21 |

Professor Gadeiros’ Residence
Atlantis
Before the fall

 

Ampheres stepped through the door, Mestor’s hand pressed firmly on his back, urging the reluctant professor forward. The interior of the home was dark, all the windows covered, any lighting extinguished. The door closed behind him, completing the effect. He heard the distinct strike of a fire starter and a spark lit the room with a brief flash before a lamp emitted a dull glow.

“Okay, quickly people, let’s not keep our guest in the dark too long.”

Ampheres heard feet shuffling before he made out the silhouettes of those acting upon the orders of a voice he could never forget, but hadn’t heard in years. He was grateful for the few moments of privacy, steeling for the encounter about to come. Curtains were moved aside behind him, allowing the light to flood in from the overhead windows, the lower windows still covered for privacy’s sake. He blinked several times, then stared at his former mentor, Professor Gadeiros, unsure of what to do.

Gadeiros had no such indecision.

He stepped toward him, his arms extended, a broad smile on his face. “My, how you’ve matured!” He embraced Ampheres, giving him a thumping hug, as if the rift between them had never existed, and Ampheres had merely been off on some journey for the past ten years.

“I, umm, it’s, umm, good to see you, Professor.”

Gadeiros eyed him. “Are you sure?”

Ampheres’ eyes shot wide, his jaw dropping before snapping shut. Gadeiros tossed his head back, roaring with laughter.

“You should see your face, my old friend.” He motioned toward a chair, Ampheres finally noticing the other half-dozen in the room, all young, possibly students of the esteemed professor. He sat, his old mentor sitting across from him. “Your presentation didn’t go well.”

Ampheres grunted, folding his arms. “No, I should say not.”

“I thought you presented your findings quite well, and your insults were well-timed. Stealing Poseidon’s Trident was a foolish ending, however.”

Ampheres’ eyes narrowed. “Were you there?”

Gadeiros nodded. “In the gallery. I had heard you were presenting, and wanted to hear what you had said.”

Ampheres glanced at Mestor. “I understand you presented your own findings recently?”

“Yes, and they too fell on deaf ears, I’m afraid. I had hoped when one of the most respected academics of the city backed up my findings, perhaps those fools would listen, but your actions, I’m afraid, have negated anything you said.”

Ampheres stared at his former mentor, dumbfounded at the words. “Most respected academics? Was someone else presenting today?”

Gadeiros laughed, the others in the room joining in. “My young friend, do you still think so little of yourself after all these years? Your accomplishments are well-known throughout the city by those who should know of these things, and I have followed your career with pride, if not some shame.”

Ampheres’ eyes narrowed. “Shame? What could you possibly be ashamed about?”

“How I treated you. I let your relationship with my daughter, and its unfortunate demise, destroy our relationship. I should have been able to separate the two, but unfortunately, I couldn’t. My daughter was hurting, and you were already dating someone else. I protected my daughter, rather than my daughter and my apprentice.” He sighed. “The heart is a foolish organ, is it not?”

Ampheres grunted. “You won’t get any argument from me.” He lowered his eyes. “How is, umm, your daughter?”

“She is well. She married, as I’m sure you know, and has two children of her own. It is a good match, a better match than I fear you two would have made, as are you and your wife.”

Ampheres’ eyes widened and he leaped to his feet. “My wife and children! I have to go get them!”

Gadeiros raised a hand, urging him back into his seat. “Why?”

“They’re in danger! If the Enforcers are after me—”

“They are after you, not your family. We are a civilized society. The worst that may happen is that they are taken in for questioning, then released this evening. They’ve done nothing wrong, and the law knows that.”

Ampheres dropped into his seat. “But they’ll be worried.” He shook his head. “I have to make sure they’re okay.”

Gadeiros leaned forward and patted Ampheres’ knee. “Not to worry, my friend. My people have already moved to secure them. You shall be with them shortly.”

Ampheres’ hammering heart continued to pound, not calmed by Gadeiros’ assurances. “I don’t understand. What is going on here?”

Gadeiros sighed. “The end of the world, if your findings, and mine, are to be trusted.”

Ampheres took several deep breaths, trying to calm his heart. “I still don’t understand. What is going on? Why have you brought me here? Why have you taken my family?”

Gadeiros smiled gently at someone behind Ampheres.

“He’s trying to save your life, silly.”

Ampheres leaped to his feet, his eyes wide as he turned to stare at the first woman he had ever loved. “Leukippe! I, umm, I—” He sighed, his shoulders slumping, his chin dropping to his chest. “I have no idea what to say.”

Leukippe, as beautiful as ever, stepped closer, placing a hand on his chest, patting him gently. “‘Hello’ might be a good start.”

He lifted his chin slightly, staring into her eyes, his heart slamming once again, this time with a shame he hadn’t felt in years. “I think ‘sorry’ might be better.”

She smiled then suddenly thrust into his arms. He returned the hug, then felt her push away slightly, and he let go. “It’s so good to see you.” She gently smacked him on the cheek. “That’s for being a foolish boy.”

He smiled, his cheeks flushing. “I deserved much worse.”

She tapped his chest. “And believe me, ten years ago you would have gotten a good thrashing, I assure you. But you were right, we weren’t right for each other. We were both in the relationship for the wrong reasons. Though it was painful, we both ended up where we should have.”

He smiled, relieved. “I’m happy to hear you say that. I’ve felt horrible all these years for what I had done. I’m pleased to hear you have made a wonderful life for yourself. Children, I hear?”

“Yes. They’re already on the boat, with my husband, but I wanted to be here to see you when you arrived, just in case you tried anything foolish like refusing to come with us.”

Ampheres’ eyes narrowed. “I don’t understand.” He turned toward Gadeiros. “You still haven’t told me why I’m here.”

“I brought you here to save your life, and to save Atlantis.”