Cleopatra: Whispers from the Nile

By Lorraine Blundell

The Killer Queen

‘Do not fight, little brother, you cannot win…the blue flowers will soon give you peace.’

47 BC. Cleopatra, young and manipulative, is finally able to grasp the throne of Egypt, having seduced Roman general Julius Caesar. He is delighted when she falls pregnant, carrying his son Caesarion and declares her co-ruler with her young brother.

Caesar’s victory in a battle against Cleopatra’s sister, Arsinoe, and her followers finally results in triumph. He returns to Rome leaving Cleopatra behind in Alexandria to scheme.

Cleopatra’s murder of her co-ruler, Ptolemy, opens the door for her to rule alone on the Egyptian throne. She has already murdered other influential opponents and seeks to become Empress of Rome, accepting an invitation to visit Caesar in his villa. But Rome is not as she expects. It is a hotbed of turmoil and political intrigue and she is hated by the people. She creates enemies amongst Rome’s most influential senators and there is one, especially, who is more than a match for her.

Caesar also has a Roman mistress, Servilia. Can Cleopatra overcome her established power and influence? And what of Marc Antony? Most of all, Cleopatra fears Arsinoe who has been exiled to the temple of Artemis at Ephesus.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Apr 29, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524632229

Lorraine Blundell

Lorraine Blundell (Dance), a gold award winning author, was born in Brisbane, Australia. She lives in Melbourne and has a daughter, Jenni, and a son, Steve. Lorraine graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in English and History. She holds a teaching qualification in Drama from Trinity College, London. She trained as a classical singer at the Queensland State Conservatorium of Music, Brisbane. During that period, she sang professionally on television as a solo vocalist, regularly performing for six years on channels BTQ7 and QTQ9 Brisbane as well as nationally on HSV7 Melbourne. She is an experienced performer in musical theatre productions. Her interests are singing, ancient history and archaeology.

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© 2016 LORRAINE BLUNDELL. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse   08/25/2023

ISBN: 978-1-5246-3221-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-3222-9 (e)

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CONTENTS

Part I   47 B.C.

1     Egypt

2     3

4

5     Cilicia

6     Rome

7

8

9

10   Egypt

11

12   Rome

13   The Curia

14

Part II   46 B.C.

15

16

17

18

19

20

21   Campania

22

23

24

25

26   Rome

27

Part III   45 - 44 B.C.

28   Asia Minor

29

30

31   Rome

32

33   Ephesus

34   Messages To Queen Arsinoe

Part IV   43-41 B.C.

35   Egypt

36

37

38

39   Ephesus

40

41   Lebanon

42   Ephesus

43   Rome

44   Egypt

45   Ephesus

46   Asia Minor

47   Ephesus

48

49

Epilogue

Historical Notes

Arsinoe IV

Servilia Caepionis

Calpurnia

Fulvia

Author’s Notes

The Author

For

Jenni

WITH THANKS

Professor Miles Prince

OTHER NOVELS BY THIS AUTHOR

Whispers from Pompeii

Medici: The Queen’s Perfume

The Titus Conspiracy

Arsinoe of Ephesus

I hate the queen (Cleopatra)…The arrogance of the

queen herself when she was living on the estate

across the Tiber makes my blood boil to recall.

Cicero

(Letters to Atticus)

LEADING CHARACTERS

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Cleopatra VII, Queen of Egypt

Ptolemy, Her younger brother and co-ruler

Caesarion, Son of Cleopatra and Caesar

Charmion, Cleopatra’s favourite hand-maiden

Iras, Cleopatra’s hand-maiden

Mardian, Eunuch, court advisor and singer

Demetrius, Cleopatra’s messenger/spy

Arsinoe, Half-sister to Cleopatra

Kyrios, Friend to Arsinoe

Althea, Kyrios’ sister and hand-maiden to Arsinoe

Father Alexus, Chief Priest of the Temple of Artemis

Klymene, Chief Priestess of the Temple of Artemis

Menna, Arsinoe’s spy

Yuni, Leader of Arsinoe’s followers in Ephesus

General Ramose, Arsinoe’s military commander in Alexandria

Setka, One of his men

Pentu, One of his men

Achim, Leader of the Jewish population in Alexandria

Julius Caesar, Roman Dictator/General

Marcus Antonius, Caesar’s friend/Autocrator of the East

Lepidus, Caesar’s friend/Master of the Horse

Senator Gnaeus Secundus, Friend of Servilia

Octavian, Caesar’s adopted son. Enemy of Marcus Antonius

Marcus Agrippa, His general and best friend

Servilia, Caesar’s long-term mistress

Calpurnia, Caesar’s wife

Fulvia, Wife to Marcus Antonius. Friend of Servilia

Atia, Mother of Octavian

PART I

47 B.C.

1

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EGYPT

47 B.C.

Alexandria

Island of Antirhodos

The Royal Palace

‘W ill he look up to acknowledge me before he goes, or am I already just a pleasant memory?’ Cleopatra’s whispered words were caught then lost on the breeze. She stood watching the scene below from the grand palace entrance, its red granite pillars soaring into the sky.

Often, it was the small things that gave so much away about a person’s innermost thoughts, even in a man as great as Caesar, she thought. Even the manner of his departure, would reveal much about the true extent of the victory she’d undoubtedly achieved.

In any case, she was content. At least for the moment.

The royal harbour swarmed with the ships of the Romans. Some lay anchored further out towards the sea, opposite the lighthouse. Blue, sunny skies ensured fine weather, at least for the beginning of their voyage, while a moderate breeze caused the turquoise sea to kick up into a non-threatening swell.

Supplies were presently being loaded aboard the vessels. Merchant ships swollen with precious cargoes of grain to feed the people of Rome lay low into the water. Others carried a variety of valuable goods such as amphorae filled to overflowing with wine; gold artefacts; cotton and jewellery including amulets, beads and scarabs inlaid with precious stones.

The native Egyptian prisoners had not escaped their part in the performance. Shackled and roped together in long lines, overseers prodded them on their way into slave galleys, to be carried to Rome to march in Caesar’s Triumph. Their sale afterwards would reap rich rewards feeding the insatiable demand of buyers in the slave markets.

It was a brilliantly sunny Alexandrian day. The waves slapped against the rocks lining the bay, and the coloured stones of the lighthouse on Pharos Island, linked to the coast by the Heptastadion, drew the eyes of all who looked out towards the sea.

Cleopatra raised her hand to shield her eyes from the glare. A golden snake bracelet, its eyes glittering, climbed up her arm as its gleaming, yellow gold shone in the sunlight.

She continued to watch the docks as her hand-maidens, Iras and Charmion and the rest of her entourage waited patiently by her side. Moving constantly, a huge, vibrantly coloured fan made from ostrich feathers cooled them, as a huge male slave from the land of Punt waved it high above, muscles protruding in his massive arms.

Finally, the last of the soldiers boarded. Cleopatra’s eyes narrowed as she saw her half-sister Arsinoe, a prisoner, being led on board by an armed escort.

‘Why have they not restrained her?’ she demanded angrily, turning to Charmion. ‘She’s a prisoner not a guest!’

‘Perhaps they will place shackles on her once they’re on board the ship,’ the hand-maiden suggested, as some response seemed to be called for.

Arsinoe’s hands and feet were not bound, allowing her to walk with an easy grace that came naturally to her. Even now, with the huge gulf that separated them in their present circumstances, this still had the power to irritate her older sister. She also moved gracefully, but hers was born of practice – not nature. The difference was subtle but unmistakeable.

Then, Arsinoe was gone.

Cleopatra relaxed. She knew why Caesar had not killed her sister immediately after she’d been captured. Arsinoe would add to his prestige by enduring the degradation of being dragged through Caesar’s Triumph in Rome. Then, she would die a traitor’s death at the hands of a Roman executioner.

Cleopatra smiled with satisfaction. She saw Caesar approach the boarding ramp attended by his personal escort.

She held her breath.

Then he turned slightly. His eyes found her where she stood watching on the palace steps, and he raised his hand in farewell.

Cleopatra had her answer. She’d achieved the victory she sought. The ageing general was totally captivated with her. At least for the near future, she and her country could be sure of their security. Rome would not move against her.

She remained where she was as the Roman fleet departed Egypt for Cilicia and eventually, Rome. She waited until they were no more than a speck on the horizon. Only then, did she leave to seek the comforts of her palace.

The royal palace situated on Antirhodos Island, had access to its own small royal harbour. Opulent houses of wealthy nobles and merchants lined the foreshore beside the harbour of Alexandria, enjoying a stunning view of the royal palace, the world famous lighthouse and the sea beyond. The result of the overall setting was an overwhelming stimulus of the senses. Those who approached Alexandria received a very clear message that it was a city of riches, taste, tradition and sensuality.

Egypt was not to be trifled with.

The huge wooden palace doors swung open to admit Cleopatra and her entourage. They breathed sighs of relief as the coolness enveloped them. The air was filled with incense giving off a sensual perfume. The queen strode confidently over the shining onyx floors, past furniture inlaid with emeralds and precious stones.

‘There will be no audiences today! Mardian, bring me the latest news on the level of the Nile waters. We will have a hard year ahead if they haven’t risen by considerable cubits.’

‘Yes, Majesty.’ Mardian, Cleopatra’s eunuch tutor, left quickly to find the agriculture advisor who would surely know the answer to her question. He hoped that it was what she wanted to hear.

As she walked, Julius’ words rang in her ears. ‘Here is some advice, my dear, if you’re wise enough to take it. If you’re not, you will undoubtedly lose your kingdom.

Always ensure that everyone receives enough food to survive. If you don’t, they will revolt. You must also administer justice equally to all. If you don’t, your beloved Alexandria will fracture and fall. Its strength lies in its unity.’

A few days before, Caesar had watched one of her public audiences. He’d remained silent as one by one, the petitioners came before her. She’d handled the problems presented by the Greeks and even the native Egyptians quite well, but had been particularly severe in dealing with the Alexandrian Jews who’d come seeking justice. He’d taken note of the restrained anger in their faces. Cleopatra had seemed totally oblivious.

Later, Julius sat with her in the shaded, outside colonnade, discussing the future of Egypt. ‘I’ve placed you in a position from which you can ensure the security and well-being of your people. You’ve little experience, so you must learn quickly. I’ll be watching your progress from Rome. Remember, however, that there’s only so much that even I can do. You must achieve your own success.’ With that, he’d given her an encouraging smile and left the palace to mingle with his soldiers.

Cleopatra watched the easy-going camaraderie he had with his men. It was all well and good, she thought, for him to tell her to do things the Roman way, but the scene she witnessed in front of her would never work in Egypt. Here, pharaoh was also a god.

‘Majesty, the news is good. The Nile waters are still rising,’ Mardian advised with relief, interrupting her thoughts.

She nodded, encouraged. The grain harvest to come would be a good one. That was always a comfort in a country whose people lived or died depending on the river’s inundation.

‘Charmion, do you think I should give thanks to the goddess?’

‘Yes, Majesty. Surely, though, you must be tired after Caesar’s visit. Even your trip with him on the Nile was filled with as much work as it was pleasure.’

Cleopatra gave a wry smile. Her favourite hand-maiden was certainly only too aware of the favours her queen had lavished upon Caesar, in her bedroom and elsewhere.

‘What do you suggest?’ Cleopatra raised a perfectly arched eyebrow at her.

‘Why not a leisurely trip to Philae on the royal barge? There you could worship at your favourite temple rather than at the temple to Isis here at the palace. I believe the journey might bring you rest and peace,’ Charmion suggested persuasively.

Cleopatra smiled. ‘Tell the servants to make the necessary arrangements. We’ll go tomorrow.’

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Dolabella entered and snapped sharply to attention. He waited until Caesar looked up at him.

‘Sir, all is well. The fleet’s encountering calm waters and we’re making good progress. Pompey’s remains have been stowed in the usual way, in the hold.’

‘Thank you, Publius. Now, sit and tell me what you made of our little sojourn into the cobra’s nest. You’ll have wine?’

‘I will.’ The tribune relaxed and the two men prepared to have a friendly, frank discussion.

‘How is the morale of the men?’ Caesar asked.

‘Quite high, actually sir. They’ve nearly all been down to the artisan market buying presents to take home. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much ivory in one place before.’

Caesar laughed. ‘So, you also went yourself?’

‘Yes. I ended up buying a few trinkets, of course. The people are an interesting lot there. They seem genuinely welcoming, but they certainly know how to haggle!’

Caesar laughed, then his expression hardened.

‘From Rome’s point of view, everything went quite well in the end, I thought,’ he commented. ‘Nasty little business, though, that annoying skirmish with Arsinoe and her brother. It was a close thing for a while. I can’t stand being around some of those mincing court eunuchs. I couldn’t wait to see the back of them. Did you notice their hands, Publius? They’re soft and plump like a woman’s.

It’s obvious that only one contender in Ptolemy’s serpent’s nest could be left standing to rule. They’re at each other’s throats without pause. They’re a murderous lot. They make Rome look positively timid and that’s no small achievement!

Take my word for it, Cleopatra considers herself the sole ruler of Egypt now, despite my ruling that she’s co-ruler with young Ptolemy. I wouldn’t like to be in his place. I’ve no doubt that before too long, we’ll hear that he’s met with an unfortunate death. He’s a snivelling little runt, but I can’t help feeling some sympathy for him – only the gods know why!’

‘And what will you do with Arsinoe?’ Dolabella asked curiously. ‘Is she headed for the strangler in the Carcer?’

Caesar said nothing for a few moments.

‘Of course. We must respect tradition. Also, it’s a show of power that proves a point.’

‘She’s a stunning looking girl,’ Dolabella noted. ‘I know which one of the two women would turn a man’s head more.’

‘Why, Publius, I do believe you’re quite taken with her,’ Caesar grinned. ‘I know, like me, you have a roving eye with the women, but I hadn’t realised that you’d been captivated by anyone here.’

‘I must admit that you’re right. I’d take Arsinoe for a mistress any time.’

‘I see. And what of Cleopatra?’

Dollabella hesitated, then decided to answer honestly.

‘She’s attractive enough. If you’ll excuse me though, sir, I have to say that I wouldn’t trust her out of my sight.’

‘Don’t mistake my liaison with her for anything other than what it was,’ Caesar warned. ‘She’s a fascinating girl already with the wiles of a woman, but she’s still an Egyptian. It suits me – indeed, Rome, to keep her as a friendly political ally. We need the grain that’s available in abundance from Egypt. However, as you know, I’ve left three of my best legions behind commanded by Rufio. Any signs of unrest will be ruthlessly put down. Cleopatra’s orders will also be reported back to me. We have a few spies out there watching and listening.’

‘So you’ll cut close personal ties with Cleopatra now?’ Dolabella ventured carefully.

‘By no means!’ Caesar laughed. ‘She makes for an intriguing mistress. She’s a little like a cobra ready to strike, but her voice is like silk. I’m already extremely fond of her. I repeat, however, that she’s Egyptian. Even if I did consider divorcing Calpurnia, which I won’t, I could only ever marry a Roman citizen – and that, Cleopatra clearly is not. By the way, I intend to invite her to come to Rome to attend my Triumph when I get back. That should stir things up a bit, don’t you think?’

Dolabella laughed spontaneously. Caesar never ceased to surprise him.

‘In the meantime, Publius, Rome still has enemies who are restless. It may be some time before we’re back in Rome again. Tyre and Tarsus come to mind, as well as others. We’ve plenty of work still to do!’

2

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C leopatra relaxed the next morning as she settled more comfortably into the softness of the cushions behind her and they pulled away from the palace. With Caesar gone, some semblance of normality had already been restored to Alexandria. A level of calm had returned and the royal harbour was once more a haven of privacy.

Charmion had been wise to suggest that she use this time to refresh herself. She was only now beginning to realise how much Caesar’s visit had jaded her. It was fatiguing constantly playing a game of cat and mouse.

As quietness and the timeless quality of the river overtook them, the sounds of the city slipped away. Cleopatra felt at peace. The barge passed small groups of farm labourers, most of them working their shadoofs to irrigate the fields. The inundation of the Nile would be successful. Neither too high nor too low, this season the flood would bring prosperity to all. Here and there, children played in the way of all children and their laughter brought a smile to the young queen’s face.

Without warning, a cloud passed across the sun and Cleopatra shivered. She felt a sudden premonition of doom.

‘Charmion, do you hear the whispers?’

‘No. It’s but the breeze passing through the palm trees,’ she answered, puzzled.

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes, Majesty.’

Charmion had been pleased to see her mistress obviously relaxed and enjoying herself, but suddenly the spell seemed to have been broken. She was unsure what had caused the change.

Whatever it was, Cleopatra seemed to shake it off quickly. ‘I’d like to stop for a short time at Dendera Temple on our way, she continued as if nothing had happened. ‘We’ll stay awhile in the house of the priests before continuing on to Philae.’

‘They’ve already been alerted, my queen.’

As the rhythm of the Nile lulled Cleopatra into a dreamlike state she sank back once again against her cushions. She began twisting the amethyst ring she always wore on her finger. She remembered when her father had given it to her:

My daughter, come see, I’ve something pretty for you. He held it out to her.

Cleopatra took it from his pudgy hand and stared into the very depths of the purple gem. It fascinated her.

This belonged to a great Pharaoh. Her name was Hatshepsut. It was her good luck charm. Now, it is yours.

‘Thank you, Father.’

Arsinoe stood glowering beside her.

Ptolemy Auletes was hated by his people and sniggered at behind his back by foreign kings. With a treasury made bankrupt by his need to bribe those with power in Rome in order to secure his throne, he was subservient to them. Patting his daughter’s hand, he went back to watching the colourful costumes and riotous abandonment of the dancers at his court. Then he became lost again in a fantasy world as he played his musical pipe.

A trance-like period followed on the river as it wove its magic. Soon the heat became stifling and it was with relief that they reached their first destination.

At Cleopatra’s request, only the high priest accompanied her as she entered the Temple of Dendera, dedicated to the goddess Hathor. Her symbol, a cow’s head, was everywhere to be seen. Goddess of the sky and of love and fertility, the building of her temple had begun in the reign of Cleopatra’s father.

As she entered the temple silence and shadow greeted her and she shuddered, despite the warmth of the day and the vibrant colours of blue and green that surrounded her. They advanced deeper into the realm of the goddess as the priest guided her to the shrine of Osiris, where she wished to pray. It stood on the rooftop of the temple, high above the surrounding countryside.

Before entering the shrine, she paused to look out at the river as well as the sands and irrigated fields below. It gave her a sense not only of her power but also of the obligation she owed her people.

‘I wish to visit the sacred lake,’ she told the priest as she rose from her knees.

‘Of course, Majesty.’

He led her to an outside area adjacent to the temple. This had always been one of her favourite places. A well-tended lake of placid water provided an attractive contrast to the stark interior of the temple itself. It was here that the priests performed their cleansing ceremonies. Irrigation provided plentiful water from the river to lavish on the lake’s surrounds, resulting in lush green grass pleasing to the eye.

Was it just her imagination, Cleopatra wondered, or did the interiors of the temples seem to speak to her only of death? She found herself unable to imagine any glimpse of the supposed wonders of an after-life beyond. Instead, she felt an almost desperate need to snatch at life and the joys that it offered, in case it was suddenly stolen away from her. Why should she feel this way, especially when she was so young?

Perhaps one day she would know the answer to that question.

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The next morning brought brightness and light and much hustle and bustle, as preparations began to resume the royal journey to Philae. The necessities of life, however, still inevitably had to be carried out.

‘Iras! You must tend to my hair before we can leave!’ Cleopatra’s impatience was obvious in the tone of her voice. She began to tap her fingers on the table in front of her.

‘I’m coming, Majesty.’ Iras was loyal and gentle as well as careful in her duties, but she was also frustratingly unhurried at times. The more she aged over the years the more obvious this trait became.

‘Majesty, will you be ready soon?’ Mardian enquired hopefully from the doorway.

‘Ask Iras!’ Cleopatra glowered. I’ve been ready for hours!’ She knew that this was somewhat of an exaggeration, but expressing her annoyance made her feel better.

Eventually, Cleopatra and her retinue took leave of