Fauna: The Prophecy of the White Rodentian

By Tray Summerall

The Prophecy of the White Rodentian, featuring an all-animal cast incorporating the legends and mythology of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. In this first novel, the reader is plunged into the battle for control of Aryeh, what most would know as ancient Israel. Within these borders lies the Sylvan kingdom of Niberu, where diverse tribes of Avians, Mammalians and Reptilians thrive together contributing their strengths to the benefit of each other. Unfortunately, Niberu has caught the eye of another. Apophis, a cobra and ruler of Msh, ancient Egypt, wants to obtain the Kingdom for his own devices, so he dispatched his powerful army to Aryeh. The battle has divided the tribes within Niberu and uncovered a very young white squirrel named Damu, believed to the Rodentian of prophecy. Orphaned in the invasion, Damu is foretold to become Apophis’ nemesis and ultimately bring about the cobra’s demise. In the Fauna series, readers will enjoy the mix of carefully researched zoology, theology, science, history, mythology and legend.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tray Summerall
• Release date: Jan 16, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301180790

Tray Summerall

Raised in Tampa, FL, I have always had an interest in art. My interest led me to study commercial art and even led to an internship at a major animation company. During that time, I studied not only animation, but character development, story boarding and script writing. Later, I fell into entertainment at a popular theme park and performed as a stilt walker and puppeteer. Currently, I live in Columbia, MD with my wife and three children and divide my time between working as a graphic designer and performing the Samoan fire-knife at local luaus.

Book preview

FAUNA

THE PROPHECY OF THE

WHITE RODENTIAN

Book One

By Tray Summerall

Copyright 2006 by Tray Summerall

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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CONTENTS

THREE KINGS

CHRONICLES

NIBERU

SENOY, SANSENOY AND SEMANGELOF

TESTAMENTS

SOBEK

YEHO

THE ANURANS

CAST

THREE KINGS

Illuminated by the moon’s glow, he sat on the head of a giant sandstone sphinx. The Peregrine Falcon watched attentively as a distant object descended towards him and relaxed when the object took the form of a Lanner Falcon. As it drew closer, it let out a screech which was returned by the Peregrine. The Lanner Falcon then broke into a hover and landed in front of the much larger Peregrine. Any problems? asked the Lanner as he folded his wings.

No, it was quiet. How was your break?

Relaxing. Thank you.

Then, I’ll be on my way.

Wait.

Yes?

One of the scouts reported a swarm of Ravens in the area.

I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about.

Maybe, but if they come anywhere near our air space, you know what we are ordered to do.

Yes, I know. The Peregrine shook his head and smiled, Ravens usually do not travel at night, what business they would have coming here? But... I’ll pass it on anyway. The Peregrine took to the air letting the current lift him, and after a good look around, he made his decent toward the largest of the three pyramids. His shadow glided across the pristine sand, raced up the side of the pyramid and reunited with him at its peak. His sharp talons tapped lightly against the limestone as he padded over to an even smaller Hobby Falcon. The Peregrine nodded and said, There has been a Raven sighting, but I’m sure there’s nothing to worry a—

Of course not! snapped the Hobby. Instead, we should be worried about our alliance with that vile serpent. I cannot believe our lords went through with it.

I trust Horus’ decision. And I’m confident good things will come of this alliance in time.

I guarantee you nothing but trouble will come of it. And when this does happen, Horus will be held accountable for dragging our tribes into it. The Hobby jerked into the air. The Peregrine watched her glide to the next pyramid, to a Saker Falcon, and after some words were exchanged, the Saker glided to the pyramid beside that one to a Sooty Falcon, who in turn flew away for a break. The Peregrine exhaled and smiled as he decided to enjoy the cool and breezy night with a little preen. A strong breeze engulfed him, ruffling his feathers. He gently dug his hooked beak into his chest. He found a bump; with a flick of his head he uprooted it. It was a tick. He crushed it, and lowered his beak back into his chest. A distant caw caused him to pause and quickly turn his head. Ever growing black dots stippled the horizon. His acute vision focused and the dots formed into a swarm of Ravens. You’ve got to be kidding, he uttered shifting nervously.

* * *

Leading the swarm of Ravens side-by-side were the three Raven Kings. In the middle, a large Common Raven, to his right, a smaller Brown-necked Raven, and to his left, an even smaller Fan-tailed Raven.

They’re so big, just as you said, squawked the Brown-neck to the Common. Magnificent! Then to the Fan-tail, Don’t you think so, Keret?

Just splendid, Etana, squawked Keret. Although the humans cause us great woes, how can you not feel awe at how they can form the earth into such amazing creations?

Indeed, chuckled Etana, this single moment was worth our long journey today, tenfold.

The Common smiled indulgently and said, This picturesque evening is my gift to you, Etana and Keret, to the birth of our union. We brothers, reunited at last. He smiled then sung: Once we were one, but fanned out to undiscovered regions. Reunited, changed, but still brothers, and now legions and legions.

Etana smiled, Thank you, Sargon, I will cherish this moment forever.

I, too, said Keret.

The Ravens adjusted their wings as they nimbly negotiated a strong gust of wind. Are you sure it’s safe to fly so close? asked Keret, Surely you are aware of the Sebau’s stronghold here.

Sargon laughed, It’s dark. Arrows cannot reach us at this altitude. And Keret, do Reptilians have wings?

Not anymore, said Keret.

Then, there is nothing to fea— Sargon was pelted. Flapping violently, he tried to regain his balance, but was pelted again. He tumbled from the air and hit the ground, hard. A Peregrine much smaller than the Raven pounced on him, gripping its talons firmly around his neck and veiling him with outstretched wings. The Falcon received a pelt from Keret, then from Etana. Overwhelmed, the Falcon was forced off of Sargon and retreated. A Lanner Falcon hit the ground grappling with a Common Raven. This Falcon too, was overwhelmed and forced to the air squealing.

Keret and Etana turned their attention to Sargon. He was on his side; wings sprawled roughly on the cold sand. His eyes were distant and he was hyperventilating. Blood slowly seeped from his beak.

Sargon, said Etana, the Falcons are being overwhelmed; we must get out of here before more come.

He’s bleeding! screamed Keret.

Oh no! cried Etana, Is he hemorrhaging?

It’s coming from his lower beak.

Beak? Is it broken?

I don’t... think so.

Etana nudged Sargon, It seems the Falcons have formed an alliance with the Sebaus. We must take to the air!

He can’t hear you, he’s in shock.

Stand him up!

Not yet, let the shock run its course.

There’s no time!

There is no other way.

But the Sebaus are emerging!

Be patient.

They must be cut off! CWAW!

You fool, now they’re coming this way!

Three more Brown-necked Ravens padded to the ground. Yes Lord? OH MY!

He’s bleeding! screamed a Fan-tail hovering overhead. Several Common Ravens joined into hovering.

Look, towards the pyramids... the Sebau fiends are coming! screamed a Brown-neck.

I see, said a Common. Then I will protect my lord to the death.

I’m with you! hollered a Fan-tail.

The Ravens cackled in unison and were off.

Sargon fluttered.

Easy now, Sargon, said Keret, you’re okay, he nudged him over onto his belly and he managed to stand up, wobbly, his eyes still aloof.

We must take to the air, Etana whispered. Do you understand?

Sargon tilted his head as though he was trying to comprehend. The maelstrom clouding his head slowly cleared into comprehension. Sargon leaped up, fluttered, but was pulled down.

CHRONICLES

A single spark floated aimlessly into a wizened leaf pile setting it ablaze. The aging brown Hamster tossed his flint into the air and started to dance stiffly around the fire. The cold was spreading to his bones as hibernation whispered her seductive song in his ear. Had the kindling taken any longer, he might have succumbed to the siren’s whim, suspended above the ground and vulnerable.

He carelessly tossed a pile of twigs into the crackling blaze, and sat down beside it on a small cold stone, sending a chill up his little spine. But soon the fire’s heat won out and he closed his eyes to slits, consuming the warmth. Hearing thunder in the distance, he broke from reverie and turned his attention to the objects beside the stone: a stack of papyrus sheets, two little wooden bowls, a rock of white chalk and a slender stick twice the length of his stubby little arm. He leaned over, grabbed the stick and put one end of it into his mouth. He chewed on it until it had a point. He then directed the point to the fire. The stick sizzled as his spittle evaporated. At length, he dipped the pointed end into the bowl of water, before stirring it in a bowl full of sap. He gave his tip one more bath in the water, and then focused his attention to the task at hand.

He laid a sheet of papyrus on his lap and focused on a bare patch of soil. The soil slowly started to warp into a little mound and a slim green tentacle slithered out of it and then started to wiggle. With each oscillation its motion waned until the tentacle stood vertical and completely still. Abruptly, it shot up to tower over the Hamster, sprouting sharp green leaves and three long white buds. The buds started to shake and slowly opened into brilliant white lilies, each having six sharp petals and six long stamens with yellow anthers. A white Rock Dove with pink feet glided down from his tree-perch, passed right through the plant and fluttered down beside the Hamster. The plant blurred and then sharpened. The Dove rested his right primary feathers on the Hamster’s shoulder and said, Oh Adad, I cannot wait to see what you come up with this time!

The Hamster’s shiny dark ears twitched as the thunder drew closer. He studied the plant thoroughly and used the charred part of the stick to replicate the plant on the papyrus. Adad pondered how to put color to his work as he nimbly sketched the middle lily.

Ah, it must be a shoshan, exclaimed the Dove, how beautiful!

Adad smiled. He then looked up to study another lily and draw it. However, the other two lilies had disappeared. A golden Scarab crawled out of the remaining lily, opened its wings and buzzed away. Next, a little golden cloud floated from the lily, trailing the Scarab. The lily began to transform: its petals closed and took on a dirty-yellow hue, developing sharp keeled scales. The bud slowly opened with a hiss, resembling the head of a serpent with two needle-like fangs. Slowly, the fangs folded back into the bud as a little black and orange spotted Caterpillar wormed its way out of it and started creeping down the dark green stalk. The Caterpillar now faded, and then disappeared.

Lighting violently flashed across the sky followed by roaring thunder. Adad’s ears flickered and his eyes became unfocused. He slipped off the stone, just missing the fire. He clasped his temples and opened his mouth in a display of agony, revealing his long incisors. A high pitched whistle escaped his lips as he went into a violent convulsion.

ADAD? cried the Dove. The Hamster’s fit stopped, and he slowly got to his knees, panting. Another vision, Adad?

Holding his temples, the little Hamster shakily got to his feet and looked up, the plant was gone. Adad found a new sheet of papyrus and sat down on the stone. He grabbed the stick and pressed the carbon to the sheet, slashing at it so rapidly that the Dove thought he had gone mad. Adad grabbed a rock of chalk, and fiercely applied it. The Dove eased closer and studied the drawing with a grimace. There was a white Rodent with a bushy tail holding what appeared to be a little Fish. And in the distance, a white Dove was perched on a dead tree surrounded by humans.

Is that a White Dormouse? asked the Dove.

The little Hamster shrugged and gave a snaggletoothed grin.

* * *

A pale-gray Stock Dove with a pinkish chest and glossy green patches on both sides of his neck crash-landed into a crowd of Turtle-Doves. He wore a little pouch around his neck, and a larger one strapped to his back. A white Rock Dove fluttered over to meet him. Good morning, Hahhimas, said the Rock Dove. You really need to work on your landings.

I’m in a rush, Hahhimas said shuffling to his feet.

Ah yes, well, thank you for coming so far out of your way on such short notice. You will not be disappointed, I assure you.

Hahhimas folded his wings and gazed at the Rock Dove, This had better be good, Kurunta, the meeting in Msh is extremely import—ACHOO! Oh my, he sniffled. Is that saffron scent coming from you?

Yes, Kurunta chuckled, I applied some this morning. Having close contact with a musky Hamster has its disadvantages.

Ah, Hahhimas exclaimed, The very reason why I’m here. So, where is this Rodentian?

Adad! Kurunta hollered. The throng of Turtle-Doves parted to reveal a Hamster beside a small fire, the Hamster smiled and shyly padded over to them.

The Stock Dove eyed him thoroughly. Adad, I am Hahhimas, judge of the nine tribes of Doves and ambassador of Niberu. Adad bowed proudly and motioned for him to follow. Hahhimas grimaced, Pray Kurunta, why doesn’t the Rodentian speak? Surely he understands Ferae.

Of course he knows Ferae, but poor Adad was born silent. Let us follow. He’s leading us to his artwork.

Artwork? asked Hahhimas as they followed Adad with bobbing heads.

"Yes, he expresses