Betrayal

Having escaped from the Mitanni; Tut, Lagus, and Suhad make haste back to Thebes where Ankhe and Ka are becoming closer despite Ankhe mourning for her brother. Ankhe reveals to Ka that she is pregnant with his child and then prepare for their wedding ceremony.

Taking advantage of the crowd gathering in Thebes for the royal wedding; Tut leads Suhad and Lagus through the city and to the palace. Tut sneaks them into the palace where all are gathering before the High priest for the ceremony. As Amun begins the ceremony the group enters the room with Tut making his way forward to the altar where Amun catches sight of him and announces Tut’s presence.

As the court looks on; Ka removes the pharaoh’s crown and offers it to Tut. Tut embraces Ka and tells him that he is a betrayer before stabbing him to the shock of all gathered. Ay then carefully picks up the crown handing it to Tut while taking the dagger that Tut used to kill Ka.

Those who had gathered for the wedding bow to their king and a bloody Tut makes his way to the courtyard where the people are gathered chanting Ka’s name. Tut announces to his people that he has returned once again taking control of the throne and exerting his authority as pharaoh.

While Herit attempts to tens to a shocked Ankhe; Tut meets with Ay. Tut And Ay discuss the planned wedding between Ka and Ankhe. When Ay admits to offering himself as suitor Tut ask who he can trust and Ay replies no one.

Ankhe confronts Tut about Ka’s death and Tut tells her that Ka had stood next to Horemheb and left him to die. Ankhe insists that Ka was a pawn in the general’s scheme but Tut counters that she may have been the pawn or perhaps was in league with them.

Tut moves to judge Horemheb for his treason. Horemheb when questioned admit that even he fears the gods but that no one fears Tutankhamun; the boy king who lives behind other men. Horemheb’s words reminding Tut that others had ruled Egypt in his stead since his father’s death. Horemheb then claims his actions were to serve Egypt; however Tut sees them as treason that betrayed Egypt.

Tut tells Horemheb that Egypt is now without a general and her enemies will grow fearless. Horemheb tells Tut that the Mitanni cannot be defeated without him. Tut tells Hormheb that he will have to and sentences the general to death.

Ankhe goes to say her final goodbyes to Ka and questions why his body has not been prepared for burial. She is shocked when told that he will be buried without ceremony at the pharaoh’s order. She then angrily yells at Ka’s corpse for betraying her and their child.

Suhad now questions Tut about her presence in the palace. He reveals his intention to marry her. Suhad then questions his decision as she is considered Mitanni. Tut tells her that he has obligations; but he wants to share his world with her but will not force her to accept.

“The pharaoh’s work is never done it seems as Ay brings Tut up to speed on the disease now spreading through Thebes and infecting the army. They also discuss Ka’s death and Horemheb’s upcoming execution. Ay warns Tut that perhaps the general’s execution should be kept a bit quiet to avoid unrest in the army but Tut is determined that all of Egypt show know the price of Treason and that any unrest would be ended with Horemheb’s death.

With General Horemheb under arrest; Lagus now steps into Horemheb’s place reporting to the pharaoh of the Mitanni’s movements. Ankhe interrupts Lagus report to speak to Tut about Suhad. Ankhe points out that Suhad is a Mitanni and a peasant to Tut who tells the queen the Suhad is his. Ankhe reminds the pharaoh of her position as queen and intended mother of the pharaoh’s heir. Tut clearly warns the queen to leave Suhad alone.

The next day; Tutankhamun turns his attention to the temples. Heading to the temple; Tut tells Amun that tributes from the people will now be voluntary. When Amun tells him that the gods will turn their wrath upon the people without proper tribute; Tut suggests that perhaps it is time to reconsider what gods the people worship; reminding Amun that his father had once ordered the people to worship Aten.

Ankhe completely ignores Tut’s warning and summons Suhad. Ankhe takes the opportunity to sum up her competition and establish that Suhad is below her status. Ankhe then confers with Ay who confirms that Suhad is a very real threat to the childless queen. If Suhad bears Tutankhamun’s child she will replace Ankhe as queen of Egypt. Ankhe reminds Ay that her child will always be preferred over Suhad’s. Ay then reminds Ankhe that the gods continue to deny her a child. The secretly pregnant Ankhe stated her intention to bear Tut’s child.

Suhad; completely ignorant of palace intrigue; approaches Ay. She wishes to let her parents know that she is well. Ay questions if she has taken the matter to the pharaoh and Suhad say that she has not because she didn’t want to burden Tut with it. Ay tells her that he will send word to her parents and if they inquire in person at the palace; they would be welcome.

Tut and Suhad make love again. As the two talk afterward; Tut tells her of how his is now consider him invincible yet he is surrounded by enemies including the Mitanni and Suhad suggests that Tut offer a peaceful solution to the Mitanni in order to make them his allies.

Tut decides to take advantage of Suhad’s suggestion and discusses the matter with Ankhe. Tut is aware that his army is weakened by illness and that with an army at full strength and the experienced General Horemheb to lead them; Egypt cannot win again the Mitanni. Tut presents his plan to Ankhe. Prince Tis’ana, Tushratta’s son, is not married. Tut has decided to send their cousin, Herit, to be the prince’s bride. Ankhe questions who suggested the plan. Tut concedes that it will be a great sacrifice since Herit is Ankhe’s favorite cousin. Ankhe however simply states that they have both sacrificed since their father ordered their marriage.

Ankhe breaks the news to Herit. While Herit is not overjoyed she is ready to what is asked. She then questions Ankhe about her child and if she will be alright. Ankhe tells her that the pharaoh knows his duty to her and that she will pass the child off as Tut’s. As Ankhe and Ay see Herit off on her journey to the Mitanni; Ankhe tells Ay that she fears Suhad holds not only Tut’s heart but his ear. Ay reveals his own concerns worried that Suhad counsels Tut to the benefit of the Mitanni. He then tells the queen that all enemies all vulnerable when exposed to false trust and tells Ankhe that she should take advantage of it.

Nakht introduces himself to Suhad who tells him that he has given her the only sincere welcome she has received since coming to the palace. Ankhe wastes no time in taking advantage of Ay’s suggestion and interrupts them to speak with Suhad privately. Ankhe then tells Suhad that she hopes her rival finds happiness among them. Suhad then asks if Ankhe would wish her happiness is she accepts Tut’s wishes to become his wife. Ankhe’s friendly overture is revealed as less than sincere when Ankhe reminds Suhad that she would only be a second wife.

One the day of Horemheb’s scheduled execution; Tut presides over the proceedings with Ankhe at his side. Noticing the size of the crowd gathered he questions Ay who explains it by pointing out Horemheb’s popularity with the army. While the pharaoh and the crowd await the condemned’s arrival Horemheb with the help of General Yuya makes and escape into Thebes. Tut and Lagus notified by palace guard of the escape quickly move to cut him off.

Cornering Horemheb and Yuya; Tut explains that he understands the men were following Horemheb and offers to spare them for Horemheb’s surrender. Horemheb proves himself to be a good commander to his men and asks Tut to honor his word and orders the soldiers to lay down their weapons. All comply except Yuya declares he will never follow Tut and draws his sword. Tut once again proves handy with a dagger; drawing throwing his dagger at Yuya killing him.

Horemheb again orders his men to put down their weapons more forcefully and Horemheb is again placed under arrest. As Lagus moves to disarm him; Horemheb tells him that he has chosen his side wisely. Lagus replies that should never have been as side. Horemheb then mentions to Tut that he has again been judged guilty. Tut tells him that there is no guilt or innocence; only what serves the Pharaoh’s purpose.

The sound of an approaching chariot draws everyone attention including Tut and Horemheb’s to the street. The chariot bearing Herit’s body impaled on a spear enters the city gates; the Mitanni’s response to Tut’s peaceful gesture made clear by the murder of his cousin.

Once again Tut must now make a hard choice; he must ally himself with Horemheb if he is to face the Mitanni. Ay is counseling execution; but Lagus gives his own input. He explains the Horemheb’s concern has always been Egypt’s welfare and that he sees the destruction of the Mitanni as the key. But refusing to march on the Mitanni homeland in their first battle; Tut stood in the way of Horemheb’s objective and that was the reason he left the pharaoh to die. Tut makes clear that he trusts both Ay and Lagus and decides to hear Lagus out. Lagus lays out a plan that supports Ay’s position that Horemheb is treasonous. “He suggests the Pharaoh use Horemheb to win the war and once the Mitanni are defeated; deal with the treason.

While Suhad is shocked by the Mitanni’s action and seeks to comfort Tut; he seeks out Ankhe to comfort her. Being that Herit and Ankhe were so close he is concerned about the queen’s grief. Ankhe is quick to use Tut’s concern to lure him into bed with her in order to claim the child she carries is his.

When Tut returns to Suhad; she quickly realizes that he was with Ankhe. Suhad asks if he loves Ankhe and Tut once again points out his duty to the kingdom; he must have an heir. Suhad then asks if the child must be hers. Suhad says that she is seeking her place in the palace by her questions. Tut explains that Ankhe’s blood is pure and he would be obligated to choose Ankhe’s son as heir and Ankhe would remain queen but comforts her as best he can.

Tut meets with Horemheb. Tut makes clear that he understands the position that Egypt is in. He tells Horemheb that the Mitanni must be dealt with and that the issues between them have to be set aside until then. He has Horemheb freed from his shackles and gives him a sword putting him back in charge of the army.

Ankhe takes steps to further her plans for the baby she carries by visiting the temple and speaking with Amun. Amun promises to entreat the gods to grant her a baby that survives. Meanwhile; Horemheb slips easily back into his command of the army.  When questioned by his new second in command about what the future holds for those who aided in the general’s escape; Horemheb lets the man know that the Mitanni take priority and issues with the pharaoh will be attended after Egypt has eliminated the Mitanni threat.

In a subtle case of foreshadowing; Ay finds Tut contemplating the famous Death Mask. When Ay suggests that it will not be needed for many years; Tut reminds him that everyone will die. The two are discussing the Mitanni threat and the plague spreading through Thebes; when Ankhe arrives and faints in Tut’s arms. This leads to the announcement of Ankhe’s pregnancy to the people of Egypt.

Tushratta and Tis’ana discuss the fact that there has been no reprisal from Egypt for Herit’s death. Tis’ana assumes that Egypt is in no position to fight and the two outline planes to conquer Egypt starting with the North and then moving on to conquer the entire Nile Valley. Tushratta receives word that his allies have arrived. He vows that Egypt will be wiped from history.

Ay and Amun meet again to discuss the royal pregnancy. Amun notes that Ankhe has lost two children but that perhaps this time she will deliver a healthy child. Ay’s ambitions for the throne of Egypt are once again revealed as is his opportunist loyalty. When asked if he is displeased about another in line for the throne; Ay simply says that there is always another in line. Tut is also still young and Ay is not. Amun notes that Tut is following the same path as his father; but Ay warns that Tut is different. Where Akhenaten made enemies; Tut sees all sides of things. As Ay leaves the temple; Amun orders his priests to stay close to Ay and that the vizier more than anyone else must be handled carefully.

Nakht is still sticking close to Suhad. He accompanies her to the markets.  Nakht tells Suhad of his mother’s death and also reveals that Ay is not his biological father. As the two stroll through the streets they come across the gates which are being closed in order to prevent the spread of the disease.

In the palace; Tut must now take steps to control the disease spreading through the city. Closing the gates to outsiders is no longer enough. Horemheb points out that the part of the city where the disease is most rampant can be walled off to create a quarantine zone. Without enough medicines to distribute it is the only effective solution. Tut orders the quarantine and tells Lagus to take extra men to patrol the streets so that the ill can all be gathered in one place. All of the sick are now taken to the quarantine.

Nakht has now been exposed to the disease and is confined in a cell to prevent the illness from spreading within the palace. Ay promises to get medicine for his son but tells Nakht that he will remain quarantined but that he should learn to trust his father.

Ankhe once again confronts Suhad. She asks Suhad if she really thought that she would have Tut to himself. Ankhe spitefully reminds Suhad that she is carries Egyptian blood and carries the pharaoh’s heir. Suhad then gets in a dig of her own saying that she will pray that the gods allow the queen to deliver a baby that lives this time. Ankhe then tells Suhad to be careful and that delivering a child can be dangerous for a woman. Ankhe then leaves after revealing that she knows Suhad is also pregnant.

It is becoming clear to Horemheb that the quarantine is not working to prevent the disease from spreading. The space is quickly becoming overcrowded and some of the quarantined have been able to escape. Horemheb takes the news to Tut along with a cruel but pragmatic solution. The infected must be burned to stop the spread.

Amun argues against such a drastic solution. Horemheb points out that the disease will continue to decimate the population. Tut looks for any way to avoid the inevitable. Ay also agrees that Horemheb’s solution is the only way. Tut makes the difficult decision to follow Horemheb’s advice. Tut orders that word of what is planned will not leave the room. Amun is clearly upset by what is to come but Tut once again exerts his authority and commands the priest to remain silent.

Lagus attempts to raise Tut’s spirits later by sharing a beer with the pharaoh. Tut thanks Lagus for coming to his aid when he first snuck out of the palace into Thebes and thanks him for being a trusted friend. Lagus tells Tut that he is a loyal servant. Lagus tells Tut he did not need aid. Tut corrects him saying that he needed Lagus aid then and that he still needs it.

Suhad approaches Ankhe as the queen is bathing asking how long she had known of the pregnancy and asks about her child’s place in the palace. Ankhe points out that he will be the son with the enemy’s blood in his veins. Immediately after her words she begins to miscarry the child she is carrying. Suhad notices the blood in the water. Suhad helps Ankhe out of the tub and then saunters off in no hurry to find help for the queen.

Tut Comforts Ankhe by telling her that the miscarriage was not her fault. Ankhe however admits to betraying Tut and claims that the gods are now punishing her for doing so. Tut is also upset at the loss of the child and tells Ay that his dynasty will end with him. Ay tells him that his dynasty still lives. Suhad tells him that he still has an heir and makes her move to secure her place as queen.

Ankhe goes to Ay as she is aware that any leverage she had is now lost. Ay advises Ankhe to use prudence. He tells her that her situation is the same as any war and that she needs to know her enemy’s weakness. With that knowledge she will know where to best strike. The two have a conversation away from any listening ears.

Ankhe calls for Suhad. She tells Suhad that her parents are in Thebes but due to the confusion with the Quarantine and measures taken to prevent the spread of illness they were denied entrance to the palace. She tells Suhad that they are staying at an inn but might be sent from the city. Suhad immediately claims that it is not safe for them in the city and insists on going to find them. Ankhe agrees; but only if the head of her personal guard, Seti, goes with were to offer protection.

Seti leads Suhad to an inn where the infected have been gathered and tells her that her parents are inside and that he will wait for her outside. Suhad soon realizes that the sick have been gathered there and when she goes to leave; she finds the door barred from the outside. Guards soon come to collect the sick and take them to the quarantine.

While the last of the sick are rounded up; soldier are pouring pitch within the quarantine in preparation to set it on fire. Word is sent to the general that the last of the sick have been contained. With final word from Tut to proceed; the quarantine zone is set on fire. Archers stand by to make sure than no one escapes.

Tut sorrowfully watches  the flames from the palace. Ay attempts to comfort Tut telling him that in time all that will be remembered is that he saved so many lives. An upset Tut orders Ay to see that Suhad is in his chamber. Ankhe certain that she has removed her rival makes her way outside to comfort Tut; who mourns for those dying in the quarantine.