CHAPTER 22

An Elite Fraternity:

The Club of Royal

Brothers

AROYAL DIPLOMATIC MISSION

A

s thefirst rays of dawn light the eastern sky, the gathering
outside the main gate prepares to enter the city. The
officials don their robes of state, their attendants pack
their tents and other travelling equipment, the military escort
forms its ranks, and the consignment of gifts is checked for the last
time, to ensure it is still intact. After many weeks of travel from the
deep south, the travellers’journey is at an end. They now wait
patiently at the bottom of the steep ramp leading up to the main
city-gate. Flanked by two sculpted lions, whose mouths are open in
a silent roar of challenge, their tongues protruding, the gate is still
locked. But soon an official from inside comes and inspects the seal
affixed the previous evening when the gate was bolted. Satisfied that
it has not been tampered with, he unbars the gate. The visitors are
admitted, along with the armed escort that has accompanied them,
to guard both their persons on the long, hazardous route from
Egypt, and the crates of valuable gifts that form part of their
entourage. They are emissaries from Ramesses II, pharaoh of Egypt.
They have come to Hattusa bearing letters, along with their gifts,
for Ramesses’Royal Brother and other members of his family. His
Majesty Hattusili III has sent his own palace guard to escort the