Code Atlantis: Wisdom's Quest, #3

By Elisabetta Panzica

It was the trip of a lifetime. Ella had always dreamt of seeing Egypt, of working alongside real archeologists, but when she arrived, she got more than she bargained for. Ella never thought she was anything more than a regular girl, but in Egypt she learns that she has a sister and brother, products of an affair her father had when she was just a baby. Ella and her sister are targeted in Egypt by high ranking officials of a mystery school. Both girls are declared leaders of the ancient mystery school, heirs to the highest post in the organization, one that has endured for ten thousand years.

Will Ella escape her new title? Shun her pursuers? Will she make it back home, or will she die in a foreign land, away from all that she knows? Find out, keep reading the Wisdom's Quest series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kreative Outlets
• Release date: Nov 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393446217

Elisabetta Panzica

Elisabetta Panzica lives in Southern California. She has published short stories and poems, and was nominated Poet of the Year by Illiad Press. In 2010, Elisabetta started a writers critique group in Orange County California that includes several published authors, and a screenwriter for television and film. She calls it the Tuesday Night Fugitives and attributes her success to the support of this group. 

Book preview

Chapter 1 – Egyptian Excursion

The sun filtered into the open window of Ella’s tiny two-bedroom apartment, painting everything in a pale light. Ella rolled over, pulling the covers over her head. It’s too early, she groaned. She hadn’t slept well, she had had some kind of nightmare, but she couldn’t recall the details. Five more minutes. I promise, I’ll wake up in five minutes, she mumbled to no one in particular. It was six-thirty in the morning, class didn’t start for another two hours. Ella closed her eyes, and tried to go back to sleep.

The phone rang, sounding like a shrill scream. What! Ella yanked the covers off and sat up, swinging her feet over the edge of the bed. I’m coming ... I’m coming. Alright, stop already! She stood and stretched. Her long curly auburn hair felt spongy, she brushed it back, annoyed. Stray curls stuck out in every direction. She frowned, squinting as she located her cell phone and answered. Hello? Jared ...

Rise and shine, sleepyhead! It was him, he was singing the words.

It’s too early! Ella complained, controlling the urge to yell back, and let him know how she really felt. Jared sounded so upbeat and happy, sometimes it irritated her. She wanted to be like that, wished for an ounce of his optimism, but she was not a morning person. Hi, baby. Her words came out slurred. I love you. She waited for a response. Two, three, four seconds went by.

Good morning, Mary Sunshine. His voice was loud and full of bounce - not the response she hoped for, but it would have to do. She imagined Jared on the other end of the receiver, smiling, intoxicated with life, his blue eyes shining. Are you ready to create a perfect day? He had the most stunning eyes.

Ready. Ella pictured him next to her, holding her and she felt herself melt back into bed. She sighed dreamily, I’m ready... her voice trailed off.

This was good, deliciously yummy, she thought, but he talked a lot. Half the time Ella didn’t know what he was saying, not that she was stupid or anything. He rambled, and she learned to tune him out.

Jared... Ella tried to interrupt while she remained coherent, but he kept on talking, creating his day.

They had broken up twice before. She and Jared had one of those roller coaster relationships, full of challenges and lessons. A karmic tie is what her roommate called it. After their most recent breakup, Esther had told her that karmic relationships embodied elements of a past life that needed to heal, she said that these relationships were often painful but full of love. That was exactly what this was, Ella thought, trying not to doze off. Esther also said that karmic ties appeared in people’s lives to help them grow. Ella had never learned so much about herself or another human being, until she and Jared started dating. They were soulmates, she was sure of it. Their bond was strong, their affection palpable, their conversation always deep, and sometimes heart wrenching.

Jared kept talking. Ella yawned, struggling to stay awake. OK, yes...good...good. Uh-huh. She’d insert little words here and there, pretending she was listening, hanging on his every word.

So what do you think?

Ella sat up. About what?

About the horseshoe in my neck. I’m having surgery.

What?

You weren’t listening, were you? I just told you.

I heard you.

But you weren’t paying attention. He sighed loudly.

Her heart dropped. She’d been caught. Her attention had wavered, again. You said something about a car, and a show, and your friend, and...

What about them?

Ella furrowed her brows in concentration, trying to remember, to piece things together. She loved waking up to the sound of his voice, to his cheerfulness; it was like a fresh cup of coffee, but it lulled her into a dreamlike state.

Look, baby, I have to get ready. She needed an excuse, anything. She should’ve paid closer attention. I’m sorry. I’m still half asleep, honey. I was studying last night and went to bed late.

Okay, goodbye Angel Face. She could hear the sigh in his voice.

Bye, baby. Ella hung up. He called her Angel Face because he said she reminded him of an angel. He said she had the prettiest face he’d ever seen. The first time they met was at church. He asked her out several times, and then one day it hit her. He was talking to someone else, and she felt something in her gut. It wasn’t just jealousy, but something more. Something deeper. She felt an instant connection.

Ella rose, stumbling to her feet. She was wide awake now, and ready to face the world. She pulled at the corners of her quilt and stretched it over the bed. It was white with purple flowers. She bought it on sale years ago, and it still looked new. She patted the edges and arranged her pillows, so that they stood up at an angle.

Perfect. Ella looked down at her orange tabby, rubbing against her ankles. What do you think, Kovu? She smiled at the young tomcat.

Rrrrau, the cat opined.

I’m glad you think so. I have to get ready now, see you in a bit. I’ll join you for breakfast, okay?

Rau, Kovu answered, meandering into the kitchen, sniffing a bowl of dry cat food, anxious for a saucer of wet food. Today there were no rats or mice by the front door. Young Kovu did not fare well in his morning hunt. Ella was glad. She hated his little love offerings. Relieved, she trudged toward the bathroom and began readying herself for the day. She was addicted to Jared’s calls like most people were to caffeine. They defined her day, energized her, and if he didn’t call, she’d have withdrawals. It was crazy. She never needed anyone like this before. Strong and independent, outspoken, and smart, Ella lived her life the way she saw fit. But all that changed when she was with Jared.

Ella peeked into her closet. She’d wear the cute little red skirt Jared had gotten her last Christmas, and a white cashmere sweater. She removed the skirt from its hanger and pulled it up over her legs. It was a snug fit, but she liked it anyway. Next she sorted through her closet for the sweater, then pulled it over her head. She was meeting with Professor Capra before class; she wanted to look presentable.

The Professor was an expert on Egyptian Culture. Ella was graduating in the spring, acquiring her associate degree in archeology, then transferring to Cal State Fullerton for a bachelor’s degree, and later a master’s in Egyptology. She was anxious to know what he wanted to talk about. She was doing well enough in class – she couldn’t imagine it would be anything bad. Still, she was curious.

Ella couldn’t wait to work with real archeologists. She’d get to travel to out-of-the-way parts of the world, to different excavation sites during her summer internship. She was looking forward to it but wondered how it would affect her relationship with Jared.

Ella grabbed her backpack and purse and fed the cat, emptying a can of Happy Kat into his dish. Fish pâté and giblets glopped out of the can and into his saucer. Guard the house, Kovu, she said, running out the door and locking it behind her, careful not to slam it too hard. Her roommate, Esther, had insomnia and tended to sleep in.

Windblown grass shivered in the cool morning, drenched in dew, pale green with the slightest hint of brown, announcing the coming fall. The streets were barely crawling with traffic. Tidy concrete sidewalks lined the road on either side. A cloudless purple sky wrapped around the tiny community, ushering in the new day. Ella loved Rancho Santa Margarita, the feel, the smell of it, the mountains rising all around her like stone monuments. Jagged, angular peaks pointed at the heavens. Rancho was beautiful - Ella hated to leave.

It took her twenty minutes to get to the college. Saddleback was not an extraordinarily large campus, but it was certainly one of the best. Ella loved it; she enjoyed learning, especially subjects that actually interested her. Not math, or health, but important things, like history and civilization. Math was useless; it only gave her headaches, and health just rambled on about things people should do, but never actually did. Like having protected sex and exercising every day. It just made everybody feel bad about themselves.

Ella walked up the steep staircase to the lecture hall, taking small steps, catching her breath from time to time. She peeked inside; there were a hundred and twenty seats, all of them vacant. The walls behind them were brick, thick, dull and red.

Good morning, young lady. Professor Capra looked up from the stack of books in front of him. He sat back on his chair, pushing away from his heavy oak desk. What do you think about the find, Ella? he asked, standing up and pushing his glasses back against the bridge of his nose.

It’s intriguing. I’m interested. Ella said, walking into the classroom. She was the first one there.

It’s all over the news ... they found an entire city, tombs, bodies. I’m picking five students to come with me, to the excavation site. I thought you might like to come. The professor lifted his gaze expectantly. You’re one of my best students.

I’d love to! Ella cried, her brown eyes widened. Thank you!

We’re leaving in eight days. I know it’s short notice, but you know how these things are with the Egyptian government. They won’t let us stay long. It would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Yes, I know. Ella’s face scrunched into a worried expression. It is short notice, but ... I’ll be there. She hugged her books to her chest and sat at her desk.

Professor Capra sighed with relief. I’m glad. He smiled. He was a handsome man in his mid-fifties, with graying brown hair, blue eyes and a muscular build. He was quite a catch, but he was married - of course he was. All the good ones were. Why couldn’t Jared be like the professor? Ella slouched in the hard wooden chair. She would have to tell Jared about the trip right away. He wouldn’t like it, wouldn’t understand. Ella sighed, imagining his response. Maybe he could come along. It was a thought, probably not a very good one, but it was a thought.

Ella opened her book, Ancient Egypt and its Secret History, to the second chapter. She wrote notes in the margin, it helped her remember information. The downside was, she couldn’t return the book at the end of the semester for cash. The other students began trailing in. It was a quarter past the hour, and the room was half full. Ella looked around smiling as people walked in. They were a quirky, eclectic group, she skimmed through the entirety of the book.

She was grateful for the professor’s offer. Stunned he would pick her, out of fifty-something students, to go on such an important trip! She couldn’t wait to tell her roommate and best friend. Esther would be excited for her. Esther was one of those people who needed to feel wanted. She was helpful to the point of irritation, but Ella loved her just the same.

Ella looked down at her text. It was a third edition. A used book. Standard size, in good condition. This meant that the information contained within its pages had been around for a while. The title at the beginning of the chapter immediately caught her attention. It read, Atlantean Influence in Egypt, then underneath the subheading, Were the First Pharaohs of Egypt Atlantean? She dreamt about it as a child, about the flood.

Fact or fiction? The Professor smiled, regarding each student carefully, Any answers? Ella looked up, startled.

Fiction! Timothy yelled out. He was a lanky youth, tall and awkward. Timothy doubted everything, but he was smart. There is no such thing! His dark brown hair drooped over his hazel eyes.

It’s fact! Ella shouted, without thinking. The class laughed. She didn’t care. Ella had her opinions, and she did not let her peers sway her.

She may be right. The professor said, silencing the class. Why would the author include this chapter if it wasn’t part of our history? If it wasn’t true? The Author is a well-known Egyptologist and scholar. Do you really think he would jeopardize his career by lying?

Brianna, a gorgeous, tall, dark-haired beauty, flashed her perfect smile at Ella. I knew it, she said, I just knew it. More giggles erupted. Brianna narrowed her eyes, giving Timothy an angry look. Atlantis was real. You guys are just stupid. You don’t get it. Brianna needed to refine her social skills. The girl had a temper worse than anyone Ella had ever met, but she could be sweet. When she wanted, Brianna could be delightful.

This is not debate class; Professor Capra is teaching here. The teacher’s assistant stood, reprimanding the class. If you want to take debate, it’s two doors down, Moira pointed at the door. September eighteenth is the last day to transfer. I personally want to hear what the Professor has to say."

Enough Moira, Professor Capra smiled, turning his attention back to the class. Moira sighed, pushing her glasses back against her nose. She was older than everyone else, but not by much. She had graduated the previous year and was a student at Cal State Fullerton, fulfilling some sort of internship at Saddleback.

We have evidence, proof, a city did indeed exist and sank ten thousand, five hundred and ninety-six years ago, archeologists found a tablet, written in code, an ancient code! I want you to divide in groups of five and discuss these findings, and then choose a representative from your group to present your viewpoint to the rest of the class.

Ella scooted her desk between two girls in the row next to her. She sat next to Brianna.

So you believe this too. Ella smiled, Brianna nodded. Last year I bought an old bureau. There was a piece of paper inside. It had a message. Ella said.

Really? What did it say? Brianna looked interested.

I don’t know, it was written in some sort of code. Ella looked at her hands, squeezing them together, the inscriptions looked like these. Ella pointed at her book.

Where is the paper now?

I think it’s home, in my room, Ella said. I’ll ...

Hello. Anyone there? Cody knocked on his desk. Earth to dorks, come in dorks. He was a tall husky boy that always wore a scowl on his face. And today he looked angrier than usual. So how does this apply to our assignment? Cody asked, Please elaborate.

The codes, it applies to the codes mentioned in our chapter, Brianna said, glaring back at him. Cody was not a perfect student, but he was opinionated, and regarded his own truths as the only truths, Ella knew Brianna would not stand for that.

You two are nuts, and I mean that, truly, look, I don’t want to get a bad grade on this project, I need a C to pass, so say something intelligent, contribute something worthwhile.

You worthless ... Brianna began unscrewing her hydro flask, the coffee inside was still hot. She stood poised to dump it all over his desk.

Miss Rose, have a seat please. Professor Capra came up behind her, open containers are not allowed in class.

Brianna tightened the cap on her flask and sat, giving Cody a look that would have had the most brutal of people on their knees.

After the presentations Professor Capra spoke for over an hour, he outlined the chapter in detail. This is what archeology is all about. Studying the past, recreating it. Drawing information from digs to find out how ancient cultures interacted in the past. It’s long, tedious work.

I want everyone to answer the questions at the end of the chapter, do the essay question on the back page, and on Friday we will have a quiz. he said, looking at his students. By next Wednesday I expect you to know the material. Finals are next week. His announcement was greeted by dozens of groans and sighs.

The students ambled out, one by one, until Ella was the only one left. Thank you, Professor, for thinking of me, she said.

I’m counting on you, Ella. Professor Capra smiled, slapping his book shut and turning off the lights. I’m also asking Timothy and Brianna to come along, and a couple of other students from my evening class, he said, locking the door.

Brianna? Really?

She’s a bright girl, studies hard.

But she’s so, so...

It doesn’t matter, Professor Capra interrupted. She has potential, and she will be a vital part of this expedition.

Ella sighed, All right, I guess you would know. I’ll start packing and making arrangements tonight. I have to tell my family.

The professor nodded. We’ll talk again Wednesday, after class.

Okay - bye. Ella walked out of the old brick building and climbed down the winding staircase shivering. It was a long trek to the student parking lot and the temperature outside had dropped considerably. September in California was typically warm. This was unusual, but the weather was changing; it was that global warming thing that always brought her a feeling of déjà vu, like it happened before; somewhere else, a long time ago. Ella shrugged, pulling out a light jacket from her backpack. Her purse vibrated, the Star Wars theme began to play, louder and louder, over and over. Ella reached inside, searching for her cell, shuffling through her makeup bag and wallet, receipts, and mints. She could see the light flashing and then nothing. Hello, Hello? She picked up the phone, it was too late. She redialed.

Is this my Angel Face?

Yes, are you my Baby Head? Ella asked, her voice was low, tender.

What’s a Baby Head? Why do you call me a Baby Head? I don’t like it. What does it mean? A floating baby’s head?

That’s what you are, you’re a Baby Head. Ella laughed out loud. It felt good to finally be herself with someone, to finally be comfortable, able to say anything. And when you die, I’ll go to a psychic and I’ll try to communicate. I will, and she’ll say wait a minute ... I see something, it’s a head, a floating head, a baby’s head, does that mean anything to you? And I’ll know it’s you. Baby Head?

Yes?

I’m going on a trip.

A trip why? With who?

I’ll come over, tonight. I’ll tell you about it.

Sure, I’ll be here. I’m making Brussels sprouts and cabbage.

Ewww, nasty!

It’ll be here if you want it. Jared hung up. He could be abrupt at times, but his heart was in the right place.

Ella jumped into her little red mustang. She called it Synchronicity. She rolled down out of the parking lot, head turning left and right. She was looking for an audience; she loved driving Synchronicity and showing her off. It wasn’t a new car, but it was well-cared for and looked new, though it was a decade old. She rolled the top down, stalling, looking for spectators, and revved the engine. She pumped on the gas pedal again and again before releasing the brake,