I know this chapter is over a month late...I apologize. I wanted to make sure i had eight and nine finished before posting this one and chapter 8 took FOREVER, coupled with all the drama from the holidays, my family, the extra work hours and my poor beta having finals galore...but I've gotten a chapter up just in time for the Yuletide Holidays so YAY! Here is my gift to all of you!
SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL MY READERS WHETHER YOU REVIEW OR NOT! YOUR COMMENTS AND SUPPORT MAKE MY DAY! (Though i was a little surprised a couple people seemed more interested in the Set and Heru myth then the chapter...) THANK SO MUCH EVERYONE!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot: Yugioh and all its characters elong to Kazuki Takehashi, this story is loosely based on the historical Rhodopis (the Egyptian Cinderella) and inspired by the historical reign of Amenhotep I and the early 18th dynasty
VII
The Will of the King
In which Yugi witnesses several interviews with the King, deducts some critical information, and argues several valid points, but despite this, is pressed into Royal Service, and all involved are ushered on a voyage down the River.
Two days after their ride to the oasis found Yugi once more seated on the stone dais facing the great hall. His seat was an elaborately embroidered pillow to left of the King's throne. A smaller throne sat to his right where Maya sat, dazzling in a pristine kalasiris and her hair tied in a net of amethysts and pearls. The Qenbet had settled in the Audience Chamber once more. The Sacred Guardians—as the priests were called—lingered at the King's side. Guards stood against the far wall. Jono was among them, but Hefez, Maalik and the rest of the Ipet were not.
Maya had warned him of this practice. When the Qenbet met for its monthly judicial court, Kemet and all her people would stand before the court and seek divine judgement. Free of entertainment and leisure, it was a time for law, judgement and invoking of Ma'at. It was no place for wives and children. Still, the room felt shadowed and cold without Mana's mischievous giggles, Aziza's lively dancing, Shadya and Misi's gossiping and Rhemna's translation of the different dialects.
Worse yet, Teana was missing.
It was the first time Yugi had been summoned to court and she wasn't there. From time to time he caught her lingering, eagerly waiting with proud patience and dying hope to be called upon, but Yugi had not seen her for days, either in the court nor in the Ipet. If the girls had seen her, they had not cared to tell him. Every concerned mention of her name was met with a disgruntled snort and an upturned nose, as though her disappearance were unimportant. Would their love for him fade so quick and cruelly when he lost the King's favor?
She had been the King's favorite once, his lover. Or at least, she had loved him. Where was she now? Dismissed? Discarded? Dead? Dreadful scenarios raced through his mind and he couldn't stop glancing the spot where she once stood, as if she'd appear by magic. She had loved him, he realized, and no sooner had the King tired of her, the rest of the Royal entourage swept her from their hearts like dust under the rug. Would that be his fate? The King was kind and caring, even considerate to those he loved, but what of those he unloved? Yugi shivered and bit his lip to keep himself from imagining the worst.
He eyed the slender figure of Pharaoh and trembled. The king sat poised and proud, looking in every respect both regal and intimidating in the striped nemes and royal purple robe embroidered all over with gold. His shendyt was pristine and held together with a matching belt adorned with jewels. His sandals were of fine leather, embossed with different designs matching the golden chest plate, and the amount of gold he wore could outshine the sun: bracelets and armbands hugged his biceps and wrists, calves and ankles, anks dangling from his ears and most impressive of all was the massive wes collar encrusted with jewels. From his forehead the uraseus of Wadjet moved like a true snake: blazing ruby eyes cast judgement of all who stood before her King.
This austere figure was not the playful young man from the oasis. Gone was the Apollo whose rakish eyes burned like fire. No, this was a being whose presence demanded respect and nothing else. Someone who was parallel only to a god, not the Amun, but the living Horus. This was the King.
Yet which was Atem? That was the question that burned the fire of Yugi's curiosity. For so long he had not wanted to refer to him as Atem, only Pharaoh, the King. He was not so sure now. In the seclusion of the oasis, he was mischievous and playful. Was that kind and carefree man the real Atem? Or simply another face of the Apollo? Then was the King only a mask? Or was the seductive persona the façade: a special mask reserved only for taming Yugi?
Ruffled gray hair and massive violet eyes followed a low murmur. Yugi recognized the stout figure of Siamon appearing to his left. A taller but nonetheless elderly man stood at his left holding a royal tablet and pamphlet. Siamon whispered something in the King's ear and with a nod of approval, announced the procession.
Yugi only half listened as courtiers, sepets, and peasants arrived and took their place, waiting for their chance with an audience with the King. While the rest of the country was in full preparation for the coming New Year celebration, the King remained dutifully focused on his work. His advisors and officials steered back to duty and Yugi was swept up with him. He was allowed attendance only because of his clandestine rank as the King's Secret Spy.
The shadow of arms found his waist and Yugi shrieked as he was hoisted into the King's lap. Atem beamed, proudly, skillfully catching Yugi's flaying limbs and ceasing any attempt to shove him away.
"What do you think you're doing?" Yugi snapped, red-faced and furious.
"What?" Atem asked almost innocently. In an instant, the burning eyes of Apollo and the smile of the carefree lad flashed across his face. Then the cruel smirk and hardened expression of the King returned. "Everyone else already knows you're mine. Why I should I treat you as though you are not?"
Snickers and giggles echoed from below the dais and Yugi flushed darker. He struggled visibly but the King's arms were strong and rearranged the boy in his lap. He saw Siamon's smile, caught Mahad's chuckle and Isis' well-masked giggle. Even the aging, graying Guardian who was Atem's uncle seemed to smile as he shook his head.
Only Karim sighed. "My King, is this necessary?" He sounded more tired than angered.
Atem only smirked. "He is my Paniwhotep Ib-nsu, the Keeper and Bringer of peace and happiness to my heart. Is this not his place?"
Karim did not argue. He supported the King in everything, it seemed. Defeated, Yugi slumped in his seat.
"He does not seem very fond of you, my king." An older courtier whose face Yugi could not place, spoke next.
"His awakening will need to be gentler than most," Atem laughed, one arm tight about Yugi's waist, the other stroking Yugi's shoulder. "But it will be done none the less, Now then, are there any issues before we begin?"
He sounds so confident. Yugi sneered. It dismayed him to realize he was that toy. Indeed, as far as the King was no doubt concerned, the awakening, claiming and bedding were all but done.
Seething silently, Yugi felt slender fingers weave through his hair. Maya flashed him a wink. "Keep your eyes and ears open, Meritwadjet." She whispered, her voice sweet but low. "Take nothing at face value."
Yugi frowned, but nonetheless gave her a nod and scanned the room. The Audience Chamber, with its colonnades and lotus pillars, created the heart of the central palace. The Coronation and Banquet Halls were on each side. Beyond the pavilion lay the central, east, and west courts, and behind it was the King's favorite outdoor central court with its open pavilions, lovely gardens and large pond.
Gradually, he'd grown more familiar with the palace and its layout. His newfound time provided him the freedom to explore the vast grounds and buildings of the Palace complex. While the northern half was reserved for living quarters and leisure, the south was meant for business: including the King's central palace with its massive halls and office buildings, the workshops of artisans, textile mills, and training grounds for soldiers. Even the Priests and visitors had private offices and workshops separate from their villa estates. It was much more expansive than he initially thought and—to his chagrin—much more impregnable.
"The armies of the North have all returned successfully," Mahad was saying. "They are stationed in Men-nefer and await your orders to march south."
"Who said they were marching south?" Atem quizzed.
Mahad did not hesitate. "There are increasing reports of attacks from sand-dwellers—"
"Complaints, you mean." Atem cut him off with a wave of his hand. "See the army returned home by Wep-net. We shall find much better use of their talents."
Mahad did not look surprised. "The rebels?"
"Will be dealt with swiftly." Atem concluded, cool, collected, and careless.
Yugi bristled with rage. Rebels are attacking and he doesn't care!
"We are currently surveying the lands west of Waset and the surrounding districts. A census is being coordinated to decide when and where to begin construction of the King's funeral complex." Siamon said next, lightly stroking his beard.
The king waved him off with his hand. "We take care to never discuss such matters while we live." the King's voice dripped with dry humor. He relaxed in his seat, taking Yugi with him. His grip on the throne easing, and his burning eyes fixated on Yugi. He met them with a hard frown. "Any such census should be done to decide the location of our new palace, instead. Leave such matters to my descendants. We are sure they shall build us a most exquisite resting place."
"But nsw, you have no descendants." Siamon reminded him. "Unless you intend to name an heir." He cast Maya a glance. Akanadin's heavily aged face brightened.
Yugi swore there was fire in Atem's eyes. "Only for now, we do not." He squeezed Yugi tighter, his free hand combing his hair. His hand lowering to Yugi's thigh. "We have every confidence heirs shall come. We shall deal with the issue then."
Yugi shivered at the implication. What was that supposed to mean?
The King's lips curled like he was swallowing a laugh. Then he winked. "Until then, the new palace complex will be the focus. We cannot rule so far from the capital. Are there any other matters?" He asked. His tone nonchalant and almost bored.
Spoiled! Yugi thought with a snap.
Siamon released a long-suffering sigh. "No, per-a'ah."
"Then send them in."
One by one several others entered the room. Judges gathered around, listening intently along with a scribe. Siamon preceded over each outcome. A small band of people trailed in next. rising nervously as they scuttled about the room, peasants and sepets like.
Three overseers stepped forward, discussing entailments from a massive estate outside the city. The Sepet who owned it angrily stated that taxes had not been paid and all but demanded the King's Medjay aid to force the people to pay. His overseers nodded in unison.
Atem's face was expressionless as the man ranted. "These were state taxes, yes?"
The man's mask of rage slipped.
"Karim, when were our taxes last collected?" The King shifted his eye to the man, not waiting for an answer.
The Treasurer frowned. "Reports indicate taxes for that area were already collected for the month, though they are less than the month prior. Though it seems more have been issued in that particular area."
"Interesting." Atem turned to the man. "What taxes, good sir, are your people refusing to pay?"
The Sepet and his Overseers looked caught and stumbled. "The next season's—" He began but in his mouth it was a question.
"How, good sir, do you expect your people to pay taxes if you do not give them time to do so?" The King's eyes flashed. Yugi blinked surprised. "No matter; Karim will go over the books and see to the problem. Until then, you are welcome guests of my palace."
To Yugi's surprise the sepet looked worried. His Overseer's masks of indifference shattered. "Nsw, there is no need—"
"Nonsense!" Atem insisted, his voice dripping and playful, but Yugi caught the malicious curl. "It would be pointless for you to return to your homes and do it yourselves only to come back? I insist you stay." Without another word, guards appeared and ushered them from the hall.
Yugi's eyes widened with understanding. "They're hostages." He breathed.
"Yes." Maya whispered. "Do you know why?"
Yugi did. "They're skimming their books. Issuing taxes that don't exist and submitting less and less to the state. How can the people refuse to pay?" He asked.
Atem chuckled in his ear, reminding Yugi of his presence. "We are not as blind to his misdeeds as he perceives. We've long suspected his actions and sent Medjay to investigate. The people were not as ignorant as he thought either and all too happy to divulge what was going on."
"Then why not have him arrested then and there? Why wait for—" Yugi eyes flashed with a spark of understanding, and he answered his own question. "You were waiting for him to come, weren't you, so the people wouldn't be caught in the crossfire."
"Very good." His arms slipped under the knees and pulled him back into his arms. Shadows played across his face. "He takes from the highest bidder and cut corners at the cost of my people. He will not be shown leniency."
Yugi shivered at the dark pleasure behind those words.
Another group of sepets stepped forward, their faces scrunched with impatience, bowed and spoke the King's names quickly. "Per-a'ah, we've come to discuss the matter of the lands bordering the southern cities."
Atem frowned.
"What matter is this?" Siamon spoke on the King's behalf.
"There are several unoccupied lands, east of the southern cities," They explained. "Many of which have been occupied by sand-dwellers and other bandits."
Shadows flickered across the King's face and Yugi winced as his grip tightened. Atem relaxed his touch and returned the boy to his pillow.
He cast Siamon a glance. He nodded. "You have proof of this?"
"There have been sightings. If his grace could issue a decree to have them seized—"
"No." Atem said flatly.
The Sepets shifted delicately. "If the King's Infantry could—"
"No." Atem repeated, allowing no room for argument.
Akanadin spoke next. "They could be useful additions to support the army." He urged gently. "It could not hurt to keep our reserves—"
"No!" Atem snapped, his voice high with finality. His chiseled face was dark and shadowed with foreboding. "The infantry is protecting the northern territories from the west. I said once that I would not abandon them, and I shall not. Nor shall I jeopardize my people's happiness for a war that does not exist!"
"But, my liege—"
"Enough!" Atem stood immediately and the whole room darkened. Yugi shivered with terror. He swore the very shadows themselves were flickering with rage at Atem's feet. The King curled his fingers. "My father surrendered their lives to end war and reunite Kemet. I will not insult that sacrifice by initiating a false war."
Yugi's eyes widened. Surrendered? As if for the first time, he noticed how young Atem actually was. Though he carried himself well, his reign had been short. Less than five years? Dear heavens, how old had he been when he took the throne?
A wave of sympathy overshadowed his fear and his fingers laced with the King's hand. As if galvanized by the touch, the King's anger retracted and his eyes fell on the boy. Though his face betrayed no emotion his eyes looked tired, almost sad. He closed them and sighed.
When he opened them again his expression was cold and he returned to his chair.
It was Maya who answered. "Your request has been denied." She said evenly and full of forced patience. Stone-faced and proud-backed, she looked in every inch the wife of a King. "You may not bring up the issue again."
They wisely said nothing and slipped back into the shadows.
Still shaking, Yugi found his hand still laced with the King's fingers. The King's face betrayed no emotion but the grip was tight, more protective than possessive. A security gesture? He wondered. Why? He'd seen him angry but never like that. He hadn't even looked like the King in that moment.
The scene played once more in his mind. If he recalled his history lessons correctly, Kemet had lost its northern territories some generations earlier to foreign invaders, but the southern colonies, the desert, had staged rebellions and driven them out, thus returning the whole territory to Kemetic rule. The leaders, descendants from the previous monarch, inherited the throne. If he also remembered, Atem and Maya's father was Ahmose Aknankanmon, a much beloved and sainted King who'd driven out the last of them.
No, he thought dully, casting a glance to the commoners and nobles who followed asking the king for blessings and third opinions. Atem did not speak, but Siamon translated his looks and gestures fluently. There is more to the story than that. The way Atem had reacted it sounded like he suffered far worse than death on the battlefield.
Surrendered, he had said. Like sacrifice? Did the former King lay down his life for his people? Die willingly to end a war? He cast a glance to Atem and was again reminded just how young he actually was. How old he must've been when he inherited the throne. Still a boy. Yugi thought. Yet he had to inherit an empire? Did he even have time to grieve?
Suddenly, he felt fingers weave around his shoulder and pull him close, until he was brushed up against the King's legs. Vaguely, he was reminded what exactly his position meant. What exactly it entitled, and he blushed.
Is this what they meant, he wondered, when they said I'd keep his heart?
The next pair to arrive interrupted his thoughts and Yugi blinked.
Two women stepped forward: one old and one young. The elder was elegantly aged, still young enough to find a husband but her eyes spoke of ageless wisdom. She supported the younger woman in her arms. She was a young, spindly thing. Her eyes were red-rimmed and small streaks of tears poured steadily from her eyes. The elder of the two stepped forward and pressed her forehead to the floor.
"Per-a'ah," She spoke in a loud but humble tone. "King of Ta-Shemau and Ta-Menhu Amenhotep, Son of Ra, Atemu, Beloved of Djehut, He who promoted Ma'at, He who smites his enemies."
Yugi blinked surprised. He'd never heard Atem's full name and titles before? Whatever request the woman had, it must be important.
The King acknowledged them with a nod. The old woman turned to Siamon, calling on his name and title. "Speak." The Vizier said evenly.
The old woman steeled herself. Her stance was strong, proud, but her eyes were humble. "I am called Rishka. I am here on behalf of my niece Safiya."
The younger woman stepped forward then. Again the King nodded.
She inhaled deeply and spoke. "Nsw," Her voice was kind and laced with weariness. A hand stroked her flat belly. "I am with child by my husband…" Her voice stilled, high was sadness. "My husband died recently and now my father-in-law wishes to steal my child from me."
Yugi's eyes widened with shock. The grip on his hand tightened and he spun to the King. His eyes flickered.
"Why do you think this?" Siamon asked, concerned.
Her aunt spoke. "The man is a monster." She made no effort to hide her disdain. "He is cruel and ruthless, he abuses his staff and people and rumor says he even beat his own wife to death in front of his son, but he is a wealthy merchant and owns much of the lands so no one dares go against him. His son, my niece's husband, shared his temper, though he fought hard against it." The aunt paused her voice deep with remorse and pity. "But a rabbit taught to fear the world can only fight so hard against the water serpent whispering such cruel manipulations in his ears every day."
Yugi shuddered.
"How did your husband die?" Siamon asked.
Again the Aunt spoke. "He was one of the builders constructing a monument to his greatness' father. He died during the construction." A tear slipped from the girls eyes, the pain and memory clearly still fresh in her mind.
"Did you not receive compensation?" Siamon questioned, confused why the old woman would bring it up. Yugi remembered; because of the honorable work involved with building tombs and monuments to the Kings and Gods, the builders and their families were given large compensation sums from the government in any event that the worst should happen. Enough to pay for the necessary funeral requirements and enough to offer some stability to the loved ones left behind.
The old woman snorted. "We did, nsw. The bastard stole it."
"Stole it?" It was Atem who spoke.
The woman, Safiya stepped forward. "Yes, great nsw." She bowed slightly. "At the news of my husband's passing we received your Great's pension plans from He Who Has Been Ordered To Build The King's Tomb, but my father-in-law stole the money from us."
"Why would he do that?" Atem asked with a suspicious brow arched. His voice even and relaxed, but no less intimidating. As if daring the woman to lie, Yugi thought.
Saifya continued. "My marriage was brief, you see. My husband and I had only been together for a few seasons. My father-in-law claimed that as such and because we had no children, our marriage was not valid and thus the money for his son's death should go to his son's family, not his widow."
"Himself, she means." The aunt interrupted. "He has no wife and no other sons. He took the money for himself."
"Was this a valid marriage?" Siamon asked with no small amount of sympathy.
Safiya nodded. "Yes, we had a marriage contract, signed by both my aunt, myself, my husband and my husband's father and it was celebrated in the temple of Hathor. The home we set up for ourselves was built just outside our village away from the noise and the bustle. It was quiet and peaceful."
"What of your dowry?" Atem insisted. "Is it not the law that should a man and woman divorce or one of them dies the wife's dowry returns to her or is passed to her children?"
"He refused to honor it, nsw." The aunt said, her voice grated with restrained hatred. "When I asked for it back, if only so we may leave, he laughed and said it was a bride price not a dowry. A dowry, he said is what a wife brings with her to her marriage, but a bride price is the payment given by the bride's family so she may marry the husband—as if we were discussing a cow at the market! He said because we were poor and my niece brought nothing but herself to the marriage it was a bride price and hardly worthy enough for his son. So he kept it for himself!" Her voice rose with her rage but she restrained it well. Many of the court reared back in disgust.
After a long moment of silence, Siamon turned to the King. He nodded.
"You said you wished to leave. Why?" Siamon asked.
Safiya's eyes fell. "After my husband died, before he was put in his tomb, my father-in-law told me if I was not with child he would see me in the streets by the end of the week…" Her voice broke and tears welled in her eyes. "Then he whispered to me that if I was, he would be there at birth, for I never loved his husband and only wanted his wealth and name." She burst into tears and there was nothing fake about them. Only sorrow and fear—sorrow for the husband she lost and fear for the child she was about to lose as well.
"Did you?" Atem asked gently. The woman looked up and Yugi spun to him, but Atem's eyes were kind and his voice was soft. "Did you love your husband?"
Safiya smiled. "The saddest thing about my marriage is yes, nsw, I did love my husband, and I know he loved me too." Her voice sounded so tired, her eyes so sad even as they shined with love. "Though he grew angrier and angrier after our wedding, though he lost his temper twice in our brief marriage, and though I fully expected to die at his hand—I loved him. Each time he lost his temper with me he broke down in tears and begged my forgiveness, and because I loved him, because I love him still, I forgave him. I knew it was not his fault. He had grown up in a home without a mother's love and at the mercy of his father's cruelty. He was damaged, not cruel…and when I told him of the baby, he was so happy. I thought it would be enough to save him…" She paused and then dropped to her knees, prostrating. "I care not for my dowry or his compensation, nsw, only for my child! My father-in-law is relentless and I have no doubt he would kill me to claim her and I cannot let that happen!" She was in hysterics now. "I cannot let him do to our child what my husband's father did to him! I cannot! We exhausted all our resources to come here and I thought…" She paused to sniff. "I thought the Qenbet could issue a proclamation stating the child is mine and should I die, it should be raised by my aunt, then not even he could dare go against your greatness. Please, nsw, it is all I ask!"
Atem seemed to ponder the matter but before he could utter a word of his decision, the courtroom doors banged open and Yugi jumped. All eyes spun to the door. A powerfully built but cruelly aged man stood there. His pale eyes were red with rage, and ugly lines marred his eyes and jaw like a lifetime of scowling had frozen his face in an ugly snarl. The woman screamed and her aunt rushed to her side, confirming to all that this was her notorious father-in-law.
"Deceitful whore!" He snarled at her and stormed into the room only to be stopped by the King's guards. "Let me through!" He demanded, furiously.
"Who are you to disturb the King's Judgement!" Karim boomed, furious at such a brazen disrespect. "This is the Qenbet, where the King passes judgement! How dare you barge in to matters that to not concern you!"
"It does concern me!" The man protested unapologetically. "That girl has stolen from me and I've come to claim my property!"
"Has she now?" At the amused chuckle the whole room spun. Yugi's eyes widened with incredulous horror at the amused look on Atem's face. With a wave of his hand, the guards let him through and moved to the King's side.
"Has she?" Atem demanded, curiously casting a glance to Mahad. Yugi saw it and watched the frowning Magician move towards the two woman. "Please, pray tell, what has she stolen from you?"
The floor now his, the old man swaggered into the spotlight. His smile was a triumphant scowl and his pale eyes beamed with victory. It made Yugi sick.
"She stole my heir." The man said triumphantly.
Siamon moved to speak but Atem beat him to it. "How is that?" He arched a brow, chuckling, but his eyes were grave. Yugi blinked surprised. "Unless she somehow tricked your son into marrying him? But the contract was signed by both parties including yourself? It was all legal, yes?" Atem pressed. Yugi gasped. Was he? Was the King humoring him? Why?
The man scoffed. "Not my son! His son!" The man corrected with a bite, like he was scolding a stupid servant. The whole room gasped at such a tone but the man ignored them and pointed a gangely, accusing finger as the woman shielded by her aunt and the priest. "I warned if she was not with child I'd turn her out into the streets and if she was he would be mine at birth. She told me she was not with child, so I turned her out! The conniving bitch lied to me!"
Atem's face did not change but Yugi swore he saw fires smoldering in his eyes. Like embers, he thought, just before they burst into furious flame.
"She says you denied her the compensation for her husband's death?" Atem said swiftly. "Is it not law that in the event of my workers' death, his family be offered a sizeable sum for support?"
"Yes!" The man's eyes brightened, believing the King was agreeing with him. "As you said, it is for the man's family." He sneered the word as if it were a private, exclusive thing. "She was not family."
"She was his wife," Atem corrected, his face a hard, neutral mask. "Is she not his widow?"
"The marriage did not count." The old man brushed off. "Their marriage was short and they had no children. Thus she was not his true wife."
"They signed a contract?" The King insisted. "Set up a home together? Does that not count as lawfully wedded?"
"It was a short marriage!" The man argued snappishly. "It did not count!" He offered no other excuse. Briefly, Yugi wondered as he listened if anyone had argued with his logic.
"Ah, so it should go to the father of the groom, who has already proved he can hold a house, not the widow, who does nothing but grieve?" The King quoted, seemingly amused. Yugi stared at him in horror, though no one else looked surprised, and Atem simply stared hard at the man.
Baited, the man smiled. "Yes." His eyebrows arched triumphantly.
"What of her dowry?" The King challenged. "Do widows not hold onto their dowry after they marry and maintain it even in the event of divorce or death?"
With a triumphant, bellowing laugh the man said "The bride price is mine! It goes to the family and ceased to be hers once they were married!" He snorted and gave the woman a disgusted and arrogant look, like she was an ant he could crush beneath his foot. "She and the old woman were but poor street beggars when her husband found her! She brought nothing to the marriage but the woman's box. She was lucky I agreed to let her marry my boy with such a pathetic gift!"
"Yet, you argue she has no right to her husband's compensation." Atem countered, his hands gripping the arms of his chair and his nails scraping the wood. "What was created for the widow and family of my workers should the worst happen because the marriage was so short it did not matter, but you keep her dowry because they were, in fact, married?" Yugi caught the King's scoff at the hypocrisy of the statement, but if the man heard it he gave no acknowledgement.
"Yes, my lord." He boasted proudly.
"What of her child? What claim have you to that?" How Atem managed to keep his voice level, Yugi did not know.
Unaware of any danger, the man laughed "T'is my son's child! Children belong to their father, not their mother, and it is mine by right!" Again he pointed at the woman making no effort to hide his disgust and arrogance. "She would spoil it anyway, I will raise it right."
"The way you raised your son?" Yugi immediately recognized the danger in the tone and reeled back as the King stood. The very shadows around him seemed to dance and come alive. His eyes burned brightly and the smirk that twisted his lips was a dark wicked thing.
King clicked his fingers together and eyed the man the way a cat would a fat mouse. The room darkened as he spoke. "I propose a scenario, good sir, as you seem to have quite a head on your shoulders. Imagine, if you will, a man has come before me demanding of another man and his daughter the rights of an object that was never his and that he never had rights too by ma'at and djenut, yet he claims it is his solely because he wants it. This man has also stolen an inheritance from this man's daughter because the woman was married to a relative of his and thought their marriage was brief and they had no children, he stole it for himself simply because he could, though the laws state that it is hers. He then used the same law to claim they were in fact married so the woman could not ask her mother's pearls back that she brought with her to the marriage. Thus this man has stolen her mother's pearls, her inheritance, and now wishes to steal something else from her, all because he wants to and believes he is better than her. Tell me sir, how should such a man be punished for such outrageous theft!"
Either unaware he was being tested or too arrogant to care, the man straightened himself proudly and said. "Such a man, I think, is nothing more than a common thief! A coward and a bully and worthless to boot! He can't earn his own way so he decided to take it from everyone else and then hides instead of facing the truth! Such a worthless speck of life deserved nothing less to have all he has and owns stripped from him, his wealth, his land his titles, and made to work like a dog in the mines for the rest of his days!"
The King smiled. "I could not agree more." Yugi recognized that wolfish smirk and wanted to run, but Maya caught his arm.
"Do not look away, Yugi," She whispered. "Watch."
The King waved his hand. The medjay sprang forward and forced the old man to the ground. All confidence and bravado abandoned him and his face as a mask of shock and indignation. He tried to protest but one guard smacked him hard and silence him. The man tuned to the King for an explanation but all friendliness was gone from his face,
"You dare to interrupt my court, like you are above the very laws laid down by Ma'at, you come here accusing an innocent woman desperate to protect her child of theft after you robbed her of what was rightfully hers before she could even grieve her husband's death, you mock me, thinking me a fool who would not see through your hypocritical games and you insult the Gods with your very arrogance!" The King boomed. His voice echoing like thunder off the sandstone walls. For what Yugi guessed was the first time in his life, the man trembled with fear.
"My King, please!"
"Enough!" He silenced. "You named the punishment yourself!" Atem smirked again. "You are a liar, a coward and a thief, you fatten and spoil yourself on the misery of others while robbing my people blind. You steal what is lawfully theirs and hoard it for yourself, and now you dare have the audacity to beg?" His crimson eyes pierced the cowardly pale ones of the man below. His voice was dangerously low. "I think not."
He spun away from the shaking, terrified man on the ground and returned to his throne.
With no sympathy in his voice Siamon announced the declaration. Yugi didn't hear the man's name or titles, only the sentence that was to be immediately carried out. "You are hereby stripped of your name, your wealth, your titles and all rights to your land and ships. You are now a prisoner of the state and for your thievery you are sentenced to work in the mines until the King deems otherwise. As your son is dead, your wealth, status, titles and all you own shall be inherited by your son's child to be managed by his wife until her child comes of age." He nodded to the Medjay. "So let it be written, so let it be done."
The obeyed and forcibly dragged the shaking, screaming, pleading man from the courtroom.
"Oh thank you!" Yugi gasped and almost screamed when the young woman he'd all but forgotten was there prostrated herself at the King's feet. Tears spilled freely from her eyes but they were bright with an emotion Yugi recognized instantly—heartbreaking relief. "Thank you, Great nsw, wise son of Horus, thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" The poor woman was beside herself with gratitude and her gracious words were a mixture of laughter and tears.
The King rose from his seat and—to Yugi's shocked bewilderment—he knelt down to her and offered his hand. "Rise, my dear." He said gently. His smile soft and welcoming. "You are with child after all and though it is still young in your belly it would be unwise to risk its health".
The woman blinked, nodding and did as she was bid. She wobbled a bit and her aunt was quick to catch her. The aunt bowed in a gesture of gratitude as she too, thanked the King. Yugi watched the two women go, still shaking, still laughing, still shocked in their relief.
Siamon called for a delay, for which Yugi was grateful. Atem and Maya rose together, and as Maya had instructed, Yugi followed them. They departed through the secret door behind the throne and into the sanctuary of the outdoor courtyard. The rest of the room left through the front doors.
Once in the courtyard, Atem collapsed in a throne of pillows. Maya next to him. At once dancers and servants arrived, offering food, playing instruments or swirling their bodies in alluring patterns.
Only then did Yugi have the courage to asked to be excused.
"Go." Atem said tiredly. He didn't even cast Yugi a glance.
Yugi departed quickly and his behind a large, lotus, pillar in the hall and took a large, heavy breath. "What on earth happened?" He whispered, sinking to the floor. Only then did he allow himself to think.
"Quite the trial, was it not?" Yugi shot up, the moment lost. A man who addressed him was an older man, though not elderly. His long black hair was tied in a ponytail in the back and a beard in the front. His eyes were bright and blue and the laugh lines around his smile made him look like some little girl's favorite grandfather.
Yugi jumped to his feet spotlighted and embarrassed. "Um, can I help you…um…"
"Pardon me," The man bowed slightly. "I do not believe we've been properly introduced. "My name is Zephyros, I am one of the sepets of the North."
Yugi recognized the name. He was one of Atem's allies.
"Your first time at the Qenbet, I imagine?"
"My first time overseeing the trials." Yugi confessed.
"Aye, they are intense." Lord Zephyos nodded. "I do not pity the King for them. I may judge and jury in my own lands, but I know the people there and can gather the facts as I like. Here he must deduce the information using only what he has."
No, he doesn't. Yugi corrected in his head, recalling the Sepet who had been caught stealing taxes. He gathers whatever information he can, prepares in advance and lets the battle come to him. He doesn't strike first. It was an odd rationalization, but one that made sense.
Again the question of the day before came to his mind. A tyrant or a king. Surely Atem's actions seemed tyrannical, but in truth, Atem only ever displayed such behaviors with those who deserved it—his captors, the man who wanted to annex other's lands, the man who tried to steal that girl's child…Teana…Yugi recalled. What had she done to earn such malice? But…he'd shown kindness to that girl, far more than what was needed or expected of a King.
"However, I am glad I found you, Paniwhotep Ib-nsu." Lord Zephyros said and offered Yugi a small bow. "I wished to express my gratitude on your saving of my life."
Yugi blinked. "I—I do not understand?"
"My wife," He began, "she is pregnant but the child is not mine." He frowned. "The night you first came to court, she sought to come to my room but the medjay, under the King's orders barred her entrance. The wine she bought with he was drugged with infusion of lotus."
Yugi's eyes flashed with remembrance and then confusion.
"Infusion of lotus is a sleeping drought." He explained, noting the boy's bewildered expression. "I believe her plan was to have me sleep and convince me in the morning we had conceived, thus proving the child was mine. When the King came to me with his suspicions, I had us confined to separate rooms. It has been a month since then." The man paused, his face fell into a frown his eyes sad. "Her belly is swelling, but I was not there at the time of its conception…"
"I'm so sorry." Yugi offered his condolences. "Did you," He bit his lip, unsure if it was appropriate to ask. "Did you…love your wife?"
"I did love her very much." He said sadly. "Perhaps that is the saddest thing about this whole business. I'm afraid I have no choice now. We are staying until the Qenbet can finalize our divorce. She will be returned to her parents. She has a sizeable dowry as well, and will do well." He sounded neither pleased nor relieved with the decision.
Yugi's gut clenched. It was not fair. He seemed like such a kind man.
"It matters not." Lord Zephyros' face brightened. "You saved my life. I have no doubt she hoped once I thought the babe was mine, to be rid of me. The King asked me if I wished to charge her, but I could not bear the thought." He turned to Yugi with a beaming smile. "I am grateful to you for it."
Yugi nodded, a bit uncomfortable with the praise. "You're welcome." Yugi said quickly and added without thinking. "I hope you find another wife soon." He meant it to be comforting but once he said it, he heard how ridiculous it sounded.
Lord Zephyros laughed. "I hope so as well." He agreed, eyes beamed and his smile held a curve of devotion. "It is my hope that the next wife I take will care more for me."
Something about that made Yugi shiver. He bowed and quickly excused himself, making his way back to the courtyard and collapsed on the pillows besides the King. None of the courtiers had joined them, and aside from the dancing girls there were no others in the glade, though Yugi had no doubt the King's devoted medjay were hidden among the trees.
He watched the King through lowered eyes and frowned. He slouched tiredly, his fingers brushing his brow. His eyes were scrunched close and his brows and lips tightly creased. He seemed pensive—solemn, even. Yugi did not like it, did not like how unlike himself he seemed.
"My King?" Yugi called.
"Mm?" The king acknowledged him with a glance, but his eyes were vacant, staring off into the distance.
It was unnerving. Yugi decided, almost missing that arrogant curl of the King's smirk that confident fire burning in his eyes.
Abruptly, one of the girls danced in front of them, dipping low and swaying her hips and breasts seductively. Her body curled in ways deigned to hypnotize and seduce. She flashed a smile and winked. Yugi blushed and averted his gaze.
The King's gaze swung to him, and Yugi gulped. Steely crimson eyes observed him for a moment than quirked a brow. "You can never seem to relax, can you Meritwadjet?"
Was that a snicker? Yugi blinked and soon enough the smallest of smiles slid across the King's face. A refreshing change from the stoic, solemn figure he was before. The boy blushed, even with the warm air he could feel the heat radiating from the King, as if he were the sun itself.
Next to them Maya's whooping laugh sliced through the air. "Whoooyahahahahaha! You seem in much brighter spirits, brother."
Atem snatched a fig from a servant woman, and carefully undid the skins. "I am now, thank you sister." He took a large bite, regal even as he swallowed. "I confess, I did not expect such a dramatic Qenbet this eve." He took another bite of the fig. "Speaking on that," his eyes shifted to Yugi who blinked. "I see the question in your eyes." He said playfully, the teasing man once more. "What is it you wish to ask me? Or rather," He licked his lips. "What is it you wish to tell me?"
Yugi frowned, the question hot on his tongue, unsure if it wanted to be asked, but it needed to be asked. "When that man, the girl's father-in-law, when he stormed into the Qenbet, you did not arrest him." It was a statement not a question. "You could have but you did not. You let him speak, humored him even though he did not see it. He thought he'd already won…because you let him think that. You were baiting him, getting him to confess to his crimes and even name his own sentence."
Atem watched him deduce all of this, saying nothing thought his eyes brightened, impressed and intrigued. "Very observant." He said at last. "Why do you think I did all that?"
Yugi did not even need to think of the answer. "To confirm the girl was telling the truth." His fingers clenched, ashamed of accusing the poor woman, but understanding at once why the King could not automatically trust her words. "You could've arrested him on her word alone, but you did not because you had no proof she spoke true."
"Very good." Atem smiled, then snorted. "Despicable a man as he was, I could not form my judgements based on the woman and her aunt's words alone." He cast Maya a joking smirk. "As I'm sure you can attest sister, women can be just as snake-tongued as man."
"Whoooyaahahahaha!" Maya whooped in agreement. "Aye, and tears are a woman's weapon after all. Though there was certainly nothing rehearsed about that girls' weeping."
"No there was not." Atem nodded, solemnly. "Of course, even if she had I'd never have compelled a mother to separate from her child. Such a thing is cruel and serves no justice, whatever ranting and nonsense her father-in-law might have sprouted in retaliation."
All that, Yugi thought gaping and stupefied, to help one woman?
How could he be so kind, even generous at one moment and then ruthless the next? He looked again at the King, no longer the cold and expressionless man he'd seen sitting on the throne, with his bright eyes and almost playful grin.
Great Gods of Mount Olympus, Yugi thought, his head spinning. Just who was this King?
X X X
Shaken awake hours before dawn, Yugi put up no resistance as his servants quickly ushered him out of bed, washed him down and dressed him in a soft linen road tied with a thick yellow belt and leather sandals. A servant brought him a small breakfast of bread softened with fruit juices and honeyed milk, and urged him to eat quickly. He was still half-asleep when Siamon came to escort him.
Gradually as wakefulness returned, he noticed the servants scampering about, rushing more than usual, and realized the path where Siamon was leading him.
"What's happening?" Yugi asked.
"He who Oversees the King's Ships returned from the north last night,." Siamon explained, horridly. "The King has ordered the Great Royal Barge to be fully stocked, supplied, and ready to sail by dawn."
"Dawn?" Yugi gasped, grateful for Siamon's hand guiding him through the darkness. "Why does he need that? Who is Overseer of the King's Ships?"
"You know him better as husband to She who is Leader of the Dancers for the Troupe of Hathor." Came the even answer. Fortunately, Yugi recognized the title as Aziza's and recalled the dark-haired man he's seen her with on the King's Barge—and realized then he still did not know the man's name, and growled in frustration. How was it that Kemets knew who anyone was when no one was called by their given name, and everyone had at least five or six titles they were referred to instead?
"Aye," Siamon did not wait for an answer. "He returned last night, and Hem-netjr Seth is to return today. Make haste child." Siamon urged him, hurriedly through the darkened hall and into the outer courtyard. The soft lights of the rising sun painted the sky with pale pinks and lavenders and the slightest flash of red. Yugi was immediately grateful for the much needed light. "Per'a'ah wishes to assure himself of his safe return."
They came to the stables where a couple of golden chariots awaited, already reigned and drawn by a pair of fine stallions and a circle of the King's guards were at the ready. The most fabulous of all the chariot's was the King's itself: embossed gold decorated with interlacing patterns of men riding horses, gods of war and great victories.
Like Yugi the King wore a plain linen robe, absent of the intense furs and robes of yestereve's attire, though a decorative belt tied his waist and a cape dyed red as blood hung from his shoulders.
Catching sight of Yugi, he gave Siamon a nod of gracious dismissal and offered his hand. "Come," He commanded gently, "before Amun is born again."
He gave Yugi no time to argue. As soon as the boy offered his hand, he was tugged onto the chariot and Atem whipped the reigns. The chariot roared to life and Yugi shrieked, clinging, desperately, to the edge. After a particularly fierce roll, Yugi found himself hurled back, screaming with fright and clung to the closest solid for support. That solid turned out to be the King's waist, he realized only after he heard a dark chuckle. A strong arm held encircled his waist and pulled him forward. Yugi gasped as he spun in the King's arms finding himself wedged between the chariot and the King's chest. Out of options, he clung to the chariot's railing. Atem whipped the reigns again urging the horses faster into the desert.
The dawn's arrival they'd reached the edge of Per-nefer's great pier. Guards dismounted their chariots and formed a circle around the King, who remained where he stood. Too shaken to move, Yugi remained as well, his hands gripping the rim of the chariot so tightly his knuckles turned white. Never had he been so grateful to be standing still.
Before them the palace guard stood in a wide half circle around the chariots, their hands never far from their swords.
Shadows appeared in the far distance, swimming upstream and into the rising dawn. As the ship grew closer, sailors and dock hands pulled by a small mooring platform half-hidden by the vegetation. The boat glided into view, and Yugi saw a small group of men assembling to greet them. The boat slid into the bank and sailors tossed ropes to their companions who then secured the lines to the jutty. When the sailors were finished, Seth disembarked quickly.
The guards allowed him to pass without incident. Stepping closer to the chariot, the blue of his eyes was barely visible under the thick cakes of khol and a leopard skin thrown over his shoulder. He caught Yugi hiding behind the King, and arched a thinly drawn eyebrow.
The King took a haughty stance himself and bid the other closer. "I had hoped you would return today."
"Your Majesty is too kind." Seth demurred. "The winds were most favorable."
"Quite." Agreed the King with a boast. Yugi rolled his eyes. He could not see the King's face but Atem's eyes must've been glittering. "To travel south to Nekhen in honor of the Heru's sacred day. My advisors and I have agreed that it would be far more dutiful to accept our people's tribute in person this year. "
Nekhen? The town's name caught Yugi off guard. The City of Heru? Isn't that where Shada went? He thought, bemused.
"I see." Seth leveled. "A far trip so close to the Opening of the Year."
"Not so far." Atem protested with a wave of his hand "The Ceremony is still a decan away and the River is not so low. Overseer of the King's Royal Baroque assures me with the oars, we shall arrive in half that time."
"You wish for me to accompany you on this…journey?" Seth asked, but there was no question in his words.
The King nodded. "We are curious to learn how things fare up the river."
"Your Greatness honors me beyond words, but I must return to Ipet-iswt. My duties in the temple—"
"Are being overseen by Karim." Atem cut off the gracious refusal swiftly. "God's Wife of Amun has undertaken the necessary rituals and is bringing the Court to Waset. The Court shall reconvene at Waset for the Opening of the Year until Opet. You are free of your duties to the gods of Ipet-iswt."
Yet not to the Living Horus it seems. Yugi rolled his eyes again, not wondering for the first time wondering why Atem had brought him here if only to watch him hoard his power over the High Priest. He caught only a glimpse of the man's face: although his face remained stoic, his eyes were seething.
"Will he be accompanying us?" It was the first time Seth had acknowledged Yugi. He met the man's disapproving eyes and glared.
"He is Paniwhotep Ib-nsu." Atem said simply. "He accompanies us wherever we go."
Yugi jerked at that and caught the King's glittering eyes.
Seth exhaled through his nose. "As my Lord wishes. When do we leave?"
"Immediately."
Yugi's gaze snapped up at that.
"Immediately?" Seth looked flabbergasted. "We have just arrived, surely the boats cannot—"
"They are." Atem said confidently, as if the whole situation amused him immensely. "He who Oversees Our Ships arrived yestereve and preparations were finished shortly. Your arrival was a splendid coincidence. Now, come Yugi." The King urged him towards the chariot's stern and gripped the reins. Too shocked to rebel, Yugi obeyed and gripped the edge in preparation. "Make haste, the boats will not wait long." He whipped the reigns and the horses sped into the desert.
Yugi lost his footing when his ground lurched forward and was caught by the King's chest. The ground rumbling and roaring and rolling beneath them. Through the cloud of dust he saw Seth mount the second chariot where the amateur driver held the reigns, seething and grumbling the whole way. The Palace guards followed their King in a unified formation and remained in a half-moon shape, riding close but never passing their king.
Too soon they drew up to a pair of magnificent cedar ships parked along the bank. The largest of the two boasted a large cabin and ornate canopy that the smaller ship lacked. The Royal Flagship. He caught a glimpse of Maya's golden hair on board another, smaller ship. Jono and the rest of the Ipet accompanied her, bringing their servants and children. A larger ship carried Karim and Isis, though he saw no trace of Siamon or Akanadin. Already soldiers swarmed the docks and sterns, eager to be under way. The Captain stood at the stern, his dark hair tied back in a loose pony-tail, his sun-kissed skin dark from heavy work at the mercy of Ra's might.
"Aye Nsw!" He called in a cheery, cheeky voice, leaped over the edge and landed on the dock below. His face plastered in a wide grin. "Are we finally ready to cast off, or is that priest still dragging his heels?"
The chariot spun in a neat circle and pulled to a stop. Yugi gasped a sigh of relief, his legs were so wobbly, Atem had to help him down. Courtiers and sailors parted ways for the King, and cast Yugi a few curious glances. He ignored them and stumbled wobbly onto the dock behind the King, clenching the other's arm for support.
"Seth shall be here shortly." Atem addressed. "I trust all is ready to cast off, Omari?"
"Aye," The Captain snorted. "All's set. Ye send us up north for a month, summon us back and before I can even get off me boat, hug my son, kiss my daughter and bed my wife, you wanted us all ship and shape and ready to depart all over again." Though the retort was humerous, the words were so full of derision that Yugi's eyes expanded.
The King just laughed. "My apologies, Omari, but we have a tenday before the floods and I am needed in Nekhen. "How soon can we leave?"
The captain, whose name Yugi now recognized as Omari, cast a glance to the chariots below. He met the King's had with hard eyes. "Soon as the priests on board. Ye'er lucky the waters are coming back otherwise there'd never be enough time for such a long journey before the New Year."
Then why go at all? Yugi wondered. Nekhen was a long ways down the Nile, if he remembered his maps correctly, deep in the desert and not far from the capital. The city had once been important once—its temple was one of the oldest in Kemet—and still was the city of Horus. But then so was Men-nefer? The King had mentioned relocating to the capital for the holiday. Waset was certainly closer than Nekhen and both cities boasted several temples, a necropolis for the old kings, and an old ancestry. There were other, similar cities all along the river and much closer. By comparison, Nekhen seemed less important, hardly worth a royal visit.
A jerk on his support made him stumble and he was quickly caught by the King who ushered him towards the jetty. To his relief, Mahad stood on the quay. The King acknowledged him with a nod and gestured Yugi forward. "Stay with Mahad." He ordered, leapt nimbly over the rail and exited toward the prow.
Yugi slumped against the railing, watching sailors pull the mooring away and secure the rigging.
"Yugi." Mahad said with a smile, though his eyes looked no more pleased about the situation as he was.
"We're going to Nekhen,." Yugi said obviously, grunting a little as the ship started to move.
"It seems that way." Mahad nodded, leaning beside him. His expression grim and his gaze cast off towards the distance. "When the King had set his mind to something, it is best to do as he says."
"Aye," Yugi snorted with derision. "Less we all have our heads put on spikes!"
"Yugi!" Mahad gasped incredulously. "The King has his reasons!"
Yugi snorted.
Mahad expelled a heavy sigh.
A loud whistle cut through the conversation, preluding a loud holler of "PREPARE TO CAST OFF!"
"Off you go then." Mahad said, gently ushering him over the rail and onto the deck.
Yugi's stomach dropped. "You're not coming with us?"
"Oh I am," Mahad reassured him then added "but on a different vessel."
Yugi groaned with disappointment.
"Not to worry, Aziza will be with you."
His Majesty, Yugi thought he meant to add but wisely did not. He left on that unsatisfactory note and found himself alone in the silence.
The sailors set to work and he clung to the railing. Seth finally leapt over the railing and stomped to the shelter of the shaded canopy, grumbling the entire way. Yugi snorted and watched the pier shift and bob before him as the ship pushed out into the middle of the river. Not far behind, the second of the large cedar ships, doubtless carrying Mahad and the other priests pushed off from the quay. Four or five smaller ships followed behind like loyal dogs and before long they were all swooping along behind the King and his Royal Barge.
"Why Nekhen?" He asked though he did not expect an answer.
He expelled a frustrated sigh and ran a hand through his hair. The city and the vague shadow of the palace disappearing in the shadows of the dawn.
He spotted Aziza sitting in the shelter of the canopy and his face brightened. Hurriedly, he sat beside her and noticed. "Your children are not with you?"
She shook her head. "Nay, Jabari and Banafrit have traveled with the Ipet. Her Majesty is going straight to Waset."
"We're going to Nekhen." Yugi added bitterly.
Aziza shrugged. "It seems that way."
The answer frustrated him. "Why Nekhen?" He asked though he did not expect an answer.
"Bah! I wish I knew." Aziza snorted on that clenched, grated tone she used when she was frustrated. "I grilled Omari for hours but he won't tell me. Must be important though for Per'a'ah to leave so suddenly."
"Not so sudden." Yugi countered. The sun was rising quickly and he was suddenly grateful for the shade. "He said at the Qenbet he was planning to travel."
"Aye, planning." Aziza noted. "Not decided. Not knowing when or where? Something must have happened. The King never does things on a selfish whim."
"Then why Nekhen?" Yugi asked, desperately.
She looked to him for a long moment, then sighed. "I suppose we will find out."
Unable to bear more, Yugi excused himself and ran to the rail of the boat. He slumped forward, defeated, eyes focusing on the shifting blue waters and the swirling darkness below. "What—what just happened?"
That last scene took FOREVER to write! i swear! thank god for my beta helping me get through my writers block! i had a huge debate to make that last scene its own chapter but decided against it...glad i did since it fit the title much better.
Omari-(Otogi/Duke), Master of the Great Royal Baroque (captain), Overseer of All the King's Ships, and Overseer of the King's Navy, Aziza's husband and father of her twin children
Historical Notes:
Bit of a geography lesson, contradictory to modern geographic maps, the ancient Egyptians, as well as the county of Egypt in general did not follow the North and South pattern, due to the Nile's source being high in the mountains the river actually flowed from SOUTH to NORTH, with the Nile Delta being the mouth of the river that fed into the Mediterranean Sea. Because of this Egypt was separated into two parts: the Delta (Kemet—the black land) and the Desert (-the red land) ironically, they were not called North and South Egypt but UPPER and LOWER Egypt. The Desert, which was at a high elevation to the Delta (which is why the river flowed south) was known as UPPER Egypt, and the Delta which was elevationally LOWER than the desert was thus LOWER Egypt, however the Delta, on modern maps is located in the NORTH and the DESERT is SOUTH. At this time in history Waset (modern Thebes) was the capital and was located in Upper Egypt, in the Delta, right on the Nile's curve and a hop-skip away from Nekhen, and since Royal ships had oars for traveling up River, despite the distance I estimated the journey would take no longer than five days—faster since from Memphis to Thebes is a straight line. So hope that clears up some confusion—I had to research a LOT of maps to make sure I got the dialect right.
Also—which I learned AFTER I used Waset as the setting for Timaeus, Waset, the city was located on the EAST side of the Nile, around the Temples of Amun and Mut-Sekhmet (what is today modern Luxor) the WEST side of the river, was where the temple and funeral complexes of previous pharaohs were aka, the city of the dead (Sorry Mummy fans, no Hammenaptra) This included both pyramids, mortuary temples and underground burial chambers like those Tut was found in. It also included the Malkata palace built by Amenhotep II (father of Akenaten and grandfather of King Tut) of whose palace I based Atem's palace complex—thought the West was for the dead, Amenthotep built the palace there directly across from the Temple of Amen (Luxor) as to no conflict with the growing priesthood)
