Sara has no knowledge of humans or her home world and Cultok is now living on Earth. Now all of the pathways are merging into a nail biting conclusion that will have you on the edge of your seat.
CHAPTER ONE
Wisps of misty breath spiralled their way upwards, the moisture crystallising into powdery ice in the cold sharp air. The frozen ground crunched beneath the warm fur boots as they softly crept along the garden path trying to be quiet. Small hands held a rather worn and battered soft toy tightly to a chest wrapped in a warm cloak as its owner found her quiet corner in a wall alcove. It was cosy and warmed by the cooking ovens housed in the building behind the garden.
Shoving her back against the wall and drawing her legs up onto the wooden bench, she lay and watched the almost silent stirrings of the Tarl servants as they began their daily duties.
No one noticed her small form or if they did, they pretended not to, respecting her silent request for privacy. Unbidden, small tears of sorrow and loneliness slipped over the brim of her eyelids and rolled slowly down her cheeks.
Sara had learned quickly that her protectors found her crying distressing, so she stifled her sobs and hid away when she felt her grief overwhelming her. Burying her head into the body of her only reminder of her past life, she quietly wept into her faithful Fluffy, knowing he would keep her secret.
Looking up, she watched the Elidorsan guards as they walked past her hideaway. They did not glance at her, pretending not to see her, but she knew that Ronshta would have asked that they make sure she was safe. Sara smiled to herself. Ronshta was so kind and thoughtful, all the Elidorsan were.
She had been in their care now for four of their months and she had witnessed the change in seasons from summer through a short autumn and now the beginnings of a winter on Idor. She understood that they were not tall elves as she had once believed, but that they were a strange and powerful alien race that had taken pity on her.
Sara corrected herself; no, they were not the aliens, she was, a human on the Elidorsan world. She felt the sorrow well up in her again at the memory of her parents, family and friends who had died because of the horrible monsters that had attacked them.
“There you are,” the soft voice said, seeming loud in the otherwise silent garden, “I have been looking for you.” Sara looked up to see her new friend Escoora waiting shyly at the edge of the grass.
Sara knew that in years Escoora was younger than she was, but she was glad because they were both physically the same size and that was not as daunting. Sara had met Escoora only a few days ago when the Chieftain Shoshten and his mate Amroth had come to visit Duren. They were staying for a while and Escoora and Sara had instantly gotten along well.
Sara liked Escoora’s slightly naughty nature; she didn’t always do what her parents asked her to, but she was never bad, just adventurous. It reminded Sara of her own father, Jos. She wiped the tear stains from her face with her sleeve and forced a smile.
Escoora was not fooled and sent a private message to her mother, Amroth. “I have found her, she is very sad and upset, her eyes have been leaking again.”
“She misses her people, Escoora. You would too if such a horrible thing had befallen you. We must be as kind and gentle as we can. You must be a friend for her, help her to feel brave again,” Amroth replied, reassurance colouring her thoughts and encouraging her daughter, “Why don’t you bring her to our quarters to play?”
“I have a better idea,” replied Escoora boldly. She heard her mother sigh mentally at what might be coming next. “We will go on an adventure into the forest.”
“Be careful, then. Make sure she doesn’t get hurt,” said Amroth, knowing better than to try to change her daughter’s mind. The exchange between Escoora and Amroth happened so quickly that Sara had only just swung her legs off the bench and stood up.
“Hi,” said Sara, her voice seeming strange in the quiet air.
Escoora stepped forwards and smiled back. “I’m going on an adventure, want to come along?” she said, her thoughts whispered through the translator in conspiratorial tones. Sara nodded and followed her through the gateway and out into the city.
As they walked along the now busy streets, Sara instinctively moved closer to Escoora and grabbed her arm as the tall Elidorsan towered over her.
“It’s ok, they won’t hurt you,” said Escoora.
“I know,” replied Sara unconvincingly, still worried and anxious. Some of the Elidorsan looked very stern and fierce, especially the warriors. They moved into a quieter side street and Escoora started looking about for something.
“What are you looking for?” asked Sara.
“You’ll see,” laughed Escoora, “Aha, here comes one now.” Sara followed her friend’s eyeline and saw what at first, she thought was a sleigh drawn by reindeer, just like Santa Claus! She let out a gasp of surprise and joy but as they drew nearer, she realised that it was not reindeer but animals that looked much more alien the closer they got. She was right about the sled, though; it was an Elidorsan that was driving, not Santa Claus.
“This is a Doona sled, and these are Mantelos,” said Escoora, gesturing to the now stationary vehicle.
The Doona driver looked down kindly at the children. “Lady Escoora,” he bowed, “and Lady…?” His thoughts trailed off as he studied the alien child in front of him. He had heard of her but now that he saw her, he was surprised at how frail and small she was.
He knew they were mind numb, but he was a Doona and was an expert in transferring emotion to the animals in his care. He filled his mind with a positive mixture of reassurance, peace and respect and sent it to the small figure in front of him.
“This is Sara,” said Escoora, “She is mind numb so she can’t hear us unless we use a translator.” The Doona nodded solemnly and bowed to Sara. “He says welcome, Lady Sara,” she said helpfully.
“Where would you like to go, my Ladies?” continued the Doona, “A trip around the city perhaps, or along the forest trails?”
“Forest trails, please!” Escoora jumped up and down excitedly and shoved a bewildered Sara onto the sled. “Quick, he is going to take us around the forest, it will be so exciting!” she gasped, her translator almost deafening Sara.
Taking the girls by surprise, the sled surged forwards, throwing them back in their seats as the agile Mantelos ran down the street and headed towards the outskirts of the nearby forest.
The Elidorsan often liked to walk or ride their sleds through the forest and so an intricate criss-crossing pattern of pathways and roads had been woven through the undergrowth. Most of the trees and plants were beginning their winter sleep and their colours were not as vibrant, a greying of their leaves indicating that the plant was preparing for the cold snow that would be with them soon.
Even so, the forest was still beautiful and peaceful. Most of the large grazers had moved south to warmer climates and better pickings with only a few hardy species remaining behind to tough it out in the cold weather.
The Mantelos steadied to a brisk trot and the girls huddled under a fur robe the Doona driver had passed to them. They sat together enjoying the trip and Sara began to imagine that she was a fairytale princess, and this was her magic carriage drawn by mice that had been changed by her fairy godmother into wild-looking creatures that were carrying her on a secret mission.
Slowly, she forgot her sorrow as she began to realise that the truth was much more exciting than her imaginary story. No human had ever been this close to such wonderful beings, let alone live with them and befriend them. She felt very special, and her fear melted away as courage crept into her heart (although she had always been very, very brave, she just didn’t realise it).
The Doona driver smiled to himself as he felt the faint emotions coming from the alien child. They were much weaker than a Mantelo or Lemath but if he opened his mind and stretched it slightly, he could just about make out what she was feeling.
He had been projecting confidence and self-worth towards her since they had started their journey. Now he was rewarded with the change he had been trying to achieve and he was surprised that her carers had not asked for the advice of a Doona before. He cocked his head slightly as another voice spoke to him, giving him instructions. He bid his Mantelos to turn right deeper into the forest and his smile broadened.
“Why have we stopped?” asked Escoora as the driver pulled over next to a small glade.
“Lady Escoora, I think there is someone waiting to meet you in the glade, hurry now. Your friend can go too if you like. I will wait here for you.” He watched as a thoroughly curious Escoora relayed the message to Sara and they both climbed out of the sled and made their way to the glade.
There standing tall and elegant was an Idor. Sara was wide-eyed; this was only the second time she had seen an Idor, and she was a little shy. Escoora gasped and performed a formal bow to the Idor.
“Hello Escoora, I am Skrl and I will be your Idor guide.” Skrl bowed back to Escoora and laughed as he saw the alien child perform a clumsy attempt at a bow. “We will talk often I expect and I am always here when you need me.” He awakened a connection in Escoora’s mind that had been there since the day she was born and the thrum of the Idor world coursed through her at last. She was now truly Elidorsan. Escoora was ecstatic. This was such a special moment for every Elidorsan and she was so pleased that Sara was with her.
“Skrl, who is Sara’s Idor and when can she meet him or her?” she asked.
“Well, that is a question,” replied Skrl as he slowly walked around the children looking very solemn.
“This is Skrl,” explained Escoora to Sara, “he is my Idor.”
Sara looked perplexed. She was struggling to understand what that meant and was awed at the majesty of the Idor walking around them. Escoora guessed she didn’t understand.
“Every Elidorsan has their Idor. Some share the same Idor but each of us only answer to our own Idor.” Sara didn’t look much wiser so she continued. “It is a special thing. The Idor protect us and guide us through our long lives, they give us counsel and wisdom, knowledge and courage,” she said, reciting the training verses she had learned from her Tarl teachers during her studies, “We do their bidding when they ask, without question and without fail.”
“Do they give you orders?” Sara asked, trying to understand.
“No, we can choose not to listen, but that is unwise because the Idor see everything and know everything and only ask us for help when it will benefit all.” Escoora was very pleased with herself for remembering and understanding what she had learned.
Skrl was also impressed. “Your friend does not come from a world with Idor and so cannot fully understand what it means,” he explained.
“Oh Skrl, you are wrong, look.” Escoora nudged Sara. “Show him Fluffy,” she said. Puzzled, Sara held out her battered toy and Skrl studied it carefully.
“It’s a Unicorn,” said Sara, “They are magic.”
Escoora relayed Skrl’s question; “He asks if you have met a Unicorn on your world?”
Sara shook her head sadly. “They are magic, like you and the Elidorsan. I am not so I can’t hear or see them. Mama gave me Fluffy to protect me. Inside he is a real Unicorn like you, but I can’t see it because I have no magic.” She gently cuddled her faithful toy. “I love him very much,” she said as the sadness started in her again. Escoora gave her friend a hug and crooned in sympathy.
Skrl stood quietly in front of them. “Escoora, tell Sara that one day she will find her magic and when that day comes, she will see Fluffy as a beautiful Unicorn and she will hear him speak.” Escoora nodded solemnly, honoured that she should relay such an important message.
Sara stared at her in wonder as she listened, excitement building in her at such a revelation. Her eyes started to fill with tears again, but this time with joy not sorrow. Escoora held her close, sending waves of comfort and hope to her.
“Now both of you must go home, it is getting late and you will be hungry.” As he spoke, they both suddenly felt their stomachs complain about being empty. “You understand that what has been said is a secret between us?” he continued, even though he knew his small fireball of an Elidorsan was already brimming with honour at keeping their meeting private. She nodded quickly and bid Skrl farewell as he vanished into thin air. Sara jumped back in alarm; she had never seen real magic before, it was amazing. Escoora laughed as they made their way back to the waiting sled.
Shoshten absently pushed back the heavy cloth drapes that covered the edges of the large window as he gazed out across the garden. He had been in discussions with Duren long into the night regarding where to search for his missing son and crew, so sleep had not come easily to him.
His eyes caught movement from one of the side entrances and he saw Escoora and the alien child slip through, arm in arm, deep in some conversation. Who would have thought his wild and errant daughter would be sensitive enough to befriend such a fragile thing as Sara? He was sure she was pure warrior and this was a new side to her nature he had not seen before. He straightened slightly and began to smile as he saw the change in Escoora. She had met her Idor, he was sure of it.
“Thr, which Idor is guiding my daughter?” he asked, his mind full of innocence and complacency.
“When it becomes your business, I am sure Escoora will advise you,” was the mocking reply, “I trust you and Duren are ready to set out on your search? You have certainly taken long enough to make a decision.”
“Almost as long as it has taken the Idor to isolate probable universes.” Shoshten could not take the sting out of his thoughts at the frustrating delays in narrowing down the possibilities.
“We have been busy elsewhere,” came the cool reply.
“So it seems,” said Shoshten, annoyed with himself that he was being so churlish. Before Thr could respond, he continued, “We will leave tonight with a fleet to begin searching in the most likely universe, here.”
He flashed an image of a whirling mass of light that undulated its way between its fellows. “The natural laws that govern this reality are similar to those in the San universe that support the Choor Choor and Sara’s species. It is reasonable to assume that if the Choor Choor and Sara are linked in some way then it is highly likely that Merkan has been drawn to the source universe, which should be this one.” He brought another image into his mind.
“Deyka has run simulations to show that this universe and the San universe have been close enough recently to allow the chance of transference occurring. We of course cannot isolate which galaxy within this universe to start with, so we will just need to be systematic in our approach.”
“I suggest you start here.” Thr brought a galaxy shaped like a ball into view. “It is the nearest to one of the contact points and may well be the easiest for the Choor Choor to have travelled from.”
“Thr, how have a relatively primitive species such as the Choor Choor managed to travel like this? I thought that the Elidorsan and the Idor were the only ones capable of such things?” Shoshten did not miss the hesitation in Thr’s mind.
“How it was done is not important, what you need to focus on is finding Merkan.”
“And Cultok,” finished Shoshten, deliberately baiting Thr in the hope that he would let slip what Shoshten suspected.
“And all the Elidorsan crew,” finished Thr as he made it clear that their conversation was over, fully aware of what Shoshten thought but deciding to keep him guessing a little longer. The time was not right to reveal the truth. As he left Shoshten to his own devices, Thr called his Idor council to him.
Sara and Escoora skipped through the doorway into the guest quarters. Amroth smiled warmly and gestured to them to sit and eat breakfast, leaving to find a translator so that Sara would not feel left out.
Escoora started stuffing her face with her favourite snacks, offering some new and tasty items to Sara to try. She shyly accepted and attempted to look invisible in the grand room as she gracefully nibbled on what was provided.
She tried not to stare as Shoshten stalked in. He moved like a cat, purposeful and deceitfully relaxed, with all the grace of a predator. His skin glowed, actually glowed, with the powerful magic inside of him.
He smoothly sat down at the table opposite Sara and Escoora and smiled kindly to them both. “And what adventures have you been up to this morning?” His voice rang from his translator and Sara found herself wondering what his real voice sounded like.
