Lion Head Mesa crook & flail

khusobek kept his hourly vigil beside the catacombs.

the man had said nothing.

part of the mazoi hoped he would die in the darkness. he had not known the other, but his loyalty was to the blood of hatshepsuun, and that ran in the girl-queen.

more than one he had considered ending the man himself.

but he remained as he was, a sentinel in the half-light. the servants brought him meat and wine. khusobek devoured these but asked for nothing more of their presence, which faded as he resumed his post.