Lion Head Mesa המבול

coyote-made, shades of shadow upon stone.

with doubled patrols between and around the palaces, the sentinels spotted the shade against the red sand from a distance.

the stranger, then, was shouted to a halt.

the mention of legend, her scent — these things earned izaiah his entry. guards escorted him down the wide red road and up the three large steps, into the open-air palace now thrown with petals.

here a path dipped down, and the man was led below the mesa. here a catacombing of networks, rooms, hallways, apartments, and courtyards were revealed, staffed by whisking attendants carrying garlands and greenstuffs, some wine, all illuminated by sunlight which fed down and down.

the wellspring burbled.

and the red prince came to receive izaiah warmly in an austere room with no prettying. his kohled eyes took in the stranger. "welcome to akashingo. i am senmut, erpa-ha and high priest. you must be tired."

he sent now for refreshment.