Pharaoh's Shadow: Foreword by Dr. Zahi Hawass

By Tasha Madison and Zahi Hawass

How do you kill a king?First, you start with the queen ...

Jealou

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author Academy Elite
• Release date: Aug 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781647462444

Tasha Madison

Tasha Madison shares an ancient paternal lineage with Ramesses III. She wrote this novel to honor her distant ancestor and to explore how various historical actors might have bolstered his dramatic demise. Tasha is a graduate of the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication at Washington State University and Seattle University's School of Law. She is the author of Fabric of a Generation, a YA historical fantasy that follows the family saga of a teen whose world is turned upside down after finding a mystical object in the attic. When she's not writing, you can catch her in the middle of an epicurean battle with family members (or scrapbooking). To learn more about Tasha's latest adventures, visit her website at: tashamadison.com.

Book preview

1

Once Upon a Dream

Duatentopet, Princess of Egypt

Arrows of sunlight wounded my honeyed skin. I looked up at the belly of the sky as my face became pregnant with fury. The tireless pulse of the sun labored on and on, channeling its endless breath into the pulp of all existence. It eagerly threatened to bake me brown as bread. I wanted to shake my fist at the shining beast and curse the atmosphere for its painful wrath.

Duatentopet! What are you doing? Come out of the sun at once! Queen Iset demanded.

I knew I was in trouble when she scolded me by using my full birth name. I became embarrassingly aware of what she had gracefully chosen not to say. We revered the sun. I knew she did not want anyone to think me ungrateful of the gift of light.

Yes. Of course, Mother, I willingly consented, abandoning the bitterness of daylight for the shade over my mother’s dais.

Iset, you should have cautioned Dua much sooner, Queen Teye said, finally stirring from her luxury. For she who curses the sun is doomed for all eternity, she continued, adding a dramatic pause with a sardonic grin.

Queen Titi shook her head, disheartened. She suppressed a desire to speak, unsure of whether to interject her own opinion into the conversation. I smirked as my mother, without saying a word, silenced the bite of Teye’s derision with an elegant, knowing glance of warning.

Drunk with the sun, I languidly lowered myself onto the comfort of an oversized pillow. Bored by the gentle sounds the cedar planks made as the boat skirted around the riverbed, I impassively watched as my brother Amun and half-brother Ramesses played fisherman. I didn’t understand all the fuss to be so quiet and still. I softly hummed a song to pass the time.

Shhh! Amun loudly whispered. You will anger the fish!

I tapped my fingers on the cushion next to me instead, pleased by the hushed, repeated thud. Amun glowered at me disapprovingly. I grinned, finally amused, as Ramesses quickly but deftly lowered his spear into the water. As he raised his spear, he revealed a large moonfish on the other end and playfully pretended to splash me.

See, sister! Ramesses cooed. Spearfishing requires patience and much skill.

I feigned annoyance but clapped at his victory. Determined to triumph every bit as much as his half-brother, Amun made a second attempt at a catch. I closed my eyes as I listened to Ramesses calmly instructing him on his technique. Even with my eyes closed, I could hear Amun hastily jab at the water, ignoring his brother’s wisdom.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

It sounded as if something had skidded across the Nile. I lazily opened my eyelids in time to see real arrows buzz about, yet they horribly missed their target and fell aimlessly near Pharaoh’s feet.

This fishing expedition had just gotten interesting! However, it was not in the way I had expected or hoped. I jumped up from my pillow, stunned and confused. I whipped around in the opposite direction to try to locate the traitor, but I saw no one.

Father! Are you okay?

My arms reached out to him impulsively as my eyes gaped at the wide expanse between his boat and ours. I looked down at the water, unsure of whether I should jump in or call for help.

Stay back! he counseled, his mouth downturned in disgust at whoever dared to aim a bow at him, for he was life itself.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Two more arrows whirred past Pharaoh’s head, unsteadying him in the royal barge. This time, the force of the arrow’s breath caused his wig to become airborne. Pharaoh leaned out to grab it but tipped over the edge of his boat and fell into the water. Ramesses and Amun immediately raced to his side. I observed the incident in horror, helpless.

A sense of dread rang out over me as my father’s skin morphed into feathers and his ka took flight as a falcon. I looked on as Amun sank beneath the surface of the water. Ramesses reached out to save him but failed. As my father flew, Ramesses aggressively guarded him like a bloodthirsty baboon. Falcon hovered over the waters of the Nile when a crocodile emerged from below and snapped at him. A cow, resting on the shore, grunted whenever Falcon glided by the golden sands.

Falcon gingerly rested on Ramesses’s shoulder and then swooped down to the face of the river for a drink. The crocodile taunted him away from Ramesses. Falcon dove down once more but, this time, a second crocodile emerged. Then, a third … and a fourth … and a fifth. They simultaneously lunged at the winged warrior. One took a nip here. Others seized a bite there. The last crocodile swallowed Falcon whole.

Father! Father! Father!

I called out to the water and waited for father to emerge, fierce and triumphant. He did not.

Father! Father!

I pleaded with the Nile, but no answer came. I expected the river to quake at the sound of my voice, but my pleas fell vacant. I started to cry. Why had no one done anything? I wept over and over again until the tears I shed flooded the Nile with my sorrow.

Duatentopet.

I heard a voice call my name, but my sorrow continued without end.

Duatentopet, the voice echoed.

My body vibrated with grief as quiet hands nudged me from the edge of the deep. As I slowly emerged, I saw my faithful servant sheepishly rousing me from the dimension of the divine back into the land of the living.

You have received a divine message, have you not? my servant asked.

I stared, afraid to speak. Although I had slept, my heart awakened watchful. I spent the night walking the realm of the impossible. I returned, changed somehow. I knew dreams of this kind belonged to the domain of magic, and it frightened me.

You must seek a dream guide, my servant continued.

I knew my servant spoke the truth, but I did not wish to entertain such a feat. I could not tell whether my dream contained a simple warning, mere guidance, or something more sinister like a prophecy. The mere possibility of such a vision paralyzed me.

Bring forth the water jugs! I bayed.

I watched as my servant hastily scurried from my presence to begin my morning routine. I didn’t mean to sound as harsh as I did, but hearing from the heavens made my head throb. I didn’t want such a responsibility, and I certainly didn’t ask for it! I hoped the universe would take away this newfound fright that yoked my heart. But, how does one reject an endowment from the divine?

I worriedly exited my bedroom and entered the royal bathing chamber. I awaited my servant’s return. After helping me undress, she artfully poured streams of water over me as another helped me wash. As they dried my body, I considered who I might tell about my dream, then I thought better of it. I would tell no one … at least for now.

I anxiously idled as my servants sprinkled my clothing with the perfume of crushed flowers. They donned me in a body-hugging white sheath dress and layered on a long, loose tunic made from linen so fine it sparkled like the wings of a dragonfly when I walked. The light fabric draped gracefully over my clean form. I lamented my predicament as I gawped at the demure pleats of the simple, full-length dress. The folds of fabric danced against my body as I moved.

I walked to my bedside table and sat down. I patiently remained still as servants filled my room with the finest incense and plied my skin with scented oils. I smelled frankincense one moment, saffron the next, and a cacophonous blend of other herbs and spices.

When my scent became a divine shower of sweet and spicy, they rubbed creams into my skin to protect it from the heat of day and skillfully applied my makeup. Finally, my favorite servant, whom I had chastised earlier, added an amulet to protect me. I flinched slightly when I saw her select the guardian of women’s secrets and encircle it around my neck.

Thank you, I said, forcing the words through angry, painted lips.

I squinted at her irritably for the presumption, but I knew she only meant to protect me from evil spirits. She silently nodded and stepped aside. I walked past her barefoot but quickly grabbed my leather sandals in case my feet started to hurt.

As I entered the courtyard to visit with my family, I passed the royal nursery. I cringed at shrieks from recent family additions as wet nurses attempted to satiate their hunger pains. The scent of freshly baked bread assaulted my senses with delight. Soon, the sound of a harmonious brew of instruments drowned out the smell. Songstresses hurriedly accompanied the musicians with silky words. Dancers added their skill to the arrangements, not wanting to be outdone. Children laughed amidst the rhythmic succession of music, song, and dance.

Dua! Come play with us! my younger brothers and sisters entreated, saluting me by yanking on my hands and circling me with their imploring pup eyes.

Not now, little darlings.

Duaaa! they pleaded.

Very well, I conceded, but only for a moment.

They grinned, happy to enjoy my company even if short-lived. I painstakingly convinced them to settle down and play with their toys. I grabbed a nearby leather ball, stuffed with horsehair. We rolled the ball back and forth until I grew tired of it. I handed my sisters a few cloth dolls to capture their attention. I gave my brothers hippos and crocodiles carved out of wood. My little brothers remained unimpressed until I showed them how the hippos’ jaws moved up and down. The children squealed with delight when I flung one of the crocodile’s tails back and forth by yanking on a string.

Let me try!

I want to try, too!

All right, everyone, it’s time for your daily lessons, Queen Iset called.

The children groaned when my mother made them relinquish their playthings. I planned to make my escape when my mother quickly grabbed my hand. Her concern radiated through my slender form as her worry latched onto mine. I imitated sincere contentment, but I knew she could see beyond my pasted-on smile.

Dua, you look tired today.

I felt tired, too.

Is everything all right?

I widened my smile. Only a fool multiplies her words.

My mother stared deep into my ba with her signature unyielding gaze. She mumbled something incomprehensible as I continued to beam back at her like a silly lover who drinks too much praise. She turned from me, annoyed, but I couldn’t help it. I didn’t have the strength to tell her the truth. I feared what might become of it.

Good morning, Dua, Queen Titi said cheerily as she walked in from her royal chamber. She hummed a joyous melody under her breath. She paused mid-refrain, suddenly aware of the awkward tension between me and my mother as Queen Iset resigned to walk away.

Good morning, I replied, happily distracted by the kindness of her greeting.

Queen Teye strutted in but said nothing. I nodded to her from a burdened sense of familial loyalty, but she didn’t return the favor. The noise of the harem clouded my thoughts. I abandoned the three queens to walk the bridge to the pleasure gardens. I arrived at the garden house, soothed by the solitude.

I gazed at the colorful fish swimming contentedly in the center pond as they skirted around the flowers scattered along the pond’s edge. Rows of trees with alternating flower beds flanked each side. Columned walls buttressed grapevines and decorative paintings, seeking to capture the beauty of all living things. I sat down to refresh myself under the shade of a Nehet tree when my mind wandered into the realm of the deep.

My mind’s eye saw white and blue lotus flowers floating on the face of an expressionless river. The evening sky almost swallowed them up when the flowers unexpectedly withered and violently sank beneath the surface. As the day dawned, the flowers slowly emerged from beneath. New blossoms opened their petals up as if to drift far up into the ether.

The process repeated itself except, the second time, the long stems of the lotus flowers intertwined with the stalks of nearby papyrus plants. Lotus and papyrus sat proudly together atop the water’s surface until the dawning of the sun. They unfolded themselves as evening approached and sank into complete darkness. The darkness consumed both plants with a fierce resentment I had only seen occupied by the enemies of Pharaoh.

Slowly, my eyes fluttered back to the present. I sat for a few seconds like a boat without sails. I knew the Great One had communicated with me, but I still could not tell what these divine moments meant. Why did I keep having these dreams? What did I need to do? What did they mean? Who should I tell? My mind raced with a sea of queries.

I rocked my body back and forth to prevent myself from hyperventilating. I didn’t want to upset anyone. I didn’t want to disrupt the ma’at of the universe. Why had the cosmos singled me out? I felt as though the heavens reached down and plucked me, like a flower from the earth, to experience this one moment in time.

I suddenly needed to sit down, and then I realized I already was! I wanted these visions to go far, far away … as far as the north from the south! Yet, they persisted as if fragments of time trapped in an endless orbit. My head ached.

Princess Duaaa!

I fought the urge to run in the opposite direction.

There you are!

My faithful servant arrived, slightly out of breath.

I’ve searched everywhere for you, Princess.

I sat, unresponsive. I didn’t understand why she dared bother me.

Your mother told me to send for you.

I looked up, annoyed by her interruption. I needed to figure out what these dreams meant.

I must ready you for the feast, she implored.

My face paled. My lips betrayed me with a heavy sigh. I completely lost track of time. I nodded in agreement and rose to follow her, but my legs weakened. I feebly stood up, but my feet wobbled beneath me.

Princess?

I smiled and nodded again. I attempted to force my feet to move in the direction I wanted them to go, but they painfully refused. I wanted to scream at them for their willful diffidence.

Are you all right?

Yes, yes. I’m fine, I replied as my annoyance ascended.

You must obey me. Do you hear me? You will comply! I chided my feet in silence. Finally, they were moved by compassion and submitted to my simple command.

You had another dream, didn’t you?

My head jerked back as my posture stiffened. How could she have known? Somehow, I felt angry and relieved at the same time.

N—

I knew it!

I wanted to protest, but I quickly recognized it would be in vain.

Princess, this is serious!

I know! You think I don’t know that?

You must talk to the Master of Secret Things. He will know what to do!

No, no. Not yet. I can’t … I mustn’t …

"This is bigger than you or I. It must be done."

Not until I’m ready, and I’m not ready yet.

But—

Not a word more on the subject!

I watched as my servant’s face burned bright.

You must promise me not to speak about this to anyone.

She swiftly acquiesced to my demand.

"If—and when—I tell anyone about this, it will be at a time of my choosing."

I understand completely. Please forgive me for any intrusion into your affairs.

I started to chastise her again but decided against it when I saw her fasten her eyes shut in a pained expression.

It was kindly meant, she added.

Her eyes slowly opened but remained downcast. I immediately regretted my harsh tone. Unwanted dreams had morphed me into a grotesque image of myself I couldn’t recognize. My stomach churned with remorse.

Yes. Of course, I said, softening my tone. You are too generous a soul for me ever to doubt that.

Her eyes lifted to the heavens. She exhaled a huge breath of relief. She closed her eyes again and nodded compulsively. I felt only slightly less shameful.

Come, let us ready ourselves for the feast, I encouraged. We must put on a brave face for everyone.

She murmured soft-spoken affirmations as we made our way back to the royal apartments. After another bath, my servant applied more creams and ointments until my skin glittered like the stars. She plaited my hair into several long, thick braids. I changed into a more formal tunic—the luminous glow of my skin second only to my attire. Gilded in unnecessary opulence, my dress shimmered with gold threads woven into a unique design befitting my royal station.

As we walked toward the banquet hall, my servant realized she had mistakenly forgotten to bring the perfume cone my parents had left with her earlier. Because I would dine with Pharaoh, he required that I purify and protect myself while in the presence of his immortality. Although she offered to go back for it, I told her I would retrieve it instead. I wanted to make amends for my curt behavior earlier. She promised to save my place at the banquet hall until I returned.

I quickly retrieved the unguent. As I journeyed toward the banquet hall, I noticed two male figures in the distance. It looked as though they had come out of my father’s private villa in the royal residence.

What has been decided? asked the first man in a hushed tone I strained to hear.

Almost everything, the second man answered.

I paused mid-step and strained my eyes to see, but the soft glow from the lanterns scattered throughout the palace obscured the men’s faces. As the floating wicks inside the lamp bowls flickered, I quietly flattened my body against the white limestone wall and slowly shimmied myself closer. I felt a little silly, but I wanted to be within earshot without being within view. I towed a dangerous line, but their presence made everything within me stand on alert.

Here is the latest missive.

I watched as one man handed the other a note. As the other man read the letter, he nodded in agreement.

We must begin right away.

No, we must follow instructions. Something of this magnitude requires strategic planning and patience.

How long must we wait? We have much to do!

We must wait as long as necessary to—

As long as necessary? I will not stand idly by while I wait for destiny to smile upon me. I will create my own destiny!

You will do as you are told!

I looked on as the other man’s hippopotamus-sized bravado shrunk down to the size of a bed-bug.

We must move as one when and how we are instructed. If you wish to rewrite the pages of your own destiny, you would do well to heed these words.

The other man’s posture crouched in silent submission as he hid the note from view.

Come. Let us return before anyone misses us from the festivities.

He clapped the other man on the back with the force of thunder. My insides shook with fear as I realized the two men would have to pass my way to go to the banquet hall. With the elegance of a butterfly, I flitted behind a large, colorful column. The two men walked at the pace of a greyhound, focused and hyper-alert, when one of the men abruptly grabbed the arm of the other.

Do you smell that?

Smell what?

That!

I looked down at the unguent I still held in my hands and cringed. I wanted to bolt out of hiding. I squeezed my eyes shut and willed my body to breathe at a softened speed. Although several royal cubits away from me, I could see the men wore the garb of a royal officer. They had the insignia of a harem gate official sewn onto their tunic. Why had they abandoned their post? What royal duty could have taken them this far away? I wondered.

It smells like cinnamon and myrrh.

I flinched. I suspended my questions as I awaited discovery.

You smell like cinnamon and myrrh, the other man joked.

Duaaa!

The two men shared a knowing glance and walked toward the voice calling my name.

Duaaa!

I felt as though the sun permanently hovered over my head. I loosened my clasp on the unguent, worried it would melt into a fragrant puddle right before my eyes.

Guards! Have you seen Princess Duatentopet?

I smiled when my servant appeared.

No, we have not. Have you checked the banquet hall?

I just came from there. She went back to the royal apartments to retrieve something she forgot, but she has not yet returned. I am consumed with worry.

I peeked out from behind the column and grinned with gratitude, but my servant unwittingly spotted me. I quietly motioned her to direct the guards away from us. She looked at me curiously. Although her face flushed from the relief that no harm had befallen me, I doubted her tractability.

She’s probably fine. She’s likely heading to the banquet by now, one of the men suggested.

My servant’s posture momentarily stiffened. She elegantly smoothed down the front of her tunic, squared her shoulders, and raised her head with the dignified bearing of the most senior royal servant. I held my breath.

Probably? my servant gasped in anger. Since when do harem guards speak of probabilities? Is it not your sworn duty to deal in certainties?

The lesser guard shirked under the boom of her command. The superior officer sighed in annoyance, but he accepted the implied mission.

We’ll double back to the harem gate, just in case. Please wait here.

My servant bluffed austere compliance as the two men retreated from her presence. Once they walked a safe distance away, my servant waved me into view.

Princess, what is the meaning of all this?

I quickly explained to her everything I witnessed. We both agreed we would keep this information to ourselves until I could figure out what it all meant.

Quick! Let’s go to the banquet hall before they return, I suggested.

But, I promised them I would wait here.

Your promises belong to me, I harried. Come!

I grabbed her by the hand and pulled her in the direction of the banquet hall. She nervously acceded. As I broached the entryway, she reminded me to don my unguent. I quickly placed it atop my head, took a couple of deep breaths, and transversed the threshold from muddled