The Amulet of Amon-Ra (6 page)

“Oh, they'd probably be bored,” she said aloud. Or scared. Hannah wasn't interested in anything except clothes and makeup, and all Kelly and Ashley seemed to be able to talk about these days were boys and how immature that goof, Tyler, was acting. Jennifer felt like she was being left behind. She pretended to be interested in the same things, but really, it made for dull conversations. None of the others even wanted to play baseball any more. They'd all been together since the first grade, but now it was like they were drifting apart. All three of them had laughed at her when she'd made the mistake of being excited about the Egypt topics.

Jennifer rolled off the bed and tiptoed to the garden doorway, hesitating. She'd been told not to go outside.

She snorted. There were no such things as demons.

She slipped into the garden. She could make out buildings all around, some of them with windows glowing from within. And it was so quiet! Most people were indoors for the night. The silence was broken only by bird cries and muffled voices. Somewhere, two cats fought over territory. Something large splashed in the river, sounding closer than it was.

Grandma Jo would have loved it.

“Adventure is where you find it.” It was something Grandma Jo always said. In a different country or in your own backyard, it all depended on how you looked at it. This was definitely an adventure. She couldn't explain it, but she felt like she fit in here. She wished Grandma Jo was there to share it.

Had Grandma Jo been worried about her? The dust had sent Jennifer traveling and she was now in Dje-Nefer's body. If Dje-Nefer was in hers, she was probably just as confused as Jennifer was. Jennifer's world might seem a lot stranger to the other girl. At least Jennifer had known something about Dje-Nefer's world. She could speak the language, too. Maybe it was part of being in Dje-Nefer's body. So perhaps Dje-Nefer could talk to Grandma Jo.

Would Grandma Jo have understood what had happened? It would have looked like she'd gone crazy. Jennifer hoped she wouldn't find herself locked in an asylum when she returned. If she returned.

Below on the street, a door creaked open and shut again. She heard Ka-Aper's deep voice rumbling, and Neferhotep's lighter one answering him. She thought she heard him mention her name. Moving as silently as possible, she padded across the cold garden tiles, then bent the reeds apart slightly so she could look down at the street. The two men were right below her.

“I think Dje-Nefer's amulet will protect her,” said Neferhotep. “Surely the demons wouldn't be interested in a mere girl.”

“Perhaps. I am concerned that she fell asleep in their garden. Has she been acting oddly?”

“A…little.”

“A demon may well have bitten her ka. If you like, I can help you put together the herbs and spells of protection. The girl will need to carry it with her for a few days.”

“That heart scarab she wears is hollow. She could put it in there.”

“Excellent. But we may yet have to perform an exorcism,” said Ka-Aper.

“Oh,” said Neferhotep. He paused. “Must it come to that?”

“We'll see. Now, you go back in and stay in these wonderfully homey surroundings. I envy you your family.”

“They are good people,” said Neferhotep. “Are you sure you can't stay? It's so late…”

Ka-Aper laughed, a booming sound that echoed between the buildings. “What? Are you worried that the night demons will attack me? Remember that Ka-Aper is a priest of mighty Amon-Ra. I have my own protections.”

“Of course, sir.”

“You have stayed up late enough on my account. You go ahead and stay the night. I will see you tomorrow, in the temple.”

“Good night, sir, and thank you,” said Neferhotep. He reopened the door and slipped into the house.

Jennifer clutched her amulet. So Neferhotep thought she'd been acting strange. She'd have to watch herself more carefully.

Ka-Aper walked down the street. Jennifer was about to pull her head back through the reeds, when she noticed him slowing down. She jerked back as he glanced up. When she peered out again a moment later, he had disappeared.

She squinted, trying to see where he was. There! Just emerging from a house on the corner, a small wrapped bundle in one hand. He slipped it under the leopard skin, then checked the street. Then he strode away, swallowed by the darkness.

“Now what was he doing, sneaking around like that?” Jennifer whispered.

“Dje-Nefer?”

Jennifer turned, stumbling backwards into the reed border. Someone was standing in the doorway.

“Dje-Nefer? What are you doing out here?” It was Mentmose. “Uncle Neferhotep said you weren't suppose to go outside.”

“I know,” said Jennifer. “I couldn't help it. I heard voices.”

“Who?”

“Nefer…I mean, Uncle Neferhotep and…Ka-Aper.”

“You shouldn't eavesdrop on people,” said Mentmose, frowning. “What were they saying?”

“They were talking about demons,” said Jennifer. “You don't believe in demons, do you? Uncle Neferhotep seems to.”

“Oh, you know Uncle Neferhotep. He believes in a lot of strange things. He once told me he thought the stars that make up Nut's jewelry might be suns for other lands. And that some day, we could have light without fire. Or buildings that reach to the sky, even higher than the pyramids.”

“Well, um,” said Jennifer, biting her lip. She didn't think she ought to tell Mentmose that Neferhotep had accurately predicted electricity and skyscrapers!

“He also said he had actually seen Amon-Ra once,” said Mentmose, frowning. “I overheard him telling that to Father.”

“Really?” asked Jennifer.

Mentmose shrugged. “Anyway, if there are demons, I've never seen one. Now come back inside.”

Jennifer gave the bent reeds one more glance. “All right.”

“I don't think I like the honorable Ka-Aper,” Mentmose said, mostly to himself.

“Me neither,” said Jennifer, as they walked back through the garden. “He, um, did a weird thing when I was watching.”

“Oh?”

“He got a package from the house down the street,” said Jennifer.

“So? Lots of people pick up packages.”

“At night?” said Jennifer. “And it was like he didn't want anyone to know what he was doing.”

“Well, I'm sure he had a reason. Go back to bed. Teti is still asleep.”

“She snores,” said Jennifer, as they made their way to the hole where the stairs were. Soft sounds of conversation rose from below.

“One more thing I have to look forward to,” Mentmose muttered.

“You should be nicer to her, you know. She's going to be your wife.”

“Not for a few years yet, thank Khnum. I still have some freedom. Go.” He pushed the curtain aside and went into his half of their room.

Jennifer tiptoed past Tetisheri and tried to lie down, but Miw, the little striped cat, was curled up on her mattress. She eased herself down beside the cat. She chirruped softly, then snuggled in closer when Jennifer pulled the sheet up. As she petted the cat's soft fur, Miw began to purr. Soothed by the sound, Jennifer was soon asleep.

When she woke the next morning, the cat was gone, but Tetisheri was still there, one arm flung over her eyes. She stirred as Jennifer sat up, yawning.

“Good morning,” said Jennifer. Tetisheri lowered her arm, blinking against the light.

“Mmmphm,” said Tetisheri, covering her face with her sheet. Jennifer grinned. Apparently, Teti was not a morning person.

“Mentmose, Dje-Nefer, Teti!” Meryt-Re caroled from the stairs. “Breakfast!”

Tetisheri groaned. “So early,” she muttered.

Jennifer chuckled and helped Tetisheri to rise. Both girls used the smelly clay pot. When they were ready, they pushed the curtain aside. There had been no awakening sounds from Mentmose.

“Oh, isn't he handsome,” said Tetisheri, sighing as she peered down at him.

Jennifer raised one eyebrow at her ‘brother.' He was drooling.

“I wonder if I should kiss him awake,” said Tetisheri, still watching her betrothed with a dreamy look on her face.

Jennifer thought about the probable consequences. It was tempting, but she didn't hate either of them that much. “No, that's not a good idea,” she said, trying not to smile.

She leaned down and shook his shoulder gently, then more firmly.

“Hey, Mentmose, time to get up,” she said. She shook him again, as hard as she could.

Mentmose rolled over, falling off his headrest with a thud. Soon he was snoring, his face mashed into the mattress. Jennifer grimaced. Well, if he missed breakfast that wasn't her fault.

Ramose and Meryt-Re were waiting for them in the kitchen, sitting cross-legged on the floor. Bowls of porridge and mugs of tea were set on the striped mat in front of them.

“Where is Neferhotep?” asked Tetisheri.

“He left at dawn, and we have been lolling at our ease since then,” said Ramose. “Come and eat. Where is Mentmose?”

“We couldn't wake him,” said Jennifer. “He was pretty zon—uh, tired.”

Ramose grinned. “I did tell him he should go to bed earlier. But he insisted on staying up to play senet and listen to our talk.” He rose and dipped a small bowl into the water jug, then went into the main room. Jennifer could hear him trotting up the stairs. A moment later, there was a loud bellow and several thumps from above. Tetisheri giggled.

Meryt-Re snorted in amusement as Ramose led a dripping Mentmose into the kitchen.

“Good morning, my bright-eyed son,” she said.

Mentmose glared at her, then flopped down on the floor beside Jennifer. “Why didn't you wake me?” he demanded.

“I tried,” said Jennifer.

“Really, she did,” said Tetisheri, yawning.

Jennifer was tempted to tell Mentmose about Tetisheri's wanting to kiss him awake, but thought she might wait until a better time. The way he was shoveling porridge into his mouth, he might end up spraying it all over the kitchen.

Instead, she picked up her own bowl and started eating. It was the same as yesterday, although this morning there were bits of meat and vegetables in it, probably from last night's leftovers. It was tasty, but she thought she might get tired of having the same thing every day. Visions of waffles and orange juice danced in her head. Maybe she could show Meryt-Re how to make pancakes—Mom had taught her just a few weeks ago. Although it was kind of a lost cause without maple syrup. She hadn't seen any maple trees here. Just lots and lots of date palms.

“Who would like some more?” asked Meryt-Re, lifting the bowl.

“I would,” said Ramose, “but I must get to work. Neferhotep said they want more of my amulets. I have completed some, but not all I promised him, so Mentmose and I will have to work hard to finish the rest.” He frowned. “I would like to take what I already have to him today, though.”

“I have to do the daily shopping,” said Meryt-Re, “and today I must see about an allotment of linen for all of us. Perhaps Dje-Nefer and Tetisheri could make the trip to the temple for you. That would give you more time.”

“Ah! A wise thought,” said Ramose. “Girls, would you mind?”

“Certainly we'll do it, Ramose,” said Tetisheri. “I can make my way home from there. Our new house is not far from the temple.”

“Good!” said Ramose, rising. He smiled at Meryt-Re. “Where would I be without you and your good sense?”

Meryt-Re chuckled. “Completely lost, I dare say.”

“Too true,” said Ramose, kissing her hand.

Tetisheri sighed and smiled. Mentmose rolled his eyes. Ramose rapped him on the head with his knuckles.

“Come, my son, we must go to the workshop.”

“Yes, Father,” said Mentmose. He gulped the last of his tea, then wiped his face on his wrist and scrambled to follow Ramose.

“This is promising,” said Meryt-Re. “I wonder if Ramose will ever be asked to create amulets for the Pharaoh herself.”

“My father doesn't approve of the Pharaoh,” said Tetisheri, helping herself to more porridge. “He says she ought not to have taken the double crown away from her nephew. He says Thutmose is the rightful king.”

Meryt-Re smiled. “Your father is a smart man, but he should be careful what he says. As should you. I have heard of people being sent into the desert for comments like that.”

“But—”

“But, nothing, Teti,” said Meryt-Re. “Watch your words.”

Tetisheri hung her head. “Yes, Meryt-Re.”

“Good.” She rose and peeked into the water jug. “I think I will get some more water today. I do wish Ramose would remember that we do not have an unlimited supply.”

“That's the Pharaoh's fault,” Tetisheri muttered. Jennifer glanced at Meryt-Re, but she seemed not to have heard the comment.

“Some day I would like to own a house that has water pipes,” said Meryt-Re.

“Like the palace?” asked Tetisheri.

“Yes. Then we wouldn't have to make a trip to the Nile so often. Ah, well. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.”

She turned, just as Ramose strode into the kitchen, carrying a small cloth bag. He opened it to show Meryt-Re.

“Ah,” she said, poking through it. She lifted out several pieces and inspected them closely. “These are perfect, as always. Fine work, husband.”

“Thank you,” said Ramose. He closed up the bag and handed it to Jennifer. “Neferhotep said to take these directly to him.”

“Um, all right,” said Jennifer.

Tetisheri beamed at Ramose. “Let's go!” She grabbed Jennifer's free hand and pulled her up.

Tetisheri seemed to have regained her voice. She chattered all the way to the temple, mostly about Mentmose and her plans for him. She didn't say anything about Hatshepsut, although she frowned at a man who was selling tiny statues of the Pharaoh, some of them dressed as a man, and some with women's clothing.

All in all, Jennifer was glad of Tetisheri's company. She knew she wouldn't have been able to find the temple without the other girl's help. They wound their way down the streets, already baking in the morning sun, dodging people and animals. They squeezed past a huge black stone statue of a crowned hawk, trying to avoid a lady in her sedan chair.

At one point, they found they couldn't get past a crowd of people who were enjoying the spectacle of two women having a loud argument over a laden donkey, which was placidly munching on some fruit. One of the Pharaoh's white-kilted soldiers was watching, his brawny arms crossed over his chest. He yawned, and didn't seem inclined to interfere until one of the women appealed to him for help. They watched for a moment, then Tetisheri pulled Jennifer away, down a side street shadowed by tall buildings.

When Tetisheri finally pulled her back into the main thoroughfare, Jennifer was completely lost, but Teti seemed to know where she was going.

“Here we are,” said Tetisheri, walking boldly towards the temple.

Jennifer probably could have found it on her own, eventually. Even though it was in the middle of a cluster of other buildings, it stood out. It was huge and brightly-painted, decorated over every stone surface with hieroglyphs and larger-than-life depictions of gods and animals. Tetisheri led Jennifer between two massive stone blocks, narrower at their tops than at their bottoms, which stood sentinel on the path to the temple. A bald man, surrounded by clay pots, was touching up the paint on some of the carved characters. Just beyond him, another man was polishing the gold inlay on a stone needle—an obelisk—that pierced the sky in front of the entrance.

Jennifer didn't have time to more than glance at it as Tetisheri hurried inside. They passed out of the bright sunlight into a dark hall where dozens of thick stone pillars grew like trees toward the heavens. They supported gigantic slabs of rock that formed the roof of the temple, so high above her that Jennifer could barely see them.

“What are you doing there?” someone asked. A man dressed in a priest's kilt and leopard skin came striding towards them.

“We're, um,” Jennifer stuttered.

“We have a delivery for the honorable Neferhotep,” Tetisheri stated in a calm, measured voice. Jennifer stared at her in astonishment.

“A delivery?” The man squinted at them, clearly suspicious.

“Yes, sir. If you would be so pleased as to inform him that we have the amulets he requested,” said Tetisheri. “We will wait.”

“Amulets, eh? I'll take them for him,” said the man.

“I'm sorry, sir,” said Tetisheri, with a little curtsey. “But we may not do so.”

“Hmph. Come, girl . . .”

“Dje-Nefer? Tetisheri?” Jennifer was relieved to hear Neferhotep's voice. “What are you doing here?”

“They claim they have amulets for you, Nefer,” said the man.

“Ah, yes. Thank you, Kai. I will take it from here,” said Neferhotep.

The man bowed and wandered away. Neferhotep looked after him, frowning. He turned back to Jennifer and Tetisheri with a bright smile.

“So, Ramose sent you two with my amulets, did he?”

“He was, um, busy,” said Jennifer. “Making more amulets.”

“Of course. Well, now that you are here, would you like something to drink?” he asked.

“Um,” said Jennifer. She wasn't sure she wanted to spend too much time with him. The less time he had to notice her ‘strange' behavior, the better. Tetisheri answered too quickly.