Disclaimer: I don't own the Kane Chronicles.

This is basically Desjardin's last moment in his eyes. Enjoy, young'uns. This was written long ago.

I couldn't believe it.

I was fighting alongside the Kanes.

Actually, it wasn't really a choice, but I had to do it. Apophis was about to be unleashed upon the world. Chaos would leak and spread, then we'd all be dead. And even if we weren't, we'd suffer.

Menshikov's curses had detoriated me into nearly nothing. At least that's what he thought. I still had strength, enough to seal Apophis, enough to give time to the Kanes. I never liked the Kanes though. They followed the way of the gods. In other words, they were godlings.

But I had to. They were our last hope.

I stared at Menshikov, whose eyes were healed, his face now broad and tan.

"Surrender Vladimir."

"Have you looked at yourself lately, my lord? My curses have been sapping your strength for months, and you didn't even realize it. You're nearly dead now. I am the most powerful magician in the world," Vladmir—Apophis –sneered.

"Very well. Begone." I held up my staff and pointed it at him.

The battle began. I had to keep him distracted long enough for Sadie to read the last part of the scroll. Each time he threw a curse at me, I deflected it with a hieroglyph. And each time it happened I thought about why this had happened Vlad had never been like this before, had he? He had been loyal, trustful at the least. Then all of a sudden, I couldn't keep control, and I slammed into the boat the Kanes had come in.

But the time came, and when Apophis struck, I unleashed my potential and barred him into the fiery throne of Ra.

Fighting back and forth, circling. Soon he and I were out of breath.

I drew a hieroglyph in the air that meant "turn back".

"Heh-sieh!" Apophis was thrown back and the Kanes were excited and breathless with awe, judging from the gasps.

It was time.

I began the start of the execration. "Apophis," I said. "I name you Lord of Chaos, Serpent in the Dark, Fear of the Twelve Houses, the Hated One..." I named all his secret names, while Apophis protested, his eyes shut, hands protectively in front of him.

I knew the Kanes were amazed that I was doing an execration on such a powerful being. It was for the best. It was to buy time for them.

And finally, I finished.

Apophis screamed, purged from Menshikov's body. Menshikov fell, his youth sapped. His eyes were ruined again and his clothes were tattered.

I didn't stop to help. Carter pulled me along. I could feel my insides roiling, failing. I was dying.

I was in the boat before I knew it.

"Execration w-won't last long," I warned. "Only bought you some time."

Carter grasped my hand and asked why. Why had I done this?

"Don't like you much," I managed, while faintly smiling. "But you were right. The old ways...our only chance. Tell Amos...tell Amos what happened."

I tore off my leopard cape and stuffed it into Carter's arms. "Show this to...the others...Tell Amos..."

I was getting older every second, rapidly turning paler. Then my body couldn't hold on and I dissipated into thousands of hieroglyphs telling my story. Finally I was at peace.