The Writing on the Wall
Christi E. for Vizier Hapatra
One of the viziers presiding over the city of Naktamun. Hapatra is a devotee of the snake god Rhonas and a lover of crafting poisons. She oversees the training of those who wish to become worthy before Rhonas. She is tall, stern, proud of her station, but not beyond making a joke for her own amusement.
"You must be the travelers I have heard so much about."
"Well, to be completely honest . . . it's tragic," [sigh] "The sphinxes are a sad story—gifted with infinite knowledge and cursed with the same dismal fate." [explaining why the sphinx won't speak... and setting up her own joke]
"No problem at all. Come find me in Rhonas's Monument if you'd like a quick poison-making lesson. I'm always happy to share my craft."
I posted a second take because I don't think I really grasped the demeanor shift described in the story in the first.