Epic Unearthed
Page 28
Chapter XXVIII
Leadership of Brothers
Laptos reaches the walls of Masaba and takes command. In the event of war, the emperor’s dynasty takes complete control of all military decisions.
Upon hearing of the battles at Mantineia and Valtear, the Atlantean masses consider Laptos a respected hero. Although it was Persephone’s command at Bardia, the battle was won under Laptos’ leadership.
Laptos brings two more division to Masaba. The city is not as fortified as Halotropolis, but is in good position to defend itself. There is a little time for rest. Laptos walks to the Military Council Hall, and mourns for his father alone. He needs time to reconfigure his emotions and love for his father. Even though Laptos did not always agree with what Aten said, he will carry out his elder’s dream of Atlantis.
Kaydence is stationed in the City of God. She is reviewing battle plans with the Halotropolian generals and is a steadying influence. With more divisions coming to Haylos’ city-state, Daygun is ready for what is about to occur. Woman and children evacuate Halotropolis, but a great number of people will not leave their home, fearful that they are abandoning God. They will not let their city fall into evil hands without a fight.
The Atlantean enemy is regrouping. Supplies are being brought forth by land. It is only days before the enemy has enough resources to go forward. The Atlanteans know the enemy will have to go through Halotropolis first to completely take Atlantis. Because of this, the City of God has made excellent fortifications to reinforce their defenses. If the enemy bypasses Halotropolis, the Atlanteans can take their enemy on both sides and out-flank them from three sides. The enemy knows it will require everything they have to conquer Atlantis.
The next day, the bells ring. The Atlantean Great West Wall is no longer under attack. Daygun knows the enemy will amalgamate at the East Wall. The Continental Alliance leaves five-hundred-thousand men to keep Persephone and Quentoris from attacking their rear.
Daygun understands that nearly ten-million enemy warriors will be at the walls of Halotropolis. The circumstances are overwhelming for the new Atlantean Emperor. Millions of lives are in his hands. As leader to his people, Daygun has no answers about what to do next. From his standpoint, the rest of the people on the continent are primitive; he concludes that those people are not ready for what the Atlanteans can offer. Most of the continent’s inhabitants live in small groups, and do not fathom the importance of technology. The Atlanteans believe in the power of one God, but the people on the continent do not understand how one God can do everything. The concept is incomprehensible to them.
Daygun calls all generals and admirals to meet in the Atlantean Military Hall; he hates the Eastern World for causing the death of his father. Although Atlantean technology helps people in other empires, they respond with violence and hatred. The Ladoneans showed some honor by giving back Ryeland’s division, but still betrayed the Atlantean Empire. He is furious and wants them destroyed. The main strength of the Atlantean Empire is their navy, and Daygun plans to use it to the upmost advantage.
At the Atlantean Military Hall, Daygun says, “We haven’t yet been attacked by sea. We must scout our waters. Our antagonist is waiting for something at the Great East Wall, and we must find out what they are waiting for. If the enemy is close to Halotropolis, their navy will land there with new supplies. Send ships to the northern part of the Eastern Atlantean Sea. We will find every ship of the Eastern World there.”
Admiral Ashastonous is Supreme Commander of the Atlantean fleet. He is third in command of all Atlantean generals. At six feet tall, slender, with a short beard, he responds, “How can you be so sure, Sire?”
Daygun shakes his head and says, “Our enemy has a great deal of momentum right now. Why did our enemy pause? I don’t think the enemy’s main supply lines are going to be brought over land. Supplies must be sent by sea. The enemy armies at the Great West Wall are regrouping with the East. Think of the numbers they have coming toward us; they will need a great deal of provisions. Because the terrain from the continent to our empire is very difficult to traverse, I believe most supplies will come by ship.”
Admiral Ashastonous salutes Daygun and replies, “I will destroy every ship that comes near our shores.”
Daygun says, “Protect both sides of the peninsula. Use our scout ships to find the enemy. You will not have to look very hard.”
Admiral Ashastonous replies eagerly, “Assembling our fleets together will take two days. I will start at once by putting Vice Admiral Radious in charge of the Western Atlantean Sea.”
Daygun looks straight at Ashastonous and says, “Based on what our spies have told me, the Ladoneans and Sabatheans will march approximately one week. I have a feeling they will be resupplying by sea in four days. The next few days are crucial. Our navy is stronger than all navies in the world combined. There is no navy that can defeat us. The Ladoneans must have made a strong navy, but they don’t know of our battlecruisers, which have been made in total secret.”
Ashastonous asks, “What if we are wrong, What if they have taken our technology in ship building and implemented it in their navy, Sire?”
Daygun says, “If I’m wrong, we’re all dead. This is the only way they can reinforce their army right now. If not, our enemy would have already attacked Halotropolis. Order every civilian ship to start evacuating the sick and injured warriors from the peninsula to our stronghold at the delta.”
After the meeting, Ashastonous prepares his fleet to embark eastward, and Vice Admiral Radious rides to Vasic to gather his battle group.
The enemy from the West Wall is almost to the breach at the Atlantean Eastern defense. Daygun knows they are waiting for something, but what?