The Coming of the Terrans — Leigh Brackett

A dying planet, dried up and hostile; a planet of countless years and countless mysteries.

When the Terrans came, they found a world of dead sea-bottoms, lost civilizations, and secretive tribes bitterly resenting their intrusion on the fading glory of an ancient planet. The Earthmen looked down upon the crumbling ruins of a brilliant culture and laughed at the stories of invincible gods and forgotten magic lingering in the forbidden cities of Jekkara, Barrakesh, Valkis...they would not laugh for long!