He despised his own meek, submissive role.
I think that the killing of Nofret gave him a great sense of power. He realized it first by Satipy.
Satipy, who had browbeaten and abused him, was now meek and terrified.
All the grievances that had laid buried in his heart so long reared their heads - as that snake reared up on the path here one day.
Sobek and Ipy were, one handsomer, the other cleverer than he - so they must go.
He, Yahmose, was to be the ruler of the house, and his father's only comfort and stay!
Satipy's death increased the actual pleasure of killing. He felt more powerful as a result of it.
It was after that that his mind began to give way - from then on evil possessed him utterly.
"You, Renisenb, were not a rival.
So far as he still could he loved you.
But the idea that your husband should share with him in the estate was not one to be borne.
I think Esa agreed to the idea of accepting Kameni with two ideas in her head - the first that if Yahmose struck again, it would be more likely to be at Kameni than at you - and in any case she trusted me to see that you were kept safe. The second idea - for Esa was a bold woman - was to bring things to a head. Yahmose, watched by me - whom he did not know suspected him - would be caught in the act."
"As you did," said Renisenb.
"Oh, Hori, I was so frightened when I looked back and saw him."
"I know, Renisenb.
But it had to be.
So long as I stuck close to Yahmose's side, you would necessarily be safe - but that could not go on for ever.
I knew that if he had an opportunity of throwing you off the path at that same place, he would take it.
It would revive the superstitious explanation of the deaths."
"Then the message Henet brought me was not from you?"
Hori shook his head.
"I sent you no message."
"But why did Henet -" Renisenb stopped and shook her head.
"I cannot understand Henet's part in all this."
"I think Henet knows the truth," said Hori thoughtfully.
"She was conveying as much to Yahmose this morning - a dangerous thing to do.
He made use of her to lure you up here - a thing she would be willing to do - since she hates you, Renisenb -"
"I know."
"Afterwards - I wonder? Henet would believe her knowledge would give her power.
But I do not believe Yahmose would have let her live long.
Perhaps even now -"
Renisenb shivered.
"Yahmose was mad," said Renisenb.
"He was possessed by evil spirits, but he was not always like that."
"No, and yet - You remember, Renisenb, how I told you the story of Sobek and Yahmose as children, and how Sobek beat Yahmose's head against the ground and how your mother came, all pale and trembling, and said,
'That is dangerous.'
I think, Renisenb, that her meaning was that to do such things to Yahmose was dangerous.
Remember that next day how Sobek was ill - food poisoning, they thought. I think your mother, Renisenb, knew something of the queer self-contained fury that dwelt within the breast of her gentle, meek little son and feared that someday it might be roused."
Renisenb shuddered. "Is no one what he seems?"
Hori smiled at her. "Yes, sometimes.
Kameni and I, Renisenb. Both of us, I think, are as you believe we are.
Kameni and I..."
He said the last words with significance, and suddenly Renisenb realized that she stood at a moment of choice in her life.
Hori went on: "We both love you, Renisenb.
You must know that."
"And yet," said Renisenb slowly, "you have let the arrangements be made for my marriage, and you have said nothing - not one word."
"That was for your protection.
Esa had the same idea. I must remain disinterested and aloof, so that I could keep constant watch on Yahmose, and not arouse his animosity."
Hori added with emotion:
"You must understand, Renisenb, that Yahmose has been my friend for many years.