Amun-Ra

Amun-Ra - Synopsis

The Aramayans are an ocean going people who have established trade links with settlements across the world. Once every five years all the great ships return for the Festival of the Gods. It is a time of celebration, a time to tell stories of their journeys and give thanks to the Gods. The great ship Tokura is just such a vessel and under command of its captain, Ra, the crew sets sail for its island home. But just as they are nearing their homeland disaster strikes as a volcano erupts and tears their civilization apart. After a desperate struggle to rescue as many as they can, the great ship departs in search of a new home. On a hunch, Ra turns into a wide tributary of a magnificent river and for several weeks they travel deep into the interior. From time to time the vessel finds a place to land and scouts are sent out to explore the surrounding countryside. Eventually they find an uninhabited valley, green and fertile surrounded by tree lined hills and a stream running through it. Ra decides it is time to stop their search and founds two settlements. One next to the river, which will become the main trading post for the settlers, and the second which will consist of the majority of the survivors. These are the farmers, builders and tradesmen, all men and women who can build a colony.

But the new land is not without its dangers as the survivors come face to face with crocodiles and scorpions, foes that prove deadly and strike without warning. But there are also other dangers that they face from warring tribes who live across the river and strike without warning, killing all in their path. As well as other enemies that the Aramayans must one day face and destroy.

These are not the only problems that beset Ra, as petty power struggles take place within the trading post. There is Lord Seth, garrison commander aboard the great ship who feels it is his rightful place to be named king. There is also Pol-Tek, a young man with grand ambitions to become Chief Priest and gain the ear of the ruling class. And Princess Nefertem, a young woman and last surviving member of the Royal House, plucked from danger by her loyal servant Koto. Acknowledged by Ra as the rightful Queen, and the only one with the right to rule, her future depends on how long Ra can survive in power, and providing he lets her live long enough to sit on a throne.

Ra has the added problem that a quarter of all their number consists of slaves. He chooses to free them all, but this causes anger and resentment among many. Not least of all with Ka-Desh, appointed leader of the inland settlement and suitor to the Princess Nefertem. His anger and resentment is destined to grow as he is first snubbed by the Princess and then insulted and ignored as she chooses to take Tanis, a former slave, as her consort. An insult he would never forget.

Against the background of the story is the sweeping beauty of the land. It's gracefulness and untamed magnificence. A land that Ra is destined to conquer as the Aramayans prosper and grow...A land he is determined to rule as the Amun-Ra...