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exercise last night, and it could be expected that you d want her for more today. But I
wouldn t suggest public appearances, Divine One. She raised her hand at his frown.
Yes, yes, I know you prefer Mo , but that is a bad habit for me to get into, so I will
keep with the fancy titles and hot air.
Mo nodded, and sighed. Yes, I can see that, you secret weapon in an old woman s
flesh. Bala gave him the ultimate accolade of a sniff for that. Nothing more than a
strategy session on the sand table and a map with Keoset to scandalize. Even my guards
will be outside the room, so Hati can speak freely. I assume Keoset has been cleared of
any unfortunate divided loyalties. I know that much about the God s Wives famous
abilities.
Sniff. He has been cleared, Serenity.
Good. Just let me get on the pectoral and other nonsense. Dress Hati up for me,
will you? At Hati s outraged pout, Mo patted her bottom and strode from the room.
* * * * *
Keoset got over his outrage very quickly, and Mo congratulated himself on
allowing Hati in on this strategy session before the ideas were presented to the generals.
See, Keoset? Hati explained, moving another counter into the southwestern
desert region of the empire, If we move one small garrison here, and have them keep
the trade routes of the desert people open, the desert people become an immediate
conduit around Nubia to Punt for us at little cost to us.
Keoset stood there, stunned for a few moments, but the vizier was a quick-witted
man. An elegant and simple solution, Divine Lady. The desert sheiks have long
wished this, but we had no reason to accommodate them. It wouldn t drive up the price
of goods over much, if we offer this to them. They get the protection from Nubian
bandits, and we get the wealth of Punt to trade for our wheat.
Indeed, Keoset. I have spoken with Queen Kara. Her sister Queen Hathor desires
closer ties and trade with us. We ve been dilatory, after Queen Hathor was so generous
as to provide our Pharaoh with such a good wife as Queen Kara ten years ago.
Quite true, Serene Lady. Perhaps we should send the Assistant Chancellor Nehsy,
first to deal with the sheiks and thence on to Punt?
Mo jumped in, to make it all legitimate. A wonderful idea, Keoset! Do you agree,
my Queen? Or should Queen Kara go? She has more rank.
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Queen Kara is busy with the Great Festival to Isis, Divine One, as you ordered. I
am sorry, she reminded Mo gently. The Festival was only a few weeks away.
We dare not neglect Isis! Not to mention the details of the festival are in capable
hands for the first time since my father s reign. With regret, I must withdraw my wish
for Kara to accompany Nehsy. We ll have to send valuable presents instead, along with
samples of the trade goods we offer. Perhaps Kara would advise Nehsy instead on what
trade goods Queen Hathor would wish to see?
Hati looked at Keoset, who nodded agreement. I think Queen Kara would be
delighted, my Divine Lord. Perhaps the next time a trip to Punt is needed, Queen Kara
will be free to oversee it? Hati offered this, knowing Kara would be more than
delighted .
Then let it be so ordered. Will you see to the scribes for me, Keoset? Thank you.
Now, have we come up with a plan the generals might agree with? Mo gestured to the
sand table where military formations appeared as small wooden disks on a map of
Egypt.
If we have not, then they can tell us what they think will work that is similar,
Divine One, Keoset grinned. Then his eyes fell on Hati and the grin turned sly. If I
may suggest, Serenity, we ve the means at our disposal to get the best plan without
them fearing to insult you. He turned to Hati and explained, They are all good men,
just intimidated. We need someone they will fear less to anger.
Hati began to laugh, divining the plan just from his sly grin. So they won t be
afraid of the Pharaoh s new bride?
Mo chuckled. And they should be!
Exactly my plan, Divine Ones, Keoset laughed. He stabbed a finger in Mo s
direction. I am sure it can be arranged to have you called away for a period of time.
Your new queen, with her sweet innocent face, can continue to preside from her chair.
She can pretend innocent questions until the plan is perfect. You can steer them that
way, can t you, Serene Lady?
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