Read Online The King's Man by Pauline Gedge - Free Book Online

to believe. He judged them to be in their twenties. Paneb, the shorter and stouter of the two, had an air of steadiness about him. The gaze that met Huy’s own was calm and direct. Ba-en-Ra seemed entirely relaxed and confident, hands loose by his sides, his shoulders back. Huy noted that both of them had the remains of orange henna on their palms, and although the hour was late the linen of their expensive kilts was unstained. Both wore amulets. A red carnelian sweret bead rested on Paneb’s naked chest. Huy could just make out Thoth’s hieroglyph etched into the elongated curve of the object. Paneb’s name would be incised on it also. It was a logical protection for a scribe. Ba-en-Ra’s sinewy wrist was encircled by a series of golden hares chasing each other. The hare was a desert animal and as such was a symbol of regeneration, but everyone knew that it also slept vigilantly with its eyes open and was venerated for its speed. In spite of his weariness, Huy began to smile.
    “Now, why should I hire either of you?” he said. “Give me good reasons before I look at your references.” They exchanged glances.
    “To our great astonishment we discovered as we talked that we had each dreamed the same thing on different nights last week,” Ba-en-Ra began. “We were sitting in the reed marshes of the south, eating crocodile flesh. The meaning of such a dream is clear: we are destined to become important officials.”
    “This was before our masters commanded us to seek your employment, Great Seer,” Paneb said quietly. “If you doubt us, then take our hands. The gods will show you the truth of Ba-en-Ra’s words.”
    “Serving me will not always be easy,” Huy told them. “I require complete loyalty in my staff, even if a disagreement between myself and the King should arise. Are you here simply because the Vizier and the Chief Herald ordered it?”
    “Yes,” Paneb answered at once, passing the small test Huy had set. “But the opportunity to join your household exceeds my wildest hopes and I believe I speak for this herald also.” He waved at Ba-en-Ra, who nodded briefly.
    “Have you wives? Children?”
    Paneb shook his head.
    “I have recently signed a contract with my brother’s wife,” Ba-en-Ra said. “My brother died of a snakebite, and it is my duty to care for his family. They understand that a herald’s work often keeps him away from home for long periods. I have a reliable steward in charge of their welfare.” Huy found himself warming to this man, who understood and acted upon his responsibilities so selflessly.
    “You are both nobles,” he commented. “I am not, nor ever will be.”
    Paneb shrugged eloquently. “Nobility does not guarantee a life lived in the favour of Ma’at,” he retorted. “Noble or commoner, it does not matter as long as there is honesty and right-thinking.”
    “A splendid sentiment,” Huy said drily. “Very well. Present yourselves here tomorrow evening for a Seeing. Now go.” At once they bowed and left him, walking together down the shadowed passage. Huy watched them disappear before turning to the door his soldier now held open. I need both scribe and personal herald , he thought as Amunmose greeted him and the door thudded closed behind him. It seems that I must trust Ptahmose and Maani-nekhtef, two men I do not yet know, or struggle on without scribe or herald until I can make knowledgeable choices . “I should read the scrolls before I sleep,” he said in answer to his steward’s question. “I won’t have time in the morning. What’s the matter with you, Amunmose?” He took the papyrus held out to him, his eyes on the other’s haggard face.
    “I’m sorry, Huy. I’m exhausted,” Amunmose admitted. “I have control of a household in near chaos because my supervision doesn’t extend to the palace kitchens or the laundry or anything else involving the general running of this anthill. The soldiers come to me for their instructions. I need an