citizen of the ancient Empire of Kush,
present day Sudan (Nile Valley, East
 Africa), but has adopted countless
nations as his home during his extensive
lifetime. He maintains access to an
unlimited number of international
passports and identifications, affording
of Kush (Note: Jaycen has taken on
innumerable aliases [covers] over the
ages dependent upon region, time period
and culture; but throughout the Ancient
World, particularly in Kushite lands, he
was regarded as Te Lion of Kush, the
singular title for the royal protector of the
Kushite Empire. He is referred to as Te
Dark Star in the demonic circles of the
Infernal Kingdom.)
 Most likely Meroe, Empire of Kush,
 present day Sudan (Nile Valley, East
 Africa) circa 4000-5000 B.C.E (Before
the Common Era)] 
hideaways [or bolt-holes] throughout the
world. Tese bolt-holes are often set up
in strategic locales, or are old favorites of
 Jaycen’s that he has maintained through
the ages. Tey are usually small and
unassuming in nature, but are equipped
with everything he might possibly need
to strategize, research, meditate, or rest
his weary bones.)
perfection.
and total enlightenment. He is the
quintessentialRenaissance Man. As
scientific genius, and an artist with
unlimited creative capabilities.
He can lift (press) a maximum of 400
lbs. with supreme effort.
killed by any means.
He possesses the gift of unlimited
potential, and has within him
the ability to achieve any goal, to
accomplish any feat (physical or
mental) if he believes he can do it.
In truth there is nothing magical
about this. It requires ceaseless
study and spiritual development.
ancestral communion, the ability
interact with kindred spiritual
energies (ancestors).
 
a world of gods, and heroes;
 where the lin es be tween
fantasy and reality become
blurred; where folklore melds
of action, adventure and
inspiration unlike any other.
boundaries of the imagination
to its maximum potential.
The world of Jaycen Wise.
The images, ideas and
information that you will
 produc t of o ver a decade of
research, meditation, and
(East Africa) in 2004, where I
experienced real-life magic and
to come.
that most ancient and hallowed
 place , the s eed o f an e pic to ok
root in my mind.... my mission,
to cultivate and harvest it.
I hope you enjoy! It has truly
been a labor of love.
ORACLE OF MEMNON UPPER EGYPT (2004)
 
get wise.
 Jaycen Wise is an immortal warrior/ scholar hailing from Te Golden Ages of antiquity
(a period that is so remote that it has been relegated to the realms of mythology.) He
is the Last Son of the African Empire of Kush, which dominated the Ancient World,
and spread knowledge, wisdom and peace across the globe.
He is charged with the lofty responsibility of battling the forces of ignorance and
darkness, to ensure the eternal preservation of knowledge, truth and light.
He believes he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to.
He is an avid student and teacher, and seeks to always better himself physically, mentally
and spiritually. He has had the luxury of sitting at the feet of innumerable masters of
countless arts down through the ages. He has had an immortal’s lifetime to perfect his skills
and improve upon these teachings, and is driven by an insatiable hunger for knowledge,
adventure and self-mastery.
 
 Jaycen has faced virtually every situation and scenario imaginable, and has emegred victorious each and every time (with  few  exceptions.) Tose rare situations in which he has tasted defeat have only served to teach painful lessons and highlight mistakes that are never repeated.
WARR IOR
man, yet he is also a creator  of the highest
magnitude. It is the neverending battle to
balance these opposing forces that is one of
his greatest challenges.
destructive force that rules; in others it is
the force of creation; still at other times, he
achieves an equilibrium.
the jinn beginning in the Golden Ages of
 Antiquity and carrying on down through the
ages. He is the most hated demonslayer in
the annals of jinn lore. He is despised above
all others and his name is a curse amongst
the jinn. Instead, he is referred to as Te Dark
Star , in homage to the legendary black blade
Dark Star  that he calls upon to do battle with
the forces of darkness.
incomparable  measure. He is the product of
the original  martial systems that originated
on the African continent in the first ages of
history. Tese arts centered around the total
development of mind, body and soul.
  He is a dreamer, a visionary and a
scholar; an unrivaled soldier, warrior and
adventurer; a Renaissance Man, if you will.
 A hero’s hero who typifies the t ype of person
that the Ancient Kushite (and Africans in
 general ) aspired to be; the perfect blend of
mind, body, heart, and soul.
  Although much of his past is
shrouded in mystery, it is believed that
 Jaycen was elevated to the l evel of demi-
 god  and granted the “ gift ” of immortality
in tribute to his outstanding academic
achievements in the university system
of Ancient Kush, and his leadership and
heroism on the battlefield in the Imperial
 Army of Kush (Elite Medjai Guard).
  He is guided, down through the ages,
by the irresistible force of destiny, and the
subtle push of the Ancestors.
He is a child of fate resigned to the
fact that he is an instrument of powers much
higher than himself.
can rain destruction and chaos like no other
 
 Jaycen represents
actualized human being
consciousness (where the
demi-god.
percentage daily.
to accomplish any feat
believes  he can do it. In
truth there is nothing
magical about this. It
requires ceaseless study and
spiritual world and interact
acquire the knowledge and
 wisdom of the ancients.
human being, he possesses
own memories, but the
can only be described as an
inner-net , a vast internal
 web consisting of the
that he so chooses.
different time and space.
firsthand the experiences
of the ancestors.
human efficiency. He has
these disciplines with
acrobatic hand-to-hand
of intensive exercise,
the ancient Medjai Order,
supersoldiers, revered
most dangerous human
 
APEDEMAK L O R D O F T H E G O L D E N S E A  
DOSSIER: APEDEMAK (FILE 0.409-C)
sometimes spelled  Apadamak 
Occupation:  Eternal guardian of the  African continent;
personal deity of the King of Kush; protector of the Royal Family; Kushite god of  War
Identity: Secret [Note: In the Ancient World, Apedemak was hailed as a deity and worshipped widely as the Kushit e god of War.
In the modern world,  Apedemak is considered to be a mythical being. Tere are regions throughout the world that still maintain his worship. Apedemak’s
identity is common knowledge amongst the masses of the Infernal Kingdom (the realm of demons.)] 
 Aliases: Lord of the Golden Sea, He of Great Power, Heq, et al (Note: Apedemak has worn innumerable names
and titles throughout his existence, dependent upon time period, region, and culture.)
Place of Birth: 
Unknown [Note: Most likely Te Golden Sea, the massive savannah that comprises much of present day Kenya, anzania, and Uganda
(Te Great Rift Valley, East Africa)] 
Known Relatives: None
Base of Operations:  Mobile (Note:
 Apedemak maintains the entire continent of  Africa a s his personal realm, and rarely travels outside of its borders.)
Height:  5’ ( feet to
Eyes:  Golden
 
companion and
indistinguishable
 Apedemak is Jaycen’s
that Jaycen looks
represented in ancient
lore and pictographs
often holding a leashed
elephant or lion (both
likelihood, a true
 
 fear no evil     S    h   u   n    2    0    0    7
 -    P    h    i   l   i  p   p    i  n   e   s
S ince the dawn of time, demons have walked the earth in the guise
of man, weaving webs of deception and discord, and paving the way for  Armageddon (Te Final Battle ) in the End of Days.
Tese demons (or jinn, to use the ancient term) are spirits created by God out of fire (man being created from clay ).
Tey hold themselves to be older and superior to all mankind  and cling to the fact that they  were the first inhabitants of the earth and as such are entitled to all  of its pleasures and riches.
Tey most often take the guise of physically beautiful people, and are extremely  vain.
Tey naturally gravitate toward positions of power and influence in the human world, as they are slaves to luxury,  vice and exce ss.
Many crave the spotlight and high visibility lifestyles, endeavoring to become rulers, politicians, entertainers, athletes, religious figures, etc.
 While others se ek alliance s  with humans tha t better ser ve their evil purposes.
Tey have historically aligned themselves with the most heinous groups and individuals in the history of mankind. Tese relationships provide them with direct access to the things they love most;  wealth, per version, death, and the abuse of power.
If you look at history’s most infamous men and women; the perpetrators of the worlds greatest acts of genocide, destruction and tyranny, you  will find a jinn comforta bly in the shadows whispering in their ear and pulling their strings.
It is their eternal charge to tempt man to stray from the light within himself, and they revel in creating mischief and mayhem through murder, extortion, terrorism, war mongering, and other forms of  villainy.
Tey are a long-lived race, and it is not uncommon for them to live for centuries, if not longer. Many achieve Since the dawn of time, demons have  walked the earth in the guise of man, weaving webs of deception and discord, and paving the  way for Armageddon (Te Final Battle ) in the End of Days.
Tese demons (or jinn, to
use the ancient term) are spirits created by God out of fire (man being created from clay ).
Tey hold themselves to be older and superior to all mankind  and cling to the fact that they  were the first inhabitants of the earth and as such are entitled to all  of its pleasures and riches.
Tey most often take the guise of physically beautiful people, and are extremely  vain.
Tey naturally gravitate toward positions of power and influence in the human world, as they are slaves to luxury,  vice and exce ss.
Many crave the spotlight and high visibility lifestyles, endeavoring to become rulers, politicians, entertainers, athletes, religious figures, etc.  While others see k alliances
 with humans tha t better ser ve their evil purposes.
Tey have historically aligned themselves with the most heinous groups and individuals in the history of mankind. Tese relationships provide them with direct access to the things they love most; wealth, perversion, death, and the abuse of power.
INFERNAL KINGDOM
CHARLIE FAB  MSHINDO  URAEUS  VOLUME ONE
 
B A C K S T A G E P A S S
JAYCEN WISE  &  T H E E Y E O F T H E S T O R M
 
most satisfying  experiences I have had in the eight
years I have been working on Jaycen Wise. Not
only did it allow me the opportunity to collaborate
 with two of the baddest   artists in the industry
(Charlie Fab and Mshindo), but it was an on-the-
fly lesson in innovation, and pushing the limits of
technology to meet the needs of the creative team
and creative goal.
by highly productive teleconferences and long
distance brainstorm sessions from his studio
in North Carolina, to my studio in Baltimore,
MD. Te tale brings Jaycen Wise and his nemesis
Fatimah, the world’s top thief (given the title of
 Alpha  by the international thieves guild, Te Sons
of Hermes ) into confrontation at the New York
Metropolitan Museum, at the unveiling of the
legendary Eye of the Storm Diamond  (the largest
cut diamond in the world.)
  Te story unfolds in much the same way as
a storyboard sequence for an animated short or
feature film. We work in this manner because film
is always   the ultimate goal. Tis particular page
gives the perfect opportunity to see the progression
from Charlie’s thumbnail sketch; to his pencils; to
his inks; to Mshindo laying down some flat color.
Tis entire process was absolutely amazing . It was
an honor  and a pleasure to work side by side with
these brothas as they worked their magic. We had
a tremendous  amount of fun.
  Both Jaycen and Fatimah are there to steal the
Eye of the Storm, but for very  different reasons.
Fatimah has been sent by Te Sons of Hermes , as
she is their number one operative; while Jaycen
 wants to “liberate” the diamond and return it to
the people of the Congo (E. Africa) where it was
discovered. Tis theme is recurrent in Jaycen’s
adventures; returning artifacts and treasures to
their rightful homes.
 
Real Name:  Fatimah
thief by the international
thieves guild known as
Te Sons of Hermes.
successfully stealing the
difficult object to steal
in the world. Fatimah
 Alpha since the late 15 th
century.] 
who specialize in stealing
thieves and tricksters.)] 
Base of Operations: 
 
Intelligence Level: Fatimah is extremely intelligent, though not on the genius level.
She is cunning (almost at a superhuman level) and has devised some of the most intricate plots of any foe that  Jaycen has faced .
Strength Level:  Although she is presumably well over 500 years in age,
Fatimah possesses the strength of an average woman who engages in intense physical exercise.
 Abili ties:  Fatimah is an Olympic level gymnast with a mastery of acrobatics, tumbling, balance and contortion.
Powers: Fatimah possesses the ability to create, and to a certain extent manipulate small rips in the fabric of space/time (wormholes.) Whether this is truly a power, or is achieved through the use of magic is unclear.  With intense
concentration, Fatimah can create small  wormholes, then enter the wormhole as a means of escape, or to travel short distances. [ie: she can create a  wormhole on one s ide of an impenetrable wall or impassable barrier, climb in the hole and emerge from another  wormhole on the other side.] his affords her the ability to enter any area she so desires and to escape undetected.
In addition, she is extremely long-
lived (though not completely immune to aging), and immune to conventional disease.
First Appearance:  Jaycen Wise & he Eye of the Storm
Background: Unrevealed
 
 ARCHYTAS  M A S T E R O F M E C H A N I C S
DOSSIER: ARCHYTAS (FILE 7.001-V)
Real Name:  Archytas (pronounced ar -ka-tis)
Occupation:  Scientist; Mathematician; Engineer; Philosopher; Teoretician; President of PROEUS CORP (Te Proteus Corporation)
Identity: Unknown to the General Public
Legal Status: Originally a citizen of arentum, Magna Graecia (present day Italy); Naturalized citizen of Greece
 Aliases:  Archytas of arentum; Dr. Archytas
Place of Birth:  Magna Graecia (present day Italy) [circa 350 B.C.E.]
Marital Status: Single
Known Relatives: None
Group Affiliation:  Academy of Pythagoras ( Mathematikoi  – School of Science and Mathematics); PROEUS CORP (Te Proteus Corporation)
Base of Operations:  Mobile [Note: PROEUS CORP (Te Proteus Corporation) is headquartered on an island
compound off the coast of Greece, but has various sub-headquarters located in all parts of the world.] 
Height:  5’ 9”
 Weight:  185 lbs.
 
Intelligence Level:  Archytas has an unlimited capacity for the comprehension and utilization of mathematics and mechanics. He is credited as being the father of mathematical mechanics, and is one of the most important contributors to  Western science and academics. o say that he is a genius would be a vast understatement, as he is on a level of competency and achievement that is unprecedented in the annals of European history (both classical and modern.)
Strength Level:  Although he i s wel l over two thousand years in age, Archytas possesses the strength of an elderly man (late sixties), who engages
in moderate regular exercise.
Powers:  Although  Archyt as posses ses no powers in the truest sense of the word, he is extremely long- lived (though not completely immune to aging), and immune to conventional disease.
Background:  “Archytas is believed to be the founder of mathematical mechanics. As only described in the  writings of Aulus Gellius five centuries after him, he was reputed to have designed and built the first artificial, self-propelled flying device, a bird-shaped model, that he named he Pigeon, propelled by a jet of what was probably steam, said to
 
to become. He is a true hero
fraught with conlict and
paradox. His battles are
that have plagued mankind
for centuries. However, he
humanity and hopefully can
hero within themselves.”
he mystical blade Dark Star has
achieved legendary status in Te Realm of Shadows   for its epic history of slaying jinn (demons ).
It is hated and feared above all other weapons by the minions of Te Infernal Kingdom.
It was forged in Te First Ages  in the great fires beneath Mount  Atlas (North A frica) over a period of thirty days, then cooled in the blood of slain jinn (demons ) for another thirty days.   It is the color of the
thrusting/ hurling properties of the spear; and the hacking/chopping properties of the axe.
Its balance and strength are directly dependent on he (or she ) who wields it.   In the hands of Jaycen  Wise, it is as l ight and sharp as metaphysically possible, and unbreakable  by physical means.   It is immeasurably   powerful, and creates a perfect circuit with the one  who wield s it, enhan cing focus, clarity, resolve and perception (soul energy magnification). his circuit also establishes a bond between weapon and wielder that allows access to the energies of all who have  wiel ded it be fore.   Dark Star is by no means a conventional weapon that  Jaycen woul d ca rry into an average battle. In fact, he does not carry it at all, as it can only be summoned in time of great need. he summoning process requires the utmost concentration and exerts an incredible amount of spiritual energy, sometimes leaving Jaycen somewhat depleted by the time it materializes in his  wait ing hands .   Although it is unclear at  what poin t in time Dark Star happened into Jaycen’s hands, it is clear that he has time and time again called upon the mystical blade  when situa tions seem most desperate.
deepest obsidian; a black so deep that it appears to glow.   It is composed of a perfect alchemical blend of three unique substances renown for their superlative qualities.
Diorite — strength, durability 
Diamond  — strength, longevity 
Onyx  — enhancement properties
  It is virtually weightless, and always  cool to the touch.   It possesses the slashing properties of the sword; the
 
 utility belt:  ORGANIC POLYMER CONSTRUCTED; .4” THICKNESS; HOUSES UP TO TWENTY INDIVIDUAL CARTRIDGES; INCLUDING CRYSTALS; SANDS; HERBS; 20’ SPIDER SILK ROPE; TOOL KIT (CERAMIC); LIGHT SOURCE; ACETYLENE TORCH; SURGICAL TOOLS; LOCK PICKS; MAGNETS (PLASTIC);  EXPLOSIVE CHARGES;  water purifying tablets; BUCKLE: SOLID GOLD  ENCRUSTED RUBY
 work boots: FIRE RETARDANT LEATHER; ORGANIC POLYMER LINING; VENTILATION SYSTEM; provides  exceptional stability and mobility on varying surfaces  and inclines; TOE CAP PROTECTION, DIAMOND CARBON TOE; LACES (24” SPIDER SILK WOVEN STRING)
 com-link (nanosat): MICRO RECEIVER/ TRANSMITTER; SHORT TO LONG RANGE COMMUNICATION; signal  encryption; direct link to DEDICATED nanosat (nano- satellite) enabling access to an unlimited number of  international databases, networks; map making capabilities; land survey; tracking; surveillance;  intervention
 shirt: MICROFIBER FABRIC; FIRE RETARDANT; MOISTURE TRANSPORT; MAXIMUM MOBILITY; NANOWIRES WOVEN INTO FABRIC CREATE PIEZOELECTRIC FIELD THROUGH  BODY MOVEMENTS REGULATING BODY HEAT AND INTERNAL TEMPERATURE
 gloves:  AROMATIC NYLON FIBER (WOVEN); KNUCKLE REINFORCEMENT;  ELEMENT RESISTANT (heat/cold); PADDED PALMS; MOISTURE RESISTANT
 
 pants: MICROFIBER FABRIC; FIRE RETARDANT; MOISTURE TRANSPORT; MAXIMUM MOBILITY; NANOWIRES WOVEN INTO FABRIC CREATE PIEZOELECTRIC FIELD THROUGH  BODY MOVEMENTS REGULATING BODY HEAT AND INTERNAL TEMPERATURE
 CONTEMPO CASUAL  (COVERT OPS)
NOTES: GEAR (FILE 0.055-E)
 LIGHT COMBAT  (special OPS)
 TACTICAL DOUBLE  SHOULDER HOLSTER: QUICK RELEASE  allows for a smooth single-motion draw; features a dual spring closure for  uniform tension and stability; SUPERIOR protection against  weapon takeaways; microfiber spider harness
 PRECISION gloves:  AROMATIC NYLON FIBER (WOVEN);  EXTRA-SENSORY TECH; KNUCKLE REINFORCEMENT;  ELEMENT RESISTANT (heat/cold); PADDED PALMS; MOISTURE RESISTANT
 HIGH IMPACT  KNEE PADS: half-inch, SUPER high-density foam covered in MICROFIBER FABRIC, PROVIDES SUPERIOR SHOCK ABSORBTION  AND COMPLETE WRAP-  AROUND PROTECTION;
 COMBAT boots:  ULTRA LIGHT FIBER; FIRE RETARDANT;  ORGANIC POLYMER LINING; VENTILATION SYSTEM; provides  exceptional stability and mobility on varying surfaces  and inclines; TOE CAP PROTECTION, DIAMOND CARBON TOE
 utility belt:  ORGANIC POLYMER CONSTRUCTED; .4” THICKNESS; HOUSES UP TO TWENTY INDIVIDUAL CARTRIDGES; INCLUDING CRYSTALS; SANDS; HERBS; 20’ SPIDER SILK ROPE; TOOL KIT (CERAMIC); LIGHT SOURCE; ACETYLENE TORCH; SURGICAL TOOLS; LOCK PICKS; MAGNETS (PLASTIC);  EXPLOSIVE CHARGES;  water purifying tablets
 
postcards. Art Outreach

 
JAYCEN WISE ON  THE ROAD TO INFINITY.  Copyright © 2011 Richard G. Tyler I I . Al l Rights reserved. Al l characters featured in this issue and the dist inct ive names and l ikenesses thereof, and al l related indicia are trademarks ™ of Richard G. Tyler I I . No similarity between any of the names, characters, persons, and/or institutions in this magazine with those of any l iv ing or dead person or institut ion is intended, and any such similarity whic h may exist is purely coincidental. Fol low Jaycen Wise on Tw i t t e r   @JaycenWise or vis it Jaycen Wise on the world wide web at www.jaycenwise.deviantart.com .
 JAYCEN WISE • FIELD GUIDE 4.0 CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT - RED RIVER GANG
BEAR
FOXX
RAVEN
COON
BULLETPROOF
QUICKDRAW
PSYCHOPATH
EXPLOSIVES
 
  Jaycen Wise leaned over in his first class seat to gaze at the Atlanta
skyline. Te October skies were a sea of blue crystal, the summer haze long
gone. Te flight attendant offered to refresh his half-emptied wine glass,
but he refused with a polite smile. He drank his wine the old way, diluting
it with water the way it was meant to be enjoyed. It was considered barbaric
to drink wine undiluted in the ancient world. He chuckled to himself.
  He had always enjoyed modern aircraft; from his first leisurely trip on
a zeppelin, to his multiple stints as a combat pilot during both World Wars,
to his current cover, as international traveler, and collector of antiquities.
He kicked back in his recliner and took one last mouthful of merlot
before the captain announced the final approach to Hartsfield/Jackson
International Airport. No sooner had the wheels touched the tarmac had he
turned on his smartphone. A message waited; he opened it, and smiled.
-- What are you doing in Atlanta? You were expected in Rome this
afternoon.
by Milton Davis & URAEUS 
A N D T H E N E C K L A C E O F A S A N A M E K
PART ONE
-- No time for sentiment.
Tey still didn’t understand. He mused. He worked with them,
not for them.
I’ll be on a plane tomorrow. Tis won’t take very long. 
 Jaycen turned off his smartphone and exhaled deeply. He gathered
his attaché case from the overhead compartment, then pulled a small
black credit card from his inside jacket pocket. He exited the plane
quickly, making a bee line for the automated car rental kiosks.
He located the appropriate station, waved the black card in front
of the sensor and selected vehicle. Te keys dropped neatly into his
palm, and in a matter of minutes he was behind the wheel of a jet
black BMW 335i Coupe. He was ready for business. Te navigation
unit displayed the quickest route to Emory University and he set off
 without delay.
Te infamous traffic of metropolitan Atlanta greeted him
unceremoniously as he merged onto Interstate 85. He took a deep
breath and settled in for the long drive ahead. He opened his attaché
case, and pulled out the brochure for the exhibit. Te Lost Kingdoms of
the Nile , it read. Te collection was initially on loan from the Boston
Museum of Fine Arts for the summer, but because of its popularity, and
a timely grant from university donors, the exhibit had been extended
to the end of the year.
 Jaycen had initially planned to retrieve the artifact when the
collection returned to Boston, but the Emory University location was
strategically too good to pass up. Security systems would undoubtedly
be lax, and university security would stand guard, as opposed to the
 
 world renown Boston Museum.
In Jaycen’s opinion, there wasn’t much to the exhibit as far as
artifacts of great historical importance, but there was one item in
particular that he had to obtain. As antiquities went it was valuable,
but not exceedingly so. o him, however, there was no more important
item in the world.

  An hour later, Jaycen found himself pulling into a commuter
parking lot on the campus of Emory University. He parked the BMW at
the far end of the lot and hopped out with a demeanor that betrayed no
sign of apprehension nor doubt. He was completely in his element.
  Te campus was in full bloom and full of activity. He drank it
all in as he walked about. Tere was always something about places of
higher learning that invigorated and energized his being. He pondered
 whether he had spent more hours in the halls of learning, or on the
fields of battle in his lifetime. He wasn’t quite sure.
Following the campus map provided in the brochure, Jaycen
navigated a path through the throng of students moving quickly to and
fro, directly to the Michael C. Carlos Museum located at the southern
end of the campus complex. He entered the museum casually, first
holding the large wooden door open for a class of school children on
a field trip, who smiled gleefully as they passed.
 A cursory look about the place confirmed that the museum
 was indeed the typical university setup; a simple security system, and
security guards present, but sparse. Most definitely unprepared for his
unique skill set.
He peeked into a gift shop just inside the entrance, amused by the
 vast collection of books on Kemet and Kush (or Egypt and Nubia, as
they were now commonly known). Dozens of books, and none of them
told the story as he knew it. His amusement turned to irritation. At
least the cashier seemed to be enjoying his job; his pudgy face erupted
in a wide smile as Jaycen approached the turnstiles.
  “Good afternoon, sir!” he sang. “Are you here for the Lost
Kingdoms exhibit?”
“Tat will be a seven dollar donation, sir.”
 Jaycen paid the man quickly in cash and received his ticket.

  In no time at all, Jaycen had scaled the three flights of steps to
the top floor of the museum, his anticipation mounting at the prospect
of seeing the necklace again. It had been far too long.
 A non-descript security guard, armed only with a night stick
punched his ticket, and he entered the exhibit. Te hall was fashioned
to resemble the ancient Kushite temples discovered by George Reisner
and his team of Harvard scholars at Kerma (Sudan) in 1913. It was
an admirable attempt, he thought to himself; but paled woefully in
comparison to the royal halls, as he remembered them.
  It was always good to see pieces of his past, but the fact that these
pieces were stolen from his homeland caused an uneasiness in the back
 
all of these artifacts and return them home to the cultures that created
them, but this was no perfect world.

  He bypassed most of the cases and displays, casting furtive glances
about, and searching for the necklace. He found it at the far end of
the exhibit, in a glass enclosure, surrounded by a family. Te father,
a handsome coffee-colored gentleman with flecks of gray in his hair,
read from a placard to his twin teenage daughters and lovely wife.
“Tey say this necklace was found in one of the old Nubian
pyramids in the Sudan,” the father said in a smooth Southern drawl.
“I wonder who it belonged to?” said the wife.
“Her name was Asanamek, and she was as beautiful as the night
sky over the Nile,” Jaycen cut in, startling them.
“Her father was a high priest of the goddess Hathor, and she was
destined to follow in his footsteps as a priestess of the order; but she
rebelled against the edict of her father, and fell deeply in love with a
young soldier who refused to hide his love for her.
He gave her that necklace over five-thousand years ago as a token
of his love, knowing that fate and circumstance would never allow
them to be together. She wore it from that day forward until the day
she died.”
“I’ve never heard that story before,” a female voice shot from
behind. Jaycen turned his head slightly and caught sight of a magnificent
ebony-hued beauty approaching the case. She was dressed conservatively
in a blue pantsuit that displayed her remarkable form, and her hair
 was pulled back into a thick pony tail, leaving her almond eyes, small
nose and full lips on display. She smiled skeptically at Jaycen as she
extended her hand, one eyebrow raised. He was momentarily taken
aback by the sheer beauty of the woman, but recovered seamlessly.
  “I’m Candace Pearlman, assistant curator and exhibits coordinator
here at the Carlos Museum. And you are?”
 Jaycen took her hand and squeezed it gently. “Wise, Jaycen
 Wise.”
Candace’s eyes brightened noticeably. “Te Jaycen Wise?”
“Te only one I know,” he laughed uncomfortably.
  She looked at the family. “Ten the story you heard is undoubtedly
true. Professor Wise is one of the foremost experts on the ancient
kingdoms of the Nile Valley; particularly Kush.”
 Jaycen looked at the twins with a smile. “I just read more books
than she did,” he whispered.
“I’m flattered you took the time to visit our exhibit,” Candace
said.
“We’re not the Louvre, or the Smithsonian, but we do our
best.”
  “I wish I knew you were coming,” she added, “we could have
made an event out of it.”
“Exactly what I wished to avoid,” Jaycen confessed. “However,
I would enjoy a tour; if you have the time.”
“But of course, Professor Wise.”
“Just Jaycen.”
Candace gave him a devilish grin. “Okay, Jaycen. Follow me.”
 Jaycen watched her walk away. “Tat won’t be hard,” he
thought.
 

exits, cameras, motion detectors, vents, and security checkpoints.
Tis would be an easy job. He estimated that he could be in and out
in less than five minutes. Tis building was a security nightmare. He
became suspicious for a moment but quickly dismissed it. It was a
university. Tey just didn’t know any better.
“Have you had lunch, Jaycen?” Candace asked.
“As a matter of fact, I haven’t.”
“Te restaurants close by aren’t great, unless you’re into fast
food; you don’t strike me as the cheeseburger type,” she laughed.
  “No,” he smiled. “No I’m not.”
“Come on,” she gestured. “I know a wonderful vegetarian
restaurant nearby. We’ll have to stop by my apartment first. It’s on
the way, and I’m dying to change.”
 Jaycen smiled. Centuries of experience had taught him to
regulate his emotions and steer clear of frivolous romantic interludes
 when on the job, but he decided to let go on this occasion and play
along.
“Change? You look fine to me.”
It was Candace’s turn to smile. “I know I do. I just like to
be a bit more casual outside the museum. It’s not far. It won’t take
long.”

  It was close to two-thirty in the afternoon when they finally
emerged from her apartment.
“I can’t believe I did this,” Candace said. “You must think
horribly of me.”
“I thought you were wonderful,” Jaycen laughed playfully.
Candace leaned her head on his shoulder. “I’m a sucker for
big brains.”
She pulled him towards her convertible. “Come on, let’s go
eat. I’m starving.”
 As they were about to pull off, Jaycen’s smartphone rang. He
looked at the screen and frowned. “Just a minute please.”
He flipped open his phone and began a heated argument
 with his clients. When he hung up, he immediately realized his
gaffe. Candace was staring at him in utter awe, mouth agape in
amazement.
disbelief.
  Jaycen cursed himself mentally. He was so used to no one
understanding the ancient tongue that he had little reason to
fear anyone recognizing it for what it was. He had obviously
underestimated Candace’s impeccable credentials.
“Of course not,” he lied. “Te Meroitic dialect has been extinct
since the 5th century. Plus there are only a handful of linguists who
can even read it.... and no one knows how to speak it.”
“But I could have sworn that I heard…”
  Before the final words could escape her lips, he grabbed her
by the back of her neck and kissed her with a passion that set her
insides aflame.
  Candace grabbed his hand firmly, visibly aroused. “Come on,
let’s eat. Te Garvey Burgers at Soul Vegetarian are to die for.”
Tey pulled off in her nifty grey Saab coupe, and were on the
freeway in a matter of minutes. Jaycen tried his best to steer his mind
away from the phone call, but his ears still burned with his clients
concerns. Tey were right. It was time for him to get back to work;

  Te hot summer day descended into a warm humid night on
the campus of Emory University. Cicadas buzzed unseen, and fireflies
blinked under the broad canopies of the white oaks bordering the
campus green. Jaycen parked his car in a secluded section of the
 vast condominium complex across the street from the campus, and
prepared for the night’s work. He had ruled out wearing his normal
stealth gear, opting for a pair of black khakis, sneakers and long
sleeve black t-shirt.
He made it to the rear of the building, disabling the security
system in a matter of seconds. Te rear maintenance door was easy;
 Jaycen found himself before the exhibit, dealing with the extra
security door provided for the artifacts. With the power dead the
door was easy to open. He moved through the rooms like a leopard
to the case holding the necklace. o his surprise, it was empty.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
 
C H A R L I E FA B • M S H I N D O R O O S E V E L T P I T T • U R A E U S
CRITICAL
   P   R    E   V
 
TRUTH BECOMES LIEs, AND LIEs BECOME TRUTH.
 AS DARKNESS CASCADES, SO DOES
THE SELECTIVE  EXPUNGING OF OUR
MEMORIES.
ILLUSIONS OF WHAT THE DAY HAS CREATED.
REALITY HAS NO PLACE...
 OUR FALSE SENSE OF COMFORT.
THEN THERE  ARE MOMENTS
 
C H A R L I E F A B R O O S E V E L T P I T T U R A E U S
CRITICAL CALM V.1
PURGE
A l l c h a r a c t e r s f e a t u r e d i n t h i s i s s u e a n d t h e d i s t i n c t i v e n a m e s a n d l i k e n e s s e s t h e r e o f , a n d a l l r e l a t e d i n d i c i a a r e t r a d e m a r k s ™ of Richard G. Tyler I I . Purge is the copyrighted property of Roosevelt Pitt Jr.
TO BE CONTINUED.
 
  Jaycen Wise looked down into the splendid oasis stretched out before
him from his perch high atop the dune. Te windswept sands stung his
face despite the woolen shemagh wrapped loosely around his nose and
mouth. Below him, on the other side, the caravan struggled desperately up
the mound, fleeing the sandstorm bearing down on them like a relentless
hawk.
   Zezura , he thought to himself as he gazed out over the wide spanse
of verdant landscape that lay hidden like an emerald in the belly of the
unforgiving desert.
  He had wished to avoid this place, but the impending storm had
forced his hand. oo many memories lingered beyond the ancient date
palms and acacia trees; memories he had expended far too much energy
to suppress. But that was long ago, centuries past, many lifetimes away.
  He turned to the caravan and cupped his hands to his mouth, battling
the ominous winds.
by Milton Davis & URAEUS 
A N D T H E G H O S T S O F Z E Z U R A
PART ONE
  Te line of pack camels struggled mightily up the precipitous
dune. Many riders were forced to dismount and literally push their
animals up the imposing slope.
  Jaycen cast his gaze toward the eastern skyline where the storm
 was gathering strength and blotting out the midday sun. By his best
calculation, they had less than an hour before the full fury of the desert
 was on top of them. Enough time to secure shelter, but not enough
time for missteps of any kind.
  His Bedouin companions, mostly merchants and traders carrying
goods intended for market in lands due north, shouted praises to him
as they made their way to the top of the great sand hill and witnessed
the bountiful respite waiting below.
  A plump man in tattered garments and an equally tattered turban
crested the dune on a worn camel, spent from bearing the enormous
 weight of its rider. He pulled his shemagh aside to reveal a heavily
bearded, copper tone face and boyish grin.
  “Your reputation does you much justice my friend,” he laughed
heartily. “You truly are master of the desert!”
  Jaycen nodded, only half hearing the man, his attention still
focused on the eastern skies.
  “No time Farouk,” he said curtly. “We can laugh around a good
fire once the storm has passed and all are safe.”
  “Of course master,” the fat one responded, visibly embarrassed
at his momentary lapse in decorum. “Hut hut!”
  He dug his heels sharply in his camel’s side prompting the weary
animal to begin the descent and lead the others toward the safe haven
below.
 
concubines, each of them stealing a furtive glance at the magnificent,
dark-skinned specimen the men referred to as  Aquil , or wise one .
Heretofore they had little opportunity to catch a glimpse of the rugged
outlander. Tey now made the most of this opportunity. Jaycen felt
their eyes appraising him but paid little mind. Tere would be time
for that later, if all went well.
  One woman in particular made no secret of her interest. She
stared at Jaycen with an intensity that demanded his attention. Teir
eyes locked for an instant that seemed like an eternity. She made
absolutely no attempt to avert his gaze, as was custom amongst the
nomadic peoples in this part of the world. Quite the opposite, she
smiled seductively at him, daring him to look away.
She was breathtaking in appearance, a vision of unblemished
beauty, with skin the color of the desert sands and full lips that begged
to be kissed; but most striking were her eyes; they were golden.
  With some effort, Jaycen pulled his attention from the mesmerizing
maiden, looking away quickly and refocusing his faculties on the
challenges ahead. Tey were almost out of harm’s way, but not quite
yet. Still there was something about those eyes.

  Once everyone had arrived safely at the top of the dune, he
mounted his camel and followed the caravan as they hurried to the
oasis below. He found the party gathered just inside a cluster of acacias,
 waiting anxiously for his instruction.
Tere were others in the party with ample leadership skills and
a mastery of long-distance desert travel; and even some who had
contemplated usurping the outlander’s position of power in the caravan
during the periods throughout the journey when he had bolted off
alone to scout the oncoming terrain; but none dared to challenge
the outlander’s authority, for not only was he the finest warrior and
swordsman amongst them, but he had engendered the deepest respect
and trust in all who travelled with him, and had fostered a collective
sense of confidence and security despite the many obstacles they had
faced along the way. He had earned quite a reputation as a trek leader
amongst the peoples of the eastern kingdoms for making the most
dangerous journeys seem easy. His parties always arrived safely at
their destinations, and always ahead of schedule. He had an uncanny
knack for intuitively locating shortcuts, and selecting routes that
bypassed sinkholes and other environmental hazards. It was as if he
had committed the entire lay of the great desert to heart; as if he had
made the trek a thousand times before.

  Tey made way for him and he led them into Zezura. He picked
up the path, at the intersection of two massive palms, precisely where
he remembered it to be. Te tracking was sufficient, but on either
side, dense brush bottled them in. Te trail was approximately four
and a half meters wide, providing barely enough room for the riders
to navigate their camels without incident. Tey followed this route
for several minutes, until they heard what sounded unbelievably like
flowing waters.
 As they continued on, the path gradually widened to a more
 
spectacular clearing several acres in area that must have been intended
for the gods. Te underground springs which fed Zezura emerged on
the surface in the form of a magnificent oval lake, rimmed by palms,
multicolored flowers, and dense papyrus. Soft, lush grass covered the
floor like an emerald blanket, and brilliantly-colored birds of various
species flittered about. Palm branches reached out in every direction,
providing an imposing perimeter, as well as invaluable shade from the
all-powerful sun. It was almost too much to take in for the bedazzled
travelers. A collective cheer erupted from the group as they grasped
the sheer majesty of what lay impossibly in front of them; heaven on
Earth; safety; survival. Tey praised their gods in song and danced
 jubilantly.
  “We must not celebrate just yet,” Jaycen shouted, his face reflecting
the dire nature of the situation at hand. “Te storm is still on its way.
Te trees will lessen its impact, but by how much we cannot be sure.
 We must set up camp. Quickly!” 
  Te gravity of his words sparked immediate action. Riders
scrambled about, unpacking bundles, setting up tents, securing camels,
and anchoring valuables. Jaycen wandered about the camp, lending
a hand where he could, before selecting an adequate campsite and
pitching his own camel hide tent. He entered quickly and secured the
flap with thongs. Within minutes, the storm arrived.

  An ominous sound began to take shape and steadily grow.
It sounded at first like a guttural moan; then built to a powerful
crescendo as the storm gathered momentum. Te ground shuddered,
and heavy winds pummeled the campsite. Camels bleated in abject
terror. Children screamed in utter panic. Many items that had not
been properly tethered were carried off toward the horizon.
  Jaycen closed his eyes and exhaled deeply. Tey would be safe.
Zezura had always protected those who rested inside of her. Tis time
 would be no different.
  He attempted to clear his mind, but the images haunting the
edges of his memory refused to be denied. His meditation slipped into
a trance, and he remembered…..

  Te capital city of Meroe swirled in the panic of imminent
danger. Te jinn armies of Infernal Kingdom had at long last broken
through the Kushite strongholds at Naga, Kilamanjaro, and Gao that
had kept the forces of darkness subdued deep within the hollows of
the earth for untold millennia. Tey burst forth from the earth like
a plague, laying waste to all that stood before them, and marching in
full force directly to the capital with legions of warriors, squadrons of
beast riders, and enough dark sorcery to lay ruin to the heart of the
Kushite Empire forever.
  From time immemorial, Kush had been the supreme power in
the world; its empire spanning the globe, and consisting of a massive
portion of the African continent (radiating from the Upper Nile Valley);
 with colonies scattered throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas.
  For the past 1000 years the Kushite high priests of ehuti had
 
the absolute death of knowledge, truth and peace.
Prophecy told of a time of blood and tears, when almighty Kush
 would wither and its colonies throughout the world would fall away
from the empire like leaves on the wind, weakening it exponentially
from the outside in.
  Te demonic hordes of the Infernal Kingdom had been held at
bay by mystical defense networks set up in earlier ages by the architects
of Kush, the Old Race (the first men) at key locations throughout the
 world. But as Kush continued to flourish and grow, and expand its
colonies throughout the world, the minions of the Infernal Kingdom
 waited, and bided their time. Tey held fast to their underground cities
and citadels and sent their agents and spies to live amongst the humans
and sow seeds of discord and division, all the while keeping their eyes
peeled for signs of the shift in balance.
  Every so often, the jinn would launch campaigns against the
Kushite legions designed to measure the will and resolve of man. Tese
campaigns were repeatedly repulsed by the Medjai Elite Guard and
their deadly bows.
Te Medjai were the ancient corps of imperial commandos that
defended Kushite territories across the globe; the first line of defense,
and the last, when the empire or any of its colonies were under serious
threat. But even the Medjai were unprepared for the sheer numbers
and raw power of the armies of darkness. Te question was not if they
 would be able to reach the capital city of Meroe, but when.
  Te time of blood and tears had at long last arrived, and the call
 went forth to all corners of the empire for citizens to rise up and defend
Kush in its time of greatest need.
Despite the fact that it was prophecy that the balance ultimately
be tilted toward the darkness, there was still the hope that the empire
might weather the impending storm and rebuild.
  Jaycen rode furiously up the highway followed by a regiment
of Medjai guardsmen on horseback. His chest ached in regret; he
should have stayed with his army. He had fought valiantly; heroically;
brilliantly ; but the dark warriors and warbeasts pitted against them
attacked like the rising tide; as soon as one wave of troops was cut
down, another rose up immediately to take its place and rush forward
 with greater force, dashing themselves against the Kushite defenses.
His skills, honed over centuries, made him virtually invincible  
on the field of combat; but his fellow Kushites were not so blessed.
Tey fought with the ferocity of Apedemak, the Kushite god of war,
but ultimately fell like reeds cut by sabers.
  Realizing their efforts were in vain, his commanders pleaded
 with him to abandon his post as field general and return with haste to
Meroe to organize the defense of the temples and sacred places. His
answer took the form of a swordhand that flashed in blinding arcs with
even greater urgency, cleaving through bone, shield and hide with an
intensity that seemed inhuman.
In the end, it was only the dramatic appearance of the mystical
eagle Akh, messenger of the gods , in the midday sky that prompted
 Jaycen to sheath his crimson blade; rally his best men, and head off
due south on the long road to Meroe. If their horses ran true and their
path remained clear, they could reach the capital by daybreak.
  Tose who remained battled on with renewed energy. “Go, oh
Lion of Kush,” they called. “Go and protect the king; for as long as he
lives, so does our beloved Kush.”
(TO BE CONTINUED)
 
 
During this unforgettable   journey I have had the indescribable  privilege of working  with an international all-star squad of digital artists, traditional artists, concept artists, animators and designers from 11 different nations, on four different continents. Without their collective efforts, none of this  would be possible. Much respect and eternal thanks to those who contributed their energies to help bring my dream to life.
—  URAEUS