Outside the temple
- What is your decision, Arthur?
- I've already asked to get out of here! I don't think I'm asking for much.
He heard a gasp, a snort of boredom coming from the deity, saw him raise the long scepter with the moon on top, and then he was as if sucked into a vortex and spat out of the temple.
The light hit his eyes, he fell to the ground, and his knees sank into the desert sand. He raised his head, and when he saw the deity standing, he was silent, with a slight ringing in his ears.
- Was the journey not to your taste? Better for you to get used to certain dynamics, although...if you decide to follow me you will acquire certain skills that will allow you to avoid these issues.
Arthur did not listen to her words and got up and began to run aimlessly, when he found Khonshu in front of him he braked suddenly, falling again.
- Really unintelligent this move of yours! You know, if I only wanted to, I could decide for you, I wouldn't even need your answer.
- Let me go. I don't want superpowers, I don't care if one of my colleagues thinks I'm crazy. What I want is to go home and be quiet.
- You have no idea what we can do Arthur! I renew my word to let you off the hook once the task is completed.
- The question is "when?", Khonshu, the problem is that I feel ridiculous talking to something that I thought and believe is totally abstract!
- Abstract? You think I am abstract! Now I will show you what is abstract or not.
Arthur felt a pressure pushing him hard, a propulsive force pulling him away, and he found himself in the scattered desert. Theoretically, the sun should have set, but it seemed to be high in the sky and his skin seemed to burn. It was hot, definitely hot, an open oven. He stood up exhausted and looked around, "where had he sent him? Damn Khonshu!" He searched his pockets: he had nothing with him, not even a compass to orient his guide. He began to walk and set off in an unfamiliar direction, hoping it was the right one. His forehead, his brown hair was soaked with drops of sweat that he distinctly felt dripping down his neck, his clothes were damp, and he needed a drink.
Far beyond where he was now, he noticed like a mirror in the sand, something reflecting the light of the still-high sun that seemed not to decide to set; he walked toward it but stopped when he thought again that what he was seeing had suddenly appeared like a mirage. "Khonshu" , he thought, "He must be operating everything." He had done it before, so he had no problem doing it again. He walked away, leaving behind what he longed for so much. He turned back, changing direction, but felt fatigue hit him full force. He stopped and sat down, stretching: the sun was a veritable ball of fire that seemed to cook him to a crisp. He would not have a chance; it could have been his illusion, he could have walked in vain, and perhaps it was all the result of his mind.
He got up on his knees, his head down, he had no way out and he had to accept what the stupid bird of had proposed to him.
- Khonshu, where are you? Damn bird, do you want me? You didn't give me that many choices. You will have me, I accept your deal.
- Good choice Arthur. Now it's time to go home.
Arthur had the feeling that that vortex that had taken him out of the temple was about to return, closed his eyes, but opened them again when he felt that nothing was happening.
- What are you doing?
- You said we were going home, aren't your superpowers too?
- What do you take me for? Besides, Arthur, you're still destabilized. You've already booked your flight, go to your hotel and pack your bags.
Arthur stood up and looked at the empty cranial cavities, he was irritated by that behavior, Khonshu was arrogant and capricious.
- Where did the cab you were driving go? Could you at least take me to the hotel?
- I'm not your servant. You should rest, I can feel your tiredness.
- Where do you think? Here? In the desert?
Khonshu lowered his staff toward him, Arthur looked up in his direction, made to move away but could not it was as if he was glued firmly to the ground.
- Now, I Khonshu, god of the moon appoint you Arthur my knight. Powers, greatness and abilities unknown to ordinary man shall be yours. You are my avatar, my faithful knight of the moon.
Arthur's body was tightened by bandages equal to those that lined Khonshu's body. It was a strange feeling, as if he was regenerated, strong and powerful. He no longer had that tired feeling that had plagued him for days, but he felt that something had changed.
- I deserve at least a thank you from you, I have restored you. Haven't I?
- Of course, thank you Khosnhu.
- Are you ready to go home now? Now I know you can endure the return journey without injury.