The Serpent Slayers

Mutated rattlesnakes begin appearing in large numbers, exhibiting unusual and frightening behavior, not only killing, but feeding on their victims. Law enforcement officials throughout the Southwest fear panic if word gets out to the general populace.

An earthquake strikes Northern Arizona.

Mad Jake Roberts, a snake hunter, ships one of the mutated vipers to herpetologist Jeremy Myers in Phoenix. The crate is labeled "MANKILLER" and contains, in addition to the specimen, a human hand and forearm.

As midsummer approaches, medicine men from the twelve major Indian tribes prepare to reunite The Great Gathering on the Salt River Indian Reservation in Scottsdale, Arizona. Each of the shamans is troubled by visions, ghosts or totems – all of which warn of impending disaster. Rattle, the Havasupai medicine man, is approached by a huge, anthropomorphic, snake-like being, The Father of All Serpents, and told to warn men to avoid killing the vipers.

In Springerville, Arizona, the discovery of catacombs under Casa Malpais becomes big archaeological news. The scientists announce they expect to find new surprises underground.

Once again, the shamans of the twelve tribes find themselves confronted by ancient beings, working with white men and their science, local and state police, government troops and the FBI.

Under the ruins of Casa Malpais lies a creatures of legend and power not seen on earth for 25,000 years. Only cooperation between Native Americans, Euro-Americans and the gods can end the terrifying threat it poses.