Tut and Suhad: Innocense Lost
The air is full of the laughter of children. Two young boys and a little girl play a make shift game of 'Tag'. As they chase each other through the courtyard and the occasional guards legs. Maia, the young princes' wet nurse and his teacher, Sennedjem watch the game while trying hard not to fall over laughing at the childrens antics. At the top of the stairs leading to the courtyard a young couple appears with a little girl. Maia stands and motions for them to join her and Sennedjem on their bench. The children stop for a moment as they are introduced to the new arrival. The little girl tries hard to hide behind her mothers dress but she is motioned to stand in front to where she can be seen by the other youngsters. The young prince walks over to her and looks her up and down. He smiles and points over to where, Ankhe his older sister and Ka, are standing. She looks up at her parents for approval and her mother nods. The prince, Khaten, takes her hand and runs over to the other children.
Still holding her hand he introduces her to the other kids. "This is Ankhe, my sister." The older girl smiles and waves. Khaten points over to the other young boy. "This is Ka. My best friend." He just smiles. Khaten turns to her. "And what is your name?" She doesn't look at him as she speaks shyly. "I am Suhad." He looks her up and down. "You are not of Egypt. What land do you come from?" Suhad tries to pull away but Khaten holds her hand tight. "My parents and I are from Mitanni. Across the Nile." Khaten slowly releases her hand but has trouble taking his eyes off of her. Ankhe walks over to her younger brother. "So are we going to stand here staring at her or are we going to play?" Suhad begins to giggle at the older girl. Khaten pokes Suhad and the group scrambles to get away from her. Ankhe and Ka have no trouble keeping out of Suhads reach but young Khaten even though he is quick is caught by her time and again, even when he tries hiding with the guards. She still finds him.
As they laugh and play, Maia is struck by the sight of Grand Vizier Ay, his stoic look is cause for concern. She slowly rises to meet him as he enters the courtyard. He nods solemnly then looks out at the children. He bends down on one knee and calls Khaten over to him. "My Prince! I need to speak with you." Khaten stops in place and runs over to greet the older man. "Grandfather! Do you have word about my father? Will he be alright?" Ay places a hand on the childs shoulder and looks Khaten in the face. "I am sorry but your father has joined the other gods in the sky. They are preparing him for his final ascendion as we speak." Khaten's head drops and he begins to weep. Ay puts a hand on the child's chin and lifts his face. "Khaten, we talked about this. You are Pharaoh now. Egypt needs you to be strong." Ay stands and motions to Maia and Sennedjem. "Bring the children. We have much to do." She nods. Suhad walks over to Khaten and puts her arms around him. "It's okay to cry." She whispers in his ear. "I'll be here to keep you strong." Khaten looks over at her and smiles. Suhad goes over to her parents that are patiently waiting on her.
Ay takes Khaten by the hand and leads him from the courtyard to the throne room. Inside down a long aisle is the golden throne where his father once ruled over the land. Khaten put his hand on the seat. There gold felt cold to the touch. Slowly he moved around the large chair almost as if he was caressing the throne. He looked up at Ay who motions for him to sit. Khaten slowly turned and climbed up onto the massive seat. Ay walks over behind him almost towering over the boy. Khaten looks out at Ka, Suhad and her parents, who stand staring at the floor even though Suhad would occationally look up and give the new Pharaoh a smile. Ankhe stands with the wet nurse, Maia. She does not bow her head.
Suhad's father addresses Ay. "Grand Vizier, I must inform my people of the new Pharaoh." He looks over at his wife and Suhad. "Come we must go." They turn to leave. The new King stands. "Wait!." The family stops and turns back to the throne. Khaten looks up at his grandfather. "Can she stay? Here, with me in the palace while her father returns home?" Ay looks down at his grandson. "If that is your wish my King." He answers him. Khaten looks over at Suhads family. "She is to stay here with her mother . This is the Pharaoh's command." Suhad can't hide her excitement. Her mother bows. "Thank you my Pharaoh." Khaten is all smiles as Ay looks on.