Destiny of the Sands (Secret of the Sands) Read online
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]
FIRST EDITION - Published by RFS Publications, December 2012
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
Cover design by Gary Val Tenuta, GVTgrafix: www.bookcoversandvideos.webs.com
Editing by Dragonfly Editing: dragonflyediting.blogspot.ca
eBook formatting and design by Greg Banks @ BDDesign LLC: www.bddesignonline.com
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements
PROLOGUE I
PROLOGUE II
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
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-archeotype 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
Additional Works:
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Secret of the Sands Bonus Material – for our fans, available by signing up to our newsletter, email: [email protected]
DESTINY OF THE SANDS
Some secrets cannot remain hidden…and some cannot be forgiven…
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A JOURNEY BEGUN…
Must now be completed. A reckoning is upon those whose fates are inextricably linked to the mysterious sands of Ancient Egypt.
THE SECRET ONCE BURIED...
Is now hunted by those powerful and corruptible enough to chart a new, terrifying, and ultimately deadly course in human history…
SORROW AND FEAR...
Cannot stand in the way of those who will defend the ways of peace and defy those who are determined to take everything from them…
AN ANCIENT PROPHECY...
Will finally reveal itself, and the startling truths which it holds. The guardians must now trust in those, who by destiny, were chosen to tell the sacred truth…or destroy all traces of it forever…
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To our families who stand by us through it all, and who bring love and inspiration to every rising and setting of the sun…
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For Jason, 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
s
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 Jason 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…
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…
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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 ev
erything – 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…