Sighing deeply as one who is familiar with such recriminations, Nekhenyheru refrained from rolling her eyes, "I did not oversleep that much Sitre and well you know it. I have more than enough time to ready myself and journey to the Nomarch's office."

Sitre continued her mutterings, heedless of Nekhenyheru's comments, "It is an honor to meet with the new Nomarch, but as a scribe? Ay! You will embarrass your father with your pursuit of unladylike positions, mark my words. You should be married and busy with your obligations to your husband's family and raising children to see to you in your old age!..."

Nekhenyheru shook her head sadly and let the woman rant, when Sitre was on a rampage not even the netjer themselves could stop her. She let her thoughts drift to the prospective meeting this morning and wondered what type of woman the new Nomarch was. Nekh had to admit to more than a little surprise at hearing their new leader would be a woman, but Nekh believed women could do just as well as men. She hoped the Nomarch, given her promotion to her current position, wouldn't frown on other women pursuing the same path. Being the daughter of a local nobleman, Nekh didn't necessarily have to find an occupation, but she preferred to be busy - both physically and intellectually. She wasn't ready to simply settle down to the married life her sisters had chosen. Thankfully her father was indulgent of his youngest and allowed her greater freedom than her other siblings.

After the passing of about an hour's time Nekh was appropriately dressed for her meeting and anxious to be on her way to the Nomarch's office. She had one stop to make before leaving her father's house and that was to visit her brother Sisutekh. Upon entering his chambers she found him engrossed in their household accounts, reviewing the work of their newest scribe.

"Morning Sisutekh! How is our latest scribe doing?"

Sisutekh looked up from the figures and smiled fondly at his twin sister, "Morning Nekh! You are looking quite formal this morning. Are you finally going to take Sitre's advice and find yourself a husband?"

Nekh frowned at her brother's teasing and nudged him none-to-gently, "No you mongrel, I have a meeting with the new Nomarch this morning."

"Ah, that's right you do! Hmm...and what will you tell her? Will you tell her about Khaptah's activities and the legacy he has left?"

"I'm not sure. I wish to gain her measure first before I say anything about what has been happening in the city. Who knows, she could be exactly like Khaptah or she could be the exact opposite."

Sisutekh eyed his sister thoughtfully, "You know if you tell her about Khaptah she may require proof. And if you give her that proof you could be putting yourself in danger. Khaptah's spies still abound."

Shrugging and turning to leave her brother's room, Nekh said quietly, "If she is the right person, these things cannot be left unsaid. You know as well as I Sisutekh, this has to be stopped."

Her conversation with her brother was still on her mind during her journey to the Nomarch's office. She hoped this new leader of theirs would prove to be just and wise. That prosperity and righteousness would again visit their city to the sound of children's laughter and the bustling of a crowded marketplace.