Diamond in the Rough

By Chris Kalyta

In this retelling of the Cinderella story set around 3600 B.C., timid Issamun must cast off her life as a slave if she is to help stop the resurrection of an ancient evil that threatens all of Egypt - and possibly the world. As the family that owns her plans to use the supernatural might of the fallen Set to overthrow the Pharaoh, Issamun must discover who she is, what she seeks in life, and whether she would be wise to aid the brave warrior who has come alone to put down the schemes of her masters. Is it possible to resist the soul-numbing power of Set if he does re-awaken? Is it possible to kill a god? And what horrors will Issamun have to endure to save those whom she cares for? This erotic fantasy-adventure takes the reader back to a time when mankind was just beginning to carve out civilization from the wild and unfathomable chaos that was the world. The world of Diamond in the Rough is one of magic and mythology, of semi-civilized ancients and cruel barbarians. This tale is a sequel to Three Jewels.

• Language: English
• Publisher: XinXii
• Release date: Jul 3, 2015
• ISBN: 9780994346223

Chris Kalyta

Chris Kalyta is the pen name for a Canadian writer of erotic and non-erotic fiction. His story settings are historical, science fiction, fantasy, in the modern world, or any combination of these. Whatever the genre, his stories tend to be adventures, and sometimes have elements of romance or horror. Chris writes for personal enjoyment, so his ebooks tend to be inexpensive. He lives in Ontario with his amazing wife and two wonderful kids. In 2017 I intend to publish some new ebooks which will likely include an erotic sci-fi series (of approximately a dozen ebooks eventually) about Minx, an interstellar bounty hunter and her sexy adventures and an erotic historical series taking place during the War of 1812. Others will follow as time allows. I hope you find something that you enjoy reading!

Book preview

Kalyta

Prologue

In a place of darkness the self-styled god Set existed in a cycle of awakening, then pain, then agony, then unconsciousness. His body, crushed between massive blocks of stone, expanded and healed within air pockets. His essence struggled against the final darkness and then temporarily relinquished its connection to the mortal realm, as his heart could not beat and his brain could not contain the other essential part of him that had no physicality.

It was torture, especially to one such as him. And, it was what he had feared most. There was enough awareness during his brief episodes of conscious thought for him to remember the enemies that had laid him low, to remember the power he held within him over all mortals, and to recall that these simple creatures had overpowered him.

Fear came to dominate his being. Would they leave him like this forever? His immortality would then be a curse, not the strength he had believed it to be. Or, would they return to visit some greater torment upon him?

In brief moments of lucidity, when the pain cleared his mind of other thoughts, instead of clouding it, he wondered how it had come to pass that some of the mortals had been able to resist his power and in the end break it. He had not believed it to be possible when he began his campaign; some of the other immortals held such resistance, despite the fact that he had often denied this, but how could mere humans?

Doubt was his next tormentor, and when it came he wondered how he could have been so foolish and incautious to think that all humans would kneel before him. He sent out a call, silently and with his mind alone. It was a call for aid. Was it strong enough, he wondered? Would help come at all? Would any hear his pleas? And, if his call were heard, would those who answered be his enemies?

Chapter 1

Amunotep stood proudly before the King of the Two Lands, betraying none of the fear that ate at his heart. He tried to ignore the whispers amongst the fickle spectators of the royal court; many of them were once-friends and he loathed them for turning on him following the trouble in Thinis almost a year earlier. Queen Hetephernebti stared at him with open contempt, and that alone made him almost doubt himself. He shifted his weight from one leg to the other; his rings and necklaces sparkled in the light reminding all watchers of his immense fortune in lands, livestock, servants, and slaves. His large belly, and the way it hung over the fine leather belt about his kilt, also spoke of his riches.

I have lost a daughter! he declared. Nefetra was given unto you, to be your wife! And I am told that despite all your godly power, your might, she perished at the hands of Apophis? Then dark whispers spread to even my ears, whispers speaking of poor Nefetra being a traitor to the king she loved more than life itself?

Amunotep surveyed his audience in this vast, columned hall, here in the Royal Palace of Memphis. He was not trying to sway the king, nor was he trying to soften the heart of the queens. Instead, it was the courtiers and advisors to the king that his words were meant to reach. It was their ears that he hoped his lies would burrow into. It was their hearts he hoped to harden against their masters. Only then could he correct the sudden fall in fortune that had struck him and his family.

Beautiful Nefetra, who you sent to Thinis, he added, daring to point his finger at the king, was ensnared by the demon and forced to act against you. All others who went there fell under his spell, as well.

The Horus King sat forward on his throne and pursed his lips. His hands were curled into white-knuckled fists.

Amunotep kept himself from smiling as he spied the effect his words were having upon the king. You return with no body to bury, no organs to preserve, none of her treasures to adorn her grave! As she goes into the afterlife she is in danger of being lost to the monster that devours all... He faltered here, deliberately, throwing his hands over his face. He could not will himself to cry, and he hoped that the lack of tears would not weaken his performance.

I desire that you should leave me, Amunotep. The words were spoken slowly, and with much self-control.

My king?

King Netjerikhet glared at his former father-in-law.

Amunotep turned to Queen Hetephernebti, and then Queen Minititi, as if seeking sympathy. One man has undone my daughter with his lies. Lord Imhotep has branded Queen Nefetra a traitor! Let him stand before me and answer the charge!

Imhotep sighed, tightening his hands upon his walking staff. His three wives fumed, but kept their peace. There was the sound of metal on metal, and Amunotep's attention was drawn to the Captain of the King's Guard. A whispered word from the King's Vizier and the tall and muscular guardsman stepped back and removed his hand from the hilt of his sword. Nefetra's father observed it all, and did not comprehend exactly what had happened but memorized the subtleties of the moment.

Imhotep stepped out from his place beside the thrones and stood beside Amunotep, facing the king and queen. I will answer any charge concerning the events in Thinis. The robed vizier was shorter and thinner than his accuser, and for a moment Amunotep worried that Imhotep might appear too sympathetic to the audience.

Nefetra is dead! wailed Amunotep, as he began his practiced accusations. A wizard cast a spell upon her! Despite all of your own magic you could do nothing to help her! He paused to let his words be fully absorbed by all listeners. With all of the mind-clouding magic being cast in that city, it is very suspicious that you should walk away while my poor daughter is slain! What power do you have that you could not free her from this wizard's power? What power do you have that you could not overcome this foreign magic?

Amunotep let those words sink in. He had voiced the unspoken fear that the power within the city of Thinis could rise forth again, and there was the added suggestion that all Egypt could fall this time. Imhotep fingered his ankh, the magical symbol of life that hung from a silver chain about his neck. Amunotep's heart beat faster; was the High Priest casting some enchantment upon him?

Nefetra's ka cries out for justice! Will not anyone think of the poor girl and her terrible fate? He glanced at Imhotep, who continued to finger his ankh. Beyond him, there were a few others in the crowd who were mimicking the actions of the High Priest with their own ankhs. Amunotep was gambling that this sorcerer's influence in court was weak enough to be shattered by his carefully chosen words. He had spent a busy few weeks before this day, whispering to many that Imhotep's hold upon the king was too strong.

Queen Hetephernbti's eyes flashed. What justice? If Imhotep had wronged your daughter then I would be the first to demand compensation from him, but I was there, sire of Nefetra, and her deeds were done freely. The power of the creature Apophis was great but your daughter bent her knees to him in the hope of rising above us all!

Justice! he called back to the queen. I have another daughter! If the king understands the pain I have suffered in my loss of my eldest daughter then he will take Nefetra's sister as his newest wife.

A young woman came forward, her eyes humbly on the floor. Her clothing was a sheer cloth wrapped around her tightly and repeatedly in such a way that it showed off her figure. She stood beside her father with her hands folded across her stomach.

Begone! bellowed the king. I will have no more of you, your treacherous seed, and your venomous words! You will leave my presence now!

The palace guards stepped forward and the crowd went silent. The young woman bit her lip and cast her father a brief, but furious, look. Amunotep scowled, turned on his heel and stomped from the palace. His daughter and a few select others from the crowd hurried after him.

Chapter 2

Why could not Ra have blessed me with sons? pleaded Amunotep once he was home. He commanded his slaves to bring him wine while his wife and daughter each sat down upon chairs. The women remained dressed in their finery, as uncomfortable and confining as it was. They paid no heed to the weight of the necklaces, bracelets and rings they wore.

The family was silent for a few seconds; each considered how far awry Amunotep's plans had gone. The wife, nervously fingering the folds of her dress, looked from her husband to her daughter. Both were furious. Husband? Perhaps more time is needed to cool the king's feelings. Then, you may try again, she offered.

Amunotep stomped across the floor to his wife, then stopped a pace away. Once she realized he was not going to strike at her she brought her eyes back to him and forced herself to breath again.

The Inundation draws near again! he shouted. The anniversary of Nefetra's betrayal and Imhotep's victory over Apophis approaches! Do you really think that the king's hatred toward Nefetra will cool? Use your heart woman! He clasped his hands behind his back and began to pace.

Father? asked the young woman timidly. Her mother shook her head hurriedly, but the girl ignored the warning. Father?

What schemes are brewing in that black heart you inherited from your mother?

The young woman bit her lip at the familiar insult, then spoke as sweetly as she could: Father, your fortunes have fallen through no fault of your own. Nefetra's... she paused but could not think of a better word ...schemes have hurt our family and threaten to undo all the work that you have done.

Tell me something that I do not know, Nefarra!

Father, Mother or I could contact one of your brothers, or your sister. They have sons and are still in the king's favour. You have helped them in the past and it is time for them to repay that debt.

Amunotep rushed at his daughter, full of fury. He wrapped his fingers about her arms, lifted her from her chair and shook her so that her jewellery jangled. You ungrateful snake! You want me to go crawling to my siblings for favours? Beg them for their scraps? I'll sell you into slavery before I go hungry! He pushed her back onto her chair, which almost toppled over from the impact.

What are we to do, Husband? We cannot continue to live as we have. Your position and status are no more. As Amunotep rushed at her she added: Through no fault of yours!

If only we could undo what Nefetra has done to us! exclaimed Nefarra, adjusting her dress and jewellery.

That's it! shouted Amunotep. Darling daughter, you have given me the answer to solve all our problems! May the gods bless you and send you a handsome and brave husband!

Nefarra glowed at the rare praise, while having no idea of what her father's new plan was. That would come later, she knew, but, for now, her father thought well of her!

Amunotep set to pacing again. We'll dismiss the servants. The slaves we'll keep for now, but eventually we'll sell them off to get the provisions we'll need for our journey. Some of the jewellery will have to be traded for passage and provisions...

Journey? asked his wife. A glance at Nefarra showed her to be as ignorant as she was. A journey to where, Husband?

Thinis, he whispered, an evil smile growing upon his face.

Nefarra's eyes widened in surprise. Her mother gasped. They had listened to the stories about the demigod Apophis, who had stolen the name of Set, and the great power he had used while he had ruled Thinis but one year earlier. If not for King Netjerikhet and his vizier, Lord Imhotep, that master of serpents might have destroyed the world.

We go to Thinis. Amunotep stopped his pacing and put his hands on his hips. But we'll need more than just the three of us and some slaves...

There are always some who can be persuaded to do things that others dare not, Husband. We merely need the right enticement.

Amunotep looked at his wife, then followed her eyes to Nefarra. The girl shivered but made no argument against what her parents were clearly thinking. She dreaded a life of poverty as much as her parents did.

Chapter 3

Once Nefarra was alone in her room she sat upon her bed, closed her eyes and breathed deeply to calm herself. Were her parents actually planning to use her for barter, she wondered? Or was she merely to be bait? The threat of being sold into slavery meant little to her, having heard it from her father many times in her life.

Her personal slave entered the room. Nefarra could hear the girl's bare feet pad across the stone floor until she was kneeling before her mistress. The slave dutifully slipped the sandals from Nefarra's feet.

Today has been a trying day, Issamun.

Yes, mistress, came the emotionless response.

The king turned his back upon us and our sorrows. My father has few options left. Nefarra considered her future. This morning her hopes had been so high that she believed she might have become queen, but now there seemed very little to be happy about. We will be going on a journey soon.

Yes, mistress, Issamun agreed.

Nefarra opened her eyes and stared at the slave with suspicion. How much did she know? The girl's big brown eyes looked up at her as she waited for her next command. Nefarra realized the half-naked slave's words were innocent of any double meaning. Issamun had belonged to her family for so long, since Nefarra was but a young girl, that Amunotep's daughter was surprised to realize for the first time the slave was likely the same age as her.

Does it upset you that you are not to be the personal slave to a Queen of Egypt?

The girl's eye darted this way and that as she thought about how to answer. No, mistress.

Nefarra felt a rising anger within her. She wanted to lash out at Issamun, to strike her again and again. Nefetra had done so often enough, as had Nefarra's mother and father, and often for the slightest of offences. However, the more rational portion of her heart took control over her. She would need allies on this journey, especially once she reached Thinis. Her father was desperate, and there had been something in his voice that suggested his only remaining daughter was merely a tool in his hands, one to be cast away once her usefulness was spent.

Have I been a good mistress to you, hard-working Issamun?

The slave girl blinked. Of course, mistress!

The time may come when I have to ask you to do something difficult and dangerous. Would you still be so obedient then, Issamun?

There was a very brief pause. Of course, mistress.

When this is all done I believe that I shall set you free, Issamun. The girl's mouth opened in astonishment and then formed a big smile. Would you still wish to serve me once you are no longer a slave? Perhaps as my handmaiden?

Of course, mistress!

Very well. You may go to your sleeping chamber. Attend me first thing in the morning.

The girl left, while Nefarra removed her jewellery and then slipped out of her dress. She lay down upon her sleeping couch, and placed her hands beneath her head. Staring up at the ceiling she wondered what kind of a husband she should have. It went without saying that a woman as beautiful and clever as she deserved a man of good looks. A brave heart would be a necessity, as would an unrelenting devotion to her. Intellect sufficient to take orders would be useful, but not so great as to question her too deeply. And, he would have to be a warrior, she considered, someone who could raise a spear to defend her should her father decide to finally make good on his threats and sell her off.

Chapter 4

Horu-temp was most surprised by the summons to the king's apartments. He rose from his cot and hurriedly dressed in his best kilt and weapon belts, and questioned the message-bearer while he did so but the scribe knew nothing further. In fact, it was evident from the bald man's face that he seemed to have his own questions for Horu-temp that he wisely kept from voicing. It was well known that the Captain of the King's Guard had little patience for gossip and those who spread it.

The scribe accompanied him to a doorway curtained in fine linen, pushed the material aside and then announced Horu-temp's presence. The warrior took a deep breath and then strode into the chamber. Within the large and torch-lit room waited the king along with both his queens, Hetephernebti and Minititi. They were seated and dressed in less ostentatious garb than they usually wore, and none of the three had their crowns. Horu-temp bowed low.

Rise, Captain Horu-temp! commanded the king. Have a seat, here, he indicated a comfortable stool equidistant from each of the members of the royal family. Once the guard was seated there was a brief moment of silence as the king stared at him thoughtfully and the queens' eyes went back and forth from one man to the other.

Would you like something to eat...or drink, perhaps? asked Queen Minititi. She readied to clap her hands to summon a servant.

No thank you, your majesties. I had been readying for bed, he added, immediately regretting the implication that their summons had disturbed him. He opened his mouth to explain his answer.

Queen Hetephernebti, the First and Great Queen, spoke. There is no need to apologize. We take no offence. You keep yourself busy ensuring the safety of us, our children, and all others within the palace. We are most grateful to you for every service you have done... she appeared to desire to say more but refrained from doing so.

Horu-temp turned his eyes back to the king.

I have a mission for you, Captain Horu-temp. It is very dangerous. The king sat forward upon his seat. You are the only man I can spare for this task.

Name it, your majesty, and your will be done.

The king breathed deeply, glanced at his wives as if for support, then closed his eyes in thought for a few seconds. When he opened them he stared at Horu-temp. The events in Thinis trouble me still.

Apophis!

Yes, Apophis. Imhotep suggested that the creature had great healing abilities and even claimed immortality. Imhotep, who despite all of his ingenuity is still a mortal man, was able to crawl to safety from the collapsed palace. He was severely injured, but what if Apophis were able to crawl free as well? We need to make sure that Apophis can trouble Egypt no more.

You wish me to go to Thinis, dig up his body and make sure that he died. The idea of returning to the old capitol frightened Horu-temp. While it was true that the captain had resisted Apophis' power, in the end he had succumbed. Only Imhotep and the traitor Nefetra had kept their minds free. If Apophis was still alive, then how would Horu-temp resist the monster's power this time?

No, responded the king. I want you to go to Thinis and make sure he is dead.

Queen Hetephernebti shifted on her couch. Captain Horu-temp, you are to set oil within the ruins of the palace in Thinis and then set it ablaze. Apophis may be immortal, but it will take an eternity for him to heal from ashes — if he ever does. With the gods' blessings, the fire will send him from this world into the next. Then, the true Set can carve him up each and every night as he attacks Ra's boat. Once your task is completed, you will investigate the debris and continue your work. If the flames have not slain him, then I suggest you emulate the true Set: cut up the creature's body into many pieces and scatter them across the world.

To fight against a demigod, Horu-temp wondered. And then to leave Egypt behind and walk the world, casting small bits of the monster's corpse everywhere he went? Set had done this with Osiris, and yet Isis had still rebuilt her husband. I am just a man, my queen.

You are a brave and loyal man who was able to resist Apophis' power before. You will visit Lord Imhotep and gather what charms and spells he can provide you with, continued the queen.

He will not come with me? Horu-temp hoped the answer would be that Lord Imhotep would be his lone companion. Anyone else would be likely to succumb to Apophis' power.

I... began the king.

Lord Imhotep will not be going with you, Captain Horu-temp, finished Queen Hetephernebti. He has other duties. And — I have made a promise to three women that I would not engage him in this enterprise.

And I have no wife to worry over my fate... suggested Horu-temp.

We will worry, Captain Horu-temp, spoke Queen Minititi softly. She looked away and dropped her eyes. Not one of us wants you to do this thing. It simply must be done, and you are the man to do it.

I understand. When do I leave, my king?

Whenever you feel ready, Captain. We will supply you with whatever tools and provisions you feel are necessary. No request will be turned down. The king noted Horu-temp's raised eyebrow. No request, he reiterated.

Horu-temp stood. Then, I have some preparations to make. I'll see Lord Imhotep at the party he is hosting in four days and collect what I can from him them. I should be ready to leave in one week. He frowned as a sudden thought came to him.

Speak, Captain, commanded the king.

"Sire, while I don't wish