# Storm of the Sacred Mountain explained — The Lost Continent

> Chapter companion for The Lost Continent by C. J. Cutcliffe Hyne.

## What happens

Deucalion tends to the newly awakened Nais, who recovers her strength and beauty. As the battle for the Sacred Mountain intensifies, Deucalion confronts Tatho, a former comrade now serving Empress Phorenice, in a parley that fails to avert further bloodshed. Deucalion asserts his kingship and warns of the catastrophic power stored in the Ark of the Mysteries, but Tatho remains loyal to Phorenice, refusing to betray her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Sacrifice

Deucalion's devotion to Nais is central; he delayed his kingship to ensure her safety, and she awakens to his care.

### Rebellion and Revolution

The priests and Deucalion rebel against Phorenice's tyranny, defending the Sacred Mountain as a symbol of resistance.

### Power and Tyranny

Phorenice's ruthless sacrifice of her own troops and her demand for absolute obedience exemplify tyrannical rule.

### Fate and Free Will

Deucalion warns of inevitable destruction if the attack continues, while Tatho chooses loyalty to Phorenice despite the dire consequences.

## Character check-ins

### Nais

Awakens from her nine-year sleep, regains strength and beauty, and expresses affection for Deucalion.

### Deucalion

Tends to Nais, shaves his beard, dons a kingly robe, and leads the defense of the Sacred Mountain; asserts his kingship and parleys with Tatho.

### Tatho

Commands the attacking forces for Phorenice, refuses Deucalion's offer of a duel or surrender, and remains loyal to the Empress.

### Phorenice

Directs the assault on the Sacred Mountain from a spur of rock, sacrificing troops relentlessly to overwhelm the defenses.

### Zaemon

Referenced as having prophesied the destruction of Phorenice's pyramid and as a keeper of the Ark of the Mysteries.

### The Priests

Defend the Sacred Mountain, using rocks and magic; they rally behind Deucalion as their king.

## Key lines

> My lord is the properest man in all the world to be King

Nais tells Deucalion he is the most suitable man to be king.

_Nais expresses admiration for Deucalion's character and leadership._

> You cannot scare us back now by words

Tatho asserts that Deucalion's warnings will not intimidate him.

_Tatho dismisses Deucalion's threats, showing his resolve._

> I am King

Deucalion declares his royal title.

_Deucalion asserts his authority as the appointed king of Atlantis._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_continent_se/chapters/xviii-storm-of-the-sacred-mountain
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_continent_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_continent_se/chapters