Curse of Atlantis

By Christopher David Petersen

There are 6 books in the Atlantis series: Hidden Courage; Tomb of Atlantis; Curse of Atlantis; Tomb of Zeus; Atlantis: The Crystal Scepter; and Atlantis: The Sacred Orb (release on December 14th, 2014). Please see recommended order of reading below.

Hidden Courage: is the back story of the main character in the Atlantis series (Interesting, but not essential)
Tomb of Atlantis: is book 1
Curse of Atlantis: is book 2
Tomb of Zeus: is book 3
Weapons of Atlantis: is book 4
Atlantis: The Sacred Orb: is book 5

Curse of Atlantis:
In Tomb of Atlantis, Jack Roberts, an adventurer, discovered an artifact that may have belonged to a pyramid contained within the lost city of Atlantis. In Curse of Atlantis, the search for the pyramids continues. Jack and his archaeologist friends, Serena and Javier Arista, plan to take the artifact to Greece in order to find its connection to the lost pyramids of Atlantis. However, prior to leaving on the trip, Serena and the artifact are taken hostage by unscrupulous thieves who only want the riches contained within the pyramids. For Jack and Javier, it is a race against time to discover where the pyramid is, that contains the key to the lost civilization in order to save Serena and the ancient secrets of Atlantis.

79,000 words

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christopher David Petersen
• Release date: Aug 4, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476025155

Christopher David Petersen

Christopher David Petersen (1963 - 20??). Born and raised in Connecticut. As a child, I was always daring and reckless. Never one to let common sense stand in the way of a great adventure, my bold feats of stupidity were legendary... Huckleberry Finn would have been proud."Surprisingly", that same spirit carried over into adulthood, as I sought out entertainment that included: scuba diving; ski Mountaineering; mountain biking; Rock, Ice and Mountain climbing; flying planes; golf, motorcycles, the stock market and of course, experimentation with various alcoholic refreshments.Later in life, writing became an extension of my deep desire to experience "new and exciting worlds". I have written several books, but none have been published through any formal channels... I've heard the process is long, painful and laborious, the thought of which sickens me. My foray into e-publishing came after a friend suggested my works could fetch dollars instead of dust inside my sock drawer... a righteous observation. My recent publications are the result of this advice. Further adventure/suspense novels are soon to be released.An engineer by trade, I have worked all over the U.S. and usually write in my spare time... that is when I'm not enjoying a bottle of Scotch and a quality cigar. I am a naturally long-winded individual, so writing is what happens when I can't get anyone to listen to me anymore...I love all kinds of genres but gravitate more towards suspense. There is nothing like the build up to a great climax... What a rush!

Book preview

The Curse of Atlantis

Christopher David Petersen

Smashwords edition

Copyright 2011 Christopher David Petersen

Chapter 1

Atlantis: 5000 B.C.

King Orion sat under the shade of his exquisitely carved marble rotunda and slowly sipped his Egyptian wine. Seated high above the lavishly built city, he gazed out over his kingdom and surveyed the activities from one neighborhood to the next.

Shielding his hand from the midday sun, he looked down into the valley several hundred yards below. Lining the main thoroughfare, he watched the activities of the busy street vendors engaged in the affairs of commerce.

Rows of kiosks lined the busy street, selling dried meats, fruits, vegetables, and wines. King Orion smiled as he watched wealthy business men wander purposefully through the city, their fashionably made togas draped from their shoulders and flowing behind them as they walked.

A proud day for Atlantis, King Orion boasted.

Yes, my King, Oupis replied obediently as she poured more wine into his waiting cup.

Young, slender, and shapely, King Orion eyed her with desire. He reached for her as he held his cup at the ready. Oupis instinctively recoiled, spilling wine down the front of his white toga.

You fool! he erupted, throwing his cup while coming to his feet.

I’m sorry, my King, Oupis responded, bowing her head in fear.

With a quick lunge, he landed a crushing blow to her temple, sending her tumbling backward over a footrest. Wiping the front of his toga in disgust, he started toward her once more.

My King, the last of the preparations have been completed. The chamber awaits your review, Keidis said as he entered the room.

Startled by the sudden appearance of his construction officer, King Orion broke off his attack and addressed him.

Splendid. That is the news I’ve been waiting for. Is everything prepared? King Orion asked in a villainous tone.

As you requested, Keidis responded.

Assemble the guards. We’ll waste no further time, the King ordered.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Riding along in his chariot, King Orion looked far ahead at the mountain of stone so precisely carved. Larger and more opulent than anything ever built, the pyramid was a grand monument forever celebrating the glory and greatness of the founder of Atlantis.

My father’s dream is realized. This is truly a remarkable day, King Orion said as he clung to a handle within the slow moving chariot.

Yes, my King, Keidis replied, placating the unstable despot.

After all these years, my father will finally rest soundly, King Orion said.

Yes, my King. When will we move him from the palace? Keidis asked as he handled the reins.

Concurrent with my inspection, Keidis. I have instructed the guards to bring him now. They trail behind us with his sarcophagus. When we are done, we’ll lay his body to rest and seal the chamber, King Orion said, now growing visibly excited.

Keidis looked behind them. From his vantage point, the legion of men stretched far beyond his sight and the fabled sarcophagus was nowhere to be seen. Turning back ahead, he watched as the opening to the chamber grew larger by the minute.

I see the guards standing at the ready, my King, Keidis said, pointing to the chamber’s opening.

Mmm yes, I see them too. Do they know? King Orion asked.

No, my King, Keidis replied, hoping to avoid the painful topic.

Splendid. I will relish their surprise, he said sardonically.

As the long procession of men and chariots made their way to the front of the great pyramid, the four guards at the entrance stood statuesque in their duty. With spears at their sides, and shields at the ready, their menacing presence quickly dispelled any plans to those who entertained the thought of looting.

Staring straight ahead, Eteocles used his peripheral vision to scan the lead chariot.

Rhesus, do you see who leads the column of men? Eteocles asked in a hushed tone.

I see him, Rhesus replied, containing his excitement.

Maybe King Orion comes to advance us for exemplary service. After all, this is the most important duty in his kingdom, Eteocles said.

Advancement would be highly desirable, Rhesus concurred. I’m sure we’ll be rewarded handsomely.

As the lead chariot slowed to a stop, Kind Orion stepped out and stretched his limbs. Looking over to Keidis, he said, Bring me the crystal key. It is time.

Yes, my King, Keidis replied obediently.

King Orion stood for a moment and watched the column of men assemble in front of the pyramid. Far off in the distance, he could see the cart that carried the sarcophagus. With a satisfied smile, he turned his attention to the men standing guard at the entrance. He examined their perfect posture and presence, and walked toward them. Stopping to their front, he pretended to be studying their appearance. The men stiffened a bit and waited for their king to pass his judgment.

Exemplary. I am very impressed. You four are very imposing, King Orion said, then added, Keidis has done well in selecting you.

Yes, my king, each man said in succession.

Keidis, we must talk about advancement for these four men, King Orion called out to Keidis as he approached.

Eyeing the four guards with dread, Keidis's reply was simple: Yes, my king.

Turning his attention back to the guards, King Orion continued: Men, I have another assignment for you inside the chamber. Please follow me.

Excitedly, each man turned and followed King Orion down a dimly lit corridor. Walking behind the five, Keidis carried the crystal globe that could spell the difference between life and death for the four guards.

As they made their way deeper into the pyramid, the men glanced at the delicate inscriptions that lined the perfectly tooled walls. Excited by the moment, the young guards ignored their meaning and focused on their duty. Following behind, Keidis nervously held his eyes to the front and tried to forget the evil messages that cursed all who entered.

Up ahead, the corridor began to brighten. Moments later, they all stepped into an expansive chamber. Pentagonal in shape, it measured thirty feet across at its furthest points. On one side of the torch-lit room, an altar stood just in front of a wall and measured five feet long by three feet wide and four feet high. At its center, a round column extended up from the top by a foot. The round column measured a foot in diameter and had a concave top that acted as a bowl of sorts. On each side, a small bowl-shaped depression was carved and held special oils that were set afire, illuminating the altar top.

On the opposite side of the room, an enormous door remained closed. Measuring ten feet across and ten feet high, it was an imposing sight. Heavily engraved, hieroglyphics were carved deep into the front surface. Turning to his guards, King Orion spoke.

Men, this will be your next assignment. Take pride that you will be guarding the great King of Atlantis. Beyond that door will lay his body. This assignment will carry the greatest honor and your families will be held in the highest esteem forever more, King Orion announced, trying to sound believable.

Keidis watched as the four men beamed with pride while they took in their king’s propaganda. He looked down and stared into the heavy bag he clutched in his hands. The magnificent crystal globe that once dazzled him with its beauty now represented death and sadness, and sickened him to look at. He closed the bag and forced his mind to think of far off pleasant thoughts that soothed his aching soul. Hearing his name, he turned his attention back to his king.

In his grasp, Keidis holds the great crystal key. Few men have laid their eyes upon it. You four will be the first beyond its creators. This is truly a proud moment for you, the King continued. Keidis, bring me the crystal key, he said to his faithful, yet disgusted servant.

Keidis slowly walked beyond the four guards and opened the bag for King Orion. Reaching in, the king carefully pulled it from its depths and held it out for all to see. The men stared in awe at the sight of the crystal globe. Nearly twelve inches in diameter, it was delicately carved and displayed the lands of their surrounding continent. Light inscriptions adorned its surface, and its core was a golden pyramid with a golden eye suspended just above.

This is the key to your destiny. Gaze upon its beauty. Have you not seen anything so magnificent in your life? the king asked rhetorically.

With his eyes still on his men, he walked past them to the altar. Holding the crystal out for all to see, he carefully placed it onto the convex surface of the column that rose out of the altar’s center. Instantly, the heavy weight of the crystal globe caused the column to sink. Moments later, its descent stabilized and the crystal found the pre-established height that engaged the lock to the heavily inscribed door.

Barely detectable at first, the four men heard the soft sounds of sand passing through recesses deep within the walls of the chamber. As the sounds grew louder and more distinct, they heard the grinding of rock surfaces slide across other rock surfaces behind the heavy door.

Slowly, the great door began to move and they watched in awe as it slid across the entrance. As the new chamber began to be revealed, the four guards scanned the interior of the dimly lit room, captivated by the mystery of the unknown.

As the door disappeared behind the wall, all sounds ceased. King Orion smiled a great smile and stepped forward to the entrance of the new chamber

Men, if you will notice, there is another doorway at the back of the room. Step forward and proceed through it to the King’s chamber, King Orion said, now motioning with his hands.

The four men eagerly hurried into the chamber. Nervous excitement turned to subtle alarm as they scanned the inscriptions on the walls. The deadly meaning behind the curses now began to fester in their subconscious. As they turned from wall to wall, they eyed each other with apprehension. Once again, the four heard the sound of the sands. Turning to King Orion, they wondered quietly about his position outside the chamber.

Slowly, steadily, fear began to penetrate their thoughts. Staring through the doorway into the far chamber, they suddenly realized they were conspicuously alone. As the sounds of the sand quickly grew louder, beads of nervous sweat formed on their brows. Their eyes shifted from one to the other in search of answers, hoping for reassuring stares… there were none to be found.

Fear raged within them. They felt paralyzed. If they challenged their great king, they would surely suffer for their insolence. If they ignored their intuition, they felt sure their lives were in jeopardy.

The men’s hands wept with sweat and their stomachs churned as they began to think about the possibility of their mortality. As the rushing sound of sand grew to a deafening climax, they heard their king’s voice call from behind.

Hereafter awaits! King Orion shouted loudly.

The four men spun on their heels and stared into the eyes of evil. King Orion gazed back at them and a great sadistic smile spread across his face. He watched worry and fear invade the four men’s helpless eyes as they frantically searched for a way to save themselves.

The sands stopped and grinding sounds of rock on rock took its place, sending vibrations throughout the chamber. Instantly, the room began to shake and the floor rocked slightly, causing the four men to lose their balance and fall. They now waited in horror for the next sign of their impending deaths.

Looking up, exuberance and excitement gleamed from the eyes of their king. He was enjoying every moment of the morbid sight.

Suddenly, the ceiling began to drop. Looking up, the four men screamed for their lives as the massive wall of rock hurled down upon them. In a moment of desperation, one tried to crawl to safety, but it was of no use. The ceiling quickly descended and struck them where they had fallen. As the force impacted their bodies, the sheer weight of the massive stone crushed their bones and flesh into a thin layer that spread across the chamber's floor. For a moment, there was only piercing silence.

What had seemed like minutes was in reality mere seconds. As sudden as the deadly spectacle had started, it was over. King Orion stepped back from the entrance and surveyed the results. The ceiling now lay as one large tile across the floor, while the far doorway to the next chamber was now blocked by another door.

Impressive… good work, Keidis, he said boldly, still staring at the carnage that lay in front of him. Turning back to Keidis, he continued, Now, reset the chamber.

Yes, my king, Keidis replied in a saddened tone.

Keidis walked to the altar and lifted the crystal globe from the table. Instantly, the round column began to rise. In seconds, it stabilized at its original height and the sound of flowing sands and grinding stone roared through the chamber.

King Orion watched in curiosity as the heavy stone ceiling began to rise. As it moved through his eye level, he gazed upon the remains spread across the floor that were once four human beings. Nodding in satisfaction, he turned to Keidis.

Did you see the fear on the faces of those men? he asked with callous detachment.

As the large door began to slide across the doorway, Keidis swallowed hard as he struggled to hold back his emotions. Unable to look his king in the eyes, he stared at the floor and replied, I did, my king.

Those faces of fear will be the same for anyone who dares to rob the king’s tomb, he said proudly. He paused a moment, then continued: Let it be forever known, these words, these inscriptions, are not idle phrases uttered by common scribes. They are the curses of a great king that carry the promise of death. Pay heed to their message.

Yes, my king, Keidis replied once more, unable and unwilling to say much else to someone so repugnant.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

As the two exited the pyramid, King Orion breathed in a great satisfying breath of air. He looked down upon the valley that was his city, the city of Atlantis. He surveyed his kingdom and felt energized by its greatness and beauty.

Turning to Keidis, he said, My Empire is great, greater than the mighty Zeus. I will expand it and reign as king of the world… and all will know me as god.

Long live King Orion, Keidis replied in an obligatory tone.

Chapter 2

PRESS CONFERENCE: NEW YORK CITY...

The conference hall of the Marriot Marquis in downtown Manhattan, New York City was jam packed with spectators waiting for the news of Atlantis. Rows of chairs were set up and dozens of people lined the entrance hours before the doors opened, hoping to find a seat close enough to catch a glimpse of the now infamous scrolls and crystal globe. As the doors opened, in an act reminiscent of rock concerts, dozens rushed in to find a seat close to the stage, behind reserved seating.

The stage held dozens of cameras and miles of wiring as the technicians frantically moved about, insuring all equipment functioned properly. Nothing was overlooked. With only minutes to spare, the final preparations were completed.

Jack Roberts looked at his tie in the mirror and tugged and pulled at the knot, slowly distorting its irregular triangular shape. Shaking the nervous tension out of his hands, he grasped the knot once more, only to distort it further.

Dammit, why do we have to wear these stupid things anyway? he called out in frustration.

Because they look nice, Serena Arista replied.

Jack stared at Serena in the mirror for a moment and admired her beauty. Twenty-seven years old with Latin features and an athletic build, she wasn’t just beautiful. Her PhD in Archeology proved she was every bit as smart as she was good looking.

Jack looked back at his tie and pulled at the knot once more, molding it into something now completely unrecognizable.

I give up. You have to be a freakin’ genius to tie one of these stupid things, Jack spouted angrily.

Let me give you a hand, Jack, Serena said.

You know how to tie ties... and you let me suffer through all this? he asked, now pretending to be offended.

I could have helped, but then where would the fun be in that? Serena shot back, now smiling.

Ha Ha, very funny. Next time you’re having trouble adjusting your bra, don’t even think about asking me for help, Jack replied, still trying to sound offended.

Although Jack was twenty-eight, tall, muscular, and handsome with brown hair and eyes, Serena thought his greatest asset was not so much his good looks, but his wit and humor.

Nice try, she chuckled to herself.

Eh, never give up? he replied, shrugging his shoulders.

As I’ve noticed.

With his tie perfectly tied, Jack checked the knot in the mirror. He smiled at Serena’s hidden talent.

Where’d you learn to do that? he asked.

College.

Time well spent, he said with a smile.

Just then, an announcement echoed from the stage outside the dressing room.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please take your seats. The press conference will be starting shortly.

Jack turned to Serena and asked, Nervous?

A little, she replied, honestly. You?

Me? I’m like a rock… nerves of steel, he responded, bloating his chest in exaggerated form.

Uh huh... Look, if they start asking you questions you can’t answer, just remember to say, 'I’ll defer that to my colleagues' and one of us will answer the question for you. Ok? Serena replied in a serious tone, saving Jack the possibility of embarrassment.

Thanks, he said sincerely.

Moments later, Serena’s father, Javier Arista, entered the dressing room. Although he was short, fat and bald, his piercing green eyes exuded confidence as well as class that left no doubt about his character.

Ok, guys, this is it. We’re on stage in one minute. Damn, this is exciting isn’t it? he said, wringing his hands in anticipation.

I think I soiled myself, Jack quipped.

Lucky for you the camera shoots from the waist up, Javier added with a smile.

Damn lucky, Jack quipped again..

Motioning toward the door, Javier led the way out of the room and onto the lighted stage. In seconds, the bright lights changed slightly and the microphones went live.

On cue, Dr. Burt Samuelson began to speak:

Good afternoon. My name is Dr. Burton Samuelson. Today we stand at a momentous occasion… the revelation of Atlantis. For thousands of years, the great city of Atlantis was considered nothing more than an ancient fable. Today, that fable has become a reality. If you’ll allow me, I’d like to share with you the story behind its discovery. I promise you it will be entertaining, he said. started.

Standing at six foot two inches tall, Burt was in his late fifties, slim with short gray hair. He took a quick sip of water, then continued:

Several years ago, a brave young man by the name of Jack Roberts flew his tiny float plane up from South America, coming home after climbing a dangerous snowcapped mountain in the Andes… alone. As he flew up through the Caribbean Island chain, he spotted a flash of light coming up from the ocean, about fifty miles off the coast of Turks and Caicos Island. Curious about this strange anomaly, he threw caution to the wind and landed his float plane on the ocean, investigating further. As he floated on the surface, the light shined up in a bright golden color and he noticed that it had a strange shape about it… a pyramid shape to be exact. After snapping photos and recording some videos, he took off and returned to his home in Connecticut. With college, his first job, and the complexities of life occupying his time, he soon forgot about that strange pyramid-shaped light. That was until he saw me on TV describing the ancient El-Harra Desert Tablets I had recently discovered.

Burt flashed Jack a quick smile, then continued:

As he watched me described the hieroglyphics etched on those tablets, Jack’s keen eye spotted a symbol… a pyramid-shaped symbol with a striking resemblance to the one he had seen years before in the ocean. Jack quickly sent me a photo alerting me to his amazing find, only to be rejected by the authority on the subject… me, Burt said, making fun of his embarrassing mistake.

Undaunted, Jack loaded up his plane once more and flew down to Caicos Island in search of the golden pyramid. Once there, he used the GPS coordinates he had saved from years before and flew to the site where he hoped he would find the ancient artifact.

Making several flights and landing in the ocean, Jack’s dives proved fruitful. On the first dive, he discovered an ancient urn, the one you see on display, Burt said, pointing to the artifacts on the table.

A light shined on the urn, turned off, then another spotlighted Burt once more.

The second dive resulted in even greater riches. It was on this dive Jack discovered a crystal cask that contained a series of ancient scrolls. These scrolls have proved to be not only the oldest recorded word in history… but more importantly, they are the irrefutable proof that Atlantis did exist, Burt said in a commanding voice, now drawing all eyes to the table of artifacts.

Unfortunately, Jacks enthusiasm surpassed his intellect and he made another dive on that same site… alone, Burt said, now shooting Jack a sarcastic glare. With a playful wink, he continued:

What happened next will cause a brave man to shudder. As Jack searched for the golden pyramid, fifty miles from civilization and one hundred feet below the ocean’s surface, his floatplane, his lifeline, was savagely attacked by a pod of whales. He stumbled upon it in a twisted heap of wreckage as he swam along the ocean’s floor.

Burt paused a moment as the audience gasped in shock, then continued:

Resourceful and quick thinking, Jack was able to raise one of the floats from the plane to the surface and create a makeshift raft. This raft remained his home for the next month as he battled raging storms, no food, extreme dehydration, not to mention waging hand to tooth combat with a shark, Burt said in an ominous tone. You’ll be happy to know, Jack won that battle, He added dryly. The audience laughed, quieted quickly, and continued to listen.

It was only by a strange stroke of luck that just before his body gave out, he somehow set off an emergency locator transmitter found in a first-aid kit given to him just before he left. Miraculously, a commercial jet stumbled upon the beacon and radioed the US Coast Guard for help.

Pausing for effect, he then continued:

The rescue was nothing short of Herculean. Battling twenty and thirty foot seas, the crew of the helicopter managed to reach Jack mere seconds after he was struck by an enormous wave that sent him deep beneath the ocean’s surface. With time running out, the crew member leapt from the helicopter, located Jack under the water, and pulled him to safety. Had they arrived just seconds later, we’d be talking about Jack in the past tense.

Burt paused again for a drink of water, cleared his throat, then continued once more:

Spending only a week in recovery, Jack’s adventurous spirit forced him from his hospital bed. With unfinished business nagging at his soul, he arranged to dive on the site once more.

With the help of his new found friends in archeology, Dr. Javier Arista and his daughter Dr. Serena Arista, Burt continued, pointing at his colleagues, and of course, yours truly, we arranged a 'safe' dive with a group of professional divers, Dr. Burt Samuelson said, giving Jack a wry look..

Walking over to the table of artifacts, Burt laid his hands on one of them.

As good luck would have it, Jack eventually found his golden pyramid… buried in the center of a large crystal ball… this crystal ball, he said, now rubbing its outside surface softly. The significance of this find is far greater than the crystal’s simple intrinsic value. Carved on its outside is a map of the world as it was seen seven thousand years ago. Using the data from the crystal and ancient scrolls, we believe we have pinpointed the location of Atlantis.

Burt paused for effect, then added, Furthermore, we have learned from the scrolls that somewhere in Atlantis, an ancient pyramid still exists.

Once more, the audience erupted in gasps of shock and excitement. Burt now held the crystal in his hands. Lifting it in the air for all to see, he announced:

My friends, this crystal is not just an ancient map of the world. Nor is it just an exquisite museum piece. This crystal, with its golden pyramid radiating from deep inside, is in fact a key that will unlock the secrets to a burial chamber… the burial chamber of the King of Atlantis.

A quiet hush spread across the room as all eyes focused on the magnificent crystal globe.

~~~~~ ~~~~~ ~~~~~

Moscow, Russia

Nicolae Sokolov bellowed orders over the phone, I don’t care about your excuses. I pay you to get the job done. When I talk to you next, I’ll expect the problem to be gone and my wallet thinner, he growled.

Yes, sir, the voice on the phone responded obediently.

Nicolae hung up the phone and poured himself a tumbler of Scotch and ice. Bringing the glass to his lips, he sipped the brown liquid and smiled.

At forty-seven, his frame was fit; his brown eyes were confident and cold.

An unfortunate accident, he said to himself under his breath.

Instantly, Nicolae burst into a sadistic laugh. Reaching for the TV’s remote, he pushed the mute button, releasing the sound into the dozen speakers hidden about the ornately decorated office.

With the TV screen tiled into six smaller windows, each station broadcast the news from around the world. Quickly, his eyes scanned through and found