City of Gold

by Daniel Blackaby

  84

  Waiting for the Sign

  “IT’S IMPOSSIBLE!” JADE DECLARED in exasperation. “We’re not ready! It wasn’t supposed to happen this way!” She was pacing back and forth. Cody, Tiana, and Xerx sat in a semi-circle on the floor in Cody’s chamber. Xerx had used the High Language to create a steel barricade on the door. Despite being alone, they spoke in almost inaudible whispers.

  “Well, it did happen this way so there’s no use in us wasting our time talking about how it should have been. We must do what we can,” Tiana interjected.

  Jade stopped her pacing and looked down at Tiana. “I was not saying that we shouldn’t,” she uttered defensively.

  Cody pushed himself up to his feet. “Stop. This isn’t the time to argue. We’re all in this together.”

  “The decoy is still days away from being finished. We won’t be able to able to steal the Book from the Great Hall. We may never get a chance like this again to gain control of The Key,” Tiana observed.

  Xerx nodded. “Tallsin agrees—which is why Randilin is going to steal the Book from the King’s chamber.”

  “What?!” the three exclaimed in unison. “That’s suicide!”

  Xerx hung his head. “It is not ideal, but Tiana is right—it’s now or never. You’ve seen the size of his forces. If the Golden King marches to Atlantis tomorrow there will be no stopping him. We need that Book. It’s our only chance.”

  Cody gave his head a hard shake. “What about the others?”

  “They all know. And, they will be prepared,” Xerx sighed. “This Second Great War may well hinge on it.”

  Xerx lowered his voice when heard scuffling from outside the door. He scurried to the window and jumped up on the ledge. He turned back one last time. “Wait for the sign.”

  85

  The Piercing Sting of Love

  SHE WAS BEAUTIFUL. It was not prideful or vain emotion. It was merely an acknowledgment of the truth. She gazed down at the sleek, snow-white dress that clung tightly against her body. The dress was her favorite. It had once belonged to her mother and was reserved for only the most special occasions—occasions such as tonight.

  Queen Cia gave a final twirling examination of the outfit to assure that everything looked perfect. It did.

  A familiar scent wafted from the entrance of her chamber announcing that her anxious wait was over. She smiled. “You’re late again, Dunstan.”

  Two firm hands wrapped around her from behind and pulled her into an embrace. “You know how much it pains me to keep such a beautiful lady waiting…why don’t we make up for lost time?” he replied eloquently, punctuating it with a jolly laugh.

  He brought his hands to her shoulders and began to rub. “Tense as always, my Queen,” Dunstan teased. Cia rolled her head forward, soaking in the joy offered by Dunstan’s hands.

  “Until the Book Keeper returns, I am afraid I must get used to it. At least I have you to help carry this burden. Anyone other than Kantan.”

  Dunstan kissed the back of her head. “I’d carry all the burden if I could. Although I’m afraid I’d be crushed under the weight!” he laughed.

  Cia turned around to face Dunstan for the first time. Every time she looked into his eyes she was struck by his handsome features. There was an alluring warmth to him. When he smiled his entire face was involved in the action, not just his lips. It was comforting. It was just how she always remembered her father.

  Her shoulders slouched, finally yielding to his firm fingers. “What have I done, Dunstan? Was I mad to send the Book Keeper? Atlantis’ only hope…my only hope. Little Eva tells me the Book Keeper has infiltrated El Dorado. She still refuses to reveal how it is she speaks with him, but it matters not. That was a week ago. I have failed my people.”

  Dunstan pulled her against his chest. “That boy has overcome more in the last two months than most will in a lifetime. He’s special. My gut tells me he is safe. You are the best queen Atlantis has ever had.”

  “I’m the only queen Atlantis has ever had!” Cia said with a smile. “What would I do without you? You’ve been my anchor.”

  Dunstan turned her around and leaned in close. “You need not worry about what you would do without me—but I know one thing you can do with me.” Cia felt her heart skip a beat, but she maintained her composure. She allowed his face to slowly close the gap between them, his lips meeting hers tenderly. In that instant all worries, frets, and fears ceased to be. She completely released herself to the moment. She broke the kiss to catch her breath. “I love you,” she whispered.

  Dunstan placed his forehead against hers. “And I love you, my Queen.”

  Their lips reconnected again, more furiously, as though to make up for the brief moment of separation. She pulled him tighter into the embrace. A tingling sensation ran through her body. She stumbled back lightheaded. “You’re making me dizzy!” She steadied herself. “It seems I’m not the only one love sick. Are you okay? Why are you looking at me like that? Dunstan?”

  He stood like a statue, his face as expressionless as a rock. Cia grasped her forehead; her vision was blurry. She felt something warm on her brow. I’d better not be sweating! My powder will run! She brought her hand down and found that it was covered in a strange red liquid. She glanced at Dunstan for explanation, but he remained frozen, staring at her indifferently.

  She looked down to see her pure white dress now drenched in the same red substance. She inspected it with her hand. She felt something firm and pulled on it. The moment she did, she again felt faint. The object in her hands was a dagger, stained scarlet up to the hilt.

  The next thing she knew she was lying on the ground. Her body began to shiver and her eyes drooped. She felt tired. She turned her head to find Dunstan but he was gone. She was alone.

  Cia rested her head on the floor, no longer having the strength to hold it up. “Daddy?” she called out silently. Her entire body now felt strange. She pulled her knees up and curled into a ball to try to warm herself. She was so cold. She squeezed her eyes closed. Mom, I’m sorry about the dress…

  86

  Less Than Perfect

  CODY STARED ABSENTLY at the domed ceiling of his chamber. Time dragged on sluggishly; each second stretching into an eternity.

  He went over the escape plan in his head. No matter how many times he worked it over, he was consumed by the same sentiment: the plan was foolhardy, it was sure to fail—but it was their only chance.

  He stroked his hand over the cover of the Book, allowing its energy to sooth his cramped muscles. He inhaled deeply to steady his intensified breathing. Relax, Cody. Relax.

  The self pep talk did little to assure him though. How could it? He knew that even the slightest mistake could doom the lives of hundreds. In a city prided on perfection, their escape could ill-afford to be anything less.

  Cody perked up. Had he heard something? A soft whistle sounded from outside his room. Crawling out of bed, he tiptoed to the window and glanced out. Across the city, toward the far wall, he could see a vague procession of lights.

  The parade of lights was heading away from the city toward the caves. The sacrificed Resistance volunteers.

  It had begun.

  Randilin licked his thick, dry lips. He also had heard the soft whistle from outside his window. I’m getting too bloody old for this sort of thing, he said to himself sullenly. He took a deep breath and puffed out his shoulders. Well, here goes nothing.

  He strutted out of his chamber with a confident stride. Two golems that patrolled the corridor straightened their posture and eyed him suspiciously.

  Randilin faked a wide yawn and scratched his rear. “My lousy toilet ain’t working. Where are those ruddy Wielders when ya need them, eh?! I was just about to…”

  The golems stepped aside to allow the dwarf to pass, not eager to hear any more explanation. Randilin staggered by, still grumbling as he went.

  The moment he turned the corner he started sprinting down the hall. After turning the corner he
stopped. At the far end of the corridor were two solid gold doors—the King’s chamber.

  Randilin prepared to dash to them but halted. There are no guards. He glanced behind him and then back to the unguarded double doors. In fact, there was no security anywhere in sight. Randilin resumed his approach with extra caution. He reached them with no hindrances.

  Confirming that he was still unobserved, he pressed his ear against the door. There were no sounds coming from the room. That arrogant tin-man doesn’t even have guards at his bedroom.

  The door creaked as he slowly pushed it open. He cringed at the sound that seemed to explode like thunder against the staunch backdrop of silence. Squeezing his bulky frame through the narrow opening he entered the room, leaving the door ajar for a quick escape.

  The chamber was dark and quiet. He paced into the large room slowly, every one of his senses amplified. His eyes fought through the dim. Now, where’s this bloody book?

  He froze. He had found it—The Key. Randilin mouthed a string of curses. The gold-coated Book was tucked under the arm of the Golden King.

  He sleeps with the blasted thing? For ruddy once can’t fortune smile upon me? He walked cautiously to the sleeping King. The King was lying straight on his back with his arms draped over the Book.

  Randilin took a deep breath. He reached out his hand and the tips of his fingers brushed across the Book’s smooth spine.

  The Golden King’s eyes opened.

  87

  From Under the Rug

  THE CITY WAS QUIETER THAN USUAL.

  The golem peered out over the slumbering city. A jolt on the rope disappearing down into the deep pit returned his focus. He scowled. About time! He motioned to the second golem who heaved down the lever.

  With a cranking noise the pulley system was thrust into motion. The chains strained under the immense weight as they slowly raised the platform toward the surface. The golem peered into the murky pit with annoyed impatience. He was eager to rebuke the crate carriers for their sluggish return. With a rattling thud the platform came to a stop.

  Standing alone in the center of the platform was an elderly man. His face was smeared gray with dust and his torso seemed like a moving rock. In his hand he held a rough stone that had been crudely sharpened to a point. Surrounding the man on the platform were a hundred large boulders.

  The timeworn man grinned. “Things swept under the rug have the curious tendency to reappear at the most inopportune moments.” The two golems pulled their swords and rushed at the old man.

  The boulders on the platform shifted as they morphed into a hundred armored men with raised weapons.

  Before the shocked golems could react they were hacked down by the charging mob. The horde streamed into the city hollering and slaying the surprised sentries. The platform cranked as it was lowered back into the pit for the next load.

  Gorgo Tallsin stepped onto a high ledge. He was filled with pride as he watched The Resistance crash into the city like a wild flood. He raised his weapon into the air.

  “Reclaim the city! El Dorado is ours!”

  88

  Of Daggers and Arrows

  CODY AND TIANA EMERGED from their chambers at opposite ends of the corridor. Tiana immediately sprinted toward Cody motioning frantically with her hand. “Behind you!” Cody turned as three golem sentries turned around the corner. Seeing Cody they paused. Their hands flew to the hilts of their swords.

  “Byrae!” Cody yelled. The lead golem’s face contorted before puffing out like a blow fish. His body bulged and rippled as a whirlwind raged inside of him. “Gai di gasme.” The disfigured golem collapsed to the ground.

  Tiana shoved past Cody. Her foot swung up, smashing the golem in the jaw. As he stumbled back she flipped her dagger into her hands and finished him with one quick, precise slice.

  Her eyes widened. “Cody, look out!”

  Cody spun around and flinched just as the final soldier brought his sword down on him. Before the killing blow landed, the golem was sent hurling against the wall, sliding to the ground, dead. The shaft of an arrow stuck out from between his armor.

  Cody and Tiana both whirled around. Across the other side of the hall Jade stood with her bow in hand.

  “Let’s get out of here.”

  The final golem collapsed silently to the ground as Jade’s arrow caught him in the neck, killing him instantly. She dropped to her stomach, concealing herself in the grass.

  “Was that the final lookout?” Cody asked in a whisper.

  Tiana’s eyes narrowed as she scanned their surroundings, “I don’t see any more. They were dispatched cleanly. Our cover hasn’t been blown.” Tiana looked to Jade and shook her head in disbelief of what she was about to say. “Nice shooting.”

  Jade grinned, soaking in the compliment.

  The air was calm and quiet. In the distance Cody saw scores of golems and Dark-Wielders streaming away from the palace toward the outskirts of the city. The Resistance must have begun the assault. So far, so good.

  Jade glanced around. “Where’s Randilin? He should be here by now.”

  “Don’t worry, he’ll be here.” Cody clenched his fists. He’ll be here, he assured himself.

  The minutes dragged on without an appearance by the dwarf. Lights began igniting throughout the city as it was awakened by the commotion. Cody felt a foreboding feeling rising in his chest.

  Something’s gone wrong.

  89

  Randilin's Dark Deeds

  THE GOLDEN KING’S RED EYES were wide and unblinking. Randilin stumbled back, his foot catching against something that sent him tumbling to the floor.

  Randilin shouted in surprise as he landed on the floor. Only inches from his nose was the pale face of a dead body—the King’s cupbearer. He was crumbled and left indifferently on the floor, his eyes bulging and his mouth gaping. His death had been slow and unpleasant.

  Randilin pulled himself to his feet and diverted his eyes from the disgusting sight. Like a swift breeze, the Golden King appeared before him, stepping over the disfigured body that, to him, was no more than inconvenient clutter. His ruby eyes inspected Randilin as though the dwarf’s skin were transparent and his every desire, fear, and secret were showcased.

  “My old friend, you seem to be…on edge,” he said softly. Randilin’s cheeks reddened under the King’s weighty gaze. He dropped his eyes and turned away.

  “Well, how the blazes do you expect me to seem? I’m alone in a room with the man I’ve plotted to kill for a thousand years! I think you should be the one who’s on the bloody edge,” he snapped.

  The King circled around him, once again looking him in the face. “It seems that old grudges die hard.”

  Randilin felt sweat break the surface of his forehead. “But we both know there is more to this intrusion than personal vendetta. There’s something stirring in the air. I can smell it.” The King tilted his head back, taking in a deep breath and releasing a sigh. “Enlighten me. Do so, and we will forget all about your bout of sleepwalking tonight—you have my word.”

  Randilin spat on the King’s feet. “Your word is worth less than spit! You gave me your word that night…you said you would spare her life.”

  The King’s silver tongue slid across his lips. “Mistakes happen….”

  Randilin closed his eyes and found himself thrust back into the nightmare that had plagued him for hundreds of years. “You gave me your bloody word….”

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  1200 Years Ago…

  The raging flames of the city rose up like a crazed bonfire. The entire Under-Earth sky was filled with ominous, black smoke. A flurry of ash flakes coated the ground like a December frost.

  Atlantis had fallen.

  Randilin dashed over the rolling dunes as fast as his stout legs could carry him. There’s not much time. His legs were burning as he finally reached his destination—the Caves of Revelation. Without hesitating, he scaled the cliff side. Pulling himself up onto a ledg
e, he scrambled to his feet and resumed his haste. He navigated through the complex labyrinth of crevasses until he arrived at the mouth of a cave. He had made it.

  In the blink of an eye, a dozen armed soldiers appeared, blocking his path. “Sir Randilin? What are you doing here? The Good King decreed that no one is to go in or out of this cave until after the war….”

  Randilin grasped the soldier by the shoulder. “Captain Skytin. I’ve known you a long time—long before you were Captain of the Outer-City Guard. Please. My business is urgent.”

  The Captain stared at him for a moment before relaxing. “Stand down, men. Let him through.” As the guards parted, Randilin dashed deeper into the tunnel. The narrow path eventually opened up into a small, spherical hollow. The room was softly lit by candle light. Randilin scanned the room anxiously—it was occupied entirely by women.

  “Sir Randilin? What the heavens are you doing here!?” demanded a firm voice. The woman had a steady face and an aura of authority. “Answer me, boy!”

  “Queen Naadirah, Your Majesty. I don’t have time to explain…I need to speak with Arianna.” He continued to scan the room until he spotted her. Without waiting for the Queen’s response, he hurried to the corner of the room and knelt beside a woman lying on the floor.

  “Sally? Is that you?” the woman questioned weakly. Randilin cupped his hand behind her head.

  “No, Aria; it’s me. I’m here for you.”

  The woman’s tired eyes looked up at him. “Randilin? Where’s Sally? What are you doing here?”

  “El Dorado’s won. The Golden King cannot be stopped. It’s all but over—but it doesn’t have to be for us. I’ve made a deal with him that will allow us to have a life together!” He reached down and lifted the flower necklace she was wearing around her neck. “We can leave this place, just like we always talked about.”