One Great Year Read Free Page A

it was she who defended Helghul when others complained that he was a braggart. She maintained that he was misunderstood and good at heart. She believed that someday they would serve together in the senate as Elders, and she wished for harmony between them instead of discord.
    Elders served for a lifetime, once chosen, but were not born to their posts. They were democratically and divinely chosen. Next to White Elder in importance were the Trinity, the three spiritual Elders known as Brown, Red, and Grey. They were named after colors because their divine titles were musical notes and could not be spoken any other way. Directly below them were the Elders of the seven chakras, who represented the material man and the seven energy centers of the body.
    Only the most prestigious title of White Elder would please Helghul. He would have none above him.

    Helghul decided that he preferred that Theron had died, rather than watch her be coupled with Marcus or replace her mother as White Elder above him. (Only White Elder knew that her daughter would never join the senate.) He was beset with jealousy as he watched Theron at the base of the quarry in Marcus’s arms.
    When Theron’s sputtering and coughing finally subsided, Marcus wrapped her bloody leg with a strip of his clothing and placed her carefully in his lap for transport. He held the knot of atlantium crystal in his palm, and together they reactivated their swirling energies and summoned the crystal glider to return home.
    Marcus had alerted the healers, who met them at the opulent home of White Elder. Theron was given relief from her pain, and Marcus was sent away so she could be treated. Despite his desire to remain with Theron, Marcus had no choice but to leave.
    Throughout Atitala, people were preparing for the summer solstice festival that would take place the next day. On the morning of the celebration, the Sirius Star, which was the brightest in the sky, would re-emerge from behind the sun. After seventy days, it would once again become visible. The star was called the star of death and rebirth. It was believed to be directly linked to the spiritual evolution of mankind and had forewarned every shift in the pattern of human existence. The precession of the stars was truly an evolutionary clock.
    Atitalan tradition dictated that the students would entertain the senate and the honorary visitors with demonstrations. The entire empire had painstakingly prepared for the festival, which would be attended by the Elders, visiting kings, dignitaries, and ordinary citizens.
    Later that afternoon Theron woke. Her leg had been reconstructed from the knee down, and she contemplated her good fortune. Because there were few illnesses that had not been eradicated, it was normal for healthy Atitalans to live hundreds of years if they avoided accidents. Elders could live into their thousands. She marveled at how close she had come to dying in only her twenty-second year. White Elder stood beside her, concern deepening the many lines in her face. Theron smiled, her mind clear and rested.
    How could Marcus let this happen? White Elder thought protectively, sending her question telepathically to her daughter.
    I am fine, Mother, it was an accident. It wasn’t his fault , Theron said without sound. The woman bent and took her daughter’s hand.
    I suppose swimming was your idea? her mother responded knowingly and, not waiting for an answer, added, He is reckless, and he makes bad choices.
    You are too severe. He is just … adventurous.
    Daughter, your injury comes at a most unfortunate time.
    I can fulfill my duties for summer solstice, not to worry , Theron reassured.
    There is much more afoot these days than solstice, daughter , White Elder’s mind pictures spoke mysteriously. But as Theron stirred to question her, White Elder closed her mind.
    â€œHeal well. I am glad you are safe. I must leave you now,” the leader said aloud, kissing her daughter’s head