The council
Thebes the mighty capital city of the Egyptian empire. Radiating the glory and power of centuries. In the center of the city is the palace of the Pharaoh were our story starts. That day like always held the pharaoh a council with his advisers and other prominent noble men.
"Grand spymaster Isesi-Ankh gets the word", announced the grand vizier.
Isesi came forward, looking straight to the pharaoh. "O noble pharaoh Merneptah son of Ramses II I got yesterday evening word from one of my spies who had the task to keep an eye on the king of the Hittites Tudhaliya IV. He told me that the king gets more and more visits from ambassadors from Mittani and Creta, so increasingly that something must be going on but what we don't know. Next to that is the king continuously accompanied by his military advisers and generals."
Merneptah frowned his eyebrows, "hmm this is indeed not normal. Our relations with Mittani and Crete aren't very good since the death of prince Southarna and prince Minos, but I thought we settled the problems that came with the death of princess Anitta. Tudhaliya is of course a bit more ruthless than his father Hattusili, still he came here many times before the passing of his father and I never notched any shrewd resentment."
"Its of course possible that Mittani and Crete have talked him into it or he just wants to conquer Egypt" general Horonemheb said. "Although it's a very dangerous move because the Assyrians are still waiting for a moment to invade the Hittites again. Even with the support of Mittani and Crete I doubt he could overrun us, certainly because I'm sure Crete can't send many troops with that the Mycenaeans are still attacking them. The Hittites army is also still very weakened because of there former war with the Assyrians, it will be a bloody war and Assyria could take advantage of this."
"Keep in mind that we aren't completely sure that Egypt is there target", noticed Isesi, "its also possible that they want to invade the Assyrians."
But why would Crete participate with that? Certainly with the threat of the Mycenaeans? Asked Horonemheb.
The spymaster thought for a moment and then said "I'm not sure of it but possible did they get the promise from the Hittites and Mittani that they will help them in return."
"Nevertheless, what their plan is we need to know what it is and hold our troops ready for a possible attack." Merneptah stood up from his throne, "Isesi-Ankh you give me every information you get and find a way to spy there secret meetings."
Isesi bowed, "it will be done my lord."
"Horonemheb, you need to regard that the army is prepared for war and double the border guards." Horonemheb also bowed and took a step back.
"Now that's settled I think we are done for today, you can ..."
"Forgive me my lord but there is something else I and everyone else here want to discuss with you." Merneptah looked up and saw Raoeser the high priest coming forward.
"Oh what's the matter Raoeser, about what are you all talking behind my back?"
"I'm sorry for this rudeness, but it's very important."
"As you know is the men who marries your daughter the only possible successor with the fact that you don't have a son."
"And?" Asked Merneptah with an irritated look on his face.
"Well you want her to marry Papyrus, but as good as us that he was a ... fisherman. Believe me I have nothing againts Papyrus, he's a great man and I admire him very much." He looked to the others, "we all do. But we aren't sure if its recommended to make him pharaoh."
"Yes he was indeed a fisherman, but he's also chosen by the gods and the gods supported there love isn't that enough prove that he's worthy? Nevertheless, who said that my successor needs to be a man?"
Raoeser looked shocked, "a new Hatsjepsoet? Will the people accept that?"
"The mass loves them and the ones who boggle will ultimately accept it, they can't go against the will of the gods."
"I hope you're right my lord, but know we will always be on your side and our complains are only for the best."
"No problem Raoeser, you're a wise man and have advised me always very well. Now you bring this case on, its maybe time that Théti gets teachers who will educate her how to rule. She has got much experience over the years but she's far from ready. Grand vizier Nesimontoe will you make sure of this?"
The grand vizier nodded.
"Good, last thing I think it's also time my daughter and Papyrus marry. I waited for this longer than usual, after what Seth let me do I didn't wanted to force anything else on her. But now it's time, nonetheless I don't think she will make much trouble about it" laughed Merneptah.
"Do you think she will accept the load of being your successor?" Asked Nesimontoe carefully.
"Oh I'm sure she will. She's always being very adventures but also always aware of her duty. Now she is becoming an adult that adventures mentality will slowly go away. I will talk with her when she's back from the temple of Hathor where a new high priest is initiated."