Shadows of the Nile (22 page)

“This is as far as I go,” he said to Aline. “If I'm missed Mary will worry. I'll make excuses for you at dinner. The driver will get you through the gates and into the valley and then he'll leave you.”

“I will come back,” Aline murmured, seeing the anxiety in Peter's eyes.

“Bless you.” Peter held her close. “Be brave and be careful.”

“I will.”

She sounded more courageous than she felt. She turned to see Peter standing there, looking agitated and concerned, until he disappeared from sight.

*

She was apprehensive. She was going into something unknown. The shadows were growing all around and soon it would be dusk. She'd have to hurry.

The driver stopped a little way from a side gate. He motioned her out, and she followed him, and saw him pay some of the money to an Egyptian, who glanced at her and without hesitation unlocked the gate.

She was on the other side. She heard the gate close behind her. She was in the Valley of the Kings, completely on her own. She didn't have time to think about the history, the uniqueness, the holiness of where she was, as she hurried along the way she'd taken earlier and headed straight for the hidden path.

It was uncannily quiet. There was no chatter or laughing of people. There was no sound of birds. Aline drew her shawl tightly round her head and held her ring between her fingers. She wanted to turn and flee. She wanted to be going down to dinner, and return to normality. She stopped. She could do just that, couldn't she? No. How stupid. She couldn't. She had to go on.

It was then she heard a faint sound. It was like the sighing of the wind, a brushing of sand from the earth. It comforted her and gave her strength. She felt something warm like the sunlight, as it suddenly emerges from behind a cloud and then bursts out.

She was suddenly blinded by a light. She held her head down and closed her eyes, protecting them until it went away. When she opened them she saw the Egyptian. He was waiting for her. Dressed once again in jeans and shirt, he was the man she'd seen before in her present life.

“Thoth!” she cried, running to him.

“My beautiful Tadinanefer,” he murmured.

She clung to him, her arms around his neck, hardly believing what was happening, tears running down her face. He wasn't dead, he was very much alive, so alive, and in her world. She could at long last feel the warmth of his body next to hers, feel his lips on hers, run her fingers through his hair. Just be with him once again.

“It's you. Isn't it? This isn't a dream. I don't have to leave you any more. I couldn't leave you ever again. I love you with all my heart. I've missed you so much.”

“Tadinanefer, Tadinanefer.” Thoth held her away from him. “Don't cry, my darling. I've waited for you for such a long time. I've dreamed through thousands of years for this moment. I love you with all my body and soul. But I want more than just this moment. I want a normal lifetime with you. I want to be with you hour after hour, day after day, year after year, until we grow old and die, leaving our children behind to make us immortal.”

“We can!”

“No, Tadinanefer. We only have this moment if we don't put things right. Now that we've met, we'll die within the next few minutes if we don't find the tomb and Anubis. We've only been allowed a very short lifespan, and it's coming to an end. We have to fight the evil which put us both in the tomb. Only then can Anubis cast his spells so we can prolong our present lives.”

Aline stared at him. She had found him. Was she about to lose him again? No! She must take on anything thrown at her. She had to fight for them. She'd obey the will of the Snake Goddess and protect him. They had to live!

“We haven't much time left,” Thoth said. “We must find the tomb. Take my hand, my dear Tadinanefer, and together we'll try to live or die properly together.”

Aline felt the warmth of his hand in hers. He urged her along, searching for the entrance, but they couldn't find the path.

“It's here somewhere,” she cried in despair. “This is where it was this morning.”

She must think. Something was stopping her. She let go of Thoth's hand.

“I have to go on my own. You must follow me.”

“No!”

“Please, Thoth. Just watch over me. Don't let me out of your sight. I need your strength, and then I'll feel safe as I go along.”

She turned away from him and lifted her ringed hand to the darkening sky.

The gold glittered in the light. A thousand small snakes leapt from it and scurried through the sand, marking a path for her. She followed, letting them lead her upwards. She could see the valley below her and Thoth in the distance. She could see the lights of Luxor and the boats on the Nile. She could imagine Peter saying she was working hard and not to be disturbed. The sand was clearing for her and she could see the entrance to the tomb. It was lit by ancient torches.

Anubis waited for her.

“Come, Aline,” he said, taking one of the torches. “Follow me.”

She bowed her head, but then turned slightly to take courage from Thoth. He was there in all his ancient glory. There was gold around his neck and jewels in his dark hair, and muscular arms just waiting to hold her. He smiled at her. A smile so loving it went straight to her heart and made her ache for him. She'd do just as Anubis instructed her. She'd will Thoth to live in the present, even if she perished. She'd take the ultimate sacrifice and die for him if necessary.

As she went deeper into the tomb she stopped suddenly, realising the dreadful truth. This was Thoth's burial chamber. He must have died not long after they'd met. How? What had happened to Tadinanefer? Before she could do anything she had to find out. She had to go back just once more to discover the truth.

Anubis too had stopped. “You are right,” he said, reading her mind. “You need to know what happened. I will stop time briefly, Aline, for you to relive Tadinanefer's last few days. Then the portal will be closed forever.”

He gently covered her face with the shawl. Then she felt powerful winds swirling round her, lifting her high and carrying her deep into the past.

“Ammon, I'd like to go out riding today.”

He looked at her impassively and folded his arms across his strong chest.

“Not today. Sorry.”

“Why not?”

“Because the master forbids it.”

“But I haven't been out riding for many days now, and no one will give me a reason, not even Thoth.”

“It's too dangerous – too many enemies about. As a female you should obey without question and do as you're told.”

Tadinanefer stared at him. He was right of course. She should learn to be more obedient, but she found it very difficult. She didn't want to ride a great distance. Just far enough to feel the wind in her hair and the breeze on her body, as she cantered along.

Thoth had given her the most beautiful black horse. Sometimes they'd ride together, chasing each other, and often pause for a rest, and end up making love.

“Master will be back soon,” Ammon said.

She turned to go back into the large house she now shared with Thoth. She loved him to distraction and couldn't wait for the times he was with her. She knew he had affairs of state to deal with, and other women, although he never spoke about them and his demanding ways proved they meant very little to him. He'd come back and envelop her mind and her body so she became one with him. Sometimes when he was away for days she'd grow restless and want to go in search of him. She looked across the field at her horse. He too seemed to be restless, wanting to gallop into the distance, carrying her to her loved one. She glanced across at Ammon. He'd watch her constantly, reading her restless mood, knowing of her longing for Thoth. She wondered idly what he'd do if she completely defied him and raced off to find her lover. Whatever was necessary, she thought, answering her own question, and didn't care to think what that might be.

She called her servant. Just in case Thoth turned up that evening, she had her hair arranged how he liked it, loose and natural, uncovered by wigs or jewels. She picked out her finest and thinnest shift and selected his favourite necklace of gold and precious stones. She waited, but there was no Thoth, not that night nor the next.

*

Then at last she saw him riding towards the house on his own magnificent black steed. She ran down to meet him, her eyes not leaving his muscular body, which gleamed in the sunlight. He saw her and reined in the horse. But even before he had time to dismount she was at his side, passionately kissing his thigh, until he had no choice but to pull her up in front of him, and she sat facing him with her legs apart. He returned her kisses fervently, his hands caressing her entire body. She stretched her legs round his waist, her arms round his neck, and they slipped to the ground, completely oblivious of anyone around. Then he carried her to behind one of the outhouses where they made love, with the straw warm beneath them serving as their earthy bed.

“I love you so much, Thoth,” she whispered. “I'm nothing without you. As you live, I live. When you die, I too will die.”

Later they bathed together, and she rubbed oils into his body, and they lay naked in each other's arms, finding it hard to satisfy their passion after such a long separation.

“I wish I could be with you always,” she said. “I want to be with you every night. I want to be your slave and do everything for you. Ask me to do anything and I'll do it.”

“Tadinanefer, I just ask you to love me. I love you so much in return, and when I can, I'll make you my wife, but I can't do it just yet. You'd need even more protection as a royal. I intend to move you into one of my palaces where we can spend a lot more time together. All I ask is that you continue to be as you are, and to obey me in everything, and that means keeping to the house when Ammon tells you to, because the command comes from me. I don't wish you to go out at the moment. You must stay near the house. Is that understood?” He held her face between his hands. “Promise me.”

“I'll do as you say, Thoth. I will obey you.”

She watched him leave the next morning. The sun was on his bare back. His strong arms guided the horse along the rough path. He was everything she'd ever wanted. She ran to the highest point in the house and stared into the distance until he and his guards disappeared, and all she could see was the dust from the horses. She felt a tremendous pang, as if someone had twisted a knife into her heart.

But she also felt apprehensive. The ring tightened on her finger. Something was not quite right.

She felt the same fear for days after, even though Ammon reassured her Thoth was safe and working hard. She tried to believe him. He didn't seem worried, and yet even he was only the recipient of messages coming from afar. He wasn't actually seeing Thoth. She tried to settle. She did as she was told and stayed near the house. She stroked her horse but didn't ride him; instead she walked him round. She drew pictures on the walls and learned more about reading and music. But all the time she had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Then she wondered. She'd been worrying about Thoth. But was she herself the one in danger?

*

One evening as she walked just outside the house she listened to the stillness. It was very quiet – too quiet. Ammon had gone out briefly with some servants to collect supplies, leaving her adequately protected by a guard, but he appeared not to be around. There was very little sound from inside. She stopped. It was like the silence before the eruption of a violent storm. She drew her shawl around her. The ring tightened again as it had done so many times during the past few days. She turned to go back towards the house, when a hooded figure rushed up. She had no chance to defend herself as a fisherman's net was thrown over her head and body, and tied tightly round her.

“No!” she cried. The man lifted her high onto his shoulder and ran across to a cart where he threw her in and muffled her cries with sacking and cloth. She lay unable to move or see and scarcely able to breath, as the vehicle set off with a jerk. It bumped for what seemed like an eternity down uneven tracks and fields.

Finally she was pulled out and carried into a small room behind a large building.

She was left on the floor. The room was dimly lit, and by the smell she guessed it was used for animals.

She wasn't alone for long. She was pulled to her feet. Her spirits sank as she stared into Ptah's eyes.

“Back with me, Tadinanefer,” he said hoarsely. “Back with me again.”

“And not just your first owner,” a voice mocked from the doorway. “But also your second.” Nephthys smiled at her and came forward.

Tadinanefer said nothing, too terrified.

“Bring in the plank,” Ptah commanded.

“What are you going to do to me?” she asked fearfully, suddenly finding her voice.

“Get the net off her.”

Within a moment she was free, but she was immediately forced to her knees in front of a table.

“Her hand,” Nephthys commanded.

“The shawl first,” Ptah said.

“No, the ring. That's where the power is. Get rid of it.”

“No!” Tadinanefer screamed. “It won't come off.”

“It will. Hold her,” Ptah said to two of his men. He laid the plank on the table. Then he pulled her ring up to the knuckle, but it refused to go any further. He forced her finger onto the wood, pushing the other fingers underneath.

“I'm going to punish you for sticking a dagger into me, Tadinanefer. This finger's coming off,” he said cruelly. “You won't have the ring then, will you? Don't worry, there won't be as much pain as I suffered because I have my finest swordsman, who is more used to cutting off heads than fingers. He'll be swift.”

He was. Before she had time to plead for mercy she watched in horror as her middle finger and ring were severed from her hand. The ring remained obstinately secured to the finger as it bounced into the air and disappeared into the stone wall.

“Stem the blood,” Ptah hissed at Nephthys. “Not with the shawl. Give me the shawl.”

He ripped the shawl from Tadinanefer as Nephthys stuffed a cloth into what had been her finger.

“Enough pain yet?” Ptah taunted. “You've no idea how much pain I've suffered because of you. You diseased my mind and now you've diseased my body. I said you'd pay. You've lost all your powers as a snake woman, if you ever had them. Do you think anyone will ever look at something like you again? You are powerless and mutilated. And just to finish any hopes you have, now watch this.”

He seized a torch from one of the men. Slowly he put it to her shawl, and set light to it. It burnt like a furnace, turning into the shape of a fiery snake, before disintegrating into ashes.

“Satisfied, Nephthys?”

“Almost. Perhaps I'll mete out a bit more punishment of my own later. I don't really like all this blood and gore. I think I'll go and get my slaves to bathe me and massage my aching joints and leave you to it.” She winked at one of the guards and swept out.

Tadinanefer began to feel faint, slipping in and out of consciousness. She held her hand, trying to stem the blood.

“Chain her leg to the animal post,” Ptah said. “We'll look for the ring in the morning. Send in a woman to look at the wound, and let me know if she lives through the night.”

“Chain me?” Tadinanefer whispered. “I'm in so much pain, how do you think I could possibly escape?”

She looked up at Ptah. There was no compassion in his face. Even in her distress she could see how thin and gaunt he looked. He couldn't be far from death.

“Do it.”

They pulled her to the animal post and secured the anklet. She sat against the wall. She didn't see or hear the servant come in. She just felt her hand being bandaged and strong-smelling potions poured into her mouth.

This was repeated several times during the night.

*

She realised as dawn broke that the woman hadn't left her side.

“I'm hurting so much,” she whispered.

“You'll mend. You're young and strong. I've cleansed your wound in the old ways. See, it no longer bleeds. You must drink as much as you can, and I'll give you my special medicines.”

“You're like someone else I used to know.”

“There are several of us around. We help as much as we can. I have to go now, but I'll be back.”

However, it wasn't long before Ptah suddenly reappeared, with two guards and torches.

“Find the ring,” he yelled at them. “It's in this filthy place somewhere.”

They searched everywhere but there was no sign of it. Ptah was furious.

“Search again later! Get out!”

He glared down at Tadinanefer. “We're moving on soon.”

“I'm not well enough.”

“Don't answer me back, girl. I'm taking you, before Nephthys takes you.”

“Nephthys?”

“She wants you for her new whorehouse; she thinks you'll make lots of money for her, having been Thoth's slave. It's me or her. Not much of a choice, is it?” He grasped a piece of her hair and twined it round his hands. “Still pretty, aren't you, even after everything. And now you have my mark on you, until your dying day.”

He went. Then it was Nephthys's turn to come and taunt her.

“Tadinanefer! You do look so, what's the word… beaten. You've been punished, and now you truly know your place. Don't worry, I'll once more clean you up and send you to work for me. But this time if you don't behave I'll know just how to deal with you. More blood-letting I'm afraid, but of course it won't come to that, will it?”

“You let Eboni die.” Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Thunder crossed Nephthys's face. “I do with my slaves as I wish!”

She grasped a handful of Tadinanefer's hair and yanked it. “Wait till I get you under my control,” she snarled. She kicked her side as she left.

The pain returned. She was given more medicine and fell into an uneasy sleep. Her mother rode around her on her white horse, her father on another white horse, and Thoth smiled down at her from his magnificent black horse. They rode round and round her, drawing a circle. It reminded her of the ring.

She awoke with a start. She must find the ring! She must put it on another finger. Where was it?

The guards hadn't found it. She tried to stand and realised she could only get as far as the chain would allow. She'd seen it go flying with her finger towards the wall. She went down on her knees, finding it more comfortable, and she could stretch further if she lay on the floor. The wall was solid. And yet… One of the stones was loose. It concealed something. Tentatively she withdrew it. There was an object. It gleamed. It was gold, and it circled something which looked like a white stick. ‘My goodness,' she thought, ‘that's my finger!'

She dragged them out; perhaps she could slide the ring off. But then a thought hit her like a thunderbolt. The ring and the finger were one and the same. Would it be possible to reconnect them? Steeling herself, she slowly took off the bandage. She scarcely dared to look at the mess. Very carefully she pushed the dead finger onto the bloody stump, holding it carefully. There was a sharp pain and she nearly cried out in agony, but knew she must stifle any noise. She watched in total amazement as the stump and the finger came together. The whole process looked so strange, almost in slow motion, as the dead finger wearing the gold ring linked evenly to her living hand. Even as she watched, she could see her blood flowing into the finger, giving life back once more to what had been hers. The pain ceased. Her hand was repaired.

She crawled back across the floor. She had to get free. She heard someone coming. It was the woman. She quickly wrapped her hand up again, and asked to be left alone.

The anklet was tight. She tried to pull it off, with no success. Then she looked at the post and realised the chain was only hanging by a link on a hook. No animal could reach up and take it off but she could. Quietly she eased it off. She'd have to carry the chain but that wasn't a problem.