Tempest immediately lost the trance until she put her hand on Miranda's shoulder, and then it reentered her mind. “Oh goddess, Miranda, it’s beautiful.” Tears flowed from her emerald eyes, as she saw what her friend was to do.
Zulien was speechless at the sight, and in the background he thought he heard muffled gasps and cries from the women who made up the circle as they all shared the vision through their connected hands.
The light filling Miranda traveled through her, causing both her and Tempest to glow. Tempest released Zalana's hand, and each of the women freed one hand and placed the other on the shoulder of the woman standing beside her. Instinct told them to point their free hand at the surface of Vallastera, and the beam left Miranda in a ‘V’, entering from one hand and exiting into the darkness of space.
A small light blinked into view in the vast emptiness, and it grew steadily in size until it became a large star. Miranda experienced a clearing in her soul far greater than any cleansing ritual she had ever performed. Without warning, the light at the end of the beam exploded into rays of colorful starbursts. It reminded Tempest of fireworks.
As the new star exploded, the colorful shards assaulted Miranda's hand and traveled through the women. They slowly waved their arms as the shards exited her fingers, leaving the crystal pyramids, altars and Temples of Atlantia in their wake. For long moments, the colorful fragments traveled from Miranda through Tempest who was the catalyst of the extraordinary event, and then on to the visionaries where they were waved across the surface.
When the beams finally finished disbursing the translucent colors, the settlement had been transformed into a breathtaking sight, reflecting off the moons and back into the darkness like a beacon for all the worlds. The great pyramid of the Temple of Knowledge glowed, and the light from the altars was almost blinding in its brilliance.
The visionaries standing around them began silently weeping in joy as the planet’s surface rebuilt with the glass shrines that were thought to have been destroyed so long ago. “We should have known,” Zalana whispered. “We should have known they would have found a way to protect them.”
Miranda lowered her hands and collapsed into Zulien’s arms. The women’s mates ran up to them, holding them until they were able to compose themselves.
“By the stars, Miranda, look what you have done.” Zulien held his tired mate and stroked her golden hair while he looked at the ancient civilization’s renewal.
Miranda and Tempest were finally able to stand again, and they walked towards the beautiful city. The Celestial stood at the edge of the hill and began speaking. “I do not know why I know these things, but I do. The Atlantian visionaries knew they could not hope to win the war because too many had turned their back on the Old Religion for the promise of wealth. They knew it would take many centuries for the people to realize they had been misled by greed, and in the end they used their remaining strength to save the knowledge until it could safely renew. Six were sent out from the Temple to leave a messenger to guide the people when they were ready."
Miranda smiled and pointed to a lavender crystal structure with carved pillars and sweeping curved roof. “That is the palace. It will be home to the priests and priestesses.” She continued to instruct. “The three buildings on either side are filled with rooms and apartments for those that wish to visit the Temple. The blue crystal pyramid across from the palace is the Temple of Knowledge.”
Miranda smiled at Terena. “The scrolls are safely ensconced in glass cases, so I am afraid you are going to be very busy."
Terena was slowly composing herself, as she gazed with wonder at the great pyramid. “I am sure I will have help from the Minocanians. They have spent so many centuries trying to remember the lost knowledge, and with the Debayluths’ help it will be a wonderful quest.”
Miranda looked at Jefrot, her Magistrate of Building. “The Garnellans will want to study the altars and temples. They should be built throughout the worlds where all who desire to visit can be near one. The visionary priestesses will help the people re-learn the rituals,” Miranda said.
“Priestesses?” Zalana whispered.
“Yes, Zalana, that is the power that I have felt within the visionaries. I don’t know why I know this, but I am sure it is true. It is you and your friends who have struggled to understand the Old Religion who will bring the rituals back to the worlds. There will be a peace throughout the inner worlds that will stretch for eternity.” Miranda took Zulien’s hand and they walked down the hill. Slowly, the people followed, still gazing in awe.
EPILOGUE
Miranda brought back the wheel of the year, with an extra sabbat due to Vallasteria’s rotation around its suns. The esbat rituals were being learned throughout the inner worlds, and the wasted Garnellans were accompanied by their Minocanian friends as they built the temples and altars.
The hierarchy stabilized to such a degree that auditions were held only once a month, usually over minor issues. The Magistrates seemed to find agreement on almost every issue, determined not to burden the Celestial with politics.
With the prediction of a long-term peace, Berslan set the strategy for protection, and then he joined Ethram on the Isotant with his companion, Parina. He could not bring himself to change her name. Ballion decided to stay on planet as an honored Minoc, finally admitting his emotions made him unsuitable for a procurement vessel. Ethram and Berslan were noted for their unfailing commitment and sensitivity procuring their precious cargo.
The exiled Magistrates made a short quest for freedom, and were quickly captured and moved further back into the dark caves of Renteng. The Debayluths said they preferred to be left alone, and the only time they heard from them was Sharpina’s shriek at her father when they collected their supplies.
Tempest's son was born with emerald eyes and golden skin. Tali liked to pull his dark curls into spiky clumps, and defied anyone to say he was not the most handsome warrior in the inner worlds.
Three days later, Miranda gave birth to a daughter. She had pale, luminescent skin with a soft golden glow, and Miranda's liquid blue eyes. Her smile radiated peace to everyone who watched her rock in the cradle Zulien carved with stars and moons and suns. Miranda had a vision the day before her birth, and inexplicably named her Mahana.
THE END
Miranda's Destiny - the unexpurgated edition Page 25
