"Is it normal for a High Priest to sacrifice themselves?" Francios asked. Paul thought for a moment. "I have never seen it happen yet, but I believe that the High Priest and Priestess of the temple of Anubis, when they were shut in the temple, before it was set alight, killed themselves to ask the forgiveness of Anubis. If I were to be put in a similar predicament, I would have no hesitation in sacrificing myself upon Bast’s altar. It is considered the ultimate sacrifice, for a High Priest or Priestess to kill themselves upon the altar of their temple’s deity. I hope that it would never come to that, but if it did, then I know what must be done. It would be an interesting experience, for the goddess tells me that when I am finally released from my service to her, I shall learn the identity of my parents. I never knew them; I was abandoned as a baby and brought up by another couple, until I was called to serve the goddess. You will find that many of the original High Priests and Priestesses did not know the identity of their parents. Nicklaus was raised by his Grandparents and never learned about his parents as they were never mentioned. Saska, like me, was abandoned as a baby and raised by an old couple.” Paul said. “I feel that there is something you have not told me about the sacrifice today.” Francois said. Paul looked down at the floor and avoided his gaze for a few seconds. “You are quite right, I did think that you had noticed, but I doubt that the priests did, and if they noticed, I very much doubt that they cared. Earlier today, I was instructed by Amun-Ra to appoint a new High Priest of his temple as Ademus’s service was ended as of this morning. I was instructed to appoint Kieran as High Priest and to make Ademus’s body sacrifice to Amun-Ra for his crimes against this temple. I was reluctant at first, but it would have been disastrous for me to think of disobeying Bast’s great father, so I agreed. As I told you, I was never convinced of Ademus’s credentials as High Priest. From day one, he has been bad news for this temple. Tradition dictates that whether animal or human, a sacrifice must be killed quickly and without suffering. Ademus was unable to do that, he did not slit the throat of the sacrificial goat; he tried to stab it through the heart. I was not there that day, as I was in one of my periods of rest, but I was told of the events that had happened upon my return.” Paul finally said. “So, for that, it was decided that he should be sacrificed?!” Francois shouted. “Ademus is no great loss to this temple or his family, they are dead and he has no living relatives. His greatest crime was to stand idly by while your troops desecrated this temple and destroyed the sacred book of Amun-Ra. A High Priest is bound to defend his temple to the last beat of his heart, Nicklaus, if given the chance would have done that, as would his son and Kieran. Ademus was only chosen, as there were no others suitable, I know, as I looked myself. I told Amun-Ra that he would not make the best High Priest in the world, but he was the best of the priests at that time. Since then Kieran has been appointed as a priest and tradition dictates that, since he is descended from the first High Priest, he must be promoted to that position.” Paul shouted back. The commotion brought Kieran and Michael hurrying from the priest’s quarters to see what was happening. “Kieran’s life should have been forfeit today and I will see to it that he is killed.” Francois said. Paul stood up, “If that is your wish, then it will be me you have to kill first. Kieran’s life is bound to Amun-Ra and will only be ended by his will alone, not yours.” He replied, turning and walking away, carrying Ademus‘s heart. “Then you will have to watch your back, as your release will come sooner than you think.” Francois replied walking from the temple. Paul turned to Kieran, “You must leave the temple immediately, Francois will try to hunt you down before your ceremony of appointment, and kill you. Until you have been fully appointed, the full protection of Amun-Ra will not reside in your veins. I will take you to a safe place. Michael will accompany us on the journey also.” He said, leading the way out into the courtyard. “They will see you leaving, and follow to the hiding place.” Michael said. “Only if I were to go as a pure white Arabian stallion, would I be recognised. You must walk a short distance from the temple to make it seem as if you are going back to Bast’s temple, when you are certain that you will not be seen, take the shape of a hawk and tell me what you see. By the time, you have done that; Kieran and I will be ready to leave. At all times, Michael, you must look out for danger, as we will be travelling quickly and I will not always be able to tell if we are being followed. I will be in the guise of a bay Arabian stallion, and Kieran will be disguised as one of the tribesmen from the desert. They are loyal to Amun-Ra and Bast. Above all they are loyal to the High Priests of those temples and will offer their protection to Kieran until he is appointed fully High Priest.” Paul said, grabbing some clothes from the High Priests Quarters. Michael nodded and headed out of the temple. He kept looking around as he walked, it was a quiet evening, the sun was just starting to set, which would provide cover for Kieran’s escape. When he was finally certain he was not being followed, he jumped into the air changing into a hawk as he did so. Gaining height, he started to scan the area around the temple. He could see Francois, stood outside the front entrance of the temple, speaking to some one, swooping nearer to investigate; he almost dropped from the air with shock. Francois was talking to an officer from the US Army.