Tomb of Zeus (Atlantis) Read Online Free PDF

It is here that my true purpose is realized: I educate these primitive people and elevate their existence to that of human beings. And now, with the grand city of Atlantis newly built, I will finally show them the true meaning of civilization.”
    Poseidon glanced to the opening in the ceiling, then back to Cephius and continued.
    “No Cephius, it is here I will stay. It is here that I will choose my own destiny and forge the destinies of others.”
    Cephius new Poseidon’s mind was made up and da red not challenge his new king’s leadership. Such a thing was punishable by death. He nodded simply in obedience.
    “Very well, my Lord,” he responded respectfully. “What are your orders?”
    “Prepare my brother’s funeral,” he responded. Extending his hand toward the golden altar, he continued, “This will be his final resting place. It is here, that seems to be the most reverent and befitting.
    “Yes, my Lord,” Cephius responded simply.
     
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    The crystal coffin was crudely fashioned, yet still exuded glory and opulence. Although the sides were left unpolished, the top lid was not. Looking down through it, Zeus’s body looked perfect and undistorted as if no lid existed at all. The weight was heavy, far exceeding the limits of the slaves that were tasked to move it. Using mechanical leverages, the crystal casket rolled along the ground, as the slaves strained to control its direction. For two days, hundreds of men labored with its weight, finally bringing it to a rest atop the golden altar.
    Poseidon monitored the event intently. With the final placement, he nodded in satisfaction and watched as the tired slaves filed out of the golden vestibule. As they left, others entered, carrying urns of exotic oils and spices. He breathed in their rich aroma and directed the men to position the urns around the base of the altar.
    Suddenly, a slave stumbled from the unwieldy weight of his large container. He fell forward, knocking into two other slaves. The three men dropped their urns, causing them to smash into pieces as they contacted the golden floor. In seconds, oils flooded the area, fanning out through the broken fragments and coating the floor with a layer of sticky filth.
    “Fools!” Poseidon shrieked in disbelief.
    Instantly, he pulled his crystal scepter, pointed it at the three frightened slaves and squeezed the handle. As energy began to generate inside the weapon, he noticed the terrified expressions on their faces. He relaxed his grip and stowed his weapon in its sheath. For a moment, he stood and scowled at the slaves.
    “Clean this mess up,” was all he could bring himself to say.
    As he stormed out of the vestibule, he glared at Cephius. Cephius stood at attention and focused on the slaves at work, avoiding eye contact with his king.
    “Thank you, my Lord,” he said as Poseidon passed by.
    Poseidon stopped, back up and stared at Cephius for a moment, reading the expression on his face.
    “For what?” he asked bluntly.
    “Your tolerance. Lord Zeus might not have spared their lives,” he responded apprehensively.
    Poseidon thought about his reply and nodded.
    “This scepter will never create loyalty, only fear. If our empire is ever to succeed, we’ll need the loyalty of the people to do so. In my kingdom, tolerance and respect will replace the threat of the crystal scepter. Years from now, I hope the scepter’s presence will be merely symbolic and that all people will live in peace and understanding, instead of fear.”
    “ You are a great king, my Lord,” Cephius responded proudly.
     
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    Poseidon stood one last time in the golden vestibule. With Cephius at his side, he laid his hands on his brother’s crystal coffin. A tear rolled down his cheek as he realized that would be the last time he would ever see his brother again.
    He bent over to kneel and the crystal scepter momentarily impeded his movements. In frustration, he pulled it from