“What’s happening? What’s doing that?” Seth asked in mounting panic.
“I don’t know,” Alice said her voice shaking. For once she couldn’t supply her brother with an answer. “Whatever it is…”
“I have a gun for protection,” Justin announced and quickly pulled a loaded pistol from his pack. Alice caught a glint of reflected light off metal from the dying glow of the campfire. The light from the stars had been snuffed out.
“What do you think you’re going to do with that, shoot shadows?” Alice asked astounded. “Let’s get out of here!” By now they were all on their feet.
“I’m not afraid of any ghost!” Justin snarled.
A low, faintly perceptible moan of horrific pain and inconsolable sorrow infused the thickening darkness around them. They could no longer see; another wave of bone-chilling cold brushed against them in the impenetrable blackness.
Justin shot wildly at the dark; one shot after another.
Alice felt something drop to the ground beside her.
A gust of chilled wind stoked the fire into sparks and flame. In its light, her brother lay motionless at her feet, a bullet hole in his forehead.
“Seth…!” she screamed. Her shrill cry brought an end to Justin’s shooting. Alice dropped down to her brother’s side, groping for him with her hands. He wasn’t breathing, his pallid freckled skin already chilling in the moaning cold wind that engulfed them.
“No…! Look what you’re done! You’re mad! You’re evil!” she screamed at Justin over the roar in her ears. This couldn’t be happening for real; it wasn’t possible; she would wake soon from this terrible nightmare; she had to.
“Come on; wake up!” she shouted as much to her dead brother as to herself. Seth didn’t wake up; nor did she. The grief that washed over her was unbearable.
“How could you do this?” she screamed at Justin. “My, brother!”
Justin didn’t respond; he just looked at her coldly.
Suddenly Alice realized that she was in grave danger, not from the evil essence that permeated the air around them, but from the cold emotionless soul staring down at her. Run, an inner voice told her. One final quick glance at her beloved brother and Alice took off running through the shrouding darkness. Shots were fired behind her, one shot hitting a tree nearby as she fled. She couldn’t tell if Justin had taken up pursuit; it would have been impossible to hear him over her own pounding heart, her crashing retreat, and the moaning of the cloaking darkness.
Alice ran on, guided only by blind terror and gasping for breath. How long did she run …for minutes…hours…days? She didn’t know. All she knew was that she couldn’t stop. By the time terror loosened its grip on her mind, she had reached the edge of a road. The last thing she noticed before collapsing in front of a screeching car were the stars shining brightly overhead.
CHAPTER 8
Aaia
Caleeza flowed slowly back toward consciousness …but there was no need to hurry. She didn’t want to leave; she was happy. She frolicked through the fragrant Academy gardens with Sarus by her side full of new hopes and dreams. What fun it was to be together again! Arm in arm, they twirled through the gardens, the orchards, and then they followed the river before gliding out to sea. It was a long spirit journey across the Golden Sea, but finally they landed in a landscape of crystals.
Caleeza became increasingly aware of several points of physical pain throughout her body as Sarus was pulled away from her, never to be her heart mate again. Suddenly she was overwhelmed with lost love, but then physical pain demanded her attention. It was her head that hurt the most. Where am I? The last thing she remembered was falling down a long glowing tunnel. She tried to open an eyelid, but the effort was just too great. Giving up, she drifted away again.
When pain drew her back to total awareness she sensed much time had passed. Not quite ready yet to expend the energy necessary to open her eyes, she focused on other senses for clues to her surroundings. For one thing, she was lying flat on her back and she could feel some sort of bedding beneath her. So Ollen found her after all and was taking care of her. Did he encounter the dragon-like beast? As she came closer to the surface of consciousness, the areas of her injuries became more defined. She tried to move to shift position, but the effort just made things worse.
Caleeza opened her eyes …slowly. The living ceiling and walls that surrounded her glowed luminously green, the dull throbbing pain in her head grateful for the subdued lighting. Then turning her head, she saw it and gasped. The life form seated beside her was not Ollen or like any creature she had ever seen before.
Upon noticing Caleeza’s eyes were open, the little creature jumped up and moved away, then sat on its haunches watching her. Was it seeking a safe distance from her? She watched it from where she lay, studying it carefully. At a glance its movements and many of its physical features almost looked human …a very small humanoid …covered in …were those brownish orange feathers? It wore something across one shoulder, cinched at the waist …was it worn as clothing, or did the article have a more utilitarian purpose?
Caleeza tried to sit up, but her body’s painful response arrested all further movement. Although reluctant to take her eyes off her companion, she lay back down and closed her eyes briefly. When she opened her lids again her feathered benefactor was crouching by her pallet offering her a gourd cup filled with water.
Tiny feathers outlined the exposed brown flesh of its forehead and cheeks. Round dark violet eyes stared down at her with …did she detect compassionate concern? A little crinkled nose and a bit of a snout for a mouth detracted some from the humanoid appearance of its face.
Caleeza lifted her head enough to drink with the creature assisting by holding the cup. Its hands had the dexterity of a human’s, but the fingers were short ending in little claws and the palms were padded. The water was cool and refreshing.
“I am grateful,” Caleeza said expressing her thanks.
Caleeza received a string of incomprehensive chittering in response. She had difficulty distinguishing variety in the syllables. Did it have a language? Did the strange repetitive sounds have meaning? She attempted to introduce herself.
“Caleeza,” she said pointing to herself. “My name is Caleeza. What’s yours?”
More chittering sounds.
“How about I call you Chitter?”
More chittering.
“Ok, then.”
Placing the water cup within Caleeza’s reach, Chitter dropped down on all fours and loped off, vanishing around a curve of rock that must lead into another chamber. Caleeza laid back to ease her head. Where am I? Although the rock ceiling and walls were covered with the same luminous green plant growth she had fallen through, she could see no evidence of the tunnel chute that brought her here.
Then she recalled the star stone in her possession and reached for it, digging in the pocket of her tunic. With the stone she may be able to draw at least a little helpful healing energy for her tortured body. But the star stone was not there. Did I have the stone in my hand when I encountered the big beast?
Chitter returned standing upright and carrying a small crudely carved bowl of sorts filled with an aromatic broth that set her stomach growling. Upon reaching the pallet, Chitter squatted down on her haunches and placed the bowl of broth beside the water cup. For some reason Caleeza felt certain Chitter was female.
Once again Caleeza made the effort to sit up. She felt every scrape and bruise as she gingerly pushed herself up into a sitting position, unable to suppress a few moans. Taking her time, she eventually managed it, which changed her perspective notably. For the first time she could look down at Chitter, and when Chitter picked up the bowl and stood up to offer it to her, they were eye to eye level.
Caleeza took the offered nourishment graciously. It was only half full to prevent spillage and since no eating utensil was provided, she cautiously brought it to her lips and sipped. The savory broth was warm and tasty. She hungrily emptied the bow
l in a few gulps and almost immediately felt very sleepy. It was then she realized the broth must have been spiked with a sleeping potion. She didn’t want to lose consciousness again, but there was nothing she could do; her eyelids became too heavy to keep open. Chitter gently took the bowl from Caleeza’s hands as she painlessly lay down to sleep.
After floating for what seemed like days through a kaleidoscopic vision of light and color, Ilene felt the warmth of a sun and inhaled the intoxicating perfume of an extraordinary flower garden. She had been here before. Recognizing the cloying fragrance of the Academy gardens, Ilene opened her eyes.
Standing with her in a trellised alcove covered in flowering vines with stunningly large blossoms of rose, violet, and white were Councilor Anthya, Kaylya, Rojaire, and another male who looked about her age, or so he appeared. Ilene was aware that life expectancy for Aaians was vastly different from that on Earth. She wouldn’t be surprised to learn the “young man” was more than a hundred Earth-years old.
“Greetings, Healer Ilene. Welcome back to Aaia,” Councilor Anthya greeted her with serene formality.
“Thank you,” Ilene said, quickly orienting to the interstellar change in scenery. It had been a hard good-bye for her mother to take. The stress of departure had been eased only by Jack’s attentive care. Jack was her hero for stepping up and offering to watch over Elaine while she was gone. Ilene knew her mother could be a handful.
“You already know Kaylya and Rojaire,” Anthya said. Trying to put her worries on Earth aside, Ilene focused her attention on the friends she long missed.
“It’s so good to see you again, Ilene,” Kaylya said giving her a healthy Earthly hug.
“Oh, Kaylya, thank you so much.”
“Welcome to Aaia,” Rojaire said getting a bit of hug of his own.
“Crystal shards!” Kiril breathed, his gaze transfixed on Ilene …Theon’s daughter …Theon’s daughter of Earth! She was beautiful, astoundingly bouncy, and overflowing with emotional energy.
“It’s wonderful seeing the two of you together,” Ilene said. Then she wondered about Quaylyn. She had imagined he would be here to greet her and inquire after Rahlys, but Quaylyn was nowhere in sight.
“And this is Kiril, also a student here at the Academy,” Anthya said drawing Ilene’s attention to the stranger. “He is studying your language and will be your guide when Kaylya and Rojaire aren’t available.” The High Council had decided that mentoring Ilene would be a suitable distraction to take Kiril’s mind off the colonization of Lynnara.
“I will leave you with your friends for now so you can visit,” Anthya said with undue formality. “They will show you to your quarters. I will summon you to lessons after you have settled in.” Without waiting for a response, Anthya teleported away.
“Hi, Kiril, I’m Ilene.” She offered him her hand.
Speechless, he took her hand and nodded in response.
“What’s wrong with you?” Rojaire asked, giving him a soft slap on his side.
The tap helped steady him. “Welcome to Aaia. It is my pleasure to serve,” Kiril said finding his voice.
“Have you seen Jack lately?” Kaylya asked right away.
“Yes, just before I left. He’s courting my mom.”
“Oh really; I thought I detected an attraction between them before Rojaire and I left Earth.”
Ilene sighed deeply. “I wouldn’t have been able to come if it weren’t for Jack easing my mother’s pain over my departure.”
“How’s Quaylyn?” Ilene asked.
“He’s fine,” Kaylya said. Ilene waited for more, but Kaylya moved on. “Let’s take you to your lodging; I believe refreshments are waiting for us there.”
The living area assigned to Ilene was much like the one she had been assigned to a few years ago when she, Rahlys, Theon, and Raven came to the Community of the High Council to join the team searching for the lost expedition. The rooms and even the furnishings were carved out of the lavender, rose, and creamy white stone of the mountain itself. The rooms were open to a stone balcony overlooking the extensive gardens, orchards, fields, and athletic arenas that surrounded the Academy Buildings and the Council Hall of the High Council.
The greater view from the balcony was stunning. A cascading river cut through the coastal mountains embracing a wide river valley opened to the Golden Sea.
“So tell me about Quaylyn,” Ilene said when the group finally settled on finely woven cushions that softened the carved stone seats encircling a highly polished stone table laden with nuts, bread, fish, and fruit.
“Quaylyn is now Councilor Quaylyn of the High Council of the Crystal Table,” Kaylya informed her with a smirk.
“Get out of here!” Ilene exclaimed.
Not understanding the meaning of Ilene’s outburst, Kiril was shocked. Did she ask us to leave? Kiril telepathed Rojaire.
I don’t think so, Rojaire telepathed having experienced similar confusion over the expression before. I think she is just expressing surprise over the news.
“Yes, he filled Zayla’s vacant seat,” Kaylya informed her. “And the High Council agreed to give the Devastated Continent back its real name.”
“What is the Devastated Continent’s real name?” Ilene asked.
“Lynnara,” Kiril said, responding unexpectedly to the topic he was so passionate about.
“Lynnara, that’s pretty. So how did you get chosen for the job to be my mentor, Kiril?” Ilene asked with enthused interest.
“Your father and I are close friends,” he said pulling himself together. Kiril could hardly believe he was seated here with Theon’s daughter. Theon had often spoke of Ilene and how much he missed her. If only Theon could see her now.
“Kiril was with Theon and I on the mapping expedition through the Crescent Mountains,” Rojaire explained.
Ilene knew Theon was on the Devastated Continent…Lynnara. “What can you tell me about my father?” she asked, fear of the worst gripping her heart. “When was the last time you were with him?”
“A season ago in a grand valley deep in the Crescent Mountains. We are going to build a colony there,” Kiril blurted out with no regard to secrecy.
“That’s something we need to discuss,” Rojaire said in all seriousness.
Ilene could feel the time/space lag taking its toll. “But my father is alright, isn’t he?” she asked suppressing a yawn.
“Yes, and you may yet have a chance to see him,” Rojaire assured her.
“We have much to tell you about,” Kaylya broke in. “But first you need to get some rest.”
“Kaylya is right,” Rojaire said. “It is time for us to leave.” Heavy weariness prevented Ilene from protesting as they rose to leave. “Get some rest.”
Captain Setas couldn’t help smiling to herself in her little sheltered garden grotto woven out of living trees and fruiting vines. She set out refreshments on a small table carved from a block of reddish wood. Rojaire had contacted her and wished to talk. Setas was certain this was not an official visit. Rojaire is up to something; probably something the High Council doesn’t approve.
Of course, not everything she did met with the High Council’s approval either. In the eyes of the Community of the High Council, Setas was a trusted ferryboat captain in their service. To Rojaire, she was an ally for a greater cause. Alaia Island was also called Limitation Island because it marked the closest point to the once devastated mainland that energy can be drawn from the elemental forces. Access to the mainland is granted by permission of the High Council only. It was she who ferried those across wishing to span the considerable distance from her island to Lynnara, the Devastated Continent. There was no other way to reach its shores.
It has been quite some time since there has been any contact by the High Council or anyone from the Academy. She still makes occasional trips from her own Alaia Island to Lavender Beach, the gateway to the continent of Lynnara. Several missing persons remain unaccounted for on the continent. She always imagines Theon standing on
the beach waiting for her as the ferry approaches, but Theon is never there. No one is ever waiting for her.
Of course, Setas doesn’t expect to ever see Theon again, but thinking about him brought her back to Rojaire’s impending arrival. She smiled again in anticipation and sat down to wait.
Captain Setas lives alone on the island. In truth, she is more a botanist than a ferryboat captain. Alaia Island is a garden island. Over centuries Setas has cultivated every inch of it, from mountain slope to water’s edge, collecting seeds and starts from all over the planet and even a few other worlds in the galaxy in exchange for the service she provides. Because of the overflow she has slowly been introducing hardy species of food producing plants to Lynnara, close to Lavender Beach. She even had Rojaire’s mapping expedition plant tree seeds across the continent’s coastal region from Lavender Beach all the way to the Crescent Mountains. The little tree seedlings should be emerging about now.
“Greetings, Captain Setas,” Rojaire said suddenly standing before her. “Seek heart, not soul.”
The ancient woman stared at him studying him intently without speaking. Even seated she looked formidable.
“It is my pleasure to serve,” Rojaire added formally bowing to her.
“Greetings, Rogue Rojaire,” she crooned hoarsely. In Captain Setas’ eyes Rojaire would always be a rogue. This visit was proof of that. “If you are so eager to serve, serve me a drink and be seated. Pour a drink for yourself, too.”
Obeying orders Rojaire did so, settling into the only other chair available with a drink in hand.
“So tell me, how have you crossed the High Council this time?” Setas croaked.
“I haven’t crossed them yet.” Rojaire paused. “For that I will need your help.”
“I’m listening.”
That was getting to the point fast. Taking a few deep breaths before starting, Rojaire told his tale. He described the meeting with the High Council and the Councilors’ decision to return to using Lynnara’s original name. Even Stoic Setas proved unable to hide her expression of surprise at this unexpected turn of events.
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