Destiny’s Passage

e Section Two: The Storm Begins f

Jonah 1:12b “I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you."

Chapter 10: War in Heaven

“How could one little child, especially a Hebrew, be at the center of such a great tempest?” Sostris thought to himself as each of the priests gave his report. He could not remember a day like this. It seemed that every temple in Memphis had been the site of some sign or portent. Too many things were happening too fast. There was great magic at work here and he needed time to think.

They all sat quietly for a few moments, almost afraid to speak after the torrent of signs and omens. Then Satarah, the eldest of the priests spoke up, “All the portents seem to favor the child, except for the occurrence at the temple of Amon-ra. Even that could be interpreted favorably for him. It is well known how much the priests of Amon-ra hate the Hebrews. It could be seen as a warning against applying the edict.” The others murmured their approval.

“We must be very careful,” Sostris cautioned. “Not everyone may accept our interpretations for the omens sent by other gods. We may not sway the opinion of Pharaoh. The other priests may not agree with us. Satyu, bring papyrus so that you can record our deliberations. We must weigh each sign on its own and see how the scales tip themselves.”

The use of the precious papyrus sheets showed everyone the significance that Sostris attached to these deliberations. Satyu got up and left, but returned quickly and sat down next to Sostris, a portable desk cradled in his lap. It was obvious that he, like all the others, did not want to miss out on a word of these momentous events.

Sostris called each priest in turn. They gave their temple destination, the portent they had discovered, and any interpretations they had come across. Then the whole group debated each omen and each conclusion, sometimes with heated exchanges that provided little light.

Everyone seemed to agree that the presence of the falcons, sacred to Amon-ra, on the gates of Satis’ temple was a demonstration of Ra’s anointing, and the bestowing of his favor on the goddess and her servant Asati.

The desecration by the vulture at the temple of Amon-ra created the most debates. In the end it was seen not as an act against the god but against his priests. The omen appeared to say that the priests of Amon-ra had desecrated his service and were moving against his will by destroying the Hebrew male children. Now that Hapy and Satis had given this Hebrew child as a gift to the childless princess, Amon-ra seemed to be adding his blessing to theirs by gracing the gates of Satis’ temple.

At times the debate grew passionate, even contradictory, but never out of the firm control of Sostris. As he looked up from the discussion, he noticed a young priest hurrying across the compound toward him. The youth hastily bowed as he approached the First Priest. “What is it?” Sostris asked.

“The Divine Seti, may he live forever, has summoned you to his court, O noble one. The messenger says there have been omens at the palace."

"Prepare my divan immediately," Sostris replied. Turning to the assembled priests he said, “The Pharaoh summons me. There have been omens at the palace. Satemra, you mediate the continued discussion. Satyu, give me the papyrus. Record the remaining deliberations on a new piece” Going to his quarters, he changed and prepared himself for court. Everything would have to be in perfect order to help him restrain his growing uneasiness.

The ride went quickly. As they passed through the streets of Memphis, Sostris caught enough snatches of conversion to learn that the people were buzzing with rumors and speculation about this portent or that sign. Like the opinion of his own priests, the common talk ran against the priests of Amon-ra. Even though the Hebrews were unpopular with the ordinary citizens, the priests of Amon-ra were less so. While the interpretation that Pharaoh chose would be the key, it was good to see popular opinion favoring a position amenable to his concerns.

When his bearers approached the palace of Pharaoh he could see the divan bearers of other First Priests lounging in the courtyard. He had guessed Seti might call some of the other priests, but he didn't expect so many to be here. From the relaxed appearance of the resting bearers it appeared he had been summoned considerably later than the other priests. Was this an honor or a slight? He felt the knot in his stomach grow tighter as he made his way up the steps past the guards. As he went through the high doorway Osri, the scribe to Pharaoh's Vizier, stopped him.

"Pharaoh wishes to speak to you alone, O noble one. Please follow me," Osri said, bowing slightly.

"Lead on," Sostris replied as the knot in his stomach doubled in size.

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