I am drowning, thinks Urat.

The river of life has become polluted in his veins. The yellow sickness rises up and overflows into his lungs. He hacks and coughs until the wretched liquid recedes backs into the abyss of his organs.

He has been expecting this day for some time. The last several weeks have been spent in preparation for all of his needs from the petal-thin gold that gilds his coffin to the soapstone trinkets that will be nestled inside. Massive jars of lye and vinegar are sitting in the embalmer's house, waiting patiently for his mortal shell to receive its final bath. Slaves and servants have fitted the axles to the cart that will carry his body to its final resting place just beyond the Valley of the Kings.

Yet Urat delays.

Every time his lungs feel ready to burst, the chilled sensation under his skin ebbs away. Every day his flesh creaks with pain, it is accompanied by a grudging thought that he is still among the living.

Perhaps I am not so willing to join my fathers as I thought I was, he muses to himself.

"Urat," a masculine voice hovers overhead. He recognizes Amenhotep's throat at once; the crackling impatience he has been struggling to master all his days. But even now Pharoah's voice is lower, almost gentle with concern.

"My lord," Urat manages to wheeze out. A warm dry hand grasps his own. Urat looks down at his own hand. Was this the palm that wore a royal signet ring? Was this the hand that signed Egypt's future with a bit of ink? Now it is a scrap of skin stretched tightly over a bundle of sticks too small to make a fire.

"My lord," Urat repeats. "I did not sire you, yet I strove to honor your father's spirit in my service."

"Your service has been recognized, most honorable viceroy," Amenhotep assures him. "You shall be rewarded tenfold in the Afterlife for it."

The lump on the Pharoah's throat wobbles, even though his eyes are still bright and brilliant against the flames of the torches. Only Urat has seen Pharoah up close enough times to know there's a sliver of new moonlight inside each of the king's eyes. It is fleeting, so you must catch it fast before his gaze turns stern again. But Urat is glad to have noticed it again.

"You were the best of men," he concludes.

"Then you must know better men," Urat sighs. He feels Pharoah's hand squeeze his own and the clawing cold under his skin ebbs back just enough.

"How?" Pharoah goes on, his voice tight with frustration. "I have seen into their hearts, and they are all alike. Their smooth lips offer praises to the gods, yet in their hearts they covet wealth and glory. They swear allegiance to Pharoah, but I know they serve themselves."

The cold is moving again…so slow and yet so fast. Urat cannot feel his feet any longer. His ankles have become stone, and his legs are growing rigid.

"Find…." He struggles to breathe as darkness swallows his stomach.

"Find one…" Urat whispers weakly. "serves …higher…."

The fingertips go numb. He is unaware of Amenhotep's tight grasp of his own weak palm.

The hands begin to open in defeat. Urat prays for one last breath, one final gift of wisdom to give his king before he departs this world forever.

"….Pharoah."

Urat's mouth goes still.

He is aware of the last glint in the mortal eye Pharoah Amenhotep…and then nothing at all.

A-A-A

"My heart is mine in the house of hearts

My chest is mine in the house of chests

My heart is mine and is content with me"

-Book of the Dead, Chapter 26

A-A-A

Two swift-footed slaves departed to fulfill Pharoah's request just before he ordered the throne room emptied.

"The court will resume in four hours," he announced. Then he threw back the curtains and strode out to drink, pace, or pound out his rage beneath the hooves of his horses.

The queen took advantage of this time to return to her chambers. And so, we all shuffled silently behind Queen Tiaa as we followed her back into calm and orderly rooms. Once there, we found our tongues and a girl asked if the queen was feeling well enough to return to the court that afternoon.

"I am," was all she said.

But after Yamun peeled off the queen's dress and handed it to me, I felt the dampness beneath my palm. Nevertheless, Tiaa remained composed as Yamun bathed her hands, feet, and temples with scented water.

"The fringed one, my lady?"

"No. Bring the red dress with the beaded hem," the queen said.

"Very good, my lady."

"Asenath, fetch the cat brooches from my jewel chest," she commanded me.

The brooches had been nestled in a corner of the chest next to an onyx bangle. As soon as the queen had been dried off, I took out the brooches and handed them to Yamun, who used them to fasten a white cape to the shoulders of the queen's fresh dress. Tiaa had already traded in her long curly wig for a short straight one, but the simpleness was offset by the orange band Yamun had secured around her head and the golden cobra that rested just above the queen's forehead. The entourage of sunrise colors, the serpent glistening on her head, and the queen's restored calmness all had created an impressive display of confidence.

"Are you all right, Asenath?" she suddenly asked me.

"Oh, yes. Never better," I assured her hurriedly.

"Your hands are trembling," Tiaa commented.

"Your lips are red as blood," exclaimed one maidservant. "And your cheeks are crimson as berries."

I clasped my palms to my flaming cheeks. "Are they now?" I declared, struggling to keep the tremor out of my voice. "How odd. I do not feel ill at all."

"Are you certain?" the queen pressed me. "Perhaps you should retire to your room. I do not want anyone reappearing before Pharoah in a feeble state of mind."

"No, no. I implore you to allow me to return to the court," I begged her. "Perhaps I became agitated in the heat of the moment. I am sure a bit of physical activity will restore my blood's balance."

"Perhaps," she echoed. "And this is indeed an exciting situation that would thrust anyone into hysterics. I have never seen anything like it in my lifetime.

"But as women of the court, we must maintain composure at all times," she reminded us. "People will be looking to us for support. There must be no fatigue, nor failure of the heart, whatever the outcome may be."

I agreed warmly with her, just before a servant dropped to one knee and offered me a plate bearing radishes. I accepted two and placed them in my mouth. I forced my jaws up and down, willing my teeth to grind the radishes into a pulp. The clean bitter taste burned my nostrils, but I relished the distraction as much as fresh breath.

I swallowed hard and then offered to prepare a nosegay for the queen. "Yes, I would like some flowers," she agreed. "And perhaps the garden air will help cool your burning cheeks."

I took a pair of shears and made my way to the gardens. The lustrous tulip beds were in full bloom, with dainty rows of red and yellow blossoms parading before my eyes. My fingers flexed and automatically went to work snipping a flower here and there as I strode between the exotic shrubs and walking around the glimmering lotus pool. My mouth was scorched clean from the radishes, while my heart was beating madly within my chest as a musician pounds away upon his drum.

Oh Lord, I hope he thinks I have grown pretty.

Something bit my thumb and I yelped. It was not a bee; the shears had nicked my finger. I licked the bead of blood off easily with my tongue, but the warning hovered overhead.

Would I then pierce my palm in a fever of passion? Would Zulekia's madness infect me? Regain your senses! I commanded myself.

Fortunately, the time in the garden allowed my heart to eventually steady itself. And though my palms were still damp with sweat, they were no longer shaking. Two maidservants entered and asked if I might cut nosegays for them too. I heartily agreed, glad to put my rattled nerves to good use and we spent half an hour in the garden selecting tulips and poppies.

"Let us select one red poppy and one yellow ripe tulip each," said I. "And then we can wrap blue cornflowers around them so that each one resembles a flame."

"Yes! That is a good idea!" declared one of the girls. "Let these flowers illuminate a path for Pharoah in his hour of need."

But her companion still appeared concerned.

"My older sisters have served in the temple of Bast," she spoke in a low voice. "But I have it on good authority this Semite slave is possessed by Anubis, for he has sat beside the dark gates of the Karnak prison just as Anubis guards the Underworld. I fear the wild jackal may devour the cat in all of us."

I was torn between a desire to laugh or rebuke from her words. "Where did you hear this?" I inquired coolly.

"The High Priest said so!" she insisted. "The Semite must possess a charm that keeps him tethered to the Afterlife, for few of his Karnak prisoners caught the plague. No doubt his magic kept their spirits restored in this world…but what if he breathes death upon us all?!"

I squared my shoulders and turned to face her directly. "Whatever rumors are circulating around this foreign slave, nothing can be certain until he is presented before Pharoah," I answered firmly, "And Pharoah alone will decide what to do with him."

I hoped the conviction of my words would overpower the vibrations in my throat. It seemed to work because the girl instantly threw her arms around my neck. "Asenath, you are so sensible!" she trilled. "I should have known a priestess would have the answers."

She thought me sensible, yet every passing second was a mad struggle for me not to collapse into hysterics.

A-A-A

We returned to the throne room to find a refreshed and redressed Pharoah seated upon the throne.

He must have washed his face because the kohl had been reapplied with more delicacy. His eyes had lost their reddened look and now he had restored the intense scrutiny that Pharoah was renowned for.

Upon his head was a white starched cylinder encircling a tall red pin; the double-crown of Egypt, signifying his mastery over the Upper and Lower Kingdoms. The hooded fan of a golden cobra was twisted around his crown and stretched upwards, looming ominously over the court.

Amenhotep's new kilt was striped in wine-drenched purple and dazzling yellow, both made of royal precious dyes. Stretching across Amenhotep's shoulders was a half-circle necklace adorned with ten rows of alternating purple-and-white rectangular beads hammered from rare seashells. The radiant blue eye of Horus was secured in a pectoral gold talisman that glistened over Pharoah's heart.

"The Semite would be wise to tremble before Pharoah", everyone seemed to whisper in agreement.

The queen eased herself back into her throne and I saw Pharoah's attention instantly pivot to her. He must have approved of her new attire because his eye ran up and down her body with heated approval. He uttered no words to her, yet I noticed a rosy glow in the queen's cheeks and her eyes flickered downwards before lifting back up to her husband's face. The moment of unspoken tenderness was tempered by Tiaa's fan-bearer who was flapping away a pesky fly. I watched the insect spiral twice in the air and then fly high and free out of an open window.

Pharoah's satisfaction was short-lived. No sooner had he torn his eyes away from Tiaa then he glowered at his court officials.

"Where is he?" Pharoah growled.

A servant approached the throne and dropped to his knee before Pharoah. "Leaving the bathhouse," he answered meekly.

"What? Oh—yes!" said Pharoah. "We can't have lice or maggots infesting the palace."

"Of course," the queen agreed in respectful agreement. "It would be intolerable for any citizen to appear before his Pharoah in a slovenly fashion."

I thought her answer would ease Pharoah's irritation. But when the cupbearer arrived with a fresh tray and Pharoah's full cup, the lord of Egypt turned his burning eyes upon the man.

"You were imprisoned two years ago," said he. "Why did you wait until now to inform me about the Semite?"

"Pharaoh's illness appeared fatal. I spoke up when I thought it was prudent to do so," the man muttered meekly.

Pharoah's brow clouded over. I braced myself for him to roar at his subordinate. But Pharoah's pride restrained his wrath.

"You were not prudent," he rebuked. "For two years this man has remained in confinement and only now did you speak up. It was not on his behalf that your lips opened, or for Pharoah's sake, but for yourself alone. Did you think that you could evade the Sacred Bull's judgement and escape the hangman's noose a second time? A foreign slave he may be, but you were in debt to a man for reading your night vision. You evaded your tax-collector."

"The price of your dues has more than doubled," announced Pharoah. "Take him away."

At once the cupbearer found his gilded tray removed from his hands. Four guards rushed forward and pinned his arms behind his back. The color in his face all drained out.

"My lord, what shall we do with him?" asked a guard.

Pharoah rubbed a finger over his mouth edgily. "Remove him from my presence. I will never see his face again."

There was clemency in his verdict, but the cupbearer still gasped and squeaked as he was dragged away.

I never saw him again in my life. Of his fate, I knew nothing. One could only hope his debts were settled in this world so that he would not be impoverished in the Afterlife.

A new servant was summoned to take the cupbearer's place and he offered Pharoah his usual two cups of wine. The servant had just begun filling the third cup when a guard rushed in and announced, "The prisoner has arrived".

There was the great sound of bodies rising in unison, of papers being shuffled away and feet hastening to stand in formation. I saw Pharaoh bang his cup down on the tray and then grip his staff firmly in his hand. If this jackal-blessed stranger of the prison depths had sorcery within him, Amenhotep was prepared to do battle with him.

The doors of the throne room divided, causing further rays of the sun to gleam across the endless alabaster walls of the hallway. Two guards marched into the room with arms linked through a third man who was being half-escorted, half-dragged forward.

They ploughed to the center of the room with ruthless urgency, then quickly unlinked their arms from the man. One guard nudged the man's back with his spear, causing the prisoner to stagger a step forward before regaining his composure.

My lips fell apart, my hands grew weak and heavy. I could not laugh, cry, or even speak for the swelling of sensations that filled my spirit and nearly brought tears to my eyes. I could only release a long deep sigh of longing to see him again.

As the jewel-smith casts kernels of gold into the fire to melt away the impurities, the childhood naivety had been dissolved from Joseph's countenance. The full dreamy lips had thinned out just enough to adjust into pleasing proportions against his eyes, brows, and nose. It remained an expressive mouth—even when he stood silently before us one could detect a faint twitch in that mouth suggesting words in his head he was saving to use when given permission to speak.

His clean skin had was only marred by a hint of rawness on the cheekbones where Egypt's razor had shaved off his beard. But the smooth face had lengthened and firmed into the composure and symmetry only seen carved into Egypt's best statues. Yet his beauty was enhanced by the animation of his human presence for statues do not have strands of hair that sway gracefully over a high brow, nor do they have muscles in their cheeks and throat that tremble with every gesture. My palms ached to cup that face and feel the warmth of his flesh upon my hands, to run my fingers through his smooth thick copper hair that had been washed, cut, and brushed back so that I could even see a few damp strands that curled around the back of his ears and neck.

The sensitive sapling from my childhood had grown into a full-fledged tree of manliness. His shoulders were broad beneath his fresh cotton tunic. New sandals had been placed upon his feet and the calves above them were strong as alabaster pillars.

Oh, sweet love that preserves us and glorifies us to this day! Blessed is the passionate wellspring of love that nourishes the soul and gladdens the heart with its beauty!

I say "beauty" for that was the thought I wished to pen upon paper and praise this human being as being the embodiment of nefer. Yet nefer could not fully capture the meaning of his handsomeness or measure how the maturity of his years had harmonized his features with function. I saw no more of the pretty boy who had plucked from the north and brought down into Egypt to be devoured like a tasty morsel. Here was a man who had been drive into the abyss of a prison and bidden his time, waiting patiently so that he would not gone mad from lack of light. Now he had emerged from the depths of the earth like a sapling that had strained to become a tree and was now clasping the warmth of the sun in its arms.

All the while Joseph had never turned his head aside. Nor did those familiar dark blue eyes flicker even once towards me. He did not gaze in awe at the splendor around him and if he felt intimidated by all the eyes watching him, he revealed none of it to his audience. His gaze was for Pharoah only.

I was sure no one breathed for the span of a few seconds. Nor did anyone speak. No one else existed in Egypt—let alone the universe—in that moment. There was only the fierce glittering gold-and-purple flame of Pharoah Amenhotep and the humble cotton-clad man standing at his feet looking calm and collected.

At last, Pharoah finally spoke.

"Why are his wrists bound?" he demanded.

"To prevent him from casting spells," a guard answered.

Pharoah snorted. "Hah! I doubt one prisoner could defeat my necromancers. Cut his hands free."

The guard obediently unsheathed his dagger and sliced the ropes from around Joseph's wrists. I watched his hands emerge from behind his back and he rubbed them gently. All the while I could hear voices whispering around me, especially from the maidservants.

"A handsome face…."

"What a beautiful boy."

"Boy? He's a man if ever I saw one!"

"A pity. A waste of flesh on a prisoner's bones."

"Prisoner or not, did you ever see such eyes?"

"Never mind his eyes. I would like to steal several kisses from him."

"Did you see the cut of his mouth? Why, there are kisses aplenty in those lips!"

"And arms as hard as marble. He must have other secrets are beneath his clothes…"

A moment ago, I was warmed all over—now my head was hot with aggravation, but my chest had caved in from such brazen words.

Pharoah leaned his staff against the side of his throne. I watched him lean forward in his chair, one elbow resting upon his knee. The rings on his fingers glinted sharply.

"Who are you?" he demanded in a piercing tone.

The newcomer inclined his head to Pharoah, but no further.

"Blessings to the Great Pharoah Amenhotep, exalted leader of the Nile's region. May his reign be long and his years plentiful," Joseph began in a slow careful speech. His voice was more soothing than music and his declaration to Amenhotep was delivered with the uttermost courtesy.

"In your kingdom I am known as Osariph, warden of the Karnack prison," he went on. "To my kinsman I am known as Joseph, son of Ya'akov—he who is Jacob, son of Isaac-resident of Migdal-Eder bordering the Ammorite tribe."

"Why do you not bow down, oh son of Jacob?" Pharoah urged him. "Has time in prison turned your spine into stone? Or are you too proud to prostrate yourself before Pharoah?"

"I beg your pardon, Pharoah. I mean no disrespect to the Lord of the Two Lands," Joseph responded meekly. "I was commanded in my father's home to prostrate myself only before the Lord Elohim and I am forbidden to lower my entire body before stone, wood, or flesh."

"You are not in your father's home," Pharoah reminded him.

Joseph inclined his head slightly, then adjusted himself upright again. "Pharaoh is correct. I am but a stranger in your kingdom. My 'home', as it were, is wherever I reside and so my father's commandments go with me as well."

Pharoah frown and a sharp ridge appeared between his brows. I winced. Joseph's good impression had soured quickly.

But Pharoah just wrapped his fingers tightly around his staff.

"Too much prattling of your own customs does not appease Pharoah," he warned Joseph. "With one utterance I can have you executed. What will you make of that, Joseph? Will Elohim save you from the sword?"

"If I perish, I perish," he answered. But then Joseph lifted his countenance upwards and, if not directly into Pharoah's face, then to the blue eye of Horus protecting Pharoah's heart.

"At least I will depart having stood in Pharoah Amenhotep's presence."

A great roll of words unfolded over the court room.

"He's mad!" one girl hissed too-loudly next to me.

Pharoah twisted his head to see who had spoken. She squeaked but said nothing else.

"If this be madness, let it afflict more men," Tiaa remarked steadily. "Few could hold their ground and not lose their wits before Pharoah."

For once her comment did not appease Amenhotep, who slammed his staff twice into the ground for silence. "Quiet!" he demanded. "It is for me to pass judgement on this man, not you!"

The room went still again. Amenhotep rose slowly from his chair and drew himself to his full height, glowering down upon the Ivri slave. He folded his arms over his chest and demanded to Joseph, "Do you know why you were brought here?"

Joseph answered in the negative.

"The spirit of my father has appeared to me in the night," said Pharoah. "I have had a dream so vivid that it has rattled my spirits. It is certain that my father wishes to express to me a message from the Underworld. Yet none of my soothsayers and necromancers have been able to translate it."

"Yet I have been informed that you were formed of a different mettle from other men. It is said Anubis breathed his spirit into you and transformed you into a Night-Walker and Star-Reader," said Pharoah slowly. "Is this true?"

"No, my lord."

This time Pharoah's lips compressed tightly. Two red streaks appeared on his temples. At any moment his head could burst into flames.

Pharoah's voice was high and tight as he said: "Then my cupbearer lied before the entire court?"

"He spoke the truth, my lord. But this role of Night-Walker is beyond me," he gently explained. "God alone will answer to Pharoah's well-being. I am but His tool, His avatar; merely a vessel to be filled with His gifts if He desires it or a pot to be emptied if that is His will. If He chooses to bestow this talent upon me again, I will gladly use it to ease Pharoah's troubled mind."

"If not…" Pharoah let the response hang in the air.

But Joseph did not tremble nor reveal a hint of perspiration from this threat. "Please, my lord. Tell me your vision," he urged.

Perhaps it was the undercurrent of concern in Joseph's voice, that determination to ease a troubled mine, which caused Pharoah to part his lips and speak again.

"Very well," he decided. Pharoah sat back in his throne and clasped his hands upon the arms.

"In my night vision, I saw the old Pharoah standing before me in the center of a field. He said not a word but beckoned me to follow him. I obeyed for what felt like years until we came to the lip of the Nile's source. The waters were still and deep, filled with the clearest blue as though gazing into the depths of the universe. I that I knew a small sip of this holy liquid would ease my parched tongue.

"I lowered my hands as if to cup the water and taste of its sweetness. But no sooner did I swallow the first mouthful then my father vanished, and I saw the waters churn and boil before me. Rising from the Nile I saw seven fine cattle, healthy and robust, who walked from the water and marched directly onto the land where they began to graze leisurely. They were the finest cows Hathor could have blessed me with, for their coats were thick and spotted, their flesh supple from good feasting, and their long-curved horns glinted in the sunlight while their wide peaceful eyes shined with contentment.

"I wished to place my hands upon one of the cows and thank Hathor for the blessing. But then the sky grew dark overhead and the waters hastily frothed and turned thick and brown. Marching out of the Nile were seven other cows, but so sickly and gaunt that they were no more than thin flesh stretched over bags of bones. Their eyes were nearly swollen shut with crusted sickness and flies swarmed over their shriveled heads. I declare…" Pharoah intervened with revulsion. "I never did see such dreadful animals in all of Egypt.

"Surely these stronger beasts could trample the emaciated ones with their hooves. But to my terror, the sickly cows each opened up their jaws revealing an abyss into the chaos unknown. Within the flash of an eye, they had swallowed up the healthy cows…yet inherited none of their fatness. For these scrawny beasts looked just as foul as before, as though they had eaten nothing in years. The last thing I saw was the seven sickly cows encircling me before my spirit fled the night and I awoke."

Pharoah paused and motioned for his wine cup to be refilled. He quaffed it down while Joseph stood silent. It was only after Pharoah's parched throat was eased did he ask: "Did Pharoah have a similar dream following this one?"

Amenhotep whirled on his servants, but the nearest one bobbed his head and thrust his hands upwards. "We told him nothing, my lord. Nothing!"

He grunted a response and drank more wine. "Yes, there was a second dream." He wiped his mouth and slammed the cup back onto the tray.

"In this second night vision, I was walking away from the Nile and back into the fields. The sky was eternal white overhead and Ra's strength glowed from the sun's dazzling heat in the sky. Glistening before me was a single stalk as tall as a palace column and straight as an alabaster pillar. But emerging from this stalk were ears of barley—seven in all. They danced merrily in the warm harvest air with plump golden kernels that shined with prosperity."

"Yet from the base of this stalk I saw a vicious weed take form and grow, as some pestilence creeps over a crop. Emerging from the stalk were further ears of barley, seven shriveled stalks so withered that a mere sigh could turn them into dust. But before I could sigh in remorse, the ears sprang forth like locusts and fell upon the full ears of barley. Before my eyes, the good ones were no more…and the shriveled ears were withered as ever."

Pharoah exhaled loudly and passed a hand over his jawline. "I told all of this to my priests and sages. No one could give a satisfying understanding."

He looked down at Joseph, anticipating a response.

A soft haze seemed to come over Joseph, as though through a film of fine linen, but with none of the dullness that a man gets from wine. Then his eyes widened, and they were bright and alert as ever.

"Speak up, Joseph," ordered Pharoah. "Have you an interpretation for me? Will your God speak through you in loud claps of thunder and the drumming of mighty words?"

"His message is here, my lord," said Joseph softly. "But all I hear is a thin still sound. And yet it is here because God sees it is good to bestow a divine message upon Pharoah, to inform you of all that will come to pass".

"He has sent this message in a language that Pharoah and his kingdom will understand," he began. "The Nile overflows and enriches Egypt from the smallest kernels of barley to the largest beasts, hence the location and creatures of this dream. These seven robust cows and seven fine ears of barley are predictions of the Nile's future activities. It will overflow to such richness in the soil that seven years of harvest will result in such great bounty unlike anything else that Egypt has ever seen. Every cow will bear two or three calves instead of one. The barley fields will reap mountains of grain. Every cup will overflow with milk, oil, and wine."

There was a collective gasp of delight and I saw even Tiaa clasp her hands together in astonishment. But Joseph's fair countenance was marred by the rest of his speech.

"However, in due time this blessing will not only expire but reverse itself. Following this time of good harvest, the Nile will exhaust itself and hardly water the fields. These is the meaning of the ill cows and seven meager ears of barley."

"Famine," said Pharoah in a dead tone.

"Yes," agreed Joseph. "That is why Pharoah was given two dreams instead of one. It is a matter of uttermost urgency. This famine will be so devastating that the harvests will be forgotten...a faded dream of the past."

I saw my king slump back in his chair. He seemed to fold in upon himself and fully comprehend the depths of this unfortunate omen. Amenhotep could rally an army to defeat invaders. He could send troops and squads to put down rebellions. He could amass hundreds of slaves to build temples and monuments. He could endure without gold, stones or bricks—but not barley. The kingdom would come to a grinding halt—and then collapse- if men did not have their daily crust of bread and cup of beer.

How extraordinary that the fate of our future depended upon the humblest of plants growing beneath our feet.

"What shall we do?" a counselor cried out.

"Regather the priests," a companion decided. "We must pray to Amun-Ra to abolish this disaster."

"Nothing can be done," Joseph replied in a tone similar Pharoah's own voice. "These things will come to pass."

"Then you are an ill wind, a bearer of death and destruction," accused the High Priest. "You have come here to spit at Pharoah's feet."

"Evacuate?" suggested a councilman.

"How would Pharoah command all of his subjects to flee this kingdom?" the queen inquired back at him. "Shall all be told to leave their home and retreat into the abyss of the desert?"

All the while Amenhotep sat upon his throne, jaws slackened, and mouth hardened as though he had turned to stone. The voices around us grew louder and more strangled until I heard Joseph say in his steady voice.

"There may be a way…"

Pharoah raised a hand for silence. All eyes returned to Joseph.

"Speak up, Joseph," he commanded. "Is it inevitable that Egypt will fall? Or has your God whispered a solution into your ear?"

"The latter, my lord. I believe Pharoah was given this opportunity to save Egypt from disaster."

"How so?"

"Through Pharoah's own authority. You have devout advisers and councilmen to carry out your orders. Therefore, Pharoah may choose such a discreet servant who can be trusted to manage affairs with your approval. He can choose overseers to divide the kingdom into districts based on the size of fields and gardens cultivating crops."

The lump in Pharoah's throat bobbed up and down with anticipation. "Go on."

"During the harvest years, let your subjects set aside one fifth of all crops and bring them into Thebes and the other fortified cities to be protected by your soldiers. Under no circumstances should these reserves be plundered or squandered during the harvest. But when the Nile dries up, that is when the reserves will be open for all citizens to acquire their food. And Egypt will not perish."

"One fifth of all the harvest," Pharoah repeated carefully. "For seven years. This is an outstanding task, the likes of which have never been done before in Egypt. And to do so will mean all must journey to Thebes and her sister cities for food."

"Indeed, my lord. All will pay tribute to you during the famine," Joseph pointed out.

A flicker of satisfaction crossed Pharoah's features, but it was chased away with concern.

"But to preserve so much grain for several years will require an exhausting amount of work," Pharoah continued slowly. "It would be a project unlike anything my fathers have done."

Joseph lowered his eyes modestly. "May I offer a perspective, my lord?"

"You may."

"I have lived in your kingdom for over ten years and observed the developments of your cities. Your builders have constructed great temples and obelisks. Your servants have erected immense walls and established strong bridges. I am confident that your people are up to the task."

"Moreover, I have noticed farmers seeking alternative work while their crops are flooded. During that one third of the year, they can aid construction of granaries. All with capable hands can work. And all workers will have rations during the famine."

I could feel my eyes sparkling from Joseph's advice. He had found the most logical solution right before us.

Pharoah gestured towards an accountant. "This new project would have to be carried out in a timely and efficient manner. But is it plausible?"

The man hastily scratched out some digits. "If all repairs on the walls are complete and the obelisks can be delayed—"

"Cease work on the obelisks. This is urgent," interrupted Pharoah.

"Very well, my lord. If all available hands can be managed and we have at least four years of good harvest…and farmers can put their animals to work hauling of stones during the flooding seasons…such a thing could be possible in theory," the man said at last.

The High Priest and two companions sulked in the background, but for most there was a collective sigh of relief.

Pharoah lifted his hands into the air and let out two long steady claps that echoed in the room.

"Now here this, all subjects of Egypt!" he called out. "A great and terrible prediction has crossed our threshold and Pharoah must choose wisely from among his men. This is not a small matter and will take all of the divine grace and fortune of previous generations to carry us forth. Your king will begin consulting with the spirits of the ancestors to find a suitable candidate to carry out this task.

"The court session is closed for the day. We shall resume tomorrow in the third hour of the morning."

Pharoah swept one arm aside and with the other, offered it to Tiaa who accepted. The rest of the court hastily gathered up their papers and belongings and proceeded to shuffle out of the room, no doubt eager to unload thoughts and opinions once out of Pharoah's sight.

Is that all? Will you throw Joseph back into his cell to be forgotten? I fretted to myself.

But I thought better of my king when Amenhotep summoned a servant and murmured into his ear:

"Give the Semite food and drink. Then keep him in the north wing of the palace until further notice."

A-A-A

I did not have the time to deconstruct my thoughts after the day's exhausting events. Tiaa had to be undressed, bathed, and refreshed after the lengthy hours in the court room. I ordered her robes and jewels returned to their proper chests while Yamun fetched scented oil and massaged it into Tiaa's shoulders.

Then the other maidservants had to be coddled and soothed, so I could not be alone with my thoughts. I rubbed their arms, bathed their temples in rose water, and listened to all of their twittering and chirping as they ranted on about the handsome but dangerous Semite. All the while I kept my face and voice in order and sympathized with their jangled nerves, offering a kind word here and there while saying nothing of great value aloud.

Never had a day dragged on for so long. Even when the sun was ending his sky trek, he refused to bow to the night and instead, lingered upon the horizon between two lines of pearly-pink clouds. Supper was brought forth and I kept my hands and mouth distracted with tiny sips of soup, so that the queen would not suspect my lack of appetite masked tumultuous emotions.

Finally…..finally night came at last. Tiaa retired to her bedchamber, and I made certain the maidservants all had their wigs removed and faces washed before they went to their beds to converse with the night gods.

"Why do you stay awake, Asenath?" demanded Yamun. There was nothing escaping her eye.

"I did not realize I was still on my feet," I explained.

"Now you see it. It is good you were steadfast today for the queen. It is better for you to put up your feet immediately and stay in bed."

There was no use arguing with her granite-hard orders. I too splashed water upon my face and handed my wig to a slave to put away. Another brought me a fresh tunic scented with myrrh. I allowed myself to be redressed but then dismissed all the servants for the evening. The last task of the night was for me to perform alone. I did not entrust the precious sandals to another and instead, lovingly returned them to a small chest that sat at the foot of my bed.

This task completed, I stretched myself out upon the bed and gazed up at the limestone ceiling. Yamun's footsteps plodded off in the corridor.

I could hear the soft breathing of the maidservants from the other chamber. The curtains lifted up and down in the refreshing evening breeze. I could almost hear the Nile murmuring as the wind chased ripples through everyone's dreams. The sky outside had grown gray, then lavender, and finally darkest blue.

An hour passed, and then two. My eyes must have closed but only for a short period of time because when they opened again, it was still dark outside. I rose from the bed and put my sandals back onto my feet. Walking with tiny steps forward, I found a shawl in the next room and secured it around my shoulders. Several small stone bowls held burning wicks and I took one up in each hand.

It had not yet been three years. But the woman's voice within me was guiding my forward as clearly as the flames before my face. I could be silent no longer.

A guard protecting the central chamber straightened up when he saw me approaching. "Mistress Asenath," he bowed to me. "What may I do for you? Does the queen require anything?"

"No, my good man. The queen has retired for the night," I assured him. "I request an audience with Pharoah."

The honest guard glanced hesitantly over his shoulder and then back at me. "His majesty is currently preoccupied. I think it unwise to approach Pharoah at this late hour."

It was good to have the fire in my hands, or else I would have lost courage and fled at that moment.

"I thank you for the warning. Nevertheless, I must speak with Pharaoh. Please inform him I have an urgent issue to discuss."

"Of what matter?"

"A matter for Pharoah's ears alone."

The guard sighed reluctantly and signaled to a servant who had been walking down the hallway. He murmured something into the servant's ear. The man bowed and swiftly departed to relay the message. Within moments, he returned to both of us.

"Pharaoh will see the queen's lady-in-waiting," said he.

The guard escorted me down the hallway towards the royal chambers. When we approached the threshold, I asked for his name. He said it was Ketsu.

"I thank you for your efforts, Ketsu," said I. "You may bear witness this night that you were only following my instructions and therefore, are not responsible for the outcome."

Good bluff Ketsu bowed again to me. He had a good head. He deserved to keep it attached to his neck.

I did not want to lose mine either. I ought to have been braver and more honorable, to accept the gamble willingly and lay my life down for my Pharoah. But an iron mantle had settled around my shoulders; my heart was resting in a stone hand that could crush it at any given moment.

There I stood in the shadow of death. I could not even find the words to beseech Elohim for help. All I could do was be, to stand and breathe and with my existence, to expose the secret I had been protecting for twelve long years.

You know I am afraid. That is all.

"Enter," Pharoah's voiced boomed from the other room.

One foot raised itself in the air, then placed itself down. Good. Now the left foot goes up, bends at the knee, and returns to the floor. Repeat on the right side. The left again. Slowly now. Do not spill the oil before your king.

Pharoah sat at a low wide desk surrounded by flaming pillars. The rest of the room was thrown into darkness, but I could see the piles of papers and scrolls stacked around him, some of them spilling onto extra chairs nearby.

Pharoah had been scribbling something on parchment but snapped his head up when I stood at the doorway. "Oh. It is you," he said at last. "My queen's light-footed servant has arrived, bearing light in her hands in the fourth hour of the night. Are you certain you do not serve Maknebse?"

"I serve Pharoah," said I.

"A good answer. But the timing is bad." He gestured to the scrolls before him. "To select a suitable candidate to oversee the harvest is as rare as finding a fresh well in the Sinai desert. I've no shortage of flatterers and gossipers who tell me why they are the best ones for the task, but it is I who will decide at last."

His sinew neck jerked towards me again. "Why do you tremble?"

"The bowls are heavy in my hands, my lord. May I set them down?"

"Yes. Put them there." He gestured to a tall stool nearby, and I set the bowls down.

"No, you may not see the Semite," Pharoah spoke abruptly.

My face must have betrayed me because he gave a snort. "Think you are the first one to come to Pharoah tonight with that request? The High Priest has already requested a chance to exorcize the spirits from him and two silly handmaidens were seen chortling outside his room."

"May I ask where he is?" said I.

"In an antechamber outside the treasure room," said Pharoah. "He seems to know something of numbers. The guards are observing him tonight as he tallies up last year's taxes."

He threw down the reed pen and leaned back in his chair. "So here we are again. I am unable to sleep while you roam the halls like a night phantom. But I've not the time or patience to discuss snow or servants, Asenath. Speak your peace and then depart from my presence."

A grave and dreadful sensation had descended over me. It is no small thing to stare into the precipice before you, unsure if it contains a furnace that will consume you or an endless void in eternal space that swallows you in its darkness. My right fist lay clenched up in my left palm and I faced my master.

"I have come before Pharoah to entreat on behalf of Osariph the Semite," I said at last.

"Entreat?"

"Yes. He has been imprisoned these twelve years for a crime that he did not commit, and I am here to declare his innocence."

The reflections of many flames glinted in Pharoah's dark eyes. "Osariph has been imprisoned for harassing his former master's wife. A crime that is at odds with his nature, given what I have seen today. But the error remains recorded in the ledger."

"Forgive my impertinence, great Pharoah. But I stand before you tonight to testify that he did not seduce the wife of your late steward."

"How do you know that?"

"Because I…I was there that day," I answered softly. The truth slipped from lips as easily as water droplets from between cracks.

There was a deathly pause while the flames hissed in the bowls. Pharoah starred at me, looking thin and hard for a long time. Then he pointed to a table beside him. "Wine," he commanded.

I filled his goblet and presented it to him on a bronze tray. He took the cup and emptied its contents in four long gulps before speaking again. "Tell me everything," said Pharoah.

I stood before Pharoah with shadows behind me and fire before me and started at the beginning. My voice wove in and out like the thread drawing the fabric of my tale into a complete garment.

I told him about a not-yet woman who frolicked through Potiphar's estate until her skull was nearby bashed open on the rocks and the Semite slave carried her back into the house. I told him about Joseph, the stranger who had blessings in his fingertips and strange words upon his tongue. I told him about the blood moon that overflowed my body and drove me back into the house where I witnessed Potiphar's wife, who had pinned the slave against the wall and would have swallowed him alive had he not fled the room.

Then I told him about the young temple priestess who had been reunited with Joseph and how he had turned my feet towards Thebes after the estate had collapsed. All the while, Pharoah's face grew darker and prouder.

"I see," he said at last. He banged his cup upon the table and rose to his feet. Pharoah paced before the desk impatiently. "So, you and the Semite plotted together. You conspired to get him released by entering the palace as a decoy. It was under his tutelage that you wormed your way through the court and even infiltrated the queen's personal life, using soft voices and poetic words to win her over."

"No, no," I interrupted with alarm. "I love the queen. I would never do anything to—"

"Be silent! Pharoah speaks," he shouted. "First my cupbearer is silent for two full years. And you waited nearly three years to beseech Pharoah. Why did you not speak of the Semite when you first arrived at Thebes?"

"I could not. My hands were tied as much as my speech," I rattled worriedly. "How could I be so bold as to approach the throne and instantly ask for his release? Joseph made me swear not to mention his name in your presence. He told me to serve you for three years or until you had offered me a boon. I dared not speak on his behalf until I found favor in your eyes."

"Then your loyalty has been nothing more than a façade? A sham before the eyes of my honest queen?" he raged on. "Or do you value a Semite's oath more than Pharoah's orders?"

"My lord, I beg of you—"

"Hold your tongue!" Pharaoh thundered. "Or I will cast you out of the palace myself!"

My heart was crushed in a stone hand. I was bleeding inwardly. Helpless and speechless, I collapsed to the floor and buried my face in my hands, sobbing uncontrollably.

But Pharoah did not carry out his threat. Perhaps the sound of weeping had softened his heart at least a little for he said nothing, only left me to my shame for several moments. Then at last he spoke again. This time his voice sounded more annoyed than angry as he said, "You disappoint me, Asenath. I thought you had a sincere heart."

So did I, thought I. But the heart is fallible and doomed to fail. As I have failed Joseph yet again.

"Come now. On your feet and dry your eyes," he commanded me. "The floor is no place for the queen's lady-in-waiting."

I gazed up at Pharoah with tender eyes and damp cheeks, bewildered that he could still address me so. But I managed to struggle back to my feet and dab my eyes with my fingers.

"There is no use in hiding anything else from me, Asenath. Now speak truthfully before your Pharoah. Did you act upon Joseph's orders to serve the queen?"

"That I did," said I meekly. "Though he advised, rather than commanded, me to go to Thebes. His intention was for my sake, not his."

"How so?"

"I was being pursued by an unwanted suitor, a wild ass of a man who had murdered my betrothed. He told me he would take me back to his homeland as his concubine, regardless if I was willing or not. I had no kinsman to protect me, so I acted upon Joseph's suggestion to seek sanctuary in the royal house by serving Queen Tiaa."

"You swear on this?"

"I swear by Pharoh's life I speak the truth."

"I see," said Pharoah slowly. Perhaps he was weighing the evidence again and examining the desperations of an orphaned woman. When he did not speak further, I dared to continue with the facts.

"My lord, my heart is indeed flawed, but persistent," said I. "The intention of my palace service was twofold: to avoid my adversary and to assist Joseph in due time. But my devotion to the queen was—and still is-authentic. Ever since crossing the palace threshold, I have come to admire and revere her as the finest woman in the kingdom. There has been no greater honor than to be her lady-in-waiting, even though I am unworthy of that title."

These words came easily to me, for they were spoken with great warmth and sincerity. If they did not appease Pharoah or chase away his temper, then at least the fire in his eyes ebbed back a bit.

"I believe you," he said at last. "Your efforts over the last year have validated your words. But this Joseph, Osariph, or Jacob's heir…whatever he may be, defies tradition. Just who is this man who bewitched the court today? I daresay he'll cast a spell upon me next."

I did not know if the question was rhetorical but spoke my thoughts aloud.

"I believe he is Sarai's descendant."

Pharoah whirled on me with pinched eyes. "Who told you that name?"

"The queen. And also about...Thuthmosis the One."

"Harumph! For all I know that woman's husband paraded her around so that he could receive a handsome payment from Pharoah Thuthmosis and get his wife back in the bargain."

I thought he was misinformed, but one does not openly contradict Pharoah. "Still, there is something of that man's presence that suggests he is not all of this world…" Pharoah murmured softly.

Then he was drawn back to the present. "What is it that you request of Pharoah?"

I was taken aback, for I did not expect it to be so sudden. Here was the chance; I had to catch it before it escaped like a bird flying into the sky. My chin was parallel to the floor as I summoned up the plea.

"If I have found favor in Pharoah's eyes, this is my request," said I. "I implore you to tear up the contract that binds Joseph the Semite to the Karnack prison. See him free so that he may return to his father's homeland."

"That is all?"

"That is all."

I saw his jaw working up and down. His mind was keen as ever. "Why are you risking your rank and reputation for Joseph? What is this Semite stranger to you?"

"Why, he was my tutor in Potiphar's house," I answered feebly. "I was but a little girl at the time, yet the Semite was a kind teacher and good friend to me."

Pharoah's fingers slowly drew into a fist that rested upon his chest. "Is that all he is to you?" he persisted.

The flame within me flared up from his questions. My eyes stung from suppressed emotions, but I forced the tears back. I would not speak; I would not say it…

In four long strides Pharoah stood over me. His clawed hand seized me by the chin and forced my head to tilt back, to look up and into his looming face. His eyes were immobile black discs but in each one I saw a flame of pure white light.

"Ah," he whispered at last. "There it is." My flesh burned from the truth that was radiating out of my own eyes.

Here he drew back his hand and I could breathe freely again. "You have made your case, Asenath. The rest is for Pharoah to decide. Now return to your chambers and go to sleep so that you will serve Queen Tiaa in the morning."

"Yes, my lord." I stepped backwards out of the chamber. "And thank you."

I was half-asleep when Ketsu found me fumbling in the dark corridors. He guided me back to my bedchamber and I hardly was aware of my limbs upon the bed or how unseen hands carried me into the unknown world of hidden dreams and secret stories.

A-A-A

I slept poorly the rest of the night, but perhaps it was for the best. Fatigue had replaced yesterday's hysteria, so I moved slower and more carefully than before as Yamun and I had the other girls dressed and lined up for Tiaa's inspection.

She seemed well enough for a day when all matters were hanging in the balance. I focused on having the other girls in perfect formation to avoid painting a bleak future in my head.

What if Pharoah dismisses Joseph and sends him back into prison? Then I will be trapped in my position forever or until Tiaa releases me. And then what other authority can set him free? Will he die in prison? Will Eliphaz drag me into the pit of despair at last?!

"Asenath?"

I snapped to attention as Yamun handed over my sandals. "A lady-in-waiting must not be barefoot in public," she chided me.

There was giggling over my shoulder. I threw them a sharp glance before putting on my sandals and standing behind Tiaa.

"You seem fatigued", she noted. "Perhaps you overexerted yourself yesterday."

I dared not protest her words lest she insist further and instead, kept my eyes downcast.

"Nevertheless, I require your presence today," said Tiaa. "After the court session concludes, have a healer give you date juice and thyme and then Yamun will see you back to bed."

"That I will, my lady," grunted Yamun. To me she added, "You need not pucker your mouth up like that, Asenath. You too are sworn to obey the queen's commands."

"That I will," I relented. But I would prefer to numb up my emotions indefinitely by drowning my throat in poppy juice instead.

The queen and her procession strode nobly into the throne room where Pharoah was already seated. His face was no more glad or angry than usual, the eyes as steady as polished obsidian in a death mask. He nodded politely to his queen and gestured for her to sit beside him. She inquired about his health, and he responded neutrally, before adding, "Today I will put forth new commands that will shape the future of our kingdom".

He waited for the courtiers and scribes to enter the room and then commanded the latter to prepare their pens. I noticed the guards also take their posts by the pillars but did not see Ketsu among them. But my fingers began tingling when I noticed the glint of Joseph's hair in a corner of the room. Fortunately, his presence was not noticed by anyone else yet as the simple Semite was overlooked by all the gold and glitter of the court. As far as I could see, his hands were clasped over his waist and his gaze was lowered to the floor. I was relieved for that; if he had looked at me, I would have melted into wine on the spot.

An official banged his staff four times against the floor. "All stand before Nefer-Keh-Peru-Re-Amenhotep, guarding of the Eye of Horus and protector of the sacred bull."

"All praise Pharoah! Hail to Amenhotep!" the court declared aloud.

"Praise be he-"

"Save the praises for later," Pharoah interrupted him testily. "Let the court session begin immediately".

"As you wish, my lord." The man bowed awkwardly and drew back to his usual post. Everyone else stood to attention while Pharoah fingered his staff thoughtfully. Once all was silent, he spoke in a loud sharp tone that rang out across the room.

"Yesterday, Pharoah's dreams were revealed to the court of Thebes," he began. "These death omens were interpreted by one of my subjects who is here today. Bring him forth."

Some people stepped aside, and I watched the two soldiers bring Joseph forward. He seemed neither rumpled nor disturbed; his linen was clean as the day before. Nor were his hands bound. But what it for life or death that the scribes would pen in the records today?

"This man has given an interpretation to Pharoah's dreams. It matches the memory that had escaped my mind and replaced it with comprehension and understanding," Amenhotep continued. "Moreover, he has given a plausible solution to save our kingdom from impending doom."

Faint murmurs of approval rippled across the court. My breath relaxed slightly in relief.

But I could not fathom the power behind Amenhotep's next words. It was as remarkable as a newborn bird fluttering into the sky, as extraordinary as a single drop of rain descending upon the sleeping earth's draught.

Or a lonely woman's womb opening after years of barren silence.

"I have considered the matter, and it is good in my eyes. As I can read in the faces of this court, it is good to all of my subjects."

There was no sound of disapproval.

Pharoah rose from his throne and his cape swirled majestically around his feet. His crown gleamed in the morning light and the sun's radiance brought out the strength of his shrewd face. He lifted his gold-fingered hand and pointed directly at Joseph.

"Can any man among us find one such as this? I have seen into this man's eyes and heart and behold, there is the spirit of God in him!"

He gazed down at Joseph and nodded gravely. "Yes, my son and servant of Egypt. A divine presence has spoken through you and yet you have kept this blessing guarded within you as a precious treasure. Such discretion is a rare gift; few as discerning and wise as you proved to me yesterday. In your silence there is courage and determination, knowledge and fortitude. Since the message of the night was sent through you, I hereby appoint you, Osariph son of Yaakov, to oversee this great responsibility."

Now came the chattering sound of different opinions around us.

"It cannot be! It is not done!"

"He is too young and speaks an outsider's tongue."

"Sacrilegious! What about protocol? Traditions!"

"But if the messages of the stars speak to him…"

Pharoah slammed his staff into the ground for silence. All complied.

"You have your reasons and doubts, but they are not without reason. Three obstacles stand in this man's way and three will be removed by Pharoah's sacred hand.

"The first obstacle is that he is a slave condemned to the prison house. By the blessing of Ma'at I have weighed his heart upon the scales and found it free of all sins. His accusers have perished long ago and there is no evidence to support he is guilty of any crimes. Therefore, all charges against him have been dismissed.

I pressed my hands to my beating heart. Thick tears of gratitude were swelling up in my eyes.

"The second obstacle is that he is young. Thirty years of age is adequate if a man can speak, read, and write our language. Moreover, his wisdom exceeds his years. Youth will aid rather than hinder him, for I have appointed him to a great and mighty task.

"The last obstacle is his pedigree. An Ivri, you say? Has he not been a resident of Egypt all these years? Does he not speak our tongue with ease? The Nile waters have washed away his past. Let Pharoah give him new garments to suit his title."

Only now did Joseph gaze up and his eyes were sparkling with wonder. "Title, my lord?"

Pharoah nodded and took two steps down so that he was still several heads above Joseph, but his shadow no longer reached the Ivri.

"Yes, Osariph. I can see now what Urat was trying to tell me before he departed into the Afterlife. Only you are worthy of the task I appoint you for and so your position must be elevated to suit it. As of this moment, you are the new viceroy of the kingdom of Egypt."

A-A-A

Within a matter of hours, a great crowd was gathered around the palace. Children, parents, shopkeepers, scribes, craftsmen, guards, and merchants were pressed against each other in a great swarm of excitement to hear the new proclamation from Amenhotep's mouth.

Four drums thrummed loudly to drown out the crowd's chattering. Six bronze horns flashed in the afternoon sunlight and let out thin piercing shrieks, bringing everyone into silence. Pharoah strode out onto the balcony with Tiaa just behind him. I was standing just enough aside to be under the same shade that fanned her but blessed to have a sideways view of Pharaoh.

"Men and women of Egypt!" he shouted out to the people. "I am Pharaoh Amenhotep the Second, Protector of the Eye of Horus! Son of the Fiery Sun and Lord of the Two Lands!"

Arms flapped in the air and hands strained towards the king in a fit of passionate adoration. Pharoah raised both of his arms for resumed silence.

"The days have blessed your Pharoah and now the night has given him grace as well. Egypt has been given an omen to save itself from destruction, a holy prophecy through a holy man. My father's spirit has filled the void and opened my eyes to find a worthy candidate.

"As of today, this candidate will become the new viceroy in Pharoah's service. By his hand, all of Egypt will be sustained and not perish in the coming years. Only by throne do I outrank him. Do you wish to see him?"

"YES!" everyone screamed together.

"So be it!" Pharoah let out one of his brief crisp laughs. His arms extended outwards, and his royal robes gleamed for all to see.

"The rich blessings of the ox and cattle flow through his veins as the Nile flows through our kingdom. Lift your voices again for the Seer of the Hidden, Keeper of Secrets! Our Night Blesser and Day Provider."

"Here is your viceroy, Zapaneth-Paneah!"

The servants hastily threw back the drapes before falling upon their faces. A tall man with a back as straight as an arrow walked onto the balcony to stand beside Pharoah. His face had been freshly shaved and rubbed with oil. A high linen cap rested upon his head and was secured in place with a narrow band of turquoise stones that rested just above his thoughtful brow. His brilliant eyes, the color of finest lapis lazuli, had been delicately outlined with kohl. Gleaming cloth had been cut and tailored to his strong limbs and adorned him from shoulder to knee with spotless white linen. Around his waist was a wide woven band of black, yellow, and dyed wool. Obsidian bracelets adorned his wrist and upon his feet were red-dyed sandals threaded with copper wire.

Yes, this was Joseph…and yet somehow not him as I remembered. For a few seconds I stared in puzzlement at the stranger while the maidservants swooned and gasped around. But then my eyes adjusted to his face, and I realized the clothes and ornaments did not reduce his handsomeness or incumber him, but only enhance his noble features. He moved and walked as thought they were all part of his skin, and nothing hindered him as he took his place beside Pharoah.

His expression was radiant as he raised an arm upwards towards the people below and they cheered long and hard again. Then Joseph—no, Zapaneth-Paneah—adjusted his beaming smile into an expression demurer as he inclined his head towards Pharoah.

I saw Pharaoh lift up something that sparkled between his fingers and recognized it as Urat's necklace. But the twin plates had been reworked into narrower wings while the single oval of lapis lazuli had been replaced with two smaller ones. It seemed less cumbersome, more tasteful. And the moment Pharoah lifted the chain over the viceroy's head, and it slipped easily around his neck, it might as well have been part of his body as well.

"I am Pharaoh!" exclaimed Amenhotep. "No man shall lift a hand or foot against the viceroy in all of Egypt. To him I give all privileges and responsibilities. Pay homage to Zapaneth-Paneah and bask in his blessings."

He removed the green scarab ring off his finger and pushed it onto the index finger of Joseph's right hand. Then Pharoah seized Joseph by the wrist and waved the viceroy's hand high in the air.

"Hurrah to the viceroy! Bless Zapaneth-Paneah! Avrech! Avrech!" a thousand voices called out in joy.

Now I could also cry out in joy. And I let my voice ring out loud and strong with the crowd, let myself cheer and squeal if only for a few moments along with the maidservants. But as soon as the thrill came, it passed me and left me trembling with wonder.

I pressed my palms together and let them touch my lips. "Thank you," I whispered. "Thank you so much."

Zapaneth-Paneah pressed a fist to his heart and nodded to Pharoah. "My lord, I am humbled in your presence and swear to serve you with all of my might. What is your first request to your new viceroy?"

"My first request?" Pharoah's lips twisted into a lopsided smirk. "That you accompany my entourage and I in the celebrations. We have delayed them a full day—that was long enough. Now it is time to commemorate the day of Pharoah's birth."

Pharoah strode to Tiaa's side and nobly extended his arm to hers. "Come," he commanded. She gracefully took his arm and stepped back inside the palace. Zapaneth-Paneah followed them while the gasping maidservants and stunned servants followed at his heels.

I could have gladly followed in a haze of adoration had Yamun's presence not jolted me back to the presence. Agreeing with her advice, I lifted up the hem of my dress and rushed as swiftly as my feet could take me towards the kitchen.

There was just enough time to tell them to start pounding fresh flour for Pharoh's bread.

A-A-A

Though the afternoon had arrived, the rest of the day went by in a blur of splendor and pomp. Tiaa wore her magnificent headdress as we all sailed down the river in her boat and no one caught heatstroke. Pharaoh and Zapaneth-Paneah took chariots up and down the streets of Thebes while people applauded and sang praises in their names.

During the sumptuous celebration feast, the maidservants performed their dances adequately. And if one of them staggered a bit in the wrong motion or a sash had gotten tangled in someone's legs, it was hastily covered up by the next motion and no word of criticism was uttered. To be frank, I doubt Pharoah would have noticed a dancing girl's misstep for so preoccupied was he between his attention to the festivities and his wife that he was in the best of moods. And when the lovely necklace of golden bees came out and he clasped it around Tiaa's neck for all to see, I sighed in admiration at her charming features that grew soft and tender in the evening's lights.

Zapaneth-Paneah flitted around the room and spoke to random officials and officers. I couldn't approach him without permission as he now outranked me by far, but at some point, I found myself holding the scroll of my newest poetry in my hands and he was standing before me.

"Lady Asenath," he said.

I nearly crushed the parchment between my fingers. "Zapaneth-Paneah," I murmured. "My lord."

Small creases appeared around the corners of his mouth when he smiled. I too was smiling so much that my cheeks ached.

The viceroy gestured to the scroll in my hand. "Will you be reciting a speech?"

I answered in the positive. "It is a sonnet I composed for Pharoah prior to your coronation."

I offered it up eagerly as though the parchment was my heart. He unfurled it and read a few lines quietly. "Something wonderful has happened today, all who listen must come and hear…"

He gazed down at me. "This is well done. I am sure Pharoah will be pleased."

"I thank you for the compliment."

There was a pause between us. I couldn't bear to be torn away so quickly and attempted to say something else. "Today has indeed been an extraordinary day, has it not?"

He laughed aloud. "Yes, it has."

"And so remarkable…"

"That too."

"Astonishing…"

"Indeed."

I laughed nervously. His smile did not shrink, only shifted into another pleasant shape. A torch crackled irately in its cone behind us.

"Lady Asenath…"

"My lord?"

"There you are," I heard Tiaa say. I turned to face her and bowed in submission. "My lady, I am coming."

With great reluctance I made my way to my chair by her side. Someone had presented the other maidservants to the viceroy, and I had to listen to them rattling on while he delegated their compliments accordingly.

"Zapaneth-Paneah, you must be such a clever man to manage so many responsibilities," one trilled.

"I appreciate the compliment, but my hands will require several scribes to assist me," he responded respectfully.

"Will you begin your plans immediately?" another put in.

"Not until after the fields are done flooding. We have another four months before laying the groundwork for granaries."

"I hope your work will not keep you from attending Pharoah's upcoming parties and festivities!"

"Once the day's duties are complete, I look forward to seeing your charming faces at upcoming events," said he.

"If there is anything we can do assist you, please inform us at once!"

"That I will do. I thank you ladies for your offers but in the meantime, am certain your energies are best used in service to your noble queen."

They fluttered and swooned until Tiaa sent me forward to usher them back into their seats.

"He moves like a god. His voice is like music," one of them said. They all bobbed their heads in agreement.

"Oh, who can eat a single bite when we have a handsome viceroy to fill the eyes as much as the stomach?" her companion sighed dreamily. She absentmindedly shredded a date cake in her hands.

I found myself irate with her, yet all I could manage was a mouthful of soup. We watched Zapaneth-Paneah continue to talk with the other honored guests and each man who walked away from him looked happier than ever. He was radiating an aura of all that could only be described as goodness, a pure truth that was pristine and clear, for all to nurture their souls from.

"If Pharoah gives him a dozen concubines, I'll die with jealousy," the first girl grumbled.

"Cease your theatrics!" her companion snickered. "Just don a prostitute's robe and slip into his room when it is dark."

"That would be futile. Do you see that dark-haired beauty over there? The one with the red veil?"

"I do. What of her?"

"She's a Midianite princess. Her father owns half the cattle in their region."

"What business is that to me?"

"It's Zapaneth-Paneah's business. He is Pharoh's viceroy now, is he not? He will have to marry whoever Pharoah chooses. And that woman is good as his. I wouldn't be surprised if they were engaged in ten days…"

I could not hear people talking or harps being played any longer. My cheeks suddenly became heavy, and the corners of my mouth were hard as marble. I eyed the wine cup before me and watched the contents tremble under the soft golden lights. My hands were instantly hollow; my heart no more than an instrument that pumped blood out of necessity.

I was vaguely aware of Yamun talking to me. Something about Pharoah and poetry. My feet moved of their own accord as I stood and followed her to the half-circle of torches that lit up the floor. My spirit seemed to hover several feet above my body as the scroll unfurled before me and words came out of my lips in small automatic bites of voice. I barely noticed what I was saying or even felt the presence of Pharoah's glittering eyes and Tiaa's gracious gaze upon me. Not even the charming attention of Zapaneth-Paneah could draw me out of the grim world I had entered.

Something wonderful has happened today

All who listen must come and hear

All with palms shall clap, all will legs shall dance

Truth is the sacred seal that makes us joyful

We wish to share with all….

Something inside of me had begun to die.

A-A-A

Those were merry days in Egypt, when the river overflowed with joy and washed every mud-buried seed with rich silty nourishment. Milk flowed from the breasts of joyous mothers and wine flowed from the cups of cherry men. Pharoah was happy with his new viceroy; Egypt was happy with Pharoah's decision.

But I lived in darkness for three months.

I had loved Joseph for so long that I could not unlove him. It would be as futile as undoing an iron sword or making the Nile flow backwards.

Joseph would have to marry well. He must marry, for the viceroy would have to follow Pharoah's instructions and behave in a manner that resembled Pharoah himself. He was good as betrothed to all of Egypt the day that silver ring was placed upon his finger. Now he only needed a bride of flesh and blood to complete the task and the Midianite princess would do well. She had good breeding and rich gifts, not to mention the alliance would be necessary to keep Egypt secure in the coming years.

Within days I was cursing my love, hating it for tormenting me indefinitely. But I had to hold it in, reveal nothing to the outside world even as I stood in court for Pharoah, dictated notes to scribes, and listened to Tiaa's demands and requests.

Sometimes she and the maidservants accompanied Pharoah to meetings where Zapaneth-Paneah was explaining his construction projects. He had used several rooms in the palace to construct small models of fields and granaries using bits of stone and pebbles, an idea that amused Pharoah as it seemed something like a child's toy yet was quite functional in practice. He used large sheets of parchment to sketch maps of the harvest fields and would spend hours with stone masons and harvesters to determine the best places to store and amass the harvest.

Once alone in my chambers, I could shed the cool façade and finally empty out the gall that had been simmering in me all day. I tore at my chest in privacy and wept bitter tears, straining not to cry too loudly lest Yamun hear me.

Arrogant girl! I chided myself. Think yourself superior to Zulekia now? Now you know what agitation festered in her bosom every day! Feel her torments chaffing against your skin and crawling down your throat!

Can you accuse her now that brain fever has haunted your waking thoughts? How dare you measure yourself out with pious weights when you see his beauty paraded before your eyes while you are unable to speak, touch, or engage with it? Dare not curse Zulekia's death when you are in the depths of starving anguish!

No amount of water would quench this thirst and no tankard of wine could satiate this agitation. I attempted to divert my emotions by throwing myself into my work, request Tiaa to give me further tasks to fill up my time or copying random pages from scribes. But at some point, she would tell me I had done enough and would order me to go rest.

"You have shown concern over my health in the past," said Tiaa. "As your queen and mistress, I order you not to exhaust yourself to the point of sickness."

"Agreed. You must bathe and rest more or else you will drive yourself into an early grave," agreed Yamun.

I feebly concealed my frustrations by way of explaining my excitement over Zapaneth-Paneah's plans. "That is no excuse," Tiaa clipped me. "The viceroy has had all of Urat's responsibilities cast upon his shoulders. Those are not your burdens to carry. Your duties are here."

I humbly prostrated myself and spoke hollow words of agreement. And once Yamun sent me into the pool to bathe and cool my passionate head, I leaked hot tears of sadness, but they would not wash away forever.

I was afraid to meet with Beka, lest his shrewd eye suspect I was starving myself of unobtainable love. What would he know of such things? There was no strategy he could offer me to show the road to victory. Bitter defeat, day after day, was all I knew.

There came a day when Tiaa and her entourage were going to sit outside under a canopy and watch the newest parade in honor of Zapaneth-Paneah. I was fortunate enough to be omitted from this obligation due to a genuine headache that had been pestering me for two days.

"I will stay with you," Yamun insisted.

"What good will that do for my headache?" I finally challenged her. "I have a cool room and fresh mint water for my face. Let me rest in my chamber quietly while you remain steadfast at the queen's side."

She gave me a skeptical look but finally consented. "Providing that you do rest," she ordered me.

I meekly obeyed and lay in the soft darkness of my room, a damp cloth on my head. My temples still ached as though being pounded through with iron pegs.

If I had to endure this year after year, watching Joseph but never being able to speak to him alone, let alone tell him the thoughts of my heart…

After an hour I gave up all attempts to rest and threw the cloth back on the table. I went to the balcony, pushed back the drapes, and looked out on the crowd.

Was this man in the chariot the same scrawny youth who had been tilling in Potiphar's fields? Was this white-and-gold clad viceroy the same greasy-haired slave who scratched his pen in the abyss of a prison?

"Ho! Mighty viceroy! Look here!" a woman yelled out from an adjacent balcony.

I thought I saw a small yellow thong fling itself through the air, then watch it transform into a gold necklace that glittered in the sunlight before landing before Joseph's chariot. She squealed with delight and then tore a ring off her hand and hurled that towards him next.

The air was suddenly filled with jewelry that rained down upon Joseph. I watched him laugh and raise up his arms if only to protect his head from being pummeled by all the metal as more rings and necklaces in reds and blues, yellows, and blacks fell in a blur around him. Brooches and tokens, talismans and anklets of gold and onyx and shell were also seen as they sailed through the air accompanied by the shrieks and delights of the woman who had thrown them.

I turned my head away and went back inside. I could bear no more.

From under the bed, I drew out the chest carrying my sandals and talisman. The latter of these I took out and cupped in my hands. I stood up again and pressed it to my lips, feeling the metal grow humid and hot from my breath.

I carried it back out to the balcony and pressed my cupped hands to my chest until it was protected against my heart.

"Go with God," I murmured. My hands flew upwards, and I watched the talisman jut upwards over palace stones, wink once in the sunlight, and then sink like a stone in the river…

Down.

Down.

I knew not where it fell. Nor did I care. I had cut my heart out of my body and thrown it to Joseph. I was free from carrying that burden any longer.

The air in the room seemed to stifle me, so I thought it good to stagger out of it until I could find a place to breathe. I wanted somewhere far away from the sharp eyes of guards and soldiers, so I crept softly to the back of the palace and managed to slip through a side door without anyone calling me.

There was a narrow lane that had been wedged between two stone walls, too narrow for a cart or cow to pass through. But I managed to squeeze my way through it until I exited to a field of half-dried hay. The prickly scent was heavy but sweet in my nose while I could still hear the roars of the crowds off on the distance.

I smelled Eliphaz before I sensed him. It was the same as the day I went to the embalmer; the deceptive odor of the living barely concealing the stench of recent spilled blood beneath the skin. His arms went around me—I could not move. A cloak was wound over my head and chest—I could not see. A leathery hand tasting of salt clamped over my mouth—I could not speak. In vain I struggled and tried to bite him, but my teeth barely marked his skin and may as well have been two little gnats on his palm.

He half-dragged, half-pushed me back up into the narrow lane while squeals of protest burned in my sealed throat. I was thrust so hard against a hard surface that my chin banged against the floor and then I breathed in the smell of stoic wood all around me.

The door of the box slammed shut before my eyes. Eliphaz slipped a peg between two slots, only allowing meager strips of sunlight to peer through my cage. I heard his feet march off and then bark an order to some animal. The entire box jolted backwards, throwing me back into a confused heap until I realized we were still moving backwards and bouncing over shaky ground.

The wagon was taking us away from the palace.

A-A-A

I know not how long we traveled, only that my cries and pleas for help had all been drowned out by the noise of cheerful parade attendees. Eliphaz had been clever; waiting until the right moment to seize me and then making his way through crowds that couldn't see me inside of the sealed wagon or hear me over the singing that burst from their throats.

I nearly broke the bones in my ankles from kicking against the walls of the wagon, but the wood wouldn't budge. I rammed my fists against the slats that blocked out the sun and received only sore fists in return.

Frantically, I tore off my shoes and slipped one and then the other through the space between the wooden slots. They were fine shoes with my title written upon them. Surely someone would find them. Then I peeled off the bangle the redheaded woman had given me two years ago and shoved that through the space. One by one, the rest of my ornaments followed.

Panic halted long enough for me to hold the silver diadem in my hands. Someone could just as well find it and hoard it for themselves, if not melt it down to make a fortune. But if there was the smallest chance someone else would read the inscription and know the chief lady-in-waiting had been abducted…

I shoved that between the cracks and then curled up inside of my prison. My knees pressed against my chest and my head weighed down heavily on top of them. My heart was not gone either; I could still feel it pressing down inside of my ribcage until it would finally implode with misery.

Surely this was my punishment for ingratitude. Was it not enough that I had employment in Pharoah's house and served his queen? Had I not good food, a safe home, firm shoes on my feet and pleasant garments to wear? My love-fever had overruled all logic, overpowering the good I had just enjoyed several hours ago in my life.

Now it had been snatched away and would be dashed against the Mountain of Seir by Eliphaz. I dared not expect to receive a morsel of compassion from him or his father.

"Esau fears no one. He will sacrifice anything, suffer all things, just to get what he wants."

I envisioned myself running across the desert beneath a cold dry full moon, trying to escape Eliphaz's tent. A hairy hand grabbed me by the hair and dragged me back to my husband's tent while I screamed in outrage. I would be punished with blows and kicks until my legs broke.

My breath was dwindling away at the bottom of my chest. I lay on one side and curled up tightly, feeling the hot stale air grip my head and scrape against the inside of my lungs. The wagon bounced up and down ruthlessly and all I could hear was the hiss and flick of a whip and the groans of turning wheels.

Kill me, I thought. Let me die here, alone and forsaken, before an evil man devours me.

Better to suffer the plague or be sent to the gallows. Let Egypt seal my death with one swift just stroke. At least I could perish in my homeland and not witness my soul being hollowed out piece by piece.

But would this prayer be answered?

Take my life, I begged inside my mind.

The woman's voice within me was faint as the humming of a far-off bee. It was the murmur of a wave swirling in the depths, the brush of air over blades of grass. A reckoning was coming and though I could not see if it was for good or evil, my spirit was compelling my body to fight back.

If you are in peril. If you think this is the end, she was whispering.

I groaned as my limbs unwound, straining to hear further.

Say His name. Call out to Him.

"I have," my cracked lips whispered. "I had been calling to Elohim for years. He cannot hear me anymore."

This may be the end, she acknowledged. But do not pray to Eliphaz for mercy or to statues for justice. Call to Him. If there is a reckoning, He will answer in His time.

"If I perish?"

Then you perish. There are things in this world worse than death.

Something swelled and swirled within me; the rising tide of a river turning still waters into churning ones. A fresh sense of spirit was moving through my blood, urging me not to succumb to defeat. Telling me that if this was my journey's end, I would not let be on my captor's terms. My fingers balled up into fists and I slammed them against the wooden slats of my prison. A harpy's fury tore out of my throat in a wail.

"ADONAI!" I screamed "ADONAI! SAVE ME!"

"Quiet!" Eliphaz shouted from the front. "One more word and I'll beat you until your spine breaks."

His threat only spurned me to defiance. I was instantly charged, feeling hot and proud and angry all at once.

"ADONAI! ADONAI! ADONAI!"

The pounding of hooves cut Eliphaz off from carrying out his threat. I could hear the clattering, jostling, and breathing of beasts dashing over stones.

Horses. Many of them. A sharp whistling sensation cut through them and then...

THUNK!

The wagon came to a shuddering halt and my head banged against the back of the box. Swirls of yellow and blue danced before my eyes before I could focus again. There was another THUNK and then a third.

It was the sound of Pharoah's arrows piercing wood.

"Asenath!" I heard my lord call out. "Where are you?"

My voice was nearly all spent, yet I urged words out of my swollen throat.

"Here I am! Here I am!"

Blessed was that proud tongue and that regal command, "Release her from that wagon!"

The pegs of the box were being pulled out; fresh hot sunshine poured over me. Hands were cupping my arms, my feet, even my waist as I was being helped out of the wagon. I glanced up to see Pharoah striding upon his glossiest black horse and fitting a fresh arrow into his bow. My debt to him would be for eternity. Out of the corner of my eye, I heard Eliphaz holler in indignation as Pharoah's men swarmed over him.

A fresh pair of arms rested upon my shoulders, steadying me into place. I found myself free outside again and now looking up into Joseph's handsome face.

My knees instantly began to tremble.

A flask was produced and lifted to my lips. "Carefully. Do not drink too much or too fast," he advised me. I barely took notice and gulped down the lukewarm water until my belly ached. Then I clumsily wiped the back of my wrist against my mouth. It still ached to look at him and I chose to stare at his left shoulder instead.

"Asenath, are you all right?" he asked gently.

"I am all right," I heard myself echo.

"Are you well in body and mind?" he pressed further.

"I am," was my dazed answer.

"Good. Because I want to ask for your hand in marriage."

His words had turned my head white and still, no thoughts could form within me. It was the utterance of a surprise coming too fast and too fierce for me to comprehend. My bones went rigid with shock.

That is why light was created before man. Adam would have gone mad if he had to endure six days of darkness before being thrust into the blinding power of light.

It was that same light clouding my eyes, blurring them until I could not see Joseph anymore. Mighty light weakening my limbs until they lost control and all things faded away.

My knees melted and I sank to the earth, laying my head at Joseph's feet. Darkness mercifully covered my vision and stole me away into oblivion.

A-A-A

When I came to, my head was facing the familiar ceiling of Pharoah's palace. I let my half-opened eyes close again and sighed in relief.

"Asenath?"

With great reluctance, I opened them again. Joseph's beaming face was hovering over me. Late-afternoon sunlight was pouring in from the windows and surrounding us in coral, pink, and amber. I could feel my cheeks warming again.

"I beg your forgiveness. You must have been fatigued after such an ordeal," he said to me.

I started to lift a hand upwards, but he carefully guided it back down. "You must not move too fast," Joseph warned me.

"I want to scratch my head."

"Where? I will scratch it for you."

A laugh died inside of me, leaving a gurgle in my throat.

"Never mind. It has passed. May I sit up?"

"If you think you are strong enough."

The sense of his warm steady hand pressed against my spine certainly gave me enough strength to sit up from the couch I had been reclining upon. Joseph was on one knee, but he still hovered over me as some supernatural guardian of healing.

He offered me a cup from the nearby table. I frowned. "It is only an herbal remedy," he assured me. "It will restore your composure."

Joseph brought it to my lips, and I took a wary sip. It was surprisingly warm, with a faintly bitter aftertaste, but oddly refreshing once I swallowed it down. Joseph patiently encouraged me to finish the cup and when I did, I felt as though I had already consumed a full meal and strong cup of wine.

"I am glad to see you are feeling better," said he. "And again, I must apologize for speaking to you during a crisis."

"Offer," I repeated. Oh yes, he said he wants to marry me.

"Nevertheless, I assure you that my intentions are sincere. Let me fetch one of Queen Tiaa's servants to tend to you and you may rest until you feel well enough to tell me your decision."

He began to rise but I managed to reach out and touch his arm with my fingers.

"Please, wait—Zapaneth Paneah," said I. His new name was rich and heavy upon my lips.

He stood in place, obeying my request.

"I cannot marry you."

For a moment I saw again the Joseph of my youth, the peculiar but wise man. His mouth opened but no sound came out.

At last, he said, "You are refusing my proposal?"

"I am."

"May I ask why?"

My tongue swelled up in my mouth and I fumbled to answer him.

"Because—because it is impossible," said I. "You must marry a woman Pharoah approves of—someone worthy of you."

Josephs sighed in relief. "I have found a worthy woman, and she is here at my side. I am confident Pharoah Amenhotep will approve."

Who was I to defy the viceroy? I just stared at my fingernails.

Joseph lowered himself until he was sitting next to me on the sofa.

"Asenath, will you not look at me?"

It took all of my courage to hold my gaze with his.

"I want to be your husband."

His beaming face was too bright, too beautiful. I glanced away from him again, my mind still reeling from the day's ordeals.

"You don't want me as your wife," I mumbled hastily.

"I do, Asenath. I've dreamed of it for years."

"Dreams change. I've changed," I continued to protest.

"For the better."

"But I-I've been with a man before," I stammered out. "In the temple…six years ago.

"Who was he?"

"My betrothed. Eliphaz ran a sword through his neck."

There was a painful pause before Joseph spoke again.

"Well," he said at last. "I made the error of allowing my lips to touch those of another man's wife. I should have saved that kiss for my wedding day. If you will forgive me for that transgression, we can leave our mistakes in the past."

As if touching Zulekia's lips could be balanced against my hasty affair with Akun!

He leaned in as if to kiss me, but I thrust my hand towards his chest. I was growing more frantic with every response he gave me.

"I implore you, do not entreat me further. My life is a journey of mistakes and broken trails. Let the viceroy not be burdened failures."

"The viceroy does not judge a person by her setbacks, but how she manages them. I have heard directly from Queen Tiaa the Wise how her lady-in-waiting has overcome her setbacks most admirably."

Joseph lifted a hand in the air as if to let it fall upon my arm or wrist, but it hovered in place.

"I want a wife who knows of life's struggles and will pass through life by my side, to be there to share in tears of sadness as well as peals of laughter."

"Not I! Not I!" I cried out. "If you have any mercy, heed my words most glorious viceroy. I have no kinsman to vouch for me or dowry to offer you. I am but a woman with a shadowed past and a heart full of doubts. You are the second-in-command of the kingdom, Pharoah's most trustworthy advisor. All citizens of Egypt adore you. Let the viceroy find happiness with a pure virgin or noble princess, for you deserve far better than anything I can offer you."

Upon finishing my speech, Joseph leaped to his feet and recoiled from me. His eyes did not blaze with the midnight fury of Pharoah's wrath but the gleaming intensity of midday's heat. His jawline had sharpened and jutted out, like a sword brandished in my face and his fine lips became ghastly as words spit from his mouth.

"Better?!" Joseph yelled. He took no heed of the broken cup on the floor or the sound of his voice booming all about the room. He only rose to his full magnificent height and drew his shoulders back, looking down upon me with mixed emotions.

"Who thought better of me when I was condemned to prison for ten years? How could I ever choose anyone better than she who had me in her mind and heart all this time?"

He turned around once in place and when he faced me again his face was no less handsome, only terrifying in all of its blinding honesty. Joseph slapped a palm against his thigh and declared:

"God Almighty, you are as contrary now as you were at eleven years old!"

To this I could do nothing but gape in bewilderment. And then he began to laugh, loud rich golden peals of laughter that filled the room and tickled my ribs until I gasped, choked, and laughed all at once. The sounds of our voices was music out of tune; his was the deep thrumming palm against the drum and mine was a restless bird chattering among the reeds.

"You—you remembered me," I heard myself crying and laughing all at once.

"I never forgot you," he assured me. "I never could. I have loved you since you were the little ward running around the estate of Potiphar. But now to see you have blossomed into a lovely young woman is beyond my dreams."

The waves of laughing hysteria died off as soon as they had come. I managed to wipe my damp eyes and speak again.

"I'm afraid, Joseph," I confessed to him. "I fear this moment of blessing will dry up into dust, nothing but an illusion that will vanish before my eyes."

His large dry palms covered my own. "Dear Asenath, I know too well the dazzling dangers of illusions. But this time, nothing is false. I am here and my words are the truth."

Joseph's voice lowered to barely a whisper. "I will ask one last time. Will you accept my hand in marriage?"

The answer came so suddenly, it all but leapt from my lips with the easiest decision I had ever made.

"Yes."

Then his charming features were fully restored, his broad smile was radiant as the dawn. Joseph brought my hands to his lips and, bowing over them, kissed my knuckles with reverence. The mere contact sent a thrill down my spine, for I was in awe to be treated so by one awed by others.

"Praise the Lord for this moment! I assure you, Asenath, you will lack for nothing. I will see to it that you will have the finest home with alabaster walls, limestone pavilions, and sweet blossoms in every garden. Servants will obey your commands day and night while subjects will pay homage to you from the streets."

"I beg you, there is no need to do so much," I declared, now slipping my hand away from his. But he reached out and lightly threaded our fingers together; this time catching my breath in my throat.

"Why should I not? A man ought to woo his wife properly and provide her with all the comforts he can obtain. As viceroy, I look forward to providing you with elegant garments and fine jewels so that all of Egypt will know you are the most precious being in my life."

Joseph's voice became soft and husky again. "And I hope you will do me the great honor by reading some of your lovely poem when we are alone."

"I—I would like nothing better," I gasped. My face must have grown red and swollen as a pomegranate by now.

The last of my worries were dissolving fast and I smiled quickly in response to his pleased face. But then the thoughts of my traumatic event overtook me.

"Joseph," said I in a more serious tone. "Who is Adonai?"

It was Joseph's turn to look grim. "Where did you hear that name?" he demanded.

My fingertips touched my chest, just over my heart. "It's a voice inside of me," I told him. "I cannot explain it so well in spoken words. But it is something I have heard before in my life whenever I am in the depth of despair. It sounds as though it is a deep and wise woman's voice projected onto me and willing me forward. It was she that told me to call upon Adonai."

A glimmer ran through Joseph's eyes. His hands cupped my shoulders and squeezed them gently. "You are the one," he murmured. "Of course, it had to be you." He sighed, closed his eyes, and nodded in affirmation.

"Adonai is the name of the Almighty, the Master of the World."

"But I thought the name was Elohim," I muttered in a daze.

"One Master can have many names."

"How many names does He have?"

"As many as we need to comprehend Him. Elohim is for His justice and Adonai for His mercy. Sometimes He is Hakadosh Baruch Hu, the Holy and Blessed One. And when all seems hidden to us small meek beings, He is HaShem—the Name."

My head was spinning from absorbing this new information and I told Joseph so. "I don't comprehend all of this," I admitted. "Will you wait for me to learn?"

"My bride, we will have all the time in the world to learn and understand together. For now, I ask you to hold onto this." He drew out something from a pouch around his waist and laid it upon my palms. I glanced down at my amulet, which had been scratched heavily across the surface.

"I did wonder how this came to be nearly crushed beneath my chariot's wheels."

"I threw it from the palace balcony."

"Aha! My suspicions are becoming more valid." Seeing my puzzled expression, Joseph went on. "If you trust me, keep that amulet concealed until our marriage. And on our wedding night I have a special gift for you: the story of Asenath's history."

I was shocked. "You know of my heritage?!" I exclaimed.

"I have found clues confirming my theories," was all Joseph would tell me.

I bounced in place restlessly like a child. "Why wait until then? Why can't you tell me now?" I pleaded with Joseph.

He cupped the back of my head and pulled me back to him until his mouth was against my ear. The skin on my arms quivered from his warm urgent breath.

"Dodi, we both know that walls have spies and cracks have ears," he uttered quietly as possible. "And words can be twisted into swords that harm us. Once we are made husband and wife, our secrets will be safe with each other."

He let our faces rest against each one another and I thought how fortunate I was it was to have someone I could confide in at last. Reluctantly, I agreed to wait until our marriage.

"Dodi," I repeated. "What does that mean?"

"It means 'beloved' in my people's tongue. May I call you that?"

"You may. Will you teach me other words in your language?"

Joseph grinned at me. "I will teach you all of them, if you wish."

"I wish it."

But once again, the happiness was chased from his face. I could sense something else bothered him.

"Now there is one more matter that must be cleared up. How did Eliphaz know where to find you?"

A-A-A

"We found her by the southern side gate."

I was standing with Joseph in a small antechamber in the back of the palace. Two guards were standing at the head of a table and a white sheet had been drawn over the long figure lying upon it.

"Zapaneth-Paneah, Lady Asenath," he bowed to us. "Do either of you recognize this woman?"

He drew back the sheet and I saw an extraordinary wax replica of Ahti. Then I leaned closer and screamed.

It wasn't wax. Ahti's unblemished eye was now a blank brown pebble frozen in time, the other a murky gray that blended into her scarred cheek. But her mouth was the most appalling; a wide gaping jaw that hung open too wide for a living person and was too quiet to take in the faintest breath. Her skin was sallow yellow and smeared with faded blue streaks where death had already stilled her blood, but there were still blooms of red spread across her stomach from the open wounds.

Her expression was one of absolute terror—it was stamped for all to see the horror she had felt just before her life had been snuffed out. I felt as though I had been plunged into ice water and I could not speak, only stagger backwards. Joseph caught me and his embrace fought off the instant chill that had threatened to swallow me.

The other guard produced something small and gleaming for Joseph to examine. "We found this dagger embedded in her stomach. It's identical to the one that the prisoner was wearing when we caught him."

I vaguely heard Joseph murmuring instructions to have Ahti sent to a proper burial. At last, I could let him share my burden as my head rested against his shoulder and I wept bitterly.

I felt no affection for Ahti. But as I watched the soldiers cover her face again and bear her away, I thought of all that could have been.

She could have been a fellow companion. She could have been as dear to me as a sister. We could have ascended upwards into the palace together and congratulated one another on our good fortunes.

With her remarkable voice and clever words, Ahti could have filled the court with glorious songs for many years. She would have lacked no number of suitors and Pharoah and Queen Tiaa would have arranged an excellent match for her. She could have had a successful career that would have made her one of the most adored women throughout kingdom.

Could have. Should have.

If only…if only…

I did not pity who she was. I only mourned what she could have been.

Woe unto those who have no friends to bless. They are condemned to spend their final moments cursing their enemies.

A-A-A

Joseph wanted to see me back to the Queen's quarters, but I knew I could not rest until I knew what would come of Eliphaz. His arm around my shoulder must have been considered a show of support, rather than affection, for Pharaoh made no comment of this gesture when we encountered him in the empty throne room.

I uttered some vague words of gratitude to Pharoah, who brushed them off to focus on the matter of the current prisoner. "Who is this Eliphaz that I should know him?" he declared to Joseph. "Has he presented himself at court or brought any token to show respect for Pharoah?"

"To answer Pharoah's questions in order, I know Eliphaz and his kinsman from my past life," Joseph responded diplomatically. "I do not recall him being show at court, but Asenath declares he has harassed her in previous years."

Pharoah's head swiveled towards me. "He is the unwanted suitor you spoke of?" I confirmed his words.

He snapped his fingers and commanded the prisoner be produced. Eliphaz was swiftly marched into the room. Though his hands were bound behind his back and four guards with spears were pointed at his head, he did not seem dejected. If anything, smug indifference suited his countenance.

It took all four men to bring Eliphaz to his knees. Pharaoh strode up to him and fixed his mighty gaze upon Eliphaz. "Why did you abduct the queen's lady-in-waiting?" he demanded.

Eliphaz's eyes slid slowly from Pharoah to Joseph, lingering for a moment upon him with cold silent rage, before he dragged his attention back to Amenhotep.

"I was only claiming my inheritance," he said at last.

"Inheritance."

"Yes. My father should have married her ancestor, but the sacred vow was violated. She was taken from him. By my father's sword, I swore I would take back what was rightfully mine."

My eyes would grow dim before I would ever forget Pharoah's resilience in that moment.

"You are not a citizen of Egypt," he stated cooly. "Your vow is invalid here. Moreover, you have provided no evidence to support your accusation."

"I can have a letter sent from the Mountain of Seir," Eliphaz growled.

But Pharoah raised a palm upwards to cut him off. "Had you humbly approached my throne with proof, I may have considered the matter. But you laid your hands upon the queen's lady-in-waiting and attempted to smuggle her out of the country like stolen goods."

Joseph stepped forward. "I beg Pharoah's forgiveness for interrupting, but I cannot let this man's falsehood go unchecked."

"Very well, Zapaneth-Paneah. Tell me his falsehood."

"As I said before, I knew something of his kinsman," explained Joseph. "Words of presumption may have been spoken in casual conversation, but no betrothal or wedding contract arranged for Eliphaz by his father."

"This you swear?"

"By the God of heaven and earth, I swear it."

Pharoah pointed a finger in my direction. "What of Asenath's ancestors? Does Eliphaz have valid information pertaining to them?"

"She is the daughter of On's late priest," was all Joseph said.

"That she is. So he a liar as well as a kidnapper."

"Heh…heh…heh…"

Eliphaz wasn't sulking anymore. His low scraping laugh disturbed me, and Joseph instantly took a stance in front of my frame, shielding me from his sullen voice.

"No matter now," he rasped to both men. "I renounce my claim on Asenath. I can find dozens of women in Seir who are lower in birth and better in bed than her."

"But you, Zapaneth Paneah, or whatever you call yourself…."

"Pharoah commands you to be silent," Amenhotep warned him.

"I have nothing more to say to Pharoah," drawled Eliphaz. "Only your viceroy."

Pharoah's eyes glistened angrily but he remained quiet.

"Foolish man. Do you think some fine clothes can cover up the nakedness of your youth? Or that perfumed water will mask your father's stench? You still reek of his spirit. It will infest all of Egypt until you've consumed the land."

I watched the muscles of Joseph's jaw harden, though his eyes were restless as Pharoah's were still.

Eliphaz widened his smirk revealing wolfish teeth. Even on his knees, his eyes were up, alert, and simmering with confidence.

"You will never be able to scrub out your bloodline. Lie to Pharoah if you dare but you cannot fool me. I know who you are."

"And who am I?" Joseph answered coldly.

Eliphaz growled like a wounded dog. "Since you will not acknowledge it, I will declare your shame for all who wish to hear. You are a son of Sar-El."

"I do not deny it."

"You acknowledge you are the offspring of a deceiver?"

"I acknowledge my father deceived a deceiver to save his own skin."

"By stealing his birthright?!" Eliphaz yelled.

"A birthright cannot be stolen after it was legally sold."

Eliphaz gnashed his teeth and spat at Josephs' feet.

"You are no viceroy. You are a thief and son of a thief!" he roared. "Stealing of blessings! Breaker of ladders! Robber of Laban and his flocks! A father of bastards and whores—"

"GUARDS!" shouted Pharoah. The soldiers swarmed around Eliphaz, dragging him to his feet.

Pharaoh's gaze narrowed at Eliphaz down the length of his scepter, which was pointed at the offensive man.

"You are forbidden to cross this threshold ever again, Eliphaz son of Esau. You are banished from my borders," he commanded. "To enter Egypt again means your death."

Eliphaz released a loud metallic laugh that bruised my ears. "You cannot keep me out forever, damned son of Sar-El! One day I will cross your threshold and plunder your home!"

"On that day you perish," Joseph said softly. But Eliphaz could not have heard it for his immense strength, which he had been concealing, burst forth and he snapped the cords around his wrists. With one swift stroke he snatched a spear from a soldier, and the second he slashed it across the man's chest.

I was thrust back so hard I collapsed to the floor but saw Eliphaz was charging directly for Joseph.

"Look out!" I shrieked.

There was no need for Joseph to be more attentive, for a fellow officer had thrust a sword into Joseph's hands. I knew not how a former scribe in the prison could grasp it with such ease, but Joseph swung the sword upwards and swiftly blocked Eliphaz's attack. He snarled and attempted to pierce Joseph through the shoulder, but Joseph blocked a second time while keeping his weapon close to his body. Confidence and footing on his side, Joseph stepped forward and swung his sword through the air. The head of the spear snapped in Eliphaz's hands.

He threw down the broke weapon and let out a wild cry of defeat. We watched him charge down the corridor, dodging two more of Pharoah's arrows.

"After him!" he commanded.

Joseph did not follow but rushed to my side. "Asenath, are you harmed?" he asked.

I assured him I wasn't. He pulled me to my feet, but I gasped to see where Eliphaz had managed to prick Joseph's arm. The fine linen was torn, and I could see a wisp of blood seeping forth from the skin just above his wrist.

"It is just a scratch," he assured me. Within moments a servant produced a piece of cloth, but Joseph waved him away and insisted on binding the wound by himself. I stood by, absorbing the recent attack upon the viceroy.

"How did you learn to fight like that?"

"My brothers."

With a grunt, he clamped one end of the bandage between his teeth. Joseph gave a single tug on the other, staunching the bleeding with a single knot.

By the time we had rushed from the court room to the balcony, I saw three more guards lying wounded in the grounds below. A man on a horse had kicked aside a cart and was dashing through the open gates.

"Pharoah will find him, won't he?" I asked Joseph.

"I would not underestimate Eliphaz. He may escape out of Egypt's borders after all. But they will be sealed behind him," he said at last.

"Damn the man!" exclaimed Pharoah. He had strode back in and thrust his bow and arrows to a waiting servant. We both waited patiently for him to extinguish his temper with three cups of freshly poured wine.

When Pharoah's thirst was quenched and his temper had ebbed enough, he beckoned Joseph forth.

"I have sent a proclamation to all of my soldiers. If Eliphaz is found, he is a dead man. If he escapes, he will never see Egypt again."

"I thank Pharaoh for his swift and wise judgement."

"But I am still piqued," said Pharoah. "Let the honest tongue of Zapaneth-Paneah shed light on the matter. Did your ancestor purchase a birthright from Eliphaz's ancestor?"

"That he did, Pharaoh."

"For what price?"

"A pot of lentils."

"What? So much sold for so little?"

"Yes, great Pharoah. And lest Pharoah consider the seller acted in haste and hunger, he continued to scorn the birthright even after his belly was full."

"I see." Pharoah swirled the contents of his cup. "Anyone who sells a holy inheritance for a meal is not worthy of privileges. Consider the matter closed."

"Yes, my lord."

"Zapaneth-Paneah, escort Asenath back to the queen's chambers and then return here for your weekly report."

"As my lord commands."

I could sense Pharoah's eyes following us as I walked out of the room with my hand upon Joseph's arm. Once we were alone in the corridors, we could speak freely, but briefly.

"I daresay the maidservants will want to interrogate you," said he.

"Yes," I agreed. "But Yamun can fend them off while I recover."

"And the queen?"

"She will want a report after today's chaotic events," I predicted. "But I do not think she will push me further than necessary."

"A wise and sensible queen," said Joseph. We had just approached the outer doors to Queen Tiaa's chambers, but Joseph did not yet tell the waiting guards to inform her I had returned.

"I will speak to Pharoah personally on the matter we discussed as soon as possible," he said. "Can you manage from here on your own?"

I assured him I would. But then I recalled something and told Joseph how I had cast off all of my worldly possessions in the wagon of Eliphaz, including the sacred silver diadem.

He told me not to worry a moment further. The viceroy would make a public announcement that a generous reward would be granted upon the man who found, and restored, the chief lady-in-waiting's precious silver to the palace.

Restoring himself to the formalities, Joseph bowed and spoke gravely to me. "Lady Asenath, I bid you farewell and wish you a full recovery in body and spirit."

"I thank the viceroy for his blessings. May you find everlasting favor in Pharoah's eyes."

Our words were cool, but our eyes met and held each other in tender affection. Then the connection was broken, and Joseph departed.

The officer announced my presence and escorted me into the queen's meeting chamber. I was instantly swarmed with Queen Tiaa, her maidservants, two healers, six officers, the steadfast matron Yamun, and dozens of questions.

A-A-A

I hardly recalled the rest of the afternoon because the healer had had me sip from a cup of poppy juice. Thick black indescribable darkness cocooned me and forced me to sleep until midday the next day. Afterwards, I was able to give a full account of the matter to Queen Tiaa.

She listened with attentive silence, only interrupting me once or twice to verify the details of my abduction. The queen was not a woman to overburden others with her emotions, but my heart was stirred when she extended her own scepter towards me.

"The gods be praised for returning you safely to me," she said. I knelt and touched the scepter with the tips of my fingers.

The maidservants squealed and gasped to hear my story and declared Eliphaz to be a villain with the blackest heart, before moving onto great admiration for my rescue to end in the arms of the viceroy. Yamun's excellent reputation continued, and she ordered them all swept away until I had been able to eat, drink, rest, and walk about the garden for another day.

Yamun and Queen Tiaa were still suspicious when I assured them I was well again, but the royal physician examined me and echoed my words. Thus, after three days, I settled back into my usual rhythm. Even as I went through the routine of composing dictation for the queen and examining storage rooms, I knew something had shifted in my life. There was a faint but noticeable star in the future that was glimmering and would grow with everlasting hope in time to the promise Joseph and I had made to each other.

The maidservants were frolicking in the gardens, and I was alone copying out a list of instructions for an upcoming banquet when a new servant approached me. He handed me a scrap of parchment with a few words written upon it. I dismissed him politely, then slid a scroll over it so that no one else but I could read the words.

"Pharoah's approval will be made public at the next court session."

A-A-A

The court met in session four days later. It began like any other routine, with the splendor and pageantry of Pharoah and the Queen striding into the room together and taking seats upon their thrones. A superb beer had been brewed over the last half year and several jugs were produced for Pharoah's approval. There was a harvest festival approaching and suitable dates and locations were selected.

When Zapaneth-Paneah was announced, all eyes went to him, and one could hear the breath of admiration that filled the court when he strode into the room. But the viceroy had attention only for his master and lordship. He paid brief but dutiful respects to Pharaoh before addressing the matter of providing adequate stones for the granaries. While there had been a slight delay in the current shipment, the viceroy assured Pharoah it was still too early to lay foundations and the rest of the season could be maximized by improving the boundaries of the orchards.

The matter was good in Pharoah's eyes. Several documents were signed and sealed with the ring of Zapaneth-Paneah and then placed in couriers' hands.

"What is next on today's agenda?" asked Pharoah.

"A more personal matter that I have come to entreat to Pharaoh," said the viceroy. "As you know, I have been in your service for several months now. But my time cannot all be spent in managing tasks for the kingdom. If Pharoah approves, I must have a wife."

"I approve," said Pharoah. "It is not good for a man to be alone."

"What a brilliant idea!" one nobleman declared. He stepped forward and unfurled a scroll that went down to his knees.

"I daresay Pharoah and Zapaneth-Paneah think in harmony! Fortunes be upon us, for I have a list of several exquisite candidates for the viceroy to choose from among the—"

"Be silent!" Amenhotep snapped. "Pharoah still speaks!"

The poor man squeaked an apology and retreated back into his regular position.

Fortunate for him, Pharoah was in a good mood that day. "As I was saying," he went on. "Our viceroy cannot continue indefinitely without a family to call his own. You have my approval, Zapaneth-Paneah."

"I thank you, great Pharoah. And to you, Petach," he nodded to the still-trembling nobleman. "Your efforts are commendable. However, I will not be examining any candidates today. As the Lord has blessed me with the proper advice how to prepare Egypt for the years ahead, He has also guided my heart to my soulmate."

"You know who she is?" asked Pharoah.

"Yes, my lord."

"Who is this woman?"

"It is the chief lady-in-waiting to her majesty, Queen Tiaa. It is Asenath, daughter of Poti-Phera, I wish to marry."

I was tenfold grateful to Joseph for having proposed to me in privacy in the previous days, for I would have fainted before the entire court if he had surprised me at this moment. Dozens of feet scraped and shuffled as everyone tried to get a better look at the viceroy's decision. All I did was twine my fingers together and avert my eyes to the floor, attempting to look as humble and astonished as possible. Perhaps I failed, for I am certain my face was glowing like a torch.

"Asenath! Well, well," muttered Pharoah. "She has indeed been a blessing in the queen's house and will no doubt be a blessing in yours. I must consult my own wife before deciding."

He leaned over his throne towards her. "What say you, my beloved? Is the matter good in your eyes?"

All eyes were upon me, so only I saw Tiaa's hands shaking faintly in her lap. She looked taken aback for a moment, then pressed a hand to her chest. "This is indeed no small matter," she said at last. "Since Asenath has no family to speak on her behalf, I claim responsibility for her future."

She shifted her attention towards me. "Asenath, do you consent to being this man's wife?"

A simple "yes" would have sufficed. But my cup was full and trembling with so much joy that words burst out from my lips loud and clear for all to hear.

"With all my heart!"

The court erupted into laughter. Queen Tiaa smiled and leaned back in her throne, allowing herself a sigh of relief.

"Very well!" said Pharoah. "Does anyone disapprove of this match?"

There was no answer.

"See here, Zapaneth-Paneah," he continued. "This is truly a day of your Lord's blessing. For once, there has not been the smallest contradiction or protest in the court room!"

He swung a hand towards me. "Step forward, Asenath."

I did so with my chin held high and with small steady steps, so that all could see my delicate ankles and admire my feet gliding towards the viceroy with the uttermost reverence.

"Give me your hand, Zapaneth-Paneah."

Joseph extended his right hand to Pharoah. Pharoah seized mine and then pushed them together. Our bones nearly crashed into each other from Pharoah's zealousness, but we managed to smooth our palms against each other just before he clamped his hands around ours.

"So it is written, so let it be done!" announced Pharoah Amenhotep. "Zapaneth-Paneah will wed the daughter of the high priest."

Then he released his hands and strode back up the steps, reclaiming the position on his throne. "There is, however, one final matter that must be addressed today." Pharoah bid a servant to come forth and the man produced a bundle. Pharoah unwrapped the coverings and held something shiny up for all to see.

"Do you recognize this diadem?" he asked me.

I told him it was the very same one that Queen Tiaa had given to me when I entered her service as chief lady-in-waiting.

"Zapaneth-Paneah, did you not offer a reward to the person who found it?"

"That I did."

"Bring him forward."

The court doors swung open, and a man was escorted forward. I recognized his walk before his face.

"Beka!" I called out in delight.

"You know this man?" demanded Pharoah.

"Yes, my lord. He is Beka, the son of Quri, a gate guard. He has been a devout guardian to me these last few years."

Despite my delight, Beka looked sulky and embarrassed. He fumbled to one knee before Pharoah. "My lord," he mumbled.

"Joseph, he is a good man. He must be rewarded generously," I whispered softly into my beloved's ear.

"He shall be," he assured me back. "But patience, Dodi. Pharoah does not look pleased."

Pharoh sounded cross indeed when he asked Beka, "You find this crown, son of Quri?"

"Yes, my lord," Beka mumbled.

"How so?"

Beka twitched one shoulder and then the next. "I was in correspondence with the queen's lady-in-waiting since her service to Pharoah," he said slowly. "I would deliver messages back to her childhood nurse to let her know Asenath was well. I recall many months ago when Asenath appeared before me bearing that crown, indicating her promotion and new ranking."

"And then?"

"I suspected trouble when Asenath did not appear at the regular gate and during our usual scheduled time. Thus, I sent word to the palace inquiring if the lady-in-waiting was inside."

"I recall," Joseph put in. "That was at the conclusion of the parade in my honor. Pharoah recalls the events of that afternoon?"

"Indeed, I do. Our horses were saddled at once and we pursued a trail that led us to several bangles and purple sandals lodged in the dirt."

Pharoah rested an elbow upon his knee. "Why the deception, Beka? When you found Asenath's lost crown cast upon a dust heap, why did you choose to leave it at the palace gate with a messenger instead of bringing it inside yourself?"

Beka glanced at me and looked nearly gray with distress. He hardly seemed able to look up at Pharoah before grunting awkwardly, "I am unworthy to stand in Pharoah's presence."

"Because you are lame? Bah! I know men who have lost their legs, arms, and even their noses! But when Pharoah bid them to come, they came!"

He banged his staff against the floor. "You are a proud man, are you not?"

Beka's voice wavered and creaked. "I am."

"Too proud to stand before Pharoah?"

He said nothing.

"If a mere guard at the gate will not obey Pharoah's orders, what message does this send to the other subjects throughout the kingdom?" exclaimed Pharoah.

I opened my mouth to protest, but Joseph's hand fell upon my shoulder. I saw in his eyes an urgent plea to be quiet in the moment.

"Beka has indeed done one good deed by returning this silver crown. But it has been countered by his utter disrespect for Pharoah's commandments. Therefore, he shall never again appear before Pharoah."

I saw the face of Beka hanging low in shame. But before the guards could seize and drag him out, Joseph stepped forward.

"Great Pharoah, I have an alternative punishment to recommend for this man."

"Speak, Zapaneth-Paneah."

"He is too proud to appear before Pharoah. Very well, let him not appear before Pharoah at all. But let his pride be remedied by putting him to work for someone in Pharoah's service." Joseph nodded to Baku, then to Pharoah.

I could sense a plan forming in Pharoah's mind. "I see…." He hummed for a moment and then whispered to Queen Tiaa. She smiled at him, and Pharoah's irritation cleared up.

"So be it! Beka, your punishment and reward are one in the same. As of this moment, you are in the service of Zapaneth-Paneah and will remain so until the day you die."

Beka opened his mouth, but Pharoah continued. "If you dare protest and say you are not worthy to serve Pharoah's viceroy, then your tongue will be cut out and you will serve no one at all. Therefore, I advise you to be silent and bow low before your new master."

I watched the guard shuffle over to Joseph and fall to both knees. "Zapaneth-Paneah, I swear my allegiance to you. I will serve you to my last breath."

"Stand up," declared Joseph. But as Beka struggled back to his feet with the use of his staff, everyone gasped to watch the viceroy rush forward and grasp Beka by the arms. Joseph pulled him fully upright.

"Your swift thinking has saved the life of Asenath, who is now my betrothed," said he. "I can think of no better man to be in my service."

Beka's ashen face lost some of its dejection and he glanced over my head, then back at Joseph a watery smile. "It is too much for one such as I, but I shall serve both of you to my last breath."

"Let it be written and let it be done," declared Pharoah. A scribe scratched out Beka's new orders and placed the document into Joseph's hands.

"The matter is closed. Here is Pharoah's final commandment before the court adjourns for the day."

Pharoah clapped his hands together four times and called out:

"Let all of Egypt make haste and begin the preparations for the wedding of the viceroy and the chief lady-in-waiting!"

A-A-A

"And he gave him Asenath, daughter of Poti-Phera, Chief of On, for a wife."

-Genesis, chapter 41 verse 45

"In the beginning God once caused a deep sleep to fall over the man that he had set in the Garden of the East and while the man slept, God took one of his ribs and closed it up with flesh. And from the rib He made a woman…that she might be with him as company and helpmate.

He washed her clean, anointed her, roughed her face, curled her hair…and adorned her head, neck, and arms with pearls and precious stones, including topaz, diamond, amethyst, emerald, and onyx. Escorted by thousands of angels singing hymns and playing lutes, He presented her in her adornment to Adam. There was a feast and banquet—which is today a festive banquet, in which it would seem God Himself affably took part; and the planets danced in a circle to their own music."

-Joseph and His Brothers, by Thomas Mann

A-A-A

It is a peculiar thing what we remember and that which we do not, as though our minds are sieves that sift and sort out that which we wish to recall and discard sediment from the past.

Of my wedding day there are some things I can barely recall, for it was all a whirl of emotions, lights, and sounds. But there are some other events I will do my best to summon from the innermost chambers of my heart.

We were wed ten weeks after Pharoah's public announcement. I spent my days putting together a trousseau under the guidance of Queen Tiaa and overseeing preparations with the maidservants. They chirped their blessings to me, but in privacy I unburdened concerns to the great lady.

Her response was a soothing balm to my jangled nerves. "You fear a jealous eye may cast a shadow upon your future?" said Queen Tiaa. "It is not an irrational fear, Asenath. But I too have overheard court gossip and know other womens' desires".

"All of them want to bed the viceroy, not wed him. They admire your privileges but do not cover your responsibility to serve his God indefinitely. Therefore, my advice to you is that is little worth fretting over. Yes, there will be some envious people at your wedding. But they do not have the power to cause you harm. In time those resentful emotions will vanish and they will go about their own matters. For once you are wed, the bond between you and your husband cannot be undone.

"You know that Pharoah is revered as the sacred bull. The viceroy has been called the holy ox, for it was in his night vision that he read Pharoah's dream of cows. The marriage couch is an altar where the flesh and spirit join together as one. Therefore, prepare yourself to be consummated by the holy ox."

If there was one benefit to my solitary night with Akun, it meant I did not squirm to hear Queen Tiaa's instructions of a wife's duties in the bedchamber. I listened to her instructions and nodded in compliance to her advice.

I must have been exhausted from our preparations because I slept well the night before our wedding. I rose just before dawn and went into the gardens to offer a silent prayer to God for allowing me to live this long, and to step into a new life beside that of Joseph.

By the time the sun had risen, the servants found me prostrated among the shrubs and damp with the fresh dew that covered the earth. Perhaps they thought the daughter of a priest was performing her own purification ritual, but I did not contradict their theories.

Fires were stoked for much hot water. I was bathed, perfumed, waxed, massaged, and oiled. Brushes swept over my face and powders stroked down my neck. I was swathed in so much linen and weighed down with so much gold that I could barely move. A cup of beer was put to my lips and I was allowed a few precious sips before it was taken away and my face was concealed with an embroidered veil that obstructed my vision. My neck muscles creaked from sitting in one place so long but at least I could sigh with impatience while maidservants painted the nails of my hands and feet with bright red lacquer.

They were almost done when I heard Yamun let out a bellow of protest.

"My lord, she is not ready yet! My lord!"

I squinted beneath the veil but only saw feet scuffling around me. Then I heard Joseph's voice speaking sharply into my left ear.

"Asenath, are you in there?"

I giggled for the first time in my life.

He flipped the veil over my face and grinned at me.

"Good. I'm glad it's you. I would hate to have to wait another seven years."

He laughed at his private joke and drew the veil back over my face. I was lifted to my feet and guided by both hands to turn right and then walk down a long narrow chamber. I had to use extreme caution so as not to fall upon my face. I was presented into a litter with a covered canopy and cushions all around me. I felt my body jerk upwards as the litter was lifted off the floor and carried outside.

For a few moments my stomach lurched, and I had moment of panic in fearing the men bearing me could give way and slam my bones against the earth. But their arms were strong I felt not a single bump on the road as they carried me safely through the streets towards the celebration pavilion. The cheers from the crowd rang loudly in my ears and I was nearly smothered by the scent of flowers thrown at the litter. I raised a palm to the crowd and waved at the shapeless faces, then waved to the other side of the street.

At last, the litter was placed upon the ground, and I was escorted by maidservants who linked their arms through me or pranced around to cast more rose petals upon my head. I must have sneezed at least twice before the steps beneath my feet finally ended at even ground and the veil was removed from my face.

Joseph and I were standing beneath a canopy held by four sweet-smelling cedar rods. Pharoah and Queen Tiaa were standing there as well, both clad in gold and green from head to toe.

Lord Katom produced an etched document, which Joseph had previously explained was our marriage contract. His vow was to provide for all of my comforts and cherish me, and mine was to honor and respect him all of my days. The contract was read aloud by Pharoah in the presence of eight witnesses. Instead of sacrificing an animal to the gods, Joseph announced that all subjects could go home and eat and drink to the viceroy's marriage in their own way. The matter was deemed good in the eyes of all attendees and after several trays of raisin cakes were passed around, they went back to their houses.

Once the crowds were dispersed, Joseph and I were escorted to the cool privacy within the pavilion. Music was played upon lyres and harps while graceful dancers leapt before us. We sampled random food from platters placed before us and thanked dignitaries who presented us with various trinkets and gifts. I tasted little of what I was eating and found myself repeating the same thanks multiple times, while my eyes kept straying to Joseph who sat by my side. From time to time his hand would find mine and squeeze it gently. It gave me sufficient patience to continue waiting until the formalities were over.

In those days it was customary for a husband and wife to exchange gifts on their wedding day. Under Beka's advice, I had summoned a swordsmith to craft an iron dagger for Joseph. The dagger itself was adequately made in a style to suit an aristocrat, being short yet angular with a razor spear-like tip at the end. But I had expressed disapproval at the brass engraved sheath, thinking its gaudily engraved surface was unsuitable for Joseph's refined tastes. A simple ivory sheath would suited him better and I told Beka so.

His counter response quelled my opinion on the matter. "The holy inscription within your silver crown meant it would have been a crime to melt down anything that came from Queen Tiaa," he explained. "So too the sheath of the viceroy's weapon must bear his inscription so that no one would dare confiscate or exploit it for personal gain".

Both dagger and sheath were presented on an adjourning leather belt. When Joseph took the belt and strapped it around his waist, I saw no garish ornament that detracted from his own natural grace. He praised me for a useful and handsome gift, and I made a mental note to thank Beka for his wellspring of advice.

For myself, Joseph had fashioned a wrist bangle made of rose quartz beads and gold discs. If anyone overheard Joseph and I break out into laughter, they must have thought we were overcome with joy. We left the guests to their own conclusions while sharing in the private joke about a ward who almost bargained successfully with her tutor.

Less secretive but just as extraordinary was the necklace of pearls that Joseph draped around my neck that afternoon. I had never seen pearls before and I marveled at the small glowing discs of moonlight that gleamed in shades of cream, rose, and dusk. No doubt he had taken great pains to acquire them, and I had much to ponder over as I ran a finger over their grainy surfaces.

Pharoah Amenhotep and Queen Tiaa had gifts for each of us.

For the viceroy, Pharoah produced a silver goblet that had been made of a simple but such elegant design that all the guests stopped what they were doing to gaze at it. I cannot imagine how long the craftsmen labored at their task but am sure Pharoah's harsh command drove them to create a masterpiece worthy of one only a single step less than Pharoah. The base was flat but rose straight up into a cup in the form of a flowering almond bud, with a line of oxen parading around the lip of the cup.

It was more than a drinking vessel for the viceroy. This was a gift that emulated the grace of the moon and contained the blessings of all the stars of the sky. Joseph made a brief but eloquent speech to Pharoah and filled the cup himself, raising it to drink to his lordship's goodwill with the first use.

My own gift from the queen was equally magnificent. She instructed me to hold out my right hand and slipped a ring upon my fourth finger. I looked down to see a bead of amethyst with a flawless flat surface, like a drop of the richest wine suspended in time. Upon the surface were two persimmon trees etched with gold along with the engravement of a tiny golden dove.

This ring had been passed down through generations of the royal family. To bear it upon my finger was to inherit a noble title that only Queen Tiaa herself could bestow upon me. From that day forward I would be known as Asenath, wife of Zapaneth-Paneah, and Her Esteemed Excellency, Princess of Thebes.

I was surrounded by the scent of wild roses when the queen cupped my face and kissed me upon both cheeks. There were tears in her eyes as she said to me, "I could not give you up for any lesser man. Nor I could be happier if you were wed to any better husband".

A-A-A

The marriage feast concluded at last.

Pharoah had delivered his last blessing to his viceroy and wife and sent them off in a chariot and with several escorts. Scepters and crowns had been put away, soldiers and servants dismissed for the evening. He could relax in his high-ceilinged bed chamber with a generous flask of fresh wine on his right, a bowl of perfumed incense on his left, and his beautiful queen the only companion for the night.

He was almost happy enough to be considered content.

"What ails you, my queen?" asked Amenhotep. "Do not tell me it is nothing. Is it because you miss your lady-in-waiting?"

Tiaa, who had been admiring the purple dusk of the evening sky, released the curtain she had been holding and turned to Amenhotep. "I do," she admitted. She walked four steps until her body was just brushing against that of her husband's.

"But my loss is Zapaneth-Paneah's gain, and so there is naught to be sad about. I will simply ask Yamun to find me a suitable replacement."

"That she will."

Tiaa's features eased from thoughtfulness. "They are both so young, so peculiar. I hope they will be happy together."

Amenhotep reached out and threaded his arm around Tiaa's waist. "I am certain they will. Because they have each other." He pulled her closer to him and secured his hand upon her hip.

Warm relief spread through him as he felt the weight of the queen's back resting against his chest. Her clipped hair was also warm and fragrant as it grazed against his chin. "If they are but one tenth as glad as we are, consider Zapaneth-Paneah and Asenath to be fortunate indeed."

Tiaa had no further words as she allowed her husband's fingers to find her chin, tilt it up to hers, and guide her face into a kiss.

Amenhotep would never tell anyone, not even his wife, what was in his mind. He was at ease now that Zapaneth-Paneah had his bride.

There had been too much ogling over the viceroy these last few months for Amenhotep's liking. A man as attractive and talented as Zapaneth-Paneah would inevitably find trouble at some point in his life. The sooner the viceroy took a wife, the better. The women of the court would have their sighs and sobs but in time, they would accept him as a married man and learn to worship him from afar.

Amenhotep had no doubts his viceroy and the newly titled princess would muddle through the first few years of marriage with the usual awkwardness and frustrations that newlyweds were burdened with. But he was equally certain they would manage all right. With their youthful looks, good health, and aspirations for the future, there was much for them to anticipate.

As long as my viceroy can tolerate Asenath's everlasting questions and forever be watching those damned curious eyes of hers, he thought. No wonder he had sensed something of the other world in her that first night they had spoken privately on the balcony. It was not unlike the sensation he had felt when Amenhotep first locked eyes with Osariph the prisoner.

The viceroy and the princess were blessings, to be sure, and Amenhotep needed every blessing accounted for before the famine approached. But he was shrewd enough to know any gift that enriched you could just as well consume you. Keep it nearby to warm you like a flame but not so close as to scorch you. Asenath had served her time in the palace and been useful to his beloved queen, but her presence had begun to wear Amenhotep out. He did not want to hear of any more unwanted suitors attempting to carry her off.

Zapaneth-Paneah will watch over her, he reminded himself. And their God will watch over them.

Amenhotep was satisfied with the events of the day. Now had his own tasks for the night. He guided Tiaa to the bed, stretched out his aching limbs, and let out a long thin sigh of satisfaction as the song of night descended over them.

A-A-A

I clasped the sides of the chariot while Joseph held the reins, driving the two sleek gray horses before us with comfort. But of course, he must have had experience over these last ten weeks and so it seemed as natural to him as breathing to anyone else.

"Woah," he declared, as we slowed to a halt. Joseph helped me out of the chariot and escorted me down a path lit by ten enormous torches. We passed under a limestone arc, and I saw we were standing in a small but clean courtyard, with one smaller wing for servants and a larger one intended for the master of the house. I noticed a palm tree bowing low out of the corner of my eye, so perhaps there was a garden nearby.

Time in the palace must have pampered me, because the house seemed small, even cramped, in comparison. I did my best to hide my disappointment and sound cheerful.

"What a charming little villa!" I exclaimed. "I am sure we will be cozy here."

He laughed briefly at my remark. "This is temporary, Asenath. We will be staying here until our official home is complete." He pointed off into the distance where I could just make out a faint light that twinkled in and out.

"Do you see that light upon the hill? That is where it is currently being completed, a quarter of a day's journey away on fresh private grounds. I wanted it done in time for the wedding but there were some construction obstacles. But thought it best we not delay our wedding any further."

I flushed with guilt at my misjudgment, but he smoothed it out. "We will indeed be comfortable here for a month or two until our home is finished."

"Home." I repeated the word and let it roll around in my mouth. Potiphar's estate, Poti-Phera's temple, and even Amenhotep's palace had all been my residences. But I had been a guest in all of them. It would be wonderful to put down roots at last.

The guards who had escorted us took their posts at the gates while we went into the servants' quarters. Menes from the kitchens and Ketsu from Pharoah's chambers were among them, for Pharoah had insisted we accept several hands from the palace, and I chose those who had done good for me. They prostrated themselves before Joseph and I, congratulating us upon this momentous occasion and swearing their devotion to serving us.

Yamun was there as well, for Queen Tiaa had commanded her into my services. There was a time I would been afraid, even disgusted, to have her daunting presence ever near myself. But experience had taught me the value of this stubborn coarse-faced woman, who compensated for her lack beauty with an iron will of shrewdness and loyalty. As she had encouraged the queen through her trials, I had faith she would assist me in transforming into an ideal wife. My only regret was knowing the queen had deprived herself of a lifetime companion, but one dares not refuse any gift from the wife of Pharoah. Nor did Yamun express displeasure at her new post. Her eyes and mouth were expressionless as ever, but Yamun bowed formally and addressed me as "princess" without a hint of regret in her bearing.

I wondered if it had been her majesty's idea for Yamun to join me, or if Yamun had placed the suggestion at Tiaa's feet. But better not to risk offending either of them by asking; I would accept the generosity of both with good graces.

Joseph had gallantly agreed to bring Weret into our service if she wished it. But her husband had sent word that she was confined to her bed and any attempt to move her would compromise her health. Fortunately, Weret's illness was not fatal and she needed only a bit more time to have her strength restored. Once she was well, her husband would have Setep the scribe sell the inn and the two elderly people would cut fish for our table.

"Send the other away. I want to be alone," I instructed Yamun.

"As you wish, my lady." She bowed and moved about the room with the same rigid formalities that she bore in the palace. But as for myself, it would take some time to get accustomed to giving orders to others.

I had a hasty glance into the bedchamber, also smaller than the queen's but airy with high ceilings and two windows with slats to filter out the daytime heat. The doorways were painted bright red and a handsome chest in yellow was lodged in the corner. One torch had been placed into each corner of the room to light it up properly.

Joseph was already unsheathing his belt and removing his shoes.

"I will rejoin you shortly," said I. He nodded in agreement.

Yamun showed me a smaller chamber where I could remove my wig and shake off all the shiny ornaments at last. She had prepared ewers of hot and cold water and helped me to bathe my face and wash off all of the makeup. At last, she drew forth a thin, clean robe of simple linen and my skin breathed in relief to be helped into it.

"Shall I stand outside your room this evening?" she inquired.

"No, Yamun. You are dismissed for the night."

She bowed and walked out of the room. I was left alone to examine my face in a circular copper mirror leaning against the wall. It seemed small and tired, but happy to be at peace. But perhaps it was a trick of the light, or just a faint streak of kohl that Yamun had missed, but my eyes seemed larger and more luminous than ever. And my heart was beating unnaturally fast inside of my chest.

What had I to fear?

I slowly stepped back into the central bedchamber. Joseph was stripped to the waist and sitting on the edge of the bed, his head bowed into his hands. His breath kept coming out in random sounds, as though he was gasping for air.

When you mix river silt with black sticky mud from the banks of the upper river, it makes an excellent mud that will hold the shape of anything you compress into it. As a child I learned to press twigs and grass into the mud, peel it off, and then watch their ghosts harden in the sunshine.

Joseph's back resembled one of those imprints. As I drew nearer to him, I could see the broken ladders crossing his back from shoulder to shoulder, hip to hip. Imprints in his flesh where the lash and whip had been inflicted upon him.

My heart was still beating painfully in my chest to see what he had been concealing from all other eyes.

I kneeled carefully on one edge of the bed and reached out to his back but dared not touch it yet.

"Joseph?" I asked quietly.

He did not answer. I let my fingertips finally touch the skin of his back. He flinched.

"Shall I stop?"

Again, he said nothing. My fingers trailed downwards, marking broken paths and jagged lines where stories were shattered, and visions were broken. I let my full palm rest between his shoulder blades and when he inhaled, felt the bones beneath his skin moving backwards to press into the bones of my palm.

I could feel tears brimming in my eyes, but they came no further even as I dropped my head and let my lips lightly touch one of his scars. I wished it, willed it, to make the marks vanish beneath his skin but the jagged lines still danced beneath the torch lights.

He straightened up at once and I jerked back. Then he turned his head to me, and I saw his eyes were dimmed and damp from weeping. He was no less beautiful even when in sorrow.

"Did I startle you?" asked he.

"No," said I. It was half the truth.

"Forgive me, Asenath." Joseph scrubbed his face with one palm. "I was living inside of a memory. I could not hear you."

I sat next to him on the bed and fumbled with the hem of my robe. Dare I be selfish enough to remind him in this moment of his promise to me? Or let him remain in a cloud for the rest of our wedding night?

"You mentioned you had brothers," I said at last. "How many?"

Joseph smiled through his tears and told me to guess.

"Two?"

I was incorrect.

"Five?"

No.

He reached over to me, laid a hand upon my knee, and whispered the answer into my ear.

"Eleven!?" I was sure Yamun and the others had heard me by now. "You…your father must be quite a vigorous man," I stammered.

My awkwardness must have helped because Joseph finished drying his tears. "Yes, he is vigorous. And also wise, brave, stubborn, and devout. He is a complicated man, full of many contradictions. But I love him all the more for his love of life and his passion to go where his destiny commands him to be."

I took this opportunity to ease Joseph out of his distress and share my theories with him about his family. "I had imagined what your father is like," said I.

He looked piqued. "Tell me more."

I hastily told Joseph my theories about the princely man and his white camel, but my voice died out when I saw Joseph shake his head.

"My father and his family do not live in fine houses upon hills, Asenath," said he. "We require wide open spaces and fresh air for our flocks. We dwell in the valleys and hollows where the rain and melted snow can cascade down those hills. Everyone, from the most tender boy servant up to my father, lives in a tent, albeit a decent one."

"But he does have many flocks, doesn't he?"

"Goats, sheep, lambs, rams, and donkeys. We do have some camels, but no white ones."

"Pigs?"

"No."

"Gazelles?"

"No. They run too fast to be tamed."

"Do you fish?"

"When there is a river nearby."

I did not know what else to ask him, but Joseph took the question out of my hands.

He kneeled upon the bed until his gaze was even with my own. I felt his palm press against my cheek and watched the painful expression crawl through his eyes.

"I said before I would tell you the truth on our wedding night, Asenath. I intend to keep my word. But I must warn you frankly, that this is not a story of altogether pleasant things. The world is full of complicated people with complicated matters. How they treat one another cannot be fully understood, no matter how many times we attempt to comprehend their intentions. To be human is to experience pain, sorrow, envy, hatred, passion, and zeal.

"Do I have your consent to tell you the entire story of how you came be, and how your own past has come to be woven into my present? Shall I share all that I know, regardless of what pain it may cause you? Or would you rather forget the past and let us live in the here and now to bask in Pharoah's grace, as the viceroy and princess of Egypt?"

Until now I would have chosen the former without hesitation. But Joseph's concern was causing me to doubt myself. Was I the offspring of that poor woman who had been stung to death by bees? Had my father fled Eliphaz because he owed enormous debts? Or was my blood consummated for some violent ceremony that the Moabites were renowned for conducting upon their own children?

I let my eyes closed and retreated briefly into myself, hoping to find the woman's voice or an answer from Adonai.

But there was no response. I only felt the black void of the unknown looking back at me. This was my decision to make, my burden to carry.

Only I could fill that void.

My eyes opened and I stared into my husband's face.

"Here I am," I said at last. "Tell me everything you know."

"Very well. Do you have your amulet?"

Yamun had seen to it my personal affections had been transferred to the room. I recognized the yellow chest and slid off the bed to get to the contents. Lying on top of my dresses was a small packet bearing the scratched-up amulet. I wrapped the chain around my wrist and climbed back onto the bed.

Joseph stretched his long limbs out across the bed. Something told me he was going to be talking for a long time.

"Where shall I start?"

"At the beginning. That is a good place to start."

"Very well." Joseph stretched out upon his stomach and rested his chin upon his hands. I did the same and steeled myself, anticipating the story of life to flow through me.

"In the low rolling hills of Canaan, just east Mount Gerizim, there is a tribe of the Hivite people," he began. "It is a place where two creeks just conclude so the citizens of that area found it a good place to live. The nine chiefs gathered many stones together to seal in the shallow waters and establish a moat. They used the stones in the center of the moat to set up a foundation for a city. This was known as the city of Shechem.

"One day, a beautiful young maiden decided to visit Shechem. Her name was Dinah…"