One day, the great Pharaoh Ramesses held court at Memphis. He sat upon his throne surrounded by princes, generals, councilors, priests, scribes, and the greatest officials in Egypt when a Nubian chieftain was announced.

The tall visitor strode into the throne room wearing a magnificent leopard-skin cloak, nodding plumes, and bracelets of ivory and gold. He bowed three times before Pharaoh, but his words were anything but humble.

“Is there anyone in Egypt who can read the letter I carry without opening it?

“If no priest, scribe, or magician in your court is wise enough to discover what is written inside without breaking the seal or unrolling the papyrus, I shall carry the shame of Egypt back to Nubia.”

The Egyptian courtiers stared at one another in shock. None had ever heard of anyone capable of such a feat. Pharaoh, however, remained calm.

“Send for the most learned of my sons,” he commanded. “Bring me Prince Setna Khaemwese.”

Servants hurried from the throne room, and before long Setna stood bowing before his father.

“My son,” said Ramesses, “this Nubian chieftain demands to know whether any wise man in Egypt can read a sealed letter without opening it.”

Setna concealed his alarm.

“This is a foolish challenge,” he said. “But grant me ten days, and I shall discover whether anything can be done to prevent the shame of Egypt from being carried into Nubia.”

“The ten days are yours,” replied Pharaoh.

He ordered that the Nubian chieftain be given comfortable rooms within the palace and servants who knew how to prepare the foods of his homeland.

Ramesses then dismissed the court with all his usual dignity. Yet that night, he could neither eat nor sleep for fear that Egypt would be humiliated.

Setna was even more troubled. He returned home like a man walking in a dream and threw himself upon his bed, hiding his face inside his sleeves.

His wife, Mehusekhe, hurried to him and placed her arms around his shoulders.

“My brother, you are trembling and cold. Are you ill, or has some terrible grief fallen upon you?”

“Leave me,” Setna whispered. “My heart is burdened by something no woman can help me solve.”

Then their young son Sa-Osiris entered the chamber.

“What troubles you, Father?” he asked.

“Leave me alone,” Setna muttered. “You are only twelve years old. My heart grieves over something no child could understand.”

“Tell me what it is,” Sa-Osiris pleaded, “and perhaps I can drive away your sorrow.”

At last Setna explained the challenge of the Nubian chieftain.

“If I cannot find someone capable of reading the sealed letter, both I and all Egypt shall be shamed forever.”

Sa-Osiris began to laugh. Setna raised his head indignantly.

“What is so amusing?”

“O Father, I laugh because you lie here in despair over so small a matter. I can read the Nubian’s letter without opening it.”

Setna sat upright.

“Can you prove what you claim?”

“Go downstairs,” said Sa-Osiris. “Take any scroll from one of your chests. Hold it up while I remain here, and I shall tell you what is written inside.”

Setna hurried downstairs.

He opened a cedar chest and removed a scroll containing spells for curing fever. Without unrolling it, he held the papyrus above his head for several moments and then returned to the bedchamber.

Sa-Osiris immediately recited every spell written upon the scroll. Setna and Mehusekhe were amazed.

Again and again Setna returned downstairs and selected scrolls at random. Each time Sa-Osiris correctly recited their contents without seeing them.

At last Setna was convinced. He hurried to the palace and told Pharaoh the wonderful news. Ramesses rejoiced and invited Setna and Sa-Osiris to feast with him that evening.

The following morning, the Nubian chieftain was summoned to the throne room. The sealed letter remained fastened to the belt around his waist.

Sa-Osiris stepped forward.

“You enemy of Egypt, you have come to the beautiful land of the Nile, the garden of Osiris and the footstool of Ra, hoping to bring us shame.

“May Amun strike you down if you lie about what is written in your letter. I shall now reveal its contents.”

“I shall speak no falsehood,” said the Nubian proudly.

He showed no fear of the child standing before him. Then Sa-Osiris began to speak, and the chieftain’s confident expression slowly faded.

“This is what is written in the sealed letter.

“Many centuries ago, when Pharaoh Siamun ruled Egypt, the Prince of Nubia grew jealous of Egypt’s wealth and power.

“One day the prince was resting in the gardens of a temple of Amun when he overheard three sorcerers boasting to one another.

“‘Were it not that Amun and Pharaoh might punish me,’ said the first sorcerer, ‘I would cast a spell over Egypt so that the entire land lay in darkness for three days and nights, and all its people trembled in fear.’

“‘Were it not that Amun and Pharaoh might punish me,’ declared the second, ‘I would cast a spell upon Egypt so that the land remained barren for three years and no crops grew.’

“Then the third sorcerer spoke.

“‘Were it not that Amun and Pharaoh might punish me, I would bring Pharaoh himself from Egypt to Nubia. I would have him beaten before our prince and then return him to his own bed, all within six hours.’

“The Prince of Nubia immediately sent servants to bring the three sorcerers before him.

“‘Which of you claimed that he could bring Pharaoh here and have him beaten before me?’

“‘It was Sa-Neheset,’ answered the other two.

“The prince turned to him.

“‘Cast your spell against Egypt. If you succeed, then by Amun, the Bull of Meroe, I shall reward you richly.’

“Sa-Neheset returned to his house and fashioned a litter and four bearers from the finest wax.

“He recited spells over the figures and breathed life into them.

“Then he commanded them, ‘Fly to Egypt. Seize Pharaoh Siamun, bring him before the Prince of Nubia, give him five hundred blows, and return him to his bed before six hours have passed.’

“The wax bearers opened their mouths.

“‘We shall do as you command.’

“That night Sa-Neheset cast his magic against Egypt.

“The wax bearers entered Pharaoh’s bedchamber without being seen by the guards.

“They overpowered Siamun with their magical strength, threw him into the litter, and carried him through the night sky to Nubia.

“When they reached the prince’s palace, Pharaoh was dragged from the litter.

“Before the Nubian court, the wax men beat him with sticks while the prince and his attendants watched and laughed.

“Then the bearers returned Siamun to his bed in Egypt before six hours had passed.

“As soon as Pharaoh regained his senses, he shouted for his guards and servants.

“‘How long have I been gone?’ he demanded. ‘What has happened while I was away?’

“The courtiers exchanged uneasy glances.

“‘O Pharaoh, our great lord,’ said one brave chamberlain, ‘may Isis heal you. Your Majesty has been asleep in this bed all night.’

“Siamun turned over and ordered them to examine his back.

“‘I tell you that I was carried to Nubia and given five hundred blows.’

“When the courtiers saw the dark bruises covering his body, they cried out in horror.

“No one knew what to do until the wise Egyptian magician Sa-Paneshe arrived.

“He examined the wounds.

“‘This is the work of Nubian sorcery,’ he declared. ‘I must turn their magic against them.’

“‘Hurry,’ groaned Siamun. ‘I cannot endure another night like the last.’

“Sa-Paneshe gathered his amulets and magical books.

“He recited spell after spell over Pharaoh and fastened protective amulets around the king’s brow, neck, and arms.

“Then he left Siamun in the care of the royal physicians and sailed upriver to Hermopolis, the sacred city of Thoth.

“At the temple, he presented offerings and prayed aloud.

“‘O Thoth, great and wise one, turn your face toward me. Do not allow Egypt to be shamed by Nubia.

“‘You are the master of magic. You know everything that exists upon the earth, in the heavens above, and in the world below.

“‘Help me protect Pharaoh and defeat the sorcery of Nubia.’

“Sa-Paneshe then lay down to sleep within the temple.

“Thoth appeared to him in a dream.

“‘Tomorrow, search the temple library until you discover a hidden chamber. Within it is a locked chest, and inside the chest lies a scroll written by my own hand.

“‘Copy the spells you require from the Book of Thoth, then return it to its place. Reveal this secret to no one, and you shall save Pharaoh.’

“When Sa-Paneshe awoke, he remembered every word.

“He searched the temple library until he found the hidden chamber and the locked chest.

“Inside lay the Book of Thoth.

“He copied a mighty spell of protection and then returned the sacred scroll to its hiding place.

“That night Sa-Neheset once again brought his wax figures to life and sent them to Egypt.

“They entered Pharaoh’s bedchamber unseen.

“But as they approached the bed, they struck an invisible wall of magical power.

“The amulets upon Siamun’s body pulsed with energy. The spells of Sa-Paneshe drove back the magic of Nubia.

“All night the wax bearers circled the bed, searching for a weakness in the protective barrier.

“Pharaoh lay still, scarcely daring to breathe.

“At sunrise, the figures were forced to abandon their mission and fly back to Nubia.

“Siamun leaped from his bed and summoned Sa-Paneshe.

“The magician rejoiced when he heard that the spell had succeeded.

“But protecting Pharaoh was not enough.

“The Nubians had to be punished.

“Sa-Paneshe ordered the purest wax to be brought to him. He fashioned a litter and four bearers, breathed life into them, and sent them south.

“In the middle of the night, the figures seized the Prince of Nubia and carried him to Egypt.

“There, before Pharaoh and his court, they gave the prince five hundred blows.

“Then they returned him to his palace, all within six hours.”

Sa-Osiris paused.

“Is what I have said true?” he asked.

The Nubian chieftain lowered his head.

“It is true.”

Sa-Osiris continued.

“The following morning, the Prince of Nubia awakened the palace with his screams and curses.

“Sa-Neheset was dragged before him and thrown onto the floor beside his bed.

“‘May the Bull of Meroe curse you!’ the prince shouted. ‘It was your spell that caused this disaster. Now save me from the Egyptian magician.’

“Sa-Neheset covered the prince with amulets and recited every protective spell he knew.

“But that night, the wax bearers returned.

“They carried the prince to Egypt and beat him again.

“The same thing happened on the following night.

“After three nights of suffering, the prince summoned Sa-Neheset.

“‘By the Bull of Meroe, you have brought disgrace upon me. If you cannot protect me tonight, I shall have you tortured to death.’

“Sa-Neheset fell to his knees.

“‘Allow me to travel to Egypt and challenge the magician who has defeated us.’

“The prince agreed.

“Before leaving Nubia, Sa-Neheset visited his mother, who had taught him much of his magic.

“When she heard what had happened, she became afraid.

“‘Beware the magicians of Egypt, my son. If you leave Nubia, you may never return. Once we are separated, I may be unable to save you.’

“‘I have no choice,’ Sa-Neheset replied bitterly.

“‘Then leave me a sign,’ said his mother. ‘Let me know when you are in danger.’

“Sa-Neheset answered, ‘If the Egyptian defeats me, the water you drink shall turn the color of blood, and the sky above Nubia shall become red.’

“Filled with magical power, Sa-Neheset traveled to Memphis.

“He presented himself before Pharaoh and challenged Sa-Paneshe to a contest of sorcery.

“The two magicians stood outside the palace while Siamun and the royal court watched.

“First Sa-Neheset recited a spell of fire.

“Flames burst from the ground and swept toward Pharaoh.

“Sa-Paneshe instantly spoke a spell of water.

“Rain poured from the sky and extinguished the fire.

“Then Sa-Neheset whispered a spell of darkness.

“A black cloud covered the palace. No one could see even the hand before his face.

“Sa-Paneshe answered with a spell of light.

“Brilliant rays pierced the cloud and melted away the darkness.

“Next the Nubian cast his most powerful spell.

“A vast stone vault appeared over Pharaoh and his courtiers, threatening to crush them.

“The Egyptians clung to one another in terror.

“Sa-Paneshe conjured an enormous ship made from papyrus. The ship lifted the stone vault, carried it away, and dropped it into the sea.

“Sa-Neheset now understood that he could never defeat the Egyptian.

“He made himself invisible and attempted to escape.

“But Sa-Paneshe recited a spell that revealed all hidden things.

“The Nubian magician became visible again.

“In desperation, Sa-Neheset transformed himself into a goose and flew toward the sky.

“Sa-Paneshe cast another spell.

“The goose fell onto its back, and a fowler appeared above it with a knife pressed against its throat.

“At that same moment in Nubia, Sa-Neheset’s mother raised a cup of water to her lips.

“The water turned red as blood.

“When she looked toward the heavens, the sky had also become crimson.

“She knew that her son was in mortal danger.

“The woman transformed herself into a goose and flew to Memphis.

“She circled over the palace, crying out for her son in the voice of a wild bird.

“Sa-Paneshe recognized her as a sorceress.

“He spoke another spell, and the second goose fell beside the first with a knife at its throat.

“As Sa-Neheset’s mother returned to human form, she begged the Egyptians for mercy.

“‘If you wish to be spared,’ said Sa-Paneshe, ‘you must swear by all the gods never to return to Egypt.’

“The woman swore the oath.

“Sa-Neheset also promised that he would not return for fifteen hundred years.

“Pharaoh Siamun accepted their promises and commanded Sa-Paneshe to release them.

“The Egyptian magician created a boat that could travel through the sky.

“Sa-Neheset and his mother climbed aboard and flew back to Nubia.

“They were never seen in Egypt again.”

Sa-Osiris turned toward Pharaoh Ramesses.

“You have now heard everything written in the sealed letter. But you do not yet understand why this Nubian has come to Egypt.

“He has come for revenge.

“The sorcerer Sa-Neheset has been born again. Now that fifteen hundred years have passed, he has returned in the form of this Nubian chieftain.”

The court erupted in astonished cries.

Sa-Osiris raised his voice above them.

“He has never repented of his crimes and intends to harm Pharaoh.

“But he shall not succeed, because I am the enemy who defeated him long ago.

“I am Sa-Paneshe.”

Setna stared at his son in disbelief.

Sa-Osiris continued.

“For fifteen hundred years, I dwelt among the blessed dead.

“When I learned that Sa-Neheset planned to return to Egypt, I begged Osiris to allow me to be born again for long enough to defeat him.

“Osiris sent my spirit into the melon vine, and I was born as the son of Setna and Mehusekhe.

“Now I stand before you once more, Sa-Neheset.”

The Nubian chieftain’s face twisted with rage. He began reciting a terrible spell intended to destroy Pharaoh and everyone in the throne room.

Sa-Osiris answered with a spell of fire.

Flames rose around the Nubian magician. Sa-Neheset fought back with spell after spell, but he could not extinguish them.

The fire closed around him. At last it consumed both his body and spirit. Nothing remained. The ancient enemy of Egypt had been destroyed forever.

Sa-Osiris turned toward his father. Before Setna could speak, the boy vanished like a shadow.

His purpose on earth had been fulfilled, and Osiris had summoned him back to the realm of the dead.

Pharaoh and his courtiers praised the wisdom and power of Sa-Paneshe. Setna, however, wept for the loss of the son he loved.

Ramesses tried to comfort him, but Setna returned home with a grieving heart. He lay upon his bed, and Mehusekhe lay beside him. Together they mourned their extraordinary child. In time Mehusekhe became pregnant again, and nine months later she gave birth to another son.

Setna loved the new child, but he never forgot Sa-Osiris, the young magician who had once been Sa-Paneshe and had returned from the Beautiful West to defend Egypt.

For the rest of his life, Setna made offerings to the spirit of his lost son and honored the memory of the magician who read the sealed letter.