The funeral was two days later. The pyre had been built not far from the palace gates. The wood had been covered from top to bottom in fragrant blooms and Bathor lay on top, resplendent in a princely uniform complete with a simple ceremonial crown atop his head.
The palace holy man, painted entirely white and wearing only a simple robe of purple that flapped and fluttered in the breeze, exposing his shaved body beneath, led the ceremony. Other priests, also painted white but completely naked, stood holding candles and incense. Also gathered, over to one side, was a trio of naked, white-painted priests playing mournful music.
When Seronisis and Pan arrived, the trio ceased their playing.
Pan couldn’t help but be disappointed that the people of Tansa hadn’t made more of an effort to suppo
