Tidal Vortex-Book One

Chapter Twenty-One

Teal:

I was rather surprised at the sight that greets me when we enter the temple. However, my relief that the temple hasn't come down upon us is much greater than my relief despite the shock I now find myself experiencing. Smooth ancient mosaic tile makes up the floor beneath our bare feet. The fine detail is astonishing, and it looks like it's in amazing shape, considering it must be at least thousands of years old. The temple sits in the shape of a circle, with immense stone pillars sitting around the sides of the room. Circular seating is built into the ground, like massive steps that span ten steps down before opening to a round inner floor space.

"I know it's gorgeous, isn't it?"

"Yes, it's beyond words! Gosh, the fine detail that must have gone into crafting this place way back is absolutely astounding," I say as I look up at the fine detail of the stone roof, which now has vines with small purple flowers, weaving life through the full ceiling.

A round sunlight window lets moonlight shine through, illuminating the floor at the center of the circle. What really catches my eye is the gigantic, intricate mosaic sundial that sits at the very center of the floor. The sundial has three rings set within the circle design. The first outer ring has roman numerals set around the outside, much like a modern clock. The second ring portrays the zodiac signs set around the circle, encasing the inner circle. What catches my eye though is a mural at the very center of the sundial, done in mosaic fashion. Letting go of Connor's hand, I descend the steps, the mosaic stone floor feels smooth and cold on my bare feet as I draw closer to the sundial. Dirt covers some of the design as I stare in amazement. Not being able to help myself, I lower myself to the floor and proceed to use a corner of my red dress to sweep away dirt blocking my view of the mosaic design underneath.

"What are you doing?"

"Trying to figure out what this mural at the very center of the sundial is of. Haven't you ever wondered?"

"No, I guess I haven't. Every time I've been here, I've been in a rush to speak with Reave. I never really took the time to notice a mural was even there."

Connor descends the steps, joining me where I sit upon the sundial floor. Crouching, he helps me, by swiping his hand across the mural, clearing the area of dirt. After a few minutes, the mural is finally unblocked. Shock rocks through us both as we stand up, staring at the full picture before us. The mural is of a beautiful merwoman and merman in siren form. The woman sits on a stone shell shaped throne in the water, her scaled tail resting on the floor while the merman floats behind her, with one hand placed tenderly on her left shoulder. Upon her head sits a golden crown, and in her right hand she holds a trident upright, while resting the staff of it on the ground. Bright white light shines from the trident in her hand. The shocking part was that it was us! We were the sirens depicted in the mural, sitting grandly upon the throne, with Connor's hand upon my shoulder. My mouth feels dry as I swallow and lean back against Connor where he crouches on the floor.

"Umm... Connor, why are we in this mural that must be thousands of years old?"

"I'm honestly just as shocked by this as you. The only explanation I can think of is either a seer long ago made this, or someone more recently did. The only question is who and why?"

"These mosaic stone tiles look old and in line with all the other types used for this floor. Somehow I very much doubt this mural was made recently."

"Well, maybe Reave will know. Let's go down and see him."

"Down? I don't see stairs or an exit out of this room, Connor."

"This sundial is a secret entrance. Here, stand close to me and watch."