“This man,” I say, slowly and clearly, “shall not be put to death.”
A gasp goes round the hall followed by an angry murmur.
I wait for silence, and struggle to suppress thoughts of revenge, knowing that to give way to them will mean that I will forfeit the help of the great eternal spirits when I need them most, and that Horus-Khurahtaten, will turn his golden eye from me. I want to cry out for help, but know that this decision has to be made on my own. When it has been made, then and then only help will come.
I speak at last.
“He and I will face each other in single combat,” I say, my voice steadier than I expect. “The Judge will be Maat, the Spirit of Truth, Justice and Cosmic Order.”
I leave the hall, the courtiers and soldiers moving back in stunned silence. I walk with confident
