The Gift From Poseidon: When Gods Walked Among Us (Volume 2) (27 page)

Bustling, messy avenues that spoke four different languages, but connected as one; buildings in all shapes, colors, and sizes; the tastes and smells of the many open markets he had wandered since a youngling at his father’s side; the mighty oak in the grand garden behind his home that had heard as much history as any historian –
that
was home. 
That
was Lacanesia.

“When one looks upon Lacanesia, it does not simply return your stare,” his father once told Adamarcus, “it invites you in to explore its charm.”  And he was right.  Of all the capital cities still in use, the Centaur capital was the youngest of any.  Despite this, it appeared much older than Atagartis or Hakleddamm.  As for the Agathis, Zarathustra had taught Adamarcus that the built-up center was much the same as when Kheiron strolled about the wooded realm.

The center of Lacanesia was both the administrative center and home to the wealthiest families regardless of tribe.  Those like Adamarcus’ family.  Standing at the innermost western gate and facing the city, the northwestern corner was the Nubian district.  The northeastern corner was the Aeropid one.  The southwestern and southeastern areas were for the Huaxia and Olmec respectively.  Of the four districts, the Aeropid district was easily the best example of function over form.

But so what?  This part of Lacanesia – his part – was indeed best!

Square buildings made of wood or granite with dark green tile roofs; from high above, they looked as if an ancient forest of trees clad in brown and grey bark.

The Huaxia used just as much Kauri wood as stone.  Round, square, and octagon shaped buildings aplenty; multi-tiered roofs in reds, oranges, and yellows painted a beautiful sight.  Olmecs, on the other hand, used nothing
but
stone.  Green granite was their favorite.  Wide avenues and stunning mosaics of every color tile imaginable dominated their prefecture.  More than the other three tribes combined, they planted flowers and trees throughout their part of the city.

Nubians adored pink and tan granite.  Although each tribe was close to the same size in numbers (a little less than 3,000 each), the Nubians built as if their numbers were twice as large.  Buildings and monuments stood everywhere!  Their avenues little more than pathways, as if they could not stop, they built and built and built.  And of what Nubians built, they painted in bold colors.  Having run out of room many centuries ago, they simply tore down what was oldest and started again.

*****

The sweet smell of the sea sharpened the focus of Adamarcus’ dreamy haze and a great excitement swept over the company.  Atagartis was close.

“Come on, come on!” Persepolis called.  Taharqa galloped behind him.  Adamarcus was excited as well, but just did not have the energy to break into a full sprint.  At least not yet.  Within moments, Taharqa and Persepolis rushed past the Arachna phalanx leading them.  With strict orders to stay to the front of their future king, these warriors sped up as well.  Adamarcus, Viracocha, and Centaur guards quickened their pace a bit, but did not hurry to catch up to the others.  In regards to the screeches and shouts suddenly heard from afar, they probably should have.  Better late than never, they now did so.

“For what purpose does an Arachna phalanx and a young Centaur stand within sight of our walls?” a strapping male Mermaid atop a Gryphon demanded.

Holding loaded bows, many Mermaids atop Gryphons stood as a wall in front of them.  The Arachna warriors hurriedly formed a defensive position and Taharqa and Persepolis hid behind them.  Centaur guards with their shields up and pikes drawn just made matters worse; they split into two and now bookended the Arachna guards.  With no clue as what to do, Adamarcus scampered toward his friends behind this protective shield and crouched down with them.

“WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!” Viracocha shouted with his arms raised and cherished pipe dangling from his mouth.  “This is all just a misunderstanding.  We are here for ––”

“Silence, Centaur scum!” a deep bellow called from above that could only belong to one Gryphon.

Great, what luck – Adamarcus had heard the stories in regards to this one!

Through the pikes and shields made orange by the setting sun, Adamarcus watched Xavier and his stooge, Ahriman, land just in front of Viracocha.  The savage glint that never took a moment’s rest gleamed in the eyes of the Gryphon general.  Ahriman tried his best to flash Viracocha his own beastly glare, but only looked like a dimwitted fool for trying.

Xavier slowly circled around Viracocha.  ‘Stalked’ was probably a better way to put it.  The Gryphon chuckled in a way that made you wonder if he was simply messing with your mind or sought to tear you into pieces.  Sweat poured from Viracocha and for good reason: No Gryphon was as unpredictable as this one.

“Welcome, my friends!  Welcome!” came another voice from the sky.  This one was
much
friendlier.  Perseos atop Ahuram landed in front of Viracocha.  Whether Evagoria’s grandfather did or did not know of the tense moments he landed in the middle of – at this point, Adamarcus could not have cared less.

They were saved!

“Evagoria asked that I look out for you three!” Perseos said cheerfully.

With a roll of his eyes, Xavier wandered off as if a hunter bored with his catch.  The phalanx separated a bit and stunned eyes set in three still shaking bodies gawked at him.  Finally, the friends stepped forward and, along with Viracocha, greeted Perseos.

“So what are your plans, Viracocha?  I know these three will be staying with us for the next few days, but what about you?”  After a pause, Perseos added slyly, “I am sure Penelope would be happy to see you.”

Able to laugh after all this, Viracocha openly did so.  Most Centaurs genuinely liked Perseos.  Like the former Gryphon king, Simonacles, he was more cheerful and relaxed than their kinds usually allowed.  Adamarcus knew of and respected Ahuram as well.  During studies, unlike most Gryphons, this one had always been kind to him – he even did not seem to mind Arachna.  The handsome Gryphon was much different from his twin brother, Ahriman.  Ahuram was not soft, but confident.  He did not use his savage nature as his outward one, but kept it hidden until needed.  In short, Ahuram was as Adamarcus thought a Gryphon should be.

“And I would be happy to see her as well,” Viracocha replied.  “Not today, but perhaps before we depart I will make my way into your great city.  For now, I would like to help those in my company set up camp.”

“Very well.”  Perseos shook Viracocha’s hand a second time.  “I will take good care of these three.  Aside for when she sleeps, wherever Evagoria goes, they will be with her.”

With these kind words, Perseos led Adamarcus, Taharqa, and Persepolis to the grand gates and then finally behind them.  Just as he remembered, the Mermaid capital was as if a sprawling treasure.  A great square with fountains galore and sculptures of both marble and bronze sat everywhere.  And they had not even reached the main part of the city yet!

As Adamarcus looked upon the protective walls now fading from view behind him, his awe melted into a longing for home.  Atagartis was much prettier, Hakleddamm gleamed many times more, and the Agathis was more tranquil, but there was no city like his.  Evagoria may have owned his heart, but Lacanesia owned his soul.

Now, if he could only get rid of this sinking feeling he would never see home again
….

Sons of a king, a general, and a Chiron – we might not be the brightest trio to walk our world, but on this day, we are certainly the most spoiled.  When alongside the princess inside Atagartis, everyone notices.  ESPECIALLY the monster.  Its eyes as sharp as blades when it looks elsewhere, they turn soft once pointed in her direction.  To keep her in its midst, to stare at her in eternal wonder – the troll wants Evagoria.  And as I steal a look into what the Yeturi holds in its filthy hand, I wish a covetous mind is all I am convinced of.

– Adamarcus, Aeropid Centaur

– Mid-Fall, Year 4,253 KT
[27]

Today was the day!  Not Evagoria’s birthday – that was tomorrow – but what, aside from the princess, the three friends wished to see above all else: the recently captured Yeturi.  About to enter the market with Evagoria, Adamarcus turned behind him to check if the five guards who had escorted them to this point would continue to do so, but they were nowhere in sight.

“WHOA!” Taharqa groaned.  “I didn’t know we were going swimming!”

As a flurry of small splashes leapt out of the way, the four friends passed through the ramped entrance.  Atop the decorated floor and rising to just below Adamarcus’ knees, a shallow pool of salt water –
freezing salt water
– swirled in a relaxed rhythm.

“Worry not, my friends, the water is clean.”  Evagoria looked about and then flashed the trio a sly smile.  “Well, as there are a good many younglings here today, it is for the most part.”

Adamarcus and Taharqa made funny faces as they imagined what ‘for the most part’ really meant.  Evagoria then explained to them how and when Mermaid caretakers drained the pool to clean it.

“Are we there yet?” Persepolis begged the moment she finished.  So excited they would soon see the Yeturi, he barely seemed to notice the water they now trudged through.

“Worry not, Persepolis,” Evagoria said with a smirk.  “All in good time.”

Adamarcus’ eyes met her ocean blue diamonds, and she gave him a wink.  Although he wanted to see the captured monster just as much as the other two, he would give in to Evagoria’s obvious desire to make them wait for their prize.

The sweeping marketplace greatly impressed Adamarcus.  Whether the many hundreds of Mermaids now gliding along the market square’s tiled walkways sought jewelry, clothes, food, drinks, or splendid works of art, they came to the right place.  To wander about this bountiful, bustling market reminded Adamarcus of those in Lacanesia, but he couldn’t decide if this helped or just made him long for home even more.  As many had already come to see the Yeturi, the two Centaurs and Arachna did not get the puzzled stares Adamarcus thought they would.

Although chilly and a biting wind blew through the marketplace, by what little they wore, every Mermaid – younglings included – appeared not to notice.  And in truth, they barely did.  For a Centaur, one of the most amazing things about Mermaids was their tolerance to cold.  As if they were not Half-Saps, but furry creatures like Arachna or Gryphons, aside for when the weather was frigid enough for snow to fall, they covered themselves in the same clothes as they would for summer.

Because she looked so different from the rest of them, Evagoria could never blend in with the other Mermaids.  Even with a palla to cover her head, those sparkling eyes gave her away.  And this was just fine with Adamarcus, Taharqa, and Persepolis.  The best part of being friends with Evagoria when inside Atagartis –
everything
was free.  And not just free, but near every merchant begged her to take valuable wares off their hands.

“Adamarcus?” Persepolis whispered.  “Why do these shopkeepers keep asking Evagoria to just take things?”  He motioned to her pack set between the walking sticks on her back.  “I can hear them jingling inside – she has plenty of gold pieces in there.”

The three watched as Evagoria kindly turn down yet another request to make off with whatever she wished.  Adamarcus was not so sure he could have done the same, but understood why she did so.

“Well,” he told Persepolis as Taharqa leaned in, “for other Mermaids to see their future queen – their Gift from Poseidon – wear certain clothes or favor one food over another, then many others would pay almost any price for the same clothes and food.  If Evagoria accepts something from one, I suppose she would feel guilty about this and be compelled to accept something from them all.”

“Ahhhhh,” Taharqa and Persepolis gasped as one.

Halfway to the middle of the market square, the monster’s stench now wafted about the air.  They were getting closer to their prize.

No longer able to resist the lure of Evagoria’s magnificence, Adamarcus drifted close to her.  “Why do I see every Mermaid parent carry or push in carriages younglings who are no longer toddlers?  The infants and very young I understand, but why still carry or push around these older ones too?”

Evagoria pulled the three off the walkway and pointed among the crowd.  About to learn something new about Mermaids, Taharqa looked as if a wide-eyed youngling himself.  Persepolis probably did not care much, but at least made it appear as if he did.

“A little lesson in Mermaid biology needed I can see – let me explain.  See that infant carried by her father?”  The trio nodded in the direction she pointed.  “Although tinged with streaks of silver, the tail of an infant is mostly white.  Its shape,” she giggled, “looks a lot like that of the leftover tail of a tadpole about to become a young frog.”

“HA!” Persepolis crowed.  “You said Mermaids look like ‘frogs’!”  Evagoria’s suddenly stern pout and blank looks by Adamarcus and Taharqa swiftly shut him up.  He then sheepishly nodded his head, “Um, sorry – please continue, Princess.”

Evagoria let out a deep sigh as if a disappointed mother before speaking again.  “Only once a toddler will she have any real control over moving her tail.  During her second year, it turns a solid blue and the flukes begin to take shape.  By about four, she can finally balance on it.”  Evagoria pointed to an older Mermaid youngling.  “By six years old or so, she should be able to glide upright.”  The princess then sucked in a deep breath and deepened her voice a bit.  “Only once a youngling is eight or nine do the emerald greens and fiery yellows, reds, and oranges, paint their way across the brilliant blue that is the canvas making up each of our infamous tails.”  She smiled wide as the other three gawked at her upon such a pompous description.  “Okay, I admit it – Penelope taught me to say that last part!”

“‘Penelope taught me to say that last part!’” Persepolis mocked back.  The others – Evagoria included – nearly keeled over laughing.

“Wow, Persepolis!  Your mimicking is now so good, you sound just like me!”  Still giggling as she spoke, Evagoria snorted a few times and now all four laughed together.

Just as dear friends should!

As they snorted, giggled, laughed, and chuckled, excited cheers and begging growls from close by silenced the giddy quartet.  Three blank faces watched a shockingly wicked grin sweep across Evagoria’s face.

“
It’s feeding time
,” she said darkly.  With these shadowy words as sharp as scythes, but softly spoken, they made their way to the crowded center of the marketplace.

Once there, the three visitors stared in wonder at the wildest of wild beasts.  Evagoria told them earlier that she had seen the caged brute many times, as it had of the princess.

As the seated Yeturi gazed back at her, did Evagoria’s eyes remind the furry monster of the deep blue sea surrounding the colony it left behind?

“Is it a boy or girl?” Persepolis asked.

“It’s a male,” Adamarcus answered quickly as if this question was for him.  The others looked at him queerly.  “You can tell by the horns.”

Horns or not, how the terrible troll stared at Evagoria told Adamarcus that it coveted her not so much in the way a Centaur might a Centauress, but how a fiendish collector would what it collects.  And the latter was much more dangerous in his eyes than the former.

“Right you are,” Evagoria confirmed.  “Good guess!”

Adamarcus studied the princess.  She seemed to be wholly unaware of how the shaggy ogre gazed upon her.  Evagoria now cocked her head to one side and pointed at its belly.

“Poseidon’s tail,” she blurted, “what are they feeding you?”  The Yeturi grunted back as if it understood her question.  “With each visit, the monster appears bigger and stronger than the last – it’s going to need a new cage soon!”

“How about the open air one from where it came?” Adamarcus snapped.

This Centaur no fool, he was rightly terrified of this, this … thing.

“Come on,” Persepolis chided, “have a sense of adventure!”  He gestured toward the cage.  “The little ones seem to like it.  Especially at feeding time.”

His friends now busily talking with each other, Adamarcus snuck away.  Two marble fountains that bookended the Yeturi enclosure on each side caught his eye as he did so.  Not quite in line with the cage, they sat about fifteen pike lengths away from it and were at least seven pike lengths in diameter.  Hieroglyphs carved in fine detail along the sides told stories of legendary Mermaid heroes and heroines alike.  Adamarcus could barely make out these carvings from where he stood, but knew that they were there.  He even knew of what they said.  During his first visit to Atagartis with his father, the newly elected Chiron, they spent a grand afternoon together reading them.

“Just what is that you have a hold of?” Adamarcus whispered to himself as he carefully made his way around the cage.

He had caught sight of something in the monster’s hand that needed a closer look.  The Yeturi repeatedly looking down at it had tipped him off.  Adamarcus started around the cage’s right side and then made his way toward the back.  The cage had open bars all around and an elegant bronze fence about half a pike length high surrounded it.  To his surprise, this fence was only about a pike length away from the cage.  Now at the back end of the cage and a bit past the creature’s right shoulder, Adamarcus peeked into its right hand.  A small shiny object glimmered back.  It was metal and small enough to hide in the sneaky beast’s palm once its claws wrapped around it.

Adamarcus leaned in closer.  As the monster opened its claws and again looked down, a single eye caught the one intending to spy on it.  In an instant, it leapt up, spun toward him, and let out a vicious roar.  Adamarcus and everyone around him leaned away from the cage like sunflowers in an open field caught in a sudden gust of wind.

Each horn bigger than his own head, this thing was even taller than he was!

With its free hand, the Yeturi then angrily shook the cage – complete silence swept over the marketplace.  Suddenly, gaping mouths and thumping chests turned into raucous cheering and thunderous applause.  Adamarcus terrified, everyone else was overjoyed.

With a last shake of the bar that it held and a deep growl, the Yeturi turned its back to Adamarcus and slumped to the floor of the cage.  As if stuck in ice, he could not move.  Luckily, Persepolis came over to help drag him away.

“P-Persepolis,” Adamarcus stuttered, “the monster … it has, it has something m-m-metal in its right hand.”

Persepolis was not impressed.  “Maybe it is a locket your stinking friend plans to give Evagoria for her birthday!” he offered with a laugh.

But Adamarcus did not laugh back.  The Yeturi now looked past him, right at Evagoria.  Again.  Aside from Adamarcus ‘interrupting’ it, the troll had done so since first seeing her.

“I don’t know,” Adamarcus drawled.  “The way it looks at Evagoria with those eyes the same color and fury of fire ––”

“HA!  The monster fancies the princess!”  Persepolis’ voice turned mysterious, wondrous.  “Eyes of enraged flame but calm embers when it looks tenderly upon Evagoria – could the Mermaid beauty feel the same way about the heinous beast?”

“Now that’s a creepy thought.” 

Persepolis laughed again.  ”Eh, forget about the troll.  Instead,” he spun Adamarcus toward Evagoria, “feast your eyes on
that
!”

As Evagoria looked about the market, her sparkling sapphires twinkled as if the only stars in the darkest night sky.  Not just any stars, but the brightest ones the heavens had ever bore.

“Good idea,” Adamarcus agreed in a relieved voice.  “What would I do without you, Persepolis?”

“I dare not guess, my friend,” Persepolis answered quietly in a serious voice.  “I dare not guess.”

Once they had gathered again with Evagoria and Taharqa, the two barely seemed to notice that Adamarcus had returned.

“It appears different than usual,” the beauty remarked as she gazed upon the beast.  “As I look into its eyes, take note of its mannerisms, it seems almost … thoughtful, thinking – perhaps even learning.”

These last three words – in a pitch that more suggested a question – intrigued Adamarcus.  He now looked harder at the Yeturi.  As this was the first one he had ever laid eyes on, he had nothing to base Evagoria’s observation on.  He was surprised, however, to see pieces of fabric strewn about the cage floor with knots in them.  As Adamarcus wondered if this mindless beast could possibly do this, he looked to its left claw and the fabric piece it held.  In an instant and without taking its stare off Evagoria, the Yeturi tied it into a perfect knot!  It then tossed this knotted cloth aside and, without looking down, scooped up another.

Although somewhat impressed, Adamarcus’ mind began to wander and he looked around for something else to do.  A sudden thirst sweeping across his searing lips – PERFECT!

“I see a kiosk that serves your favorite berry juice, Evagoria,” Adamarcus teased as he pointed in this kiosk’s direction.  “Come on, let’s go get some.”

“The sun is setting fast,” Taharqa reminded them.  “We need to hurry or it will close with the rest of the market and leave us parched.”

Evagoria nodded excitedly and, with her in the lead, the four headed to the kiosk.  As they did so, a couple of Mermaids passed by them with a waddling lamb as dinner for the fluffed troll.