Between Darkness and Light Trilogy Read Free Page A

insulted tone, “Yes, of course
I’m certain! I happen to be exceedingly good at recognizing my own
descendants – no matter how distant most are these days!”
    Descendants! So, there are increasing
degrees of mental reeling… I hadn’t known. Heedless of our audience
I ask the old woman, “Who are you?”
    The Emperor turns his intense gaze to us, “I
will ask the questions here; who are you and where have you been
hiding?”
    It feels very strange, being spoken to with
such an absolute lack of respect; it is as though he is trying to
goad us. I maintain strict control over my voice. I remain
respectful, but lift my chin to show I am not intimidated. “I am
Shi'ahn, leader of the High Council of Shiral, and this is my
brother William.”
    He chuckles coldly – a more chilling sound
than I've ever heard before. “Well, leader of the High Council,
your position on your homeworld means nothing here – remember
that.”
    Home world ? Where are we?
    His expression turns contemplative, “Shiral…
I have not heard of that world; it must not be of any
significance.”
    Annoyance flares in my mind, but I restrain
myself, and outwardly ignore his insult. “What is this place?”
    The ancient woman answers, at first
directing her words toward the throne. “They quite literally just
arrived at the front gates, I haven’t explained anything to them
yet.” She turns back toward us, “You are at the pinnacle of the
Universe, this is the source of order, the beginning of the Path of
Enlightenment. Welcome to Lumina. You and William are my
descendants, and therefore members of the Royal family.” She turns
again toward the Emperor, “I expect them to be treated
appropriately.”
    It’s strange, the man is obviously the head
of state, and yet the old woman seems to outrank him. He doesn't
seem pleased with that.
    “I have business to attend to at the moment,
send them to me in one hour.” That’s it. He turns away as though we
have ceased to exist. Again the sparkling light, and our
surroundings change once more; we are in a room where the walls are
lined with books, and very comfortable looking chairs await us. The
ancient being is once again a shrunken old woman.
    “Do you do that often, travel
instantaneously from place to place?” She laughs, a surprisingly
musical laugh for one so old.
    “No, child, I rarely find reason to leave my
tower. The infrequency of my visits causes shock when I appear,
which I find I rather enjoy. Come, sit, we have much to discuss.” I
sink into a chair that seems to welcome me, I’ve never felt
anything like it. “Like the chair? I’ve had a long time to perfect
it. Chairs are important, after all – you never know how long one
may be caught up in thought. Now, I expect you have some questions
you’d like to ask.”
    I hardly know where to start, but William
does.
    “Are we truly at the pinnacle of the
Universe?”
    “It would be more precise to say that we are
at the extreme end of one half of our bi-polar Universe. Lumina
marks the Spire, the beginning, the source of the Realm of
Order.”
    I restate my original question, “And you
are?”
    “Ah, that is a good question. I have been
given many names throughout the ages, some not the least bit
flattering! Many refer to me as the old hag. Suffice it to say that
I am… she who imposed order upon this end of the Universe.”
    “Then you are…” My voice sounds odd to my
ears, awed beyond imagination.
    “Very old, yes, I’m quite aware of
that!”
    “What… what should we call you?”
    “What indeed? My primary function these days
is watching over the Spire, and so some call me the Guardian. I
don’t like that, though, to me it sounds as though I am a keeper of
wayward children!” She shrugs, “That may not be far from the mark
at times, but I prefer names to titles; call me… Cailliach, I’ve
always liked the sound of that one.” I can’t help but think,
something so simple? Yet, it is the name of an ancient