Atlantis in Peril Read Online Free PDF

the days before you became the humble fellow you are now.”
    â€œRight.” He tapped her forearm. “So what was the worst thing I ever did?”
    Atlanta opened her arms wide. “Right here on this island, that first night, when you told me—and all those forest creatures who had fed you so lavishly—that you absolutely wouldn’t help us.”
    He winced. “Did I really?”
    â€œYou did. And nothing could change your mind! You didn’t budge even when the centaur threatened to kick off your head, the birds tried to peck out your eyes, and the smelldrude wanted to make you stink like a field of rotten fish.”
    â€œAnd I suppose it’s no excuse that I was still just a stupid, sweets-loving mortal?”
    She raised an eyebrow. “As opposed to a stupid, sweets-loving immortal?”
    â€œYou got me there,” he said with a sigh. “And there’s nothing I can do to make that up to you?”
    Thoughtfully, she stroked her chin. “Like what?”
    â€œWell . . . like creating a whole new island in the middle of the sea?”
    She shook her head. “That’s been done. By somebody—can’t remember his name.”
    â€œHmmm. Then how about naming the island after you?”
    Again she shook her head. “Also been done.”
    â€œThen how about this?”
    Promi leaned over and gave her a kiss on the lips.
    After the kiss ended, Atlanta sat back. Thoughtfully, she ran a hand through her curls. “Well . . . that’s a start.”
    â€œGood. Maybe I should practice some more.”
    She smiled. “Good idea.”
    Reaching for each other’s hands, they stood in unison. Seeing this, Quiggley fluttered down from his perch on the willow branch. He landed on Atlanta’s shoulder, his radiant blue wings whirring softly.
    â€œWelcome back, little friend.” Atlanta tapped one of his red berry shoes. “Missed you.”
    â€œQuiggley!” exclaimed Promi. “How are you?”
    The faery turned toward him. Suddenly Promi held up one hand.
    â€œWait! Don’t answer that question! The last time you spoke to me, my head almost exploded.”
    Quiggley’s grin returned. A wave of merriment flowed into both young people, making them chuckle.
    Promi turned, scanning the moss-covered island and the forest beyond. “You know, a whole lot has happened since that night. Including the prediction by that gloomy centaur.”
    â€œHaldor,” said Atlanta. “Not the most cheerful fellow around.”
    â€œI’ve met corpses more cheerful.”
    â€œYou’re right, though—he did predict this place would actually become an island. But don’t forget what
else
he predicted.”
    â€œThat one day,” recalled Promi, “Atlantis will be lost forever, sinking deep into the sea, after a great disaster. What he called
a terrible day and night of destruction
.”
    Inexplicably, the temperature seemed to drop. Feeling the chill, Promi and Atlanta moved closer. Even the faery drew his cloak around himself.
    â€œBrrr,” said Promi. “Feels like it could snow again.”
    â€œAnything is possible around here,” she replied. Then, recalling something, she added, “Why, on that same night we were also visited by a whole family of mist maidens. And by the river god himself! Remember?”
    Touching the magical dagger at his side, Promi nodded. “You bet I do.” He glanced at its gleaming, translucent hilt and the silver string that would wrap itself around his wrist whenever he threw the dagger. “That memory—like this blade—I’ll never lose.”
    She gave his hand a squeeze. “And now, thanks to you, this little island has something else unforgettable. Something with infinite power.”
    Catching her meaning, he uttered a single word—and merely saying it made him feel somehow stronger.