Warrior of the Nile (The Gods of Egypt) Read Free Page A

or the weasel of a nomarch won’t be expecting.
    “I’ll introduce you to the librarian, repeat Pharaoh’s orders regarding your access,” said Edekh. “Then leave you to your research. I’ve got to arrange all the other matters for this strange journey.”
    “My gear—” Khenet knew he’d need more than the weapons he wore for a journey of this length. Even one that stood a strong chance of ending in his death.
    “Your weapons and other personal items for travel will be packed and brought from the officers’ quarters by the time you return from the temple, I promise.”
    “How will I get to the temple?”
    “A royal chariot with one of Pharaoh’s fastest teams will be waiting for you at the private entrance to the palace. I’ll send an under scribe to escort you from the library to the gate in time to arrive for the selection ceremony.” Edekh reached for the carved ivory duck’s head handle on the door. “You have an hour to do your research, maybe a little more, so I’ll say my farewells later.” He allowed Khenet to precede him into the library.
    * * *
    Rolling the last scroll back onto its wooden spindle and tossing it into the waiting basket for the librarians to reshelve at their leisure, Khenet sat back on the lion-footed stool. He ran his hands over his close-cut hair and pondered the results of his hasty research. Not wonderful , but a glimmer of hope , perhaps. Glancing at the shadows creeping across the intricately patterned floor, he knew he’d better get going or he’d be late to the temple. I’ll probably meet the under scribe coming to fetch me.
    As he walked out of the library doors, he was hailed by a gentle, familiar voice. Turning at the sound of his name, he was off balance as a husky toddler wrapped his chubby arms around Khenet’s knees, demanding a ride.
    “Khenet doesn’t have time for games today, my son,” Queen Ashayet said, her voice hushed and her tone sad. “He’s leaving us to go on a long journey.”
    “Your majesty.” Hand over his heart, Khenet bowed. Then he disentangled himself from the prince’s grasp, lifting the boy high into the air, until the young one was laughing in glee.
    Motioning her guards to stand watch at the library doors, Ashayet drew Khenet inside. “Here, we can be more private, no need for ceremony between us.” The kohl and malachite around her eyes seemed smudged, as if she might have shed a tear or two. Petite, she barely came to his shoulders. “My husband told me some of what he and the goddess discussed last night. I don’t like the sounds of her plan at all. And that it should be you who is to make this sacrifice...” She bit her lips.
    Checking to make sure the librarians were maintaining a respectful distance and kneeling as protocol required, Khenet reached out an arm and hugged her briefly. “Your concern warms my heart, Asha, but it’s high time I was sent on a mission, had some adventure. I’m getting fat and lazy sitting here in Thebes.”
    “Chasing dancers instead of enemy warriors, I know,” she teased, trying to match his light tone.
    Squeezing her shoulder, Khenet looked her in the eyes. “I promise you, I won’t travel to Viper Nome only to die like a tethered lamb. Pharaoh told you why I was his first choice?”
    She nodded. “You might have a chance of surviving, with the help of your own gods. Even when we were children growing up together, you stood a bit apart, had your own secrets. Promise me,” she said, suddenly fierce, “you’ll do your best to survive and return to Thebes. You’re the only brother I have left to me in this world, even if we’re not bound by blood. I want my brother here, not in the Afterlife, not yet.”
    Khenet kissed her forehead. “My oath on it.”
    She reached for the prince, who was playing with papyrus scrolls, stacking them into a fort. “Come, my son—we must allow Khenet to be on his way. Say goodbye.”
    The child took her hand, gazing at Khenet solemnly. “May