Back when I finished writing Eyes in Atlantis, I had an interim period where I decided to write several "Legends" based on the book. Indeed, for the novel I created some mythology and I thought it would be neat to see some of it written in its own story. Thus, the "Atlantean Legends" were born, being three total. I wrote them so that they don't give way any of the plot from the original novel, so if you haven't read it yet (and shame on you!) this won't ruin it for you. The first Atlantean Legend I wrote centers around two artifacts from Atlantis that drive the story of the novel. Without further ado, I present to you:
Atlantean Legends: The Eye of Poseidon and the Scepter of Ampheres
When the world was born, the Olympian Gods drew lots to know who would have rule over the different realms of existence. Zeus, High God of Gods, ruled on Mount Olympus overseeing all. His brother Hades gained rule over the Underworld and became responsible for the dead. One by one, they drew their rule and in the end it was Zeus’ brother Poseidon who was set to govern the sea. Not satisfied with only his water kingdom, Poseidon called upon the powers of earth to create a landmass, which he christened “Atlantis.” It being his only realm above water, he took most care in its prosperity providing it high mountains to herd the clouds and vast plains for wildlife and plants to flourish. Over the passing of ages, humans came to populate the island and for the span of one year, Poseidon lusted for a virgin who he met in the mountains. The girl, named Cleito, was the sole daughter of a farming couple who had died two years earlier. One day, Poseidon came to the girl and made her his own. Near the ocean, he raised the land and surrounded it with three circular canals and landmasses to keep her from the eyes and touch of others. Shortly after completing this deed, the curious patrons of Atlantis were drawn to the sight of Poseidon’s creation and the girl he kept there. Sailing vessels were not widely known at that point and since the people had no way of reaching the girl they knew from the mountains, they began building bridges and roads. Upon reaching Cleito, she had already given birth to twin boys. The first Atlanteans reaching Cleito made Poseidon angry and though he destroyed their newly built bridges and roads, he placed no trust in them when it came to his love. Knowing the spirit of humans, Poseidon was certain they would again build bridges and roads to her. In the deepest and darkest of his underwater caverns, he crafted a jewel, the Eye of Poseidon. In the center was his own blood, which he encased with a diamond. His pride swelled as he gave Cleito the amulet, which controlled her, so that she could lust over no man, and as long as she bore it, no man would dare touch her. In truth, the Eye of Poseidon would have been a great method to keep his mistress to himself, until Poseidon discovered that the power he had given it was so strong that he, even having created the jewel, could not touch her. But every lock, he though, therein must have a key. Poseidon travelled to Olympus and there, with the fires of Zeus, he crafted the Scepter of Ampheres. As long as he had possession of the holy scepter, he could have his mistress. The first fruits of this craft were Cleito’s second set of twins; the eldest of the two named Ampheres, after the scepter. Ages of men passed. Atlantis populated and flourished under the rule of Cleito’s ten sons and their heirs. Herein, Posiden began to see a problem with the Eye of Poseidon and the Scepter of Ampheres. Upon Cleito’s death, both treasures were placed in the Temple of Poseidon, and knowing of their power, kings of the land used them. Angered by this, Poseidon placed a curse on the treasures. From then on, any who dared to use them for the purpose he had originally intended from himself, would feel his wrath like no mortal being had ever experienced. Word of the curse spread quickly throughout the kingdom of Atlantis, and from then on, the Eye of Poseidon and the Scepter of Ampheres were not again touched.
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