Episode Sixty-Two
"Sugar and Spice"
Smoke drifts up from the charred rubble that once was Lhartse. Mallard of Nine gingerly steps around remnants of homes and villagers as he follows the path behind the Ancient Ones.
The West looks around at the devastation and is highly pleased. He enjoys the site of the smoldering wooden beams that once had been buildings that housed families.
The East looks around and feels strong. This demonstration of the power of the Ancient Ones will certainly go a long way in rebuilding what was once theirs. The destruction delights him.
The South looks around and feels disappointed. She doesn't entirely believe that the deaths of all these people was entirely necessary. How are they supposed to rebuild their following without followers?
The North doesn't look around at all. He just wafts straight over to the small girl who waits smiling at the other side of the rubble.
"The path is clear," Marisol says with a large grin.
"Well done, young Nine." The North is much pleased. The other Ancient Ones are suitably impressed with this young servant.
Marisol smiles again. "I have for you some gifts." She walks a ways down the path and the others follow her. There she reveals the children of Lhartse.
The South smiles. The West laughs. The East grins. The North is proud. "Even better."
Meanwhile, in Egypt...
Ashlee holds her hands over her eyes and looks out over the lightening vista. "Next time we save the world, can we maybe do it in Hawaii again? Or somewhere else less arid?"
"We do end up in Deserts a lot, don't we?" Reese muses standing behind her on the ridge.
"What is this place?" Jilan looks all around her.
"The Valley of the Kings," Pizoku says, looking around in awe. "Tombs of the Pharaohs."
Reese considers the younger boy a moment. "How do you know so much about Egypt?"
"My father," Pizoku replies. "He was an Egyptologist. I grew up surrounded by it."
Reese picks up on something he doesn't say. "What happened to him?"
Pizoku looks down for a moment, then out at the desert sands. "We don't know."
Jilan frowns for a moment, then turns to Taylor. "What happens now?"
Taylor begins walking along the ridge. "We find Thoth and the Temple."
"How?" Ashlee arches an eyebrow.
Neah indicates towards Ma'at, who stands with her eyes closed. "I think She's working on it."
Ma'at is quiet for a moment and then points up towards the river valley. "This way."
Taylor walks to stand by the Goddess. "What is?"
Ma'at frowns in confusion. "Thoth."
The others can hear her tone of voice. "But?" Neah asks, walking closer.
Ma'at turns and points towards the west. "The Temple is that way."
Everyone turns. The Dunes are silent in the early dawn. Ashlee sighs. "I hate the Desert."
To Be Continued...
