Mystery of the Temple (The Mummifier's Daughter Book 8) by Nathaniel Burns

Author:Nathaniel Burns [Burns, Nathaniel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-01-16T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

The sun had just cleared the horizon when Shabaka secured the last of the supplies on the donkey, checking everything again to ensure it was secure before untying the animal from the rail. He looked up at Neti as she handed Seota a shawl.

“Best to cover your hair. We will be traveling in the desert once we leave the city.”

Seota took the shawl from her, opened it, and swung it to cover her hair.

“That bisk looks familiar,” Shabaka said, indicating the caftan Neti wore.

“It is the one Dalva made me before we crossed the desert looking for you.”

At the mention of Dalva’s name, Seota looked at Neti and then the caftan. On seeing the girl’s response, Neti said, “She made the one you’re wearing as well. It will protect your skin from the sun.”

The girl pulled at the thicker fabric covering her, her fingers smoothing over the fabric, but she did not say anything.

“We had better be going,” Shabaka said, leading the donkey into the road.

“You know, you never told me where you got the donkey from,” Neti said as they fell into step next to him.

“There are some benefits to being a prefect,” Shabaka said, glancing at Neti and smiling at her disbelieving scowl. “He belongs to the mejay. We are just borrowing him.”

“Does he have anything to do with the naked parade you had the other day?”

“Not really. I just asked if they had a pack animal for me. Honestly, I would have preferred a camel – they are less stubborn.”

“So are you going to tell me what the naked parade was about then?”

Shabaka scoffed, “You want the short or the long version?”

“I’ve got time.” Neti said, shrugging.

“He was the commander of the mejay.”

“Was?” Neti asked, confused.

“Any commander who shows more concern for his own pleasure than the safety of the citizens they have been tasked to protect should be stoned.”

“You didn’t?” Neti asked in disbelief.

Shabaka shook his head. “He’s been stripped of all rank and placed in the detainment chambers until our return. Depending on what the mejay find, I will make a recommendation to Ramesses as to his apathy towards his duties.”

“And if they let him go?” Neti asked.

“I placed a Nubian in charge. He knows his family’s honor is attached to his actions.”

“You think he will manage?”

“I think he has something to prove. Besides, the information you provided from the marketplace should give them enough of a head start.”

“It might. I’m just wary of what we will find.”

“So am I,” Shabaka said.

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