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Updated: June 15, 2025
Merytra, you are the wife of the great Vizier, the pre-eminent lord, the sole Companion of the King of Egypt, a high position for one who after all during the late reign was but Pharaoh's favourite, and Lady of the Footstool." "A footstool of silk is more comfortable to sit on than a state chair fashioned of blood-stained swords. Hearken you, Kaku! I am afraid.
"At a price, I suppose, Kaku." "Most certainly at a price, and I may add, a good price. No one thinks much of the physician who charges low fees. Well, you have managed to get here, and after all these years I am glad to see you again, looking almost as young and pretty as ever. Tell me your secret of eternal youth, dear Merytra."
Look," and she pointed before her, "yonder sinks the red ball of the sun; soon, soon it will be gone give me until it enters the gateways of the West to pray to Amen, and then if no help comes I will bow me to your bidding, and do homage to this noble Prince of the Hyksos blood, who snared Pharaoh his brother, and by help of his magicians and of his spy, Merytra, brought him to his end."
Merytra, who was vain, smiled at this artful flattery, although, in truth, it was well deserved, for at an age when many Egyptians are old, she remained fresh and fair. "An excellent conscience," she answered, "a good appetite and the virtuous, quiet life, which is the lot of the ladies of Pharaoh's Court there you have the secret, Kaku.
"No one knows anything save me, to whom Amen gives wisdom with sight of the future, and what I know I keep. Were it otherwise, O Abi, I could tell you things that would turn your grey hair white, and to Kaku and Merytra the spy, promise rewards that would make the torture-chamber seem a bed of down. But it is not lawful, nor would they sound pleasant in this bridal hour."
"It would seem that the gods deny to us that knowledge of the future which you sought. Be content with the present, Merytra." "Content with the present," she screamed, infuriated. "Look at what the present has given me a mouthful of blood and teeth. I, who was beautiful, am spoiled for ever; I am become an old hag. Pharaoh burst the ball with his hand, and threw the pieces at me.
Then he took a stool and sat himself down in front of Merytra, in such a position that the light fell on her face while his own remained in shadow. "A big business, Merytra, and by the gods I do not know that I should trust you with it.
"What passes here?" he gasped, sinking into a chair. "Is this the way you conduct your midnight studies, Kaku?" "Certainly not, most high Lord," replied the astrologer, trying to bow with his eye fixed on Merytra, who stood by him, the torn wig in her hand, in the act of striking. "Certainly not, exalted Prince. A domestic difference, that is all.
"Merytra has gone, O Queen," she said in an ominous voice, "leaving this behind hidden beneath her bed," and she placed the object on a table. "What is it? The mummy of a child?" asked Tua, shrinking back. "Nay, Queen, the image of a man."
Merytra listened, then said, "You have left out your part of the oath, Friend, namely, that you promise that I shall be the only wife of Pharaoh's Vizier and hold equal power with him." "I forgot," said Kaku, and added the words.
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