Soul and Shadow (7 page)

Chapter Eight

I felt like a kid in a candy store as I stood in the basement of the museum. Acutely aware of the privilege being bestowed, I feasted my eyes on the artifacts in front of me. They were lying all about, not locked away behind glass cases, but right where I could touch them.

Ursula was with me, providing a fascinating commentary.

"
This is her cosmetic palette.
"
She showed me a wooden form in the shape of a duck.
"
Amisihathor mixed the pigments for her eye and cheek color in the grooves. And here,
"
she indicated a small alabaster jar,
"
she kept her perfume. These are some of her pins, and beads she wove into her hair.
"

"
Fashions always come around again,
"
I said.

Ursula nodded.
"
People don
'
t change much through the years, do they? They
'
re always trying to look their best. I wish I could show you the oracular decree and the letter that she wore in her amulet, but they were so fragile that they had to be preserved and kept in Cairo, along with Kahotep
'
s mummy. I put copies of the writings into your folder.
"

I had read those. The decree was a spell that the Egyptians wore, protected in a cylindrical amulet. They were written down and represented promises from the gods. Amisihathor
'
s was in the form of a blessing from Hathor:

'
I grant unto my beloved servant, strength of limb and joy of heart. Daughter of eternity, she shall walk in a dream garden, knowing sweetness in this life and the next.
'

The letter on a scrap of papyrus was from the scribe Kamenwati. It told of his love for her, and how much she was missed. And yet she had been put to rest beside another man in another tomb with all of her possessions. It was certainly an intriguing mystery.

I examined the treasure trove raptly. At last, I came to the object for which all this had been arranged: Amisihathor
'
s necklace. It was a collar strung with rows of beads, red carnelian alternating with blue turquoise and green feldspar. On either side were lotus blossoms enameled with lapis lazuli. These were connected by a row of pearls forming a clasp. Amisihathor—the flower of Hathor. And her flower was the lily.

"
It
'
s beautiful, isn
'
t it?
"
Ursula asked.
"
We discovered so many wonderful items in the tomb, but when I found that, I knew it was special.
"

"
How so?
"

"
It
'
s difficult to describe what happened when I held it. I remember thinking of Amisihathor and how she must have touched it every day of her life. It brought her closer to me than anything else had done. I kept staring—I couldn
'
t seem to tear my eyes away. And then I fancied that I saw something else.
"

"
What?
"
I asked, enthralled by her story.

"
Another pair of eyes. They were wide and dark and filled with a terrible sadness. The pain hit me as if it were my own. I think I must have cried out, because the next thing I knew, my colleagues were gathered around me. I was made to sit down and drink water, and I just went along with their notion that I was overworked.
"

"
Didn
'
t you tell them what you saw?
"

Ursula shook her head.
"
No. How could I?
"

"
So what happened then?
"

"
We stopped for the day, but the image stayed in my mind. I crept back to the dig very early, before anyone else was about, and held the necklace again. And once more, I felt the sense of loss and sadness. Then a name came into my head. Kamenwati.
"

"
The scribe,
"
I said.

"
Yes. Only I didn
'
t know that at the time. He was completely unfamiliar to me. But afterwards, I found two references to him in the temple records. The first notes that a scribe by that name had come from Edfu and joined the residents of Dendera. The other announces his promotion to a higher position in the priesthood.
'
Kamenwati and his wife, Amisihathor, rejoice and give thanks to the great lord Horus.
'
They probably performed some type of offering, and this is a reference to it. Excavations have gone on for years, and you know how painstaking they are. No more tantalizing information came my way until the discovery of Kamenwati
'
s tomb. Then I was vindicated. There she was, Amisihathor herself, identified once again as a songstress of Hathor, beloved wife, but this time of an entirely different man.
"

"
The tomb wasn
'
t finished, was it?
"
I asked.
"
They didn
'
t find a mummy.
"

"
Not even a sarcophagus. None of the decoration was complete. It looked as if work had just stopped. Kamenwati simply disappears. Excavations have continued in the area, but nothing else pertinent has turned up. I could do nothing but continue to search, and wait until the right person came along to help me. I
'
m certain that person is you, Lily. Please take the necklace and look at it with an open mind. If you feel Amisihathor
'
s presence as I did, it will not be pleasant. Just remember that it is not
your
story. You are a spectator only, and there is no danger. I am going to leave you now in peace, but I
'
ll be in the next room if you need me.
"
And with that, she was gone.

I stood there for a minute, feeling a little ridiculous. At least Ursula was not breathing down my neck waiting for some kind of response. I could examine the artifact and let her know the truth: that it was fascinating and beautiful, but totally bereft of magical power.

Yet when I did pick it up, another sort of feeling came over me. Like someone was walking over my grave. Or, rather, like I was walking over someone else
'
s. I was surprised by the shudder that passed through me. Ursula had obviously gotten my imagination working overtime. Gingerly, I held the heavy chain in my gloved hands, gazing down at the intricate designs.

Nothing. I almost smiled in relief. I realized that a very small part of me had been expecting to see a dark, exotic face from the past. But of course, Amisihathor was thirty-five centuries dead, and nothing remained of her in this necklace but a memory.

I experienced a moment of sadness, thinking of her leaving the world so young, everything she knew and loved receding from her grasp. Then fear, the burning of frustrated emotions, the desperate desire to tell them...tell
him
...

But it is too late! I am alone, all alone. Oh my love, forgive me, I did not realize! Will I see you in the afterlife now? Will you take my hand and smile at me?

Beloved, be with me. Mistress, welcome me into the western mountain. Let maat prevail
...

I gasped suddenly like a person released from drowning. I felt as if I had not breathed in ages. At first, I could think of nothing but getting enough air in my lungs. Then I put down the necklace and stumbled over to a nearby chair. I was so drained of energy that I was afraid I was going to faint. I put my head down between my knees and gradually, the sickness passed. I sat up slowly.

What had just happened? My mind was already finding reasons to push away the threat of the inexplicable. The past week had been a very emotional time. My life was undergoing considerable change. No wonder I was in such a suggestible state. Surrounded by ancient artifacts, primed by a famous archaeologist with dramatic theories, was it so unusual that my imagination would get the better of me?

Of course not.
Of course not
, I repeated firmly, just to make sure my mind understood. And to further convince it, I reminded myself that I hadn
'
t eaten since
breakfast. Ursula had set this appointment up after museum hours, and I had been too excited to think about lunch or dinner. All of these factors had come together to cause a dizzy spell. Natural. Perfectly natural.

I waited until I felt normal again. Then, without another glance at the table, I went into the next room to find Ursula.

Her look of anticipation changed quickly to one of concern.
"
My dear, you
'
re so pale! Are you all right?
"

"
Fine,
"
I replied, in what I hoped was a calm tone.
"
I had a little dizzy spell, that
'
s all. That
'
s what happens when you skip two meals.
"

Ursula looked at me steadily.
"
What did you see, Lily?
"
she asked.

I did not want to encourage her fantasies. But I did not want to lie, either.
"
I didn
'
t
see
anything,
"
I answered cautiously.
"
I do understand what you experienced, though. It
'
s easy to imagine how it would feel to be facing death, thinking about your loved ones, wondering what was going to happen. It
'
s a very powerful, moving...
"
My words trailed off, knowing I could never do justice to the impact of those emotions.

Ursula seemed completely satisfied with my response.
"
All right, dear. You don
'
t have to say anymore now. I
'
m sure this day has been quite long enough for you. You go and eat something and have a nice, relaxing evening. Are you certain you
'
re well enough to drive? I
'
ll be happy to have Philip drop you off.
"

I was anxious to get home and do as she said, so I assured her that I was fine. Truthfully though, I still felt exhausted and on edge. When I did reach my house, I collapsed on the bed gratefully. I was supposed to call Kent and tell him what had happened, but found the prospect too fatiguing.
In a little while
, I thought as I closed my eyes.

I remembered the strange words that had gone through my head as I held the necklace of Amisihathor.
Beloved, be with me. Let maat prevail
.

Maat was the ancient Egyptian concept of order and right. It was against a feather from the goddess Maat
'
s headdress that a heart was weighed on the Day of Judgment. If it was heavy with sin, one could not go on to the afterlife. A dreadful beast, Ammit the Destroyer, waited to devour the wicked. It was essential to have truth on one
'
s side. What was the truth concerning Amisihathor?

Cleocatra jumped up next to me, gave a soft hiss, and jumped back down. In the cool stillness, it was not long before I was asleep.

Chapter Nine

The Golden One has come to visit with her husband, the wise and mighty Horus. She sits in the sacred barque in the courtyard of the god
'
s house. The air crackles with excitement. It is a joyous time, and everyone is celebrating.

I sing the goddess
'
s praises with great pride. Dancers and musicians perform in her honor. We are a large, boisterous crowd, for many people have joined our procession along the way. For days, we have traveled from Dendera, down the Nile, to reach this shining temple. Tonight, the gods will rejoice in the marriage bed, and for two weeks we shall stay in this place while the festival lasts.

This is the first time I have taken part in the Feast of the Beautiful Reunion. All the sights, sounds, and smells thrill me. An acrobat tumbles past, the bells on his ankles tinkling. Two dwarves follow him, shaking tambourines. A servant of Horus is handing out honey cakes. I suddenly realize that I am yearning for food and drink. As if the gods hear me, there is a voice at my elbow.
"
A cup of wine, mistress? Your sweet singing must be making your throat dry.
"

I turn my head, and my eyes blink. Is it the bright sun, or the smile on the face of the man before me? I accept the vessel from his hand.
"
Many thanks,
"
I say.
"
Your offer is well-timed.
"

"
I am pleased, lady of Hathor.
"
He glances at my nearby companions.
"
Perhaps you would like to sit in the shade for a few moments? I know of a spot by the wall. There is a palm tree that gives protection.
"

It would be good to rest awhile, I muse. But in my heart, I know that is not truly the reason I wish to accompany him.

"
You are most gracious. Let me tell my sisters, and I will come with you.
"

No one else wants to leave the hub of activity. Merety, the most senior of our group, looks at the young man with an air of appraisal.
"
A well-favored lad, to be sure! A scribe in the house of Horus, I see by his badge. Go, Amisihathor, but do not be long. The races will be starting soon.
"

With only my maid, Tia, trailing along behind me, I return the short distance to where he waits. We begin walking together towards the high stone walls surrounding the temple.
"
I am Kamenwati, a servant in the House of Life,
"
he tells me.
"
You have come with the goddess from Dendera?
"

"
Yes. My name is Amisihathor, and I am a chantress of Hathor. This is my first trip to Edfu.
"

"
And how do you find it so far?
"
he asks.

"
Wonderful. There is so much to see and do, I scarcely know where to look next.
"

He laughs at my enthusiasm.
"
Yes, it is exciting. There are more people here than ever before. I have seen with my own eyes men who have come from the land of Punt. What do you think they had with them? Monkeys! Monkeys on golden chains, as tame as any dog. By Amun-Ra, I swear it. They ate figs and chattered away like children.
"

My eyes grow wide with wonder.
"
I should dearly love to witness that.
"

"
Perhaps you shall, my lady. If you would prefer to walk about with me, rather than resting, we will look for them.
"

I nod eagerly. Any tiredness has vanished.

"
Very well. But you had better stay close to me in these crowds. May I take your hand?
"

I hold it out shyly, and Kamenwati closes his fingers around mine. I feel a little shiver go up my spine. His grasp is warm and strong. Suddenly, I feel as if nothing can threaten me. I am heady with a sense of adventure.

We weave our way among the masses while Tia strives to keep up. The scent of incense from all the offerings is strong on the air. Kamenwati points out different travelers and tells me where they are from. His knowledge, like everything else about him, impresses me.

He stops to procure cakes and bread for us to eat, and presents me with a fresh garland of flowers. His fingers brush against my neck as he drapes it over me. Our eyes meet and hold. If all the monkeys in Punt should pass by at this moment, I would not spare them a glance. For I am looking at the most magical and marvelous sight the gods have ever invented. I am looking into the face of the man I love.

"
Mistress!
"

Tia
'
s voice is at my ear like the buzz of an unwelcome insect.
"
Mistress, we must be returning to the group now. The priestess herself instructed us to be back for the races.
"

I want to ignore her, but I cannot. I must do my duty. Reluctantly, I say to Kamenwati,
"
I am afraid I have to be going. I have had a wonderful time. Thank you.
"

"
Of course. There are rituals to be performed. But we will meet again.
"
He gives a little bow.
"
I will make sure of it.
"

He escorts us back to where the elders of my temple are gathered. As we say goodbye, he leans over and whispers to me.
"
I will come to this same spot tomorrow. Until then, farewell, beautiful lady.
"

A screech rent the air, and I was suddenly sitting bolt upright in bed. My cat was batting at my head with her paw, and when I glanced at the clock, I understood why she was impatient. It was almost nine-thirty, and her dinner was long overdue. So, I thought ruefully, was my phone call to Kent.

I got up and filled Cleo
'
s bowl, giving her extra to atone for my neglect. Then I checked my messages. Ursula had called to see how I was feeling, and Kent had rung twice. I dialed his cell number right away.

"
At last!
"
he said when he answered.
"
I was worried. Gram told me you had some kind of dizzy spell. What happened?
"

"
I just felt faint because I hadn
'
t eaten. I
'
m fine,
"
I replied.
"
I admit it was strange to go through Amisihathor
'
s belongings. But then, I
'
ve never had access to an ancient person
'
s possessions before. I suppose archaeologists on digs are used to it. I wonder when I
'
ll get to go on an excavation.
"

"
I might be able to pull a few strings,
"
Kent said airily.
"
But I have an even more exciting prospect for you. How about supper with the family tomorrow night?
"

Was this the equivalent of taking me home to meet his mother already? I was probably getting ahead of myself, but the thought was a pleasant one.
"
I
'
d love to,
"
I said.
"
Shall I wear my gown and tiara?
"

"
Certainly, if you don
'
t mind the rest of us laughing at you. Seriously, no call to get done up like a dog
'
s dinner. A simple frock will be fine.
"

"
Does that mean a basic black dress and no gloves?
"

"
I
'
m happy to see that along with German and French, you are familiar with the Queen
'
s English. We
'
ll have you speaking properly in no time. Shall I fetch you around sevenish?
"

I agreed that would be fine. When I hung up the phone a few minutes later, I went into the kitchen for my long-delayed meal. I wasn
'
t the least bit light-headed now. In fact, I seemed to have extra energy after my nap.

What a curious dream that had been. It was more like watching a movie than experiencing the usual disjointed images. I knew that I would not be able to sleep until I had captured it on paper. Getting out my sketchpad, I began to bring the characters to life.