Disclaimer:

See chapter 1

Chapter 2

The sun was burning down onto the two forlorn wanderers and their camels, that were slowly moving over the dunes. Even in those afternoon hours there was still sizzling heat. Sometimes they had to get off the animals, when the way happened to get more difficult. Now and then the priest stopped, looking around so he wouldn't lose his bearings. They didn't use the street for fear of the Pharaoh's servants, who might already be looking for them.

Sweat was running down their bodies, drenching white cotton tunics, which Seth had insisted on wearing, scolding Atemu again because he had run off in one of his fine capes with gold embroidery.

"Don't you know how many thiefs and evil folk the desert harbors?"

Atemu had glared darkly at the priest but had once again complied.

They had ridden on for hours now. Seth turned around to see if his prince was following. His blue eyes widened.

"Atemu! Watch out!"

The other's head shot up and he noticed at the last moment that his camel was about to trip. He barely pulled it back, slipping off its back in the process, landing on his butt in the sand.

"Ow!"

"Are you alright?!?"

"Yes...Yes, it's alright."

"That was really careless! You have to watch where your camel is going!"

"I was tired! I just glanced away for a second!"

"Which could have been the end of our little trip! You know what happens to the ones who lose their camel in the desert!"

"Alright, alright, I know! Couldn't we stop now? The sun is already setting."

Seth turned around, critically eyeing the sun.

"Well, we need a better place to build up our shelter."

"Why, isn't it perfect here, between those dunes?"

"I wouldn't build it up here."

"Which place would you prefer?"

The priest carefully studied their surroundings.

"See those stony hills over there?"

"What, up there?!? Everyone will see us!"

"But it's a lot safer than down here!"

"Come on, what can possibly happen?"

"A lot that I don't really want to think about. I'm totally against this place. It gives me a bad feeling."

"Ah, but those rocks give me a bad feeling! We're completely exposed up there! But I'm sure you wouldn't mind us to be seen so you have an excuse to go back to the palace!"

"What? You think I would betray you?!"

"You never know...I notice quite well that you're not happy with our little journey! You're always humiliating me. You know everything better than me! But I'm not a child and I don't want to be told what to do! If you came for that you should leave now. I don't need any more lectures."

Seth was silent, his eyes burning into Atemu's. Then he turned away abruptly.

Seth's prayer to Horus

Mighty Horus, help me keep my temper! He's infuriating! He's such a child! And he has no idea what he's saying. Me, betraying him! He couldn't have said anything more hurtful.

... I have a bad feeling about this place. But let him have it if he is so stubborn. He'll see. But I know I won't like it. I'll have to be watchful tonight.

End of Prayer

They prepared their shelter in silence, a huge tarp made out of rough cotton fixed on small wooden poles. Then Seth went to his camel, finding the bags filled with their provision, taking out what he needed to cook a skimpy meal, some flat bread and dried dates. Meanwhile Atemu unfolded the blankets and looked after the camels.

The night came fast and still an uncomfortable silence lay upon them, as they rested under their blankets, facing away from each other. Atemu soon fell asleep, but Seth was restless. He would doze off but wake again half an hour later, listening suspiciously. But no sound could be heard except for the gusts of wind rushing over their shelter.

Blue eyes pierced the darkness, looking for something unusual. Their little hideaway was as it used to be in the evening, yet something was wrong. Seth got up, listening to the strange sounds outside. Carefully he lifted the tarp to look outside.

He was greeted with an angry howl of the wind and a face full of sand. For a moment shock rooted him to the ground, then realisation dawned and he turned. One step brought him to the bedside of his prince, whom he started to shake frantically.

"Atemu! Atemu!! Wake up!"

"mh..mhhmmm....?"

"A sandstorm!! Get up!!"

"What's it?"

"A SANDSTORM! It's going to blow the shelter away and we'll die or lose our bearings which is just as bad and then we'll die anyway! By Ra, get up!!!"

"AH!!!"

"Finally! Come on now, we can still save our lives!"

Atemu jumped up. Hurriedly Seth showed him how to put a cloth over his mouth and nose so he could shield his respiratory tracts from the sand. All the while Seth was shouting instructions to the other over the sounds of the beginning storm.

"Alright! We have to go out there now! You take Sitah, pack all food and drink onto her back and lead her to the hills! I try to take the shelter down and follow with Athak!"

He was about to lift the tarp again when Atemu stopped him.

"I can't leave you alone out there!!"

Seth gripped his arm.

"Don't object! We have to save at least one camel! We have to save the water! You have to go!"

"But..."

"GO!!! You must do this!!"

He pulled the tarp away and the first gust of wind threatened to throw them off their feet. They stood their ground and fought until they had made their way out.

Atemu hastened to the camels and did his best to unpack Athak and put their provision onto Sitah. A layer of sand was plastered onto his face, his eyes were red, although he shut them until there were only narrow slits left.

When he was done he clumsily tried to shield his eyes and turned back to Seth. The other fought with the tarp and the blankets that were fluttering wildly in the wind. When he noticed Atemu staring anxiously he motioned for him to go and shouted something the prince couldn't catch.

He turned and stumbled off, trying to lead the camel away. Sitah refused to go, irritated and scared. Atemu shouted, pulled, but it was useless. He tried to stroke her back comfortingly, and finally, reluctantly, she followed him. They were making their way slowly, step by step, but at last Atemu could make out the shapes of the hills right in front of him.

Somewhere in between the hills he found a small valley, which was sheltered from the wind.

The prince managed to tie the camel's bridles around a large stone, then slumped down into the sand exhaustedly. When his breathing had returned to normal he looked up. Seth hadn't come. Atemu got to his feet, pacing a bit, now and then staring anxiously at the entrance to the valley.

Prayer of Atemu to Seth

Oh Seth, master of deserts and storms!! I beg you keep him save that carries your name!!! Please, I feel so helpless! It's my fault! Mighty Seth, protect him, don't let him die because of my stupidity! I beg you, please...please....make his shadow appear in the darkness, make his voice rise over the wind's howling....Save him, please!!! I'll do anything....

I can't stand this anymore.

End of Prayer

Atemu checked once again the knot in Sitah's bridles, then, with one last look back at her, he ran to the entrance of the valley. Outside, the storm was raging. He stumbled a few more steps, then suddenly stopped.

A figure was slowly walking up to him. A blanket was slung over his shoulders and he led his unwilling camel along, shouting at the animal.

Atemu collected all his strength and ran up to him, taking the blanket off his shoulders. Blue eyes, rimmed with red, stared into his, then they stumbled the last metres to the savety of the hills.

Inside of the valley, Seth fell down to his knees, breathing heavily. Atemu took Athak's bridles and led him to Sitah, tying him to the stone as well.

He returned to the priest, who lifted his head. Once again they stared into each other's eyes. Then Atemu too fell to his knees and lowered his gaze.

"I'm so sorry. I could have killed us both. I was stupid and childish, and you were right in everything you said. I wouldn't listen to you, but I was so furious. Please forgive me"

Seth nodded but placed his hand on the other's shoulder.

They were silent for a moment, then Atemu wiped his eyes and looked up again.

The High Priest got to his feet and went to look after their camels.

Author's Notes:

Pharaoh ...capitalized is when I'm talking about Atemu's father

pharaoh ... this is Atemu, although he isn't yet pharao. I don't want to use prince all the time.

(will get important later)

I know, some of you asked for fluff....sorry, no fluff yet.

I want to develop this very slowly.

Thanks for all your reviews again!

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