Elizabeth G. Birkmaier

“ When he was able to sit up, his father whispered:
“We have need of care. The stones have eyes, the air hath ears. Now, hearken, for soon will I go back to the temple.”
Hellen pressed his hand in assent; then asked:
“But, first—mother. Is she well?”
“Thy mother is as well as she can be under her great grief.”
“The gods be thanked. Ah, what a wretch am I! Father, when thou knowest my evil heart, thou wilt not own me.”
“Fear not, Hellen. Thou art but man. And now, hearken.”
“I will.”
“Hellen, after the Atlanteans had borne away thyself and Æole, I reached Larissa to find thy mother nigh to death. ”

“ I care for children but to vex Oltis. As life is, they are ever a trouble.”
27“I care not about Oltis. For trouble, fathers have no trouble. It is the mothers alone—who have to bear—that have the right to murmur. But I should never murmur.”
“Nay, for a queen need have no care.”
“I should have care, and hail it, were I many times a queen.”
Such strong yearning was in her face that the king exclaimed:
“Atlana, what is it? What is upon thee? Is it this matter of war?”
“Day and night I think of naught else. Hard have I tried to be brave. Atlano, go not from me. The pain I cannot bear.” ”

“ Ah, if Atlano but knew! Even as it is—how hath he longed for thy blood. And—to find—thou art—Deucalion!”
“This knowledge must be thine alone. He is not to know.”
“I will be dumb. But how hast thou mastered us.”
“I will master you—when, with the children, I am on the sea, and facing Pelasgia.”
“How didst thou get such power? Are there gods?”
“Oltis, there are. Know sorrow for thy sin, ere it be too late.”
“I cannot. Of what use is such sorrow? It would come only of fear. Should the fear be no more, I would be as I have been.”
“Thou speakest truth. Sorrow for sin should come of the heart alone. ”

“ Would ye could forget.”
“Dear Queen Atlana,” returned Æole, “it is our wish not to forget. The lotus is not for us. Most dear art thou, as thou knowest. But ever, at sight of the sea, cometh this wish to breast it, that we may learn of our home. Ah, the drawing! Ah, the pain!”
“Yea,” added Hellen, “when we look upon the sea, we can but dash against our bars. This causeth us to go so little to the shore. At sight of the luring, mocking water that leadeth to Pelasgia, we grow sick of our longing.” ”

“ But, at the moment of first beholding thee, there was such a springing up of strong, fond wish for thee that I became stricken with fear that such might be for naught, that thou wouldst feel for me but pity, because of my looks and state. Ah, what I bore! Tell me, dear Æole, that thou didst not feel thus.”
“Sensel, from the first was I drawn to thee, and often did I wonder over my feelings. But when thou didst bear me from the temple to the chariot of the queen, then I knew—knew how dear wert thou. And how hath it grown. Should we be parted, life would be more than an Atlantis of sorrow!” ”

“ Less worked I for life than for thy peace of mind. Though life is without price whilst thou art of it. Now, it is past belief that I am with thee, that peace and joy are our own, that I hold thy hand, that I kiss it thus!”
Æole had never seen anything so beautiful as his smile. She looked down at her hand, then at his; and upon her came the desire to kiss this hand so enfolding hers. But, her look was more than many kisses, as she said: “Sensel, our lives will prove our thanks.”
“Our life, Æole.”
Now upon his ears smote sore interruption. The voices of Hellen and Electra were very near. ”

“ After one keen look, Deucalion bowed his head as if satisfied, and whispered: “I will first look to the queen.”
He found Atlana’s set face like that of death, and instantly was applying restoratives. Then leaving Rica and Elna to chafe her hands, he returned beside Æole.
Sensel seized his hand. “Ah, Deucalion, what a power is thine!”
“Yea, Father. But, how camest thou by it? Never hath the like been known in Atlantis. Else those priests would not have been mastered.”
“Long hath it been mine, Hellen. Though I know not what it is. It must be a hidden force of nature that few hold. ”

“ She looked so incredulous that he laughed. “I say the truth, Atlana. We are to war.”
“To war!”
Her face had blanched, yet she could not believe.
“Yea, Atlana, to war. A new power showeth itself to the north of Khemi. It aimeth to hold the Middle Sea. We go to crush it!”
She grew faint at his relentless tone. However, she managed to plead:
“It cannot harm us. Spare it.”
“Spare it! Much would it spare us should it grow stronger. Even now is it mighty enough to thrust us to one side. Do us harm! That is my fear.”
“Atlano, I beseech that thou wilt seek no quarrel with this people.” ”

“ In his immobility and dread, he moaned:
“My foe—Deucalion—here—under my hand—and I not to feel it. How often have I longed to yield him on the altar—that ‘Silent Priest.’ Baffled, and by such arts! Oh, for Deucalion! To have him here for one instant, even!”
“Call to mind how thou didst pale before him but last night,” derided Oltis. “Wouldst thou grow weak again under his eyes? The man is master of strange, dire powers. Well is it he hath gone. Though—the queen!”
“Name her not. Ah, how hath she known thee. How hath she borne with me. What sorrow hath been hers. ”

“ Electra, I pray for death!”
“Not so, dear Queen,” answered Electra, bending over her in tears. “It is not thine to pray for death. It was not mine to pray for death as I did when I thought Æole had passed away. It is ours to be calm, and bear, believing all is ordered.”
“Electra,” was whispered, “this moment I feel that I hate Æole; and now that I say it I am flooded with fond feeling for her. I am torn—torn!”
“Ever art thou fond of her, dear Queen. But, thou wouldst have reason, were she not so pure, to hate her without end. But, thou must think, it is Æole—pure, weak, grieving Æole.” ”

“ Poor Atlana, how often hath she warned me. Now—for thee!”
He half arose, Oltis again awaiting him, his eyes flaming; but, as before, he sank in his chair, his muscles refusing to go farther.
“Why can I not walk?” he cried frantically. “Oltis, thou art bewitching me? Or, is it, in truth; the gods? We made the show not to believe in them—did we not? We believe now, ha—ha! Let us not fear. Let us curse each other—and them. Then will I go from here, and hunt up those lagging priests. This light on the altar groweth too dim. The gods will be getting in even worse temper because of it. ”

“ He laughed derisively. “I gave but to take away.”
“Atlano, have mercy. The temple is no place for Æole—for any maiden—any woman.”
“Beware,” he vociferated, in warning tone. “Thou ravest. Have a care. Thou wouldst mock.”
“Mock!” Such meaning was in her look that his lips paled. “Mock! Thou dost use that word, and to me.”
“Atlana, cease, or thou wilt have sorrow.”
“Sorrow! What sorrow is like to this, to take Æole from me. Say thou wilt not.”
“Oltis is firm. Æole will serve in the temple. Hellen will be the messenger.” ”

“ Æole, I often heard our father say: ‘It is much to win a battle, more to do a kind act.’”
“Ah, Hellen, Hellen! Of late, I dream much of our father. But last night, he came to me in sleep, and whispered, ‘Æole, all will be well. Have hope.’ Thinkest thou it was his spirit talking to mine? Is it that in sleep our spirits so throw off the bonds of flesh as to have full being? Is it that they can see, can hold sweet speech with those beyond? Yea, it is, it is! I know that our father is not of earth—that he cometh to me in spirit. And our mother? If he hath gone, she hath not staid. ”

“ Oltis and Urgis looked at each other in doubt, more than in doubt. For fear lurked behind the doubt—the fear that comes of dread of penalty—the fear that will attack the stoutest, most reckless villains, at times. What was there in this mysterious priest that served to tongue-tie them, as it were—yet loosened every evil and falsity of their souls until their minds beholding, shrank from such as though they were ghastly phantoms? ”

“ Thus to charge the best we have known in our lives. This is what Atlantis hath done for thee!”
Sweet peace was again spreading her wings. And Electra was fearful she would get far away. Yet, Æole, in her sweet indignation, was right. Hellen was almost impious. In dread, she looked from one to the other.
“Æole, our eyes were young when we were torn from them. Young eyes are fond; they see no faults.”
“Would we had died young, Hellen. To grow old enough to see faults, such faults in those so dear—and to charge them—should cause one to sorrow for his birth.” ”

“ QUEEN ATLANA. From the state chamber the king sped buoyantly through the great hall, with its lines of bowing officers and attendants, each as smiling as himself over this war prospect; and thence, to the right, along the corridor, to the queen’s bower room.
Most eloquently did this large apartment testify to the industry of the queen and her ladies, as theirs were the embroidery upon the hangings of byssus and the coverings of the couches, the plaiting of the great mats upon the inlaid floor, the festooning of the flowers from the satinwood walls. ”

“ But that may be thine. Sorrow thus for warmth to the gods.”
“Sir Deucalion, I know no warmth of feeling. I never knew such for aught of earth—not even for my children. How then could I know it for the gods, if such there be? I tell thee if there is a life beyond, I am doomed.”
“Say not so, Oltis. If one spark of feeling could begin to glow in thy heart, it would spread, giving heat, life to all the inner man—wouldst thou grant it air. Faint though the spark, it groweth with little feeding.” ”

“ Terror-stricken, the people scattered, seeking shelter. Some ran to their homes, others to the palace. But many rushed into the great court of the temple, thence on to the temple, there to utter dismayed cries at beholding the altar fire but a faint spark. Despite the almost darkness they pressed on, invading the sacredness of the inner sanctuary. Here, by the dim lamplight, did they further behold Atlano and Oltis, still as iron, still glaring at each other. ”

“ Then paused before the queen, declaring:
“Æole shall not go to that temple. May her life cease ere then. Thinkest thou, dear Queen, that I have no eyes, no ears?”
“Hellen, what knowest thou?”
“I know—that—for all its fair outward look—evil worketh within. The gods are thought of only in form. Those priests would be gods, would rise in their flesh to heaven. Have I not heard the whisperings of the people as to the noise and mirth of the inner parts? Is not Oltis without truth, full of guile? Is not the worship mocked? ”

“ Shortly, herself, the king, and a few of the nobles, with their wives, went gliding down Luith to the harbor. But great heaviness of spirit was beneath the smiles of these 28women; and this heaviness increased when, upon arriving at the harbor, they beheld the many war vessels in brave array, with pennants flying, and men crowding their decks. Bitter was it to listen to the exulting speeches of Atlano and his nobles; bitterer, to listen to the acclamations of those on deck and shore. The nobles’ wives looked from their queen to each other, but could derive no comfort, no hope. ”

“ After a little, Pyrrha inquired of her husband, “When can I see the queen?”
“On the morrow, I hope. She is better, though she seemeth to see no one about her, not even her ladies. If she could but arouse. It may be that thou wilt do it, that thou wilt bring her back to peace. She is lost in grief.”
“The poor queen—without kin, without a land!”
“Poor people!” said Prince Pelasgus.
“We will make it bright for them in Pelasgia,” spoke Hellen.
“We will,” declared Deucalion.
“We will,” echoed all.
“We know what it is to be strangers in a far land,” added Hellen. ”

“ At length Æole spoke.
“This is a most smiling spot. Why are not the people better?”
89“They lack thought for gods and man,” answered Electra.
“Yet—they show faith in worship.”
“It is the letter not the spirit. Theirs is a weak faith; their only feeling a warm one for self.”
“Yea, they are sunk in thought of self, and thus in the placing high of self,” added Hellen.
“It is too true. Atlano and Oltis would be gods. They would scale heaven—there to be waited upon by even Amen and Poseidon. Ah, what a spirit of evil hath mine uncle—he brother of my mother!” ”

“ And Æole quickly became proficient in embroidery, in the spinning and weaving of cotton and wool, in flower culture, and in poultry raising. Soon, like Queen Atlana, she had her own particular flower garden, and her pets among all our fowls of to-day with the exception of the turkey. Soon, even, she was wearing robes similar in fashion to the queen’s, of her own weaving and embroidering. The queen never tired of exclaiming to the king at the progress of this youth and maiden.
But, though busy and outwardly cheerful, Hellen and Æole ever longed for Pelasgia. ”

“ Deucalion continued, “Sir Captain, tell us of it.”
“Sir, these vessels here lying have since come into harbor from their voyages. This they found. Now we wait for others, when we will build again the port. Some of yonder vessels look Pelasgian; and thou art of us. Tell me, when sailed thy vessels? And greeting to them, and thee. So much will every vessel and every man help to bring the port to itself.”
The prince now spoke. “Thou wilt find us but too glad to help. But, Sir Captain, I would question thee. Do any of the port live?”
“Not one liveth.”
“Doth the king know?” ”

“ I knew why thou didst wish Electra to come down here. We all did.”
“Father!”
“Thinkest thou we are blind? Hath it not long been clear that thyself and Electra would come to this? It is nature, and cannot be hid.—Come, Electra, look at me.”
Electra, after several invitations, complied; but her eyes were shifting, and her color high. Deucalion, that he might reassure her, said, with much affection, “Electra, after Æole, no one could be so dear a daughter as thou. Of this, thou shouldst be sure.” ”

“ We are bereft, bereft!”
“Then—thou knowest?”
“Yea, whilst lying here, I have heard that within and without to make me know our island is no more.”
“Some of thy people are left thee.”
“Call them not people. Call them Atlanteans. It is the dearer name. We are of Atlantis—though it is no more.”
“Dear Queen Atlana, thy thought for these thy Atlanteans will make it well for thee. Thy wish to cheer them will bring thee cheer. Cheer cometh in giving cheer. And, here is Pyrrha for thy sister. Erelong we hope to see thee thine old self.” ”

“ Make them no longer gods to suit your weak minds, your base thoughts! They are gods—gods—above such feeble doings of the flesh. Have done with this shield that they must be vilely served to give favor, and all the other shields!”
Atlano was confounded.
“Yea, and the curse is already upon thee for that dread mockery. The blood of that poor king is a blight upon this island, a mildew; and thou wouldst add another, further mock the gods. If thou hast heed for their favor, hast thou no thought for their anger? Hast thou no faint, deep feeling that evil broodeth over this island? ”

“ How did Oltis pale before him! What shame did his pure raiment and silver circlet cast upon the purple and gems of the high priest! And, 121even at my first look, what a spell took hold of me. Hard was it to draw from him mine eyes.”
“He is a power,” added Hellen. “The other priests fear him while they look up to him. And, he doth cause me to thrill with hope and strength at the first glance. What is it?—Ah—never can I forget how he came before these islanders!”
“Tell us of it, Hellen,” said Electra. “I, also, am drawn to him. He seemeth more than man.” ”

“ Electra answered to admit Sensel. He, himself, was bearing the food and drink—thin cakes made of corn and honey, pomegranates, melons, and a sherbet of almonds and honey.
As he set these upon the table, he apologized:
“It was not my will to let another bear them.”
“It pleaseth us; doth it not, Electra?”
81“Of a truth it pleaseth. Sensel, I own I am hungry in spite of this prison.” It was good to see her smile.
Æole smiled back, as she said:
“One cannot stay in the depths where thou art, Electra. It giveth a fine hunger to look at thee.” ”

“ Then his crest lowered, for he thought of Electra.
“Hellen,” urged the queen, “better would it be if thou didst not speak.” Then to the king, she said appealingly, “Atlano, of a truth, the galleys wait for us. Let us to them. As thou goest, it may be that thou wilt look with other eyes upon this.”
“Never will I look with other eyes. But I will go with thee to make this naught.”
“Make it not naught, King Atlano,” interposed Æole, to the amazement of all, even himself. Never before had she been known to address him. “Make not naught our going. The heart of Queen Atlana is in this. ”

“ Then, the ‘Silent Priest’ moved toward the statue of Amen. But, had scarcely reached it, when attracted by the sudden incoming of Electra. As if beside herself, 145she ran to kneel before him; and in tones as persuasive as piteous, entreated:
“O ‘Silent Priest,’ is this how the gods would help? If thou wilt but heed me. Beseech of them that I, too, may go. Life is such a woe that I am tempted to end it. Ah, to die with Æole! If thou wilt but plead with Amen and Poseidon to have mercy upon me—as they have had upon her. ”