for now, and pharaoh heard this as clearly as any knell. all in him thrummed not to have merneith enter, but how then might he negotiate without her? but he could not vacillate now, and so flicked the banner of his tail to indicate that satriyan defenses stand down.
for now.
ceremoniously did pharaoh take a step over the well-marked and pungent grass that might have marked a border or only a path.
symbolically, here he sat, not inviting himself further and also indicating that his people should not walk free until the business had been conducted. others now free to do the same, his ears listened to their quiet hush.
pharaoh motioned for one of his to present the opulence of a single folded skin. plucked free of fur and cured in the sun, it was a temporary and soft gazelle-leather that held a collection of coriander flowers and raw carnelian which might be fashioned into accoutrements. this was set before jaxxon.
a second pelt, this one rich with spots, was spread before nyra. added to its fine wealth was a large piece of obsidian shot through with gold veins, and two pieces of the rare cinnamonbark which did not grow in profusion.
gifts from Amun to the kingdom of jakten, khaemwaset uttered, and his golden eyes were calm. i am told those in the north are strong warriors with strong gods and an eye for that which is precious, he said in a modulated voice. pharaoh meant to control the discourse, and he did not intend to use ferocity but statecraft.