Atlantis - Return of the Nation

Atlantis - Return of the Nation Page 41

by Steven Cook

  In a short time the champions were chosen.

  ‘Prepare yourselves for the contest. May the blessing of Zeus be upon you.’

  ‘And upon you,’ echoed the warriors.

  Each of the chosen warriors moved away to check their weapons and armour. Ilissus turned at a gentle touch to her elbow.

  ‘Is there no way for you to avoid this?’ asked Eridanus, concern showing in his face.

  ‘They asked for me specifically.’

  ‘It has been such a long time since you fought in anger.’

  ‘Then my style of fighting may not be known to them.’ Ilissus tried a small smile.

  ‘Which one are you fighting?’

  ‘I do not know, that has not been decided. Help me with my armour.’

  Eridanus quickly began checking the fastenings of the armour that Ilissus had chosen. It was of a medium light variation normally issued to the city guard. Made of thick bands of Orichalcum over a thick leather jerkin it offered protection to the body, upper legs and shoulders. She augmented the body armour with an unadorned border phalanxes helmet and shield.

  Her weapons of choice were a short stabbing spear and a well-worn short sword slung over her shoulder. Eridanus checked her once more, adding a long knife to her belt.

  ‘I wish I could fight in your place.’ He said quietly.

  She rested her hand on his arm.

  ‘You know I am the fighter in our relationship.’

  He gripped her hand.

  ‘You will defeat the Minoan. I have no doubt.’

  She smiled.

  ‘I have a few tricks up my sleeve.’ She turned to see the rest of the champions gathering together. ‘I have to go.’

  ‘May Zeus guide your arm.’ Eridanus whispered.

  Ilissus transferred the spear to her left hand and moved close to hug him, resting her head on his broad chest.

  ‘Eridanus…’ she began.

  ‘Tell me when you come back.’ He cut her off.

  Ilissus clenched her jaw, gripped him one last time then quickly turned and strode towards the chatting champions. Atlas and Gravioran joined the throng at the same time, both attired in plain armour.

  ‘Are you ready Champions of Atlantis?’ asked Atlas.

  There were nods and general consensus.

  ‘Then hold your heads high and follow in perfect order. We will show the Minoans we are not afraid.’

  Atlas turned on his heel and marched away towards the agreed open area. Gravioran fell in line with Ilissus behind him. The other warriors followed at perfect intervals.

  A makeshift arena had been thrown together in the plaza designated as the combat zone. Wagonloads of sandy earth had been transported in and spread evenly over the smooth flagstones to give the combatants a better grip. The wagons had then been utilised to provide raised seating and standing for the crowds that were quickly gathering for the spectacle.

  As the dozen Atlantians marched into the arena a cheer rose from the hundreds of Atlantian warriors gathered along one half of the arenas perimeter. The dozen selected Minoans stood in a loose knot across from them.

  Atlas walked forward as M’Protun left the group.

  ‘Who fights who?’ The Minoan asked.

  ‘Either by lots or by challenges by the preceding winning side?’

  ‘I like challenges. Some of my warriors have grudges they want answering.’

  ‘Do you have a grudge?’ said Atlas with a raised eyebrow.

  ‘No grudge, but I would challenge you,’ said M’Protun, ‘as the honour would be facing the First Sword of Atlantis.’

  ‘I’m flattered,’ said Atlas. ‘Send forward your first warrior.’

  He turned and walked back to the Atlantian lines.

  M’Protun stood in front of his warriors.

  ‘M’Lunath. You have opportunity to settle your score. Challenge your opponent.’

  The Minoan warrior strode out from the line to stand half way between the two groups.

  ‘I M’Lunath, challenge Deiphobus.’ He tossed his axe into his left hand and pointed directly at the Atlantian.

  ‘I accept.’ The tall warrior replied.

  Deiphobus strode out to face the Minoan, drawing his sword and checking the straps on his shield.

  ‘Begin,’ said M’Protun.

  Instantly the two warriors crouched and moved closer. Deiphobus held his shield across his body, hiding the alignment of his sword. M’Lunath held his axe across his body, the massive head close to his right fist and the end of the haft in his left.

  The Minoan made the first move, jabbing his axe head towards the Atlantian in a feint. Deiphobus stepped to the side easily. M’Lunath pushed his left hand forward to attack with the haft, turning his body as he did.

  With the axe head out of sight of Deiphobus, M’Lunath relaxed the grip of his right hand and swept back towards his opponent.

  Deiphobus skipped back, but with the grip loosened the extra reach of the axe caught him out. The axe smashed into his shield, throwing him to the ground. Before he could recover M’Lunath cast aside his axe and dropped on top of him, pinning Deiphobus beneath his own shield on one side, and his right arm under the heavily muscled left knee.

  M’Lunath grabbed Deiphobus by the hair then drew his knife from his belt and pointed it at his face.

  ‘This is for my family.’

  With a slow steady move he drove the blade into the helpless warrior. Deiphobus screamed in agony until the blade finally and mercifully plunged into his brain.

  M’Lunath got to his feet, threw back his arms and head and roared in pleasure. The Minoans bellowed with him whilst the Atlantians looked on in stunned silence at the speed, brutality and premeditation of the kill.

  The victorious Minoan returned to the acclaim of his peers. M’Protun clapped him on the shoulder then turned to M’Towan.

  ‘Choose your opponent.’

  M’Towan strode forward and faced the Atlantians.

  ‘Ilissus, whore-mother of Saraph. I challenge you.’

  Ilissus looked at the Minoan and took a deep breath.

  ‘I accept.’

  Unseen by Ilissus, Eridanus lowered his head and turned away, tears in his eyes.

  Ilissus walked into the centre of the arena, head held high. To the Minoan crowd it appeared comical. M’Towan was a clear two and a half feet taller and probably weighed three times as much as the slight Atlantian general.

  The two faced each other, waiting as the body of Deiphobus was carried away.

  ‘What is your grudge?’ asked Ilissus conversationally.

  The Minoan stared at her, its nostrils flaring with each breath.

  ‘Your sons raided my village and slaughtered my mate and our calf. I have made a blood pledge to remove their bloodline. It starts with you!’

  Ilissus looked back in confusion.

  ‘Where is your village?’

  ‘It is to the west of the canal.’

  ‘That area is not patrolled by the Fifth Realm,’ stated Ilissus.

  ‘You lie.’ M’Towan flexed his wrists, causing his axe to spin through the air.

  ‘You have insulted me,’ said Ilissus evenly.

  ‘Begin,’ called M’Protun.

  M’Towan roared and charged at Ilissus. To the crowd it appeared that the attack had scared the general into immobility as she stood and waited.

  As the massive Minoan swept his axe at her torso Ilissus let her body collapse. In a single fluid movement she dropped and rolled to one side. In a flash she rose to one knee and held out her stabbing spear to one side.

  M’Towan’s momentum carried him past, and the keen edge of the spear sliced into his thigh. The Minoan roared in anger and stumbl
ed to a halt. Ilissus slowly got to her feet and waited while her opponent turned to face her.

  The Minoan considered her as she stood relaxed and at ease. Her shield was resting on the ground and the spear was held easily in her fist. Slowly she raised it and looked at the blade.

  ‘First blood to spill is yours. Do you wish to yield?’

  ‘Your blood will flood this ground.’ He snarled and leapt forward.

  As his axe lashed out Ilissus swayed back out of its range and again thrust her spear forward. The blade again was waiting as M’Towan’s body moved past, and another line of blood appeared.

  Ilissus moved as soon as the cut was made, placing the spear tip in another location to catch M’Towan as he recovered. Another trace of blood sprang from the wound.

  The two warriors stood facing each other.

  ‘That is three bloods. Do you yield?’

  Instead of answering M’Towan slowly advanced. Instead of swinging his axe he jabbed the massive head at Ilissus. The slight warrior refused to engage and stepped out of the way of each of the jabs.

  ‘Are you afraid to fight whore?’

  ‘I am fighting as I wish, not as you would like me to,’ she replied, easily avoiding another jab.

  Ilissus blocked out the jeers of the Minoan crowd and the calls of encouragement from the Atlantian contingent. She concentrated on her opponent and planned her strategy, anticipating his reactions to her movements.

  M’Towan roared in pleasure as Ilissus stumbled and leapt forward, the heavy axe raised to strike her down into the ground. The bait taken, Ilissus continued the collapse of her front leg and rolled over it, inside the reach of the Minoan.

  She tumbled between his legs and she came instantly to her feet, the spear flicked out behind her to strike flesh again. Slowly she turned to face M’Towan again.

  The Minoan stopped his charge and slowly turned to face her.

  ‘Five bloods,’ she stated.

  ‘Flesh wounds,’ he replied.

  ‘If you yield now, your people may be able to save your life. I think you have two minutes.’

  The Minoan stared at her wondering what she was talking about.

  ‘You have a cut inside your thigh. The artery will rupture any time now.’

  M’Towan looked and saw a small stain of blood trickling down the inside of his leg.

  ‘I doubt it.’ He leapt forward again.

  As his foot hit the ground the shock travelled up his leg, compressing the muscles. The pressure increased on the artery and the weakness at the point where Ilissus had nicked it was exploited. Thick arterial blood pulsed from the wound, spreading out in a fan as he collapsed to the ground.

  ‘Do you yield?’ Ilissus begged.

  ‘Finish it,’ spat the Minoan.

  Ilissus looked at him sadly.

  ‘For my honour finish it.’ He rolled painfully onto his front and bowed his head.

  ‘You have been a worthy opponent.’

  Ilissus let the shield slide off her arm. Stepping forward she held the stabbing spear in both hands and drove it deeply into M’Towan’s neck. He went into spasm for a second before collapsing.

  With surprising gentleness she withdrew the spear. Ignoring the roars of triumph from the Atlantians she walked slowly back to the gathered heroes. Halfway back she started scanning for faces. She soon singled out the relieved face of Eridanus. Ignoring Atlas she made straight for him.

  Without saying a word he wrapped her in his arms.

  *

  Chapter Twenty Two - The Temple of Zeus

  Temple of Zeus 27th May

  Minotaur laughed loudly as Craig careened towards the barrier. It cut short however when Craig passed through the barrier and tumbled to the ground at Danny’s feet.

  ‘What!’ He roared, taking a step forward.

  Craig lay stunned on the floor gasping in shock until he was tapped on the shoulder.

  ‘Have you got that tenner you owe me?’

  Craig rolled over and let Danny and Coran help him to his feet.

  ‘What the hell just happened?’

  ‘I’ll tell you later.’ Danny said. ‘We’ve got more pressing things to do.’

  Beyond the barrier Minotaur was shuddering in rage. He couldn’t believe what his one good eye was seeing.

  ‘If that does not work then maybe this will.’ He turned to one of the Minoan warriors and waved.

  The Minoan walked forward, dragging Wallace with him. Minotaur faced the terrified sailor and placed his hands on each side of his head.

  Coran realised what was about to happen.

  ‘Danny, we need to do the ceremony.’

  Agesilaus nodded in agreement.

  ‘Take your positions.’ He waved M’Varak, Coran and Sophia to the pedestals.

  ‘Craig, do as he says,’ said Danny without looking at him. His attention was focussed directly at Minotaur.

  Craig looked around and numbly made his way to the last pedestal. He rested his hands in the hand shaped depression on top of the pedestal and looked around.

  ‘Outworlder, remove the barrier or he dies.’ Minotaur called.

  ‘Go ahead you freak,’ spat Wallace.

  Minotaur focussed his eye on Wallace.

  ‘Foolish human.’ In an explosive burst of strength he tensed his muscles and crushed the head of the sailor between his hands.

  Wallace dropped carelessly to the floor.

  ‘I think I broke him.’ Minotaur began laughing and turned to his warriors again.

  ‘Give me another.’

  A warrior pushed Dingo forward into Minotaur’s grasp.

  ‘Do you have any words Outworlder?’

  Dingo closed his eyes as the massive hands clamped against his skull.

  ‘Hold.’

  Everybody turned as M’Varak lifted his hands from the pedestal and walked over to Danny.

  ‘Danny, let me pass through the barrier.’

  ‘We need you to complete the ceremony,’ said Agesilaus.

  ‘I cannot undertake the ceremony if Dingo is dead. I owe him my life.’

  Danny looked up into the Minoan’s face and nodded.

  ‘I understand.’

  ‘What?’ asked Craig.

  ‘M’Varak has to do this.’

  ‘So what, we need him to save the world.’ Craig complained.

  Danny ignored him.

  ‘You can pass through M’Varak.’

  ‘Thank you my friend.’

  M’Varak stepped up to Danny and wrapped him in a warm embrace. The sailor struggled in his arms and pushed the Minoan back. Danny looked up at the furred face, surprised at the affection he felt for the creature. He patted M’Varak on the chest and spoke quietly.

  The Minoan lowered his head as the two exchanged whispered words. Finally they stepped apart.

  M’Varak nodded to Coran and Sophia then turned to Craig.

  ‘I am sorry for the hurt I have caused you.’

  Without waiting he turned and walked through the barrier.

  Minotaur pushed Dingo back into the arms of the warrior and strode towards M’Varak.

  ‘What are you doing? Why didn’t you kill them while you were inside?’

  M’Varak looked back over his shoulder at the altar then over at Dingo.

  ‘I am fulfilling a debt of honour.’ He paused. ‘And I seek to regain the honour of our race.’

  Minotaur looked at him though his narrowed eye.

  ‘What are you saying?’

  ‘I can not allow you to kill Dingo. I owe him my life.’

  ‘He is a human, what does it matter?’

  ‘That is why I seek to regain the honour of the Minoans. H
e is a worthy adversary and should be treated as such, not as an animal.’

  M’Varak took a deep breath, drawing himself up to his full height. Minotaur still dwarfed him by nearly a foot.

  Suddenly he lashed out with his fist, snapping Minotaur’s head back. Minotaur staggered back a step; more in shock that by injury.

  ‘Who do you think you are striking me? I am your King.’

  Minotaur turned to the gathered warriors.

  ‘Seize him,’ he ordered.

  M’Varak held up his hand as they approached.

  ‘Hold your positions.’

  They slowed as he continued.

  ‘By Pasiphaë, mother of our race I challenge Minotaur by right of blood and might.’

  The approaching warriors stopped and grounded their weapons.

  ‘Strike him down,’ bellowed Minotaur.

  ‘He has issued Challenge, do you accept?’ M’Sorta asked.

  Minotaur glared at him.

  ‘Or do you stand aside?’

  Minotaur strode quickly up to M’Sorta and slammed his fist into the warriors face, smashing him to the ground.

  ‘I do not stand aside for anybody,’ he snarled down at the warrior.

  M’Varak watched Minotaur turn around and stride towards him.

  ‘You are my son no more.’ Minotaur spat.

  ‘Your actions of the last few days make me glad that I am not your son.’ M’Varak retorted.

  The rest of the Minoans withdrew, taking the prisoners with them.

  M’Sorta groaned as he got to his feet. He wiped a smear of blood from his lips where they had been mashed against his teeth.

  ‘You may use whatever weapons are available, but your first blows must be with your hands. Until you have struck with your fist and heard it affirmed you may not touch a weapon. Do you understand?’

  ‘Understood,’ said Minotaur.

  ‘I understand,’ said M’Varak.

  They both dropped their weapons to the ground, Minotaur his axe, M’Varak his sword. M’Sorta collected them and laid them to one side.

  ‘Begin,’ he said.

 

‹ Prev Next ›