The Three Queens: Book 3 of The Giza Trilogy

By Paul Morrison

THE THREE QUEENS is a fictional account of the life of Pharaoh Menkaure, builder of the third (and smallest) pyramid on the Giza Plateau, as well as his close relationships with his three queens. It covers the period from 2532 B.C. through to 2500 B.C., including the death of Menkaure’s son and heir, Shepseskaf.
Unlike the other two books in the trilogy, THE THREE QUEENS is more about the personal life of the pharaoh rather than military conquests and other adventures. More detail is included in the book about the lifestyle and customs of Ancient Egypt than in the other two books. Where there are gaps in this knowledge such as a day in the life of the pharaoh, artistic but scholarly licence has been employed to fill this gap. Forms of entertainment, clothes, food, drink, and positions of employment within the royal court are also more closely examined. The pyramid, however, is not ignored.

Menkaure’s pyramid was the smallest on the Giza Plateau, far smaller than the other two pyramids of his father and grandfather. His pyramid was also the last to be built on the Giza Plateau. Why was this? Just as important, why did Menkaure build the smaller satellite pyramids for his three queens next to his own pyramid? Was it love, vanity, or perhaps other reasons? In the pages of THE THREE QUEENS, the reader will be drawn into the complex and enigmatic world of the royal court of Pharaoh Menkaure, son of Khafre and grandson of Khufu - into the high point of this monumental and magnificent age of the pyramid builders.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul Morrison
• Release date: Nov 21, 2013
• ISBN: 9781925074253

Paul Morrison

Paul Morrison, a retired museologist, has also been a writer for most of his life. “I cannot remember a time when I was not writing, even when I was five or six years old. I grew up with books such as TREASURE ISLAND, 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA and THE TIME MACHINE — these and the many other books which I read in my early years fed my imagination, a voracious imagination transporting me to faraway places, other worlds and to other times in both the recent and the more distant past...” Many of these worlds and places are visited in the novels and short story collections he has written.Besides a love of fiction, Paul also reads widely on ancient history and archaeology. “I am particularly interested in Ancient Egypt, mainly Old Kingdom Egypt during the age of the pyramid builders. I have always been intrigued as to how the pyramids were built and also about the lives of the pharaohs and the workers who constructed the pyramids. There were many questions filling my mind, but few if any answers.” This inquiring interest led to the GIZA TRILOGY books, THE PHARAOH, THE SPHINX and THE THREE QUEENS, a monumental work of well-researched fiction set against the backdrop of the three pyramids on the Giza Plateau. Together, with their associated books, THE DIVINE LIGHT, ETERNAL EGYPT (Supplement to the Giza Trilogy), and SECRET OF THE PYRAMID, these books total more than 1.3 million words! Other books written by Paul cover a wide range of subjects including historical fiction, science fiction, ghost and detective stories as well as many other genres.Paul currently lives in Hobart, Tasmania with his wife in a house overlooking the Derwent River. “The magnificent views of Hobart and Mount Wellington inspire me in my writings — but the most important inspiration is my wife, Helena.”

Book preview

The Three Queens is a book about the life of the son of Pharaoh Khafre and grandson of Pharaoh Khufu – Pharaoh Menkaure, as well as his three Queens. It covers the period from c.2532 B.C. through to c.2500 B.C. (the death of Shepseskaf, Menkaure’s son and heir). We only know the name of one of Menkaure’s queens – Khamererenebty II. The other two are a mystery. A clue to one of the possible names is in the name of Menkaure’s known daughter, Khentkawes, for often daughters took the name of their mother.

Unlike the other two books in The Giza Trilogy, The Three Queens is more a book about the personal life of the Pharaoh rather than military conquests and other adventures. Much more detail is included in this book on the lifestyle and customs of Ancient Egypt, (or Kemet as it is referred to) than in the other two books. Where there are gaps in this knowledge such as a day in the life of the Pharaoh, artistic licence has been employed to fill this gap. The forms of entertainment, clothes, food, drink, and positions of employment within the royal court are all examined more closely. The pyramid, however, is not ignored.

Menkaure’s pyramid was the smallest on the plateau and less than half the size of his father, Pharaoh Khafre’s pyramid. Why was this? Possible answers are suggested in the book, but as with the two previous Pharaohs in the trilogy, little is known about Menkaure’s own life. Again, clues must be found in the pyramid and in the three satellite pyramids which he built; the magnificent statues of the Pharaoh; as well as in the lives of the Pharaohs who followed after him. Menkaure’s pyramid was the last to be built on the Giza Plateau. Why was this? Again, reasons (theories) are suggested in the book.

As with the previous two Giza Trilogy books, Pharaoh Menkaure is given a life and perhaps more freedom than a Pharaoh would have been given. He is not a stone Pharaoh, but one who is alive to the reader and those around him, including his three Queens.

Finally... Much research went into the writing of The Giza Trilogy. The books had to be as accurate as possible, even though much of the period about which they were written remains obscure and is still a mystery. A brief bibliography of some of the books used as a source of reference material are: Chronicle of the Pharaohs by Peter A. Clayton; The Complete Pyramids by Mark Lehner; Atlas of Ancient Egypt by John Baines and Jaromir Malek; Encyclopaedia of Ancient Egypt (editor) Helen Strudwick; The Egyptian Gods by Alan W. Shorter; The Pyramid Builders of Ancient Egypt by Rosalie David; Everyday Life in Ancient Egypt by Jon Manchip White; The Dwellers on the Nile by E. A. Wallis Budge; The Ancient Egyptians, Their Life and Customs by Sir. J. Gardner Wilkinson. Many other books were also consulted in the three years spent writing these Giza Trilogy books. Internet sites, (academic ones and not ones with wild alien or Atlantis theories) were also consulted. It should be noted, however, that any inaccuracies in the three books are the fault, either through reinterpretation or otherwise, of the author and not the books or internet sites consulted.

NAMES USED IN THE BOOK

Where known, I have kept to the Ancient Egyptian person and place names rather than using more familiar and widely-used Greek or Roman names. To help the reader, who may know the royal capital of Old Kingdom Egypt (Kemet) as Memphis rather than the Ancient Egyptian name of Ineb-hedj, I’ve listed below both the Egyptian names used in the book and some of the more familiar Greek or Roman names. These names are shown as follows: Egyptian – Greek/Roman – Meaning in Ancient Egyptian (or explanation):

ASKALON – Ashkelon – Ancient Canaanite city located on the southern coast of modern-day Israel.

? – Kypros (Cyprus) – Kypros is an Ancient Greek word. The Old Kingdom Ancient Egyptian name is unknown. The author has used the fictional name of Copper Island.

INEB-HEDJ – Memphis – Royal city whose name means White Walls, most likely a reference to the plastered white walls of the royal palace.

KEMET – Egypt – The Black Land, which refers to the rich black soil deposited by the Nile after the yearly inundation.

KUSH – Nubia – The region in the far south of modern-day Egypt and in the north of the Sudan.

LIBU – Libya – The region to the west of modern-day Egypt.

MENKAURE – Mycerinus – Son of Pharaoh Khafre who became Pharaoh on the death of his father. His name means Eternal Like the Souls of Ra.

NEKHEN – Hierakonpolis – Capital of King Narmer, the king who unified the Upper and Lower lands of Kemet in c.3150 B.C.

GREAT SEA – Mediterranean – The expanse of water between North Africa and Southern Europe.

WHITE ROCK – Giza Plateau – Plateau of white limestone where Menkaure’s pyramid was built.

MAIN AND SUPPORTING CHARACTERS

AMENHOTEP – The nephew of Pepi.

BUNEFER* – (Princess and Queen). First favourite wife of Pharaoh Shepseskaf.

DUARENRE* – (Prince). Step-brother to Pharaoh Menkaure.

ISET – (Queen). Second favourite wife of Pharaoh Shepseskaf.

IUNMIN* – (Royal Scribe). Younger step-brother to Pharaoh Menkaure.

KAROMAMA – (Queen). Third favourite wife of Pharaoh Menkaure.

KHAMERERNEBTY II* – (Queen). First favourite wife of Pharaoh Menkaure.

KHENTKAWES – (Queen). Second favourite wife of Pharaoh Menkaure.

MASAHERTA – High priest of the Solar Cult.

MERU – Wife of Pepi.

MENKAURE* – (Pharaoh). Son of Pharaoh Khafre. Menkaure became Pharaoh in c.2532 B.C. on the death of his father. His mother was Queen Khamerernebty I.

PEPI – Royal Scribe to Pharaoh Khafre, Menkaure’s father. Pepi was in charge of the second sea expedition along the east coast of the Great Sea.

SETH-PERIBSEN – Son of Pharaoh Djedefre who is summoned by Menkaure to serve in the royal palace.

SHEPSESKAF* – Son of Menkaure who succeeds his father as Pharaoh. His rule was from c.2504 – c.2500 B.C.

SMENDES – Royal Architect who designs and builds Menkaure’s pyramid.

SNEFRU* – (Pharaoh). Father of Pharaoh Khufu, grandfather of Pharaoh Khafre and great grandfather of Pharaoh Menkaure. Snefru ruled between c.2613 B.C. and c.2589 B.C.

TAKELOT – Military officer who participates in Menkaure’s two sea expeditions.

USERKAF* – (Prince) from the blood-line of Djedefre who succeeds Shepseskaf as Pharaoh on Shepseskaf’s death. He ruled from c.2500 – c.2491 B.C.

* Denotes non-fictional characters in the book.

GODS AND GODDESSES MENTIONED

ANUBIS – Jackal God and Guardian of the Dead who was associated with the mummification process. Anubis was also the Guardian of Tombs.

BAAL – Baal was an Eastern Mediterranean god whose name translates to The Lord. The god represented many different forms such as fertility, rain and thunder, with his statues often depicted holding a bolt of thunder.

BAST – The Cat Goddess often depicted with the body of a woman and the head of a cat. Domestic cats were considered sacred in Ancient Kemet.

BES – Dwarf God and Protector of the Family. Bes was a popular god closely associated with Childbirth and Sexuality as well as Music and Happiness.

HAPY – Nile River God and God of the Annual Inundation (flooding) of the Nile. He wore a headdress of river plants and weeds.

HATHOR – Goddess of Love and wife of Horus. Hathor was also Goddess of Joy, Music, Dancing and Fertility. She was often depicted as either a cow, or a woman wearing a headdress with cow horns and solar disc.

HORUS – Hawk God who was the Symbol of Kingship, as the Pharaohs carried the royal title, Son of Horus. Horus was the son of Osiris, carrying out revenge for his father’s murder at the hands of Seth. Horus was also the protector of Pharaoh in the mortal life.

ISIS – Goddess of Healing and Magic. Isis was wife to Osiris and mother of Horus.

OSIRIS – God of Death and Resurrection represented as a man in mummified form. Osiris was one of the most important gods, standing in judgement of the dead in the Hall of Truth.

PTAH – God of Craftsmen and Patron of Healers as well as Creation. Ptah was represented in the form of a mummified man. He was closely associated with the Opening of the Mouth ceremony, an important ceremony in the mummification process.

RA – The Sun God who had the body of a man, but the head of a falcon wearing a sun orb headdress. Ra was perhaps the most important of the gods and his name was also incorporated into the title of Pharaoh: Son of Ra.

SETH – God of Chaos with the body of a man and the head of a mythical animal with a long nose and squared-off ears. Seth was both the brother to and the murderer of Osiris.

THOTH – The God of Writing and Wisdom who was depicted with the body of a man and the head of an ibis. Thoth was the Patron God of Scribes.

ANCIENT KEMET MEASUREMENTS

The scribes, priests and builders in Ancient Kemet had their own system of measurements far different from our own. These measurements are used throughout the book (with equivalent and modern metric measurements in brackets beside them). Here are some of the measurements you will see during your journey through the land of Kemet.

River Measure = 20,000 cubits = c.10.5 km

Rod = 100 cubits = c.52.5 m

Royal cubit = 7 palms = 28 fingers = c.52.5 cm

Standard cubit = 6 palms = 24 fingers = c.45 cm

Remen = 5 palms = 20 fingers = c.37.5 cm

Djeser = 4 palms = 16 fingers = c.30 cm

Hand (large) = 1 hand = 3.5 palms = 14 fingers = c.25 cm

Hand (small) = 1 small hand = 3 palms = 12 fingers = c.22.5 cm

Palm = 1 palm = 4 fingers = c.7.5 cm

Finger = 1 finger = 1 quarter palm = c.1.875 cm

MENKAURE’S KEMET

A Question and Answer Guide to the Third Pyramid on the Giza Plateau and its Three Satellite Pyramids

Who was Pharaoh Menkaure?

Menkaure was the son of Pharaoh Khafre, ruling Kemet on the death of his father, from 2532 B.C. to 2504 B.C. Khamerernebty I was his mother. Menkaure built the third and last pyramid on the Giza Plateau which was also the smallest, being less than half the size of his father’s pyramid. Some beautiful life-sized granite statues of Pharaoh Menkaure in the company of his wife and the goddess Hathor were recovered from his valley temple. His son, Shepseskaf succeeded him on Menkaure’s death but reigned for only a short period of four years. Shepseskaf built his own tomb, a simpler and conventional mastaba tomb at Saqqara, which was the traditional burial ground of the earlier Pharaohs.

What do we know about Pharaoh Menkaure’s life?

Little is known about his life other than the pyramid that he built. The three Pharaohs on the Giza Plateau have left only scattered clues as to their existence. Extensive archaeological excavations currently being carried out on the plateau will perhaps provide some answers – these are the excavations of the tombs of the nobles, priests and scribes, those who worked with the three Pharaohs during the construction of their pyramids. The sea voyages in The Three Queens are a fictional account, but trade and commerce were important in ancient Kemet, as important as it is today in our modern world. It is therefore possible that such long sea voyages were undertaken along the coast of the Eastern Mediterranean in Old Kingdom Egypt.

A few facts and figures on Menkaure’s Pyramid

The pyramid rose to a height of 213 feet (65 metres) and had a base area of 335 x 343 feet (102.2 x 104.6 metres). The angle of the pyramid was 51° 20’ 25". The interior corridors and chambers, however, are much more elaborate than in Khafre’s larger pyramid. A beautiful decorated stone sarcophagus still sat in the burial chamber, but this was removed in the late 19th century for transportation to England. It was lost when the ship carrying it sank in a storm. Whereas Khufu and Khafre’s pyramid complexes, including the causeway and temples took some twenty years to complete, it is believed Menkaure’s pyramid complex took only about twelve years. Why was it much smaller? Perhaps this was ordained by the priests (or the gods) to mirror the Indestructibles, the star system in the night skies over the plateau; or perhaps the two larger pyramids had drained the resources of Kemet, allowing for only a much smaller pyramid to be built?

Why did Menkaure build three smaller satellite pyramids next to his own pyramid?

These satellite pyramids were for Pharaoh Menkaure’s three favourite wives. The name of one of these wives was Khamerernebty II, but the names of the other two wives are unknown. One of the satellite pyramids was completed as a true pyramid, while the other two were completed only as step pyramids. The three satellite pyramids all have mud-brick chapels. The true satellite pyramid also contained a granite sarcophagus belonging to Queen Khamerernebty II. The mummy of a young woman was found in the middle step pyramid, but this was probably from a later period as many of the tombs were reused.

I have mastery there,

I am glorious there;

I plough there,

I reap there;

I eat there,

I drink there;

doing everything which

is done on earth.

Book of the Dead

BOOK ONE

1. THE DECISION OF PHARAOH

MENKAURE was determined to be Pharaoh Menkaure and not to live in the shadow of his father’s great achievements. This was difficult in the first year of his reign (2532 B.C.), particularly when many of the court officials were the same ones who had served Khafre, his father. "You must replace the old ones only when you have suitable replacements," Pepi, the Royal Scribe to Pharaoh Khafre and now Royal Scribe to the new Pharaoh had cautioned. Menkaure was of course suspicious of this and quick to seek the advice of others.

Pepi told me he wishes to retire from his post as quickly as possible, and yet, he is enthusiastic and works hard in the palace, Menkaure confided to his wife, Queen Khamerernebty II.

He was always like this when he served your father, the first favourite wife replied. He knows his work well, perhaps too well. This can be dangerous.

Dangerous?

He could try to manipulate the word of Pharaoh for his own purposes. Menkaure was quick to dismiss the words.

I am no longer a young boy. I am a thirty-year-old man. I have known Pepi for most of those years and he is like an uncle to me. Besides, why would he wish to manipulate me? He is in the twilight of his years and the gods will soon be calling for him to join them. Pepi has no aspirations of becoming Pharaoh.

My husband, he was once a priest. Perhaps there is another whom Pepi wishes to become Pharaoh? I am mistrustful of him. I think you should dismiss him as soon as possible. He was, of course, completely loyal to Pharaoh Khafre, your father, but he may not be as loyal to you. Iunmin is learning quickly and is now capable of filling the position of Royal Scribe without the advice and guidance from Pepi.

I agree with this, said Menkaure after some moments of thought. Pepi has taught him well.

You will send Pepi away then?

Menkaure was hesitant. "He will be sent away after the next inundation of the Nile."

This will not be for another five months?

I must be careful, Menkaure replied. If Iunmin makes mistakes, even the smallest of mistakes then I will be blamed for those mistakes. Another five months of training as Royal Scribe will not hurt him. Menkaure saw that his wife was about to protest and was quick to say the words, I will not be hurt by this. The gods of Kemet are patient and Pharaoh must learn to be patient too.

It was on the following day that the Royal Scribe in training, Prince Iunmin came alone to see his Pharaoh. He seemed oddly troubled and was quick to tell Menkaure of these troubles. Menkaure was both surprised and horrified when he heard what Iunmin had to say, for Iunmin’s words mirrored the words of suspicion from Khamerernebty.

Pepi has suggested that the extra grain in the storehouses be sold to foreign kings. He believes the grain is a valuable source of revenue, revenue which should not be wasted.

The grain is an emergency reserve in case the next inundation of the river is a poor one, replied the surprised Menkaure. If the next crop fails, then this reserve will ensure that the people of Kemet will not go hungry. If we sell it and have nothing then the people of Kemet will starve. How much of this grain does he intend on selling?

All of it, mighty Pharaoh. Iunmin now produced a scroll, which he proceeded to quickly unroll.

There is a huge surplus in the storehouses of Ineb-hedj and eight other cities. It will, of course, fetch a valuable price, but I am unconvinced the next inundation will be a good one. The gods have made Kemet suffer in the past with several good inundations followed by several much poorer ones. We have already had several of these good inundations in the later years under the reign of our father, Pharaoh Khafre. Menkaure studied the scroll sitting on the table before him.

What does Pepi intend doing with the supposed riches from the sale of this grain?

I asked him this same question, mighty Pharaoh, but he remained silent, saying only that Pharaoh would benefit greatly from such a sale. Menkaure was suddenly curious.

Is it going to benefit Pharaoh or Pepi himself? You must question him further, but not enough to arouse his suspicions and then report back to me what he tells you. Iunmin bowed and hurried off to carry out the command. That same day he was able to report back to Menkaure.

I asked Pepi to explain in more detail his suggestion that the surplus grain be sold. I expected him to be hesitant and even secretive, but instead, he was most happy in doing this. Iunmin was suddenly excited as he now explained further what Pepi had told him.

It would seem that the next inundation of the Nile will be another good if not excellent one, mighty Pharaoh. Menkaure was intrigued and mystified by these words.

How does the Royal Scribe know about this when even the priests are unsure? If the gods do not speak about such matters to the priests, then surely they would not speak with the Royal Scribe?

I also asked Pepi about this. He reminded me that he was not only a scribe to Pharaoh, but had also served as a priest in the temple of the Ra before this. ‘I have a special understanding with the gods which none, not even Pharaoh himself has,’ were his exact words, mighty Pharaoh. Menkaure leaned forward. He was seated on a stool in the garden under a shade cloth. The words repeated by Iunmin did not please him. He clenched his hands tightly as the growing anger grew inside of his body.

Is the Royal Scribe saying he is above Pharaoh, the living god?

I do not think so, mighty Pharaoh. He is only saying that he speaks with the gods and that they listen to him. Iunmin suddenly realised what he had said without thinking and tried to quickly correct himself.

Pharaoh of course also speaks with the gods and they listen, but these are of more important matters – not merely the rising and falling of the river. Menkaure sighed heavily. He was beginning to have doubts about the young Iunmin’s ability to fill the position of Royal Scribe.

"Talking to the gods about a minor matter? Is the rising and falling of the river which feeds the people of Kemet a minor matter? Did Pepi tell you how he knew about this? How did he know five months before any other?"

There is a temple far to the south, explained Iunmin. The priests in this temple have the ability to read the river as if it were a scroll. They can tell if the next inundation will be a poor or a fair one, a good or an excellent one. Pepi has spoken with the priests of this temple for much of Pharaoh Khafre’s reign and this is why none went hungry. If there was to be a poor inundation, plans could then be quickly put into action to feed the hungry or import food from other lands. Menkaure was listening closely to every word being said.

Pepi must pass on this information to you prior to his retirement – the names of the priests and more importantly, the name of the temple, Menkaure insisted. He now transferred his attention to the next important question in which he was seeking an answer.

What is the payment from the sale of this extra surplus to be used for?

It is to be used to begin work on your pyramid, replied Iunmin. Pepi believes the work should begin immediately, even though the pyramid will take less time to build because of its smaller size. The treasury has been left nearly empty despite Pharaoh Khafre’s reign being a prosperous one. Much of the riches were used to build Pharaoh Khafre’s own pyramid or were buried with him. Pepi believes that without the sale of this grain it could be another two or three years before work could start on your own House of Eternity. Menkaure nodded. He was no longer a young man. He seemed suddenly satisfied with the sale of the grain, although he still wished to know more about this mysterious temple and its secretive priests who could read the rise and fall of the Nile. Two days later, Iunmin himself was despatched south to gather this information.

▲▲▲

The god speaks to us, an elderly priest told the Royal Scribe in training. The temple was only a small and a poor one served by no more than five priests and in truth, was more a simple shrine than a temple.

Which of these gods speaks to you? enquired Iunmin.

The god does not have a name. You will find no other temple in Kemet dedicated to this god, replied the priest. However, this god can see into the future of the river, something not even Hapy, the Nile God can do. He then led Iunmin down a small flight of steps beside the river that led them into a nearby marsh. Three of the other priests, the waters of the river rising up to their knees were wading through this marsh.

What are the results? enquired the priest accompanying the Royal Scribe in training.

"Excellent! They are eighty three in number," replied one of the wading priests excitedly. This seemed to greatly please the priest who had asked the question.

"I have counted ninety one," added one of the other priests with still more excitement. The third then announced with lesser excitement that he had counted seventy five.

What do these numbers mean? asked Iunmin. He was watching the wading priests in silent amusement.

They are the numbers of the frogs in the marsh, was the strange reply. If the numbers are more than seventy times three this means a good and possibly an excellent inundation; if the numbers are more than fifty times three but less than seventy then this means a fair inundation; but if the frog numbers are less than fifty times three, then there will be only a poor inundation. Iunmin seemed sceptical.

You allow the smallest and most insignificant creature in the river to guide your judgement?

It has been this way for more than one hundred and fifty inundations of the Nile, replied the priest. Again, Iunmin was sceptical.

The earlier Pharaohs did not use this judgement from the river frogs to plan Kemet’s food supplies? Why is this?

We were never asked by them, the priest replied. It was Pepi, Royal Scribe to Pharaoh Khafre who first came to us to seek our judgement and the judgement of our god. Iunmin glanced down at the brown frog which had suddenly jumped on to his royal kilt, clutching tightly to the linen as if reinforcing what the priest had just said. The frog was tiny and insignificant, and yet, it had a wisdom which not even the other gods, including Ra, possessed. Twelve days later, Pharaoh Menkaure announced the construction of his House of Eternity on the White Rock, the plateau where his father and his grandfather’s pyramids stood. He was satisfied that the next inundation of the river would be a good one.

2. THE THIRD PYRAMID

The Royal Architect for Menkaure’s House of Eternity was a man by the name of Smendes, the son of the Royal Architect for Khafre’s pyramid. Smendes had chosen the site slightly to the south and next to Khafre’s pyramid. This was in strict accordance with the priests who had insisted from the early days when the first pyramid had been built on the plateau that all three Houses of Eternity should be aligned with the three godly lights in the night sky over Kemet – the Indestructibles.

Of course, the Pharaoh before Khafre, Pharaoh Djedefre had not been in agreeance with this, preferring to build his own House of Eternity nearly a river journey (ten kilometres) to the north on another nearby plateau. The gods had then punished him for this decision and Djedefre’s reign had only been a short one of eight years. Menkaure did not intend being punished by the gods and all work on his pyramid, from its design to its final completion would be in strict accordance with the wishes of the priests, who would act on advice from the gods.

Both my Royal Architect and my Royal Scribe will listen to all that the gods tell you and they will obey these godly words, Menkaure told the priests of the temples in Ineb-hedj. Pepi, in his last days as Royal Scribe saw disaster and confusion in this. The priests were always bickering amongst themselves and were never in agreement. He had once been a priest of Ra and as Ra was now the most important of the gods, Pepi quietly insisted to his Pharaoh that it be the high priest of Ra who acted as spokesman for the priests of these other gods.

It will be far easier to deal with one priest than with a hundred, he said to Menkaure. The advice seemed a good one and the Pharaoh was in agreeance.

I will speak only with the high priest of Ra.

His name is Djedkare, Pepi informed Menkaure. He succeeded my own blessed father, Anwhera, as high priest on Anwhera’s death eight inundations ago. I will arrange a meeting between you and this meeting can perhaps be held on the plateau itself. Menkaure nodded his consent. Three weeks later, the meeting between the Pharaoh and high priest of Ra, perhaps the two most important men in Kemet was held on the White Rock.

Pepi organised for the discussion to be held in a tent set up slightly to the south-west of Khafre’s imposing pyramid and where the work on Menkaure’s own pyramid was soon to begin. Servants attended the participants of this meeting, serving them jugs of beer and wine as well as a banquet of freshly killed and cooked deer. It began in good spirits and Pepi was sure that Menkaure and Djedkare would work closely together in the building of this third House of Eternity on the plateau. His optimism was soon proven wrong, however, and Iunmin, the Royal Scribe in training was the reason for this unexpected failure. Iunmin questioned all that Djedkare said or suggested.

The pyramid must be on an axis with Pharaoh Khufu and Pharaoh Khafre’s pyramids, Djedkare insisted, showing the planned positions of all three pyramids on a scroll drawn up by the priests. Iunmin was thinking otherwise.

It is far too close, much too close to Pharaoh Khafre’s own pyramid, the Royal Scribe in training complained. It will be swallowed up completely by it; those visiting the plateau to make offerings will merely think it is a satellite pyramid of Pharaoh Khafre’s larger pyramid. Pepi could see the lines on Djedkare’s face suddenly tighten into an impatient frown. The Royal Scribe was therefore quick to speak in order to stop any heated arguments from developing.

"What then would you suggest? Pepi demanded to Iunmin. In your own infinite wisdom, where would you place Pharaoh Menkaure’s pyramid?"

I would place it further to the west, replied Iunmin, pointing to a spot on the edge of the scroll. Pepi was suddenly laughing loudly.

"I do not think Pharaoh will be happy in having his pyramid placed alone and in the desert sands beyond the plateau – his House of Eternity will quickly sink into nothingness in this desert sand. The sands have already tried to swallow up the Sphinx on a number of occasions but have failed; where you have placed your pyramid the sand will succeed in its work." The Royal Architect was quick to agree with this.

The area where the Royal Scribe to be, Iunmin has chosen is off the edge of the plateau, said Smendes. It will be impossible to build the pyramid there. We need a strong bedrock base to support the layers of stone of the pyramid otherwise it will collapse. Iunmin was quickly silenced, but a few minutes later, he was again causing mischief.

"The pyramid will reach ninety three levels of stone," said Smendes, the Royal Architect. He unrolled a scroll showing a plan of the pyramid which he himself had designed, designed in consultation with Djedkare, the high priest of Ra.

Ninety three levels is an insult to our Pharaoh, interrupted Iunmin, glancing at Menkaure for support. The watchful Pharaoh remained silent. Menkaure was intent on allowing all to speak before giving his final decision and approval. Nevertheless, Iunmin continued with his foolish arguments. "Pharaoh Khufu’s pyramid, the largest on the plateau is two hundred and five levels. Why cannot we make Pharaoh Menkaure’s pyramid higher – perhaps one hundred and fifty levels?"

"The three pyramids must be in proportion to the three lights in the sky over the plateau – the Indestructibles, insisted Djedkare. This third light in the night sky is much smaller than the other two." Iunmin was still determined to influence the construction of his Pharaoh’s pyramid.

"Surely one hundred levels cannot be managed?"

It will be ninety three and no more, said Djedkare harshly and in words which had finality about them. The argument was brought to an end with the disappointed Iunmin glancing at the plans on the table before him but remaining silent. The conversation now continued about designs and the layout for the pyramid, along with its associated temples.

Pharaoh’s House of Eternity will initially have only one satellite pyramid beside it for Queen Khamerernebty II, said Smendes. "Provision has of course been made for other satellite pyramids to be built when mighty Pharaoh takes other favourite wives. We can build up to five of these, although to be truthful, it will be something of a squeeze." Menkaure was suddenly smiling.

"You need not worry too much, Royal Architect. I know that Khamerernebty will not allow me to take too many other wives." The serious Smendes nodded that he understood and now explained further about his plans for Menkaure’s Queen.

The small satellite pyramid for Queen Khamerernebty will be a true pyramid. Beside it will be placed the small pyramids of Pharaoh Menkaure’s other queens. These will also be true pyramids. I have carefully examined the satellite pyramids of Pharaoh Khufu’s three Queens and found their gardens most delightful.

Will my own Queens rest in similar and shaded gardens? enquired the excited Menkaure as he visualised the picturesque and cooling gardens beneath his pyramid. Smendes shook his head – this surprised Menkaure.

Your own pyramid complex is on the edge of the plateau and unlike Pharaoh Khufu’s, it is located far from the river. It will be difficult to transport water this great distance. Canals would have to be cut deep into the plateau and I am sure the gods, and certainly the other two Pharaoh’s will not be happy with this. It would spoil the lines of the plateau. Menkaure nodded in silence that he understood. He had wanted so very much to please Khamerernebty in every way possible and knew she would be disappointed by the absence of the gardens.

What of my own pyramid? he now asked

"It will be similar to the pyramids of the other two Pharaohs but of course, much smaller in size. There will be some slight differences, however, in that an outer layer of polished red granite sixteen levels high will be put in place like a band round the base of the pyramid – the remaining seventy seven upper levels being the familiar polished white limestone. There is something else I have designed, which will ensure mighty Pharaoh’s pyramid stands out even more from the other two pyramids towering over it – something that will leave all who come to the plateau and stand before the pyramid breathless. When they see it they will talk only of one pyramid – Pharaoh Menkaure’s House of Eternity!" Menkaure seemed greatly excited by this and Smendes now explained his idea in more detail.

"The upper outer casing of the pyramid will be of smoothly polished limestone no different from the other two pyramids with but one, or should I say four exceptions. The sides of Pharaoh Menkaure’s House of Eternity will be decorated with images of the gods themselves and these images will stand fifty levels of stone high. The image on the eastern side to greet the morning sun will be that of Ra; on the western side in the land of the dead there will be the image of Anubis; the south and in the direction of Kush will hold the image of Seth, while on the northern side of the pyramid will be Ptah, God of Creation." It was now the turn of the High Priest, Djedkare to fill in the details of what had just been said.

The images will be presided over by the priests themselves to ensure accuracy in every detail, for even the toe nails of these giant gods will be seen from a great distance. The images will be carved deep in the polished limestone blocks before this limestone is finally put in place on the sides of the pyramid. It will be a jigsaw worthy of the gods themselves, each piece fitting perfectly in place to make the picture of the god. Your father, Pharaoh Khafre has the Sphinx sitting before his pyramid but you, mighty Pharaoh Menkaure, will have the four most important gods of Kemet watching over and protecting you. They will be gods of gold to match the colours of the rising and setting sun, for gold leaf will be used to fill in the lines of the four gods. When the sunlight touches the sides of your House of Eternity all will know that Pharaoh is not alone.

I am impressed, said Menkaure. Smendes, the Royal Architect seemed disappointed by these words. Magnificent or unbelievable would have been more appropriate words for the grand design of the pyramid, a design which would distinguish it from the other two. The slightly hesitant Smendes continued with his description of the pyramid he had designed.

The corridors and chambers will be much more elaborate than Pharaoh Khafre’s. The hidden entranceway will be located on the north side above the red granite base, with a descending passage leading to a beautifully panelled chamber. Another and longer passage will lead to an antechamber, with a descending passage leading into the burial chamber itself – an additional chamber will lead from the burial chamber. He took a papyrus scroll which Menkaure thought would show these passageways but instead, the scroll contained an elaborate drawing of an even more elaborate sarcophagus.

The granite sarcophagus of Pharaoh Menkaure will not be a plain and simple one, Smendes continued. It will be delicately carved with niches and panelling and will be the most beautiful object in the burial chamber. The stonemasons under the close guidance of trusted priests and scribes are already making this sarcophagus. It should be ready within three years. You will not be disappointed, mighty Pharaoh. Menkaure examined the drawing once more.

I am sure I will not be disappointed.

The mortuary temple will also be impressive, continued the Royal Architect. "It will of course be in proportion to the pyramid and slightly smaller than Khufu or Khafre’s, but certainly no less grand." Iunmin who had remained silent suddenly saw his opportunity.

There is no reason why it should not be as grand, said the Royal Scribe in training. Is mighty Pharaoh Menkaure a lesser Pharaoh than the others, his father and grandfather? The pyramid will be small, but this does not mean that the mortuary temple cannot be a large one?

It will make the pyramid look even smaller if we place a mortuary temple beside it which is the size of Pharaoh Khafre’s, argued Smendes. The smaller one I have designed will still fill all the functions required of it. Smendes unrolled another papyrus.

It will contain some of the finest statues of any Pharaoh to be found in any mortuary temple or any tomb in Kemet, said the proud Smendes. He now went on to explain the design of the mortuary temple as well as the causeway and the smaller valley temple, unrolling additional papyrus scrolls that carefully illustrated each of them. Finally, the silent Menkaure nodded that he was satisfied and this was reinforced by the smile on his face. The meeting was at an end.

▲▲▲

You still have much to learn, the disappointed Pepi told Iunmin a short time later. They were standing some distance from the tent where their words could not be heard by the others. You continue to question without really listening.

I place Pharaoh Menkaure first – before any other, replied the Royal Scribe to be. I still believe the pyramid should be higher and see reason for this. It can of course still be smaller than the other two pyramids, but ninety three levels is not very high and in its area, the pyramid will still be only a quarter the mass of Pharaoh Khafre’s. Pepi shook his head.

"You do not have to prove your loyalty to Pharaoh. Did not Pharaoh Menkaure himself choose you to be his Royal Scribe once I from depart the royal court? I also support you. I could easily have had you sent away and replaced by another if I was not satisfied with your work and effort. However, let me give you a word of wisdom. Do not be over-eager, Iunmin, there will be many years ahead for you to test and prove your loyalty to Pharaoh." Iunmin wished to continue with the argument.

I merely stated the pyramid should be larger.

It is most foolish to argue with the priests, Pepi replied. "Djedkare, the high priest of Ra will be needed as a friend and not an enemy in the years ahead when the pyramid is building. You are young, Iunmin, and must be patient with life. If you are patient and willing to listen to others – their views and their ideas, then success will be yours." Pepi sighed heavily. His mind was suddenly thinking back to another time.

"I was also filled with youthful impatience when Pharaoh Khafre chose me to be his Royal Scribe. There was much to be done and so little time in which to do it, or at least, so I thought. Pharaoh Khafre reigned for nearly twenty seven years and this work, all of this work was completed in time for his departure into the After Life. You must be patient, Iunmin," Pepi repeated again. The young man was silent for a moment and then nodded.

You have taught me well, he said. I now appreciate your patience and I respect your advice. I will try to think in future before I talk. When I do talk, I will talk with the voice of the wise frogs in the south that have the gift of foretelling the rising and the falling of the river. I will speak only with wisdom. Pepi was suddenly laughing.

Wisdom will come in later years, he said. "When you are young you must and can only rely on common sense and logic – wisdom will come when your hair is white or you have no hair at all." Having said these words, Pepi turned and looked out over the plateau where Menkaure’s pyramid would soon be building.

I hope to see its finality. The plateau will then be complete. Smendes says it will take no more than twelve years to finish the whole of the complex.

Where will the later Pharaohs build their own Houses of Eternity? Iunmin enquired.

I have often thought about this myself, replied Pepi. They will most likely return to the traditional burial grounds in nearby Dahshur and Saqqara. He turned his attention to the two completed pyramids. "There will be only three pyramids on the White Rock."

Will you have your own tomb here, Royal Scribe?

My tomb is already complete and sits near to the tomb of my first master, Pharaoh Khafre.

Is it a magnificent tomb, Royal Scribe? Pepi sighed deeply, his next words filled with humble pride.

It is of course a fitting House of Eternity for one who was close to his Pharaoh and, if I am not mistaken, one who served him faithfully and well. I wish to continue this servitude to my beloved Pharaoh Khafre into the next life.

What about my own tomb, Royal Scribe?

Why do you ask? replied Pepi casually.

Do you think Pharaoh Menkaure will reward me equally as well when the time comes? The words were spoken nervously and with hesitation, as if the entry into this After Life of Iunmin’s depended completely on Pepi’s answer.

I am sure he will, was the reply. Iunmin seemed oddly unconvinced of this.

What will happen if I should disappoint him in any way?

I am sure you will never disappoint him. Pepi glanced out across the plateau in the direction of Pharaoh Khafre’s pyramid and the tombs, some already filled and some still waiting for their occupants, that surrounded it. "I remember a time many long years ago, when I had similar doubts to you own. Khafre’s pyramid was half-finished and I had decided to go for a walk to cleanse the doubts filling my mind – doubts about my own place in the After Life. I had walked for more than half an hour, lost in thought when I came across a simple mastaba tomb that had just been completed. It was one of the first to be built close to Pharaoh Khafre’s pyramid. The owner was a man whose name now escapes me, but I still remember the hieroglyphs etched into the stone lintel above the entrance to his tomb. The written words said, I ask the gods. Am I ready? Will you accept me? Am I worthy? The gods speak to me and I hear their reply. Pepi sighed deeply. We will only know the answers to these questions when the time comes and not before."

3. A SURPRISING DECISION

The idea came unexpectedly to Pharaoh Menkaure. It came on the day when he was inspecting the forts in the Delta, the forts built to protect the towns of the Delta from attacks by the pirates. Pepi whose idea it had been to build this network of forts accompanied Pharaoh on his inspection.

The forts were only small ones built to a single and simple design – there were ten of these forts and they were located at strategic positions in the Delta: the entrance to the tributary rivers feeding into the Nile and beside the larger coastal towns and harbours. Each fort consisted of a mudbrick tower rising three storeys high and a mudbrick wall around this tower, while within the defensive wall of the tower there was a barracks for the garrison of one hundred soldiers who manned the fort.

Will the forts be strong enough to fight off any attacks? asked Menkaure. The idea of the network of forts was a good one, but he was thinking the design of the forts themselves was a flimsy one.

The pirates lack courage and are cowards, Pepi replied. They only wish to attack undefended ships and towns. They will not have the motivation and the capability to destroy these forts. Pepi’s words were quickly confirmed by the officer taking them on an inspection of the forts and who would be in overall command of the defences in the Delta.

What the Royal Scribe says is true, mighty Pharaoh. It would take a small and organised army of more than three hundred to capture a single fort. At most, the pirates operate in groups of only two ships. They would be hard pressed to have one hundred men at their command. I am convinced there will be no further trouble from the pirates.

These forts will also stop the possibility of others invading Kemet from the north, added Pepi.

Who would these others be? Menkaure enquired. He was suddenly looking in the direction of the nearby sea. Beyond the coast there was only the empty expanse of this Great Sea. Pepi now explained further.

We do not know who or what lies on the other side of the Great Sea. There is talk of islands in the middle of this unknown sea. Who lives on these islands? Are they a peaceful and trading people? Or are they cruel and warlike, intent on invasion and destruction? Menkaure seemed suddenly intrigued by these words. They were visiting one of the coastal cities and Menkaure’s gaze now swept from the defences of the fort to the seemingly endless horizon beyond.

My father led an expedition up the coast, said Menkaure, inhaling the fresh wisp of wind blowing in from the sea. My father, sometime before he became Pharaoh visited a city whose name was Askalon, a rich and most powerful city. I believe there was trade with this city for a number of years, but that was a long time ago. Perhaps we should once more visit the city and renew this trade? Perhaps there are much richer cities further along the coast we could also visit and trade with?

It would not be too costly to organise such an expedition, said Pepi who was suddenly excited with the idea. The expedition need only be a small one – a warship and one or two merchant ships.

I am envisioning a much larger expedition, replied the enthusiastic Pharaoh. He looked directly into Pepi’s eyes.

"I want you to plan this expedition which I myself will lead. I want to depart on the voyage within three months." The Royal Scribe hesitated, both shocked and horrified.

Such an expedition will be dangerous, my Pharaoh. Your father went on his expedition to Askalon when he was only a diplomat doing Pharaoh Djedefre’s bidding. It would be far too dangerous for you, a Pharaoh, for there is danger from shipwrecks as well as the unknown.

What is this unknown?

I do not know, my Pharaoh.

Precisely, laughed Menkaure. "It is for this reason I wish to undertake the journey – to find out what is there." He sighed heavily, the increased excitement was growing inside his curious mind and then he turned from the mysterious ocean. His eyes were looking again into Pepi’s and the command was a direct one not to be refused.

I want you to plan this expedition in detail: the number of ships, both warship and merchant; the number of traders to accompany the expedition; the supplies to be taken; and the length of the expedition. Will it be for only a single month, two months or perhaps even six...?

Will you still be accompanying this sea expedition, my Pharaoh? enquired Pepi, remembering Menkaure’s earlier words. It will be extremely dangerous and you have many important duties here in Kemet.

I will accompany it. I will leave you, Royal Scribe, as well as Queen Khamerernebty in charge of my Pharaonic duties. The words were spoken with a sense of finality, and though Pepi knew the sea voyage would indeed be both a dangerous and a foolish one, he knew Menkaure would not change his mind. He was as stubborn as his father. An idea came to Pepi.

Mighty Pharaoh, you have commanded that I plan this expedition, but why not give this task to Iunmin? He will soon be your Royal Scribe and it is, therefore, time he took on more responsibility in such matters? It will be a good challenge for his organisational skills as well as for his imagination. Planning a long sea voyage will need much imagination and still greater flexibility. Pepi was quietly hoping Iunmin would make a mess of the planning and that Menkaure would quickly see the foolishness of such an expedition and quickly abandon the idea. Here, the Royal Scribe was mistaken.

▲▲▲

Iunmin was full of confidence and excitement, an excitement that seemed to equal that of Menkaure’s. The Royal Scribe in training listened closely as Pepi repeated what the Pharaoh expected of him. Firstly, the number of ships...

I think something special is required, Iunmin said to Pepi after much thought. "If Pharaoh Menkaure himself is to accompany the expedition then he should do so in both comfort and grandeur. A merchant ship is no way for the Pharaoh to travel, and neither are the cramped quarters of a warship. We will need to build a special boat for Pharaoh, a boat far larger than even his royal barge. And, to accompany Pharaoh’s ship, I was thinking two merchant ships and perhaps four warships." Pepi was suddenly laughing loudly.

We have only ten warships in the whole of the navy. These warships are needed for other duties. Two warships will be sufficient against any pirates; the merchant ships could perhaps be equipped to serve as auxiliary warships as well as their intended duties as merchant ships. Iunmin was quick to agree with this. The Royal Scribe in training now examined the next request from his Pharaoh.

As this is a trading expedition, merchants and traders will need to accompany it, said Iunmin. These must be the finest dealers of pottery, statues, jewellery, scrolls and clothing.

What of stonemasons? enquired Pepi.

Why do you mention stonemasons?

Kemet is rich in granite and limestone. These rocks would be a valuable source of trade for other rarer and foreign items such as wood. Iunmin nodded he understood.

We will include stonemasons, along with samples of the rock to be traded. He was now thinking of the supplies which would be required for such an expedition.

The coastline is a desert coastline, or so I am told. Water will be needed in great quantities and food in lesser quantities. Fresh fish can be caught each day. We will build small stone ovens on the main deck of the two merchant ships where bread can also be baked.

For how long will this expedition be gone? asked Pepi. I have checked the records and it took Khafre nearly ten days to reach Askalon. The city may now be hostile towards us or may not wish to trade, and so, I think the length of the expedition need be no longer than one month – ten days sailing to Askalon, the ten days to return to Kemet, and perhaps ten days for trading if this trading is possible. Iunmin had his own ideas.

"Why return after visiting Askalon? Why not continue sailing further up the coast. There must be other cities along this coast? I think the expedition could be gone for two or possibly even three months, and I am also thinking of something else. Two separate expeditions could be mounted."

"Two expeditions?" asked the surprised Pepi.

There are two coastlines bordering Kemet. We should also explore the coastline to the west. Perhaps there are cities that lie beyond the border of the lands of the Libu? The idea intrigued Pepi greatly. Little if anything was known about this coastline with the exception that it was frequented by pirates.

Pharaoh Menkaure was pleased when Iunmin, the Royal Scribe in training presented his innovative ideas. The idea of two expeditions excited him even more. I will lead both of these expeditions, one following after the other, he told Iunmin. I am confident my power will certainly increase if I cross the unknown waters of the Great Sea.

You will have a ship worthy of a Pharaoh, Iunmin told him. I have had the finest of our ship builders design the finest of all ships. The gods themselves will find such a ship worthy of them. Perhaps Ra himself will be inspired to copy the ship model for his solar boat? Iunmin unrolled the papyrus scroll.

He had done his work well. Several shipbuilders had collaborated in the design of the ship, their in-put and enthusiasm increased by the knowledge that they were designing a ship that would safeguard and be used by Pharaoh Menkaure himself in the sea voyage. When Menkaure leaned closer to study the scroll, he saw that one of the shipbuilders had written some words in a corner of the scroll, directly beneath the plans for the magnificent ship:

The ocean breeze will always blow. It will fill the sails of his ship and, like the wings of Ra, it will carry him safely to distant lands.

"I hope the name of the ship, Wings of Ra meets with your royal approval, continued Iunmin. It gets this name from the winged god atop the mast." Menkaure was studying the plan more closely and seemed suddenly disturbed. He knew very little about ship design but he knew there were restrictions.

I believe this winged statue will be too heavy to be placed at the top of the mast.

The painted god will be carved from soft wood which will be extremely light. The figureheads on the bow and stern, Ra himself standing on the bow and the two lions, the symbol of your power on the stern will also be of light wood. The cabin of matting near the bow will be for you, mighty Pharaoh – your palace afloat. Again, Menkaure studied the plan.

The ship is certainly a large one, far larger than even my royal barge. Will it not attract the eye of the pirates?

The large size of this ship will frighten the pirates away, mighty Pharaoh. Besides, you will be accompanied by two warships and the two merchant ships will also act as converted warships. In addition to this, Pharaoh’s royal ship will have a small detachment of soldiers on board to act as bodyguard for Pharaoh. There will be no danger – at least from pirates.

But there will be other dangers, said Menkaure, his eyes continuing to study the scroll with greater interest.

The ships will stay in sight of the shore, explained Iunmin. If a storm appears on the horizon then they can quickly put in to the safety of this shore.

"Sea monsters?"

I have consulted with the priests in the temples and they say that Ra himself will sail with you and protect you from these monsters, or any other harm that may threaten you. Menkaure seemed pleased with this. He nodded his approval. Others, however, were not so pleased. Pepi was one of these.

The ship is far too large and will only slow the expedition. It will also be difficult to manoeuvre such a ship. I am sure, because of its size, it will easily end up running aground when it comes in close to the shore for the night or to escape any storms.

Iunmin has told me the ship can safely anchor out from the shore, Menkaure explained. It will be secured by four stone anchors – two on the bow and two on the stern. I am pleased with the design. The Royal Scribe was frustrated.

The design will be too large and too difficult to build, the concerned Pepi attempted to advise his Pharaoh. The ship is easily twice as large as any other ship we have built. I am not sure it will be seaworthy, even for the Nile. Such a ship belongs only on the walls of a temple. Menkaure was suddenly smiling.

We will see, Royal Scribe, he said with a laugh. The ship will be ready within six months. If it floats then you will stay on as Royal Scribe for another year, possibly two, while I embark on my sea expeditions to the east and to the west. If the ship should sink then I will immediately allow you to retire from your duties. I will then give you a fine house and large estates in the Delta worthy of even a Pharaoh.

I do not wish to deprive Pharaoh of his riches, replied Pepi. He was sure he would easily win the bet...

▲▲▲

The shipyard in the town of Tesis, located on the western side of the Delta had been extremely busy these past months. None though had been busier than Raneb, the owner of the shipyard.

I build the finest ships and boats in the Delta, and for that matter, anywhere else, he boasted to Iunmin when the Royal Scribe in training approached Raneb to build for the Pharaoh his magnificent ship.

I am looking for someone who builds the finest ships, not only in the Delta but in all of Kemet, Iunmin had replied, wondering what this anywhere else was that Raneb had boasted of. There was no hesitation, however, in accepting either the offer made or in the boastfulness of the acceptor.

I am that man, Raneb was quick to reply. I could build the solar barge itself if Ra commanded me to. He then closely examined the plans Iunmin had presented to him but appeared suddenly doubtful of