Redsand Canyon winnowing

the grandmaster grew inscrutable. ramesses grew more expansive. "a brothel. a pleasure-house. i have found little jewels of the desert to be our, ah, staff. you know the power of a coyote's network," pharaoh purled.
he was waiting for nyra to materialize and threaten him, but spoke on glibly. "this place is near to this canyon. i sent only myself so the new claim might be better held." a pause. "south, divine one, to the edge of these mountains. look at the red sphinx of stone sitting upon the flatland. it has been ours for some time now, claimed in the fragrance of the saints."
an embellishment. but ramesses had made his move, and now stood waiting upon the board.