CHAPTER 5
THE NEW CITYThe official move to the city takes place two years after the boundary stelae are put down, and it reminds me of the great bird migrations I have witnessed, when countries to the north of us are touched by the cold, dark hands of winter. So many boats and barges have been requisitioned that the river must be groaning under their weight. Canopies flutter like bright wings about the royal party and their chosen priests, courtiers, craftsmen and the women of the harem. I am in the foremost boat, with the co-regent and his queen and their daughters. Merytaten, under the restraint of my arm, leans over the side to count the fishes, little Maketaten sitting on a high ebony stool beside us, asking no questions but staring at everything with greedy eyes as though she were se
