Secrets Begin, a prequel story to The Secret of the Sands Trilogy Read online

  A prequel story to

  The Secret of the Sands

  Trilogy

  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.

  SECRETS BEGIN. Copyright © 2017 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: [email protected]

  Published by RFS Publications, March 2017

  Aren, R.,

  Secrets Begin: a short story/Rai Aren

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  SECRETS BEGIN...

  A prequel story to The Secret of the Sands Trilogy

  The Secret of the Sands Trilogy is an epic archaeology adventure that journeys through some of the most magnificent ancient places on earth. From the Great Sphinx to the Great Pyramid to Petra, the story weaves between the distant past and modern day, to uncover incredible secrets and fascinating mysteries about a long lost civilization. As seen through the surprising discoveries of two young archaeologists, it’s an adventure tale in the spirit of Indiana Jones & The Mummy.

  Now read about the events that triggered this awe-inspiring, but very dangerous journey speeding towards an unforgettable revelation. This is where the secrets begin...

  This 7500-word short story is a teaser introduction to The Secret of the Sands Trilogy:

  Find The Secret of the Sands Trilogy at your favorite retailer

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Other Works

  About the Author

  CHAPTER

  1

  Circa 10,000 B.C.

  “Secrets. There have always been secrets,” she whispered to herself. “Now, he is going to take one to his grave.”

  She paced her luxurious chambers within the Royal Palace. She was gripped by frustration.

  Zazmaria had just been kicked out of King Mesah’s chambers. Her desperation had been mounting, so she had been forced to confront their dying king one last time. She had begged him to tell her more about his secret project. The one that had consumed his days and nights. No one would speak of it outside the Royal Family. Even within the family, it was a strictly guarded topic.

  What had been revealed was that it would be a massive stone monument of exceptional proportions. In a land now called Egypt, but before known recorded history, it was to be a towering limestone representation of a lion. An achievement of a lifetime for whomever brought the project to fruition. The person who brought it to life would be revered throughout time. It would be symbolic of their closely held beliefs, and carry deep meaning for their people, who called themselves the Kierani. A name now lost to history.

  When Prince Traeus, the King’s eldest son, had walked in and found Zazmaria at his father’s beside, arguing with the dying man, he became incensed. He ordered her to leave immediately and then posted guards outside his father’s room, with strict instructions to keep her out from now on.

  Zazmaria was furious and humiliated.

  There was a knock on her door.

  “Who is it?” she snapped. She was not in the mood to be bothered.

  “It is me, Alaj.”

  She hesitated for a moment, but then opened the door.

  He pushed in past her. “What were you thinking?”

  Annoyed, she closed the door behind him. “Keep your voice down. I do not want anyone overhearing you. I have been embarrassed enough today.”

  He spun around. “You have been embarrassed?” He strode towards her, his tall frame now standing within inches of her. “How do you think I feel?”

  “What do you mean? You were not the one so rudely removed from your father’s...”

  Alaj cut her off. “Zazmaria, we are not yet married. You do not have the right to take such liberties. Particularly at a time like this!”

  She narrowed her wide-set eyes, the color of golden topaz. “Our wedding is not that far away. Are you saying you do not consider me family by now? Is your love for me that conditional?”

  He shook his head in exasperation, placing his hands on his hips. “Do not play games with me. I know what you are doing.”

  She tossed her long, thick, black hair over her shoulder. “And what is that?” she huffed.

  In spite of his anger with her, he could never deny, or ignore her, beauty. She was a stunning woman and he had fallen hard for her. “You manipulate situations to get what you want.”

  As subtle as it was, she noticed his response to her. Her full lips curved into a slight smile. “And what do you think I want right now?”

  He ran his fingers through his hair. He had few defenses where she was concerned.

  She pulled his hand into hers.

  He sighed.

  “I am waiting.” Zazmaria watched his face closely.

  He took her hand and led her over to a sofa.

  She took a seat beside him, curious as to what he would say next.

  He still held her hand. “You want to take your place as a Princess in the family. You want all of the privileges that come with that and...”

  She held a finger to his lips. “You do not understand me as well as you think, my soon-to-be husband.”

  He gave her a quizzical look.

  She gazed deeply into his eyes. “I want you to be a leader amongst our people. I want you and I to have our proper place within the family. To be equals with Traeus and his wife when it comes to influence over our people’s future.”

  Alaj did not reply.

  “Your father should think of me as a daughter already. A member of his family. We are nearly married. I do not want us to be less important in our station, our people’s future. Especially now.”

  He took a deep breath. “Why can you not just be patient?”

  “You have heard the healers,” she replied, placing her hand on his arm, “your father does not have much longer to live.”

  Alaj’s deep emerald eyes teared up. Her words stung him.

  “I am sorry, my love,” she said softly. “I do not mean to cause you any more pain over what is happening.” She touched his cheek. “I am only trying to ensure a stronger future for us, in light of what is unfortunately inevitable.”

  He frowned.

  Zazmaria was anxious to explain her reasoning, so that he would understand and support her in this. “I wanted to know more about the project your father has been work
ing on so single-mindedly. I wanted to know for us.” She touched his chest. “You and me. If your father dies without sharing more of this knowledge, then you will have to rely on Traeus to share it with you. It will only be the start. You will be dependent on him deciding to include you in matters that will be vital to how the people... our people... will see this family. And who is in control.”

  “You are worrying over nothing,” Alaj replied, shaking his head.

  “Am I?”

  “Traeus is not power-hungry.”

  “Not yet,” she said. “But that can change. You must speak up now. We should not wait for others to bestow that which we desire.”

  “You desire power?” he asked. “Is that what you are saying?”

  “I desire respect. And to not be kept in the dark or subservient to others.” She paused for a moment, assessing Alaj’s reactions. “And I desire my future husband to have a position of influence. You are a Royal Prince. You deserve nothing less.”

  “That is not going to change,” Alaj argued.

  “You are naive if you think that is true,” she said, trying very hard to mask the anger and frustration that was starting to bubble up within her.

  Alaj was about to respond to what he perceived as an insult, but there was frantic knocking at the door.

  “Your Highness,” a servant called out. “Are you in there?”

  Alaj looked to Zazmaria for a brief moment, then got up and hurried over to the door, opening it. “What is it?”

  The servant bowed. “Your Majesty. It is about your father. Head Priest Assan asked me to summon you at once.”

  “My father?”

  “His Grace believes the end has come. Please, come quickly.”

  CHAPTER

  2

  Circa 10,000 B.C.

  Head Priest Assan was waiting outside the King’s private chambers, along with two Royal Guards, when Prince Alaj, followed closely by Zazmaria, came rushing over. They were out of breath. The Royal Palace was an expansive, eighty-room stone building. The King’s chambers were a fair distance away from the guest chambers where Zazmaria was currently staying.

  “Your Majesty,” Assan said, bowing. The Head Priest was an imposing figure. He was tall and wore long white robes with a large ceremonial ankh pendant, set with a glittering topaz. His head was smoothly shaven and his dark, gold-flecked eyes were intense. He held a position of great influence and respect within Kierani society and served the Selarens, the Royal Family, faithfully.

  “Am I too late?” the Prince asked in a panic.

  Assan shook his head, his countenance serious. “No.” He looked to Zazmaria, then back at Alaj.

  Alaj read his expression. “She still cannot enter? Even now?”

  Zazmaria’s cheeks reddened with embarrassment and barely concealed fury.

  “She may not,” Assan stated in his deep voice. He looked to Zazmaria. “You cannot be here.”

  Though intimidated by him and the two Royal Guards standing nearby, Zazmaria was none-the-less about to try to defend herself when the Head Priest motioned to the Prince. “Your Majesty, you must come at once. There is not much time.”

  Alaj looked to Zazmaria, shaking his head. “Please. For me.”

  Realizing she had little choice, Zazmaria took a step back, gritting her teeth. “I will return to my chambers.”

  Alaj nodded. “I will come see you when I can.”

  Assan opened the door to let the Prince in.

  The Head Priest glanced back at her, then followed the Prince inside.

  She watched the two men enter the room. Inside, she caught a glimpse of the rest of the family gathered round. She hated being excluded like this.

  The door closed.

  She was all alone. Cut off from the family. She stormed off.

  Inside the King’s chambers, Alaj turned to Assan. “About Zazmaria...”

  The Head Priest held up his hand. “Your Highness, now it is time to focus on your father. Put other matters out of your mind.”

  Alaj nodded and hurried to his father’s beside.

  Assan stood back. He thought of Zazmaria, of her impending marriage into the Royal Family. He had misgivings about her, about her motivations. He would have to be vigilant. It was his duty to protect the family, to safeguard what was most precious to them.

  Traeus’ wife, Princess Axiana, touched Traeus’ arm. He, too, had just arrived at his father’s bedside, only moments before Alaj. She looked at Alaj then back to Traeus, whispering, “My husband, your father wanted to have a private moment alone with you.”

  Alaj overheard her. He was dismayed. In a hushed voice he replied, “I was summoned here as well.”

  “I am sorry,” Axiana said, uncomfortable being caught in the middle. “I am only relaying the King’s message.”

  They all looked at King Mesah. His eyes were closed, but his breathing was labored.

  “Brother,” Traeus said, “I will summon you as soon as I can.”

  Alaj swallowed his anger and pride and stepped away. “I am not leaving the room.”

  Traeus nodded. “Of course.”

  Axiana took a seat next to the youngest Royal brother, Prince Amoni. She placed a comforting arm around him. He sat staring at his father in silence, his shoulders slumped, heartbreak etched across his young face.

  Alaj did not join them. Instead he stood against a wall, opposite them. Watching and waiting, thinking and reflecting on many things.

  Traeus leaned over his father, touching his shoulder gently. “Father, it is Traeus. Are you awake?”

  King Mesah stirred, then opened his eyes. He coughed. His skin had noticeably paled and he had lost a great deal of weight in a relatively short amount of time. His heart was giving out on him.

  Traeus gave him some water from his bedside stand. It hurt to see his father struggle like this, so weakened and in so much pain. He looked like a shadow of his former self. He had always been such a strong and vital man. Very popular and highly respected amongst their people. Larger than life in many ways—to no one more than his eldest son, who had idolized him his whole life.

  “My son,” Mesah said in a raspy voice, struggling for each breath. “I do not think I have much time, so I want you to listen.” He lifted his wrinkled hand, shakily.

  Traeus sat down on the side of the large, four-poster bed and grasped his father’s hand, fighting back tears. He wanted to stay strong for him. “Of course, father.”

  Mesah looked at him through clouded, watery eyes. “You will need to be a strong leader for our people. They will be looking to you now. This is a great responsibility, my son.”

  Traeus swallowed hard. He was feeling far from ready for this conversation. “I will also have Alaj to help me...”

  His father coughed again. He took some more water. He shook his head, grimacing. “It is you who must lead our people. You must step forward and guide our people to their future. It is in your hands, and yours alone.”

  Traeus tried to deny what he was saying, “No, father...”

  King Mesah continued with a sense of urgency. “A father knows his sons. I know you. I also know what our people need.”

  Traeus felt so many emotions welling within him all at once. He desperately wished this was not happening, any of it.

  “Please listen, son. Alaj is not a natural leader. You must see that. I love him, I do. However, he has a side to him that is too easily influenced by others, instead of having a steady strength and focus that comes from within. That would be a fatal flaw in a leader.” He squeezed Traeus’ hand with what strength he had left. “I think you already know this.”

  Traeus looked down. His father was not wrong.

  “My son,” Mesah continued, wheezing, “it is vital that you trust your own instincts. Use your own counsel to guide you first and foremost, mind those around you and choose your advisors carefully. Assan can help you. He has always been loyal to our family. Through everything, I have trusted his judgement implicitly. I hope yo
u will as well.”

  “Father,” Traeus said, feeling a sense of panic welling up within him, “I do not feel ready for this. I do not want to let anyone down. I am afraid you overestimate my ability...”

  Mesah squeezed his son’s hand once again. “You are stronger than you realize. I have faith in you my son.” His eyes closed again and his hand went limp.

  “Father?” Traeus said, shaking his hand. He looked around for the healer. “Come quickly.”

  Alaj joined them at his father’s bedside. Amoni came over, too.

  The healer listened to the King’s chest, then held his head up and gave him a small amount of tonic.

  The King responded, opening his eyes again. His breathing slowed, and became more raspy and shallow. “My sons,” he said, looking at each of them, “I am so proud of all of you. Stay loyal to one another, above all else. For me...” His eyes flickered, then closed again.

  The healer did his best with his ministrations, but the King did not respond this time.

  The three Royal Princes stood side-by-side, each silently willing their father to open his eyes and look upon them once more.

  But he was gone.

  CHAPTER

  3

  Circa 10,000 B.C.

  “Lord Draxen!” a man called out.

  The elder Draxen turned around. “Jace,” he replied, “what is it?”

  He came running over. “I have news. News of the Royal Family.” He tried to catch his breath.

  “What news?”

  “King Mesah has died,” the young man said.

  Lord Draxen did not say anything for a moment, his expression unreadable. His mind was already racing with possibilities. “Find my grandson. Bring him to me at once. Tell him this news.”

  “Yes, my lord,” Jace said. With that, he turned and hurried away.

  The Draxens were one of the most powerful families in Kierani society, second only to the Royal Family. Lord Draxen kept tight control over all aspects of their dealings and was well known for his ruthless and unforgiving nature. Though he was feared by many, the Draxen family had their own supporters, Kierani citizens who were unsatisfied with how the Royal Family ruled the people.