Neti nodded, but looked at Shabaka as she spoke, “I think we should remain here for a few days. It will give Seota a chance to recover her strength and we can investigate this claim. They may even be those we are looking for.”
Shabaka nodded and then turned to the innkeeper. “Thank you. I take it the room next to this one would be mine?”
The man nodded.
“That will be all then,” Shabaka said, dismissing the man.
They both watched as the man walked away from them. When he was out of earshot Shabaka turned to Neti, “You think it is wise to tell them that we will be staying a few days longer?”
“If the gossipmongers are as active here as they are in Thebes, and if these people were really done in, then we will be receiving a lot of information in a very short period of time. You know as well as I do how much people like to complain about such matters, especially to people considered close to the Pharaoh.”
Shabaka stood for a moment, thought it over, and then nodded, “You’re assuming then that someone must have seen or heard something.”
Neti nodded. “And the best places to hear gossip remain the market and the riverfront.”
“You want to go to the market?” Shabaka asked, confused.
Neti nodded. “We will need to get some food and supplies before we leave, especially since there is no telling what, if anything, will be at Ramesses’ villa. I would rather be cautious.”
“You think it might have been looted as well?”
“Possibly. We both know Ramesses does not often go there, and the man mentioned jewels and daggers.”
Shabaka nodded, “So tomorrow we will go to the market –” He was however cut short by Neti.
“We will need to get some fruit for Seota as well. And possibly some good beer.”
“I will definitely second the beer,” Shabaka said. “Haven’t had any since we left Thebes.”
“You could frequent the local beerhouse tonight. See if any of the locals talk too much when they are drunk.”
Neti could see Shabaka’s resistance even before he spoke, “I’m not in the mood.”
Neti’s brows furrowed. “You normally go with Moses?”
“Moses likes talking to people.”
“And you don’t,” Neti said, needing no conformation. “If it were not for Seota, I would accompany you.”
Shabaka shook his head. “I’m certain that if, as you say, these people have been done in, they would seek us at the marketplace.”
“For now I think we all need some rest. We can start after the morning meal,” Neti said. Shabaka nodded.
The market was not as lively as those in Thebes, however well attended. And had they not been forewarned, Neti would have considered many of the shutties downright rude for their judgmental stares and their reluctance to engage in barter.
Neti bartered for some grapes and figs for Seota, then approached an elderly woman who bartered beer and flatbread. And although Neti did not barter for any, she did engage the woman in conversation, enquiring as to the days she frequented the market.
The woman was reluctant to divulge any information about herself or answer any questions about her market days and became decidedly more uncomfortable in Neti’s presence.
Neti reached into her satchel to draw out one of the figs, knowing that a barter or an attempt at barter could open up any shuttie. Her action drew the woman’s attention to her sash, causing the woman’s eyes to enlarge.
“You are one of the Pharaoh’s people,” she said, her voice shocked.
Neti simply smiled. “Yes, we have heard that there were some underhanded desert dwellers in the city recently.”
The woman nodded. “They took one full pitcher of beer and several flatbread from me without exchange. And a few days later when I was here at the market, someone entered our house and took all of our grain and things of worth.”
“That would be foolish,” Neti said aloud, not intending to.
“What would?” the woman asked, visibly affronted.
Neti held up her hand apologetically. “No, I did not mean you. I meant that it would be foolish of them to loot the city if they allowed you to see them.”
“That is the thing we cannot understand,” the woman said. Lowering her voice she said, “The mejay went to their camp, even captured several of them, but none of the missing goods could be located.”
“They are too well practiced at it,” Neti said, again more to herself.
“You mean they do this often?” The woman’s disbelief was evident in her voice.
“Evidently,” Neti said and then excused herself.
She met up with Shabaka, only for him to confirm her findings. And when Neti remained silent for some time, Shabaka asked, “What are you thinking?”
“I don’t think it was the desert dwellers.”
“What?” Shabaka questioned in disbelief.
“Just think for yourself. We all know that desert dwellers are bandits and thieves. There are more than enough travelers in this area, so why would they be foolish enough to come into a city full of people, where they can be identified, and loot?”
Shabaka thought it over for several moments, before finally nodding. “That does make sense.”
“I mean these men spend their lives away from others, shunning them. Why would they suddenly change their behavior? And as much as I believe these people and the claims they have made, you and I both know that such a change does not easily happen, not without cause.”
“And if it had, we have to discover that cause.”
“I don’t think so,” Neti countered.
“What do you mean?” Shabaka asked.
“I think it was just someone taking advantage of their presence.”
“How so?”
“Remember when Ma-Nefer abducted you?”
“Do I really have to?” Shabaka countered sarcastically.
“Just indulge me,” Neti said.
Shabaka nodded. “Although I would rather not.”
“I’ve lived in Thebes for most of my life, yet I had no idea there was a dark market.”
“Dark market?” Shabaka asked, confused.
“Apisite Repisit, the place where they bartered and kept all the goods.”
Shabaka nodded, enthusiastically. “I see where you are going. You think there is such a place here?”
Neti nodded. “Yes, and if we are looking for looted goods, logic would be that a place like that would be the most likely hiding place.”
“What made you think of that?” Shabaka asked.
“The woman with the beer told me that the mejay had searched the men and their camp, but found nothing.”
“That still does not answer why they were here.”
“But we know why,” Neti said, causing Shabaka to frown. “They were sick. I can see how someone ill could change their behavior pattern in order to seek help.”
Shabaka nodded. “But we are not here to look into this matter.”
Neti nodded. “I know, but we also cannot ignore it.”
Shabaka shook his head. “No, there is no way I’m allowing you to disguise yourself as someone else to find where this place might be.”
“I wasn’t planning to. But we know enough to at least help the mejay at least identify such a place. Besides, if the mejay start moving about in the area where it is located, these thieves are bound to move.”
“And you think that would be a good thing?”
“We both know that uncertainty causes distrust. If the mejay suddenly become active close by, it could be inferred that someone is talking.”
Shabaka nodded. “We will have to meet with the commander.”
“That I am going to leave up to you,” Neti said. When she noticed Shabaka’s frown, she added, “I am going to take Seota to the market tomorrow. I think it will do her good, and it will give me the opportunity to identify any suspicious people.”
“I said no disguising yourself,” Shabaka said firmly.
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“I’m not planning to,” Neti said. “They know we are here and from their behavior they are cautious of new faces. So Seota and myself will go to the market as any visitors to the city would. It will not put anyone on guard while allowing me to observe everyone.”
Shabaka looked at her, his hesitation obvious. “I don’t like it. Every time you do something like this something goes wrong.”
“We will be doing something we do on any given day in Thebes. The same as you will. The only way there could be danger is if one of the mejay are involved. And even then, we will not be here long enough for them to consider us a threat.”
Shabaka thought it over for several moments before finally nodding.
Chapter Eight
The following morning, Shabaka stepped into the mejay barracks. The two officers on duty jumped to immediate attention at his entry.
“My Prince,” the Nubian member addressed him.
“Where is your commander?” Shabaka demanded.
The man looked at the other before hesitantly replying, “I don’t know.”
“Is it his day off?” Shabaka demanded.
The two men looked at each other but the one shrugged his shoulders, “It’s not my neck I am willing to sacrifice.”
“That makes no sense,” Shabaka said, his gaze narrowing.
The man shook his head. “If I tell you, he will have me removed from my position.”
“What is your name?”
“Kae,” the man replied.
“Well Kae, if you do not tell me, I will have you removed.”
The man’s eyes enlarged. “You cannot do that.”
“I will have my recommendation to have you removed backed by the Pharaoh,” Shabaka countered.
“I would just give it if I were you,” the Nubian said. “The prince is a man of action.”
Kae nervously swallowed before stating, “The commander is tending to personal matters.”
“Personal matters is why he has a rest day,” Shabaka said. “Where can I find him?”
“When I say personal matters I mean…” The man made humping effects with his hips.
“I care not for what or how personal the matter may be. He is to attend to his duties first!” Shabaka seethed. “Where is he? I will go and fetch him.”
The man looked at Shabaka in distress.
“Now!” Shabaka demanded.
The Nubian instead stepped past him. “I will take you there.”
Shabaka followed the man and several streets later they turned up a pathway. “What is this?” Shabaka asked as they approached a building large enough to be a palatal home for Ramesses.
“The owner calls it ‘The House of Pleasure’.”
“As in prostitutes?” Shabaka asked, disgusted.
The man nodded. “There are several here. The commander has even told us that there are often as many as three to ensure one’s pleasure.”
Shabaka just lifted a brow, before continuing into the house.
A woman approached him but he brushed her aside, demanding, “Where is the mejay commander?”
Another woman came up to him, one that appeared to be elevated in rank above the others, and firmly stated, “We do not disclose the identities of the visitors here.”
“Well if you won’t, I will just have to search every room until we find him,” Shabaka said and started along the passage. Two men appeared, intending to block his way. Shabaka, however, looked them over, stating, “Get out of my way or I will see you punished by the Pharaoh for interference. The man I am looking for is guilty of desertion.”
The one man looked Shabaka over, noticed the colors on his sash, and stepped out of the way.
The woman became indignant as Shabaka continued along the one passage and demanded from one of the men, “Why aren’t you doing something?” At the same time she attempted to follow Shabaka.
“He is the Prince of Nubia and a Prefect of the Pharaoh of Egypt,” the one said. “Defying him would be akin to inviting the Pharaoh’s army’s wrath.”
“A prince,” the woman said coyly. “Well then, we should see to his needs.”
“I am not here to see to any needs,” Shabaka threw over his shoulder. “I am here for the commander.”
It was only when Shabaka cast the first elaborate cloth door aside that he realized he had no idea what the man even looked like. He stood for a moment looking at the room’s occupants before realizing he could identify the man by his clothing or, correction, the clothing strewn over the floor.
He checked two other rooms before he finally found what he was looking for. He stepped into the room and grabbed the man by the shoulder pulling him from the one woman. The man made to object, only to be lugged across the room.
“Get dressed or leave here like that,” Shabaka firmly commanded.
“What do you think – ”
“Right, no clothes. You had your chance,” Shabaka said as he grabbed the man’s arms and marched him out. “I guess the whole of Memphis will get to see what you have to offer women silly enough to seek your company.”
“Who do you think you are?” the man demanded, fighting Shabaka’s grip.
“The prefect who has now arrested you and will send you to Pi-Ramesses for judgment. I think the lions might be hungry enough for someone like you.”
“Based on what crime? What accusation?” the man demanded.
“You deserted your post, an important post, at a time when there is a scourge amongst the people of Memphis. You willfully place your pleasures above the responsibilities of your duties. By my judgment and that of the Pharaoh you have failed to perform the duties imposed upon you.”
“You will not be able to prove such a thing to the Pharaoh,” the man challenged.
“Who needs to prove anything if the citizens of Memphis see me escort you naked back to the detainment chambers? Perhaps I should tie you to the whipping post so everyone can see you. A city, I think, would be witness enough. ”
Several of the women in the communal room shrieked at the men’s sudden appearance. Shabaka, however, ignored their protest, knowing their response to be an act.
“Are you crazy!” the man demanded as Shabaka thrust the man towards the doorway. “I can’t go out like this.”
“Should have thought about that when I told you to get dressed.”
“There is no way I’m allowing you to parade me through town like a common worker, with no clothes and no shame.”
“Get used to it,” Shabaka said as he frog marched the man out the doorway. “From this moment on you are considered to be a criminal. All you have left is shame.”
“At least allow me some dignity,” the man pleaded.
“No,” Shabaka said as he proceeded down the path. “Actions have consequences. This is yours.”
Many of the citizens watched them go by, with just as many murmuring to one another. Shabaka knew their judgment would be harsh. His father had always told his bothers and him that, ‘Those who hold high positions in life will always be judged harsher than others, if only because people are of the opinion that you should have known better.’
Neti heard the commotion to the one side of the market and looked in the direction thereof. Exclamations filled the air as a group moved purposely through the market.
“That’s Shabaka,” Seota said, pointing.
Neti’s gaze followed the direction the girl indicated, and she watched as Shabaka accompanied a naked man along the road. The sight itself was not that unfamiliar, since most laborers worked without clothing. However, from the crowd gathered, Neti deduced that whomever it was, the person maintained a rank with the citizens, especially since the man did not appear to be someone who spent a lot of time in the sun. Their uncommon reaction to his being led naked through the city alone acted as confirmation.
“Don’t you need to join him?” Seota asked.
Neti shook her head. “No. I am certain that whatever it is, I do not want the details.”
“But you work together,” Seota stated in disbelief.
“Yes, when there is a body involved,” Neti said, turning her attention to Seota and sarcastically adding, “That one looked very much alive.”
Seota looked at her, confused. “I don’t understand.”
“I do not interfere with Shabaka’s need to ensure justice, thus I do not involve myself when he arrests people for whatever reason. I know he has reason enough for such actions and would not welcome my interference. It also remains a part of the duties bestowed upon him by the Pharaoh, not mine. Mine involve assistance in the solving of the suspicious deaths or murders of prominent people. I do not arrest citizens.”
“But you came here with him?” Seota asked, confused.
Neti nodded. “Yes, because we are looking into the cause of the strange deaths in Thebes.”
“Here?” Seota asked, disbelieving.
“Not here exactly. A day’s travel from here.”
Seota made to object but Neti stopped her by holding up her hand. “You need to recover your strength and we need gather some supplies before we leave, which is why we are here.”
The girl seemed to think it over for several moments before nodding. “While he is tending to matters here as well.”
Neti moved to the next stall as she continued. “We have authority wherever we go, but our attention was drawn to some difficulties the people here are experiencing.” Neti stopped speaking only to smile at the shuttie for a moment, then continued, “And you know how serious Shabaka can be over such matters.”
Seota nodded.
The shuttie’s manner was warmer towards them as they looked his things over.
“I will require several large water skins. Do you know where I would be able to find some?” Neti asked.
The shuttie nodded and pointed to another dray, “He has the best ones.”
Neti nodded in thanks and then turned towards the indicated dray.
On their way there, Seota suddenly stopped at another and excitedly exclaimed, “Look Neti, you know these!”
Neti turned and saw Seota reaching for a gem-encrusted shabati. A strange sensation overcame Neti, one she was becoming all too familiar with. Neti moved, faster than she had ever before and grabbed Seota’s wrist, harshly exclaiming, “No!”
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