The Trader´s Pact

by Nathaniel Burns

  “This is why you said he was tortured.”

  Neti nodded, “I have never seen anything so cruel, I don’t even think Ramesses would allow it.”

  “I don’t understand what you mean?” Shabaka said looking at the man’s feet again.

  “Have you ever had a nail break off into the flesh part of your finger?” Neti asked.

  “Yes, it is excruciatingly painful.”

  “Imagine someone forcing your toenails back up, one by one.”

  “What!” Exclaimed Shabaka.

  Neti moved to the man’s feet and then lifted one of the toenails and pulling it backwards towards the man’s leg. “It’s still connected by the flesh, but whoever did this knows how to inflict pain. His wrists indicate the they tied him to something with some coarse ropes.”

  “What was the cause of death?” asked Shabaka.

  “He did not die because of the pain, he was strangled.” Neti pointed to the neck, “it looks like a rope was used.”

  “And you’re certain it was not here?” Shabaka asked.

  “There is no blood and nothing to tie him to.”

  Shabaka looked over at Moses and shouted, “We’re looking for a rope.”

  Moses looked at him and lifted his hand before nodding.

  “Why?” asked Neti.

  “It will focus the recruits away from the body. Okay, so what does this mean?” The latter Shabaka asked more to himself.

  “We have to think like the killer,” said Neti.

  “Considering that man’s appearance I think it better if we didn’t,” Shabaka said.

  “So let’s think about the killer's reasons?” Neti suggested.

  “He must have known something and with the recruits following him, getting rid of him would have been preferable.”

  Neti thought it over for several moments but then shook her head. “He would then not have been left here out in the open where anyone would find him. We’ve seen people bury bodies, we’ve seem people throw bodies to the crocodiles to be rid of them. Leaving the body here for us to find was done for a reason.”

  “So either it is to distract us or to warn us.” said Shabaka, “So which would be more effective?”

  “People know we don’t easily give up.” Said Neti.

  “They also know that when there is a murder we will focus on that.”

  “Would be a bit foolish if the murder investigation led us to them.”

  “But would it?” asked Neti.

  Shabaka looked at her and remained silent, in thought for several long moments before he said.

  “You have a point. They are getting smarter, they also think they know how we work, not considering that our methods change as much as theirs. He might only be a scapegoat to them, which means they expect us to follow through with the investigation.”

  “So what are we going to do?” asked Neti.

  “Exactly what they want us to do.” said Shabaka. Neti looked at him in confusion, which had him say, “It is the perfect opportunity for our recruits to gain some experience. We allocate the matter to them and Moses, which will create the appearance that we are taking the matter seriously.”

  Neti moved and then tilted her head before pointing at the man’s shoulder, stating, “That is strange.”

  “It looks like a tattoo of sorts, but it is not painted, it looks like it was cut into his skin.”

  Neti moved back, “I will have the recruits draw it, it may lead them somewhere.”

  “Are you going to release the body?” asked Shabaka.

  “Well, once the recruits have taken their notes I see no reason to keep it.”

  Shabaka nodded and said, “Good, all things must appear as usual, I’ll send a runner to the state per-nefer.”

  “We will need to tell Moses that he may even have to guide them.”

  Shabaka nodded, I will tell him this evening when we meet for the wedding preparations.”

  Moses and the recruits returned as Marlep and his bearers arrived.”

  “Are you not going to check his body?” Mipi asked.

  “You will need to draw the strange markings on his shoulder, then he can go.”

  “We are not going to go over it?” Juma asked.

  “I don’t need to take the body to my per-nefer, because I already know that he was strangled, probably with a rope.” Neti pointed to the man’s neck and said, “The blueness of lips confirms it, along with the marks on his neck and on his wrists. So there is little else I need to look for.”

  “He was murdered, does that mean we get to solve it?” Juma asked.

  “Technically, because the mejay want to question you, you should not assist.” Neti said, watching as Juma’s enthusiasm waned, if only slightly. “However, given that we have several matters at the moment, you will help Moses with this matter.”

  Moses looked at her, for a moment seeming confused but nodded.

  Neti pulled out a sheet of papyrus and a small pot of ink and a quill and held them out to Kafi. “You will need to take notes, and make sure to get the markings on his shoulder, they may be important.” Kafi nodded and took the proffered objects and settled into position.

  Mipi stepped forward and looked at the markings before declaring, “I recognize that.”

  Shabaka turned to him and asked, “What does it mean?”

  “He is a trader from the northern deserts, they all have them. They are just simply cuts made to the shape.”

  “And the reason for it?” Moses asked.

  “For identification. They are a group of traders. They travel together and look out for each other as they cross the deserts, it affirms their origin and allegiance.”

  “Are they any trouble?” Shabaka asked.

  Mipi shook his head and said, “No, they are simple minded, only to those who plan to steal from them would excite their rage.”

  “Which still leaves us to question why Juma was following him.” Shabaka said turning towards Juma.

  “Our instruction was to follow anyone who drew our attention. He drew mine, it was as if he did not belong in Thebes, or at least not in that area of Thebes.”

  Moses looked at Juma and said, “Many don’t seem to fit, how did you decide he didn’t?”

  “He was talking to people other than traders, and moving around without needing to check where he was going.”

  “He was familiar then with his surroundings,” Shabaka said, then asked Mipi, “And you are certain this tattoo is similar to the one the traders use?”

  “He may not be a traveling trader anymore, but it does reveal where he comes from.”

  Given that he could have settled here, it would mean that someone would know him,” Neti said, “That means first we see if there are any traders from the northern desert still here, and if not we need to find out where he lived and who he associated with.”

  “Only then will we figure out why someone would want him dead.” Said Moses.

  Kafi was trying to scribble notes when net said, “You don’t need to write exactly what we say, only the context of what we say.”

  Kafi nodded.

  “I’m going to look for the captain of the mejay, I will leave you and Moses in charge of the investigation.” Shabaka said and then turned to leave.

  Neti then turned to the others and asked, “Why do we take notes?”

  Kafi answered, “Because we do not always remember everything and something that is important we may forget.”

  “You will have to learn to write faster than that.” said Moses.

  “But then the hieroglyphs are untidy.”

  “As long as you can read them it is fine,” said Neti and turned to the others, “You will consult your notes often during an investigation.”

  “Right, Moses, so let’s hear it, what did you find?”

  “We found nothing.” Moses stated, “Although we may need to train them not to stomp everything as they walk.”

  So any ideas as to motive for his murder?” asked Neti.
r />   “Well, the northern desert traders have a harsh view on anyone who tries to cheat them – even their own,” said Mipi.

  Moses shook his head as he said, “They would only beat him up, not kill him.”

  “What does this have to do with finding who's responsible?” Juma asked.

  Moses replied, “It narrows down the area where we start to look for people who may be guilty.”

  Neti pointed to the body as the bearers prepared to lift it and said, “His murder does not appear to be personal, so we can assume he had a disagreement with someone else.”

  Juma looked at Neti and said, “Before he complained to the mejay he was heading towards the more affluent part of the city.”

  “Which questions what he was doing there,” said Neti. She turned to Moses and said, “Take Juma and Mipi and start from the traders' angle. I’ll take Kafi and tend to the notes and records.”

  “Hey, I may even begin to like this,” said Moses.

  That evening, after having dismissed the recruits, Moses, Shabaka and Neti settled in the prefect room, where Moses was the first to speak, “I think I might get to enjoy having these recruits around.”

  “They are trainees not your personal slaves, “said Shabaka, “…and to be honest I find their presence stifling.”

  “You have seen enough youngsters move through the palace in your time there, you did not find that difficult.” said Moses.

  “The difference was that they did not try to outperform each other as these three are.”

  Moses nodded as he said, “They do seem tireless. When I sent them home this afternoon it was as if they didn’t want to go.”

  “I think we all have a lot to get used to.” Said Neti, causing both of them to look at her, “So what have we learned this afternoon?”

  “Not much,” said Moses. “There are no traders from the north and no one seemed to know who he was.”

  “What is curious to me,” Shabaka said, “is the fact that Juma said he was moving to the more affluent parts of the city when he was taken. Meaning not only was he aware that he was being followed, Juma said nothing about him having anything to trade.”

  “Meaning he had no real reason to be there,” said Moses.

  “Unless he was meeting someone or collecting something.” said Neti.

  “But if his actions were as innocent, he would not have needed to have Juma apprehended.” said Moses.

  “Which tells us something and nothing at the same time.” said Shabaka.

  “What do you mean?” asked Moses.

  “It means that either we are getting close to something and they are getting nervous, or Juma is clumsy when following someone.”

  “If we went with the first, what could possibly be in the affluent part of the city?”

  Moses and Shabaka thought it over for some time, however it was Moses that spoke first. “Could be the ever-elusive replacement for Apisite-Repiste.”

  Neti shook her head as she said, “I do not think they would get away with something like that there, too many disagreeable people in Apisite-Repiste.

  It was moved outside the city,” Moses said.

  “So we have heard but we have never seen any confirmation thereof.

  “For all we know, it could be somewhere in the affluent parts of the city.” Said Shabaka, “What better place to hide it than somewhere it will not be looked for?”

  “There is also a very strong chance that the girls who are taken may be involved,” Said Neti. Both Moses and Shabaka looked at her as she continued, “we know they are paid for, and for it to be such attraction, the person would have to be prominent in society or hold an important position.

  “The new vizier is not all that new anymore. Greed may even have gotten the better of him, and he lives in that side of the city Moses said.”

  He’s still too new,” Said Shabaka. “Crime starts small and escalates. he would first have to get away with several smaller trespasses before moving on to something like that. Also, from what Uli have said this man has been at it for some time already. It could really just be a matter of the man outlived his usefulness.”

  “So who else would live in such an area?”

  “The priests.” Neti volunteered.

  “Don’t want to go there,” said Moses, “I have enough arguments with them about religion.”

  “Priests do however have the ability to manipulate others.” Said Shabaka, “Also let us not forget the incident with the young princess, so we are familiar enough with their desire for power.”

  “That guy was mad!” Moses said, “He wasn’t a priest.”

  “Which leaves us with the officials and the elders,” Shabaka said.

  “They all hole prominent positions or places in the court, so they will be just as difficult,” said Neti.

  “The only thing they all have in common is they want to be rid of us.” Moses stated flatly.

  “That does amount to motive, but not motive to a trader’s murder.” Reasoned Shabaka.

  “Kafi said something very memorable this afternoon,” Neti started, “He said that no matter where you went, the trading communities were small, and that everyone knew what the other was up to.”

  “How would he know? He’s never been a trader.” Moses challenged.

  He is very observant and he has spent a lot of time with Suten-Anu calculating the taxes traders have to pay before leaving.”

  “Which means even thought he was not a trader he had a great deal of contact with them, hw also would be familiar with the tricks they try to pull when taxes need to be paid.”

  Neti nodded before she continued, “He said that all the traders were well enough connected with one another to know what the other will be trading or what is wanted by the people. He also implied that in order for them to get away with what they are doing, they would need someone in a position of power whom they could manipulate to draw attention away from their dealings.”

  “The question however remains, “Exactly how high up would this person be?”

  “And if he is high up, how safe is Ramesses?” asked Moses.

  “That we don’t know, but we intend to find out.” Deadpanned Shabaka.

  “How?” asked Moses, “We actually have no idea where to start on this.”

  “I could ask Suten-Anu if he has seen or heard anything while working on the taxes.”

  “We could try.” Said Shabaka.

  14

  Chapter Fourteen

  Neti made her way down to the river with Uli and several of the girls. Uli was teaching them how to weave flower wreaths for Moses’ wedding. After spending some time bathing and playing at the rivers’ edge, they all set off in search of the longer weaving grasses that grew near the reeds. Several of the Mejay kept a constant eye on their movements, while a number of the older girls went in search of geese eggs. The younger ones focused on collecting the various grasses and flowers. Once their baskets were full they turned back towards the Luxor temple.

  One of the older girls with large brown eyes and longish hair, which had not been shaved in a while, insisted on walking next to Neti on their return. As they entered their home she said, “I’m making a special wreath just for you to wear at the wedding.”

  “You don’t need to do that, it is the bride who needs special attention.”

  “The bride did not save us.” The girl flatly stated.

  “That may be so, but she is an important part of the people who look after and supports me.”

  “I wish I have that.” The girl said, skulking.

  “But you have so many friends here, now.” Said Neti.

  “They will come back for us, they said they would if we left, and that there is nothing we can do about it.”

  Neti lowered to her haunches and said. “No one is going to take you again. And if they tried they would have to get through me first.”

  The girl looked at her in obvious disbelief but finally nodded.

  Neti looked past the girl and
saw Shabaka approaching and asked, “Have you learned anything?”

  Shabaka shook his head and said. “I thought we’d give that idea of yours a try.”

  “Which one was that?” Asked Neti.

  “Taking some of the children to the market to see if they…” Shabaka started but was cut short when Neti lifted her finger to her lips.

  “Perhaps we could go and look at some of the flowers and goods for the wedding.” Neti said and then turned to the girl, and asked, “Do you have a friend or two that would like to go with us to the market?”

  The girl appeared to think it over for a moment before nodding.

  “Why don’t you go call them, we’ll wait for you.”

  “The girl walked away, hesitantly looking over her shoulder a few times as she moved into the home.

  “She seems fond of you,” said Shabaka.

  “Children are far more intelligent than we think.” Said Neti. “They do what they need to survive.”

  “Was that why you would not let me finish?”

  “I didn’t want her to think we were using them.” Said Neti, “It does not seem fair.”

  “We have seen enough of the ills of society to know that nothing is fair. But having some understanding for what they experienced I also know better than to push them.”

  Neti looked at Shabaka, knowing it was not something he would ever really talk about, but thankful that he was considerate.

  “We will watch their reactions, and if there is any serious reactions we will simply ask them what caused it.” Shabaka concluded.

  They watched as two boys accompanied the girl, who hesitantly approached. On teaching Neti and Shabaka the girl said, pointing at the two boys. “They don’t believe me.”

  “Why not?” Neti asked looking at the boys.

  They both appeared hesitant so Shabaka said, “You could come watch the stick fights with me.”

  Instantly, the two boys livened.

  “Well then let’s go.” Neti said.

  They arrived at the market, which was already a hive of activity and Shabaka moved closer to Neti and said, “Perhaps it is better if we remain together.”