He scratched away the drawing in disgust. “In a thousand years, everything but the heart stone would be covered in debris.”
But it did not seem like debris. “Could these Ur eels not be the vines of a plant?”
“Impossible. In all my years in the archives, in all my studies of this ruin, the Ur have never been described as a plant. They have always been portrayed as fish. Sleeping fish, until they are awoken by the stones, but always fish.”
“What about a vine with black scales?” Starr suggested. “Black with a reddish tint?”
“Black…with red?” His expression blanked and his eyes darted as though reading ancient texts in his mind, and then he focused on them. “Show me.”
Twenty-Three
Gailen would never have interrupted war plans in the past, but now he boldly requested an escort to the ruins.
King Kadir faced the archivist gravely. “If you are captured, the head of the All-Council will not let you live.”
Archivist Ulio sighed. “I forfeited my life when I left the archives. My passing, at least, will not be in vain.”
King Kadir studied his warriors. “It will be suspicious if too many leave as a big group.”
“I can protect them.” Queen Elyssa held out her hand for her young fry, and Prince Kael took it soberly. “If the All-Council has watched us for long, they’ll know how often I used to visit Gailen at the ruin.”
“Very well. Raise the ancient ruin. If you cannot…” King Kadir looked heavily to the warriors assembled behind him. “We will protect the brides.”
The archivist straightened. “If announcing my presence would stop a slaughter, I would give my life for that.”
“You are more valuable alive.” King Kadir held out his arm, and the archivist clasped it. “I am grateful you did not catch me in the archive.”
“As am I.” He released King Kadir’s arm. “If I die, you must convey the truth.”
“You will not die.” King Kadir pulled Queen Elyssa close and kissed her hard. The depth of his caring and the way her soul glowed brilliantly with their resonance echoed in Gailen’s chest.
He held Starr close. She was his truth, his light, his future. And he was hers.
King Kadir released Queen Elyssa and turned to Gailen and Starr. “Protect Archivist Ulio. We must know our past to understand our future. The truth, no matter how terrible, is needed now.”
Gailen gave his vow.
They exited King Kadir’s castle—Gailen with Starr, Archivist Ulio, Queen Elyssa, and sober Prince Kael—and swam surreptitiously through the city.
The enemy hung over them like a building tsunami. The only question was when they would crash down and sweep Atlantis away.
“Gailen!” Warrior Endi and his patrol blocked their passage. “You are needed right away. The dignitaries have questions about the great fight that nearly destroyed the Life Tree.”
Queen Elyssa vibrated firmly, “Gailen has another duty now. Who else is experienced reciting our history?”
The patrol looked at one another nervously.
“No one? Hmm. If it’s that story, can you ask Zoan?”
“He does not wish to repeat it.”
“Well, try your best to convince him, and listen better the next time Gailen tells you.”
“But…Warrior Gailen tends the Life Tree…”
Queen Elyssa rested her hand on Endi’s elbow. “Congratulations, Endi. You are in charge of the Life Tree duties for now.”
The warrior whitened and clutched his trident to his chest. “I will perform them as best I can.”
“That’s all I ask.” Queen Elyssa grinned, and their secret convoy escaped the city without another interruption.
Gailen had never really felt like he had an important job, so it was funny to see Endi look worried. Queen Elyssa hadn’t laughed at Endi’s fears. Lieutenant Diras had also looked extremely relieved to return the duty to Gailen.
Maybe Gailen was the only one who had underestimated his worth.
Queen Elyssa’s warmth merrily deflected the looming All-Council overhead. She matched the Life Tree’s soothing presence.
Starr, on the other hand, curled around him tensely like a starfish clinging onto a rock.
He would try to be that rock for her. “Perhaps Queen Elyssa can show you how to develop your queen powers on this journey.”
“Maybe.” She bit her lower lip. “I didn’t realize the submersible was still working. I could take a look inside.”
“Is the problem not at the surface?”
“Probably…”
But she thought it would be easier to study the familiar human machines than figure out how to embrace her ultimate powers as a queen.
Gailen needed to support her. “If we cannot raise the ruin, that will be our next destination.”
She relaxed against him.
The archivist muttered as he swam alongside them. “Odd submersible. Look at