Eater of souls by Lynda S. Robinson Page A

conversation quickly after her appearance. But this time Isis was different. She didn't look the same.
    Keeping part of his attention on the conversation, Meren pursued this alarming thought. What was different? He studied Isis for a moment before he realized that unlike all the other women, she had worn a simple shift. The dress had narrow shoulder straps and a low, straight neck that cut across her chest at the point where her breasts began. Sewn into the linen were thousands of tiny lapis, turquoise, and gold beads.
    The garment was so heavy it clung to her body and moved with even the slightest breath. The current fashion was length upon length of finely pleated and transparent linen beneath which a woman's body was an intriguing blur. Isis revealed nothing except bare, firm arms and a bit of leg, ankle, and her bare feet. And she wore no sandals. Anklets that matched the dress beads drew attention to the muscles in her calves and the perfection of her feet.
    Meren scowled at one of the anklets as he realized his little daughter knew more than he'd realized about how to entice and intrigue.
    He'd sent her and Bener to his sister to learn the management of a large household. Only three months had they passed in the country, yet each had returned more woman than girl in far too many ways. He was losing control of them.
    Isis was speaking now that she had extracted a treasure-load of compliments from Reshep. "Are others of your family here?"
    "Unfortunately, both my parents have gone west, O matchless one. First my father, then my mother, and I am their only son. Father was a great noble, but retiring. He preferred managing our lands to seeking power and fortune at court. He was a master at producing from the land, of course. And Mother, everyone told me she was even more beautiful than the queen she once served, or even the fabled Nefertiti. She was wise and good and loving, and I miss her." Reshep paused to give Isis an appreciative glance. "Until tonight, I thought her the most beautiful woman in Egypt. Still, I miss her."
    "Then we must see that you have so much to do that you have no time to miss her." Isis glanced at her father for the first time since the conversation began, then quickly looked away with a brittle smile at Reshep. "Am I not right, Father?"
    "What? Oh, of course. I believe Kysen wished to suggest an outing of some kind, perhaps a hunt. We will send word to you," Meren said.
    "You honor me, my lord." Reshep held out his hand, and a fan appeared in it. His slave withdrew again. "I'm certain Kysen will be an excellent companion. Truthfully, I find it difficult to hunt with most men. My skills overmatch most of them."
    "Have you killed many wild fowl?" Isis asked.
    "I stopped counting, O incomparable lily," Reshep said. "Although I have kept count of the lions, crocodiles, and hippos. I believe I've killed seven lions, thirteen crocodiles, and eight hippos."
    Isis gave Reshep a wondering look. "You're skilled indeed."
    "At more than the hunt, my—"
    "Reshep," Meren said sharply. Lord Reshep's mouth closed as swiftly as a fishnet.
    "I see my older daughter about to begin an enactment of the Tale of the Five Temple Traders. Yes, she needs her sister's help. You may go, Isis."
    When she was gone, Meren signaled to a slave for wine and led Reshep to the sitting area formed by the awning in front of the deckhouse. Woven cushions surrounded two chairs carved of imported cedar of Byblos and inlaid with ivory and ebony designs that formed the hieroglyphs of Meren's name. Meren took one of the chairs, settling into soft cushions, and offered the other to Reshep. His guest folded himself into the seat gracefully.
    Dismissing the slave, Meren watched Reshep sip the imported Syrian wine. "My daughter has but fourteen years, Reshep. A marriageable age, I'll allow. But she has yet to gain the wisdom or the maturity I would wish for her."
    "I understand, my lord."
    "No," Meren said as he leaned back in his chair, lazily