Before the Throne

11

HORUS CALLED OUT, “King Kamose!”

A man of medium height and muscular build walked to his position before the throne.

Thoth, Recorder of the Divine Court, read aloud, “He took control on the same day in which his father was killed so that the will to fight was not lost, throwing himself without wavering into the fray. The war raged, sometimes in victory, sometimes in defeat, while he remained steadfast in command until he himself died.”

Asked by Osiris to speak, Kamose recounted, “From the first moment, I found myself obliged to keep up the spirit of combat among my troops, shaken by the fall of their leader. I swooped down on the vanguard of the enemy, leaving not one of my soldiers a chance to balk. I never failed to appreciate my adversary’s strength or superiority. For this reason, I chose as my redoubt a narrow place between the Nile and the mountain, taking up a defensive position until we could catch our breath and reassemble our forces. At the same time, I kept enlisting and training more and more men as well. Then I departed the world, having expended immense effort and vigilance.”

“Both of us lived out our reigns in the field of battle,” Menes said sympathetically.

“All kings are indebted to Egypt for their glory,” mused Abnum, “except for this dynasty — to which Egypt is herself in debt.”

“This monarch needs no defense from me,” confessed Isis.

Osiris commanded Kamose, “Take your seat among the Immortals.”