The Atlantean King's Quest

Acknowledgements:

Reading Emmet Sweeney gave me the idea for this story. Also, a lot of information was gleaned from reading Charles Ginenthal and I’d like to thank both of them for their overall research. I enjoy their work immensely. I’d also like to thank the publishers of the Penguin Classics and the novels of Charles Lamb which helped to ignite my love for ancient history as a teenager.

Some of the esoteric information I’ve recounted I can no longer remember when or where I became acquainted with such as the pepper in the paint used by the Phoenicians. I thank you as well. I would also like to thank Gunner Heinsohn for reigniting the debate. I cannot say I always agree with Professor Heinsohn but his perceptive, creative and unorthodox thinking is to be applauded.

NOTES FOR THE READER I:

The story is largely based on legends mostly distilled from the ancient Greeks and Egyptians. However, I also weighed material from Diodorus, Herodotus and even Basque legends with a smattering from the Celtic world as well as Biblical stories.

There are historical aspects of which you may not be aware of and I’ve added a section at the end – Notes for the Reader II – for some short explanatory tidbits. An example, tobacco and cocaine were used by the ancient Egyptian priests for their mummification rituals established as a forensic scientific fact in 1992.

(Ergo, there was definitely and decidedly contact between the Old World and the New World prior to Columbus and prior to the Vikings and even prior to the Egyptian priest who talked with Solon. It’s quite possible the Egyptian priests were using the New World narcotics at the time of Solon’s visit.)

There are other aspects of the personalities involved which as I was writing I realized did not have a motivation which seemed genuine and it was there that I had to consider and incorporate more imaginative data than the legends of old provided.

And of course, the most challenging problem: how to tease out the most likely or plausible occurrence from several conflicting accounts.

I hope you enjoy the history as well as the fiction.

THE ATLANTEAN KING’S QUEST

BOOK I - CHAPTER ONE

Quetzal enjoyed looking at the city as it grew larger. He loved this little city. Quetzal was not a young man but was still strong of body. A dignified mien with a broad forehead and large eyes and sported a long flowing beard an unusual attribute for an Atlantean. He was attired in a long white robe which reached his feet and was decorated with red crosses.

Of the five main cities of Atlantis this one alone seemed most blessed. The tidal waves missed this little nook on the island.

The city was built around a natural harbor which faced away from the scourge that was tsunami.

It would be the perfect place to retire, he thought. The use of the red and black building stone made for a wonderful panoply of color in contrast with all the lush foliage of the area. The small size of the town seemed to emphasize the beauty. Plus the city had an openness missing from other shore lined cities on the island. The openness was due to the lack of the massive megalithic stone formed in the usual circular locks used for protection from the tidal waves.

The mountain behind the town came nearly to the harbor and was lovely in its symmetry. The slopes were not precipitous and were heavily forested with the green of the trees and orchards fostering a sense of peace…of calm.

And calm was something he was still trying to achieve.

As the boat approached the quay the bouncing of the ship seemed to intensify. He hated the ships built with the skin hulls over the wooden frames. Even in calm waters it bounced.

He would take a ship of the new design with wooden hulls and deeper keels to visit the Olmecs. At least he had come to that decision.

He had helped to establish the main Olmec city, Tula it was now called, and supervised their important pyramid. He remembered it fondly.

The Olmecs were an interesting people and especially took to metallurgy and stone cutting and dressing.

Even better, the Olmecs were not as bloodthirsty as his people were. They did have blood-letting ceremonies but the killing of thousands for a blood sacrifice had not been instituted.

Which was the reason he had to leave Atlantis. He could not accept human sacrifice.

He had argued in the council chambers throughout the night before last that killing humans and animals had not helped. The god had already returned two times since the advent of flesh sacrifice.

True, the god took many generations to return but what of it? It had returned and no amount of human hearts pulled from their owner’s chest will change that.

Worse still, Quetzal was convinced the god would return once more. Just as the stars returned to their places the god in his scholarly understanding after years of study would return to visit and undoubtedly rain fire and brimstone once again.

Around twenty years by his calculations. No one seemed to accept this as yet but he knew within a number of years, possibly a decade or so, it would be obvious to all the astronomer priests. It all depended on the star Mars in his opinion.

They would have to tell the aristocrats who were, at least in name, priests in their own right with the king being high priest.

However, this was mere formality in Atlantis now. The priests at one time were the kings although they hadn’t used this word. It hadn’t existed as such. Prior to the first visit by the god matriarchy was the social standard. In some places, such as the Canary Islands, it still was.

He himself was an astronomer priest and he was related to the kings on the council therefore as such was sacrosanct. But he had worn out his welcome. With his constant travelling he had not developed a coterie of disciples. Nor had he created allies within the council. With very little clout the ideologues, religious fanatics, had won and he knew he could not remain on the island.

He definitely didn’t want to be around when the kings of the council recognized the impending catastrophe. He knew in his heart the Atlanteans and their allies, Basques, Iberians and other Berbers from northern Africa, would be pulled into war.

Certainly the Tyrrhenians would be the first to be absorbed. Atlantis already had a major presence and had recently established a colony in that area.

Quetzal could already see it his mind’s eye. The Atlanteans would use Malta as a base. They had already built up the island, concentrating on the harbor, with imposing and quite lovely megalithic structures.

Yet, as the god came closer more and more victims would be required. As the New World was still sparsely settled the bulk of the victims could only come from Egypt or Greece.

Quetzal wondered just how bad it was going to be. He somewhat wished he’d still be alive to see all that will happen but he was sixty and although he was not yet considered elderly he certainly was no longer young.

Twenty years?

Possible.

But not likely.

The Atlanteans and others such as the Greeks often lived into their eighties and sometimes into their nineties but a lot can happen and happen quickly which can cut off ones chances of dying in bed of an advanced age.

But did he really want to see the destruction? The death of the firstborn and flower of his society?

The healthy, the vibrant and the beautiful succumb as easily as the aged and newly born. Family members dying and the loss of whole populations. The devastation of the cities with fires so hot huge stone blocks melt as bee’s wax, earthquakes so powerful fifty foot thick walls tumble in ruin as a house of cards falls. Survival not of the fittest but of the lucky. The chosen few.

He couldn’t imagine the power of the earthquakes the god will bring. Earthquakes were still a common occurrence but the frequency has abated while forcefulness has waned in the last couple of generations.

He looked at the city as the ship’s hawsers were being tied to the quay. It would break his heart to see the destruction of this beautiful city. No, he decided with a heavy heart, he didn’t want to live that long.

CHAPTER TWO

Cadiz practiced and practiced some more. He seemed never to really tire of practice.

This was quite unusual for a twelve year old. But Cadiz was unusual. He was so unlike his cousins and father and siblings. He hadn’t recognized this as yet but all those on the council and all the priests knew it to be true.

He was getting a little tired of the aulos. He preferred the lyre so he could sing as he played. He loved to sing. He enjoyed being the center of attention which his singing and playing granted him.

Cadiz’s day started early; five o’clock in the morning. After a surprisingly austere breakfast for someone of royalty, hardly more than dried fish, fruit and cheese, he studied writing, astronomy, the rudiments of metallurgy, Greek and Egyptian as well as the musical instruments.

The Egyptian language wasn’t difficult as it was closely related to his native Berber tongue. The Greek proved more challenging but it was an important language as the Greeks were proving they were excellent merchant men and willing to go just about anywhere to trade.

The Greeks even went to the farthest reaches of the Black Sea to sell pineapples to the Assyrians. If the Greeks had an outlet to the Indian Ocean it would be they who would trade with the Indus Valley for the lapis lazuli of Afghanistan or the Jade from the Kunlun Mountains so highly prized by the Egyptians.

The Greeks were also the primary middle men with the Europeans, generally Thracians, in bringing gold from the Transylvania Mountains and other gems or minerals from even deeper in the heart of Europe.

Most of the amber from the Baltic passed through their hands.

Cadiz also liked the Greeks. They were much more like the Atlanteans then the Egyptians. They tended to be outgoing and even gregarious.

Greeks loved to excel in sports and never seemed to grow weary of training. Even their priesthood and royalty was more along the lines of the Atlanteans although the Greeks didn’t go in for the mummification that the Atlanteans developed.

One, the Greeks couldn’t acquire tobacco and cocaine in the quantities the Egyptians did. The Egyptians were willing to pay top prices for these items while the many and separate Greek states really didn’t have the amount of capital available as the Egyptians could amass.

Two, the Greeks preferred to use cocaine and peyote for their mystery cults and the mystery cults were not that well established as they would in later years as to afford these items. The mystery cults were still in the process of learning aspects of the Atlantean wisdom.

It didn’t hurt that the Greek women seemed like Atlantean women in looks but a little more outgoing and engaging. Cadiz rather enjoyed talking with the slaves who were Greek. They had quick minds and life interested them.

Being that he had not yet reached manhood Cadiz spent a lot of time with the slave women. In less than one year he’d be considered a man after the ceremony. This brought practice to a close.

He wondered, hoped, his uncle would perform the ceremony. His uncle was the only adult he felt comfortable with.

Cadiz took a few moments. The instructor was no longer present and the silence felt golden. He could hear bird song and nothing else. He loved moments like this. Made him wistful to compose songs he could sing.

Cadiz would have to go to weapons training after lunch with his twin brother Atlas. He wished for a brief moment that he could have been more like his brother.

They weren’t identical twins though they were both the same height. Where Cadiz had straight, sandy-colored hair Atlas’ head was filled with curly, dark brown hair. Atlas had deep dark brown eyes while Cadiz had eyes of light blue.

But the real difference was Atlas was thick and powerful. He took to sword play, javelin hurling and archery with a passion and an amazing aptitude. Their trainers in weapons recently had to get a bigger bow for Atlas. He’d pull the string back so far it would snap the wood of the bow.

Cadiz, of the same height, was slender of hips and shoulders. He was more graceful in movement than Atlas and though strong had not the natural power of his sibling.

Cadiz was daydreaming but became aware of something, someone, in the immediate environment. He looked up, smiled then yelled, uncle.

He stood up and ran to his uncle who was crossing the threshold of the patio leading into the music room. He embraced his uncle who hugged him back with a broad smile on his face. Quetzal was very fond of Cadiz.

Of all his relatives, and that no matter how distant, Cadiz was his favorite. The one who was deeply thoughtful and seemed to have an affinity for people.

It was somewhat amusing to Quetzal that both Atlas and Cadiz had a presence yet, each had a different kind of presence.

Atlas demanded attention. He was bold and spontaneous and physical even in a debate.

Cadiz on the other hand commanded respect. He was certainly as brave as Atlas but he wasn’t as naturally competitive as his brother. However, Cadiz wanted to excel because he wanted to see just how good he could be, therefore he tried as hard if not harder. Not because he wanted to dominate another but because he wanted to explore his potential.

The one odd thing about the twins is that they did not spend much time together. For Cadiz this was only acceptable as it was due to his station being of royal blood and soon to be a king of a city. He had to bow to the wishes of father, council and society.

For Atlas it was because he couldn’t intimidate his brother. He had tried to better Cadiz when they were younger since he was bigger and stronger. However, Cadiz was quicker and had a quicker mind since he was more detached when they wrestled or boxed.

When Atlas tried to overpower Cadiz as they wrestled he would find himself on his back, often with the wind knocked out of him, or if they boxed he would leave himself vulnerable to jabs to his face in hopes of landing one big blow.

To Quetzal Cadiz had the makings of a first class scholar. Maybe someone who would be more exalted as a scholar and achieve more than Quetzal himself.

He was secretly pleased that Cadiz was excellent at astronomy and mathematics. These were the two most important subjects for any society. Especially if he lives through another catastrophe brought about by the god, thought Quetzal.

If he does then he’ll be able to lead his people in rebuilding their material culture.

Uncle?

Hmm, oh sorry. I was daydreaming.

An eager lad wanted to know of Quetzal’s travels, what about? A dragon? Or a witch? Or…or…

Hold on Cadiz. I was thinking…well, in a sense you’re not incorrect. I was thinking about the god’s return…

The god isn’t coming back? Cadiz was horrified. Surely it won’t be coming back?

Quetzal sighed, let us sit. I have things which I think are important for you to hear.

They strolled to a stone bench. But when Cadiz sat Quetzal stood and was silent for a time. He had so much to say he didn’t know where to start.

To make matters worse he wasn’t sure a twelve year old could understand or accept some of what he felt should be discussed.

He sat with a sigh, I’ll…I intend to return to the Olmecs…

And miss my ceremony? You have to be the priest for me…because…well…

That would be a mistake at this time Cadiz.

What? No. You’re one of the highest ranking priests and also my uncle and I have the right to choose…

Cadiz was speaking so fast Quetzal had to place his hand on the lad’s shoulder.

Hear me out.

Again he was silent in an attempt to gather his thoughts into something logical and not overly convoluted.

I have studied ancient documents from everywhere I could find them. I have studied the stars as few ever have and I have deduced that the god will return.

He left that pronouncement hanging…where to go from there?

This is a very dangerous time…or at least it will become dangerous. I have made enemies and must leave…for you…and a few others, to be safe.

Cadiz sat and stared at his uncle. Danger? What could be more dangerous than the god?

CHAPTER THREE

Well, yes. There is no greater danger than the god but there are dangers from people…from other…royals.

Cadiz just sat and stared in confusion.

I have enemies. A number of enemies for a number years. I’ve outlived most of them but the latter generation is even more adamant and completely locked into a world view I disagree with mightily.

Is it about…well, I heard you do not care for…or that you think sacrifices…?

Quetzal held up his hand, let me finish those thoughts for you. But first, there was a reason for my not sharing my views with you. It was to protect you…from those who feel I do not have the best interests of the council at heart. Since I’m the leading astronomer priest I was able to instruct you about the stars…but little else.

However, in the time we’re together and I’m not teaching I can talk about all kinds of things. Such as now.

So, most now feel that blood sacrifice, the murder of humans and slaughter of animals, should not only be the prerogative of the god but that the god gave us this prerogative as well…like he showed us the ability to make metal from ore. All the younger priests feel this way.

I have argued against this…to no avail. No one will listen to me anymore. I abhor violence and the murder of people but I also feel it’s quite unnecessary.

Quetzal looked around, I must talk to you without others hearing. He seemed satisfied no one was eavesdropping.

The god has visited us three times. In each visit the world and man has suffered. What have you been taught about that?

Cadiz shrugged, I’ve been taught the god wants human and animal blood…and to reshape the world.

Why were you taught that?

Why? I don’t know why…I guess it’s common knowledge.

It’s a common thought no doubt about that. But who decided that this was true?

Cadiz tried to answer and his face showed the difficulty in formulating an answer or at least something which made sense.

I guess I wasn’t told that? Is it important? It is tradition after all.

Tradition at this time but not before the god first appeared. It only became tradition with usage. Usage or tradition does not make it right. And it is important.

No one knows who came up with the notion that the god had cognition and desires. That the god wanted human and animal blood. There is no way to prove this. The ultra-religious kill because they think this to be true…well, at this point they believe it to be true but that does not make it so. Belief is not fact.

Yes, but the god hasn’t returned in a long time…almost four generations. Before that it was more than six generations.

Quetzal nodded. The problem with this god was its irregularity in returning. The moon could be observed and was watched and recorded almost daily. The sun was up every morning and no one doubted this even when the day was overcast. But the god…?

But it does return and I believe it will return in about twenty years. The others do not accept this but I am convinced my calculations are correct. I have found that Mars sometimes interacts with our god. This will happen again…and maybe again after that.

But…does this mean that sacrifices have no effect? Or…does it mean that the sacrifices need to be…?

Quetzal smiled. He saw his young nephew understood.

With the current thinking that the god craves human blood then logic follows: if the god returns then the god was not given enough human blood. When the council understands the return is imminent they will believe they only need to murder more humans and the god will leave them alone.

Yes, Cadiz. Human sacrifice will increase. To do that the Atlanteans will go to war. That’s only one reason why you are not considered for kingship on the island. Being a king on the island would place you on the council. Some on the council and many regular folks would listen to you. The hawks and the religious ideologues will want to go to war. You would be in their way.

Cadiz looked at his uncle as he thought things through. If I am not to be king here…then what will they do with me? Surely, uncle, they wouldn’t sacrifice me?

This I can say with some certainty, they are not ready for regicide. That would be a dangerous precedent as it could become a tradition. Then every royal would have to beware. No, you are safe but you will have to leave as well and…

Cadiz quickly stood up, really? Do you think so? Can I go to Greece? Can I…?

Quetzal held up his hand, yes, I rather thought you’d not be too brokenhearted. And yes, once you’re king you can pretty much go anywhere…until the time that your relatives here decide to make war.

Well…uncle? Where is it I am to be king?

Once your coming-of-age ceremony is complete you will lead a colony to southwestern Iberia. Our metallurgists have had a breakthrough in making a stronger metal than copper as you probably know. Cadiz nodded his head.

They have found out when tin is added to copper the result is a stronger metal. Tin bronze it is called. This is called alloying. The search for tin has been going on for a little while and it was recently found that Iberia has deposits of this tin ore. The method of extracting ore has also improved. Therefore, it has been decided that you are to be king of the colony which is close to the deposits.

In an afterthought he added, it’s in the southwestern area of Iberia.

Cadiz nodded, this was not bad news. He had always wanted to go to Greece and now he’d be closer. He wondered what the name the colony would be called.

But…I’ll need a regent for…couldn’t you come with me?

Quetzal smiled. Cadiz will not have it easy but if he should survive the god’s next visit which he felt was likely if Cadiz was ensconced in his mainland city then he may become a leading figure in the surviving world.

No. Not at this time. However, I am to tutor you in astronomy and mathematics before you become a man. I will also teach you about aspects of our deeper thoughts on religion and the spiritual mysteries. I will even add as much history as I can…at no cost to you. They both laughed at this. Sometime later I will come and visit.

Cadiz hugged him saying he couldn’t wait for the visit. Quetzal’s mind thought rather laconically, ‘that will probably be the worst day in my life.’

BOOK II - CHAPTER ONE

Cadiz stood in the bow of the ship called Tulan. The wind felt wonderful against his face, his sandy hair, down to his shoulders flowed behind him. He tucked his long forelock behind his ear so it wouldn’t whip around and strike his face. He held the feathers in his hand or lose them to the wind. He loved the speed of this ship.

Anti hated to be left behind and padded slowly to his master. The dog’s sea legs were better but the hound still had some difficulty with the swaying of the ship. Anti, named after a hero-God of the Atlanteans, was not a large animal, about thirty pounds and adored Cadiz. He had been with Cadiz since he had been weaned four years earlier. However, Cadiz hadn’t noticed Anti.

He was considering what he and the others had learned from a Phoenician captain in the port. The three others were still in the quarterdeck discussing what the militarism of the Assyrians might mean.

^^^

The Phoenician captain, Ahazabaal, stood on the steps near the sculpture of the lying bull and watched the Tulan as it left the harbor of Malta. His hand gripped the bull’s horn closest to him as he considered the Atlanteans. He gestured to his crew on the beach to make ready to sail. He knew he’d reach Crete before the young king.

He found the Atlantean nothing like what he had supposed. Young, yes, and one would therefore think of immaturity but this king had real intelligence. Yet he was an Atlantean. But was he so much like those on the council of Atlantis?

This was the real question was it not?

CHAPTER TWO

The Tulan consisted of twenty rowers and a mainsail with a rectangular sail near the bow.

It was much smaller than the cargo ships at nearly forty feet and twelve feet abeam and it was built for speed with a true rudder. A new innovation. It’s quarterdeck near the stern was built with some concession to comfort. It was where Krater, Hadeus the Atlantean consultant and Arbitreas the rhetorician were lounging.

As Krater and Arbitreas discussed aspects of the trade negotiations in lieu of the Assyrian military build-up and aggression Hadeus nodded as if he was following their chat but he watched Cadiz. He didn’t like Cadiz one iota. He was so different than his brother Atlas. He just knew Cadiz could not be trusted. That Cadiz would not place the interests of the Atlantean council and priesthood first.

Hadeus knew deep in his bones Cadiz was a lot like his uncle the heretic. Just the way he was familiar with the Basque or the rowers. Not enough decorum or aloofness. No, he was not a true Atlantean at heart.

At twenty-three Cadiz didn’t care about propriety as much as he might if he had been older.

Yet, the lack of convention could have been because there had been no other important Atlanteans in his governing council during the regency period prior to his sitting on the throne when he reached the age of eighteen. Coming of age with mostly foreign people for subjects allowed him to develop a sense of connection with the native Iberians rather than to feel apart due to his station.

He liked the Iberians. They generally were very easy going and never seemed to hurry. Yet, this did not mean they were not diligent. For they were quite industrious. The Iberians also were not racially arrogant and had a great tolerance of other people. One of the things which made for easy transition was the Berbers and Iberians were the first peoples to develop art for art’s sake as well as commercial ties. They had already started on this prior to the god’s first visit. The survivors and their descendants have been close since that time.

Since Cadiz was naturally tolerant, a further extenuating reason for his exile as the royals on the council were growing less and less accepting, his subjects took to him.

One of the things the Iberians admired was Cadiz’s distaste for human sacrifice and his equanimity in choosing Iberians for important positions in his administration. Even the rowers for his personal transport ship were hired and not slaves as was his right.

They rowed all the harder for this.

His First Minister was half Basque and half Atlantean. His name was Krater and he took to his Basque heritage. He was five inches shorter than Cadiz at five feet six inches but very stout. He had thick black hair which he kept short and not like the flowing locks of the Atlanteans. His beard was quite thick and full but he did not allow it grow to any appreciable length although again it was somewhat different than the Atlanteans who preferred to keep their beards quite trim.

As the Basques had a large enclave in the Pyrenees Mountains as well as on the closest island near Atlantis this choice in First Minister produced a feeling of connectedness to the young king within the Iberian community.

And the choice was not even one of shrewdness. Cadiz chose Krater not because it might help him in ruling the Iberians but because he liked the perceptiveness of Krater and Krater’s lack of formality. Krater talked to him as a mentor as well as a counselor. This suited Cadiz as it reminded him of his uncle Quetzal.

However, the choice did not sit well with the priests in the newly established city of Cadiz; the city was named after its young king.

The priests were Atlantean. This could not be avoided as he had no choice in the matter. Although, it might be said as a king Cadiz had independence this was only true to an extent and in many respects to a rather small extent.

The council on Atlantis still had considerable power in decision making for any and all of their colonies. Cadiz, while not on the council proper, was one of the kings in a subsidiary role, and in theory having a certain amount of autonomy.

He and other kings such as on Malta, Tyrrhenia or in North Africa, both on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts were consultants.

They were never consulted.

It had been the council which appointed the priests for the new city. The council had appointed a number of young and zealous priests but had to allow for tradition and sent an elderly sage to head the delegation.

Cadiz had passed an edict which the elderly priest had accepted and even secretly approved which had a tremendous affect in cementing Cadiz’s young rule. The law stated that only those too infirm or near death and children with deformities would be accepted as sacrifices. And criminals, although there was scant little crime in the newly established city.

This was not acceptable to the young zealots but Cadiz’s rationale could not be rebutted in argument by them. The reality was the god had killed the infirm and well as the healthy. Cadiz contended the god didn’t seem to care where the blood came from. This was an inference which they could not gainsay him.

All mothers had a huge collective sigh. They now knew their children would not be taken as sacrificial victims as the Phoenicians were wont to do.

Cadiz wanted the dragon, Leviathan, to be the representation of the god in his city but in this he had lost out to the traditional bull with horns. Poseidon was, of course, the Atlantean’s personal deity and was represented in sculptures and statues throughout the city especially around the harbor.

The harbor, and the city behind it, was constructed at the eastern end of a large bay using typical Atlantean harbor construction with huge stone blocks shaped in circular walls to impede any tsunami which might appear.

Cadiz and the ship, Tulan, had left his city five days earlier for the harbor of Malta. Talks with the local potentates and the council representatives took all of one day and a half. Cadiz and the others had wanted to relax before heading off to the Atlantean ports on the North African coast but a semi-secret meeting with the Phoenician captain occurred instead. It gave all four of them a lot to consider; assuming they actually knew what was truth, fiction or elaboration.

With a strong wind behind them the ship sailed without the use of the oars. Cadiz wasn’t in any particular hurry