Fall of a King ; Battle for Egypt Book 2

Chapter 12 Hope Reborn

      "They are getting so big," I said to Tiye. We were watching the twins sleep in their cradles. It had been three days since we sent out our scouts. And I resumed spending time with my children. Thutmose was already sitting up, he was playing with the other children in the corner. The sound of their laughter made me smile. All the children were growing up so fast. And it had been just a few months. It amazed me just how fast children grow. Soon they would be sitting up and then walking. I prayed to the gods every day that they would grow up as strong and healthy as their father. 

"Yes, they are. They will be running around soon enough. And talking, gods help us," she mused. Some color had returned to her cheeks in the past few months. She became content in being my lady and staying with the children and helping raise them. She often would sit by the twins' cradles and tell them stories. Thutmose in her lap. She had a bed brought to the nursery and she would sleep beside them. I was honored and grateful to have such a sister and servant in her. 

"Have we heard anything from the scouts," Tiye asked. I reached down and stroked Neferure's soft baby curls. Was she dreaming of the future already? She was a serious baby. Her brother would smile more. She would just watch you with a curious look in her dark blue eyes. 

"No, but Bakari has returned. He returned late last night. Though he was too exhaust to debrief us," I replied. Tiye smiled and looked over at Thutmose. Bakari had taken a great interest in his son. He would spend the afternoon hours with his son in the gardens. Holding him and playing with him. He had matured even faster since the birth of his son. 

"I have no doubt that he will visit his son soon enough. Bakari has become a doting father to his son," Tiye replied back. I smiled at that thought. Father and son together. 

"How many men did he bring back with him," Tiye asked. I sighed and walked over and sat on a bench. It was situated by a window. The window overlooked the main courtyard and gate. My eyes landed on my husband practicing his archery. The arrow landed in the center of the target. He turned and laughed with his men. Though he was a king, he was still a man. Wanting some freedom from his responsibilities. He would get that from his training and spending his nights with me. 

"A few hundred foot soldiers, maybe 50 archers or so," I said. Tiye walked over and sat beside me. She took my hand. I looked down at our intertwined hands. 

"More will come, Hemet. Already stories of Ka's rescue have reached those all across Egypt. Every man, woman, and child pray for his victory over the tyrant," Tiye said after a time. I shrugged my shoulders. Prayers would not be enough. We needed soldiers. We needed men to fight in this coming battle. 

"It has been three days, surely more would have reached our walls by now," I said. Today's council meeting was dire. I did my best to keep the faith. To have the courage and bravery needed to continue this cause. 

"Do not lose faith, Hemet. The gods will not abandon us, they will not abandon you. You are chosen by Isis herself. Brought back to life by Horus. Surely they have a plan for you," Tiye replied. I looked deep in her eyes. And saw her unwavering faith. Even when she lost her sister, and had to raise her child. Her faith remained. I took a breath, taking some strength from her words. 

"We then must trust in the gods. For we are fighting for them," I replied. She nodded and we both looked out the window toward the gates. We spent the rest of the morning with the children. Playing and singing with them. In the afternoon I went to the council meeting. The doors were open, and I saw all the men stop and look. Bakari and Ka were already there. Both had furrowed brows. I walked in and took my seat next to Ka. 

"What is it? What have we heard," I asked. I looked at Ka. Something had happened. But what was it? It had to be news that no one expected. Were more men finally coming to Abydos.