“King Nereus, I have not been Poseidon’s high priest for eleven thousand years by misinterpreting his words, especially when he states them directly to me in his temple. He has not visited his temple since we sank. That alone marks the beginning of the prophecy. She is the key.” He was angry with the king for questioning him. The walls of the palace started to shake, and I gripped Raif’s arm, fearful. I hated earthquakes and this didn’t make any sense. No one else seemed to be concerned, and the trembling only lasted seconds.
“What are we to do then?” King Nereus sighed as he gracefully fell into his seat and looked expectantly at Atreyu. I had thought it was a rhetorical question, but apparently, he needed answers.
“Poseidon also reminds me that, like us, she does have free will. She does not have to fulfill the prophecy at any stated date, if ever. There is also the possibility that if she is quarantined she will never meet her alma xemelga. She has only had physical contact with our immovable Raifuku and his apprentice, Michael. As is apparent by his lack of emotion, she was unable to break through Raifuku’s defenses, and since Michael is tending to temple duties and not pining for her, we can be assured that she has not found her alma xemelga quite yet. You forget that I was around when Poseidon and Cleito walked these shores together and I am intimately aware of the effects of finding one’s alma xemelga.” He paused for a moment. “We do have another option. We need not ever fulfill the prophecy if we destroy this Surface Dweller. Be warned, though, those that went against Poseidon in the past suffered greatly for it. I know the pull of one’s alma xemelga is great, and Poseidon has yearned for the day when he can reunite with Cleito again.” There was an instant hush at his words. Some shed tears at the mention of Poseidon and Cleito; others looked around in fear at the mention of her name.
“My king, if I may.” Raif’s bored tone echoed around the room. “Perhaps we should take some time to discuss the options further. It might be a good idea to open the door to our fellow Atlanteans to bring their desires and concerns to you as this affects us all. Atreyu can continue to consult the scrolls and discuss the matter further with Poseidon. Perhaps there is another way the prophecy can be fulfilled at a later date. Or, when Lady Natasha is fully briefed, she can be part of the decision. Must anything be decided now? This is a time of celebration; Poseidon has gifted us with a female after years of silence. I will take her to my home with me so that she remains under constant guard and will have no further contact with any Atlanteans, thereby eliminating the opportunity for her to create a bond. We shall return the instant the decision is made to hear your ruling. Is this sufficient for the Council?” Silence fell over the room after Raif’s speech.
“Hey—” I was cut off by a painful grip on both my hand and hip as Raif swept me behind him. Apparently Raif sensed that I was going to ask to just be sent home. I held my tongue. I trusted Raif enough to get me out of here without them opting to kill me.
“Raifuku speaks with the sort of knowledge and foresight that should have been delivered to King Atlas before we joined the last war. We will open court tomorrow for all who wish to voice their concerns either for or against the destruction of this woman. She will remain Raifuku’s prisoner and all are forbidden to associate with her. When the sun rests in three days, the Council shall convene again to either fulfill the prophecy or eliminate the cause for concern. It is so decreed. May Poseidon bless you with clear skies and strong winds at your back.” With Nereus’ words, Raif took hold of me. He turned me to face him.
“Natasha, I apologize for this, but I need you to close your eyes and allow me to carry you. I will explain everything when we get home,” he whispered, so softly I barely heard him. Though his whispered words carried concern, his face, which was visible to every Atlantean in the crowd, only showed boredom.
He quickly scooped me up and threw me over his shoulder in a fireman’s carry so I could stare at his backside. My protests died as soon as they started. He had a very nice butt. I held on tight, but there was no way I was closing my eyes from this view. He turned and hurried out of the building with determined strides.
I couldn’t help but picture his face with a firm expression on it, daring anyone to approach him. I watched as feet turned away from us, until they completely disappeared from my viewpoint. We cleared the building and Raif swept me from his shoulder to his arms, holding me like I was cherished. He ran to his home. We were there within minutes with his stride and speed. He was barely out of breath.
“Okay, Raif, you can put me down now and tell me what is going on.” He set me down in his living room and started pacing. I didn’t know whether I should go to him, or let him come to me. In my mind those were the only two options. I was also trying to maintain my indignant anger at how I’d been treated. My blood boiled just thinking about the hundreds of strangers convening to decide my fate as if I were an inconvenience. “Raif, please talk to me. I have to know what’s going on.”
I tried to intercept him during one of his passes, but he evaded me. As he passed I could hear him
