The Heart-stone

"From the ruins of Ur," said the man, counting the coins into his hand.

"Thank you," said Khety, "You may go now."

That evening, Khety took the necklace to a jeweler.

"I want you to take that stone out of the string," said Khety to the jeweler, "The red stone, and make a place for it in my horse's amour."

"I will do as you say," said the jeweler, and so he did. By the next morning, Khety's horse had the beautiful red stone fastened to a gold design on the beautiful leather on its head. The sun glanced off the gold and made the stone glow like a fiery red coal.

Khety was a bodyguard. He rode with other bodyguards, to protect Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. And on this very day he, Khety, was going to ride into battle beside the king. He wanted his horse to look fine for the battle.

The sun rose slowly as the troops mustered, and lines were drawn and the king of Egypt's army stood ready facing the invaders. 5000 men waited for the signal to advance. The trumpet-blowers waited for the Pharaoh to give the signal. The hot sun blazed down and the desert heated up.

Paa - parrah!

The battle began. The invaders ran shouting towards the Egyptians and arrows flew, spears punctured the sky, and men yelled and shouted bravely. Chariots rolled and thundered and dust began to boil under the wheels.

Khety rode beside the king of Egypt's chariot, making sure that no enemy came near. Other bodyguards fell wounded, but Khety was skilled in battle, more skilled than most of the king's guard. He swung his sword and fought hard. He thrust with his spear, and shouted.

But an arrow struck his horse and it fell wounded to the ground. Khety tried to pull his horse to its feet but it was dead. He ran to a safer place and fought bravely until another Egyptian came near.

"Here!" cried the man, "Climb into my chariot. We can fight together!"



"When the battle was over, Khety returned to his horse. He was tired, and wounded. He needed a doctor, but he wanted first to take the red heart-stone from the golden harness before it could be stolen.