Three Novels of Ancient Egypt

he said apologetically, “When we met I thought you were creatures of the Herdsmen because of how rich you seemed to be. Now it turns out that you are two generous Egyptians from I know not — where. I swear I shall not leave you until you have been kind enough to visit our small hut, so that we can drink a cup of beer together to celebrate our being honored with your acquaintance. What do you say?”

The invitation delighted Isfmis, who wanted to mix with his fellow countrymen, and who was attracted to the youth by his verve and good looks. He said, “We accept your invitation with the greatest of pleasure.”

The youth was overjoyed, as was his mother, but she said, “You must excuse us, for you will not find our hut appropriate to your high status.”

Latu said deftly, “With hosts such as yourselves we shall want for nothing, and besides, we are traders, used to the discomforts of life and the hardships of the road.”

They continued in their path, united in feelings of affection, as though they had been friends for years. As they walked, Isfmis said to Ebana's son, “What should we call you, my friend? My name is Isfmis, and my companion is called Latu.”

The youth bowed his head respectfully and said, “Call me Ahmose.”

Isfmis felt as though someone had called to him and he looked curiously at the youth.

After half an hour, they reached the hut. It was plain, like a fisherman's hut, and consisted of an outer courtyard and two small interconnecting rooms. However, despite the plainness of its furnishings and its poverty, it was clean and well arranged. Ahmose and his two guests sat in the courtyard, opening the door wide so that the breeze from the Nile and the sight of the river might be unimpeded. Ebana went off straightaway to prepare the drinks and they remained silent for a while, exchanging glances. Then Ahmose said hesitantly, “It is strange to see Egyptians looking so distinguished. How is it that the Herdsmen have left you to get rich when you are not their creatures?”

Isfmis replied, “We are Egyptians of Nubia, and we entered Thebes today.”

The youth clapped his hands in astonishment and delight and said, “Nubia! Many people fled there during the Herdsmen's invasion of our country. Are you some of those — who took flight?”

Latu was by nature extremely cautious, so he said quickly, before Isfmis could answer, “No. We migrated there earlier for trade.”

“And how did you manage to enter Egypt, when the Herdsmen have closed the borders?”

The two men realized that Ahmose, despite his tender years, was well informed. Isfmis felt a sense of fondness and ease toward him, so he told him the story of their entry into Egypt. While he was speaking, Ebana returned carrying the cups of beer and grilled fish. She put the drink and the food before them and sat listening to Isfmis's story until he ended by saying, “Gold stupefies these people and captivates their minds. We will go to the governor of the South and show him our best treasures and we hope that he will agree, or obtain an agreement for trade between Egypt and Nubia, so that we can go back to our old work and our trade.” She offered them the cups of beer and the fish and said, “If you achieve your goal, you will have to bear the full load of the work yourselves, for the Herdsmen refuse to work in trade and the Egyptians are incapable, in their present conditions of poverty and misery, of taking part.”

The traders had their own thoughts on this, but preferred to remain silent. They set to eating the fish and drinking the beer, commending the lady highly and praising her simple table, so that she blushed and launched into profuse thanks to Isfmis for his kind deed. She became quite carried away and said, “You extended me your noble hand at the moment when I most needed it, but how many a wretched Egyptian there is who is crushed by the millstones of oppression, morning and evening, and finds no one to help him!”

Ahmose became excited too, and as soon as his mother had said these words, his face flushed with anger and he said earnestly, “The Egyptians are slaves to whom crumbs are thrown and who are beaten with whips! The king, the ministers, the commanders, the judges, the officials, and the property owners are all Herdsmen. Today, all authority is — with the — whites — with their filthy beards and the Egyptians are slaves on the land that yesterday was theirs.”

Isfinis — was looking at Ahmose during his outburst — with eyes that shone — with admiration and sympathy, — while Latu kept his eyes down to hide his emotion. Isfinis asked, “Are there many who are angry at these injustices?”

“Indeed! But we all suppress our ire and put up with the ill treatment, as is the — way — with anyone — who is — weak and has no alternative. I ask myself, ‘Is there no end to this night?’ It is ten years since the Lord in His anger at us allowed the crown to fall from the head of our sovereign Seqenenra.”