Tomb of Atlantis

by Petersen, Christopher David

  “Ah, I see. Great observation, Burt,” Javier said, now smiling.

  “Oh, my God! This is just incredible. So another pyramid really does exist?” Jack asked with great enthusiasm.

  “Probably,” Burt replied, simply.

  “And we hold the key to the King of Altantis’ burial chamber?” Jack asked, again.

  “Definitely,” he replied, confidently.

  The four stood silently for a moment contemplating the impact of their discovery.

  “So what’s next? Where do we go from here?” Jack asked, his eyes bright with excitement.

  “Grab your shovel, Jack. We’re going digging in the dirt,” Serena joked.

  “Whoa, hold the phone. This is Greece we’re talking about here. You can’t fart without a permit. Lots of red tape. Even if we know exactly what we’re looking for and exactly where to dig, it could take years to get approval,” Javier said in disappointed tone.

  “Leave that to me,” Burt responded with a knowing smile.

  Atlantis - Chapter 26

  PRESS CONFERENCE: NEW YORK CITY:

  The conference hall of the Marriot Marquis in downtown Manhattan was jam packed with spectators waiting for the news of Atlantis. Rows of chairs were set up and dozens of people lined the entrance hours before the doors opened, hoping to find a seat close enough to catch a glimpse of the now infamous scrolls and crystal globe. As the doors opened, in an act reminiscent of rock concerts, dozens rushed in to find a seat close to the stage, behind reserved seating.

  The stage held dozens of cameras and miles of wiring as the technicians frantically moved about, ensuring all equipment functioned properly. Nothing was overlooked. With only minutes to spare, the final preparations were complete.

  Jack looked at his tie in the mirror and tugged and pulled at the knot, slowly distorting its irregular triangular shape. Shaking the nervous tension out of his hands, he grasped the knot once more, only to distort it further.

  “Dammit, why do we have to wear these stupid things, anyway?” he called out in frustration.

  “Because they look nice,” Serena replied simply.

  She watched Jack quickly pull apart the knot and try again, only to see him distort it beyond recognition once more. Standing near him in the guest dressing room, she held back a smile as he struggled.

  “I give up. You have to be a freakin’ genius to tie one of these things,” he spouted angrily

  “Let me give you a hand, Jack,” she said.

  “You know how to tie ties and you let me suffer through all this?" he asked, now pretending to be offended.

  “I could have helped, but then where would the fun be in that?" she shot back.

  “Ha Ha, very funny. Next time you’re having trouble unsnapping your bra, don’t even think about asking me for help,” he replied, still trying to sound offended.

  “Nice try.”

  “Eh, never give up,” he replied, shrugging his shoulders.

  “As I’ve noticed.”

  With his tie perfectly tied, he checked the knot in the mirror. He smiled at Serena’s hidden talent.

  “Where’d you learn to do that?” he asked.

  “College.”

  “Time well spent,” Jack said with a smile.

  Just then, an announcement echoed from the stage just outside the dressing room.

  “Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats. The press conference will be starting shortly.”

  Jack turned to Serena and asked, “Nervous?”

  “A little," she replied, honestly. "You?”

  “Me? I’m like a rock. Nerves of steel,” he said, bloating his chest in exaggeration.

  “Uh huh. Look, if they start asking you questions you can’t answer, just remember to say, 'I’ll defer that to my colleagues’ and one of us will answer the question for you. Ok?” she replied in serious tone, saving Jack the possibility of embarrassment.

  “Thanks,” he said, sincerely.

  Moments later, Javier entered the dressing room.

  “Ok, guys, this is it. We’re on stage in one minute. Damn, this is exciting, isn’t it?” he said, wringing his hands in anticipation.

  “I think I soiled myself,” Jack responded in typical humorous fashion.

  “Lucky for you the camera shoots from the waist up,” he added with a smile.

  “Damn lucky,” Jack replied, simply.

  Motioning toward the door, Javier led the way out of the room and onto the lighted stage. In seconds, the bright lights changed slightly and the microphones went live.

  On cue, Burt Samuelson began to speak:

  “Good afternoon, today we stand at a momentous occasion. The revelation of Atlantis.”

  MOSCOW, RUSSIA:

  Nicolae Sokolov bellowed orders over the phone, “I don’t care about your excuses. I pay you to get the job done. When I talk to you next, I’ll expect the problem to be gone and my wallet thinner,” he growled.

  “Yes, sir,” the voice on the phone responded obediently.

  Nicolae hung up the phone and poured himself a tumbler of Scotch and ice. Bringing the glass to his lips, he sipped the brown liquid and smiled.

  “An unfortunate accident,” he said to himself under his breath.

  Instantly, Nicolae burst into a sadistic laugh. Reaching for the TV’s remote, he pushed the mute button releasing the sound into the dozen speakers hidden about the ornately decorated office.

  With the TV screen tiled into six smaller windows, each station broadcast the news from around the world. Quickly, his eyes scanned through and found a program of interest. He pushed a button and the sound instantly began to play for that station.

  He listened momentarily, became bored and reached for some paperwork. Walking across the large room, he sat on his white Italian leather couch and put his feet up on a marble coffee table. Tossing the remote to the couch, he began to peruse his documents.

  “Hmm, interesting,” he said to himself, barely audible.

  Reading further, an evil expression crossed his face once more.

  “Hmm, debt…and a mistress. This will work out nicely,” he said to himself with satisfaction.

  Taking another sip of Scotch, the TV caught his attention.

  “Good afternoon, today we stand at a momentous occasion, the revelation of Atlantis.”

  “Atlantis?” he said to himself excitedly.

  Quickly, he turned up the sound. Listening intently, he watched as Burt Samuelson continued.

  “Recently, my colleagues and I have discovered the secrets to a world buried for more than ten thousand years. What stands before you is unequivocal evidence that Atlantis does exist. These scrolls and this crystal globe explain the history and the location of a world thought to have only existed in fantasy.”

  Nicolae stared at the TV screen, mesmerized by the information. His mind envisioned the fabled nation and the treasures of a world lost. Standing, he turned up the sound and moved closer to the enormous screen. Riveted to the screen, he focused his eyes on the crystal globe.

  A collector of unique, priceless, and mostly illegal antiquities, his mind quivered as he thought about adding a new find to his collection.

  Instantly, he turned and ran to his phone.

  “Dimitri, get in here quick!” he shouted into the phone.

  Without waiting for a response, he hung up and hurried back to the TV.

  Seconds later, Dimitri burst through the heavy walnut doors of the office and rushed to Nicolae’s side.

  “Boss, is everything alright?”

  “That crystal, there on the screen. Do you see it?” Nicolae pointed.

  With a quick glance, Dimitri turned back to Nicolae and replied simply, “Yes.”

  “I must have it. You must get it for me,” he said, his voice trembling with excitement.

  “How badly do you want it?” Dimitri replied cryptically.

  “No excuses,” he returned coldly.

  “I’ll get it done,” Dimitri replied witho
ut hesitation.

  “And Dimitri…" he added coldly, "...do not disappointment me.”

  “Understood,” he replied as a shiver ran down his spine.

  As Dimitri left the room, Nicolae returned his stare to the TV. With the press conference nearly ended, he caught the last message in the broadcast.

  “So, Dr. Samuelson, when do you think you’ll begin the excavation on Atlantis?”

  “Soon, very soon.”

  -END

  Message from the Author:

  Hi, I’m Christopher David Petersen,

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  For further reading by Christopher David Petersen, please see the sequel to Tomb of Atlantis: Curse of Atlantis (sample chapter below):

  Curse of Atlantis

  Chapter 1

  Atlantis: 5000 B.C.

  King Orion sat under the shade of his exquisitely carved marble rotunda and slowly sipped his Egyptian wine. Seated high above the lavishly built city, he gazed out over his kingdom and surveyed the activities from one neighborhood to the next.

  Shielding his hand from the mid-day sun, he looked down into the valley several hundred yards below. Lining the main thoroughfare, he watched the activities of the busy street vendors engaged in the affairs of commerce.

  Rows of kiosks lined the busy street, selling dried meats, fruits, vegetables, and wines. King Orion smiled as he watched wealthy business men wander purposefully through the city, their fashionably made togas draped from their shoulders and flowing behind them as they walked.

  “A proud day for Atlantis,” King Orion boasted.

  “Yes, my King,” Oupis replied obediently as she poured more wine into his waiting cup.

  Young, slender, and shapely, King Orion eyed her with desire. He reached for her as he held his cup at the ready. Oupis instinctively recoiled, spilling wine down the front of his white toga.

  “You fool!” he erupted, throwing his cup while coming to his feet.

  “I’m sorry, my King,” Oupis responded, bowing her head in fear.

  With a quick lunge, he landed a crushing blow to her temple, sending her tumbling backward over a footrest. Wiping the front of his toga in disgust, he started toward her once more.

  “My King, the last of the preparations have been completed. The chamber awaits your review,” Keidis said, as he entered the room.

  Startled by the sudden appearance of his construction officer, King Orion broke off his attack and addressed him.

  “Splendid. That is the news I’ve been waiting for. Is everything prepared?” King Orion asked in a villainous tone.

  “As you requested,” Keidis responded.

  “Assemble the guards. We’ll waste no further time,” the King ordered.

  ~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

  Riding along in his chariot, King Orion looked far ahead at the mountain of stone so precisely carved. Larger and more opulent than anything ever built, the pyramid was a grand monument forever celebrating the glory and greatness of the founder of Atlantis.

  “My father’s dream is realized. This is truly a remarkable day,” King Orion said as he clung to a handle within the slow moving chariot.

  “Yes, my King,” Keidis replied, placating the unstable despot.

  “After all these years, my father will finally rest soundly,” King Orion said.

  “Yes, my King. When will we move him from the palace?” Keidis asked as he handled the reins to the chariot.

  “Concurrent with my inspection, Keidis. I have instructed the guards to bring him now. They trail behind us with his sarcophagus. When we are done, we’ll lay his body to rest and seal the chamber,” King Orion said, now growing visibly excited.

  Keidis looked behind them. From his vantage point, the legion of men stretched far beyond his sight and the fabled sarcophagus was nowhere to be seen. Turning back ahead, he watched as the opening to the chamber grew larger by the minute.

  “I see the guards standing at the ready, my King,” Keidis said, pointing to the chamber’s opening.

  “Mmm yes, I see them too. Do they know?” King Orion asked.

  “No, my King,” Keidis replied simply, hoping to avoid the painful topic.

  “Splendid. I will relish their surprise,” he said, sardonically.

  As the long procession of men and chariots made their way to the front of the great pyramid, the four guards at the entrance stood statuesque in their duty. With spears at their sides, and shields at the ready, their menacing presence quickly dispelled any plans to those who entertained the thought of looting.

  Staring straight ahead, Eteocles used his peripheral vision to scan the lead chariot.

  “Rhesus, do you see who leads the column of men?” Eteocles asked in a hushed tone.

  “I see him,” Rhesus replied, containing his excitement.

  “Maybe King Orion comes to advance us for exemplary service. After all, this is the most important duty in his kingdom,” Eteocles said.

  “Advancement would be highly desirable,” Rhesus concurred. “I’m sure we’ll be rewarded handsomely.”

  As the lead chariot slowed to a stop, Kind Orion stepped out and stretched his limbs. Looking over to Keidis, he said, “Bring me the crystal key. It is time.”

  “Yes, my King,” Keidis replied obediently.

  King Orion stood for a moment and watched the column of men assemble in front of the pyramid. Far off in the distance, he could see the cart that carried the sarcophagus. With a satisfied smile, he turned his attention to the men standing guard at the entrance. He examined their perfect posture and presence, and walked toward them. Stopping to their front, he pretended to be studying their appearance. The men stiffened a bit and waited for their king to pass his judgment.

  “Exemplary. I am very impressed. You four are very imposing,” King Orion said, then added, “Keidis has done well in selecting you.”

  “Yes, my king,” each man said in succession.

  “Keidis, we must talk about advancement for these four men,” King Orion called out to Keidis as he approached.

  Eyeing the four guards with dread, Keidis's reply was simple: “Yes, my king.”

  Turning his attention back to the guards, King Orion continued: “Men, I have another assignment for you inside the chamber. Please follow me.”

  Excitedly, each man turned and followed King Orion down a dimly lit corridor. Walking behind the five, Keidis carried the crystal globe that could spell the difference between life and death for the four guards.

  As they made their way deeper into the pyramid, the men glanced at the delicate inscriptions that lined the perfectly tooled walls. Excited by the moment, the young guards ignored their meaning and focused on their duty. Following behind, Keidis nervously held his eyes to the front and tried to forget the evil messages that cursed all who entered.

  Up ahead, the corridor began to brighten. Moments later, they all stepped into an expansive chamber. Pentagonal in shape, it measured thirty feet across at its furthest points. On one side of the torch-lit room, an altar stood just in front of a wall and measured five feet long by three feet wide and four feet high. At its center, a round column extended up from the top by a foot. The round column measured a foot in diameter and had a concave top that acted as a bowl of sorts. On each side, a small bowl-shaped depression was carved and held special oils that were set afire, illuminating the altar top.

  On the opposite side of the room, an enormous door remained closed. Measuring ten feet across and ten feet high, it was an imposing sight. Heavily engraved, hieroglyphics were carved deep into the
front surface. Turning to his guards, King Orion spoke.

  “Men, this will be your next assignment. Take pride that you will be guarding the great King of Atlantis. Beyond that door will lay his body. This assignment will carry the greatest honor and your families will be held in the highest esteem forever more,” King Orion announced, trying to sound believable.

  Keidis watched as the four men beamed with pride while they took in their king’s propaganda. He looked down and stared into the heavy bag he clutched in his hands. The magnificent crystal globe that once dazzled him with its beauty now represented death and sadness, and sickened him to look at. He closed the bag and forced his mind to think of far off pleasant thoughts that soothed his aching soul. Hearing his name, he turned his attention back to his king.

  “In his grasp, Keidis holds the great crystal key. Few men have laid their eyes upon it. You four will be the first beyond its creators. This is truly a proud moment for you," the King continued. “Keidis, bring me the crystal key,” he said to his faithful, yet disgusted servant.

  Keidis slowly walked beyond the four guards and opened the bag for King Orion. Reaching in, the king carefully pulled it from its depths and held it out for all to see. The men stared in awe at the sight of the crystal globe. Nearly twelve inches in diameter, it was delicately carved and displayed the lands of their surrounding continent. Light inscriptions adorned its surface, and its core was a golden pyramid with a golden eye suspended just above.

  “This is the key to your destiny. Gaze upon its beauty. Have you not seen anything so magnificent in your life?” the king asked, rhetorically.

  With his eyes still on his men, he walked past them to the altar. Holding the crystal out for all to see, he carefully placed it onto the convex surface of the column that rose out of the altar’s center. Instantly, the heavy weight of the crystal globe caused the column to sink. Moments later, its descent stabilized and the crystal found the pre-established height that engaged the lock to the heavily inscribed door.