Epic Unearthed

by Thomas Turner

Two hours past sunrise, children of Atlantis are playing on the shores of their capital. On the horizon, the gathered Atlantean soldiers and civilians are awaiting three Ladonean ships about to slip into their massive harbor.

  Each battlecruiser from abroad is slow but thickly armored, painted black with gold trim. These foreign warships have high sails, but are slightly smaller in length than their Atlantean counterparts. They are in no way superior to the Atlantean Navy, but a large fleet of these new Ladonean ships could prove a challenge to the Atlanteans at sea.

  The Atlanteans are expecting the Ladonean Emperor. Because previous negotiations occurred by means of a third party, no one from the peninsula knows what Emperor Melercertis looks like. Many Atlantean citizens walk close to the shores to study the Ladonean battlecruiser and are amazed at the results of technology entering their harbor. For centuries, the Atlanteans have been able to rule the seas without fear. No other sovereignty had this kind of skill in ship building until now.

  The meeting between the two empires has been carefully designed. For the next two weeks, negotiations between the two will comprise a summit in the Atlantean capital, the first official discussion between both superpowers in twenty-six years.

  The main exports of the Ladonean Empire are wood and leather, and their craftsmanship is renowned throughout the world. A grave concern between the two empires is the trade of these goods.

  The horns blow. A small group of Atlantean guards run up and man the colossal lighthouses to ignite fires that will welcome the Ladonean Emperor to their homeland. At night, each two-hundred foot pillar produces a blaze that can be seen twenty miles off shore.

  When the towers are ignited, the Atlantean bells sound, and a message relays throughout the entire empire. Aten’s civilization uses bells to signify any big event. They are a form of communication that helps deliver news among city-states on the peninsula. Different bells have different pitches. Each combination of sounds is translated into words. When Melercertis’ ships dock, everyone in the Atlantean Empire will know within thirty minutes.

  Emperor Melercertis is six-feet, three inches tall, forty-eight years old and very strong. He is anxious and excited to meet the Atlanteans. On this day, he is wearing a black leather breastplate. The coat-of-arms is sketched on his attire of an elephant and a horse. The two animals are facing each other on their hind legs as if they are about to stomp one another. The outlined cavalrymen astride their beasts are holding swords as if about to enter battle.

  Melercertis looks out from the bow of his ship. He had not imagined the Atlantean capital to be so beautiful or so massive. Because it is forbidden for anyone on the continent to enter Aten’s realm, very few people from the mainland have seen the capital city of Atlantis. Melercertis does have spies, but the true magnitude of what he sees is beyond his expectations. He never dreamed the Atlanteans would have this kind of technology and the architectural skills necessary to build such structures.

  Melercertis looks at the city, admiring the handiwork of the Atlantean people, and says to his captain, “It is incredible what this civilization has accomplished. This city will stand beyond time itself.”

  Waiting for the Ladonean ships to dock is the Atlantean Emperor. Aten is of equal stature to Melercertis. He also is in excellent physical condition, clean shaven, with blue eyes, and brown hair, wearing a gold and silver-plated breastplate with a bull’s head engraved in the center. The bull is the Atlanteans’ coat-of-arms.

  Aten became emperor at age twenty when his father was killed in battle, during the Great War. Akakios, Aten’s father, began his quest to conquer the continent on the east side of the Alber Mountains. Those empires, which became Ladonea and Sabathea, beat back the Atlanteans. Melercertis was a major general during the confrontation. After the war, he went into trade, helping the Eastern Empire with economic reform. People backed his ideas and at the age of thirty-four, Melercertis became the Ladonean Emperor.

  As the Ladonean ships near the dock, people on board observe that the Atlantean harbor has over three-hundred docks for their navy and trading vessels. While the massive warships are about to be pulled by ropes into piers, Melercertis stares into the harbor and notices six-hundred statues, each stone figure measuring ten feet high. The sculptures are of soldiers who have given their lives for Atlantis, and the images are a tribute to their bravery. Two warrior statues stand at every quay. With each figure’s hand holding a lamp, the entire harbor is illuminated at night.

  Close to the harbor, Melercertis notices a huge edifice connected by bridges to Atlantis’ mainland. The Central Trade Building is five stories tall, with a giant statue of bulls parallel to its walls. This is the most detailed structure in the capital and the most beautiful in the Atlantean Empire. All trade among friendly nations and states takes place inside the massive structure.

  In the Atlantean Emperor’s opinion, empires on the continent and Atlantis trade in their own self-interest. If it were not for greed, the world would destroy Atlantis because of its faith. Aten contemplates his opening conversation with Melercertis. Because of religious and cultural differences, the Atlantean ruler is uncertain how best to welcome the Ladonean Emperor. In Aten’s mindset, he knows he must maintain the peace until Atlantis is strong enough to make the inevitable battle against the Ladonean Empire a decisive one. The Atlantean Emperor knows his military can protect their borders, but are unable to go on the offensive. Even though Atlantis has superiority in technology and training, the Atlantean military is outnumbered by the Ladonean Empire. Aten’s empire has close to one-million available soldiers to fight against four-million men of Melercertis’ military.

  The only things that keep an enemy from attacking Aten’s empire are his natural defenses and its powerful navy. Atlantis is on a peninsula, covered sea to sea by mountains. Those ranges create a natural barrier which keeps Atlantis safe from a land invasion. Also, the Atlanteans have built the Great East and West walls. These two man-made defensive structures were built to be impenetrable. Both walls are constantly maintained and defended with five gates and barriers throughout the mountain range into the peninsula. Should the outside wall into Atlantis be taken by an enemy, every half-mile are other fortified barriers and gates for defense.

  Recently, the Atlantean military advisors have urged a Ladonean invasion before Melercertis’ military grows too strong. Aten has evaluated a preemptive strike, but the Ladonean Empire is too vast. Although the Atlanteans know they are the strongest military in the world, the sheer size of Ladonea holds any conquest at bay.

  Last month, Aten sought the wisdom of his cabinet about going to war with Ladonea. He received only contradictory speculations concerning any offensive against the Eastern Empire. The Atlantean council has little knowledge of Ladonean politics or culture. A military cannot fight an enemy they do not know. Surveying further, the Atlantean Emperor concluded that the cabinet cared only about natural resources in Ladonea. Aten cannot afford to fall into the council’s trap of self-interest. It is up to Aten to create the doorway to peace for the future of his people.

  Emperor Aten stares at the large Ladonean ships. It is hard to believe that Melercertis desires to speak to the Atlanteans. There has been silence between the nobles from both empires for twenty-six years. Why would the Ladoneans now seek diplomacy? The whole Atlantean Empire wonders what will come from this summit. Will the talks be peaceful or provoke greater disagreements between the two superpowers? Aten debates whether the war between the Atlanteans and Valteareans has anything to do with the assembly that is about to take place. No matter what, Aten is reviewing in his mind how to ask and answer questions that may occur. He ponders his abilities to make this happen.

  When Melercertis’ battlecruisers are finally secured in the Atlantean docks, his military advisors step off their ships and form ranks, standing at attention. Emperor Aten asks his waiting councils to step aside as he walks toward his invited guest from abroad, wanting to stand alone to represent the people of Atla
ntis. Aten’s grandmasters, his elite guard, are the only defense protecting him if anything goes wrong, yet even they are ordered to stand back.

  When Emperor Melercertis steps off the ship, he also stands alone, with his armed escort standing in the background. The two emperors face each other, thirty feet apart and fifty feet from the nearest person. The two most powerful men in the world stand tall. As a host, Aten makes the first gesture of peace. Walking toward the Ladonean Emperor gracefully, the Atlantean Emperor smiles and extends his hand to greet his guest. In return, Melercertis mirrors the gesture.

  The two emperors shake hands and Aten says, “It is a great honor to meet you. Our two empires have been skeptical of one another for over twenty years. I am elated you are here in my capital. Let us relish this moment and be two men, from two different cultures, wanting peace.”

  Melercertis replies, “I have been at sea for two weeks. Politics is the last thing on my mind. I would love to view your city. I have heard rumors, but looking at Atlantis, the stories cannot do justice to what my eyes behold today.”

  They both smile, and the Atlanteans cheer. The crowd realizes this is a monumental moment to never be forgotten. The spectators feel as if they no longer have anything to fear, viewing a man rather than an unknown face. The cheering among the audience grows louder as the two emperors walk toward the Atlantean capital. Melercertis and Aten cross a massive bridge spanning the harbor. The first contact with the East is accomplished. A beginning of trade and peace marks this day.

  Melercertis walks slowly and elegantly with Aten through the entrance of the city. The Ladonean advisors and generals follow, saying nothing. The Ladonean Emperor glances at buildings made of marble and granite; he has never seen this kind of construction before. Being in the Atlantean capital is a culture shock to Melercertis.

  The two emperors discuss the politics and culture of one another’s empire as they walk. Melercertis speaks the Atlantean language fluently, and can understand without misinterpretation. The two leaders know they are similar in greed, love, and power. They also understand that each loves their empire and would defend it to the death. They see each other as equals. The more they talk, the more at ease they become with one another.

  En route to Aten’s palace, Melercertis notices a great structure of limestone, with smoke billowing from the top. The building is a massive pyramid, one-hundred feet tall, covering an entire acre at its base. As they walk, the Ladonean Emperor continues staring at the sight and Aten asks, “What is on your mind?”

  Melercertis responds, “I see so much. Your city is overwhelming.”

  Aten says, “You have come to my empire in peace. The building you are looking at is where we produce steel to make our swords. Since I no longer see you as a potential enemy, I will give you a tour of the building. There has been mistrust between our two civilizations, but now, I will hide nothing. If you want to know something, I will gladly tell you.”

  Melercertis replies, “Agreed. I wish our two empires had not gone to war twenty-six years ago. We could have learned a great deal from one another. Soon, I want you to come to my capital so you can understand my culture.”

  Aten smiles at Melercertis and says, “One day, that will be an honor.”

  Aten takes the Ladonean Emperor inside the pyramid to display the steel manufacturing in progress. The two emperors take an abbreviated tour and walk toward the palace. Melercertis is awed by what he is witnessing.

  As the emperors move deeper into the capital, Melercertis observes statues and writing everywhere. He cannot read. Only five percent of the Eastern Empire is literate. Because the Ladoneans are progressing similar to the Atlanteans, they also are moving toward one written language. However, Atlantis is different in that their civilization has had one language for the last five-hundred years. Less than three percent of the Atlantean population is without at least some level of literacy.

  Among the different cultures inside each city-state on the peninsula, some cultures did not relinquish their writing and language heritage. The religious writings are written in the old Atlantean text, so the Empire has two written languages. Well-educated Atlanteans are taught both. The other writings have disappeared through the centuries or been rewritten in the new text. Libraries inside Aten’s capital still have the ancient writings from their forefathers, and some scholars can translate them all.

  That night inside the Atlantean palace, Melercertis and Aten dine alone, without generals and advisors interrupting. They sit across from each other and servants attend to their every need.

  Aten says, “I took the liberty of choosing our first feast together.”

  Melercetis responds, “Good! Since our cultures are different, I have always wondered how your meals were prepared. I hope my manners are up to your standards.”

  Aten says, “I am astonished how quickly your empire has grown.”

  Melercertis responds, “Thank you; we have had our troubles like any other government. I know you can relate. For starters, each Ladonean citizen is given a job throughout their lifetime. Every one in my empire starts at the bottom and works their way up. Young people are entered into an apprenticeship at age twelve, based on their physicality, talents, and interests. Categorizing people’s abilities has brought success and helped my empire grow steadily. Prior to this, other empires considered the Ladonean Empire nothing but a wasteland. Before I became emperor, my people were very nomadic. Communities fought one another and gained nothing but temporary territorial rights. I brought order and civility to the tribes of my lands. After a short time, the empire you know now began to prosper. Because I was good at persuading, I sold my philosophies to what is now the Ladonean Empire. I was lucky. My domain had grown tired of tribal disputes and was ready for change. The whole empire knew they were self-destructing and yearned for structure.”

  Aten asks, “What makes your people want to strive?”

  Melercertis responds, “In the Ladonean Empire, everything is given by the government. If a citizen does well, the person will receive luxury goods that come though trade with other empires. The Ladonean government appoints the amount of tokens to trade for specific items at our markets. If a person does not do what is demanded, the citizen is punished by not receiving sufficient tokens.” He pauses, and asks, “May I ask a question?”

  Aten says, “Yes, this is the reason you and I are here alone. As leaders of our people, we need time apart from politicians and military advisors to speak freely with one another.”

  Melercertis asks, “How does your civilization work?”

  Aten says, “At the age of six, every child attends learning institutions until the age of fifteen. In early life, Atlanteans are taught the basics of math, science, reading, and writing. If an Atlantean has a gift in science, that child may choose to join a science university and help advance our technology. If an Atlantean can produce a better product or weapon, the government assures royalties. Because of the chance of compensation, an inventor has the potential to become wealthy.”

  Melercertis asks, “So, the people in your empire have choices to do as they please?”

  Aten responds, “More or less. After the age of fifteen, all but the gifted join the military. Males and females have the choice of a compulsory five year military service or attending a military university. If they choose military school, they will have higher rank but remain in our armed services another ten years. After giving fifteen years of military service, the Atlantean is considered a noble. The noble can vote and pursue what he or she pleases. If they decide to reenlist after their full fifteen years of service, the officers can remain in the lands they conquer to become government officials, and are given taxes from the new state.”

  Melercertis asks, “How did you build your empire so exquisitely?”

  Aten responds, “Apart from the military, Atlanteans are required to serve their empire to qualify for citizenship. At the age of twenty and following their military service, Atlanteans work another fiv
e years in construction. Other than the gifted or those in the military, everyone is acquired to build homes, temples, roads, and anything needed to make the Atlantean Empire more efficient. After the last year of public service, people in construction work together to build new homes for those who have devoted their vivacity to the empire. After the age of twenty-five, the home is given to the individual, and those people begin their lives as citizens.”

  After Aten and Melercertis finish dinner and go to their quarters, each realizes how different their lands truly are, and wonders if the differences can ever be overcome.