Book 13, Aton's Kingdom on Earth Summary

Weak, distant, raving, and disillusioned, Akhnaton notes that suffering animals are put down. He goes into isolation and fasts, ignores Aziru's and Babylon's grievances, and believes that the Hittites have only liberated Mitanni. As winter famine spreads, word comes that Aziru with Hittite help is attacking Tanis. Eie and Horemheb rush to consult with Pharaoh, who after a night of pacing and prayer, declares all gods but Aton must be obliterated and all people free and equal. Egypt may be defended bloodlessly.

Sinuhe goes to Thebes to bash the images of gods, promising Horemheb financial backing and grain. He finds Kaptah dressed like the poor, reminding patrons he is a former slave. Rank and wealth are dangerous. When ordered to distribute free bread in Aton's name, Kaptah sees this as their ruin. After 40 days and...