by Gene Stiles
Ida and Loki played their parts well, drinking and dancing until they found themselves actually having a great time. It was nice to seep in the sounds and stares, the vibrancy and vitality, the happiness encasing them, shielding them from the severity of their concerns. Throngs of women asked Loki to dance, crestfallen when he politely declined. Ida found it amusing that none of the men flirtatiously glancing her way attempted to ask her to dance. Of course, she did not blame them. Loki made too formidable of an obstacle for any of them to dare chance.
At the appointed hour, they left the club, went outside and unobtrusively made their way to the rear. They found the door marked ‘Private’ easily, noting that the lights above it were turned off. Within seconds, Hyperion appeared, husting them in and up a stairwell to the third floor. A simple oak door opened into the most amazing room Loki and Ida had ever seen. Turning around, they noticed the entrance disappeared behind them in the splendor of the chamber.
Hyperion’s private quarters were immense and as ostentatious as might be expected by the way he dressed. Gold-gilded, square panels inlaid with intricate leaf and vine patterns separated by frames of beautiful, stained cedar covered the ceiling. Two walls, including the one they came through, were divided into sections by thick beams of dark colored cedar and wainscoted with thin sheets of honey oak. Crimson paint coated the areas above the oak where hung incredibly detailed artworks of nude women and men in an array of sexual positions. Loki and Ida tried not to look, their cheeks burning a bright red that rivaled the paint. A wall of flattened, multicolored stones filled the far end of the room inlaid with a large, dark, fireless hearth. Mahogany, beautifully carved, doors cut into the rock, one either side of the fireplace. Besides those two and the vanished one through which they entered, only one other door led out of the chamber. Ida and Loki guessed it led down to the club below. A single mammoth pane of tinted crystal made up the last wall overlooking the sparkling lights of the Atlantean skyline and the city streets below. The view was simply stunning in its awesome magnificence.
“Please sit down,” Hyperion said, waving them toward a huge C-shaped plush couch of crimson brocade stacked with fluffy blue and yellow hued pillows. Turbulent clouds darkened his handsome face and stiffened his gait. He stood quietly before a small bar that sat near the sofa and heated a pot of strong dark tea.
“Would you care for some?” He glanced up at his guests, poured two more cups at their nods and loaded them on a silver platter. Hyperion sat the serving tray on the long, low, mahogany table that fronted the couch and joined his friends.
“I know why you have come,” he began, “and let me start by assuring you that Rhea is safe – after a fact. She is back with Cronus in her quarters inside the Great Pyramid.”
“What? Why? I know how much she despises him,” Loki stammered, relieved, but his eyes wide and disbelieving. “What has happened to her? How did our home burn down? Why did you not send word to me sooner?”
“I had no answers to your questions until recently,” Hyperion replied darkly. “Appearances being what they were, discerning the truth was a difficult task. Thankfully, there are those within Atlantis loyal to Rhea and willing to put their lived in jeopardy to help her. Here is what I know.”
By the time Loki and Ida learned all Hyperion knew and surmised, the morning sun rose high above the eastern horizon, blanketing Atlantis in the warmth of its golden glow. The crystal wall dimmed to near black, blocking out most of the light, matching the moods of the three sullen people gathered on the couch.
“We must get her out of there, far from the clutches of that monster,” Ida said angrily, her face streaked with the tears she shed this night.
“We shall,” Loki promised her, his eyes near black, flickering with burning flames. “And we shall do it soon.”
“That is not so easy,” Hyperion cautioned. “Rhea is well guarded and never without armed escort. She is unable to speak to you any more than with me. It will take careful, meticulous planning and time to free her.”
“Then I shall stay in Atlantis until then,” Loki stated sternly.
“I will help you,” Ida assured him, holding his gigantic hand in hers. “I will remain in the city as well.”
“If you do so, you can count on my help. However,” Hyperion warned them urgently, “you must not let anyone become aware of our connection. It would be better if we pretend to be strangers. It may allow you to get closer to Rhea than I am able to. They must never learn of Home or its location. Lastly, under no circumstances,” he added, staring straight at Loki, “can anyone learn of your true heritage. Atlantis is not Home. Not only does Cronus and, I am sorry to say, many of the People, hate the Izon, but the idea that there is a half-breed among them could have far reaching, devastating consequences.”
Hyperion put the pair up in his guest room for a few days, cautioning them to take great care to remain unseen as they came and went until other living arrangements could be made for them. During that time, a germ of a plan took shape and started to fill itself out. The problem was it would take time. There was one thing all could agree upon.
Cronus must die.
“Please come with us,” Keramec ordered, standing in front of Loki, two other black leathered, armed Aam at his side. “The Lord Father requests your presence immediately.”
Loki and Keramec were in touch ever since his arrival in Atlantis, clandestinely meeting in dark alleys and abandoned buildings on the edge of the city. His friend, mentor and Aam martial arts instructor no longer seemed the gargantuan he once had though his stature had not lessened. The Aam Captain still gave the appearance of a block of granite on legs, handsome and powerful, but now Loki towered over him by almost two feet.
“Why? I have done nothing wrong,” Loki said, his cinnamon eyes noting how the other two Aam nervously fingered their sidearms. They were frighteningly aware he could crush their skulls like melons in his huge paws and each sent up a silent prayer he would go willingly and without incident.
“No one says you have, young man,” Keramec replied firmly, brushing a few stray strands of golden blond hair from his broad, copper-skinned forehead. “Lord Cronus has a proposition for you and asks to speak to you right away. Please come with us.”
“As you wish,” Loki acquiesced with a sigh, tossing the ripe red apple he was holding back into the bin at the fruit stall of the open market. “But I hope there is food. I was just starting my lunch.”
Keramec smiled, unseen by the two guards behind him who eased their tension, thanking the Creator their prayers were answered. The whispering crowd gathered near them, having left a wide, clear space around the four men, parted swiftly to provide Loki, Keramec and the guards an ample, unobscured path to the Great Pyramid. Muttered questions and hand covered murmurs followed them as they walked through the bustling city streets in the late morning sunshine. Loki drew attention wherever he went, even more so now with his Aam escorts.
In these past months since his return to the city, Loki visited the Great Pyramid numerous times ostensibly to browse the displays on the first floor that depicted Atlan and the growth of Atlantis. Artworks covered the walls showing the old world and what became of it. Artifacts brought from Atlan filled glass cases scattered around the huge chamber along with a stasis chamber, a section of hull from one of the crafts that brought them here among other things. In another area, the accomplishments of the People since their arrival on Terra included holo displays of the building of Atlantis and the taming of the continent. One particular factious exhibit caused a boiling anger to smolder deep inside of Loki, which he was careful to keep from showing on his face. It portrayed the Izon as cruel, savage creatures who wantonly burned buildings, destroyed crops and killed the People and the brave Aam, led by Cronus, who drove them from the lands. It made Loki sick to his very core.
What he really came to do on his trips was to scout the layout of the Pyramid for entrances, exits, weaknesses and any other aspects they might exploit. However, th
ey had yet conceived a way to find Rhea and get her out safely. Loki could not get past the first floor, but now the Aam took him to very area he wanted to go. Whatever offer Cronus might make could be his way inside and he would take it.
The giant oaken doors, intricately engraved with the pyramid and tree symbol of Atlantis, opened wide and Loki and his escorts stepped inside. Loki was impressed with the simply majesty of the chamber. Beautifully rendered tapestries adorned the wall with scenes of amazingly realistic animals and landscapes. Short pillars holding sculptures and potteries sat in alcoves niched into the granite walls. A long, wide, mahogany table took up the center of the room while plush, cushioned couches and chairs lined the sides of the chamber. Crystal panes covered one side of the room, corner to corner, floor to ceiling looking out at the city of Atlantis and the landscape beyond with the river Gaia flowing in white-capped wonder off to the right.
Cronus sat behind his huge, dark oak desk in front of the windows in a high-backed, black leather chair. He stood when the men entered, waving off the Aam and the guards at his door. Loki measured creature he now found himself alone with, thinking he could kill him at this very moment. Upon further study, he reassessed, watching the fluid, cat-like, dancer’s grace with which his enemy moved. Solid muscle moved underneath the dark blue, sleeveless tunic he wore over black cotton breeches that clung to those sinewy legs above polished, calf-high, black leather boots. His arms hid under the loose-sleeved, floor-length onyx robe he wore, but Loki knew they must be as well-proportioned as the rest of the man. It was those chipped jade eyes that slowed any thought of an easy dispatch in Loki’s mind most of all. A glint of steel flickered deep within them, an inner darkness that tasted of deadly danger. The man was killer.
“Welcome,” Cronus said in a deep, rich baritone voice as he stepped around the desk, extending his hand to Loki. The two men clenched forearms in greeting then Cronus motioned for him to take a seat in one of the two, thickly padded, oak chairs sitting before his desk. “I have heard much about you. How in the name of the Creator did you get to be so gigantic?”
“Thank you, Lord Father,” Loki responded, biting back the true words he wanted to scream, “I am honored. As for my size, I just grew this way. I have no other answer.”
Cronus raised his hand and Iapetus stepped from an alcove in a dimly lit corner. Loki was startled at the movement. Yes, he noticed the form standing there, but so still and quiet was the man he thought him only another well-crafted statue. He reminded Loki of a larger version of Keramec, block-like and hardened. Every ounce of the black clad monster radiated raw animalistic power. His straight black hair hung down the broad plain of his back, held from his ebony eyes by a wide band of tooled leather. Loki was glad he made no attempt on Cronus’ life. One look at the two men and he knew in his soul he would not have survived the encounter.
Iapetus stared him up and down and deemed him not a threat. That, in of itself, spoke volumes to Loki, shaking his confidence. He watched the Second take up his station behind Cronus as the Lord Father reseated himself across from his guest, staring at him from behind steepled hands. It was a moment before he spoke, but when he did, Loki felt a determination had been made.
“You come from Aeolis, do you not?” Cronus questioned him.
“Yes, sir,” Loki replied following the deep cover story Hyperion created for him, thankful the details were hammered into him by his cohorts. “My parents were miners. They were killed in an accident when I was young.”
“I know,” Cronus nodded. “I had you thoroughly vetted before bringing you here. You were left to fend for yourself on the streets.”
There were many kids littering the streets of Aeolis. No one paid them any attention. They were like fodder for the mines, used in the bottom tunnels where a full grown person could not fit. Many died in collapses, but they were expendable and very easy to replace.
“You killed a man when you were sixteen protecting a girl from rape. The very one who is now your companion? After that you and she fled to the woods and lived off the land. Is that all correct? Did I leave anything out?”
“No, Lord Father,” Loki replied softly, lowering his head as if shamed by his fictitious actions.
“Why are you so humiliated for coming to a lady’s aid?” Cronus asked, leaning back in his chair, his blazing red curls fanning out behind him like a fiery corona. His emerald eyes searched Loki’s face for any sign of fakery. Luckily, his years under Amelia’s brutal tutelage taught him well the art of deception.
“I killed a man,” Loki stammered effectively, his eyes downcast. “I did not know my own strength. When he hit the wall, his head shattered with a sickening sound. I still see the blood trail staining the granite as he slipped to the ground. The sight and sound haunt my dreams every night.”
“Is that why I am here?” Loki said timidly, looking up at Cronus with faux fear filling his voice. “Am I to be executed for murder?”
“On the contrary,” Cronus responded, his head leaned back in laughter. “I brought you here to offer you a job as escort to my wife, Rhea.”
Loki wanted to implode with excitement. This was the opportunity he waited for. Nothing could be more perfect. To seem too eager would undoubtedly raise unwanted attention so he took a totally different tact.
“I thank you for your kind consideration, Lord Father,” Loki said, shaking his head, “but I must respectfully decline. Though I am honored by your offer, I have a job which I enjoy greatly. I am truly sorry and, again, I thank you.”
Cronus gaped at him in open astonishment, his full, pink lips parted in surprise. He knew what his proposition could mean for the young man. Many of his Aam would kill for such an opportunity. Besides, no one ever turned him down. He was dumbfounded.
“You prefer being a security guard at the Wind Song over being a personal escort for a member of the Twelve? My wife?”
“I mean no disrespect, Lord Father,” Loki said haltingly with just the right amount of angst in his voice. “I will of course comply if you so order.”
“I will not order you to take my offer,” Cronus replied, still sounding confused. “What is it about working there that brings you so much pleasure?”
“The Wind Song was the first to offer me employment when Ida and I came to Atlantis,” Loki said, careful not to mention Hyperion’s name, knowing how Cronus felt about him. “They treat me well and gave my Ida a job as a server. I am glad we get to work together and share our experiences. She is my life. I know if she is near me, I can always protect her.”
“Also, sir,” Loki continued, “it is the people of this city I love. It amazed me to see such life and vitality in them. At the mines, people are cruel, downtrodden and exhausted. They live in misery. But not here in Atlantis. The People are vibrant and happy. I can see it in their styles, their fashions, their dances. I love being a part of that.”
“There was only one disturbance at the club in all the time I have been there so my job is easy.” He dared a small contented smile. “I get to socialize with incredible people and make wonderful friends – something Ida and I have never had before. What could be better than that?”
“I heard of the ‘disturbance’ you mention,” Iapetus rumbled in a deep bass voice. “My understanding is a group of five Aam overindulged themselves on alcohol and got too ‘friendly’ with some women in the club so you stepped in. Is that so?”
“Yes,” Loki said quietly, again contrite. “I did not hurt them much. Nothing that Healing could not fix.”
“You took them on alone,” Iapetus continued. “When it was over, the Aam lay at your feet broken and bleeding. They had to be carried back to their barracks and were laid up for days. A couple required a group Healing to recover. You were unhurt.”
“Yes, sir,” Loki nodded. “When you live on the streets, you learn quickly how to defend yourself or you die. My teachers taught me if you hit someone, make sure they cannot get back up. Especially if they are part of a group. I am sorry, b
ut that is my job.”
“And you do it well,” Cronus chuckled. “There used to be regular brawls at the Wind Song. You are the reason there are no more.”
“Those were Pyramid guards you so easily disposed of,” Iapetus stated, an undisguised tint of admiration in his voice. “The upper echelon of the Aam. No one would dare cause trouble after that.”
“I did not know,” Loki replied, acting surprised and humbled. “I hope they are all well and unharmed.”
“They are and they were punished for their actions, you can be assured,” Cronus added. He took a moment to study Loki intently and then said, “So not only are you the most gigantic man the People have ever seen, but you are a protector of women and you fight like a demon. You are exactly what I need. Please reconsider. If it helps, I will also employ your Ida as a handmaiden for Rhea and provide you with quarters in the Pyramid. Then you will still be near your love. How does that sound?”
Loki felt overjoyed and wanted to dance on the thick rugs covering the cold granite floors at his feet. Instead, he acted as if pondering it over carefully and then took a moment to reply.
“That is an incredible offer, Lord Father. I do not know why you would so gift such a simple man like myself, but I am truly humbled. May I take the time to consult with Ida?”
“You may have twenty-four hours,” Cronus answered, his voice becoming stern. “Time is of the essence.” He gazed intently at Loki, his jade eyes simmering. “What I now tell you is to be announced to the People in two days. You will keep it between you and Ida until after then whether you take the position or not. Is that understood?”
“Yes, Lord Father,” Loki responded quickly, noting the implied menace in the words. “You can count on my discretion.”
“Good.” Cronus smiled in a way that made Loki’s skin crawl. “Rhea is pregnant.”
