Eater of souls by Lynda S. Robinson Read Free Book Online

knows what will happen if he dies on some petty raid, without an heir, without guiding Egypt back from the chaos of thy brother's—of the last few years."
    "You will be there to protect me. I will hear no more protests. And I will punish you by making you sponsor Lord Reshep at court. You've met him?"
    Sighing at this tedious assignment, Meren nodded. "A few times, golden one. The last time at the feast of welcome Prince Djoser held for him. It is said he seeks a place at court after being raised in the country. And I know he has stirred the women of the court."
    "Yes," the king replied. "Unfortunately, he's stirred one of the daughters of Queen Nefertiti's sister. My majesty has no quarrel with Reshep, but he will not court a lady of the royal family. See to it that he meets many eligible women, and obtain an appointment of some kind so that his hours are filled with something besides the sighs of princesses. Later, if your opinion of him is favorable, my majesty will allow him into my presence. This tedious work is your punishment. Next time you won't underestimate me."
    Meren thought about the dangers of searching out and attacking desert bandits. "The Generals Nakhtmin and Horemheb and I have spent years training the golden one in the arts of battle, but all the training and precautions we can provide may not be enough, should Set, god of chaos, create disaster."
    The king gave him a dark look, and Meren hastened on.
    "All will be as thy majesty commands." He inclined his head. "Especially if thy majesty in his graciousness will grant his humble cup bearer leave to make a short journey, no more than two days."
    "Why?"
    "A matter less important to thy majesty than a beetle beneath the royal sandal. The nurse of my childhood grows aged and weak, and she begs me to visit her before she goes west to join her ancestors."
    "My nurse used to tell me stories about Horus the hawk until I fell asleep. Of course, go. But don't forget the raid."
    Tutankhamun rose, then stooped and grabbed Meren's arm. Startled, Meren allowed the king to pull him to his feet.
    "You look as if a desert fiend just offered you its hand," the king said.
    "Thy majesty has honored me with his touch."
    Rolling his eyes, Tutankhamun said, "Have you not saved my life more than once? Discovering Prince Tanefer's treachery alone merited reward. But you keep warning me how dangerous my favor can be to the health of a nobleman. Only fear for your safety has prevented me from acknowledging my debt to you."
    "Thy majesty is more generous than the bounty of the fields. But if I have to worry about the jealousy of rivals at court, I cannot devote myself to the service of the golden one with complete freedom."
    "Very well, then you may go to this aged nurse of yours. But return quickly. I expect to get word of bandit raiders at any moment."
    "As thy majesty wishes. I will leave in a few days and return with haste." Meren bowed low and retreated from the royal presence. He was halfway to the gate when a strong young voice called after him.
    "And don't forget Lord Reshep!"
     
    Night came late and hot on the day pharaoh castigated the emissary of the hated Hittites. By moonrise, tidings of the confrontation had flown from the palace district, sailing to other courts with royal and foreign ships, leaping from mouth to mouth around the mansions, houses, and huts of Memphis. Soon princesses and dockworkers, scribes and barbers, were laughing and exulting over the boldness of their young king.
    One who had not heard the news was the tavern woman called Anat. She walked through the open south gate of the city, waving to the chatting guards who leaned against the wall. By moon- and starlight, she directed her steps down a path that climbed to the barren higher land at the border between the desert and cultivated fields. As soon as she left the massive ramparts that guarded the capital, her shift was blown against her legs by a strong north breeze. She turned and lifted her