Pirates of the Caribbean: The Price of Freedom

the cliff road about six months ago, when the wheel came off his
chariot. He was killed, and he had not named a successor, because
they were still hoping that Piye would return.”
“You’ll have to try and figure out the word, then. Surely you have
some idea as to what it might be?”
“Some,” she said. “It will be an ancient word, from the time when
my people left Old Kerma behind. It’s bound to be an important word,
one that has meaning. The name of a pharaoh, or a queen would be
my first guess.”
“That makes sense. Why don’t you make a list of—”
Jack broke off as a voice spoke from behind him, urgent,
peremptory. He turned to see Queen Tiyy standing there. Her meaning
was clear to Jack, even without a translation. Her Majesty wanted her
daughter to stop wasting time with this common, no-account sea
captain, and go talk to important people—their guests. Sweeping off
his tricorne, Jack smiled and bowed. “Your Majesty,” he said.
The queen inclined her head graciously. “Please translate what I
say, love,” Jack said, to Amenirdis.
“I will, Jack.”
“Your Majesty, I apologize for taking up your royal daughter’s
attention. I know she has guests to attend to. I shall take my leave of
you. Thank you for such a lovely evening.”
When Amenirdis had finished translating, Jack bowed again. The
queen’s expression thawed a bit. She studied Jack’s face, then
nodded, and spoke.
“My mother says thank you for your understanding.” The princess
gave Jack a sidelong look, and added, “She also says you have the
instincts to be a courtier, and a very charming smile.”
Jack glanced up. “Is that good, or bad?”
The princess smiled faintly. “A little of both,” she said.
Jack bowed to Amenirdis. “I wish…” He stopped himself. Saying
anything would just make things worse. He nodded, and went to find
his companions. It had been an eventful day.
The following afternoon, Jack stood among the crowd of Kermans who
had gathered to hear their newly crowned pharaoh’s first address to