You felt the twilight completely engulf him. But it was only a momentary delusion. He didn't leave. He just changed, becoming something more intangible, but no less powerful. Behind you, above the waters of the Nile, a huge, red—eyed jackal materialized-or maybe it was just a trick of vision caused by fatigue and shock.

No, it was him.

Seth casually waved his hand, and the feeling of his presence enveloped you like the warm, dry sand of a storm, which does not harm, but completely envelops you.

"Did you think I'd throw my most valuable pawn at the very beginning of the game, Shezm? Naive,"— there was tenderness in his voice, laced with superiority. - "I need you by my side. I can't let your shezma tricks attract too much unnecessary attention until you get used to my rules."

He came closer, his hot breath touching your ear, making your skin crawl. You could smell the desert, thunderstorms, and something ancient and divine.

"Forget about traveling alone. There are too many eyes in the capital of Upper Egypt, and too many magicians who will try to sense the darkness in you. And I'm not going to leave my future wife to be torn apart by pathetic mortal hunters, or worse, by Amen."

He squeezed your shoulder lightly, his grip was strong, but it didn't hurt. It was the touch of an owner who confirms his authority.

"I will be yours... a satellite. A shadow. A defender. In the eyes of mortals, I will remain just Ash, a wanderer who carries his staff and does not travel beyond the borders of Egypt. Your companion,"—* he emphasized the word with a slight sneer.* - "You will carry out my assignment — to look for the source of this ailment and what lies behind it, and I will make sure that you do not commit stupidity and that this hunting dog Amen does not get to you ahead of time."

He walked away, his gaze sliding over your face, assessing your reaction.

"We are heading to the settlement where you saw Doctor Liwiy. You're acting. I'm watching. And don't you dare forget: anything you find out, you report to me immediately. We're working together, lady. It's in your best interest not to disappoint me. And now... Forward. The sun is almost gone. It's going to be a long journey."

He pointed with his staff in the direction where the sparse lights of the settlement were already twinkling on the horizon.

Seth, the God of War and Chaos, has now not only given you an assignment, he has joined you. You were his "pawn", which he decided to lead personally. You felt a double pressure: from the threat emanating from Amen, and from the overwhelming, domineering proximity of God himself.