Menna, the Commander of the Charioteers, had returned to the encampment shortly after Paser's departure. Reporting to the King the progress of the repairs on the chariot axles, Ramesses becam eager to leave the desert wasteland.

Wasting no time, Ramesses ordered the contingent move out toward Waset and Karnak. With Nefertari at his side, he drove his own chariot expertly at the head of the party, 600 chariots strong. A mighty show in Waset this would make!

Approaching the mighty gates of Karnak, Ramesses raised his hand to a stop. Kissing Nefertari gently, he said. "Wait here,"

She nodded at her King and lover and stood regally with the headress of Mut, -it's vulture crest prominent upon her head. Mut, goddess-mother of all, symbolised of the Great and Royal Wife of the Shining Son of Re.

Taking a small detachment of guards, fan bearers and advisors, Ramesses strode into the great hall of Karnak, in search of the High Priestess of Amun. It had been awhile since he spoke with her and supplications needed to be made before he saw his cousin Irike and his bride.

The last time he saw Lotus was during the trial of his Uncle Toman in Waset. A strange man had dumped a barrel of water on an annoying woman, Pakhet, and Ramesses felt compelled to defend her honor by running the man through witha sword. Blessed Lotus had talked him out of it.

Toman -- Ramesses sighed at the thought of his uncle. He had gone missing about the time Ramesses blessed father, Seti I, had passed West at the foul hands of another. Ramesses thought fondly of his uncle and made a mental note to raise supplications for his safety as well.