[Gameplay] 7. The Search for the Forgotten Pharoah

"Thank you, we'll be here at dawn, then."

Tabat turns to the others, "Shall we head to our rooms and get some rest?"

Deka An-Keret is both the haty-a, or governor, of the city of Tephu, and the high priestess of the city’s largest temple, the Sanctuary of Nethys. She has served in both positions for nearly 20 years, and if not loved by the city’s populace, she is respected for her wisdom, sense of justice, and adherence to the law.

Tabat heads back to the inn with the others, utterly exhausted from spending all day with his eyes buried in books. It doesn't take him long to find sleep once he lays down.

The next morning, Deaconess Sekek regretfully informs you that the haty-a is still unavailable. When you persist, Sekek apologetically suggests that they try again the next day, promising to repeat their request to the haty-a.

Tabat steels himself and takes a breath. "We will be here, same time tomorrow."

Once they take their leave of the Deaconess, he looks to the others, "Any ideas? Though our cause is noble, I do not wish to flaunt the laws of this city. Perhaps, would you be willing to help me research any potential alternatives to gaining access to the materials we seek? There may be other avenues of gaining such access aside from the explicit permission of the haty-a."

Iseret ponders for a moment, searching her knowledge of the city.

Iseret examines her knowledge, and is certain that as haty-a only an emissary of the pharoah could overrule her.

"Hmm...and that would most certainly be more difficult than getting the haty-a's blessing," Tabat says to Iseret. "Perhaps we will need to be persistent with this, then. Surely in the meantime, we might find other things in the city with which to use our time. Perhaps there are people that could use our help."

Iseret nods her agreement.

The next day you return and this time the haty-a finally relents and agrees to meet with you. Deka An-Keret receives you in her audience chamber inside the Sanctuary of Nethys.

She asks you the topics you wish to research in the Inner Sanctum.

Tabat approaches and bows his head respectfully. "We are researching an ancient Osirion ruler, labeled in some texts as the 'Sky Pharoah'," Tabat explains. "We have learned there may be a volume of texts within the Inner Sanctum that speak of them."

She listens politely to your request, but after a moment she declines to grant you the request with no explanation.

Following this exchange, the brief meeting draws to a close. Before Deka can dismiss you, however, a well-dressed slave enters the audience chamber and prostrates herself on the floor in front of the governor, begging to deliver a message. Deka excuses herself and takes the slave to one side to listen to the message.

All but Iseret overhear the whispered conversation. The slave tells the haty-a that she has been sent by Her Excellency Muminofrah of Sothis, who requests the governor’s presence immediately. With a resigned sigh, Deka abruptly ends the meeting with you and exits the room.

The slave remains in the room.

"Excuse me for overhearing. We are new to the city - who is your master, Her Excellency Muminofrah of Sothis? I had not thought anyone had the power to summon the haty-a in such a manner."

The slave beams proudly back at Tabat. "I serve my wise and magnificent mistress, Her Excellency Muminofrah of Sothis, Fan-Bearer on the Right Side of the King, who has blessed the people of Tephu with her presence. Her Excellency is in Tephu as the personal representative of the Ruby Prince himself."

The slave steps closer, drawn in by Tabat's impeccable manner. "Her Excellency is currently residing at the Palace of Gentle Reeds just outside the Old City. Muminofrah has summoned the haty-a many times since arriving in Tephu, and is likely to continue to do so. Her Excellency speaks for the pharaoh and expects to be obeyed at all times." In a hushed whisper, the slave confides that Muminofrah has an alleged habit of tossing those she dislikes to the crocodiles and laughing as they are eaten. "She is a great lady, with great appetites."

Tabat glances to the others then back to the slave. "She sounds like a magnificent person. I know you are not a messenger for all, but we are here on an important mission from Wati. I, for one, would greatly appreciate the chance to meet Her Excellency. Is there any sort of process by which we might request an audience?"

Iseret stands by silently, while Tabat speaks. She has long-since learned when to speak and when to be quiet and listen.

The servant explains where the Palace of Gentle Reeds is, and says that they cannot promise Her Excellency will receive you, but had been known to respond well to flattery or gifts.

"What kind of trinkets and gifts does Her Excellency like?" Tabat asks the servant.

The servant washes his hands, that is, rubs them in anticipation. "Jewels are never lost on a lady, even one of means." He describes the last successful applicants gift, and Jaware whispers that the approximate worth of the object described is 500 gold.

Khadi raises an eyebrow, slightky regreeting her latests shopping spree. It may be fun to find that amount quickly, or even at all.