by Alan, Mark
"Skinny dip?"
"Not concerned about uninvited guests?" Aven's eyebrows raised.
"We can hear them approaching through the opening at top. We would have like 5, to grab towels" Kavani offered up, as she pulled down khaki shorts revealing her tiny black bikini.
"You look so hot!"
"Honoring a woman's request is more admirable than praise”. She cited and Aven was naked immediately.
The water was refreshing, with a catwalk waist deep to the middle of the cenote. The sunlight from the oculus above glistened off their bare, wet bodies.
"You are a Goddess! An Absolute..." Aven was stopped short by giggles and chatter on the pathway above. "I guess that's our queue”.
Kava's buns emerging from the water as she climbed the stairs had Aven's full attention. Grabbing his board shorts, he caught Kava enjoying her last peak of his package as he tied the drawstrings. Definitely a stop worth making – the sites were breathtaking on all accounts.
Chichen Itza structures date back to 435. Aven was even more astute on sacred ancient grounds. He had recollections... visions.
"Mr. Antipater, I'm Irina, the director of UNESCO. Here is your VIP pass to climb the 91 steps to the peak of our pyramid. Welcome to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world."
It was March 20: the Equinox.
336 B.C.
Helios, the Greek sun God, chose Rhodes as his island and it has been sun kissed ever since his declaration. The peak of Attavyros would provide the perfect backdrop to Olympias' celebration. The Doric temple of Athena would serve as the table of offering. Athena was the Goddess of wisdom, courage, strategy and skill, all traits Olympias believed she and any invited guests must aspire to embody. Ships from the municipalities of Rhodes, as well as the other Greek States united under the league of Corinth, began arriving at port in the eastern bay.
The evening had been filled with secret rituals and unorthodox practices. Secrets were revealed and books only accessible by the privy were opened. Athena's Acropolis library secured ancient texts of lost Dorian incantations. The moon had reached its apex casting fanciful shadows across the temple columns emblazoned with sconces of snakes. It was time to feast, drink, and dance. Wine from the renowned vineyards of the central mountains of Rhodes was added to goblets, both drink and chalice fit for royalty. The women looked beautiful, all clothed in ivy white. Wine, Ivy, snakes... Just some of the symbols Olympias had infused from her cultic Dyosonus influences. As well as one more addition, who was entering the temple on queue - Antipater. Visiting the isle of Rhodes on a diplomatic mission to negotiate with the Persians, yet on a more neutral territory, Antipater had been invited to enjoy the final feast at Olympias' request. Every woman recognized the Regent and each averted her eyes in respect.
Antipater found a natural place to recline above the temple floor looking east out to the sea, the sheer cliffs providing protection from marauders and the crashing waves far below. The citadel was picturesque, indeed.
The food was fresh and full of flavor. The wine was flowing freely, each new reserve better than the last. The women were beautiful, if only because he was the only man present, but one demanded special attention.
Her laugh was contagious. Her very presence lifted the energy of all others. Her dark hair, in loose curls and tan skin was such a striking contrast to the white of the dress and decor. Her beauty was undeniable. From the marking on her wrist, Antipater knew Kava was from the city Tilos of Rhodes.
Kava turned to look at Antipater and he was already starring at her. His eyes piercing her soul, not in a subjective way, but were empowering and full of passion.
"May I dance in your honor Regent?"
"Do you think it wise to isolate yourself from amongst your sisters to honor me rather than your goddess of tribute?" Antipater queried.
"Yes... Athena is portrayed as a shrewd companion of heroes and is the patron goddess of heroic endeavor after all." She quipped, as the wine provided just the right amount of liquid courage.
"By all means, dance for me”. Antipater admired her bold spirit as well as her embrace of individuality. After all they were celebrating the "free ones”.
Kava approached Antipater's raised platform, taking each step on her toes, muscles flexed revealing the tone of her body. Moving to the music, as the drums beat faster, her new elevated position allowed the sea breeze to lift the light fabric of her parted dress and blow through her hair. She appeared angelic as the winds complimented her movements. At this close distance, her entire body was visible through her sheer gown. Antipater was mesmerized.
Olympias was furious.
The energy of the mind is
the essence of life.
~ Aristotle ~
Aven was escorted around the chain links that separated the public from the sacred ruins and proceeded up the narrow outer steps to summit the pyramid. Digits in the code intercepted in Thailand had ancient characters incorporated. Symbols that resonated with Aven in DC, now at Chichen Itza were tapping into memories from long ago. Inside the pyramid, Aven navigated the narrow passages to enter the temple room of Chac Mool. Examining the Jaguar throne, the engraved characters on the chest of the statue, were the same as those embedded into the code, awaiting his interpretation back at the Pentagon.
Suddenly everything was clear from 3 days ago. Aven had experienced a vision of Sumeria in his convertible outside the winery, in preparation for this interpretation. Throughout his long life, memories were lost until they were needed to fulfill a purpose. Realizing the draw to Chichen Itza, was a call from the ancients, Antipater recalled his first visit to Sumeria with Alexander. They had entered the famed Ziggurat tower of Babel, square at its foundation (rather than round) and 91 meters high. It was in decay, but both men knew the significance of the structure. Alexander would eventually destroy the tower, but not before removing certain tiles to another location. The similarities between the pyramid and the tower were not a coincidence and the use of the number 91 bore significance.
The number 91 carries with it a meaning of disaster. It is the sum of the numbers one to thirteen and is a symbol of the culmination of all that is "unlucky."
Aven took 91 paces and before him was a carving on the tomb wall. It was a rendering of a great cataclysmic event. One he had seen depicted before in the stone carvings of Angkor Wat, a temple in Cambodia, a country that shares borders with Thailand. At the realization of the connections, Aven lost his footing as the ground beneath him began to shake. He caught a glimpse at his watch, as his arm reached toward the wall to stable himself... Exactly 3 pm.
Outside the pyramid Kava stared up at its endless 91 steps, admiring the impeccable architecture, particularly the stone feathered serpent head. As the clock reached 3:00 p.m. the sun light struck the north side creating 7 light and shadow isosceles triangles, giving shape to the body of a slithering serpent. The eyes of the serpent glowed and as she gazed into them, Kava fell into a trance and began chanting an incantation in Greek. The rhythm of the language under the strength of her accent was beautifully hypnotic.
She started to trace in the sand a depiction of a churning ocean. Above the waves were the images of the moon goddess Ishta, the flower bedecked goddess Malin Ali and the star goddess Citlalli.
As tourists snapped shots trying to capture the sun's creation on the pyramid face, many were captivated by Kava as well. Her 'connection' was assumed to be a performance demonstrating ancient rituals, but in fact it was the first time in over forty years she remembered her true identity. The experience was nothing ceremonial, but true magic. As she embraced the full power of the moment, her eyes shone with knowledge.
Aven, even from the pinnacle of the pyramid, could see the change in her. As he carefully scaled the steep descent, he could feel the energy coming from Kavani's presence. He ran to her position standing near the serpent head, and pulled her close. She welcomed his embrace, but after a moment took a step back.
"My love, why are you in
costume? And what am I wearing?" Her questions came in succession.
"What is this sacred and powerful place? I do not recognize its beauty".
"The flash boxes from all these around us... Are we among a magic clan Antipater?"
He began to explain, "Kavani we are in the 21st century, in a new world discovered by explorers and home to the Ashuras. They call themselves Mayan and this is the ruin of the capital city of their empire".
"Ashuras" she replied with raised eyebrows, as she took in his words. "We are then on the other side of the world." She stated, but it sounded more like a question.
"Is it not also the day of equal night, the serpent revealing messages from Venus?" She continued. "Her presence is strong here in her realm opposite to Jupiter".
The Puranas, an ancient scripture, had described that the Devas or "those of the light" and the Ashuras or "those of the dark" lived on opposite sides of the world. The calendar of the Devas was based on the movements of Jupiter, leader of the Gods, The calendar of the Ashuras was based on the movements of Venus, the moon goddess of beauty.
"What have you traced in the sand?" Antipater asked, "I recognize the churning water from inside the pyramid, but who are the three figures?"
"The goddesses of this realm, revealed to me on the night we met in Rhodes, at Olympias' celebration." Kavani explained, as she leaned into Antipater remembering their first encounter, "They are positioned to prevent the cataclysmic event being orchestrated on the opposite side of the world”.
Antipater was a bit shocked. The secrets answered here would solve the encryption, but he feared what the code would reveal was something much larger than a typical threat. What was happening in Thailand was thousands of years in the making.
Driving away from Chichen Itza, Kava began seeing snapshots of her life in Seattle... Her law office, the vineyard... Then the memories began to flood her mind until she remembered eons of experiences
336 B.C.
Antipater extended his trip in Rhodes. Kavani was the perfect host. The two relished each other's company. The rains had swept in by early evening. Antipater lifted his robe overhead and looked for cover from the down pour. Kavani ran her fingers through her hair, tossing her head back as her face embraced the moonlight. She was wet. Her pink lips a perfect complement to the large golden earrings dangling across her neck. Skin glistening from the moisture and linen pulled close to her body, she was radiant.
"Why scurry to the cave Great One?" Her sarcasm dripping. "Kiss me in the rain. Embrace me. Enjoy our water world with me this night." Her playful confidence was undeniable.
Antipater dropped his cloak and strode towards her, "The waves on our heels, the rain on our cheeks and the moon as our guiding light”. He lifted her off the beach as she reached up to wrap her arms around his neck. "My siren emerging from the sea, I want you”. The moonlight was reflecting off their bodies.
Their lips met. Antipater had to steady himself. Her touch across his bare chest and down his arms was more than he could handle. Tearing off her dress, as she pulled off his war skirt, her legs wrapped around his waist, their bodies became one shadow. The kissing became more intense as the rain grew harder. Antipater lay her down on the beach and admired her body hidden by only her rings and a golden bracelet.
The peak of the sun found their intertwined bodies from the evening's activity. The sun's rays on the cliffs made the jagged walls glow.
"Race you to the fortress gardens for a morning bite of fruit”. Kavani relayed over her shoulder as she ran towards the cliffs. Her perfect ass was motivation enough to follow, and food after a night of sex sounded extra appealing.
Kavani scaled the natural footholds of the cliff face and Antipater followed her lead. Their naked bodies tense with each grab and reach, but their minds still playful and attentive to one another. As Antipater reached a position next to Kavani, she turned his way.
"Be careful with your sword Love, I wouldn't want you to scrape it against the rocks".
"Don't worry I'll keep my sword nice and sharp for you", came his coy reply.
"It's so large, maybe I should hold it". She said giggly as she lounged towards his mid section.
Antipater easily caught her, bracing her body towards the wall. At this close proximity the heat between them was palatable. They were just at the lip edge of the garden, so Antipater settled for hoisting her up onto level ground. As he held her ass, the view looking up, as she scaled the final steps, left him in awe. Every inch of her body was perfect.
The gardens offered a bountiful snack - Grapes, peaches, tangerines, and mandarins. The groves were beautifully laid out with a backdrop of walls covered in white ivy. After having their fill of fruit, Kavani noticed Antipater examining the fortress walls.
"Admiring the Edera?" She asked.
"I thought it was ivy, but this white species, is unique to me". He replied quizzically.
"Careful Warrior, this twining is particularly poisonous." As she skillfully picked a flower, careful not to touch a leaf and placed it in her hair.
Back at the capital, Olympias' fury had expanded into full rage. She felt betrayed by Antipater's sudden feelings for Kavani. She was a woman who was used to getting whatever she wants. If Antipater wanted a maiden from Rhodes, then perhaps he should be exiled, banished from the capital. Rumors can destroy a man, especially if he is not present to defend himself.
Alexander was in battle in the east, but an emissary could deliver a message discrediting Antipater's abilities, bringing her son home and banishing Antipater all with one well placed distress signal.
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.
~ Aristotle ~
Back in Virginia, Aven began to explain the meanings of the symbols in the encrypted code and what he had learned about their connection to a cataclysmic event prophesied among the ancients. The analysts from Langley were skeptical, but his track record in this area, was undeniable and therefore kept their attention. Describing the over arching details he and Kava had uncovered in the Mayan ruins, teams began keying in terms for the ancient symbols in an attempt to "crack the code".
Aven's initial list of terms:
Serpent, which could be snake, slithering, viper, dragon....
Ocean, which could also be water, sea, pool, wave, storm... as well as terms in other languages
Ashura...
Jupiter...
Venus...
Global destruction...
It could take days to find the right combination, to unlock the information, but super computers were hard at work and Aven was confident the code would be revealed quickly and the next steps could be taken to prevent the event he knew was looming.
Kavani had made it back to Seattle. She was anxious to check on her pup, Colossus, a petite golden retriever, who lived up to her name with her BIG personality. Her friend Sara had been checking in on the pup, but nothing compares to a Momma's love, as the wiggle butt and leaping paw hug testified.
Kava's loft at the Turk had always fit her personality to a T, but as she scanned the room, with her new found memories, much of the decor made a lot more sense. She had been drawn to art and images from her past. Her white and purple color schemes had much more behind them than style elements or even the tip to her college days – Go Dawgs. The gold accents and royal colors made her place feel even more like home.
The knock on the door brought her fully back into the present. Sara was coming over, so they could catch up on all the latest. Just returning from Vegas, Sara would be good for a few laughable tales, but would she be ready for what Kavani had learned in Cancun. They were best friends, nothing would ever change that fact, but Kavani feared Sara might see her a bit differently... "Who wouldn't?" She thought out loud, "It's a lot to take in!"
They greeted each other with a hug. Sara was a bit more tan than normal and did have some fun stories to relay. Poolside in Vegas with her cousin from Cali, always led to stories about boys. A few w
ine glasses in, fish tacos consumed, and Vegas exploits explained in full, Kavani mustered the courage to tell her story.
"Aven's surprise trip to Cancun, after I surprised him in D.C., was life changing".
"Really? I can imagine sex on the beach in the Caribbean is pretty amazing... Wait, did he propose?" Sara's mind going a mile a minute and saying everything she was thinking.
"No he didn't propose Silly, and yes the sex is amazing... I learned that I am part of the royal oligarchy of the Macedon Empire. Aven and I have known each other for a couple of thousand years".
Sara was convinced she had too much to drink, way too much.
"Don't freak out. Please just listen. Aven Antipater, is actually Antipater, Alexander the Great's Regent from 300 B.C. We fell in love on the isle of Rhodes, my home, at a secret celebration hosted by Alexander's mom, where it was revealed that I have an ancestry link to magic".
"But you look so young?" Sara rippled in disbelief.
"We maintain our youth".
"You SUCK!"
"There is more... I guess Alexander's mom had 'a thing' for Antipater. When she found out about us she tried to banish him from the capital. Which was fine and he was happy to stay on Rhodes with me." Kava said with a huge smile on her lips.
"I know it is so much to take in, but the further we get from ancient connections the more our memories fade". Kavani explained, as unbeknown to her was already happening.
"Please tell me everything." Sara said, her tone confirming her skepticism, but her mind realizing more of this made sense than she should logically believe.
336 B.C.
Alexander received his mother's message describing Antipater's attempt to remove him from power coupled by his 'inappropriate behaviors' towards her to further secure a strong position of power. The immediate rage in Alexander was subdued by reasoning thoughts. Since his father's death, Antipater had done everything in his sphere of influence to legitimize Alexander's succession to the throne. He had even killed for him. Still Alexander knew the temptation of power and respected Antipater's strategic mind. As a Regent, he had proven that none besides Alexander was his equal. The last report of Antipater's dealings was negotiations in Rhodes. Alexander dispensed scouts with a message for Antipater on Rhodes immediately.