Xerxes had sent the two observers to the lake with the full knowledge of his Council for just this possibility. With this drought at the lake, he knew his instincts were correct. Upper-world detection was a high probability.
Xerxes looked at the photographs that his observers on Lake Okeechobee just transmitted to him. He sat down abruptly. That beautiful face with the long dark red hair staring at the nondescript lump of mud was none other than Jessica Carter - the young woman he watched over the years since he had saved her and her parents’ lives in a diving accident. What twists of fate, he asked himself, put her in such a situation? Xerxes sat alone for a long time looking at the photos. It was plain she knew what she had found. Jessica was clever, intelligent, and beautiful, Xerxes knew. She had already discovered how to open the damn thing. This would open a way to bring her to him.
Xerxes smiled, a plan forming in his mind. Atlantis’ security must be protected, foremost. The best way to secure her silence would be to make her a citizen of Atlantis, and his personal responsibility, as his wife, nothing would please him more. Now it would be just a matter of timing.
Xerxes would present these security issues to the Council; he was not required to, but he felt it would be in the best interest of Atlantis. Which brought him to confront the decision whether or not he should exclude the Councilor he suspected of trying to subvert him from the meeting. This traitor, if he was a traitor, didn’t need the information and Xerxes didn’t need him to use the information against him.
Xerxes was a young High Lord and he continued to make improvements inside the City in the tradition of his father. As far as he knew, his people were happy, and secure, pleased with the direction of his leadership. Xerxes held a hereditary title and reign, which did not mean his removal wasn’t possible. However, this had not happened in hundreds of years, and he did not intend to let it happen during his reign. He cared for his people, not just the reigns of power and privilege.
Atlantis had changed greatly over the six thousand years since it became a Lost City when the Continent sank beneath the waves. No longer formed in a great circle with three canals, the main city now covered a greater area under cover of a Pyramid strong enough to keep the prying eyes of the modern upper-world from detecting Atlantis’ presence. However, someone inside his governing body was trying to subvert the many improvements made by his father and himself. The word “traitor” came to mind, but who, and why? Those were the questions. Xerxes had people working on the problem. He would root out the person, or persons. Then he would legally eliminate who ever it was. Xerxes had his suspicions. For now, this security problem was the greater threat.
“Geb, call an emergency meeting of the Council in an hour, if everyone is available please.â€� Xerxes instructed his aid. “One other item first, have Councilman Marcus summoned to my office immediately.”
“Certainly, Xerxes,� The man preferred a very informal atmosphere. Rarely did anyone call him by his title, Lord.
Xerxes further scanned over the photos, smoothing out his plan before presenting it. Since rescuing Jessica and her family, he kept a close watch on her. As he had become a man, then a leader, and when he lost his parents and he watched his younger brother take over the leadership of Pacifica, Atlantis’ sister city in the Pacific Ocean, he also continued to watch Jessica. During this time, she finished school and became an archaeologist. Their meeting on that fateful day had been decisive for him too, no other woman had ever touched him as she did - then or since. Xerxes had hoped one day to approach her and possibly they would be suited enough to marry. With these sudden changes in circumstances, Xerxes had just made that choice for her. Within the hour, Xerxes had finalized a workable plan and prepared to put it into operation.
Chapter Two
Xerxes observed his Council Chambers through the plate glass windows of his office overlooking the room. He awaited the arrival of Councilman Marcus Trident who he summoned to a private meeting - one for which Xerxes did not look forward. Again, Marcus had secretly left Atlantis without clearance and journeyed to the upper-world city of West Palm Beach. An offense punishable by removal from Council and, if Xerxes felt it deserved, brief imprisonment. Xerxes drew a deep breath and sighed, turning back to his desk. Xerxes remembered Marcus since his childhood. He had held his present office as long as Xerxes could remember. When Xerxes became High Lord of Atlantis, he had allowed Marcus to retain his position as Councilor of Antiquities, out of respect for his father. Neither did Xerxes want to remove him from Council after his years of service, nor put a man of Marcus’ years and position in prison, as Marcus was close to retirement. Xerxes was a benevolent and just ruler, who would rather allow Marcus to retire, but he could not allow him to put Atlantis’ security in jeopardy. Now with Jessica Carter’s discovery, it was even more crucial to maintain tight control of such matters.
Suddenly, the finely crafted, double wooden doors to the Council Chambers burst open, shoved violently from the outside. Startled, Xerxes turned to observe, through his windows over the Chambers, as Marcus arrogantly strode toward the stairs to his office. Without allowing Geb the courtesy to announce his presence, Marcus disrespectfully marched into Xerxes’ office.
In a cold voice, Marcus announced, “You commanded my presence and I am here. Sire!â€� He almost spat the latter as he went to stand on the opposite side of Xerxes desk, staring insolently at his young sovereign.
Normally a composed man, Xerxes found his temper sorely tested by Marcus’ insolence. Though younger, certainly much larger and stronger than Marcus, Xerxes questioned Marcus’ state of mind because of his present demeanor, and therefore, his own safety. From the corner of his eye, Xerxes saw Geb summon his bodyguards, Marcus’ behavior was so irate.
“Marcus,” Xerxes voice was level, his control surprising even himself, “it has come to my attention, from highly reliable sources, that you procured a yacht-sub and spent two days in the upper-world city of West Palm Beach. I would like to hear your account and explanation of this matter.â€� Xerxes saw two of his personal bodyguards enter the outer office.
Marcus, unaware of the bodyguards, only aware of his actions being detected, changed his demeanor suddenly, “I … ah, yes I did.”
“Can you tell me why you would do this, knowing I had warned you against such an act the last time several months ago?â€� Xerxes questioned, his aquamarine eyes never leaving Marcus’ light gray ones.
“As you may not yet know, my lord.” Marcus manner became repentant and respectful. “The upper-world area around Lake Okeechobee is in a drought condition. As Councilor of Antiquities, I went to check and to make sure the old entrance has not become exposed.”
“That is most diligent of you Marcus, what did you find?â€� Xerxes knew he was lying and wondered how far he would carry his lie. He also wondered why Marcus really was in West Palm Beach.
“It is still covered and should not pose a problem, my Lord.â€� Marcus raised his chin a notch, a satisfied grin appearing on his face.
“Really?” Xerxes said in a puzzled voice. “You went to the lake and looked?”
“Yes, I procured a car and drove to the City on the Lake. The entrance is still covered, as of yesterday,” Marcus reported.
“Very well, Marcus. Make sure this is the last incident of this nature. I will not tolerate another. However, I caution you, the next time I will remove you from Council and as close to retirement as you are, that would be a shame. Do not cause such a hardship on your wife.â€� Xerxes knew Marcus was lying and suspected he was the traitor. Instead of a confrontation now, he wanted to allow Marcus to reveal his true disloyalty. “I have called a full Council meeting in an hour, please be sure you are in attendance. Thank you Marcus, you are dismissed,” Marcus left without another word, but cast Xerxes a furtive glare, making Xerxes wonder how Marcus would react to the issue he would present at the meeting.
An hour later, Xerxes watched, as Marcus was last to enter, behind th
e other five members of his formal Council constituting the ruling body of Atlantis. Moments later, he joined them and greeted them all cordially.
“Thank you all for coming on such short notice. We have a small security problem that I wish to bring to your attention. It could become a serious one but I have devised a strategy that I think will contain the difficulty.” Xerxes went onto explain his plan. Before a full assembly of his Council, and unbeknownst to him, his charisma filled the room, affecting his loyal advisors in a positive manner. Marcus, the one Councilor who wasn’t loyal, was repelled. The Council’s respect and trust for their worthy and intelligent young Lord was unquestioned by all, but one, and that one was disliked as much as Xerxes was loved. Xerxes presented his board with the new danger of discovery of their ancient entrance. Unused in centuries, probably unusable now, but it was a sub-entrance to the City of Atlantis and, if found and identified, it would serve as a key to the many scientists in the upper-world who constantly searched for clues of what they thought to be an ancient and dead civilization. Instead, they would find a highly advanced and live city, though no longer a vast continent. This, Xerxes could not allow, not until Atlantis was ready to reveal herself. He knew this would be in his lifetime, but not yet.
“For now,� Xerxes explained, “I have instructed our observers to do just that. Observe. Should this become more serious, I have formulated a plan to deal with the problem,� Xerxes laid out his plan, his aquamarine eyes moving from member to member, making contact with each in a calm and easy manner, instilling confidence.
All of his Councilors agreed to this plan, except one, Marcus Trident. Marcus had always been a problem - nothing ever suited him. Xerxes affixed Marcus with his aquamarine eyes. Their conversation earlier should have intimidated him, since the facts now proved him a liar, but the situation only seemed to infuriate him.
“Marcus, why do you object to every reasonable plan this Council approves?� Xerxes asked in a reasonable tone of voice.
“Because you approve it, isn’t that reason enough?â€� Marcus said sarcastically.
Shocked silence reigned over the rest of the Council. Xerxes, known to be a fair and patient leader, was losing his tolerance and the Council knew it. He watched Marcus closely as the photographs taken by his observers passed from person to person on the Council and finally to Marcus. Clearly the ancient entrance was exposed and discovered, the photos proved Marcus had lied to Xerxes. Compassionately, Xerxes kept his indiscretion between the two of them and did not embarrass him before the entire Council.
Marcus would not look at his sovereign. Hatred seethed from every pore of his body, taking on almost a tangible entity, but the rest of the Council ignored him.
“Xerxes,” the Councilwoman of Internal Development, Lady Corina, questioned, “You would take this woman as your wife without knowing her? What if you cannot abide each other?” she asked with true concern for her young sovereign.
Xerxes smiled, “Thank you for your concern, Lady Corina, but I do know Ms. Carter, in a way. She is the young woman whom I saved along with her family several years back before my parents’ death.”
“Oh, I see. Yes I remember that incident now,” the Lady smiled, “still how will she feel about this…ah, arrangement?”
“I would hope she will come to…” he paused, and to his credit, blushed, “love it. Considering the alternative - which to me would be unthinkable. Now if this plan is acceptable to you all,” he looked directly at Marcus who looked as if he had swallowed a large lemon, “or at least is to the majority of you, I will begin the arrangements for its deployment. I would like a vote by a show of hands please,” As Xerxes had expected, the vote was not unanimous. “Marcus, I would like to know why you do not approve of this plan, perhaps you can improve on it?”
Marcus finally looked at Xerxes, his eyes contained pure hate. His tone of voice caused the others to turn and stare at him in surprise that he would speak to their sovereign in such a tone. “It would seem the best way to protect Atlantis’ security would be to terminate the nosy bitch!”
“Marcus Trident!” Xerxes said sharply. “I will not have that type of language in a Council meeting. And murder is certainly not a solution except in the most extreme situation.”
“You can’t see the truth through the lust in your eyes,” Marcus dared.
“You, Marcus, are dismissed from this meeting, now!â€� Xerxes informed him. Marcus rose, assumed an arrogant posture, and stormed out, amid the angry chatter of the other Council members.
“Lord Xerxes,” Councilman of Internal Security spoke up, “I think I can speak for all of us remaining, we do not feel that way - and we want no part of murder either. Ms. Carter is a fine young archaeologist and would be a welcome addition to Atlantis.”
Xerxes’ face was tense, “Thank you all for your support. I don’t think I could order hers or any other death if there was another way, including Marcus. I will see that this plan is put into immediate action. You are all dismissed and I hope this incident doesn’t spoil your day.â€� Xerxes returned to his office.
Xerxes called his aid, “Geb, put a watcher on Councilman Marcus Trident please.â€� Xerxes was suspicious of Marcus and now surer than before that he was the traitor. “Yes Xerxes, at once,â€� Geb immediately saw to his Lord’s wishes.
Hoping to find a clue as to the reasons behind Marcus’ animosity, not only toward himself, but also his father before him, Xerxes went to the families private storage room to locate his father’s journals. Andros Kallias had religiously kept a daily account of not only official Atlantian events but a personal view of his life as well.
Xerxes dreaded going through this room of family history. He found it painful to recall first the loss of his mother then, his father and stepmother. Those painful memories, combined with hundreds of sweet memories of wonderful moments shared as a happy family, became overwhelming. He and his sister Alena had loved their stepmother as much as they had their own mother, and the brother she and their father had given them, had completed their family. All the photos brought back bittersweet memories the royal families of the upper-world rarely held. Yet at first, it had not been easy when, four years ago, at twenty-one, he had become High Lord upon the premature and mysterious deaths of both parents.
*
Marcus was seething. Xerxes dared to humiliate him before the entire Council. His wrath knew no bounds and the revelation of the exposed ancient Egyptian-built entrance only added to his ongoing plan to prove Xerxes an unfit ruler. His plan to bring that saucy female archaeologist down to Atlantis would fit nicely into his plan to prove just how unfit a ruler Xerxes was. His interests were more in the bedroom than on the security of Atlantis. Then it hit him. Xerxes would replace him with her. His anger flared.
Marcus knew his plans were in jeopardy and he wondered how much Xerxes knew or had guessed what he had plotted. This time he could not fail. He had failed too many times in the past and Marcus knew this was his last chance. He would have to be extremely careful. Xerxes was too young to be High Lord, but he was not stupid, and now Marcus knew Xerxes was suspicious of him.
Marcus screamed first, and then laughed. His laughter was a quiet, yet feral sound, noticed only by his secretary who peered at him without his knowledge.
*
Jessica docked the airboat and tiredly washed the dried mud from her hands in the water of the canal. She stood to watch the blaze of colors as the Florida sun sank into the western edge of the lake and, for a moment the reds, oranges, and grays disappeared to be replaced by aquamarine eyes that formed in the clouds to gaze back at her. Mentally she shook herself and walked into the boat rental office to arrange to retain the vessel for the remainder of the week. It would be dark by the time she reached her parents’ home in Jupiter, a fifty-minute drive to the coastal town. Jessica realized she was hungry and decided to stop at one of the local barbeque restaurants on the way out of town. She woul
d eat on the way home, driving down the country road lined with orange trees.
“Ms. Carter?” A male voice startled her.
Jessica turned to face a deputy sheriff from Glades County, “Yes, Sheriff, ah” she read his name on his nametag, “Hill. What can I do for you?”
“We received a call from the office of the Secretary of the Interior, Mr. Sutherland, earlier today. He has asked us to post a twenty-four hour guard on that lump of mud you were looking at. Ma’am, is that really necessary?”
Jessica suppressed a giggle, “Not tonight it isn’t, sheriff. Probably not tomorrow night either; however, soon there will be a real necessity for a guard, possibly two.”
“Ma’am, what is out there?” the Sheriff’s Deputy asked.
“Possibly an archaeological novelty,” Jessica answered off-handedly, not wanting to make her discovery seem overly important.
“Ms. Carter, you seemed to have a little fainting spell out there. Are you well enough to drive?” Sheriff Hill inquired. “I can have one of my deputies take you home.”
She smiled sweetly into his dark brown eyes, “Yes, I am fine, just caught a whiff of stale air that was all. It happens sometimes when old buildings are opened. I thought I had given it enough time to air out, but I guess I was wrong. Thank you for the offer though.”
“I will say good evening then. Drive safely,” the sheriff returned to his car and drove away.
Okeechobee barbeque is some of the finest on the east coast and she finished the spicy meal before she neared home. As Jessica planned, she called her colleague Bruce who had remained at school. They had been on digs together from Central America to Egypt and Jessica knew she could trust him. Jessica had met Bruce on such a dig and they had become close friends. After six rings, Jessica was about to press the disconnect button when Bruce answered.
“Hello?” His voice sounded tired and a little depressed.
Atlantis Vortex Page 4
