“Indeed,” Elara said before turning back to Columbus. “Did the Fates reveal where these keys were kept?”
“Not exactly,” Columbus replied. “But they did offer clues to their whereabouts by attaching a symbol to each. The first looked like this.”
Columbus stepped unnervingly close to Elara and used his finger to draw something with the table’s controls. A symbol emerged in the nodal ocean before them.
“It’s a book,” one of the Atlanteans said.
“An open book,” Fanucio clarified, not that he’d ever bothered to read one.
Dion grunted, and Elara looked up. He gestured something with his hands and she nodded.
“We know this symbol. It means library. This one is carved into the relief above the entrance to the Tower of Illumination.”
Several of the Atlanteans murmured.
“Is that bad?” Fanucio asked.
Elara touched Columbus’s arm to move him from the controls. His smile. His touch had once again unnerved her.
“The Isle of Light is to the east,” she said.
Her fingers swiped again across the control screen, and the surface of the nodal map changed, zooming in on an island with a tall tower upon it.
“On it, you see the Tower of Illumination, where once all our knowledge was stored. See its proximity to the larger land mass to the north? That’s where you first entered our realm and where the sirens call home.”
“That’s close,” Columbus said. “Do they ever visit this isle?”
Elara nodded grimly. “It has become their hunting ground. They are overbred and have depleted most of the resources on their own island. It’s one of the reasons our people no longer go here.”
“Have you ever tried to reason with them?” Nyx asked. “I mean, I saw a few things down there that suggested they’re more than just animals.”
The idea was met with derision among the Atlanteans. Nyx glanced at Columbus and saw him shake his head.
“They are savage creatures, Nyx,” Elara said, not so quick to condemn her. “Once, they captured a family of fishermen close to their shore. They feasted on them—man, women, and children. They even left behind the catch of fish as a warning. There can be no peace between us. The good news is that the sirens don’t venture out in the day. Not often, anyway. If we’re cautious, I believe we could land a party on the southern part of the isle, make our way to the tower, retrieve the key, and be gone before our enemies are any wiser.”
“There’s one problem with that,” Columbus said. “There’s no guarantee the key’s still there. You say your people frequented this tower after the slaves left. Why didn’t any of them find it? Or maybe someone did?”
“Unlike men, we Atlanteans hold little value in treasure. Had such a key been found, we would know. And, besides, they weren’t searching for it. We are.”
“Welp,” Fanucio said. “It’s decided then. What’s for lunch?”
“We’ll need to keep the landing party small. No more than eight. Dion will accompany me along with Saren and Thetra.”
“Cap’n and I make five,” Fanucio said. “That leaves two.”
Columbus rolled his eyes at his first mate’s bad math.
“I’m coming,” Nyx said.
“Not so quick,” Columbus said. “If there’s even the possibility of a fight, I want Monday and Tuesday there.”
“Those two?” Nyx pointed at the Pygmies, asleep at the back of the room. “You’ll be dead before they draw their spears! Captain, you must take me. You know I can handle myself.”
“I do, but this isn’t a game. I need fighters, not children.”
“I am not a child,” Nyx spat.
“I’ve made my decision. Speak out against my orders again and I’ll have you locked away until our departure.”
Silence filled the room. Nyx looked around, chin trembling. Only Fanucio returned her stare, but it was one of pity.
Elara laid a comforting hand on Nyx’s shoulder. “I can have one of my valets escort you about the city, Nyx. There is much to see. Much you will—”
Nyx sprinted from the room. Columbus sighed and turned back to the map. “Now, where were we? Ah, yes. Battle. I assume we’ll all carry weapons?”
At this, Dion gesticulated firmly.
Columbus snickered. “By all means, man. Speak up if you have concerns.” Dion’s hand went instinctually to his sonstave. Columbus smiled even brighter. “We all saw how that turned out last time.”
Enraged, Dion came around the table and Columbus rose to meet him. Elara stepped between them.
“Enough. Both of you!” she shouted. “This stops now. We cannot assail the isle with a retinue half-armed,” she snarled at Dion before facing Columbus. “And you can’t recover the keys if you’re dead. We are in this together, so whatever enmity exists between you, it ends here. Do you understand?”
A simmering Dion gave a curt nod. Elara looked to Columbus, who maintained his carefree demeanor.
“Happy to oblige, Princess.”
“I’ll see to the preparations,” Elara said. “We leave at first light tomorrow.”
The Atlanteans saluted and exited the room. Elara turned to Fanucio and Vespucci. “I would speak to your captain alone. Now.”
Fanucio looked to Columbus, who nodded. He and Vespucci left, leaving only the sleeping Pygmies.
“Even if they understood your language,” Columbus said. “They sleep like the dead.”
“You are a fool, Columbus. Of all the warriors in our kingdom, you taunt the one best capable of providing your protection and crushing your skull with his bare hands.”
“He’s a bully. I don’t like bullies. Nor people who take themselves too seriously.”
“He has reason to take himself seriously. He has pledged his life to protect me and all those in our kingdom. Would you do the same for yours?”
“Doubtful. Then again, none of my crew has your…” He looked down at that silken suit again. “Vitality?”
Elara shook her head. “You are insufferable.”
“Thanks.” Columbus grinned. “What’s his deal, anyway? Dion? Has he always been mute?”
Elara sighed and looked out over the sea. “He took a vow of silence many years ago.”
“Caught masturbating? I’ve heard some cultures look down on that.”
Elara looked at him with disgust. “No. He was tasked with protecting someone and failed.”
Columbus could see the memory was painful for her. Was there something between them? It didn’t appear so, at least from her end, but he’d have to tread carefully until he had a better read on the situation. “I’m surprised he’s ever failed at anything in his life.”
Some of the tension ebbed from Elara’s shoulders. She appeared grateful for the chance to move on. “Tell me of the girl. Nyx. Is she yours?”
“As in my daughter? No. Definitely no.”
“She looks like you.”
“It’s the hair color. Nothing more.”
“She’s stubborn, unyielding, and brash. Three of your most defining traits.”
“And here I thought you were going to say, handsome, roguish, and irresistible.”
He smiled again. Despite herself, Elara smiled softly too. She had a nice smile. Columbus found himself wanting to see it more often.
“You joke often. I see it is your way. But you are strangers to us. The only stories we know of man—of you—are ones of greed, jealousy, and war. Can you not tell me something real?”
This time, it was Columbus that looked out toward the sea. Even from on high, he could see the white caps rising and falling, reflecting the light of the faux sun. Did it matter that magic powered the waves? They looked identical to the ones he’d known all his life. In that moment, he longed to be back aboard a ship, sails fat with wind, spray wetting his face, and the future running before him.
“I have two sons,” he said at last. “Back in Spain. Good lads. Very unlike me.”
“And their mo
ther?”
Columbus hesitated before crossing himself. “Dead. God rest her soul.”
“I’m sorry. You loved her?”
The question unnerved him. It’d been a long time since someone asked him something so personal. And even longer since he spoke the truth.
“I loved…once.”
The vagueness of the answer seemed to pique Elara’s curiosity, but it was clear he’d say no more.
“Perhaps we should move on to other matters, such as your compensation.”
The trident. It was all he wanted.
It was everything.
“Whatever you suggest is fine,” Columbus said. “Though if you’d like to sweeten the deal…”
He ran a finger over her arm, goosebumps rising in its wake. She pulled her arm back quickly.
“Some things are beyond price,” she said, indignant. It only made Columbus smile brighter.
“I totally agree,” he said. “But in the spirit of diplomacy, I’m willing to cut my rate.”
She fought it, but in the end, Elara couldn’t help but smile. It was a small victory. One Columbus would have normally seized on, but this time he left it alone.
Nyx hovered near the doorway, listening to the voices inside. A throat cleared. She turned to find Vespucci.
“You have a penchant for appearing in the most unusual places, little bird.”
“I could say the same of you. What do you want?”
“What I’ve always wanted. To represent the interests of Spain.” She started to turn. “And myself.”
“At least you’re being honest now.”
“If only the same could be said of others.”
Nyx simmered, still smarting over what happened inside. “I don’t have time for games, Signore Vespucci. If you have something to say, say it.”
“Fine. Our dear captain is an enigmatic fellow. And it’s easy to see why people follow him. He is larger than the stars. But do you know why a man his age is still helming a carrack of mercenaries and not leading, say, His Majesty’s fleet? Because he is unreliable. He is selfish. He has always put himself first. Before God. Before country. Even before his own family. All those who follow him eventually realize this. Most realize it too late. Don’t be one of them, Nyx.”
“If you’re asking me to betray him—”
“No. Columbus’s interests are his own. Oh, I suppose there is an allure to an artifact that can transmute gold, but this city has far more intriguing advances to offer. Diseases could be eradicated. Wars ended. You and I could help usher in a new age of peace. Think of the possibilities, Nyx. A woman with your talent could revolutionize the world.”
Nyx hesitated. She saw his logic, but she’d met men like Vespucci before. They always wanted more. Despite this, she didn’t walk away.
“All I’m asking is to keep your eyes and options open. Your captain would encourage no less.”
Chapter Eleven
They gathered the next morning at the eldock pens. The red-frocked stable master had eight eldocks separated and was in the process of having them saddled. Four were distinctly outfitted for Elara and her warriors, whom Columbus learned were called the Gadeir. Another four had been chosen for Columbus’s party.
For their undertaking, Columbus and Fanucio had donned new scarlet bodysuits the same as the Atlanteans, which gave Dion another reason to scowl. The suits were said to repel water and retain body heat, though Fanucio thought it was the most uncomfortable thing he’d ever worn. Columbus nearly laughed when his first mate tried to slip the thing on.
“Problem?”
“Aye,” Fanucio grumbled. “I think they gave me a girl’s suit.”
“Probably difficult to find one that fits your dimensions.”
“I’d settle for one that cupped my turtle eggs. This one’s so tight I might never bastard a whelp again.”
The only ones who refused to don the suits were Monday and Tuesday, and only because they’d learned the ones set aside for them belonged to children. So, they shed their clothes instead and wore only loincloths. They drew a lot of stares.
“The young one fancies me,” Tuesday said of Thetra, who peered at him again and again. “She shall be my first wife here.”
“Given the food and lack of battle, I’m not certain I want to stay that long.”
“Then I better find the other three quickly.”
The men were also given things to put in their ears to repel the sirens’ song. Columbus tucked his away for later.
Once everyone was ready, the stable master rallied the newcomers. “I am told you speak our language. Good. Listen carefully and you may survive long enough to make it outside these walls. What happens after that, I am absolved of responsibility. At sea, eldocks are solitary creatures—they swim, they hunt, they eat alone. But under Atlantean control, they congregate in a pod. We do not know why. Neither do we understand how their hierarchy is established. But the pod will always follow its leader until the lead rider chooses otherwise. Note what I said there: it is the will of the rider that dictates course, direction, elevation, and speed.” He leaned down to touch the nearest eldock, which chittered in response. “Some would tell you this is because they are highly instinctual mammals, acutely sensitive to both movement and energy. I say it is more than that. I believe when a rider spends enough time with an eldock of equal temperament, a bond is formed. A bond that transcends the normal modes of communication. It is almost as if rider and eldock become of a single mind.”
Fanucio snorted, only to fall under the stable master’s withering glare.
“You doubt me?”
“Begging your pardon, but I rode this one yesterday. I didn’t feel no connection. I saw a man give orders and an animal obey. Same as back home.”
“Your honor, then,” the stable master waved toward the eldock. Columbus opened his mouth to interject, but Fanucio was already slipping a leg over the creature’s back.
“Seems easy enough,” Fanucio said. “First, ya mount—”
The instant Fanucio settled onto the eldock, the creature screeched and began bucking furiously. Fanucio’s eyes ballooned as he tried to hold on, but he was thrown to the deck where he landed hard enough to make everyone wince. Dazed, he looked up to see the eldock charging him, its teeth focused on his one good leg. Fanucio screamed but was saved when several Gadeir grabbed him and pulled him away.
Laughter filled the grotto and eased much of the tension. Columbus helped Fanucio up and patted him on the shoulder. “Nearly earned a new nickname.”
His point made, the stable master continued. “Even if a bond has been established, an eldock will still not allow a rider on it unless it has one of these.” He held up a golden bridle. “It pacifies them, though we do not know why. It is yet another mystery our ancestors left us.”
Columbus whispered to Elara. “Apparently, your ancestors were good at leaving everything but directions.”
Elara patted her eldock once it was saddled and reined, leaving Columbus and Dion alone. The giant eyed him a moment before offering an orichalcum belt with a sonstave.
“Why, Dion. You shouldn’t have.”
Dion wrapped the belt around Columbus’s waist and cinched it so hard Columbus groaned.
“Tight,” Columbus squeaked, “just the way I like it.”
As the others mounted their eldocks, Columbus knelt by his, sitting passively in the water. The creature looked hearty enough and quite tame. It chittered, showing no signs of agitation. Columbus reached out to pat it as Elara had, but his hand froze as a strange sensation coursed through him. It was almost like one feels in a lightning storm. Was this the bond the stable master spoke of?
He was about to dismiss it when that voice he’d heard in the caves returned.
Only one true of heart…
The eldock bucked and Columbus reared back, looking to see if anyone else had heard it. It didn’t appear so. It unnerved him.
Nearby, Fanucio also mounted his eldock, but much slower
this time around.
Easy, girl,” he said. “Easy.” The eldock jolted several times. “I don’t think this one likes me either.”
The stable master looked down his nose. “Perhaps because you called him a girl.”
Fanucio craned his head over the side. “Huh. Thought that was a fin.”
Finally, the stable hands came around to dispense masks. Columbus asked about them.
“We’ll be approaching the isle from beneath the surface,” Elara said. “These allow us to breath air through a mechanism at the hood’s end.”
An awestruck Columbus shook his head. “Breathing under water. Will wonders never cease?”
Behind him, Columbus heard a cheer. He turned to see the Pygmies had been given back their spears and were spinning them around in the air, much to the chagrin of the Atlanteans.
Once everyone was ready, the stable master nodded, his lone smile saved for Elara.
“Be safe, my princess,” he replied. “And this time come back in due fashion.”
Elara nodded before giving the signal to descend. One by one, the eldocks sank beneath the waterline and disappeared through an underwater tunnel.
On the dock, the stable master’s scowl returned.
“Well?” he said to the stable hands. “What are you standing around for? See to your duties. I want the rest of the brood fed before third hour. And these eight pens need to be cleaned before the party’s return. I shouldn’t have to—”
He paused. Odd. There weren’t eight gates open, but nine. Behind him he heard a trickle of water, but when he turned, there was nothing to see.
Down the tunnel, the party glided, passing the red alchemical globes that somehow also burned underwater. They hesitated briefly as a portcullis lifted, then they were off.
Entering the sea, Columbus was still astonished by the mask, which clung to his face by way of some unknown pressure. There was a light that shone within, allowing him to identify the other riders. Elara took the lead, the others falling into formation behind her. Columbus and his crew settled in at the rear.
Christopher Columbus and the Lost City of Atlantis Page 14