Lion Head Mesa Influx

The Erpa-ha hardened. The riverprince smiled. He was stiff like the stone of his halls, while Rashepses was fluid, like the spray of his river. He knew rock could be carved, smoothed by the abrasion of water coursing along it. And now water had come to Akashingo.

“No condolences necessary. We will meet again,” when he has risen to Pharaoh. “And perhaps you will make merry with us when the time comes, Erpa-ha! Now that you are, as you say, ‘made whole’.” It was the blatant amusement on his lips that would tell Senmut everything he needed to know of Rashepses' mind. A man-made prince would never find equal measure among those born to godhood, as both he and the Queen were. Perhaps that is why the Erpa-ha had not taken his own sovereign in marriage.

The obsidian prince reclined then and indulged in all of Akashingo’s offered luxuries. First the poultry, then the honey, and berries between each tasting.

“Tell me more of your Queen. She remains unwed?”