The Lost Continent · Chapter
Siege of the Sacred Mountain explained
Deucalion returns to the Sacred Mountain after years of war and is greeted by Zaemon, who hails him as King of Atlantis.
What happens
Deucalion returns to the Sacred Mountain after years of war and is greeted by Zaemon, who hails him as King of Atlantis. Zaemon reveals that the High Gods have decreed Phorenice's death for discovering the Secret of Life and Death and defying divine authority. Deucalion insists on rescuing Nais before fully committing to his role. He then surveys the defenses, encounters the priest Ro who was coerced by Zaemon into delivering a message, and later takes a solemn oath of loyalty to the High Gods before the Ark of the Mysteries.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Tyranny
Phorenice's tyranny is highlighted by her usurpation, desecration of temples, and defiance of the Gods, leading to her condemnation.
Love and Sacrifice
Deucalion's insistence on rescuing Nais before ruling reflects his love and willingness to sacrifice for her.
Rebellion and Revolution
The Priests' rebellion against Phorenice, sanctioned by the High Gods, aims to overthrow her rule and restore divine order.
Fate and Free Will
Deucalion's oath and the Gods' decree illustrate the tension between divine fate and human agency.
Characters to notice
- Deucalion
Returns to the Sacred Mountain, is hailed as King, insists on rescuing Nais, surveys defenses, and takes a solemn oath.
- Zaemon
Greets Deucalion with the royal sign, reveals the Gods' decree against Phorenice, and coerces Ro into delivering a message.
- Phorenice
Condemned by the High Gods for discovering the Secret of Life and Death and defying divine authority.
- Nais
Asleep under the granite throne for eight years, awaiting rescue by Deucalion.
- Ro
A lower priest coerced by Zaemon into delivering a message to Deucalion; his hand is paralyzed as punishment.
- Tatho
Mentioned as Phorenice's husband who was to be made immortal by her.
- The Gods
The High Gods decree Phorenice's death and approve Deucalion's oath.
- The Priests
The Priests' Clan on the Sacred Mountain assist in Deucalion's ascent and follow orders without question.
Key passages
“All hail to Deucalion, King of Atlantis, duly called thereto by the High Council of the priests.”
Zaemon formally proclaims Deucalion as the rightful King of Atlantis, chosen by the priestly council.
Deucalion's kingship is recognized upon his return.
“The sentence has gone out that she is to die, and it shall be carried into effect, even though we have to set loose the most dreadful powers that are stored in the Ark of the Mysteries, and wreck this continent in our effort.”
Zaemon declares that Phorenice must die, even if it means using the Ark's powers to destroy the continent.
The extreme measures the Priests are willing to take to eliminate Phorenice.
“I must have my Queen first, or I am not strong enough to give my whole mind to this ruling.”
Deucalion insists on rescuing Nais before he can fully commit to being king.
Deucalion's love for Nais is a prerequisite for his rule.
“It is dead and paralysed from the wrist, and that is a gift of Zaemon.”
Ro's hand is paralyzed by Zaemon as punishment for his apostasy.
Zaemon's use of supernatural power to enforce obedience.
“I vowed that, come what might, I at least would be true servant of the High Gods to my life’s end, and that my whole strength should be spent in restoring Their worship and glory.”
Deucalion swears an oath to serve the High Gods faithfully and restore their worship.
Deucalion's solemn commitment to the divine cause.
