by Mara Powers
Copyright © 2015 by M. Corti
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission.
Mara Powers/ Shadows of Atlantis, LLC
333 Washington Blvd #637
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
www.shadowsofatlantis.com
Publisher's Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author's imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.
Cover Design and Interior Design by Cassy Roop of Pink Ink Designs
Shadows of Atlantis: Awakening/ Mara Powers. - 2nd ed.
ISBN 978-0-9967652-0-6 (sc)
ISBN 978-0-9967652-1-3 (hc)
ISBN 978-0-9967652-2-0 (e)
Library of Congress Control Number
1-2443719021
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Map
Preface
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Character Index
Glossary of Terms
Dedication
This book is dedicated to the awakening of humanity.
The remembrance of a forgotten utopia that will one day live again.
Acknowledgments
The adventure of writing this novel has been an epic tale all its own. I started obsessing over Atlantis when I was 16, and found out after the fact that my father also had a similar obsession in college before I was born. Since then, my dad has been instrumental in inspiring me to continue with this work. He has been my main supporter in this process, and for that, my gratitude knows no bounds. Endless thanks to my mom Judith, who is my copy editor, and who encourages and believes in me without fail. My two brothers, Mike and Eric have been my best fans all my life. To my other family members, especially my Granny Marion, who is one of the main inspirations of my life. To the memory of my gramps who left us far too soon. And thanks to my stepmother Lori for loving my dad and putting up with our relationship over the years. I would also like to acknowledge my plethora of aunts, uncles and cousins all across the U.S. Thank you for your support and love of family.
I have lived a nomadic lifestyle in the 20 plus years I have worked on gathering information and inspiration for this book. It has changed every time I change fundamentally. I have traveled through the Bermuda triangle in a storm on a luxury yacht, lived in a van in downtown LA, lived in an odd urban warehouse world, traveled endless festivals camping in all terrains, toured five star hotels in Asia, camped and worked on farms in snowy rainy weather, flown airplanes, worked at vacation resorts, produced concerts, attended endless revelries, explored a strange psychonaut world, been on the edge of death, traveled and conquered chronic pain numerous times, been the most hated and the most loved, been alone, and been overwhelmed by people who want to see me. I've worked like a slave and luxuriated like royalty. And through it all, I have imagined Atlantis.
Many thanks to my devoted editing team: Lucas Schwartz, whose developmental edits and knowledge of quantum physics have given new life to the book; and my copy editors Judith Powers and Dragonfly De La Luz. Also big thanks to Safi Porat, Andrew McDonald, Justin Pierret, Azmyth Kaminski, Crystal Miel Cossey, Natalie Evans, Ariana Saraha, and the book trailer production team, for their amazing contributions to the expansion of the project. Three cheers to the illustrators whose beautiful work graces these pages: Carrie Russell who designed the map of the ten kingdoms, and has acted as my graphics guru. David Lawell, cover artist and brother from another mother. Natasha Murray, the title page artist. James Vogel, whose depiction of Poseidia made it in the nick of time. Pink Ink Designs, designer of the branding, cover and interior. Ryan Jesena, my talented photographer friend, who took the author portrait one fine sunny day in LA. Cerraeh Laykin who helped me create the Atlantis logo.
I would also like to thank my fellow Atlantis enthusiasts who have always sent me interesting videos and articles along the way. Chief among these is Stu Smith, who changed the course of the story by introducing me to the philosopher's stone. I have spent much time developing the film and TV property alongside the books. My dad and his writing buddy Tony Toluba have helped me create the manual on all things Atlantis. Together we designed the economy and culture of the ten kingdoms, the history of Atlantis and Lemuria, the rules of Fireball and many other things. Also the Nexes team who used to meet every week at the Dushanbe teahouse in Boulder, Colorado helped me create earlier incarnations of my work that partially live on in these pages.
My many friends, too numerous to list here, have been instrumental in my search for refuge and inspiration. To name a few who have maintained unwavering support along this long and winding road… Ted Werth, my beloved Shmer has been my rock. Carmen Garcia, Donna Trousdale, Maurice Douek, Jack Obrien, Hope Ryder, Timmy Bigs, Brooke Bryant, Michael Bearly, The Bricklers, Steve Mcphereson, Jesselynn Desmond, Christina Bullard, Rick Hauser, The McHugh family, Laura Bernasconi, Kellee McQuinn, Mike Russek, Ryan Redman, Kaytibunny, Michael Hathaway, Mad Dog Madigan, Beth Burbank, Kanizzler, Irad Solomon, Robyn Mascolino, Coral, Torin, Dio and so on and so forth. I couldn't do this without you guys.
To everyone who has put me up during my writing process, and everyone who has supported me along the way. To everyone who has inspired characters in this book, and inspired lines or dialogue, I thank you. To the southwest community of the Society for Creative Anachronism, in which I participated in Renaissance reenactment for over ten years, fulfilling my dreams of gypsy elementalism. The national Burning Man community where I became immersed in a cutting edge multi-media art world filled with brilliant souls for another ten years. I have also spent time in the following places while writing this book (in particular order): Fort Collins and Durango, Colorado, London and Torquay, England, Maui, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Port Saint Lucie, Florida; Saint Martin, Caribbean, Washington DC, Boulder, Colorado, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, Paris, Manchester, Kauai, Los Angeles, Oakland, San Francisco, Austin, Denver, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Venice Beach, Ojai, and Marina Del Rey, California and finally, Atlantis. Thank you for reading my work. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it.
IT CAME TO PASS THAT the goddess Sophaiya fell from the heavens and took form as a celestial sphere, orbiting the great eye of Ra. She made her appendages into the minerals and plants, the animals and elementals of the Telluric Realm. And when she saw that she was complete, she sent her resonance into the celestial currents, and summoned the expressions of Source to beget their human project to dwell within her many realms. They would know the path to the Great Central Sun, and would be able to traverse it. They would have the ability to gather themselves into completion as they ascended through the realms of Sophaiya. And yet in their creation occurred a schism, born of the goddess’s descent into matter. Their task would be to rise to the highest vibration in the face of adversity, and break through the paradigm of duality.
And thus the motherland of Lemuria grew into a state of grace and perfection, while the fire nations, born of envy, would be their natural enemy. War ignited between them, ravaging the purity of the mother Sophaiya. And when she had her fill, the elements rose up and decreed peace once more. The fire nations were frozen
into ice, and Lemuria sank into the sea. The Watcher Belial absconded through the depths of Subterra, spiriting the Nexes of all knowledge to one of the eight remaining colonies of the motherland. The bountiful islands became home to the most shining achievement ever to be seen on any shore in any time.
But soon the schism would emerge again, and cause its beauty to crumble upon itself. The fire nations would grow restless in their icy prison, and cast a shadow of vengeance over the shining shores of Atlantis . . .
Once a golden city glowed upon a chosen site,
built within a sacred spring amid the ocean’s might.
Rings of land and rings of sea, crafted circles, three plus three.
Reflecting off the world it ruled, it lives eternally.
And to the esplanades so fair, a painted lady came one day.
Bade to love the people, for eternity to stay.
She would hold their hopes and give their dreams a place to live.
She would take their story for a future world to give.
SHRILL SCREAMS AND curses punctured the afternoon's sunny stillness. Emerging from a flower-framed archway, a man ducked to escape missiles of pottery aimed at his head of messy curls. His childlike expression beamed with amusement as a woman's voice pursued him into the narrow street.
“You have no business showing your face here, D'Vinid!”
D'Vinid rarely expended energy unnecessarily. Even in flight his movements had a feline elegance, which carried him lightly to the end of the lane where a set of twins waited purposefully, perched on a low wall. Their faces were painted with smug amusement as he emerged from the fragrant corridor, his long legs expediting his escape. They rose to their feet applauding lightly with thespian admiration.
Adorned with bright noble attire, the twins stood out among the commoners, turning the heads of all who passed. Both had long sharp features and devilish eyes. Their thin beards seemed to exist for the sole purpose of framing their wrinkled smiles.
D'Vinid stopped to straighten his clothes, adjusting the feathered hat flattening his wild curls. He examined the twins suspiciously, and reached back with momentary panic to make sure his musical instrument was still safely strapped to his back.
“What are you two doing here?” he asked, his eyes narrowed.
Kayden Aello had slightly wider features than his twin. It was the only means by which to tell them apart, though sometimes if they were not together, even that difference could fail to distinguish one from the other. “Good job, D'Vinid!” he cried. “As always, you never fail when it comes to getting the show started!”
Jensyn, the other twin, always prefaced his words with a dramatic gesture of some sort, exhibiting his more rational nature. “We've come to make sure you keep your appointment to perform at our father's revelry tonight.” Jensyn draped an arm over D'Vinid's shoulder with a genial smile.
“I was on my way there!” D'Vinid protested. “Your father does not have to monitor me.” He trailed off, looking back at the seldom used corridor. “How did you find me? A locator-crystal? I don't seem to recall imprinting one for you.”
Their looks were too innocent for anything but guilt.
“You say you were on your way to father's revelry?” Kayden interjected. “What a coincidence! That's exactly where we are heading. We can go together.”
D'Vinid smirked and took one regretful look back at the florid home of his attacker. With a sigh, he waved his hands in surrender and stepped into the bustling market.
The old dabrina strapped to his back made it more difficult to dodge through the crowded marketplace. Though it was as homely as dabrinas came, he believed its depth of tone to be the reason for his popularity. No other resonance could compare to that which came from the heirloom passed to him by his mother. Though he could not remember her face, sometimes when he played, he thought he could hear her laughter in its song. In her absence, the instrument had become his most steadfast and loyal friend.
D'Vinid inhaled the salty air. It had been a misty morning, characteristic of Atlantean days. As always, music danced in his head, and soon his brooding thoughts swept into the silent melodies only he could hear.
Flanked by the twins, he slowly made his way, as if escorted to a prison sentence. Both of them reached into satchels at their hips and produced golden hover-discs, inlaid with gems and geometrical patterns. As if in rehearsed choreography, they tossed their discs with the same flippant flick of the wrist. The discs clicked open as they fell, and a magnetic force cushioned them a few inches above the ground. They leapt atop the gleaming contraptions, which bounced at their added weight.
D'Vinid intensely disliked being held to his appointments. But he understood their father's caution. He had become notorious for getting swept away on other adventures, which often led him to spontaneously cancel his musical appearances.
In fact, just this very day while heading for the Aello estate, somehow his feet adopted a mind of their own and walked him to the outer ring of the citadel. Today he blamed it on being awakened far too early by a maddening dream.
“Where's your hover-disc?” Kayden, the twin with the wider features, called out while hovering in a fluid pattern. Jensyn joined in, and soon the twins were laughingly circling D'Vinid to taunt him.
D'Vinid shook his head, replying, “I don't have mine anymore, remember?”
The twins jumped to the ground and stomped on their discs to make them bounce back into their hands. The movement automatically retracted the footholds with a click.
Jensyn leaned in close. “You don't have yours?” he marveled after a contemplative pause.
“It was taken away in the renegade revelries,” D'Vinid admitted. “But I thought you knew that.”
“You were one of the great hover-tricksters! How could you not get a new one?” Kayden exclaimed, throwing his hands out.
“You forget what happened to me when King Koraxx, in all his wisdom, decided to ban hovering outside the road mounds.” D'Vinid sank into a dark expression. “Being so close to his sons, I was too high profile, and he made an example of me. I am not allowed to even possess one.”
Jensyn crossed his arms in a puzzle. “I'm sure your banning period is over by now. Koraxx isn't even king anymore. Just go through the mediators and get it resolved. How do you even get around?”
“Please spare me the questions! You don't know how hard it is to break the bond with a hover-disc. I still haven't gotten over it,” D'Vinid admitted, though he knew there was a real truth he always avoided. As much as he tried to hide from King Koraxx, his son and successor, King Kyliron, was far worse. D'Vinid would do anything to avoid his attention. “I'm in no rush to get anywhere, and if I am, I just take the vailix needle,” he pointed up at the shining bullet-shaped public transport, silently gliding on its path through the city.
The market was bubbling with festival fever. Banners and streamers billowed in the gentle breeze, and a general cheer abounded. It was the week of Ka-Ma-Sharri, one of D'Vinid's favorite festivals, when all Atlantis celebrated the mythic reunion of the soulmate Watchers, Belial and Kama. All Atlanteans celebrated by taking a lover at the height of the festival.
Ka-Ma-Sharri lasted three days, and happened repeatedly through the seasons when the sun and moon created an eclipse. The temporary reunion of Belial and Kama was symbolized by the meeting of the celestial bodies bringing day and night to Sophaiya. The festival was meant to remind Atlanteans of their inevitable completion. This was the second of a tetrad of Ka-Ma-Sharri's, which was a rare occurrence in a cycle of seasons. D'Vinid always pondered the deeper meaning of the Ka-Ma-Sharri, and often wondered why many citizens had begun to objectify the ritual to a point of greed and lust, rather than the celebration of divine union as it was meant to be.
“Mind if we ask what that was all about?” Jensyn asked, thrusting a thumb back toward the alley. His face twisted into ironic creases, which spread to his devious twin. D'Vinid cringed, relating all too well with these infamous pranksters.<
br />
He quickened his pace, trying to ignore the entrance to the road mounds, where happy citizens soared on hover-discs with wind billowing in their hair. To ease his loss, D'Vinid imagined people on discs as a species of flying human, who never knew how odd they looked from his perspective, floating along as they stood upright. It was his own private joke.
The twins tucked the discs back in their hip bags, and flanked him again.
“You are welcome to hover back to your father's estate,” D'Vinid smiled cleverly. “I will catch up eventually.” He hoped they would soon lose patience with keeping his slower pace.
Always the diplomat, Jensyn leaned in with a smirk. “Okay, since we have all this time, you might as well let us in on your little story back there.” He nudged D'Vinid with an elbow beaming a sideways smile.
D'Vinid snorted. “If you must know...” he squirmed, brushing a dark curl from his face. The twins leaned in, their faces poised eagerly. “I went to that dwelling because I was meeting with the younger sister of the woman who attacked me. I didn't realize they were sisters.” He shook his head regretfully.
Jensyn tried not to laugh, but failed miserably when Kayden burst into a cackle so loud, it turned heads. Jensyn was pushed into a belly laugh by the absurdity of the sound that had escaped his brother's mouth.
D'Vinid rolled his eyes, realizing his error. Jensyn and Kayden Aello were the last people he should reveal these things to. They would only store it in their memories as a possible weakness to exploit one day. With a flick of the head and a startled look, he drew their attention toward a fabricated emergency in a distant balcony. When the twins took his bait, he began striding in the other direction.
In truth, he had gone to the home of his attacker to apologize to the younger sister, the most recent victim of his indiscretions. The older sister thought for a moment he was there to take her as his lover for the festival. When she found out he was there for her sister, she was enraged, and rightly so.