-Carter Kane-
Sadie went to sleep after a bit of learning about our second cousin. Kyra watched as Amos stood up and brushed some sand off. "Will you stay here and keep watch?" Amos asked.
"Not a problem, take your time." Kyra nodded towards me to signal I should go as well.
I followed Amos to the bank of the Nile, which he sighed as he took in how the river reflected the stars and full moon. "So, what's up?" I nervously started.
"We're going to have this talk in the river," Amos started. "And be wary, it's freezing."
"Ookay then." I sighed as I took in the gentle current of the Nile. "And what good will that do exactly?"
"The water gods are decent compared to Gaia." Amos summed up as he took his sandals off. "So whichever one happens to be here, we won't be compromised compared to land."
"I see, and we'll probably have to keep resorting to this, won't we?" I complained a bit as I took my sandals off.
He laughed in response as he quickly slipped into the river. "Most likely so, yes."
I hesitated, but Amos extended his hand for help. I slipped in and instantly started to shiver. My uncle didn't seem bothered much by it and led me to the middle of the river, the water reaching my shoulders. "Hu, I thought it was deeper." Amos shrugged his shoulders and relaxed a bit, letting the water get up to his neck. "Okay Carter, I'm not exactly sure how 'sound' proof being in the water will be," he started, "but it's honestly the only thing I could come up with."
"Sounds like it could work," I supported.
"You already heard about what she wants, or at least what part she revealed to me." Amos continued quickly. "You and Sadie already know that Apophis can rise if enough Chaos is created. It sounds like she plans to get Egyptians to fight the Romans and Greeks. Looking into the past, I'm fairly certain that will create enough Chaos to summon him back."
"So, you're finally agreeing with me?" I asked for confirmation.
He nervously laughed. "I still don't trust them Carter, but anything is better than war, especially if a Goddess is looking to make one. On that thought, if the rest of the Per Ankh overhears of the hole in the Duat, anything can trigger a fight on our end. The fact that she is looking for the Pharaoh makes me nervous as to how she plans to get a rise out of us."
I took in how he still avoided putting the label on me. "Assassination or kidnapping, either will be enough probably."
"So, keep quiet about him." His eyes shot me a strict look, but it wasn't necessary for I knew the seriousness just by how we found him. "Also, you know about water and Gods, right?"
"Not a good combination," I recalled.
"In this case, it depends on the situation," Amos started. "If things get too out of hand, go to the nearest body of water. I don't care if it means you watch Jackson fight off our enemies. The water is our friend in all three worlds, remember that."
I nodded in response as I finally adjusted to the temperature of the water. Amos sighed as he dunked his hair into the river, an attempt to rinse some of the mud matted to his braids off. "I don't really want to mention this part, but I feel I'd regret it if I don't," Amos continued. "If we run into her again, I expect you to ditch me."
My eyes widened as I opened my mouth to protest. "Carter," his voice scolded, "it's happened far too many times with you two. I've said repeatedly that I can care for myself. I know you and Sadie have been clinging to the remaining family you have. And I know I'm asking a lot. But understand this, the Chief Lector's job is to protect."
"And let you sacrifice yourself?" I finally managed to speak.
"You shouldn't be so surprised, Ruby did the same for Julius if you don't recall." Amos reminded quickly.
"Yeah, but this is different," I scorned. "What will the Pharaoh do without his Chief Lector during this?"
He rolled his eyes in reaction. "I'll be quickly replaced."
The water held its chill thanks to this talk. "Sorry Amos, I don't think I can standby like that."
"So, you're telling me I'll have to rely on Kyra to hold you two back?" Amos' tone saddened. "She's not going to like the sound of that."
"You never got Janet's complaints?" I asked.
He gave me a confused look. "Janet has complaints?" He asked with interest.
I laughed a bit. "Yeah, ever since she moved in with us," I confirmed. "She ended up playing maid rather than teacher. And we've been ignoring her whenever she speaks against it."
He took the hint fairly quickly. "Well, Kyra's a different story. She'll threaten to kill you if you don't listen."
"Like the threat of death ever stop us before." I rolled my eyes.
Amos laughed. "Okay then, let me amend what I said," he gave in. "If we meet Gaia, and I tell you to run, you better do as I say."
"We'll see when that day happens," I partially agreed.
"Julius would have my head if you get killed," Amos started.
"No he won't." I rolled my eyes. "You're his little brother. That would be like me going after Sadie for letting Zia do something stupid."
He raised his right eyebrow in response. "Thanks Carter, make me feel old. I'm only thirty-five!"
"That's still over half my age." I did the quick math.
He did the math just as quick. "Wow, when did that happen? I could have sworn I was eighteen yesterday."
"Oh hey, you're not that old. Get a grip." I teased, earning a grin from Uncle Amos.
"Yeah? Wait until it happens to you." He added as he started unraveling some of the braids, some of the beads seemed to be missing from his mud bath. "Gods, I might have Kyra help me get this out."
"You're missing beads too," I added.
"Yeah, I noticed," He grumbled. "Might have to run around without braids for a while."
"Hu, weird, Amos is going to have to change another thing about his attire," I teased.
"Hey, I have yet to dye my hair red," Amos pointed out.
I shot him a confused look. "Please don't, you're killing it as it is."
"I agree, but I don't make the rules," Amos continued.
"Uh, is this how you're appeasing Set?" I asked.
"It's that or endure his vicious comments twenty-four seven," Amos explained dryly. "Something about lack of temples so he wants everyone to know where he is."
"And that's why you've been wearing red with the exception of the leopard's cape? Wait, did that get lost?" I asked.
"Oh no, it's just coated in mud," he reassured. "And it will be a while before I wear it again I think. Hell, I'm having a hard time getting it out of my hair."
I rolled my eyes. "Are you going to need help?"
"No, just slowly working it out," Amos clarified. "Might have to continue later, I fear."
"So, have we said everything we wanted to settle?" I asked. "I can barely feel the water now."
Amos eyes lit up in alarm. "Well Carter, why the hell haven't you rushed out of the river by now then?"
"I'm wondering why you seem fine with it," I complained.
He rolled his eyes. "You think you and Sadie are the only ones who've gone on quests? This isn't my first rodeo."
I couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, I'm calling it a night," I finalized. "See you at sunrise."
"Get some good sleep Carter." Amos spoke through a yawn.
