Atlantis Burning

Chapter 7

Edward did not know how to lead them back to the portal without passing through the town square. Beatrice tried not to look at the altar where they saw the baby sacrificed, and yet her eyes were drawn to an extremely tall woman that danced beside it, singing. She had chartreuse fabric draped over her shoulders and around her waist that didn't actually hide anything. The altar that was raised up on a terrace made of green granite, was carved in the shape of a lion. Behind the altar were trees lined up in a semi-circle, like a hallowed grove. They had most of their branches stripped off, so they could be carved into the shape of a woman. The only branches were at the top and were woven together connecting the trees like an arched colonnade.

The young girl tensed up and moved to hide behind Edward. Beatrice picked her up, and the girl clung to her, resting her head on Bea's shoulder. Bea was grateful the girl seemed to trust them.

Edward gently took the tiny little hand and pressed it into the bubble. "We are safe, she can not touch us," Edward said gently moving between the girl and the crowd beyond them. "If I'm six foot, I reckon she's got to be more than seven." Edward's hand returned to its resting place on his dagger.

The woman in green had long red locks that fell over her shoulders and down her back. She moved with the intention and grace of a seductress as she walked down the terrace step, singing like a siren enticing all who could hear. The men all gawked at the woman, her great height put her breasts at eye-level.  She teased a man in the crowd that was tall with a blonde high and tight. Edward noticed the haircut, as it's mostly worn by military men. He was a bit taller than the crowd, but not a giant, like the woman who had stopped to tease him. He responded with eagerness. She responded as if she liked it, but still moved on down the line. The man was not who she was looking for, and his disappointment was evident. As she moved on, he turned and Edward recognized him.

"That man drooling all over the giantess looks like someone I know."

"From the Navy?"

"Marines, and he's up to no good, if he's chasing after the likes of her."

"Can they see him?"

"Yes, he was kissing her, he's not in a bubble. Maybe he's on a mission."

"I don't know, but I think we need to keep moving."

The woman had moved onto yet another victim, she caressed his face and then leaned down, kissed him hard on the mouth and then pulled away laughing. Next to the man was a woman holding a baby in her arms, a young girl was trying to hide behind her. The mother offered the baby, but the woman pushed it away. She reached for the girl. The mother bent over and whispered to the child, pushing her towards the giantess. Beatrice and Edward watched in horror as the woman began to lead the family up to the top of the terrace.

Bea was still carrying the girl who had her hands over her ears. Bea felt her gently trembling. "We have to go."

Edward urged Bea around the next bend, they both picked up pace and ran to the portal. Bea stopped frozen when she heard wailing coming from the altar.

"Keep moving!" Edward urged as he gently pressed his hand on his wife's back. "I'm the stronger swimmer, I will take her once I'm out of the portal."

Beatrice had tears streaming down her face, as she set the girl down and put her breathing apparatus in the girl's mouth, showing her how to breathe through it. The girl watched in puzzlement as the couple put their fins on and strapped the tanks to their backs.

Edward felt around on the wall until his hand pushed through the water and then he followed it through. He turned back and said, "we can walk right out onto the ocean floor." Bea put the girl on Edward's chest, showing her where to hold on with her hands and her feet. Bea stepped through the wall of water, Edward followed. As the girl felt the water wash over her whole body, she gripped him even more tightly. The girl made no objection and clung tightly to her savior.