The last of the supplies had been loaded on and the barge weighed down to its fullest capacity. Ancksunamun stood on deck, enjoying the warm breeze coming off the Hap that blew her hair and gown about her. She smiled brightly as she saw Waha's form come down the dusty path towards the docks.

"Waha! I thought you were going to stay here?" she inquired. At last they had spoken, Waha was going to return to his family farm here on the outskirts of Waset to help his parents. The life in the temple no longer interested him as much and she could understand, for it was only through adventures such as this one and being with her friends from Gebtu that made her life in service to the goddess bearable. Waha was young, as she had been once, and wanting to see what life held held beyond temple walls. She hadn't been given the chance back then to learn what lay beyond, but she knew she couldn't do the same to Waha. She had been his teacher and guide and now it was time for him to go out on his own.

"I was nebet, but there is something in me which I cannot quiet, I would never be happy just staying at home and becoming a farmer like my father. He wanted a better life for me which is why he thought temple life would be just that, but..." his voice trailed off. How could he say that he really didn't want to be a priest anymore without hurting her feelings after all the hard work she had put into him?

"I know Waha, you don't have to say it.... I want you to enjoy yourself, I want you to open your eyes at the wonders the gods have created for us. The temple will be in safe hands" she added looking towards that structure which rose up above the markets and houses. "I have appointed some priests to higher positions and my chief priest assures me that a whole new class of acolytes will be soon ready for becoming wa'eb priests" she said with a tender smile.

What a difference a year makes she thought as she looked at the man that stood before her. He was just a silly boy into all sorts of mischief when she took him under her wing, but he had grown, as everything does and now she felt as proud as a mother would looking at her son who was off to find his way in the world.

Senenmut happened along just then, slapping Waha on the back and adding in that he was happy he had choosen to join them. "We'll set sail soon, just waiting for some last minute provisions" he said, "by the way, have either of you two seen the Nebet NahehAakhu?"