In the sprawling and illustrious city of Khepresh, where light is as vital as water in the desert, the responsibility of managing all things oil especially for lighting rests on the shoulders of a revered figure: the Master of Oils. Tuthmos, the current holder of this ancient title, oversees the critical duty of ensuring that every flame in Khepresh burns bright and steady. He has been the carrier of this title for over forty years. His role is paramount, for light is not only a practical necessity but a symbol of the gods' presence and favor.

Tuthmos's day never ends as Khepresh lays in perpetual darkness and thus light by man is always needed. His responsibilities are manifold:

1) Procurement and Quality Control: Every drop of oil used in the city must pass his men's inspection. Tuthmos works closely with traders and olive farmers from distant lands, ensuring that the oils brought to Khepresh are pure and of the highest quality. His policy is to sample each batch, checking for clarity, aroma, and purity.

2) Allocation and Distribution: The oil must be distributed according to a strict hierarchy of need. The temples receive the first share, for the gods must always be appeased with clear, bright flames. The royal quarters comes next, followed by public areas and, finally, private residences. Meticulous records are maintained of where each jar is destined, preventing any misuse or theft.

3) Innovation in Oil Lamp Design: Tuthmos collaborates with Khepresh's finest craftsmen to enhance the design of oil lamps. His aim is to improve their efficiency using less oil for more light. This not only conserves valuable resources but also ensures that the city can remain brightly lit even during times of scarcity.

4) Education and Safety Regulations: Tuthmos educates the servants and light bearers on the safe handling and optimal use of oil lamps. He organizes workshops at the community hearths, demonstrating the proper techniques to clean and trim wicks, fill lamps without spilling, and extinguish flames safely.

Trials by Fire

The role of the Master of Oils is not without its challenges. Oil is a commodity that can inspire both reverence and greed. Tuthmos must navigate the murky waters of political intrigue and the bazaar's cutthroat bargaining. There are those who would seek to hoard or smuggle oil, manipulating its supply for profit. Tuthmos, with a keen eye and a network of informants, clamps down on such malpractices with an iron fist. One memorable ordeal was during the Festival of Lights, when a sudden shortage threatened the celebrations. Under Tuthmos's guidance, the city's reserves were rationed, and an emergency procurement was arranged just in time. The festival was saved, and Tuthmos's reputation as a steadfast guardian of Khepresh's light was solidified.

Legacy and Lore

To walk through Khepresh by night is to witness Tuthmos's legacy a city aglow with gentle, flickering lights, each flame a testament to his diligence and foresight. His story is more than a mere chronicle of duties; it is a narrative of devotion and a ceaseless quest to keep the darkness at bay. In the halls of records and the murmurs of the marketplace, Tuthmos is both a figure of authority and a beloved custodian. His guardianship of light as a beacon of safety, a marker of time, and an offering to the gods resonate through generations. Khepresh owes much to this Master of Oils, who burns brightly in the hearts of its people, illuminating the essence of a role that transcends mere duty, becoming a sacred charge to hold back the night.