“Please consider yourselves not just our guests. Come and go as you please as if you were family. Make full use of the kitchen in the main house even though you have a small kitchen in the cottage. Be sure to leave us a list of the food and drink you want. Be generous for yourselves. You’ll find the pool area pleasant. I think you understand our intentions.”
They thanked her, then walked through the house and the surrounding grounds, conferring with one another. Philippa assumed they were talking about tactics for defense. Presently they left the main house to settle into the cottage. Philippa watched them with interest. She took a deep breath and thought about them being so young, intense and focused. One woman had long blond hair and bright turquoise eyes. Another shining dark hair with rich dark eyes. She thought they should have been dreaming dreams of their future. Instead they were standing in defense.
Reuben was next to arrive. Normally Philippa would have simply wanted to share the glorious day with her dear friend, but today she had other concerns and had begun to question him closely when Luisa appeared in the doorway.
Reuben rose. “I’m so glad you’re safe.”
“Thanks to our efficient and effective people. Thank you for coming, Reuben,” Luisa said.
“It appears we have plans to lay.”
Paolo arrived in the doorway. “That’s good to hear, Reuben. The Andromeda you see by the pool are welcome additions to our growing family.” He smiled. “If someone’s watching us, they would make incorrect benign assumptions. But in terms of planning, there’s a limit as to how many people we can house close-in, but let us know anything you or they need. There are other available cottages not far away.”
Philippa made room for Paolo to sit next to her, then asked, “Can you bring us up to date?”
“The increase in conflict is clear. Our problem right now is we don’t know how much the Overlords know about who and where we are. That must change. In the meantime, we have to make our people as secure as we can. Shortly more security will be arriving here. The strong contacts you and Paolo have with our Primal families are key, and we can’t risk you.”
Reuben nodded toward the women before them. “I’ve consulted with Brigid. I understand these agents will be housed in your pool cottage. And I see we have one person outside on patrol. We’ll rotate people through and I’ve decided to quarter guards in another cottage, as well. You probably haven’t seen them yet, but we have a patrol on the roads outside.”
Philippa, who had been staring into the distance, turned to Reuben. “Now I understand why you were so approving of our property when we bought it. We have enough housing here and nearby for an army. You knew this was coming, didn’t you? I’m impressed by the resources and how fast you and Brigid have put things in place. Our world is suddenly very different. We’re not used to living in an armed camp.
“Our intelligence has changed too,” Reuben said. “Until recently we had three women close to key Overlords. No longer. We’ve identified our most vulnerable people and are taking precautions. Our advantage is that the Overlords are not entirely secretive. Most of them have a visibility that’s very close to public. And they’re so arrogant they feel secure. We’ll be changing that.”
“So the long-term secrecy and discretion of the Tethyans will now be clear benefits for us,” said Philippa.
“We’ve moved from being a repository for the future to being actively engaged in shaping and defending that future,” Reuben said. “On another front—good news. Nicole has made a wonderful recovery in the Vineta Tethys.”
The news clearly pleased Luisa who had been sitting quietly to one side. “If I may, Reuben, I would like to point out that I’m now unassigned.” The amused look on her face showed that she had recovered her strength and resolve.
Reuben laughed. “You remain employed, Luisa, and once our commanding Brigid arrives, I’m sure she’ll have thoughts for your next assignment. You’ll be busy.”
Reuben turned toward Philippa. “Were you able to contact Celeste?”
“Yes, she’ll arrive in Rome in the morning and I would like to have you meet her. I’ve arranged a private jet to take you to Rome and then return with the two of you.”
Chapter 35
Belated Prophecy
Viareggio, Italy
Reuben was waiting at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport when the Alitalia jet arrived. He had positioned himself outside customs. Among the passengers, he could see was no one he thought likely to be Celeste. He had not met her previously, but Philippa had given him a detailed description.
At the last, a frail-looking woman leaning on a cane came through the doors from customs. Reuben looked beyond her but her eyes were on him. She walked up as if in great pain.
“I believe you may be waiting for me, Reuben.”
It took him a moment to recover. “You are Celeste? I was expecting someone younger… uh, pardon…I didn’t mean…”
“No pardon needed. I do have some luggage and could use your help.”
Reuben presented his arm for assistance and led her to the luggage area. He didn’t see her sly smile.
As they waited, Reuben, who usually was never at a loss for words, could not think of a thing to say. When the luggage came, he signaled a woman standing nearby. She seized the indicated bags. They moved swiftly to the private jet to take them to Viareggio. Reuben noticed that Celeste looked agile as she climbed into the plane, and her voice was not consistent with her apparent age.
He had called ahead, and Philippa was waiting on the portico for them. They exchanged ritual hugs and kisses. “Are you unwell, my Celeste? You look so tired.” Philippa’s expression spoke to amusement. She couldn’t resist engaging in a charade for Reuben’s benefit.
Reuben stood back, observing, beginning to understand.
Celeste gifted Philippa with a smile. “Give me a few minutes and I’ll overcome my travel weariness. I’m sure you understand the benefit of being a harmless old woman traveling alone.”
Shortly Brigid pulled into the drive. As she exited the car, she noticed someone standing in the shadows to one side. A woman began walking toward her. When she came into the sun, Brigid exploded in delight.
“Nicole! What a wonderful surprise!” She pulled her into a warm embrace and stroked her hair. “I had heard you arrived in Vineta safely, but didn’t expect to see you here.”
Nicole laughed. “Not that I remember much of the adventure in Russia after Moscow. But since then it’s been a wondrous time.” Nicole drew back a little to hold Brigid’s face. “I had no plans after completing my assignment with Volkov, but was warmly received in Vineta. As I recovered I was introduced to some other remarkable women. Brigid, I’m now part of the Valkyrie. Freya was waiting for me at Vineta.”
Brigid held her at arm’s length with a joyous smile. “You were always close to the spirit world, and now you’ve taken on their mission to decide who lives and who dies in battle. I’m sure you can be depended upon to keep us safe.”
Nicole said, “But enough of that. Let’s go in. I have another surprise for you.” She wagged her finger at Brigid. “Don’t ask.”
Arm in arm they entered where a smiling Luisa was waiting. She reached out to draw Nicole into a warm hug. “So, you’ve decided to grace us with your presence at last.”
Nicole smiled in return. “I wouldn’t miss this day. You and Brigid will be pleased.”
Luisa arched an eyebrow and looked at Brigid who shook her head and shrugged.
Finally Brigid gathered herself, took a deep breath and said, “We’ve all lost our former employers. Well, at least Nicole has found new employment and claims to have a surprise in store for us.”
“I think surely it’s Gaia who has something in mind for us,” Luisa said.
Reuben joined them and turned toward Nicole, his delight apparent. With a smile on his face, he bowed as if meeting royalty. “I’ve heard of your adventures and am so glad you could join us.”
It wasn’t long before Celeste emerged, looking radiant.
Philippa proclaimed, “Now that’s the Celeste I remember.”
Reuben looked shocked which, given his usual reserve, was unlike him.
Philippa patted Reuben’s arm. “I’m sorry, my friend. I couldn’t resist supporting Celeste’s charade.”
Celeste took his hand. “You have not enough experience with Progenitors, Reuben. We can be chameleons.”
Celeste’s hair, that shortly before had been gray and pulled back severely, was now golden and fell in long ringlets over her shoulders. The deep lines on her face were gone and her skin was hued with health. The long yellow sheath she wore clung to her athletic body. Now her regal appearance was on full display and her bright turquoise eyes sparkled with intelligence. Her demeanor spoke of power.
As they moved to the room overlooking the pool, Paolo joined the growing entourage. Outside on the pool deck, two of their guests appeared to be sunning themselves, with satchels close at hand.
After everyone had gathered, Reuben began. “I’d like to start by hearing from Celeste about what has been coming to their attention in the Hellenia Tethys.”
“I was not surprised by Philippa’s call because Gaia has created an alarming feeling around those of us in the Tethys.”
Reuben asked, “Have there been any direct security issues at Hellenia? I assume you’ve been in touch with other Tethys. Have you heard of problems?”
“Other than the incident at Laguna affecting the woman from that nearby Tethys, we’ve not had any contact or incidents, only the alarm that Gaia’s creating. It’s the same at all the Tethys.”
Philippa nodded. “So what we have are incidents on land and an alert by Gaia. It gives us little specific instruction.”
“What’s of concern is the status of preparedness among our people,” said Brigid.
Reuben looked at her. “I suspect you’ve a perception to offer?”
“Celeste tells us the Tethys are on alert, but, while Covel’s project is worrisome, it does not seem to threaten the Tethys. The attempt on Luisa must have been in reaction to what happened to Volkov and my intervention with Covel. Andromeda’s being brought up to speed. As you see, with our security set in place here, we are mobilizing ourselves.”
Celeste said, “We’re dealing with concerns in different worlds. In Hellenia we’re paying attention to what Gaia creates, but we know the outer world is a different matter. I’d like to hear more about what you know.” Her intelligence, focus, and calm reserve reassured the other members of the gathering.
Reuben said, “Fundamental to defense is to never overestimate nor underestimate the enemy. Let’s be clear, our opponents are brutal, but they haven’t been paying attention any more than we have. In fact, their arrogance is their weakness.”
Brigid nodded. “Precisely. They may be brutal, but we can be skillful and crafty. We have much more strength than we even know. And we’re less visible although that’s changing. Part of our strength is that we now understand the gravity of the situation. Exploring security concerns is part of our work today.”
Reuben’s voice normally projected a calm and controlled energy. Now his voice was taking on a tone of growing impatience. “I understand we all fear our changed world. We can discuss this endlessly or we can direct our attention to specifics.”
At that moment, the light in the room dimmed and then brightened again. Philippa was startled and looked at Brigid, who was smiling.
Brigid leaned toward Nicole. “I think this may be the surprise you told me about.” With a motion of her hand, Nicole directed their attention toward the portico doorway.
“We have the company I’ve been expecting.”
A commanding woman dressed in a floor-length black cloak entered from the portico. Dark hair cascaded over her shoulders and she displayed captivating bright-blue eyes.
Nicole said, “May I introduce Freya, priestess of the Valkyrie. I’ll let her speak for herself.”
Freya moved slowly into the silent room. She looked from side to side, scanning each of those present, then stood in the doorway leading to the pool deck, where she was framed by the light and the Mediterranean. She bowed her head and clasped her hands together and began to speak.
“I am Freya. I come from the Vineta Tethys at the bidding of Gaia. As you know Gaia is vitally interested in the resolution of the growing crisis for the planet and for humankind. While your mission is to work on its resolution, Gaia has need to offer direction and assistance as we approach the final crisis. You may know that one of the missions of the Valkyrie is to decide who dies and who lives in battle. You’re entering battle, and it’s essential that it not become a wholesale slaughter. There must be focus and choice. Carnage alone will not serve Gaia’s interests.”
Reuben stepped forward. “If I may…we are entering battle with the Overlords. Are we not to defend ourselves and our interests?”
“I understand that you are a wise and capable man, Reuben. I know who you are. There are forces you can’t yet know about, and there are matters which must happen under Gaia’s direction. The Overlords are only part of the threat. As you will learn, there are changes to come and strife that will come from all of humankind. It will be clarified in time. Of course, you’re to defend yourselves. I am here to help direct your choices and to assist in the preservation of essential people.”
Celeste moved closer to Freya. “If I may say a word.”
“Of course, Celeste. As a representative of Hellenia, you have an intuitive understanding of what may be coming.”
“Yes, I do. I must underscore Gaia’s wisdom and benevolence in sending Freya to assist us. I take it as a matter of faith that Gaia is honoring us. In time we’ll come to understand how she serves all our interests even though we may not now understand it. And Freya brings the spirit world to us in a new way for the first time.”
Brigid nodded. “I had an intuition that someone important was coming. The decisions Freya makes as a Valkyrie will be of benefit to us. She’s a powerful ally.”
Freya turned toward Brigid. “Let me be clear that these decisions are not mine alone. I am here to assist you. Brigid, you’ll continue to instruct and help direct the Andromeda. But with what we are facing now, Gaia and I will be instructing some of our women for other specific missions and duties. The magnitude of need for defense and action has grown considerably.”
Brigid could see the tension and strain among the people assembled. “I welcome your help and find it reassuring. Especially when someone is sent by Gaia.”
Freya again scanned the assembled. “One final word. I believe you understand, but I will emphasize that Gaia is pleased with our Andromeda women and is determined they will survive the coming conflict.”
She turned toward Brigid. “Your leadership here is welcomed and I’m sure you understand that Gaia will be in contact.”
Brigid merely nodded.
Without another word, Freya turned and walked out toward the pool, where she faded.
Luisa moved next to Brigid. “From what Freya said, it seems you have a particular burden. You must know I stand with you at all times.”
Brigid shook her head. “It is not a burden at all to serve the future of our people, but I appreciate your devotion.”
With Freya’s departure, the room was again silent until Celeste spoke. “I think we can assume that we may each be receiving our instructions.”
Brigid nodded. “But we must each think out what our role can be even as we wait for specifics. I’ll continue to see to expanding the Andromeda personnel including security here. And I’m sure, Reuben, we’ll be in continuing close consultation as we work with the Tethys and Primal families.”
They spent the balance of the morning examining their views about what they had heard. Reuben said, “Freya said some important things. Essential people are to be preserved, and wholesale slaughter is not in our interest. W
e know the Tethys are well protected and Gaia is attending to the conflict. Andromeda will be evolving and expanding.”
Brigid nodded. But she was wondering who those essential people might be. She knew much of the world believed they were the chosen people. Brigid knew it was open to interpretation.
Philippa and Paolo volunteered to make assessments and work with key Primal families. They agreed there couldn’t be too many changes at once. Reuben was working closely with Brigid and Primal families as well, especially some in France.
Reuben drew Brigid aside. “Talk to me. What is your assessment of what’s happening?”
“It all speaks to a whole new level of conflict. I think it’s significant that the spirit world is opening to us and Nicole has been taken into that world,” Brigid said. “It seems we’re going to have guidance and assistance from Gaia. I think there are more revelations to come, and honestly, I think there’s a lot more here than meets the eye or we can possibly know yet.”
Celeste called for the group’s attention. “There is one other piece of information I need to share. While in my Tethys, I was told that there is a belief that a prophecy is to be fulfilled shortly.”
Philippa looked alarmed. “At this time? How bad is it?”
Celeste chuckled, showing a rare humor. “Are prophecies necessarily bad? This one is not bad at all. It comes from another level entirely. But it is hard to interpret. It says there is a person who is a Discoverer and that she—yes, it is a she—has special importance for us and we must pay close attention to her. She and her future relate to a special inheritance.”
The group looked from one to the other and waited for someone to make an interpretation. Suddenly Philippa brightened and then laughed. “Our prophecies sometimes come a little late.”
The assemblage stared at her.
“I believe the person of the prophecy is already here. Celeste, this is something we can celebrate among all this bad news and danger. I believe I have met her, and her presence is a wonderful event. I would like to plan to bring her to your home in the Turks and Caicos. She needs to meet you. It is my intuition that she may hold our future in her hands.”
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