---
When they reached Dawn House, Sekhmet directed the servants to bring the cart into the inner courtyard, away from the street. Elena was waiting, of course.
Elena's eyes moved over the materials like a general inspecting supplies.
"Good," she said.
Then her gaze snapped to Auri. "Do not let her wander where servants gossip."
Auri bowed slightly. "Yes," she said.
Bat Bat appeared at the edge of the courtyard, holding a writing board like it was a dead animal she had been forced to carry.
Her eyes widened when she saw Auri.
Then she widened more when she saw the cart.
Then she widened even more when she realized there were many new things that looked fun to climb.
Bat Bat marched toward Sekhmet, face full of accusation.
"Master," Bat Bat said, "master buy wood and not buy jam."
Sekhmet stared at her. "You did not learn letters yet," he replied.
Bat Bat gasped. "Bat Bat learned one letter," she declared proudly.
