The Forgotten Pharaoh

by David Adkins

  She ignored my advice even though her eyes showed that she knew my intention and probably approved of it. With one downward sweep of the sharp-bladed weapon I half struck off his head and one more blow to the neck removed it entirely from his body. Horemheb made no move to stop me. I held up Ramose’s head by his dark hair and let the blood drain on to the desert floor until an area was stained red. I walked over to the basket and deposited his head into the waiting container.

  “What are you going to do with that?” asked Horemheb.

  “I will write a note to Ay and place it with the head, and then with your approval I will send it to Ay. I would not want to deprive him of the head of his precious son.”

  “I will arrange for his guardsmen to go on ahead and take the basket to Ay,” he said.

  “You will do that for me?” I was a little surprised.

  “I will do that for you, but most of all I will do it for Turet. The son was acting for the father and Turet was killed as a consequence of their vile actions and by the son’s blade. I will have the body of Turet buried. Take her back to the main camp,” he commanded two of his soldiers. “Follow in a couple of hours once you have recovered from the traumas of what has just occurred.”

  He walked sadly away followed by the soldiers carrying the body of Turet and the basket. I was left trying to console my weeping and distressed wife.

  Chapter 17

  The burial was quickly carried out. Not for Turet a place in the valley of death for she was, of course, a Mitanni and a servant. However, Horemheb did her proud, gifting her all of the honours that he would have bestowed on a fallen general. The army lined up in her honour and she was buried in a style that would have befitted a brave leader of rank in the Egyptian army. She indeed had great courage which had been proven many times since she had come to Malkata with her mistress. Horemheb was shaken by her death for I think that despite her refusal he had still been determined she should return to Thebes with him and become his wife. Taduheppa had recovered her dignity during the burial ceremony but it was obvious she had been deeply affected by the death of her servant. I also had had a deep regard for Turet, but my time was spent at Taduheppa’s side during the funeral doing my best to comfort her.

  When it was over we all knew, despite out grief, it was time to move on quickly. Horemheb had to return promptly to Thebes and Malkata to report his great victory over the Kushites to Akhenamun and Ay. First, however, he had to decide what to do with his two prisoners and I needed to know whether he intended to take us both with him. I was given some hope by his current attitude, and if he were to set us free we needed to travel quickly to Washukanni before Ay could plan his revenge.

  “I need to speak with Horemheb about his intentions,” I said to Taduheppa.

  “Do the best you can for us,” she said sadly. “I will return to the wagon and ponder over life without my Turet.”

  I nodded. “I will do my best.”

  I watched as she walked back towards the two Mitanni wagons and then I strode over to Horemheb. “We need to speak,” I said.

  “Indeed we do. Come with me, Smenkhkare.”

  I followed him to his tent within the military headquarters. It was a simple structure and not much more luxurious than those enjoyed by an ordinary officer. “Sit down,” he said. “I endure the same hardships as my men.” He had seen me looking around.

  “I need to know your plans,” I began.

  “Ramose’s palace guard will return to Malkata with his head in the morning. I will follow on with the army, a day behind, once we have finished here.”

  “Do the guardsmen know the contents of the basket?” I asked.

  “I have not told them but I should imagine that they can guess what it contains.”

  “Please instruct them not to tell Ay but to simply hand the basket to him.”

  He smiled. “Ay will think it is your head in the basket and Ramose has sent in on in advance.”

  “That is what I want him to think.”

  “He will want revenge,” he warned.

  I shrugged. “And so do I, for my revenge will not be complete until Ay pays for his crimes.”

  “What did you write on the note you placed in the basket?” he asked.

  “I wrote: ‘A gift from Prince Smenkhkare. I have kept the sword of Ramose which I used to cut off his head. I will need it when I part your head from your body, Ay.’ Just two simple lines,” I said.

  “He will not like it for he seemed to genuinely care for his son.”

  “I know, for he once told me that the only people he cared about were his son and daughter.”

  “Why should I go along with this? Ay will blame me for not protecting his son,” he offered. “And you are hardly a comrade for did I not plot against your friend, Coreb?”

  “Why did you?” I asked.

  “I am an ambitious man. I wanted power and Coreb stood in my way. I intended to send him into exile but Ramose killed him. I plotted with Ay, but I see now that Ay is a very unreliable and dangerous partner. I will firmly order the guardsmen to say nothing when they hand Ay the basket.”

  “So you do not trust Ay,” I said.

  “Malkata is a melting pot. Ay seeks total control of Egypt and believes he can dominate Akhenamun and be the real power behind the throne. Akhenamun, encouraged by Ay’s own daughter, Nefertiti, is beginning to resist and the fight for power is on. I am not sure who will win and both seek my support as I control the army.”

  “Who do you support?” I asked.

  “I support myself and only myself. I think, though, that if your brother shows signs of getting the upper hand in the power struggle I will support him. I do not trust him but I trust Ay even less. Ay is already looking for support within the army behind my back. He has played that game once before but he thinks he can do so again. He is mistaken.”

  “What will you do with me?”

  He smiled. “I trust you more than Akhenamun and Ay despite the hostility you bear me over the death of Coreb. I will set you and Taduheppa free to continue your journey to Washukanni.”

  I suppressed the joy I was beginning to feel. “Why would you do that?” I asked suspiciously.

  “You are a third player in the bid for supremacy in Egypt,” he answered.

  “My brother is pharaoh and therefore supreme,” I reminded him.

  “But for how long? Ay is ambitious and he has already killed your other brother when he thought his position was threatened. He would not hesitate to try and remove Akhenamun if he felt threatened again. He might also consider making himself pharaoh.”

  I gasped. “He is not royal enough.”

  “He is a member of your family if not of the royal line. My position could become precarious but as long as I have control of the army I will be difficult to replace. Another member of the family would have a claim if Akhenamun was disposed of. That would be the exiled Prince Smenkhkare who was biding his time in the Mitanni capital. You never know what will develop or whether at some time in the future you will be invited to return to Malkata and that will give Ay something to think about.”

  “Are you saying that you might recall me to Malkata to claim the throne?”

  “I cannot claim it myself for I am a commoner, and as I said I do trust you more than the other two. Of course there is another reason.”

  “What is that?” I asked.

  “I cannot stand Ay. Both he and his deceased son are arrogant, malicious and treacherous. The son is no more, but the father is.”

  “I see,” I replied.

  “And that is not all,” he retorted and I saw the anguish in his face.

  “What else?” I asked.

  “He was instrumental in the death of Turet.” These words were spat out with a hatred that was almost frightening.

  “Ay and Ramose brought about her death between them,” I offered, seeking to take advantage of his grief.

  “And that I will not forget. Now make your preparations to leave as soon as p
ossible. When Ay receives the head of his son he will seek quick and instant revenge on you. You will have a good start, so make the most of it and have a safe journey to Washukanni. Stay safe and perhaps one day you will hear from me and we will meet again.”

  I stood up. “I hope so.”

  “I will send some soldiers to accompany you for there are always bandits to consider as well.”

  “We will leave at daylight. I wish you well, Horemheb.”

  I left the general to return to my wagon as darkness was falling. We would make preparations and be ready to leave at first light. First I told Taduheppa of my conversation with the general and then we made ready for our departure the next morning.

  ****

  I did not see Horemheb again before we left. He was busy making his own preparations to leave but I did hear from one of his men that Prince Lisore had escaped. I could not help feeling a little pleased at that news for I did not dislike my fellow prince who had promised so much but had not managed to deliver. We left at first light as planned and once again the small Mitanni caravan was on the move. This time our horses, camels and two wagons were accompanied by 50 of Horemheb’s soldiers. They would be our protection in case of bandit activity.

  We headed north towards the desert of Sinai and passed through that great, desert peninsula without incident. Taduheppa remained in a deep depression throughout the journey and I worried for her health. It was during this passage through the desert that I realised that Turet had been more than a servant and a friend. How naive I had been, which only confirmed that I was still a boy just as Taduheppa had always insisted. I did my best to comfort her and to raise her spirits but it was difficult for Turet was sorely missed. I talked with her often and made sure she ate her food and kept up her strength.

  It was in this melancholy state that we entered the land of Canaan. It was mostly a barren land though there were fertile parts near the many waterholes that we passed. We were approaching the city of Jerusalem and I was undecided whether to risk entering the city. The last I had heard was that the city remained loyal to the pharaoh, but the region was always volatile with many tribes vying for superiority. I was also unsure of what the reception would be for a runaway Egyptian prince. I had just decided to circuit the city and take no risk when the first danger of the journey since we left Horemheb’s camp presented itself.

  On the horizon I could see the tell-tale sign of a large dust cloud which signalled the presence of a large force of riders. I felt great apprehension, for having come this far it would be unthinkable not to reach Washukanni safely. There was little we could do but watch the force draw ever nearer and we could not run for we knew we could not outrun them. All we could do was wait and hope that they were not hostile. As they drew very close a small number of riders detached themselves from the main group and rode towards us. Accompanied by just two soldiers, I rode out to meet them.

  To my relief they appeared to be friendly. Their leader, recognising I had authority despite my youth, addressed me: “I am Avram and I welcome our Egyptian friends to the land of Canaan. I am here on behalf of the king of Jerusalem, Abdi Heba, to escort you into the city. It is a day’s ride to the east over difficult terrain.”

  He seemed genuine but I felt a need to be cautious. “We are Egyptian travellers heading for Washukanni.” I was non-committal in my reply.

  “And Mitanni too,” he commented.

  “Yes, Mitanni too,” I agreed.

  “We know who you are and we know you are heading for the Mitanni capital. You are in great danger and my desire is simply to protect you and provide you with the hospitality and safety that Jerusalem offers before you continue on your way.”

  “Why are we in danger?” I asked.

  “The Habiru are operating in this area. We received information in Jerusalem that a small Egyptian caravan was heading this way and we were alarmed that you might fall victim to the Habiru. We left urgently in order to offer you protection and to escort you into Jerusalem. We are allies to Egypt and we are loyal to the pharaoh.”

  “I thank you, Avram, and I accept your kind offer.” I had heard of the Habiru and I knew them to be ruthless brigands who infested the desert between Jerusalem and the coast. I rode back to Taduheppa’s wagon and explained the situation to her.

  “It seems we have no alternative but to visit Jerusalem.” Her words were spoken in a resigned fashion that had been prevalent since the death of Turet and this was making me worry about her. Our caravan drew in behind Avram’s forces and we set off for our destination.

  It was a few hours later I realised just how lucky we had been when a large host of Habiru appeared on the horizon. We would have had no chance against such a large number of outlaws. I rode alongside Avram. “Will they attack us?” I asked.

  “I doubt it for they do not outnumber us and they prefer easy prey.”

  I sighed. “And we would have been easy prey without you. I thank you once again, Avram.”

  “We have been trying to exterminate the Habiru in recent years but it is no easy task. I am glad we were able to offer a prince of Egypt our assistance.”

  This was confirmation that he did indeed know who I was but he had showed no sign of hostility and I felt reasonably safe under his protection. I nodded. “Prince Smenkhkare at your disposal,” I said.

  “You will be safe in Jerusalem before you continue your journey to Washukanni,” he assured me.

  The Habiru followed us for a couple of hours keeping their distance and then to my relief they rode away. They had obviously thought better of launching an attack and now we were free to enter Jerusalem unopposed.

  Jerusalem was a modest settlement compared to Thebes. It consisted of a fortified small city with outlying villages and extensive pastoral areas. We rode through the areas of agriculture and farming and two small villages before entering the gate to the city. Inside the walls there were numerous brick buildings and mud dwellings and we were led to the grandest building in the city, the palace of the king of Jerusalem. To the best of my knowledge Jerusalem was still an Egyptian vassal city-state and so I wondered what reception a runaway prince would receive from the king. So far it had all seemed promising.

  I was granted a private audience with the king and Taduheppa showed no interest in joining me such was her state of mind after the murder of her beloved servant. This was alarming because it was so unlike Taduheppa. I was led into a luxurious chamber within the palace where the king of Jerusalem obviously received notable guests. The king was a small man of middle age with a stooping back and a friendly face. He welcomed me with open arms. “I am Abdi Heba, King of the modest city of Jerusalem. I hold this place in the name of the pharaoh who enjoys my allegiance. Until recently Jerusalem was a small settlement with no walls. The walls you see have been built recently to counter the threat from the Habiru. The palace is also of recent construction and Jerusalem grows under the benign influence of the pharaoh, and therefore I have great honour in receiving his esteemed brother.”

  I did not interrupt his lengthy welcome. “I am Smenkhkare, Prince of Egypt. I thank you and trust that my small band of Egyptians and Mitanni will be safe during our short stay in your impressive city.”

  “Please sit, Smenkhkare. I must tell you that I used to exchange letters with your father, Amenhotep, and now do so with your brother Akhenamun. In fact I have just received a letter from Akhenamun warning me that you may pass through my lands and that I should offer you assistance and help you on your way, but I must tell you that you have enemies in Thebes.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  “The letter from Akhenamun countermanded a previous letter from the Chief Vizier, Ay ordering that I should have you killed.”

  “Ay overreaches himself and my brother must deal with his evil ambitions,” I replied.

  “I am pleased that I was able to save you and your followers from the Habiru. Please be my guest for a few days and rest before you continue your journey to Washukanni.�
�

  “Thank you, but how safe will I be when I continue the journey?”

  “You should be quite safe and Avram will escort you for a few days just to make sure. The brigands operate west of Jerusalem and not east of the city and you will be travelling east. The desert to the east is empty with few dangers apart from natural ones and then you will enter Mitanni lands. I am on good terms with the Mitanni as I am with Egypt and so you will pass from my protection to their protection – and you do have a Mitanni princess travelling with you.”

  “Indeed I do. My wife Taduheppa is the daughter of Shatuarra, the Mitanni king. I must thank you, Abdi Heba, for all your help and for your excellent hospitality. I was present at the battle with the Kushites and therefore have seen enough hostilities in recent times.”

  He beamed at my thanks for he needed Egyptian assistance for dealing with the Habiru. “I was so pleased to hear of the Egyptian victory. Now enjoy my hospitality.”

  ****

  We stayed just three days in Jerusalem and enjoyed a much-needed rest from our travels. Abdi Heba treated us very well and we set off in good spirits and even Taduheppa seemed to have recovered slightly from her great loss though she still seemed fragile. I was there for her if she needed me but I did not force my attentions upon her. She needed time and I was willing to give it to her. I hoped that as we neared Washukanni her spirits would lift at the prospect of seeing her father and brother and her home once again. Unfortunately she did not have a mother to return to because she had died when Taduheppa was a young girl.

  We now travelled east and north across the Amurru and into the Mitanni lands of Nuhashe. We were passing through friendly territory, and as we headed due north and neared Washukanni we all began to relax a little. It seemed that at last luck was now with us. After facing death for so long at Malkata I was fortunate enough to have found friends in Horemheb and Abdi Heba, and even Akhenamun was aiding us. There was obviously a considerable power struggle enveloping Malkata which I would have to watch closely from afar.