Jennifer squirmed, trying to find a comfortable spot to sit on the palace’s stone floor. She sneaked a peek at Meryt-Re, who was reclining on a pillow, fiddling with a tiny bird’s drumstick. There was a faint crease between her eyebrows.

The feast had been going for hours, ever since they had arrived, and it didn’t look like it was going to wind down any time soon. The narrow hall was filled with people. Young girls walked up and down the rows, offering food and wine.

All evening, groups and individuals had been brought forward to the front of the long room, for presentations to the Pharaoh or other business. Earlier, Meryt-Re had happily chatted with those around them, making sure to mention Mutemwija’s name whenever she was asked about her outfit. Now, she barely spoke; she just kept glancing up at the Pharaoh’s throne. It didn’t help that they were at the very far end of the hall, only a few places removed from the exit.

Ka-Aper had sauntered by some time ago, barely giving them a glance, followed by Neferhotep, who had seemed startled to see them there. They hadn’t seen either of the men since.

“Would you like some sea slugs?” asked Ramose, holding out a bowl of quivering, jelly-like slices toward her.

“No, thank you,” said Meryt-Re, her attention further up the room.

Ramose gave her a worried frown. He offered the slugs to Jennifer, who shook her head. “So…what do you think of your first feast?” he asked.

Jennifer shrugged. “It’s all right.”

Meryt-Re snorted but didn’t say anything. Some of the food had been good, especially the chicken in a tangy sauce. There had even been a bowl of little cakes that had a marshmallow flavor. She had gobbled down as much of them as she thought she could get away with.

Jennifer hadn’t been sure whether Dje-Nefer would have known what some of the dishes were, but Ramose and Meryt-Re hadn’t been surprised at her questions. Meryt-Re had remarked on how some of the spices were rare and unusual, before their seatmates had laughed and told her their servants used them all the time.

Ramose handed Jennifer a red bowl, which was nearly empty. “More candy? They are truly a delicacy. The Pharaoh is quite generous to allow them to be served tonight. Usually, they are reserved for royalty.”

With a glance at Meryt-Re, Jennifer plucked out the last two and nibbled on the sweet treat. At least they weren’t slippery, like the heavily sauced meats, some of which Jennifer had nearly dropped on her new dress.

Meryt-Re was still staring up the room.

“Something wrong, dear heart?” asked Ramose.

“You know there is, Ramose,” said Meryt-Re, sitting up. “Could we be any further away from the royal dais? Look at us! We are practically out in the hallway.”

“Well, we couldn’t expect…”

“Ramose.”

“At least Mentmose is closer,” said Ramose, a little desperately.

“Only because Tetisheri threatened to make a scene if he was not allowed to sit by her and her parents,” said Meryt-Re. She threw the uneaten drumstick back into the communal bowl which they were sharing with another couple.

“Meryt-Re,” said Ramose, “your voice…”

“Yes. I know. Keep it down. We would not want to seem ungrateful,” said Meryt-Re. “But Ramose! Even Seneb the fish merchant has a closer position than we do. How he got invited, I would like to know.”

“It looks like he came with a friend,” said Ramose. He chuckled as he glanced at the fish vendor. “You’ll note, not too many people are willing to sit beside him.”

“I am not surprised. Gossip in the market is that his nose has never worked properly,” said Meryt-Re. “Doubtless he does not realize that he could be mistaken for one of his catch.”

“Meryt-Re, I’m sure there is a good reason for us being so far back. We were invited quite late, after all,” said Ramose.

“I suppose. But we were invited. Specifically by Ka-Aper. He as good as promised that you would come to the Pharaoh’s attention tonight, didn’t he?” asked Meryt-Re.

“You must be patient,” said Ramose. “Wait! Here comes Neferhotep.”

They sat up straighter as Neferhotep neared them, the head of his leopard skin bouncing on his bare chest with every long stride. He kneeled in front of them.

“Meryt-Re, Ramose, I didn’t know you were going to be here. Ka-Aper told me earlier that he invited you, but he has kept me in attendance ever since the feast began, or I would have come to talk with you,” he said, with a frown.

“What’s the matter?” asked Ramose.

“I…nothing. Ka-Aper has asked for you to come forward now. The children, too,” said Neferhotep. “Dje-Nefer, I think he wants you to show your amulet to the Pharaoh. He said there was something she needed to see.”

“Should I bring my gifts for the Pharaoh, too?” asked Ramose, as he scooped up the bag that held the amulets he had brought for her.

“By all means,” said Neferhotep.

Ramose rose and helped Meryt-Re to stand. Jennifer scrambled to her feet.

“Wait,” said Meryt-Re. She twitched one of Ramose’s pleats into more precise alignment and brushed a few crumbs from Jennifer’s front. “All right. Let’s go. We can pick up Mentmose on the way.”

They filed up the long hall behind Neferhotep, Jennifer behind Ramose and Meryt-Re. As they passed Tetisheri’s family, Satyah looked at them in astonishment. Meryt-Re crooked a finger at Mentmose. He popped up from the floor and followed them. Tetisheri made an attempt to join him, but her mother pulled her firmly back.

Jennifer tried to peer around Neferhotep, to see if she could spot the Pharaoh. After what felt like miles of walking, with every eye in the room on them, Neferhotep stopped suddenly and bowed. Jennifer and the others copied him. She peeked out from under the bangs of her wig to get a good look at the people on the dais.

A plump middle-aged woman, seated on a straight-backed golden throne, beckoned them forward. Her beaded pectoral collar reached to her shoulders, and her black hair had tiny gold disks braided into it. It was topped by a delicate golden crown, with a cobra and vulture at the front. Her outfit was similar to Meryt-Re’s, although even from where she was standing, Jennifer could tell that the fabric was finer. It shone like silk in the light from the torches. Apparently, the Pharaoh didn’t wear men’s clothing all the time.

Behind her throne stood a giant of a man, his skin almost as dark as the black stone that Ramose often worked with. He stood silently behind the Pharaoh, his eyes closed and his bulging arms folded over his massive chest.

“You may speak,” said the Pharaoh. Her voice was strong and pleasant, even friendly.

They straightened out of their bows and faced her. Neferhotep gestured grandly.

“Your Majesty, may I present Ramose the amulet-maker and his family,” he said in ringing tones.

“Ka-Aper has mentioned you,” said Hatshepsut.

Ramose’s chest swelled with pride. Ka-Aper himself was standing to the right of Hatshepsut, smiling at them. His outfit was similar to the one he had worn to dinner at Ramose’s house, but he had added even more jewelry. He even wore a cape, which swept down in soft folds from his wide shoulders all the way to the floor.

“An amulet-maker, Aunt?” drawled a young man, who lounged on a pillow at the Pharaoh’s feet. It was the young man from the temple. “Are you in need of protection?”

“We can all use assistance, from time to time, Thutmose,” said Hatshepsut. “Even you.”

Thutmose smirked. “Of course. You are always right.”

Neferhotep cleared his throat. “My brother makes the finest amulets in all of the Black Land. Most people prefer his over any others for their mummies.”

“Is it so?” asked Hatshepsut. “I would like to see some.”

Neferhotep nodded to Ramose, who stepped forward and bowed deeply again. “For your most gracious Majesty,” he said, handing her the bag.

Thutmose snorted softly.

Hatshepsut’s lips curved upwards as she opened the bag and poured the contents into her hand. “How delightful! Fine indeed,” she said, as she examined a carnelian crocodile.

“He has created a most cunning amulet for his daughter, as well,” said Ka-Aper.

Meryt-Re nudged Jennifer forward. She stepped closer. As she bowed, the scarab amulet swung outward on its thong. When she looked at the Pharaoh again, Hatshepsut was smiling at her.

“Come closer, child,” she said, in a gentle voice.

Jennifer climbed onto the low dais.

“May I see the amulet?” asked Hatshepsut.

Jennifer glanced at Ramose, who nodded. She lifted it over her head and handed it to the Pharaoh.

“It is lovely,” said Hatshepsut.

Jennifer swallowed. She’d never have a better chance to mention the conspiracy. “Your Majesty…” she whispered.

“Yes? What is it, child?” the Pharaoh whispered back.

“I…I need to tell you something,” said Jennifer.

Ka-Aper leaned towards them, his face so close she could feel his breath on her cheek.

Jennifer gulped. He grinned at her.

“The amulet opens, too. It’s really quite clever,” he said.

Jennifer gasped. The beads! If Hatshepsut opened it, they would fall out. Ka-Aper was right there. She didn’t want him to see that she had them.

“Let me show you,” said Jennifer. Hatshepsut handed the amulet back. Jennifer slid her nail into the crack and opened it a little. She curled her fist around the beads as they slid into her hand. Had Ka-Aper noticed? She handed the amulet back to the Pharaoh.

“Ah,” said Hatshepsut, running her finger around the smooth interior, just as Jennifer had done. “Very nice.”

“Perhaps you should consider giving it to the Pharaoh, child,” Ka-Aper suggested.

Jennifer drew in a breath. But then how would she get home?

“No,” said Hatshepsut, giving it back to Jennifer. “I think this young lady likes the gift her father made for her very much. It would not be right to take it away.”

“Of course. It is very fine,” said Ka-Aper. “May I take a closer look?”

Puzzled, Jennifer gave it to him. He had already seen it. Ka-Aper held it by the thong and let it dangle in front of his face as he inspected it.

“Was the amulet made for a particular purpose?” asked Hatshepsut.

“Just for my daughter’s birth anniversary,” said Ramose, “but…” He glanced at Neferhotep.

“But it soon turned out to have a use,” Ka-Aper completed the sentence.

“Oh?” said Hatshepsut.

“We…I…we feared that a demon might have tried to possess her,” said Neferhotep. “The amulet should help protect her from them. When I am able to do so, I will put a special spell of herbs and perfumes in it, for extra security.”

“A demon?” asked Hatshepsut, sitting back in her throne. Her voice was cool.

“Yes,” said Neferhotep. “My niece fell asleep on her roof a few days ago. I had warded the garden against the Walkers of the Night, but when I checked, I found that the reeds had been pressed apart in one place. A demon could have entered there.”

Jennifer heard Meryt-Re take a sharp breath, behind her.

“Had you evidence of any possession?” asked Hatshepsut.

“Well…” said Neferhotep.

“Come now,” Ka-Aper interrupted. “You told me yourself she had been acting oddly.” He put his hand on Jennifer’s shoulder. She wanted to squirm away from it, but he held her firm.

“Yes, but,” Neferhotep began.

Ka-Aper, his hand still on Jennifer, turned them both to face the crowded hall and held the amulet high.

“Demons,” he boomed. “They are everywhere. This amulet was meant to protect this beautiful child. But it is, I fear, too little, too late. Your Majesty, as a priest of Amon-Ra, I am able to detect such things. This girl has been possessed!”

“What?” said Neferhotep.

A ripple of surprise and fear surged through the crowd.

Meryt-Re gasped. Mentmose’s mouth dropped open. Ramose started forward, but stopped when Ka-Aper pointed at them.

“I call these good people to witness. Can you assure me that your daughter has been acting like herself lately?” asked Ka-Aper.

All three of them hesitated.

“Can you?” Ka-Aper snapped. “Swear on the feather of Ma’at! For if you lie, you know that your hearts will be in peril.”

Meryt-Re put a hand over her chest and breathed hard. Tears welled up in her eyes. Mentmose looked at the floor, no doubt remembering how he had found her on the roof after she’d been told not to go there. And her reaction to the hippopotamus. Ramose lowered his eyes, too.

Even Neferhotep didn’t meet Jennifer’s gaze. He was watching Ka-Aper.

Jennifer opened her mouth. This was silly!

“Do not speak, demon,” said Ka-Aper, giving her a shake.

“This is a serious accusation,” Hatshepsut drawled from behind them.

Ka-Aper turned back to face her, Jennifer still in his iron grip. A slow, ugly smile spread across his face, one that she did not like at all.

“These are serious times,” he said softly. “Demons walk the night and are not stopped from possessing its people. This did not happen in your father’s time. It is an indication of how far Kemet, the Black Land, has fallen.”

The smile on Hatshepsut’ lips did not reach her eyes. “I see. And what is it you suggest we do?”

“Why, we must do what we always do with demons,” said Ka-Aper. “We must drive it out of her body.”

“As I recall, the last time you tried that, you weren’t satisfied that your exorcism had worked,” said Hatshepsut. “The girl died.”

“Sometimes that happens,” said Ka-Aper.

“No!” Meryt-Re choked out. “Not my daughter!”

“Woman, she is not your daughter,” said Ka-Aper. “We will do what we can. It may not be enough.”

“I don’t understand,” said Ramose. “The amulet is proof against demons, and she has been wearing it…”

“Perhaps you were not as precise in your carving as you thought,” said Ka-Aper. “Or perhaps this is a very strong demon, drawn to our country in its…weakness.”

“I see,” Hatshepsut said again, tapping her fingers on the arm of her throne. “Truly I do.” The black man behind the Pharaoh’s throne shifted slightly to the right.

Ka-Aper pointed at one of the soldiers who guarded the dais. “Come here! Take this girl away and put her in a cell.”

The guard hesitated, looking not at Hatshepsut, but at Thutmose, who slowly nodded. Catching this, Hatshepsut’s eyes narrowed. The soldier slipped a short sword out of the scabbard at his hip and advanced on Jennifer.

“No!” Meryt-Re wailed, pulling on Ka-Aper’s arm. “Please!”

Ka-Aper’s hand slipped off Jennifer’s shoulder as he shoved Meryt-Re back into Ramose’s embrace. He whirled and reached for Jennifer again.

She had to get out of here. If she ended up in one of the cells, she would probably never see daylight again. She whipped her gaze around her, looking for a place to escape. There! She could see an open doorway behind the black man. Jennifer dived past him. He reached for her, but amazingly, she slipped through his grasp and was off, running for the exit. A roar of anger followed her.

She ducked through the door and found herself in an empty, torch-lit hall which branched off in several directions. She picked one at random and pelted down it, skidding around the corners.

At Satyah’s request, a palace servant had given them a short tour of the palace, before the feast, but they had taken so many twists and turns in the huge stone building to get to the banquet hall that she had no idea where she was. She trotted down the narrow corridor, which opened into a much larger one. Faint cries of pursuit followed her, spurring her to greater speed. She needed to find a way out of the palace. At least there was no one around to stop her.

Jennifer ran around another corner, her sandals slapping against the sand-coated floor, and slammed into someone. Both of them fell in a jumble of tangling limbs. Jennifer’s hand jerked open, and the beads bounced away.

“Ooof,” said the person Jennifer had run into.

Jennifer struggled to get away, then caught sight of the woman’s face.

“Mutemwija!” she said, helping her to rise. “What are you doing here?”

The old woman from the market was breathing heavily, her clothes twisted and her gray hair mussed. Food and other items had sprayed out of a black fabric bag that spun across the floor. She put a hand on her head and laughed. “Good thing I’m well-padded. Jennifer, you sure pack a wallop!”