Chapter 21

Akhenaten had spent a large portion of the afternoon on the palace grounds, conversing with the Generals, and meeting the soldiers.

He had also been formally introduced to a poet, who was said to be one of the World's finest.

The poet was a young man, of perhaps eighteen. Court officials told Akhenaten that this youth, who's name was Osihotep, was exceedingly loyal to the crown of Khemet. He'd been asked to write a poem in commemoration of Akhenaten's coronation.

The new Pharaoh was amused by this. His interest had been successfully captured, and so collapsed onto a bench. "Please, read your poem to me, Good Poet."

"Yes Sire," the poet Osihotep nodded nervously, "I call it Ode to the New Pharaoh." He cleared his throat before beginning:

"Oh, Wondrous Sovereign,
Oh Pharaoh, of mercy, and love,
Thouest who was born to govern,
He who was sent, by Ra above.

Thy father's sword has tasted enemy flesh,
Thy inherited shield, the protection of Khemet's land,
Thou hast many great deeds to accomplish,
That can only be done, by thine hand.

Oh, thou, who has by Isis been blessed,
Oh, thou, who's Queen is pure, and true,
Oh thou, whom by the gods have been possessed,
Oh thou, who makes a mourning nation smile anew,

Oh, great Pharaoh, who will stand and fight, is faced with war,
Who hath earned thy people's love,
Smile upon Dear Khemet, 'ere more,
Unto thine ascent, to the clouds above."

Akhenaten grinned and clapped politely when the Poet finished, not sure he loved the poets words, but too appreciative of the effort to be insulting. "I have not been mislead. You have a talent, Good Poet. May I call you Osihotep?"

"Uh - sure, Sire." Osihotep bowed.

"I think though, that your verses may be a touch too aggrandizing."

"Oh, Sire, if I may say so, I believe you will be a great Pharaoh. Courageous, loyal to your people, I think you will bring her to even more glory."

"That makes one of us."

"Your wife will aid you." Osihotep said simply.

"Aye, she will. She is a wonderful woman, my wife." Akhenaten said adoringly.

"So I've heard. But it is not my place to speak about of your wife."

"Aye, that it isn't. Not that I mind, just so you know. In any case, you have a gift. I may call on you in the future, Osihotep. Brilliant poem!"

"Many thanks, Sire." Osihotep said softly, "I would be honoured to write for you."

"I'm glad you feel that way."

When at last the sun was beginning to set and the poet had left, Akhenaten wandered back to the Royal Bedchamber.

Ksunamun had been packing a few necessities, including a few changes of clothes, Akhenaten's weapons, and heavy linen blankets. It would be very cool at night, because they would be in, or close to, the desert at all times. These blankets would come in handy.

"History is written by the leaders of nations victorious in battle." Akhenaten said, drawing Ksunamun's attention. The new Pharaoh grinned. "I could sleep in that litter with you every night, and the histories would say I led my troops through the night, or perhaps bunked with them on the ground."

"Wouldn't it be offensive to the soldiers if you were to take shelter and comfort at night, while they have to suffer the elements?"

Akhenaten shrugged. "I will ask them. If they know you are there, I do not think they'd protest. Unless of course, they become jealous because they are away from their own wives."

"That is a very real possibility, Akhe." Ksunamun said in a bare whisper. She finished packing, and slammed the lid of the trunk she'd been filling down.

Akhenaten automatically lifted the trunk, and found it surprisingly light. He moved to carry it out, and down to the stables. "This'll go in a cart, Ksun. It'll have to."

Ksunamun followed him down the corridors. "That's fine as long as it is easily accessible."

"It will. And I will have you kept far from the battle. You will be guarded, too. I do not want there to be a risk of you being taken as a hostage."

"Aw, how sweet of you, dear Pharaoh." Ksunamun said sarcastically.

Akhenaten grunted.

"I'm just kidding!" Ksunamun amended. Please tell me I will see you more than at night, when the battle ceases."

Akhenaten sighed. "There is no guarantee the battle will stop for the night. When she sun is gone, it is easier to make a surprise attack."

Ksunamun sighed.

"Don't worry!" Akhenaten exclaimed, "You shall see me as often as I can spare a moment."

"Good."

"I will be using father's favoured chariot for this. It is a reliable vehicle, to be sure. I've asked that four good horses be rounded up to pull it."

"And what of my littler?"

"It will be carried by four of the young recruits. It is best if they take care of that, and stay away from the battle. The four we've chosen have only been in the army a few weeks. They've not had any decent training. It would be suicide for them to rush blindly into battle."

The land was covered in a blanket of darkness when at last, the mile-long convoy was ready to depart from the palace. The stars were hidden behind a black veil of cloud cover, and for now, it was yet quite warm. Everyone knew that the temperature would drop quickly, though, and for that reason, they had dressed quite warmly.

Akhenaten was leading the long convoy in his father's golden chariot as he had said he would. The horses that he'd chosen were all black, large in size and powerful of sinew. Sutekh was to stay behind, for though he was a good steed, and Akhenaten's favourite, he was getting old, and was quick to tire.

Close behind Akhenaten was Atemakhu, who'd been determined to come along. He was riding a dappled horse that was every bit as impressive as the four Akhenaten drove. Atemakhu had been asked to lead the physicians, and he'd agreed. The physicians were also on horseback, each of them on his own steed, with their saddle bags bulging with needles, thread, bandages, and other medical implements and surgical tools.

The new Pharaoh was keeping his horses going slow, so that he'd not get very far ahead of the soldiers who were on foot. The Generals were each on horseback, leading their troops in groups of one hundred.

Behind the troops were the four young soldiers who carried the litter Ksunamun was reclining on - sleeping, in fact. The litter was quite large, more or less a golden bed with a roof and with curtains of white linen to shield the Queen from the elements, the scorching sun in the day, and from the cold night air. It was the first time Ksunamun had ever been carried anywhere in such a manner.

Behind the Queen's Litter, were two carts being pulled by slave-driven horses. These carts were bearing the load of extra armour, weapons, Akhenaten and Ksunamun's trunk, and enough food for every soldier for a fortnight.

It was all in all an impressive caravan, and rightly so. It was not every day a Pharaoh led his best troops to fight for the borders of the land.

The troops marched until the young moon was high in the sky, having risen so that it hung like a lovely silver bauble, directly over the heads of those who plodded on underneath.

At last they stopped after Akhenaten brought his horses to a halt. The soldiers could have went on until dawn, but Akhenaten thought that would not be wise. He didn't want to drive the troops, he wanted them well rested throughout the trek, so that they'd be at peak health and mentality when the time came to face their foes.

He did however, choose one swift footed soldier, whom he conversed with in whispers. He asked the soldier to take one of the chariot's horses, and ride to the border to tell the General there that reinforcements were coming within a two days' march.

The soldier left quickly, assuring the new Pharaoh that he'd return before daybreak.

It did not take long for the soldiers to discard their packs, and set up camp. Before long the land was dotted with small fires, and little tents, each only just big enough to house a single person in minimal comfort.

A small hunting party had set out, hoping to find some fresh meat. the others ate what was readily available - bread and beer.

They laughed and chatted, not ready yet to sleep. Akhenaten put the three remaining horses of his chariot in the care of Atemakhu. Feeling a little more at ease with the firelight breaking the almost black night, he lit a torch, and wandered absently to Ksunamun's litter.

He found the litter on the ground, and the four soldiers who'd borne it were at each corner, standing at attention with spears in their hands, and scimitars in their belts.

Akhenaten knelt down on his hands and knees, and proceeded to plant his torch in the ground. He then brushed the soft white curtain aside. "Ksunamun?"

If she were feigning sleep, she was doing a remarkable job of it. Her breathing was slow, and steady as she lay, stretched out luxuriously in the sumptuous accommodations of the litter. She'd taken off her cloak and folded it up, and it was now under her head, serving as a headrest.

Akhenaten smiled faintly as he kissed Ksunamun's cheek. "Wake up, my sweet Hemet."

She lazily opened one eye. "Akhe?"

"Aye."

Ksunamun sat half way up. "What's going on?" she asked groggily, "What time is it?"

The Pharaoh chuckled. "I wouldn't be surprised if it were the wee hours of the morning by now, Lotus Blossom. We've stopped for the rest of the night. I won't have the men tiring themselves out this early on."

"I see. I must have fallen asleep quickly, Akhe. Because I can scarcely remember a thing."

"That's alright, Ksun. It's good that you are able to rest, actually." he smiled mischievously. "Say, is there enough room in here for one more?"

Ksunamun threw her arms around Akhenaten, pulling him partially into the litter. "Only if that one is you, my Pharaoh."

Akhenaten scrambled the rest of the way in as Ksunamun scooted away from him a little, so that he lay beside her. "Do you really think I'd allow someone else to usurp the one place I want to be more than anywhere in the world?"

"I should hope you wouldn't, Akhe." Ksunamun breathed as she reclined again, this time almost lying fully atop the Pharaoh. She lay there, Akhenaten's arms holding her against him, so that their situation was an intimate one indeed.

"Well well, aren't we being friendly?" Akhenaten joked.

Ksunamun sighed. "You are more comfortable to lie on than any bed."

Akhenaten chuckled. "A kind sentiment. I pray I am also comfortable to lie with, too."

Ksunamun stroked the Pharaoh's hair, giggling. "Aye, you are."

"Thank you, Ksun." Akhenaten whispered.

"Will you stay the night?" Ksunamun beseeched, "You won't leave me, will you?"

Akhenaten kissed her forehead. "I've missed you far too much to deny an invitation to stay." he paused, "However, I think we need food."

"Call forth someone to fetch it then." Ksunamun suggested, "I don't want to move."

Akhenaten sniggered. "Ah, Lotus Blossom, you amuse me with your words."

"I know, I will have to get up anyways." the Queen sighed.

"Only too right." Akhenaten opened the curtain again, and called the attention of one of the guarding soldiers.

"How may I serve you, my Pharaoh?" the soldier asked as he bowed, left knee forward.

Akhenaten motioned for the soldier to stand. "Get us some food, would you?"

The soldier nodded. "With all respect sire, a party went out to hunt. If you wait awhile, you might have fresh meat instead of the dry bread and stale water."