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he worked so doggedly that the queen didn t have the heart
to scold him.
Suddenly he stopped and ran to the garden gate. His
barking and jumping could only mean a visit from his
master.
The sound of her husband s footsteps told Nefertari
that his heart was heavy. She rose to meet him.
 Is it Moses?
 No, I m sure he s all right.
 Not . . . not Tuya.
 My mother is fine.
 Tell me what s wrong.
 It s Egypt, Nefertari. The dream is over . . . the dream
of a country where peace and prosperity rule, where each
day is a blessing.
The queen shut her eyes.
 War?
He nodded.  There s no way around it.
 You re leaving, then.
 Who else should command the army? If we don t stop
the Hittites, it s death to Egypt.
362 Christian Jacq
Little Kha glanced up at the embracing couple, then
went back to his story. Meritamon napped. Watcher kept
digging.
In the tranquil garden, Nefertari clung to Ramses. In the
distance, a white ibis took flight above the wheat fields.
 So long apart, Ramses. Where will we find the courage
to go on?
 In the love that unites us and always will, no matter
what happens. While I m gone, you ll act as my regent,
queen of my Turquoise City.
Nefertari looked off at the horizon.
 You re right to go, she told him.  Never negotiate with
evil.
The white ibis soared majestically above the royal pair,
bathed in the glow of sunset. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]