The Hippopotamus Marsh Read Online Free PDF Page B

Youmentioned blasphemy to me. Sometimes your opinions might be construed by loyal Egyptians as blasphemy against the Lord of the Two Lands. You are changing, Seqenenra Tao.” He smiled faintly. “The old contentment is gone. You are no longer governor of Weset and Prince of Egypt.” Seqenenra’s throat went dry.
    “What do you know that I do not?” he whispered. “My servants are the children of my father’s servants, loyal to my name and my authority.” Amunmose held up a hand and shook his head.
    “I know nothing. On the august plumes of the Cackler I swear it. I simply beseech you to be cautious. Your father was an honest governor under the One and he gave his servants no cause to examine their deepest loyalties. It would be unwise to cause any of yours to panic.” Seqenenra stared at him.
    “Am I so innocent, then?” he muttered half to himself. “Am I so stupid? I will ponder your counsel.” Amunmose bowed and turned away.
    Seqenenra went to his litter, and, drawing the curtains, sat hunched against the cushions. You are changing, Seqenenra Tao … no longer governor of Weset and Prince of Egypt … Not so, not so, he thought vehemently. I am content with peace. The restlessness I sometimes feel is simply the blood of my fighting ancestors demanding release. It passes in time.
    After breaking his fast he received his Overseer of Lands and his Treasurer in his office, dealing quickly with their questions before sending for Ipi. The man came and bowed, taking up his position at Seqenenra’s feet and settling his scribe’s palette across his knees. Trimming his brushes andshaking his pot of paint, he waited. Silently Seqenenra weighed the words that must be couched in phrases of correct worship.
    Outside, beyond the pillared loggia, he saw Ahmose run past unpainted and unshod as usual, followed more slowly by Si-Amun and Kamose who were obviously on their way to the training ground with their weapons. A servant staggered into view, laden with cushions which he spread by the pool under the thick shade of a fig tree, and presently Tetisheri appeared, picking her way delicately, Isis holding a large sunshade over her head. She folded onto the ground, clapped, and Mersu knelt beside her, dropping several scrolls. Seqenenra smiled to himself. His mother knew perfectly well what he was doing and she would wait to hear what he had dictated. “Uni,” he called into the passage. “Bring beer.” His steward went away to comply. Seqenenra nodded. “I am ready.”
    “Thoth guide my hand and your thoughts,” Ipi replied dutifully.
    “Good. Begin with the usual salutation, ‘to Awoserra Aqenenra Apepa Beloved of Set, Beloved of Ra, Lord of the Two Lands, from his governor and servant Seqenenra, greetings.’ Then—‘My distress was great upon hearing the words of your letter. Let it not be, I said, that my Divine Lord’s rest should be disturbed by the voices of the hippopotamuses in the marshes of his loyal city.’” He paused, for Uni had returned, setting a cup and a small flagon on the table beside him. The steward poured, tasted, then passed the cup. Seqenenra drank deeply. Uni returned to his post behind his master. “Read it back to me,” Seqenenra ordered. The scribe did so. Seqenenracontinued, a tremor of laughter in his voice. “‘I have accordingly commanded my leatherworkers to design and construct muzzles for these noisy beasts. Thus will my lord’s sleep be deep and uninterrupted. May my lord’s name live forever. Life, Health, Prosperity! Given this day, the twentieth of the month of Tybi in the season Peret, by the hand of my scribe Ipi.’” He watched the rapid, black script dry into the papyrus. “Seal it and give it to Men. He is due to leave for the Delta. Make a copy for the archives.” Ipi slid the lid closed on his brush box, tucked the scroll into his kilt, and backed away respectfully.
    Seqenenra stretched, poured more beer, and turned to Uni. He felt as though the weight