Interrogations

Day 8 of month Ka-her-ka in Peret, season of the emergence

Their discussion with the king had lasted until the afternoon. Afterward it had been too late to give an official statement at the Medjay, which would serve as the basis for charges against Nebit. Nakhtmin and Ameny took care of that the next day. At the same time, the pharaoh personally interrogated his vizier.

As long as Nakhtmin didn’t know for sure what Senusret achieved with Nebit, he stuck to the version a noise had awoken him at night and he’d caught Nebit in the act. Mutnofret’s statement, he knew, would support his story. She’d described the dramatic events to the Medjay scribes the day before already. None of the king’s law enforcers needed to know he and Ameny had crossed the Nile that night, which would certainly have astonished them.

After they took his statement, Nakhtmin waited impatiently for the king’s return. Fidgeting, he sat on a bench in the small anteroom of the office where witnesses were interviewed, and counted flies on the wall. The sound of an opening door made him flinch, but it was only Ameny, who sat down next to him. He too had given testimony. Nakhtmin sensed the tension in his older friend. Much depended on how reasonably Nebit reacted.

“Fifteen flies,” Nakhtmin said.

An amused smile on his face, Ameny lifted his brows. “One must have escaped then.”

They both laughed.

A man in the attire of a royal servant entered and announced, “His majesty wishes to see you at the palace. Please follow me.”

Ameny murmured, “Nebit’s interrogation can’t have lasted long if the pharaoh is already back at the palace.”

The king sat on the mat and gestured for them to settle and forgo formalities. Nakhtmin spotted a plate with refreshments on a small table. His tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth. No matter how much he craved something to drink, he didn’t dare take anything.

Senusret must have noticed his gaze, since he invited them to help themselves.

Nakhtmin poured a glass of fruit juice and took a gulp before scrutinizing the king’s face. Doesn’t look like he succeeded, the lines around the corners of his mouth are even more pronounced.

The young pharaoh rubbed his face with one hand and moaned. “Nebit’s a piece of work. Like a rabbit, he darted this way and that.”

“Did he get caught in the snare we designed yesterday?” Ameny picked up the comparison.

Senusret shook his head. “The man has the nerve to make demands. He wants to speak to Sitamun, alone, or else he won’t say a word.”

Incredulous, Ameny asked, “Didn’t you tell him what’s in store for Sitamun?”

“I sure did. At first it seemed like he might take the offer: exemption from punishment for Sitamun if he doesn’t accuse me of adultery. I confronted him with all his crimes including those which hadn’t been recognized as murders. That unsettled him somewhat.”

“But you didn’t tell him Hori detected the traces he left?” Nakhtmin asked in panic.

“Of course not.”

“I’d hoped we could negotiate everything with Nebit. Now we need to persuade Sitamun.” Ameny looked resigned.

Nakhtmin didn’t place much hope in his plan either.

“I have an idea that might help us,” Senusret said and winked like a mischievous boy. He refused to enlighten the two friends though. Instead he asked them to accompany him to the house of the Medjay later.

“Why didn’t we just stay there?” Nakhtmin asked. Ameny shook his head ever so slightly. Shocked, Nakhtmin realized his impropriety. They’d become so familiar with Senusret, he’d forgotten who the man was.

“I need to prepare and make some arrangements first. Besides, I thought you’d like to have a bite to eat instead of sitting around in that little room.”

Nakhtmin blushed. “Very considerate of you. Thanks.”

Ameny and Nakhtmin stood in a cramped coop. The narrow room directly adjoined one of the interrogation rooms, with airing slits in the joint wall. One could hear every word spoken on the other side without the questioned person knowing. To anyone unsuspecting, it would appear like the street were on the other side of the wall.

A door slammed shut. Someone must have entered the room. A Medjay’s voice, “As requested, Lady Sitamun, your majesty.”

“I greet the Strong Bull of Kemet,” Sitamun purred.

A muffled snort escaped Ameny, and Nakhtmin touched a finger to his lips. They could be heard on the other side of the wall, too.

“Fine, you may retreat,” Senusret said.

Another slamming of the door. The Medjay must have left.

“The two of us alone… Remember?”

“Let’s cut to it, Sitamun. Your husband has been caught red-handed as he tried to kill the betrothed of your son Shepses. He’d already killed one of the servants of the second prophet of Amun. Nebit will face a murder trial. Nevertheless, he dared to remind me of my earlier misstep with you. Nebit can’t seriously expect me to simply sweep these charges against him under the bulrush mat.”

Nakhtmin heard unidentifiable noises, then the sharp voice of the pharaoh cut in. “No, let me finish! Should Nebit decide to accuse me—and therefore you as well—of adultery, you should know his trial will come first. With such severe charges, the Great Kenbet is likely to take all day only for the one case. Until the next Great Kenbet, three moons will wax and wane, and by then Nebit will have been executed and fed to the devourer. He won’t be able to accuse me himself. Therefore the board of judges will have little choice but to drop adultery charges against you and me.”

Nakhtmin wondered why Senusret wouldn’t simply risk this scenario. It would make for a much simpler solution. Then he realized Nebit wouldn’t have any reason to confess in that case, and the king’s conscience wouldn’t allow him to perform such a deceit. He’d be misusing his power since Maat demanded his adultery trial to happen first. Senusret’s words might trick Sitamun, though. Someone so rotten would assume others had no qualms either. He concentrated on the muffled words exchanged on the other side.

“You, however, will be charged with complicity in Nebit’s crimes. I offer you exemption from punishment for your abetting if you convince Nebit to keep our adultery secret and to confess all the murders he committed. I know you wield such power over him. Now you may speak.”

“How smart you are, my pretty prince. Some time ago, you wanted to make me your second wife…”

“Stay away from me. You’re old, Sitamun. Nothing about you still tempts me.”

A hiss filtered through the slits as if a snake were in the next room. “I’ve got nothing to do with the crimes of that old fool. I knew nothing. You find me completely clueless. You won’t be able to prove anything.”

“Some time ago, a woman taught me how an innocent man can be turned guilty. Take this as a promise from your king, who will be your judge.”

Breathless, Nakhtmin strained to hear her response through the thin slit. If only he could see Sitamun’s face.

“So you promise exemption from punishment if I influence Nebit? What makes you think I have the power to do so?” Her voice sounded cold and calculating.

“Oh, I know you hold absolute sway over your husband. He’d walk over burning hot coals for you. A little bird sang in my ear, he doesn’t even dare to laugh without your permission. What a miserable creature!”

Her throaty laugh made Nakhtmin envision how she slithered up to the king once more. How did Senusret manage to control himself? He’d have gripped the viper’s throat already.

“Very well. I’ll do it. Then I’ll remain unchallenged and can enjoy my husband’s inheritance. Give me a written guarantee!”

A long silence ensued. Nakhtmin guessed the king was writing. Then he heard a faint rustle of papyrus being rolled up.

“I want your seal on it lest you claim I forged the document.”

Senusret sighed, and Nakhtmin gritted his teeth. She thought of everything. More rustling.

“Now, go, Sitamun. Your husband is craving your visit. You will see each other for the last time before the Great Kenbet.”

A door opened. Muffled words were followed by silence. A few moments later, someone knocked on the door of their tiny chamber. Ameny unbolted the lock, and they both slipped outside.

“You’ve heard it all?” Senusret asked.

“Every word,” Ameny confirmed with a grim look on his face.

Nakhtmin couldn’t suppress a grin. “Very clever twist with the trial dates.”

Senusret winked. “And she doesn’t know there won’t be any inheritance left after the sentencing. The culprit’s possessions will pass to the crown. Hopefully, Nebit will fess up tomorrow when the Medjay question him again. I’ll attend as well.” He walked ahead and they followed him outside the house of the Medjay, where the monarch’s guards waited. “I’ll keep you informed. My servant will take you to the palace tomorrow afternoon. Then I’ll let you know if the plan worked.”

Ameny couldn’t neglect his duties at the temple of Amun any longer, so Nakhtmin directed his steps toward the prophet’s estate, which already felt like home, and mulled over the intense last few days. After they’d been groping around in the dark for so long, everything happened incredibly fast. How he’d love to talk things over with someone. Hori! He wouldn’t want to trade places with him. What a torture it must be for him, not knowing what happened. Tonight he had to cross the river again. Yesterday, he’d been too wiped out after the sleepless night in the aftermath of Nebit’s attack, or else he’d have delivered the good news: the killer has been arrested! His heart leapt at the thought of Mutnofret waiting for him. Most of the previous day he’d been out and about, and when he did see her, they were never alone. No chance of a private word. Later, exhaustion had taken its toll. Could she really be in love with him? It felt so unreal. The girl sure had a strange way of showing her affection. He felt bartered away like cattle. At least, he could deal with that right away.

He passed through the gate and headed for the corner of the garden where she usually sat with her needlework. No, it was too cold for that. The storms of the previous days had cooled down the air significantly. Muti had to be inside. He found her in the company of her mother and a few maids, organizing the pantries. Grinning, he leaned against the doorjamb and enjoyed the view of her gorgeous backside as she bent over.

“Oh, Nakhtmin, you’re back,” Isis greeted him.

Mutnofret straightened and turned around. Her bright smile chased away all doubts. She liked him! Had she told her mother yet? Then it would be really true. He held Isis in high esteem. Quiet and inconspicuous as she was, she led the household with a strong hand. Although her voice wasn’t heard often, he’d come to the conclusion she set the tone in this house. One thing she’d passed on to Muti… He grinned again. Both women gazed at him, then burst into laughter. Likely, he looked like a lovesick donkey.

“Off with you two. I’m sure you have much to talk about,” Isis said and winked at him.

A rock dropped from his heart. He seemed to have smoothly ascended from poor employee to welcome future son-in-law. Surely, his rescuing Mutnofret must have played a role in her ready acceptance, but he hoped to have earned her respect in other ways as well.

Mutnofret took his hand and pulled him away to her room. Laughing, she threw the door closed behind them. He, however, fended off her embrace and crossed his arms.

The mischievous spark in her eyes died. “Has something happened?”

“You tell me.” He enjoyed her dismay. “Let me summarize: You got engaged to Shepses behind your parents’ backs. As soon as the marriage contract was sealed, you threw yourself into my arms—out of the blue—and your father talks about marriage as if it were a done deal. Did any of you ever think of asking how I feel about it? Or did you think little Nakhtmin from Upper Egypt will be so grateful he doesn’t need to be asked? Have you ever considered I might not want you?” Her lips tightened into a thin line, but he continued. “Truth is, your father can be happy if you’ll ever find a husband. I’ve never before met a girl so stubborn, irresponsible, arrogant…”

She leaned close and whispered in his ear, “I know you love me.”

His arms flopped down. Dear gods, yes! He was madly in love with her. Hold on; having seen all the havoc mad love can wreak, he really shouldn’t. He grabbed her, kissed her hard and urgently, threw her on the bed.

This time, she fended him off. “I’m still promised to another man. We should wait until the engagement is officially revoked.”

“You’re right. Holy Bastet, let Ameny hurry up with it! I can hardly wait.”

“If you hadn’t been such a yokel, we could have had this much earlier. I gave you enough signs.”

He sat up. Signs? Scenes popped up in his mind when she teasingly lured him. He’d been so sure she’d only laugh at him if he took the bait. “Woman, you should learn to write. Nobody could have deciphered those signs of yours.” He snorted.

She pulled a face and playfully hit his upper arm. “I certainly know how to write. Maybe you should learn to read?”

These eyes! How could he ever mistake her teasing for vicious ridicule? Actually, he rather enjoyed matching wits with her. He sealed her lips with a kiss, but she shoved him away.

“Why don’t you tell me what you and Father have been concocting with the king all this time.”

He lifted his eyebrows. Concocting! He’d have to get used to her disrespect. Remembering his promises to the pharaoh and Hori, he told her as much as he could without betraying their trust. No easy feat.

“You’re keeping something from me,” she complained.

“Only what I’m not allowed to reveal. State secrets.”

She huffed. “Aren’t you important! Give the guy a kiss and an audience with the king, and he thinks himself the most senior keeper of the royal seal!”

Ameny’s return spared him a response. What was he getting himself into?