Book of the Forgotten: the Bearded Queen

Chapter 7

"It" referred to the strange spectacle taking place at the top of the long ramp. The soldiers stood straighter, and the crowd nearly vibrated with excitement, their focus trained on a man in a long linen robe standing at the edge of the ramp. His shaved head was a great contrast to the elaborate hairstyles of the crowd, and he remained unadorned by jewelry. However, unlike the crowd, he was not teeming with excitement, quite the opposite.

His furrowed brow observed the unruly crowd, his rigid stance and curled lip told the girls he did not wish to be doing what he was doing. He looked to be a man who was doing exactly what he did not want to be doing. Finally, as the din became overbearing, he thrust both of his hands into the air in a warning of silence.

"People of Egypt, I am Adom, hem-netjer." 1 His booming voice carried over the restless crowd, full of disdain and positively resentful. Through gritted teeth, he continued, "Today, we are greatly honoured to observe khaj-nisut-bitj. 2 We, who value ma'at 3 and heka 4 are gathered here to witness the continuing harmony and balance of our kingdoms under the rule of our new king."

Adom turned, and with a spine so stiff Ava swore he had a stick up his butt, he bowed. The sound of marching feet reverberated throughout the courtyard, and several armed guards appeared at the edge of the ramp. They beat their fists against their leather strapped chests for three beats before halting and stepping aside. From amongst the soldiers, a beautiful, bearded woman stepped forward.

Adom grimaced, looking positively constipated, before announcing in a booming voice: "We, the people of your lands, welcome you, Hatshepsut, Lord of the Two Lands; High Priest of Every Temple; His Majesty, our Brother; Pharaoh of Egypt."

The woman inclined her head, acknowledging the welcome with a coldness that Ava felt Adom certainly deserved. She stood before the crowd, her powerful presence silencing the crowd in a way Adom certainly could not.

Hatshepsut's kalasiris was dyed a bright blue with tiny Egyptian lotus embroidered across the hem. She was dripping in jewelry, but unlike the crowd, her jewelry was silver. The headpiece which sat upon her styled raven hair was elaborately stitched with turquoise gems. It matched her earrings and neck collar from which hung dozens of strands of beads. Bracelets decorated her arms from wrist to elbow, sparkling with the shine of dozens of precious gems. She was the picture of wealth and power, even among the finely decorated Egyptians.

Hatshepsut smiled sweetly, and in a lilting voice, declared, "I thank you, brothers and sisters." She stayed only a minute more before she turned and retreated into the complex, guards following at her back with the same thumping rhythm.

Ava, mouth gaping, turned to Viv, and stammered, "What the heck was that?"

Viv grinned, eyes glittering with excitement, "You, my friend, just witnessed the crowning of Hatshepsut, the second female pharaoh of Egypt, and arguably one of the greatest pharaohs to have ever lived."

1. Servant of god

2. the Appearance of the King of Upper and Lower Egypt: one of the ceremonies performed during a pharaoh's yearlong coronation

3. Harmony and balance

4. Magic