Lion Head Mesa War awaited

Although he merely visited, he kept his eyes and ears open while things shifted within the palace. If a marriage was to be made between the people of Akhet and Akashingo, Harakthe wanted to have as much information as possible; he would go to his soothsayer often for reports, or speak with those of his own guard who had traveled in with him, and sometimes find quiet moments to confront the fellahin in his employ. All that said, he had learned copious amounts about who these people of the red sand were — and more importantly, what they were willing to fight for.
Yes, news of a raid had come to Harakhte. He learned very little about the target, but was enamored by the idea of a great lake and its people. As he roamed the hallways of the palace he saw a great many more bodies standing watch like wide-eyed hawks, and felt for the first time how strong and capable Akashingo was.
Harakhte neared the throne room for the purpose of a visit with Nebet-hem, Toula. It was here he found the watchful Neb.
We have not had the pleasure, he intoned with a sly dip of his head, before standing regally before the stranger. Harakhte had visited for some weeks now and knew of many names, and many titles, but not all. At first glance he though this was a fellahin — but they were guarded rather than open, which made him think, mazoi — and yet, he was wrong there too.
I am Harakhte, a visitor from the sands of Akhet. You look tense — how fares the... battle, was it? I heard there was something amiss. That, and the priest Senmut was gone from the palace; curious.