In this excerpt from "The Red Pyramid" by Rick Riordan, a character holds up a painting that features a cat and a snake, prompting dialogue between Thoth, the god of wisdom, and Horus. Thoth seems to imply that the painting may serve as a guiding clue for them, while Horus, in a more straightforward manner, advocates for a more aggressive course of action by suggesting they kill someone.

The tension in the scene highlights the contrasting personalities of the characters—Thoth’s wisdom and subtleness versus Horus’s impulsive nature. The humorous exchange suggests that they are in a situation that requires both careful thought and decisive action, embodying the blend of comedy and adventure typical of Riordan's writing.