Work in Progress: February

The chariot bumped and rattled as the horses thundered along the track. To either side were olive groves. Each tree grew in its own space in the hard rocky ground, a lush island surrounded by brick-red dirt where sprouted the remains of desiccated plants. Hunefer bit his tongue in anguish. Buneb would be searching for them. There was no hiding there. Flight was still their only hope. Khaba had shot their immediate pursuers but more could appear at any moment. Without a place to hide, the ape-men set after them left no room for Hunefer to slow down.

A bump in the track made the chariot jump and Hunefer had to grab the handrail in order not to be thrown out. Behind him, Hunefer felt the king knock against him. “My lord!” Hunefer cried out, fearful that Khaba would be cast from the chariot.

A hand clasped his shoulder. “Faithful Hunefer, I am grateful for your concern. I am used to wild rides, so do not concern yourself. Watch the road.”

“As you command, my lord.” Hunefer wanted to look back the way they’d come but dare not. “Are Buneb’s demons still chasing us?”

“They are now dead, pierced by my arrows.”

Some good news then. Hunefer concentrated on guiding the horses. Both lathered from the wild ride and he knew that before long they’d be blown. He had to slow down even if it meant the ape-men might catch up with them. He pulled on the reins to bring the horses to a canter. It also meant the chariot didn’t rattle as much.

“Don’t slow,” Khaba said.

“But, my lord, the horses!”

“They will avail us little if the winged vipers catch us?”

Hunefer exclaimed, “Flying snakes? That is sorcery.” More from Buneb’s conjurors and magicians, no doubt.

“I fear so, loyal Hunefer. I spotted the fliers heading our way and coming from the direction of the palace.” Before Hunefer could question this, Khaba went on. “I know all the birds in Aegyptus, and these are like none I know. They are all wrong.”

With a flick of the reins and a touch of the whip, Hunefer set the horses to galloping again. It meant for a wild ride as the chariot bucketed and rocked as they sped once more over the rough road. Ahead, the hills grew larger and the way led towards a steep-sided valley.

Hunefer cursed under his breath as he was nearly tossed out once more as the chariot jumped in the air. He could only hope Khaba was holding on securely. There was a crack as the chariot hit the ground. It didn’t quite disintegrate but part of the box fell away. The remainder felt far from sturdy.

A hand pushed him down. “Get down low,” pharaoh commanded.

Hunefer did as instructed. It was only a matter of time before the chariot disintegrated. Only a miracle could save them. He whispered a prayer to Amun but at the same time eased up a little on the horses. Another jar like the last one would finish them.

Khaba shouted from behind his back. “Here they come! Prepare yourself.”