The Fool.: Egyptian Tarot Trilogy, #1

CHAPTER ONE

Egypt, City of Thebes, Fourth Century B.C.E.

The heady scent of the twisted jasmine vine hung heavily in the stifling air of the temple gardens. Only the vibrating burr of the crickets broke the stillness of the night as I, the High Priest of Egypt, sat in solitude looking at the moon. A colourful ring circling the orb lit up the sky and distracted me from my thoughts of Lady Mutemwia. Mutemwia and I had dined together earlier in the evening. Her company had been pleasurable before she had retired to her room, however, her absence only reminded me that she was my best friend but, regrettably, nothing more.

I leaned back in my chair and looked to the stars for guidance. At the age of twenty-five I had resigned myself to being alone, but never lonely, as long as Mutemwia was near me. Wisps of memories floated through my mind: I had been educated and disciplined by the temple priests, spoilt by the harem and worshipped by the populace, but my favourite times had been spent with my father, Pharaoh Nectanebo the second, as he prepared me for my future role as Egypt’s supreme holy man. At fifteen years of age he was about to gift masses of food as offerings for the gods when my manservant, Horemheb, informed me how meagre the rations were outside the temple. I suggested to my father that he gift some to the poor, perhaps half the food he was offering This would stand as a declaration of the love he held for his people. Consequently, a third of it was distributed and everyone adored him. Taking the glory my father had been proud but to check my arrogance he presented me with Mutemwia, a ten-year-old seer from his court. Despite her dishevelled appearance Mutemwia’s reputation was one of talent and she held an air of maturity that seemed well beyond her years. As she stood before us my father’s words were laced with quiet amusement:

‘Seeing that you are so clever I will give you some responsibility. Mutemwia is now your ward.’

I was apprehensive, but over the years Mutemwia changed me with her honest ways, taught me many things and gradually I realised that my heart belonged to her.

I sank further into my chair to admire the universe when a flickering light roused my attention. I stared at it unable to calculate its position in the sky, when my breath caught and curious disbelief filled me. The light expanded. It burst into four projections, three of which glittered away, but I couldn’t believe my eyes when one of the lights headed straight towards the temple.

I rushed from the gardens into the huge flame-lit complex, thrilled at the mighty display of power from the gods overhead. I snatched a torch from a stand as I entered the wide−open court of the Processional Way and firelight cast my shadow over the gigantic walls. My sandals clicked against the hard−stone floor as colourful hieroglyphs darkened fleetingly with my shade and when I looked at the colossal statues of the gods, something moved between them. I momentarily stopped as the beating wings of a startled ibis filled the air. I stumbled past solid towers of stone towards the Great Colonnade and prayed to Amun that no-one had retrieved the celestial light and in the Peristyle courtyard, I could at last see the torch fires glimmering at the front of the temple.

The main guard sprinted towards me.

‘High Priest,’ he said, ‘I have need to speak with you.’ He bowed. ‘Blazing lights have been seen in the sky and one of them has landed in the Nile. I beg your instructions.’

‘I saw what happened, now show me where it is.’ I said. I ushered the guard towards the monumental gates at the entrance and as I hurried outside the other guards stood to attention. The embankments next to the river Nile were deserted and relief seeped through me. The light from the gods would be untouched. I looked at the main guard and he immediately pointed to a banking beside the river Nile.

‘Excellent,’ I said. ‘The gods favour me. Stay here while I see what they have sent.’

‘High Priest, would it not be wiser for me to accompany you?’

‘When I need you, I shall ask. Until then, I alone will approach this sign from the gods.’

I walked with deliberation from the guard and ran my free hand over my shaven head. I faced the west bank of the dead and the temple’s torchlight’s faded. My eyes adjusted to the darkness and a cool breeze fanned my skin and as I climbed up the embankment I saw an ox stood next to a plough in a field opposite, when a faint glow in the river caught my attention. Looking down I could see golden light wrestling against the water, deep within the Nile. The smell of burnt reeds filled my nostrils and I smiled as I placed the oil-soaked torch on the ground. After marking the fortuitous spot, I hurried back to the main guard.

‘Go to where I left the torch,’ I said. ‘This is now my official business. I order you to make sure no one interferes with it unless they are called upon by me personally.’

‘At once High Priest,’ the guard said. He departed and I gave a command to a second sentinel to secure the outer perimeter of the landing site. He bowed and I watched him go before heading to my lodgings and the adjoining chamber where my manservant, Horemheb, lived. Wild excitement filled me. This was a rare night indeed and I smiled again. I was being rewarded for my services to the gods, I was sure of it.

Upon approaching the next gate, I spied a servant. ‘Awaken Nakht, the astronomer,’ I said. ‘Tell him that I require his immediate assistance at my office in Luxor temple and inform one of the guards of my instructions to you on your way out.’ The servant ran to appease me. I would discuss this celestial miracle with the astronomer, Nakht while Horemheb retrieved the holy gift from the water.

I arrived at Horemheb’s chamber. The room, smelling of dates and basil from his evening meal was sparse, containing nothing more than his bed and a few items of clothing. Horemheb lay asleep with his hands tucked beneath his head. Although he was a fit and agile man his face was gaunt and his hair unkempt. However, his devotion to me was undoubted, his loyalty, unflinching; it had earned him my respect and his status. I cleared my throat and he woke up.

‘Master,’ he said. ‘How may I help you?’ Horemheb scrambled from his bed and got to his knees.

I looked down at him. ‘A brilliant light has descended into the Nile. I need you to swim in the river and bring it to me immediately, as it will be presented as a gift to the Pharaoh.’ His brown eyes glistened and his mouth opened exposing his crooked teeth in awe at the wonder of a fallen light from the sky. I walked towards the door and waited for him to dress.

We set off at a fast pace. Upon coming out of the complex I saw the torch burn bright next to the Nile. We drew up to the guard and I could still see the luminous glow dancing in the water. Horemheb took off his skirt and sandals in preparation to dive in while I looked around. The guards had placed themselves in good positions to prevent anyone who had seen the light coming onto the site and no one dared approach them. As local people walked by they maintained their distance from us, but were bending at their waists with their heads down, so I kept my voice low as I spoke to the guard.

‘Your duties are to assist my personal servant in any way while he collects the object from the sky. His instructions count as my commands and you will protect him and keep anyone from touching him, and the gift from the gods. Do you understand?’

‘Yes, High Priest,’ said the guard, but his eyes did not leave mine. At once I noticed his right hand intentionally tapping at a weapon clasped on his thigh.

‘Use violence, only if it is necessary, I doubt anybody would dare approach you now they have seen me and realise that this is my business. Call on the outer guards if you must. You will accompany Horemheb back to the gates once he has retrieved the gift.’ I took a step to go then turned back to face him. ‘I have sent for the astronomer, Nakht, who will come to see me shortly and there may be more visitors before this night is over, therefore you must ensure that everyone remains on high alert.’

‘Yes, High Priest. I have seen a servant relaying your instructions to the other guards, I assure you that your orders will be carried out.’ The guard seemed professional and astute and trying to impress me. I stood with my feet apart and rest my thumbs at the top of my skirt.

‘What is your name?’ I asked.

‘Ahmose, High Priest.’

‘Ahmose, I sense that you will not let me down.’ I nodded at him before hurrying to my official room. An exquisitely carved, tall wooden table stood in the centre of my office. Scrolls, quills and inks were perfectly housed in neat wooden boxes and chairs were conveniently removed to make my meetings shorter. The floor, made up of huge slabs of stone and the religious paintings on the surrounding walls were pleasing to the eye. Decorated columns held up the roof and slatted windows stood to the sides. The windows provided little light but kept the room cool and by the time of the early evening star the wall lamps were always lit, should I need the room.

I poured myself a drink of grape juice from a jug on the table and thought about my close friend, Nakht. His looks were typically Egyptian, a medium-set stature with dark brown eyes and hair. He was shorter than me and a deeply lined brow reflected years of thinking. If it wasn’t for his reputation he would appear quite unremarkable, but he had amassed a wealth of knowledge and was one of the most revered astronomers in the kingdom.

A knock on the door disrupted my thoughts. The servant from the hall entered and gestured with his outstretched arm to my guest, who bowed before me.

‘The gods be with you, High Priest,’ he said.

I crossed the room. ‘They may well be tonight my friend. Please come in. I am sorry for this intrusion upon you at this late hour, but there is news which cannot wait. Would you like a drink?’

‘No thank you, High Priest. I am, however, more than intrigued to know what you require of me.’

Nakht stared at me inquisitively. I dismissed the servant while he walked over to the table and set down his parchments, quills, ink, and star charts that he’d brought with him. He opened a scroll and wrote down the date and the hour of darkness to begin his formal enquiry and while I walked to the other side of the table I studied my friend, impatient to tell him my news. When he was ready he leaned over the parchment and dipped his quill into his ink.

‘After midnight I spotted an unknown star,’ I said. ‘I watched as it expanded right in front of my eyes.’ Nakht looked at me, still and alert, his expression intent. ‘The star appeared to burst as it shot out four different projections of light, one of which is being procured as we speak. The others glittered away in different directions.’

‘Excuse me?’ said Nakht. ‘− One of them is being secured at this very moment?’ He stared at me as I nodded and the smile left his face, he did not write but stayed rigid as he absorbed my next batch of information.

‘One of the lights made its way towards the Nile at the front of the temple...’ I continued.

Nakht scraped the excess ink from his quill, bent his head and put his pen to the scroll as I described the details of what happened and tried not to leave out a single one. He noted everything and became engrossed in recording the event. Once he finished he rested his elbows on the table with his feather flicking over his thumb and pinched his bottom lip while looking at the parchment.

‘This is outstanding, High Priest,’ he said. ‘I wish I had witnessed what you have seen. I would have loved to have beheld such an extraordinary event.’ Nakht was dedicated to astronomy and science was his life and I smiled, knowing he spoke the truth. He looked at me sharply. ‘Please present me with no regret for my last remark. I know how you will cherish the memory of what you have seen and I am thrilled at how the gods have favoured you. It’s just... may I admit to being jealous of my friend’s good fortune?’

His face was a picture as he awaited my reaction. He held his breath until I gave a short laugh understanding that he meant no offence.

‘There is one last key piece of information I must ask you for,’ he said. ‘I need you to remember the directions that the other projectiles flew in.’

I paused in contemplation. Moving my hands in the air I mirrored the comet’s trajectories. Nakht closed his eyes squeezing them tight, as if trying to recall something. Upon opening them again he stood upright.

‘Just to clarify, they spread out over an easterly direction from the north. Is that right?’

‘Yes.’

Nakht laid out his charts and mapped out the calculations of these new discoveries. He seemed fully distracted and didn’t appear to listen any more to what I was saying. When he grunted with surprise I couldn’t help my own curiosity and wandered around the table to study his notes.

My eyes narrowed as I stared at the parchment and I started to process the information. ‘Amun, be praised!’ I said. ‘Is this true?’

‘It is,’ he said. ‘Osiris has let down his ladder. There is now an opening for the gods to travel back and forth from the heavens. The celestial lights flew in an easterly direction before you saw the one that split away, which means, that with the comet you are acquiring, an ancient prophecy is coming true. Something extraordinary will happen now and I am honoured that you have made me a part of this.’ He crinkled his forehead and licked his fingers before he took hold of a new piece of parchment.

I was pleased that Nakht was as exhilarated as I was by these events. I admired him and held him in the highest esteem. He was older than me by six years and I learned a great deal from him in my youth, so I knew that what he proposed was true. Once he’d finished writing, I clapped my hands and a servant entered the room.

‘Awaken Lady Mutemwia’s servant,’ I said. ‘Tell her she must ready Mutemwia to come to me, immediately.’ The servant frowned. His eyes widened as he backed away. Mutemwia’s official title by the Pharaoh was The Seer of The Future and although she rarely went out in public, her reputation as a powerful sorceress was well-known throughout the kingdom.

Mutemwia would come. She was the only pure seer in all of Egypt and the arrival of this holy light was a matter of great importance. Indeed, one of the rarest occasions I have ever experienced. Mutemwia must work her magic and see what was needed and then advise the Pharaoh on what to do next with this gift from the gods.

I paced back and forth running my hands down my skirt, my palms were sweating, now I was all the more excited by this night’s events. Despite her true status as an esteemed servant, in my mind, Mutemwia was my equal. Fiery and opinionated she possessed a beauty which demanded attention but held little regard to her looks. She once said it would be easier that way for any man who would be interested in her, but for me, it was already too late.

A short time passed and there was a knock at the door. We both looked up, and there she was.

She was simply dressed in her usual style. She wore her long tunic and sandals. Her petite waist, slim and elegant, was held in by a simple band and her throat displayed a gold necklace, which had been a gift from the Pharaoh. The gold glittered in the lamplight, accentuating the fact that her hair was different to normal, it was tied it up loosely at the back of her head. Her face was beautifully slender with high cheekbones, large green eyes and full lips and my heart pounded as my gaze lingered on her. I enjoyed seeing her in a new way.

Mutemwia kept her distance and inclined her head before addressing me. ‘High Priest, good evening. Ra’s light has shined upon you this day,’ she said. Her voice was sweet and precise, yet soft and respectful.

I hesitated after hearing her words. ‘Thank you for coming so swiftly, Seer Mutemwia. Please remain patient and I will be with you in a moment.’ She bowed and I addressed Nakht. ‘Prepare your documents. Make them immaculate. Assure me that they will be ready for first thing in the morning and you may present them personally to the Pharaoh.’ This was an honour and Nakht’s face lit up with a smile.

‘Thank you, High Priest. What an opportunity!’ he said as he gathered his things. ‘I will take my leave and prepare an excellent presentation on your behalf to the Pharaoh and I promise it will astonish and amaze him.’

I nodded my consent. Nakht might find personal favour with the Pharaoh, so he wasted no time in picking up his things to exit the room, bowing in respect to Lady Mutemwia, as he went.

Satisfaction filled me. When we were alone Mutemwia spoke confidently about the things her eyes didn’t see. Blind from birth, as are all true seers, she looked to where she sensed my face would be while she expressed her thoughts.

‘Nesatum, I awoke from a vivid dream. I could see specks of light with shapes and colours, which I cannot describe to you, yet I can still see them in my mind. Brightness tore through everything. It dazzled me!’ Her voice was high with excitement, her words, breathless. ‘Then a...how would you describe it? A ghost, flew past me. It sent shivers down my spine and I became so alive, it was as though some kind of energy was transferred into me. There was heat, something burned, then I heard a voice. It drifted in and out of my consciousness, but I do not recall what it said. When I awoke I was startled as my lady-servant stood over me.’

I was stunned. Mutemwia’s conversation was like that of the Nile itself, bursting its banks until it couldn’t stop flowing and I was astounded at the new life coming from her. I had never seen her so animated.

‘Wonderful things have happened, Nesatum. There is a definite change in the surrounding air. Do you feel it? Do you?’ She appeared to look around. ‘There is something on this earth which I can only try to describe but I don’t think I can succeed in telling you about it in its entirety—’

I had to interrupt her excitement.

‘Please, wait, Mutemwia. So that I can understand you more, I need you to slow down. Please step forward.’

Mutemwia walked towards the sound of my voice. With her hands outstretched, I advised that she continue walking. She touched the table and remained where she was and resting her hands on it.

‘Of whom do you speak?’ I asked.

‘I speak of a beautiful, yet powerful child of the gods, who is described in the Tarot depictions in the temple of Hierakonpolis. The name I am permitted to know, although I think it rather crude is, The Fool. Upon saying this Mutemwia bent forward with her hands outstretched towards me. Radiance surrounded her and I was astounded by her unusual behaviour. ‘This ghost child perpetually travels through the darkness of the night sky.’ Her hand went to her brow. ‘In fact, when I think about it this child cannot appear to us as anything, human, as it comes from nothing.’

The mathematics taught to me hadn’t encountered this prediction at all. I was dubious and couldn’t imagine anything coming from nothing. However, she was so certain about what this child represented I held my tongue and listened to her in all seriousness.

‘This spiritual being is from a race of gods who are as old as time. It brings with it hidden meanings. People will acquire wisdom from abandoning their thoughts and a string of events will occur. Only afterwards will the message from The Fool become apparent. It is unexpected that this child comes now as I thought I would be waiting until I was old before it arrived, not twenty! Nesatum, you will never understand how happy I am.’

With every part of my being I wanted to. Mutemwia’s face along with her body language, truly showed me how delighted she was. Never in all the time I had known her had I seen her so full of life and I yearned for more. She stood away from the table with her hands on her hips in a rare display of confidence as she continued.

‘I am an open channel to the gods and the time is ripe for me to do my work. I will not fail them. You must believe me, Nesatum that when I say things will change, I mean everything will change...’

I listened while she spoke but I couldn’t help noticing some of her hair straggling into the nape of her neck. I watched it brush against her flawless skin and it was so unusual for me to be this close to her, that my breath became shallow. I leaned in towards her and enjoyed seeing her full lips move before realising that I was in a world where there was only myself and Mutemwia.

Her hand moved closer to me. ‘Yet this child is a bringer of chaos.’ She had finished her sentence.

I cleared my throat. ‘A bringer of chaos? The Pharaoh will not be pleased.’ I said matching her passion, but urgently requiring something more to say.

Her eyes grew wide. ‘Indeed.’

To my relief, once she’d reflected on this comment she continued talking.

‘Everyone will have the chance to embrace the new changes, for this child is spiritual. It brings potential as well as completion in the need to understand the things that happen around it and we know that childlike ways are curiosity itself...’

I found myself nodding and was so astounded to hear of these things, and so utterly enthralled by her, that I didn’t want the night to end. When the right pause in conversation arrived I asked, ‘Can you see what The Fool looks like?’ but she shook her head dejectedly.

‘No. I cannot see the child, there is only a trace of – something, when I try.’ Deflated, she lowered her hands back to the table.

I couldn’t stand the thought of her not being with me. After hesitating a moment, I asked, ‘Do you know what the Pharaoh’s reaction will be when he hears of this rare arrival?’

‘Yes. There is a part of him that will be thrilled, for it is the royal road to wisdom.’

I smiled. ‘Is this child, alone?’

Mutemwia’s facial movements distorted. ‘Yes. Yet, so unique is this child that, it is complicated. No.’ Her lips narrowed. ‘The child will never be