Hey all, I was sure I already put this chapter up, obviously I was wrong.
Thanks to my reviewers,
Kazey - I'm glad you don't think my writing skills suck too badly.
Kola-Pup - Another one who believes I have some sort of talent. Thank you. I write to entertain, myself as well as all you wonderful people out there who think my stories are worth taking the time to read.

Chapter 3

The next few days passed uneventfully until one morning Joseph noticed the butler was more sullen than usual. 'Why so quiet Nefer?' Joseph asked casually.

'I'm always quiet' Nefer replied unenthusiastically.

'You are quieter than usual.'

'What is that supposed to mean?'

'That I can tell something is bothering you.'

Nefer sighed. 'You would probably find this stupid but I had a dream last night and it worries me. Usually I could go to the temple to find the meaning but obviously I can't now.'

'I don't find that stupid. I believe God is the only one who can tell what dreams mean. I used to have dreams like that, still do occasionally. Why don't you tell me your dream?'

'Well…' Nefer started hesitantly. 'In my dream I saw a grapevine with three branches. Soon after it sprouted it blossomed. Then its clusters ripened into grapes. Pharaohs cup was in my hand so I took the grapes and squeezed them into it. Then I put the cup into Pharaoh's hand.'

Joseph was silent for a while before he spoke. 'Here is what it means.' Joseph started. ' The three branches are three days. In the next three days Pharaoh will release you and restore you to your position. You will once again be his cupbearer. Remember me when you are free and please… mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of prison. I have done nothing to deserve being put in this dungeon.'

'Of course, if I get out of here like you said. Thank you.' Nefer replied meaningfully gripping Joseph's hand firmly before moving off looking more cheerful than he had since he arrived in prison.

Before Joseph could leave the baker piped up. Which was strange as he always refused to join in Joseph and Nefer's conversations. 'I had a dream also. In my dream three baskets of white baked goods were on my head. The top basket contained all kinds of baked goods for Pharaoh, but the birds were eating them out of the basket on my head. What does it mean?'

Joseph looked disturbed at the dream and didn't know what to do.

'Tell me what it means. I have to know… I … I must know.'

'Ok.' Joseph took a deep breath. 'The three baskets also mean three days. In the next three days Pharaoh will cut off your head and hang your dead body on a pole. The birds will eat the flesh from your bones.'

Two days later was Pharaoh's birthday. And as Joseph predicted the butler and baker were summoned for judgement. Nefer was to once again serve Pharaoh and the baker was executed. In the excitement Nefer forgot his promise and Joseph remained in prison.

It was two years later when Nefer did tell Pharaoh. Pharaoh had two dreams in one night the night before, they disturbed him and he wanted to know what they meant. He told his dreams to his priests and advisors but they could not tell him what they meant. When Nefer heard of this he was reminded of the promise he had made in prison two years ago and felt ashamed.

'Excuse me great majesty, but I remember a promise I failed to keep. Some time ago when Pharaoh was angry with his servants, he confined me and the chief baker to the captain of the guard's prison. We both had dreams in the same night. A young Hebrew, a slave of the captain of the guard was with us. He told each of us what they meant. What he told us happened; I was restored to my position and the baker was hung on a pole.'

'Have him brought to me immediately.' With this Pharaoh waved him away.

Joseph was talking to one of the prisoners when the guards burst in followed by someone Joseph never thought he would see again. Potiphar had volunteered to go get him.

'What…' Joseph started only to be ignored by the intruders.

'That's him.' Was all Potiphar said pointing at Joseph. The guards seized him and dragged him out of the prison.

'What is going on? …Potiphar?' Joseph asked uncertainly as he was shoved into a carriage, Potiphar getting in behind him.

'You are to meet Pharaoh Amenhotep IV.' Potiphar replied refusing to look at Joseph.

Joseph gave up trying to find out what was about to happen to him and sat back to look out the window as the carriage moved through the city.

Moments later however, filled with conflicting emotions Joseph once again spoke. 'Potiphar, I think I understand why you put me in prison. I just want to say I forgive you.'

Potiphar turned towards him his face full of anger. 'What makes you think that I need or even want your forgiveness! A slave! Your words worthless to me! Do not impugn my honour! I am not your equal and as such have no use for your forgiveness!'

After being thoroughly poked, prodded, scrubbed, perfumed, shaved and dressed; Joseph was brought before Pharaoh. It felt good to be clean again after 8 years being unable to have a good wash.

Pharaoh looked down at Joseph from his throne. 'I had a dream, and no one can tell me what it means. I heard that when you are told a dream, you can say what it means.'

'No I can't, but God can give Pharaoh the answer that he needs.'

'Which God is that? Amun? Thoth? …'

'No Pharaoh, the one true God.'

'Yes…' Pharaoh looked dubious, 'anyway… In my dream I was standing on the bank of the Nile. Suddenly, seven nice-looking, well-fed cows came up from the river and began to graze among the reeds. Then seven other cows came up behind them. These cows were gaunt, very sick and thin. I've never seen such sickly cows in all of Egypt! The thin, sickly cows ate up the seven well-fed ones. Even though they had eaten them they looked as sick as before. Then I woke up.' Before Joseph could speak Amenhotep continued. 'In my second dream I saw seven good, full heads of grain growing on a single stalk. Seven other heads of grain, withered, thin and scorched by the east wind, sprouted behind them. The thin heads of grain swallowed the seven good heads. I told this to the magicians but no one could tell me what it meant.'

'The dreams Pharaoh had was the same dream twice.' Joseph began. 'God has told Pharaoh what he is going to do. The seven good cows are seven years and the seven good heads of grain are the same seven years. The seven thin sickly cows that came up behind them are the next seven years. The seven empty heads of grain scorched by the east wind are these seven years also.' Joseph looked into Amenhotep's worried face. 'It is as I have said to Pharaoh. God has shown Pharaoh what is to come. Seven years are coming when there will be plenty of food in Egypt. After them will come seven years of severe famine. The people will forget the abundance of the past seven years and famine will ruin the land. The reason Pharaoh had the dream twice, means that this will definitely happen and soon.'

'If this is true, what is to be done?' Pharaoh enquired.

After a moment of Amenhotep staring at his advisors only to have them stare back blankly, Joseph spoke again.

'If I may make a suggestion majesty.' Joseph enquired cautiously. 'Pharaoh should put a wise and intelligent man in charge of Egypt. Make arrangements to appoint supervisors over the land to take… a fifth of Egypt's harvest during the seven good years. Store up the grain under Pharaoh's control to be kept for food during the seven years of famine that will follow. Then the land will not be ruined by the famine.'

Pharaoh looked around at all his advisors and ministers that were present. They all seemed impressed by the Hebrew slave's idea, as was he himself.

'Because God has let you know all this, there is no one as wise and intelligent as you. You will be in charge of my palace, and all of my people will do what you say. I will be more important than you but only because I am Pharaoh.' Amenhotep stood and came down the steps of his throne to stand in front of Joseph. 'I now put you in charge of Egypt.' Pharaoh said putting his ring on Joseph's finger.

The next few days had passed like a dream, Joseph was still in shock. Never had he dreamt that he would be in such a position. Administrator of an entire country… Egypt no less! He had had new robes fitted and Pharaoh had given him a gold chain that showed his station. Not only that but he had to get used to a new name, Zaphenathpaneah. And he was now married to a quiet, good-natured, not to mention beautiful woman named Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, an influential high priest from On.

Joseph travelled around Egypt checking on the supervisors and helping out with disputes and other problems that might arise. He loved travelling but it was extremely uncomfortable for him to travel through the villages. As he passed everyone would bow down. The first time this happened he had tried to stop it… let's just say it is easier to let them bow.

When he was not travelling around Amenhotep was questioning him about God. Genuinely interested, he asked Joseph many well thought out questions he had prepared while contemplating their last discussion. While Joseph tried his best to answer the questions well, he did not know Amenhotep's views or his incentive, as he only asked questions and gave no indication of what he thought of the answers given.

Joseph had just finished his last expedition of the plentiful years and was travelling home determined to spend sometime with his wife.

I have been away for so long she has probably forgotten my name. Joseph thought smiling to himself.

'What's on your mind sir?' His friend and head bodyguard asked with a half smile of his own.

'Well Sekhen, if you must know,' Joseph replied in mock annoyance, ' my wife.'

'What a coincidence I was just thinking about your wife also.' Sekhen said seriously concentrating on the road ahead. Joseph shot Sekhen a sharp look, at which Sekhen burst out laughing. Joseph was not sure what to make of this; Sekhen's sense of humour was confusing to him sometimes. Sekhen saw Joseph's face expression and laughed again. 'C'mon Josie! Like she would go for me when she has you…not that I haven't tried…' Sekhen trailed off. One look at Joseph's face made him quickly add. ' I'm joking ok? Calm down.'

It was Joseph's turn to laugh. 'Are you afraid of me Sekhen?'

'Not a chance, Zaphenathpaneah sir! I could seriously kick your arse.'

'That would look REALLY good. Pharaoh right-hand man beaten by his own bodyguard.'

'Oh come off it.'

Finally they came in sight of the city.

'Home.' Joseph sighed longingly.

'Is it?' Sekhen asked with a sidelong glance at his charge.

'Yes, I have all that I need right here. What else could I want.' Joseph replied with a searching look.

'I can think of one thing. Fam…'

'I have no family apart from my wife and two sons. Do not start. I should never have confided in you.' Joseph said angrily cutting Sekhen off, though he only looked tired. 'Let's get a move on. I am anxious to see my wife.'

Finally reaching the mansion called his house Joseph jumped off his horse in relief impatiently handing the reigns to a stable hand and made his way towards the entrance hall. On his way though, he heard his Egyptian name called and turned to see a royal messenger making his way towards him.

Taking a deep breath Joseph replied. 'Yes?'

'His majesty Pharaoh Amenhotep IV requires your presence immediately Lord Zaphenathpaneah.'

'May I at least bathe first?'

'Well His Great Majesty said the instant you arrived, no matter what state.'

'Right. Tell him I'm on my way.' Joseph said resignedly turning back towards the stable as the messenger took off running for the palace.

'Meren! Is there a fresh horse that can be saddled immediately? I'm overdue at the palace.'

'I'll get on it right away.' The master of the stables replied from somewhere in the dark building, an outbreak of movement and sounds ensuing.

Joseph strode through the palace towards the audience chamber trying hard to suppress his irritation. He had only just arrived home with a romantic night with his wife planned out in his mind when he was called to the palace with no time to even greet his wife let alone have a romantic evening.

He paused at the entrance long enough to be announced before taking a deep breath and entering. The first thing that he noticed was that it was empty. Apart from the Pharaoh and himself it was completely empty which was incredibly strange. Not even a scribe was present.

'Zaphenathpaneah, I sent everyone away as soon as I knew you were on your way.'

'Yes your majesty, but if I may ask… Why?'

'A discussion it would be easier to keep private for the moment. I am not overly popular with the people these days, they do not understand the necessity of the loss of five percent of their crops. They see it as another tax with no benefit to them.'

'That will change very soon.'

'Has it been seven years already?'

'Almost.'

Amenhotep sighed massaging his temple. 'That is not the reason I asked you here. I have made a very important decision. I have noticed great similarities in our religions, mostly the ideals. The biggest difference is that while we try so hard to follow these ideals of perfection and must always strive towards them never feeling that we ever make it…you seem to succeed effortlessly where we fail. Tell me, why is that?'

'I am nowhere near perfect. I do fail and I do not have all the answers; I am as human as everyone else. That is where our beliefs are completely different. God is perfect so I don't have to be. We are all sheep and he is the shepherd; if we trust him and follow wherever he goes we cannot fail.'

'Why sheep?'

'What do you mean?'

'Why did you use filthy stinking sheep as an example?'

'I don't know, perhaps because my tribe were shepherds.'

Amenhotep's lip curled and he raised an eyebrow as he spoke. 'Really? I do not really know anything about your past do I Zaphenathpaneah.'

'The past is past your majesty. With all respect I'd like to keep it that way.'

'Because I respect you I will leave it at that, apart from this; Even I can see that there are issues in your past that you have not addressed. You cannot run from your past forever, it will confront you one day. I just hope that it does not prove to be your downfall.'

'What is it you wanted of me pharaoh?' Asked Joseph changing the subject.

'Oh yes, we have gotten a bit off topic. I have no delusions, I know my people will never accept a God worshiped by nomads, filthy shepherds no less. Nothing against you of course.'

'Of course.'

'But I have decided to change Egypt's religion. When I have the most support of the people, during the famine years. No one would dare move against me while the people believe I have saved them from death.'

'How will that work? You have just said the people will never accept my God. Do you think they would during the famine years?'

'No, no I would turn the whole country against me. A compromise is needed an Egyptian version of your God with a physical form. I have decided to introduce him as the sun disk and he will be known as Aten. As a sign of my devotion to this new God I will change my name to Ankhenaten.'

'I do not agree with your plan Pharaoh, Aten is not my God.'

'It is my plan Zaphenathpaneah, I can not see what you find so wrong with it.'

'As you say majesty, it is your plan.'

Joseph left Amenhotep's presence confused and full of conflicting emotions about what Pharaoh had told him. What could he do? What should he do? He had no answers and went home troubled all thoughts of a romantic night gone.

A/N: (Spoken dramatically) Next chapter - Joseph's past comes back (or should I say forward)to haunt him and we get a glimpse of the regent (heir to the throne). A must see/read occaision. Stayed tuned for Slaves of Ancient Eygpt Chapter 4!
Honestly I'm hilarious. HA! ha. ha... That's what you get for me eating chocolate and drinking coke.