The Prince of Nubia
Page 16
Neti looked at the queen in astonishment, shaking her head.
“Oh, I see the two fools have forgotten to mention it. Your team will not be split.” the queen said, trying to bolster some enthusiasm. Then she took her leave.
~~~
Half a moon passed before Neti was professed fit to travel by her overzealous healer. And even so, the king insisted they travel by bark, saying that it would not strain Neti as much, and they would still be in time for the Opet Festival. Neti had become fond of the Nubian king and queen, having built quite a strong attachment to them and the wives of Shabaka’s brothers. She had also taken the time to consider her options for her future. With a reluctant heart, she bid them all farewell.
Shabaka had objected traveling with Rameke and Garagh, thus they had been placed with several medjay on a separate bark, which was to follow the main one to Thebes. Neti turned to look at the second bark, as they prepared to depart. Something that did not go unnoticed by Shabaka, who came to stand next to her. As always she was aware of his presence, although they had only exchanged civilities after that day.
He held out her sash to her, “I meant to return this to you.”
Neti looked at the folded length of fabric with its intricately interwoven patterns and colors, and shook her head. “You can keep it; I will speak to Ramesses when we get to Thebes.”
Shabaka simply looked at her as she made her way to the stern.
Moses came up to him, having watched the interaction, “She’s not ready yet, give her time.”
“How much time? I miss not having my partner.”
“And pushing her will only drive her away,” Moses said, as the mooring ropes on the bark were released.
The captain gave order for the sails to be raised and together they watched as the wind filled them, jolting the ship forward to Thebes and for Neti, homeward. They passed several fisher boats returning to shore, the heat of the morning already having driven the fish lower in the water. The crocodiles lay sunning themselves along the banks, their jaws wide open to allow the pecking birds to clean between their teeth. Overhead the cranes flew, calling. The gentle wind draft made the steadily escalating heat bearable.
Everywhere Shabaka looked, the world seemed to continue, in harmony, everything seemed to be serene, but for the conflict within him.
The End