If I had shut my eyes when Sahuset spoke, I might have thought it a snake, so cold and cunning was that voice. "No servant who must be fed, Great Prince."

"That's well."

Once again the satrap spoke to Muslak. "I will also send soldiers of Kemet with you. How many, you may say. They will be subject to Qanju just as you and everyone else aboard are. Bear in mind that you and Qanju will have to feed them, buying food in the places you pass. Bear in mind also that you will need many men to help you get your ship past the cataracts. How many shall I give you?"

Muslak stroked his chin. "Five, Great Prince."

So it was decided. A servant returned us to the courtyard in which I had written and told us to wait. Soon Thotmaktef returned. Qanju wished to speak with us, he said, and after that we might go. He led us in a new direction, and soon into a sunlit room in which there were many scrolls like mine in wooden racks. Qanju was writing at a table there, but rose and laid aside his stylus when we came; he is no taller than Myt-ser'eu. He welcomed us, invited us to sit, and sat again himself. "I am to be your leader on a journey that is sure to be long and laborious," he said. "Since that is the case, it seems good to me to become better acquainted with you before we set out. I assume that none of you objects to my leadership? The satrap, Prince Achaemenes, has appointed me-I am a scholar, and would never appoint myself to such a position. If anyone objects, this is the time to say so."

Muslak cleared his throat. "I do not object, Noble Qanju. But I most respectfully ask that any orders given my crew be relayed through me."

"Of course." Qanju nodded, smiling. "I'm no seaman, Captain. I'll consult you on every matter concerned with your vessel, and replace you only if I must. Is that all?"

Muslak nodded.

"Anyone else?"

No one spoke. At last I rose. "Noble Qanju, I have come to Kemet to follow the footsteps I left here years before. I know now that I came to this city, and met Muslak here."