Piay slowed his step as he approached Taita’s tent. On the long road from the Elephant Kingdom, he’d dreamed of this moment, but now he felt only dread. He pulled aside the flap.

Taita was examining his face in a bronze mirror while smearing some sweet-smelling unguent into his cheek. His armour had been set aside and he resembled the master Piay had always known, in a flowing robe of the finest silk, studded with jewels in the pattern of a bird in flight that glimmered red, blue and green in the lamplight. It seemed the mage was preparing for a new life, too.

When he saw Piay, Hannu and Myssa, Taita beckoned them in. He was beaming, Piay thought, and seemed in high spirits. That was good.

‘You are ready for the celebrations?’ Piay asked.

‘The celebrations and more. There is a new Egypt to build. In the morning I must report our great victory to the new Pharaoh, Utteric Turo, and then there will be much to do as we rekindle the glories of old.’

Taita set aside the mirror and ointment. No one could tell he had fought a wearying battle. He seemed charged with a great power that almost appeared to glow.

‘Your part in this will not be forgotten, Piay, nor that of your two friends,’ Taita said. ‘Your success in the quest I set you has changed the future of Egypt. New trade with the Spartans. And as we rebuild our army, we will keep the war elephants you acquired at the heart of it. You will be rewarded, never fear.’

‘That is why I have come to see you, master,’ Piay said.

Taita cocked an eyebrow at him.

‘I . . . I am hoping you will release me from your service, master.’

Even as he spoke, Piay felt a pang of doubt. This was all he had known since he was a boy.

‘It is my intention to marry, and—’

Taita’s gaze flickered to Myssa. ‘You?’

Myssa bowed her head. ‘My lord. If you will allow it.’

Taita smiled. Piay felt relieved. His master was in a better mood than he had ever seen him.

‘Tell me about yourself,’ Taita continued. ‘And how you met and how this love was fashioned on this long journey.’

Between them, Piay and Myssa weaved the tale and Taita listened with interest. There were moments when he seemed to reflect deeply on what was being said, though Piay could not divine those thoughts.