Lion Head Mesa [m] Voice of man

“You have made great progress, Erpa-ha. We will continue to nurture this budding partnership,” Rashepses offered his easiest smile. For such a pious man the priest knew how to sweeten his words and flaunt Akashingo’s wealth, and it was for this strategic mind the riverlord admired him most. Moontide with its many connections would be their key to the North.

Rashepses listened as he went on to tell the story of Great Water Lake and the role Akashingo played in its defeat. The smile was quick to fade, his lips drawn back in firm disdain.

“And how does the woman Zharille intend to pay her debts? If the lake rises again it will do so only beneath the banners of Akashingo,” for the desert realm had not freed, fed, and raised the lake woman’s children in goodwill alone. As for the girl– it was only a fool who would willingly abandon their claim.

“Should the young nebet refuse to seize her birthright, then she must be wed to a son of the moon villages,” he continued, “and give him children as soon as her first blood.” The lady Racharra was under the false impression that she had a great deal of choice in the matter. She too was indebted to Akashingo. Each had their role to play.

He sighed then and slung an arm out for a second girl to scrub the silt from his claws. “Has there been word from the man Germanicus in our absence?”