By the dove cot next to Aknehatate's Watering Hole and see one of the Celts leave, draw my cloak over my head and enter the bar, my eyes instantly accustomed to the gloom. It didn't take much to figure out where the raiders were headed. Aknehatate's welcomes all river pirates, buccaneers, corsairs, freebooters and marauders, so it was only logical the Vikings and Celts would have ended up here. Here they will be safe as we all respect the Watering Hole as neutral ground.

I stroll nonchantly to the bar and slide onto a seat, casually nodding to Aknehatate for a cup of date-palm wine. Behind me, the Vikings, Anarane and Herger gloat over a large trunk. Slowly turning, I raise my drink to moist lips. In that instant, I know Herger has seen me and inclining my head slightly, I wink and disappear back out the door. Knowingly, I count under my breath... five, four, three, two, one... an inward triumph bringing a smile to my lips as Herger joins me by the dove cot. He wears an expression of mild cautionary surprise but is intrigued, none the less. Silently, I hold up his pouch of silver and watch his wary hand stray toward his dagger.

'No sudden moves Viking; I have twenty archers hidden in the dunes, each one aiming for your heart.' I glance briefly down at his crotch.
'Well, some of them might aim elsewhere,' I grin. 'The wind may shift, who knows.'

'The silver for the Scribe in the trunk.' His eyes widen as I expound on the offer... 'The silver for the scribe; and for an added incentive, you can have your precious boat back. You'll find in my private dock, back in Alexandria. I get the Scribe and you can go about your business. I'll even replace your oars. Think of what a wonderful gift you can buy for your beautiful woman in there. Anarane is it? Imagine how grateful she'll be. What's it to be Viking?'

He seems a little bewildered by the generosity of my offer. 'Think about it Viking. If you want to talk, I'll be inside enjoying the company of an old and dear friend.' And with that, I leave him standing, calculating his chances of plunging his dagger into my back before my archers can nock their arrows and take aim.

Back at the bar, I slip my arms around Lotus, hugging her to me and kissing her on the cheek. 'Greetings Lotus, beloved of Heru. Cousin Horemheb, it is good, so good to have you home. The gods bless us all with your safe return!'