Set during Alexander the Great's conquest of Egypt, this prequel delves into the events leading up to THE ARK AND THE EMPIRE, answering questions previously left unanswered and exploring how the Shards first ended up in Alexandria. Crossing the desert after visiting the Siwa Oasis, the Greek king encounters the army of the king and queen of Nubia, which soon sets Alexander and his friend and lover Hephastion on an adventure to recover the fabled Ark of the Covenant.