It didn't take me long to make my way back to our home. As I passed the bustling marketplace, I couldn't resist a small detour to purchase some fruit. I breathed in the delicious aromas of spices and thought longingly of Merit's skilful cooking. It was late afternoon already. Perhaps, I could delay my return...

These thoughts preoccupying me, I turned in at the open doorway. "Merit! I'm home..." It was Kahay who turned to greet me, a quick smile on her lips.

"She's gone out but should be home very soon. We weren't expecting you..."

I put down my bag and went to fetch a cup of water. "Hap wanted her bag of medicines. In the rush to leave yesterday she'd forgotten to take it."

Kahay was suddenly solicitous. "Someone's sick?"

I replaced the cup and covered the bowl. "No, I think she just wants to use the time at the temple to practice her skills. It's been quite some time since she's really had a reason to..." I broke off as Merit returned with Kynabu. Her warm smile made me suddenly regret my agreement with Hap to share her time at the temple. It had been a long time since I'd been able to spend time with my wife.

"Kynabu." I said suddenly. "Would you please return to Hap and let her know that I will see her in the morning? It will be dark shortly so don't dawdle. Give her the message and return home as quickly as you can." I tousled his hair, which made him laugh. "You hear me? NO dawdling!" My tone was humorous but I didn't want him out after dark. The streets weren't safe.

"Horus, it's great to be home and be amongst my family again!" I looked at Kahay, my mistress's good friend and my wife and felt happy and content. "Now what's for dinner?"