Not knowing what he expected, having been in the innermost sanctum of a temple only once, as a boy swearing allegiance to Horus, Khenet sized up the room as he crossed the threshold. A ten foot tall statue of the goddess dominated the space, with her arms out to the sides, palms up, her proud face carved as if she were challenging anyone foolish enough to enter her domain. The sculptor had depicted Nephthys wearing a pleated sheath that barely covered her ample curves, and the entire statue had been covered in gold, which gleamed in the unearthly light the goddess herself was providing. A rich collar of turquoise, coral and lapis lay across the statue’s chest, matching earrings affixed to the shell-like ears. The strong scent of the lotus threatened to choke Khenet.
“The goddess is present,” whispered the priest, going to his knees, arms crossed over his chest, head down.
Tiya muttered a little prayer and knelt, copying the man’s pose.
Khenet planted his feet well apart, in a fighter’s stance, and remained standing. I’m here in Pharaoh’s place and he wouldn’t kneel to any goddess. Besides, I swear no fealty to Nephthys.
“Humility and obeisance are the safe choices in the presence of the Great Ones.” Where the statue had been, Nephthys herself now stood on the pedestal in front of them, taller than Khenet, wrapped in black robes and gray mist. Her black wig was adorned with golden and emerald beads, crowned with an ebony headdress proclaiming her name in one stark cartouche. Flickers of red shimmered in the air surrounding her, bringing the heat of the desert furnace. His ears rang with a muted buzzing sound as if a hive full of wasps flew all around the small sanctuary. Nephthys pointed her index finger at him, two great ruby rings on her hand winking like the fire she could summon at will.
Khenet felt sheer stubbornness sweep over him at her words. “I’m here on behalf of Pharaoh, Great One.” The hidden purple bead on his bracelet burned against his skin, the small pain steadying him as he braced for punishment.
But Nephthys surprised him, throwing her head back and laughing. “I see Nat-re-Akhte has chosen his minion well. You are strong, well suited to accomplish the task I assigned to him.”
Floating off the dais to land on the floor with catlike grace, she inspected Tiya. “Stand, girl—let me see you.”
Gracefully Tiya got off her knees to stand looking straight ahead, jaw clenched as Nephthys circled her. The goddess took her forearm and examined the skin for something Khenet could not see. A birthmark?
Smiling, Nephthys nodded, her unearthly beauty cold in the harsh light. “So far, acceptable. Now the true test. I will hide myself in your form.”
Eyes wide, Tiya recoiled a step, the priest standing unbidden to offer a steadying hand. Whatever she’d expected, this clearly wasn’t part of it. Khenet sympathized—he’d found the concept appalling when Pharaoh had explained it earlier. I need to watch this closely. If the goddess can become Tiya, I need to know the signs so I’m not taken unaware on the journey.
One minute Nephthys was there, towering over the humans in the chamber, and a heartbeat later a swath of sparkling black mist filled the air where she’d been, the motes drifting in a lazy cloud to surround Tiya. She took in one deep breath, inhaling the mist, and opened her eyes. Khenet stiffened. Outwardly the girl looked much the same, but her eyes were now the iridescent ebony of Nephthys’s, her hair had gone straight, hanging down her back in a silken curtain, and her lips were lush and red. Khenet thought her figure had become more rounded as well, curves straining the sheer linen of her dress. Clinically he took note of the few details that would alert him when he was dealing with the goddess.
“Do you find me attractive, warrior?” she asked, her voice husky, honey sweet and low pitched, where Tiya, in the few words he’d heard her utter, had a pleasing, musical tone. Not waiting for an answer, she swayed across the chamber to confront him, one hand on her hip. “It’s been many centuries since I took a human lover.”
Lotus perfume surrounded him, making him dizzy. This situation has the feel of a trap. He chose his words very carefully. “With all due respect, Great One, attractive as the Lady Tiya may be, human beauty can’t compare to the splendor of a goddess such as yourself, in your true appearance. And such radiant splendor is too much for a mortal man to experience.”
Nephthys-Tiya laughed. “Well-spoken, very nicely crafted answer. I see Pharaoh has sent me a diplomat disguised as a rough soldier. No need to ask you then if Nomarch Smenkhotep will find this form alluring—I have my answer.”
Khenet opted for silence. Indeed I learned a lot in my years at Court, especially how great ladies like to be complimented.
Closing her eyes, Nephthys-Tiya breathed out slowly, and the black diamond dust emanated from every pore. As the final puff of air left her lips, she crumpled. Startled, Khenet grabbed the unconscious human woman, preventing her from falling bonelessly to the hard stone floor. Beside them, the goddess took form and walked away, going to look at herself in a shiny silver mirror hung on the opposite wall. Tiya was soft and warm in his arms, moaning under her breath. As the priest watched, Khenet carried her to the raised dais and knelt, propping her next to it, his arm bracing her. Putting one hand to her brow, the lady opened her eyes, staring directly into his, and drew back with a confused exclamation.
“What are you doing? What happened?” Irritably she pushed his arm away. She put both hands to her chest, pressing hard. “Why does my heart beat faster, with an ache as if I’ve been stabbed?” Tiya gazed at first one palm, then the other, as if searching for blood from a wound.
Khenet raised his hands ostentatiously, backing away. “The Great One—”
“I had to ensure that you were indeed a suitable vessel for my purpose. The process is somewhat painful, no doubt, as your ka must be dislodged, but the discomfort is only temporary, I assure you,” Nephthys interrupted, striding back to them. She made a shooing motion. “Now that I am confident on that point, I need to converse with my Daughter alone. You men, wait outside.”
Even though Tiya made no protest, it bothered Khenet to leave the girl by herself with Nephthys but, ever obedient, he followed the priest across the room. The door slammed shut behind them as soon as they’d crossed the threshold. A crowd of priests and priestesses had gathered again and were now looking expectantly up at them.
“All is well. The goddess is pleased so far,” the high priest announced. “She’s giving instructions to her Daughter.” He pointed at one young novice. “Go tell the captain’s escort to be ready. He’ll be leaving soon, to take Lady Tiya to Pharaoh. And carry her things to the chariot as well.”
“Thank you,” Khenet said. Affecting a casual demeanor he wasn’t feeling, he leaned against the nearest pillar. “Pharaoh wanted us to start the river journey this afternoon, after he’s met with her.”
“She’s my sister, you know,” the priest said, stepping closer and lowering his voice. “Our family has been sworn to Nephthys’s service since the dawn of the first civilization. One of our ancestors was less cautious than you when it came to bedding a Great One—”
Whatever he was going to say next was interrupted by the sound of the door opening behind them. Khenet and the priest wheeled at the noise, in time to see Tiya step through the portal. Behind her the inner sanctum was darkenedm and try as he might, Khenet detected no hint of lotus perfume. Closing the door, the young woman paused for a moment, her head down, her hand clenched on the ivory handle.
“Are you all right?” the priest asked, walking to her and putting his arm around her shoulder.
Releasing the handle, she inhaled sharply, straightened her shoulders, and turned to face the room. “I’m fine. I’m honored to be chosen by the Great One to carry out her appointed task.”
And Nephthys told you just what that task entails. With a twinge of sympathy, Khenet scrutinized her face, pale under the makeup. Not what you expected when you volunteered, I’ll wa
ger. I wonder if she told you any more than I know, anything I should know. But now wasn’t the time or the place to ask. He cleared his throat. “Are you ready to conduct your audience with Pharaoh?”
“Yes.” She nodded, her voice faint. Swallowing hard, she tried again. “We should leave now. The Great One wishes us to make all speed to the Viper Nome.”
“She sends you so far away from us?” The priest was dismayed. “I knew only there was some travel involved.”
Tiya smiled, pale under her kohl, malachite and ochre makeup. “It seems I’m to marry the Nomarch Smenkhotep. I’m not allowed to say any more than that, brother.”
He hugged her, glaring over her shoulder at Khenet. “Protect my sister on this journey. With your life if need be, warrior. I swear I’ll seek you out and exact revenge if any harm comes to her.”
“I’ve already given my word to Pharaoh. I don’t answer to you.” Khenet put his hands on his hips and raised his eyebrows, but unbent a little in consideration of the emotion on the priest’s face. Softening his voice, he added, “I’ll do my best.”
The priest kept his eyes locked on Khenet’s for another moment, taking his measure, before looking down into his sister’s face again. “I wish fate had not chosen this path for you, Tiya. I was proud when you volunteered—it’s an honor to serve the Great One so intimately—but I’ll miss you.”
Bowing her head against his chest, taking a long shuddery breath, the girl patted her brother’s back. “Service to Nephthys is our family’s duty and curse. I’ll be all right.”
Khenet shifted his line of sight to the fresco on the far wall, a detailed scene depicting the goddess conveying souls to the Afterlife, her wings wrapped around them protectively. I hope they don’t linger over this farewell. She’s struggling for self-control—can’t he see that? No good comes of prolonging the moment.
“I must go.” The priest blinked and tugged at the golden earring in his left ear. He swallowed hard and stared at the floor, then at Lady Tiya. “I have to officiate at the noontime ceremonies in the public courtyard. Today is a feast day in honor of Nephthys as it happens but...I hate to leave you.”
She kissed his cheek and stepped away, looking at Khenet. “I’m ready to go receive Pharaoh’s instructions now.”
Khenet made a half bow. “My chariot awaits outside the temple walls. After you, my lady.”
Without another word, she walked regally past him, down the stairs and out of the temple. He followed right behind her, all his senses alert now that her safety was his responsibility and they were joined in this strange quest. Will any further information come to light at the audience with Pharaoh?
* * *
When the two chariots pulled up in front of the temple after a mad dash through Thebes, Khenet found one of the royal scribes waiting, tapping his foot and glancing anxiously at the sun. After handing a somewhat windblown Tiya down from the vehicle, he followed her up the broad stairs. The tense scribe guided them through the halls to the small audience chamber.
Khenet saw his battered leather travel sack and shield stacked against the side wall, his war bow and a fully stocked quiver leaning at an angle next to the other items. “Are we ready?”
Stepping forward, Edekh, the Chief Scribe laid a restraining hand on Khenet’s arm. “We must wait upon Pharaoh’s pleasure, old friend. He’ll be here in a few moments.” Edekh scrutinized Tiya, eyebrows raised. “If you wish to step into the adjacent room, there is time to refresh yourself before the audience. I can have a glass of wine brought to you?”
“Thank you, most kind.” Clutching a small embroidered bag, Tiya went off with an under scribe, and when she returned in a short time later, her hair was combed and she looked a bit less pale. Something about her piquant face held Khenet’s attention—she certainly was pleasing to look at. No matter what he’d glibly said to Nephthys, he preferred the human beauty.
Perhaps sensing his interest, she raised her chin, not glancing at him again as she set the small sack of personal possessions against the side wall of the chamber.
Gongs sounded in the corridor. Khenet straightened to attention as Pharaoh swept into the room, regal in pleated linen robes trimmed with gold. He wore the ancient double crown, carried the golden crook and flail, and everyone in the room immediately knelt in respect. Guards marched behind Nat-re-Akhte, taking positions at the doors and beside the throne. Two burly fan bearers rushed to their stations behind the throne. The servants sent the close air of the room into motion with ostrich plume fans, the ritual seven large feathers set among smaller fluffy feathers, all bound to a stout pole with golden ribbon. Khenet’s nose twitched and he breathed in deeply as the slight breeze brought an enticing whiff of Lady Tiya’s perfume. Some light floral fragrance that reminded him of a garden in spring, with a hint of sensual cinnamon spice. Another clue—her perfume is nothing like Nephthys’s intoxicating lotus scent.
“Rise.” Pharaoh was brusque. He set the symbols of his kingship aside on the table and held out one hand. Edekh hurried to place a tightly rolled papyrus in his palm. A bird-footed table was brought to sit in front of Pharaoh, and he opened the scroll, reading it rapidly. Raising his kohl-rimmed eyes, he regarded the girl. “Lady Tiya-ami-kitara, this document is a contract of marriage between yourself and Lord Smenkhotep of the Viper Nome. It is my understanding you’ve agreed to the match?”
Curious how she’d answer, Khenet moved his head ever so slightly to get her in his peripheral vision. The woman who was to be his charge didn’t hesitate. “I am agreeable, Great One.” Her refined low and musical voice did not disappoint, but matched his first impression of her elegance. “It is the will of Nephthys, and I must carry out her wish.”
Pharaoh frowned as if the answer didn’t entirely please him. He motioned to Edekh, who spilled bubbling red wax onto the bottom of the document. Pressing his sigil ring into the scarlet puddle, Nat-re-Akhte intoned, “Let all men know my will by this seal. I command a marriage between the nomarch of Viper Mountain and my representative.”
Sitting back in the gilded chair, Nat scowled, his nostrils flaring and his chin jutting out. Edekh slid the papyrus off the table, blew on the wax to dry it, then rerolled the scroll carefully, inserting it in a leather tube, which he held out to Lady Tiya. Pharaoh rose and left the throne, walking toward them. Khenet drew himself to his full height, wanting the brother who was his best friend as well as the ruler of Egypt to see no fear in him of what lay ahead. Nat has enough to worry about.
As Pharaoh paused beside the girl, she raised her eyes from contemplation of the document tube. He leaned toward her, cradling her elbow for a moment. “I’ve given you my best man to guard your journey. This is Captain Khenet, son of Khenamir, of my personal guard.” He glanced at Khenet and nodded. “My blessings go with you both.” As if she were his sister, Pharaoh kissed Lady Tiya tenderly on the forehead.
He clapped Khenet on the shoulder, pausing for a heartbeat. There were no further words needed between them—Pharaoh counted on Khenet to carry out the task, and Khenet understood what it cost his brother to send him on the mission. Nat left the room, fan bearers, guards and assorted retainers trailing behind.
Chief Scribe Edekh lagged a moment to speak to Khenet. “The ship River Horse has been chartered and awaits you at Pier Three. Captain Taneb is reputed to be one of the best on the Nile, knows every sandbar and curve. I tried to find you the top man available on such short notice.”
Khenet nodded his thanks.
“As soon as you’ve boarded, Taneb will set sail. When you reach the city of Dendaret in the Charging Lion Nome after four or five days, go to the palace of Nomarch Ahotepre. I’m sending word ahead by carrier pigeon for him to have a chariot and team waiting to take you on the last stage of the journey into Viper Nome. Here are funds.” The Scribe handed Khenet a fat purse. “Should you require more, you have authority to draw upon
Pharaoh’s treasury in any town or city along the way.” Edekh transferred a small clay tablet to Khenet’s other hand, then dug in his belt pouch, coming up with a tiny gold wafer on a thin gold chain, embossed with Nat-re-Akhte’s personal cartouche. “And lastly, Pharaoh’s insignia for his personal representative.”
Khenet bowed his head so Edekh could loop the chain around his neck. “Pharaoh is most generous. I’m sure this will be sufficient.”
“I didn’t order chariots for you, as the streets in the harbor are so twisted and crowded, but I can, if you wish?” Edekh asked. “The lady’s possessions have already been conveyed from her home to the ship.”
Khenet felt a ripple of surprise at the news. Everyone must be very sure she won’t change her mind at the last second.
“Any other questions?” Edekh stared at him long and hard, as if there were more he wished to say but could not. They’d been battle companions in the final stages of the war to reclaim the throne for Nat-re-Akhte, the rightful occupant, and Khenet’s friendship with the scribe ran deep.
“None. I thank you, old comrade.”
Edekh stuck out his hand and they shook. “I am sorry this task fell to you, but may the gods go with you. We’ll miss you at the palace.” Nodding to Tiya, the scribe hastened out.
Khenet walked over to tuck the coins and tablet into his kitbag. “We must make haste to the docks, my lady. My orders are to sail by the second hour.”
Lady Tiya took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and wiped away a tear with one finger. A subtle tremor ran through her frame, and she closed her eyes.
Annoyance and foreboding settled into Khenet’s gut. I’ve no desire to walk through the streets of the capital with a weeping woman. He lifted his kitbag, shouldered the bow, then turned to find she hadn’t moved. He cleared his throat loudly.
Warrior of the Nile (The Gods of Egypt) Page 3