In this island of Atlantis there existed a confederation of kings, of great and marvelous power, which held sway over all the island, and over many other islands also and parts of the continent- Excerpt from Plato's Timaues

Prologue

The midday sun beamed down from a clear blue sky highlighting the green canopy of the tree tops with a golden glow, tropical birds could be heard chattering and calling as they sat within the branches. A low throaty warbling call silenced them briefly as the birds assessed whether the animal that had made the noise was a danger to them, before carrying on chattering and squabbling over fruit and nuts.

Down below the canopy it was humid and damp the sun rarely got through the lush roof of green tree tops but here and there shafts of light could be seen strafing the ground. A small stream wended its way through this part of the jungle, burbling its way over small river rocks towards a little waterfall.

A small monkey sat at the waters edge playing with one of the smooth stones examining it nimbly with clever fingers. It raised it to its nose and sniffed before giving it a small lick. No food item this but the monkey was content.

Suddenly it stopped moving and became as still as the rock it held, something wasn't right, even the birds had gone silent. Without warning the bushes behind the small mammal began rustling violently. At this the monkey's nerve gave and it sprang away still clutching its pebble.

A tall figure fell through the bushes and lay where it fell panting hard, above him the birds screamed and fluttered about. Ignoring them the man just lay there trying to catch his breath. After a while the screeching and squawking subsided somewhat and finally the man sat up.

Running a hand through his thick black hair he reached down and fingered a small silver ring that hung from his neck on a piece of leather cord. Looking down at himself he sighed. His shirt which had been white and clean at the start of this little trip was now stained with dirt, grime and here and there splatters of blood.

Reaching to his side the man pulled a handgun from the holster there and ejected the clip to check the ammo remaining it did not look promising. Twenty bullets in all remaining and he still had a way to go until he reached the rendezvous spot where Sully was waiting for him.

Placing the firearm back into the holster, he took a fleeting glance around his surroundings, spotting the stream he grinned and crawled over to it not daring to stand in case one of his pursuers spotted him. Reaching the water he thrust his hands into the clear water and raised it to his mouth. Deciding it was one of the most delicious things he had tasted in a while he continued to scoop the water into his mouth.

He froze suddenly as he heard the crack of a fallen twig nearby, silently he eased his own weapon back out of its holster. Quietly he turned and sighed.

"Ahh hell."