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  “The garden is my mother’s pride. Every year she adds new plants.”

  They entered the front loggia. Kashe gestured to a short woman. “Inform my father that our house is honored by a visit from a sacred cat and a warrior of Bast. We will await him here.”

  The servant scurried away. Before long an older man, not as tall or as dark-skinned as Kashe, beckoned them into the central court. Pillars touching the ceiling broke the area into sections. On the older man’s heels a younger and shorter version sauntered.

  “Father, this is Tira, a warrior of Bast. Tira, my father, the nomarch of Mero and my older brother, Pian.”

  “Welcome to my house,” the nomarch said. “How can the house of Mero assist you?” His smile reminded her of ones she’d seen on the faces of men she didn’t trust.

  “The chief priestess of the nearby temple of Bast says you have an extensive collection of scrolls. There is information I need to aid a quest.”

  The younger man’s mouth curved into an appraising smile. Pian’s dark eyes shone with lust. “A woman as beautiful as you are should not travel alone. All the nomes but Mero are filled by dangerous men seeking to become pharaoh.”

  Tira arched a brow. “I am a warrior. I have no fear.”

  The nomarch chuckled. “What scrolls do you seek?”

  She fought to keep her expression bland. “Ones brought from Toth’s temple near Tebes.” She couldn’t allow her distaste for these two men to show. The chief priestess said you aided those of Aken Re capture the temple and you brought many scrolls here.”

  “What else could I do when the priests sought my help? They brought news vital to the Two Lands. They know where the daughter of the last pharaoh can be found. Without her the land is doomed to remain a number of small nomes fighting among themselves for control.”

  Pian puffed his chest. “The priests made sacrifices and read the omens. I will be the next pharaoh.”

  “How interesting,” Tira said. “What if the daughter doesn’t choose to wed you?”

  “She has no option. Aken Re has spoken.”

  Tira’s hands curled into fists. Perhaps this false god had spoken but the Three hadn’t. She stared at the floor to keep from revealing her thoughts.

  The nomarch smiled. “With such auspicious news how could we refuse to honor their god?” He stepped back. “There are prophecies that speak of an avatar of Bast who will appear during a time of chaos to bless a new dynasty. Do we have the avatar as our guest?”

  “I’m a warrior, no more, no less.” Tira smiled. “I’ve been sent to search your scrolls for the location of an object missing from our temple, one that was loaned to the temple of Toth.”

  “The scrolls are open to you.”

  Tira turned to Kashe. “Show me where they are. The sooner I begin the quicker I can be on my way.” She prayed she could read them. She had already noticed a slight difference from the hieroglyphics she had taught herself to read.

  Pian laughed. “Kashe is no scholar. He will be no help in reading the scrolls. Let me be your guide.”

  The nomarch scowled. “You can show her to the west loggia where the scrolls are kept. Namose is the scholar and will assist her. Kashe, find your younger brother. He is on the training field with the arms master and the recruits. Pian, once you have shown her the scrolls you will join me. We have matters to discuss.” He bowed to Tira. “Warrior, allow one of the slaves to take your bundle to a guest room. Surely you will need several days for your search. I will see you during the evening meal.”

  Before handing the bundle to the woman Tira slipped the small scroll free and tucked it in her belt. As she walked with Pian she wished Kashe had been her guide. The oldest son walked too close. He was too smooth for her taste. He reminded her of the men who had given Luci drugs for favors and who had been responsible for her death.

  Bast Ka remained silent and alert. Tira wondered what the cat thought about her escort. The feline growled. My feelings, too, Tira thought.

  Pian led her from the central hall into a room where torches provided light. Pigeonhole slots covered one wall from floor to ceiling. Rolls of papyrus filled the slots. Tira sighed. How would she know which ones to select? The priestess had given her no clue.

  “I’ll leave you now,” Pian said. “My youngest brother will be here soon. I’d be pleased if you would share my table for the evening meal.”

  Not if I can help it, she thought. She put Bast Ka on the floor.

  The cat padded to the shelves, stood on hind legs and snagged two scrolls with a claw. Tira picked them up and carried them to the table. The first revealed a map of the Valley of the Pharaohs. The second was a complete plan of the temple of Toth. She looked at the feline and wished the cat could talk. How had Bast Ka known which ones to select? Did the map show where the symbols were hidden or did they mean another search?

  Chapter 6

  The twang of a dozen bows greeted Kashe when he entered the training grounds. A row of young men shot at the targets. He spotted his younger brother at the end of the line and watched while Namose took another shot. Though slight of build the youth had begun to develop muscles in his arms and shoulders.

  He leaned against the wall and thought about his father’s reaction to Tira’s arrival. He could almost see the schemes buzzing in the nomarch’s thoughts. Had the priests of Aken Re any idea about the identity of the new guest? Was his father’s cordiality aimed at learning her intentions so he could report to his allies?

  What troubled Kashe was not knowing if Tira could handle his father’s skillful manipulations. His older brother’s interest in Tira also bothered Kashe. Could she withstand flattery and seduction? Pian reacted to every beautiful woman is the same way. He pursued until his seduction succeeded. Then he laughed and walked away.

  Thoughts of Tira falling for Pian’s smooth and false interest upset Kashe more than he cared to admit. He ached to have her naked in his arms but he couldn’t allow sex to divert him. Not until the quest ended. He groaned. Tira’s response to the kiss had to be forgotten. She was a warrior on a quest. He was her companion chosen by Horu, not a lover.

  Namose hurried toward the target to retrieve his arrows. He turned and waved. When he finished the retrieval he ran to Kashe. “Have you come to practice?”

  Kashe shook his head. “Father wants you.”

  “Why?”

  “To help a warrior of Bast search some scrolls.”

  Namose made a face. “And report everything she reads. What should I do?”

  “Tell him part but not all.”

  “I can do that.” Namose unstrung the bow and put the quiver on a shelf. He told the arms master about the summons. When he reached Kashe they walked toward the house. “Will you and the warrior spar?”

  Kashe shook his head. “She has a unique way of fighting. She doesn’t use weapons. I saw her grab a man’s arm and flip him on his back. She also used her hands and feet.”

  “Do you think she could teach me?” Namose looked up. “I’m only average with weapons.”

  “You’re young. With practice you’ll improve.”

  Namose heaved a sigh. “Maybe not. Will you ask her?”

  “I don’t think she’ll be here long enough.” Kashe pulled his brother into an alcove and checked to make sure no one was close enough to hear. “Father and Pian want to know what the warrior seeks. They’ll report to those priests.”

  “Do you know?”

  “Yes and I won’t say.”

  “I’ll be careful. I promise.”

  “Good.” Kashe walked with his younger brother to the west loggia where Tira waited. He noticed she had several scrolls on the table. Kashe paused in the doorway. “Tira, this is Namose.”

  She smiled. “The scholar.”

  His face reddened. “Just a student.”

  Kashe left the loggia. His mother beckoned. The lady Kyia glared. “So my son, you have brought a guest to our house. Why has a warrior of Bast arrived? Do you think she plans t
o cause trouble for this household? You know your father’s leanings.”

  He nodded. “She’s here because the chief priestess sent her to search for some scrolls. I met her in town when she asked directions to the compound.”

  “Are you sure she’s what she claims to be?”

  “A sacred cat accompanied her.”

  Lady Kyia frowned. “A slave said her coloring and stature are like your father’s distant relatives.”

  “And mine. She is Bast’s warrior.”

  “How long will she stay?”

  Kashe shrugged. “You must ask her.”

  She sighed. “I do not like this hosting of priests and warriors. Their presence stirs Pian to thoughts of grandeur.”

  Kashe aborted a desire to laugh. “Mother, if the stories I’ve heard are true Pian arrived demanding to be exalted.”

  She patted his hand. “I fear you are right. My son, take care. You must obey your father. Being in a temple is better than being hunted as a rebel.”

  “Sometimes hard choices must be made.” He strode to his room. A harsh cry greeted him. Kashe went to the window. The hawk tapped the amulet. Kashe frowned. "I have no desire to be a priest but I will follow Horu and use my skills as a warrior in his service.”

  The hawk shifted from foot to foot. What did the bird want him to do? “I’ll help Bast’s warrior complete her task.” The hawk flew to the bundle Kashe had prepared.

  “All right.” Kashe fastened the bundle to his back. The bird swooped out the window and hovered. Kashe slipped from the room. Horu Ka shot toward the training ground. Kashe followed and entered the weapons’ room. He took a bow and a quiver of arrows, a spear and a mace. With his spoils he left the compound. When he reached his friend’s house he left his things. Tuten would add them to the supplies he had gathered.

  With haste he trotted back to the compound knowing the ordeal of the evening meal must be faced. As he approached the house he saw Pian slip a scroll to one of the household’s messengers. In hopes of hearing what was said Kashe hid behind one of the pillars.

  “See this is delivered as quickly as you can,” Pian commanded. “You will find him at the river men’s house. Run before the barge leaves.”

  “Yes, master.”

  Kashe frowned. Who was this news intended for? The chief priest’s barge had already left. Kashe remained hidden until Pian strolled to the garden. Like a lighting strike Kashe’s suspicions coalesced. One of the priests of Aken Re must have remained. Tira must be warned to complete her search of the scrolls so they could leave.

  He walked to the bathing room. After covering his body with a cleansing paste he lay on the stone slab. A slave poured water over him and used a cloth to scour away the dirt. Once clean, Kashe donned his clothes. He hung the Horu medallion around his neck. Drawing a deep breath he strolled to the central hall.

  As he feared Pian had cornered Tira. When Kashe strode toward them the nomarch called his name. “Come to the garden. There is news for you.”

  He walked down the shallow steps beside his father. “News?”

  “Rather a command.” The nomarch paused beside the lotus pool. “You will leave in the morning and travel by barge with Hebu, beloved of Aken Re to the god’s temple in the Valley of the Pharaohs.”

  Kashe squared his shoulders. “You gave me until this moon ended.”

  The older man glowered. “The priest demands you accompany him. Do not defy me. You are my son and you will obey. Much depends on your obedience.”

  “Why are you doing this?” Though he wanted to shout of his ties to Horu Kashe found he couldn’t speak.

  The nomarch stroked Kashe’s face. “Because I command you. Not only are you a physical reminder of the ancestors generations of breeding have sought to eradicate you have the same stubborn nature.”

  Kashe squared his shoulders. “Have you forgotten their courage and honor are what raised our family to our present position?”

  “Hah! They allowed themselves to be made into slaves and forced their offspring to find the road to walk from being among the dregs of the land to becoming the elite. Your older brother will take the final step and bring our family to greatness.”

  Kashe looked away. Nothing he could say would turn his father from his chosen path. This thought brought sadness. So be it.

  Tira strolled from the house. Bast Ka followed. “Nomarch, my search is complete. I’ll leave in the morning.”

  The nomarch scowled. “Surely you can wait until I arrange an escort. This is a dangerous time.”

  “I don’t want or need an escort. He who travels alone travels fastest.”

  “You can’t leave. Word of your presence has been passed to a high priest of Aken Re. He has questions and information to aid you in finding the daughter.”

  Tira crouched and stroked the cats’ head. “I’m not seeking the daughter nor do I need help from Aken Re. My orders come from Bast.”

  The nomarch smiled. “You must wait and tell him what you seek. Aken Re is the true and sole god of all lands. All other claimants are creatures of myth. Hebu will show you proof his god has been given the rule of the Two Lands.”

  Tira stepped back. “I won’t be foresworn.”

  The nomarch’s lips thinned. “I refuse to allow an unarmed woman and a sacred cat to leave my compound alone.”

  “Pit me against your best fighters. Two or even three,” Tira said.

  Kashe grinned. He’d seen her fight. He imagined she would win easily.

  “No,” the nomarch said. “If you insist on leaving Pian will go with you.”

  Tira shook her head. “Along the way I’m to meet one chosen by Horu.” She turned and walked away.

  “You will obey,” the nomarch said.

  Kashe walked behind his father. Tonight, he thought. After the house settles they must leave.

  When he reached the main hall he saw Tira engaged in a conversation with Namose. Kashe joined two of his sisters. When the meal ended Tira slipped from the room. He rose to follow.

  “Kashe, a word about tomorrow,” his father said.

  Kashe used a signal he and Namose had developed to thwart Pian. “Yes, Father.”

  Namose dashed across the room. “Father, the warrior said something interesting about the scrolls she read.”

  The nomarch leaned forward. “Tell me.”

  Kashe used the diversion to slip into the hall leading to the guest chambers. He came upon the scene he had feared. Pian had Tira pressed against the wall. Kashe prepared to intervene.

  “Listen, pal, step back or be sorry,” Tira said.

  Pian crushed his mouth against hers. Just as Kashe was about to pry his brother away from her Pian yelped. His lip bled. He stepped back. Tira crouched and prepared to attack.

  “You’ll regret this.” Pian drew his knife.

  “Is this the way to treat a guest?” Kashe asked.

  “I obey Father. She is to remain here. The gatekeeper knows she is not allowed to leave.”

  Pian lunged toward Tira. She kicked out and hooked her foot around one of his legs. With a hand she slashed his arm. The knife flew across the floor. Pian landed on his back.

  Tira stood over him. “Do not touch me again.” She walked away.

  Kashe crossed his arms on his chest. “You heard her.”

  Pian glared. He scrambled to his feet. “I warn you, throwback. Don’t report my failure to Father. He told me what I must do. She will remain here. When she leaves I’ll be her escort. So will Hebu, beloved of Aken Re.”

  “She won’t accept Father’s plans for her.”

  “She is a woman. She will obey.”

  Kashe laughed. “She is a warrior who has bested you. Be glad the sacred cat only watched. Bast Ka could have ruined your handsome face.”

  With the quickness of a striking asp Pian lunged. Kashe stepped aside and wheeled. His older brother plunged past. “Don’t challenge me,” Kashe said. “I’m more skilled with weapons than you are. Will you face me on the train
ing field?”

  Pian stormed away. “The priests are welcome to you. With the flail they will beat you. Then you’ll cease to anger Father and cease trying to usurp my place.”

  “I have my orders.” Kashe didn’t mention his commander was Horu. He touched the amulet and turned toward the guest chambers to speak to Tira.

  Namose popped into the hall. “Are you leaving now?”

  “Soon.”

  “Father has ordered the guards to watch the walls. Mother refused to allow them into the garden. Thought you should know.”

  Kashe sucked in a breath. There remained a chance for escape. “Thanks.”

  “Take me with you, please.” The boy’s dark eyes clouded with unshed tears.

  “I can’t.”

  “How can I stay here? Father and Pian will force me to go to the temple of Aken Re.”

  “If that time comes, run to Tuten. He will help you.”

  Namose nodded. “Father and Pian believe Tira is the avatar of the goddess. They want to give her to the priests. Father thinks the priests will kill her and the worship of Bast will end.”

  Kashe leaned against the wall. “What did you tell Father just now?”

  “About the scrolls she had me read about Bast, Horu and Toth. She knows little about the Two Lands. She wanted me to tell her about the country since the founding of the first dynasty. I didn’t tell Father about the scrolls she took.”

  Questions swarmed in Kashe’s thoughts. Where did she come from? She denied she was from Nubia. Did it matter? “What scrolls did she take?”

  “A map of the Valley and a plan of the temple that was Toth’s. She also had a small scroll she hid inside the map.”

  “Little brother, if possible, do not mention that one.”

  “Why?” Namose frowned. “What if he demands to know and threatens to beat me?”

  Kashe sighed. “Just do your best.”

  Chapter 7

  Thankful for her escape from Pian’s unwanted attentions Tira hurried into the hall leading to the guest chambers. Bast Ka padded after her. She looked at the cat. “Why didn’t you scratch him?”