Chapter 17

Khufu’s Pyramid 2600 BC

Haji and Chuma removed the body of Khufu from the coffin and placed it on the floor.

‘Forgive me, majesty,’ mumbled Haji, ‘but such inappropriate behaviour is necessary to secure your eternal security.’ Sagira stared at the corpse while the two priests covered the small shaft with a slab and filled the cracks of the joint with a mixture of stone dust and water. Finally they pushed the sarcophagus back over the top of the slab, leaving no trace of any exit from the tomb.

‘It is done,’ said Haji at last. ‘Let us take the next step.’

In the chamber below, Adio sat upon the counterweight, waiting for Sagira to reappear from the stairway built into the wall.

‘Sagira,’ he called, ‘make haste, for I feel there are spirits of the dead all about me.’

‘We’re coming,’ came the reply, and Adio turned to see Sagira emerge from the gloom. Behind her came Haji and Chuma, carrying the wrapped corpse of the king. They placed the mummy carefully on the floor and Haji pulled his knife from his waistband.

‘Get down from the stone, boy,’ he said.

Adio did as he was told and the weight slowly rose, perfectly balanced with the hidden door in the chamber above. As soon as Adio was clear, Haji cut the ropes, sending the weight and all of the smaller stones crashing to the floor. In the king’s chamber above, the door settled into place, its location indistinguishable from the permanent blocks around it.

‘Take your candles,’ said Haji, ‘and lead the way.’ He pointed at the far tunnel. ‘The path will be steep and winding, but it is safe. Show the way, children of the gods. Light the path of your king, as was prophesied by Osiris.’

Adio and Sagira made their way out of the chamber and followed the tunnel downward. Haji and Chuma followed behind, carrying Khufu’s corpse.

For an age they descended through dark narrow tunnels and under low ceilings. Eventually the limestone blocks changed to rock and the passage became much rougher. Dampness covered the walls and soon they could go no further for their way was barred by an enormous cavern flooded by water. Sagira held her candle high but could neither see the ceiling nor the far side.

‘Wait here,’ said Haji, and disappeared into the gloom. A few minutes later he reappeared rowing a small boat. The children climbed aboard and watched the two priests pull against the oars as they guided the boat across the subterranean lake.

‘Sagira,’ asked Adio, ‘do you think these are the halls of Ma’at?’

‘I don’t think so,’ said Sagira, ‘for there are no gods here. I think this is just the first part of a journey.’

‘You are correct, child,’ said Haji as he pulled on the oars. ‘The first step of many, and what a journey it is going to be.’