Chapter Twenty-Five

A sultry heat permeated the air in the room. The evening breeze was sparse but encouraged by the open doors. Not one remained closed, the warmth made more obvious by the gold surroundings that glowed like another burning sun.

In the shady corner two musicians played the lyre and the shepherd's pipe, providing a lively tune for the scantily clad dancer who weaved herself skilfully into erotic and sensual positions. The heady scent of incense surrounded her. With the rhythm of her menit-necklace and the sistra it was an evocative display.

The musicians also watched her, as if hypnotised or playing their music to suit her moves. They had no concept of musical notation. The tunes were passed down from one generation to the next and adapted along the way.

The older servants, a motley looking crew of varying ages and appearance, watched her leeringly or with a half appreciation of the movement, focusing on the sweet, red wine