Revelation of the Sands: The Secret of the Sands Trilogy, #3

By Rai Aren

Deep in the heart of the Great Pyramid lies an otherworldly secret...REVELATION OF THE SANDS

 

Complete the epic journey begun in Secret of the Sands...

 

The mystery deepens. The danger is ever-present. Incredible discoveries await.

 

A stunning revelation of secrets and destiny that will change everything...

 

The Great Sphinx is not the only ancient wonder that has incredible secrets hidden deep within it. But uncovering these secrets will have life-changing consequences. There will be no turning back. It will take a great deal of courage and the testing of faith, on multiple fronts, to face them...

The final chapter in this archaeology adventure trilogy now unfolds. The characters you've come to know are suddenly thrust down a new, completely different, and even more personal path, to a point of no return. Their journey is about take another perilous turn with mysterious and surprising outcomes that will alter the course of their lives forever.

From the Great Sphinx to Petra to the Great Pyramid, join this final adventure in the Secret of the Sands trilogy...

 

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REVELATION OF THE SANDS

 

From the Shadows Surfaces...
A new enemy, and an even greater challenge to face a truth that is about to reveal itself...

 

Vengeance is Sworn for the Pain of the Past...
Choices were made and destinies forged. The past propels the future of those left scarred, toward an uncertain and precarious fate...

 

A Difficult Journey Begins and Ends...
In the sands of Egypt, to uncover deeper truths and startling realities that will be both frightening and awe-inspiring...

 

A Revelation of Life Itself...
Will break free of the earthly and otherworldly confines that have held it in secret for so long. Faith and trust will be severely tested, and a journey to the past and future all at once will be undertaken...

• Language: English
• Publisher: RFS Publications
• Release date: Dec 31, 2016
• ISBN: 9781519482334

Rai Aren

RAI AREN and TAVIUS E. have been friends since college. Their common interests in ancient Egypt and archaeology, as well as fantasy and adventure stories, led them to pursue their passion in storytelling. Secret of the Sands was their first novel. You can visit them at: www.secretofthesands.com or send them an email at: [e-mail]. For news on upcoming releases and exclusive bonuses, sign up for Rai’s newsletter: raiaren.com/Subscribe

Book preview

Table of Contents

Praise

Books by Rai Aren & Tavius E.

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Table of Contents

Epigraph

The Story of Destiny of the Sands...

1: A Deal with the Devil

2: Dreams

3: Connection to the Past

4: A Voice from the Past

5: A New Home

6: Setar

7: Return to Egypt

8: Prison Visit

9: Old Friends, New Enemies

10: Mysterious Find

11: Alex’s Training

12: A Plan is Made

13: Returning Home

14: A New King

15: Invitation

16: King’s Chamber

17: Ares

18: Light the Way

19: Experimentation

20: Revelations – A Deeper Truth

21: A Sign for Setar

22: A New Mystery is Revealed

23: The Chamber

24: Life

25: Petra

About the Author

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 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: 

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title page

Revelation of the Sands

By Rai Aren

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s 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.

REVELATION OF THE SANDS. Copyright © 2015 by Rai Aren. 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 written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. For information address: [e-mail]

FIRST EDITION – Published by RFS Publications, December 2015

Aren, R.

Revelation of the Sands: a novel/Rai Aren

Visit Rai Aren on the World Wide Web at:

www.secretofthesands.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

Print ISBN: 978-1519482334

For my mom, my light and guiding star, always, this is for you, I miss you...

~Rai Aren

Acknowledgements

I would especially like to thank my husband, Jason, for his unending love, support, and encouragement all the way through this journey. I scarcely know how to put into words how much it’s meant to me, and the incredible difference it’s made in my life. You knew I was endeavoring to create something special, something that I would be proud of, and you would always lift my spirits – you helped get me there, helped me cross the finish line. I love you.

I would also like to thank my editor, Janet Bessey. Your patience and kindness meant so much to me as I weathered a rough patch during the writing of this book, which put me off schedule. Thank you for your flexibility and working with me under those unexpected circumstances. You are a talented editor, a wonderful person, and your efforts made the book better. Thank you.

Thanks to my friend, fellow author, and cover designer, Gary Val Tenuta. I’m so glad to know you. A long time before this book was completed, you created the stunning cover. Every time I sat down to write, I looked at that cover and it inspired me and fired my imagination. You rock.

I also want to recognize Tavius E, my co-author on the first two books in this series. Creating this world was so much fun, so inspiring, and very fulfilling. I will always fondly remember the good times we had bringing it to life.

My mom, the kindest, gentlest, and most loving and beautiful person I have ever known. Your unconditional love, our bond, our deep connection, was and still is, the greatest treasure in my life. I miss you so much. Your spirit, and the love I have for you, is sprinkled throughout this story; it gave it a life it wouldn’t have had otherwise. Writing this story helped me feel closer to you. I hope you know how much I love you. I know you do.

To my furbabies, one of the best parts of being a writer is the time I get to spend being near you. That is my favorite time. You help me make sense of the world and you own my heart. Cats and writers really are the perfect combination!

Finally, to all the fans of this series, who have written in over the years to say how much you enjoyed these stories – I want you to know that your messages mean the world to me. Thank you. The greatest gift for a writer is knowing that what you wrote provided some hours of enjoyment and meant something to someone else. It’s been a dream come true to create this world, invite you in, and know that you were happy to be here...

Table of Contents

The story of Destiny of the Sands

1: A Deal with the Devil

2: Dreams

3: Connection to the Past

4: A Voice from the Past

5: A New Home

6: Setar

7: Return to Egypt

8: Prison Visit

9: Old Friends, New Enemies

10: Mysterious Find

11: Alex’s Training

12: A Plan is Made

13: Returning Home

14: A New King

15: Invitation

16: King’s Chamber

17: Ares

18: Light the Way

19: Experimentation

20: Revelations – A Deeper Truth

21: A Sign for Setar

22: A New Mystery is Revealed

23: The Chamber

24: Life

25: Petra

About the Author

Additional Work

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Know the world in yourself.

Never look for yourself in the world, for this would be to project your illusion.

~ Egyptian Proverb

The story of Destiny of the Sands...

A journey from the present...

Those whose destinies are forever tied to the sands of Egypt were called back. Two young archaeologists, Mitch Carver and Alexandra Logan, along with their best friends and assistants, Jack and Bob, were responsible for uncovering the truth about the Great Sphinx of Giza, in ancient times known as the Amsara monument. They learned it is thousands of years older than the history books say; and that staggeringly, its true construction and purpose have alien origins. The guardians of this secret, whom they’ve come to trust and rely on, were not who or what they appeared to be. They descend from an ancient people not of this world.

They’d also found an artifact of such advanced technology and power that it proved far too perilous to handle or to keep. However, such knowledge did not stay a secret and dangerous enemies soon circled. A heavy price was paid to protect this precious knowledge and artifact. Many, many secrets must still be kept...

Will reveal even more secrets from the past...

10,000 B.C. Back in the land, which now goes by the name of Egypt, the Kierani civilization has suffered terrible losses. Zhek Draxen’s ruthless, yet failed, attempt at overthrowing the Royal Family and reclaiming his son, Setar, has cost countless lives. Including his own. Setar is grief-stricken and torn in two when he learns the truth of his family and the secrets they have kept. These secrets and the loss of his father, Zhek, haunt him.

And yet, the Kierani paid a further, frightening price for the sins of the past. The Pharom, which was designed to be a beacon to call to their people in the hopes they would one day be found, was long ago stolen and mishandled by the Draxen family. The explosive energy it sent off traveled into space and set in motion a course of events, drawing forth destructive and unforeseen consequences. A meteorite bombardment many years later destroys their city, kills many, including King Traeus, and forces the Kierani to leave Egypt. To survive, their people head to a land of which their new young Queen, Anjia, has a vision, Sela it was called then. Petra, it is known by, now.

However, many amongst her people will never forgive the secrets that have been kept and the casualties that have arisen as a result. The young Queen Anjia has yet to face her ultimate battle...

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CHAPTER 1

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A Deal with the Devil

Present Day

A black Mercedes coupe with tinted windows sped through traffic, weaving wildly past the other cars. A man gripped the wheel. We lost it. Maximilian is dead, he spoke into his Bluetooth earpiece. Sweat beaded on his forehead. He bit his lip as he listened to the response. That might be difficult. Our sources say the item has vanished. He cringed at the reply. Understood. I’ll be right there. He hung up the phone and shifted gears. His boss didn’t want to talk about such sensitive matters over the phone.

The man changed direction, turned onto the off-ramp, and accelerated onto the freeway. He knew they had precious little time before the trail went cold.

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He arrived at his destination, a gleaming skyscraper in Houston, Texas. Its glass windows black-tinged with steel accents, it was an imposing building. The large sign at the top of the building said Global Financial Enterprises, but that was just a front. A valet came up to take his keys as he exited the car. Nodding, he continued into the building. The expansive lobby had a marble floor and soaring ceilings.

He knew that one powerful company controlled all of the other businesses in the building. No company that wasn’t a subsidiary of GFE was allowed lease space in the building, which was secretly owned by Ares Worldwide, Inc. Their mandate, known only in military and government circles, was ‘Military specialists in armed combat advisory services and defense strategies.’ They were mercenaries for hire, most often by certain arms of governments looking to keep a distance from a conflict in which they had a secret, vested interest.

Their often eight and nine figure contracts were a main source of income, but as they also preferred to generate their own funds to keep from being too dependent on anyone external, they had developed their own in-house financial services company, which invested in global currencies based on information they gathered on their top-secret missions. It was insider-trading at its most blatant, but due to the black ops nature of their missions, no one, including the SEC could prove it. It could be a fatal error to try, as one unlucky investigative journalist had found out two years ago; a hit and run accident, no witnesses, and his computer and notes had never been recovered.

The man rushed across the lobby, armed guards eyeing him carefully, but recognizing who he was. He hit the elevator button, got in the first carriage and hit the top floor. The ride was swift and smooth. Seventy floors in a matter of seconds.

The doors opened to an expansive lobby. A tall, attractive brunette receptionist stood up from behind her desk and greeted him. Mr. Heitner, it’s good to see you again.

You, too, Rosalie. You look lovely today, as always, he said.

She walked out from behind her desk, all long legs and model-like looks. Thank-you, she said, blushing slightly and dipping her chin to look up at him with perfectly mascaraed lashes. Mr. Vetteller has been expecting you. Come this way, please, she said smiling, as she led him to the double doors at the back of the lobby area. She was immaculately groomed, with light skin and perfectly straight, white teeth, showcased by glossy red lipstick.

He followed her, taking notice of her sky-high heels and form-fitting pale pink Chanel skirt. Her clothes and accessories were all expensive. She turned her head, catching him looking at her derriere. She smiled knowingly, turning back around, her silky, wavy long hair bouncing as she did. He caught a whiff of her perfume. Also Chanel. She seemed to be walking to draw attention.

Thomas knew the type. Always working it. Reveling in attention. He noticed how flirty she always was with him, but he suspected that’s how she greeted all their male guests. Making them feel powerful, attractive, and important. Very good for business.

They reached the double doors. She stopped to knock.

A voice was heard from inside the office, Enter.

She opened the doors and stood by to let Thomas pass.

Thank-you, Ms. Beauchamp, the man inside said. That will be all for now.

Yes, sir, she replied. She turned back to Thomas, her hazel eyes sparkling. I will see you out when you’re finished, Mr. Heitner. She closed the doors behind her, flashing a bright smile as she did.

Thomas stood waiting. As second in command in Sebastian Vetteller’s privately held organization, which Sebastian had created from the ground up, Thomas was often called upon for a variety of tasks. His military background and special ops experience meant he was versatile, capable of handling whatever mission his boss sent his way, without balking at the sometimes-unsavory aspects of what he was asked to do.

Sebastian wasted no time getting to the urgent matter at hand. We have a problem, don’t we?

Thomas gave him a disturbing update from his sources near the excavation at the Great Sphinx of Giza. Their business partner, Maximilian Reichmann, and most of his team, had been killed in the attempt to steal a powerful device they’d had their eyes on. The device, which they suspected was responsible for their deaths, had since disappeared. Only one survivor and potential eyewitness remained from Maximilian’s team and he was in a Cairo prison.

Ares had been in business with Reichmann Enterprises since they began sourcing parts for weapons from them. However, unbeknownst to Maximilian Reichmann, Ares kept a close watch on everyone they did business with. They wanted to know everything about their partners so that they never had any surprises. They operated successfully by anticipating problems, leveraging their position whenever they could, and most importantly, seizing opportunities by any means necessary that could propel their weapons-research division forward. They’d had Maximilian and his team under surveillance during their entire time in Egypt. However, what they didn’t know exactly was what had happened in that underground chamber.

I want you in Cairo. I’m also going to contact our man Charles, in Brussels, and have him go see the prisoner. We need more intel first. Then we’ll decide our approach. Sebastian gazed out the window for a moment, thinking.

Thomas waited.

Sebastian turned back to him. This needs to stay between the three of us. I don’t want anyone else in our organization to get wind of what we’re really after. I have a feeling this could be the find of a lifetime. If that device was responsible for their deaths, it could launch Ares so far ahead in the advanced weapons industry that no one will ever be able to catch up.

Of course.

Stealth will be our best option, Sebastian continued. I don’t want them to see us coming. We will succeed where Maximilian failed, by executing a surgical strike.

Perfect, Thomas replied, nodding.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. Whatever happens, we must secure that device. Nothing stands in the way of that. Find out everything you can without being seen. I need to know if that thing really was some kind of dangerous power source.

Understood.

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Thomas Heitner arrived in Cairo and went straight to work on gathering intelligence. He’d given Sebastian an update on his plans. He parked his car in the visitor parking of the hospital, and exited the vehicle dressed as a hospital orderly. His appearance was non-descript; his dark features allowed him to blend in easily with the comings and goings at the hospital. He’d made some calls, asked some questions, and his contact in the local police force had been most helpful. He learned that the survivors of the incident at the Sphinx had been hospitalized.

Scanning a directory, he searched for where the survivors might be. He wasn’t sure. He’d have to do this on a floor-by-floor search of possible areas. Staying as calm as possible, he grabbed a chart off a nurse’s station, so he could look like he was working.

He eventually found the room he was looking for. He stood outside the door pretending to examine his chart and straining to hear the conversation from inside the room. Due to the ambient noise in the area, and loud conversations that passed by, he could only make out snippets of conversation coming through under the half-inch space where the bottom of the door didn’t quite meet the floor. His eyes widened at what he was hearing:

...the Pharom, it’s a beacon...

...no way to know for sure...

...protect this legacy... secret.

...killed when the pulse of energy burst from the Pharom.

...metallic alloy in the Pharom.

...energy source... deflect, enhance, transfer or absorb energy...

...still use your help.

Just then two doctors, deep in conversation, walked by. They barely took notice of the orderly standing outside the door examining some papers. The man held his breath and kept his eyes lowered. He let them pass, and then looked around. He didn’t want to risk being caught, and the conversation inside their room seemed to be wrapping up. From what he overheard, their suspicions were correct. The stakes were high.

Tossing the chart, he quickly made for the nearest stairwell. Inside, as he made his way down the flights of stairs, he stopped on one of the landings and took out his cellphone. He dialed the private line for Mr. Vetteller. It rang once.

Go, said the voice on the end of the line.

It’s me, it’s true. What are we going to do?

Hack into the police database, the Egyptian archaeological databases, the government, I don’t care, Sebastian ordered. Find a record of where they took that device.

That was a big task. One which he doubted he could manage on his own. I don’t think...

Sebastian cut him off. Do it. But I still don’t want anyone else brought in at this point.

Are you sure? he asked. Finding a talented cyberhacker with a more current skillset would accomplish the task much more efficiently. How...

Sebastian cut him off again. He knew what Thomas wanted to ask. We can’t afford word of that device leaking out to anyone, especially someone else from the criminal underworld. Got it?

But...

Sebastian grew angry. I can’t be any more clear on this.

Thomas knew there was no arguing. I see.

Get started and keep an eye on those people. I want to know if any of their movements could lead us to that device. Understand?

Yes, I understand. I will.

Sebastian hung up.

Thomas was frustrated. He had many skills, but he still needed a team. Unfortunately, he wasn’t going to get one. At least not right now. There was no crossing Sebastian Vetteller. Thomas left. He had a lot to do.

CHAPTER 2

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Dreams

Present Day

Alex was standing in a chamber, bathed in a soft bluish light. Stone walls soared above her. They felt close, heavy, imposing. She was alone. Her heartbeat pounded furiously in her chest, it seemed to echo through the chamber. She looked for a way out, but there was none.

Suddenly, the light became brighter, now white. It blinded her to the rest of her surroundings. She felt the ancient ankh pendant around her neck vibrate and grow warmer. Just then she heard a whisper. She spun around. Everywhere was the white light. She could hear her heart thumping in her chest.

Who’s there? she called out.

No answer.

Hello? Tell me who you are. What’s happening?

She tried to feel her way around. The light she was bathed in felt like a fine mist, but it wasn’t wet. It felt something like a faint electrical energy washing over her. Her skin tingled. She felt energized. Alive. Powerful. She closed her eyes. At once, she saw the events of her life flash before her. Her childhood, her parents, her father’s death, her education, her friendship with Mitch, the excavations in Egypt with Mitch, finding the original chest; she saw Jack, Bob, Khadesh, and Khamir, their near death experience in the Sphinx chamber, the accident with the Pharom, then... nothing.

She seemed to awaken. She was lying down. The light was gone. It was dark. The room felt cool. She felt cold rock on her back. Her arms were crossed over her chest. She moved her arms, stretching them out. She felt rock surrounding her. She felt a sense of being buried alive. She was about to scream, when a blast of light shot down from above. It illuminated the area. She was in a large stone sarcophagus. She looked up into the light.