Atlantis (A Waterfire Saga Fanfiction)

Chapter 8

Alma grabbed a pouch filled with sweet red apples, rinsed them, and emptied it into a large wooden bowl.

She had woken up quite early since she gave up on trying to fall asleep last night.  It was her birthday today and she felt like she should make herself useful.

The young girl wore a plain dress that resembled the color of the desert sand.  Her golden locks were pulled back into a high bun and she wore simple cowrie shell earrings.

As soon as she had finished setting the table and preparing most of the food, her mother had come downstairs and made her way into the kitchen.

"Alma? Why have you aroused so early?" Neith asked.

The young girl filled a vase with a bouquet of daisies and placed the centerpiece in the middle of the wooden table.

She embraced her mother in a hug.  "I was just very excited since it is my 13th birthday today, after all." she lied.

After her nightmare regarding the illness in Egypt, Alma had fallen into a dreamless slumber for a few hours.  She had awakened again in the blackness of the night and had tried to get a decent amount of sleep.  However, every time she shut her eyes, the terrifying images from the fire came back to her.

She saw all of those innocent people, completely powerless, and their eyes filled with pure terror.  And it was all because of some arrogant, sick, king who thought that he was equivalent to the gods.

Often times, the priests and priestesses had warned the citizens that dreams could carry a certain message.  Alma now truly didn't want to believe that.  Morsa was one of the most feared goddesses.  Why she would come to her and threaten her, she didn't know.  But one thing was for certain: the reason behind it wasn't good.

After Alma's sisters had left her alone late last night, the young girl heard some sort of chanting but she had concluded that perhaps it was just her mind that was playing tricks on her.  She had been very exhausted anyways, so she found it useless to worry about such things.

Neith helped her daughter prepare the rest of the meal and once it was finished, they both turned their attention towards the staircase.

Alcina made her way down the steps followed by Idra. Her father had left early to head to his small forge right outside of Elysia.

"Happy birthday Alma!" her sisters said with huge grins plastered on their faces.

"Thank you," she replied returning the smile.

Neith: "Girls, after breakfast I need you three to run down to the public square and buy some bread for supper." she said.

***

It hadn't taken long to buy a few loaves of white bread.

The public square in Elysia was very busy.  People darted left and right and Alma held on to her sisters' hands in order to not lose track of them within the crowds.  It was so hectic that they were literally shoulder to shoulder with a group of strangers.

All kinds of people could be found here from every race imaginable.  Around them, many inhabitants were speaking in their native tongues.

"I seriously puzzle over what they are saying." said Idra as she stared at a vendor that seemed like he was arguing with a customer.

"Sycorax probably doesn't have that problem.  I honestly wonder how she learned so many languages." remarked Alcina.

It was probably magic.  Alma thought to herself.