7
Construction of the royal baths takes several years. In this time, Ibiaw’s father journeys to the afterworld. Eboni births two more sons, one who does not survive. Ibiaw, his step still as sure and strong as when we first met, has acquired silver strands at his temples. Chara births another son and then a daughter, sweet as honey. She remains as beautiful as she had been as my bride despite the years that have thinned her face and silvered her dark hair. I become more proficient at recording the progress of the construction. We soon afford a larger home to house our growing family and a slave to maintain the household.
Chara and Eboni still work in partnership to make the beer, and they do not want for customers. My daughter Masika, who reminds me so much of my outspoken little sister,
