“But, Majesty—” Snefru began. She cut himshort with a glance and he hastened to do her bidding, though hethrew more than one critical look over his shoulder. As soon as hewas free, the Nubian rose to his feet and massaged his chafedwrists. He did not respond to Hattie’s question.
“Come, now. I will see you come to no harm.What is the danger in telling me your name?”
He raised his eyes to hers briefly. “My nameis Piye, Royal One. I am chief of the Nubian bowmen, and commanderof the army.”
“Thank you, Piye. I am Hatshepsut, queenregent of Egypt. Do you know that your country is a vassal state ofEgypt, and bound to obey her rule?”
“Aye, Royal One,” he ground out from betweenclenched teeth. “We are your slaves and your property.”
“Nonsense. You are under the protection ofEgypt—an arrangement that can be mutually beneficial.”
“It has not been so thus far,” he muttered,shaking his head.
“Then we will have to change that.” Sheclapped her hands for her scribe.
“What does Your Majesty have in mind?” Snefruasked, suspicion evident in his narrowed eyes.
Hattie beckoned the scribe to take a seat. “Iwill offer a treaty to the Nubians. They will remain loyalsubjects, in return for which, I will promise them trading andother benefits.”
This was too much for Snefru to stomach.“But, Majesty!” he cried. “They are Egypt’s vassals! You need notpromise them anything. It is their duty to obey.”
Senemut leaned down and whispered in her ear.“I fear Snefru is right. If you treat them kindly, they will takeadvantage of it. You must be firm.”
“I intend to be firm,” she retorted. “But Ialso intend to be fair. I would rather have Nubia as my ally thanmy enemy. A friend will guard you from assault, but an enemy willstab you in the back.”
Senemut shook his head, but subsided intosilence. Piye glanced at her, surprise written across his strongfeatures.
“I will ask you to sign this papyrus, Piye,promising that you and your people will be loyal subjects of Egypt.You will obey our laws, and send your annual tribute as required.You will not rebel against us. Your signature will be your sacredoath.” She held up her hand to stop the prisoner from speaking. “Inreturn, I will promise you that none of your countrymen will beharmed if they obey our laws. Egypt will trade frequently with yourcountry. In addition, we will send soldiers to your assistance ifit is required, just as you will assist us when necessary. Do youagree?”
Piye’s jaw dropped. “Royal One, I…I know notwhat to say. Forgive me, but pharaohs have never dealt with usthus.”
“You have never dealt with me before. Come,give me your answer—will you be Egypt’s enemy or Egypt’s ally?”Hattie stared at him, chin held high.
“Ally, Royal One,” the man at last respondedin a whisper. “Ally! I will serve Your Majesty until the day Idie.”
* * *
Hapuseneb stared at Snefru in openmouthedhorror. “He what?”
“Aye, you heard me aright,” Snefru saidbitterly. “That commoner Senemut saved Hatshepsut’s life,dispatching the Nubian soldier who was directed to kill her. AndSenemut received barely a scratch in the process.”
“Ast! Senemut should be dragged into the desert andleft to die! He is a scourge upon Egypt.” Hapuseneb slumped heavilyonto a stool. “And that woman must be protected by Horushimself.”
“Horus or no, we must do something before shebrings Egypt down…and us with it.” Snefru glared at Hapuseneb. “Notonly did Senemut save her life, but somehow—I know not through whatmagic or spell—he convinced her to offer a treaty to the Nubiansinstead of punishing them as they deserve.”
“A treaty?” Hapuseneb’s stomach plungedsickeningly. His beloved Egypt would be brought to ruin inHatshepsut’s foolish hands. “What will become of Egypt under therule of that woman? With Senemut at her side, she will destroy usall, leaving Egypt’s bones to be picked over by the scavengers. Wemust stop her!”
“Aye, we must. Have you other ideas?”
“Give me time, give me time…” Hapusenebsteepled his hands and tapped his index fingers together. Then theglimmering of an idea appeared in his desperately searching mind.It was preposterous, but it just might work. “Aye! I have it! Iknow how we will bring her down. It is risky, but it will work—itmust! Here is what we will do…”
Snefru leaned his dark head close toHapuseneb’s shaved one, and they murmured together until dawn brokein the eastern sky.
CHAPTER 13
Hattie sighed as Tuthmosis fled the throneroom, his tears barely held in check. General Snefru followed closeon his heels, furious, but better able to contain his emotionsafter years spent in pharaoh’s service.
Hattie turned to Senemut. “Was I wrong?”
His face was carefully neutral. “It is not myplace, Majesty, to instruct you in—”
“Ast!” she snapped. “I asked for your opinion, did Inot?”
“Aye. I am sorry, Hattie.” He bowedbriefly. “It is…it is customary for young princes to accompany their armies on campaigns.It is natural that His Majesty Prince Tuthmosis would wish to doso. It is considered part of a royal prince’s education, and theexperience will be very valuable for him when he mounts thethrone.”
“I know, I know,” Hattie agreed impatiently.“But he is only eight years old. He is a baby! Surely, he is tooyoung to go off to war, despite all his protests to thecontrary.”
“Many have gone at a younger age, Majesty,”Senemut murmured. “He would have countless advisors and guardsaround him, and General Snefru would see to it that he came to noharm. A boy his age is ready to learn about discipline and command,which are abilities he will surely need when he rules Egypt.”
“Aye, well, I will consider it. But I do notthink I will change my mind. I have seen battle now, and it is ahideous, terrifying thing.” Her frown softened. “Tuthmosis is onlya child and does not know what is best for him. Sometimes I must goagainst his wishes, causing him to fear and distrust me more.Nothing I do pleases him, and I have tried very hard to please himfor the past six months. He is a sad little boy with a great weighton his shoulders, but he will not allow me to help him.”
“He is young, as you said. Give him
