Chapter 4: Knowledge is power
I pulled the shawl tighter around my shoulders as I watched the guards rotate once more in front of General Horemheb's gates. That was the fifth time I started camping out last night. General Horemheb left about three guard shifts in a few hours after the sun rose. Since then it has just been the maids going in and out with groceries.
I yawned and stretched just the slightest. So the guards change at the hour, now to see if there were any weak spots around the wall.
I got up and pulled the hood over my head. Even though I had rubbed sand and dirt in it, my hair still looked way too clean to suggest I lived on the streets. I sauntered in what looked like a random direction. I kept my head down and let my arms sway. I had learned that looking disoriented kept people away. They didn't want to deal the heat stroke, or the hunger, or drunkenness that they thought was causing my erratic gait. Sometimes the best hiding place is in plain sight.
I "stumbled" towards the right of the mansion, looking for a spot where the bricks were laid unevenly enough for me to scale the wall. What I found was better,
I kicked some of the shrubbery away to reveal a small opening at the base of the wall facing away from the street. People really do need to take better care of their houses. I lay on my stomach and judged that I could slide through if I dragged myself along the ground.
I got up and shook the sand out of my tunic and walked around once more. The hole in the wall was a perfect entrance, but crawling through takes time, and if I needed to take anything back it would be impossible. So I searched for an escape plan. Just in case. The south wall was incredibly close to another building. It was a bit of a drop but not too much. Now the only question was if I would be able to climb the south wall from inside the mansion. I figure I would be able to scale the wall, it isn't too high.
I yawned, the sun was high in the sky, it must be noon. About time to go back and regroup. I turned and walked back into town. I slipped in through the back gate of General Ramses' house. It wouldn't look very good if some filthy peasant just meandered in through the front door. People would start talking. And nothing good ever comes from that.
I walked into the room assigned to me and took off my cloak. In moments, Ebony had bustled into my room and soundlessly offered a new, clean dress while whisking away my dirty cloak and old dress full of holes and caked with grime. Again, really nothing was said, she just silently swept in and swept right back out. But not before leaving a plate of sweets on the table. I started to say I didn't want them but she gave me a calm smile that shut me up.
But only minutes after she swept out, Shu popped right in. She must have let him know I was back. I guess that explains the sweets. They weren't for me.
"Zahra!" Shu sang, jumping and latching onto my waist.
"Hey there, how did you know I was back?" I grinned, and ruffled his hair playfully. He spied the plate of sweets and promptly snatched one, offering it to me. I declined and he sat on the rug munching it happily.
"Ebony drew a picture of a flower. So I knew it must be you!" He said in between chewing. So I was right, Ebony did send him my way.
"Well, that was nice of her! Have you eaten yet? It is already late morning, I hope you had breakfast." I say calmly, he nodded, his mouth still full. Ah, how nice, we can have three meals a day. Even more if we wanted. As long as General Ramses still lived, then Shu would forever have a full stomach.
"Hey sis? Where did you go all night?" Shu asked quietly. He suddenly had a very serious look on his face.
"I was working, Shu. Nothing you need to worry about. Now come on, have you seen the General's library? There are so many books there, you could read forever!" I grinned, trying to change the subject. I still didn't want Shu to know what I do. What I have done.
"What do you do for work?" Shu pressed. He got up and stood right in front of me, staring up at me intensely. I struggled to keep my face the same calm cheer as I searched for a way to answer.
"I work for General Ramses, of course." I finally manage.
"But what do you do?" He pressed. I felt my smile slip for just a moment. He knows, he knows I'm sneaking around at night. Knows I'm still just street trash. He is trying to prove it. What do I say? Perhaps it was time to tell him the truth.
"Your sister does very important work for me. That's all you need to know. Zahra, good to see you back. You haven't eaten. Won't you join me for lunch, then? It is a bit late for breakfast." General Ramses suddenly materialized at the doorway. This man obviously has a problem with knocking. But then again, this is his house.
"I would love to. Shu, I'll see you later, ok?" I kissed the top of his head. He didn't seem very happy, but I was glad General Ramses interrupted when he did. I really wasn't ready to explain myself to Shu.
I was faced again with the endless banquet of food. I picked the first thing in front of me and began to munch on it. It was some kind of strange fruit. It was dried, so it must not be from around here. It had a strong, sour taste.
"You've been out all night. The night before too. I'd like to be in on the plan." He grinned over a glass of wine. His plate was empty, it seems this meal was mainly for me.
"I am merely scoping for weak spots. I always take a few days to plan before I make a… 'supply run'." I say simply, taking another piece of the sour fruit. It was oddly addicting.
"So does that mean you watched my residence for days before we made our destiny encounter?" He prodded playfully. The way he talks, it is hard to believe he holds such a high rank.
"Yes." I answered simply. "I already have a plan. I will get in tomorrow night for the first run. I will make more if necessary."
"'supply run' you called it?" He plopped some other fruit on my plate. This one had a tangy, almost bitter taste. I liked it.
"That's what I've always called it. A supply run. Meaning I would go out and get supplies; food, blankets, clothes. I can't very well call it a robbery. Shu would never look at me the same way." I shrugged.
"He has to know eventually. He is a smart boy, you know that. Eventually, he will begin to wonder. Isn't it better to tell him yourself?" General Ramses snatched one of those sour fruits and bit into it. He made a face that put a smile on my face. He must be the one in the house that likes sweet things. Every meal has had some kind of sweet. Shu loves them.
"I'll tell him one day. Or not. He doesn't need to know. I can just say I work as an attendant or something. He is young; the memories will fade as he ages." I brush off the topic. It's not something I want to talk about. "I just need to get you information on General Horemheb and Vizier Ay, right? Nothing else?"
"Yes, get that information and I will do the rest." He said, a serious look overtaking his features again. I suppose I shouldn't let him down. Tonight is the night.
Later that Night:
I slipped around the side of the mansion without the guard seeing me and felt around for the hole in the wall. I found it and crouched. I had brought a small bag with me just in case I needed to bring home a "souvenir". I lay on my belly and slid through.
It was a tough fit. I had to press my cheek against the ground and wiggle through. I could feel the rough bricks scrape across my back through my tunic. But I made it though.
I took a few seconds to survey the area. The pillars here were huge. I could easily hide behind them. I got closer and ran my hand on one. Marble. Which means it is too slippery to shimmy up. But I needed to be on the roof. People are still awake and moving about. It was only a matter of time before someone stumbled upon me.
I hopped onto the railing and reached up on my toes. I could pretty firmly grasp the edge of the roof I pulled and found that lifting my own body weight was a lot harder than I thought. I huffed quietly to myself. I looked at the marble pillar again. I may not be able to climb all the way up it, but I might be able to use it to kick off and onto the roof. If I get the timing right and roll just as I land, then I might be able to land soundlessly. Only one way to find out.
I scooted near closer to the pillar and with one hand on the edge of the roof, I kicked off the pillar. I immediately grabbed the edge of the roof with my other hand and swung my leg over. I rolled over and let out a sigh of relief. I made it, and with nothing but a few bruises from hitting the roof. No problem. Good timing too.
Just a few minutes after I got on the roof, I watched General Horemheb walking along the halls. It was still early in the evening, just after dinner. Too early to head to the seraglio, and much too early for sleep. So he must be heading to the study. I crawled as quietly as I could behind him. I didn't dare peek over the side so I just listened to the sound of his footsteps. Lucky for me the General seemed to have an incredibly heavy tread.
I heard a door open and promptly close. The footsteps stopped. Well, I think I just found the study. Now comes the waiting. I just have to wait until he goes to bed. If I am lucky, he will retire early. General Ramses was in his study nearly all night when I "visited" his residence.
I rolled onto my back and stretched leisurely. Better to lay low even on high ground. A wind blew over the dry air. At least it was warm out.
I stared up at the sliver of a moon hanging high in the sky. Casting just enough light for my trained eyes to see, but still allow me to easily hide in the shadows. Stay in the shadows, that's exactly where I belong. It's where I prefer.
Zahra, what are you doing to yourself?
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. It's these moments of respite, these moments of silence that my father always talks to me. Or perhaps it's just my conscience. Whatever it is, it's obnoxious.
Look at yourself. Selling secrets to the highest bidder.
Shut up. How else will Shu survive in this world? It's not for the money, Shu needs to be safe.
You're worse than a thief now.
I don't care. I don't care if I have to commit every sin in existence. My soul has already been tainted. What are a few more stains? If one of us has to be stained to survive this world, why not me?
I shook the voice out of my head. I need to stay focused. The light cast by the lantern through the window of the study was blown out. Footsteps were walking away. Heavy footsteps.
I waited a few minutes until the sound of footsteps faded and swung down onto the ground. I hesitantly pushed my toe at the door. It creaked open and I rolled my eyes.
Some people take their safety for granted. They think that because their walls are made of stone, that their guards stand at the doors, they think they will be safe. They think their walls are impenetrable, that's why they allow them to fall into states of decay. They think their guards are all powerful, which is why they do not bother to check on them. All these things, these points of arrogance are the reason a person like me gets to slip through the cracks.
I easily slip into the room and shut the door behind me. There was just barely enough light for me to make my way around. I made my way to the table and began rustling through the drawers.
Nothing fun. I felt around the back of the drawer and sure enough there was a little compartment in the back. Not uncommon, really. Almost uncreative at this point.
And just as the hiding spot was uncreative, the secrets were uncreative. An illegitimate son he sent to Millawat whose mother is still demanding money; some accepted bribes…lots of the same. But not what I was looking for.
I put the desk back the way it was and took a step back. I let out a little huff of frustration. I have never had to look for such specific information. Usually, the information I found in the desk would be enough for me to have the upper hand I need to blackmail my way back. But now I am looking for deeper secrets.
I took a deep breath and surveyed the room. Where else would someone hide secrets? I walked along the wall, skimming my hand along the bricks. No, nothing was loose…I ran my hands along the floor but nothing….wait a second.
I ran my hands by the bookshelf and noticed scratch marks to the right of it. I considered that they were there purely by coincidence. Perhaps while moving. But the scratches were quite deep; not to mention there were multiple criss-crossed over each other. No way would a maid be clumsy enough to leave that many marks.
No, there is no way a maid would leave these scratches. They would have been careful out of fear of punishment. This shelf was moved clumsily, and frequently, from the looks of these scratches. I ran my hand along the wall, and sure enough there was a slight dip right behind the shelf. There was a compartment back there.
I considered pulling the shelf, but not only would it be impossible to move with my meager strength, the sound of the shelf dragging along the floor would be sure to give me away.
I rocked back on my heels and surveyed the shelf. It was pretty. Made of a dark wood. Probably expensive. Nothing like the flimsy thing we had in that old shack of a home. It was a light beige color, almost the color of dust…it kind of looked like…wait a second.
I pushed my hand around some of the books and touched the back of the book shelf. It was flimsy. I thought that color looked familiar. It looks like the back of the shelf was made of the same cheap material ours was. Of course. Why bother using expensive materials on something that won't be seen?
Just pushing my hand on it, I could feel the wood concave in. It was thin. Carefully, I took the books off of the second to last shelf. One by one, stacking them next to me. This was risky. Such a mess cannot be concealed if someone were to walk in.
Before I could doubt myself, I shoved my knife into the backing of the shelf. It cut through pretty smoothly with a satisfying "pop". Quickly, I sawed at the flimsy wood until I had a solid square cut out. With a strong shove, the cut square fell into the depths of the hidden cavern.
I reached inside to find that the cavern was somewhat small. I could touch the back wall with my fingertips. Skimming along, I felt something akin to a clay tablet. And then another, and another. I grabbed a few and pulled them out. Skimming my eyes over them, I felt a smile stretch across my face.
And this is why people should not keep diaries. People like me will get their hands on them. I carefully selected a few and slipped them into my bag. I replaced the rest and put the books back on the shelf to conceal the hole I had made. If I was lucky, he would not notice their absence for a long time. Most people don't read through their own diary entries.
When everything was put back in order, I slipped out and left the estate the exact way I came. I took the time to loosely fill in the hole in under the wall I had come in through. If no one noticed it, I might be able to make use of it again in the future.
By the time I reached General Ramses' estate, the sun was just peeking over the sand dunes. Much too early for anyone to be up. I headed straight to my room and crawled under the covers. Carefully, I looked my satchel around my wrist in a knot. Better safe than sorry.
I stretched and buried my head into the pillow. It smelled floral. Like…lotus perhaps? With the scent of lotus, my mind drifted off into sleep.
It felt like I barely blinked when a weight was dropped onto my back. I startled awake with an "oomph" only to be staring into the clear blue eyes of my brother.
"You were gone all night!" he pouted.
"Yeah, I had work to do." I yawned back. "How did you know I was home?"
"Ebony left a flower in a bowl of water next to my bed when I woke up, so I knew. She is so nice, you know, she tucked me into bed last night and I read to her." He chattered on. "What were you doing last night?"
"Nothing, Shu. I will tell you when you are older. What book did you read to Ebony?" I groan. I was not in the mood to be questioned right now.
"I thought we don't need to do supply runs anymore. Uncle Ramses is taking care of us now, right? Why do you need to go out at night still?" He pushed.
"It's…it's hard to explain. One day I'll tell you. Just…don't worry about it, ok?" I try to reason with him. He had this mulish look on his face. Gods and Goddesses above, was I ever that stubborn? Well, seems only the stubborn survive this life, so I must be.
"But Sis!" He protested. I sat up quickly and looked around the room. I grabbed his shoulders and looked him in the eye.
"Shu. You can't call me that here. Or…or ever anymore, ok? You're General Ramses' nephew. You can't call me that. Do you understand?" I said in a hushed voice. It hurt more than I could put in words to say that. Shu is no longer my brother. "I promise, one day, when you are ready, I'll tell you everything. Just be patient, ok?"
He gave a huff and snuggled under the covers with me. I held him close, in this big bed with plenty of room, it almost felt like that tiny pallet in that one room shack.
"Hey, Zahra. You know, you're always gonna be my sis." He mumbled. I held him so tight I felt him shift uncomfortably. I don't want to let go. Not ever. I have to, though. I have to let go. I have to get up, I have to move forward.
I sat up and ruffled his hair. How did he end up so sweet? Must have taken after mother.
"Zahra. You're up, good. Won't you come to my office?" General Ramses leaned on the doorframe. He always had that smile on his face when Shu was around. Childish? No, not quite. Impish would perhaps be a better word. It was a playful smile that quirked his lips, but his eyes always seemed like they were planning something. It made him look much younger.
I sat up and stretched lazily. The bag's strap was still wrapped tightly around my wrist; I untied it and pulled it over my shoulder.
I padded behind him, my bare feet making the slightest noise as my feet stuck to the clean floors while his made a tapping noise that echoed down the halls. Much quieter than the loud slapping noise that I had begun to associate with his footsteps.
"You step quieter. Before, even when you did not wear shoes, I could hear your footsteps from down the hall. But now, you are wearing sandals and I hardly hear it." I comment offhandedly.
"Well they are not nearly as soundless as yours. I wanted to make more of an effort of being a bit sneakier." He mirrored my offhanded manner.
"Why would you need to move silently? In your position, there is no need to sneak about. People knowing your presence is probably better. Just your mere name instills a healthy amount of respect in most of Egypt." I asked, truly curious.
"Now, you never know when an extra skill could come in handy. I could really use that when trying to sneak some extra desserts without my pesky sisters intercepting me!" He laughed. I scowled a little. Why did it seem like he dodged my question? Or perhaps I am just being paranoid. Before I could even push on the issue, we had reached his office. He opened the door and ushered me inside.
"Now then, what information have you gleaned for me?" That odd smile still gracing his face.
I merely slid the satchel off my shoulder and put it on his desk. Evidence, in this case, would do most of the talking for me. I watched as he read through the tablets and tried to fight back his laughter.
"He doesn't have a way with words, does he?" General Ramses finally said, placing down the tablets.
It seems that General Horemheb has a terrible temper that he curbs by writing in what I refuse to even call a diary. It was like a list of his complaints and what he "ought" to do about them. Most having to do with Vizier Ay and our illustrious Queen Dowager. Even if it was just ramblings for the most part, there were valuable tidbits of information strewn here and there.
General Horemheb had less sway with the royal family then we originally thought. The Queen Dowager seems to control the Pharaoh. Aaaand to top it all off, General Horemheb's wife had a child that has unknown origins.
"Good work. No need to raid Vizier Ay's home anytime soon. I doubt we will find much there. There are a few nobles I would like to 'inquire' about later. But for now, get some much needed rest." General Ramses said. I bowed and turned to go when he suddenly stopped me.
"Oh, and Zahra, when you have time could you look over our guard rotations and make corrections as necessary and find any weaknesses in the estate? My staff has already been told you will come through during your free time. I figure if you know how to find the weaknesses, you probably know how to fix them." He laughed. I stared at him incredulously.
"Sir, forgive my impertinence, but are you certain that is wise? If I have power over the security of your estate, I know all of its weaknesses and perhaps intentionally create some of my own. How can you be certain that I can keep those secrets?" I could not help but ask. Though he was right, I could fix many of the issues around the estate, nowhere is truly thief-proof. For him to allow me access to that important information when he barely knows me is making me question his decision making skills.
"Zahra, I am certain you will leave no weaknesses nor would you sell the information. It would put Shu at risk." He said simply. I nodded, turned, and left.
He was right. I would never risk Shu that way. But that is still a gamble on his part. Many would easily leave their siblings behind to get ahead in life. Could it be that General Ramses…trusts me?
Trust is a rare thing in this country. Perhaps in the entire world. Those who rise to power do not do so by blindly trusting one another. But then again, that's why rises to power are laden with a path of blood. General Ramses, despite his status, holds a certain innocence. Almost like the innocence I see in Shu. I am truly beginning to believe that a person like him belongs on the throne. An untainted person. Now, was I willing to walk that blood laden path in order to get him there? Perhaps.
I did not get to think further on the issue as I made it to my room. I sank into the pillows and fell into a blissful sleep.
I awoke with a hiss. It was too early. Especially right after supply run. I sat up and blearily looked around the room for what woke me. It took me a few moments to register that someone was knocking on the door.
With a light groan, I stumbled to the door and opened it. I blinked a few more times and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. I finally focused on the two figures in front of me that were responsible for dragging me out of my slumber.
"General Ramses. Something tells me you are a morning person." I yawn and stretched. He grinned at me. Looking at me with barely contained excitement. Next to him, an older man stood. Perhaps in his late 30's. He seemed like a frail man with his hair pulled back behind him.
"Early bird gets the worm. Anyhow, this is Jahi. He is a scholar. While Hamadi is instructing Shu in simple math, reading, and literature; Jahi will be instructing you in economics and politics. You have proven yourself useful and I plan to keep you around for a while. I believe that some knowledge in economics and politics will benefit you in the future." General Ramses said before he turned and left before I could get a chance to say anything.
I was in a bit of a shock. I know that he did it to benefit him later. But the gesture still surprised me. This wasn't part of the deal. Part of me was a little bit wary. Our original deal was equally beneficial to both of us. What he just pulled was a step further. All the sudden, it felt like I wasn't contributing. I don't want to become his burden to carry.
I looked again at Jahi. Perhaps I was just looking too closely at things again. Perhaps some knowledge will allow me to help General Ramses later in the future. For now, I suppose I will just let things stay as they are. And all of the sudden, I was nervous. I am no scholar. I learn somewhat slowly, honestly. And yet I still wanted to learn. I never really had time to learn more than the basics, and even then it was for Shu's benefit. Now I can learn something for myself.
"Now then, Zahra, wasn't it? I understand you have had a long night. Perhaps we can start your lessons tomorrow?" Jahi offered, noting my weariness.
"No. I want to start now, if we can." I grin. May as well enjoy things while I can. I always believed that knowledge was the best from of wealth. If we needed to leave General Ramses, then at least the knowledge I gain here will always be with me.
I know. It's been forever. You guys probably hate me now .
This story has been sitting on my desktop forever and I have been slowly contributing to it as the days go by but I never really got to publishing it.
I don't really have an excuse except simply, life gets in the way. I promise I will try harder to get more chapters out. I am still messing around with the character development for Zahra and Shu and how I want this story to pan out.
Thanks to those who are still reading, Many thanks to those who review, I read every one of those and it really brings a smile to my face to know that there are people who like my stories :) You guys keep being awesome!
~EternallySnowy
Name meanings: Jahi: dignified
Hamadi: Praised
