Three nights of traveling with rests during the heat of
the day convinced Namose Hebu was right. Without a camel and supplies he would
never make the return trip to Tebes. Sand, dunes, jutting rocks. The desolation
of the land lowered his spirits.
The camels began the bone-jarring gait. As he fought to
keep his balance, in the distance Namose saw hints of green against the blue
horizon. Trees meant an oasis. They drew closer and he saw a large tent with
stripes the colors of the robes the priests wore.
Namose swallowed against a lump in his throat. They had
reached their destination. He had no idea where they were except far to the
east of the river, the bringer of life. He wanted to cry but he couldn’t waste
tears. He wouldn’t find sympathy from the priests of Aken Re.
The camels halted and folded their kegs. Hebu released
Namose. “Carry the scrolls to the tent.”
“What are they?” he asked.
Hebu chuckled. “You will soon see. Your father named you
as one who could read the ancient writing used by the priests of Toth, a false
god.”
Namose gulped. “I know a few words.” Why had his father
said he could read the ancient writing? “I’m no scholar.”
Hebu’s chilling smile sent a warning. “The scrolls contain
knowledge about powers only the priests of Aken Re. the true and only god,
should possess.”
Namose rubbed his arms. Even in the heated air he felt
cold. “What if I refuse?”
“You won’t. Your life is mine to command. Tomorrow you
will begin.” He pushed Namose to the tent, “Eat and sleep until I wake you.”
Once again the desire to escape arose but there was no
way. Refusal to obey Hebu would mean his death. He opened the flap and stepped
into the enclosed space. After storing the bundle in the rear of the tent, he
helped himself to cheese, dates and water. He ate and retreated to where he’d
placed the scrolls and settled to sleep.
He dreamed. Toth appeared. Spoke. “Do what you must to
stay alive. You know enough to satisfy the evil one. A time will come when you
will act. First you must become a man. The scrolls are mine and will be
returned to the temple.”
The vision faded leaving Namose’s questions unasked. Could
he believe what he’d heard or had his desire directed the dream?
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