* * *
Within Poseidon’s ancient temple the two rested at the feasting chamber’s grand table, Atl’As dismissed his servants before the young Atlantean began.
“We have recently witnessed a seismic disturbance to the north of Amek’Ra, my king, the ice begins to crumble and shift unpredictably. We have began to abandon posts closest to the northern lands, and docks that line the coasts there.” Atl’As shook his head slowly.
“I don’t understand, Nati.”
“My king, if the entire ice sheet shifts the results will be catastrophic. We fear the outcome will be far worse than to lose every last port along the Amek coasts. If the ice slides into Ra’Atlantek, none of us will be safe. Almost an entire lunar cycle has passed since I left Atu’Rus’ side, my king, the extent of the danger has doubtlessly worsened since my departure.”
“What would Atu’Rus have me do, my dearest? Do you require more hands to assist you?” Nati looked upon the golden mask hopelessly.
“No amount of hands could prevent this, Atl’As, I fear not even the will of Poseidon may keep us safe. I’ve witnessed this power first hand, my king. Atl’An lays just across the ocean, Atu’Rus believes our people are vulnerable to suffering a devastating fate should they remain in Atl’An.”
“He wants me to abandon our home?” She shook her head.
“It is for you to decide, my king.”
“Where would we go?”
“Into the mainland of Amek’Ra, away from the ocean, far, far away from the ice.” Atl’As sat for some moments in silence, strangely, the researchers words did not trouble him, he could not grasp the scale upon which she spoke.
“Visit my kin in each district, give them my word and tell them what you have told me. They control the populations of our home, they may decide the fates of our people.”
“What of you, my king? Shall I organise an escort? My men can take you directly to Atu -” The frail man shook his head.
“My heart is buried beneath the grass that this temple rests upon, I could not leave.” He looked away from her, staring at the deep red walls of the banquet hall. “Do make haste, though.” She gracefully bowed before making her leave.
“Should you change your mind, Atl’As, I will remain until this moon, then I depart.” The ancient king did not look at her, he rest back upon his grand chair and stared into oblivion. He had poured blood upon those icy white cliffs in his day, an endless barren tundra that stretched further than the eye could see. He was a warrior, an explorer, not an observer, nor did he have the mind of the researchers of Atu’Rus, he did not understand the importance of what Nati had uttered to him.
The Echoes of Solon Page 26