Sensual memories of her time with Steven under the falls filled her heart with desire to be near him, to hold him in her arms. She hungered for his touch. It had been one of the most sensual and memorable moments in her life.
After a long shower, letting the fall’s pounding water soothe her stiff muscles, Ashlyn jumped into bed. The sheets felt cool and wonderfully welcoming. In moments, she was asleep.
Her dreams were of the children when they were back at Sea Base, when she was reading to Phillip and Sandee from Steven’s collection of old books. The two kids could never agree on which book to read—so inevitably she would end up choosing one for them. It was a moment of tenderness that they enjoyed together, where the children always ended up falling asleep before reaching the story’s end.
Ash dreamt of the moment that Christy had first called her Mom and the tightness of her first hug.
Her mind shifted from memories of their happiest moments together to the moment when the three children struggled in the arms of their Draconian captors. The sound of—
“Lady Ashlyn? Lady Ashlyn?” Startled by the touch of someone shaking her foot, Ash jumped up to see Tara standing at the foot of the bed. “I’m sorry, but you were not answering, and we were concerned about you. I apologize for waking you, but—”
“What’s wrong?” asked Ash, her heart still pounding from being awakened from the nightmare.
“Ja’kal needs you on the Observation Deck. He has found Lord Steven. He requests that you bring your sword,” said Tara.
Ash sighed. “Out of the frying pan—” She rose from the bed. “I’ll be there in a moment. Tell Ja’kal I’m on my way.”
Ash went to the mirror and fastened her hair into a ponytail. Slinging the sword over her shoulder, she knew there was only one reason to request she bring it. She was going into battle. Taking a deep breath, she turned and headed out the door to join Ja’kal.
Turning the corner onto the Observation Deck, she found everyone waiting for her. Their eyes betrayed the danger that lie ahead.
Ja’kal walked up to her and took her in his arms, giving her a tight hug. “I love you, mother.”
“I love you too.” Ash pulled back so that she could look into his eyes. “What’s wrong?” She looked at the others in the room. “Why do all of you look like you lost your puppy?”
Ja’kal let out a heavy sigh. “Lord Steven has been killed. The ghosts of the Draconian people turned upon him when he returned to his human form.”
Ashlyn staggered, her legs wanting to collapse. Ja’kal caught her, steadying her. Ash swallowed, and through a broken breath and falling tears, she asked softly, “How do you know he’s dead?”
“I saw his crucifixion,” said Ja’kal. His death was—”
Ash shook her head. Sniffing back tears, “I don’t want to know.”
Ja’kal nodded. “He loved you very much. And you were correct—I also witnessed the moment in time when he spoke to you saying he was sorry. Like you believed, it was an acknowledgement of his failure to protect my brother and sisters.
“Mother, we must talk. With his death, we cannot stop the rift. The universe will die.”
Through her broken heart, Ash wiped the tears from her eyes. “There must be something we can do?”
“There is—but it is not easy. It will be the hardest thing you have ever done,” said Ja’kal.
“Just tell me what I have to do,” said Ash.
Ja’kal nodded.
Ash saw the sadness of all those around her. “I see. So, I guess I’m the puppy.”
“Yes,” said Ja’kal. “You must sacrifice your own life. We must take you back in time, where you can contact the Keeper aboard Destiny. We must stop the darkness from moving into Steven. By doing so, all will be as it should have been. The Keeper of Pegasus and I have chosen the best insertion point.”
“But that also means the darkness will again be inside you,” responded Ash.
“Yes, as it was always supposed to be. I trust that you will find a solution,” said Ja’kal. “This must happen, or we will all die in the rift. You have no choice, as I have no choice. The others here will never know of the change to their lives. I will never know. Everything will be reset.”
The large sigh Ashlyn gave emptied her lungs. “There is so much that can go wrong.”
“Yes, but no more wrong than it is now,” said Ja’kal.
Chapter 19
Destiny
Insertion point
“All right, Keeper. I’m ready. Let’s get this over with,” said Ashlyn as she laid down in the stasis chamber.
“For the safety of the baby, I must slightly alter the procedure that preps you for stasis. Please close your eyes and relax. This will take longer than you are accustomed to.” A white rotating light from within the chamber swirled above her head. Eight minutes passed before it came to a stop.
Ash opened her eyes, and for a moment, she stared at the ceiling—her mind deep in thought.
Steven threw a glance at the Keeper, “You weren’t kidding when you said it would take a long time.
“You all right, Ash?” asked Steven, concerned.
Ashlyn simply nodded. She turned to look at the Keeper standing at the foot of the chamber. “Thank you.”
The Keeper bowed. “Initiating stasis protocols. Sixty seconds until lock down.”
She gave Steven a crooked grin. “Give the children a kiss for me. Tell them I love them.”
Steven reached out to touch her hand. Ash, knowing he would do so, pulled her hand away and folded them atop her belly. “Cooties. Don’t want you catching any. See you on the flipside.”
Steven stepped back a few inches.
“Thank you for holding to our agreement, Keeper,” said Ashlyn.
“Your sacrifice was great. It was the least I could do. I will not forget.” The Keeper would now hold inside an eternal secret.
Only hours before—Ashlyn had beamed aboard Destiny’s bridge to deliver a shocking message. The Keeper came to learn about Ja’kal and the existence of a sister ship named Pegasus. Upon hearing about how the darkness would transfer into Steven at the time of her going into stasis, and the calamity that would befall the universe—he offered his full support.
In the link with Ashlyn, the Keeper felt her heartbreak at the death of her children, and the joy she felt at seeing her son Ja’kal and the man he had become. He relived the battle she’d fought in the arena, and marveled at her time in the netherworld where she had found the crystal containing the original Keeper.
From Ashlyn, he gathered the vast knowledge of a billion lifetimes and millions of years of previously unknown historical data. He recorded everything that had been imparted to her: the medical science, the star charts of all the inhabited worlds—everything. It was a glorious testament to the aspirations of a people that no longer existed.
Collecting her memories, knowledge and nuanced emotions from all that had occurred—he prepped it to be transferred into her former self. Together, he and Ashlyn would avert the moment when the darkness had transferred into Steven.
After the message was delivered, Ashlyn had asked him to kill her, using the spatial transporter to scramble her molecules and send her into space. That singular moment in time had been the hardest thing the Keeper had ever done. It went against everything he stood for, everything he had been created for—the preservation of human life. He had come to love her and he felt like he was sacrificing his own child.
If not for the irrefutable logic of the echoing ripple her dual presence would have created, he would have fought to save her. But they both agreed, that a single life was a small price to pay to save all that existed.
“Stasis protocols initiated.” The clear plexi-door to her stasis chamber began to slide into place, sealing her in.
As the lock engaged and Ashlyn’s eyes grew heavy, her lips formed the words, “I love you.”
“I love you too, Ash,” said Steven softly as her eyes closed.
There was a small whooshing sound, and for a moment the air inside the chamber grew cloudy. The light within dimmed and went dark.
“She is now in stasis, Lord Steven,” confirmed the Keeper.
“Initiating Mission: Clean Sweep.”
Steven cocked his head. “What the hell is Mission: Clean sweep?” Steven heard the sound of Destiny’s missile launchers. “Keeper, I order you to explain.
“There is a Draconian outpost on the ocean floor off the southern tip of the Corodon continent. Ashlyn had given me the order to run a deep-water scan, pinpointing its location. It was imperative that her knowledge of it be kept secret.
“Her orders were to level the base, ensuring that no one escaped.”
Steven stared at the chamber’s darkened pane of glass. “Really? There’s a Draconian outpost on the ocean floor?”
“Yes. It is a small outpost hidden within the Mandalay mountain sea-range.”
Dammit, Ash. That shows just how much we need you—I need you, he thought to himself. Steven took a deep breath to collect his thoughts. “Keeper, from this moment on, maintain constant full-spectrum scans of the planet and surrounding space for any anomalies. We’ve underestimated them too many times.
“I also have a personal request. I promised Ashlyn that I’d make Eden our place, a place where her and I can go to find quiet. I’d like you to put a shield over it like you did for Eden on Hadaesia?”
“It will be done,” said the Keeper. “Only the two of you will be allowed to enter.”
“Thank you. And Keeper, I assume that the Draconian ship and the outpost below are also new events that didn’t happen in the prior timeline?” asked Steven.
“Yes, that is correct. The presence of the darkness has introduced a new set of variables. I have recalculated the outcome, and their attack will now happen in three years and nineteen days.”
“How can you possibly be so precise?” questioned Steven.
“I have data that you are not privy too. I cannot disclose the source, but it is factually accurate.
“I can guarantee that the attack will come on that day, and that we will be ready. Our advantage is in knowing when the attack will come.”
“All right, Keeper. I’ll take your word for it. We’ll revise the timeline.” Steven put his hand atop Ashlyn’s stasis chamber. “Six months, Ash. I’ll see you in six months. Even if it is for just an hour.”
“Steven, as per orders from Ashlyn, I could not reveal certain elements of our prior conversation with you while she was awake. I can now give you the message she entrusted to me.”
“When was this conversation? Ashlyn and I haven’t been apart for days,” questioned Steven.
“It was done in private. Ashlyn came to me while you slept.”
With every fiber of his being, Steven trusted Ashlyn, and though something felt wrong, he didn’t push further. “Okay, so what’s the message?”
“Once I have completed the first duplicate vessel to be named Pegasus, and finish the time gate, I am to take her to an undisclosed destination and time period.”
“Pegasus?” Steven liked the name. “Sooo, what is the big surprise?”
“I am not to awaken her until after I have arrived at the hidden destination. She told me to tell you that she begs for your forgiveness, but that she is not to be awakened in this time-period, nor can she return with Ja’kal until the war is over.
“Fear of a severe reprisal from the darkness is what kept her from openly discussing this with you.
“And if I may add a note of my own. She was very sad that she would not get to see the children as they grow into adults. She told me to tell you—to not let them forget her.”
The sigh Steven gave filled the room. It meant that he would not see her again for many years. “Damn it all.” After a lengthy pause. “I don’t like it—but I understand.” His thoughts went to Ja’kal, and he realized that the reverse was also true, that he would not see his son for many years. The darkness was a burden that required a sacrifice from both of them.
“Keeper, let the other ship commanders know that—”
“That you are going to retire for the evening and that you do not want to be awakened for ten hours. I will request that the other Council members convene aboard Destiny at that time. We need to prepare for what’s ahead.”
“That is precisely what I was going to say,” said Steven, the look on his face one of confusion.
“I know, and it is best you don’t ask how. Some things are best unknown.
“And, Steven—we must begin your training. We only have three years to practice your Magori abilities.”
“I guess I knew that was coming.” Thinking out loud to ease the Keeper’s concerns Steven said, “Ashlyn did well with hers. I think I’ll be okay.”
“No, she did not. She died thousands of deaths. It was Anu’s maneuverings that gave her the chance to eventually find an avenue of escape. Even now, she has barely begun to tap into her Transor abilities. And she is far from mastering those she has discovered. There is much she does not know.
“I should also add, that you do not yet know the power you possess. Within you, is the power to single handedly end the upcoming war.”
Steven smiled. “All right, Keeper. You win. First chance we get tomorrow, I’ll start whatever training regimen you recommend. See you in a few hours.” Steven left for his quarters, each echoing step of his boots upon the ground, reminding him that he was alone.
Lying in bed, the light from Heaven softly illuminating the room—his loneliness consumed every thought. Only now that Ashlyn was gone, did he realize how much he missed the sound of her soft breath as she slept. Putting his hand out, as if he expected to find her lying there beside him—the coldness of the sheets made him wince. His heart felt empty and cold, as though she had taken it with her into stasis. Subconsciously, he rolled over onto her side of the bed, wanting to feel closer to her. As he drifted off to sleep, his mind recalled their time together in the garden. It had been a moment of happiness and contentment—and the last he would have for many years.
Chapter 20
Six Months Later
Steven put his hand atop Ashlyn’s chamber. “Keeper, can you bring the light up. I’d like to see her.” As the light rose within the chamber, her image brought a smile to his face. He moved closer, his hip pressing against the cold steel plating. “Keeper, how will you know when the war is over? How will you know when to return?”
“I am sorry, but those are details I cannot divulge. Be assured, we will know and we will not be gone a minute longer than necessary.”
***
ASHLYN
Three Days After Her departure
From Heaven
A soft chime sounded. Ashlyn opened her eyes to see Tara’s welcoming smile.
“We have arrived at our new home,” said Tara.
Ashlyn’s thoughts were muddled, the meaning of Tara’s words allusive. Seeing Tara standing before her, a wave of panic overtook her. It meant that something was wrong. Her hands went to her stomach, concerned for the safety of her baby.
“You are well. The baby is well. You are safe,” assured Tara as she hit the button that lowered the side of the chamber so Ashlyn could exit.
Ash swung her legs out and put her hand out to Tara. Both Tara and Gorok stepped to the fore, helping her. “Why was I awakened early? What is wrong?” asked Ash, concerned about Steven and those she had left behind.
A strong sense of deja vecu overtook her.
The Keeper’s image appeared on the left side of the stasis chamber opposite Tara. “You are still weak, Ashlyn. It will be several hours before you regain your physical strength. Your mental clarity however, will return in a few minutes. When you are ready, we will discuss all that has happened. I suggest you get some food from the galley. I have prepared a meal for all of you.”
“Did everything go as planned?” asked Ashlyn.
“We have arrived at our new home,” assured t
he Keeper.
“Tara, I don’t understand. No disrespect—but you aren’t—” Ashlyn halted. “I’m glad you’re here, Tara.”
“We were happy to accompany you aboard Pegasus,” said Gorok.
“Pegasus?” said Ashlyn. “The name is so familiar.”
Ashlyn’s eyes softened, giving Tara a warm smile. “I assume your daughters are here too?”
“Yes. They are looking forward to Ja’kal being born,” answered Tara. “I think he will be very spoiled.”
Ashlyn couldn’t help but grin. She turned to the Keeper. “I guess the big question is—where and when did you take us to?”
“We are on Hadaesia. You would call it the year 2289 A.D., but in the new reality, that designation is inaccurate.”
“Hadaesia?” Ashlyn’s eyes narrowed as the memories of all they had endured there came flooding back, sending a shiver down her spine. “Of all places, why Hadaesia? You know what happened here. And why is the year inaccurate?”
“Since the events by which you mark time never happened in this timeline, it is only the year 2289 within my internal chronometer. In this reality, you have never been to Hadaesia before today. The child that would challenge the Anunnaki has not yet been born. All that you believed happened here, never did.”
“All that you believed happened here, never did,” parroted Ash, repeating the Keeper’s words.
She gasped. “I remember. I remember all of it. Keeper, the transference. Did we repair the timeline? Is the rift gone?”
“Yes, Lady Ashlyn. The rift is gone. We kept it from ever being opened.”
“And the other Ashlyn—is she—”
“Yes—you died honorably.”
“My children, they’re alive again.” Ashlyn’s hands went to her belly. “I’m sorry, my son. I’m sorry that you are the one that must pay the price. But I have also seen the man you can become. You took the best from Steven and I, and goodness resides in you. Together, you and I will fight the darkness.”
2289 A.D. - Arcane Darkness: A Paranormal Fantasy Adventure Saga (The Ashlyn Chronicles - Book 3) Page 18
