"Is it that Ashayet knows, but that evil is still done because the concubine Nofret is strong in evil magic?
Yet surely it is against your will, most excellent Ashayet.
Therefore reflect that in the Field of Offerings you have great relatives and powerful helpers. The great and noble Ipi, Chief Butler to the Vizier.
Invoke his aid!
Also your mother's brother, the great and powerful Meriptah, the Nomarch of the Province.
Acquaint him with the shameful truth!
Let it be brought before his court. Let witnesses be summoned.
Let them testify against Nofret that she has done this evil.
Let judgment be given and may Nofret be condemned, and let it be decreed that she do no more evil to this house.
"Oh, excellent Ashayet, if you are angry with this your brother Imhotep in that he did listen to this woman's evil persuasions and did threaten to do injustice to your children that were born of you, then reflect that it is not he alone that suffers, but your children also.
Forgive your brother Imhotep aught that he has done for the sake of your children."
The Chief Scribe stopped reading.
Mersu nodded approval.
"It is well-expressed.
Nothing, I think, has been left out."
Imhotep rose.
"I thank you, Reverend Father.
My offering shall reach you before tomorrow's sun sets - cattle, oil and flax.
Shall we fix the day after that for the ceremony - the placing of the inscribed bowl in the offering chamber of the tomb?"
"Make it three days from now.
The bowl must be inscribed and the preparations made for the necessary rites."
"As you will.
I am anxious that no more mischief should befall."
"I can well understand your anxiety, Imhotep.
But have no fear.
The good spirit Ashayet will surely answer this appeal, and her kinsfolk have authority and power and can deal justice where it is so richly deserved."
"May Isis allow that it be so!
I thank you, Mersu - and for your care and cure of my son Yahmose.
Come, Hori, we have much that must be seen to.
Let us return to the house.
Ah - this petition does indeed lift a weight off my mind.
The excellent Ashayet will not fail her distracted brother."
II
When Hori entered the courtyard, bearing his rolls of papyrus, Renisenb was watching for him.
She came running from the lake. "Hori!"
"Yes, Renisenb?"
"Will you come with me to Esa?
She has been waiting and wants you."
"Of course.
Let me just see if Imhotep -"
But Imhotep had been button-holed by Ipy and father and son were engaged in close conversation.
"Let me put down these scrolls and these other things and I will come with you, Renisenb."
Esa looked pleased when Renisenb and Hori came to her.
"Here is Hori, Grandmother.
I brought him to you at once."
"Good.
Is the air pleasant outside?"
"I - I think so." Renisenb was slightly taken aback.
"Then give me my stick.
I will walk a little in the courtyard."