Page 71 of Over the Emerald Valley
Neku opened his mouth to protest again, but Solon continued, “Give me this, Neku. I’ve earned as much. I want to be remembered for the career I had, not for the demon I’ve become. Abasi and I died in combat. Let them try to find the bodies. They’ll never manage in this labyrinth beneath the valley. Take control. It’s yours now. Report to the pharaoh what you will so long as my death is recorded among the lost.”
Neku regarded him. “What will you do?”
“I don’t know yet.” Solon dropped his arms to his sides. “It’s still possible my death will be required in earnest. But the blood helped. We’ll see how long that lasts.”
“And in the meantime?” Neku glanced around. Aside from the lounge and desk, the room was quite barren.
“Apparently, I’m to keep Temaj from sleeping while also refraining from drinking from him. I’m the first to admit that’s not ideal. But when Temaj speaks, I listen. The decision is his to make.”
Temaj’s chest warmed at those words. “And I’ve made it. But, Neku, one more thing before you go. We’ll need a favor.”
“Anything.” Neku looked ready to hand over his firstborn if necessary.
“You know the livestock pens past the courtyard? Arrange for us to have sheep. At least two, more if you can manage it. Ottah will help. Have him bring them here. Tell him he’s the only one I trust with the truth. That will earn his service. He’ll want to see me.”
“Consider it done. What do I tell the others? Your friends. When they ask.”
Temaj knew Solon wouldn’t like this part. Might as well get it over with. “I’ve died as well, but give me a heroic death, won’t you? Perhaps I threw myself valiantly in the middle of their battle, upon a blade, sacrificing my life to better the chances of the rest. I don’t know. You’ll think of something.”
“Temaj—” Solon began.
“No, don’t argue. I’ve made up my mind.” Temaj grabbed Solon’s hand and squeezed but kept his gaze on Neku. “If we don’t cross paths again, it was a pleasure to meet you. Not just anyone can beat me at Senet.”
Neku glanced from Temaj to Solon and back. “The pleasure was mutual.”
Temaj couldn’t stand to see him looking so unsure and sad. He let go of Solon to embrace Neku. “Don’t worry about your general,” he whispered in Neku’s ear. “I’ll take good care of him.” Then he gave Neku a little lick, right up the shell. He kissed the wet spot as Neku squirmed away. When they parted, both wore silly smiles.
“I’ll bet you will.” Neku wiped the slobber off his ear. “Go easy on him. He’s an old man after all.”
“What did I tell you about calling me that?” asked Solon.
“That you’d prefer I called yousir, old man.” Neku hugged Solon next. “Horemheb will be so proud of you for uncovering the truth here.”
“I couldn’t have done it without your help. You’ll make a great general someday.”
Neku’s cheeks brightened.
“You two are adorable. Now kiss,” said Temaj.
Both men turned and stared at him as if he’d asked them to eat worms.
“Or don’t.” Temaj shrugged. “But it would be a good way to lighten the mood.”
“Don’t mind him,” said Solon. “He hit his head. Now let’s see if I can move those stone doors, or else we may have said goodbye for nothing.”
“I’ll wait here. I’m not sure I’m up for walking.” The way the world was spinning, Temaj thought sitting down for a while would be best.
Solon helped him to the lounge. “I’ll be right back.”
As their footsteps faded away down the curved hall, Temaj leaned back against the cushions and tried not to panic. Everything would be all right. It had to be. Solon would do as he asked. It would work. And they would flee Sikait together. Free men.
He closed his eyes, forgetting Neku’s warning that he shouldn’t fall asleep. He was just so tired.
Solon shook him awake.
Temaj startled, disoriented. How long had passed? “I wasn’t sleeping.”
“You were. But you’ve woken, and that’s what’s important. How are you feeling?
