soldiers and watched two men lift the roast lamb from the fire, place it on a large bronze platter and remove the spit. One of them used his knife to cut the meat into many portions. Flat breads were piled onto the plate with the meat. The platter was passed around and all helped themselves.

  As she enjoyed the meal, Kiya watched the firelight flickering on the faces of the young men who surrounded her and was aware of their curious glances. It must be strange to have a woman accompany them on such a mission, she thought. Ana, who led them, was a woman, of course, but with her tall athletic body and strong features she seemed more like a man.

  After they had eaten Ana got to her feet and made a speech in Cretan. The soldiers applauded, goblets of beer were handed out and there was much talk and laughter. Most of it was in Cretan but, although she could not understand, Kiya relaxed and felt happy to be in such jovial company.

  Ana gave a yawn. “It is time for bed, let me show you to our tent, Kiya.” She led Kiya to one of the tents where there was a wide mattress on the floor, piled with rugs.

  “Where do I sleep?” asked Kiya.

  Ana clapped her hands and Yidini entered the tent. Ana gave instructions and he returned presently with a second mattress and more rugs.

  “The foolish man thought you were my lover,” said Ana.

  “Really?” Kiya was aghast.

  “I have told him that your emotions are involved with another,” Ana said. “Come, let us get to bed. It has been a long day.”

  Kiya was disconcerted by the news that Ana was a man-woman. She hurriedly got into bed and slept fully clothed. At first, she listened for any untoward movement but tiredness soon overwhelmed her and, despite her anxiety, she slept soundly.

  The next morning she woke to the smell of newly-baked bread. She looked across the tent and saw that Ana’s bed was empty. When Kiya emerged from the tent she saw that the soldiers were gathered at the edge of the river. Three feluccas skimmed across the water, zigzagging against the wind then turning and sailing swiftly back.

  Ana was standing with the soldiers. When she saw Kiya she beckoned her to join them.

  “Yidini has purchased three feluccas for the next part of our journey,” Ana said. “The men under his command have had but a week to learn to sail them. They have done well, don’t you think?”

  “Yes, indeed,” Kiya was impressed by their skill. The little boats were not easy to handle.

  “You must eat some breakfast and then we will embark.” Ana led the way to the fire where bread was keeping warm beside the embers. She offered dried, salted fish to eat with the bread but Kiya declined. She was not fond of fish, especially at the start of the day.

  “Is there enough room in the feluccas for us all?” she asked.

  Ana shook her head. “We will be four to a boat so there will be just twelve people in our party. The others will stay here in camp to look after the horses until our return.”

  Kiya nodded. There must be about thirty soldiers in the camp, which meant that many more would be staying than going. “I am grateful you are taking me with you,” she said, “especially as it means the loss of one of your soldiers.”

  Ana smiled. “It is my pleasure, I enjoy female company. Don’t look so worried. Nothing will happen between us if you do not wish it.” She laughed, enjoying Kiya’s nervousness.

  The feluccas were soon loaded with provisions, including fishing nets. Kiya waited while Ana gave a speech to the gathered soldiers then she, Ana, Yidini and a soldier trained to sail got into the first felucca. They headed up-river and Kiya looked round to see that the two other boats followed close behind.

  It did not take long before a roaring noise could be heard and they rounded a bend to see the churning, white waters and black rocks of the first cataract.