"Look, the city!"
Jessitahn had good eyesight and as Kevinutahn squinted into the distance he saw the faint glimmer of lights.
"How will Jessitahn get into the city?" Howylos spoke for the first time the whole journey.
"I know a secret entrance."
"Oh? You never told me about it!"
Kevinutahn looked at Howylos.
"Of course I didn't! Only I and those who built it know about it. It's how we'll get into the city when we're ready to take over. I did say it was a SECRET entrance!"
Howylos nodded and stared towards the distance glow. Meritaten was there and without a doubt so would Nickataten be. He wished he could go into the city as well. That way he could sort out Nickataten once and for all!
"Wake up day dreamer."
Jessitahn's voice cut into his thoughts. Howylos felt his face redden.
"What were you thinking of?"
"Nothing." He replied quickly.
Too quickly, Kevinutahn thought. He could guess that Howylos was thinking of Meritaten and Nickataten. More to the point Kevinutahn was worried at what exactly his friend was thinking. He knew how angry Howylos was with Nickataten. Jessitahn huddled closer to Kevinutahn and he was glad of the extra warmth. Night in the desert is as hostile as day. Instead of a hot scorching landscape it becomes a cold world of wind.
A short while later they were stood by a bush that grew along the wall of the city. Kevinutahn scrabbled at the sand until a wooden trap door appeared.
"Wow! It's like in some story!"
Jessitahn was clearly impressed by the secret entrance.
Kevinutahn handed her an unlit torch and two stones to strike a spark with.
"It'll be dark in there. You'll come out by the palace so be careful. Tomorrow get word to the palace insider and then find Meritaten!"
Jessitahn nodded. She felt a shiver run down her spine. If she was caught then the message wouldn't get to the insider and the whole plan would collapse. Kevinutahn kissed Jessitahn on the cheek.
"Good luck. You'll be fine. Remember that the guy's name is Alexatros."
With that he opened the door and stood back to let her get in. Jessitahn peered into the darkness. Most women would have been scared of the dark but Jessitahn wasn't bothered. Dropping into the hole she heard Kevinutahn say good bye before he shut the door again. In the pitch black she listened to the scraping sound of Kevinutahn covering the door with sand. A small amount dropped through and she brushed it off her nose. Putting the torch on the floor she struck the two stones together over it and the tunnel was filled with light. Picking up the torch she looked around her. The walls were marked with lines that ran from the ceiling to the floor. She frowned. That was unusual. Normally anything they made was left bare. Shrugging she set off down the corridor. As she turned the first corner she ran straight into Amenhotep and ten guards.
Meritaten sat by the window in her room. The city looked so hostile. In the darkness it was full of shadowy alleyways that hid Brianahtan's soldiers. In the time they'd been away So much had changed. Carolatahn had told her everything that had happened.
Brianahtan had become fanatical about the rebels. He had guards posted everywhere all time of the day and night. This was one reason why the rebels had decided to go to Crete. The short time Brianahtan had spent as being an almost kind man was over. He had become more and more tyrannical as time went by. Meritaten was brought out of her thoughts by a shout from the streets near the palace. The guards had obviously caught another suspect.
"Get off me! Come any closer and I'll bite you!"
The voice floated over the silence of the sleeping city. It made Meritaten feel uneasy. She felt as if she recognised it. Rubbing a hand across her tummy Meritaten closed her eyes and tried to picture Nickataten.
As she sat there she fell into a half sleep.
Opening her eyes she sat up. It was morning. The execution! Getting up Meritaten staggered to the door. Her tummy was very big and she frowned down at it. Shrugging she hurried down the stairs and into the street. She followed the crowd along the streets to the palace. She frowned again. Since when were the streets this narrow? Outside the palace she saw Nickataten on a platform. Behind him stood a man in a black cloak. He held an axe. She began to try to jump up and down to try to get Nickataten's attention but he just looked at the ground. Then he knelt down and laid his head on a block. The axe was raised and then Meritaten was screaming.
Meritaten sat up sharply, still screaming. Suddenly she realised that it had all been a dream. Carolatahn ran into the room.
"Are you ok? I heard screaming!"
Meritaten burst into tears.
"I dreamt that he didn't see me and then they..."
Meritaten trailed off and sniffed. Carolatahn held her tightly.
"I'll come and wake you early so that we get to the front and he sees you."
Meritaten smiled. Inside, though, she felt as if her stomach were being crushed. All sorts of things were running through her head. "You must get some sleep." Carolatahn gently pushed Meritaten in the direction of the bed. A few minutes later Meritaten had fallen into a troubled sleep.
Jessitahn stood outside Brianahtan's room. She was flanked by ten guards. Amenhotep came out of the room.
"You'd better tell all you know girl."
"I'll never tell anything and I'm not a girl!"
Jessitahn gasped as Amenhotep slapped her hard across her face. She put a hand to her stinging cheek in shock. No one had ever hit her before.
"Why you..." she began, finding her voice.
Amenhotep grabbed her arm roughly.
"If you want to live then I suggest you speak when spoken to and at all other times so, SHUT UP!"
Jessitahn stood still, seething quietly. How dare he speak to her and treat her like that.
The door to Brianahtan's room was opened by his servant. Amenhotep pushed her into the room.
"Can't he open the door himself?"
Amenhotep raised his hand to slap her but a voice boomed from the corner of the room.
"Leave her be!"
Jessitahn got her first glimpse of Kevinutahn's twin brother. They were not similar in looks apart from the pronounced jawbone. He sat on a chair in the corner of the room staring at her. She felt afraid. He really did look formidable.
"Who built the tunnel?"
She just stared at him. Although he scared her she wasn't going to give in.
"Tell me."
Jessitahn looked around the room trying to find something to focus her attention on. Suddenly Brianahtan leapt up from his chair and grabbed her arms tightly.
"TELL ME OR YOU'LL FEEL MY ANGER GIRL!"
Jessitahn wanted to say that she wasn't a girl but somehow she realised that this wasn't the time to come out with smart remarks.
"I don't know!" she sobbed, "I found it and was exploring it!" Jessitahn was good at lying but this was under real pressure.
Brianahtan suddenly let go of her and sat down on his chair again. He looked tired. Almost as if he'd had many sleepless nights.
"Take her to the joker." Brianahtan sighed.
Jessitahn didn't struggle but let herself be led down the corridor. At the end they turned right and went down some steps before following the corridor to a door at the end. Amenhotep opened the door and shoved her through.
"Tie her up till morning!"
The door slammed shut behind her. In the darkness she heard someone trying to light a torch.
"For Horus's sake!"
The voice that cursed had a pleasant sound to it. As the room filled with light Jessitahn realised where she was. She gasped in horror at the chains and other things hanging from the walls. Looking before her she saw a handsome man looking at her.
"Welcome."
Then he fell about laughing.
"What's so funny?" she yelled at him then sank to the floor in tears.
"I'm sorry."
He hurried over to her and hovered as if not sure how to cope with a crying woman.
"I didn't mean to upset you. It was a joke."
"Well it wasn't funny."
He sat down next to her. "I've never thought it funny either."
Forgetting her tears she frowned at him. "Why say it then?"
He shrugged, "You try doing this job. If you don't make it into a joke you go mad and kill yourself. That's what the last bloke did."
Jessitahn winced at the thought. "Well, why have the job then?"
"I'm following my father's profession."
It dawned on Jessitahn that his father had been the previous torturer.
"Sorry."
"For what beautiful?" He looked at her.
She smiled. "So what's my fate down here then?"
"Torture until you tell the man what he wants to know!" He grinned then stopped when he realized she didn't find it amusing.
"I don't like doing it!" He got up and paced the room, "I have no choice. My father signed me over before he killed himself!"
Jessitahn got up and put an arm around him. "You could run away and join the rebels."
"Only if you run away with me." He grinned at her.
She smiled and looked at the floor slightly embarrassed.
"I could run away," he said, then added, "I couldn't join the rebels though."
"Why not?"
"Because I already am one."
"What?" Jessitahn looked at him in disbelief. Was he really a rebel or was it a plan to make her talk?
"What about you, are you a rebel?"
She looked into his eyes. "If you're really a rebel then prove it!"
He shrugged, "Ok then." He held out a hand to her, "I'm Alexatros."
Suddenly it all fell into place. This was the rebel she had been sent to find.
"Jessitahn." She said grinning and taking the pro-offered hand.
"I was told to expect a visitor but I didn't think it'd be a girl!"
Jessitahn's smile faded, "And why not?"
"Er...because I...um...I just didn't! I'm sorry."
Jessitahn looked at him. She wanted to mad with him for the statement he had just made but she didn't feel that she could be.
"So what's the message?" Alexatros said to break the silence.
"Oh," Jessitahn said as if remembering what she was there for, "they've all gone to Crete and plan to be back in half a year."
Alexatros frowned as if considering what she had just said. He looked at her. "Where are you staying?"
"Here by the looks of it!"
Alexatros shook his head. He beckoned to her and she followed him to the other end of the room. Cleverly concealed behind a wall hanging was a door that had been painted to look like the wall. "You get out here."
Jessitahn turned round to say something to Alexatros but misjudged how far away he was. As she turned into him and he caught hold of her to stop them falling on the floor. Jessitahn felt her face redden.
"Sorry," she mumbled.
"Don't be," he whispered softly.
Jessitahn looked into his eyes. She wanted to kiss him but had never been this close to a guy before. He moved closer to her. His eyes were so beautiful yet they told her so much that she didn't want to know. His experience would be way beyond hers. If things got heated she wouldn't know what to do. As his lips brushed hers she jumped back as if she'd been stung.
"What is it?" he asked, his voice full of concern.
"I just...I mean I can't...oh!"
"You're married, right? Story of my life." He turned away.
"No I'm not married!"
The quickness to which she replied made him spin round suddenly. Their eyes met and Jessitahn took a deep breath. Alexatros put his arms round her and held her firmly but gently to him.
"Don't be scared. I'll never hurt you."
Before she could protest he planted a lingering kiss on her lips. A thrill of delight ran down her spine.
"You were saying?" He said smiling.
"Nothing at all." Jessitahn returned his smile.
Alexatros let go of her and took her hand. "You've got to get out tonight." He let go of her hand and pushed the hidden door open. "It comes out at the Servants of Hathor's quarters. They'll look after you. I'll come and visit you."
She smiled at him. He put a hand to her cheek and kissed her lightly.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
The door closed behind Jessitahn and she found herself in another dark secret tunnel. Feeling along the wall she started moving down the tunnel. The quarters of the Servants of Hathor was quite a way from the palace so she prepared herself for a long journey in the dark.
"WHERE IS SHE?"
Alexatros woke up with a start. Brianahtan was standing over him with a furious look on his face.
"Who?" Alexatros was a good liar.
"The girl?" Brianahtan said, with impatience.
"Dunno who you mean, Lord." Alexatros shrugged.
"She was brought down here by Amenhotep last night. Now WHERE IS SHE?"
He shrugged again, "Didn't see anyone last night, Lord, Let alone Amenhotep."
Alexatros winked at Amenhotep, "Got her in your room eh? Following in the footsteps of your predecessor?"
Brianahtan turned his glare to Amenhotep.
"I don't know what he means!" Amenhotep realized he could not prove otherwise and stared fearfully at the Pharaoh.
"What did you do with her?" Brianahtan's voice had a dangerous edge to it.
"I brought her down here!"
Alexatros stepped back and let Brianahtan look at the room.
"Then where is she Amenhotep?"
"How should I know?" he muttered miserably.
Brianahtan nodded to the guards who surrounded Amenhotep.
"No! Wait! I'll find her!"
An evil grin grew on Brianahtan's face as the guards began to beat up Amenhotep. Alexatros looked away in horror. He had to leave the palace, maybe even the city. If this was the fate of their own then ... he didn't want to think what would happen to him if Brianahtan knew who he was. The guards dragged Amenhotep away and Alexatros was left in the room with Brianahtan.
"The big one today!"
"Pardon?" Alexatros looked confused.
"Nickataten!"
"Oh yes!" Alexatros played along with Brianahtan's delight.
Brianahtan left the room and Alexatros went and stood before his blades. Something sharp so that it would be quick and painless. He miserably wandered over to the small window. He didn't want to do this.
Jessitahn was eating fruit for breakfast. About 15 minutes had seen her to the quarters where the servants had taken her in. As she ate she heard a shout from the stairs.
"Slow down! You must eat first!"
To her surprise, Meritaten came running down the stairs. She stopped dead as she saw Jessitahn sat at the table.
"Jessitahn!"
Jessitahn smiled and stood up. Meritaten hugged her. "Are you ok Meritaten?"
"Yeah. Why are you here, are the others with you?"
"It's just me. Where are you off to in such a hurry?"
Carolatahn smiled, "Come with us and we'll tell you everything on the way."
Jessitahn was given some robes to disguise herself and they set off into the city.
Kevinutahn greeted Phoebus. Behind them a great ship was being loaded with supplies and people.
"Has everyone arrived yet?" Howylos asked Phoebus.
"All except Alexatros and one girl."
"They're not coming." Kevinutahn said quickly, taking a sideways look at Howylos.
A young Egyptian came over.
"Boats loaded and ready to go sir!"
Phoebus smiled at his two friends, "Let's not stay in Egypt longer then we need to then!"
As the ship sailed away from the banks of the Nile and headed for the delta, Howylos stood at the rail thinking of only one thing...getting Nickataten.
By the time they reached the palace gates a crowd of people had already gathered. Between them, Meritaten and Carolatahn had told Jessitahn everything that had happened. Jessitahn was a little shocked but understood the situation.
The crowd were all gossiping and Meritaten miserably listened to them.
"I hear he was in league with the rebels!"
"Well, someone told me that a rebel girl was using him to get information!"
This went on with Meritaten getting more and more distressed.
Alexatros stood outside the door to Nickataten's cell. He had been sent to fetch Nickataten. Looking into the cell he saw Nickataten standing tall. The look on his face was one of indifference. Alexatros opened the door. Nickataten turned his stare to Alexatros.
"I hope you chose a good blade."
Alexatros looked away from Nickataten. There was something that just wasn't right about all of this. Deep inside he knew that executing Nickataten was wrong. If he disobeyed Brianahtan then he would be killed himself. Up until he met Jessitahn that would not have bothered him but now he had a reason to live.
Sighing he took hold of Nickataten and led him out of the cell.
Meritaten was first to spot them leaving the palace grounds.
"Oh my god!"
He looked drained of life.
Jessitahn started to jump around.
"Come on," she said to the other two, "let's get his attention."
Nickataten saw a sea of faces before him. He looked down. They were all calling for his death. There was no point looking at their faces. Alexatros scanned the crown and caught sight of Jessitahn jumping up and down with two other women. He frowned. What were they doing?
"It's no use!" Meritaten sobbed, "he won't look up!"
"Alexatros has seen me!" Jessitahn cried, "I'll try to get him to stop it."
Alexatros didn't understand what Jessitahn wanted him to do. As he continued to stare at her Brianahtan gave the order for Nickataten to kneel before Alexatros. Alexatros looked down at Nickataten before looking at Jessitahn again. It was then that he understood what she wanted.
As he raised the blade he whispered to Nickataten.
"Look up at the crowd Nickataten."
Surprised that Alexatros had said something, Nickataten looked up. Jumping around frantically he saw her. Meritaten! His heart leapt higher than an eagle soaring above the desert. She was alive! Then it dawned on him. If he didn't act fast he would be dead!
"Stop!" he yelled leaping to his feet.
"What's this?" Brianahtan was not happy with the interruption.
Nickataten dropped to the floor before Brianahtan.
"Sire, I realize now that I wish to work for you and you alone."
Meritaten smiled. He had seen her and reacted. She felt as if all her worries had been lifted. They would be together again!
Jessitahn also smiled. Everything had worked out, for the moment.
That night Alexatros was sat in his room when he heard a tapping at the secret door. Getting up slowly he went over to the door and put his ear to it.
"Alexatros! Let us in!"
Jessitahn! Alexatros opened the door. Jessitahn came through with Meritaten. Jessitahn hugged Alexatros.
"This is Meritaten," she said.
Alexatros smiled at her, "So you're the girl he fell in love with!"
All further conversation was halted as they heard a knock at the door. Alexatros pushed them around a corner to where he kept the chains. As he went to the door they held their breath.
"Who is it?"
Standing at the door was Brianahtan. Alexatros kept his feelings of alarm from spreading to his face where Brianahtan could easily see it.
"I want something Alexatros."
Subconsciously Alexatros turned his back to the wall and took a couple of steps away from the pharaoh. Brianahtan frowned at him then walked into the room.
"Do you have any chains?"
"Loads, why sire?"
"Excellent! Let's see them then!"
Alexatros had to think quickly. Seeing a chair he grabbed it.
"Sire, how about you sit down and I'll bring the chains to you."
Brianahtan sat on the chair and fixed Alexatros with a stare.
"What sort of chain would you like?"
Behind him the two women huddled terrified around the chains that hung on the walls.
Kevinutahn glimpsed Crete. A fire was burning on the dockside to guide the ship in. Much the same as the fire at Alexandria, Kevinutahn thought. As the ship neared the island his thoughts turned to Tiy. He had been too busy to think of her much these past few days. One day he would destroy Brianahtan and claim her for his wife. He pulled a small piece of purple see-through cloth from his bag that was slung over his shoulder. Tiy had given it to him that first time he had left to live in Karkur Tohl. He closed his eyes and ran his fingers over the material. In his mind he saw her dressed beautifully in purple. A wedding tunic, perhaps.
"Kevinutahn."
Brought back to the present he turned to see Phoebus walking towards him.
"Where do you want everyone to go when we dock?"
Kevinutahn hastily stuffed the bit of cloth back in his bag.
"Um...I think we should all gather in the centre temple to decide how it works from there."
"How long till we're all trained and ready?"
"About 5 months?" Kevinutahn shrugged.
Howylos felt frustrated. He couldn't wait 5 months to get his revenge. Staring across the water at where they had just come from he vowed to himself that one day he would kill Nickataten.
Brianahtan was bored with Alexatros.
"Just give me that chain." He pleaded.
Alexatros handed it to him and watched the Pharaoh leave. When the door shut he breathed out a sigh of relief. The two women came out of hiding and started to walk towards him. The door opened suddenly. All three people froze, thinking it was Brianahtan.
Meritaten was the first to move.
"Nickataten!"
He turned from shutting the door and swept her into his arms.
"My darling Meritaten! How I've missed you!"
He peppered her face with kisses and she kissed him back. They held each other tightly. Each one loath to let the other go. Jessitahn took Alexatros's hand.
"That's so sweet," she murmured.
Nickataten looked up at Alexatros.
"Thank you," he said, "I nearly ruined everything back then."
Alexatros took Nickataten's hand and smiled at him, "I don't believe in killing innocent men."
Nickataten looked at Meritaten. He wanted to spend some time with her.
"Shall we go for a walk?"
She nodded. They left through the door and crept through the palace until they were out of the grounds. Nickataten steered her towards a grassy hill overlooking the city. He sat down and pulled her down next to him.
In the moonlight she looked even prettier. She had a sort of radiant glow to her. He leant across and kissed her softly. It soon turned into a passionate kiss. He allowed his hands to run down her body. She moaned softly at his touch and he went to take his skirt off. Meritaten watched him with a smile then remembered the baby.
"We can't." she whispered softly.
"Why?"
He took her hand and pressed kisses to her fingertips.
"I need to tell you something."
He looked into her eyes. He saw excitement and smiled.
"Tell me."
Squeezing his hand tightly she said, "I'm pregnant."
He broke into a huge grin. Meritaten laughed with delight. Nickataten placed a hand on her tummy.
"When is it due?"
"About 5 months time."
"Darling," he whispered as he held her tightly.
The moon shone down on the peaceful scene below.
Jessitahn smiled at Alexatros, "That was some day."
He didn't say anything but smiled at her instead. He took a step towards her.
"What?" she giggled.
He put his arms around her and pulled her close. She looked into his eyes and he kissed her. Gently he pushed her down onto his bed. At first she protested.
"Alexatros!"
He brushed a stray hair from her face, "If you want me to stop then say it."
She looked at him. Her body ached for him. She couldn't say no.