Lion Head Mesa Akhet of two lands

Released he was, but not before an ardent kiss was pressed into the strong obsidian cheek.  The servants were sent to work– alone the King would show his nephew the great wonder of Akashingo.

A palace set deep into the earth’s red rock. Its high arched halls were decorous, walls stamped with generations of divine feet. The faded sounds of the serpent river trickled through the wellspring, source of the freshest waters, and upon its banks grew tall reeds and flowers. They came upon the sky-filled room where twin plinths formed the royal seats, woven with flora and furs and all manner of precious jewels placed at the feet. Paw-print markings in crimson, gold, and lapis painted the rock walls.

Ceremonies happened here. Councils, and meetings. Here, he rose to King, and Toula to Pharaoh. Here, their children were conceived. Here, mazoi guarded their keep, and fellahin performed, and courtiers laughed with their bright faces against the romantic air of evening.

There was history, there was laughter, there were stories told here.

It was to this place Semer-wati brought Samirseti, where he regarded the man with warm attentions undivided. “To claim what was mine, I had to leave Ta-senet. Pharaoh Rahotep would not have released his son for any meager pursuit. Tell me, Samir, how it is you intend to rise.”