Magic of the Nile

by Veronica Scott

  “And the Great One Sobek does not set limits on what I do with my personal time.” Tyema smiled, gazing into his dark brown eyes, enjoying the warmth of his reciprocating grin.

  He relinquished her hand. “I’m on a tight schedule for accomplishing this task as Pharaoh has other duties for me in the near future. I’d appreciate your help finding suitable inlets to recommend for the new port. In return I’ll teach you to drive the chariot,” he offered. “Although, gods help me, it’s not a skill most women have any interest in. You did well enough last night.”

  Glancing at the piles of tablets and the rolled papyri on her desk, Tyema said, “I can’t abandon my daily duties.”

  “No, I understand but surely you can delegate some tasks, spend a portion of the days with me while I’m here? The afternoons at least?” Sahure picked up a tablet from Jemkhufu’s desk at random, scanning the hieratic writing. “A request for prayers about the birthing of the new calves?” Staring at her, one eyebrow raised, he said, “You don’t handle every single aspect of this temple’s business and religious activities yourself, do you?”

  Actually, I do. She studied him closely. “I can’t tell— are you proposing we conduct business or pleasure together?”

  Dropping the tablet on top of the others, he nodded. “Oh, I’m all business, I assure you. I have a scroll of authority from Pharaoh attesting to my mission, which I can duly show you if required. I’ve a feeling your overly protective scribe is going to demand the proof,” he said with a deep chuckle. “But I see no reason why a job must be pure drudgery, not when there’s such pleasant company available.”

  Careful, this man is a high born noble, used to verbal foreplay with the women at Court before he beds them, no doubt. You can’t take his honeyed words too seriously. Even as she was inwardly chiding herself, Tyema nodded. His friendly, teasing manner put her at ease as no one else other than Merys ever had. What harm could it do to enjoy this rare opportunity, to indulge in seductive flirtation? Someone who knows nothing of my past? I can keep my head, even if I do find him so attractive. And if we let it drift further, into more intimate territory, what harm after all? I’m a grown woman with no commitments.

  “Well, do we have a bargain? You’d better decide before your officious scribe forces his way back in here to preserve the day’s precious schedule.” Sahure’s bantering words interrupted her musing.

  With a little start, Tyema nodded. “I’ll help speed your mission, in exchange for the chariot lessons, yes. Although I’d put the resources of the temple at Pharaoh’s disposal in any case, up to the limits my Great One imposed.”

  “I’ll take my leave and return tomorrow at the first hour past noon. You should be done with ceremonies by then?”

  “Yes, that’s fine.” Tyema tried to remember what little she knew of boats and harbors. Neither was a subject of which she was fond.

  Bowing, Sahure left the office. Tyema sank back into her chair as a flustered Jemkhufu shoved past the captain in the doorway and tried to find his place on the list of priorities for the day, muttering imprecations at the delay in the schedule.

  I hope I haven’t made a huge mistake. Resisting the urge to go to the window for one last glimpse of the Theban as he left the grounds, Tyema leaned her head against the winged sun depicted on the back of the chair and closed her eyes for a moment, before reaching for the medicinal water, as her headache made a pounding reappearance.

  ***

  Next morning she had butterflies in her stomach which wouldn’t subside, no matter what she was doing. The hours crawled by, Tyema felt she was walking through the ceremonies by rote and wondered what occupied Sahure this morning. Finally the noontime devotions were finished and she changed her dress before eating a hasty lunch, in case he arrived early.

  Promptly as the shadow of the sundial moved to cover the hour, she heard Sahure’s deep voice in the outer chambers and then a frowning Jemkhufu was ushering him into her office. The captain was dressed more plainly today, still in uniform but a serviceable kilt and blue tunic, golden falcon badge pinned to the shoulder. His bare arms revealed the powerful muscles of a charioteer, the tattoo of the Great One Horus’s cartouche accenting his left bicep. The belt knife with a golden falcon’s head handle and the sword at his hip reinforced his profession as a warrior, if there was any doubt.

  Taking a deep breath to steady herself in the presence of so much unaccustomed energy and masculine power, Tyema rose from her chair. “Welcome, captain. I trust your morning was productive?”

  He bowed slightly. “Indeed, but I can’t make significant progress on my mission for Pharaoh without more knowledge of the aspects of the Nile in this area, especially the flood plain at inundation time. Does your temple library have any maps?”

  “We’ve gathered quite the store of local knowledge over the years,” Jemkhufu said before Tyema could get a word in edgewise. Chewing his lip, he added, “Although I’m not sure we have river maps specifically. Inundation records, yes.”

  Sahure glanced at Tyema, one eyebrow raised, plainly waiting to see what she’d do next, as far as the officious scribe’s attempt to insert himself into the discussion.

  “The Great One Sobek instructed me to provide Captain Sahure with the knowledge he seeks,” she said. “You may spend the afternoon dealing with the issue of the cattle tally from the western farm.” Pasting a smile on her face that felt so fake her cheeks ached, Tyema continued addressing Jemkhufu in a determinedly cheerful tone. “I know you were anxious to resolve the issue of how many male calves they were reporting, as opposed to last season’s.”

  Glancing from her to Sahure, the scribe drew himself up taller, still failing miserably to match their visitor’s impressive height. “As you wish, my lady, but I’d be glad to conduct the captain to the library and help him search through the scrolls, so your afternoon remains free for other duties.”

  A flash of irritation made her voice sharper than usual. Seeing Sahure trying in vain to suppress a smile was also annoying. “Assisting the captain is my primary duty today. Yours is to resolve the cattle tally. I’ll expect a tablet with the corrected count on my desk first thing in the morning, so you’d best be off to start the audit.”

  Face reddening, Jemkhufu said nothing more, merely placed his hand over his heart and bowed, exiting the room with an aggrieved demeanor, chin raised.

  “You handled his insubordination well,” Sahure said. “Does he take such a tone with you often?”

  “Jemkhufu is invaluable in helping me coordinate all the temple’s business,” she answered, feeling compelled to defend her scribe. “But he does get carried away at times.”

  “So your library holds nothing that will be of service in my mission? Other than the flood measurements?”

  “I have something better.” She held out her hand, feeling excitement bubbling in her gut. “I think you’ll be surprised.”

  “Nothing you do will surprise me too much, Lady Ema,” he said, taking her hand in his and squeezing her fingers gently. “Where are we going?”

  “To the garden beside the old temple.” Tyema could barely restrain her grin, anxious to show him what had been prepared at her request.

  Forehead wrinkled in a puzzled frown, he allowed her to draw him outside, walking beside her on the crushed stone paths of the formal garden until they moved onto the broken flagstones of the ancient sanctuary. “Your gardeners don’t bother to trim the shrubs here, I notice.”

  “Sobek prefers things to be left untouched in the oldest areas,” she said. “I like this part of the garden. The newer complex feels too formal to me sometimes, but it’s necessary for pilgrims and temple staff to move freely in the compound so the grounds have to be well kept. No one comes here but me.” And the overgrown foliage ensures my total privacy.

  “I’m honored, but I have to say I don’t quite understand how my assignment to identify potential harbor sites brings us on a walk in the garden.” Sahure’s dark brown eyes held an amused gle
am as he cleared encroaching palm fronds from the path for her.

  Glancing at him, Tyema felt her cheeks grow hot. Does he think I’m bringing him here for dalliance? Fortunately they’d arrived at her destination. “I believe you’ll find this immensely helpful.” She gestured at what had been a flowerbed in front of them, where now nothing grew.

  Sahure drew in a sharp breath of surprise and dropped her hand, striding to the edge of the long planter. “Is this what I think it is?”

  “A three dimensional rendering in miniature of the Nile in this area, yes.” Pleased at his reaction, Tyema joined him, equally enchanted by the model of the river before them. A small stream representing the Nile flowed through the center of the map, draining into a pool choked with water lilies.

  Sahure gazed at their surroundings, overgrown gardens, broken pillars, half-toppled statues. “But you said this is the ancient temple?”

  Wondering what his concern could be, she nodded. “Yes.”

  “Lady Ema, forgive me, this is a fantastic map, but the Nile changes her aspects every year with the floods. I have to work from something current, something accurate in modern times.” His tone was gentle, as if he was trying not to hurt her feelings.

  She laughed, going to sit on the raised edge of the planter, trailing her fingers in the cool water of the stream. Tiny iridescent fish darted away. “This map is current as of last night, when the Great One Sobek created it for you.”

  “Are you serious?” Stepping closer to the twelve foot display, he hunkered down and peered closely at the glittering golden sands the god had molded into a map.

  “I told him what your mission was for Pharaoh and the Great One was gracious enough to use his power to create this.” Tyema smiled, remembering how surprised Sobek had been at the unusual request. “He’s the keeper of the Nile after all, so no one is better acquainted with her twists and turns. I think he was pleased to be consulted.”

  Reaching out, Sahure touched the closest miniature hilltop. The sand stayed firmly in place, not one grain shifting. “This is amazing. I can’t believe you asked the god to make me a map.” Rising, he paced along the edge, stopping to examine an area a few miles away from Tyema’s temple. Voice charged with excitement, he said, “I never expected him to get personally involved. I’m honored beyond words.”

  “He had a recommendation for you, told me where he felt would be the best spot.” Tyema went to stand next to Sahure.

  “And?” He raised one brow.

  She felt mischievous. “Why don’t you tell me first, where you think might be best?”

  “I don’t presume to put my knowledge against the omniscience of a Great One,” he said. “But I think this large inlet with a peninsula seems the most promising. I’ll investigate this locale before any other.”

  Tyema was impressed. “The exact spot Sobek indicated as well.”

  “I need to copy this onto a papyrus,” Sahure said. “May I borrow some sheets from your scribe’s supply?”

  “Of course, but the Great One promised the map would last for as long as you needed it. He gave me a spell word to dissolve the sands for the wind to scatter later. He’d no wish for it to be permanent.”

  “I must go see each site in person, make extensive notes while I’m there, take measurements, outline what would be required to make the place a workable port, estimate costs and manpower, advantages, disadvantages. Pharaoh expects a thorough report. I have to be his eyes on this matter,” Sahure said. “I can’t report back to him without doing the work, not even with a map from a god to help me.”

  “I see. I’d no idea it was all so complicated.” Tyema walked with him as they returned to the newer temple to get the supplies Sahure desired.

  Evidently picking up on the disappointment in her voice, Sahure said, “But having the map from the hand of the god himself is a tremendous advantage. I owe you a great debt for obtaining this special favor for me. My work will proceed much faster, and it will do me no harm to mention the god’s direct involvement to Pharaoh.”

  I’m not sure Sahure’s early departure was necessarily the result I had in mind. A little ripple of dismay went through her like a chill wind. I’m not in any rush for him to leave the area. It would take a long time, if ever, for the novelty of Sahure’s company to wear off.

  “So this afternoon, I’ll be copying the map onto a scroll,” Sahure said, oblivious to her thoughts. “But tomorrow we’ll drive out there and see for ourselves. At what hour can you be free to leave?”

  “You were serious, you want me to inspect the sites?”

  “I think it’s wise to have the god’s representative present, yes.” Sahure stopped to let her precede him into the temple office. “And you can get some practice on handling the reins, because an officer of Pharaoh keeps his word and I’ll teach you to drive, as promised.” He leaned closer. “And perhaps most importantly, it’s an excellent excuse for me to spend more time with you, my elusive lady Ema.”

  She fidgeted with her lotus-shaped earrings before smoothing the neckline of her simple linen dress. Well, clearly Sobek is favorably disposed to this or he wouldn’t have made the map, so it must be appropriate for me to accompany Sahure instead of performing my normal duties. “I need to conduct the morning observances personally,” she said, making a bargain with her conscience. “But by the tenth hour of the day, midmorning, I could leave.”

  “I’ll be here then.”

  ***

  Next morning, as Sahure tethered the horses to the stone anchor at the base of the stairs leading to the plateau where Sobek’s temple complex was situated, he wondered if Tyema would actually take him up on his offer to teach her to drive. Holding the reins while he stood behind her ready to take control should there be a problem was much different than actually driving. Today will be interesting in many ways.

  “You’re timely,” Tyema said from above his head, interrupting his thoughts. “I’d scarcely taken my seat on the bench at the summit, to watch for your arrival, and here you are.”

  Startled, Sahure realized she was coming down the long stairs to meet him, dressed sensibly in a plain linen sheath, sturdy sandals and a gauzy blue shawl over one arm. Her hair was caught up in a simple twist, her only jewelry the raw emerald pendant of Sobek around her neck. Hastily he went to meet her. “You stand on little ceremony here.”

  “What would be the point of making you toil up all the stairs, only to engage in another unpleasant exchange with my scribe, no doubt? You and I would still have to make our way back to the chariot and you’d be in a grumpy mood from sparring with Jemkhufu. Or else insufferably amused.” Tyema stepped past him, walking to the horses and offering them the carrots she’d been holding in one hand, stroking their noses and murmuring little endearments. Smiling, she looked over her shoulder at him. “I’m saving time.”

  Practical. He couldn’t imagine any priestess in Thebes, or any woman he knew at Court, tossing aside protocol to make life simpler in a case like this.

  Apparently struck by misgiving, Tyema regarded him in dismay. “Did you need to see the map of Sobek again, before we leave?”

  Genuinely amused, he laughed, tapping a leather case strapped to the side of the chariot. “No, I’ve all the copied maps and my notes here, along with ink and a stylus. And tools for taking measurements. Shall we set out? I think we’re in for a drive of several hours.”

  She wound her shawl around herself and took his hand to step into the chariot. “And you’ll give me a driving lesson?”

  “On the return trip,” he said, unfastening the reins and joining her, backing the horses up carefully before directing them out onto the road which ran along the Nile. “They’ll be less frisky then, easier for a beginner to handle. I intend to let them have their heads and gallop, as soon as we’re away from your temple.” He gave her a glance and was pleased to see her smile and nod enthusiastically, even as she clutched the top rail of the chariot. “All right then, let’s make good time to the spot your god
and I believe is the top candidate for Pharaoh’s next harbor.”

  ***

  She was an excellent companion, choosing to stroll with him on the periodic breaks where he walked the horses. She had many lively questions about a wide range of topics, from what Pharaoh was like to his own adventures in the military. Sahure told her how he’d visited his uncle the nomarch of Ibis Province several times as a boy and fallen in love with the area, which made his present assignment even more agreeable. “But we never came to your village. I would have remembered. My uncle is an excellent administrator and travels throughout the Nome periodically.”

  “He’s been to Ta’sobeksef on occasion,” Tyema answered, drawing her shawl closer as if chilled, although the day was hot and the sun beat down on them. “We exchange letters about temple business from time to time, but there’s nothing here meriting his personal attention. I like him, but of course I don’t know him beyond his official capacity.”

  Sahure was thankful for the gentle breeze blowing off the river. Wiping his forehead, he checked to see how his companion was faring in the heat. “Do you need another drink of water?”

  “I’ve had plenty for now, thank you.” She shook her head. “We must be getting close to the spot?”

  “Yes, I think over the next rise.” He packed the water skin away and they returned to the chariot, horses picking up their pace to a trot as Sahure directed them over the hard packed earth. Portions of the journey from the site of Tyema’s temple had been on what seemed to be the remnants of an ancient thoroughfare, but in other places where no road ran, the ground was firm enough to allow the vehicle an easy passage.

  “Oh, so beautiful,” Tyema said as the horses reached the top of the small hill and the inlet came into view, a swath of pale blue water, partially enclosed by a slender peninsula on the south. Shielding her eyes with one hand, she gazed at the river.

  “And large,” Sahure answered, feeling satisfaction sweep over him. This is the spot, I’m sure. Pharaoh will be pleased. We can build an efficient harbor complex here. He drove to a small stand of palm trees providing a welcome spot of shade. “Do you mind if I take some notes before we see what your relative the innkeeper packed for our noonday meal?”