Chapter 17
The next few days went by quickly. To Howymose’s surprise and liking, he wasn’t called for as much. Luckily, this way he was able to slip and see Tutankhaten.
The boy was amazingly bright. He loved to have his guardian take him out on long hunting trips. As much as he respected nature, hunting was his favorite sport, but he only shot enough for food, pelts, and jewelry (i.e. elephant ivory). He also showed a strong sign of maturing into a reigning monarch--a strong Pharaoh that would make Egypt prosper and return her to her former glory.
The child also listened attentively to his servant “Howymose” and the subtle hints that he dropped about the true gods.
One day, Tutankhaten came right out and announced, “I don’t think Aten is real. My father only made him up, I bet. Amun came to me in a dream again and told me so. He told me... other things that I’m not supposed to tell you.”
Howymose smiled. “I’m sure.”
Defensive, Tutankhaten snapped, “Don’t you believe me, Howymose? I thought you of all people would!!”
“I do, I do,” Howymose replied quickly. “Of course I believe you, Highness. I just think I understand Amun’s ways now.” He smiled fondly at the boy.
Tutankhaten relaxed again, his eyes raised toward the sun. “Amun tells me that things are going to change in a couple of days. I’m going to be very busy...”
Howymose laughed. Any Pharaoh is be extremely busy, he thought. “Then you must trust him.”
“I do.”
“I should be off again now.”
“Where is it that you go when you leave here, Howymose?”
Howymose smiled. “The next time we meet, I’ll tell you.”
“When will that be?”
“Very, very soon.”
Howymose smiled and slipped away.
********
Meritaten felt terribly alone. Her life was empty and devoid of meaning. It felt like she hadn’t seen Kevinkare in ages. Alexhotep had been faithful with delivering their messages. By reading his words, it was easy to imagine his deep voice. Yet it wasn’t the same as really hearing him and seeing him.
Smenkhkare hadn’t come to see her in several days which she was thankful for.
The last time she had seen him was when she’d confessed that she was pregnant. He had been astounded at how soon it had happened, but he’d hugged her and reacted as any father-to-be would.
The exact same way Kevinkare had, Meritaten thought.
Alexhotep hadn’t filled her in, however, on the recent acts of The Cause. She sensed that they were up to something, but she couldn’t guess what. In her mind, she believed that it was too soon for them to act on what had been building up for so long.
As she mused, the door opened behind her silently. Jumping up and spinning around, she was confronted by her husband.
“You are very jumpy tonight, Meritaten.”
“No. You just startled me, that’s all.”
“Will you come with me for a second? Pharaoh wants to speak with us both in private.”
Meritaten flashed him a confused look. “Why?”
He shrugged. “I’m not sure, but he said it was important. The chariot is waiting to bring us there.”
She nodded. “Very well.”
“We might as well spend the night because it looks like a storm.”
“Hopefully we’ll make it back in time. Will Alexhotep be joining us?”
“Of course.” This time Smenkhkareappeared confused. “He’s our bodyguard. Why wouldn’t he?”
Meritaten smiled sheepishly. “Sorry. I was just... wondering, I guess.”
Smenkhkare gave her weary expression and then escorted her to their awaiting chariot.
******
Brianamun was dressed simply in a white kilt. His light brown hair, blowing in the surprisingly cool wind, was free and lacked a customary wig.
The day had arrived. Everything was in place except for one important material.
Kevinkare stepped inside the room. “It’ll be there.”
Brianamun nodded, glancing up at the dark sky. Even though it was only early afternoon, it was darkening considerably.
“It looks like Sekhmet will be pouring her vengeance upon Akhenaten finally.”
“Through her storms and us,” Kevinkare murmured with an ironic smile.
“Nefret’s with Aneski?”
Kevinkare nodded. “Don’t worry about them--especially Nefret. I may not know Aneski, but I do know my sister. She can take care of herself as well as any man can.”
“I know, but I still just have this gut feeling...”
“Priests intuition?”
“Maybe. I’m not sure.”
“She’ll be fine.”
“What we’re doing isn’t exactly innocent. We’re dealing with the big guys now, and if we’re caught, we’ll have to deal with the consequences.”
“Stop trying to make us back out of this, Brianamun. We’re all in this together.”
“I know. I just feel guilty sometimes.” He shrugged. “Oh, well. Are we ready to head off?”
“The chariot’s waiting.”
“Very well then.”
The two made their way out.