A/N: While it isn't apart of my beliefs, I do believe something like the story of the Exodis from the bible happened. There is archological proof that something did happen, but instead of telling a possible historical event, I'm going to go the complete opposite direction. Moses will be our hero and the Pharoah (known as Ramses II or Ramses the Great)as the villain, but still a spellcaster. I hope you enjoy this story.

The Desert Sorcerer

Chapter One: From the Sacred Flame

Once upon a time, a long time ago, there lived a wanderer in the deserts of Northern Africa named Moses. For many years he had walked the desert plains, learning of the sacred arts of magic. The things he had learned in his long life had been earned through toil and hardships. Although he had set out on his magical journey alone, he had soon been sent a message from a divine entity, who pointed him on the way to deeds of great good and aid to many people.

Upon reaching an older age, Moses decided that it was time to take on an apprentice. In so thinking, he went into the desert at the peak of its heat and seeked the highest point in the sands he could find. There, with his wooden staff of Ash, he drew symbols into the sand. When he was done, he kneeled down and called out loud 'Come forth to me, Phoenix of the great plains, for I seek your aid at this time.' Form the symbols drawn into the gorund, a great fire arose, supported by nothing, and formed into a burning fire contained within a magic circle.

"I hear you, Moses of the Desert, what is it I can aid you with?" a deep male voice asked.

"I seek, in my aging years, to pass along my wisdom, but because this wisdom was granted to me, I ask you to tell me if there is one so worthy as to learn?" Moses asked the flames, bowing deeply.

"There is one who can be trusted to take your place, but you must seek him. His name is Aaron, and he resides in the Village of Reeds. Seek him out and ask him to demonstrate his magic. If he can do this, you shall teach him. If not, your secrets shall not be passed on." The voice in the fire spoke to him. "If he does what he should, bring him to me," the voice continued, before the fire shrivelled and burned out. Moses stood and looked to the East towards the Nile River, where the Village of Reeds was located.

Upon his journey, Moses passed through many villages and towns upon his journey, passing out information and advice. As he continued his journey, he came across a man walking in the desert looking rather lost.

"Greetings young man," Moses said. "You seem to be lost and unsure of your bearings. Where are you headed?"

"My name is Joseph and I am trying to get to the Village of Reeds, but I seem to have lost my way." the man answered.

"Come with me Joseph, for I am headed to the Village of Reeds," Moses answered. Seeing the man was thisty, he took his staff and conjiured some water into a flask for him to drink. As they journeyed, they talked about many things such as their beliefs, the rulings of the many kings in the world and how kind or corrupt they were.

"...but the king that is most cruel is Ramses of Egypt. I hear he is using slaves to build cities in Egypt. He does not pay them, nor does he give them straw for their bricks." Moses knew instantly what a burdon that was, for straw helped the drying bricks maintain their shape and stopped them shrinking. But with their daily quota required with the extra work, it was a sad thought to think of the people suffering.

"What will you do?" Joseph asked.

"I do not know yet, for I have another quest to forfill first," Moses answered. "We are less than a days' journey to the Village of Reeds. From there I will make plans to visit the Pharoah. Perhaps I can reason with him." Moses didn't say anything more on the subject and continued upon his journey.

As he reached the Village of Reeds, Joseph thanked him with a shelter for his visit and whatever else he could help him with.

"Tell me Joseph, is there man named Aaron in the village?" Moses asked.

"Not that I know of, but ask around and you might find him," Joseph said. Moses did just that the next day, but no one could tell him of a man named Aaron nor of anyone with a similar name. Moses thought hard, but after speaking to the village Oracle and wiseman, but there didn't seem to be anything to help the situation.

Almost ready to give up, Moses went back towards his shelter with Joseph when he bumped into a young man who seemed to be leading a heard of animals.

"Pardon me young sir," Moses said.

"Do not mind me, for I am in great sadness," the young man replied.

"Why do you feel this way?" Moses asked.

"I am wanting to learn magic, but there is no one here to teach me," the young man answered.

"Show me your magic," Moses replied. The young man seemed confused, but he took up his crook and waved it, chanting lightly. As he chanted, the circle he was drawing with it cast sparks and soon little beings of light flew in all directions. It was a very standard trick amoungst all magicians, but upon looking closely, the sparks were desert fairies, not simple illusions of sparks and lights.

"You must be Aaron," Moses said, leaning on his staff.

"How do you know my name?" Aaron asked.

"Because I have been sent to retrieve you and to teach you the secrets of the Desert Phoenix," Moses explained. "You have been chosen." Moses followed Aaron to where he worked, which was a place just outside of the village. Moses paid the people who hired Aaron considerably for the release of his services and led him back to Joseph's home. After spending the night, Moses and Aaron left the city, headed north for Egypt and the city of Thebes. But on their journey, Moses stopped and summoned the Phoenix Fire.

"Welcome Aaron," the voice of the fire said. "I understand your want to learn magic, and have choosen you to learn the magic Moses possesses. However, it will not be an easy thing to learn, and it is a difficult life to follow in the service of me. Are you prepared to shoulder your new responsabilites?" The flame asked.

"Yes, I am," Aaron answered, slightly hesitantly. From the fire arose a firey image of a bird. Before Aaron could move, the Phoenix swooped on him and swallowed him in fire. Almost as instantly as the fire engulphed him, it seemed to disappear into him. Aaron fell to the ground and was unconcious. The Phoenix Fire went out and Moses took the unconcious Aaron to a shady spot nearby. where he awaited for him to return to conciousness.

Finally, when Aaron did come around, he looked at Moses. "What happened?" he asked weakly.

"You were accepted by the Phoenix. And so for this day on, you learn from me," Moses said. "You will wittness first hand what I can do upon our trip to Thebes."