Free The Amulet of Amon-Ra by Leslie Carmichael Page A

he might end up spraying it all over the kitchen.
    Instead, she picked up her own bowl and started eating. It was the same as yesterday, although this morning there were bits of meat and vegetables in it, probably from last night’s leftovers. It was tasty, but she thought she might get tired of having the same thing every day. Visions of waffles and orange juice danced in her head. Maybe she could show Meryt-Re how to make pancakes—Mom had taught her just a few weeks ago. Although it was kind of a lost cause without maple syrup. She hadn’t seen any maple trees here. Just lots and lots of date palms.
    â€œWho would like some more?” asked Meryt-Re, lifting the bowl.
    â€œI would,” said Ramose, “but I must get to work. Neferhotep said they want more of my amulets. I have completed some, but not all I promised him, so Mentmose and I will have to work hard to finish the rest.” He frowned. “I would like to take what I already have to him today, though.”
    â€œI have to do the daily shopping,” said Meryt-Re, “and today I must see about an allotment of linen for all of us. Perhaps Dje-Nefer and Tetisheri could make the trip to the temple for you. That would give you more time.”
    â€œAh! A wise thought,” said Ramose. “Girls, would you mind?”
    â€œCertainly we’ll do it, Ramose,” said Tetisheri. “I can make my way home from there. Our new house is not far from the temple.”
    â€œGood!” said Ramose, rising. He smiled at Meryt-Re. “Where would I be without you and your good sense?”
    Meryt-Re chuckled. “Completely lost, I dare say.”
    â€œToo true,” said Ramose, kissing her hand.
    Tetisheri sighed and smiled. Mentmose rolled his eyes. Ramose rapped him on the head with his knuckles.
    â€œCome, my son, we must go to the workshop.”
    â€œYes, Father,” said Mentmose. He gulped the last of his tea, then wiped his face on his wrist and scrambled to follow Ramose.
    â€œThis is promising,” said Meryt-Re. “I wonder if Ramose will ever be asked to create amulets for the Pharaoh herself.”
    â€œMy father doesn’t approve of the Pharaoh,” said Tetisheri, helping herself to more porridge. “He says she ought not to have taken the double crown away from her nephew. He says Thutmose is the rightful king.”
    Meryt-Re smiled. “Your father is a smart man, but he should be careful what he says. As should you. I have heard of people being sent into the desert for comments like that.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œBut, nothing, Teti,” said Meryt-Re. “Watch your words.”
    Tetisheri hung her head. “Yes, Meryt-Re.”
    â€œGood.” She rose and peeked into the water jug. “I think I will get some more water today. I do wish Ramose would remember that we do not have an unlimited supply.”
    â€œThat’s the Pharaoh’s fault,” Tetisheri muttered. Jennifer glanced at Meryt-Re, but she seemed not to have heard the comment.
    â€œSome day I would like to own a house that has water pipes,” said Meryt-Re.
    â€œLike the palace?” asked Tetisheri.
    â€œYes. Then we wouldn’t have to make a trip to the Nile so often. Ah, well. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.”
    She turned, just as Ramose strode into the kitchen, carrying a small cloth bag. He opened it to show Meryt-Re.
    â€œAh,” she said, poking through it. She lifted out several pieces and inspected them closely. “These are perfect, as always. Fine work, husband.”
    â€œThank you,” said Ramose. He closed up the bag and handed it to Jennifer. “Neferhotep said to take these directly to him.”
    â€œUm, all right,” said Jennifer.
    Tetisheri beamed at Ramose. “Let’s go!” She grabbed Jennifer’s free hand and pulled her up.
    Tetisheri seemed to have regained her voice. She chattered all the way to the