Atlantis Rising

by James E. Wisher

  “He’s fine as far as we know. Apparently, he’s attacked the True Face of God’s nation and kidnapped over thirty of their citizens. Their archbishop has complained to the joint Alliance command as well as to the president directly. They blame us since he is still technically an Alliance citizen.”

  “That doesn’t seem like something Conryu would do, sir. Not without an excellent reason anyway.”

  “His reasons might be excellent, or they might be lousy. It doesn’t matter. We can’t have one of our citizens, even one that no longer lives here, invading sovereign nations. It makes us look either weak or belligerent. At the moment the president wishes to be seen as neither. We need to bring him in.”

  Jonny didn’t like where this was going. If the army got into a fight with Conryu, things would get ugly in a hurry.

  “I’m not sure that’s a good idea, sir.”

  “I’m not asking your opinion, Private. We know you have some way of contacting him. Your task is to call him in. Say whatever you have to. Once Conryu shows up, we have a team ready to capture him. Our researchers have found a way to negate his magic.”

  “You’re asking me to lure my best friend, a man I owe my life to several times over, into a trap?”

  “I’m not asking you to do anything.” The general stood. Despite his age he was still a bear of a man. “I’m telling you, that’s what you’re going to do. Why do you think you’re here?”

  Jonny cocked his head. “Sir?”

  “You’re in the most coveted posting in the military. It’s not because of any minor heroics you may have performed during the recent crises. Your sole purpose is to provide a conduit to Conryu. He trusts you. There’s no one else we could use to draw him in. You will contact him. You will tell him to meet you at a time and place of our choosing. Is that clear?”

  “Perfectly, sir.”

  “Good. Take a seat. You won’t be leaving my sight until the op is complete.”

  “When is it happening, sir?”

  “Tonight. We’re in the process of clearing the target area.”

  “When should I reach out?” Jonny asked.

  “Now.”

  Jonny licked his lips and dug the rune stone Conryu had given him out of his pocket. The smooth stone was marked with three vertical lines crossed by two others at a forty-five-degree angle. It was about as big around as a quarter and half an inch thick.

  He hesitated.

  Should he do this?

  Conryu would never set him up.

  The general’s stare never wavered. The truth, Jonny now understood, was that he really had no choice. He felt kind of bad for whoever they sent to try and capture Conryu. His best friend had a big heart, but little patience for any kind of foolishness.

  “Any time now, Private.”

  Right. He took a deep breath and placed the stone to his temple. “Are you there, bro?”

  There was nothing for a few seconds then, “Jonny, what’s wrong? Are you in trouble?”

  “We found something. Some weird magic thing. The army wizards don’t know how to handle it. I thought maybe you could take a look. Can you meet me tonight after our guys finish and head back to the barracks?”

  “Is it some sort of crystal?” Conryu asked.

  “Yeah, a crystal. Can you check it out?”

  “I’ll be there. What time?”

  “Ten local. I’ll be waiting.”

  “Okay, I can home in on your stone so be sure and have it with you.”

  “I always have it with me. Thanks man, see you later.” The connection severed and Jonny lowered the stone. “He’s coming.”

  “Very good, Private.” The general frowned. “Why did you mention a crystal?”

  “He asked me if we found a crystal. I don’t know why, but I figured if I agreed he’d be more apt to come.”

  “Yes, good thinking. You may have a future in military intelligence. Try to relax. You’re going to have a busy night.”

  Sure, how often did he get to betray his oldest friend?

  Jonny stood at an intersection near a construction site. The sun had set several hours ago leaving the area dark and silent. Local law enforcement had evacuated everyone under the pretense of a gas leak.

  How many times had he heard that excuse in a movie or tv show? More times than he could remember, but apparently it worked in real life as well.

  He checked his watch. Fifteen minutes before Conryu arrived. While he hadn’t met the team that was supposed to capture his best friend, he assumed they were hidden nearby. This was going to be a nightmare. He didn’t care what they thought they’d found, stopping Conryu, assuming he didn’t want to be stopped, would be no simple task. In truth he doubted it was even possible.

  No matter. He’d done his part. Now all he had to do was stand here and be the bait.

  He glanced at his watch again. Five more minutes. Would he just step out of nowhere beside Jonny? No, more likely he’d arrive nearby and approach on foot so as not to give him a heart attack.

  “Come on, bro, where are you?”

  Jonny took a step to the right and fell into an endless white light.

  When the sparkles vanished, he found himself floating among fluffy white clouds. In contrast to the heavenly surroundings, a scowling Conryu hovered directly in front of him. His knuckles were white on the shaft of his staff.

  “Dude, the artifact. Why did—”

  “Stop, please.” Conryu blew out a long sigh. “How long have we known each other?”

  Jonny stared for a moment, taken off guard by the question. “Like fifteen years.”

  “In that time, I’ve determined one thing for sure. You are the worst liar I’ve ever met. I kept listening through the rune stone after you took it away from your head.”

  Jonny winced. “I didn’t have a choice. When a general gives an order, privates obey, no questions asked.”

  “Just following orders. That’s going to be your excuse? What did the military tell you to convince you to set me up?”

  “That you invaded a country and kidnapped a bunch of citizens. That’s bullshit though right?”

  “What it is, is a very misleading description of what happened. I didn’t kidnap anyone. I rescued some girls that were going to be burned at the stake for the crime of being born potential wizards. Burned alive, Jonny. Can you imagine a worse way to die? They were only thirteen. What would your commanders have me do, let them die? Let thirty-plus innocent girls burn to death because it’s not convenient politics?”

  “It’s complicated.” That sounded lamer out loud than it had in his head.

  “No, it isn’t. Either you’re in favor of letting people burn alive or you’re not. And, assuming you’re against it, if you have the power to do something about it, then stepping aside isn’t an option. I chose to help those girls and I’d do it again. If the government you serve sees things differently, you might want to give serious thought about finding another career.”

  Jonny had never heard his friend this angry. Conryu was usually the most laid-back guy he knew. “What happens now?”

  Conryu snapped his fingers and Jonny’s rune stone appeared in his hand. “I can’t trust you with this anymore. Not as long as you’re willing to follow the orders of men that will condemn me for saving the lives of innocents. You want to ditch the uniform and come with me; we’ll talk. Otherwise, I’ll drop you somewhere near your base.”

  Jonny wanted to pull his hair out. He shouldn’t have been surprised. Hell, he knew Conryu was going to be pissed and he followed his orders anyway. Not that he’d had much of a choice considering he was on a base surrounded by soldiers who would have thrown him in the brig without a second thought had he refused.

  He had a chance to walk away now, but if he did, he might never be able to see his family again. Or worse, the government might retaliate against them somehow. He was pretty sure the only reason they left Conryu’s mom alone was because they knew what he might do if they messed with her. No one was
afraid of Jonny Salazar.

  “Sorry, dude. The army is a little like the mafia. You can’t just walk away without consequences.”

  “Too bad, but I understand. Good luck.” Conryu held out his hand and Jonny shook it. The next thing he knew they were standing on the beach about three miles from the base. “It’s a bit of a walk, but I’m sure you’ll manage.”

  With that parting thought, Conryu vanished.

  Jonny silently cursed General No Name for screwing up the best friendship he’d ever had. The worst part was he’d probably still end up in the brig. Some general wasn’t going to accept responsibility for Conryu getting away. They’d blame the private, give him thirty days or something, and move on to plotting some other way to make trouble for Conryu. Because whatever else, Jonny had no doubt the powers that be weren’t about to let his friend off the hook just because this scheme failed.

  He trudged off the sand and down a nearby sidewalk. Salsa music blared from one of the many dance clubs lining the street. For once in his life, Jonny didn’t want to party, he just wanted to hit the rack and get some sleep. The stress of the past few hours had left him exhausted.

  It took half an hour for him to reach the front gate at the weary pace he set. Part of him wasn’t at all anxious to finish the trip. At the guardhouse two soldiers armed with rifles said, “Halt and identify yourself.”

  “Private Salazar. I’ve been on a special mission for the general.”

  “What general?” one of the guards asked.

  So the big boss hadn’t let anyone know he was there. Terrific, one more screw-up on Jonny’s record.

  “Corporal, he’s on the list.” The second guard had fetched a clipboard from the shack and was studying the second sheet. “We’re supposed to alert command if he shows up.”

  The corporal gave Jonny an appraising look. Probably wondering if he should raise his weapon or not. Given that Jonny was unarmed it would be overkill.

  “Can I wait in my bunk?” Jonny asked.

  “You’ll wait right where you are,” the corporal said. His partner was already on the phone with the base commander. Jonny would be facing the music soon enough.

  Soon enough came three minutes later when a camo jeep squealed to a stop just beyond the gate. Two MPs leapt out and waved Jonny in. The gate went up and he was hustled into the back seat before they went squealing into the dark. The MPs never said a word during the short drive to the command building.

  Just outside the door the driver finally spoke. “He’s waiting for you in the commander’s office.”

  Jonny didn’t need to be told who. He hopped out of the jeep, and quick stepped through the empty building to the office at the rear. The door was open and the general sat behind the office desk looking exactly like Jonny left him.

  “Close the door behind you,” the general said.

  Jonny obeyed and said, “I’m sorry, sir. I had no idea Conryu would just open a portal under my feet like that.”

  “The target was clearly on guard. I don’t blame you. I heard every word you said and you clearly didn’t warn him. When it comes to these sorts of operations, you have to accept that you might not succeed on the first try. It’s why I hate magic. All the best plans mean nothing when the rules of nature don’t apply.”

  The tightness flowed out of Jonny’s shoulders and chest. “What happens now, sir?”

  “What did he tell you?” the general asked.

  “Conryu? He explained why he did what he did. Said he didn’t kidnap anyone. He offered to take me with him and when I declined, he took my rune stone so if I need magical help I’m out of luck. After that he dumped me on the beach and vanished.”

  “That’s it?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Why didn’t you take him up on his offer?”

  “I made a commitment to the army and I don’t break my word lightly.” Not the whole truth, but Jonny figured it was close enough.

  “Very well, Private. You will resume your duties in the morning. Dismissed.”

  Jonny saluted, turned on his heel, and marched out. Somehow, he’d made it through without losing his position. Was it worth losing his best friend? He didn’t know yet.

  Chapter 8

  Kai stood on a rooftop overlooking the spot where Conryu was supposed to meet his friend. At his request, she’d arrived well before the meeting was supposed to take place. He was cautious about this rendezvous, a mindset that she wholly approved of. Though reluctant to leave his side, she had come to understand that what the Chosen needed was less a bodyguard than an assistant. For all his immense power, he couldn’t be everywhere at once. Her job tonight was to be his eyes while he spoke to his friend.

  She frowned and adjusted her sword. In the dark and silent section of the city, the lights of an approaching vehicle stood out like signal flares. They intended to be punctual at least. Early in fact. To set a trap? Conryu thought so. He read something in his friend’s voice when they spoke, something he didn’t like.

  The vehicle stopped and Jonny got out. She recognized his dark complexion and cocky stance even from a distance. Kai hadn’t interacted with him directly many times, but she’d watched him with Conryu enough to know him when she saw him. The truck took off, leaving him at the intersection, alone.

  Maybe it wasn’t a trap after all.

  Kai stepped into the borderland and emerged a second later on a different rooftop. A hint of movement in one of the alleys near the intersection caught her eye. She took a small pair of binoculars out of her belt pouch and looked closer. A single figure in dark camouflage and body armor, a rifle slung across his back and the hilt of a knife jutting up at his hip, inched closer to where Jonny waited. The soldier didn’t get too close.

  Wise of him. A wizard of Conryu’s power would have no trouble sensing someone’s life force if they got careless.

  No way did the military send a single man to try and capture the strongest wizard in the world. There had to be more.

  Kai shifted to a third roof and looked around again. Now that she knew what to watch out for, she spotted the second soldier almost immediately. The moment she did her frown deepened.

  He was standing directly under her previous perch. She should have sensed his presence at once from that distance. Kai in no way overestimated her abilities, but if there was one thing she was better than Conryu at, it was stealth and locating targets that believed they were hidden. She’d trained her entire life as an assassin. To miss something so obvious rankled her pride.

  Her internal clock said she only had five minutes left. Should be time enough to sort out this little mystery.

  Another quick step through Hell brought her to a spot directly above the first man she spotted. Kai knew he was directly below her; if she looked over the edge of the roof, she could’ve dropped a dagger on his head. Which might not be a terrible idea if he was a threat to Conryu, but she couldn’t sense his life force. Something was shielding him. A new stealth magic of some kind perhaps.

  At any rate Conryu was clearly wise to have taken precautions. Kai used her remaining time to search the rest of the area around Jonny. She found a third man only half a minute before the appointed time. They clearly knew what they were doing, but they were too far away to stop Conryu.

  Shifting her gaze to the intersection, Kai counted down the seconds.

  At the appointed moment, a white portal appeared directly under Jonny’s feet. He vanished and the portal closed behind him. The look on his face would have brought the grin she loved so much to Conryu’s face. However she was focused on the soldiers’ reaction.

  The one she was watching snapped his head up and touched something at his throat. His lips moved but she couldn’t make out what he was mumbling. A moment later he ran toward the intersection and met his two companions. At least she hadn’t missed anyone. That would have been too embarrassing.

  They had a conference and a few minutes later the truck that delivered Jonny pulled up and collected them. Kai vani
shed into Hell and followed the truck through the city directly back to the nearest military base. They were waved through and she followed.

  Or at least she tried to. At the fence, she slammed face first into an invisible barrier that extended all the way into Hell. If she was a gambling woman, she would have put money on the ward blocking magical access from all the elemental realms. The precaution didn’t really surprise her. They couldn’t very well have spies wandering their base, invisible in another reality.

  Kai rose into the hellish sky and watched the truck make its way to a long building that resembled a huge tube cut in half with walls installed on either end. The soldiers got out and went inside.

  That was all she needed to see.

  A quick survey of the base perimeter revealed a blind spot in their defenses. Kai emerged from Hell and drew her sword. It crackled with dark energy. The lightest touch allowed her to cut a circle out of the steel mesh and slip inside the base. She had an excellent sense of direction and began working her way toward the building where she last saw the soldiers. The big sodium lights created deep pools of shadow.

  Kai moved from one to the next, her black uniform making her nearly invisible. A pair of soldiers approached from her left.

  She darted to a dark spot at the rear of a long building that stank of gas and oil. Crouching in the darkness, she held her breath and waited for them to pass.

  Being unable to enter Hell at will left her feeling exposed. It was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. She hadn’t felt the flutter of fear in her stomach in far too long. This was what she was trained for. For a time, she’d wondered if she’d ever get to use the skills she’d mastered before being selected as Conryu’s protector.

  The two men walked past less than ten feet from Kai’s hiding place. They never even looked her way.

  When they’d gone she let out a long breath. That had been close.

  With the area clear she set out again. Five minutes and two close encounters later she reached the building the soldiers entered. She pressed her ear to the door and heard muffled voices.