PHARAOHS

Moses 2

Jochebed was already preparing the kettle for hot water while kneading bread for their breakfast. Miriam and Aaron need to go to the toiling grounds for their jobs building one of the pyramids in front of Pharaoh’s palace in an hour. So she needs to hurry cooking. The vizier Hemiunu’s assistant will not be very happy if they were late, or they’ll get the whip or no stale, cold food for the day.

Good morning, mother, we have a visitor!, Miriam said happily, excited to see their mother’s face (which she managed to hide successfully), for all of them longed for Moses return. So, have you both fetched the water and got me some figs….ehrr…..

“Sabah al Khair!” (good morning), Moses said nervously and wanting to leave the place since every one’s acting all weird in front of him, which is typical having a prince of Egypt enter their home like this. I need to get going, thank you for your kindness!

No, wait, your highness. Please stay!, Jochebed said stunned, then halted with what she’s doing and moved closer to see Moses in flesh and blood. Is it okay to touch your face, Prince Moses?

Ah, yes, go ahead, ma’am!, Moses replied feeling strange. I told you he will come back to us, mother!, Miriam added which made Moses confused. What? Why would I need to come here? I can have you whipped for your disrespect of a Prince!

Yes, we know Prince that’s why we placed you in a weaved basket and tried to save you from Pharaoh’s orders to kill every male baby boy in the land except for Egyptians. I was the one who secretly let you escape down the river to meet Princess Bithiah, your Egyptian mother. We are your true family Moses and God has promised to deliver Israel from Egypt through you, Miriam continued. Aaron was trying to stop her but she insistently brought it out plainly. Moses’ eyes grew and slapped Miriam. You insolent woman, get out of my way! I can have you flagged to death because of this lie. Moses shouted in disbelief and ran as far as he could to get away from Aaron, Miriam and Jochebed, the Israelites dilapidated homes, away from the palace, away from himself, the truth and it scared him so much he wanted to die right then and there.

Ramses was looking for his brother Moses when he saw his little brother’s face wet and clothes full of dirt. Brother, where have you been! Father is looking for you about the construction. Are you going there wearing those, haha? Why are you looking like you had a rough day, where’s that Midianite woman. Haha! I guess you had so much fun, you got dirt all over you?, Ramses joked and bumped his shoulder to Moses who managed to smile but moved along without any more reaction.

What???, Ramses asked curiously. No, I am an Egyptian prince, but why is it that when they told me I am a Jew I felt my heart leap for joy, yet, I love Egypt and I love my family here. I could never be anywhere else than the place I grew up in and learned to love, and Ramses, no!!!!! No, no, no!!!!, Moses said now sobbing while taking his majestic bath. He now walks in the middle of the grandest, tallest statuesque outside walls of the palace. The hieroglyphics that father the Pharaoh taught me about Ancient Egypt and my line, my throne as the Prince. How can I be a slave when I lived a life of a prince?

Moses asked to have an audience with Bithiah. BIthiah is so delighted to be visited by her son that she hugged him full of love and miss. Why would my son visit his mother at this early? It is always a pleasure seeing your beautiful face and proud countenance as prince of Egypt!, Bithiah added smiling. ‘Mut!’ (mother). Who is my real family? Are you my real mother?, Moses asked all of a sudden, without even answering Bithiah’s question.

Moses!?, Bithiah said speechless. But though it was hard for her to lie about his true origin. She lied and said Moses is her son. Don’t lie to me Mut? I love you and you owe me this truth.

True he is and treated him as his real son, yet, she found him many years ago in the river and took care of him after that.

Moses’ eyes swelled and tears ran down from them unceasingly. Mother, why is this happening? Then it is true that I am a slave. I shouldn’t be here, I need to get back to where I truly belong. But what will happen to you? I don’t want to lose you or get you in trouble, mother?, Moses added holding his mother’s hands lovingly. Calm down Moses, no one will ever know. We can keep this a secret and the Pharaoh knows that I could never bear a child and you are a blessing for us and Egypt. But mother, I am a Jew and a slave, would father accept me as his son when I am one of the people Egypt is enslaving right now? ….

***

Henshu, what are you doing this late at night?, a man’s voice whispered from afar. Baba? (father) what are you doing spying on me this late at night?, I replied laughing at my father while reading a book I found in the palace’s huge library. I couldn’t sleep and it’s always been my hobby to read when I remember mother reading to me all sorts of stories about Egypt and the people in it, especially those who have powers and led Egypt to its grandeur now.

I couldn’t sleep, it’s about Ramses and Moses! I never knew that we had a Jew prince before.

Well, Moses was ordered by Ramses I to be written off all the papers and books of Egypt. He was among the best Prince warriors Egypt had then Ramses II tried to become more successful against his adopted brother but he still loved Moses yet it never ended well between the two of them. You better sleep your majesty. You have an early meeting with the army tomorrow since you have to speak with the General about the war, anyway, Anhemnotep added and touched Henshupta’s face. Haa…my daughter is becoming like her father and the great Pharaohs before you. But don’t hurry growing up, I miss you!, Anhemnotep said smiling and breathing hard at the same time. I miss you too Baba! But I am Pharaoh now and need to fulfill my responsibilities as one. I will not be late, goodnight, Anhemnotep!, I said smiling with my heart already warmed up by my caring father. Good night, your Lordship!, Anhemnotep said and went on his way.