by Morgan, SL
He nodded. “Not only because of Earth, but because of the position of Earth as it spins on its axis. Unfortunately, there are ways to manipulate, or shift, that position. If the Earth’s position is changed, then it will destroy all of the vortices, or portals, of other dimensions. This would imprison the people in their own world. Because of Earth, vortices are opened and inter-dimensional travel is possible.”
“But you said your dimension would be destroyed?” Reece asked, still doubtful of what he was informing her about.
“Yes, that is correct. You see, while there are many other dimensions out there, Pemdas is the only dimension that is on Earth. That is why it would destroy us; instead of imprison us to our land. You will find, and may have already noticed, that even though there are differences between Pemdas and Earth, there are many similar qualities as well.”
Reece’s lips twisted as she tried to understand what he was telling her, “This doesn’t make sense to me. So, I’m still on Earth…but in a completely different world…I mean, dimension? How is this possible?”
Navarre looked toward Levi and Harrison, who both sat listening as intently as if they’d never heard the explanation before. “Miss Bryant, I can explain all of the properties of dimensions and how they exist, but that is not what I want you troubled about right now. Allow me to address your initial concern. The reason you are with us, is because, many years ago, Earth faced the danger of being altered. The individuals who sought to manipulate Earth are our greatest enemy. They are the Ciatron; they come from a dimension known as Ciatris. These beings are extremely intelligent. They have many mind-altering powers, and they can shift into any form they wish. Your father, in your room that night, was not your father; it was a shape-shifting Ciatron, there to gather information about you. Of course, as soon as Harrison and Levi became aware of his presence, they intercepted him and removed him from Earth.”
Reece’s mind was beginning to hurt. “Something from another world was in my room?” She remembered the day of her aborted plane trip. “It wasn’t the first time though. My father—or whatever that thing was—came to see me before, right?”
Navarre confirmed. “Yes, Miss Bryant, we know. That threat was removed as well. These two young men here have been pretty busy watching out for you in the last week or so.”
“But, what do they want? Why do they want anything to do with me? I can’t give them anything; they have no reason to be concerned with me!”
Navarre exhaled softly. “Oh, but they do. They believe they know who you are.”
“Oh? Who am I, then?”
“You are the descendant of a very important man, and within your mind, you have a vital piece of information that they Ciatron need. They will stop at nothing to obtain this information. You are the one that all worlds and dimensions refer to as, ‘the Key.’”
“What? My ancestor? This doesn’t make sense! I’m a Key? Key to what?” Reece’s heart was pounding again. She wasn’t sure she wanted to hear any more.
Navarre nodded. “I know this is a lot of information to take in. You must understand; the knowledge I have about your ancestor, and your current importance, was not learned in one night. I can’t explain it all in one night, either. But I can tell you what you need to know to be able to trust us, and the decisions we’ve made on your behalf. I understand your fears and concerns, and I will not have you ignorant while you remain in Pemdas. I need you to be comfortable living amongst us, and to understand why you are safer inside our borders.”
Reece closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to bring her thoughts under control. This was too much. She was still having difficulty believing she was no longer on Earth. She did not feel threatened by the Emperor, nor by Harrison or Levi, but what she was learning, was more than her mind could bear. She felt a tear run down her cheek, and quickly wiped it away.
Levi stood up. “Father, I believe it would be best if I escorted Miss Bryant on a short walk. Fresh air may help her gather her thoughts.”
Navarre nodded in agreement, as all three men looked toward Reece sympathetically. “Perhaps that would be best. We can continue this discussion later. My dear, please do not worry. You will understand soon enough. When that time comes, I believe that you will come to appreciate the security you have been given.” He smiled sympathetically.
Harrison approached her. “This has been a lot for one person from Earth to take in. Not only are there are other dimensions and worlds out there, but you are forced to live in one of them. It’s a lot for anyone to absorb. Although, if it helps, once you are able to accept most of this information, I would be surprised if you weren’t begging to take up residence in Pemdas.” He smiled and winked playfully at her.
Reece nodded in return. Maybe Levi was right, maybe she did need to get outdoors. Although, given the way she was feeling now, she would rather be alone.
Levi smiled at her, as he offered his arm.
She was immediately entrapped by the way his sapphire blue eyes glistened as they stared down at her. She had not yet been in a position, where their eyes had locked in such a way. In fact, she hadn’t really had an opportunity to see just how handsome the man truly was.
When his full lips parted, they displayed his perfect teeth, and offered her a brilliant smile. The tiny cleft in his chin highlighted his strong jaw line. His dark hair was long enough to display a natural wave, and it lay perfectly in place. His hair alone would tempt any woman to run her fingers through it and draw his lips down onto hers…Ugh, why does this guy have to be so good-looking? How am I supposed to think straight? Reece thought as she tried to force herself to quit gawking at the man. This was not like her, and she wasn’t about to act like some foolish love-struck girl. Stay focused, she demanded herself.
Levi looked down at her with concern. “My apologies, Miss Bryant, I feel that all we have done in the past few hours is force decisions on you. If you do not care to join me on a walk, I will completely understand.”
Reece looked up into his eyes and sighed, “Actually, I would really appreciate the walk. Thanks.” And she took his arm.
Chapter 5
As Levi led Reece out of the room, two men wearing cream and gold livery opened the doors for them. Harrison and Navarre were still in conversation when the doors closed behind Reece and Levi.
Levi led them back down the staircase, remaining silent at her side. Reece was grateful; she was in no frame of mind for conversation. When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Levi led them to the back of the room, which displayed only substantial French-style windows, and exhibited an expansive view of the outdoor gardens. Two men stood at attention and immediately reached to pull the doors open for them. Reece watched Levi as he politely nodded, thanking the men for their service.
She turned her attention to the steps that led down to the courtyard. At the bottom, a stone path wandered past an enormous, three-tiered marble fountain. The outdoor garden was decorated with statues, flowering bushes, and uniquely trimmed greenery, which appeared to lead to a maze.
Levi led her past the courtyard to a black iron gate. He unlatched it, and led her out and away from the grounds of the Palace. They walked downhill until they came to a swiftly flowing river, and turned to walk along it. It was the same river Reece noticed on their ride in.
Reece broke the silence. “This place is so beautiful, but I can hardly believe any of it is real. I feel like I’m dreaming.” There was no waking explanation for the unique beauty of this place, for how every color dazzled and glistened.
“Miss Bryant, I can appreciate your lack of belief in everything you’ve experienced today. I suppose, when you find you don’t wake up, you’ll have to acknowledge the reality of Pemdas.” He led her toward a narrow stone bridge. A waterfall thundered down from the hillside to their left. The pool of water below it was crystal blue, and the spray from the splashing water sparkled like diamonds as it reflected the sun’s light.
Where did that waterfall come from? “I feel lik
e I’m lost in paradise,” said Reece. “As much as I want to believe this day has been a dream, I don’t think my mind is capable of making up this place.” She turned to Levi. “I’m having a hard time accepting that I’m here—and then to be told I am some kind of a special person—it’s just too weird. How can any of this be possible?”
Levi looked back at her with concern. “We’re all aware of the distress we’ve caused you. We couldn’t help it, but that doesn’t make it easier for you. Let’s sit, and I’ll try my best to explain more.”
Once over the bridge, Levi led Reece over to a mound of grass. He motioned for her to sit, and he followed as well. They sat overlooking a large pool of clear water, surrounded by ferns, and a forest of trees all around them.
Levi stared at the pool. “To understand why you’re here, you must first be aware of who you are.” He turned to her. “This will most likely be difficult for you to accept.”
He was right about that, anyway. I know who I am, thought Reece. “Why?” she asked.
“Because who you are relates to things you’ve never known, or even believed are possible. It will help that you do keep an open mind.” He seemed to marshal his thoughts for a moment. “My father spoke earlier of the importance of the manner in which Earth currently spins on its axis. And about how Earth went through a time of vulnerability to being altered. The Ciatron took advantage of that, and they set up a domain on Earth. They were in the beginning stages of a full invasion of the planet. Have you ever heard of Atlantis?”
Reece frowned. “Sure…that place was real? It’s the city that’s underwater, isn’t it?”
Unexpectedly, Levi grinned. “That would be one way to put it. It was completely destroyed, but before that, it was a land created and ruled by the Ciatron. The people of Earth believed the Ciatron were a higher being, sent to bring them knowledge and power. During this time, my ancestors tried to convince those of Earth about the dangers amongst them. They also battled relentlessly against the Ciatron, and found themselves losing.”
“And that’s why–?”
“Yes. Fortunately, there was an extremely intelligent man on Earth who saw the Ciatron for what they were–foreign invaders. He worked closely with the Pemdai people, and with his knowledge, and our help, a peculiar stone was created. This stone had tremendous power. It was used only once—to destroy the city, and the Ciatron there as well. Then it was hidden.”
“Probably a good thing,” Reece said. “It doesn’t sound like anything you’d want to fool with.”
“More than you know. The stone not only destroyed Atlantis, but held the power to stabilize Earth on its axis. When hidden, it does its job quietly. But anyone who should find, possess, and control the stone, would have power over Earth. All dimensions and worlds are safe, as long as the stone remains undiscovered.”
“This man…who was he?” Reece asked, unsure about why she wanted to know. Aristotle? Euclid?
Levi arched his brow sharply. “His name was Paul Xylander. He was your ancestor, Reece. He is the reason you are an extremely vital person.”
Reece exhaled, “Are you serious? He must have thousands—millions!—of descendants. I can’t be the only one, there is no possible way.”
“Miss Bryant, you can try to calculate the odds and complicate things more, if you desire. However, none of it matters; you are his last surviving heir.”
Reece cocked her head to the side, trying to follow him. “Okay, fine. So if this is true, and I am, then I’m significant because I’m related to the man?”
Levi nodded. “For the most part, yes. You see, after the powers of the stone were known to every world and dimension, your ancestor hid it away, never to be found or discovered again. But he genetically imprinted a map to its location within his mind. He also fashioned it to pass down through all of his direct descendants.”
You’ve got to be kidding me. She thought. “I have a map in my mind?” Reece’s voice rose. “That’s what these people want?”
Levi chuckled. “In a manner of speaking, yes. As my father said earlier, you are known throughout all the dimensions as, ‘The Key’; the special one, who holds the knowledge within their mind to the location of the stone. The map is not so easily accessed, though. When your ancestor created this unique way of passing down information, he also protected any mind that carries it. Your ancestor considered this, and designed a defensive barrier around the information you carry; this way, no one, not even one who possesses the talent to read and alter minds, can access the information within yours.”
Reece swallowed hard. “Well, should I know where this stone is then? I mean, it’s in my mind right?”
“Yes, it is in your mind; but no, you don’t have free access to it. Frankly, we’re not sure you’ll ever be able to see the information locked inside your mind.”
“Oh.” She thought a minute. “Well, how do you know these Ciatron people haven’t already taken the information from me? Maybe it’s not even there anymore.”
Levi exhaled softly. “Miss Bryant, the Ciatron are not the only individuals who can see into people’s minds.” He stared intently at her.
It took her a moment to understand what he was saying. “You’re telepathic. You’ve been reading my mind all this time?” She edged away a little.
Levi laughed, but he looked concerned, too. “It’s not as you imagine, Reece. Yes, we have that capability, but we have control over it. We would never intrude into anyone’s thoughts, unless their safety demands it.”
Reece lowered her head. “And just when I was starting to appreciate your stories.”
“You have nothing to fear, your mind is protected. Your thoughts are constantly rewriting themselves; they are scrambled to those with the ability to read them. Trying to read your mind is disorienting, to say the least.”
Reece turned back to him. “So—you’ve tried?”
Levi stared at her intently. “As I said, only for protection. We had to see if the Ciatron had found a way into your mind, and discovered you were the one they were searching for. The one disguised as your father—we saw the effect he had on you. We had to make sure your mind hadn’t let down its defenses.”
“The thought of having my mind read—ugh. Well, at least good old Granddad thought ahead and protected me from that.” She gave a small, bitter laugh. “So the Ciatron guy didn’t get his information from me, then?”
“No, and that’s what was happening in the park. They planned to take you into their world, and retrieve the information through other methods.”
“Other methods? Um, what other methods?”
Levi’s countenance grew dark, “Methods that don’t include consideration for your well-being, Reece. They would find a way to scrape the information out of your mind. The Ciatron don’t care if they leave a brain intact when they’re done, either. This is why our ancestors swore to yours, and all other worlds, that we would protect the Key. Since you are the last of your ancestor’s bloodline, the map is within only you now. You are the Key. We couldn’t take chances with your welfare. It is why we brought you into our world. No other being, including the Ciatron, can pass through the defensive barriers of Pemdas; you are perfectly protected here. I hope you can see why we felt it necessary to bring you here.”
“Defensive barriers? Was that the bright light that flashed in the car earlier, when we should have crashed into the mountainside?”
Levi grinned, “No. That was the vortex we drove through from Earth into the dimension of Pemdas. We use our cars to pass through vortices; our horses are the only way to pass over the protective barriers of Pemdas.”
She remembered the horses jumping into the air, “The gray mist was the protective barrier?”
Levi nodded. “Yes. And with that knowledge, I hope you will feel that you are safe here. Nothing can cross over those barriers without our horses.”
“Uh, yeah, I guess. So, why do the Ciatron want to destroy all the dimensions anyway?”
“It is not d
estruction they seek, but control… destruction is merely a by-product of this control.”
Reece stared at Levi quizzically, “Control? Control of what?”
“Control over all of the dimensions out there. The need for total power has always consumed the Ciatron. If the stone was in their possession, they would have the power they need to destroy any dimension that refused to serve under them. Right now, with the stone hidden away, the Ciatron cannot achieve their greatest desire.”
“Unless, of course, they find it…with the map that’s in my head? Well, isn’t that just fantastic for me?” Reece returned sarcastically.
Levi nodded, “Unfortunately, yes.”
Reece drew her knees up and wrapped her arms around them. “It’s all kind of stupid if you ask me.”
Levi looked at Reece in confusion. “I am not sure I follow you?”
Reece laughed. “Finally! Now you know how I’ve been feeling for the last couple of hours.”
“Reece—” Levi looked at her with remorse.
She arched her brow, challenging him with a proud grin. Got him! Levi’s eyes suddenly changed. They glistened with humor while his lips curved up slightly, leaving Reece momentarily stunned by the beauty of his perfect face. Her breath caught, and soon after, she felt the blood rushing to her cheeks, instantly betraying her. She had no other option but to look away and regain control of her emotions. Perfect, Reece! Now you really look like an idiot. She demanded herself to pull it together. Strikingly handsome or not, she could not allow herself to be captivated by the man.
When Reece brought her attention back to him, she noticed he had returned his gaze out to the water in front of them. Nice job, Reece, way to make an unnecessarily awkward moment for both of you.
It was up to her to break the silence. “You may not agree with me, but if you think about it, it was kind of stupid for Paul Xylander to create the map. I mean, why would he do something like that? Why would he leave something so powerful, vulnerable? It doesn’t make sense to me that he would hide it away, and then leave the possibility of it being found again. From what you’ve told me about him, the guy seemed smart, but I’d have to argue with his intelligence about creating the map.” Reece stated confidently.
