Chapter 10
“Do you have anything to tie this to in your room? I think we both know you want to sneak out.” He says with a laugh. She nods and he places his right foot back and begins twirling the rope. “Catch it!” He yells as he throws the rope up the side of the palace. It comes speeding at her and she moves her head to dodge it then snatches it with her right hand. She runs into her room and ties it around a stone column. Returning to the balcony with a grin.
“Look away!” She yells as she descends the rope. Roderick covers his eyes and his ears alert him to the sound of the rope snapping. He opens them to see Ife falling towards a sharp rock on the cliff face. He leaps up and catches her in his arms. With ease he plants his foot and leaps off the stone surface of the cliff and lands safely on the ground. She stares at him in wonder.
“Ho.. How did you do that?” She asks.
“Uh… I was a dancer in my previous life. Dancers are incredibly physically talented.” He replies. The two walk off into the market below the palace.
“Thanks for coming to get me but my father will likely have the palace guards out looking for me. If they catch you, I fear you won’t live long enough to explain to them it was my idea.” She says.
“Don’t worry about me, I am a lot tougher than I look. I want to show you something if you allow.” He replies with a wink. She giggles at his silliness and nods in agreement. The pair make their way towards the river and the Great Pyramid.
“Tell me why are you so desperate to leave that palace? You must have anything you want brought to you with a mere gesture.” He asks.
“Everyone thinks being born royalty makes life so much better but the responsibility that is thrust upon you is heavy to carry. Forced to do whatever necessary to further the dynasty and disregarding your own personal wants and desires is terrible. I would rather be born poor if at least I was able to make my own choices.” She replies. Roderick nods in understanding as they begin their trek through the part of town that is stricken with poverty. An elderly man falls to the ground and the pot full of water he is carrying shatters.
“No! I’m so sorry! Please don’t beat me anymore!” He screams as the slave driver whips him across his back. He rears his hand back to hit him again.
“You filthy peasant! You will finish your task today or else I’ll…!” He screams but
before he finishes Roderick grabs his wrist. Ife rushes towards the man and helps him to his feet. The slaver tries to pull his hand free but can’t. He looks up at Roderick to threaten him and all his bluster evaporates . Roderick stares through the man’s soul, imagining himself ripping his arm from the socket and beating him to death with it. The feeling of impending death overtakes the slaver, and he looks for help.
“This man is hereby free! I also grant him citizenship and if you dare try to harm him again, I will have you quartered!” Ife screams and she gets within inches of his face. Her own anger is beginning to show. She grabs him by his mouth and shoves him backwards. He tumbles and falls to the sand.
“Ye…Yes Princess. I am sorry for my behavior!” He pleads. She points and he runs off and the old man hugs her.
“Thank you so much. My family has been indentured here for generations. We were conquered and told that if we did our jobs, we would gain citizenship. It never happened. “He says bleakly.
“I am sorry for the way your family has been treated. From now on it will be different.” She says then pulls out a papyrus from her bag. She writes a letter saying the man and his family are now citizens of Egypt. “Bring this letter to Council of Judgments and you will be free.” She says with a smile. The man tears up and walks home to tell his family.
“You just did an amazing thing. I am taken by your compassion.” Roderick says. Ife fakes a smile and looks down.
“The way these people are treated is abhorrent. If I was Queen this would not be this way but it will never be.” She replies.
“Why not?” He asks. She sighs.
“Because men will never allow a woman to sit on the throne. Even if by some miracle it happened, I doubt the military would follow her orders. I doubt the world is ready for female rule.” She replies.
“Then the world is a fool. Whoever is the best leader should sit on the throne, regardless of gender. If Commander Apophis looks down on women, then he shouldn’t be in a position of authority.” Roderick says. Surprised upon hearing her betrotheds name come from Roderick’s mouth she reaches forwards and grasps his hand in hers.
“I like how you think Roderick. You are unlike anyone I’ve met before. Tell me where you’re from.” She asks.
“I will, let us reach our destination first if you don’t mind.” He replies. She nods and the pair walk through the remainder of the city. Exchanging small talk and pleasantries as they approach the Great Pyramid. They reach the base of the monolith structure and he bends down and looks back at her.
“Get on my back, we will have to hurry to the top since the sun is already setting.” He says.
“What do you mean? The top?” She asks confused as she climbs onto his back. He holds her legs tightly and bursts upwards. The wind blasts her face as they ascend upwards.