Donald was enraptured by his nephews. They offered him his hat as they tackled him to the ground. The triplets showered him with affection even when he was all but confused. His confusion was a delight to see, making even Scrooge happy to see him.

“Why, you best should never do that again!” Scrooge ordered, “A poor old heart like mine can’t take such excitement.”

Even Alumak was happy to chime in. He gave Donald a pat on the back and called him a “blessed enigma” in  his native tongue. No doubt, he was the happiest of all, and he barely knew the guy.

Conversely, Donald was still wrapped in confusion. He enjoyed the praise and even felt a bit bashful. But all that praise would come crashing down when reality set in.

“Wak?!” Donald yelped.

Donald was naked, and in front of the triplets too. At least this time, Donald had his hat to cover himself. He felt extremely embarrassed. Thankfully, his friend Alumak was kind enough to let him borrow his robe. It was a good thing he was wearing underwear. Lord knows the trouble he’d be in without it.

But then, an angelic laughter caught their attention. The explorers look to the skies and see a white sheen fade in from the clouds. They could not see the angel, but they could feel his presence. The angel spoke aloud and said, “Farethee well, friends. May God be with you. Always.”

That was the last they would ever hear from the angel. They knew it was not truly goodbye, yet they could not help but shed a tear. Even Donald, with as much as he went through, felt the most saddened. And yet, much like his family, he felt renewed. He was ready to go home. As such, he and the group finally gather themselves and leave.

As the group left the cave, they could hear the walls seal shut. They turn around to see nothing but rock and stone. And as luck... Er, blessings would have it, the explorers were presented with a safe trail back to Jerusalem. Additionally, the trail would be covered by a gentle wind that would keep them cool along the way.

“This trail looks like it takes us back to the city,” Dewey noted, “We can go home!”

“Oh boy!” cheered Huey, “The Junior Woodchucks are never gonna believe this!”

“Boys! Now you hafta remember. We vowed not to tell a soul,” Scrooge warned.

“Oh, r-right!” Louie remembered, “Gotta keep it a secret. Right, boys?”

“Right!” the boys agreed.

Scrooge’s warning reminded him to call his jetliner. It will be some time until they get back to town. At least the trail was calm.

Meanwhile, Donald and Alumak trailed behind the group. They walked together, side by side. They both had a laugh at each other’s appearances. This time, Alumak was the one who seemed half-dressed. Alumak chuckled before asking Donald about his near-death experience. He asked him what he saw when he was thrown into the light.

Donald admitted that he could not recollect everything he saw. But he did reveal that somehow, being in the light allowed him to see the universe’s creation piece by piece. He added that somehow, he received everything he wanted before he knew he wanted it. And yet, there was still more he did not know.

“A mystery left untold is one worth seeking. But it will come when we are ready, I suppose,” Alumak cited.

“I’m afraid so,” Donald replied softly, “Um… Alumak?”

“Yes?” he answered.

“I was wondering… how’s about you leave all this and come back to America with us?” Donald requested, “You could live a better life there.”

Alumak stopped in his tracks, which worried Donald. Donald’s request rattled the Arab to his core. Much like his friend, he felt a flood of memories rush over him. He remembered the tumultuous life he used to live. He had seen war, pain, and death at every turn. His laughter only masked the true pain he hid inside.

Alumak used to tell himself that he needed to run from Jerusalem, escaping the turmoil that plagued his life since the first war. It was a dream he spent years chasing. He would give anything for such a dream. He wanted it so badly. But after today, he questioned if that was what he really needed.

Donald could see Alumak’s fist clench. He watched it shake as his discomfort rose. Donald worried that he had offended his friend. But then, Alumak sighed. He put a hand on Donald’s shoulder and gave his friend an honest smile. To Donald’s surprise, Alumak would decline his offer. Donald immediately asked why, reminding him of the suffering he went through. But Alumak eased him and explained everything.

“I have seen many things today, Donald Duck,” Alumak began, “Many things that have opened my eyes… and my soul. Like you, I felt a calling to go on a mighty journey. I did not know it, but when we met… I felt that feeling. I felt that calling. That is why, for all this time, you fascinated me. And after all we went through, I realize that what I really wanted… is not from leaving this place. Not right now. I must stay here and try to understand my place, live among my own for a while.”

“I understand,” Donald uttered. He struggled to hide his disappointment, but he respected his decision. He gave Alumak a smile that was earnest and reassuring. Donald then extended his palm, and the two men embraced. Alumak gave Donald a hug, an act with which Donald was happy to reciprocate. The pair would then shake hands properly as Donald made one final offer to his new friend.

“Hey, I know you’ll be here for long...” Donald began, “But if you’re ever in Duckburg, go check out the big money bin and tell them you’re looking for Scrooge McDuck. He’ll send me over to you.”

“You are a good man, Donald Duck, and a good friend,” Alumak commended.

“You too,” Donald replied with his trademark laugh.

But while the pair sealed their bond, Uncle Scrooge would step in. Scrooge politely stood between the men to get his nephew’s attention. Scrooge took a deep breath and looked Donald straight in the eye. His cane butted gently into the sand.

First and foremost, Scrooge offered Donald an apology. Most importantly, he thanked Donald for never backing down, stating that he meant everything he said in that cave. Scrooge told him that he was a fine adventurer, expressing his love with a pat on the shoulder. Scrooge had an odd way of showing his love, but Donald loved him all the same.

Donald thanked Scrooge, but Scrooge had more to say. He then said to Donald, “My nephew. After everything I saw today—After all the trouble you put us through—I just want to tell you this… THAT YOUR BET HAS FAILED AND YOU WERE WRONG! YOU WERE WRONG AND I WAS RIGHT! RIGHT! RIGHT! RIGHT! CONSIDER THIS DEAL NULL AND VOID! I’M STILL RICH AND I’M STILL THE BEST! THIS OLD MISER HAS SEEN IT ALL AND IS STILL MANY STEPS AHEAD! YAHOOEY! YAH-HAH!”

For one reason or another, Scrooge was reinvigorated. Everyone watched as he did backflips down the mountain. They had no idea what made Scrooge so giddy. In fact, they even felt a bit offended as they watched him skip gaily across the trail.

Rightfully confused, the nephews asked Donald why Scrooge deliberately disavowed him like that. They started to think that Scrooge never learned anything in the first place. Donald could only help but laugh. He then collected his nephews and explained that Scrooge’s actions were not about disbelief. Rather, Scrooge does believe, but his love of money and adventure will take precedence over everything else.

As Donald explained, “Sometimes in the presence of life-changing greatness, some men will revert to their old form of normality so as not to overwhelm themselves. We may not understand it. Heck, we might not even like it. But when you think about it, it is a great way to keep one’s vow to secrecy.”

In a funny way, Donald was right. If Scrooge reverting to his normal ways would ensure that he kept his vows, then there was no stopping the others from doing the same. At the end of the day, he will still be the same Uncle Scrooge he loves regardless of his beliefs.

“Besides, I think we could all use a return to normalcy. Right, boys?” asked Donald.

“Right, Unca’ Donald!” the boys accepted.

“That reminds me. I gotta get home soon,” the sailor remarked, “Daisy and I’ve got a date in a few days, and I think I have just enough money to pay for, oh… one fancy dinner. Or two!”

“Whatcha mean, Unca’ Donald?” asked the curious triplets.

Donald huddled the others closer. Then, like a magic trick, he pulled out a bag from his hat. The bag sloshed around. Inside were dozens of tiny crystals that Donald managed to save when he fell in the subterranean water. That, or it could be a gift from God. But who was to tell?

“Now don’t go tellin’ Uncle Scrooge about this, boys,” Donald said slyly, “It’s best to keep his health in check.”

Donald’s little trick made the others laugh, and Scrooge was none the wiser. Never change, Donald Duck. Never change.

Donald quickly hid his bag and ushered the others along. It was about time they caught up to their rapturous uncle. It may be a long way back to Jerusalem, but that only made the idea of the plane ride home much sweeter. Alas, it was the end of their journey. It was time for the little explorers to return home renewed, faithful, and free.

The End