Poisonings were infrequent, but banquets plentiful. He tasted, but also partook of all the delicacies on offer.
His fame grew, matched only by his expanding girth and insatiable hunger. Uninvited he would attend family gatherings or appear unannounced at weddings. To refuse him: an insult to Pharaoh.
When Pharaoh died, his counsellors summoned the Chief Taster to them.
“Our Lord will need his most loyal of servants,” they said. “Fear not. Tonight you feast with the Gods!”