I would have thee carry a message for the brotherhood."
Kenkenes inclined his head.
"Good. Be thy journey as quick as thy perception. I ask thy pardon
for laying the work of a temple courier upon thy shoulders, but the
message is of such import that I would carry it myself were I as young
and unburdened with duty as thou."
"I am thy servant, holy Father, and well pleased with the opportunity
that permits me to serve the gods."
"I know, and therefore have I chosen thee. My trusted courier is dead;
the others are light-minded, and Tape is in the height of festivity.
They might delay--they might be lured into forgetting duty, and," the
pontiff lowered his voice and drew nearer to Kenkenes, "and there are
those that may be watching for this letter. A nobleman would not be
thought a messenger. Thou dost incur less danger than the
clout-wearing runner for the temple."
A light broke over Kenkenes.
"I understand," he said.
"Go, then, by private boat at sunset, and Ptah be with thee. Make all
speed." He put a doubly wrapped scroll into Kenkenes' hands. "This is
to be delivered to our holy Superior, Loi, priest of Amen. Farewell,
and fail not."
Kenkenes bowed and withdrew.
It was long before sunset, and he had an unfulfilled promise in mind.
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