SWORD MAIDEN OF SEKHMET

Chapter 26: The Dressmaker

Their journey to Abydos began early.

To Ashayt's frustration, Bekenamen had taken two days to make his decision, during which time she realised that the biggest threat she faced was boredom. She had continued with her early runs to the river, but stayed away from the fisherman's village to avoid drawing attention.

The best part of her days were the evenings when she met Seb for sword practice and she was thrilled at how well he was coming along. Once he had got over his doubts about her ability, realising that she truly was skilled with the Khopesh, he buckled down to learn everything he could from her. He was, in fact, naturally agile, and she focused all her teaching on getting him to use his mind and body together.

Now she watched him, grinning all over his face, as he led a white donkey to the Temple gate. Bekenamen had decided that he would escort Ashayt himself, together with old Reseph, the fight instructor, and Seb, as her servant.

"It is an appropriate escort for a Lady and guest of the Temple," he had said, "and not so large that it will attract attention."

Bekenamen and Reseph were now approaching from the direction of the inner court. Ashayt turned to Seb.

"Am I to ride on this? she asked.

"If my Lady wishes," said Seb, "most fine ladies prefer not to get their sandals dusty."

Ashayt cocked an eye at him.

"My sandals are no stranger to dust, as you well know, young Sebek," she said quietly.

Seb grinned.

"Well, we need it to carry our provisions and My Lady's purchases," he said.

Ashayt looked at the donkey. It had a small saddle cloth of padded linen, dyed a deep red. Strapped to its side were waterskins and some food bags. Ashayt was also surprised to see a rolled-up bundle from which protruded the hilts of two Khopesh swords.

And not the practice kind.

Seb saw what had caught her attention.

"The Guardian's instructions," he said. "It is not unknown for robbers to attack travellers, so it's best to be prepared."

A few moments later, the two priests joined them at the gate.

"Welcome-To-The-Light," they both said, bowing to Ashayt.

Bekenamen carried a staff of polished black ebony, with bronze bands in places along its shaft and capped with the copper head of a lioness. It was a mark of office, but Ashayt imagined it could also double as a useful weapon.

"Will My Lady ride?" he asked.

"I would prefer to walk," she answered politely.

"As you wish."

The journey to Abydos took them almost two hours, but to Ashayt it seemed to pass more quickly.

With the Nile on their left, their route took them south through the fertile strip that bordered the river, winding through fields and villages. It was a pleasure to be out in the still-cool air of the morning and to see the variety of people who shared their road. Fieldworkers crossed their path carrying baskets of vegetables and fruit. Ox carts carried great bundles of flax to the city where it would be woven into linen. Fishwives stood at the crossroads, selling from baskets full of the morning's catch.

Seb led the donkey with Reseph walking alongside, while Ashayt and Bekenamen followed behind. Their small party drew little attention, but occasionally some would recognise the Guardian - or more likely his staff of office - bowing as they passed