Almiralyn clapped her hands. “Eero Tye Como!” The vortex swirled out to fill the fountain. “Oree Eyt Omoc!” It shrunk to the size of a coin. Karrew swooped, snatched it in his beak, and landed on Allynae’s shoulder.
The Compass of Ostradio’s golden needle began to spin. Almiralyn’s voice rang out.
“Whirling vortex, compass points,
Join to mirror like bones to joints.
Spin within the captive space;
Remain forever in this place.
* * *
Transport to The Borderlands,
Hidden, secret from brigands.
To the shoppe, Antiques by Q
Anchor there this portal new.”
As she completed the last line, a roiling mist overflowed the mirror and wafted over the sanctuary floor. A large keyhole appeared at its center. Karrew shot through it and vanished. “Other hand, Alli. Now!”
He fumbled, caught the compass midway to the floor, and switched it to his left hand.
Karrew’s deep caw preceded his reappearance from the haze as thunder clapped and the mirror flashed from sight. He landed on Almiralyn’s shoulder. “That was close.”
Allynae ran shaking fingers though his hair and shot Karrew a strained smile. “The thong tangled in my hand. Sorry, old friend. Good thing you’re quick.”
Almiralyn pressed her cheek against Karrew’s wing. “Good work. Now, we must create the portal from The Borderlands to Idronatti. This time Elcaro will place the anchor and destination points. We only have to decide where they need to be.”
After the compass and the fountain had ascertained the correct placement—one at the far edge of The Borderlands beneath a street lamp and two in downtown Idronatti—Almiralyn spoke the ordered sequence of words to create the new portal, substituting appropriate instructions in the second stanza.
When all was complete, once again she offered Allynae the dipper. “We have one final thing to do before we can rest.”
Allynae’s tired frown curved into a smile. “Who will be the first child to use the portal and enter Myrrh, right?”
Returning his smile, she reached for the Stone of Remembering and held it next to her heart. “Right. Let’s begin.” She placed her free hand on the fountain’s rim and began to whisper,
“Elcaro’s Eye, help us to find
A child with a curious mind,
Who will spread the word around
Where Myrrh’s new portal can be found.”
The water remained motionless. No image emerged. Total silence gripped the sanctuary, the cottage, and the Terces Wood. Then a breeze rustled the curtains; a moonbeam skittered across the water; and on the surface, a picture began to form.
Curled up in bed, dark, wavy hair gleaming against his pillow, a boy of about ten cycles mumbled in his sleep and sprawled onto his back. Almiralyn held the Stone of Remembering above the fountain. A ray of light shot from its glowing center, piercing the water’s surface and infusing the bed and the boy in blue. Eyes filled with wonder opened. A sleepy smile ended in a yawn. The boy turned on his side and slept. The stone lay dulled and lightless on her palm.
Karrew cawed softly. Allynae exhaled, a breath long held.
Almiralyn smiled. “Our first guest . . .”
Lying in bed gazing with bleary eyes at the ceiling, Almiralyn reviewed the night’s work. We were successful in all aspects but one, the Five Fathers. Chealim’s appearance saved me from a very difficult encounter. It also left me with questions. I wonder how soon The Unfolding will begin? She yawned and pulled the comforter under her chin. I’m glad Alli decided to stay here tonight. Both of us are exhausted. Thank goodness Karrew and Majeska are standing guard so we can sleep. With a fatigued sigh, she wrapped her arms around a pillow and slipped into slumber.
Morning dawned with a sense of excitement nudging her to rise. The aroma of freshly baked muffins assailed her nostrils and coaxed her out of bed. She arrived in the kitchen to find Feela setting the breakfast table. Allynae and Race sat opposite each other chatting about Myrrh.
Her brother looked up and grinned. “Were ya planning to sleep forever. We’ve already made plans for the turning.”
“I might have, but the aroma of Feela’s muffins . . . Yum.” She smiled and slipped onto the chair next to her brother. “Everything looks and smells wonderful. Thank you, Feela.”
The woman returned her smile, still with a touch of shyness. “Eat while things are warm.”
After a comfortable breakfast and an easy discussion about duties, Race and Allynae headed for the barn. Feela hummed happily as she cleared the table, and Almiralyn slipped away to her sanctuary.
The water in the fountain stopped flowing as she entered. Chealim’s countenance formed on the still surface. “You did well, Almiralyn. The portals are secure, and you have discovered your first guest. How do you feel?”
“Happy to be here. But you did not come to see how I’m fairing, did you?”
“The High Priest of Mahyinaeh will be sending a young woman to you. She is pregnant with a child important to The Unfolding. It is vital that her presence be kept secret. And, Almiralyn, they must leave Myrrh by the time the child is ten sun cycles.” He paused. “Majeska brings your young guest. You had best prepare.”
His image dissolved, leaving her once again with unanswered questions. Shrugging her frustration aside, she studied her reflection for a long moment, then closed her eyes. Her body began to throb, her hands tightened on the rim, her breathing shifted. When she looked again, the image staring back made her smile. Mira. She leaned forward to study the gently lined face. Gray hair, tied back in a bun at the nape of her neck, seemed intent on escaping. Blue eyes twinkled up at her. She was all of four feet, ten inches tall and round in a comfortable, grandmotherly kind of way. “You will do nicely,” she murmured and tucked a renegade lock back into place.
A knock at the front door made her walk briskly from her sanctuary and down the stairs. Feela spoke quietly from the kitchen doorway. “Exactly how I pictured you . . .”
Mira winked. Then she straightened her apron, patted her flyaway hair, and opened the door. Majeska darted through, leaving a uniformed boy with lustrous brown eyes and skin the color of dark chocolate standing on the steps.
A look of surprised interest lit his face. “Where am I?”
“You are in Myrrh. I’m Mira. What’s your name?”
He gave her serious stare. “I am . . .” He frowned and rubbed his forehead. “I am called Wilith. I dreamt about you.”
She opened the door wider. “Come in, Wilith. There are fresh-baked cookies in the kitchen and a back garden waiting to be explored.”
From the kitchen window, she watched the boy from Idronatti spend the better part of the Myrrhinian turning trailing Allynae from one chore to the next. He chased Buster around the yard, swung in the tire swing, and climbed up the ladder to the tree house. When it was time to go, he exploded into the kitchen, an imp of a smile erasing his serious expression of earlier in the day. “Please may I come again?”
Mira kept her face neutral. “Of course. But you must keep your visits a secret and only come when it is safe to do so.”
He gave her a studied look. “I’ll be careful, and I’ll only share with friends who will never tell.”
She smiled and escorted him down the hall. “Majeska will show you the way home.”
Wilith dashed after the gray cat. Just before the portal, he turned and waved. “Thank you.” He jumped into the swirl of light and was gone.
Karrew landed on her shoulder. Allynae joined them and slipped his hand into hers. “Well, what do you think, Guardian of Myrrh?”
She let her gaze roam the front garden and come to rest on the new Tropal Gateway.
“I think our life in Myrrh has now begun.”
Upstairs in the sanctuary, the water spilling into Elcaro’s Eye ceased. Stillness polished the surface silver. An image formed. Four young people, a tan pony, and a dog ambled in a dispersed
group along a forest trail. A silhouetted shape swooped low, gave a great horned owl’s screech, and soared out of sight.
Water trickled from the statue’s alabaster palms. The image rippled and disappeared, leaving only the memory of what was to come.
end of
Arrival
UnFolding 1
* * *
next is the
novel
DiMensioner's Revenge
UnFolding 2
* * *
available as a single eBook
or
in a boxset of six books
The UnFolding Series Collection One
* * *
My eBooks are available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo.
From the Author
About Me
I grew up reading fantasy and science fiction then earned a living telling stories on stage through dance. Over sixty of my original choreographic works, with up to ninety dancers, were brought to life for theatre audiences.
A few years ago I left the world of dance to write. Living on a boat cruising the coast of Alaska, I now write fantasy fiction, photograph nature, and catch dinner.
Come and see my life afloat in pictures on Facebook and my website.
UnFolding Series
The UnFolding Series is told in four novels and eleven companion shorts (ten novelettes and one novella). The companion shorts are independent morsels . . . they add to the tale.
You can read the series in order or skip over the companion shorts and go back to them when you need a short read . . . great for a plane or train ride.
Would You Help?
Reviews are the lifeblood of authors, especially for independent ones like me. Please share your opinion of this book by leaving a review.
Never written a review before? Nothing to it. First pick the number of stars you think it deserves; one to three is "critical" and four and five are positive. Then add a few words to tell other readers what you thought about the book. Don't write a synopsis or a "spoiler", just a few words focused on what you like or do not like is fine.
Keep in Touch
Join my readers group and follow my Facebook page. I am working on the next series and will keep you updated in between pictures of my adventures in Alaska.
Facebook - www.facebook.com/skrandolph11
* * *
web site - www.skrandolph.com
The Rest of the Story
The UnFolding Series is a fantasy fiction tale told in fifteen books: four novels and eleven Companion Shorts (ten novelettes and one novella).
In e-books the series is available as individual books and as three collections (box sets).
In paperback and hardcover the four novels are printed as individual books and the eleven companion shorts as one volume.
Arrival: UnFolding 1
Companion Short
Almiralyn has sworn to protect the last remnant of Old Earth. Will she have time to prepare, or will her enemies discover her whereabouts before she is ready?
DiMensioner's Revenge: UnFolding 2
Novel
Stalked by a vengeful DiMensioner, twins Ari and Brie, and their friends fight to save the last remaining piece of Old Earth.
Gifts: UnFolding 3
Companion Short
SparrowLyn AsTar has a secret. Who in Idronatti can she trust to help her keep it hidden from the Peoples Plan Protectors?
Discovery: UnFolding 4
Companion Short
Twins Ari and Brie have changed Torgin’s life forever. Now, he must choose between his parents and the friends he doesn’t want to lose.
Rescue: Unfolding 5
Companion Short
Ari’s temper puts her family and a young stranger at risk. Can the old woman across the hall help? Or will she make things worse?
Encounters: UnFolding 6
Companion Short
Driven by revenge, Seyes Nomed has reached a fork in the road. Can he change course, or is he committed to righting the wrong done him as a child?
ConDra's Fire: UnFolding 7
Novel
Esán is focused on escape. His friends are focused on his rescue. Can the four young people outsmart their enemies?
Metamorphosis: UnFolding 8
Companion Short
Banished from his home planet, Laurent Davead Zuill DeLongeer pursues a new life. Is he capable of learning from past events, or will youthful arrogance place his dreams at risk?
Fishing: UnFolding 9
Companion Short
A visit from the dreaded Mocendi League leave Stebben Stol and his younger sister orphans. Now they are on the run. Will they escape or become fodder for the League.
Lessons: UnFolding 10
Companion Short
Will tragedy overcome the Oracle and her people or will the stranger mend the tribe and her heart.
Wanted: UnFolding 11
Companion Short
An escape from the five towers lands Davin Farlow on a desert on the planet of DerTah. A Mocendi and a Fire ConDra give chase. Can he escape again?
Duplicity: UnFolding 12
Companion Short
A collision course with the Mocendi League places the Guardian of Myrrh at risk. Will Corvus Karrew Castilym have to live up to his boyhood promise to protect her with his life?
MasTer's Reach: UnFolding 13
Novel
Torgin’s mother has been kidnapped. Will he and his friends find her in time, or will his mother become a pawn in The MasTer’s game?
Epilogue: UnFolding 14
Companion Short
Unveiled secrets bring Ari, Brie, and their friends face to face with who they truly are. Will they accept their new destinies, or falter?
* * *
Jaradee's Legacy: UnFolding 15
Novel
The fight of three women to save their home planet and the culture they love leaves a trail through time and a legacy for generations to come.
The books are available as individual eBooks as shown above and in three collections (box sets):
* * *
The UnFolding Collection One
box set of six eBooks (one novel and five companion shorts)
The UnFolding Collection Two
box set of six eBooks (one novel and five companion shorts)
The UnFolding Collection Three
box set of three eBooks (two novels and one companion short)
Part I
Excerpt - DiMensioner’s Revenge
Prologue
DiMensioner’s Revenge
The children of many bring truth to light,
Their courage challenges the DiMensioner’s might,
The Unfolding sets the stage to reveal
Their futures and then their destinies seal.
Ancient prophecies quaked to life. Raging winds charged from deep mountain passes. Racing across the grasslands, they ripped through the forest toward a cottage at the far edge of the woods and relaxed into a gentle breeze.
Curtains rustled at the window of an upstairs room. Inside, the statue of a woman knelt on the alabaster rim of the fountain Elcaro’s Eye, her gaze fixed on the turbulent water. The breeze dissipated. The water stilled. A blurred image of a large oval mirror floated to the surface, steadied, and focused.
* * *
A boy of eleven pummeled the surface of the mirror with fisted hands, yet no image reflected the furious barrage. Howling in frustration, he pressed splayed fingers against the mirror and rested a tear-streaked cheek on the unyielding glass.
Clenched jaw throbbing, he stepped back and glowered. “I hate you, Almiralyn. Someday, I will find a way back, and you will regret what you have done!”
The mist in the mirror swirled and vanished. Hate-twisted features snapped into view. He took aim and kicked. A splintering crack raced upward. Triumph flitted across his face. Picking up a shard of glass, he held it high. Light darted along sharp, silvery edges. His eyes narrowed. With one qui
ck motion, he slit his right cheek.
Blood running from the diagonal gash dripped onto his fingertip. A crooked smile tugged at the wound. Tracing the crack with his bloodied finger, he smeared it with crimson. His jaw set, he flung the shard away and stomped into the shadows.
* * *
Eddies spun across Elcaro’s surface, scattering the image. Time raced forward. The carved woman waited, her gaze unwavering.
* * *
The Unfolding had begun.
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