The Forgotten Pharaoh

by David Adkins

  “As you wish, husband,” she said and smiled that captivating smile and stood up. “I will seek you out regularly to talk.” With that she walked away leaving me to ponder on her words.

  Then my thoughts went back to Thutmose and his untimely death. I needed to make some progress before Coreb returned to the palace. I remembered the words of Iset on the boat. She had goaded Akhenamun and perhaps Nebetah too. She knew something that might be useful or at the very least interesting. I needed to speak with Iset.

  ****

  I knocked at the door to Iset’s apartment and waited tensely. The door was opened by her young companion, Zeta, who looked at me in surprise. “It is your brother,” she called out.

  “Akhenamun,” I heard Iset say.

  “No, your other brother, Smenkhkare,” Zeta called back.

  “Then show him in and tell him to wait.”

  Zeta ushered me in and indicated that I sit on a couch in the large, plush lobby. “She will not be long. She has been taking a bath.”

  “Get him a beer and one for me too,” Iset yelled out.

  Zeta placed two beers on the small table alongside the two couches and left the room presumably to tend on her mistress. I sat back and considered what to say. I thought I would confront her first with the question I had asked Nebetah. Iset entered the lobby wearing a long yellow robe, her dark hair dripping wet droplets on to the floor. She sat down on the couch opposite to me. “This is a surprise. Have you ever visited me before, Smenkhkare?”

  “Only once that I remember. You bought me a birthday present three years ago and I came to thank you for it.”

  “I remember. I must have been in a generous mood at the time. What have you come to thank me for this time?”

  “I have come to ask you a few questions,” I answered.

  “This is intriguing, brother. Ask what you wish but I may not answer,” she laughed.

  “Who will be the next pharaoh?”

  “Is my little brother taking an interest in politics? The big question is not who will be the next pharaoh but who will be his chief wife.”

  “So who will be the next pharaoh?” I repeated my question.

  “Why Akhenamun, of course,” she replied smiling.

  “Why are you so sure, sister?”

  “There are only two unlikely alternatives. You, Smenkhkare, but you are too young and lack ambition and you are seen as a fool,” she teased.

  “And the other,” I asked.

  “Why Vizier Ay, but he seems content to serve and though he is an ambitious man he does not have quite the necessary royal credentials and probably accepts that. So it will most definitely be Akhenamun. Father is likely to join Thutmose in the valley of the dead quite soon and who could possibly stand in Akhenamun’s way? He will discard the priesthood and declare himself pharaoh. It is written in the stars and that is why the more interesting question is who will be his chief wife.”

  “Is father really that ill?” I was staggered by her words.

  “They do not bother to tell you, brother. They all keep it from you. He is not much longer for this life.”

  I quickly regained my composure for I realised I had little feelings for my father after all the years of neglect that I had suffered at his hands. “Who will be his chief wife?”

  She smiled. “Is my brother growing up fast? Is he asking himself if he can seize power?”

  I ignored what I took to be her jibes. “Who will be his chief wife?”

  “Let us examine the candidates. First there is the most logical candidate, Sitamun, but I think not her. Akhenamun likes beautiful women.”

  “He would have his harem, no doubt,” I suggested.

  “True, but Sitamun despises Akhenamun and he despises her. She is stuffed full of morals like a giant moral moth fluttering over the palace looking down with disgust at all the lewd behaviour. Akhenamun, on the other hand, has no morals at all. Even joining the priesthood was a sham for he has no truck with the old gods. He looks only to Aten for guidance. He wants to be the next pharaoh.”

  “Did he have Thutmose killed?” I asked.

  For once I had shaken her. “I never suggested that for one minute. Of course not and be careful with what you say. What has happened to you, Smenkhkare?”

  I ignored her question. “If not Sitamun then who would it be? Would it be you, Iset?”

  She sighed. “I am neither the eldest sister nor the most beautiful sister. It will not be me.”

  “You are intelligent.”

  “When did a man ever value intelligence in a woman? I am not a candidate and you can be sure of that.”

  “Then who are the candidates, sister?”

  “There are three strong candidates and they are all beautiful; sadly far more beautiful than me. I have said enough on this subject, but with your new-found sense of awareness you should not find it difficult to work out who the three are.”

  “Who are they?” I pressed.

  “I am saying no more,” she resisted.

  I changed the subject slightly. “On the boat returning from Thutmose’s tomb, I recall, you asked if we had had pleasant visitors to help pass the time. I rather think that your question was mischievous and I volunteered Coreb, but I do not think your question was aimed at me.”

  “You are waking up from your slumber, brother. If you became pharaoh would you take me as your chief wife?”

  “What about Taduheppa?” I retorted

  “What about Taduheppa?” she replied.

  “You have already said that is hardly likely to happen,” I reminded her.

  She grinned. “You do have a powerful friend.”

  “What pleasant visitors did Akhenamun have?”

  “You assume I meant Akhenamun, but then you think Nebetah can do no wrong.”

  “I saw the expression on Akhenamun’s face when you asked the question.”

  She laughed. “I have said enough. It would not be a good idea for me to annoy Akhenamun any further, after all we have both agreed that he will become the next pharaoh.”

  “Will you not answer my question?” I felt a little agitated.

  “I have said enough and to be fair, brother, you did not answer my question. But think on my words and you may even work things out for yourself. I do not have the natural gifts of the three candidates and so I must return to my handmaidens and let them try to enhance what I do have.”

  “You are attractive, Iset.”

  “My little brother now tries flattery. Am I attractive enough to be your chief wife? Show yourself out, Smenkhkare, and be careful.” She left my presence and returned to the inner chamber. I did as she suggested and showed myself out.

  ****

  I went back to my apartment and lay down on my bed and pondered on the words of Iset. If Thutmose was murdered, and Coreb was sure of that, then Akhenamun had much more to gain than anyone. He would not enter the priesthood which it seemed he despised and he would gain the reins of power virtually unopposed. He had always seemed ruthless to me and there were unsavoury rumours that circulated the palace occasionally about his night-time antics with Metos in the city. If Akhenamun was behind the murder of my brother Thutmose, how could I prove it?

  My mind wandered to another of Iset’s deliberations; if Akhenamun assumed power who would be the chief wife who shared this power with him? Who were Iset’s three candidates? It was probably of no significance with regard to the murder of my brother, but it was fascinating. The obvious candidate was Nebetah, for pharaohs more often than not married within the immediate royal family to maintain the royal blood line. Iset had ruled out herself and Sitamun, so Nebetah was the only sister left and she was certainly beautiful. I also knew that she seemed at times to be the only person Akhenamun actually liked. So who were the other two? I would think probably Nefertiti for she was the most beautiful member of my family until the arrival of my wife. She was not a sister but she was a half-cousin and therefore did have Egyptian royal blood flowing in her veins. She wa
s also the daughter of Ay which could have the effect of gaining the support of the powerful vizier.

  These were two likely candidates but who was the third? The answer did not come to me and so I turned my attention to another of Iset’s assertions. She said I had powerful friends. She could only mean Coreb for he was effectively leader of the army. I gasped, for it had never occurred to me that my friendship with Coreb might make me a threat to Akhenamun. She asked me, if I were pharaoh would I take her as chief wife. She told me to be careful. I felt alarmed but it did not stop me from falling asleep.

  ****

  The next morning I decided to visit Taduheppa. She had told me that she would speak to me regularly but there was no sign of that happening. Once again I stood outside the door to my wife’s apartment and I was about to knock when I heard voices from within. It took me a few moments longer to realise they were arguing. I put my ear to the door and strained to listen to what was being said and by whom. There were two female voices and one was that of my wife. I listened a bit longer and managed to identify the other voice. It was Nefertiti.

  I heard Nefertiti protesting that my wife had betrayed her. I heard Taduheppa claiming that it was not a betrayal. I heard a bang and wondered for a moment whether to barge in. Then I heard their voices again but this time softer so I could not hear what was being said. It seemed the argument was over. I heard footsteps fading into the distance. They had moved away from the door and were crossing the apartment. I dashed into the gardens and took up a position where I could see Taduheppa’s balcony. I had been right for that was where they had gone. I slipped behind a bush where I was certain they could not see me spying. I looked up and saw Nefertiti put an arm around Taduheppa. Whatever the argument had been about it seemed it was most definitely finished and they were reconciled. I was relieved because it would have been a shame if a quarrel between Taduheppa and her new-found friend brought lasting enmity.

  “Are you spying on your wife now?” I turned abruptly to see Akhenamun grinning at me and alongside him stood Nebetah.

  “I was walking in the garden and I happened to see them on the balcony.” That was my explanation.

  “They are certainly worth spying on.” He smiled lasciviously.

  “You are talking about Smenkhkare’s wife!” Nebetah scolded her older brother.

  “And he just happened to walk into a bush,” Akhenamun laughed.

  We had now been seen by Taduheppa and Nefertiti who waved down to us. We waved back. “I have important matters to deal with and so I cannot stay here gossiping with you two,” said Akhenamun and went on his way leaving me with Nebetah.

  “Let us sit by the lake,” I suggested. “I would like to talk with you.”

  “That would be a pleasure, brother,” she replied.

  We sat down by the lake and looked across at the water fowl that had now made it their home. I looked at my sister intently. “Nebetah, we have been together nearly all our lives. We played together as children and we have always got on very well. You and Thutmose were always my greatest friends. Now that Thutmose is dead I trust you more than any living person.”

  “That is really something you are putting on me.” She tried to lighten the mood.

  “If I tell you something, sister, will you promise me to tell nobody – absolutely nobody?”

  She looked both worried and intrigued. “I promise.”

  “Thutmose was murdered.”

  She looked stunned. “You must be mistaken; our brother was loved by all.”

  “I am not mistaken; he was murdered by an arrow which came from our own ranks.”

  “It must have been an accident then,” she offered.

  “The soldier who fired the arrow has since been murdered to keep him quiet.”

  “He was working for someone else?” she gasped disbelievingly.

  I paused, letting my words sink in. “You are exactly right, sister.”

  “Who would order such a thing?” she asked.

  “That I do not know but I have my suspicions, and I know who has most to gain from the death of Thutmose.”

  Her eyes opened wide. “You mean Akhenamun, don’t you?”

  I nodded. “He will be the new pharaoh by all accounts.”

  “You must not say such things, brother. Akhenamun would never murder Thutmose. It is unthinkable and you are totally wrong. You must never say such things again.” I was shocked by how adamant she was.

  “He was murdered on the orders of somebody,” I said.

  “Not on the orders of Akhenamun,” she retorted.

  “Then who?” I asked.

  “It could be anybody. Never repeat such accusations again, Smenkhkare. We must all stick together at this sad time.” She stamped her tiny foot.

  I knew she would be shocked, but I was quite surprised by the vehemence of her response and I quickly realised that I was getting nowhere with this current conversation and so I changed my approach. “I did not mean to startle you Nebetah. I would never wish to do that. Ever since I knew that Thutmose was murdered it has been eating away at me. I am sorry, sister.”

  She put an arm around my shoulder. “I understand, but I am sure you are mistaken. You must forget this idea that he was murdered. Grief can play some strange tricks on us.”

  I nodded, seeming to accept her words, and I laughed. “That was a funny incident on the boat the other day.”

  “What incident do you mean?” she asked.

  “You know the incident where Iset asked if we had any pleasant visitors and I offered Coreb and you and Akhenamun did not answer. I wonder what our dear sister meant by that. She was obviously being mischievous.”

  “I cannot imagine,” she said. “I have to go, Smenkhkare, for I have things to do, farewell.” She stood up and started to leave.

  “Why did you not tell me father was so ill?” I asked.

  “I did not wish to worry you for you were so busy grieving for Thutmose.”

  “Farewell, sister,” I replied. I was puzzled by the reaction of my sister to some of my questions, and it was not like her to rush away so abruptly. I put my head in my hands. What was going on in mad Malkata?

  Chapter 5

  I returned to my apartment and spent the remainder of the day there. I was feeling defeated. So far I had not been successful in my inquiries regarding the death of Thutmose and though I had my suspicions they were just that – suspicions. I could not think what to do next and my conversation with Nebetah had deflated me. I did not wish to upset my sister and greatest friend. Who else could I speak with? My mother and Sitamun would treat such accusations with scorn and contempt. I could hardly confront Akhenamun who would certainly deny involvement, and if he were guilty, as I strongly suspected, I would place myself in danger. It seemed like a lost cause and yet I had made Thutmose a promise and I had to carry it out.

  I did not even go for my usual walk in the gardens the next morning such was my depressed state. I decided to wait upon the return of Coreb and see if he had anything worthwhile to report. I could even ask Coreb for his advice on what I could do here in the palace. While I was contemplating my course of action there was a knock at my door. I opened it and was delighted to see my wife standing there like a vision from Aaru. “Greetings, Taduheppa,” I said with enthusiasm. I needed a welcome distraction from my difficult deliberations.

  “Queen Tiye, your mother, instructed me to come and get you. It seems we have a family meeting.” She led the way down the corridor towards my mother’s spacious apartment. I hardly had time to think what this may be about. As we passed through her antechamber and entered her large, plush reception room I quickly realised that we were the last two to arrive. Perhaps I was just an afterthought.

  I looked around at my brother Akhenamun and my three sisters. Sitamun was engrossed in conversation with my mother. Iset and Nebetah both smiled at me while Akhenamun only scowled. And there in the background was Ay. Why was Ay always there, hovering like a large bat?

  “Th
ank you all for coming.” My mother began to speak. “I wanted to bring you all up to date on your father’s condition and to talk about what the future may hold for us. Your father is gravely ill and has now lost consciousness. Our doctors who have been attending to him night and day are saying that he will be lucky to last out the week. We must not give up hope but we must also be prepared for the worst.”

  “Why was I not told, mother, that he was so gravely ill?” I asked, and my siblings all looked at me in surprise that I had spoken out.

  “You did not go to see him and you did not ask.” It sounded like a rebuke.

  “That is because I did not know he was gravely ill,” I pointed out.

  “Well all of you can go and see him in his final days but I warn you that you must not expect a response. Now we must be prepared for our future when the pharaoh undertakes his final journey.” My mother looked around at us all sadly but we all remained silent and so she continued: “I have been having talks with my son, Akhenamun and Vizier Ay. We have arrived at certain conclusions which I will acquaint you all with.”

  Vizier Ay is always involved, I thought somewhat bitterly, but did not give voice to my thoughts.

  My mother continued: “Akhenamun will renounce his dedication to the priesthood and will be announced as successor to his father, Amenhotep. We hope that the great pharaoh survives but if not then Akhenamun will be declared pharaoh immediately to avoid any period of uncertainty. After a short period of a few months Akhenamun will take a chief wife for he must quickly try to make the succession secure by producing an heir.”

  Akhenamun allowed himself a slight smile and I sighed for it had all been settled without any regard for me. It would be nice to feel part of the family, and it seemed to me the death of Thutmose had almost been forgotten.

  “Who will be the new chief wife?” asked Iset.

  “That is yet to be decided,” replied Tiye.

  “I will make all the arrangements that become necessary,” added Ay.

  “Then that is all for the moment. You may all visit your father whenever you wish, but for those who have not seen him in recent days be prepared for a shock.” We were dismissed.