The Gods Are Watching: A Historical Novel

By David D. McCormick

In 1500 BCE, the Minoan king’s celebrated artist Paleus is invited by the prince of Egypt to travel to Thebes to paint a mural in Egypt’s royal palace. But the unsuspecting Paleus and his family and friends arrive in an empire reeling from years of war—and are quickly caught up in rebellions, political intrigue, and even an assassination attempt on the royal family. To complete his omission successfully—and survive the chaos surrounding him—Paleus must use his wits to deal with natural disasters, uninvited passions, and powerful magic and appease the Egyptian gods themselves.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984563743

Book preview

Copyright © 2018 by David D. McCormick.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2018913087

ISBN:       Hardcover       978-1-9845-6376-7

                 Softcover         978-1-9845-6375-0

                 eBook              978-1-9845-6374-3

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 11/15/2018

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Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Dedication

Gods Are Watching is dedicated to the memory of my dear friend, Ann Frances Serff. In addition to being my wife, Ann was a fellow artist and a constant support for my writing and artwork. A beautiful Irish lady, she died in Dublin in April of 2016.

Acknowledgments

No one works completely alone, not even writers. It feels that way sometimes when you’re sitting with pen and paper or at your computer but so many people have helped, advised, and guided my thoughts on this book. And hearing their stories has influenced and inspired me.

I want to thank Skye Alexander for doing such a super job on editing this book. She’s been a very knowledgeable advisor on helping me with the craft of writing as well as a cherished friend.

Thanks to John Yewell and Mimi Herman with Writeaways. The advice I’ve gotten from them at their wonderful writing workshops has been extremely instructive. I’d recommend their workshops in North Carolina, France, and Italy to everyone who aspires to write anything. Beautiful locations to stimulate the literary artists and their muses.

Thanks to all my writing friends at the Dietert Center in Kerrville, Texas—Mary Lee Gowland, Robert Swoboda, Jim McLaughlin, Judy Johnson, Frances Lovett, Mark Synder, George Fischer, Daryl Herring, Mike Bradley, Des and Lenore White, Helen Nourse, Garland O’Quinn, Rhonda Wiley-Jones, and George House. Thanks to writers Marilyn Cizmich King, Al Steeves, and Larry Arnold at Kerrville Writer’s Association for their help. Your critiques were greatly appreciated. Thanks to two who are no longer with us, Robert Norris and Bill Tynan, friends and writers, for their advice.

Chapter 1

Paleus and Adina stood at the bow of the ship, arms entwined. Any moment I expect to see the coastline of Egypt appear on the horizon, said Paleus.

He and Adina were newly married. Each day he awoke and thanked the gods for blessing him with the love of this beautiful princess from the island of Kaptaria. A strong sea breeze blew his long hair across his face. Paleus was small in stature—the same height as his bride. He was lean in body with well-developed legs and arms. He could be seen as handsome by some but not so much as to turn every woman’s head. His artistic talent was his greatest attribute.

Adina snuggled closer. This is all so exciting. I never expected to have the chance to go to such an exotic place. I have never been anywhere but my island.

She pressed her slim body against her new husband. Her dark brown hair was tied into a waist-length braid. Adina never wore sandals unless absolutely necessary. Today was no exception. She loved the way the soles of her bare feet conveyed both the temperature and texture of a surface to the rest of her body. He large eyes and slightly turned-up nose reflected a family characteristic. Most men considered her to be one of the most, if not the most, beautiful woman on Kaptaria.

The ship made a deeper cut into the waves and a cold spray of seawater came over the bow drenching them both. They cried out in alarm and backed away from the railing.

At least now I will not have to bathe today, laughed Paleus.

I wish you would, came a voice from behind.

Paleus spun about to discover his friend, Galanthus. "Let only those who do not smell like a horse stable speak of me needing a bath. You could do with a dousing of seawater yourself."

Oh, I see, said Galanthus. "And you being the one who will toss me into the sea?"

Perhaps—if the entire ship’s crew assists me.

Galanthus was a giant of a man, as strong as a bull. He stood a head taller than most men.

A natural athlete, he had worked his entire life on perfecting every sport known to man and to fine-tuning his body through strenuous daily exercise. Proud of his physique, he wore minimal clothing. His uniform for the day usually consisted of a short garment that covered his groin banded by a wide leather belt.

He and Paleus had been the closest of friends since childhood. They, and Paleus’s twin sister, Maia, and her baby had journeyed, along with thousands of others, to Kaptaria for safety when their island’s volcano threatened to erupt. That was the summer of the year before and through a series of dramatic and unexpected events, their fate had put them on this ship and on this journey.

Their ship had been sailing in the direction of Egypt for days. They had make good progress since leaving the shores of Kaptaria due to strong westerly winds.

They sailed in the king’s royal ship, the largest in the island’s fleet. Its giant sail was emblazoned with golden axes, the symbol of the Kaptarian Empire of Knossos. The ship carried thirty crewmen, oarsmen, and a ship master along with its six passengers. There were fifty openings for oars, twenty-five on each side.

Normally, there was a small, covered platform high on the stern—a protected, wooden perch where the king could sit surveying his ship’s progress. For this trip to Egypt, the platform had been broken down and stored at the docks of Amnisos. A long, rectangular cloth-covered area at mid-deck served as a place to relax and escape the searing rays of the sun.

Earlier, Paleus had paced off the length of the deck taking the largest steps he could.

Close to forty paces. When he approached the end, he looked up at the angled spire of the bow that almost reached to half the mast’s height.

The wood used to construct the ship was cypress. The long oars were oak. He leaned over her side and admired the large strips of linen applied to the hull with resin to seal and waterproof the ship. The hull was white with an undulating, blue wave design decorating her bottom.

Months before, during the harvest time on Kaptaria, the Egyptian prince, Amenhotep I, made a diplomatic visit to their island. Impressed with the artistic talents of the young artist, Paleus, he had invited him to come to Egypt. The Kaptarian prince, Sylvus, was also invited to make an official visit. Before Paleus left the island, he had married the king’s daughter, Adina.

Maia appeared from below decks carrying her young son, Darian, on her hip. She smirked at the soaked Paleus and Adina. Have the two of you been in swimming this afternoon? Maia’s dark eyes sparkled in merriment. Paleus’s sister was an attractive woman.

Her black hair hung in curls down her back and on occasion, like today, she tied it up in ribbons.

She had a compact muscular body—always moving, always busy. Maia was a big talker and if you let her she would dominate the conversation. Quick to anger but just as quick to enjoy a good laugh. She had a fiery character and never backed down from a confrontation.

Oh, yes, replied Adina. We saw several dolphins beside the ship and they invited us to join them. We just could not resist.

Maia handed Darian over to Galanthus. Here, my dear, please hold the baby for a moment. I need to—

A cry came from the lookout at the top of the main mast. Land off the starboard bow!

The small group rushed to the railing and scanned the distant horizon. They could just make out a thin bluish-gray strip of land.

Egypt. Mighty Egypt! exclaimed Paleus.

Prince Sylvus, who was on the upper deck helping navigate the ship, climbed the rigging and gazed southward. He jumped back down to the deck and shouted orders to the sailor at the tiller.

Take the ship in closer to the shore—but not too close. There may be reefs or sandbars.

He climbed down to the lower deck.

Will we not land? Adina asked her brother.

No, not here. We will sail along the coast until we come to the western most entrance to the Nile. It is where the great river joins the sea.

There is more than one entrance to the Nile River? asked Galanthus.

There are many, replied Sylvus. This part of Egypt is known as Lower Egypt. And what you see there, he pointed southward to the land, is the Great Delta region.

What is this Great Delta? asked Adina.

It is where the Nile divides into many smaller rivers and streams before it comes to the sea. He held up his hand and spread his fingers apart. Much like the fingers on my hand except there are many more.

Adina gave her brother a hug. You explain everything so well, Sylvus. And everyone always says you are so dumb.

Sylvus pretended to hit his sister on the head. I will make you ‘dumb’, little sister!

She squealed and ran behind Paleus for protection.

Sylvus, the next in line to be king of Kaptaria, was a tall, slender young man of eighteen years, a year or two older than the others in their party. Despite his youth, he seemed worldly beyond his years. Ruggedly handsome, he thought of himself as experienced with the women and was by no means ready to settle into married life. He was very protective of his little sister, Princess Adina, and until she had married, was continuously attempting to give her advice on her behavior as a princess. Advice which, much to his frustration, she usually ignored. He loved sailing and his lean muscular body enabled him to take on any task on the ship, from the tiller to the rigging atop the main sail.

So how much further must we sail before we reach the entrance to this Nile River? asked Paleus.

"Good question. I must admit I do not know for I have never been here before. But, it is there—without a doubt. And when we see it, we will know what it is."

It was mid-afternoon when they came to the wide opening of the Nile. They maneuvered the ship south and sailed into the mouth of the river.

We are going to need an Egyptian sailor to guide us. Otherwise, we could run aground on a sandbar—or even worse, rocks, said Sylvus.

The ship’s passengers relaxed—some even decided to use this time to take a nap. The crew, on the other hand, were ever-alert, up in the rigging and along the ship’s railings watching the waters for dangers under the surface.

The large ship made a slow turn at a bend in the river. Ahead, on the left bank they could see where the Nile divided and flowed northward. Paleus and Adina headed back to the bow.

Tall, white birds gathered along the river’s banks. Some soared above—their long, thin necks stretched out like arrows. Many stood on yellow, stick-like legs in the shallows of the water among the reeds and studied the river’s surface.

See, Adina? They are fishing.

What is that? cried Adina in horror. She pointed to the river bank at what appeared to be a log. The log scrambled into the muddy water of the river and disappeared beneath the surface.

Paleus stared at the place where the creature had vanished. "I have no idea."

"By the gods, Paleus! Look, there are some more!" She pointed farther up the river.

There, several of the strange animals lay sunning themselves along the bank. One of them opened its jaws wide and yawned—exposing rows of sharp, white teeth. I do not know what they are but I do not think we will be going swimming in this river any time soon.

Up ahead—on the right. A settlement. I see boats there! shouted Paleus.

At the same time Paleus spotted the settlement, one of the boats began to row away from the shore to intercept them.

Galanthus joined Paleus and Adina at the bow. That is not just a boat, Paleus. That is an Egyptian warship—much like the ones that came to Kaptaria when the Prince of Egypt visited.

The Egyptian ship rowed out to the center of the river in an attempt to block their path. They could see a man waving his arms and pointing to the shoreline.

Sylvus shouted to the crew. They want us to head for the settlement! Lower the sail, man the oars and make for shore!

As soon as the royal ship’s anchor was dropped into the shallow shoreline waters, the warship pulled alongside. A middle-aged, bare-chested man stood at the railing. He greeted them with a beaming smile and spoke to them in crisp Egyptian. The prince’s interpreter came to stand by his side. My Prince, he asked you if you speak Egyptian.

Tell him that I am sorry but I do not know his language. Ask him why he wants us to anchor here.

After another exchange of words the interpreter spoke again to the prince. He says he was instructed to confirm that we are the Kaptarian ship expected and also told to offer the hospitality of the settlement of Hem to you and your passengers and crew after such a long and tiring journey.

Sylvus looked at the small riverside village. Dozens of curious inhabitants lined the shore and the pier. Yes, I think we should. We do not want to begin our visit to Egypt by insulting the people of the first place we encounter. Tell him we will gladly accept his most generous offer.

The Egyptian’s name was Amaso and Hem was his post. His duty, to intercept all foreign ships coming up the Nile. The village, Hem, was the first settlement of any size on the river. It sat at the junction of the Nile where it divided before making its path to the sea.

Amaso chattered away as they made their way up the dusty road into the heart of the village. The Kaptarian interpreter vainly tried to keep up with a translation. Amaso led them to a large, colorful, striped tent where the village women were hastily setting out food and drink.

He asked us if we would like to sit under the tent and refresh ourselves, said the interpreter gesturing to the low benches.

Women offered dishes of fresh melon, dates, and flat bread to each guest. Amaso poured a liquid into ceramic cups.

The interpreter leaned over to the prince. He says he hopes you enjoy this drink. He made it himself.

He made it? What kind of wine is it? asked Galanthus.

Sylvus raised his full cup toward his host. Let us find out. Tell Amaso we are happy to be here in Egypt and we drink to his health and to the people of this village.

Everyone raised their cups to Amaso and drank. There was an instant reaction. Maia began coughing.

What in the name of the gods is this? asked Paleus.

The Kaptarian interpreter listened to the shocked Egyptian. "He says he is very sorry. He thought you were familiar with this beverage. It is a special brew he made from local grains and honey. He calls it heket but most people know it by the more common name—beer."

"I could certainly tell it was not wine," mumbled Paleus.

Be polite, whispered Adina.

It is very thick and sweet, observed Sylvus as he took another sip. It takes some getting used to but I think I like it. He smiled and nodded at the Egyptian.

The man beamed with pride as he began refilling everyone’s cups.

Inland, over the rooftops of the village, Sylvus could see a large stone building. He shaded his eyes against the midday sun and studied the tall architectural edifice. A palace? No, surely not. Not here. A government building? Possibly. He turned to his interpreter. Ask Amaso about that place. He pointed. What is it?

After a short exchange, Amaso lept to his feet. He excitedly motioned for them to follow him.

He says it is their village’s most sacred place. It is a temple to the Egyptian god, Horus. He wants us to go with him to see the temple.

The small party approached the imposing structure dedicated to the great god of the sky.

Paleus counted six gigantic stone falcons, the god’s animal symbol, standing as guardian figures in front of the temple. He moved toward the closest statue and was about to touch its smooth surface when a priest standing at the entrance shouted at him. Amaso ran to Paleus speaking rapidly in Egyptian. Amaso says that no one is allow to touch Horus, explained the interpreter.

What? I was just going to . . .

"I understand, Master Paleus, but it seems to them even the symbol of their god—the falcon statue, is their god."

The Kaptarian party stood in the shadows of the temple as Amaso spoke to the priest at the entrance way. He returned shaking his head and spoke to the Kaptarian interpreter.

He asked the priest for permission for you to enter the outer sanctum of the temple but the priest said it is forbidden. Amaso is most sorry.

Tell him not to be worried. We understand. After all, we are foreigners and not of your faith.

Sylvus looked back at his friends and sister. Come, it is time we return to our ship and continue our journey.

After thanking Amaso for his hospitality they boarded their ship, raised sail, and glided out to the center of the wide river. They had a new passenger on board—an Egyptian river guide from the village. Amaso had told them the guide would be able to ensure they did not have any nautical misfortunes on the Nile on their southern journey to Thebes.

As darkness closed in they dropped anchor just past the city of Iunet Mehet on the east bank. The orange lights of the lamps in the large settlement reflected in the slowly moving waters of the Nile but were no match for the thousands of glimmering lights in the starry sky.

While the crew squared away the ship and prepared the evening meal, Sylvus and his friends huddled in a small circle on the deck. The days had been warm but when the sun set the night air became cold. Adina pulled a woolen blanket tightly around her shoulders and leaned against Paleus.

Sylvus poured wine for everyone. "Sailing on a river is very different from the open sea.

Here, on the Nile, one cannot travel at night, even with an Egyptian river guide. Much too dangerous because of sandbars."

Even so, I thought we traveled far today considering we were sailing against the current of the river, observed Paleus.

Yes, agreed Sylvus. We have made excellent progress. I found out from our guide if we continue to keep up this pace, we should arrive at Thebes in nine or ten days.

Galanthus shuttered. That long? This is a huge empire. He took the sleeping Darian from Maia’s lap and held the child close to him. "As an islander, it makes me nervous being closed in by all this land—all this sand."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

Sylvus stood. We should get some rest. Tomorrow is another long day of sailing.

Chapter 2

The crew had rose and set sail on its southern course long before the two sleeping bodies on the deck began to stir. Galanthus woke first. He stood, stretched and blinked into the rising sun. He turned and scanned the western horizon. "Great gods! Look at that!"

Sylvus called down from the upper deck. "This is the Giza plateau and those three huge stone structures are called pyramids."

Paleus stared in disbelief. The sun reflected off the gleaming white stone. He shaded his eyes against the glare. What are they for?

Tombs for the kings of Egypt. We will stop and go ashore to visit and make offerings to honor them, replied the prince.

Egyptian workers dressed in identical white linen skirts and afnet head pieces lashed their ship to one of the Giza piers. A regal official stood waiting for them to disembark. Once ashore, the official led them up a broad stone causeway bordered by date palms and lush vegetation.

Galanthus carried a heavy, golden chest containing the offerings they would give to the deceased kings of Egypt.

Open landscaped areas on both sides of the causeway were beginning to fill with Egyptians who had also come to Giza to pay homage to their god-kings. Many families had already laid claim to the choice shaded spots and were spreading out blankets and baskets of food and drink.

They are preparing to stay for the day, informed their interpreter.

Directly ahead, an enormous statue confronted them. It rose high over the towering palm trees. For a few moments they stood in awe of the overpowering sculpture—a gigantic stone lion with the head of a man—a king.

After a lengthy explanation by the Egyptian official, their Kaptarian interpreter spoke.

This is the Great Sphinx. He is the guardian to the funerary complex. As you can see he has the body of a lion, representing strength, and the head of a king, representing intelligence. The face on the Sphinx is that of His Majesty, King Khephren. For all time, he is here not only to protect this sacred site but to also welcome all who come to make offerings to the kings who are entombed here.

Their party began to skirt the massive stone image, all except Paleus. He stood unmoving, mouth agape, struck dumb by the largest piece of art he had ever seen. Adina came back for him. She slipped her arm though his, looked at the wonder on his face, and back at the Sphinx. "Yes, it is amazing. The guide told us it is carved from ‘living rock’—a hill of stone that was here long before the pyramids were built."

Paleus reached up and stroked a stone paw of the Sphinx. These Egyptian artisans had a great understanding for proportion as well as art. I would think it would be difficult to achieve such perfection with such a huge sculpture.

Adina patted his arm. "My husband,