Iviana shook her head, but replied, “Sounds like an adventure.”
“Oh, Ivi,” Nimua said as she took hold of her hands. “I cannot believe I’m going to be in your world while you’re staying here in mine. It is terribly unfair. Even so, I’m eager for what’s in store for you. Darist had better take good care of you,” she added when he drew up to the group.
“Oh, that’s why I’m going. Someone’s got to keep this girl in line,” he said, lightly tugging on Iviana’s hair.
True to form, Nimua punched Darist in the arm, saying, “More like you’ll be so troublesome she’ll have to send you back to us before she’s half through.”
The three friends laughed together, sharing memories, when Chamaeleo suddenly appeared in their midst.
“Pardon the intrusion, but I would rather like to steal our Chosen One away for a moment.”
“Oh, no, you don’t, gran,” said Necoli. “She’s my sister, after all.”
Chamaeleo proceeded to pinch his cheek, saying, “Well, if I’m your grandmother, that makes her my grandchild too. So, I’ve just as much right as you have, laddie.” With that, she led Iviana away
“Where did you come from?” Iviana asked. “I haven’t seen you since that day in Kierelia and here it sounds as if you knew about me and Necoli all along. Aren’t you happy to find Shynn and Japha alive?”
“Of course, but I’ve already seen them. I’m sorry I didn’t have time to search you out as well, but you’ve been an awfully busy girl what with raising people from the dead and all. As far as my knowledge of your relationship to Necoli, I really had no idea who your parents were until I met with your aunt and uncle, so no accusing me of keeping any more secrets than I already have.
“Now, speaking of secrets, I wanted to thank you... for being all I dreamed you’d be when I was young and, oh, so lost.”
Iviana was taken aback by these words. “What do you mean?”
“When I was that young girl who’d just lost her parents, alone in a world I knew very little about, you were the one the Great One used to give me hope. He told me you’d one day make it possible for me to return home and be accepted and safe among my own people.”
“But, you don’t even need their acceptance anymore, do you?” asked Iviana.
“I don’t... but I would still like to have it. It is a luxury to be able to live safely among the people of my childhood home. Of course, I’m not certain how often I’ll be here, but I will see you around as often as I am able.
“In any case, my point in speaking with you is this: when I was at my lowest point, you were the hope I clung to, the one I ventured to be like even as I have grown into a daft old woman who wears the face of a young one. And that has not changed. You have returned that little girl’s beautiful home to her, and for that I thank you.”
Iviana was overcome by these words. Chamaeleo was one of the most impressive women she knew. To hear that visions of herself were what had inspired Chamaeleo to be all that she was, was incredible.
Chamaeleo’s attention was suddenly caught by something and Iviana strained to discover what it was, but then Chamaeleo took firm hold of her arm and pointed to where Era stood surrounded by her parents and friends.
“Keep an eye on that one,” she said.
Iviana was stunned by her earnestness. “Why do you say that?”
“Because, well, I promised I would not say and so I cannot. I suppose this is why my mother told me never to give my word. It is ever so inconvenient.”
“Chamaeleo, you’re doing it again―telling me something, but not telling. I’d really hoped we were beyond that by now.”
Chamaeleo looked deep into her face, as if fighting herself. At last, she blurted out, “Just... keep an eye on her... but not too close or else, well, the Great One only knows.”
With that, she disappeared, probably taking the form of one of the sandy granules at her feet. Iviana shrugged off her irritation and gazed at Era where she was bidding her parents a tearful farewell... and wondered.
“So, you are really and truly leaving us,” Flynn said from behind her.
Iviana turned to face him. “I was afraid you weren’t coming. Thought I would have to drop in with Tragor and let him have his way with you once and for all.”
“That is something I truly fear,” he said with a glimmer of humor, though it was apparent he recalled how little Tragor cared for him.
“But listen,” Iviana said more seriously. “I am not leaving. I’ll be here, in the Greater Archipelagos. Besides, you know I must do this. How long it will take, I do not know, but I’ll be back now and then. Naii made me promise.”
Flynn studied her as he said, “Yes, I know your plans. They are beautiful. I only wish I could come with you.”
This pained Iviana, for she had been wishing the same. “I know, but I’ll be back soon to tell you of all my adventures.”
“Fine. Then I will keep as busy as possible until then.”
Iviana grinned. “You darling boy, I will miss you. And I’ll send letters as often as I am able.”
It was then Darist and Marquen called to her, informing the dragons had arrived.
Flynn released a slow, sad but proud smile. It was obvious there was a great deal of thinking done behind it, but he said simply, “Fly back to me soon, dragon-savior.”
As the gathering on the beach helped them pack their belongings onto the dragons, the final farewells were made until at last the four were seated on the creatures who were to carry them through their journey, Tragor taking his proud stance at the head of them. Though he was old, he was more than ready for the adventures in store, Iviana knew. He had played the hermit after Latos’ death long enough. It was time for him to truly live again.
Peering down at the sea of waving hands, Iviana batted the tears from her eyes and looked toward the blazing sun that was calling her and the others forward, urging them to fulfill the destiny the Great One had planned before their very existence.
An Epilogue From Era
I have seen the future. Admittedly, it was the reason I desired to travel with the woman who is one day to be my mother. I have traveled and witnessed how heartbroken she will be on the day that we are parted and I think, when I tell her all, it would hurt her if I chose to miss these next years with her before I am born. I hope we may be able to make up the time that will be lost... or for me the time that has already been lost. I think it is what the Great One intended, that in losing me, she would yet find me. In losing me, she will not have truly lost me at all. For from now on, I will always be with her.
It took me some time to understand why the Great One chose to send me into the past that I would be there when she would have to make that great decision―the decision that would affect the world. The answer is this: without me and my knowledge of the future, she would not have returned. Why else should I, of all people, have seen the future? And why was I, Iviana’s daughter, chosen for the task? It is because we have a connection she could not ignore, though it is a connection she does not yet understand.
But, you see, there was so much more entailed in my decision than simply gaining lost years, for I have heard of the wonders that will be seen wherever the Glory-bringer goes and it will be more breathtaking than what we have already seen. In truth, I have seen even beyond her years―the years birthed of what she produced in the name of the Great One―and it will be spectacular. When I found myself with the opportunity to be a part of planting those seeds, laying the ground work and seeing wonders, what else could I do?
Of course, I cannot tell all, but this I will say: The cannibal island will one day be called “The City of His Glory.” Iviana will be forever honored as the Glory-bringer and a statue of her likeness will be placed beside the one of our grandfather, Latos. I was surprised to learn that I am also to be remembered for something that I have yet to do and do not yet understand, but that is as it should be. I am not one for spoiled secrets.
Furthermore, the wounded,
sick and dying who enter the river at the center of that island will continue to receive healing and it is said that at certain hours, when all is quiet and the wind blows just right, one can hear music playing from its depths, sounding as if from another world―even, perhaps, that of the Great One’s Paradise. And should one gaze into the river in that moment, they may even glimpse unusual creatures dancing to its tune.
I would also like to note that Aedis and Merrick still marry in this time-line. It seems they are truly destined for one another, despite my utter confusion on the matter. However, their futures are so much more brilliant and glamorous than they might have been had Iviana not fulfilled her destiny. In fact, had she not, they might never have unlocked the secret of the portals and they would never have helped us discover so many other worlds. But that is a tale for another time.
A Note From the Author
As humans formed by the hands of a creative, imaginative God, we crave the supernatural. Believe it or not, we yearn for the very power we are actually destined for. It is why media concerning magic, witchcraft and sorcery is so prevalent today, because we were born for greater planes than most of us have currently seen.
Amazingly, we are actually created to work in the same supernatural powers displayed in the bible and we are feeling the lack of it as our culture turns to crafty, counterfeit imitations. Though there are a few who perform miraculous acts around the world, the rest of us are left leading considerably mundane lives in a compromised condition, as if in half-form.
Nevertheless, we are sons and daughters made in the image of an all-powerful God Who longs to see us live as supernatural kingdom-beings who have claimed their birthright and are moving in signs and wonders to lead a generation to Him. Assuredly, it is possible to manifest God’s glory through His great power in order to heal the wounded, sick and dying and bring hope and life to people who are dry and desolate.
One day, it may even be possible to breathe underwater without scuba gear or fly without aviation. As for seeking, that is a gift accessible to anyone. Seek God, soak up His presence and you will find all that you long for, completing the destiny He planned for you before you were formed in your mother’s womb.
My question is this: Do you long to move in the supernatural? If yes, the answer is simple. Seek. Seek Him. He is waiting.
Furthermore…
I know there are many books out there to choose from, so I would like to thank you for following Iviana’s journey in the Seeker’s Trilogy. If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a review to let like-minded readers know they might enjoy it too. To connect with me, you can visit any of the following sites. I would love to hear from you!
CassandraBoyson.com
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Seeker's Revolution Page 20