Shadows of Atlantis: Emergence of the Engi by Donsha Hatch Read Free Book Online Page A

Darkren Regime. Not long after the Darkren War ended, your parents wed and you were born. This was something that had never been done before, and has not since been repeated, the union of a Turan and a Darkren. With your birth, we finally had a bridge between the worlds. You are the first and only of your kind in Undarian history.” remarked Marz.
    “You’re telling me that I’m the only mixed-raced Undarian?” asked a disturbed Eiris.
    “Unfortunately, yes. Undarian history is one filled with war and strife, primarily because of the divisive traditions our species was founded on. Those same traditions have crippled us over the centuries much more than we will admit. Your parents broke those traditions, removing barriers and giving us real hope for a better future. It is a sad thing that we Undarians often think ourselves better than humans, yet we haven’t learned from their biggest mistakes.” replied Marz.
    “So what happened to them?”
    “In a prideful and desperate attempt, Lord Mordren later betrayed your parents and launched a secret attack on Atlantis. Although unsuccessful, the battle claimed his life and the lives of your parents. It’s a tragedy that many Undarians try to forget and has in many ways seemed to doom us all.” Marz sighed gloomily.
    “But why was I sent away to Earth?” asked Eiris in consternation.
    “For your protection. Not long after your birth, your parents gave me orders to secretly take you to Earth and watch over you. They feared that one day the Order of Assassins would seek revenge by causing you harm. They also did not want you to be raised in this broken society. On Earth, they knew you would likely endure unfortunate circumstances for a time, but those circumstances would create in you the qualities that would make you a great leader one day. So they forewent their hearts desire and sacrificed raising you here because they saw the bigger picture. They knew that you would be the key to the future of all Undarians. As far as ruling goes, the Atlantian Council has been and will continue overseeing the throne until you feel you are ready to rule. On your word, they will immediately turn the throne over to you. I understand this is much to process all at once so I’ll leave you to your thoughts now. I won’t be far if you need anything.” nodded Marz.
    Eiris sat on the huge bed in his new room in the palace, trying to process everything he had just learned. In his mind’s eye he went back to his broken childhood, re-living the anxiety and uncertainty he had felt for so many years. Growing up as an orphan he had created many stories to explain away the fact that his parents weren’t around. Over the years he had learned to build up a numbness, an emotional barrier that protected him from the pain and heartache of loneliness. Now, here in this ornate bedroom, he allowed himself to remember the many nights where he had felt engulfed in the darkness of loneliness, longing for a family to love him. Now he knew that he had been loved all along, but that the love of his parents had been from afar. This both relieved him, and yet, saddened him. He felt as if he had gained his parents, and then lost them again, all in one day. It was all too much for him to handle and he fought the urge to just lay down and cry his eyes out on his new silk pillows.
    Suddenly he realized sulking wouldn’t do him any good, so he jumped up and decided to take a walk around the palace to clear his mind. As he walked out into the large halls, he saw many beautiful trees, waterfalls, and natural pools built right into the palace architecture. He noted also that the people were all very beautiful and friendly, slightly bowing to him as he passed. Eiris knew he had to figure out one day how to tell everyone he didn’t like feeling superior and being bowed to.
    As he continued to pass by dining halls made of gold and grand balconies overlooking the gorgeous city of Pluvia, he came to a place that