Writing competition 131; "The Unknown Fort"

The race of men have always had dealings with the gods. And this relationship has never in history been done away with. There were Emperors, Kings, Queens, Lords and Ladies who at certain points tried to raise their standards and declare themselves gods but the end result has always been fatal. Our tale begins with the King Diodoros who ruled over the ancient Greek city of Helike.

The city was close to the port and did a lot of trade with sailing merchants. As a result, they had plenty of revenue and opportunities. They served initially the Greek god of the mighty sea; the great Poseidon and as long as they paid their homage, he provided for them and made safe their harbor.

But the heart of man is full and boastful. Soon, they stopped paying homage to Poseidon, his temple was left unkept and scarcely visited. They had become engulfed in their prosperity they thought they had no use for the god anymore. Even the magnificent statues that had been erected at the towns' strategic centers were pulled down to make way for the King and noble ancestors' figure.
The priests at the temple of Poseidon Laocoön warned the people of their betrayal and the impeding danger but never did they listen. At one point, Diodoros even exiled Laocoön and issued a warrant for whoever payed homage to Poseidon.

Slowly the animals began fleeing the city and soon there was none left save those in cages. And that was when it started. The city began sinking and the earth under them became muddy. Coupled with the unending rain that flooded the streets, it was nigh impossible to escape. and in a wave, the city was engulfed by water through a tsunami. Only slight traces of the city could be seen under the water when the sun was high and bright. That was all that was left.
The tale of the city was used to warn little children about the wrath of the gods. But in time, the city of Helike faded from memory and those who saw the scanty display of molten sand underneath the water would ask; "What is that?"