“I’m glad you’re here,” I said. “I don’t get visitors.”
We walked up the path to the veranda.
Beketaten emerged from the house, spotted Ani, beamed.
From the look that passed between the two I suspected she was the real reason he’d been eager to come to Waset for the Opet.
“Please, be seated everyone,” Beketaten said cheerfully. “I’ll be right back with something to eat. Kairy – torches.” She’d embraced the role of head of household and ordered Kairy and his guards about with impunity. The guards obeyed her willingly – half were in love with her.
Beketaten went inside while Kairy lit torches at the four corners of the veranda, bathing us all in flickering light as we seated ourselves in leather–bottomed chairs.
“Have you delivered many babies?” I asked Iput.
“More than I can count, Neset. Mostly wives of farmers. Will this be your first child?”
“Fourth. My first died an hour after she was born. The other two were stillborn. All daughters.”
“You should have a relatively easy time of it, then,” Iput said.
I nodded. “I was a healer and midwife in Ta Set Maat. I’ve delivered my share of babies too.”
“Then between the two of us everything should come off without a hitch,” Iput said. “Do you know?” she asked.
“A girl. Aya.”
“Neither of you are to breathe a word of it,” Kairy hastily cautioned Ani and Iput.
“Why?”
“It’s important that everyone believes her child will be a boy,” he said uneasily.
Something was going on. Why did it matter that I was going to have a girl? I hadn’t been able to figure out why it needed to be a secret. I didn’t like that Kairy was withholding information from me. Unfortunately, I was used to men being dishonest and secretive where I was concerned. I’d thought for awhile that Kairy was different – after I’d figured out he hadn’t been part of a conspiracy to murder the third Ramesses, at any rate. But now I wasn’t entirely sure.
“Understood,” Iput said.
Beketaten made numerous trips carrying bowls and platters and jars from the house. She set them on small tables under the veranda. We dug into the feast as stars winked into the sky. Beketaten seated herself next to Ani.
“I never got to ask you when we were in Nekhen, Ani. What does a prophet do?” She placed an onion on his plate.
“I help the high priest wake the god every morning and put him to sleep at night, Beketaten. I help make the daily offerings on his altar. My main task is to oversee the men who keep the temple functioning – farmers, hunters, a handful of minor priests. They’re mostly farmers and townspeople who serve the god for three months at a time, then return to their homes. I assist the high priest whenever we carry the god around Nekhen during festivals. But mostly I watch over Horus’ shrine and its treasures and keep them safe.”
“Thank you for showing them to me… us,” Beketaten said, blushing a little. “I enjoyed the tour of the temple.”
“There’s much more of Nekhen I could show you,” he replied boldly.
“Have you participated in the Opet before?” she asked.
“No. But when Kairy sent for Iput I decided I’d bring her myself. The Opet is a good excuse. Plus, while I’m here I’ll load my boat with the god’s due from the storehouses in the Ramesseum. My trip will be doubly worthwhile.”
Beketaten refilled his cup with wine.
“Why have you chosen to isolate yourself on this estate, Beketaten?” Ani asked her.
“Neset rescued me and my cousins from humdrum lives in Ta Set Maat,” Beketaten replied. “Thanks to Neset, we got to arrange flowers in the most sacred parts of the temples on the west and east banks. We got to participate in ceremonies our families and friends can only glimpse from afar. We even got to talk to Pharaoh and his family. Can you imagine?”
“I spoke to the third Ramesses when he came to Nekhen for a holiday, and the fourth when he was on his progression,” Ani said. “That’s all.”
“If not for Neset, my cousins and I would all have husbands already, not of our choosing, and be raising babies and be trapped in Ta Set Maat for the rest of our lives.”
“I suppose a girl as lovely as you has plenty of suitors,” Ani observed.
Beketaten giggled.
“More than I can keep track of,” I said.
Beketaten blushed. “I haven’t seen any of them in months. They’re afraid to come to this estate. They think Neset’s a witch and she’ll cast a spell on them. Frankly, I don’t miss them.” She nibbled at a bit of bread. “What about you, Ani. Do you have a woman in mind for a wife?”
“No. I haven’t found one that interests me yet.”
“Though the reverse isn’t true,” Iput said.
Ani reddened.
“Will you stay for the entire festival?” I asked him.
“I don’t have much choice. I doubt any porters or scribes will be around to load my boat during the holiday.”
“You’re welcome to stay on my estate while you’re here.”
“I appreciate your offer, Neset. I prefer farms, not the confines of a per’aa.”
“Speaking of which…” Kairy said.
“An enormous amount of work remains to properly establish your estate,” Ani said. “The previous owner ran it into the ground. Iput and her daughters have been overseeing the effort. I pitch in when my temple duties allow.”
“We probably won’t even have time to turn the hut into a suitable house for quite a while,” Iput added. “Granaries and quays and fields and garden have higher priority.”
I recalled my visit. I’d never see Kairy’s estate again. I suspected Beketaten might. The bowls and platters and jars were empty. I rose. “You must all be tired. Would you like me to show you to your rooms?”
“I’d like to take a walk around your estate first, if you don’t mind,” Ani said. “The moon’s bright enough. I’d like to see your setup, see if it sparks any ideas for Kairy’s in Nekhen.”
“I’m afraid you’ll find the fields in disarray,” I said. “The servants left after I was convicted…”
“None of us believe you were guilty,” Iput reiterated.
It had been long since I’d had friendly and supportive people around me. “I’m very glad you’re here.” I caught the pleading look in Beketaten’s eyes, one I knew all too well. “Beketaten, why don’t you show Ani around. We don’t want him getting lost his first night here.”
“Of course, Neset,” she said. “Shall we, Ani?”
***
I went to bed early the final night of the month–long Opet. I was getting more and more tired these days. I’d dined as usual with Ani and Iput and Kairy and Beketaten. The meal had been bittersweet – Ani was scheduled to leave for Nekhen in the morning. I couldn’t tell who was sadder – him or Beketaten. They’d slipped away together every evening of his stay on my estate. They were in love. I wasn’t guessing – she’d told me. I was very glad. Once I was dead Beketaten would have Ani to share her life. She wouldn’t be at her father’s mercy. After being tainted by an association with me any husband Beketaten’s father arranged for her from Ta Set Maat would hold my past over her, use my reputation as a murderess to diminish her and keep her in her place. Since Wabkhet and Nauny would each have a share of my estate they’d have wealth enough to maintain their independence too. None of my three girls would have to go through what I’d gone through with Mesedptah.
I drifted off to my usual uneasy sleep.
Nekhen’s oval court was overflowing with people. Some kind of festival was underway. Dancers and singers and priests and officials were mingling with thousands of farmers and townspeople. Pharaoh was standing on the bottom step of a flower–bedecked dais, his back to his throne, his face obscured by clouds of incense. Without warning the crowd parted directly in front of him. Everyone in the court suddenly fell silent. A priest strode to the foot of the dais with a r
egally–dressed boy at his side and confronted Pharaoh. More priests trailed them, along with armed soldiers. Kairy positioned himself next to the boy, sword drawn. “This is Pentawere, second of his name, son of Pentawere and Neset, grandson of the third Ramesses!” the priest proclaimed. “The valley’s rightful ruler!” He turned to his right. “Tell them, Kairy.”
I jolted awake. A hand was clamped firmly over my mouth. Before I could move a heavy body was atop me, pinning me to my bed, the linen sheet drawn up to my neck the only thing between us. I struggled against the intruder, disoriented, terrified, overmatched. I couldn’t move. I tried to scream but no sound came from my mouth. I could scarcely breathe. What was happening? I immediately thought of Vizier Neferronpet, his call for my immediate execution at the trial. Had he ignored Iset’s demand that I be spared? Had he sent a man to kill me? Where was Kairy? Where were his men? How had my assailant evaded his guards? Did he have accomplices? Had they killed Kairy and his men? Or were Kairy and his men in on whatever was happening? Had they let this intruder into my room? What about Beketaten and Ani and Iput? Were they still asleep or had they been murdered in their beds?
I felt hot breath close to my ear.
“Don’t make a sound.”
Bunakhtef! His voice was unmistakable. My room was partly illuminated by moonlight spilling through its single window. By it I could barely make out his features. He looked smug, triumphant. Had he come to kill me to get revenge for rejecting him and scarring his face? Or for escaping the beating I’d avoided when I’d confessed to the judges of the Great Kenbet? Whatever his reason for being here, with the bad blood between us there was no telling what he might do if I made him angry. I willed myself to remain calm. Somehow, I had to get away from him. I had to buy time. I nodded.
He removed his hand. He kept my body pinned with his. He was heavy. Sweat dripped from his face onto mine.
He looked so self–righteous. I couldn’t help myself. “You despicable…”
“Be nice,” he hissed, clamping his hand over my mouth again. “I’m in charge here, not you.”
After a moment I nodded. Either that or be smothered.
He removed his hand.
“What do you want?”
“You’re coming with me.”
“Where?”
“You’ll find out soon enough. They want your son.”
“They?”
“Men who believe Pentawere should have been pharaoh. That your son should be.” He wiped sweat from his brow with the back of his free hand.
“You’re kidnapping me?”
“You’re bright, Neset,” Bunakhtef snorted. “Once you give birth your dead lover’s supporters will raise your son and put him on the throne. Just think, Neset. You’ll be the mother of a pharaoh. Though once he’s born you’ll never see him again.”
At that instant I knew why Kairy had insisted I keep secret that I was going to have a daughter. He’d been using me as bait to lure Pentawere’s supporters out of hiding. That was the only possible explanation. There’d have been no reason for anyone to kidnap me if they knew I was having a daughter. Traitors couldn’t use a girl to challenge Pharaoh for his throne. They needed a boy. That’s why Kairy had let everyone believe I was going to have a son. The guards hadn’t been on my estate to keep me in – they were supposed to catch kidnappers. But they hadn’t. Kairy was either incompetent or a fool. Or dead. I silently cursed him – I was safe enough. Bunakhtef couldn’t afford to harm me or my baby. But Beketaten and Iput and Ani – Bunakhtef would kill them in an instant. Perhaps he already had.
I heard faint distant shouts. Bunakhtef wasn’t alone. His accomplices had drawn Kairy and his guards away from the house. At least, those who were still alive. No one was going to rescue me from Bunakhtef. I was on my own. I fought down the terror welling inside me, fought to be strong. I had to keep my wits about me. “Let me guess. I’m your pay for this night’s work.”
Bunakhtef laughed long and low. “You understand how things are, Neset. That’s good. Once you give birth you are indeed going to be mine.” He leaned close again. “I’m going to let you up now. You’re going to come along quietly. No fuss. Understand?”
At that moment it occurred to me that being kidnapped tonight was the best thing that could possibly happen. A few months from now I was going to be executed – unless I escaped from my estate and disappeared. I was about to do just that. Bunakhtef wasn’t my kidnapper – he was my rescuer. Pharaoh didn’t want me to die; he likely wouldn’t pursue me once he learned I was gone, especially after Kairy told him about Aya and how she’d never be a threat to his line. Meanwhile, these kidnappers would take me far from Waset to safety, maybe to the desert, maybe away from the valley. Not until I gave birth would they discover my child was of no use to them. They’d have no reason to kill me then. And Bunakhtef would make sure I stayed alive, because he wanted me. Eventually, I’d find a way to escape him. He wasn’t all that bright. I’d live. I’d be able to raise Aya. Yes, being kidnapped was a good thing.
“Of course I’ll come along quietly,” I assured Bunakhtef, practically purring. “You’re saving me from execution. Why would I resist?” I freed one arm from under the sheet, reached up, touched his cheek softly. “After I did this to you. I don’t deserve deliverance at your hands.”
“You’ll have to pay for cutting me, Neset,” he said condescendingly. “But once you properly atone we’ll have a fine life.” He took an object from a pouch attached to his belt, held it inches from my face. “Guess I didn’t need this after all.”
In the dim light I recognized a pendant I’d given to Beketaten months ago. She wore it every day. My heart sank. Had Bunakhtef killed her?
“I was going to threaten the girl’s life if you resisted.”
Relief. Beketaten wasn’t dead. “Please don’t hurt her!”
“That’s entirely up to you, Neset. You’ll see her soon enough. She’s coming with us. She’s far too pretty to leave behind.”
So much for being alive. She’d be better off dead if Bunakhtef’s accomplices were anything like him. Now I had to figure out how to save her. A complication.
“Time to go.” Bunakhtef stood up, yanked the sheet off the bed, swept his eyes over me lasciviously for a long moment. “Roll over.”
“Why?”
“I need to tie your hands.”
“I said I wouldn’t resist. You’re rescuing me.” I stroked his cheek again. “I should have married you, Bunakhtef. I never should have gotten mixed up with royals.”
“I’m a cautious man, Neset. You’ve cut me once. Never again.”
I put my hands on my bulging stomach. “Roll over? Seriously?”
“On your side, then.”
He bound my hands behind me tightly with a leather thong. He lifted me off the bed, set me on my feet. He made me step into my skirt, then pulled it up to my waist. He tore a strip from the sheet and gagged me with it. He didn’t trust me. Grabbing my upper arm, he forced me from my room and through my darkened house and outside onto the veranda. My mind was racing. I truly didn’t want to get away from him, but I did want to save Beketaten from being kidnapped with me. They’d abuse her. We started down the path. I scanned the moonlight–dappled garden. Not a guard in sight. No more distant shouts either. My worst fears realized. My guards and Kairy were dead. Unless some of those guards had been bribed and were in on my abduction and Kairy and the rest were tied up somewhere. And what about Ani and Iput? Were they captive too, or dead, or still fast asleep? The unknown was terrifying.
Bunakhtef hurried me down the path. We were nearly to the gate when Kairy and Ani stepped from the shadows a few paces ahead of us. They were alive! I wasn’t going to escape death now but at least they could save Beketaten. That was something. A knife glittered in Ani’s hand. Kairy held a bow and nocked arrow.
Bunakhtef swung behind me and pressed the blade of his knife against my throat. “Let us pass or the other girl dies!” he cried.
Bek
etaten stepped from behind a palm trunk into the path beside Ani. “No I won’t.” She crossed her arms.
Thank the gods she was safe.
Bunakhtef cursed, tensed.
“Your accomplices are all dead,” Ani informed Bunakhtef.
“Doesn’t matter,” he snarled. “Take a step towards me and I’ll slit Neset’s throat! Now – move aside!”
If only Bunakhtef hadn’t gagged me. I’d be able to plead with Kairy to let us go, to let me live.
Too quickly to follow, Kairy loosed his arrow. He didn’t even seem to aim. It grazed my shoulder and buried itself in Bunakhtef’s. He screamed and dropped his knife.
His motion spun me away.
Ani launched himself at Bunakhtef, drove his shoulder into my kidnapper’s midsection. They both tumbled to the ground. Bunakhtef hit so hard the arrow snapped in half. He screamed again.
Ani scrambled to Bunakhtef on hands and knees and pinioned his body and pressed his knife against Bunakhtef’s throat.
“Keep him alive, Ani,” Kairy commanded. He bent over Bunakhtef, trapped beneath Ani. Bunakhtef’s shoulder was crimson. A stream of blood was wetting the dirt. “You’re going to give up the names of your masters before you die, Worm. I’m betting you’re not man enough to stand up to the torture you so enjoy dishing out.” To prove his point Kairy pressed down on the jagged shaft of the arrow.
Bunakhtef screamed a third time.
“The end of Pentawere’s conspiracy, at last,” Kairy said, with satisfaction.
Ani rose and looked down at Bunakhtef. He kicked him in the ribs, hard.
Bunakhtef let out an agonized yelp.
“That’s for Beketaten, Slime.”
Kairy picked up Bunakhtef’s knife and cut my bonds.
I yanked the gag from my mouth. I felt as if a dam that had been holding back the stress and strain of the past months had suddenly given way. All the fear and anger and injustice I’d been keeping inside exploded from me. “Why didn’t you let us go, Kairy?” I cried, incensed, hopeless. “He wouldn’t have hurt me. He would have taken me far from Waset. I could have lived! I could have raised Aya! But now I’m doomed to be burned alive!” I spat at his feet. “My blood’s on your hands now!”
The Gardener and the Assassin Page 68