Shadows of the Nile (16 page)

Tadinanefer stood quietly. Ammon was suddenly by her side. The woman on her knees looked on in horror.

“Don't hurt the snake,” Tadinanefer commanded, laying a restraining arm on his. “It came to help me.”

Ammon hesitated, ready to strike if necessary. The snake raised its head and looked at Tadinanefer. Then, satisfied its work was done, it slid off into the shadows.

“The dagger wasn't much use,” Ammon said. “Doesn't matter – you seem to be better at using snakes. Come on, I have the key.”

As soon as they were safely through the door he stopped.

“Something I have to do,” he muttered. “I'll only be a second. You wait here and don't move.”

She obeyed him. She heard a little cry, then nothing.

Ammon was soon back. Once more he grabbed her wrist and hurried her along.

“You've hurt her? You've killed her?” she asked, in shock.

“She'd raise the alarm. She won't now.”

Tadinanefer felt sick. She wished she were back with Masika. She didn't like all the bloodshed.

*

They didn't meet anyone else. They were soon out into the field at the back of the building where she'd climbed over the wall that day. Ammon rushed her along almost at a running pace.

“Now listen. We have a long journey. I've arranged for changes of horses and an overnight stop. You're okay with riding, aren't you?”

“Yes.” She didn't know how he knew, but that was something she'd been allowed to do which none of the other girls in Ptah's family had done. Masika had said Tadinanefer's real mother had been a good rider and it pleased Ptah to see Tadinanefer galloping on a big white horse. She remembered as she got older there were days when he would clear an area of other people and he'd watch her as she rode, dressed only in a short skirt. For his pleasure, as he put it.

Ammon hurried her into a building where two horses waited.

“Put this on,” he said, taking a garment from the nearest horse's back. It was a long black robe with a hood. “We have to hide ourselves. I have the same.”

When they were dressed, he led the horses out quietly, and then told her to mount; then he jumped onto his. “We've got to gallop like the wind. Nephthys is going to be after our blood.” He chuckled as if he was pleased to have annoyed her. “Just follow me,” he added, taking her bridle.

*

And so the long journey began. Tadinanefer lost count of how many places they stopped at and changed horses. They stayed in an outbuilding of a farm overnight where they slept on warm, clean hay and were brought food and drink. Ammon seemed to have organised everything himself but Tadinanefer guessed he was not the only person involved. She had no idea where they were going and Ammon refused to tell her.

*

At long last they came to a building. Ammon pulled up the horses in front of a sturdy wooden gate. He approached, knocked twice, and they were allowed to ride through.

“You'll be safe here,” he said as they dismounted. “Come with me.”

He led her into the lower entrance of the building and paused just inside. Two female servants were waiting there.

“This is the lady you've been waiting for,” he barked at them. “Take great care of her. Make sure she is fed and rested, and I will collect her before nightfall.”

The women ushered Tadinanefer into a room. There they washed her, gave her victuals, and gently massaged her aching limbs. Soon she fell asleep, feeling warm and contented.

*

When she woke they dressed her in exquisite silk and put flowers in her hair.

Ammon returned. He too had rested and looked clean, and was now handsomely dressed in a skirt decorated with gold, and gold round his neck. His face was more relaxed, and the long scar on his cheek glowed in all its glory.

“Mm,” he muttered approvingly as he saw Tadinanefer. “You look better. Come with me.”

“Where are we going?”

“Questions, questions, always questions.”

“I'm sorry.”

“Learn your place.”

Tadinanefer was silent for a while.

“Where did you get your scar?” she murmured as they went along.

Ammon sighed. “Fighting for my master. I am here to fight for him and defend him and his loved ones.”

“Will I meet him?”

He didn't reply. He hurried her up some steps and into a chamber. They went in a few paces, and then Ammon knelt, drawing Tadinanefer down into the same kneeling position, and pushing her head gently to the floor so she couldn't see. “Bow, girl,” he hissed.

They waited. Then she heard someone come in. With sudden dread, she feared it might be Ptah ready to take her to his tomb. Footsteps slowly came up to them, and she could see bejewelled sandals on masculine feet. She dared to glance up a little, and saw his brown muscular legs. It wasn't Ptah, she was sure of that. Relieved, her heart thumping, she lowered her gaze.

“Sire,” Ammon began. “This is the white woman, Tadinanefer. I hereby deliver her safely to your keeping. I can assure you she's not hurt in any way.”

“Stand, Ammon. You've done a good job, and you may go.”

Ammon got up, lightly pushing Tadinanefer's head down again as he went.

She hardly noticed him go. She was more interested in the deep low voice she'd heard. It didn't have the harsh, hated tone of an enemy. It was friendly, almost caressing. Could it be at long last someone special?

She was carefully drawn up to her feet. His hands were in her hair, pushing it back gently from her face, and feeling the flowers in it. He examined her closely. Still her eyes were lowered.

“So…” he murmured. “The white woman from the other ends of the earth, Tadinanefer. My name is Thoth. You have travelled a long way but I see you are rested.”

He took her hands and holding them between his, kissed them several times.

Then she looked up at him. She stared hard at him. His handsome face was plain to see. She couldn't believe it. At long, long last she had found him. It was him! He was the Egyptian in the procession. His dark hair glistened. His dark eyes stared arrogantly into hers. His broad nose was of the aristocracy, his mouth generous and sexy. She felt elated. Again he stroked her hair. Then he closed her eyes, with a firm hand, feeling her eyelids. He slid his fingers to her lips, outlining them, and then pushed inside her mouth. He held her neck. She could feel his power, smell his skin; she was more than a little afraid of him.

But she was also afraid of a totally new feeling inside herself, one she'd never experienced before, an urgent feeling, a physical passion.

“Open your eyes,” he commanded softly. “I have seen one or two white women but you are so different, very beautiful. No wonder Ptah wanted to take you with him. He was deluded. I feel as if I have always known you, from the beginning of time. I love you, Tadinanefer. Oh, I do so want to see you, the servant of the Snake Goddess, in all your glory.”

“Sire, please let me disrobe for you.”

“If you wish, my beautiful lady; I would be honoured.”

She stood back from him a little and pulled off her shift.

He smiled, pleased at what he saw, and started stroking her body. He put his arms round her and held her close. “There are a lot of things you don't know about yourself, perhaps never will. Since I heard of your existence a few weeks ago, when you escaped from Ptah, I have found out a lot. Your mother was a High Priestess of the Stones who was commanded to bring you here in her womb and when you were given life you were to become mine. But things went wrong, and she was sold into slavery and died. When you were born, Ptah – your master – wanted to kill you, angry at losing his woman, but a cobra circled round your tiny body and refused to leave you. Ptah had to swear to the Snake Goddess, Wadjet, he would look after you. However he forgot his promise and became as obsessed with you as with your mother, Finn. He was determined to keep you pure until the day he could take you with him into the afterlife. Wadjet protected you that night in the cold tomb Ptah imprisoned you. She sent one of her special snakes to keep you warm; it was seen leaving after Ptah released you. Wadjet has always protected you because she intended me to have you. Forever.”

Tadinanefer listened quietly.

“I have something to give you. This is my pledge to you,” he said, slipping a ring onto the middle finger of her left hand; it fitted perfectly. “This ring comes from the Temple of the Snake Goddess herself and in her name I will always protect and look after you, until the day I die. Anubis will also protect you. You are the daughter of noble people. I love you and have always loved you. We belong together, now and in death. You will always be mine.”

He put his arms round her waist, lifting and drawing her to him. He began to feel her breasts and between her legs. She responded, pushing herself into him. He quickly slipped off his skirt and she could see he was ready for her. He urgently started caressing and gripping her thighs. Finally he lifted her in his arms, kissing her passionately. She clung to him, wanting him as much as he wanted her.

“I too have always loved you, but I don't know why,” she whispered. “Perhaps my people came to Egypt for me to find you. Perhaps it was always written that I should love you. I don't know, but what I do know is that I pledge myself to you, and no other man will ever take me from you.”

He put her down gently, and then lay on top of her, with his hands under her lower back, pulling her to him and pushing her legs apart. When their passion finally reached its height, she gave a little cry of complete abandonment.

Afterwards they lay intertwined for some time.

No one disturbed them that night. They made love many times in their fervour, and finally slept, exhausted, his legs between hers.

*

Once, she awoke and examined her ring, which was glowing. ‘It has special powers.' she thought. ‘I'm sure it has special powers.'

Towards daylight she was roused from her sleep. The ring was becoming smaller on her finger and causing pain. It seemed as if it was warning her something was wrong. Surely there was nothing to worry about. She was safe and loved, so why did she suddenly feel so apprehensive?

Aline could feel the ring digging into her skin. She was no longer standing where she was before she went back in time. She found herself lying on the bed, still fully clothed. Although some of the memories from her journey back were quickly clouding, the last few minutes were fresh and vivid in her mind. She knew the Egyptian from the past had been with her, and they'd made love. She could still see his face, feel his warmth, feel his arms around her. She stroked the bed where he should be lying next to her, and could see the imprint of his body slowly fading. But he had gone. Once more he'd slipped away from her. She buried her head in her hands and wept, sobs coming from deep within her soul. How many more times would she feel the total frustration of being a part of his world and then cut off from it whenever the portal closed?

“It isn't fair,” she cried, looking at the ring. “You won't let me stay, but bring me back against my wishes. Well, maybe I don't want the safety of the here and now; perhaps I want to stay there and die in his arms. I should have the choice.”

“No choice, not any more.”

She didn't see who spoke the words, but she knew it was Anubis.

“Then let it go on.” There were tears still running down her cheeks. “Let it continue, until I find out what I have to do. Please don't ever cut me off from him. I have to see him again. I have to hope. He's everything to me. He's my life.”

“You will see him again.”

The darkness of the night started to fade as the morning light filtered through. Taking comfort from Anubis's promise, she fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.

*

She was woken by the shrill ringing of the internal phone. It was the tour operator reminding her it was time to get up and then off to visit the dams.

They were all greatly impressed by everything they saw. Just as they were about to leave, Achmed gathered them together and peered intensely at the water. Suddenly he pointed keenly at something.

“Look, people,” he said. “See that big shape coming out of the water over there? It's a crocodile, and if you're very quick you can take photographs of it. Crocodiles were sacred in ancient times. Remember the temple at Kom Ombo which was dedicated to the two crocodiles? They were always left alone, and I think everyone will forever hold great respect for them, as they are very dangerous.”

“Mm,” Jan said. “I'm not sure if I'd want to go for a swim in there.”

Everyone laughed.

They returned to the coach and to the cruise ship.

As soon as they rejoined it, it made a wide sweeping turn as it headed back up the Nile.

Aline once more felt the powerful surge of water beneath her, this time carrying her closer and closer towards her destiny.

*

Much later they reached Edfu and stopped to visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, as dusk began to fall. Aline wandered round quietly making notes and trying to concentrate on her work. But she had to admit to herself that now she was really looking forward to going to the places near Luxor of paramount importance to her, namely Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.

*

Next morning, Aline was awake long before the phone rang for breakfast and another early start. She was ready to be off as soon as possible because she knew that before long she would be in Karnak.

“I don't know, it's all a bit too much for me,” Jan murmured quietly at breakfast. “All this getting up early, and off to visit tombs and temples in the heat. You know, Aline, I'm all ‘tombed out', and all this drinking of water all the time to keep us hydrated has made me hate the sight of water. I'm all ‘watered out' as well.” She suddenly gave a merry laugh. “I'm really moaning today. Ignore me. I get like this after being away for a bit. I want to get home, see my grandchildren, do my washing, and sort my stuff out.”

“And then come back,” chuckled Gerald.

“Absolutely.”

“Do you know, Karnak is somewhere I've always wanted to visit,” Peter said. “For me, it's the highlight of the tour. I shall sit and look at those huge round columns, puff at my cigar, if I'm allowed to, and think of all those people who've passed that way. I know for some folk it's the Pyramids they want to see, but for me it's that huge religious complex where people have worshipped, and had their own hopes and beliefs. What do you think about it, young Aline, sitting there looking so innocent, with the whole of your life stretched out in front of you, not like some of us older folk who don't know what's round the corner.”

“I don't think anyone knows how long they've got,” Aline answered. “Like you, Peter, I've always wanted to see Karnak, and I think anyone who's studied Egypt at all must be curious about it. I'm sure I'll find great inspiration for my articles there, and I too will find a quiet spot, to sit and make notes.”

“Cheng and I will be sketching,” Gerald said. “We find a lot of interesting things to draw at Karnak.”

“Also,” Cheng said, “it's a very mysterious and thought-provoking site, and not only will I be drawing but I'll be meditating too.”

“You make me feel very guilty,” Jan murmured. “I feel as if I should do something profound and clever, but I've no idea what.”

“Just be there to keep us company, and keep us in order,” Mary grinned. “You never know, we might find a market; bound to be one!”

Everyone laughed and headed off for the coach.

*

When they'd settled in their seats, Achmed began to speak in detailed and clear tones about the impending visit. Aline realised once more just how informed he was.

“Firstly,” he announced, “we are going to the Temple of Luxor, which is very close to Karnak, and was at one time joined to it. Even now there are plans to demolish some of the modern buildings and reconstruct the avenue of sphinxes which led to the temples. I'll tell you more about Karnak when we come back on the coach.” After a few minutes the coach stopped. “People, we have arrived. We are to have just a short visit here. Please be careful how you alight.”

As they walked towards the entrance Aline felt the heat. It seemed even warmer than the day before. She pulled her shawl over her head to shade herself from the sun. She wandered away from the main group, taking in the surroundings and remembering things for her articles. As she sat down on a wall, looking up at the temple, three youngsters approached her.

“You have lovely ring,” one of them said to her. “It flashes like gold in the sunlight.”

There was something different about the boys. They weren't the usual type with their laughing banter, trying to sell trinkets. They looked sulky and threatening. She glanced round, nervously, not wanting any trouble. She could see Peter a little way off.

“It's worthless, not worth any money.”

“I think you're wrong, lady.” Two of them sat on either side of her in a very threatening way. The third just looked down at her.

She covered the ring. She could feel how small it was becoming.

“Tell you what, lady. You give us your ring.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because we think you'd like to help our children.”

“I help your children in other ways.”

“Take it off.”

The lad standing in front of her moved towards her in a dangerous way. The other two pushed closely into her so she couldn't move. One seized her hand and the other tried to yank the ring off her finger.

“Don't do this,” she said angrily.

Suddenly without warning something slithered over the wall. It quickly wound its way to the ground, placing itself between Aline and the kid standing over her. It made very little noise, unlike the three youngsters who saw it; they shrieked, abandoned their thieving, and ran off shouting. The cobra didn't go after them but slid back the way it had come.

“What's going on here,” Peter came hurrying up. “What were those kids doing?”

“Oh, just playing. You know what kids are like.”

“They didn't look as if they were playing. They looked most unpleasant, as if they meant trouble. Well, anyway, I suppose they've gone now and no harm done.” Peter peered over the wall. “Funny, I thought I saw what they call an Egyptian cobra. Did you see it, Aline? Did you see a snake?”

“I'm not sure. I think they're around a lot. But I think they're quite harmless if you don't threaten them.”

“Yes, yes. Quite so. Quite so. Well, shall we go and find the others? I think it's nearly time to go.”

*

“As you can see,” Achmed was saying, on the coach drive towards Karnak, “the avenue is already being reconstructed so people can eventually walk down the same route as the ancient Egyptians did, Luxor to Karnak, and the other way of course. As I told you, there are plans to demolish all the buildings in the way and it will take some time to be finished. Now I will tell you just a little bit about Karnak. It is described as the largest ancient religious site in the world and more than thirty Pharaohs contributed various buildings to the site. Some of these were temples or statues. The further you go in the older it is. The most important part to the visitor is the Hypostyle Hall, which has 134 columns; yes, a very large number indeed. It once had a roof but that has long since gone. Now, any questions? I will be telling you more later.”

He glanced round.

“No? Okay. When we get to Karnak, after leaving the coach we'll have a short tour, and then you'll all be left to wander as you wish.”

He was as good as his word. The Hall with its columns was far larger than Aline expected. She felt dwarfed by them. They were so tall and so wide. She spent some time examining them and jotting down her observations before allowing herself to wander further into the complex.

“Perhaps I could join you for a while?”

Achmed smiled at her. “It's a wonderful place, isn't it?” he continued. “Many different temples have been built here and many deeply religious ceremonies have taken place. The faith of the priests was unfathomable. See the lake,” he pointed towards the water. “That was the holy water; it was used for many deep and significant occasions.”

She glanced across. The water would be icy cold. She shivered. The water didn't look special now, but she could sense how important it must have been.

“There's such a peaceful atmosphere,” she murmured. “Although I suppose like everywhere else there must have been upsets, particularly in the building of the different sections.”

“Change always brings hurt,” Achmed answered thoughtfully. “However, we do learn. See the model of the huge scarab beetle sitting on top of the plinth? It is said that if you walk round it a few times it's supposed to bring you luck. I haven't tried it yet so I don't know if it works.”

“I had a real scarab beetle in my hotel room in Cairo. Someone told me they used to protect the dead?”

“I believe so.” He looked at her keenly. “Peter said there was a snake near you at the Luxor temple?”

“I did see something, but I wasn't sure. I was being bothered by kids, and didn't take much notice. Snakes won't strike unless threatened, I've heard.”

“Maybe not, but best to be wary of them. They can kill. Come this way. We can see some of the other ruins the ordinary visitor sometimes misses. There is a lovely old room just on the other side of these walls which is still in good condition, and the paintwork is still good in places.”

He led her to it, and indicated the drawings.

“They tell me you can draw.”

She looked at him in surprise. “Not really. I did art at school but I wasn't brilliant.”

“Someone said you could draw birds and snakes.”

“Who told you that?”

Achmed shrugged his shoulders. “I can't remember. It must have been someone in the party, but I don't know who it was right now.”

“Nephthys?”

“Might have been her. Do stand for a moment, Aline, and feel the beauty of this little room. I don't know what it was used for but there is something really special about it.”

He moved away from her and she quietly bowed her head. Once more she drew the shawl over her head and this time it wasn't to keep out the sun. He was right. The only sounds were of the tourists in the distance and the song of a bird. Within the confines of the walls they were isolated and time was motionless.

She was glad Achmed was with her. He was at that moment her protector. She suddenly felt drained after her emotions of yesterday morning, and once more losing her Egyptian. But there was hope because she knew she'd see him again. It had been promised to her.

Achmed didn't move. He too stood with his head slightly bowed, deep in meditation. She waited, not moving.

A breeze drifted through the old walls. Aline glanced around her. A hand took hers and then was gone. The touch was firm and gentle, and she knew it was Thoth. She did nothing, merely lowered her eyes.

*

It was some minutes before Achmed spoke.

“Perhaps we should go back to where the others might be, to the columns. I expect you'll want to have time to yourself there before we go, just as some of the others are doing, I would imagine.”

They spotted Cheng first; he was sketching one of the columns. Jan was taking photographs, saying her grandchildren would never believe how big each column was. Peter stood in front of another, carefully examining it. Gerald was in the distance with the sun shining on her strange ears, trying to measure the width of one column with her arms. When she saw them she smiled and waved.

Other members of the party were gathered in small groups, talking.

“I'll go and make sure our coach has arrived.” Achmed departed, leaving Aline alone.

She wandered amongst the huge columns. Once again she marvelled at their colossal structure. She was completely dwarfed by them. If she hadn't seen them for herself she'd never have believed how magnificent they were. And on the protected underside of some of the architraves she could see vibrant colours, pictures and symbols, including the Ankh. She wrote more notes. When she'd finished she remembered Achmed mentioning her drawings, and wondered what exactly Nephthys had said to him. She wouldn't have told him the truth, that much was certain. Aline wished she could remember everything when she went back to the past, rather than just snatches. It was frustrating. But for the moment it was being kept from her. There had to be a reason and she had to accept it.