Adamas is led to the Queen

Approaching the courtyard, he came across two guards, bearing shields and spears. "Halt! State your name and your business!" one of them told him in Egyptian, seeing the merchant for a foreigner. The language was widely spoken in Ethiopia, given the proximity and financial relationship of the two kingdoms. Adamas was fluent in it as well. "I am Adamas of Argolis. I am a merchant here to request an audience with Queen Mekada".

An officer passing by, heard him and intervened: "Queen Mekada has a whole kingdom to rule. What makes you think she will see you today?". Adamas reached into his pouch and took out three gold pieces. "Would these help?" He knew which wheels to grease, as did any Greek merchant. The officer silently accepted the bribe. "I will escort you to the throne room, foreigner. But you must leave your sword outside." he said looking at the short sword Adamas had seathed on his back. The merchant removed the straps holding the seathe of his sword and gave it to the officer "Fair enough".

The two of them walked through the courtyard until the main gate of the Palace. Once it opened, a most magnificent lobby was revealed to Adamas. Gold and gems, as far as the eye could see. Merchants of all races bargaining with officers and nobles, male and female servants tending to both courtiers and guests. The Ethiopian officer and the Greek proceeded until the door that led to the throne room. They were stopped by two elite guards. The officer talked with them in their native language, then turned to Adamas: "Another bribe would be in order". The merchant played along and offered each guard a gold piece.

The door was opened for him, and beyond it he gazed upon unexpected wonders. Upon a high throne, made of solid gold, sat the queen, fully naked! She wore several pieces of golden jewellery: a chain around her neck, a thin crown holding her ample hair upwards, rings on each of her fingers, a pair of big bracelets around both her wrists and her ankles, but no clothing or footwear to speak of.