*flash-back*

The boy used to take care of his mother's garden. It wasn't easy to raise things in the desert but he was good at it. This boy was wearing a loincloth and his eyes were traced with kohl. His name was Anubis. He seemed to be 7 years old, although he was centuries old. Gods aged slower than humans.

Suddenly, someone stepped in the garden and all plants withered with the heat. His father was home. Seth picked Anubis in his arms and stared at him with disapproval.

– What are you doing?

–Gardening – Anubis whimpered

– My son doesn't do gardening! – He said aloud – You're like Osiris!

– Seth! – Nephthys flew at them both – She wore a blue and loose dress. Her hair was a long braid.

Seth put Anubis on the floor and approached her.

– He has soil powers! – He pointed at him – It's Osiris' son isn't it?

– No. You also have soil powers!

– Ra said my seed wouldn't live! Osiris had you as I had his witch wife before!

– I'm not one of your whores! – Nephthys shouted.

Seth raised his hand. Anubis turned into a huge dark wolf and bit Seth's pulse. Seth fell and screamed in pain. Nephthys was frightened.

– Anubis stop it! PLEASE STOP IT! – Nephthys screamed as she tried to hold her wolf-son.

Anubis let go of Seth and turned into a boy again. He had gold blood in his mouth. Seth stood up in pain. His arm was terribly wounded, drenched in gold. Then Seth laughed loudly.

– A desert wolf! Well, Maybe I let you be my son – Seth tapped Anubis head. He tried to kiss Nephthys but she didn't face him.

– You're spoiling him – Seth said as he left.

Nephthys sighed.

– Son, why have you done this?

– He was going to hurt you, mother – Anubis explained – Father is bad.

– Dad had suffered and his heart is hardened – She held his face – Rage is a wicked counselor. We must act with kindness.

– But I was kind… to you.

Nephthys laughed.

– Come here – Nephthys picked him up – You have some lessons to do, my little wolf.

She kissed and wrapped him in her sparkling wings.

~ . ~

In fact, Anubis wasn't a cruel deity like Seth, but a protective one like Nephthys. He wasn't sure of who was his real father and he didn't care. Nephthys was his mother and that was enough.

– Lord Anubis – Zaya came, her skin was beautiful under the moonlight. She carried some scrolls – These people don't remember who they are.

Zaya was helping Anubis with the souls of the dead. He wished to delay their unfair judgments. He enjoyed Zaya's company and beauty. Besides, she was really useful.

– They must go the 6th house and wait – He said.

Anubis guided them to the boat which was going to the 6th house. Beside it there was another boat. In there People were weeping in panic.

– What happened to them? – Zaya asked Anubis.

– They're victims of violent death. As the boat goes by they'll recover.

– This is terrible – Zaya said.

– Death is not so terrible Zaya, Life is. In death their torment is over – Anubis said, embracing her shoulder.

In death, there was no slavery. No war. No pain. Only the memories of their beloved ones. Zaya agreed.

– You were alone – Zaya told him – Are you fine?

– I am.

She looked at his face. He seemed nostalgic.

– Were you missing someone? The Goddess Hathor?

– Why would I miss Hathor?

– I don't know… There are tales…

He laughed.

– No. Lady Hathor is stunning but we had nothing to do with each other.

In fact, Anubis had an unanswered crush on Hathor in the past.

– So, you're single? – Zaya smiled.

– Are you interested in me? – Anubis told her, his breath reached her neck and she shivered.

Zaya blushed. She was a dead-married woman! She couldn't be interested in the fascinating wolf god, for Horus' wings!

– Sorry. That was inopportune – He moved away from her.

– You're not inopportune.

Zaya wished to say how perfect and sweet he was and that only a very dumb goddess would not be interested in him. But she didn't.

– I miss my mother – Anubis faced the river.

– I know this feeling – She held his arm – When I was younger my mother wished to marry me with a man I didn't love. I've run away from home and I never saw her again. I think about her every single day. I bet she hates me.

– You're too lovely to be hated, Zaya – Anubis held her hand and they smiled.

There was a loud thud. Anubis pulled Zaya close and then another wolf god appeared. He was as white as the moon and carried a bow and arrows on his back. He looked like a hunter and his name was Wepwawet – the god opener of the ways.

– Anubis, they want more souls. They demand me to open the way to the hall immediately – Wepwawet was upset.

– Open it, but I won't send anyone to doom – Anubis remarked.

– It will only make the Balance worse – the silver wolf-god told him – What if we send the bad ones first?

– We'd have to judge them first and that's not our function.

– Excuse me Lords of the unseen world – Zaya interrupted them with reverence – Maybe you could send the rich ones first.

Anubis and Wepwawet faced each other. That was a brilliant idea. The judges would notice it later but it would take time.

– Zaya, Help me to separate the slaves– Anubis turned to Wepwawet – You have my permission.

Zaya nodded and left.

– She's smart and beautiful. She likes you – Wepwawet said and gave a mischievous smile to Anubis.

– She's a mortal.

– The Greeks don't care about that – The silver wolf played with an arrow – They have a lot of fun.