Lynda Robinson: Murder at the Feast of Rejoicing

Hepu's chest swelled, and he directed a furnacelike stare at Meren. "Who speaks such calumny? Is it Ra? He has good reason to lie."

The two began to yammer, causing Meren's head to pound. He'd had his fill of hypocrisy and blame. Filling his lungs, he let out a roar that rivaled any Hepu had ever emitted.

"Be silent!"

Nebetta squawked and clutched her husband's arm. Hepu worked his jaw, but no sound came out.

Meren continued in a lowered tone. "I know the truth about Sennefer. Out of respect I refuse to speak of the- the misfortune from which he suffered, and I'll remain silent. This is what I've discovered."

He told them of Anhai's accidental death, then called upon his skills in dissembling to create the tale of Sennefer's remorse and suicide. He hated lying, but could think of no other way to conceal the dangerous truth. As he spoke, he saw understanding wake in the faces of his aunt and uncle.

"This is terrible," Nebetta said.

"Unendurable," Hepu moaned.

"I know it's a tragedy," Meren began.

Hepu reddened. "What will people think?"

"The disgrace. Everyone we know will find out. What are we going to do, husband?"

Meren waited for a few moments, then left the two to plan their strategy. If he had to listen much longer, he would be tempted to shove a wad of Instructions down Hepu's throat. He returned to Aunt Cherit and gave the family the tale of Anhai's death and her husband's, without mentioning Sennefer's impotence. Then he announced Wah's mishap and dealt with Idut's confusion and sorrow. By the time he'd finished, he longed to bathe and obtain some draught for the ache in his head.

"But, Father," Bener said. "Wah was running away. I saw him."

"You were mistaken."

"But he…" Bener's words faded as she met the glare he turned on her.

"Bener, Isis, come with me to the hall. I want to speak to you."

When they entered the central hall, serving women appeared bearing a jar of beer, cups, and strainers. He took a cup and dismissed the servants. Alone with his daughters, Meren drained his cup. Then he handed the empty vessel to Bener.

"He was running away, wasn't he?" she asked.

Isis sniffed. "How do you know?"

"Because he climbed a tree and galloped over the fields as if a Hittite army was after him, Mistress Doubt-all."

"Cease this chattering," Meren snapped. "Bener, never again will you chase after someone you think might be a killer, or anyone else for that matter. Am I understood?"

"But I was trying to help."

"And could have gotten yourself killed!"

"I was right," Bener said, beaming at him. "He was the guilty one."

"You're not to speak of matters that are none of your concern."

"She thinks everything is her concern," Isis said.

Meren fixed Bener with a stare that wilted her defiance.

"You're not going to explain?" she asked.

"I've already done that, just now."

"Oh, that." Bener and Isis exchanged glances. "We know when you're performing like a player in a festival drama."

For their own protection he had to silence them. Summoning the air of derisive authority he'd used on some impudent recruits, he said, "If I wanted to deceive you, I assure you I would have done it without detection. However, I'm not accustomed to having my words doubted, and I'll hear no more, or I'll be forced to deal with your disobedience. Now go. I'm sure your aunt is in need of aid in conducting the affairs of the household."

They left him, dissatisfied but compliant, although Meren was certain they wouldn't be for long. He took refuge in his chambers and tried to allow Zar's ministrations to ease the pain in his head and the disquiet within his ka. The mystery of a long-dead queen threatened his peace, but the prospect of facing Ra and Bentanta disturbed him almost as much. His misery reached new heights when Karoya suddenly appeared in his bedchamber as he was slipping on a pair of dyed leather sandals. He looked up at the royal bodyguard and cursed.

"By all the gods of Egypt, you had better have come alone."

Karoya never changed his impassive expression. "I have. I come as royal messenger."

"Good. Then you bear a letter?"

"No." Karoya glanced at Zar and the two other servants who had attended Meren's dressing.

"Leave me," Meren said.

When the servants had gone, Meren lifted a brow at Karoya. The Nubian planted his feet apart and lifted his gaze to the ceiling while he recited.

"Horus, Strong-Bull-Arisen-in-Thebes, Enduring-in-Kingship-like-Ra-in-Heaven, Mighty-in-Strength, Majestic-in-Appearance, King of Upper and Lower Egypt, Lord of the Two Lands, Nebkheprure Tutankhamun, given life forever, saith thus: At the command of my majesty, the new houses of eternity have been prepared. All is in readiness. Lo, my majesty commands the attendance of the Lord Meren in Memphis that we may take counsel for the disposition of thy charge."

"This is awfully soon," Meren said.

"The son of Ra commanded speed, and it was done," came the serene reply.

"Very well. I hear the command of pharaoh, may he live forever. His will is accomplished. Will you rest and take refreshment?"

"I am commanded to return at once."

'Then may Amun protect you on your journey."

Karoya left, and Zar reappeared, carrying a transparent overrobe, then proceeded to load Meren down with a broad collar of turquoise, ivory, and bronze beads, a heavy beaded belt, and a decorative dagger. Too weary to protest, Meren waited until the dagger had been shoved into his belt. Waving aside the inlaid bronze bracelets Zar proffered, he left his chambers, intent on making an official record of events. This he would present to Ay personally so that it could be lodged in the office of the vizier. He would have to be vigilant at court when Wah's death was announced, send out orders to his various agents and close friends to watch for any sign of interest. He was crossing the central hall on his way to the stairs that led to his office when he heard a familiar voice.

"There you are!" Ra called as he entered the hall, flanked by the charioteer Simut and another guard.

Behind him came Kysen, supporting an aged woman who took three steps for every one of her escort's. Ra marched over to Meren ahead of his guards. He planted himself with feet apart, arms folded across his chest, and gave Meren a contemptuous look that started at his carefully groomed head and ended at his gilded sandals.

"Where have you been?" Meren demanded.

"To Green Palm," Ra said bitterly, "to prove my innocence before you tried me for murder. But you won't be able to carry out your evil plan." Ra stepped aside to make way for Kysen and the old woman. His arms swept out, indicating the two, and he glared at Meren as he burst out loudly, "I'm innocent, and-"

"I know."

"This is Sheftu's grandmother, who is a wise woman- What?"

"I said, I know you're innocent."

"But you've kept me prisoner!"

"Forgive me," Meren said, feeling heat creep up his neck to his face. "I was mistaken. Sennefer killed himself in remorse." He explained the accident that caused Anhai's death while Ra listened with a dazed expression.

"But how do you know?" Ra asked.

Not wanting to mention Bentanta without privacy, Meren fell to studying the design on one of his bracelets.

"Hepu has agreed that this is what happened. Now why have you brought this woman to me?"

"Nedjmet is a wise woman, Meren. Many villages consult her on matters of truth and controversy. She has given testimony of the manifestation of gods that has solved cases of theft, disappearance, and rape. I asked her to help. Tell the Lord Meren what you know, Nedjmet."

Nedjmet had been listening with a hand cupped to her ear and her neck craning toward the speakers. She squinted at Ra, then tried to lower herself to the floor, but Kysen stopped her.