THE LAST APPRENTICE

...Before one can know my master, one must first know of his deeds, which are numerous and would be wearisome to narrate. I shall list his greater deeds here, though only in part: My master devised aqueducts under the city of Atlanta to bring sweet water to every dwelling. He constructed canals for irrigation of crops. He silenced the Earth-fire atop Mount Tritus. Of his greatest deed, he turned a mighty wave of such height that Atlanta would surely perish...
...I pray this scroll survives the curse of Zeus, that men not yet born shall know the last Great Marce of Atlantis, and that I, Odius, did my utmost to serve him...

Odius worried about his master. He could see the old man's health was fading quickly. The morning was only hours old and already his master could hardly raise himself from a chair. He begged the Great Marce to seek medical help, but the Great Marce refused.
It had been a particularly hectic morning. The Great Marce was up to something, Odius was sure of it. All morning his master had been pouring through scrolls in search of something. The study was littered with ancient documents as Odius brought armload after armload from the archives. Despite his failing health, the Great Marce worked very tenaciously as if there were no tomorrow.
Why does he toil so, Odius thought, what does he mean to do?
Odius was in the archives on another errand for the Great Marce. This was his fifth or six excursion of the morning. This time his master requested a particularly old scroll that was written when the crystal first came to Atlantis. It was titled 'Untried Powers'. Odius was not aware that such a scroll existed.
After a lengthy search, Odius found the scroll in question. He briefly examined it to make sure it was the scroll his master requested, then he hurried back to the study.
When Odius reached the study he could see his master was in pain. The Great Marce was holding his chest and breathing heavily.
"Are you ok, Master?"
The Great Marce nodded, "Everything is as it should be." He motioned to a neighboring chair, "Sit Odius."
The Great Marce waited for Odius to take a seat before he continued.
"I looked into the crystal and have seen what is yet to come."
"But, Master, that is forbidden!"
The master nodded. "Today, the king of Atlas will request services of the crystal. His request will be unjust and unwarranted." He paused to catch his breath. "I must do more than refuse, I must deprive him of the crystal."
"Why, Master?"
A passing pain caused the Great Marce to hold his breath and closed his eyes. When the pain subsided he opened his eyes, took several deep breaths, then continued. "I fear the whole of the world is in grave danger."
"The whole of the world?" Odius shook his head in disbelief. "How is that possible, Master?"
The Great Marce closed his eyes as if to recall some unspeakable nightmare, "World war."
Odius was confused, he had no idea what the Great Marce meant by 'world war'. Throughout written history even the greatest of battles were confined to a battlefield or a siege on a city. The most drastic outcome was the fall of a kingdom after many such battles.
How could anyone fight the whole of the world, he thought.
"What is world war, Master? What fate did you see in the crystal?"
"I saw a fate where all kingdoms fought at once, each kingdom favored by a different god. The war became bloody and infected the heavens. Gods fought against gods, men fought against men. I saw the war spread and fester until gods fought against men, and men against gods. When I saw the smoke settle, no life was left in the mortal world."
"But..." Odius paused as the implications of his master's words began to settle in. "Did you see a fate that will come to pass, or might come to pass?"
"It is a fate that would come to pass if the course of such events are not altered. I will do my part, but the seeds of war have already been planted."
"What can I do, Master?"
"You can serve me." He looked at Odius intently and drew his fingers across his beard. "Can I trust you to serve me, young Odius?"
Odius did not quite understand the question. Of course he would serve the Great Marce, he vowed to do so when he accepted the apprenticeship.
"Certainly, Master. There should be no question of that."
"I could demand plenty, young Odius. Times ahead will be difficult, maybe intolerable. I will release you from your vows if you wish."
"No, Master."
The Great Marce smiled, then pointed to the scroll of 'Untried Powers'. "Hand me that scroll, I must prepare for the king's visit."
Odius picked up the scroll. "What are untried powers, Master?"
"Untried powers can be summoned but once. They must be used wisely, for once tried they cannot be used again."
The Great Marce took the scroll from Odius then pointed to the doorway. "Watch for the king. Advise me when he reaches the first step."
"Yes, Master."
Odius left to watch for the king. He felt very uneasy. It was not like the Great Marce to question his loyalty. By this omen alone, he knew the times ahead must truly be wicked. The Great Marce watched until Odius was out of sight. He sadly shook his head and quietly said, "I fear you are in great danger, young Odius." Then he turned his attention to the scroll of untried powers and continued with his preparations.

Demesis was also making preparations that hour. The Greek galley had docked at a pier in front of Averon's warehouse, and preparations were being made to unload their cargo. Sampson watched the gangplank fall from the porthole at his oarlock. At the same time, Marcus tried to get a glimpse of Atlanta, which was difficult since Sampson's head seemed to fill the whole porthole.
"What do you see?"
"Shhh!" Sampson held a hand up as to say 'be patient'.
When Sampson could see Demesis and the overseer on the gangplank, he turned to Marcus.
"Do you really want to help unload the merchant's cargo?"
"I want a bath," Marcus replied.

Demesis stepped off the gangplank with a copy of the tally in hand. Usually, Averon would be waiting to greet him at the pier. He looked toward the warehouse but there was no sign of Averon just a warrior in silver armor.
The warrior noticed Demesis looking at the warehouse. He went inside for a moment, then emerged with a piece of parchment in his hand. He started for the pier at a brisk march.
Demesis spoke quietly to the overseer. "I don't like the feel of this."
"Aye," he replied.
They watched cautiously as the warrior approached. His heavy, military style footsteps echoed with authority as he marched down the wooden pier. He stopped abruptly when he reached the men, then saluted with a closed fist at the shoulder.
"I have business with the merchant Demesis!"
There was a short, uneasy pause before Demesis replied.
"I am he."
"I bid you well." He greeted them with a single nod of the head. Demesis returned the nod. The warrior could see Demesis was uncomfortable.
"Averon has been summoned on royal business. I have orders to serve in his place. He asked me to apologize for his absence."
"When will he return?"
"He did not say."
The warrior held out the parchment in his hand. "I trust your tally agrees with mine?"
Demesis took the parchment and compared it against his tally. His tensions eased as he studied the documents. After several minutes he returned the warrior's tally with a smile.
"Everything appears to be in order. Ah... Where do you want the goods?"
"Follow me."
Demesis followed the warrior and motioned to the overseer to join them. The warrior escorted the two men into the warehouse where he pointed out the area Averon had cleared that morning.
"Averon said to stack your goods here. Will you require my assistance for unloading?"
"No," the overseer replied, "we have men to do that labor."

Demesis and the overseer returned to the galley. Within ten minutes a column of galley dredges made their way back and forth between the ship and the warehouse like a column of ants. It would take at least half of an hour to unload the numerous crates, sacks, and urns. The men unloaded the ship with haste in anticipation of long-awaited shore leave. After all, this was not just any port it was Atlanta.

Inside the temple of the crystal, an excited apprentice burst into the study.
"Master, Master, the king approaches!"
The Great Marce started to push himself up from the chair.
"Very well, Odius. Help me to the crystal chamber."
Odius helped the Great Marce out of his chair, then drew his master's arm around his shoulder. Progress was slow as Odius carefully assisted his master step by step.
"You should not toil today, Master."
"Odius..." His slow persistent pace labored his frail body. Odius did his best to help him. "Do not let the king sway you. Pay close attention this day and heed my every word."
"As you say, Master."
"You must follow my commands with neither question nor delay."
"Yes, Master."
It took quite some time to reach the crystal chamber. Odius thought surely the king had reached the top of the stairs by now.
"I will stand there, on the other side of the crystal." The Great Marce pointed beyond the crystal. "You must stand at my side. Always stand at the side closest to the king. Always stay between me and the king. If you must change sides, pass behind me, never in front. Do you understand, Odius?"
"Yes, Master, but, why?"
"You must follow my commands with neither question nor delay."
"Yes, Master."
The Great Marce pointed toward the doorway. "Go to the entry; wait for the king, then show his party in. Mind you, remember where to stand."
"Yes, Master," Odius started for the entry at a trot.
He hurried to the entry of the temple, only to find that King Authemur had not yet finished climbing the steep stairs. The king of Atlas was extremely well-fed and had begun to tire somewhere past the halfway mark.
Two bodyguards, Valimur and Brutus, escorted the king. King Authemur had a tendency to change bodyguards rather frequently; usually due to assassinations or murders, although occasionally one would quit or be dismissed from the post. Valimur replaced a guard who carelessly angered the king and, consequently, was relieved from duty. Brutus, on the other hand, had been with the king for five years. This courageous warrior was experienced in battle and had been decorated for everything from bravery and valor, to saving countless lives of his comrades. He was once a hero, but, by the wisdom of the king, he had been reduced to a bodyguard.
King Authemur was often absorbed in his own greatness and blind to the virtues of his subjects. He was at his greatest when posed as a figurehead, while his underlings handled the decisions and details of government. When the king actually became active in the process of government the state of Atlas often declined. Usually, his lower offices could clean up the mess.
The king was nothing like his father; a wise and noble ruler. However, most Atlanteans thought he was of the same weave. This image could largely be attributed to the king's lower offices, who loved the kingdom built by his father.
King Authemur lived in a narrow world of luxury and distorted values. Governing Atlas was more a personal pastime than a service to the people. He often looked at foreign affairs with the same attitude. To him, foreign affairs were like a chess game; something to manipulate for his amusement. He did not have a realistic view of the world, nor did he realize just how much he could damage it.
The king finally reached the top of the stairs and the entry of the temple. He greeted Odius who was waiting on bent knee.
"Summon the old man, boy, I must see him at once," the king said while huffing and puffing to catch his breath.
Odius rose to his feet then stretched a hand toward the crystal chamber.
"This way, Eminence."
"I said summon him," the king retorted.
"If you please, Eminence," Odius made several humbling bows, "my master is expecting you. He asked I escort you directly to the crystal. He is waiting there to service your needs."
The king asked his guard, Valimur, "Did you forewarn of our visit?"
"No, Eminence. We told no one."
The king looked at Odius suspiciously. "How is it your master comes to expect us? Does he have a spy in the king's chambers?"
"Oh no, Eminence." Odius shook his head. "He knows all, he is the Great Marce."
Odius again motioned toward the crystal chamber. "If you please, Eminence."
The king let out a sigh of disgust, "Very well, lead on boy."
Odius escorted the king's party to the crystal chamber then announced the king's presence.
"Authemur, king of Atlas!"
Odius stepped to one side to let the king and his party pass. He took careful note of the king's movements so he could position himself as his master instructed. He had no idea why his position was important in these proceedings, but he would certainly comply with his master's wishes. His loyalty was to his master the king was another matter.
When the king appeared to have settled on a place to stand, Odius walked to the appropriate side of his master.
"These are sensitive matters of state." The king made an uncomforting glance at Odius then looked back at the Great Marce. "Is your Apprentice necessary?"
"Yes, Eminence."
The king addressed Odius, "You will say nothing of this boy, or I will see you in my dungeon. Am I clear?"
"Yes, Eminence."
The king returned his attention to the Great Marce.
"We need an advantage over Egypt for strategic purposes. Do something to ensure complete crop failure, such as a plague of locust or drought."
The Great Marce displayed a look of concern, which was strictly for the king's benefit. Since he looked into the future that morning, he already knew what the king wanted and why. Nothing at these proceedings would come as a surprise.
"Why so drastic, Eminence?" asked the Great Marce in a concerned voice.
"Do you question your king!" he retorted.
The Great Marce gave a humbling nod, "I only wish to serve you, Eminence. I cannot provide proper consultation without answers to certain questions. Please, Eminence, why is this action needed?"
The Great Marce knew the truthful answer to his question. He was simply fishing for an opening to make a suggestion.
The king was clearly uncomfortable with the thought of revealing his motives. There was a long pause before he finally answered.
"Very well. We have reason to believe Egypt will march on Atlantis. We need a crop failure to divert their attention to domestic matters and deter their ambitions against Atlantis."
"Deter?", the Great Marce asked. He knew the king was lying.
"Yes, deter."
The Great Marce appeared to be thinking. Again, this was for the king's benefit since he had already planned what he was going to do. After a brief delay the Great Marce spoke.
"Might I make a suggestion, Eminence. Shall we use the crystal to see that which will come to pass in the months ahead? Perhaps we could see if Egypt will indeed march on Atlantis without the need for such measures."
Odius was shocked. He knew looking into the future was strictly forbidden. He was always taught to keep that power secret for fear it would be abused by royalty.
The king, on the other hand, was confused. "You can do such a thing? Foretell prophesies?"
"It is possible, Eminence."
"I was told it could not be done!" the king retorted.
"It is not allowed, but it is possible," the Great Marce replied. "Shall I, Eminence?"
A smile came across the king's face. "Yes, look into the crystal and see if Egypt will wage war."
The Great Marce nodded, then placed a hand on the crystal. He briefly prepared himself, then concentrated on the crystal and the future. The crystal began to glow with its familiar yellowish-green luster.
Odius looked on intently. He had never seen this power summoned from the crystal before. Odius had become sensitive to the crystal during his apprenticeship and began to feel the powers summoned by his master. Suddenly, he could see images of ships in his head. He could see an ocean covered with hundreds of warships! His master began to speak.
"I see triremes of war in great number." He paused for a moment, then continued. "They sail from the Pillars Of Hercules bound for Atlantis."
"I knew it!" the king shouted in excitement. Odius noticed the king was actually smiling. More than that he was thrilled with the prospect!
"How many ships?" the king asked. The excitement on his face made him look like a child at a party.
"Twenty-six score, (4)" replied the Great Marce.
"Twenty-six score?"
The king asked Brutus, "Can Egypt gather such a force?"
The Great Marce replied before Brutus could answer, "The ships hail from Greece."
"Greece?" The king's mood quickly shifted from excitement to anger. "You must be mistaken!"
"No, Eminence, the ships have Greek sails."
"You feeble old goat! They must be Egyptian, we have no quarrel with Greece!"
The king's outburst interrupted the master's concentration. He opened his eyes and the crystal went dark.
"I only report what I see, Eminence."
"Enough of this foolishness! Fulfill my request and bring crop failure to Egypt!"
The Great Marce politely replied, "As you wish, Eminence."
Odius knew from that morning's discussion that the Great Marce would not fulfill the kings request. Surely this would be the moment when his master would use the untried powers they labored all morning to prepare. Odius was anxious to see what kind of ploy his master had devised.
The Great Marce placed his hand on the crystal, then concentrated as the crystal began to glow. After what seemed to be a long time, the Great Marce removed his hand from the crystal, yet the crystal continued to glow. Odius never knew that was possible.
The Great Marce kept his eyes closed as he raised his arms to the heavens. The king and his party looked on as if everything was normal, but Odius could tell something unorthodox was taking place. He could sense how the Great Marce was mastering the crystal. Then, after several weary minutes he sensed that the Great Marce was no longer mastering the crystal, but submitting to it! Soon thereafter, the crystal's glow changed to red.
The glow from the crystal became more and more brilliant until Odius could feel heat being radiated. The others still looked on as if nothing were wrong but Odius could sense his master going deeper and deeper into submission. Now the crystal was master of the Great Marce!
Suddenly the intensity of the crystal jumped to a blinding brilliance. A second later the mighty crystal cracked in half and sent a single shard flying deep into the chest of the Great Marce. The Great Marce fell back as the remains of the crystal went dark.
"Master!"
Odius managed to grab his master before he hit the ground. As he slowly lowered his master to he floor he saw the shard protruding from his master's chest; it was lodged just under the sternum. The shard was several inches long and nearly an inch at its widest point. By the time Odius laid his master on the floor, the old man's chest was covered with blood.
Odius bent over the Great Marce, "Master?"
The Great Marce was still conscious. He held his breath and tightened his muscles in attempt to fend the pain in his chest.
In the background Odius could hear the king ranting and raving, "Fool! Look at the state of the crystal..." But Odius was not paying attention. He looked at the shard protruding from his master's chest. It was still glowing!
Odius reached for the shard. When his fingers touched the fragment of the crystal he heard his master's voice. "Lean closer Odius, hide the shard from the king."
Odius realized that he did not hear the voice with his ears, it was in his head like the vision of the ships. Odius looked into his master's eyes as he leaned closer. His master was still alive. He could tell by quivering muscles that the Great Marce did not have long to live. The puddle of blood on his master's chest grew with each passing second. Yet, the Great Marce continued to speak to him through the crystal's shard.
"Take this shard, Odius. Keep it with you and tell no one of it."
Odius swallowed hard as he gripped the protruding end of the shard. Warm blood oozed from around the fragment and soaked his fingers. He hesitated. The king was still screaming in the background, "Incompetent..."
Odius heard his master's voice again, "Pull the shard while life is still within me. Hurry Odius. Pull!"
Odius pulled the shard from his master's chest. A brief spray of blood followed and his master's body went limp. Odius was suddenly covered in blood. He looked at the shard in his hand. It was dark and drenched in his master's blood, which trickled from the puddle in his hand. He suddenly realized that he had taken his master's life.
Odius placed a hand on his master's chest and a tear began to mix with the blood on his face. "Farewell Master."
Odius felt a sharp jerk as someone grabbed his shoulder.
"The king is speaking to you boy!" Valimur shouted.
Odius discretely slipped the shard into his robe then rose to his feet. He still had tears running from his eyes.
"My apologies, Eminence. I was mourning the loss of my master."
The king pointed to the crystal. "I said can you mend the crystal?"
Odius looked at the crystal. Poseidon's gift to Atlantis laid in two neat halves among the gold hands that once cradled it so gently. Odius knew there was not even a remote chance of fixing the crystal; it was not the kind of thing one could be mended or patched. However, the king was irate and insistent. Odius wanted to be alone to wash his master's blood from his body and mourn the passing of a friend.
"Perhaps, Eminence," he lied, " I would need time to search through the archives before I knew for certain."
"How long will that take?"
"Several days at best, Eminence."
The king paced for while. He knew the crystal would be his only salvation. He needed the crystal to solve other problems of his own doing.
"Three days, no more!" he said sharply. He quickly walked up to Odius and grabbed him by the collar. "You are confined to the city until I say otherwise." He shook him abruptly. "Tell no one of what happened here. No one must know we've been deprived of the crystal. Understand?"
"Yes, Eminence."
"See that you do, or rot in my dungeon." He released Odius sharply and sent him back several steps. The king started for the door at an angered pace. When he was nearly at the threshold, he stopped and turned toward Odius.
"You will never become the Great Marce until the crystal is returned to service." He pointed to the body of the Great Marce on the floor. "I will send someone later to pick up that incompetent fool."
The king stormed out of the temple with his guards close behind. As he left, Odius could still hear him carrying on, "Greeks... We have no quarrel with Greeks!"

Meanwhile at Averon's warehouse, the Greek galley had just finished unloading their government-owned cargo and was preparing to take on payment. Both Demesis and the warrior inventoried a pile of goods delivered from the galley.
"The quantity looks correct to me, do you agree?" Demesis asked.
"Yes," the warrior replied, "Now, if you would kindly place your mark here."
The warrior handed Demesis a piece of parchment. It was a copy of the tally, which Averon had left with the warrior. The warrior pointed to an area at the bottom of the tally.
Demesis looked uneasy.
"Is there a problem?" the warrior asked.
Demesis smiled sheepishly as he tried to approach the subject with some diplomacy. "Ah... It is customary to close the tally after the transaction is complete."
"And it is," the warrior replied, "we both agree on the numbers."
"Ah... We have not received our payment, gold and ivory as written in the tally."
"But you have," the warrior replied, "On your last voyage."
"No!" Demesis was shifting from uneasy to angry.
"According to Averon, you took gold and ivory on your last voyage and agreed to pay with these goods upon your return." He pointed to the Greek merchandise. "This is payment for an outstanding debt."
"It is not!" Demesis retorted. "We only agreed to the barter on our last voyage. We will not be cheated!"
"You, sir, are the cheat."
Demesis turned and motioned to the overseer who was standing by the doorway. As he waited for the overseer to join them he noticed a commotion building outside. It would seem several chariots had pulled up to the front of the warehouse. He heard voices along with the rattle of armor. Demesis began to realize that this was not a misunderstanding, but a setup.
Demesis waited for the overseer before he continued.
"This merchandise is property of the Greek Government. If you refuse to pay we must take it back to Greece."
"Averon warned you might try this. I cannot allow it!"
Demesis knew diplomacy would no longer work here. He also knew he was at a disadvantage. After thinking for a moment, he told the overseer, "Notify the captain and rally the men."
The overseer nodded and returned to the pier.
"That would not be wise Demesis!"

By the time the overseer reached the pier six chariots and fifty armed soldiers had gathered in front of the warehouse. More were arriving in small groups. The captain and several crewmen anxiously watched the troop buildup from the deck.
The overseer stormed up the gangplank to the waiting captain. Four other crewmen, who were on deck at the time, gathered as the overseer spoke his peace.
"There is trouble in the warehouse. I believe the Atlanteans refuse to pay. Demesis said to inform you and rally the men."
"Rally the men?" the captain asked.
"Yes, but I don't think he knows how many troops lie in wait."
The captain looked across the Atlantean soldiers which quietly grew to a force of seventy-five. "We can not fight them."
As the captain assessed their problem, he saw Demesis at the entrance of the warehouse. He was being forcibly removed by two armed soldiers. The captain pointed to one of the crewmen nearby.
"You... Go below, get ten men up on deck. Warn the others of trouble. Quickly!"
"Aye, captain." The crewman ran down the stair to the hold.
"The rest of you come with us." The captain started down the gangplank followed by the overseer and three crewmen.
The five unarmed men boldly walked into the midst of the Atlantean forces. They were weary from a long voyage, many of them were filthy and dressed in tattered cloths. The Atlantean soldiers, with their highly polished armor and breakfast still warm in their bellies, closed in around the small group of Greeks. Several men watched nervously from the deck of the galley.
The Greek party slowly made their way through the crowd and finally reached Demesis. Demesis had been brutally beaten. Unable to stand, he was being held up by two Atlantean guards. There were several bruises on his face and blood ran from his nose and mouth.
"Release that man!" the captain insisted. "He's a representative of the Greek Government!"
The guards dropped Demesis to the ground. He was badly beaten but still conscious.
"Then take him back to Greece where he belongs," the warrior said. "And tell your king to keep his filthy Greeks out of Atlas. We can't stand the stench."
A murmur of laughter rippled through the crowd of Atlantean soldiers.
Two of the Greek crewmen hurried to aid Demesis. He was dazed and unable to stand on his own. Each crewman drew one of his arms around their shoulders then started to take him out of harm's way.
"This is an outrage!" The captain pointed an angry finger at the warrior. "You have gone too far! Indeed, the king will hear of this!"
"I'll go much further. I have orders to seize your ship and imprison your crew unless you leave port immediately."
"By what authority?"
The warrior drew his sword, "You wish to find out?"
The two men silently stood their ground for a brief time. Finally, the captain backed down.
"You have not heard the last of us. This is an act of war!"
The five Greeks stayed in a huddled clump as they slowly made their way through a sea of Atlantean armor. Demesis was carried to the pier with his feet dragging behind him. Throughout their slow retreat they were taunted by Atlantean soldiers and periodically struck by the thrust of a shield.
Several men watched from the ship's deck, many of them with clenched fists. They could see the soldiers gave their men very little room as they made their way to the ship.
As the small group of Greeks started up the gangplank the captain shouted, "Prepare to get underway!" Several men on deck scattered to comply with the captain's orders.

The warrior and his command stood watch until the ship pushed off and was out in the channel. When the ship was well on its way, the warrior returned to the warehouse followed by several soldiers. He gave each of them orders.
"Summon the forge," he said to one of the men. The man saluted with a closed fist at the shoulder, then left the warehouse.
He pointed to another man, "You, disperse seven man among the neighboring shops. Tell them to ask for a drink of water and strike up a conversation with the storekeeper. Spread the rumor that this is a training exercise. Give no more details than that, understand?"
"Yes, sir." The man saluted, then left.
He escorted the rest of the men to a pile of gold and ivory at the back of the warehouse.
"Two of you load this gold and ivory into a chariot and take it back to Gades. Keep it concealed in case you pass Averon the merchant."
Another man approached the warrior, "You summoned me sir?"
"Ah yes, the forge. Wait for me by that table." He pointed to the table that Averon used as a desk. "I'll be with you as soon as I dispatch these men."
"Yes, sir."
He addressed one of the two remaining men, "You, form a detail to go over the warehouse and remove any sign of a scuffle. Also, hide any tracks out front. Make this place look like business was normal. We must be quick about this. Any questions?"
"No, sir."
The warrior dispatched the last man, "Send the rest of the men back to Gades. Make sure they leave the same way they came; in small groups across several roads."
"Yes, sir"
The warrior walked over to the table where the forge was waiting. He picked up the copy of the tally and shoved it toward the forge.
"Can you forge the mark of Demesis here?" He pointed to an area at the bottom of the tally.
"I'm not familiar with the mark of Demesis. Do you have an example?"
"Look around," the warrior suggested, "There must be documents around here bearing his mark."
They started looking through Averon's records when another solider hurried up to the warrior.
"Sir," he saluted, "The gold and ivory are loaded. Who gets it?"
"Take it to the king of Gades. Tell him our mission was successful and he can send Averon back."
"Anything else, sir?"
"Yes, tell the king that the Greeks called this an act of war. I'm sure he'll be pleased."
"Yes, sir."
"I found it!" the forge shouted. He held up a document, then examined it briefly.
"Yes, I can forge this."
"Excellent!" the warrior replied. "When Averon returns he will suspect nothing. The Greek merchandise is here, his gold is gone, and the tally will be closed. It will be some time before he comes to realize the seeds of war were planted at his establishment."

By that time the Greek Galley had reached the brass gates at the sea. The crew was already weary from the voyage to Atlantis. Now they had to return to Greece without a rest or even taking on fresh supplies. Food and water was low and bitter feelings permeated the ship.
Demesis took a turn for the worse. He was lying on a makeshift cot on deck and coughing up blood. Everyone on board was shocked by their brutal encounter with the soldiers, especially Demesis.
"How could this happen?" Demesis asked.
"Quiet," the captain said, "you'll need your strength. It's a long voyage back to Greece."
With the men spent and supplies low it would indeed be a long journey back. The galley would pull into Greece some twenty three days later. However, Demesis would only survive five of them.

They had just left the bay of Atlas and were entering open seas when the overseer came up from the hold. The captain watched him approach. Somehow, the captain knew the overseer would bring bad news.
"Captain, two men are missing!"
"Missing!?" he shouted. "Impossible!"
"Aye captain, they're not on board."
"Who?"

Somewhere in a bathhouse of Atlanta...
"Did I not say Atlanta was great?" Sampson asked his companion.
Marcus only replied with, "Ahh..." He was naked and up to his neck in steaming hot water. Neither of them realized just how much hot water they were in.
Sampson was sitting at the edge of a large sunken tub with a towel around his waist. "Is this everything I said it was?" He looked around to admire the ornate inlay work of precious metals, the ivory tiles on the floor, and the beautiful young women tending their bath.
"It is..." Marcus could not quite finish as a female attendant poured a bucket of hot water over his head to rinse oils from his hair. After the water trickled from his face he finished his reply. "...Atlantis is a wonderful place indeed."
"Better get out before you wrinkle."
"Aww..." Marcus did not seem anxious to leave the spacious pool.
"Hey..." there was a glint in Sampson's eye. "Get a rubdown!"
"Men or women?"
"Your choice."
"Ah!" Marcus started to climb out of the tub. "A woman of course."
A female attendant waited with a towel as Marcus climbed out.
"I told you," Sampson spoke with a little too much pride and arrogance, "Follow me, I'll show you the true merit of being a sailor. Is this not far better than unloading the merchant's cargo."
"What if they miss us?" Marcus asked.
"I do this all the time." Sampson replied with confidence, "Just unload a crate or so, then steal away when no one's looking."
"I'm not so sure...."
"Don't worry yourself, they won't notice us gone when they release the rest of the crew."
"How shall we know when to return?"
"It is the same on every voyage, the crew gets shore leave until morning. At sunrise we meet the crew at the pier, load new stores, then sail back to Greece. I do this all the time and I have yet to get caught."
Marcus looked a little worried. "I don't want to cause trouble for myself on my first voyage."
Sampson reassured him, "Don't worry! Trust me."

It was late in the evening before Odius started his walk home from the temple of the crystal. He spent most of the day in idle mourning, although he did take some time to do a little research on exactly what happened.
He found the passage his master used in the scroll of untried powers. It would appear his master deliberately destroyed the crystal at the cost of his own life. He also learned that the master's shard might still be of some mystical value, although he had no idea as to what extent. All of that was of little consequence to him this evening. The loss of a friend and master took the deepest toll of any of his newfound problems.
Odius took his time walking home. He stopped on the bridge over the Inner Harbor and gazed into the waters, mindlessly staring at the reflections from many torches along the piers. He did the same at the Middle Harbor and Outer Harbor. Unable to relax, and unwilling to go home, he also stopped several times along the canal. He spent hours just staring at the water.
Many thoughts bothered him that evening: The person he held in highest esteem died today. His dream of becoming the Great Marce was shattered. In three days time he would have to face an angry king with bad news about the crystal. If he was not imprisoned by the king, what would become his occupation? Worse yet, what would become of Atlantis without the great crystal? He wished his master could have given him advice as he had so many times in the past. Somehow, his thoughts always returned to his master.
From time to time he would take the master's shard from a pocket on the inside of his robe. The memory of that shard and his master's blood in his hand still stung deeply. It was like an albatross hanging around his neck; he wanted to cast it into the canal to free himself from the vivid memories it sparked, yet he was bound by his master's last request to keep it.
Odius stopped along the canal for the last time that night. He was at the point where he must depart the canal to walk the last quarter mile home. The day's thoughts continued to bother him. The king was so cold and thoughtless, his only concern was Egypt. Even the king's bodyguards had shown no regret when the old man died. His master's body was taken away in secret to conceal the fact that the crystal was destroyed. Nobody knew the Great Marce died, and those who knew did not seem to care. Odius thought it was so unjust, especially when one considered how much the Great Marce contributed during the course of his life.
Odius was tired and extremely depressed by the time he reached his home. He walked in and sat down at the table without even lighting a lamp. He sat in darkness as he tried to think to the future. He knew he should try to develop some plans for the rest of his life, but it was useless, his thoughts always returned to his master. He was too filled with sorrow and self pity to sleep, and too tired to stay awake. He sat there in the dark for hours.
"Odius..."
Odius heard someone call his name! He stood up abruptly, knocking over his chair. He hurled around several times looking for some sinister shadow lurking in a dark corner of his house.
"Who goes there!?" he shouted.
He stood still for a moment. There was no reply. Odius sparked a flint to an oil lamp several times. When the flame came up he could clearly see there was no one else in the house. He was alone.
It had been an extremely rough day. Odius began to suspect his mind was playing tricks on him. He thought perhaps he should try to get some sleep, then this mental fatigue would pass. Odius convinced himself that the voice was nothing more than a manifestation of stress. Then he heard it again!
"Odius... It is I."
"Master?" Odius clearly heard his master's voice.
"Yes young Odius, the shard."
Odius took the master's shard from his robe. It was glowing with a faint green light. Odius cradled it gently.
"Where are you Master?"
"Embodied in the shard, young Odius. My work here is not yet done."
Odius carefully laid the master's shard on the table. He picked up the chair, then sat down in front of the shard.
"Will you serve me, Odius?" the voice said.
"Oh yes, Master!" a bright smile came across his face. "Indeed I will!"
"I knew I could trust in you, Odius. There is little else in Atlantis left to trust."
"Are times so foul, Master?"
"Yes, young Odius. From this side of death I see with broader eyes. There is little hope."
"What do you see, Master?"
"I see men waging war and plotting conquests across the whole of the world. Atlantis bears much guilt in these matters. The kings and rulers of Atlantis are not as they appear. Even the gods are not as they appear."
"The gods?"
"Lust for power and conquest spreads through the heavens as well as Earth. These times are most foul. We must do what we can to save our world gone mad."
"What must I do, Master? How can I serve you?"
"Go to the summit of Mount Atlas and summon the god Poseidon."
"Poseidon, the god of Atlantis?" Odius became nervous. Poseidon had a reputation for being rather nasty from time to time.
"Yes, Odius. But take care, remember the demise of Joda."
"Yes, Master. How will I summon Poseidon?"
"You will know when you reach the summit. You must leave tonight, Odius."
"I can not, Master. The king has confined me to the city."
"You must leave tonight."
"As you wish, Master."
"For now, my time grows short. Get a horse at the livery and leave for Mount Atlas tonight."
"Yes, Master. Tell me, why must I summon Poseidon? What shall I say?"
The master's shard went dark. Odius tried to summon him again by using skills he learned during his apprenticeship, but nothing happened.
Odius put the master's shard in his robe, then started gathering a few provisions. He did not take food with him since fruits, nuts, and small game were plentiful throughout the countryside. He packed a copper pan, a knife, flints, several blankets, and a flask for carrying water. Since he would find himself face-to-face with Poseidon, he also took his best azure robe. He bundled everything in one of the blankets, then donned a small sword. He extinguished the oil lamp, then left for the livery.

It was well past midnight by the time Odius reached the livery. He had to awaken the livery manager to sign for a horse. Neither the livery manager nor the horse were very happy about his late visit. The manager recognized Odius and knew he was apprentice to the Great Marce.
Odius managed to get some cooperation by telling the manager that the Great Marce sent him. He neglected to mention that the Great Marce had died earlier that day. He explained that he needed a horse for an urgent matter pertaining to the office of the Great Marce, and that it could not possibly wait until morning. Since the death of the Great Marce had been kept secret, the manager found little reason to doubt him.
His pick of horses was limited at that hour of the morning. The choice was between a young stallion with little experience, and an old, half-shod nag. Odius took the stallion. He signed for the horse with the promise to bring it back in five days, although he knew he would need the horse for at least a month. If the king ever found out about this, there would be hell to pay.

The moon was well past full and had barely cleared the horizon when Odius left the gates of Atlanta. He wanted to get as much distance between him and the city as he could before daybreak. Sooner or later, the king would learn of his exodus, and that he had blatantly ignored the king's orders. He hoped the king would not send any soldiers looking for him. He had enough problems as it was he still had to face Poseidon.