Random Voice 1
Deserts. There is something about them that is so captivating. The sound of a crow in the distance, the dry wind rushing around, the hot sand beneath. Nowhere to hide, nowhere to take refuge. At least not here and not now and not for tonight's guests.
Carter Kane, or his ba if you want to be precise, is floating above a barren mountain. Horus's power is enveloping him. It's fascinating how much the way a god's power envelops the host resembles a cocoon. Makes you wonder what they'll turn into when given the time. Carter and Horus, just like me, are observing unnoticed.
Two demons stand on a ridge. One is small and toad-like. His slimy skin glistens in the starlight. He is not important, though, so forget about him. He won't even be named. Focus on the other one. That's the important one. You may remember him from the other time I was allowed to narrate. Face of Horror, he is.
"Where is he?" asks the toadie.
Face of Horror looks at him. "Hasn't taken a permanent host yet. He can only appear for a short time."
"You sure this is the place?"
"Yes, fool! He'll be here as soon-"
A fiery form flickers in front of them. The newcomer takes a deep breath, inhaling the dry desert air as if it's the only thing keeping him alive. Face of Horror nudges the toadie and they fall to the ground right as Set turns his attention to them.
"My lord!" the toad says.
Set takes his time. He takes in the site, his red eyes scanning the desert. The plans for the greatest monument ever built start taking shape in his mind.
"My lord," says Face of Horror with as much respect as possible. Everything else aside, he is a great actor. "The mountain is called Camelback. The city is called Phoenix."
Set laughs. "Phoenix. How appropriate! And the desert is so much like home. All it needs now is to be scoured of life. The desert should be a sterile place, don't you think?"
"Oh yes, my lord" agrees the toad. "But what of the other four?"
"One is already entombed." Answers Set. "The second is weak. She will be easily manipulated. That leaves only two. And they will be dealt with soon enough."
"Er… how?"
The dry wind picks up in speed. The sand shifts slightly beneath them. The desert seems to have woken up, one with his anger. Set glows brighter. His magic has found an emotion to feed on. He points at the toad and the demon's skin begins to steam.
"You are an inquisitive little tadpole, aren't you?"
The demon drops on all fours. He starts yelling, begging for mercy. His skin begins to bubble and foam. When his hands, too, can't support him no more, he falls face down on the sand. The toad tosses like a fish on land. Horrible shrieks of pain pierce the silence as he struggles. The foam that used to be his skin eats out at muscles and veins, mixes up with blood until it's pink. When the foam almost touches his legs, Set takes a step back. His nose twitches in disgust. When it's over and the toad's screams are nothing but a mere desert echo, the sand consumes the foam. There's not a trace of the toad-like demon ever even existing. Carter's ba looks like he's about to puke. I don't blame him, for I, in all my glory of a detached voice, want to do the same. Face of Horror takes a nervous step back.
"We will built my temple here" continues Set, as if nothing had happened. "This mountain shall serve as my place of worship. When it is complete, I will summon the greatest storm ever known. I will cleanse everything. Everything."
"Yes, my lord. And, ah, if I may suggest, my lord, to increase your power…" To increase his power they should've taken him to the Colorado desert. The chaotic energy that's built up there the past couple of years is mesmerizing. The demon bows and steps forward. He whispers. "Pyramids are known for absorbing and storing energy. The storm would be more magnificent with your sibling's essence powering it."
Set beams, either missing or ignoring the magical power behind those words. If he had paid attention, he would have realized that a storm like that could destroy the world. Unfortunately, that would turn out to be an introspection for another day.
"Excellent! If you can do this, you will be rewarded. If not…"
"I understand, my lord."
'Go then. Unleash our forces. Start with the longnecks. That should soften them up. Collect the younglings and bring them to me. I want them alive, before they have time to learn their powers. Do not fail me."
"No, lord."
"Phoenix. I like that very much." Set sweeps his hand across the horizon, as if addressing an imaginary crowd. "Soon I will rise from your ashes. It will be a lovely birthday present."
4th of May 2010 - the day the Red Pyramid was released. Here's a birthday present for The Kane Chronicles! The chapters for each day will be published five days appart (25th of December == 9th of May). thanks for reading, love ya.