Shadows of Atlantis Part One: Awakening

Chapter 9

 9

Atlantis never would forget her peaceful golden years.

But when the earth and sky unite,

it would unveil her tears.

Something they could never dream

in night’s caress to pass.

And darkness took its hold beneath

the shadow of the mass.

~*~

Moonlight danced on the water as it rippled in the breeze. D’Vinid sat on the dock, watching the giant full moon hover over the rippling patterns. He had been waiting for his stomach to settle.

“Are you feeling any better?”

D’Vinid closed his eyes, wishing Loressai’s father would disappear. He was in no state to inform him of her strange fate. In many ways, he didn’t understand fatherhood, though an interesting level of empathy accompanied him regarding a father’s love for a daughter, as he felt himself to be the cause of suffering for so many daughters. It was just one more regret weighing on his soul.

“I saw her today, at the cartel docks,” he acknowledged. “She was not herself.” He couldn’t make himself meet Torbin’s eyes. “I tried to help her... but there was nothing I could do.” He shook his head gloomily.

“What was she doing there?”

D’Vinid squirmed. “I wish I could tell you, but I have no idea. I saw her last night at Pan’s estate, but she left. And by the Watchers, I ran into her again today.” He made sign to the Watchers just to seem as though he was pious about their guidance. “She was not herself.”

“I was there.” Ofira’s melodious voice came to the rescue. “I saw him try and save her.” D’Vinid closed his eyes in relief. “In fact, we were running for our lives, and he went back to help your daughter.”

D’Vinid struggled to his feet to meet Torbin face-to-face. D’Vinid knew Torbin's position as keymaster to be highly important in Subterra. Loressai was somewhat like a princess from the inner realm of Sophaiya. He hated the images of her so conquered. D’Vinid finally found it in himself to greet Keymaster Torbin with the respect afforded a ruler.

“What happened to her? Where is she now?” Torbin asked again with a steady voice. His patience was growing thin.

“I don’t know,” said D’Vinid. “But I saw who took her. I think they were intending to help her.” He hesitated, unsure how to proceed. “They needed to take her. She was acting strange. Violent, in fact.”

Torbin nodded sharply. “Can you find these people?”

“I wish I knew, keymaster. There was a lot going on at the time.” He shook his head. “I wish I could tell you how complicated my life has been the past few days.”

“Keymaster Torbin,” Ofira intervened. “There are things you should know about your daughter. D’Vinid has acted nobly on her behalf. I don’t think he should be the one to inform you of the details. It would be to the advantage of all if your daughter could be put into your care. I would suggest we send D’Vinid to search out her location while I begin to explain to you the extent of her troubles.” Her eyes urged D’Vinid to use this window as his escape.

“Upon what authority do you speak, young lady?” Torbin asked suspiciously, eying her weathered sea-faring outfit.

“I am Ofira Pazit, Captain of Poseidon’s Dreamship Vex Voyager.” She bowed with a flourish of her hand. “I have come to Poseidia on a mission from the Watchers.”