Chapter 10

I'd like to start off by apologizing for the long absence. Suffice it to say, I let some personal issues affect me in the worst way. I'm still struggling to overcome these issues, but I am improving. To those who continue reading, I know I'm lucky to still have you, thanks.

Mei reached the top of the cliff and sat for a moment, panting breathlessly. Upon catching her breath, the girl stood and took in the view of the land around them. Immense, lush forest spread out as far as the eye could see. Pushing her hair back from her face, she look to the North of them. It's beautiful. But I don't see anything that looks even remotely like a city.

Before the young woman could react, a griffon snatched her off the cliff and flew quickly towards the ground. Gasping, Mei squirmed and tried to wrench herself free, only to have the creature dig its talons in more. She stiffened as the claws dug into her skin enough to draw a little blood.

Mei braced herself for the worst as the beast sat her down, however, it simply flew off after dropping her next to Jessie. Glancing at her companion, Mei noticed the red head had her hands up. Looking in front of her, the girl saw five enormous centaurs aiming spears at them.

Raising her hands, she spoke in Atlantean to them. "Please, we mean no harm. My friend and I are here solely to warn the Atlanteans of imminent danger."

The one who was apparently in command of this group of centaurs replied. "What sort of danger, girl?"

"I failed in my mission to protect the map pieces, and some humans from outside the barrier have come to try and invade and steal from Atlantis."

The group eyed them for a long moment. "You do speak our language. Unlike the boy we captured. Is he one of these invaders?"

Mei looked at Jessie and said in English, "I think they found Jonny." Then, turning back to the group before them responded. "If he's blond, no. He's a friend who tried to help me protect the secret."

Nodding to his companions, the leader announced. "We'll take them to the city. The king and queen shall decide how valid this threat is."

The girls were escorted back to a campsite where two more centaurs stood, guarding a blond youth. Glancing over, Jonny's face lit up with a combination of joy and relief. "Jessie, Mei. It is you, right Mei?"

"Yeah. I told them that we mean no harm. They plan to take us to Atlantis now. Are you okay, Jonny? Did anyone land with you?"

The young man remained seated as her replied, "Nope. I woke up all alone. Until my, umm, new friends stumbled across me. They didn't hurt me, but it was kinda close where they couldn't understand me."

Mei laughed as she and Jessie sat next to him. "I imagine so. If we're lucky, my sisters have been caught, too."

The young man tsked. "Don't count on it. I doubt we'd get that lucky."

Jessie nodded. "All we can do is warn the people here and hope they believe us."

The other girl sighed. "They should. It seems the inhabitants here know that time outside the barrier has passed and that there are few left on the outside that speak their language."

"So," Jonny hedged, "are you gonna tell them that Melana and Anaya are your sisters?"

"I am. Keeping it secret would only hurt our cause if it's discovered later. We need them to trust us. And, I'm fully prepared to take responsibility for my failure and any trouble those two cause. I allowed them to get here, after all."

~~~~~~~~~~JQ~~~~~~~~~~

Anaya and Melana cursed as they stumbled through the dense forest around them. "I can't believe how rough that landing was."

Looking at her sister, Melana scowled. "I'm more concerned with the fact that the zinja was trashed by some mythological beast we barely managed to evade and we've no hostages."

"Yes, that is very problematic. And we need to get to Atlantis before that traitorous sister of ours tells the people here about us."

"We should've just killed her after she showed us where the entrance was."

"I have a feeling you'll get your chance before all's said and done, sister. Be patient."

Upon hearing a rustling ahead of them, the girls became silent and crept forward to investigate. Peeking through the trees, they found a lake with two human teens dressed in clothing reminiscent of the ancient Greeks. The sisters smiled at one another before pouncing on their targets.

~~~~~~~~~~JQ~~~~~~~~~~

The group of centaurs herded the three teens into a vast city the likes of which they had never seen. Jonny, Jessie and Mei couldn't help staring in awe as they were lead up a ramp to where a floating platform waited. The humans hesitated upon reaching it.

"Is this safe?" Jessie inquired nervously.

The group leader spoke again and Mei translated. "He says to stand in the center of the disc. It'll take us to the palace where some guards will meet us."

The companions obeyed and boarded the platform. Once they were at the middle of it, the thing took off, zipping through the air. When it finally stopped, all three were crouching low on the disc. Two men were staring at them as they slowly rose to their feet.

One of them spoke when the group was standing. "I am Castor and he is Trollious. We are here to escort you to the throne room."

"My friends do not speak your language, so pardon them, please. We, won't resist you, so lead the way, if you will."

The other guard spoke then. "We must ensure that you are unarmed first."

Mei looked at Jessie and Jonny. "They have to check us for weapons, you two. Then we'll be taken to the throne room." She nodded at the guards. "They understand."

After being searched, the two guards led them to a gleaming, gold and ivory room that had tapestries and statuary adorning it. In the center of the room, sat two thrones. A muscular man with shoulder length, golden hair and intelligent green eyes stared at them.

Castor bowed deeply and the three youths decided kneeling was a safe option. "Sire, these are the strangers Ajax and his squad discovered."

"I am King Ulysses and beside me is my Queen, Theia. Who are you three? And how is it you are in our domain?"

Mei raised her head and spoke politely. "Sire, we come from the other side of the barrier to warn you. If you would, I implore you to hear our story."

The queen gave them a gentle smile. "We will here you, child. But, good manners dictate that you introduce yourselves first."

"I'm Mei. My companions, Jessie and Jonny, don't speak Atlantean. Please excuse the inconvenience as well as my rudeness."

Ulysses nodded. "I see. Then tell us what you need to, Mei."

"As I'm sure you already guessed, I'm from the temple charged with protecting Atlantis on the other side. I failed to stop some thieves from getting here. The thieves in question are my sisters and they are quite dangerous, Your Majesty. Please, prepare yourself for an attack. Warn your citizens to be careful."

I'll do my best not to leave you all hanging this time. Until next chapter, please let me know what you guys thought.