"hail to thee, Osiris."

the high priest of akashingo stood beside the death ulaq of the woman once known as samani. offerings had been heaped here recently, and he knew the elder whitefurred woman had been here once.

a mother.

"hail to thee, Anubis."

her people did not go to the Land of Reeds, therefore senmut would not entreat the spirits to take her there. "may her soul and that of the young one be comforted. may any return by her shade be paved in gold and sprinkled with lotus."

he placed then the third and final amber-piece at the base of her tomb, among the shreds of food and good glittering gifts. "i have given your husband two others for your sons, my lady. the will begin wealthy in the world of traders or leadership."

"may your rest be undisturbed."

senmut turned away then, striding back to the half-packed camp of akashingo.