by Max Overton
"You are certain of that?"
"It is in his interest to be rid of her and her son."
"How? How would you..."
Bay could smell the fear sweat on the other man and smiled in the dark. "Let me worry about that, Commander. You just need to gather the army behind us. How are you doing with that?"
"Emsaf of Heru is with us, as are Samut and Panhesy. Iurudef possibly. The rest of the northern legions...with the exception of Set...will follow him. The south is in Setnakhte's purse. He bitterly opposes the king because of who he is and you by extension, my lord."
"That's not enough."
"There's Tjaty Hori too..."
"Hori has taken against us."
"Why?"
"I don't know. Perhaps he just lacks the courage to offer full support to the king, or perhaps he believes he should be loyal to Userkheperure's son rather than Amenmesse's."
"We cannot succeed with half an army and the civil administration against us," Besenmut said. "Queen Tausret has only to give the order and our heads will leap from our shoulders."
"Not for much longer," Bay said. "I am within a breath of becoming a regent alongside her, and the king is on my side. Together we can defeat her no matter how large her army."
"Providing the king lives. Faced with a choice between the son of a queen and an Amorite servant, no guessing which way the army will jump."
"All right, all right, I know. Everything depends on the king being alive when we make our move. We'll just have to make sure the queen and her boy are no longer there to contend for the throne."
Besenmut was silent for a time. "How?" he asked at length.
Chapter 23
Year 3 of Akhenre Siptah
Siptah recovered from his illness and, encouraged by his uncle Bay, set about taking more responsibility for the governing of the Kingdoms upon himself. He called Tjaty Hori to him and ordered him to start compiling lists of the scribes, priests and officials throughout the northern kingdom. When Hori asked the reason, the king replied that it was time to make some changes. Hori excused himself and went to see the Queen Regent.
"It is too much, Majesty," Hori said. "Ta Mehu is running efficiently, yet the king wants to start making changes."
Tausret smiled and shook her head when she heard Hori's complaint. "The boy is growing up, it seems. Do you want me to have a word with him?"
"Please, Majesty."
Tausret did not hurry to see the young king, but called in to see him as he partook of the noon meal two days later as if casually passing.
"Greetings, Son of Re," she said, accepting a cup of wine from an attentive servant. "I trust you are fully recovered from your illness?"
Siptah half rose from his chair before remembering he was king and was expected to remain seated. He hesitated and gestured, sending another servant scurrying for a chair for the Regent.
"May I offer you food?" Siptah asked. "The roast goose is particularly fine today, and the honey cakes are delicious, though they hurt my teeth."
"Thank you. Just a small piece of goose." She waited until she had been served and had tasted the slice of meat before continuing.
"How are your studies going, Son of Re? I hope Tjaty Hori is instructing you properly in legal matters."
"I look forward to him allowing me to judge a proper case in the law courts. All he allows me is to listen in and sometimes give my opinion. It's not fair. I'm the king and the people look to me for judgment."
"That is true." Tausret sipped her wine. "This is a good pressing, Son of Re. I think the grapes come from Commander Ament's vineyards in Per-Bast." She smiled inwardly at Siptah's sudden grimace. "Would you like me to talk to Tjaty Hori about letting you play a greater role in the law courts?"
"He should give me no more than my due."
"And what of your priestly duties? You are managing those?"
"I don't like having to get up while it is still dark."
"The king, as High Priest of every god, is essential for the proper worship of the gods, as I'm sure has been explained to you. Your daily intercession establishes Ma'at, keeps the sun shining and the crops growing. It is a great responsibility."
"It makes me very tired."
"Indeed, Son of Re." Tausret sipped again. "But that is why we have thousands of lesser priests to lift some of the burden from your young shoulders." She paused and then said, "Hori tells me you want a list of every scribe, priest and official in Ta Mehu. May I ask why?"
"It's not a secret, is it? Even if it was, a king should be allowed to see it. I asked Hori for them two days ago but I think he's ignoring my order. He should be punished."
"It's not a secret," Tausret said with a smile. "You will understand that a great many people are on those lists and it takes time for them to be prepared. Longer than two days. Hori will produce them. He is loyal and efficient, and I value him highly."
Siptah grunted and applied himself to another honey cake, wincing as the sweetness found a rotting tooth.
"You didn't tell me why you wanted the list," Tausret said after a few moments.
"I just wanted to know who did what in the north."
"Many of those men have served since the days of your grandfather Baenre, you know. They were carefully selected and any that did not measure up to the tasks asked of them were replaced. Hori tells me they run the Kingdom very efficiently."
"That is good to know."
"It would be a mistake to replace them."
"Bay said..." Siptah bit his lip and flushed.
"What did your uncle Bay say?"
"He said I should know every man who served me, so that no man could cheat me."
"A commendable notion," Tausret said. "But it would still be a mistake to replace them."
Siptah scowled. "Am I powerless, then, though I am king? Will you block me in everything?"
"By no means, Son of Re. It is my function as Regent to rule for you until you are old enough and experienced enough to rule by yourself. Examine the lists by all means, ask questions of every man, increase in knowledge. One day you will be called upon to make decisions on your own, but until then you should heed the word of all your advisers, not just your uncle Bay."
***
Siptah finished his meal after Tausret left, and then hurried off to find his uncle Bay. He burst in upon the older man in his private suite where he was enjoying the company of a young palace servant. The girl looked horrified by the sudden appearance of the king, scrambled off the bed and fell to the floor, abasing herself.
The king stared interestedly at the naked girl for a few moments and then dismissed her. He waited while she grabbed her dress and fled the room, and then addressed Bay, who was adjusting his clothing.
"She told me I couldn't make any changes."
"Who told you what?" Bay asked. "Anyway, my lord, it is bad manners to just burst in on people...even if you are the king."
"Sorry, uncle, but Tausret said I mustn't make any changes to the roll of priests and officials. That's not right, is it? I can make changes."
"Tell me exactly what she said."
Siptah told him, and Bay thought for a while. "Her attention is fixed on Ta Mehu now, so perhaps we can look elsewhere. I'm sure Ta Shemau has people who should be replaced. Let me think on it."
***
Bay sat down with Siptah a few days later and produced a long list of names and positions from the temples of Ta Shemau and the court at Waset. Siptah stared at it and then frowned.
"How did you get it so quickly, uncle? Hori hasn't even produced the northern rolls yet. You wouldn't have had time to send to Waset for them...unless you sent for them ages ago."
"I have been considering who our friends are in the south for some time, my lord. This might be an opportune time to make some changes. Men loyal to us should be rewarded."
"But I don't know any of these men," Siptah said, tapping a finger on the long scroll.
"That is why you have me, my lord. I can tell you exa
ctly who must be replaced and who to put in their place. I only need your authority to see it done."
"Won't I need Tausret's permission?"
"Not if we act decisively. By the time she finds out it will be too late. She won't dare countermand you for fear of weakening the throne."
"So I can do what I like? Why didn't you tell me this before, Uncle? I don't have to obey her and I..."
"Don't be foolish, boy," Bay snapped. "That is not at all what I said. Tausret is still your regent but if you act swiftly and decisively behind her back in certain ways, it is not in her interests to change things back."
"You shouldn't speak to me like that," Siptah said. "Even if you are my uncle."
"You are right, Majesty. I apologise. Now, may we proceed with our selections? We should have our men in place before she hears what we are doing."
"I wish you were the regent."
"We've been through this before, Majesty, though for all practical purposes I am a regent as long as you back me. Working together we can counter Tausret."
"I'm going to issue orders that henceforth your image must be of equal size to Tausret's, and the inscriptions must stress your importance."
"I am honoured, Majesty, but all I seek is a stable Kemet ruled by its rightful king in peace."
"Very soon now, Uncle. With you as my trusted adviser I don't need another regent. Besides, I'm almost old enough to rule by myself. King Nebkheperure was even younger when he ruled alone, though he had his uncle to help him...just like me."
"And you will make a wonderful king, Majesty, but if this great day is to dawn we must put you in an unassailable position by making judicious appointments to select positions throughout Kemet."
Siptah nodded and picked up the long scroll. "Where first, Uncle?"
"King's Son of Kush. The most powerful position outside of the Two Kingdoms."
"That's held by Setuy, isn't it? I thought he was loyal."
"Perhaps, but my spies tell me he is on friendly terms with Tjaty Paraemheb and has received General Setnakhte."
"That's not good?"
"Indeed not, Majesty. That is why we must replace Setuy."
"Wouldn't it be better to replace Setnakhte and Paraemheb?"
"Not entirely possible, Majesty. At least, not Setnakhte. Paraemheb was implicated in the death of your father, or so my spies tell me."
"Then I want him gone."
"I'll see what I can arrange..." Bay's voice trailed off and he frowned.
"What?"
"If Paraemheb goes, there will have to be a new Tjaty, and I think Hori would be perfect for the job. Useful to get him out from Men-nefer too."
"Hori the Tjaty?"
"Yes."
Siptah shrugged. "So who replaces Setuy as King's Son?"
"Hori, son of Kama. He is already First Charioteer of His Majesty, and King's Messenger to Every Land. Experienced and loyal."
"Good. Er, how do I appoint him?"
"I will have the necessary documents drawn up and attach your seal to them. Your approval is all I need."
"Who else?"
"Army officers."
"I can do that? I thought Setnakhte controlled the southern army."
"He does...but there are ways. For instance, the garrison at Khenu..."
"Where?"
"Khenu, Majesty. It is a quarry near the Kushite border. The garrison there lost a senior officer from an accident, and another to fever. I have it in mind to replace them with two men loyal to me...to you...by the name of Yuy and Anhurnakhte."
"Do so if you see fit. What else?
"There are numerous priests..."
"Priests? Why would I want to replace priests?"
"You remember Roma-Rui who was Hem-netjer of Amun in Waset? He was firmly on your father's side until the last king replaced him with someone more politically expedient. I think it is time to replace the present incumbent."
"With Roma-Rui again?"
Bay shook his head. "His usefulness is long past. No, there is another Hori who is presently High Priest in Khent-Min. You should move him to Waset to replace Mahuhy."
"Whatever you think is best, Uncle."
"The High Priest of Ptah of the Mansions of Millions of Years on the West Bank has recently died. He has two sons, Minmose and Rahotep, who deserve high positions. I propose you make Rahotep High Priest of Ptah in his father's place and Minmose High Priest of Amun alongside him."
"I thought you wanted Hori as High Priest of Amun?"
Bay sighed, and tapped the list. "Hori for Waset, Minmose for the Mansions."
"Oh."
"There are other replacements you should make to key positions in the south, Majesty. The priests of Amun remember your father's support and I have been at great pains to portray you as your father's son, rather than as merely the successor to Userkheperure. You need to channel more gold to the temples there, and luckily I am Treasurer, so that should not be a problem."
Siptah yawned and stretched. "Do whatever you deem necessary, Uncle. I have full trust in you."
"Your trust gladdens my heart, Majesty."
"It is a hot afternoon, and I am tired after my meal. I think I will lie down."
"And the replacements?"
"I'm sure you don't need me for that. Replace whom you will, Uncle. I know I can entrust Kemet to your capable hands."
Chapter 24
Regent Tausret speaks:
I laughed when I heard the latest ploy of Chancellor Bay. Tjaty Hori carried the tale to me of the lists from Ta Mehu, wanting me to forbid it for fear that Bay would strip away all support for me and for my young son. Then when he heard that lists from the southern Kingdom had been sent north, he became almost apoplectic, sputtering his indignation and so forgetting himself as to shout in my presence. I forgave his indiscretion, of course, but also forbade him to hinder Bay's attempts. He stamped off feeling very ill-used.
Poor Hori. If he would stop to think about it, he would realise I must know more than I am revealing. I have my own spies within the king's circle and Bay's entourage, and I hear what has transpired within half a day. Forgive me if I do not reveal exactly who my sources are, but while Hori knows of the existence of the southern lists I know what changes have been made. I agree with most of them.
That surprises you, I'll warrant. Well, governing Kemet is a balancing act at the moment. I have to, like a tumbler or common entertainer does with coloured balls, juggle the powers within society. If I clamp down on Bay's ambition, limiting his power, maybe even stripping him of honours and position--as I am quite capable of doing--what do you think would be the result? Seeing power slipping away, he might act precipitately, plunging our Kingdoms back into civil war. That I cannot allow, yet I cannot go too far in the other direction. If I give Bay too much power, he will seize the rest and both I and my son will be immured in our tombs before our times. Too much or too little are equally injurious.
No, it is a delicate balancing act, allowing him some power but not too much, keeping him happy but denying him the ultimate prize of the throne. I am sure that is his aim, for if he managed to do away with me and set up young Siptah of the withered leg as full king--how long would a crippled boy last on the throne without my protection? Not long is my guess. Something would happen to Siptah and the only person capable of mounting the throne would be the man who holds army commanders in his fists, who funnels Treasury gold into the coffers of priests, who bribes officials and servants throughout Kemet--the man who styles himself Ramesse Kha'amen-teru Bay.
Now, I may agree with some of Bay's replacements, such as Hori son of Kama, and be prepared to allow others, such as Tjaty Hori, but I must protect myself at the same time. Someone needs to whisper in their ears, reminding them of the reality of the situation. I cannot summon them without making my concerns public, and I cannot spare the time to journey all over the Kingdoms and Kush, so I must send a trusted deputy. I have officials by the hundred, but so many of them belong to little groups who think
of their own advancement or connive with powerful men, rather than owing the proper allegiance to their Queen Regent and the legitimate son of Userkheperure Seti. So I suppose that there are not so many I can call on--really just one. Who else but Ament?
I sent for him and saw him in private, or at least as private as a man and woman can be in a royal palace. I am surrounded by servants at all times, even when I sleep or attend to the baser functions of my body, so much so that I block them from my conscious mind and tell myself I am alone. On this occasion, when Ament came to me, I had no more than three servants in attendance, all employed in cleaning the corners of my room. I paid them no attention, as was proper, but spoke in low tones to Ament, to achieve some degree of privacy. I could have just dismissed the servants, but this would only have served to draw attention to Ament's presence.
Ament knelt in my presence, and when I stepped forward to raise him up, he grasped my hands and kissed them. This was a shocking breach of protocol and I could almost hear the gasps of the servants, though they all managed to avert their eyes and look busy. I knew they would carry word to the rest of the palace, so I bade Ament rise, addressing him as 'loyal and favoured friend', and then offered him wine and a chair next to mine.
Ament sipped his wine. "How may I serve you, my lady?"
"Bay has made many alterations to the lists of priests, scribes and officials in Ta Shemau and Kush, convincing the king that they are necessary. In reality, they are useful only to Bay, inasmuch as he believes they will be grateful to him for their elevation and thus loyal."
"You should have him removed, Lady. I'll do it; just give the command."
"That is not my will, Ament, as I have made plain before. As long as my own son is too young for the throne, I need Siptah, and to keep him pliable I need his uncle Bay. When my Seti-Merenptah is old enough I will loose the leash and you may strike Bay down."
"Like the hunting dog I am, eh?" Ament smiled. "Yes, I know what they call me and I consider it an honour to be called your dog, for a dog is loyal unto death."
"For now, dear friend, I have another task for you. As I said, Bay seeks to alter the balance of power in the south by appointing men he thinks will favour him should it become a contest between us. I would have you go to each one and quietly remind them of the realities of power within Kemet. I am Regent, a position Bay can never hold, for he cannot be priest and represent the people in front of the gods."