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The Ether of Dreams: Between Gods and Shadows
Chapter 44: Horus and the Desert of Judgment

Chapter 44: Horus and the Desert of Judgment

The scorching sun rose over the Desert of the Eternals, a vast and desolate expanse of sand that seemed to stretch endlessly. The dunes extended to the horizon, and the dry wind whistled through the air, lifting clouds of dust that quickly dissipated. In the middle of that inhospitable landscape, the protagonists walked in silence, guided by an imposing figure whose presence inspired both respect and fear.

Horus, the semi-human god with a falcon’s head, walked ahead of them with a firm and watchful posture. His wings, hidden beneath a golden cloak, emitted flashes of light when the sun’s rays touched them, and his piercing eyes scanned the landscape as if nothing could escape his vigilance. As Egypt’s protector, Horus was more than a god of war; he was the guardian of balance, the defender of justice and righteousness in the realm of mortals and semi-humans alike.

The protagonists, having passed through the teachings of Hathor and Thoth, knew that the path to the Realm of the Dead would not be easy. They had learned about life, death, and the power of knowledge, but Horus was about to teach them a different lesson—one that was not based on power or intellect, but on moral judgment.

The Desert of the Eternals was not merely a desolate place. According to legends, it was where the gods subjected mortals and semi-humans to the most difficult tests, those that would challenge their courage, their decision-making abilities, and above all, their sense of justice. There was no physical battle to fight here, only challenges of character and morality, where a single mistake could cost them more than just their lives.

—This desert is a place of trials —Horus said, his deep voice resonating over the wind—. Here is where the true worth of mortals and semi-humans is measured. Physical strength and knowledge will only take you so far. In Egypt, justice governs above all, and here is where you will prove if you are worthy of facing the deepest secrets of this land.

The wind blew harder, and the dunes rose before them like mountains of sand. In the distance, on the horizon, they could see dark structures and moving shadows, though it was hard to discern whether what they saw was real or just an illusion caused by the desert’s heat.

Horus led them to a large open plain where the wind calmed, and the sand felt firmer beneath their feet. There, before them, rose three stone monoliths, each engraved with ancient hieroglyphs that glowed faintly under the sun’s light. Horus turned to the protagonists, his falcon eyes fixed on them with intensity.

—Each of you will be judged here, not by your past actions, but by the decisions you are about to make —he said, pointing to the monoliths—. This is the trial of justice. Each of these monoliths represents a moral dilemma, a decision you must make. There are no right or wrong answers, but your choices will reveal who you truly are.

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The protagonists looked at each other, feeling the weight of what was about to come. They knew that the decisions they made in this place could determine not only their future but their ability to advance in their mission.

The first of the monoliths began to glow more intensely. Horus gestured for one of the protagonists to step forward. The chosen one took a step, their nerves on edge but determined to face whatever the monolith presented.

—Your decision here will reveal if you are worthy of carrying the judgment of the gods —said Horus, keeping his piercing gaze on the protagonist.

The monolith showed a series of symbols that transformed into a clear image: a city ravaged by war, where the inhabitants, exhausted and starving, were desperately asking for help. The choice was simple but devastating: the protagonist had to decide whether to save a chosen few, ensuring their safety, or to sacrifice resources in an attempt to save everyone, with the risk that no one would survive.

The pressure was intense. The protagonist understood there was no choice that would guarantee victory. Any decision would bring suffering of some kind. But they knew that justice wasn’t always simple and sometimes required making hard choices, even at the cost of personal well-being. After a moment of reflection, they made their choice. The monolith glowed brighter, and Horus nodded in approval.

—It’s not about choosing the easiest path —Horus said—. It’s about being brave and accepting the consequences of your actions.

The second monolith began to glow, and another protagonist stepped forward. This time, the trial was to decide whether to reveal a secret that could save a loved one’s life but, in doing so, betray someone else’s trust. Justice, in this case, was complex, as neither option was clearly right. After tense meditation, the protagonist made their decision, knowing they would carry the consequences forever.

Finally, the third monolith activated, and the last of the protagonists faced their trial. This decision challenged their honor and integrity, forcing them to choose between taking an immoral shortcut to guarantee the success of their mission or following a longer, more dangerous but honest path. Despite the difficulties that the morally right choice could bring, the protagonist chose the path of honor. Horus, observing the entire process, smiled with a mix of pride and respect.

—Not everyone is capable of facing justice with a pure heart —Horus said—. But you have shown that justice and courage are not beyond your reach.

The wind calmed completely, and the desert, which once seemed like an infinite stretch of challenges, now felt more serene. The protagonists had passed Horus’ tests, but they knew this was only one step on their journey. Each decision they had made had taught them a crucial lesson: justice is not just a matter of law, but of honor and responsibility. And sometimes, to be truly strong, one must be willing to make difficult choices and bear their consequences.

Horus, the vigilant protector of Egypt, looked at them approvingly.

—You are now worthy to move forward —he declared—. May your courage and sense of justice guide you in what is to come.

With those words, Horus spread his wings, and the wind began to blow again. The figure of the semi-human god faded into the horizon, leaving the protagonists alone but with a newfound understanding of what it meant to face the secrets of Egypt. They had passed the trial of judgment, but they knew many more tests lay ahead on their path.