“Well, I agree,” she continued in a more serious tone. “Elder Daven was left with no other choice if the bond is as strong as you say. I’d like to witness their bond personally. Maybe I’ll have time to visit with them both before they leave. Elder Daven might be on to something in trying to figure out how it happened so we might replicate it to make happier unions. I’ve felt the change in people’s feelings for one another slipping to an all-time low lately.”
“It sure would be good if the same formula could be used on Earth. The divorce rate is probably fifty percent or better these days. When my parents were kids, it was shameful to divorce, and now everyone seems to think it’s okay. I agree things are changing and I’m not sure it’s for the better.”
“I don’t think we’ll be able to solve all of the world’s problems over one cup of tea,” Rasa grinned over the edge of her cup as she tipped it to take another drink. After she swallowed she set the cup back on the table and crossed her hands in her lap. “What was the other reason you decided to come all this way to speak to me? Surely it wasn’t just to update me on Willian’s failure in getting back together with Jena.”
“No, but it does have to do with Jena since she’s single again.” Amanda scoffed at herself. “It sounds so strange to talk about my daughter in such a way. You know we don’t have arranged marriages on Earth in America anymore.”
“They aren’t very common here either, you know. It’s mostly just with people in positions of power so they won’t have to worry about someone getting together with a person for the wrong reasons.”
“I would have thought your ability to read minds would put a damper on being able to pull something like that off.” Amanda was mostly teasing, but she did think it would be a deterrent.
“We need to review your lessons! The first lesson in mind reading is to get permission first. If you do it at any other time, it’s considered very rude, the same as eavesdropping.”
“I was just kidding…well mostly, anyway!” She chuckled and then turned serious as she returned to her original point. “I wanted to ask your help, well advice really, about Jena.”
“What do you need?”
“Jena told her father she wants to be his successor.”
Rasa’s eyes grew wide, and her mouth moved into the shape of a big O as she realized how she had paved the way for her young cousin. “And since I’ve set the precedent, then she felt like it was okay to pursue it, right?”
“Yes! What do you think her chances are? I don’t want her to set herself up for failure.”
“No worries on that score, Amanda. I’ve often thought Jena would make a better Elder than Willian. Oh, this is just perfect! I’m thrilled for Jena being able to go after a future which makes her happy. You have no idea how talented she is with her crystal skills. I’ve never seen anyone so innovative or eager to learn. She was probably Jehoban’s favorite student, you know!”
“Really? I was hoping I wasn’t just being biased since I’m her mother. So you think she’ll have a good shot at this?”
“I don’t see why not. In fact, her claim to successorship is much stronger than mine was. I only had the blessing of Jehoban. Jena has the right lineage as well as Jehoban’s blessing. The more I think about it; I’m starting to believe Jehoban allowed Jena’s betrothal to prepare her to be a compassionate Elder. She had to learn a lot of patience with Willian.”
“I never thought about it quite like that. My idea was they were paired together for Willian to come to Earth to find Valentina. I can’t imagine how they ever would have found one another otherwise.”
“Maybe so. Or maybe we’re both right, did you ever think about that?” Rasa sat back with a pleased smile on her face. She was relieved to hear Jena had decided on a new path for her life which would bring her happiness and fulfillment. Their horrible situation turned out perfectly, probably just as Jehoban had planned, she thought to herself with an inward giggle at His maneuvering ways.
Rasa reached over to pick up her cup, only to discover it was empty. She had no idea when she had finished it; her companionship was so stimulating, she had lost track of time. As Amanda still seemed inclined to talk, she picked up the teapot and poured herself another cup. She raised her eyebrows to inquire if Amanda would like a refill as well and then filled the other cup at her nod of assent.
Rasa took another sip of tea and asked again, “What else is on your mind? I can see the wheels turning in your head!”
Amanda set down her cup and reached into her pocket. She handed the folded slip of paper over to Rasa without saying a word. She sat back in her chair and waited to see the reaction when Rasa got to the new line.
“What’s this?” Rasa asked rhetorically. She placed her teacup on the table and used both hands to unfold the paper. Her brows furrowed as she saw the familiar opening line and then she gasped in astonishment as she realized there was more explanation than there had been before. “Where did you get this? What does it mean?” Who else knows about it? When can we get the group together to figure out what we should do with this?” There were so many other questions twirling through her mind, all ideas of getting back to her mundane paperwork flew completely out of her head.
Rasa’s reaction was everything and more than Amanda could have wished for and she laughed out loud. “The only one you missed was ‘why’ in your flood of questions. To answer you in the same order: I discovered it in the same book as before at our home, I don’t know what it means; you’re the only person I’ve shared it with, and I was hoping you’d have a better idea of when we can all gather for another meeting.”
“And to think, I was just talking to you about the last three samaras still needing to be found, and then you find this? Amazing!”
“It was actually because of you I even went looking in the book again. I was thinking about how we only had the two samaras before I discovered the prophecy and then they seemed to come flooding to their rightful owners. I know how you feel about not having one of your own, I don’t have mine yet, either. My best guess is it’s because the timing isn’t quite right yet.”
“Maybe,” she agreed reluctantly. She re-read the paper, using her memorization techniques to keep it with her forever. Her former discouragement turned back into hope as she realized Jehoban was still helping them figure this whole thing out. Deep within every fiber of her being, she knew they would succeed!
Chapter Nineteen
WILLIAN’S MEETING WITH Elder Wilken ended when a courier had come to deliver important documents which needed immediate attention. The timing could not have been better as Willian had just stood up to take his leave anyway. He made a low bow of respect to the oldest Elder in Tuala, and then he left the reception room.
Not sure where to go next, he decided to seek out Rasa’s company. He was eager to tell her about his relationship with Valentina. There was only a slight twinge of fear she would tell him he was a fool for giving up on Jena. Of course, Rasa would have no idea about the power of his union with Val.
As Elder Daven had stated, it was a new bond which should be studied and encouraged among the populace. He felt proud to be the first at something finally. He would set the example for any who followed his path.
Elder Wilken had commented on his improved state of mind. When he had heard the reason for it, he had been concerned, and eventually convinced it had been the right course of action. The Elder said he had even met Jena several times when he had visited Acaim for a consultation with Jehoban. He knew a student of Jehoban’s would not end the betrothal lightly, so he had listened intently to Willian’s reasons.
Willian felt lighthearted, and his jaunty steps mirrored his mood. He kept his eyes and ears open for any sign of either of the women he had arrived with. Not seeing anyone at all, Willian eventually found himself outside the double doors of Rasa’s private chambers which was where Ulwin had said they would be meeting.
Not wanting to disrupt their meeting, he quietly let himself into the room. He pus
hed the door shut behind him and remained with his back resting on the carved wooden surface. He could see Rasa’s attention was riveted on a piece of paper she held. Just as he was about to call out, he was shocked into silence again as he overheard their discussion of a prophecy and the fabled samaras.
His mind reeled with memories of Jena obsessing over old, musty tomes talking about the thirteen samaras being held by the Watchers for who knew how long. He wondered why Rasa was even entertaining the topic until he heard Amanda claim ten of them had been found. Why would Amanda know anything about the Tualan’s mysterious history?
A tingling sensation crawled all over the back of his neck as his hairs began to stand on end. Elder Wilken had just been teasing him about being a descendant of the Watchers. At the time he had laughed along with the ancient man. Was he really telling Willian the truth?
Willian’s musings made him miss the end of the conversation in front of him. He pushed away from the door and cleared his throat loudly. Rasa’s curious actions of folding the paper she held and tucking it under her leg made him wonder if she were up to something she should not be involved in. He was going to get to the bottom of this before he went home. This could not be left alone.
“What are you talking about? I thought I overheard you saying something about a samara?”
“Willian, were you eavesdropping? I was just telling Amanda mind-reading was as ill-mannered as eavesdropping. I can’t believe this.”
“Never mind, Rasa. Answer my question about the samara. What was on the paper you are trying to hide?” He pointed to the leg she had hidden the note under.
“I think you are forgetting who you are speaking to, Willian. This matter doesn’t concern you!”
“Rasa, for the first time, you and I are actually considered equals. Both of us are successors so you can no longer pull rank on me. You are not Jehoban’s student anymore, so cut the pompous act and tell me what you’re trying to hide!”
“Actually,” Amanda swiftly interrupted before this conversation escalated into outright hatred, “Willian is somewhat involved. After all, both of his parents are part of the group. If anything happened to them, then Willian would become the Elder in his father’s place.” She turned and faced the young man, eager to see if he could shed new light on their confusion. “You’ve obviously heard about the samaras. Tell us what you’ve learned and then we’ll share with you what we were talking about.”
“You first,” Willian said stubbornly.
“No, it has to be you or else we can’t keep you safe.”
Shaking his head in a puzzled expression, he finally relented. His first line of questioning was getting him nowhere. At least if he held up his end of the bargain, they would be obligated to share their secret.
“There is an ancient legend where the descendants of the Watchers hold the samaras in hiding until the day comes where they will be united again to change the world as we know it. Jena used to bore me to death with all of the legends which she said could keep us safe in the future. I don’t see how the writings in books which are as old as time itself will ever be of benefit to us now. If they were going to be useful, they would’ve already. Are you saying you believe the old tales?”
“They aren’t children’s stories, Willian. In the past several mesans, we’ve witnessed many unbelievable things. One of those miracles is the samaras are being found again. The phrase you used about the descendants of the Watchers almost sounded like a prophecy in and of itself. Were those the exact words you recall or were you paraphrasing?”
“Really? Yes, those were the exact words. By the time I heard them I had already progressed past the crystal skill lesson on memorization.” He moved between the women to sit down heavily in the third chair in the grouping. Ideas were swirling through his mind in a confusing whirlwind. He leaned forward suddenly with his elbow resting on his knees and his hands gesturing his frustration. “This doesn’t make sense. Elder Wilken just told me he was a descendant of the Watchers. We both laughed about it! I was sure it was just a joke, but what if he had been serious?”
Rasa and Amanda looked at one another in alarm. Could the answer to their question be as simple as meeting with the man who lived right here in the Residence? They both stood up at the same time. Rasa had grabbed the folded paper on her way out of the chair, and she shoved it back into Amanda’s hand. She was not going to sit around wondering. “Let’s go ask Elder Wilken what he meant!”
“I like the way you think!” Amanda agreed and hurried to keep up with her cousin.
“Wait for me!” Willian yelled after them as they had made themselves quite the head start.
“Hurry up, Willian! Where do you think Elder Wilken is right now?” Rasa asked over her shoulder. Every nerve in her body was screaming out at her indicating she was doing the right thing. Her life was about to change with one simple conversation. Her breathing began to become ragged with her excitement.
“He was just meeting with a courier with important documents,” Willian said through his labored breathing as they had gone from sprinting to a full-out run. “I don’t think he’s going to get away, Rasa. Can’t we slow down?”
Willian’s words registered in her mind, and she realized how truly he had spoken. She stopped dead in her tracks and began laughing hysterically between her gulps of air. “He won’t get away, he says! Ha! Oh, Willian, you are wise beyond your years! Besides, I don’t think Elder Wilken would appreciate us barging into his meeting out of breath and sweaty. Let’s walk the rest of the way to give him time to finish his discussion.” She looked over to Amanda and said, “It’s waited this long, I can’t think of any reason why it would change in the course of another five to ten minutes of time.”
“Thank goodness you came to your senses, Rasa, I think my heart was about to burst with all of this exercise!” Amanda strode at a more leisurely pace between her cousin and Willian, who had finally caught up to them when they had stopped. “I think Elder Wilken will be a font of knowledge after all the anons he has experienced.”
Chapter Twenty
“GEVENA IS WAITING for you out in the garden. I’ll make sure the two of you won’t be disturbed by any of the staff,” Pelka offered as she pointed out to Valentina the direction she should take for the meeting.
“Thank you, Pelka. You’ve been so patient with me.”
“It’s been my pleasure.” She turned away and was gone from sight almost instantly.
Valentina stared after her in wonder. Ulwin had said the staff tried to be as elusive as possible, but it was crazy how fast her guide had gotten out of sight. Their proficiency at hiding also made her worry whether or not their conversation would actually remain private. There could be twenty people within hearing distance, and they would have no idea.
Gevena was sitting in the middle of one of the ornate gardens on a carved wooden bench. She had carefully chosen the location knowing she would have plenty of advance warning of anyone approaching on any of the four gravel paths leading up to the seating area. Also, the shrubs nearby were low enough not to allow any cover for someone trying to listen in. She had been around enough deception, growing up where she had, to know how to avoid detection when she wanted privacy.
When she spotted Valentina exiting her own private rooms, she stood up and smiled brightly at seeing a familiar face. Her fear of rejection subsided knowing Valentina’s offer to talk had not just been for the sake of kindness, but of true friendship. She had shown up, which was more than Gevena had hoped would happen. Not only that, but Valentina had also come to meet with her within a relatively quick period of time given the request had to be routed through third parties.
“Thank you for coming to see me, Valentina,” Gevena said warmly as she gave her an awkward hug, unsure of how to greet her first guest in Manzanit.
“I wish I could have come earlier; it’s just been a bit crazy at home right now.” Valentina patted her back and then moved away to sit down on the bench. “It’s very beautiful
here. How do you like living here?”
Gevena sat close to her new friend, trying not to crowd her on the narrow seat. She shrugged slightly and said, “It’s sure a lot nicer than where I came from. I like the school here. The kids are okay, not overly welcoming, though, when they heard I was living at the Residence.”
“Why would it matter?”
“I have no idea.”
“Well, at least I know how you feel. When we enrolled in our school on Earth when we were eight, everybody stared at us, and we ate lunch alone for a long time.”
“At least you had your brothers with you, so you had people to talk to. It’s pretty lonely until I get home in the afternoons.”
“I guess being a triplet does make it so I’m never alone.”
“How neat. I’ve never known any other triplets before. I don’t think they’re very common in Tuala. Are they common on Earth?”
“No.”
“Oh.” Gevena wished this conversation was not getting so strained. She had hoped they would be able to just talk like girlfriends did. She had always seen the groups of girls talking at school, and they never seemed to have trouble coming up with things to say to one another. Maybe it was because she knew they were avoiding the one thing she had experienced in life which made her different from everyone else.
“Gevena…”
“Valentina…” they both spoke at once and then they began laughing. “You go first, Valentina.”
“My friends call me Val,” Valentina offered to ease the formality between them and then became confused by Gevena’s horrified expression. “What? Did I say something wrong?”
“Why would you take the ‘a’ off the end of your name?”
“What difference does it make?”
“Do you want people to think you’ve lost your honor? You mustn’t do such a thing here!”
Ascension Vision- The Levels of Ascension Box Set Page 70