Destiny of the Sands: The Secret of the Sands Trilogy, #2

Table of Contents

Praise

Books by Rai Aren & Tavius E.

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Prologue I

Prologue II

1 Graduation

2 Time Beckons Her Home

3 Return to the Sands

4 Reunion and Truth

5 A Dangerous Task

6 Confession and Truth

7 A Family Is Told

8 Forward

9 Returning Home

10 Home

11 The Announcement

12 Enemies

13 Excavation

14 Forgiveness

15 Reacquaintance & Readjustment

16 Dissent and Unrest Grow

17 Secret Entrance

18 Closing In

19 An Invitation

20 A Second Family

21 A Request Is Made

22 A Hunt Begins

23 Protection

24 A Vision and Warning

25 Help Is Sought

26 Contact

27 Son

28 Diversion

29 Spies

30 Prisoners and Past

31 Fire

32 Abduction

33 Wanted

34 Funeral

35 Regret

36 Hide and Seek

37 Rage

38 Evil Unfolds

39 Subsea Search

40 Connections

41 Theft

42 Darkness Falls

43 The Darkest Time

44 Raid

45 Derepet

46 Sorrow

47 Investigation

48 Threats

49 Unrest Grows

50 The Sphinx

51 Prelude to War

52 The Pharom

53 War

54 Showdown

55 Bombardment

56 Burning Sky

57 The Flame Extinguished

58 Amsara

59 Farewell

60 Energy

61 A Secret Told

62 Secrets Uncovered

63 Turning of the Page

About the Authors

Additional Work by Rai Aren

PRAISE FOR DESTINY OF THE SANDS

High adventure, past and present, merge into a multi-leveled tale of epic proportions in this triumphant sequel to the best-selling novel, Secret Of The Sands!

– Gary Val Tenuta, author of Ash: Return Of The Beast and The Ezekiel Code

PRAISE FOR SECRET OF THE SANDS

2009 READERS FAVORITE SILVER MEDALIST FOR FICTION-MYSTERY

This is my kind of book. Please, please make a continuing series and a movie! The authors are extremely talented. I cannot praise this book enough. Fast paced, page turner, character development, fascinating plot...what more could I ask for.

– ReadersFavorite.com

Their detailed storytelling paints a picture of ancient Egypt in all its glory. The reader feels they are a part of the book, living amongst the Kierani people. The end of the novel leaves the reader curious and wanting more. This reader can hardly wait for the sequel, Destiny of the Sands.

– Authors on the Rise Book Reviews

This is a WOW of a book!!...For those of us who are lovers of the ancient worlds, Egypt, present and past, archaeology, the metaphysical, and mystical happenings, this is a great choice for you.

– Ellen in Atlanta, Amazon Vine Voice, Top 1000 Reviewer

This is a beautifully written book and I enjoyed reading it very much, and I would readily recommend it to anyone looking for a good story to read.

– Jym Cherry, reviewer, Sonar4 Science Fiction & Horror eZine

This novel is innovative, concise and enthralling. Fluctuating between present day and ancient Egypt, the pace never decelerates. The reader is treated to plausible theories regarding many riddles of this mysterious civilization. This time-honored culture is so clearly portrayed with characters which are so skillfully brought to life that one can easily imagine they are actually present as events are unfolding. The story comes to a clear conclusion yet leaves the reader desperately hoping there will be a sequel.... or a trilogy.... or even better yet, a whole series of these phenomenal books!

– www.allthesebooks.com

The authors have successfully woven a story based on archeological events mixed with their own ideas of what happened to the Sphinx and the mysteries surrounding it.

– www.sabrinareviews.com

Rai Aren & Tavius E. write a spellbinding mix of mystery, history, fantasy, and adventure in this tale of two histories – one told in the present, the other told from the past – telling a story of misused power, learning how to trust, and the fate of civilization.

– www.TeensReadToo.com

A deep probing mystery riddled with prophecy and danger, Secret of the Sands uses Egypt and her mythology as a backdrop to delve into the meanings of life and religion.

– McNally Robinson

Rai Aren and Tavius E. have crafted a fast-paced, exciting novel overflowing with mystery and intrigue. The tension is constant. The characters fully developed. And the plot gripping. Ancient history and present day relevance are so expertly intertwined, that you might forget you are reading a work of fiction.

– Thomas Phillips, author of The Molech Prophecy

Secret of the Sands has BLOCKBUSTER written all over it! ...Fans of what might be called the Indiana Jones genre of fiction will be thrilled with Secret of the Sands. Like a race horse on steroids it blasts out of the gate in the opening prologue and doesn’t stop running until it reaches the finish line. This remarkably well conceived and well executed first-time novel by Rai Aren and her co-author, Tavius E. is loaded with adventure, prophecy, mystery, secrets, deception, epic-scale battles, romance, good guys, bad guys, liars, cheaters, scoundrels, and, of course, heroes...Secret of the Sands is a thrill-ride...

– Gary Val Tenuta, author of The Ezekiel Code

The description that initially comes to mind is Indiana Jones, with a bit of Stargate, Mummy, and 5th Element, yet remaining completely unique. Secret of the Sands is an excitingly vivid, page-turning adventure infused with history, humor, and excitement. Rai Aren and Tavius E. have created a spectacular story with characters that I just love or simply love to hate. Like National Treasure, there is just enough historical and scientific fact mixed in to make the fictional story plausible and fun. And what a wonderful way to spotlight archaeological theories that have lost the public eye. I kept wanting to read and, by half-way through, I didn’t want to put it down. Secret of the Sands was a thrill ride until the very end and I loved every minute of it!

– Marauder, Deputy Headmistress of the Official Potterholics Annonymous

Secrets, deceit and lies can make almost any novel exciting. But, add to that, two stories simultaneously told then throw in some romance, science fiction and a power struggle and what do you get? A true page turner that takes you on one heck of a journey.

– Michael Balkind, author of Sudden Death & Dead Ball

The pacing is flawless, the characters well-defined, the history thoroughly researched. The authors have done their homework, and I can’t wait for the sequel. I would enthusiastically recommend this novel to anyone who wants a real page-turner!

– Norma Beishir, author of Chasing the Wind & the bestselling novels Angels at Midnight & A Time for Legends

This book bounces back and forth in a fascinating balance between modern day archeologists and a theoretical civilization from 12,000 years ago...The story is told in a deft, yet casual style that makes it accessible and fun for any reader.

– Donald Gorman, author of Paradox & The Red Veil

The authors take us on a wild rollercoaster ride full of secrets, romance, lust, seduction, loyalty, royalty and deception that takes place 12,000 years ago where all is not as it seems. Two modern day Indiana Jones type archaeologists discover the secret of the sands and unravel the mysteries and dangers the secret holds.

– Mike Monahan, author of Barracuda

I’d recommend this to anyone who is enchanted by ancient civilizations and the mysteries of how things might have come to be, such as why and how the Sphinx was constructed.

– Ruth Ann Nordin, Historical Romance Author

Secret of the Sands is far from your typical archaeologist-finally-finds-ancient-archetype scenario. It is much, much more. Definitely a book that one can say ‘satisfies your thirst, yet leaves you quenching for more...’

– J.R. Reardon, author of Confidential Communications & Dishonored

While I’ve certainly enjoyed my share of novels, few of them have left me wanting to rush out and by the sequel as much as this one does.

– Debra Purdy Kong, author of Fatal Encryption & Taxed to Death

Have you ever wondered how old the Sphinx really is? Have you been intrigued by the mysteries swirling like the desert sands around this awesome ancient monument? Rai Aren and Tavius E. have written a mesmerizing story in which two young archaeologists discover an artifact that could provide all of the answers. But they are not the only ones who are interested in this relic, for it holds a power unlike anything seen on Earth before... This novel is packed with adventure and suspense, and the style is fast-paced and filled with vivid description.

– Susan Jane McLeod, author of Soul and Shadow & Fire and Shadow

It is my belief that Rai Aren & Tavius E. fit as Master Storytellers and Great Authors.

– Lance Oren, author of Chances R & Huracán

A wonderful, exciting story!

– Lila Pinord, author of Min’s Monster, Skye Dancer & Evil Lives in Blue Rock

The mark of a truly good story is one that transcends the ages. Although the writers may base some of their novel in the past, a good yarn echoes into the present and future, as well. Secret of the Sands cherishes love, family and honor, condemns evil and treachery and presents us with a tantalizing theory of what lies beneath the great sphinx.

– Ann B. Keller, author of The Devil’s Crescent & Crenellations

Secret of the Sands is a very entertaining and exciting tale of ancient Egypt and modern archeology. The authors succeed in painting the ancient world and its characters in realistic and memorable fashion. Secret of the Sands is a story of adventure, wonder, betrayal, forgiveness, suspense, and action – all the elements that so often can be weaved together into a blockbuster movie. I hope this tale gets the opportunity to reach the big screen – I’ll be amongst the first in line to see it! Fans of adventure tales like Indiana Jones will love this book.

– P.Martucci, New York, USA

Secret of the Sands mixes mystery, ancient Egypt, romance, and as well as paranormal elements to make a fascinating novel.

– Cheryl Koch, Amazon Vine Voice

BOOKS BY RAI AREN & TAVIUS E.

Secret of the Sands

Destiny of the Sands

BOOKS BY RAI AREN

Lost City of Gold

Revelation of the Sands

For news on upcoming releases and exclusive bonuses, signup for Rai’s newsletter and get a complimentary copy of Lost City of Gold:

raiaren.com/Subscribe

This book is a work of fiction. Name, characters, places, and incidents are products of the authors’ imagination (excluding references to actual historical figures and events) or are used fictitiously and should not be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DESTINY OF THE SANDS. Copyright © 2012 by Rai Aren and Minh Dong. All rights reserved. Published in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For information address: [email protected]

SECOND EDITION – Published by RFS Publications, December 2016

Aren, R., E., Tavius

Destiny of the Sands: a novel/Rai Aren and Tavius E.

Visit Rai Aren & Tavius E. on the World Wide Web at:

www.secretofthesands.com

Visit Rai Aren on the World Wide Web at: www.raiaren.com.

Cover design by Gary Val Tenuta, GVTgrafix: www.bookcoversandvideos.webs.com

Editing by Janet Bessey of Dragonfly Editing: dragonflyediting.blogspot.ca

Book formatting and design by Maureen Cutajar, www.gopublished.com

To our families who stand by us through it all, and who bring love and inspiration to every rising and setting of the sun...

~Rai & Tavius

For my husband, the brightest star in my sky, always...and for my handsome little kitty lion – I love you lion & I miss you so much...wait for me...

~Rai Aren

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank our families who understand just how much time and energy an undertaking like this requires, and for their endless love, support, encouragement and patience through it all. You are our rocks. Thanks especially to Rai’s husband for his sound advice, careful editing, and all of the countless hours he has put into this book by osmosis. He has been one of our biggest cheerleaders and faithful supporters and provided helpful guidance many a time. Thanks also to our graphic designer, Gary Val Tenuta, who is not only a talented author, who writes exciting and intriguing stories, but also a creative genius who brings our vision to life. His input and assistance on polishing the final manuscript improved the book. Thank-you to our editor, Janet Bessey of Dragonfly Editing, as well, for helping us to bring the book to the next level and for her enthusiasm.

And a very special thanks to our fans, who have made this journey a wonderful experience. Your letters of encouragement, support and expressed enjoyment of the story mean the world to us. This is for you...

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Prologue I

Prologue II

1. Graduation

2. Time Beckons Her Home

3. Return to the Sands

4. Reunion and Truth

5. A Dangerous Task

6. Confession and Truth

7. A Family Is Told

8. Forward

9. Returning Home

10. Home

11. The Announcement

12. Enemies

13. Excavation

14. Forgiveness

15. Reacquaintance & Readjustment

16. Dissent and Unrest Grow

17. Secret Entrance

18. Closing In

19. An Invitation

20. A Second Family

21. A Request Is Made

22. A Hunt Begins

23. Protection

24. A Vision and Warning

25. Help Is Sought

26. Contact

27. Son

28. Diversion

29. Spies

30. Prisoners and Past

31. Fire

32. Abduction

33. Wanted

34. Funeral

35. Regret

36. Hide and Seek

37. Rage

38. Evil Unfolds

39. Subsea Search

40. Connections

41. Theft

42. Darkness Falls

43. The Darkest Time

44. Raid

45. Derepet

46. Sorrow

47. Investigation

48. Threats

49. Unrest Grows

50. The Sphinx

51. Prelude to War

52. The Pharom

53. War

54. Showdown

55. Bombardment

56. Burning Sky

57. The Flame Extinguished

58. Amsara

59. Farewell

60. Energy

61. A Secret Told

62. Secrets Uncovered

63. Turning of the Page

About the Authors

Additional Work by Rai Aren

A JOURNEY IN THE PRESENT...

In present day Egypt, two young archaeologists, Mitch Carver and Alexandra Logan, along with their friends and lab assistants, Bob and Jack, were working on an excavation near the Great Sphinx of Giza, when they uncovered mysterious and ancient artifacts. Hoping to prove themselves in their field and finally gain acceptance for their controversial theories about the true age of the Sphinx, that it was actually thousands of years older than the history texts state, they kept their find a secret for as long as they could. However, they quickly realized what they had found was far more dangerous, more deadly, and life-changing than they could have ever imagined...a truth, of life itself, emerges. Now a decision must be made...and others watch, and wait while events unfold that can never be undone...

UNCOVERS SECRETS FROM THE PAST...

10,000 B.C. In the land that is now known as Egypt, King Traeus led his people, the Kierani, who are divided in their loyalties and aims. In an attempt to unite them, he commissioned a great work – an enigmatic monument that is far more than meets the eye. It guards a powerful secret. Enemies surface, eager to uncover the truth, and take this power for their own. A beloved Queen was assassinated, and a princess with unusual abilities that were threatening to some, was forced into hiding to protect her life. Zhek Draxen, the nemesis of the Royal Family, carried his own secrets – his illegitimate son raised to be a Royal Prince, to keep the shame of indiscretion a secret. He vowed to reclaim his only child, Setar, and then destroy the Royal Family, who had denied him everything – love, power, and family. With nothing left to lose, he sought revenge, and accidentally triggered events that nearly wiped out the Kierani. Sorrow and pain were everywhere, loss prevailed, yet hope remains...

PROLOGUE I

––––––––

North Africa, 1941 WWII

Thick smoke and dust billowed as a column of tanks and vehicles rolled into the ravaged town. Strewn amongst the debris were burnt bodies and twisted armored vehicles. The thunderous roars of the engines abruptly stopped. A VW Kubelwagen drove up to a building set up as the German headquarters for the area.

The German sentry saluted as the car stopped in front of him. Heil Hitler!

Not bothering to look at the sentry, the German officer in the vehicle impatiently acknowledged the salute.

The sentry opened the door. The German officer and a civilian-dressed man quickly got out of the vehicle.

Look at all this carnage, Captain! How am I supposed to accomplish the Fuhrer’s task if everything is destroyed?

Dr. Reichmann, I do not think General Rommel or the British take into consideration the destruction of ancient African artifacts when planning their strategies, the Captain replied.

Do I sense some cynicism in your voice, Captain? You do not like what you are doing? Dr. Reichmann asked as they walked into the building.

I prefer to be on the frontline leading my soldiers instead of assisting in a meaningless treasure hunt, the Captain stated.

"I understand what you are saying, but it is far from meaningless. Perhaps now is not the time to search for treasures, but when the Fuhrer personally ordered me to bring back artifacts for the German elite, I was not going to question his orders. Are you questioning his orders, Captain?"

No, of course not, the Captain replied, taken aback at the implication. My apologies, doctor.

Shall we proceed, Captain? Dr. Reichmann asked.

At once, he replied, then led the way.

The two men entered the main room in the building. Inside the room, gathered round a large table, officers and other military personnel were busy planning the war strategy. They stopped not far from the table, which was covered with maps and smalls models representing the offensive, briefly listening to the discussion.

It looks like General Rommel is preparing for an offensive, the Captain said. We will finally drive the cursed British out of Africa.

I do not know about that, Dr. Reichmann commented. General Montgomery and the British have been able to take back what we have conquered.

The Captain bristled at the challenge to his military opinion, but kept a tight lip. He escorted Dr. Reichmann through the main planning room, towards the back of the building, to a room modified to hold prisoners.

This is Dr. Wolfgang Reichmann, the Captain said to a guard stationed at the door. He has been permitted to talk to the two prisoners we caught last night.

The guard saluted. The SS are interrogating them right now.

Good Lord! We need these men alive if we are to get answers from them, Dr. Reichmann said.

We understand that, the guard hissed back, offended at the remark. He had a strong dislike for civilian interference in military affairs. We have the situation well under control.

Things are proceeding as they should, the Captain interjected.

Dr. Reichmann looked at him somewhat nervously, and then turned back to the guard. What can you tell me about them?

We found the two prisoners sneaking around our camp last night, said the guard. They look like Arabs, but yet, different. One is old, the other is young.

One of them was carrying this golden pendant, the Captain said. It seems to give off a faint electrical charge or something, and its warm to the touch. It also has some strange symbols on the back. I don’t know what they mean, he said, frowning as he handed it to the archaeologist.

Dr. Reichmann took the pendant. He knew at once it was ancient. He held it carefully, as he looked at the perfectly fashioned, smooth features. He felt the effects the Captain mentioned. It was remarkable. He had never seen nor felt anything like it. It was in the shape of an Egyptian ankh. He turned it over and examined the inscription on the back. He could not read the ancient language, although it looked like Egyptian hieroglyphs. The craftsmanship was exquisite. Incredible... he whispered, astonished by the metal’s strange effects.

Shall we? the Captain asked, motioning him to the interrogation room.

Oh...yes, of course, he answered, barely able to take his eyes off of the mysterious and ancient object.

The Captain opened the door.

Tell me what you were doing! the SS officer shouted. Receiving no answer, he struck the older man hard across the face.

Father! the younger prisoner shouted as two guards restrained him.

Heil Hitler! Dr. Reichmann said. Colonel, I have permission from General Rommel to interrogate the prisoners, but I cannot get answers from them if you use your SS techniques to knock them unconscious.

Dr. Reichmann, the Colonel said, as he wiped his brow, these men are not treasure hunters. They were spying for the British. He apparently knew who Dr. Reichmann was and what he was doing in Africa. They were looking for something.

I have some questions for them about this pendant they were carrying, said Dr. Reichmann.

You can have them after I’m done, he said dismissively. The SS officer turned and cocked his gun, aiming it at the old man’s head. He then looked at the young man who was still restrained. If you want to save your father’s life, then talk. Now!

The look on the Colonel’s face told Dr. Reichmann he would kill the old man. Afraid and unsure of what to do against hardened members of the SS, he went to place the pendant in his pocket.

Suddenly a high pitch screech pierced the air.

Take cover! the Captain shouted.

Artillery rounds smashed into the German position. Explosions rocked the building.

We are under attack! one of the guards yelled.

Dr. Reichmann scrambled to take cover.

A shell blew through the wall of the building, killing a guard and nearly obliterating the surrounding area. The blast threw Dr. Reichmann into an opposing wall, knocking him unconscious. The roof began to collapse as debris rained down all around them. The lights flickered, then went out as fires ignited, rapidly filling the area with smoke.

As quickly as it began, the artillery barrage stopped. There was a momentary silence, then screams and shouts erupted throughout the remaining structure.

A bright light shone onto Dr. Reichmann’s face, partially blinding him as he regained consciousness. He coughed as he pushed himself up off of the floor. Shielding his eyes from the light, he tried to determine its source. The light was being reflected through a gaping hole in the wall, off something shiny in the field just outside the ruined headquarters. Whatever it was had been unearthed by the enemy bombardment.

Off in the distance, he could hear multiple explosions and gunfire as the German and British armies engaged in combat. Dr. Reichmann looked around. The SS officer, Captain and guards were all dead, cut down by shrapnel, their torn and bloodied bodies covered in debris. He could not see the bodies of the prisoners. Dr. Reichmann assumed their bodies were buried under the collapsed section of wall and roof near where they had been held. The artillery barrage had hit the German position with deadly accuracy.

Dr. Reichmann’s head throbbed, and his ears rang. Blood streaked down his arm where his now dislocated shoulder hit the wall. He checked himself. Remarkably, he was otherwise intact. Trying to ignore the pain, he stood up, but nearly lost his balance. As he struggled to get his footing, he spotted the pendant on the floor. He bent to pick it up, and then placed it carefully in his pocket. His archaeologist instincts taking over, he made his way over the tangled mess of twisted furniture, beams, and drywall, out to the open air, towards the shiny reflective object. He felt strangely drawn to it. It was lying in a smoldering crater, but it did not appear to be a weapon of any kind.

Dr. Reichmann pulled his sleeve over his hand to gently touch the edge of the object, expecting it to be hot. However, it was surprisingly cool to the touch, but gave him an electrical buzz. Startled, he pulled his hand away quickly, and examined it, expecting to see a burn or other mark on his skin. But there was nothing. He rubbed his fingers together, the feeling vanished, and there were no after effects. He touched the object again, bracing himself this time for the strange effect. There it was. Again he pulled his hand away. There were no visible marks from contact with the object. It was a similar effect as that of the pendant, but much stronger.

Taking a deep breath, he reached out with his good arm, and tried to pull the object, but it was far heavier than he anticipated. He fell backwards, crying out in pain as he hit his dislocated shoulder. He took a few moments to breathe and let the pain subside. He cringed as gunfire erupted again, but it was still off in the distance.

After the pain lessened a little, he pushed himself up and tried again. This time he braced himself, and with a firm grip with his uninjured arm, he heaved with all of his remaining strength. Ignoring the strange buzzing sensation emanating from the object, he managed to pull it free from where it was lodged in the crater. The pain that flashed through his body from the exertion nearly knocked him unconscious. He fell to his knees and threw up the shock of pain was so great.

Finally, as the waves of pain coursing through his body began to subside, he gathered his strength and got up again to look over at his find. He was astonished. It appeared completely undamaged. How that was possible, considering the devastation all around it, he had no idea. The strange object was round, approximately four feet in diameter and had a burnished bronze, slightly gold-ish color. Dr. Reichmann examined it closely, assuming it was actually made of bronze or gold, but to his surprise, it seemed to be created from something else entirely. It also had a weight that far exceeded what one would expect for its size. There were strange hieroglyphs inscribed on it, incredibly precise and detailed work. Dr. Reichmann knew they were not Egyptian hieroglyphs, but they looked eerily similar. He knew the large disk was ancient. He then examined the surrounding area where the object was found. It had been all but obliterated.

‘An artillery shell landed right above it,’ Dr. Reichmann thought, ‘such a blast should have severely damaged or destroyed this thing.’ Yet he could not find a single scratch on the enigmatic disk. It was beautiful, he marveled, as though neither man, nor time itself could damage it. Most puzzlingly, it radiated some kind of energy, the same as his mysterious pendant. He felt powerfully, almost magnetically drawn to the disk.

He felt beads of sweat rolling down his temples and his back, both from the heat and injuries he felt, and from a terrible sense of unease that was gripping him. What is this thing? he asked himself.

PROLOGUE II

Events of Secret of the Sands

Circa 10,000 B.C.

Zhek Draxen and seven of his soldiers were in furious pursuit of the priests, who were desperately fleeing to their temple. ‘They think they will be safe there?’ he thought to himself. ‘Hope is not their ally this night.’ Zhek steeled himself. He intended to take the incriminating book from them and destroy it. They had kept records of his family’s doings for generations, things the Draxens did not want made public. He would make the priests pay for their treacherous acts against his proud family.

Two of Zhek’s soldiers bashed their way through the double doors of the entrance, which had been hastily barred. As they ran inside, they inhaled a deadly powder thrown into their faces by the waiting priests. A swift death was their fate as the powder burned and choked them. The priests would defend the secrets they kept no matter the cost. A third soldier ran in, but he, too, quickly fell to the killing skill of a priest. Blood trickled out of the corner of his mouth, mixing with the lethal powder.

Zhek rushed in with two more of his soldiers, seeing at once what the priests had done. He burned with rage. Surrounding the remaining priests, who were outnumbered two-to-one, Zhek and his men wasted no time. They lunged, savagely thrusting their swords into the bellies of the priests. The priests gasped as they fell. Blood stained the once pristine white robes as they collapsed in crumpled heaps.

Zhek looked down at the dying priests, his eyes afire with hate. May your deaths give you no peace, he said as he seethed at them. He turned to his soldiers, Come, we must find the book!

A piercing scream cut the air and before he could duck away, a young priest had grabbed one of the swords from a fallen soldier and went straight for Zhek, cutting him deeply on his right hand. Zhek cried out. The pain fueled his rage further. He struck the priest down with a savage blow from his uninjured hand. I will kill you all! Zhek yelled, readying his sword to attack again.

Suddenly, a brilliant blue light surged through the temple, enveloping everything.

Panicking, Zhek ran to find shelter. He did not know what was happening. He raced to an inner chamber, the priests’ private sanctuary for prayers and reflection. It was a small, plain room with a central focus. A large golden bronze-colored disk hung on the wall facing him above a simple, unadorned altar. Directly across from the disk, was a small, square window.

Just then, everything around him started to shake violently. The disk, with its heavy weight, was now banging against the wall. Thunderous roars quickly followed. Zhek turned to look back beyond the entrance to the small sanctuary, through to the temple doors. The night sky was flooded with the unnatural blue light. Strong vibrations tore through the building. Wood and stone fell all around. Walls and columns and beams collapsed in quick succession. The intense blue light expanded, shimmering and growing more blinding. The air grew hot.

Zhek threw himself beneath the altar, as the temple now burned out of control. He could feel powerful vibrations pounding continuously through the floor, the walls, his chest, and they were becoming stronger second by second. He felt death’s fingers around him. He curled up into a ball, covering himself with his arms. At once, the wall behind him fell to the lashing heat and intense vibrations. The large metal Sun Disk, which hung overhead, fell heavily, delivering a glancing blow to his head, rendering him unconscious.

Sometime later, Zhek awoke in searing agony. The pain he felt was an incredible shock. He tried to cry out, but his lungs felt burned. His throat felt as if he had swallowed acid. The heavy metal disk lay on him heavily, but it was mercifully cool to the touch. It covered most of his body, as he was still curled up in the fetal position, except for part of his face, arm and left hand. The exposed skin was badly burned and his head and face were cut where the disk had hit him.

His mind raced as it tried to make sense of his surroundings. Strangely he could hear no sounds, nothing at all. It was as though he was caught in a nightmarish vacuum. It was unnerving. He willed himself to move. He tried to push the disk off him, but his strength was nearly gone. He felt a strange buzz and he was hot. He shifted. Another shot of pain. The disk had also hit his leg, deeply bruising it, but it was not broken. Finally, he decided to make one quick motion to roll out from under the disk. As he did, his body was wracked with pain. He tried to scream, but he could only utter a sickening, gurgling, guttural sound. He coughed up blood. His head swam. It felt like every nerve ending in his body was on fire. Zhek looked at the golden bronze-colored disk engraved with the ancient language. He thought of the irony that what he once considered a useless religious icon had just saved his life. He shook. He closed his eyes, trying to steady himself.

After a few minutes, his shaking started to subside. He tried to calm his mind and come to grips with the intense pain he felt. He opened his eyes and looked around. The ground was smoking, blackened. The temple was destroyed – nothing but smoldering, charred ruins. His soldiers, the priests, everything and everyone – gone. The air had an acrid smell to it. He tried to stand up, but his leg throbbed and buckled. He fell again. He was bleeding badly. As he pushed himself back up he saw a sword, then another. Confused, he looked around where the temple had once stood. His men had not simply vanished. They had been incinerated where they stood.

His mind struggled to make sense of what he was seeing. ‘What could have done this?’ He had to get help. He would not survive long without water and aid. As he stumbled through the smoke, he looked around him. Everywhere there was devastation. Buildings, trees, people...nothing but ashes now. It was eerily quiet.

CHAPTER 1

Graduation

Present-Day

The hot afternoon sun shone brightly over the lush gardens, where graduates, families and friends gathered to celebrate their achievements. The Dean of the Anthropology and Archaeology Faculty at Stanford University was giving a motivational speech to the graduates. The large graduating class, dressed in their black graduation gowns with red and orange trimmings, had just received their diplomas.

Alex half listened to the Dean’s speech and looked closely at the words on her diploma:

... Alexandra Logan ...

Doctor of Archaeology

She couldn’t believe this day had finally come. So many years of work, of waiting, and now it was here. She looked off in the distance...she wished her father could have been here as well. The years didn’t take away the sadness. She missed him more than ever. She kept his face etched in her mind. A kind face, with eyes that smiled with a lively intelligence. Her heart ached.

The Dean finished his speech and a chorus of applause followed. The graduates threw their caps into the air.

Finally, Alex said, wiping away a tear. She stood up to applaud with the others. I thought he would never stop talking, she said trying to make a joke. She brushed her hair back and composed herself. She was not used to having her long sandy blonde hair flowing down to her shoulders. She usually kept it tied up in a ponytail, but today was a special occasion.

Mitch had noticed the tear she tried to hide. He knew where her thoughts were. They had been friends a long time. He decided to try and take her mind off it. He knew that her focusing on the emptiness she felt at times like this would only make it worse. It wasn’t so bad, he said, smiling. He playfully bumped shoulders with her. It’s not every day we get our PhDs, you know.

Alex smiled back. She noticed that Mitch was wearing his contact lenses instead of his usual glasses. His short brown hair was combed neatly. Both of them looked a lot different than they did working in the field. They cleaned up well, she thought, though she still preferred their disheveled look. She wasn’t truly happy unless she was covered in sand.

They walked off with the rest of the graduates.

Alex thought about the speech and frowned, tucking her long, blonde hair behind her ears. You’re right, but did he have to go on and on about how Robert Holden’s report on the Mayan civilization will change history books and what that will mean for this university? Meanwhile, our hard work in Egypt was heavily criticized in the scholarly journals and we received barely passing marks on our reports to get our PhDs, she said, frowning.

Most people aren’t ready to accept the truth, Mitch said, as he put a comforting arm around his friend. You know that.

Yeah, I know, she said. I just wish that would change.

Me, too, he said, as they walked, me too. One day...

Congratulations, guys! Bob ran up to Mitch and Alex and gave them a big hug, crushing both of them in his big, burly frame. He had done his best to comb his dark, thick, curly and unruly hair into something that looked a little like he had a small animal nestled on his head. He’d even trimmed his usually scruffy beard.

Thanks, Bob, but I can’t breathe, Alex said as she whimpered.

Thanks, big guy, Mitch said, thumping him on the back. He grinned as he noticed the scent of aftershave. Not something Bob was typically known for.

Jack walked up right behind Bob and, just as excited, exclaimed, Congratulations, Dr. Logan, Dr. Carver!

Alex hugged Jack and Bob and smiled widely. Thank you, to you both, for your help, she said. We couldn’t have done it without the two of you. She always thought it was funny how polar opposite they were in appearance, with Jack’s short, skinny build, yet they were the best of friends and practically joined at the hip.

I see you’re wearing your contact lenses today, Jack said to Mitch. He made a funny face at him. It’s weird seeing you without glasses.

I know, today’s a special day. They make my eyes itch, though. He then took a moment to look his buddies up and down. Nice suits guys! Mitch remarked, his eyebrows raised. Pretty spiffy.

Alex nodded in agreement. Very handsome.

Jack blushed, as he brushed the lapel of his pale grey suit.

A bit feminine, though, don’t you think, with the purple shirt? Bob remarked.

"It’s not purple, jerk, it’s