Tut and Suhad
The End of Year One.
Now is a time for reflection. Suhad and her husband Kha'aten, formally called Tutankhamun, have had a year of changes both of joy and sorrow. The Pharaoh gave up his throne for the woman that was his soul mate. Kha'aten used the death of his friend Ka, to leave Egypt. The kingdom now left to the desires of his grandfather Ay. Since the older man's ascendsion, the kingdom has seen war, struggle and death. The Mitanni Empire, long allies of Egypt, are now but a distant memory. General Horemheb and his army along with other allies fulfilled his dreams of wiping the Mitanni from the map. One of the casualties of this was Suhad's uncle. He met his end on the battle field. His sacrifice gave her the home that she and her children now live. The new Queen is dead after going into premature labor. Egypt is again with out heir and Ay's macinations of a long lasting dynasty are nothing more than grains of sand in an hourglass. His son, Kha'tens uncle, Nakhtmin, is Ay's advisor and true father of the Queen's child, has been seething about the loss. He blames his father. Daily he plots his father's death. He knows there will come a day. Patience is on his side.
No more is thier home disturbed by soldiers coming for Suhad. With the new King, the need for her to return is no longer relivant to Ay's plans. Though Lagus has frequented the bars in Thebes, there are quiet whispers about a possible assissination attempts on Ay's life by members of the Hittites. There have been no evidence to support these claims but patrols in the city have been doubled and citizens have been ordered into service against their will by the Pharaoh's command. The people of Thebes do not have a love for their king. The priest seem to hide in thier temples. Penthu, the head priest, doesn't speak to the Pharaoh as much as his predicessor has done in the past. Ay usually leaves the priest in his hands. As long as the priest do not interfer with how Ay conducts his rule, he is left alone.
In Kha'aten household, things are quiet. Tut sits and watches the children. Sek'met was so small when they left Egypt but he like his father has grow much. The toddler spends his days playing with Ma'at. She is almost the age that Tut was when he became Pharaoh. Tut sometimes wonders how things would have been if he had stayed on he throne. Ma'at, even though she is not his blood, is the daughter he always wanted. Not a day passes that he is greatful to the Gods that he found her. He feels they have blessed him with her accepting him as her father. She was angry when they left because he had promised her that nothing would be taken from her. Yet, they left their home. She has forgiven him. She has wisdom of someone of much older years. For this he smiles. He stands and walks into his bedroom.
Inside, Suhad is resting. She hasn't been feeling well and Tut is hoping this is a sign that she is again with child. Only time will tell if she is carrying a gift from the Gods. He sometimes thought that they have exacted revenge on him for leaving his throne. The death of his sister Ankhesenamun hung over him for months after leaving Thebes. Her death at the hands of Ay made him want to return and take his grandfather's life. Suhad, the children and Lagus are the only reasons that kept him from riping the man's throat out with his bare hands. If he had returned to Thebes, Ay would have excuted him with out hesitation just to prevent the loss of the throne. Horemheb would have taken no time arresting the former King. Lagus reminded him of his love for Suhad and the children. He will always be thankful that Lagus came with them. He knows that if something should happen to him that they will be safe.
As a new year begins, there is an uncertainty in the air. Lagus has mentioned on may occasions that he would like to return home and check on his parents. Sadly, news has arrived from Rome that his parents have died. Lagus has not reacted well to the news. Jugs line the wall of his room. Some may contain wine while other are half full of beer. Kha'aten does not go to see his friend. He has spoken to him through the door. Lagus responds the same each time Tut inquires about his well being. "I am fine. Just leave me alone." Kha'aten wishes he can help comfort his friend but he understands that everyone grieves in their own way. His checking on Lagus lets him know that in this dark time he is not alone. Lagus for now, drinks himself into a stupor. Kha'aten hopes that Lagus will forgive himself someday and that he is part of his family with Suhad. What does the future hold in this coming year? Only the Gods know for sure. So far, they have remained quiet.
