Knights of Atlantis: Chapter 6 - No Line On the Horizon

"Well, I suppose that means the mission was two-thirds accomplished,” said Leon. “I just really wish we had been able to re-obtain the Aquarian relic.”1

“Wait, how did you fail to get back the relic if you killed Zenix?” asked Desmond.2

I looked over to the knight. “Zenix dropped it at some point and after I defeated him, someone else appeared and stole it, then vanished into another portal. He looked like a man, so I don’t know if he was a Lavire or not.”3

“It wasn’t, odd as that may seem to you,” added Simon. “The Lavire cannot hide themselves from your eyes in human guise like they can with people of this world. To our eyes, all Lavire look alike, much like how we would see dogs of the same breed. Only their auras appear different, but never their appearance. If whoever stole the artifact looked like a man to you, that means he was.”4

“Another Atlantian that got brainwashed, perhaps? Whoever he was, he had strong magic,” I stated.5

“It’s possible, but there’s been no report of any missing people,” Simon responded.6

“Alright, so I want to know, what’s the importance of that relic?” I knew that the relic was obviously more than a royal heirloom or keepsake at this point. No one would go through such heavy expenses for a mere piece of jewelry, to either protect it or steal it.7

“It is one of thirteen relics created by an ancient Atlantian prince who sealed the Lavire into the dark realm over a thousand years ago,” explained Julius. “These objects contained the magic that sealed them away. They were given to different kings throughout the globe so that they would be separated and thus less at risk. If they destroy all thirteen relics, the seal will be broken, allowing them to come through the dimensions freely, in whatever numbers and whichever location they please.”8

“That would pretty much mean the apocalypse,” I commented.9

“It almost did the first time,” said Leon. “There was a reason those years were called the Dark Ages and that there were so many legends of mythical creatures. The Lavire and the Discarnate were wreaking havoc across the world. Had it not been for Prince Adray’s genius in that age, the world might have been destroyed.”10

“Alright, so all we need to do to prevent them from returning is securing the rest of the relics?” I asked. Saving twelve other relics seemed like a fairly easy task, especially for thirteen knights like us.11

“Unfortunately, no,” answered Leon. My shoulders sank. “While the destruction of all thirteen relics would ensure the complete dissolving of the barrier, there is one other method – to copy the exact same magic that Prince Adray used during the same occasion.”12

My eyebrow rose. “Which is?” 13

“Neither the spell nor the occasion is common knowledge. Both details have remained secret to only the current king of Atlantis since that time.”14

“So shouldn’t the possibility of the Lavire figuring that method be practically nonexistent?” I hoped.15

“Pretty much,” answered Leon. “But with our luck, they will probably figure it out eventually. If only the first relic hadn’t been destroyed, none of the dark forces could get through, and even that spell could not destroy the barrier.”16

“Wait, you said there was already a relic that was destroyed?”17

Leon nodded. “Of course. If it had not been destroyed, it would have been impossible for the Lavire or the Discarnate to ever come to this world again.”18

“So if they were all sealed away in the dark realm, how did the first relic get destroyed?”19

“We believe the relic that was given to King Arthur was in destroyed in a fire some five hundred years ago, as his castle was raided around that time. That was when the Discarnate began to appear again, and we have checked the conditions of the other twelve relics in the other kingdoms. All of them were in perfect condition, but the one from England was never found.”20

“So I am guessing with each relic that is destroyed, the barrier becomes weaker.”21

“Right you are, Prince,” said Julius. “So our main concern at this point is to simply protect the remaining eleven.”22

“So, where are the others then?” I asked. For some reason, I had a feeling they weren’t within arms reach.23

“Scattered through different kingdoms,” said Leon. “We never would left them in the hands of others if we had known the Lavire were aware of the relics.”24

“You didn’t already know?” I wondered. Suddenly it became a bit clearer as to why they looked so shocked when Zenix was seen with the Aquarian relic. 25

“No, we just found out when we saw Zenix with the relic,” said Julius. “We don’t understand how they found out though. There is no way they should have known about it – the sealing ritual was done in secret centuries ago. Until just now, we thought their attacks were blind, random. It now seems there has indeed been a purpose to their work.”26

“But what’s more puzzling is that their attacks have been more organized in the past few years,” added Leon. “They have been attacking different kingdoms, as if they know that they were given to the royalty, but they don’t know which twelve kingdoms exactly have them.”27

“So I’ll take it that we have a head start on the locations of the relics then,” I assumed.28

“Indeed we do.” Leon looked up at the sky and seemed noticed that it was near sunset. “Alright, that’s all the time we have for chat now. Prince Martin, please return to Aquarius and watch over the queen. We must inform your parents of the recent developments.”29

I was frozen for a moment as he mentioned my parents. Even though most of my memories were not real, I realized that the parents I remembered were my real ones. I hadn’t seen them in a few years now, and I missed them terribly. I spoke up uncharacteristically to Leon in response.30

“Tell them I... I send my love,” I spurted out.31

Leon smiled and bowed his head. “I will, Your Majesty.”32

Eleven of the knights went on their way by horseback. Richter and I had to use a single horse to ride back to Aquaria, since the queen had rode off on mine. He was silent most of the way there, probably pondering the new revelation and what was to come. I myself was too deep in thought about the things that I had just learned – an entire life of different memories, a secret war that would decide the fate of the world – so much that I didn’t bother to ask Richter anything more.33

He dropped me off at the castle’s front gate. 34

“Good night, Your Majesty,” he said with a bow of his head. “We will back for you in the morning. Be sure to tell Queen Dalana that your vow to serve Aquarius will have to be put on hold for a time.”35

I thought for a moment about what he meant, but I didn’t understand. “What vow are you talking about exactly?”36

“One you won’t remember for awhile, I’m sure,” he answered. “Don’t worry Prince Martin, the queen will understand the message.”37

“Alright then. Good evening to you, Richter.”38

I walked up the stairs of the castle entrance as my fellow knight rode off. 39

“This business of not telling me what’s going on because of this memory thing is getting on my nerves,” I mumbled as I walked into the castle. 40

I came across Justin as I entered and stopped him with a question.41

“Justin, do you know where the queen is?”42

“Certainly, Lord Martin. She’s in the throne room,” he answered.43

“Uh, thanks Justin,” I said hastily and went off to the throne running.44

As I entered, I saw the Her Royal Sturdiness sitting on her throne as if nothing had happened. I knelt at the bottom of the stairs up to the throne.45

“Your Majesty, how are you?” I asked gently. Despite how tough she was acting and how she irked me with her attitude, I was still concerned for her wellbeing.46

“Just fine, just fine,” she said, acting quite puffed up. “So, did you dispatch the culprit and reacquire the jewel, Lord Martin?”47

I wanted to snap at her and say “that’s Prince Martin to you!” but I bit my tongue and lowered my head as I was forced to report a partial failure on my behalf.48

“I fought and defeated Zenix, Your Majesty, but I failed to recover the jewel. Someone stole away with it during our duel.”49

“Hmph,” grunted Her Imperial Dissatisfaction. 50

I didn’t know if she was upset because she liked the thing or just because it showed I could fail at something that she wanted me to do. It didn’t even cross my mind at the time that she might have known what it was for. 51

“So,” she puffed, “are you going to pursue the thief then, Lord Martin?”52

“Yes, Your Majesty. The Paladins expressively stated that the jewel and its counterparts must be secured.” I bowed my head even lower when I had to tell her that I was leaving to join them. “I was told to tell you that my vow to serve Aquarius must be put on hold, Your Majesty. I am accompanying them on their quest.”53

I braced myself for a terrible rebuke. All I heard was a sigh. I raised my head and looked at the expression on the queen’s face. To my surprise, her face did not look enraged, but saddened. I wondered, had the queen, in spite of herself, grown attached to me? 54

“Very well, Lord Martin,” she finally said. “Go with them, until a time comes when they no longer require your assistance.” 55

I nodded in acknowledgment. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Good night.” I rose and turned to leave, but she called me back.56

“Lord Martin?” I turned back around at the sound of her voice. “Be sure to visit Lady Jeanne before you leave Aquarius,” she suggested. 57

“Of course, Your Majesty,” I said, a hint of fondness showing through at the mention of Jeanne. “I will be sure to visit the Maudlin manor tomorrow morning,” I promised.58

“Very good, Lord Martin. Good night to you,” said the queen. I bowed and made my leave to my chambers. 59

Exhausted as I was, I fell into bed, meaning to change into sleeping apparel before falling asleep, but I was out before I knew it.60

The next day, I woke up early as I ever had, probably just before the sun began peeking over the horizon. I was expecting the knights to come pretty early to pick me up, wherever we were going, so I got up extra early to dress in my finest clothes. I wanted to see Jeanne, and tell her about what had been going on for the past few days, before I left. I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to see her again, so for me this was quite a tough errand – the possibility of saying my final farewell to the only lady I had ever had feelings for.61

Richter came knocking on the door of my manor – he seemed surprised when I opened the door after only four knocks and saw me fully dressed. 62

“You must have been up bright and early, huh?” he smiled. 63

“You bet, pal.” I said, closing the door behind me, then patting the knight’s shoulder and walking past him. 64

“Why? Eager to get going?” He walked beside me as we made our way to the stable.65

“That, and I have something to do before we leave for Atlantis.”66

“Oh really?” he asked amusingly. “And what might that be?”67

“I have to see someone. I can’t just take off without telling her.”68

“Ah, a lady friend,” Richter chuckled. 69

“Yes, and don’t you dare start acting funny because I said that,” I warned that.70

“Of course not,” he answered, as if he had no idea what I was talking about.71

We got on our horses and met up with the rest of the knights. I led the way to the Maudlin manor and had them wait outside. This was going to be a very difficult task for me.72

I knocked on the door of the manor. I waited patiently for someone to answer, but it didn’t occur to me before that everyone might still be asleep this early. However, my patience paid off as a young boy peeked out through the door. I could tell he resembled Jeanne and her parents, so he was probably her brother.73

“Hello,” he greeted. “May I ask your name?”74

“Greetings, young lad. My name is Martin Gilles. May I speak with Jeanne, please?”75

He nodded. “Of course. Let me get her. She’ll be here shortly.”76

“Thanks,” I said. He closed the door and I turned around and began to whistle. It was a minute or two before Jeanne finally came through the large entrance. She was wearing a different gown than I had seen in before, a kind of dark, velvety blue. 77

“Martin, what a surprise.” Gosh, was it great to hear her voice. “I wasn’t expecting to see you this early in the morning. What brings you here?” 78

“Well, I…” I struggled to find the words I needed to say, but they just wouldn’t come. I figured I would just have to say it as simple as possible. “Jeanne, I’ve come to say good bye.”79

Her mouthed opened. Nothing came out. She tried again. “But why? We’ve just met, I…” I could hear the regret in her voice. I could feel it in my heart. I saw her shoulders sink, as well as her gaze.80

“I know, I’m sorry. It’s all so sudden.” I swallowed hard. “It’s about the attack yesterday.”81

This statement re-won Jeanne’s attention. “What was that all about? Those things, what were they? And that creepy thing that grabbed my sister?”82

“Those black things are called the Discarnate. The being that grabbed your sister yesterday was called a Lavire, named Zenix. I killed him in a duel last night. But there will be more of them, and we have to stop them. I am going on a journey with the Paladins to foil their plans. I don’t know if I’m coming back, but I promise to do my best to.”83

Jeanne kept silent, her head hanging loosely. She was obviously confused, maybe slightly depressed at my leaving, and who knows what else was going through her mind. I could only hope she wasn’t worrying too much about me. I myself had no idea what to expect of the coming adventures, but this lady gave me reason, and indeed incentive, to make it back to Aquarius alive and well.84

She lifted her head finally, speaking in even, but indeed concerned, tones. “I don’t understand. I’ve never heard of these things before, and yet they threaten us all? I just…”85

I could understand what she was saying. These things, these Discarnate and Lavire, had no place in the mind of reality. Yet there they were, threatening the entire world. But how to explain they didn’t come from our world.86

“You’ve never heard of them before because they are not from our world,” was the way I put it. No point in getting all fancy about how they nonexistent beings that somehow existed, that would just confuse her worse. I didn’t even get it myself. Best to just to put it as simple as possible. “The Paladins and I are all from a different world as well, or at least another realm. We are from Atlantis, so I hear.”87

Jeanne’s eyes went wide. Atlantis was a popular myth, and anyone who didn’t know about it was probably illiterate. “You mean, the legendary city that sunk beneath the sea? The city Plato described?”88

I nodded. “Obviously, it didn’t sink beneath the sea, but whatever it was that happened made it look like it did. I don’t understand everything yet myself. You see, I had my memory erased, so I am almost as clueless as you as to what is really going on.”89

Jeanne made a motion as if she wanted to move closer to me, but thought better of it. She seemed to like me, which was indeed very pleasing in my mind that feelings were reciprocated, but we barely knew each other, and showing affection to each other at this point beyond anything than a bow and a curtsy would seem like pushing the boundaries to extremes much too soon. 90

“When do you expect to be back… if at all?” She sounded so sweet, so caring, so lovely in tone that I wanted to hug her. Alas, it was romantic tomfoolery in propriety and thus I controlled myself to simply smile. 91

“I really don’t know. It all depends on how well it all turns out. But I promise, I will be back to visit at some point. I, um… plan to further our relationship. My intentions are…” I cleared my throat. “…needless to say, beyond platonic. No matter, I am coming back. I promise.”92

She blushed slightly. “I understand. I’ll be waiting. That’s a promise, too.” 93

I think I blushed then too. 94

It was a promise between us both. It would be just me and her, no matter what. But this promise meant sacrifice – waiting for an indefinite amount of time, forsaking all others. Could both of us keep it?95

I couldn’t ponder the oath any longer than a few seconds, because a chump of a man came out the door at that instant. Just by looking at him, I could tell he wasn’t a relative of Jeanne’s – he had the face of a pompous dumbass. That means a stupid, stubborn donkey, not a brainless derriere. He was dressed nicely enough in a green knight’s outfit, but his face was hideously bearded and it looked unpleasant. Whoever he was, I was immediately turned off. 96

“Oh,” said Jeanne abruptly seeing the man come out. “Martin, this is Richard de Mills, a gentleman caller for my sister, Cindy. Richard, this is Martin Gilles, my…” I guess she had to think for a second to realize just exactly what I was to her at that point. “…own gentleman caller.” 97

I knew some other Richards, most notably King Richard of England who was a man on the deepest morals virtues and courage. Another man that came to mind was Richard of the Lee, not a particularly bright man but one with a heart of gold. This man did not do their name justice.98

I put my arm out and we shook hands. I made sure my grip was firm, more so than usual, just to hint him to watch himself around me. “Nice to meet you,” I lied.99

“Oh, likewise,” he smirked. It was an unlikable smile, much like how I imagined Zenix’s if he had had a human face. He didn’t seem to emanating a dark aura, but I had a feeling he would get along with the Discarnate. Maybe I was being mean, but I really didn’t like him, and it turned later I had plenty reason not to. “I will be back later, Jeanne,” he said, as if she actually reason to care.100

“Much later, I hope,” I mouthed. I don’t think Jeanne noticed.101

“Good day to you!” she smiled. 102

I said something too, but it wasn’t spoken aloud and it was not especially polite.103

With the riffraff gone, I could bid Jeanne a proper farewell. I looked into her eyes and smiled. They twinkled back like stars in the summer night, distant among the other galaxies amidst the infinite universe. She smiled, like the sunrise breaking up on the morning horizon in a red-tinted ocean. 104

“I really must be going now, Jeanne. The other knights are waiting.” I bowed and kissed her hand. She curtsied simultaneously.105

“Good luck on your mission, Martin.” 106

I turned around to leave, but my head swiveled back. I had one more thing to say.107

“By the way… that’s not my real name.”108

“Oh?” she gasped, followed by a giggle. “Then what is your real name.”109

“Don’t know yet,” I chuckled. “I’ll tell you when I find out.”110

“You do that,” she said, sticking her tongue out. With one last wink, she closed the door to the mansion and disappeared behind it.111

I sighed on the outside and within as well. I didn’t know how long it would be before I saw her again, but I hoped it would be soon – and it turned out to be sooner than I thought.112

I rode off with the knights to an open field, where we would find the portal to Atlantis. Technically, we could use portals entirely free, unlike the Discarnate or Lavire, but designated portals were more location-accurate and thus more preferable. Add no other people being around, and that makes it the perfect place to cross over the realms. 113

Actually, as it turned out, two knights were jousting in the designated area. I had no idea who they were, because naturally, both were covered in armor.114

“Wait,” called out Leon. “We need to wait for these two to finish their business.”115

Everyone came to a halt, and I rode up beside Leon.116

“So, who are these two? Why are they here by the portal?” I asked.117

“They are from Atlantis as well,” Leon explained. “They are knights as well. Substitutes for us when we go on break. It’s considered an honor to even fill in for us when we go on vacation.”118

“Ah,” I said, smiling. That meant I could take a break from my adventures at some point to go see Jeanne. “That’s good to know.”119

I watched the two Atlantians go at it with lance and shield. One knight had a gold emblem, while the other had a light blue one, crested on their breastplates and shields. They had symbols and animals on the emblems as well, but I couldn’t make them out from the distance I was at. The final run came – the blue knight made a clean cut-in through the gold’s guard and knocked the knight from his horse. Leon and Julius laughed, though I wasn’t sure what for. The knights went to the side of the fallen knight, and Julius jumped off to help him up. The armor obviously made it hard for him to get to his feet.120

“Knocked silly, were you, Donovan?” Julius laughed.121

The knight pulled his helmet off. “It’s not funny. That hurt.”122

“Then don’t fall so hard on your rear when you don’t wear padding,” chuckled Leon.123

The other knight jumped off the horse and approached, wanting to shake hands with Donovan. He complied, albeit unwillingly. “Good show,” he said, looking to his feet. 124

“Why were you jousting anyway?” asked Leon. “I told you we were leaving as soon as possible.”125

“My, er, companion got impatient and wanted a little sport,” answered Donovan, pointing to said counterpart. 126

He began tossing bits of his armor off his body and into a bag that seemed to not grow in size when the plates of armor were tossed in. Atlantian standard, was such a bag, I wagered. I would have won if someone had dared to say otherwise, but no knight among us was so stupid.127

The other knight finally removed the helmet that blocked out all possible to guesses to this excellent warrior’s facial features. My jaw was luckily fastened to its normal position because I was rubbing my chin at the moment, but it would have fallen a few feet otherwise when the knight’s helmet came off.128

Please note, in my day age, seeing such a sight like this was not just surprising, it was downright unheard of.129

The helmet came off to reveal the face of a beautiful young woman, with long blonde hair and sapphire blue eyes. The mere thought of a woman being a knight that just thrashed a young man who was also a knight was devastating to said defeated knight’s ego, and unfathomable to me. However, it did explain why the rest were not able to retain their ear-to-ear grins from surfacing.130

“My Prince,” said Leon in a regal, introductive tone, “this is Lady Sierra Chantelle, a subordinate of ours and your frequent substitute.”131

She smiled brilliantly and gracefully and held her hand. I would have politely kissed it, but I thought better of it, noting that I would just be osculating cold steel, and shook it instead.132

“A pleasure to meet you, Lady Sierra,” I said. She was blushing, and it was quite obvious to anyone watching. I could only imagine her reaction if I had actually kissed her hand.133

“The pleasure is all mine, Prince Trever,” she said.134

My eyebrows went up. “Prince Trever?!?”135

“Sierra!!!” exclaimed Leon. She looked alarmed as the knight called out her name, and everyone’s eye went wide. 136

I fell to the ground with a huge headache. “Ugh…. What’s happening to me?”137

Leon and Sierra knelt beside me as I struggled not to scream out in pain. “You’re getting part of your memory back,” explained Leon. Sierra looked sheepish and indeed embarrassed. 138

“My prince, I’m so, so sorry! I didn’t know, I swear…”139

Leon held up a hand to silence her. I shot him a glance.140

“It wasn’t her fault,” I said, despite the immense pain in my temples.141

“You’re right. I am sorry for my temper, Lady Sierra.” Leon looked at Sierra and put a hand on her shoulder. “It’s my begetting sin.”142

She smiled warmly at him. “It’s fine. I should have asked.”143

At last, the pain subsided, after a minute or two. The knights were all around me now. I got to my feet, the world around suddenly more clear to me. It was though a lamp was finally lit amidst the darkness of my ignorance to the Atlantian realm. 144

“So… that’s my name. Trever.” 145

I felt stronger, more confident with myself. I finally felt like a prince inside. 146

Seeing I was better, Sierra tossed off her gear, revealing elegant Lincoln-green apparel befitting a warrior lady. I began to understand it was not so strange for a young woman of Sierra’s stature to be with the knights, but part of her personality. She looked as beautiful as any young woman her age could, had a heart to match her looks, but deep inside, she had the strength of a knight, one that earned her a place in our company.147

Finally, all were ready and jumped atop their steeds.148

“This is where we decide the fate of the world, knights.” I exclaimed loudly to no one in particular. I looked over to my right side, where I saw Sierra beaming at me.149

To my left, I heard Leon whisper to me, “We are going to have to tell her about Jeanne, and preferably soon.” I nodded in reply, but I could only hope that when the time came that I had the heart to. 150

I outstretched my right hand, and the portal to Atlantis manifested.151

Up at the sun, which had finally made its full rise over the edge of the sea. I saw no line on the horizon.152

And that was when the true adventure began.