The Falcon Rises (The Desert Queen Book 2) by M.L. Bullock

Author:M.L. Bullock [Bullock, M.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2016-03-08T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

The Way Home—Nefret

The sun hung low like a dying ember in the sky when we dragged the last body from our city the following day. Such was the swiftness of the attack that none of our allied forces were killed and only a few Meshwesh were injured. Ramose congratulated me privately and informed me that the Egyptian army planned to leave tomorrow—then he and I would leave in the company of a small escort. I had only two days before I had to leave my people.

“So soon?”

His hands on his hips, Ramose replied, “It will not get any easier with the waiting, and the Queen grows impatient.”

“You have heard from the Queen?” I asked apprehensively.

He waved his hand dismissively and replied, “I am familiar with the Queen’s general disposition, and she is not likely to change her mind or tolerate excuses.”

I understood his hidden message. Do not ask for more time. It will not be given. Desperation rose within me, but I fought back that wild beast with as much dignity as I could muster. It would do no good to ask Ramose to allow me to remain in Zerzura, and I would not demean myself to do so. The irony was, for all his Egyptian pride, Ramose was as helpless as I was. To the Great Wife, the general was a tool that served her just as any slave or servant did. Just as I did.

“Before I leave, I have a request.”

“Another request?”

I pressed on, unabashed by his attitude, “It is customary for queens traveling to courts to have attendants, I am told. Is this true?” He nodded, and I continued, “This will be my second trip to Thebes, and I am anxious to proceed in a manner that will please Queen Tiye, my generous benefactor.” I could see that my careful answer pleased him.

He flashed a white smile and looked relieved. “You may have attendants. Who did you have in mind? Besides Ayn.”

“I wish to bring only two attendants, as we can hardly spare more than that. I will take Ayn and also my uncle.” I tried not to smile at his surprise. And I silently prayed that he would acquiesce to my request without argument. I should have known better than to waste a good prayer on General Ramose.

“Now why would you want to do that?” Ramose sat on the edge of the heavy wooden table in my private chambers. Whoever had dwelt here while we were away had been generous enough to leave behind beautifully carved wooden and marble furniture. Surely that had not been the Kiffians.

Ayn lingered nearby, pretending she did not hear our discussion. She busied herself tidying my room, when in truth I owned hardly anything. I had noticed earlier that her things were in here as well, but I did not object. She had proved a faithful friend, even if I questioned her choice of lover. And I had to admit I was no expert on that. I could not make up my mind if I loved Alexio or hated him.

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