Epilogue
Kahmunrah and Ahkmenrah spun toward each other and clashed, paused a moment, and pulled their weapons back. Both were breathing heavily. The crowds applauded, but they hardly heard it. They shook hands, and Ahkmenrah patted Kahmunrah on the shoulder after maneuvering the blade of his borrowed khopesh away from him. He turned to the crowd, smiled, and said, "That was how we settled disputes three thousand years ago."
"Actually, what really happened was we killed each other," Kahmunrah added. "But we're not really going to do that in front of a mixed audience, now, are we?"
"Not if we want the director after us both."
"Ah, let it happen," Jed said from the desk.
Ahkmenrah turned and replied, "We discussed this." He turned back to the crowd and said, "Please excuse him." He turned back to Jed, approached, crouched to his level, and hissed, "What the hell are you doing?"
"Jus' statin' an opinion."
"Well, do me a huge favor and can it, because it's enough that I have to deal with you trying to set yourselves on him every night."
"He's gotta pay."
"For locking you in an hourglass. Look, I know you're bitter, but I also know from experience that holding a grudge will drive you completely insane. Just look at my brother."
Jed bit his lip and studied the young pharaoh for a moment. Then he asked, "If I don' do what you want?"
"Well, I won't be responsible for the consequences."
"But watchin' Kahmunrah get pissed off is hilarious."
Ahkmenrah broke into a grin. "Yes, it is."
Jed returned his smile with a sly one of his own. "I'm gonna remember that."
Ahkmenrah nodded and turned back to the crowd. "Are there any questions?" he asked.