House of Scorpion

by Mark Gajewski

  I found the tall broken cliff decorated with the etching easily. I recognized it from a distance thanks to the small cave that pierced the base of the cliff, its mouth wide but its ceiling too low for a man to stand erect inside. A boulder-strewn slope slanted sharply from left to right in front of the cave, the ground between the boulders entirely covered with smaller stones that rolled with every careful step I took. The sun was shining directly on the cliff and radiating warmth. The guard took shelter from the sun in the cave, crawling inside on hands and knees so he wouldn’t bump his head. I perched on a boulder facing the etching and stared up at it. What I saw took me by surprise. Many more figures had been added on both sides of the etching since my last visit, their lines much brighter than the surrounding stone. The additions seemed to be fairly recent. The simple image I remembered had been turned into a tableaux that appeared to be telling a story. I’d been trying to figure out what it meant for some time when I heard a stone clack against another. I looked to my left. Abedu was standing a few paces away, hot and sweaty.

  The guard scrambled out of the cave on hands and knees, a dagger in his hand.

  “Go back to the others,” Abedu told the guard brusquely. “I’ll watch her.”

  “I don’t know… My Lord Antef…”

  “Leave!” Abedu interrupted.

  Abedu was much bigger than the guard. His tribe had a reputation for fierceness. The guard was intimidated. “As you wish, My Lord.” The guard hurried away. He didn’t sheath his knife.

  I didn’t doubt for a moment why Abedu was here. He wanted to be alone with me. He desired me. I’d seen it in his eyes in the audience hall during the council. Great. I was going to have to fight off two men the rest of this trip. That was going to get tiring. Abedu would probably watch me as closely as Antef, making my escape doubly hard. Then it struck me – having two jealous men fighting over me might not be so bad. It might even be to my advantage. After all, I knew Abedu planned to turn on Antef at Sabu’s behest after they defeated Scorpion and captured the valley and delta. That was a powerful piece of information. If I used it correctly, I might be able to set Antef and Abedu at each other’s throats and increase my chance of escape. I might even be able to drive a wedge between Antef and Sabu and break their alliance and reduce the already slim chance Sabu had of defeating Scorpion. I thanked the gods that Abedu had come. Time to flirt, pretend, deceive.

  “Thanks for sending him away, Abedu. He’s been complaining ever since we got here. Ruining the experience. I don’t know why Antef thinks he needs to watch me anyway.”

  “Maybe he’s afraid you’ll run away.”

  I shook my head and laughed “I’ve made it clear to Antef that I’m delighted to be done with Nubt. A king’s daughter sentenced by her brother to tasting his food and wine? Ridiculous. I deserve luxury, not servitude.”

  “You certainly do,” Abedu agreed.

  “Besides, if I was stupid enough to run off into this desert without food or water Antef would be better off letting me, don’t you think? It’d be a death sentence. What man needs a woman with absolutely no common sense?”

  Abedu looked me up and down. He took his time. “Other things are far more important in a woman than common sense, Matia. Far more.”

  I wasn’t going to have to expend any effort at all drawing Antef under my spell. He was already hooked. I felt sorry for Henuttawy, and at the same time slightly relieved. I was a foretaste of things to come for her. He’d tire of her soon enough and take up with other women. She’d have to spend the rest of her life among strangers, wandering the western desert, but at least he’d leave her alone.

  Abedu craned his neck and looked at the etchings. He looked puzzled. “What do they mean, Matia?”

  “All I can give you is my best guess, Antef.”

  “Go ahead and guess.”

  “Look first near the left end of the tableaux, Abedu. See the four dogs attacking the Barbary sheep? It’s a masterpiece. I’ve never seen an etching like it. Don’t you feel like you’re actually witnessing the dogs’ victory, the ram’s utter agony? I can practically hear the dogs growling and ripping his flesh apart.”

  “Who do you think made it, Matia? Hunters?”

  “Probably. Nubt’s hunters wear parts of the animals they’re stalking to give them the animals’ strength and courage – tails, skins, feathers.”

  “My tribe does too.”

  “That’s probably been handed down from hunter to hunter from the beginning of time, Abedu. Maybe the ancients thought making this image would assure they’d be able to kill a sheep.”

  “What about the rest of the images?”

  “They’ve been added quite recently. The lines are fresh. I think they’re telling a story, Abedu. See how every image on the left is moving right, towards the center, and every image on the right is moving left, again towards the center?”

  “Towards the crescent-shaped boat. I see the pattern.”

  “See the bulls with long horns? In the valley a bull symbolizes the king, since he’s such a powerful beast. I think the entire tableaux denotes a king’s power over the domesticated and the wild. Everything in the world comes in twos, after all – red land and black. Day and night. East and west. Upper valley and lower.”

  “Which king, Matia?”

  “Most likely? Scorpion. I think one of his spies did this. I think this tableaux is proof he has men watching these trails. I think it’s meant as a warning.”

  “I’d watch the trails if I was at war with Nubt too,” Abedu said. “So, explain it to me.”

  “At the left end of the tableaux a large bull’s following a dog that’s closely following a calf. They’re moving towards the Barbary sheep. Past the sheep is a dog and another bull. That signifies the king’s control over the domesticated world. Then the boat.”

  “What’s that amidships?”

  “I think it’s a sail.”

  “Sail?”

  “A large linen or reed sheet that catches the wind and makes the boat move faster.”

  “Like palm fronds in a bow?”

  “Only better. One of Pentu’s spies told us King Scorpion has quite a few boats like that. A very recent innovation. They can travel upriver in weeks’ less time than our boats.”

  “A substantial military advantage,” Abedu said thoughtfully. “Is that a dog perched atop the boat’s stern?”

  “I think so. Just above the boat is a recumbent jackal on a standard. I think it represents Wepwawet. He’d the god of Abdju, one of Tjeni’s satellites, and Tjeni itself. His name means ‘opener of the ways.’ Tjenians bury their important dead at Abdju. They believe the gate to the underworld’s in Abdju’s cliffs. They believe Wepwawet guides the dead on the paths of the underworld.”

  “That’s why you think Scorpion’s men are responsible for the etchings.”

  “Yes.”

  “Is that a donkey and a whip just to the right of the standard?” Abedu asked.

  “Yes. The second boat just past the donkey tells a complex story all its own. I think it speaks of sacrifice.”

  “Why?”

  “The long-horned addax on deck is an animal we typically slay to honor the gods at our celebrations here in the South. Same as prisoners.”

  “Like the man standing in the bow with his hands bound to a tall pole?”

  “That’s a mace hanging over his head – kings use maces in the South to slay.”

  “If the arrow in the prisoner’s neck doesn’t kill him first,” Abedu chuckled. “What’s the standard on the boat?”

  “Min, a fertility god from Gebtu.”

  “The hamlet across the river from Nubt.”

  I nodded.

  “There’s another bull directly over a bow behind the boat,” Abedu noted.

  “Directly over the bowstring,” I clarified. “The bull’s shooting the bow, not being shot.”

  “A reference to the king’s power,” Abedu said thoughtfully.

  “See the falcon
standard above the next and final bull? The falcon represents the god Horus, the protector of kings. The combination of the two images speaks of the god watching over the king.”

  “Isn’t Horus the god of Nekhen?”

  “He is. Though he’s known everywhere in the valley.” I thought about Sety’s dream, the mingling of Tjeni’s and Nubt’s blood in me, the joining of my line to Sety’s, beloved of the falcon god. Even though the dream hadn’t come true Iry and Scorpion and Sety had believed it. “Horus is as important in Tjeni as he is in Nekhen, Abedu. So these images could be Horus protecting Scorpion.”

  “What about the rightmost image of a gazelle pierced by an arrow shot from a bow?” Abedu asked.

  “It’s old, like the sheep and dogs. You can tell. The lines aren’t bright anymore. Made by ancient hunters I’d guess.”

  “What does the tableaux mean?” Abedu asked.

  “If hunters etched animals to assure they’d kill them, then maybe the image of the captive on the boat with the mace hanging over his head and the arrow in his throat is designed to assure that Sabu either dies in battle or is executed afterwards.”

  “I see it,” Abedu said reflectively. “Clear, yet mysterious. Like a woman.”

  Now he was openly flirting with me. He’d definitely followed me here for a reason. I wasn’t going to have to work at this at all. “You looked disappointed when Sabu awarded me to Ny-Hor, Abedu.”

  “Can you blame me, Matia? You’re a beauty. Very compelling. Very exciting.”

  “You’re very unusual, Abedu. Exotic. I’ve never met a man like you. Blue eyes. A beard.”

  “You look wild, like the desert that’s my home, Matia, not tame like the valley.”

  That word again. Tame. What was it with men? “I’ve heard the desert can be a harsh place, Abedu.”

  “Quite true. It’s not an easy place to live.”

  “Promise you’ll do your best to make it easy for Henuttawy, Abedu. She’s my cousin.”

  “I didn’t know that, Matia.”

  “She’s been sheltered her whole life.” Time to plant a seed. “It’s not her fault what happened.”

  “What happened?”

  “You don’t know, Abedu? The first thing Sabu did when he took his throne was strip her father Bebi of his stick of authority and home and belongings. He ordered him to work as a fisherman. I’m surprised Sabu didn’t tell you.”

  Abedu stiffened. “Henuttawy isn’t elite?”

  Status mattered to him. Excellent. “She grew up elite. But she’s a lapwing now.” Best to use the disparaging word to drive home my point instead of calling her the more benevolent “commoner.” I looked around as if I was making sure we weren’t being overheard. “Frankly, I was shocked when Sabu gave you Henuttawy. Sabu’s uncle Ani has half a dozen daughters of marriageable age. Ani is Sabu’s most favored elite. Nubt’s most important. Most closely related to Sabu.”

  Abedu’s face was getting red.

  “Sabu loves to take advantage,” I said. “I hope you don’t think he considers you no better than a lapwing just because he gave you one.”

  “I’m no lapwing,” Abedu said, his voice clipped.

  “Please, Abedu, don’t take what Sabu did to you out on Henuttawy, for my sake. She’s a victim, just like you.”

  Abedu was fuming. His eyes proclaimed injustice. “Henuttawy won’t suffer because of Sabu, for your sake, Matia. I promise. As for Sabu… that’s a different matter.”

  Shortly after that Abedu accompanied me back to the resting place. He didn’t say much. Neither did I. I had no need for words. I was quietly exulting. I felt I’d exploited a small chink in Sabu’s armor this day. I felt I’d finally won a small victory over him.

  ***

  We traveled north from early every morning until a little after night fell. We sought shade in the midday heat. We camped keeping our fire small and hidden to avoid detection, our camp ringed by guards. I slept with a flint knife in my hand. I didn’t trust Antef to wait. Henuttawy shared Abedu’s pallet. I didn’t trust him either.

  Once we reached the vicinity of Hiw we struck off west deeper into the desert on obscure lightly-used trails I’d never seen before, eventually turning north, parallel to the river which lay ten miles to the east. We were giving Abdju and Tjeni and the other settlements and hamlets that owed fealty to Scorpion a wide berth. The sixth day, having skirted Tjeni and passed a dozen miles to its north, we turned directly east and struck the river at dusk, setting up camp beside the water. According to Antef, in the morning we’d follow the riverbank another ten miles to where his boat was moored and be done with donkeys. Once I embarked on Antef’s boat I knew I’d never escape him. I’d be doomed to an empty existence in Pe and Dep, the wife of an aged king and then his despicable son. I had to flee tonight.

  As usual, every ruler’s retinue camped a little apart. After I’d bathed along with Henuttawy for the first time in more than a week and washed away the grime of the trail I sat with Antef, warming myself beside a very small fire. The rulers were all still leery of discovery by Scorpion.

  “One more day and we’ll be drifting on the river. No more riding donkeys through forsaken desert,” Antef said after he swallowed the last bite of broiled perch. “Then a new life for you, Matia, with me, in Pe and Dep.”

  Antef had given me an opening. It was time to turn him against Abedu. Time for me to try to escape. I’d been rehearing what I was going to say for days. “I can’t tell you how glad I am to finally be free of my brother, Antef. All the lies… all the deceit…”

  “All the wine-tasting?” Antef laughed.

  “It’s no wonder Sabu’s paranoid, Antef. He thinks everyone’s exactly like him. Treacherous. Untrustworthy. Double-dealing.”

  “How so, Matia?”

  “Did I ever tell you about the murders I witnessed him commit? No, I suppose I haven’t. Being that we’re practically strangers and you’re his friend. You probably wouldn’t believe me.”

  “What murders?”

  I’d piqued his interest. “I saw Sabu slit our brother Hetshet’s throat when Hetshet wouldn’t agree to go to war against Scorpion. I was in the audience hall when Sabu ordered my husband’s son, Baki, to murder my father. Sabu rewarded Baki by knifing him in the heart. Sabu then falsely accused my husband, Pentu, of killing Father. Sabu executed Pentu using my father’s mace. Ten minutes later I found my son dead in my house. Sabu boasted afterwards that he’d ordered him killed to punish me.”

  “You really saw all this?” Antef asked, astounded.

  “I did. Sabu knows I saw him kill Hetshet. He doesn’t know I saw the other murders. He let me live because killing me would’ve been a kindness, and he’s a vindictive man.” I put my hand on Antef’s forearm. “You should be very careful where Sabu’s concerned, Antef. Watch your back.” I paused. I lowered my voice. “Without fail.”

  “Why, Matia? Is there something you’re not telling me?”

  I made a point of resting my eyes on Abedu, beside his own small fire thirty yards away. “After you rulers left the audience hall after making your alliance I had to stay behind to serve Sabu. He and Ani talked about what they’re going to do after Tjeni and the North fall. Sabu said he’d arranged with Abedu even before the council began to attack you and capture Pe and Dep. Sabu wants the North for himself. Sabu granted Abedu eternal grazing rights in the delta in return for his help.”

  Antef’s eyes narrowed. He was skeptical, not angry. “Why are you telling me this, Matia? How do I know you’re telling the truth?”

  “My fate’s your fate now, Antef. I’m practically your wife. When Abedu attacks you he’ll be attacking me. I shouldn’t tell you this, but when you were resting in the shade the first day after leaving Nubt Abedu came on to me. Henuttawy doesn’t satisfy him. He wants me. He’ll take me for himself if he captures Pe and Dep.”

  Now Antef was angry. I’d roused his male pride. I’d played him. He jumped to his feet. “Abedu!” he screamed.

>   He stalked towards Abedu’s fire.

  Men there leapt to their feet.

  I didn’t wait to see what was going to happen. I ran in the opposite direction, out of the firelight and into the darkness, then down to the river. Once there I headed south at a half-run in the direction of Tjeni. With luck, Abedu and Antef would fight it out behind me, and their retainers with them, and one or the other would die and Sabu’s alliance would be broken. At worst, accusations would fly and they’d call for me and discover me missing and launch an immediate search. I assumed I had only a few minutes before they came looking for me. I followed the palm tree-lined riverbank, moving as quickly as possible in the faint moonlight. The near-darkness was bad for my progress but would hinder pursuers. But not that much. I was certain they’d head south to look for me – only a fool would head off into the desert without food or water, and there’d be no point in me traveling north.

  I stumbled along for hours, scarcely stopping to rest, and that only for a few moments, long enough to take a quick drink from the river and listen for pursuers. I fell more times than I could count, sliced my legs on scraggly vegetation, scraped knees and elbows. Dark bloody stains soon marred my white skirt, which was increasingly torn and tattered. I tumbled over the trunk of a fallen palm tree and banged my chin on the ground and bit my lip; I tasted hot blood then. I prayed over and over to Seth to guide my steps and help me reach Tjeni so I could stop Sabu. And save my life.

  I ran and walked and ran again all night. I began to move a bit easier in the half hour just before dawn when the sky began to lighten, though not significantly faster. My legs ached like they never had my entire life. I was starving and exhausted and terrified. Just as the sun leapt above the rim of the eastern plateau I spotted a small reed fishing punt tied up along the shore at the end of a cultivated field. I sighted smoke spiraling from a farmer’s hut at the western end of the cultivation. I was apparently near a hamlet of some kind. I had no compunction. I stole the punt.