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PART THREE
SUMMER
CHAPTER TEN
FIRST MONTH OF SUMMER 11 TH DAY
The final ceremonies had been completed and the incantations duly
spoken. Montu, a Divine Father of the Temple of Hathor, took the broom
of heden grass and carefully swept out the chamber whilst he recited the
charm to remove the footprints of all evil spirits before the door was
sealed up for ever.
Then the Tomb was sealed, and all that remained of the embalmers’
work, pots full of natron, salt and rags that had been in contact with the
body, were placed in a little chamber nearby, and that too was sealed.
Imhotep squared his shoulders and took a deep breath, relaxing his de-
vout funeral expression. Everything had been done in a befitting manner.
Nofret had been buried with all the prescribed rites and with no sparing
of expense (somewhat undue expense in Imhotep’s opinion).
Imhotep exchanged courtesies with Priests who, their sacred office now
finished, reassumed their men of the world manner. Everyone descended
to the house where suitable refreshments were waiting. Imhotep dis-
cussed with the principal Divine Father the recent political changes.
Thebes was rapidly becoming a very powerful city. It was possible that
Egypt might once more be united under one ruler before very long. The
Golden Age of the Pyramid builders might return.
Montu spoke with reverence and approval of the King Nebhepet-Re. A
first-class soldier and a man of piety also. The corrupt and cowardly North
could hardly stand against him. A unified Egypt, that was what was
needed. And it would mean, undoubtedly, great things for Thebes…
The men walked together, discussing the future.
Renisenb looked back at the cliff and the sealed tomb chamber.
‘So that is the end,’ she murmured. A feeling of relief swept over her.
She had feared she hardly knew what! Some last minute outburst or ac-
cusation? But everything had gone with commendable smoothness. Nofret
was duly buried with all the rites of religion.
It was the end.
Henet said below her breath: ‘I hope so, I’m sure I hope so, Renisenb.’
Renisenb turned on her.
‘What do you mean, Henet?’
Henet avoided her eyes.
‘I just said I hoped that it was the end. Sometimes what you think is an
end is only a beginning. And that wouldn’t do at all.’
Renisenb said angrily: ‘What are you talking about, Henet? What are
you hinting at?’
‘I’m sure I never hint, Renisenb. I wouldn’t do such a thing. Nofret’s bur-
ied and everyone’s satisfied. So everything is as it should be.’
Renisenb demanded: ‘Did my father ask you what you thought about No-
fret’s death?’
‘Yes, indeed, Renisenb. Most particular, he was, that I should tell him ex-
actly what I thought about it all.’
‘And what did you tell him?’
‘Well, of course I said it was an accident. What else could it have been?
You don’t think for a minute, I said, that anyone in your family would
harm the girl, do you? They wouldn’t dare, I said. They’ve far too much re-
spect for you. Grumble they might, but nothing more, I said. You can take
it from me, I said, that there’s been nothing of that kind!’
Henet nodded her head and chuckled.
‘And my father believed you?’
Again Henet nodded with a good deal of satisfaction.
‘Ah your father knows how devoted I am to his interests. He’ll always
take old Henet’s word for anything. He appreciates me if none of the rest
of you do. Ah well, my devotion to all of you is its own reward. I don’t ex-
pect thanks.’
‘You were devoted to Nofret, too,’ said Renisenb.
‘I’m sure I don’t know what gave you that idea, Renisenb. I had to obey
orders like everyone else.’
‘She thought you were devoted to her.’
Henet chuckled again.
‘Nofret wasn’t quite as clever as she thought herself. A proud girl–and a
girl who thought she owned the earth. Well, she’s got the judges in the un-
derworld to satisfy now–and a pretty face won’t help her there. At any
rate we’re quit of her. At least,’ she added under her breath and touching
one of the amulets she wore, ‘I hope so.’
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