XVI

Alexander had never seen such a grand reception. It seemed to the young prince that the whole of Egypt had turned out to greet the ambassadorial party. Alexander looked on in awe as a writhing sea of Egyptians cheered and shouted their praise at the arrival of the Atlanteans. Behind the throngs of Egyptians, the three now-complete pyramids that housed the massive energy creating machines that powered the Egyptian kingdom rose into the sky like the great volcanic mountain of Atlantis.

 

The prince’s senses were overwhelmed as he took everything in. He looked up to his father, King Pyrrhus, for reassurance. The King returned a look to his son that said, “All is well”, and reached out to Alexander with a massive and powerful hand. Now holding his father’s hand the prince realized for the first time how much he had yet to grow to match his father. Alexander was a boy, and his father, Kind Pyrrhus, was a man. Larger than life.

 

“How will I ever grow to into a man like him”, Alexander wondered silently to himself.

 

The Atlantean party was now making their way from the ship down a long ramp to the ground below. A wide straight path cut through the crowd toward a large building Alexander knew to be the palace where the Atlanteans would be staying during their visit. The massive white marble stairs that led to the entrance of the palace beckoned the prince to keep moving.

 

As they neared the base of the stairs Alexander noticed that the walls and columns of the palace had been decorated blue-green and gold, the colors of Atlantis. The sight of the familiar colors brought wave of calm over the prince that was soon replaced by a longing for home. Alexander again began thumbing the monstrous tooth that hung on a cord around his neck, as he now often did when he was nervous or sad. His thoughts drifted back across the sea to Atlantis, where his two closest friends Deimos and Aella remained. How he longed to play soldiers with Deimos, or go swimming with Aella, though this time he would make sure they were safe.

 

“I’ll be home soon enough, and there will be plenty of time to swim and play then.”, he thought as he came out of his reverie. At the same time he involuntarily looked up at Hekima and wondered if he would ever be allowed to live unsupervised again.

 

Hekima must have felt Alexander’s gaze because he suddenly looked back at the young prince. Hekima’s piercing eyes shocked Alexander. He knew it was impolite to stare, but he was now frozen in embarrassment and could not look away.

 

Then Hekima did something that almost made Alexander gasp. He smiled. In all the years Alexander had known the hulking African he had never seen him so much as crack a grin. “Well, I’ll be”, thought the prince, “he is human after all”. Alexander smiled to himself.

 

The prince then turned to look behind him and noticed Charon lagging near the back of the group. He looked uneasy to Alexander.

 

“Odd, Charon is always with father. They are always discussing the details of father’s speeches and preparing for the summits. What is he doing back there?”

 

Alexander’s thoughts on Charon as his father came to an abrupt stop. They were a few steps from the top of the stairs and King Pyrrhus stooped low to speak to his son, their eyes now parallel.

 

“Stay here with Hekima. It’s time for me to address the people.”

 

Alexander looked back at his father with wide eyes as he again began involuntarily thumbing the tooth around his neck.

 

“Everything will be fine son. I am not going to be far, and Hekima will be here to keep you safe.”

 

He then looked over his son’s shoulder at the crowd behind him.

 

“You think these Egyptians are excite now? Wait until your father tells them they are to be free.”

 

With a wink and a smile the King was off to take his place at the top of the stairs to face the Egyptian crowd.

 

“People of Egypt. Our two kingdoms have long been allies, and we have always strived to share our knowledge with your people, much the way an older sibling would. Our cause has always been to guide, not to rule.

 

We now stand at a cornerstone in the history of our two great nations. These recent terrorist attacks have brought great sadness to both Egypt and Atlantis, but I promise that all those who perished will not have done so in vain.

 

The time for change is upon us. I had not yet planned on making the announcement, but the actions of a few misguided extremists have forced my hand early.

 

Henceforth, it will not simply be enough for remain as the elder sibling to Egypt. From this point forward…”

 

 

The next few moments are all a blur. The first arrow struck the king from behind, piercing his lung. He didn’t cry out so much as he did gasp, the air being forced from his body from the impact. Another hit seconds later. Time was standing still now for Alexander as he watched his father fall to his knees.

 

At that instant several men in black cloaks sprang from their positions in the crowd and easily subdued the shocked Atlantean guards. The prince, Hekima and the rest of the Atlantean party were trapped.

 

Alexander’s eyes moved now to focus on the doorway to the palace behind the fallen king as a tall, tan man in a black cloak walked forward from the darkness. A large scar cut sharply across the man’s face. As the man walked forward he discarded the bow that he had used to take down the King of Atlantis. He then drew his sword.

 

The King, now on his knees, managed to turn and face his assailant, blood forming on the edges of his mouth. He looked up at the scarred Egyptian with fear now in his eyes. Kafele stared back with a cold, emotionless gaze. He drew his sword back and in a voice barely above a whisper the man breathed the words “for Egypt” as he ran his sword through the king’s heart.

 

King Pyrrhus, the great and noble king of Atlantis died there at that moment.

 

The King’s murderer stepped forward, knelt down and used the king’s tunic to wipe the blood from his sword. Satisfied, he stood to face the awestruck crowd. He began to speak.

 

“People of Egypt. I stand before you now not as a murderer, but as a savior. For too long the tyrants of Atlantis have kept our people down when we should have been prospering. They acted not as the benevolent teachers they would have us believe, but as masters that made us weak by forcing our dependence on their so-called advanced civilization. They are no better than opium lords that infect our people with their filth, and take prosperous citizens and force their descent into the dregs of society.

 

Had I not acted, and the “noble” King Pyrrhus had finished his speech, you all would have heard to Atlantis’ plans to further push Egypt under the weight of its heel by announcing the annexation of our great kingdom as the next extension of their empire.

 

I know this to be true by admission of King Pyrrhus’ most trusted advisor himself. The very man standing there now before you.”

 

All eyes turn now to Charon. Alexander’s heart sank to his stomach.

 

“You see he does not deny it. Egyptians, I have stared death in the face, witnessed the endless knowledge of what lies beyond this life and returned you now, not simply as a man, but something much more. I have spoken with gods and relay their message to you now.

 

Let us purge our land of these oppressors and a establish a new world. A world where the people of Egypt live in peace and walk hand in hand with Gods for the rest of eternity. Let us be free.”

 

Turning now to Alexander and the captured Atlanteans, Kafele gave his command.

 

“Kill them. Kill them all.”

 

Alexander had never known fear like this in his life. His father lay slain on the ground before him, his lifeless eyes staring up at his son, and now Alexander was about to be reunited with him. As the men in dark cloaks closed in around him Alexander closed his eyes and began to cry. He waited for the killing strike that would take him to meet his father in the afterlife.

 

But it never came.

 

Alexander opened his eyes to see Hekima running towards him shouting, his words inaudible over the roar of the now furious Egyptian mob. Alexander stood frozen as he saw the bodies of the black-cloaked men strewn all about the stairs.

 

Hekima had killed them. This was a man surviving now on pure instinct. This was not the smiling gentle servant of Atlantis. This was Hekima, the African born warrior, slayer of monsters and protector of Alexander, Prince of Atlantis. He was now more of a beast than a man, and he would not fail in his task.

 

Without missing a step, Hekima grabbed the prince by the waist with one massive arm and sprinted towards the only place of refuge he could think of: The Royal Palace.

 

XV

Alexander breathes in the salty sea air as he feels the spray from the blue-green water on his face. He watches the birds flying low behind the ship struggling to keep up with its brisk pace. A pod of dolphins follow and play in the white foam of the ship’s wake. Alexander watches the dolphins, envious of their carefree play.

 

The metallic bronze ship glistens in the sun. Though the headwind is brisk the massive Atlantean vessel powers through as it hovers a foot or so above the waves. The ship cuts across the sea like a knife as an unseen force leaves a v-shaped wake behind it. Alexander can only look back in amazement wondering how men can build such things.

 

His day dreaming is interrupted by a strong hand on his shoulder and an even stronger voice.

 

“Son. Are you alright?”

 

The boy looks up to his father.

 

“I am alright father”, the boy replies, forcing a smile. “I just realized that this is the farthest I’ve been from Atlantis.

 

In fact it was all Alexander could think about. He was without his best friend Deimos. Although Charon accompanied the King on the trip to Egypt, the Senator opted not to bring Deimos along. Alexander wished he were here. It would help take his mind of Aella.

 

The prince felt uneasy about how he left her with their last encounter. He still could not help but feel responsible for her near death encounter. He had so many things he wanted to say to her, but never could. He twisted the tooth she gave him between his thumb and forefinger, feeling its ever-sharp tip.

 

“I sense that is not the only thing troubling you my son.”

 

Alexander was never able to keep anything from his father. Somehow he always knew when something was amiss.

 

“I was thinking about Aella.”

 

“Ah, your lucky young friend. We still have yet to discuss that son.

 

“I know. We should have never gone off by ourselves. I just wanted a little adventure. You are always going off to distant places and being brave…I just wanted to be like you.”

 

“Your time will come sooner than you think my son. For now enjoy being young and carefree.”

 

“But I want to help now. I want to see the world and be a hero like you are!”

 

“You remind me much of myself at your age. I was ready to rush into any challenge that presented itself. Do not try to grow up too fast my son…”

 

The King’s eyes become glassy as his mind travels to some distant memory. In a moment he returns.

 

“Be patient my son. There will be enough troubles for you to worry about when you are king.”

 

Both father and son are silent. His father’s words penetrate to Alexander’s core. Though he always knew that he would be king one day, he had never really considered all of the implications and responsibilities that come with the throne. His thoughts however, are quickly interrupted as his father changes the subject.

 

“Now as for the incident with the girl; Hekima tells me that you stood your ground. Fought the beast when the safe thing to do was run.”

 

“I could not let it take her away! We…I did everything I could—“

 

The king raises a hand and interrupts his son.

 

“You acted exactly as I would have expected you to.”

 

The prince is stunned in silence. What did his father mean? He could have been killed.

 

“What you did was truly noble. You were willing to give your life to save the girl.”

 

“I do not understand. You are not mad?”

 

“I could not be more proud. Heroism, true heroism, is not sought out by those looking for glory. Heroism is earned through selfless sacrifice. Doing what you must to save others, even if that means putting yourself in harm’s way. I know that you do not completely understand, but upon seeing your actions, I know that the next time you are a situation like that you will make the right choice.”

 

“So am I not in trouble?”

 

The King laughs, ”Let us just say that I do not want to hear of you running off and disobeying me again. Are we clear?”

 

“Yes Father.”

 

The endless expanse of blue-green ocean was soon traded for the lush green of the river delta. Though the Atlantean ship would travel just as well over land, the course turned south and stayed with the river. Gone were Alexander’s dolphins. Instead he glanced at the river bank and shuttered at the sight of massive crocodiles sunning themselves.

 

The prince begins nervously playing with the tooth necklace and looks down at it quizzically. The King reaches down and holds the tooth in the palm of his hand.

 

“Is this from the monster? Where did you get it?

 

“Aella…she gave me this before I left. She said Hekima gave it to her and told her she was lucky to be alive. I do not know why she gave to me. Maybe she does not want it because it reminds her of it. Girls are so strange; I do not understand them in the slightest.”

 

The boy’s father chuckles at his son’s latest revelation.

 

“That my son, is something that does not become any more clear the older you get. But let us not fret about such mysteries at the moment. We have arrived in Egypt.”

 

XIV

The poison would have overtaken his body first. It would have begun in the extremities. The fingers and toes tingle at in the early minutes before eventually losing all feeling. The longer it coursed through his veins the more terrified he must have become. He would think that he had made a mistake. Why had he trusted the strange Atlantean?

As the poison reached the first chamber of his heart he would have been doubled over in pain. His breathing now rapid and irregular, he would begin to tear at his own flesh in an attempt to remove the searing heat from his chest. At long last it would reach his brain. No one but he could know what he saw in his mind during those last few minutes, but it is said that the poison appears to mercifully render its victims into a state of euphoria just before they slip into nothingness.

The guards would have undoubtedly found him during their early morning rounds. A death in the prison would not be out of the ordinary. Prisoners died naturally or took their own lives frequently. For the guards it would be one less nuisance. They would check to make sure his heart was not beating and declare him dead.

He would be taken to the river as all the deceased were. A mat of thatched reeds would be his vessel toward the afterlife. The current would take him to whatever means of natural disposal his physical form would meet. Lions and hyenas would pick up the scent of recent death and not be far. His most plausible fate would be at the jaws of the massive crocodiles that lined the banks of the great river. In the stillness of the desert night the river would silently ferry him to the next world.

Then he would awaken.

For the first time in nearly a day fresh air would fill his lungs as the shock of his heart beating would jolt him upright. His muscles would have been stiff and cramped from so many hours of stillness. His eyes would open though he would at first be blinded by darkness. His vision would gradually adjust and he would realize that he was no longer confined to a cell. He was free, and everyone thought he was dead. The first part of the Atlantean’s plan had worked. It would be up to him to see the rest of it through.

XIII

A bald man sits on the floor in the corner of a stone prison cell. His head in his knees, he looks up to see an approaching guard. A scar runs across his face.

The guard hits the bars of the cell with his sword creating a metallic clang echoing off the stone walls.

“Wake up you! There is someone here to see you.”

The bald man looks up as two men in togas are before him. One of them is the man who witnessed the assault at the pyramid, Eros. The other is Charon.

Kafele and Charon’s eyes meet in silence at first until Charon finally speaks.

“Guard, you may leave us.” Motioning to the other man, “You as well. He is no threat to me.”

Both men start to protest, but with a sharp look of authority from Charon they both obey. Once Charon is alone with Kafele he begins to speak.

“So you tried to take on Atlantis, did you? Our help to your people is not to your liking?”

“Help? You mean tyranny. Egypt has all the potential in the world but the people are afraid to make a decision without the approval or consent of the mighty Atlantis. People cower as if they are before gods.”

“But you are not afraid?”

“Afraid? I fear naught from anyone, Atlantean or otherwise.”

“I see. So you do not fear death?”

“I would die for Egypt if it meant freedom.”

Charon contemplates the man for a time before starting up again.

“I believe that you would. Which brings me to the reason for my visit.”

Kafele stares in confusion. He has no idea what to make of the man. Before he can ask, Charon continues.

“What if I told you that not everyone in Atlantis shares the opinion of our noble king in regards to Atlantis. That there were those of us who believe that Egypt could, and should, govern themselves, free from the hand of Atlantis.

“What are you saying?”

“For years now there has been a group of Atlantean Senators, myself included, that want to help establish an Egyptian government and allow your people to live independently. But the King refuses to stray from the ancient outdated dogma and will never allow such a thing.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“As long as King Pyrrhus remains on the throne, there is nothing I can do to help you. But if something were to happen to the King—“

“You are asking me to kill your own king?”

“You would be the liberator of Egypt. Think of all the great King’s of the past. History is made by those willing to defy authority and take what they believe to be theirs. Which is of course what you want…”

“And what is that?”

“Why what all men dream about, of course. Power.”

“Why are you telling me all of this? Why should I trust you?”

“As a son of Atlantis, I cannot stand idly by and watch the king defy laws to satisfy some ancient code. You would be doing both the people of Egypt, and Atlantis, a great service.”

“Even if I believed you, I am in prison and tried for murder. Am I supposed to just walk out of here?”

“If you give me your word and trust, I can show you a way.”

Kafele is reluctant but agrees.

“You have my word.”

Charon smiles.

“Good. Here is your way out.”

Charon hands Kafele with a vial of bluish-green liquid, before he turns to leave.

XII

The boys run down a hallway towards a closed door. They pause to catch their breath before slowly opening the door and peaking inside. A warm salty breeze is blowing from the open windows, gently swaying the white drapes enclosing the four-post bed. A young girl lies sleeping in the center.

Alexander and Deimos inch closer to the bed.

“She doesn’t look alive, does she?” Deimos asks.

Alexander says nothing but thinks to himself the same thing. She had come so close to being killed by the monster. If it weren’t for Aella’s gentle rhythmic breathing, she could pass for being dead.

Still pressing Alexander, Deimos asks “Do you think she is awake?”

“I don not know. I wonder if she can hear us?” Alexander says in a whisper, almost to himself.

Before he can think of what to do or say next, Deimos abruptly calls out, “Aella!”

Alexander is startled but Aella does not move. The prince moves closer and lightly touches her hand.

“I’m sorry” he tells her.

She suddenly grabs his arm and he jumps back pulling away.

Both boys look up to see Aella sitting comfortably with a mischievous grin.

“You two scare so easily!”

Alexander is furious but at the same time relieved. He barks, “I was not scared! I just…was not expecting that.”

“Maybe he was scared but I wasn’t”, boasts Deimos.

“You jumped farther than he did.”

“I did not.”

Having already had enough of the bickering, Alexander changes the subject.

“So are you ok? I didn’t know what was going to happen. When…that thing pulled—“

Aella’s eyes go dark.

“Stop. I don’t want to think about it.”

Alexander is wrought with a look of pain. He blames himself and thinks silently, “If we hadn’t run off she would not have followed us there. She would have never been attacked.”

“I…I am sorry. I am just glad that you are alright.”

“It’s fine” she says changing the subject abruptly, “That was some place though. That waterfall was so beautiful.”

Deimos finally chimes in.

“Yeah it would have been great if it weren’t for the—“

He holds his tongue before mentioning the monster again.

“Alexander, we should get going. Your father said to come back soon.”

“You are right. We…we should go.”

Alexander gives Aella one last look. His eyes searching for something in hers to let him know that she is alright.

As he turns to leave she calls out softly,

“Alexander.”

He stops and turns back to her. Her eyes much more serious now as though she is holding back a deluge of tears.

“Thank you.”

He stands silently, unsure of what to say.
“The last thing I saw before going under was you reaching out for me. I thought I was gone for good. I know you did everything you could. I want you to know that I do not blame you.

“I…I did not mean—“

“Please. We do not need to speak of this anymore. Before you go I want you to have this.”

She reaches out a closed hand. Alexander cautiously puts a hand out to meet hers.

He looks down into his open palm. I glistening white tooth, sharp as a knife stares back at him. It is attached to a simple leather cord long enough to fit around his neck.

“Hekima gave this to me when he was sure I was going to live. He said I was lucky to be alive. If he had arrived a second later I may not have been so fortunate. I have you to thank for that. You did everything you could to help me. So I want you keep this, as a way of saying thank you.”

Alexander stares at the gift. He wants to cry but is too embarrassed to let Aella see him do so.

“Perhaps it will bring you luck”, she says.

A knot deep in his throat prevents Alexander from saying anything. “Why can’t I think of something to say?” he asks himself.

Feeling foolish and ashamed, Alexander turns and exits. He glances over his shoulder one last time to look at his young friend, unaware that he will not see her again for years to come.

XI

Prince Alexander sits alone in his room, waiting for the impending return of this father, King Pyrrhus. The young prince has been confined to his room in the palace since the incident with Aella and the beast. The prince’s meals are brought directly to his room; the only contact with the outside world is the view from his balcony. Even that has seemed dull to him since the attack of the monster. No news has come to him, and he is eager to hear the fate of the girl. It seems like he is doomed to spend eternity waiting for his punishment. He would much rather his father be there now and get it over with.

His thoughts are broken by the sound of his door opening. The prince instinctively jumps to his feet. He looks up to see his father walking into the room, a grim look on his face. The prince looks down trying to avoid eye contact. His father just glares at him. The prince can feel his father’s glare burning through him. He finally speaks.

“Hekima has told me of what happened.”

“I never meant– we were just—“

“Enough. What you did was foolish. This is exactly why I had Hekima look after you; you cannot be trusted to be on your own. A young girl nearly lost her life because of your foolishness.”

Alexander’s heart skips a beat.

“She’s alive! Can I go see her?”

“Not now, but soon. Now we discuss your punishment. I believe Deimos is sharing a similar fate about now.”

As he speaks Charon and Deimos enter; Deimos hanging his head.

King Pyrrhus proclaims, “Ah here is the other young daredevil now.”

“Sire.”, replies Charon.

“Charon, we were just discussing what was to become of the young prince. What of your son?”

Glaring down at his son Charon replies, “He will be punished accordingly your highness. That I assure you.”

“I agree the boys do need to learn a lesson…For now I suggest they go and see to Aella whilst you and I speak.”

Alexander and Deimos immediately perk up; the prince exclaiming, “Thank you father!”

“Come straight back…you are not out of trouble yet.”

The boys run off hurriedly, eager to see Aella. King Pyrrhus now confers with Charon. His demeanor, though calm, is gravely serious.

“What am I do to with him Charon? He is ready to charge into anything and he never obeys the rules. He refuses to think before he acts.”

“A common trait among boys his age.”

“Yes I suppose you are right…but what am I to do while I am in Egypt? The transition must begin soon, and I cannot leave him alone.”

“Sire?”

“I heard of the attack at the pyramid. The people are beginning to grow restless as I’ve feared. We are going to push forward the formation of the Egyptian government sooner than planned. The people need to know where we stand.”

Charon is now caught off guard. “But so soon? Should we not wait to have a more formal—“

“The actions of these terrorists are meaning enough to me. While we will not stand for terrorism, the time has come for the people to make their own decisions. The criminals will be punished and the new regime will be formed. Egypt shall be on its own.”

“I see. Of course I will be prepared. In regards to your son, why not take him with you? The terrorist leader has been caught so there is little danger there. This way your son will be under your own guidance.”

“I cannot watch my son during the assemblies. My attention will be too divided.”

“Hekima will be accompanying you will he not? Surely he will not let your son out of his sight again. Besides it will be good to have him there I think. He may learn quite a bit.”

“Maybe you are right…maybe you are right. I will think more on the matter.”

The King walks off pondering his current dilemma. As he does a robed man passes him. “Sire” he says. The man continues on until he reaches Charon.

“Charon”, turning away from the King and whispering, “So the Prince lived?”

“Yes…Hekima is more vigilant than I thought. He will not allow himself to fail the king. The beast should have eaten our young Prince Alexander alive.”

“But the girl….that would have been too much. And your own son? What if the monster had gotten him instead?”

“I would have mourned him….but if it helped our cause then so be it.”

The robed man is taken back by this. “Well what are we to do now? The King has pushed up the formation of the Egyptian government. We don’t have time to—“

“The king…has unknowingly presented us with a better option. What do we know of the man responsible for the attack at the pyramid?”

“I know that Eros was there at time. He should know more. Why do you ask?”

“Because I think I will meet him.”

X

The boys are now alone and out of breath.

“I can’t believe that worked!” says Deimos.

“He’s not going to be happy about it, so we better keep moving. Where is this place?”

“You know the river that ends up in the eastern sea? My father said that if we follow that river upstream towards the mountain that we can find the waterfall. The river isn’t far from here. There is supposed to be a deer path that runs along it that we can follow most of the way inland.”

“Let’s go!”

The boys start off to find the river with no sign of Hekima. They find the deer path and make their way inland. Walking for what feels like hours; the Prince here’s the sound of branches snapping.

“What was that?!”

“Probably a bird or something let’s keep going.”

The boys continue but Alexander is now on alert. He senses that they are not alone. Bordering on exhaustion the pair finally makes it to a clearing where they behold a magnificent sight.

A column of white water, taller most buildings in Atlantis save for the palace, crashes with tremendous force into a wide lagoon below. The pummeling force of the waterfall is a stark contrast to the pristine lagoon. The boys stand at the edge furthest from the waterfall and let the ripples of the water wash over their feet.

The prince exclaims, “We have to get to the top!”

“I’ll race you!”

The boys push each other as they compete to get to the top of the waterfall first. On the right side the incline is easiest grade to traverse. Using small trees, vines, and the branches of larger trees the boys propel themselves upward. They both reach the top; the prince making it there a second before Deimos.

“I win!” shouts Alexander triumphantly. Standing on the edge and looking at the view below where they had just been standing, “Wow it’s amazing!”

“I told you. I’ve heard my father and other grown ups talk about this place. No one ever goes here though.”

“I wonder why? It’s so– wait what was that?”

This time both boys hear the sound of branches breaking.

“I heard it this time!”

“I told you… there is someone or something else here.”

The boys scan the surrounding area desperately trying to discover who or what has been following them, completely unaware that they are being watched from above. Just then a loud crash is followed by a yell and a figure swinging down from above. The boys shriek in terror as they face their attacker.

Underneath a head full of sandy blonde hair the boys the boys recognize a familiar face.

“Aella!” the boys yell in unison.

“Boo! Ha you should see your faces. You were so scared.”

“We weren’t scared! You just caught us off guard.”

“Yeah! What are you doing following us anyway?” Deimos barks. “Shouldn’t you be playing with the other little girls?”

“Bah, everything they do is boring. I wanted to get out and do something. So I followed you guys here. Where are we anyway? This place is really incredible.”

“It’s a secret place even the adults won’t go. But we are braver than them.” Deimos says proudly, showing off. “I don’t see anything to be afraid of.”

“And if you must know we are here to go swimming.” the Prince adds.

“Ha! You two are as brave as they come. That is why you screamed like birds when you saw me”, Aella adds mockingly.

“That’s not true! We are brave.” Alexander retorts defiantly.

“Oh yeah? Well jump into the pool below if you are so brave.”

Deimos looks over the edge to the pool below. “No way. We are way too high.”

Aella looks too and replies, “I don’t know that water looks deep enough to me. I’d do it.”

“You would not.”

“No? Watch me.”

“No!” the Prince bellows as he tries to stop her, but he is too late

With a couple quick steps she jumps off the water fall and lands harmlessly in the water below. Deimos and Alexander watch in awe from above. After a few seconds she surfaces.

The boys pause and look at each other. “Oh well!” says Deimos.

The pair leaps off the cliff, and plunge in the water below. Alexander gasps for air as he surfaces unharmed in the warm clear water. Treading and paddling to the shallow end of the lagoon; the three children laugh as they splash each other and play in the water. Schools of minnows dart away in attempt to avoid the ruckus. A nearby frog dives into the water and disappears, annoyed with the interruption of his usually calm afternoon. The children soon tire and make their way to the rocky bank of the lagoon to dry themselves in the sun.

Prince Alexander and Deimos fall down on the bank and roll onto their backs, looking back at the lagoon. Aella is still in the shallow water walking towards the boys. She rings out her hair and looks up to catch the wide eyes of the young prince. She smiles bashfully, but suddenly realizes something is a miss as he and Deimos spring up and rush toward her. Before she can get out a single word she is pulled backward into the water.

The next few seconds are a torrent of splashes, and gasping for air for Aella. She can’t get her footing as she’s being twisted and tossed in the water. For a moment she is able to gain footing. She is finally looks up and sees Alexander. He has her by the arm, and is trying to pull her back to the shore. She turns her head and finally sees her attacker.

A massive greenish brown head with eyes perched on top; a mouth lined with huge white teeth. The giant lizard has the girl’s dress in her mouth, thrashing and snapping its jaws, as it tries to pull her back into the water.

Deimos hits the beast with the largest stone he can lift. The reptile shakes its head and breaks his grip momentarily. The relief is only temporary as the beast regains its footing and lunges again, this time grabbing the girl’s foot. She lets out a terrible scream as the surrounding water turns red. Deimos rushes to grab her but he is knocked flat on his back by the creature’s tail. Prince Alexander is still hanging on but is no match for the strength of the monster. He falls forward, landing on his stomach.

As the Prince stretches out to reach for the girl, he looks up to see Hekima diving from the water fall. He hits the water with a great splash just as the monster descends under water with Aella. The water remains still as the boys search frantically for signs of both Aella and Hekima.

The water suddenly erupts as the beast roars. Hekima grips its back stabbing the softer underside of it with a dagger. There is still no sight of Aella. The water turns a bright red as both combatants again submerge.

The water is still. Nothing moves.

At last Hekima surfaces. He exits the lagoon toward the boys holding the young girl in his arms. She is apparently unconscious. Hekima stares down at the prince glaring.

“Im sorry, I-“

“Enough! We must get back now if she is to live. She is badly injured. Your foolishness could cost her life!”

Hanging his head the prince realizes there is nothing he can say. The walk back to the city is long and silent.

IX

The two young boys walk a path through the forest. The path is familiar and well trodden as they head to a lagoon on the near side of the island where their fathers would often take them to swim. Prince Alexander and Deimos walk in front with Hekima in tow. He gives the pair some distance but scans the area to ensure their safety. As boys of their age often are, they are annoyed to have an adult supervisor. They whisper to each other; careful not to alert the vigilant Hekima.

“My father told me a story of a great place we could swim but I doubt our keeper will allow it. It’s through the forest in the opposite direction, near the foot of the mountain. There is a fresh water lagoon there that is fed by a towering waterfall. My father said it is beautiful.”

Turning to keep an eye on Hekima the Prince whispers in return, “It sounds great. We’ll need to get away from Hekima though. You’re right, he won’t allow it.” He adds mockingly, “It’ll be “too dangerous.”

“What should we do?”

“I have an idea.”

Alexander and Deimos turn to look at Hekima to gauge his attention. He is aware of the boys but his attention is focused on the surrounding forest for any signs of danger. At a moment’s notice the boys take off and duck off the path.

Hekima turns to speak to the boys. “We are not far now. You will be swimming in no—“.

He realizes the boys are not there. He quickly begins to search the area. “My Prince! Where are you? If this is a joke I am not laughing.” Frantically searching he sees a footprint leading off the trail.

Running through the thick brush he loses the trail. A moment of panic overtakes him but he then hears a call from nearby. “Hekima! Help us!”

Dashing through the underbrush he comes upon a steep hill. Hekima then sees evidence of a rock slide. Looking below he sees the Prince grabbing holding the arm of his companion who is stuck under a rock.

Hekima slides down the loose earth toward the boys. Angrily he barks “What have you gotten into? This is why I your father gave me the duty to watch over you; because you are foolhardy.” He tries to lift the rock the Deimos is pinned under and says to him “Are you hurt?”

“My leg! My leg is pinned.”

Hekima lifts with all his might. He is able to get the rock slightly off the ground but begins to lose his grip as the rock is slick. He shifts his position so that the weight of the stone rests on his back and he uses the strength of his legs and back to lift. With great strain he manages to lift the rock up high enough for the boy to get free. Looking down he is surprised to see Deimos smiling.

The prince’s companion gets up uninjured. The boys have fooled Hekima and he is now immobilized with the weight of the immense rock on his back.

“Bye”, the boys chant in unison. They run back up the hill and out of sight leaving Hekima in his predicament.

VIII

A group of Atlantean engineers continue supervision as Egyptians move huge blocks of stone into place using the hovering palettes. They push it with ease up a huge dirt ramp that has been built around the pyramid. Winding their way around the structure they near the top of the almost finished building.

Two men dressed in black appear from behind one of the stone blocks. Without a word they unleash a volley of arrows that kill the Egyptians near the top of the ramp. The first of the two men reaches down and switches off the palette; the glow goes dark. Without the force of the palette keeping the block in place, the block begins to slide back down the ramp speeding toward the ground. The Egyptians immediately behind the first block are killed on the way down; others run for their lives. The block reaches the bottom and crashes into another stone wall, destroying it in a cloud of dust.

From the top of the unfinished pyramid another figure emerges. He is dressed in black even in the hot tropical sun. A hood covers his face. He pulls it back to reveal a scarred face. Hundreds of onlookers stare in silence.

“Sons and daughters of Egypt! Stand up and do not lot allow these oppressors to control you anymore. Their aim is not to help us but to rule us. Who are they to give us laws? Join my brotherhood and stand up to the tyranny of Atlantis! If we unite our power, think of what we could accomplish. We were once a proud people to be feared throughout the world. We can regain that glory. Today’s demonstration was a tragic necessity. I do not wish to resort to violence but if that is what it takes to gain freedom, then so be it. We stand for the independence of Egypt, free from Atlantean influence. Will you join us?”

Several other black cloaked figures holding bows have set themselves in front of the bald man. A small group of Atlantean soldiers make its way slowly up the ramp blocking a barrage of arrows from the attackers above. They are in a tight group; shields in the front and above their group, creating a barrier from the aerial assault. The archers’ arrows bounce off of their shields like drops of rain.

From the back of the Atlantean formation two archers spring up and shoot blue-green glowing tipped arrows at the dark cloaked archers. Two men drop. As they reach the summit the men in black attack the soldiers in a berserker charge. The men smash into Atlantean shields and are easily cut down in a short skirmish. The fight continues until only the scarred man stands. The soldiers march towards him slowly, backing the man to the edge of the steep edge of the unfinished pyramid.

The ranking officer in the formation calls out. “Stop! You are under arrest. Do not move.”

The bald man’s heels are now touching the edge. He looks over his shoulder at the ground far below. He lets out a defiant roar, “For Egypt!”

The man jumps and slides down the smooth face of the pyramid. He descends quickly seeing the compact dirt ramp coming ever closer. With a deft move he pushes off the stone and lands onto one of the floating palettes that transport the stones. Knowing the guards will be close behind he crouches to make his next leap. He pushes with all his might but his feet stay on the palette. He feels himself being pulled even harder down. Now flat on his back he rolls over onto his stomach and tries to push-off, but it is futile. The Atlanteans have turned on the palette. The same force that keeps the giant stones from sliding off is now a temporary prison restraining the fugitive.

The soldiers quickly approach the struggling man. Using the palette as a transport the bald man is taken away, defeated for the moment.

An Atlantean observer takes note of the situation and the opportunity which it has presented.

VII

It’s early morning in Atlantis. Several people are boarding a vessel that looks like a ship, yet it hovers a foot or so off of the ground. A blue-green glow emanates from the bottom of the craft. King Pyrrhus and a small team of guards and advisors walk up the ramp to board the craft.

Prince Alexander runs desperately to catch up to the ship. He is out of breath when he reaches his father.

“Father don’t go, I hate it when you leave! You weren’t even going to say good-bye?”

“I am sorry my son. I did not wish to wake you. I will only be gone for a few weeks. There is a border dispute in the lands to the west and I must go before things turn bad. This is my duty as King.”

“Then I want to come! I want to see the western lands. Why can’t I go with you?”

“Soon enough my son. For now you must stay. Let the troubles of the world wait until you are older. Do not worry, the world is never short on trouble. For now Hekima will look after you until my return. I will miss you.”

The prince turns to see Hekima and Charon standing behind him. Alexander’s sleepy eyed companion Deimos is by his father’s side.

“They are not going with you? Hekima never leaves you.”

“For now he will stay with you. I have asked him to make sure you are safe while I am gone.”

“Safe from what? Is there something wrong? I don’t want Hekima to protect me. I want to be with you!”

“Nothing is wrong Alexander. I just need him to be here. I trust him with my life, and I now I trust him with yours. You will obey his word as if it were my own. Is that understood?”

“Yes but—“

“Enough. You will listen to Hekima and behave. I will be back soon.”

The Prince realizes there is no use and hangs his head. The King reaches a hand down to wipe a tear from his son’s cheek and then turns to boards the craft.  The young boy can only watch as his father’s ship sets out over the waves. He turns and slowly walks back towards Hekima, Deimos, and Charon.

Charon speaks cheerily to the boy, “Well young prince, it appears that you are the man of the kingdom at the moment. Exciting, is it not?”

Alexander wipes his eyes and regains his composure. “He never lets me go with him. I hate staying behind.”

“And rightfully so, these matters should be no worry to someone so young my prince” Hekima offers.

“He is right. On such a beautiful day such as this, a young man such as you should only worry about enjoying the day. It’s rather warm; why not go for a swim? What do you think son?”

Alexander makes eye contact with his companion and Deimos replies, “Sounds good to me”.

“It’s settled then. As long as it’s agreeable to you of course, Hekima.

“A swim sounds like a fine time. I will accompany the boys.”

“Its alright Hekima, you don’t–“

“My prince, I have promised to look after you and I promise you that I will full fill my obligations.”

Knowing deeply the loyalty that the African has for the King the prince relents. He and Deimos start off to enjoy the day.

Charon, The head of the Senate, and the father to the Prince’s companion Deimos, watches the young boys walk off with Hekima in tow at a safe distance; a thin smile cracking his lips.