In this novel, which follows Smith's previous novel Warlock, a terrible natural catastrophe strikes Egypt and the mighty Nile River begins to dry up. The Pharaoh sends Taita to discover what is happening at the source of the Nile's waters. In this novel, which follows Smith's previous novel Warlock, terrible natural catastrophe strikes Egypt and the mighty Nile River begins to dry up. The Pharaoh sends Taita to discover what is happening at the source of the Nile's waters.