ATLANTIS AGE OF RAGNAROK

by C M SHORT

  “How about Pizza? That would be fast to make.”

  “I could go for pizza! You know, we were lucky the cellar door did not creak, and give us away”!

  The waiter came at that point, and candlelight was a welcome shield: covering a less than perfect appearance.

  “How much longer are you open”?

  “We close at 11:30, sir.”

  “That’s good! We'll have a large Mediterranean pizza, with double the black olives, and two large bottles of spring water. How long will that take?”

  “About 20 minutes, sir. I'll be right back with your drinks.”

  Alone again, their minds tried to process the bizarre string of coincidences.

  “Well, my pretty one, how about that for an adventure”!

  “No kidding! And what on Earth, was a Samurai warrior doing in that old city?”

  “Babe-about that warrior-he was running on top of the water”!

  “What do you mean”?

  “He was actually running-across the surface of the water”!

  “How can that be”?

  “It doesn't make any sense, but that's what I saw”!

  “That's incredible”!

  “Yes, as this whole day has been”!

  “That’s an understatement! If people only knew-what is below their feet”!

  After dinner, a call to Jacques was placed.

  “You two had some fun!” he observed, as soon as he saw them.

  “We did!” Jean-Leuc agreed.

  “Jacques, how far are we from the Louvre?” the dirt covered beauty asked.

  “About two miles. Do you want to go there?”

  “No, we'd like to go to our hotel,” she answered, smiling at the secret.

  “Sure thing! Hop in”!

  Back in their room, that charming, boyish grin-dared a challenge.

  “Race you to the shower”!

  The clothes came off in a flash, and the emerald beauty won the race. Within moments, a black river of age-old dirt was pouring down the drain. After a renewed claim on humanity, a cozy on the couch was next-with world famous Chateau de Bretagne.

  “Beautiful, can you believe the treasure we found”?

  “It’s amazing! And Hercules, so are the coincidences-leading to it! I never would've thought I'd have a day-like today”!

  “I was thinking, tomorrow, we could take a coin and your necklace to a few antique coin shops-for expert opinions. Considering where we found all this, it must be highly valuable! Perhaps, we should hire a bodyguard and take him with us. What do you think?”

  “Good plan, and I have a feeling-we’ll need a bodyguard”!

  “Do you feel like catching the news, pretty one”?

  “Ok. Maybe we’ll hear about that Samurai!” she joked. “And, here's to buried treasure”!

  The toast was well deserved after the exciting, and almost deadly, underground adventure!

  Listening to the news, their minds tried to relax on other things.

  “Good evening, friends. Welcome to the nightly news, and boy, do we have some news for you! As you've heard, the world's governments have speculated-that food and/or water-has been contaminated with some sort of hallucinogenic drug-in a new type of terror plot! There's a new theory now, by a scientist who is known for his way-out theories. He's claiming, Earth is experiencing pockets of time displacement! I know, it's an out there theory! Great numbers of people are having hallucinations, and being taken to hospitals for treatment. One of our field reporters shot the following clip-this afternoon.”

  The unfolding scene, was one of horror: dozens of people hauled away by force, after showing great fear-for no reason!

  The newscaster continued, after the clip.

  “Don't worry, friends! The police are getting people the needed help, and society will be safer, with them off the streets! We now go to our weather forecast and will be back shortly, with more of the news that matters”!

  She couldn’t listen to anymore, and turned off the TV.

  “This is crazy-the things going on in the world! You know-I've seen some things”!

  “We both have, pretty eyes! For God's sake-don't tell anyone”!

  “Not a chance! Do you think, the earth really IS experiencing pockets of time displacement?”

  “I suppose it’s possible, but I'm more inclined to think the food and/or water has been tampered with.”

  “Tampering could have been done; still, it doesn’t explain the dead and hurt people on the tower: hallucinations can't kill”!

  “Good point! On a cheerier note, we’re about to discover the fascinating story behind our treasure”!

  Their underground adventure kept them spellbound for hours, until sleep finally won out; comfortably safe in each other’s arms, dreams of buried treasure wrapped snug and warm around them-like a cozy blanket.

  Startled awake by something hot on his face, he looked around in a brief daze, before realizing the heat of the morning sun; then, another realization surfaced: destiny was waiting to be fulfilled.

  “Morning, pretty lady”!

  She turned over, to see the charm of a boyish grin.

  “Morning”!

  Anticipation soared, of the revelations the day would bring, which made the morning coffee taste better than usual!

  “Muscles, what's your idea-on how to pick a coin shop”?

  “We could pick ones that have been in business the longest, or, that deal in Egyptian artifacts-since the coins look Egyptian. If we're lucky, we'll find a good one that fits both! Let’s look at one of those coins again!”

  After a brief bag cleaning, she carefully removed the exquisite jewel box, and one of its hidden pieces of history.

  “It does look Egyptian, at least, the pyramid side does,” she said. “This other side-it’s mythical-and I don't know how that can tie in with Egypt! Any thoughts?”

  “The mermaid, trident, and Island-is a complete mystery! It's going to be an interesting research! And babe, we need to find a soft bag for it.”

  “I've got the perfect bag”!

  From a small drawer, she took out a little velvet pouch, pulled out earrings, and handed him the pouch.

  “This will do nicely! Are you ready for some breakfast, Spots?”

  “Spots-that’s cute! Yes, I’m ready, and why don’t we have a snack of croissants and coffee, so we can get going.”

  “I'm anxious to visit the coin shops, too”!

  Pouring over the phone book, uncovered an interesting bodyguard for hire.

  “Sweetie, this one sounds good! His name is Rafael, and he's also an Archeologist! How’s that for luck, pretty eyes”!

  “He might be a big help in our research”!

  “Indeed! I'll give him a call”!

  The bodyguard made a good, first impression on the phone, with his pleasant personality; he agreed to meet up with them in about an hour, at their room.

  Fresh baked croissants, and coffee, helped the search for coin dealers to be a success: two sounded promising. Right after making fresh coffee, there was a knock on the door.

  Standing before them, was a muscular man of seven feet and thirty years, who was comfortably dressed in jeans, and a loose Hawaiian shirt. His light brown, slightly wavy hair, barely touched his shoulders and gave him a look of rugged sophistication. An odd thing though-the man was surprised for some reason!

  “Hi! I'm Rafael.”

  As Rafael held out his hand, a friendly smile lit up his unique eyes-that were a light shade of purple.

  Brief introductions led to fresh cups of coffee, and a relax on the couch.

  Normally, a protector would be discreet, and not stare-but he just couldn’t believe what he was seeing-and his thoughts filled with confusion!

  They’re just like that person I saw-years ago!

  “Angel and I were very pleased, to find a bodyguard who is also an Archeologist! How did you happen to become both?”

  “I was on a dig in Belize, and the need for a bod
yguard came up, so I stepped in to help; I’d had training in weapons, and martial arts, which made me the obvious choice. After that, whenever an Archeologist or important find needed protected-I was their man! Having grown accustomed to fulfilling that need, I decided to keep doing it. The thought of helping you research Egyptian coins-is intriguing! May I see one of them?”

  Strong hands gently pulled the velvet pouch from a shirt pocket, and took out the coin.

  “You’re going to love this”!

  As both sides were slowly admired, a smile joined with eyes of wisdom!

  “This is fascinating! I would venture to say-it's ancient Egyptian-since one side of it depicts monuments to that culture. How old it is, I can't be sure, but I’ve never seen or heard of anything like this; I’m guessing-it’s so old-that knowledge of it has been forgotten! The mermaid side is puzzling! Where did you find this?”

  “I sense we can trust him, Jean-Leuc.”

  “Ok. We found this and many other coins, and her trident necklace-under the Louvre-inside an intricately carved marble jewel box!”

  “Really! I can’t wait to hear the story, but first, can I look at your trident?”

  “Please! We’d love to get an expert opinion! Can you read the writings?”

  “How interesting! This is a crystal of some sort, and these are Egyptian hieroglyphs. One side says 'God of Light', and the other says 'Ancient Guardian of Tomorrow'. I don't know the meanings, but I'm sure we'll figure it out. Considering where you found these things, there’s no question-as to their authenticity and extreme age-and I'm betting, there’s a special purpose to the trident! It wouldn't hurt though, to get a few more opinions.”

  “Our thoughts exactly! We've got the names and addresses, of two ancient coin dealers in Paris. Also, we were thinking, that maybe you could get a room here at the hotel?”

  “Already done! I just checked in, and was fortunate enough to get a room-right next to yours”!

  “Since I wear this night and day, it’s not likely to get stolen, but the coins and jewel box are another story! Jewel box! It’s got hieroglyphs on it too! Be right back”!

  Looking it over-unveiled a most intriguing message.

  “What a stunning box, and the gold cats are unique! This is far different from anything I’ve seen! The words carved around the sides, are repeating, and say ‘Wings of light guard the light’. I know that makes no sense, but something tells me we’ll figure it out!”

  “An odd engraving!” mused the spotted beauty, voicing the thoughts of them all. “I’ll go put the jewel box back and pick a different shirt, and be ready for the coin shops.”

  The change from a half-sleeved shirt into a short sleeved one-uncovered the biggest of coincidences.

  “Your tattoo! It’s just like the one my aunt has-except-she doesn’t have a trident”!

  “Really! What a coincidence”!

  Confusing questions suddenly overwhelmed her mind, which was anxious, to know the answers.

  How can that be? How can that be-since it’s not a tattoo!

  Her thoughts happily faded into the background, when Muscles asked a question.

  “Are you both ready: to solve the treasure mystery”?

  “Sounds like fun-my new friend”!

  “It does! I'm ready too”!

  Waiting in the garage for them, was a ride of deja vu: a teal green Lamborghini.

  “Hey babe, another ride that matches your beauty”!

  It didn’t take long, to arrive at their first stop: 'Ra's place'. Walking in with high hopes, it seemed likely the knowledge was there; after all, the place was liberally adorned with many dust covered books and antiquities. Standing on the other side of a counter, a tall and elderly man of medium build, squinted at them with beady blue eyes from behind a mess of blonde hair. Offering a hand, he introduced himself.

  “Hi, I'm Ra.”

  A brief round of pleasantries, set the stage for what would certainly be a helpful experience.

  “What can I do for you folks”?

  “We have an old coin, and her necklace-that we'd like your opinions on.”

  After carefully looking at both sides of the coin, Ra smiled, and made a disheartening comment.

  “I've seen numerous ancient coins, and this is nothing like any of them! I hate to tell you folks this, but it looks like you got ahold of a fake! It's cleverly made, but a fake-none the less”!

  Hoping for a better answer about the new fashion statement, it was offered up.

  “It's a lovely piece! There are Egyptian hieroglyphs on it, that read 'God of Light' in one spot, and in another, 'Ancient Guardian of Tomorrow'. What a choice of words! This was probably made for healing rituals: a lot of people, are into using crystals for healing. Crystals don't naturally form in a trident shape, so I'm sure, it's just a touristy trinket and not valuable, but it looks nice! Here you go.”

  Ra was thanked for his time-even though his time-had basically, been no help at all! Back in the car, the emerald beauty let off a little steam.

  “Touristy trinket my butt! Why would fake coins-be under the Louvre?”

  “Not to worry, sweetie-we'll find the answers”!

  “He's just one expert. My years of archeological study, lead me to believe that no-one in recorded history has ever seen them! Let's see what the next dealer-has to say!”

  Another 10 minutes, brought them to the next shop: a place called 'All Things Egyptian'. Red bricks designed the store front, and a sphinx proudly guarded each side of the entry door. Inside, a heavy smell of cigars slammed into them, through dim lighting that cast eerie shadows onto map covered walls, and neatly organized antiques. A well-dressed, older man of sixty or more, was straightening a picture in the entry. With noses wrinkling and eyes squinting, the urge to walk out-was resisted.

  “Welcome, my friends, welcome! I'm Sola. How can I help you?”

  “Hi, Sola. I’m Jean-Leuc, and this is Angel, and Rafael. We need your opinions-on two items we have.”

  “I’m here to help! Come, let's see what you have”!

  Sola led them to a well-lit counter, where he ducked his tall, thin frame, beneath a gated portion.

  “It's broken-I keep meaning to have that fixed.”

  The mysterious coin emerged, and was placed in Sola's hand.

  “It’s so thrilling-checking out new things”!

  After retrieving a pair of glasses lying on the counter, he slowly turned the coin-looking at both sides with extreme interest.

  “This is curious! I’ve seen hundreds of ancient Egyptian coins, and a few of them slightly resemble the pyramid side of this coin, but the mermaid, trident, and Island-doesn't look at all like anything I've seen! My guess, is that someone did a lot of research, and put together a clever fake. I'm sorry-I don't believe you have anything of value.”

  The room was silent, as thoughts proved to be a challenge.

  “Unless, my friends, this is a coin so old-that no living person has ever seen or heard of it”!

  “Something interesting”!

  Curtains parted 10 feet behind the counter, for a short, rather stocky man, wearing jeans and a tank top. He was not one to be easily forgotten, with his flaming red hair, stone cold grey eyes, and a black patch over his right eye. Colorfully inked on his left shoulder-a detailed tattoo of a treasure chest, and pirate, completed the rough look.

  “This is my assistant, Daron.”

  “You can call me-Patch.”

  After all the greetings were over, Sola handed Patch the coin.

  “What do you make of this”?

  Slowly, he looked at both sides, and gave a confident answer.

  “I agree with you: it's a clever fake.”

  “Yes, that's what it looks like; still, perhaps we should test it and be sure.”

  Turning back to his customers, he asked a most helpful question.

  “Do you mind, if I test the age of this coin? I have a liquid, that I can rub on the edge of it. The testing won't cause
any damage, and I can do it right at this counter.”

  After receiving approval, Sola disappeared into the back, and promptly returned with a small bottle and Q-tips. Carefully, he rubbed liquid on the edge of the coin, and instantly, there was a new color: bright red!

  “Would you look at that! It's the same color as Patch's hair!” Sola exclaimed.

  Amid a loud eruption of laughter, Patch developed a case of bug eyes!

  Rafael found himself host to unearthed passion, as the truth of what he was seeing-sunk in!

  “This is unheard of”!

  “What does it mean?” Spots questioned, with rising anticipation of the knowledge about to be shared.

  Running a hand through short, straight black hair, Sola took a deep breath and replied.

  “The older the coin-the brighter the color! Today's coins, would show up as blue, or green. I've seen ancient coins turn a light pink-but not red! I would say, this coin pre-dates the Egyptian civilization, by at least-a hundred thousand years! Would you be willing to sell it, sir?”

  “Perhaps.”

  “You could get millions for it; I can only offer one million, but please consider selling it to me! It would make me famous, and the envy of all coin dealers everywhere! I would have the acquisition of a lifetime: a one-of-a-kind! Please, consider me! This is one-of-a-kind, sir?”

  “We'll sleep on it, and give you our answer tomorrow, and no, we have more.”

  “Thank you, my friends! Thank you”!

  “Oh! I almost forgot! My necklace! What do you make of this?”

  “The trident is genuine quartz crystal, but it must be pieced together somehow: a trident is not a natural formation. There are some Egyptian hieroglyphs on it. Let's see, this line says, 'God of Light', and over here it says, 'Ancient Guardian of Tomorrow'. Most likely, the purpose is for special healing; this kind of thing, is becoming widely popular these days. I do not see value here-except in the beauty-which matches your eyes!”

  She was disappointed, but respectfully acknowledged his time.

  “Ok. Thank you.”

  The new knowledge stirred up an exciting afternoon at the hotel: reliving the daring adventure under the Louvre.

  “An Egyptian civilization-that nobody has ever heard of! A fascinating thing to find out, boys”!

  “It’s the find of a lifetime! This is the kind of thing, I always hope to uncover on a dig”!