The Island on the Edge of Forever (The Epic of Aravinda Book 2)

by Andrew M. Crusoe

  The humming sound permeated the space, and Asha’s attention was drawn to the crystal floating in the air. She realized it was an icosahedron, showing off twenty triangular faces. A soft light slowly spun within, causing the shadows it cast to waver every few seconds. She noticed that Tiika’s eyes were closed as she hummed with the crowd; and to her right was a woman wearing a white robe and large hood, so that Asha couldn’t see her face from where she was sitting.

  The humming stopped, and a strange silence engulfed the room. Asha looked around, and as she turned her head, she noticed the robed woman turn to look at her.

  For an instant, something about this person struck Asha as familiar. She looked back and locked eyes with the hooded woman for the first time, now noticing that the woman had shimmering, golden hair and intense grey-blue eyes.

  It was Mira.

  CHAPTER 20

  THE ROSE LIGHT OF THE TEMPLE

  The sight was unmistakable. It was undoubtedly Mira, and her gaze was filled with surprise and the need to communicate. Of course, Tiika had told her how important it was to remain silent in the Temple, so Asha only nodded.

  Back on the ship, Mira’s golden hair had been covered up by the mindcap, but now it flowed down her neck to her shoulders.

  A voice emanated from the crystal ahead, still levitating and bathing the room in a soft, rose-colored light.

  “Focus on your breath,” the voice said. “Keep your eyes closed and place your attention on the touch of breath on your nostrils.”

  Even though it had twenty sides, the geometric entity reminded Asha of Navika’s nucleus, and its voice was just as clear and crisp, yet also reminiscent of an old woman.

  Asha looked back over to Mira and noticed she was facing forward once again, heeding the instructions of the voice. Despite the advice, Asha couldn’t help but glance around. Most had folded their legs, while some were sitting on cushions.

  “Keep your attention on your breath, however it comes. If your attention wanders into the future or the past, gracefully bring it back to the feeling in the present, the breath.”

  Asha closed her eyes and sat up straighter. She closed her mouth and noticed that she could only breathe out of her right nostril. A low hum oozed out of the icosahedron ahead of her, and she wondered how it hung in the air so effortlessly.

  Asha took another breath. She’d heard about meditations like this before. A travelling monk had visited Outpost 33 once, and she recalled the time she walked up to the dining table, only to find him meditating in silence before he touched his food.

  Another breath.

  Why was this so difficult? From the outside, it looked easy.

  She resolved herself to keep her focus on her breath, feeling the air flow over the tiny hairs inside her nostril as she inhaled from the deepest part of her lungs.

  The hum ahead of her became lower, and she felt a slight tingling sensation in her chest, near her heart.

  No. Not chest. The breath.

  She redirected her attention to her breath, feeling that she was losing track of time. How long had she been sitting there?

  She opened her eyes slightly.

  A soft rosy light continued to spin within the icosahedron, and to her left she noticed Tiika’s eyes still closed as the wavering light danced across her face.

  Can I trust her? She’s been kind enough, but something about her feels wrong.

  She closed her eyes again. The breath.

  How had Mira gotten here? Had she learned any more about the Kiss of Life?

  She sensed that the meditation would end soon. After all, how late would these island people be willing to stay awake, anyway? Surely the sun woke them early, unless their species was somehow different. What if they didn’t need sleep at all? And where did they go during the day?

  Asha had heard of the sleepless ones of the outer rim. Could they be in the outer rim? No. The sky told her otherwise. This world was near the core of the galaxy itself.

  The voice spoke again. “Observe the Truth within the breath. It is through the heart that you learn the Truth and internalize the Love that surrounds you. Embrace the Power you have in the Eternal Now.”

  Asha inhaled and reflected on the words.

  “Open your eyes,” the voice said. “And go forth with joy.”

  She opened her eyes and watched as a few of the robed figures around her stretched their legs before standing up and walking to the door. No one spoke a word, and she watched as Mira stood up and turned, motioning for Asha to follow her. But before she could, Asha felt someone grab her arm and pull her toward the door.

  She whipped around, but before she could make a sound, Tiika pressed a single finger to the front of her mouth in a hushing motion.

  “So,” Tiika whispered, “we’re not supposed to talk in here, but I just thought I’d say that I’ve got to run now. I’ll be at the fire circle tomorrow night. I hope to see you there.”

  “Where are you going?” Asha whispered as Mira shot her a concerned glance from the other side of the room.

  “Let’s just say it’s of relative importance,” Tiika said. “See you tomorrow night?”

  Asha sensed that any wavering here would prolong their interaction, and nodded. “Sure. See you later.”

  Tiika grinned and disappeared behind the temple door.

  Asha let out a sigh of relief and walked back over to Mira. A hush had fallen upon the room, and Mira waved her over, past a line of robed figures, to one corner of the square hall, where one of the ornately-carved shells was placed on a narrow stand.

  As they walked, Asha saw that Mira had a limp that she had never noticed before.

  “Sorry about the interruption before,” Asha said. “That was Tiika. I think that she might—” Asha stopped herself. “You know what, it doesn’t matter. What’s important is that you’re alive, Mira.” She searched Mira’s face. “How did you get here? It’s a relief to see you.”

  “You, too.” Mira grew serious, and she spoke in hushed tones. “Asha, I couldn’t help overhear your conversation with that native. She seems quite interested in you. I would exercise great caution. You must remember Spacefarer code. They must not learn of our technology or anything else about us unless absolutely necessary.” Mira inhaled sharply, as if she were in pain. “As to how I got here, that’s a long story, involving unseen guidance and perhaps a bit of luck.”

  “Are you all right? Did you meet that massive jellyfish?”

  “I did, but that is not important. What’s important is finding the Kiss of Life. Remember, that is why we are here. Before the crash, Liila pinpointed the Chintamani field to beneath this island and mirrored that data to my wristcomm. Now it is time for us to go deeper. I trust you have been exploring since you arrived. What have you found?”

  “Mira, everyone disappears during the day. Even buildings change! What’s going on? And why are you limping?”

  “We could be experiencing a time anomaly, or perhaps even a realm bleed-through. But that is of secondary importance. Do you know anyone who may be knowledgeable about the geology of this island? My scans showed a network of caves leading deeper into the island, where the epicenter of the energy field is. Learning more about these caves is imperative.”

  Tiika flashed into Asha’s mind.

  “There is someone, but she’s not exactly reliable. How about we find her together?”

  Mira closed her eyes and ran her fingers through her golden hair. “There is something you should see.” She pulled back her robe to show Asha part of her thigh.

  Asha broke the hush of the room with a loud gasp. Most of Mira’s right leg had red sting marks on it and black gashes.

  “This is one reason I came here tonight, Asha.”

  “Mira! What happened? Are you in pain?” A feeling of overwhelming sadness washed over Asha. “The jellies did that to you, didn’t they?”

  Mira looked up to her, a new pain behind her eyes now. “Yes. I have spoken to many on this island, but there
are few healers that can remove the pain. It always returns.”

  “Can I try?”

  “Asha, I have seen lifelong healers here. Masters. Unless you are truly gifted—”

  But Asha had already knelt down. She shut her eyes, and her hands touched energy points on Mira’s thigh and stomach. Asha said a short prayer and focused her mind. She squeezed Mira’s leg for a moment and looked back up to Mira as she let go.

  “Remarkable.” Mira gazed into the light behind Asha’s eyes, and for a time neither of them spoke.

  “How do you feel?” Asha finally said. “Is the pain gone?”

  “No,” Mira said. “But thank you for trying.”

  “Let me try again. I can do better!”

  Sadness swam within Mira’s eyes. “No, Asha! I would want you to stay, for your presence does comfort me, but you are needed elsewhere. Now, it is up to you to retrieve the Kiss of Life in time.” Mira paused, choosing her words with care. “The sting is affecting me in many ways. My ability to walk is fading, Asha, and the healers here have no cure for the jellies’ poison.”

  “No, Mira!” Asha embraced her. “I won’t let you die.”

  Mira held her shoulders and pushed her back, her gaze piercing into Asha’s heart. “Asha, the Kiss of Life is the only cure left. You must use everything you have learned. This world is not stable in the same way Avani or Sumanas is. It is constantly in flux, so you will have to be especially vigilant. Perhaps Liila will find you, if she is still intact. Show me your wristcomm.”

  Asha blinked a tear away and held her wrist up to Mira.

  The wristcomm’s silvery surface glinted in the rose light of the Temple, and Mira pressed her thumb to it, closing her eyes for a few moments.

  “We cannot contact the Confederation directly without a starship, but if Liila is in range, she will hear the beacon signal I’ve just activated and find you. And don’t forget to take this.” Mira reached into her pocket and shoved a small weapon into Asha’s hand. “Some items were lost, but I managed to retrieve your resonator during my escape. Oh, and I should warn you, about the artifact.”

  “What is it?”

  “Even if the artifact wants to be found, it may test you. You may need to prove yourself worthy.”

  “But Mira, what if I can’t do it? What if there is no way to get under the island in the first place? What then?”

  Mira’s gaze was steadfast. “Oonak told me something once, something I do not think I’ll ever forget.”

  “Wait,” Asha said, “You knew Oonak?”

  Mira nodded. “Yes. I had the privilege of working with him for a little while, before he left. And whenever we would end up in an impossible situation, he wouldn’t get angry. He wouldn’t lose his mental balance, at all. He would always say that no matter what happened, we were safe, secure, and centered. That what we truly were was indestructible. I don’t know if I still believe that, but perhaps you will find some encouragement in his words. I know he was important to you and Zahn.”

  “Yes, he is. Thank you, Mira. And what else do you know? Do you know what happened to him?”

  Mira winced in pain. “I am growing tired, Asha. I only hope you can find the Kiss of Life in time.”

  Her eyes gradually closed as she faded from consciousness.

  “Mira!” Asha said, studying her body. “Someone help her!”

  A man in a golden robe walked up and began sprinkling water onto Mira. At first, Asha was going to tell him to stop, but got the distinct feeling that it was a healing ritual. Since her intuition had proven correct in the past, she trusted it now and darted toward the door.

  She had to find the Kiss of Life.

  When she thought of the spiderweb of death across Mira’s legs, her eyes grew wet, and she threw open the door. “Hold on, Mira. Stay strong until I get back.”

  Asha took a deep breath to steady herself and burst out of the meditation hall in a cold sweat, resonator in hand. She wiped the tears from her face and studied the shadowy landscape, searching for a familiar silhouette. While she didn’t like to admit it, Tiika was her best lead. After all, she was a cave hunter. Who would know how to get deeper into the island better than her?

  A line of white robes were far ahead on a path that led around the ridge, and she pocketed the resonator. As she approached, she noticed that their faces were hidden, and none of them were as tall as Tiika. She followed them down the curving path for some time, unsure of what to do. The dark shapes of the forest canopy curved over the path in some places, and after a while they came to a clearing with small dwellings along the edge of the field.

  Another one of the small insects landed on her arm. She went to slap it before it could bite her, but it flew away.

  “Are you looking for something?” The voice was deep and clearly masculine.

  Asha spun her head around and noticed a tall, hooded figure sitting on a bench along the path, wearing the same kind of white robe as the people in the temple. She walked closer to see his face. But before she reached him, he removed his hood, revealing the face of an older man with grey hair and bright eyes. She’d seen that face before, but she had trouble placing it.

  “Oh, it’s you!” he said and patted a space beside where he was sitting. “Why don’t you sit down? It’s good to see you.”

  “It’s good to see you, too. I’m sorry, but I can’t talk long.” She struggled to remember his name. “You’re Goramu, right?”

  “I am Goranku, but that’s all right. People do seem to have trouble remembering it. But at least its meaning resonates with my purpose. Most everyone’s name means something on this island, you know.”

  Asha walked up to him and studied him in the starlight. She felt a potent, calming energy around him, and sat down beside him. “Sorry, Goranku. Yes, the names are strange here, but I’m trying. You were meditating weren’t you?”

  “Yes, the guided meditations have proven quite useful. They’ve helped me realize that each of us create our own catalyst. We choose our lessons, whether consciously or not. What lesson are you choosing, Asha? What are you searching for tonight?”

  “I need to find Tiika. Have you seen her?”

  Goranku’s gaze drifted up to where the forest grew thick, just to the right. “No, I haven’t. And I would be careful around her, if I were you.”

  “Why?”

  “She’s reckless and disrespectful, spreading lies and manipulating others for her own gains. If the Island of Forever has a sour seed, she would be the one. Still, she is not beyond forgiveness, not beyond redemption.”

  “Spreading lies? Really? She did seem rather strange when I met her. Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. What about Lakshmi? She would probably know where Tiika is, right?”

  “It stands to reason,” he nodded. “Actually, I saw her down by the warm pond earlier, but I don’t know if she is still there.”

  “Where?”

  The old man extended a long finger to a narrow path in the distance, leading back into the forest.

  “Thanks, Goranku!” Asha squeezed his forearm and stood up. “I really appreciate it. I’m sorry I have to go so quickly, but time is of the essence right now. Perhaps I’ll see you later.”

  “Yes, I suspect you will,” he said, nodding.

  Asha turned around and bolted to where he had pointed, soon finding a path that headed toward the coast. The path straightened out a bit, and she began to jog as fast as she safely could in the shaded moonlight.

  With Mira sick, time was a luxury she no longer had, and she followed the path deeper into the forest. The sound of the ocean waves grew louder and louder, but when she listened closely, she thought she could hear distant voices, as well.

  CHAPTER 21

  A WOMBLIKE ENVIRONMENT

  To Asha’s surprise, she realized that she was hearing a song carried along on the breeze. Somehow, the voices were familiar to her ear, yet she couldn’t name them. At least, not at first. The song was lilting and seemed to hover just above the trees
in relaxed tones; and as she followed the curving path, her excitement grew.

  By now, the sky was overcast, making the night especially dim. Asha could barely see the path to the end, so she listened for the song, sung in words she couldn’t understand. To her surprise, not even her wristcomm could translate it.

  The path opened up to reveal a wide pool which emptied out into the ocean through a short, narrow channel. In the dim light, she could scarcely make out the features of the pool, which was clearly a product of deliberate design. A retaining wall on the far end ran for dozens of meters, built out of small stones which fit together with a level of precision that was impressive, and ahead of her were a series of narrow stone steps that led into the water.

  In the pool, she could just make out the faces of two women. At seeing her arrive, they stopped singing.

  “My goodness, is it the visitor? Could it be?” one of the voices called out.

  “Tiika?” Asha said in surprise.

  “Hello, Asha,” another voice said. This voice was older and also familiar. “It’s Lakshmi! Good to see you again, my dear! Why don’t you come join us?”

  Tiika floated over to the stone steps that led out of the pool. She looked up to Asha and shook her head in disbelief, chuckling to herself.

  “What?” Asha said. From here, she could just make out the outline of Tiika’s shoulders rising above the water.

  “It’s funny. I was just thinking about you, but I’d never have imagined you would find this place by yourself.” Tiika stroked her hair. “How fortuitous!” A grin spread across her face. “And the perfect opportunity for us to get to know you on an even deeper level. Tell me, moops,” she said in almost a patronizing tone, “have you been to a warm pond before?”