Chapter 12
A week after Kahmunrah had first introduced him to the Hall of Records, Ahkmenrah began to feel himself gradually improving- haltingly, painstakingly slowly, but improving. Unfortunately, the elder prince's birthday approached, leading to a lapse in the sessions, something for which both were secretly grateful for. For his part, Kahmunrah worried he'd gain a bald spot from running his fingers through his hair out of frustration so often! At least his brother was trying.
Ahkmenrah began sneaking into the Hall of Records as frequently as possible, which was difficult considering how intense his studies were becoming. He understood the significance for Kahmunrah, who longed to emulate their father as much as possible, but how did he fit in? Sometimes he feared, proud as Kahmunrah was, that he couldn't stand sharing blood with such a meek younger brother. He didn't fault him.
For Ahkmenrah, much as he'd enjoyed the battle scene, he preferred reading about the myths and legends not only of his family, but of the gods themselves. Though Kahmunrah prayed along with everyone else in the temples, he did not strike Ahkmenrah as particularly superstitious. Religious, yes he supposed he was, for Kahmunrah had always acknowledged the gods' blessings and curses, but he didn't take much stock in 'stories.' Unlike himself. Who was the greater fool?
0o0
What to get for Kahmun? His birthday is in two days! How did I allow time to slip past me?! Ahkmenrah wandered through the marketplace. To others, he would have appeared to be walking around idly, but his mind raced with possibilities and, today, anxiety. His brother would be turning twenty two years old- a noteworthy achievement, considering the many tragic stories he'd heard of people their age dying too soon. Just last week one of their practice mates had been struck down by a lung disease! Why Kahmunrah wasn't married yet remained a mystery in most people's eyes, particularly since he seemed to have an eye for the ladies and a quick way of flirting about him. For his part, Ahk figured when Kahmunrah grew up, the right woman would find him.
The birthday feast would also be the day when Merenkahre would officially announce Kahmunrah as his living heir- it used to be eighteen, but after several youthful deaths earlier in the family line, one of their ancestors had changed the age, citing 'if one can live to that age, one can rule a kingdom.' Ahkmenrah didn't want to think about how much sense that made.
Amazing how in a such a sizable marketplace, one cannot find a single suitable gift, he thought bitterly. Normally he enjoyed the marketplace, with its bustling restlessness, spices, peacock colors, and rumbling crowds. However, today his mind was too occupied by his increasing anxiety over not finding the right present. Kahmunrah had everything- the best weapons, armor, even scrolls! (Though admittedly he never read them) What could he possibly give that his brother did not possess?
I am overthinking this, there must be something!.. He was interrupted by a vendor almost shoving fresh grapes up his nostrils. Politely pushing it aside (only to change his mind and buy a bunch anyway- he was peckish), a gleam in a shack drew his attention.
A short time later, his purchase in hand, Ahkmenrah happily headed home, grapes in hand and his package carefully wrapped and craddled in his fist.
"Is this the stuff I ordered?"
The voice was so jarringly familiar and out-of-place, Ahkmenrah froze in his tracks. What is my father doing here? Only one way to find out. Blending in near a fresh fish vendor, Ahkmenrah kept his head bowed, praying the king would not spy him.
"It is, your highness," intoned the merchant. From her gravely voice Ahkmenrah guessed she was elderly, though her dusky brown hood shrouded her features. He risked leaning out just a bit more, to get a better view, and saw his father was not with his usual grand entourage- only two guards accompanied the king.
"Good. I appreciate you going through so much trouble to obtain this- rest assured you will be rewarded handsomely," Merenkahre replied.
"Anything to preserve the life of our pharaoh," she bowed more deeply than her creaky bones should have permitted. "I must advise caution- this is to be taken in small doses, and its potency makes it deadly to consume without food."
"Duly noted. Again, I cannot thank you enough, my lady." In an unprecedented display of gratitude, he returned her bow. He and his men then slipped away, too preoccupied to notice the youngest prince a few feet away.
His grapes rising with the bile in his throat, Ahkmenrah hurried home after them, taking care to take a less direct route. Why was his father purchasing such powerful medicine in the marketplace?
"Kah, I must-"
"Not now, brother."
"Please! I just saw-"
"I said no, Ahk! What more do you need? Can you not see I am planning the desert for the banquet?"
Ahkmenrah froze, feeling the familiar flush rushing to his cheeks at Kahmunrah's reprimand. "Fine, plan your stupid dessert. Whatever it is must be more crucial than Father." He marched towards the door when his brother called out. He felt his glare boring into him before he heard him.
"Leave us, now." The servants and chefs rushed outside despite the quietness of the heir's tone. "Sit down. What about Father?"
Ahkmenrah tumbled out his account of eavesdropping on the pharaoh in the marketplace. "Kah, why would he require such powerful herbs? What was he even doing there unattended by his guards?!"
Seated by the table, Kahmunrah leaned backwards, drumming his fingers ponderingly on the tabletop. "It is strange he was unaccompanied- he's usually not so careless. Did you notice anything else?"
"I was too scared he'd see me, so I hid most of the time. I only glimpsed them exchanging the package. Father wasn't even dressed like a king! He wore an old cloak and almost no gems!"
"Ha! In this situation, that's the only part that makes sense- ever think he was in disguise? That he didn't want to be found?"
"Why do you think I was eavesdropping?" Staring into his lap, Ahkmenrah mumbled, "I know it was wrong to spy on him, but I had to know. I still don't!"
"Have you spoken to Mother? Perhaps she could enlighten you better than I."
"Not yet," he replied, twisting his birth ring around his finger.
"Well, perhaps you should address such concerns to her first, before barging in here and bothering me with them. I have a birthday to plan, you know."
"What? How-"
"Enough. I understand your concerns, but surely if Father was gravely ill, they would have told us?"
"I guess?.."
"Good. Now run along, unless you have anything more useful to tell me?"
Gritting his teeth against a second blush of embarrassment, Ahkmenrah replied, "No."
"Then what are you still doing sitting there? Make yourself useful elsewhere, I have preparations to complete."
Startled, Ahkmenrah rose from his seat. "You could at least pretend to care about Father instead of choosing which pastry would go best with the wine!"
Kahmunrah glowered at him, rising with a pound of his fists. "I do care about Father! However unlike you, I reign in my imagination and keep my wits about me! Dark cloaks, mysterious apothecaries, eavesdropping... Really, Ahk, this behavior was childish two years ago! If you want to entertain me with tales, please wait until the birthday feast tonight. Right now, I have other concerns to deal with."
Barely remembering to breathe, Ahkmenrah rose fully. "Forgive me for wasting your time." He stomped out, slamming the door with the fury of a sandstorm. Because of this, he failed to see his brother craddling his head against a migraine. Well, that put him off. Perhaps a little too well. As if what had happened earlier wasn't enough, now his brother had come to him with this. One day, for just one day he would like to be burden-less. One day...
He must not know, he must not know!
Kahmunrah hadn't counted on stumbling upon something this morning when he was making his rounds. He hadn't planned on accidentally seeing Father with an incision being made on his arm; he hadn't noticed before how frail the pharaoh was becoming. He hadn't counted on seeing the blend of horror, dismay, and shame on the Great King's face as a physician's aid slammed the door on him.
Happy birthday, he wished himself bitterly. Shaking his doubts out of his head, he resumed planning his banquet- it would be his twenty-second birthday, after all.
0o0
"So I told him... Told him to... Kiss my fist!" Kahmunrah slurred, for once seemingly oblivious to his lisp. Surrounding him six or seven girls giggled appreciatively.
"Should we stop him now, or before he comes to the part when he decides to kiss the enemy instead?" Ahkmenrah asked, more amused than anything else. His father, on the other hand, looked far from pleased.
"He is merely having fun," Shepseheret said. "It is his birthday after all. Perhaps we could let him be?"
Merenkahre said nothing. Rubbing his arm comfortingly, she asked, "Were you so different at that age? Come now, be honest."
Precious few people could catch the king off guard; his wife was one of them. "Erm, well of course I was different! Much more grounded..."
Shepseheret didn't make him elaborate, for his sputtering was answer enough. Besides, she'd gotten what she wanted- his gaze towards their eldest was no longer as judgmental. This was Kah's single night of revelry, and he should be allowed to enjoy it. Besides, if things grew too tumultuous, she knew how to reign them in. But nothing ever did, and knowing her eldest, they never would. Though he played the part of philanderer well, Kahmunrah's heart remained single for now. When the time was right, Kahmunrah would marry one who was right for him, hopefully of fitting status and temperament.
Oblivious to his parent's musings, Ahkmenrah continued observing Kahmunrah's antics. Recalling that morning, the sudden change in demeanor from the tense heir he'd been berated by then was unsettling. Kahmunrah rarely allowed himself to drink heavily, and only on celebrations. Truthfully, he'd acted more carelessly before; if not for their earlier disagreement, Ahkmenrah would have found it endearing. So why was Father so unforgiving this time? Out of the corner of his eye, he observed the king glaring from his throne, his hands curled around his armrests tightly as a drowning man would clutch a rope. Finally seeming to have endured enough of his heir's behavior, Merenkahre rose and glided off, ignoring his wife's quiet attempt at clutching his hand.
Though he himself was almost fifteen years old and both his parents were strongly hinting he should be searching, Ahkmenrah held no interest in flirting yet- better to admire his brother's skills from afar. Ignoring the sudden chill lingering in his father's absence, he winced when Kahmunrah leaned too far back in his seat and fell, to the delight of the ladies- they shrieked with pleasure when he sprang up again, none the worse for wear. Relieved he was uninjured- there was the incident with a poisoned toad- and unsure how else to respond, he gave him a thumbs up, which Kahmunrah returned with a slightly lopsided grin. Indeed, by now he knew the game as well as the women did- Kahmunrah would give chase and they would flee in fake fright, probably all too pleased with being pursued by the heir to the throne. A mockery of tag began. A game he could only watch, and be grateful he wasn't part of. Eventually, his role would come into play. Probably after midnight, at the rate his brother was going.
Sure enough, long after his mother had given up giving him subtle hints with her eyes and glares, a thoroughly intoxicated Kahmunrah stumbled towards them, laughingly throwing one arm over his brother's shoulders. "I bid you adieu, fair ones! I must guide Baby Brother back to his quarters," he slurred. Avoiding his mother's concerned gaze, Ahkmenrah hobbled up the stone steps with his sibling, secretly honored he never let anyone else do this but him.
0o0
Sunlight stabbed into his eyelids as Kahmunrah grunted awake. Damn, what in Horus's name happened? Why was his head screaming with the howls of a thousand hyenas? Oh. Oh boy... He had done it now. Perhaps he could sneak in a few more hours rest.
A throat-clearing noise dashed such hopes. "How long have you been observing me?" He grumbled, squinting at his bedside companion.
"I just walked in. Father wants to speak with you," Ahkmenrah replied.
Groaning, Kahmunrah rolled over onto his back. "Can he not wait? I wish to enjoy my one day of freedom." It was an unspoken rule within the royal family that the day of and after one's birthday were days of relaxation for the person celebrating. Why in the gods' names was he being summoned so early?
"That would be unwise. He was in quite a temper last night." Ahkmenrah winced in sympathy as Kahmunrah sat up, hissing as the sunlight hit his face full-blast. "I have some herbs if you need them."
He nodded. "If it's not too much to ask." Ahkmenrah hurried off while Kahmunrah lumbered around, trying to gather some decent clothes. When would the stupid maid get around to his laundry? "How bad was I?" He asked when Ahkmenrah returned, holding a tincture.
He shrugged. "Truthfully, you have acted worse. You were only flirting, trying to kiss as many maidens as you could while they playfully ran away; a couple actually let you kiss them, though why I cannot understand." He ducked as Kahmunrah hurled a sandal his way. "You know Father has been uptight lately. Try not to take what he says too personally."
Kahmunrah snorted. "With me, everything is personal." Without a backwards glance or thank you, he tripped out the door.
0o0
"When will you grow up?" Merenkahre didn't even bother to shout; he just gazed up at his son, sad disappointment emanating in waves. "Have you no sense of decency, of public image? You cannot chase harem women around like a rooster with hens!"
"Funny, I thought pharaohs were supposed to play around with the women. Or were you so different?"
"Never tell your mother so- she would strike us both down! My past behavior is irrelevant. I am not getting any younger, and you are next in line for the throne, whether you like it or not. We might have indulged you childish whims so far, but this is enough."
"I am aware of my duties to you and to Egypt."
"Then start acting it!" Merenkahre roared. "You are no longer a child, and much as I wish to shield you, much as we have protected you, I cannot do so forever! You are a young man now, Kahmunrah- it is time to settle down."
Kahmunrah shrugged off the offered olive branch and stormed out of the room, to the bewilderment of his sibling and the dismay of his father. Approaching the throne, Ahkmenrah was about to kneel down when his father stopped him. "You know there's no need for such formalities among us."
"Are you well? What has he done to earn your wrath?"
"Nothing, nothing much... I despise lecturing him, but if he doesn't mature soon..."
"Be gentle with him, Father. He knows his duties well- I've seen him training with Uncle time and again."
"I know he understands, but he doesn't show it. Lately he slips from my fingers like grains of sand in water!" Sighing, he sank into his seat, struggling not to grimace. Despite his best efforts, he could not fool his youngest.
"Did you injure yourself?"
"I pulled a muscle while horseback riding, nothing to be concerned about," Merenkahre hurriedly waved away his concerns, pointedly shoving his nose into a coil of scrolls. "Now, I must return to this treaty, Ahkmenrah, so by your leave..."
Ahkmenrah half bowed before letting himself out. First the marketplace, now this display of temper- it just wasn't like Father to lose control, especially not before his sons. Whatever was distressing him- hopefully- had nothing to do with them, but what was wrong with him?
0o0
Kahmunrah's back was turned to his brother so that in the midnight blue light, he blended in with the stones. Ahkmenrah had to admit, he always resembled a stone figure more than a human being. Instead of looking down sullenly as he'd expected him to, Kahmunrah was gazing up at the cave's wall expectantly. "Are you still angry?" He asked hesitantly.
By way of answering, Kahmunrah patted a spot near his right, motioning for Ahk to sit beside him. "No, not really. These pictures help."
Ahkmenrah scrunched up his eyebrows. "First the Hall of Records, now these? Are you developing a taste for the Arts?"
"Ha-ha-ha, very well you may laugh. These are different. Look!"
Ahkmenrah followed his gaze, stifling a gasp when he saw the intricate designs. "I find it a quiet place to think," Kahmunrah uttered.
"Did you draw them?"
"No. Must have been another people, ones who predated our own civilization."
"They look old."
"Mhm. Ancient."
"Cool."
Kahmunrah smirked. "You have seen nothing yet. Watch the moonlight!" As pearly light filtered into the opening, the paintings shimmered and changed: the darker lines faded away, revealing light blue after images in their stead. The whole effect was like a landscape reforming itself before their eyes! Together, they admired the carvings in awed silence.
Unexpectedly, Kahmunrah pulled him into a one-armed embrace. "Do you know what is troubling Father? He rarely used to speak to me like that, but lately nothing I do pleases him."
"You ask me for knowledge? Especially after today?" Kahmunrah harrumphed in reply. "I'm sure it's not you- though I'd advise not chasing after women when you can barely remember your own name," Ahkmenrah teased gently. "Truly, such behavior is unseemly for a prince, wouldn't you agree?"
Even in their dim surroundings, he could tell Kahmunrah was flushing. "Perhaps I was a bit- harsh earlier. I know you were worried." Enveloping him in an impulsive hug, he continued, "Little Sun, one day you will realize everything I do, everything I have ever done, is for the best. Until then... Just trust my judgement. Some truths aren't ready for innocent eyes."
"Who decides how long they remain hidden?" Ahkmenrah demanded. Never mind how warm it felt when Kahmunrah had called him 'Little Sun'- he hadn't heard that one in a while.
"For now? I do."