by David Adkins
“His body must not decay. This way he will remain handsome. He will always be our brother and he will live by the side of Osiris.”
She sighed. “But it has all come too soon.”
“What do you think will happen now?” I asked.
“What do you mean, Smenkhkare?”
“Who will now be father’s heir? Who will be the next pharaoh?”
“I did not think you worried about such things. I have not thought about it.”
“I thought you might have heard something, sister. You normally know what is going on in the palace.”
“I expect it will be Akhenamun. He is now the eldest son.”
“But he is destined for the priesthood,” I reminded her.
“He never wanted to be a priest. I expect he will press father to allow him to take Thutmose’s place as heir and leader of the army.”
“I have never heard him say that he wanted to lead the army either,” I mused.
She shrugged. “No doubt he will talk to father about it when he is well enough.”
“Have you not heard anything else?” I inquired.
“I have not heard anything else for we are all too busy mourning. You are showing an unusual interest in palace affairs, brother.”
“Think about it, Nebetah. We will all be affected by whoever it is that wields the power. Let me know if you hear anything.”
“I will,” she smiled. “Do you want to play senet to take our minds off things?”
“Of course, I do.”
We played four games of senet and I won three and Nebetah one.
****
I had a restless night and another lonely one. Mother announced the next day that the family would be going to the tomb complex to see Thutmose in four days’ time. My wife still avoided me most of the time and I took to wandering around the place corridors and gardens listening to snippets of conversation. I heard nothing of interest and the day before we were due to visit the valley of the dead Coreb visited me again.
I ushered Coreb quietly into my apartment and dismissed the servants. “Have you any news?” I asked eagerly.
“Indeed, I have. I set about questioning large numbers of men without any luck until I came to a soldier named Hesu. He was obviously very scared and it was clear to me that he was hiding something. I had to promise him my protection before he would talk. I believe him to be an honest man but a frightened one. He said that he saw an archer called Antosh fire the arrow at Thutmose. When I pressed him he was sure that the act was deliberate. It seems that Antosh has a reputation for violence and Hesu was terrified. Once I had put a watch on Hesu to ensure his safety I went to find Antosh.”
“Did you find him?” I asked.
“This all happened yesterday and much to my exasperation he was nowhere to be found. I asked around and nobody had seen him that day. That same night a half-devoured body was washed up on the river bank and despite the attentions of the Nile crocodiles there was enough left to be identified as Antosh. Now I find myself inquiring into the death of Antosh which was clearly not accidental for that would be too much of a coincidence.
“It seems to me that we have a conspiracy and Antosh was murdered to keep him quiet but it is not clear how I will find out who is conducting the conspiracy. Have you anything to report on this, Smenkhkare?”
I was staggered that there now seemed irrefutable proof that Thutmose was deliberately killed by a dead archer working for a person unknown. I shook my head. “I have little to tell you except that Akhenamun probably intends to persuade father to release him from the intended career of chief priest and make him his heir. Apparently he was never interested in the priesthood.”
“It seems then that Akhenamun has most to gain from the death of Thutmose,” he mused.
“That does not make him the murderer,” I pointed out.
“We must both keep working at our separate ends,” he said. “Stay close to Akhenamun but do not put yourself in jeopardy. The perpetrator of this crime is very dangerous.”
I nodded agreement.
“I will return in a few days,” he added and headed for the door.
“Coreb, what do you intend to do when you find out who is responsible?” I asked.
“I will avenge Thutmose.” He closed the door behind him.
Once again I was left pondering on the words of Coreb. It now seemed clear to me that Coreb intended to kill the person or persons responsible for the murder of Thutmose. If it was Akhenamun then he intended to deprive me of another brother. It was difficult to contemplate but if Akhenamun was responsible then I would back Coreb.
****
The next morning the family set off for the valley of the dead to the south of Malkata. My mother, Tiye, led the way followed by her five offspring. Also in the party was my wife, Taduheppa, who was now considered one of the family and for some reason, Vizier Ay. I could not help thinking that all the chief suspects were assembled. We took two boats down the river with four in each boat. In my boat were Akhenamun, Iset and Nebetah. In the other boat were Ay, Tiye, Sitamun and Taduheppa. It seemed my wife even avoided being in the same boat as me. Akhenamun took charge and guided the boat down the great river towards the valley of the dead.
Iset was the first one to break the silence. “Did you all have a nice day yesterday?” she asked. Her question took me by surprise for it was not the sort of question that you would expect from Iset. Akhenamun scowled and Nebetah stared across the river almost seeming not to have heard the question.
I felt obliged to answer as nobody else did. “Thank you sister, I did.” I answered inanely.
She smirked. “Did you all have some pleasant visitors to help pass the time?”
I grimaced. Had she seen Coreb visiting me, and did she wonder why he had come to see me?
Akhenamun simply glared at Iset and Nebetah continued to focus on the far bank of the Nile. I decided, however, to brave out the question for I was sure it was aimed at me. “Coreb came to see me. He wants me to continue the military training that I started with Thutmose. He has also become a good friend and reliable friends are always good to have.”
“What a waste of time,” observed Akhenamun. “I would not have you in any army under my command.”
“The army that you will command will be an army of priests and that is not an army I wish to be in,” I goaded.
I thought for one minute that he was going to toss me in the river. “Do not be so sure about that, tiny brother.” Little had become tiny. I must have rattled him. He continued: “Look at the Mitanni princess in yonder boat, ravishing and waiting to be ravished and she ended up with you.”
Now I was furious. “She could have done worse and ended up with the likes of you, but fortunately for her priests do not marry,” I retorted.
“What exactly do you mean by ‘the likes of me’, Smenkhkare?” His words were cold and iced with anger.
Nebetah intervened. “Brothers it is not comely to argue at this moment. We are going to visit our dead brother.”
“You are right sister. The family must stand together at this sad time,” Akhenamun conceded.
I nodded agreement but could not help thinking that it suited Akhenamun if the family were of one mind as long as it followed the dictates of his mind.
Iset grinned and continued her questions. “Smenkhkare was visited by the valiant commander, Coreb, so how about you two?” She turned to Nebetah and Akhenamun and I realised that it was not me she had been probing.
Nebetah stopped staring at the approaching bank. “How about you, Iset?” she said. “What have you been up to recently?”
Iset went silent for a moment and I realised that there were things going on in the palace that I did not know about. She recovered her composure. “I do not know what you mean, Nebetah.”
I had the distinct feeling that something was being hidden from me. The boat arrived further down the east bank of the Nile at the land of the dead. Akhenamun jumped athletically from the boat a
nd helped out his two sisters though he seemed to be quite rough with Iset which seemed to amuse her. He ignored me and I made my own way out of the boat. A few minutes later the other boat pulled in alongside ours and Akhenamun offered his hand to all the occupants as he helped them out one by one. I then took Taduheppa’s arm and made sure that we walked together.
“It is good to see you again, wife. We must meet more often.” I was becoming quite sarcastic. Others had heard my words and some found them amusing but Taduheppa did not for she frowned and tried to free her arm. I did not let her go for I was stronger than I looked.
My mother, Tiye, came over and put her arms around both us. “I hope everything is well in the land of the Egyptians and the Mitanni.”
Chapter 4
We made our way solemnly through the valley of the dead towards the tomb of my brother. Each of us carried a gift that Thutmose would take with him into the next world. I carried an emerald-studded dagger with which he could protect himself during his journey. Many of the items that Thutmose had used during his life had already been assembled in the tomb and many more still needed to be placed there. More items would have to be made for his use in the next world and by the time this was all finished he would have all that he needed for his final journey.
The tomb was cut from the rock face in the great valley. It had been begun many years ago for my father, Amenhotep, and had numerous chambers for the old pharaoh and members of his royal family. Nobody would have believed that the first chamber to be sealed would contain the body of Thutmose. It was with some trepidation that I entered the tomb containing the chambers intended for my family. I had never been there before, not even during the period of construction. It was gloomy but lit by candlelight and lanterns. A steward led us to the chamber containing the body of Thutmose and at last we stood before the entrance.
Each of us went in alone to pay our own private respects. When it was my turn I could barely hold back the tears. It was spacious and well decorated with scenes of everyday life in Malkata and with the exploits of the Gods. The body of Thutmose was on a table and it was apparent that he was in the process of being prepared for his final journey. On one side of the table was a brightly painted wooden coffin with symbols of rebirth painted on the sides plus figures of the great Gods and Goddesses. On the other side was a wooden boat, put there in case he needed it on his final journey, for the Gods themselves travelled in boats across the heavens.
It would be another 60 days before the funeral rites and the sealing of the chamber and then he would receive the final honours and the chamber would be sealed. The body needed to be dried which would take about 40 days and Anubis would watch over him during this process. There was no doubt that my brother would be judged by Anubis to be just and good and would take his place alongside Osiris in the world of the afterlife. I looked down at my unfortunate brother. The process of organ removal had begun, but he seemed at peace.
I leaned down and kissed him on the forehead as I had done on the battlefield. “Thank you, Thutmose, for watching out for me when I was a boy and for being one of the few people that treated me well. I am a man now and with the help of your great friend, Coreb, I promise I will avenge you. Your soul will once again unite with your body. Your enemy will be defeated. You will have peace for eternity at the side of Osiris in the next world.” I kissed him again. I would not return again until the final funeral ceremony.
As I left the chamber I turned for one last look at my brother in his earthly form. Soon, when all his organs except for his heart had been removed, my brother would be a semi-divine being. He would be washed with wines and oils and then wrapped in linen strips. Amulets would be placed within the bandages and last of all his burial mask would be applied. My brother would then be transformed and ready for his great journey. “Farewell, brother, I will share a chariot with you in the next world when I join you.” I wiped away a tear and finally left his chamber.
When all my family had paid their respects to my brother we left the chamber and the tomb and made our way back to the great river. Taduheppa made a point of not walking with me but instead she walked with Akhenamun. For once I did not care, for my brother’s murderer was on my mind. I had made a solemn promise to Thutmose that I had to fulfil.
My thoughts were interrupted by Nebetah. “Smenkhkare, I have been talking to Nefertiti. She has been telling me about Taduheppa who has become her good friend.”
“Really?” I asked, my interest having been sparked. “What has she said?”
“Look at her,” suggested Nebetah. “You say that I have beauty, but I am plain beside Taduheppa.” I looked at my wife. “What do you see?” asked Nebetah.
“I see a dark beauty with olive skin, full lips, black stunning eyes and a fine nose. I see long flowing dark hair cascading down her shoulders.” My words oozed with appreciation.
“Exactly brother, she was adored by all in the court at Washukanni. She was indulged from an early age and she is well used to getting her own way. Nefertiti says that the choice of her adolescent Egyptian husband is the only exception. Her entrance into Malkata showed her flamboyance and her inflated self-esteem. Men fall at her feet and so you, little brother, never stood a chance. You are a head smaller than her and to her just a boy-husband. You need to grow both in size and stature before you can take your rightful place as her husband. That is how she sees it. You need to be patient, brother.”
“And even if I am, how can I be sure that I will ever be successful?” I asked.
“Nefertiti tells me that Taduheppa is not only just a beauty but that she is also very intelligent. She can be charming and understanding as well as fiery, distant and aloof. She will come to see your qualities if you are patient and forthcoming.”
“She sounds a bit like you, sister?” I joked.
“I wish I had her good looks,” she mused.
“You have and you do not have to be so modest with me.”
She smiled. “I hope I have helped a little.”
“Taduheppa was right, for when she came to Thebes I was a boy but now I am a man and she will come to see that,” I mused.
“Why do say that?” asked Nebetah.
“I have to be,” I said and offered no further explanation.
****
We went back up river back to Malkata not speaking. It seemed fitting after our visit to the tomb of Thutmose that we travelled back in silence. As we walked through the exotic gardens I took Taduheppa gently by the arm. “I will come to your room this evening.”
“Why would you do that?” she asked.
“You are my wife,” I offered.
She shook her head. “It is a union of convenience.”
“I will come anyway. We need to talk.”
She sighed. “Very well, but I will come to you. It is better that way.”
I nodded. “Good, there are certain things to be sorted out.”
She walked away and began talking to Sitamun. I watched them as they entered the palace along with the rest of my family. I then headed down to the harbour where I bought a silver necklace at the market for Taduheppa. I was aware that she already had much jewellery but she seemed to like such precious trinkets though my allowance did not stretch to gold. I was going to heed the advice of my poor brother, Thutmose. How I wished he was still with me now.
That evening I waited for hours for Taduheppa to come but she never appeared. My frustration was growing rapidly for I felt that she could at least do me the courtesy of keeping her word. At last, fed up with waiting, I resolved to go to her room. I suppressed my rising anger as I walked down the corridor clutching my gift. I knocked at the door of her room but there was no answer. I knocked again even louder but there was still no answer. “It is Smenkhkare,” I called at the unresponsive door. At last it opened a little and I was looking at one of the Mitanni servant girls. I brushed past her and into the chamber where two more of her servant girls were seated. “Where is Taduheppa?” I demanded. They looked at each o
ther but I received no answer. “Where is she?” I asked again.
“She has gone for a walk in the gardens,” the one who had opened the door replied.
“At this time in the evening?” I commented.
“Egypt is hotter than the Mitanni lands. She needed to take some cool air.”
I walked out of the room and made my way out of the palace into the gardens. I walked around for some time in the darkness but I saw no sign of Taduheppa. I then returned to my room. I did not sleep well that night.
The next morning I took an early morning walk in the gardens to clear my head and there was Taduheppa sitting on a bench close to the lake. I sat down beside her. “Have you been here all night?” I asked.
“I love the gardens,” she said not answering my question.
“We have something in common then. The royal barque is almost finished. When it is will you come for a ride on the lake with your husband?”
She looked at me for the first time, since I had joined her, with those dark, intoxicating eyes. “I will,” she said.
“And will you really, unlike last night?” I asked. “I came to your room with a gift. I did not bring it with me this morning for I did not expect to see you here.”
“I know you came, Rana told me. You must understand that our marriage is one of convenience and is no more than that, and for the present it will remain no more than that.”
“I could demand otherwise. I am your husband.”
“You could but you will not.” Her stunning eyes sought my acquiescence.
I could not resist her even in this. “I will not,” I confirmed.
“We have been married to each other to bring about peace and unity to our countries in the face of a greater threat.”
“If we are to do that then it is important our marriage is not a sham,” I countered.
She shrugged. “We are pawns in a greater game and you are still not much more than a boy.”
“In the past few weeks I have become a man.” I repeated the words that I had spoken to Nebetah. “If we are to unify our nations then we need to show the world our personal union is not a sham. We must meet regularly even if it just to talk. We must not live as strangers.”