Young Writers Society

XVIII

Asenath pushed through the crowd with the baby in a sling on her arm. “Excuse me. May I come through? Thank you, excuse me.”

People turned and made way for her. “Congratulations!” “You have truly been blessed.”

“Yes, thank you. Excuse me.” She was tired of congrats and advice.

Just move so I can get to Joseph!

But, one elderly lady could not hear her thoughts for she approached.

No! I don’t want to talk.

She tried to pretend that she hadn’t noticed the woman and walked quickly away. But, the woman caught up.

“Excuse me, but may I hold him?”

No.

“Of course.”

The woman greedily took him into her arms. “What a blessing of Hathor! And he is so healthy and strong! You know, when I was your age…”

I don’t care. I don’t care about when you had a son or about when your cousin’s child died or anything like that. I just want to talk to my husband!

As if on cue, Joseph appeared behind her. The lady noticed him, stopped talking, and bowed. “My worshipful lord.”

Joseph nodded. “I trust that you are giving my wife good advice.”

She blushed. “Yes, yes, the best.”

“Well, thank you. May I hold my son?”

“Yes, my lord.” She humbly offered him the boy.

Asenath gave him a pleading look. He caught her glance and understood. “Excuse us,” he said to the woman.

Together, they walked off to a quiet place away from all the feasting people.

“I thought this was supposed to be a small party. What happened?”

“When you invite the Pharaoh, a small party becomes a large party.”

Asenath groaned. “I am tired of all these guests.”

“I’m sorry. Stick with me. We will try to avoid prying old women. We should get back to the main table. I am to give an address.” He rolled his eyes.

“Fun,” she added sarcastically.

He kissed the baby, handed him back to her, and took her free arm. He led her to the table raised on a platform above the rest. At it sat the Pharaoh and his wife, acting as Joseph’s parents, and Asenath’s parents. She had been trying to forget that they were there. It wasn’t working. As they approached the table, Asenath’s mother Quibilah (who had come back into the good graces of Potipherah since Asenath’s marriage and Seshafi’s unexpected death) met them.

“Darling!” she cried as she wrapped her arms around Asenath.

Asenath awkwardly returned the hug. “Mother.”

“It feels like you live in a different country. I never see you! But you are such a beautiful woman.”

Hypocrite.

“Yes, I am very busy.”

“Well, that will have to change. I will have to come see my grandson. May I hold him?” Quibilah held out her bony fingers.

No. I don’t want you to even touch him.

Her mother scared her. Her wig was much too big for her head. Though she wore makeup, there was no hiding her sunken cheeks and covetous eyes. Her whole body seemed to creak when she moved.

Asenath gave Joseph panicked look. He instantly seemed to read her mind.

“Mother,” he said respectfully. Then, he kissed her bony hand. “There will be another time to hold your grandson. But, right now, I need Asenath and him at my side as I address my guests.”

Quibilah slightly lowered her head. “You are a wise man, Zaphenath-paneah. I crave to hear your words.”

“Thank you, mother.”

I can he be so kind to her. She doesn’t deserve honor.

Joseph took her arm once more and stood behind the table. He raised his arms for silence. The crowd gradually stopped to listen. Asenath looked at their faces. Most looked drunk. But some seemed to long for her husband’s words.

He is a loved man.

“Family, friends, and fellow countrymen, this is truly a glorious day for my wife and me. We have born a son!”

The guests began to cheer. Of course, they already knew about the child, but it was customary to repeat it.

“Thank you so much for coming. It is truly our honor…”

“I’m sorry to interrupt such a cordial speech, but I have an important toast to give,” Potipherah suddenly interjected.

Oh no.

At first, all gave him quizzical looks, but Joseph nodded and sat down.

Here it comes.

Potipherah looked slightly intoxicated. He began his speech in slurred tones. “I have known Asenath since she was a baby.”

Asenath stifled a laugh. What a fool!

She saw that Joseph also seemed to be struggling to keep a straight face.

“I prayed to Ra that he would send Asenath a husband like Zaphenath-paneah.”

Liar.

“And he did. Then he sent a son. So, a toast to their son!” He raised his glass. Everyone followed his lead. “To…to… I believe his parents neglected to give him a name. Well, that is a problem. How can I give a toast to a son that doesn’t have a name to toast?”

The Pharaoh laughed. So, likewise, the whole room erupted in laughter. Asenath looked at Joseph. He was awkwardly laughing as well.

Potipherah broke into a wide smile. “I know how to fix that. Tomorrow, at the second hour of the sun, we will have him named at the temple of Ra in On. A good name will be Rahotep, which means ‘Ra is pleased.’ I will dedicate him to the service of Ra.”

What is he doing? My son will not be a priest!

She turned to Joseph. He sat as still as stone. Potipherah began to raise his glass to restate his toast. Though everyone else raised their glasses, Joseph still didn’t move.

What about his God? He doesn’t have the courage to stand up for Him now.

“A toast to…”

“Stop!”

Asenath searched the room for the interruption.

Amnon! No one was supposed to know that he was there!

Potipherah’s face blanched, and he dropped his goblet. It clattered to the ground, and wine splattered everywhere. The noise awakened Joseph. He stood.

“Yes, stop.”

Potipherah was immediately sobered. He pointed a shaking finger at Amnon. “You…you…you left the country. You were supposed to be gone! Guards, guards!”

“No,” Joseph commanded. “He has come under the protection of our house. He bravely stopped you from dragging my son into his fte. My son will not be dedicated to the service of a ball of fire nor named after an idol. My family serves the one true God, Elohim.”

Amnon stepped onto the platform. “I also believe in Elohim.”

Asenath was in shock.

What is he doing? He is going to lose his position as vizier because of his God! But… he is trying to save our son.

The guests were shocked as well.

The Pharaoh rose diplomatically. “Do not worry, Potipherah. Everyone has their own favorite god. Zaphenath-paneah’s is Elohim.”

But Potipherah was angry. He would not be silenced. “Heresy! Heresy! Words from the mouths of vipers!” He pointed his finger at the baby. “I curse you! Because of this blasphemy, the child will die and you will never have another child. Ra curses you! You are dead! Dead to me!”

Doubts barraged Asenath’s mind. What if Ra is real? My child will die!

Hot tears ran down her cheeks. Joseph came to her side. “Get out,” he seethed. “And never come back.”

Potipherah scurried out with Quibilah following close behind. The Pharaoh and his wife were grim. Silence stifled the room.

Finally, Pharaoh stood up. “Friends, the party is over. I wish you safe travels home.”

Asenath heard him whisper to Joseph, “That was imprudent. But, if what you say is true, your God will protect you.”

Amnon led Asenath out of the hall. “Don’t worry, my sister. Ra is fake, and your son will be fine.”

#*#*#*#*#

A whole day passed, and the baby was fine. Asenath’s fears began to dissolve.

It was a bluff. There is no Ra.

The next day, Asenath was awakened by a muted cry.

He always wants to feed when I want to sleep.

She got up quickly and slipped on an outer mantle.

Half asleep, Joseph mumbled, “Do you want help?”

“No,” she whispered. “I’ll be fine. Just go back to sleep.” She tiptoed to the room next to hers. Though it was small, it was tastefully furnished with an ivory crib, cushioned benches, and a few large chests. She lighted and candle and went to the side of the cradle. When she peered in, she screamed.

No!

Joseph rushed in, rubbing his eyes. He yelled above Asenath’s screams and the baby’s cries, “What is wrong!?”

“The baby! Look at the baby!”

Joseph glanced at the baby and paled. The baby’s face was a pale shade of blue, and his eyes were rolled back in his head. “My son! Elohim, no!”

“Stop! Don’t call out to that God! Don’t you see? Ra is punishing us. It is as my father foretold. He will die.”

“No. I will get a doctor.” Joseph ran out of the room.

Asenath sat silent in the darkness. She felt numb. The weak cries of her dying son did not even reach her ears. She had retreated to inside herself.

What a fool I have been. Reality can reach even a fool. I thought that I could live happily ever after, that Ra was fake. Turns out he accepted the challenge and is taking out his revenge. Cruel, evil. I will never serve such a god. Nor this Elohim. My fate and my son’s fate are sealed. We will die together. But what of Joseph? My sweet, strong Joseph. Can I live for him?

Not knowing what to do, Asenath took her son into her arms. He was ice cold. As she rocked him close to her body, she could feel him struggle to take each breath. In faltering tones, she sang his funeral song.

#*#*#*#

Asenath sat in the fetal position cradled by Joseph’s strong arms. She rocked back and forth, breathing deeply. Joseph murmured under his breath prayers to Elohim.

They both looked up as a heavy set man in a crimson robe emerged from the baby’s room. He was grave.

“What is wrong with him, Doctor?” Joseph asked.

“I’m sorry, but I cannot help him.”

“What do you mean?” Asenath cried in rage. “You are a doctor! You HAVE to do something! Save my son!”

“My lady, I cannot. I have never seen anything like his disease. He has obviously been stricken by the gods.”

Asenath screamed and covered her face in her hands.

“What should we do?” Joseph questioned.

“I really don’t know. Petition the gods for favor. And, give him some of this,” the doctor said, holding out a bottle of yellow liquid. “It could help.”

Joseph took the bottle and examined it. “What is it?”

“Snake venom mixed with the bones of a baby pig.”

Joseph’s face went as hard as stone. “Good-bye, doctor.”

The doctor bowed and walked out. Once he was gone, Joseph poured the liquid into a chamber pot.

Asenath grabbed him desperately. “What are you doing? That was our only hope for our son’s survival! You want him to die!”

Joseph wrapped his arms around her. “No, dearest. I want him to live. I would even give my life for him. But snake venom will only hurt him.”

Asenath glanced wildly around. “Then…then we must pray to Ra, or something! My baby!”

Joseph bristled. “I will not pray to a statue. But I will pray to the Living God Elohim.”

“Your God has made you a slave. He is going to kill our son. Curse Him and we will die together.”

“He is my hope. I will run to Him whatever happens. Amnon and I are going to fast and pray. You can join us.”

“No. I will stay with my son to the end.”

“As you wish. Remember, I love you with all my heart.”

Asenath turned her back to him. “Go.”