Chapter 15.
Atl’As struggled to lift himself from his knees as he gazed up at the immortal face of Poseidon. Hundreds of meters above, the Atlantean god rested in a chariot of gold, carried upon the sea by a breaching pod of cetaceans. He prayed for the safe return of Thu’Ra to his shores, for he knew that should his chosen be safe, his family would surely be.
Beneath the golden mask he winced at a sharp pain in his knee though made great effort not to show any physical signs of strain in front of his servants. In his day he had not once paid thought to what age would do to him, his entire life had been a blur, so full of adventure and excitement it once was.
The ancient king turned about to look upon the central canal of his home. Such beauty that, to this day, he struggled to absorb. Beneath him, past the pristine green grass that lead to the gypsum harbour, he noticed Kotu standing as though she were a statue, looking out for her love.
The old male sighed quietly to himself at the sight. He knew all too well the pains of being absent from those you hold most dear, and though it was at his command the first chosen was so frequently away from Atlantis, he hoped she did not hold him responsible for her torment. He made a slow descent across the perfectly kept pitch, enjoying the comfort of soft foliage beneath his feet, for it gave some relief to the aches in his joints. She did not notice his approach until he spoke.
“You know he will return whether you spend your days watching or not, my child.” At the sound of his frail voice Kotu turned, looking at her ruler. She lowered her head and dipped to rest upon one knee before him. He raised a hand in protest. “Please, Kotu, there is no need.”
“How do you fair today, my king?”
“As well as Poseidon allows.” She smiled lightly looking upon him through bright blue eyes. Atl’As joined her at the harbour’s edge and together they stared out for some quiet moments towards the entrance of the grand city. “He will return before the lunar cycle ends, my dear, Poseidon has kept him well all his life, as has your love. Nothing will stop him from sailing up this canal to rest his eyes upon you, Kotu.” She laughed quietly through her nose, smiling at her king’s words.
“I know.” To speak to the man was a struggle for her, she knew not what subject would be fit to raise nor whether he truly held an interest in her company. In the midst of the silence Atl’As nodded a number of times before turning about, he took some small steps before pausing.
“When he returns I shall relieve him of his duty, Kotu. You will have the rest of your lives to enjoy one another’s love.”
“Oh thank you, Atl’As,” she twirled about to look at him, welling with joy at the most unexpected announcement. “Thank you.” At her reply he moved onwards, abruptly stopping for a feint sound buzzed in his ear. He looked back towards Kotu in confusion yet it was hidden by the apathetical golden mask.
“Did you hear it, my dear?” She nodded.
“A horn, my king, far up the canal.” Within moments the damp sound was joined by a chorus all across the beautiful city. “Do they return so soon?”
“No,” he moved to her side, “it’s not possible, Poseidon, forbid something has happened.” Atl’As was as confused as Kotu, yet all they could do was helplessly wait. The reverberating horns made the king anxious for they were sounded strictly to signal events of emergency.
After many tense moments a bow ship protruded into vision from beyond the horizon, upon it rested six Atlanteans. Atl’As immediately recognised them as the men and women who worked under his nephew, Atu’Rus. At the beak of the vessel stood a tall slender female, her long cascading silver hair revealed her identity long before Atl’As could see the features of her face. Nati, one of the brightest minds he had ever known, her ingenuity had propelled his nation into this great advancing era of orichalcum, though even she could not find a solution to their nation’s dilemma.
The ancient king did not speak aloud, but he surged with hope that the young researcher had news of a deposit of the most precious resource. Should his first chosen be successful in the delta, and a new source of orichalcum be at his disposal, he could begin expanding his nation’s culture across the globe with the smallest of efforts, sealing his legacy for eternity.
“Who are they, Atl’As?” Kotu’s delicate voice subdued his fantasies.
“Explorers from the district of Atu’Rus, they must carry news from Amek’Ra.”
The males rowing heaved the reed vessel with great pace up to the glistening gypsum dock, upon reaching the harbour Atl’As’ servants hurried to fasten the craft to a gold horn cleat, securing them. Nati rushed up the shallow stairwell onto the gypsum walkway, on approach she nodded elegantly at Kotu, then bowed her head before Atl’As.
“Nati? What is it, my child?” She glared her deep emerald eyes directly at his own.
“May I request a private audience, my king? I bring urgent word from Atu’Rus.” Atl’As nodded to her before turning towards the temple of Poseidon, he rose his hand to usher her up the walkway to the heart of his city.
The Echoes of Solon Page 25