The Fate of Earth and Sky

By NR Tomasheski

In Egypt of the Pharaohs, the Nekhikhy are blood drinkers - what we now call vampires - but with a special charter, handed down from the god Set: to protect the barrier between the world of men and the world of demons. It is not always easy, as former physician Gemt-Ani well knows, no less this day when her fellow Nekhiku brings her a talisman, discovered in the purse of a common thief. The talisman is no less than the document which keeps the Sky separated from the Earth, the only thing keeping the worlds from returning to original chaos. Gemt-Ani and the Nekhikhy, along with her mortal friend, Priest of Imhotep Seby, and her pet jackal Netchem, must defeat an army of zombies to return the talisman to its proper place and save the world.

• Language: English
• Publisher: NR Tomasheski
• Release date: Jul 28, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466082427

NR Tomasheski

NR Tomasheski has been telling stories for more years than she can remember. Some of them have been quite good. With a broad background, including degrees in Medical Technology and Chemistry, almost two decades of experience in dog training, and a lifetime of passion for Egyptology (especially the Pharaonic language, the language she knows best after English), NR’s imagination is poised to go just about anywhere. Don’t you want to be along for the ride?

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The Fate of Earth and Sky

by NR Tomasheski

Published by NR Tomasheski at Smashwords

Copyright 2004 NR Tomasheski

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Prologue

The two gods stood facing one another, each bleeding from numerous small wounds, and panting with near-exhaustion. Nephew and uncle, they had been fighting for three days, but neither was able to defeat the other. They had battled as animals, falcon and desert fox. They had battled as elements, wind and fire. They had battled as men. Still, Hariw was unable to avenge his father's death. His uncle, Set, was too powerful and too devious, qualities that had allowed him to trick, then kill, his brother Asar.

As they stood facing each other on the great field of nothing where gods do battle, a voice filled their heads, the voice of Wep-Rehku, the Judge.

You see: neither good nor evil may ultimately prevail. It is the nature of existence that the two are always in a delicate balance. Hariw, though you claim to fight for good, you have allowed the dark emotion of vengeance to creep into your heart. Set, you showed compassion when you did not kill the infant Hariw, though you knew the threat he must pose to you. Thus can neither of you defeat the other, ever, should you battle for a million years. The Judge heaved a sigh, creating a great wind across the plain of nothing. "This conflict will end. I have duties for each of you, which will keep you apart.

You, Hariw, shall rule the sky when it is light, and the land where it thrives green. In addition, you will be the liaison between all gods and men, to see that each is done right by the other.

You, Set, shall have rule of the sky when it is dark, and of the desert land where life is harsh. Furthermore, this: the world of men and the world of the gods, of demons, and of the dead, cannot be allowed to mix. Aset, Hariw's mother, has created a magical barrier between them. You will see that the barrier remains intact.

Set spit, and from his spit arose a little demon that wailed as it dissolved into a mist. I do the bidding of no-one.

This you will do, boomed the voice of Wep-Rehku. For it is my judgment.

Hariw was staring petulantly at the ground, his jaw working. He took a deep breath, then rushed at his uncle, shouting, "I will avenge my Father!" He flung himself at the other's feet, and, wrapping his arms around Set's knees, dragged him to the ground and battered his bony head with both hands. As Set raised his arms to defend himself, Hariw grasped them with great strength born of his fury, and managed to hold them while he kicked Set at the chin. As Set's struggles turned him on his side, Hariw seized his opponent's feet and brought his legs up behind him. Sitting on him to restrain him, Hariw stripped the kilt from his own waist, and used it to bind his uncle's wrists and ankles together.

He felt himself gripped around the throat, and looked up to see his mother lifting him. Her eyes met his as she flung him aside. Do not presume to disregard the judgment of Wep-Rehku, unless you would see the universe destroyed.

She bent to untie Set, and Hariw was upon her in an instant. Grasping her head between his hands, he rocked and twisted until it came loose from her body and a great torrent of blood sprung from her bruised neck. Set, who had managed to work