Atlantis: The Beginning (The Atlantis Saga Book 1)

by A. Royden D'souza

  ''My lord'', he started, ''I bring disturbing news. A pirate fleet fast approaches Aregon even as we speak. They will reach Kingsport within a week''.

  ''A pirate fleet?'', asked Viktor, leaning forward.

  ''Led by the Pirate Lord himself. There aren't enough forces in Kingsport to stop him. We need the assistance of the Imperial Guard''.

  ''I see'', said Viktor, thoughtfully. ''Very curious indeed, that he should attack when Hector prepares his forces in the south''.

  ''How many ships?'', asked Zelda.

  ''Around five hundred'', replied the messenger.

  ''So not his whole fleet''.

  ''But there are enough ships to wipe out the base at Kingsport'', replied the messenger.

  ''Now is the chance to take back Southfay'', said Zelda.

  ''The rest of his fleet is in Southfay, under the command of his sister, Alexandra Payne. She is not to be underestimated'', replied the messenger. ''Our best chance is defending Kingsport''.

  ''Zelda'', called the Emperor. ''Take the remaining forces in Aregon and go to Kingsport''.

  ''But, my lord'', she objected. ''This might be just a diversion. That lycan is probably up to something''.

  ''The 'diversion' is more dangerous than the lycans. If we lose our ships in Kingsport, we lose all the islands. We will be crippled without our navy'', snapped the Emperor. ''Leave Hector to me. Europa is still in Cerebrene, trying to control the rebellions. You are the only one left who is powerful enough to face the Pirate Lord. Do as I say!''.

  ''Yes, my lord'', she said, inclining her head, before she marched out of the hall.

  ''I will be waiting for you, Scarlett Ironfang'', murmured Viktor, a wicked grin curving his lips.

  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

  After four days of continuous traveling, we finally reached the small town of Appleby. Since there was a good chance of it being watched by the Empire's soldiers, Julian decided to go in alone, while I waited near a clump of trees, a little farther down the road.

  We had received the message from Lycaonia, two days back. We were supposed to wait for them at Dorholt, a small village, north of Argent.

  Julian returned after sometime with the necessary supplies, and we resumed our journey.

  ''Any trouble?'', I asked.

  ''No'', he replied. ''I don't think anyone recognized me''.

  We had almost covered a couple of leagues, when we found our way blocked by a river.

  ''The Misty Run'', sighed Julian.

  ''How do we cross it?'', I asked.

  ''We cannot take the main bridge. It is being patrolled by soldiers. We will have to go north. There is an old bridge at the edge of Tangaris''.

  We changed course and started north, following the river. The lands were lush with greenery, with clumps of trees here and there.

  ''How far is the bridge?''.

  ''Maybe another day's ride'', replied Julian.

  We stopped to rest at around midnight. We tethered the horses and let them graze, while Julian prepared some supper for himself. I grabbed the blood skin from my pack and took a long sip.

  ''I've got the first watch'', said Julian. ''I will wake you in four hours. Go to sleep''.

  I nodded, spreading my bedroll on the ground. I slumped down and gazed at the heavens. The night was clear and countless stars shone across the sky. Wisps of mist crept over the slopes. I leaned back against my pack and closed my eyes, listening to the sounds of the night.

  We reached the edge of the great forest at sundown. At first, it was just a dark, hazy outline, stretching on towards east as far as an eye could see. I stared in surprise at its vast magnitude. A cool breeze sifted through the huge, ancient trees, washing across my face.

  ''This is the most dangerous forest in the entire kingdom'', said Julian. ''Those who enter the Tangaris rarely return''.

  A small, rundown bridge spanned the river at the edge of the forest. The road looked like it hadn't been used in a long time.

  ''Do you think it can hold the weight?'', I asked, eyeing the bridge.

  ''Yes, of course'', replied Julian. ''It was built by the elves. It will last for many years to come''.

  I spurred my horse across the bridge. Julian followed behind. The river rushed below us, thundering over the rocky riverbed. The opposite bank was covered with dense trees and shrubbery.

  ''Do you think we can win?''.

  ''If there was ever a chance, this is it. Between you and the Alphas, the Emperor does not stand a chance''.

  ''I hope so'', I muttered.

  We traveled through the night, taking very short breaks in between. We had covered almost five leagues by the time the trees started giving way to wide, green plains that stretched towards the horizon, bathed in pale moonlight.

  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

  It had been almost ten days since their small company had set out from the Wolf Capital. They had crossed River Risetta and were making their way towards Dorholt, where they were supposed to meet Scarlett and Julian.

  They had stopped to rest under the cover of some trees near Risetta. They could hear the river roaring at a distance.

  Ever since they had passed Norwood, she had an uneasy feeling that they were being followed. She was not sure if the rest of them felt the same, but even if they did, they did not show it.

  Norman had built a small fire and was roasting a rabbit on a stick. Thelma passed Alice a piece of bread and some meat on a leaf. She thanked her, before starting devouring the food.

  The Wolf King was sitting on a boulder nearby, sharpening the blade of his long sword. He looked formidable in his steel armor.

  Alice washed down the food with a sip of wine from Norman's wine skin and lay back against her pack, staring at the knotted branches above.

  Suddenly, the king tensed. ''Norman, Thelma'', he called, ''be wary. I can sense some strange creatures nearby''.

  The two alphas nodded, gazing into the surrounding darkness. Alice sat up straight, her heart pounding. She hoped it was not the Vlarik.

  When there was no sign of the creatures, the king said, ''Take some rest. I will take the first watch''.

  ''But, my lord. We can keep watch''.

  The king did not respond, but continued staring into the darkness. The two Alphas leaned back against their packs.

  The fire crackled, throwing dancing shadows across the clearing. It was almost midnight and Alice was sound asleep. There was a faint noise and the Wolf King raised his head, listening intently.

  Suddenly, a loud croak of a raven broke the silence of the night. Alice woke up with a start and reached for her sword, her heart pounding against her ribs.

  She gasped as the cloaked creatures stepped into the light of the fire. They were completely surrounded.

  ''Surrender to us'', they said in a guttural voice, ''and we will let you live''.

  Norman and Thelma had already morphed into werewolves and were snarling at the creatures with bared fangs. The Wolf King stood up and raised his long sword.

  ''Kill them all'', growled the Wolf King.

  There were seven of them, all covered with black cloaks, their shadowy faces hidden in the darkness of their ragged hoods, except for their glowing red eyes.

  ''You leave us no choice'', they said in unison.

  Alice backed against an oak tree, her sword raised. Suddenly, they charged, drawing their swords and daggers.

  The Wolf King growled in anger and swung his blade, decapitating two of the Vlarik in one fell blow.

  Two of them went for Thelma. She snarled and lunged at the first one with her claws flashing. But, even as she took down the creature, the second one thrust its sword into her flank. The werewolf yelped in pain and jumped back, dragging the first creature with her. With a heave, she ripped off its head.

  One of them had headed straight for Alice. It swung its blade, but Alice was quick. She parried the blow and thrust back. Her blade pierced its shoulder and black blood poured out. But it did not appear to be affected. It
grabbed the blade of her sword with bare hands and reached for her neck with its free hand.

  ''A little help here!''.

  A clawed hand slashed through the air, ripping its head right off, which fell on the forest floor with a dull thud. Standing before her was the Wolf King, black blood dripping from his hand. Alice thanked him and pulled out her sword from the Vlarik's chest.

  Norman had ripped his adversary into pieces. Even Thelma had managed to kill the second creature that had attacked her.

  ''What are those abominations?'', asked Thelma, who had already turned back into her human form and was leaning against a tree.

  ''Vlarik'', answered Alice. ''They are Zelda's minions. We had encountered two of them in Beachcastle and then later at Westerport''.

  ''Let's go'', said the Wolf King. ''We cannot waste our time fighting these wretches, if more are on the way. We don't have much time''.

  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

  Dorholt was a very small village, primitive and isolated. It had around fifty houses, with thatched roofs. It was surrounded by farmlands, beyond which stretched the empty plains. A paved road led through the village, barred by a gate at the east and west side of the wall.

  Dusk was already settling in by the time we reached the village. The gatekeeper pointed us to the only inn in the village.

  ''That there is the one'', he said, pointing with his pike.

  ''Thank you'', I said, wincing as his pike nearly gouged my leg as he swung it back.

  We spurred our horses towards the two story building, with a sign hanging outside.

  We tethered the horses to a post near the gates. As we were about to enter, the door opened and a familiar woman walked out. I recognized her as one of the Alphas.

  ''Thelma'', acknowledged Julian, nodding at her.

  ''We have been waiting'', she said.

  We followed her inside. The common room was brightly lit by a blazing fire in the hearth. A handful of people sat near the counter. Most of them were villagers.

  The Wolf King was sitting at the corner with Norman. They looked sinister in the dancing light.

  ''Long time, Scar'', said a familiar voice.

  I whirled around in surprise and saw Alice standing behind me, with a wide grin on her face.

  ''You came'', I said in awe, after we had exchanged a hug.

  ''Yeah, cannot have you out of my sight for long, eh, or you will get into some kind of trouble'', she winked.

  ''Look who's talking'', I replied, rolling my eyes.

  Even though I was happy to see her, I was worried. I did not want her to be danger for my sake.

  ''It is going to be dangerous, Alice''.

  ''I can take care of myself, Scar'', she sighed. ''Don't worry about me''.

  Julian went directly to the king.

  ''So you decided to come yourself, my lord''.

  ''Viktor is very powerful and she will need some help to take him down, and I want to be present when he draws his last breath. Together we will kill that traitor'', he said.

  ''As you wish, my lord'', said Julian. ''We know how to get into the Black Castle. But we will have to get there by full moon''.

  ''Good'', replied the Wolf King, his eyes gleaming. ''Rest for now. We leave at the break of dawn''.

  The next day, we traveled continuously till noon, stopping only when the horses got tired. After a small, hasty lunch we continued our journey.

  Alice was sitting behind me on my horse. Thelma had carried her on her back till Dorholt, since she couldn't keep up with the lycans.

  We exchanged stories of our adventures. I was surprised to hear that Ronin was actually the Pirate Lord's brother. That meant he had joined the Imperial Guard as a spy for his brother or maybe he had his own reasons.

  ''Did you meet the Pirate Lord?'', I asked.

  ''Yes'', she beamed. ''Did you know he was a hunter?''.

  ''Really?'', I asked, surprised.

  ''I saw the mark''.

  ''I wonder why he became a pirate'', I muttered, thoughtfully.

  The land to the south of River Dracburn was covered with tall pine trees. The land was wild and we did not come across any human dwellings.

  It was almost midnight when we heard the thunderous sound of rushing water, which meant we had finally reached the river. Now all we had to do was follow it to Aregon.

  ''This is the river?'', asked Alice.

  ''I think so'', I replied.

  The river was less violent compared to Risetta and the water flowed steadily, its surface unbroken and flat as glass. The opposite bank was clearly visible.

  ''We will have to cross at the next ford'', said Julian. ''According to Lord Tristan, the entrance can only be seen from the opposite bank''.

  We rode alongside the river, till it started to widen. Finally, we forded the river where it was shallow enough to cross.

  The land on the other side of the river started to rise into craggy cliffs. I saw a black pinnacle rising above on of the crags at a distance. It was too far for the others to notice.

  ''Where is tunnel located anyway?'', asked Alice.

  ''It's on the face of that cliff, where it meets the surface of water, right below the tallest tower of the castle''.

  ''So it can only be accessed during the full moon?''.

  ''Yes'', I replied. ''During the spring tide, when the rise and fall of water is very high''.

  ''You realize tomorrow is the full moon?'', she asked.

  ''Do not worry. We will be there before the low tide''.

  The Black Castle loomed over us, high on the cliff. Its face smooth and impossible to climb. The cliff stretched as far as I could see. It was like a natural wall, strong and impenetrable.

  We had tethered the horses in the woods. The loose stones clattered on each other as we walked towards the water.

  ''Is that the tower?'', asked Thelma, pointing above.

  ''Yes, that must be it'', said Julian. ''And the passageway is supposed to be somewhere around there'', he said, pointing at the spot, where the water lapped against the sides of the cliff.

  ''Where is it then? Trusting a vampire!'', scoffed Norman.

  ''The tide has not started ebbing yet'', sighed Julian.

  ''We will wait'', said the Wolf King, sitting on a boulder near the edge of the woods.

  The sun had already started to set. It was silent and eerie, with only the occasional chirping of birds. Alice was leaning on her pack with her eyes closed.

  ''There'', gasped Thelma, who was keeping watch near the water. ''I think I can see it''.

  She was pointing at a black fissure, that had emerged on the cliff face. It was dark and narrow.

  ''Julian'', called the Wolf King. ''You and the girl wait here. Keep the horses ready. We will be back soon''.

  ''No'', said Alice. ''I will come with you''.

  ''Alice, no'', said Julian. ''We will only slow them down. This not a fight for us''.

  She looked like she was going to argue, but seemed to change her mind.

  ''Fine'', she snapped and slumped back on a patch of grass near the bank.

  I looked at her suspiciously. It was unlike her to give up so easily.

  ''Alice, I will be back soon. I promise'', I said, going to her. ''Don't do anything stupid'', I warned, trying to read her face. But she kept a passive expression.

  ''Be careful'', she replied.

  I nodded and followed the others. The four of us waded into the water and started swimming towards the dark crevice.

  We swam through the fissure in the cliff face. If not for my vampire vision, I wouldn't have been able to see a thing. The walls were slippery, covered with moss and slime.

  The actual floor of the tunnel was well below the water level. After a while, the passage started to widen, finally opening into a huge cavern.

  ''There'', said Thelma, who was at the lead, pointing at a alcove at the far end of the cavern. Her amber eyes glowed in the darkness.

  When I finally reached the niche in the wall,
I found a foothold in the water, which turned out to be stairs leading down from the alcove. They were submerged in the water, along with most of the cave.

  ''This is a dead end'', said Norman, looking at the blank wall at the back of the recess.

  I walked past him and knocked the wall with the pommel of my sword. It made a hollow sound, which was emphasized by the deadly silence.

  ''Know it all'', grumbled Norman.

  ''Get back'', said the Wolf King.

  He raised his fist and punched right through the wall, which cracked under the force, and caved in with the next blow.

  We clambered up the debris. On the other side were more stairs that led upwards. As we started climbing the stairs, the walls started curving towards the right.

  The Wolf King was at the lead, followed by Norman. Thelma and I brought up the rear.

  ''This is a trap'', said Norman.

  ''I wasn't aware it made any difference'', I muttered, rolling my eyes.

  We were climbing the stairs for almost an hour. Suddenly, Norman stopped and I almost bumped into him.

  ''What happened?'', asked Thelma.

  Her question was answered by a cracking sound, followed by a thunderous crash. We had reached the end of the tunnel, and by the sound of it, the Wolf King had destroyed another wall.

  We climbed out into a long dark passage. Its walls were covered with dust and cobwebs.

  ''Viktor had the Black Castle built on the foundations of the old one. This must be a part of the old castle'', said Julian.

  ''We have to find a way into the main castle'', said Norman.

  ''No need'', I answered, pointing at a dozen Vlarik who had just filed into the dark passage, their red eyes blazing in the darkness.

  ~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

  15. The Final Battle

  I drew Shadowfang and charged, a terrible snarl ripping from my throat. One of the creatures stepped forward and swung its blade, but I parried the blow and ripped out its black heart with my hand. It collapsed to the ground, dead.

  Before the others could retreat, the two Alphas pounced, ripping and tearing with their claws and fangs.