by E J Pay
I smile at the thought of my guards finding my room empty. The thought of freedom for my friend who has been a slave her entire life. I send a prayer to God, my God, for her safety and happiness.
“What are you smiling about, Pearl?” Abraxas asks. “I thought you were determined to be serious.”
“My sandal rope tickles my ankle,” I reply, grateful for the quick lie.
“You should be used to ropes by now, Pearl,” Abraxas says. I bristle at his words. “Oh, do not mistake me,” he continues, “I do not mean it as a threat. I mean to tell you of the rewards of the golden ropes and jewels that await you as you serve me well.”
“I have never been one who cherished those things,” I tell him.
“That’s unfortunate. Nonetheless, they will be yours. Your comfort will be my top priority when I have achieved my design.” I sigh and he adds, “Of course, that extends to Gileaus and Namaah. As you rise, they rise, my Pearl.”
“And as I fall, they fall,” I add sarcastically. Abraxas laughs openly.
“As you say. But I have a good feeling about tonight.” He reaches for the jade around his neck. When he touches the green stone, I feel my own golden hamsa pressing into my chest. It knows the jade and fears it. But the hamsa is here to protect others from me - that includes the jade. I do not fear it.
Abraxas and I descend the stairs of the mansion and enter a marble-covered foyer where other guests are already mingling. Abraxas takes time to greet guests, again introducing me as his cousin. Their faces blur before mine. My eyes are on one person only. Gileaus.
This is the first time I have seen him since disembarking more than a week ago. He is standing at the entranceway to the dining room, white linens caressing his frame, gold ropes encircling his waist. A wreath of laurels encircles his temple. A large ruby ring is on the index finger of his right hand. A beautiful woman holds to his arm on the left.
I cannot take my eyes from him and I stumble around the room to reach him. When Abraxas notices my faltering steps, he looks to see where my gaze is directed.
“Ah,” he says, “I see that you are eager to meet young Master Gileaus. I shall take you to him myself.” We move through the crowding room to the doorway where my love stands. When we reach him, Abraxas introduces us as though we have never met.
“Young Master Gileaus,” he greets, “May I introduce you to my cousin, Pearl of Argos. Pearl, this is young Master Gileaus, recent heir to the Spiro estate and this is his fiancée, Zenia, heiress of the Karis estate.” I can barely breathe.
Gileaus is stiff as he bows. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Pearl,” he says through tense lips and gritted teeth. I am speechless, but I move to take his hand automatically. Gileaus takes my fingers in his, brings them to his lips, kissing them softly. His thumb brushes the backs of my fingers in the familiar, loving way. “Any relative of Master Abraxas is most welcome, I am sure,” he says as he lowers my hand slowly.
I dip in a small curtsy and bow my head. I turn to look at the woman at his side. Her hair is the color of gold, her eyes the color of the sea. Her skin is lighter than mine. She must be from a northern region. Her nose is pointed and her shoulders are sloped. She is the perfect model of Grecian beauty and elegance.
“A pleasure to meet you, Pearl,” she says to me with a voice three octaves higher than mine. “Abraxas tells us you are very special. I should love to get to know you better. I do hope you will sit with me as we dine.”
I turn my pained face to Abraxas. He is all smiles. “I’m sure Pearl would love to get acquainted with another lovely young woman,” he says. “What do you say Master Gileaus? Are you comfortable with having another beautiful woman near you this evening?”
“I could wish for nothing more,” Gileaus says with a bow. His eyes meet mine and I read pain in them.
“Excellent,” Abraxas responds. “I shall return her to you in a moment then. I have just a few more guests to introduce her to.”
“What have you done to him?” I ask in a hoarse whisper as we walk away. “You promised to let his mind be free.”
“I had nothing to do with his choice, Pearl,” Abraxas responds. “Master Gileaus came to me just after we landed. He expressed a desire to be released from you, though he wants to continue with me in my new government.”
“I don’t believe you,” I say. Angry tendrils of revenge begin to snake their way toward Abraxas.
“I would be careful what you do,” he tells me as he stops in place. “Cause a scene here and I will kill your precious Gileaus without a second thought. I tell you the truth, Pearl. I told you the power I had over him before began with his own natural desires. Those desires remain and I no longer need the jade to control him. His fiancée is from a noble family. It is an excellent choice for one who wants to go far.”
My head is spinning as the angry tendrils sneak their way back into my heart. Gileaus told me he loved me. We were to be married. Is this his way of protecting me? Is this the goodbye he was giving me on the ship?
“Breathe deeply, Pearl,” Abraxas whispers into my ear. “There are plenty of fish in the sea. You’ll recover. You’ll see. You never know, maybe I could take you as my bride one day.”
My head snaps up and I meet his eyes. He is uncomfortably close to my face. My skin is crawling and my heart is beating wildly beneath the surface.
“You needn’t be so shocked, Pearl,” Abraxas whispers. “I am not that repulsive. I am actually quite charming when you really get to know me.”
“You have taken everything from me. You killed Dom. You destroyed Gileaus. You have enslaved me. What makes you think I could ever want to marry you?”
“That’s the beauty of it, Pearl,” he whispers. “You don’t have to want to marry me. I own you. You will have no choice in the matter.”
“And what makes you think you would be safe with me in your hands?” I hiss. “What would keep me from killing you in your sleep?”
“Oh, Pearl. Don’t get so worked up about it. I will give you time to get used to the idea. How does three months sound?” I feel sick to my stomach. Abraxas laughs. “Just get through tonight, Pearl. We can discuss our future in the morning.”
We continue to weave in and out of the guests, Abraxas introducing me proudly to each one. I am dizzy and weak. I want to run, but I can’t make it away from him. There are too many people in our way.
Dinner is announced and the guests make their way to the dining hall. Seats of gold with red cushions line the table. Plates of the freshest fruits and baked goods overflow each setting. Abraxas leads me to the seat next to Zenia. Gileaus is on her other side. When I am seated, I watch Abraxas leave to sit near the head of the table. I turn to my companion, the beautiful blonde who will be marrying my fiancé.
“Do you travel often with your cousin?” she asks. It takes me a moment to find my voice, but it finally makes its way out.
“I do,” I say, “Though this is my first journey to Atlantis.”
“Ah,” she says. “And what do you think of it so far?”
“I haven’t seen much,” I tell her. “I’ve spent most of my time here at the mansion, in my room.”
“Well, we will have to change that!” she gushes. “I’m sure Gileaus wouldn’t mind taking us on a tour!” I glance up at her fiancé. His eyes are on his plate and he turns to engage in conversation with someone else next to him.
“That sounds lovely,” I tell Zenia. I work up all the false kindness I can get into my voice to ask her about her own life. “Now it’s your turn. How long have you been engaged to the young Master there.”
I’ve hit the right topic for a young woman recently engaged. I spend the rest of the meal hearing about their courtship and deep love. “It all seems so quick, but once father knew about his vast estates, naturally he gave his permission,” she tells me. They met the evening we arrived. It must have been just after Gileaus spoke to Abraxas about releasing himself from our engagement. Abraxas introduced them to each other
. He is a friend of her father’s. They have been together constantly for the past ten days. Reading together, commenting on art, seeing plays. They fell head over heels for one another and Gileaus asked her father for her hand only two days ago.
“Of course, it takes so much time to plan a real wedding,” she tells me over dessert, “but my mother thinks we can make it happen in just a month or two.”
“You are very fortunate, Zenia. I wish you all the best.” My heart is sinking. I love Gileaus. If I cannot be in his life and he cannot be in mine, I do hope the best for him. I just want to claw her eyes out at the same time.
I look up one last time at the man I love. His eyes are directly on mine. He stares without blinking. He is telling me something. He is telling me to look inside his mind.
So I do. For the first time, I sneak tendrils of inquiry into the mind of Gileaus and I extract the information he has for me. It is beautiful and tender and fragile.
I love you, Athena. I always have and I always will. This is the only way to protect you. I must marry. You are only safe if I cannot be used against you. I must stay close to Abraxas. I must ensure that he does not harm you. This is the only way, Athena. I am sorry it has to end this way. But I do it for you.
Protection. Dom wanted to protect me and he gave his life to do it. Now Gileaus wants to protect me and he will be giving his life in a different way. I smile at him before looking away. I will let him live a happy life. That will be my gift to him.
I look back at my plate. The strain of the evening is gnawing at my stomach, begging for relief. I finish every bite of the sweet bread rolled in nuts and covered in honey. I let the saccharine goodness bring temporary comfort to my soul. When the servant comes to clear away my clean plate, he leaves a note behind. Abraxas smiles at me from the end of the table.
Chapter 40
Ipick up the note and let it slide into my robes. I give a final congratulations to Zenia and make my way to the entrance of the dining room. I do not look at Gileaus again.
When I enter the foyer, I search through the crowds of people for a small corner where I can read in seclusion. I find windows against the back wall, their curtains and shutters are spread wide to allow for a breathtaking view of Poseidon’s temple. I move to the windows and tuck my body behind the thick fabric of the curtains where I can read privately. The lit torchlights on the patio provide ample light for reading. I check to make sure no one has seen me hiding away then carefully open the seal on the note. Abraxas’ handwriting is waiting for me when the paper is opened.
My Pearl,
By now you are aware that your fiancé has promised his love to another woman. I am sorry you had to face this tragedy. Though I played no part in their betrothal, I did know they were likely to be engaged. I am sure your heart is broken, but I know your strength. Certainly you will be able to overcome this setback in your young life.
Perhaps even now, you will be able to find the strength you need to complete the task you have set out to do. You see, Zenia’s father Karis is a sort of rival of mine. I have tried to convince him to side with me, but he refuses. In private, he calls me mad and threatens to ruin my reputation with anyone who really matters. He has avoided open conflict in public thus far. Contrary to what others believe about him, the damage he has done to my cause is too great. No amount of persuasion will change what his lies have done. He must die.
Don’t worry, my Pearl. I would never entrust such a violent task to your tender sensibilities. No, I intend to use your power for the manipulation of minds in a different way. I want you to persuade young Master Gileaus that his future father-in-law is out to destroy him. Your task is to convince Gileaus to kill Karis.
I am sure you will fear that Gileaus will be executed for his role in the crime, but I assure you this will not be the case. I have enclosed another letter for you to take to him with explanations of how the deed is to be done. He will be protected, Pearl, you have my word. I wouldn’t ask this of you for the world, but Gileaus’ new closeness to the Karis family puts him in a perfect position to carry out the task.
Though I trust your ability to complete this task, I will nonetheless keep Namaah as a failsafe for the plan. My men apprehended her as she left your room this evening. The string of pearls meant for you were found in a small satchel she carried. You need not worry, she is safely held for the present. I will not yet press charges against her for the theft since I know how you care for her. Complete this task and she will be set free. I will even give her ten strands of pearls with her freedom.
I have faith in your ability to do this thing, my Pearl.
Ever Your Master,
Abraxas
I reread the letter. Abraxas wants me to use my power on the man I love. He wants me to trick his mind into killing a man. Gileaus would never kill a person. He would live with guilt for the rest of his life. Abraxas would use the crime to keep Gileaus under his own control. I cannot do that to him. I will not do it.
But Namaah. Abraxas has her. Where does he have her? I don’t know. If I had spent more time learning the layout of the mansion and less time staring at Poseidon’s temple for the past ten days, I might have an idea of where to find her. But as it is, I have nothing to go on.
I rest my head against the shutter and it opens to the patio. A fresh breeze enters through the small opening and I allow the cool air to calm my mind and heart as only it can do.
The breeze.
The air.
Oh, beloved breeze and air that spoke to me only ten days ago, will you now help me to free my friend who has done no wrong? I hum quietly into the night air, praying that it will listen to my plea.
Sweet child, I feel it respond, we have been waiting for you to come to us. We know where your friend is being kept. She is safe for the time being, but it will not last for long.
Come with us.
I push the shutter open a little more. It is a tall opening and I step over a small ledge to go outside. I follow where the wind whispers, keeping to the shadows as much as I can. Abraxas knows I have my instructions. He will be looking for a sign that I will follow through.
I rush across the back of the mansion and to the darkest corner that leads into the garden. The wind urges me forward so I enter the stone pathway that leads through the trees and flowers. The heavy scent of blossoms from all around me fills the air. The air is tinged with the excitement of spring. It is reckless as it pushes and pulls me this way and that. Finally I come to a gate that leads down toward the water.
Where are we going? I ask the air. Where is Namaah?
We are taking you to her, the mother-voice responds. Hurry, child. The man is seeking after you.
I push ahead through the gate and down to the water’s edge. A small boat is tied to a post at the edge of the moat.
You must get into the boat, the air urges. I do not hesitate. I climb into the boat, moving my flowing robes out of the way as much as I can. They are already muddied, but I do not care. They are nothing but a trap for me. Once inside the boat, I untie it from the post and sit between the oars. With all of my might I row toward Poseidon’s temple, the place the wind is telling me to go. When I reach the opposite shore, I jump ankle-deep into the water and pull the little vessel onto the sand.
Poseidon’s temple. This island has no wall. There is free access to it around its entire circumference. Once my boat is pulled up high enough out of the water, I let the wind direct me up the grassy hill and onto the steps of the temple itself. I turn for just a moment to look at the mansion behind me. I see the balcony where I was sitting this afternoon, the view into my room is clear. My guard is leaning on the bedroom door, falling asleep as he waits for me to return. Sleep on, my guard. I will not be returning tonight.
I move to the edge of the marble stairs. Gold leafing covers the riser of each step while unpolished marble provides a firm grip for my feet on the tread. The decorative trees that line the stairway provide added secrecy for my movements. Within a few mome
nts, I have reached the top of the stairs and the columned porch of the temple.
The porch is clad in gold leafing and I stand out against it like a dark stain. I rush to the door of the temple, hiding in the shadows of the columns as much as I can. I listen quietly to the sounds around me, waiting to be sure my entrance to the temple will not be noticed. When the coast is clear, I open the door quietly, listening to the still air inside as it directs me where to go.
The foyer of the temple is gleaming white. Brilliant torches line the walls. As my eyes adjust to the light, I look around the room. Gold and jewel gilt frames surround lavish paintings of the upper class Atlanteans wrapped in their white and gold robes. When I look closer at a painting near me, I recognize the faces. They are people from the dinner I just escaped. They must have posed for the paintings for this temple. I’m sure they thought it was a very fine gift they were giving.
I follow the air through winding pathways and empty rooms until I am as lost as I have ever been. I am led to a room at the end of a long hallway. I am drawn to the door of the room. It is of a fine and hard wood, covered in carvings and designs of a Grecian battle against the rebelling armies of Sparta. I reach for the handle and the door swings open effortlessly. Here, the air whispers. This is where you must be.
I step into the quiet room and take in my surroundings. This is not a square room. It is round. A pearlescent covering lines the walls. The same gold and jewel encrusted frames surround the art on the walls. There are paintings of nobility laughing and singing, their curls painted in a perfect bounce. Other paintings depict the nobility praising their gods, throwing jewels and fruit at the feet of their idols. Still more art shows noble Grecians mourning the death of a loved one. Scarlet robes are thrown across the dead bodies. Noblemen and women languish across the dead in a fit of passionate grief.