Atlantis Rising

by James E. Wisher

  “How long will it take to gather your followers?” Curly asked.

  “A few days. Never fear, we have a plan for just such an occasion. I will send out the announcement at once.” The archbishop bustled away toward the stairs with Larry and Curly behind him.

  Tanidel gently touched his shoulder. “Once again you have proven your worth to your people. You handled him brilliantly.”

  “I was a salesman; this was just another sort of sale. I’m pleased I could be of use.”

  Merik smiled as they followed the others upstairs. It finally felt like they were accomplishing something.

  Angus tossed aside a book on theories of ancient Egyptian magic, adding it to the heap of books beside his desk. He blew out a sigh. Glad as he was to be back home with all his bits intact, the loss of Atlantis as a research subject had taken the wind out of his sails. There were so many great myths out there that might have some truth to them, but whenever he tried to dig into one his mind started drifting back to the young woman that nearly killed him and the stolen crystal. It was too delicious a mystery to just let go. On the other hand, he had no desire to end up on the wrong side of her sword again.

  He pushed away from his desk. A cup of tea would be just the thing to settle his churning mind and get him focused. That monograph on the wendigo sounded interesting. Then again, Angus didn’t especially like the cold and they all apparently lived in the northern mountains. Maybe the weird zombies that washed up in Florida would be a better subject.

  His battered tea kettle went on the stove to boil while he dug out a cup and infuser. No damn tea bags for him, thank you very much. They were an abomination designed for those too lazy to make a proper cup of tea. He’d just set a tiny pitcher of cream on the kitchen table when his doorbell rang.

  Angus wasn’t expecting company. In fact, he seldom got company beyond the occasional reporter wanting a comment on Conryu’s departure from the Alliance. Giving one of those fair-weather fans a good bawling out was just what he needed to clear his thoughts.

  Eager for the confrontation, he shuffled out of the kitchen, through his modest front room, to the door. He didn’t bother looking out the peep hole. His eyesight was bad enough that all he ever saw was a blur anyway. He unlocked the door and yanked it open, ready for an argument, only to find himself facing the young lady that drove him away from Stonehenge, minus the sword.

  “Professor McDoogle,” she said. “I require your aid.”

  Fully taken aback by both her presence and request, he could only stare until the whistling of his kettle shook him out of his stupor. “Would you like to discuss it over a cup of tea?”

  He was surprised again when she said, “A cup of tea would be nice, thank you.”

  Angus stepped aside and ushered her in. He led the way back to the kitchen where he took the kettle off and poured them both cups. With the herbs steeping he asked, “How may I be of assistance? In truth I had no expectation of ever seeing you again after we parted ways.”

  “Nor did I of seeing you, but circumstances have changed. You see, your successor was a soldier and he had friends. Despite my best efforts, he succeeded in returning Atlantis to this realm. It’s a battle now. Either we stop them, or every wizard will die.”

  Angus licked his lips. This was way outside of his expertise. “How, exactly, did you think I could help?”

  “While I am a skilled combatant, my magical power is limited. I need the aid of a powerful wizard. It is my understanding that you know the strongest. I require an introduction to Conryu Koda.”

  He winced. While he was an expert on Conryu and the legends of Merlin, it wasn’t like they were friends. In fact, Conryu rather disliked him.

  The herbs were finished and he took the infusers to the sink. He returned and sat across from her. “Conryu and I aren’t friends. In fact, I have no idea where to find him. The last rumor I heard had him living on one of the floating islands. How he got on to one I have no idea. I fear you’ve come all this way for nothing.”

  She gave him a hard look over the rim of her cup and for a moment Angus forgot all about the delightful aroma filling the kitchen and he was back at Stonehenge with her sword at his throat.

  “You may not know exactly where he is, but you do know how to find him. Someone has a way to contact him. Who would it be?”

  Several immediately came to mind, but he was only sure about one. “His mother would know. I can take you to their apartment. Say, what is your name, anyway?”

  “Sienna.” She took a sip and her expression softened. “This is excellent tea. Perhaps you can make some for Conryu’s mother when we arrive.”

  Chapter 18

  Merik could hardly believe how quickly the cultists arrived from all over the country. They came by car, by bus, and in one bishop’s case, by helicopter. Hundreds of them were now gathered in neat rows facing the palace. He and the other Atlanteans were keeping out of sight for now. The archbishop was supposed to introduce them as avatars of God’s wrath or something equally stupid.

  He stepped away from the window and shook his head. The foolishness of the average person never ceased to amaze him. He’d often marveled at it while dealing with his clients, how easy they were to manipulate if you just told them what they wanted to hear.

  Tanidel was standing behind him when he turned around. Merik nearly leapt out of his skin. “I didn’t realize you were that stealthy.”

  “I’m not, you were distracted. The others are preparing the archbishop for his big moment. I wanted to thank you again for everything you’ve done for us. I know my fellows can seem hard and distant, but it’s only because they’re focused on the mission. We have already lost once to the Lemurians; our only hope of defeating them lies in quick, decisive action. I’m sure they will show you the proper appreciation when the time comes.”

  “Your thanks are enough. What happens after the blessing? Where will we strike first?”

  “The first blow is already in the works. It is more symbolic than strategic, but it will happen soon. And when it does, the world will take notice.”

  “Have you spoken to the others?” Merik asked.

  “I don’t need to. A single vibration connects us all. Our minds are fully open to each other. Your crystal connects you to us, but it isn’t the same. For us to speak mind to mind I must focus and create a link. With the others, it’s like we’re each pieces of a larger whole.”

  “Sounds… strange.”

  “It would be for you, but we have spent thousands of years getting used to it. I can’t imagine what it would be like for one of them to go silent.”

  “What about—”

  She silenced him with a raised hand. After a moment she said, “The time for the blessing has arrived. We should join the others.”

  Merik was going to ask about others with the blood of Atlantis, but it could wait. They walked down marble halls and up a flight of steps to a balcony overlooking the assembled cultists. Larry and Curly arrived with the archbishop seconds after them. The old man stood straight and proud in his gaudy official robes. He looked far better than when they’d found him hiding in his dark hole in the basement. He must have psyched himself up for his speech.

  “Your followers are waiting,” Larry said.

  The archbishop nodded and stepped out on the balcony. The roar from below seemed to shake the palace. The madmen really did worship their leader. Merik had always assumed most of them paid lip service to the church as they climbed the ladder. It seemed he had underestimated the power of their faith.

  “My children.” The archbishop’s voice carried easily to his flock who had fallen into rapt silence. “The time for the great crusade we have long awaited is here.”

  An even bigger cheer went up.

  When it died down, he continued. “God has sent us champions to lead the faithful to victory. Behold the crystal angels!”

  Larry and Curly stepped out on cue to thunderous applause.

  “Should we join them?” M
erik asked.

  “No, one at each of his shoulders is more dramatic.”

  “Lower your heads in prayer and prepare to receive my blessing.” Using some magic Merik didn’t understand, Larry and Curly carried the archbishop into the air and down to his waiting followers.

  Merik took a step closer to get a better look. Larry held a bowl and as they walked along the rows, the archbishop dipped his thumb into the bowl and drew a cross on each person’s forehead. It took several hours, but finally he marked the last person, a boy not more than sixteen.

  “What now?” Merik asked.

  “Watch,” Tanidel said. “Watch and see the birth of an army.”

  Merik didn’t care for the sudden fervor in her voice, but he turned to see what would happen next.

  “Raise your eyes, my children,” the archbishop said.

  Everyone looked up and Curly slapped his hands together once. A high, pure tone rang out over the assembly. For a moment Merik thought it was symbolism, then the people began to collapse. One by one they fell to their knees. Crystals sprang from their foreheads and spread quickly, covering first their faces then heads and soon their whole bodies.

  When the process was complete, everyone, including the archbishop himself, had been transformed into crystal figures, similar to and yet different from Tanidel and the other Atlanteans. The cultists’ forms were jagged and covered with spikes. They had no real faces, only glowing slits where their eyes had been.

  They were a nightmare come to life.

  “What have you done to them?” Merik asked.

  “Turned them into something useful. Flesh and blood are weak. These crystal soldiers are immune to magic, resistant to most forms of damage, and absolutely obedient to our orders. With this force we will capture more towns and cities where we will make more soldiers and on and on until the world is ours.”

  This wasn’t what he’d expected at all.

  “I sense your fear,” Tanidel said. “Be at ease. You are one of us. Your future is your own to choose. Eternal life in a crystal body or a mortal life in your current body. For all that you have done, you may rest assured that we will honor your choice.”

  “Are you going to change everyone?” Merik asked. “I thought you only wanted to eliminate the wizards.”

  “We do want to eliminate the wizards and we will, but when every living wizard is dead, more may be born. Only by getting rid of all the people will the scourge of wizards end. After all, once all the people are dead, there will be no one left for the spirits to bless. Come, the others are ready for us.”

  Merik hesitated then fell in behind her. After all, what choice did he have?

  There was a room in the Academy that Conryu hadn’t even known existed. All manner of scientific gadgets covered shelves and workbenches. The moment his mother saw it, she settled in and got to work, a happy smile on her face. He was content to leave her with Maria and Dean Blane while he retreated to the library and Kai joined the ninjas on guard duty.

  He had friends at the Academy – he wanted to have a chat with Kelsie, see how she was managing in her final year – but for now he didn’t want to advertise his presence. He’d been here long enough that the teachers and stronger students should have sensed him. Hopefully none of them would do anything foolish like letting the army know he was here.

  He had a book in front of him filled with complex diagrams and incantations, most of which made little sense and reminded him again why he hated research.

  He looked over at Prime. “You’ve been awfully quiet lately. Usually you’re full of advice. What gives?”

  “When I try to comment on your predicament, I find myself unable to speak,” Prime said. “I believe the Reaper’s injunction affects me despite my altered form. I am sorry, Master.”

  Conryu blew out a sigh and closed his book. He needed to make contact with the Reaper and find out once and for all what he was hiding. If a regular demon couldn’t tell him what he wanted to know, he’d go right to the top. There was no way he could get this business sorted out with his hands tied behind his back.

  “A confrontation with the Reaper might not be the best idea,” Prime said. “He’s not known for his tolerance of people questioning his commands.”

  “If you have a better idea, I’m all ears.”

  Prime remained silent which was a statement all on its own.

  Conryu stood. Bad idea or not, he needed information and knew of nowhere else to get it. He was about to leave the library and open a Hell gate when a faint buzzing appeared in the back of his mind. It came from Maria’s rune stone. Hopefully she and his mother had learned something.

  The library door opened into the technology workshop. Everyone was gathered around an old flat-screen tv in the far-left corner. They stared at it with such intensity no one seemed to have noticed he arrived.

  “What’s going on?” he asked.

  Maria dragged her gaze away from the tv. “One of the floating islands just fell on Madagascar.”

  He took a moment to process that. “How?”

  “No one seems to know, at least not yet,” Dean Blane said. “The island that fell is back in the air and has resumed its regular course. It missed all the major towns. In fact, no one was hurt by the island itself, though some were injured in the earthquake that followed. Everyone on the news is baffled. As am I for that matter.”

  “What’s the island’s course?” Conryu asked. “Will it pass over any other inhabited area soon?”

  “Not for a few days,” his mother said. “The island has moved out over the ocean and is headed toward India. Based on estimates it will take two to three days to reach the mainland. A day after that it will pass over Mumbai.”

  “If it falls there,” Conryu said. “It’ll kill millions. Kai!”

  The ninja appeared beside him. “Chosen?”

  “We’re taking a trip.”

  “Wait,” Maria said. “Whatever disrupted the island’s magic could disrupt yours as well. It’s too dangerous.”

  “If the island is back in the air then its barrier must be up as well. If that’s the case, no one else can get in. I’m not going to stand around and do nothing when that damn thing might fall on a city.” The library door appeared at his mental command. “I’ll be careful. You guys focus on finding a way to deal with those crystals.”

  She looked like she wanted to argue some more, but he entered the library before she had a chance. He loved Maria and knew she was right about the danger, but he couldn’t let that stop him from doing what he had to.

  Jemma had just completed her report to the king. Sitting on his golden throne with a purple robe of office wrapped around him like a blanket, he looked tired and sunk in rather than regal. The last few months had taken a toll, on all of them, but on him the most. The crown looked like it weighed a hundred pounds.

  At least he took the news of a mythical city floating just off the Kingdom’s coast with surprising calm. Perhaps after half the Kingdom’s cities were flattened by another figure from virtual myth only months ago, he’d become numb to the bizarre. Either way, she was relieved to find him in full possession of his faculties. A panicked king would do no one any good.

  Just to prove turnabout was fair play, he had informed her that one of the floating islands had fallen out of the sky and crushed a massive area of Madagascar and no one yet knew why. A team had been dispatched, but they had little hope of finding a way through the island’s barrier. It was another mess she didn’t need, but at least it was a faraway one, for now at least.

  After their briefing, the two of them descended to the palace command center, a room filled with computers and monitors, and connected to the Kingdom’s many outposts and satellites. From here they could monitor events all over the world in nearly real time. Twenty of the most trusted technicians in the royal service were at various stations monitoring incoming data. On the large central monitor was drone footage of Atlantis.

  The crystal city floated there with sere
ne indifference. After Jemma and the spy plane unmasked them, whoever was running the place hadn’t bothered to cloak the city again. It seemed almost a sign of the contempt in which they held their enemies. The crystal towers hadn’t taken a shot at the drone either. Jemma wasn’t sure what to make of it and what she didn’t understand made her nervous.

  “Have you spoken to the Alliance?” Jemma asked.

  “Given their indifference during the last crisis,” the king said, “I saw little point reaching out this time.”

  Jemma understood his bitterness, but this was hardly the time to hold a grudge. If the Alliance had any intel on their enemy, it would be foolish beyond words not to reach out.

  “Do you think we should launch a preemptive strike?” the king asked.

  “There are risks either way. An attack would be easy to justify given their earlier downing of our plane. A less-than-fatal blow might provoke them to retaliate. Since we have no idea what their weapons are capable of, caution might be the wiser course.”

  “My thoughts exactly,” the king said. “The Ministry of War is less than pleased. I understand their position, but until we have more information, I’m not authorizing a strike.”

  “You have the Ministry of Magic’s full support.”

  “Thank you for that.” The king scrubbed a hand across his weary face. Jemma doubted he’d gotten more than a few hours’ sleep a night since Morgana’s attack. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt to contact the Alliance. This is potentially as big a threat to them as it is to us. You should do the same.”

  Jemma was taken aback, prompting the king to smile. “I’m well aware that you keep in touch with the boy wizard. And I approve. We owe him a great debt. Had he not defeated Morgana, god knows what the world would look like today.”

  She bowed. “As you wish, Majesty.”

  They parted ways and she went to call Dean Blane. Her ability to keep in touch with Conryu was limited by the fact that he spent so much time in places with no cell phone reception. He also apparently didn’t trust her enough to give her one of those rune stones that let his friends contact him in the library.