From Author’s collection

VS: I have an entire series on interconnected ronantasy novels set in ancient Egypt, in which the gods walk the land beside the Nile and are involved in daily life the way the Egyptians believed them to be. Here we have Sobek talking to one of his priestesses, Tyema, as he is about to send her on a dangerous trip to Thebes. (It should be noted that except for the first book, PRIESTESS OF THE NILE the romances in the novels are between humans, not humans and gods.)

Tyema always knew when Sobek wanted to speak with her. There would be a faint whispering of her name into her left ear, as if the syllables were carried on the breeze. After awhile her head would start to ache and lightning would flash in her vision and she knew she must seek the god out. Today was one of those days so she hurried down the cliff to his private beach below the temple as soon as the headache started, after the noon hour. They rarely met in the sanctuary in the heart of the costly new temple. Sobek preferred the open air, next to the Nile. Sometimes she wondered how it went at other temples dedicated to this god, since he didn’t appear to enjoy being cooped up inside.

Or maybe it’s just the relationship we have because he’s married to my sister, and they met on this very beach.

            Arriving on the sandy expanse, Tyema ignored the lingering Nile crocodiles. The animals would never dare attack her. She took a deep breath, straightened her spine and sang one of the oldest songs she knew, one Merys said their great grandmother had taught her. Sobek always said he especially enjoyed the lilting melody. She loved singing on the shore of the Nile, letting her voice expand and fly over the water. Sure enough, as she finished the last verse, there was a flash of green light and Sobek came striding down the beach toward her, taking the fully human form.

Her headache faded and the lightning flashes in her vision had been consumed by the light of his arrival. Tyema took a deep breath in relief.

He always appeared to her as a man, dressed like a wealthy noble, although she’d also seen him as half shifted, between forms, wearing his crown and plumes on the head of a crocodile. Never as the Crocodile, although she’d seen the damage he could wreak, as well as the aftermath of his anger.

Tyema sank to her knees in the cooling sand, arms crossed over her chest. “I’m honored to be in your presence today, Great One.”

He extended one hand, palm up. “This will always be my favorite temple and you my most beloved priestess, after Merys herself. The song was lovely. No one else knows the oldest verses but you and your sister. The tablets and papyri on which they were written have long crumbled to dust, I fear.”

Placing her hand in his, Tyema rose to her feet. “If I have daughters someday I’ll teach the song to them, I promise, my lord.”

“Walk with me.”  He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow.

They strolled along the beach, the huge black and gray crocodiles hissing a greeting as they slid out of the god’s path. Sobek nodded and the creatures slid into the Nile, one by one, swimming away in formation.

Wondering what had brought the god to seek her out today, Tyema kept her silence. Sobek would tell her when he was ready. She realized they were walking to the breeding pens on the far side of the temple.

Sure enough, a few minutes later she stood in front of the enclosed pond. All the crocodiles, large and small, came crowding to the fence, crawling over one another to be close to their lord and master. Sobek extended his hand in a silent blessing for a moment, after which the group disbanded, reverting suddenly to normal crocodile behavior, sunbathing, drifting in the water, dining on the chickens and other offerings Tyema’s staff provided daily.

Only one crocodile remained, the young bull named “Pharaoh” by the keepers. He basked in the sun directly in front of Tyema, as if displaying himself for the god.

“You’ll have to take him to Thebes,” Sobek said.

Sure she hadn’t heard him correctly, she did a double take. “I’m sorry, Great One, to Thebes?”

“Yes, I require you to convey this fine fellow to my temple in Thebes in two weeks’ time, so he can take charge of the float there. The alpha male ensconced in Thebes is dying after many long years of adoration. I’ve told my High Priest and Pharaoh you’ll be sailing shortly, to bring my chosen one. He’ll sire many clutches of eggs over the coming years.”

“But why must I accompany him? I have an excellent staff of keepers–” Even though she was in the presence of the god, Tyema felt panic clawing at her throat. Her chest grew tight as she tried to think about all the details such a journey would entail. What if Sahure has been reassigned to Thebes? What if he’s taken a wife? “I-I can’t leave my baby–”

Human face set in kindly lines, Sobek’s glittering yellow crocodilian eyes were sharp, predatory. “Take the child with you. You forget I have a half human son, I understand what a child needs and at this age, your baby needs only you.” His face crinkled with good humor. “Babies are portable. Even my crocodile females carry their young on their backs.”

Her knees were threatening to buckle. Fortunately Sobek took her hand a moment later and they walked to a nearby bench, under a towering palm, next to a small ornamental pond with fat fish. He made Tyema sit before he waded into the pond, plucking a blue lotus and bringing the entire stalk to the bench. As she watched in fascination, he picked apart the stem and leaves of the plant, industriously braiding the fibers into a bracelet, with the deep blue flower like a gem set into the top. Eyes on his work, the god said, “You don’t have to go, Tyema. It will be as you choose. Merys has explained to me something of the challenges you face going among the people, leaving this temple. Although I confess I can’t understand the problem, knowing you’re always under my protection.”

Although her throat felt choked, she managed to say, “I desire to do my duty to you, Great One. I owe you so much–”

“We don’t have debts and payment between us, little sister.” Sobek’s voice was kind, warm. “Perhaps you need to hear why I wish you to undertake the journey, before you decide?”

Cover by Frauke of Croco Designs

MAGIC OF THE NILE: standalone sequel to PRIESTESS OF THE NILE.

Hearts Through History Romancing the Novel Winner – Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence Finalist – Carolyn Readers Choice Award Finalist

The Story:

She’s a priestess, he’s a proud warrior … is love enough to bridge their differences?
When the high priestess of an Egyptian temple falls in love with a captain of the royal guard, their bond is tested by the intrigue and peril of their duties to the gods and Pharaoh.

Tyema serves Sobek the Crocodile God as High Priestess of his Nile river temple. But despite her beauty, grace, and the power she wields, the shy priestess lives as a recluse in the remote temple grounds. For though Sobek rescued her from a childhood of abuse and neglect, and healed her crippled foot, her dark past haunts her still.
When Sahure, a dashing captain of Pharaoh’s guard, arrives to ask her help for Pharaoh, Tyema’s wounded heart blossoms. The captain is captivated as by her well … until Pharaoh orders him to the dangerous frontier, far from Tyema. He rides away, bound by duty and honor, leaving Tyema with even more secrets to bear.

Heart-broken, Tyema returns to her lonely life … until the Crocodile God reveals other plans for his priestess. For Pharaoh’s life is threatened with black magic, and only one who wields the power of a god can unmask the sorcerer. Tyema must brave court life, and somehow withstand the pressures of swirling gossip, intrigue and danger. And she must hurry, before ancient evils overcome all her efforts.

But when Sahure returns, is he there to help or to hinder? Will love lead them to common ground, and a future together … or will their differences tear them apart forever? Find out in this exciting sequel to PRIESTESS OF THE NILE!

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