Untitled Novel: Chapter 1

The Past

“Quickly, my darling we must go now,” Lenora urged.

“But why?” Serena questioned.

“Please, Serena, no questions, hurry,” Lenora pushed.

‘Dillon, we are almost ready’ Lenora called telepathically.

‘We are all ready when you are, young Marc is ready,’ Dillon responded.

Lenora bundled the last of the items into the bag.  She then hustled Serena out the door and down the stairs.  The sooner they were off the planet the better she would feel and the safer her daughter would be.

Dillon stood waiting at the bottom of the stairs with a young boy by his side.  Lenora smiled slightly as she bustled Serena down the last of the stairs.  Dillon smiled weakly at his daughter and took his wife’s hand.

The group quietly left the main hall and headed across the courtyard.  The moons were not out this night.  Dillon was thankful as it was time and they could wait no longer. He hustled the group towards the cathedral.  As they got closer Dillon could see someone waiting.  The closer they got the clearer the silloet became.  Serena recognized the shadow and tore ahead of the group.

Vincent stepped from the shadows, lightning shooting from his fingers.  Serena stopped and screamed.  Dillon broke from the rest and raced ahead to his daughter.  Lenora spun a circle and fixed her thoughts on the intruder, but she found she was too late to find out who had sent her.

Kizara lay lifeless on the ground, a single mark in the middle of her forehead.  Lenora turned around to face Vincent questioningly.  Vincent met Lenora’s eyes and nodded.  Lenora quickly gathered the group back together and pushed them into the cathedral in case there were more would be assassins.

‘Thank-you,’ Lenora sent to Vincent.

‘It is my pleasure,’ Vincent responded.

Lenora nodded and continued inside.  Dillon was fawning over Serena making sure she was okay.  Serena was pushing the hands away pleading that she was fine.  Lenora approached and placed her hand on Dillon’s shoulder.

“Darling, I think she’s okay,” Lenora soothed.

“He could have killed her,” Dillon snapped.

“And Kizara would not have?” Lenora questioned.  “Vincent saved us all, so please relax.  You must remain calm.”

“I know.  It’s just hard to deal with right now,” Dillon sighed.  “Sending my two loves away is very hard.”

“I’ll be back soon,” Lenora whispered, “Now come we must hurry.”

The group hurried deeper into the cathedral.  There was still a long way to go to get to the gate.  They walked deeper into the earth.  Walls luminated their path seeming to know where they were going.

“Mama, how much further?” Serena asked.

“Not much further, my pet,” Lenora smiled down at her daughter.

At this time they had reached the bottom of the long winding stairways only to find a long narrow hallway.  A man stood against the wall seeming to be waiting for someone.  He moved forward as the group began down the hall.

“Master, is everything ready?” Dillon asked.

“Yes, but you cannot go with them,” The Master responded.

“I understand,” Dillon sighed.  “We must hurry.”

The Master turned and walked quickly down the hall leading the group out into a field.  At the far end of the field stood an altar and small house looking building.  Serena had never seen anything like it and felt scared.  She hung back from the rest unsure that she should move forward.

Dillon scooped up his daughter and carried her across the field.  He held her close hoping that his strength would help to relax her, as what was about to happen would be hard enough.  As they neared the alter fire erupted from holders around the area to light a circle of protection around the Gate.  The Master stood at the alter to the left of the small house looking structure, preparing oils and scripts needed to open the gate.

“Are we ready?” The Master asked.

“Yes,” Lenora answered.

Dillon took a final look at his wife and child.  He had known the day would come when he could no longer protect the child from harm, but had hoped that maybe peace would be possible and that others would not be ambitious enough to attempt to murder his child, but someone had.

Dillon hugged Serena close and kissed her cheek as he set her down.  Then stood and embraced his wife.  Lenora returned the embrace and passionately kissed her husband in a promise that she would return to him.  Lenora turned and took Serena’s and Marc’s hand.

“We are ready,” Dillon responded.

“Stand here, sir,” The Master instructed.  “The three of you come with me.”

Dillon stayed where he was told.  He watched his only child and the love of his life walk closer to the alter.  No regrets, they had to go with no regrets.  Dillon took a deep breath and tried to calm his troubled thoughts.  This was the only way they would both be safe.  The only way his planet could survive what was to come.  Dillon took another deep breath and accepted what was to come.

Lenora led both children after The Master towards the centre of the circle and the alter which stood there.  She smiled down at the two children.  Marc about four years older than Serena who was five years old and did not really understand what was going on.  Marc nodded and squeezed Lenora’s hand.

Serena looked up with puzzled eyes.  She did not understand what was going on.  It would be a long time before she would understand.  Her big blue-green eyes were so trusting.  Lenora squeezed her daughter’s hand and kneeled down to talk to both children.

“You must both be brave and hold tight to my hands.  Do not let go,” Lenora instructed sternly.

Marc nodded in understanding.  Serena nodded in slight fear.  Lenora stood and nodded to The Master to begin and that they were ready.  Candles were lit and the chanting began.  From out of nowhere Monks circled the alter joining Dillon all chanting.  Dillon joined the chanting sending his energy out to the gate.  The doorway began to glow with a brilliant white light.  Lenora closed her eyes and cleared her mind.  There must be no regrets.  She opened her eyes and looked down at Serena.  Definitely no regrets.

“Are there any regrets?” The Master asked.

“No,” Lenora responded.

The chanting continued.  Serena listened to the words and let the repeating rhythm calm her.  The Master smiled and continued on his path to opening the gate.  He anointed the points on each traveller.  Then turned and raised his arms in front of the door.  Lenora led the two mesmerized children up to the door.  Instinctively Serena placed her right hand on the mark of the hand high above her head.  On the other side Marc placed his left hand on a similar symbol.  Lenora leaned towards the door.

“Travellers of the past, guide us to the place we seek.  Keep us safe while finding refuge,” The Master chanted as the trio stepped into a murky room beyond the door.  “Guide us beyond and back again.  This we implore you.”

At this the room burst into white light.  Serena saw stars and planets zooming by.  She was scared and in awe at the same time.  Suddenly everything zooming by turned into a solid room very much like the one they were just in only different.

The chanting reached a peak as the room became solid.  Lenora led the two children from the room.  The sunlight was bright and Serena instinctively covered her eyes letting go of Lenora’s hand.  When she removed her hands she could not understand what she saw.

“Welcome, travellers,” The Master smiled.

“Thank you, Master,” Lenora bowed.

“Come inside the temple, there are arrangements to be made,” The Master invited.  “And please call me Rodney.”

“Thank-you, Rodney,” Lenora accepted.  “Come children.”

The Master led the way from the gate through the same types of tunnels found on Eaon.  Serena was still in a daze as they walked to the temple.  She looked around for something familiar, but found nothing.  In fear she clung to Lenora’s hand.

Marc had let go to run ahead curious about the new place.  Lenora leaned down and scooped up her daughter who immediately snuggled into the embrace.  They walked slowly up the winding stairs leading to the garden in the middle of the temple.  They stopped many times to take breaks so not to be too winded when they reached the top.  When they finally emerged into the light of the garden a small crowd waited.  Marc stood among them smiling broadly.  Lenora smiled back as she was swept into the group.

“Mama, who are these people?” Serena whispered in her mother’s ear.

‘These people are friends, pet,” Lenora answered.

Serena seemed to accept this response and snuggled back into her mother’s shoulder.  The group proceeded across the garden into the great hall where even more people waited.  Lenora smiled at the greeting.  This was going to be a great place for Serena to grow up.  In the corner Lenora spotted someone familiar.  The person bowed her head and smiled.

Serena yawned loudly.  Lenora was suddenly aware of her surroundings and the ordeal they had all just gone through.  She scanned the room for Marc and found him curled up in a chair by the fire.  Lenora then looked around for someone who looked like they knew what was going on.  The familiar looking woman approached Lenora from behind and tapped her on the shoulder.  She quickly motioned to someone standing near the door and pointed to Marc.

“Please follow me, Mystic,” The woman smiled.  “Your rooms are waiting.”

“Thank you,” Lenora returned as she followed the woman from the great hall.

The women lead them down a hall and up a flight of stairs.  They had turned numerous corners before she stopped in front of a solid wooden door.  A man carrying Marc walked quickly up to the rest as the woman pushed to door open to reveal an average sized sitting room.

“Do I know you?” Lenora asked as they entered the room.

“My name is Talia, Mystic.  I am Seeress here,” The woman answered.

“Talia Rumalda?” Lenora questioned.

“How?” Talia turned and looked more closely at Lenora, “Nora?”

“I knew you had gone to train as Seeress, but I did not know where you had been stationed,” Lenora exclaimed.

“And you,” Talia threw up her hands.  “What can I say?”

Talia moved aside to let the man carrying Marc pass to put the sleeping boy into one of the rooms that extended off the sitting room.  The main room was of average size and filled with comfortable chairs, which sat around a midsize circular table.  The window across the room faced an inner courtyard that was home to a fountain and numerous vines and flowers.

To the left side of the room there were two doors.  On the right two matching doors.  Marc was deposited into one of the rooms on the left side of the room.  Lenora motioned to the other three doors and was shocked when they opened for her.  There were two more rooms to the right and a bath to the left.

Lenora picked a room on the right and put Serena to bed.  Serena yawned and rolled over into sleep.  Lenora smiled and closed the door.  Talia had made herself comfortable in one of the many comfortable looking chairs.  With both children safely tucked into bed Lenora began to relax and think about all the plans that had yet to be made.

“Who was the man who brought Marc in?” Lenora asked.

“His name is Josiah, would you believe that he is my son?” Talia smiled proudly.

“He must be only 12 or 13,” Lenora exclaimed.  “He is a big boy.  His father?”

“Rodney, and yes he is a big boy, actually he is going to he fifteen” Talia laughed.  “He shall be Master when he is older.”

“Congratulations,” Lenora grinned.  “You have raised a fine son.”

“He is my oldest, I have two others,” Talia beamed. “Hannah who is eleven, and Kevin who is five.”

“You are really very blessed,” Lenora congratulated.  “Serena is my only.”

“Ah, but she is wonderful and going to be very powerful,” Talia looked towards to door to Serena’s room.  “Only one of my children has shown any sign of extra abilities.  I don’t know what Rodney would have done if none of our children had the extra abilities needed to follow in his footsteps.”

A knock on the door interrupted the friend’s conversation.  Talia stood and walked over to open the door.  As if called on the other side of the door Talia’s middle child Hannah stood.  Talia stepped aside to let the child enter the room.  Lenora smiled at the child who curtsied before turning back to her mother.

“Mama, Lady Amelia has arrived and is waiting in your sitting room,” Hannah explained her presence.

“Thank you Hannah,” Talia smiled.  “Darling can you stay and sit with the children in case they wake up?”

“Sure,” Hannah grinned,  “I knew I brought my books with me for a reason,”

“That’s my girl,” Talia chuckled.  “Lenora, I need to introduce you to someone.  Hannah will be fine here with the children, she has studies to do.”

“Okay,” Lenora stood feeling a little overwhelmed.

Lenora stood and walked towards the door.  Hannah made herself comfortable in one of the chairs and cracked open one the many books that she had brought with her.  She then dug into her backpack and pulled out a large square machine.  She opened the top and turned it on.  Lenora was stunned to see a portable computer.  She had thought that Eaon was the only place that had technology like that.  Obviously the people on Earth had advanced far beyond what the original travellers had hoped.

Talia cleared her throat to get Lenora’s attention and led the way from the suite.  Lenora closed the door behind her and heard the bolt slide home securing the rooms from intruders.  She followed Talia down the maze of hallways that led to another wing of the temple.  This wing was much like the one that they had just come from only the doors were different.  Instead of being made of heavy wood, these were made of polished brass.  Talia stopped in front of one door and raised her had toward it.  It was then that Lenora noticed the doors had no handles.

The door swung open to reveal a modest room.  Lenora walked into a bright sitting room.  The glazed French doors were open to a private garden.  Talia closed and locked the door behind Lenora who has stopped in the middle of the room.

“Shall we go into the garden?” Talia smiled.

Lenora nodded and followed Talia out into the garden.  The sun was beginning to set and the smells of the evening flowers hung heavy on the air.  Lenora turned to the patio table and saw a young woman sipping a cup of tea. The woman stood and waited for Talia and Lenora to join her at the table.

“Thank you for meeting with me,” The woman began.  “Amelia could not get away to come and see you, so she sent me.”

“It is my pleasure Ateya,” Talia accepted.  “Amelia has a lot to keep track of.  Have the new students arrived yet.”

“Yes, they arrived last night.” Ateya smiled.  “They are an interesting bunch.”

“Ateya, Amelia has probably told you about the special visitors that we have, and if she has not I would like to introduce you to Lenora Viche from Eaon.” Talia introduced.  “You know what this place is and why it exists yes?”

“Yes, I have been made aware,” Ateya nodded.  “It is good to meet you Lenora.  I hope that Amelia’s school can be of assistance to you.”

“I believe that it shall,” Lenora returned.  “What type of arrangements need to be made before my daughter is accepted, and what of Marc?”

“The arrangements have been made in advance.  There have been others like you at Testata School for the Gifted.  All we need to know now is when you shall arrive,” Ateya directed.

“Well is tomorrow to soon?” Lenora asked.

“No,” Ateya smiled.  “We look forward to welcoming you tomorrow afternoon.”

“Thank you Ateya,” Talia stood and walked back towards her suite.  “I will show you out.”

Ateya stood and bowed.  She followed Talia from the garden leaving Lenora alone with her thoughts.  Lenora poured herself a cup of tea.  She sniffed the tea and took a sip.  The flavour was exquisite.  She smiled, memories of her childhood on Earth flooding back.  She sighed, her daughter would have fun growing up here and would hopefully make some wonderful friends.

Talia came back into the garden and sat down.  She poured herself a cup of the tea and sat back to enjoy it.  The sun was starting to set and the night flowers began to open.  Their perfume wafting on the air as it cooled, reminded Lenora of home.  She then remembered that she needed to send a message to Dillon of their arrival.

“Talia, I need you to send a message to Eaon for Dillon stating that we have arrived safely and all is going as planned,” Lenora instructed.

“Would you like me to add that you will be home soon?” Talia asked.

“Please,” Lenora responded simply.

“I will send the message as soon as possible,” Talia smiled.  “Your daughter will be powerful, I can sense that with you.”

“I believe that she will be the strongest yet,” Lenora whispered.  “And if she is, well you know the prophecies as well as I.”

“Yes I do,” Talia sighed.  “You should get some sleep.  We have a long day ahead and you are not yet configured to Earth time.”

“Now that you mention it, I am tired,’ Lenora yawned.  “I will see you in the morning, oh I forgot to ask where Marc will be.”

“We have a family that lives not far from Testata who have offered to provide a home for Marc,” Talia answered leading the way back into her suite.  “They are respected members of their community and trusted by those at the temple.  They are Testata’s current Head Mistress’ parents.”

“Thank you, Talia,” Lenora hugged her friend and left the suite.

Lenora began her long walk back to her suite.  Exhaustion hitting her hard, she yawned again.  She followed her instincts which she found led her directly back to her suite where the children slept.  Finding homes for both children had seemed to easy, but then those at the temple had been expecting them.  They had probably started the process long before Lenora and her charges had arrived.  Strangely this did not make Lenora uneasy, she felt oddly at ease.

Hannah sat in a chair reading when Lenora walked in the door.  She jumped to her feet as if she was doing something wrong.  Lenora grinned and motioned to Hannah that everything was okay.  Hannah sighed and began to gather her books and put away her laptop.  Lenora flopped down into a chair and relaxed.

“Were there any problems Hannah?” Lenora asked

“None,” Hannah responded.

“Thank you,” Lenora smiled.  “Good night.”

Hannah smiled and nodded in response.  She showed herself out.  When the door closed Lenora instinctively locked it.  She then checked on both children.  She was pleased to see that both were sleeping soundly.  Lenora went into the third bedroom and was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

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