The Amulet of Amon-Ra by Leslie Carmichael Page B

Ramose, frowning.
    â€œUpriver and down,” said Neferhotep, placing a pebble on the board. “At least those in the tombs still have the Book of the Dead to guide them to the afterlife.”
    Tetisheri pointed to a spot on the senet board and whispered something to Mentmose.
    â€œTrue,” said Ka-Aper. He poured himself another cup of wine from an amphora, then replaced it in the clay ring that held it upright. “The robbers do not destroy the texts, for fear of Ma’at’s judgment against them, I suppose, though I suspect that their hearts are already heavier than her sacred feather.”
    â€œMay they be devoured by the monster of Osiris for their sins,” Meryt-Re said in a low, fierce voice.
    â€œJust so,” said Ka-Aper. Jennifer thought she saw the ghost of a smile on his face.
    â€œI regret to say some tombs are being defaced as well,” Neferhotep added. “Names and images of the person are sometimes removed.”
    Meryt-Re gasped. “How are they to be remembered, then?”
    â€œSome are not. Others have families which still retain some mementos,” said Ka-Aper. “If only even a small image remains, then so does the memory.”
    â€œI do not like thieves,” said Meryt-Re darkly.
    â€œWell, Parahotep has created a truly devious system to keep himself safe,” said Neferhotep. “He gave me the map of his proposed tomb.”
    â€œYou had best hide it then, before anyone else sees it,” said Ka-Aper.
    â€œI will,” said Neferhotep. “Carefully.”
    There was silence for a moment, broken only by the clack of pebbles on wood. Jennifer curled a lock of her long black hair around her finger. The marble-sized ball of oil and beeswax that Meryt-Re had pressed onto the top of her head had melted during dinner, releasing a flowery perfume. They had all worn them, although Neferhotep and Ka-Aper had refused, having brought their own scents.
    Jennifer tried to hide a yawn behind her hand.
    But Meryt-Re had seen it. “It is late,” she said. “I think it is time for my children to go to bed. Tetisheri, I assume you will be staying the night?”
    Tetisheri beamed at her. “I would be happy to.”
    â€œVery good. Mentmose, will you put a mattress down in Dje-Nefer’s room for Teti, please?”
    â€œCan’t I do it later? I’m winning!” he protested.
    â€œYou can play some other time,” said Meryt-Re.
    â€œLeave the board as is, and next time we’ll pick it up where we left off,” suggested Neferhotep. “Unless your mother will let you stay up a little longer in the company of adults?”
    â€œOh, very well,” said Meryt-Re, smiling at Mentmose. “Be quick about it, then.”
    â€œYes!” said Mentmose, raising his hands in triumph.
    â€œAnd Dje-Nefer—no star-gazing tonight, please,” said Meryt-Re.
    â€œDoes your daughter have aspirations as an astronomer?” asked Ka-Aper, absently playing with his wine cup.
    â€œShe has always loved admiring Nut’s beautiful jewelry,” said Meryt-Re.
    â€œShe even fell asleep in the garden last night,” Mentmose added.
    â€œBy the way, I checked the wards on the garden when I went upstairs this evening,” said Neferhotep. “There is a spot where the reeds are bent down, perhaps from the weight of a bird landing. It may have affected the wards. I can renew them tomorrow, if you like.”
    â€œThat would be fine,” said Meryt-Re.
    â€œAre you worried about the Walkers of the Night?” asked Ka-Aper, one corner of his mouth lifting. “Her amulet will protect her.”
    â€œYes,” said Neferhotep. Then he frowned at Jennifer. “But all the same, I suggest you stay indoors, Dje-Nefer.”
    â€œI am sure she will heed your good advice,” said Ka-Aper.
    â€œCome on, let’s go,” said Mentmose, picking up an oil lamp and rising. “I want