Atlantis: The Beginning (The Atlantis Saga Book 1) Page 9

  ''Why would you be willing to help us ?'', I asked, surprised.

  ''I knew your mother. She was a very kind woman. I just want her daughter to be safe''.

  ''But I am not going back to Atlantis, I have to save my parents'', I said.

  ''I guess I can help you with that. Your father still has some loyal followers in Argent. Maybe you can find someone who can help you. I can take you there''.

  I nodded, ''Yes, I will need all the help I can get, if I am to free them from the Empire''.

  ''Be ready to escape as soon as we reach land. We won't have much time'', he said, before heading back to the main deck.

  As soon as he was out of sight, Alice looked at me and asked, ''Do you think we can trust him, Scar?''.

  ''Yes, of course. He saved my life, Alice'', I replied, defensively.

  ''Oooh! Someone fancies him'', she snickered.

  ''Shut up'', I snapped, as I felt a blush creeping over my face.

  A heavy fog had dropped on the ocean. The Glair peaks loomed before us, surrounded by a dense clouds. I was standing near starboard, peering at the ocean, when I saw multiples fires in the direction of mainland.

  ''There!'', I called. ''I think the city is on fire''.

  Suddenly, two ships appeared out of the fog, at the bow of the ship.

  Alarm bells started ringing and all the crew assembled on the deck.

  ''Look!'', said Julian, pointing at the sails of one of the vessels.

  Pirate ships! The sails were painted with a hooded skull in a circle of nine bones.

  ''Edward Payne!'', gasped Morgan. Even the two members of the Imperial guard were staring at the ships in alarm.

  ''MAN THE BATTLE STATIONS! READY THE BALLISTAE AND WAIT FOR MY COMMAND! '', shouted the captain.

  ''Do not fire!'', warned Stonearm.

  ''Who is Edward Payne?'', I asked Alice.

  She gave me an incredulous look before answering, ''The most powerful and fearsome pirate in history. Everyone knows that. He has a fleet large enough to take on the Empire's navy''.

  ''Do you think he is on that ship?''.

  ''No, I don't think so. Those are just scout ships'', answered Julian, who was standing nearby.

  The two vessels were now passing on either side of the Flying Wolf. Neither the pirates nor the Imperial guard were making a move. The pirates leered at us from their ship as they passed by. Stonearm's crew was almost trembling with fear.

  ''NOO! '', I heard Julian shout.

  I whirled around, just in time to see an arrow whistling towards a pirate ship. It struck the quartermaster right between his eyes, who staggered backwards, tripped over the railing and fell into the ocean with a loud splash.

  ''I SAID, DO NOT FIRE! '', shouted Stonearm, as he strode towards the crew member who had loosed the arrow.

  The giant picked him up by the scruff of his neck and hurled him headfirst into the pirate ship.

  Suddenly, the pirates started shouting, waving their swords. The crew started to panic as grappling lines wrapped around the rails, burying their claws into the wood.

  ''FIRE! '', shouted the Wolf Lord, before the pirates could board the ship.

  The air was filled with deafening sounds as the ship fired the cannons. Before the pirates were able to recover from the initial shock, the captain shouted.

  ''ALL HANDS BELOW DECK! RUN OUT THE SWEEPS! FULL SPEED AHEAD! ''.

  ''We are dead'', muttered Alice.

  ''Why?'', I asked, glancing around nervously.

  ''Because these idiots almost destroyed their ships. They will be back''.

  The Flying Wolf started gaining speed as the crew members cut off the grappling lines with their swords. I glanced back, towards the aft, expecting the pirate ships to be on our tail, but they stood stationary.

  ''You should not have fired at them. At least not with a single ship. They will be back in numbers'', said Julian.

  ''We might be able to fight them from Southfay'', replied Alistair.

  Morgan snorted, ''Did you not see the fires. Southfay is already under the Pirate lord's control. You cannot take the city with a single ship. Our only hope is reaching the base at Westerport before more of his ships arrive. They will not dare attack us near the naval base''.

  ''What are your orders, my lord'', asked the captain, looking at Stonearm.

  ''Set course to Westerport!''.

  I jolted upright, as the sound of alarm bells tore through the night. It was a moment before I realized that we were under attack.

  ''Alice! Wake up!'', I shouted, shaking her shoulders.

  ''Wh..What?!'', she stuttered, rubbing her eyes.

  ''The ship is under attack!''.

  I dashed out onto the deck, followed by Alice. The crew members were running around, carrying crates of explosives towards the cannons.

  Alice grabbed my shoulder and pointed towards the aft. I could see three warships emerging from the darkness of the night. Their sails were emblazoned with a huge hooded skull inside a circle of bones.

  ''I knew this was going to happen'', she whispered.

  Everyone was on the main deck. Stonearm had his huge scimitar ready on his shoulder.

  ''Westerport!'', someone shouted from the forecastle.

  ''MORE SPEED! SPREAD ALL THE SAILS! '', shouted the captain.

  I could see lights shining at a distance, as the city of Westerport came into view.

  The two ships at the sides broke formation, steadily gaining on us. In no time, we were surrounded by three warships, one at the aft and two on either side.

  ''LOAD THE CANNONS AND WAIT FOR MY COMMAND! '', shouted the giant.

  Alice ran towards one of the ballistae, to help the crew load the spears.

  We were doomed. There was no way we could take on three warships. Suddenly, I remembered something. I slipped into the captain's quarters and started searching. I found the keys hanging near the bed.

  I hurried down the ladder. The gun deck was busy with activity. The cannons were being loaded, ready to be fired. No one noticed me sneaking down the decks into the hold.

  I heard a deafening sound as the ships fired the cannons. The whole vessel shook and creaked under the impact. I ran towards the cells and threw the keys at Ronin's feet.

  ''Don't come back''.

  Just as he grabbed the keys, I heard a massive groan, and the ship started listing towards starboard. I ran back up the ladder as fast as I could.

  By the time I reached the gun deck, all the lanterns had gone out, and there was no one around. It seemed like the crew had already abandoned ship. The pirate vessels fired another volley and the Flying Wolf was ripped apart.

  I ducked as a cannonball whistled past my head, blowing a hole in the side of the ship. I took a deep breath, as the water started pouring in. I was trapped! I pushed against the hatch, but it failed to yield. The ship was already sinking.

  I swam around, trying to find an opening, but to no avail. The water started filling my lungs, pulling me deeper into the watery grave. Everything around me was plunged into darkness as I began losing consciousness.

  _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

  A few days back.........

  The wind howled through the night, carrying with it, a cold breeze. Dark clouds blanketed the sky. A lone raven flew towards the huge black castle that loomed at the edge of the capital city of Aregon, with its northern face falling steeply into the precipice below. The black towers reflected the pale moonlight that seeped in through the clouds.

  The bird flew in through one of the narrow windows of the tallest tower, and came to rest on the shoulder of a woman, who was sitting on the cold floor, surrounded by strange plants and crystal orbs. Bright lanterns hung from the ceiling, casting dark shadows across the room.

  She was clad in black robes. The raven croaked and dropped a small note on her lap. Her dark eyes narrowed as she opened the note and started reading.

  ''Please, let me go!'', came a voice from one of the cells that lined the wall.

>   The Witch turned her attention towards the prisoner. ''Soon, very soon. You see, the Vlarik are too weak, like their counterparts. I need better ones. Faster and stronger'', she smiled.

  ''What are going to do to me?'', asked the voice, fearfully.

  ''I am going to make you more powerful''.

  The person inside the cell was dressed in rags. He had slanted eyes and pointed ears. His golden hair was matted with gore. It was an elf.

  She rose to her feet and the door opened of its own accord, closing behind her. She made her way down the stairs, through dark corridors, until she reached a set of black double doors. The guards bowed and flung them open.

  At the far end of the hall was a black throne, on which sat the Emperor in his red armor. A golden circlet rested on his forehead.

  The woman bowed before the throne and held out the note. ''The girl lives. I warned you not to trust them''.

  The Emperor frowned, ''I see. Do you know where she is?''.

  ''The vlarik spotted her in Beachcastle, but when they tried to capture her, the werewolf interfered and killed one of them''.

  ''I was foolish to trust that lycan'', he grimaced. ''How many of the Imperial Guard remain in the capital?''.

  ''Only one besides me, my lord. Europa has returned to Cerebrene and the Huntress is in Targantine. The only one remaining is Ronin, the mercenary''.

  ''Bring him to me'', he said, gesturing at one of the guards.

  ''But my lord, he is an arrogant fool. He will surely fail. Send me instead'', said the Witch.

  ''No. I shall hear no more of it, Zelda. I need you here in the capital. Let him take care of the girl. I am sure he knows the consequences of failure''.

  The doors opened and Ronin walked in. He bowed to the king. ''You summoned me, your highness?''.

  ''Ronin, I have an important task for you. Go to Beachcastle and find Scarlett Ironfang. Bring me her head. Let's see if you are as good as you say you are. If you fail, I will have your head on a pike''.

  ''Yes, my lord'', he said, bowing.

  Zelda snorted in contempt. Ronin turned his eyes on her, giving her a wicked smile. Without warning, he dashed towards the Witch. She raised her hands reflexively, but he had already disappeared before she could open her mouth.

  The Emperor continued, ''I will deal with them later, and as for you, send in more troops to the south. If Alistair Talbot has turned, it won't be long before Hector starts mobilizing his packs''.

  The Witch bowed and stormed out of the door. She was seething in anger. She wanted to kill Lucien's daughter with her own hands. Lucien, who had killed her brother in cold blood.

  Zelda Hallowlight was meditating with her eyes closed. Her lips were moving silently. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. She raised her hand and the door opened.

  A young man was standing at the doorway. He had green eyes and shoulder length black hair. He was dressed in a black cloak.

  ''You sent for me, mother?''.

  ''Yes, I need you to do something for me. Can I trust you with this task?''.

  ''Yes, mother. Anything for you''.

  ''I want you to go to Beachcastle and bring me Scarlett Ironfang. Bring her alive, and make haste. That harebrained assassin is already on his way. Get to her before he ruins everything. Bring her directly to me''.

  ''As you command, mother'', he said, giving her a slight bow.

  ''Be careful, Morgan. I have a feeling that the giant and the lycan have already turned against the Empire''.

  ''Do not worry, mother. Those two won't even have a clue who I really am. She will be yours within a fortnight. Have you forgotten that it was me who had captured her elusive mother, Victoria, fifteen years back''.

  ~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~

  6. Silver of Atlantis

  I jerked awake, gasping for air, as I felt a sudden pressure on my chest. I sputtered, water pouring out of my mouth. I rolled over and took a deep breath, trying to steady myself.

  As I opened my eyes, I saw Alice kneeling beside me. Behind her stood Morgan, both their clothes were dripping wet. Alice sighed in relief when I sat up.

  ''Scar! Thank the gods. I was worried sick. Are you alright?'', she asked.

  I nodded reassuringly. ''How did I get out?'', I asked. ''I was trapped''.

  ''We dragged you out. Of course, Morgan had to blow the deck'', Alice replied. ''We had abandoned ship, but you were nowhere to be seen. So I called out for help. Morgan tore apart the ship with his magic. We found you inside the gun deck, unconscious''.

  I looked around, taking in my surroundings. The pirate ships were retreating, three tiny specks on the horizon. The city lights of Westerport shone at a distance. We were near the edge of a forest.

  ''What about the others? Where are they'', I asked.

  ''They are probably inside the city by now. If you want to escape and save your parents, this is your only chance. Are you sure you want to do this?'', asked Morgan.

  ''Yes'', I replied. ''Let's go''.

  ''Can you stand?'', asked Alice, looking at me uncertainly.

  ''Yes, I'm alright''.

  I felt a little woozy, but I was able to walk.

  ''I think it is better if we keep off the roads for now'', said Morgan. ''It won't be long before they notice our absence''.

  It was almost dawn. We plodded on in silence, following a winding path, bordered by tall cedar trees.

  By sunset, we had covered almost five leagues. After walking for another couple of miles, we decided to set up camp in a small clearing, dotted with gnarled junipers.

  ''This is as good place as any'', said Alice, throwing down her pack.

  The moon was shining bright in the velvet sky, dappling the ground with faint silver light. I shivered as I felt a cool breeze pass by.

  ''I will get some firewood'', said Morgan, before disappearing into the darkness. Alice grabbed a couple of apples from her backpack and passed one to me. She had probably salvaged them from the wreckage.

  Alice looked at me suspiciously and asked, ''Scar, What were you doing below deck ?''.

  ''Nothing'', I lied, averting my eyes.

  ''Really, Scar? I know when you lie'', she said.

  ''Fine, I was just helping the prisoner. I gave him a chance to escape'', I said. ''Drowning in a locked cage is a bad way to go''.

  She looked at me incredulously, ''The one who tried to kill you?''.

  ''I know it was stupid, but, like my mother used to say, one good deed can turn an enemy into a friend''.

  ''Sure sweetheart, whatever you say'', she replied, rolling her eyes. ''I hope he doesn't come after you again''.

  ''Thank you, Alice''.

  ''For what?''.

  ''For dragging me out of the water'', I replied, my lips curving in a smile.

  ''Thank Morgan for that. You could have killed yourself'', she scowled.

  I watched the fire dancing over the throbbing coals. It cast a reddish light across the clearing. Occasionally, orange sparks shot out, before disappearing into the night.

  ''I am sorry. But I had to do it, at least to rest my conscience''.

  ''I cannot believe you are a vampire'', she snorted.

  ''Half vampire'', I corrected.

  ''Sure'', she smiled.

  It was almost an hour, before Morgan returned with some firewood and a couple of rabbits. After cleaning the carcass, he impaled it on a spit, and suspended it over the fire, rotating it with magic.

  After we had eaten our fill, I spread my cloak on the ground. It was very uncomfortable, but I had fallen asleep in worse conditions before.

  ''Here'', said Alice, handing me a spare blanket from her pack.

  ''Thank you'', I whispered, pulling the blanket over me.

  The sky was clear and starry. Light wisps of mist crept from the ground. I stared at the swaying branches, thinking about my mother and friends, back in Atlantis.

  I wondered what Alec and Damon were up to, or if they knew about our plight. I closed my eyes, and after a few seconds
, slumber slowly overtook me.

  The next morning was cold and clammy. My whole body ached and my neck was stiff. Alice was already up and was trying to build a fire. I went over to the tiny stream that trickled nearby and washed my face.

  After a light breakfast, we continued our journey north. The ground was getting rougher, covered with thorns and brambles. I had a strange feeling that we were being watched by unfriendly eyes.

  ''We have to move fast'', said Morgan. ''Even I cannot fight more than one werewolf. Especially not from the first pack''.

  ''You think they will send a whole pack?'', I asked, surprised.

  ''At the very least. You are very important to them, especially if they are trying to declare a war on Aregon''.

  As we trudged on through the tangled forest, the trees started to get closer and thicker. Upon that, a dense fog had started to creep in. I could barely see Alice walking in front of me.

  ''Morgan?'', called Alice.

  She stopped and looked back at me. ''Where is he? I think we lost him. I cannot see anything in this fog''.

  ''Here!'', came a faint reply from further down the path.

  Suddenly, I heard a croak of a raven at a distance. The cry was answered by at least a dozen birds. It sounded ominous in the mist and sent chills crawling down my spine.

  ''I think it is better if we rest for a while'', said Morgan. ''At least till the fog clears''.

  We found a small clearing down the path. I slumped on the ground, leaning against a large oak. Alice sat down beside me.

  ''Wait here. I'll try to gather some food. Soon it will be dark'', said Morgan, before disappearing into the fog.

  I gazed at the branches above, as we waited in silence for Morgan to return. It was starting to get cold.

  ''What do you think of him?'', asked Alice.

  ''Who?''.

  ''You know who I mean'', she replied, rolling her eyes.

  ''I don't know. He seems good enough. Maybe a little mysterious'', I said, looking at her. ''You still don't trust him, do you?''.

  ''I don't know'', she replied, tracing an outline of a skull on the ground. ''I find it a little strange that Alistair and Stonearm did not know about him''.

  ''Yeah, but he helped us to escape'', I said.