Before the Throne

37

HORUS CALLED OUT, “King Apries!”

A stocky man stalked in, wrapped in his shroud, and stopped before the throne.

Thoth the Divine Recorder read aloud, “He incited Israel against Babylon, taking part in the fighting by invading Phoenicia with his navy — but was met with a total rout. Prince Ahmose II broke his pledge of obedience to him, and in the struggle that followed King Apries was killed.”

Asked by Osiris to speak, Apries explained, “Babylonia was my greatest worry. The centerpiece of my plan was to goad Israel to attack Babylon. My part was to penetrate Phoenicia with my fleet in order to outflank the enemy — but the gambit failed, and I was utterly defeated instead.”

“The plan could not be faulted,” Thutmose III said, “but to succeed it needed able hands.”

“I beg you to show him mercy,” pleaded Isis.

“Off with thee to Purgatory,” Osiris told Apries.