Behind Palace Walls

By Erin Chase

Given the opportunity to join Pharaoh's harem, would you?

Sheshamun is an adopted fourteen-year-old girl living in a village along the Nile River in ancient Egypt. When Pharaoh’s Royal Wife takes a special interest in her, Sheshamun is chosen to be a member of Pharaoh Ramses’ harem. Once situated in the palace, she soon discovers the luxurious lifestyle is not at all how she had once imagined.

Though most of the concubines seem harmless to Sheshamun, she makes a fast enemy of Pharaoh Ramses’ second wife, Senra. Between Senra spewing poison into her husband’s ear and sending a spy after the young girl, Sheshamun learns she must find an ally. Mira willingly offers to be her confidant and help her overcome this relentless foe.

The young girl also quickly learns Pharaoh has complete control of his concubines. Ramses’ son, Prince Ramose, develops a strong romantic interest in Sheshamun; she in turn feels the same. The pharaoh discovers their budding desire for one another, and forbids his son from pursuing her.

The new concubine is dealt another blow when one of her best friends from her village dies. She must choose between obeying Ramses’ wishes for her to stay in the palace, or defying his orders and traveling back to her village for the funeral. Missing her friends and family terribly, Sheshamun picks the latter and runs away from the palace, not realizing how severe the repercussions shall be.

The strong-willed teenager must choose between family and royalty; pride and duty; honor and her own life.

A great deal of research went into the creation of this novel about Ancient Egypt. The author was committed to making sure all details were historically accurate, from the food to the flora and fauna, and the daily practices of the Ancient Egyptians. This historical fiction even contains a topic, though currently taboo in today's world, was culturally relevant and the key to the survival of the Pharaohs.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erin Chase
• Release date: Jan 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9780995007314

Erin Chase

Erin (Thompson) Chase grew up in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, where she still lives. Erin began writing at an early age, and even though they were simply silly poems or school requirements, she loved it! This passion continued into adulthood, when she decided to try her hand at writing full novels. Erin’s debut novel, BEHIND PALACE WALLS, took several years to write and perfect. Since it’s an historical fiction set in Ancient Egypt, Erin knew she must go to Egypt and explore the pyramids, temples, and lay of the land for herself. She was able to tour the country for 12 days in 2010, before the Arab Spring.BEHIND PALACE WALLS is available now in electronic and paperback formats. It has received only positive reviews from beta readers, with several inquiries as to when a sequel will be released (it’s in the works).Erin is extremely excited to share her work with the rest of the world, and hopes you will be intrigued by the time period, captivated by the plot, cheer for the protagonist, and boo the antagonist as she did!

Book preview

Chapter 1

"Tell me again why you named me Sheshamun, mother."

Now, Little One you, ask me this every year as your birthday approaches, and I always give you the same answer.

I know, but tell me again!

It had never been a secret that Sheshamun was adopted, nor had it ever held an unwelcome place in her heart. As her fourteenth birthday drew near, she was trying to coax her ever-patient mother into telling her once more of how she discovered her.

As Sheshamun’s mother and father, two years into their marriage, were walking along the dusty crowded streets of the market, Nefra heard a crying baby. Hury, come look at this! she shouted.

Nefra, we simply cannot afford to buy you another bauble. Sheshamun’s father stopped short in his tracks as he rounded the corner, and saw his wife crouching behind one of the market’s outer stalls, holding a crying baby. The two spent hour after tiring hour trying to find the rightful owner of this inconsolable child. They walked row upon row throughout the market, questioning each shopper and stall keeper. When no one claimed the baby, and it became apparent that this precious dark-haired, green-eyed being had been abandoned, Nefra and Hury took it home. Though they only made a modest living, and could not afford to support another person, the two knew they could not let this child starve.

"…And we decided to name you Sheshamun – gift from Amun," was how Nefra always finished.

For most of her life, Sheshamun never had much interest in discovering her true lineage. She was quite content with the family that surrounded her with love, as well as the story of how she was discovered. However, for the past year, Sheshamun grew dissatisfied with the life she led, and had developed an interest in learning why she was so different from her mother and father. In physical appearance they were quite similar – dark skin, dry, coarse hair, and rough hands. Sheshamun would later learn that they shared these characteristics due to their hard working, peasant lifestyle. When it came to personalities though, Sheshamun and her parents were from two entirely different places. Nefra and Hury were both very calm and relaxed individuals. They were not easily excited, and took delight in the little things in life. Hury spent most of his time working in the fields, fixing up their modest hut, and providing for his family. Nefra spent much time in the market selling various items she wove. She specialized in making baskets, chairs, and mats. She spent the rest of her time cooking, cleaning, and making sure her only child grew up right. Sheshamun, on the other hand, spent her childhood daydreaming, running through fields with friends, and fishing in the Nile. She cared more about fun, and the life she wanted to live as she grew older, than the basic, everyday responsibilities.

"Little One, will you please come help me? Nefra was exasperated with Sheshamun. This is so unlike you! For the past few days it has been nothing but a fight to coax some work out of you." Lately it took all her might to get her daughter to help with basic, everyday responsibilities.

One more game of tag? Sheshamun whined innocently.

No. You will come in here this instant young lady!

The girl knew her mother meant business as she saw her standing in the doorway to their hut, hand on hip, tapping her toe. Sheshamun sulked back home. She raised an eyebrow to her mother, wondering what she wanted help with now.

We still need to weed the garden, gather fresh water, sweep out the hut, and prepare supper before your father returns home. When her daughter did not respond, Nefra continued, "Sheshamun I need your help. Why must we go through this all the time lately? You used to be so compliant and eager to help me. Now you seem more interested in your friends and their games than your own family."

Seeing she had hurt her mother slightly, Sheshamun hung her head and made her way to the rear of the hut. Slowly walking to the first row of vegetables in the garden, the young girl bent to pick a handful of weeds. One day I won’t have to worry about this sort of thing, she thought. While getting lost in her weeding, Sheshamun transported herself to a colorful flower garden situated a short distance from the Nile. She was stretched out on a luxurious couch, which was ordained in fine, white linen. She bent her head forward slightly to smell the intoxicating aroma of the beautiful blue cornflowers. She heard the light tinkling of water not far in the distance, as well as the sweet chirping of birds as they sang their morning song. Sheshamun clapped her hands. A tray of delicious dates, melons, and sweetmeats were brought to her, along with a cup of cool beer. The young girl could taste their various flavors even in her daydream.

Sheshamun’s carefree ways slowly started to evolve one day in the season of Shemu, when Pharaoh and his family stopped in her small village on their way home from Memphis. A royal visit in the village of Herwer was unheard of. However, on the trip from Thebes, Pharaoh Ramses sustained an unsuspected disaster. As Sheshamun was standing on the bank of the Nile, she noticed one of Pharaoh’s daughters leaning over the side of a royal barge, looking at the hippopotami lazing in the Nile. The girl’s mother was screaming at her to be careful and get away from the edge. Ramses’ daughter ignored her mother’s persistent warnings and leaned over just far enough. Before the guards could stop her, there was a loud splash in the river, followed by terrified screams. Sheshamun instinctively raised a hand to her open mouth to cover her shock. As Ramses’ second wife, Senra, watched her daughter in horror, she saw flashes of a man swimming toward the melee. Before anyone knew how to react, this muscular stranger, amidst the bellows of the angry hippopotami, was pulling a frantic Meriamun back to shore.

While carrying her back to dry land, the man told her, Pardon me, but you could have been seriously injured if those creatures would have had their offspring with them. You must never get between a cow and her calf. I shudder to think of what could have been. The terrified girl clung to the light-haired stranger, trying to regain her breath and composure.

The royal barges pulled along shore. The Royal Herald stepped off the first one, followed by several of Pharaoh’s guards. Turning to the girl he said, "Come miss Meriamun, Pharaoh wants you on his barge for the rest of the trip to make sure you stay safe and dry. Meriamun noted the undertone in the herald’s last word. As for you peasant, the herald carried on, What is your name? Pharaoh will deal with you on his return home," not allowing the young man to even offer his side of the story.

Sheshamun was awestruck by the entire scene she had just witnessed. Suddenly, her slight discontent with life as a peasant turned to disdain, and a deep desire to have more. "I want to be the one riding on Pharaoh’s barge," she thought aloud.

A month later, Pharaoh Ramses returned to Herwer. As Panankh the Royal Herald had promised, he wished to speak with the young man who had saved the pharaoh’s daughter. The herald arranged a meeting with Setamose, the village’s mayor. A lavish dinner was planned for the next night to honor the exultant Pharaoh Ramses and his family. I am more than pleased to give you my humble home for the duration of your stay My Lord, Setamose quietly offered.

I don’t want to stay in this hovel, sneered Senra, flipping her long dark hair over her shoulder, placing her well-manicured hands on her hips.

That is quite enough my wife. We decline your gracious offer Setamose, as we would enjoy staying on the water for the night, Ramses diplomatically apologized for his wife’s lack of tact.

Setamose and his staff spent the rest of the evening in an absolute frenzy. Cooks and servants raced around his home trying to find food and supplies to accommodate Pharaoh’s entourage. It had been a long time since the mayor of Herwer had entertained the royal family. The next morning, Setamose’s Chief of Staff delivered some unpleasant news, We simply do not have enough people on staff to wait on the royal family and entertain them. Without missing a beat, the mayor bluntly stated, We shall turn to the villagers then.

The mayor himself went into the village to recruit women and men who could help put on the feast. When he came to Nefra and Hury’s house, they both agreed that they would be happy to help, and would recruit Sheshamun as well. When Hury told his daughter of the news, she was beside herself with excitement. You mean I get to meet a real live pharaoh, queen, and maybe even a prince? This is going to be a night I will never forget!

Sheshamun and her family put on their best linen kilts, found their cleanest sandals, and headed for Setamose’s home. Out of sheer bliss, Sheshamun started to skip and dance. Her mother cautioned her that she would kick up dust, soiling her clean kilt. Sheshamun obliged, barely containing her excitement.

Wow! Is this the mayor’s house? Sheshamun exclaimed. It must be as big as the palace itself.

No, Little One, the palace is much fancier, and much larger, Nefra laughed, witnessing her daughter take in the grandeur of Setamose’s interior for the very first time. The three walked to the back of the house, and were soon greeted by Setamose’s Chief of Staff.

Thank you so much for helping us on such short notice, the mayor greatly appreciates it. Now if you will follow me into the kitchen, I will explain your responsibilities, and give you a brief lesson in maintaining decorum while in front of the royal family. Nefra, Hury, and Sheshamun were all given the task of bringing out platters to the main dining hall. They were told explicitly not to deliver any food or drink directly to Pharaoh Ramses, as he had his own royal servants to assist him, and taste his and his family’s meals.

Several hours after the brief orientation, the staff and village volunteers were warned that the feast was about to start. Places everyone! someone shouted.

Sheshamun and her family were situated in the middle of the line, holding their designated dishes. After the succulent duck soup, crisp new vegetables, and refreshing fruit were sent out, Hury was given the honor of carrying out the roasted goose seasoned with garlic and onions. Nefra and Sheshamun followed immediately after, bearing trays of sweetmeats. As Sheshamun stepped into the main dining hall, her gaze was automatically drawn to the makeshift dais that had been erected at the other end of the room. Awestruck, she followed her parents, placed the food on the table, and walked back out without uttering a single sound.

Pharaoh rose and started, We are here to celebrate Ohana, the young man who saved my daughter’s life. Young man, please rise. As Ohana stood, Panankh presented him with an exquisite gold bracelet that had been decorated with tiny scarabs made of lapis lazuli. It was an extremely prestigious and costly gift.

Ohana cast a low and long bow, and simply said, Thank you, but I was just doing the job of any loyal citizen.

And to the mayor, Setamose, I thank you for hosting my family and I, and organizing this delightful meal. Unlike other rulers, Ramses was always a very diplomatic and polite pharaoh, appreciating Egyptian citizens of all social levels.

The wine and beer were free flowing as the feast continued well into the evening. At one point, Meriamun, who had clearly drank too much wine, started demanding more food. Mother I want more duck soup!

Well you heard her, Senra snapped at an unsuspecting servant. More food!

The servant rushed into the kitchen panicking, trying to find more soup to appease the demanding guest. The Chief of Staff ran in, asking what all the commotion was about.

Sir, Pharaoh’s daughter is demanding more duck soup, but we have already given the remainder to the servants. It appeared that the royals were already satiated, the servant finished lamely.

Find some other food for the servants, or let them eat when they get home. We must take care of the royal family first.

As Sheshamun was about to take her first bite of food, the servant snatched it away from her. Put your spoon down and take this out to Ramses’ staff for serving, he barked.

Terrified and bewildered, Sheshamun picked up the bowl, and walked out to the main dining hall. As she walked up to where Meriamun and Senra sat, she looked around, but could not find the Royal Taster anywhere. Shaking, the innocent young girl set the bowl of soup before Meriamun. Before she could even think twice, Sheshamun heard a high-pitched shriek.

What do you think you are doing? Help! Someone help! This horrible little peasant is trying to poison my baby! Senra screeched.

Sheshamun, utterly devastated, ran from the hall sobbing and crying. Her mother found her a short while later, crouched in a dark corner of the kitchen. Oh, Little One, it will be okay. That woman does not know what she is talking about. Besides, no one actually believes her ridiculous accusation.

Sheshamun looked up. She peered over her folded arms through tear-stained eyes. The young girl sniffed and said, Really mother? Are you sure?

Nefra explained to her daughter that after Senra’s outburst, Pharaoh Ramses berated her, I am sure that little girl is not out to poison anyone dear. Let the royal taster come forth and try the soup.

Once it became apparent that the royal taster was not going to become ill, Mira, Ramses’ Royal Wife, exclaimed, See Senra, you are being plain foolish. Please everyone, continue to enjoy the evening.

Feeling a bit better, Sheshamun went outside to get some fresh air, and regain her composure. As she was strolling through the mayor’s garden under the silver moonlight, she came upon a brilliant acacia tree that had caught her eye. She put her hand up to gingerly hold one of the brilliant green leaves. As she was admiring the tree, she felt a presence approaching her. She slowly turned around to see a handsome young man standing behind her. His brown eyes appeared quite dark under the acacia tree, and the moonlight cast an odd shadow that seemed to accentuate his muscular chest and arms.

"I’m sorry if I startled you fair miss. I did not think I would find anyone out here. I just had to get away from all of the commotion inside. My father’s wife, Senra, drives me mad at times with her ignorance and irrationality," the young man explained.

Your… your father? Sheshamun stuttered. Then does that not make you the Horus-in-the-Nest?

Yes, I’m Prince Ramose. What is your name?

My name is Sheshamun. I’m the lone child of Hury and Nefra. But I am a nobody, Sheshamun hung her head.

Wait, are you that peasant girl who supposedly tried to poison my half-sister, Meriamun?

Ashamed, Sheshamun replied, Yes it’s me, but that food was not poisoned. I meant her no harm, honest.

Like I said, Senra is full of ignorance and irrationality. Don’t worry, I believe you, Ramose smiled.

Ah, Ramose! I thought I might find you out here, admiring the mayor’s lush garden. Royal Wife Mira approached the pair, And who is this pretty young girl you have found out here? Before either could reply, Mira recognized the poor servant girl, the latest of Senra’s nonsensical attacks. Oh, my dear! I am so sorry for that ridicule you had to endure!

Sheshamun was speechless, finding it hard to believe she was standing before royalty, receiving an apology, and being treated with respect. She thought surely she must have been dreaming.

My dear, your features are quite stunning, Mira continued. How old are you?

I am fourteen, going on fifteen, Sheshamun replied.

Did you know I help Pharaoh choose the new girls for his harem? You look like you may just make a nice addition.

Once more, Sheshamun was left shocked and without words. At that moment, her father approached the group. Seeing royals before him, he executed a low bow.

It had not even occurred to Sheshamun to perform this courtesy. She was mortified that she had breached royal protocol, but did notice that neither Ramose nor his mother had commented on it.

Excuse me your Royal Highnesses, but since the party has ended, it is time to take my daughter home to bed, said Hury. He grabbed his daughter’s hand, and took her back toward the house in search of Nefra. Sheshamun peered back over her shoulder to catch one last glimpse of Prince Ramose. She noticed he was staring after her. A warm glow started to fill her belly, spreading to her chest. Sheshamun smiled shyly to herself.

The walk home felt like an eternity to Sheshamun.

Well, Little One, did you have a good evening? asked her mother.

Dreamily she replied, Mother, it shall be a night I will never forget. That evening Sheshamun fell asleep with wonderful images of Ramose in her head.

Chapter 2

A couple months after the feast for Pharaoh Ramses, a letter was delivered to Nefra. Sheshamun had been out playing with her best friends, Nubi and Hela. They were wading through the muddy water along the banks of the Nile, without a care in the world. I am going to catch up to you two girls, and when I do, I am going to pour mud all over your heads! yelled Nubi.

Sheshamun was thrilled to have Nubi home from school once more. He was a year younger than both Sheshamun and Hela, but had attended school on a regular basis until the age of twelve. This past year was like a return to their younger days, and Sheshamun did not want to ever give it up. Neither she nor Hela had ever attended school. In fact there were very few peasants from their village that had. Nubi was one of the lucky ones whose parents could afford to send him. Even though most girls could barely read or write, Sheshamun’s parents spent a little time with her most evenings, going over the basic symbols and grammar. She was now able to properly print her name, and could read basic items off a clay shard or piece of papyrus. Sheshamun loved learning, but did not understand how it could ever truly benefit her. That is until the fateful day the letter arrived – she soon found out that she had much, much more to learn.

Sheshamun arrived home that evening, covered in mud and grime. For once her mother did not comment on her soiled clothing. Instead she exclaimed, Little One, sit down. Your father and I received some unbelievable news today! Sheshamun had never seen her mother this excited in all her life. Grinning, she turned to her father, and saw that he was less than pleased – something also very unheard of for a man who is usually in good spirits. Sheshamun, we received a letter from the royal palace today. It was written by Pharaoh Ramses’ very own scribe. The Pharaoh said that he has heard of nothing more than the peasant Sheshamun since their journey home from Memphis. His son, Prince Ramose, keeps mentioning how enchanting the young servant girl was.

Me? Enchanting? But I didn’t do or say anything remarkable. They must be talking about someone else, Sheshamun stated in disbelief.

Nefra continued on, The letter also said that Pharaoh’s Royal Wife has been persistent on recruiting you to the harem. She thinks there is something very familiar about you, and would like to get to know you better.

The more Nefra spoke, the more displeased Hury looked, "I do not want my daughter to become a member of Pharaoh’s harem! What kind of life is that for her?"

How do you know what life in the harem is like Hury? Perhaps one day our little girl will become one of Ramses’ wives. She has a far greater opportunity to flourish in Thebes than she ever will here.

"Does anyone care what I think?" shouted Sheshamun. The young girl stormed off to her room.

Since the feast, Sheshamun constantly thought of those few precious minutes spent with Ramose and his mother in the garden. It was one of the rare times she felt special. She spent every night dreaming of what it would be like to be a princess. Sheshamun imagined how life in the palace would play out: every room was filled with gold and jewels; she ate sumptuous dinners, dining with Egypt’s most influential citizens; she was waited on hand and foot all hours of the day. However, after seeing her father’s reaction that momentous evening, she knew it would never happen. Neither Sheshamun nor her parents slept at all that night.

The next morning, Hury left the house early as usual. Nefra headed out to the market to sell her goods. Sheshamun went to find Nubi and Hela. Her two friends were already well into a rousing game of hide-and-seek. Nubi was running from tree to tree and bush to bush, trying to find his little playmate. Sheshamun stood back, and watched the young boy in his eager search. Somehow, one of her favorite games had lost its childish appeal. Ha ha, I found you! shouted Nubi. Hela ran from her hiding spot, and laughing, she pushed Nubi. She ran toward her other friend.

Sheshamun what’s the matter? You seem different this morning. Are you ill? Did you get in trouble for going home with soiled clothes yesterday? I know I sure did! Hela was full of questions, and tried her best to get Sheshamun to talk.

No, I didn’t get in trouble.

What’s wrong then? asked Nubi, his dark eyes filling with a look of fear.

My parents received a letter from the Pharaoh’s scribe yesterday. Sheshamun proceeded to tell her two best friends about the intriguing letter, as well as the discussion and events that followed.

Ooh the harem! That would be the most amazing place to live, Hela cooed in a dreamy voice, her pale green eyes lighting up like little stars. Think of all the famous people you would get to meet! You would have so much fun just lazing around all day, having servants bring you whatever you want.

That doesn’t sound so great to me, interrupted Nubi. What about us? You couldn’t play with us anymore. And besides, I bet the harem women are boring. They probably just sit around fawning over themselves all day, gossiping about utter nonsense.

Neither of her friends’ arguments interested Sheshamun much. She was very torn over the issue, and besides, who knew if a move to the royal harem would actually come to pass.

Sheshamun spent much of the morning moping around. Nubi and Hela tried to coax her into a number of different games and activities, but she just didn’t feel like it. Eventually they stopped trying, and spent the morning chasing each other through the fields and splashing in the Nile. Sheshamun just sat by and watched them play. At lunchtime, the three went their separate ways. Sheshamun walked home as slowly as possible, her mind solely on the letter.

When Sheshamun returned home, her mother was already preparing the noon meal. Come, sit down and eat, Little One. You look like you could use some tasty food to wipe that frown off your face.

I’m really not that hungry mother.

Are you still upset about last night? asked Nefra, deeply concerned for her only child.

I just don’t know what to make of it all, Sheshamun relented and took a few bites of food. Soon after she laid down for the afternoon sleep. Unconsciousness arrived almost immediately due to a lack of sleep the night before.

After she awoke, Sheshamun spent the rest of the afternoon in silence, helping her mother tidy the household, weed the garden, and prepare the evening meal for her father. When Hury arrived home, he appeared to be in a better mood than the last night. I have done some heavy thinking today, he started, and you are right Sheshamun. We did not consult you or consider your feelings. The three of us need to rationally discuss this opportunity, and decide what to do. Nefra and Sheshamun looked at each other in disbelief. It was the first time Sheshamun had smiled all day.

"Now, Sheshamun, what do you want to do? I’m sure you have already spent much time thinking about it today," said her father.

Well I have always wanted to see the royal palace of Thebes, and it would be fun to live like a princess for awhile, Sheshamun replied, building up speed and excitement as she spoke.

Now, Little One, started her mother, you know that it would not just be for ‘awhile’ that you lived in the harem; it would be for the rest of your life. The only way out of the harem would be if you married the Pharaoh, or he released you. Although Nefra was elated about the opportunity for her daughter, she wanted to make sure Sheshamun knew exactly what she was getting into. Over the years spent buying and selling in the market, and gossiping with other villagers and those who traveled through Herwer, Nefra had come to learn about both the positives and negatives of harem life. Sheshamun, you can either spend your time lazing around, chatting with other women, growing soft and large, or you can spend the time earning more of an education, seeking business opportunities outside the harem, and trying to catch Pharaoh’s eye.

Sheshamun was shocked. The other avenues had never even occurred to her. By buying her own land, or raising a small herd of cattle, she could cultivate financial independence, and eventually be able to hire a tutor for herself, as learning was one of her favorite activities. As for catching Pharaoh’s eye, she was more interested in Ramose than Ramses. Pharaoh Ramses was the only pharaoh she had ever known, and since his station meant that he was a living god walking amongst men, Sheshamun did not think that he could, or would, ever die.

The family discussed this once-in-a-lifetime offer well into the night, skipping Sheshamun’s daily reading lesson. By the time Sheshamun had heard both sides of the argument, for and against, she knew she had made the right choice. Although she would miss her parents terribly, and they her, all three of them knew that going into the royal harem would be the most beneficial choice in the long run for Sheshamun.

What do we do now? the eager fourteen year old asked.

At the end of the letter Pharaoh says to take our time with the decision, and once it has been made, to send a letter to the palace. If the answer is ‘no,’ no harm will come to us; however, if the response is ‘yes,’ Pharaoh will send a barge a month’s time after receiving the letter to collect Sheshamun and her belongings, explained Hury.

The family went to sleep late that evening, all pondering the future of the youngest member. For what seemed like the one-hundredth time, Sheshamun lay awake imagining what life in the harem would be like. Her imagination passed from one fantasy to another. Her first thought was of the reception she would receive, when she first arrived at the palace. Sheshamun imagined walking through the giant doors of the main dining hall. She was adorned in a full-length scarlet kilt, dripping in gold jewelry, with her shiny hair piled high on her head. All eyes were on her, including those of the royal family. Ramses motioned for Sheshamun to approach the dais that towered above the rest of the guests. As she approached, everyone turned to watch her. Ramose stood, walked toward her, executed a short bow, and took Sheshamun’s hand in his. He kissed her open palm ever so lightly, and looked up into her eyes. It seems like it has been many, many years since I saw you last, my beautiful Sheshamun. Thank you for honoring us with your presence… Eventually Sheshamun fell asleep, vivid images of Ramose still in her head.

The next morning, Hury set out an hour earlier than usual. He wanted to find the best scribe in the marketplace before it became too busy. Even though he could read and write quite well, Hury needed this response to be absolutely perfect. He did not want to leave his penmanship to chance. Sheshamun’s father went to the center of the market, and beneath a large sycamore tree, two scribes were already preparing for the day’s work. Hury recognized the best most notable, yet most expensive scribe in Herwer. The man wore a light brown cloak that had just been washed that morning. It served well to keep the chill off of him, as he worked in the shade. As the noon meal approached, he would remove the clock, and use it as a cushion to sit on. At the end of the day, the scribe would wipe the dust from it. And so he repeated the cycle of cleaning his garment and scribing each day. Hury told the bent scribe that he needed a letter that was worthy of Pharaoh Ramses’ eyes. The man replied, For a letter such as that, I charge two gold coins. Hury looked aghast, but knew his daughter was worth it. He handed the man his desired wage.

The scribe pulled out his palette, stretched a fresh piece of papyrus over it, and dipped his reed pen in a jar of ink. He then said the prayer that all good scribes recite before executing any written correspondence.

Start with Ramses’ official titles: To the Pharaoh Ramses, Mighty Bull, Upholder of Ma’at… Hury knew he could trust this scribe not to reveal the contents of his letter to anyone else, for that is one of the key