Magic of the Nile Read Free

one in the nome could ever catch her.
    “Keep in mind you’ll need a groom, a proper stable—horses are expensive to feed.” Sahure waved his hand at Nahkti and Senbi, now walking docilely down the crowded road. “They’re beautiful but they eat their heads off. Your head priestess might not like the idea much.”
    Tyema laughed. “Oh there’s no problem there, I assure you.”
    They rode farther into town, through the square and past the temple of Horus, stopping at the inn she’d recommended to him. A small squad of soldiers waited with their gear in the side yard.
    “I see my men already found the place on their own,” he said.
    A grizzled sergeant came to take the horses’ heads, eyeing Tyema with open curiosity as he saluted the captain. “Good evening, sir.”
    “We’ll stay here while we’re in the area,” Sahure declared. “The priestess highly recommends it.”
    He helped her descend from the chariot. Suddenly feeling shy, Tyema stood to the side as he gave the sergeant more orders. Does this Sahure collect a new woman in every town they visit? She hoped none of her family members would come outside the inn and see her standing with a stranger. The questions and sly gossiping would be endless.
    Finally Sahure was done with giving orders. Taking her arm, he said, “Are you ready to show me the wonders of your town?”
    “If you’re accustomed to Thebes, you’re not likely to find our hamlet of Ta’sobeksef more than insignificant, although I grant you the temple of Horus has its charms, with the murals and columns.”
    Tyema was thinking herself an impulsive fool, but as she strolled through the streets with Sahure, she felt less on edge, more relaxed. Her heart beat more slowly and she could breathe without undue effort. Most of the people they encountered were strangers come to town for the religious festivities. She enjoyed the rare entertainment provided by the musicians, acrobats and dancers performing for deben, thinking perhaps she should arrange something similar when the next major festival day for Sobek occurred. With Sahure at her side, no one bothered her, not even the beggars. The few townspeople she met seemed startled to see her but bowed their heads quickly and moved on.
    He bought roasted quail for them at one of the stalls and seated her on a nearby bench, going back for a pitcher of beer. “Your town is pleasant, welcoming,” he said, setting the container down before accepting the drumstick she handed him.
    Sipping at the beer, Tyema smiled. “You’re too kind. I’m sure it must seem rural and ordinary to someone who’s traveled the length of the Nile or lived in Thebes.”
    “I’ve been to the wilds of Kush, seen the mountains where the Nile is born, I’ve been many places and each has its own form of charm. Right now I can’t remember anywhere half so attractive,” he said with a wink. “I’m under the spell, of the town and the company.”
    Feeling her cheeks grow hot with a blush, Tyema took another swallow of the beer, although she rarely drank. “I’m sure the glib words go well with the ladies in Thebes.” Oh dear, he’ll take offense at my blunt speech, but he does sound quite practiced at flattery.
    Sahure was unfazed, grinning, little crinkles of amusement around his eyes. “Ah, you see right through me.” Breaking apart the quail, he offered her a succulent morsel on the tip of his knife. “Most women smile and don’t examine my words like a scribe with a messy slate.”
    “I—I’m no good at social chatter,” she confessed, taking the small bite in her fingertips and carrying it to her mouth. She chewed daintily, savoring the taste before swallowing. “I’m too direct.”
    “We’re conversing, Lady Ema, not chattering. And I enjoy a challenge. Clearly more diligence on my part is required, to offer you only the most exquisitely crafted compliments. Or none at all.” He took a long drink of the beer. “Tell me more about the temple of