Thy mood is ill, my scribe, for learning all of that great sea fight of the centuries gone—a thousand years before Atlantis sank.
Your mood is ill-suited, my scribe, to learning all of that great sea fight of centuries past, a thousand years before Atlantis sank.
Yea, thus I swear who read the time by Stars and Moon in transit. Mars in mood of harm and Mercury fiercer yet with venom plied. Great nations then as now did sprinkle Earth with tribes of warriors born with love of spoil.
I swear, as one who measures time by the movement of stars and moon. Mars was in a destructive state, and Mercury even more fierce with its poison. Powerful nations, then as now, scattered the Earth with tribes of warriors, born with a love for plunder.
A thousand years before Atlantis sank there rose a cry from Northern borders peopled with the "Slav"—the Norsemen of a line that later cast their lot in lower country, driven from their homes by one oppressor—later king of North.
A millennium before Atlantis vanished beneath the waves, a call echoed from the northern frontiers inhabited by the "Slav"—Norse ancestors who would eventually settle in southern lands. They were forced from their homes by a single tyrant, who later became ruler of the North.
In early life a henchman, later king. His blood the blood of peasant mingled strong with some bold, roving warriors from the South who ventured far into that frozen clime.
Starting as a loyal follower, he rose to become king. His lineage combined humble farming roots with the fierce blood of adventurous southern warriors who had braved the harsh northern lands.
This king was Olaf. Aye, dim history speaks that selfsame name so "common" to thine ear. A clod sometimes, sometimes a keener soul doth answer to that name, but in that day when "Olaf-of-the-bear’s-claw-set-on-helm" did strike a blow, his name took on the meaning of a single star, there was none other.
This king was Olaf. Yes, dim history speaks that same name so "common" to your ear. Sometimes a clod, sometimes a keener soul answers to that name. But in that day when "Olaf-of-the-bear’s-claw-set-on-helm" struck a blow, his name took on the meaning of a single star. There was no other.
The meaning? I know not. But a sound, perchance, from childish lips took to it other sound and made the name.
The meaning? I don't know. But perhaps a child's mispronunciation of some words created this name.
King Olaf called his warriors—fur-clad men whose flaxen locks hung low, encrowned with cap of fur and steel combined, a cunning builded structure meant for war.
King Olaf summoned his warriors—men dressed in furs with long blond hair, wearing helmets made of fur and steel, expertly crafted for battle.
“Ho! to the southward! Black-eyed maids are there, with lips that madden mood, and laughing glance and arms soft twining. Aye, for I have seen in train of captives many such and I will bring anon such in my train.
Hey there! Down south you'll find dark-eyed beauties with lips that drive men wild, playful looks, and soft embraces. I've seen plenty of them among the captives, and I'll be bringing some back with me soon.
“The southland holds much treasure. Gold in grains so large they are but painted pebbles, one might think; such precious stuff hath seldom lay within man's sight as we shall garner in that distant land. The mighty Lars, 'the-Eagle-of-the-Crags,' hath sailed him thither in his early youth and tells the tale. He speaks of island set in laughing sea where 'palms' wave.
The southern lands are rich with treasure. Gold nuggets so large they look like painted pebbles - a sight rarely seen by human eyes. We'll gather such riches in that faraway place. The great Lars, known as "the Eagle of the Crags," sailed there in his youth and shares the story. He speaks of an island in a sparkling sea where palm trees sway.
“Know ye what that name may mean? A tree with plumes and fruitage sweet to lips and gladdening to eye, when day by day the barque has glided swift and brought the word of land to them who wait all eager at the prow. Aye, 'palms' they speak, and roses dot the sod so green it seems but one vast emerald set upon the sapphire sea.
Do you know what that name might mean? Picture a tree with feathery leaves and fruit that's delicious to eat and beautiful to behold. Imagine sailors spotting these trees day after day as their ship glides swiftly towards land, bringing hope to those anxiously waiting at the bow. Yes, they speak of palm trees, with roses scattered across grass so lush it looks like one enormous emerald set against the deep blue sea.
“Great temples, too, have they and palaces and wondrous pictures, true to beauteous life and state, and music met the ear, as in the dark he stole up softly; muffled oars dipped slow and slaves mouth-bound so that no cry escaped.
They have magnificent temples and palaces adorned with lifelike and stately paintings. As he crept silently through the darkness, music drifted to his ears. Oars dipped slowly into the water, barely making a sound, while gagged slaves ensured no cry could be heard.
“I know not all the wonders there may be upon that island. Ye shall see and name in our own tongue, for by our gods I swear that ere the snow falls on Britanji's spur we start us southward; winter is there Spring, and Spring a joyous time of warmth and gayest life in nature. Southward, Ho! we journey, set for war.”
"I can't even imagine all the amazing things we might find on that island. You'll see them and give them names in our language. I swear by our gods that before snow covers Britanji's peak, we'll head south. Winter there is like Spring, and Spring is a delightful season of warmth and vibrant life. Southward, Ho! We're off to war."
The planets breed dissension. War and strife float on the winds. The sun strikes sheen on spears in many lands at seasons, for it throws dissension in its beams which smite all shores.
The planets breed dissension. War and strife float on the winds. At certain seasons the sun strikes a sheen on spears in many lands, for it throws dissension in its beams, which strike all shores.
Thus Asia—land of yellow peopling forms—had turned her mood unto that island fair, the home of her ancestry. Land where first her ruler dwelt in youth and manhood, fraught with greed of power which wrecked full many a home, and tore the child from parent arms and made his name a by-word—word for theft of trusted grains and theft of talents great bestowed not on the land to which he owed his fealty—Kling.
So Asia, land of yellow peoples, had turned her mood toward that fair island, the home of her ancestry. It was the land where her ruler first lived, in youth and manhood. He was full of a greed for power that wrecked many a home and tore the child from its parents' arms. It made his name a byword, a word for the theft of entrusted grain and the theft of great talents, not bestowed on the land to which he owed his loyalty. That ruler was Kling.
To southward set the sons of Asia, over barren sands, through tempests, crossing sea upon the borders of that land where the Zambesi ran. Upon its banks were cities grand with fairest temples set. Revolt was rampant. Slaves were worn with toil and spoil spake big to them, and hate and wrong called out in tongue of flame: "Revenge!"
Southward traveled the people of Asia, across desolate deserts and through storms, sailing seas to reach the land where the Zambezi flowed. Along its banks stood magnificent cities with beautiful temples. Rebellion was widespread. Slaves, exhausted from endless work, were tempted by the promise of riches. Hatred and injustice ignited their spirits, and a fiery call for vengeance echoed through the land.
Thus their ears were open to the wiles of those bold men of Asia, strong in mind and subtle as the serpent; brains were theirs condemned to carry guile, to plot, to hold in keen abhorrence any state of mind that dealt with pity where an enemy was held in bonds.
They were easily swayed by the cunning Asian leaders, who were intelligent and sly as snakes. These men possessed minds destined for deception and scheming, utterly despising any show of mercy towards a captive foe.
There, within the shade of templed marts they dwelt apace—those men of Asia. Spake softly they, the leaders: "Well we know thy state, the state of slave bereft of all that makes life joyous. Master wills hold closely every impulse; souls are warped to suit the mood of them whom Nature made of lesser worth invested though more favored state.
There, in the bustling marketplaces, the Asian men settled quickly. Their leaders spoke quietly: "We understand your situation—that of a slave stripped of life's joys. Your masters tightly control your every move; your very essence is twisted to suit the whims of those who, despite their privileged position, are naturally less worthy."
"We go to wrest from tyrants gold and gems and fairest women. Wizards on that isle who do create most beauteous things, and wealth so lavish that it piles the sands with gold. Come ye, too, with us. The fleet ye watch lies far out to sea. Unto her captains, brave, take ye this store, this parchment, too, which tells of all our needs—our brother love." Then bolder:
"We're off to seize riches from tyrants - gold, jewels, and beautiful women. This island has wizards who craft exquisite treasures, and such abundant wealth that gold covers the beaches. Join us on this adventure. The fleet you see is far offshore. Take this cargo and this list of our requirements to the brave captains, along with our brotherly affection." Then, more confidently:
“What matter if the city loses fleet? It holds great power still and gems, and lofty piles, in which your children groan in bonds of toil! Be free, O men of Africa; To the sea! Thy galleys loose; they lie at anchor guarded but by thee, their captains willing to my service turn.
"Who cares if the city loses its navy? It still has great wealth, precious stones, and towering buildings where your children suffer in forced labor! Break free, people of Africa! To the sea! Your ships are ready; they're anchored and guarded only by you, their captains eager to join my cause."
“Let loose the galleys manned by thee and thine, and these, my trusted warriors fill the bulk of ships which hold so proudly many hundred souls, aye, thousands! and my warriors, like the sands of desert, droop where deep in forest paths draw to the hills.
Launch your ships, crewed by you and your men. Fill the hulls of these proud vessels with my loyal soldiers—hundreds, even thousands! My warriors, as numerous as desert sands, await in the deep forest paths leading to the hills.
“Awake! cast off the bonds of slavery and come, O men of Africa's city great! Set thou to sea! I hold thee worthy of this prompting. Thou shalt know the joy of spoil! the bliss of power thou shalt know. Come, sail to sea!”
“Awake! Cast off the bonds of slavery and come, O men of Africa's great city! Set out to sea! I hold you worthy of this call. You shall know the joy of plunder! You shall know the bliss of power. Come, sail to sea!”
And thus from day to day the wily strangers plied with words, and wine, the officers of duty to the fleet that stretched out proudly-whitened wood and bark, great iron bands that made the cypress firm; and floating banners, dangling in the breeze, were later wafted broadly as they set them forth at midnight when the plot had worked its potency.
Day by day, the cunning strangers worked their plan, plying the fleet's officers with smooth talk and strong drink. The proud ships stood ready, their wooden hulls gleaming white, reinforced with iron bands that strengthened the cypress. As midnight approached and the plot took hold, the floating banners that had hung limp now billowed in the breeze as the ships set sail.
And he—the crafty leader of the Asiaites, hied him forth to whisper to the leaders of the bands that lurked amidst the forest leaves and trunks like domes and pillars of some mighty hall whose setting was the stars which peeped from folds of purple curtains.
The cunning Asian leader slipped away to whisper to the commanders of the groups hiding among the trees. The forest, with its leafy canopy and sturdy trunks, resembled a grand hall, its ceiling the star-studded sky peeking through dark purple clouds.
Heavy scent of bloom checked breath and made the night a dangerous time, and beasts prowled hungrily and sniffed the scent of human bodies, filled with rushing blood that tasted in their senses warm and sweet.
The overwhelming fragrance of flowers made breathing difficult and turned the night treacherous. Predators roamed, driven by hunger, catching the scent of humans whose blood, warm and sweet to their senses, pulsed temptingly through their veins.
"Come forth," the leaders whispered. "Dawn shall come and find but leafy isles where now ye lie in wait. Let beasts prowl growling for your absence; spears are needed for another duty. Come! The galleys lie at anchor down the stream and ye have but to step upon their decks and waft away to pleasure on the sea.
"Come out," the leaders whispered. "By dawn, only leafy islands will remain where you now hide. Let animals prowl and growl at your absence; your spears are needed elsewhere. Come! The ships are anchored downstream, waiting for you to board and sail away to enjoyment on the sea."
"No man hath wings, and these alone can bear the king and his retainers in pursuit. So, free are we to sail at leisure, swiftly, to the island fair where that awaits which makes the eye to leap, and cause to sigh in lover's deep delight the tender-hearted youth.
No one has wings, and only these can carry the king and his followers in pursuit. So we're free to sail leisurely and swiftly to the beautiful island where something awaits that makes eyes widen and causes young lovers to sigh with deep delight.
"The bravest first shall land to gather spoil. Haste ye! The night falls swiftly, dawn shall break if swift ye come not. To the galleys, men!"
"The boldest among us will be the first to set foot on land and claim the loot. Hurry! Night approaches quickly, and dawn will catch us if you don't move fast. To the ships, everyone!"
The city, wrapped in slumber, heard no sound. No light shone forth to show the hurrying forms of slaves. No voice harsh rose to beckon thought to plunderer's crime. The city slept since revel worn, and stilled in slumber king and noble lay; and thus the foreign army sailed that night with scores of sailors at the helm or plying oars of galleys.
The city lay silent, deep in sleep. No lights revealed the bustling of servants. No harsh voices called attention to thieves' misdeeds. Exhausted from revelry, the city slumbered, with king and nobles alike at rest. That night, the foreign army set sail, their ships manned by scores of sailors steering and rowing.
Even the kings begirt with golden staves, and sculptured plumes, and garlands swung on prow, went down the "river" never to return. So went Zambesi's fleet to war, with alien hordes to man, and win them glory or yet feel the shame of swift defeat.
Even rulers adorned with golden scepters, ornate headdresses, and floral garlands on their ships sailed down the river, never to return. In this way, Zambesi's fleet went to war, crewed by foreign armies, seeking either glory or facing the humiliation of a quick defeat.
The sun danced on the dimpling sea. A cool breeze rocked the galleys. Stern and grim rode Asia's chief at head—the Mongol lord so subtle and so brave. The Northmen rode with cries of joy to feel the soft breeze on their cheeks that, bitten sore by frost, had grown as toughened as the reed which waves o’er pool.
The sun sparkled on the rippling sea. A refreshing wind swayed the ships. At the front, Asia's leader rode, stern and serious—the Mongol chief, both cunning and courageous. The Northmen shouted with delight, relishing the gentle breeze on their faces. Their cheeks, once raw from frost, had become as tough as reeds swaying above a pond.
"I see a speck of life upon yon height of water," Olaf spake to one who stood beside, and in his hand he held an instrument, then rare, made from a lens of glass and horn of ibis, instrument to throw such action on the eye as might impress the mind.
"I see a speck of life on that rise of water over there," Olaf said to a man who stood beside him. In his hand he held an instrument, rare at that time, made from a glass lens and the horn of an ibis. It was an instrument that acted on the eye in such a way as to impress the mind.
"A moving speck? It is some bird that wings across the water," spake another knight who doubted always what his brother spake.
"A moving dot? It's probably just a bird flying over the water," said another knight, who always questioned what his companion said.
"It is a fleet of fishers. We shall take their spoil!" a general named for vulture piped, as near and nearer drew the mass outlined against the sky. But no! the vision burst upon them swift and true at last—a line of galleys numbering as their own three hundred, aye and more.
"It's a fishing fleet! We'll take their loot!" declared a general named after a vulture, as the mass on the horizon grew closer. But no! The truth suddenly became clear—a line of warships, matching and exceeding their own fleet of three hundred.
The sun shone on the galley's spears. A light that seemed from sea flashed on the staves each common held in hand and made the line of boats a line of fire seem.
The sun glinted off the galley's weapons. Its light, as if reflecting off the sea, illuminated the staffs held by each crew member, transforming the row of boats into what looked like a blazing line of fire.
"Our gods are false!" cried Olaf. "We are made the sport of tyranny, of rank deceit! Atlantis sailed northward and we meet her fair in battle! No surprise we give, no spoil held easily; but spear to spear and stave to stave and galley locked with barque, manned by as many and as brave as we, perchance; we may not gain the day!"
"Our gods have deceived us!" Olaf shouted. "We're pawns in a game of tyranny and lies! Atlantis sailed north and we'll face them head-on in battle! We won't catch them off guard or claim an easy victory. It'll be spear against spear, ship against ship, with crews as numerous and brave as our own. We might not win this fight!"
One versed in war—one from the southern isles—cried loudly: "Not Atlantis’ fleet, for fleet hath she, but this is from the forests. I have seen such standards. Where the water laps the banks with marble set, such galleys lie.
A seasoned warrior from the southern islands shouted, "This isn't Atlantis' navy, though they have one. These ships come from the forests. I recognize those banners. Such vessels are often moored where water meets marble-lined shores."
"The standard of the leader bear you well in eye. It is the king of forests, inlet broad. Zambesi hath the serpent, eye of fire—the palms at prow. Behold the blood-red garments of the captains of her barques. Zambesi sets to war as we. A rival!
Keep an eye on the leader's standard. It's the forest king with a wide inlet. The Zambezi has the fiery-eyed serpent and palms at its bow. Look at the blood-red uniforms of her ship captains. The Zambezi prepares for war just like us. A rival!
"Yea, but waste we not our spears nor war on such foe as she. We will combine our forces; the victory won—that makes the island ours—we battle with our allies, spoil their fleet thus double booty, double glory, waits."
"Yes, but let us not waste our spears or make war on such a foe as she. We will combine our forces. Once the victory is won, which makes the island ours, we will battle our allies and plunder their fleet. So double booty and double glory wait for us."
And thus a truce was made. Full willingly did Asia's leader hold the offer good, and side by side they sailed—the crimson kite and polar bear, each holding in his heart the selfsame thought of brotherhood in strife against Atlantis; later, war on each and spoil fierce wrested from a rival's hand.
And so, a truce was formed. Asia's leader gladly accepted the offer, and they sailed together—the red kite and the polar bear, each harboring the same idea of alliance against Atlantis. However, both secretly planned for future conflict and the violent seizure of riches from their rival's grasp.
The men of Asia planned attack, as did the Northmen, on the northern coast where trees set closely hid the inlets deep and no great quays with ships to guard were there. For trusted they—Atlantians—to the rocky heights that girt the northern coast that few, thought they, might scale.
The Asians and Northmen planned their attack on the northern coast. There, dense forests concealed deep inlets, and no large harbors with protective ships existed. The Atlanteans relied on the rocky cliffs along the northern shore, believing few could scale them.
Yet strategy was Asia's strongest mood, and Northmen laughed at heights they could not scale, and rock-hedged inlets seemed but pleasant brooks, so sought they that stern shore.
Strategy was Asia's greatest strength, and the Northmen scoffed at cliffs they couldn't climb. Rocky inlets appeared as inviting as gentle streams to them, drawing them to that harsh coastline.
Aye, from the south Zambesi's sons did sail to reach the northern point. Atlantis held a menace at her Southern ports—a menace to marauders all well knew.
From the southern lands, the people of the Zambezi River ventured north. The southern harbors of Atlantis were notoriously dangerous, a threat that all potential invaders understood well.