Conan: The Book of Thoth 2-A

"The Serpent Stirs"

Thoth has returned to the city of Memphia, and the House of Ibis. His fellow Acolytes have no idea, that Thoth-posing as Amon-has turned to the Dark Arts and now worships the Serpent God - Set. Soon a rash of gruesome murders starts taking place on the darkened city streets. It seems someone is targeting Acolytes. Thoth soon finds himself gaining authority in the house, as he assumes positions previously held by his fallen brethren. Still, no one suspects Thoth to be practicing the Dark Arts, and worshipping Set, save for Kharantus, who has sensed some dark magic connected to the mysterious deaths. He discovers a shrine and a sacraficial altar, deep within the convoluted halls in the bowels of the house. There he waits, and when Thoth arrives, the truth is finally revealed. A great fight ensues between the two wizards; each calling upon their respective Gods. The great, and good Ibis, against the evil Serpent God, Set. After hours of fighting, Thoth finally claims victory over Kharantus, and keeps a spell over him. The next day the shrine is discovered by the House elders, and Thoth implicates Kharantus as the one who has betrayed his teachings, and the gread God, Ibis. Still under Thoth's spell, Kharantus is unable to refute the charges, and even admits to worshipping Set. While in his mind he can hear the words spoken, he has no control over what is said. His son Kalanthes does not believe it, but the council has already made up their mind, and exact quick retribution on Kharantus by employing an incantation to Ibis which tears out the mans mind, turning him into a blithering idiot.