The Curse of Imhotep by Kennedy J. Robert

Author:Kennedy, J. Robert [Kennedy, J. Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Action & Adventure
Amazon: B0C221L3RY
Goodreads: 128092194
Publisher: UnderMill Press
Published: 2023-05-29T07:00:00+00:00

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Throne Room of Pharaoh Djoser Memphis, Old Kingdom 2648 BC

“I have something rather disturbing to discuss that involves you.”

Imhotep tensed at Djoser’s words as a naked Nubian slave refilled their cups with beer brewed on Imhotep’s estate. “Something disturbing that involves me? That sounds ominous.”

Djoser took a long swig of his drink, sighing with satisfaction, toasting Imhotep with a raise of his cup. “You’ve outdone yourself once again. I don’t know what it is your family does, but not even my brewery can produce anything of such fine quality time after time. What’s your secret?”

Imhotep was more interested in what the disturbing matter was, though he was accustomed to his friend’s short attention span. “It’s a family secret, but I will reveal that my experience as a physician plays a part.”

Djoser regarded him. “How could being able to heal someone possibly affect the taste of beer?”

“Precise measurements and quality control are necessary when preparing many of the concoctions I use in my practice. The same consistency is applied to our brewing process. Being so precise allows me to experiment as well.”

Djoser sniffed his cup. “I detect something different. Have you been experimenting again?”

Sweat trickled down Imhotep’s back. They were never supposed to get onto this topic of conversation. He had hoped Djoser wouldn’t notice that there was something different about tonight’s brew, but he had been caught. “As a matter of fact, I did add a little something extra, and judging from your reaction, it was a successful experiment.”

Djoser took another swig. “Absolutely. What did you add?”

Imhotep forced a smile, wagging his finger. “Family—”

Djoser cut him off. “Secret. I know, I know. I could order you to tell me.”

Imhotep grinned. “Where would be the fun in that?”

Djoser laughed, placing his cup on the table, the slave rushing over to refill it.

“This is the last of your guest’s gift,” she whispered.

“That’s too bad.” He smiled at Imhotep. “Next time bring more!”

“Double.” Imhotep took a chance. “You said there’s something you wanted to discuss?”

Djoser’s eyes narrowed briefly. “Oh, yes, that’s right, I’ve decided to have Thutmose’s boy executed for his insolence. Since your sister is promised to him, I figured you were owed the courtesy of knowing.”

Imhotep’s jaw dropped, his eyes shooting wide. “But he’s just a boy!”

“He’s of age, and he should have known better than to challenge his pharaoh.”

Imhotep’s mind raced in a panic. This had nothing to do with the insolence of a young boy, and everything to do with his sister. In his attempt to save her by arranging a sham marriage, he had condemned an innocent boy to death. Just as the high priest had predicted, an innocent other than his sister would suffer in her place. There was no stopping Djoser when he wanted something, yet he had to be stopped, a decision he had already come to, though this unexpected information could change the timing of things.

Unless it was already too late.

“Have you already given the order?”

“No, I’ll give it in the morning.”

“And what of his family?”

Djoser shrugged.

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