The Awakening Read Free Page B

transform itself. Premoran did nothing to attempt to prevent the metamorphosis, as he had yearned for something just like this to occur each and every time he performed this grueling task.
    The paper lifted on its own accord out of his grasp and began to expand in all directions. Soon, an opaque sphere perhaps two feet in diameter hovered in the air before his eyes, infused with a multicolored mass of spinning and swirling objects. It was impossible to describe how a Lalas communicated with another not of its own race, but Premoran clearly heard the voice of his departed friend deep within the recesses of his mind, rather than through his ears. The images in the sphere solidified and as he watched, he listened attentively to the heavy-hearted narration.
    The First is needfully detached. It seeks to protect the Gem, its primary charge. In so doing, I am deprived of the light, as are my brethren. Without it, I care not to remain here. I see a darkness approaching.
    As he concentrated, Premoran witnessed the final moments of Acire’s earthly existence and he understood immediately the choice that the great tree made. He watched the hovering orb ardently, and the image of the magnificent Lalas, in all its past glory, loomed before him.
    My time is past. Others must take my place. But, despair not. This is a beginning, not an end for one such as me. As for you, my friend, seek the twins in Seramour. And, above all else, protect the shards. Their significance will become apparent when the weave allows. I impart this information to you because I fear that the forces of darkness have altered the fabric. I wish not to affect it further; but you are the last of your kind who serves the light. Your brother has long ago betrayed us. And now the balance must be preserved at all costs. You must lead, but tread carefully though, lest you lose your way. It is a delicate journey you now commence and the path is obscured. Things are not always as they seem. Remember, as Theran died with me, so must all Chosen perish when their tree doth pass. Be not afraid to hasten that which will bring you closer to the light. We all must do that though it may seem wrong at times. Do not misjudge us. May the First guide you and illuminate your path.
    Premoran observed the spirit of the Lalas as it slowly and tragically dissipated, and he mourned once more for the loss. He was grateful to Acire for everything, and though he was enervated by the experience, he was infinitely more hopeful knowing now that the Lalas truly did choose to ‘die’. Even the fact that the First was intentionally separating its brethren from the Gem’s radiance was, in a strange manner, hopeful. This all lent intention to the great losses and upheavals that were so prevalent. They were not unplanned or random, not without meaning, but purposeful, despite the pain and sadness they incurred. Necessity sometimes serves to justify even the most perplexing of actions. Premoran knew that the quest for the First and the Gem of Eternity was ever more imperative now.
    The bile rose in his parched throat at the memory of Acire’s reference to Colton as his “brother”’. But alas, it was true. No matter how diametrically opposed to one another they might be now, they were born of the same blood. Colton would only rejoice in the shielding of the Gem’s brilliance and power. He could not know that the withholding of its potency and efficacy was intentional and designed to protect it. But he was the cause nonetheless, of that Premoran was certain. And for that alone, he despised him even more. If not for his encroachment upon the light and his advocacy of dissolution, perhaps the First would not have needed to restrict the Gem’s reach.
    He looked upon the shimmering sphere once again, hoping for more, hoping for anything that could help him on his quest however trivial or seemingly inconsequential. Acire had given him so much already that he felt selfish and greedy in his desires, but he