by Dan Hunter
“Come on, Manu!” he shouted. “Let’s go home.”
Never had Egypt seen a celebration to match the Pharaoh Akori’s homecoming. The tables overflowed with roast meat, luscious fruits, bread and barley beer. From one end of the kingdom to the other, the people rejoiced. The dead were back in the Underworld where they belonged, and their families could once again burn incense and leave offerings in their memory.
Akori stood at the head of his own grand table, with the God Horus on his left side and his High Priest Manu on his right. The old High Priest, though his nerves had suffered terribly during the troubles, was still able to join in with the feasting from the comfort of a cushioned bench.
“May the Gods bless Egypt, and all her people,” Akori prayed. “May we live out our lives in peace and prosperity, and live for ever with Osiris in the world to come!”
“Well spoken, Akori,” said Horus. “You have repaid my trust in you a thousand times over. My father was right. I chose my champion well.”
“Is it over, then?” Manu asked. “Have we defeated evil?”
“Set will never cause Egypt such troubles again,” Horus said. “But Akori’s work – and yours – is far from over. Evil can take root in the hearts of ordinary men, too, from petty criminals to mighty tyrants. Egypt will need her mightiest Pharaoh and her wisest High Priest in the coming years.”
Akori nodded. His people were laughing and feasting as if nothing could ever go wrong again. But he knew, deep in his heart, that his great quest would never truly be over, because his people would always need his leadership. Being Pharaoh was not about having power and wealth, as Oba had always thought. It was about putting your people’s needs above your own, for as long as you lived.
“Are you troubled, Akori?” Horus asked later on. “You are not eating.”
“No,” Akori answered honestly. “I was just thinking about all the work that’s left to do.”
“One last piece of advice, then, before I leave you.” Horus smiled. “Celebrate! Today, you are victorious. Let your people see your joy. Life is short, and these moments do not come often!”
“Will we ever meet again?” Akori asked.
“One day, I shall welcome you into the company of the Gods,” Horus promised. “But that day is still a long way off. Feast and drink, my champion. You have earned it.”
And with that, he became ghostly and translucent, then disappeared leaving an empty chair.
Akori smiled. Horus was right. Today was the time for feasting and celebration. He looked around him at all the people gathered in his palace, smiling and laughing, and felt a burst of pure happiness. He turned to see Manu talking with the old High Priest. Akori took a sip of his barley beer and went to join his friends.
COLLECT EVERY QUEST
ATTACK OF THE SCORPION RIDERS
For his first quest, Akori must risk his life, fighting giant scorpions and a hideous Snake Goddess. Will he be victorious?
CURSE OF THE DEMON DOG
The dead are stalking the living and it’s up to Akori to stop them – but a scary dog-headed hunter is on his trail!
BATTLE OF THE CROCODILE KING
Akori must brave the Nile to battle two evil Gods – the terrifying Crocodile King, and the bloodthirsty Frog Goddess.?
LAIR OF THE WINGED MONSTER
Vicious vultures and deadly beasts lie in wait for Akori as he searches the desert for the Hidden Fortress of Fire.
SHADOW OF THE STORM LORD
Akori must fight Set, the dark Lord of Storms himself, and beat the evil Pharaoh Oba, in his deadliest battle yet.
FIGHT OF THE FALCON GOD
Young Pharaoh Akori ventures into the Underworld to battle the fearsome Falcon God. But can he make it out alive?
RISE OF THE HORNED WARRIOR
Akori must escape from the Underworld labyrinth of bones and overcome the lightning-fast Lord of Thunder.
SCREAM OF THE BABOON KING
Akori journeys to Oba’s Underworld palace, where he confronts his nightmares in the form of the evil Baboon God.
CLASH OF THE DARK SERPENT
The Sun God has been captured by the gigantic serpent of the Underworld. Will Akori be able to defeat the awesome beast?
DESCENT OF THE SOUL DESTROYER
Akori faces the ultimate challenge when he reaches the heart of the Underworld and meets the monstrous Soul Devourer.
THERE’S A WHOLE WORLD OF GODS AND MONSTERS WAITING TO BE EXPLORED AT…
Check out all the game cards online and work out which ones YOU’LL need to beat your friends
Discover exclusive new games to play with your collectable cards
Investigate an interactive map of ancient Egypt
Get tips on how to write top-secret messages in hieroglyphics
Find out the goriest facts and grossest info on ancient Egypt
Download cool guides to the gods, amazing Egyptian make-and-do activities, plus loads more!
Log on now!
WWW.QUESTOFTHEGODS.CO.UK