Merytra, you are the wife of the great Vizier, the pre-eminent lord, the sole Companion of the King of Egypt, a high position for one who after all during the late reign was but Pharaoh's favourite, and Lady of the Footstool." "A footstool of silk is more comfortable to sit on than a state chair fashioned of blood-stained swords.

Hearken you, Kaku! I am afraid.

You say that you are the greatest of seers, and can read the future.

Well, I desire to know the future, so if you are not a charlatan, show it to me." "A charlatan! How can you suggest it, Merytra, remembering the adventure of the image ?" "That may have been an accident.

Pharaoh was sickly for years, and had a stroke before.