Raising the Lost

By Miriam Newman

~ A Speculative Fiction novella based on the legend of Atlantis with a twist of unusual romance ~

A burning need to see his homeland restored to its former glory leads Aluride to make an irreversible decision. He then sets out on what might be a deadly mission.

Thera longs for beauty and wishes to deepen her friendship with Aluride. But she hesitates to go along with his plan, until she sees the long, titian tresses she could possess. Throwing caution to the deep, Thera joins Aluride on his daring undertaking.

Struggling to overcome their need for hosts, equipment, supplies, labor, and even their own unaccustomed desires they forge ahead. Will it finally be possible to raise the continent of Atlantis?

• Language: English
• Publisher: John R. Vickery
• Release date: Oct 7, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386884972

Book preview

Chapter One

Aluride stared upward, head tilted back, at the boat rocking above them upon the waves. Another chance presents itself, Thera. Are you prepared?

This is against the teachings of our Masters. We must not. Thera tried to dissuade her friend and companion from this thing he seemed determined to do.

Then be gone with you. Go back to the depths to lurk forever among the ancient ruins and the seaweed. But I will have my chance. Pheno and Cariases must have succeeded. They never returned from their attempt.

As they watched, a human tumbled backward from the side of the boat and splashed into the water above their heads. The odd breathing tank the humans must rely on below the water appeared heavy and awkward to the Atlanteans.

Aluride and Thera needed no such equipment to breathe within the ocean waters they called home. Since the sinking of their homeland, the continent of Atlantis, it had been so. Those not destroyed by the great explosion traveled the sea floor at will, ate from the plants and shellfish, and survived with no thought of how they managed the feat. But something felt wrong. An essential part of being was forever lost to them, unless...

Aluride intended to find the missing element. He believed Pheno and Cariases accomplished the deed and he also would determine if the oft told legend of walking above held any truth. If true, he would return and lead any who would follow to rise with him and recover their homeland.

Thera interrupted his internal reflections with a gasp as another human hit the water. This one a female, her long, red strands like silk streamed behind her and drew the female Atlantean's attention and admiration. Oh Aluride, if I may truly take her form, then I will go with you. Her tresses are as the very liquid heat pouring from the craters of Neptune.

Come then, we dare not tarry. Aluride led the way as the divers flipped over and began their descent. Do as I do. It should be simple according to the legend.

Will there... Will there be pain, do you think? Thera asked hesitantly. She had not accompanied