The King's Man by Pauline Gedge Read Free Book Online Page B

from the heavens. I will need time to consider it. As for examining my future, I live by every precept of Ma’at and consider myself blameless under her scrutiny. I would not fear your eyes.”
    “Your speech is educated for a soldier,” Huy commented. “How so?”
    Once more that appealing smile beamed out. “It’s no secret that I am ambitious, Master. Many superior officers in the divisions are noblemen. I am well aware that I can go no higher than my speech and manners dictate, therefore I listen to my betters and learn from them so that I may rise in the service of the King. I am a good soldier and my men love me because I am always concerned for their welfare. They expect rewards as I earn one promotion after another.”
    “You are unusually frank!” Huy was intrigued.
    Perti shrugged. “Ma’at is generous towards the man who tells the truth. Besides, I do not have a nature devious enough to remember many lies. I am young, but I have learned the value of a good night’s sleep.”
    Huy understood at once. “Will you think about my offer?” he said.
    Perti bowed and set his cup back on the table. “Certainly, Great Seer. You honour me. How many guards have you?”
    “I have ten. Anhur was like you, a Captain of Ten. My guards fall over each other without direction now that he has gone.”
    Perti’s eyes narrowed. “Forgive me for saying so, Master, but you need double that number in order to assure your safety within the palace. His Majesty allows a private guard of no more than twenty anyway. Every powerful official employs the full complement. It would be good for you to accept my ten soldiers along with me, if I choose to protect you and the commander of my division agrees to release them. I know them well, and they obey me willingly.”
    I am beginning to see why , Huy thought. You know yourself and your men, and there seems to be no tentativeness or diffidence in you. What you say makes sense. If you bring men to me who already trust you, my worries will be fewer. Providing you yourself serve me with loyalty, of course .
    “I agree. Go away and make your choice, then I will See what’s in store for you,” he said. “Bring me word by sunset tomorrow. I need someone urgently and will not give you more time. You are dismissed.” The boy bowed himself to the doorway, retrieved his bow and arrows, and was gone. “You’ve made a curious selection for me, Amunhotep-Huy.” Huy rose and faced his nephew. “I hope Perti lives up to his name of ‘Mighty One.’”
    “I’m the Scribe of Recruits, Uncle,” Amunhotep-Huy replied irritably. “I meet regularly with the Supreme Commander. Wesersatet has his eye on Perti and is only waiting for a few more years to go by before making him a Captain of Fifty. Snatch him and his men while you can. You won’t regret it. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
    “No. And I thank you. Be sure and invite me to your wedding feast.” Amunhotep-Huy also stood. His attitude did not encourage an embrace. He bowed stiffly and Huy left him, stepping onto the unforgiving surface of the training ground with relief. Behind him he heard Amunhotep-Huy berating his servant. The litter-bearers were coming out of the shade, stretching and yawning, and Huy’s guards quietly took up their stations to either side as Huy climbed onto the litter’s cushions with relief. The prospect of a dose of poppy seemed more welcoming than usual.
    The time of the afternoon sleep was almost over, but Huy retreated to his bedchamber, sent Tetiankh for the drug, and lay on his couch staring up at the busy ceiling with its dozens of stars surrounding Nut’s arching, elongated body. The faint scent of jasmine added to the depression that seized him. In spite of the thousands of people inhabiting the palace, he was alone. He needed to discuss his invitation to the young Perti with Anhur and Thothhotep. If he had been at home he would have aired the prospect with them, put his thoughts