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diff --git a/old/2722-h.htm.2021-01-27 b/old/2722-h.htm.2021-01-27 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..98739d0 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/2722-h.htm.2021-01-27 @@ -0,0 +1,11128 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Morning Star, by H. Rider Haggard + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Morning Star, by H. Rider Haggard + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Morning Star + +Author: H. Rider Haggard + +Release Date: April 3, 2006 [EBook #2722] +Last Updated: September 23, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MORNING STAR *** + + + + +Produced by John Bickers; Dagny; Emma Dudding; David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + MORNING STAR + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by H. Rider Haggard + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <h3> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> DEDICATION </a><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> + AUTHOR’S NOTE </a><br /> <br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> <big><b>MORNING + STAR</b></big> </a> + </h3> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + DEDICATION + </h2> + <h3> + My dear Budge,— + </h3> + <p> + Only a friendship extending over many years emboldened me, an amateur, to + propose to dedicate a Romance of Old Egypt to you, one of the world’s + masters of the language and lore of the great people who in these latter + days arise from their holy tombs to instruct us in the secrets of history + and faith. + </p> + <p> + With doubt I submitted to you this story, asking whether you wished to + accept pages that could not, I feared, be free from error, and with + surprise in due course I read, among other kind things, your advice to me + to “leave it exactly as it is.” So I take you at your word, although I can + scarcely think that in paths so remote and difficult I have not sometimes + gone astray. + </p> + <p> + Whatever may be the shortcomings, therefore, that your kindness has + concealed from me, since this tale was so fortunate as to please and + interest you, its first critic, I offer it to you as an earnest of my + respect for your learning and your labours. + </p> + <p> + Very sincerely yours, + </p> + <p> + H. Rider Haggard. + </p> + <p> + Ditchingham. + </p> + <p> + To Doctor Wallis Budge, + </p> + <p> + Keeper of Egyptian and Assyrian Antiquities, British Museum. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + AUTHOR’S NOTE + </h2> + <p> + It may be thought that even in a story of Old Egypt to represent a “Ka” or + “Double” as remaining in active occupation of a throne, while the owner of + the said “Double” goes upon a long journey and achieves sundry adventures, + is, in fact, to take a liberty with Doubles. Yet I believe that this is + scarcely the case. The <i>Ka</i> or Double which Wiedermann aptly calls + the “Personality within the Person” appears, according to Egyptian theory, + to have had an existence of its own. It did not die when the body died, + for it was immortal and awaited the resurrection of that body, with which, + henceforth, it would be reunited and dwell eternally. To quote Wiedermann + again, “The <i>Ka</i> could live without the body, but the body could not + live without the <i>Ka</i> . . . . . it was material in just the same was + as the body itself.” Also, it would seem that in certain ways it was + superior to and more powerful than the body, since the Egyptian monarchs + are often represented as making offerings to their own <i>Kas</i> as + though these were gods. Again, in the story of “Setna and the Magic Book,” + translated by Maspero and by Mr. Flinders Petrie in his “Egyptian Tales,” + the <i>Ka</i> plays a very distinct part of its own. Thus the husband is + buried at Memphis and the wife in Koptos, yet the <i>Ka</i> of the wife + goes to live in her husband’s tomb hundreds of miles away, and converses + with the prince who comes to steal the magic book. + </p> + <p> + Although I know no actual precedent for it, in the case of a particularly + powerful Double, such as was given in this romance to Queen Neter-Tua by + her spiritual father, Amen, the greatest of the Egyptian gods, it seems, + therefore, legitimate to suppose that, in order to save her from the + abomination of a forced marriage with her uncle and her father’s murderer, + the <i>Ka</i> would be allowed to anticipate matters a little, and to play + the part recorded in these pages. + </p> + <p> + It must not be understood, however, that the fact of marriage with an + uncle would have shocked the Egyptian mind, since these people, and + especially their royal Houses, made a habit of wedding their own brothers + and sisters, as in this tale Mermes wed his half sister Asti. + </p> + <p> + I may add that there is authority for the magic waxen image which the + sorcerer Kaku and his accomplice used to bewitch Pharaoh. In the days of + Rameses III., over three thousand years ago, a plot was made to murder the + king in pursuance of which such images were used. “Gods of wax . . . . . . + for enfeebling the limbs of people,” which were “great crimes of death, + the great abomination of the land.” Also a certain “magic roll” was + brought into play which enabled its user to “employ the magic powers of + the gods.” + </p> + <p> + Still, the end of these wizards was not encouraging to others, for they + were found guilty and obliged to take their own lives. + </p> + <p> + But even if I am held to have stretched the prerogative of the <i>Ka</i>, + or of the waxen image which, by the way, has survived almost to our own + time, and in West Africa, as a fetish, is still pierced with pins or + nails, I can urge in excuse that I have tried, so far as a modern may, to + reproduce something of the atmosphere and colour of Old Egypt, as it has + appeared to a traveller in that country and a student of its records. If + Neter-Tua never sat upon its throne, at least another daughter of Amen, a + mighty queen, Hatshepu, wore the crown of the Upper and the Lower Lands, + and sent her embassies to search out the mysteries of Punt. Of romance + also, in high places, there must have been abundance, though the short-cut + records of the religious texts of the priests do not trouble themselves + with such matters. + </p> + <p> + At any rate, so believing, in the hope that it may interest readers of + to-day, I have ventured to discover and present one such romance, whereof + the motive, we may be sure, is more ancient, by far, than the old + Egyptians, namely, the triumph of true love over great difficulties and + dangers. It is pleasant to dream that the gods are on the side of such + lovers, and deign for their sakes to work the miracles in which for + thousands of years mankind has believed, although the scientist tells us + that they do not happen. + </p> + <p> + How large a part marvel and magic of the most terrible and exalted kind + played in the life of Old Egypt and of the nations with which she fought + and traded, we need go no further than the Book of Exodus to learn. Also + all her history is full of it, since among the Egyptians it was an article + of faith that the Divinity, which they worshipped under so many names and + symbols, made use of such mysterious means to influence or direct the + affairs of men and bring about the accomplishment of Its decrees. + </p> + <p> + H. R. H. <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MORNING STAR + </h2> + <h3> + by H. Rider Haggard + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <h3> + THE PLOT OF ABI + </h3> + <p> + It was evening in Egypt, thousands of years ago, when the Prince Abi, + governor of Memphis and of great territories in the Delta, made fast his + ship of state to a quay beneath the outermost walls of the mighty city of + Uast or Thebes, which we moderns know as Luxor and Karnac on the Nile. + Abi, a large man, very dark of skin, for his mother was one of the hated + Hyksos barbarians who once had usurped the throne of Egypt, sat upon the + deck of his ship and stared at the setting sun which for a few moments + seemed to rest, a round ball of fire, upon the bare and rugged mountains, + that ring round the Tombs of the Kings. + </p> + <p> + He was angry, as the slave-women, who stood on either side fanning him, + could see well enough by the scowl on his coarse face and the fire in his + large black eyes. Presently they felt it also, for one of them, staring at + the temples and palaces of the wonderful city made glorious by the light + of the setting sun, that city of which she had heard so often, touched his + head with the feathers of her fan. Thereon, as though glad of an excuse to + express his ill-humour, Abi sprang up and boxed her ears so heavily that + the poor girl fell to the deck. + </p> + <p> + “Awkward cat,” he cried, “do that again and you shall be flogged until + your robe sticks to your back!” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon, mighty Lord,” she said, beginning to weep, “it was an accident; + the wind caught my fan.” + </p> + <p> + “So the rod shall catch your skin, if you are not more careful, Merytra. + Stop that snivelling and go send Kaku the Astrologer here. Go, both, I + weary of the sight of your ugly faces.” + </p> + <p> + The girl rose, and with her fellow slave ran swiftly to the ladder that + led to the waist of the ship. + </p> + <p> + “He called me a cat,” Merytra hissed through her white teeth to her + companion. “Well, if so, Sekhet the cat-headed is my godmother, and she is + the Lady of Vengeance.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered the other, “and he said that we were both ugly—we, + whom every lord who comes near the Court admires so much! Oh! I wish a + holy crocodile would eat him, black pig!” + </p> + <p> + “Then why don’t they buy us? Abi would sell his daughters, much more his + fan-bearers—at a price.” + </p> + <p> + “Because they hope to get us for nothing, my dear, and what is more, if I + can manage it one of them shall, for I am tired of this life. Have your + fling while you can, I say. Who knows at which corner Osiris, Lord of + Death, is waiting.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” whispered Merytra, “there is that knave of an astrologer, and he + looks cross, too.” + </p> + <p> + Then, hand in hand, they went to this lean and learned man and humbly + bowed themselves before him. + </p> + <p> + “Master of the Stars,” said Merytra, “we have a message for you. No, do + not look at my cheek, please, the marks are not magical, only those of the + divine fingers of the glorious hand of the most exalted Prince Abi, son of + the Pharaoh happily ruling in Osiris, etc., etc., etc., of the right, + royal blood of Egypt—that is on one side, and on the other of a + divine lady whom Khem the Spirit, or Ptah the Creator, thought fit to dip + in a vat of black dye.” + </p> + <p> + “Hem!” said Kaku glancing nervously over his shoulder. Then, seeing that + there was no one near, he added, “you had better be careful what you say, + my dear. The royal Abi does not like to hear the colour of his late mother + defined so closely. But why did he slap your face?” + </p> + <p> + She told him. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he answered, “if I had been in his place I would rather have + kissed it, for it is pretty, decidedly pretty,” and this learned man + forgot himself so far as to wink at Merytra. + </p> + <p> + “There, Sister,” said the girl, “I always told you that rough shells have + sweet nuts inside of them. Thank you for your compliment, Master of + learning. Will you tell us our fortune for nothing?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” he answered; “at least the fee I want will cost you nothing. + Now stop this nonsense,” he added, anxiously, “I gather that <i>he</i> is + cross.” + </p> + <p> + “I never saw him crosser, Kaku. I am glad it is you who reads the stars, + not I. Listen!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke an angry roar reached them from the high deck above. + </p> + <p> + “Where is that accursed astrologer?” said the roar. + </p> + <p> + “There, what did I tell you? Oh! never mind the rest of the papers, go at + once. Your robe is full of rolls as it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Kaku as he ran to the ladder, “but the question is, how + will he like what is in the rolls?” + </p> + <p> + “The gods be with you!” cried one of the girls after him, “you will need + them all.” + </p> + <p> + “And if you get back alive, don’t forget your promise about the fortunes,” + said the other. + </p> + <p> + A minute later this searcher of the heavens, a tall, hook-nosed man, was + prostrating himself before Abi in his pavilion on the upper deck, so low + that his Syrian-shaped cap fell from his bald head. + </p> + <p> + “Why were you so long in coming?” asked Abi. + </p> + <p> + “Because your slaves could not find me, royal Son of the Sun. I was at + work in my cabin.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, I thought I heard them giggling with you down there. What did you + call me? Royal Son of the Sun? That is Pharaoh’s name! Have the stars + shown you——?” and he looked at him eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “No, Prince, not exactly that. I did not think it needful to search them + on a matter which seems established, more or less.” + </p> + <p> + “More or less,” answered Abi gloomily. “What do you mean by your ‘more or + less’? Here am I at the turning-point of my fortunes, not knowing whether + I am to be Pharaoh of the Upper and Lower Lands, or only the petty lord of + a city and a few provinces in the Delta, and you satisfy my hunger for the + truth with an empty dish of ‘more or less.’ Man, what do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “If your Majesty will be pleased to tell his servant exactly what you + desire to know, perhaps I may be able to answer the question,” replied + Kaku humbly. + </p> + <p> + “Majesty! Well, I desire to know by what warrant you call me ‘Majesty,’ + who am only Prince of Memphis. Did the stars give it to you? Have you + obeyed me and asked them of the future?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, certainly. How could I disobey? I observed them all last + night, and have been working out the results till this moment; indeed, + they are not yet finished. Question and I will answer.” + </p> + <p> + “You will answer, yes, but what will you answer? Not the truth, I fancy, + because you are a coward, though if anyone can read the truth, it is you. + Man,” he added fiercely, “if you dare to lie to me I will cut your head + off and take it to Pharaoh as a traitor’s; and your body shall lie, not in + that fine tomb which you have made, but in the belly of a crocodile whence + there is no resurrection. Do you understand? Then let us come to the + point. Look, the sun sets there behind the Tombs of Kings, where the + departed Pharaohs of Egypt take their rest till the Day of Awakening. It + is a bad omen for me, I know, who wished to reach this city in the morning + when Ra was in the House of Life, the East, and not in the House of Death, + the West; but that accursed wind sent by Typhon, held me back and I could + not. Well, let us begin at the end which must come after all. Tell me, you + reader of the heavens, shall I sleep at last in that valley?” + </p> + <p> + “I think so, Prince; at least, so says your planet. Look, yonder, it + springs to life above you,” and he pointed to an orb that appeared at the + topmost edge of the red glow of the sunset. + </p> + <p> + “You are keeping something back from me,” said Abi, searching Kaku’s face + with his fierce eyes. “Shall I sleep in the tomb of Pharaoh, in my own + everlasting house that I shall have made ready to receive me?” + </p> + <p> + “Son of Ra, I cannot say,” answered the astrologer. “Divine One, I will be + frank with you. Though you be wrath, yet will I tell you the truth as you + command me. An evil influence is at work in your House of Life. Another + star crosses and re-crosses your path, and though for a long time you seem + to swallow it up, yet at the last it eclipses you—it and one that + goes with it.” + </p> + <p> + “What star?” asked Abi hoarsely, “Pharaoh’s?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Prince, the star of Amen.” + </p> + <p> + “Amen! What Amen?” + </p> + <p> + “Amen the god, Prince, the mighty father of the gods.” + </p> + <p> + “Amen the god,” repeated Abi in an awed voice. “How can a man fight + against a god?” + </p> + <p> + “Say rather against two gods, for with the star of Amen goes the star of + Hathor, Queen of Love. Not for many periods of thousands of years have + they been together, but now they draw near to each other, and so will + remain for all your life. Look,” and Kaku pointed to the Eastern horizon + where a faint rosy glow still lingered reflected from the western sky. + </p> + <p> + As they watched this glow melted, and there in the pure heavens, lying + just where it met the distant land, seeming to rest upon the land, indeed, + appeared a bright and beautiful star, and so close to it that, to the eye, + they almost touched, a twin star. For a few minutes only were they seen; + then they vanished beneath the line of the horizon. + </p> + <p> + “The morning star of Amen, and with it the star of Hathor,” said the + astrologer. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Fool, what of it?” exclaimed Abi. “They are far enough from my + star; moreover, it is they that sink, not I, who ride higher every + moment.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Prince, but in a year to come they will certainly eclipse that star + of yours. Prince, Amen and Hathor are against you. Look, I will show you + their journeyings on this scroll and you shall see where they eat you up + yonder, yes, yonder over the Valley of dead Kings, though twenty years and + more must go by ere then, and take this for your comfort, during those + years you shine alone,” and he began to unfold a papyrus roll. + </p> + <p> + Abi snatched it from him, crumpled it up and threw it in his face. + </p> + <p> + “You cheat!” he said. “Do you think to frighten me with this nonsense + about stars? Here is my star,” and he drew the short sword at his side and + shook it over the head of the trembling Kaku. “This sharp bronze is the + star I follow, and be careful lest it should eclipse <i>you</i>, you + father of lies.” + </p> + <p> + “I have told the truth as I see it,” answered the poor astrologer with + some dignity, “but if you wish, O Prince, that in the future I should + indeed prophesy pleasant things to you, why, it can be done easily enough. + Moreover, it seems to me that this horoscope of yours is not so evil, + seeing that it gives to you over twenty years of life and power, more by + far than most men can expect—at your age. If after that come + troubles and the end, what of it?” + </p> + <p> + “That is so,” replied Abi mollified. “It was my ill-temper, everything has + gone cross to-day. Well, a gold cup, my own, shall pay the price of it. + Bear me no ill-will, I pray you, learned scribe, and above all tell me no + falsehood as the message of the stars you serve. It is the truth I seek, + the truth. If only she may be seen, and clasped, I care not how + ill-favoured is her face.” + </p> + <p> + Rejoicing at the turn which things had taken, and especially at the + promise of the priceless cup which he had long coveted, Kaku bowed + obsequiously. He picked up his crumpled roll and was about to retire when + through the gloom of the falling night, some men mounted upon asses were + seen riding over the mud flats that border the Nile at this spot, towards + that bank where the ship was moored. + </p> + <p> + “The captain of my guard,” said Abi, who saw the starlight gleam upon a + bronze helmet, “who brings me Pharaoh’s answer. Nay, go not, bide and hear + it, Kaku, and give us your counsel on it, your true counsel.” + </p> + <p> + So the astrologer stood aside and waited, till presently the captain + appeared saluting. + </p> + <p> + “What says Pharaoh, my brother?” asked the Prince. + </p> + <p> + “Lord, he says that he will receive you, though as he did not send for + you, he thinks that you can scarcely come upon any necessary errand, as he + has heard long ago of your victory over the desert-dwelling barbarians, + and does not want the offering of the salted heads of their officers which + you bring to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” said Abi contemptuously. “The divine Pharaoh was ever a woman in + such matters, as in others. Let him be thankful that he has generals who + know how to make war and to cut off the heads of his enemies in defence of + the kingdom. We will wait upon him to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord,” added the captain, “that is not all Pharaoh’s message. He says + that it has been reported to him that you are accompanied by a guard of + three hundred soldiers. These soldiers he refuses to allow within the + gates. He directs that you shall appear before his Majesty attended by + five persons only.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” answered Abi with a scornful laugh. “Does Pharaoh fear, then, + lest I should capture him and his armies and the great city with three + hundred soldiers?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Prince,” answered the captain bluntly; “but I think he fears lest you + should kill him and declare yourself Pharaoh as next in blood.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Abi, “as next of blood. Then I suppose that there are still no + children at the Court?” + </p> + <p> + “None, O Prince. I saw Ahura, the royal wife, the Lady of the Two Lands, + that fairest of women, and other lesser wives and beautiful slave girls + without number, but never a one of them had an infant on her breast or at + her knee. Pharaoh remains childless.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Abi again. Then he walked forward out of the pavilion whereof + the curtains were drawn back, and stood a while upon the prow of the + vessel. + </p> + <p> + By now night had fallen, and the great moon, rising from the earth as it + were, poured her flood of silver light over the desert, the mountains, the + limitless city of Thebes, and the wide rippling bosom of the Nile. The + pylons and obelisks, glittering with copper and with gold, towered to the + tender sky. In the window places of palaces and of ten thousand homes + lamps shone like stars. From gardens, streets and the courts of temples + floated the faint sound of singing and of music, while on the great + embattled walls the watchmen called the hour from post to post. + </p> + <p> + It was a wondrous scene, and the heart of Abi swelled as he gazed upon it. + What wealth lay yonder, and what power. There was the glorious house of + his brother, Pharaoh, the god in human form who for all his godship had + never a child to follow after him when he ascended to Osiris, as he who + was sickly probably must do before so very long. + </p> + <p> + Yes, but before then a miracle might happen; in this way or in that a + successor to the throne might be found and acknowledged, for were not + Pharaoh and his House beloved by all the priests of Amen, and by the + people, and was not he, Abi, feared and disliked because he was fierce, + and the hated savage blood flowed in his veins? Oh! what evil god had put + it in his father’s heart to give him a princess of the Hyksos for a + mother, the Hyksos, whom the Egyptians loathed, when he had the fairest + women of the world from whom to choose? Well, it was done and could not be + undone, though because of it he might lose his heritage of the greatest + throne in all the earth. Also was it not to this fierce Hyksos blood that + he owed his strength and vigour? + </p> + <p> + Why should he wait? Why should he not set his fortune on a cast? He had + three hundred soldiers with him, picked men and brave, children of the sea + and the desert, sworn to his House and interests. It was a time of + festival, those gates were ill-guarded. Why should he not force them at + the dead of night, make his way to the palace, cause Pharaoh to be + gathered to his fathers, and at the dawn discover himself seated upon + Pharaoh’s throne? At the thought of it Abi’s heart leapt in his breast, + his wide nostrils spread themselves, and he erected his strong head as + though already he felt upon it the weight of the double crown. Then he + turned and walked back to the pavilion. + </p> + <p> + “I am minded to strike a blow,” he said. “Say now, my officer, would you + and the soldiers follow me into the heart of yonder city to-night to win a + throne—or a grave? If it were the first, you should be the general + of all my army, and you, astrologer, should become vizier, yes, after + Pharaoh you two should be the greatest men in all the land.” + </p> + <p> + They looked at him and gasped. + </p> + <p> + “A venturesome deed, Prince,” said the captain at length; “yet with such a + prize to win I think that I would dare it, though for the soldiers I + cannot speak. First they must be told what is on foot, and out of so many, + how know we that the heart of one or more would not fail? A word from a + traitor and before this time to-morrow the embalmers, or the jackals, + would be busy.” + </p> + <p> + Abi heard and looked from him to his companion. + </p> + <p> + “Prince,” said Kaku, “put such thoughts from you. Bury them deep. Let them + rise no more. In the heavens I read something of this business, but then I + did not understand, but now I see the black depths of hell opening beneath + our feet. Yes, hell would be our home if we dared to lift hand against the + divine person of the Pharaoh. I say that the gods themselves would fight + against us. Let it be, Prince, let it be, and you shall have many years of + rule, who, if you strike now, will win nothing but a crown of shame, a + nameless grave, and the everlasting torment of the damned.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke Abi considered the man’s face and saw that all craft had left + it. This was no charlatan that spoke to him, but one in earnest who + believed what he said. + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” he answered. “I accept your judgment, and will wait upon my + fortune. Moreover, you are both right, the thing is too dangerous, and + evil often falls on the heads of those who shoot arrows at a god, + especially if they have not enough arrows. Let Pharaoh live on while I + make ready. Perhaps to-morrow I may work upon him to name me his heir.” + </p> + <p> + The astrologer sighed in relief, nor did the captain seem disappointed. + </p> + <p> + “My head feels firmer on my shoulders than it did just now,” he said: “and + doubtless there are times when wisdom is better than valour. Sleep well, + Prince; Pharaoh will receive you to-morrow two hours after sunrise. Have + we your leave to retire?” + </p> + <p> + “If I were wise,” said Abi, fingering the hilt of his sword as he spoke, + “you would both of you retire for ever who know all the secret of my + heart, and with a whisper could bring doom upon me.” + </p> + <p> + Now the pair looked at each other with frightened eyes, and, like his + master, the captain began to play with his sword. + </p> + <p> + “Life is sweet to all men, Prince,” he said significantly, “and we have + never given you cause to doubt us.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Abi, “had it been otherwise I should have struck first and + spoken afterwards. Only you must swear by the oath which may not be broken + that in life or death no word of this shall pass your lips.” + </p> + <p> + So they swore, both of them, by the holy name of Osiris, the judge and the + redeemer. + </p> + <p> + “Captain,” said Abi, “you have served me well. Your pay is doubled, and I + confirm the promise that I made to you—should I ever rule yonder you + shall be my general.” + </p> + <p> + While the soldier bowed his thanks, the prince said to Kaku, + </p> + <p> + “Master of the stars, my gold cup is yours. Is there aught else of mine + that you desire?” + </p> + <p> + “That slave,” answered the learned man, “Merytra, whose ears you boxed + just now——” + </p> + <p> + “How do you know that I boxed her ears?” asked Abi quickly. “Did the stars + tell you that also? Well, I am tired of the sly hussy—take her. Soon + I think she will box yours.” + </p> + <p> + But when Kaku sought Merytra to tell her the glad tidings that she was + his, he could not find her. + </p> + <p> + Merytra had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <h3> + THE PROMISE OF THE GOD + </h3> + <p> + It was morning at Thebes, and the great city glowed in the rays of the + new-risen sun. In a royal barge sat Abi the prince, splendidly apparelled, + and with him Kaku, his astrologer, his captain of the guard and three + other of his officers, while in a second barge followed slaves who + escorted two chiefs and some fair women captured in war, also the chests + of salted heads and hands, offerings to Pharaoh. + </p> + <p> + The white-robed rowers bent to their oars, and the swift boat shot forward + up the Nile through a double line of ships of war, all of them crowded + with soldiers. Abi looked at these ships which Pharaoh had gathered there + to meet him, and thought to himself that Kaku had given wise counsel when + he prayed him to attempt no rash deed, for against such surprises clearly + Pharaoh was well prepared. He thought it again when on reaching the quay + of cut stones he saw foot and horse-men marshalled there in companies and + squadrons, and on the walls above hundreds of other men, all armed, for + now he saw what would have happened to him, if with his little desperate + band he had tried to pierce that iron ring of watching soldiers. + </p> + <p> + At the steps generals met him in their mail and priests in their full + robes, bowing and doing him honour. Thus royally escorted, Abi passed + through the open gates and the pylons of the splendid temple dedicated to + the Trinity of Thebes, “the House of Amen in the Southern Apt,” where gay + banners fluttered from the pointed masts, up the long street bordered with + tall houses set in their gardens, till he came to the palace wall. Here + more guards rolled back the brazen gates which in his folly of a few hours + gone he had thought that he could force, and through the avenues of + blooming trees he was led to the great pillared hall of audience. + </p> + <p> + After the brightness without, that hall seemed almost dark, only a ray of + sunshine flowing from an unshuttered space in the clerestory above, fell + full on the end of it, and revealed the crowned Pharaoh and his queen + seated in state upon their thrones of ivory and gold. Gathered round and + about him also were scribes and councillors and captains, and beyond these + other queens in their carved chairs and attended, each of them, by + beautiful women of the household in their gala dress. Moreover, behind the + thrones, and at intervals between the columns, stood the famous Nubian + guard of two hundred men, the servants of the body of Pharaoh as they were + called, each of them chosen for faithfulness and courage. + </p> + <p> + The centre of all this magnificence was Pharaoh, on him the sunlight beat, + to him every eye was turned, and where his glance fell there heads bowed + and knees were bent. A small thin man of about forty years of age with a + puckered, kindly and anxious face, and a brow that seemed to sink beneath + the weight of the double crown that, save for its royal snake-crest of + hollow gold, was after all but of linen, a man with thin, nervous hands + which played amongst the embroideries of his golden robe—such was + Pharaoh, the mightiest monarch in the world, the ruler whom millions that + had never seen him worshipped as a god. + </p> + <p> + Abi, the burly framed, thick-lipped, dark-skinned, round-eyed Abi, born of + the same father, stared at him with wonderment, for years had passed since + last they met, and in the palace when they were children a gulf had been + set between the offspring of a royal mother and the child of a Hyksos + concubine taken into the Household for reasons of state. In his vigour, + and the might of his manhood, he stared at this weakling, the son of a + brother and a sister, and the grandson of a brother and a sister. Yet + there was something in that gentle eye, an essence of inherited royalty, + before which his rude nature bowed. The body might be contemptible, but + within it dwelt the proud spirit of the descendant of a hundred kings. + </p> + <p> + Abi advanced to the steps of the throne and knelt there, till after a + little pause Pharaoh stretched out the sceptre in his hand for him to + kiss. Then he spoke in his light, quick voice. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome, Prince and my brother,” he said. “We quarrelled long ago, did we + not, and many years have passed since we met, but Time heals all wounds + and—welcome, son of my father. I need not ask if you are well,” and + he glanced enviously at the great-framed man who knelt before him. + </p> + <p> + “Hail to your divine Majesty!” answered Abi in his deep voice. “Health and + strength be with you, Holder of the Scourge of Osiris, Wearer of the + Feathers of Amen, Mortal crowned with the glory of Ra.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, Prince,” answered Pharaoh gently, “and that health and + strength I need, who fear that I shall only find them when I have yielded + up the Scourge of Osiris whereof you speak to him who lent it me. But + enough of myself. Let us to business, afterwards we will talk of such + matters together. Why have you left your government at Memphis without + leave asked, to visit me here in my City of the Gates?” + </p> + <p> + “Be not wrath with me,” answered Abi humbly. “A while ago, in obedience to + your divine command, I attacked the barbarians who threatened your + dominions in the desert. Like Menthu, god of war, I fell upon them. I took + them by surprise, I smote them, thousands of them bit the dust before me. + Two of their kings I captured with their women—they wait without, to + be slain by your Majesty. I bring with me the heads of a hundred of their + captains and the hands of five hundred of their soldiers, in earnest of + the truth of my word. Let them be spread out before you. I report to your + divine Majesty that those barbarians are no more, that for a generation, + at least, I have made the land safe to your uttermost dominions in the + north. Suffer that the heads and the hands be brought in and counted out + before your Majesty, that the smell of them may rise like incense to your + divine nostrils.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said Pharaoh, “my officers shall count them without, for I love + not such sights of death, and I take your word for the number. What + payment do you ask for this service, my brother, for with great gifts + would I reward you, who have done so well for me and Egypt?” + </p> + <p> + Before he answered Abi looked at the beautiful queen, Ahura, who sat at + Pharaoh’s side, and at the other royal consorts and women. + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty,” he said, “I see here many wives and ladies, but royal + children I do not see. Grant—for doubtless they are in their own + chambers—grant, O Pharaoh, that they may be led hither that my eyes + may feed upon their loveliness, and that I may tell of them, each of them, + to their cousins who await me at Memphis.” + </p> + <p> + At these words a flush as of shame spread itself over the lovely face of + Ahura, the royal wife, the Lady of the Two Lands; while the women turned + their heads away whispering to each other bitterly, for the insult hurt + them. Only Pharaoh set his pale face and answered with dignity. + </p> + <p> + “Prince Abi, to affront those whom the gods have smitten, be they kings or + peasants, is an unworthy deed which the gods will not forget. You know + well that I have no children. Why then do you ask me to show you their + loveliness?” + </p> + <p> + “I had heard rumours, O Pharaoh,” answered the Prince, “no more. Indeed, I + did not believe them, for where there are so many wives I was certain that + there would be some mothers. Therefore I asked to be sure before I + proffered a petition which now I will make to you not for my own sake but + for Egypt’s and yours, O Pharaoh. Have I your leave to speak here in + public?” + </p> + <p> + “Speak on,” said Pharaoh sternly. “Let aught that is for the welfare of + Egypt be heard by Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty has told me,” replied Abi bowing, “that the gods, being + wrath, have denied you children. Not so much as one girl of your blood + have they given to you to fill your throne after you when in due season it + pleases you to depart to Osiris. Were it otherwise, were there even but a + single woman-child of your divine race, I would say nothing, I would be + silent as the grave. But so it is, and though your queens be fair and + many, so it would seem that it must remain, since the ears of the gods + having been deaf to your pleadings for so long, although you have built + them glorious temples and made them offerings without count, will scarcely + now be opened. Even Amen your father, Amen, whose name you bear, will + perform no miracle for you, O Pharaoh, who are so great that he has + decreed that you shall shine alone like the full moon at night, not + sharing your glory with a single star.” + </p> + <p> + Now Ahura the Queen, who all this while had been listening intently, spoke + for the first time in a quick angry voice, saying, + </p> + <p> + “How know you that, Prince of Memphis? Sometimes the gods relent and that + which they have withheld for a space, they give. My lord lives, and I + live, and a child of his may yet fill the throne of Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so, O Queen,” said Abi bowing, “and for my part I pray that it + will be so, for who am I that I should know the purpose of the kings of + heaven? If but one girl be born of you and Pharaoh, then I take back my + words and give to you that title which for many years has been written + falsely upon your thrones and monuments, the title of Royal Mother.” + </p> + <p> + Now Ahura would have answered again, for this sneering taunt stung her to + the quick. But Pharaoh laid his hand upon her knee and said, + </p> + <p> + “Continue, Prince and brother. We have heard from you that which we + already know too well—that I am childless. Tell us what we do not + know, the desire of your heart which lies hid beneath all these words.” + </p> + <p> + “Pharaoh, it is this—I am of your holy blood, sprung of the same + divine father——” + </p> + <p> + “But of a mother who was not divine,” broke in Ahura; “of a mother taken + from a race that has brought many a curse upon Khem, as any mirror will + show you, Prince of Memphis.” + </p> + <p> + “Pharaoh,” went on Abi without heeding her, “you grow weak; heaven desires + you, the earth melts beneath you. In the north and in the south many + dangers threaten Egypt. Should you die suddenly without an heir, + barbarians will flow in from the north and from the south, and the great + ones of the land will struggle for your place. Pharaoh, I am a warrior; I + am built strong; my children are many; my house is built upon a rock; the + army trusts me; the millions of the people love me. Take me then to rule + with you and in the hearing of all the earth name me and my sons as your + successors, so that our royal race may continue for generation after + generation. So shall you end your days in peace and hope. I have spoken.” + </p> + <p> + Now, as the meaning of this bold request sank into their hearts, all the + court there gathered gasped and whispered, while the Queen Ahura in her + anger crushed the lotus flower which she held in her hand and cast it to + the floor. Only Pharaoh sat still and silent, his head bent and his eyes + shut as though in prayer. For a minute or more he sat thus, and when he + lifted his pale, pure face, there was a smile upon it. + </p> + <p> + “Abi, my brother,” he said in his gentle voice, “listen to me. There are + those who filled this throne before me, who on hearing such words would + have pointed to you with their sceptres, whereon, Abi, those lips of yours + would have grown still for ever, and you and your name and the names of + all your House would have been blotted out by death. But, Abi, you were + ever bold, and I forgive you for laying open the thoughts of your heart to + me. Still, Abi, you have not told us all of them. You have not told us, + for instance,” he went on slowly, and in the midst of an intense silence, + “that but last night you debated whether it would not be possible with + that guard of yours to break into my palace and put me to the sword and + name yourself Pharaoh—by right of blood, Abi; yes, by right of blood—my + blood shed by you, my brother.” + </p> + <p> + As these words left the royal lips a tumult arose in the hall, the women + and the great officers sprang up, the captains stepped forward drawing + their swords to avenge so horrible a sacrilege. But Pharaoh waved his + sceptre, and they were still, only Abi cried in a great voice. + </p> + <p> + “Who has dared to whisper a lie so monstrous?” And he glared first at Kaku + and then at the captain of his guard who stood behind him, and choked in + wrath, or fear, or both. + </p> + <p> + “Suspect not your officers, Prince,” went on the Pharaoh, still smiling, + “for on my royal word they are innocent. Yet, Abi, a pavilion set upon the + deck of a ship is no good place to plot the death of kings. Pharaoh has + many spies, also, at times, the gods, to whom as you say he is so near, + whisper tidings to him in his sleep. Suspect not your officers, Abi, + although I think that to yonder Master of the Stars who stands behind you, + I should be grateful, since, had you attempted to execute this madness, + but for him I might have been forced to kill you, Abi, as one kills a + snake that creeps beneath his mat. Astrologer, you shall have a gift from + me, for you are a wise man. It may take the place, perhaps, of one that + you have lost; was it not a certain woman slave whom your master gave to + you last night—after he had punished her for no fault?” + </p> + <p> + Kaku prostrated himself before the glory of Pharaoh, understanding at last + that it was the lost girl Merytra who had overheard and betrayed them. But + heeding him no more, his Majesty went on. + </p> + <p> + “Abi, Prince and brother, I forgive you a deed that you purposed but did + not attempt. May the gods and the spirits of our fathers forgive you also, + if they will. Now as to your demand. You are my only living brother, and + therefore I will weigh it. Perchance, if I should die without issue, + although you are not all royal, although there flows in your veins a blood + that Egypt hates; although you could plot the murder of your lord and + king, it may be well that when I am gone you should fill my place, for you + are brave and of the ancient race on one side, if base-born on the other. + But I am not yet dead, and children may still come to me. Abi, will you be + a prisoner until Osiris calls me, or will you swear an oath?” + </p> + <p> + “I will swear an oath,” answered the Prince hoarsely, for he knew his + shame and danger. + </p> + <p> + “Then kneel here, and by the dreadful Name swear that you will lift no + hand and plot no plot against me. Swear that if a child, male or female, + should be given to me, you will serve such a child truly as your lord and + lawful Pharaoh. In the presence of all this company, swear, knowing that + if you break the oath in letter or in spirit, then all the gods of Egypt + shall pour their curse upon your head in life, and in death shall give you + over to the everlasting torments of the damned.” + </p> + <p> + So, having little choice, Abi swore by the Name and kissed the sceptre in + token of his oath. + </p> + <p> + It was night. Dark and solemn was the innermost shrine of the vast temple, + the “House of Amen in the Northern Apt,” which we call Karnak, the very + holy of holies where, fashioned of stone, and with the feathered crown + upon his head, stood the statue of Amen-ra, father of the gods. Here, + where none but the high-priest and the royalties of Egypt might enter, + Pharaoh and his wife Ahura, wrapped in brown cloaks like common folk, + knelt at the feet of the god and prayed. With tears and supplications did + they pray that a child might be given to them. + </p> + <p> + There in the sacred place, lit only by a single lamp which burned from age + to age, they told the story of their grief, whilst high above them the + cold, calm countenance of the god seemed to stare through the gloom, as + for a thousand years, in joy or sorrow, it had stared at those that went + before them. They told of the mocking words of Abi who had demanded to see + their children, the children that were not; they told of their terror of + the people who demanded that an heir should be declared; they told of the + doom that threatened their ancient house, which from Pharaoh to Pharaoh, + all of one blood, for generations had worshipped in this place. They + promised gifts and offerings, stately temples and wide lands, if only + their desire might be fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + “Let me no more be made a mock among men,” cried the beautiful queen, + beating her forehead upon the stone feet of the god. “Let me bear a child + to fill the seat of my lord the King, and then if thou wilt, take my life + in payment.” + </p> + <p> + But the god made no answer, and wearied out at length they rose and + departed. At the door of the sanctuary they found the high-priest awaiting + them, a wizened, aged man. + </p> + <p> + “The god gave no sign, O High-priest,” said Pharaoh sadly; “no voice spoke + to us.” + </p> + <p> + The old priest looked at the weeping queen, and a light of pity crept into + his eyes. + </p> + <p> + “To me, watching without,” he said, “a voice seemed to speak, though what + it said I may not reveal. Go to your palace now, O Pharaoh, and O Queen + Ahura, and take your rest side by side. I think that in your sleep a sign + will come to you, for Amen is pitiful, and loves his children who love + him. According to that sign so speak to the Prince Abi, speak without fear + or doubt, since for good or ill it shall be fulfilled.” + </p> + <p> + Then like shadows, hand in hand, this royal pair glided down the vast, + pillared halls till at the pylon gates, which were opened for them, they + found their litters, and were borne along the great avenue of ram-headed + sphinxes back to a secret door in the palace wall. + </p> + <p> + It was past midnight. Deep darkness and heavy silence lay upon Thebes, + broken only by dogs howling at the stars and the occasional challenge of + soldiers on the walls. Side by side in their golden bed the wearied + Pharaoh and his queen slept heavily. Presently Ahura woke. She started up + in the bed; she stared at the darkness about her with frightened eyes; she + stretched out her hand and clasping Pharaoh by the arm, whispered in a + thrilling voice, + </p> + <p> + “Awake, awake! I have that which I must tell you.” + </p> + <p> + Pharaoh roused himself, for there was something in Ahura’s voice which + swept away the veils of sleep. + </p> + <p> + “What has chanced, Ahura?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “O Pharaoh, I have dreamed a dream, if indeed it were but a dream. It + seemed to me that the darkness opened, and that standing in the darkness I + saw a Glory which had neither shape nor form. Yet a voice spoke from the + Glory, a low, sweet voice: ‘Queen Ahura, my daughter,’ it said, ‘I am that + Spirit to whom thou and thy husband did pray this night in the sanctuary + of my temple. It seemed to both of you that your prayers remained unheard, + yet it was not so, as my priest knew well. Queen Ahura, thou and Pharaoh + thy husband have put your trust in me these many years, and not in vain. A + daughter shall be given to thee and Pharaoh, and my Spirit shall be in + that child. She shall be beautiful and glorious as no woman was before + her, for I clothe her with health and power and wisdom. She shall rule + over the Northern and the Southern Lands; yea, for many years the double + crown shall rest upon her brow, and no king that went before her, and no + king that follows after her, shall be more great in Egypt. Troubles and + dangers shall threaten her, but the Spirit that I give to her shall + protect her in them all, and she shall tread her enemy beneath her feet. A + royal lover shall come to her also, and she shall rejoice in his love and + from it shall spring many kings and princes. Neter-Tua, Morning Star, + shall be her name, and high-priestess of Amen—no less—shall be + her office, for she is my child whom I have taken from heaven and sent + down to earth; the child that I have given to Pharaoh and to thee, and I + love her and appoint the good goddesses to be her companions, and command + Osiris to receive her at the last. + </p> + <p> + “‘Behold, in token of these things I lay my symbol on thy breast, and on + her breast also shall that symbol be. When I lift it from thee and thou + dost open thy eyes, then awaken Pharaoh at thy side and let these my words + be written in a roll, so that none of them are forgotten.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then, O Pharaoh,” went on Ahura, “from the Glory there came forth a hand, + and in the hand was the Symbol of Life shining as though with fire, and + the hand laid it upon my breast and it burned me as though with fire, and + I awoke and lo! darkness was all about me, nothing but darkness, and at my + side I heard you sleeping.” + </p> + <p> + Now when Pharaoh had listened to this dream, he kissed the queen and + blessed her because of its good omen, and clapped his hands to summon the + women of honour who slept without. They ran in bearing lights, and by the + lights he saw that beneath the throat of the Queen upon her fair skin, + appeared a red mark, and the shape of it was the shape of the Sign of + Life; yes, there was the loop, and beneath the loop the cross. + </p> + <p> + Then Pharaoh commanded that the chief of his scribes should come to him + with papyrus and writing tools, and that the high-priest of Amen should be + brought swiftly from the temple. So the scribe came to the bed-chamber of + the King, and in the presence of the high-priest all the words of Amen + were written down, not one of them was omitted, and Pharaoh and the Queen + signed the roll, and the high-priest witnessed it and, copies having been + made, bore it away to hide it in the secret treasury of Amen. But the mark + of the Cross of Life remained upon the breast of the Queen Ahura till the + day that she died. + </p> + <p> + Now in the morning Pharaoh summoned his Court and commanded that the + Prince Abi should be brought before him. So the Prince came and Pharaoh + addressed him kindly. + </p> + <p> + “Son of my father,” he said, “I have considered your request that I should + take you to rule with me on the throne of Egypt, and name you and your + sons to be Pharaohs after me, and it is refused. Know that it has been + revealed to me and to the royal wife, Ahura, by the greatest of the gods, + that a daughter shall be born to us in due season, who shall be called + Morning Star of Amen, and that she and her seed shall be Pharaohs after + me. Therefore rejoice with us and return to your government, Prince Abi, + and be happy in our love, and in the goods and greatness that the gods + have given you.” + </p> + <p> + Now Abi shook with anger, for he thought that all this tale was a trick + and a snare. But knowing that his peril was great there in the hand of + Pharaoh, he answered only that when this Morning Star arose, his star + should do it reverence, though as the words passed his lips he remembered + the prophecy of his astrologer Kaku, that the Morning Star of Amen should + blot out that star of his. + </p> + <p> + “You think that I speak falsely, Prince Abi, yes, that I stain my lips + with lies,” said Pharaoh with indignation. “Well, I forgive you this also. + Go hence and await the issue and know by this sign that truth is in my + heart. When the Princess Neter-Tua is born, upon her breast shall be seen + the symbol of the Sign of Life. Depart now, lest I grow angry. The gifts I + have promised shall follow you to Memphis.” + </p> + <p> + So Abi returned to the white-walled city of Memphis and sat there + sullenly, putting it about that a plot was on foot to deprive him of his + heritage. But Kaku shook his head, saying in secret that the Star, + Neter-Tua, would arise, for so it was decreed by Amen, father of the gods. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <h3> + RAMES, THE PRINCESS, AND THE CROCODILE + </h3> + <p> + At the appointed time to Ahura, the royal wife, was born a child, a girl + with a fresh and lovely face and waving hair and eyes that from the first + were blue like the summer sky at even. Also on her breast was a mole of + the length of a finger nail, which mole was shaped like the holy Sign of + Life. + </p> + <p> + Now Pharaoh and his house and the priests in every temple, and indeed all + Egypt went mad with joy, though there were many who in secret mourned over + the sex of the infant, whispering that a man and not a woman should wear + the Double Crown. But in public they said nothing, since the story of this + child had gone abroad and folk declared that it was sent by the gods, and + divine, and that the goddesses, Isis, Nepthys, and Hathor, with Khemu, the + Maker of Mankind, were seen in the birth chamber, glowing like gold. + </p> + <p> + Also Pharaoh issued a decree that wherever the name of the Queen Ahura was + graven in all the land, to it should be added the title “By the will of + Amen, Mother of his Morning Star,” and that a new hall should be built in + the temple of Amen in the Northern Apt, and all about it carved the story + of the coming of Prince Abi and of the vision of the Queen. + </p> + <p> + But Ahura never lived to see this glorious place, since from the hour of + her daughter’s birth she began to sink. On the fourteenth day, the day of + purification, she bade the nurse bring the beautiful babe, and gazed at it + long and blessed it, and spoke with the Ka or Double of the child, which + she said she saw lying on her arm beside it, bidding that Ka protect it + well through the dangers of life and death until the hour of resurrection. + Then she said that she heard Amen calling to her to pay the price which + she had promised for the gift of the divine child, the price of her own + life, and smiled upon Pharaoh her husband, and died happily with a radiant + face. + </p> + <p> + Now joy was turned to mourning, and during all the days of embalming Egypt + wept for Ahura until, at length, the time came when her body was rowed + across the Nile to the splendid tomb which she had made ready in the + Valley of the Queens, causing masons and artists to labour at it without + cease. For Ahura knew from the day of her vision that she was doomed to + die, and remembered that the tombs of the dead remain as the live hands + leave them, since few waste gold and toil upon the eternal house of one + who is dead. + </p> + <p> + So Ahura was buried with great pomp and all her jewels, and Pharaoh, who + mourned her truly, made splendid offerings in the chapel of her tomb, and + having laid in the mouth of it the funeral boat in which she was borne + across the Nile, he built it up for ever, and poured sand over the rock, + so that none should find its place until the Day of Awakening. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the infant grew and flourished, and when it was six months old, + was taken to the college of the priestesses of Amen, there to be reared + and taught. + </p> + <p> + Now on the day of the birth of the Princess Neter-Tua, there happened + another birth with which our story has to do. The captain of the guard of + the temple of Amen was one Mermes, who had married his own half-sister, + Asti, the enchantress. As was well known, this Mermes was by right and + true descent the last of that house of Pharaohs which had filled the + throne of Egypt until their line was cast down generations before by the + dynasty that now ruled the land, whereof the reigning Pharaoh and his + daughter Neter-Tua alone remained. A long while past, in the early days of + his reign, his council has whispered in Pharaoh’s ear that he should kill + Mermes and his sister, lest a day should come when they rebelled against + him, proclaiming that they did so by right of blood. But Pharaoh, who was + gentle and hated murder, instead of slaying Mermes sent for him and told + him all. + </p> + <p> + Then Mermes, a noble-looking man as became the stock from which he sprang, + prostrated himself and said, + </p> + <p> + “O Pharaoh, why should you kill me? It has pleased the gods to debase my + House and to set up yours. Have I ever lifted up my heel against you + because my forefathers were kings, or plotted with the discontent to + overthrow you! See, I am satisfied with my station, which is that of a + noble and a soldier in your army. Therefore let me and my half-sister, the + wise lady Asti whom I purpose to marry, dwell on in peace as your true and + humble servants. Dip not your hands in our innocent blood, O Pharaoh, lest + the gods send a curse upon you and your House and our ghosts come back + from the grave to haunt you.” + </p> + <p> + When Pharaoh heard these words, his heart was moved in him, and he + stretched out his sceptre for Mermes to kiss, thereby granting to him life + and protection. + </p> + <p> + “Mermes,” he said, “you are an honourable man, and my equal in blood if + not in place. For their own purposes the gods raise up one and cast down + another that at last their ends may be fulfilled. I believe that you will + work no harm against me and mine, and, therefore, I will work no harm + against you and your sister Asti, Mistress of Magic. Rather shall you be + my friend and counsellor.” + </p> + <p> + Then Pharaoh offered high rank and office to him, but Mermes would not + take them, answering that if he did, envy would be stirred up against him, + and in this way or that bring him to his death, since tall trees are the + first to fall. So in the end Pharaoh made Mermes Captain of the Guard of + Amen, and gave him land and houses enough to enable him to live as a noble + of good estate, but no more. Also he became a friend of Pharaoh and one of + his inner Council, to whose voice he always listened, for Mermes was a + true-hearted man. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards Mermes married Asti, but like Pharaoh for a long while he + remained childless, since he took no other wives. On the day of the birth + of the Princess Tua, the Morning Star of Amen, however, Asti bore a son, a + royal-looking child of great strength and beauty and very fair in colour, + as tradition said that the kings of his race had been before him, but with + black and shining eyes. + </p> + <p> + “See,” said the midwife, “here is a head shaped to wear a crown.” + </p> + <p> + Whereon Asti, his mother, forgetting her caution in her joy, or perhaps + inspired by the gods, for from her childhood she was a prophetess, + answered, + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and I think that this head and a crown will come close together,” + and she kissed him and named him Rames after her royal forefather, the + founder of their line. + </p> + <p> + As it chanced a spy overheard this saying and reported it to the Council, + and the Council urged Pharaoh to cause the boy to be put away, as they had + urged in the case of his father, Mermes, because of the words of omen that + Asti had spoken, and because she had given her son a royal name, naming + him after the majesty of Ra, as though he were indeed the child of a king. + But Pharaoh would not, asking with his soft smile whether they wished him + to baptise his daughter in the blood of another infant who drew his first + breath upon the same day, and adding: + </p> + <p> + “Ra sheds his glory upon all, and this high-born boy may live to be a + friend in need to her whom Amen has given to Egypt. Let things befall as + the gods decree. Who am I that I should make myself a god and destroy a + life that they have fashioned?” + </p> + <p> + So the boy Rames lived and throve, and Mermes and Asti, when they came to + hear of these things, thanked Pharaoh and blessed him. + </p> + <p> + Now the house of Mermes, as Captain of the Guard, was within the wall of + the great temple of Amen, near to the palace of the priestesses of Amen + where the Princess Neter-Tua was nurtured. Thus it came about that when + the Queen Ahura died, the lady Asti was named as nurse to the Princess, + since Pharaoh said that she should drink no milk save that of one in whose + veins ran royal blood. So Asti was Tua’s foster mother, and night by night + she slept in her arms together with her own son, Rames. Afterwards, too, + when they were weaned the babes were taught to walk and speak together, + and later, as children, they became playmates. + </p> + <p> + Thus from the first these two loved each other, as brother and sister love + when they are twins. But although the boy was bold and brave, this little + princess always had the mastery of him, not because she was a princess and + heir to the throne of Egypt—for all the high titles they gave her + fell idly on her ears, nor did she think anything of the bowings of + courtiers and of priests—but from some strength within herself. She + it was that set the games they played, and when she talked he was obliged + to listen, for although she was so sound and healthy, this Tua differed + from other children. + </p> + <p> + Thus she had what she called her “silent hours” when she would suffer no + one to come near her, not her ladies or her foster-mother, Asti herself, + nor even Rames. Then, followed by the women at a distance, she would + wander among the great columns of the temple and study the sculptures on + the walls; and, since all places were open to her, Pharaoh’s child, enter + the sanctuaries, and stare at the gods that sat in them fashioned in + granite and in alabaster. This she would do even in the solemn moonlight + when mortals were afraid to approach these sacred shrines, and come thence + unconcerned and smiling. + </p> + <p> + “What do you see there, O Morning Star?” asked little Rames of her once. + “They are dull things, those stone gods that have never moved since the + beginning of the world; also they frighten me, especially when Ra is set.” + </p> + <p> + “They are not dull, and they do not frighten me,” answered Tua; “they talk + to me, and although I cannot understand all they say, I am happy with + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Talk!” he said contemptuously, “how can stones talk?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know. I think it is their spirits that talk, telling me stories + which happened before I was born and that shall happen after I am dead, + yes, and after <i>they</i> seem to be dead. Now be silent—I say that + they talk to me—it is enough.” + </p> + <p> + “For me it would be more than enough,” said the boy, “but then I am not + called Child of Amen, who only worship Menthu, God of War.” + </p> + <p> + When Rames was seven years of age, every morning he was taken to school in + the temple, where the priests taught him to write with pens of reed upon + tablets of wood, and told him more about the gods of Egypt than he ever + wanted to hear again. During these hours, except when she was being + instructed by the great ladies of the Court, or by high-priestesses, Tua + was left solitary, since by the command of Pharaoh no other children were + allowed to play with her, perhaps because there were none in the temple of + her age whose birth was noble. + </p> + <p> + Once when he came back from his school in the evening Rames asked her if + she had not been lonely without him. She answered, No, as she had another + companion. + </p> + <p> + “Who is it?” he asked jealously. “Show me and I will fight him.” + </p> + <p> + “No one that you can see, Rames,” she replied. “Only my own Ka.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Ka! I have heard of Kas, but I never saw one. What is it like?” + </p> + <p> + “Just like me, except that it throws no shadow, and only comes when I am + quite by myself, and then, although I hear it often, I see it rarely, for + it is mixed up with the light.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t believe in Kas,” exclaimed Rames scornfully, “you make them up + out of your head.” + </p> + <p> + A little while after this talk something happened that caused Rames to + change his mind about Kas, or at any rate the Ka of Tua. In a hidden court + of the temple was a deep pool of water with cemented sides, where, it was + said, lived a sacred crocodile, an enormous beast that had dwelt there for + hundreds of years. Rames and Tua having heard of this crocodile, often + talked of it and longed to see it, but could not for there was a high wall + round the tank, and in it a door of copper that was kept locked, except + when once in every eight days the priests took in food to the crocodile—living + goats and sheep, and sometimes a calf, none of which ever came back again. + </p> + <p> + Now one day Rames watching them return, saw the priest, who was called + Guardian of the Door, put his hand behind him to thrust the key with which + he had just locked the door, into his wallet, and missing the mouth of the + wallet, let it fall upon the sand, then go upon his way knowing nothing of + what he had done. + </p> + <p> + When he had gone in a great hurry, for he was a fat old priest and the + dinner hour was at hand, Rames pounced upon the key and hid it in his + robe. Then he sought out the princess and said, + </p> + <p> + “Morning Star, this evening, when I come back from school and am allowed + to play with you, we can look at the wonderful beast in the tank, for + look, I have the key which that fat priest will not search for till seven + days are gone by, before which I can take it to him, saying that I found + it in the sand, or perhaps put it back into his wallet.” + </p> + <p> + When she heard this Tua’s eyes shone, since above all things she desired + to see this holy monster. But in the evening when the boy came running to + her eagerly—for he had thought of nothing but the crocodile all day, + and had bought a pigeon from a school-fellow with which to feed the brute—he + found Tua in a different mood. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think that we will go to see the holy crocodile, Rames,” she + said, looking at him thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” he asked amazed. “There is no one about, and I have put fat + upon the key so that it will make no noise.” + </p> + <p> + “Because my Ka has been with me, Rames, and told me that it is a bad act + and if we do trouble will come to us.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! may the fiend Set take your Ka,” replied the lad in a rage. “Show it + to me and I will talk with it.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot, Rames, for it is <i>me</i>. Moreover, if Set took it, he would + take me also, and you are wicked to wish such a thing.” + </p> + <p> + Now the boy began to cry with vexation, sobbing out that she was not to be + trusted, and that he had paid away his bronze knife, which Pharaoh had + given him when last he visited the temple, for a pigeon to tempt the beast + to the top of the water, so that they might see it, although the knife was + worth many pigeons, and Pharaoh would be angry if he heard that he had + parted with it. + </p> + <p> + “Why should we take the life of a poor pigeon to please ourselves?” asked + Tua, softening a little at the sight of his grief. + </p> + <p> + “It’s taken already,” he answered. “It fluttered so that I had to sit on + it to hide it from the priest, and when he had gone it was dead. Look,” + and he opened the linen bag he held, and showed her the dove cold and + stiff. + </p> + <p> + “As you did not mean to kill it, that makes a difference,” said Tua + judicially. “Well, perhaps my Ka did not mean that we should not have one + peep, and it is a pity to waste the poor pigeon, which then will have died + for nothing.” + </p> + <p> + Rames agreed that it would be the greatest of pities, so the two children + slipped away through the trees of the garden into the shadow of the wall, + along which they crept till they came to the bronze door. Then guiltily + enough Rames put the great key into the lock, and with the help of a piece + of wood which he had also made ready, that he set in the ring of the key + to act as a lever, the two of them turning together shot back the heavy + bolts. + </p> + <p> + Taking out the key lest it should betray them, they opened the door a + little and squeezed themselves through into the forbidden place. No sooner + had they done so than almost they wished themselves back again, for there + was something about the spot that frightened them, to say nothing of the + horrible smell which made Tua feel ill. It was a great tank, with a little + artificial island in its centre, full of slimy water that looked almost + black because of the shadow of the high walls, and round it ran a narrow + stone path. At one spot in this path, however, where grew some + dank-looking trees and bushes, was a slope, also of stone, and on the + slope with its prow resting in the water a little boat, and in the boat, + oars. But of the crocodile there was nothing to be seen. + </p> + <p> + “It is asleep somewhere,” whispered Tua, “let us go away, I do not like + this stench.” + </p> + <p> + “Stench,” answered Rames. “I smell nothing except the lilies on the water. + Let us wake it up, it would be silly to go now. Surely you are not afraid, + O Star.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! I am not afraid,” answered Tua proudly. “Only wake it up quickly, + please.” + </p> + <p> + What Rames did not add was that it would be impossible to retreat as the + door had closed behind them, and there was no keyhole on its inner side. + </p> + <p> + So they walked round the tank, but wherever it might lurk, the sleeping + crocodile refused to wake. + </p> + <p> + “Let us get into the boat and look for it,” suggested Rames. “Perhaps it + is hiding on the island.” + </p> + <p> + So he led her to the stone slope, where to her horror Tua saw the remains + of the crocodile’s last meal, a sight that caused her to forget her doubts + and jump into the boat very quickly. Then Rames gave it a push and sprang + in after her, so that they found themselves floating on the water. Now, + standing in the bow, the boy took an oar and paddled round the island, but + still there were no signs of the crocodile. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t believe it is here at all,” he said, recovering his courage. + </p> + <p> + “You might try the pigeon,” suggested Tua, who, now that there was less + smell, felt her curiosity returning. + </p> + <p> + This was a good thought upon which Rames acted at once. Taking the dead + bird from the bag he spread out its wings to make it look as though it + were alive, and threw it into the water, exclaiming, “Arise, O Holy + Crocodile!” + </p> + <p> + Then with fearful suddenness, whence they knew not, that crocodile arose. + An awful scaly head appeared with dull eyes and countless flashing fangs, + and behind the head cubit upon cubit of monstrous form. The fangs closed + upon the pigeon and everything vanished. + </p> + <p> + “That was the Holy Crocodile,” said Rames abstractedly as he stared at the + boiling waters, “which has lived here during the reigns of eight Pharaohs, + and perhaps longer. Now we have seen it.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” answered Tua, “and I never want to see it again. Get me away quick, + or I will tell your father.” + </p> + <p> + Thus adjured the boy, nothing loth, seized his oar, when suddenly the + ancient crocodile, having swallowed the dove, thrust up its snout + immediately beneath them and began to follow the boat. Now Tua screamed + aloud and said something about her Ka. + </p> + <p> + “Tell it to keep off the crocodile,” shouted Rames as he worked the oar + furiously. “Nothing can hurt a Ka.” + </p> + <p> + But the crocodile would not be kept off. On the contrary, it thrust its + grey snout and one of its claws over the stern of the boat in such a + fashion that Rames could no longer work the oar, dragging it almost under + water, and snapped with its horrible jaws. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! it is coming in; we are going to be eaten,” cried Tua. + </p> + <p> + At that moment the boat touched the landing-place and swung round, so that + its bow, where Tua was, struck the head of the crocodile, which seemed to + infuriate the beast. At least, it hurled itself upon the boat, causing the + fore part to heel over, fill with water, and begin to sink. Then the + little lad, Rames, showed the courage that was in him. Shouting to Tua: + </p> + <p> + “Get on shore, get on shore!” he plunged past her and smote the huge + reptile upon the head with the blade of his oar. It opened its hideous + mouth, and he thrust the oar into it and held on. + </p> + <p> + “Leave go,” cried Tua, as she scrambled to land. + </p> + <p> + But Rames would not leave go, for in his brave little heart he thought + that if he did the crocodile would follow Tua and eat her. So he clung to + the handle till it was wrenched from him. Indeed he did more, for seeing + that the crocodile had bitten the wooden blade in two and, having dropped + it, was still advancing towards the slope where it was accustomed to be + fed, he leapt into the water and struck it in the eye with his little + fist. Feeling the pain of the blow the monster snapped at him, and + catching him by the hand began to sink back into deep water, dragging the + lad after it. + </p> + <p> + Rames said nothing, but Tua, who already was at the head of the stage, + looked round and saw the agony on his face. + </p> + <p> + “Help me, Amen!” she cried, and flying back, grasped Rames by his left arm + just as he was falling over, then set her heels in a crack of the rock and + held on. For one moment she was dragged forward till she thought that she + must fall upon her face and be drowned or eaten with Rames, but the next + something yielded, and she and the boy tumbled in a heap upon the stones. + They rose and staggered together to the terrace. As they went Tua saw that + Rames was looking at his right hand curiously; also that it was covered + with blood, and that the little finger was torn off it. Then she + remembered nothing further, except a sound of shouts and of heavy + hammering at the copper door. + </p> + <p> + When she recovered it was to find herself in the house of Mermes with the + lady Asti bending over her and weeping. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you weep, Nurse?” she asked, “seeing that I am safe?” + </p> + <p> + “I weep for my son, Princess,” she answered between her sobs. + </p> + <p> + “Is he dead of his wounds, then, Asti?” + </p> + <p> + “No, O Morning Star, he lies sick in his chamber. But soon Pharaoh will + kill him because he led her who will be Queen of Egypt into great danger + of her life.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so,” said Tua, springing up, “for he saved my life.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke the door opened and in came Pharaoh himself, who had been + summoned hastily from the palace. His face was white and he shook with + fear, for it had been reported to him that his only child was drowned. + When he saw that she lived and was not even hurt, he could not contain his + joy, but casting his arms about her, sank to his knees giving thanks to + the gods and the guardian spirits. She kissed him, and studying his face + with her wise eyes, asked why he was so much afraid. + </p> + <p> + “Because I thought you had been killed, my daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Why did you think that, O my father, seeing that the great god, Amen, + before I was born promised to protect me always, though it is true that + had it not been for Rames——” + </p> + <p> + Now at the mention of this name Pharaoh was filled with rage. + </p> + <p> + “Speak not of that wicked lad,” he exclaimed, “now or ever more, for he + shall be scourged till he dies!” + </p> + <p> + “My father,” answered Tua, springing up, “forget those words, for if Rames + dies I will die also. It is I who am to blame, not he, for my Ka warned me + not to look upon the beast, but to Rames no Ka spoke. Moreover, when that + evil god would have eaten me it was Rames who fought with it and offered + himself to its jaws in my place. Listen, my father, while I tell you all + the story.” + </p> + <p> + So Pharaoh listened, and when it was done he sent for Rames. Presently the + boy was carried in, for he had lost so much blood that he could not walk, + and was placed upon a stool before him. + </p> + <p> + “Slay me now, O Pharaoh,” he said in a weak voice, “for I have sinned. + Moreover, I shall die happy since my spirit gave me strength to beat off + the evil beast from the Princess whom I led into trouble.” + </p> + <p> + “Truly you have done wickedly,” said Pharaoh, shaking his head at him, + “and, therefore, perhaps, you will lose your hand and even your life. Yet, + child, you have a royal heart, who first saved your playmate and then, + even in my presence, take all the blame upon yourself. Therefore I forgive + you, son of Mermes; moreover, I see that I was wise not to listen to those + who counselled that you should be put away at birth,” and bending over the + boy, Pharaoh kissed him on the brow. + </p> + <p> + Also he gave orders that the greatest physicians in the land should attend + upon him and purge the poison of the crocodile’s teeth from his body, and + when he recovered—which save for the loss of the little finger of + his right hand, he did completely—he sent him a sword with a handle + of gold fashioned to the shape of a crocodile, in place of the knife which + he had paid away for the pigeon, bidding him use it bravely all his life + in defence of her who would be his queen. Further, although he was still + so young, he gave to him the high title of Count in earnest of his love + and favour, and with it a name that meant Defender of the Royal Lady. + </p> + <p> + After he had gone Asti the prophetess looked at the sword which Pharaoh + had given to her son. + </p> + <p> + “I see royal blood on it,” she said, and handed it back to Rames. + </p> + <p> + But Rames and Tua were no more allowed to play together alone, for always + after this the Princess was accompanied by women of honour and an armed + guard. Also, within a year or two the boy was placed in charge of a + general to be brought up as a soldier, a trade that he liked well enough, + so that from this time forward he and Neter-Tua met but seldom. Still + there was a bond between them which could not be broken by absence, for + already they loved each other, and every night and morning when Tua made + her petitions to Amen, after praying for Pharaoh her father, and for the + spirit of her royal mother, Ahura, she prayed for Rames, and that they + might meet soon. For the months when her eyes did not fall upon his face + were wearisome to Tua. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <h3> + THE SUMMONING OF AMEN + </h3> + <p> + The years went by and the Princess Neter-Tua, who was called Morning Star + of Amen, came at length to womanhood, and went through the ceremonies of + Purification. In all Egypt there was no maiden so wise and spirited or so + lovely. Tall and slender was her shape, blue as the sea were her eyes, + rosy like the dawn were her cheeks, and when she did not wear it in a net + of gold, her black and curling hair fell almost to her waist. Also she was + very learned, for priests and priestesses taught her all things that she + ought to know, together with the arts of playing on the harp and of + singing and dancing, while her own excellent Spirit, that Ka which Amen + had given her, instructed her in a deeper wisdom which she gathered + unconsciously in sleep and waking dreams, as the slumbering earth gathers + dew at night. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, her father, the wise old Pharaoh, opened to her the craft of + statesmanship, by help of which she might govern men and overthrow her + enemies. Indeed, he did more, for when her education was finished, he + joined her with him in the government of Egypt, saying: + </p> + <p> + “I who always lacked bodily strength, grow aged and feeble. This mighty + crown is too heavy for me to bear alone. Daughter, you must share its + weight.” + </p> + <p> + So the young Neter-Tua became a queen, and great was the ceremony of her + coronation. The high priests and priestesses, clothed in the robes and + symbols of their gods and goddesses, addressed speeches to her and blessed + her in their names, giving her every good gift and promising to her + eternal life. Princes and nobles made her offerings; foreign chiefs and + kings bowed before her by their ambassadors. The Counts and headmen of the + Two Lands swore allegiance to her, and, finally, in the presence of all + the Court, Pharaoh himself set the double crown upon her brow and gave her + her throne-names of “Glorious in Ra and Hathor Strong in Beauty.” + </p> + <p> + So for a while Tua sat splendid on her golden seat while the people adored + her, but in that triumphant hour her eyes searched for one face only, that + of the tall and gallant captain, Rames, her foster-brother, and for a + moment rested there content. Yes, their eyes met, those of the new-crowned + Empress on her throne and of the youthful noble in the throng below. Short + was the greeting, for next instant she looked away, yet more full of + meaning than whole days of speech. + </p> + <p> + “The Queen does not forget what the child remembered, the goddess is still + a woman,” it seemed to say. And so sweet was that message that Rames + staggered from the Court like one stricken by the sun. + </p> + <p> + Night came at last, and having dismissed her secretaries, scribes and + tire-women the weary girl, now clad in simple white, sat in her chamber + alone. She thought of all the splendours through which she had passed; she + thought of the glories of her imperial state, of the power that she + wielded, and of the proud future which stretched before her feet. But most + of all she thought of the face of the young Count Rames, the playmate of + her childhood, the man she loved, and wondered, ah! how she wondered, if + with all her power she could ever draw him to her side. If not, of what + use was this rule over millions, this dominion of her world? They called + her a goddess, and in truth, at times, she believed that she was + half-divine, but if so, why did her heart ache like that of any common + maid? + </p> + <p> + Moreover, was she really set above the misfortunes of her race? Could a + throne, however bright with gold, lift her above the sorrows of human + kind? She desired to learn the truth, the very truth. Her mind was urgent, + it drove her on to search out things to come, to stand face to face with + them, even if they were evil. Well, she believed she had the strength, + although, as yet, she had never called it to her aid. + </p> + <p> + Also this thing could not be done alone. Tua thought a while, then going + to the door of her chamber she bade a woman who waited without summon to + her the Lady Asti, priestess of Amen, Interpreter of Heaven. Presently + Asti came, for now, as always, she was in attendance upon the new-crowned + queen, a tall and noble-looking woman with fine-cut features and black + hair, that although she was fifty years of age, still showed no trace of + grey. + </p> + <p> + “I was in the Sanctuary when your Majesty summoned me,” she said, pointing + to the sacred robe she wore. “Let your Majesty pardon me, therefore, if I + have been long in coming,” and she bowed low before her. + </p> + <p> + But the Queen lifted her up and kissed her, saying, + </p> + <p> + “I am weary of those high titles whereof I have heard more than enough + to-day. Call me Tua, O my mother, for so you have ever been to me, from + whose breast I drew the milk of life.” + </p> + <p> + “What ails you, my child?” asked Asti. “Was the crown too heavy for this + young head of yours?” she added, stretching out her delicate hand and + stroking the black and curling hair. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Mother, the weight of it seemed to crush me with its gems and gold. + I am weary and yet I cannot sleep. Tell me, why did Pharaoh summon that + Council after the feast? Mermes was one of them, so you must know. And why + was not I, who henceforth rule with Pharaoh, present with him?” + </p> + <p> + “Would you learn?” said Asti with a little smile. “Well, as Queen you have + the right. It was because they discussed the matter of your marriage.” + </p> + <p> + For a moment a light shone upon Tua’s face. Then she asked anxiously: + </p> + <p> + “My marriage, and with whom?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! many names were mentioned, Child, since she who rules Egypt does not + lack for suitors.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me them quick, Asti.” + </p> + <p> + So she told them, there were seven in all, the Prince of Kesh, the sons of + foreign kings, great nobles, and a general of the army who claimed descent + from a former Pharaoh. + </p> + <p> + As each name fell from Asti’s lips Tua waved her hand, saying scornful + words, such as “I know him not,” “Too old,” “Fat and hideous,” “A foreign + dog who spits upon our gods,” and so forth, adding at last: + </p> + <p> + “Go on.” + </p> + <p> + “That is all, Lady, no other name was mentioned, and the Council adjourned + to consider these.” + </p> + <p> + “No other name?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you then miss one, perchance, Tua?” + </p> + <p> + She made no answer, only her lips seemed to shape themselves to a certain + sound that they did not utter. The two women looked each other in the + eyes, then Asti shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “It may not be,” she whispered, “for many reasons, and amongst them that + by the solemn decree of long ago whereof I have told you, our blood is + barred for ever from the throne. None would dare to break it, not even the + Pharaoh himself. You would bring my son to his death, Tua, which such + another look as you gave him in yonder hall would surely do.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” she answered slowly, “I would not bring him to his death, but to + life and honour and—love, and one day <i>I</i> shall be Pharaoh. + Only, Asti, if you betray me to him I swear that I will bring you to your + death, although you are so dear.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not betray you,” answered the priestess, smiling again. “In + truth, most Beautiful, I do not think there is any need, even if I would. + Say now, why did a certain captain turn faint and leave the hall to-day + when your eyes chanced to fall on him?” + </p> + <p> + “The heat,” suggested Tua, colouring. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it was hot, but he is stronger than most men and had borne it long—like + others. Still there are fires——” + </p> + <p> + “Because he was afraid of my majesty,” broke in Tua hurriedly. “You know I + looked very royal there, Mother.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, doubtless fear moved him—or some other passion. Yet, Beloved, + put that thought from your heart as I do. When you are Pharaoh you will + learn that a monarch is a slave to the people and to the law. Breathe but + his name in love, and never will you see him more till you meet before + Osiris.” + </p> + <p> + Tua hid her eyes in her hands for a moment, then she glanced up and there + was another look upon her face, a strange, new look. + </p> + <p> + “When I am Pharaoh,” she answered, “there are certain matters in which I + will be my own law, and if the people do not like it, they may find + another Pharaoh.” + </p> + <p> + Asti started at her words, and a light of joy shone in her deep eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Truly your heart is high,” she said; “but, oh! if you love me—and + another—bury that thought, bury it deep, or he will never live to + see you placed alone upon the golden seat. Know, Lady, that already from + hour to hour I fear for him—lest he should drink a poisoned cup, + lest at night he should chance to stumble against a spear, lest an arrow—shot + in sport—should fall against his throat and none know whence it + came.” + </p> + <p> + Tua clenched her hands. + </p> + <p> + “If so, there should be such vengeance as Egypt has not heard of since + Mena ruled.” + </p> + <p> + “Of what use is vengeance, Child, when the heart is empty and the tomb is + sealed?” + </p> + <p> + Again Tua thought. Then she said: + </p> + <p> + “There are other gods besides Osiris. Now what do men call me, Mother? + Nay, not my royal names.” + </p> + <p> + “They call you Morning Star of Amen; they call you Daughter of Amen.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that story true, Asti the Magician?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, at least your mother dreamed the dream, for she told it to me and I + have read its record, who am a priestess of Amen.” + </p> + <p> + “Then this high god should love me, should he not? He should hear my + prayers and give me power—he should protect those who are dear to + me. Mother, they say that you, the Mistress of secret things, can open the + ears of the gods and cause their mouths to speak. Mother, I command you as + your Queen, call up my father Amen before me, so that I may talk with him, + for I have words to which he must listen.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you not afraid?” asked Asti, looking at her curiously. “He is the + greatest of all the gods, and to summon him lightly is a sacrilege.” + </p> + <p> + “Should a daughter fear her father?” answered Tua. + </p> + <p> + “When the divine Queen your mother and Pharaoh knelt before him in his + shrine, praying that a child might be given to them, Amen did not deign to + appear to them, save afterwards in a dream. Will you dare more than they? + Lie down and dream, O Star of the Morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, I trust no dreams which change like summer clouds and pass as soon,” + answered the girl boldly. “If the god is my father, in the spirit or the + flesh, I know not which, let him appear before me face to face. I ask his + wisdom for myself and his favour for another. Call him, if you have the + power, Asti. Call him even if he slay me. Better that I should die than——” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” said Asti, laying her hand upon her lips, “speak not that name. + Well, I have some skill, and for your sake—and another’s—I + will try, but not here. Perchance he may listen, perchance not, or, + perchance, if he comes you and I must pay the price. Put on your robes, + now, O Queen, and over them this veil, and follow me—if you dare.” + </p> + <p> + Along narrow passages they crept and down many a secret-stair, till at + length they came to a door at the foot of a long slope of rock. This door + Asti unlocked and thrust open, then when they had entered, re-locked it + behind them. + </p> + <p> + “What is this place?” whispered Tua. + </p> + <p> + “The burial crypt of the high priestesses of Amen, where it is said that + the god watches. None have entered it for hard on thirty years. See here + in the dust run the footsteps of those who bore the last priestess to her + rest.” + </p> + <p> + She held up her lamp, and by the light of it Tua saw that they were in a + great cave painted with figures of the gods which had on either side of it + recesses. In each of these was set a coffin with a gilded face, and behind + it an alabaster statue of her who lay therein, and in front of it a table + of offerings. At the head of the crypt stood a small altar of black stone, + for the rest the place was empty. + </p> + <p> + Asti led Tua to a step in front of the altar and bidding her kneel, + departed with the lamp which she hid away in some side chapel, so that now + the darkness was intense. Presently, through the utter silence, Tua heard + her creep back towards her, for although she walked so softly the dust + seemed to cry beneath her feet, and her every footstep echoed round the + vaulted walls. Moreover, a glow came from her, the glow of her life in + that place of death. She passed Tua and knelt by the altar and the echo of + her movements died away. Only it seemed to Tua that from each of the tombs + to the right and to the left rose the Ka of her who was buried there, and + drew near to watch and listen. She could not see them, she could not hear + them, yet she knew that they were there and was able to count their number—thirty + and two in all—while within herself rose a picture of them, each + differing from the other, but all white, expectant, solemn. + </p> + <p> + Now Tua heard Asti murmuring secret invocations that she did not + understand. In that place and silence they sounded weird and dreadful, and + as she hearkened to them, for the first time fear crept over her. Kneeling + there upon her knees she bent her head almost to the dust and put up + prayers to Amen that he might be pleased to hear her and to satisfy the + longings of her heart. She prayed and prayed till she grew faint and + weary, while always Asti uttered her invocations. But no answer came, no + deity appeared, no voice spoke. At length Asti rose, and coming to her, + whispered in her ear: + </p> + <p> + “Let us depart ere the watching spirits, whose rest we have broken, grow + wrath with us. The god has shut his ears.” + </p> + <p> + So Tua rose, clinging to Asti, for now, she knew not why, her fear grew + and deepened. For a moment she stood upon her feet, then sank to her knees + again, for there at the far end of the great tomb, near to the door by + which they had entered, appeared a glow upon the darkness. Slowly it took + form, the form of a woman clad in the royal robes of Egypt, and bearing in + its hand a sceptre. The figure of light advanced towards them, so that + presently they saw its face. Tua did not know the face, though it seemed + to her to be like her own, but Asti knew it, and at the sight sank to the + ground. + </p> + <p> + Now the figure stood in front of them, a thing of light framed in the + thick darkness, and now in a sweet, low voice it spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Hail! Queen of Egypt,” it said. “Hail! Neter-Tua, Daughter of Amen. Art + thou afraid to look on the spirit of her who bore thee, thou that didst + dare to summon the Father of the gods to do thy bidding?” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid,” answered Tua, shaking in all her limbs. + </p> + <p> + “And thou, Asti the Magician, art thou afraid also, who but now wast bold + enough to cry to Amen-Ra—‘Come from thy high heaven and make + answer’?” + </p> + <p> + “It is even so, O Queen Ahura,” murmured Asti. + </p> + <p> + “Woman,” went on the voice, “thy sin is great, and great is the sin of + this royal one at thy side. Had Amen hearkened, how would the two of you + have stood before his glory, who at the sight of this shape of mine that + once was mortal like yourselves, crouch choking to the earth? I tell you + both that had the god arisen, as in your wickedness ye willed, there where + ye knelt, there ye would have died. But he who knows all is merciful, and + in his place has sent me his messenger that ye may live to look upon + to-morrow’s sun.” + </p> + <p> + “Let Amen pardon us!” gasped Tua, “it was my sin, O Mother, for I + commanded Asti and she obeyed me. On me be the blame, not on her, for I am + torn with doubts and fears, for myself and for another. I would know the + future.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, O Queen Neter-Tua, why wouldst thou know the future? If hell yawns + beneath thy feet, why wouldst thou peep through its golden doors before + the time? The future is hid from mortals because, could they pierce its + veil, it would crush them with its terrors. If all the woes of life and + death lay open the gaze, who would dare to live and who—oh! who + could dare to die?” + </p> + <p> + “Then woes await me, O thou who wast my mother?” + </p> + <p> + “How can it be otherwise? Light and darkness make the day, joy and sorrow + make the life. Thou art human, be content.” + </p> + <p> + “Divine also, O Ahura, if all tales be true.” + </p> + <p> + “Then pay for thy divinity in tears and be satisfied. Content is the + guerdon of the beast, but gods are wafted upwards on the wings of pain. + How can that gold be pure which has not known the fire?” + </p> + <p> + “Thou tellest me nothing,” wailed Tua, “and it is not for myself I ask. I + am fair, I am Amen’s daughter, and splendid is my heritage. Yet, O Dweller + in Osiris, thou who once didst fill the place I hold to-day, I tell thee + that I would pay away this pomp, could I but be sure that I shall not live + loveless, that I shall not be given as a chattel to one whom I hate, that + one—whom I do not hate—will live to call me—wife. Great + dangers threaten him—and me, Amen is mighty; he is the potter that + moulds the clay of men; if I be his child, if his spirit is breathed into + me, oh! let him help me now.” + </p> + <p> + “Let thine own faith help thee. Are not the words of Amen, which he spake + concerning thee, written down? Study them and ask no more. Love is an + arrow that does not miss its mark; it is the immortal fire from on high + which winds and waters cannot quench. Therefore love on. Thou shalt not + love in vain. Queen and Daughter, fare thee well awhile.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, one word, Immortal. I thank thee, thou Messenger of the gods, + but when these troubles come upon me—and another, when the sea of + dangers closes o’er our heads, when shame is near and I am lonely, as well + may chance, then to whom shall I turn for succour?” + </p> + <p> + “Then thou hast one within thee who is strong to aid. It was given to thee + at thy birth, O Star of Amen, and Asti can call it forth. Come hither, + thou Asti, and swiftly, for I must be gone, and first I would speak with + thee.” + </p> + <p> + Asti crept forward, and the glowing shape in the royal robe bent over her + so that the light of it shone upon her face. It bent over her and seemed + to whisper in her ear. Then it held out its hands towards Tua as though in + blessing, and instantly was not. + </p> + <p> + Once more the two women stood in Tua’s chamber. Pale and shaken they + looked into each other’s eyes. + </p> + <p> + “You have had your will, Queen,” said Asti; “for if Amen did not come, he + sent a messenger, and a royal one.” + </p> + <p> + “Interpret me this vision,” answered Tua, “for to me, at any rate, that + Spirit said little.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it said much. It said that love fails not of its reward, and what + more went you out to seek?” + </p> + <p> + “Then I am glad,” exclaimed Tua joyfully. + </p> + <p> + “Be not too glad, Queen, for to-night we have sinned, both of us, who + dared to summon Amen from his throne, and sin also fails not of its + reward. Blood is the price of that oracle.” + </p> + <p> + “Whose blood, Asti? Ours?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, worse, that of those who are dear to us. Troubles arise in Egypt, + Queen.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not leave me when they break, Asti?” + </p> + <p> + “I may not if I would. The Fates have bound us together till the end, and + that I think is far away. I am yours as once you were mine when you lay + upon my breast, but bid me no more to summon Amen from his throne.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V + </h2> + <h3> + HOW RAMES FOUGHT THE PRINCE OF KESH + </h3> + <p> + Now for a whole moon there were great festivals in Thebes, and in all of + these Neter-Tua, “Glorious in Ra, Hathor Strong in Beauty, Morning Star of + Amen,” must take her part as new-crowned Queen of Egypt. Feast followed + feast, and at each of them one of the suitors of her hand was the guest of + honour. + </p> + <p> + Then after it was done, Pharaoh her father and his councillors would wait + upon her and ask if this man was pleasing to her. Being wise, Tua would + give no direct answer, only of most of them she was rid in this way. + </p> + <p> + She demanded that the writing of the dream of her mother, Ahura, should be + brought and read before her, and when it had been read she pointed out + that Amen promised to her a royal lover, and that these chiefs and + generals were not royal, therefore it was not of them that Amen spoke, nor + did she dare to turn her eyes on one whom the god had forbidden to her. + </p> + <p> + Of others who declared that they were kings, but who, being unable to + leave their countries, were represented by ambassadors, she said that not + having seen them she could say nothing. When they appeared at the Court of + Egypt, she would consider them. + </p> + <p> + So at length only one suitor was left, the man whom she knew well Pharaoh + and his councillors desired that she should take as husband. This was + Amathel, the Prince of Kesh, whose father, an aged king, ruled at Napata, + a great city far to the south, situated in a land that was called an + island because the river Nile embraced it in its two arms. It was said + that after Egypt this country was the richest in the whole world, for + there gold was so plentiful that men thought it of less value than copper + and iron; also there were mines in which beautiful stones were found, and + the soil grew corn in abundance. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, once in the far past, a race of Pharaohs sprung from this city + of Napata, had sat on the throne of Egypt, until at length the people of + Egypt, headed by the priests, had risen and overthrown them because they + were foreigners and had introduced Nubian customs into the land. Therefore + it was decreed by an unalterable law that none of their race should ever + again wear the Double Crown. Of the descendants of these Pharaohs, Rames, + Tua’s playmate, was the last lawful child. + </p> + <p> + But although the Egyptians had cast them down, at heart they always + grieved over the rich territory of Napata, which was lost to them, for + when those Pharaohs fell Kesh declared itself independent and set up + another dynasty to rule over it, of which dynasty Amathel Prince of Kesh + was the heir. + </p> + <p> + Therefore they hoped that it might come back to them by marriage between + Amathel and the young Queen Neter-Tua. Ever since she was born the great + lords and councillors of Egypt, yes, and Pharaoh himself, seeing that he + had no son to whom he might marry her after the fashion of the country, + had been working to this end. It was by secret treaty that the Prince + Amathel was present at the crowning of the Queen, of whose hand he had + been assured on the sole condition that he came to dwell with her at + Thebes. It is true that there were other suitors, but these, as all of + them knew well, were but pawns in a game played to amuse the people. + </p> + <p> + The king destined to take the great queen captive was Amathel and no + other. Tua knew it, for had not Asti told her, and was it not because of + her fear of this man and her love for Rames that she had dared to commit + the sacrilege of attempting to summon Amen from the skies? Still, as yet, + the Pharaoh had not spoken to her of Amathel, nor had she met him. It was + said that he had been present at her crowning in disguise, for this proud + prince gave out that were she ten times Queen of Egypt, he would not + pledge himself to wed as his royal wife, one who was displeasing to him, + and that therefore he must see her before he pressed his suit. + </p> + <p> + Now that he had seen her in her loveliness and glory, he announced that he + was well satisfied, which was but half the truth, for, in fact, she had + set all his southern blood on fire, and there was nothing that he desired + more than to call her wife. + </p> + <p> + On the night which had been appointed for Amathel to meet his destined + bride, a feast had been prepared richer by far than any that went before. + Tua, feigning ignorance, on entering the great unroofed hall lit with + hundreds of torches down all its length, and seeing the multitudes at the + tables, asked of the Pharaoh, her father, who was the guest that he would + welcome with such magnificence which seemed worthy of a god rather than of + a man. + </p> + <p> + “My daughter,” answered the old monarch nervously, “it is none other than + the Prince of Kesh, who in his own country they worship as divine, as we + are worshipped here in Egypt, and who, in truth, is, or will be, one of + the greatest of kings.” + </p> + <p> + “Kesh!” she answered, “I thought that we claimed sovereignty over that + land.” + </p> + <p> + “Once it was ours, Daughter,” said her father with a sigh, “or rather the + kings of Kesh were also kings of Egypt, but their dynasty fell before my + great-great-grandfather was called to the throne, and now but three of + their blood are left, Mermes, Captain of the Guard of Amen; Asti, the Seer + and Priestess, his wife, your foster-mother and waiting lady, and the + young Count Rames, a soldier in our army, who was your playmate, and as + you may remember saved you from the sacred crocodile.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I remember,” said Tua. “But then why is not Mermes King of Kesh?” + </p> + <p> + “Because the people of the city of Napata raised up another house to rule + over them, of whom Amathel is the heir.” + </p> + <p> + “A usurping heir, surely, my father, if there be anything in blood.” + </p> + <p> + “Say not that, Tua,” replied Pharaoh sharply, “for then Mermes should be + Pharaoh in our place also.” + </p> + <p> + Tua made no reply, only as they took their seats in the golden chairs at + the head of the hall, she asked carelessly: + </p> + <p> + “Is this Prince of Kesh also a suitor for my hand, O Pharaoh?” + </p> + <p> + “What else should he be, my daughter? Did you not know it? Be gracious to + him now, since it is decreed that you shall take him as a husband. Hush! + answer not. He comes.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke a sound of wild music arose, and at the far end of the great + hall appeared a band of players gorgeously attired, who blew horns made + from small tusks of the elephant, clashed brazen cymbals and beat gilded + drums. These advanced a little way up the hall and stood there playing, + while after them marched a bodyguard of twenty gigantic Nubian soldiers + who carried broad-bladed spears with shields of hippopotamus hide + curiously worked, and were clothed in tunics and caps of leopard-skin. + </p> + <p> + Next appeared the Prince of Kesh himself, a short, stout, broad-shouldered + young man, thick-featured, heavy-faced, and having large, rolling eyes. He + was clad in festal garments, and hung about with heavy chains of gold + fastened with clasps of glittering stones, while from his crisp, black + hair rose a tall plume of nodding ostrich feathers. Fan bearers walked + beside him, and the train of his long cloak was borne by two black and + hideous dwarfs, full-grown men but no taller than a child of eight. + </p> + <p> + With one swift glance, while he was yet far away, Tua studied the man from + head to foot, and hated him as she had never hated anyone before. Then she + looked over his head, as from her raised seat upon the dais she was able + to do, and saw that behind him came a second guard of picked Egyptian + soldiers, and that in command of them, simply clad in his scaled armour of + bronze, and wearing upon his thigh the golden-handled sword that Pharaoh + had given him, was none other than the young Count Rames, her playmate and + foster-brother, the man whom her heart loved. At the sight of his tall and + noble form and fine-cut face rising above the coarse, squat figure of the + Ethiopian prince, Tua blushed rosy red, but Pharaoh noting it, only + thought, as others did, that it was because now for the first time her + eyes fell upon him who would be her husband. + </p> + <p> + Why, Tua wondered, was Rames chosen to attend upon the Prince Amathel? At + once the answer rose in her mind. Doubtless it had been done to gratify + the pride of Amathel, not by Pharaoh, who would know nothing of such + matters, but by some bribed councillor, or steward of the household. Rames + was of more ancient blood than Amathel, and by right should be the King of + Kesh, as he should also be Pharaoh of Egypt; therefore, to humble him he + was set to wait upon Amathel. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, it was guessed that the young Queen looked kindly upon this + Count Rames with whom she had been nursed, and who, like herself, was + beautiful to behold. Therefore, to abase him in her eyes he had been + commanded to appear walking in the train of Amathel and given charge over + his sacred person at the feast. + </p> + <p> + In a moment Tua understood it all, and made a vow before her father Amen + that soon or late those who had planned this outrage should pay its price, + nor did she forget that promise in the after days. + </p> + <p> + Now the Prince had mounted the dais and was bowing low to Pharaoh and to + her, and they must rise and bow in answer. Then Pharaoh welcomed him to + Egypt in few, well-chosen words, giving him all his titles and speaking + meaningly of the ancient ties which had linked their kingdoms, ties which, + he prayed, might yet draw them close again. + </p> + <p> + He ceased and looked at Tua who, as Queen, had also a speech to deliver + that had been given to her in writing. Although she remembered this well + enough, for the roll lay beside her, never a word would she read, but + turned round and bade one of her waiting-ladies bring her a fan. + </p> + <p> + So after a pause that seemed somewhat long Amathel delivered his answer + that was learned by rote, for it replied to “gentle words from the lips of + the divine Queen that made his heart to flower like the desert after + rain,” not one of which had she spoken. Thereon Tua, looking over the top + of her fan, saw Rames smile grimly, while unable to restrain themselves, + some of the great personages at the feast broke out laughing, and bowed + down their heads to hide their merriment. + </p> + <p> + With an angry scowl the Prince turned and commanded that the gifts should + be brought. Now slaves advanced bearing cups of worked gold, elephants and + other beasts fashioned in gold, and golden vases full of incense, which he + presented to Pharaoh on behalf of his father, the King of Kesh and + himself, saying boastfully that in his country such things were common, + and that he would have brought more of them had it not been for their + weight. + </p> + <p> + When Pharaoh had thanked him, answering gently that Egypt too was not + poor, as he hoped that he would find upon the morrow, the Prince, on his + own behalf alone, offered to the Queen other presents, among them + pectorals and necklaces without price fashioned of amethysts and + sapphires. Also, because she was known to be the first of musicians and + the sweetest-voiced lady in the land—for these were the greatest of + the gifts that Tua had from Amen—he gave to her a wonderfully worked + harp of ivory with golden strings, the frame of the harp being fashioned + to the shape of a woman, and two black female slaves laden with ornaments, + who were said to be the best singers in the Southern Land. + </p> + <p> + Now Pharaoh whispered to Tua to put on one of the necklaces, but she would + not, saying that the colour of the stones did not match her white robe and + the blue lotus flowers which she wore. Instead, she thanked Amathel coldly + but courteously, and without looking at his gifts, told the royal Nurse, + Asti, who stood behind her, to bear them away and to place them at a + distance, as the perfumes that had been poured over them, oppressed her. + Only, as though by an afterthought, she bade them leave the ivory harp. + </p> + <p> + Thus inauspiciously enough the feast began. At it Amathel drank much of + the sweet wine of Asi or Cyprus, commanding Rames, who stood behind him, + to fill his cup again and again, though whether he did this because he was + nearest to him, or to lower him to the rank of a butler, Tua did not know. + At least, having no choice, Rames obeyed, though cup-filling was no + fitting task for a Count of Egypt and an officer of Pharaoh’s guard. + </p> + <p> + When the waiting women, clad in net worked with spangles of gold, had + borne away the meats, conjurers appeared who did wonderful feats, amongst + other things causing a likeness of Queen Neter-Tua wearing her royal robes + and having a star upon her brow, to arise out of a vase. + </p> + <p> + Then, as they had arranged, they strove to do the same for the Prince + Amathel, but Asti who had more magic than all of them, watching behind + Tua’s chair, put out her strength and threw a spell upon them. + </p> + <p> + Behold! instead of the form of the Prince, which these conjurers summoned + loudly and by name, there appeared out of the vase a monkey wearing a + crown and feathers that yet resembled him somewhat, which black and + hideous ape stood there for a while seeming to gibber at them, then fell + down and vanished away. + </p> + <p> + Now some of the audience laughed and some were silent, but Pharaoh, not + knowing whether this were a plot or an evil omen from the gods, frowned + and looked anxiously at his guest. As it chanced, however, the Prince, + fired with wine, was so engaged in staring at the loveliness of Tua, that + he took no note of the thing, while the Queen looked upwards and seemed to + see nothing. As for the conjurers, they fled from the hall, fearing for + their lives, and wondering what strong spirit had entered into the vase + and spoilt the trick which they had prepared. + </p> + <p> + As they went singers and dancing women hurriedly took their place, till + Tua, wearying of the stare of Amathel, waved her hand and said that she + wished to hear those two Nubian slaves whose voices were said to be so + wonderful. So they were brought forward with their harps, and having + prostrated themselves, began to play and sing very sweetly, Nubian songs + melancholy and wild, whereof few could understand the meaning. So well did + they sing, indeed, that when they had done, Neter-Tua said: + </p> + <p> + “You have pleased me much, and in payment I give you a royal gift. I give + you your freedom, and appoint that henceforth you shall sing before the + Court, if you think fit to stay here, not as slaves but for hire.” + </p> + <p> + Then the two women prostrated themselves again before her Majesty and + blessed her, for they knew that they could earn wealth by their gift, and + the rich courtiers taking the Queen’s cue, flung rings and ornaments to + them, so that in a minute they got more gold than ever they had dreamed + of, who were but kidnapped slaves. But Prince Amathel grew angry and said: + </p> + <p> + “Some might have been pleased to keep the priceless gift of the best + singers in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you say that these sweet-voiced women are the best singers in the + world, O Prince?” asked Tua, speaking to him for the first time. “Now if + you will be pleased to listen, you provoke me to make trial of my own + small skill that I may learn how far I fall short of ‘the best singers in + the world.’” + </p> + <p> + Then she lifted up the ivory harp with the strings of gold and swept her + fingers over it, trying its notes and adjusting them with the agate + screws, looking at Amathel all the while with a challenge in her lovely + eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, my daughter,” said Pharaoh, “it is scarcely fitting that a + queen of Egypt should sing before all this noble company.” + </p> + <p> + “Why not, my father?” she asked. “To-night we all do honour to the heir of + his Majesty of Kesh. Pharaoh receives him, Pharaoh’s daughter accepts his + gifts, the highest in the land surround him,” then she paused and added + slowly, “one of blood more ancient than his own waits on him as + cup-bearer, one whose race built up the throne his father fills,” and she + pointed to Rames, who stood near by holding the vase of wine. “Why, then, + should not Egypt’s queen seek to please our royal guest as best she may—since + she has no other gift to give him?” + </p> + <p> + Then in the dead silence which followed this bold speech, whereof none + could mistake the meaning, Neter-Tua, Morning Star of Amen, rose from her + seat. Pressing the ivory harp against her young breast, she bent over it, + her head crowned with the crown of Upper Egypt whereon glistened the royal + <i>uræus</i>, a snake about to strike, and swept the well-tuned strings. + </p> + <p> + Such magic was in her touch that instantly all else was forgotten, even + the Pharaoh leaned back in his golden chair to listen. Softly she struck + at first, then by slow degrees ever louder till the music of the harp rang + through the pillared hall. Now, at length, she lifted up her heavenly + voice and began to sing in a strain so wild and sweet that it seemed to + pierce to the watching stars. + </p> + <p> + It was a sad and ancient love-tale that she sang, which told how a + priestess of Hathor of high degree loved and was beloved by a simple + scribe whom she might not wed. It told how the scribe, maddened by his + passion, crept at night into the very sanctuary of the temple hoping to + find her there, and for his sacrilege was slain by the angry goddess. It + told how the beautiful priestess, coming alone to make prayer in the + sanctuary for strength to resist her love, stumbled over the lover’s + corpse and, knowing it, died of grief. It told how Hathor, goddess of + love, melted by the piteous sight, breathed back life into their nostrils, + and since they might not remain upon earth, wafted them to the + Under-world, where they awoke and embraced and dwell on for ever and for + aye, triumphant and rejoicing. + </p> + <p> + All had heard this old, old story, but none had ever heard it so divinely + sung. As Tua’s pure and lovely voice floated over them the listeners + seemed to see that lover, daring all in his desire, creep into the solemn + sanctuary of the temple. They saw Hathor appear in her wrath and smite him + cold in death. They saw the beauteous priestess with her lamp, and heard + her wail her life away upon her darling’s corpse; saw, too, the dead borne + by spirits over the borders of the world. + </p> + <p> + Then came that last burst of music thrilling and divine, and its rich, + passionate notes seemed to open the heavens to their sight. There in the + deep sky they perceived the awakening of the lovers and their embrace of + perfect joy, and when a glory hid them, heard the victorious chant of the + priestess of love sighing itself away, faint and ever fainter, till at + length its last distant echoes died in the utter silence of the place of + souls. + </p> + <p> + Tua ceased her music. Resting her still quivering harp upon the board, she + sank back in her chair of state, outworn, trembling, while in her pale + face the blue eyes shone like stars. There was stillness in the hall; the + spell of that magical voice lay on the listeners; none applauded, it + seemed even that none dared to move, for men remembered that this + wonderful young Queen was said to be daughter of Amen, Master of the + world, and thought that it had been given to them to hearken, not to a + royal maiden, but to a goddess of the skies. + </p> + <p> + Quiet they sat as though sleep had smitten them, only every man of their + number stared at the sweet pale face and at those radiant eyes. Drunk with + passion and with wine, Amathel, Prince of Kesh, leaned his heavy head upon + his hand and stared like the rest. But those eyes did not stay on him. Had + he been a stone they could not have noted him less; they passed over him + seeking something beyond. + </p> + <p> + Slowly he turned to see what it might be at which the Morning Star of Amen + gazed, and perceived that the young captain who waited on him, he who was + said to be of a race more ancient and purer than his own, he whose house + had reigned in the Southern Land when his ancestors were but traffickers + in gold, was also gazing at this royal singer. Yes, he bent forward to + gaze as though a spell drew him, a spell, or the eyes of the Queen, and + there was that upon his face which even a drunken Nubian could not fail to + understand. + </p> + <p> + In the hands of Rames was the tall, golden vase of wine, and as Amathel + thrust back his chair its topmost ivory bar struck the foot of the vase + and tilted it, so that the red wine poured in a torrent over the Prince’s + head and gorgeous robes, staining him from his crest of plumes to his feet + as though with blood. Up sprang the Prince of Kesh roaring with fury. + </p> + <p> + “Dog-descended slave!” he shouted. “Hog-headed brother of swine, is it + thus that you wait upon my Royalty?” and with the cup in his hand he smote + Rames on the face, then drew the sword at his side to kill him. + </p> + <p> + But Rames also wore a sword, that sword hafted with the golden crocodile + which Pharaoh had given him long ago—that sword which Asti the + foresighted had seen red with royal blood. With a wild, low cry he + snatched it from its sheath, and to avoid the blow that Amathel struck at + him before he could guard himself, sprang backwards from the dais to the + open space in the hall that had been left clear for the dancers. After him + leapt Amathel calling him “Coward,” and next instant the pillars echoed, + not with Tua’s music but with the stern ringing of bronze upon bronze. + </p> + <p> + Now in their fear and amaze men looked up to Pharaoh, waiting his word, + but Pharaoh, overcome by the horror of the scene, appeared to have + swooned; at least, he lay back in his chair with his eyes shut like one + asleep. Then they looked to the Queen, but Tua made no sign, only with + parted lips and heaving breast watched, watched and waited for the end. + </p> + <p> + As for Rames he forgot everything save that he, a soldier and a noble of + royal race, had been struck across the mouth by a black Nubian who called + himself a prince. His blood boiled up in him, and through a red haze as it + were, he saw Tua’s glorious eyes beckoning him on to a victory. He saw and + sprang as springs the lion of the desert, sprang straight at the throat of + Amathel. The blow went high, an ostrich plume floated to the ground—no + more, and Amathel was a sturdy fighter and had the strength of madness. + Moreover, his was the longer weapon; it fell upon the scales of armour of + Rames and beat him back, it fell again on his shoulder and struck him to + his knee. It fell a third time, and glancing from the mail wounded him in + the thigh so that the blood flowed. Now a soldier of Pharaoh’s guard + shouted to encourage his captain, and the Nubians shouted back, crying to + their prince to slit the hog’s throat. + </p> + <p> + Then Rames seemed to awake. He leapt from his knees, he smote and the blow + went home, though the iron which the Nubian wore beneath his robe stayed + it. He smote again more fiercely, and now it was the blood of Amathel that + flowed. Then bending almost to the ground before the answering stroke, he + leapt and thrust with all the strength of young limbs trained to war. He + thrust and behold! between the broad shoulders of Amathel pierced from + breast to back, appeared the point of the Egyptian’s sword. For a moment + the prince stood still, then he fell backwards heavily and lay dead. + </p> + <p> + Now, with a shout of rage the giants of the Nubian guard rushed at Rames + to avenge their master’s death, so that he must fly backwards before their + spears, backwards into the ranks of the Pharaoh’s guard. In a flash the + Nubians were on them also and, how none could tell, a fearful fray began, + for these soldiers hated each other, as their fathers had done before + them, and there were none who could come between them, since at this feast + no man bore weapons save the guards. Fierce was the battle, but the + Nubians lacked a captain while Rames led veterans of Thebes picked for + their valour. + </p> + <p> + The giants began to give. Here and there they fell till at length but + three of them were left upon their feet, who threw down their arms and + cried for mercy. Then it was for the first time that Rames understood what + he had done. With bent head, his red sword in his hand, he climbed the + dais and knelt before the throne of Pharaoh, saying: + </p> + <p> + “I have avenged my honour and the honour of Egypt. Slay me, O Pharaoh!” + </p> + <p> + But Pharaoh made no answer for his swoon still held him. + </p> + <p> + Then Rames turned to Tua and said: + </p> + <p> + “Pharaoh sleeps, but in your hand is the sceptre. Slay me, O Queen!” + </p> + <p> + Now Tua, who all this while had watched like one frozen into stone, seemed + to thaw to life again. Her danger was past. She could never be forced to + wed that coarse, black-souled Nubian, for Rames had killed him. Yonder he + lay dead in all his finery with his hideous giants about him like fallen + trees, and oh! in her rebellious human heart she blessed Rames for the + deed. + </p> + <p> + But as she, who was trained in statecraft, knew well enough, if he had + escaped the sword of Prince Amathel, it was but to fall into a peril from + which there seemed to be no escape. This dead prince was the heir of a + great king, of a king so great that for a century Egypt had dared to make + no war upon his country, for it was far away, well-fortified and hard to + come at across deserts and through savage tribes. Moreover, the man had + been slain at a feast in Pharaoh’s Court, and by an officer of Pharaoh’s + guard, which afterwards had killed his escort under the eyes of Egypt’s + monarchs, the hand of one of whom he sought in marriage. Such a deed must + mean a bitter war for Egypt, and to those who struck the blow—death, + as Rames himself knew well. + </p> + <p> + Tua looked at him kneeling before her, and her heart ached. Fiercely, + despairingly she thought, throwing her soul afar to seek out wisdom and a + way of escape for Rames. Presently in the blackness of her mind there + arose a plan and, as ever was her fashion, she acted swiftly. Lifting her + head she commanded that the doors should be locked and guarded so that + none might go in or out, and that those physicians who were amongst the + company should attend to the wounded, and to Pharaoh, who was ill. Then + she called the High Council of the Kingdom, all of whom were gathered + there about her, and spoke in a cold, calm voice, while the company + flocked round to listen. + </p> + <p> + “Lords and people,” she said, “the gods for their own purposes have + suffered a fearful thing to come to pass. Egypt’s guest and his guard have + been slain before Egypt’s kings, yes, at their feast and in their very + presence, and it will be said far and wide that this has been done by + treachery. Yet you know well, as I do, that it was no treachery, but a + mischance. The divine prince who is dead, as all of you saw, grew drunken + after the fashion of his people, and in his drunkenness he struck a + high-born man, a Count of Egypt and an officer of Pharaoh, who to do him + greater honour was set to wait upon him, calling him by vile names, and + drew his sword upon him to kill him. Am I right? Did you see and hear + these things?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” answered the Council and the audience. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” went on Tua, “this officer, forgetting all save his outraged + honour, dared to fight for his life even against the Prince of Kesh, and + being the better man, slew him. Afterwards the servants of the Prince of + Kesh attacked him and Pharaoh’s guard, and were conquered and the most of + them killed, since none here had arms wherewith to part them. Have I + spoken truth?” + </p> + <p> + “Yea, O Queen,” they answered again by their spokesman. “Rames and the + royal guard have little blame in the matter,” and from the rest of them + rose a murmur of assent. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” went on Tua with gathering confidence, for she felt that all saw + with her eyes, “to add to our woes Pharaoh, my father, has been smitten by + the gods. He sleeps; he cannot speak; I know not whether he will live or + die, and therefore it would seem that I, the duly-crowned Queen of Egypt, + must act for him as was provided in such a case, since the matter is very + urgent and may not be delayed. Is it your will,” she added, addressing the + Council, “that I should so act as the gods may show me how to do?” + </p> + <p> + “It is right and fitting,” answered the Vizier, the King’s companion, on + behalf of all of them. + </p> + <p> + “Then, priests, lords and people,” continued the Queen, “what course shall + we take in this sore strait? Speaking with the voice of all of you and on + your behalf, I can command that the Count Rames and all those other chosen + men whom Pharaoh loves, who fought with him, shall be slain forthwith. + This, indeed,” she added slowly, “I should wish to do, since although + Rames had suffered intolerable insult such as no high-born man can be + asked to bear even from a prince, and he and all of them were but fighting + to save their lives and to show the Nubians that we are not cowards here + in Egypt, without doubt they have conquered and slain the heir of Kesh and + his black giants who were our guests, and for this deed their lives are + forfeit.” + </p> + <p> + She paused watching, while although here and there a voice answered “Yes” + or “They must die,” from the rest arose a murmur of dissent. For in their + hearts the company were on the side of Rames and Pharaoh’s guards. + Moreover, they were proud of the young captain’s skill and courage, and + glad that the Nubians, whom they hated with an ancient hate, had been + defeated by the lesser men of Egypt, some of whom were their friends or + relatives. + </p> + <p> + Now, while they argued among themselves Tua rose from her chair and went + to look at Pharaoh, whom the physicians were attending, chafing his hands + and pouring water on his brow. Presently she returned with tears standing + in her beautiful eyes, for she loved her father, and said in a heavy + voice: + </p> + <p> + “Alas! Pharaoh is very ill. Set the evil has smitten him, and it is hard, + my people, that he perchance may be taken from us and we must bear such + woe, because of the ill behaviour of a royal foreigner, for I cannot + forget that it was he who caused this tumult.” + </p> + <p> + The audience agreed that it was very hard, and looked angrily at the + surviving Nubians, but Tua, conquering herself, continued: + </p> + <p> + “We must bear the blows that the fates rain on us, nor suffer our private + grief to dull the sword of justice. Now, as I have said, even though we + love them as our brothers or our husbands, yet the Count Rames and his + brave comrades should perish by a death of shame, such a death as little + befits the flower of Pharaoh’s guard.” + </p> + <p> + Again she paused, then went on in the midst of an intense silence, for + even the physicians ceased from their work to hearken to her decree, as + supreme judge of Egypt. + </p> + <p> + “And yet, and yet, my people, even as I was about to pass sentence upon + them, uttering the doom that may not be recalled, some guardian spirit of + our land sent a thought into my heart, on which I think it right to take + your judgment. If we destroy these men, as I desire to destroy them, will + they not say in the Southern Country and in all the nations around, that + first they had been told to murder the Prince of Kesh and his escort, and + then were themselves executed to cover up our crime? Will it not be + believed that there is blood upon the hands of Pharaoh and of Egypt, the + blood of a royal guest who, it is well known, was welcomed here with love + and joy, that he might—oh! forgive me, I am but a maiden, I cannot + say it. Nay, pity me not and answer not till I have set out all the case + as best I may, which I fear me is but ill. It is certain that this will be + said—aye, and believed, and we of Egypt all called traitors, and + that these men, who after all, however evil has been their deed, are brave + and upright, will be written in all the books of all the lands as common + murderers, and go down to Osiris with that ill name branded on their + brows. Yes, and their shame will cling to the pure hands of Pharaoh and + his councillors.” + </p> + <p> + Now at this picture the people murmured, and some of the noble women there + began to weep outright. + </p> + <p> + “But,” proceeded Tua with her pleading voice, “how if we were to take + another course? How if we commanded this Count Rames and his companions to + journey, with an escort such as befits the Majesty of Pharaoh, to the far + city of Napata, and there to lay before the great king of that land by + writings and the mouths of witnesses, all the sad story of the death of + his only son? How if we sent letters to this Majesty of Kesh, saying, + ‘Thou hast heard our tale, thou knowest all our woe. Now judge. If thou + art noble-hearted and it pleases thee to acquit these men, acquit them and + we will praise thee. But if thou art wroth and stern and it pleases thee + to condemn these men, condemn them, and send them back to us for + punishment, that punishment which thou dost decree.’ Is that plan good, my + people? Can his Majesty of Kesh complain if he is made judge in his own + cause? Can the kings and captains of other lands then declare that in + Egypt we work murder on our guests? Tell me, who have so little wisdom, if + this plan is good, as I dare to say to you, it seems to me.” + </p> + <p> + Now with one voice the Council and all the guests, and especially the + guards themselves who were on their trial, save Rames, who still knelt in + silence before the Queen, cried out that it was very good. Yes; they + clapped their hands and shouted, vowing to each other that this young + Queen of theirs was the Spirit of Wisdom come to earth, and that her + excellent person was filled with the soul of a god. + </p> + <p> + But she frowned at their praises and, holding up her sceptre, sternly + commanded silence. + </p> + <p> + “Such is your decree, O my Council,” she cried, “and the decree of all you + here present, who are the noblest of my people, and I, as I am bound by my + oath of crowning, proclaim and ratify it, I, Neter-Tua, who am named Star + and Daughter of Amen, who am named Glorious in Ra, who am named Hathor, + Strong in Beauty, who am crowned Queen of the Upper and the Lower Land. I + proclaim—write it down, O Scribes, and let it be registered this + night that the decree may stand while the world endures—that two + thousand of the choicest troops of Egypt shall sail up Nile, forthwith, + for Kesh, and that in command of them, so that all may know his crime, + shall go the young Count Rames, and with him those others who also did the + deed of blood.” + </p> + <p> + Now at this announcement, which sounded more like promotion than disgrace, + some started and Rames looked up, quivering in all his limbs. + </p> + <p> + “I proclaim,” went on Tua quickly, “that when they are come to Napata they + shall kneel before its king and submit themselves to the judgment of his + Majesty, and having been judged, shall return and report to us the + judgment of his Majesty, that it may be carried out as his Majesty of Kesh + shall appoint. Let the troops and the ships be made ready this very night, + and meanwhile, save when he appears before us to take his orders as + general, in token of our wrath, we banish the Count Rames from our Court + and Presence, and place his companions under guard.” + </p> + <p> + So spoke Tua, and the royal decree having been written down swiftly and + read aloud, she sealed and signed with her sign-manual as Queen, that it + might not be changed or altered, and commanded that copies of it should be + sent to all the Governors of the Nomes of Egypt, and a duplicate prepared + and despatched with this royal embassy, for so she named it, to be + delivered to the King of Kesh with the letters of condolence, and the + presents of ceremony, and the body of Amathel, the Prince of Kesh, now + divine in Osiris. + </p> + <p> + Then, at length, the doors were thrown open and the company dispersed, + Rames and the guard being led away by the Council and placed in safe + keeping. Also Pharaoh, still senseless but breathing quietly, was carried + to his bed, and the dead were taken to the embalmers, whilst Tua, so weary + that she could scarcely walk, departed to her chambers leaning on the + shoulder of the royal Nurse, Asti, the mother of Rames. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI + </h2> + <h3> + THE OATH OF RAMES AND OF TUA + </h3> + <p> + Still robed Tua lay upon a couch, for she would not seek her bed, while + Asti stood near to her, a dark commanding figure. + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty has done strange things to-night,” said Asti in her quiet + voice. + </p> + <p> + Tua turned her head and looked at her, then answered: + </p> + <p> + “Very strange, Nurse. You see, the gods and that troublesome son of yours + and Pharaoh’s sudden sickness threw the strings of Fate into my hand, and—I + pulled them. I always had a fancy for the pulling of strings, but the + chance never came my way before.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me that for a beginner your Majesty pulled somewhat hard,” + said Asti drily. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Nurse, so hard that I think I have pulled your son off the scaffold + into a place of some honour, if he knows how to stay there, though it was + the Council and the lords and the ladies, who thought that <i>they</i> + pulled. You see one must commence as one means to go on.” + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty is very clever; you will make a great Queen—if you do + not overpull yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “Not half so clever as you were, Asti, when you made that monkey come out + of the vase,” answered Tua, laughing somewhat hysterically. “Oh! do not + look innocent, I know it was your magic, for I could feel it passing over + my head. How did you do it, Asti?” + </p> + <p> + “If your Majesty will tell me how you made the lords of Egypt consent to + the sending of an armed expedition to Napata under the command of a lad, a + mere captain who had just killed its heir-apparent before their eyes, + which decree, if I know anything of Rames, will mean a war between Kesh + and Egypt, I will tell you how I made the monkey come out of the vase.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I shall never learn, Nurse, for I can’t because I don’t know. It + came into my mind, as music comes into my throat, that is all. Rames + should have been beheaded at once, shouldn’t he, for not letting that + black boar tusk him? Do you think he poured the wine over Amathel’s head + on purpose?” and again she laughed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I suppose that he should have been killed, as he would have been if + your Majesty had not chanced to be so fond——” + </p> + <p> + “Talking of wine,” broke in Tua, “give me a cup of it. The divine Prince + of Kesh who was to have been my husband—did you understand, Asti, + that they really meant to make that black barbarian my husband?—I + say that the divine Prince, who now sups with Osiris, drank so much that I + could not touch a drop, and I am tired and thirsty, and have still some + things to do to-night.” + </p> + <p> + Asti went to a table where stood a flagon of wine wreathed in vine leaves, + and by it cups of glass, and filling one of them brought it to Tua. + </p> + <p> + “Here’s to the memory of the divine prince, and may he have left the table + of Osiris before I come there. And here’s to the hand that sent him + thither,” said Tua recklessly. Then she drained the wine, every drop of + it, and threw the cup to the marble floor where it shattered into bits. + </p> + <p> + “What god has entered into your Majesty to-night?” asked Asti quietly. + </p> + <p> + “One that knows his own mind, I think,” replied Tua. “There, I feel strong + again, I go to visit Pharaoh. Come with me, Asti.” + </p> + <p> + When Tua arrived at the bedside of Pharaoh she found that the worst of the + danger was over. Fearing for his life the physicians had bled him, and now + the fit had passed away and his eyes were open, although he was unable to + speak and did not know her or anyone. She asked whether he would live or + die, and was told that he would live, or so his doctors believed, but that + for a long while he must lie quite quiet, seeing as few people as + possible, and above all being troubled with no business, since, if he were + wearied or excited, the fit would certainly return and kill him. So, + rejoicing at this news which was better than she had expected, Tua kissed + her father and left him. + </p> + <p> + “Now will your Majesty go to bed?” asked Asti when she had returned to her + own apartments. + </p> + <p> + “By no means,” answered Tua, “I wear Pharaoh’s shoes and have much + business left to do to-night. Summon Mermes, your husband.” + </p> + <p> + So Mermes came and stood before her. He was still what he had been in the + old days when Tua played as an infant in his house, stern, noble-looking + and of few words, but now his hair had grown white and his face was drawn + with grief, both for the sake of Rames, whose hot blood had brought him + into so much danger, and because Pharaoh, who was his friend, lay between + life and death. + </p> + <p> + Tua looked at him and loved him more than ever, for now that he was + troubled some new likeness to Rames appeared upon his face which she had + never seen before. + </p> + <p> + “Take heart, noble Mermes,” she said gently, “they say that Pharaoh stays + with us yet a while.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank Amen,” he answered, “for had he died, his blood would have been + upon the hands of my House.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, Mermes; it would have been upon the hands of the gods. You spring + from a royal line; say, what would you have thought of your son if after + being struck by that fat Nubian, he had cowered at his feet and prayed for + his life like any slave?” + </p> + <p> + Mermes flushed and smiled a little, then said: + </p> + <p> + “The question is rather—-What would you have thought, O Queen?” + </p> + <p> + “I?” answered Tua. “Well, as a queen I should have praised him much, since + then Egypt would have been spared great trouble, but as a woman and a + friend I should never have spoken to him again. Honour is more than life, + Mermes.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly honour is more than life,” replied Mermes, staring at the + ceiling, perhaps to hide the look upon his face, “and for a little while + Rames seems to be in the way of it. But those who are set high have far to + fall, O Queen, and—forgive me—he is my only child. Now when + Pharaoh recovers——” + </p> + <p> + “Rames will be far away,” broke in Tua. “Go, bring him here at once, and + with him the Vizier and the chief scribe of the Council. Take this ring, + it will open all doors,” and she drew the signet from her finger and + handed it to him. + </p> + <p> + “At this hour, your Majesty?” said Mermes in a doubtful voice. + </p> + <p> + “Have I not spoken,” she answered impatiently. “When the welfare of Egypt + is at stake I do not sleep.” + </p> + <p> + So Mermes bowed and went, and while he was gone Tua caused Asti to smooth + her hair and change her robe and ornaments for others which, although she + did not say so, she thought became her better. Then she sat her down in a + chair of state in her chamber of audience, and waited, while Asti stood + beside her asking no questions, but wondering. + </p> + <p> + At length the doors were opened, and through them appeared Mermes and the + Vizier and the chief of the scribes, both of them trying to hide their + yawns, for they had been summoned from their beds who were not wont to do + state business at such hours. After them limped Rames, for his wound had + grown stiff, who looked bewildered, but otherwise just as he had left the + feast. + </p> + <p> + Now, without waiting for the greetings of ceremony, Tua began to question + the Vizier as to what steps had been taken in furtherance of her decrees, + and when he assured her that the business was on foot, went into its every + detail with him, as to the ships and the officers and the provisioning of + the men, and so forth. Next she set herself to dictate despatches to the + captains and barons who held the fortresses on the Upper Nile, + communicating to them Pharaoh’s orders on this matter, and the commission + of Rames, whereby he, whose hands had done the ill, was put in command of + the great embassy that went to make amends. + </p> + <p> + These being finished, she sent away the scribe to spend the rest of the + night in writing them in duplicate, bidding him bring them to her in the + early morning to be sealed. Next addressing Rames, she commanded him to + start on the morrow with those troops which were ready to Takensit above + the first Cataract of the Nile, which was the frontier fortress of Egypt, + and there wait until the remainder of the soldiers joined them, bearing + with them her presents to the King of Kesh, and the embalmed body of the + Prince Amathel. + </p> + <p> + Rames bowed and said that her orders should be obeyed, and the audience + being finished, still bowing and supported by Mermes, began to walk + backwards towards the door, his eyes fixed upon the face of Tua, who sat + with bent head, clasping the arms of her chair like one in difficulty and + doubt. When he had gone a few steps she seemed to come to some + determination, for with an effort she raised herself and said: + </p> + <p> + “Return, Count Rames, I have a message to give you for the King of Kesh + who, unhappy man, has lost his son and heir, and it is one that no other + ears must hear. Leave me a while with this captain, O Mermes and Asti, and + see that none listen to our talk. Presently I will summon you to conduct + him away.” + </p> + <p> + They hesitated, for this thing seemed strange, then noting the look she + gave them, departed through the doors behind the royal seat. + </p> + <p> + Now Rames and the Queen were left alone in that great, lighted chamber. + With bent head and folded arms he stood before her while she looked at him + intently, yet seemed to find no words to say. At length she spoke in a + sweet, low voice. + </p> + <p> + “It is many years since we were playmates in the courts of the temple + yonder, and since then we have never been alone together, have we, Rames?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Great Lady,” answered Rames, “for you were born to be a queen, and I + am but a humble soldier who cannot hope to consort with queens.” + </p> + <p> + “Who cannot hope! Would you wish to then if you could?” + </p> + <p> + “O Queen,” answered Rames, biting his lips, “why does it please you to + make a mock of me?” + </p> + <p> + “It does not please me to do any such thing, for by my father Amen, Rames, + I wish that we were children once more, for those were happy days before + they separated us and set you to soldiering and me to statecraft.” + </p> + <p> + “You have learnt your part well, Star of the Morning,” said Rames, + glancing at her quickly. + </p> + <p> + “Not better than you, playmate Rames, if I may judge from your sword-play + this night. So it seems that we both of us are in the way of becoming + masters of our trades.” + </p> + <p> + “What am I to say to your Majesty? You have saved my life when it was + forfeit——” + </p> + <p> + “As once you saved mine when it was forfeit, and at greater risk. Look at + your hand, it will remind you. It was but tit for tat. And, friend Rames, + this day I came near to being eaten by a worse crocodile than that which + dwells in the pool yonder.” + </p> + <p> + “I guessed as much, Queen, and the thought made me mad. Had it not been + for that I should only have thrown him down. Now that crocodile will eat + no more maidens.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Tua, rubbing her chin, “he has gone to be eaten by Set, + Devourer of Souls, has he not? But I think there may be trouble between + Egypt and Kesh, and what Pharaoh will say when he recovers I am sure I do + not know. May the gods protect me from his wrath.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me, if it pleases your Majesty, what is my fate? I have been named + General of this expedition over the heads of many, I who am but a captain + and a young man and an evil-doer. Am I to be killed on the journey, or am + I to be executed by the King of Kesh?” + </p> + <p> + “If any kill you on the journey, Rames, they shall render me an account, + be it the gods themselves, and as for the vengeance of the King of Kesh—well, + you will have two thousand picked men with you and the means to gather + more as you go. Listen now, for this is not in the decree or in the + letters,” she added, bending towards him and whispering. “Egypt has spies + in Kesh, and, being industrious, I have read their reports. The people + there hate the upstart race that rules them, and the king, who alone is + left now that Amathel is dead, is old and half-witted, for all that family + drink too much. So if the worst comes to the worst, do you think that you + need be killed, you,” she added meaningly, “who, if the House of Amathel + were not, would by descent be King of Kesh, as, if I and my House were + not, you might be Pharaoh of Egypt?” + </p> + <p> + Rames studied the floor for a little, then looked up and asked: + </p> + <p> + “What shall I do?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems that is for you to find out,” replied Tua, in her turn studying + the ceiling. “Were I in your place, I think that, if driven to it, <i>I</i> + should know what to do. One thing, however, I should <i>not</i> do. + Whatever may be the judgment of the divine King of Kesh upon you, and that + can easily be guessed, I should not return to Egypt with my escort, until + I was quite sure of my welcome. No, I think that I should stop in Napata, + which I am told is a rich and pleasant city, and try to put its affairs in + order, trusting that Egypt, to which it once belonged, would in the end + forgive me for so doing.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand,” said Rames, “that whatever happens, I alone am to blame.” + </p> + <p> + “Good, and of course there are no witnesses to this talk of ours. Have you + also been taking lessons in statecraft in your spare hours, Rames, much as + I have tried to learn something of the art of war?” + </p> + <p> + Rames made no answer, only these two strange conspirators looked at each + other and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty is weary. I must leave your Majesty,” he said presently. + </p> + <p> + “You must be wearier than I am, Rames, with that wound, which I think has + not been dressed, although it is true that we have both fought to-night. + Rames, you are going on a far journey. I wonder if we shall ever meet + again.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” he answered with a groan, “but for my sake it is better + that we should not. O Morning Star, why did you save me this night, who + would have been glad to die? Did not that Ka of yours tell you that I + should have been glad to die, or my mother, who is a magician?” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen nothing of my Ka, Rames, since we played together in the + temple—ah! those were happy days, were they not? And your mother is + a discreet lady who does not talk to me about you, except to warn me not + to show you any favour, lest others should be jealous and murder you. + Shall you then be sorry if we do not meet again? Scarcely, I suppose, + since you seem so anxious to die and be rid of me and all things that we + know.” + </p> + <p> + Now Rames pressed his hand upon his heart as though to still its beating, + and looked round him in despair. For, indeed, that heart of his felt as + though it must burst. + </p> + <p> + “Tua,” he gasped desperately, “can you for a minute forget that you are + Queen of the Upper and the Lower Land, who perhaps will soon be Pharaoh, + the mightiest monarch in the world, and remember only that you are a + woman, and as a woman hear a secret and keep it close?” + </p> + <p> + “We have been talking secrets, Rames, as we used to do, you remember, long + ago, and you will not tell mine which deal with the State. Why, then, + should I tell yours? But be short, it grows late, or rather early, and as + you know, we shall not meet again.” + </p> + <p> + “Good,” he answered. “Queen Neter-Tua, I, your subject, dare to love you.” + </p> + <p> + “What of that, Rames? I have millions of subjects who all profess to love + me.” + </p> + <p> + He waved his hand angrily, and went on: + </p> + <p> + “I dare to love you as a man loves a woman, not as a subject loves a + queen.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” she answered in a new and broken voice, “that is different, is it + not? Well, all women love to be loved, though some are queens and some are + peasants, so why should I be angry? Rames, now, as in past days, I thank + you for your love.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not enough,” he said. “What is the use of giving love? Love should + be lent. Love is an usurer that asks high interest. Nay, not the interest + only, but the capital and the interest to boot. Oh, Star! what happens to + the man who is so mad as to love the Queen of Egypt?” + </p> + <p> + Tua considered this problem as though it were a riddle to which she was + seeking an answer. + </p> + <p> + “Who knows?” she replied at length in a low voice. “Perhaps it costs him + his life, or perhaps—perhaps he marries her and becomes Pharaoh of + Egypt. Much might depend on whether the queen chanced to care about such a + man.” + </p> + <p> + Now Rames shook like a reed in the evening wind, and he looked at her with + glowing eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Tua,” he whispered, “can it be possible—do you mean that I am + welcome to you, or are you but drawing me to shame and ruin?” + </p> + <p> + She made no answer to him in words, only with a certain grave + deliberation, laid down the little ivory sceptre that she held, and + suffering her troubled eyes to rest upon his eyes, bent forward and + stretched out her arms towards him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Rames,” she murmured into his ear a minute later, “I am drawing you + to whatever may be found upon this breast of mine, love, or majesty, or + shame, or ruin, or the death of one or both of us, or all of them + together. Are you content to take the chances of this high game, Rames?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask it not, Tua. You know, you know!” + </p> + <p> + She kissed him on the lips, and all her heart and all her youth were in + that kiss. Then, gently enough, she pushed him from her, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Stand there, I would speak with you, and as I have said, the time is + short. Hearken to me, Rames, you are right; I know, as I have always + known, and as you would have known also had you been less foolish than you + are. You love me and I love you, for so it was decreed where souls are + made, and so it has been from the beginning and so it shall be to the end. + You, a gentleman of Egypt, love the Queen of Egypt, and she is yours and + no other man’s. Such is the decree of him who caused us to be born upon + the same day, and to be nursed upon the same kind breast. Well, after all, + why not? If love brings death upon us, as well may chance, at least the + love will remain which is worth it all, and beyond death there is + something.” + </p> + <p> + “Only this, Tua, I seek the woman not a throne, and alas! through me you + may be torn from your high place.” + </p> + <p> + “The throne goes with the woman, Rames, they cannot be separated. But, + say, something comes over me; if that happened, if I were an outcast, a + wanderer, with nothing save this shape and soul of mine, and it were you + that sat upon a throne, would you still love me, Rames?” + </p> + <p> + “Why ask such questions?” he replied indignantly. “Moreover, your talk is + childish. What throne can I ever sit on?” + </p> + <p> + A change fell upon her at his words. She ceased to be the melting, + passionate woman, and became once more the strong, far-seeing queen. + </p> + <p> + “Rames,” she said, “you understand why, although it tears my heart, I am + sending you so far away and into so many dangers, do you not? It is to + save your life, for after what has chanced to-night in this fashion or in + that here you would certainly die, as, had it not been for that plan of + mine you must have died two hours ago. There are many who hate you, Rames, + and Pharaoh may recover, as I pray the gods he will, and over-ride my + will, for you have slain his guest who was brought here to marry me.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand all of these things, Queen.” + </p> + <p> + “Then awake, Rames, look to the future and understand that also, if, as I + think, you have the wit. I am sending you with a strong escort, am I not? + Well, that King of Kesh is old and feeble, and you have a claim upon his + crown. Take it, man, and set it on your head, and as King of Kesh ask the + hand of Egypt’s Queen in marriage. Then who would say you nay—not + Egypt’s Queen, I think, or the people of Egypt who hunger for the rich + Southern Land which they have lost.” + </p> + <p> + So she spoke, and as these high words passed her lips she looked so + splendid and so royal that, dazzled by the greatness of her majesty. Rames + bowed himself before her as before the presence of a god. Then, aware that + she was trying him in the balance of her judgment, he straightened himself + and spoke to her as prince speaks to prince. + </p> + <p> + “Star of Amen,” he said, “it is true that though here we are but your + humble subjects, the blood of my father and of myself is as high as yours, + and perhaps more ancient, and it is true that now yonder Amathel is dead, + after my father, in virtue of those who went before us I have more right + than any other to the inheritance of Kesh. Queen, I hear your words, I + will take it if I can, not for its own sake, but to win you, and if I fail + you will know that I died doing my best. Queen, we part and this is a far + journey. Perhaps we may never meet again; at the best we must be separated + for long. Queen, you have honoured me with your love, and therefore I ask + a promise of you, not as a woman only, but as Queen. I ask that however + strait may be the circumstances, whatever reasons of State may push you + on, while I live you will take no other man to husband—no, not even + if he offers you half the world in dower.” + </p> + <p> + “I give it,” she answered. “If you should learn that I am wed to any man + upon the earth then spit upon my name as a woman, and as Queen cast me off + and overthrow me if you can. Deal with me, Rames, as in such a case I will + deal with you. Only be sure of your tidings ere you believe them. Now + there is nothing more to say. Farewell to you, Rames, till we meet again + beneath or beyond the sun. Our royal pact is made. Come, seal it and + begone.” + </p> + <p> + She rose and stretched out her sceptre to him, which he kissed as her + faithful subject. Next, with a swift movement, she lifted the golden <i>uræus</i> + circlet from her brow and for a moment set it on his head, crowning him + her king, and while it rested there she, the Queen of Egypt, bent the knee + before him and did him homage. Then she cast down crown and sceptre, and + as woman fell upon her lover’s breast while the bright rays of morning, + flowing suddenly through the eastern window-place of that splendid hall, + struck upon them both, clothing them in a robe of glory and of flame. + </p> + <p> + Soon, very soon, it was done and Tua, seated there in light, watched Rames + depart into the outer shadow, wondering when and how she would see him + come again. For her heart was heavy within her, and even in this hour of + triumphant love she greatly feared the future and its gifts. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII + </h2> + <h3> + TUA COMES TO MEMPHIS + </h3> + <p> + So that day Rames departed for Takensit with what ships and men could be + got together in such haste. There, at the frontier post, he waited till + the rest of the soldiers should join him, bringing with them the hastily + embalmed body of Prince Amathel whom he had slain, and the royal gifts to + the King of Kesh. Then, without a moment’s delay, he sailed southwards + with his little army on the long journey, fearing lest if he tarried, + orders might come to him to return to Thebes. Also he desired to reach + Napata before the heavy news of the death of the King’s son, and without + warning of the approach of Egypt’s embassy. + </p> + <p> + With Tua he had no more speech, although as his galley was rowed under the + walls of the palace, at a window of the royal apartments he saw a white + draped figure that watched them go by. It was standing in the shadow so + that he could not recognise the face, but his heart told him that this was + none other than the Queen herself, who appeared there to bid him farewell. + </p> + <p> + So Rames rose from the chair in which he was seated on account of the hurt + to his leg and saluted with his sword, and ordered the crew to do likewise + by lifting up their oars. Then the slender figure bowed in answer, and he + went on to fulfil his destiny, leaving Neter-Tua, Morning Star of Amen, to + fulfil hers. + </p> + <p> + Before he sailed, however, Mermes his father and Asti his mother visited + him in a place apart. + </p> + <p> + “You were born under a strange star, my son,” said Mermes, “and I know not + whither it will lead you, who pray that it may not be a meteor which + blazes suddenly in the heavens and disappears to return no more. All the + people talk of the favour the Queen has shown you who, instead of ordering + you to be executed for the deed you did which robbed her of a royal + husband, has set you in command of an army, you, a mere youth, and + received you in secret audience, an honour granted to very few. Fate that + has passed me by gives the dice to your young hand, but how the cast will + fall I know not, nor shall I live to see, or so I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “Speak no such evil-omened words, my father,” answered Rames tenderly, for + these two loved each other. “To me it seems more likely that it is I who + shall not live, for this is a strange and desperate venture upon which I + go, to tell to a great king the news of the death of his only son at my + own hand. Mother, you are versed in the books of wisdom and can see that + which is hidden to our eyes. Have you no word of comfort for us?” + </p> + <p> + “My son,” answered Asti, “I have searched the future, but with all my + skill it will open little of its secrets to my sight. Yet I have learned + something. Great fortunes lie before you, and I believe that you and I + shall meet again. But to your beloved father bid farewell.” + </p> + <p> + At these words Rames turned his head aside to hide his tears, but Mermes + bade him not to grieve, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Great is the mystery of our fates, my son. Some there be who tell us that + we are but bubbles born of the stream to be swallowed up by the stream, + clouds born of the sky to be swallowed up by the sky, the offspring of + chance like the beasts and the birds, gnats that dance for an hour in the + sunlight and are gone. But I believe it not, who hold that the gods clothe + us with this robe of flesh for their own purpose, and that the spirit + within us has been from the beginning and eternally will be. Therefore I + love not life and fear not death, knowing that these are but doors leading + to the immortal house that is prepared for us. The royal blood you have + came to you from your mother and myself, but that our lots should have + been humble, while yours, mayhap, will be splendid, does not move me to + envy who perchance have been that you may be. You go forth to fulfil your + fortunes which I believe are great, I bide here to fulfil mine which lead + me to the tomb. I shall never see you in your power, if power comes to + you, nor will your triumphant footsteps stir my sleep. + </p> + <p> + “Yet, Rames, remember that though you tread on cloth of gold and the bowed + necks of your enemies, though love be your companion and diadems your + crown, though flatteries float about you like incense in a shrine till, at + length, you deem yourself a god, those footsteps of yours still lead to + that same dark tomb and through it on to Judgment. Be great if you can, + but be good as well as great. Take no man’s life because you have the + strength and hate him; wrong no woman because she is defenceless or can be + bought. Remember that the beggar child playing in the sand may have a + destiny more high than yours when all the earthly count is reckoned. + Remember that you share the air you breathe with the cattle and the worm. + Go your road rejoicing in your beauty and your youth and the good gifts + that are given you, but know, Rames, that at the end of it I, who wait in + the shadow of Osiris, I your father, shall ask an account thereof, and + that beyond me stand the gods of Justice to test the web that you have + woven. Now, Rames, my son, my blessing and the blessing of him who shaped + us be with you, and farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Then Mermes kissed him on the brow and, turning, left the room, nor did + they ever meet again. + </p> + <p> + But Asti stayed awhile, and coming to him presently, looked Rames in the + eyes, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Mourn not. Separations are no new thing, death is no new thing; all these + sorrows have been on the earth for millions of years, and for millions of + years yet shall be. Live out your life, rejoicing if the days be good, + content if they be but ill, regretting nothing save your sins, fearing + nothing, expecting nothing, since all things are appointed and cannot be + changed.” + </p> + <p> + “I hear,” he answered humbly, “and I will not forget. Whether I succeed or + fail you shall not be ashamed for me.” + </p> + <p> + Now his mother turned to go also, but paused and said: + </p> + <p> + “I have a gift for you, Rames, from one whose name may not be spoken.” + </p> + <p> + “Give it to me,” he said eagerly, “I feared that it was all but a dream.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” replied Asti scanning his face, “so there was a dream, was there? + Did it fall upon you last night when the daughter of Amen, my + foster-child, instructed you in secret?” + </p> + <p> + “The gift,” said Rames, stretching out his hand. + </p> + <p> + Then, smiling in her quiet fashion, his mother drew from the bosom of her + robe some object that was wrapped in linen and, touching her forehead with + the royal seal that fastened it, gave it to Rames. With trembling fingers + he broke the seal and there within the linen lay a ring which for some + years, as Rames knew, Tua had worn upon the first finger of her right + hand. It was massive and of plain gold, and upon the bezel of it was cut + the symbol of the sun, on either side of which knelt a man and a woman + crowned with the double crown of Egypt, and holding in their right hands + the looped Sign of Life which they stretched up towards the glory of the + sun. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know who wore that ring in long past days?” asked Asti of Rames + who pressed it to his lips. + </p> + <p> + He shook his head who remembered only that Tua had worn it. + </p> + <p> + “It was your forefather and mine, Rames, the last of the royal rulers of + our line, who reigned over Egypt and also over the Land of Kesh. A while + ago the embalmers re-clothed his divine body in the tomb, and the + Princess, who was present there with your father and myself, drew this + ring off his dead hand and offered it to Mermes, who would not take it, + seeing that it is a royal signet. So she wore it herself, and now for her + own reasons she sends it to you, perhaps to give you authority in Kesh + where that mighty seal is known.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank the Queen,” he murmured. “I shall wear it always.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let it be on your breast till you have passed the frontier, lest + some should ask questions that you find it hard to answer. My son,” she + went on quickly, “you dare to love this queen of ours.” + </p> + <p> + “In truth I do, Mother. Did not you, who know everything, know that? Also + it is your fault who brought us up together.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my son, the fault of the gods who have so decreed. But—does + she love you?” + </p> + <p> + “You are always with her, Mother, ask her yourself, if you need to ask. At + least, she has sent me her own ring. Oh! Mother, Mother, guard her night + and day, for if harm comes to her, then I die. Mother, queens cannot give + themselves where they will as other women can; it is policy that thrusts + their husbands on them. Keep her unwed, Mother. Though it should cost her + her throne, still I say let her not be cast into the arms of one she + hates. Protect her in her trial, if such should come; and if strength + fails and the gods desert her, then hide her in the web of the magic that + you have, and preserve her undefiled, for so shall I bless your name for + ever.” + </p> + <p> + “You fly at a rare bird, Rames, and there are many stronger hawks about + besides that one you slew; yes, royal eagles who may strike down the pair + of you. Yet I will do my best, who have long foreseen this hour, and who + pray that before my eyes shut in death, they may yet behold you seated on + the throne of your forefathers, crowned with power and with such love and + beauty as have never yet been given to man. Now hide that ring upon your + heart and your secret in it, as I shall, lest you should return no more to + Egypt. Moreover, follow your royal Star and no other. Whatever counsel she + may have given you, follow it also, stirring not to right or left, for I + say that in that maiden breast of hers there dwells the wisdom of the + gods.” + </p> + <p> + Then holding up her hands over his head as though in blessing, Asti, too, + turned and left him. + </p> + <p> + So Rames went and was no more seen, and by degrees the talk as to the + matter of his victory over the Prince of Kesh, and as to his appointment + by the whim of the maiden Queen to command the splendid embassy of + atonement which she had despatched to the old King, the dead man’s father, + died away for lack of anything to feed on. + </p> + <p> + Tua kept her counsel well, nor was aught known of that midnight interview + with the young Count her general. Moreover, Napata was far away, so far + that starting at the season when it did, the embassy could scarce return + till two years had gone by, if ever it did return. Also few believed that + whoever came back, Rames would be one of them, since it was said openly + that so soon as he was beyond the frontiers of Egypt, the soldiers had + orders to kill him and take on his body as a peace-offering. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, all praised the wit and wisdom of the Queen, who by this politic + device, had rid herself of a troublesome business with as little scandal + as possible, and avoided staining her own hands in the blood of a + foster-brother. Had she ordered his death forthwith, they said, it would + have been supposed also that she had put him away because he was of a + royal race, one who, in the future, might prove a rival, or at least cause + some rebellion. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile greater questions filled the mouths of men. Would Pharaoh die + and leave Neter-Tua, the young and lovely, to hold his throne, and if so, + what would happen? It was a thousand years since a woman had reigned in + Egypt, and none had reigned who were not wed. Therefore it seemed + necessary that a husband should be found for her as soon as might be. + </p> + <p> + But Pharaoh did not die. On the contrary, though very slowly, he recovered + and was stronger than he had been for years, for the fit that struck him + down seemed to have cleared his blood. For some three months he lay + helpless as a child, amusing himself as a child does with little things, + and talking of children whom he had known in his youth, or when some of + these chanced to visit him as old men, asking them to play with him with + tops or balls. + </p> + <p> + Then one day came a change, and rising from his bed he commanded the + presence of his Councillors, and when they came, inquired of them what had + happened, and why he could remember nothing since the feast. + </p> + <p> + They put him off with soft words, and soon he grew weary and dismissed + them. But after they had gone and he had eaten he sent for Mermes, the + Captain of the Guard of Amen and his friend, and questioned him. + </p> + <p> + “The last thing I remember,” he said, “was seeing the drunken Prince of + Kesh fighting with your son, that handsome, fiery-eyed Count Rames whom + some fool, or enemy, had set to wait upon him at table. It was a dog’s + trick, Mermes, for after all your blood is purer and more ancient than + that of the present kings of Kesh. Well, the horror of the sight of my + royal guest, the suitor for my daughter’s hand, fighting with an officer + of my own guard at my own board, struck me as a butcher strikes an ox, and + after it all was blackness. What chanced, Mermes?” + </p> + <p> + “This, Pharaoh: My son killed Amathel in fair fight, then those black + Nubian giants in their fury attacked your guard, but led by Rames the + Egyptians, though they were the lesser men, overcame them and slew most of + them. I am an old soldier, but never have I seen a finer fray——” + </p> + <p> + “A finer fray! A finer fray,” gasped Pharaoh. “Why this will mean a war + between Kesh and Egypt. And then? Did the Council order Rames to be + executed, as you must admit he deserved, although you are his father?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so, O Pharaoh; moreover, I admit nothing, though had he played a + coward’s part before all the lords of Egypt, gladly would I have slain him + with my own hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Pharaoh, “there speaks the soldier and the parent. Well, I + understand. He was affronted, was he not, by that bedizened black man? + Were I in your place I should say as much. But—what happened?” + </p> + <p> + “Your Majesty having become unconscious,” explained Mermes, “her Majesty + the Queen Neter-Tua, Glorious in Ra, took command of affairs according to + her Oath of Crowning. She has sent an embassy of atonement of two thousand + picked soldiers to the King of Kesh, bearing with them the embalmed body + of the divine Amathel and many royal gifts.” + </p> + <p> + “That is good enough in its way,” said Pharaoh. “But why two thousand men, + whereof the cost will be very great, when a score would have sufficed? It + is an army, not an embassy, and when my royal brother of Kesh sees it + advancing, bearing with it the ill-omened gift of his only son’s body, he + may take alarm.” + </p> + <p> + Mermes respectfully agreed that he might do so. + </p> + <p> + “What general is in command of this embassy, as it pleases you to call + it?” + </p> + <p> + “The Count Rames, my son, is in command, your Majesty.” + </p> + <p> + Now weak as he was still, Pharaoh nearly leapt from his chair: + </p> + <p> + “Rames! That young cut-throat who killed the Prince! Rames who is the last + of the old rightful dynasty of Kesh! Rames, a mere captain, in command of + two thousand of my veterans! Oh, I must still be mad! Who gave him the + command?” + </p> + <p> + “The Queen Neter-Tua, Star of Amen, she gave him the command, O Pharaoh. + Immediately after the fray in the hall she uttered her decree and caused + it to be recorded in the usual fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “Send for the Queen,” said Pharaoh with a groan. + </p> + <p> + So Tua was summoned, and presently swept in gloriously arrayed, and on + seeing her father sitting up and well, ran to him and embraced him and for + a long time refused to listen to his talk of matters of State. At length, + however, he made her sit by him still holding his hand, and asked her why + in the name of Amen she had sent that handsome young firebrand, Rames, in + command of the expedition to Kesh. Then she answered very sweetly that she + would tell him. And tell him she did, at such length that before she had + finished, Pharaoh, whose strength as yet was small, had fallen into a + doze. + </p> + <p> + “Now, you understand,” she said as he woke up with a start. “The + responsibility was thrust upon me, and I had to act as I thought best. To + have slain this young Rames would have been impossible, for all hearts + were with him.” + </p> + <p> + “But surely, Daughter, you might have got him out of the way.” + </p> + <p> + “My father, that is what I have done. I have sent him to Napata, which is + very much out of the way—many months’ journey, I am told.” + </p> + <p> + “But what will happen, Tua? Either the King of Kesh will kill him and my + two thousand soldiers, or perhaps he will kill the King of Kesh as he + killed his son, and seize the throne which his own forefathers held for + generations. Have you thought of that?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my father, I thought of it, and if this last should happen through + no fault of ours, would Egypt weep, think you?” + </p> + <p> + Now Pharaoh stared at Tua, and Tua looked back at Pharaoh and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “I perceive, Daughter,” he said slowly, “that in you are the makings of a + great queen, for within the silken scabbard of a woman’s folly I see the + statesman’s sword of bronze. Only run not too fast lest you should fall + upon that sword and it should pierce you.” + </p> + <p> + Now Tua, who had heard such words before from Asti, smiled again but made + no answer. + </p> + <p> + “You need a husband to hold you back,” went on Pharaoh; “some great man + whom you can love and respect.” + </p> + <p> + “Find me such a man, my father, and I will wed him gladly,” answered Tua + in a sweet voice. “Only,” she added, “I know not where he may be sought + now that the divine Amathel is dead at the hand of the Count Rames, our + general and ambassador to Kesh.” + </p> + <p> + So when he grew stronger Pharaoh renewed his search for a husband meet to + marry the Queen of Egypt. Now, as before, suitors were not lacking, + indeed, his ambassadors and councillors sent in their names by twos and + threes, but always when they were submitted to her, Tua found something + against everyone of them, till at last it was said that she must be + destined for a god since no mere mortal would serve her turn. But when + this was reported to her, Tua only answered with a smile that she was + destined to that royal lover of whom Amen had spoken to her mother in a + dream; not to a god, but to the Chosen of the god, and that when she saw + him, she felt sure she would know him at once and love him much. + </p> + <p> + After some months had gone by Pharaoh, quite weary of this play, asked the + advice of his Council. They suggested to him that he should journey + through the great cities of Egypt, both because the change might + completely re-establish his divine health, and in the hope that on her + travels the Queen Neter-Tua would meet someone of royal blood with whom + she could fall in love. For by now it was evident to all of them that + unless she did fall in love, she would not marry. + </p> + <p> + So that very night Pharaoh asked his daughter if she would undertake such + a journey. + </p> + <p> + She answered that nothing would please her better, as she wearied of + Thebes, and desired to see the other great cities of the land, to make + herself known to those who dwell in them, and in each to be proclaimed as + its future ruler. Also she wished to look upon the ocean whereof she had + heard that it was so big that all the waters of the Nile flowing into it + day and night made no difference to its volume. + </p> + <p> + Thus then began that pilgrimage which afterwards Tua recorded in the + history of her reign on the walls of the wonderful temples that she built. + Her own wish was that they should sail south to the frontiers of Egypt, + since there she hoped that she might hear some tidings of Rames and his + expedition, whereof latterly no certain word had come. This project, + however, was over-ruled because in the south there were no great towns, + also the inhabitants of the bordering desert were turbulent, and might + choose that moment to attack. + </p> + <p> + So in the end they went down and not up the Nile, tarrying for a while at + every great city, and especially at Atbu, the holy place where the head of + Osiris is buried, and tens of thousands of the great men of Egypt have + their tombs. Here Tua was crowned afresh in the very shrine of Osiris + amidst the rejoicings of the people. + </p> + <p> + Then they sailed away to On, the City of the Sun, and thence to make + offerings at the Great Pyramids which were built by some of the early + kings who had ruled Egypt, to serve them as their tombs. + </p> + <p> + Neter-Tua entered the Pyramids to look upon the bodies of these Pharaohs + who had been dead for thousands of years, and whose deeds were all + forgotten, though her father would not accompany her there because the + ways were so steep that he did not dare to tread them. Afterwards, with + Asti and a small guard of the Arab chiefs of the desert, she mounted a + dromedary and rode round them in the moonlight, hoping that she would meet + the ghosts of those kings, and that they would talk with her as the ghost + of her mother had done. But she saw no ghosts, nor would Asti try to + summon them from their sleep, although Tua prayed her to do so. + </p> + <p> + “Leave them alone,” said Asti, as they paused in the shadow of the + greatest of the pyramids and stared at its shining face engraved from base + to summit with many a mystic writing. + </p> + <p> + “Leave them alone lest they should be angry as Amen was, and tell your + Majesty things which you do not wish to hear. Contemplate their mighty + works, such as no monarch can build to-day, and suffer them to rest + therein undisturbed by weaker folk.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you call these mighty works?” asked Tua contemptuously, for she was + angry because Asti would not try to raise the dead. “What are they after + all, but so many stones put together by the labour of men to satisfy their + own vanity? And of those who built them what story remains? There is none + at all save some vain legends. Now if <i>I</i> live I will rear a greater + monument, for history shall tell of me till time be dead.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, Neter-Tua, if you live and the gods will it, though for my part + I think that these old stones will survive the story of most deeds.” + </p> + <p> + On the morrow of this visit to the Pyramids Pharaoh and the Queen his + daughter made their state entry into the great white-walled city of + Memphis, where they were royally received by Pharaoh’s brother, the Prince + Abi, who was still the ruler of all this town and district. As it chanced + these two had not met since Abi, many years before, came to Thebes, asking + a share in the government of Egypt and to be nominated as successor to the + throne. + </p> + <p> + Like every other lord and prince, he had been invited to be present at the + great ceremony of the Crowning of Neter-Tua, but at the last moment sent + his excuses, saying that he was ill, which seemed to be true. At any rate, + the spies reported that he was confined to his bed, though whether + sickness or his own will took him thither at this moment, there was + nothing to show. At the time Pharaoh and his Council wondered a little + that he had made no proposal for the marriage of one of his sons, of whom + he had four, to their royal cousin, Neter-Tua, but decided that he had not + done so because he was sure that it would not be accepted. For the rest, + during all this period Abi had kept quiet in his own Government, which he + ruled well and strongly, remitting his taxes to Thebes at the proper time + with a ceremonial letter of homage, and even increasing the amount of + them. + </p> + <p> + So it came about that Pharaoh, who by nature was kindly and unsuspicious, + had long ago put away all mistrust of his brother, whose ambitions, he was + sure, had come to an end with the birth of an heiress to the throne. + </p> + <p> + Yet, when escorted only by five hundred of his guard, for this was a + peaceful visit, Pharaoh rode into the mighty city and saw how impregnable + were its walls and how strong its gates; saw also that the streets were + lined with thousands of well-armed troops, doubts which he dismissed as + unworthy, did creep into his heart. But if he said nothing of them, Tua, + who rode in the chariot with him, was not so silent. + </p> + <p> + “My father,” she said in a low voice while the crowds shouted their + welcome, for they were alone in the chariot, the horses of which were led, + “this uncle of mine keeps a great state in Memphis.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Daughter, why should he not? He is its governor.” + </p> + <p> + “A stranger who did not know the truth might think he was its king, my + father, and to be plain, if I were Pharaoh, and had chosen to enter here, + it would have been with a larger force.” + </p> + <p> + “We can go away when we like, Tua,” said Pharaoh uneasily. + </p> + <p> + “You mean, my father, that we can go away when it pleases the Prince your + brother to open those great bronze gates that I heard clash behind us—then + and not before.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment their talk came to an end, for the chariot was stayed at + the steps of the great hall where Abi waited to receive his royal guests. + He stood at the head of the steps, a huge, coarse, vigorous man of about + sixty years of age, on whose fat, swarthy face there was still, oddly + enough, some resemblance to the delicate, refined-featured Pharaoh. + </p> + <p> + Tua summed him up in a single glance, and instantly hated him even more + than she had hated Amathel, Prince of Kesh. Also she who had not feared + the empty-headed, drunken Amathel, was penetrated with a strange terror of + this man whom she felt to be strong and intelligent, and whose great, + greedy eyes rested on her beauty as though they could not tear themselves + away. + </p> + <p> + Now they were ascending the steps, and now Prince Abi was welcoming them + to his “humble house,” giving them their throne names, and saying how + rejoiced he was to see them, his sovereigns, within the walls of Memphis, + while all the time he stared at Tua. + </p> + <p> + Pharaoh, who was tired, made no reply, but the young Queen, staring back + at him, answered: + </p> + <p> + “We thank you for your greeting, but then, my uncle Abi, why did you not + meet us outside the gates of Memphis where we expected to find its + governor waiting to deliver up the keys of Pharaoh’s city to the officers + of Pharaoh?” + </p> + <p> + Now Abi, who had thought to see some shrinking child clothed in the + emblems of a queen, looked astonished at this tall and royal maiden who + had so sharp a tongue, and found no words to answer her. So she swept past + him and commanded to be shown where she should lodge in Memphis. + </p> + <p> + They led her to its greatest palace that had been prepared for Pharaoh and + herself, a place surrounded by palm groves in the midst of the city, but + having studied it with her quick eyes, she said that it did not please + her. So search was made elsewhere, and in the end she chose another + smaller palace that once had been a temple of Sekhet, the tiger-headed + goddess of vengeance and of chastity, whereof the pylon towers fronted on + the Nile which at its flood washed against them. Indeed, they were now + part of the wall of Memphis, for the great unused gateway between them had + been built up with huge blocks of stone. + </p> + <p> + Surrounding this palace and outside its courts, lay the old gardens of the + temple where the priests of Sekhet used to wander, enclosed within a lofty + limestone wall. Here, saying that the air from the river would be more + healthy for him, Tua persuaded Pharaoh to establish himself and his Court, + and to encamp the guards under the command of his friend Mermes, in the + outer colonnades and gardens. + </p> + <p> + When it was pointed out to the Queen that, owing to the lack of + dwelling-rooms, none which were fitting were left for her to occupy, she + replied that this mattered nothing, since in the old pylon tower were two + small chambers hollowed in the thickness of its walls, which were very + pleasing to her, because of the prospect of the Nile and the wide flat + lands and the distant Pyramids commanded from the lofty roof and + window-places. So these chambers, in which none had dwelt for generations, + were hastily cleaned out and furnished, and in them Tua and Asti her + foster-mother, took up their abode. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII + </h2> + <h3> + THE MAGIC IMAGE + </h3> + <p> + That night Pharaoh and Tua rested in privacy with those members of the + Court whom they had brought with them, but on the morrow began a round of + festivals such as history scarcely told of in Egypt. Indeed, the feast + with which it opened was more splendid than any Tua had seen at Thebes + even at the time of her crowning, or on that day of blood and happiness + when Amathel and his Nubian guards were slain and she and Rames declared + their love. At this feast Pharaoh and the young Queen sat in chairs of + gold, while the Prince Abi was placed on her right hand, and not on that + of Pharaoh as he should have been as host and subject. + </p> + <p> + “I am too much honoured,” said Tua, looking at him sideways. “Why do you + not sit by Pharaoh, my uncle?” + </p> + <p> + “Who am I that I should take the seat of honour when my sovereigns come to + visit me?” answered Abi, bowing his great head. “Let it be reserved for + the high-priest of Osiris, that Holy One whom, after Ptah, we worship here + above all other deities, for he is clothed with the majesty of the god of + death.” + </p> + <p> + “Of death,” said Tua. “Is that why you put him by my father?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed not,” replied Abi, spreading out his hands, “though if a choice + must be made, I would rather that he sat near one who is old and must soon + be called the ‘ever-living,’ than at the side of the loveliest queen that + Egypt has ever seen, to whom it is said that Amen himself has sworn a long + life,” and again he bowed. + </p> + <p> + “You mean that you think Pharaoh will soon die. Nay, deny it not, Prince + Abi, I can read your thoughts, and they are ill-omened,” said Tua sharply + and, turning her head away, began to watch those about her. + </p> + <p> + Soon she noticed that behind Abi amongst his other officers stood a tall, + grizzled man clad in the robes and cap of an astrologer, who appeared to + be studying everything, and especially Pharaoh and herself, for whenever + she looked round it was to find his quick, black eyes fixed upon her. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that man?” she whispered presently to Asti, who waited on her. + </p> + <p> + “The famous astrologer, Kaku, Queen. I have seen him before when he + visited Thebes with the Prince before your birth. I will tell you of him + afterwards. Watch him well.” + </p> + <p> + So Tua watched and discovered several things, among them that Kaku + observed everything that she and Pharaoh did, what they ate, to whom they + spoke, and any words which fell from their lips, such as those that she + had uttered about the god Osiris. All of these he noted down from time to + time on his waxen tablets, doubtless that he might make use of them + afterwards in his interpretation of the omens of the future. + </p> + <p> + Now, among the ladies of the Court who fanned Pharaoh and waited on him + was that dancing girl of Abi’s who many years before had betrayed him at + Thebes, Merytra, Lady of the Footstool, now a woman of middle age, but + still beautiful, of whom, although Tua disliked her, Pharaoh was fond + because she was clever and witty of speech and amused him. For this + reason, in spite of her history, he had advanced her to wealth and honour, + and kept her about his person as a companion of his lighter hours. + Something in this woman’s manner attracted Tua’s attention, for + continually she looked at the astrologer, Kaku, who suddenly awoke to her + presence and smiled as though he recognised an old friend. Then, when it + was the turn of another to take her place behind Pharaoh, Merytra drew + alongside of Kaku, and under shelter of her broad fan, spoke to him + quickly, as though she were making some arrangement with him, and he + nodded in assent, after which they separated again. + </p> + <p> + The feast wore on its weary course till, at length, the doors opened and + slaves appeared bearing the mummy of a dead man, which they set upon its + feet in the centre of the hall, whereon a toast-master cried: + </p> + <p> + “Drink and be merry, all ye great ones of the earth, who know not how soon + ye shall come to this last lowly state.” + </p> + <p> + Now this bringing in of the mummy was a very ancient rite, but one that + had fallen into general disuse, so that as it chanced Tua, who had never + seen it practised before, looked on it with curiosity not unmingled with + disgust. + </p> + <p> + “Why is a dead king dragged from his sepulchre back into the world of + life, my Uncle?” she asked, pointing to the royal emblems with which the + corpse was clothed. + </p> + <p> + “It is no king, your Majesty,” answered Abi, “but only the bones of some + humble person, or perhaps a block of wood that wears the <i>uræus</i> and + carries the sceptre in honour of Pharaoh, our chief guest.” + </p> + <p> + Now Tua frowned, and Pharaoh, who had overheard the talk, said, smiling + sadly: + </p> + <p> + “A somewhat poor compliment, my brother, to one who, like myself, is old + and sickly and not far from his eternal habitation. Yet why should I + grumble at it who need no such reminder of that which awaits me and all of + us?” and he leaned back in his chair and sighed, while Tua looked at him + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + Then Abi ordered the mummy to be removed, declaring, with many apologies, + that it had been brought there only because such was the ancient custom of + Memphis, which, unlike Thebes, did not change its fashions. He added that + this same body or figure, for he knew not which it was, having never + troubled to inquire, had been looked upon by at least thirty Pharaohs, all + as dead as it to-day, since it was the same that was used at the royal + feasts before, long ago, the seat of government was moved to Thebes. + </p> + <p> + “If so,” broke in Tua, who was angry, “it is time that it should be + buried, if flesh and bone, or burned if wood. But Pharaoh is wearied. Have + we your leave to depart, my Uncle?” + </p> + <p> + Without answering, Abi rose, as she thought to dismiss the company. But it + was not so, for he raised a great, golden cup of wine and said: + </p> + <p> + “Before we part, my guests, let Memphis drink a welcome to the mighty Lord + of the Two Lands who, for the first time in his long and glorious reign, + honours it with his presence here to-day. As he said to me but now, my + royal brother is weak and aged with sickness, nor can we hope that once + his visit is ended, he will return again to the White-walled City. But as + it chances the gods have given him a boon which they denied for long, the + lovely daughter who shares his throne, and who, as we believe and pray, + will reign after him when it pleases him to ascend into the kingdom of + Osiris. Yet, my friends, it is evil that the safe and lawful government of + Egypt should hang on one frail life. Therefore this is the toast to which + I drink—that the Queen Neter-Tua, Morning Star of Amen, Hathor + Strong in Beauty, who has rejected so many suitors, may before she departs + from among us, find one to her liking, some husband of royal blood, + skilled in the art of rule, whose strength and knowledge may serve to + support her woman’s weakness and inexperience in that sad hour when she + finds herself alone.” + </p> + <p> + Now the audience, who well understood the inner meaning and objects of + this speech, rose and cheered furiously, as they had been schooled to do, + emptying their cups to Pharaoh and to Tua and shouting: + </p> + <p> + “We know the man. Take him, glorious Queen, take him, Daughter of Amen, + and reign for ever.” + </p> + <p> + “What do they mean?” muttered Pharaoh, “I do not understand. Thank them, + my daughter, my voice is weak, and let us begone.” + </p> + <p> + So Tua rose when at length there was silence and, looking round her with + flashing eyes, said in her clear voice that reached the furthest recesses + of the hall: + </p> + <p> + “The Pharaoh, my father, and I, the Queen of the Upper and the Lower + Lands, return thanks to you, our people of this city, for your loyal + greetings. But as for the words that the Prince Abi has spoken, we + understand them not. My prayer is that the Pharaoh may still reign in + glory for many years, but if he departs and I remain, learn, O people, + that you have naught to fear from the weakness and inexperience of your + Queen. Learn also that she seeks no husband, nor when she seeks will she + ever find one within the walls of Memphis. Rest you well, O people and + you, my Uncle Abi, as now with your good leave we will do also.” + </p> + <p> + Then, turning, she took her father by the hand and went without more + words, leaving Abi staring at his guests while his guests stared back at + him. + </p> + <p> + When Tua had reached the pylon tower, where she lodged, and her ladies had + unrobed her and gone, she called Asti to her from the adjoining chamber + and said: + </p> + <p> + “You are wise, my nurse, tell me, what did Abi mean?” + </p> + <p> + “If your Majesty cannot guess, then you are duller than I thought,” + answered Asti in her quick, dry fashion, adding; “however, I will try to + translate. The Prince Abi, your noble uncle, means that he has trapped you + here, and that you shall not leave these walls save as his wife.” + </p> + <p> + Now fury took hold of Tua. + </p> + <p> + “How dare he speak such words?” she gasped, springing to her feet. “I, the + wife of that old river-hog, my father’s brother who might be my + grandfather, that hideous, ancient lump of wickedness who boasts that he + has a hundred sons and daughters; I, the Queen of Egypt, whose birth was + decreed by Amen, I—how dare you?” and she ceased, choking in her + wrath. + </p> + <p> + “The question is—how he dares, Queen. Still, that is his plot which + he will carry through if he is able. I suspected it from the first, and + that is why I always opposed this visit to Memphis, but you will remember + that you bade me be silent, saying that you had determined to see the most + ancient city in Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + “You should not have been silent. You should have said what was in your + mind, even if I ordered you from my presence. Neither Abi nor any of his + sons proposed for my hand when the others did, therefore <i>I</i> + suspected nothing——” + </p> + <p> + “After the fashion of women who have already given their hearts, Queen, + and forget that they have other things to give—a kingdom, for + instance. The snake does not roar like the lion, yet it is more to be + feared.” + </p> + <p> + “Once I am out of this place it is the snake that shall have cause to + fear, Asti, for I will break its back and throw it writhing to the kites. + Nurse, we must leave Memphis.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not easy, Queen, since some ceremony is planned for each of the + next eight days. If Pharaoh were to go away without attending them, he + would anger all the people of the North which he has not visited since he + was crowned.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let them be angered; Pharaoh can do as he wills.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Queen, at least, that is the saying. But do you think that Pharaoh + wishes to bring about a civil war and risk his crown and yours? Listen: + Abi is very strong, and under his command he has a greater army than + Pharaoh can muster in these times of peace, for in addition to his trained + troops, all the thousands of the Bedouin tribes of the desert look on him + as lord, and at his word will fall on the wealth of Egypt like famished + vultures on a fatted ox. Moreover, here you have but a guard of five + hundred men, whereas Abi’s regiments, summoned to do you honour, and his + ships of war block the river and the southern road. How then will you + leave Memphis without his good leave; how will you even send messengers to + summon aid which could not reach you under fifty days?” + </p> + <p> + Now when she saw the greatness of the danger, Tua grew quite calm and + answered: + </p> + <p> + “You have done wrong, Asti; if you foresaw all these things of which I + never thought, you should have warned Pharaoh and his Council.” + </p> + <p> + “Queen, I did warn them, and Mermes warned them also, but they would not + listen, saying that they were but the idle dreams of one who strives to + peep into the future and sees false pictures there. More, Pharaoh sent for + me himself, and whilst thanking me and Mermes my husband, told me that he + had inquired into the matter and found no cause to distrust Abi or those + under his command. Moreover, he forbade me to speak to your Majesty about + it, lest, being but young and a woman, you might be frightened and your + pleasure spoilt.” + </p> + <p> + “Who was his counsellor?” asked Tua. + </p> + <p> + “A strange one, I think, Queen. You know his waiting-woman, Merytra, she + of whom he is so fond, and who stood behind him with a fan this night.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, I know her,” replied Tua, with emphasis. “She was ever whispering + with that tall astrologer at the feast. But does Pharaoh take counsel with + waiting-ladies of his private household?” + </p> + <p> + “With this waiting-lady, it seems, Queen. Perhaps you have not heard all + her story, in the year before your birth Merytra came up the Nile with + Abi. She was then quite young and very pretty; one of Abi’s women. It + seems that the Prince struck her for some fault, and being clever she + determined to be revenged upon him. Soon she got her chance, for she heard + Abi disclose to the astrologer Kaku, that same man whom you saw to-night + talking with her, a plan that he had made to murder Pharaoh and declare + himself king, from which Kaku dissuaded him. Having this secret and being + bold, she fled at once from the ship of Abi, and that night told Pharaoh + everything. But he forgave Abi, and sent him home again with honour who + should have slain him for his treason. Only Merytra remained in the Court, + and from that time forward Pharaoh, who trusted her and was caught by her + wit and beauty, made it a habit to send for her when he wished to have + news of Memphis where she was born, because she seemed always to know even + the most secret things that were passing in that city. Moreover, often her + information proved true.” + </p> + <p> + “That is not to be wondered at, Nurse, seeing that doubtless it came from + this Kaku, Abi’s astrologer and magician.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Queen, it is not to be wondered at, especially as she paid back + secret for secret. Well, I believe that after I had warned Pharaoh of what + I knew, never mind how, he sent for Merytra, who laughed the tale to + scorn, and told him that Abi his brother had long ago abandoned all + ambitions, being well content with his great place and power which one of + his sons would inherit after him. She told him also that the troops were + but assembled to do the greater honour to your Majesties who had no more + loyal or loving subject than the Prince Abi, whom for her part she hated + with good cause, as she loved Pharaoh and his House—with good cause. + If there were any danger, she asked would she dare to put herself within + the reach of Abi, the man that she had once betrayed because her heart was + pure and true, and she was faithful to her king. So Pharaoh believed her, + and I obeyed the orders of Pharaoh, knowing that if I did not do so he + would grow angry and perhaps separate me from you, my beloved Queen and + fosterling, which, now that Rames has gone, would, I think, have meant my + death. Yet I fear that I have erred.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I fear also that you have erred, Asti, but everything is forgiven to + those who err through love,” answered Tua kindly and kissing her. “Oh, my + father, Pharaoh! What god fashioned you so weak that an evil spirit in a + woman’s shape can play the rudder to your policy! Leave me now, Asti, for + I must sleep and call on Amen to aid his daughter. The snare is strong and + cunning, but, perchance, in my dreams he will show me how it may be + broke.” + </p> + <p> + That night when the feast was ended Merytra, Pharaoh’s favoured + waiting-maid, did not return with the rest of the royal retinue to the + temple where he lodged. As they went from the hall in state she whispered + a few words into the ear of the chief Butler of the Household who, knowing + that she had the royal pass to come in and out as she would, answered that + the gate should be opened to her, and let her go. + </p> + <p> + So covering her head with a dark cloak Merytra slipped behind a certain + statue in the ante-hall and waited till presently a tall figure, also + wrapped in a dark cloak, appeared and beckoned to her. She followed it + down sundry passages and up a narrow stair that seemed almost endless, + until, at length, the figure unlocked a massive door, and when they had + passed it, locked it again behind them. + </p> + <p> + Now Merytra found herself in a very richly furnished room lit by + hanging-lamps, that evidently was the abode of one who watched the stars + and practised magic, for all about were strange-looking brazen instruments + and rolls of papyrus covered with mysterious signs, and suspended above + the table a splendid divining ball of crystal. Merytra sank into a chair, + throwing off her dark cloak. + </p> + <p> + “Of a truth, friend Kaku,” she said, so soon as she had got her breath, + “you dwell very near the gods.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dear Merytra,” he answered with a dry chuckle, “I keep a kind of + half-way house to heaven. Perched here in my solitude I see and make note + of what goes on above,” and he pointed to the skies, “and retail the + information, or as much of it as I think fit, to the groundlings below.” + </p> + <p> + “At a price, I suppose, Kaku.” + </p> + <p> + “Most certainly at a price, and I may add, a good price. No one thinks + much of the physician who charges low fees. Well, you have managed to get + here, and after all these years I am glad to see you again, looking almost + as young and pretty as ever. Tell me your secret of eternal youth, dear + Merytra.” + </p> + <p> + Merytra, who was vain, smiled at this artful flattery, although, in truth, + it was well deserved, for at an age when many Egyptians are old, she + remained fresh and fair. + </p> + <p> + “An excellent conscience,” she answered, “a good appetite and the + virtuous, quiet life, which is the lot of the ladies of Pharaoh’s Court—there + you have the secret, Kaku. I fear that you keep too late hours, and that + is why you grow white and withered like a mummy—not but that you + look handsome enough in those long robes of yours,” she added to gild the + pill. + </p> + <p> + “It is my labours,” he replied, making a wry face, for he too was vain. + “My labours for the good of others, also indigestion and the draughts in + this accursed tower where I sit staring at the stars, which give me + rheumatism. I have got both of them now, and must take some medicine,” and + filling two goblets from a flask, he handed her one of them, saying, + “drink it, you don’t get wine like that in Thebes.” + </p> + <p> + “It is very good,” said Merytra when she had drunk, “but heavy. If I took + much of that I think I should have ‘rheumatism,’ too. Now tell me, old + friend, am I safe, in this place? No, not from Pharaoh, he trusts me and + lets me go where I will upon his business—but from his royal + brother. He used to have a long memory, and from the look of him I do not + think that his temper has improved. You may remember a certain slap in the + face and how I paid him back for it.” + </p> + <p> + “He never knew it was you, Merytra. Being a mass of self-conceit, he + thought that you ran away because he had banished you from his royal + presence and presented you—to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he thought that, did he! What a vain fool!” + </p> + <p> + “It was a very dirty trick you played me, Merytra,” went on Kaku with + indignation, for the rich wine coursing through his blood revived the + sting of his loss. “You know how fond I always was of you, and indeed am + still,” he added, gazing at her admiringly. + </p> + <p> + “I felt that I was not worthy of so learned and distinguished a man,” she + replied, looking at him with her dark eyes. “I should only have hampered + your life, dear Kaku, so I went into the household of that poor creature, + Pharaoh, instead—Pharaoh’s Nunnery we call it. But you will not + explain the facts to Abi, will you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I think not, Merytra, if we continue to get on as well as we do at + present. But now you are rested, so let us come to business, for otherwise + you will have to stop here all night and Pharaoh would be angry.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, to Set with Pharaoh! Though it is true that he is a good paymaster, + and knows the value of a clever woman. Now, what is this business?” + </p> + <p> + The old astrologer’s face grew hard and cunning. Going to the door he made + sure that it was locked and drew a curtain over it. Then he took a stool + and sat himself down in front of Merytra, in such a position that the + light fell on her face while his own remained in shadow. + </p> + <p> + “A big business, Merytra, and by the gods I do not know that I should + trust you with it. You tricked me once, you have tricked Pharaoh for + years; how do I know that you will not play the same game once more and + earn me an order to cut my own throat, and so lose life and soul + together?” + </p> + <p> + “If you think that, Kaku, perhaps you will unlock the door and give me an + escort home, for we are only wasting time.” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know what to think, for you are as cunning as you are beautiful. + Listen, woman,” he continued in a savage whisper, and clasping her by the + wrist. “If you are false, I tell you that you shall die horribly, for if + the knife and poison fail, I am no charlatan, I have arts. I can make you + turn loathsome to the sight and waste away, I can haunt you at nights so + that you may never sleep a wink, save in full sunshine, and I will do it + all and more. If I die, Merytra, we go together. Now will you swear to be + true, will you swear it by the oath of oaths?” + </p> + <p> + The spy looked about her. She knew Kaku’s power which was famous + throughout Egypt, and that it was said to be of the most evil sort, and + she feared him. + </p> + <p> + “It seems that this is a dangerous affair,” she replied uneasily, “and I + think that I can guess your aim. Now if I help you, Kaku, what am <i>I</i> + to get?” + </p> + <p> + “Me,” he answered. + </p> + <p> + “I am flattered, but what else?” + </p> + <p> + “After Pharaoh the greatest place and the most power in Egypt, as the wife + of Pharaoh’s Vizier.” + </p> + <p> + “The wife? Doubtless from what I have heard of you, Kaku, there would be + other wives to share these honours.” + </p> + <p> + “No other wife—upon the oath, none, Merytra.” + </p> + <p> + She thought a moment, looking at the wizened but powerful-faced old + magician, then answered: + </p> + <p> + “I will take the oath and keep my share of it. See that you keep yours, + Kaku, or it will be the worse for you, for women have their own evil + power.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it, Merytra, and from the beginning the wise have held that the + spirit dwells, not in the heart or brain or liver, but in the female + tongue. Now stand up.” + </p> + <p> + She obeyed, and from some hidden place in the wall Kaku produced a book, + or rather a roll of magical writings, that was encased in iron, the metal + of the evil god, Typhon. + </p> + <p> + “There is no other such book as this,” he said, “for it was written by the + greatest of wizards who lived before Mena, when the god-kings ruled in + Egypt, and I, myself, took it from among his bones, a terrible task for + his Ka rose up in the grave and threatened me. He who can read in that + book, as I can, has much strength, and let him beware who breaks an oath + taken on that book. Now press it to your heart, Merytra, and swear after + me.” + </p> + <p> + Then he repeated a very terrible oath, for should it be violated it + consigned the swearer to shame, sickness and misfortune in this world, and + to everlasting torments in the next at the claws and fangs of beast-headed + demons who dwell in the darkness beyond the sun, appointing, by name, + those beings who should work the torments, and summoning them as witnesses + to the bond. + </p> + <p> + Merytra listened, then said, + </p> + <p> + “You have left out your part of the oath, Friend, namely, that you promise + that I shall be the only wife of Pharaoh’s Vizier and hold equal power + with him.” + </p> + <p> + “I forgot,” said Kaku, and added the words. + </p> + <p> + Then they both swore, touching their brows with the book, and as she + looked up again, Merytra saw a strange, flame-like light pulse in the + crystal globe that hung above her head, which became presently infiltrated + with crimson flowing through it as blood might flow from a wound, till it + glowed dull red, out of which redness a great eye watched her. Then the + eye vanished and the blood vanished, and in place of them Queen Neter-Tua + sat in glory on her throne, while the nations worshipped her, and by her + side sat a man in royal robes whose face was hidden in a cloud. + </p> + <p> + “What do you see?” asked Kaku, following her gaze to the crystal. + </p> + <p> + She told him, and he pondered a while, then answered doubtfully: + </p> + <p> + “I think it is a good omen; the royal consort sits beside her. Only why + was his face hidden?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure I do not know,” answered Merytra. “I think that strong, red + wine of yours was doctored and has got into my head. But, come, we have + sworn this oath, which I dare say will work in more ways than we guess, + for such accursed swords have two edges to them. Now out with the plot, + and throw a cloth over that crystal for I want to see no more pictures.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems a pity since you have such a gift of vision,” replied Kaku in + the same dubious voice. Yet he obeyed, tying up the shining ball in a + piece of mummy wrapping which he used in his spells. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he said, “I will be brief. My fat master, Abi, means to be Pharaoh + of Egypt, and it seems that the best way to do so is by climbing into his + niece’s throne, where most men would like to sit.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean by marrying her, Kaku.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course. What else? He who marries the Queen, rules in right of the + Queen.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed. Do you know anything of Neter-Tua?” + </p> + <p> + “As much as any other man knows; but what do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “I mean that I shall be sorry for the husband who marries her against her + will, however beautiful and high-placed she may be. I tell you that woman + is a flame. She has more strength in her than all the magicians in Egypt, + yourself among them. They say she is a daughter of Amen, and I believe it. + I believe that the god dwells in her, and woe be to him whom she may + chance to hate, if he comes to her as a husband.” + </p> + <p> + “That is Abi’s business, is it not? Our business, Merytra, is to get him + there. Now we may take it this will not be with her consent.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, Kaku,” she answered. “The gossip goes that she is in love + with young Count Rames, who fought and killed the Prince of Kesh before + her eyes, and now has gone to make amends to the king his father at the + head of an army.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be true, Merytra. Why not? He is her foster-brother and of royal + blood, bold, too, and handsome, they say. Well, queens have no business to + be in love. That is the privilege of humbler folk like you and me, + Merytra. Say, is she suspicious—about Prince Abi, I mean?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know, but Asti, her nurse and favourite lady, the wife of Mermes + and mother of Rames, is suspicious enough. She is a greater magician than + you are, Kaku, and if she could have had her way Pharaoh would never have + set foot in Memphis. But I got your letter and over-persuaded him, the + poor fool. You see he thinks me faithful to his House, and that is why I + am allowed to be here to-night, to collect information.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Well, what Asti knows the Queen will know, and she is stronger than + Pharaoh, and notwithstanding all Abi’s ships and soldiers, may break away + from Memphis and make war upon him. So it comes to this—Pharaoh must + stay here, for his daughter will not desert him.” + </p> + <p> + “How will you make him stay here, Kaku? Not by——” and she + glanced towards the shrouded crystal. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, no blood if it can be helped. He must not even seem to be a + prisoner, it is too dangerous. But there are other ways.” + </p> + <p> + “What ways? Poison?” + </p> + <p> + “Too dangerous again. Now, if he fell sick, and he has been sick before, + and could not stir, it would give us time to bring about the marriage, + would it not? Oh! I know that he is well at present—for him, but + look here, Merytra, I have something to show you.” + </p> + <p> + Then going to a chest Kaku took from it a plain box of cedar wood which + was shaped like a mummy case, and, lifting off its lid, revealed within it + a waxen figure of the length of a hand. This figure was beautifully + fashioned to the living likeness of Pharaoh, and crowned with the double + crown of Egypt. + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” asked Merytra, shrinking back. “An <i>ushapti</i> to be + placed in his tomb?” + </p> + <p> + “No, woman, a magic Ka fashioned with many a spell out of yonder ancient + roll, that can bring <i>him</i> to the tomb if it be rightly used, as you + shall use it.” + </p> + <p> + “I!” she exclaimed, starting. “How?” + </p> + <p> + “Thus: You, as one of Pharaoh’s favourite ladies, have charge of the + chamber where he sleeps. Now you must make shift to enter there alone and + lay this figure in his bed, that the breath of Pharaoh may enter into it. + Then take it from the bed and say these words, ‘Figure, figure, I command + thee by the power within thee and in the name of the Lord if Ill, that as + thy limbs waste, so shall the limbs of him in whose likeness thou art + fashioned waste also.’ Having spoken thus, hold the legs of the image over + the flame of a lamp until it be half melted, and convey the rest of it + away to your own sleeping-place and hide it there. So it shall come about + that during that night the nerves and muscles in the legs of Pharaoh will + wither and grow useless to him, and he be paralysed and unable to stir. + Afterwards, if it be needful, I will tell you more.” + </p> + <p> + Now, bold though she was, Merytra grew afraid. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot do it,” she said, “it is black sorcery against one who is a god, + and will bring my soul to hell. Find some other instrument, or place the + waxen imp in the bed of Pharaoh yourself, Kaku.” + </p> + <p> + The face of the magician grew fierce and cruel. + </p> + <p> + “Come with me, Merytra,” he said, and taking her by the wrist he led her + to the open window-place whence he observed the stars. + </p> + <p> + So giddy was the height at the top of this lofty tower that the houses + beneath looked small and far away, and the sky quite near. + </p> + <p> + “Behold Memphis and the Nile, and the wide lands of Egypt gleaming in the + moonlight, and the Pyramids of the ancient kings. You wish to rule over + all these, like myself—do you not, Merytra?—and if you obey me + you shall do so.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I do not obey?” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will throw my spell upon you, and your senses shall leave you and + you shall fall headlong to that white line, which is a street, and before + to-morrow morning the dogs will have picked your broken bones, so that + none can know you, for you have heard too much to go hence alive unless it + be to do my bidding. Oh, no! Think not to say ‘I will’ and afterwards + deceive me, for that image which you take with you is my servant, and will + keep watch on you and make report to me and to the god, its master. Now + choose.” + </p> + <p> + “I will obey,” said Merytra faintly, and as she spoke she thought that she + heard a laugh in the air outside the window. + </p> + <p> + “Good. Now hide the box beneath your cloak and drop it not, for if so that + which is within will call aloud after you, and they will kill you for a + sorceress. Unless my word come to you, lay the figure in Pharaoh’s bed + to-morrow evening, and at the hour of moonrise hold its limbs in the flame + in your own chamber, and hide it away, and afterwards bring it back to me + that I may enchant it afresh, if there be any need. Now come, and I will + guard you to the gates of the old temple of Sekhet, where Pharaoh dwells.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX + </h2> + <h3> + THE DOOM OF PHARAOH + </h3> + <p> + On the morrow when the lady Asti came to dress the Queen for that day’s + ceremony, she asked her if Amen had given her the wisdom that she sought. + </p> + <p> + “Not so,” answered the young Queen, “all he gave me was very bad dreams, + and in every one of them was mixed up that waiting woman of my father, + Merytra, of whom you spoke to me. If I believed in omens I should say that + she was about to bring some evil upon our House.” + </p> + <p> + “It may well be so, Queen,” answered Asti, “and in that case I think that + she is at the work. At any rate, watching from the little window of my + room, by the light of the moon I saw her return across the temple court at + midnight. Moreover, it seemed to me that she was carrying something + beneath her robe.” + </p> + <p> + “Whence did she return?” + </p> + <p> + “From the city, I suppose. She has Pharaoh’s pass, and can go in and out + when she will. I have caused Mermes to question the officer of the guard, + and he says that she came to the gate accompanied by a tall man wrapped in + a dark cloak, who spoke with her earnestly, and left her. From this + description I think it must have been the astrologer, Kaku, with whom she + was talking at the feast.” + </p> + <p> + “That is bad news, Nurse. What else have you to tell?” + </p> + <p> + “Only this, Queen. The gates are guarded more closely even than we + thought. I tried to send out a man to Thebes this morning with a message + on my own account—never mind what it was—and the sentries + turned him back.” + </p> + <p> + “By the gods!” exclaimed Tua, “before I have reigned a year every gate in + Memphis shall be melted down for cooking vessels, and I will set their + captains to work in the desert mines. Nay, such threats are foolishness, + I’ll not threaten, I’ll strike when the time comes, but that is not yet. + Can I speak with the Pharaoh?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Queen. He is up already giving audience to the nobles of Memphis, and + trying cases from the Lower Land with his Counsellors; until it is time to + start for this ceremony of the laying of the foundation-stone of the + temple, whither you accompany him in state. Also it is as well—by + to-night we may learn more. Come, let me set the crown upon your head that + these dogs of Memphis may know their mistress.” + </p> + <p> + The ceremony proved very wearisome. First there was the long chariot ride + through the crowded, shouting streets, Pharaoh and Abi going in the first + chariot, and Tua, attended by Abi’s eldest daughter, a round-eyed lady + much older than herself, in the second. Next came the office of the + priests of Amen, over which Neter-Tua as daughter of Amen and + high-priestess, must preside, to dedicate the temple to the glory of the + god. Then the foundation deposit of little vases of offerings and models + of workmen’s tools, and a ring drawn from Pharaoh’s hand engraved with his + royal name, were blessed and set by the masons in hollows prepared for + them, and the two great corner-stones let down, hiding them for ever, and + declared respectively by Pharaoh and by Neter-Tua, Morning Star of Amen, + Joint Sovereign of Egypt, to be well and truly laid. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards architects, those who “drew the line,” exhibited plans of the + temple, and received gifts from Pharaoh, and when these things were done + came the mid-day feast and speeches. + </p> + <p> + At length all was over, and the great procession returned by another route + to the temple of Sekhet, where Pharaoh lodged, a very tedious journey in + the hot sun, since it involved a circuit of the endless walls of Memphis, + with stoppages before all the temples of the gods, at each of which + Pharaoh must make offerings. Nor, weary as he was, might he rest, for in + the outer court of the old shrine thrones had been set up and seated on + them he and Tua must hear petitions till sunset and give judgment, or + postpone them for further consideration. + </p> + <p> + At last there came to an end, but, as Pharaoh, tired out, rose from his + throne, Abi, his brother, who all this time had not left them, said that + he also had a private petition to prefer. So they went into an inner court + that had been a sanctuary, and sat down again, there being present besides + the scribes only Pharaoh, the Queen, some councillors, Mermes, captain of + the guard, and certain women of the royal household, among them Asti, the + Queen’s nurse, and Merytra, Pharaoh’s favourite attendant. With Abi were + his astrologer, Kaku, his two eldest sons, and a few of the great officers + of his government, also the high-priests of the temples of Memphis, and + three powerful chiefs of the Desert tribes. + </p> + <p> + “What is your prayer, my brother?” asked Pharaoh, as soon as the doors + were closed. + </p> + <p> + “A great one, your Majesties,” answered the Prince, prostrating himself, + “which for the good of Egypt, and for your own good, and for my good, who + reverence you as a loyal subject, I pray that you will be pleased to + grant.” Then he drew himself up and said slowly, “I am here to ask the + hand of the glorious Queen Neter-Tua, daughter of Amen, in marriage.” + </p> + <p> + Now Pharaoh stared at him, while Tua, who knew well what was coming, + turned her head aside, and asked a councillor who stood near, if in the + history of the land any Queen of Egypt had ever married her uncle. + </p> + <p> + The councillor who was noted for his historical studies, answered that at + the moment he could recall no such case. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Tua coolly, and still addressing him, “it seems that it would + be scarcely wise to create a precedent which other poor young women of the + royal race might be called upon to follow.” + </p> + <p> + Pharaoh caught something of the words, though Abi did not for they were + spoken in a low voice, and bethought him of a way out of his difficulty. + </p> + <p> + “The Queen Neter-Tua sits at my side, and is co-regent with me of this + kingdom, her mind is my mind, and what she approves it is probable I shall + approve. Prefer your request to her,” he said. + </p> + <p> + So Abi turned to the Queen, and laying his hands upon his heart, bowed, + ogled, and began: + </p> + <p> + “A burning love of your most excellent Majesty moves me——” + </p> + <p> + “I pray you, my Uncle,” interrupted Tua, “correct your words, which should + begin ‘A burning love of your most excellent Majesty’s throne and power + move me,’ and so on.” + </p> + <p> + Now Abi frowned while everyone else smiled, not excepting Pharaoh and the + astrologer, Kaku. Again he began his speech, but so confusedly that + presently Tua stopped him for the second time, saying: + </p> + <p> + “I am not deaf, most noble prince, my Uncle. I heard the words you used to + Pharaoh, and even understood their import. In fact, I have already + consulted our councillor here, a learned master of the law, as to the + legality of such an alliance as you propose, and he gives his judgment + against it.” + </p> + <p> + Now Abi glared at the Councillor, a humble, dusty old man who spent all + his life among rolls and chronicles. + </p> + <p> + “May it please your Majesty,” this lawyer exclaimed in a thin agitated + voice, “I only said there was no record of such a marriage that I can + remember, though once I think a queen adopted a nephew, who afterwards + became Pharaoh.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the same thing, Friend,” replied Tua sweetly, “for that of which + there is no record in the long history of Egypt must of necessity be + illegal. Still, if my uncle here wishes to adopt me, I thank him, though + his lawful heirs may not, and the matter is one that can be considered.” + </p> + <p> + Now, guessing that he was being played with, Abi grew angry. + </p> + <p> + “I have put a plain question to your Majesty,” he said, “and perhaps I am + worthy of a plain answer. As all men know, O Queen, it is time that you + should be wed, and I offer myself as your husband. It is true that I am + somewhat older than you are——” + </p> + <p> + “In what year was the Prince Abi born, the same as yourself, did you say?” + asked Tua in an audible aside of the aged and learned Councillor, who + thereon vanished behind the throne, and was seen no more. + </p> + <p> + “But,” went on Abi, taking no notice of this interruption, “on the other + hand I have much to offer. I rule here, your Majesties, who am also of the + royal blood, and there is some disaffection in the North, especially among + the great Bedouin tribes of the Desert who watch the frontier of the + Kingdom. Now if this alliance comes about, and in days to be I sit upon + the double throne as King-Consort of Egypt, they will be loyal, and north + and south will be united more closely than they ever were before. Whereas + if it does not come about——” Here Kaku, pretending to brush a + fly from his face, caught his hand in Abi’s robe, a signal at which his + master paused. + </p> + <p> + “Go on, my Uncle, I pray you,” said Tua. “If it does not come about, what + then?” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Queen, there may be trouble. Nay, leave me alone, Magician, I will + speak the truth, chance what may. Pharaoh, you have reigned for many + years; yes, forty times has the Nile overflowed its banks since we laid + our divine father in the tomb. Now, during all those years but one child + has been born to you, and that after I came to Thebes to pray you to name + me as your heir. Know, Pharaoh, that there are many who find this strange, + and wonder whether this beautiful queen, who is called Daughter of Amen, + and resembles you so little in body or in mind, sits rightfully on the + throne of Egypt. If I marry her these questionings will cease. If I do not + marry her the whisperings of men may grow to a wind that will blow the + crown from off her head.” + </p> + <p> + Now a grasp of fear and wonder rose from all who heard this bold and + treasonable speech, and Tua, reddening to the eyes, bent forward as though + to answer. But before ever a word had passed her lips Pharaoh sprang from + his seat transformed with rage. All his patient gentleness was gone, and + he looked so fierce and royal that everyone present there, even Abi + himself, quailed before him. + </p> + <p> + “Is it for this that I have borne with you for so long, my brother?” he + cried, rending at his robes. “Is it for this that I spared you years ago + in Thebes, when your life was forfeit for your treachery? Is it for this + that I have suffered you to rise to great honour, and to rule here almost + as a king in my city of Memphis? Was it not enough that I should sit + quiet, while you, an old man, the son of our father’s barbarian slave, the + loose-living despot, dare to ask for the pure hand of Egypt’s Queen in + marriage, you, her uncle, who might well be her grandfather also? Must I + also hear your foul mouth beslime her royal birth, and the honour of her + divine mother, and spit sneers at Amen, Father of the gods? Well, Amen + shall deal with you when you come to the doors of his Eternal House, but + here on earth I am his son and servant. Mermes, call my guards, and arrest + this man and hold him safe. At Thebes, whither we depart to-morrow, he + shall be judged according to our law.” + </p> + <p> + Now Mermes blew a shrill call on the silver whistle that hung about his + neck, and, springing forward, seized the Prince by the arm. Abi drew his + sword to cut him down, and at the sight of the blade, all who were with + him rushed to the door to escape, sweeping before them certain of + Pharaoh’s ladies, among them the waiting-woman, Merytra. But before ever + they could pass it, the guards who had heard the signal of Mermes, ran in + with lifted spears, driving them back again. Leaping upon Abi, they tore + the sword from his hand, and threw him to the ground, huddling the rest + together like frightened sheep. + </p> + <p> + “Bind this traitor and keep him safe, for to-morrow he accompanies us to + Thebes,” said Pharaoh. + </p> + <p> + “What of his sons, and those with him, your Majesty?” asked the officer of + the guard. + </p> + <p> + “Let them go,” answered Pharaoh wearily, “for they have not sinned against + us. Let them go, and take warning from their master’s fate.” + </p> + <p> + Now, as it chanced in the confusion, Merytra had been pushed against Kaku. + </p> + <p> + “Hearken,” whispered the astrologer into the woman’s ear. “Do as I bid you + last night, and all will yet be well. Do it or die. Do you hear me?” + </p> + <p> + “I hear, and I will obey,” answered Merytra in the same low voice. + </p> + <p> + Then they were separated, for the guards took Kaku by the arm and thrust + him out of the temple together with the sons of Abi. + </p> + <p> + An hour later Mermes and Asti stood before Pharaoh, and prayed him that he + would depart from Memphis that very night, saying that such was the + counsel also of the Queen and of his officers. But Pharaoh was tired out, + and would not listen. + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow, when I have slept, will be time enough,” he answered. + “Moreover, shall I fly from my own city like a thief when naught is ready + for our journey? Why do you press me to such a coward’s act?” he added + peevishly. + </p> + <p> + “For this reason, your Majesty,” answered Mermes. “We are sure there is a + plot to keep you here. This afternoon you could not have gone, had you + tried, but to-night, Abi, being a prisoner, his people are dismayed, and + having no leader will open the gates. By to-morrow one may be found, and + they will be double-barred and guarded.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” asked the King scornfully, “do you mean that I am a prisoner also, + and here in Egypt, which I rule? Nay, good friends, at Pharaoh’s word + those gates will open. Or if they do not, I will pull down Memphis stone + by stone, and drive out its people to share their caves with jackals. Do + they think because I am kind and gentle, that I cannot lift the sword if + there be need? Have they forgotten how I smote those rebels in my youth, + and gave their cities to the flames, and set my yoke on Syria, that aided + them. We march to-morrow, and not before. I have spoken.” + </p> + <p> + Now Mermes bowed and turned to go, since when those words had passed + Pharaoh’s lips it was not lawful to answer them. Yet Asti dared to do so. + </p> + <p> + “O Pharaoh,” she said, “be not wrath with your servant. Pharaoh, as you + know, I have skill in divination, the spirits of the dead whisper at times + in my ears of things that are to be. It seemed to me just now when having + left the presence of the Queen, my foster-child, I stood a while alone in + the darkness, that the divine Majesty of the great lady, the royal wife, + Ahura, who was my friend and mistress, stood beside me and said: + </p> + <p> + “‘Go, Asti, to Pharaoh, and say to Pharaoh that great danger threatens him + and our royal daughter. Say to him—Fly from Memphis, lest there he + should be prepared for burial, and the Star of Amen hidden by a cloud of + shame. Bid him beware of one about his throne, and of that evil magician + with whom she made a pact last night.’” + </p> + <p> + Now Pharaoh looked at Asti and said: + </p> + <p> + “O dreamer of dreams, interpret your own dream. Who is she about my throne + of whom I should beware, and who is the magician with whom she made a + pact?” + </p> + <p> + “The divine Queen did not tell me, Pharaoh,” answered Asti stubbornly, + “but my own skill tells me. She is Merytra, your favourite, and the + magician is Kaku, whom she visited last night.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” exclaimed Pharaoh, laughing. “That long-legged old astrologer with + the painted cap who ran so fast when his master was taken? Why! he is + nothing but a spy who has been in my pay for years; a charlatan who + pretends to knowledge that he may win the secrets of his Prince. And + Merytra, too, Merytra, who in bygone times warned me of this Abi’s foolish + plot. Asti, you are high-born and wise, one whom I love, and honour much, + as does the Queen, my daughter, but you can still be jealous, as I have + noted long. Asti, be not deceived, it was jealousy of Merytra that + whispered in your ears, not the spirit of the divine Ahura. Now go and + take your terrors with you, for this dark conspirator, Merytra, waits in + my chamber to unrobe me, and talk me to sleep with her pleasant jests and + gossip.” + </p> + <p> + “Pharaoh has spoken, I go,” said Asti in her quiet voice. “May Pharaoh’s + rest be sweet, and his awaking happy.” + </p> + <p> + That night Tua could not sleep. Whenever she shut her eyes visions rose + before her mind, terrifying, fantastic visions in all of which the fat and + hideous Abi played a part. Thus she saw again the scene at her father’s + fatal feast to the Priest of Kesh, when Asti by her magic had caused the + likeness of a monkey to come from the juggler’s vase. Only now it was Abi + who emerged from the vase, a terrible Abi, with a red sword in his hand, + and Pharaoh’s crown upon his head. He leapt from the mouth of the vase, he + devoured her with his greedy eyes, with stealthy steps he came to seize + her, and she could not stir an inch, something held her fast upon her + throne. + </p> + <p> + She could bear it no more—she opened her eyes, stared at the + darkness, and out of the darkness came voices, telling of death and war. + She thrust her fingers into her ears, and tried to fix her thoughts on + Rames, that bright-eyed, light-footed lover of hers, whom she so longed to + see again, without whom she was so lonely and undefended. + </p> + <p> + “Where was Rames?” she wondered. “What fate had overtaken him? Something + in her seemed to answer—Death. Oh! if Rames were dead, what should + she do? Of what use was it to be Queen of Egypt, the first woman in the + world, if Rames were dead?” + </p> + <p> + Loneliness, insufferable loneliness seemed to get a hold of her. She + slipped from her bed, and through the doorway of her little pylon chamber. + Now she was upon the narrow stair, and in face of her was that other + chamber where Asti slept. Someone was talking with her! Perhaps Mermes was + with his wife, and if so she could not enter. No, it was Asti’s voice, + and, listening, she could hear her murmuring prayers or invocations in + solemn tones. She pushed open the door and entered. A little lamp burned + in the room, and by its feeble light she saw the white-robed Asti, whose + long hair fell about her, standing with upturned eyes and arms + outstretched to Heaven. Suddenly Asti saw her also, though but dimly for + she stood in the dense shadow, and knew her not. + </p> + <p> + “Advance, O thou Ghost, and declare thyself, for never was thy help more + needed,” she said. + </p> + <p> + “It is no ghost, but I,” said Tua. “What dealings are these that you have + with ghosts at this deadest hour of the night, Asti? Do not enough terrors + encompass us that you must needs call on your familiar spirits to add to + them?” + </p> + <p> + “I call on the spirits to save us from them, Queen, for, like you, I think + that we are set in the midst of perils. This night is full of sorcery; I + scent it in the air, and strive to match spell with spell. But why do you + not sleep?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot, Asti, I cannot. Fear has got hold of me. Oh! I would that we + had never come to this hateful Memphis, or set eyes upon its ill-omened + lord, that foul brute who seeks to make a wife of me.” + </p> + <p> + “Be not afraid, Lady,” said Asti, throwing her arms about Tua’s slight and + quivering form. “To-morrow morning we march; I have it from Pharaoh, and + already the guard make preparations, while as for the accursed Abi, he is + in prison.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no prison that will hold him, Asti, save the grave. Oh! why did + not my Father command him to be slain, as I would have done? Then, at + least, we should be free of him, and he could never marry me.” + </p> + <p> + “Because it was otherwise decreed, O Neter-Tua, and Pharaoh must fulfil + his fate and ours, for though he is so gentle, none can turn him.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke the words, somewhere, far beneath them, arose a cry, a voice + of one in dread or woe, and with it the sound of feet upon the stairs. + </p> + <p> + “What passes?” said Asti, leaping to the door. + </p> + <p> + “Pharaoh is dead or dying,” answered the terrified voice without. “Let her + Majesty come to Pharaoh.” + </p> + <p> + They threw on their garments, they ran down the narrow stair and across + the halls till they came to the chamber of Pharaoh. There upon his bed he + lay and about him were the physicians of his Court. He was speechless, but + his eyes were open, and he knew his daughter, for, raising his hand + feebly, he beckoned to her, and pointed at his feet. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, man?” she asked of the head physician, who, by way of answer, + lifted the linen on the bed, and showed her Pharaoh’s legs and feet, white + and withered as though with fire. + </p> + <p> + “What sickness is this?” asked Tua again. + </p> + <p> + “We know not, O Queen,” answered the physician, “for in all our lives we + have never seen its like. The flesh is suddenly wasted, and the limbs are + paralysed.” + </p> + <p> + “But I know,” broke in Asti. “This is not sickness, it is sorcery. Pharaoh + has been smitten by some foul spell of the Prince Abi, or of his wizards. + Say, who was with him last?” + </p> + <p> + “It seems that the Lady of the Footstool, Merytra, sang him to sleep, as + was her custom,” answered the physician, “and left him about two hours + ago, so say the guard. When I came in to see how his Majesty rested but + now, I found him thus.” + </p> + <p> + Now Tua lifted up her head and spoke, saying: + </p> + <p> + “My divine Father is helpless, and therefore again I rule alone in Egypt. + Hear me and obey. Let the Prince Abi be brought from his prison to the + inner hall, for I would question him at once. Let the waiting-woman, + Merytra, be brought also under guard with drawn swords.” + </p> + <p> + The officer of the watch bowed and departed to do the bidding of her + Majesty, while others went to light the hall. + </p> + <p> + Soon he returned to an outer chamber whither Tua had withdrawn herself + while the physicians examined Pharaoh. + </p> + <p> + “O Queen,” he said, with a frightened face, “be not wrath, but the Prince + Abi has gone. He has escaped out of his prison, and the waiting-woman, + Merytra, is gone also.” + </p> + <p> + “How came this about?” asked Tua in a cold voice. + </p> + <p> + “O Queen, the small gate was open, for people passed in and out of it + continually, making preparation for to-morrow’s march, it seems that about + an hour ago the lady Merytra came to the gate and showed Pharaoh’s signet + to the officer, saying that she was on Pharaoh’s business. With her went a + fat man dressed in the robe of a master of camels that in the darkness the + officer thought was a certain Arab of the Desert who has been to and fro + about the camels. It is believed that this man was none other than the + Prince Abi, dressed in the Arab’s robe, and that he escaped from his cell + by some secret passage which was known to him, a passage of the old + priests. The Arab, whose robes he wore, cannot be found, but perhaps he is + asleep in some corner.” + </p> + <p> + “Bar the gates,” said Tua, “and let none pass in or out. Asti, take men + with you, and go search the room where Merytra slept. Perchance she has + returned again.” + </p> + <p> + So Asti went, and a while after re-appeared carrying something enveloped + in a cloth. + </p> + <p> + “Merytra has gone, O Queen,” she said in an ominous voice, “leaving this + behind hidden beneath her bed,” and she placed the object on a table. + </p> + <p> + “What is it? The mummy of a child?” asked Tua, shrinking back. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Queen, the image of a man.” + </p> + <p> + Then throwing aside the cloth Asti revealed the waxen figure shaped to the + exact likeness of Pharaoh, or rather what remained of it, for the legs + were molten and twisted, and in them could be seen the bones of ivory and + the sinews of thin wire, about which they had been moulded. Also beneath + the chin where the tongue would be, sharp thorns had been thrust up to the + root of the mouth. The thing was life-like and horrible, and as it was, so + was the dumb and stricken Pharaoh on his bed. + </p> + <p> + Neter-Tua hid her eyes for a while, and leaned against the wall, then she + drew herself up and said: + </p> + <p> + “Call the physicians and the members of the Council, and those who can be + spared of the officers of the guard, that everyone of them may see and + bear witness to the hideous crime which has been worked against Pharaoh by + his brother, the Prince Abi, and the wizard Kaku, and their accomplice, + the woman Merytra.” + </p> + <p> + So they were called, and came, and when they saw the dreadful thing lying + in its waxen whiteness before them, they wailed and cursed those who had + wrought this abominable sorcery. + </p> + <p> + “Curse them not,” said Neter-Tua, “who are already accursed, and given + over to the Devourer of Souls when their time shall come. Make a record of + this deed, O Scribes, and do it swiftly.” + </p> + <p> + So the scribes wrote the matter down, and the Queen and others who were + present signed the writings as witnesses. Then Neter-Tua commanded that + they should take the image and destroy it before it worked more evil, and + a priest of Osiris who was present seized it and departed. + </p> + <p> + But Neter-Tua went to Pharaoh’s room and knelt by his bed, watching him, + for he seemed to be asleep. Presently he awoke, and looked round him + wildly, moving his lips. For a while he could not speak, then of a sudden + his voice burst from him in a hoarse, unnatural cry. + </p> + <p> + “They have bewitched me! I burn, I burn!” he screamed, rolling himself to + and fro upon the bed. “Avenge me, my daughter, and fear nothing, for the + gods are about you. I see their awful eyes. Oh! I burn, I burn!” + </p> + <p> + Then his head fell back, and the peace of death descended on his tortured + brow. + </p> + <p> + Tua kissed his dead brow, and knelt at his side in prayer. After a little + while she rose and said: + </p> + <p> + “It has pleased Pharaoh, the just and perfect, to depart to his + everlasting habitation in Osiris. Make it known that this god is dead, and + that I rule alone in Egypt. Send hither the priest of Osiris, that he may + repeat the Ritual of Departing, and you, physicians, do your office.” + </p> + <p> + So the priest came, but at the door Asti caught him by the hand and asked: + </p> + <p> + “How did you destroy the image of wax?” + </p> + <p> + “I burned it upon the altar in the old sanctuary of this temple,” he + answered. + </p> + <p> + “O, Fool!” said Asti, “you should have buried it. Know that with the + enchanted thing you have burned away the life of Pharaoh also.” + </p> + <p> + Then that priest fell swooning to the ground, and another had to be + summoned to utter the Ritual of Departing. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> + <h3> + THE COMING OF THE KA + </h3> + <p> + Now it was morning, and while the physicians embalmed the body of Pharaoh + as best they could, Tua consulted with her officers. Long and earnest was + that council, for all of them felt that their danger was very great. Abi + had escaped, and if he were re-taken, none knew better than he that his + death and that of all his House would be the reward of his crimes and + sorceries which could only be covered up in one way—by marriage with + the Queen of Egypt. Moreover, he had thousands of soldiers in the city and + around it, all of them sworn to his service, whereas the royal guard was + but five companies, each of a hundred men, trapped in a snare of streets + and stone. + </p> + <p> + One of them suggested that they should break a way through the wall of the + temple, and escape to the royal barges that lay moored on the Nile beneath + them, and this plan was approved. But when they went to set about the work + it was seen that these barges had been seized and were already sailing + away up the river. So but two alternatives remained—to bide within + the fortifications of the old temple, and send out messengers for help, or + to march through the city boldly, break down the gates if these were shut + against them, seize boats, and sail up the Nile for some loyal town, or if + that could not be done, to take their chance in the open lands. + </p> + <p> + Now some favoured one scheme, and some the other, so that at last the + decision was left with her Majesty. She thought awhile, then said: + </p> + <p> + “Here I will not stay, to be starved out as we must ere ever an army could + be gathered to rescue us, and be given into the power of that vile and + wicked man, the murderer of the good god, my father. Better that I should + die fighting in the streets, for then at least I shall pass undefiled to + join him in his eternal habitation beyond the sun. We march at midnight.” + </p> + <p> + So they bowed beneath her word, and made ready while the women of his + household raised a death-wail for Pharaoh, and criers standing on the high + towers proclaimed the accession of Neter-Tua, Morning-Star of Amen, + Glorious in Ra, Hathor, Strong in Beauty, as sole Lord and Sovereign of + the North and South, and of Egypt’s subject lands. Again and again they + proclaimed it, and of the multitudes who listened some cheered, but the + most remained silent, fearing the vengeance of their Prince, whom the + heralds summoned to do homage, but who made no sign. + </p> + <p> + Night came at last. At a signal the gates were opened, and through them, + borne upon the shoulders of his Councillors, preceded by a small body of + guards, and followed by his women and household, went the remains of + Pharaoh, in a coffin roughly fashioned from the sycamore timbers of the + temple. With solemn step and slow, they went as though they feared no + harm, the priests and singers chanting some ancient, funeral hymn. Next + followed the baggage bearers, and after these the royal bodyguard in the + midst of whom the Queen, clad in mail, as a man, rode in a chariot, and + with her the waiting-lady, Asti, wife of Mermes. + </p> + <p> + At first all went well, for the great square in front of the temple was + empty. The procession of the body of Pharaoh passed it, and vanished down + the street that led to the main gate, a mile away. Now the guard formed + into line to enter this street also, when suddenly, barring the mouth of + it, appeared great companies of men who had been hidden in other streets. + </p> + <p> + A voice cried “Halt!” and while the guards re-shaped themselves into a + square about the person of the Queen, an embassy of officers, among whom + were recognised the four lawful sons of Abi, advanced and demanded in the + Prince’s name that her Majesty should be given over to them, saying that + she would be treated with all honour, and that those who accompanied her + might go free. + </p> + <p> + “Answer that the Queen of Egypt does not yield herself into the hands of + rebels, and of murderers; then fall on them, and slay them all,” cried + Neter-Tua when Mermes, her captain, had given her this message. + </p> + <p> + So he went forward and returned the answer, and next moment a flight of + arrows from the Queen’s guard laid low the four sons of Abi, and most of + those who were with them. + </p> + <p> + Then the fight began, one of the fiercest that had been known in Egypt for + many a generation. The royal regiment, it is true, was but small, but they + were picked men, and mad with despair and rage. Moreover, Tua the Queen + played no woman’s part that night, for when these charged, striving to cut + a path through the opposing hosts, she charged with them, and by the + moonlight was seen standing like an angry goddess in her chariot, and + loosing arrows from her bow. Also no hurt came to her or those with her, + or even to the horses that drew her. It was as though she were protected + by some unseen strength, that caught the sword cuts and turned aside the + points of spears. + </p> + <p> + Yet it availed not, for the men of Abi were a multitude, and the royal + guard but very few. Slowly, an ever-lessening band, they were pressed + back, first to the walls of the old temple of Sekhet, and then within its + outer court. Now all who were left of them, not fifty men under the + command of Mermes, strove to hold the gate. Desperately they fought, and + one by one went down to death beneath the rain of spears. + </p> + <p> + Tua had dismounted from her chariot, and leaning on her bow, for all her + arrows were spent, watched the fray with Asti at her side. With a yell the + troops of Abi rushed through the gate, killing as they came. Now, + surrounded by all who remained to her, not a dozen men, they were driven + back through the inner courts, through the halls, to the pylon stairs. + </p> + <p> + Here the last stand was made. Step by step they held the stairs, till at + length there were left upon their feet only Tua, Asti and Mermes, her + husband, who was sorely wounded in many places. At the little landing + between the rooms of the Queen and Asti while the assailants paused a + moment, the Captain Mermes, mad with grief and pain, turned and kissed his + wife. Next he bowed before the Queen, saying: + </p> + <p> + “What a man may do, I have done to save your Majesty. Now I go to make + report to Pharaoh, leaving you in charge of Amen, who shall protect you, + and to Rames, my son, the heritage of vengeance. Farewell, O Daughter of + Amen, till I see your star rise in the darkness of the Under-World, and to + you, beloved wife, farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Then, uttering the war-cry of his fathers, those Pharaohs who once had + ruled in Egypt, the tall and noble Mermes grasped his sword in both his + hands, and rushed upon the advancing foe, slaying and slaying until he + himself was slain. + </p> + <p> + “Come with me, O Wife of a royal hero,” said Tua to Asti, who had covered + her eyes with her hand, and was leaning against the wall. + </p> + <p> + “Widow, not wife, Queen. Did you not see his spirit pass?” + </p> + <p> + Then Tua led her up more steps to the top of the pylon tower, where Asti + sank down moaning in her misery. Tua walked to the outermost edge of the + tower and stood there waiting the end. It was the moment of dawn. On the + eastern horizon the red rim of the sun arose out of the desert in a clear + sky. There upon that lofty pinnacle, clad in shining mail, and wearing a + helm shaped like the crown of Lower Egypt, Tua stood in its glorious rays + that turned her to a figure of fire set above a world of shadow. The + thousands of the people watching from the streets below, and from boats + upon the Nile, saw her, and raised a shout of wonder and of adoration. + </p> + <p> + “The Daughter of Amen-Ra!” they cried. “Behold her clad in the glory of + the god!” + </p> + <p> + Soldiers crept up the stairs to the pylon roof and saw her also, while, + now that the fray was ended, with them came the Prince Abi. + </p> + <p> + “Seize her,” he panted, for the stairs were steep and robbed him of his + breath. + </p> + <p> + But the soldiers looked and shrank back before the Majesty of Egypt, + wrapped in her robe of light. + </p> + <p> + “We fear,” they answered, “the ghost of Pharaoh stands before her.” + </p> + <p> + Then Neter-Tua spoke, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Abi, once a Prince of Egypt and Hereditary Lord of Memphis, but now an + outcast murderer, black with the blood of your King, and of many a loyal + man, hear me, the anointed Queen of Egypt, hear me, O man upon whom I + decree the judgment of the first and second death. Come but one step near + to my Majesty, and before your eyes, and the eyes of all the multitude who + watch, I hurl myself from this hideous place into the waters of the Nile. + Yet ere I go to join dead Pharaoh, and side by side with him to lay our + plaint against you before the eternal gods, listen to our curse upon you. + From this day forward a snake shall prey upon your vitals, gnawing upwards + to your heart. The spirits of Pharaoh and of all his servants whom you + have slain shall haunt your sleep; never shall you know one more hour of + happy rest. Through life henceforth you shall fly from a shadow, and if + you climb a throne, it shall be such a one as that on which I stand + encircled with the perilous depths of darkness. Thence you shall fall at + last, dying by a death of shame, and the evil gods shall seize upon you, O + Traitor, and drag you to the maw of the Eater-up of Souls, and therein you + shall vanish for ever for aye, you and all your House, and all those who + cling to you. Thus saith Neter-Tua, speaking with the voice of Amen who + created her, her father and the god of gods.” + </p> + <p> + Now when the soldiers heard these dreadful words, one by one they turned + and crept down the stairs, till at last there were left upon the pylon + roof only the Queen, Asti crouching at her feet, and the monstrous Abi, + her uncle. + </p> + <p> + He looked at her, and thrice he tried to speak but failed, for the words + choked in his throat. A fourth time he tried, and they came hoarsely: + </p> + <p> + “Take off your curse, O mighty Queen,” he said, “and I will let you go. I + am old, to-night all my lawful sons are dead; take off your curse, leave + me in my Government, and though I desire you more than the throne of + Egypt, O Beautiful, still I will let you go.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” answered the Queen, “I cannot if I would. It is not I who spoke, + but a Spirit in my mouth. Do your worst, O son of Set. The curse remains + upon you.” + </p> + <p> + Now Abi shook in the fury of his fear, and answered: + </p> + <p> + “So be it, Star of Amen, having nothing more to dread I will do my worst. + Pharaoh my enemy is dead, and you, his daughter, shall be my wife of your + own free will, or since no man will lay a finger upon you, here in this + tower you shall starve. Death is not yet; I shall have my day, it is sworn + to me. Reign with me if you will, or starve without me if you will—I + tell you, Daughter of Amen, that I shall have my day.” + </p> + <p> + “And I tell you, Son of Set, that after the day comes the long terror of + that night which knows no morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Then finding no answer, he too turned and went. + </p> + <p> + When he was gone Neter-Tua stood a while looking down upon the thousands + of people gathered in the great square where the battle had been fought, + who stared up at her in a deadly silence. Then she descended from the + coping-stone, and, taking Asti by the arm, led her from the roof to the + little chamber where she had slept. + </p> + <p> + Six days had gone by, and Queen Neter-Tua starved in the pylon tower. Till + now the water had held out for there was a good supply of it in jars, but + at last it was done, while, as for food, they had eaten nothing except a + store of honey which Asti took at night from the bees that hived among the + topmost pylon stones. That day the honey was done also, and if had not + been, without water to wash it down they could have swallowed no more of + the sickly stuff. Indeed, although in after years in memory of its help, + Neter-Tua chose the bee as her royal symbol, never again could she bring + herself to eat of the fruit of its labours. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Nurse,” said Tua, “let us go to the roof, and watch the setting of + Ra, perhaps for the last time, since I think that we follow him through + the Western Gates.” + </p> + <p> + So they went, supporting each other up the steps, for they grew weak. From + this lofty place they saw that save on the Nile side of it which was + patrolled by the warships of Abi, all the temple was surrounded by a + double ring of soldiers, while beyond the soldiers, on the square where + the great fight had been, were gathered thousands of the people who knew + that the starving Queen was wont to appear thus upon the pylon at sunset. + </p> + <p> + At the sight of her, clad in the mail which she still wore, a murmur rose + from them like the murmur of the sea, followed by a deep silence since + they dared not declare the pity which moved them all. In the midst of this + silence, whilst the sun sank behind the Pyramids of the ancient kings, + Neter-Tua lifted up her glorious voice and sang the evening hymn to + Amen-Ra. As the last notes died away in the still air, again the murmur + rose while the darkness gathered about the pylon, hiding her from the gaze + of men. + </p> + <p> + Hand in hand as they had come, the two deserted women descended the stair + to their sleeping-place. + </p> + <p> + “They dare not help us, Asti,” said Tua, “let us lie down and die.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Queen,” answered Asti, “let us turn to one that giveth help to the + helpless. Do you remember the words spoken by the shining spirit of Ahura + the Divine?” + </p> + <p> + “I remember them, Asti.” + </p> + <p> + “Queen, I have waited long, since the spell she whispered to me may be + used once only, but now I am sure that the moment is at hand when that + which dwells within you must be called forth to save you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then call it forth, Asti,” answered Tua wearily, “if you have the power. + If not, oh! let us die. But say, whom would you summon? The glory of Amen + or the ghost of Pharaoh, or Ahura, my mother, or one of the guardian + gods?” + </p> + <p> + “None of these,” answered Asti, “for I have been bidden otherwise. Lie you + down and sleep, my fosterling, for I have much to do in the hours of + darkness. When you awake you shall learn all.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” said Tua, “when I awake, if ever I do awake. Is it in your mind to + kill me in my sleep, Asti? Is that your command? Well, if so, I shall not + blame you, for then I will break this long fast of mine with Pharaoh and + the divine mother, Ahura, who bore me, and together in the pleasant Fields + of Peace we will wait for Rames, my lover and your son. Being a queen, + they will give my burial in my father’s tomb, and that is all I crave of + them, and of this weary world. Sing me to rest, Nurse, as you were wont to + do when I was little, and, if it be your will, tarry not long behind me.” + </p> + <p> + So she laid herself down upon the bed, and, taking her hand that had grown + so thin, the tall and noble Asti bent over her in the darkness, and began + to sing a gentle chant or lullaby. + </p> + <p> + Tua’s eyes closed, her breath came slow and deep. Then Asti the magician + ceased her song and, gathering up her secret strength, put out her + prayers, prayer after prayer, till at length all her soul was pure, and + she dared to utter the awful spell that Ahura had whispered in her ear. At + the muttered, holy words wild voices cried through the night, the solid + pylon rocked, and in the city the crystal globe into which Kaku and + Merytra gazed was suddenly shattered between them, and, white with terror + at he knew not what, Abi sprang from his couch. + </p> + <p> + Then Asti also sank into sleep or swoon, and all was silent in that + chamber, silent as the grave. + </p> + <p> + Neter-Tua awoke. Through the pylon window-place crept the first grey light + of dawn. Her eyes searching the gloom fell first upon the dark-robed + figure of Asti sleeping in a chair, her head resting upon her hand. Then a + brightness drew them to the foot of her bed, and there, clothed in a + faint, white light, that seemed as though it were drawn from the stars and + the moon, wearing the Double Crown, and arrayed in all the royal robes of + Egypt, she saw—<i>herself</i>. + </p> + <p> + Now Tua knew that she dreamed, and for a long while lay still, for it + pleased her, starved and wretched as she was, a prisoner in the hands of + her foes, a netted bird, to let her fancy dwell upon this splendid image + of what she had been before an evil fate, speaking with the voice of + Merytra, Lady of the Footstool, had beguiled dead Pharaoh to Memphis. If + things had gone well with her, she should be as that image was to-day, + that image which wore her crown and robes of state, yes, and her very + jewels. Such were the changes of fortune even in the lives of princes + whose throne seemed to be set upon a rock, princes whom the god of gods + had fathered. Never before in her young life had the thing come so home to + her, for until now, even through the hunger and the fear, her pride had + borne her up. But in this chilly hour that precedes the dawn, the hour + when, as they say, men are wont to die, it was otherwise with her. Her end + was near—she knew it and understood that between the mightiest + monarch in the world and the humblest peasant maid at the last there is no + difference, save perchance a difference of the soul within. + </p> + <p> + Here she lay, a shadow, who must choose between a miserable end by thirst + and hunger, or a loathsome marriage. And what availed it that she was + called Morning-Star of Amen, she the only child of Pharaoh and of his + royal wife, and that when she was dead they would grant her a state + funeral, and inscribe her name among the lists of kings, while Abi, the + foul usurper, sat upon her throne. Here on the bed lay what she was, there + at the foot of it stood what she should be if the gods had not deserted + her. + </p> + <p> + Her poor heart was filled with bitterness like a cup with vinegar, + bitterness flowed through her in the place of blood. It seemed hard to die + so young, she whom men named a god; to die robbed of her crown, robbed of + her vengeance, and taking with her her deep, unfruitful love. Would she + and Rames meet beyond the grave, she wondered? Would they wed and bear + children there, who should rule as Pharaohs in the Under-world? Would + Osiris redeem her mortal flesh, and Amen the Father, receive her; or would + she rush down into everlasting blackness where sleep is all in all? + </p> + <p> + Oh! for one hour of strength and freedom, one short hour while at the head + of her armies she rolled down upon rebellious Memphis in her might, and + trod its high walls flat, and gave its palaces to the flames, and cast its + accursed prince to the jaws of crocodiles. Her sunk eyes flashed at the + thought of it, and her wasted bosom heaved, and lo! the eyes of that royal + queen of her dreams flashed also as though in answer, and on its breast + the jewels rose as though pride or anger lifted them. + </p> + <p> + Then this marvel came to pass, for the beautiful face—could her own + ever have been so beautiful?—the imperial face, bent forward a + little, and from the red lips came a soft voice, her own rich voice, that + said: + </p> + <p> + “Speak your will, Queen, and it shall be done. I, who stand here, am your + servant to command, O Morning-Star, O Amen’s royal child.” + </p> + <p> + Tua sat up in her bed and laughed at the vision. + </p> + <p> + “My will!” she said. “O Dream, why do you mock me? Let me think. What is + my will? Well, Dream, it is that of the beggar at the gate—I desire + a drink of water, and a crust of bread.” + </p> + <p> + “They are there,” answered the figure, pointing with the crystal sceptre + in her hand to the table beside the couch. + </p> + <p> + Idly enough Tua looked, and so it was! On the table stood pure water in a + silver cup, and by it cakes of bread upon a golden platter. She stretched + out her hand, for surely this fantasy was pleasant, and took that ghost of + a silver cup, her own cup that Pharaoh had given her as a child, and + brought it to her lips and drank, and lo! water pure and cold flowed down + her throat, until at length even her raging thirst was satisfied. Then she + stretched out her hand again, and took the loaves of bread, and ate them + hungrily till all were gone, and as she swallowed the last of them, + exclaimed in bitter shame: + </p> + <p> + “Oh! what a selfish wretch am I who have drunk and eaten all, leaving + nothing for my foster-mother, Asti, who lies asleep, and dies of want as I + did.” + </p> + <p> + “Fear not,” answered the Dream. “Look, there are more for Asti.” And it + was true, for the silver cup brimmed once more with cold water, and on the + golden platter were other cakes. + </p> + <p> + Now the Dream spoke again: + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” it said, “there were other wishes in your heart, O Morning-Star, + than that for human sustenance?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, O Dream, I wished for vengeance upon Abi, the traitor, Abi the + murderer of my father, who would bring me to the last shame of womanhood. + I wished for vengeance upon Abi, and all who cling to him.” + </p> + <p> + The bright figure bowed, stretching out its jewelled hands, and answered: + </p> + <p> + “I am your servant to obey. It shall be worked, O Queen, such vengeance as + you cannot dream of, vengeance poured drop by drop like poison in his + veins, the torment of disappointed love, the torment of horrible fear, the + torment of power given and snatched away, the torment of a death of shame, + and the everlasting torment of the Eater-up of Souls—this vengeance + shall be worked upon Abi and all who cling to him. Was there not another + wish in your heart, O Morning-Star, O Queen divine?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” answered Tua, “but I may not speak it all even to myself in sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “It shall be given to you, O Morning-Star. You shall find your love though + far away beyond the horizon, and he shall return with you, and you twain + shall rule in the Upper and the Lower Land, and in all the lands beyond + with glory such as has not been known in Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + Now, at length, Tua seemed to awake. She rubbed her eyes and looked. There + was the sleeping Asti; there on the table beside her were the water and + the bread; there at the foot of the couch, glimmering in the low lights of + dawn, was the glorious figure of herself draped in the splendid robes. + </p> + <p> + “Who, and what are you?” she cried. “Are you a god or a spirit, or are you + but a mocking vision caught in the web of my madness?” + </p> + <p> + “I am none of these things, O Morning-Star, I am yourself. I am that Ka + whom our father Amen gave to you at birth to dwell with you and protect + you. Do you not remember me when as a child we played together?” + </p> + <p> + “I remember,” answered Tua. “You warned me of the danger of the sacred + crocodile in the Temple tank, but since then I have never seen you. What + gives you the strength to appear in the flesh before me, O Double?” + </p> + <p> + “The magic of Asti with which she has been endowed from on high to save + you, Neter-Tua, that gives me strength. Know that although you cannot + always see me, I am your eternal companion. Through life I go with you, + and when you die I watch in your tomb, perfect, incorruptible, preserving + your wisdom, your loveliness, and all that is yours, until the day of + resurrection. I have power, I have the secret knowledge which dwells in + you, although you cannot grasp it; I remember the Past, the infinite, + infinite Past that you forget, I foresee the Future, the endless, endless + Future that is hidden from you, to which the life you know is but as a + single leaf upon the tree, but as one grain of sand in the billions of the + Desert. I look upon the faces of the gods, and hear their whisperings; + Fate gives me his book to read; I sleep secure in the presence of the + Eternal who sent me forth, and to whom at last I return again, my journey + ended, my work fulfilled, bearing you in my holy arms. O Morning-Star, the + spells of Asti have clothed me in this magic flesh, the might of Amen has + set me on my feet. I am here, your servant, to obey.” + </p> + <p> + Now, amazed, bewildered, Tua called out: + </p> + <p> + “Awake, Nurse, awake, for I am mad. It seems to me that a messenger from + on high, robed in my own flesh, stands before me and speaks with me.” + </p> + <p> + Asti opened her eyes, and, perceiving the beautiful figure, rose and did + obeisance to it, but said no word. + </p> + <p> + “Be seated,” said the Ka, “and hear me, time is short. I awoke at the + summons, I came forth, I am present, I endure until the spell is taken off + me, and I return whence I came. O Interpreter, speak the will of her of + whom I am, that I may do it in my own fashion. There is food—eat and + drink, then speak.” + </p> + <p> + So Asti ate and drank as Tua had done, and when she had finished and was + satisfied, behold! the cup and the platter vanished away. Next in a slow, + quiet voice she spoke, saying: + </p> + <p> + “O Shadow of this royal Star, by my spells incorporate, this is our case: + Here we starve in misery, and without the gate Abi waits the end. If the + Queen lives, he will take her who hates him to be his wife; if she dies he + will seize her throne. Our wisdom is finished. What must we do to save + this Star that it may shine serene until its appointed hour of setting?” + </p> + <p> + “Is that all you seek?” asked the Double, when she had finished. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” broke in Tua hurriedly, “I would not shine alone, I seek another + Star to share my sky with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you faith and will you obey?” asked the Double again. “For without + faith I can do nothing.” + </p> + <p> + Now Asti looked at Tua who bowed her head in assent to an unspoken + question, then she answered: + </p> + <p> + “We have faith, we will obey.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” said the Shadow. “Presently Abi will come to ask whether the + Queen consents to be his wife, or whether she will bide here until she + dies. I who wear the fashion of the Queen will go forth and be his wife, + oh! such a wife as man never had before,” and as she spoke the words an + awful look swept across her face, and her deep eyes flamed. “Ill goes it + with the mortal man who weds a wraith that hates him and is commanded to + work his woe,” she added. + </p> + <p> + Now Asti and Tua understood and smiled, then the Queen said: + </p> + <p> + “So you will sit in my seat, O Shadow, and as your lord, Abi will sit on + Pharaoh’s throne and find it hard. But what of Egypt and my people?” + </p> + <p> + “Fear not for Egypt and your people, O Morning Star. With these it shall + go well enough until you come back to claim them.” + </p> + <p> + “And what of my companion and myself?” asked Tua. + </p> + <p> + The Double raised her sceptre, and pointed to the open window-space + between them, beneath which, hundreds of feet beneath, ran the milky + waters of the river. + </p> + <p> + “You shall trust yourselves to the bosom of Father Nile,” she answered + solemnly. + </p> + <p> + Now the Queen and Asti stared at each other. + </p> + <p> + “That means,” said Tua, “that we must trust ourselves to Osiris, for none + can fall so far and live.” + </p> + <p> + “Think you so, O Star? Where, then, is that faith you promised, without + which I can do nothing? Nay, I tell no more. Do my bidding, or let me go, + and deal with Abi as it pleases you. Choose now, he draws near,” and as + she spoke the words they heard the bronze gates of the temple clash upon + their hinges. + </p> + <p> + Tua shivered at the sound, then sprang from the couch, and drew herself to + her full height, exclaiming: + </p> + <p> + “For my part I have chosen. Never shall it be said that Pharaoh’s daughter + was a coward. Better the breast of Osiris than the arms of Abi, or slow + death in a dungeon. In Amen and in thee, O Double, I put my trust.” + </p> + <p> + The Shadow looked from her to Asti, who answered briefly: + </p> + <p> + “Where my Lady goes there I follow, knowing that Mermes always waits. What + shall we do?” + </p> + <p> + The Ka motioned to them to stand together in the narrow winding-place, and + this they did, their arms about each other. Next she lifted her sceptre + and spoke some word. + </p> + <p> + Then fire flashed before their eyes, a rush of wind beat upon their brows, + and they knew no more. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI + </h2> + <h3> + THE DREAM OF ABI + </h3> + <p> + On the night of the drawing-forth of the Ka of Neter-Tua, Kaku the wizard, + and Merytra the spy, she who had been Lady of the Footstool to Pharaoh, + sat together in that high chamber where Merytra had vowed her vow, and + received the magic image. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you look so disturbed?” asked the astrologer of his accomplice who + glanced continually over her shoulder, and seemed very ill at ease. “All + has gone well. If Set himself had fashioned that image, it could not have + done its work more thoroughly.” + </p> + <p> + “Thoroughly, indeed,” broke in Merytra in an angry voice. “You have + tricked me, Wizard, I promised to help you to lame Pharaoh, not to murder + him!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! Beloved,” said Kaku nervously, “murder is an ugly word, and + murderers come to ugly ends—sometimes. Is it your fault if an + accursed fool of a priest chose to burn the mannikin upon an altar, and + thus bring this god to his lamented end?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” answered Merytra, “not mine, or the priest’s, but yours, and that + hog, Abi’s; and Set’s the master of both of you. But I shall get the blame + of it, for the Queen and Asti know the truth, and soon or late it will + come out, and they will burn me as a sorceress, sending me to the + Underworld with the blood of Pharaoh upon my hands. Pharaoh who never did + me aught but good. And then, what will happen to me?” + </p> + <p> + Evidently Kaku did not know, for he rose and stood opposite to her, + scratching his lean chin and smiling in a sickly, indeterminate fashion + that enraged Merytra. + </p> + <p> + “Cease grinning at me like an ape of the rocks,” she said, “and tell me, + what is to be the end of this evil business?” + </p> + <p> + “Why trouble about ends, Fair One?” he asked. “They are always a long way + off; indeed, the best philosophers hold that there is no such thing as an + end. You know the sacred symbol of a snake with its tail in its mouth that + surrounds the whole world, but begins where it ends, and ends where it + begins. It may be seen in any tomb——” + </p> + <p> + “Cease your talk of snakes and tombs,” burst in Merytra. “The thought of + them makes me shudder.” + </p> + <p> + “By all means, Beloved. I have always held that we Egyptians dwell too + much on tombs, and—whatever it may be that lies beyond them, which + after all remains a matter of doubt—fortunately. So let us turn from + tombs and corpses to palaces and life. As I said just now, although we + grieve over the accident of Pharaoh’s death, and that of all his guard + —and I may add, of Abi’s four legitimate sons, things have gone well + for us. To-day I have received from the Prince, in writing, my appointment + as Vizier, and first King’s companion, to come into force when he mounts + the throne as he must do, and to-day you have received from me, with all + the usual public rites and ceremonies, the name of wife, as I promised + that you should. Merytra, you are the wife of the great Vizier, the + pre-eminent lord, the sole Companion of the King of Egypt, a high position + for one who after all during the late reign was but Pharaoh’s favourite, + and Lady of the Footstool.” + </p> + <p> + “A footstool of silk is more comfortable to sit on than a state chair + fashioned of blood-stained swords. Hearken you, Kaku! I am afraid. You say + that you are the greatest of seers, and can read the future. Well, I + desire to know the future, so if you are not a charlatan, show it to me.” + </p> + <p> + “A charlatan! How can you suggest it, Merytra, remembering the adventure + of the image?” + </p> + <p> + “That may have been an accident. Pharaoh was sickly for years, and had a + stroke before. If you are not a cheat show me the future in that magic + crystal. I would learn the worst, so that I may know how to meet it when + it comes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Wife, we will try, though to see such high visions the spirit + should be calm, which I fear yours is not—nay, be not angry. We will + try, we will try. Sit here now, and gaze, and above all be silent while I + say the appropriate spells.” + </p> + <p> + So the ball of crystal having been set upon the table, the pair stared + into it as Kaku muttered his charms and invocations. For a long while + Merytra saw nothing, till suddenly a shadow gathered in the ball, which + slowly cleared away, revealing the image of dead Pharaoh clothed in his + mummy wrappings. As she started back to scream the image seemed to loose + its hands from the cloths that bound them, and strike outwards, whereon + the crystal suddenly shattered, so that the pieces of it flew about the + room, one of which struck her on the mouth, knocking out two of her front + teeth, and gashing her lips. + </p> + <p> + Merytra uttered a cry, and fell backwards to the floor, while Kaku sprang + from his chair as though to run away, then thought better of it, and stood + still, shivering with fear. + </p> + <p> + “What was that?” said Merytra, rising from the ground, and wiping the + blood from her cut mouth. + </p> + <p> + “I do not know,” answered Kaku, in a quavering voice. “It would seem that + the gods deny to us that knowledge of the future which you sought. Be + content with the present, Merytra.” + </p> + <p> + “Content with the present,” she screamed, infuriated. “Look at what the + present has given me—a mouthful of blood and teeth. I, who was + beautiful, am spoiled for ever; I am become an old hag. Pharaoh burst the + ball with his hand, and threw the pieces at me. I saw him do it, and you + set him there. Wretch, I will pay you back for this evil trick,” and + springing at Kaku, she tore of his astrologer’s cap, and the wig beneath + it, and beat his bald head with them till he cried for mercy. + </p> + <p> + It was at this moment that the door opened, and through it, breathless, + white with terror, half-clothed, appeared none other than the Prince Abi. + </p> + <p> + “What passes here?” he gasped, sinking into a chair. “Is this the way you + conduct your midnight studies, Kaku?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, most high Lord,” replied the astrologer, trying to bow + with his eye fixed on Merytra, who stood by him, the torn wig in her hand, + in the act of striking. “Certainly not, exalted Prince. A domestic + difference, that is all. This wild cat of a woman whom I have married + having met with an accident, gave way to her devilish temper.” + </p> + <p> + “Repeat that,” exclaimed Merytra, “and I will throw you from the + window-place to find out whether your sorceries can make paving-stones as + soft as air. See, Lord, what he has done to me by his accursed wizardry,” + and she exhibited her two front teeth in her shaking hand. “I say that he + set the spirit of Pharaoh whom he beguiled me to do to death, in the + crystal, for I saw him there wrapped in his mummy clothes, and caused dead + Pharaoh to burst the crystal and stone me with its fragments.” + </p> + <p> + “Be silent, Woman,” shouted Abi, “or I will have you beaten with rods, + till your feet hurt more than your mouth. What is this about the spirit of + Pharaoh, Kaku? Is he everywhere, for know, it is of Pharaoh, the dweller + in Osiris, that I came to speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Most exalted Ruler of the North, Son of Royal Blood, Hereditary Count who + shall be King——” + </p> + <p> + “Cease your titles, Knave,” exclaimed Abi, “and listen, for I need + counsel, and if you cannot give it I will find one who can. Just now I lay + on my bed asleep, and a dreadful vision came to me. I dreamed that I woke + up, and feeling a weight on the bed beside me turned to learn what it was, + and saw there the body of my brother, Pharaoh, in his death-wrappings——” + </p> + <p> + “As I saw him in the ball,” broke in Merytra. “Did he pelt you also, O + Abi?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Woman, he did worse, he spoke to me. He said—‘You, my brother, + to whom I forgave all your sins, you and the woman-snake that I cherished + in my bosom, and your servant, the black-souled magician, her accomplice, + have done me miserably to death, and set the Queen of both the Lands, + Amen’s royal child, to starve in yonder tower with the noble lady Asti, + until she dies or takes you to be her husband—you, her uncle, who + seek her beauty and my throne. Now I have a message for you from the gods, + who write down these things in their eternal books against the day of + judgment, when we all shall meet and plead our cause before them, Osiris + the Redeemer standing on the right hand, and the Eater-up of Souls + standing on the left. + </p> + <p> + “‘This is the message, O Abi—Go to the Temple of Sekhet at the dawn. + There you shall find that Royal Loveliness which you desire. Take it to be + your wife as you desire, for it shall not say you nay. Be wedded to that + Loveliness with pomp before all the eyes of Egypt, and reign by right of + that Royalty, until you meet one Rames, son of Mermes, whom you also + murdered, and with him a certain Beggar-man who is charged with another + message for you, O Abi. Ascend the Nile to Thebes, and lay this body of + mine in the splendid tomb which I have made ready and sit in my seat, and + do those things which that Royal Loveliness you have wed, commands to you, + for It you shall obey. But hasten, hasten, Abi, to hollow for yourself a + grave, and let it be near to mine, for when you are dead this my Ka would + come to visit you, as it does to-night.’ + </p> + <p> + “Then the Ka or the body of Pharaoh—I know not which it was—ceased + from speaking, and lay there a while staring at me with its cold eyes, + till at length the spirits of my four sons who are dead entered the + chamber and, lifting up the shape, carried it away. I awoke, shaking like + a reed in the wind, and ran hither up a thousand steps to find you + brawling with this low-born slut, dead Pharaoh’s worn-out shoe that in + bygone years I kicked from off my foot.” + </p> + <p> + Now Merytra would have answered, for she loved not such names, but the two + men looked at her so fiercely that her rage died, and she was silent. + </p> + <p> + “Read me this vision, Man, and be swift, for the torment of it haunts me,” + went on Abi. “If you cannot I strip you of your offices, and give your + carcase to the rods until you find wisdom. It was you who set me on this + path, and by the gods you shall keep me safe in it or die by inches.” + </p> + <p> + Now, seeing his great danger, Kaku grew cold and cunning. + </p> + <p> + “It is true, O Prince,” he said, “that I set you on this path, this high + and splendid path, and it is true also that from the beginning I have kept + you safe in it. Had it not been for me and my counsel, long ago you would + have become but a forgotten traitor. Remember that night at Thebes, when + in your pride you desired to smite at the heart of Pharaoh, and how I held + your hand, and remember how, many a time, my wisdom has been your guide, + when left to your own rash folly you must have failed or perished. It is + true also, Prince, that in the future as in the past, with me and by me + you stand or fall. Yet if you think otherwise, find some wiser man to lead + you, and wait the end. All the rods in Egypt cannot be broken on my back, + O Abi. Now shall I speak who alone have knowledge, or will you seek + another counsellor?” + </p> + <p> + “Speak on,” answered Abi sullenly, “we are fish in the same net, and share + each other’s fortune to the end, whether it be Set’s gridiron or fat + Egypt’s pleasure pond. Fear not, what I have promised you shall have while + it is mine to give.” + </p> + <p> + “Just now you promised rods,” remarked Kaku, making a wry face and + replacing the remains of his wig upon his bald head, “but let that pass. + Now as to this dream of yours, I find its meaning good. How did Pharaoh + come to you? Not as a living spirit, but in the fashion of a dead man, and + who cares for dead men?” + </p> + <p> + “I do, for one, when they cut my mouth with broken crystals,” interrupted + Merytra, who was bathing her wounds in a basin of water. + </p> + <p> + “Would that they had cut your tongue instead of your lips, Woman,” snarled + Abi. “Continue, Kaku, and heed her not.” + </p> + <p> + “And what was his message?” went on the magician. “Why, that you shall + marry the Majesty of Egypt, and rule in her right and sit in the seat of + kings. Are not these the very things that you desire, and have worked for + years to win?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Kaku, but you forget all that about one Rames, and the tomb that I + must hollow, and the rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Rames? Merytra here can tell you of him, Prince. He is the madcap young + Count who killed the Prince of Kesh, and was sent by Neter-Tua far to the + South-lands, that the barbarians there might make an end of him without + scandal. If ever he should come back with the Beggar-man and his message, + which is not likely, you can answer him with the halter he deserves.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Kaku, but how will the Queen answer him? There are stories afloat——” + </p> + <p> + “Lies, every one of them, Prince. She would have executed him at once had + it not been for the influence of Mermes, and her foster-mother, Asti. This + Rames has in him the royal blood of the last dynasty, and the Star of Amen + is not one who will share her sky with a rival star, unless he be her + lawful Lord, which is your part. If Rames or the foul Beggar brings you + any message it will be that you are King of Kesh as well as of Egypt, and + then you can kill him and take the heritage. A fig for Rames and its stalk + for the Beggar!” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps,” replied Abi more cheerfully, “at any rate I do not fear that + risk; but how about all Pharaoh’s talk of tombs?” + </p> + <p> + “Being dead, Prince, it is natural that the mind of his Ka should run on + tombs, and his own royal burial, which as a matter of policy we must give + to him. Besides there the prophesy was safe, since to these same tombs all + must come, especially those of us who have seen the Nile rise over sixty + times—as I have,” he added hastily. “When we reach the tomb it will + be time to deal with its affairs; till then let us be content with life, + and the good things it offers, such as thrones, and find the love of the + most beautiful woman in the world, and the rest. Harvest your corn when it + is ripe, Prince, and do not trouble about next year’s crop or whether in + his grave Pharaoh’s Double eats white bread or brown. Pharaoh’s daughter—or + Amen’s—is your business, not his ghost.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, good soothsayer,” said Abi, “she is my business. But one more + question. Why did that accursed mummy speak of her as ‘It’—in my + dream I mean—as though she were no woman, but something beyond + woman?” + </p> + <p> + For a moment Kaku hesitated, for the point was hard to answer, then he + replied boldly: + </p> + <p> + “Because as I believe, Prince, this Queen with whom the gods are rewarding + your deserts is in truth more than woman, being Amen’s very daughter, and + therefore in those realms whence the dream came, she is known not as + woman, but by her title of Royal Loveliness. Oh!” went on Kaku, simulating + an enthusiasm that in truth did not glow within his breast, “great and + glorious is your lot, King of the world, and splendid the path which I + have opened to your triumphant feet. It was I who showed you how Pharaoh + might be trapped in Memphis, being but a poor fool easy to deceive, and it + was I—or rather Merytra yonder—who rid you of him. And now it + is I, the Master whom you threatened with rods, that alone can interpret + to you the happy omen of a dream which you thought fearsome. Think of the + end of it, Prince, and banish every doubt. Who bore away the shape of + Pharaoh? Why the spirits of your sons, thus symbolising the triumph of + your House.” + </p> + <p> + “At least they will have no share in it, Kaku, for they are dead,” said + Abi with a groan, for he had loved his sons. + </p> + <p> + “What of that, Prince? They died bravely, and we mourn them, but here + again Fortune is with you, for had they lived trouble might have arisen + between them and those other sons which the Queen of Egypt shall bear to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Mayhap, mayhap,” replied Abi, waving his hand, for the subject was + painful to him, “but this Queen is not yet my wife. She is starving in + yonder tower, and what am I to do? If I try to force my presence upon her, + she will destroy herself as she swore, and if I leave her there any + longer, being mortal, she must die. Moreover, I dare not, for even these + folk of Memphis, who love me, begin to murmur. Egypt’s Queen is Egypt’s + Queen, and they will not suffer that she should perish miserably, being + beautiful and young, and one who takes all hearts. This night at sunset + they gathered in tens of thousands round the tower to hear her sing that + evening hymn to Ra, and afterwards marched past my palace, shouting in the + darkness, ‘Give food to Her Majesty, and free her, or we will.’ Moreover, + by now the news must have come to Thebes, and there a great army will + gather to liberate or avenge her. What am I to do, Prophet?” + </p> + <p> + “Do what dead Pharaoh bade you in your dream, Prince. At the hour of dawn + go to the Temple of Sekhet, where you will find the Queen become obedient + to your wishes, for did not the dream declare that she will not say you + nay? Then lead her to your palace, and marry her in the face of all men, + and rule by right of her Majesty and of your own conquering arm.” + </p> + <p> + “It can be tried,” said Abi, “for then, at least, we shall learn what + truth there is in dreams. But what of this Asti her companion?” + </p> + <p> + “Asti has been an ill guide to her Majesty, Prince,” replied Kaku, rubbing + his chin as he always did when there was mischief in his mind. “Moreover, + she is advanced in years, and must be weak with grief and hunger. If she + still lives Merytra here will take her in charge and care for her. You are + old friends, are you not, Merytra?” + </p> + <p> + “Very,” answered that lady with emphasis, “like the cat and the bird which + were pets of the same master. Well, we shall have much to say to each + other. Only, beware, Husband, Asti is no weakling. Your magic may be + strong, but hers is stronger, for she is a great priestess and draws it + from gods—not devils.” + </p> + <p> + So it came about that at dawn Prince Abi, clad in magnificent robes, and + accompanied by Councillors, among them Kaku, and by a small guard, was + carried in a litter to the gates of the old temple of Sekhet, being too + heavy to walk so far, and there descended. As there were none to defend + them these gates were opened easily enough, and they passed through, + leaving the guard without. When they came to the inner court, Abi stopped + and asked where they should search. + </p> + <p> + “In one place only, your Highness,” answered Kaku, “that pylon tower which + overlooks the Nile, for there her Majesty starves with Asti.” + </p> + <p> + “Pylon tower,” grumbled Abi. “Have I not climbed enough steps this night? + Still, lead on.” + </p> + <p> + So they went to the narrow stair, up which the thin Kaku ran like a cat, + while the officers pushed and led the huge Abi behind him. On the third + landing they all halted at Abi’s command. + </p> + <p> + “Hurry not,” he said in a thick whisper. “Her Majesty dwells on the next + floor of this hateful tower, and since Asti is with her she cannot be + surprised. Beware, then, of frightening her by your sudden appearance, + lest she should run to the top of the pylon, and hurl herself into the + Nile, as she has sworn that she will do. Halt now, and I will call to her + when I have got my breath.” + </p> + <p> + So after a while he called, saying: + </p> + <p> + “O Queen, cease to starve yourself in this miserable abode, and come down + to dwell in plenty with your faithful subject.” + </p> + <p> + He called it once, and twice, and thrice, but there was no answer. Now Abi + grew afraid. + </p> + <p> + “She must have perished,” he said, “and Egypt will demand her blood at my + hands. Kaku, go up and see what has happened. You are a magician, and have + nothing to fear.” + </p> + <p> + But the astrologer thought otherwise, and hesitated, till Abi in a rage + lifted his cedar wand to strike him on the back. Then he went, step by + step, slowly, pausing at each step to address prayers and praises to her + Majesty of Egypt. At length he came to the door of the Queen’s chamber, + and kneeling down, peeped into it, to see that it was quite empty. Next he + crawled across the landing to the chamber opposite, that which had been + Asti’s, and found it empty also. Then, made bold by fear, he ascended to + the pylon roof. But here, too, there was no one to be seen. So he + returned, and told Abi, who shouted: + </p> + <p> + “By Ptah, great Lord of Memphis! either she has escaped to raise Egypt on + me, or she has sought death in the Nile to raise the gods upon me, which + is worse. So much for your interpretation of dreams, O Cheat.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait till you are sure before you call me such names, Prince,” replied + Kaku indignantly. “Let us search the temple, she may be elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + So they searched it court by court, and chamber by chamber, till they came + to that inner hall in front of the Sanctuary where Pharaoh had set up his + throne while he sojourned at Memphis. This hall was a dark place, into + which light flowed only through the gratings in the clerestory, being + roofed in with blocks of granite laid upon its lotus-shaped columns. Now, + at the hour of sunrise, the gloom in it was still deep, so deep that the + searchers felt their way from pillar to pillar, seeing nothing. Presently, + however, a ray of light from the rising sun sped through the opening + shaped like the eye of Osiris in the eastern wall, and as it had done for + thousands of years, struck upon the shrine of the goddess, and the throne + that was set in front of it, revealing the throne, and seated thereon + Neter-Tua, her Majesty of Egypt. + </p> + <p> + Glorious she looked indeed, a figure of flame set in the midst of + darkness. The royal robe she wore glittered in the sunlight, glittered her + sceptre, her jewels, and the <i>uræi</i> on her Double Crown, but more + than all of them glittered her fierce and splendid eyes. Indeed, there was + something so terrible in those eyes that the beholders who discovered them + thus suddenly, shrank back, whispering to each other that here sat a + goddess, not a woman. For in her calmness, her proud beauty and her + silence, she seemed like an immortal, one victorious who had triumphed + over death, not a woman who for seven days had starved within a tower. + </p> + <p> + They shrank back, they huddled themselves together in the doorway, and + there remained whispering till the growing light fell on them also. But + the figure on the throne took no heed, only stared over their heads as + though it were lost in mystery and thought. + </p> + <p> + At length Kaku, gathering courage, said to Abi: + </p> + <p> + “O Prince, there is your bride, such a bride as never man had before. Go + now and take her,” and all the others echoed: + </p> + <p> + “Go now, O Prince, and take her.” + </p> + <p> + Thus adjured for very shame’s sake Abi advanced, looking often behind him, + till he came to the foot of the throne, and stood there bowing. + </p> + <p> + For a long while he stood bowing thus, till he grew weary indeed, for he + knew not what to say. Then suddenly a clear and silvery voice spoke above + him, asking: + </p> + <p> + “What do you here, Lord of Memphis? Why are you not in the cell where + Pharaoh bound you? Oh! I remember—the footstool-bearer, Merytra, + your paid spy, let you out, did she not? Why is she not here with Kaku the + Sorcerer, who fashioned the enchanted image that did Pharaoh to death? Is + it because she stays to doctor those false lips of hers that were cut last + night before you went to ask yonder Kaku to interpret a certain dream + which came to you?” + </p> + <p> + “How did you learn these things? Have you spies in my palace, O Queen?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my uncle, I have spies in your palace and everywhere. What Amen sees + his daughter knows. Now you have come to lead me away to be your wife, + have you not? Well, I await you, I am ready. Do it if you dare!” + </p> + <p> + “If I dare? Why should I not dare, O Queen?” asked Abi in a doubtful + voice. + </p> + <p> + “Surely that question is one for you to answer, Count of Memphis and its + subject nomes. Yet tell me this—why did the magic crystal burst + asunder without cause in the chamber of Kaku last night, and why do you + suppose that Kaku interpreted to you all the meaning of your dream—he + who will never tell the truth unless it be beneath the rods?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not know, Queen,” answered Abi, “but with Kaku I can speak later, if + need be after the fashion you suggest,” and he glanced at the magician + wrathfully. + </p> + <p> + “No, Prince Abi, you know nothing, and Kaku knows nothing, save that rods + break the backs of snakes, unless they can find a wall to hide in,” and + she pointed to the astrologer slinking back into the shadow. “No one knows + anything save me, to whom Amen gives wisdom with sight of the future, and + what I know I keep. Were it otherwise, O Abi, I could tell you things that + would turn your grey hair white, and to Kaku and Merytra the spy, promise + rewards that would make the torture-chamber seem a bed of down. But it is + not lawful, nor would they sound pleasant in this bridal hour.” + </p> + <p> + Now while Kaku between his chattering teeth muttered the words of + Protection in the shadow, Abi and his courtiers stared at this terrible + queen as boys seeking wild fowls’ eggs in the reeds, and stumbling on a + lion, stare ere they fly. Twice, indeed, the Prince turned looking towards + the door and the pleasant light without, for it seemed to him that he was + entering on a dark and doubtful road. Then he said: + </p> + <p> + “Your words, O Queen, cut like a two-edged sword, and methinks they leave + a poison in the wound. Say now, if you are human, how it comes about that + after seven days of want your flesh is not minished nor has your beauty + waned. Say also who brought to you those glorious robes you wear here in + this empty temple, and where is your foster-mother, Asti?” + </p> + <p> + “The gods fed me,” answered the Queen gently, “and brought me these robes + that I might seem the more worthy of you, O Prince. And as for Asti, I + sent her to Cyprus to fetch a scent they make there and nowhere else. No, + I forgot, it was yesterday she went to bring the scent from Cyprus that + now is on my hair; to-day she is in Thebes, seeing to a business of mine. + That is no secret, I will tell it you—it is as to the carving of all + the history of his murder and betrayal in the first chamber of the + Pharaoh’s tomb.” + </p> + <p> + Now at these magical and ill-omened words the courage of the company left + them, so that they began to walk backwards towards the door, Abi going + with them. + </p> + <p> + “What!” cried the Queen in a voice of sorrow that yet seemed laden with + mockery. “Would you leave me here alone? Do my power and my wisdom + frighten you? Alas! I cannot help them, for when the full vase is tilted + the wine will run out, and when light is set behind alabaster, then the + white stone must shine. Yet am I one meet to adorn the palace of the King, + even such a king as you shall be, O Abi, whom Osiris loves. See, now, I + will dance and sing to you as once I sang to the Prince of Kesh before the + sword of Rames took away his life, so that you may judge of me, Abi, you, + who have looked upon so many lovely women.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, very slowly, so slowly that they could scarcely see her + move, she glided from the throne, and standing before them, began to move + her feet and body, and to chant a song. + </p> + <p> + What were the words of that song none could ever remember, but to every + man there present it opened a door in his heart, and brought back the + knowledge of youth. She whom he had loved best danced before him, her + tender hands caressed him; the words she sang were sighs which the dead + had whispered in his ears. Even to Abi, old, unwieldy and steeped in + cunning, these soft visions came, although it is true that it seemed to + him that this lovely singer led him to a precipice, and that when she + ceased her song and appeared to vanish, to seek her he leapt into the + clouds that rushed beneath. + </p> + <p> + Now the dance was done, and the last echoes of the music died away against + the ancient walls whence the images of Sekhet the cat-headed watched them + with her cruel smile of vengeance. The dance was done, and the beautiful + dancer stood before them unflushed, unheated, but laughing gently. + </p> + <p> + “Now go, divine Prince,” she said, “and you his followers, go, all of you, + and leave me to my lonely house, until Pharaoh sends for me to share that + new realm which he inherits beyond the West.” + </p> + <p> + But they would not go and could not if they would, for some power bound + them to her, while, as for Abi he scarce could take his eyes from her, but + heedless of who heard them, babbled out his passion at her feet, while the + rest glowered on him jealously. She listened always smiling that same + smile that was so sweet, yet so inhuman. Then when he stopped exhausted, + at last she spoke, saying: + </p> + <p> + “What! do you love now more greatly than you fear, as the divine Prince of + Kesh loved after Amen’s Star had sung to him. May your fate be happier, O + noble Abi, but that, since it is not lawful that I should tell it to you, + you shall discover. Abi, there shall be a royal marriage in Memphis of + such joy and feasting as has not been known in the history of the Northern + or the Southern Land, and for your allotted span you shall sit by the side + of Egypt’s Queen and shine in her light. Have you not earned the place by + right of blood, O conqueror of Pharaoh, and did not Pharaoh promise it to + you in your sleep? Come, the sun of this new day shines, let us walk in + it, and bid farewell to shadows.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII + </h2> + <h3> + THE ROYAL MARRIAGE + </h3> + <p> + A strange rumour ran through Memphis. It was said that the Queen had + yielded; it was said that she would marry the Prince Abi, that she was + already at the great White House waiting to be made a bride. Men wrangled + about in the streets. They swore that it could not be true, for would this + high lady, the anointed Pharaoh of Egypt, take her father’s murderer, and + her own uncle to husband? Would she not rather die in her prison tower on + which night by night they had seen her stand and sing? In their hearts + they thought that she should die, for thus they had summed her up, this + pure, high-hearted daughter of Amen, whom Fate had caught in an evil net. + Yes, being men they held that she ought to die, and leave a story in the + world, whereof Egypt could be proud for ever. + </p> + <p> + But their wives and daughters mocked at them. After all she was but a + woman, they argued, and was it likely that she would throw aside the pomp + of rule and the prospect of long years in order to steal away into the + shadows of a forgotten tomb? Henceforth, it was true, she must take second + place, for Abi would be a stern master to her. Still, any place was better + than a funeral barge. She had felt the pinch of hunger yonder in that old + temple; her fierce spirit had been tamed; she had kissed the rod, and + after long years of waiting, Abi would be Pharaoh in Egypt. + </p> + <p> + The dispute grew hot, for even those men who rebelled against her, in + their hearts had set her high, and grieved to think of her, the divine + Lady, bowing her neck to the common yoke of circumstance, and selling + herself for safety, and a seat on the steps of her own throne. But the + women mocked on, and showed them that as they had always said, she was no + better than others of her sex. + </p> + <p> + Presently the matter was settled, for heralds appeared crying throughout + the city that the marriage would take place in the great hall of the White + House one hour before sundown. Then the women laughed in triumph, and the + men were silent. + </p> + <p> + It was the appointed hour, and that hall was filled to overflowing by all + who could gain entrance there. Between the towering obelisks that stood on + either side the open cedar doors, folk hung upon its steps like hiving + bees; the vast square without and all the streets that led to it were + black with them. Here, it is true, they could see nothing, still they + fought for the merest foothold, and some of those who fell never rose + again. At the head of the hall were set two thrones, the greater and the + richer throne for Abi the Prince, the lesser throne for Neter-Tua the + Queen. He had arranged it thus since Kaku the cunning pointed out to him + that from the first he should show the people that it was he who ruled, + and not Pharaoh’s daughter. + </p> + <p> + It was the appointed hour, and at some signal from every temple top rang + out the blare of trumpets. Thrice they sounded, and echoed into silence in + that hot, still air, thus announcing that in the temple of Hathor, and the + presence of the priests of all the gods, the hands of Abi and Neter-Tua + had been joined in marriage. + </p> + <p> + Another rumour began to run among the crowd; like the ring set circling by + a stone in water it spread from mouth to mouth, ever widening as it went. + </p> + <p> + Marvels had happened in the temple of Hathor, that was the rumour. + Moreover it gave details: that the High-Priest had handed to the bride the + accustomed lotus-bud, the flower of the goddess, and lo! it opened in her + hand. Also, it was said, that presently the stem of it turned to a sceptre + of gold, and the cup of the bloom to sapphire stones more perfect far than + any from the desert mines. + </p> + <p> + Nor was this all, so went the tale, for when, as he must, the bridegroom + Abi offered the white dove to Hathor in her shrine, a hawk swept through + the doorway and smote it in his very hand. Yes, there in the gloom of the + shrine smote it and left it dead, blood running from its beak and breast, + dead upon the knees of the goddess; left it and was gone again! + </p> + <p> + Now what hawk, asked the people of each other, dare such a deed as this, + unless in truth it was sent by the hawk-headed Horus, the son of Amen-Ra. + </p> + <p> + Soon these matters were forgotten for the moment, since now it was known + that the royal pair were entering the great White Hall, there to show + themselves to the people, and receive the homage of the nobles, chiefs, + and captains. First, advancing by the covered way which led from the + temple of Hathor, appeared the priests in their robes, chanting as they + walked, followed by the masters of ceremonies, butlers, and heralds. Next, + surrounded by his officers and guard, came the Prince Abi himself, + accompanied by his vizier, Kaku, he whose magic was said to have brought + Pharaoh to his end. + </p> + <p> + Not all his pomp nor the splendour of his apparel, whereof the whiteness, + as many noted, was spotted with ill-omened blood, nor even the royal crown + which now, for the first time, was set upon his huge, round head, could + hide from those who watched that this bridegroom was ill at ease. Even as + he stood there, bowing in answer to the obsequious shouts of the + multitude, the sceptre in his fat hand shook, and his red lips blanched + and trembled. Still he smiled and bowed on, till at length the shouting + died away, and quiet fell upon the place. + </p> + <p> + Abi was forgotten, they waited the coming of the Queen, and though no + herald called her advent, yet every heart of all those thousands felt that + she drew near to them. Look! Yonder she stood. They had watched closely + enough, yet none saw her come, doubtless because the shadows were thick. + But there she stood, quite alone upon the edge of the dais in front of the + two thrones, and, oh! she was different from what they had expected. Thus + now she wore no gorgeous robes, but only a simple garment of purest white, + cut low upon her bosom, where the red rays of the sinking sun, striking up + the hall, revealed to every eye that dark mole shaped like the Cross of + Life, which was her wondrous birthmark. But two ornaments adorned her, the + double snakes of royalty, golden with red eyes, set in front of her tall + white head-dress, which none but she might wear, the crowns of Upper and + of Lower Egypt, and of all the subject lands, and in her hand a sceptre + fashioned of gold, and surmounted by a lotus-bloom of sapphire, that + sceptre of which rumour had told the magic tale. + </p> + <p> + Yes, she was different. They had thought to see a woman weak and pale, her + eyes still red with grief, her face still stained with tears, one who had + been tamed by misfortune, hunger, and the fear of death, whence she had + bought herself by marriage with her conqueror. But it was not so, for + never had the Star of Amen shone half so beautiful, never had they seen + such majesty in those deep blue eyes that looked them through and through + as though they read the secret heart of every one of them. Her tall and + lovely form had not wasted, her cheeks were red with the glow of health; + power and dignity flowed from her presence, fear seemed beneath her feet. + </p> + <p> + Now no voice was lifted up; they stared at her, and, smiling a little, she + answered them with her calm eyes till their heads sank beneath her gaze. + Then at length in the midst of that dead, oppressive silence which none + dared to break, she turned, and they heard the sweep of her silken robe + upon the alabaster floor. + </p> + <p> + With an effort two chamberlains stepped forward, their wands of office in + their hands, to lead her to her seat, but she waved them back, and said in + her clear voice: + </p> + <p> + “Nay, here I am alone; of all the millions who serve her, not one is left + to lead Amen’s daughter and Egypt’s Queen to her rightful place. Therefore + she takes it of her own strength, now and for evermore.” + </p> + <p> + Then very slowly, still in the midst of silence, she mounted the greater + throne that had been prepared for Abi, and there seated herself and + waited. + </p> + <p> + Now murmuring rose among the courtiers and Kaku whispered into Abi’s ear, + while the multitude held its breath. Abi stamped his foot and issued + orders which all seemed to fear to execute. At length he stepped forward, + addressing the Queen in a hoarse voice. + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” he said, “doubtless you know it not, but that place is mine; your + seat is on my left. Be pleased to take it.” + </p> + <p> + “Why so, Prince Abi?” she asked quietly. + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” he answered, “because the husband takes precedence of the wife, + and,” he added with savage meaning, “the conqueror of the conquered.” + </p> + <p> + “The conqueror of the conquered?” she repeated after him in a musing + voice. “Should you not have said—the murderer of the murdered and + his seed? Nay, Prince Abi, you are wrong. The sovereign of Egypt by right + divine, takes precedence of her vassal, even though it has pleased the + gods, whose will she has come to execute, to command her to give to him + the name of husband until that will is more fully known. Come now and do + homage to your Queen, and after you those slaves of yours who dared to + lift the sword against her.” + </p> + <p> + Then a great tumult arose, a tumult of rage and of dismay, for well nigh + all in that vast place were partners in this crime, and knew that if + Neter-Tua prevailed death yawned wide for them. + </p> + <p> + They shouted to Abi to take no heed of her. They shouted to him to tear + her from the throne, to kill her, and seize the crown. They drew their + swords and raged like an angry sea. Those who were loyal among them to + Pharaoh’s House, and those who feared turmoil, began to work their way + backwards, and slipped by twos and threes out of the great open doors, + till Tua had no friend left in all that hall. But ever as they went, + others of the turbulent and the rebellious who had been concerned in the + slaughter of Pharaoh’s guard, took their place, pouring in from the mob + without. + </p> + <p> + Wild desert-dwellers of the Bedouin tribes, who for thousands of years had + been the bitter enemies of Egypt; descendants of the Hyksos, whose + forefathers had ruled the land for a dozen generations, and at last been + driven out; those Hyksos whose blood ran in Abi’s veins, and who looked to + him to lift them up again; evil-doers who had sought shelter in his + regiments; hook-nosed Semites from the Lebanon; black, barbarian savages + from the shores of Punt—with such as these was that hall filled. + </p> + <p> + Abi was the hope of every one of them; to him they looked for the spoils + of Egypt, and before them on Abi’s throne they saw a woman who stood + between them and their ends, who in her ancient pride dared to demand that + he, her husband, should do homage to her, and who to-morrow, if she + conquered, would give them to the sword. + </p> + <p> + “Tear her to pieces!” they screamed, “the bastard whom childless Pharaoh + palmed off upon the land! She is a sorceress who keeps fat on air—an + evil spirit. Away with her! Or if you fear, then let us come!” + </p> + <p> + At length they had roared themselves hoarse; at length they grew still. + Then Abi, who all this while had stood there hesitating, and now and again + turning to hearken to Kaku who whispered in his ear, looked up at Tua and + spoke. + </p> + <p> + “You see and you hear, Queen,” he said. “My people mistrust you, and they + are a rough people, I cannot hold them back for long. If once they get at + you, very soon that sweet body of yours will be in more fragments than was + Osiris after Set had handled him.” + </p> + <p> + Now Tua, who hitherto had sat still and indifferent, like one who takes no + heed, seemed to awake, and answered: + </p> + <p> + “A bad example, Prince, for Osiris rose again, did he not?” Then she + leaned back and once more was silent. + </p> + <p> + “Do you still desire that I should do homage to you, Queen, I, your + husband?” he asked presently. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” she replied. “I have spoken. A decree of Pharaoh may not be + changed, and though a woman, I am—Pharaoh.” + </p> + <p> + Now Abi went white with rage, and turned to his guard to bid them drag her + from the throne. But she who was watching him, suddenly lifted her sceptre + and spoke in a new voice, a clear, strong voice that rang through the + hall, and even reached those who were gathered on the steps without. + </p> + <p> + “There is a question between you and me, O People,” she said, “and it is + this—Shall I, your Queen, rule in Egypt, as my fathers ruled, or + shall yonder man rule whom by the decree of Amen I have taken for husband? + Now you who for the most part have the Hyksos blood running in your veins, + as he has, desire that he should rule, and you have slain the good god, my + father, and would make Abi king over you, and see me his handmaid, one to + give him children of my royal race, no more. See, you are a multitude and + my legions are far away, and I—I am alone, one lamb among the + jackals, thousands and thousands of jackals who for a long while have been + hungry. How, then, shall I match myself against you?” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot,” shouted a wild-eyed spokesman. “Come down, lamb, and kneel + before the lion, Abi, or we, the jackals, will rend you. We will not + acknowledge you, we who are of the fierce Hyksos blood. While the obelisks + stand that were set up by the great Hyksos Pharaoh whose descendant was + Abi’s mother, while the obelisks stand that are set there for all + eternity, we will not acknowledge you. Come down and take your place in + our lord’s harem, O Pharaoh’s bastard daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” Tua repeated after him, “while the obelisks stand that the Hyksos + thief set up you will not acknowledge me, Pharaoh’s bastard daughter!” + </p> + <p> + Then she paused and seemed to grow disturbed; she sighed, wrung her hands + a little, and said in a choking voice: + </p> + <p> + “I am but one woman alone among you. My father, Pharaoh, is dead, and you + bid me lay down my rank and henceforth rule only through him who trapped + Pharaoh and brought him to his end. What, then, can I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Be a good maid and obey your husband, Bastard,” mocked a voice, and + during the roar of laughter that followed Tua looked at the speaker, an + officer of Abi’s, who had taken a great part in the slaughter of their + escort. + </p> + <p> + Very strangely she looked at him, and those who stood by the man noted + that his lips became white, and that he turned so faint that had it not + been for the press about him he would have fallen. Presently he seemed to + recover, and asked the priests who were near to let him join their circle, + as among the outer throng the heat was too great for him to bear. Thereon + one of them nodded and made room for him, and he passed in, which Tua + noted also. + </p> + <p> + Now she was speaking again. + </p> + <p> + “Ill names to throw at Egypt’s anointed queen, crowned and accepted by the + god himself in the sanctuary of his most holy temple,” she said, her eyes + still resting on the brutal soldier. “Yet it is your hour, and she must + bear them who has no friends in Memphis. Oh! what shall I do?” and again + she wrung her hands. “Good People, it was sworn to me that Amen, greatest + of the gods, set his spirit within me when I was born, and vowed that he + would help me in the hour of my need. Of your grace, then, give me space + to pray to Amen. Look,” and she pointed before her, “yonder sinks the red + ball of the sun; soon, soon it will be gone—give me until it enters + the gateways of the West to pray to Amen, and then if no help comes I will + bow me to your bidding, and do homage to this noble Prince of the Hyksos + blood, who snared Pharaoh his brother, and by help of his magicians and of + his spy, Merytra, brought him to his end.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, my people, give her the space she asks,” called Abi, who feared + nothing from Amen, a somewhat remote personage, and was afraid lest some + tumult should happen in the course of which this lovely, new-made wife of + his might be slain or injured. + </p> + <p> + So they gave her the space of time she asked. Standing up, Tua raised her + arms and eyes towards heaven, and began to pray aloud: + </p> + <p> + “Hear me, Amen my Father, in the House of thy Rest, as thou hast sworn to + do. O Amen my Father, thou seest my strait. Is it thy will that thy + daughter should degrade herself and thee before this man who slew his king + and brother, to whom thou hast commanded her to give the name of husband? + If it be so, I will obey; but if it be not so, then show thy word by might + or marvel, and cause him and his folk who mock my majesty and name me + bastard, to bow down before me. O Amen, they deny thee in their hearts who + worship other gods, as did the barbarians who begat them and threw down + thy shrines in Egypt, but I know that thou sentest me forth, and in thee I + put my trust, aye, even if thou slay me. Amen my Father, yonder sinks that + glory in which thou dost hide thy spirit. Now, ere it be gone and night + falls upon the world, declare thyself in such fashion that all men may + know that indeed I am thy child; or if this be thy decree, desert me and + Egypt, and leave me to my shame.” + </p> + <p> + She ended her prayer and, sinking back upon the throne, rested her chin + upon her hand, and gazed steadily upon the splendour of the sinking sun. + Nor did she gaze alone, for every man in that vast hall turned himself + about, and stared at its departing glory. There in the red light they + stood, and stared, and since the place was open to the sky, the shadows of + the two towering obelisks without fell on them like the shadows of swords + whereof the points met together at the foot of Tua’s throne. They did not + believe that anything would happen, no, not even the priests believed it + who here at Memphis, the city of Ptah, thought little of Amen, the god of + Thebes. They thought that this piteous prayer was but a last cry of dying + faith wrung from a proud and fallen woman in her wretchedness. + </p> + <p> + And yet, and yet they stared, for she had spoken with a strange certainty + like one who knew the god, and was she not named Star of Amen, and were + there not wondrous tales as to her birth, and had not a lotus-bloom seemed + to turn to gold and jewels in the hand of this young, anointed Queen who + bore the Cross of Life upon her breast? No, nothing would happen, but + still they stared. + </p> + <p> + It was a very strange sunset. For days the heat had been great, but now it + was fearful, also a marvellous stillness reigned in heaven and earth. + Nothing seemed to stir in all the city, no dog barked, no child cried, no + leaf quivered upon the tall palms; it might have been a city of the dead. + </p> + <p> + Dense clouds arose upon the sky, and moved, though no wind blew. Where the + sun’s rays touched them they were gold and red and purple, but above these + of an inky blackness. They took strange shapes those clouds, and + marshalled themselves like a host gathering for battle. There were the + commanders moving quickly to and fro; there the chariots, and there the + sullen lines of footmen with their gleaming spears. Now one cloud higher + than the rest seemed to shoot itself across the arch of heaven, and its + fashion was that of a woman with outspread hair of gold. Her feet stood + upon the sun, her body bent itself athwart the sky, and upon the far + horizon in the east her hands held the pale globe of the rising moon. + </p> + <p> + The watchers were frightened at this cloud. “It is Isis with the moon in + her arms,” said one. “Nay, it is the mother goddess Nout brooding upon the + world,” answered another. And though they only spoke softly, in that awful + silence their voices reached Tua on the throne, and for the first time her + face changed, for on it came a cold, curious smile. + </p> + <p> + Kaku began to whisper into Abi’s ear, and there was fear in the eyes of + both of them. He pointed with his finger at two stars, which of a sudden + shone out through the green haze above the sunset glow, and then turned + and looked at the Queen, urging his master eagerly. At last Abi spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Ra is set,” he said. “Come, let us make an end of all this folly.” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet,” answered Tua quietly, “not yet awhile.” + </p> + <p> + As she said the words, of a sudden, as though at a given signal, all the + long lines of palm trees that grew in the rich gardens upon the river + banks were seen to bow themselves towards the east, as though they did + obeisance to the Queen upon her throne. Thrice they bowed thus, without a + wind, and then were straight and still once more. Next the clouds rushed + together as though a black pall had been drawn across the heavens, only in + the west the half-hidden globe of the sun shone on through an opening in + them, shone like a great and furious eye. By slow degrees it sank, till + nothing was left save a little rim of fire. All the hall grew dark, and + through the darkness Neter-Tua could be heard calling on the name of Amen. + </p> + <p> + “Ra is dead!” shouted a voice. “Have done, Bastard, Ra is dead!” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” she answered in a cold triumphant cry, “but Amen lives. Behold his + sword, ye Traitors!” + </p> + <p> + As the words left her lips the heavens were cleft in twain by a fearful + flash of lightning, and in it the people saw that once again the + palm-trees bowed themselves, this time almost to the ground. Then with a + roar the winds were loosed, and beneath their feet the solid earth began + to heave as though a giant lifted it. Thrice it heaved like a heaving + wave, and the third time through the thick cover of the darkness there + rose a shriek of terror and of agony followed by the awful crash of + falling stones. + </p> + <p> + Now the whole sky seemed to melt in fire, and in that fierce light was + seen Tua, Star of Amen, seated on her throne, holding her sceptre to the + heavens, and laughing in triumphant merriment. Well might she laugh, for + the two great obelisks without the gate that the old Hyksos lion had set + up there to stand “to all eternity,” had fallen across the low pylons and + the doors and crushed them. On to the heads of those who watched beneath + they had fallen, shattering in their fall and carrying death to hundreds. + Beneath the electrum cap of one of them that had been hurled from it in + its descent right into the circle of the priests, lay a shapeless mass. It + was that man who had mocked the Queen and turned faint beneath her gaze. + </p> + <p> + Through the western ruin of the hall those who were left alive within it + fled out, a maddened mob, trampling each other to death by scores, + fighting furiously to escape the vengeance of Amen and his daughter. + Within the enclosure the priests lay prostrate on their faces, each + praying to his god for mercy. In front of the throne, upon his knees, the + royal crown shaken from his head, Abi grasped the feet of Neter-Tua and + screamed to her to forgive and spare him, whilst above, shining like fire, + That which sat upon the throne pointed with her sceptre at the ruin and + the rout, and laughed and laughed again. + </p> + <p> + Soon all were gone save the mumbling priests, the dying, the dead, and Abi + with his officers. + </p> + <p> + The clouds rolled off, the moon and the stars shone out, filling the place + with gentle light. Then Tua spoke, looking down at the wretched Abi who + grovelled before her. + </p> + <p> + “Say, now, Husband,” she asked, “who is god in Egypt?” + </p> + <p> + “Amen your father,” he gasped. + </p> + <p> + “And who is Pharaoh in Egypt?” + </p> + <p> + “You, and no other, O Queen.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” she said, “it was over that matter that we quarrelled, did we not? + which forced me, whom you thought so helpless, to find helpers. Look, + there are their footsteps; they walk heavily, do they not, my Uncle?” and + she nodded towards the huge fragments of the broken obelisks. + </p> + <p> + He glanced behind him at his ruined hall, at the dying and the dead. “You + are Pharaoh and no other,” he repeated with a shudder. “Give breath to + your servant, and let him live on in your shadow.” + </p> + <p> + “The first is not mine to give,” she answered coldly, “though perchance it + may please Amen to hold you back a little while from that place where you + must settle your account with him who went before me, and his companions + who died in your streets. I hope so, for you have work to do. As for the + second—arise, you Priests and Officers, and see this Prince of yours + do homage to the Queen of Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + They rose, and clung to each other trembling, for all the heart was out of + them. Then she pointed to her foot with the sceptre in her hand, and in + their presence Abi knelt down and kissed her sandal. After him followed + the others, the priests, the captains, the head-stewards, and the butlers, + till at length came Kaku, the astrologer, who prostrated himself before + her, trembling in every limb. But him she would not suffer even to touch + her sandals. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me,” she said, drawing back her foot, “you who are a magician, and + have studied the secret writings, how does it chance that you still live + on, when for lesser crimes so many lie here dead, you who are stained with + the blood of Pharaoh?” + </p> + <p> + Hearing these words from which he presaged the very worst, Kaku beat his + head upon the ground, babbling denials of this awful crime, and at the + same time began to implore pardon for what he said he had not committed. + </p> + <p> + “Cease,” she exclaimed, “and learn that your life is spared for a while, + yes, and even Merytra’s. Also you will retain your office of Vizier—for + a while.” + </p> + <p> + Now he began to pour out thanks, but she stopped him, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Thank me not, seeing that you do not know the end of this matter. + Perchance it is hidden from you lest you should go mad, you and your wife, + Merytra, she who was the Pharaoh’s Lady of the Footstool, and sang him to + sleep. Look at me, Wizard, and tell me, who am I?” and she bent down over + him. + </p> + <p> + He glanced up at her, and their eyes met, nor could he turn his head away + again. + </p> + <p> + “Come,” she said, “as you may have learned to-night, I also have some + knowledge of the hidden things. For otherwise, why did the earth shake and + the everlasting pillars fall at my bidding? Now, between two of a trade + there should be no secrets, so I will tell you something that perhaps you + have already guessed, since I am sure that you will not repeat it even to + your master or to Merytra. For I will add this—that the moment you + repeat it will be the moment of your death, and the beginning of that + punishment which here I withhold. Now, in the Name of the Eater-up of + Souls, listen to me, O fashioner of waxen images!” and, bending down, she + whispered into his ear. + </p> + <p> + Another instant, and, stark horror written on his face, the tall shape of + Kaku was seen reeling backward, like to a drunken man. Indeed, had not Abi + caught him he would have fallen over the edge of the dais. + </p> + <p> + “What did she tell you?” he muttered, for the Queen, who seemed to have + forgotten all about him, was looking the other way. + </p> + <p> + But, making no answer, Kaku wrenched himself free and fled the place. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII + </h2> + <h3> + ABI LEARNS THE TRUTH + </h3> + <p> + A moon had gone by, and on the first day of the new month Kaku the Vizier + sat in the Hall of the Great Officers at Memphis, checking the public + accounts of the city. It was not easy work, for during the past ten days + twice these accounts had been sent back to him by the command of the + Queen, or the Pharaoh as she called herself, with requests for information + as to their items, and other awkward queries. Abi had overlooked such + matters, recognising that a faithful servant was worthy of his hire—provided + that he paid himself. But now it seemed that things were different, and + that the amount received was the exact amount that had to be handed over + to the Crown, neither more nor less. Well, there was a large discrepancy + which must be made up from somewhere, or, in other words, from Kaku’s + private store. + </p> + <p> + In a rage he caused the two head collectors of taxes to be brought before + him, and as they would not pay, bade the executioners throw them down and + beat them on the feet until they promised to produce the missing sums, + most of which he himself had stolen. + </p> + <p> + Then, somewhat soothed, he retired from the hall into his own office, to + find himself face to face with Abi, who was waiting for him. So changed + was the Prince from his old, portly self, so aged and thin and miserable + did he look, that in the dusk of that chamber Kaku failed to recognise + him. Thinking that he was some suppliant, he began to revile him and order + him to be gone. Then the fury of Abi broke out. + </p> + <p> + Rushing at him, he seized the astrologer by the beard and smote him on the + ears, saying: “Dog, is it thus that you speak to your king? Well, on you + at least I can revenge myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon, your Majesty,” said Kaku, “I did not know you in these shadows. + Your Majesty is changed of late.” + </p> + <p> + “Changed!” said Abi, letting him go. “Who would not be changed who suffers + as I do ever since I listened to your cursed counsel, and tried to climb + into the seat of Pharaoh? Before that I was happy. I had my sons, I had my + wives, as many as I wished. I had my revenues and armies. Now everything + has gone. My sons are dead, my women are driven away, my revenues are + taken from me, my armies serve another.” + </p> + <p> + “At least,” suggested Kaku, “you are Pharaoh, and the husband of the most + beautiful and the wisest woman in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Pharaoh!” groaned Abi. “The humblest mummy in the common city vaults is a + greater king than I am, and as for the rest——” and he stopped + and groaned again. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with your Majesty?” asked Kaku. + </p> + <p> + “The matter is that I have fallen under the influence of an evil planet.” + </p> + <p> + “The Star of Amen,” suggested the astrologer. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the Star of Amen, that lovely Terror whom you call my wife. Man, she + is no wife to me. Listen—there in the harem I went into the chamber + where she was, none forbidding me, and found her sitting before her mirror + and singing, clothed only in a thin robe of white, and her dark hair—O + Kaku, never did you see such hair—which fell almost to the ground. + She smiled on me, she spoke me fair, she drew me with those glittering + eyes of hers—yes, she even called me husband, and sighed and talked + of love, till at length I drew near to her and threw my arms about her.” + </p> + <p> + “And then——” + </p> + <p> + “And then, Kaku, she was gone, and where her sweet face should have been I + saw the yellow, mummied head of Pharaoh, he who is with Osiris, that + seemed to grin at me. I opened my arms again, and lo! there she sat, + laughing and shaking perfume from her hair, asking me, too, what ailed me + that I turned so white, and if such were the way of husbands? + </p> + <p> + “Well, that was nigh a month ago, and as it began, so it has gone on. I + seek my wife, and I find the mummied head of Pharaoh, and all the while + she mocks me. Nor may I see the others any more, for she has caused them + to be hunted hence, even those who have dwelt with me for years, saying + that she must rule alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that all?” asked Kaku. + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed, for as she torments me, so she torments every other man who + comes near to her. She nets them with smiles, she bewitches them with her + eyes till they go mad for love of her, and then, still smiling, she sends + them about their business. Already two of them who were leaders in the + great plot have died by their own hands, and another is mad, while the + rest have become my secret but my bitter foes, because they love my Queen + and think that I stand between her and them.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that all?” asked Kaku again. + </p> + <p> + “No, not all, for my power is taken from me. I who was great, after + Pharaoh the greatest in all the land, now am but a slave. From morning to + night I must work at tasks I hate; I must build temples to Amen, I must + dig canals, I must truckle to the common herd, and redress their + grievances and remit their taxes. More, I must chastise the Bedouin who + have ever been my friends, and—next month undertake a war against + that King of Khita, with whom I made a secret treaty, and whose daughter + that I married has been sent back to him because I loved her.” + </p> + <p> + “And then?” asked Kaku. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! then when the Khita have been destroyed and made subject to Egypt, + then her Majesty purposes to return in state to Thebes ‘to attend to the + fashioning of my sepulchre’ since, so she says, this is a matter that will + not bear delay. Indeed, already she makes drawings for it, horrible and + mystic drawings that I cannot understand, and brings them to me to see. + Moreover, Friend, know this, out of it opens another smaller tomb for <i>you</i>. + Indeed, but this morning she sent an expedition to the desert quarries to + bring thence three blocks of stone, one for my sarcophagus, one for yours, + and one for that of your wife, Merytra. For she says that after the old + fashion she purposes to honour both of you with these gifts.” + </p> + <p> + At these words Kaku could no longer control himself, but began to walk up + and down the room, muttering and snatching at his beard. + </p> + <p> + “How can you suffer it?” he said at length, “You who were a great prince, + to become a woman’s slave, to be made as dirt beneath her feet, to be held + up to the mockery of those you rule, to see your wives and household + driven away from you, to be tormented, to be mocked, to look on other men + favoured before your eyes, to be threatened with early death. Oh! how can + you suffer it? Why do you not kill her, and make an end?” + </p> + <p> + “Because,” answered Abi, “because I dare not, since if I dreamed of such a + thing she would guess my thought and kill <i>me</i>. Fool, do you not + remember the fall of the eternal obelisks upon my captains, and what + befell that man who mocked her, calling her Bastard, and sought refuge + among the priests? No, I dare not lift a finger against her.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Prince, you must carry your yoke until it wears through to the + marrow, which will be when that sepulchre is ready.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so,” answered Abi, shivering, “for I have another plan; it is of it + that I am come to speak with you. Friend Kaku, <i>you</i> must kill her. + Listen: you are a master of spells. The magic which prevailed against the + father will overcome the daughter also. You have but to make a waxen image + or two and breathe strength into them, and the thing is done, and then—think + of the reward.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I am thinking, most noble Prince,” replied the astrologer with + sarcasm. “Shall I tell you of that reward? It would be my death by slow + torture. Moreover, it is impossible, for if you would know the truth, she + cannot be killed.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean, Fool?” asked Abi angrily. “Flesh and blood must bow to + death.” + </p> + <p> + A sickly smile spread itself over Kaku’s thin face as he answered: + </p> + <p> + “A saying worthy of your wisdom, Prince. Certainly the experience of + mankind is that flesh and blood must bow to death. Yes, yes, flesh and + blood!” + </p> + <p> + “Cease grinning at me, you ape of the rocks,” hissed the enraged Abi, “or + I will prove as much on your mocking throat,” and snatching out his sword + he threatened him with it, adding: “Now tell me what you mean, or——” + </p> + <p> + “Prince,” ejaculated Kaku, falling to his knees, “I may not, I cannot. + Spare me, it is a secret of the gods.” + </p> + <p> + “Then get you gone to the gods, you lying cur, and talk it over with + them,” answered Abi, lifting the sword, “for at least she will not blame + me if I send you there.” + </p> + <p> + “Mercy, mercy!” gasped Kaku, sprawling on the ground, while his lord held + the sword above his bald head, thinking that he would choose speech rather + than death. + </p> + <p> + It was at this moment, while the astrologer’s fate trembled in the + balance, that a sound of voices reached their ears, and above them the + ring of a light, clear laugh which they knew well. Forgetting his purpose, + Abi stepped to the window-place, and looked through the opening of the + shutters. Presently he turned, beckoning to Kaku, and whispered: + </p> + <p> + “Come and look; there is always time for you to die.” + </p> + <p> + The Vizier heard, and, creeping on his hands and knees to the + window-place, raised himself and peeped through the shutter. This was what + he saw. In the walled garden below, the secret garden of the palace, stood + the queen Neter-Tua, and the sunlight piercing through the boughs of a + flowering tree, fell in bright bars upon her beauty. She was not alone, + for before her knelt a man wearing the rich robes of a noble. Kaku knew + him at once, for although still young, he was Abi’s favourite captain, an + officer whom he loved, and had raised to high place because of his wit and + valour, having given him one of his daughters in marriage. Also he had + played a chief part in the great plot against Pharaoh, and it was he who + had dealt the death-blow to Mermes, the husband of the lady Asti. + </p> + <p> + Now he was playing another part, namely that of lover to the Queen, for he + clasped the hem of her robe in his hands, and kissed it with his lips, and + pleaded with her passionately. They could catch some of his words. + </p> + <p> + He had risked his life to climb the wall. He worshipped her. He could not + live without her. He was ready to do her bidding in all things—to + gather a band and slay Abi; it would be easy, for every man was jealous of + the Prince, and thought him quite unworthy of her. Let her give him her + love, and he would make her sole Pharaoh of Egypt again, and be content to + serve her as a slave. At least let her say one kind word to him. + </p> + <p> + Thus he spoke, wildly, imploringly, like a man that is drunk with passion + and knows not what he says or does, while Neter-Tua listened calmly, and + now and again laughed that light, low laugh of hers. + </p> + <p> + At length he rose and strove to take her hand, but, still laughing, she + waved him back, then said suddenly: + </p> + <p> + “You slew Mermes when he was weak with wounds, did you not, and he was my + foster-father. Well, well, it was done in war, and you must be a brave + man, as brave as you are handsome, for otherwise you would scarcely have + ventured here where a word of mine would give you to your death. And now + get you gone, Friend, back to my Lord’s daughter who is your wife, and if + you dare—tell her where you have been and why, you who are so brave + a man,” and once more she laughed. + </p> + <p> + Again he began his passionate implorings, begging for some token, till at + length she seemed to melt and take pity on him, for stretching out her + hand, she chose a flower from the many that grew near, and gave it to him, + then pointed to the trees that hid the wall, among which presently he + vanished, reeling in the delirium of his joy. + </p> + <p> + She watched him go, smiling very strangely, then, still smiling, looked + down at the bush whence she had plucked the flower, and Kaku noted that it + was one used only by the embalmers to furnish coronals for the dead. + </p> + <p> + But Abi noted no such thing. Forgetting his quarrel with Kaku and all + else, he gasped, and foamed in his jealous rage, muttering that he would + kill that captain, yes, and the false Queen, too, who dared to listen to a + tale of love and give the lover flowers. Yes, were she ten times Pharaoh + he would kill her, as he had the right to do, and, the naked sword still + in his hand, he turned to leave the place. + </p> + <p> + “If that is your will, Lord,” said Kaku in a strained voice, “bide here.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, man?” asked Abi. + </p> + <p> + “Because her Majesty comes,” he answered, “and this chamber is quiet and + fitting. None enter it save myself.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the words the door opened, and closed again, and before them + stood Neter-Tua, Star of Amen. + </p> + <p> + In the dusk of that room the first thing that seemed to catch her eye was + the bared blade in Abi’s hand. For a moment she looked at it and him, also + at Kaku crouching in the corner, then asked in her quiet voice: + </p> + <p> + “Why is your sword drawn, O Husband?” + </p> + <p> + “To kill you, O Wife,” he answered furiously, for his rage mastered him. + </p> + <p> + She continued to look at him a little while and said, smiling in her + strange fashion: + </p> + <p> + “Indeed? But why more now than at any other time? Has Kaku’s counsel given + you courage?” + </p> + <p> + “Need you ask, shameless woman? Does not this window-place open on to + yonder garden?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I remember, that captain of yours—he who slew Mermes, your + daughter’s husband who made love to me—so well that I rewarded him + with a funeral flower, knowing that you watched us. Settle your account + with him as you and his wife may wish; it is no matter of mine. But I warn + you that if you would take men’s lives for such a fault as this, soon you + will have no servants left, since they all are sinners who desire to usurp + your place.” + </p> + <p> + Then Abi’s fury broke out. He cursed and reviled her, he called her by ill + names, swearing that she should die, who bewitched all men and was the + love of none, and who made him a mock and a shame in the sight of Egypt. + But Neter-Tua only listened until at length he raved himself to silence. + </p> + <p> + “You talk much and do little,” she said at length. “The sword is in your + hand, use it, I am here.” + </p> + <p> + Maddened by her scorn he lifted the weapon and rushed at her, only to reel + back again as though he had been smitten by some power unseen. He rested + against the wall, then again rushed and again reeled back. + </p> + <p> + “You are a poor butcher,” she said at length, “after so many years of + practice. Let Kaku yonder try. I think he has more skill in murder.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! your Majesty,” broke in the astrologer, “unsay those cruel words, you + who know that rather than lift hands against you I would die a thousand + times.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” she answered gravely, “the Prince Abi suggested it to you but now, + did he not, after you had suggested it to him, and you refused—for + your own reasons?” + </p> + <p> + Then the sword fell from Abi’s hand, and there was silence in that + chamber. + </p> + <p> + “What were you talking of, Abi, before you peeped through the shutters and + saw that captain of yours and me together in the garden, and why did you + wish to kill this dog?” she went on presently. “Must I answer for you? You + were talking of how you might be rid of me, and you wished to kill him + because he did not dare to tell you why he could not do the deed, knowing + that if he did so he must die. Well, since you desire to know, you shall + learn, and now. Look on me, wretched Man, whom men name my husband. Look + on me, accursed Slave, whom Amen has given into my hand to punish here + upon the earth, until you pass to his yonder in the Under-world.” + </p> + <p> + He looked up, and Kaku looked also, because he could not help it, but what + they saw they never told. Only they fell down upon their faces, both of + them, and groaned; beating the floor with their foreheads. + </p> + <p> + At length the icy terror seemed to be lifted from their hearts, and they + dared to glance up again, and saw that she was as she had been, a most + royal and lovely woman, but no more. + </p> + <p> + “What are you?” gasped Abi. “The goddess Sekhet in the flesh, or Isis, + Queen of Death, or but dead Tua’s ghost sent here for vengeance?” + </p> + <p> + “All of them, or none of them, as you will, though, Man, it is true that I + am sent here for vengeance. Ask the Wizard yonder. He knows, and I give + him leave to say.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>She is the Double of Amen’s daughter</i>,” moaned Kaku. “She is her Ka + set free to bring doom upon those who would have wronged her. She is a + ghost armed with the might of the gods, and all we who have sinned against + dead Pharaoh and her and her father Amen are given into her hand to be + tormented and brought to doom.” + </p> + <p> + “Where, then, is Neter-Tua, who was Queen of Egypt?” gasped Abi, rolling + his great eyes. “Is she with Osiris?” + </p> + <p> + “I will tell you, Man,” answered the royal Shape. “She is not dead—she + lives, and is gone to seek one she loves. When she returns with him and a + certain Beggar, then I shall depart and you will die, both of you, for + such is the punishment decreed upon you. Until then, arise and do my + bidding.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV + </h2> + <h3> + THE BOAT OF RA + </h3> + <p> + Tua, Star of Amen, opened her eyes. For some time already she had lain as + one lies between sleep and waking, and it seemed to her that she heard the + sound of dipping oars, and of water that rippled gently against the sides + of a ship. She thought to herself that she dreamed. Doubtless she was in + her bed in the palace at Thebes, and presently, when it was light, her + ladies would come to waken her. + </p> + <p> + In the palace at Thebes! Why, now she remembered that it was months since + she had seen that royal city, she who had travelled far since then, and + come at last to white-walled Memphis, where many terrible things had + befallen her. One by one they came into her mind; the snare, Pharaoh’s + murder by magic, the battle, and the slaughter of her guards, the + starvation in the tower, with death on one hand, and the hateful Abi on + the other; the wondrous vision of that spirit who wore her face, and said + she was the guardian Ka given to her at birth, the words it spoke, and her + dread resolve; and last of all Asti and herself standing in the lofty + window niche, then a flame of fire before her face, and that fearful + downward rush. + </p> + <p> + Oh! without a doubt it was over; she was dead, and these dreams and + memories were such as come to the dwellers in the Under-world. Only then + why did she hear the sound of lapping water, and of dipping oars? + </p> + <p> + Very slowly she opened her eyes, for Tua greatly feared what she might + see. Light flowed upon her, the light of the moon which hung in a clear + sky like some great lamp of gold. By it she saw that, robed all in white, + she lay upon a couch in a pavilion, whereof the silken curtains were drawn + back in front, and tied to gilded posts. At her side, wrapped in a grey + robe, lay another figure, which she knew for Asti. It was still, so still + that she was sure it must be dead, yet she knew that this was Asti. + Perchance Asti dreamed also, and could hear in her dreams; at least, she + would speak to her. + </p> + <p> + “Asti,” she whispered, “Asti, can you hear me?” + </p> + <p> + The grey figure at her side stirred, and the head turned towards her. Then + the voice of Asti, none other, answered: + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Lady, I hear and see. But say, where are we now?” + </p> + <p> + “In the Under-world, I think, Asti. Oh! that fire was death, and now we + journey to the Place of Souls.” + </p> + <p> + “If so, Lady, it is strange that we should still have eyes and flesh and + voices as mortal women have. Let us sit up and look.” + </p> + <p> + So they sat up, their arms about each other, and peered through the open + curtains. Behold! they were on a ship more beautiful than any they had + ever seen, for it seemed to be covered with gold and silver, while sweet + odours floated from its hold. Their pavilion was set in the centre of the + ship and looking aft, they perceived lines of white-clad rowers seated at + their oars in the shadow of the bulwarks, and on the high stern—also + robed in white—a tall steersman whose face was veiled, behind whom + in the dim glimpses of the moon, they caught sight of a wide and silvery + river, and on its distant banks palms and temple towers. + </p> + <p> + “It is the Boat of Ra,” murmured Tua, “which bears us down the River of + Death to the Kingdom behind the Sun.” + </p> + <p> + Then she sank back upon her cushions, and once more fell into swoon or + sleep. + </p> + <p> + Tua woke again, and lo! the sun was shining brightly, and at her side sat + Asti watching her. Moreover, in front of them was set a table spread with + delicate food. + </p> + <p> + “Tell me what has chanced, Nurse,” she said faintly, “for I am bewildered, + and know not in what world we wander.” + </p> + <p> + “Our own, Queen, I think,” answered Asti, “but in charge of those who are + not of it, for surely this is no mortal boat, nor do mortals guide her to + her port. Come, we need food. Let us eat while we may.” + </p> + <p> + So they ate and drank heartily enough, and when they had finished even + dared to go out of the pavilion. Looking around them they saw that they + stood upon a high deck in the midst of a great ship, but that this ship + was enclosed with a net of silver cords in which they could find no + opening. Looking through its meshes they noted that the oars were inboard, + and the great purple sails set upon the mast, also that the rowers were + gone, perchance to rest beneath the deck, while on the forecastle of the + ship stood the captain, white-robed and masked, and aft the steersman, + also still masked, so that they could see nothing of their faces. Now, + too, they were no longer sailing on a river, but down a canal bordered by + banks of sand on either side, beyond which stretched desert farther than + the eye could reach. + </p> + <p> + Asti studied the desert, then turned and said: + </p> + <p> + “I think I know this canal, Lady, for once I sailed it as a child. I think + it is that which was dug by the Pharaohs of old, and repaired after the + fall of the Hyksos kings, and that it runs from Bubastis to that bay down + which wanderers sail towards the rising sun.” + </p> + <p> + “Mayhap,” answered Tua. “At least, this is the world that bore us and no + other, and by the mercy of Amen and the power of my Spirit we are still + alive, and not dead, or so it seems. Call now to the captain on yonder + deck; perhaps he will tell whither he bears us in his magic ship.” + </p> + <p> + So Asti called, but the captain made no sign that he saw or heard her. + Next she called to the steersman, but although his veiled face was towards + them, he also made no sign, so that at last they believed either that + these were spirits or that they were men born deaf and dumb. In the end, + growing weary of staring at this beautiful ship, at the canal and the + desert beyond it, and of wondering where they were, and how they came + thither, they returned to the pavilion to avoid the heat of the sun. Here + they found that during their absence some hand unseen had arranged the + silken bed-clothing on their couches and cleared away the fragments of + their meal, resetting the beautiful table with other foods. + </p> + <p> + “Truly here is wizardry at work,” said Tua, as she sank into a + leather-seated ivory chair that was placed ready. + </p> + <p> + “Who doubts it?” answered Asti calmly. “By wizardry were you born; by + wizardry was Pharaoh slain; by wizardry we are saved to an end that we + cannot guess; by wizardry, or what men so name, does the whole world move; + only being so near we see it not.” + </p> + <p> + Tua thought a while, then said: + </p> + <p> + “Well, this golden ship is better than the sty of Abi the hog, nor do I + believe that we journey to no purpose. Still I wonder what that spirit who + named herself my Ka does on the throne of Egypt; also how we came on board + this boat, and whither we sail.” + </p> + <p> + “Wonder not, for all these things we shall learn in due season, and for my + part, although I hate him I am sorry for Abi,” answered Asti drily. + </p> + <p> + So they sat there in the pavilion watching the desert, over the sands of + which their ship seemed to move, till at length the sun grew low, and they + went to walk upon the deck. Then they returned to eat of the delicious + food that was always provided for them in such plenty, and at nightfall + sought their couches, and slept heavily, for they needed rest. + </p> + <p> + When they awoke again, it was daylight, though no sun shone through the + skies, and their vessel rolled onward across a wide and sullen sea out of + sight of land. Also the silken pavilion about them was gone, and replaced + by a cabin of massive cedar wood, though of this, being sated with + marvels, Tua and Asti took little note. Indeed, having neither of them + been on an angry ocean before, a strange dizziness overcame them, which + caused them to sleep much and think little for three whole days and + nights. + </p> + <p> + At length, one evening as the sun sank, they perceived that the violent + motion of the vessel had ceased with the roaring of the gale above, which + for all this while had driven them onward at such fearful speed. Venturing + from their cedar house, they saw that they had entered the mouth of a + great river upon the banks of which grew enormous trees that sent out long + crooked roots into the water, and that among these roots crouched + crocodiles and other noisome reptiles. Also the white-robed oarsmen had + appeared again, and, as there was no wind, rowed the ship up the river, + till at length they came to a spit of sand which jutted out into the + stream, and here cast anchor. + </p> + <p> + Now Tua’s and Asti’s desire for food returned to them, and they ate. Just + as they had finished their meal, and the sun was sinking suddenly, there + appeared before them two masked men, each of whom bore a basket in his + hand. Asti began to question them, but like the captain and the steersman, + they seemed to be deaf and dumb. At least they made no answer, only + prostrated themselves humbly, and pointed towards the shore where now Tua + saw a fire burning on a rock, though who had lit it she did not know. + </p> + <p> + “They mean us to leave the ship,” said Asti. “Come, Queen, let us follow + our fortunes, for doubtless these are high.” + </p> + <p> + “As you will,” answered Tua, “seeing that we should scarcely have been + brought here to no end.” + </p> + <p> + So they accompanied the men to the side of that splendid vessel, for now + the netting that confined them had been removed, to find that a gangway + had been laid from its bulwark to the shore. As they stepped on to this + gangway their masked companions handed to each of them one of the baskets, + then again bowed humbly and were gone. Soon they gained the bank, and + scarcely had their feet touched it when the gangway was withdrawn, and the + great oars began to beat the muddy water. + </p> + <p> + Round swung the ship, and for a minute hung in midstream. There stood the + captain on the foredeck, and there was the steersman at the helm, and the + red light of the sinking sun turned them into figures of flame. Suddenly + with a simultaneous motion these men tore off their masks so that for a + moment Asti and Tua saw their faces—and behold! the face of the + captain was the face of Pharaoh, Tua’s father, and the face of the + steersman was the face of Mermes, Asti’s husband. + </p> + <p> + For one moment only did they see them, then a dark cloud hid the dying + sun, and when it passed that ship was gone, whither they knew not. + </p> + <p> + The two women looked at each other, and for the first time were much + afraid. + </p> + <p> + “Truly,” said Tua, “we are haunted if ever mortals were, for yonder ship + has ghosts for mariners.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Lady,” answered Asti, “so have I thought from the first. Still, take + heart, for these ghosts once were men who loved us well, and doubtless + they love us still. Be sure that for no ill purpose have we been snatched + out of the hand of Abi, and brought living and unharmed by the shades of + Pharaoh your sire, and Mermes my husband, to this secret shore. See, + yonder burns a fire, let us go to it, and await what may befall bravely, + knowing that at least it can be naught but good.” + </p> + <p> + So they went to the rock and, darkness being come, sat themselves down by + the fire, alongside of which lay wood for its replenishment, and near the + wood soft robes of camel-hair to shield them from the cold. These robes + they put on with thankfulness, and, having fed the flame, bethought them + of and opened the baskets which were given to them when they left the + ship. The first basket, that which Asti held, they found to contain food, + cakes, dried meats and dates, as much as one woman could carry. But the + second, that which had been given to Tua, was otherwise provided, for in + the mouth of it lay a lovely harp of ivory with golden strings, whereof + the frame was fashioned to the shape of a woman. Tua drew it out and + looked at it by the light of the fire. + </p> + <p> + “It is my own harp,” she said in an awed voice, “the harp that the Prince + of Kesh, whom Rames slew, brought as a gift to me, to the notes of which I + sang the Song of the Lovers but just before the giver died. Yes, it is my + own harp that I left in Thebes. Say, now, Nurse, how came it here?” + </p> + <p> + “How came <i>we</i> here?” answered Asti shortly. “Answer my question and + I will answer yours.” + </p> + <p> + Then, laying down the harp, Tua looked again into her basket and found + that beneath a layer of dried papyrus leaves were hidden pearls, thousands + of pearls of all sizes, and of such lustre and beauty as she had never + seen. They were strung upon threads of silk, all those of a like size + being set upon a single thread, except the very biggest, which were as + great as a finger nail, or even larger, that lay wrapped up separately in + cloth at the bottom of the basket. + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” said Tua, amazed, “no Queen in all the earth ever had a dower of + such priceless pearls. Moreover, what good they and the harp can be to us + in this forest I may not guess.” + </p> + <p> + “Doubtless we shall discover in due course,” answered Asti; “meanwhile, + let us thank the gods for their gifts and eat.” + </p> + <p> + So they ate, and then, having nothing else to do, lay down by the fire and + would have slept. + </p> + <p> + But scarcely had they closed their eyes when the forest seemed to awake. + First from down by the river there came dreadful roarings which they knew + must be the voice of lions, for there were tame beasts of this sort in the + gardens at Thebes. Next they heard the whines and wimperings of wolves and + jackals, and mingled with them great snortings such as are made by the + rhinoceros and the river-horse. + </p> + <p> + Nearer, nearer came these awful sounds, till at length they saw yellow + eyes moving like stars in the darkness at the edge of the forest, while + cross the patch of sand beneath their rock galloped swift shapes which + halted and sniffed towards them. Also on the river side of them appeared + huge, hog-like beasts, with gleaming tusks, and red cavernous mouths, and + beyond these again, crashing through the brushwood, a gigantic brute that + bore a single horn upon its snout. + </p> + <p> + “Now our end is at hand,” said Tua faintly, “for surely these creatures + will devour us.” + </p> + <p> + But Asti only threw more wood upon the fire and waited, thinking that the + flame would frighten them away. Yet it did not, for so curious, or so + hungry were they, that the lions crept and crept nearer, and still more + near, till at length they lay lashing their tails in the distance almost + within springing distance of the rock, while on the farther side of these, + like a court waiting on its monarch, gathered the hyenas and other beasts. + </p> + <p> + “They will spring presently,” whispered Tua. + </p> + <p> + “Did the Spirits of the divine Pharaoh your father, and of Mermes my lord, + bring us here in the Boat of Ra that we should be devoured by wild + animals, like lost sheep in the desert?” asked Asti. Then, as though by an + inspiration, she added, “Lady, take that harp of yours, and play and sing + to it.” + </p> + <p> + So Tua took the harp and swept its golden chords, and, lifting up her + lovely voice, she began to sing. At first it trembled a little, but by + degrees, as she forgot all save the music, it grew strong, and rang out + sweetly in the silence of the forest, and the great, slow-moving river. + And lo! as she sang thus, the wild brutes grew still, and seemed to listen + as though they were charmed. Yes, even a snake wriggled out from between + the rocks and listened, waving its crested head to and fro. + </p> + <p> + At length Tua ceased, and as the echoes died away the brutes, every one of + them, turned and vanished into the forest or the river, all save the snake + that coiled itself up and slept where it was. So stillness came again, and + Tua and Asti slept also, nor did they wake until the sun was shining in + the heavens. + </p> + <p> + Then they arose wondering, and went down over the patch of sand that was + marked with the footprints of all the beasts to the river’s brink, and + drank and washed themselves, peering the while through the mists, for they + thought that perchance they would see that golden ship with the veiled + crew which had carried them from Memphis, returned and awaiting them in + midstream. + </p> + <p> + But no ship was there; nothing was there except the river-horses which + rose and sank, and the crocodiles on the mud-banks, and the wildfowl that + flighted inward from the sea to feed. So they went back to the ashes of + their fire and ate of the food in Asti’s basket, and, when they had eaten, + looked at each other, not knowing what to do. Then Tua said: + </p> + <p> + “Come, Nurse, let us be going. Up the river and down the river we cannot + walk, for there are nothing but weeds and mud, so we must strike out + through the forest, whither the gods may lead us.” + </p> + <p> + Asti nodded, and, clad in the light warm clothes of camel-hair, they set + the baskets upon their heads after the fashion of the peasant women of + Egypt and started forward, the harp of ivory and of gold hanging upon + Tua’s back. + </p> + <p> + For hour after hour they marched thus through the forest, threading their + path between the big boles of the trees, and heading always for the south, + for that way ran the woodland glades beyond which was dense bush. Great + apes chattered above them in the tree tops, and now and again some beast + of prey crossed their path and vanished in the underwood, but nothing else + did they see. At length, towards midday, the ground began to rise, and the + trees grew smaller and farther apart, till at last they reached the edge + of a sandy desert, and walked out to a little oasis, where the green grass + showed them they would find water. In this oasis there was a spring, and + by the edge of it they sat down and drank, and ate of their store of food, + and afterwards slept a while. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly Tua, in her sleep, heard a voice, and, awaking with a start, saw + a man who stood near by, leaning on a thornwood staff and contemplating + them. He was a very strange man, apparently of great age, for his long + white hair fell down upon his shoulders, and his white beard reached to + his middle. Once he must have been very tall, but now he was bent with + age, and the bones of his gaunt frame thrust out his ragged garments. His + dark eyes also were horny, indeed it seemed as though he could scarcely + see with them, for he leaned forward to peer at their faces where they + lay. His face was scored by a thousand wrinkles, and almost black with + exposure to the sun and wind, but yet of a marvellous tenderness and + beauty. Indeed, except that it was far more ancient, and the features were + on a larger and a grander scale, it reminded Tua of the face of Pharaoh + after he was dead. + </p> + <p> + “My Father,” said Tua, sitting up, for an impulse prompted her to name + this wanderer thus, “say whence do you come, and what would you with your + servants?” + </p> + <p> + “My Daughter,” answered the old man in a sweet, grave voice, “I come from + the wilderness which is my home. Long have I outlived all those of my + generation, yes, and their children also. Therefore the wilderness and the + forest that do not change are now my only friends, since they alone knew + me when I was young. Be pitiful now to me, for I am poor, so poor that for + three whole days no food has passed my lips. It was the smell of the meat + which you have with you that led me to you. Give me of that meat, + Daughter, for I starve.” + </p> + <p> + “It is yours, O——” and she paused. + </p> + <p> + “I am called Kepher.” + </p> + <p> + “Kepher, Kepher!” repeated Tua, for she thought it strange that a + beggar-man should be named after that scarabæus insect which among the + Egyptians was the symbol of eternity. “Well, take and eat, O Kepher,” she + said, and handed him the basket that contained what was left to them of + their store. + </p> + <p> + The beggar took it, and having looked up to heaven as though to ask a + blessing on his meal, sat down upon the sand and began to devour the food + ravenously. + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” said Asti, “he will eat it all, and then we shall starve in this + desert. He is a locust, not a man,” she added, as another cake + disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “He is our guest,” answered Tua gravely, “let him take what we have to + give.” + </p> + <p> + For a while Asti was silent, then again she broke out into remonstrance. + </p> + <p> + “Peace, Nurse,” replied Tua, “I have said that he is our guest, and the + law of hospitality may not be broken.” + </p> + <p> + “Then the law of hospitality will bring us to our deaths,” muttered Asti. + </p> + <p> + “If so, so let it be, Nurse; at least this poor man will be filled, and + for the rest, as always, we must trust to Amen our father.” + </p> + <p> + Yet as she spoke the words tears gathered in her eyes, for she knew that + Asti was right, and now that all the food was gone, on which with care + they might have lived for two days or more, soon they would faint, and + perish, unless help came to them, which was not likely in that lonesome + place. Once, not so long ago, they had starved for lack of sustenance, and + it was the thought of that slow pain so soon to be renewed, that brought + the water to her eyes. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Kepher, whose appetite for one so ancient was sharp indeed, + finished the contents of the basket down to the last date, and handed it + back to Tua with a bow, saying: + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, Daughter; the Queen of Egypt could not have entertained me + more royally,” and he peered at her with his horny eyes. “I who have been + empty for long, am full again, and since I cannot reward you I pray to the + gods that they will do so. Beautiful Daughter, may you never know what it + is to lack a meal.” + </p> + <p> + At this saying Tua could restrain herself no more. A large tear from her + eyes fell upon Kepher’s rough hand as she answered with a little sob: + </p> + <p> + “I am glad that you are comforted with meat, but do not mock us, Friend, + seeing that we are but lost wanderers who very soon must starve, since now + our food is done.” + </p> + <p> + “What, Daughter?” asked the old man in an astonished voice, “what? Can I + believe that you gave all you had to a beggar of the wilderness, and sat + still while he devoured it? And is it for this reason that you weep?” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, Father, but it is so,” answered Tua. “I am ashamed of such + weakness, but recently my friend here and I have known hunger, very sore + hunger, and the dread of it moves me. Come, Asti, let us be going while + our strength remains in us.” + </p> + <p> + Kepher looked up at the name, then turned to Tua and said: + </p> + <p> + “Daughter, your face is fair, and your heart is perfect, since otherwise + you would not have dealt with me as you have done. Still, it seems that + you lack one thing—undoubting faith in the goodness of the gods. + Though, surely,” he added in a slow voice, “those who have passed yonder + lion-haunted forest without hurt should not lack faith. Say, now, how came + you there?” + </p> + <p> + “We are ladies of Egypt,” interrupted Asti, “or at least this maiden is, + for I am but her old nurse. Man-stealing pirates of Phoenicia seized us + while we wandered on the shores of the Nile, and brought us hither in + their ship, by what way we do not know. At length they put into yonder + river for water, and we fled at night. We are escaped slaves, no more.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” said Kepher, “those pirates must mourn their loss. I almost wonder + that they did not follow you. Indeed, I thought that you might be other + folk, for, strangely enough, as I slept in the sand last night, a certain + spirit from the Under-world visited me in my dreams, and told me to search + for one Asti and another lady who was with her—I cannot remember the + name of that lady. But I do remember the name of the spirit, for he told + it to me; it was Mermes.” + </p> + <p> + Now Asti gave a little cry, and, springing up, searched Kepher’s face with + her eyes, nor did he shrink from her gaze. + </p> + <p> + “I perceive,” she said slowly, “that you who seem to be a beggar are also + a seer.” + </p> + <p> + “Mayhap, Asti,” he answered. “In my long life I have often noted that + sometimes men are more than they seem—and women also. Perhaps you + have learned the same, for nurses in great houses may note many things if + they choose. But let us say no more. I think it is better that we should + say no more. You and your companion—how is she named?” + </p> + <p> + “Neferte,” answered Asti promptly. + </p> + <p> + “Neferte, ah! Certainly that was not the name which the spirit used, + though it is true that other name began with the same sound, or so I + think. Well, you and your companion, Neferte, escaped from those wicked + pirates, and managed to bring certain things with you, for instance, that + beautiful harp, wreathed with the royal <i>uræi</i>, and—but what is + in that second basket?” + </p> + <p> + “Pearls,” broke in Tua quickly. + </p> + <p> + “And a large basket of pearls. Might I see them? Oh! do not be afraid, I + shall not rob those whose food I have eaten, it is against the custom of + the desert.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” answered Tua. “I never thought that you would rob us, for if + you were of the tribe of thieves, surely you would be richer, and less + hungry than you seem. I only thought that you were almost blind, Father + Kepher, and therefore could not know the difference between a pearl and a + pebble.” + </p> + <p> + “My feeling still remains to me, Daughter Neferte,” he answered with a + little smile. + </p> + <p> + Then Tua gave him the basket. He opened it and drew out the strings of + pearls, feeling them, smelling and peering at them, touching them with his + tongue, especially the large single ones which were wrapped up by + themselves. At length, having handled them all, he restored them to the + basket, saying drily: + </p> + <p> + “It is strange, indeed, Nurse Asti, that those Syrian man-stealers + attempted no pursuit of you, for here, whether they were theirs or not, + are enough gems to buy a kingdom.” + </p> + <p> + “We cannot eat pearls,” answered Asti. + </p> + <p> + “No, but pearls will buy more than you need to eat.” + </p> + <p> + “Not in a desert,” said Asti. + </p> + <p> + “True, but as it chances there is a city in this desert, and not so very + far away.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it named Napata?” asked Tua eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Napata? No, indeed. Yet, I have heard of such a place, the City of Gold + they called it. In fact, once I visited it in my youth, over a hundred + years ago.” + </p> + <p> + “A hundred years ago! Do you remember the way thither?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, more or less, but on foot it is over a year’s journey away, and the + path thither lies across great deserts and through tribes of savage men. + Few live to reach that city.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet I will reach it, or die, Father.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you will, Daughter Neferte, perhaps you will, but I think not at + present. Meanwhile, you have a harp, and therefore it is probable that you + can play and sing; also you have pearls. Now the inhabitants of this town + whereof I spoke to you love music. Also they love pearls, and as you + cannot begin your journey to Napata for three months, when the rain on the + mountains will have filled the desert wells, I suggest that you would do + wisely to settle yourselves there for a while. Nurse Asti here would be a + dealer in pearls, and you, her daughter, would be a musician. What say + you?” + </p> + <p> + “I say that I should be glad to settle myself anywhere out of this + desert,” said Tua wearily. “Lead us on to the city, Father Kepher, if you + know the way.” + </p> + <p> + “I know the way, and will guide you thither in payment for that good meal + of yours. Now come. Follow me.” And taking his long staff he strode away + in front of them. + </p> + <p> + “This Kepher goes at a wonderful pace for an old man,” said Tua presently. + “When first we saw him he could scarcely hobble.” + </p> + <p> + “Man!” answered Asti. “He is not a man, but a spirit, good or bad, I don’t + know which, appearing as a beggar. Could a man eat as much as he did—all + our basketful of food? Does a man talk of cities that he visited in his + youth over a hundred years ago, or declare that my dead husband spoke to + him in his dreams? No, no, he is a ghost like those upon the ship.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better,” answered Tua cheerfully, “since ghosts have been + good friends to us, for had it not been for them I should have been dead + or shamed to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “That we shall find out at the end of the story,” said Asti, who was cross + and weary, for the heat of the sun was great. “Meanwhile, follow on. There + is nothing else to do.” + </p> + <p> + For hour after hour they walked, till at length towards evening, when they + were almost exhausted, they struggled up a long rise of sand and rocks, + and from the crest of it perceived a large walled town set in a green and + fertile valley not very far beneath them. Towards this town Kepher, who + marched at a distance in front, guided them till they reached a clump of + trees on the outskirts of the cultivated land. Here he halted, and when + they came up to him, led them among the trees. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he said, “drop your veils and bide here, and if any should come to + you, say that you are poor wandering players who rest. Also, if it pleases + you, give me a small pearl off one of those strings, that I may go into + the city, which is named Tat, and sell it to buy you food and a place to + dwell in.” + </p> + <p> + “Take a string,” said Tua faintly. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, Daughter, one will be enough, for in this town pearls are rare, + and have a great value.” + </p> + <p> + So she gave him the gem, or rather let him take it from the silk, which he + re-fastened very neatly for one who seemed to be almost blind, and strode + off swiftly towards the town. + </p> + <p> + “Man or spirit, I wonder if we shall see him again?” said Asti. + </p> + <p> + Tua made no answer—she was too tired, but resting herself against + the bole of a tree, fell into a doze. When she awoke again it was to see + that the sun had sunk, and that before her stood the beggar Kepher, and + with him two black men, each of whom led a saddled mule. + </p> + <p> + “Mount, Friends,” he said, “for I have found you a lodging.” + </p> + <p> + So they mounted, and were led to the gate of the city which at the word of + Kepher was opened for them, and thence down a long street to a house built + in a walled garden. Into this house they entered, the black men leading + off the mules, to find that it was a well-furnished place with a table + ready set in the ante-room, on which was food in plenty. They ate of it, + all three of them, and when they had finished Kepher bade a woman who was + waiting on them, lead them to their chamber, saying that he himself would + sleep in the garden. + </p> + <p> + Thither then they went without more questions, and throwing themselves + down upon beds which were prepared for them, were soon fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV + </h2> + <h3> + TUA AND THE KING OF TAT + </h3> + <p> + In the morning, after Tua and Asti had put on the clean robes that lay to + their hands, and eaten, suddenly they looked up and perceived that Kepher, + the ancient beggar of the desert, was in the room with them, though + neither of them had heard or seen him enter. + </p> + <p> + “You come silently, Friend,” said Asti, looking at him with a curious eye. + “A Double could not move with less noise, and—where is your shadow?” + she added, staring first at the sun without, and then at the floor upon + which he stood. + </p> + <p> + “I forgot it,” he answered in his deep voice. “One so poor as I am cannot + always afford a shadow. But look, there it is now. And for the rest, what + do you know of Doubles which those who are uninstructed cannot discern? + Now I have heard of a Lady in Egypt who by some chance bore your name, and + who has the power, not only to see the Double, but to draw it forth from + the body of the living, and furnish it with every semblance of mortal + life. Also I have heard that she who reigns in Egypt to-day has such a Ka + or Double that can take her place, and none know the difference, save that + this Ka, which Amen gave her at her birth, works the vengeance of the gods + without pity or remorse. Tell me, Friend Asti, when you were a slave-woman + in Egypt did you ever hear talk of such things as these?” + </p> + <p> + Now he looked at Asti, and Asti looked at him, till at length he moved his + old hands in a certain fashion, whereon she bowed her head and was silent. + </p> + <p> + But Tua, who was terrified at this talk, for she knew not what would + befall them if the truth were guessed, broke in, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Welcome, Father, however it may please you to come, and with or without a + shadow. Surely we have much to thank you for who have found us this fine + house and servants and food—by the way, will you not eat again?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” he answered, smiling, “as you may have guessed yesterday, I touch + meat seldom; as a rule, once only in three days, and then take my fill. + Life is so short that I cannot waste time in eating.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said Tua, “if you feel thus whose youth began more than a hundred + years ago, how must it seem to the rest of us? But, Father Kepher, what + are we to do in this town Tat?” + </p> + <p> + “I have told you, Maiden. Asti here will deal in pearls and other goods, + and you will sing, but always behind the curtain, since here in Tat you + must suffer no man to see your beauty, and least of all him who rules it. + Now give me two more pearls, for I go out to buy for you other things that + are needful, and after that perhaps you will see me no more for a long + while. Yet if trouble should fall upon you, go to the window-place + wherever you may be, and strike upon that harp of yours, and call thrice + upon the name of Kepher. Doubtless there will be some listening who will + hear you and bring me the news in the Desert, where I dwell who do not + love towns, and then I may be able to help you.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you, my Father, and I will remember. But pardon me if I ask how + can one so——” and she paused. + </p> + <p> + “So old, so ragged and so miserable give help to man or woman—that + is what you would say, Daughter Neferte, is it not? Well, judge not from + the outward seeming; good wine is often found in jars of common clay, and + the fire hid in a rough flint can destroy a city.” + </p> + <p> + “And therefore a wanderer who can swallow his own shadow can aid another + wanderer in distress,” remarked Tua drily. “My Father, I understand, who + although I am still young, have seen many things and ere now been dragged + out of deep water by strange hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Such as those of Phoenician pirates,” suggested Kepher. “Well, good-bye. + I go to purchase what you need with the price of these pearls, and then + the Desert calls me for a while. Remember what I told you, and do not seek + to leave this town of Tat until the rain has fallen on the mountains, and + there is water in the wells. Good-bye, Friend Asti, also; when I come + again we will talk more of Doubles, until which time may the great god of + Egypt—he is called Amen, is he not?—have you and your Lady in + his keeping.” + </p> + <p> + Then he turned and went. + </p> + <p> + “What is that man?” asked Tua when they had heard the door of the house + close behind him. + </p> + <p> + “Man?” answered Asti. “I have told you that he is no man. Do men unfold + their shadows like a garment? He is a god or a ghost, wearing a beggar’s + shape.” + </p> + <p> + “Man or ghost, I like him well for he has befriended us in our need, + Nurse.” + </p> + <p> + “That we shall know when he has done with us,” answered Asti. + </p> + <p> + An hour later, whilst they were still talking of Kepher and all the + marvels that had befallen them, porters began to arrive, bearing bundles + which, when opened, were found to contain silks and broideries in gold and + silver thread, and leather richly worked, such as the Arabs make, and + alabaster pots of ointments, and brass work from Syria, and copper jars + from Cyprus, with many other goods, all very costly, and in number more + than enough for a wealthy trader’s store. + </p> + <p> + These goods the porters set out on the mats and shelves of the large front + room of the house that opened to the street, which room seemed to have + been built to receive them. Then they departed, asking no fees, and there + appeared a man riding a fine white horse, who dismounted, and, bowing low + towards the screen of pierced wood-work behind which Tua and Asti were + hidden, laid a writing upon a little table, and rode away. When he had + gone Asti opened the door in the screen and took the writing which she + found she could read well enough, for it was in the Egyptian character and + language. + </p> + <p> + It proved to be the title-deed of the house and garden conveyed to them + jointly, and also of the rich goods which the porters had brought. At the + foot of this document was written— + </p> + <p> + “Received by Kepher the Wanderer in payment of the above house and land + and goods, three pearls and one full meal of meat and dates.” + </p> + <p> + Then followed the seal of Kepher in wax, a finely cut scarabæus holding + the symbol of the sun between its two front feet. + </p> + <p> + “A proud seal for a tattered wanderer, though it is but his name writ in + wax,” said Tua. + </p> + <p> + But Asti only answered: + </p> + <p> + “If small pearls have such value in this city, what price will the large + ones bring? Well, let us to our business, for we have time upon our hands, + and cannot live upon pearls and costly stuffs.” + </p> + <p> + So it happened that Neter-Tua, Star of Amen, Queen of Egypt, and Asti her + Nurse, the Mistress of Magic, became merchants in the town of Tat. + </p> + <p> + This was the manner of their trade. For one hour in the morning, and one + in the afternoon, Asti, heavily veiled, and a woman of the servants whom + they had found in the house, would sit on stools amidst the goods and + traffic with all comers, selling to those who would buy, and taking + payment in gold dust or other articles of value, or buying from those who + would sell. Then when the hour drew towards its close Tua would sweep her + harp behind the screen that hid her and begin to sing, whereon all would + cease from their chaffering and listen, for never before had they heard so + sweet a voice. Indeed, at these times the broad street in front of their + house was packed with people, for the fame of this singing of hers went + through the city and far into the country that lay beyond. Then the + traffic came to an end, with her song, and leaving their goods in charge + of the servants, Tua and Asti departed to the back rooms of the house, and + ate their meals or wandered in the large, walled garden that lay behind. + </p> + <p> + Thus the weeks went on and soon, although they sold few of the pearls, and + those the smallest, for of the larger gems they said little or nothing, + they began to grow rich, and to hoard up such a weight of gold in dust and + nuggets, and so many precious things, that they scarcely knew what they + should do with them. Still Tat seemed to be a peaceful city, or at the + least none tried to rob or molest them, perhaps because a rumour was + abroad that these strangers who had come out of the Unknown were under the + protection of some god. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing to show how or why this rumour had arisen in the city, + but on account of it, if for no other reason, these pearl-merchants, as + they were called, suffered no wrong, and although they were only + undefended women, whatever credit they might give, the debt was always + paid. Also their servants, to whom they added as they had means, were all + faithful to them. So there they remained and traded, keeping their secrets + and awaiting the appointed hour of escape, but never venturing to leave + the shelter of their own walls. + </p> + <p> + Now, as it happened, when they came thither the King of Tat was away + making war upon another king whose country lay upon the coast, but after + they had dwelt for many weeks in the place, this King, who was named + Janees, returned victorious from his war and prepared to celebrate a + triumph. + </p> + <p> + While he was making ready for this triumph his courtiers told him of these + pearl-merchants, and, desiring pearls for his adornment on that great day, + he went in disguise to the house of those who sold them. As it chanced he + arrived late, and requested to see the gems just as Tua, according to her + custom, was playing upon her harp. Then she began to sing, and this King + Janees, who was a man of under forty years of age, listened intently to + her beautiful voice, forgetting all about the pearls that he had come to + buy. Her song finished, the veiled Asti rose, and bowing to all the + company gathered in the street, bade her servants shut up the coffers and + remove the goods. + </p> + <p> + “But I would buy pearls, Merchant, if you have such to sell,” said Janees. + </p> + <p> + “Then you must return this afternoon, Purchaser,” replied Asti, scanning + his pale and haughty face, “for even if you were the King of Tat I would + not sell to you out of my hours.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak high words, Woman,” exclaimed Janees angrily. + </p> + <p> + “High or low, they are what I mean,” answered Asti, and went away. + </p> + <p> + The end of it was that this King Janees returned at the evening hour, led + thither more by a desire to hear that lovely voice again than to purchase + gems. Still he asked to see pearls, and Asti showed him some which he + thrust aside as too small. Then she produced those that were larger, and + again he thrust them aside, and so it went on for a long while. At length + from somewhere in her clothing Asti drew two of the biggest that she had, + perfect pearls of the size of the middle nail of a man’s finger, and at + the sight of these the eyes of Janees brightened, for such gems he had + never seen before. Then he asked the price. Asti answered carelessly that + it was doubtless more than he would wish to pay, since there were few such + pearls in the whole world, and she named a weight in gold that caused him + to step back from her amazed, for it was a quarter of the tribute that he + had taken from his new-conquered kingdom. + </p> + <p> + “Woman, you jest,” he said, “surely there is some abatement.” + </p> + <p> + “Man,” she answered, “I jest not; there is no abatement,” and she replaced + the pearls in her garments. + </p> + <p> + Now he grew very angry, and asked: + </p> + <p> + “Did you know that I am the King of Tat, and if I will, can take your + pearls without any payment at all?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you?” asked Asti, looking at him coolly. “I should never have guessed + it. Well, if you steal my goods, as you say you can, you will be King of + Thieves also.” + </p> + <p> + Now those who heard this saying laughed, and the King thought it best to + join in their merriment. Then the bargaining went on, but before it was + finished, at her appointed hour Tua began to sing behind the screen. + </p> + <p> + “Have done,” said the King to Asti, “to-morrow you shall be paid your + price. I would listen to that music which is above price.” + </p> + <p> + So Janees listened like one fascinated, for Tua was singing her best. Step + by step he drew ever nearer to the screen, though this Asti did not + notice, for she was engaged in locking up her goods. At length he reached + it, and thrusting his fingers through the openings in the pierced + woodwork, rested his weight upon it like a man who is faint, as perhaps he + was with the sweetness of that music. Then of a sudden, by craft or + chance, he swung himself backward, and with him came the frail screen. + Down it clattered to the floor, and lo! beyond it, unveiled, but clad in + rich attire, stood Tua sweeping her harp of ivory and gold. Like sunlight + from a cloud the bright vision of her beauty struck the eyes of the people + gathered there, and seemed to dazzle them, since for a while they were + silent. Then one said: + </p> + <p> + “Surely this woman is a queen,” and another answered: + </p> + <p> + “Nay, she is a goddess,” but ere the words had left his lips Tua was gone. + </p> + <p> + As for Janees the King, he stared at her open-mouthed, reeling a little + upon his feet, then, as she fled, turned to Asti, saying: + </p> + <p> + “Is this Lady your slave?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, King, my daughter, whom you have done ill to spy upon.” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Janees slowly, “I who might do less, desire to make this + daughter of yours my Queen—do you understand, Merchant of Pearls—my + Queen, and as a gift you shall have as much gold again as I have promised + for your gems.” + </p> + <p> + “Other kings have desired as much and offered more, but she is not for you + or any of them,” answered Asti, looking him in the face. + </p> + <p> + Now Janees made a movement as though he would strike her, then seemed to + change his mind, for he replied only: + </p> + <p> + “A rough answer to a fair offer, seeing that none know who you are or + whence you come. But there are eyes upon us. I will talk with you again + to-morrow; till then, rest in peace.” + </p> + <p> + “It is useless,” began Asti, but he was already gone. + </p> + <p> + Presently Asti found Tua in the garden, and told her everything. + </p> + <p> + “Now I wish that Kepher of the Desert were at hand,” said Tua nervously, + “for it seems that I am in a snare, who like this Janees no better than I + did Abi or the Prince of Kesh, and will never be his Queen.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I think we had better fly to the wilderness and seek him there this + very night, for, Lady, you know what chances to men who look upon your + loveliness.” + </p> + <p> + “I know what chanced to the Prince of Kesh, and what will chance to Abi at + the hands of one I left behind me, I can guess; perhaps this Janees will + fare no better. Still, let us go.” + </p> + <p> + Asti nodded, then by an afterthought went into the house and asked some + questions of the servants. Presently she returned, and said: + </p> + <p> + “It is useless; soldiers are already stationed about the place, and some + of our women who tried to go out have been turned back, for they say that + by the King’s order none may leave our door.” + </p> + <p> + “Now shall I strike upon the harp and call upon the name of Kepher, as he + bade me?” asked Tua. + </p> + <p> + “I think not yet awhile, Lady. This danger may pass by or the night bring + counsel, and then he would be angry if you summoned him for naught. Let us + go in and eat.” + </p> + <p> + So they went in, and while they sat at their food suddenly they heard a + noise, and looking up, perceived by the light of the lamp that women were + crowding into the room led by two eunuchs. + </p> + <p> + Tua drew a dagger from her robe and sprang up, but the head eunuch, an + old, white-haired man, bowed low before her, and said: + </p> + <p> + “Lady, you can kill me if you will, for I am unarmed, but there are many + more of us without, and to resist is useless. Hearken; no harm shall be + done to you or to your companion, but it is the King’s desire that one so + royal and beautiful should be better lodged than in this place of traffic. + Therefore he has commanded me to take you and all your household and all + your goods to no less a place than his own palace, where he would speak + with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Sheathe the dagger and waste no words upon these slaves, Daughter,” said + Asti. “Since we have no choice, let us go.” + </p> + <p> + So after they had veiled and robed, they suffered themselves to be led out + and placed in a double litter with their pearls and gold, while the King’s + women collected all the rest of their goods and took them away together + with their servants, leaving the house quite empty. Then, guarded by + soldiers, they were borne through the silent streets till they came to + great gates which closed behind them, and having passed up many stairs, + the litter was set down in a large and beautiful room lit with silver + lamps of scented oil. Here, and in other rooms beyond, they found women of + the royal household and their own servants already arranging their + possessions. + </p> + <p> + Soon it was done, and food and wine having been set for them, they were + left alone in that room, and stood looking at each other. + </p> + <p> + “Now shall I strike and call?” said Tua, lifting the harp which she had + brought with her. “Look, yonder is a window-place such as that of which + Kepher spoke.” + </p> + <p> + “Not yet, I think, Lady. Let us learn all our case ere we call for help,” + and as the words left her lips the door opened, and through it, clad in + his royal robes, walked Janees the King. + </p> + <p> + Now in the centre of this great room was a marble basin filled with pure + water which, perhaps, had served as the bath of the queens who dwelt there + in former days, or, perhaps, was so designed for the sake of coolness in + times of heat. Tua and Asti stood upon one side of this basin, and to the + other came the King, so that the water lay between them. Thrice he bowed + to Tua, then said: + </p> + <p> + “Lady, who, as your servants tell me, are known as Neferte, a maiden of + Egypt, and for lack of the true name, doubtless this will serve, Lady, I + come to ask your pardon for what must seem to you to be a grievous wrong. + O Lady Neferte, this must be my excuse, that I have no choice. By fortune, + good or ill, I know not which, this day I beheld your face, and now but + one desire is left to me, to behold it again, and for all my life. Lady, + the Goddess of Love, she, whom in Egypt you name Hathor, has made me her + slave, so that I no longer think of pomp or power or wealth, or of other + women, but of you and you only. Lady, I would do you no harm, for I offer + you half my throne. You and you alone shall be my Queen. Speak now.” + </p> + <p> + “King Janees,” answered Tua, “what evil spirit has entered into you that + you should wish to make a Queen of a singing-girl, the daughter of a + merchant who has wandered to your city? Let me go, and keep that high + place for one of the great ones of the earth. Send now to Abi, who I have + heard rules as Pharaoh in Egypt, and ask a daughter of his blood, for they + say that he has several; or to some of the princes of Syria, or to the + King of Byblos by Lebanon, or to the lords of Kesh, or across the desert + to the Emperor of Punt, and let this poor singing-girl go her ways.” + </p> + <p> + “This poor singing-girl,” repeated Janees after her, “who, or whose + mother,” and he bowed to Asti with a smile, “has pearls to sell that are + worth the revenue of a kingdom; this singing-girl, the ivory figure on + whose harp is crowned with the royal <i>uræi</i> of Egypt; this + singing-girl whose chiselled loveliness is such as might be found perhaps + among the daughters of ancient kings; this singing-girl whose voice can + ravish the hearts of men and beasts! Well, Lady Neferte, I thank you for + your warning, still I am ready to take my chance, hoping that my children + will not be made ashamed by the blood of such a singing-girl as this, who, + as I saw when that screen fell, has stamped upon her throat the holy sign + they worship on the Nile.” + </p> + <p> + “I am honoured,” answered Tua coldly, “yet it may not be. Among my own + humble folk I have a lover, and him I will wed or no man.” + </p> + <p> + “You have a lover! Then hide his name from me, lest presently I should + play Set to his Osiris and rend him into pieces. You shake your head, + knowing doubtless that the man is great, yet I tell you that I will + conquer him and rend him into pieces for the crime of being loved by you. + Listen now! I would make you my Queen, but Queen or not, mine you shall be + who lie in my power. I will not force you, I will give you time. But if on + the morning of the third day from this night you still refuse to share my + throne, why, then you shall sit upon its footstool.” + </p> + <p> + Now, in her anger, Tua threw back her veil, and met him eye to eye. + </p> + <p> + “You think me great,” she said, “and truly you are right, for whatever is + my rank, with me go my gods, and in their strength my innocence is great. + Let me be, you petty King of Tat, lest I lift up my voice to heaven, and + call down upon you the anger of the gods.” + </p> + <p> + “Already, Lady, you have called down upon me the anger of a goddess, that + Hathor of whom I spoke, and for the rest I fear them not. Let them do + their worst. On the third night from this night, as Queen or slave, I + swear that you shall be mine. This woman here, whom you call your mother, + shall be witness to my oath, and to its end.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, King,” broke in Asti, “I will be witness, but as to the end of that + oath I do not know it yet. Would you like to learn? In my own country I + was held to have something of a gift, I mean in the way of magic. It came + to me, I know not whence, and it is very uncertain—at times it is my + servant, and at times I can do nothing. Still, for your sake, I would try. + Is it your pleasure to see that end of which you spoke, the end of your + attempt to force yonder maiden to be your queen or love?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Woman,” answered Janees, “if you have a trick, show it—why + not?” + </p> + <p> + “So be it, King; but, of course, I have your word that you will not blame + me if by any chance the trick should not prove to your liking—your + royal word. Now stand you there, and look into this water while I pray our + gods, the gods of my own country, to be gracious, and to show you what + shall be your state at this same hour on the third night from now, which + you say and hope shall be the night of your wedding. Sing, my Daughter, + sing that old and sacred song which I have taught you. It will serve to + while away the tedium of our waiting until the gods declare themselves, if + such be their will.” + </p> + <p> + Then Asti knelt down by the pool, and bent her head, and stretched out her + hands over the water, and Tua touched the strings of her harp and began to + chant very solemnly in an unknown tongue. The words of that chant were low + and sweet, yet it seemed to Janees that they fell like ice upon his hot + blood, and froze it within his veins. At first he kept his eyes fixed upon + her beauty, but by slow degrees something drew them down to the water of + the pool. + </p> + <p> + Look! A mist gathered on its blackness. It broke and cleared and there, as + in a mirror, he saw a picture. He saw himself lying stripped and dead, a + poor, naked corpse with wide eyes that stared to heaven, and gashed throat + and sides whence the blood ran upon the marble floor of his own great + hall, ruined by fire, with its scorched pillars pointing like fingers to + the moon. There he lay alone, and by him stood a hound, his own hound, + that lifted up its head and seemed to howl. + </p> + <p> + The last words of Tua’s chant died away, and with them that picture + passed. Janees leapt back from the edge of the pool, glaring at Asti. + </p> + <p> + “Sorceress!” he cried, “were you not my guest who names herself the mother + of her who shall be my Queen, I swear that to-night you should die by + torture in payment of this foul trick of yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet as it is,” answered Asti, “I think that I shall not die, since those + who call upon the gods must not quarrel with their oracle. Moreover, I + know now what you saw, and it may be nothing but a fantasy of your brain + or of mine. Now let us sleep, I pray you, O King, for we are weary, and + leave its secrets to the future. In three days we shall know what they may + be.” + </p> + <p> + Then, without another word, Janees turned and left them. + </p> + <p> + “What was it that lay in the pool, Nurse?” asked Tua. “I saw nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “The shadow of a dead man, I think,” answered Asti grimly. “Some jealous + god has looked upon this poor King whose crime is that he desires you, and + therefore he must die. Of a truth it goes ill with your lovers, O Star of + Amen, and sometimes I wonder if one who is dear to me will meet with + better fortune at those royal eyes of yours. If ill befalls him I think + that at the last I may learn to hate you, whom from the first I + cherished.” + </p> + <p> + Now at the thought that she might bring death to Rames also, Tua’s tears + began to gather, and her voice choked in her throat. + </p> + <p> + “Say not such evil-omened words,” she sobbed, “since you know well that if + he is taken hence for whose sake I endure all these things, then I must + follow him over the edge of the world. Moreover, you are unjust. Did I + slay the Prince of Kesh, or was it another?” + </p> + <p> + “Another, Queen, but for your sake.” + </p> + <p> + “And would you have had me wed Abi the hog, the murderer of my father, and + of your lord? Again, was it I who but now showed this barbarian chief a + shadow in the water, or was it Asti the witch, Asti the prophetess of + Amen? Lastly, will the man die, if die he must, because he loves me, + which, being a woman I can forgive him, or because he laid the hands of + violence upon me to force me to be his queen or mistress, which I forgive + him not? Oh! Asti, you know well I am not as other women are. Perchance it + is true that some blood that is not human runs in me; at least I fulfil a + doom laid on me before my birth, and working woe or working weal, I go as + my feet are led by ghosts and gods. Why, then, do you upbraid me?” and she + ceased and wept outright. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, be comforted, I upbraid you not,” answered Asti, drawing her to + her breast. “Who am I that I should cast reproaches at Amen’s Star and + daughter and my Queen? I know well that the house of your fate is built, + that sail you up stream or sail you down stream, you must pass its gate at + last. It was fear for Rames that made me speak so bitterly, Rames my only + child, if, indeed, he is left to me, for I who have so much wisdom cannot + learn from man or spirit whether he lives here or with Osiris, since some + black veil hangs between our souls. I fear lest the gods, grown jealous of + that high love of yours, should wreak their wrath upon him who has dared + to win it, and bring Rames to the grave before his time, and the thought + of it rends my heart.” + </p> + <p> + Now it was Tua’s turn to play the comforter. + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” she said, “surely, my Foster-mother, you forget the promise of + Amen, King of the Gods, which he made ere I was born, to Ahura who bore + me, that I should find a royal lover, and that from his love and mine + should spring many kings and princes, and that this being so, Rames must + live.” + </p> + <p> + “Why must he live, Lady, seeing that even if he can be called royal, there + are others?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Asti,” murmured Tua, laying her head upon her breast, “for me there + are no others, nor shall any child of mine be born that does not name + Rames father. Whatever else is doubtful, this is sure. Therefore Rames + lives, and will live, or the King of the gods has lied.” + </p> + <p> + “You reason well,” said Asti, and kissed her. Then she thought for a + moment, and added: “Now to our work, it is the hour. Take the harp, go to + the window-place, and call as the beggar-man bade you do in your need.” + </p> + <p> + So Tua went to the window-place and looked down on the great courtyard + beneath that was lit with the light of the moon. Then she struck on the + harp, and thrice she cried aloud: + </p> + <p> + “<i>Kepher! Kepher! Kepher!</i>” + </p> + <p> + And each time the echo of her cry came back louder and still more loud, + till it seemed as though earth and heaven were filled with the sound of + the name of Kepher. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI + </h2> + <h3> + THE BEGGAR AND THE KING + </h3> + <p> + It was the afternoon of the third day. Tua and Asti, seated in the + window-place of their splendid prison, looked through the wooden screen + down into the court below, where, according to his custom at this hour, + Janees the King sat in the shadow to administer justice and hear the + petitions of his subjects. The two women were ill at ease, for the time of + respite had almost passed. + </p> + <p> + “Night draws near,” said Tua, “and with it will come Janees. Look how he + eyes this window, like a hungry lion waiting to be fed. Kepher has made no + sign; perchance after all he is but a wandering beggar-man filled with + strange fancies, or perchance he is dead, as may well happen at his age. + At least, he makes no sign, nor does Amen, to whom I have prayed so hard, + send any answer to my prayers. I am forsaken. Oh! Asti, you who are wise, + tell me, what shall I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Trust in the gods,” said Asti. “There are still three hours to sundown, + and in three hours the gods, to whom time is nothing, can destroy the + world and build it up again. Remember when we starved in the pylon tower + at Memphis, and what befell us there. Remember the leap to death and the + Boat of Ra, and those by whom it was captained. Remember and trust in the + gods.” + </p> + <p> + “I trust—in truth I trust, Asti, but yet—oh! let us talk of + something else. I wonder what has chanced in Memphis since we left it in + so strange a fashion? Do you think that awful Ka of mine queens it there + with Abi for a husband? If so, I almost grieve for Abi, for she had + something in her eyes which chilled my mortal blood, and yet you say she + is a part of me, a spirit who cannot die, cast in my mould, and given to + me at birth. I would I had another Ka, and that you could draw it forth + again, Asti, to bewitch this Janees, and hold him while we fled. See, that + case draws to an end at length. Janees is giving judgment, or rather his + councillor is, for he prompts him all the time. Can you not hear his + whispers? As for Janees himself, his thoughts are here, I feel his eyes + burn me through this wooden screen. He is about to rise. Why! Who comes? + Awake, Nurse, and look.” + </p> + <p> + Asti obeyed. There in the gate of the court she saw a tall man, + white-bearded, yellow-faced, horny-eyed, ancient, who, clad in a tattered + robe, leaned upon his staff of thornwood, and stared about him blindly as + though the sun bewildered him. The guards came to thrust him away, but he + waved his staff, and they fell back from him as though there were power in + that staff. Now his slow, tortoise-like eyes seemed to catch sight of the + glittering throne, and of him who sat upon it, and with long strides he + walked to the throne and halted in front of it, again leaning on his + staff. + </p> + <p> + “Who is this fellow,” asked Janees in an angry voice, “who stands here and + makes no obeisance to the King?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you a king?” asked Kepher. “I am very blind. I thought you were but a + common man such as I am, only clad in bright clothes. Tell me, what is it + like to be a king, and have all things beneath your feet. Do you still + hope and suffer, and fear death like a common man? Is the flesh beneath + your gold and purple the same as mine beneath my rags? Do old memories + torment you, memories of the dead who come no more? Can you feel griefs, + and the ache of disappointment?” + </p> + <p> + “Do I sit here to answer riddles, Fool?” answered Janees angrily. “Turn + the fellow out. I have business.” + </p> + <p> + Now guards sprang forward to do the King’s bidding, but again Kepher waved + his staff, and again they fell back. Certainly it seemed as though there + were power in that staff. + </p> + <p> + “Business, King,” he said. “Not of the State, I think, but with one who + lodges yonder,” and he nodded towards the shuttered room whence Tua + watched him. “Well, that is three hours hence after the sun has set, so + you still have time to listen to my prayer, which you will do, as it is of + this same lady with whom you have business.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you know of the lady, you old knave, and of my dealings with + her?” asked Janees angrily. + </p> + <p> + “Much of both, O King, for I am her father, and—shall I tell the + rest?” + </p> + <p> + “Her father, you hoary liar!” broke in Janees. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, her father, and I have come to tell you that as our blood is more + ancient than yours, I will not have you for a son-in-law, any more than + that daughter of mine will have you for a husband.” + </p> + <p> + Now some of the courtiers who heard these words laughed outright, but + Janees did not laugh, his dark face turned white with rage, and he gasped + for breath. + </p> + <p> + “Drag this madman forth,” he shouted at length, “and cut out his insolent + tongue.” + </p> + <p> + Again the guards sprang forward, but before ever they reached him Kepher + was speaking in a new voice, a voice so terrible that at the sound of it + they stopped, leaving him untouched. + </p> + <p> + “Beware how you lay a finger on me, you men of Tat,” he cried, “for how + know you who dwells within these rags? Janees, you who call yourself a + King, listen to the commands of a greater king, whose throne is yonder + above the sun. Ere night falls upon the earth, set that maiden upon whom + you would force yourself and her companion and all her goods without your + southern gate, and leave them there unharmed. Such is the command of the + King of kings, who dwells on high.” + </p> + <p> + “And what if I mock at the command of this King?” asked Janees. + </p> + <p> + “Mock not,” replied Kepher. “Bethink you of a certain picture that the + lady Asti showed you in the water, and mock not.” + </p> + <p> + “It was but an Egyptian trick, Wizard, and one in which I see you had a + hand. Begone, I defy you and your sorceries, and your King. To-night that + maid shall be my wife.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Janees, Lord of Tat, listen to the doom that I am sent to decree + upon you. To-night you shall have another bride, and her name is Death. + Moreover, for their sins, and because their eyes are evil, and they have + rejected the worship of the gods, many of your people shall accompany you + to darkness, and to-morrow another King, who is not of your House, shall + rule in Tat.” + </p> + <p> + Kepher ceased speaking, then turned and walked slowly down the court of + judgment and through its gates, nor did any so much as lift a finger to + stay him, for now about this old man there seemed to be a majesty which + made them strengthless. + </p> + <p> + “Bring that wizard back and kill him here,” shouted Janees presently, as + the spell passed off them, and like hounds from a leash they sprang + forward to do the bidding of the King. + </p> + <p> + But without the walls they could not find him. A woman had seen him here, + a child had seen him there, some slaves had watched him pass yonder, and + ran away because they noted that he had no shadow. At length, after many a + false turn, they tracked him to the southern gate, and there the guard + said that just such a beggar-man had passed through as they were about to + close the gate, vanishing into the sandstorm which blew without. They + followed, but so thickly blew that sand that they lost each other in their + search, and but just before sundown returned to the palace singly, where + in his rage the king commanded them to be beaten with rods upon their + feet. + </p> + <p> + Now the darkness came, and at the appointed hour Janees, hardening his + heart, went up into the chamber where dwelt Tua and Asti, leaving his + guard of eunuchs at the door. The lamps were lit within that chamber, and + the window-places closed, but without the desert wind howled loudly, and + the air was blind with sand. On the farther side of the marble basin, as + once before, Tua and Asti stood awaiting him. + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” he said, “it is the appointed hour, and I seek your answer.” + </p> + <p> + “King,” replied Tua, “hear me, and for your own sake—not for mine. I + am more than I seem. I have friends in the earth and air, did not one of + them visit you to-day in yonder court? Put away this madness and let me + be, for I wish you good, not evil, but if you so much as lay a finger on + me, then I think that evil draws near, or at the best I die by my own + hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” replied Janees in a cold voice, “have done with threats; I await + your answer.” + </p> + <p> + “King,” said Tua, “for the last time I plead with you. You think that I + lie to save myself, but it is not so. I would save you. Look now,” and she + threw back her veil and opened the wrappings about her throat. “Look at + that which is stamped upon my breast, and think—is it well to offer + violence to a woman who bears this holy seal?” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard of such a one,” said Janees hoarsely, for the sight of her + beauty maddened him. “They say that she was born in Thebes, and of a + strange father, though, if so, how came she here? I am told that she + reigns as Pharaoh in Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + “Ask that question of your oracles, O King, but remember that rumour does + not always lie, and let the daughter of that strange father go.” + </p> + <p> + “There is another who claims to be your father, Lady, if by now my + soldiers have not scourged him to his death—a tattered beggar-man.” + </p> + <p> + “Whom those soldiers could not touch or find,” broke in Asti, speaking for + the first time. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” went on Janees, without heeding her, “whether your father be a + beggar or a god, or even if you are Hathor’s self come down from heaven to + be the death of men, know that I take you for my own. For the third time, + answer, will you be my Queen of your own choice, or must my women drown + yonder witch in this water at your feet, and drag you hence?” + </p> + <p> + Now Tua made no answer. She only let fall her veil, folded her arms upon + her breast, and waited. But Asti, mocking him, cried in a loud voice, that + he might hear above the howling of the hurricane without: + </p> + <p> + “Call your women, King, for the air is full of sand that chokes my throat, + and I long for the water which you promise me.” + </p> + <p> + Then, in his fury, Janees turned, and shouted: + </p> + <p> + “Come hither, Slaves, and do what I have commanded you.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke the door burst open, and through it, no longer clad in rags, + but wearing a white robe and head-dress, walked Kepher the Wanderer, while + after him, their red swords in their hands, came savage-looking chiefs, + bearded, blank-faced, round-eyed, with gold chains that clanked upon their + mail, captains of the Desert, men who knew neither fear nor mercy. + </p> + <p> + Janees looked and understood. He snatched out his sword, and for a moment + stayed irresolute, while the great men ringed him round and waited, their + eyes fixed on Kepher’s face. + </p> + <p> + “Spare him, Father, if it may be so,” said Tua, “since love has made him + mad.” + </p> + <p> + “Too late!” answered Kepher solemnly. “Those who will not accept the + warning of the gods must suffer the vengeance of the gods. Janees, you who + would do violence to a helpless woman, your palace burns, your city is in + my keeping, and the few who stood by you are slain. Janees, to-morrow + another shall rule in your place. Amen the Father has decreed your doom.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” echoed Janees heavily, “too late! Mortals cannot fight against the + gods that make their sport of them. Some god commanded that I should love. + Some god commands that I shall die. So be it, I am glad to die; would that + I had not been born to know grief and death. Tell me, O Prophet, what evil + power is there which ordains that we must be born and suffer?” + </p> + <p> + Kepher beckoned to Tua and to Asti, and they followed him, leaving Janees + ringed round by those stern-faced men. + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, Lady,” he called to Tua as she passed. “Here and hereafter + remember this of Janees, King of Tat, that he who might have saved his + life chose to die for love of you.” + </p> + <p> + Then they went and saw him no more. + </p> + <p> + They passed the door of the great marble chamber about which they found + guards and eunuchs lying dead; they passed down the stairways, and through + the tall gates where more soldiers lay dead, and looking behind them, saw + that the palace was in flames. They reached the square without, and at the + command of Kepher entered into a litter, and were borne by black slaves + whither they knew not. + </p> + <p> + All that night they were borne, awake or sleeping, till at length the + morning came, and they descended from the litter to find themselves in an + oasis of the wilderness surrounded by a vast army of the desert men. Of + the city of Tat they could see nothing; like a dream it had passed out of + their lives, nor did they ever hear of it and its king again. Only in the + pavilion that had been provided for them they found their pearls and gold, + and Tua’s ivory harp. + </p> + <p> + They laid themselves down and slept, for they were very weary, only to + wake when once more the day had dawned. Then they rose and ate of the food + that had been placed by them, and went out of the tent. In the shadow of + some palm trees stood Kepher, awaiting them, and with him certain of the + stern-faced, desert chiefs, who bowed as they advanced. + </p> + <p> + “Hearken, Lady Neferte, and you, O Asti her companion,” said Kepher to + them, “I must depart, who, this matter finished, have my bread to beg far + from here. Yet, fear not, for know that these Lords of the Desert are your + servants, and for this reason were they born, that they may help you on + your way. Repeat your orders,” he continued, addressing the chiefs. + </p> + <p> + Then the captain of them all said: + </p> + <p> + “Wanderer, known to our fathers’ grandfathers, Guardian of our race by + whom we live and triumph, these are your commands: That we lead this + divine Lady and her companion a journey of many moons across the deserts + and mountains, till at length we bring her to the gates of the City of + Gold, where our task ends. While one man of us remains alive they shall be + obeyed.” + </p> + <p> + “You hear,” said Kepher to Tua. “Put your trust in these men. Go in peace + in the day time, and sleep in peace at night, for be sure that they shall + not fail you. But if they, or any other should perchance bring you into + trouble, then strike upon the harp and call the name you know, as you + called it in the house of Janees the mad, and I think that one will come + to you. Lords of the Desert, whose great grandsires were known to me, and + who live by my wisdom, this divine Lady is in your keeping. See that you + guard her as you should, and when the journey is done, return and make + report to me. Farewell.” + </p> + <p> + Then, lifting his staff, without speaking another word to Tua or to Asti, + Kepher strode away from amongst them, walking through the ranks of the + Desert men who forced their camels to kneel and saluted him as he passed. + Presently they saw him standing alone upon a ridge, and looking towards + them for a while. Then of a sudden he was gone. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that man, O Captain, at whose bidding the wilderness swarms with + tribesmen and kings are brought to doom?” asked Asti when she had watched + him disappear. + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” he answered, “I cannot tell you, but from the beginning he has + been Master of the Desert, and those who dwell therein. At his word the + sandwind blows as it blew yesterday to cover our advance, at his word the + fountains spring and tribes grow great or sink to nothingness. We think + that he is a spirit who moves where he lists, and executes the decrees of + heaven. At the least, though they but see him from time to time, all the + dwellers in the wilderness obey him, as we do, and ill does it go, as you + have learned, with those dwellers in cities who know not the power which + breathes beneath that tattered robe.” + </p> + <p> + “I thank you,” answered Asti. “I think with you that this Wanderer is a + spirit, and a great one, so great that I will not name his name. Captains, + my Lady is ready to march towards the City of Gold, whither you will lead + us.” + </p> + <p> + For day after day, for week after week, for month after month, they + marched southward and westward across the Desert, and in the centre of + their host, mounted upon camels, rode Tua and Asti veiled. Once the + hillmen attacked them in a defile of some rugged mountains, but they beat + them back, and once there was a great battle with other tribes of the + wilderness, who, hearing that they had a goddess among them, sought to + capture her for themselves. These tribes also they defeated with + slaughter, for when the fight hung in the balance Tua herself headed the + charge of her horsemen, and at the sight of her in her white robes the + enemy fled amazed. Once also they camped for two whole months in an oasis, + waiting till rain should fall, for the country beyond lacked water. At + length it came, and they went on again, on and on over the endless lands, + till on a certain night they pitched their tent upon a hill. + </p> + <p> + At the first brightening of the dawn Tua and Asti went out, and there, + beneath them, near to the banks of a great river, which they knew for the + Nile, they saw the pyramids and the temples of Napata the Golden, the + southern city of Amen, and thanked the gods who had brought them here in + safety. + </p> + <p> + While they still gazed upon its glories in the red light of the rising sun + the captain of the desert men appeared, and bowed before them. + </p> + <p> + “Divine Lady,” he said, “woman or goddess, whichever you may be, we have + fulfilled the command given to us by Kepher, the ancient King of the + Wilderness. Beneath you lies Napata whither we have journeyed through so + many weary months, but we would draw no nearer to its walls, who from + generation to generation are sworn not to enter any city save in war. + Lady, our task is done, and our men murmur to be led back to their own + place, where their wives and children await them, ere, thinking that we + are enemies, the people of Napata sally forth to attack us.” + </p> + <p> + “It is well,” answered Tua. “I thank you and the gods shall give you your + reward. Leave us, and go back to your homes, but before you go, take a + gift from me.” + </p> + <p> + Then she sent for the gold that they had gathered in their trading in the + city of Tat, and gave it to be divided among them, a great and precious + treasure. Only the pearls she kept, with a little of the gold. So the + captains saluted her, and in the mists of the morning they and their + swarthy host stole away, and soon were hidden in a cloud of dust. + </p> + <p> + From the backs of their camels Tua and Asti watched them go like a dream + of the night. Then with no word spoken between them, for their lips were + sealed with hope and wonder, wrapping themselves in their dark cloaks, + they rode down to the highway by the banks of the Nile, which led to the + walls of Napata. Mingling with other travellers, they passed through the + Field of Pyramids, and coming to the beautiful northern gate that was + covered over with gold, waited there, for this gate was not yet opened. A + woman who led three asses laden with green barley and vegetables, which + she purposed to sell in the market-place, fell into talk with them, asking + them whence they came. + </p> + <p> + Asti answered, from the city of Meroe, adding that they were singers and + dealers in pearls. + </p> + <p> + “Then you have come to the right place,” answered the woman, “for pearls + are rare at Napata, which is so far from the sea; also it is said that the + young King loves singing if it be good.” + </p> + <p> + “The young King?” asked Asti. “What is his name, and where is the old + king?” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot have dwelt long in Meroe, Strangers,” answered the woman + suspiciously, “or you would know that the old King dwells with Osiris + beneath yonder pyramid, where the general of the Pharaoh of Egypt, he who + rules here now, buried him after the great battle. Oh! it is a strange + story, and I do not know the rights of it who sell my stuff and take + little heed of such things. But at the last high Nile before one this + general came with three thousand soldiers of Egypt, and the body of the + Prince of Kesh, whom it seems he had slain somewhere, it is said because + both of them sought the favour of the Queen of Egypt. As they tell, this + was the command of that Queen—that he should submit himself to the + King of Napata to be judged for his crime. This he did, and the King in + his fury commanded that he should be hanged from the mast of the sacred + boat of Amen. The general answered that he was ready to be hanged if the + King could hang him. Then there was a war between the people of Napata and + the Egyptians, aided by many of the soldiers of the city who hated their + master and rebelled against his rule, which was ever cruel. The end of it + was that the Egyptians and the rebels won, and the King having fallen in + the fight, they crowned the Egyptian general in his place. + </p> + <p> + “His name?—Oh, I forget it, he has so many, but he is a goodly man + to look at, and all love him although he is mad. See, the gates are open + at last. Farewell,” and dragging her asses by the halter, the peasant + woman mingled with the crowd and was gone. + </p> + <p> + Tua and Asti also mingled with the crowd, and rode on up a wide street + till they came to a square planted round with trees, on one side of which + was built a splendid palace. Here they halted their camels, not knowing + whither they should go, and as they stood irresolute the gates of the + palace opened and through them came a body of horsemen clad in armour. + </p> + <p> + “See the writing on their shields,” whispered Asti. + </p> + <p> + Tua looked and read, and lo! there in the royal cartouche was her own + name, and after it new titles—Queen of the Upper and the Lower Land, + Opener of the Gates of the South, Divine Lady of Napata by grace of Amen, + Father of the Gods. + </p> + <p> + “It seems that I have subjects here,” she murmured, “who elsewhere have + none,” then ceased. + </p> + <p> + For now through the gate rode one mounted on a splendid horse, whose shape + seemed familiar to her even while he was far away. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that?” faltered Tua. + </p> + <p> + “My heart tells me it is Rames my son,” answered Asti, grasping at her + saddle-rope. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII + </h2> + <h3> + TUA FINDS HER LOVER + </h3> + <p> + Rames it was without a doubt; Rames grown older and stern and sad of face, + but still Rames, and no other man, and oh! their eyes swam and their + hearts beat at the sight of him. + </p> + <p> + “Say, shall we declare ourselves?” asked Asti. + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” answered Tua, “not here and now. He would not believe, and we + cannot unveil before all these men. Also, first I desire to learn more. + Let him pass.” + </p> + <p> + Rames rode on till he came opposite to where the two women sat on their + white camels beneath a tree, when something seemed to attract his gaze to + them. He looked once carelessly and turned his head away. He looked a + second time, and again turned his head, though more slowly. He looked a + third time, and his eyes remained fixed upon those two veiled women seated + on their camels beneath the trees. Then, as though acting upon some + impulse, he pulled upon his horse’s bit, and rode up to them. + </p> + <p> + “Who are you, Stranger Ladies,” he asked, “who own such fine camels?” + </p> + <p> + Tua bowed her head that the folds of her veil might hide her shape, but + Asti answered in a feigned voice: + </p> + <p> + “Sir, both of us are merchants, and one is a harper and a singer. We have + travelled hither up the Nile to the Golden City because we understand that + in Napata pearls are rare, and such we have to sell. Also we were told + that the new King of this city loved good singing, and my companion, who + sings and harps, learned her art in Egypt, even at Thebes the holy. But + who are you, Sir, that question us?” + </p> + <p> + “Lady,” answered Rames, “I am an Egyptian who holds this town on behalf of + the Queen of Egypt whom once I knew. Or perhaps I should say that I hold + it on behalf of the Pharaoh of Egypt, since my spies tell me that the Star + of Amen has taken Abi, Prince of Memphis, to husband, although they add + that he finds her a masterful wife,” and he laughed bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Sir,” replied Asti, “it is long since we left holy Thebes, some years + indeed, and we know nothing of these things, who ply our trade from place + to place. But if you are the governor of this town, show us, we pray you, + as countrywomen of yours, where we may lodge in safety, and at your + leisure this afternoon permit that we exhibit our pearls before you, and + when that is done, and you have bought or refused them, as you may wish, + that my companion should sing to you some of the ancient songs of Egypt.” + </p> + <p> + “Ladies,” answered Rames, “I am a soldier who would rather buy swords than + pearls. Also, as it chances, I am a man who dwells alone, one in whose + household no women can be found. Yet because you are of my country, or by + Amen I know not why! I grant you your request. I go out to exercise this + company in the arts of war, but after sundown you shall come to my palace, + and I will see your wares and hear your songs. Till then, farewell. + Officer,” he added to a captain who had followed him, “take these + Egyptians and their camels and give them a lodging in the guest-house, + where they will not be molested, and at sundown bring them to me.” + </p> + <p> + Then, still staring at them as though they held his eyes in their hearts, + Rames departed, and the captain led them to their lodging. + </p> + <p> + It was the hour of sundown, and Tua, adorned in beautiful white raiment, + broidered with royal purple, that she carried in her baggage on the camel, + with her long hair combed out and scented, a necklace of great pearls upon + her bosom, a veil flung over her head, and her harp of gold and ivory in + her hand, waited to be led before Rames. Asti, his mother, waited also, + but she was clad in a plain black robe, and over her head was a black + veil. Presently that captain who had shown them their lodging, came to + them and asked if they were ready to be led before the Viceroy of Napata. + </p> + <p> + “Viceroy?” answered Asti, “I thought he was a King.” + </p> + <p> + “So he is, my good Woman,” replied the captain, “but it his fancy to call + himself the Viceroy of Neter-Tua, Star of Amen, wife of Abi the Usurper + who rules in Egypt. A mad fancy when he might be a Pharaoh on his own + account, but so it is.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Sir,” said Asti, “we merchants have nothing to do with these high + matters; lead us to this Pharaoh, or General, or Viceroy, with whom we + hope to transact business.” + </p> + <p> + So the captain conducted them to a side gate of the palace, and thence + through various passages and halls, in some of which Tua recognised + officers of her own whom she had commanded to accompany Rames, to an + apartment of no great size, where he bade them be seated. Presently a door + opened, and through it came Rames, plainly dressed in the uniform of an + Egyptian general, on which they saw he wore no serpent crest or other of + the outward signs of royalty. Only on his right hand that lacked the + little finger, gleamed a certain royal ring, which Tua knew. With him also + were several captains to whom he talked of military affairs. + </p> + <p> + Seeing the two women, he bowed to them courteously, and asked them to + forgive him for having kept them waiting for him. Then he said: + </p> + <p> + “What was it that you wished to show me, Ladies? Oh! I remember, precious + stones. Well, I fear me that you have brought them to a bad market, seeing + that although Napata is called the City of Gold, she needs all her wealth + for her own purposes, and I draw from it only a general’s pay, and a sum + for the sustenance of my household, which is small. Still, let me look at + your wares, for if I do not buy myself, perhaps I may be able to find you + a customer.” + </p> + <p> + Now when they saw the young man’s noble face and bearing, and heard his + simple words, the hearts of Asti and Tua, his mother and his love, beat so + hard within their breasts that for a while they could scarcely speak. Glad + were they, indeed, that the veils they wore hid their troubled faces from + his eyes, which, as in the morning, lingered on them curiously. + </p> + <p> + At length, controlling herself with an effort, Asti answered: + </p> + <p> + “Perchance, Lord, the Great Lady your wife, or the ladies your companions, + will buy if you do not.” + </p> + <p> + “Have I not already told you, Merchant,” asked Rames angrily, “that I have + no wife, and no companions that are not men?” + </p> + <p> + “You said so, Sir,” she replied humbly, always speaking in her feigned + voice, “yet forgive us if we believed you not, since in our journeyings my + daughter and I have seen many princes, and know that such a thing is + contrary to their nature. Still we will show you our wares, for surely all + the men in Napata are not unmarried.” + </p> + <p> + Then, without more ado, she drew out a box of scented cedar and, opening + it, revealed a diadem of pearls worked into the shape of the royal <i>uræus</i>, + which they had fashioned thus at Tat, and also a few of their largest + single gems. + </p> + <p> + “Beautiful, indeed,” said Rames, looking at them, “though there is but one + who has the right to wear this crown, the divine Queen of the Upper and + the Lower Land,” and he sighed. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Lord,” replied Asti, “for surely her husband might wear it also.” + </p> + <p> + “It would sit but ill on the fat head of Abi, from all I hear, Lady,” he + broke in, laughing bitterly. + </p> + <p> + “Or,” went on Asti, taking no heed of his words, “a general who had + conquered a great country could usurp it, and find none to reprove him, + especially if he himself happened to be of the royal blood.” + </p> + <p> + Now Rames looked at her sharply. + </p> + <p> + “You speak strange words,” he said, “but doubtless it is by chance. + Merchant, those pearls of yours are for richer men than I am, shut them in + the box again, and let the lady, your daughter, sing some old song of + Egypt, for such I long to hear.” + </p> + <p> + “So be it, Lord,” answered Asti. “Still, keep the diadem as a gift, since + it was made for you alone, and may yet be useful to you—who can + know? It is the price we pay for liberty to trade in your dominions. Nay, + unless you keep it my daughter shall not sing.” + </p> + <p> + “Let it lie there, then, most princely Merchant, and we will talk of the + matter afterwards. Now for the song.” + </p> + <p> + Then, her moment come at last, Tua stood up, and holding the ivory harp + beneath her veil, she swept its golden chords. Disguising her voice, as + Asti had done, she began to sing, somewhat low, a short and gentle + love-song, which soon came to an end. + </p> + <p> + “It is pretty,” said Rames, when she had finished, “and reminds me of I + know not what. But have you no fuller music at your command? If so, I + would listen to it before I bid you good-night.” + </p> + <p> + She bent her head and answered almost in a whisper: + </p> + <p> + “Lord, if you wish it, I will sing you the story of one who dared to set + his heart too high, and of what befell him at the hands of an angry + goddess.” + </p> + <p> + “Sing on,” he answered. “Once I heard such a story—elsewhere.” + </p> + <p> + Then Tua swept her harp and sang again, but this time with all her + strength and soul. As the first glorious notes floated from her lips Rames + rose from his seat, and stood staring at her entranced. On went the song, + and on, as she had sung it in the banqueting hall of Pharaoh at Thebes, so + she sang it in the chamber of Rames at Napata. The scribe dared the + sanctuary, the angry goddess smote him cold in death, the high-priestess + wailed and mourned, the Queen of Love relented, and gave him back his life + again. Then came that last glorious burst when, lifted up to heaven, the + two lovers, forgiven, purged, chanted their triumph to the stars, and, by + slow degrees, the music throbbed itself to silence. + </p> + <p> + Look! white-faced, trembling, Rames clung to a pillar in his chamber, + while Tua sank back upon her chair, and the harp she held slipped from her + hand down upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Whence came that harp?” he gasped. “Surely there are not two such in the + world? Woman, you have stolen it. Nay, how can you have stolen the music, + and the voice as well? Lady, forgive me, I have no thought of evil, but + oh! grant me a boon. Why, I will tell you afterwards. Grant me a boon—let + me look upon your face.” + </p> + <p> + Tua lifted her hands, and undid the fastening of her veil, which slipped + from her to her feet, showing her in the rich array of a prince of Egypt. + His eyes met her beautiful eyes, and for a while they gazed upon each + other like folk who dream. + </p> + <p> + “What trick is this?” he said angrily at last. “Before me stands the Star + of Amen, Egypt’s anointed Queen. The harp she bears was the royal gift of + the Prince of Kesh, he who fell that night beneath my sword. The voice is + Egypt’s voice, the song is Egypt’s song. Nay, how can it be? I am mad, you + are magicians come to mock me, for that Star, Amen’s daughter, reigns a + thousand miles away with the lord she chose, Abi, her own uncle, he who, + they say, murdered Pharaoh. Get you gone, Sorceress, lest I cause the + priests of Amen, whereof you also make a mock, to cast you to the flames + for blasphemy.” + </p> + <p> + Slowly, very slowly, Tua opened the wrappings about her throat, revealing + the Sign of Life that from her birth was stamped above her bosom. + </p> + <p> + “When they see this holy mark, think you that the priests of Amen will + cast me to the flames, O Royal Son of Mermes?” asked Tua softly. + </p> + <p> + “Why not?” he answered. “If you have power to lie in one thing, you have + power to lie in all. She who can steal the loveliness of Egypt’s self, can + also steal the signet of the god.” + </p> + <p> + “Say, did you, O Rames, also steal that other signet on your hand, a + Queen’s gift, I think, that once a Pharaoh wore? Say also how did you lose + the little finger of that hand? Was it perchance in the maw of a certain + god that dwells in the secret pool of a temple at holy Thebes?” + </p> + <p> + So Tua spake, and waited a while, but Rames said nothing. He opened his + mouth to answer, indeed, but a dumbness sealed his lips. + </p> + <p> + “Nurse,” she went on presently, “I cannot persuade this Lord that I am + Egypt and no other. Try you.” + </p> + <p> + So Asti loosed her black veil, and let it fall about her feet. He stared + at her noble features and grey hair, then, uttering a great cry of + “Mother, my Mother, who they swore to me was dead in Memphis,” he flung + himself upon her breast, and there burst into weeping. + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Rames,” said Asti presently, “your Mother, she who bore you, and no + other woman, and with her one who because her royal heart loves you now as + from the first, from moon to moon for two whole years has braved the + dangers of the desert, and of wicked men, till at last Amen her father + brings her safely to your side. Now do you believe?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” answered Rames, “I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, O faithful Captain,” said Tua, “take this gift from Egypt’s Queen, + which a while ago you thrust aside, and be its Lord and mine,” and lifting + the diadem of pearls crested with the royal <i>uræi</i> she set it on his + brow, as once before she had done in that hour of dawn when she vowed + herself to him in Thebes. + </p> + <p> + It was night, and all their wonderful story had been told. + </p> + <p> + “Such is our tale, Rames my Son,” said Asti, “and long may you search + before you find another that will match it. Now tell us yours.” + </p> + <p> + “It is short, Mother,” he answered. “Obeying the commands of her Majesty + yonder,” and he bowed towards Tua, who sat at the further side of the + table at which they ate, “I travelled up the Nile to this city. As the old + king, the father of the Prince of Kesh, would have slain me I attacked him + first by the help of my Egyptians and his own subjects, and—well, he + died. Moreover, none regretted him, for he was a bad king, and I stepped + into his place, and ever since have been engaged in righting matters which + they needed. Long ago I would have returned to Egypt and reported myself, + only my spies told me of all that had happened there. They told me, for + instance, of the murder of Pharaoh, by the witchcraft of Abi and his + companions; and they told me that Pharaoh’s daughter, the Star of Amen, + forgetting all things and the oath she swore to me, had married her old + uncle Abi that she might save her life and power.” + </p> + <p> + “And you believed them, Rames?” asked Tua reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “What else could I do but believe, Lady, seeing that those same spies + swore that they had seen your Majesty seated upon your throne at Memphis, + and elsewhere, and causing Abi to run to and fro like a little dog, and do + your bidding in all things? How could I know that it was your Double, and + not yourself that married Abi?” + </p> + <p> + “I think that Abi knows to-day,” answered Tua, “since it seems that a Ka + makes but a bad wife to any man. But now what shall we do?” + </p> + <p> + “Will you not first marry me, Lady?” suggested Rames. “Afterwards, we can + think.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” she answered, “I will marry you as I have promised, but in one + place only, the temple of Amen in Egypt. First win me back my throne, then + ask for my hand.” + </p> + <p> + “It shall be done,” he answered, “though how I know not, seeing that + another sits upon that throne of yours, who, perhaps, will not be willing + to bid it farewell.” + </p> + <p> + “We will send her a message, Son,” said Asti. “Now leave us, for we must + sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Where is your messenger, Mother?” asked Rames as he went. + </p> + <p> + “Have you known me all these years, my Son, and not learned that I have + servants whom you cannot see?” answered Asti. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight, and in their chamber of the palace of Rames, Asti and Tua + knelt side by side in prayer to Amen, Father of the Gods. Then, their + petitions finished, Asti rose to her feet, and once again, as in the pylon + tower at Memphis, uttered the awful words that in bygone days had been + spoken to her by the spirit of Ahura the divine in Osiris. + </p> + <p> + There was a sound as of whispering, a sound as of beating wings. Lo! in + the shadow beyond the lamplight a mist gathered that brightened by degrees + and took shape, the shape of a royal woman clad in the robes and ornaments + of Egypt’s Queen, whose face was as the face of Neter-Tua, only prouder + and more unearthly. In silence it stood before them scanning them with its + glittering eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Whence come you, O Double?” asked Asti. + </p> + <p> + “From that place where your command found me, O Mistress of Secret Things, + from the house of Abi at Thebes, wherein he seems to rule as Pharaoh,” the + Form answered in its cold voice. + </p> + <p> + “How fares it with Abi and with Egypt, O Double?” + </p> + <p> + “With Abi it fares but ill; he wastes in toil and fear and longings, and + knows no happy hour. But with Egypt it fares well. Never, O Lady of + Strength, was she more great than she is to-day, for in all things I have + fulfilled the commandments that were laid upon me, and now I desire to + rest in that bosom whence I came,” and she pointed to Tua, who stood and + watched. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet, O Double, for there is still work for you to do, and then you + shall be at peace till the day of the last Awakening. Hearken: Return to + Thebes, and tell a false tale in the ears of Abi and his councillors. Say + that Rames the Egyptian, who has seized the rule of Kesh, has declared + himself Pharaoh of Egypt by right of race, and your husband by the promise + of him who ruled before you whom Abi did to death. Cause this Abi to + gather a great army, and to march southward to make an end of Rames. But + secretly whisper into the ears of the generals of this army, that it is + true the divine Pharaoh who is gone promised you in marriage to Rames with + your own consent, and by the command of Amen, Father of the Gods, and of + your Spirit. Whisper to them that Amen is wrath with Abi because of his + crime, as he will show them in due season, and that those who rebel + against him shall have his love and favour. At the Gateway of the South, + whence the Nile rushes northward between great walls of rock, Rames shall + meet the army of Abi. With him will come her of whom you are, and I whom + you must obey; also perchance another who is greater than all of us. There + at the Gateway of the South your task shall be accomplished, and you shall + find the rest you seek. It is said.” + </p> + <p> + “I hear the command, and it shall be done,” answered the Ka in its cold, + passionless voice. “Only, Lady of the Secrets, Doer of the Will Divine, + delay not, lest, outworn, I should break back like a flame to yonder + breast that is my home, slaying as I come, and leaving wreck behind me.” + </p> + <p> + Then as the figure had appeared, so also it disappeared, growing faint by + degrees, and vanishing away into the night out of which it came. + </p> + <p> + It was morning at Thebes, and Abi sat in the great hall of Pharaoh + transacting business of the State, while at his side stood Kaku the + Vizier. Changed were both of them, indeed, since they had plotted the + death of their guest and king at Memphis, for now Abi was so worn with + work and fear and wretchedness, that his royal robes hung about him in + loose folds, while Kaku had become an old, old man, who trembled as he + walked. + </p> + <p> + “Is the business finished, Officer?” asked Abi impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Mighty Lord,” answered Kaku, “there is still enough to keep you + sitting here till noon, and after that you must receive the Council and + the Embassies.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not receive them. Let them wait till another day. Knave, would you + work me to death, who have never known an hour’s rest or peace since the + happy time when I ruled as Prince of Memphis?” + </p> + <p> + “Lord,” answered Kaku, bowing humbly, “weary or no you must receive them, + for so it has been decreed by her Majesty the Queen, whose command may not + be broken.” + </p> + <p> + “The Queen!” exclaimed Abi in a low voice, rolling his hollow eyes around + him as though in fear. “Oh, Kaku, would that I had never beheld the Queen. + I tell you that she is not a woman, as indeed you know well, but a fiend + with a heart of ice, and the venomous cunning of a snake. I am called + Pharaoh, yet am but her puppet to carry out her decrees. I am called her + husband, yet she is still no wife to me, or to any, although all men love + her, and by that love are ofttimes brought to doom. Last night again she + vanished from my side as I sat listening to her orders, and after a while, + lo! there she was as before, only, as it seemed to me, somewhat weary. I + asked her where she had been and she answered: ‘Further than I could + travel in a year to visit one she loved as much as she hated me. Now who + can that be, Kaku?’” + </p> + <p> + “Rames, I think, Lord, he who has made himself King of Kesh,” replied Kaku + in an awed whisper. “Without a doubt she loved the man when she was a + woman, though whom she loves now the evil gods know alone. We are in her + power, and must work her will, for, Lord, if we do not we shall die, and I + think that neither of us desires to die, since beyond that gate dead + Pharaoh waits for us.” + </p> + <p> + At these words Abi groaned aloud, wiping the sweat from his blanched face + with the corner of his robe, and saying: + </p> + <p> + “There you speak truly. Go, call the scribes, and let us get on with the + Queen’s business.” + </p> + <p> + Kaku turned to obey, when suddenly heralds entered the empty hall, crying: + </p> + <p> + “Her Majesty the Queen waits without with a great company, and humbly + craves audience of her good lord, the divine Pharaoh of the Upper and the + Lower Land.” + </p> + <p> + Abi and Kaku looked at each other, and despair was in their eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Let her Majesty enter,” said the King in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + The heralds retired, and presently through the cedar doors appeared the + Queen in state. She was splendid to behold, splendid in her proud beauty, + splendid in her dress, and in her royal ornaments. On she swept up the + hall, attended by Merytra, who bore her fan and cushion, for it was her + pleasure that this woman should wait upon her day and night without pause + or rest, although she who had once been so handsome now was worn almost to + nothingness with toil and terror. Behind Merytra came guards and + high-priests, and after them the great lords of the Council, who were + called the King’s Companions and the generals of the army. + </p> + <p> + On she swept up the hall till reaching the foot of the throne whereon Abi + sat, she motioned to Merytra to place the cushion upon its step, and + knelt, saying: + </p> + <p> + “I am come as a loyal wife to make a humble prayer to Pharaoh my Lord in + the presence of his Court.” + </p> + <p> + “Rise and speak on, Great Lady,” answered Abi. “It is not fit that you + should kneel to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, it is most fit that Pharaoh’s Queen should kneel to Pharaoh when she + seeks his divine favour.” Yet she rose, and, seating herself in a chair + that had been brought, spoke thus: + </p> + <p> + “O Pharaoh, last night I dreamed a dream. I dreamed of the Count Rames, + son of Mermes, the last of that royal race which ruled before our House in + Egypt. I mean that man who slew the Prince of Kesh in this very hall, and + whom, my Father being sick, I sent to Napata, to be judged by the King of + Kesh, but who, it seems, overthrew that king and took his kingdom in the + name of Egypt. + </p> + <p> + “I dreamed that this bold and able man, not satisfied with the rich + kingdom of Kesh, has made a scheme to attack Egypt; to slay you, most + glorious Lord, to proclaim himself Pharaoh by right of ancient blood, and + more—to take me, your faithful wife, to be his wife, and thereby + secure his throne.” + </p> + <p> + “Without doubt, Queen, this turbulent Rames might think of such things,” + said Abi, “and so far your dream may be true; yet it should be remembered + that at present he is at Napata, which is a very long way off, and has + probably only a small army at his command, so why should you trouble about + what he thinks?” + </p> + <p> + “O Pharaoh, that was not all my dream, for in it I saw two pictures. The + first was of this bold Rames attacking Thebes, and conquering it, yes, and + dragging me away to be his wife over your very corpse, O Pharaoh. The + second was of you and your army meeting him at the Gate of the South Land, + and slaying him, and taking possession of the kingdom of Kesh, and its + golden city, and ruling them for Egypt, until you die.” + </p> + <p> + “Here be two dreams, O Queen,” said Abi. “Tell us now, which would you + follow, for both of them cannot be right?” + </p> + <p> + “How can I know, Pharaoh, and how can you know? Yet by your side stands + one who will know, for he is the first of magicians, and a chosen + interpreter of the heart of the gods. Grant that he may make this matter + clear,” and she pointed to Kaku, who stood by the throne. + </p> + <p> + “Divine Lady,” stammered Kaku, “the thing is too high for me. I have no + message, I cannot tell you——” + </p> + <p> + “You were ever over-modest, Kaku,” said the Queen. “Command him, O + Pharaoh, to shed the light of his wisdom on us, for without doubt he knows + the truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” said Abi, “he knows it, he knows everything. Kaku, delay not, + interpret the dream of her Majesty.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot, I will not,” spluttered the old astrologer. “Ask my wife, the + Lady Merytra there, she is wiser than I am.” + </p> + <p> + “My good friend Merytra has already told me her mind,” said the Queen, + “now we wait for yours. A prophet must speak when the gods call on him, + or,” she added slowly, “he must cease to be a prophet who betrays the gods + by hiding their high counsel.” + </p> + <p> + Now Kaku could find no way of escape, so, since he feared the very name of + Rames, within himself he determined that he would interpret the dream in + the sense that Pharaoh should await the attack of this Rames at Thebes, + and while every ear listened to him, thus began his tale. Yet as he spoke + he felt the glittering eyes of that spirit who was called the Queen, fix + themselves upon him and compel his tongue, so that he said just what he + did not mean to say. + </p> + <p> + “A light shines in me,” he cried, “and I see that the second vision of her + Majesty is the true vision. You must go up with your army to the Gate of + the South, O Pharaoh, and there meet this usurper, Rames, that these + matters may be brought to their appointed end.” + </p> + <p> + “Their appointed end? What appointed end?” shouted Abi. + </p> + <p> + “Doubtless that which her Majesty dreamed,” answered Kaku. “At least, it + is laid upon me to tell you that you must go up to the Gate of the South.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I wish that the Gate of the South were laid upon you also, O Evil + Prophet,” exclaimed Abi. “For two years only have I ruled in Egypt, and + lo! three wars have been my portion, a war against the people of Syria, a + war against the desert men, and a war against the Nine Bow barbarians that + invaded the Low Lands. Must I now, in my age, undertake another war + against the terrible sons of Kesh also? Let this dog, Rames, come, if come + he will, and I will hang him here at the gates of Thebes.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, nay, O Pharaoh,” replied Kaku, “it is laid upon me to tell you that + you must hang him in the desert hundreds of miles away from Thebes. That + is the interpretation of the vision; that is the command of the gods.” + </p> + <p> + “The gods have spoken by the mouth of their prophet,” cried the Queen in a + thrilling, triumphant voice. “Now Pharaoh, Priests, Councillors, and + Captains of Egypt, let us make ready to travel to the Gate of the South, + and there hang the dog Rames in the desert land, that thus Egypt and + Egypt’s King and Egypt’s Queen may be freed from danger, and rest in + peace, and the wealth of the City of Gold be divided amongst you all.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, aye,” answered the Priests, Councillors, and Captains, the shrill + voice of Kaku leading the chorus, still against his will, “let us go up at + once, and let her Majesty accompany us.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the Queen, “I will accompany you, for though I be but a woman, + shall I shrink from what Pharaoh, my dear Lord, dares? We will sail at the + new moon.” + </p> + <p> + That night Abi and Kaku stood face to face. + </p> + <p> + “What is this that you have done?” asked Abi. “Do you not remember the + words which dead Pharaoh spoke in the awful vision that came to me that + night at Memphis, when he bade me take the Royal Loveliness which I + desired to be my wife? Do you not remember that he bade me also reign in + her right until I met ‘one Rames, Son of Mermes’ and with him a Beggar-man + who is charged with another message for me?” + </p> + <p> + “I remember,” answered Kaku in a hollow voice. + </p> + <p> + “What, then, is this message, Man, that will come from Rames or the + Beggar? Is it not the message of my death and yours, of us whose tombs + were finished but yesterday?” + </p> + <p> + “It may be so, Lord.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why did you interpret the dream of the Queen in the sense that I + must hurry southwards to meet this very Rames—and my doom?” + </p> + <p> + “Because I could not help it,” groaned Kaku. “That spirit who is called a + Queen compelled me. Abi, there is no escape for us; we are in the net of + Fate—unless, unless you dare——” and he looked meaningly + at the sword that hung by Pharaoh’s side. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Kaku,” he answered, “I dare not. Let us live while we may, knowing + what awaits us beyond the gate.” + </p> + <p> + “Aye,” moaned Kaku, “beyond the Gate of the South, where we shall find + Rames the Avenger, and that Beggar who is charged with a message for us.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> + <h3> + THE JUDGMENT OF THE GODS + </h3> + <p> + Three more months had gone by, and the great host of Pharaoh was encamped + beyond the Southern Gate, and the warships of Pharaoh were anchored thick + on either bank of the Nile. There they lay prepared for battle, for spies + had reported to them that the general, Rames, Lord of Kesh, was advancing + northward swiftly, though with so small an army that it could easily be + destroyed. Therefore Abi waited there to destroy it without further toil, + nor did his terrible Queen gainsay him. She also seemed content to wait. + </p> + <p> + One evening as the sun sank it was told to them that the troops of Rames + had appeared, and occupied the mountains on the right bank of the Nile, + being encamped around that temple of Amen which had stood there for + thousands of years. + </p> + <p> + “Good,” said the Queen. “To-morrow Pharaoh will go up against him and make + an end of this matter. Is it not so, Pharaoh?” and she looked at him with + her glittering eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes,” answered Abi, “the sooner the better, for I am worn out, and + would return to Thebes. Yet,” he added in a weak, uncertain voice, “I + misdoubt me of this war, I know not why. What is it that you stare at in + the heavens so fixedly, O Kaku?” + </p> + <p> + Now the eyes of the Council were turned on Kaku the Vizier, and they + perceived that he was much disturbed. + </p> + <p> + “Look,” he said, pointing with a trembling finger towards the skies. + </p> + <p> + They looked, and saw hanging just above the evening glow a very bright and + wonderful star, and near to it, another, paler star which presently it + seemed to cover. + </p> + <p> + “The Star of Amen,” gasped Kaku in a voice that shook, “and your star, O + Pharaoh. The Star of Amen eats it up, your star goes out, and will never + be seen again by living man. Oh! Abi, that which I foresaw years and years + ago has come to pass. Your day is done, and your night is at hand, O Abi.” + </p> + <p> + “If so,” shouted Abi in his rage and terror, “be sure of this, Dog—that + you shall share it.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke a sound of screams drew near, and presently into the midst of + them rushed Merytra, the wife of Kaku. + </p> + <p> + “The vengeance of the gods,” she screamed, “the vengeance of the gods! + Listen, Abi. But now this very evening as I slept in my pavilion, who can + never sleep at night, there appeared to me the spirit of dead Pharaoh, of + Pharaoh whom we slew by magic, and he said: ‘Tell the murderer, Abi, and + the wizard-rogue, Kaku, your husband, that I summon both of them to meet + me ere another sun is set, and Woman, come you with them.’ Death is at our + door, Abi, death and the terrible vengeance of the god!” and Merytra fell + down foaming in a fit. + </p> + <p> + Now Abi went mad in the extremity of his fear. + </p> + <p> + “They are sorcerers,” he shouted, “who would bewitch me. Take them and + keep them safe, and let Kaku be beaten with rods till he comes to his + right mind again. To-morrow, when I have slain Rames, I will hang this + magician at my mast-head.” + </p> + <p> + But the Queen only laughed and repeated after him: + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, my good Lord, to-morrow, when you have killed Rames, this + magician shall hang at your mast-head. Fear not, whatever chances I will + see that it is done.” + </p> + <p> + Merytra, recovered from her madness, lay upon a bed, when a woman entered + and stood over her. Looking up she saw it was the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “Hearken to me,” said the Queen in an icy voice, “and tell the words I + speak to Abi. The time is accomplished, and I leave him. If he would look + again upon Neter-Tua, Morning Star of Amen, the Great Lady of Egypt, let + him seek her in the camp of Rames. There he shall find her in the temple + of Amen, which is set upon the mountain in the midst of the camp.” + </p> + <p> + Then she was gone. + </p> + <p> + Merytra rose from the bed, and called to the guards to lead her to Abi. So + loudly did she call, saying that she had a message for him which must not + be delayed, that at length one went and told him of her words, and he came + to her. + </p> + <p> + “What is it now, Sorceress?” he asked. “Have you dreamed more ill-omened + dreams?” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, Pharaoh,” she answered, “but the Queen has fled to Rames,” and word + for word she repeated what had been told her. + </p> + <p> + “It is a lie,” said Abi. “How can she have fled through a triple line of + guards?” + </p> + <p> + “Search, then, and see, O Pharaoh.” + </p> + <p> + So Abi searched, but though none had seen her pass, and none had gone with + her, the Queen could not be found. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight, and while they still searched, by the light of the moon a + tall figure clad in tattered robes, who bore a thornwood staff in his + hand, and had a white beard that fell down below his middle, was perceived + walking to and fro about the camp. + </p> + <p> + “Who is that fellow?” asked Abi, and as he spoke the figure cried aloud in + a great voice: + </p> + <p> + “Listen, Councillors, Captains, and Soldiers of Egypt, to the command of + Amen, spoken by the lips of his messenger, Kepher the Wanderer. Lift no + sword against Rames, Lord of Kesh, for he is my servant, and shall be + Pharaoh over you, and husband of your Queen, and father of kings to come. + Seize Abi the usurper, the murderer of Pharaoh, his brother, and Kaku the + sorcerer, and Merytra the traitress, and lead them at the dawn to my + temple upon yonder hill, where I will declare my commands to you in the + sanctuary of the temple. So shall peace be upon you and all Egypt, and the + breath of life remain in your nostrils.” + </p> + <p> + Now hearing these fearful words, and remembering dead Pharaoh’s prophecy + of a Beggar who should bring a message to him, Abi drew his sword and + rushed at the man. But ere ever he came there, the Wanderer was gone, and + lo! they heard him repeating his message far away. Thither they ran also, + but now the words of doom were being called upon the ships, and on their + prows they saw his tall shape stand—first on this and then on that. + </p> + <p> + “It is the gods who speak,” cried the priests, “let us obey the gods!” and + suddenly they flung themselves upon Abi and bound him, and Kaku and + Merytra they bound also, waiting for the dawn. But of the tall, + white-bearded man in beggar’s robes they saw and heard no more. + </p> + <p> + At that same time Tua slept in a chamber of the temple upon the hill, + while Asti watched her. Presently a wind blew in the chamber, and Asti, + looking up, became aware of a Shape that she knew well, the very shape of + Tua who slept upon the bed. + </p> + <p> + “What is your will, O Double?” asked Asti. + </p> + <p> + “My will is that you give me rest,” answered the Ka. “My task is + accomplished, I am weary. Speak the secret words of power that you have, + and let me return to her from whom I came, and in her bosom sleep till the + great Day of Awakening.” + </p> + <p> + So Asti, knowing that she was commanded so to do, uttered those secret + words, and as she spoke them the glorious Shape seemed to grow faint and + fade away. Only Tua rose upon her bed, stretched out her arms and sighed, + fell back again and slept heavily until the morning. Then she awoke, + asking what had befallen her, for she was changed. + </p> + <p> + “This has befallen, Queen. That which went forth from you by the command + of Amen has returned to you again, its duty done. Rise up now and adorn + yourself, for this is your day of victory and marriage.” + </p> + <p> + As the sun rose Tua went forth more beautiful than the morning, and at the + gates of the temple found Rames awaiting her, clad in his armour, while + from the mists below came a sound as of an army approaching. + </p> + <p> + “What passes?” asked Tua, looking at him, and there was more love in her + blue eyes than there is water in the Nile at flood. + </p> + <p> + “I think that Abi attacks us, Lady,” he said, bowing the knee to her, “and + I am fearful for you, for our men are few, and his are many.” + </p> + <p> + “Be not afraid of Abi, or of anything, O Rames, though it is true that + this day you must lose your liberty,” she answered with a sweet and gentle + smile, and he wondered at her words. + </p> + <p> + Then, before he could speak again, two of the captains of his outposts ran + in and reported that without were priests and heralds, who came in peace + from the army of Abi. + </p> + <p> + “Summon the officers, and let them be admitted,” said Rames, “but be + careful, all of you, lest this embassy should hide some trick of war. + Come, Queen, it is to you that they should speak, and not to me, who am + but a general of your province, Kesh,” and he followed her to the inner + court, where, in front of the sanctuary, was a chair, on which, at his + prayer, she seated herself, as a mighty Queen should do. + </p> + <p> + Now, conducted by his own officers, the embassy entered, bearing with them + three closed litters, and Tua and Rames noted that among that embassy were + the greatest generals, and the most holy priests of Egypt. At a given sign + they prostrated themselves before the glory of the Queen, all save the + soldiers who bore the litters. Next, from among their ranks out stepped + the venerable High-Priest of Amen at Thebes, and stood before Tua with + bowed head till, with a motion of her hand, she commanded him to speak. + </p> + <p> + “O Morning-Star of Amen,” he began, “after you left our camp last night a + messenger came to us from the Father of the Gods——” + </p> + <p> + “Stay, O High-Priest,” broke in Tua. “I did not leave your camp who never + tarried there, and who for two long years have set no foot upon the holy + soil of Egypt. No, not since I fled from Memphis to save myself from + death, or what is worse—the defilement of a forced marriage with + Abi, my Uncle, and Pharaoh’s murderer.” + </p> + <p> + Now the High-Priest turned and stared at those behind him, and all who + were present stared at the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me,” he said, “but how can this thing be, seeing that for those + two years we have seen your Majesty day by day living among us as the wife + of Abi?” + </p> + <p> + Now Tua looked at Asti, who stood at her side, and the tall and noble Asti + looked at the High-Priest, saying: + </p> + <p> + “You know me, do you not?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, Lady,” he answered, “we know you. You were the wife of Mermes, the + last shoot of a royal tree, and you are the mother of the Lord Rames + yonder, against whom we came out to make war. We know you well, O greatest + of all the seers in Egypt, Mistress of Secret Things. But we believed that + you had perished in the temple of Sekhet at Memphis, that temple where + Pharaoh died. Now we understand that, being a magician, you only vanished + thence.” + </p> + <p> + “What bear you there?” asked Asti, glancing at the litters. + </p> + <p> + “Bring forth the prisoners,” said the High-Priest. + </p> + <p> + Then the curtains were drawn, and the soldiers lifted from the litters + Abi, Kaku, and Merytra, who were bound with cords, and stood them on their + feet before the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “These are the very murderers of Pharaoh, my Father, who would have also + brought me to shame. Why are my eyes affronted with the sight of them?” + asked Tua indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Because the Messenger of the Gods, clothed as a Beggar-man, commanded it, + your Majesty,” answered the High-Priest. “Now we understand that they are + brought hither to be judged for the murder of Pharaoh, the good god who + was your father.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall a wife sit in judgment on her husband?” broke in Abi. + </p> + <p> + “Man,” said Tua, “I never was your wife. How can I have been your wife, + who have not seen you since the death of Pharaoh? Listen, now, all of you, + to the tale of that marvel which has come to pass. At my birth—you, + O High-Priest, should know it well—Amen gave to me a Ka, a Self + within myself, to protect me in all dangers. The dangers came upon me, and + Asti the Magician, my foster-mother, speaking the words that had been + taught to her by the spirit of the divine Ahura who bore me, called forth + that Ka of mine, and left it where I had been, to be the wife of Abi, such + a wife, I think, as never man had before. But me, Amen, my father, + rescued, and with me Asti, bearing us in the Boat of the Sun to far lands, + and protecting us in many perils, till at length we came to the city of + Napata, where we found a certain servant of mine whom, as it chances, I—love,” + and she looked at Rames and smiled. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, my Shadow did the work to which it was appointed, ruling for + me in Egypt, and drawing on Abi to his ruin. But last night It returned to + me, and will be seen no more by men, except, perchance, in my tomb after I + am dead. Judge you if my tale be true, and whether I am indeed Neter-Tua, + Daughter of Amen,” and opening the wrappings about her throat, she showed + the holy sign that was stamped above her breast, adding: + </p> + <p> + “The High-Priest yonder should know this mark, for he saw it at my birth.” + </p> + <p> + Now the aged man drew near, looked, and said: + </p> + <p> + “It is the sign. Here shines the Star of Amen and no other. Still we do + not understand. Tell us the tale, O Asti.” + </p> + <p> + So Asti stood forward, and told that tale, omitting nothing, and then + Rames told his tale, whereto Tua the Queen added a little, and, although + ere they finished the sun was high, none wearied in listening save only + Abi, Kaku, and Merytra, who heard death in every word. + </p> + <p> + It was done at length, and a great silence fell upon the place, for the + tongues of men were tied. Presently, the High-Priest, who all this while + had stood with bent head, lifted up his eyes to heaven, crying: + </p> + <p> + “O Amen, Father of the Spirit of this Queen, show now thy will, that we + may learn it and obey.” + </p> + <p> + For a while there was silence, till suddenly a sound was heard in the dark + sanctuary where stood the statue of the god, a sound as of a stick tapping + upon the granite floor. Then the curtains of that sanctuary were drawn, + and standing between them there appeared the figure of an ancient, bearded + man, with stony eyes, who was clad in a beggar’s robe. It was he who had + met Tua and Asti in the wilderness and eaten up their food. It was he who + had saved them in the palace of the desert king. It was he who but last + night had walked the camp of Abi. + </p> + <p> + “I am that Messenger whom men from the beginning have called Kepher,” he + said. “I am the Dweller in the wilderness whom your fathers knew, and your + sons shall know. I am he who seeks for charity and pays it back in life + and death. I am the pen of Thoth the Recorder, I am the scourge of Osiris. + I am the voice of Amen, god above the gods. Hearken you people of Egypt—not + for a little end have these things come to pass, but that ye may learn + that there is design in heaven, and justice upon earth, and, after + justice, judgment. Pharaoh, the good servant of the gods, was basely + murdered by his own kin whom he trusted. Neter-Tua, his daughter, and + daughter of Amen, was condemned to shame, Rames of the royal race was sent + forth to danger or to death, far from her he loved, and who loved him by + that divine command which rules the hearts of men. This is the command of + the gods—Let these twain be wed and take Egypt as their heritage, + and call down upon it peace and greatness. But as for these murderers and + wizards”—and he pointed to Abi, to Kaku, and to Merytra—“let + them be placed in the sanctuary of Amen, to await what he shall send + them.” + </p> + <p> + So spoke Kepher the Messenger, and departed whence he came, nor in that + generation did any see him more. + </p> + <p> + Then they took up Abi, Kaku, and Merytra, and cut their bonds. They threw + them into the dark sanctuary before the great stone image of the god. They + shut the electrum doors upon them, and left them there wailing and + cursing, while the High-Priest of Amen joined the hands of Rames and of + Tua, and declared them to be man and wife for ever. + </p> + <p> + Now, after these things were done, the Pharaoh and his Queen drove through + the hosts of Egypt in their golden chariot, and received the homage of the + hosts ere they departed northwards for Thebes. At nightfall they returned + again and sat side by side at the marriage feast, and once more Tua swept + her harp of ivory and gold, and sang the ancient song of him who dared + much for love, and won the prize. + </p> + <p> + So in the dim, forgotten years, their joy fell on Rames and on Tua, + Morning-Star of Amen, which still with them remains in the new immortal + kingdom that they have won long and long ago. + </p> + <p> + But when in the morning Asti the wise dared to open the great doors and + peer into the sanctuary of Amen, she saw a dreadful sight. For there at + the feet of the effigy of the god lay Abi, who slew his brother, and Kaku + the sorcerer, and Merytra the traitress, dead, slain by their own or by + each other’s hand, and the stony eyes of the god stared down upon them. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Morning Star, by H. 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FOR PUBLIC DOMAIN ETEXTS*Ver.04.29.93*END* + + + + + +Etext prepared by John Bickers, jbickers@ihug.co.nz +Dagny, dagnyj@hotmail.com +and Emma Dudding, emma_302@hotmail.com + + + + + +Morning Star + +by H. Rider Haggard + + + + +DEDICATION + + My dear Budge,-- + + Only a friendship extending over many years emboldened me, an + amateur, to propose to dedicate a Romance of Old Egypt to you, one + of the world's masters of the language and lore of the great + people who in these latter days arise from their holy tombs to + instruct us in the secrets of history and faith. + + With doubt I submitted to you this story, asking whether you + wished to accept pages that could not, I feared, be free from + error, and with surprise in due course I read, among other kind + things, your advice to me to "leave it exactly as it is." So I + take you at your word, although I can scarcely think that in paths + so remote and difficult I have not sometimes gone astray. + + Whatever may be the shortcomings, therefore, that your kindness + has concealed from me, since this tale was so fortunate as to + please and interest you, its first critic, I offer it to you as an + earnest of my respect for your learning and your labours. + +Very sincerely yours, +H. Rider Haggard. + Ditchingham. + + To Doctor Wallis Budge, + Keeper of Egyptian and Assyrian Antiquities, British Museum. + + + +AUTHOR'S NOTE + +It may be thought that even in a story of Old Egypt to represent a +"Ka" or "Double" as remaining in active occupation of a throne, while +the owner of the said "Double" goes upon a long journey and achieves +sundry adventures, is, in fact, to take a liberty with Doubles. Yet I +believe that this is scarcely the case. The /Ka/ or Double which +Wiedermann aptly calls the "Personality within the Person" appears, +according to Egyptian theory, to have had an existence of its own. It +did not die when the body died, for it was immortal and awaited the +resurrection of that body, with which, henceforth, it would be +reunited and dwell eternally. To quote Wiedermann again, "The /Ka/ +could live without the body, but the body could not live without the +/Ka/ . . . . . it was material in just the same was as the body +itself." Also, it would seem that in certain ways it was superior to +and more powerful than the body, since the Egyptian monarchs are often +represented as making offerings to their own /Kas/ as though these +were gods. Again, in the story of "Setna and the Magic Book," +translated by Maspero and by Mr. Flinders Petrie in his "Egyptian +Tales," the /Ka/ plays a very distinct part of its own. Thus the +husband is buried at Memphis and the wife in Koptos, yet the /Ka/ of +the wife goes to live in her husband's tomb hundreds of miles away, +and converses with the prince who comes to steal the magic book. + +Although I know no actual precedent for it, in the case of a +particularly powerful Double, such as was given in this romance to +Queen Neter-Tua by her spiritual father, Amen, the greatest of the +Egyptian gods, it seems, therefore, legitimate to suppose that, in +order to save her from the abomination of a forced marriage with her +uncle and her father's murderer, the /Ka/ would be allowed to +anticipate matters a little, and to play the part recorded in these +pages. + +It must not be understood, however, that the fact of marriage with an +uncle would have shocked the Egyptian mind, since these people, and +especially their royal Houses, made a habit of wedding their own +brothers and sisters, as in this tale Mermes wed his half sister Asti. + +I may add that there is authority for the magic waxen image which the +sorcerer Kaku and his accomplice used to bewitch Pharaoh. In the days +of Rameses III., over three thousand years ago, a plot was made to +murder the king in pursuance of which such images were used. "Gods of +wax . . . . . . for enfeebling the limbs of people," which were "great +crimes of death, the great abomination of the land." Also a certain +"magic roll" was brought into play which enabled its user to "employ +the magic powers of the gods." + +Still, the end of these wizards was not encouraging to others, for +they were found guilty and obliged to take their own lives. + +But even if I am held to have stretched the prerogative of the /Ka/, +or of the waxen image which, by the way, has survived almost to our +own time, and in West Africa, as a fetish, is still pierced with pins +or nails, I can urge in excuse that I have tried, so far as a modern +may, to reproduce something of the atmosphere and colour of Old Egypt, +as it has appeared to a traveller in that country and a student of its +records. If Neter-Tua never sat upon its throne, at least another +daughter of Amen, a mighty queen, Hatshepu, wore the crown of the +Upper and the Lower Lands, and sent her embassies to search out the +mysteries of Punt. Of romance also, in high places, there must have +been abundance, though the short-cut records of the religious texts of +the priests do not trouble themselves with such matters. + +At any rate, so believing, in the hope that it may interest readers of +to-day, I have ventured to discover and present one such romance, +whereof the motive, we may be sure, is more ancient, by far, than the +old Egyptians, namely, the triumph of true love over great +difficulties and dangers. It is pleasant to dream that the gods are on +the side of such lovers, and deign for their sakes to work the +miracles in which for thousands of years mankind has believed, +although the scientist tells us that they do not happen. + +How large a part marvel and magic of the most terrible and exalted +kind played in the life of Old Egypt and of the nations with which she +fought and traded, we need go no further than the Book of Exodus to +learn. Also all her history is full of it, since among the Egyptians +it was an article of faith that the Divinity, which they worshipped +under so many names and symbols, made use of such mysterious means to +influence or direct the affairs of men and bring about the +accomplishment of Its decrees. + +H. R. H. + + + + +Morning Star + +by H. Rider Haggard + + + + +CHAPTER I + +THE PLOT OF ABI + +It was evening in Egypt, thousands of years ago, when the Prince Abi, +governor of Memphis and of great territories in the Delta, made fast +his ship of state to a quay beneath the outermost walls of the mighty +city of Uast or Thebes, which we moderns know as Luxor and Karnac on +the Nile. Abi, a large man, very dark of skin, for his mother was one +of the hated Hyksos barbarians who once had usurped the throne of +Egypt, sat upon the deck of his ship and stared at the setting sun +which for a few moments seemed to rest, a round ball of fire, upon the +bare and rugged mountains, that ring round the Tombs of the Kings. + +He was angry, as the slave-women, who stood on either side fanning +him, could see well enough by the scowl on his coarse face and the +fire in his large black eyes. Presently they felt it also, for one of +them, staring at the temples and palaces of the wonderful city made +glorious by the light of the setting sun, that city of which she had +heard so often, touched his head with the feathers of her fan. +Thereon, as though glad of an excuse to express his ill-humour, Abi +sprang up and boxed her ears so heavily that the poor girl fell to the +deck. + +"Awkward cat," he cried, "do that again and you shall be flogged until +your robe sticks to your back!" + +"Pardon, mighty Lord," she said, beginning to weep, "it was an +accident; the wind caught my fan." + +"So the rod shall catch your skin, if you are not more careful, +Merytra. Stop that snivelling and go send Kaku the Astrologer here. +Go, both, I weary of the sight of your ugly faces." + +The girl rose, and with her fellow slave ran swiftly to the ladder +that led to the waist of the ship. + +"He called me a cat," Merytra hissed through her white teeth to her +companion. "Well, if so, Sekhet the cat-headed is my godmother, and +she is the Lady of Vengeance." + +"Yes," answered the other, "and he said that we were both ugly--we, +whom every lord who comes near the Court admires so much! Oh! I wish a +holy crocodile would eat him, black pig!" + +"Then why don't they buy us? Abi would sell his daughters, much more +his fan-bearers--at a price." + +"Because they hope to get us for nothing, my dear, and what is more, +if I can manage it one of them shall, for I am tired of this life. +Have your fling while you can, I say. Who knows at which corner +Osiris, Lord of Death, is waiting." + +"Hush!" whispered Merytra, "there is that knave of an astrologer, and +he looks cross, too." + +Then, hand in hand, they went to this lean and learned man and humbly +bowed themselves before him. + +"Master of the Stars," said Merytra, "we have a message for you. No, +do not look at my cheek, please, the marks are not magical, only those +of the divine fingers of the glorious hand of the most exalted Prince +Abi, son of the Pharaoh happily ruling in Osiris, etc., etc., etc., of +the right, royal blood of Egypt--that is on one side, and on the other +of a divine lady whom Khem the Spirit, or Ptah the Creator, thought +fit to dip in a vat of black dye." + +"Hem!" said Kaku glancing nervously over his shoulder. Then, seeing +that there was no one near, he added, "you had better be careful what +you say, my dear. The royal Abi does not like to hear the colour of +his late mother defined so closely. But why did he slap your face?" + +She told him. + +"Well," he answered, "if I had been in his place I would rather have +kissed it, for it is pretty, decidedly pretty," and this learned man +forgot himself so far as to wink at Merytra. + +"There, Sister," said the girl, "I always told you that rough shells +have sweet nuts inside of them. Thank you for your compliment, Master +of learning. Will you tell us our fortune for nothing?" + +"Yes, yes," he answered; "at least the fee I want will cost you +nothing. Now stop this nonsense," he added, anxiously, "I gather that +/he/ is cross." + +"I never saw him crosser, Kaku. I am glad it is you who reads the +stars, not I. Listen!" + +As he spoke an angry roar reached them from the high deck above. + +"Where is that accursed astrologer?" said the roar. + +"There, what did I tell you? Oh! never mind the rest of the papers, go +at once. Your robe is full of rolls as it is." + +"Yes," answered Kaku as he ran to the ladder, "but the question is, +how will he like what is in the rolls?" + +"The gods be with you!" cried one of the girls after him, "you will +need them all." + +"And if you get back alive, don't forget your promise about the +fortunes," said the other. + +A minute later this searcher of the heavens, a tall, hook-nosed man, +was prostrating himself before Abi in his pavilion on the upper deck, +so low that his Syrian-shaped cap fell from his bald head. + +"Why were you so long in coming?" asked Abi. + +"Because your slaves could not find me, royal Son of the Sun. I was at +work in my cabin." + +"Indeed, I thought I heard them giggling with you down there. What did +you call me? Royal Son of the Sun? That is Pharaoh's name! Have the +stars shown you----?" and he looked at him eagerly. + +"No, Prince, not exactly that. I did not think it needful to search +them on a matter which seems established, more or less." + +"More or less," answered Abi gloomily. "What do you mean by your 'more +or less'? Here am I at the turning-point of my fortunes, not knowing +whether I am to be Pharaoh of the Upper and Lower Lands, or only the +petty lord of a city and a few provinces in the Delta, and you satisfy +my hunger for the truth with an empty dish of 'more or less.' Man, +what do you mean?" + +"If your Majesty will be pleased to tell his servant exactly what you +desire to know, perhaps I may be able to answer the question," replied +Kaku humbly. + +"Majesty! Well, I desire to know by what warrant you call me +'Majesty,' who am only Prince of Memphis. Did the stars give it to +you? Have you obeyed me and asked them of the future?" + +"Certainly, certainly. How could I disobey? I observed them all last +night, and have been working out the results till this moment; indeed, +they are not yet finished. Question and I will answer." + +"You will answer, yes, but what will you answer? Not the truth, I +fancy, because you are a coward, though if anyone can read the truth, +it is you. Man," he added fiercely, "if you dare to lie to me I will +cut your head off and take it to Pharaoh as a traitor's; and your body +shall lie, not in that fine tomb which you have made, but in the belly +of a crocodile whence there is no resurrection. Do you understand? +Then let us come to the point. Look, the sun sets there behind the +Tombs of Kings, where the departed Pharaohs of Egypt take their rest +till the Day of Awakening. It is a bad omen for me, I know, who wished +to reach this city in the morning when Ra was in the House of Life, +the East, and not in the House of Death, the West; but that accursed +wind sent by Typhon, held me back and I could not. Well, let us begin +at the end which must come after all. Tell me, you reader of the +heavens, shall I sleep at last in that valley?" + +"I think so, Prince; at least, so says your planet. Look, yonder, it +springs to life above you," and he pointed to an orb that appeared at +the topmost edge of the red glow of the sunset. + +"You are keeping something back from me," said Abi, searching Kaku's +face with his fierce eyes. "Shall I sleep in the tomb of Pharaoh, in +my own everlasting house that I shall have made ready to receive me?" + +"Son of Ra, I cannot say," answered the astrologer. "Divine One, I +will be frank with you. Though you be wrath, yet will I tell you the +truth as you command me. An evil influence is at work in your House of +Life. Another star crosses and re-crosses your path, and though for a +long time you seem to swallow it up, yet at the last it eclipses you-- +it and one that goes with it." + +"What star?" asked Abi hoarsely, "Pharaoh's?" + +"Nay, Prince, the star of Amen." + +"Amen! What Amen?" + +"Amen the god, Prince, the mighty father of the gods." + +"Amen the god," repeated Abi in an awed voice. "How can a man fight +against a god?" + +"Say rather against two gods, for with the star of Amen goes the star +of Hathor, Queen of Love. Not for many periods of thousands of years +have they been together, but now they draw near to each other, and so +will remain for all your life. Look," and Kaku pointed to the Eastern +horizon where a faint rosy glow still lingered reflected from the +western sky. + +As they watched this glow melted, and there in the pure heavens, lying +just where it met the distant land, seeming to rest upon the land, +indeed, appeared a bright and beautiful star, and so close to it that, +to the eye, they almost touched, a twin star. For a few minutes only +were they seen; then they vanished beneath the line of the horizon. + +"The morning star of Amen, and with it the star of Hathor," said the +astrologer. + +"Well, Fool, what of it?" exclaimed Abi. "They are far enough from my +star; moreover, it is they that sink, not I, who ride higher every +moment." + +"Aye, Prince, but in a year to come they will certainly eclipse that +star of yours. Prince, Amen and Hathor are against you. Look, I will +show you their journeyings on this scroll and you shall see where they +eat you up yonder, yes, yonder over the Valley of dead Kings, though +twenty years and more must go by ere then, and take this for your +comfort, during those years you shine alone," and he began to unfold a +papyrus roll. + +Abi snatched it from him, crumpled it up and threw it in his face. + +"You cheat!" he said. "Do you think to frighten me with this nonsense +about stars? Here is my star," and he drew the short sword at his side +and shook it over the head of the trembling Kaku. "This sharp bronze +is the star I follow, and be careful lest it should eclipse /you/, you +father of lies." + +"I have told the truth as I see it," answered the poor astrologer with +some dignity, "but if you wish, O Prince, that in the future I should +indeed prophesy pleasant things to you, why, it can be done easily +enough. Moreover, it seems to me that this horoscope of yours is not +so evil, seeing that it gives to you over twenty years of life and +power, more by far than most men can expect--at your age. If after +that come troubles and the end, what of it?" + +"That is so," replied Abi mollified. "It was my ill-temper, everything +has gone cross to-day. Well, a gold cup, my own, shall pay the price +of it. Bear me no ill-will, I pray you, learned scribe, and above all +tell me no falsehood as the message of the stars you serve. It is the +truth I seek, the truth. If only she may be seen, and clasped, I care +not how ill-favoured is her face." + +Rejoicing at the turn which things had taken, and especially at the +promise of the priceless cup which he had long coveted, Kaku bowed +obsequiously. He picked up his crumpled roll and was about to retire +when through the gloom of the falling night, some men mounted upon +asses were seen riding over the mud flats that border the Nile at this +spot, towards that bank where the ship was moored. + +"The captain of my guard," said Abi, who saw the starlight gleam upon +a bronze helmet, "who brings me Pharaoh's answer. Nay, go not, bide +and hear it, Kaku, and give us your counsel on it, your true counsel." + +So the astrologer stood aside and waited, till presently the captain +appeared saluting. + +"What says Pharaoh, my brother?" asked the Prince. + +"Lord, he says that he will receive you, though as he did not send for +you, he thinks that you can scarcely come upon any necessary errand, +as he has heard long ago of your victory over the desert-dwelling +barbarians, and does not want the offering of the salted heads of +their officers which you bring to him." + +"Good," said Abi contemptuously. "The divine Pharaoh was ever a woman +in such matters, as in others. Let him be thankful that he has +generals who know how to make war and to cut off the heads of his +enemies in defence of the kingdom. We will wait upon him to-morrow." + +"Lord," added the captain, "that is not all Pharaoh's message. He says +that it has been reported to him that you are accompanied by a guard +of three hundred soldiers. These soldiers he refuses to allow within +the gates. He directs that you shall appear before his Majesty +attended by five persons only." + +"Indeed," answered Abi with a scornful laugh. "Does Pharaoh fear, +then, lest I should capture him and his armies and the great city with +three hundred soldiers?" + +"No, Prince," answered the captain bluntly; "but I think he fears lest +you should kill him and declare yourself Pharaoh as next in blood." + +"Ah!" said Abi, "as next of blood. Then I suppose that there are still +no children at the Court?" + +"None, O Prince. I saw Ahura, the royal wife, the Lady of the Two +Lands, that fairest of women, and other lesser wives and beautiful +slave girls without number, but never a one of them had an infant on +her breast or at her knee. Pharaoh remains childless." + +"Ah!" said Abi again. Then he walked forward out of the pavilion +whereof the curtains were drawn back, and stood a while upon the prow +of the vessel. + +By now night had fallen, and the great moon, rising from the earth as +it were, poured her flood of silver light over the desert, the +mountains, the limitless city of Thebes, and the wide rippling bosom +of the Nile. The pylons and obelisks, glittering with copper and with +gold, towered to the tender sky. In the window places of palaces and +of ten thousand homes lamps shone like stars. From gardens, streets +and the courts of temples floated the faint sound of singing and of +music, while on the great embattled walls the watchmen called the hour +from post to post. + +It was a wondrous scene, and the heart of Abi swelled as he gazed upon +it. What wealth lay yonder, and what power. There was the glorious +house of his brother, Pharaoh, the god in human form who for all his +godship had never a child to follow after him when he ascended to +Osiris, as he who was sickly probably must do before so very long. + +Yes, but before then a miracle might happen; in this way or in that a +successor to the throne might be found and acknowledged, for were not +Pharaoh and his House beloved by all the priests of Amen, and by the +people, and was not he, Abi, feared and disliked because he was +fierce, and the hated savage blood flowed in his veins? Oh! what evil +god had put it in his father's heart to give him a princess of the +Hyksos for a mother, the Hyksos, whom the Egyptians loathed, when he +had the fairest women of the world from whom to choose? Well, it was +done and could not be undone, though because of it he might lose his +heritage of the greatest throne in all the earth. Also was it not to +this fierce Hyksos blood that he owed his strength and vigour? + +Why should he wait? Why should he not set his fortune on a cast? He +had three hundred soldiers with him, picked men and brave, children of +the sea and the desert, sworn to his House and interests. It was a +time of festival, those gates were ill-guarded. Why should he not +force them at the dead of night, make his way to the palace, cause +Pharaoh to be gathered to his fathers, and at the dawn discover +himself seated upon Pharaoh's throne? At the thought of it Abi's heart +leapt in his breast, his wide nostrils spread themselves, and he +erected his strong head as though already he felt upon it the weight +of the double crown. Then he turned and walked back to the pavilion. + +"I am minded to strike a blow," he said. "Say now, my officer, would +you and the soldiers follow me into the heart of yonder city to-night +to win a throne--or a grave? If it were the first, you should be the +general of all my army, and you, astrologer, should become vizier, +yes, after Pharaoh you two should be the greatest men in all the +land." + +They looked at him and gasped. + +"A venturesome deed, Prince," said the captain at length; "yet with +such a prize to win I think that I would dare it, though for the +soldiers I cannot speak. First they must be told what is on foot, and +out of so many, how know we that the heart of one or more would not +fail? A word from a traitor and before this time to-morrow the +embalmers, or the jackals, would be busy." + +Abi heard and looked from him to his companion. + +"Prince," said Kaku, "put such thoughts from you. Bury them deep. Let +them rise no more. In the heavens I read something of this business, +but then I did not understand, but now I see the black depths of hell +opening beneath our feet. Yes, hell would be our home if we dared to +lift hand against the divine person of the Pharaoh. I say that the +gods themselves would fight against us. Let it be, Prince, let it be, +and you shall have many years of rule, who, if you strike now, will +win nothing but a crown of shame, a nameless grave, and the +everlasting torment of the damned." + +As he spoke Abi considered the man's face and saw that all craft had +left it. This was no charlatan that spoke to him, but one in earnest +who believed what he said. + +"So be it," he answered. "I accept your judgment, and will wait upon +my fortune. Moreover, you are both right, the thing is too dangerous, +and evil often falls on the heads of those who shoot arrows at a god, +especially if they have not enough arrows. Let Pharaoh live on while I +make ready. Perhaps to-morrow I may work upon him to name me his +heir." + +The astrologer sighed in relief, nor did the captain seem +disappointed. + +"My head feels firmer on my shoulders than it did just now," he said: +"and doubtless there are times when wisdom is better than valour. +Sleep well, Prince; Pharaoh will receive you to-morrow two hours after +sunrise. Have we your leave to retire?" + +"If I were wise," said Abi, fingering the hilt of his sword as he +spoke, "you would both of you retire for ever who know all the secret +of my heart, and with a whisper could bring doom upon me." + +Now the pair looked at each other with frightened eyes, and, like his +master, the captain began to play with his sword. + +"Life is sweet to all men, Prince," he said significantly, "and we +have never given you cause to doubt us." + +"No," answered Abi, "had it been otherwise I should have struck first +and spoken afterwards. Only you must swear by the oath which may not +be broken that in life or death no word of this shall pass your lips." + +So they swore, both of them, by the holy name of Osiris, the judge and +the redeemer. + +"Captain," said Abi, "you have served me well. Your pay is doubled, +and I confirm the promise that I made to you--should I ever rule +yonder you shall be my general." + +While the soldier bowed his thanks, the prince said to Kaku, + +"Master of the stars, my gold cup is yours. Is there aught else of +mine that you desire?" + +"That slave," answered the learned man, "Merytra, whose ears you boxed +just now----" + +"How do you know that I boxed her ears?" asked Abi quickly. "Did the +stars tell you that also? Well, I am tired of the sly hussy--take her. +Soon I think she will box yours." + +But when Kaku sought Merytra to tell her the glad tidings that she was +his, he could not find her. + +Merytra had disappeared. + + + +CHAPTER II + +THE PROMISE OF THE GOD + +It was morning at Thebes, and the great city glowed in the rays of the +new-risen sun. In a royal barge sat Abi the prince, splendidly +apparelled, and with him Kaku, his astrologer, his captain of the +guard and three other of his officers, while in a second barge +followed slaves who escorted two chiefs and some fair women captured +in war, also the chests of salted heads and hands, offerings to +Pharaoh. + +The white-robed rowers bent to their oars, and the swift boat shot +forward up the Nile through a double line of ships of war, all of them +crowded with soldiers. Abi looked at these ships which Pharaoh had +gathered there to meet him, and thought to himself that Kaku had given +wise counsel when he prayed him to attempt no rash deed, for against +such surprises clearly Pharaoh was well prepared. He thought it again +when on reaching the quay of cut stones he saw foot and horse-men +marshalled there in companies and squadrons, and on the walls above +hundreds of other men, all armed, for now he saw what would have +happened to him, if with his little desperate band he had tried to +pierce that iron ring of watching soldiers. + +At the steps generals met him in their mail and priests in their full +robes, bowing and doing him honour. Thus royally escorted, Abi passed +through the open gates and the pylons of the splendid temple dedicated +to the Trinity of Thebes, "the House of Amen in the Southern Apt," +where gay banners fluttered from the pointed masts, up the long street +bordered with tall houses set in their gardens, till he came to the +palace wall. Here more guards rolled back the brazen gates which in +his folly of a few hours gone he had thought that he could force, and +through the avenues of blooming trees he was led to the great pillared +hall of audience. + +After the brightness without, that hall seemed almost dark, only a ray +of sunshine flowing from an unshuttered space in the clerestory above, +fell full on the end of it, and revealed the crowned Pharaoh and his +queen seated in state upon their thrones of ivory and gold. Gathered +round and about him also were scribes and councillors and captains, +and beyond these other queens in their carved chairs and attended, +each of them, by beautiful women of the household in their gala dress. +Moreover, behind the thrones, and at intervals between the columns, +stood the famous Nubian guard of two hundred men, the servants of the +body of Pharaoh as they were called, each of them chosen for +faithfulness and courage. + +The centre of all this magnificence was Pharaoh, on him the sunlight +beat, to him every eye was turned, and where his glance fell there +heads bowed and knees were bent. A small thin man of about forty years +of age with a puckered, kindly and anxious face, and a brow that +seemed to sink beneath the weight of the double crown that, save for +its royal snake-crest of hollow gold, was after all but of linen, a +man with thin, nervous hands which played amongst the embroideries of +his golden robe--such was Pharaoh, the mightiest monarch in the world, +the ruler whom millions that had never seen him worshipped as a god. + +Abi, the burly framed, thick-lipped, dark-skinned, round-eyed Abi, +born of the same father, stared at him with wonderment, for years had +passed since last they met, and in the palace when they were children +a gulf had been set between the offspring of a royal mother and the +child of a Hyksos concubine taken into the Household for reasons of +state. In his vigour, and the might of his manhood, he stared at this +weakling, the son of a brother and a sister, and the grandson of a +brother and a sister. Yet there was something in that gentle eye, an +essence of inherited royalty, before which his rude nature bowed. The +body might be contemptible, but within it dwelt the proud spirit of +the descendant of a hundred kings. + +Abi advanced to the steps of the throne and knelt there, till after a +little pause Pharaoh stretched out the sceptre in his hand for him to +kiss. Then he spoke in his light, quick voice. + +"Welcome, Prince and my brother," he said. "We quarrelled long ago, +did we not, and many years have passed since we met, but Time heals +all wounds and--welcome, son of my father. I need not ask if you are +well," and he glanced enviously at the great-framed man who knelt +before him. + +"Hail to your divine Majesty!" answered Abi in his deep voice. "Health +and strength be with you, Holder of the Scourge of Osiris, Wearer of +the Feathers of Amen, Mortal crowned with the glory of Ra." + +"I thank you, Prince," answered Pharaoh gently, "and that health and +strength I need, who fear that I shall only find them when I have +yielded up the Scourge of Osiris whereof you speak to him who lent it +me. But enough of myself. Let us to business, afterwards we will talk +of such matters together. Why have you left your government at Memphis +without leave asked, to visit me here in my City of the Gates?" + +"Be not wrath with me," answered Abi humbly. "A while ago, in +obedience to your divine command, I attacked the barbarians who +threatened your dominions in the desert. Like Menthu, god of war, I +fell upon them. I took them by surprise, I smote them, thousands of +them bit the dust before me. Two of their kings I captured with their +women--they wait without, to be slain by your Majesty. I bring with me +the heads of a hundred of their captains and the hands of five hundred +of their soldiers, in earnest of the truth of my word. Let them be +spread out before you. I report to your divine Majesty that those +barbarians are no more, that for a generation, at least, I have made +the land safe to your uttermost dominions in the north. Suffer that +the heads and the hands be brought in and counted out before your +Majesty, that the smell of them may rise like incense to your divine +nostrils." + +"No, no," said Pharaoh, "my officers shall count them without, for I +love not such sights of death, and I take your word for the number. +What payment do you ask for this service, my brother, for with great +gifts would I reward you, who have done so well for me and Egypt?" + +Before he answered Abi looked at the beautiful queen, Ahura, who sat +at Pharaoh's side, and at the other royal consorts and women. + +"Your Majesty," he said, "I see here many wives and ladies, but royal +children I do not see. Grant--for doubtless they are in their own +chambers--grant, O Pharaoh, that they may be led hither that my eyes +may feed upon their loveliness, and that I may tell of them, each of +them, to their cousins who await me at Memphis." + +At these words a flush as of shame spread itself over the lovely face +of Ahura, the royal wife, the Lady of the Two Lands; while the women +turned their heads away whispering to each other bitterly, for the +insult hurt them. Only Pharaoh set his pale face and answered with +dignity. + +"Prince Abi, to affront those whom the gods have smitten, be they +kings or peasants, is an unworthy deed which the gods will not forget. +You know well that I have no children. Why then do you ask me to show +you their loveliness?" + +"I had heard rumours, O Pharaoh," answered the Prince, "no more. +Indeed, I did not believe them, for where there are so many wives I +was certain that there would be some mothers. Therefore I asked to be +sure before I proffered a petition which now I will make to you not +for my own sake but for Egypt's and yours, O Pharaoh. Have I your +leave to speak here in public?" + +"Speak on," said Pharaoh sternly. "Let aught that is for the welfare +of Egypt be heard by Egypt." + +"Your Majesty has told me," replied Abi bowing, "that the gods, being +wrath, have denied you children. Not so much as one girl of your blood +have they given to you to fill your throne after you when in due +season it pleases you to depart to Osiris. Were it otherwise, were +there even but a single woman-child of your divine race, I would say +nothing, I would be silent as the grave. But so it is, and though your +queens be fair and many, so it would seem that it must remain, since +the ears of the gods having been deaf to your pleadings for so long, +although you have built them glorious temples and made them offerings +without count, will scarcely now be opened. Even Amen your father, +Amen, whose name you bear, will perform no miracle for you, O Pharaoh, +who are so great that he has decreed that you shall shine alone like +the full moon at night, not sharing your glory with a single star." + +Now Ahura the Queen, who all this while had been listening intently, +spoke for the first time in a quick angry voice, saying, + +"How know you that, Prince of Memphis? Sometimes the gods relent and +that which they have withheld for a space, they give. My lord lives, +and I live, and a child of his may yet fill the throne of Egypt." + +"It may be so, O Queen," said Abi bowing, "and for my part I pray that +it will be so, for who am I that I should know the purpose of the +kings of heaven? If but one girl be born of you and Pharaoh, then I +take back my words and give to you that title which for many years has +been written falsely upon your thrones and monuments, the title of +Royal Mother." + +Now Ahura would have answered again, for this sneering taunt stung her +to the quick. But Pharaoh laid his hand upon her knee and said, + +"Continue, Prince and brother. We have heard from you that which we +already know too well--that I am childless. Tell us what we do not +know, the desire of your heart which lies hid beneath all these +words." + +"Pharaoh, it is this--I am of your holy blood, sprung of the same +divine father----" + +"But of a mother who was not divine," broke in Ahura; "of a mother +taken from a race that has brought many a curse upon Khem, as any +mirror will show you, Prince of Memphis." + +"Pharaoh," went on Abi without heeding her, "you grow weak; heaven +desires you, the earth melts beneath you. In the north and in the +south many dangers threaten Egypt. Should you die suddenly without an +heir, barbarians will flow in from the north and from the south, and +the great ones of the land will struggle for your place. Pharaoh, I am +a warrior; I am built strong; my children are many; my house is built +upon a rock; the army trusts me; the millions of the people love me. +Take me then to rule with you and in the hearing of all the earth name +me and my sons as your successors, so that our royal race may continue +for generation after generation. So shall you end your days in peace +and hope. I have spoken." + +Now, as the meaning of this bold request sank into their hearts, all +the court there gathered gasped and whispered, while the Queen Ahura +in her anger crushed the lotus flower which she held in her hand and +cast it to the floor. Only Pharaoh sat still and silent, his head bent +and his eyes shut as though in prayer. For a minute or more he sat +thus, and when he lifted his pale, pure face, there was a smile upon +it. + +"Abi, my brother," he said in his gentle voice, "listen to me. There +are those who filled this throne before me, who on hearing such words +would have pointed to you with their sceptres, whereon, Abi, those +lips of yours would have grown still for ever, and you and your name +and the names of all your House would have been blotted out by death. +But, Abi, you were ever bold, and I forgive you for laying open the +thoughts of your heart to me. Still, Abi, you have not told us all of +them. You have not told us, for instance," he went on slowly, and in +the midst of an intense silence, "that but last night you debated +whether it would not be possible with that guard of yours to break +into my palace and put me to the sword and name yourself Pharaoh--by +right of blood, Abi; yes, by right of blood--my blood shed by you, my +brother." + +As these words left the royal lips a tumult arose in the hall, the +women and the great officers sprang up, the captains stepped forward +drawing their swords to avenge so horrible a sacrilege. But Pharaoh +waved his sceptre, and they were still, only Abi cried in a great +voice. + +"Who has dared to whisper a lie so monstrous?" And he glared first at +Kaku and then at the captain of his guard who stood behind him, and +choked in wrath, or fear, or both. + +"Suspect not your officers, Prince," went on the Pharaoh, still +smiling, "for on my royal word they are innocent. Yet, Abi, a pavilion +set upon the deck of a ship is no good place to plot the death of +kings. Pharaoh has many spies, also, at times, the gods, to whom as +you say he is so near, whisper tidings to him in his sleep. Suspect +not your officers, Abi, although I think that to yonder Master of the +Stars who stands behind you, I should be grateful, since, had you +attempted to execute this madness, but for him I might have been +forced to kill you, Abi, as one kills a snake that creeps beneath his +mat. Astrologer, you shall have a gift from me, for you are a wise +man. It may take the place, perhaps, of one that you have lost; was it +not a certain woman slave whom your master gave to you last night-- +after he had punished her for no fault?" + +Kaku prostrated himself before the glory of Pharaoh, understanding at +last that it was the lost girl Merytra who had overheard and betrayed +them. But heeding him no more, his Majesty went on. + +"Abi, Prince and brother, I forgive you a deed that you purposed but +did not attempt. May the gods and the spirits of our fathers forgive +you also, if they will. Now as to your demand. You are my only living +brother, and therefore I will weigh it. Perchance, if I should die +without issue, although you are not all royal, although there flows in +your veins a blood that Egypt hates; although you could plot the +murder of your lord and king, it may be well that when I am gone you +should fill my place, for you are brave and of the ancient race on one +side, if base-born on the other. But I am not yet dead, and children +may still come to me. Abi, will you be a prisoner until Osiris calls +me, or will you swear an oath?" + +"I will swear an oath," answered the Prince hoarsely, for he knew his +shame and danger. + +"Then kneel here, and by the dreadful Name swear that you will lift no +hand and plot no plot against me. Swear that if a child, male or +female, should be given to me, you will serve such a child truly as +your lord and lawful Pharaoh. In the presence of all this company, +swear, knowing that if you break the oath in letter or in spirit, then +all the gods of Egypt shall pour their curse upon your head in life, +and in death shall give you over to the everlasting torments of the +damned." + +So, having little choice, Abi swore by the Name and kissed the sceptre +in token of his oath. + + + +It was night. Dark and solemn was the innermost shrine of the vast +temple, the "House of Amen in the Northern Apt," which we call Karnak, +the very holy of holies where, fashioned of stone, and with the +feathered crown upon his head, stood the statue of Amen-ra, father of +the gods. Here, where none but the high-priest and the royalties of +Egypt might enter, Pharaoh and his wife Ahura, wrapped in brown cloaks +like common folk, knelt at the feet of the god and prayed. With tears +and supplications did they pray that a child might be given to them. + +There in the sacred place, lit only by a single lamp which burned from +age to age, they told the story of their grief, whilst high above them +the cold, calm countenance of the god seemed to stare through the +gloom, as for a thousand years, in joy or sorrow, it had stared at +those that went before them. They told of the mocking words of Abi who +had demanded to see their children, the children that were not; they +told of their terror of the people who demanded that an heir should be +declared; they told of the doom that threatened their ancient house, +which from Pharaoh to Pharaoh, all of one blood, for generations had +worshipped in this place. They promised gifts and offerings, stately +temples and wide lands, if only their desire might be fulfilled. + +"Let me no more be made a mock among men," cried the beautiful queen, +beating her forehead upon the stone feet of the god. "Let me bear a +child to fill the seat of my lord the King, and then if thou wilt, +take my life in payment." + +But the god made no answer, and wearied out at length they rose and +departed. At the door of the sanctuary they found the high-priest +awaiting them, a wizened, aged man. + +"The god gave no sign, O High-priest," said Pharaoh sadly; "no voice +spoke to us." + +The old priest looked at the weeping queen, and a light of pity crept +into his eyes. + +"To me, watching without," he said, "a voice seemed to speak, though +what it said I may not reveal. Go to your palace now, O Pharaoh, and O +Queen Ahura, and take your rest side by side. I think that in your +sleep a sign will come to you, for Amen is pitiful, and loves his +children who love him. According to that sign so speak to the Prince +Abi, speak without fear or doubt, since for good or ill it shall be +fulfilled." + +Then like shadows, hand in hand, this royal pair glided down the vast, +pillared halls till at the pylon gates, which were opened for them, +they found their litters, and were borne along the great avenue of +ram-headed sphinxes back to a secret door in the palace wall. + + + +It was past midnight. Deep darkness and heavy silence lay upon Thebes, +broken only by dogs howling at the stars and the occasional challenge +of soldiers on the walls. Side by side in their golden bed the wearied +Pharaoh and his queen slept heavily. Presently Ahura woke. She started +up in the bed; she stared at the darkness about her with frightened +eyes; she stretched out her hand and clasping Pharaoh by the arm, +whispered in a thrilling voice, + +"Awake, awake! I have that which I must tell you." + +Pharaoh roused himself, for there was something in Ahura's voice which +swept away the veils of sleep. + +"What has chanced, Ahura?" he asked. + +"O Pharaoh, I have dreamed a dream, if indeed it were but a dream. It +seemed to me that the darkness opened, and that standing in the +darkness I saw a Glory which had neither shape nor form. Yet a voice +spoke from the Glory, a low, sweet voice: 'Queen Ahura, my daughter,' +it said, 'I am that Spirit to whom thou and thy husband did pray this +night in the sanctuary of my temple. It seemed to both of you that +your prayers remained unheard, yet it was not so, as my priest knew +well. Queen Ahura, thou and Pharaoh thy husband have put your trust in +me these many years, and not in vain. A daughter shall be given to +thee and Pharaoh, and my Spirit shall be in that child. She shall be +beautiful and glorious as no woman was before her, for I clothe her +with health and power and wisdom. She shall rule over the Northern and +the Southern Lands; yea, for many years the double crown shall rest +upon her brow, and no king that went before her, and no king that +follows after her, shall be more great in Egypt. Troubles and dangers +shall threaten her, but the Spirit that I give to her shall protect +her in them all, and she shall tread her enemy beneath her feet. A +royal lover shall come to her also, and she shall rejoice in his love +and from it shall spring many kings and princes. Neter-Tua, Morning +Star, shall be her name, and high-priestess of Amen--no less--shall be +her office, for she is my child whom I have taken from heaven and sent +down to earth; the child that I have given to Pharaoh and to thee, and +I love her and appoint the good goddesses to be her companions, and +command Osiris to receive her at the last. + +"'Behold, in token of these things I lay my symbol on thy breast, and +on her breast also shall that symbol be. When I lift it from thee and +thou dost open thy eyes, then awaken Pharaoh at thy side and let these +my words be written in a roll, so that none of them are forgotten.' + +"Then, O Pharaoh," went on Ahura, "from the Glory there came forth a +hand, and in the hand was the Symbol of Life shining as though with +fire, and the hand laid it upon my breast and it burned me as though +with fire, and I awoke and lo! darkness was all about me, nothing but +darkness, and at my side I heard you sleeping." + +Now when Pharaoh had listened to this dream, he kissed the queen and +blessed her because of its good omen, and clapped his hands to summon +the women of honour who slept without. They ran in bearing lights, and +by the lights he saw that beneath the throat of the Queen upon her +fair skin, appeared a red mark, and the shape of it was the shape of +the Sign of Life; yes, there was the loop, and beneath the loop the +cross. + +Then Pharaoh commanded that the chief of his scribes should come to +him with papyrus and writing tools, and that the high-priest of Amen +should be brought swiftly from the temple. So the scribe came to the +bed-chamber of the King, and in the presence of the high-priest all +the words of Amen were written down, not one of them was omitted, and +Pharaoh and the Queen signed the roll, and the high-priest witnessed +it and, copies having been made, bore it away to hide it in the secret +treasury of Amen. But the mark of the Cross of Life remained upon the +breast of the Queen Ahura till the day that she died. + + + +Now in the morning Pharaoh summoned his Court and commanded that the +Prince Abi should be brought before him. So the Prince came and +Pharaoh addressed him kindly. + +"Son of my father," he said, "I have considered your request that I +should take you to rule with me on the throne of Egypt, and name you +and your sons to be Pharaohs after me, and it is refused. Know that it +has been revealed to me and to the royal wife, Ahura, by the greatest +of the gods, that a daughter shall be born to us in due season, who +shall be called Morning Star of Amen, and that she and her seed shall +be Pharaohs after me. Therefore rejoice with us and return to your +government, Prince Abi, and be happy in our love, and in the goods and +greatness that the gods have given you." + +Now Abi shook with anger, for he thought that all this tale was a +trick and a snare. But knowing that his peril was great there in the +hand of Pharaoh, he answered only that when this Morning Star arose, +his star should do it reverence, though as the words passed his lips +he remembered the prophecy of his astrologer Kaku, that the Morning +Star of Amen should blot out that star of his. + +"You think that I speak falsely, Prince Abi, yes, that I stain my lips +with lies," said Pharaoh with indignation. "Well, I forgive you this +also. Go hence and await the issue and know by this sign that truth is +in my heart. When the Princess Neter-Tua is born, upon her breast +shall be seen the symbol of the Sign of Life. Depart now, lest I grow +angry. The gifts I have promised shall follow you to Memphis." + +So Abi returned to the white-walled city of Memphis and sat there +sullenly, putting it about that a plot was on foot to deprive him of +his heritage. But Kaku shook his head, saying in secret that the Star, +Neter-Tua, would arise, for so it was decreed by Amen, father of the +gods. + + + +CHAPTER III + +RAMES, THE PRINCESS, AND THE CROCODILE + +At the appointed time to Ahura, the royal wife, was born a child, a +girl with a fresh and lovely face and waving hair and eyes that from +the first were blue like the summer sky at even. Also on her breast +was a mole of the length of a finger nail, which mole was shaped like +the holy Sign of Life. + +Now Pharaoh and his house and the priests in every temple, and indeed +all Egypt went mad with joy, though there were many who in secret +mourned over the sex of the infant, whispering that a man and not a +woman should wear the Double Crown. But in public they said nothing, +since the story of this child had gone abroad and folk declared that +it was sent by the gods, and divine, and that the goddesses, Isis, +Nepthys, and Hathor, with Khemu, the Maker of Mankind, were seen in +the birth chamber, glowing like gold. + +Also Pharaoh issued a decree that wherever the name of the Queen Ahura +was graven in all the land, to it should be added the title "By the +will of Amen, Mother of his Morning Star," and that a new hall should +be built in the temple of Amen in the Northern Apt, and all about it +carved the story of the coming of Prince Abi and of the vision of the +Queen. + +But Ahura never lived to see this glorious place, since from the hour +of her daughter's birth she began to sink. On the fourteenth day, the +day of purification, she bade the nurse bring the beautiful babe, and +gazed at it long and blessed it, and spoke with the Ka or Double of +the child, which she said she saw lying on her arm beside it, bidding +that Ka protect it well through the dangers of life and death until +the hour of resurrection. Then she said that she heard Amen calling to +her to pay the price which she had promised for the gift of the divine +child, the price of her own life, and smiled upon Pharaoh her husband, +and died happily with a radiant face. + +Now joy was turned to mourning, and during all the days of embalming +Egypt wept for Ahura until, at length, the time came when her body was +rowed across the Nile to the splendid tomb which she had made ready in +the Valley of the Queens, causing masons and artists to labour at it +without cease. For Ahura knew from the day of her vision that she was +doomed to die, and remembered that the tombs of the dead remain as the +live hands leave them, since few waste gold and toil upon the eternal +house of one who is dead. + +So Ahura was buried with great pomp and all her jewels, and Pharaoh, +who mourned her truly, made splendid offerings in the chapel of her +tomb, and having laid in the mouth of it the funeral boat in which she +was borne across the Nile, he built it up for ever, and poured sand +over the rock, so that none should find its place until the Day of +Awakening. + +Meanwhile, the infant grew and flourished, and when it was six months +old, was taken to the college of the priestesses of Amen, there to be +reared and taught. + + + +Now on the day of the birth of the Princess Neter-Tua, there happened +another birth with which our story has to do. The captain of the guard +of the temple of Amen was one Mermes, who had married his own half- +sister, Asti, the enchantress. As was well known, this Mermes was by +right and true descent the last of that house of Pharaohs which had +filled the throne of Egypt until their line was cast down generations +before by the dynasty that now ruled the land, whereof the reigning +Pharaoh and his daughter Neter-Tua alone remained. A long while past, +in the early days of his reign, his council has whispered in Pharaoh's +ear that he should kill Mermes and his sister, lest a day should come +when they rebelled against him, proclaiming that they did so by right +of blood. But Pharaoh, who was gentle and hated murder, instead of +slaying Mermes sent for him and told him all. + +Then Mermes, a noble-looking man as became the stock from which he +sprang, prostrated himself and said, + +"O Pharaoh, why should you kill me? It has pleased the gods to debase +my House and to set up yours. Have I ever lifted up my heel against +you because my forefathers were kings, or plotted with the discontent +to overthrow you! See, I am satisfied with my station, which is that +of a noble and a soldier in your army. Therefore let me and my half- +sister, the wise lady Asti whom I purpose to marry, dwell on in peace +as your true and humble servants. Dip not your hands in our innocent +blood, O Pharaoh, lest the gods send a curse upon you and your House +and our ghosts come back from the grave to haunt you." + +When Pharaoh heard these words, his heart was moved in him, and he +stretched out his sceptre for Mermes to kiss, thereby granting to him +life and protection. + +"Mermes," he said, "you are an honourable man, and my equal in blood +if not in place. For their own purposes the gods raise up one and cast +down another that at last their ends may be fulfilled. I believe that +you will work no harm against me and mine, and, therefore, I will work +no harm against you and your sister Asti, Mistress of Magic. Rather +shall you be my friend and counsellor." + +Then Pharaoh offered high rank and office to him, but Mermes would not +take them, answering that if he did, envy would be stirred up against +him, and in this way or that bring him to his death, since tall trees +are the first to fall. So in the end Pharaoh made Mermes Captain of +the Guard of Amen, and gave him land and houses enough to enable him +to live as a noble of good estate, but no more. Also he became a +friend of Pharaoh and one of his inner Council, to whose voice he +always listened, for Mermes was a true-hearted man. + +Afterwards Mermes married Asti, but like Pharaoh for a long while he +remained childless, since he took no other wives. On the day of the +birth of the Princess Tua, the Morning Star of Amen, however, Asti +bore a son, a royal-looking child of great strength and beauty and +very fair in colour, as tradition said that the kings of his race had +been before him, but with black and shining eyes. + +"See," said the midwife, "here is a head shaped to wear a crown." + +Whereon Asti, his mother, forgetting her caution in her joy, or +perhaps inspired by the gods, for from her childhood she was a +prophetess, answered, + +"Yes, and I think that this head and a crown will come close +together," and she kissed him and named him Rames after her royal +forefather, the founder of their line. + +As it chanced a spy overheard this saying and reported it to the +Council, and the Council urged Pharaoh to cause the boy to be put +away, as they had urged in the case of his father, Mermes, because of +the words of omen that Asti had spoken, and because she had given her +son a royal name, naming him after the majesty of Ra, as though he +were indeed the child of a king. But Pharaoh would not, asking with +his soft smile whether they wished him to baptise his daughter in the +blood of another infant who drew his first breath upon the same day, +and adding: + +"Ra sheds his glory upon all, and this high-born boy may live to be a +friend in need to her whom Amen has given to Egypt. Let things befall +as the gods decree. Who am I that I should make myself a god and +destroy a life that they have fashioned?" + +So the boy Rames lived and throve, and Mermes and Asti, when they came +to hear of these things, thanked Pharaoh and blessed him. + +Now the house of Mermes, as Captain of the Guard, was within the wall +of the great temple of Amen, near to the palace of the priestesses of +Amen where the Princess Neter-Tua was nurtured. Thus it came about +that when the Queen Ahura died, the lady Asti was named as nurse to +the Princess, since Pharaoh said that she should drink no milk save +that of one in whose veins ran royal blood. So Asti was Tua's foster +mother, and night by night she slept in her arms together with her own +son, Rames. Afterwards, too, when they were weaned the babes were +taught to walk and speak together, and later, as children, they became +playmates. + +Thus from the first these two loved each other, as brother and sister +love when they are twins. But although the boy was bold and brave, +this little princess always had the mastery of him, not because she +was a princess and heir to the throne of Egypt--for all the high +titles they gave her fell idly on her ears, nor did she think anything +of the bowings of courtiers and of priests--but from some strength +within herself. She it was that set the games they played, and when +she talked he was obliged to listen, for although she was so sound and +healthy, this Tua differed from other children. + +Thus she had what she called her "silent hours" when she would suffer +no one to come near her, not her ladies or her foster-mother, Asti +herself, nor even Rames. Then, followed by the women at a distance, +she would wander among the great columns of the temple and study the +sculptures on the walls; and, since all places were open to her, +Pharaoh's child, enter the sanctuaries, and stare at the gods that sat +in them fashioned in granite and in alabaster. This she would do even +in the solemn moonlight when mortals were afraid to approach these +sacred shrines, and come thence unconcerned and smiling. + +"What do you see there, O Morning Star?" asked little Rames of her +once. "They are dull things, those stone gods that have never moved +since the beginning of the world; also they frighten me, especially +when Ra is set." + +"They are not dull, and they do not frighten me," answered Tua; "they +talk to me, and although I cannot understand all they say, I am happy +with them." + +"Talk!" he said contemptuously, "how can stones talk?" + +"I do not know. I think it is their spirits that talk, telling me +stories which happened before I was born and that shall happen after I +am dead, yes, and after /they/ seem to be dead. Now be silent--I say +that they talk to me--it is enough." + +"For me it would be more than enough," said the boy, "but then I am +not called Child of Amen, who only worship Menthu, God of War." + + + +When Rames was seven years of age, every morning he was taken to +school in the temple, where the priests taught him to write with pens +of reed upon tablets of wood, and told him more about the gods of +Egypt than he ever wanted to hear again. During these hours, except +when she was being instructed by the great ladies of the Court, or by +high-priestesses, Tua was left solitary, since by the command of +Pharaoh no other children were allowed to play with her, perhaps +because there were none in the temple of her age whose birth was +noble. + +Once when he came back from his school in the evening Rames asked her +if she had not been lonely without him. She answered, No, as she had +another companion. + +"Who is it?" he asked jealously. "Show me and I will fight him." + +"No one that you can see, Rames," she replied. "Only my own Ka." + +"Your Ka! I have heard of Kas, but I never saw one. What is it like?" + +"Just like me, except that it throws no shadow, and only comes when I +am quite by myself, and then, although I hear it often, I see it +rarely, for it is mixed up with the light." + +"I don't believe in Kas," exclaimed Rames scornfully, "you make them +up out of your head." + +A little while after this talk something happened that caused Rames to +change his mind about Kas, or at any rate the Ka of Tua. In a hidden +court of the temple was a deep pool of water with cemented sides, +where, it was said, lived a sacred crocodile, an enormous beast that +had dwelt there for hundreds of years. Rames and Tua having heard of +this crocodile, often talked of it and longed to see it, but could not +for there was a high wall round the tank, and in it a door of copper +that was kept locked, except when once in every eight days the priests +took in food to the crocodile--living goats and sheep, and sometimes a +calf, none of which ever came back again. + +Now one day Rames watching them return, saw the priest, who was called +Guardian of the Door, put his hand behind him to thrust the key with +which he had just locked the door, into his wallet, and missing the +mouth of the wallet, let it fall upon the sand, then go upon his way +knowing nothing of what he had done. + +When he had gone in a great hurry, for he was a fat old priest and the +dinner hour was at hand, Rames pounced upon the key and hid it in his +robe. Then he sought out the princess and said, + +"Morning Star, this evening, when I come back from school and am +allowed to play with you, we can look at the wonderful beast in the +tank, for look, I have the key which that fat priest will not search +for till seven days are gone by, before which I can take it to him, +saying that I found it in the sand, or perhaps put it back into his +wallet." + +When she heard this Tua's eyes shone, since above all things she +desired to see this holy monster. But in the evening when the boy came +running to her eagerly--for he had thought of nothing but the +crocodile all day, and had bought a pigeon from a school-fellow with +which to feed the brute--he found Tua in a different mood. + +"I don't think that we will go to see the holy crocodile, Rames," she +said, looking at him thoughtfully. + +"Why not?" he asked amazed. "There is no one about, and I have put fat +upon the key so that it will make no noise." + +"Because my Ka has been with me, Rames, and told me that it is a bad +act and if we do trouble will come to us." + +"Oh! may the fiend Set take your Ka," replied the lad in a rage. "Show +it to me and I will talk with it." + +"I cannot, Rames, for it is /me/. Moreover, if Set took it, he would +take me also, and you are wicked to wish such a thing." + +Now the boy began to cry with vexation, sobbing out that she was not +to be trusted, and that he had paid away his bronze knife, which +Pharaoh had given him when last he visited the temple, for a pigeon to +tempt the beast to the top of the water, so that they might see it, +although the knife was worth many pigeons, and Pharaoh would be angry +if he heard that he had parted with it. + +"Why should we take the life of a poor pigeon to please ourselves?" +asked Tua, softening a little at the sight of his grief. + +"It's taken already," he answered. "It fluttered so that I had to sit +on it to hide it from the priest, and when he had gone it was dead. +Look," and he opened the linen bag he held, and showed her the dove +cold and stiff. + +"As you did not mean to kill it, that makes a difference," said Tua +judicially. "Well, perhaps my Ka did not mean that we should not have +one peep, and it is a pity to waste the poor pigeon, which then will +have died for nothing." + +Rames agreed that it would be the greatest of pities, so the two +children slipped away through the trees of the garden into the shadow +of the wall, along which they crept till they came to the bronze door. +Then guiltily enough Rames put the great key into the lock, and with +the help of a piece of wood which he had also made ready, that he set +in the ring of the key to act as a lever, the two of them turning +together shot back the heavy bolts. + +Taking out the key lest it should betray them, they opened the door a +little and squeezed themselves through into the forbidden place. No +sooner had they done so than almost they wished themselves back again, +for there was something about the spot that frightened them, to say +nothing of the horrible smell which made Tua feel ill. It was a great +tank, with a little artificial island in its centre, full of slimy +water that looked almost black because of the shadow of the high +walls, and round it ran a narrow stone path. At one spot in this path, +however, where grew some dank-looking trees and bushes, was a slope, +also of stone, and on the slope with its prow resting in the water a +little boat, and in the boat, oars. But of the crocodile there was +nothing to be seen. + +"It is asleep somewhere," whispered Tua, "let us go away, I do not +like this stench." + +"Stench," answered Rames. "I smell nothing except the lilies on the +water. Let us wake it up, it would be silly to go now. Surely you are +not afraid, O Star." + +"Oh, no! I am not afraid," answered Tua proudly. "Only wake it up +quickly, please." + +What Rames did not add was that it would be impossible to retreat as +the door had closed behind them, and there was no keyhole on its inner +side. + +So they walked round the tank, but wherever it might lurk, the +sleeping crocodile refused to wake. + +"Let us get into the boat and look for it," suggested Rames. "Perhaps +it is hiding on the island." + +So he led her to the stone slope, where to her horror Tua saw the +remains of the crocodile's last meal, a sight that caused her to +forget her doubts and jump into the boat very quickly. Then Rames gave +it a push and sprang in after her, so that they found themselves +floating on the water. Now, standing in the bow, the boy took an oar +and paddled round the island, but still there were no signs of the +crocodile. + +"I don't believe it is here at all," he said, recovering his courage. + +"You might try the pigeon," suggested Tua, who, now that there was +less smell, felt her curiosity returning. + +This was a good thought upon which Rames acted at once. Taking the +dead bird from the bag he spread out its wings to make it look as +though it were alive, and threw it into the water, exclaiming, "Arise, +O Holy Crocodile!" + +Then with fearful suddenness, whence they knew not, that crocodile +arose. An awful scaly head appeared with dull eyes and countless +flashing fangs, and behind the head cubit upon cubit of monstrous +form. The fangs closed upon the pigeon and everything vanished. + +"That was the Holy Crocodile," said Rames abstractedly as he stared at +the boiling waters, "which has lived here during the reigns of eight +Pharaohs, and perhaps longer. Now we have seen it." + +"Yes," answered Tua, "and I never want to see it again. Get me away +quick, or I will tell your father." + +Thus adjured the boy, nothing loth, seized his oar, when suddenly the +ancient crocodile, having swallowed the dove, thrust up its snout +immediately beneath them and began to follow the boat. Now Tua +screamed aloud and said something about her Ka. + +"Tell it to keep off the crocodile," shouted Rames as he worked the +oar furiously. "Nothing can hurt a Ka." + +But the crocodile would not be kept off. On the contrary, it thrust +its grey snout and one of its claws over the stern of the boat in such +a fashion that Rames could no longer work the oar, dragging it almost +under water, and snapped with its horrible jaws. + +"Oh! it is coming in; we are going to be eaten," cried Tua. + +At that moment the boat touched the landing-place and swung round, so +that its bow, where Tua was, struck the head of the crocodile, which +seemed to infuriate the beast. At least, it hurled itself upon the +boat, causing the fore part to heel over, fill with water, and begin +to sink. Then the little lad, Rames, showed the courage that was in +him. Shouting to Tua: + +"Get on shore, get on shore!" he plunged past her and smote the huge +reptile upon the head with the blade of his oar. It opened its hideous +mouth, and he thrust the oar into it and held on. + +"Leave go," cried Tua, as she scrambled to land. + +But Rames would not leave go, for in his brave little heart he thought +that if he did the crocodile would follow Tua and eat her. So he clung +to the handle till it was wrenched from him. Indeed he did more, for +seeing that the crocodile had bitten the wooden blade in two and, +having dropped it, was still advancing towards the slope where it was +accustomed to be fed, he leapt into the water and struck it in the eye +with his little fist. Feeling the pain of the blow the monster snapped +at him, and catching him by the hand began to sink back into deep +water, dragging the lad after it. + +Rames said nothing, but Tua, who already was at the head of the stage, +looked round and saw the agony on his face. + +"Help me, Amen!" she cried, and flying back, grasped Rames by his left +arm just as he was falling over, then set her heels in a crack of the +rock and held on. For one moment she was dragged forward till she +thought that she must fall upon her face and be drowned or eaten with +Rames, but the next something yielded, and she and the boy tumbled in +a heap upon the stones. They rose and staggered together to the +terrace. As they went Tua saw that Rames was looking at his right hand +curiously; also that it was covered with blood, and that the little +finger was torn off it. Then she remembered nothing further, except a +sound of shouts and of heavy hammering at the copper door. + +When she recovered it was to find herself in the house of Mermes with +the lady Asti bending over her and weeping. + +"Why do you weep, Nurse?" she asked, "seeing that I am safe?" + +"I weep for my son, Princess," she answered between her sobs. + +"Is he dead of his wounds, then, Asti?" + +"No, O Morning Star, he lies sick in his chamber. But soon Pharaoh +will kill him because he led her who will be Queen of Egypt into great +danger of her life." + +"Not so," said Tua, springing up, "for he saved my life." + +As she spoke the door opened and in came Pharaoh himself, who had been +summoned hastily from the palace. His face was white and he shook with +fear, for it had been reported to him that his only child was drowned. +When he saw that she lived and was not even hurt, he could not contain +his joy, but casting his arms about her, sank to his knees giving +thanks to the gods and the guardian spirits. She kissed him, and +studying his face with her wise eyes, asked why he was so much afraid. + +"Because I thought you had been killed, my daughter." + +"Why did you think that, O my father, seeing that the great god, Amen, +before I was born promised to protect me always, though it is true +that had it not been for Rames----" + +Now at the mention of this name Pharaoh was filled with rage. + +"Speak not of that wicked lad," he exclaimed, "now or ever more, for +he shall be scourged till he dies!" + +"My father," answered Tua, springing up, "forget those words, for if +Rames dies I will die also. It is I who am to blame, not he, for my Ka +warned me not to look upon the beast, but to Rames no Ka spoke. +Moreover, when that evil god would have eaten me it was Rames who +fought with it and offered himself to its jaws in my place. Listen, my +father, while I tell you all the story." + +So Pharaoh listened, and when it was done he sent for Rames. Presently +the boy was carried in, for he had lost so much blood that he could +not walk, and was placed upon a stool before him. + +"Slay me now, O Pharaoh," he said in a weak voice, "for I have sinned. +Moreover, I shall die happy since my spirit gave me strength to beat +off the evil beast from the Princess whom I led into trouble." + +"Truly you have done wickedly," said Pharaoh, shaking his head at him, +"and, therefore, perhaps, you will lose your hand and even your life. +Yet, child, you have a royal heart, who first saved your playmate and +then, even in my presence, take all the blame upon yourself. Therefore +I forgive you, son of Mermes; moreover, I see that I was wise not to +listen to those who counselled that you should be put away at birth," +and bending over the boy, Pharaoh kissed him on the brow. + +Also he gave orders that the greatest physicians in the land should +attend upon him and purge the poison of the crocodile's teeth from his +body, and when he recovered--which save for the loss of the little +finger of his right hand, he did completely--he sent him a sword with +a handle of gold fashioned to the shape of a crocodile, in place of +the knife which he had paid away for the pigeon, bidding him use it +bravely all his life in defence of her who would be his queen. +Further, although he was still so young, he gave to him the high title +of Count in earnest of his love and favour, and with it a name that +meant Defender of the Royal Lady. + +After he had gone Asti the prophetess looked at the sword which +Pharaoh had given to her son. + +"I see royal blood on it," she said, and handed it back to Rames. + + + +But Rames and Tua were no more allowed to play together alone, for +always after this the Princess was accompanied by women of honour and +an armed guard. Also, within a year or two the boy was placed in +charge of a general to be brought up as a soldier, a trade that he +liked well enough, so that from this time forward he and Neter-Tua met +but seldom. Still there was a bond between them which could not be +broken by absence, for already they loved each other, and every night +and morning when Tua made her petitions to Amen, after praying for +Pharaoh her father, and for the spirit of her royal mother, Ahura, she +prayed for Rames, and that they might meet soon. For the months when +her eyes did not fall upon his face were wearisome to Tua. + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE SUMMONING OF AMEN + +The years went by and the Princess Neter-Tua, who was called Morning +Star of Amen, came at length to womanhood, and went through the +ceremonies of Purification. In all Egypt there was no maiden so wise +and spirited or so lovely. Tall and slender was her shape, blue as the +sea were her eyes, rosy like the dawn were her cheeks, and when she +did not wear it in a net of gold, her black and curling hair fell +almost to her waist. Also she was very learned, for priests and +priestesses taught her all things that she ought to know, together +with the arts of playing on the harp and of singing and dancing, while +her own excellent Spirit, that Ka which Amen had given her, instructed +her in a deeper wisdom which she gathered unconsciously in sleep and +waking dreams, as the slumbering earth gathers dew at night. + +Moreover, her father, the wise old Pharaoh, opened to her the craft of +statesmanship, by help of which she might govern men and overthrow her +enemies. Indeed, he did more, for when her education was finished, he +joined her with him in the government of Egypt, saying: + +"I who always lacked bodily strength, grow aged and feeble. This +mighty crown is too heavy for me to bear alone. Daughter, you must +share its weight." + +So the young Neter-Tua became a queen, and great was the ceremony of +her coronation. The high priests and priestesses, clothed in the robes +and symbols of their gods and goddesses, addressed speeches to her and +blessed her in their names, giving her every good gift and promising +to her eternal life. Princes and nobles made her offerings; foreign +chiefs and kings bowed before her by their ambassadors. The Counts and +headmen of the Two Lands swore allegiance to her, and, finally, in the +presence of all the Court, Pharaoh himself set the double crown upon +her brow and gave her her throne-names of "Glorious in Ra and Hathor +Strong in Beauty." + +So for a while Tua sat splendid on her golden seat while the people +adored her, but in that triumphant hour her eyes searched for one face +only, that of the tall and gallant captain, Rames, her foster-brother, +and for a moment rested there content. Yes, their eyes met, those of +the new-crowned Empress on her throne and of the youthful noble in the +throng below. Short was the greeting, for next instant she looked +away, yet more full of meaning than whole days of speech. + +"The Queen does not forget what the child remembered, the goddess is +still a woman," it seemed to say. And so sweet was that message that +Rames staggered from the Court like one stricken by the sun. + + + +Night came at last, and having dismissed her secretaries, scribes and +tire-women the weary girl, now clad in simple white, sat in her +chamber alone. She thought of all the splendours through which she had +passed; she thought of the glories of her imperial state, of the power +that she wielded, and of the proud future which stretched before her +feet. But most of all she thought of the face of the young Count +Rames, the playmate of her childhood, the man she loved, and wondered, +ah! how she wondered, if with all her power she could ever draw him to +her side. If not, of what use was this rule over millions, this +dominion of her world? They called her a goddess, and in truth, at +times, she believed that she was half-divine, but if so, why did her +heart ache like that of any common maid? + +Moreover, was she really set above the misfortunes of her race? Could +a throne, however bright with gold, lift her above the sorrows of +human kind? She desired to learn the truth, the very truth. Her mind +was urgent, it drove her on to search out things to come, to stand +face to face with them, even if they were evil. Well, she believed she +had the strength, although, as yet, she had never called it to her +aid. + +Also this thing could not be done alone. Tua thought a while, then +going to the door of her chamber she bade a woman who waited without +summon to her the Lady Asti, priestess of Amen, Interpreter of Heaven. +Presently Asti came, for now, as always, she was in attendance upon +the new-crowned queen, a tall and noble-looking woman with fine-cut +features and black hair, that although she was fifty years of age, +still showed no trace of grey. + +"I was in the Sanctuary when your Majesty summoned me," she said, +pointing to the sacred robe she wore. "Let your Majesty pardon me, +therefore, if I have been long in coming," and she bowed low before +her. + +But the Queen lifted her up and kissed her, saying, + +"I am weary of those high titles whereof I have heard more than enough +to-day. Call me Tua, O my mother, for so you have ever been to me, +from whose breast I drew the milk of life." + +"What ails you, my child?" asked Asti. "Was the crown too heavy for +this young head of yours?" she added, stretching out her delicate hand +and stroking the black and curling hair. + +"Aye, Mother, the weight of it seemed to crush me with its gems and +gold. I am weary and yet I cannot sleep. Tell me, why did Pharaoh +summon that Council after the feast? Mermes was one of them, so you +must know. And why was not I, who henceforth rule with Pharaoh, +present with him?" + +"Would you learn?" said Asti with a little smile. "Well, as Queen you +have the right. It was because they discussed the matter of your +marriage." + +For a moment a light shone upon Tua's face. Then she asked anxiously: + +"My marriage, and with whom?" + +"Oh! many names were mentioned, Child, since she who rules Egypt does +not lack for suitors." + +"Tell me them quick, Asti." + +So she told them, there were seven in all, the Prince of Kesh, the +sons of foreign kings, great nobles, and a general of the army who +claimed descent from a former Pharaoh. + +As each name fell from Asti's lips Tua waved her hand, saying scornful +words, such as "I know him not," "Too old," "Fat and hideous," "A +foreign dog who spits upon our gods," and so forth, adding at last: + +"Go on." + +"That is all, Lady, no other name was mentioned, and the Council +adjourned to consider these." + +"No other name?" + +"Do you then miss one, perchance, Tua?" + +She made no answer, only her lips seemed to shape themselves to a +certain sound that they did not utter. The two women looked each other +in the eyes, then Asti shook her head. + +"It may not be," she whispered, "for many reasons, and amongst them +that by the solemn decree of long ago whereof I have told you, our +blood is barred for ever from the throne. None would dare to break it, +not even the Pharaoh himself. You would bring my son to his death, +Tua, which such another look as you gave him in yonder hall would +surely do." + +"No," she answered slowly, "I would not bring him to his death, but to +life and honour and--love, and one day /I/ shall be Pharaoh. Only, +Asti, if you betray me to him I swear that I will bring you to your +death, although you are so dear." + +"I shall not betray you," answered the priestess, smiling again. "In +truth, most Beautiful, I do not think there is any need, even if I +would. Say now, why did a certain captain turn faint and leave the +hall to-day when your eyes chanced to fall on him?" + +"The heat," suggested Tua, colouring. + +"Yes, it was hot, but he is stronger than most men and had borne it +long--like others. Still there are fires----" + +"Because he was afraid of my majesty," broke in Tua hurriedly. "You +know I looked very royal there, Mother." + +"Yes, doubtless fear moved him--or some other passion. Yet, Beloved, +put that thought from your heart as I do. When you are Pharaoh you +will learn that a monarch is a slave to the people and to the law. +Breathe but his name in love, and never will you see him more till you +meet before Osiris." + +Tua hid her eyes in her hands for a moment, then she glanced up and +there was another look upon her face, a strange, new look. + +"When I am Pharaoh," she answered, "there are certain matters in which +I will be my own law, and if the people do not like it, they may find +another Pharaoh." + +Asti started at her words, and a light of joy shone in her deep eyes. + +"Truly your heart is high," she said; "but, oh! if you love me--and +another--bury that thought, bury it deep, or he will never live to see +you placed alone upon the golden seat. Know, Lady, that already from +hour to hour I fear for him--lest he should drink a poisoned cup, lest +at night he should chance to stumble against a spear, lest an arrow-- +shot in sport--should fall against his throat and none know whence it +came." + +Tua clenched her hands. + +"If so, there should be such vengeance as Egypt has not heard of since +Mena ruled." + +"Of what use is vengeance, Child, when the heart is empty and the tomb +is sealed?" + +Again Tua thought. Then she said: + +"There are other gods besides Osiris. Now what do men call me, Mother? +Nay, not my royal names." + +"They call you Morning Star of Amen; they call you Daughter of Amen." + +"Is that story true, Asti the Magician?" + +"Aye, at least your mother dreamed the dream, for she told it to me +and I have read its record, who am a priestess of Amen." + +"Then this high god should love me, should he not? He should hear my +prayers and give me power--he should protect those who are dear to me. +Mother, they say that you, the Mistress of secret things, can open the +ears of the gods and cause their mouths to speak. Mother, I command +you as your Queen, call up my father Amen before me, so that I may +talk with him, for I have words to which he must listen." + +"Are you not afraid?" asked Asti, looking at her curiously. "He is the +greatest of all the gods, and to summon him lightly is a sacrilege." + +"Should a daughter fear her father?" answered Tua. + +"When the divine Queen your mother and Pharaoh knelt before him in his +shrine, praying that a child might be given to them, Amen did not +deign to appear to them, save afterwards in a dream. Will you dare +more than they? Lie down and dream, O Star of the Morning." + +"Nay, I trust no dreams which change like summer clouds and pass as +soon," answered the girl boldly. "If the god is my father, in the +spirit or the flesh, I know not which, let him appear before me face +to face. I ask his wisdom for myself and his favour for another. Call +him, if you have the power, Asti. Call him even if he slay me. Better +that I should die than----" + +"Hush!" said Asti, laying her hand upon her lips, "speak not that +name. Well, I have some skill, and for your sake--and another's--I +will try, but not here. Perchance he may listen, perchance not, or, +perchance, if he comes you and I must pay the price. Put on your +robes, now, O Queen, and over them this veil, and follow me--if you +dare." + + + +Along narrow passages they crept and down many a secret-stair, till at +length they came to a door at the foot of a long slope of rock. This +door Asti unlocked and thrust open, then when they had entered, +re-locked it behind them. + +"What is this place?" whispered Tua. + +"The burial crypt of the high priestesses of Amen, where it is said +that the god watches. None have entered it for hard on thirty years. +See here in the dust run the footsteps of those who bore the last +priestess to her rest." + +She held up her lamp, and by the light of it Tua saw that they were in +a great cave painted with figures of the gods which had on either side +of it recesses. In each of these was set a coffin with a gilded face, +and behind it an alabaster statue of her who lay therein, and in front +of it a table of offerings. At the head of the crypt stood a small +altar of black stone, for the rest the place was empty. + +Asti led Tua to a step in front of the altar and bidding her kneel, +departed with the lamp which she hid away in some side chapel, so that +now the darkness was intense. Presently, through the utter silence, +Tua heard her creep back towards her, for although she walked so +softly the dust seemed to cry beneath her feet, and her every footstep +echoed round the vaulted walls. Moreover, a glow came from her, the +glow of her life in that place of death. She passed Tua and knelt by +the altar and the echo of her movements died away. Only it seemed to +Tua that from each of the tombs to the right and to the left rose the +Ka of her who was buried there, and drew near to watch and listen. She +could not see them, she could not hear them, yet she knew that they +were there and was able to count their number--thirty and two in all-- +while within herself rose a picture of them, each differing from the +other, but all white, expectant, solemn. + +Now Tua heard Asti murmuring secret invocations that she did not +understand. In that place and silence they sounded weird and dreadful, +and as she hearkened to them, for the first time fear crept over her. +Kneeling there upon her knees she bent her head almost to the dust and +put up prayers to Amen that he might be pleased to hear her and to +satisfy the longings of her heart. She prayed and prayed till she grew +faint and weary, while always Asti uttered her invocations. But no +answer came, no deity appeared, no voice spoke. At length Asti rose, +and coming to her, whispered in her ear: + +"Let us depart ere the watching spirits, whose rest we have broken, +grow wrath with us. The god has shut his ears." + +So Tua rose, clinging to Asti, for now, she knew not why, her fear +grew and deepened. For a moment she stood upon her feet, then sank to +her knees again, for there at the far end of the great tomb, near to +the door by which they had entered, appeared a glow upon the darkness. +Slowly it took form, the form of a woman clad in the royal robes of +Egypt, and bearing in its hand a sceptre. The figure of light advanced +towards them, so that presently they saw its face. Tua did not know +the face, though it seemed to her to be like her own, but Asti knew +it, and at the sight sank to the ground. + +Now the figure stood in front of them, a thing of light framed in the +thick darkness, and now in a sweet, low voice it spoke. + +"Hail! Queen of Egypt," it said. "Hail! Neter-Tua, Daughter of Amen. +Art thou afraid to look on the spirit of her who bore thee, thou that +didst dare to summon the Father of the gods to do thy bidding?" + +"I am afraid," answered Tua, shaking in all her limbs. + +"And thou, Asti the Magician, art thou afraid also, who but now wast +bold enough to cry to Amen-Ra--'Come from thy high heaven and make +answer'?" + +"It is even so, O Queen Ahura," murmured Asti. + +"Woman," went on the voice, "thy sin is great, and great is the sin of +this royal one at thy side. Had Amen hearkened, how would the two of +you have stood before his glory, who at the sight of this shape of +mine that once was mortal like yourselves, crouch choking to the +earth? I tell you both that had the god arisen, as in your wickedness +ye willed, there where ye knelt, there ye would have died. But he who +knows all is merciful, and in his place has sent me his messenger that +ye may live to look upon to-morrow's sun." + +"Let Amen pardon us!" gasped Tua, "it was my sin, O Mother, for I +commanded Asti and she obeyed me. On me be the blame, not on her, for +I am torn with doubts and fears, for myself and for another. I would +know the future." + +"Why, O Queen Neter-Tua, why wouldst thou know the future? If hell +yawns beneath thy feet, why wouldst thou peep through its golden doors +before the time? The future is hid from mortals because, could they +pierce its veil, it would crush them with its terrors. If all the woes +of life and death lay open the gaze, who would dare to live and who-- +oh! who could dare to die?" + +"Then woes await me, O thou who wast my mother?" + +"How can it be otherwise? Light and darkness make the day, joy and +sorrow make the life. Thou art human, be content." + +"Divine also, O Ahura, if all tales be true." + +"Then pay for thy divinity in tears and be satisfied. Content is the +guerdon of the beast, but gods are wafted upwards on the wings of +pain. How can that gold be pure which has not known the fire?" + +"Thou tellest me nothing," wailed Tua, "and it is not for myself I +ask. I am fair, I am Amen's daughter, and splendid is my heritage. +Yet, O Dweller in Osiris, thou who once didst fill the place I hold +to-day, I tell thee that I would pay away this pomp, could I but be +sure that I shall not live loveless, that I shall not be given as a +chattel to one whom I hate, that one--whom I do not hate--will live to +call me--wife. Great dangers threaten him--and me, Amen is mighty; he +is the potter that moulds the clay of men; if I be his child, if his +spirit is breathed into me, oh! let him help me now." + +"Let thine own faith help thee. Are not the words of Amen, which he +spake concerning thee, written down? Study them and ask no more. Love +is an arrow that does not miss its mark; it is the immortal fire from +on high which winds and waters cannot quench. Therefore love on. Thou +shalt not love in vain. Queen and Daughter, fare thee well awhile." + +"Nay, nay, one word, Immortal. I thank thee, thou Messenger of the +gods, but when these troubles come upon me--and another, when the sea +of dangers closes o'er our heads, when shame is near and I am lonely, +as well may chance, then to whom shall I turn for succour?" + +"Then thou hast one within thee who is strong to aid. It was given to +thee at thy birth, O Star of Amen, and Asti can call it forth. Come +hither, thou Asti, and swiftly, for I must be gone, and first I would +speak with thee." + +Asti crept forward, and the glowing shape in the royal robe bent over +her so that the light of it shone upon her face. It bent over her and +seemed to whisper in her ear. Then it held out its hands towards Tua +as though in blessing, and instantly was not. + + + +Once more the two women stood in Tua's chamber. Pale and shaken they +looked into each other's eyes. + +"You have had your will, Queen," said Asti; "for if Amen did not come, +he sent a messenger, and a royal one." + +"Interpret me this vision," answered Tua, "for to me, at any rate, +that Spirit said little." + +"Nay, it said much. It said that love fails not of its reward, and +what more went you out to seek?" + +"Then I am glad," exclaimed Tua joyfully. + +"Be not too glad, Queen, for to-night we have sinned, both of us, who +dared to summon Amen from his throne, and sin also fails not of its +reward. Blood is the price of that oracle." + +"Whose blood, Asti? Ours?" + +"Nay, worse, that of those who are dear to us. Troubles arise in +Egypt, Queen." + +"You will not leave me when they break, Asti?" + +"I may not if I would. The Fates have bound us together till the end, +and that I think is far away. I am yours as once you were mine when +you lay upon my breast, but bid me no more to summon Amen from his +throne." + + + +CHAPTER V + +HOW RAMES FOUGHT THE PRINCE OF KESH + +Now for a whole moon there were great festivals in Thebes, and in all +of these Neter-Tua, "Glorious in Ra, Hathor Strong in Beauty, Morning +Star of Amen," must take her part as new-crowned Queen of Egypt. Feast +followed feast, and at each of them one of the suitors of her hand was +the guest of honour. + +Then after it was done, Pharaoh her father and his councillors would +wait upon her and ask if this man was pleasing to her. Being wise, Tua +would give no direct answer, only of most of them she was rid in this +way. + +She demanded that the writing of the dream of her mother, Ahura, +should be brought and read before her, and when it had been read she +pointed out that Amen promised to her a royal lover, and that these +chiefs and generals were not royal, therefore it was not of them that +Amen spoke, nor did she dare to turn her eyes on one whom the god had +forbidden to her. + +Of others who declared that they were kings, but who, being unable to +leave their countries, were represented by ambassadors, she said that +not having seen them she could say nothing. When they appeared at the +Court of Egypt, she would consider them. + +So at length only one suitor was left, the man whom she knew well +Pharaoh and his councillors desired that she should take as husband. +This was Amathel, the Prince of Kesh, whose father, an aged king, +ruled at Napata, a great city far to the south, situated in a land +that was called an island because the river Nile embraced it in its +two arms. It was said that after Egypt this country was the richest in +the whole world, for there gold was so plentiful that men thought it +of less value than copper and iron; also there were mines in which +beautiful stones were found, and the soil grew corn in abundance. + +Moreover, once in the far past, a race of Pharaohs sprung from this +city of Napata, had sat on the throne of Egypt, until at length the +people of Egypt, headed by the priests, had risen and overthrown them +because they were foreigners and had introduced Nubian customs into +the land. Therefore it was decreed by an unalterable law that none of +their race should ever again wear the Double Crown. Of the descendants +of these Pharaohs, Rames, Tua's playmate, was the last lawful child. + +But although the Egyptians had cast them down, at heart they always +grieved over the rich territory of Napata, which was lost to them, for +when those Pharaohs fell Kesh declared itself independent and set up +another dynasty to rule over it, of which dynasty Amathel Prince of +Kesh was the heir. + +Therefore they hoped that it might come back to them by marriage +between Amathel and the young Queen Neter-Tua. Ever since she was born +the great lords and councillors of Egypt, yes, and Pharaoh himself, +seeing that he had no son to whom he might marry her after the fashion +of the country, had been working to this end. It was by secret treaty +that the Prince Amathel was present at the crowning of the Queen, of +whose hand he had been assured on the sole condition that he came to +dwell with her at Thebes. It is true that there were other suitors, +but these, as all of them knew well, were but pawns in a game played +to amuse the people. + +The king destined to take the great queen captive was Amathel and no +other. Tua knew it, for had not Asti told her, and was it not because +of her fear of this man and her love for Rames that she had dared to +commit the sacrilege of attempting to summon Amen from the skies? +Still, as yet, the Pharaoh had not spoken to her of Amathel, nor had +she met him. It was said that he had been present at her crowning in +disguise, for this proud prince gave out that were she ten times Queen +of Egypt, he would not pledge himself to wed as his royal wife, one +who was displeasing to him, and that therefore he must see her before +he pressed his suit. + +Now that he had seen her in her loveliness and glory, he announced +that he was well satisfied, which was but half the truth, for, in +fact, she had set all his southern blood on fire, and there was +nothing that he desired more than to call her wife. + +On the night which had been appointed for Amathel to meet his destined +bride, a feast had been prepared richer by far than any that went +before. Tua, feigning ignorance, on entering the great unroofed hall +lit with hundreds of torches down all its length, and seeing the +multitudes at the tables, asked of the Pharaoh, her father, who was +the guest that he would welcome with such magnificence which seemed +worthy of a god rather than of a man. + +"My daughter," answered the old monarch nervously, "it is none other +than the Prince of Kesh, who in his own country they worship as +divine, as we are worshipped here in Egypt, and who, in truth, is, or +will be, one of the greatest of kings." + +"Kesh!" she answered, "I thought that we claimed sovereignty over that +land." + +"Once it was ours, Daughter," said her father with a sigh, "or rather +the kings of Kesh were also kings of Egypt, but their dynasty fell +before my great-great-grandfather was called to the throne, and now +but three of their blood are left, Mermes, Captain of the Guard of +Amen; Asti, the Seer and Priestess, his wife, your foster-mother and +waiting lady, and the young Count Rames, a soldier in our army, who +was your playmate, and as you may remember saved you from the sacred +crocodile." + +"Yes, I remember," said Tua. "But then why is not Mermes King of +Kesh?" + +"Because the people of the city of Napata raised up another house to +rule over them, of whom Amathel is the heir." + +"A usurping heir, surely, my father, if there be anything in blood." + +"Say not that, Tua," replied Pharaoh sharply, "for then Mermes should +be Pharaoh in our place also." + +Tua made no reply, only as they took their seats in the golden chairs +at the head of the hall, she asked carelessly: + +"Is this Prince of Kesh also a suitor for my hand, O Pharaoh?" + +"What else should he be, my daughter? Did you not know it? Be gracious +to him now, since it is decreed that you shall take him as a husband. +Hush! answer not. He comes." + +As he spoke a sound of wild music arose, and at the far end of the +great hall appeared a band of players gorgeously attired, who blew +horns made from small tusks of the elephant, clashed brazen cymbals +and beat gilded drums. These advanced a little way up the hall and +stood there playing, while after them marched a bodyguard of twenty +gigantic Nubian soldiers who carried broad-bladed spears with shields +of hippopotamus hide curiously worked, and were clothed in tunics and +caps of leopard-skin. + +Next appeared the Prince of Kesh himself, a short, stout, broad- +shouldered young man, thick-featured, heavy-faced, and having large, +rolling eyes. He was clad in festal garments, and hung about with +heavy chains of gold fastened with clasps of glittering stones, while +from his crisp, black hair rose a tall plume of nodding ostrich +feathers. Fan bearers walked beside him, and the train of his long +cloak was borne by two black and hideous dwarfs, full-grown men but no +taller than a child of eight. + +With one swift glance, while he was yet far away, Tua studied the man +from head to foot, and hated him as she had never hated anyone before. +Then she looked over his head, as from her raised seat upon the dais +she was able to do, and saw that behind him came a second guard of +picked Egyptian soldiers, and that in command of them, simply clad in +his scaled armour of bronze, and wearing upon his thigh the golden- +handled sword that Pharaoh had given him, was none other than the +young Count Rames, her playmate and foster-brother, the man whom her +heart loved. At the sight of his tall and noble form and fine-cut face +rising above the coarse, squat figure of the Ethiopian prince, Tua +blushed rosy red, but Pharaoh noting it, only thought, as others did, +that it was because now for the first time her eyes fell upon him who +would be her husband. + +Why, Tua wondered, was Rames chosen to attend upon the Prince Amathel? +At once the answer rose in her mind. Doubtless it had been done to +gratify the pride of Amathel, not by Pharaoh, who would know nothing +of such matters, but by some bribed councillor, or steward of the +household. Rames was of more ancient blood than Amathel, and by right +should be the King of Kesh, as he should also be Pharaoh of Egypt; +therefore, to humble him he was set to wait upon Amathel. + +Moreover, it was guessed that the young Queen looked kindly upon this +Count Rames with whom she had been nursed, and who, like herself, was +beautiful to behold. Therefore, to abase him in her eyes he had been +commanded to appear walking in the train of Amathel and given charge +over his sacred person at the feast. + +In a moment Tua understood it all, and made a vow before her father +Amen that soon or late those who had planned this outrage should pay +its price, nor did she forget that promise in the after days. + +Now the Prince had mounted the dais and was bowing low to Pharaoh and +to her, and they must rise and bow in answer. Then Pharaoh welcomed +him to Egypt in few, well-chosen words, giving him all his titles and +speaking meaningly of the ancient ties which had linked their +kingdoms, ties which, he prayed, might yet draw them close again. + +He ceased and looked at Tua who, as Queen, had also a speech to +deliver that had been given to her in writing. Although she remembered +this well enough, for the roll lay beside her, never a word would she +read, but turned round and bade one of her waiting-ladies bring her a +fan. + +So after a pause that seemed somewhat long Amathel delivered his +answer that was learned by rote, for it replied to "gentle words from +the lips of the divine Queen that made his heart to flower like the +desert after rain," not one of which had she spoken. Thereon Tua, +looking over the top of her fan, saw Rames smile grimly, while unable +to restrain themselves, some of the great personages at the feast +broke out laughing, and bowed down their heads to hide their +merriment. + +With an angry scowl the Prince turned and commanded that the gifts +should be brought. Now slaves advanced bearing cups of worked gold, +elephants and other beasts fashioned in gold, and golden vases full of +incense, which he presented to Pharaoh on behalf of his father, the +King of Kesh and himself, saying boastfully that in his country such +things were common, and that he would have brought more of them had it +not been for their weight. + +When Pharaoh had thanked him, answering gently that Egypt too was not +poor, as he hoped that he would find upon the morrow, the Prince, on +his own behalf alone, offered to the Queen other presents, among them +pectorals and necklaces without price fashioned of amethysts and +sapphires. Also, because she was known to be the first of musicians +and the sweetest-voiced lady in the land--for these were the greatest +of the gifts that Tua had from Amen--he gave to her a wonderfully +worked harp of ivory with golden strings, the frame of the harp being +fashioned to the shape of a woman, and two black female slaves laden +with ornaments, who were said to be the best singers in the Southern +Land. + +Now Pharaoh whispered to Tua to put on one of the necklaces, but she +would not, saying that the colour of the stones did not match her +white robe and the blue lotus flowers which she wore. Instead, she +thanked Amathel coldly but courteously, and without looking at his +gifts, told the royal Nurse, Asti, who stood behind her, to bear them +away and to place them at a distance, as the perfumes that had been +poured over them, oppressed her. Only, as though by an afterthought, +she bade them leave the ivory harp. + +Thus inauspiciously enough the feast began. At it Amathel drank much +of the sweet wine of Asi or Cyprus, commanding Rames, who stood behind +him, to fill his cup again and again, though whether he did this +because he was nearest to him, or to lower him to the rank of a +butler, Tua did not know. At least, having no choice, Rames obeyed, +though cup-filling was no fitting task for a Count of Egypt and an +officer of Pharaoh's guard. + +When the waiting women, clad in net worked with spangles of gold, had +borne away the meats, conjurers appeared who did wonderful feats, +amongst other things causing a likeness of Queen Neter-Tua wearing her +royal robes and having a star upon her brow, to arise out of a vase. + +Then, as they had arranged, they strove to do the same for the Prince +Amathel, but Asti who had more magic than all of them, watching behind +Tua's chair, put out her strength and threw a spell upon them. + +Behold! instead of the form of the Prince, which these conjurers +summoned loudly and by name, there appeared out of the vase a monkey +wearing a crown and feathers that yet resembled him somewhat, which +black and hideous ape stood there for a while seeming to gibber at +them, then fell down and vanished away. + +Now some of the audience laughed and some were silent, but Pharaoh, +not knowing whether this were a plot or an evil omen from the gods, +frowned and looked anxiously at his guest. As it chanced, however, the +Prince, fired with wine, was so engaged in staring at the loveliness +of Tua, that he took no note of the thing, while the Queen looked +upwards and seemed to see nothing. As for the conjurers, they fled +from the hall, fearing for their lives, and wondering what strong +spirit had entered into the vase and spoilt the trick which they had +prepared. + +As they went singers and dancing women hurriedly took their place, +till Tua, wearying of the stare of Amathel, waved her hand and said +that she wished to hear those two Nubian slaves whose voices were said +to be so wonderful. So they were brought forward with their harps, and +having prostrated themselves, began to play and sing very sweetly, +Nubian songs melancholy and wild, whereof few could understand the +meaning. So well did they sing, indeed, that when they had done, +Neter-Tua said: + +"You have pleased me much, and in payment I give you a royal gift. I +give you your freedom, and appoint that henceforth you shall sing +before the Court, if you think fit to stay here, not as slaves but for +hire." + +Then the two women prostrated themselves again before her Majesty and +blessed her, for they knew that they could earn wealth by their gift, +and the rich courtiers taking the Queen's cue, flung rings and +ornaments to them, so that in a minute they got more gold than ever +they had dreamed of, who were but kidnapped slaves. But Prince Amathel +grew angry and said: + +"Some might have been pleased to keep the priceless gift of the best +singers in the world." + +"Do you say that these sweet-voiced women are the best singers in the +world, O Prince?" asked Tua, speaking to him for the first time. "Now +if you will be pleased to listen, you provoke me to make trial of my +own small skill that I may learn how far I fall short of 'the best +singers in the world.'" + +Then she lifted up the ivory harp with the strings of gold and swept +her fingers over it, trying its notes and adjusting them with the +agate screws, looking at Amathel all the while with a challenge in her +lovely eyes. + +"Nay, nay, my daughter," said Pharaoh, "it is scarcely fitting that a +queen of Egypt should sing before all this noble company." + +"Why not, my father?" she asked. "To-night we all do honour to the +heir of his Majesty of Kesh. Pharaoh receives him, Pharaoh's daughter +accepts his gifts, the highest in the land surround him," then she +paused and added slowly, "one of blood more ancient than his own waits +on him as cup-bearer, one whose race built up the throne his father +fills," and she pointed to Rames, who stood near by holding the vase +of wine. "Why, then, should not Egypt's queen seek to please our royal +guest as best she may--since she has no other gift to give him?" + +Then in the dead silence which followed this bold speech, whereof none +could mistake the meaning, Neter-Tua, Morning Star of Amen, rose from +her seat. Pressing the ivory harp against her young breast, she bent +over it, her head crowned with the crown of Upper Egypt whereon +glistened the royal /uræus/, a snake about to strike, and swept the +well-tuned strings. + +Such magic was in her touch that instantly all else was forgotten, +even the Pharaoh leaned back in his golden chair to listen. Softly she +struck at first, then by slow degrees ever louder till the music of +the harp rang through the pillared hall. Now, at length, she lifted up +her heavenly voice and began to sing in a strain so wild and sweet +that it seemed to pierce to the watching stars. + +It was a sad and ancient love-tale that she sang, which told how a +priestess of Hathor of high degree loved and was beloved by a simple +scribe whom she might not wed. It told how the scribe, maddened by his +passion, crept at night into the very sanctuary of the temple hoping +to find her there, and for his sacrilege was slain by the angry +goddess. It told how the beautiful priestess, coming alone to make +prayer in the sanctuary for strength to resist her love, stumbled over +the lover's corpse and, knowing it, died of grief. It told how Hathor, +goddess of love, melted by the piteous sight, breathed back life into +their nostrils, and since they might not remain upon earth, wafted +them to the Under-world, where they awoke and embraced and dwell on +for ever and for aye, triumphant and rejoicing. + +All had heard this old, old story, but none had ever heard it so +divinely sung. As Tua's pure and lovely voice floated over them the +listeners seemed to see that lover, daring all in his desire, creep +into the solemn sanctuary of the temple. They saw Hathor appear in her +wrath and smite him cold in death. They saw the beauteous priestess +with her lamp, and heard her wail her life away upon her darling's +corpse; saw, too, the dead borne by spirits over the borders of the +world. + +Then came that last burst of music thrilling and divine, and its rich, +passionate notes seemed to open the heavens to their sight. There in +the deep sky they perceived the awakening of the lovers and their +embrace of perfect joy, and when a glory hid them, heard the +victorious chant of the priestess of love sighing itself away, faint +and ever fainter, till at length its last distant echoes died in the +utter silence of the place of souls. + +Tua ceased her music. Resting her still quivering harp upon the board, +she sank back in her chair of state, outworn, trembling, while in her +pale face the blue eyes shone like stars. There was stillness in the +hall; the spell of that magical voice lay on the listeners; none +applauded, it seemed even that none dared to move, for men remembered +that this wonderful young Queen was said to be daughter of Amen, +Master of the world, and thought that it had been given to them to +hearken, not to a royal maiden, but to a goddess of the skies. + +Quiet they sat as though sleep had smitten them, only every man of +their number stared at the sweet pale face and at those radiant eyes. +Drunk with passion and with wine, Amathel, Prince of Kesh, leaned his +heavy head upon his hand and stared like the rest. But those eyes did +not stay on him. Had he been a stone they could not have noted him +less; they passed over him seeking something beyond. + +Slowly he turned to see what it might be at which the Morning Star of +Amen gazed, and perceived that the young captain who waited on him, he +who was said to be of a race more ancient and purer than his own, he +whose house had reigned in the Southern Land when his ancestors were +but traffickers in gold, was also gazing at this royal singer. Yes, he +bent forward to gaze as though a spell drew him, a spell, or the eyes +of the Queen, and there was that upon his face which even a drunken +Nubian could not fail to understand. + +In the hands of Rames was the tall, golden vase of wine, and as +Amathel thrust back his chair its topmost ivory bar struck the foot of +the vase and tilted it, so that the red wine poured in a torrent over +the Prince's head and gorgeous robes, staining him from his crest of +plumes to his feet as though with blood. Up sprang the Prince of Kesh +roaring with fury. + +"Dog-descended slave!" he shouted. "Hog-headed brother of swine, is it +thus that you wait upon my Royalty?" and with the cup in his hand he +smote Rames on the face, then drew the sword at his side to kill him. + +But Rames also wore a sword, that sword hafted with the golden +crocodile which Pharaoh had given him long ago--that sword which Asti +the foresighted had seen red with royal blood. With a wild, low cry he +snatched it from its sheath, and to avoid the blow that Amathel struck +at him before he could guard himself, sprang backwards from the dais +to the open space in the hall that had been left clear for the +dancers. After him leapt Amathel calling him "Coward," and next +instant the pillars echoed, not with Tua's music but with the stern +ringing of bronze upon bronze. + +Now in their fear and amaze men looked up to Pharaoh, waiting his +word, but Pharaoh, overcome by the horror of the scene, appeared to +have swooned; at least, he lay back in his chair with his eyes shut +like one asleep. Then they looked to the Queen, but Tua made no sign, +only with parted lips and heaving breast watched, watched and waited +for the end. + +As for Rames he forgot everything save that he, a soldier and a noble +of royal race, had been struck across the mouth by a black Nubian who +called himself a prince. His blood boiled up in him, and through a red +haze as it were, he saw Tua's glorious eyes beckoning him on to a +victory. He saw and sprang as springs the lion of the desert, sprang +straight at the throat of Amathel. The blow went high, an ostrich +plume floated to the ground--no more, and Amathel was a sturdy fighter +and had the strength of madness. Moreover, his was the longer weapon; +it fell upon the scales of armour of Rames and beat him back, it fell +again on his shoulder and struck him to his knee. It fell a third +time, and glancing from the mail wounded him in the thigh so that the +blood flowed. Now a soldier of Pharaoh's guard shouted to encourage +his captain, and the Nubians shouted back, crying to their prince to +slit the hog's throat. + +Then Rames seemed to awake. He leapt from his knees, he smote and the +blow went home, though the iron which the Nubian wore beneath his robe +stayed it. He smote again more fiercely, and now it was the blood of +Amathel that flowed. Then bending almost to the ground before the +answering stroke, he leapt and thrust with all the strength of young +limbs trained to war. He thrust and behold! between the broad +shoulders of Amathel pierced from breast to back, appeared the point +of the Egyptian's sword. For a moment the prince stood still, then he +fell backwards heavily and lay dead. + +Now, with a shout of rage the giants of the Nubian guard rushed at +Rames to avenge their master's death, so that he must fly backwards +before their spears, backwards into the ranks of the Pharaoh's guard. +In a flash the Nubians were on them also and, how none could tell, a +fearful fray began, for these soldiers hated each other, as their +fathers had done before them, and there were none who could come +between them, since at this feast no man bore weapons save the guards. +Fierce was the battle, but the Nubians lacked a captain while Rames +led veterans of Thebes picked for their valour. + +The giants began to give. Here and there they fell till at length but +three of them were left upon their feet, who threw down their arms and +cried for mercy. Then it was for the first time that Rames understood +what he had done. With bent head, his red sword in his hand, he +climbed the dais and knelt before the throne of Pharaoh, saying: + +"I have avenged my honour and the honour of Egypt. Slay me, O +Pharaoh!" + +But Pharaoh made no answer for his swoon still held him. + +Then Rames turned to Tua and said: + +"Pharaoh sleeps, but in your hand is the sceptre. Slay me, O Queen!" + +Now Tua, who all this while had watched like one frozen into stone, +seemed to thaw to life again. Her danger was past. She could never be +forced to wed that coarse, black-souled Nubian, for Rames had killed +him. Yonder he lay dead in all his finery with his hideous giants +about him like fallen trees, and oh! in her rebellious human heart she +blessed Rames for the deed. + +But as she, who was trained in statecraft, knew well enough, if he had +escaped the sword of Prince Amathel, it was but to fall into a peril +from which there seemed to be no escape. This dead prince was the heir +of a great king, of a king so great that for a century Egypt had dared +to make no war upon his country, for it was far away, well-fortified +and hard to come at across deserts and through savage tribes. +Moreover, the man had been slain at a feast in Pharaoh's Court, and by +an officer of Pharaoh's guard, which afterwards had killed his escort +under the eyes of Egypt's monarchs, the hand of one of whom he sought +in marriage. Such a deed must mean a bitter war for Egypt, and to +those who struck the blow--death, as Rames himself knew well. + +Tua looked at him kneeling before her, and her heart ached. Fiercely, +despairingly she thought, throwing her soul afar to seek out wisdom +and a way of escape for Rames. Presently in the blackness of her mind +there arose a plan and, as ever was her fashion, she acted swiftly. +Lifting her head she commanded that the doors should be locked and +guarded so that none might go in or out, and that those physicians who +were amongst the company should attend to the wounded, and to Pharaoh, +who was ill. Then she called the High Council of the Kingdom, all of +whom were gathered there about her, and spoke in a cold, calm voice, +while the company flocked round to listen. + +"Lords and people," she said, "the gods for their own purposes have +suffered a fearful thing to come to pass. Egypt's guest and his guard +have been slain before Egypt's kings, yes, at their feast and in their +very presence, and it will be said far and wide that this has been +done by treachery. Yet you know well, as I do, that it was no +treachery, but a mischance. The divine prince who is dead, as all of +you saw, grew drunken after the fashion of his people, and in his +drunkenness he struck a high-born man, a Count of Egypt and an officer +of Pharaoh, who to do him greater honour was set to wait upon him, +calling him by vile names, and drew his sword upon him to kill him. Am +I right? Did you see and hear these things?" + +"Aye," answered the Council and the audience. + +"Then," went on Tua, "this officer, forgetting all save his outraged +honour, dared to fight for his life even against the Prince of Kesh, +and being the better man, slew him. Afterwards the servants of the +Prince of Kesh attacked him and Pharaoh's guard, and were conquered +and the most of them killed, since none here had arms wherewith to +part them. Have I spoken truth?" + +"Yea, O Queen," they answered again by their spokesman. "Rames and the +royal guard have little blame in the matter," and from the rest of +them rose a murmur of assent. + +"Now," went on Tua with gathering confidence, for she felt that all +saw with her eyes, "to add to our woes Pharaoh, my father, has been +smitten by the gods. He sleeps; he cannot speak; I know not whether he +will live or die, and therefore it would seem that I, the duly-crowned +Queen of Egypt, must act for him as was provided in such a case, since +the matter is very urgent and may not be delayed. Is it your will," +she added, addressing the Council, "that I should so act as the gods +may show me how to do?" + +"It is right and fitting," answered the Vizier, the King's companion, +on behalf of all of them. + +"Then, priests, lords and people," continued the Queen, "what course +shall we take in this sore strait? Speaking with the voice of all of +you and on your behalf, I can command that the Count Rames and all +those other chosen men whom Pharaoh loves, who fought with him, shall +be slain forthwith. This, indeed," she added slowly, "I should wish to +do, since although Rames had suffered intolerable insult such as no +high-born man can be asked to bear even from a prince, and he and all +of them were but fighting to save their lives and to show the Nubians +that we are not cowards here in Egypt, without doubt they have +conquered and slain the heir of Kesh and his black giants who were our +guests, and for this deed their lives are forfeit." + +She paused watching, while although here and there a voice answered +"Yes" or "They must die," from the rest arose a murmur of dissent. For +in their hearts the company were on the side of Rames and Pharaoh's +guards. Moreover, they were proud of the young captain's skill and +courage, and glad that the Nubians, whom they hated with an ancient +hate, had been defeated by the lesser men of Egypt, some of whom were +their friends or relatives. + +Now, while they argued among themselves Tua rose from her chair and +went to look at Pharaoh, whom the physicians were attending, chafing +his hands and pouring water on his brow. Presently she returned with +tears standing in her beautiful eyes, for she loved her father, and +said in a heavy voice: + +"Alas! Pharaoh is very ill. Set the evil has smitten him, and it is +hard, my people, that he perchance may be taken from us and we must +bear such woe, because of the ill behaviour of a royal foreigner, for +I cannot forget that it was he who caused this tumult." + +The audience agreed that it was very hard, and looked angrily at the +surviving Nubians, but Tua, conquering herself, continued: + +"We must bear the blows that the fates rain on us, nor suffer our +private grief to dull the sword of justice. Now, as I have said, even +though we love them as our brothers or our husbands, yet the Count +Rames and his brave comrades should perish by a death of shame, such a +death as little befits the flower of Pharaoh's guard." + +Again she paused, then went on in the midst of an intense silence, for +even the physicians ceased from their work to hearken to her decree, +as supreme judge of Egypt. + +"And yet, and yet, my people, even as I was about to pass sentence +upon them, uttering the doom that may not be recalled, some guardian +spirit of our land sent a thought into my heart, on which I think it +right to take your judgment. If we destroy these men, as I desire to +destroy them, will they not say in the Southern Country and in all the +nations around, that first they had been told to murder the Prince of +Kesh and his escort, and then were themselves executed to cover up our +crime? Will it not be believed that there is blood upon the hands of +Pharaoh and of Egypt, the blood of a royal guest who, it is well +known, was welcomed here with love and joy, that he might--oh! forgive +me, I am but a maiden, I cannot say it. Nay, pity me not and answer +not till I have set out all the case as best I may, which I fear me is +but ill. It is certain that this will be said--aye, and believed, and +we of Egypt all called traitors, and that these men, who after all, +however evil has been their deed, are brave and upright, will be +written in all the books of all the lands as common murderers, and go +down to Osiris with that ill name branded on their brows. Yes, and +their shame will cling to the pure hands of Pharaoh and his +councillors." + +Now at this picture the people murmured, and some of the noble women +there began to weep outright. + +"But," proceeded Tua with her pleading voice, "how if we were to take +another course? How if we commanded this Count Rames and his +companions to journey, with an escort such as befits the Majesty of +Pharaoh, to the far city of Napata, and there to lay before the great +king of that land by writings and the mouths of witnesses, all the sad +story of the death of his only son? How if we sent letters to this +Majesty of Kesh, saying, 'Thou hast heard our tale, thou knowest all +our woe. Now judge. If thou art noble-hearted and it pleases thee to +acquit these men, acquit them and we will praise thee. But if thou art +wroth and stern and it pleases thee to condemn these men, condemn +them, and send them back to us for punishment, that punishment which +thou dost decree.' Is that plan good, my people? Can his Majesty of +Kesh complain if he is made judge in his own cause? Can the kings and +captains of other lands then declare that in Egypt we work murder on +our guests? Tell me, who have so little wisdom, if this plan is good, +as I dare to say to you, it seems to me." + +Now with one voice the Council and all the guests, and especially the +guards themselves who were on their trial, save Rames, who still knelt +in silence before the Queen, cried out that it was very good. Yes; +they clapped their hands and shouted, vowing to each other that this +young Queen of theirs was the Spirit of Wisdom come to earth, and that +her excellent person was filled with the soul of a god. + +But she frowned at their praises and, holding up her sceptre, sternly +commanded silence. + +"Such is your decree, O my Council," she cried, "and the decree of all +you here present, who are the noblest of my people, and I, as I am +bound by my oath of crowning, proclaim and ratify it, I, Neter-Tua, +who am named Star and Daughter of Amen, who am named Glorious in Ra, +who am named Hathor, Strong in Beauty, who am crowned Queen of the +Upper and the Lower Land. I proclaim--write it down, O Scribes, and +let it be registered this night that the decree may stand while the +world endures--that two thousand of the choicest troops of Egypt shall +sail up Nile, forthwith, for Kesh, and that in command of them, so +that all may know his crime, shall go the young Count Rames, and with +him those others who also did the deed of blood." + +Now at this announcement, which sounded more like promotion than +disgrace, some started and Rames looked up, quivering in all his +limbs. + +"I proclaim," went on Tua quickly, "that when they are come to Napata +they shall kneel before its king and submit themselves to the judgment +of his Majesty, and having been judged, shall return and report to us +the judgment of his Majesty, that it may be carried out as his Majesty +of Kesh shall appoint. Let the troops and the ships be made ready this +very night, and meanwhile, save when he appears before us to take his +orders as general, in token of our wrath, we banish the Count Rames +from our Court and Presence, and place his companions under guard." + +So spoke Tua, and the royal decree having been written down swiftly +and read aloud, she sealed and signed with her sign-manual as Queen, +that it might not be changed or altered, and commanded that copies of +it should be sent to all the Governors of the Nomes of Egypt, and a +duplicate prepared and despatched with this royal embassy, for so she +named it, to be delivered to the King of Kesh with the letters of +condolence, and the presents of ceremony, and the body of Amathel, the +Prince of Kesh, now divine in Osiris. + +Then, at length, the doors were thrown open and the company dispersed, +Rames and the guard being led away by the Council and placed in safe +keeping. Also Pharaoh, still senseless but breathing quietly, was +carried to his bed, and the dead were taken to the embalmers, whilst +Tua, so weary that she could scarcely walk, departed to her chambers +leaning on the shoulder of the royal Nurse, Asti, the mother of Rames. + + + +CHAPTER VI + +THE OATH OF RAMES AND OF TUA + +Still robed Tua lay upon a couch, for she would not seek her bed, +while Asti stood near to her, a dark commanding figure. + +"Your Majesty has done strange things to-night," said Asti in her +quiet voice. + +Tua turned her head and looked at her, then answered: + +"Very strange, Nurse. You see, the gods and that troublesome son of +yours and Pharaoh's sudden sickness threw the strings of Fate into my +hand, and--I pulled them. I always had a fancy for the pulling of +strings, but the chance never came my way before." + +"It seems to me that for a beginner your Majesty pulled somewhat +hard," said Asti drily. + +"Yes, Nurse, so hard that I think I have pulled your son off the +scaffold into a place of some honour, if he knows how to stay there, +though it was the Council and the lords and the ladies, who thought +that /they/ pulled. You see one must commence as one means to go on." + +"Your Majesty is very clever; you will make a great Queen--if you do +not overpull yourself." + +"Not half so clever as you were, Asti, when you made that monkey come +out of the vase," answered Tua, laughing somewhat hysterically. "Oh! +do not look innocent, I know it was your magic, for I could feel it +passing over my head. How did you do it, Asti?" + +"If your Majesty will tell me how you made the lords of Egypt consent +to the sending of an armed expedition to Napata under the command of a +lad, a mere captain who had just killed its heir-apparent before their +eyes, which decree, if I know anything of Rames, will mean a war +between Kesh and Egypt, I will tell you how I made the monkey come out +of the vase." + +"Then I shall never learn, Nurse, for I can't because I don't know. It +came into my mind, as music comes into my throat, that is all. Rames +should have been beheaded at once, shouldn't he, for not letting that +black boar tusk him? Do you think he poured the wine over Amathel's +head on purpose?" and again she laughed. + +"Yes, I suppose that he should have been killed, as he would have been +if your Majesty had not chanced to be so fond----" + +"Talking of wine," broke in Tua, "give me a cup of it. The divine +Prince of Kesh who was to have been my husband--did you understand, +Asti, that they really meant to make that black barbarian my husband? +--I say that the divine Prince, who now sups with Osiris, drank so +much that I could not touch a drop, and I am tired and thirsty, and +have still some things to do to-night." + +Asti went to a table where stood a flagon of wine wreathed in vine +leaves, and by it cups of glass, and filling one of them brought it to +Tua. + +"Here's to the memory of the divine prince, and may he have left the +table of Osiris before I come there. And here's to the hand that sent +him thither," said Tua recklessly. Then she drained the wine, every +drop of it, and threw the cup to the marble floor where it shattered +into bits. + +"What god has entered into your Majesty to-night?" asked Asti quietly. + +"One that knows his own mind, I think," replied Tua. "There, I feel +strong again, I go to visit Pharaoh. Come with me, Asti." + +When Tua arrived at the bedside of Pharaoh she found that the worst of +the danger was over. Fearing for his life the physicians had bled him, +and now the fit had passed away and his eyes were open, although he +was unable to speak and did not know her or anyone. She asked whether +he would live or die, and was told that he would live, or so his +doctors believed, but that for a long while he must lie quite quiet, +seeing as few people as possible, and above all being troubled with no +business, since, if he were wearied or excited, the fit would +certainly return and kill him. So, rejoicing at this news which was +better than she had expected, Tua kissed her father and left him. + +"Now will your Majesty go to bed?" asked Asti when she had returned to +her own apartments. + +"By no means," answered Tua, "I wear Pharaoh's shoes and have much +business left to do to-night. Summon Mermes, your husband." + +So Mermes came and stood before her. He was still what he had been in +the old days when Tua played as an infant in his house, stern, noble- +looking and of few words, but now his hair had grown white and his +face was drawn with grief, both for the sake of Rames, whose hot blood +had brought him into so much danger, and because Pharaoh, who was his +friend, lay between life and death. + +Tua looked at him and loved him more than ever, for now that he was +troubled some new likeness to Rames appeared upon his face which she +had never seen before. + +"Take heart, noble Mermes," she said gently, "they say that Pharaoh +stays with us yet a while." + +"I thank Amen," he answered, "for had he died, his blood would have +been upon the hands of my House." + +"Not so, Mermes; it would have been upon the hands of the gods. You +spring from a royal line; say, what would you have thought of your son +if after being struck by that fat Nubian, he had cowered at his feet +and prayed for his life like any slave?" + +Mermes flushed and smiled a little, then said: + +"The question is rather---What would you have thought, O Queen?" + +"I?" answered Tua. "Well, as a queen I should have praised him much, +since then Egypt would have been spared great trouble, but as a woman +and a friend I should never have spoken to him again. Honour is more +than life, Mermes." + +"Certainly honour is more than life," replied Mermes, staring at the +ceiling, perhaps to hide the look upon his face, "and for a little +while Rames seems to be in the way of it. But those who are set high +have far to fall, O Queen, and--forgive me--he is my only child. Now +when Pharaoh recovers----" + +"Rames will be far away," broke in Tua. "Go, bring him here at once, +and with him the Vizier and the chief scribe of the Council. Take this +ring, it will open all doors," and she drew the signet from her finger +and handed it to him. + +"At this hour, your Majesty?" said Mermes in a doubtful voice. + +"Have I not spoken," she answered impatiently. "When the welfare of +Egypt is at stake I do not sleep." + +So Mermes bowed and went, and while he was gone Tua caused Asti to +smooth her hair and change her robe and ornaments for others which, +although she did not say so, she thought became her better. Then she +sat her down in a chair of state in her chamber of audience, and +waited, while Asti stood beside her asking no questions, but +wondering. + +At length the doors were opened, and through them appeared Mermes and +the Vizier and the chief of the scribes, both of them trying to hide +their yawns, for they had been summoned from their beds who were not +wont to do state business at such hours. After them limped Rames, for +his wound had grown stiff, who looked bewildered, but otherwise just +as he had left the feast. + +Now, without waiting for the greetings of ceremony, Tua began to +question the Vizier as to what steps had been taken in furtherance of +her decrees, and when he assured her that the business was on foot, +went into its every detail with him, as to the ships and the officers +and the provisioning of the men, and so forth. Next she set herself to +dictate despatches to the captains and barons who held the fortresses +on the Upper Nile, communicating to them Pharaoh's orders on this +matter, and the commission of Rames, whereby he, whose hands had done +the ill, was put in command of the great embassy that went to make +amends. + +These being finished, she sent away the scribe to spend the rest of +the night in writing them in duplicate, bidding him bring them to her +in the early morning to be sealed. Next addressing Rames, she +commanded him to start on the morrow with those troops which were +ready to Takensit above the first Cataract of the Nile, which was the +frontier fortress of Egypt, and there wait until the remainder of the +soldiers joined them, bearing with them her presents to the King of +Kesh, and the embalmed body of the Prince Amathel. + +Rames bowed and said that her orders should be obeyed, and the +audience being finished, still bowing and supported by Mermes, began +to walk backwards towards the door, his eyes fixed upon the face of +Tua, who sat with bent head, clasping the arms of her chair like one +in difficulty and doubt. When he had gone a few steps she seemed to +come to some determination, for with an effort she raised herself and +said: + +"Return, Count Rames, I have a message to give you for the King of +Kesh who, unhappy man, has lost his son and heir, and it is one that +no other ears must hear. Leave me a while with this captain, O Mermes +and Asti, and see that none listen to our talk. Presently I will +summon you to conduct him away." + +They hesitated, for this thing seemed strange, then noting the look +she gave them, departed through the doors behind the royal seat. + +Now Rames and the Queen were left alone in that great, lighted +chamber. With bent head and folded arms he stood before her while she +looked at him intently, yet seemed to find no words to say. At length +she spoke in a sweet, low voice. + +"It is many years since we were playmates in the courts of the temple +yonder, and since then we have never been alone together, have we, +Rames?" + +"No, Great Lady," answered Rames, "for you were born to be a queen, +and I am but a humble soldier who cannot hope to consort with queens." + +"Who cannot hope! Would you wish to then if you could?" + +"O Queen," answered Rames, biting his lips, "why does it please you to +make a mock of me?" + +"It does not please me to do any such thing, for by my father Amen, +Rames, I wish that we were children once more, for those were happy +days before they separated us and set you to soldiering and me to +statecraft." + +"You have learnt your part well, Star of the Morning," said Rames, +glancing at her quickly. + +"Not better than you, playmate Rames, if I may judge from your sword- +play this night. So it seems that we both of us are in the way of +becoming masters of our trades." + +"What am I to say to your Majesty? You have saved my life when it was +forfeit----" + +"As once you saved mine when it was forfeit, and at greater risk. Look +at your hand, it will remind you. It was but tit for tat. And, friend +Rames, this day I came near to being eaten by a worse crocodile than +that which dwells in the pool yonder." + +"I guessed as much, Queen, and the thought made me mad. Had it not +been for that I should only have thrown him down. Now that crocodile +will eat no more maidens." + +"No," answered Tua, rubbing her chin, "he has gone to be eaten by Set, +Devourer of Souls, has he not? But I think there may be trouble +between Egypt and Kesh, and what Pharaoh will say when he recovers I +am sure I do not know. May the gods protect me from his wrath." + +"Tell me, if it pleases your Majesty, what is my fate? I have been +named General of this expedition over the heads of many, I who am but +a captain and a young man and an evil-doer. Am I to be killed on the +journey, or am I to be executed by the King of Kesh?" + +"If any kill you on the journey, Rames, they shall render me an +account, be it the gods themselves, and as for the vengeance of the +King of Kesh--well, you will have two thousand picked men with you and +the means to gather more as you go. Listen now, for this is not in the +decree or in the letters," she added, bending towards him and +whispering. "Egypt has spies in Kesh, and, being industrious, I have +read their reports. The people there hate the upstart race that rules +them, and the king, who alone is left now that Amathel is dead, is old +and half-witted, for all that family drink too much. So if the worst +comes to the worst, do you think that you need be killed, you," she +added meaningly, "who, if the House of Amathel were not, would by +descent be King of Kesh, as, if I and my House were not, you might be +Pharaoh of Egypt?" + +Rames studied the floor for a little, then looked up and asked: + +"What shall I do?" + +"It seems that is for you to find out," replied Tua, in her turn +studying the ceiling. "Were I in your place, I think that, if driven +to it, /I/ should know what to do. One thing, however, I should /not/ +do. Whatever may be the judgment of the divine King of Kesh upon you, +and that can easily be guessed, I should not return to Egypt with my +escort, until I was quite sure of my welcome. No, I think that I +should stop in Napata, which I am told is a rich and pleasant city, +and try to put its affairs in order, trusting that Egypt, to which it +once belonged, would in the end forgive me for so doing." + +"I understand," said Rames, "that whatever happens, I alone am to +blame." + +"Good, and of course there are no witnesses to this talk of ours. Have +you also been taking lessons in statecraft in your spare hours, Rames, +much as I have tried to learn something of the art of war?" + +Rames made no answer, only these two strange conspirators looked at +each other and smiled. + +"Your Majesty is weary. I must leave your Majesty," he said presently. + +"You must be wearier than I am, Rames, with that wound, which I think +has not been dressed, although it is true that we have both fought +to-night. Rames, you are going on a far journey. I wonder if we shall +ever meet again." + +"I do not know," he answered with a groan, "but for my sake it is +better that we should not. O Morning Star, why did you save me this +night, who would have been glad to die? Did not that Ka of yours tell +you that I should have been glad to die, or my mother, who is a +magician?" + +"I have seen nothing of my Ka, Rames, since we played together in the +temple--ah! those were happy days, were they not? And your mother is a +discreet lady who does not talk to me about you, except to warn me not +to show you any favour, lest others should be jealous and murder you. +Shall you then be sorry if we do not meet again? Scarcely, I suppose, +since you seem so anxious to die and be rid of me and all things that +we know." + +Now Rames pressed his hand upon his heart as though to still its +beating, and looked round him in despair. For, indeed, that heart of +his felt as though it must burst. + +"Tua," he gasped desperately, "can you for a minute forget that you +are Queen of the Upper and the Lower Land, who perhaps will soon be +Pharaoh, the mightiest monarch in the world, and remember only that +you are a woman, and as a woman hear a secret and keep it close?" + +"We have been talking secrets, Rames, as we used to do, you remember, +long ago, and you will not tell mine which deal with the State. Why, +then, should I tell yours? But be short, it grows late, or rather +early, and as you know, we shall not meet again." + +"Good," he answered. "Queen Neter-Tua, I, your subject, dare to love +you." + +"What of that, Rames? I have millions of subjects who all profess to +love me." + +He waved his hand angrily, and went on: + +"I dare to love you as a man loves a woman, not as a subject loves a +queen." + +"Ah!" she answered in a new and broken voice, "that is different, is +it not? Well, all women love to be loved, though some are queens and +some are peasants, so why should I be angry? Rames, now, as in past +days, I thank you for your love." + +"It is not enough," he said. "What is the use of giving love? Love +should be lent. Love is an usurer that asks high interest. Nay, not +the interest only, but the capital and the interest to boot. Oh, Star! +what happens to the man who is so mad as to love the Queen of Egypt?" + +Tua considered this problem as though it were a riddle to which she +was seeking an answer. + +"Who knows?" she replied at length in a low voice. "Perhaps it costs +him his life, or perhaps--perhaps he marries her and becomes Pharaoh +of Egypt. Much might depend on whether the queen chanced to care about +such a man." + +Now Rames shook like a reed in the evening wind, and he looked at her +with glowing eyes. + +"Tua," he whispered, "can it be possible--do you mean that I am +welcome to you, or are you but drawing me to shame and ruin?" + +She made no answer to him in words, only with a certain grave +deliberation, laid down the little ivory sceptre that she held, and +suffering her troubled eyes to rest upon his eyes, bent forward and +stretched out her arms towards him. + +"Yes, Rames," she murmured into his ear a minute later, "I am drawing +you to whatever may be found upon this breast of mine, love, or +majesty, or shame, or ruin, or the death of one or both of us, or all +of them together. Are you content to take the chances of this high +game, Rames?" + +"Ask it not, Tua. You know, you know!" + +She kissed him on the lips, and all her heart and all her youth were +in that kiss. Then, gently enough, she pushed him from her, saying: + +"Stand there, I would speak with you, and as I have said, the time is +short. Hearken to me, Rames, you are right; I know, as I have always +known, and as you would have known also had you been less foolish than +you are. You love me and I love you, for so it was decreed where souls +are made, and so it has been from the beginning and so it shall be to +the end. You, a gentleman of Egypt, love the Queen of Egypt, and she +is yours and no other man's. Such is the decree of him who caused us +to be born upon the same day, and to be nursed upon the same kind +breast. Well, after all, why not? If love brings death upon us, as +well may chance, at least the love will remain which is worth it all, +and beyond death there is something." + +"Only this, Tua, I seek the woman not a throne, and alas! through me +you may be torn from your high place." + +"The throne goes with the woman, Rames, they cannot be separated. But, +say, something comes over me; if that happened, if I were an outcast, +a wanderer, with nothing save this shape and soul of mine, and it were +you that sat upon a throne, would you still love me, Rames?" + +"Why ask such questions?" he replied indignantly. "Moreover, your talk +is childish. What throne can I ever sit on?" + +A change fell upon her at his words. She ceased to be the melting, +passionate woman, and became once more the strong, far-seeing queen. + +"Rames," she said, "you understand why, although it tears my heart, I +am sending you so far away and into so many dangers, do you not? It is +to save your life, for after what has chanced to-night in this fashion +or in that here you would certainly die, as, had it not been for that +plan of mine you must have died two hours ago. There are many who hate +you, Rames, and Pharaoh may recover, as I pray the gods he will, and +over-ride my will, for you have slain his guest who was brought here +to marry me." + +"I understand all of these things, Queen." + +"Then awake, Rames, look to the future and understand that also, if, +as I think, you have the wit. I am sending you with a strong escort, +am I not? Well, that King of Kesh is old and feeble, and you have a +claim upon his crown. Take it, man, and set it on your head, and as +King of Kesh ask the hand of Egypt's Queen in marriage. Then who would +say you nay--not Egypt's Queen, I think, or the people of Egypt who +hunger for the rich Southern Land which they have lost." + +So she spoke, and as these high words passed her lips she looked so +splendid and so royal that, dazzled by the greatness of her majesty. +Rames bowed himself before her as before the presence of a god. Then, +aware that she was trying him in the balance of her judgment, he +straightened himself and spoke to her as prince speaks to prince. + +"Star of Amen," he said, "it is true that though here we are but your +humble subjects, the blood of my father and of myself is as high as +yours, and perhaps more ancient, and it is true that now yonder +Amathel is dead, after my father, in virtue of those who went before +us I have more right than any other to the inheritance of Kesh. Queen, +I hear your words, I will take it if I can, not for its own sake, but +to win you, and if I fail you will know that I died doing my best. +Queen, we part and this is a far journey. Perhaps we may never meet +again; at the best we must be separated for long. Queen, you have +honoured me with your love, and therefore I ask a promise of you, not +as a woman only, but as Queen. I ask that however strait may be the +circumstances, whatever reasons of State may push you on, while I live +you will take no other man to husband--no, not even if he offers you +half the world in dower." + +"I give it," she answered. "If you should learn that I am wed to any +man upon the earth then spit upon my name as a woman, and as Queen +cast me off and overthrow me if you can. Deal with me, Rames, as in +such a case I will deal with you. Only be sure of your tidings ere you +believe them. Now there is nothing more to say. Farewell to you, +Rames, till we meet again beneath or beyond the sun. Our royal pact is +made. Come, seal it and begone." + +She rose and stretched out her sceptre to him, which he kissed as her +faithful subject. Next, with a swift movement, she lifted the golden +/uræus/ circlet from her brow and for a moment set it on his head, +crowning him her king, and while it rested there she, the Queen of +Egypt, bent the knee before him and did him homage. Then she cast down +crown and sceptre, and as woman fell upon her lover's breast while the +bright rays of morning, flowing suddenly through the eastern window- +place of that splendid hall, struck upon them both, clothing them in a +robe of glory and of flame. + +Soon, very soon, it was done and Tua, seated there in light, watched +Rames depart into the outer shadow, wondering when and how she would +see him come again. For her heart was heavy within her, and even in +this hour of triumphant love she greatly feared the future and its +gifts. + + + +CHAPTER VII + +TUA COMES TO MEMPHIS + +So that day Rames departed for Takensit with what ships and men could +be got together in such haste. There, at the frontier post, he waited +till the rest of the soldiers should join him, bringing with them the +hastily embalmed body of Prince Amathel whom he had slain, and the +royal gifts to the King of Kesh. Then, without a moment's delay, he +sailed southwards with his little army on the long journey, fearing +lest if he tarried, orders might come to him to return to Thebes. Also +he desired to reach Napata before the heavy news of the death of the +King's son, and without warning of the approach of Egypt's embassy. + +With Tua he had no more speech, although as his galley was rowed under +the walls of the palace, at a window of the royal apartments he saw a +white draped figure that watched them go by. It was standing in the +shadow so that he could not recognise the face, but his heart told him +that this was none other than the Queen herself, who appeared there to +bid him farewell. + +So Rames rose from the chair in which he was seated on account of the +hurt to his leg and saluted with his sword, and ordered the crew to do +likewise by lifting up their oars. Then the slender figure bowed in +answer, and he went on to fulfil his destiny, leaving Neter-Tua, +Morning Star of Amen, to fulfil hers. + +Before he sailed, however, Mermes his father and Asti his mother +visited him in a place apart. + +"You were born under a strange star, my son," said Mermes, "and I know +not whither it will lead you, who pray that it may not be a meteor +which blazes suddenly in the heavens and disappears to return no more. +All the people talk of the favour the Queen has shown you who, instead +of ordering you to be executed for the deed you did which robbed her +of a royal husband, has set you in command of an army, you, a mere +youth, and received you in secret audience, an honour granted to very +few. Fate that has passed me by gives the dice to your young hand, but +how the cast will fall I know not, nor shall I live to see, or so I +believe." + +"Speak no such evil-omened words, my father," answered Rames tenderly, +for these two loved each other. "To me it seems more likely that it is +I who shall not live, for this is a strange and desperate venture upon +which I go, to tell to a great king the news of the death of his only +son at my own hand. Mother, you are versed in the books of wisdom and +can see that which is hidden to our eyes. Have you no word of comfort +for us?" + +"My son," answered Asti, "I have searched the future, but with all my +skill it will open little of its secrets to my sight. Yet I have +learned something. Great fortunes lie before you, and I believe that +you and I shall meet again. But to your beloved father bid farewell." + +At these words Rames turned his head aside to hide his tears, but +Mermes bade him not to grieve, saying: + +"Great is the mystery of our fates, my son. Some there be who tell us +that we are but bubbles born of the stream to be swallowed up by the +stream, clouds born of the sky to be swallowed up by the sky, the +offspring of chance like the beasts and the birds, gnats that dance +for an hour in the sunlight and are gone. But I believe it not, who +hold that the gods clothe us with this robe of flesh for their own +purpose, and that the spirit within us has been from the beginning and +eternally will be. Therefore I love not life and fear not death, +knowing that these are but doors leading to the immortal house that is +prepared for us. The royal blood you have came to you from your mother +and myself, but that our lots should have been humble, while yours, +mayhap, will be splendid, does not move me to envy who perchance have +been that you may be. You go forth to fulfil your fortunes which I +believe are great, I bide here to fulfil mine which lead me to the +tomb. I shall never see you in your power, if power comes to you, nor +will your triumphant footsteps stir my sleep. + +"Yet, Rames, remember that though you tread on cloth of gold and the +bowed necks of your enemies, though love be your companion and diadems +your crown, though flatteries float about you like incense in a shrine +till, at length, you deem yourself a god, those footsteps of yours +still lead to that same dark tomb and through it on to Judgment. Be +great if you can, but be good as well as great. Take no man's life +because you have the strength and hate him; wrong no woman because she +is defenceless or can be bought. Remember that the beggar child +playing in the sand may have a destiny more high than yours when all +the earthly count is reckoned. Remember that you share the air you +breathe with the cattle and the worm. Go your road rejoicing in your +beauty and your youth and the good gifts that are given you, but know, +Rames, that at the end of it I, who wait in the shadow of Osiris, I +your father, shall ask an account thereof, and that beyond me stand +the gods of Justice to test the web that you have woven. Now, Rames, +my son, my blessing and the blessing of him who shaped us be with you, +and farewell." + +Then Mermes kissed him on the brow and, turning, left the room, nor +did they ever meet again. + +But Asti stayed awhile, and coming to him presently, looked Rames in +the eyes, and said: + +"Mourn not. Separations are no new thing, death is no new thing; all +these sorrows have been on the earth for millions of years, and for +millions of years yet shall be. Live out your life, rejoicing if the +days be good, content if they be but ill, regretting nothing save your +sins, fearing nothing, expecting nothing, since all things are +appointed and cannot be changed." + +"I hear," he answered humbly, "and I will not forget. Whether I +succeed or fail you shall not be ashamed for me." + +Now his mother turned to go also, but paused and said: + +"I have a gift for you, Rames, from one whose name may not be spoken." + +"Give it to me," he said eagerly, "I feared that it was all but a +dream." + +"Oh!" replied Asti scanning his face, "so there was a dream, was +there? Did it fall upon you last night when the daughter of Amen, my +foster-child, instructed you in secret?" + +"The gift," said Rames, stretching out his hand. + +Then, smiling in her quiet fashion, his mother drew from the bosom of +her robe some object that was wrapped in linen and, touching her +forehead with the royal seal that fastened it, gave it to Rames. With +trembling fingers he broke the seal and there within the linen lay a +ring which for some years, as Rames knew, Tua had worn upon the first +finger of her right hand. It was massive and of plain gold, and upon +the bezel of it was cut the symbol of the sun, on either side of which +knelt a man and a woman crowned with the double crown of Egypt, and +holding in their right hands the looped Sign of Life which they +stretched up towards the glory of the sun. + +"Do you know who wore that ring in long past days?" asked Asti of +Rames who pressed it to his lips. + +He shook his head who remembered only that Tua had worn it. + +"It was your forefather and mine, Rames, the last of the royal rulers +of our line, who reigned over Egypt and also over the Land of Kesh. A +while ago the embalmers re-clothed his divine body in the tomb, and +the Princess, who was present there with your father and myself, drew +this ring off his dead hand and offered it to Mermes, who would not +take it, seeing that it is a royal signet. So she wore it herself, and +now for her own reasons she sends it to you, perhaps to give you +authority in Kesh where that mighty seal is known." + +"I thank the Queen," he murmured. "I shall wear it always." + +"Then let it be on your breast till you have passed the frontier, lest +some should ask questions that you find it hard to answer. My son," +she went on quickly, "you dare to love this queen of ours." + +"In truth I do, Mother. Did not you, who know everything, know that? +Also it is your fault who brought us up together." + +"Nay, my son, the fault of the gods who have so decreed. But--does she +love you?" + +"You are always with her, Mother, ask her yourself, if you need to +ask. At least, she has sent me her own ring. Oh! Mother, Mother, guard +her night and day, for if harm comes to her, then I die. Mother, +queens cannot give themselves where they will as other women can; it +is policy that thrusts their husbands on them. Keep her unwed, Mother. +Though it should cost her her throne, still I say let her not be cast +into the arms of one she hates. Protect her in her trial, if such +should come; and if strength fails and the gods desert her, then hide +her in the web of the magic that you have, and preserve her undefiled, +for so shall I bless your name for ever." + +"You fly at a rare bird, Rames, and there are many stronger hawks +about besides that one you slew; yes, royal eagles who may strike down +the pair of you. Yet I will do my best, who have long foreseen this +hour, and who pray that before my eyes shut in death, they may yet +behold you seated on the throne of your forefathers, crowned with +power and with such love and beauty as have never yet been given to +man. Now hide that ring upon your heart and your secret in it, as I +shall, lest you should return no more to Egypt. Moreover, follow your +royal Star and no other. Whatever counsel she may have given you, +follow it also, stirring not to right or left, for I say that in that +maiden breast of hers there dwells the wisdom of the gods." + +Then holding up her hands over his head as though in blessing, Asti, +too, turned and left him. + + + +So Rames went and was no more seen, and by degrees the talk as to the +matter of his victory over the Prince of Kesh, and as to his +appointment by the whim of the maiden Queen to command the splendid +embassy of atonement which she had despatched to the old King, the +dead man's father, died away for lack of anything to feed on. + +Tua kept her counsel well, nor was aught known of that midnight +interview with the young Count her general. Moreover, Napata was far +away, so far that starting at the season when it did, the embassy +could scarce return till two years had gone by, if ever it did return. +Also few believed that whoever came back, Rames would be one of them, +since it was said openly that so soon as he was beyond the frontiers +of Egypt, the soldiers had orders to kill him and take on his body as +a peace-offering. + +Indeed, all praised the wit and wisdom of the Queen, who by this +politic device, had rid herself of a troublesome business with as +little scandal as possible, and avoided staining her own hands in the +blood of a foster-brother. Had she ordered his death forthwith, they +said, it would have been supposed also that she had put him away +because he was of a royal race, one who, in the future, might prove a +rival, or at least cause some rebellion. + +Meanwhile greater questions filled the mouths of men. Would Pharaoh +die and leave Neter-Tua, the young and lovely, to hold his throne, and +if so, what would happen? It was a thousand years since a woman had +reigned in Egypt, and none had reigned who were not wed. Therefore it +seemed necessary that a husband should be found for her as soon as +might be. + +But Pharaoh did not die. On the contrary, though very slowly, he +recovered and was stronger than he had been for years, for the fit +that struck him down seemed to have cleared his blood. For some three +months he lay helpless as a child, amusing himself as a child does +with little things, and talking of children whom he had known in his +youth, or when some of these chanced to visit him as old men, asking +them to play with him with tops or balls. + +Then one day came a change, and rising from his bed he commanded the +presence of his Councillors, and when they came, inquired of them what +had happened, and why he could remember nothing since the feast. + +They put him off with soft words, and soon he grew weary and dismissed +them. But after they had gone and he had eaten he sent for Mermes, the +Captain of the Guard of Amen and his friend, and questioned him. + +"The last thing I remember," he said, "was seeing the drunken Prince +of Kesh fighting with your son, that handsome, fiery-eyed Count Rames +whom some fool, or enemy, had set to wait upon him at table. It was a +dog's trick, Mermes, for after all your blood is purer and more +ancient than that of the present kings of Kesh. Well, the horror of +the sight of my royal guest, the suitor for my daughter's hand, +fighting with an officer of my own guard at my own board, struck me as +a butcher strikes an ox, and after it all was blackness. What chanced, +Mermes?" + +"This, Pharaoh: My son killed Amathel in fair fight, then those black +Nubian giants in their fury attacked your guard, but led by Rames the +Egyptians, though they were the lesser men, overcame them and slew +most of them. I am an old soldier, but never have I seen a finer +fray----" + +"A finer fray! A finer fray," gasped Pharaoh. "Why this will mean a +war between Kesh and Egypt. And then? Did the Council order Rames to +be executed, as you must admit he deserved, although you are his +father?" + +"Not so, O Pharaoh; moreover, I admit nothing, though had he played a +coward's part before all the lords of Egypt, gladly would I have slain +him with my own hand." + +"Ah!" said Pharaoh, "there speaks the soldier and the parent. Well, I +understand. He was affronted, was he not, by that bedizened black man? +Were I in your place I should say as much. But--what happened?" + +"Your Majesty having become unconscious," explained Mermes, "her +Majesty the Queen Neter-Tua, Glorious in Ra, took command of affairs +according to her Oath of Crowning. She has sent an embassy of +atonement of two thousand picked soldiers to the King of Kesh, bearing +with them the embalmed body of the divine Amathel and many royal +gifts." + +"That is good enough in its way," said Pharaoh. "But why two thousand +men, whereof the cost will be very great, when a score would have +sufficed? It is an army, not an embassy, and when my royal brother of +Kesh sees it advancing, bearing with it the ill-omened gift of his +only son's body, he may take alarm." + +Mermes respectfully agreed that he might do so. + +"What general is in command of this embassy, as it pleases you to call +it?" + +"The Count Rames, my son, is in command, your Majesty." + +Now weak as he was still, Pharaoh nearly leapt from his chair: + +"Rames! That young cut-throat who killed the Prince! Rames who is the +last of the old rightful dynasty of Kesh! Rames, a mere captain, in +command of two thousand of my veterans! Oh, I must still be mad! Who +gave him the command?" + +"The Queen Neter-Tua, Star of Amen, she gave him the command, O +Pharaoh. Immediately after the fray in the hall she uttered her decree +and caused it to be recorded in the usual fashion." + +"Send for the Queen," said Pharaoh with a groan. + +So Tua was summoned, and presently swept in gloriously arrayed, and on +seeing her father sitting up and well, ran to him and embraced him and +for a long time refused to listen to his talk of matters of State. At +length, however, he made her sit by him still holding his hand, and +asked her why in the name of Amen she had sent that handsome young +firebrand, Rames, in command of the expedition to Kesh. Then she +answered very sweetly that she would tell him. And tell him she did, +at such length that before she had finished, Pharaoh, whose strength +as yet was small, had fallen into a doze. + +"Now, you understand," she said as he woke up with a start. "The +responsibility was thrust upon me, and I had to act as I thought best. +To have slain this young Rames would have been impossible, for all +hearts were with him." + +"But surely, Daughter, you might have got him out of the way." + +"My father, that is what I have done. I have sent him to Napata, which +is very much out of the way--many months' journey, I am told." + +"But what will happen, Tua? Either the King of Kesh will kill him and +my two thousand soldiers, or perhaps he will kill the King of Kesh as +he killed his son, and seize the throne which his own forefathers held +for generations. Have you thought of that?" + +"Yes, my father, I thought of it, and if this last should happen +through no fault of ours, would Egypt weep, think you?" + +Now Pharaoh stared at Tua, and Tua looked back at Pharaoh and smiled. + +"I perceive, Daughter," he said slowly, "that in you are the makings +of a great queen, for within the silken scabbard of a woman's folly I +see the statesman's sword of bronze. Only run not too fast lest you +should fall upon that sword and it should pierce you." + +Now Tua, who had heard such words before from Asti, smiled again but +made no answer. + +"You need a husband to hold you back," went on Pharaoh; "some great +man whom you can love and respect." + +"Find me such a man, my father, and I will wed him gladly," answered +Tua in a sweet voice. "Only," she added, "I know not where he may be +sought now that the divine Amathel is dead at the hand of the Count +Rames, our general and ambassador to Kesh." + +So when he grew stronger Pharaoh renewed his search for a husband meet +to marry the Queen of Egypt. Now, as before, suitors were not lacking, +indeed, his ambassadors and councillors sent in their names by twos +and threes, but always when they were submitted to her, Tua found +something against everyone of them, till at last it was said that she +must be destined for a god since no mere mortal would serve her turn. +But when this was reported to her, Tua only answered with a smile that +she was destined to that royal lover of whom Amen had spoken to her +mother in a dream; not to a god, but to the Chosen of the god, and +that when she saw him, she felt sure she would know him at once and +love him much. + +After some months had gone by Pharaoh, quite weary of this play, asked +the advice of his Council. They suggested to him that he should +journey through the great cities of Egypt, both because the change +might completely re-establish his divine health, and in the hope that +on her travels the Queen Neter-Tua would meet someone of royal blood +with whom she could fall in love. For by now it was evident to all of +them that unless she did fall in love, she would not marry. + +So that very night Pharaoh asked his daughter if she would undertake +such a journey. + +She answered that nothing would please her better, as she wearied of +Thebes, and desired to see the other great cities of the land, to make +herself known to those who dwell in them, and in each to be proclaimed +as its future ruler. Also she wished to look upon the ocean whereof +she had heard that it was so big that all the waters of the Nile +flowing into it day and night made no difference to its volume. + +Thus then began that pilgrimage which afterwards Tua recorded in the +history of her reign on the walls of the wonderful temples that she +built. Her own wish was that they should sail south to the frontiers +of Egypt, since there she hoped that she might hear some tidings of +Rames and his expedition, whereof latterly no certain word had come. +This project, however, was over-ruled because in the south there were +no great towns, also the inhabitants of the bordering desert were +turbulent, and might choose that moment to attack. + +So in the end they went down and not up the Nile, tarrying for a while +at every great city, and especially at Atbu, the holy place where the +head of Osiris is buried, and tens of thousands of the great men of +Egypt have their tombs. Here Tua was crowned afresh in the very shrine +of Osiris amidst the rejoicings of the people. + +Then they sailed away to On, the City of the Sun, and thence to make +offerings at the Great Pyramids which were built by some of the early +kings who had ruled Egypt, to serve them as their tombs. + +Neter-Tua entered the Pyramids to look upon the bodies of these +Pharaohs who had been dead for thousands of years, and whose deeds +were all forgotten, though her father would not accompany her there +because the ways were so steep that he did not dare to tread them. +Afterwards, with Asti and a small guard of the Arab chiefs of the +desert, she mounted a dromedary and rode round them in the moonlight, +hoping that she would meet the ghosts of those kings, and that they +would talk with her as the ghost of her mother had done. But she saw +no ghosts, nor would Asti try to summon them from their sleep, +although Tua prayed her to do so. + +"Leave them alone," said Asti, as they paused in the shadow of the +greatest of the pyramids and stared at its shining face engraved from +base to summit with many a mystic writing. + +"Leave them alone lest they should be angry as Amen was, and tell your +Majesty things which you do not wish to hear. Contemplate their mighty +works, such as no monarch can build to-day, and suffer them to rest +therein undisturbed by weaker folk." + +"Do you call these mighty works?" asked Tua contemptuously, for she +was angry because Asti would not try to raise the dead. "What are they +after all, but so many stones put together by the labour of men to +satisfy their own vanity? And of those who built them what story +remains? There is none at all save some vain legends. Now if /I/ live +I will rear a greater monument, for history shall tell of me till time +be dead." + +"Perhaps, Neter-Tua, if you live and the gods will it, though for my +part I think that these old stones will survive the story of most +deeds." + + + +On the morrow of this visit to the Pyramids Pharaoh and the Queen his +daughter made their state entry into the great white-walled city of +Memphis, where they were royally received by Pharaoh's brother, the +Prince Abi, who was still the ruler of all this town and district. As +it chanced these two had not met since Abi, many years before, came to +Thebes, asking a share in the government of Egypt and to be nominated +as successor to the throne. + +Like every other lord and prince, he had been invited to be present at +the great ceremony of the Crowning of Neter-Tua, but at the last +moment sent his excuses, saying that he was ill, which seemed to be +true. At any rate, the spies reported that he was confined to his bed, +though whether sickness or his own will took him thither at this +moment, there was nothing to show. At the time Pharaoh and his Council +wondered a little that he had made no proposal for the marriage of one +of his sons, of whom he had four, to their royal cousin, Neter-Tua, +but decided that he had not done so because he was sure that it would +not be accepted. For the rest, during all this period Abi had kept +quiet in his own Government, which he ruled well and strongly, +remitting his taxes to Thebes at the proper time with a ceremonial +letter of homage, and even increasing the amount of them. + +So it came about that Pharaoh, who by nature was kindly and +unsuspicious, had long ago put away all mistrust of his brother, whose +ambitions, he was sure, had come to an end with the birth of an +heiress to the throne. + +Yet, when escorted only by five hundred of his guard, for this was a +peaceful visit, Pharaoh rode into the mighty city and saw how +impregnable were its walls and how strong its gates; saw also that the +streets were lined with thousands of well-armed troops, doubts which +he dismissed as unworthy, did creep into his heart. But if he said +nothing of them, Tua, who rode in the chariot with him, was not so +silent. + +"My father," she said in a low voice while the crowds shouted their +welcome, for they were alone in the chariot, the horses of which were +led, "this uncle of mine keeps a great state in Memphis." + +"Yes, Daughter, why should he not? He is its governor." + +"A stranger who did not know the truth might think he was its king, my +father, and to be plain, if I were Pharaoh, and had chosen to enter +here, it would have been with a larger force." + +"We can go away when we like, Tua," said Pharaoh uneasily. + +"You mean, my father, that we can go away when it pleases the Prince +your brother to open those great bronze gates that I heard clash +behind us--then and not before." + +At this moment their talk came to an end, for the chariot was stayed +at the steps of the great hall where Abi waited to receive his royal +guests. He stood at the head of the steps, a huge, coarse, vigorous +man of about sixty years of age, on whose fat, swarthy face there was +still, oddly enough, some resemblance to the delicate, refined- +featured Pharaoh. + +Tua summed him up in a single glance, and instantly hated him even +more than she had hated Amathel, Prince of Kesh. Also she who had not +feared the empty-headed, drunken Amathel, was penetrated with a +strange terror of this man whom she felt to be strong and intelligent, +and whose great, greedy eyes rested on her beauty as though they could +not tear themselves away. + +Now they were ascending the steps, and now Prince Abi was welcoming +them to his "humble house," giving them their throne names, and saying +how rejoiced he was to see them, his sovereigns, within the walls of +Memphis, while all the time he stared at Tua. + +Pharaoh, who was tired, made no reply, but the young Queen, staring +back at him, answered: + +"We thank you for your greeting, but then, my uncle Abi, why did you +not meet us outside the gates of Memphis where we expected to find its +governor waiting to deliver up the keys of Pharaoh's city to the +officers of Pharaoh?" + +Now Abi, who had thought to see some shrinking child clothed in the +emblems of a queen, looked astonished at this tall and royal maiden +who had so sharp a tongue, and found no words to answer her. So she +swept past him and commanded to be shown where she should lodge in +Memphis. + +They led her to its greatest palace that had been prepared for Pharaoh +and herself, a place surrounded by palm groves in the midst of the +city, but having studied it with her quick eyes, she said that it did +not please her. So search was made elsewhere, and in the end she chose +another smaller palace that once had been a temple of Sekhet, the +tiger-headed goddess of vengeance and of chastity, whereof the pylon +towers fronted on the Nile which at its flood washed against them. +Indeed, they were now part of the wall of Memphis, for the great +unused gateway between them had been built up with huge blocks of +stone. + +Surrounding this palace and outside its courts, lay the old gardens of +the temple where the priests of Sekhet used to wander, enclosed within +a lofty limestone wall. Here, saying that the air from the river would +be more healthy for him, Tua persuaded Pharaoh to establish himself +and his Court, and to encamp the guards under the command of his +friend Mermes, in the outer colonnades and gardens. + +When it was pointed out to the Queen that, owing to the lack of +dwelling-rooms, none which were fitting were left for her to occupy, +she replied that this mattered nothing, since in the old pylon tower +were two small chambers hollowed in the thickness of its walls, which +were very pleasing to her, because of the prospect of the Nile and the +wide flat lands and the distant Pyramids commanded from the lofty roof +and window-places. So these chambers, in which none had dwelt for +generations, were hastily cleaned out and furnished, and in them Tua +and Asti her foster-mother, took up their abode. + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +THE MAGIC IMAGE + +That night Pharaoh and Tua rested in privacy with those members of +the Court whom they had brought with them, but on the morrow began a +round of festivals such as history scarcely told of in Egypt. Indeed, +the feast with which it opened was more splendid than any Tua had seen +at Thebes even at the time of her crowning, or on that day of blood +and happiness when Amathel and his Nubian guards were slain and she +and Rames declared their love. At this feast Pharaoh and the young +Queen sat in chairs of gold, while the Prince Abi was placed on her +right hand, and not on that of Pharaoh as he should have been as host +and subject. + +"I am too much honoured," said Tua, looking at him sideways. "Why do +you not sit by Pharaoh, my uncle?" + +"Who am I that I should take the seat of honour when my sovereigns +come to visit me?" answered Abi, bowing his great head. "Let it be +reserved for the high-priest of Osiris, that Holy One whom, after +Ptah, we worship here above all other deities, for he is clothed with +the majesty of the god of death." + +"Of death," said Tua. "Is that why you put him by my father?" + +"Indeed not," replied Abi, spreading out his hands, "though if a +choice must be made, I would rather that he sat near one who is old +and must soon be called the 'ever-living,' than at the side of the +loveliest queen that Egypt has ever seen, to whom it is said that Amen +himself has sworn a long life," and again he bowed. + +"You mean that you think Pharaoh will soon die. Nay, deny it not, +Prince Abi, I can read your thoughts, and they are ill-omened," said +Tua sharply and, turning her head away, began to watch those about +her. + +Soon she noticed that behind Abi amongst his other officers stood a +tall, grizzled man clad in the robes and cap of an astrologer, who +appeared to be studying everything, and especially Pharaoh and +herself, for whenever she looked round it was to find his quick, black +eyes fixed upon her. + +"Who is that man?" she whispered presently to Asti, who waited on her. + +"The famous astrologer, Kaku, Queen. I have seen him before when he +visited Thebes with the Prince before your birth. I will tell you of +him afterwards. Watch him well." + +So Tua watched and discovered several things, among them that Kaku +observed everything that she and Pharaoh did, what they ate, to whom +they spoke, and any words which fell from their lips, such as those +that she had uttered about the god Osiris. All of these he noted down +from time to time on his waxen tablets, doubtless that he might make +use of them afterwards in his interpretation of the omens of the +future. + +Now, among the ladies of the Court who fanned Pharaoh and waited on +him was that dancing girl of Abi's who many years before had betrayed +him at Thebes, Merytra, Lady of the Footstool, now a woman of middle +age, but still beautiful, of whom, although Tua disliked her, Pharaoh +was fond because she was clever and witty of speech and amused him. +For this reason, in spite of her history, he had advanced her to +wealth and honour, and kept her about his person as a companion of his +lighter hours. Something in this woman's manner attracted Tua's +attention, for continually she looked at the astrologer, Kaku, who +suddenly awoke to her presence and smiled as though he recognised an +old friend. Then, when it was the turn of another to take her place +behind Pharaoh, Merytra drew alongside of Kaku, and under shelter of +her broad fan, spoke to him quickly, as though she were making some +arrangement with him, and he nodded in assent, after which they +separated again. + +The feast wore on its weary course till, at length, the doors opened +and slaves appeared bearing the mummy of a dead man, which they set +upon its feet in the centre of the hall, whereon a toast-master cried: + +"Drink and be merry, all ye great ones of the earth, who know not how +soon ye shall come to this last lowly state." + +Now this bringing in of the mummy was a very ancient rite, but one +that had fallen into general disuse, so that as it chanced Tua, who +had never seen it practised before, looked on it with curiosity not +unmingled with disgust. + +"Why is a dead king dragged from his sepulchre back into the world of +life, my Uncle?" she asked, pointing to the royal emblems with which +the corpse was clothed. + +"It is no king, your Majesty," answered Abi, "but only the bones of +some humble person, or perhaps a block of wood that wears the /uræus/ +and carries the sceptre in honour of Pharaoh, our chief guest." + +Now Tua frowned, and Pharaoh, who had overheard the talk, said, +smiling sadly: + +"A somewhat poor compliment, my brother, to one who, like myself, is +old and sickly and not far from his eternal habitation. Yet why should +I grumble at it who need no such reminder of that which awaits me and +all of us?" and he leaned back in his chair and sighed, while Tua +looked at him anxiously. + +Then Abi ordered the mummy to be removed, declaring, with many +apologies, that it had been brought there only because such was the +ancient custom of Memphis, which, unlike Thebes, did not change its +fashions. He added that this same body or figure, for he knew not +which it was, having never troubled to inquire, had been looked upon +by at least thirty Pharaohs, all as dead as it to-day, since it was +the same that was used at the royal feasts before, long ago, the seat +of government was moved to Thebes. + +"If so," broke in Tua, who was angry, "it is time that it should be +buried, if flesh and bone, or burned if wood. But Pharaoh is wearied. +Have we your leave to depart, my Uncle?" + +Without answering, Abi rose, as she thought to dismiss the company. +But it was not so, for he raised a great, golden cup of wine and said: + +"Before we part, my guests, let Memphis drink a welcome to the mighty +Lord of the Two Lands who, for the first time in his long and glorious +reign, honours it with his presence here to-day. As he said to me but +now, my royal brother is weak and aged with sickness, nor can we hope +that once his visit is ended, he will return again to the White-walled +City. But as it chances the gods have given him a boon which they +denied for long, the lovely daughter who shares his throne, and who, +as we believe and pray, will reign after him when it pleases him to +ascend into the kingdom of Osiris. Yet, my friends, it is evil that +the safe and lawful government of Egypt should hang on one frail life. +Therefore this is the toast to which I drink--that the Queen Neter- +Tua, Morning Star of Amen, Hathor Strong in Beauty, who has rejected +so many suitors, may before she departs from among us, find one to her +liking, some husband of royal blood, skilled in the art of rule, whose +strength and knowledge may serve to support her woman's weakness and +inexperience in that sad hour when she finds herself alone." + +Now the audience, who well understood the inner meaning and objects of +this speech, rose and cheered furiously, as they had been schooled to +do, emptying their cups to Pharaoh and to Tua and shouting: + +"We know the man. Take him, glorious Queen, take him, Daughter of +Amen, and reign for ever." + +"What do they mean?" muttered Pharaoh, "I do not understand. Thank +them, my daughter, my voice is weak, and let us begone." + +So Tua rose when at length there was silence and, looking round her +with flashing eyes, said in her clear voice that reached the furthest +recesses of the hall: + +"The Pharaoh, my father, and I, the Queen of the Upper and the Lower +Lands, return thanks to you, our people of this city, for your loyal +greetings. But as for the words that the Prince Abi has spoken, we +understand them not. My prayer is that the Pharaoh may still reign in +glory for many years, but if he departs and I remain, learn, O people, +that you have naught to fear from the weakness and inexperience of +your Queen. Learn also that she seeks no husband, nor when she seeks +will she ever find one within the walls of Memphis. Rest you well, O +people and you, my Uncle Abi, as now with your good leave we will do +also." + +Then, turning, she took her father by the hand and went without more +words, leaving Abi staring at his guests while his guests stared back +at him. + +When Tua had reached the pylon tower, where she lodged, and her ladies +had unrobed her and gone, she called Asti to her from the adjoining +chamber and said: + +"You are wise, my nurse, tell me, what did Abi mean?" + +"If your Majesty cannot guess, then you are duller than I thought," +answered Asti in her quick, dry fashion, adding; "however, I will try +to translate. The Prince Abi, your noble uncle, means that he has +trapped you here, and that you shall not leave these walls save as his +wife." + +Now fury took hold of Tua. + +"How dare he speak such words?" she gasped, springing to her feet. "I, +the wife of that old river-hog, my father's brother who might be my +grandfather, that hideous, ancient lump of wickedness who boasts that +he has a hundred sons and daughters; I, the Queen of Egypt, whose +birth was decreed by Amen, I--how dare you?" and she ceased, choking +in her wrath. + +"The question is--how he dares, Queen. Still, that is his plot which +he will carry through if he is able. I suspected it from the first, +and that is why I always opposed this visit to Memphis, but you will +remember that you bade me be silent, saying that you had determined to +see the most ancient city in Egypt." + +"You should not have been silent. You should have said what was in +your mind, even if I ordered you from my presence. Neither Abi nor any +of his sons proposed for my hand when the others did, therefore /I/ +suspected nothing----" + +"After the fashion of women who have already given their hearts, +Queen, and forget that they have other things to give--a kingdom, for +instance. The snake does not roar like the lion, yet it is more to be +feared." + +"Once I am out of this place it is the snake that shall have cause to +fear, Asti, for I will break its back and throw it writhing to the +kites. Nurse, we must leave Memphis." + +"That is not easy, Queen, since some ceremony is planned for each of +the next eight days. If Pharaoh were to go away without attending +them, he would anger all the people of the North which he has not +visited since he was crowned." + +"Then let them be angered; Pharaoh can do as he wills." + +"Yes, Queen, at least, that is the saying. But do you think that +Pharaoh wishes to bring about a civil war and risk his crown and +yours? Listen: Abi is very strong, and under his command he has a +greater army than Pharaoh can muster in these times of peace, for in +addition to his trained troops, all the thousands of the Bedouin +tribes of the desert look on him as lord, and at his word will fall on +the wealth of Egypt like famished vultures on a fatted ox. Moreover, +here you have but a guard of five hundred men, whereas Abi's +regiments, summoned to do you honour, and his ships of war block the +river and the southern road. How then will you leave Memphis without +his good leave; how will you even send messengers to summon aid which +could not reach you under fifty days?" + +Now when she saw the greatness of the danger, Tua grew quite calm and +answered: + +"You have done wrong, Asti; if you foresaw all these things of which I +never thought, you should have warned Pharaoh and his Council." + +"Queen, I did warn them, and Mermes warned them also, but they would +not listen, saying that they were but the idle dreams of one who +strives to peep into the future and sees false pictures there. More, +Pharaoh sent for me himself, and whilst thanking me and Mermes my +husband, told me that he had inquired into the matter and found no +cause to distrust Abi or those under his command. Moreover, he forbade +me to speak to your Majesty about it, lest, being but young and a +woman, you might be frightened and your pleasure spoilt." + +"Who was his counsellor?" asked Tua. + +"A strange one, I think, Queen. You know his waiting-woman, Merytra, +she of whom he is so fond, and who stood behind him with a fan this +night." + +"Aye, I know her," replied Tua, with emphasis. "She was ever +whispering with that tall astrologer at the feast. But does Pharaoh +take counsel with waiting-ladies of his private household?" + +"With this waiting-lady, it seems, Queen. Perhaps you have not heard +all her story. in the year before your birth Merytra came up the Nile +with Abi. She was then quite young and very pretty; one of Abi's +women. It seems that the Prince struck her for some fault, and being +clever she determined to be revenged upon him. Soon she got her +chance, for she heard Abi disclose to the astrologer Kaku, that same +man whom you saw to-night talking with her, a plan that he had made to +murder Pharaoh and declare himself king, from which Kaku dissuaded +him. Having this secret and being bold, she fled at once from the ship +of Abi, and that night told Pharaoh everything. But he forgave Abi, +and sent him home again with honour who should have slain him for his +treason. Only Merytra remained in the Court, and from that time +forward Pharaoh, who trusted her and was caught by her wit and beauty, +made it a habit to send for her when he wished to have news of Memphis +where she was born, because she seemed always to know even the most +secret things that were passing in that city. Moreover, often her +information proved true." + +"That is not to be wondered at, Nurse, seeing that doubtless it came +from this Kaku, Abi's astrologer and magician." + +"No, Queen, it is not to be wondered at, especially as she paid back +secret for secret. Well, I believe that after I had warned Pharaoh of +what I knew, never mind how, he sent for Merytra, who laughed the tale +to scorn, and told him that Abi his brother had long ago abandoned all +ambitions, being well content with his great place and power which one +of his sons would inherit after him. She told him also that the troops +were but assembled to do the greater honour to your Majesties who had +no more loyal or loving subject than the Prince Abi, whom for her part +she hated with good cause, as she loved Pharaoh and his House--with +good cause. If there were any danger, she asked would she dare to put +herself within the reach of Abi, the man that she had once betrayed +because her heart was pure and true, and she was faithful to her king. +So Pharaoh believed her, and I obeyed the orders of Pharaoh, knowing +that if I did not do so he would grow angry and perhaps separate me +from you, my beloved Queen and fosterling, which, now that Rames has +gone, would, I think, have meant my death. Yet I fear that I have +erred." + +"Yes, I fear also that you have erred, Asti, but everything is +forgiven to those who err through love," answered Tua kindly and +kissing her. "Oh, my father, Pharaoh! What god fashioned you so weak +that an evil spirit in a woman's shape can play the rudder to your +policy! Leave me now, Asti, for I must sleep and call on Amen to aid +his daughter. The snare is strong and cunning, but, perchance, in my +dreams he will show me how it may be broke." + + + +That night when the feast was ended Merytra, Pharaoh's favoured +waiting-maid, did not return with the rest of the royal retinue to the +temple where he lodged. As they went from the hall in state she +whispered a few words into the ear of the chief Butler of the +Household who, knowing that she had the royal pass to come in and out +as she would, answered that the gate should be opened to her, and let +her go. + +So covering her head with a dark cloak Merytra slipped behind a +certain statue in the ante-hall and waited till presently a tall +figure, also wrapped in a dark cloak, appeared and beckoned to her. +She followed it down sundry passages and up a narrow stair that seemed +almost endless, until, at length, the figure unlocked a massive door, +and when they had passed it, locked it again behind them. + +Now Merytra found herself in a very richly furnished room lit by +hanging-lamps, that evidently was the abode of one who watched the +stars and practised magic, for all about were strange-looking brazen +instruments and rolls of papyrus covered with mysterious signs, and +suspended above the table a splendid divining ball of crystal. Merytra +sank into a chair, throwing off her dark cloak. + +"Of a truth, friend Kaku," she said, so soon as she had got her +breath, "you dwell very near the gods." + +"Yes, dear Merytra," he answered with a dry chuckle, "I keep a kind of +half-way house to heaven. Perched here in my solitude I see and make +note of what goes on above," and he pointed to the skies, "and retail +the information, or as much of it as I think fit, to the groundlings +below." + +"At a price, I suppose, Kaku." + +"Most certainly at a price, and I may add, a good price. No one thinks +much of the physician who charges low fees. Well, you have managed to +get here, and after all these years I am glad to see you again, +looking almost as young and pretty as ever. Tell me your secret of +eternal youth, dear Merytra." + +Merytra, who was vain, smiled at this artful flattery, although, in +truth, it was well deserved, for at an age when many Egyptians are +old, she remained fresh and fair. + +"An excellent conscience," she answered, "a good appetite and the +virtuous, quiet life, which is the lot of the ladies of Pharaoh's +Court--there you have the secret, Kaku. I fear that you keep too late +hours, and that is why you grow white and withered like a mummy--not +but that you look handsome enough in those long robes of yours," she +added to gild the pill. + +"It is my labours," he replied, making a wry face, for he too was +vain. "My labours for the good of others, also indigestion and the +draughts in this accursed tower where I sit staring at the stars, +which give me rheumatism. I have got both of them now, and must take +some medicine," and filling two goblets from a flask, he handed her +one of them, saying, "drink it, you don't get wine like that in +Thebes." + +"It is very good," said Merytra when she had drunk, "but heavy. If I +took much of that I think I should have 'rheumatism,' too. Now tell +me, old friend, am I safe, in this place? No, not from Pharaoh, he +trusts me and lets me go where I will upon his business--but from his +royal brother. He used to have a long memory, and from the look of him +I do not think that his temper has improved. You may remember a +certain slap in the face and how I paid him back for it." + +"He never knew it was you, Merytra. Being a mass of self-conceit, he +thought that you ran away because he had banished you from his royal +presence and presented you--to me." + +"Oh, he thought that, did he! What a vain fool!" + +"It was a very dirty trick you played me, Merytra," went on Kaku with +indignation, for the rich wine coursing through his blood revived the +sting of his loss. "You know how fond I always was of you, and indeed +am still," he added, gazing at her admiringly. + +"I felt that I was not worthy of so learned and distinguished a man," +she replied, looking at him with her dark eyes. "I should only have +hampered your life, dear Kaku, so I went into the household of that +poor creature, Pharaoh, instead--Pharaoh's Nunnery we call it. But you +will not explain the facts to Abi, will you?" + +"No, I think not, Merytra, if we continue to get on as well as we do +at present. But now you are rested, so let us come to business, for +otherwise you will have to stop here all night and Pharaoh would be +angry." + +"Oh, to Set with Pharaoh! Though it is true that he is a good +paymaster, and knows the value of a clever woman. Now, what is this +business?" + +The old astrologer's face grew hard and cunning. Going to the door he +made sure that it was locked and drew a curtain over it. Then he took +a stool and sat himself down in front of Merytra, in such a position +that the light fell on her face while his own remained in shadow. + +"A big business, Merytra, and by the gods I do not know that I should +trust you with it. You tricked me once, you have tricked Pharaoh for +years; how do I know that you will not play the same game once more +and earn me an order to cut my own throat, and so lose life and soul +together?" + +"If you think that, Kaku, perhaps you will unlock the door and give me +an escort home, for we are only wasting time." + +"I don't know what to think, for you are as cunning as you are +beautiful. Listen, woman," he continued in a savage whisper, and +clasping her by the wrist. "If you are false, I tell you that you +shall die horribly, for if the knife and poison fail, I am no +charlatan, I have arts. I can make you turn loathsome to the sight and +waste away, I can haunt you at nights so that you may never sleep a +wink, save in full sunshine, and I will do it all and more. If I die, +Merytra, we go together. Now will you swear to be true, will you swear +it by the oath of oaths?" + +The spy looked about her. She knew Kaku's power which was famous +throughout Egypt, and that it was said to be of the most evil sort, +and she feared him. + +"It seems that this is a dangerous affair," she replied uneasily, "and +I think that I can guess your aim. Now if I help you, Kaku, what am +/I/ to get?" + +"Me," he answered. + +"I am flattered, but what else?" + +"After Pharaoh the greatest place and the most power in Egypt, as the +wife of Pharaoh's Vizier." + +"The wife? Doubtless from what I have heard of you, Kaku, there would +be other wives to share these honours." + +"No other wife--upon the oath, none, Merytra." + +She thought a moment, looking at the wizened but powerful-faced old +magician, then answered: + +"I will take the oath and keep my share of it. See that you keep +yours, Kaku, or it will be the worse for you, for women have their own +evil power." + +"I know it, Merytra, and from the beginning the wise have held that +the spirit dwells, not in the heart or brain or liver, but in the +female tongue. Now stand up." + +She obeyed, and from some hidden place in the wall Kaku produced a +book, or rather a roll of magical writings, that was encased in iron, +the metal of the evil god, Typhon. + +"There is no other such book as this," he said, "for it was written by +the greatest of wizards who lived before Mena, when the god-kings +ruled in Egypt, and I, myself, took it from among his bones, a +terrible task for his Ka rose up in the grave and threatened me. He +who can read in that book, as I can, has much strength, and let him +beware who breaks an oath taken on that book. Now press it to your +heart, Merytra, and swear after me." + +Then he repeated a very terrible oath, for should it be violated it +consigned the swearer to shame, sickness and misfortune in this world, +and to everlasting torments in the next at the claws and fangs of +beast-headed demons who dwell in the darkness beyond the sun, +appointing, by name, those beings who should work the torments, and +summoning them as witnesses to the bond. + +Merytra listened, then said, + +"You have left out your part of the oath, Friend, namely, that you +promise that I shall be the only wife of Pharaoh's Vizier and hold +equal power with him." + +"I forgot," said Kaku, and added the words. + +Then they both swore, touching their brows with the book, and as she +looked up again, Merytra saw a strange, flame-like light pulse in the +crystal globe that hung above her head, which became presently +infiltrated with crimson flowing through it as blood might flow from a +wound, till it glowed dull red, out of which redness a great eye +watched her. Then the eye vanished and the blood vanished, and in +place of them Queen Neter-Tua sat in glory on her throne, while the +nations worshipped her, and by her side sat a man in royal robes whose +face was hidden in a cloud. + +"What do you see?" asked Kaku, following her gaze to the crystal. + +She told him, and he pondered a while, then answered doubtfully: + +"I think it is a good omen; the royal consort sits beside her. Only +why was his face hidden?" + +"I am sure I do not know," answered Merytra. "I think that strong, red +wine of yours was doctored and has got into my head. But, come, we +have sworn this oath, which I dare say will work in more ways than we +guess, for such accursed swords have two edges to them. Now out with +the plot, and throw a cloth over that crystal for I want to see no +more pictures." + +"It seems a pity since you have such a gift of vision," replied Kaku +in the same dubious voice. Yet he obeyed, tying up the shining ball in +a piece of mummy wrapping which he used in his spells. + +"Now," he said, "I will be brief. My fat master, Abi, means to be +Pharaoh of Egypt, and it seems that the best way to do so is by +climbing into his niece's throne, where most men would like to sit." + +"You mean by marrying her, Kaku." + +"Of course. What else? He who marries the Queen, rules in right of the +Queen." + +"Indeed. Do you know anything of Neter-Tua?" + +"As much as any other man knows; but what do you mean?" + +"I mean that I shall be sorry for the husband who marries her against +her will, however beautiful and high-placed she may be. I tell you +that woman is a flame. She has more strength in her than all the +magicians in Egypt, yourself among them. They say she is a daughter of +Amen, and I believe it. I believe that the god dwells in her, and woe +be to him whom she may chance to hate, if he comes to her as a +husband." + +"That is Abi's business, is it not? Our business, Merytra, is to get +him there. Now we may take it this will not be with her consent." + +"Certainly not, Kaku," she answered. "The gossip goes that she is in +love with young Count Rames, who fought and killed the Prince of Kesh +before her eyes, and now has gone to make amends to the king his +father at the head of an army." + +"That may be true, Merytra. Why not? He is her foster-brother and of +royal blood, bold, too, and handsome, they say. Well, queens have no +business to be in love. That is the privilege of humbler folk like you +and me, Merytra. Say, is she suspicious--about Prince Abi, I mean?" + +"I do not know, but Asti, her nurse and favourite lady, the wife of +Mermes and mother of Rames, is suspicious enough. She is a greater +magician than you are, Kaku, and if she could have had her way Pharaoh +would never have set foot in Memphis. But I got your letter and over- +persuaded him, the poor fool. You see he thinks me faithful to his +House, and that is why I am allowed to be here to-night, to collect +information." + +"Ah! Well, what Asti knows the Queen will know, and she is stronger +than Pharaoh, and notwithstanding all Abi's ships and soldiers, may +break away from Memphis and make war upon him. So it comes to this-- +Pharaoh must stay here, for his daughter will not desert him." + +"How will you make him stay here, Kaku? Not by----" and she glanced +towards the shrouded crystal. + +"Nay, no blood if it can be helped. He must not even seem to be a +prisoner, it is too dangerous. But there are other ways." + +"What ways? Poison?" + +"Too dangerous again. Now, if he fell sick, and he has been sick +before, and could not stir, it would give us time to bring about the +marriage, would it not? Oh! I know that he is well at present--for +him, but look here, Merytra, I have something to show you." + +Then going to a chest Kaku took from it a plain box of cedar wood +which was shaped like a mummy case, and, lifting off its lid, revealed +within it a waxen figure of the length of a hand. This figure was +beautifully fashioned to the living likeness of Pharaoh, and crowned +with the double crown of Egypt. + +"What is it?" asked Merytra, shrinking back. "An /ushapti/ to be +placed in his tomb?" + +"No, woman, a magic Ka fashioned with many a spell out of yonder +ancient roll, that can bring /him/ to the tomb if it be rightly used, +as you shall use it." + +"I!" she exclaimed, starting. "How?" + +"Thus: You, as one of Pharaoh's favourite ladies, have charge of the +chamber where he sleeps. Now you must make shift to enter there alone +and lay this figure in his bed, that the breath of Pharaoh may enter +into it. Then take it from the bed and say these words, 'Figure, +figure, I command thee by the power within thee and in the name of the +Lord if Ill, that as thy limbs waste, so shall the limbs of him in +whose likeness thou art fashioned waste also.' Having spoken thus, +hold the legs of the image over the flame of a lamp until it be half +melted, and convey the rest of it away to your own sleeping-place and +hide it there. So it shall come about that during that night the +nerves and muscles in the legs of Pharaoh will wither and grow useless +to him, and he be paralysed and unable to stir. Afterwards, if it be +needful, I will tell you more." + +Now, bold though she was, Merytra grew afraid. + +"I cannot do it," she said, "it is black sorcery against one who is a +god, and will bring my soul to hell. Find some other instrument, or +place the waxen imp in the bed of Pharaoh yourself, Kaku." + +The face of the magician grew fierce and cruel. + +"Come with me, Merytra," he said, and taking her by the wrist he led +her to the open window-place whence he observed the stars. + +So giddy was the height at the top of this lofty tower that the houses +beneath looked small and far away, and the sky quite near. + +"Behold Memphis and the Nile, and the wide lands of Egypt gleaming in +the moonlight, and the Pyramids of the ancient kings. You wish to rule +over all these, like myself--do you not, Merytra?--and if you obey me +you shall do so." + +"And if I do not obey?" + +"Then I will throw my spell upon you, and your senses shall leave you +and you shall fall headlong to that white line, which is a street, and +before to-morrow morning the dogs will have picked your broken bones, +so that none can know you, for you have heard too much to go hence +alive unless it be to do my bidding. Oh, no! Think not to say 'I will' +and afterwards deceive me, for that image which you take with you is +my servant, and will keep watch on you and make report to me and to +the god, its master. Now choose." + +"I will obey," said Merytra faintly, and as she spoke she thought that +she heard a laugh in the air outside the window. + +"Good. Now hide the box beneath your cloak and drop it not, for if so +that which is within will call aloud after you, and they will kill you +for a sorceress. Unless my word come to you, lay the figure in +Pharaoh's bed to-morrow evening, and at the hour of moonrise hold its +limbs in the flame in your own chamber, and hide it away, and +afterwards bring it back to me that I may enchant it afresh, if there +be any need. Now come, and I will guard you to the gates of the old +temple of Sekhet, where Pharaoh dwells." + + + +CHAPTER IX + +THE DOOM OF PHARAOH + +On the morrow when the lady Asti came to dress the Queen for that +day's ceremony, she asked her if Amen had given her the wisdom that +she sought. + +"Not so," answered the young Queen, "all he gave me was very bad +dreams, and in every one of them was mixed up that waiting woman of my +father, Merytra, of whom you spoke to me. If I believed in omens I +should say that she was about to bring some evil upon our House." + +"It may well be so, Queen," answered Asti, "and in that case I think +that she is at the work. At any rate, watching from the little window +of my room, by the light of the moon I saw her return across the +temple court at midnight. Moreover, it seemed to me that she was +carrying something beneath her robe." + +"Whence did she return?" + +"From the city, I suppose. She has Pharaoh's pass, and can go in and +out when she will. I have caused Mermes to question the officer of the +guard, and he says that she came to the gate accompanied by a tall man +wrapped in a dark cloak, who spoke with her earnestly, and left her. +From this description I think it must have been the astrologer, Kaku, +with whom she was talking at the feast." + +"That is bad news, Nurse. What else have you to tell?" + +"Only this, Queen. The gates are guarded more closely even than we +thought. I tried to send out a man to Thebes this morning with a +message on my own account--never mind what it was--and the sentries +turned him back." + +"By the gods!" exclaimed Tua, "before I have reigned a year every gate +in Memphis shall be melted down for cooking vessels, and I will set +their captains to work in the desert mines. Nay, such threats are +foolishness, I'll not threaten, I'll strike when the time comes, but +that is not yet. Can I speak with the Pharaoh?" + +"No, Queen. He is up already giving audience to the nobles of Memphis, +and trying cases from the Lower Land with his Counsellors; until it is +time to start for this ceremony of the laying of the foundation-stone +of the temple, whither you accompany him in state. Also it is as well +--by to-night we may learn more. Come, let me set the crown upon your +head that these dogs of Memphis may know their mistress." + + + +The ceremony proved very wearisome. First there was the long chariot +ride through the crowded, shouting streets, Pharaoh and Abi going in +the first chariot, and Tua, attended by Abi's eldest daughter, a +round-eyed lady much older than herself, in the second. Next came the +office of the priests of Amen, over which Neter-Tua as daughter of +Amen and high-priestess, must preside, to dedicate the temple to the +glory of the god. Then the foundation deposit of little vases of +offerings and models of workmen's tools, and a ring drawn from +Pharaoh's hand engraved with his royal name, were blessed and set by +the masons in hollows prepared for them, and the two great corner- +stones let down, hiding them for ever, and declared respectively by +Pharaoh and by Neter-Tua, Morning Star of Amen, Joint Sovereign of +Egypt, to be well and truly laid. + +Afterwards architects, those who "drew the line," exhibited plans of +the temple, and received gifts from Pharaoh, and when these things +were done came the mid-day feast and speeches. + +At length all was over, and the great procession returned by another +route to the temple of Sekhet, where Pharaoh lodged, a very tedious +journey in the hot sun, since it involved a circuit of the endless +walls of Memphis, with stoppages before all the temples of the gods, +at each of which Pharaoh must make offerings. Nor, weary as he was, +might he rest, for in the outer court of the old shrine thrones had +been set up and seated on them he and Tua must hear petitions till +sunset and give judgment, or postpone them for further consideration. + +At last there came to an end, but, as Pharaoh, tired out, rose from +his throne, Abi, his brother, who all this time had not left them, +said that he also had a private petition to prefer. So they went into +an inner court that had been a sanctuary, and sat down again, there +being present besides the scribes only Pharaoh, the Queen, some +councillors, Mermes, captain of the guard, and certain women of the +royal household, among them Asti, the Queen's nurse, and Merytra, +Pharaoh's favourite attendant. With Abi were his astrologer, Kaku, his +two eldest sons, and a few of the great officers of his government, +also the high-priests of the temples of Memphis, and three powerful +chiefs of the Desert tribes. + +"What is your prayer, my brother?" asked Pharaoh, as soon as the doors +were closed. + +"A great one, your Majesties," answered the Prince, prostrating +himself, "which for the good of Egypt, and for your own good, and for +my good, who reverence you as a loyal subject, I pray that you will be +pleased to grant." Then he drew himself up and said slowly, "I am here +to ask the hand of the glorious Queen Neter-Tua, daughter of Amen, in +marriage." + +Now Pharaoh stared at him, while Tua, who knew well what was coming, +turned her head aside, and asked a councillor who stood near, if in +the history of the land any Queen of Egypt had ever married her uncle. + +The councillor who was noted for his historical studies, answered that +at the moment he could recall no such case. + +"Then," said Tua coolly, and still addressing him, "it seems that it +would be scarcely wise to create a precedent which other poor young +women of the royal race might be called upon to follow." + +Pharaoh caught something of the words, though Abi did not for they +were spoken in a low voice, and bethought him of a way out of his +difficulty. + +"The Queen Neter-Tua sits at my side, and is co-regent with me of this +kingdom, her mind is my mind, and what she approves it is probable I +shall approve. Prefer your request to her," he said. + +So Abi turned to the Queen, and laying his hands upon his heart, +bowed, ogled, and began: + +"A burning love of your most excellent Majesty moves me----" + +"I pray you, my Uncle," interrupted Tua, "correct your words, which +should begin 'A burning love of your most excellent Majesty's throne +and power move me,' and so on." + +Now Abi frowned while everyone else smiled, not excepting Pharaoh and +the astrologer, Kaku. Again he began his speech, but so confusedly +that presently Tua stopped him for the second time, saying: + +"I am not deaf, most noble prince, my Uncle. I heard the words you +used to Pharaoh, and even understood their import. In fact, I have +already consulted our councillor here, a learned master of the law, as +to the legality of such an alliance as you propose, and he gives his +judgment against it." + +Now Abi glared at the Councillor, a humble, dusty old man who spent +all his life among rolls and chronicles. + +"May it please your Majesty," this lawyer exclaimed in a thin agitated +voice, "I only said there was no record of such a marriage that I can +remember, though once I think a queen adopted a nephew, who afterwards +became Pharaoh." + +"It is the same thing, Friend," replied Tua sweetly, "for that of +which there is no record in the long history of Egypt must of +necessity be illegal. Still, if my uncle here wishes to adopt me, I +thank him, though his lawful heirs may not, and the matter is one that +can be considered." + +Now, guessing that he was being played with, Abi grew angry. + +"I have put a plain question to your Majesty," he said, "and perhaps I +am worthy of a plain answer. As all men know, O Queen, it is time that +you should be wed, and I offer myself as your husband. It is true that +I am somewhat older than you are----" + +"In what year was the Prince Abi born, the same as yourself, did you +say?" asked Tua in an audible aside of the aged and learned +Councillor, who thereon vanished behind the throne, and was seen no +more. + +"But," went on Abi, taking no notice of this interruption, "on the +other hand I have much to offer. I rule here, your Majesties, who am +also of the royal blood, and there is some disaffection in the North, +especially among the great Bedouin tribes of the Desert who watch the +frontier of the Kingdom. Now if this alliance comes about, and in days +to be I sit upon the double throne as King-Consort of Egypt, they will +be loyal, and north and south will be united more closely than they +ever were before. Whereas if it does not come about----" Here Kaku, +pretending to brush a fly from his face, caught his hand in Abi's +robe, a signal at which his master paused. + +"Go on, my Uncle, I pray you," said Tua. "If it does not come about, +what then?" + +"Then, Queen, there may be trouble. Nay, leave me alone, Magician, I +will speak the truth, chance what may. Pharaoh, you have reigned for +many years; yes, forty times has the Nile overflowed its banks since +we laid our divine father in the tomb. Now, during all those years but +one child has been born to you, and that after I came to Thebes to +pray you to name me as your heir. Know, Pharaoh, that there are many +who find this strange, and wonder whether this beautiful queen, who is +called Daughter of Amen, and resembles you so little in body or in +mind, sits rightfully on the throne of Egypt. If I marry her these +questionings will cease. If I do not marry her the whisperings of men +may grow to a wind that will blow the crown from off her head." + +Now a grasp of fear and wonder rose from all who heard this bold and +treasonable speech, and Tua, reddening to the eyes, bent forward as +though to answer. But before ever a word had passed her lips Pharaoh +sprang from his seat transformed with rage. All his patient gentleness +was gone, and he looked so fierce and royal that everyone present +there, even Abi himself, quailed before him. + +"Is it for this that I have borne with you for so long, my brother?" +he cried, rending at his robes. "Is it for this that I spared you +years ago in Thebes, when your life was forfeit for your treachery? Is +it for this that I have suffered you to rise to great honour, and to +rule here almost as a king in my city of Memphis? Was it not enough +that I should sit quiet, while you, an old man, the son of our +father's barbarian slave, the loose-living despot, dare to ask for the +pure hand of Egypt's Queen in marriage, you, her uncle, who might well +be her grandfather also? Must I also hear your foul mouth beslime her +royal birth, and the honour of her divine mother, and spit sneers at +Amen, Father of the gods? Well, Amen shall deal with you when you come +to the doors of his Eternal House, but here on earth I am his son and +servant. Mermes, call my guards, and arrest this man and hold him +safe. At Thebes, whither we depart to-morrow, he shall be judged +according to our law." + +Now Mermes blew a shrill call on the silver whistle that hung about +his neck, and, springing forward, seized the Prince by the arm. Abi +drew his sword to cut him down, and at the sight of the blade, all who +were with him rushed to the door to escape, sweeping before them +certain of Pharaoh's ladies, among them the waiting-woman, Merytra. +But before ever they could pass it, the guards who had heard the +signal of Mermes, ran in with lifted spears, driving them back again. +Leaping upon Abi, they tore the sword from his hand, and threw him to +the ground, huddling the rest together like frightened sheep. + +"Bind this traitor and keep him safe, for to-morrow he accompanies us +to Thebes," said Pharaoh. + +"What of his sons, and those with him, your Majesty?" asked the +officer of the guard. + +"Let them go," answered Pharaoh wearily, "for they have not sinned +against us. Let them go, and take warning from their master's fate." + +Now, as it chanced in the confusion, Merytra had been pushed against +Kaku. + +"Hearken," whispered the astrologer into the woman's ear. "Do as I bid +you last night, and all will yet be well. Do it or die. Do you hear +me?" + +"I hear, and I will obey," answered Merytra in the same low voice. + +Then they were separated, for the guards took Kaku by the arm and +thrust him out of the temple together with the sons of Abi. + +An hour later Mermes and Asti stood before Pharaoh, and prayed him +that he would depart from Memphis that very night, saying that such +was the counsel also of the Queen and of his officers. But Pharaoh was +tired out, and would not listen. + +"To-morrow, when I have slept, will be time enough," he answered. +"Moreover, shall I fly from my own city like a thief when naught is +ready for our journey? Why do you press me to such a coward's act?" he +added peevishly. + +"For this reason, your Majesty," answered Mermes. "We are sure there +is a plot to keep you here. This afternoon you could not have gone, +had you tried, but to-night, Abi, being a prisoner, his people are +dismayed, and having no leader will open the gates. By to-morrow one +may be found, and they will be double-barred and guarded." + +"What!" asked the King scornfully, "do you mean that I am a prisoner +also, and here in Egypt, which I rule? Nay, good friends, at Pharaoh's +word those gates will open. Or if they do not, I will pull down +Memphis stone by stone, and drive out its people to share their caves +with jackals. Do they think because I am kind and gentle, that I +cannot lift the sword if there be need? Have they forgotten how I +smote those rebels in my youth, and gave their cities to the flames, +and set my yoke on Syria, that aided them. We march to-morrow, and not +before. I have spoken." + +Now Mermes bowed and turned to go, since when those words had passed +Pharaoh's lips it was not lawful to answer them. Yet Asti dared to do +so. + +"O Pharaoh," she said, "be not wrath with your servant. Pharaoh, as +you know, I have skill in divination, the spirits of the dead whisper +at times in my ears of things that are to be. It seemed to me just now +when having left the presence of the Queen, my foster-child, I stood a +while alone in the darkness, that the divine Majesty of the great +lady, the royal wife, Ahura, who was my friend and mistress, stood +beside me and said: + +"'Go, Asti, to Pharaoh, and say to Pharaoh that great danger threatens +him and our royal daughter. Say to him--Fly from Memphis, lest there +he should be prepared for burial, and the Star of Amen hidden by a +cloud of shame. Bid him beware of one about his throne, and of that +evil magician with whom she made a pact last night.'" + +Now Pharaoh looked at Asti and said: + +"O dreamer of dreams, interpret your own dream. Who is she about my +throne of whom I should beware, and who is the magician with whom she +made a pact?" + +"The divine Queen did not tell me, Pharaoh," answered Asti stubbornly, +"but my own skill tells me. She is Merytra, your favourite, and the +magician is Kaku, whom she visited last night." + +"What!" exclaimed Pharaoh, laughing. "That long-legged old astrologer +with the painted cap who ran so fast when his master was taken? Why! +he is nothing but a spy who has been in my pay for years; a charlatan +who pretends to knowledge that he may win the secrets of his Prince. +And Merytra, too, Merytra, who in bygone times warned me of this Abi's +foolish plot. Asti, you are high-born and wise, one whom I love, and +honour much, as does the Queen, my daughter, but you can still be +jealous, as I have noted long. Asti, be not deceived, it was jealousy +of Merytra that whispered in your ears, not the spirit of the divine +Ahura. Now go and take your terrors with you, for this dark +conspirator, Merytra, waits in my chamber to unrobe me, and talk me to +sleep with her pleasant jests and gossip." + +"Pharaoh has spoken, I go," said Asti in her quiet voice. "May +Pharaoh's rest be sweet, and his awaking happy." + + + +That night Tua could not sleep. Whenever she shut her eyes visions +rose before her mind, terrifying, fantastic visions in all of which +the fat and hideous Abi played a part. Thus she saw again the scene at +her father's fatal feast to the Priest of Kesh, when Asti by her magic +had caused the likeness of a monkey to come from the juggler's vase. +Only now it was Abi who emerged from the vase, a terrible Abi, with a +red sword in his hand, and Pharaoh's crown upon his head. He leapt +from the mouth of the vase, he devoured her with his greedy eyes, with +stealthy steps he came to seize her, and she could not stir an inch, +something held her fast upon her throne. + +She could bear it no more--she opened her eyes, stared at the +darkness, and out of the darkness came voices, telling of death and +war. She thrust her fingers into her ears, and tried to fix her +thoughts on Rames, that bright-eyed, light-footed lover of hers, whom +she so longed to see again, without whom she was so lonely and +undefended. + +Where was Rames? she wondered. What fate had overtaken him? Something +in her seemed to answer--Death. Oh! if Rames were dead, what should +she do? Of what use was it to be Queen of Egypt, the first woman in +the world, if Rames were dead?" + +Loneliness, insufferable loneliness seemed to get a hold of her. She +slipped from her bed, and through the doorway of her little pylon +chamber. Now she was upon the narrow stair, and in face of her was +that other chamber where Asti slept. Someone was talking with her! +Perhaps Mermes was with his wife, and if so she could not enter. No, +it was Asti's voice, and, listening, she could hear her murmuring +prayers or invocations in solemn tones. She pushed open the door and +entered. A little lamp burned in the room, and by its feeble light she +saw the white-robed Asti, whose long hair fell about her, standing +with upturned eyes and arms outstretched to Heaven. Suddenly Asti saw +her also, though but dimly for she stood in the dense shadow, and knew +her not. + +"Advance, O thou Ghost, and declare thyself, for never was thy help +more needed," she said. + +"It is no ghost, but I," said Tua. "What dealings are these that you +have with ghosts at this deadest hour of the night, Asti? Do not +enough terrors encompass us that you must needs call on your familiar +spirits to add to them?" + +"I call on the spirits to save us from them, Queen, for, like you, I +think that we are set in the midst of perils. This night is full of +sorcery; I scent it in the air, and strive to match spell with spell. +But why do you not sleep?" + +"I cannot, Asti, I cannot. Fear has got hold of me. Oh! I would that +we had never come to this hateful Memphis, or set eyes upon its ill- +omened lord, that foul brute who seeks to make a wife of me." + +"Be not afraid, Lady," said Asti, throwing her arms about Tua's slight +and quivering form. "To-morrow morning we march; I have it from +Pharaoh, and already the guard make preparations, while as for the +accursed Abi, he is in prison." + +"There is no prison that will hold him, Asti, save the grave. Oh! why +did not my Father command him to be slain, as I would have done? Then, +at least, we should be free of him, and he could never marry me." + +"Because it was otherwise decreed, O Neter-Tua, and Pharaoh must +fulfil his fate and ours, for though he is so gentle, none can turn +him." + +As she spoke the words, somewhere, far beneath them, arose a cry, a +voice of one in dread or woe, and with it the sound of feet upon the +stairs. + +"What passes?" said Asti, leaping to the door. + +"Pharaoh is dead or dying," answered the terrified voice without. "Let +her Majesty come to Pharaoh." + +They threw on their garments, they ran down the narrow stair and +across the halls till they came to the chamber of Pharaoh. There upon +his bed he lay and about him were the physicians of his Court. He was +speechless, but his eyes were open, and he knew his daughter, for, +raising his hand feebly, he beckoned to her, and pointed at his feet. + +"What is it, man?" she asked of the head physician, who, by way of +answer, lifted the linen on the bed, and showed her Pharaoh's legs and +feet, white and withered as though with fire. + +"What sickness is this?" asked Tua again. + +"We know not, O Queen," answered the physician, "for in all our lives +we have never seen its like. The flesh is suddenly wasted, and the +limbs are paralysed." + +"But I know," broke in Asti. "This is not sickness, it is sorcery. +Pharaoh has been smitten by some foul spell of the Prince Abi, or of +his wizards. Say, who was with him last?" + +"It seems that the Lady of the Footstool, Merytra, sang him to sleep, +as was her custom," answered the physician, "and left him about two +hours ago, so say the guard. When I came in to see how his Majesty +rested but now, I found him thus." + +Now Tua lifted up her head and spoke, saying: + +"My divine Father is helpless, and therefore again I rule alone in +Egypt. Hear me and obey. Let the Prince Abi be brought from his prison +to the inner hall, for I would question him at once. Let the waiting- +woman, Merytra, be brought also under guard with drawn swords." + +The officer of the watch bowed and departed to do the bidding of her +Majesty, while others went to light the hall. + +Soon he returned to an outer chamber whither Tua had withdrawn herself +while the physicians examined Pharaoh. + +"O Queen," he said, with a frightened face, "be not wrath, but the +Prince Abi has gone. He has escaped out of his prison, and the +waiting-woman, Merytra, is gone also." + +"How came this about?" asked Tua in a cold voice. + +"O Queen, the small gate was open, for people passed in and out of it +continually, making preparation for to-morrow's march. it seems that +about an hour ago the lady Merytra came to the gate and showed +Pharaoh's signet to the officer, saying that she was on Pharaoh's +business. With her went a fat man dressed in the robe of a master of +camels that in the darkness the officer thought was a certain Arab of +the Desert who has been to and fro about the camels. It is believed +that this man was none other than the Prince Abi, dressed in the +Arab's robe, and that he escaped from his cell by some secret passage +which was known to him, a passage of the old priests. The Arab, whose +robes he wore, cannot be found, but perhaps he is asleep in some +corner." + +"Bar the gates," said Tua, "and let none pass in or out. Asti, take +men with you, and go search the room where Merytra slept. Perchance +she has returned again." + +So Asti went, and a while after re-appeared carrying something +enveloped in a cloth. + +"Merytra has gone, O Queen," she said in an ominous voice, "leaving +this behind hidden beneath her bed," and she placed the object on a +table. + +"What is it? The mummy of a child?" asked Tua, shrinking back. + +"Nay, Queen, the image of a man." + +Then throwing aside the cloth Asti revealed the waxen figure shaped to +the exact likeness of Pharaoh, or rather what remained of it, for the +legs were molten and twisted, and in them could be seen the bones of +ivory and the sinews of thin wire, about which they had been moulded. +Also beneath the chin where the tongue would be, sharp thorns had been +thrust up to the root of the mouth. The thing was life-like and +horrible, and as it was, so was the dumb and stricken Pharaoh on his +bed. + +Neter-Tua hid her eyes for a while, and leaned against the wall, then +she drew herself up and said: + +"Call the physicians and the members of the Council, and those who can +be spared of the officers of the guard, that everyone of them may see +and bear witness to the hideous crime which has been worked against +Pharaoh by his brother, the Prince Abi, and the wizard Kaku, and their +accomplice, the woman Merytra." + +So they were called, and came, and when they saw the dreadful thing +lying in its waxen whiteness before them, they wailed and cursed those +who had wrought this abominable sorcery. + +"Curse them not," said Neter-Tua, "who are already accursed, and given +over to the Devourer of Souls when their time shall come. Make a +record of this deed, O Scribes, and do it swiftly." + +So the scribes wrote the matter down, and the Queen and others who +were present signed the writings as witnesses. Then Neter-Tua +commanded that they should take the image and destroy it before it +worked more evil, and a priest of Osiris who was present seized it and +departed. + +But Neter-Tua went to Pharaoh's room and knelt by his bed, watching +him, for he seemed to be asleep. Presently he awoke, and looked round +him wildly, moving his lips. For a while he could not speak, then of a +sudden his voice burst from him in a hoarse, unnatural cry. + +"They have bewitched me! I burn, I burn!" he screamed, rolling himself +to and fro upon the bed. "Avenge me, my daughter, and fear nothing, +for the gods are about you. I see their awful eyes. Oh! I burn, I +burn!" + +Then his head fell back, and the peace of death descended on his +tortured brow. + +Tua kissed his dead brow, and knelt at his side in prayer. After a +little while she rose and said: + +"It has pleased Pharaoh, the just and perfect, to depart to his +everlasting habitation in Osiris. Make it known that this god is dead, +and that I rule alone in Egypt. Send hither the priest of Osiris, that +he may repeat the Ritual of Departing, and you, physicians, do your +office." + +So the priest came, but at the door Asti caught him by the hand and +asked: + +"How did you destroy the image of wax?" + +"I burned it upon the altar in the old sanctuary of this temple," he +answered. + +"O, Fool!" said Asti, "you should have buried it. Know that with the +enchanted thing you have burned away the life of Pharaoh also." + +Then that priest fell swooning to the ground, and another had to be +summoned to utter the Ritual of Departing. + + + +CHAPTER X + +THE COMING OF THE KA + +Now it was morning, and while the physicians embalmed the body of +Pharaoh as best they could, Tua consulted with her officers. Long and +earnest was that council, for all of them felt that their danger was +very great. Abi had escaped, and if he were re-taken, none knew better +than he that his death and that of all his House would be the reward +of his crimes and sorceries which could only be covered up in one way +--by marriage with the Queen of Egypt. Moreover, he had thousands of +soldiers in the city and around it, all of them sworn to his service, +whereas the royal guard was but five companies, each of a hundred men, +trapped in a snare of streets and stone. + +One of them suggested that they should break a way through the wall of +the temple, and escape to the royal barges that lay moored on the Nile +beneath them, and this plan was approved. But when they went to set +about the work it was seen that these barges had been seized and were +already sailing away up the river. So but two alternatives remained-- +to bide within the fortifications of the old temple, and send out +messengers for help, or to march through the city boldly, break down +the gates if these were shut against them, seize boats, and sail up +the Nile for some loyal town, or if that could not be done, to take +their chance in the open lands. + +Now some favoured one scheme, and some the other, so that at last the +decision was left with her Majesty. She thought awhile, then said: + +"Here I will not stay, to be starved out as we must ere ever an army +could be gathered to rescue us, and be given into the power of that +vile and wicked man, the murderer of the good god, my father. Better +that I should die fighting in the streets, for then at least I shall +pass undefiled to join him in his eternal habitation beyond the sun. +We march at midnight." + +So they bowed beneath her word, and made ready while the women of his +household raised a death-wail for Pharaoh, and criers standing on the +high towers proclaimed the accession of Neter-Tua, Morning-Star of +Amen, Glorious in Ra, Hathor, Strong in Beauty, as sole Lord and +Sovereign of the North and South, and of Egypt's subject lands. Again +and again they proclaimed it, and of the multitudes who listened some +cheered, but the most remained silent, fearing the vengeance of their +Prince, whom the heralds summoned to do homage, but who made no sign. + +Night came at last. At a signal the gates were opened, and through +them, borne upon the shoulders of his Councillors, preceded by a small +body of guards, and followed by his women and household, went the +remains of Pharaoh, in a coffin roughly fashioned from the sycamore +timbers of the temple. With solemn step and slow, they went as though +they feared no harm, the priests and singers chanting some ancient, +funeral hymn. Next followed the baggage bearers, and after these the +royal bodyguard in the midst of whom the Queen, clad in mail, as a +man, rode in a chariot, and with her the waiting-lady, Asti, wife of +Mermes. + +At first all went well, for the great square in front of the temple +was empty. The procession of the body of Pharaoh passed it, and +vanished down the street that led to the main gate, a mile away. Now +the guard formed into line to enter this street also, when suddenly, +barring the mouth of it, appeared great companies of men who had been +hidden in other streets. + +A voice cried "Halt!" and while the guards re-shaped themselves into a +square about the person of the Queen, an embassy of officers, among +whom were recognised the four lawful sons of Abi, advanced and +demanded in the Prince's name that her Majesty should be given over to +them, saying that she would be treated with all honour, and that those +who accompanied her might go free. + +"Answer that the Queen of Egypt does not yield herself into the hands +of rebels, and of murderers; then fall on them, and slay them all," +cried Neter-Tua when Mermes, her captain, had given her this message. + +So he went forward and returned the answer, and next moment a flight +of arrows from the Queen's guard laid low the four sons of Abi, and +most of those who were with them. + +Then the fight began, one of the fiercest that had been known in Egypt +for many a generation. The royal regiment, it is true, was but small, +but they were picked men, and mad with despair and rage. Moreover, Tua +the Queen played no woman's part that night, for when these charged, +striving to cut a path through the opposing hosts, she charged with +them, and by the moonlight was seen standing like an angry goddess in +her chariot, and loosing arrows from her bow. Also no hurt came to her +or those with her, or even to the horses that drew her. It was as +though she were protected by some unseen strength, that caught the +sword cuts and turned aside the points of spears. + +Yet it availed not, for the men of Abi were a multitude, and the royal +guard but very few. Slowly, an ever-lessening band, they were pressed +back, first to the walls of the old temple of Sekhet, and then within +its outer court. Now all who were left of them, not fifty men under +the command of Mermes, strove to hold the gate. Desperately they +fought, and one by one went down to death beneath the rain of spears. + +Tua had dismounted from her chariot, and leaning on her bow, for all +her arrows were spent, watched the fray with Asti at her side. With a +yell the troops of Abi rushed through the gate, killing as they came. +Now, surrounded by all who remained to her, not a dozen men, they were +driven back through the inner courts, through the halls, to the pylon +stairs. + +Here the last stand was made. Step by step they held the stairs, till +at length there were left upon their feet only Tua, Asti and Mermes, +her husband, who was sorely wounded in many places. At the little +landing between the rooms of the Queen and Asti while the assailants +paused a moment, the Captain Mermes, mad with grief and pain, turned +and kissed his wife. Next he bowed before the Queen, saying: + +"What a man may do, I have done to save your Majesty. Now I go to make +report to Pharaoh, leaving you in charge of Amen, who shall protect +you, and to Rames, my son, the heritage of vengeance. Farewell, O +Daughter of Amen, till I see your star rise in the darkness of the +Under-World, and to you, beloved wife, farewell." + +Then, uttering the war-cry of his fathers, those Pharaohs who once had +ruled in Egypt, the tall and noble Mermes grasped his sword in both +his hands, and rushed upon the advancing foe, slaying and slaying +until he himself was slain. + +"Come with me, O Wife of a royal hero," said Tua to Asti, who had +covered her eyes with her hand, and was leaning against the wall. + +"Widow, not wife, Queen. Did you not see his spirit pass?" + +Then Tua led her up more steps to the top of the pylon tower, where +Asti sank down moaning in her misery. Tua walked to the outermost edge +of the tower and stood there waiting the end. It was the moment of +dawn. On the eastern horizon the red rim of the sun arose out of the +desert in a clear sky. There upon that lofty pinnacle, clad in shining +mail, and wearing a helm shaped like the crown of Lower Egypt, Tua +stood in its glorious rays that turned her to a figure of fire set +above a world of shadow. The thousands of the people watching from the +streets below, and from boats upon the Nile, saw her, and raised a +shout of wonder and of adoration. + +"The Daughter of Amen-Ra!" they cried. "Behold her clad in the glory +of the god!" + +Soldiers crept up the stairs to the pylon roof and saw her also, +while, now that the fray was ended, with them came the Prince Abi. + +"Seize her," he panted, for the stairs were steep and robbed him of +his breath. + +But the soldiers looked and shrank back before the Majesty of Egypt, +wrapped in her robe of light. + +"We fear," they answered, "the ghost of Pharaoh stands before her." + +Then Neter-Tua spoke, saying: + +"Abi, once a Prince of Egypt and Hereditary Lord of Memphis, but now +an outcast murderer, black with the blood of your King, and of many a +loyal man, hear me, the anointed Queen of Egypt, hear me, O man upon +whom I decree the judgment of the first and second death. Come but one +step near to my Majesty, and before your eyes, and the eyes of all the +multitude who watch, I hurl myself from this hideous place into the +waters of the Nile. Yet ere I go to join dead Pharaoh, and side by +side with him to lay our plaint against you before the eternal gods, +listen to our curse upon you. From this day forward a snake shall prey +upon your vitals, gnawing upwards to your heart. The spirits of +Pharaoh and of all his servants whom you have slain shall haunt your +sleep; never shall you know one more hour of happy rest. Through life +henceforth you shall fly from a shadow, and if you climb a throne, it +shall be such a one as that on which I stand encircled with the +perilous depths of darkness. Thence you shall fall at last, dying by a +death of shame, and the evil gods shall seize upon you, O Traitor, and +drag you to the maw of the Eater-up of Souls, and therein you shall +vanish for ever for aye, you and all your House, and all those who +cling to you. Thus saith Neter-Tua, speaking with the voice of Amen +who created her, her father and the god of gods." + +Now when the soldiers heard these dreadful words, one by one they +turned and crept down the stairs, till at last there were left upon +the pylon roof only the Queen, Asti crouching at her feet, and the +monstrous Abi, her uncle. + +He looked at her, and thrice he tried to speak but failed, for the +words choked in his throat. A fourth time he tried, and they came +hoarsely: + +"Take off your curse, O mighty Queen," he said, "and I will let you +go. I am old, to-night all my lawful sons are dead; take off your +curse, leave me in my Government, and though I desire you more than +the throne of Egypt, O Beautiful, still I will let you go." + +"Nay," answered the Queen, "I cannot if I would. It is not I who +spoke, but a Spirit in my mouth. Do your worst, O son of Set. The +curse remains upon you." + +Now Abi shook in the fury of his fear, and answered: + +"So be it, Star of Amen, having nothing more to dread I will do my +worst. Pharaoh my enemy is dead, and you, his daughter, shall be my +wife of your own free will, or since no man will lay a finger upon +you, here in this tower you shall starve. Death is not yet; I shall +have my day, it is sworn to me. Reign with me if you will, or starve +without me if you will--I tell you, Daughter of Amen, that I shall +have my day." + +"And I tell you, Son of Set, that after the day comes the long terror +of that night which knows no morrow." + +Then finding no answer, he too turned and went. + +When he was gone Neter-Tua stood a while looking down upon the +thousands of people gathered in the great square where the battle had +been fought, who stared up at her in a deadly silence. Then she +descended from the coping-stone, and, taking Asti by the arm, led her +from the roof to the little chamber where she had slept. + + + +Six days had gone by, and Queen Neter-Tua starved in the pylon tower. +Till now the water had held out for there was a good supply of it in +jars, but at last it was done, while, as for food, they had eaten +nothing except a store of honey which Asti took at night from the bees +that hived among the topmost pylon stones. That day the honey was done +also, and if had not been, without water to wash it down they could +have swallowed no more of the sickly stuff. Indeed, although in after +years in memory of its help, Neter-Tua chose the bee as her royal +symbol, never again could she bring herself to eat of the fruit of its +labours. + +"Come, Nurse," said Tua, "let us go to the roof, and watch the setting +of Ra, perhaps for the last time, since I think that we follow him +through the Western Gates." + +So they went, supporting each other up the steps, for they grew weak. +From this lofty place they saw that save on the Nile side of it which +was patrolled by the warships of Abi, all the temple was surrounded by +a double ring of soldiers, while beyond the soldiers, on the square +where the great fight had been, were gathered thousands of the people +who knew that the starving Queen was wont to appear thus upon the +pylon at sunset. + +At the sight of her, clad in the mail which she still wore, a murmur +rose from them like the murmur of the sea, followed by a deep silence +since they dared not declare the pity which moved them all. In the +midst of this silence, whilst the sun sank behind the Pyramids of the +ancient kings, Neter-Tua lifted up her glorious voice and sang the +evening hymn to Amen-Ra. As the last notes died away in the still air, +again the murmur rose while the darkness gathered about the pylon, +hiding her from the gaze of men. + +Hand in hand as they had come, the two deserted women descended the +stair to their sleeping-place. + +"They dare not help us, Asti," said Tua, "let us lie down and die." + +"Nay, Queen," answered Asti, "let us turn to one that giveth help to +the helpless. Do you remember the words spoken by the shining spirit +of Ahura the Divine?" + +"I remember them, Asti." + +"Queen, I have waited long, since the spell she whispered to me may be +used once only, but now I am sure that the moment is at hand when that +which dwells within you must be called forth to save you." + +"Then call it forth, Asti," answered Tua wearily, "if you have the +power. If not, oh! let us die. But say, whom would you summon? The +glory of Amen or the ghost of Pharaoh, or Ahura, my mother, or one of +the guardian gods?" + +"None of these," answered Asti, "for I have been bidden otherwise. Lie +you down and sleep, my fosterling, for I have much to do in the hours +of darkness. When you awake you shall learn all." + +"Aye," said Tua, "when I awake, if ever I do awake. Is it in your mind +to kill me in my sleep, Asti? Is that your command? Well, if so, I +shall not blame you, for then I will break this long fast of mine with +Pharaoh and the divine mother, Ahura, who bore me, and together in the +pleasant Fields of Peace we will wait for Rames, my lover and your +son. Being a queen, they will give my burial in my father's tomb, and +that is all I crave of them, and of this weary world. Sing me to rest, +Nurse, as you were wont to do when I was little, and, if it be your +will, tarry not long behind me." + +So she laid herself down upon the bed, and, taking her hand that had +grown so thin, the tall and noble Asti bent over her in the darkness, +and began to sing a gentle chant or lullaby. + +Tua's eyes closed, her breath came slow and deep. Then Asti the +magician ceased her song and, gathering up her secret strength, put +out her prayers, prayer after prayer, till at length all her soul was +pure, and she dared to utter the awful spell that Ahura had whispered +in her ear. At the muttered, holy words wild voices cried through the +night, the solid pylon rocked, and in the city the crystal globe into +which Kaku and Merytra gazed was suddenly shattered between them, and, +white with terror at he knew not what, Abi sprang from his couch. + +Then Asti also sank into sleep or swoon, and all was silent in that +chamber, silent as the grave. + + + +Neter-Tua awoke. Through the pylon window-place crept the first grey +light of dawn. Her eyes searching the gloom fell first upon the dark- +robed figure of Asti sleeping in a chair, her head resting upon her +hand. Then a brightness drew them to the foot of her bed, and there, +clothed in a faint, white light, that seemed as though it were drawn +from the stars and the moon, wearing the Double Crown, and arrayed in +all the royal robes of Egypt, she saw--/herself/. + +Now Tua knew that she dreamed, and for a long while lay still, for it +pleased her, starved and wretched as she was, a prisoner in the hands +of her foes, a netted bird, to let her fancy dwell upon this splendid +image of what she had been before an evil fate, speaking with the +voice of Merytra, Lady of the Footstool, had beguiled dead Pharaoh to +Memphis. If things had gone well with her, she should be as that image +was to-day, that image which wore her crown and robes of state, yes, +and her very jewels. Such were the changes of fortune even in the +lives of princes whose throne seemed to be set upon a rock, princes +whom the god of gods had fathered. Never before in her young life had +the thing come so home to her, for until now, even through the hunger +and the fear, her pride had borne her up. But in this chilly hour that +precedes the dawn, the hour when, as they say, men are wont to die, it +was otherwise with her. Her end was near--she knew it and understood +that between the mightiest monarch in the world and the humblest +peasant maid at the last there is no difference, save perchance a +difference of the soul within. + +Here she lay, a shadow, who must choose between a miserable end by +thirst and hunger, or a loathsome marriage. And what availed it that +she was called Morning-Star of Amen, she the only child of Pharaoh and +of his royal wife, and that when she was dead they would grant her a +state funeral, and inscribe her name among the lists of kings, while +Abi, the foul usurper, sat upon her throne. Here on the bed lay what +she was, there at the foot of it stood what she should be if the gods +had not deserted her. + +Her poor heart was filled with bitterness like a cup with vinegar, +bitterness flowed through her in the place of blood. It seemed hard to +die so young, she whom men named a god; to die robbed of her crown, +robbed of her vengeance, and taking with her her deep, unfruitful +love. Would she and Rames meet beyond the grave, she wondered? Would +they wed and bear children there, who should rule as Pharaohs in the +Under-world? Would Osiris redeem her mortal flesh, and Amen the +Father, receive her; or would she rush down into everlasting blackness +where sleep is all in all? + +Oh! for one hour of strength and freedom, one short hour while at the +head of her armies she rolled down upon rebellious Memphis in her +might, and trod its high walls flat, and gave its palaces to the +flames, and cast its accursed prince to the jaws of crocodiles. Her +sunk eyes flashed at the thought of it, and her wasted bosom heaved, +and lo! the eyes of that royal queen of her dreams flashed also as +though in answer, and on its breast the jewels rose as though pride or +anger lifted them. + +Then this marvel came to pass, for the beautiful face--could her own +ever have been so beautiful?--the imperial face, bent forward a +little, and from the red lips came a soft voice, her own rich voice, +that said: + +"Speak your will, Queen, and it shall be done. I, who stand here, am +your servant to command, O Morning-Star, O Amen's royal child." + +Tua sat up in her bed and laughed at the vision. + +"My will!" she said. "O Dream, why do you mock me? Let me think. What +is my will? Well, Dream, it is that of the beggar at the gate--I +desire a drink of water, and a crust of bread." + +"They are there," answered the figure, pointing with the crystal +sceptre in her hand to the table beside the couch. + +Idly enough Tua looked, and so it was! On the table stood pure water +in a silver cup, and by it cakes of bread upon a golden platter. She +stretched out her hand, for surely this fantasy was pleasant, and took +that ghost of a silver cup, her own cup that Pharaoh had given her as +a child, and brought it to her lips and drank, and lo! water pure and +cold flowed down her throat, until at length even her raging thirst +was satisfied. Then she stretched out her hand again, and took the +loaves of bread, and ate them hungrily till all were gone, and as she +swallowed the last of them, exclaimed in bitter shame: + +"Oh! what a selfish wretch am I who have drunk and eaten all, leaving +nothing for my foster-mother, Asti, who lies asleep, and dies of want +as I did." + +"Fear not," answered the Dream. "Look, there are more for Asti." And +it was true, for the silver cup brimmed once more with cold water, and +on the golden platter were other cakes. + +Now the Dream spoke again: + +"Surely," it said, "there were other wishes in your heart, O Morning- +Star, than that for human sustenance?" + +"Aye, O Dream, I wished for vengeance upon Abi, the traitor, Abi the +murderer of my father, who would bring me to the last shame of +womanhood. I wished for vengeance upon Abi, and all who cling to him." + +The bright figure bowed, stretching out its jewelled hands, and +answered: + +"I am your servant to obey. It shall be worked, O Queen, such +vengeance as you cannot dream of, vengeance poured drop by drop like +poison in his veins, the torment of disappointed love, the torment of +horrible fear, the torment of power given and snatched away, the +torment of a death of shame, and the everlasting torment of the Eater- +up of Souls--this vengeance shall be worked upon Abi and all who cling +to him. Was there not another wish in your heart, O Morning-Star, O +Queen divine?" + +"Aye," answered Tua, "but I may not speak it all even to myself in +sleep." + +"It shall be given to you, O Morning-Star. You shall find your love +though far away beyond the horizon, and he shall return with you, and +you twain shall rule in the Upper and the Lower Land, and in all the +lands beyond with glory such as has not been known in Egypt." + +Now, at length, Tua seemed to awake. She rubbed her eyes and looked. +There was the sleeping Asti; there on the table beside her were the +water and the bread; there at the foot of the couch, glimmering in the +low lights of dawn, was the glorious figure of herself draped in the +splendid robes. + +"Who, and what are you?" she cried. "Are you a god or a spirit, or are +you but a mocking vision caught in the web of my madness?" + +"I am none of these things, O Morning-Star, I am yourself. I am that +Ka whom our father Amen gave to you at birth to dwell with you and +protect you. Do you not remember me when as a child we played +together?" + +"I remember," answered Tua. "You warned me of the danger of the sacred +crocodile in the Temple tank, but since then I have never seen you. +What gives you the strength to appear in the flesh before me, O +Double?" + +"The magic of Asti with which she has been endowed from on high to +save you, Neter-Tua, that gives me strength. Know that although you +cannot always see me, I am your eternal companion. Through life I go +with you, and when you die I watch in your tomb, perfect, +incorruptible, preserving your wisdom, your loveliness, and all that +is yours, until the day of resurrection. I have power, I have the +secret knowledge which dwells in you, although you cannot grasp it; I +remember the Past, the infinite, infinite Past that you forget, I +foresee the Future, the endless, endless Future that is hidden from +you, to which the life you know is but as a single leaf upon the tree, +but as one grain of sand in the billions of the Desert. I look upon +the faces of the gods, and hear their whisperings; Fate gives me his +book to read; I sleep secure in the presence of the Eternal who sent +me forth, and to whom at last I return again, my journey ended, my +work fulfilled, bearing you in my holy arms. O Morning-Star, the +spells of Asti have clothed me in this magic flesh, the might of Amen +has set me on my feet. I am here, your servant, to obey." + +Now, amazed, bewildered, Tua called out: + +"Awake, Nurse, awake, for I am mad. It seems to me that a messenger +from on high, robed in my own flesh, stands before me and speaks with +me." + +Asti opened her eyes, and, perceiving the beautiful figure, rose and +did obeisance to it, but said no word. + +"Be seated," said the Ka, "and hear me, time is short. I awoke at the +summons, I came forth, I am present, I endure until the spell is taken +off me, and I return whence I came. O Interpreter, speak the will of +her of whom I am, that I may do it in my own fashion. There is food-- +eat and drink, then speak." + +So Asti ate and drank as Tua had done, and when she had finished and +was satisfied, behold! the cup and the platter vanished away. Next in +a slow, quiet voice she spoke, saying: + +"O Shadow of this royal Star, by my spells incorporate, this is our +case: Here we starve in misery, and without the gate Abi waits the +end. If the Queen lives, he will take her who hates him to be his +wife; if she dies he will seize her throne. Our wisdom is finished. +What must we do to save this Star that it may shine serene until its +appointed hour of setting?" + +"Is that all you seek?" asked the Double, when she had finished. + +"Nay," broke in Tua hurriedly, "I would not shine alone, I seek +another Star to share my sky with me." + +"Have you faith and will you obey?" asked the Double again. "For +without faith I can do nothing." + +Now Asti looked at Tua who bowed her head in assent to an unspoken +question, then she answered: + +"We have faith, we will obey." + +"So be it," said the Shadow. "Presently Abi will come to ask whether +the Queen consents to be his wife, or whether she will bide here until +she dies. I who wear the fashion of the Queen will go forth and be his +wife, oh! such a wife as man never had before," and as she spoke the +words an awful look swept across her face, and her deep eyes flamed. +"Ill goes it with the mortal man who weds a wraith that hates him and +is commanded to work his woe," she added. + +Now Asti and Tua understood and smiled, then the Queen said: + +"So you will sit in my seat, O Shadow, and as your lord, Abi will sit +on Pharaoh's throne and find it hard. But what of Egypt and my +people?" + +"Fear not for Egypt and your people, O Morning Star. With these it +shall go well enough until you come back to claim them." + +"And what of my companion and myself?" asked Tua. + +The Double raised her sceptre, and pointed to the open window-space +between them, beneath which, hundreds of feet beneath, ran the milky +waters of the river. + +"You shall trust yourselves to the bosom of Father Nile," she answered +solemnly. + +Now the Queen and Asti stared at each other. + +"That means," said Tua, "that we must trust ourselves to Osiris, for +none can fall so far and live." + +"Think you so, O Star? Where, then, is that faith you promised, +without which I can do nothing? Nay, I tell no more. Do my bidding, or +let me go, and deal with Abi as it pleases you. Choose now, he draws +near," and as she spoke the words they heard the bronze gates of the +temple clash upon their hinges. + +Tua shivered at the sound, then sprang from the couch, and drew +herself to her full height, exclaiming: + +"For my part I have chosen. Never shall it be said that Pharaoh's +daughter was a coward. Better the breast of Osiris than the arms of +Abi, or slow death in a dungeon. In Amen and in thee, O Double, I put +my trust." + +The Shadow looked from her to Asti, who answered briefly: + +"Where my Lady goes there I follow, knowing that Mermes always waits. +What shall we do?" + +The Ka motioned to them to stand together in the narrow winding-place, +and this they did, their arms about each other. Next she lifted her +sceptre and spoke some word. + +Then fire flashed before their eyes, a rush of wind beat upon their +brows, and they knew no more. + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE DREAM OF ABI + +On the night of the drawing-forth of the Ka of Neter-Tua, Kaku the +wizard, and Merytra the spy, she who had been Lady of the Footstool to +Pharaoh, sat together in that high chamber where Merytra had vowed her +vow, and received the magic image. + +"Why do you look so disturbed?" asked the astrologer of his accomplice +who glanced continually over her shoulder, and seemed very ill at +ease. "All has gone well. If Set himself had fashioned that image, it +could not have done its work more thoroughly." + +"Thoroughly, indeed," broke in Merytra in an angry voice. "You have +tricked me, Wizard, I promised to help you to lame Pharaoh, not to +murder him!" + +"Hush! Beloved," said Kaku nervously, "murder is an ugly word, and +murderers come to ugly ends--sometimes. Is it your fault if an +accursed fool of a priest chose to burn the mannikin upon an altar, +and thus bring this god to his lamented end?" + +"No," answered Merytra, "not mine, or the priest's, but yours, and +that hog, Abi's; and Set's the master of both of you. But I shall get +the blame of it, for the Queen and Asti know the truth, and soon or +late it will come out, and they will burn me as a sorceress, sending +me to the Underworld with the blood of Pharaoh upon my hands. Pharaoh +who never did me aught but good. And then, what will happen to me?" + +Evidently Kaku did not know, for he rose and stood opposite to her, +scratching his lean chin and smiling in a sickly, indeterminate +fashion that enraged Merytra. + +"Cease grinning at me like an ape of the rocks," she said, "and tell +me, what is to be the end of this evil business?" + +"Why trouble about ends, Fair One?" he asked. "They are always a long +way off; indeed, the best philosophers hold that there is no such +thing as an end. You know the sacred symbol of a snake with its tail +in its mouth that surrounds the whole world, but begins where it ends, +and ends where it begins. It may be seen in any tomb----" + +"Cease your talk of snakes and tombs," burst in Merytra. "The thought +of them makes me shudder." + +"By all means, Beloved. I have always held that we Egyptians dwell too +much on tombs, and--whatever it may be that lies beyond them, which +after all remains a matter of doubt--fortunately. So let us turn from +tombs and corpses to palaces and life. As I said just now, although we +grieve over the accident of Pharaoh's death, and that of all his guard +--and I may add, of Abi's four legitimate sons, things have gone well +for us. To-day I have received from the Prince, in writing, my +appointment as Vizier, and first King's companion, to come into force +when he mounts the throne as he must do, and to-day you have received +from me, with all the usual public rites and ceremonies, the name of +wife, as I promised that you should. Merytra, you are the wife of the +great Vizier, the pre-eminent lord, the sole Companion of the King of +Egypt, a high position for one who after all during the late reign was +but Pharaoh's favourite, and Lady of the Footstool." + +"A footstool of silk is more comfortable to sit on than a state chair +fashioned of blood-stained swords. Hearken you, Kaku! I am afraid. You +say that you are the greatest of seers, and can read the future. Well, +I desire to know the future, so if you are not a charlatan, show it to +me." + +"A charlatan! How can you suggest it, Merytra, remembering the +adventure of the image?" + +"That may have been an accident. Pharaoh was sickly for years, and had +a stroke before. If you are not a cheat show me the future in that +magic crystal. I would learn the worst, so that I may know how to meet +it when it comes." + +"Well, Wife, we will try, though to see such high visions the spirit +should be calm, which I fear yours is not--nay, be not angry. We will +try, we will try. Sit here now, and gaze, and above all be silent +while I say the appropriate spells." + +So the ball of crystal having been set upon the table, the pair stared +into it as Kaku muttered his charms and invocations. For a long while +Merytra saw nothing, till suddenly a shadow gathered in the ball, +which slowly cleared away, revealing the image of dead Pharaoh clothed +in his mummy wrappings. As she started back to scream the image seemed +to loose its hands from the cloths that bound them, and strike +outwards, whereon the crystal suddenly shattered, so that the pieces +of it flew about the room, one of which struck her on the mouth, +knocking out two of her front teeth, and gashing her lips. + +Merytra uttered a cry, and fell backwards to the floor, while Kaku +sprang from his chair as though to run away, then thought better of +it, and stood still, shivering with fear. + +"What was that?" said Merytra, rising from the ground, and wiping the +blood from her cut mouth. + +"I do not know," answered Kaku, in a quavering voice. "It would seem +that the gods deny to us that knowledge of the future which you +sought. Be content with the present, Merytra." + +"Content with the present," she screamed, infuriated. "Look at what +the present has given me--a mouthful of blood and teeth. I, who was +beautiful, am spoiled for ever; I am become an old hag. Pharaoh burst +the ball with his hand, and threw the pieces at me. I saw him do it, +and you set him there. Wretch, I will pay you back for this evil +trick," and springing at Kaku, she tore of his astrologer's cap, and +the wig beneath it, and beat his bald head with them till he cried for +mercy. + +It was at this moment that the door opened, and through it, +breathless, white with terror, half-clothed, appeared none other than +the Prince Abi. + +"What passes here?" he gasped, sinking into a chair. "Is this the way +you conduct your midnight studies, Kaku?" + +"Certainly not, most high Lord," replied the astrologer, trying to bow +with his eye fixed on Merytra, who stood by him, the torn wig in her +hand, in the act of striking. "Certainly not, exalted Prince. A +domestic difference, that is all. This wild cat of a woman whom I have +married having met with an accident, gave way to her devilish temper." + +"Repeat that," exclaimed Merytra, "and I will throw you from the +window-place to find out whether your sorceries can make paving-stones +as soft as air. See, Lord, what he has done to me by his accursed +wizardry," and she exhibited her two front teeth in her shaking hand. +"I say that he set the spirit of Pharaoh whom he beguiled me to do to +death, in the crystal, for I saw him there wrapped in his mummy +clothes, and caused dead Pharaoh to burst the crystal and stone me +with its fragments." + +"Be silent, Woman," shouted Abi, "or I will have you beaten with rods, +till your feet hurt more than your mouth. What is this about the +spirit of Pharaoh, Kaku? Is he everywhere, for know, it is of Pharaoh, +the dweller in Osiris, that I came to speak to you." + +"Most exalted Ruler of the North, Son of Royal Blood, Hereditary Count +who shall be King----" + +"Cease your titles, Knave," exclaimed Abi, "and listen, for I need +counsel, and if you cannot give it I will find one who can. Just now I +lay on my bed asleep, and a dreadful vision came to me. I dreamed that +I woke up, and feeling a weight on the bed beside me turned to learn +what it was, and saw there the body of my brother, Pharaoh, in his +death-wrappings----" + +"As I saw him in the ball," broke in Merytra. "Did he pelt you also, O +Abi?" + +"Nay, Woman, he did worse, he spoke to me. He said--'You, my brother, +to whom I forgave all your sins, you and the woman-snake that I +cherished in my bosom, and your servant, the black-souled magician, +her accomplice, have done me miserably to death, and set the Queen of +both the Lands, Amen's royal child, to starve in yonder tower with the +noble lady Asti, until she dies or takes you to be her husband--you, +her uncle, who seek her beauty and my throne. Now I have a message for +you from the gods, who write down these things in their eternal books +against the day of judgment, when we all shall meet and plead our +cause before them, Osiris the Redeemer standing on the right hand, and +the Eater-up of Souls standing on the left. + +"'This is the message, O Abi--Go to the Temple of Sekhet at the dawn. +There you shall find that Royal Loveliness which you desire. Take it +to be your wife as you desire, for it shall not say you nay. Be wedded +to that Loveliness with pomp before all the eyes of Egypt, and reign +by right of that Royalty, until you meet one Rames, son of Mermes, +whom you also murdered, and with him a certain Beggar-man who is +charged with another message for you, O Abi. Ascend the Nile to +Thebes, and lay this body of mine in the splendid tomb which I have +made ready and sit in my seat, and do those things which that Royal +Loveliness you have wed, commands to you, for It you shall obey. But +hasten, hasten, Abi, to hollow for yourself a grave, and let it be +near to mine, for when you are dead this my Ka would come to visit +you, as it does to-night.' + +"Then the Ka or the body of Pharaoh--I know not which it was--ceased +from speaking, and lay there a while staring at me with its cold eyes, +till at length the spirits of my four sons who are dead entered the +chamber and, lifting up the shape, carried it away. I awoke, shaking +like a reed in the wind, and ran hither up a thousand steps to find +you brawling with this low-born slut, dead Pharaoh's worn-out shoe +that in bygone years I kicked from off my foot." + +Now Merytra would have answered, for she loved not such names, but the +two men looked at her so fiercely that her rage died, and she was +silent. + +"Read me this vision, Man, and be swift, for the torment of it haunts +me," went on Abi. "If you cannot I strip you of your offices, and give +your carcase to the rods until you find wisdom. It was you who set me +on this path, and by the gods you shall keep me safe in it or die by +inches." + +Now, seeing his great danger, Kaku grew cold and cunning. + +"It is true, O Prince," he said, "that I set you on this path, this +high and splendid path, and it is true also that from the beginning I +have kept you safe in it. Had it not been for me and my counsel, long +ago you would have become but a forgotten traitor. Remember that night +at Thebes, when in your pride you desired to smite at the heart of +Pharaoh, and how I held your hand, and remember how, many a time, my +wisdom has been your guide, when left to your own rash folly you must +have failed or perished. It is true also, Prince, that in the future +as in the past, with me and by me you stand or fall. Yet if you think +otherwise, find some wiser man to lead you, and wait the end. All the +rods in Egypt cannot be broken on my back, O Abi. Now shall I speak +who alone have knowledge, or will you seek another counsellor?" + +"Speak on," answered Abi sullenly, "we are fish in the same net, and +share each other's fortune to the end, whether it be Set's gridiron or +fat Egypt's pleasure pond. Fear not, what I have promised you shall +have while it is mine to give." + +"Just now you promised rods," remarked Kaku, making a wry face and +replacing the remains of his wig upon his bald head, "but let that +pass. Now as to this dream of yours, I find its meaning good. How did +Pharaoh come to you? Not as a living spirit, but in the fashion of a +dead man, and who cares for dead men?" + +"I do, for one, when they cut my mouth with broken crystals," +interrupted Merytra, who was bathing her wounds in a basin of water. + +"Would that they had cut your tongue instead of your lips, Woman," +snarled Abi. "Continue, Kaku, and heed her not." + +"And what was his message?" went on the magician. "Why, that you shall +marry the Majesty of Egypt, and rule in her right and sit in the seat +of kings. Are not these the very things that you desire, and have +worked for years to win?" + +"Yes, Kaku, but you forget all that about one Rames, and the tomb that +I must hollow, and the rest." + +"Rames? Merytra here can tell you of him, Prince. He is the madcap +young Count who killed the Prince of Kesh, and was sent by Neter-Tua +far to the South-lands, that the barbarians there might make an end of +him without scandal. If ever he should come back with the Beggar-man +and his message, which is not likely, you can answer him with the +halter he deserves." + +"Aye, Kaku, but how will the Queen answer him? There are stories +afloat----" + +"Lies, every one of them, Prince. She would have executed him at once +had it not been for the influence of Mermes, and her foster-mother, +Asti. This Rames has in him the royal blood of the last dynasty, and +the Star of Amen is not one who will share her sky with a rival star, +unless he be her lawful Lord, which is your part. If Rames or the foul +Beggar brings you any message it will be that you are King of Kesh as +well as of Egypt, and then you can kill him and take the heritage. A +fig for Rames and its stalk for the Beggar!" + +"Perhaps," replied Abi more cheerfully, "at any rate I do not fear +that risk; but how about all Pharaoh's talk of tombs?" + +"Being dead, Prince, it is natural that the mind of his Ka should run +on tombs, and his own royal burial, which as a matter of policy we +must give to him. Besides there the prophesy was safe, since to these +same tombs all must come, especially those of us who have seen the +Nile rise over sixty times--as I have," he added hastily. "When we +reach the tomb it will be time to deal with its affairs; till then let +us be content with life, and the good things it offers, such as +thrones, and find the love of the most beautiful woman in the world, +and the rest. Harvest your corn when it is ripe, Prince, and do not +trouble about next year's crop or whether in his grave Pharaoh's +Double eats white bread or brown. Pharaoh's daughter--or Amen's--is +your business, not his ghost." + +"Yes, good soothsayer," said Abi, "she is my business. But one more +question. Why did that accursed mummy speak of her as 'It'--in my +dream I mean--as though she were no woman, but something beyond +woman?" + +For a moment Kaku hesitated, for the point was hard to answer, then he +replied boldly: + +"Because as I believe, Prince, this Queen with whom the gods are +rewarding your deserts is in truth more than woman, being Amen's very +daughter, and therefore in those realms whence the dream came, she is +known not as woman, but by her title of Royal Loveliness. Oh!" went on +Kaku, simulating an enthusiasm that in truth did not glow within his +breast, "great and glorious is your lot, King of the world, and +splendid the path which I have opened to your triumphant feet. It was +I who showed you how Pharaoh might be trapped in Memphis, being but a +poor fool easy to deceive, and it was I--or rather Merytra yonder--who +rid you of him. And now it is I, the Master whom you threatened with +rods, that alone can interpret to you the happy omen of a dream which +you thought fearsome. Think of the end of it, Prince, and banish every +doubt. Who bore away the shape of Pharaoh? Why the spirits of your +sons, thus symbolising the triumph of your House." + +"At least they will have no share in it, Kaku, for they are dead," +said Abi with a groan, for he had loved his sons. + +"What of that, Prince? They died bravely, and we mourn them, but here +again Fortune is with you, for had they lived trouble might have +arisen between them and those other sons which the Queen of Egypt +shall bear to you." + +"Mayhap, mayhap," replied Abi, waving his hand, for the subject was +painful to him, "but this Queen is not yet my wife. She is starving in +yonder tower, and what am I to do? If I try to force my presence upon +her, she will destroy herself as she swore, and if I leave her there +any longer, being mortal, she must die. Moreover, I dare not, for even +these folk of Memphis, who love me, begin to murmur. Egypt's Queen is +Egypt's Queen, and they will not suffer that she should perish +miserably, being beautiful and young, and one who takes all hearts. +This night at sunset they gathered in tens of thousands round the +tower to hear her sing that evening hymn to Ra, and afterwards marched +past my palace, shouting in the darkness, 'Give food to Her Majesty, +and free her, or we will.' Moreover, by now the news must have come to +Thebes, and there a great army will gather to liberate or avenge her. +What am I to do, Prophet?" + +"Do what dead Pharaoh bade you in your dream, Prince. At the hour of +dawn go to the Temple of Sekhet, where you will find the Queen become +obedient to your wishes, for did not the dream declare that she will +not say you nay? Then lead her to your palace, and marry her in the +face of all men, and rule by right of her Majesty and of your own +conquering arm." + +"It can be tried," said Abi, "for then, at least, we shall learn what +truth there is in dreams. But what of this Asti her companion?" + +"Asti has been an ill guide to her Majesty, Prince," replied Kaku, +rubbing his chin as he always did when there was mischief in his mind. +"Moreover, she is advanced in years, and must be weak with grief and +hunger. If she still lives Merytra here will take her in charge and +care for her. You are old friends, are you not, Merytra?" + +"Very," answered that lady with emphasis, "like the cat and the bird +which were pets of the same master. Well, we shall have much to say to +each other. Only, beware, Husband, Asti is no weakling. Your magic may +be strong, but hers is stronger, for she is a great priestess and +draws it from gods--not devils." + + + +So it came about that at dawn Prince Abi, clad in magnificent robes, +and accompanied by Councillors, among them Kaku, and by a small guard, +was carried in a litter to the gates of the old temple of Sekhet, +being too heavy to walk so far, and there descended. As there were +none to defend them these gates were opened easily enough, and they +passed through, leaving the guard without. When they came to the inner +court, Abi stopped and asked where they should search. + +"In one place only, your Highness," answered Kaku, "that pylon tower +which overlooks the Nile, for there her Majesty starves with Asti." + +"Pylon tower," grumbled Abi. "Have I not climbed enough steps this +night? Still, lead on." + +So they went to the narrow stair, up which the thin Kaku ran like a +cat, while the officers pushed and led the huge Abi behind him. On the +third landing they all halted at Abi's command. + +"Hurry not," he said in a thick whisper. "Her Majesty dwells on the +next floor of this hateful tower, and since Asti is with her she +cannot be surprised. Beware, then, of frightening her by your sudden +appearance, lest she should run to the top of the pylon, and hurl +herself into the Nile, as she has sworn that she will do. Halt now, +and I will call to her when I have got my breath." + +So after a while he called, saying: + +"O Queen, cease to starve yourself in this miserable abode, and come +down to dwell in plenty with your faithful subject." + +He called it once, and twice, and thrice, but there was no answer. Now +Abi grew afraid. + +"She must have perished," he said, "and Egypt will demand her blood at +my hands. Kaku, go up and see what has happened. You are a magician, +and have nothing to fear." + +But the astrologer thought otherwise, and hesitated, till Abi in a +rage lifted his cedar wand to strike him on the back. Then he went, +step by step, slowly, pausing at each step to address prayers and +praises to her Majesty of Egypt. At length he came to the door of the +Queen's chamber, and kneeling down, peeped into it, to see that it was +quite empty. Next he crawled across the landing to the chamber +opposite, that which had been Asti's, and found it empty also. Then, +made bold by fear, he ascended to the pylon roof. But here, too, there +was no one to be seen. So he returned, and told Abi, who shouted: + +"By Ptah, great Lord of Memphis! either she has escaped to raise Egypt +on me, or she has sought death in the Nile to raise the gods upon me, +which is worse. So much for your interpretation of dreams, O Cheat." + +"Wait till you are sure before you call me such names, Prince," +replied Kaku indignantly. "Let us search the temple, she may be +elsewhere." + +So they searched it court by court, and chamber by chamber, till they +came to that inner hall in front of the Sanctuary where Pharaoh had +set up his throne while he sojourned at Memphis. This hall was a dark +place, into which light flowed only through the gratings in the +clerestory, being roofed in with blocks of granite laid upon its +lotus-shaped columns. Now, at the hour of sunrise, the gloom in it was +still deep, so deep that the searchers felt their way from pillar to +pillar, seeing nothing. Presently, however, a ray of light from the +rising sun sped through the opening shaped like the eye of Osiris in +the eastern wall, and as it had done for thousands of years, struck +upon the shrine of the goddess, and the throne that was set in front +of it, revealing the throne, and seated thereon Neter-Tua, her Majesty +of Egypt. + +Glorious she looked indeed, a figure of flame set in the midst of +darkness. The royal robe she wore glittered in the sunlight, glittered +her sceptre, her jewels, and the /uræi/ on her Double Crown, but more +than all of them glittered her fierce and splendid eyes. Indeed, there +was something so terrible in those eyes that the beholders who +discovered them thus suddenly, shrank back, whispering to each other +that here sat a goddess, not a woman. For in her calmness, her proud +beauty and her silence, she seemed like an immortal, one victorious +who had triumphed over death, not a woman who for seven days had +starved within a tower. + +They shrank back, they huddled themselves together in the doorway, and +there remained whispering till the growing light fell on them also. +But the figure on the throne took no heed, only stared over their +heads as though it were lost in mystery and thought. + +At length Kaku, gathering courage, said to Abi: + +"O Prince, there is your bride, such a bride as never man had before. +Go now and take her," and all the others echoed: + +"Go now, O Prince, and take her." + +Thus adjured for very shame's sake Abi advanced, looking often behind +him, till he came to the foot of the throne, and stood there bowing. + +For a long while he stood bowing thus, till he grew weary indeed, for +he knew not what to say. Then suddenly a clear and silvery voice spoke +above him, asking: + +"What do you here, Lord of Memphis? Why are you not in the cell where +Pharaoh bound you? Oh! I remember--the footstool-bearer, Merytra, your +paid spy, let you out, did she not? Why is she not here with Kaku the +Sorcerer, who fashioned the enchanted image that did Pharaoh to death? +Is it because she stays to doctor those false lips of hers that were +cut last night before you went to ask yonder Kaku to interpret a +certain dream which came to you?" + +"How did you learn these things? Have you spies in my palace, O +Queen?" + +"Yes, my uncle, I have spies in your palace and everywhere. What Amen +sees his daughter knows. Now you have come to lead me away to be your +wife, have you not? Well, I await you, I am ready. Do it if you dare!" + +"If I dare? Why should I not dare, O Queen?" asked Abi in a doubtful +voice. + +"Surely that question is one for you to answer, Count of Memphis and +its subject nomes. Yet tell me this--why did the magic crystal burst +asunder without cause in the chamber of Kaku last night, and why do +you suppose that Kaku interpreted to you all the meaning of your dream +--he who will never tell the truth unless it be beneath the rods?" + +"I do not know, Queen," answered Abi, "but with Kaku I can speak +later, if need be after the fashion you suggest," and he glanced at +the magician wrathfully. + +"No, Prince Abi, you know nothing, and Kaku knows nothing, save that +rods break the backs of snakes, unless they can find a wall to hide +in," and she pointed to the astrologer slinking back into the shadow. +"No one knows anything save me, to whom Amen gives wisdom with sight +of the future, and what I know I keep. Were it otherwise, O Abi, I +could tell you things that would turn your grey hair white, and to +Kaku and Merytra the spy, promise rewards that would make the torture- +chamber seem a bed of down. But it is not lawful, nor would they sound +pleasant in this bridal hour." + +Now while Kaku between his chattering teeth muttered the words of +Protection in the shadow, Abi and his courtiers stared at this +terrible queen as boys seeking wild fowls' eggs in the reeds, and +stumbling on a lion, stare ere they fly. Twice, indeed, the Prince +turned looking towards the door and the pleasant light without, for it +seemed to him that he was entering on a dark and doubtful road. Then +he said: + +"Your words, O Queen, cut like a two-edged sword, and methinks they +leave a poison in the wound. Say now, if you are human, how it comes +about that after seven days of want your flesh is not minished nor has +your beauty waned. Say also who brought to you those glorious robes +you wear here in this empty temple, and where is your foster-mother, +Asti?" + +"The gods fed me," answered the Queen gently, "and brought me these +robes that I might seem the more worthy of you, O Prince. And as for +Asti, I sent her to Cyprus to fetch a scent they make there and +nowhere else. No, I forgot, it was yesterday she went to bring the +scent from Cyprus that now is on my hair; to-day she is in Thebes, +seeing to a business of mine. That is no secret, I will tell it you-- +it is as to the carving of all the history of his murder and betrayal +in the first chamber of the Pharaoh's tomb." + +Now at these magical and ill-omened words the courage of the company +left them, so that they began to walk backwards towards the door, Abi +going with them. + +"What!" cried the Queen in a voice of sorrow that yet seemed laden +with mockery. "Would you leave me here alone? Do my power and my +wisdom frighten you? Alas! I cannot help them, for when the full vase +is tilted the wine will run out, and when light is set behind +alabaster, then the white stone must shine. Yet am I one meet to adorn +the palace of the King, even such a king as you shall be, O Abi, whom +Osiris loves. See, now, I will dance and sing to you as once I sang to +the Prince of Kesh before the sword of Rames took away his life, so +that you may judge of me, Abi, you, who have looked upon so many +lovely women." + +As she spoke, very slowly, so slowly that they could scarcely see her +move, she glided from the throne, and standing before them, began to +move her feet and body, and to chant a song. + +What were the words of that song none could ever remember, but to +every man there present it opened a door in his heart, and brought +back the knowledge of youth. She whom he had loved best danced before +him, her tender hands caressed him; the words she sang were sighs +which the dead had whispered in his ears. Even to Abi, old, unwieldy +and steeped in cunning, these soft visions came, although it is true +that it seemed to him that this lovely singer led him to a precipice, +and that when she ceased her song and appeared to vanish, to seek her +he leapt into the clouds that rushed beneath. + +Now the dance was done, and the last echoes of the music died away +against the ancient walls whence the images of Sekhet the cat-headed +watched them with her cruel smile of vengeance. The dance was done, +and the beautiful dancer stood before them unflushed, unheated, but +laughing gently. + +"Now go, divine Prince," she said, "and you his followers, go, all of +you, and leave me to my lonely house, until Pharaoh sends for me to +share that new realm which he inherits beyond the West." + +But they would not go and could not if they would, for some power +bound them to her, while, as for Abi he scarce could take his eyes +from her, but heedless of who heard them, babbled out his passion at +her feet, while the rest glowered on him jealously. She listened +always smiling that same smile that was so sweet, yet so inhuman. Then +when he stopped exhausted, at last she spoke, saying: + +"What! do you love now more greatly than you fear, as the divine +Prince of Kesh loved after Amen's Star had sung to him. May your fate +be happier, O noble Abi, but that, since it is not lawful that I +should tell it to you, you shall discover. Abi, there shall be a royal +marriage in Memphis of such joy and feasting as has not been known in +the history of the Northern or the Southern Land, and for your +allotted span you shall sit by the side of Egypt's Queen and shine in +her light. Have you not earned the place by right of blood, O +conqueror of Pharaoh, and did not Pharaoh promise it to you in your +sleep? Come, the sun of this new day shines, let us walk in it, and +bid farewell to shadows." + + + +CHAPTER XII + +THE ROYAL MARRIAGE + +A strange rumour ran through Memphis. It was said that the Queen had +yielded; it was said that she would marry the Prince Abi, that she was +already at the great White House waiting to be made a bride. Men +wrangled about in the streets. They swore that it could not be true, +for would this high lady, the anointed Pharaoh of Egypt, take her +father's murderer, and her own uncle to husband? Would she not rather +die in her prison tower on which night by night they had seen her +stand and sing? In their hearts they thought that she should die, for +thus they had summed her up, this pure, high-hearted daughter of Amen, +whom Fate had caught in an evil net. Yes, being men they held that she +ought to die, and leave a story in the world, whereof Egypt could be +proud for ever. + +But their wives and daughters mocked at them. After all she was but a +woman, they argued, and was it likely that she would throw aside the +pomp of rule and the prospect of long years in order to steal away +into the shadows of a forgotten tomb? Henceforth, it was true, she +must take second place, for Abi would be a stern master to her. Still, +any place was better than a funeral barge. She had felt the pinch of +hunger yonder in that old temple; her fierce spirit had been tamed; +she had kissed the rod, and after long years of waiting, Abi would be +Pharaoh in Egypt. + +The dispute grew hot, for even those men who rebelled against her, in +their hearts had set her high, and grieved to think of her, the divine +Lady, bowing her neck to the common yoke of circumstance, and selling +herself for safety, and a seat on the steps of her own throne. But the +women mocked on, and showed them that as they had always said, she was +no better than others of her sex. + +Presently the matter was settled, for heralds appeared crying +throughout the city that the marriage would take place in the great +hall of the White House one hour before sundown. Then the women +laughed in triumph, and the men were silent. + +It was the appointed hour, and that hall was filled to overflowing by +all who could gain entrance there. Between the towering obelisks that +stood on either side the open cedar doors, folk hung upon its steps +like hiving bees; the vast square without and all the streets that led +to it were black with them. Here, it is true, they could see nothing, +still they fought for the merest foothold, and some of those who fell +never rose again. At the head of the hall were set two thrones, the +greater and the richer throne for Abi the Prince, the lesser throne +for Neter-Tua the Queen. He had arranged it thus since Kaku the +cunning pointed out to him that from the first he should show the +people that it was he who ruled, and not Pharaoh's daughter. + +It was the appointed hour, and at some signal from every temple top +rang out the blare of trumpets. Thrice they sounded, and echoed into +silence in that hot, still air, thus announcing that in the temple of +Hathor, and the presence of the priests of all the gods, the hands of +Abi and Neter-Tua had been joined in marriage. + +Another rumour began to run among the crowd; like the ring set +circling by a stone in water it spread from mouth to mouth, ever +widening as it went. + +Marvels had happened in the temple of Hathor, that was the rumour. +Moreover it gave details: that the High-Priest had handed to the bride +the accustomed lotus-bud, the flower of the goddess, and lo! it opened +in her hand. Also, it was said, that presently the stem of it turned +to a sceptre of gold, and the cup of the bloom to sapphire stones more +perfect far than any from the desert mines. + +Nor was this all, so went the tale, for when, as he must, the +bridegroom Abi offered the white dove to Hathor in her shrine, a hawk +swept through the doorway and smote it in his very hand. Yes, there in +the gloom of the shrine smote it and left it dead, blood running from +its beak and breast, dead upon the knees of the goddess; left it and +was gone again! + +Now what hawk, asked the people of each other, dare such a deed as +this, unless in truth it was sent by the hawk-headed Horus, the son of +Amen-Ra. + +Soon these matters were forgotten for the moment, since now it was +known that the royal pair were entering the great White Hall, there to +show themselves to the people, and receive the homage of the nobles, +chiefs, and captains. First, advancing by the covered way which led +from the temple of Hathor, appeared the priests in their robes, +chanting as they walked, followed by the masters of ceremonies, +butlers, and heralds. Next, surrounded by his officers and guard, came +the Prince Abi himself, accompanied by his vizier, Kaku, he whose +magic was said to have brought Pharaoh to his end. + +Not all his pomp nor the splendour of his apparel, whereof the +whiteness, as many noted, was spotted with ill-omened blood, nor even +the royal crown which now, for the first time, was set upon his huge, +round head, could hide from those who watched that this bridegroom was +ill at ease. Even as he stood there, bowing in answer to the +obsequious shouts of the multitude, the sceptre in his fat hand shook, +and his red lips blanched and trembled. Still he smiled and bowed on, +till at length the shouting died away, and quiet fell upon the place. + +Abi was forgotten, they waited the coming of the Queen, and though no +herald called her advent, yet every heart of all those thousands felt +that she drew near to them. Look! Yonder she stood. They had watched +closely enough, yet none saw her come, doubtless because the shadows +were thick. But there she stood, quite alone upon the edge of the dais +in front of the two thrones, and, oh! she was different from what they +had expected. Thus now she wore no gorgeous robes, but only a simple +garment of purest white, cut low upon her bosom, where the red rays of +the sinking sun, striking up the hall, revealed to every eye that dark +mole shaped like the Cross of Life, which was her wondrous birthmark. +But two ornaments adorned her, the double snakes of royalty, golden +with red eyes, set in front of her tall white head-dress, which none +but she might wear, the crowns of Upper and of Lower Egypt, and of all +the subject lands, and in her hand a sceptre fashioned of gold, and +surmounted by a lotus-bloom of sapphire, that sceptre of which rumour +had told the magic tale. + +Yes, she was different. They had thought to see a woman weak and pale, +her eyes still red with grief, her face still stained with tears, one +who had been tamed by misfortune, hunger, and the fear of death, +whence she had bought herself by marriage with her conqueror. But it +was not so, for never had the Star of Amen shone half so beautiful, +never had they seen such majesty in those deep blue eyes that looked +them through and through as though they read the secret heart of every +one of them. Her tall and lovely form had not wasted, her cheeks were +red with the glow of health; power and dignity flowed from her +presence, fear seemed beneath her feet. + +Now no voice was lifted up; they stared at her, and, smiling a little, +she answered them with her calm eyes till their heads sank beneath her +gaze. Then at length in the midst of that dead, oppressive silence +which none dared to break, she turned, and they heard the sweep of her +silken robe upon the alabaster floor. + +With an effort two chamberlains stepped forward, their wands of office +in their hands, to lead her to her seat, but she waved them back, and +said in her clear voice: + +"Nay, here I am alone; of all the millions who serve her, not one is +left to lead Amen's daughter and Egypt's Queen to her rightful place. +Therefore she takes it of her own strength, now and for evermore." + +Then very slowly, still in the midst of silence, she mounted the +greater throne that had been prepared for Abi, and there seated +herself and waited. + +Now murmuring rose among the courtiers and Kaku whispered into Abi's +ear, while the multitude held its breath. Abi stamped his foot and +issued orders which all seemed to fear to execute. At length he +stepped forward, addressing the Queen in a hoarse voice. + +"Lady," he said, "doubtless you know it not, but that place is mine; +your seat is on my left. Be pleased to take it." + +"Why so, Prince Abi?" she asked quietly. + +"Lady," he answered, "because the husband takes precedence of the +wife, and," he added with savage meaning, "the conqueror of the +conquered." + +"The conqueror of the conquered?" she repeated after him in a musing +voice. "Should you not have said--the murderer of the murdered and his +seed? Nay, Prince Abi, you are wrong. The sovereign of Egypt by right +divine, takes precedence of her vassal, even though it has pleased the +gods, whose will she has come to execute, to command her to give to +him the name of husband until that will is more fully known. Come now +and do homage to your Queen, and after you those slaves of yours who +dared to lift the sword against her." + +Then a great tumult arose, a tumult of rage and of dismay, for well +nigh all in that vast place were partners in this crime, and knew that +if Neter-Tua prevailed death yawned wide for them. + +They shouted to Abi to take no heed of her. They shouted to him to +tear her from the throne, to kill her, and seize the crown. They drew +their swords and raged like an angry sea. Those who were loyal among +them to Pharaoh's House, and those who feared turmoil, began to work +their way backwards, and slipped by twos and threes out of the great +open doors, till Tua had no friend left in all that hall. But ever as +they went, others of the turbulent and the rebellious who had been +concerned in the slaughter of Pharaoh's guard, took their place, +pouring in from the mob without. + +Wild desert-dwellers of the Bedouin tribes, who for thousands of years +had been the bitter enemies of Egypt; descendants of the Hyksos, whose +forefathers had ruled the land for a dozen generations, and at last +been driven out; those Hyksos whose blood ran in Abi's veins, and who +looked to him to lift them up again; evil-doers who had sought shelter +in his regiments; hook-nosed Semites from the Lebanon; black, +barbarian savages from the shores of Punt--with such as these was that +hall filled. + +Abi was the hope of every one of them; to him they looked for the +spoils of Egypt, and before them on Abi's throne they saw a woman who +stood between them and their ends, who in her ancient pride dared to +demand that he, her husband, should do homage to her, and who +to-morrow, if she conquered, would give them to the sword. + +"Tear her to pieces!" they screamed, "the bastard whom childless +Pharaoh palmed off upon the land! She is a sorceress who keeps fat on +air--an evil spirit. Away with her! Or if you fear, then let us come!" + +At length they had roared themselves hoarse; at length they grew +still. Then Abi, who all this while had stood there hesitating, and +now and again turning to hearken to Kaku who whispered in his ear, +looked up at Tua and spoke. + +"You see and you hear, Queen," he said. "My people mistrust you, and +they are a rough people, I cannot hold them back for long. If once +they get at you, very soon that sweet body of yours will be in more +fragments than was Osiris after Set had handled him." + +Now Tua, who hitherto had sat still and indifferent, like one who +takes no heed, seemed to awake, and answered: + +"A bad example, Prince, for Osiris rose again, did he not?" Then she +leaned back and once more was silent. + +"Do you still desire that I should do homage to you, Queen, I, your +husband?" he asked presently. + +"Why not?" she replied. "I have spoken. A decree of Pharaoh may not be +changed, and though a woman, I am--Pharaoh." + +Now Abi went white with rage, and turned to his guard to bid them drag +her from the throne. But she who was watching him, suddenly lifted her +sceptre and spoke in a new voice, a clear, strong voice that rang +through the hall, and even reached those who were gathered on the +steps without. + +"There is a question between you and me, O People," she said, "and it +is this--Shall I, your Queen, rule in Egypt, as my fathers ruled, or +shall yonder man rule whom by the decree of Amen I have taken for +husband? Now you who for the most part have the Hyksos blood running +in your veins, as he has, desire that he should rule, and you have +slain the good god, my father, and would make Abi king over you, and +see me his handmaid, one to give him children of my royal race, no +more. See, you are a multitude and my legions are far away, and I--I +am alone, one lamb among the jackals, thousands and thousands of +jackals who for a long while have been hungry. How, then, shall I +match myself against you?" + +"You cannot," shouted a wild-eyed spokesman. "Come down, lamb, and +kneel before the lion, Abi, or we, the jackals, will rend you. We will +not acknowledge you, we who are of the fierce Hyksos blood. While the +obelisks stand that were set up by the great Hyksos Pharaoh whose +descendant was Abi's mother, while the obelisks stand that are set +there for all eternity, we will not acknowledge you. Come down and +take your place in our lord's harem, O Pharaoh's bastard daughter." + +"Ah!" Tua repeated after him, "while the obelisks stand that the +Hyksos thief set up you will not acknowledge me, Pharaoh's bastard +daughter!" + +Then she paused and seemed to grow disturbed; she sighed, wrung her +hands a little, and said in a choking voice: + +"I am but one woman alone among you. My father, Pharaoh, is dead, and +you bid me lay down my rank and henceforth rule only through him who +trapped Pharaoh and brought him to his end. What, then, can I do?" + +"Be a good maid and obey your husband, Bastard," mocked a voice, and +during the roar of laughter that followed Tua looked at the speaker, +an officer of Abi's, who had taken a great part in the slaughter of +their escort. + +Very strangely she looked at him, and those who stood by the man noted +that his lips became white, and that he turned so faint that had it +not been for the press about him he would have fallen. Presently he +seemed to recover, and asked the priests who were near to let him join +their circle, as among the outer throng the heat was too great for him +to bear. Thereon one of them nodded and made room for him, and he +passed in, which Tua noted also. + +Now she was speaking again. + +"Ill names to throw at Egypt's anointed queen, crowned and accepted by +the god himself in the sanctuary of his most holy temple," she said, +her eyes still resting on the brutal soldier. "Yet it is your hour, +and she must bear them who has no friends in Memphis. Oh! what shall I +do?" and again she wrung her hands. "Good People, it was sworn to me +that Amen, greatest of the gods, set his spirit within me when I was +born, and vowed that he would help me in the hour of my need. Of your +grace, then, give me space to pray to Amen. Look," and she pointed +before her, "yonder sinks the red ball of the sun; soon, soon it will +be gone--give me until it enters the gateways of the West to pray to +Amen, and then if no help comes I will bow me to your bidding, and do +homage to this noble Prince of the Hyksos blood, who snared Pharaoh +his brother, and by help of his magicians and of his spy, Merytra, +brought him to his end." + +"Yes, my people, give her the space she asks," called Abi, who feared +nothing from Amen, a somewhat remote personage, and was afraid lest +some tumult should happen in the course of which this lovely, new-made +wife of his might be slain or injured. + +So they gave her the space of time she asked. Standing up, Tua raised +her arms and eyes towards heaven, and began to pray aloud: + +"Hear me, Amen my Father, in the House of thy Rest, as thou hast sworn +to do. O Amen my Father, thou seest my strait. Is it thy will that thy +daughter should degrade herself and thee before this man who slew his +king and brother, to whom thou hast commanded her to give the name of +husband? If it be so, I will obey; but if it be not so, then show thy +word by might or marvel, and cause him and his folk who mock my +majesty and name me bastard, to bow down before me. O Amen, they deny +thee in their hearts who worship other gods, as did the barbarians who +begat them and threw down thy shrines in Egypt, but I know that thou +sentest me forth, and in thee I put my trust, aye, even if thou slay +me. Amen my Father, yonder sinks that glory in which thou dost hide +thy spirit. Now, ere it be gone and night falls upon the world, +declare thyself in such fashion that all men may know that indeed I am +thy child; or if this be thy decree, desert me and Egypt, and leave me +to my shame." + +She ended her prayer and, sinking back upon the throne, rested her +chin upon her hand, and gazed steadily upon the splendour of the +sinking sun. Nor did she gaze alone, for every man in that vast hall +turned himself about, and stared at its departing glory. There in the +red light they stood, and stared, and since the place was open to the +sky, the shadows of the two towering obelisks without fell on them +like the shadows of swords whereof the points met together at the foot +of Tua's throne. They did not believe that anything would happen, no, +not even the priests believed it who here at Memphis, the city of +Ptah, thought little of Amen, the god of Thebes. They thought that +this piteous prayer was but a last cry of dying faith wrung from a +proud and fallen woman in her wretchedness. + +And yet, and yet they stared, for she had spoken with a strange +certainty like one who knew the god, and was she not named Star of +Amen, and were there not wondrous tales as to her birth, and had not a +lotus-bloom seemed to turn to gold and jewels in the hand of this +young, anointed Queen who bore the Cross of Life upon her breast? No, +nothing would happen, but still they stared. + +It was a very strange sunset. For days the heat had been great, but +now it was fearful, also a marvellous stillness reigned in heaven and +earth. Nothing seemed to stir in all the city, no dog barked, no child +cried, no leaf quivered upon the tall palms; it might have been a city +of the dead. + +Dense clouds arose upon the sky, and moved, though no wind blew. Where +the sun's rays touched them they were gold and red and purple, but +above these of an inky blackness. They took strange shapes those +clouds, and marshalled themselves like a host gathering for battle. +There were the commanders moving quickly to and fro; there the +chariots, and there the sullen lines of footmen with their gleaming +spears. Now one cloud higher than the rest seemed to shoot itself +across the arch of heaven, and its fashion was that of a woman with +outspread hair of gold. Her feet stood upon the sun, her body bent +itself athwart the sky, and upon the far horizon in the east her hands +held the pale globe of the rising moon. + +The watchers were frightened at this cloud. "It is Isis with the moon +in her arms," said one. "Nay, it is the mother goddess Nout brooding +upon the world," answered another. And though they only spoke softly, +in that awful silence their voices reached Tua on the throne, and for +the first time her face changed, for on it came a cold, curious smile. + +Kaku began to whisper into Abi's ear, and there was fear in the eyes +of both of them. He pointed with his finger at two stars, which of a +sudden shone out through the green haze above the sunset glow, and +then turned and looked at the Queen, urging his master eagerly. At +last Abi spoke. + +"Ra is set," he said. "Come, let us make an end of all this folly." + +"Not yet," answered Tua quietly, "not yet awhile." + +As she said the words, of a sudden, as though at a given signal, all +the long lines of palm trees that grew in the rich gardens upon the +river banks were seen to bow themselves towards the east, as though +they did obeisance to the Queen upon her throne. Thrice they bowed +thus, without a wind, and then were straight and still once more. Next +the clouds rushed together as though a black pall had been drawn +across the heavens, only in the west the half-hidden globe of the sun +shone on through an opening in them, shone like a great and furious +eye. By slow degrees it sank, till nothing was left save a little rim +of fire. All the hall grew dark, and through the darkness Neter-Tua +could be heard calling on the name of Amen. + +"Ra is dead!" shouted a voice. "Have done, Bastard, Ra is dead!" + +"Aye," she answered in a cold triumphant cry, "but Amen lives. Behold +his sword, ye Traitors!" + +As the words left her lips the heavens were cleft in twain by a +fearful flash of lightning, and in it the people saw that once again +the palm-trees bowed themselves, this time almost to the ground. Then +with a roar the winds were loosed, and beneath their feet the solid +earth began to heave as though a giant lifted it. Thrice it heaved +like a heaving wave, and the third time through the thick cover of the +darkness there rose a shriek of terror and of agony followed by the +awful crash of falling stones. + +Now the whole sky seemed to melt in fire, and in that fierce light was +seen Tua, Star of Amen, seated on her throne, holding her sceptre to +the heavens, and laughing in triumphant merriment. Well might she +laugh, for the two great obelisks without the gate that the old Hyksos +lion had set up there to stand "to all eternity," had fallen across +the low pylons and the doors and crushed them. On to the heads of +those who watched beneath they had fallen, shattering in their fall +and carrying death to hundreds. Beneath the electrum cap of one of +them that had been hurled from it in its descent right into the circle +of the priests, lay a shapeless mass. It was that man who had mocked +the Queen and turned faint beneath her gaze. + +Through the western ruin of the hall those who were left alive within +it fled out, a maddened mob, trampling each other to death by scores, +fighting furiously to escape the vengeance of Amen and his daughter. +Within the enclosure the priests lay prostrate on their faces, each +praying to his god for mercy. In front of the throne, upon his knees, +the royal crown shaken from his head, Abi grasped the feet of Neter- +Tua and screamed to her to forgive and spare him, whilst above, +shining like fire, That which sat upon the throne pointed with her +sceptre at the ruin and the rout, and laughed and laughed again. + +Soon all were gone save the mumbling priests, the dying, the dead, and +Abi with his officers. + +The clouds rolled off, the moon and the stars shone out, filling the +place with gentle light. Then Tua spoke, looking down at the wretched +Abi who grovelled before her. + +"Say, now, Husband," she asked, "who is god in Egypt?" + +"Amen your father," he gasped. + +"And who is Pharaoh in Egypt?" + +"You, and no other, O Queen." + +"Ah!" she said, "it was over that matter that we quarrelled, did we +not? which forced me, whom you thought so helpless, to find helpers. +Look, there are their footsteps; they walk heavily, do they not, my +Uncle?" and she nodded towards the huge fragments of the broken +obelisks. + +He glanced behind him at his ruined hall, at the dying and the dead. +"You are Pharaoh and no other," he repeated with a shudder. "Give +breath to your servant, and let him live on in your shadow." + +"The first is not mine to give," she answered coldly, "though +perchance it may please Amen to hold you back a little while from that +place where you must settle your account with him who went before me, +and his companions who died in your streets. I hope so, for you have +work to do. As for the second--arise, you Priests and Officers, and +see this Prince of yours do homage to the Queen of Egypt." + +They rose, and clung to each other trembling, for all the heart was +out of them. Then she pointed to her foot with the sceptre in her +hand, and in their presence Abi knelt down and kissed her sandal. +After him followed the others, the priests, the captains, the head- +stewards, and the butlers, till at length came Kaku, the astrologer, +who prostrated himself before her, trembling in every limb. But him +she would not suffer even to touch her sandals. + +"Tell me," she said, drawing back her foot, "you who are a magician, +and have studied the secret writings, how does it chance that you +still live on, when for lesser crimes so many lie here dead, you who +are stained with the blood of Pharaoh?" + +Hearing these words from which he presaged the very worst, Kaku beat +his head upon the ground, babbling denials of this awful crime, and at +the same time began to implore pardon for what he said he had not +committed. + +"Cease," she exclaimed, "and learn that your life is spared for a +while, yes, and even Merytra's. Also you will retain your office of +Vizier--for a while." + +Now he began to pour out thanks, but she stopped him, saying: + +"Thank me not, seeing that you do not know the end of this matter. +Perchance it is hidden from you lest you should go mad, you and your +wife, Merytra, she who was the Pharaoh's Lady of the Footstool, and +sang him to sleep. Look at me, Wizard, and tell me, who am I?" and she +bent down over him. + +He glanced up at her, and their eyes met, nor could he turn his head +away again. + +"Come," she said, "as you may have learned to-night, I also have some +knowledge of the hidden things. For otherwise, why did the earth shake +and the everlasting pillars fall at my bidding? Now, between two of a +trade there should be no secrets, so I will tell you something that +perhaps you have already guessed, since I am sure that you will not +repeat it even to your master or to Merytra. For I will add this--that +the moment you repeat it will be the moment of your death, and the +beginning of that punishment which here I withhold. Now, in the Name +of the Eater-up of Souls, listen to me, O fashioner of waxen images!" +and, bending down, she whispered into his ear. + +Another instant, and, stark horror written on his face, the tall shape +of Kaku was seen reeling backward, like to a drunken man. Indeed, had +not Abi caught him he would have fallen over the edge of the dais. + +"What did she tell you?" he muttered, for the Queen, who seemed to +have forgotten all about him, was looking the other way. + +But, making no answer, Kaku wrenched himself free and fled the place. + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +ABI LEARNS THE TRUTH + +A moon had gone by, and on the first day of the new month Kaku the +Vizier sat in the Hall of the Great Officers at Memphis, checking the +public accounts of the city. It was not easy work, for during the past +ten days twice these accounts had been sent back to him by the command +of the Queen, or the Pharaoh as she called herself, with requests for +information as to their items, and other awkward queries. Abi had +overlooked such matters, recognising that a faithful servant was +worthy of his hire--provided that he paid himself. But now it seemed +that things were different, and that the amount received was the exact +amount that had to be handed over to the Crown, neither more nor less. +Well, there was a large discrepancy which must be made up from +somewhere, or, in other words, from Kaku's private store. + +In a rage he caused the two head collectors of taxes to be brought +before him, and as they would not pay, bade the executioners throw +them down and beat them on the feet until they promised to produce the +missing sums, most of which he himself had stolen. + +Then, somewhat soothed, he retired from the hall into his own office, +to find himself face to face with Abi, who was waiting for him. So +changed was the Prince from his old, portly self, so aged and thin and +miserable did he look, that in the dusk of that chamber Kaku failed to +recognise him. Thinking that he was some suppliant, he began to revile +him and order him to be gone. Then the fury of Abi broke out. + +Rushing at him, he seized the astrologer by the beard and smote him on +the ears, saying: "Dog, is it thus that you speak to your king? Well, +on you at least I can revenge myself." + +"Pardon, your Majesty," said Kaku, "I did not know you in these +shadows. Your Majesty is changed of late." + +"Changed!" said Abi, letting him go. "Who would not be changed who +suffers as I do ever since I listened to your cursed counsel, and +tried to climb into the seat of Pharaoh? Before that I was happy. I +had my sons, I had my wives, as many as I wished. I had my revenues +and armies. Now everything has gone. My sons are dead, my women are +driven away, my revenues are taken from me, my armies serve another." + +"At least," suggested Kaku, "you are Pharaoh, and the husband of the +most beautiful and the wisest woman in the world." + +"Pharaoh!" groaned Abi. "The humblest mummy in the common city vaults +is a greater king than I am, and as for the rest----" and he stopped +and groaned again. + +"What is the matter with your Majesty?" asked Kaku. + +"The matter is that I have fallen under the influence of an evil +planet." + +"The Star of Amen," suggested the astrologer. + +"Yes, the Star of Amen, that lovely Terror whom you call my wife. Man, +she is no wife to me. Listen--there in the harem I went into the +chamber where she was, none forbidding me, and found her sitting +before her mirror and singing, clothed only in a thin robe of white, +and her dark hair--O Kaku, never did you see such hair--which fell +almost to the ground. She smiled on me, she spoke me fair, she drew me +with those glittering eyes of hers--yes, she even called me husband, +and sighed and talked of love, till at length I drew near to her and +threw my arms about her." + +"And then----" + +"And then, Kaku, she was gone, and where her sweet face should have +been I saw the yellow, mummied head of Pharaoh, he who is with Osiris, +that seemed to grin at me. I opened my arms again, and lo! there she +sat, laughing and shaking perfume from her hair, asking me, too, what +ailed me that I turned so white, and if such were the way of husbands? + +"Well, that was nigh a month ago, and as it began, so it has gone on. +I seek my wife, and I find the mummied head of Pharaoh, and all the +while she mocks me. Nor may I see the others any more, for she has +caused them to be hunted hence, even those who have dwelt with me for +years, saying that she must rule alone." + +"Is that all?" asked Kaku. + +"No, indeed, for as she torments me, so she torments every other man +who comes near to her. She nets them with smiles, she bewitches them +with her eyes till they go mad for love of her, and then, still +smiling, she sends them about their business. Already two of them who +were leaders in the great plot have died by their own hands, and +another is mad, while the rest have become my secret but my bitter +foes, because they love my Queen and think that I stand between her +and them." + +"Is that all?" asked Kaku again. + +"No, not all, for my power is taken from me. I who was great, after +Pharaoh the greatest in all the land, now am but a slave. From morning +to night I must work at tasks I hate; I must build temples to Amen, I +must dig canals, I must truckle to the common herd, and redress their +grievances and remit their taxes. More, I must chastise the Bedouin +who have ever been my friends, and--next month undertake a war against +that King of Khita, with whom I made a secret treaty, and whose +daughter that I married has been sent back to him because I loved +her." + +"And then?" asked Kaku. + +"Oh! then when the Khita have been destroyed and made subject to +Egypt, then her Majesty purposes to return in state to Thebes 'to +attend to the fashioning of my sepulchre' since, so she says, this is +a matter that will not bear delay. Indeed, already she makes drawings +for it, horrible and mystic drawings that I cannot understand, and +brings them to me to see. Moreover, Friend, know this, out of it opens +another smaller tomb for /you/. Indeed, but this morning she sent an +expedition to the desert quarries to bring thence three blocks of +stone, one for my sarcophagus, one for yours, and one for that of your +wife, Merytra. For she says that after the old fashion she purposes to +honour both of you with these gifts." + +At these words Kaku could no longer control himself, but began to walk +up and down the room, muttering and snatching at his beard. + +"How can you suffer it?" he said at length, "You who were a great +prince, to become a woman's slave, to be made as dirt beneath her +feet, to be held up to the mockery of those you rule, to see your +wives and household driven away from you, to be tormented, to be +mocked, to look on other men favoured before your eyes, to be +threatened with early death. Oh! how can you suffer it? Why do you not +kill her, and make an end?" + +"Because," answered Abi, "because I dare not, since if I dreamed of +such a thing she would guess my thought and kill /me/. Fool, do you +not remember the fall of the eternal obelisks upon my captains, and +what befell that man who mocked her, calling her Bastard, and sought +refuge among the priests? No, I dare not lift a finger against her." + +"Then, Prince, you must carry your yoke until it wears through to the +marrow, which will be when that sepulchre is ready." + +"Not so," answered Abi, shivering, "for I have another plan; it is of +it that I am come to speak with you. Friend Kaku, /you/ must kill her. +Listen: you are a master of spells. The magic which prevailed against +the father will overcome the daughter also. You have but to make a +waxen image or two and breathe strength into them, and the thing is +done, and then--think of the reward." + +"Indeed I am thinking, most noble Prince," replied the astrologer with +sarcasm. "Shall I tell you of that reward? It would be my death by +slow torture. Moreover, it is impossible, for if you would know the +truth, she cannot be killed." + +"What do you mean, Fool?" asked Abi angrily. "Flesh and blood must bow +to death." + +A sickly smile spread itself over Kaku's thin face as he answered: + +"A saying worthy of your wisdom, Prince. Certainly the experience of +mankind is that flesh and blood must bow to death. Yes, yes, flesh and +blood!" + +"Cease grinning at me, you ape of the rocks," hissed the enraged Abi, +"or I will prove as much on your mocking throat," and snatching out +his sword he threatened him with it, adding: "Now tell me what you +mean, or----" + +"Prince," ejaculated Kaku, falling to his knees, "I may not, I cannot. +Spare me, it is a secret of the gods." + +"Then get you gone to the gods, you lying cur, and talk it over with +them," answered Abi, lifting the sword, "for at least she will not +blame me if I send you there." + +"Mercy, mercy!" gasped Kaku, sprawling on the ground, while his lord +held the sword above his bald head, thinking that he would choose +speech rather than death. + +It was at this moment, while the astrologer's fate trembled in the +balance, that a sound of voices reached their ears, and above them the +ring of a light, clear laugh which they knew well. Forgetting his +purpose, Abi stepped to the window-place, and looked through the +opening of the shutters. Presently he turned, beckoning to Kaku, and +whispered: + +"Come and look; there is always time for you to die." + +The Vizier heard, and, creeping on his hands and knees to the window- +place, raised himself and peeped through the shutter. This was what he +saw. In the walled garden below, the secret garden of the palace, +stood the queen Neter-Tua, and the sunlight piercing through the +boughs of a flowering tree, fell in bright bars upon her beauty. She +was not alone, for before her knelt a man wearing the rich robes of a +noble. Kaku knew him at once, for although still young, he was Abi's +favourite captain, an officer whom he loved, and had raised to high +place because of his wit and valour, having given him one of his +daughters in marriage. Also he had played a chief part in the great +plot against Pharaoh, and it was he who had dealt the death-blow to +Mermes, the husband of the lady Asti. + +Now he was playing another part, namely that of lover to the Queen, +for he clasped the hem of her robe in his hands, and kissed it with +his lips, and pleaded with her passionately. They could catch some of +his words. + +He had risked his life to climb the wall. He worshipped her. He could +not live without her. He was ready to do her bidding in all things--to +gather a band and slay Abi; it would be easy, for every man was +jealous of the Prince, and thought him quite unworthy of her. Let her +give him her love, and he would make her sole Pharaoh of Egypt again, +and be content to serve her as a slave. At least let her say one kind +word to him. + +Thus he spoke, wildly, imploringly, like a man that is drunk with +passion and knows not what he says or does, while Neter-Tua listened +calmly, and now and again laughed that light, low laugh of hers. + +At length he rose and strove to take her hand, but, still laughing, +she waved him back, then said suddenly: + +"You slew Mermes when he was weak with wounds, did you not, and he was +my foster-father. Well, well, it was done in war, and you must be a +brave man, as brave as you are handsome, for otherwise you would +scarcely have ventured here where a word of mine would give you to +your death. And now get you gone, Friend, back to my Lord's daughter +who is your wife, and if you dare--tell her where you have been and +why, you who are so brave a man," and once more she laughed. + +Again he began his passionate implorings, begging for some token, till +at length she seemed to melt and take pity on him, for stretching out +her hand, she chose a flower from the many that grew near, and gave it +to him, then pointed to the trees that hid the wall, among which +presently he vanished, reeling in the delirium of his joy. + +She watched him go, smiling very strangely, then, still smiling, +looked down at the bush whence she had plucked the flower, and Kaku +noted that it was one used only by the embalmers to furnish coronals +for the dead. + +But Abi noted no such thing. Forgetting his quarrel with Kaku and all +else, he gasped, and foamed in his jealous rage, muttering that he +would kill that captain, yes, and the false Queen, too, who dared to +listen to a tale of love and give the lover flowers. Yes, were she ten +times Pharaoh he would kill her, as he had the right to do, and, the +naked sword still in his hand, he turned to leave the place. + +"If that is your will, Lord," said Kaku in a strained voice, "bide +here." + +"Why, man?" asked Abi. + +"Because her Majesty comes," he answered, "and this chamber is quiet +and fitting. None enter it save myself." + +As he spoke the words the door opened, and closed again, and before +them stood Neter-Tua, Star of Amen. + +In the dusk of that room the first thing that seemed to catch her eye +was the bared blade in Abi's hand. For a moment she looked at it and +him, also at Kaku crouching in the corner, then asked in her quiet +voice: + +"Why is your sword drawn, O Husband?" + +"To kill you, O Wife," he answered furiously, for his rage mastered +him. + +She continued to look at him a little while and said, smiling in her +strange fashion: + +"Indeed? But why more now than at any other time? Has Kaku's counsel +given you courage?" + +"Need you ask, shameless woman? Does not this window-place open on to +yonder garden?" + +"Oh! I remember, that captain of yours--he who slew Mermes, your +daughter's husband who made love to me--so well that I rewarded him +with a funeral flower, knowing that you watched us. Settle your +account with him as you and his wife may wish; it is no matter of +mine. But I warn you that if you would take men's lives for such a +fault as this, soon you will have no servants left, since they all are +sinners who desire to usurp your place." + +Then Abi's fury broke out. He cursed and reviled her, he called her by +ill names, swearing that she should die, who bewitched all men and was +the love of none, and who made him a mock and a shame in the sight of +Egypt. But Neter-Tua only listened until at length he raved himself to +silence. + +"You talk much and do little," she said at length. "The sword is in +your hand, use it, I am here." + +Maddened by her scorn he lifted the weapon and rushed at her, only to +reel back again as though he had been smitten by some power unseen. He +rested against the wall, then again rushed and again reeled back. + +"You are a poor butcher," she said at length, "after so many years of +practice. Let Kaku yonder try. I think he has more skill in murder." + +"Oh! your Majesty," broke in the astrologer, "unsay those cruel words, +you who know that rather than lift hands against you I would die a +thousand times." + +"Yes," she answered gravely, "the Prince Abi suggested it to you but +now, did he not, after you had suggested it to him, and you refused-- +for your own reasons?" + +Then the sword fell from Abi's hand, and there was silence in that +chamber. + +"What were you talking of, Abi, before you peeped through the shutters +and saw that captain of yours and me together in the garden, and why +did you wish to kill this dog?" she went on presently. "Must I answer +for you? You were talking of how you might be rid of me, and you +wished to kill him because he did not dare to tell you why he could +not do the deed, knowing that if he did so he must die. Well, since +you desire to know, you shall learn, and now. Look on me, wretched +Man, whom men name my husband. Look on me, accursed Slave, whom Amen +has given into my hand to punish here upon the earth, until you pass +to his yonder in the Under-world." + +He looked up, and Kaku looked also, because he could not help it, but +what they saw they never told. Only they fell down upon their faces, +both of them, and groaned; beating the floor with their foreheads. + +At length the icy terror seemed to be lifted from their hearts, and +they dared to glance up again, and saw that she was as she had been, a +most royal and lovely woman, but no more. + +"What are you?" gasped Abi. "The goddess Sekhet in the flesh, or Isis, +Queen of Death, or but dead Tua's ghost sent here for vengeance?" + +"All of them, or none of them, as you will, though, Man, it is true +that I am sent here for vengeance. Ask the Wizard yonder. He knows, +and I give him leave to say." + +"/She is the Double of Amen's daughter/," moaned Kaku. "She is her Ka +set free to bring doom upon those who would have wronged her. She is a +ghost armed with the might of the gods, and all we who have sinned +against dead Pharaoh and her and her father Amen are given into her +hand to be tormented and brought to doom." + +"Where, then, is Neter-Tua, who was Queen of Egypt?" gasped Abi, +rolling his great eyes. "Is she with Osiris?" + +"I will tell you, Man," answered the royal Shape. "She is not dead-- +she lives, and is gone to seek one she loves. When she returns with +him and a certain Beggar, then I shall depart and you will die, both +of you, for such is the punishment decreed upon you. Until then, arise +and do my bidding." + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +THE BOAT OF RA + +Tua, Star of Amen, opened her eyes. For some time already she had lain +as one lies between sleep and waking, and it seemed to her that she +heard the sound of dipping oars, and of water that rippled gently +against the sides of a ship. She thought to herself that she dreamed. +Doubtless she was in her bed in the palace at Thebes, and presently, +when it was light, her ladies would come to waken her. + +In the palace at Thebes! Why, now she remembered that it was months +since she had seen that royal city, she who had travelled far since +then, and come at last to white-walled Memphis, where many terrible +things had befallen her. One by one they came into her mind; the +snare, Pharaoh's murder by magic, the battle, and the slaughter of her +guards, the starvation in the tower, with death on one hand, and the +hateful Abi on the other; the wondrous vision of that spirit who wore +her face, and said she was the guardian Ka given to her at birth, the +words it spoke, and her dread resolve; and last of all Asti and +herself standing in the lofty window niche, then a flame of fire +before her face, and that fearful downward rush. + +Oh! without a doubt it was over; she was dead, and these dreams and +memories were such as come to the dwellers in the Under-world. Only +then why did she hear the sound of lapping water, and of dipping oars? + +Very slowly she opened her eyes, for Tua greatly feared what she might +see. Light flowed upon her, the light of the moon which hung in a +clear sky like some great lamp of gold. By it she saw that, robed all +in white, she lay upon a couch in a pavilion, whereof the silken +curtains were drawn back in front, and tied to gilded posts. At her +side, wrapped in a grey robe, lay another figure, which she knew for +Asti. It was still, so still that she was sure it must be dead, yet +she knew that this was Asti. Perchance Asti dreamed also, and could +hear in her dreams; at least, she would speak to her. + +"Asti," she whispered, "Asti, can you hear me?" + +The grey figure at her side stirred, and the head turned towards her. +Then the voice of Asti, none other, answered: + +"Aye, Lady, I hear and see. But say, where are we now?" + +"In the Under-world, I think, Asti. Oh! that fire was death, and now +we journey to the Place of Souls." + +"If so, Lady, it is strange that we should still have eyes and flesh +and voices as mortal women have. Let us sit up and look." + +So they sat up, their arms about each other, and peered through the +open curtains. Behold! they were on a ship more beautiful than any +they had ever seen, for it seemed to be covered with gold and silver, +while sweet odours floated from its hold. Their pavilion was set in +the centre of the ship and looking aft, they perceived lines of white- +clad rowers seated at their oars in the shadow of the bulwarks, and on +the high stern--also robed in white--a tall steersman whose face was +veiled, behind whom in the dim glimpses of the moon, they caught sight +of a wide and silvery river, and on its distant banks palms and temple +towers. + +"It is the Boat of Ra," murmured Tua, "which bears us down the River +of Death to the Kingdom behind the Sun." + +Then she sank back upon her cushions, and once more fell into swoon or +sleep. + +Tua woke again, and lo! the sun was shining brightly, and at her side +sat Asti watching her. Moreover, in front of them was set a table +spread with delicate food. + +"Tell me what has chanced, Nurse," she said faintly, "for I am +bewildered, and know not in what world we wander." + +"Our own, Queen, I think," answered Asti, "but in charge of those who +are not of it, for surely this is no mortal boat, nor do mortals guide +her to her port. Come, we need food. Let us eat while we may." + +So they ate and drank heartily enough, and when they had finished even +dared to go out of the pavilion. Looking around them they saw that +they stood upon a high deck in the midst of a great ship, but that +this ship was enclosed with a net of silver cords in which they could +find no opening. Looking through its meshes they noted that the oars +were inboard, and the great purple sails set upon the mast, also that +the rowers were gone, perchance to rest beneath the deck, while on the +forecastle of the ship stood the captain, white-robed and masked, and +aft the steersman, also still masked, so that they could see nothing +of their faces. Now, too, they were no longer sailing on a river, but +down a canal bordered by banks of sand on either side, beyond which +stretched desert farther than the eye could reach. + +Asti studied the desert, then turned and said: + +"I think I know this canal, Lady, for once I sailed it as a child. I +think it is that which was dug by the Pharaohs of old, and repaired +after the fall of the Hyksos kings, and that it runs from Bubastis to +that bay down which wanderers sail towards the rising sun." + +"Mayhap," answered Tua. "At least, this is the world that bore us and +no other, and by the mercy of Amen and the power of my Spirit we are +still alive, and not dead, or so it seems. Call now to the captain on +yonder deck; perhaps he will tell whither he bears us in his magic +ship." + +So Asti called, but the captain made no sign that he saw or heard her. +Next she called to the steersman, but although his veiled face was +towards them, he also made no sign, so that at last they believed +either that these were spirits or that they were men born deaf and +dumb. In the end, growing weary of staring at this beautiful ship, at +the canal and the desert beyond it, and of wondering where they were, +and how they came thither, they returned to the pavilion to avoid the +heat of the sun. Here they found that during their absence some hand +unseen had arranged the silken bed-clothing on their couches and +cleared away the fragments of their meal, resetting the beautiful +table with other foods. + +"Truly here is wizardry at work," said Tua, as she sank into a +leather-seated ivory chair that was placed ready. + +"Who doubts it?" answered Asti calmly. "By wizardry were you born; by +wizardry was Pharaoh slain; by wizardry we are saved to an end that we +cannot guess; by wizardry, or what men so name, does the whole world +move; only being so near we see it not." + +Tua thought a while, then said: + +"Well, this golden ship is better than the sty of Abi the hog, nor do +I believe that we journey to no purpose. Still I wonder what that +spirit who named herself my Ka does on the throne of Egypt; also how +we came on board this boat, and whither we sail." + +"Wonder not, for all these things we shall learn in due season, and +for my part, although I hate him I am sorry for Abi," answered Asti +drily. + +So they sat there in the pavilion watching the desert, over the sands +of which their ship seemed to move, till at length the sun grew low, +and they went to walk upon the deck. Then they returned to eat of the +delicious food that was always provided for them in such plenty, and +at nightfall sought their couches, and slept heavily, for they needed +rest. + +When they awoke again, it was daylight, though no sun shone through +the skies, and their vessel rolled onward across a wide and sullen sea +out of sight of land. Also the silken pavilion about them was gone, +and replaced by a cabin of massive cedar wood, though of this, being +sated with marvels, Tua and Asti took little note. Indeed, having +neither of them been on an angry ocean before, a strange dizziness +overcame them, which caused them to sleep much and think little for +three whole days and nights. + +At length, one evening as the sun sank, they perceived that the +violent motion of the vessel had ceased with the roaring of the gale +above, which for all this while had driven them onward at such fearful +speed. Venturing from their cedar house, they saw that they had +entered the mouth of a great river upon the banks of which grew +enormous trees that sent out long crooked roots into the water, and +that among these roots crouched crocodiles and other noisome reptiles. +Also the white-robed oarsmen had appeared again, and, as there was no +wind, rowed the ship up the river, till at length they came to a spit +of sand which jutted out into the stream, and here cast anchor. + +Now Tua's and Asti's desire for food returned to them, and they ate. +Just as they had finished their meal, and the sun was sinking +suddenly, there appeared before them two masked men, each of whom bore +a basket in his hand. Asti began to question them, but like the +captain and the steersman, they seemed to be deaf and dumb. At least +they made no answer, only prostrated themselves humbly, and pointed +towards the shore where now Tua saw a fire burning on a rock, though +who had lit it she did not know. + +"They mean us to leave the ship," said Asti. "Come, Queen, let us +follow our fortunes, for doubtless these are high." + +"As you will," answered Tua, "seeing that we should scarcely have been +brought here to no end." + +So they accompanied the men to the side of that splendid vessel, for +now the netting that confined them had been removed, to find that a +gangway had been laid from its bulwark to the shore. As they stepped +on to this gangway their masked companions handed to each of them one +of the baskets, then again bowed humbly and were gone. Soon they +gained the bank, and scarcely had their feet touched it when the +gangway was withdrawn, and the great oars began to beat the muddy +water. + +Round swung the ship, and for a minute hung in midstream. There stood +the captain on the foredeck, and there was the steersman at the helm, +and the red light of the sinking sun turned them into figures of +flame. Suddenly with a simultaneous motion these men tore off their +masks so that for a moment Asti and Tua saw their faces--and behold! +the face of the captain was the face of Pharaoh, Tua's father, and the +face of the steersman was the face of Mermes, Asti's husband. + +For one moment only did they see them, then a dark cloud hid the dying +sun, and when it passed that ship was gone, whither they knew not. + +The two women looked at each other, and for the first time were much +afraid. + +"Truly," said Tua, "we are haunted if ever mortals were, for yonder +ship has ghosts for mariners." + +"Aye, Lady," answered Asti, "so have I thought from the first. Still, +take heart, for these ghosts once were men who loved us well, and +doubtless they love us still. Be sure that for no ill purpose have we +been snatched out of the hand of Abi, and brought living and unharmed +by the shades of Pharaoh your sire, and Mermes my husband, to this +secret shore. See, yonder burns a fire, let us go to it, and await +what may befall bravely, knowing that at least it can be naught but +good." + +So they went to the rock and, darkness being come, sat themselves down +by the fire, alongside of which lay wood for its replenishment, and +near the wood soft robes of camel-hair to shield them from the cold. +These robes they put on with thankfulness, and, having fed the flame, +bethought them of and opened the baskets which were given to them when +they left the ship. The first basket, that which Asti held, they found +to contain food, cakes, dried meats and dates, as much as one woman +could carry. But the second, that which had been given to Tua, was +otherwise provided, for in the mouth of it lay a lovely harp of ivory +with golden strings, whereof the frame was fashioned to the shape of a +woman. Tua drew it out and looked at it by the light of the fire. + +"It is my own harp," she said in an awed voice, "the harp that the +Prince of Kesh, whom Rames slew, brought as a gift to me, to the notes +of which I sang the Song of the Lovers but just before the giver died. +Yes, it is my own harp that I left in Thebes. Say, now, Nurse, how +came it here?" + +"How came /we/ here?" answered Asti shortly. "Answer my question and I +will answer yours." + +Then, laying down the harp, Tua looked again into her basket and found +that beneath a layer of dried papyrus leaves were hidden pearls, +thousands of pearls of all sizes, and of such lustre and beauty as she +had never seen. They were strung upon threads of silk, all those of a +like size being set upon a single thread, except the very biggest, +which were as great as a finger nail, or even larger, that lay wrapped +up separately in cloth at the bottom of the basket. + +"Surely," said Tua, amazed, "no Queen in all the earth ever had a +dower of such priceless pearls. Moreover, what good they and the harp +can be to us in this forest I may not guess." + +"Doubtless we shall discover in due course," answered Asti; +"meanwhile, let us thank the gods for their gifts and eat." + +So they ate, and then, having nothing else to do, lay down by the fire +and would have slept. + +But scarcely had they closed their eyes when the forest seemed to +awake. First from down by the river there came dreadful roarings which +they knew must be the voice of lions, for there were tame beasts of +this sort in the gardens at Thebes. Next they heard the whines and +wimperings of wolves and jackals, and mingled with them great +snortings such as are made by the rhinoceros and the river-horse. + +Nearer, nearer came these awful sounds, till at length they saw yellow +eyes moving like stars in the darkness at the edge of the forest, +while cross the patch of sand beneath their rock galloped swift shapes +which halted and sniffed towards them. Also on the river side of them +appeared huge, hog-like beasts, with gleaming tusks, and red cavernous +mouths, and beyond these again, crashing through the brushwood, a +gigantic brute that bore a single horn upon its snout. + +"Now our end is at hand," said Tua faintly, "for surely these +creatures will devour us." + +But Asti only threw more wood upon the fire and waited, thinking that +the flame would frighten them away. Yet it did not, for so curious, or +so hungry were they, that the lions crept and crept nearer, and still +more near, till at length they lay lashing their tails in the distance +almost within springing distance of the rock, while on the farther +side of these, like a court waiting on its monarch, gathered the +hyenas and other beasts. + +"They will spring presently," whispered Tua. + +"Did the Spirits of the divine Pharaoh your father, and of Mermes my +lord, bring us here in the Boat of Ra that we should be devoured by +wild animals, like lost sheep in the desert?" asked Asti. Then, as +though by an inspiration, she added, "Lady, take that harp of yours, +and play and sing to it." + +So Tua took the harp and swept its golden chords, and, lifting up her +lovely voice, she began to sing. At first it trembled a little, but by +degrees, as she forgot all save the music, it grew strong, and rang +out sweetly in the silence of the forest, and the great, slow-moving +river. And lo! as she sang thus, the wild brutes grew still, and +seemed to listen as though they were charmed. Yes, even a snake +wriggled out from between the rocks and listened, waving its crested +head to and fro. + +At length Tua ceased, and as the echoes died away the brutes, every +one of them, turned and vanished into the forest or the river, all +save the snake that coiled itself up and slept where it was. So +stillness came again, and Tua and Asti slept also, nor did they wake +until the sun was shining in the heavens. + +Then they arose wondering, and went down over the patch of sand that +was marked with the footprints of all the beasts to the river's brink, +and drank and washed themselves, peering the while through the mists, +for they thought that perchance they would see that golden ship with +the veiled crew which had carried them from Memphis, returned and +awaiting them in midstream. + +But no ship was there; nothing was there except the river-horses which +rose and sank, and the crocodiles on the mud-banks, and the wildfowl +that flighted inward from the sea to feed. So they went back to the +ashes of their fire and ate of the food in Asti's basket, and, when +they had eaten, looked at each other, not knowing what to do. Then Tua +said: + +"Come, Nurse, let us be going. Up the river and down the river we +cannot walk, for there are nothing but weeds and mud, so we must +strike out through the forest, whither the gods may lead us." + +Asti nodded, and, clad in the light warm clothes of camel-hair, they +set the baskets upon their heads after the fashion of the peasant +women of Egypt and started forward, the harp of ivory and of gold +hanging upon Tua's back. + +For hour after hour they marched thus through the forest, threading +their path between the big boles of the trees, and heading always for +the south, for that way ran the woodland glades beyond which was dense +bush. Great apes chattered above them in the tree tops, and now and +again some beast of prey crossed their path and vanished in the +underwood, but nothing else did they see. At length, towards midday, +the ground began to rise, and the trees grew smaller and farther +apart, till at last they reached the edge of a sandy desert, and +walked out to a little oasis, where the green grass showed them they +would find water. In this oasis there was a spring, and by the edge of +it they sat down and drank, and ate of their store of food, and +afterwards slept a while. + +Suddenly Tua, in her sleep, heard a voice, and, awaking with a start, +saw a man who stood near by, leaning on a thornwood staff and +contemplating them. He was a very strange man, apparently of great +age, for his long white hair fell down upon his shoulders, and his +white beard reached to his middle. Once he must have been very tall, +but now he was bent with age, and the bones of his gaunt frame thrust +out his ragged garments. His dark eyes also were horny, indeed it +seemed as though he could scarcely see with them, for he leaned +forward to peer at their faces where they lay. His face was scored by +a thousand wrinkles, and almost black with exposure to the sun and +wind, but yet of a marvellous tenderness and beauty. Indeed, except +that it was far more ancient, and the features were on a larger and a +grander scale, it reminded Tua of the face of Pharaoh after he was +dead. + +"My Father," said Tua, sitting up, for an impulse prompted her to name +this wanderer thus, "say whence do you come, and what would you with +your servants?" + +"My Daughter," answered the old man in a sweet, grave voice, "I come +from the wilderness which is my home. Long have I outlived all those +of my generation, yes, and their children also. Therefore the +wilderness and the forest that do not change are now my only friends, +since they alone knew me when I was young. Be pitiful now to me, for I +am poor, so poor that for three whole days no food has passed my lips. +It was the smell of the meat which you have with you that led me to +you. Give me of that meat, Daughter, for I starve." + +"It is yours, O----" and she paused. + +"I am called Kepher." + +"Kepher, Kepher!" repeated Tua, for she thought it strange that a +beggar-man should be named after that scarabæus insect which among the +Egyptians was the symbol of eternity. "Well, take and eat, O Kepher," +she said, and handed him the basket that contained what was left to +them of their store. + +The beggar took it, and having looked up to heaven as though to ask a +blessing on his meal, sat down upon the sand and began to devour the +food ravenously. + +"Lady," said Asti, "he will eat it all, and then we shall starve in +this desert. He is a locust, not a man," she added, as another cake +disappeared. + +"He is our guest," answered Tua gravely, "let him take what we have to +give." + +For a while Asti was silent, then again she broke out into +remonstrance. + +"Peace, Nurse," replied Tua, "I have said that he is our guest, and +the law of hospitality may not be broken." + +"Then the law of hospitality will bring us to our deaths," muttered +Asti. + +"If so, so let it be, Nurse; at least this poor man will be filled, +and for the rest, as always, we must trust to Amen our father." + +Yet as she spoke the words tears gathered in her eyes, for she knew +that Asti was right, and now that all the food was gone, on which with +care they might have lived for two days or more, soon they would +faint, and perish, unless help came to them, which was not likely in +that lonesome place. Once, not so long ago, they had starved for lack +of sustenance, and it was the thought of that slow pain so soon to be +renewed, that brought the water to her eyes. + +Meanwhile Kepher, whose appetite for one so ancient was sharp indeed, +finished the contents of the basket down to the last date, and handed +it back to Tua with a bow, saying: + +"I thank you, Daughter; the Queen of Egypt could not have entertained +me more royally," and he peered at her with his horny eyes. "I who +have been empty for long, am full again, and since I cannot reward you +I pray to the gods that they will do so. Beautiful Daughter, may you +never know what it is to lack a meal." + +At this saying Tua could restrain herself no more. A large tear from +her eyes fell upon Kepher's rough hand as she answered with a little +sob: + +"I am glad that you are comforted with meat, but do not mock us, +Friend, seeing that we are but lost wanderers who very soon must +starve, since now our food is done." + +"What, Daughter?" asked the old man in an astonished voice, "what? Can +I believe that you gave all you had to a beggar of the wilderness, and +sat still while he devoured it? And is it for this reason that you +weep?" + +"Forgive me, Father, but it is so," answered Tua. "I am ashamed of +such weakness, but recently my friend here and I have known hunger, +very sore hunger, and the dread of it moves me. Come, Asti, let us be +going while our strength remains in us." + +Kepher looked up at the name, then turned to Tua and said: + +"Daughter, your face is fair, and your heart is perfect, since +otherwise you would not have dealt with me as you have done. Still, it +seems that you lack one thing--undoubting faith in the goodness of the +gods. Though, surely," he added in a slow voice, "those who have +passed yonder lion-haunted forest without hurt should not lack faith. +Say, now, how came you there?" + +"We are ladies of Egypt," interrupted Asti, "or at least this maiden +is, for I am but her old nurse. Man-stealing pirates of Phœnicia +seized us while we wandered on the shores of the Nile, and brought us +hither in their ship, by what way we do not know. At length they put +into yonder river for water, and we fled at night. We are escaped +slaves, no more." + +"Ah!" said Kepher, "those pirates must mourn their loss. I almost +wonder that they did not follow you. Indeed, I thought that you might +be other folk, for, strangely enough, as I slept in the sand last +night, a certain spirit from the Under-world visited me in my dreams, +and told me to search for one Asti and another lady who was with her-- +I cannot remember the name of that lady. But I do remember the name of +the spirit, for he told it to me; it was Mermes." + +Now Asti gave a little cry, and, springing up, searched Kepher's face +with her eyes, nor did he shrink from her gaze. + +"I perceive," she said slowly, "that you who seem to be a beggar are +also a seer." + +"Mayhap, Asti," he answered. "In my long life I have often noted that +sometimes men are more than they seem--and women also. Perhaps you +have learned the same, for nurses in great houses may note many things +if they choose. But let us say no more. I think it is better that we +should say no more. You and your companion--how is she named?" + +"Neferte," answered Asti promptly. + +"Neferte, ah! Certainly that was not the name which the spirit used, +though it is true that other name began with the same sound, or so I +think. Well, you and your companion, Neferte, escaped from those +wicked pirates, and managed to bring certain things with you, for +instance, that beautiful harp, wreathed with the royal /uræi/, and-- +but what is in that second basket?" + +"Pearls," broke in Tua quickly. + +"And a large basket of pearls. Might I see them? Oh! do not be afraid, +I shall not rob those whose food I have eaten, it is against the +custom of the desert." + +"Certainly," answered Tua. "I never thought that you would rob us, for +if you were of the tribe of thieves, surely you would be richer, and +less hungry than you seem. I only thought that you were almost blind, +Father Kepher, and therefore could not know the difference between a +pearl and a pebble." + +"My feeling still remains to me, Daughter Neferte," he answered with a +little smile. + +Then Tua gave him the basket. He opened it and drew out the strings of +pearls, feeling them, smelling and peering at them, touching them with +his tongue, especially the large single ones which were wrapped up by +themselves. At length, having handled them all, he restored them to +the basket, saying drily: + +"It is strange, indeed, Nurse Asti, that those Syrian man-stealers +attempted no pursuit of you, for here, whether they were theirs or +not, are enough gems to buy a kingdom." + +"We cannot eat pearls," answered Asti. + +"No, but pearls will buy more than you need to eat." + +"Not in a desert," said Asti. + +"True, but as it chances there is a city in this desert, and not so +very far away." + +"Is it named Napata?" asked Tua eagerly. + +"Napata? No, indeed. Yet, I have heard of such a place, the City of +Gold they called it. In fact, once I visited it in my youth, over a +hundred years ago." + +"A hundred years ago! Do you remember the way thither?" + +"Yes, more or less, but on foot it is over a year's journey away, and +the path thither lies across great deserts and through tribes of +savage men. Few live to reach that city." + +"Yet I will reach it, or die, Father." + +"Perhaps you will, Daughter Neferte, perhaps you will, but I think not +at present. Meanwhile, you have a harp, and therefore it is probable +that you can play and sing; also you have pearls. Now the inhabitants +of this town whereof I spoke to you love music. Also they love pearls, +and as you cannot begin your journey to Napata for three months, when +the rain on the mountains will have filled the desert wells, I suggest +that you would do wisely to settle yourselves there for a while. Nurse +Asti here would be a dealer in pearls, and you, her daughter, would be +a musician. What say you?" + +"I say that I should be glad to settle myself anywhere out of this +desert," said Tua wearily. "Lead us on to the city, Father Kepher, if +you know the way." + +"I know the way, and will guide you thither in payment for that good +meal of yours. Now come. Follow me." And taking his long staff he +strode away in front of them. + +"This Kepher goes at a wonderful pace for an old man," said Tua +presently. "When first we saw him he could scarcely hobble." + +"Man!" answered Asti. "He is not a man, but a spirit, good or bad, I +don't know which, appearing as a beggar. Could a man eat as much as he +did--all our basketful of food? Does a man talk of cities that he +visited in his youth over a hundred years ago, or declare that my dead +husband spoke to him in his dreams? No, no, he is a ghost like those +upon the ship." + +"So much the better," answered Tua cheerfully, "since ghosts have been +good friends to us, for had it not been for them I should have been +dead or shamed to-day." + +"That we shall find out at the end of the story," said Asti, who was +cross and weary, for the heat of the sun was great. "Meanwhile, follow +on. There is nothing else to do." + +For hour after hour they walked, till at length towards evening, when +they were almost exhausted, they struggled up a long rise of sand and +rocks, and from the crest of it perceived a large walled town set in a +green and fertile valley not very far beneath them. Towards this town +Kepher, who marched at a distance in front, guided them till they +reached a clump of trees on the outskirts of the cultivated land. Here +he halted, and when they came up to him, led them among the trees. + +"Now," he said, "drop your veils and bide here, and if any should come +to you, say that you are poor wandering players who rest. Also, if it +pleases you, give me a small pearl off one of those strings, that I +may go into the city, which is named Tat, and sell it to buy you food +and a place to dwell in." + +"Take a string," said Tua faintly. + +"Nay, nay, Daughter, one will be enough, for in this town pearls are +rare, and have a great value." + +So she gave him the gem, or rather let him take it from the silk, +which he re-fastened very neatly for one who seemed to be almost +blind, and strode off swiftly towards the town. + +"Man or spirit, I wonder if we shall see him again?" said Asti. + +Tua made no answer--she was too tired, but resting herself against the +bole of a tree, fell into a doze. When she awoke again it was to see +that the sun had sunk, and that before her stood the beggar Kepher, +and with him two black men, each of whom led a saddled mule. + +"Mount, Friends," he said, "for I have found you a lodging." + +So they mounted, and were led to the gate of the city which at the +word of Kepher was opened for them, and thence down a long street to a +house built in a walled garden. Into this house they entered, the +black men leading off the mules, to find that it was a well-furnished +place with a table ready set in the ante-room, on which was food in +plenty. They ate of it, all three of them, and when they had finished +Kepher bade a woman who was waiting on them, lead them to their +chamber, saying that he himself would sleep in the garden. + +Thither then they went without more questions, and throwing themselves +down upon beds which were prepared for them, were soon fast asleep. + + + +CHAPTER XV + +TUA AND THE KING OF TAT + +In the morning, after Tua and Asti had put on the clean robes that lay +to their hands, and eaten, suddenly they looked up and perceived that +Kepher, the ancient beggar of the desert, was in the room with them, +though neither of them had heard or seen him enter. + +"You come silently, Friend," said Asti, looking at him with a curious +eye. "A Double could not move with less noise, and--where is your +shadow?" she added, staring first at the sun without, and then at the +floor upon which he stood. + +"I forgot it," he answered in his deep voice. "One so poor as I am +cannot always afford a shadow. But look, there it is now. And for the +rest, what do you know of Doubles which those who are uninstructed +cannot discern? Now I have heard of a Lady in Egypt who by some chance +bore your name, and who has the power, not only to see the Double, but +to draw it forth from the body of the living, and furnish it with +every semblance of mortal life. Also I have heard that she who reigns +in Egypt to-day has such a Ka or Double that can take her place, and +none know the difference, save that this Ka, which Amen gave her at +her birth, works the vengeance of the gods without pity or remorse. +Tell me, Friend Asti, when you were a slave-woman in Egypt did you +ever hear talk of such things as these?" + +Now he looked at Asti, and Asti looked at him, till at length he moved +his old hands in a certain fashion, whereon she bowed her head and was +silent. + +But Tua, who was terrified at this talk, for she knew not what would +befall them if the truth were guessed, broke in, saying: + +"Welcome, Father, however it may please you to come, and with or +without a shadow. Surely we have much to thank you for who have found +us this fine house and servants and food--by the way, will you not eat +again?" + +"Nay," he answered, smiling, "as you may have guessed yesterday, I +touch meat seldom; as a rule, once only in three days, and then take +my fill. Life is so short that I cannot waste time in eating." + +"Oh!" said Tua, "if you feel thus whose youth began more than a +hundred years ago, how must it seem to the rest of us? But, Father +Kepher, what are we to do in this town Tat?" + +"I have told you, Maiden. Asti here will deal in pearls and other +goods, and you will sing, but always behind the curtain, since here in +Tat you must suffer no man to see your beauty, and least of all him +who rules it. Now give me two more pearls, for I go out to buy for you +other things that are needful, and after that perhaps you will see me +no more for a long while. Yet if trouble should fall upon you, go to +the window-place wherever you may be, and strike upon that harp of +yours, and call thrice upon the name of Kepher. Doubtless there will +be some listening who will hear you and bring me the news in the +Desert, where I dwell who do not love towns, and then I may be able to +help you." + +"I thank you, my Father, and I will remember. But pardon me if I ask +how can one so----" and she paused. + +"So old, so ragged and so miserable give help to man or woman--that is +what you would say, Daughter Neferte, is it not? Well, judge not from +the outward seeming; good wine is often found in jars of common clay, +and the fire hid in a rough flint can destroy a city." + +"And therefore a wanderer who can swallow his own shadow can aid +another wanderer in distress," remarked Tua drily. "My Father, I +understand, who although I am still young, have seen many things and +ere now been dragged out of deep water by strange hands." + +"Such as those of Phœnician pirates," suggested Kepher. "Well, good- +bye. I go to purchase what you need with the price of these pearls, +and then the Desert calls me for a while. Remember what I told you, +and do not seek to leave this town of Tat until the rain has fallen on +the mountains, and there is water in the wells. Good-bye, Friend Asti, +also; when I come again we will talk more of Doubles, until which time +may the great god of Egypt--he is called Amen, is he not?--have you +and your Lady in his keeping." + +Then he turned and went. + +"What is that man?" asked Tua when they had heard the door of the +house close behind him. + +"Man?" answered Asti. "I have told you that he is no man. Do men +unfold their shadows like a garment? He is a god or a ghost, wearing a +beggar's shape." + +"Man or ghost, I like him well for he has befriended us in our need, +Nurse." + +"That we shall know when he has done with us," answered Asti. + +An hour later, whilst they were still talking of Kepher and all the +marvels that had befallen them, porters began to arrive, bearing +bundles which, when opened, were found to contain silks and broideries +in gold and silver thread, and leather richly worked, such as the +Arabs make, and alabaster pots of ointments, and brass work from +Syria, and copper jars from Cyprus, with many other goods, all very +costly, and in number more than enough for a wealthy trader's store. + +These goods the porters set out on the mats and shelves of the large +front room of the house that opened to the street, which room seemed +to have been built to receive them. Then they departed, asking no +fees, and there appeared a man riding a fine white horse, who +dismounted, and, bowing low towards the screen of pierced wood-work +behind which Tua and Asti were hidden, laid a writing upon a little +table, and rode away. When he had gone Asti opened the door in the +screen and took the writing which she found she could read well +enough, for it was in the Egyptian character and language. + +It proved to be the title-deed of the house and garden conveyed to +them jointly, and also of the rich goods which the porters had +brought. At the foot of this document was written-- + +"Received by Kepher the Wanderer in payment of the above house and +land and goods, three pearls and one full meal of meat and dates." + +Then followed the seal of Kepher in wax, a finely cut scarabæus +holding the symbol of the sun between its two front feet. + +"A proud seal for a tattered wanderer, though it is but his name writ +in wax," said Tua. + +But Asti only answered: + +"If small pearls have such value in this city, what price will the +large ones bring? Well, let us to our business, for we have time upon +our hands, and cannot live upon pearls and costly stuffs." + + + +So it happened that Neter-Tua, Star of Amen, Queen of Egypt, and Asti +her Nurse, the Mistress of Magic, became merchants in the town of Tat. + +This was the manner of their trade. For one hour in the morning, and +one in the afternoon, Asti, heavily veiled, and a woman of the +servants whom they had found in the house, would sit on stools amidst +the goods and traffic with all comers, selling to those who would buy, +and taking payment in gold dust or other articles of value, or buying +from those who would sell. Then when the hour drew towards its close +Tua would sweep her harp behind the screen that hid her and begin to +sing, whereon all would cease from their chaffering and listen, for +never before had they heard so sweet a voice. Indeed, at these times +the broad street in front of their house was packed with people, for +the fame of this singing of hers went through the city and far into +the country that lay beyond. Then the traffic came to an end, with her +song, and leaving their goods in charge of the servants, Tua and Asti +departed to the back rooms of the house, and ate their meals or +wandered in the large, walled garden that lay behind. + +Thus the weeks went on and soon, although they sold few of the pearls, +and those the smallest, for of the larger gems they said little or +nothing, they began to grow rich, and to hoard up such a weight of +gold in dust and nuggets, and so many precious things, that they +scarcely knew what they should do with them. Still Tat seemed to be a +peaceful city, or at the least none tried to rob or molest them, +perhaps because a rumour was abroad that these strangers who had come +out of the Unknown were under the protection of some god. + +There was nothing to show how or why this rumour had arisen in the +city, but on account of it, if for no other reason, these pearl- +merchants, as they were called, suffered no wrong, and although they +were only undefended women, whatever credit they might give, the debt +was always paid. Also their servants, to whom they added as they had +means, were all faithful to them. So there they remained and traded, +keeping their secrets and awaiting the appointed hour of escape, but +never venturing to leave the shelter of their own walls. + +Now, as it happened, when they came thither the King of Tat was away +making war upon another king whose country lay upon the coast, but +after they had dwelt for many weeks in the place, this King, who was +named Janees, returned victorious from his war and prepared to +celebrate a triumph. + +While he was making ready for this triumph his courtiers told him of +these pearl-merchants, and, desiring pearls for his adornment on that +great day, he went in disguise to the house of those who sold them. As +it chanced he arrived late, and requested to see the gems just as Tua, +according to her custom, was playing upon her harp. Then she began to +sing, and this King Janees, who was a man of under forty years of age, +listened intently to her beautiful voice, forgetting all about the +pearls that he had come to buy. Her song finished, the veiled Asti +rose, and bowing to all the company gathered in the street, bade her +servants shut up the coffers and remove the goods. + +"But I would buy pearls, Merchant, if you have such to sell," said +Janees. + +"Then you must return this afternoon, Purchaser," replied Asti, +scanning his pale and haughty face, "for even if you were the King of +Tat I would not sell to you out of my hours." + +"You speak high words, Woman," exclaimed Janees angrily. + +"High or low, they are what I mean," answered Asti, and went away. + +The end of it was that this King Janees returned at the evening hour, +led thither more by a desire to hear that lovely voice again than to +purchase gems. Still he asked to see pearls, and Asti showed him some +which he thrust aside as too small. Then she produced those that were +larger, and again he thrust them aside, and so it went on for a long +while. At length from somewhere in her clothing Asti drew two of the +biggest that she had, perfect pearls of the size of the middle nail of +a man's finger, and at the sight of these the eyes of Janees +brightened, for such gems he had never seen before. Then he asked the +price. Asti answered carelessly that it was doubtless more than he +would wish to pay, since there were few such pearls in the whole +world, and she named a weight in gold that caused him to step back +from her amazed, for it was a quarter of the tribute that he had taken +from his new-conquered kingdom. + +"Woman, you jest," he said, "surely there is some abatement." + +"Man," she answered, "I jest not; there is no abatement," and she +replaced the pearls in her garments. + +Now he grew very angry, and asked: + +"Did you know that I am the King of Tat, and if I will, can take your +pearls without any payment at all?" + +"Are you?" asked Asti, looking at him coolly. "I should never have +guessed it. Well, if you steal my goods, as you say you can, you will +be King of Thieves also." + +Now those who heard this saying laughed, and the King thought it best +to join in their merriment. Then the bargaining went on, but before it +was finished, at her appointed hour Tua began to sing behind the +screen. + +"Have done," said the King to Asti, "to-morrow you shall be paid your +price. I would listen to that music which is above price." + +So Janees listened like one fascinated, for Tua was singing her best. +Step by step he drew ever nearer to the screen, though this Asti did +not notice, for she was engaged in locking up her goods. At length he +reached it, and thrusting his fingers through the openings in the +pierced woodwork, rested his weight upon it like a man who is faint, +as perhaps he was with the sweetness of that music. Then of a sudden, +by craft or chance, he swung himself backward, and with him came the +frail screen. Down it clattered to the floor, and lo! beyond it, +unveiled, but clad in rich attire, stood Tua sweeping her harp of +ivory and gold. Like sunlight from a cloud the bright vision of her +beauty struck the eyes of the people gathered there, and seemed to +dazzle them, since for a while they were silent. Then one said: + +"Surely this woman is a queen," and another answered: + +"Nay, she is a goddess," but ere the words had left his lips Tua was +gone. + +As for Janees the King, he stared at her open-mouthed, reeling a +little upon his feet, then, as she fled, turned to Asti, saying: + +"Is this Lady your slave?" + +"Nay, King, my daughter, whom you have done ill to spy upon." + +"Then," said Janees slowly, "I who might do less, desire to make this +daughter of yours my Queen--do you understand, Merchant of Pearls--my +Queen, and as a gift you shall have as much gold again as I have +promised for your gems." + +"Other kings have desired as much and offered more, but she is not for +you or any of them," answered Asti, looking him in the face. + +Now Janees made a movement as though he would strike her, then seemed +to change his mind, for he replied only: + +"A rough answer to a fair offer, seeing that none know who you are or +whence you come. But there are eyes upon us. I will talk with you +again to-morrow; till then, rest in peace." + +"It is useless," began Asti, but he was already gone. + +Presently Asti found Tua in the garden, and told her everything. + +"Now I wish that Kepher of the Desert were at hand," said Tua +nervously, "for it seems that I am in a snare, who like this Janees no +better than I did Abi or the Prince of Kesh, and will never be his +Queen." + +"Then I think we had better fly to the wilderness and seek him there +this very night, for, Lady, you know what chances to men who look upon +your loveliness." + +"I know what chanced to the Prince of Kesh, and what will chance to +Abi at the hands of one I left behind me, I can guess; perhaps this +Janees will fare no better. Still, let us go." + +Asti nodded, then by an afterthought went into the house and asked +some questions of the servants. Presently she returned, and said: + +"It is useless; soldiers are already stationed about the place, and +some of our women who tried to go out have been turned back, for they +say that by the King's order none may leave our door." + +"Now shall I strike upon the harp and call upon the name of Kepher, as +he bade me?" asked Tua. + +"I think not yet awhile, Lady. This danger may pass by or the night +bring counsel, and then he would be angry if you summoned him for +naught. Let us go in and eat." + +So they went in, and while they sat at their food suddenly they heard +a noise, and looking up, perceived by the light of the lamp that women +were crowding into the room led by two eunuchs. + +Tua drew a dagger from her robe and sprang up, but the head eunuch, an +old, white-haired man, bowed low before her, and said: + +"Lady, you can kill me if you will, for I am unarmed, but there are +many more of us without, and to resist is useless. Hearken; no harm +shall be done to you or to your companion, but it is the King's desire +that one so royal and beautiful should be better lodged than in this +place of traffic. Therefore he has commanded me to take you and all +your household and all your goods to no less a place than his own +palace, where he would speak with you." + +"Sheathe the dagger and waste no words upon these slaves, Daughter," +said Asti. "Since we have no choice, let us go." + +So after they had veiled and robed, they suffered themselves to be led +out and placed in a double litter with their pearls and gold, while +the King's women collected all the rest of their goods and took them +away together with their servants, leaving the house quite empty. +Then, guarded by soldiers, they were borne through the silent streets +till they came to great gates which closed behind them, and having +passed up many stairs, the litter was set down in a large and +beautiful room lit with silver lamps of scented oil. Here, and in +other rooms beyond, they found women of the royal household and their +own servants already arranging their possessions. + +Soon it was done, and food and wine having been set for them, they +were left alone in that room, and stood looking at each other. + +"Now shall I strike and call?" said Tua, lifting the harp which she +had brought with her. "Look, yonder is a window-place such as that of +which Kepher spoke." + +"Not yet, I think, Lady. Let us learn all our case ere we call for +help," and as the words left her lips the door opened, and through it, +clad in his royal robes, walked Janees the King. + +Now in the centre of this great room was a marble basin filled with +pure water which, perhaps, had served as the bath of the queens who +dwelt there in former days, or, perhaps, was so designed for the sake +of coolness in times of heat. Tua and Asti stood upon one side of this +basin, and to the other came the King, so that the water lay between +them. Thrice he bowed to Tua, then said: + +"Lady, who, as your servants tell me, are known as Neferte, a maiden +of Egypt, and for lack of the true name, doubtless this will serve, +Lady, I come to ask your pardon for what must seem to you to be a +grievous wrong. O Lady Neferte, this must be my excuse, that I have no +choice. By fortune, good or ill, I know not which, this day I beheld +your face, and now but one desire is left to me, to behold it again, +and for all my life. Lady, the Goddess of Love, she, whom in Egypt you +name Hathor, has made me her slave, so that I no longer think of pomp +or power or wealth, or of other women, but of you and you only. Lady, +I would do you no harm, for I offer you half my throne. You and you +alone shall be my Queen. Speak now." + +"King Janees," answered Tua, "what evil spirit has entered into you +that you should wish to make a Queen of a singing-girl, the daughter +of a merchant who has wandered to your city? Let me go, and keep that +high place for one of the great ones of the earth. Send now to Abi, +who I have heard rules as Pharaoh in Egypt, and ask a daughter of his +blood, for they say that he has several; or to some of the princes of +Syria, or to the King of Byblos by Lebanon, or to the lords of Kesh, +or across the desert to the Emperor of Punt, and let this poor +singing-girl go her ways." + +"This poor singing-girl," repeated Janees after her, "who, or whose +mother," and he bowed to Asti with a smile, "has pearls to sell that +are worth the revenue of a kingdom; this singing-girl, the ivory +figure on whose harp is crowned with the royal /uræi/ of Egypt; this +singing-girl whose chiselled loveliness is such as might be found +perhaps among the daughters of ancient kings; this singing-girl whose +voice can ravish the hearts of men and beasts! Well, Lady Neferte, I +thank you for your warning, still I am ready to take my chance, hoping +that my children will not be made ashamed by the blood of such a +singing-girl as this, who, as I saw when that screen fell, has stamped +upon her throat the holy sign they worship on the Nile." + +"I am honoured," answered Tua coldly, "yet it may not be. Among my own +humble folk I have a lover, and him I will wed or no man." + +"You have a lover! Then hide his name from me, lest presently I should +play Set to his Osiris and rend him into pieces. You shake your head, +knowing doubtless that the man is great, yet I tell you that I will +conquer him and rend him into pieces for the crime of being loved by +you. Listen now! I would make you my Queen, but Queen or not, mine you +shall be who lie in my power. I will not force you, I will give you +time. But if on the morning of the third day from this night you still +refuse to share my throne, why, then you shall sit upon its +footstool." + +Now, in her anger, Tua threw back her veil, and met him eye to eye. + +"You think me great," she said, "and truly you are right, for whatever +is my rank, with me go my gods, and in their strength my innocence is +great. Let me be, you petty King of Tat, lest I lift up my voice to +heaven, and call down upon you the anger of the gods." + +"Already, Lady, you have called down upon me the anger of a goddess, +that Hathor of whom I spoke, and for the rest I fear them not. Let +them do their worst. On the third night from this night, as Queen or +slave, I swear that you shall be mine. This woman here, whom you call +your mother, shall be witness to my oath, and to its end." + +"Aye, King," broke in Asti, "I will be witness, but as to the end of +that oath I do not know it yet. Would you like to learn? In my own +country I was held to have something of a gift, I mean in the way of +magic. It came to me, I know not whence, and it is very uncertain--at +times it is my servant, and at times I can do nothing. Still, for your +sake, I would try. Is it your pleasure to see that end of which you +spoke, the end of your attempt to force yonder maiden to be your queen +or love?" + +"Aye, Woman," answered Janees, "if you have a trick, show it--why +not?" + +"So be it, King; but, of course, I have your word that you will not +blame me if by any chance the trick should not prove to your liking-- +your royal word. Now stand you there, and look into this water while I +pray our gods, the gods of my own country, to be gracious, and to show +you what shall be your state at this same hour on the third night from +now, which you say and hope shall be the night of your wedding. Sing, +my Daughter, sing that old and sacred song which I have taught you. It +will serve to while away the tedium of our waiting until the gods +declare themselves, if such be their will." + +Then Asti knelt down by the pool, and bent her head, and stretched out +her hands over the water, and Tua touched the strings of her harp and +began to chant very solemnly in an unknown tongue. The words of that +chant were low and sweet, yet it seemed to Janees that they fell like +ice upon his hot blood, and froze it within his veins. At first he +kept his eyes fixed upon her beauty, but by slow degrees something +drew them down to the water of the pool. + +Look! A mist gathered on its blackness. It broke and cleared and +there, as in a mirror, he saw a picture. He saw himself lying stripped +and dead, a poor, naked corpse with wide eyes that stared to heaven, +and gashed throat and sides whence the blood ran upon the marble floor +of his own great hall, ruined by fire, with its scorched pillars +pointing like fingers to the moon. There he lay alone, and by him +stood a hound, his own hound, that lifted up its head and seemed to +howl. + +The last words of Tua's chant died away, and with them that picture +passed. Janees leapt back from the edge of the pool, glaring at Asti. + +"Sorceress!" he cried, "were you not my guest who names herself the +mother of her who shall be my Queen, I swear that to-night you should +die by torture in payment of this foul trick of yours." + +"Yet as it is," answered Asti, "I think that I shall not die, since +those who call upon the gods must not quarrel with their oracle. +Moreover, I know now what you saw, and it may be nothing but a fantasy +of your brain or of mine. Now let us sleep, I pray you, O King, for we +are weary, and leave its secrets to the future. In three days we shall +know what they may be." + +Then, without another word, Janees turned and left them. + +"What was it that lay in the pool, Nurse?" asked Tua. "I saw nothing." + +"The shadow of a dead man, I think," answered Asti grimly. "Some +jealous god has looked upon this poor King whose crime is that he +desires you, and therefore he must die. Of a truth it goes ill with +your lovers, O Star of Amen, and sometimes I wonder if one who is dear +to me will meet with better fortune at those royal eyes of yours. If +ill befalls him I think that at the last I may learn to hate you, whom +from the first I cherished." + +Now at the thought that she might bring death to Rames also, Tua's +tears began to gather, and her voice choked in her throat. + +"Say not such evil-omened words," she sobbed, "since you know well +that if he is taken hence for whose sake I endure all these things, +then I must follow him over the edge of the world. Moreover, you are +unjust. Did I slay the Prince of Kesh, or was it another?" + +"Another, Queen, but for your sake." + +"And would you have had me wed Abi the hog, the murderer of my father, +and of your lord? Again, was it I who but now showed this barbarian +chief a shadow in the water, or was it Asti the witch, Asti the +prophetess of Amen? Lastly, will the man die, if die he must, because +he loves me, which, being a woman I can forgive him, or because he +laid the hands of violence upon me to force me to be his queen or +mistress, which I forgive him not? Oh! Asti, you know well I am not as +other women are. Perchance it is true that some blood that is not +human runs in me; at least I fulfil a doom laid on me before my birth, +and working woe or working weal, I go as my feet are led by ghosts and +gods. Why, then, do you upbraid me?" and she ceased and wept outright. + +"Nay, nay, be comforted, I upbraid you not," answered Asti, drawing +her to her breast. "Who am I that I should cast reproaches at Amen's +Star and daughter and my Queen? I know well that the house of your +fate is built, that sail you up stream or sail you down stream, you +must pass its gate at last. It was fear for Rames that made me speak +so bitterly, Rames my only child, if, indeed, he is left to me, for I +who have so much wisdom cannot learn from man or spirit whether he +lives here or with Osiris, since some black veil hangs between our +souls. I fear lest the gods, grown jealous of that high love of yours, +should wreak their wrath upon him who has dared to win it, and bring +Rames to the grave before his time, and the thought of it rends my +heart." + +Now it was Tua's turn to play the comforter. + +"Surely," she said, "surely, my Foster-mother, you forget the promise +of Amen, King of the Gods, which he made ere I was born, to Ahura who +bore me, that I should find a royal lover, and that from his love and +mine should spring many kings and princes, and that this being so, +Rames must live." + +"Why must he live, Lady, seeing that even if he can be called royal, +there are others?" + +"Nay, Asti," murmured Tua, laying her head upon her breast, "for me +there are no others, nor shall any child of mine be born that does not +name Rames father. Whatever else is doubtful, this is sure. Therefore +Rames lives, and will live, or the King of the gods has lied." + +"You reason well," said Asti, and kissed her. Then she thought for a +moment, and added: "Now to our work, it is the hour. Take the harp, go +to the window-place, and call as the beggar-man bade you do in your +need." + +So Tua went to the window-place and looked down on the great courtyard +beneath that was lit with the light of the moon. Then she struck on +the harp, and thrice she cried aloud: + +"/Kepher! Kepher! Kepher!/" + +And each time the echo of her cry came back louder and still more +loud, till it seemed as though earth and heaven were filled with the +sound of the name of Kepher. + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE BEGGAR AND THE KING + +It was the afternoon of the third day. Tua and Asti, seated in the +window-place of their splendid prison, looked through the wooden +screen down into the court below, where, according to his custom at +this hour, Janees the King sat in the shadow to administer justice and +hear the petitions of his subjects. The two women were ill at ease, +for the time of respite had almost passed. + +"Night draws near," said Tua, "and with it will come Janees. Look how +he eyes this window, like a hungry lion waiting to be fed. Kepher has +made no sign; perchance after all he is but a wandering beggar-man +filled with strange fancies, or perchance he is dead, as may well +happen at his age. At least, he makes no sign, nor does Amen, to whom +I have prayed so hard, send any answer to my prayers. I am forsaken. +Oh! Asti, you who are wise, tell me, what shall I do?" + +"Trust in the gods," said Asti. "There are still three hours to +sundown, and in three hours the gods, to whom time is nothing, can +destroy the world and build it up again. Remember when we starved in +the pylon tower at Memphis, and what befell us there. Remember the +leap to death and the Boat of Ra, and those by whom it was captained. +Remember and trust in the gods." + +"I trust--in truth I trust, Asti, but yet--oh! let us talk of +something else. I wonder what has chanced in Memphis since we left it +in so strange a fashion? Do you think that awful Ka of mine queens it +there with Abi for a husband? If so, I almost grieve for Abi, for she +had something in her eyes which chilled my mortal blood, and yet you +say she is a part of me, a spirit who cannot die, cast in my mould, +and given to me at birth. I would I had another Ka, and that you could +draw it forth again, Asti, to bewitch this Janees, and hold him while +we fled. See, that case draws to an end at length. Janees is giving +judgment, or rather his councillor is, for he prompts him all the +time. Can you not hear his whispers? As for Janees himself, his +thoughts are here, I feel his eyes burn me through this wooden screen. +He is about to rise. Why! Who comes? Awake, Nurse, and look." + +Asti obeyed. There in the gate of the court she saw a tall man, white- +bearded, yellow-faced, horny-eyed, ancient, who, clad in a tattered +robe, leaned upon his staff of thornwood, and stared about him blindly +as though the sun bewildered him. The guards came to thrust him away, +but he waved his staff, and they fell back from him as though there +were power in that staff. Now his slow, tortoise-like eyes seemed to +catch sight of the glittering throne, and of him who sat upon it, and +with long strides he walked to the throne and halted in front of it, +again leaning on his staff. + +"Who is this fellow," asked Janees in an angry voice, "who stands here +and makes no obeisance to the King?" + +"Are you a king?" asked Kepher. "I am very blind. I thought you were +but a common man such as I am, only clad in bright clothes. Tell me, +what is it like to be a king, and have all things beneath your feet. +Do you still hope and suffer, and fear death like a common man? Is the +flesh beneath your gold and purple the same as mine beneath my rags? +Do old memories torment you, memories of the dead who come no more? +Can you feel griefs, and the ache of disappointment?" + +"Do I sit here to answer riddles, Fool?" answered Janees angrily. +"Turn the fellow out. I have business." + +Now guards sprang forward to do the King's bidding, but again Kepher +waved his staff, and again they fell back. Certainly it seemed as +though there were power in that staff. + +"Business, King," he said. "Not of the State, I think, but with one +who lodges yonder," and he nodded towards the shuttered room whence +Tua watched him. "Well, that is three hours hence after the sun has +set, so you still have time to listen to my prayer, which you will do, +as it is of this same lady with whom you have business." + +"What do you know of the lady, you old knave, and of my dealings with +her?" asked Janees angrily. + +"Much of both, O King, for I am her father, and--shall I tell the +rest?" + +"Her father, you hoary liar!" broke in Janees. + +"Aye, her father, and I have come to tell you that as our blood is +more ancient than yours, I will not have you for a son-in-law, any +more than that daughter of mine will have you for a husband." + +Now some of the courtiers who heard these words laughed outright, but +Janees did not laugh, his dark face turned white with rage, and he +gasped for breath. + +"Drag this madman forth," he shouted at length, "and cut out his +insolent tongue." + +Again the guards sprang forward, but before ever they reached him +Kepher was speaking in a new voice, a voice so terrible that at the +sound of it they stopped, leaving him untouched. + +"Beware how you lay a finger on me, you men of Tat," he cried, "for +how know you who dwells within these rags? Janees, you who call +yourself a King, listen to the commands of a greater king, whose +throne is yonder above the sun. Ere night falls upon the earth, set +that maiden upon whom you would force yourself and her companion and +all her goods without your southern gate, and leave them there +unharmed. Such is the command of the King of kings, who dwells on +high." + +"And what if I mock at the command of this King?" asked Janees. + +"Mock not," replied Kepher. "Bethink you of a certain picture that the +lady Asti showed you in the water, and mock not." + +"It was but an Egyptian trick, Wizard, and one in which I see you had +a hand. Begone, I defy you and your sorceries, and your King. To-night +that maid shall be my wife." + +"Then, Janees, Lord of Tat, listen to the doom that I am sent to +decree upon you. To-night you shall have another bride, and her name +is Death. Moreover, for their sins, and because their eyes are evil, +and they have rejected the worship of the gods, many of your people +shall accompany you to darkness, and to-morrow another King, who is +not of your House, shall rule in Tat." + +Kepher ceased speaking, then turned and walked slowly down the court +of judgment and through its gates, nor did any so much as lift a +finger to stay him, for now about this old man there seemed to be a +majesty which made them strengthless. + +"Bring that wizard back and kill him here," shouted Janees presently, +as the spell passed off them, and like hounds from a leash they sprang +forward to do the bidding of the King. + +But without the walls they could not find him. A woman had seen him +here, a child had seen him there, some slaves had watched him pass +yonder, and ran away because they noted that he had no shadow. At +length, after many a false turn, they tracked him to the southern +gate, and there the guard said that just such a beggar-man had passed +through as they were about to close the gate, vanishing into the +sandstorm which blew without. They followed, but so thickly blew that +sand that they lost each other in their search, and but just before +sundown returned to the palace singly, where in his rage the king +commanded them to be beaten with rods upon their feet. + +Now the darkness came, and at the appointed hour Janees, hardening his +heart, went up into the chamber where dwelt Tua and Asti, leaving his +guard of eunuchs at the door. The lamps were lit within that chamber, +and the window-places closed, but without the desert wind howled +loudly, and the air was blind with sand. On the farther side of the +marble basin, as once before, Tua and Asti stood awaiting him. + +"Lady," he said, "it is the appointed hour, and I seek your answer." + +"King," replied Tua, "hear me, and for your own sake--not for mine. I +am more than I seem. I have friends in the earth and air, did not one +of them visit you to-day in yonder court? Put away this madness and +let me be, for I wish you good, not evil, but if you so much as lay a +finger on me, then I think that evil draws near, or at the best I die +by my own hand." + +"Lady," replied Janees in a cold voice, "have done with threats; I +await your answer." + +"King," said Tua, "for the last time I plead with you. You think that +I lie to save myself, but it is not so. I would save you. Look now," +and she threw back her veil and opened the wrappings about her throat. +"Look at that which is stamped upon my breast, and think--is it well +to offer violence to a woman who bears this holy seal?" + +"I have heard of such a one," said Janees hoarsely, for the sight of +her beauty maddened him. "They say that she was born in Thebes, and of +a strange father, though, if so, how came she here? I am told that she +reigns as Pharaoh in Egypt." + +"Ask that question of your oracles, O King, but remember that rumour +does not always lie, and let the daughter of that strange father go." + +"There is another who claims to be your father, Lady, if by now my +soldiers have not scourged him to his death--a tattered beggar-man." + +"Whom those soldiers could not touch or find," broke in Asti, speaking +for the first time. + +"Well," went on Janees, without heeding her, "whether your father be a +beggar or a god, or even if you are Hathor's self come down from +heaven to be the death of men, know that I take you for my own. For +the third time, answer, will you be my Queen of your own choice, or +must my women drown yonder witch in this water at your feet, and drag +you hence?" + +Now Tua made no answer. She only let fall her veil, folded her arms +upon her breast, and waited. But Asti, mocking him, cried in a loud +voice, that he might hear above the howling of the hurricane without: + +"Call your women, King, for the air is full of sand that chokes my +throat, and I long for the water which you promise me." + +Then, in his fury, Janees turned, and shouted: + +"Come hither, Slaves, and do what I have commanded you." + +As he spoke the door burst open, and through it, no longer clad in +rags, but wearing a white robe and head-dress, walked Kepher the +Wanderer, while after him, their red swords in their hands, came +savage-looking chiefs, bearded, blank-faced, round-eyed, with gold +chains that clanked upon their mail, captains of the Desert, men who +knew neither fear nor mercy. + +Janees looked and understood. He snatched out his sword, and for a +moment stayed irresolute, while the great men ringed him round and +waited, their eyes fixed on Kepher's face. + +"Spare him, Father, if it may be so," said Tua, "since love has made +him mad." + +"Too late!" answered Kepher solemnly. "Those who will not accept the +warning of the gods must suffer the vengeance of the gods. Janees, you +who would do violence to a helpless woman, your palace burns, your +city is in my keeping, and the few who stood by you are slain. Janees, +to-morrow another shall rule in your place. Amen the Father has +decreed your doom." + +"Aye," echoed Janees heavily, "too late! Mortals cannot fight against +the gods that make their sport of them. Some god commanded that I +should love. Some god commands that I shall die. So be it, I am glad +to die; would that I had not been born to know grief and death. Tell +me, O Prophet, what evil power is there which ordains that we must be +born and suffer?" + +Kepher beckoned to Tua and to Asti, and they followed him, leaving +Janees ringed round by those stern-faced men. + +"Farewell, Lady," he called to Tua as she passed. "Here and hereafter +remember this of Janees, King of Tat, that he who might have saved his +life chose to die for love of you." + +Then they went and saw him no more. + +They passed the door of the great marble chamber about which they +found guards and eunuchs lying dead; they passed down the stairways, +and through the tall gates where more soldiers lay dead, and looking +behind them, saw that the palace was in flames. They reached the +square without, and at the command of Kepher entered into a litter, +and were borne by black slaves whither they knew not. + +All that night they were borne, awake or sleeping, till at length the +morning came, and they descended from the litter to find themselves in +an oasis of the wilderness surrounded by a vast army of the desert +men. Of the city of Tat they could see nothing; like a dream it had +passed out of their lives, nor did they ever hear of it and its king +again. Only in the pavilion that had been provided for them they found +their pearls and gold, and Tua's ivory harp. + +They laid themselves down and slept, for they were very weary, only to +wake when once more the day had dawned. Then they rose and ate of the +food that had been placed by them, and went out of the tent. In the +shadow of some palm trees stood Kepher, awaiting them, and with him +certain of the stern-faced, desert chiefs, who bowed as they advanced. + +"Hearken, Lady Neferte, and you, O Asti her companion," said Kepher to +them, "I must depart, who, this matter finished, have my bread to beg +far from here. Yet, fear not, for know that these Lords of the Desert +are your servants, and for this reason were they born, that they may +help you on your way. Repeat your orders," he continued, addressing +the chiefs. + +Then the captain of them all said: + +"Wanderer, known to our fathers' grandfathers, Guardian of our race by +whom we live and triumph, these are your commands: That we lead this +divine Lady and her companion a journey of many moons across the +deserts and mountains, till at length we bring her to the gates of the +City of Gold, where our task ends. While one man of us remains alive +they shall be obeyed." + +"You hear," said Kepher to Tua. "Put your trust in these men. Go in +peace in the day time, and sleep in peace at night, for be sure that +they shall not fail you. But if they, or any other should perchance +bring you into trouble, then strike upon the harp and call the name +you know, as you called it in the house of Janees the mad, and I think +that one will come to you. Lords of the Desert, whose great grandsires +were known to me, and who live by my wisdom, this divine Lady is in +your keeping. See that you guard her as you should, and when the +journey is done, return and make report to me. Farewell." + +Then, lifting his staff, without speaking another word to Tua or to +Asti, Kepher strode away from amongst them, walking through the ranks +of the Desert men who forced their camels to kneel and saluted him as +he passed. Presently they saw him standing alone upon a ridge, and +looking towards them for a while. Then of a sudden he was gone. + +"Who is that man, O Captain, at whose bidding the wilderness swarms +with tribesmen and kings are brought to doom?" asked Asti when she had +watched him disappear. + +"Lady," he answered, "I cannot tell you, but from the beginning he has +been Master of the Desert, and those who dwell therein. At his word +the sandwind blows as it blew yesterday to cover our advance, at his +word the fountains spring and tribes grow great or sink to +nothingness. We think that he is a spirit who moves where he lists, +and executes the decrees of heaven. At the least, though they but see +him from time to time, all the dwellers in the wilderness obey him, as +we do, and ill does it go, as you have learned, with those dwellers in +cities who know not the power which breathes beneath that tattered +robe." + +"I thank you," answered Asti. "I think with you that this Wanderer is +a spirit, and a great one, so great that I will not name his name. +Captains, my Lady is ready to march towards the City of Gold, whither +you will lead us." + + + +For day after day, for week after week, for month after month, they +marched southward and westward across the Desert, and in the centre of +their host, mounted upon camels, rode Tua and Asti veiled. Once the +hillmen attacked them in a defile of some rugged mountains, but they +beat them back, and once there was a great battle with other tribes of +the wilderness, who, hearing that they had a goddess among them, +sought to capture her for themselves. These tribes also they defeated +with slaughter, for when the fight hung in the balance Tua herself +headed the charge of her horsemen, and at the sight of her in her +white robes the enemy fled amazed. Once also they camped for two whole +months in an oasis, waiting till rain should fall, for the country +beyond lacked water. At length it came, and they went on again, on and +on over the endless lands, till on a certain night they pitched their +tent upon a hill. + +At the first brightening of the dawn Tua and Asti went out, and there, +beneath them, near to the banks of a great river, which they knew for +the Nile, they saw the pyramids and the temples of Napata the Golden, +the southern city of Amen, and thanked the gods who had brought them +here in safety. + +While they still gazed upon its glories in the red light of the rising +sun the captain of the desert men appeared, and bowed before them. + +"Divine Lady," he said, "woman or goddess, whichever you may be, we +have fulfilled the command given to us by Kepher, the ancient King of +the Wilderness. Beneath you lies Napata whither we have journeyed +through so many weary months, but we would draw no nearer to its +walls, who from generation to generation are sworn not to enter any +city save in war. Lady, our task is done, and our men murmur to be led +back to their own place, where their wives and children await them, +ere, thinking that we are enemies, the people of Napata sally forth to +attack us." + +"It is well," answered Tua. "I thank you and the gods shall give you +your reward. Leave us, and go back to your homes, but before you go, +take a gift from me." + +Then she sent for the gold that they had gathered in their trading in +the city of Tat, and gave it to be divided among them, a great and +precious treasure. Only the pearls she kept, with a little of the +gold. So the captains saluted her, and in the mists of the morning +they and their swarthy host stole away, and soon were hidden in a +cloud of dust. + +From the backs of their camels Tua and Asti watched them go like a +dream of the night. Then with no word spoken between them, for their +lips were sealed with hope and wonder, wrapping themselves in their +dark cloaks, they rode down to the highway by the banks of the Nile, +which led to the walls of Napata. Mingling with other travellers, they +passed through the Field of Pyramids, and coming to the beautiful +northern gate that was covered over with gold, waited there, for this +gate was not yet opened. A woman who led three asses laden with green +barley and vegetables, which she purposed to sell in the market-place, +fell into talk with them, asking them whence they came. + +Asti answered, from the city of Meroe, adding that they were singers +and dealers in pearls. + +"Then you have come to the right place," answered the woman, "for +pearls are rare at Napata, which is so far from the sea; also it is +said that the young King loves singing if it be good." + +"The young King?" asked Asti. "What is his name, and where is the old +king?" + +"You cannot have dwelt long in Meroe, Strangers," answered the woman +suspiciously, "or you would know that the old King dwells with Osiris +beneath yonder pyramid, where the general of the Pharaoh of Egypt, he +who rules here now, buried him after the great battle. Oh! it is a +strange story, and I do not know the rights of it who sell my stuff +and take little heed of such things. But at the last high Nile before +one this general came with three thousand soldiers of Egypt, and the +body of the Prince of Kesh, whom it seems he had slain somewhere, it +is said because both of them sought the favour of the Queen of Egypt. +As they tell, this was the command of that Queen--that he should +submit himself to the King of Napata to be judged for his crime. This +he did, and the King in his fury commanded that he should be hanged +from the mast of the sacred boat of Amen. The general answered that he +was ready to be hanged if the King could hang him. Then there was a +war between the people of Napata and the Egyptians, aided by many of +the soldiers of the city who hated their master and rebelled against +his rule, which was ever cruel. The end of it was that the Egyptians +and the rebels won, and the King having fallen in the fight, they +crowned the Egyptian general in his place. + +"His name?--Oh, I forget it, he has so many, but he is a goodly man to +look at, and all love him although he is mad. See, the gates are open +at last. Farewell," and dragging her asses by the halter, the peasant +woman mingled with the crowd and was gone. + +Tua and Asti also mingled with the crowd, and rode on up a wide street +till they came to a square planted round with trees, on one side of +which was built a splendid palace. Here they halted their camels, not +knowing whither they should go, and as they stood irresolute the gates +of the palace opened and through them came a body of horsemen clad in +armour. + +"See the writing on their shields," whispered Asti. + +Tua looked and read, and lo! there in the royal cartouche was her own +name, and after it new titles--Queen of the Upper and the Lower Land, +Opener of the Gates of the South, Divine Lady of Napata by grace of +Amen, Father of the Gods. + +"It seems that I have subjects here," she murmured, "who elsewhere +have none," then ceased. + +For now through the gate rode one mounted on a splendid horse, whose +shape seemed familiar to her even while he was far away. + +"Who is that?" faltered Tua. + +"My heart tells me it is Rames my son," answered Asti, grasping at her +saddle-rope. + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +TUA FINDS HER LOVER + +Rames it was without a doubt; Rames grown older and stern and sad of +face, but still Rames, and no other man, and oh! their eyes swam and +their hearts beat at the sight of him. + +"Say, shall we declare ourselves?" asked Asti. + +"Nay," answered Tua, "not here and now. He would not believe, and we +cannot unveil before all these men. Also, first I desire to learn +more. Let him pass." + +Rames rode on till he came opposite to where the two women sat on +their white camels beneath a tree, when something seemed to attract +his gaze to them. He looked once carelessly and turned his head away. +He looked a second time, and again turned his head, though more +slowly. He looked a third time, and his eyes remained fixed upon those +two veiled women seated on their camels beneath the trees. Then, as +though acting upon some impulse, he pulled upon his horse's bit, and +rode up to them. + +"Who are you, Stranger Ladies," he asked, "who own such fine camels?" + +Tua bowed her head that the folds of her veil might hide her shape, +but Asti answered in a feigned voice: + +"Sir, both of us are merchants, and one is a harper and a singer. We +have travelled hither up the Nile to the Golden City because we +understand that in Napata pearls are rare, and such we have to sell. +Also we were told that the new King of this city loved good singing, +and my companion, who sings and harps, learned her art in Egypt, even +at Thebes the holy. But who are you, Sir, that question us?" + +"Lady," answered Rames, "I am an Egyptian who holds this town on +behalf of the Queen of Egypt whom once I knew. Or perhaps I should say +that I hold it on behalf of the Pharaoh of Egypt, since my spies tell +me that the Star of Amen has taken Abi, Prince of Memphis, to husband, +although they add that he finds her a masterful wife," and he laughed +bitterly. + +"Sir," replied Asti, "it is long since we left holy Thebes, some years +indeed, and we know nothing of these things, who ply our trade from +place to place. But if you are the governor of this town, show us, we +pray you, as countrywomen of yours, where we may lodge in safety, and +at your leisure this afternoon permit that we exhibit our pearls +before you, and when that is done, and you have bought or refused +them, as you may wish, that my companion should sing to you some of +the ancient songs of Egypt." + +"Ladies," answered Rames, "I am a soldier who would rather buy swords +than pearls. Also, as it chances, I am a man who dwells alone, one in +whose household no women can be found. Yet because you are of my +country, or by Amen I know not why! I grant you your request. I go out +to exercise this company in the arts of war, but after sundown you +shall come to my palace, and I will see your wares and hear your +songs. Till then, farewell. Officer," he added to a captain who had +followed him, "take these Egyptians and their camels and give them a +lodging in the guest-house, where they will not be molested, and at +sundown bring them to me." + +Then, still staring at them as though they held his eyes in their +hearts, Rames departed, and the captain led them to their lodging. + + + +It was the hour of sundown, and Tua, adorned in beautiful white +raiment, broidered with royal purple, that she carried in her baggage +on the camel, with her long hair combed out and scented, a necklace of +great pearls upon her bosom, a veil flung over her head, and her harp +of gold and ivory in her hand, waited to be led before Rames. Asti, +his mother, waited also, but she was clad in a plain black robe, and +over her head was a black veil. Presently that captain who had shown +them their lodging, came to them and asked if they were ready to be +led before the Viceroy of Napata. + +"Viceroy?" answered Asti, "I thought he was a King." + +"So he is, my good Woman," replied the captain, "but it his fancy to +call himself the Viceroy of Neter-Tua, Star of Amen, wife of Abi the +Usurper who rules in Egypt. A mad fancy when he might be a Pharaoh on +his own account, but so it is." + +"Well, Sir," said Asti, "we merchants have nothing to do with these +high matters; lead us to this Pharaoh, or General, or Viceroy, with +whom we hope to transact business." + +So the captain conducted them to a side gate of the palace, and thence +through various passages and halls, in some of which Tua recognised +officers of her own whom she had commanded to accompany Rames, to an +apartment of no great size, where he bade them be seated. Presently a +door opened, and through it came Rames, plainly dressed in the uniform +of an Egyptian general, on which they saw he wore no serpent crest or +other of the outward signs of royalty. Only on his right hand that +lacked the little finger, gleamed a certain royal ring, which Tua +knew. With him also were several captains to whom he talked of +military affairs. + +Seeing the two women, he bowed to them courteously, and asked them to +forgive him for having kept them waiting for him. Then he said: + +"What was it that you wished to show me, Ladies? Oh! I remember, +precious stones. Well, I fear me that you have brought them to a bad +market, seeing that although Napata is called the City of Gold, she +needs all her wealth for her own purposes, and I draw from it only a +general's pay, and a sum for the sustenance of my household, which is +small. Still, let me look at your wares, for if I do not buy myself, +perhaps I may be able to find you a customer." + +Now when they saw the young man's noble face and bearing, and heard +his simple words, the hearts of Asti and Tua, his mother and his love, +beat so hard within their breasts that for a while they could scarcely +speak. Glad were they, indeed, that the veils they wore hid their +troubled faces from his eyes, which, as in the morning, lingered on +them curiously. + +At length, controlling herself with an effort, Asti answered: + +"Perchance, Lord, the Great Lady your wife, or the ladies your +companions, will buy if you do not." + +"Have I not already told you, Merchant," asked Rames angrily, "that I +have no wife, and no companions that are not men?" + +"You said so, Sir," she replied humbly, always speaking in her feigned +voice, "yet forgive us if we believed you not, since in our +journeyings my daughter and I have seen many princes, and know that +such a thing is contrary to their nature. Still we will show you our +wares, for surely all the men in Napata are not unmarried." + +Then, without more ado, she drew out a box of scented cedar and, +opening it, revealed a diadem of pearls worked into the shape of the +royal /uræus/, which they had fashioned thus at Tat, and also a few of +their largest single gems. + +"Beautiful, indeed," said Rames, looking at them, "though there is but +one who has the right to wear this crown, the divine Queen of the +Upper and the Lower Land," and he sighed. + +"Nay, Lord," replied Asti, "for surely her husband might wear it +also." + +"It would sit but ill on the fat head of Abi, from all I hear, Lady," +he broke in, laughing bitterly. + +"Or," went on Asti, taking no heed of his words, "a general who had +conquered a great country could usurp it, and find none to reprove +him, especially if he himself happened to be of the royal blood." + +Now Rames looked at her sharply. + +"You speak strange words," he said, "but doubtless it is by chance. +Merchant, those pearls of yours are for richer men than I am, shut +them in the box again, and let the lady, your daughter, sing some old +song of Egypt, for such I long to hear." + +"So be it, Lord," answered Asti. "Still, keep the diadem as a gift, +since it was made for you alone, and may yet be useful to you--who can +know? It is the price we pay for liberty to trade in your dominions. +Nay, unless you keep it my daughter shall not sing." + +"Let it lie there, then, most princely Merchant, and we will talk of +the matter afterwards. Now for the song." + +Then, her moment come at last, Tua stood up, and holding the ivory +harp beneath her veil, she swept its golden chords. Disguising her +voice, as Asti had done, she began to sing, somewhat low, a short and +gentle love-song, which soon came to an end. + +"It is pretty," said Rames, when she had finished, "and reminds me of +I know not what. But have you no fuller music at your command? If so, +I would listen to it before I bid you good-night." + +She bent her head and answered almost in a whisper: + +"Lord, if you wish it, I will sing you the story of one who dared to +set his heart too high, and of what befell him at the hands of an +angry goddess." + +"Sing on," he answered. "Once I heard such a story--elsewhere." + +Then Tua swept her harp and sang again, but this time with all her +strength and soul. As the first glorious notes floated from her lips +Rames rose from his seat, and stood staring at her entranced. On went +the song, and on, as she had sung it in the banqueting hall of Pharaoh +at Thebes, so she sang it in the chamber of Rames at Napata. The +scribe dared the sanctuary, the angry goddess smote him cold in death, +the high-priestess wailed and mourned, the Queen of Love relented, and +gave him back his life again. Then came that last glorious burst when, +lifted up to heaven, the two lovers, forgiven, purged, chanted their +triumph to the stars, and, by slow degrees, the music throbbed itself +to silence. + +Look! white-faced, trembling, Rames clung to a pillar in his chamber, +while Tua sank back upon her chair, and the harp she held slipped from +her hand down upon the floor. + +"Whence came that harp?" he gasped. "Surely there are not two such in +the world? Woman, you have stolen it. Nay, how can you have stolen the +music, and the voice as well? Lady, forgive me, I have no thought of +evil, but oh! grant me a boon. Why, I will tell you afterwards. Grant +me a boon--let me look upon your face." + +Tua lifted her hands, and undid the fastening of her veil, which +slipped from her to her feet, showing her in the rich array of a +prince of Egypt. His eyes met her beautiful eyes, and for a while they +gazed upon each other like folk who dream. + +"What trick is this?" he said angrily at last. "Before me stands the +Star of Amen, Egypt's anointed Queen. The harp she bears was the royal +gift of the Prince of Kesh, he who fell that night beneath my sword. +The voice is Egypt's voice, the song is Egypt's song. Nay, how can it +be? I am mad, you are magicians come to mock me, for that Star, Amen's +daughter, reigns a thousand miles away with the lord she chose, Abi, +her own uncle, he who, they say, murdered Pharaoh. Get you gone, +Sorceress, lest I cause the priests of Amen, whereof you also make a +mock, to cast you to the flames for blasphemy." + +Slowly, very slowly, Tua opened the wrappings about her throat, +revealing the Sign of Life that from her birth was stamped above her +bosom. + +"When they see this holy mark, think you that the priests of Amen will +cast me to the flames, O Royal Son of Mermes?" asked Tua softly. + +"Why not?" he answered. "If you have power to lie in one thing, you +have power to lie in all. She who can steal the loveliness of Egypt's +self, can also steal the signet of the god." + +"Say, did you, O Rames, also steal that other signet on your hand, a +Queen's gift, I think, that once a Pharaoh wore? Say also how did you +lose the little finger of that hand? Was it perchance in the maw of a +certain god that dwells in the secret pool of a temple at holy +Thebes?" + +So Tua spake, and waited a while, but Rames said nothing. He opened +his mouth to answer, indeed, but a dumbness sealed his lips. + +"Nurse," she went on presently, "I cannot persuade this Lord that I am +Egypt and no other. Try you." + +So Asti loosed her black veil, and let it fall about her feet. He +stared at her noble features and grey hair, then, uttering a great cry +of "Mother, my Mother, who they swore to me was dead in Memphis," he +flung himself upon her breast, and there burst into weeping. + +"Aye, Rames," said Asti presently, "your Mother, she who bore you, and +no other woman, and with her one who because her royal heart loves you +now as from the first, from moon to moon for two whole years has +braved the dangers of the desert, and of wicked men, till at last Amen +her father brings her safely to your side. Now do you believe?" + +"Aye," answered Rames, "I believe." + +"Then, O faithful Captain," said Tua, "take this gift from Egypt's +Queen, which a while ago you thrust aside, and be its Lord and mine," +and lifting the diadem of pearls crested with the royal /uræi/ she set +it on his brow, as once before she had done in that hour of dawn when +she vowed herself to him in Thebes. + + + +It was night, and all their wonderful story had been told. + +"Such is our tale, Rames my Son," said Asti, "and long may you search +before you find another that will match it. Now tell us yours." + +"It is short, Mother," he answered. "Obeying the commands of her +Majesty yonder," and he bowed towards Tua, who sat at the further side +of the table at which they ate, "I travelled up the Nile to this city. +As the old king, the father of the Prince of Kesh, would have slain me +I attacked him first by the help of my Egyptians and his own subjects, +and--well, he died. Moreover, none regretted him, for he was a bad +king, and I stepped into his place, and ever since have been engaged +in righting matters which they needed. Long ago I would have returned +to Egypt and reported myself, only my spies told me of all that had +happened there. They told me, for instance, of the murder of Pharaoh, +by the witchcraft of Abi and his companions; and they told me that +Pharaoh's daughter, the Star of Amen, forgetting all things and the +oath she swore to me, had married her old uncle Abi that she might +save her life and power." + +"And you believed them, Rames?" asked Tua reproachfully. + +"What else could I do but believe, Lady, seeing that those same spies +swore that they had seen your Majesty seated upon your throne at +Memphis, and elsewhere, and causing Abi to run to and fro like a +little dog, and do your bidding in all things? How could I know that +it was your Double, and not yourself that married Abi?" + +"I think that Abi knows to-day," answered Tua, "since it seems that a +Ka makes but a bad wife to any man. But now what shall we do?" + +"Will you not first marry me, Lady?" suggested Rames. "Afterwards, we +can think." + +"Aye," she answered, "I will marry you as I have promised, but in one +place only, the temple of Amen in Egypt. First win me back my throne, +then ask for my hand." + +"It shall be done," he answered, "though how I know not, seeing that +another sits upon that throne of yours, who, perhaps, will not be +willing to bid it farewell." + +"We will send her a message, Son," said Asti. "Now leave us, for we +must sleep." + +"Where is your messenger, Mother?" asked Rames as he went. + +"Have you known me all these years, my Son, and not learned that I +have servants whom you cannot see?" answered Asti. + + + +It was midnight, and in their chamber of the palace of Rames, Asti and +Tua knelt side by side in prayer to Amen, Father of the Gods. Then, +their petitions finished, Asti rose to her feet, and once again, as in +the pylon tower at Memphis, uttered the awful words that in bygone +days had been spoken to her by the spirit of Ahura the divine in +Osiris. + +There was a sound as of whispering, a sound as of beating wings. Lo! +in the shadow beyond the lamplight a mist gathered that brightened by +degrees and took shape, the shape of a royal woman clad in the robes +and ornaments of Egypt's Queen, whose face was as the face of Neter- +Tua, only prouder and more unearthly. In silence it stood before them +scanning them with its glittering eyes. + +"Whence come you, O Double?" asked Asti. + +"From that place where your command found me, O Mistress of Secret +Things, from the house of Abi at Thebes, wherein he seems to rule as +Pharaoh," the Form answered in its cold voice. + +"How fares it with Abi and with Egypt, O Double?" + +"With Abi it fares but ill; he wastes in toil and fear and longings, +and knows no happy hour. But with Egypt it fares well. Never, O Lady +of Strength, was she more great than she is to-day, for in all things +I have fulfilled the commandments that were laid upon me, and now I +desire to rest in that bosom whence I came," and she pointed to Tua, +who stood and watched. + +"Not yet, O Double, for there is still work for you to do, and then +you shall be at peace till the day of the last Awakening. Hearken: +Return to Thebes, and tell a false tale in the ears of Abi and his +councillors. Say that Rames the Egyptian, who has seized the rule of +Kesh, has declared himself Pharaoh of Egypt by right of race, and your +husband by the promise of him who ruled before you whom Abi did to +death. Cause this Abi to gather a great army, and to march southward +to make an end of Rames. But secretly whisper into the ears of the +generals of this army, that it is true the divine Pharaoh who is gone +promised you in marriage to Rames with your own consent, and by the +command of Amen, Father of the Gods, and of your Spirit. Whisper to +them that Amen is wrath with Abi because of his crime, as he will show +them in due season, and that those who rebel against him shall have +his love and favour. At the Gateway of the South, whence the Nile +rushes northward between great walls of rock, Rames shall meet the +army of Abi. With him will come her of whom you are, and I whom you +must obey; also perchance another who is greater than all of us. There +at the Gateway of the South your task shall be accomplished, and you +shall find the rest you seek. It is said." + +"I hear the command, and it shall be done," answered the Ka in its +cold, passionless voice. "Only, Lady of the Secrets, Doer of the Will +Divine, delay not, lest, outworn, I should break back like a flame to +yonder breast that is my home, slaying as I come, and leaving wreck +behind me." + +Then as the figure had appeared, so also it disappeared, growing faint +by degrees, and vanishing away into the night out of which it came. + + + +It was morning at Thebes, and Abi sat in the great hall of Pharaoh +transacting business of the State, while at his side stood Kaku the +Vizier. Changed were both of them, indeed, since they had plotted the +death of their guest and king at Memphis, for now Abi was so worn with +work and fear and wretchedness, that his royal robes hung about him in +loose folds, while Kaku had become an old, old man, who trembled as he +walked. + +"Is the business finished, Officer?" asked Abi impatiently. + +"Nay, Mighty Lord," answered Kaku, "there is still enough to keep you +sitting here till noon, and after that you must receive the Council +and the Embassies." + +"I will not receive them. Let them wait till another day. Knave, would +you work me to death, who have never known an hour's rest or peace +since the happy time when I ruled as Prince of Memphis?" + +"Lord," answered Kaku, bowing humbly, "weary or no you must receive +them, for so it has been decreed by her Majesty the Queen, whose +command may not be broken." + +"The Queen!" exclaimed Abi in a low voice, rolling his hollow eyes +around him as though in fear. "Oh, Kaku, would that I had never beheld +the Queen. I tell you that she is not a woman, as indeed you know +well, but a fiend with a heart of ice, and the venomous cunning of a +snake. I am called Pharaoh, yet am but her puppet to carry out her +decrees. I am called her husband, yet she is still no wife to me, or +to any, although all men love her, and by that love are ofttimes +brought to doom. Last night again she vanished from my side as I sat +listening to her orders, and after a while, lo! there she was as +before, only, as it seemed to me, somewhat weary. I asked her where +she had been and she answered: "Further than I could travel in a year +to visit one she loved as much as she hated me. Now who can that be, +Kaku?" + +"Rames, I think, Lord, he who has made himself King of Kesh," replied +Kaku in an awed whisper. "Without a doubt she loved the man when she +was a woman, though whom she loves now the evil gods know alone. We +are in her power, and must work her will, for, Lord, if we do not we +shall die, and I think that neither of us desires to die, since beyond +that gate dead Pharaoh waits for us." + +At these words Abi groaned aloud, wiping the sweat from his blanched +face with the corner of his robe, and saying: + +"There you speak truly. Go, call the scribes, and let us get on with +the Queen's business." + +Kaku turned to obey, when suddenly heralds entered the empty hall, +crying: + +"Her Majesty the Queen waits without with a great company, and humbly +craves audience of her good lord, the divine Pharaoh of the Upper and +the Lower Land." + +Abi and Kaku looked at each other, and despair was in their eyes. + +"Let her Majesty enter," said the King in a low voice. + +The heralds retired, and presently through the cedar doors appeared +the Queen in state. She was splendid to behold, splendid in her proud +beauty, splendid in her dress, and in her royal ornaments. On she +swept up the hall, attended by Merytra, who bore her fan and cushion, +for it was her pleasure that this woman should wait upon her day and +night without pause or rest, although she who had once been so +handsome now was worn almost to nothingness with toil and terror. +Behind Merytra came guards and high-priests, and after them the great +lords of the Council, who were called the King's Companions and the +generals of the army. + +On she swept up the hall till reaching the foot of the throne whereon +Abi sat, she motioned to Merytra to place the cushion upon its step, +and knelt, saying: + +"I am come as a loyal wife to make a humble prayer to Pharaoh my Lord +in the presence of his Court." + +"Rise and speak on, Great Lady," answered Abi. "It is not fit that you +should kneel to me." + +"Nay, it is most fit that Pharaoh's Queen should kneel to Pharaoh when +she seeks his divine favour." Yet she rose, and, seating herself in a +chair that had been brought, spoke thus: + +"O Pharaoh, last night I dreamed a dream. I dreamed of the Count +Rames, son of Mermes, the last of that royal race which ruled before +our House in Egypt. I mean that man who slew the Prince of Kesh in +this very hall, and whom, my Father being sick, I sent to Napata, to +be judged by the King of Kesh, but who, it seems, overthrew that king +and took his kingdom in the name of Egypt. + +"I dreamed that this bold and able man, not satisfied with the rich +kingdom of Kesh, has made a scheme to attack Egypt; to slay you, most +glorious Lord, to proclaim himself Pharaoh by right of ancient blood, +and more--to take me, your faithful wife, to be his wife, and thereby +secure his throne." + +"Without doubt, Queen, this turbulent Rames might think of such +things," said Abi, "and so far your dream may be true; yet it should +be remembered that at present he is at Napata, which is a very long +way off, and has probably only a small army at his command, so why +should you trouble about what he thinks?" + +"O Pharaoh, that was not all my dream, for in it I saw two pictures. +The first was of this bold Rames attacking Thebes, and conquering it, +yes, and dragging me away to be his wife over your very corpse, O +Pharaoh. The second was of you and your army meeting him at the Gate +of the South Land, and slaying him, and taking possession of the +kingdom of Kesh, and its golden city, and ruling them for Egypt, until +you die." + +"Here be two dreams, O Queen," said Abi. "Tell us now, which would you +follow, for both of them cannot be right?" + +"How can I know, Pharaoh, and how can you know? Yet by your side +stands one who will know, for he is the first of magicians, and a +chosen interpreter of the heart of the gods. Grant that he may make +this matter clear," and she pointed to Kaku, who stood by the throne. + +"Divine Lady," stammered Kaku, "the thing is too high for me. I have +no message, I cannot tell you----" + +"You were ever over-modest, Kaku," said the Queen. "Command him, O +Pharaoh, to shed the light of his wisdom on us, for without doubt he +knows the truth." + +"Yes, yes," said Abi, "he knows it, he knows everything. Kaku, delay +not, interpret the dream of her Majesty." + +"I cannot, I will not," spluttered the old astrologer. "Ask my wife, +the Lady Merytra there, she is wiser than I am." + +"My good friend Merytra has already told me her mind," said the Queen, +"now we wait for yours. A prophet must speak when the gods call on +him, or," she added slowly, "he must cease to be a prophet who betrays +the gods by hiding their high counsel." + +Now Kaku could find no way of escape, so, since he feared the very +name of Rames, within himself he determined that he would interpret +the dream in the sense that Pharaoh should await the attack of this +Rames at Thebes, and while every ear listened to him, thus began his +tale. Yet as he spoke he felt the glittering eyes of that spirit who +was called the Queen, fix themselves upon him and compel his tongue, +so that he said just what he did not mean to say. + +"A light shines in me," he cried, "and I see that the second vision of +her Majesty is the true vision. You must go up with your army to the +Gate of the South, O Pharaoh, and there meet this usurper, Rames, that +these matters may be brought to their appointed end." + +"Their appointed end? What appointed end?" shouted Abi. + +"Doubtless that which her Majesty dreamed," answered Kaku. "At least, +it is laid upon me to tell you that you must go up to the Gate of the +South." + +"Then I wish that the Gate of the South were laid upon you also, O +Evil Prophet," exclaimed Abi. "For two years only have I ruled in +Egypt, and lo! three wars have been my portion, a war against the +people of Syria, a war against the desert men, and a war against the +Nine Bow barbarians that invaded the Low Lands. Must I now, in my age, +undertake another war against the terrible sons of Kesh also? Let this +dog, Rames, come, if come he will, and I will hang him here at the +gates of Thebes." + +"Nay, nay, O Pharaoh," replied Kaku, "it is laid upon me to tell you +that you must hang him in the desert hundreds of miles away from +Thebes. That is the interpretation of the vision; that is the command +of the gods." + +"The gods have spoken by the mouth of their prophet," cried the Queen +in a thrilling, triumphant voice. "Now Pharaoh, Priests, Councillors, +and Captains of Egypt, let us make ready to travel to the Gate of the +South, and there hang the dog Rames in the desert land, that thus +Egypt and Egypt's King and Egypt's Queen may be freed from danger, and +rest in peace, and the wealth of the City of Gold be divided amongst +you all." + +"Aye, aye," answered the Priests, Councillors, and Captains, the +shrill voice of Kaku leading the chorus, still against his will, "let +us go up at once, and let her Majesty accompany us." + +"Yes," said the Queen, "I will accompany you, for though I be but a +woman, shall I shrink from what Pharaoh, my dear Lord, dares? We will +sail at the new moon." + + + +That night Abi and Kaku stood face to face. + +"What is this that you have done?" asked Abi. "Do you not remember the +words which dead Pharaoh spoke in the awful vision that came to me +that night at Memphis, when he bade me take the Royal Loveliness which +I desired to be my wife? Do you not remember that he bade me also +reign in her right until I met 'one Rames, Son of Mermes' and with him +a Beggar-man who is charged with another message for me?" + +"I remember," answered Kaku in a hollow voice. + +"What, then, is this message, Man, that will come from Rames or the +Beggar? Is it not the message of my death and yours, of us whose tombs +were finished but yesterday?" + +"It may be so, Lord." + +"Then why did you interpret the dream of the Queen in the sense that I +must hurry southwards to meet this very Rames--and my doom?" + +"Because I could not help it," groaned Kaku. "That spirit who is +called a Queen compelled me. Abi, there is no escape for us; we are in +the net of Fate--unless, unless you dare----" and he looked meaningly +at the sword that hung by Pharaoh's side. + +"Nay, Kaku," he answered, "I dare not. Let us live while we may, +knowing what awaits us beyond the gate." + +"Aye," moaned Kaku, "beyond the Gate of the South, where we shall find +Rames the Avenger, and that Beggar who is charged with a message for +us." + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +THE JUDGMENT OF THE GODS + +Three more months had gone by, and the great host of Pharaoh was +encamped beyond the Southern Gate, and the warships of Pharaoh were +anchored thick on either bank of the Nile. There they lay prepared for +battle, for spies had reported to them that the general, Rames, Lord +of Kesh, was advancing northward swiftly, though with so small an army +that it could easily be destroyed. Therefore Abi waited there to +destroy it without further toil, nor did his terrible Queen gainsay +him. She also seemed content to wait. + +One evening as the sun sank it was told to them that the troops of +Rames had appeared, and occupied the mountains on the right bank of +the Nile, being encamped around that temple of Amen which had stood +there for thousands of years. + +"Good," said the Queen. "To-morrow Pharaoh will go up against him and +make an end of this matter. Is it not so, Pharaoh?" and she looked at +him with her glittering eyes. + +"Yes, yes," answered Abi, "the sooner the better, for I am worn out, +and would return to Thebes. Yet," he added in a weak, uncertain voice, +"I misdoubt me of this war, I know not why. What is it that you stare +at in the heavens so fixedly, O Kaku?" + +Now the eyes of the Council were turned on Kaku the Vizier, and they +perceived that he was much disturbed. + +"Look," he said, pointing with a trembling finger towards the skies. + +They looked, and saw hanging just above the evening glow a very bright +and wonderful star, and near to it, another, paler star which +presently it seemed to cover. + +"The Star of Amen," gasped Kaku in a voice that shook, "and your star, +O Pharaoh. The Star of Amen eats it up, your star goes out, and will +never be seen again by living man. Oh! Abi, that which I foresaw years +and years ago has come to pass. Your day is done, and your night is at +hand, O Abi." + +"If so," shouted Abi in his rage and terror, "be sure of this, Dog-- +that you shall share it." + +As he spoke a sound of screams drew near, and presently into the midst +of them rushed Merytra, the wife of Kaku. + +"The vengeance of the gods," she screamed, "the vengeance of the gods! +Listen, Abi. But now this very evening as I slept in my pavilion, who +can never sleep at night, there appeared to me the spirit of dead +Pharaoh, of Pharaoh whom we slew by magic, and he said: 'Tell the +murderer, Abi, and the wizard-rogue, Kaku, your husband, that I summon +both of them to meet me ere another sun is set, and Woman, come you +with them.' Death is at our door, Abi, death and the terrible +vengeance of the god!" and Merytra fell down foaming in a fit. + +Now Abi went mad in the extremity of his fear. + +"They are sorcerers," he shouted, "who would bewitch me. Take them and +keep them safe, and let Kaku be beaten with rods till he comes to his +right mind again. To-morrow, when I have slain Rames, I will hang this +magician at my mast-head." + +But the Queen only laughed and repeated after him: + +"Yes, yes, my good Lord, to-morrow, when you have killed Rames, this +magician shall hang at your mast-head. Fear not, whatever chances I +will see that it is done." + + + +Merytra, recovered from her madness, lay upon a bed, when a woman +entered and stood over her. Looking up she saw it was the Queen. + +"Hearken to me," said the Queen in an icy voice, "and tell the words I +speak to Abi. The time is accomplished, and I leave him. If he would +look again upon Neter-Tua, Morning Star of Amen, the Great Lady of +Egypt, let him seek her in the camp of Rames. There he shall find her +in the temple of Amen, which is set upon the mountain in the midst of +the camp." + +Then she was gone. + +Merytra rose from the bed, and called to the guards to lead her to +Abi. So loudly did she call, saying that she had a message for him +which must not be delayed, that at length one went and told him of her +words, and he came to her. + +"What is it now, Sorceress?" he asked. "Have you dreamed more ill- +omened dreams?" + +"Nay, Pharaoh," she answered, "but the Queen has fled to Rames," and +word for word she repeated what had been told her. + +"It is a lie," said Abi. "How can she have fled through a triple line +of guards?" + +"Search, then, and see, O Pharaoh." + +So Abi searched, but though none had seen her pass, and none had gone +with her, the Queen could not be found. + +It was midnight, and while they still searched, by the light of the +moon a tall figure clad in tattered robes, who bore a thornwood staff +in his hand, and had a white beard that fell down below his middle, +was perceived walking to and fro about the camp. + +"Who is that fellow?" asked Abi, and as he spoke the figure cried +aloud in a great voice: + +"Listen, Councillors, Captains, and Soldiers of Egypt, to the command +of Amen, spoken by the lips of his messenger, Kepher the Wanderer. +Lift no sword against Rames, Lord of Kesh, for he is my servant, and +shall be Pharaoh over you, and husband of your Queen, and father of +kings to come. Seize Abi the usurper, the murderer of Pharaoh, his +brother, and Kaku the sorcerer, and Merytra the traitress, and lead +them at the dawn to my temple upon yonder hill, where I will declare +my commands to you in the sanctuary of the temple. So shall peace be +upon you and all Egypt, and the breath of life remain in your +nostrils." + +Now hearing these fearful words, and remembering dead Pharaoh's +prophecy of a Beggar who should bring a message to him, Abi drew his +sword and rushed at the man. But ere ever he came there, the Wanderer +was gone, and lo! they heard him repeating his message far away. +Thither they ran also, but now the words of doom were being called +upon the ships, and on their prows they saw his tall shape stand-- +first on this and then on that. + +"It is the gods who speak," cried the priests, "let us obey the gods!" +and suddenly they flung themselves upon Abi and bound him, and Kaku +and Merytra they bound also, waiting for the dawn. But of the tall, +white-bearded man in beggar's robes they saw and heard no more. + + + +At that same time Tua slept in a chamber of the temple upon the hill, +while Asti watched her. Presently a wind blew in the chamber, and +Asti, looking up, became aware of a Shape that she knew well, the very +shape of Tua who slept upon the bed. + +"What is your will, O Double?" asked Asti. + +"My will is that you give me rest," answered the Ka. "My task is +accomplished, I am weary. Speak the secret words of power that you +have, and let me return to her from whom I came, and in her bosom +sleep till the great Day of Awakening." + +So Asti, knowing that she was commanded so to do, uttered those secret +words, and as she spoke them the glorious Shape seemed to grow faint +and fade away. Only Tua rose upon her bed, stretched out her arms and +sighed, fell back again and slept heavily until the morning. Then she +awoke, asking what had befallen her, for she was changed. + +"This has befallen, Queen. That which went forth from you by the +command of Amen has returned to you again, its duty done. Rise up now +and adorn yourself, for this is your day of victory and marriage." + +As the sun rose Tua went forth more beautiful than the morning, and at +the gates of the temple found Rames awaiting her, clad in his armour, +while from the mists below came a sound as of an army approaching. + +"What passes?" asked Tua, looking at him, and there was more love in +her blue eyes than there is water in the Nile at flood. + +"I think that Abi attacks us, Lady," he said, bowing the knee to her, +"and I am fearful for you, for our men are few, and his are many." + +"Be not afraid of Abi, or of anything, O Rames, though it is true that +this day you must lose your liberty," she answered with a sweet and +gentle smile, and he wondered at her words. + +Then, before he could speak again, two of the captains of his outposts +ran in and reported that without were priests and heralds, who came in +peace from the army of Abi. + +"Summon the officers, and let them be admitted," said Rames, "but be +careful, all of you, lest this embassy should hide some trick of war. +Come, Queen, it is to you that they should speak, and not to me, who +am but a general of your province, Kesh," and he followed her to the +inner court, where, in front of the sanctuary, was a chair, on which, +at his prayer, she seated herself, as a mighty Queen should do. + +Now, conducted by his own officers, the embassy entered, bearing with +them three closed litters, and Tua and Rames noted that among that +embassy were the greatest generals, and the most holy priests of +Egypt. At a given sign they prostrated themselves before the glory of +the Queen, all save the soldiers who bore the litters. Next, from +among their ranks out stepped the venerable High-Priest of Amen at +Thebes, and stood before Tua with bowed head till, with a motion of +her hand, she commanded him to speak. + +"O Morning-Star of Amen," he began, "after you left our camp last +night a messenger came to us from the Father of the Gods----" + +"Stay, O High-Priest," broke in Tua. "I did not leave your camp who +never tarried there, and who for two long years have set no foot upon +the holy soil of Egypt. No, not since I fled from Memphis to save +myself from death, or what is worse--the defilement of a forced +marriage with Abi, my Uncle, and Pharaoh's murderer." + +Now the High-Priest turned and stared at those behind him, and all who +were present stared at the Queen. + +"Pardon me," he said, "but how can this thing be, seeing that for +those two years we have seen your Majesty day by day living among us +as the wife of Abi?" + +Now Tua looked at Asti, who stood at her side, and the tall and noble +Asti looked at the High-Priest, saying: + +"You know me, do you not?" + +"Aye, Lady," he answered, "we know you. You were the wife of Mermes, +the last shoot of a royal tree, and you are the mother of the Lord +Rames yonder, against whom we came out to make war. We know you well, +O greatest of all the seers in Egypt, Mistress of Secret Things. But +we believed that you had perished in the temple of Sekhet at Memphis, +that temple where Pharaoh died. Now we understand that, being a +magician, you only vanished thence." + +"What bear you there?" asked Asti, glancing at the litters. + +"Bring forth the prisoners," said the High-Priest. + +Then the curtains were drawn, and the soldiers lifted from the litters +Abi, Kaku, and Merytra, who were bound with cords, and stood them on +their feet before the Queen. + +"These are the very murderers of Pharaoh, my Father, who would have +also brought me to shame. Why are my eyes affronted with the sight of +them?" asked Tua indignantly. + +"Because the Messenger of the Gods, clothed as a Beggar-man, commanded +it, your Majesty," answered the High-Priest. "Now we understand that +they are brought hither to be judged for the murder of Pharaoh, the +good god who was your father." + +"Shall a wife sit in judgment on her husband?" broke in Abi. + +"Man," said Tua, "I never was your wife. How can I have been your +wife, who have not seen you since the death of Pharaoh? Listen, now, +all of you, to the tale of that marvel which has come to pass. At my +birth--you, O High-Priest, should know it well--Amen gave to me a Ka, +a Self within myself, to protect me in all dangers. The dangers came +upon me, and Asti the Magician, my foster-mother, speaking the words +that had been taught to her by the spirit of the divine Ahura who bore +me, called forth that Ka of mine, and left it where I had been, to be +the wife of Abi, such a wife, I think, as never man had before. But +me, Amen, my father, rescued, and with me Asti, bearing us in the Boat +of the Sun to far lands, and protecting us in many perils, till at +length we came to the city of Napata, where we found a certain servant +of mine whom, as it chances, I--love," and she looked at Rames and +smiled. + +"Meanwhile, my Shadow did the work to which it was appointed, ruling +for me in Egypt, and drawing on Abi to his ruin. But last night It +returned to me, and will be seen no more by men, except, perchance, in +my tomb after I am dead. Judge you if my tale be true, and whether I +am indeed Neter-Tua, Daughter of Amen," and opening the wrappings +about her throat, she showed the holy sign that was stamped above her +breast, adding: + +"The High-Priest yonder should know this mark, for he saw it at my +birth." + +Now the aged man drew near, looked, and said: + +"It is the sign. Here shines the Star of Amen and no other. Still we +do not understand. Tell us the tale, O Asti." + +So Asti stood forward, and told that tale, omitting nothing, and then +Rames told his tale, whereto Tua the Queen added a little, and, +although ere they finished the sun was high, none wearied in listening +save only Abi, Kaku, and Merytra, who heard death in every word. + +It was done at length, and a great silence fell upon the place, for +the tongues of men were tied. Presently, the High-Priest, who all this +while had stood with bent head, lifted up his eyes to heaven, crying: + +"O Amen, Father of the Spirit of this Queen, show now thy will, that +we may learn it and obey." + +For a while there was silence, till suddenly a sound was heard in the +dark sanctuary where stood the statue of the god, a sound as of a +stick tapping upon the granite floor. Then the curtains of that +sanctuary were drawn, and standing between them there appeared the +figure of an ancient, bearded man, with stony eyes, who was clad in a +beggar's robe. It was he who had met Tua and Asti in the wilderness +and eaten up their food. It was he who had saved them in the palace of +the desert king. It was he who but last night had walked the camp of +Abi. + +"I am that Messenger whom men from the beginning have called Kepher," +he said. "I am the Dweller in the wilderness whom your fathers knew, +and your sons shall know. I am he who seeks for charity and pays it +back in life and death. I am the pen of Thoth the Recorder, I am the +scourge of Osiris. I am the voice of Amen, god above the gods. Hearken +you people of Egypt--not for a little end have these things come to +pass, but that ye may learn that there is design in heaven, and +justice upon earth, and, after justice, judgment. Pharaoh, the good +servant of the gods, was basely murdered by his own kin whom he +trusted. Neter-Tua, his daughter, and daughter of Amen, was condemned +to shame, Rames of the royal race was sent forth to danger or to +death, far from her he loved, and who loved him by that divine command +which rules the hearts of men. This is the command of the gods--Let +these twain be wed and take Egypt as their heritage, and call down +upon it peace and greatness. But as for these murderers and wizards"-- +and he pointed to Abi, to Kaku, and to Merytra--"let them be placed in +the sanctuary of Amen, to await what he shall send them." + +So spoke Kepher the Messenger, and departed whence he came, nor in +that generation did any see him more. + +Then they took up Abi, Kaku, and Merytra, and cut their bonds. They +threw them into the dark sanctuary before the great stone image of the +god. They shut the electrum doors upon them, and left them there +wailing and cursing, while the High-Priest of Amen joined the hands of +Rames and of Tua, and declared them to be man and wife for ever. + +Now, after these things were done, the Pharaoh and his Queen drove +through the hosts of Egypt in their golden chariot, and received the +homage of the hosts ere they departed northwards for Thebes. At +nightfall they returned again and sat side by side at the marriage +feast, and once more Tua swept her harp of ivory and gold, and sang +the ancient song of him who dared much for love, and won the prize. + +So in the dim, forgotten years, their joy fell on Rames and on Tua, +Morning-Star of Amen, which still with them remains in the new +immortal kingdom that they have won long and long ago. + + + +But when in the morning Asti the wise dared to open the great doors +and peer into the sanctuary of Amen, she saw a dreadful sight. For +there at the feet of the effigy of the god lay Abi, who slew his +brother, and Kaku the sorcerer, and Merytra the traitress, dead, slain +by their own or by each other's hand, and the stony eyes of the god +stared down upon them. + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Etext of Morning Star, by H. 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