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"Bakari! Kheru!" A rush of knocks roused the two princes from their sleep. Cool wind blew through the room from outside and the first rays of sunlight barely peeked over the horizon. Yawning, Kheru wrapped one of the blankets around his waist and rolled out of bed. Nubia stood outside, her paw raised for another assault on the wood of the door. Without waiting to be invited in, she pushed past him into the room. "Good morning to you, too," the dragon prince grumbled. Nubia walked over to the bed and shook her brother by the shoulder. "Bakari, wake up. The messenger is back!" Immediately, all sleepiness was gone. The fox prince's ears shot up. "Really?" "Yes!" Nubia's tail wagged wildly back and forth. "Get dressed, and come to the throne room." As quickly as she had appeared, she left the room and ran down the hall.

Bakari swung himself out of bed and grabbed his tunic, which was lying on the floor. Realizing his mistake, he threw it on the bed, then picked up his undergarments. "Why don't you just put on the tunic," Kheru joked. The fox prince paused and blushed slightly. His eyes moved from the loincloth to the robe and back again. He shook his head as if to dispel the thoughts. "This is an official occasion. I can't appear there so inappropriately." The dragon prince approached him and gently reached for the undergarment Bakari still held in his paws. "That's right. This is an official occasion. As prince, you will have to present yourself to the people. You would walk around all day with nothing on your body but your ceremonial clothes. No one would know, probably. Only you and I would." Bakari's grip on the garment loosened. He took the tunic and lifted it to his body. "The fabric is thin. One wrong move or a stray glance would be enough." Kheru leaned forward and gave him a kiss on the muzzle. "And you love the thought of it, don't you?" Bakari didn't answer, but his wagging tail was answer enough.

"I can't believe I'm doing this." Bakari spoke softly as they walked down the hall together. Kheru stroked his hair. "We can turn back again if you're not comfortable." The fennec waved it off. "If Father finds out, though, I can keep my brother company in the desert," he joked.

Nubia and her father looked up as the two princes entered the hall. A fox was kneeling in front of the throne, holding a scroll in his hand. The pharaoh rose, took the scroll, and walked over to Kheru. "As the representative of your kingdom, it should be you who informs us of your father's decision," he said, handing him the scroll. With a claw, Kheru removed the seal. He cleared his throat and tried to sound official. "In the name of Pharaoh Amen-set-enet, I now announce the decision concerning the fennec people. The Pharaoh has decided that from today the sun shall set on the Kingdom of the Foxes, not on the region of the rebels. It is in the name of Ra that the homeland of the Foxes is no longer subject to the rule of the dragons. Furthermore, the court of the River Kingdom accepts the proposal of a joint trade and invites emissaries to the court to pursue this further."

Before he could read any more, Bakari fell around his neck. He could feel his body through the fabric. "We did it," he barked with shining eyes. "Kheru we did it!" As he rolled up the scroll with one hand, he wrapped his other arm around the fox prince. Kheru hugged him tightly. He smelled his scent, which had become so familiar over the last few moons, and closed his eyes for a moment. It was as if a great weight had been lifted from his chest. His father had accepted. But it was not the political decision that gave him such satisfaction, nor the economic progress that both nations would surely experience. No, what gladdened Kheru most was that from now on he could look forward to a future with Bakari at his side.

When the fox stepped away from him, the pharaoh approached him and took the scroll from his hand. His eyes wandered over the rest of the text, and he nodded with satisfaction. With a brief instruction, he ordered one of the servants to immediately notify the people. The fox bowed and hurried away, and a short while later trumpets echoed over the city. With a wave of his paw, the white fox told them all to follow and led them out onto the balcony. Soon the space below them began to fill, and a murmuring and discussing crowd arrived at the gathering place. Patiently, the Pharaoh waited until the people had gathered. Kheru had never seen so many foxes in one place. Even the last time he stood here, the place had seemed full, but at that time there had been perhaps only half as many people as today. They stood so close together that hardly a whisker would have found room between them, and all stared up at the royal family.

The king stood up and silence fell. His gaze wandered over the gathered foxes, and he began to speak. "Today is a great day for our nation. After three long years, our struggles have finally been rewarded. Thanks to the efforts of Prince Kheru-sha-ta-kata, the negotiations were successful. From today on, we are no longer subject to the rule of the River Kingdom." Joyful murmurs, some in disbelief, rolled over the assembled crowd. "Hear now the words of the Pharaoh of the River," Bakari's father continued, unrolling the scroll.

As he read the text aloud, Kheru let his gaze wander over to the fox prince. His eyes trailed down his body. If one looked closely, they could see the dark fur of his loins and the outline of his shaft under the thin fabric. An idea came to him, and very carefully he slipped his foot under Bakari and pulled his leg toward him. The fabric slipped off his thigh and now covered only his groin. The fox prince exhaled slowly, stroked his face with one paw, and did his best to remain calm.

Kheru unobtrusively detached one of the trinkets from his robe and let it fall from his hand to the ground, giving the appearance that it had come off on its own. He bent down and rested one hand on Bakari's thigh. With the other he took the piece of gold and brushed the back of his hand along the fox's thighs on his way up. The outline between Bakari's legs was very visible now. With a smile, he leaned back and reattached the brooch to his robe. Next to him, the fox slid around in his chair, trying to cross his legs and at the same time prevent the fabric from fully slipping aside.

As the king finished his speech and the people erupted in cheers, Bakari looked over at Nubia, who was sitting on Kheru's right hand. He leaned over to her and, as if by chance, his hand rested right between the dragon's legs. It was gentle, exerting little pressure, and Kheru would have liked to bend him over the railing in here and now and give him what he wanted. Nubia nodded in agreement; he hadn't understood what the fox prince said, but it probably didn't matter much.

Gradually, the noise under the balcony ebbed away. Cheerfully, the people went back to the city. The royal family and he left the balcony. With a satisfied smile, the king turned to them. "This is a great day for both our kingdoms, Prince Kheru," he said. "At sunset, I would like to invite you to another feast. You will no doubt want to return home soon, but let us spend your remaining time here joyfully. Why don't you accompany Bakari down to the city? The people will be celebrating, and you should be there."

The streets were bustling with life. The Foxes crowded close together, all the way deep into the side streets and narrow alleys. Kheru could barely make headway, but Bakari deftly slipped through the crowd. Deeper and deeper he led him through the streets, into the bustling city. The smell of food and wine was everywhere. Taverns had opened their doors and carried seat mats and couches outside. Where there was no toasting or eating, there was dancing and singing. Some foxes had brought out hand drums and lutes and flutes and were playing their music in the street and from the windows. Here and there rhythmic chants could be heard. They praised Heka or the sun or rejoiced in life and being alive, but above all they sang of physical pleasures. Many of the dancers had already taken off their clothes and moved their bodies to the music. They danced on the tables and through the crowd, letting themselves be touched and teasing the more hesitant observers with seductive gestures. One of them walked past and lifted the back of Bakari's tunic with a quick flick of their wrist. The fox prince squealed in surprise and pulled the fabric down, but by the time he turned around the dancer had disappeared into the crowd.

The Fennec was still blushing when they reached the center. People called out to them, waved, and every self-respecting merchant offered them some of their wares. "Cheers to freedom," they shouted, or "May Heka watch over you!" Bakari seemed to visibly enjoy the attention. Every now and then he stopped to exchange a few words with people, shake hands, or accept a gift. Kheru followed his example, even though he was happy to let the fox prince have the spotlight. Many times fennecs came up to him and asked if they could touch his scales, and he too was offered so much wine and food that it would probably last until the next new moon.

He had just swallowed the last bite of goat meat when they reached the other end of the marketplace. It was quieter back here. Far from empty, of course, but there were fewer people here than in the square or on the streets leading up to the palace. Most were standing together in small groups talking, getting drunk in the taverns, or in other ways engaged with each other. Kheru released his hand from Bakaris and put it to his backside. With gentle pressure he steered him into one of the side alleys.

Waiting no longer, the dragon prince pushed his partner against the wall and pressed their lips together. The fox put his hands on his arms and pulled himself against him. A shudder ran through his body as Kheru's muscular thigh moved between his legs. He rubbed against him as the dragon's tongue ran over his lips down and down his neck. He exhaled deeply as pointed teeth gently gripped the soft skin. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the tickling of his breath as Kheru continued to slide down his body. His erection pushed the fabric of his robe off his body. The tongue circled his chest, first left, then right, and left again. A tremble ran through every fiber as the dragon reached his belly. His touch was as soft and light as wind, and for seconds afterward he could feel where the tongue had traveled.

Kheru looked up at him. "I love that look on your face," he murmured. "The way your whole body responds to every touch." He kissed his belly and thighs and the soft skin just above his cock. The fennec's fingers dug into his shoulder, and he exhaled with a gasp as Kheru's tongue ran down his length. The dragon opened his mouth and guided him in. He felt the dick twitch against the roof of his mouth as he grabbed Bakari by the butt and pushed his groin forward. Careful not to hurt him with his teeth, he opened his mouth a little wider and let his lips slide over the knot. The fox moaned softly and supported himself by his head while coordinating his movements with the hand on his back. Kheru rolled his tongue so that the moist warmth enveloped Bakari's erection on all sides. It was an unfamiliar sensation, but he liked it. A slightly salty taste filled his mouth as the tip of the fox slid along his throat. Bakari began to move on his own, and he let him. Faster and faster his length slid over his tongue until he paused and his cock began to pulse. Kheru closed his eyes and held Bakari in place as he came into his throat. Though he almost choked on it, he kept control.

With one hand Bakari leaned against the wall. The dragon straightened up again, pulled his face towards him and gave him a long kiss. The fox's tongue ran along where his member had been a moment ago, and only after a few seconds did he detach himself from him. Still keeping his hand to his chin, Kheru leaned forward and whispered, "I want you. Here and now." Bakari looked up and down the alley, hands drawn to his chest. A few feet from them, the street bustled with people. For a moment his gaze lingered there, then he turned back to Kheru. Although his ears still moved restlessly back and forth, he nodded.

The dragon prince grabbed him by the waist and lifted him up. Bakari immediately wrapped his legs around his stomach and reached around his neck. With one hand Kheru held him against his body, with the other he held his hard erection in place. Bakaris legs loosened a little, and he slid into the fox. The grip around his neck released as the fennec leaned back to support himself against the wall. Placing his hands around his hips again, Kheru began to move.

The muscles in Bakari's legs trembled, and he pressed them even tighter against his body. Greedily, the fox matched his movements, pressing down from the wall. "More," he pleaded. "Please, more." He didn't have to ask the dragon twice. With a grunt, Kheru took a step forward and pressed the fennec's back against the wall. His thrusts became more violent, and each movement sent waves of pleasure through Bakari's pelvis down into his legs. He felt the muscles move under his paws. How Kheru slid deeper into him, pulsing inside him before pulling back again for another thrust. His gaze wandered to the road again. If only a head would turn to the left. Anyone could see him pressed against the wall and taken by the dragon. Just the thought of it made his heart beat even faster. Although he did his best to be quiet, a gasp escaped him with each thrust. Sensing that Kheru was about to come, he detached himself from the wall and clung to him. Pressing his head against his scaled chest, he felt the heat fill him. His own erection pulsed against his belly and a mewl escaped him. Surely someone had heard it. He loved the thought.

Slowly, Kheru let him slide down the wall. The muscles in his calves trembled, but after a few deep breaths he straightened up. "That was," before he could finish the sentence a booming crack shook the floor. Adrenaline shot through their bodies. Kheru ripped a what might have been a curtain from the wall and threw it to him. The fox prince hastily cleaned his fur and wrapped the cloth around his waist, then followed the dragon outside.

Chaos spread through the streets. Kheru pressed both legs to the ground to avoid being knocked down by the fleeing foxes. Bakari stepped to his side. Raising his hand to the sun, he followed Kheru's gaze. Black smoke rose from the south side of the city. "Fire?" He called out to the dragon. Kheru did not answer but raised an eyebrow. "Get out of here," he shouted, and for a blink Bakari saw it too. Something in the smoke moved, like a catapult projectile flying toward them. The two princes fled around the corner back into the alley. Kheru pressed his hands over Bakari's ears. They both crouched against the wall, waiting for the impact.

It was quiet. Just as the two exchanged confused glances, wondering if the projectile had struck anywhere, darkness fell. Kheru's gaze shot upward. The strip of sky that had been visible between the houses had disappeared. Dark clouds swallowed every ray of sunlight. Bakari shivered. A sharp wind whistled through the alley. Small grains of sand scratched Kheru's face. It was completely silent. The screams of those fleeing, the commotion throughout the city, none of it was audible anymore.

Bakari glanced cautiously around the corner. A lone fox knelt in the middle of the square. He inhaled sharply. "Ruhak?" The brown fox straightened, rotated his shoulder blades, and yanked a spear, nearly twice his height, from the ground. His eyes seemed to glow in the darkness that surrounded them, bright as the sand when the midday sun fell on it. "Brother," he called out to them. "I have returned to save our people!" With one hand, he swung out over his head and hurled the spear in their direction. Kheru jumped to the side, but seconds later a gust of wind caught him so violently that it nearly knocked him off his feet. He raised his hands to protect his face. Ruhak was upon him, swift as the storm itself. The spear flew back into his hand and he stabbed.

A sharp clang pierced the silence. Bakari's hands trembled. The spear stuck in the air which shone golden between his hands. The fox prince ducked away as Kheru threw a punch. With a gasp, Ruhak backed away from them. Crouched, he circled the two, like a lion waiting for the chance to attack. "What are you doing?" Bakari shouted against the wind. "This is madness." "It's the only way!" Ruhak's voice rumbled like thunder. "I saw it, in the desert. Set spoke to me. He granted me these powers." The fox stood still. His eyes met his brother's. "I beg you Bakari, have faith. Osiris made a mistake in not destroying the children of Apep. It will happen soon. Here, in this city. The serpent will awaken and the army of dragons will be at our gates."

"Kheru would not allow that," Bakari shouted back. "Ruhak, I will not continue to fight you." The dragon prince joined in. "Prince Ruhak, hear me out." "Silence!" The end of his spear struck the ground, and a gust of wind swept the tiles from the rooftops. He attacked the moment Kheru was distracted by the falling debris. This time, however, he had expected it. His fist hit, and drops of blood landed on the ground. It took him a moment to realize that they were his own. The fist had missed the fox's face. Between them stood a wall of sand, hard and solid as iron.

A flash of light from the left, and the sand collapsed. From below, Bakari leapt at his brother, pulling him off his feet and landing on top of him. "What happened to you," he growled. "Is this really still you?" "I am Ruhak, and I am Set. My power flows in his veins. We are bound to each other. Tell me, son of Atothes, can you win against a god?"

Bakari looked down. Shadows swirled in his brother's hand. Before he could scramble to his feet, the gust of wind hit him in the gut and flung him backward. Kheru rushed past him. His fist stopped in midair. He might as well have been trying to punch a sandstorm.

From the back, Bakari called out to him. A shimmering light had torn through the darkness. He looked back and forth between the two princes, then let go of Ruhak and ran out of the dark together with Bakari. Around them raged the storm. The furious wind followed them down the narrow streets, past overturned benches and broken roofs. Kheru did not look back. He had the seam of his tunic pressed to his mouth, and yet his throat was scratching from the blowing sand. Bakari flattened his ears against his head. Ignoring the burning in his legs, he kept running. His paws barely touched the ground. The storm was getting closer and closer. He called out to Kheru as he spotted the stairs leading up to the palace. The wind tore the words from his mouth, drowning them in howls. Taking two steps at a time, he rushed up, hoping the dragon prince was still behind him.

Halfway up the stairs, Kheru stopped. He rested on his thighs and tried to take a deep breath, which resulted in a coughing fit. Bakari stopped, turned around, and ran back to him, confused. "What are you doing? We have to get out of here before he catches up." Between coughs and gasps for air, Kheru shook his head. "He's not following us anymore. Look." Sure enough, the dark clouds wafted at the bottom of the stairs, making no move to chase them any further.

Ruhak growled. The boned hand on his shoulder let go of him. "Wait yet, my prince." Amris' voice was no more than a whisper. Something in the desert had changed him, even more than he had been changed. All of his nature was gone. At many moments Ruhak didn't know if he was truly speaking to Amris, or if whatever it was only still wore his form. But the old man radiated a power that not even he could resist. "No ordinary magic could have breached the storm. Bakari carries the power of a god as well."

Nubia was already waiting for them at the palace gate. "Thank the gods, you are unharmed," she called out. Hurriedly, she closed the door behind them. "It's Ruhak, isn't it? I sense Set's power down in the city." Bakari nodded and patted the sand from his fur. "We can't let him hurt Kheru. Together we can fight." A shadow fell across Nubia's face. "We will not fight." She raised a paw to nip her brother's contradiction in the bud. "There's something else down there. More powerful than anything I've ever sensed. Even if we defeat Ruhak, Amris will reduce the entire city to rubble. You two need to leave, as soon as possible. By the time they realize you're not here, your lead will be big enough." She stopped and pressed her paw against the cold rock of the walls. With a scraping sound, the ground began to shake beneath their feet. Behind the stones that came loose a dark hole appeared.

"This passage leads down to the harbor. Have you got the amulet?" Bakari fished the silver medallion from his tunic and hung it around his neck. Nubia nodded and held out a piece of wax to him. "This is a seal. There is a door down there. Press it against it and it won't open until the moon is full again. Now go!" Bakari stepped forward and hugged his sister. "May the gods be with you," he whispered in a strained voice. She returned his words and then shooed them into the hallway.

The sudden chill made Kheru tired, but he kept walking. The sparse light from the torch Bakari had taken from the entrance was just enough to keep them from stumbling. Hunched, he ran ahead, and soon he saw the wooden door in front of them. Bakari stopped. "What's the matter? Come, we must keep going." The fox shook his head. His eyes glistened. "I can't. My family is up there, fighting. I don't want to run away." Kheru nodded resolutely. "Then we'll fight too. Let's go."

But Bakari did not get out of his way. He nearly ran into him. "He wants you dead. Please, go. I'll join you soon." He took off the eye and pressed it into his hand with both paws. "No way! If you fight, I fight!" The light flickered uneasily. Too late he realized it was coming from Bakari's hand. The jolt threw him back behind the door. He scrambled to his feet and leaped forward. The door glowed red as he bumped into it. "Bakari!" He shouted. A sob sounded from the other side. "I'm sorry! Kheru, I love you. But I can't let you and my brother fight. Please, don't hate me. I love you."

Kheru rested his head against the door. "I would rather feed my heart to Ammit than hate you." He felt his cheeks moisten. "Since I've been here, all you have done is saving me. Please, please take care of yourself. I love you." For a moment there was a glowing red paw print on the sealed door. He placed his hand on it. When he took it away, it was gone.

He braced himself against the mast of the boat. It was as if a dagger had been plunged into his heart. His hand went to his neck and clasped the silver medallion. One day, he vowed, Ruhak would pay. The dragon prince turned one last time and looked back at the royal palace. Dark clouds covered the sky above the mountain, wafting restlessly back and forth. His eyes grew wide. There, among the smoke, rose the massive body of a serpent.