Ni-Cio evaw Azaes loved his job. The freedom he felt from racing through the world’s oceans to collect water and air samples thrilled him. It brought him closer to the topsiders, and Poseidon knew that for him, the topsiders were a constant source of mystery and curiosity. The many hues and colors of their lives and cultures teased the edges of his imagination and called him like a siren song. He longed to explore their world. “Canon Law, Edicts!” he spat, “I have never understood why the mixing of Atlanteans and topsiders was forbidden. It makes no sense.”
He tightened his hands on the console. He never attempted to dock topside, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t tempted. A rampant thought brought a moment of brutal honesty: “If not for this job, and for Aris and his antics, I would lead a very dull life indeed…”
Even Aris couldn’t understand why his friend hadn’t picked a life mate. Ni-Cio didn’t want to explain. His best friend would never understand. Ni-Cio’s mouth twisted as though he had tasted some sour seaweed. “Atlantis is too much of the same…”
He remembered his mother telling him, “Oh, my son, if wishes were only fishes you would be wealthy indeed.”
She had tried to involve him with his schooling to help take his mind off his wanderlust, but studying about the topsiders only inflamed his thirst for adventure. He learned the hard way to keep his rebellious thoughts to himself. And so, when their Council Leader, Marik, had asked if he would like to take over the job of collecting samples, he had jumped at the chance like a barracuda. He was grateful that Marik had given him that opportunity.
Lost in thought and engaged in reaching his assigned test site, the first sense of trouble seemed to Ni-Cio only a slight current shift. He frowned and shrugged his shoulders in an attempt to banish the feeling.
It was imperative that he retrieve the samples. Once presented at Council, they would provide irrefutable proof that the future of his home, his family and the lives of every Atlantean were threatened. The risk of discovery increased with each leap of Terran technology. And so, Ni-Cio ignored the first unsettling hints that nipped at the edges of his psyche.
As the speed of his biosphere’s ascent increased, the vibrations of distress insinuated themselves deeper into his awareness until he could no longer concentrate on his race to the surface. He slowed his craft and searched for the source of the disturbance.
His thoughts circled through the surrounding blue, and he was captured at once by a feeling that rippled through his body almost like an electrical shock. Someone’s life force was ebbing.
Ni-Cio tried to continue his task, but the vibrations grew more insistent. Against his better judgment he attempted contact before he diverted his attention back to the mission. “Forgive me, I cannot stop…your life is precious, but I am not to interfere with your actions…”
As his thought-form sailed through the sapphire water to find its recipient, Ni-Cio urged his biosphere into a moderate ascent.
A pall cast itself around his heart as he felt the motions of distress slow. He was aware that the last bit of oxygen had been reached. With the sudden release of that last breath, he stopped.
The light from his biosphere cut through the dark and flashed across a motionless form. A topside woman! Her skin sparked like a falling star and Ni-Cio would sooner have willed his own heart to stop beating than leave the woman to her fate.
Before her next inhalation, he positioned the biosphere next to her and the hatch dematerialized. He reached to gather her in. The hatch closed and seawater flowed outside in an eye blink. Ni-Cio willed the bioskin from around his head and breathed deeply into the woman’s mouth. Her full lips parted to accept his gift, and for a moment, Ni-Cio felt lightheaded.
He pulled her inert form into a more comfortable position and the biosphere adjusted to its new rider. Questions swirled in aquamarine eyes before the woman lost consciousness. But in that instant, Ni-Cio sensed an elusive thrill of recognition. He felt he knew her. His hands slid down the graceful slope of her back and encircled the curve of her waist. Ni-Cio drew her closer until he could feel the drowsy beat of her heart against his own racing pulse.
“What have I done?” Ni-Cio looked wildly about, fearing that someone from Atlantis had seen his wanton disregard of the Edicts. His stomach clenched and he felt sick. The spike of his heartbeat spoke of his own rising panic. “Leave her! I cannot bring her to Atlantis!”
He didn’t know what to do. Blindly willing the hatch to open again, he started to thrust her from the craft but his body acted of its own accord. The hatch shut yet again and the surge of water was once again expelled from the ‘sphere. Bringing her closer, he peered into her face and tried to hear her thoughts. The woman remained unconscious, however, and he heard nothing. The icy water, caught like crystal teardrops in her feathery lashes, riveted his attention and he watched in fascination as salt tears trickled down her porcelain cheeks. He couldn’t catch his breath, and he coughed as his heart quivered with an uneven beat. Her otherworldliness ignited his restless soul with an unquenchable fire. “I will give my life to protect you.”
His decision made, it still took a tremendous effort of will to bring his craft around. He lifted his gaze and concentrated on the downward trek home.
Ni-Cio knew that the action he took to save the woman would send shockwaves through Atlantis. What wasn’t certain was how vast the repercussions would be. He had to be prepared for anything.
Holding the woman as gently as he could, Ni-Cio watched their descent. Colors outside changed and deepened. Orange flowed to red; green became blue and dark blue merged into an indigo night. The luminous headlights from his biosphere cut the unrelenting darkness into streaming bands of shadows, and Ni-Cio flew his craft around jagged mountains and over fathomless canyons. Finally, at the base of a sheer rock wall dotted with the soft glow of phosphorescent green, he brought his craft to a stop.
An almost invisible shadow briefly distorted the canyon walls, then swam into sight. Ni-Cio smiled. The torpedo-shaped, nearly transparent body lurked at the portal entrance and emitted rainbows of light while clicking a triple row of razor-sharp teeth. At the sound of its fretful swishing and clicking, a sound audible only to him, Ni-Cio knew they were home. He sent a gentle thought-whisper to his old friend. “Peace, Gallendar, be still…”
The menacing appearance of the ageless behemoth camouflaged a docile nature, however, he did not give ground to Ni-Cio at the entrance portal. “My friend, do you know what it is that you do?”
“I could not help myself, Gallendar…if you could, you would have done the same…”
“I would not be you for the world…you will need all your strength to endure the consequences of your action…I leave you to your fate…”
Ni-Cio watched as the fish lazily flicked its great tail and swam away. Admittance into Atlantis opened before him and his still unconscious guest.
He steered the biosphere into an underwater tunnel and navigated the winding cavern. Without the shimmering illumination of the green phosphorescence, and even with the lights of his underwater craft, the darkness of the portal was complete, so dense, that it seemed to have its own presence, its own layers of black. Ni-Cio traversed the portal and aimed the craft toward a light that unfolded like a rose.
As the light became more distinct, colors flared on either side of the tunnel, becoming brighter until the Atlantean surfaced into an arched chamber that was swathed in a soft coppery glow. Pinpoints of light glinted off granite walls, walls carved into fantastic shapes: unicorns, miniature elephants, heroes and mermaids.
Ni-Cio held the topsider as gently as possible and stepped from the biosphere onto the pool deck. His bioskin, which had provided protection and air, changed form, trailing away like a cloud. From a rack full of warming robes, Ni-Cio grabbed two to drape around himself and the woman. As he did, his thoughts called to his friend and Healer. “Na-Kai…come, please…”
A gentle rebuke soughed through his mind. “Ni-Cio, not you…a stranger?”
“S
he is unconscious…”
“Wait…I am coming…”
A sudden sharp slap burned across Ni-Cio’s shoulders, causing him to jump. Holding the woman, he twisted around to see the piercing, black eyes and hawk-like face of his childhood friend.
Aris’s smile pulled into a deep scowl of dismay. The sudden change of his friend’s affable behavior punctuated the severity of Ni-Cio’s transgression. Aris grasped the stranger’s chin and tilted it to the light, then just as suddenly, let her go as if his hand had been burned just by touching her. “This topsider is way beyond her depth! By the gods, Ni-Cio, what were you thinking?”
Grabbing Ni-Cio’s arm, Aris tried to drag him back to the biosphere. “Come on! We can get her out of here before anyone finds out!”
Ni-Cio wouldn’t budge. “Aris, I need you to stand with me in this. Na-Kai is coming for her, and in my heart…”
Aris barged in, “Your heart? What an argument! That should just about convince the Council to let her stay. Have you finally lost your mind?”
Ni-Cio’s heart sank. He was well aware of the repercussions his actions would dictate if he couldn’t even convince his best friend that his decision had been warranted. Before he could defend himself, however, the sound of a deep bass voice reverberated through the hall, making both men jump.
“Who’s lost their mind?” Marik strode into view.
The sheer size of Marik commanded attention and Ni-Cio felt dwarfed not only by the responsibilities of leadership that Marik seemed to wear so easily, he felt diminished by comparison. Ni-Cio’s arms tightened around the woman and he straightened to his full six-foot height.
As he watched Marik’s purposeful approach, Ni-Cio could tell how much he enjoyed his position as Council Leader. Marik had always led Atlantis with a firm sense of adherence to Canon Law. While he shared an abundance of love with all Atlanteans, it was no secret that he loved the children most of all. It was Marik’s dedication to his post, and the love he held in his heart, that Ni-Cio fervently hoped would work in his favor now. However, the disdainful sweep of Marik’s water-blue eyes as he took in the unconscious form did not bode well.
Ni-Cio jostled his bundle into a more comfortable position as he watched Marik’s eyes narrow to slits, and his heart sank along with his carefully nurtured hope.
“What have you done?” Sickly green striations curled over Marik’s strong features, showing the fear that roiled inside him. “You are well aware of the Edict guarding against associations with topsiders. Put her out, now.” As if the episode were concluded, Marik turned to go.
“Marik, I cannot. She is hurt!” Ni-Cio felt like he was drowning.
The Council Leader halted and when he turned around, Ni-Cio saw the glint of steel in his eyes that reflected his innate terror and repugnance of the foreign female. “You should never have brought her here. What possessed you to even touch one such as this, much less bring her into our midst? You know it is expressly forbidden. Must I order another to do that which you are unwilling to do?”
Ni-Cio had known his actions would meet with intense opposition, but he had counted on the reverence for life within the soul of every Atlantean to strengthen his position. He never thought his single act of compassion would be turned into a cold-blooded act of murder. “No, I cannot do this.” He clung to the topsider, thinking Marik would yank her from his arms. His ability to reason vanished, and he knew a deep and abiding anger had taken over when he felt his eyes turn from vivid violet to a heat-filled purple. He swung on his friend. “Aris, speak to my defense! We can take this to a vote in Council. It is my right!”
Aris’s skin rippled from orange to bronze, and Ni-Cio was stunned. Incapable of movement, he had to acknowledge the dire predicament into which he had brought the topsider with Aris’s reply. “My friend, I would give my life for you, but do not ask my help with this, not this. You must do as Marik says and put her out. There is no other alternative.”
Ni-Cio turned away from Aris and Marik, and with the backs of his fingertips, stroked the face of the unconscious woman. He heard the muted tread of Marik’s feet as the Leader came closer. “I know your heart, Ni-Cio, but there is no Council decision to be made. The Canons teach us to revere life, yet the Edicts are what have kept us safe and hidden. We will not change what has worked for thousands of years. Go now and be done.”
Ni-Cio’s blood pounded and he spun to face his adversary. “I will not do this. I will leave Atlantis before I commit this unspeakable outrage!”
Aris and Marik released their fear and frustration at the same time.
“Ni-Cio, it is for the good of Atlantis that I tell you to do this!”
“It is law.”
“We cannot interfere…”
Tempers flared and voices escalated until a regal whisper cut through the tumult like a knife. “Let me see her.”
As one, they turned, extreme ranges of emotion reflected on their faces. Na-Kai had come. Marik and Aris parted to let her view the woman Ni-Cio gripped like a life preserver.
Na-Kai studied the unconscious topsider, then took her from Ni-Cio and settled her onto a nearby couch. The Healer laid her hand across the young woman’s forehead. “You are safe. Awaken.”
At Na-Kai’s command, the young woman’s eyes opened. Ni-Cio let out an anxious sigh and only then realized he had been holding his breath. He could tell that the topsider was unaware of the men grouped around her, and instead focused her gaze on the wise and beautiful woman who observed her. The topsider’s voice trembled. “Who are you?”
Na-Kai neither moved nor spoke. With the Healer’s hand still resting upon the woman’s forehead, Ni-Cio could see her hesitation. His heart skipped a beat as Na-Kai’s thoughts tumbled into his mind. “You do not even realize the extent of this treasure you have brought us…” The Healer passed her hand over the woman’s eyes, and the topsider fell into a deep, untroubled sleep. Na-Kai eyed the men. “I would have her rest before she is questioned.”
The maelstrom erupted. Na-Kai rose from the couch, and with the absolute authority of her years, silenced everyone with a gesture. “We will meet in Council. Regardless of what you may think, Marik, there are reasons to keep her with us. I will say no more until we are convened. I suggest you summon everyone with utmost urgency. I will be in my chambers until you are ready.”
“Ni-Cio, see that this woman is placed under Kyla’s care until I am ready for her.”
They watched as the Healer turned with a grace that belied her years, and swept from the chamber. Ni-Cio turned to stare at the other men, and then at the sleeping topsider.
Once Ni-Cio saw that Kyla had sequestered the topsider in Na-Kai’s chambers, he retraced his steps. He walked back through the empty halls to rejoin his friend while his thoughts boiled over one another like sharks at a feeding frenzy. “The Terran woman is in grave peril because of my rash decision. If the reactions of Marik and Aris are any indication, then it is a foregone conclusion that the vote at Council will not be any different. By the god of my fathers, if anything happens to her I will never forgive myself!” He bowed his head and his heart began an erratic syncopation. Icy beads of moisture created a string of sweat at his hairline.
He angled down an adjacent tunnel and lengthened his strides. His breath seemed to wedge in his throat. He had heard the term “blind panic” in relation to topsiders, but for the first time in his life, he comprehended the idea.
He located Aris, but when he saw a look of obstinacy crisscross his friend’s features with dark blue, Ni-Cio decided that diplomacy could wait. He grabbed Aris’s arm and forced him into an empty side chamber.
They squared off. Aris’s skin rippled red and gold streaks of flame. Ni-Cio knew the colors to be a perfect mirror of his own inflamed emotions, so he tried to still his jumping heart. But as he opened with his first persuasive salvo, it seemed that his heart had decided to leap from his chest and into his throat. He swallowed hard and tried to clear a path so that his words could slip by.
“You must help me sway the vote.”
A quick shake of his head and Aris crossed his arms. He set himself obdurately on both feet. “You heard Marik. You should never have brought her here. Her very presence endangers us all.”
“Think about it, Aris, we are taught to revere the life-essence almost before we take our first breath. Surely, the third Canon prevails over the dictates of our man-made Edicts. It is unconscionable to suggest any other alternative.”
When Aris didn’t respond, Ni-Cio felt a slight twinge of hope. “How long have we been friends? I would not ask you to do that which I was unprepared to return in kind. Please Aris, with your help we can sway enough of the assembly so that the consequences of my actions need not reach such a terrible conclusion.”
Robes flying, Aris pushed past Ni-Cio and turned around. Drawing several deep breaths, he struggled for composure and ran his hands through his long, dark hair. “I do not understand why you are unable to take her back to the unfortunate place you acquired her. At least then you would not have to put her out at depth.”
In a gesture that made him feel like the supplicant he was, Ni-Cio turned his hands palm side up before lifting his shoulders in a helpless shrug. “She was trying to kill herself. I, intervened.”
Aris’s face and arms burned an incandescent scarlet, and it looked to Ni-Cio as if he was about to receive some painful physical damage. He girded himself for the rampage. “By all the gods, Ni-Cio, I do not believe this! How am I to help you? You have sealed her fate by your own actions. You know as well as I do, unless we are directly involved, it is forbidden for us to interfere in the actions of topsiders. Our safety and anonymity depends upon our adherence to that Edict. Surely you cannot have forgotten how the Council voted with respect to Travlor?”
Aris turned and headed for the door as if the discussion had been concluded, but Ni-Cio quickly blocked his exit. “Aris, you must listen. It was as if I was compelled. I cannot explain any better than to tell you that I was drawn to that exact place at that exact moment in order to save her. She is here for a purpose. I know this with every fiber of my being. On that, I would stake my life.”
Tides of Change Page 3