Lion Head Mesa incoming

For a moment his smile dwindled and stopped. His face grew harder– serious.

“I know it’s not exactly the scenario you’d imagined as a boy. The fact is she is a strong, unwed woman with a claim to the North. And with the Brecheliant and moon packs to the West, and Muat-riya to the South, we need only thrust the rays of Aten to the East.” Rashepses was still in his bearing, faroff eyes thoughtful.

“This will be done in time,” he promised, “when my sons are ready to hold keeps of their own, with your's as their bannermen.”

“If this pond woman is not handsome, I will send as many girls to the lake as required to wench your desire,” his laugh returned. “She'll give you a son and let it be done."