Anubis 1: The Beginning
[Note--this story, as well as the "prologue" to it from the previous chapter, are now incorporated into the unfinished novel Osiris, Chapters 6-7.]
A SOFT KNOCKING.
Thoth raised his head. Had he really heard--? Then it came again, confirming what his ears had told him--a gentle knocking at the door. He stood and crossed the room to the door, and called out, "Who's there?"
"Upuat," came the reply.
Thoth opened the door. There stood the wolf-headed god, staring at him, with his spear--he was one of the Underworld guardians, like Sobek--in his hand. [Note--I believe this is the first time that Upuat, now one of my favorite god characters, entered my "official" writing.]
"What is it?" Thoth asked.
"Goddess Nephthys," Upuat replied. "They think it's her time."
Suddenly forgetting all about the stone-faced Upuat, Thoth hurriedly dashed back inside to get anything he might need, then started back out, nearly colliding with his late-night visitor.
"Will you need any other assistance?" he asked simply. Upuat was not one to waste words.
"Yes," Thoth said. He wasn't really certain though, as his mind was on a million different things at once. "The delivery might be difficult. I'd like you to stand by in case of any trouble."
Upuat nodded. Thoth continued on down the hallway to Nephthys's quarters, the other god following silently. That was the way Upuat was; he'd had a troubled start with the gods, being held captive by an evil minor goddess who actually wanted Thoth, until his release by that deity. [Note--you can now read about this incident in the novella "Escape."] Living under those conditions for so long had erased most of his memories of acting properly among his fellows, so he'd been remanded to Sokar, who'd taken him in rather unwillingly. [Note--a novella of an unrelated incident during Upuat's time with Sokar is "The First Priestess Of Upuat."] Though he'd finally relearned all of the etiquette, Upuat still spoke little, and the little he did speak was often brutally direct. If one wished for the truth as short and as truthful as possible, all one had to do was ask Upuat--though chances were more than likely that he'd just decline to answer.
Some of this might have been on Thoth's mind at the moment, but he was too hurried to notice. Hathor met him halfway there and accompanied them. The scene they came to was worse than mayhem. Bes the dwarf god was there, dancing and beating a tambourine to keep evil spirits away. The Seven Hathors--six minus the real one with Thoth--stood in the shadows, rattling sistri and chanting in low voices. Several other goddesses, acting as handmaidens, were scuttling to and fro, performing menial tasks. And last of all were Isis and Nephthys herself, the former occasionally placing her hand on her sister's forehead to help lessen the pain. Nephthys was breathing heavily, and looking slightly panicked. And well Thoth knew why; she didn't want to lose it this time. Thoth and Hathor entered, while Upuat stayed just outside the door, obviously uncomfortable. Thoth didn't tell him to come in. Instead he went over to Nephthys and started checking for signs of how much longer she had to go. As he was checking her eyes to see how she was doing, she spoke.
"Th-Thoth?" she asked faintly.
Thoth looked down at her. "Yes?" he said, his voice soft.
"It--it will be alright [sic] th-this time, won't it?" Her eyes searched his, imploring.
Thoth gave her a faint smile. "Of course it will. Of course it will." He spoke then to Isis, quietly, as if not to arouse suspicion. "Isis? Could you follow me outside? I think I forgot something."
Isis immediately picked up his cue and followed. Upuat stepped aside as they exited, closed the door, and quietly talked.
"You didn't forget anything," Isis said.
Thoth shook his head. "No. I brought you out here to ask you--has she had any problems so far?"
Isis shook her head. Then, "It does seem to be hurting her more than should be usual. I sense it when I touch her. It's tiring even me."
The god nodded. People as gifted with the healing touch as Isis usually felt none of the pain they took away from their patients, so when they did it must be intense. "Have you sensed any reluctance--any blocking?"
She indicated the negative. "She's willing to stand the pain... It's the baby she's concerned for. Thoth...as for the baby?"
Thoth shrugged slightly. "I don't know. Nephthys will not add any undue difficulty, but that doesn't mean there won't be problems. She seems weak when it comes to carrying children. It's rather amazing that she's made it this far, when both times before she didn't get beyond the fourth month. There's a good chance the baby will come without too much trouble, but..." He trailed off.
Isis finished for him, "It could be...stillborn?"
Thoth nodded.
Upuat instinctively traced an ankh in the air and muttered a short prayer. This surprised Thoth a little, as he'd never thought the god able to act so. Isis said, "I pray by the throne of Amon that that isn't so. Poor Nephthys has been through so much, I don't know how she'd handle such a loss."
Thoth sighed. "I know. Two children gone--sons or daughters?--and a third one--"
There was an agonized scream from within. One of the attending goddesses opened the door and said to the startled trio, "The baby--we think it's coming now."
Thoth motioned for both Isis and Upuat to follow. They did, disappearing inside. Several other deities gathered outside the door, alerted by palace gossip--"Is the baby coming?" "I hear she's having trouble," "Do you think it will make it?" "How would Set react if...?"--and waited, chattering softly. Time passed.
And then--a faint cry.
Gasps were hushed. Everyone was still. The crying grew stronger and they looked at each other.
The door finally opened. It was Upuat who stepped out, a strange look in his eyes. They were no longer blank and stony--the look in them was almost as if, it seemed, he had witnessed a sort of miracle.
"A son," he said at last, to the waiting deities. "She named him--Anubis."
Dawn came slowly. The palace was perfectly silent except for a very quiet padding. Isis moved quietly down the hall to her sister's room. The rest of the night had passed without incident, and Nephthys had been so overjoyed to finally see her son--"Such a beautiful baby, such a beautiful baby," was all she had been able to say at first--that she'd asked that he stay with her during the night. Thoth had been slightly reluctant at first--he was still unsure of Anubis's and Nephthys's health--but relented, seeing how happy she was. He'd check on them both tomorrow, he said. Just be sure to get plenty of sleep. Isis pushed the door open and peered inside. Nephthys still sat up, but she was fast asleep, as was the small baby nestled against her. Isis smiled. She went about the room in silence, picking up anything that had been left by the others the night before, cleaning up the room. Nephthys stirred, opened her eyes and looked around with mildly sleepy startlement, then glanced down at the sleeping Anubis. Instantly her disoriented expression melted into tenderness, and she gently hugged the baby, who made a slight murmur and quickly went back to sleep.
Isis came up and lightly touched his head. "Little Anubis," she whispered. "He is a beautiful baby."
"Just wait until Set comes back," Nephthys murmured. "He'll come back, and he'll see Anubis and be so proud to have a son of his own after so long, after so long." She looked up, and Isis saw her eyes were tear-filled. "Isis, the others..."
"Others?"
Nephthys nodded. "The other two... What do you think they would have been like?"
Isis smiled and stroked her sister's hair. "They would have been every bit as wonderful as Anubis is. And as for Anubis, Thoth needs to examine him now."
Nephthys looked stricken.
Her sister laughed softly. "It'll only take about a half hour. And you need more rest anyway."
Nephthys asked, "Must you really take him away?"
Isis nodded. "Don't worry. He'll be alright [sic]. Thoth just wants to be certain he's healthy."
Nephthys finally very reluctantly held up the baby to Isis, who carefully took him in her arms. He stirred again and let out a soft cry. His mother very nearly took him back but Isis touched his head and he settled back, asleep again.
"Please don't be gone long," Nephthys begged.
"I won't. He'll be back for you when you wake up. Now go to sleep. You're still weak and need the rest." Isis smiled kindly at her to assure her Anubis was in the right hands, then quietly left.
Nephthys, alone again, looked after her and the closing door as if she expected never to see Anubis again, then sighed unhappily and settled back, as he had, to sleep.
"Yes, you are a sweet little baby, aren't you?" Hathor asked the squirming little Anubis, tickling his feet, as he lay on a scales, being weighed by Thoth. He was several weeks old now and had been checked on every one of those weeks. The baby laughed--he liked Hathor--but when Thoth approached he started to whine pitifully. Every time Thoth came with something long and pointy in his hand, Anubis knew something would hurt. Thoth proceeded to check the baby's eyes, ears, and mouth, then raised the needle to his little finger. Anubis squalled with panic.
"Come on, Tehuti," Hathor coaxed. "You've checked him every week now. You don't need to do that anymore."
"He needs to be examined," the god replied, intent upon what he was doing.
"But you're making him scared of you! Look at how he cries every time you come near. You don't even have to prick his finger now before the tears flow."
Thoth didn't listen. The needle stuck Anubis's finger and he howled.
"Listen to him!" Hathor exclaimed.
Thoth daubed the blood from the wound, then, seeing how Anubis cried, relented a little and set him back up near the scales. "There, now. You can play with those while I look at this up close. Touch the pans. Make them sway." He moved away to the more cluttered part of his room.
Anubis banged on one pan. The scales dipped crazily and he laughed, hitting them again while Hathor followed along.
Nephthys looked in a little and, seeing her son playing with the scales, smiled and went in to pick him up. Hathor handed him over, still laughing and wriggling. Nephthys laughed also to see him so. Thoth came back from the back of the room. When he saw Nephthys he hid the bloodstained cloth. Nephthys wouldn't like the idea of the needle poking her son. "Nephthys! It's good to finally see you up and around."
Hathor smiled. Though he sounded quite like Khenti Amenti the wolf up to something, she knew Thoth had no intentions of snowing anybody and was expressing his true feelings.
"I've missed him," the goddess replied, holding him close. "You've been testing him for weeks now. Tell me, is he alright [sic]?"
It was Thoth who smiled this time. "You have a healthy son there, Nephthys. Quite robust, interested in everything, a quick learner, and what a voice, too. I don't think he'll need to come in anymore."
Anubis babbled. He was evidently glad to hear that.
"May I take him with me now, then?" Nephthys asked.
Thoth nodded. "Go ahead. And when Set returns, tell him congratulations for me."
Nephthys nodded and followed Hathor out the door, nearly running, as Thoth had once, into Upuat, who was entering. She smiled at the tall god and murmured an apology--no one spoke to him much--before departing. Upuat stared after her--Thoth thought this mildly strange, that the baby should seem to fascinate him so--then entered.
"Yes, Upuat?" Thoth called, studying Anubis's blood.
"Goddess Isis wishes to see you," the wolf god said. "It's about that scroll you wrote for her."
"I'll be along shortly," Thoth said, half-listening. Upuat sensed the uncertainty in his voice and didn't move.
"Is there a problem, Lord Thoth?" he asked finally, his eyes glowing pale yellow in the dim light.
"Hm? Oh--no, there's no real problem... It's just that this sample is puzzling me."
"Sample, Lord Thoth?"
"A sample of Anubis's blood." He heard Upuat move closer and peer at it over his shoulder. "Something's not quite right."
"An illness?"
"No... Strange as this sounds, I've checked samples of Nephthys's and Set's blood, and...Anubis's doesn't quite match."
Upuat offered no comment.
"Nephthys matches, but not Set," Thoth continued. "It's really quite strange. I don't see how it could be possible. Unless..." He turned to Upuat, who still stood brooding at his side. "Upuat, do you remember--oh, say, that party a long time ago? When Set left for the night?"
Upuat nodded. "I guarded the door."
"That means you didn't drink. So you must remember what happened. Did you see when everybody went to bed?"
Another nod. "Goddesses Isis and Nephthys left early, after Maat. Nephthys needed to be helped. Maat and Isis were sober. God Sobek was excused soon after. Sokar and Goddess Selket left together a while later, then you, then Tefnut, Nut, and Khnum. Most of the others stayed until late."
"Were they very drunk at all?"
"Most were. The only people I remember staying totally sober were Isis, Maat, Sobek, you, and myself."
"What about O--" Thoth cut himself off very abruptly and shook his head. "Never mind. Upuat, may I see your hand?"
Upuat held out his hand and Thoth unceremoniously stabbed his finger. It was the first time Thoth had ever seen him flinch. He studied Upuat's blood for a moment or two, then said, "Your blood matches. For all anyone knows you could be a parent of Anubis."
Upuat didn't disguise the surprise in his voice. "Me?"
Thoth nodded. "And Isis's blood does as well. I checked my own and it doesn't match. And neither does Set's." He sighed, then said tiredly, "Thank you, Upuat. Tell Isis I'm coming right along, as soon as I clean up here."
The wolf god didn't persist at finding out what was troubling Thoth; he knew there was more to it than what was spoken. Instead, he turned and silently left the god behind.
The next day Isis went to Nephthys's quarters to check on her and Anubis, as she had seen little of either for some time. Nephthys was rearranging things while Anubis lay in a wooden cradle, shaking a rattle. Isis picked him up and rocked him in her arms, and he laughed.
"He likes you," Nephthys smiled. "All children like you."
"And all gods love Anubis," Isis replied, placing him back in the cradle. "Even Sobek and Upuat. Upuat especially seems quite interested in our new god." She turned to her sister with a smile but it vanished when she saw the distressed look on Nephthys's face.
"Please don't speak of Upuat," she said, after a brief silence. "He frightens me. I don't like him being around Anubis so much. He just--frightens me."
Isis understood. Upuat's reputation was tarnished by his first few incidents with the gods, and he had caused mild alarm among some of the deities, the goddesses in particular. No harm had come to anyone, but Isis could understand why the meek, gentle Nephthys was still upset. [Note--the reason behind this distrust of Upuat is made clear in the novella "The First Priestess Of Upuat." Despite what this story just said, at least one person WAS harmed.] So she changed the subject. "Are you working on a nursery?"
"I don't think I'll have one. I'd like him instead to stay in here, where I can always be near him. That's why I was--"
There was a knock. Thoth appeared in the doorway. "Am I interrupting--?"
"Not at all," Nephthys said. "Please come in."
"I'm sorry, but I really needed you to come to my room." He glanced at Isis. "I just need to clear something up."
Nephthys looked slightly troubled, but quickly kissed Anubis and smiled. "Alright [sic], I'm coming." She looked to Isis. "Could you look after Anubis?"
Isis nodded. Thoth left the doorway, and Nephthys followed.
Alone, Isis sat on the edge of Nephthys's bed, cooing to the baby which she'd picked up again. "Aaaammaaa," Anubis said, and she laughed softly and shook his rattle.
Anubis suddenly laughed and raised an arm, crowing, "Ooopaaaa!"
The goddess raised her head, puzzled. "Ooooaaaa"? What did it mean? Anubis still shook his arm in the air, crying out oopaas. And then she got the strange feeling that she was being watched. She turned quickly to the door.
Upuat stood there. Noticing Isis's stare, he edged away, but she called him back.
"Upuat!" she exclaimed. "I was wondering what Anubis was saying. He knows your name."
"He does?" Upuat said, his cold reserve slightly giving way to curiosity.
"He does. He must have heard someone say it. He said, 'Ooopaaaa,' before you came in."
"Ooopooaaa," Anubis crooned.
Upuat's ears shot up. "He's getting better."
Isis smiled. "He certainly is. What a quick learner he is!"
Upuat sat down across from her on a chair. "Does he know more?"
"I don't know. Let's find out. Anubis, who am I?"
"Aaasssaasaa," the baby said.
Upuat was excited by now. "He knows you. Isis. I heard it."
Isis put a hand to her mouth like a long beak and poked Anubis's finger. "Anubis, who am I now?"
"Taaaataa." Isis pantomimed cow's horns on her head and tickled him. "Haaataarrrr."
She was certain she saw a faint smile on Upuat's otherwise blank face. "He knows Thoth and Hathor, too."
"He certainly does learn quickly," Isis replied, tickling his feet. Then, "Upuat, how would you like to hold him?"
Upuat pulled back, startled. The emptiness came back to his eyes, before alight with excitement. "No. Goddess Nephthys has made it clear that I stay away from A--her baby." Isis noted how he quickly refrained from saying, "Anubis."
"Has she told you so?"
Upuat was reluctant to reply. "No. But I can tell. You sense people's feelings through how they feel. I sense people's feelings through how they act."
"I know. You sensed Thoth's discomfort when I summoned him from his quarters."
The god blinked. Isis waved it off.
"He told me about it. He also told me how you have a special affinity for this baby. Is that so?"
Upuat was silent for a long time. Then, "Yes."
"Why, Upuat?"
He looked up and seemed to be searching for the right words. This was obviously difficult for him to explain. "When Anubis was born, I was there, and I saw his birth," he said. "He came from Nephthys. This living creature came from another living creature." He paused, struggling, and finally gave up. "It was the first time I've seen such a thing, and it seems so strange. Where once there was nothing, a living, breathing, thinking creature has come." He paused again. "I really didn't think he was going to live. He was so tiny. I reached out my hand, and he grasped my finger..." His voice faltered, and he strained to stay audible. "And he looked up--and opened his eyes--and looked right at me. And he opened his mouth, and cried." Another pause. Upuat seemed lost in thought. "And this little thing lived." He closed his eyes and sighed. "It made me wonder, who is my mother? Who struggled to bring me into the world? Did she care at all? Did I wrap my fingers around hers and cry also?... Have I disappointed her?" [Note--the story behind Upuat's birth is given in the short story "Birth Of A God." Likewise, another reason for his awe at witnessing the birth of Anubis may be seen in the novella "Secret Children."] He broke off abruptly, and fought to regain his composure. He stood. "Forgive me. I waste your time talking so."
Isis stood also. "No apologies are necessary. I asked, and you answered. For that I thank you. Here, Upuat," holding out her arms, "take him."
The wolf god was still uncertain but did as he was told, cradling the small bundle in his arms. "Ooopooaaa," Anubis said. "Uuuu-puuu-aaaat."
"That's right," Upuat whispered. "Upuat. That's my name, Anubis."
"Annnnbissss," Anubis said, and he laughed. Upuat studied the tiny hands, wriggling legs, and sparkling eyes. "Uuuu-puuu-aaaat."
Isis smiled at the scene: the wolf god, so much older yet still so confused, staring in simple wonder at the little miracle he held in hi arms, the miracle which lived and breathed and made him think back...
A gasp awoke them all. Nephthys rushed into the room, quickly snatching the baby, who squalled with surprise, from Upuat's grasp. And it was a good thing, since her entrance had every nearly made him drop the baby.
"Nephthys," Isis said. "I didn't expect you back so soon--"
"Thoth and I have finished with our business," Nephthys said hastily, eyeing Upuat, who picked up her cue and bowed to Isis.
"I should go now," he said. "Goodbye." He bowed also to Nephthys--the goddess backed away slightly--and quickly left, closing the door behind him.
Nephthys sighed with relief and sank onto her bed. Isis went over to her. Anubis was whimpering, wondering what was wrong.
"I thought I said I didn't want Upuat around Anubis," she said.
"I know," Isis said again. "But why are you so afraid of him? He won't hurt Anubis. He never would. He was just wondering who his own mother was."
"Still, I--"
"Uuuu-puuu-aaaat?" Anubis asked.
Nephthys looked at her sister, appalled. "Did he say--?"
Isis nodded. "He knows Upuat and likes him. He knows me, Hathor, and Thoth also, but 'Upuat' is his first word."
Nephthys appeared disappointed. "Set won't like that. Not at all." Her disappointment faded though and she hugged the baby. "But I don't think he'll mind too much when he sees his son. He'll be so happy...so happy..."
Isis silently left the room.
It was late evening. Ra's boat had come and gone, and dinner had ended not long ago. Isis, Hathor, and Bastet went to Nephthys's quarters to see Anubis. Several days had passed since Upuat's and Nephthys's encounter, and by now she had just about forgotten about it and was chatting with her aunts and sister. Hathor was holding Anubis up and shaking him gently when a pawing was heard at the door. Isis answered it and Khenti Amenti bounded in. He bowed dramatically.
"Greetings, noble goddesses!" he exclaimed. "I, Khenti Amenti, have come with good tidings. I was outside chasing mice--just for fun, mind you--when I saw, coming from the west, the noble God Set, with his bow and arrows. I think he's made a good kill."
Nephthys turned to Isis, her hands clasped and her eyes joyful. Isis smiled. "Please excuse me," Nephthys said, and rushed from the room.
Set was just entering the palace by the time she reached him. Several other deities were gathering around, chattering. He barely spoke. Nephthys ran up and embraced him. He flinched and started to pull away, but she let him go, unnoticing.
"Set, Set!" she cried. "You've finally returned. How was your hunt?"
"I brought down some game," Set said, looking slightly puzzled.
"I'm glad it went well. Did you get anything interesting?"
"I could show it to you," he replied, starting to look suspicious at Nephthys's enthusiasm.
Nephthys gasped. "No, I have something to show you! Someone, in fact." She turned, and Hathor came up, carrying Anubis in her arms. Set watched as Nephthys took him from her, still confused. His wife smiled at him, and handed him the baby. "Set, this is Anubis. Your son."
A look of total shock crossed over Set's face. He stared at the baby, who laughed and reached for him, then looked up at Nephthys. Her smile faded slightly at the strange look in his eyes. He's caught off guard!, she thought. Still, I didn't think he'd be this surprised.
"My...son?" he stammered.
Nephthys nodded and pulled away with a smile.
All Set did was stare at Anubis. The others waited. He lifted his head--and his eyes locked straight on Thoth's. Thoth shivered, knowing what must be going through his mind. What's going on here? And with a sudden dawning chill of horror, he knew that only he could answer. With a murmured excuse and apology he left the group, going briskly to his quarters.
"Set?" Nephthys asked, growing worried at his continuous stare. "Set, are you alright [sic]?"
"Perhaps he's caught a fever," Isis suggested. "He's been gone a long time."
"Maybe that's it," Nephthys agreed, trying very hard to believe. She took Anubis back, and Set sat down on a ledge along the wall, still staring. "In that case you should get some sleep. I'll be along shortly, if you'd like."
Set stood up mechanically. "No," he said, the strange look still in his eyes. "I'd like to be alone for a while. Excuse me."
Nephthys cried, "Wait!" Set looked back. "I mean...I'm sorry. Here, I'll put Anubis back in his cradle so you can see him. Come."
She started off and Set followed, half-dazed. In their room she did as she'd said she would, then left the two alone, Set seated at a table in the chair earlier occupied by Upuat, staring at the baby, herself telling him to get plenty of sleep. When she returned several hours later he still sat there, his eyes fixed on the now-sleeping baby. Perplexed, she went to bed alone. And when she awoke, she found her husband yet at the table, fast asleep.
Early the next morning a sunvulture visited Nephthys and set, telling them that Amon had asked that they come to his palace so he could meet Anubis. Nephthys agreed but Set, oddly, to Nephthys's mind, declined. So Nephthys and Anubis only went. Outside of his palace she met Thoth, who led her inside.
Amon's palace was quite like Ra's, only it possessed more ram-headed sphinxes, as Amon was a ram god, and while Ra's had a certain golden glow to it, Amon's palace shone brilliantly white. They met the god in his hall. A faint breeze stirred the tall feathers of his crown, and he smiled at them.
"Welcome, Goddess Nephthys, God Thoth," he greeted. Nephthys bowed, as she still held Anubis, but Thoth prostrated himself, touching his head to the floor. Amon had informally adopted him as his son, and Thoth wasn't about to take that for granted. He soon rose, knowing Amon wished them to stand, and stood quietly.
Amon started, "I take it that this is your son, the new god Anubis."
Nephthys nodded and bowed slightly. "He is, Your Majesty."
"Bring him forward so that I might have a closer look."
Nephthys looked to Thoth. He nodded. So she walked up to the great golden throne and carefully presented the baby to Amon, bowing as she did so. It was the closest she had ever been to him, and she was awed. Everything about him seemed to glitter with gold or jewels. Even his sandals were gem-studded, and his staff leaned against the throne, sparkling golden. He almost seemed to have an aura about him, and the goddess was momentarily enveloped by it.
Amon took the baby, looking at him intently. "Anubis, this is God Amon," Nephthys said softly, stepping back and leaving the aura to Amon and Anubis alone.
"Amannnmm," Anubis said, waving his little hands. The shining ostrich feathers of the great god's crown fascinated him. He cared little for the gold or jewels.
Amon's eyebrows rose. "He learns quickly, does he?"
Thoth nodded. "He already recognizes many of the other gods, Majesty."
Amon smiled. "He will be a great one." He held the baby out to his mother. "Thoth, teach him well. Have him learn his letters, and the history of his fellow gods. I leave his education to you."
Thoth smiled and bowed. "That I will most certainly do, Majesty."
"And as he appears to have such an interest, here!" Amon held out his hand palm up and a shining ostrich feather appeared. He handed it to Nephthys. "For Anubis. With my blessings." He laughed. "You may leave."
Nephthys bowed and exited, Anubis shaking the feather. "Amanamumm!" he cried as they disappeared from view.
Amon laughed softly again, then turned to Thoth. "You wish to ask me a question?"
Thoth nodded. "Indeed so, Divine Father. May I ask, is the Council of the Gods meeting tonight?"
The god nodded. "Tonight, after Ra returns from his boat. It will be in the great hall of my palace. All gods should be there."
All except Set. Thoth glanced about, startled, then realized with shock that the statement had been his own, in his head. Now whyever would I think that? Of course Set will be there! "Then I'll see Your Majesty tonight, after the sun sets." He bowed and started to leave. "Farewell, Majesty."
"Thoth."
Thoth turned his head, looking at him. Amon looked back.
"You know something about Anubis that you're not telling," he said softly. But his words were very clear. He wished to know what was wrong, and there was no pulling the proverbial wool over his all-seeing eyes. Thoth sighed and knelt on one knee, not knowing what to say. But Amon cut his jumbled thoughts short. "Tell it plainly and tell it all."
Thoth sighed again. "I honestly don't know what to think, Divine Father. So much is too confusing. But as for Anubis, I'm not certain of his parentage."
"Parentage?"
Thoth nodded. "Set's blood doesn't match with Anubis's the way it should. And even Set is acting oddly; he should be surprised, but instead he's appalled. He only stares at the baby. And somehow Upuat appears to be tied in also; he shows a bizarre fascination for the new god, but doesn't dare approach him due to Nephthys's fear of him."
Amon nodded, remembering how Upuat had spread distress during his first few months with the gods. "And this means?"
Thoth looked down at the floor. His own reflection stared back up, and he turned away his face away. [Note--I took note of this error in the margin with "X--away his face away!"] "This means I don't think Anubis is Set's son."
Instantly he regretted saying it; of course Anubis was Set's son; Set was just never expecting to be able to have one. As for the blood samples... They couldn't be explained away as easily, but there must be some logical reason why Set didn't match. Maybe just a genetic quirk...but Thoth doubted it. Amon, however, to his immense relief, questioned him no further. He merely nodded.
"I will speak of this to no one," he said simply, and nodded again. "You may leave."
Thoth bowed again, and despondently walked away.
Set did not show at the council. All through the meeting Thoth stared at his empty seat, a lump of fear rising unexplainably in his throat. He barely heard a word said.
After the meeting Nephthys went to her room. Set was not there. Perplexed, she got Anubis and left, looking for him. She finally found him outside in the forecourt, leaning against a pillar with his arms crossed, staring out across the plain. She went over to him and gently tapped his arm. He turned to look, and when he saw them his eyes clouded and his frown seemed to become more pronounced.
"Would you like to hold him?" she asked.
"No," Set replied, and turned back away.
Nephthys persisted, confused. "But here he is, the one you've been waiting for. Don't you want to hold him?"
"I said no!" Set fumed, and stalked away inside the palace.
Tears filled Nephthys's eyes. What could be wrong? Wasn't he happy now? As she followed after him she glanced at Sobek, guarding the door. He had not said a word at their coming out late. She caught a faint sympathy in his eyes, but knew he could never understand. So she continued on inside. When she got to her chambers, Set was still not there. She went to bed alone again, except for little Anubis whom she held to her, and fell asleep, the tears staining her cheeks.
Over the next few days Nephthys felt as if her whole world were falling apart. Set never did return to their room, and stayed instead in a different chamber. He never appeared at dinner or any meetings, and never visited anyone. Finally Nephthys decided to visit him, and one evening she did so. She went to his room but he wasn't there; she waited and he soon came along. When he saw her he turned quickly to his door. She stood.
"Set, what's wrong?" she asked.
"I don't wish to speak now," he said sharply, grasping the handle.
"But why are you so angry lately? Why aren't you happy? I thought you wanted a son more than anything! Have you changed your mind, do you want a daughter? If so I could give you one!"
"I don't want a daughter, and I don't want Anubis!"
"But why not?" Nephthys said, beginning to cry. "Anubis--"
"Anubis is not my son!" Set shouted furiously, and went into his room, slamming the door.
Nephthys didn't even try to call him back. Instead she ran down the hallway, sobbing, her hands to her face. She dashed past Upuat, who stared after her. When she reached her room she collapsed upon her bed, shaking and crying loudly. Anubis whined, upset by her sobs. She swayed back and forth, moaning. What could Set mean? Why would he say such a horrible thing? What had she done wrong?
A faint shadow caught her attention. She looked up, and saw Upuat staring down at her. Her first thought was to panic; but her confusion won out, and she grabbed his arms abruptly, pleadingly.
"What have I done wrong? What have I done?" she cried. "What have I done!" And she buried her face in his chest, her shoulders heaving. Upuat held her awkwardly, not knowing what else to do. He couldn't tell her what she'd done wrong; he didn't know, either.
Outside, the moon was rising, and the pheals of the jackals could be heard, echoing from the lonely forecourt of the darkened palace. [Note--"pheal" is the correct term for the sound a jackal makes. Can't remember where I learned this, it's not in our dictionary!]
Isis knew something must be wrong when Upuat showed up at her door late that night, asking that she and Osiris visit Nephthys. They went. Upuat stayed behind, however, and then went elsewhere. He didn't wish to interfere.
Nephthys was sitting on her bed when they arrived. She got up to hug her sister, the tears streaming from her eyes, and they joined her.
"Nephthys, what's wrong?" Isis asked, smoothing her disheveled hair and wiping the tears from her eyes.
"I don't know," Nephthys choked. "Every time I go to Set, and ask him if he wants to hold the baby, he says no. He stays in different quarters. You've seen that he's absent from all gatherings. And earlier, I--I went to his room to talk, and he--he said that--Anubis--isn't his son." She hid her face and let out a sob. Isis and Osiris looked at each other. They were both thinking the same thing. Why would Set say such a thing? Unless it's true... Isis put her hand on Nephthys's arm.
"Nephthys, allow me to ask you a personal question."
Nephthys nodded.
"Nephthys...when exactly was Anubis conceived?"
Nephthys looked up. "Conceived?"
Isis nodded. "When, Nephthys? Do you remember?"
Her sister nodded again. "Yes. It was the night of that large party, when Set went out hunting. He acme back for a while, and I thought--well, you know, I thought maybe he needed s-someone..."
"Yes, I know," Isis said. "You said he came back for just a while?"
A nod. "He was gone when I awoke, and came back again later. He must have come here, then gone hunting again. That's why I thought he might want some company."
Isis nodded thoughtfully. Something was bothering her. If Set had come back, then what about-- "Osiris, did you hunt alone when Set came back?"
A puzzled look came over Osiris's face. "Hunt?"
Isis nodded. "You didn't come back until very early morning, so you must have hunted alone."
Osiris was confused now. "But I didn't hunt! I was with you all night!"
Now Isis looked puzzled. "No, you weren't. You didn't come back until early morning..." She trailed off. "When did you leave the party, Osiris?"
"It was...it was late at night."
"Did you wake up any time at all?"
"Yes. I got up to get some water, and then came back."
"When was this?"
"Early in the morning."
Isis turned to Nephthys. "And when did Set leave you, Nephthys?"
Her sister had gone pale. "It was early...in the morning."
Silence. Then, "Oh, no." Isis saw the deepest horror in her husband's eyes. "Oh, no, no, no...I couldn't have..."
"Osiris," she said, putting out her hand. But he started to grow frantic.
"No, no, no!" he cried, standing and stumbling forward. "I couldn't have--I couldn't have!"
Isis stood also, Nephthys following. "Please, Osiris--"
Osiris put his hands to his face. "By Ra, by Ra," he wailed, "this must be a nightmare. Please, please, wake me from this horrible dream!" Before Isis could call out he staggered from the room, running to his own quarters.
The two goddesses stood where they were. Isis looked to her sister, who stared back, shaking. A moment later Upuat appeared in the doorway, panting slightly. He had been running also.
"I am sorry to intrude upon you, noble goddesses," he said, "but God Osiris has locked himself in his room, and refuses to come out."
Nephthys turned away, bowing her head. "Thank you, Upuat," Isis said, managing to retain her calmness. "You may leave."
Upuat bowed and disappeared.
Once more Isis turned to Nephthys. She was now sitting on her bed again, staring into space.
"No wonder Set was so shocked when he came back and saw Anubis," she said softly. "Anubis really isn't his son." She covered her face again. "I feel so ashamed."
Isis put her arm around her shoulders. "It's not your fault, and it isn't Osiris's, either."
Nephthys looked at her with despair. "How can you say that? How can you stay so calm? Especially when you think of what I've done. Adul--"
"No," Isis said firmly. "No, you did not. Don't say that you have. I'm not angry at you because you had nothing to hide, and I believe you."
Nephthys smiled faintly. "Thank you, may Amon bless you," she whispered.
"Come," Isis said, "look at Anubis. He's worried about you." She picked him up from his cradle and sat down beside her sister again.
"Isis?"
Isis looked up.
"Sing to him, will you?"
Isis complied. Soon nothing could be heard throughout the palace save for the low, soft song of the goddess as she rocked her nephew to sleep.
Silence.
"Is that it?" asked Qebusenuef.
Khenti Amenti shook his head. "Of course not. But Duamutef knows it almost as well as I."
Duamutef picked up his cue and said, "I know that several days after that Set left. He was really upset, and wouldn't listen when Nephthys tried to convince him to stay."
"And Nephthys had Isis take care of Anubis?" Qebusenuef said.
Khenti nodded. "She really didn't want to, she loved him so much, but she thought it more important that he be raised by a proper mother and father--namely, Isis and Osiris. At first Osiris was appalled by the idea, but Anubis was his son, so he followed. And so Anubis was raised as the child of Osiris and Isis, while Nephthys played the role of aunt."
"How did Anubis find out?" Qebusenuef asked.
"Isis told him," Khenti said, "but that comes later. Because before that, you see, Anubis traveled down to earth and fell in love." [Note--in the current storyline, Anubis FIRST finds out his parentage, THEN comes the following story of Kebehut.]
"Oh, this is the story about Kebehut!" Duamutef exclaimed. "One of my favorites."
The wolf stretched a leg, then stood, turned around, and lay back down. "I suppose I've got to tell it to you," he sighed. "Oh, well. At least this is one of my favorite stories too." He grinned and winked at them. "Then again, all stories are my favorites, when I tell them. Are you four ready? Alright [sic]. What I'm going to tell you now is a love story, so don't gag, please. Some might think of Death as a fearful, hideous thing, but most never knew that even he loved once, and mourned..."
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