Before the Throne

2

HORUS HAILED THE COURT, “King Djoser and his vizier, Imhotep!”

From the most distant door to the hall two men, both wrapped in their winding sheets, heads and feet bare, strode briskly forward, one behind the other. The one in the lead was of medium height and solidly built. The one following was shorter and very thin. They walked until they both stood before Osiris, who spoke first to Imhotep.

“Step forward, next to the king,” he said. “In this court, there is no difference between a monarch and his flock.”

Imhotep carried out this command, and Thoth read out, “King Djoser, founder of the Third Dynasty. He invaded Nubia, discovered the copper mines in the Eastern Desert, and built the Step Pyramid.

“And Vizier Imhotep. A sage whose wisdom was passed on for generations. He mastered medicine, astronomy, magic, and architecture: people revered his memory for centuries after his death.”

Osiris called on Djoser to speak.

“A unified kingdom — vast of expanse, plentiful in resources, and dwelling in peace — was given to me at birth. Yet those surrounding it had ambitions toward it. So I initiated a policy — followed by those who came after me — that the defense of Egypt rests on smiting those who strike her from beyond her borders. The country from which most of this infiltration into my country occurred was Nubia. As a result, I decided to expand our southern borders by invading Nubia’s north, where I established a temple to the God. By virtue of his science and sorcery, Imhotep was aware of the hidden riches in the Eastern Desert. I dispatched expeditions to explore the belly of the earth, where we were rewarded by the discovery of immense veins of copper, a material greatly useful in both war and peace. As the nation’s welfare rose, I erected the Step Pyramid. At the same time, I encouraged the sciences by awarding gifts to those who excelled in them. The days of my reign brought to Egypt both strength and progress.”

Osiris then summoned Imhotep to speak.

“I grew up loving science and knowledge,” Imhotep began. “I studied under the august priests of Memphis, learning all that was known about medicine, engineering, astronomy, magic, and wisdom. When the king heard of my unusual erudition, he brought me to work in his royal entourage, though I was of humble origins. And I proved my worthiness in everything he charged me to do: I successfully cured the king of the illnesses that come with the desert storms of spring. Through sorcery, I saved one of the princesses from a malicious spirit and the evil eye. In reward, Pharaoh made me his minister, and commissioned me to build his pyramid. This was the construction miracle of its age, yet I would not have achieved what I did — in knowledge, expertise, or labor — if not for the divine sanction and inspiration of Ra.”

“But you invaded Nubia,” Osiris drilled Djoser, “without an attack being launched against you from within the borders of her kingdom.”

“I have stated, My Lord,” Djoser replied, “that the defense of our own borders was guided by the idea of assaulting those who came against us from outside them.”

“A theory only espoused by the powerful harboring aggression,” opined Osiris.

“My first duty was to prevent any probable harm to my country.”

“You built a temple to the God, endowing it with lands used by those who had nothing,” Osiris accused him.

“But temples have rights above all others,” answered Djoser.

“That explanation does not hold without the proper consideration of the prevailing conditions.”

The king lapsed into silence, as Osiris resumed his prosecution.

“You did not provide the miners with enough care and sustenance,” he berated him. “Many of them perished.”

“Great works are not made without victims and sacrifice,” Djoser shot back.

Osiris then turned to Vizier Imhotep. “What was your opinion of the king’s policies?”

“In my view,” said Imhotep, “trade relations would do more than invasions to protect our borders. I thought as well that the temple’s expenses should have been drawn from Egypt, and should benefit the unfortunate people of Nubia. Moreover, I did not want to send missions to the Eastern Desert until we had given them adequate provisions and medical attention. Yet my lord was eager to bolster the security and prosperity of Egypt and her people.”

“Happy is he can who defend himself truthfully without shirking the defense of another,” Osiris declared. “The gods did not fall short in your education — for they taught you not only the principles of farming and fighting, but of proper conduct, as well.”

Isis asked to say a word.

“Djoser is a great king,” she insisted, “despite his faults, and Imhotep is a beloved son who has ennobled his nation.”

Osiris addressed them, “O King, I will be satisfied that I have rebuked you. Take your seats — you and your vizier — among the Immortals.”

Djoser sat down on the right hand of Menes, and Imhotep to the right of Djoser.