Gua watched as the Nomarch approached the strange lady and embraced her. He couldn't help feel the hackles on his neck raise, but he had been feeling over-protective since she announced her marriage to Prince whoever-he-was from Meroe. And where was this prince now? Certainly not here - not protecting his beloved lady.

Lotus settled in to the woman's table - a woman she called "Thubi" and began to talk animatedly.

Gua willed himself still....waiting for the next move.