failed the tests of their chosen deity. Some could not
pass the twenty-one gates of Osiris. Others lacked the
payment for Charon and so would not be ferried across
the river Styx. The Underworld was divied up into tidy
territories, each god and demigod holding sway in their
own kingdom. Souls had to play by the rules to get in.
EVE SILVER
21
But sometimes, they didn’t even know the rules. So
they came to Sutekh, the most powerful lord of the
Underworld, to plead for an exemption or a back door
into the afterworld of choice.
Each one had a story, each one wanted Sutekh’s boon.
Most would be turned away.
At times, Gahiji wondered if that in itself was a
boon, to be sent to wander the nothingness of the lakes
of fire rather than be allowed into Sutekh’s dark presence. Not that he himself had cause to complain. He
had never regretted the moment he had abased himself
before his master, never regretted this afterlife, and the
power it had brought him.
He turned his head as a servant approached, carrying a parchment scroll inscribed with names. Bowing
low, she delivered the list and departed, never turning
her back on Gahiji. A show of respect. The interaction
was enough to draw the attention of those below.
Heads tipped back; faces turned to him. They looked
up and saw him standing above them. A few opened
their mouths as though to call out, then appeared to take
his measure, and one by one, their mouths snapped shut.
He knew what they saw. A man of medium height,
heavyset, his face a mask of anger and menace not by
