Aldara continued. “It truly was fate that placed the two of you together. However, for you to ever feel unworthy of Alexander’s companionship is a mistake. Alexander is magnificent. I, as his mother, can attest to the fact that he is truly a chosen Guardian. Yet, you overlook the divinity that lies within you, and the destiny that you were preordained to.”
“I’m afraid I don’t understand.” Emily was struggling to make sense of what Aldara said.
“Emily, it is not just Alexander that holds great power and ability, but you as well. There are numerous prophecies concerning you and Alexander, and the events that will transpire because of your union.”
Emily looked at Alexander. He was equally confused, but she could tell that his mind was piecing things together.
“Aldara, are you referencing the prophecy concerning Eden’s gates being opened to the human race?” Alexander questioned.
“I am. Is this a prophecy you have shared with Emily?”
“I have mentioned it briefly.” Alexander furrowed his brows in deep thought.
“I still don’t get it. Alexander said that Eden was only a place for Guardians to go. That it was sealed up until the day when humans would need to take refuge within.” Emily was moving her head back and forth between Aldara and Alexander, looking for any sort of clue.
“That is correct, Emily. Eden is to be a place of refuge for humans who seek it. However, there is only one way for its gates to be unlocked to them, and that is one role you will play. Only together do the two of you hold the key that will unlock the gates of Eden.”
The room was silent as the words Aldara spoke sank in like lead dropped in water.
After a moment Aldara continued. “The two of you are to accomplish great things. There is a glorious day coming for both humans and Guardians where we live together. However, I am afraid that before we see the light of that day, things will get darker… War is coming, great war and it is vital that the two of you be prepared.”
Emily felt Alexander’s hand grasp hers, but inside she was feeling numb.
“War! What does she mean war? What kind of war?”
“It is of the utmost importance that preparations and training begin immediately for Emily.” Aldara’s eyes searched Emily’s to see how she was taking the news.
“What do you mean training for me? That doesn’t make sense. I’m a human not a Guardian.”
Aldara’s smile widened. “Still you doubt yourself, Emily. But, I know that there will soon be a time that you will no longer doubt, but believe. You have been chosen for this very task, and I know you will rise to accept the mantle that has been placed upon your shoulders.”
“How is it that Emily will train? I’m not sure I am clear on things either.”
“When she feels ready, she will receive her training directly from Damarus, in the Guardian Realm.”
Emily gave a sharp intake of breath. This was all becoming too much for her to understand.
“I thought only Guardians could go there.”
“Yes, well, as I said, this marks a new era. You will be the first to visit Eden, as it is necessary for the days that lie ahead.”
“How do we get her there? I would have no idea how to explain things to her.” Alexander shifted his weight on the bed; he was beginning to show some excitement.
“I will need something of yours, Emily. Preferably something that you keep with you at all times or that is easy to carry.” Aldara scanned the room.
Emily knew exactly the thing. She reached down the front of her shirt to remove the emerald necklace that Alexander had given her. She handed it to Aldara.
“Most appropriate.” Aldara looked the gem over. “I assume this was your doing Alexander.”
“Yes, it was a gift.”
“This will work perfectly.” Aldara cupped both hands over the gem, completely surrounding it. She then closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
Emily watched as Aldara’s hands began to glow, getting brighter and brighter until Emily had to shield her eyes. The glow expanded in a sphere around her hands until suddenly it collapsed within itself, back into Aldara’s palms and vanished. She then opened her hands to reveal the necklace, looking just as it did before she had held it. She handed it back to Emily.
“This will serve as a key for your entrance. Your ability to enter as Alexander does will develop in time.”
Emily replaced the emerald to its spot around her neck, clasping the jewel tightly in her fist. Although what Aldara had said was truly unbelievable, something inside Emily was agreeing with it all. It was the deepest part of her, the part that was immune to any human insecurity or doubts, which understood everything. Like a veil of forgetfulness was slowly being lifted and she was being permitted to see things clearly, uncompromised by her human senses.
“You will know when you are ready to visit the Realm. I assure you it will be soon. Alexander will accompany you, of course.”
“My time is complete here.” Aldara breathed in deeply, giving one last look around. “I must return. This truly has been a most glorious occasion for me. I am privileged to have such a small part in the prophecy I have long awaited. I always knew that it would be Alexander who would be the chosen Guardian, the one who would select the woman; the daughter of Earth who would return to Eden. Great things are coming, wonderful things. I will keep my eyes on the gate and await your arrival. Peace be with you, Son of Eden.” Aldara smiled at Alexander. “And peace be with you, Daughter of Earth.”
Aldara gazed directly at Emily with reverence and respect, giving a slight bow of her head. With that, she was gone.
Alexander and Emily sat silently on the bed. Both of them were trying to fully grasp all that had just transpired. In a matter of minutes things had gone from strange and unusual, to unbelievable and somewhat terrifying. In a few minutes they had learned that the world as they knew it was about to change.
Emily felt like all she had ever known was no longer valid or real. Like her surroundings no longer held the appeal, knowledge or comfort to satisfy. Instead she sensed something growing inside her. Something within Emily had been awakened.
Coming soon….
Daughter of Earth
Tales of the Guardian
Summer 2011
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Son of Eden, a Paranormal Romance Page 26