Luneshale Pass oil & stone

first he had extended hand in openeness. then he had commanded legend. now thirdly he presented siatum not only as an obstacle but blow to khusobek's pride, to primp and perform for another who was not royal. the pious one was a pretty bodyguard, not a blooded competitor, and khusobek found it unwise to dally with those beneath one's station.

"i have had my fill of serving a common man," he growled, hauling from the water to stand pouring upon the bank, slandering senmut's name even while withholding his loyalty from rashepses. "i can work with your servant, lord prince — as with another servant." not with a gatekeeper.

if not paused, he would stride away, upriver into the darkness.