" It must be you who makes make the sacrifice to Amun-Ra today, Paul. It has been decreed by Amun-Ra himself. Ademus has been deemed unworthy of the post of High Priest, and his service terminated, this morning. Some one else is to be appointed High Priest by yourself, and Sofia is to be appointed High Priestess very soon. She would be willing, but will not know what she is doing. You have made this sacrifice many times and know what you must do. You will be asked to carry out the task for him and you must accept. If anyone else is allowed to make the sacrifice, the victim will suffer immeasurably, but if it is you who makes the sacrifice then the suffering will be none." Paul heard Bast speak to him and knew that she was close. He nodded his head in reluctant agreement. “Great goddess, if it has been decreed by your father, then I will not argue. All I ask is your guidance on the army America has gathered in the East, and what I should do.” He replied. “For now, the sacrifice will be enough. The US Army is strong, but it will take them longer to reach Egypt than you think. They are currently busy fighting in Iraq, but soon that war will be ended and their President will seek a new target. I do not think you realise just how far you travelled last night, but that is no matter. Trust your instincts, take your rest after the festival, find Saska’s successor as High Priestess of my temple. If you are needed, you will be called from your rest by me.” Bast replied, touching his shoulder. Paul bowed his head, as he turned to meet her. “I can not help but worry, goddess. I still remember the fear in those horses last night. It may be some time before the US Army arrives, but when they do, they will destroy everything that goes against their President’s policy, including our temple. There will be nothing that I can say or do to stop them. Your book must be preserved. Allow me to take it to a safe place when I go to my rest. We have a copy that can be left on display and used in the ceremonies, written in the language of myself and Michael.” Paul said. “You are wrong Paul. You can stop them, but I can not tell you how at this time. It will be revealed to you when it is time. You are quite right about the book, however. I will consent for you to remove it into safe-keeping with your friend Joseph. I know that is where you will take it. On no account must it be opened by him, until such a time as it is needed. When that time comes, both yourself and my book will be the weapon with which the US Army are stopped. It will not be you who tells Joseph to open the book, but me. When the time comes you will be called to the Triaxial Temple. Once you arrive back, you must not leave this temple once, unless I or my Father tells you to. It is imperative to the destruction of America that you follow our wishes at all times when you return. You will know more when the time comes.” Bast replied. Paul just nodded. “If it is the wish of you and your great father, then I could not disobey if I tried. I will return with Michael to Amun-Ra’s temple for the sacrifice. I will carry out the ritual with Michael’s assistance as I know that is what you want. I will drink of the victim’s blood and offer the cup to Amun-Ra's High Priest, and then Michael. I will eat his flesh and then share his body with Amun-Ra's High Priest and Michael. What is left will be shared amongst the priests and priestesses of Amun-Ra’s temple.” He replied. Bast smiled down at him, before turning and walking away. The fact that Ademus was no longer High Priest meant that he would not have to wait too much longer to have his revenge for Saska and Claire's deaths. Sofia must be kept from the ceremony that evening, he knew, as her impatience at having to wait to avenge her mothers death had grown daily since she had been made a priestess. It surprised Paul that Ademus had not noticed the resembelence between Claire and Sofia and realised his dangerous position. He walked to his quarters and sat down, lost in thought. He wondered just how Ademus would react to the news that he was no longer High Priest. Suddenly he felt a strong urge to visit the Triaxial Temple before the sacrifice. He felt the need to consult with Amun-Ra also before the sacrifice. If Ademus was no longer High Priest, he could be tried and sentenced for crimes against Amun-Ra's temple. He would be found guilty of treason against Amun-Ra, and the only sentence was immediate death. Paul jumped to his feet and almost ran down the path t the Triaxial Temple. Arriving, he took a moment to catch his breath. There in front of the altar, was Amun-Ra, with Isis and Bast. "Do you really need to try Ademus for his crimes, Paul? You know as well as Ademus, that he is guilty of allowing my temple to be defaced, my sacred book to be destroyed, and disowning me. You know the sentence for those crimes is immediate death upon my altar." Amun-Ra said. Paul nodded his agreement. "I was unsure whether, in this modern age the old traditions still prevailed as much. I know that most have been eroded by modern rules, but hoped that this one still stood. Ademus will be made to pay for his crimes against you." He replied.