Dark clouds swarm the sky. Apollo begins to choke as shadow engulfs the ridge. Cross winds rips through the chasms and whistle in the jungle trees. Against the horizon one might see the golden king. Locks whip across his face and flow out from his body. He stands on the Ridge’s summit. The most notible feature of this vantage point is a large boulder from which one can survey the whole of Atlantis. Bronze orbs watch his neighbor silently. They see her leave – the golden mare with the spindly frame. She gaits from the sandy beach onto the jungle path, and disappears. She will soon be in his territory. He wonders if it’s the spotted man’s mare, or simply a visitor. Either way, he will go to meet her.

Whirling about, he springs into motion. Tried and true legs quickly find the best path down the rocky slope and onto more solid ground. She dashes past – legs spread wide as they eat the ground beneath. Leisurely, golden legs pick up a trot. No hurry – she heads for the cliff-face. If the mare is anything but suicidal, she will stop. Suspicion tugs at the corners of his mind. The harbor had been a sanctuary for all travelers – the ridge is a formidable fortress. The last thing the king needs is a nosy creature asking questions. And that’s if she is not a plant from his suspicious neighbor. Chiding himself inwardly, he swallows doubts. No need to jump to hasty conclusions. Following the natural curve of the rock, he finally finds himself near the akhal-teke. A spark glints in his golden orbs as he sees Sylvia. She calms him outwardly. Chocolate maw bumps against her neck in play. Midas was never one for open displays of affection, but a quick hello never hurt. "You may want to back away from the edge”. Deep voice echoes in the space between them. He speaks loudly, hoping the mare can hear over the winds. "I am Midas, these are my lands. Who are you?”

Wind whistles against his ears. Salt grains squish between teeth as the sea slaps angrily yards below them. The sky darkens minute by minute. It is winter on Atlantis and the rainy season has only just begun.