The Scarab War Chronicles Book 1: Earthfall

By Forrest Huguenin

What if we were truly not alone in the universe? What if aliens had been here before and what if those aliens were fighting a war that began in Earth's past, shaping human history and continuing to this day? What if you could shrink yourself down to the size of an insect and wage a desperate battle with malevolent aliens and the creatures they control?
Enter a world of ancient and powerful races, unimaginable weaponry, secret government agencies and the children caught in the middle with the fate of every man, woman and child on Earth hanging in the balance. Oh, and we forgot to mention the resurrected King Tut, who is out for his own revenge.
From deep space, to your own neighborhood to the underground warrens of the aliens seeking to exterminate mankind you will be taken on an incredible journey. You can run, but you can't hide. You must choose sides. In the end one question will remain: Are you Zith or are you Rax?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Forrest Huguenin
• Release date: Nov 25, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310362408

Forrest Huguenin

Forrest Huguenin began writing at an early age, crafting stories in elementary school that always involved characters based on himself and his friends getting into one adventure or another. An accomplished speaker and artist, he always felt the pull of the written page and bringing wonder and fascination to others through his own wild imagination. A true fan of Sci-Fi in its many forms, he always watched in wonder as movies and television series spun out-of-this-world tales and he longed to do the same. When not writing, he supports himself as a Professional Organizer. He currently lives on Long Island with his family.

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THE SCARAB WAR CHRONICLES

BOOK 1:

EARTHFALL

By Forrest Huguenin

Copyright 2013 Forrest Huguenin

Smashwords Edition

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

I dedicate this book to my son, Michael, whom the main character is named after. I am very proud of the man you have become son.

Next I dedicate this book to the many test readers, both younger and older, who gave of their time to let me know if I had something worth publishing. There are too many to list in these pages. Thank you and behold the fruits of your labor!

This is dedicated also to Cortney Wright-Thomas whose invaluable editing and proofreading made this finished work possible.

Last, but not least, I dedicate this book to my Shoshana, who encouraged me to dust it off and get it published. If she hadn't pushed me, this book would not have seen the light of day when it did. Thank you for believing in me honey.

Table Of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1- Surrounded, Pt. I

Chapter 2- Contact

Chapter 3- Creepy Things And Little Blue Aliens

Chapter 4- Secrets And Choices

Chapter 5- Lessons

Chapter 6- Schemes, Plans And Giant Spiders

Chapter 7- First Moves

Chapter 8- Attack Of The Trojan Horse

Chapter 9- Counter Moves

Chapter 10- Discoveries

Chapter 11- Collision Course

Chapter 12- Bug Hunt

Chapter 13- Surrounded, Pt. II

Chapter 14- How Much Worse Could It Get?

Epilogue

Bonus Sneak Peek of Scarab War Chronicles Book 2: Tut Lives

About the Author

The Scarab War Chronicles- Book 1: Earthfall

Prologue

A new kind of evil was about to walk the earth, and it would begin in Egypt. Creatures such as the world had not previously known would reveal themselves to man. And a battle lasting thousands of years, between good and evil, would be waged on our planet with the fate of every man, woman and child hanging in the balance. This battle rages on today in secret, all around us, even beneath our very feet!

We will pick up this story as it stands today, but to better understand how we arrived where we are, I invite you to step back in time with me for a moment and take a look at a little-known event in the course of human history. Everyone knows the story of famous King Tut, the boy-king, but what is not known to the general public is exactly how he lived his life and precisely how he died. Those events are intertwined with the struggles we face now. You must know the truth of this in order to continue on and understand all things fully.

Tut was a child, yet he bent the course of human history. Children often affect the flow of history, sometimes without even knowing it. Indeed, children will play a crucial role in this epic struggle we speak of. But though this is the case, at this particular moment in time Egypt’s child-king could not begin to imagine the part he would play. For right now his mind was only fixed on the cares common to little boys…

Egypt

(1331 BC)

Young Tutankhamun sat on his throne on the balcony of his palace gazing down at the spectacle playing out before his eyes. His small frame sat low in his chair so he had to stretch his neck to see everything. Music filled the courtyard below as pretty young girls danced in unison, magicians and acrobats performed their arts and laughter carried on the evening air. His eyes widened with wonder at the exotic animals from distant lands that were present with their trainers, even lions, tigers, zebras and bears! He could barely contain his excitement.

It seemed as if the entire nation of Egypt had come to celebrate his 11th birthday. All the princes and princesses of the royal house, the governors of the land and even distant rulers had come to show their respects to this young boy-king and give gifts in symbol of their loyalty and friendship. And all were dressed in brightly colored garments of cotton and silk in white, red, gold, blue and purple.

At only 11 years of age, he was king of the greatest nation the world had known up to that time. Yet he could not do everything he wanted to do. And what he wanted most of all right now was to play. He wanted so much to be in the crowd playing with his friends as he loved to do in the privacy of the palace grounds, away from the prying eyes of his subjects. But as king, his advisors told him that it would be shameful for a divine ruler to behave in such a manner in public. Yet, there were his friends Neferet and Rahotep playing happily among the crowds! Why was it alright for them and not for him? They were also of noble birth, as was he. It just wasn’t fair!

He began to have thoughts of disobeying his advisors and making a run for it, but one quick glance at his mother Kiya and the Royal Vizier Ay quickly killed that idea. He could tell in their eyes that they knew what he was thinking and that he wouldn’t get very far. His mother smiled knowingly at him, understanding his feelings as a mother does her child, then returned to watching the celebration below.

Young Tutankhamun sighed, shifted restlessly on his throne as young boys do, and resigned himself to simply watching everyone else around him have fun while he just sat and acted royal. Nevertheless, his pouting face betrayed his great displeasure with the circumstance. What he did not notice though was that the Royal Vizier Ay had stepped behind the throne and was speaking conspiratorially in the ear of General of the Armies Horemheb.

It is time General, we can delay no longer, whispered Ay.

I know Ay, answered Horemheb. All things are in place, yet we must not rush. We cannot afford to risk being discovered before we are ready.

Ay nodded in agreement. Then how do you suggest we proceed, Horemheb?

When the celebrations for our young king have concluded for the night, we will retire with him to the royal bedchamber and it will take place there. Our true leader awaits his arrival.

But what of his mother? Ay countered. She will not simply stand by while we assault her son.

Leave that to my guards, Horemheb replied slyly. They will see that she offers no interference. Trust me my friend. The sun will rise tomorrow on a new Egypt, and we along with our brothers shall be its masters.

They both laughed wickedly at this, under their breath of course. Then they resumed their previous spots on the balcony and waited for their time to come. As expected, the evening’s festivities drew to a close and the celebratory participants went their separate ways. The young king was led from his throne to the royal bedchamber within the great palace.

The palace was magnificent. Dozens of colorful stone columns decorated with palm and lotus carvings filled the Great Hall of the palace. The walls, floors and ceilings were made of granite and marble polished until you could see your reflection. Accents of gold and precious stones decorated various spots here and there along the walls. And everywhere there was color: brilliant displays of red, blue, yellow and purple. The long hallway they walked down was lined on either side with great statues of past kings and gods of Egypt. Here stood Ra, the sun god, shimmering in gold. And over there sat Geb, god of the earth. Next to him was Osiris, god of agriculture and the underworld. Isis, his wife was at his side.

There were so many gods and goddesses in Egypt that one could never name them all or fit them inside even the great palace. But even with all these wonders surrounding him, Tutankhamun paid no attention to them. The young king could not help but skip along excitedly thinking of the things he had seen that evening at his birthday party.

Mother, Tutankhamun began, Did you not see the magician? How did he make that stick turn into a snake? And then turn it into a rabbit? How mother?

His mother laughed with joy at her son’s excitement. I do not know, only the gods know my son.

But I want to do that too, he complained. It looks like so much fun. Could you ask them to show me mother, please?

Tutankhamun, she began, There are things kings concern themselves with and there are things commoners concern themselves with. You, my son, are a king and magic does not befit your royal bearing.

Oh mother, I never get to have any fun. Tutankhamun folded his arms across his chest and began pouting all over again.

One day you will come to understand, she said. For now, you have much to learn in order to rule wisely and magic is not included.

Listen to your mother, advised Ay. She speaks with great wisdom. You will learn and accomplish great things for Egypt.

See, Tutankhamun, even the Royal Vizier agrees with me, Kiya said. It has been a long day and we must all get our rest. Off to bed with you now. I will be in to tuck you in shortly.

Aww, mother, I’m too old for that now.

Since when is a son too old for his mother’s love? Kiya asked, kissing him on his forehead. Now run along and I will be in to tuck you in.

Yes mother. And with that Tutankhamun trudged off to bed.

Uh, my queen? said Horemheb. There is a matter if great importance I must discuss with you.

Oh? And what would that be General?

My queen, it is of a delicate nature and not for palace halls. If you would follow me to a more private area… He gestured down the hall toward another room.

Attend to your matters, said Ay. I will see to the young king.

And so Horemheb, accompanied by two of his most loyal bodyguards, led Tut’s mother down the hall, away from the royal bedchamber.

As Queen Kiya was being led away from her son, Tut entered his bedchamber. It was unusually dark and he could hear a strange clicking noise coming from somewhere in the room. He instantly grew afraid.

W-what is that sound Ay? he asked.

That is nothing you need be afraid of my king. Ay reassured him, all the while pushing him deeper into the darkened room.

Tutankhamun tried to put on a brave front. I-I-I am not afraid. I simply desire to know what is making that strange noise. I have never heard it before.

Ay placed his hand firmly on the young king’s shoulder and led him on. With a wicked grin he said, All will be revealed in due time my king, all in due time.

When Horemheb arrived at the private room with Queen Kiya, he posted his two guards outside the room and nodded knowingly to them. They took up positions on either side of the door.

Once inside, he closed the doors and began, My queen, it has come to my attention that Egypt, even our dear king, is in great danger.

Kiya’s eyes grew large at news that her precious son was facing possible harm. What danger is this you speak of General? Tell me, please.

Horemheb began to explain what he meant. It was really no explanation of consequence however, as it was only designed to keep the queen occupied while his and Ay’s nefarious plan went into operation.

Meanwhile the target of that plan, young Tutankhamun, drew closer to his fate. He could feel Ay’s grip on his shoulder tightening and it made him extremely nervous. Something was just not right about his tone or the way he was grabbing him. And there was that constant, eerie clicking coming from somewhere in the shadows. I think I want to see my mother now.

But your mother is discussing important matters with General Horemheb and cannot be disturbed at the moment, Ay answered.

Tut’s voice grew more insistent. I don’t care! I want to see my mother now!

I am sorry my young liege, Ay chided. But that would be quite impossible at the moment. In any event, we have something important to take care of here in this room that requires your presence.

Tut could see Ay beckoning to someone in the darkness and several figures became visible as they walked out of the shadows. One of them was carrying an elaborately ornamented box. But Tut was not familiar with the design, as it looked like nothing he had ever seen before even from the gifts he received from foreign dignitaries. It was covered on the outside with engravings of strange insects, kind of like scarab beetles, but not quite such. And the writings upon it were also unfamiliar to him.

Now his heart began to race as he realized the clicking noise he was hearing was coming from inside the box. He immediately attempted to draw back, but Ay’s grip was strong and firm. Let me go! he demanded, trying to sound as commanding as a young boy could, but to no avail. The fear was evident in his voice.

No! snapped Ay. He manhandled Tut closer to the box. You will face your destiny as a true leader of Egypt, not as some simpering little boy. Open it! he commanded the others.

As the box opened, Tut gasped in shock. The box glowed inside in a way he had never before seen. No fire looked like that. What could it be? No sooner had he asked the question in his mind then the source of the light emerged from the box. A giant, golden scarab beetle unlike any he had ever seen! This one seemed to be of living gold, and the very fires of the underworld seemed to glow within its body. Its body was about the size of a large watermelon and its mandibles were sharp and wicked looking. The antennae on its head darted to and fro, appearing to sniff the air and all around it. And its eyes were terrifyingly black. But not a still black. This black moved like dark clouds oozing across the sky, black on an even deeper black. Those eyes peered at him menacingly. It was the very embodiment of evil and Tutankhamun could tell this instantly.

What is that? Tut squealed in terror.

Ay bent down and whispered in the boy’s ear, That, my king, is the future of Egypt. "For many years we have waited for the right moment. Your father Akhenaten was too old and not useful to our cause. He even discovered our plans and placed us all in danger, so we had to deal with him accordingly.

The full meaning of Ay’s words came down on Tut all at once. Ay had killed his father! No, it couldn’t be! And now he intended to do gods knew what to him also. He had to get away. Tutankhamun did the only thing a little boy of his size could do to fight back. He bit down on Ay’s hand as hard as he could.

Ay howled in pain and withdrew his hand from Tut’s shoulder. Free of his grip, Tut raced for the door to the bedchamber and the safety of his mother. The burly guards at the door attempted to stop him but he dove between the legs of one and was almost at the door when the other grabbed his leg.

Tut kicked wildly at his captor’s hands and was free once again. He scrambled to his feet and burst through the doors screaming, Mother! Help me!

Down the hall, Queen Kiya heard the cries of her son. My son? General! The danger you spoke of, my son needs me. Come, we must help him.

As she turned to leave, Horemheb grabbed her arm. My queen, the danger is real. But it is not what you think, he said. You cannot help him now.

Queen Kiya was flabbergasted. Her son was in danger, the general had even warned her. Why would he restrain her now? What do you mean Horemheb? If I cannot help him then you must go to him now, she pleaded.

I cannot help him either, the General replied as he tightened his grip. The look in his eyes made her skin crawl. This is a test he must face on his own my queen, and I must assure that he does just that. You are going nowhere.

Kiya’s mind raced. She could not comprehend the words she was hearing. Her precious son was in danger and the general who swore to protect him was unwilling to help, nor would he let her do so. But her mother’s instincts kicked in automatically and she had but one thought: Get to her son! Kiya swung with her free hand and clawed the General in his face. He loosened his grip in surprise just enough for her to break free. Kiya reached the door to the chamber, flung it open and raced past the guards. She could see her son running towards her. She was so close, just a bit further to go to her one and only son.

Tutankhamun! she pleaded. "Run to me my son, run!"

Mother, help me! I’m scared. Tut quickened his pace and was soon near to his mother, reaching out to her in a desperate race to safety.

Just run towards me, please my son. Kiya reached out and grabbed her son’s fingers, but just as she did, the guards behind her caught her and pulled her back. Let me go, let me go, she pleaded with them.

More guards appeared behind the young king and pulled him back. She could feel her grip loosen on his fingers as they dragged him back down the hallway away from the safety of his mother’s embrace.

Mother, please, save me!

Tutankhamun! Kiya cried in desperation. Tears began to flow from her eyes.

They reached out toward each other, but it was no use. The last thing Kiya saw was the terrified look on her son’s face as he disappeared behind the doors of his bedchamber. His screams echoed down the hall then faded away.

Kiya collapsed in agony, arms still outstretched as if this would somehow miraculously bring her son back to her. No, please! What are you doing to my son? Stop this now, I command you!

General Horemheb appeared before her and signaled for her to be taken away. Blood from the queen’s scratch marks was still fresh on his face. As they dragged her back to the room from whence she came all that could be heard were her sickening sobs of despair for her only son and the unknown fate that awaited him.

Back in the royal bedchamber, Ay was enraged and in pain. He still held the hand that Tut had bitten. You little whelp! I would kill you but for the fact that you are to host our next leader. It is a privilege and you should feel honored for it.

Tutankhamun only sobbed. I want my mother, please, I want my mother. Tears poured down his small face.

Enough of you, Ay sneered. He signaled to the guards who held Tut