This time I am posting a Story-Telling exercise from a few years ago. It combines my love of tarot with my love of Ancient Egypt. Enjoy!
The Tarot loves to tell stories. The following is the result of asking seven questions and stepping aside so the cards could speak.
Story Telling
Deck – Ancient Egyptian
How should the story begin?
Six of Coins – the giving of wealth and awards
Who will solve the crime?
The Chariot – Lord Ahmose, Captain of the Charioteers
Who is the guilty party?
Five of Cups – disappointed and grieving lover
Who will help Lord Ahmose to uncover the truth?
Queen of Swords – the wily Nebet Hetepet
How was it done?
Temperance
What is the result?
Three of Swords
How does Ahmose fare?
Judgement
Ahmose and the Feast of Amun
Year Five of the Reign of Pharaoh Ra-Hotep
The Living Horus, Whose Ka is Exalted
Life, Health, Prosperity!
It was the Feast of Amun and the city was celebrating. The priests of the temple had performed the rituals and the people were enjoying the festivities. Beer and bread, ducks and onions, music and dancing. The streets were filled with the merrymaking of thousands of Pharaoh’s children. Lord Ahmose climbed into his litter for the ride to the Royal Palace. It was time for the giving of favours and promotions. Pharaoh would be waiting to distribute this years awards to the faithful, the courageous, and the wily. The litter carried him through the maze of streets and the crush of celebrants. The noise receded and the way became easier. There would be many supplicants today, men hopeful of wealth and the favour of Pharaoh. Lord Ahmose intended to receive both.
As Captain of Pharaoh’s Charioteers, Ahmose had fought many battles to protect the Two Lands. The last skirmish had driven away Asian invaders intent on capturing and killing soldiers stationed in the eastern outposts. He had personally taken the hands of 20 of the enemy and chased many more back into the desert. Today he would reap the reward of his bravery and his loyalty to Egypt. Perhaps, Ahmose mused, he would receive the Golden Flies, the highest honour awarded to a soldier for bravery.
Lost in his daydream of the riches to come, the Captain was surprised when his litter tumbled to the ground. Shouts rang out and choking dust rose up as many feet raced past where Ahmose and his servants were sprawled.
The Lord Ahmose was furious. “What in the name of Set is wrong with you! How dare you drop me! I’ll have each and every one of you impaled in the desert and left for the jackals!”. “But Master, it was not our fault! The soldiers pushed us and knocked us down as they ran past us!” replied the frightened slave.
Ahmose rose and dusted off his once brilliantly white kilt. “To the Duat with the bunch of them!” he shouted. “I can’t present myself at court looking like this!”. A soldier in the rear guard of the troops heard his complaint and recognized the Captain. He stopped long enough to explain. “There will be no court today for you my Lord Ahmose or anyone else. The daughter of Pharaoh is missing! She was attacked on her way back from the Temple. Her litter carriers are scattered and the princess is nowhere to be found. The wrath of Pharaoh is great”. The soldier ran on to join the rest of his troop, leaving Lord Ahmose in shock.
He must find out who did this! Who would dare to kidnap the Princess? How did they manage to take the Lady Sat Hathor when she was surrounded by guards? What did they plan for her? Even more troubling, was she still alive?
After making sure that neither he nor the services of his squad were wanted or needed, Lord Ahmose made his way to the banks of the Nile. He had decided that the wharf, the busiest of all places in the land, should be his first stop. Men from many countries could be found here trying to sell the wares they had brought with them. Along with Hittite traders and sailors from beyond the Great Green, fisherman, merchants, prostitutes, thieves and most importantly, assassins and kidnappers could be found there. It was eerily silent, quite unlike the usual noise and bustle. “These people are afraid”, thought Ahmose. “They must know something that would put them in danger of the wrath of Pharaoh. I must find out what they know!”
Many debens of copper and silver were wrapped tightly in a linen cloth and carried by Ahmose himself. He knew that coins always loosen the tongue. He went first to the House of the Beautiful One, the most frequented of all the brothels. Nebet Hetepet, Mistress of Offerings, ran this house and Ahmose knew her well. Many weeks spent in the dry and dusty desert under the blazing eye of Ra made a man hungry for the cool delights that Nebet Hetepet had to offer. Men came to this brothel to drink, to find a woman, to relax and gossip. If there was something to find out Ahmose was sure he would learn of it here.
A tall and sensuous woman appeared and bowed to Ahmose. “Lord Ahmose, it has been too long since we showed you our hospitality. Come with me. The mistress will be pleased to see you.” No one knew the real name of this beautiful woman. She was a gift to Nebet Hetepet from one of the brothel’s regular customers, a highly placed official in Pharaoh’s court. Names were words of power and although Bener was a slave, spoils in war from a foreign country, she held on to this at least. Bener was her name now. She would be known as “sweet little one” and no one would ever be able to use her name, her power, against her. She seemed even more beautiful than he remembered her. There was something in her face, some change that Ahmose could not quite grasp. “Thank you Bener. I am in great need of the wisdom of your Mistress”. Bener raised one eyebrow but said nothing. She turned gracefully and led Lord Ahmose to the private rooms of Nebet Hetepet.
“Ah, my Lord! How good it is to see you. You bring honour to my house. Did you come to savour the delicacies I have to offer?”. She looked deeply into his eyes and softly sighed. “No, I see that you come on another, more serious matter. Sit!”. She clapped her hands and two servants appeared. “Bring us beer and food and then leave us.”
The slaves returned with beer, roast duck, bread and honey cakes. They left quietly and closed the curtains. Ahmose could see their shadows against the fine linen. They would guard the doorway and make sure that their Mistress was not disturbed.
Nebet Hetepet was once one of the most beautiful women in Egypt. Time, good food, many servants and much wealth had taken away her tiny, delicate body. She retained her beauty but now only those men with a fond memory of the youthful Nebet sought her out. And of these, only a very special few ever made it into her bedroom and into her confidence. Lord Ahmose was one of these favoured few.
“Only you, Lord Ahmose, are wise enough to come to The House of the Beautiful One in search of answers. The Eyes and Ears of Pharaoh, the Medjay, the palace guards…all are searching the city for the evil-doer. They won’t find him.”
Nebet Hetepet picked delicately at the duck She drank a long draught of beer and looked questioningly at Ahmose. “What kind of life do you think awaits a royal Princess? Egypt does not marry her royal women to Princes of other countries. She cannot marry anyone below her station and there is no one in The Two Lands above her. She is not in line for the throne and yet she is a constant danger. Perhaps a Lord or a Noble could convince her that she could rule Egypt more wisely than her brother. She has royal blood and many would foolishly follow her. If she is called by the god she can become the Wife of Amun and submerse herself in the duties of that priestly office. What if she isn’t so inclined? What if she is passionate and headstrong but without intelligence and wisdom? What if she wants nothing more than to be a wife to a farmer and mother to many sons and daughters?” Ahmose held his glass of beer, unable to take his eyes from Nebet Hetepet “What was the woman trying to say?” he thought to himself.
“You are wise in the ways of the world Lord Ahmose. I’m sure that you will be able to think on this matter and come to a conclusion. The true conclusion.”. Nebet Hetepet arose from her cushions and called for her servants. “The Lord Ahmose is leaving now. Escort him to his litter and then return immediately. We have much work ahead of us this evening”. She looked closely at Ahmose and what she saw satisfied her. “I will say no more. Remember the words that you heard and the sights that you saw. You will find your answer. Remember also the days of your youth before you make a decision as to what to do with that knowledge.”
As he walked out of The House of the Beautiful One, Ahmose caught site of Bener. She was carrying linens toward the back of the house and her eyes were shining. “She seems very happy for a servant!” thought Lord Ahmose. “Life, health, prosperity to you my Lord” called Bener. Her slender form disappeared behind the curtains.
Arriving home Ahmose dismissed his servants and walked purposefully to his sleeping quarters. He lit the lamps and sprawled on his pallet. He must think! Nebet Hetepet knows what happened. She knows and she told me! But what do her words mean?
He closed his eyes to think but the excitement of the day overtook him and he fell into a troubled sleep. His dreams were full of beautiful women, children, and farmers. There was the princess, sad eyed and desolate. Bener appeared, smiling at him with mocking eyes and Nebet Hetepet came to whisper secrets. In the swirls of his unconscious Ahmose saw a woman standing with one foot in a pool of sacred water. The other foot was on dry land and she was pouring liquid from a golden cup to one made of electrum. Back and forth the stream of liquid flowed. Ahmose was drawn to those cups and to their contents. The faces of the women came and went, flashing between the vision of the Lady and her Cups. Bener wishing him good health, the missing Royal Princess, Nebet Hetepet with her knowing look. The Royal Princess and Bener. Gold cup, electrum cup.
Ahmose awoke with a cry. He knew the secret! He knew what Nebet Hetepet was trying to tell him! He must see Pharaoh! But first, a trip to the House of the Beautiful One.
Lord Ahmose was brave but not stupid. He knew the streets of the city were dangerous, especially at night. He took many armed men with him and no one approached or tried to interfere. If only he wasn’t too late!
As he raced through the city Ahmose thought about what he had learned. He pondered various solutions to Pharaoh’s predicament. How to allow his daughter, a woman with royal blood, to just vanish? Pharaoh must save face. He must make secure the throne and his heir. He must reassure the people that he was the Mighty One, that nothing in the land was accomplished without his approval.
Bener was waiting for him on the steps to The House of the Beautiful One. When Ahmose saw her he wondered how he could ever have been mistaken. The same build, the same colouring, the same exquisite beauty. But this beautiful woman, with tears spilling out of her darkly kohled eyes, was not the servant Bener. It was Her Royal Highness, Princess Sat Hathor.
“Life, health, prosperity to you Lady Sat Hathor”. She was not surprised by his greeting. “Old habits die hard Lord Ahmose. I realized as soon as I had given the Royal greeting that I had given myself away. Nebet Hetepet was very angry with me.” The heart of Lord Ahmose was filled with pity. How unhappy she must have been to attempt such a thing! “No one could remain angry with you for long My Lady. Besides, the Mistress told me of the plan”. He paused for a moment, unsure of his next words. She was, after all, the Princess of Egypt, daughter of Mighty Pharaoh. She had the power to end his life or, at the very least, send him into exile. She must have seen the hesitation. She lifted her head proudly and addressed him. “You have nothing to fear from me Lord Ahmose. My life is in ruins, my heart broken. I no longer care what happens to me. I have no more will, no power. I have nothing”. With these last words the Princess broke into sobs and ran into the House.
The Lord Ahmose followed her into the inner room, the sobs of the young woman leading him to where she lay, crumpled and keening. The Mistress was holding Sat Hathor and stroking her head. “There, there. It will be alright little one. Lord Ahmose will help us.” She looked up and smiled at the Captain. “You will help a love sick girl and a sentimental old woman, won’t you?” The Captain nodded. “I will do what I can for both of you”.
“She was so unhappy you see. The rigours of court and the fawning of the courtiers, the incessant demands on her time, the watchful eye of Pharaoh. All she wanted was a “normal” life. To fall in love, marry, have children. I am well known in court”, she blushed delicately, “And little Sat Hathor eluded her protectors and sought me out. We had many long talks and peaceful hours. I knew right away that Bener and the Lady could be mistaken for one another. Some days, to the delight of both of us, Sat Hathor would take the place of Bener. She greeted customers, brought food and drink, changed linens. She was so happy! And then the inevitable happened. She met a young man here and was taken with him. I tried to warn her that any man who used my establishment was not good enough for her. She wouldn’t listen. She planned to run away and marry him and she sought my help. We devised a plan. Lady Sat Hathor would attend the ceremonies but slip away before the Royal party approached their litters to return to the palace. Her personal servant, who agreed to help, would step inside and give the order to return to the Palace. We hoped that no one would notice Sat Hathor’s absence until the procession reached the Palace. It was unfortunate that her sister, Meryamun, took it into her head to talk to Sat Hathor on the ride home. When she climbed into the litter and found her sister missing she raised the alarm. The servant had the presence of mind to run off into the crowds before she could be stopped by Pharaoh’s men. She made her way here and we have sent her to the Delta to keep her safe from Pharaoh”. A sad look came over her face and she swallowed loudly, trying to keep the tears out of her voice. “That wretched boy took fright and left the little one all alone. Now she will have no husband and no home. How can she return to the Palace? Pharaoh will have her exiled or killed. He must punish her. He cannot afford any sign of weakness. The people demand strength from Pharaoh.”
The old Captain was stirred by the story. The fact that Nebet Hetepet showed no concern for herself was not lost on him. She truly loved this child. Pharaoh’s wrath would surely strike her too but she seemed worried only about the fate of the young Princess. He promised to help them. But how?
Ahmose understood that courage was necessary but tact was essential if he was to save the Princess and her friends. He would approach the Queen, mother of Sat Hathor. Surely she would understand a young girl’s foolishness? “Keep her safe Mistress. I will do my best with Pharaoh.”
The next day a litter appeared outside the House of the Beautiful One, a litter bearing the Royal standard. The Queen herself, surrounded by guards, stepped out from behind the curtains. “Take me to my daughter immediately!”. When Sat Hathor saw her mother she stood very still and very straight. The Princess might be an anxious young woman, worried about her impending fate but she was, first and foremost, a Royal young woman. “Hello Highness” she said and bowed. “Silly child,” whispered the Queen as she raised her arms to her daughter. At that sign from her mother, Sat Hathor ran across the room to be enfolded by those welcoming arms. “Your father is very angry with you” said the Queen. She looked up and into the eyes of Nebet Hetepet. “And even angrier with those who helped you in this idiotic scheme.” “Oh mother!” wailed the princess, “Don’t let father harm Nebet Hetepet! She is my friend.”
“You are both coming back to the Palace where I can keep an eye on you. You obviously need more supervision and an outlet for all that passion. And this woman needs watching. I can’t leave her. Who knows what kind of mischief the two of you will get up to next time. She can be your hand servant”.
“Certainly Your Highness. As you wish.” said Nebet Hetepet as she made obeisance to the Queen. The old woman was secretly glad. She was tired of this life and ready to settle down.
“Oh, thank you Mother!” cried Sat Hathor. “You have talked to Pharaoh? It is alright?”
“This time I have cooled his anger. I doubt that I can intervene a second time Sat Hathor. Come, we will return now to the Palace”.
Lord Ahmose accompanied the women to the House of Pharaoh. He retired as Captain of the Charioteers and settled into the life of a man of the court. He could often be found walking in the gardens with Sat Hathor and Nebet Hetepet. He had received his honours at last.
From the pen of the Scribe Em-Sesheta
"Hail to you Djehuti, Lord of Divine Words,
Homage to you who records the measures,
Who balances the scale whereon the heart is placed.
I call upon your wisdom and sound judgement,
Wise scribe, make me clean of hands and pure of heart,
I keep your heart alive,
Uttering words that the gods love.”
That which is written shall be remembered.
