The sun's rays fell firmly across the pink granite floor of the throne room. Each large block shored firmly against each other, a true testament to the skilled artistry in building of the Royal Throne.

Ramesses sat high on the dias above his gathering of nobles, advisors and military generals. The fight between them would have amused him if the issue were not so grave. The issue of Egypt's security and sovereignty.

"How can we possibly invade Kush?" Anihotep, a lesser noble of Upper Egypt with close-set piggish eyes and round fat face screamed in the face of Pa-Rameref, general of Ramesses pride archers.

"Are you a coward?" PA-Rameref asked, keeping his voice level and firm - although his tone reverberated across the throne room.

"A coward?" Anihotep cried, his fat little face growing red with embarrassment. "I have never cowered from service to Per'aa (AUS!)"

Ramesses rolled his eyes at the obvious catering to his good side, but he kept silent, carefully watching the exchange. Paser stoo next to him in full attire of Vizier and holding the staff of his office.

"Did you see that faction in the corner?" Paser said carefully out of the side of his mouth, not turning his head.

Ramesses nodded slightly.

"Anihotep has a following against the war,"

"They've probably been promised untold riches if they support his position," Ramesses remarked quietly. "Find out what."

Paser slid behind the throne and out of Ramesses sight. While Ramesses would not see what Paser was doing, he had every faith his life-long friend would more than accomplish the task set before his.

"Your Majesty!" Anihotep grovels prostrate before the throne. "Your commander has called me a coward and has soiled the name of my family and her ancestors!"

"Well?" Ramesses asked.

"Well what? Your Majesty?" Anihotep rose to one knee, keeping his gaze to the floor.

"Are you?" Ramesses quirked an eyebrow and cocked his head to one side.

Anihotep rose, anger emanating from his round little body. "I am surely not!" he cried. Quickly turning on his heel, he left the throne room, followed by the faction Paser had pointed out earlier.

Ramesses sighed. They would be problems soon enough, but now, he needed to concentrate on the matter at hand. What to do about Meroe.