"Why did you let him sleep alone out in the courtyard Ademus?" Michael demanded when he arrived a few minutes later. "I did not know that this would happen or I would have made him sleep in my room. I know that it is my fault, I thought that he was listening to me when he said he would stay the night. Never for one moment did I think that he would just disappear." Ademus replied. Kieran came out into the courtyard. "You know as well as I that Paul was in no fit state to do anything last night. I helped to make that bed, and he had to be held up by 2 people at all times. I suppose that this is all rather convenient for you, Ademus. It means that you can put off making the sacrifice until Paul is found. Did you not think how suspicious it would look to the rest of us? You were the driving force behind the French attack that led to Saska's death, and you had hoped that Paul would not survive, so that you would have no obstruction to you helping the French to conquer Egypt. It must have been a shock for you to find out that he had survived, and so you needed a new plan. If Paul were to suddenly go missing on the morning of your sacrifice to Amun-Ra, who would there be to stop you causing the destruction of every temple in Egypt? No one." He said, his words having the desired effect on Ademus. "You think that I have gotten rid of Paul? May I remind you, Kieran, that it is your life that is to be made forfeit to Amun-Ra this evening, not mine." Ademus snapped as he walked from the courtyard. Kieran turned to Michael, "You know what happened, as well as I do. Paul heard the call of a wild stallion and decided to follow it. Whether he comes back today or not is either here nor there, but we need to ensure that the sacrifice goes ahead whether or not he is here. Ademus's time as High Priest ended this morning, though he does not realise yet." He said. Michael nodded. "Paul only left for the night. I see him returning now." Kieran followed Michael's gaze to see the pure white stallion approaching, trotting confidenty, and full of health.
"Where have you been? We have all been worried for your safety." Michael demanded as Paul approached them. "I was called to from afar, warned of a danger that threatens not just Egypt, but the whole world. I ran with a herd of horses last night. Most of them were wild, but there were some tame ones, turned loose by their owners in the countries to the East in order to save them. They spoke of a vast army gathering in those lands to the East of Egypt. My curiosity was aroused and I felt that I must learn of their plans. I turned from the herd and headed towards the East. I travelled many miles from Egypt before I found the army of which the horses spoke. It is vast, consisting of many battalions and could easily overthrow the French troops currently stationed here. The sight of the army filled me with a deep sense of dread of what they may be planning, but I could not leave where they were without finding out where they came from or where they were headed. Moving closer I discovered that the army is from the USA and that they are headed eventually towards Egypt. Their leader intends to conquer all those countries that disagree with her policies, whatever they may be. If Egypt is to be safe, we must secure the protection of Amun-Ra today." Paul replied.
"Ademus cannot make the sacrifice, his service to Amun-Ra was terminated this morning. He is no longer High Priest of this temple." Kieran said. Paul turned towards him and smiled. "I know that Amun-Ra has terminated Ademus's service to the temple, and soon, so shall Ademus. Michael and myself must return to our own temple for a little while, so that I may consult with the goddess on these developments. It may be that she will advise me of our role in protecting our temple and, ultimately Egypt. You know what you must do Kieran. Ademus must suspect nothing, nor that I have returned, until myself and Michael come back to the temple later. Prepare for the sacrifice as your father taught you, with prayer to Amun-Ra. Nothing must be allowed to appear out of place. I will speak to you later. Come Michael." Paul replied, leading the way out of the courtyard. Kieran watched them leave and turned and walked back into the temple. "Has Michael left yet?" Ademus demanded of him. Kieran bowed, "Yes, High Priest, he has left to return to his own temple." He replied. Ademus smiled. "That is good. You played a very good role of accusing me of getting rid of Paul, Kieran. I commend your actions. You know as well as me that all this about the worship of Amun-Ra and so on is a load of rubbish. The sooner it is ended, the better." He said. Kieran nodded his agreement, and continued to his own room. He was wondering what Paul had in store for Ademus when he returned to the temple later.