He panted in the shadow, breath short from the chase. Leaning against the titanic stone pillar, he waited.
“He’s not come this way! Back to the entrance!”
“He must have escaped in the market!”
The voices faded. Peering forward, he barely caught sight of the last priest leaving the Karnak. He sighed with relief, and proceeded to check his pockets.
It was still there, the intricate device that would power his designs. The device that he had stolen from the priests in an almost perfectly executed plan of action and daring. As for the offending chickens, well…he would be sure to account for them next time.
“Not bad, Panya,” he said to himself as he stood. “Not bad at—WOAH!”
He slipped on a puddle, almost losing his footing. He bent to examine it.
“Purified oil…” he muttered.
It was the best mechanic’s lubricant one could get, not often spilled so casually. The drip was one of many, all trailing into the depths of the temple.
A small war occurred, his curiosity fighting self-preservation.
Curiosity won.