"That is all," said Esa, closing her eyes.
"Your father, like all inferior players, did not like being beaten - especially by a chit of a boy.
So he remembered my words - and he decided that you were certainly too young to be given a share in the partnership."
Ipy stared at her for a moment.
Then he laughed - not a very pleasant laugh.
"You are clever, Esa," he said.
"Yes, you may be old, but you are clever.
Decidedly you and I have the brains of the family.
You have pegged out in the first match on our gaming board.
But you will see, I shall win the second.
So look to yourself, Grandmother."
"I intend to," said Esa.
"And in return for your words, let me advise you to look to yourself.
One of your brothers is dead, the other has been near to death.
You also are your father's son - and you may go the same way."
Ipy laughed scornfully.
"There is little fear of that."
"Why not?
You also threatened and insulted Nofret."
"Nofret!"
Ipy's scorn was unmistakable.
"What is in your mind?" demanded Esa sharply.
"I have my ideas, Grandmother.
And I can assure you that Nofret and her spirit tricks will not worry me.
Let her do her worst."
There was a shrill wail behind him and Henet ran in crying out: "Foolish boy - imprudent child.
Defying the dead!
And after we've all had a taste of her quality!
And not so much as an amulet on you for protection!"
"Protection?
I will protect myself.
Get out of my way, Henet.
I've got work to do.
Those lazy peasants shall know what it is to have a real master over them."
Pushing Henet aside, Ipy strode out of the room.
Esa cut short Henet's wails and lamentations.
"Listen to me, Henet, and stop exclaiming about Ipy.
He may know what he is doing or he may not.
His manner is very odd.
But answer me this: Did you tell Kameni that it was Sobek who had persuaded Imhotep not to include Ipy in the deed of association?"
Henet's voice dropped to its usual whining key. "I'm sure I'm far too busy in the house to waste my time running about telling people things - and telling Kameni, of all people.
I'm sure I'd never speak a word to him if he didn't come and speak to me.
He's got a pleasant manner, as you must admit yourself, Esa - and I'm not the only one who thinks so - oh, dear, no! And if a young widow wants to make a new contract, well, she usually fancies a handsome young man - though what Imhotep would say I'm sure I don't know.
Kameni is only a junior scribe, when all is said and done."
"Never mind what Kameni is or isn't!
Did you tell him that it was Sobek who opposed Ipy being made a partner in the association?"
"Well, really, Esa, I can't remember what I may or may not have said.
I didn't actually go and tell anyone anything, that much is sure.
But a word passes here and there, and you know yourself that Sobek was saying - and Yahmose too for that matter, though, of course, not so loud nor so often - that Ipy was a mere boy and that it would never do - and for all I know Kameni may have heard him say it himself and not got it from me at all.
I never gossip - but after all, a tongue is given one to speak with, and I'm not a deaf mute."