Chapter One hundred and twenty five: The War Council
By the time the men reached the house, a servant had removed the tray and the table was clear.
“My Lords,” said Dennu, as he ushered the group into the main room. “I would like you to welcome Princess Ana and Lady Kiya to our council.”
Nakht bowed. “Your chariots will be of benefit to us, Princess Ana. But I hardly think that Kiya need attend our meeting.”
Sabu brushed past him and knelt at Kiya’s feet. “My tribe is at your service, my Lady.”
“Thank you, Sabu,” said Kiya. “How wonderful to see you again.” She wanted to embrace him but would have to kneel to do so, so she rested her hand on his head as if in blessing.
“Kiya is no ordinary woman,” said Ana to Nakht. “She is the daughter of Seth and she walks with gods. She has...”
Dennu interrupted her hurriedly. “It is enough for the Grand Vizier to know that Kiya is the mother of the blessed child Meri.”
“Meri’s mother?” said Nakht in amazement. Then he sank to his knees beside Sabu. “Forgive me, my Lady. I had no idea.”
Kiya felt awkward with two men kneeling at her feet. Uncertain what to do she rested a hand on the Grand Viziers head. He stayed for a moment with his head bowed and then seized her hand and kissed it before getting to his feet. “Egypt is forever in your debt, my Lady,” he said. “For the child Meri has been born to save us.”
“We must make haste,” said Dennu. “The battle plans must be laid and the army alerted.” He indicated that they should all take their seats at the table. Then he went to the storage chest and searched among the papyrus rolls.
Kiya sat next to Huy. She leant sideways and gave her uncle a kiss on the cheek. “How is Laylos?” she whispered.
Huy grinned. “She is well, Kiya,” he whispered back. “But you must not chitchat at a war meeting.”
Dennu returned to the table with a scroll, which he unrolled to reveal a map of the city. “The invaders will be coming from the direction of Thebes,” he said, pointing to the map. “I believe that Thebes has already been attacked. Did you see what happened, Princess?”
“Yes, indeed,” said Ana. “The city was assailed by a flying snake of huge proportions. Again and again it ignited buildings with its flaming breath until it swooped too low and its wing became torn. It could not direct its flight and crashed to the ground where the people fought it with all manner of weapons.”
There was a stunned silence. “Are we, too, to be attacked by such a creature?” said Nakht.
“Kiya is the best person to tell you what to expect,” said Ana. “For she climbed the mountain of the monsters and looked into the pit where they live.”
“Have you no fear of death?” said Dennu, regarding Kiya with awe.
“I do what must be done,” she said and felt warmed by his admiration. “There are many monsters working in the pit,” she told the council. “They are of all shapes and sizes, most a combination of animal and man. I believe they are slaves and will not fight us willingly but, like any animal, if they are attacked they will fight back. Our greatest danger is from the monsters that lurk in the caverns below the pit. I have seen two at close quarters. The flying snake, which has been killed, and a bird with metal feathers that it can hurl like knives. Both are malevolent creatures and there must be many more, all eager to obey Seth’s instructions to destroy Egypt.”
“What about the water monster?” said Ana. “It has many heads and when one is cut off it can grow another. The severed head remains a danger for it attacks by wriggling through the water like a snake. Kiya saved me from such a head.”
“And then there is Molloch,” said Kiya. “A huge creature with a mouth in his chest instead of his head. His body is of such a high temperature that he burns whoever he touches.”
There was a pause as the rest of the war council absorbed the details of the monsters they were to face.
“It seems that we can be attacked from land, water and air,” said Dennu. “I suggest we lay our plans carefully so Akhetaten can be defended on all fronts.”
“My tribe can stand upon the cliff top,” said Sabu. “We have sling shots that can bring down flying monsters. It sounds as if those with leathery wings are vulnerable.”
“An army of Nubian archers should be coming to help defend the city,” said Kiya. “We can put some of them up on the cliffs with you, Sabu.”
“Nubian archers?” said Nakht. “Why should the Nubians risk their lives by coming to our aid?”
“Their prince, Ogjeno, owes Kiya a debt of gratitude,” said Ana.
“It seems that we have much to thank Kiya for,” said Dennu. He smiled at Kiya and then turned to Huy. “I suggest you split the army into two, Huy. One half to defend the city from monsters coming from Thebes, the other half to stand by the river in case the water monster attacks.”
“Wait,” said Kiya. “I think that the vanguard of the monster army will be the slaves from the mine. They will be sent ahead to keep the soldiers busy so the main attack can take place. We should let them pass unhindered through the city.”
“That is a big assumption to make,” said Nakht. “What if you are wrong? What if we let them into the centre of Akhetaten and they turn and attack us?”
“We could line the route with soldiers,” said Huy. “They would keep an eye on the monsters and hold back the people.”
Dennu nodded. “Since Kiya is the only one to have seen these monsters she is the best judge. I agree we allow them safe passage but keep our soldiers close by in case anything happens.”
“What of my chariots?” said Ana.
“I suggest we hold them back until the real battle starts,” said Dennu. “A chariot charge into the thick of the fighting should turn things in our direction. I leave it all to you, Princess.”
“Do not forget the temple,” said Kiya. “Who will guard Meri?”
“I will,” said Dennu. “The King will also wish to be there and I and my men will ensure their safety.”
“What do you want me to do?” Kiya asked.
Dennu smiled at her. “My instincts are to ask you to remain safely in hiding but I know you will not wish to do so. You are our inspiration, Kiya. Be with us wherever the fighting is hardest but I beg of you not to get hurt.”
Kiya felt her heart swell at his words. “Thank you,” she said and her voice sounded choked.
“I suggest we go and make our preparations,” said Dennu. “There is much to be done. We will meet at dawn at the barracks kitchen so the men can have a meal while the final instructions are given.”
“What of my aunt Laylos?” said Kiya. “Without Huy to protect her she will be in danger. I will be able to concentrate much better knowing that she is safe.” Huy said nothing but she could feel his tension as he sat beside her.
“Of course,” said Dennu. “She must come and stay at the palace. Make the arrangements, please, Huy.” He turned to Kiya. “I hope that you will sleep here too, Kiya. You and your aunt are very welcome to stay with Itet.”
Kiya thanked him and watched as Dennu and the rest of the war council left the house and hurried across the lawn to organise the defence of the city.
“I will stay with my men,” said Ana. “Farewell, Kiya. Your gods be with you tomorrow.” She bent and kissed Kiya on the cheek and then strode away, as much a warrior as any man.