Act Nine
Scene Two
Sub-Scene One
Pharoah’s viziers’ choice
In Egypt, the Pharaoh ruled,
but there were three advisers who assisted him. This was the design of Ptolemy
I when he was the Pharoah. The role of the Viziers is to advise the Pharaoh on
all matters, like the enactment of laws and the daily administration and
handling of family members. They serve as the second most powerful person in
the government; only the pharaoh is more powerful than a vizier.
“Pharoah, it has come to our
attention that Lady Cleop is planning a revolt against your position.” Karim
Al-Rah had advised the Pharaoh since Ptolemy II. He was crippled due to old age
and was bound to a wheelchair, but he retained a network of informers. He was
overseeing the immediate family of the Pharoah. He was with the Pharaoh on the
royal barge and was sailing down the Nile.
“We concur, Pharoah.” Ben
Ghazi and Fariz Tolah; the other two viziers nodded. Both equally old in age,
but held a better health to Karim.
“My half-sister…… I have
been told of this before, but she has not acted yet. When I sacrificed her to
Caesar, she did not object. She may feel that she could win his favor to back
her, but she is a woman and does not know the works of fortune or the downfall
of war.”
“Do not underestimate the
tenacity of your half-sister. Her mother was able to seduce the last Pharoah to
make her his favourite, and I see the mean streak in the daughter.” Karim
advised the Pharoah. “She may be going ahead with her plans.”
“I do not fear her. I have
my Mehraj with me.” The Mehraj numbered a dozen dedicated guards whose sole
role was to protect the Pharoah.
“You may have the Mehraj,
but the influence of the lady may be wider, and...” Karim was cut off by the
pharaoh.
“Say no more, old man. I
will call on her to make known her intentions. If she resists, then I will have
killed her.”
“A wise move, Pharoah, but
the lady is more than you can handle now.” Karim looked at the young Pharoah. I
am old and would like to resign my commission as vizier.”
“Do you dare, Karim of the
Viziers?” Pharoah looked at the elderly figure. “I can retire you, but only
after I resolve the issue with my half-sister.”
“Pharoah, I begged you to
consider your options. You could...”
“Step down and let her rule?
Impossible. I know your words well in my heart, Vizier. You had favored my
half-sister long. And are the two of you? All of you have forgotten your duties
to the Pharaoh.”
“We are the Viziers of
Egypt. We have served the last two Pharoah’s. Fariz is the second generation of
Viziers since his father died.” Karim looked at the other two. “We are to serve
the Pharaoh, but our main commitment is Egypt. The survival of Egypt must be
maintained at all costs, including the removal of the Pharaoh, who is incapable
of doing that.”
“Bull shit!” Ptolemy was
cursed out. “I am the Pharoah, and...”
“Let me tell you the tale of
Amaris.” Karim looked at the young Pharoah. “According to the Greek historian,
he was of common origins. He was originally an officer in the army. A revolt
that broke out among native soldiers gave him the opportunity to seize the
throne. These troops, returning home from a disastrous military expedition to
Cyrene in Libya, suspected that they had been betrayed in order that Apries,
the reigning king, might rule more absolutely by means of his Greek
mercenaries; many fully sympathized with them. General Amasis, sent to meet
them and quell the revolt, was proclaimed king by the rebels instead, and
Apries, who then had to rely entirely on his mercenaries, was defeated, though
it is suggested that Apries had more native support.”
“Old man, I know the tale
well, but let me tell you a few things. One, I am not as weak as Apries. I have
my own guards, and no mercenaries are here to protect me.” Ptolemy was upset.
“Three, I will marry Lady Cleop to Caesar to legitimize my kinship. He can tame
the woman to her knees. And Rome will be mine soon.”
“I am disappointed, my young
Pharoah. Your rule has weakened Egypt. Our grandfather, Ptolemy, will never
have invited outsiders to the palace, let alone the royal barge.” Karim sighed.
“Not have his sister be a whore.”
“Half-sister! She is not my
sister. I do not give a fuck on who fucked her, so long as she served my
needs.”
“We gave you the option to
rescind your kingship, but you are always the . stupid one since I nurtured you
from a young.”
“Viziers, are you backing
that bitch?” The pharaoh glared at all three of them. “Who will be Pharoah
then? You? Or you?”
“Yes.” Karim replied. “If
the call has to be made,”
“Mehraj! Take these three
old men and kill them now.” The pharaoh called out.
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